Meet Woody!

My main picture is of Woody, a lovely faithful dog I have had many walks with whilst visiting on the Isle of Man. We called in to visit him on our way into Douglas to get the red Manx umbrella that H and all the island ladies are taking to the Royal Garden Party, hoping not to have to use them of course.

You couldn't use them today as they would blow away! It started bright and we hoped the weather would defy the forecast but it got gradually worse from a little rain late morning to a howling gale this afternoon!

We haven't had a wasted day though. We went down to Port Erin to St Catherine's Church where two exhibitions were taking place. In the church hall was the exhibition called 'Friend or Foe?' the Rushen Women's Internment Camp. (Rushen is the name of the parish)
This was based in the two resorts in the South of the Island, Port Erin and Port St Mary from May 1940. Women and children considered 'Enemy Aliens' were interned here. There were no barbed wire fences (unlike the men who were interned in Douglas) but they all had to register in this very church hall and carry and identity/permit card and ahere to 'all orders and Regulations'. We were given a copy of the card as we entered the exhibition. It was fascinating. I have seen a lot about the male internment in the Manx museum in Douglas before but this is a totally new exhibition. Hopefully they are going to produce a book later this year, so I left my email address for them to let me know,when it is published.

In the church next door is a further display of paintings on silk displayed in the windows so that the light shines through. The lady who painted them is a friend of H's so we took a look. They are called 'The Great Rescue' and outline the biblical stories in a child friendly format.

We popped down to the Cosy cafe on the beach passing St Catherine's Well (bottom right) where fresh water was discovered which encouraged people to settle here. Through the arch you can see Spanish Head. A great place for a walk but not today!

We had then planned to go to Castletown to see the prize giving and the Concourse d'Elegance for the bikes that have raced in the pre TT Classic over the last two days. We arrived and there was hardly anybody there as the weather had deteriorated so much, so we came home.

I hope it is kinder tomorrow for the ladies at the Palace! It is supposed to be fine for Wednesday, thankfully, as that is when we get the ferry back. Is this really the first day of summer - glad I'm not camping!