Parish of St Matthew the Apostle,
Douglas, Isle of Man

NEWS

Our latest news can be found on our facebook page Find us on facebook
and our weekly notices sheet

Click on a link below to open up an item from our news archive

PARISH CAROL SERVICE

RNLI Display at Carol Service What a joy on all fronts! We owe John Riley, the amazing choir and wonderful soloists a great debt for the uplifting music. The RNLI brought the lifeboat to the North Quay all decked out in Christmas lights. We also had a big team of Sea Cadets acting as stewards and a second wonderful team dealing with the mincepies and mulled wine in the kitchen. We were also pleased to have the Deputy Mayor and Mayoress with us. The retiring collection raised £887.29 for the RNLI which is a great start to their impending bi-centenary.

More photos can been seen on Facebook here and here

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Fr Michael's Birthday

Fr Michael Birthday Celebration Following the High Mass on Christ the King, Fr Michael was surprised in the hall with a delicious, specially baked cake, singing of Happy Birthday and sparkling wine to celebrate his 50th birthday, which occurred a few days earlier on St Clement's Day.

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VISIT OF THE LORD BISHOP OF SODOR AND MAN

Bishop Peter last visit to St Matthews We were delighted to welcome Bishop Peter as our preacher at our Harvest Festival, his last before his retirement at the end of October.

We have always valued Bishop Peter's visits and his unstinting support of St Matthew’s and encouragement on many fronts.

Visitors

Fr Bob and Brigid Boyle visit It was good to have Fr Bob Boyle and Brigid with us for a visit in October.

Organist Retires

John Riley Last Sunday as organistThe last Sunday in July marked the end of an era at St Matthew's as our organist for the past 42 years, Mr John Riley MBE, retired. Fittingly the mass included some rousing hymns and John chose for his final voluntary the glorious Toccata from Widor's Symphony No. 5. We were also pleased to have our visitors from All Saints New Cross in London with us and their vicar Fr Grant as subdeacon for the High Mass.

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Praying the Keeills

Praying the Keeills 2023 One of the Praying the Keeills walks this year started at Old Kirk Braddan Church (our mother church when St Matthew's was a chapel of ease), passed through the Nunnery grounds and ended at St Matthew's, where Fr Michael gave a very interesting talk about St Matthew's and the Emerald Vernicle. The pilgrims also enjoyed light refreshments and a chance to explore the church before setting off for the return walk to Braddan

With thanks to Alison Cowin for permission to use her photos

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Carol Service

Carol Service 2022 We stepped out in faith over the carol service on the Tuesday before Christmas and were richly blessed. We had a wonderful choir and a little under two hundred people filled the church. The RNLI were delighted that we were supporting them and turned out in strength. The crew even brought the lifeboat into the inner harbour, decorated with festive lights, and moored her by the church. The retiring collection raised £600 for the RNLI and they send their fulsome thanks to everyone at St Matthew's.
With thanks to RNLI Douglas for permission to use their photos (Photo credits - Alex McBride, Jock Waddington, Charli Dimelow, Peter Cowin, Oli Dimelow.)

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New Priest in Charge

Fr Michael LicensingWe are delighted to welcome the Reverend Dr Michael Brydon as our new Priest in Charge. Fr Michael was licensed by the Right Reverend Peter Eagles, Bishop of Sodor and Man on St Matthew's Day 21st September

The large congregation included clergy from the Eastern Mission Partnership of which St Matthew's is a member and other Island churches. The singing was led by the choir Musicalé, who also sang two anthems, "I will Sing with the Spirit" by John Rutter and "With a Voice of Singing" by Martin Shaw conducted by their Musical Director Mrs Judy Cross. The organist for this occasion was Mr Gareth Moore, organist of Trinity Methodist Church, as our own organist Mr John Riley was busy with church warden duties. The lessons were read by Mr Thurstan Denne and Mrs Barbara Bregazzi and the intercessions were led by Mr Christopher Brooks

You can view more photos of the evening on the Diocese of Sodor and Man website

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Jubilee Trees

Sedication of Platinum Jubilee Trees

God our creator by thy gift the tree of life was set at the heart of the earthly paradise. As we dedicate these trees to remind us of our Queen's long and loyal service, fill our hearts with the joy of the salvation which your Son Jesus Christ won for us on the cross, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, now and ever. Amen.

On Rogation Sunday this year, in addition to our traditional procession and blessing of the sea, we also included the plants of the earth.

As part of the Queen's Green Canopy project to mark the Platinum Jubilee, three planters and trees have been added to our Ridgeway Street grounds, an ornamental cherry, an amelanchier and a cornus kousa.

Fr Michael dedicated these trees on Rogation Sunday, following which Douglas Town Band accompanied the singing of the Royal Anthem and the Manx National Anthem. This was also the band's first engagement following the announcement that Douglas has been granted city status as part of the Queen's Jubilee celebrations.

Monday @ 2

Monday at 2 A new venture has started with Monday at 2 meetings on the first Monday of each month open to all for fellowship with tea, cake, a raffle and a guest speaker. February's talk entitled A Medicinal Mixture was given by Paul Lewin. Future meetings planned are:

  • March 7th: John Rimmer - Humorous Wills
  • April 4th: Dr Michael Hoy MBE: A Child in the 18th Century
  • May 3rd: Antony Hamilton: Peru Highlights

During the Summer months we hope to visitthe Knockaloe Internment Camp Exhibition at Patrick School and also take the train to Castletown

Historic June

June 2021

June began with the feast of Corpus Christi which we were once again able to celebrate with our High Mass followed by Benediction and Procession of the Blessed Sacrament over a carpet of flower petals. This tradition was brought to St Matthew's by Fr Duncan Whitworth when he became our vicar in 1984 and it has been continued since his retirement in 2012. A beautiful carpet was this year created by Adele, Sarah and Rachel. We were also pleased to welcome Bishop Peter as our preacher for this occasion.
The end of the month saw another memorable occasion with Fr Duncan's Golden Jubilee of ordination to the sacred priesthood on 27th. As it fell on Sunday this year we were delighted that Fr Duncan was able to celebrate our High Mass. Sunday's Cool organised a special celebration lunch in the hall afterwards which was enjoyed by all.

40 Years Organist

During the Mass on our first Sunday back in church after the lifting of Government lockdown restrictions, Fr Duncan presented John Riley with a gift from the congregation to mark his 40 years service as our church organist. Records show that John is only the third organist at St Matthew's in the past 100 years and possibly only the 5th since the opening of the present building in 1897.

Congratulations

John Riley St Matthew's Organist

We were delighted to learn that our Organist and Church Warden John Riley has been awarded the MBE in the Queen's New Year Honours.

John has supported charities and organisations in the island and beyond. A retired headmaster, he devotes many hours a week to at least eight charities. He led and organised the Promenade Church Summer Concerts for many years, but is equally likely to be seen setting out the chairs for the audience as he is conducting the choirs and orchestras, playing the piano and singing. He has been described as the lynch pin that holds everything together and an invaluable contributor to the island’s community for more than 40 years. Over 10 years, he raised £250,000 for an orphanage, and was on the ground helping to build a school for the children of a remote village in the Himalayas.

Autumn Fayre

Autumn Fayre 2020 Our Autumn Fayre at the end of October was a great success and has raised the wonderful amount of £2,426.75 which will help to provide a Sound System for the church. Many, many thanks to all those who helped at the event especially Val, Linda and Gill for organising the stalls and refreshments. We had some outstanding prizes in the raffle which were kindly donated by friends and the hospitality business. Well done everyone!

Organ back in Action

We are very thankful for the skill of local organ builder Peter Jones, who has built a new blower box for our pipe organ and got it back in action for us. Click here to see pictures of the complext process of making this essential piece.

Farewell to Fr Ben

Clergy and servers after Fr Ben last Mass

Fr Ben Bradshaw celebrated his last Mass before leaving the Island on Sunday 16th August at St Matthew's with a High Mass for the Feast of the Assumption.

After the Mass we presented Fr Ben, Danni, Jorja and Bethany with some gifts from our church. We gave the two girls some books, a toy loghtan sheep and a jigsaw and we presented Ben and Danni with a Knox designed photo frame, some books and a Celtic cross

Mothers' Union Founder's Day

Mothers Union banner

We were delighted to be able to welcome a large congregation of members of the Mothers' Union from across the Diocese of Sodor and Man to celebrate Founder's Day, giving thanks for the life and work of Mary Sumner. We were thankful also that the Isle of Man's current 'covid-free' status allowed us to mark the occasion in this way, when this is not possible in so many other places at present.

The Eucharist was celebrated by Fr Ben Bradshaw, Diocesan Mothers' Union Chaplain and the address was given by Mrs Danni Bradshaw, Diocesan MU Secretary. This was their last official MU engegement before they move to Walsingham, when Fr Ben takes up his new position as Shrine Priest

The reaffirmation of vision and mission and the concluding prayer were led by Mrs Gail Eagles, Diocesan MU President and representatives of St Matthew's Branch of the Mothers' Union read the lessons and led the intercessions

Sea Sunday

Sea Sunday Quayside service

Our traditional Rogation Sunday celebration was cancelled this year due to the Corona Virus lockdown. However, as Sea Sunday fell after masses resumed at St Matthew's we were able to have our procession and quayside service on 12th July to mark that day. This year we remembered especially the vital role played by seafarers in maintaining supplies to the Island during the past few months.

We were pleased to welcome Fr Ben Bradshaw as our celebrant for the occasion and Douglas Town Band (in their first post lockdown engagement) led the procession.

Masses Recommence

After 3 months of closure due to the Corona Virus lockdown, masses resumed at St Matthew's on 28th June. Thanks are expressed to all those who helped in preparing the beautiful flower arrangements and cleaning and polishing to celebrate our return to worship.St Matthew flowers

Sunday masses will be as usual (9a.m. Low Mass and 10.30a.m. Sung Mass). Weekday masses during the interregnum will be on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays at 12noon. We are greatly indebted to Frs Robert, Duncan, Roger and ben for celebrating these masses.

Christ the King

The Feast of Christ the King was an especially joyous occasion this year as we welcomed Fr Ben Bradshaw and his family for the first time since his ordination to the priesthood in October

Fr Ben, who has been to St Matthew's on many occasions as a Deacon and the Bishop's Chaplain, was our celebrant and preacher, ably assisted by his daughter who joined our team of servers for the High Mass.

Asker Kirkekor

We were delighted to welcome the Asker Church choir from Norway to sing at our Solemn Mass on 6th October.The choir, under their conductor Ingvild Køhn Malmbekk, sang three pieces during the service, the traditional Norwegian psalm Herre Gud, ditt dyre navn og ære (Lord God, your precious name and honour), Jubilate Deo by Arild Sandvold and This is the Day by John Rutter. Asker Kirkekor is the oldest church choir in Norway (founded in 1918) and was visiting the Island with a 200 strong contingent of Norwegian church choirs who later that day gave a wonderful concert in the Cathedral at Peel.

The superb choir who sang Messe Solenelle by Gounod in St. Matthews Church on Sunday afternoon 1st September with talented soloists Christine Bregazzi, John Snelling and Graham Crowe superbly accompanied by Gareth Moore and conducted by John Riley. A wonderful concert which raised £500 for the charity Alzheimer's Society Isle of Man.

May Visitors

Fr Roger, Fr Duncan, Fr Kevin and Fr BenOn 19th May we were very pleased to welcome Fr Kevin Smith SSC, Priest Administrator of the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham, as our guest preacher and the 10.30am Solemn Mass. Later the same day we were able to enjoy a lovely and varied recital of songs given by South African soprano Michele Corbin, accompanied by our own John Riley, who also played several organ solos.

Earlier this month the PCC decided to encourage visits from cruise ship passengers. Working in conjunction with Seonad Duggan and the Cruise Team the church will be opening its doors between 1.30pm and 3.30pm whenever a cruise ship is in Douglas Port. This will give visitors the chance to step inside and admire the beauty of the church. The first visit of a ship, 'Hanseatic Nature', brought 230 passengers from Germany and several of them spent time at St.Matthews chatting with the parishioners who are volunteering in the church and being intrigued by the stories and photographs on display of the old harbour, steam ferry boats and quayside. Oliver Cheshire, Douglas Town Centre Manager, is also working alongside St.Matthews Church promoting these events and those events scheduled for the forthcoming months. More news on these later. Of course, St.Matthews Church has a daily Mass so the church is always open at the times of the services also.

Patronal Festival

Fr Tom, Fr Ian and Fr Eddie with St MatthewOn St Matthew's Day (21st September) we celebrated our 310th Patronal Festival with a Concelebrated Solemn Mass. Pictured at the image of St Matthew are our Parish Priest Fr Tom Davis, Fr Ian Faulds and Fr Edward Carr SSC, Assistant Parish Priest of St Paul, Addlington, who was also our guest preacher.

London Visitors

We were delighted once again to welcome Fr Owen and his party from All Saints In London, who joined us for worship on Sunday during the annual stay on the Island

Fr Owen was our guest preacher and some of his young people provided our readings and sang for us

London Visitors

Organ and Euphonium Concert at St Matthew's

John Riley and Martin Norbury As an alternative to the World Cup and Wimbledon John Riley and Martin Norbury provided an enjoyable afternoon of music for organ and euphonium.

The recital, featuring a varied programme of music from the 17th to the 20th century, was followed by strawberries and cream in the church hall.

Concert at St Matthew's "Music for Voice, Organ, Piano and Clarinet"

Many thanks to all those who came and listened to Max Smith (Organ), Debbie Gooding (Mezzo-soprano), John Rimmer (Bass), David Cowley (Tenor), Tim Price (Clarinet) and John Riley (Piano and Organ) on 19th June. A fantastic sum of £400.37 was raised for the Organ Fund. We are particularly grateful to John Riley who arranged the concert.

May 2018 - Rogation Sunday

Rogation Sunday 2018

On a beautiful sunny morning we held our annual Rogation Sunday procession led by Douglas Town Band followed by a short service on the quayside. Fr Tom read the Gospel account of Jesus calming the storm and led us in prayer for seafarers. The service concluded with the singing of the Manx Fishermen's Evening Hymn.
More photos can be found on Douglas Town Band's Facebook page

March 2018 - Mothering Sunday and Palm Sunday

Mothering Sunday and Palm Sunday

We were delighted to have Bishop Glyn with us on Mothering Sunday to celebrate and confirm Ben and Sam. Holy week started with our Palm Sunday procession along North Quay to St. Matthew's.

February 2018 - Manx MSA

Manx MSA

Niall Carey from the Manx MSA (Multiple System Atrophy) Trust visited St Matthew's at the end of January to receive £1,000 which was raised for this community charity at the concert of Carols and Readings in December (see below). The Manx MSA Trust was formed to make a central hub in the Isle of Man for anyone affected by MSA as well as raising funds for research. MSA is a progressive neurological disorder that affects adult men and women. It is caused by degeneration of nerve cells in several areas of the brain, which can result in problems with movement, balance and automatic functions of the body. The generosity of those who attended the concert has given the Trust a real boost. Thank you. .

December 2017 - Evening of Carols and Readings

Another successful Evening of Carols and Readings at St. Matthew's took place on 28th December and raised over £900 for the charity MSA (Multiple System Atrophy). The concert included well known and lesser known carols, both choral and congregational, and excerpts from Handel's Messiah

Special thanks to Jane, Ruth and Timothy for their lovely solos, to Ruth, Emily and Domenico for their excellent readings, to the 60 strong choir for their superb singing. to Gareth for his marvellous accompaniment of the choir and soloists and especially to John Riley for organisation and musical direction.

October 2017 - Fr Tom Licensed as Priest in Charge

Fr Tom Licensed as Priest in Charge

Fr Tom Davis was licensed as Priest in Charge of St Matthew's on 23rd October. He is pictured here with Bishop Glyn of Beverley and Bishop Peter who preached. The text of Bishop Peter's sermon is available on the Sodor and Man Diocesan website. Many guests attended the service to welcome Fr Tom, including representatives of other churches on the Island,The Mayor of Douglas and the Lieutenant Governor. The organist for the occasion was Mr Gareth Moore, while our regular organist Mr John Riley directed the Musicale Choir and friends who led the singing. The lessons were read by Mr Martin Wood and Fr Darren Smith, the General Secretary of the Additional Curates Society for whose support along with that of the Ring Trust we are very grateful.

August 2017 - Grand Choral Concert

This year's Summer Grand Choral Concert organised by John Riley was another feast of glorious music. The main work performed by members of several of the Island's choirs was Vivaldi's Gloria, featuring soloists Karen Elliott and Catherine Williamson. Another special treat was an excerpt from Karl Jenkin's The Armed Man featuring Cello Soloist Samuel Creer, who also delighted the audience with performances of Traumerei (Schumann) and The Swan (Saint-Saens). The concert also included solos from flautist David Kniveton. The choir was accompanied on the organ by Gareth Moore, who together with John Riley provided another highlight of the evening with an organ and piano duet. The concert raised £1,000 for Craig's Heartstrong Foundation.

July 2017 - Visitors

We are always pleased to welcome visitors to St Matthew's and in July we were delighted to have Fr Darren Smith of the Additional Curates Society (ACS) with us as Celebrant and Preacher. During his visit he was presented with a donation from St Matthew's towards the work of the ACS, to whom we are expecially grateful for their assistance with funding the appointment of our next Parish Priest. Fr Tom, who will be coming to us in October, also paid a short visit this month and was able to informally meet members of the congregation.

June 2017 - Corpus Christi

Corpus Christi

Corpus Christi was celebrated with our traditional flower petal carpet and Procession of the Blessed Sacrament and Benediction following the Sunday Sung Mass

May 2017 - Barn Dance

Barndance

A most enjoyable Barn Dance was held in our upper hall with music by the Shirtliff ensemble and a delicious Niarbyl Catering Hotpot supper

February 2017 - Pound Bazaar

Pound Bazaar

Following a well attended Beetle Drive enjoyed by all the previous week, a most successful 'Pound Bazaar' was held at the end of February.

January 2017 - Farewell to Fr Bob

At the end of Fr Bob's final Sunday Mass as our Vicar on 29th January a farewell presentation was made to him and Brigid on behalf of the congregation by Mr John Riley.

Following this we shared a celebration lunch in the British Hotel to mark Fr Bob's special birthday

December 2016 - Bethlehem Peace Light Service

We were pleased to have the Lieutenant Governor, Sir Richard Gozney, and Lady Gozney at St. Matthew's for the Bethlehem Peace Light service this year

The Peace Light, which is lit from the eternal flame burning in the Grotto of the Nativity in Bethlehem, is carried to destinations across the globe each year by members of the Scout and Guide Associations.

Bethlehem Peace Light

October 2016 - Harvest Festival with USPG

We were pleased to have Janette O'Neill, the Chief Executive of USPG with us for our Harvest Festival this year. St. Matthew's has always supported the work of USPG since its formation in 1965 following the merger of the SPG with UMCA, with which St Matthew's also had a long association.

Janette gave us a most interesting talk updating us on the work of USPG in Sri Lanka, following which she was presented with a cheque from our USPG Lent Box collections

Harvest Festival

MV Karina Trip

After sharing in worship on Sunday morning, at which Fr Owen was celebrant and preacher, members of St Matthew's congregation and our friends from All Saints, Hatcham park, London, enjoyed a trip on the MV Karina along the coast to Laxey

Grand Choral Concert

A choral concert was held on 14th July. The main choral work was Messa di Gloria by Puccini. The concert also included other well known choruses and solos by Olivia Black and Graham Crowe with Gareth Moore at the organ.

A retiring collection raised over £1000 for the Nepal Earthquake Appeal

Queen's Birthday Concert

On 14th June a concert was held to celebrate the 90th Birthday of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Lord of Mann. We were delighted that 'Her Majesty' in the person of Ella Slack, who for many years stood in for the Queen at rehearsals for Royal events, was able to be with us.

The evening began with a performance of Handel's The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba by John Riley (organist) followed by trombone solos from Juan Wright. Emily and John Rimmer, and Paul Lewin provided a varied programme of songs chosen for the occasion. The concert concluded with a selection of pieces from the Laxey Handbell Ringers. The audience also joined in singing the Royal Anthem and the hymns I Vow to Thee My Country and Jerusalem

Refreshments were served in the Hall and a Retiring Collection was taken for church funds.

Easter Celebrations

After a busy Easter weekend at St Matthew's following the events of our Lord's passion through the Liturgy of Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday, we joined with Christians of several other denominations on Douglas Head at 6.30a.m. for an Ecumenical Celebration of His Resurrection.

Fr Bob led the service with Fr John from St Mary's RC, Rev Richard Hall (Methodist) and Rev Steve Wild (President of Methodist Conference)

Following the service a very welcome Breakfast was enjoyed by all in St Matthew's Church Hall

High Altar Reredos Centenary

On 7th March 1916 the High Altar Reredos was dedicated to the Glory of God and in memory of the late vicar Canon Taggart. The centenary will be marked during the mass on Sunday 6th March.

The Psalms - prayers for today's church

A series of 5 Biblical studies based upon the Psalms

  • Friday 19th February - Know that the Lord is God (Psalm 100)
  • Friday 26th February - Out of the depths have I cried (Psalm 130)
  • Friday 4th March - How long, O Lord (Psalm 13)
  • Friday 11th March - You spread a table before me (Psalm 23)
  • Friday 18th March - Unless the Lord builds the house... (Psalm 127)
11:45am (following 11am Mass) followed by Soup & Roll
St. Matthew's Church Hall

Evening of Carols and Readings

The Evening of Carols and Readings on 29th December was a great success despite the weather. With a choir of over 50 singers and an audience of 70 plus, we raised £614.80 for the Young Carers' Project and with a generous donation of £100 the total raised is £714.80. Many thanks to the two wonderful conductors, Angela Stewart and Julian Power and to our lovely soloist, Kristene Sutcliffe. We are also indebted to the readers and the other soloists as well. Many, many thanks to the wonderful friends who came to sing in the choir, especially those from off the island. Finally many thanks to our trumpeter, Helen Quaggin-Molloy, for playing superbly and for coming all the way from New Zealand to play for us.

FESTIVAL OF CRIBS

The annual Festival of Cribs when we join with Saint Mary's Church to organise this event in aid of the work of Friends of the Holy Land is to be held on Saturday 12th December from 10a.m. to 6p.m. Saint Matthew's will be hosting the festival this year. Please put the date in your diaries.

The idea of the festival is that families bring their cribs for display on that day in church together with a brief history of the crib so that visitors can read the story behind the exhibits.

Cribs should be delivered to the church from 6p.m. the previous evening 11th December.

We will need volunteers willing to help on the Saturday for a couple of hours during the day either with catering, craft activities with children in the crèche and generally talking with visitors. Please let Father Bob or the church wardens know if you are willing to help.

Great fun was had by all at our Beetle Drive Harvest Supper on 17th October followed by a delicious hotpot.

We welcomed Bishop Glyn of Beverley to celebrate, preach and confirm our four candidates on St. Matthew's Day

Patronal Festival and confirmation 2015 with Bishop Glyn

After sharing in worship on Sunday morning, members of St Matthew's congregation and our visitors from All Saints, Hatcham park, london enjoyed a fun afternoon in glorious sunshine at Noble's park.

Preparing for the Flower Festival

 

Click here to see our Flower Festival Album

Saint Matthew's was one of 17 venues partaking in this year's Flower Festival from the 5th to the 11th July.

755 visitors came into Saint Matthew's, many for the very first time, to view our individual displays which incorporated The Font, Corpus Christi Flower Petal Carpet, The Communion of Saints, Walsingham, The Lady Chapel, The Chancel, The Royal National Lifeboat Institution, The Sea Cadets, Sunday's Cool and the excellent reminder of "Saint Matthew's Through The Ages" exhibition displayed by Kay and Thurstan Denne from their splendid archives. A total of 18 stewards were on hand during the week to assist our guests and to ensure each of them were 'clicked' in to help us record our daily totals.  It has been particularly rewarding to look at the Visitors Book and read many generous and kind-hearted comments.
 
Mr Tom Long of Alexander Nurseries  in Douglas met the requested requirements of Adele and Susan. All of a sudden we were awash with loose flowers and their heavenly scent. Setting up on Saturday 4th July meant all hands came to the pump. Our principal flower display ladies were particularly pleased how many members of the Saint Matthew's family came forward and were willing to give flower arranging a go with such pleasing individual results. Well done to all who 'had a go'. We have ideas in hand to incorporate your fledgling skills in the future.
 
Music which always seeps to the very heart  of Saint Matthew's was well to the fore during the Flower Festival. A daily half hour organ recital by visiting organists was held from the Tuesday to the Saturday with Musicale under the baton of John Riley entertaining us with floral inspired music on the Friday evening followed by refreshments.
 
A team of 15 ladies throughout the week rallied in the Hall where covers for 36 people were available at any one time. All day coffee and biscuits, tea and cakes and daily light lunches from 12 - 2pm were available. Cheese and Ham Ploughmans and a selection of Quiches were the mainstay of our menu. Several visitors came for lunch more than once which in itself was a compliment to the Ladies of the Kitchen. Being open from 10.30 am to 6.30 pm meant being prepared, planning ahead and replenishing! Enormous thanks go to Miles, Proprietor of Noa Bake House who supplied and, on some days, gifted our daily fresh bread order. To Sarah Berry, Proprietor of Spill The Beans for the supply of home baked cakes to order and for her gifted cake. The very talented Judy Harding not only helped out in the kitchen on rota but baked all week for us. Bryan Harding not only served as Chief Steward but promptly delivered a series of cakes each morning which rapidly became our Today's Specials. The Isle of Man Creamery deserves our special gratitude. They were exceptionally generous with gifted milk and cheese and we are indebted to them.
 
Over and above the generous donations of parish members, some 21 separate businesses lent us their support through discounts allowed, fundraising gifts, donated and/or borrowed goods etc. We acknowledged each and every one of them during the Festival and know their kind heartedness made all the difference.
 
Sincerest thanks to everyone who joined the Flower Festival team and helped in so many different ways, There was a true sense of our community strength when we all pulled together. Special thanks to our friends at Saint Thomas's, Braddan and Saint Mary's for their time, help and loaned goods.
 

To everyone who visited us we hope we made an impression and you enjoyed your time with us at Saint Matthew's.

We are grateful for the support of so many individuals and organisations who helped to make the festival such a great success.

Organists:
Tuesday: Gareth Moore
Wednesday: John Elliott
Thursday: Graham Kirkland
Friday: Peter Litman
Saturday: John Riley

Professional Donors:

Alexander Nurseries - Mr Tom Long
Appleby Charity Foundation - Mrs Sue Braide
Boots - MrsKaren Wigg
Clucas Florists - Mrs Cherry Salmon
Colebourn Home Entertainments - The Sales Team
Copy Shop - Roger Watterson
Feltons of Ramsey - Cleveland and Ruth Perry
Inner Beauty Salon Douglas - Sharon
Isle of Man Creameries - Paula
Isle of Man Steam Packet Company - Mr Convery
Little Fish Cafe - Sharn
Newsons on the Quay - Mr John and Mrs Dee Newson
Noa Bake House - Miles and Alan
Osbourne Fine Art and Antiques - Will and Sue rand
Sarah's Designer Flowers - Mr Colin and Mrs Glynis Berney
Segway Isle of Man - Mrk Davison and Jason Larosa
Shoprite - Gillian Harvey, Amanda Noble
Spill the Beans - Sarah Berry
Tesco - John Francis
Top Knot Hair Design - Hayley
Touring Tea Bus - Chrissie Docherty
Vannin Office Point - Sally Huxham
 

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