TRIBUTES were paid to late Bee Gees star Robin Gibb at a special ceremony at his childhood home this week.
His wife Dwina and son RJ attended the event at 50 St Catherine’s Drive.
Watched by a crowd that had gathered on the street, RJ unveiled a blue plaque above the porch, organised by Douglas Council to mark the home.
Later, Dwina launched Isle of Man Post Office’s Robin Gibb – 50 St Catherine’s Drive stamp issue.
RJ, who was accompanied by his partner Megan, said: ‘This was his first home and as he deeply felt at heart, his true home.
‘As for myself, I have been coming here since I was small and its magic never ceases to captivate me.
‘We have a house in Peel and I understand and share my father’s love for the island.
‘Every time I wake each morning and peer out of the window at the rolling hills to take in its natural beauty I’m so easily reminded.’
He added: ‘I’m extremely proud to unveil this plaque for my father as he now becomes part of that rich and wonderful history.’
Dwina got upset as she unveiled a giant version of one of the special stamps, hung over the front of the house.
She told the crowd that she hadn’t expected to get so emotional, before saying that on each of her visits to the island, Robin had always insisted on taking her on a tour.
‘When Robin used to come to the island we had to go everywhere to see where he had his first bee sting, his first ice cream.’
Ballakermeen High School’s choir performed two songs – Ellan Vannin and Islands in the Stream.
Both Douglas Mayor David Ashford and Isle of Man Post Office chairman Geoff Corkish thanked the current owners of 50 St Catherine’s Drive, Keith and Kerry Moore, for their hospitality.
Mr Ashford said that despite their global profile, the Gibb brothers always found time for their other role, ‘being great ambassadors for the Isle of Man’.
He said it was fitting the first blue plaque was paying tribute to the life and work of the three Gibb brothers.
Mr Corkish said that the family would always be made ‘very welcome’ in the island, and confirmed that the giant stamp would not be permanently positioned on the wall of 50 St Catherine’s Drive.
A donation will be made to Rebecca House children’s hospice by the Gibb family from the sale of each Post Office Robin Gibb special folder. It includes a label sheet, a special format 50 St Catherine’s Drive envelope and a DVD compilation.
The posthumous album of Robin Gibb – 50 St Catherine’s Drive – is due for release in September.