A three-day heritage exhibition takes place at St James’ Church in Dalby from July 5 to July 7.
‘Reflections on a village through photos and flowers’ will bring together a collection of photos, artefacts and memorabilia gathered from the people of Dalby.
The exhibition will look at the aspects of community life in Dalby, where villagers were described in one 19th century tourist guide as ‘not far removed from the wild beast and boar’.
The church and schoolrooms will be open from 11am to 5pm with refreshments, including home cooked lunches and teas served throughout the day, as well as home made soups and sandwiches, cakes, coffee, cream teas and traditional Manx fare.
Local minister at the church, Cheryl Cousins, said: ‘It’s really exciting how many people have got involved.’
‘Over the last month folk have been rooting through attics and old collections and been making digital copies for safe keeping, we’ve found articles and artefacts, personal pictures and have been loaned images from people who once had family in these parts,
‘It’s been fantastic how people have responded, to date we’ve managed to weave together a series of small stations that will depict different aspects of Dalby life and history, with one area reflecting our community today,’ added Cheryl.
‘It’s something we’ve been talking about doing for years, and, it seems, will continue to do for some time still to come as we seem slightly avalanched with information!’
‘Over the last couple of years we’ve also been talking to folk about their personal memories and some of these will be on display, as will comments from our community about life in Dalby today,’ she says.
‘We hope that this will develop into a more permanent exhibition after we’ve done more research, and found the funding to get the basement dry enough to house it!’
There will also be an anniversary songs of praise at 6.30pm at the church on July 7, with the Manx choir, Cliogaree Twoaie.
For any more information please contact Cheryl Cousins on 843471 or email cherylcousins@manx.net