The Queen's Pier Story .. .. ..

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING.

This will be held on Wednesday 11~ April 2001 in St.Paul's Hall, Ramsey commencing at 7.3Opm. At that meeting it will be proposed to hold the Subscription level at the current amount(s) of £2 per Adult and £1 for Juniors.

REVIEW OF THE PAST YEAR.

As advised in the last Newsletter and at the Annual General Meeting, Jack May stood down as your Chairman and Fred Hodgson subsequently agreed to take over the reins. We are pleased to advise that Jack has been elected as our first Honorary Life President in recognition of his past services. Regrettably there has been little sign that the Government are any nearer arriving at a meaningful decision regarding refurbishing our Pier. During the year your Committee have maintained, and even increased, the pressure on the Department of Transport to fulfil its obligations to the Manx Nation in returning the Pier to its proper place as part of the Island Heritage. Even presenting a Petition of Grievance to Prince Charles on Tynwald Day failed to bring any movement from the Department of Transport!

What must we do to ensure Government honours its obligations to us?

A very successful 'Day of the Pier' was held in excellent weather on Lifeboat Day 29~ July with almost 3000 "customers" passing the gate to walk on their Pier. Unfortunately due to alleged 'further deterioration' in the condition of the Pier, the Harbourmasters Office still insisted on limiting access to the first bay only. So much for the last ten years of Stewardship of our Heritage. This was taken up, quite forcibly, by Hon Alan Bell MHK on your Committee's behalf at the time, for which we are extremely obliged.

Most of you will know that both Alan and Ramsey's other MHK, Leonard Singer are both actively involved with the Committee and give unstinting and valuable support to our cause.

In November Leonard put a motion before Tynwald that "Tynwald was of the opinion that the Queen's Pier Ramsey should be re-furbished". Unfortunately this did not progress, despite a close vote, as it was resolved to give the Transport Minister until March Tynwald to bring forward his own proposals. You may have seen in the Media that your Committee mounted a small good natured demonstration outside the House of Keys that morning. Subsequent events have resulted in much helpful publicity for our cause in the Islands Newspapers.

FUTURE PLANS.

We will be organising a coach to attend Tynwald on 20th March to hear Minister Brown's proposals. Please come along and show your support. The coach leaves Parliament Square, Ramsey at 08.30, returning to Ramsey by about 2pm. Book a seat with either Mary Simkiss or Michele Tramontana.

We shall also be marking the TENTH ANNIVERSARY of the Pier's closure in an appropriate manner on Sunday 8th April so, again, do come and pay your respects. There will, of course, be another 'Day of the Pier' in July. Watch for the posters and enjoy your Pier.