On Thursday 25th January His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor entertained the Captains of the Parish to lunch at Government House. Fifteen of the Captains were present , the other two were unfortunately unable to attend due to ill health. This was the opportunity for the Captains to discuss with His Excellency how they saw their role in the modern day community and to confirm their support for the age old method of their appointment.
Each Captain had been appointed by the Lieutenant Governor of the day and their commission was described as ' to continue during pleasure.' It has long been understood that the appointment was for life but a number of Captains have stood down when they felt they were no longer able to carry out their duties to the full.
Those present included Peter Quayle who has been announced as His Excellency's appointee as the next Captain of the Parish of Malew in succession to Roy Gelling. Peter's swearing in takes place on Friday 2nd February.
Also present was John Cannell Captain of Michael Parish. John is regarded as the Senior Captain by virtue of his length of service. John was appointed by Lieutenant Governor Sir Peter Hyla Gawne Stallard in 1970. This year sees John having been in office for 54 years, the same length of service as Captain Richard Quirk who was of Patrick from 1838 to 1892.
After the meal a photograph was taken on the staircase of Government House.
Front row: Donald Gelling CBE (Santon), His Excellency, John Cannell (Michael), Philip Caley (Braddan), Raymond Gawne (Arbory).
Second row: Pat Costain (Patrick), Clare Christian OBE (Maughold), Edgar Cowin (Ballaugh).
Third row: John Quayle (Jurby), Denis Duggan (Lezayre), Peter Kelly MBE (Onchan), Charles Fargher MBE (Marown).
Back row: Peter Quayle (Malew), Paul Costain (Rushen), Alan Corlett (German), Stephen Carter (Lonan).
