Roy was born to a Manx father and a Scottish mother. She wanted to call him Rob Roy, however he was named after his father Robert Henry yet brought up as Roy. In 1953 he married Doreen Cooil of Ballatrollag, Malew and they had four daughters.
In 1990 Marion Taggart was appointed the Captain of the Parish of Malew, the first female Captain in history. She had been a member of Malew Commissioners for many years and was chairman on three occasions. She stood down from the commissioners in 1988. Marion was also greatly involved in Ballasalla WI, Malew Endowments Committee and Isle of Man Anti-Cancer Association. She took ill when she was not long into her captaincy.
Following her death Roy was appointed Captain of the Parish by Sir Timothy Daunt KCMG on 28th November 1995. Roy’s swearing in took place at Government House and he was permitted four guests. Doreen pointed out that they had four daughters and so the invitation was extended to five. Following the swearing in ceremony the family were entertained to lunch.
Left to Right: Barbara Drinkwater, Dorothy Gelling (wife), Diane Neale, Roy Gelling, Pauline Gelling and Gillian Gelling.
