Brian Stowell

A conversation with Dr Brian Stowell RBV about his early youth in Douglas and his family in Andreas.

Born in Douglas in 1936, Brian’s earliest memories are coloured by the Second World War, including the glow of Liverpool burning from the bombs and military exercises on the shore. His mother ran a canteen for the military during the war years, but it changed back into a fish and chip shop in the years following. Many of Brian’s Douglas memories revolve around the shop and the people to be found there, including the mobs of often rowdy tourists.

Brian’s childhood memories are coloured by the stories of his mother’s family in Andreas. His uncles were wonderful characters who provide a wealth of stories and happy recollections. As children they would play truant from school and go to visit Jackie ‘Hodyn’ at Ballure (‘Old Pete’ to the tourists), later they took to making their own fiddles, one had a forthright run-in with the authorities upon being signed-up for service in the First World War, another was a tailor in Ramsey who would close down for a two week spree of socialising and drinking each year.

These are wonderful memories, recalled and told with humour and affection.

This conversation with Dr Brian Stowell RBV was conduction by Elizabeth Flynn on 24 June 2011.

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• Dr Brian Stowell RBV interviewed by Elizabeth Flynn (24 June 2011)

  
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