Latest news with #NatalieByron-Teare
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Isle of Man events mark 80th anniversary of VE Day
Services of remembrance and a big band concert have taken place across the Isle of Man to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day. Ceremonies were held at war memorials in Ramsey, Douglas, Onchan, Port St Mary and Castletown to acknowledge the end of World War Two in Europe. Church bells rang out across the island and a beacon was lit the island's Lieutenant Governor Sir John Lorimer, joining a network of others being illuminated across the British Isles. Commemorations also featured a free two-hour concert and military service was also held at the Villa Marina in the Manx capital. The Manx public was also invited to fall silent at midday to commemorate the anniversary and remember those who fought during the war. At a ceremony in front of a memorial commemorating VE Day and VJ Day in Hilary Park in the island's capital, Douglas Mayor Natalie Byron-Teare laid a wreath. "The legacy of those who we honour continues to guide us forward," she said. "As we look back to 1945 let us also look forward with hope, with unity, and with a renewed commitment to peace. "The world has changed but the lessons of the past remain as vital as ever." Ceremonies organised by the Royal British Legion (RBL) took place at the same time at the Onchan War Memorial and in the Port St Mary garden of remembrance. An act of remembrance was also held at the Castletown War Memorial, where there were readings and the laying of wreaths. After the national two-minute silence at noon, a similar service commenced in Ramsey. The Douglas branch of the RBL hosted a wreath laying commemoration, including a reading of Sir Winston Churchill's famous radio broadcast from the day at 15:00 BST, reflecting the time the wartime prime minister announced the conflict had had come to an end in Europe in 1945. Residents heard the sounds of church bells ring out at 17:00 at St George's Church in Douglas, followed by a peal at Cathedral Isle of Man in Peel at 18:30. The commemorations continued with a big band concert of music from the wartime era at the Villa Marina. It included solo performances by local singers Paul Costain and Nicola O'Connor, alongside narrations by school pupils. Led by the Royal British Legion, a traditional drumhead service then followed. The military religious service, which uses drums as a makeshift altar, saw readings by Chief Minister Alfred Cannan and the island's Lieutenant Governor Sir John Lorimer. At about 21:30 a commemorative beacon was lit by Sir Lorimer in the grounds of the venue, which saw hundreds of people attend to pay their respects. Read more stories from the Isle of Man on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X. Two-minute silence to mark VE Day 80th anniversary Stamp set marks 80th anniversary of VE Day Isle of Man VE Day concert and service announced Villa Gaiety - VE Day 80th Anniversary Concert
BBC News
26-03-2025
- General
- BBC News
Council to honour Douglas RNLI station with Freedom of the City
The RNLI lifeboat station in the Isle of Man's capital is set to be awarded the Freedom of the City, the highest honour the local authority can Council will confer the accolade on the local branch at a ceremony at the city hall on Thursday, in recognition of its commitment to saving lives at Natalie Byron-Teare said the crew members at the RNLI station were the "embodiment of courage, selflessness and dedication".The organisation, which was founded by Sir William Hillary after he witnessed several shipwrecks off the Manx coast while living in Douglas, recently celebrated its 200th anniversary. The award is given to those considered to have made an outstanding contribution or service to the City of Douglas and the Isle of recipients include UK Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill, comedian Sir Norman Wisdom, pop group the Bee Gees, and cyclist Sir Mark Cavendish. 'Rich nautical heritage' Byron-Teare said since being founded in 1824 "our island and particularly Douglas has been the foundation for what has followed and has had an inextricable link to saving lives at sea"."This award reflects our deep gratitude, commemorating all who have gone before, celebrating the lifesavers of today, and hopefully inspiring the next generation who have pledged to continue lifesaving for years to come," she of Douglas RNLI Peter Cain said the council had been "very supportive" of the branch and recognised "the work that crews and dedicated fundraisers carry out island-wide to keep our coastlines safe 24 hours a day, 365 days a year", he said."The rich nautical heritage of the island cannot be better summed up than the lifesaving and fundraising work the RNLI carries out in Manx seas and the countless hours given by loyal volunteer lifeboat crews in our community", he added. Read more stories from the Isle of Man on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X.
