FROM MANX STEAM RAILWAY NEWS

ISSUE No. 140 - SUMMER / AUTUMN 2005

To commemorate this landmark anniversary of the world’s longest running sea ferry operators, the Steam Packet in association with Duke Video have produced a DVD produced and narrated by Alexander Brindley who previously brought us “Manxman & Company” as a fundraiser for the restoration of this classic vessel. Titled “A Nation’s Lifeline” this well-produced release starts with the formation of the company back in 1830 and traces the very early days of the company through contemporary artists’ impressions of the day and very early stills; this, you may think could prove to be tedious with just a series of images on the screen accompanied by the narrative but this combination manages to keep the viewer entertained for the early stages.

The history is traced in an informative, yet never too technical way touching each of the vessels and their origins, and each of the key dates such as the well-documented sinking of the “Ellan Vannin” in 1909 and the Packet’s significant involvement in both the Great War and World War Two. Each of these events is fascinating as stand-alone periods in the company’s chequered history and are accompanied by reminiscences from ex-employees in the form of interviews. It is clear that Mr. Brindley is passionate about the subject matter and the memories from workers are interesting in themselves. It is well-known that the Steam Packet holds a special place in the hearts of the local community, as has recently been seen by the attention given to (and criticism directed at) the recent announcement of the sale of the Lady Of Mann as reported elsewhere. In many ways the Manx people feel the company to be part of them, being an integral part of everyday life on the Island, which makes the title so apt.

Obviously, more recent events are easier to document and the footage, derived from many local enthusiasts and the company’s archives, replaces the earlier stills as the documentary unfolds. The introduction of car ferries, phasing out of the old steamer, culminating most famously with the final season of the Manxman in 1982 are all discussed in enough detail to keep the interest of both the average viewer and enthusiast alike. The rival service operated by Manx Line’s Manx Viking is also revisited and we come right up to date with the introduction of the fast crafts SeaCat and Super SeaCat. It is clear that, as this was a co-production with the company itself, that the “company line” has been kept in places but this does not detract from the factual way that the programme is presented, and it comes highly recommended by this reviewer.

The programme also contains half an hour of extra material in the form of interviews with well-known Communications Manager, Geoff Corkish, retired captain Jack Ronan and others. Priced at £16.99 for DVD and £12.99 VHS. And available at all local stockists, or directly from Duke Marketing, its well worth the cover price. To celebrate the 175^th Anniversary a book has also been produced to accompany this volume, which we hope to review in the next issue.

“5382”