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All the usual fun and frolics from 2.00 pm this Saturday starting on the Village Green! Fancy dress, knobbly knees, children’s sports and light refreshments. Lots of entertainment!
…then from 7.00 the sports continue for the older ones, including the Maughold Head Race, etc. Fantastic BBQ from 7.00 too! not to be  missed – All Welcome!

It will seem a little strange this year without the energy and drive of two of the many stalwarts of past Parish Days, having lost both Hazel Lace and Bobby Moughtin during the preceeding year.

All the more reason to crack on and make a great day of it – just what they would have wanted us to do!

The 2018 Garff Newsletter is now available to download.

A copy has been distributed to all properties across the Island.

Don’t forget to plan a visit to Laxey on the afternoon of Sunday 6th May when the New Road section of the Village will be echoing and reverberating to the wonderful sounds of Brass Band Music.

Castetown Metropolitan, and the Town Bands of both Ramsey and Douglas will be entertaining throughout the afternoon at the pubs along New Road and on the Village Square.

All Part of ‘Prash Laxaa’, the Great Laxey Brass Band Festival!

Another Great Day Out in Laxey! See you there!

Garff Parish District Commissioners signed – yr end 31.03.17

Garff Commissioners have agreed to freeze the overall rate in the Sheading for the third consecutive year.

Chairman of the Commissioners, Nigel Dobson, said, “When the proposal to combine the three authorities of Laxey, Lonan and Maughold was agreed, the aim was to provide a better service at improved value for money to the ratepayer. Although there were initial costs in combining the authorities we were able to freeze the rate last year and with the economies we have been able to make over the last year or so, we are pleased to announce that we have been able to do so again.

During the course of the last two years the authority has increased the level of services it provides and over the coming year has planned a range of further services which includes resources to assist the DOI in keeping public rights of way clear. We have also seen an RPI increase of 4.5% and an increase in charges at the energy from waste plant but due to the efforts of our officers these additional costs can be absorbed while at the same time maintaining our reserves”.

This will be the third year of the rates equalisation process agreed under the Garff Order so ratepayers in Lonan and Maughold will see a small increase in their rate while the residents of Laxey will see a corresponding reduction. The overall rate income to the Authority remains at 2016/17 levels.

It is with great sadness that the Commissioners have to report the passing of Robert “Bobby” Moughtin.

Robert served on Maughold and latterly Garff Commissioners for over 12 years and had a great wealth of knowledge of politics, both locally and nationally; enabling him to participate in discussions and represent his constituents at all levels. His time with the Commissioners included several terms as Chairman; a role he undertook with great pride and commitment.

Robert played a very active part in the life of Maughold Parish and Garff Sheading throughout the years, but also participated more widely through his involvement with committees such as the Isle of Man Municipal Association and the Whitley Council; the commitment, positive sense of purpose, and integrity he brought to all of the roles he undertook was always very much appreciated by colleagues. Robert was also a member of the committee of Maughold Parish Social Club and would often be seen working hard and enthusiastically at events such as Parish Day or Hop Tu Naa.

Perhaps his proudest political achievement was gained from the prominent role he played in negotiations to bring about the amalgamation of Laxey, Lonan and Maughold into the new Garff Authority; his view was that such a body would keep the Sheading together and still maintain the character of the individual parish and village areas.

Robert was instrumental in many projects undertaken in Maughold and Garff including several initiatives to increase recycling in the Sheading, and through his close participation in negotiations to have services such as hedge-cutting and gulley cleaning transferred from central government. In recent times, Robert had chaired the Committee charged with overseeing the transfer of the Northern Civic Amenity Site into local authority control, his leadership ensuring that the transition was conducted smoothly and very successfully.

Many tributes to Robert have been received from political organisations across the Island; these will be passed on to his family in due course.

The Chairman of Garff Commissioners, Nigel Dobson, commented that “the many achievements Robert made in his political life stand as a testament to his extensive contribution to local and national politics.  It is to be hoped that his family will find comfort from knowing how greatly he was appreciated and admired by colleagues in Garff and across the Island. He will be greatly missed.”

The heartfelt thoughts and prayers of the Members and Officers of Garff Commissioners are with his family at this sad time.

The Commissioners were very sad to be informed of the passing of Mrs Hazel Lace, Captain of the Parish of Maughold, on the 24th of December. Hazel was very well known island-wide, but was held in particular affection in Maughold due to her involvement with, and dedication to, the local community.
Hazel became Captain of the Parish in 2004, and was also a member on Maughold Commissioners for over twenty two years; representing the parish politically, at civic events, and on ceremonial occasions.
Hazel had a great influence on many aspects of parish life. In particular, she was the inspiration behind the project to develop the Dhoon Arboretum as a memorial garden and a quiet place for personal reflection. She was also a leading light, along with Sir Charles Kerruish, in the reinvigoration of Maughold Social Club which continues to thrive to this day.
Hazel will be remembered with great fondness by the residents of Maughold; a service to celebrate her life will take place at Maughold Parish Church this Friday the 12th of January at 2.00 pm.

Season’s Greeting s from the Commissioners