Commissioners Picture Gallery 2005

NEW REFUSE VEHICLE FOR ONCHAN

Mr. Gordon Astill, Chairman of Onchan District Commissioners, is seen here receiving the keys of a new FAUN refuse collection vehicle from Jim Stewart on behalf of FAUN Municipal Vehicles and Terberg Matec U.K. Also present is Mark Williams, who takes over as the new Clerk/Chief Executive on 1st July.

The arrival of this new vehicle sees a valuable addition to the commissioners’ fleet, using the most modern technology and design to allow the crews to continue to provide the best service to customers. This wagon will be able to collect either ordinary domestic and commercial refuse, or green waste from the kerbside. It has the latest and most economic Cummins diesel engine, using an Eminox exhaust to make the most environmentally friendly package.

The vehicle also carries the latest on board weighing equipment, certified by the Office of Fair Trading, for the accurate measurement of collected commercial waste. This gives a truly multi functional wagon and demonstrates the Commissioners’ commitment to the evolving Waste Strategy.”

ARBOR WEEK

Tree planting took place at Sunnybank Avenue on 8th March 2005 as part of Arbor Week. Trees were planted by various groups from Onchan in the grass verge either side of the road as part of an ongoing process in an effort to achieve a true avenue of trees in this area.
This photograph shows Keith Watterson, Chairman of the Friends of Onchan's Heritage with Eve Park the Secretary, planting one of the trees.

STANLEY RETIRES

Refuse foreman Stanley Quine of Ballasalla retired at the end of March after a total of 22 years of service to the commissioners. He is seen here on 17th March 2005 receiving a watch from Chairman of the Works and Cleansing Committee, Derek Crellin. Further gifts were presented by his fellow workers and members of the office staff who contributed to the various items purchased for him.

HANDOVER OF CHAIN OF OFFICE

On 3rd May Maurice Kennaugh handed over the chain of office as Chairman of the Commissioners to Gordon Astill who is now chairman for the municipal year 2005-06. Linda Kennaugh also handed over the Chairman's lady's chain to Sheila Astill, Gordon's wife. In return Maurice Kennuagh received an Onchan Crest with an especially engraved plaque to commemorate his year in office. Linda received a bouquet of flowers from Sheila Astill.

The handover took place in the temporary boardroom at Heywood Court as the commissioners' boardroom is currently out of use due to building works taking place at Hawthorn Villa, the commissioners' office, Main Road which will include the complete revamping of the boardroom in due course.

Ean Convery retires as District Surveyor

On Friday 25th November, Ean Convery retired as District Surveyor of Onchan Commissioners. He joined the staff 11 years ago as Technical Officer following the resignation of Stephen Harrison who left the commissioners to become the Surveyor at Ramsey Commissioners. Upon the resignation of Bob Brown the District Surveyor who left to join DOLGE as a Health and Safety Inspector Ean was invited to take over the position.

He started his professional life as an articled pupil in the architectural firm of Kay and Gill and was first involved with Onchan Commissioners in 1964 in the design of the boating lake in Onchan Park on the site of the then tennis courts.