History of Onchan
Modern Onchan Picture Gallery

A road closing order was arranged for Church Road to provide a safe environment for those attending the fair. Unfortunately it was not possible to locate the owners of two cars which remained in position throughout the fair. Some of the children’s rides were set up across the road at the entrance to the Village Green. The refreshment area in front of Haydn Minay’s Garage can be seen on the right.

The Friends of Onchan’s Heritage opened up Molly Carrooin’s Cottage for the afternoon and set up stall outside. Here Stanley Earnshaw takes his turn being on duty to serve the customers.

One of the early items of entertainment for the children was Lexi Watterson, a young magician from Port St Mary who had the children spellbound with her very professional show. After performing here she went off to another event at Tromode where she was just as popular.

Lexi only returned to the island at 11.30am on the day of the fair having been in England with her parents visiting universities in the hopes of doing well in her A-levels next year. If there was an A-level in magic show would certainly gain full marks.

A central area on the fair field was kept open for the tug-of-war which took place between the Manx Arms team and the Archibald Knox team at 3.30pm.

Harold Midghall of Royal Avenue brought along his bouncy castle which was well used by the children. From the takings Harold made a donation to Hospice Care.

After her performance Lexi is congratulated by Captain of the Parish Harvey Briggs who acted as umpire for the tug-of-war competition which he has done several times in the past.

A young competitor tries her luck at capturing a little yellow duck on one of the three stalls set up by the Onchan School Association. In the background some of those attending just relax in the sunshine enjoying the community atmosphere of the afternoon.

The cornet section of Onchan Silver Band were in full swing during their several performances throughout the afternoon. From left to right are members Jennifer Gilmore, David Karran, Matthew Collister.

Mark Halliday swaps the traditional peaked cap of a bandsman for something more casual and practical for the sunshine as he plays his trombone.

One happy customer of the day was Jean Newson of Springfield Court. Jean has a collection of teddy bears and soft toys and she just couldn’t resist the opportunity of providing a home to this cuddly fellow.

The Archie Knox team of seven takes the strain for the first of three rounds of pulling in the tug-of-war against The Manx Arms Hotel team. The Archie won the first two pulls so the third decider was not necessary.

(photo Percy Morrison)

The Manx Arms team had Grant Taylor from the Onchan Silver Band as anchor man but even that didn’t help them being pulled across the line by the stronger Archie Knox Team.

(photo Percy Morrison)

The victors for the day received the trophy from Commissioners’ Chairman, Derek Crellin. The Archibald Knox team have now won the shield for three times in succession. In addition to the shield they also received a replica salver. All competitors from both teams received a can of beer and a copy of the book The Onchan Story.

(photo Percy Morrison)