Captain of Parish reflects on 28 years of service

After more than 25 years of service in one of the island's traditional roles, the retiring Captain of the Parish of Arbory has said it was an "honour" to take up a job which "made life interesting."

Raymond Gawne, a farmer and former Arbory Commissioner for 20 years, was appointed as Captain in 1998.

The role of captain, held in each of the island's 17 parishes, originated during Viking times, with the post-holder in overall command of the area and responsible for mustering militias in times of trouble.

Gawne said "I am disappointed I had to retire, but when you get old, you start forgetting things, so it is time to let someone else have the job."

He said: "I was an Arbory Commissioner for quite some time and that is when I became really interested in looking after the Parish."

When he was appointed by the then Lieutenant Governor Sir Timothy Daunt, he said: "I felt very honoured, I didn't expect it but it was nice to be called on to take up the job."

Now, the role is largely ceremonial and involves attending the Tynwald Hill proceedings on the island's national day each year, but one duty remains, which involves being obliged to call a public meeting if an issue of public concern arises.

One of the highlights of the role was meeting royalty when they visited the island.

He recalled welcoming King Charles and Queen Camilla in 2012 when they traveled to Douglas and Peel in their capacity as Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall.

"It was in Peel school, I was supposed to be in the government section, and King Charles came to me and said, 'being a farmer you must have a lot more on your mind than farming, because you're in the wrong section', which was amusing," he said.

Gawne, who has been described as a "stalwart" of the community, was also a founding member and long-serving Chairman of the Southern Swimming Pool, and marshalled at Ballabeg corner for the Southern 100 for over 60 years.

"When I was a commissioner and the Southern pool opened I was on the board and that was a job that I really enjoyed doing, so I am saddened to see how things are going at the pool now," he said.

The facility opened in 1979, but in recent years has been at risk of closure amid financial pressure and safety concerns.

Gawne also played an active role in organising and running the Southern District Agricultural Show where he and his family regularly exhibited sheep and cattle.

Reflecting on his time, Gawne noted that island life is busier than it used to be and that he enjoyed being able to impart his knowledge to those seeking advice.

His replacement will be decided by Lieutenant Governor Sir John Lorimer after taking advice.

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