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© F.Coakley , 2026
[from A.M Harrision's Descriptive List of Insular Societies]
The longevity of the Castletown Artificers Society which flourished from 1813 to 1913 has tended to overshadow the other Friendly Societies vying for membership based in Castletown, and indeed the parish society itself, founded to serve the outlying communities of Malew.
The first record of the Castletown Philanthropic Society is contained in an account of the anniversary celebrations of the Castletown Artificers published in The Rising Sun and Mona's Herald of 1 June 1824 when it was welcomed as an ally in good works, and the health of the newly-established club and its president Mr. Kelly were drunk.
A press report of 24 April, 1835 in the Mona's Herald praised its eleventh anniversary celebrations highly. 'On Easter Monday, the Castletown Philanthropic Society walked in procession, in a style which did much credit, not only to the gentlemen who patronize that institution, but to all the members of the Association. Their staves, &c. were of the most splendid description, particularly one of their banners, which for beauty of device, and appropriate expression of motto, excels any before witnessed in this Island, and confers great credit upon the person who drew the design . and also upon Mr. George Hudson who painted it'.
The press report of 1848, in' the Manx Sun of 26 April praised their good,unnamed band, the excellence of their sermon at Malew church and the good dinner provided at the National School.
In his paper on the Castletown Artificers Society R.A.Curphey stated that It 'received its last mention in the papers in 1860' No press reports have been located since 1860 and the club was not listed as active in the Medical Aid and Poor Relief Commission Report of 1879.
M.N.H.L.. Isle of Man Newspapers, Rising Sun, 1 June 1824, Manx Sun, 24 April 1835, Manx Advertiser, 9 April 1839, Manx Sun ,26 April 1848 ut supra et passim.
R.A. Curphey, 'The Castletown Artificers' Friendly Society", ProcsIOMNHAS , vol. vii, no. 2, 1966-1968., pp.164 -180
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Any comments, errors or omissions gratefully received
The Editor |
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