[from A.M Harrision's Descriptive List of Insular Societies]

(58) Kirk Bride Friendly Union Society, 1833-1900

Description

Another late Parish-centred society, again in the rural North far away from the influence of the main towns. Again a club of standard pattern it conformed to all the usual celebratory activities for its anniversary at Whitsun, 1868, as reported in the Manx Sun. 'The business [of the Society] took place in a large barn by permission of the Reverend D. Nelson, then the members went to church preceded by the excellent band of the the late Ramsey Rifle Corps in uniform. A perambulation of the West end of the Parish followed, then an ample repast in the Parochial Schoolroom.' In 1882, according to Brown's Directory of that year, with a membership of 42 [sic actually this was the 1879 figure], one of the smallest clubs on the Island, though with neither of the rival affiliated Clubs of the Rechabites or Oddfellows in Bride, it carried on until its last recorded meeting on Whit Monday, 1900.[The Radcliffes note that because the Anniversary feast was held in the parish schoolroom thus requiring a school holiday which from 1872 needed to be recorded in School log, hence dates of these feasts are known]

Records

M.N.H.L., Rules and Articles of the Kirk Bride Friendly Union Society, 1833, Douglas, 1857; Brown's Directory, 1882,
Isle of Man newspapers, ut Supra

Publications

William and Constance Radcliffe, Kirk Bride, A Miscellany, 1982.pp 118/9 [Appendix VI reprints the Rules adopted on Anniversary day 21st May 1857 - [Ascension day]]

Later research (F.P.C)

The first notice of the Society in the Manx press was in Mona's Herald, 8th November 1848; when an attempt to recover £9 from a promissary note by James Gawne, James Quayle and Charles Gawne fails because only two parties are charged - the bill prayed arrest against the two first named defendants, on the ground that one was off the Island, and the other going off. It would appear that the Society loaned money without obtaining legally backed security.

The next reference was in Mona's Herald, 11th May 1853 referring to Ascension Day

The members of the Bride Friendly Society, had their annual "turn out," accompanied by their own band of music, on the same day.

However by the next notice in the press the Society had switched to a Whit Monday "turn out" - Manx Sun, 6th June 1868;

KIRK BRIDE FRIENDLY UNION SOCIETY .

The members of this society celebrated their anniversary on Whit Monday [1st June], and this circumstance, together with several others, made the usually quiet and secluded parish of Bride assume quite a gala appearance on that day. After transacting the usual annual business of the club in a large barn, kindly placed at their disposal by the Rev. D. Nelson, at the Rectory, the members, headed by the excellent band of the late Ramsey Rifle Corps in uniform, proceeded in procession to the church, where Divine service was held. Prayers and Lessons were read by the rev. Rector, and an extemporary and very impressive sermon was preached by the Rev. E. W. Kissack, of Kirk Andreas. A collection was afterwards made and the proceeds handed over to the wardens to be distributed along with the usual poor money. After perambulating the west end of the parish the members returned to the Parochial School-room, where an ample repast awaited them, the most prominent of its constituents being tea — the superior style of serving which beverage reflected great credit on the ladies who undertook this important part of the programme — and beef, which had previously been sliced, and to which each one helped himself. By the time dinner was fairly over, the members of tbe Juvenile Rechabite Tent and the Band of Hope had assembled in the neighbourhood, and the three societies joined issue for a walk through the other parts of the parish, the juveniles to induce an appetite for a repast which was in store for them, and the adults to promote a proper digestion of the one they had had.

In passing down towards Port Crenstall the procession came to a house where lay the mortal remains of the widow of a former member of the club, and here an incident occurred which does infinite honour to the person who conceived it. The band had, of course, been silent while approaching the house of mourning, but on reaching it they drew up and played in their best style the appropriate air, "There is sweet rest in Heaven," thus paying a touching and graceful tribute to the memory of one who had been well known and deservedly esteemed in the parish, and who, after a long and painful illness, had gone, we trust, to enjoy that rest. [an Edith Corlet of Ballahard was buried at Bride on 1st Jun 1868]

After the two junior societies had partaken of tea, &c. also in the schoolroom, there was a tea party for the general public, when about 150 again sat down so that the ladies who presided at the trays had their time well occupied. The Ramsey band was loudly cheered on its departure. On some future occasion we shall be glad to have the solitude of Kirk Bride again disturbed by its martial strains, the maitial effect of the wind instruments having been on this occasion greatly heightened by the exertions of the gallant drummer, who, while bringing out the full power of the cymbals with his left hand, subjected the endurance of the big drum to a severe test with his right.

The day's proceedings terminated with a temperance meeting in the Methodist Chapel, where stirring addresses were delivered by Messrs. Kilpatrick and W. Kneale of Bride, and Messrs. Frederick Radcliffe and D. Cormode of Andreas.

The next notice was in the Manx Sun, 3rd Jun 1871;

KIRK BRIDE FRIENDLY SOCIETY — The members of this benevolent society celebrated their anniversary on Whit-Monday. After transacting the financial business of the club, which continues in a healthy condition, they attended Divine service in the temporary parish chtirch, when an impressive sermon on the parable of the Sower was preached by the Rev D. Nelson, the rector. They afterwards sat down to an excellent dinner of roast beef, plum-pudding, &c, which had been provided by Mrs Bruce, of Ramsey, whose liberal catering gave the greatest satisfaction to all present. — During the afternoon the juvenile Rechabites of Kirk Bride also turned out, and perambulated the principal roads in the parish, and subsequently drank tea in the schoolroom. The day's proceedings were enlivened by the strains of the Ramsey brass band.

A similar celebration was noted in the Manx Sun, 6th June 1874

On Whit Monday, the Kirk Bride Friendly Union, and the Juvenile Rechabite Tent, marched in procession together, accompanied by the Ramsey brass band. The attendance was not so numerous as it would have been had the weather been favourable. The procession visited, as usual, several of the residences of the principal farmers in the neighbourhood. The members of the Friendly Union were afterwards provided with a substantial dinner in the Parochial School-room, and the "spread" did credit to the caterer, Mr Corlett, of the Bride Post-office.

In the evening the juveniles had tea in the same room, the tables being presided over by Miss Joughin, Ballaquark; Miss Caley, Ballafayle; and Miss Christian, Ballahard.

Among those who were invited to the dinner were Messrs A. C. Kayll, M. Joughin, J. Teare, and D. Teare. Mr Kayll was the only gentleman to whom was afforded an opportunity of speaking, notwithstanding that the president of the society, Mr Christian, Ballataye, expressed a desire that the members should retain their seats for some little time after dinner. Mr Kayll thanked the president for the compliment he had paid him by inviting him to dinner. He referred to the fact that several substantial farmers had become members to the society not with a view to deriving any pecuniary benefit, or availing themselves of its support; but in order to lend it their countenance and assistance. He said that in clubs of this description, gentlemen like those' referred to ought to be called honorary members, and p laced upon the same footing. He offered the subscription of £1 per annum, himself, as an honorary member. A subscription of £2 had been received from Miss Callister, of Thornhill, who owns very extensive property in the parish. Mr Mark Joughin of Tudor Cottage, and Mr John Teare of Ballacregga, also became honorary members by becoming annual subscribers of £1 each.

1875 saw a similar procession - Manx Sun, 22nd May 1875;

BRIDE.

ON Monday last, being Whit-Monday, the Kirk Bride Friendly Union Benefit Society held their anniversary. They assembled at the Parish School-house, and headed by Quayle's Ramsey brass band, the rear brought up by the Juvenile Friendly Society, walked in procession to the Parish Church of Bride, where a most impressive sermon was preached by the Rev T. Dinwoody of St Jude's, Andreas, who reminded them of the season of the year and the Day of Pentecost, urging them to unite together like the early Christians of that day when the Spirit of God came down upon each of them then present, and that the same Spirit would descend upon all within that sacred edifice ; not to be led away by any new doctrine, but take the Bible for their guide ; to be fervent in prayer ; and fihshed his sermon with the collect for the day. A collection was then made for the poor of the parish.

The society then, after coming ont of church, formed again into a procession and marched through the parish, after which they sat down to a most substantial dinner supplied by Mrs Corlett of Bride, assisted by Mrs Fargher of Ramsey, who deserve every praise for their good catering, and the waiters for their attention. The chair was occupied by T. Kermode, Esq., of Seaview Villa and Nassau; and the vice-chair by C. Nelson. Esq., advocate, Ramsey. President, F. Christian, Esq., Ballakeig, Bride. There were about 45 members present, bnt many were absent at Kinsale.

The claims upon the box, it was stated, have this year been heavy, yet the society's affairs never looked more prosperous. These remarks were very cheering to the members present. The band continued to play at intervals during the evening, when the procession visited the residence of D. Joughin. Esq., Ballaquark whose sons have taken an active part and interest in the juvenile club. They then went to the residence of W. Christian, Esq., of Lamb-hill, where they played several tunes, and on their return to Ramsey stopped at the residence of T. Kermode, Esq., Sea-view Villa, as they have been in the habit of doing for many years. Here they walked through his garden and ascended the battery under his flag staff and played many airs; then dispersed by wishing many years of life and happiness to himself, wife, and every branch of his family. Thus ended a day of enjoyment to all who witnessed it.

There is somewhat of a gap in press notices as well as a change to use Whit Tuesday as the walk day.

Mona's Herald, 23rd, June 1886

KIRK BRIDE. DEMONSTRATION OF THE PARISH CLUB.

The members of the Bride Friendly Union Benefit Society held their annual procession on Tuesday. The Union, which only numbered twenty-four members last year, has now reached sixty members, this increase being due to the adoption of new rules. The financial position of the society is as follows
Money received from members during the year, £46;
paid to sick members, £34 :
stock in hand, .£324.

By 1889 there was an athlethic festival associated withe the Society 'feast' and walk

Isle of Man Times, 15th June 1889 under heading ATHLETIC- FESTIVAL.

In connection with Bride Friendly Society, the above Sports wore held on Tuesday. At the annual dinner of the Society there were present the Archdeacon. Rev K. W. Kissack. rector. Mr A. C. Kayll, CP., and other invited guests. The President and Stewards presented a balance-sheet which showed an increase of Society funds, in spite of a very heavy expenditure this year in funeral and sick money.
...
A goodly number sat down to tea (knife and fork), and the room was crowded at the concert, which was a thorough success. Without failing to give due credit to all concerned. Miss M. Corlet:. a visitor to Ramsey from the land of Stars and .Stripes. was a great treat to Bride people, and her musical ablilities were greatly enjoyed. Miss Kinrade, and Messrs Craine. Corkill. and Corlett earned full applause. and Mr H. Christian, Ballaghennie. made an efficient conductor, and his choir showed careful and diligent training. Miss Joughin and Mr Craine acted as accompanists, in their usual happy style. Mr A. C. Kayll was Chairman at the concert, and fulfilled his duties with great tact.

Isle of Man Times, 23rd May 1891

The annual gathering of the members of the Kirk Bride Friendly Society elicited the fact that the past year's working showed a gain of £25 on the year, and that the stock now amounts to £382. Mr Vondy, Orry's Mount,is the new president, and the honorary members include the Rev C. T. Langton Messrs Allen H.K., J. W. Vondy (Kimmcragh), and J. K. Simpson (Sea View Mills). The Ven. the Archdeacon, Rev. E. W. Kissack, Rector of Ballaugh, and the Rev. C. T. Langton were present at the annual gathering.

Ramsey Courier, Friday, 29th May 1896; - a very long account somewhat shortened here but the Chairman's concluding remarks presage the future of the Society

Bride Parish Club : Annual Procession and Sports.

The annual procession of Bride Parish clnb was held on Tuesday last. The weather was all that could be desired, and the event was in every respect a success. At about half past ten the members met in their room, where the ordinary business of the club was transacted. The retiring officers were : - President, M. H. Joughin; stewards, Robert Christian and J. Gawne : committee, J Cottier. H. Hutchenson, E. Kelly, R. Caley, R. E. Garrett, J. Joughin, and D. Teare; secretary. J. B. Butterworth ; medical attendant. Dr Wilson, The accounts were passed, and the officers for the year elected, as follow:—President, D Teare; stewards. C. Kneale and W. Kelly; committee, Jas. Corlett, J. Teare. T. Vondy, W. Joughin, J. Joughin, James Martin, and W. Craine. The secretary was re-elected, as was also the medical adviser.

A procession was then formed, and headed by the Laxey Brass Band, under Mr W. Kinrade, the club marched to the Parish Church, where divine service was held. The Archdeacon read the order of service, and the sermon was preached by the Rector, Rev D. Cowley, from Luke x, 29: "Who is my neighbour"...Jesus Christ, the preacher said, was their great neighbour, and he had taught them the lesson of being neighbourly with each other. It he might venture to say so,they had a marked illustration of neighbourliness in their midst that day. Their dear Archdeacon, who was ever ready to show his sympathy, interest, and neighbourliness, had come down from Andreas to join them in their rejoicings on this their festal day. Who was their neighbour? Surely the answer to the text was given in the parable. He hoped they would all show a neighbourly spirit with each other, and live so until the cold icy hand of death parted them from each other, and they were called to join the host of heaven. The Benediction was then pronounced, and the service ended. The procession was reformed and perambulated the various roads near the church and village. The band under its conductor. Mr Kinrade. rendered a number of items in creditable style.
...
The dinner having been concluded, the Secretary said -. I have already made up the statement of the year's accounts. This year we have made an increase of the sum of £18 as against a decrease last year of somethinft like £18. (Hear, hear.) we have at present standing at our stock account the sum of £400, aud if distributed among the members at present, would average a sum of something like £11 per head. Our investments are all safe, and can be realised if necessary upon giving the usual notice. We have initiated no new members this year, and have had no deaths. (Applause.)
...
The Chairman said he had a toast to propose, and that was "Success to Bride Union Friendly Society." (Hear, hear.) After referring to the advantages received from societies of this nature, the Chairman said he would like to see these Clubs re-modelled from rotten concerns to strong societies that would never fail. He believed they were all of the same opinion as he was, that the day of these parish clubs was passed, and that they would soon decamp into oblivion. That they all believed. Then the question came: How were they to strengthen their club? Well, he thought that they should make an effort to join some flourishing society like the Manchester Unity of Oddfellows. They wanted some large body to help them out. There was a scheme now before the British House of Commons for National compulsory insurance. The scheme was being introduced into the House by Mr Chamberlain, the Secretary for the Colonies, but had been drawn up by Mr Blackly, who was regarded as an authority on these matters. By this scheme everyone would have to join - men of all ranks of society and professions in the world. The scheme, which was carefully based on statistics, showed that when a man got to the age of forty years, he would receive a sum of 8s per week for sick pay ; and when a man got to the age of sixty he would receive 4s per week for life, and his wife would would also receive 4s. (Hear, hear.) The scheme was to do away with workhouses. He thought there was nothing so cruel and inhuman as an old man, who had worked all his lifetime, and nobly fought the battle of life and striven to earn a livelihood for himself and his family ; when his strength was fast leaving him. and he could work no more: he must be removed to the workhouses. It was cruel to separate a man and his wife from their family, and perhaps more cruel still was the separation of man and wife. It was time to do away with workhouses. But by this scheme these poor unfortunate parents would be enabled to live comfortably the remaining part of their life, until the shadows of evening tide came, and they were called into the sweet rest of heaven. (Hear, near.) That was it as it should be and he hoped that some day he would see these rotten societies stamped out of existance, and in their place a large flourishing society like the one he had referred to. It gave, him great pleasure, in concluding, to propose) the health aud success of Bride Friendly Society. (Applause.) ...

Ramsey Weekly News, Saturday, 12th June 1897

Diamond Jubilee Celebration at Bride.

Tuesday last was the day fixed for the celebration of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee at Bride and great preparations had been made for the event. Unfortunately owing to the very inclement weather, the function did not turn out as brilliancy as anticipated, and the programme had to be curtailed. A procession was formed, but on account of the rain it had to be abandoned. The tea was given to the children, and medals were presented to them by the genial Captain of the Parish, Mr. C. B. Nelson. The sports had to be postponed. The annual dinner of the Bride Friendly Society was held, and the reports presented. Regret was expressed on all sides that the weather had spoiled the day's enjoyment.

Ramsey Courier, 3rd June 1898

Bride Friendly Society

The members of Bride Friendly Society held their annual festival on Tuesday of this week. The whole day's proceedings were very similar to those held on Whit Tuesdays gone before althongh there were one or two features of special interest, the presence of the band equal to that of the "'Fifth'' Lancashire, for instance.

One of the commonest expressions used during the day was that which spoke of the kindness of Col. Hunt in giving the services of his band, and everyone appreciated his generosity.

But everything in their own order. First must be taken the annual meeting of the Society, which was held in the Parochial School-room, the majority of the members being present. The election of officers and passing of the accounts occupied a considerable time. The finances of the Club were shown to be in a very satisfactory state, the capital account showing the society to have nearly £450, which sum is securely invested. During the year no deaths have been reported, and at present only two are on sick pay. Although the Society, last year, had an energetic president in Mr Thomas Vondy. of Orry's Mount. one who has made the said Society widely known and has attracted to it not a few supporters yet. following the usual practices, it was considered necessary to elect a new man to the post. Mr Wm. Joughin, of Ballaquark. was selected, and it is to be hoped he will guide the Society to still greater success. Messrs H. Hutchinson and C. Kneale were elected stewards, and Mr J. Butterworth. the popular secretary, was re-elected.

After the meeting the members marched to the Parish Church, where service was conducted by the Rector, the Rev D. S. Cowley, M.A., assisted by the Rev G. F. Packer, of Ramsey.— A sermon was preached by the Rector, who took for his text Matthew. XI cp., 3, 4, and 5th ver "Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another."

Dinner was prepared in the School-room, and having had a long business meeting and attended service, the members were quite prepared for it. On the motion of Mr T. Vondy. the Rector was voted to the chair. The excellent provision made was partaken of heartily. The following ladies presided at the tables :—Mrs Lace, Miss Lace. and Miss Winnie Christian, of Kiondough: Misses Quayle, Village; Misses Teare, Ballaskilley: Misses Teare. Ballalhergy; Miss Teare and Miss Christian, OrristaL

Before many had finished the meal the melodous strains were heard of the Volunteer band, under bandmaster Mr Thomas Gray,a gentleman well-known to many folk at Bride. In a very short time a crowd gathered in the adjoining road to listen to the band, which after dinner was escorted to the green-sward and during the afternoon played the following programme of music:—

1 March— "The Soldiers of the Queen,"
2 Waltz—"Cordova." Gomez
3 Overture—"Les Deux Magats," Bouillon
4 Song— "The Better Land." Cowen
5 Selection—".Populonia" Williams
6 Spur Dance—" Carcooinci,'' Asen
7 Galop—"Sleigh," Kuhner
God Save the Queen.

The various items were followed with intelligent interest by the large company, and who were loud in the praises of Mr Gray and his excellent band. The cornet solo "The Better Land," by Sergeant John Gray, was a treat which everyone apparently appreciated to the full. "The Soldiers of the Queen" was repeated by special request.

Ramsey Courier, Friday, 26th May 1899;

Club Festival at Bride

The members of the Bride Friendly Union held their annual dinner and meeting in the Parochial Schoolroom. Bride, on Tuesday. The weather was anything but propitious, and for the third year successively the members have had plenty of rain and wind to spoil the festivities, it is to be hoped that the clerk of weather may have his attention drawn to this fact, and that next year a fine day may be arranged. However. the Union has come nobly out of it all, and not merely holding out, but is making progress financially, The Union is in a decidedly better state than last year, having an increase for the year of £20, and a total capital of £460. The membership numbers 35.

At the annual business meeting, Mr Thomas Vondy, who has several times successfully filled the office, was appointed president in succession to Mr W. Joughin, Ballaquark, and Mr J B. Butterworth wa unanimously appointed secretary. Mr Jas. Corlett and Mr R. Caley were appointed Stewards. After the business meeting, the members, headed by the splendid band of the 5th L.V.A., marched to Church, where the annual sermon was preached by the Rev G. W. Gregson, curate of Andreas, the Rector, the Rev D. S. Cowley, being off the Island. Mr Henson, brother to Mrs D. S. Cowley, presided at the organ.

The members and a few invited guests sat down to an excellent dinner afterwards, which was served in good style by the following ladies: Mrs Christian, blacksmith: Miss Christian, Miss Kaighen, Curragh Beg,. Miss Kissack, Phurt, Mrs Teare. Ballaskilley ; Mrs Teare and Miss Teare. and Miss Quirk. Ballavarkish. Messrs C. Kneale and H. Hutcheon acted in the capacity of stewards.

After dinner, Mr T. Vondy made a few remarks upon the excellent position of the Club, and complimented the Band on their excellent performances. Mr C. B Nelson, J.P., the Captain ot the Parish, appealed to the young men of the Parish to join the Union, but his appeal to the bachelors of the parish to do their duty was more eloquent and struck home, so we are informed. The band, which was under the conductorship of Mr Gray, deserved every word of praise accorded them for their excellent services.

However it would appear that a decision to close the club was taken shortly afterwards as no further reports of the Club procession can be found.

The final notice was in Isle of Man Times, 12th December 1903

HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE.

Ramsey, Nov. 30th, 1903. (Before Deemster Moore.)

Ann Jane Pass and Margaret Ann Pass Next of Kin of Richard Pass.— Mr LaMothe said this was a petition to have a trustee appointed to pay out a bond for £20 passed to the President and Stewards of Kirk Bride Union Friendly Society.— John Teare was appointed to administer so far as related to a certain bond passed by John Christian and wife to the President and Stewards of Kirk Bride Club in 1864.

There are only eight recorded deeds - tba

Any comments, errors or omissions gratefully received The Editor HTML Transcription © F.Coakley , 2026