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The Editor
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© F.Coakley , 2026
[from A.M Harrision's Descriptive List of Insular Societies]
Provided for the miners by the proprietor, Captain Bawden, combining philanthropy with prudent self-interest, the institute was designed for the recreation and instruction of a large number of men who often found some difficulty in settling down in a small village with relatively little to offer in the way of amenities.
The institute included a library with magazines, newspapers and periodicals and the opportunity of night classes, one in learning the Manx language, or the chance to join a choir or band.
M.N.H.L.. Isle of Man newspapers, ut supra et passim
...
Mona's Herald, Wednesday, 24th December 1856
IMPROVEMENT OF THE WORKING CLASSES.
There has been recently established at Foxdale, a working man's church institute, having for its object "the promotion of the well-being of its members, by providing means for their instruction and recreation, in the establishment of a reading room and library, the delivery of lectures, and the holding of classes and meetings for conveying religious and useful information." The school room is opened for the purposes of the institute three evenings a week, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, from 6 to 9. Through the liberality of the Mining Company, there is already a good library; the reading room is well supplied with papers and periodicals, and several evening classes have been formed; in fact the institute is laken up with much spirit, and promises to do well, and will doubtless prove a blessing to the class of people for whose benefit it has been instituted, and to the district at large. The opening public lecture was delivered last night by the Rev. Dr. Dixon, of Castletown. The subject of the lecture was " Self culture."
Manx Sun, Saturday, 7th March 1857;
MUSICAL FESTIVAL AT FOXDALE
Between two and three months back our readers were informed of the formation at Foxdale of a Working Man's Church Institute, having for its object the instruction and recreation of the working classes. The Institute, with its reading-room, library, lliectures, and evening classes, has been found to be well adapted to the wants of this increasingly prosperous mining district. It already numbers nearly 100 members, and the lectures that have been delivered during the winter months have been well attended. The efforts of the president of the Institute, the chaplain of Foxdale, having of late been engaged in endeavouring to promote the welfare and provide for the necessities of the miners on their monthly pay-day, the Institute has been brought to bear upon the subject by arranging for some sort of amusement for them specially on that day. when they are so liable to be tempted to spend their time and money at the beerhouse.
This was begun with sigifcant success on Friday of last week, when an arrangement was made for a Musical Festival, the servics of Mr. Carran, of Castletown, Mrs. Fargher and Mr. Mayle, of Douglas, and the Foxdale Church choir being secured. There was a very large attendance, particularly of the miners and their wives; abont 350 persons having takes tea, the concert began, the schoolroom (the largest available place to be had) being crowded. A most pleasant evening was spent, the singing being much admired, and the concourse appearing exceedingly delighted, thus showing that efforts for the recreation and innocent amusement of the working classes are appreciated by them.
Manx Sun, Saturday, 15th January 1859
FOXDALE MINES' WORKING MAN'S INSTITUTE.
On Wednesday last Foxdale was the scene of much animation and busy preparation for the social treat provided for the miners and their families on the evening of the half holiday that had been given them for their soiree. Early in the afternoon groups of persons, old and young, might be seen, with bright, happy countenances, and in holiday attire, wending their way over the mountains to the centre of attraction; while the enlivening strains of the Foxdale band were wafted on the breeze, and fell upon the ears of the approaching visitors in full bursts of harmony, and anon in softened and sweet cadences, imparting a thrill of pleasure and delight to every heart. On entering the village the roads were seen crowded with a large assemblage of persons anticipating the pleasure of a happy evening together.
The handsome room of the Institute was very tastefully decorated with evergreens, mottoes, and other embellishments; and the ladies who presided at the several tea-tables were most unremitting in their attentions to the assembled guests, among whom were several of the neighbouring clergy, and though the company numbered nearly five hundred, and the limited space of the reading room allowed but a small proportion of that number to be admitted and accommodated at once, still their kind entertainers never seemed to weary in their exertions, but did all in their power to afford them a comfortable repast. The provision was excellent and ample, and much praise is due to the excellent and active manager of the mines—Captain Bawden—and his family, to Mr. Whitaker, the secretary,and to the committee of management and their wives, for the excellent arrangements made for the entertainment of so large a company. In fact, no exertions were spared on the part of all connected with the mines to afford their workmen and friends a pleasant and agreeable evening.
After tea the company adjourned to the National School-room, which they completely filled. The worthy Vicar of the parish, the Rev. A. Holmes, who is always ready to lend a helping hand to everything tending to promote the well-being of his parishioners, was then called to the chair, and gave a very interesting address, embodying much valuable counsel and advice on the practical duties of Christianity, and the benefits and blessings of a religious life.
A few words were next addressed to those present by the Chaplain of Foxdale, who was followed by the Rev. J. Garde, Chaplain of St, John's, and the Rev. Charles Hill, Chaplain of Dalby, both of whom spoke in the most energetic and impressive manner on the various topics connected with such an institute, in their intellectual, moral, and religious tendencies.
An additional interest was imparted to the meeting by the miners themselves being invited by the chairman to speak a word to their fellow-workmen. After a little solicitation, Richard Quayle, a miner, stood up and addressed the meeting in a very feeling and sensible manner, expressing his deep appreciation of the benefits they all might derive from such a valuable institution. It was most gratifying to hear his assurance of the sentiments of respect entertained by the miners towards their esteemed captain, and the necessity that existed in every situation and circumstance of life of having one placed in authority to direct, control, and command.
An address in the Manx language was then delivered by another miner, Thomas Christian, on the wonderful works of God's creation, and the rich provision made for the wants of his creatures. He reminded them of the Almighty's decree, that man should eat bread by the sweat of his brow, and that labour being a duty, was also honourable and profitable; that the earth was full of his goodness, and the bowels of the earth were filled with treasure to reward the labourer's toil. His earnestly uttered expressions seemed to come home to the hearts of most of his hearers, enunciated as they were in the language that is dear to the heart of every Manxman.
The performances of the band and choir were much applauded, and greatly enlivened the pleasures of the evening. Votes of thanks were given to the clergy, who had kindly come from a distance to lend their aid on the interesting occasion to the captain, and those associated with him, for the agreeable and liberal entertainment they had provided; and to the ladies, who had so kindly, efficiently, and indefatigably presided at the tea-tables. The company separated a little before ten o'clock, apparently much gratified with the treat they had enjoyed.
We are gratified to learn that the Foxdale Institute, though but in its infancy, is in a flourishing condition. Its members number about fifty; all of whom were admitted to the soiree free. By a monthly subscription of three pence, members are entitled to the loan of books from a well-selected library, and to the use of the institute, which is well lighted and warmed on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday evenings, and supplied with newspapers, magazines, and other periodicals. There is also a night-school on those evenings, and gratuitous instruction provided for all members who wish to avail themselves of it. Such an institution is well deserving of every encouragement and support, and we most heartily wish it success.
Manx Sun, Saturday, 14th January 1860
FOXDALE. MINES' WORKING MEN'S INSTITUTE.
On Thursday last a tea party and soiree was given at the Working Men's Institute, Foxdale. At four o'clock, the guests began to assemble and the teatables were well supplied with guests. As one party retired, others took their places ; and a succession of visitors continued to arrive till seven o'clock. From five to six hundred persons avere present, and throughout the whole evening the greatest order and propriety prevailed amongst the numerous assemblage. The room was tastefully decorated for the occasion, with wreaths of evergreens, flags and flowers, and exhibited a most festive aspect. The ladies at the several teatables were most unremitting in the exercise of their hospitality to the guests, as they successively presented themselves.
Several well-executed performances on the piano-forte filled up the intervals that occurred during the evening. As each party retired from the tea-tables, it proceeded to the school-room, which was lighted up with three handsome chandeliers and an illuminated Christmas tree.
Before the hour of seven the room was completely filled. A gentleman from Douglas remarked that he had been present at many such meetings in different parts of the kingdom, but had never anywhere witnessed so respectable, quiet, and orderly an assemblage of people as avere there collected together. On the platform, with the Chaplain of Foxdale, were some of the neighbouring clergy, who had kindly come over to lend their aid on the interesting occasion. The Rev. Mr. Holmes, the vicar of the parish, was invited to take the chair. Several eloquent and stirring addresses avere delivered, applicable to the season, setting forth the advantages of such institutes as the one established there, and encouraging the young to avail themselves of the privileges thus placed within their reach. These were listened to with the most earnest attention, and evident delight. The interval between each address were diversified avith vocal and instrumental performances.
Much credit is due to Captain Bawden for his indefatigable efforts in making arrangements for the comfort and entertainment of so large a company. And the good order which universally prevailed throughout the whole evening can onl y he attributed to the high respect entertained towards him by the miners. Much praise is also due to Mr. Coley, and to Mr. Whittaker, the Secretary of the Committee, for the kind and active part they took in the operations preparatory for so large a meeting. The proceedings closed at nine o'clock, when many of the young people again adjourned to the Institute, where musical performances and other amusements awaited them. Thus terminated a very pleasant evening, and may each return of their annual festivity be attended with equally unalloyed gratification and intellectual and christian enjoyment.
Mona's Herald, Wednesday, 13th March 1861;
FOXDALE MINES' WORKING MEN'S INSTITITE,
A lecture was delivered at this Institute, on Tuesday last, by Mr. Coley, of Foxdale [Mine's Engineer], on the "Practical Application of Electricity to the Arts, Manufactures, &c." The lecturer, after explaining the sources of electricity as produced for such purposes, detailed at some length a variety of operations which were now performed by this wonderful and mysterious agency. The electro-plate process, or the system extensively employed at the present time of plating, gilding, and depositing metallic substances on other bodies, was explained and illustrated; also the application of electricity to the blasting of powder in mines, the destruction of sunken vessels, the electric light, the electric clock, and for the production of motive power were severally treated of; and the lecture concluded with a description of the electric and magnetic telegraphs both past and as at present used. Mr. Coley was assisted in his descriptions throughout by apparatus and a complete set of diagrams illustrative of the subject. It was much to be regretted that the state of the weather prevented many from enjoying a pleasant hour of useful and instructive information.
Manx Sun, Saturday, 7th February 1863
FOXDALE MINES' WORKING MEN'S INSTITUTE.
To the EDITOR of the MANX SUN.
SIR.Many of your readers may remember the erection of this institute, some four or five years ago. the object of which was to improve the moral and intellectual condition of the workmen employed on the Foxdale Mines. It was erected principally by the liberal contributions of the directors and shareholders of the mining company, combined with the aid of a few private individuals who had it- a\u2014are so much at heart.
This institute contains a large and well-selected library of books, principally, I believe, the gifts of the directors and shareholders ; local and other newspapers are supplied, and an evening school kept for the instruction of all who may attend. Combined with the zealous and earnest endeavours of the Company's principal agent to suppress as far as possible the sale of spirituons liquors, this institute has produced the happiest results in the neighbourhood. But now, it appears that the beneficial results derived from this institute are about to be crippled and virtually destroyed.
It has been notified by printed bills, posted at the Company's Works some twelve or fourteen days ago, that upon the last Friday in each month (being the monthly pay-day of the Company's men), that a certain spirit merchant and grocer would attend at the above institute "to receive orders from miners, &c. for goods, which would be forwarded free of carriage to Foxdale." To the surprise of many, and almost universal disgust of the workmen, this "merchant prince" in due course made his debut upon the boards of the institute, where, no doubt. the superior merits of fine-scented Pekoe, Souchong, and other teas, pure Bematague tobacco, old crusted Port, and golden Sherry, finest Cognac, Old Tom, and Negative, received their separate praises. Surely it can never be the intention of the committee to check in infancy the good results already attained, or allow this building to be used for any other purpose than that for which it was legitimately erected.
If it is their ultimate intention to convert this valuable institute into a pedlars' market, why not section it into stalls, for the accommodation of various traders, such as tailors, shoemakers, &c., who attend on the usual paydays, and not leave it solely occupied by one alone. Still it seems to me incredulous that a committee of six or eight gentlemen should unanimously sanction what has already taken place. Far be it from me to cast any aspersion upon the conduct of the committee, but surely some error must exist, when the uses of this building are so distorted and twisted to suit the ends of private individuals..
February 3rd, 1863. VERITAS.
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The Editor |
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