'But when that family is threatened we come together as one and draw on our collective strength.'

A speech by Treasury Minister Allan Bell summed up the mood at the Awards for Excellence as he described the Island's community as being like an extended family.

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>>Click here to watch a photo slideshow from Thursday night's gala ceremony

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These are tough times for the Isle of Man with the effects of an unprecedented international financial crisis being compounded by a series of attacks on our way of life by the UK government.

Mr Bell made reference to the Isle of Man's Three Legs symbol and 'wherever it falls it shall stand' motto and how the Island's community would reflect this spirit in the face of pressure from Westminster.

His reputation as the Isle of Man Government's most capable minister was enhanced by his speech and the rousing reception he received was evidence that he had struck exactly the right note.

It was also evidence of the respect in which he is held by many.

If Mr Bell won the minds of the members of the audience at the Villa Marina on Thursday, it was Lady Walker who won their hearts.

She was invited onto the stage to accompany her husband Sir Miles, the Isle of Man's first chief minister.

The invitation was for the presentation of a lifetime achievement award.

The audience no doubt assumed it was an award destined for Sir Miles, and judging by Lady Walker's reaction she thought that too.

But the accolade went to Lady Walker for her charity work, especially in relation to the hospice.

Tributes via video screen were led by President of Tynwald Noel Cringle but it was the comments from Lady Walker's own family and Sir Miles that were most moving.

'I've never been more surprised in my whole life,' said Lady Walker who was obviously overwhelmed by the award.

The emotion of the lifetime achievement award would have been a fitting finale for the evening but there was one more surprise in store.

Tributes to Manx servicemen and women in the armed forces brought a new perspective to the evening and put anyone's worries about taxation and finance into a new light.

The appearance by forces' sweetheart Dame Vera Lynn via a video message, and with her waving a Manx flag, brought a big cheer followed by a standing ovation for armed forces members past and present who stood to attention on the Villa Marina stage.

Pick up a copy of the Isle of Man Examiner - in shops Monday - which will feature a special 64-page supplement on the Awards for Excellence

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AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE 2009 WINNERS

The Sefton Award for public sector achievement of the year
Isle of Man Constabulary

The Microgaming Award for customer service
RBS International

The Appleby Award for excellence in the use of technology
Celton Manx

The Tynwald Mills Award for small/medium enterprise of the year
Manx2

The Cube Award for volunteer of the year
Angie Aire

The Barclays Wealth Award for charity cultural and social responsibility
Age Concern

The RBS Coutts Award for marketing and PR effectiveness
Manx Telecom

The Celton Manx Award for corporate social responsibility
Britannia International

The Abacus Award for innovation and independent thinking
Microgaming

The Britannia International Award for young achiever of the year
Naomi Finch

The Isle of Man Post Office Award for teamwork
Hospice

The Conister Bank Award for people management and development
Swagelok

The Domicilium Award for public sector person of the year
Brian Johnson

The Isle of Man Bank Award for company of the year
Isle of Man Creamery

The Collins Stewart Award for business person of the year
Bill Mummery

Isle of Man Government Award for freedom to flourish
Isle of Man Children's Centre

Lifetime Achievement Award
Lady Walker