People whose impact on Manx life has been formally recognised by Tynwald now have their names on public display.

Boards have been installed at St John’s Chapel to show the Manx Patriots’ Roll of Honour and to list recipients of the more recent Tynwald Honour.

The Manx Patriots’ Roll of Honour provides formal recognition to deceased people who made an outstanding contribution to Manx life. The Tynwald Honour is awarded to living individuals.

The boards were made by the Manx Workshop for the Disabled.

There are currently 25 names on the Manx Patriots’ Roll of Honour, ranging from Godred Crovan to Mona Douglas.

It recognises commitment to the Isle of Man and is not restricted to people who were born here or of Manx parentage.

President of Tynwald, Steve Rodan MLC said: ’The honours boards are fitting tributes to those men and women, past and present, whose selfless dedication to the Manx community has contributed immeasurably to the quality of life and wellbeing we are all fortunate to enjoy in the Isle of Man.’

Beach Buddies founder Bill Dale is the most recent recipient of the Tynwald Honour, in recognition of his public service and charitable work.

He said: ’I really hope that lots of people feel that they share the Tynwald Honour, especially the thousands of volunteers who have been involved with Beach Buddies over the last five years.

’To have my name on the Tynwald Honour Board in the church is something which I hope everyone involved with Beach Buddies feels that they share.’

The Manx Workshop for the Disabled, which is celebrating its 35th anniversary, began work on the boards earlier this year.

They have been crafted out of Manx ash, the frames are in sapele and the boards were finished in teak oil before being installed.

Beach Buddies’ work has been recognised with an article in the USA. For more details, see this week’s Manx Independent.