Castletown and District Over-60s Club held a special anniversary celebration recently at Morton Hall.

The evening marked 60 years since the club was inaugurated in August 1960 and 50 years since the hall was officially opened on July 27, 1970.

The dinner was well attended by members and special guests included Lord Gort, whose father Lt Commander Kim Vereker MHK officially opened the building in 1970.

Morton Hall was funded by voluntary contributions from within the community of Castletown and by a special donation from Mr and Mrs Morton who lived at Cronkbourne House in Douglas.

Another special guest for the evening was Geoff Karran MBE, TH who made a speech and toast reflecting the history of the club.

Mr Karran, a former Castletown resident, has been continuously involved with the club since the 1960s when he as a young advocate.

The hall was built by local volunteer tradesmen and it continues to provide a valuable facility and a venue for events and family occasions for the wider community.

The evening started with a drinks welcome reception hosted by former Chief Minister Tony Brown OBE who is the club’s current president and chairman.

The guests and members were then treated to a wonderful meal provided by Sally Ennett and Tracey Dent and many of their friends.

The meal was followed by good Manx entertainment provided by singer Paul Costain with Jill Collings on piano, and then by Dot Tilbury and Geoff Corkish, with their colleague Kath on piano.

There was a big raffle and the club would thank all the businesses and many individuals who donated prizes especially during these somewhat difficult times for many.