Manx charity Culture Vannin is inviting individuals and community groups to apply for support through its grant scheme, following the successful completion of a new interpretation board for the St Mark’s Heritage Trail.

The new board, located in the centre of the hamlet, was designed and manufactured locally and provides a focal point for visitors exploring the trail and discovering the story of St Mark’s.

The project was developed by Mike Norrey, who said: ‘The trail highlights for visitors to the area the cultural changes which have taken place over the past 250 years in establishing and developing the Hamlet of St Mark’s.

‘The interpretation board provides detailed information on the church and associated registered buildings comprising this hamlet.

‘This forms part of a wider project which will have web-based sources available through Malew Commissioners' website and St Mark’s Heritage Trail Facebook page.’

The trail identifies 21 sites of interest, including information on the development of the school and school house, the church, and the individuals who helped shape the hamlet over time.

Chris Williamson, vice-chair of Culture Vannin, said: ‘At Culture Vannin we work to promote, celebrate and develop the living culture of the Isle of Man.

‘While many people know us for our support of music, folklore and the Manx language, our remit is far wider and reflects the full breadth of island life.

‘Through our grant awards, we work in partnership with communities to take our culture forward in practical, meaningful ways – supporting projects that are of the island or associated with the island and its people.

‘This includes work across history, architecture, archaeology, ecology, law, crafts, industrial development and other areas of cultural importance.

‘The St Mark’s Heritage Trail is a strong example of how local initiative, supported through funding, can help bring place, history and community identity together in a lasting way.’

Culture Vannin welcomes applications from individuals, groups, and organisations, whether based in the Isle of Man or further afield. Grants typically range from £500 to £5,000, although there is no fixed upper or lower limit depending on the scale and nature of the project.

Becky McSevney, operations officer at Culture Vannin, confirmed: ‘Our board meets four times a year to review applications.

‘The grant scheme supports a wide range of activity including: community outreach and skills development opportunities; festivals and events that bring people together; publishing the Isle of Man’s stories in print or online; recording traditional or original Manx music for CD or streaming platforms; and supporting academic research that deepens understanding of the island’s rich heritage.

‘If potential applicants have any questions about the process, or would like to talk through an idea before applying, please get in touch. The team is always happy to help, and we often find that early conversations with our officers can lead to stronger applications.’

Find out more and apply online at https://culturevannin.im/grantsandawards/grants/ or call 01624 694756.