The past will be celebrated and future plans unveiled at an event to mark five years since the formation of Rushen Heritage Trust.

The event takes place at Port St Mary town hall on Monday next week (September 9) from 6.30pm.

It will include updates on the Trust’s plans for a heritage centre on the site of the former bus shelter in Bridson Street, Port Erin, along with news on other projects in the pipeline, and details of the launch of Living with the Sea, the Trust’s latest book, which focuses on the history of Port St Mary from 1829-1979.

Hugh Davidson, who has taken over as interim chairman from Juan Watterson MHK, said: ’This is an opportunity for everyone interested in the heritage of the beautiful south to have your say and get involved.

’The Trust has enjoyed a wonderful first five years, with seven exhibitions, attracting more than 10,000 visitors, many successful social events, and the publication of three excellent books on aspects of Rushen history, with the fourth, Living with the Sea, to be published in October.’

He added: ’The next three years offer exciting opportunities for us, with the focus being the opening of the Tree Archyn (Three Arches) Heritage Centre in Port Erin.

’We are putting together a team to run the heritage centre and will need volunteers to help.’

The event is free to attend. To help the Trust gauge interest those wishing to attend are asked to contact Trust coordinator John Quirk on [email protected] or 464634.