The founding couple of the Isle of Man Victorian Society have been honoured for their 50 years of service at a special anniversary lunch.

Peter and Ruth Kelly received an illuminated address in recognition of their contribution to the society at a celebration held at the Falcon’s Nest Hotel in Port Erin earlier this month.

The presentation came as the organisation marked its golden jubilee, having been established in 1976 to help protect the island’s Victorian and Edwardian buildings.

The society’s current chairman, Dave Martin, presented the address to the couple as a surprise towards the end of the lunch, which was attended by members of the organisation.

The address was painted by Colleen Corlett and features the society’s logo, depicting the head of Douglas’s Jubilee Clock.

Talking about the clock and the society’s history, Peter said: ‘The clock was presented to the town by George W. Dumbell in 1887 to mark Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee. Its hands point to 11 o’clock, symbolising the society’s efforts to save historic buildings, often at the 11th hour.

‘During the summer of 1976 a party of Victorian Society members from England came to the island under the leadership of architect Marti Evans. Prior to coming, they were put in touch with 27-year-old Onchan historian me (Peter Kelly).

‘I rearranged part of their itinerary and guided them around Victorian Douglas on foot. Twelve months later, me and my wife Ruth called together four likeminded friends on October 1 and put forward the suggestion of forming a Victorian Society in the island.’

The society now has more than 300 members.

The society’s history and work will also be explored at a free public lecture at the Manx Museum on Saturday, October 31, at 2.30pm.

The annual event will feature a PowerPoint presentation by Peter Kelly and is open to the public.