Thirty-two members of the London Manx Society met for the organisation’s annual lunch.

It took place at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel in Southampton Row.

Among the people who attended were Paul Allott, Douglas and Margarita Barr-Hamilton, Voirrey and Robin Carr, Stewart Christian, Bryan and Sheila Corrin, Meryl Cowley, Edna and Colin Flint, Rose Fowler, Sheila and Colin Gill, Maron Honeyborne, Alastair Kneale, Sally and Peter Miller, John and Ethel Qualtrough, Maisie Sell, Alan and Pam Townsend, Jim and Sue Wood, Peter Nash, Melodie and Harry Waddingham, Sam and Mary Weller, Elizabeth and Nicholas Watson.

Memebers enjoyed at meal starting with leek and potato soup with croutons and cream, following it with a main course of roast loin of pork with a garnish of lardons, onions, mushrooms and red wine sauce then tucking into a caramel apple crumble. Coffee and mints followed, then the toasts.

After the loyal toast, past president Alastair Kneale toasted the Land of Our Birth recalling the Snaefell Mine disaster 100 years ago as well as good times on the island.

President Bryan Corrin toasted guests and the guest of honour, Alan Townsend MBE FRCOG, replied with fascinating account of his long career most of which he spent as consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at Nobles’s Hospital up to his retirement in 1995 and giving an insight into the way the provision of health care has evolved both on the island and in the United Kingdom.

A raffle was drawn. The top prize, donated by the Steam Packet, was the free carrying of a car and two passengers to and from Douglas. It was won by Rose Fowler.

Other prizes included a first edition Hall-Caine novel and delicious home-made truffles.

The meeting ended with the singing of Ellan Vannin.