The Methodist Ladies’ Luncheon Club met for its annual general meeting at Mount Murray Golf Club on Wednesday, March 24.

It was decided that next year’s president would be Sheila Astill with Barbara Kinnish as vice president, Norma Cowell as secretary and Sue Collier to remain as treasurer.

The committee would be unchanged.

The choice of topics for next year was raised. Monthly meetings on every third Wednesday were to continue.

To entertain us, an interesting and informative talk was given by Panda Dooley about ’Manor Ark’, a project to help children and young people and others when needed.

Panda - christened Angelina - described her childhood in Germany and Hong Kong in a military family with a Quayle connection to the Isle of Man where she eventually returned.

A strongly-committed Christian, she became dedicated to children’s welfare and promoting the best in life for them in raising their aspirations.

In 2014 she was prepared to act with an employment journal of her plans.

The old police station in Pulrose, a neglected building, would be used for a rescue project and Douglas Corporation donated it for one pound a year. Other money was received for a good start and with the help of volunteers they made much restoration and alteration and fitted the building for its new use.

From its site near Manor Park School and from Noah’s Ark for rescued folk, the enterprise got its name Manor Ark.

Friday nights from 7pm to 9pm were chosen for drop-in time with a number of volunteers welcoming all comers. Secondary school-aged children were encouraged

Apparently, some gang culture exists in the island and emphasis must be on giving respect to people and property, calm language and no blaspheming.

Transgressors would be given three warnings and then they must leave but they are made aware that they could return.

Welcome refreshments were given and emphasis placed on good behaviour.

Coffee, chat and cake days were held to find out what people wanted.

Once the building had been opened up it poured with rain for eight weeks and few turned up!

Undaunted by setbacks the group visited houses and schools to help where needed, started holiday and homework clubs, gave lessons on Tuesday evenings to less academic children and promoted story reading in schools with pre-school children coming to join in.

Apparently Tuesday lessons enabled some children to climb five steps up the attainment ladder.

There was an aim to have a Scripture Union presence in every Primary school. All this success and effort continues.

An emphasis on the magic of Christmas and Easter, the sharing of school assembles and lovely songs, encouraging and listening to children and one to one mentoring reflects the vision of the Biblical Ark as a place of refuge, confidence and security.

Panda Dooley should be very proud of the headway she has made in promoting positive relationships, family values and good social progress in the community.

An appreciative vote of thanks was given to Panda by Marion Teare.