As an island nation, we have a strong fascination with the sea and all that pertains to it, so there are many good reasons for visiting the maritime-themed photo exhibition that has opened at Ramsey town hall.

Wryly titled ’There’s a Boat in the Morning’, it showcases around 200 photographs and postcard images from Ray Stanfield’s collection.

Many of them are very rare and some have not been shown before.

The images include the Star of India on the stocks at the Shipyard prior to its launch in 1863, ships of special interest including Steam Packet vessels camouflaged for war service, the ’Ben boats’ belonging to Ramsey Steam Ship Company, and many superb images of Ramsey’s working harbour from the past to the present.

The exhibition is the latest to be organised by Les Clarke and Michael Starkey.

Les has a special interest in maritime matters, having been a ship’s cook in the Merchant Navy for many years.

Les said: ’We are a seafaring nation and most Manx families have a connection with the sea. It’s in our blood.

’We hope that people will come from further afield than just Ramsey to see the exhibition, as there is something of interest to everyone’.

Sponsorship for the exhibition has once again been provided by local law firm, Cains Gordon Bell, by covering the cost of photocopying and providing a new set of display boards.

Paul Kinnin, a director of the firm, explained: ’We are grateful to Les and his colleagues for the opportunity to sponsor this exhibition, which will be of interest to people from all parts of the island, not just Ramsey’.

The exhibition will be open daily (except Sunday) throughout National Week, until Friday next week (July 7).

Admission to the exhibition is free, but any donations will go to the King George’s Fund for Sailors.