Six months on, the future of the Maughold Crosses is looking more promising.

In May a requisition meeting concluded that urgent action needed to be taken to preserve these ancient monuments and the cross house in Kirk Maughold churchyard.

The carved stone cross collection dating back to early medieval times is widely recognised by scholars as being of international as well as national importance.

The May meeting was instigated by Pam Kerruish, prompted by her concern about the deteriorating state of the shelter and the possible effect on the crosses.

The main problem was that the crosses are owned by the Church of England with guardianship vested in Manx National Heritage.

This led to the formation of a committee comprising parishioners and representatives of the Church and MNH, who were tasked with formulating short and long term plans, to report back after six months.

A follow-up meeting was held last week to present their recommendations.

Around 30 people attended the gathering, chaired by Clare Christian CP.

Among those present was the new director of Manx National Heritage, Connie Lovel, who, focussing on the rich history and cultural heritage of Kirk Maughold, spoke about the potential for the crosses to be promoted and valued internationally.

The committee put forward three recommendations for consideration:

Firstly, that short term priority should be given to refurbishing the Cross House, installing appropriate lighting to illuminate the crosses and to creating a full, ongoing maintenance schedule to preserve the building for the next 10 years or more.

Secondly, in the longer term, it was suggested that an extension be built onto the Parish Hall to provide a modern facility to display, protect and provide enhanced interpretation of the crosses.

The committee foresaw this as a project that would come to fruition within a decade and would involve refurbishment of the present hall so it could still be used as a community facility, complementary to a new interpretation centre for the Maughold Crosses. The principle of this project has the blessing of the Bishop. Plans would involve the establishment of a fundraising body with charitable status and the ability to seek grants and sponsorship.

To take this forward, the committee would need to consult with the Diocesan Advisory Committee, as well as MNH, the Church and planning and building control.

It is hoped a viability report could be available by the end of March 2022.

Thirdly, it was recommended that while the long-term project was being progressed, improved interpretation boards should be provided at the Cross House, as well as enhanced marketing.

The committee thanked the following for their advice and assistance: Director of MNH Connie Lovel and predecessor Edmund Southworth; Steve Blackford, John-Paul Walker, Chris Weeks, Andrew Johnson and Kirsty Neate from MNH; Tony Pass; churchwardens Clare Faulds and Jayne Corteen.

A lively discussion ensued with concerns raised about parking and the impact on the village being among the topics. The meeting broadly accepted the recommendations however, and the committee was given a mandate to take matters forward.