At a reception to mark the end of his second term as chairman of Ramsey Commissioners, Andy Cowie, announced that the ’Spirit of Ramsey’ shield would be awarded to Rosemary Mazzone.

The award was introduced in 2015 to recognise an ’unsung hero’ who demonstrated great community spirit.

’Rosemary, who is married to Toto and has six children of her own, started fostering children in 1992 when her youngest child was five,’ Mr Cowie said.

This has involved both short and long stay placements and she has fostered more than 40 children.

’She has been part of the Northern Athletic Club family for more than 40 years and worked with Ramsey Youth Club for a long period of time. She was a lunchtime ancillary worker at Ramsey Grammar School for many years and remained a stalwart of the School Association long after her children left school.

’She has been fighting cancer for more than 10 years and during this time she has organised the annual Ramsey Bra Dash and was awarded the British Empire Medal in 2017 for services to the youth and community of Ramsey.

’I’m sure you will all agree that Rosemary is a very worthy recipient of the "Spirit of Ramsey" and we wish her all the best.’

As she was unable to attend the reception, the award was presented to Rosemary at home.

Rosemary won the ’community champion’ title in Isle of Man Newspapers’ Pride in Mann awards in 2016 and who was awarded the British Empire Medal the same year.

Looking back over the past 12 months, Mr Cowie said it had been a year in which some important issues had been tackled. Top of the list was the Courthouse. Protracted negotiations were drawing to a successful conclusion and an announcement confirming the transfer from the Department of Home Affairs to the Commissioners was imminent.

’We still have a lot of work to do to ensure it is a successful and thriving facility that brings real benefits to the community and the town,’ he added.

The commissioners had taken over the operation of the Northern Civic Amenity Site from the Department of Infrastructure.

Thanks to the hard work and dedication of the staff, this had been a seamless transition he said and the authority was now reaping some benefits in terms of reduced costs.

They had also worked with Manx Utilities on the development of a new sewage treatment plant and pumping station at Balladoole, helping make northern beaches clean and safe to swim in again.

The commissioners continued to support the Royal British Legion in remembering Ramsey men who lost their lives in the First World War. Board representatives had attended no fewer than 38 commemorations of loss during the past year and would continue to do so.

He thanked his colleagues on the board and the town hall staff for their support. He expressed special thanks to Moira Chrystal for her tireless efforts, not only in organising the end of term reception ’but for everything she does for the commission - it is much appreciated by all of us’.