Onchan Commissioners have held a rare civic reception to recognise resident Peter Kelly for his contribution to preserving and highlighting the island’s architectural history.

The reception was held on Monday, August 3, in recognition of Mr Kelly’s work over his adult life researching and bringing attention to the history of buildings and architecture across the Isle of Man, particularly in Onchan.

It followed another significant honour for Mr Kelly at this year’s Tynwald Day ceremony.

After members and officials returned to the Chapel of St John following proceedings on Tynwald Hill, Mr Kelly was formally presented with the Tynwald Honour.

The award recognises an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to Manx life over a significant period.

Mr Kelly became the 12th person to receive the honour and only the fifth living recipient entitled to use the post-nominal letters TH.

The sterling silver badge associated with the honour was presented by the then President of Tynwald, Laurence Skelly, who also read a citation outlining Mr Kelly’s voluntary work over the years.

At the civic reception, Onchan Commissioners chairman Anthony Allen outlined Mr Kelly’s contribution, which began when he was just 16.

On behalf of the board, he presented Mr Kelly with a specially engraved Waterman fountain pen to commemorate the occasion.

Mr Kelly thanked the commissioners and noted it was the second time they had formally recognised his achievements.

The first was in 1998, following his award of an MBE for services to conservation and the people of the Isle of Man.

Mr Kelly’s wife Ruth, who has worked alongside him over the years, was also recognised at the reception and presented with a bouquet of flowers.