Life as a submariner is the subject of this autumn’s Quilliam lecture.The lectures celebrate Arbory parish’s unique link to the Battle Trafalgar through former resident John Quilliam, who steered Nelson’s flagship in the conflict.

Polaris submarine commanding officer John Tottenham will give the low down on life under the waves in a nuclear submarine. Commander Tottenham is well known in the island as a former ADC to the Lieutenant Governor, and chairman and supporter of T.S. Manxman, the sea cadet unit. A prvious lecture in 2014 already looked at submarine life in a talk by the skipper of a hunter-killer submarine.

Member of the Quilliam Group Phil Smith, which organises the events, said: ’We hope that once again the title will intrigue our audience who are promised an insight into the very different life led by those submariners whose role it was to remain undetected as our protection from possible aggressors. We look forward to a stimulating and informative evening.’The lecture - on Thursday September 27 - is earlier than usual. It celebrates Captain Quilliam’s birthday, which he shared with Admiral Lord Nelson on September 29.Also this year there are extra events surrounding Trafalgar Day on October 21, when the lecture is usually held. The group is jointly hosting, with T. S. Manxman, a formal Trafalgar dinner on Friday, October 19, followed by a Trafalgar Day service on October 21 at Arbory Church, when the Lord Bishop of Sodor and Man the Right Reverend Peter Eagles will be preaching.

Tickets for the lecture are available from the Bridge Bookshop in Port Erin and Ramsey, from Mike Berry, phone 824550 or Phil Smith, phone 832146/495146, or email [email protected].

Admission is by ticket only. These are free of charge but there will be a retiring collection to provide funds for further Quilliam Group projects.

The lecture starts at 7.45pm, but it is advised to arrive 30 minutes in advance to ensure parking and enjoy some warm-up entertainment and a quiz.