A small snapshot of island and community life has been captured in a newly released short film about Caley’s Store in Sulby.

After more than 70 years, the beloved shop is still part of the community.

The film has been produced by Culture Vannin. Online and education resources officer James Franklin said: ’It is an attempt to capture the heart of the place, in the awareness that such traditional village stores are becoming increasingly rare by the year.

’It is a part of our mission to record the changing face of the Isle of Man, but it is also just a celebration of this much loved heart of a community.’

In the film, it is explained that Raymond Caley, the popular former owner who died in 2017 left his shop to long-time colleague Graham Garrett and told him to ’just get on with it’ in running the shop and post office.

Mr Garrett told the Manx Independent: ’There are not many proper Manx community shops left, those left and that way of village life is a dying way of life unfortunately.

’In my eyes, this film is a tribute to Mr Caley, it is a pity it wasn’t done when he was alive but it’s a great tribute to the man who to many was Mr Sulby.’

The film shows some regulars who frequent the shop, as well as a few choice mementos from past years including a young Guy Martin standing behind the counter.

Ronnie Fairbairn features and reveals he has been going to the shop for years saying: ’It’s the same shop you always know ’em. I’ve been coming here since he (Mr Garrett) was a kid’.

Jimmy Buttery says: ’I’ve been coming here since about 1975. Little things change but it’s mostly the same shop.’

Peter Fargher also provides an insight into what makes Mr Garrett popular with customers: ’Graham is a fount of knowledge. What you don’t know, you find out in here, even if you just come in for a chat.’

Even though times have changed, Caley’s Store still sells newspapers, milk and eggs but also loose fruit and veg and sweets by the pound.

Mr Garret concluded by saying: ’It’s unique for the people that come in, but also convenient, they can shop and get their pension so it’s a routine for many. Some do just come in for a drink and a chat, and everyone is always welcome, which really are the core values a community should have.’

The film can be found on Culture Vannin’s website or search for ’Caley’s Store, Sulby, Isle of Man’ on YouTube.