The Winter Hill air disaster is ’something that we shouldn’t forget’, say members of the Rotary Club of Douglas.

A service was held this week to commemorate the 61st anniversary of the crash on the slopes of Winter Hill, near Horwich in Lancashire, that claimed the lives of 35 Manx residents.

The flight from the island to Manchester had 42 people on board.

Poems were read and a wreath was laid in the presence of those 35 people’s relatives and friends at the memorial plaque in Cooil-y-Ree Park, St John’s.

One of those who took part in reading a poem was Howard Callow, the former president of the club, which organises the commemorative event every year.

’The families and friends of the people who died still want to come along and commemorate and remember their loved ones,’ he said.

’It was very interesting to meet the people and hear their stories, which are very fresh and still has the power to bring tears to people’s eyes.

’As long as people want to come along we’ll keep organising it. The younger generation is coming along now.’

He added: ’At the time the impact it had on the island was horrendous. It was a terrible, terrible event and is something that we shouldn’t forget.’

The poem he read out to the crowd numbering about 30 was written by Kathleen Faragher.

’It’s one we tend to run every year,’ he said. ’It’s a very moving piece. She wrote it near enough immediately after the event in the late 50s.’

Jean Guthrie read a poem by David Harkins called ’Remember Me’ and Ellan Vannin Pipe Band, comprised of John Struthers and Guy Pickard on bagpipes, gave ’very atmospheric music’ Mr Callow said.

The president of the Rotary Club of Douglas, David Gawne, introduced the commemoration and the names of the 35 who died were read out by David North and Bob Dowty. Refreshments were later held at Green’s Cafe.