Tributes have been paid to the captain of Maughold parish, who died on Christmas Eve.

Hazel Lace, who was appointed Captain of the Parish in 2004, passed away peacefully at the Beaconsfield Nursing Home at the age of 77.

A service to celebrate her life was held last Friday at Maughold Parish Church.

Born Doreen Hazel Gelling at Meary Veg Farm in Santon in March 1940 to John and Emma Gelling, she was the 12th of 14 children.

From a very young age Hazel loved music and singing.

After the family moved from Santon to Barrose Farm in Baldrine, as a teenager Hazel spent many years playing the organ at Baldrine Chapel.

She went on to marry John Lace in June 1961 at All Saint’s Church in Lonan and moved to Ballasholague Bungalow at Glen Mona.

Just three years later in 1964 they purchased Thalloo Queen Farm where they together successfully farmed for 25 years winning many grassland and milk awards, as well as bringing up four children along the way - Karen, Stephen, Robert and Stuart.

Hazel’s hobbies included baking, sewing and gardening, and she was genuinely an expert in all fields.

Thalloo Ree

In 1990 John and Hazel retired from farming but kept 30 acres of the farm called Thalloo Mitchell, where they build their retirement home which they named Thalloo Ree.

It became their pride and joy. Together they landscaped a large garden and vegetable patch which more than kept them occupied.

There was always fierce competition with neighbour and friend Les Kneale as to who had the biggest fruit, vegetable or flower in the Maughold Parish Produce Show.

Lots of charity garden parties were hosted here as well as many happy family occasions.

Many will remember the garden at Thalloo Ree being winner of the Best Garden in Maughold in 2004.

Maughold Social Club played a large part in Hazel’s life, she and Madge Quayle having both approached Sir Charlies Kerruish with the idea of forming a club for the youngsters of the parish.

Many will remember Hazel for Parish Day at Maughold: there was never any cheating when Hazel was in charge of the sports!

Hazel served on Maughold Commissioners for 22 years, and was also church organist at the Dhoon Church, involved in all church events held there.

She and husband John were also the prime instigators of the Maughold Millennium Arboretum.

proud

Hazel was extremely proud of her family - Karen, Stephen, Robert and Stuart - and all they had achieved, along with eight grandchildren that followed.

All grandsons and a granddaughter have all followed in John Lace’s footsteps being motorbike mad. Hazel always enjoyed hearing about how they had performed in the weekend trials.

The next achievement was being awarded Captain of the Parish of Maughold in 2004, taking on the role following the death of Sir Charles Kerruish in 2003.

She held that position with great pride and thoroughly enjoyed the social occasions that came with the position.

Failing health forced the move from Thalloo Ree in 2015 into Ramsey, where she never really settled - home would always be Glen Mona.

Lieutenant Governor Richard Gozney said her death would be a great loss to the parish.

He said he plans to appoint a new Captain of the Parish in due course.