Work is underway on the creation of the new Tree Archyn Rushen Heritage Centre in Port Erin.

The former bus shelter and public toilet site in Bridson Street will serve as a multi-purpose base to support Rushen Heritage Trust’s activities, with the centre planned to open next Easter.

Rushen Heritage Trust is holding an open day for people to find out more about Tree Archyn next Friday, October 9, from 2pm-8pm at St Catherine’s Church Hall in Church Road, Port Erin.

Pamela Crowe, who is leading the team that will run the centre, said: 'It is wonderful to finally see work underway on Tree Archyn.

'It will be used for small exhibitions, talks and meetings and provide a visitor centre for the Rushen area.

'The open day is an opportunity for the public, and our volunteers, to drop by St Catherine’s Church Hall for a drink and a chat, to see the plans It is an ideal opportunity for anyone who is interested in getting involved with our team to come along and learn more.’

The building project is being managed by quantity surveyor Robert Graham and Rushen Heritage Trust treasurer Ali Graham, with the work being undertaken by J&J Building Contractors.

Ali said: 'Our thanks also to Port Erin Commissioners, with whom we agreed a 99-year lease at £1 a year - and we have already paid up our 99 years’ rent in advance.'

Doreen Moule, who chairs the Trust’s WWII Women’s Internment team, is also involved with Tree Archyn.

The Trust is appealing for some assistance for its storage area within Tree Archyn.

For more information about this or the open day, contact RHT coordinator John Quirk at [email protected] or call 464634.