A fascinating exhibition was staged by Michael Heritage Trust on 24th and 25th October in St. Michael's Hall.

This was the Trust's nineteenth exhibition, which this year was about 'The Craftsmen of Kelly's Yard.' Daniel Kelly was a joiner in Kirk Michael in 1846 who went on to build the very first reapers to be sold on the Island, and the exhibition traced the story of his joinery and metalwork businesses, which flourished. His eldest son, J. D. L. Kelly was as skilled at carving as his father, and he in turn taught some of the workmen. These included Stanley Keig, who carved the details on the blanket chest presented by the Island to the then Princess Elizabeth when she married in 1947. The story of the firm included two major fires, two windmills, wooden rattles for use by A.R.P. wardens during WW2, bog-oak being used to make the Bishop's Crozier and the Staff of Government which is used at the 'swearing in' of Lieutenant Governors.

Many Island churches and chapels, and others in England, still contain pulpits, communion tables and a wide range of furniture that was made in the workshops in the area that is now known as Kelly's Yard. Secular work included the magnificent carved bookcase presented to the Ward Library in Peel in memory of Sophia Morrison, clog soles during the war for aliens here and in the U.K., and kipper boxes. Deckchairs for I.O.M. Steam Packet boats and new chairs for the House of Keys were some of the varied contracts. Kelly & Sons was later to become Kelly Bros., a major building firm on the Island.

Secretary of the Michael Heritage Trust, James Kennaugh, said: "We were delighted with the response to the exhibition, and it was great to have lots of people who came along to share their memories, memorabilia and knowledge with us."

Photo - Visitors to the exhibition.