Michael Heritage Trust has re-launched the Kirk Michael Heritage Trail, and the first display board illustrating the route was unveiled on Saturday by Phyl Cashin and Julie Roberts, close to the Picnic Area on the Orrisdale Loop Road. 

The trail was first published by the Trust in 1986, in a booklet written by the late Tom Cashin. 

Phyl said: "The Cashin family as a whole, on island and the many off island, would sincerely like to thank Michael Heritage Trust for all the time and hard work in making the dream of keeping Tom's village trail alive for future generations.  Major thanks to Julie Roberts, the artist, who lived in our village and was taught by Tom.  It's a magnificent board, depicting the trail in a lovely and very interesting way." 

Artist Julie Roberts added: "I am especially grateful for being given this opportunity to be a part of the Michael Heritage Trail project started by Mr. Cashin, as I have such fond memories of being in his class at Michael School. Thanks to everyone for their kind comments on the artwork - it really was a huge relief to hear that it met with the approval of the Cashin family!"

The board is one of four to be on display in the village, along the trail. 

Chairman David Corlett explained that the Kirk Michael Post Office has copies of the trail booklet for sale, with lots of historical information and stories about a number of locations.  The village has many interesting buildings, including the church, chapel, schools and old courthouse.  Others include Greystones at the entrance to Kelly's Yard, with its graduated roof slates in typical Manx style, and the house bought in the 1750s for the schoolmaster.  Patrick Kelly was headmaster of the the village school for 54 years.  He was appointed headmaster at the age of 23 in 1820, and retired at the age of 77.  A record unlikely to be broken for some time, despite planned increases in retirement ages.

Membership of Michael Heritage Trust is open to all, with annual membership for individuals costing only ?5.  The Trust celebrated it's 20th Anniversary in May this year.  For information look on the Facebook Page,  or leave a message for Mike Clague on 878328.

Photo - Phyl Cashin (L) and Julie Roberts (R) unveiling the trail board.