A pilot’s son who was brought up in Castletown but now lives in Australia extended high praise to Manx2.com following a visit to the Island last week.
Alan Niven – whose father used to work for Silver City Airways based at Ronald sway – sent his thanks to Manx2.com shortly after his trip. Alan and Chris Niven from Melbourne, Australia and Alan's mum (age 88) spent time in the Island as part of a visit to the UK for a family wedding.
Prior to his trip Alan thanked Manx2.com Reservations staff for their excellent, friendly, efficient and timely communication: “I fly in lots of places and this is the best communication I have ever experienced. As they say here in Australia: ‘Good on you!’”
After his visit, Alan commended staff’s hospitality, saying “It was a delight to see that a contemporary incarnation of my memory of a Manx-based, people-friendly and community-oriented company is alive and well in Manx2. Memories from childhood can become idealised mythologies but not in this case.”
Bill Niven, Alan's father, was a pilot with Silver City Airways and with Brenda and their three children joined a number of crews posted from Newtonards, Belfast to Ronaldsway for 3 years. Flying DC3s and Bristol Car Freighters the airline serviced regular flights to Blackpool and Belfast as well as paper runs and charters. Most of the pilots were ex-RAF who learned to fly during the war, the families were close-knit and the Airline was like a big family with good friendships between flight crews and ground staff.
The family lived in Castletown and went to Victoria Road School before heading off to be based at Blackpool and then Gatwick as Silver City became British United Airways and then British Caledonian. Bill retired from flying in 1982 and with Brenda, retired to Melbourne where their sons Alan and David lived. Their daughter Sheila lives in Camberley, Surrey.
David Buck, Manx2.com Managing Director commented: “We were delighted to hear in advance about our special visitors and ensure an extra-warm Manx welcome for them. It was certainly a fascinating and unusual surprise to be contacted by someone whose father was based at three of the airports we serve over 50 years ago!
“We were delighted Alan and his family had a happy time on the Island revisiting times past and wished them well for the rest of their tour.”
Photograph: Alan Niven is photographed alongside his wife Christine and mother Brenda.
