Did you know that a Manx charity set up the world’s first all female team for defusing landmines? Or that throughout his wrongful imprisonment an Iranian kept a colourful greetings card made by a Manx four year old and signed and sent by a Manx grandmother?

These are just two examples of quiet international ‘interventions’ by ordinary Manx people which have gone uncelebrated. But you can find many others at the One World Centre, Thie Garey Ny Cloie, Foxdale Road, St Johns (the old Forestry Board building, opposite the saw mill) on Tynwald Day. There, the island’s Amnesty International volunteers join other local groups also working away quietly to help in other countries, as well as those, originally from other countries, now making a positive contribution to the island.

 “For almost 20 years now, Manx Amnesty members have joined international campaigns for human rights and social justice. In that time, many people have come and gone. Some go on to work in affected countries, and others come from those countries, giving us first hand experience of the conditions there” said Amnesty activist Stuart Hartill.

He continued: “We’re just one example of a positive, new, more internationally aware and interactive sort of ‘Manxness’ which, until now, we may have been too modest to celebrate. The One World Centre is locally unique in promoting such a culture, so it is the natural place for us to be on Tynwald Day, joining other locals in outlining possibilities for international cooperation and change which start right here, right now, and in which anyone can play a part.”

The fair runs between noon and 4 PM, There will be displays and information from a range of local groups working around the world. Fairtrade and other foods from newer Manx communities will also be available.