A fundraising ball at the Mount Murray Hotel recently brought to a close Arbory School's year-long celebration of its 175th anniversary.

A commemorative book, Long Live Arbory School!, was also launched to mark the occasion.

The event on Saturday, 21st November, raised a fantastic ?2,600 towards the Friends of Arbory’s ?5,000 fundraising target for the current academic year.

With a further ?1,000 already raised at their Christmas Fair, the's school's goal of purchasing new science project and playground equipment looks within reach.

Long Live Arbory School! was compiled and published by the Friends of Arbory and includes extracts from the School’s log books, which date back to the 1870s, and interviews with past pupils and staff, along with lots of old photographs of classes and teachers down the years.

Emma Quirk, Chairman of the Friends of Arbory, said, "The ball was a huge success and we couldn’t believe how generous everyone was on the night.

"We raised more than half of our target for the year in one night, and we’d like to offer our sincere thanks to everyone who contributed on the night, and all the local companies and individuals who donated such wonderful raffle prizes and auction items."

Deputy Head Triana Collister, stated, "The book was a 12 month project for Friends of Arbory and has shown how important Arbory school has been to the community over the decades.

"The interviews from past scholars and staff have given a real insight into the changes that have taken place in the school. We are very lucky to be able to trace and document the schools history in this way."

Emma added, "The book is selling really well, and as we have only published a limited number, I’d advise anyone interested in the history of the school, or with a family connection to the school, to snap one up as quickly as possible!

"What is really special about the book is the way it provides a colourful snapshot of the school through the ages, with the log book entries recalling day-to-day events from the school’s past, along with some really emotional memories from former pupils and staff. 

"Our thanks must go to everyone who helped with the book, particularly those who offered to be interviewed for Long Live Arbory School!"

Priced at ?9.99, the book is available from Arbory School reception, Bridge Bookshop in Port Erin or by emailing emmafquirk(at)hotmail.com.

All proceeds from the book go towards the ?5,000 target.