The House of Manannan in Peel has a special visitor until January next year – Manannan has come home in the form of a trophy! Awarded each year, ‘Reih Bleeaney Vanannan’ or ‘Manannan’s Choice of the Year’ is a cultural award made by Culture Vannin to an individual or group who has made the greatest contribution to the Island’s cultural heritage. The nominees come from a wide variety of backgrounds, working to promote and support language, literature, art, music, dance, history, education and the environment, and much more.
For 2016, the trophy was awarded posthumously to two cultural champions of the highest order, Bernard Caine and John Kennaugh. The trophy is displayed at the House of Manannan with the kind permission of Manx National Heritage and at the request of the Caine family, recognising Bernard Caine’s roles as one-time Chairman of the Trustees of the Manx Museum and National Trust, and President of Yn Cheshaght Ghailckagh, the Manx Language Society.
Bernard Caine and John Kennaugh were frequently to be seen working side by side at the very heart of our community. Superb performers with a deep knowledge of all things Manx, they shared their love of the Island, its history, landscape and culture freely - their legacy is an inspiration to future generations.
Heritage Site Manager at the House of Manannan, Suzie Walker, commented “We are delighted to welcome Manannan to Peel – he is looking magnificent in a special display cabinet in the entrance hall. It is a fitting tribute to two giants of the cultural community that everyone has the chance to see their award.”
The trophy was designed by Eric Austwick and consists of the figure of the sea-god Manannan standing on a piece of Pooilvaaish marble. It also contains traces of quartz from South Barrule, one of Manannan's fortresses, and a brooch of Laxey silver presented by Mona Douglas. To find out more about the award, visit www.culturevannin.im – you can be part of Manannan’s cultural story by making your own nomination in November.
- Ends -
