With 15 new businesses opening in the town and encouraging levels of interest from other concerns Ramsey is ‘on the up’ says outgoing chairman of Ramsey Town Commissioners Andy Cowie.
Speaking at his end-of-year reception at Ramsey town hall Mr Cowie said that his year in office had been ‘challenging and very interesting’. He continued: ‘What’s made it special is the people - the enthusiasm and commitment of the Commission’s board members, officers and the wider Ramsey community.
‘It has been a privilege to have had the opportunity to serve as chairman in a year that has seen around 10 per cent of our staff new in post and the retirement of three valued long-serving members of the team, finance officer and deputy town clerk Margaid Bird, property manager Marlene Hendy and nurseryman Ian Holland.’
Reflecting on the past 12 months Mr Cowie cited the introduction of revised dog byelaws and new contracts for the town warden service and the cleaning of the town’s public conveniences as three initiatives bringing benefit to the town’s quality of life. In addition, a business plan had been introduced that would shape the Commission’s vision and strategy, the handing over of the management of the northern civic amenity site to Ramsey Town Commissioners from the Department of Infrastructure had been ‘seamless’ and, crucially, for the fourth consecutive year there had been no increase in the rate, which had been held at 348p in the pound.
The event also provided the opportunity to present the 2017 Spirit of Ramsey award. Introduced in 2015 by former chairman Captain Nigel Malpass, the award recognises an individual whose selfless dedication to the town and its people personifies ‘the abiding spirit of community which makes Ramsey the very special place it is,’ explained Mr Cowie.
The Spirit of Ramsey 2017 award went to special constable Andy Culshaw. Presenting the award Mr Cowie said: ‘As well as regular shifts with the specials Andy is often drafted in to attend special events, including civic events, Ramsey Rocks, the Christmas lights switch-on and the Santa Trail. This allows the regular force to carry out their usual duties and for these events to take place safely.
‘His contribution to the special constabulary has been recognised with many awards and nominations, including Isle of Man Newspapers’ Community Police Officer and the Isle of Man Steam Packet Pride in Mann awards, along with commendations from the chief constable.
‘Andy set up and organised the ASK events in Ramsey and Douglas – an initiative that allows people to talk to a range of professionals in an informal environment. And as well as being in full-time employment with the Department of Education and Children working with children with social, emotional and behaviour issues, he is a Noble’s Hospital healthcare assistant helping in the children’s award and blood donor suite. With such impressive credentials the Commissioners were firmly of the opinion that Andy Culshaw is a worthy recipient of the 2017 Spirit of Ramsey award.’
Photo - Ramsey Town Commissioners’ outgoing chairman Andy Cowie presents the 2017 Spirit of Ramsey award to special constable Andy Culshaw. Picture Andrew Barton.
