Minutes of Wisconsin Manx Society, Inc

The Wisconsin Manx Society, Inc. met at Midvale Community Church, Madison on October 20, 2002. Following 11AM to Noon Registration and Social Hour and a delicious catered luncheon at 12:00, President, Joyce Benjamin convened the business meeting. Past President; Jody Morey accompanied the group in the singing of the Manx National Anthem. Although we missed Membership Secretary, Andy Ravenscroft who was in IOM for his new daughter’s christening, we were pleased to welcome Minnesota members, Norman and Joan Gill.

Items of Discussion

The President offered a special card to be signed and sent to Hilda Penrice, formerly Editor of NAMA Bulletin in recognition of her 90th birthday.

The Minot Celtic Festival has been cancelled so Joyce won’t be making the trip or needing funds to pay for a display table for that Festival.

Joyce will be reimbursed for the Memorial Display Ad, which she ordered to be printed for the WMS, in the NAMA Convention 2003 Bulletin.

The NAMA Executive Board suggests that NAMA Memberships can be purchased for family members in order to increase their interest in their heritage and in the organization. (That will also increase the membership.)

Nominees are being sought for WMS President and for WMS Membership Secretary. If you have a suggestion or are interested in volunteering, please notify Chris Merritt, (608) 294-6959.

The first North American Manx Youth Award was awarded at the 2002 NAMA Convention by out-going President John Carmode to James Morey, member of our Wisconsin Manx. He brought his award with him. It is a beautifully polished and engraved triangular piece of very special (and very heavy) black limestone which is quarried on the Isle of Man. More information on the stone and the quarries can be found on a Manx website.

A letter from Margaret Peake of Rockford, IL. to whom we’ve been sending our WMS Newsletter informs us that she would not want to join a group with which she cannot be active. Dorrie will respond to her very nice letter and ask if she would like to continue to keep " Newsletter" contact with our group.

Treasurer’s Report – Treasurer, Joan Ogden reported a balance of $939.24.

Due to an error in planning, we were unable to see the Video "The Star of India Goes to Sea" but were pleased that James Morey (and accompanist, Jody) entertained us with the music that he had played at the NAMA Convention as well as a variety of other Manx tunes with some interesting explanations.

The "Rose Standish wedding dress" and its interesting history was described by Mary Kelly.

Ellen Rabenhorst and Georgene Voutila told of the stagecoach and buckboard rides as highlights of the Convention experience and Dorrie Alff commended the Galva Manx for their hospitality on the hottest day of the year.

Joan Gill, Manx story- teller, reminded us that many cultures have special ways of dealing with the "darkening days of the year". Many Manx stories and events are derived from the Old Celtic New Year observance. Our jack-o-lantern, which began as a large turnip in the British Isles has now returned to IOM as a pumpkin.

Next Meeting – Sunday, April 27, 2003

Meeting adjourned – 3:00PM

Respectfully submitted, Dorrie Alff, Recording Secretary