Viking Support for Sea Invasion!

Viking Office Systems become the official sponsors of the 2010 Queenie Festival open water swimming event.

If you fancy trying out open water swimming, the best opportunity this summer will be during the 2010 Queenie Festival (9th – 11th July).

On Saturday 10th July, adventurous swimmers will be taking to the waters off Port St Mary to tackle the ‘Manx Mile’ challenge.

Sponsoring the event is Viking Office Systems, the St Johns-based company which specialises in document management.

The swim is just one of the highlights of the second annual Queenie Festival, a community ‘Celebration of the Sea’ centred in Port St Mary and Port Erin.

Stan Keig, Managing Director of Viking Office Systems, explains why he decided to sponsor the Manx Mile: “I went to last year’s Queenie Festival and thought it was fantastic. Our whole family had a wonderful time. I said to (organiser) Tim Croft at the time that next year, I would support it properly.

“I was brought up in Port St Mary and used to swim across the bay, so the Manx Mile event really appeals to me personally, too.”

Organising the Manx Mile is Mark Gorry from the Isle of Man Open Water Swimming Club. Last year, Mark devised the ‘Scallop Shell Swims’ for the Queenie Festival, a series of fun, competitive swims for youngsters and adults in Gansey, Port St Mary and Port Erin Bays.

The popularity of those swims, which attracted entrants of all ages and abilities, spurred Mark on to create a new event for 2010.

This time, entrants will start at 2.30pm from Port St Mary inner harbour and follow a triangular course, which takes in Chapel Bay, before returning to the starting point. There will be classes for junior/inexperienced and senior/experienced swimmers, and participants may wear either wetsuits or swimsuits.

Stan has confirmed that as well as sponsoring the event, he will be taking part, along with his 9 year old daughter Elina, and father and daughter are currently training in the Western Swimming Pool. Stan is undeterred by the fact that the sea temperature, even in July, will be many degrees cooler than the pool, and says he will brave the sea without a wetsuit!

Viking Office Systems, established in 1994, has a long tradition of supporting events and causes in the community. The company has sponsored Douglas, Vagabonds and St Johns Rugby Clubs, as well as charities such as the Western Live at Home Scheme.

If you would like to find out more about the Manx Mile, contact Mark Gorry on (07624) 430631 or email markgorry@hotmail.com.

For more information about the 2010 Queenie Festival, visit www.queeniefestival.com. If you are interested in sponsorship, simply contact Tim Croft on (01624) 843394.

Sales & Tales, what a scorcher!

The bay of Port Erin hosted the Sales and Tales event on Wednesday night and once again we were bathed in glorious sunshine.

The evenings events kicked off at 5pm with over 150 local children gathering along Port Erin Beach and a few keen adults joining in whilst others relaxed outside the Cosy Nook enjoying the the usual hospitality combined with tasty treats including Manx Queenies and bacon.

A cannon boomed and across the bay on the flat calm water a boat was seen heading to the beach. The crowds gathered on the waterline as the boat neared and landed with local past figures such as James Kelly (the only survivor of the Brig Lily disaster and Juan Robin (skipper of the local smuggling boat Mauthe Dhoo) amongst others, all of whom were played by actors making their way up the beach where campfires were lit along various locations.

The groups were then split up and lead around to each small fire where they were told local yarns and manx tails about the maritime history of the Isle of Man.

In addition to the story telling the groups were also introduced to a number of boats thanks to the 7th Wave team.

It was great to see the children asking questions and interacting with the story tellers and I am sure the event was enjoyed by everyone young and old.

No doubt the Queenies, local food along with a few glasses/bottles of wine (for the adults) rounded of a succesful sun blessed evening of Sales and Tales in the stunning setting of Port Erin bay overlooked by Bradda Head and Milners Tower.