Interview with Herbert Watterson about his life in Peel
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Date(s): 4 September 2008
Creator(s): Peel Heritage Trust
Scope & Content: Clive Alford of Peel Heritage Trust introduces this recording. Herbert Watterson talks to Bill Quine about his life in Peel. Herbert talks about and his mother and father; Watterson’s, blacksmith in Peel and mother’s family name of (Gregor, Greggor, Grigger Grygar multiple spellings) a fishing family for generations; where he lived; school days, friends and teachers; his father’s work as a blacksmith and his grandfather; yawl boats; owning fishing boats; children’s game of hoops and his grandfather making and repairing them; childhood and summer holidays on the beach; Scottish fishermen in Peel; local dances in Marine Hall. Bill Quine talks about his mother’s family coming to work in the herring industry.
Herbert talks about the lifeboats and rescue at sea of the Norwegian brigg the 'St George'; loss of family members during the Second World War; working as a telegram boy for the Isle of Man Post Office; Glen May, Dalby and communication links with the farming community; story of the ‘Dalby Spook’; delivering telegrams to the boats in the harbour; National Service in the Air Force; Post Office again sending kippers to the UK; kipper suppliers and transport; career as a postman; local singer Lionel Cottier; local street deliveries and Christmas time delivery in the snow; work shift patterns; his family; swimming, rock-pooling and family picnics on Fenella beach or White Strand; development of the Post Office; playing badminton for Douglas; playing golf.
He ends by talking about Peel and its growth and housing developments, including at Boilley Spittal, Heath Field Drive, Queen’s Drive, North View; visitors comments on Peel; swing bridge.
Administration / Biographical History: Herbert Watterson was born January 1931.
Language: English
Extent: 37 min. 28 sec.
Item name: compact disc
Collection: Sound Archive
Level: ITEM
ID number: SA 2014-0025
Access conditions: All reasonable attempt has been made by Manx National Heritage to trace and request permission (where needed) from the copyright holder(s) in this sound recording. If however you think you are a rights holder then please contact Manx National Heritage.
Subject tags : #UOSH