In the latest Isle of Man Photography Society column, Antony Hamilton gives an account of the group’s recent visit to photograph Government House in Onchan...
The Society welcomed the unanimous election of President, Andrew Cairns, at the start of the new Season recently and then looked forward with eager anticipation as he began a gentle introduction to the 2024/25 Programme. Setting out the delights which have been carefully planned to entertain us throughout the Autumn, Winter and Spring months, Andrew mentioned a range of interesting topics which stimulated the interests of those present and enthused them in equal measure! At the outset, Andrew spoke briefly about the previous week’s kind invitation by His Excellency, the Lieutenant Governor , former Lieutenant General Sir John Lorimer KCB, DSO, MBE, Patron of the Society, and Lady Lorimer, to visit Government House to photograph both the lovely gardens and the inside of the Governor’s official residence, ‘Bemahague.’ Members were given a free rein by His Excellency to photograph the internal public areas, including the impressive Spencer Loch library in the snooker room, with bespoke shelving designed and made by local carpenter, Eric Cleator.
Also notable during the visit had been a variety of military memories from Sir John’s past, very distinguished career, and the awards of which he is rightly proud. His Excellency and Lady Lorimer then kindly provided light refreshments and chatted in a relaxed fashion t.
