The Archdeacon of Man, the Ven Andrew Brown, has praised Douglas Borough Council members for their commitment to ‘doing what’s best for the community’.

The Archdeacon, who is also chaplain to the Mayor of Douglas, Councillor Sara Hackman, was speaking at the annual Douglas civic service held on Sunday June 14th at St George’s Church, when he referred to the Council’s decision to review its stance on disabled parking charges. He said he had been ‘privileged’ to witness members debate the matter at a public Council meeting in a manner that was ‘courteous, thoughtful and caring’. He said he was confident of ‘a just outcome’ and added that he had been ‘honoured’ to have been asked to serve as Mayor’s chaplain for the 2015-2016 municipal year.

The civic party

The First Lesson, 1Samuel:16:1-13 was read by the Deputy Mayor, Councillor Debbie Pitts and the Second, Mark4:26-33, by Her Worship.

A group of male students from Ballakermeen High School (pictured below) sang Ellan Vannin. Her Worship is chairman of the school’s parent teacher association.

Ahead of the service a parade proceeded from Douglas Town Hall to George’s Church led by the Douglas Town Band.