Isle of Man: Walking Amongst the Snowdrops in Dalby for Local Fundraising Event

With severe winter storms dominating the Island’s weather system during the past few months, it was fortunate that the day selected for the Snowdrop Walk at Dalby dawned bright and sunny.

Set on the remote west coast, the rugged coastline affords little shelter, but signs of spring were all around us as we headed towards Dalby House, where the gardens had been opened for viewing by kind permission of Mrs Clarke.

Dalby House, known locally for its swathes of snowdrops, formed a pleasing backdrop for the many visitors who headed west for the afternoon in pursuit of a little light relief from the wind and rain.

The event, which was over subscribed, was organised to help raise funds for the St James’ Church Restoration Fund and this year’s selected charities, the new Breast Cancer Unit for Noble’s Hospital and the overseas charity School for Uganda, raising almost £700 for these worthy causes.

Visitors wandered leisurely throughout the garden admiring the different varieties of snowdrops, learned more about this delicate blossom from local man Michael Killey and bought a number of potted snowdrop plants, adding generously to the fundraising total.

As the sun went down and the threat of rain developed, everyone retired to the schoolroom at St James’ Church, a little further along the main road, to enjoy home-made afternoon tea by the open fireside.

www.stjamesdalby.org

Valerie Caine
© March 2014 (inc photos)