"Er yn Oie Nollick" - "On Christmas Night"

Hartes Ease is a group of Manx musicians who give regular concerts throughout the Island. Their performances include mainly renaissance music for recorders, viols and voice. Following successful Christmas concerts in recent years Hartes Ease will give another concert at 8.00pm on Sunday 6 January 2019 at Holy Trinity Church, Patrick, Isle of Man. Money raised will go towards the Isle of Man local charity www.Knockaloe.im. 

Patrick Church is situated adjacent to Knockaloe Internment Camp, which  was constructed at the time of the First World War (28 July 1914 to 11 November 1918). So called “enemy aliens” had their movements restricted during this time which saw the development of internment camps. Knockaloe Moar farm was identified as the location for such a camp.  Originally designed for 5000 people, by the end of the War it held almost 24,000 internees. The internees were kept in 23 compounds each with four camps made up of wooden hut type buildings inside barbed wire, with the site covering some 22 acres. 

The internees were of various nationalities including German, Austrian and Turkish. The camps closed in 1919, with a number of those held having served up to five years in the camp. Nearly 200 people died during their internment and were buried at Patrick Church which is close to the camp. Although this was a British operation and not one inspired by the Isle of Man authorities, Manx people have an increased interest in the lives and experiences of those who were interned on their island in those dark days. 

Tickets for "Er yn Oie Nollick" are £10 each which includes complimentary interval mulled wine and homemade sweet treats. There is limited seating so early booking is recommended via eventbrite. Further information can be obtained from events@knockaloe.im. Doors open at 7.15pm.

Knockaloeinternmentcampisleofman Registered Charity N0.1150

Below is an image of an original postcard from the charity's own collection.