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© F.Coakley , 2026
[from A.M Harrision's Descriptive List of Insular Societies]
In the Manx Sun's report of the Friendly Societies' anniversaries, published on 18 May 1850, the account of the celebrations of the Kirk Malew Friendly Society came second to that of the old capital's Castletown Artificers Society. Founded late, in 1830, it was able to cater for the needs of the outlying parts of the parish beyond Castletown, in particular the Ballasalla area developed around the site of Rushen Abbey and at the end of their anniversary proceedings 'the company dispersed, much gratified by the day's proceedings' happy that the funds of the society 'were prosperous' and the 'increase of members numerous'.
The report of their thirty-eignth anniversary, published in the Mona's Herald of 26 May 1868, gives an indication of the means by which the prosperity of the society was maintained over the years. 'The members met at the schoolroom in Ballasalla, and attended service at Malew Church, where an excellent sermon was preached by the vicar, the Rev. W. Gill. Afterwards the the whole of the members and honorary members visited Castletown, attended by the Foxdale band, the honorary members riding on horseback, which was a very imposing sight. This society, which comprises 150 members, and 17 honorary members, is in a very prosperous state, and has been able, independent of all charges, to put by or add to the funds of the society £50 for the past year. The management of this society was a few years ago undertaken by some who have since proved its best friends, and which the members cannot value too highly; in fact the president of the society (H.C.Gill, Esq. of Castletown) has proved himself to be the mainspring of this useful body of members, as well as J.F. Jackson, Esq., the vice-president, and J.F. Gill Esq., the secretary. This society cannot value the services of the above gentlemen too much , for no effort of theirs will be spared to try to make it a permanent benefit for the whole of the members.
After partaking of an excellent dinner, provided by Mr. Robert Fargher of Ballasalla, at the schoolhouse, and the report being read of the progress of the society the members separated, after spending a most happy meeting. The members, who are principally from the country, were admired as being all in a healthy and hale condition, and which showed that their occupation was conducive to health.'
The society was returned as active in the Medical Aid and Poor Relief Commission Report ot 1879.
M.N.H.L., Isle of Man newspapers, ut supra et passim
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