Andreas captain following in ancestors' footsteps

Dave Martin's ancestor first held the role about 400 years ago

A dedicated supporter of the island's heritage has said it was a "tremendous honour" to follow in his ancestors' footsteps by being chosen to be the captain of a parish in north of the Isle of Man.

Dave Martin has taken on the role in Andreas following the death of Dorothy Sayle, who had held the post for 21 years.

He was sworn in at a ceremony at Government House on Thursday when the Lieutenant Governor Sir John Lorimer presented him with his badge of office and a framed warrant.

Mr Martin said he was "very glad to have joined the family of captains", which was a "Manx institution" that dated back 400 years in his family.

The position held "great resonance" for him and he hoped to make his late father, who also held the post, proud, he said.

The warrant features his full name of John David Teare Martin

The role of captain of the parish, which is held in each of the island's 17 parishes, has become largely ceremonial in modern times.

However, it was first introduced in 1626 as a "watch and ward", and the first person to take on the role in Andreas was Mr Martin's ancestor Finlo Martin.

In the mid-1800s another ancestor, John Teare Martin, held the position and most recently the new post holder's late father John James Martin began his term of office in 1976.

The new captain of the parish of Andreas was presented with a badge of office

Mr Martin is also vice-president of the Isle of Man Natural History and Antiquarian Society and vice-chairman of Manx National Heritage.

He said it "wasn't a surprise" he developed an interest in the island's history growing up at Knock y Doonee farm with a "Viking ship buried on one side and an important keeill on the other".

"We need to preserve and celebrate Manx traditions because otherwise we end up with a ‘blandscape’," he said.

Mr Martin said helping to preserve and celebrate the heritage and community of the area was the "biggest honour".

"If I can do half as good a job as Dorothy, who was very kind and very engaged with the people of Andreas, I’ll be happy," he added.