World Manx Association - About us
Founded in 1911 by Richard Cain O.B.E
The WMA was founded by Richard Cain in 1911 after an appeal by the Manx poet T.E. Brown in 1897 for a hearty welcome to homecomers.
Highlights in the history of the W.M.A include the "Great Manx Homecoming" of 1927 when a Trans-Atlantic liner anchored in Douglas bay and Manx emigrants saw their birth place for the first time in over fifty years.
The Cleveland Medal was donated in 1923 to the Manx Music Festival for the winning vocal soloist and is still the highlight of the Festival.
The North American Manx Association makes annual awards to Manx students in a variety of categories. The London Manx Society provides an award for a Manx story from a different Manx school each year.
Among the many activities of the WMA there are two in celebration of T.E. Brown, a garlanding ceremony on his birth date (May 5th) and a lunch on the date of his death (October 29th) where a toast is given to his "imortal memory".
On Tynwald Day, July 5th there is a marquee (Home Comers Tent) on the fairfield, St Johns where homecomers and the general public are welcomed by the W.M.A and an exhibition of children's art and creative writing is displayed.
As we move towards our centenary year in 2011 the WMA continues to grow, renewed interest in our Manx heritage has encouraged a younger generation to become members, hopefully ensuring our longevity well into the future.