Pier documentary charts incredible community effort

The incredible story of the restoration of Queen’s Pier in Ramsey features in a new cinematic documentary that is winning hearts in the Island.

Queen’s Pier Restoration Trust, a Partner of UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man, is lovingly restoring the pier, one ‘bay’ at a time, thanks to a huge community effort after the structure, formerly owned by the Isle of Man Government, fell in to disrepair.

Retired computer engineer Tom Durrant, who is now in his 90s, was one of the main instigators of the project and the documentary, ‘Grandad and the Pier’, was made by his grandson Reuben Armstrong. Reuben is one half of filmmakers and animators Reuben and Jamie.

The documentary is described as ‘a wind-swept, tea-soaked, heart-warming film about community, hope and leaving a legacy beyond our years’.

It shows Tom, and others’ determination to overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges to carry out the restoration.

Watch the trailer here.

It has received support from Culture Vannin as part of the organisation’s 40th year celebrations.

The documentary received its premiere at Ramsey Grammar School last week before a sell-out audience at an event that raised more than £1000 towards the restoration. Tom and his fellow volunteers received a standing ovation from the audience.

One of the global functions of a UNESCO Biosphere is to promote conservation.

UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man is pleased to be supporting a screening of the documentary at the Manx Museum, Douglas, on Saturday 15th July 2023, 7pm.

Tickets are £5, with all profits going to Queen’s Pier Restoration Trust.

Book via Eventbrite here