Government House is the home and working base of His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor of the Isle of Man.
It provides accommodation for official guests to the Isle of Man and is used extensively for formal functions such as lunches, dinners and receptions.
It also has an office wing for the small team that support His Excellency in carrying out his constitutional and social duties.
The grounds of Government House cover about 12 hectares, some of which is lawn or garden, with much of the rest being woodland or grazing land. There is also a well-established rose garden, orchard, vegetable plots and greenhouses providing flowers, produce and garden plants for the house and gardens.
The grounds are home to a large variety of nature and wildlife that make their appearance at various times of the year. Rabbits, hedgehogs, pheasants and a variety of wild birds are often seen enjoying the garden.
Government House gardens provides produce for the house. Executive Chef, Yohann Bonjus, uses a variety of vegetables, fruit and herbs from the vegetable gardens, and sources local produce for all the meals.
All other food and drink is sourced from local suppliers and the meals produced are designed to showcase seasonal products from the Isle of Man. The use of local produce reduces negative impact through lower food mileage, while supporting local producers.
Government House tries to minimise its use of plastics and is working towards recycling as much as possible.
His Excellency and Lady Lorimer promote the Isle of Man in a positive way, including the natural environment, culture, heritage, sporting achievements, etc. Many of the charities they have visited and become involved with are also UNESCO Biosphere Partners.
His Excellency and Lady Lorimer host, attend and support the business sector, culture, heritage and arts.
They are patrons of more than 50 charities and organisations.
His Excellency and Lady Lorimer’s presence on social media has allowed people to see what they do and gives the organisations they visit and are involved with more publicity.
Government House hosts events that are important to the community. Receptions are held to recognise and celebrate local individuals who have received Honours from HM The Queen. The Investiture of Honours are sometimes carried out by His Excellency on behalf of HM The Queen, giving the recipients an opportunity to have family and friends present at the occasion.
His Excellency and Lady Lorimer send out congratulatory cards to those celebrating their 90th and 100th birthdays, along with 50th, 60th, 65th and 70th wedding anniversaries. They often visit Manx residents who are celebrating their 100th birthday.
His Excellency and Lady Lorimer attend many community events, whether that be to show their support, contribute in some way or raise the profile of the organisation.
His Excellency sets aside time to visit the Isle of Man’s schools and has spoken at assemblies about his role as Lieutenant Governor and his career.
