Former Arts Council Member recognised in King's Birthday Honours
Former Arts Council member Mrs Wendy McDowell has been awarded a BEM in the King's Birthday Honours list for her outstanding contribution to music and drama across the Isle of Man. She has been an active member of local drama and musical societies, choirs and festivals since the 1960s.
Mrs McDowell was an Isle of Man Arts Council member for 10-years and Chair during the 1990s. During her time on the Council she was instrumental in the refurbishment of the Villa Marina and the establishment of the Ballakermeen Studio Theatre.
Mrs McDowell has also contributed to the Manx Music Festival (the Guild), as a competitor, teacher, accompanist and committee member. She is the organist at St Peter’s Church, Onchan, where she is also choir mistress, composing and arranging choral music. From 1962 until 2020, Mrs McDowell was the accompanist and deputy conductor for the Regal Singers. She was also musical director of the Lon Dhoo Male Voice choir for 35 years and was a dedicated music teacher at Ballakermeen High School.
The Isle of Man Arts Council wishes to congratulate Mrs McDowell on her award and thank her for a lifetime's contribution to music and the arts on the Isle of Man.
