Duncan Longworth
Duncan has been a member of the Association since 1968 and was one of the five founding subscribers to the Guarantee Company when formed in 1976. He previously served on the Board as Chairman in 1984. That year saw the Association purchase Donnington House Railway and start the Groudle Glen Railway restoration project. He ran the Isle of Man Branch of the Association at the Villiers Hotel for a number of years and arranged regular monthly film shows and meetings for members and the general public.
Duncan has worked with the Manx farming community all his life and was employed by the Government Department of Agriculture from 1968 until retirement, where he helped employers and employees develop their skills. He was also the Agricultural Government Valuer for 8 years and also responsible for certain agricultural legislation.
He has long been a member of the Manx Electric Railway Society, is a life member of the North York Moors Historical Railway Trust and is a member of Levisham Station Group, participating in maintenance work and helping with fundraising functions held at that station.
As a ‘hands-on’ volunteer closer to home, Duncan has helped over many years with the maintenance of Groudle Glen Railway in a wide variety of ways, and still helps in the destruction of trackside weeds! On the Isle of Man Railway, he has provided guided tours of Douglas Railway Station, workshops and engine shed, and has actively participated in the Association’s restoration work on lineside structures, including most recently Mill Road crossing hut.
Duncan brings to the Board his skills and knowledge gained over many years of involvement with railway preservation and the workings of Isle of Man Government departments.