In The Archive Room this week - Dee Lewis reflects on 16 very varied years working at Manx Radio; we discover just how difficult it is to make a radio commercial, and a Governor tries his hand at ploughing at Cronk-y-Voddy. Plus - two very different poems - one by Patsy Everett and another by Ronnie Fell - offer snapshots of Island life…

The Chair of the Housing and Communities Board has hit back against claims that government has done 'nothing' to tackle the Island's housing crisis. Former minister Peter Karran told Manx Radio the situation has worsened since 2021's general election. That's despite it being a topic that dominated the campaign trail. The long-serving Onchan MHK, an…

An Atlantic grey seal has been photographed feeding on a harbour porpoise for the first time in Manx waters. The set of photos were taken at the Point of Ayre earlier this summer by Gary Weightman, of Vannin Photos, who posted them on Facebook. Manx Whale and Dolphin Watch recognised the tail stock as that of a porpoise and contacted him for furthe…

JB reflects on some of his favourite artists from this year's Shrewsbury Folk Festival such as Heisk and Ranagri as well as music from Stateside group Open the door for threeAf Radio Manx Ltd

This year's government conference will be 'more focussed' and hopes to target the business community, according to the Cabinet Office Minister. Around 500 people have signed up for the annual event so far. It's being held at the Comis Hotel this year - moving away from the Villa Marina which has been used in previous years. Kate Lord-Brennan has de…

Former Onchan MHK Peter Karran, puts forward his thoughts on a lack of government action to address the housing crisis, whilst practising his solo version of "Duelling Banjos"Af Radio Manx Ltd

In The Archive Room this week - Charles Guard reports on the 1982 flood - the worst the Island had ever experienced; former Lt Governor Sir Laurence New shares some Tynwald Day thoughts; inventor and adventurer Jack Carine is remembered by his two daughters, and Radio Isabella takes to the air - from its studios in Laxey Primary School!…

When will the Public Services Commission agree a pay deal with its staff? Talks between unions and the government body have been ongoing for some time, with unions recently rejecting the PSC's latest offer in a ballot. Chair of the Public Services Commission Kate Lord-Brennan has been telling us their stance:…

Do you like reading or writing about the sea? A local marine biologist is inviting writers of all levels of experience to attend a series of 10 workshops sponsored by Culture Vannin. Starting next Saturday 14 September, each session will run from 10am-4pm and will feature themes of global ocean conservation. Siobhán Fletcher caught up with Dr Fiona…

A former Manx Care employee is calling for the health body’s contract to be ‘looked at’ saying ‘failings’ need to be addressed to ensure better patient care. Kevin Oliphant-Smith has started the ‘Save Our Health Services’ Facebook page and a petition ‘demanding’ the resignation of the chief executive. Manx Care says its leadership team continues to…

JB celebrates his 100th show playing music from artists who have performed live on the Island such as Tim Edey, Duncan Chisholm, Will Pound, Jen Butterworth and TripAf Radio Manx Ltd

Do you think you could walk the length of the Island... all with a leg tied to someone else? That's what Andy McMillan and Graham Wright are doing today (31 August), all in aid of charity Depaul UK, which helps young people all over the UK who are homeless, at risk and disadvantaged. Siobhán Fletcher gave them a call to find out more.…

An enchanted evening with Joe, two Als for the price of one and more Petula!Af Radio Manx Ltd

The WORLD Tin Bath Championship takes place Saturday 7th September in Castletown Harbour. There'll be man powered flying machines, rubber ring snake races and - of course - highly competitive 'bath captains' trying to stay afloat in the historic capital, all while raising money for local charities and bringing endless laughter to the watching crowd…

The Isle of Man is likely to continue facing difficult decisions for at least the next couple of years, according to the treasury minister. Earlier this week, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer warned of a 'painful' autumn budget but pledged not to increase taxes on working people, such as VAT and National Insurance. However, Dr Alex Allinson notes…

Buildings and landmarks around the Island are set to light up purple tomorrow night in honour of International Overdose Awareness Day (Saturday 31 August). Spearheaded by Manx Addiction Charity Motiv8, This year's theme is 'Together We Can' - highlighting that the impacts of an overdose are 'far reaching and indiscriminate'. In this edition of News…

Kathleen Morrey recalls the time her home was used as a film set - John Kelly recalls his years as a butcher in Peel - residents of Glenside are full of tales of family life - Group Captain David Scouller talks about an airship - and we celebrate a very famous song that would never have been written, had it not been for our own John Kaneen ..... it…

Yvette Sayle and Rosemary Clarke tell us about 'Ride and Stride', described as (probably) the Biggest Treasure Hunt on the Isle of Man. That's especially true if your idea of treasure is to find some of the most beautiful, photographic and interesting buildings on our beautiful isle... but thanks to Isle of Man Steam Packet Company there is also a …

This evening's programme is a repeat of a show first broadcast in October 2022 in which JB chats to his Folk Show predecessor and legend of the Manx folk scene, "Big John" Kaneen, who passed away last week.Af Radio Manx Ltd

There's still time to sign up for Tough Mucka 2024! But just how tough really is it? Juan Christian and Jess Bryan from Isle Listen give us all the dirty details.Af Radio Manx Ltd

Trespassing on train lines, knock door run, swearing and going into disused buildings are just some of the anti social issues that police have been reporting to recently. With the summer holidays in full swing, officers have been busy responding to some minor and not so minor incidents in their respective communities. PC Louise Kennaugh and Joanna …

The motorbike which won the 1923 senior TT will be displayed in Douglas at the weekend. It was ridden by Manxman Tom Sheard. His granddaughter Ruth Cowin lost her son Daniel to bowel-cancer shortly after TT 2024. She's hoping to raise awareness of the disease by displaying the bike.Af Radio Manx Ltd

This weekend (24-25 August) an Andreas woman is taking on a challenge with a difference in memory of her late husband. Darren 'Daz' Hignett died of bladder cancer the day before their 25th wedding anniversary last year, after an 18-month fight. Now, in his memory, his amazing wife Liz is taking on not one, but two major walks to raise funds for the…

In this first programme of the new series, David Callister talks with Inkerman Faragher and with Ellen O'Brien (also known as Cissy) Born in 1924 and 1922 respectively, they both spent the majority of the childhood in the Children's Home in Douglas, following the death of their parents. Here they share memories of their childhood, including being f…

A rare bike which won the 1923 Senior TT will be displayed on Sunday in Douglas. It was ridden by Tom Sheard, who was the first Manxman to win a TT race the previous year. Tom's granddaughter lost her son Daniel to bowel cancer shortly after this year's TT races and she has decided to put her grandfather’s bike on display to help raise awareness of…

Manx Care says it accepts there is a ‘significant risk’ to patient safety because of difficulties sharing medical records across the health body. It's been asked to take action by the coroner of inquests and change the way they can be shared between what he’s described as ‘silos’. Coroner James Brooks’ recommendation follows the death of a Ramsey r…

WE LAST HEARD FROM FORMER JOURNALIST AND WELL-RESPECTED AUTHOR VALERIE COTTLE FOLLOWING THE PUBLICATION OF ‘DOUGLAS IN PASSING’, A BEAUTIFUL BOOK SHE PRODUCED WITH ARTIST IAN COULSON. ALL 500 COPIES WERE SOLD WITHIN WEEKS, WITH EVERY PENNY AFTER PRODUCTION COSTS BEING DONATED TO CHARITY. VALERIE IS NOW ON ANOTHER MISSION, THIS TIME TO RAISE MONEY F…

The Clerk of the Course says riders competing on the Mountain Course can be brought back to The Grandstand the wrong way around the circuit in ‘extreme circumstances’. It happened on Sunday after a red flag in the first qualifying session of the 2024 Manx Grand Prix following an incident which saw the death of rider Louis O’Regan. The decision led …

JB looks forward to some of the artists he's looking forward to seeing at this year's Shrewsbury Folk FestivalAf Radio Manx Ltd

Do you have a dog that is a little bit nervous when you're out and about? Maybe they're reactive, and can struggle to be around other dogs or people? Well, if so, and you want to expose them to these things from a distance and have a chance to work on your training safely - let us tell you about the group for you. Eva Boyd rescued her dog Spot two …

Leader of Douglas Council, Claire Wells, discusses a slightly controversial name change to Henry Bloom Noble Library, whilst defusing potential tensions with a rendition of "Baby Shark" on her sousaphone.Af Radio Manx Ltd

Warm up the valves of your wireless for everything from Ambrose to Spike Jones with Harry Hayes and even some Petula Clark!Af Radio Manx Ltd

The Bamboo Village is a unique workshop encouraging children aged 10 and 11 to explore the world of architecture and urban planning. Aside from the excitement of allowing their imaginations run free to design and build their own village, the workshop is about so much more. Mona Devereau from the Society of Architects tells Christy more.…

Voirrey Heaton MBE from Peel Commissioners tells us about this Sunday’s ‘Yn Creck Mooar’ (The Big Sale) in Peel, when residents are encouraged to turn the space outside their homes into a mini sales pitch. And they sell ALL sorts! From clothes to crockery, books to bakes, chutney to homemade lemonade. Voirrey gives details of the event itself and e…

Resting between Folk Festivals, JB pays music old and new from the likes of Altan, The Incredible String Band, Kathryn Tickell and a new disc from Chris BannisterAf Radio Manx Ltd

Lula Belle Findlay and Evan O'Dea were last in the Manx Radio studios in 2020 when they were just 10 yrs old. Today they returned to catch up with Christy about their ongoing successes, including winning multiple British Championship titles, TV appearances and brushes with Strictly stars. We are also joined by Jacqui Hamblett from the Isle of Man D…

The chair of Live at Home says it's hoped the Manx charity can be 'restructured' as it looks to cease its services at the end of the month. The organisation has helped residents on the Island live independently in their own homes for almost 27 years. A letter to members says, due to financial reasons, services will stop on 28 August. David Gawne MB…

Peel Commissioners say they are continuing to ‘evaluate their options’ for playground provision in the west. It’s after claims that the local authority is planning to reduce the number of play areas. Over the weekend one parent who lives in Reayrt Ny Cronk took to social media to advise that the Close Caaig playground was being replaced with a picn…

The Mike and Bernadette Winters of pointless woffle are back with thoughts on the Olympics, from cup tossing to introducing pregnancy as an Olympic disciplineAf Radio Manx Ltd

The Department of Infrastructure wants your help to shape a new transport strategy for the Isle of Man. It says it’s intending to develop an integrated and socially inclusive document that meets the needs of communities and keeps people connected in work and leisure opportunities. The document would also support the transition to net zero carbon em…

The long-awaited Local Economy Strategy has been released in draft form, which hopes to ensure the wellbeing of the retail, hospitality and leisure industries for the next 10-years. Business Isle of Man is setting out a range of tools for residents, local authorities and businesses to enable them to 'take ownership' of their local areas. The docume…

JB previews some of the artists at the forthcoming Saltburn Folk Festival with music from the likes of the Carrivick Sisters, Scran and The Wilsons.Af Radio Manx Ltd

This time last year Manx resident Helen Newbery noticed an 'unusual bump' in her breast. A regular walker and four-time finisher of the Parish Walk, Helen put it down to inflammation from a sports bra she'd been wearing during a recent 100-mile trek along the South Downs Way. However, after a month without change, a visit to the doctors revealed sh…

Settle back with a glass of your favourite and enjoy the likes of Cab Calloway, Bob Crosby, Blossom Dearie and a Chick Webb . .Af Radio Manx Ltd

Christy catches up with Lucy Chapman, Team Wilder Co-ordinator at Manx Wildlife Trust, to find out about their wonderful new initiative called ‘Lets Get Wild!’ It involves children putting on silent disco headphones to listen to and engage with a performance of a brand new original project, written especially for them by Hello Little People and Dav…

It might be a beautiful sunny day on the tiny Isle with only light winds and rippling waves, but we know only too well how that weather – and those conditions - can change within moments. And it’s at times like this that our wonderful lifeboat volunteers are on guard, ready to drop everything at all hours of the day or night and leap to our aid on …

Residents in Jurby whose homes fall within the boundaries of a potential future airport site say they're ready to fight back against any proposals. Earlier this month the map was discovered as part of the Public Inquiry into the Draft Area Plan for the North and West. It showed where, in the future, a site the size of Liverpool John Lennon could be…

The Wilderness Yet, Sam Sweeney, the late, great John Mayall and a chat with Duncan Chisholm - JB has them all in today's showAf Radio Manx Ltd

If you can't wait until members are back in October, here's Manx Radio's Political Correspondent with a look back at what happened in July for the final sitting of this legislative year.Af Radio Manx Ltd

A warning that this Newscast contains information which some readers may find distressing. It is impossible to remove all risk from the Isle of Man Prison but one death in custody is one too many. That’s what the prison governor has told Manx Radio following the culmination of a series of inquests into the deaths of serving prisoners. The three men…