Manx Radio's Island Life Series - Specials

To mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day, Dave Moore brings us a series of previously unheard interviews, speaking with people on and from the Isle of Man with real life experience of war and conflict.These interviews were recorded in the year 2000.

Howard takes a trip to the tip of the Island and has a behind the scenes look around the developing Point of Ayre Nature Reserve. We're grateful to Allison Leonard, Neil Morris and David Andrews for showing us around this incredible new space, which will be open to the public in stages this year. In the meantime, you can watch a video of Howard and Christy's visit to the space last year here:  https://youtu.be/jv3W24SufUU?si=5EA3HgU5KwV1SIha

If you went to school here on the glorious Isle of Man, you might remember taking part in the annual Public Speaking competition. This popular event is just one of many that is organised by the youth committee of the Douglas Rotary Club. Christy - one of those that does remember taking part in the competition - wanted to find out more about the work of the Committee, so caught up with Chairwoman MaryJane Falconer.  We also hear from the award winning pupils from St Ninian's and St Johns' Public Speaking teams, who took home the trophies this year for the Senior and Junior category respectively.  Pictured below: Charlie Watterson, Maximus James and Daisy-Mae Moore from St Johns, who spoke on the subject "A Perfect Day"  Pictured below: St Ninian’s pupils Catrina McMurtrey and Grace Cilliers who spoke on the subject "The Digital World: To Byte or not to Byte"

Christy DeHaven speaks to space entrepreneur Chris Stott, whose recent endeavours have taken Manx tech to the Moon and back. This is just the latest in many 'out of this world' achievements for Chris, who is a founding member of the British Space Education Council and remains active in supporting space education initiatives. He is also the Honorary Representative of the Isle of Man Government to the Space Community. Chris has also been instrumental in getting the music of Manx artists Truman Falls and Back Door Slam on the International Space Station and in 2009, he organised for Davy Knowles to play a song live to the ISS from Mission Control - you can watch the video of that extraordinary experience below.  https://youtu.be/kyRiSeg7SH4?si=tM1YjodMR-8p1HcW

During the 2021 election campaign, housing was one of the most important topics for people on the doorstep amid rental shortages, soaring house prices and little to no support for first time buyers. So, at the halfway mark for the administration that promised housing would be one of its main priorities, what is actually being done to help? Amy Griffiths is finding out. Including interviews with David Ashford in his role as Chair of the Housing and Communities Board, Infrastructure Minister Tim Crookall, Alex Cowley who is Chair of the Youth Tynwald Select Housing Committee and Chief Minister Alfred Cannan.  

To mark the day that The Royal National Lifeboat Institution celebrates 200 years since it was founded here on the Isle of Man, Lewis Foster heads to Port Erin Lifeboat Station to meet some of the volunteers and join the crew out on exercise around the Calf of Man.

Not every career path is straightforward. You can take any number of different roads, with twists and turns along with the way – squiggly, see?  When Howard Caine and Christy DeHaven attended the Employment and Skills fair at the Villa Marina at the end of last year, that’s exactly what they discovered. With grateful thanks to all the employers and workers that spoke with us.

Simon Richardson looks into the dark mystery of an unsolved murder. Could an unidentified body found in Burton on Trent in 1971 be a Scout Leader from the Isle of Man who went missing in 1979? Simon speaks with Ken Davies, an investigator who has been looking in to the local links to this 50 year old mystery. 

A special Island Life programme to celebrate 100 years of the Douglas Rotary Club, looking at the work they have done in the Island's community over the decades and getting a sneak preview of their exciting plans for their Anniversary Year - a project that will change the very landscape of the Island. Christy DeHaven is in conversation with Club President Charles Fargher, Secretary Howard Callow and long time Rotary member Ivan Bratty. 

In the first in a special series of programmes to celebrate our 60th anniversary year, John Moss takes an extended look at how it all began for Manx Radio back in 1964. 

Rainy days and snow days, windy days and glorious sunshine, along with record breaking temperatures - the Isle of Man has witnessed a huge variety of weather throughout 2023. Senior Met Officer at Ronaldsway Kirsty Pendlebury joins Ben Hartley for a look back at the big weather events of the last 12 months.

Join H as he looks back over 12 months of gaffes, cock-ups, spoonerisms, double entendres and general incompetence from your favourite station. We did some good stuff as well apparently . . where did we find the time?

Rhian Evans narrates a spooky story at Christmas.

Our Spaceman Went Travelling... Astronomer Howard Parkin has returned from another global adventure, where he's been telling international enthusiasts about incredible celestial events. Christy took the opportunity to catch up with him again, for a festively seasonal insight into the astronomical events we can look forward to, by looking up at our own Island night skies. Winter brings meteors, areas of super bright constellations and, of course, a very special Christmas Star.... Winter brings meteors, areas of super bright constellations and, of course, a very special Christmas Star....

Earlier this year, 3 members of our news team went to London, where the station was recognised at an awards ceremony celebrating the very best in commercial radio news.  Held at Sky Cinema in London in association with IRN and Sky News, the 2023 Commercial Radio Awards proved successful for the team and in this special programme, we listen back to clips from the nominated shows and hear some previously unheard audio recorded on the night itself. 

Christy DeHaven and Howard Caine chat to  some exhibitors at DESC's Employment and Skills Fair 2023 about how they came to be doing what they are today and the importance of transferable skills

You might have noticed various Island landmarks going blue on Tuesday? Well, this was to mark World Diabetes Day. Professional cyclist Sam Brand was diagnosed with the condition 22 years ago – on World Diabetes Day in fact. So it was poignant that our Christy caught with him on the day itself, along with his good friend and comrade in the mission to educate and empower – Natasha Parry from Diabetes Isle of Man.    

101-year-old Port Erin resident James Fenton was a Bombardier with 178 Field Regiment of the Royal Artillery during WWII. At the age of 20, he was sent to fight in the steamy jungles of Burma as part of the 14th Army, the so-called “Forgotten Army”. Listen now to James’s incredible story in full, as part of Remembrance 2023. James recalls his exploits in Primary Training and thoughts on life when he was posted to the far east. From dealing with the hazards of malaria ridden mosquitos, snakes and scorpions to the daily onslaught of shelling by the Japanese army. James always had a passion for art and photography and recalls developing films whilst under a tarpaulin as the enemy sent wave after wave of mortars into his camp. After the war and a career in design, James moved to the Isle of Man to open the photographic museum in Port Erin. Photo credit:  Royal British Legion Onchan Branch 

Mozza and H drop down to the Villa Marina to talk about the season of 1955 which featured both the last appearance of Joe Loss - and the first of Ivy Benson and her all girl band!

In this special programme for Remembrance Sunday, John Moss reflects on war and conflict down the years and also the current conflicts around the world.

Howard Caine investigates ‘whatever happened to Bonfire Night?’ in a one off special, asking if we really do ‘Remember Remember the 5th of November’

The nights are getting darker... which can mean only one thing - it's Spooky Season! This time, Siobhan 'FrightNight' Fletcher gets a crash-course in all things Hop-tu-Naa as she takes a deep dive into the traditions and festivities that make up this quintessentially Manx holiday. She'll be dragging Lewis Foster along for the ride, as they follow fearless leaders Beth Espey and Christy DeHaven into the dark...

The nights are getting darker... which can mean only one thing - Spooky Season! Siobhan 'FrightNight' Fletcher gets us in the mood for Hop Tu Naa, as she takes us on some ghostly tours of the Island led by Guide to the Dark Side, Alan Shaw.

Aidan Forbes, who retired to the Isle of Man a number of years ago, was serving with the second Battalion of the Parachute Regiment in 1982 and sailed with the Task Force from Portsmouth to the Falkland Islands. Here’s a second chance to listen to Aidan share his story with Chris Pearson. This programme was first broadcast in June 2022 to mark the 40th anniversary of the surrender of Argentine forces on the Falkland Islands following a 74-day conflict.

Astronomer Howard Parkin chats once again with Christy DeHaven, to give our next seasonal insight into the astronomical events we can look forward - and up! - to in our night skies. Autumn brings eclipses, meteors and the potential for life from other planets... 

2023 marks the 50th Anniversary of the Isle of Man Post Office and to celebrate the occasion, Christy DeHaven and Judith Ley have combined creative forces to bring you this special programme.  With the help of some willing contributors - and the assistance of archivist Tim Price - we’ve gathered some first class memories from some of those who have worked with and for the Isle of Man Postal service since the days of telegrams and bicycle deliveries, battling snow storms and family pets to ensure the post gets through to every corner of the Island.  Pictured below - Angie Aire, Geoff Corkish, Dot Tilbury and Sharon Maddrell

Lewis Foster explores how a story of an apparent altercation between a drag queen and school student on the Isle of Man took flight and spread across the pages and panel shows of the UK media.

After 40 years as the Island's trusted weather man, retiring senior meteorological officer Adrian Cowin shares his memories with Chanelle Sukhoo - the highs and the lows, the calm and the turbulence! Find out all about his journey and whether he'll still be weather-obsessed now he's retired...

This year sees the 150th Anniversary of the Isle of Man Steam Railways.  In this new, 3 part series, Mike Buttell has been looking back at the history and development of this extraordinary line of transport.

It's a constitutional right, but do politicians take Tynwald petitioners seriously? We hear from those who put their rights to the test at this year's event, with Lewis Foster.

✨ Our Summer Skies at Night - the 2nd in our seasonal look at the wonders up above.  🌔 From silver clouds to astronomical tourism, Astronomer Howard Parkin and visiting Dark Skies journalist Megan Eaves chat with Christy DeHaven about the Island's many varied celestial offerings, encouraging us to look up at the Night Sky and see the wonders on view at this time of year. 💫

In this archive documentary, we look back at the visit of King George VI to Tynwald Day in 1945.

Over the coming days the weather is looking excellent, but when conditions are less favourable, how difficult is it to predict the weather at TT? With a course over 37 miles in length, that ranges from practically sea level to the highest points of the Island. In this extended podcast, Ben Hartley takes a trip to the Ronaldsway Met Office to find out what life is like for the team during TT fortnight, when the eyes and ears of the Island (and beyond!) are firmly fixed on what the weather is doing. 

Geraldine Jamieson in conversation with Coronation Street actor Bill Roach (full interview). This was first broadcast in 2002.

✨ "Discovering our Dark Skies", an Island Life Special. 🌔 From meteors to aurora and constellation folklore, Astronomer Howard Parkin chats with Christy DeHaven about the Island's many varied celestial offerings, encouraging us to look up at the Night Sky and see the wonders on view at this time of year, as we celebrate Dark Skies Discovery Week. 💫

In discussion with Mark Hepworth of Abbey Dental and Simon Hearnshaw, a Coordinator of the National Community Water Fluoridation Network in the UK.

Maurice Powell talks to Mandy Griffin, one of the finest singers the Island has produced, a multi-Cleveland Medal winner at the Guild and the recently appointed musical director of the Isle of Man Choral Society, about her mother JOAN HUNTLEY and her two surviving diaries from the 1950s which give us a fascinating glimpse in to the life of a teenager in Douglas during the vibrant post-war boom in the tourist industry

Budget 2023 is now a week behind us.  But is it possible that the Treasury, in the face of changing finances, will have to revisit the budget box later this year? And what benefits did Dr Allinson give you...and you...and you in his 30 minute speech. Alex's elixir? or a dose of unpleasant tasting medicine to sort out the Island's finances?  John Moss considers the pros and cons. 

What IS 'Love'? In this Valentine's Day special programme, Christy DeHaven takes a look at what love means through the generations and through the decades - from young hopefuls using online apps to couples celebrating 50+ years of marriage And what would YOU do if your knicker elastic snapped in the cloakroom?! Katie King from Manx National Heritage gives a sneak peak in to the diary of an 18 yr old girl enjoying holiday romance on the Island in 1932 – with stories that would give you a fit of the vapours!

Reflecting back on a very popular and successful Young Singer of Mann competition, held recently over two days at the Erin Arts Centre in Port Erin. 

Highlights from a wonderful celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Cleveland Medal Test - the highest prize awarded annually to the best adult voice in that year's Guild - our treasured Manx Music Festival. Hear 20 medal winners forming a unique 'Cleveland Choir' and listen to reflections from Margaret Summerscales, Ernie Thorne, Paul Costain, Barbara Gale, Allan Wilcocks, Kath Cooil, Christine Bregazzi, Linda Corkish, Ruth Tickle, Elizabeth Townsend and Mrs Eleanor Shimmin, as well as The Governor, His Excellency Lt General Sir John Lorimer, a Patron of The Guild, and present Guild chairman Mrs Anne Clarke - and there's even some music, too!!

Astronomer Howard Parkin gives an insight into the astronomical events we can look forward - and up! - to in our night skies this year. We also hear from Astronaut Nicole Stott and husband (& proud Manxman) Chris, who runs the satellite and space industry company ManSat. They reflect on what it means to have the unique vantage point of looking back on earth from the stars that we look up to.

‘Stories from the Sea’ – a look at the increasingly popular obsession of plunging into the big blue. Often referred to as “cold water therapy”, just how therapeutic is it, really?  Christy DeHaven speaks to regular dippers, experts and members of the Island’s medical community to find out more.  If you’re feeling inspired to dive in, please do start by contacting one of the groups mentioned – cold water therapy coach Kate can be found at SoulAdventures.im, Open Water Coach Kirsty can be found here and the Manx Bluetits have a very active Facebook page and be sure to check with your GP if you have any medical concerns before getting in cold water.   

Andy Wint looks at some of the big names from music that we lost this year. The programme includes music from Fleetwood Mac, Dennis Waterman, Procol Harum, Olivia Newton-John and much more.

John Moss casts an eye over a number of different topics.

Howard Caine and Rhian Evans sit down to wind back a few funny memories from 2022 or further and ask what came first - the title or the programme?

A look b ack at some of Manx Radio's finest gaffes, cock-ups and general incompetence from the last 12 months. Only 30 minutes  - clearly something wrong there to start . . . 

Re-inventing Douglas. John Moss takes a look at the Island's newest City

Howard Caine introduces a potted history of Xmas pudding, some famous fans and a 100 year old recipe . 

In this Goll as Gaccan Christmas Day Special Simon Clarke and Phil Gawne delve in to Manx Christmas Past and share some of their favourite Christmas music.