Manx Radio's Island Life Series - Specials

On the 14th December 1822, HM Brig of War Racehorse, a Navy ship, sank off Langness with the loss of nine men. Exactly 200 years later on the 14th December 2022, a plaque to commemorate the sinking, was unveiled at a special ceremony in Castletown. Listen to the full ceremony here.

On the southern coast of the Isle of Man sits an imposing structure that's considered one of the best examples of a medieval castle in Europe. The ancient capital’s very own Castle Rushen has a rich, varied history. Siobhán Fletcher takes a tour with Mark Watterson from Manx National Heritage to find out a little bit more about it.

The final episode of our ManxMade produce-celebrating series by Michelle James, supported by iomfoodanddrink.com. This week, we take a look at how a hand-harvested salt business developed during lockdown.

The second of our ManxMade produce-celebrating series by Michelle James, supported by iomfoodanddrink.com. This week, we take a look at what it takes to run a successful and sustainable craft distillery.

In this special documentary for Remembrance Sunday, John Moss looks at war and conflict around the world, and brings you reflections on the pity of war.

In the first of a new series by Michelle James and supported by iomfoodanddrink.com, we take a look at some of the local producers here on the Isle of Man. Michelle heads out west to find out just what it takes to produce the perfect ice cream and create hand made chocolate.  

Visit Isle of Man has extended the visitor season into the winter this year, in the hopes it will capture a share of the increasing demand for off-peak UK short breaks. So, what can people do if they come over to the Island this time of year? We sent Siobhán Fletcher to Castletown to take a look at some of the activities on offer with Manx National Heritage.

Last year, the Island lost a bright musical talent when Cody Atzori died suddenly.  This year, on what would have been his 19th birthday, his family released an album of his original music called Whispicity, with all proceeds going to help families like theirs.  Siobhán Fletcher speaks to Cody's family and finds out how the album was made.

What does the future hold for the picturesque seaside village of Laxey? Lewis Foster speaks to residents, business owners and Commissioners to find out. 

The cost of living crisis is affecting everyone, and it’s only expected to get worse over the coming months. In this special documentary by Broadcast Journalist Amy Griffiths, we find out how some people are cutting corners to make ends meet, how businesses on the Island are coping and what support there'll be from government.

Using material from the Manx Radio archive, we take another look at the evidence (or possibly lack of evidence!) for the existence of the Dalby Spook.   Another chance to hear David Callister in conversation with Alec Karran, Reggie Bell, Ian Corlett and Kathleen Green - who all have their own story to tell.

In June 1999, Island resident Charlie Brown was Administratively Discharged from the Royal Air Force after revealing that he was gay. Six months later, the MoD changed the rules, meaning that sexual orientation was no longer a bar to military service. For Charlie, that decision came too late and he was one of the last ever military personnel to be discharged for being gay. Charlie relocated to the Island in 1999 and had a successful career in the aviation engineering industry. As well as colleagues, a career and a whole lifestyle, Charlie lost out on future promotions and the increased pension that would have brought. These days, all three services have a very different attitude and are welcoming to the LGBTQ+ community and others. Pictured : Charlie Brown on detachment with the Royal Air Force in front of one of the Tornado jets he was responsible for keeping flying

On our National Day, when we celebrate our heritage on a site with a Viking remnant as a centrepiece, John Moss asks the big question about the often misunderstood people

Twenty years of breaking the educational mould – Hosted by Phil Gawne

June 14th 2022 marks the 40th anniversary of the surrender of Argentine forces on the Falkland Islands following a 74-day conflict. 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. Hear Aidan’s story with Chris Pearson in this Island Life special. 

As the legendary long coats announce their retirement from the international stunt riding arena, ower Clarky catches up with commentator Derry Kissack and original Purple Helmet Jim Davidson (part two).  *Warning* : contains numerous fruity anecdotes, including The One About the Prince in the pungent polecat coat... 

As the legendary long coats announce their retirement from the international stunt riding arena, ower Clarky catches up with commentator Derry Kissack and original Purple Helmet Jim Davidson (part one). 

As we head towards TT and the summer, we revisit the a MITW from 2008 when Howard finds out more about the Island's bees, hears about an astonishing finding from the basking shark satellite tagging programme and discovers one of the Island's more elusive residents braving very noisy surroundings #iom #manxradio #wild #biosphere

Lewis Foster continues his look at the work of Isle of Man charity Motiv8 does and takes a look at breaking down the stigma around addiction. With thanks to contributors: CEO of Motiv8 Thea Ozenturk. also fundraiser Nicola Browne and members of the Smart Recovery Group. Find out more on their website, Freephone 0808 1624 627656, Mobile 426400 or email [email protected]  

In this first part of a two part special for Island Life, Lewis Foster takes a look at all things addiction. He speaks with Island charity Motiv8 and meets some of those who have been helped by the service including 3 members who are becoming mentors. Find out more about the charity and it's services on their website https://www.motiv8.im/ or by calling them on 01624 627656 or Mobile 07624 426400. And tune in same time next week for Part 2. 

In this latest episode of the Bodywise programme with Matt and Ciara tackle the challenging subject of Addiction. They speak with leading expert Dr Austin O'Carroll, founder of a charity in Ireland called Safetynet They also hear some brave and honest personal accounts of some people dealing with addiction here on the Isle of Man.  If you have any questions or comments about any of the Bodywise programmes or would like to post a health question to Matt and Ciara, you can contact them at [email protected]. 

The Ukranian Crisis - A Manxman's Perspective

Ciara's full conversation with Nutritionist and Menopause expert Joanne Posey. Jo has released a free online resource called 'Thriving with Menopause', which you can find on her website Life Lessons Nutrition

Matt and Ciara in conversation with Dr Deirdre Lundy, an Irish GP specialising in reproductive and sexual health. Deirdre has been instrumental in raising awareness and changing the attitudes around Menopause in Ireland and has also played a major part in setting up the first Menopause Clinics in the nation. In this full length interview, she talks to us about everything from early stage awareness and pros and cons of HRT right through to workplace attitudes - and takes listener questions.   

This second Bodywise programme with Matt and Ciara is all about the Menopause. They speak with leading expert Dr Deirdre Lundy, who has transformed menopause treatment, awareness and attitudes in Ireland and they also catch up with local expert Joanne Posey, from Life Lessons Nutrition. Jo has published a free online resource, 'Thriving with the Menopause', which you can find on her website LifeLessonsNutrition.co.uk. You will find the FULL chats with both Deirdre and Jo available via our Manx Radio Podcast page; click on the Island Life Specials series to find them. Next week, Matt and Ciara tackle the subject of Addiction. Listen live on air at 6pm on Thursday, or after the programme via the podcast page.

In this first episode of the new 6 part health series, Matt and Ciara give us a no holds barred, behind the scenes look at the GP Surgery. We learn how general practice is changing, how we can make the best of our appointment times and also, what we can do to help make the lives of our hard working GP staff easier and better.   

After the sad news that our friend and former colleague Terry Cringle had passed away at the age of 91, here's a second opportunity to hear a programme that was broadcast just after Terry’s retirement in the summer of 2020. Sharing memories with Howard Caine about his career in journalism, Terry gave a fascinating account of seven decades in the business.

Howard Caine selects a few of his favourite moments from Manx Radio's broadcast output over the last few weeks  . . expect . . .well  . anything really .  .  . 

The final episode in our current series of these programmes, where we dip into the Manx Radio archives. Our own Queen of Conversation chats with the King of Magic – in a classic edition of the Geraldine Jamieson interview with Paul Daniels, first broadcast in 2001. 

This week, we’re on a historical tour around the Island’s landmarks, landscape and heritage with some much loved voices recorded in the 70's and 80's– including Mike Goldie and David Callister from ‘Go With Goldie’, John Quilliam’s ‘Know Your Parish’, Fenella Bazin’s ‘Heritage Tours’ and Howard Hampton, who is going ‘Rambling’.

*Please note: this podcast series contains graphic audio content that some may find difficult to listen to. Discretion advised.*  The theme for Holocaust Memorial Day this year is 'One Day'.  Every day this week, we are marking the event with a daily podcast, read by Carol Jempson, a member of the Isle of Man Jewish Community. Carol shares the stories and experiences of real people, recalling One Day in history that changed their lives. Today, the story of a young Tutsi woman, whose life was turned upside down One Day in 1994 when genocide came to her town. 

*Please note: this podcast series contains graphic audio content that some may find difficult to listen to. Discretion advised.* The theme for Holocaust Memorial Day this year is 'One Day'. Every day this week, we are marking the event with a daily podcast, read by Carol Jempson, a member of the Isle of Man Jewish Community. Carol shares the stories and experiences of real people, recalling One Day in history that changed their lives. Today, the personal story of Carol's friend Michel, commemorating the day 80 years ago that changed the lives of his family forever.

*Please note: this podcast series contains graphic audio content that some may find difficult to listen to. Discretion advised.*  The theme for Holocaust Memorial Day this year is 'One Day'.  Every day this week, we are marking the event with a daily podcast, read by Carol Jempson, a member of the Isle of Man Jewish Community. Carol shares the stories and experiences of real people, recalling One Day in history that changed their lives. Today, a story from the Balkan Peninsula, as a former refugee recalls their childhood being changed forever One Day, when their home in the regions of Bosnia and Herzegovina was wracked by war.

*Please note: this podcast series contains graphic audio content that some may find difficult to listen to. Discretion advised.*  The theme for Holocaust Memorial Day this year is 'One Day'.  Every day this week, we are marking the event with a daily podcast, read by Carol Jempson, a member of the Isle of Man Jewish Community. Carol shares the stories and experiences of real people, recalling One Day in history that changed their lives. Today, a challenging story from Darfur, as one woman shares her family's experiences under the brutal regime of the government supported militia Janjaweed; but she also shares the hope she has for the future, having found some solace and safety - and a determination to change. In her own words: "If we all speak in one voice, we can compel the international community to act to end the genocide in Darfur, and the suffering of women elsewhere in the world.”

*Please note: this podcast series contains graphic audio content that some may find difficult to listen to. Discretion advised.*  The theme for Holocaust Memorial Day this year is 'One Day'.  Every day this week, we are marking the event with a daily podcast, read by Carol Jempson, a member of the Isle of Man Jewish Community, sharing the stories and experiences of real people who have lived through genocide around the world.   In Carol's own words: "We put aside 27th January as the one day  to come together to remember, to learn about the Holocaust, Nazi Persecution and the genocides that followed in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur, in the hope that there may be One Day in the future with no genocide. We learn more about the past, we empathise with others today, and we hope that people will take action for a better future."

Much missed broadcaster and well respected member of the Manx Community, John Kennaugh, in conversation with Florrie Kinvig.  Florrie was born on the family farm in 1923 and grew up in the South of the Island, becoming an integral part of the Southern  farming community. She shares memories of her life and times in that world in this wonderful conversation with John, which was first broadcast in 2013. 

Howard and Christy take a look back at some of Manx Radio's special programmes, broadcast at the end of 2021. You can listen back to these selections in full at ManxRadio.com on the Island Life podcast page here , the Mannin Line podcast, Agenda, Marc's miTunes podcast, Manx Radio Dramas.

It’s now more than six years since British Astronaut Tim Peake blasted off for the International Space Station. His mission “Principia” lasted six months. He’s been into space and travelled much of Planet Earth, but there’s at least one rock he hasn’t visited yet. In 2022, Tim Peake will visit the Isle of Man for the first time, as part of his tour; “My Journey to Space”, which lands at the Villa Marina on 19 March. In this interview with William King for Manx Radio, Tim discusses his tour, his own experiences of space, the industry as a whole and the part the Isle of Man could be playing in its future.

Sian Cowper looks back at the stories that hit the headlines throughout 2021.

Looking for something comforting and reflective to settle down and relax to as darkness overtakes the day? In this concluding part of TE Brown’s poem Christmas Rose you’ll here how the life of Christmas Rose which began in tragedy finally draws to a close. Just a word of advice too, you might want a box of tissues handy.

Our musical specialist hosts go off piste for the festive. Featuring John Kaneen, Ian Cottier, Ernie Thorn, Maurice Powell and the cats in the hats, Chris and Howard Caine. 

Howard Caine takes a sideways glance at our best bad bits over the past 12 months

Fed up with Xmas TV and looking for something quiet and relaxing to listen to? Then put your feet up and settle down to the first of two Xmas Goll as Gaccan specials in which we hear the whole of TE Browns narrative poem Christmas Rose. Brown transports us back to an evening 150 years ago when a boat is wrecked on Conister and then reflects on the events that follow. 

Lewis Foster explores the difficult subject of loneliness and isolation at Christmas. He meets people who have experienced or are experiencing it themselves, finds out how they have coped and speaks to people and groups on the Island who are making a real difference.  See below for contact details of organisations who you may find useful, if you recognise any of the issues discussed in this programme. Isle of Man Live at Home Schemes   Email: [email protected] Phone: + 44 1624 616571 or + 44 7624 497603. Available 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday (if you are met with an answer phone, please don’t be put off. Just leave a message and we will call you back) Address: Live at Home HQ, The Mike Hailwood Centre, Glencrutchery Road, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM2 6DA Southern Befrienders:  Tel: 01624 833025 Email: [email protected] Address: Thie Rosien, Castletown Road, Port Erin, IM9 6BD Manx Retirement Association: Website: http://www.manxretirement.org/ Email: [email protected] Phone: 817007

John Moss quizzes the seven candidates contesting the two vacant seats in the Legislative Council. The House of Keys will elect the new members this Tuesday (23 November).

A documentary for Remembrance Sunday looking at the role the Manx played during times of war and conflict. Presented by John Moss.

Christy DeHaven is guided through the meno-maze by a host of wonderful contributors, both on and off Island: Belinda Pilling, Joanne Posey from Life Lessons Nutrition and Howard Caine (pictured with Christy in the studio), also practice nurse Stephanie Beynon from Hailwood Medical Centre, Dr Paula Briggs from the British Menopause Society, the Yorkshire Menopause Doctor Ella Russell, and Mrs Yorkshire The Baking Bard. Together, we discover that entering the Menopause doesn't have to mean putting your life on hold...

Speaking to local residents, experts and the gulls themselves, he attempts to get to the bottom of the situation

Candidates for Chief Minister Dr. Alex Allinson MHK & Alfred Cannan MHK debate head to head. 

Chris Cave is joined by Manx Radio journalist John Moss as they re-live some of the toe-curling moments from election campaigns of yesteryear.