Manx Radio's Island Life Series - Specials

Beth Espey looks into the issues facing islanders living with a disability, or who don't have English as a first language, when it comes to accessing information, and even voting, in the general election.

Lewis Foster explores the race for space on the Isle of Man as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic - how did it come about and what's in store for the future?

In this special programme first broadcast on July 5th 1999, David Callister took a trip into St John's to look at different aspects of the village, and of Tynwald Day itself

Beth Espey talks to the people behind the scenes in making Tynwald Day & the ancient ceremony happen

A dramatisation of the events surrounding the First Great Manx Homecoming of 1927. This programme was first broadcast on Manx Radio in 1987

In December 2017, the keepers of the Manx language launched a strategy, to broaden its appeal, understanding and use. That five-year strategy is now coming to an end, and Manx speakers and enthusiasts have been enjoying #Gaelg21 - a month-long celebration of the language. So what’s changed? In this Island Life Special, Dollin Mercer hears from some members of Jeebin – the Manx Language Network – to find out what’s been happening since the 2017 launch, and what comes next in the life of the Island’s native tongue. Image credit: Culture Vannin

On 23 May 1896, one of the Island’s most loved, successful and iconic tourist destinations was born. Whilst its history has been far from plain sailing, the Groudle Glen Railway survives to this day. From state-of-the-art late Victorian era hotspot, to nostalgic pass-time painstakingly preserved in aspic, the ‘line that goes uphill to the sea’ recently celebrated its 125th anniversary.

A look at the way people use social media, whether comments need regulating, and what impact online criticism is having on local politics. Include interviews with an industry experts and those who put themselves in the public firing line. David Christian, Michael Josem, Devon Watson and Laura-Anne Williams feature.

Monday's Government Media Brief was the gift that kept giving. Chief Minister Howard Quayle described ITV's Josh Stokes as being 'last and least' whilst Dr Ewart was all over Paul Moulton's smile (provided he hands in his homework on time!) On Tuesday's Manx Radio Breakfast Show, Chris Pearson, Sian Cowper and Ewan Gawne shared the highlights and a special 'Dr Ewart Remix' of the Shanice track 'I Love Your Smile' Check out the audio here.

Charles Guard returns to King William's College where he started, as a nine-year-old boarder, sixty years ago. He doesn't have fond memories of his time there with canings, naked swimming and rugby. He's picked up the courage to go back and see what it's like, sixty years on.

What role does the Post Office play where you live? The centre of many communities, the local post office has been in the spotlight of late, as the way services are delivered change. Closures in St John’s and Ballasalla have ruffled feathers as the Post Office board hits the half way mark in its 5 year strategy. Alex Wotton takes a look...

Tim Glover takes a look back at the big stories of 2020, including the coronavirus pandemic and the Island's reaction.

Manx Radio’s specialist music presenters enjoy a seasonal get together. Ian Cottier, John Kaneen, Ernie Thorn, Maurice Powell and Chris & Howard Caine sit down to share memories and play some of their favourite music.

This year, the subject of racism has come to the fore, surprisingly to some, on our own fair Isle. John Moss reflects on settlers through the ages, from the very first people to call the Island home, to the diverse community we see today

The Isle of Man Astronomical Society has started opening its doors to the general public, with one night per month set aside to show people round, talk about what they get up to, and have a look at some of the equipment. The first one of these Nights at the Observatory was held on 30 October 2020, with the second on 27 November, and more planned in the new year. Dollin Mercer went along and spoke to some of the committee members.

Tia Welsh uncovers the journey taken by novelists on the Isle of Man, from Chapter 1, to publishing.

John Moss brings us a special documentary for Remembrance Sunday, Dunkirk: 80 Years On

What’s it like going to University in 2020? Will keeps an audio diary of his first fortnight of study as an undergraduate. From lectures and mask-wearing to parties and new friends, we hear a unique insight into his unique experience...

What’s it like going to University in 2020? Will keeps an audio diary of his first fortnight of study as an undergraduate. From lectures and mask-wearing to parties and new friends, we hear a unique insight into his unique experience...

Tonight, William King speaks to a paramedic as he prepares for his shift, leaders in the Isle Of Man Ambulance Service about changes they made during the coronavirus pandemic, and changes to come as a result of the Sir Jonathan Michael Review of Health and Social Care. He also catches up with the team at St John Ambulance, Isle of Man tell us about their work, and how their role increased during the pandemic, plus - what goes on in the Emergency Services Joint Control Room, where 999 calls are received? William King has the answers!

William King zooms in on the emergency services. In episode 3, he visits Douglas Fire Station to learn about the work of the Fire and Rescue Service. Whilst at Douglas Fire Station, we filmed a hazmat training exercise, available to watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vR7Qs9aWz_A We’ll also hear from representatives of the Island’s Civil Defence Corps. They support the other emergency services during times of crisis, including during the coronavirus pandemic.

In episode 2 of Responders with William King, the focus is on the Police force. We’ll hear from Constables, sergeants and detectives from right across the constabulary, and speak to new recruits training in the former Port Erin police station.

William King zooms in on the various emergency services looking after the Isle of Man. The series listens in on training exercises and shifts and hears from representatives from across the Coastguard, Fire Service, Civil Defence, Isle of Man Constabulary, Ambulance Service, RNLI and St John Ambulance. In the first episode of Responders, William King focuses on the coastguard and the RNLI. At a training exercise of the Peel RNLI, we learn about the organisation’s work and speak to Kevin Scott, the rescue teams manager. Then after a short tour of the Douglas Lifeboat Station, Coxswain Edd Christian tells William about his own time in the RNLI, and the work of the charity on the Isle of Man.

Howard Caine reminisces with Terry Cringle who recently retired after more than 70 years working in journalism

Charles Guard pays tribute to one of Manx Radio's most popular presenters; David Callister, who passed away earlier this year.

Charles Guard looks back at the cancelled Tynwald of 1918 during the General Strike.

On Monday July 6th the ancient parliamentary history of the Isle of Man is being celebrated, as it is every year, on Tynwald Hill at St Johns. But this year it will be quite different to other years, due to the restrictions imposed during the covid crisis. With Manx borders closed, guests have been unable to travel across and niether have the military units that form the guard and the band. And there will not be general public access. But it is still the most important gathering of the year for Manx people. With a considerable history, much of which we owe to the Vikings. John Moss bring us this Island Life Special.

Hear voices of the Isle of Man in Part Two of 'Island in Lockdown', a specially-commissioned audio journal of residents in quarantine during the Covid-19 pandemic. 'Island In Lockdown' was produced by Aaron Ibanez, Sarah Hendy and William King.

We bring you voices of Manx people from all walks of life in this specially-curated audio journal of residents in quarantine during the Covid-19 pandemic. 'Island In Lockdown' was produced by Aaron Ibanez, Sarah Hendy and William King.

Alex Wotton looks into how sustainable the Isle of Man is, on its own.

Lewis Foster explores the opportunities for young people on the Isle of Man to get involved in music, and the role of the Island’s Music Service. Lewis finds out what goes into producing extra-curricular activities – and we hear from youngsters who are learning musical instruments.

William King looks at young peoples' engagement with the environmental discussion in the Isle of Man. We hear from Archibald Elliott of the student climate network, Bill Dale of Beach Buddies, Annette Baker of Ramsey Grammar School and Geoffrey Boot, DEFA Minister.

Charles Guard reflects on the events surrounding the fateful night the SS Ellan Vannin met its tragic end, 110 years ago this day.

Dollin Mercer explores a simple, but integral part of the traditional Manx household. We’ll hear about historical and modern views on ‘turf’, or ‘peat’ as you might know it. Once so central to the crofting lifestyle, efforts are now being made to survey exactly how much peat is left across the Manx countryside. Manx National Heritage Curator of Social History Yvonne Cresswell talks about the value of 'turf', its importance in Manx social history and the process of gathering it. We then hear from Manx Wildlife Trust Mires and Volunteering Officer Sarah Hickey, who is spending a year documenting the peat reserves which remain in the Island's uplands.

2019 marks 70 years since the Surby Silver Band changed its name to the Rushen Silver Band for £19-17-6 from the then Port St Mary Commissioners. On Time for Brass on 18 November 2019, we spoke to band representatives and associates, and listened to music by the band. Some of the music in this programme has been shortened.

Jim Crebbin is the only member of Rushen Silver Band today who was also there 70 years ago in 1949 when the group changed its name from the Surby Silver Band. In this exclusive interview for Manx Radio's Time For Brass, he speaks to William King. The podcast also includes three recordings of Rushen Silver Band. One from 1992, one from 2009 and one from 2019.

Kim Quine is joined by Liam Reynolds from Liam's Run Together and Adam Hudgeon from Reach IOM to talk about the Island's third annual Run & Talk and their experiences of mental health issues.

Chris Cave brings you FC Isle of Man – Changing the Game A new venture hopes to establish a Manx team in the English non-league football structure

Hear from the politicians who argued for human rights and the law reform which led to the decriminalisation of homosexuality in 1992. In this episode, commentator and former journalist Alistair Ramsay examines the reputational damage and the first Chief Minister Sir Miles Walker reflects on the debates which eventually brought the Island in line with the United Kingdom. Almost 30 years later, MHKs now are looking at a proposal to pardon those still living with criminal records, but will the legal gesture go far enough?

Potentially as early as next year, Tynwald could pass a law which would see a pardoning to those who were convicted for homosexual offences prior to decriminalisation in 1992. This programme contains strong language and explores themes which some listeners may find upsetting from the start. Ahead of this change, journalist Aaron Ibanez has put together a two-part documentary for Island Life looking at a time on the Isle of Man where gays faced life imprisonment. A number of men who were arrested in the early 90s have come forward for the first time, and have told of their experiences at the hands of the police who they say, were responsible for the suicides of what is believed to have been three men. 'Pride and Pardoning' features the likes of Alan Shea, the gay rights activist, former police officer and MLC Dudley Butt, as well MHKs Hazel Hannan, Peter Karran and former Chief Minister Allan Bell who were instrumental in law reform.

Aaron Ibanez goes up the highest occupied building on the Isle of Man and learns about the role of the Air Traffic Controller at Ronaldsway.

Christy spent some time at one of the Island's largest recording facilities, Red Lyon Studios, in the company of the extremely knowledgeable Mark Cleator. Producer, sound engineer and musician himself, Mark has worked on music of every genre, from choirs and orchestras to trad groups, pop and every shade of rock. He tells us what it's like to use traditional methods in a modern digital world.

Aaron Ibanez explores two very different approaches to greener living, from award-winning eco-architecture, to an off-grid cabin in the woods.

Rhian Evans explores whether libraries can hold their own in a fast-paced, technological world, where both fiction and knowledge can be got at the touch of a button.

Aaron Ibanez looks back at ten years of electric racing at the TT - and examines the future of the zero emissions category.

Former British Champion, TT and MGP Winner, Chris Palmer tells Sarah Hendy about the effort it takes to get any rider to the startline.

After decades of landfill and quarrying, nature has reclaimed the industrial land at the Island’s Northern tip. It has become a sanctuary for native and visiting wildlife. Neil Morris of Manx Birdlife guides Aaron Ibanez around the Isle of Man’s newest nature reserve.

Alex Wotton hears from people across the Island who recall the historic day when Apollo 11 landed on the moon, 50 years ago.

Charles Guard remembers the Tynwald Millennium celebrations of 1979.

John Moss explores the history of our National Day.