One to Three

On Friday the 4th of July, you’re invited to "Come on down" for a session at Irish Annie’s pub, a musical play at the Gaiety Theatre written by Asa Murphy and celebrating the best of Irish culture. Asa himself will share the stage with a live 5-piece band and a cast of notable characters – including Liverpool legend Ricky Tomlinson. Christy caught up with them both in a taxi on their way to their next venue... 

On Saturday 12th July, the Arboretum in St Johns will be packed full of Mini Parish Walkers once more, as the Rotary Club's fundraiser returns for the 5th year. We caught up with organisers Ivan Bratty and Mike Priest to get the details. Register and find out more here.

Thomas Radford was given an SAS survival guide when he was a child and it started him off on a path less trodden - which is just as well, because the things he might be treading on could well end up being his dinner!Now a hugely popular foraging expert and Instagram eco-champion, he will be hosting two walks on the Island in July, organised by Natasha Molyneux-Smith (@thenaturalhobbit), working with local forager Karen Griffiths and Lovely Greens' Tanya Anderson. *music: Galician by Scammylt.

On 5th July, the Olivier award winning Little Bulb Theatre will be headlining in the Spark Festival at the Villa Marina. Their show is described as a celebration of the wonder and weirdness of nature and our place within it, a theatrical love letter to nature for children and their families. I asked Clare Beresford from the company what we can expect. Book tickets here. 

Our charity of the week for Learning Disability Week 2025 is Manx Mencap. The term ‘learning disability’ is quite a broad brushstroke of course, and there are services users across the Island who will all have different requirements for support. Manx Mencap’s Fran Tinkler told me about some of the challenges and success stories that they are aware of.

Fran Tinkler tells us all about the Manx Mencap Charity, which works to improve opportunities for the Learning Disability community .They operate from Centre 21, Greenfield Rd in Douglas, you can call them on 01624 677289, email [email protected] or find out more about them and their services here.

Local author, explorer, photographer, musician and all-round IOM ambassador Andy 'Virgil' North has written and released a new publication in the popular global book series - the Wild Guide to the Isle Of Man. The book highlights the Island’s varied landscapes, hidden gems, wild swimming spots, heritage sites and more. Now available at most local bookshops, Manx Wildlife Trust in Peel and at the launch event on 19th June in Noa Market Hall, he told Christy all about it.

2025 marks the 10th birthday of Manx Carriage Driving for the Disabled. Like  a lot of local charities, they are on the lookout for volunteers in various roles, many of which don't even require you to be ‘horse minded’ (such as Secretary - a role they're keen to be filled!) Chris Quirk caught up with Patron Dr Bethany Haller Moore and also with Suzie Heap, who is undertaking the Parish walk to raise money for MCD4D, in memory of her grandmother who benefited from the charity's service.

Gary Gillies popped in to chat with Christy on what was a very auspicious day for him - not only his actual birthday, but also the day he fulfilled a 50year dream to be on Manx Radio! Gary is on the lookout for music and movie memorabilia for an upcoming auction - maybe you had a post show drink with the Rolling Stones in the 70s and got them to sign your tshirt, or were in the crowd at the Cream gig in the 60s and caught a plectrum?

The Isle Listen inaugural Isle of Man Dodgeball Championships takes place 5:30pm – 9pm Friday 16th May 2025 at the NSC in Douglas, hosted by Active Souls. All funds raised go towards educational programmes in primary and secondary schools to equip young people with tools and techniques to support them with their mental health. Steven Downward and Mikey Haslett tell us all about it. Registration closes at Midnight on Sunday 11th – sign up at https://www.islelisten.im/dodgeball/ Enquiries to [email protected]

Juan Christian and Steven Downward from Isle Listen tell us about Tough Mucka 2025. You can register for NOW* to get the EarlyBird discount Tough Mucka 2025 - IsleListen (*before May 1st). We also speak with John Keggin from event sponsor Island Escapes, and he reveals the brilliant prize they've donated for this year's event.

Artist Debra Tracey from Isle Be Creative tells us about her latest unique project, which aims to celebrate the achievements of adults aged 60 and over. 60 portraits will be created this year, to showcase a range of personalities, whether still here with us or from Manx history. You can nominate subjects using the form on her website islebecreative.co.im

We catch up with Jodie from Ramsey Garden Centre to find out what Spring treasures they have in stock, from bulbs & berries to fruit trees and veggies - not forgetting the solar mushroom lights!

Spring has most definitely sprung – it’s the time to clear out the shed, prep the garden and make space for the new. That also means you’re probably finding endless packets of leftover seeds, pots, books or tools – or maybe you’re looking for some inspiration for your green spaces? Never fear, The Seed Swap is here! Christy went up north in the glorious, plant loving sunshine to find out more from organiser Tanya Anderson.

Pier Progress! Christy catches up with David Furnival, Chairman of the Queens Pier Restoration Trust and Graham Curphey, Assistant Treasurer to get the latest on the incredible work the team are doing. We also find out about the upcoming Open Days AND hear how YOU could be part of the legacy, either through donation or through volutneering.

The Isle of Man Family History Society has been going since 1979 and has more than 1000 members around the world. There is a Resource Centre in Douglas which is open twice a week, they also host monthly events, publish a quarterly journal and have a stand at Tynwald fair every year. Chair of the charity, Maggie Mulhern, tells us more about their work and about a new exhibition at the iMuseum next weekend (28th-30th March).

Hospice Half Marathon is happening this weekend in North of the Island, it’s a brand new event for both Ramsey and for Hospice. Christy caught up with event organisers Richard Fletcher and Ollie Lockley, gold medal winning athlete and Isle of Man Athletics Development Officer.

The Manx Viking Project have been our One2Three Charity of the Week. Christian Hall and Anita Comber tell us all about it. Find out more at manxvikingproject.com

Vel gaelg ayd? By vie lhiat loayrt gaelg? Culture Vannin have announced the return of their Scoill Souree - Manx Gaelic summer school for adults (16+), taking place Monday 21st – Friday 25th July to coincide with Yn Chruinnaght Celtic Gathering festival. There are some spaces left on the improvers and and Intermediate courses – perfect if you have beggan gaelg and maybe need a confidence boost.Christy meets some other learners and talks to course organiser Ruth Keggin-Gell. You can BOOK YOUR PLACE HERE.

Former Blue Peter Presenter Konnie Huq aims to inspire the next generation of inventors as a judge for the 'National Innovation Challenge' in which students have the chance to dream up big ideas for solving real world problems - with winners getting to meet some of the greatest minds in the world with a visit to the prestigious MIT. She tells Christy all about it. Find out more about the competition here.

Christy catches up with 'The Voice' Russell Watson, ahead of his return visit to the Isle of Man to play at the Gaiety Theatre on Wednesday (26th Feb). They chat about everything from Star Trek to Meatloaf, new releases to working men's clubs - and everything in between.

Katie Lawrence has been leader of the Ballacottier School Choir for 20 years now and has taught hundreds of children in that time, giving them some truly memorable experiences. Next week (Wednesday 26th Feb) is no exception, as the Choir have been invited to join one of the world's most successful tenors, Russell Watson, at his concert at the Gaiety Theatre. She tells us more - and also reveals plans for the next Schools Concert in June.

Valentines is just days away. Are you prepared? After getting some Flexi-Feb inspiration from celebrity chef Simon Rimmer on Monday, it seems food is the language of the month of love - and Frenchman Fred Siriex has it all figured out. The First Dates presenter has some hot tips for us, encouraging us to spend quality time in the kitchen on Friday, swapping a restaurant bill for a home cooked Surf n Turf. And, for this bike fanatic, it seems Fred is just as 'turned on' about the fact he is speaking to the Isle of Man, home of the TT!

Celebrity Chef Simon Rimmer is encouraging us to get more flexible with our food in February. He tells Christy about the benefits, shares some super quick recipe ideas and helps us regain kitchen-cupboard-love, by revealing his top tips on what crucial items to keep in the pantry for a flavour-filled Feb.

Paul Chase from Financial Options talks about the importance of life insurances and gives some great advice on the options that are available to us, no matter what are circumstances.

The One World Centre Charity Challenge is underway and students from 6th Forms around the Island are taking part, raising funds and awareness for some of the smaller charities around the world. Camilla, Evie, Issy and Hannah from Castle Rushen High School team 'Seed Madagascar' tell Christy about their own project and charity. Find out more here

Christy catches up with Jude Fullerton from Douglas Choral Union and two of the leading cast from the upcoming production of 'Chicago', Jordan McCormack who plays Velma and Evie Skillicorn who plays Roxie. Fascinating to learn about the real life events that inspired the murderous storyline! The show runs at the Gaiety from 7th to 15th Feb.

On a particularly grey day here on the Isle of Man - and on the day of the year recently labelled 'Blue Monday', we decided that the best person to speak to would be happiness expert and CEO of Laughology Stephanie Davies, on the subject of using colour to our advantage.

Christy visits the new South Beach Shelter, built by the community, for the community - then runs in to the sea...

Local legend Dot Tilbury popped in to tell us about her upcoming concert in Marown on January 25th, with a host of fabulous guests AND a good Manx supper, all raising money for the young cyclists.

St Ninian's High School students Emma Worsfold, Lindi Nyoni, Lucie Williams, Ella Edwards and Freya Beggs tell us about the One World Centre Street Child Charity Challenge. You can find them on Instagram @streetchildsnhs

On Boxing Day, hundreds of hardy folk across the tiny Isle get together to take part in two great Manx traditions: Hunt the Wren in the morning, then it's off to St Johns for 'Cammag'. With tales of knobbly sticks, zero rules and (friendly) fights on the field, we thought it best to find out from those in the know - 3 generations of Callisters who've been playing it for decades.3  generations of Cammag players

Christy and Howard have a very festive afternoon at Hospice Isle of Man, chatting with staff, volunteers and fundraisers to find out about the year that’s been and the year to come.

Drum teacher Ed Wilson tells us about the return of Carolaoke, an event which proved so popular, they've had to move venues to accommodate the audience! This year, the event is being held in the Ramsey Lifeboat Station on Sunday from 2pm and is raising funds for the RNLI, with audience members encouraged to sing along to their favourite Christmas songs with a live band backing them.

Christy chats with the voice of Love Island, Iain Stirling, ahead of his stand up gig at the Gaiety in February. They talk Taskmaster, tiling issues, stalker journos and f4rts in j4rs. That's when he eventually turns up... ;-)

Christy catches up with Caroline Devlin about a new carol that she's written to help support Ballaugh Old Church

Dennis Curphey from the Queens Pier Restoration Trust speaks to Christy about some of the events they have coming up over the festive period and into 2025.

Christy catches up with cast and crew from Stage-Ed's 2024 Panto production, Dick Whittington - with Producer Steve Palfreman, Director Mark Hilton, Sarah the Cook - aka writer Jolyon Dixon and Dick Whittington himself, played by Millie Christian

This weekend, Nov 23rd and 24th, sees the return of the popular Laxey Christmas Markets. Beckie Williams from the Laxey Institute tells Christy more

🎭The Panto is back in Peel (oh no it isn't!) 🐰Christy chats with some of the cast and crew - Kayleigh, Lisa, Victoria and Ellie - ahead of Peel Pantoloons' production of Alice In Wonderland which starts at the Centenary Centre on Dec 1st.🎟 Get tickets at Celtic Gold or online from the Peel Centenary Centre here: https://www.centenarycentre.com/

Carl Parker and John Walker talk to us about the new Parker and Snell adaptation of Victor Hugo's 'Les Miserables', which is on at the Gaiety from Weds 20th Nov to 23rd Nov. Tickets available here: Les Misérables - The Drama

Kate Bergquist and Gary Thomas tell us about the free all-day event being organised for International Men's Day, with everything from glass bottom kayaking to whittling, bushcraft to sauna and sea dipping.The event is on Nov 30th and you can book on here: GreenCreek

Fynoderee Distillery have just released their most special product to date: Refuge Manx Rum. A real labour of love, the spirit took a year to mature, left out on the Tower of Refuge to take in all the elemental flavours. With a very limited number of bottles now on sale, 20% of every single sale goes to the RNLI, to mark the Manx born organisation's 200th Anniversary. Tiffany Kerruish tells Christy just what went in to the process. Get your bottle here - but be quick! Refuge Manx Rum - 20% of the price of this product will be donated in - The Fynoderee Distillery

You might remember Pippa Lovell as being the award winning Chef behind foraging restaurant Versa in Port Erin, well, she moved back to the UK earlier this year (not forever though) and will be appearing on BBC 1 TONIGHT at 9pm, in the current series of Masterchef the Professionals. Christy caught up with her this morning to try find out a bit about it. And don't worry, no spoilers here!

10 year old Aastha Vakil is a rising star in inspirational music who shares her time between Mumbai, London and the Isle of Man. She has just released a new song and video, which was filmed at Ballakermeen High School with children from Rachel Wild's Performance Studio, titled "Believe in Yourself." The project aims to promote children's mental health awareness and empower children to develop resilience and self-belief. Christy caught up with her recently to find out more about the project and her plans for the future. For more information visit her website at https://aasthavakil.com

Leanne Harper and Jane Anderson, from the Dan Kneen Charitable Trust, tell us about their new project 'TORQ', which provides mental health support to TT racers and their families working alongside coaches from Rock to Recovery.We also get the details of the annual 14 Ball, with a hint at some of the money-can't-buy auction items... Book your tickets for the ball and find out more about the charity itself here

Ruth Keggin Gell tells us about this year's Cooish, the Manx Language Festival, taking place from 6th to 10th November across the Island. There are events as varied as cocktail making sessions to sea swims, tiny talks to games nights. See learnmanx.com/cooish for all the details

Our One2Three charity this week is TORQ, previously the Dan Kneen Charitable Fund. Still very much a tribute to Dan, they continue to support organisations like the Rob Vine Fund but now also have a focus on providing mental health support to riders and their family and friends, during the racing schedule and beyond. Leanne Harper and Jane Anderson tell us more about the charity and it's goals.

Christy catches up with much loved British comedian, (song)writer, historian and presenter Frank Skinner, ahead of his first visit to the Island on November 3rd, bringing his '30 Years of Dirt' tour to the Gaiety Theatre.

Viv Cornelius, a volunteer fundraiser and John Knight, Hospice Isle of Man CEO, update us on upcoming events - from bingo to Hop tu Naa parties - and they also give us the lowdown on what it means to be a volunteer for the local charity. Find out more about volunteering here, and about the various events here.