North American Manx Association

Isle of Man Family History Society

2012-02-09T12:12:00.002-05:00

Genealogy can be a time consuming process, littered with frustrations,surprises and fascination, but help is at hand for those budding genealogistswho require help in pinning down their elusive ancestors.

The Isle of Man Family History Society was formed in 1979 by a groupof twenty nine enthusiastic volunteers under the leadership of Mona Christian,in order to encourage others worldwide to research their ancestry.

Spokesperson Priscilla Lewthwaite said, “Genealogy is the bare bonesof the development of a family. Family history is putting the flesh onto thebones, or putting leaves on the family tree. This is what we try to encourageour members to do, not just to produce a Family Tree going back into the darkages, but to try and find out as much as possible about each person on thetree”.

With over thirty years’ collective experience under their belt,members of this respected organisation have used their time productively. Eachgravestone, ranging from early examples up to the 1980s, has been recorded,burial records indexed, publications and discs produced and valuable CensusRecords indexed from 1841 up to 1901. They have also generously given theirtime to transcribe Wills, index records of the poor and give voluntaryassistance to the staff of Manx National Heritage.

The society’s on-going popularity has ensured a worldwide membershipof more than 1200 people who receive a fact-filled quarterly journal. Butthere’s also time to continue indexing and arrange an annual exhibition in adifferent part of the Island each year to help create public awareness of theirwork. Many will also be conscious of their presence within the Homecomers’ Tenton Tynwald Day. Members of the society also took part in the ‘Who Do You ThinkYou Are Exhibition?’ in London in conjunction with other agencies from the Isleof Man.

There are many advantages to becoming a member of the Isle of ManFamily History Society, where they will guide new recruits through thesometimes demanding process of filtering the wheat from the chaff ofgenealogical research. This includes the society’s library situated on DerbyRoad in Peel (open three afternoons each week) which contains a growingcollection of valuable information. Members also have the opportunity to meetsocially every month at Union Mills Methodist Church to hear an invitedLecturer speak on a chosen topic, followed by the chance to discuss anyproblems members may have with their research.

New members are always welcome with further information available fromtheir website.

www.iomfhs.im

Valerie Caine

(Courtesy of Manx Tails)

Manx unemployment at shocking 2.5%

2012-02-07T16:26:00.003-05:00

At the end of January there were 1,100 people out of work on the Isle of Man, an increase of 0.3% from December. A recent rise in Isle of Man unemployment is "regrettable" but not surprising, the government has said.

The current unemployment rate is now 2.5%, compared with a figure of 8.4% in the United Kingdom.

"You have to go back many years for the last time unemployment fell in January."He added: "Though regrettable, an increase in numbers on the register this month does not come as a total surprise.

Treasury Minister Eddie Teare said despite the recent downturn, the island's economy was still creating job opportunities for local residents.

Isle of Man government thanked by people of Nepal

2012-02-06T16:30:00.002-05:00

The Isle of Man government has been thanked for its long-standing support towards the development of educational facilities in Nepal.

Chief Minister Allan Bell MHK recently received a plaque to celebrate the completion of the 25th Manx-funded school project in the country.

The plaque was presented to Mr Bell by the chairman of the Pahar Trust charity Howard Green.

It is hoped three Isle of Man-funded schools will be completed during 2012.

'Secure learning environment'

Mr Green made the presentation on behalf of the director general at the Nepali Department of Education, Mahashram Sharma.

He said: "The government of Nepal wanted to express their sincere thanks to the generous people of the Isle of Man for providing modern facilities where children can now work in a safe and secure learning environment."

Through financial assistance from the Council of Ministers Overseas Aid Committee and donations by Isle of Man residents, the Pahar Trust has helped to build and equip schools in many remote Nepali villages.

The Pahar Trust was established in 1993. Its main focus is raising the funds necessary and co-ordinating the construction of schools in remote areas of East and West Nepal.

So far, more than 60 schools have been completed. The trust also raises funds for a number of water, health and housing projects.

BBC

2012-02-06T11:08:00.002-05:00

Located midway between England and Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man is a small island with a complex history. Geologists have studied and reported on the Isle of Man since the nineteenth century, making it a popular destination for rock hounds.

Roughly 50 kilometers (30 miles) from northeast to southwest, the island preserves rock layers dating back hundreds of millions of years. While most of the rocks are covered by soil, some rock layers exposed at the surface, along the coast, and in quarries have shed light on this island’s assorted ancient landscapes.

The Enhanced Thematic Mapper on the Landsat 7 satellite captured this natural-color image of the Isle of Man on May 1, 2001. This image shows the northern end of the island, and the image has been rotated so north is to the right. Croplands cover the relatively flat terrain of the northern coastal plain, which forms a rough triangle. Underlying the fields are glacial sediments. Between 70,000 and 10,000 years ago, a giant ice sheet covered the Isle of Man. The ice advanced and retreated multiple times, occasionally piling up rocks to form hills. As the ice melted, all the dirt and debris locked within it came to rest on the northern plain.

Toward the south, the land rises. The rock layers in this region are collectively known as the Manx Group, and they are far older than the glacial sediments coating the northern plain. These rock layers formed between 490 million and 470 million years ago at the bottom of an ancient sea floor. Normally sediments accumulate on the sea floor gradually. But occasionally underwater avalanches, perhaps prompted by earthquakes on land, can rapidly deposit huge amounts of sediment. Over thousands and thousands of years, layers of mud deposited in this way form submarine sediment fans.

When the Manx Group formed, Isle of Man lay far south of the Equator. Over hundreds of millions of years, the action of plate tectonics both raised the ancient submarine fan above the ocean surface, and carried it northward to its present location. Traveling through the tropics, what became the Isle of Man accumulated limestone and experienced volcanic activity. While we usually think of volcanoes erupting on land, volcanoes often erupt underwater, a process that continues today.

The Manx Group makes up the bulk of the Isle of Man, and comprises a mixture of sedimentary and volcanic rocks, folded and faulted by millions of years of tectonic pressures. Visible from the sky, the uneven contours of these rock layers hint at their complicated history.

References
Manx Geological Survey. (2003). Accessed January 18, 2012.
Manx National Heritage Library. (2004, January). Geology of the Isle of Man. (PDF file). January 18, 2012.
NASA Photojournal. (2012, January 10). PIA15218: Isle of Man. Accessed January 18, 2012.

NASA Earth Observatory image created by Robert Simmon, using Landsat data provided by the United States Geological Survey. Caption by Michon Scott.

Landsat 7 - ETM+

Instrument:

Get ready world - here comes Sam Barks!

2012-02-01T18:08:00.000-05:00

Samantha Barks from Laxey has landed a lead role in the film version of Les Miserables beating out such a big name as Taylor Swift!

She will star as Eponine alongside Hollywood actors Russell Crowe (Javert) and Hugh Jackman (Jean Valjean) in the glittering production, which is bound to catapult her to global superstardom.

Casting for the film, to be directed by Tom Hooper who directed Oscar-winning movie The King’s Speech, has been attracting much attention since the big names started emerging. Also in the cast will be Sacha Baron Cohen, Amanda Seyfried, Anne Hathaway and Helena Bonham Carter.

Last night at the production of Oliver! in which Samantha is playing the role of Nancy, Sir Cameron Mackintosh took to the stage in Manchester to make the big announcement about Sam.

Shuffle at Economic development

2012-01-31T11:01:00.000-05:00

The Department of Economic Development announces new political delegations

FOLLOWING the appointment of Tony Wild MLC as a political member for the Department of Economic Development, Minister John Shimmin MHK has announced a number of changes to the delegated responsibilities within his Department.

Tony Wild MLC will lead the Employment and Skills Group and the Information Systems Division (ISD). Employment and Skills Group’s responsibilities include areas such as Training Services, the Job Centre, the Careers Service and Work Permits. ISD provides a complete range of information technology services to all Government Departments from high level strategy through to system procurement, operations and support.

Laurence Skelly MHK will oversee part of the Department’s Business Development portfolio including e-business, information and communication technology, manufacturing, retail, film and media and attracting and assisting high value individuals. He is also responsible for energy policy; clean technology and biotechnology; construction; mines and minerals and the Department’s properties. Laurence is a Past President of NAMA.

Alex Downie OBE, MLC, in addition to his existing Departmental responsibilities which include Space and the Ship and Aircraft registers, is also now responsible for E-gaming.

Geoff Corkish MBE, MHK remains the member responsible for Tourism, TT and Motorsport. He also liaises with the Isle of Man Post Office on behalf of the Department (of which in a separate capacity he is also Chairman).

Alan Crowe MLC remains the member responsible for Financial Services and the Companies Registry.

Minister Shimmin commented:

‘As the Department of Economic Development builds for the future, my political colleagues and I aim to deliver outstanding services in all areas of responsibility and welcome new opportunities in 2012. We recognise that challenges exist at every turn but with the dedication of our management and staff we will endeavour to rise to the challenge.’

Manx State of the Nation

2012-01-30T15:37:00.004-05:00

Chief Minister Allan Bell's comments came during his address at the ‘Manx State of the Nation’ conference on Friday, which was organised by the Alliance of Isle of Man Compliance Professionals.

He warned against dwelling on the achievements seen in the past, but told his audience to focus on new ways to protect the island’s future.

‘As the storm clouds continue to gather around us in Europe and beyond, it is vital that we develop new strategies to protect our future and do not dwell on past success.

‘If we lose focus on the needs of the economy in the time ahead, either through complacency or through the distraction of our fiscal challenges, then we risk endangering our impressive achievements of the last 25 years,’ he said.

The audience heard that the island had solid foundations to build upon, with no external borrowing, an unemployment rate below 2.5 per cent, strong reserves, and continued economic growth despite ongoing turbulence in international markets.

Mr Bell said the performance of the island’s economy was in no small measure down to the confidence and enterprise of its private sector.

He told local business leaders at the address: ‘I would like to offer my personal, and sincere, gratitude for your hard work, support and partnership as it plays such a crucial part in terms of our continued progress as a world-class international business centre.

‘My ministerial colleagues and I recognise that your outstanding contribution has enabled the Isle of Man to cement its place as a well-regulated and responsible nation, with a high quality corporate offering.’

He said: ‘Our regulatory systems, while observing the continuing need to adhere to international best practice, must also be designed to encourage new commercial opportunities, especially in the face of ever growing competition.

‘The emergence of a more independent Scotland on our doorstep is a good example and one we must watch very carefully.’

The conference heard that next month’s Budget would highlight the challenging targets that had to be met in order to protect the Isle of Man’s core services and maintain a vibrant economy.

Mr Bell said: ‘There is one vital message that must never be forgotten. Without a strong and sustainable economy, delivering a strong and sustainable fiscal base, the political independence of the Isle of Man will always be vulnerable to external pressure.’

As a Manxman, Mr Bell added he was proud of what the people of the island had achieved over the last 25 years.

‘We have fought long and hard to rebuild our economy and our public finances, and to defend and grow our political independence.

‘I can promise you today that as long as I remain Chief Minister I will do everything in my power to protect those achievements and your futures,’ he added.

iomtoday.com

Long to reign over us! Happy and glorious stamps from IOM Post

2012-01-27T11:45:00.001-05:00

The Isle of Man Post Office is celebrating the Diamond Jubilee ofQueen Elizabeth II (Lord of Mann) with the release of six stamps bearingvarious portraits of the Queen, followed by the issue of a Diamond JubileeMiniature Sheet on the Queen’s birthday on the 21^st April, 2012.

Each stamp focuses on different aspects of her life, beginning with afilm premiere as a young woman in 1955 and ending with a more recent representationtaken whilst watching the Derby at Epsom Racecourse in 2008.

Included in the package are selected extracts from some of the Queen’sChristmas messages broadcast annually to both the nation and the Commonwealth.

www.iomstamps.com

Valerie Caine © January 2012

Chico & Rita (again)

2012-01-25T15:24:00.002-05:00

Manx illustrator Juan Moore, who spent 18 months working on the animation Chico and Rita, has described its Oscar nomination as "mind blowing".

Mr Moore said he found out when he received an email from the film's production manager Daryl Shute.

During its production Mr Moore was one of 10 animators from the Isle of Man who were employed on the film. Some of his work can be seen here.

Chico and Rita is up against four other films: A Cat in Paris, Kung Fu Panda 2, Puss in Boots and Rango.

BBC

CRUISE SHIP VISITS WILL PROVIDE LOCAL ECONOMIC BOOST

2012-01-25T10:14:00.004-05:00

CRYSTAL SERENTIY, the largest cruise vessel ever to grace Douglas Bay.

THE Isle of Man is set to welcome no less than 14 cruise calls this year with a further nine calls already booked for 2013, providing a welcome economic boost to the local economy. Of the current total, 13 vessels will be making an inaugural visit including the magnificent 68,870 ton CRYSTAL SERENTIY, the largest cruise vessel ever to grace Douglas Bay.

A further distinctive caller is one of the world’s largest sail-cruisers. With five huge masts and the sails controlled by computer from the bridge of the vessel, the WIND SURF will present a distinctive sight during the two calls it is scheduled to make in 2013. This vessel accommodates 327 passengers along with 163 crew members.

The AZAMARA QUEST, which is due to call at Douglas on July 13^th in 2013, currently has a unique Isle of Man connection as the Master of the vessel, Captain Carl Smith is from Peel. It is anticipated he will be on board for the Isle of Man call which could then be promoted to the Cruise Lines repeat passenger base as ‘Captain Carl’s Homecoming Cruise!’.

Silversea Cruises have scheduled two of their vessels to incorporate the Isle of Man within itineraries this year. They are the SILVER CLOUD, which has been a fairly frequent caller to our shores in the past, and the SILVER EXPLORER which is the company’s recently acquired ‘Expedition’ vessel and will be visiting the Island for the first time.

Other distinctive inaugural callers in 2012 include the SEVEN SEAS VOYAGER. This Berlitz Guide rated luxury/premium class vessel is also scheduled to visit Douglas again the following year. The list continues with the THOMSON SPIRIT due to call on September 5^th, a vessel with a 1,250 passenger capability.

Cruise visits 2012:

Quest for Adventure 8th May

Arion 26th May

Discovery 28th May

Silver Explorer 31st May

Marco Polo 4th June

Ocean Countess 5th June

Seven Seas Voyager 7th June

Silver Cloud 8th June

Saga Sapphire 4th July

Quest for Adventure 9th July

Marco Polo 16th July

Deutschland 20th July

Hebridean Princess 21st August

Thomson Spirit 6th September

Cruise visits planned so far for 2013:

Seven Seas Voyager 6^th June

Nautica 29^th June

Azamara Quest 13^th July

Wind Surf 21^st July

Columbus 2 19^th August

Pacific Star Princess 20^th August

Crystal Serenity 25^th August

Wind Surf 30^th August

Seabourn Pride 13^th September

Manx-funded film gets Oscar nomination

2012-01-24T14:35:00.002-05:00

Chico and Rita has nominated for the Best Animated Film Award at the 84th Academy Awards.

CinemaNX co-financed Chico & Rita and distributed the film in the UK in November 2010 to outstanding critical acclaim.

The nomination marks the culmination of the film’s award success, following a number of accolades including the Best Animated Film at the 2011 European Film Awards and a nomination for Best Animated Feature at the 2011 Annie Awards (ASIFA – Hollywood).

Chico & Rita is directed by Oscar®-winning director Fernando Trueba (La Belle Epoque) and world famous designer Javier Mariscal, alongside Tono Errando.

Steve Christian, Chairman of CinemaNX said: ‘We’re absolutely thrilled that this labour of love has been recognised and congratulate the directors Fernando Trueba, Javier Mariscal and Tono Errando as well as the producers Martin Pope and Michael Rose.’

Economic Devlopment Minister John Shimmin MHK said: ‘This project has been a labour of love for Isle of Man Film and CinemaNX for some considerable time. Over a period of 16 months, 10 young Manx artists were fully trained in the art of colouring the feature so the Isle of Man contribution to the overall project is considerable.‘It has certainly enhanced the Island’s position in the overall global film industry.”

The film opens in the U.S. in February, in New YOrk. Hopefully it will go national soon afterwards.

The Oscars ceremony is on February 26.

Isle of Man queenies up for sustainable seafood award

2012-01-24T14:29:00.000-05:00

BBC ELLAN VANNIN

Isle of Man Fisheries are through to the final round of the UK Sustainable Seafood Awards to be held in London.

Manx queen scallops are among six products from all over the world competing at the event at Billingsgate Market on 27 January.

The awards are designed to promote sustainable practice across the seafood industry and conserve fish stocks.

Director of Fisheries Andy Read said: "It's a chance to showcase our queenies to the world and secure new markets.

"We have significantly reduced the impact of the fishery on the marine environment and deserve recognition for that," he added.

Director of Fisheries Andy Read on how
fishermen benefit from marine conservation

Replenish stocks

Over the last decade Manx fisherman have worked alongside the government to balance commercial needs and the need to protect the marine environment.

Fisherman now use light mesh trawls instead of dredging the sea bed, while juvenile queenies are thrown back into the sea and protected.

Plans to make a stretch of the Isle of Man's coastline into a Marine Conservation Zone were welcomed by local fisherman.

Ramsey Bay has been proposed as a no fishing zone

Under the proposal an area off Ramsey Bay would be closed to scallop dredging and queenie trawling to help replenish fisheries.

Billy Caley, Director of Isle of Man Seafoods, says fisherman are starting to feel the benefits of conservation.

Destructive fishing

"We're seeing more queenies than we've ever seen in our lives.

"Instead of having to fish the grounds for 12 to 14 hours a day like we did a few years ago, we catch the same size of catches in six hours. We do have a genuine sustainable fishery," Caley added.

Global consumption of seafood doubled between 1970 and 2000.

In turn the sustainable seafood movement has gained momentum in recent years as awareness about overfishing and environmentally-destructive fishing methods has grown.

The Sustainable Seafood Awards were set up four years ago to recognise fisheries who practice responsible marine management.

Who Wants to See the White Boys Act?

2012-01-23T12:25:00.002-05:00

Compiled and edited by Manx cultural field worker Stephen Miller, thiscompendium of sources focusses purely on the activities of the locally named‘White Boys’. They were generally groups of young boys who emerged onto thestreets during the festive season with a Manx form of the Mummers’ Play,although this in itself was not exclusive to the Isle of Man.

Traditionally a male preserve, the ‘White Boys’ wore distinctivecostume, which gave them their name, and performed a light-hearted version ofthe Legend of St George. Recognised as an Island tradition since the earlynineteenth century, the play involved six swordsmen and the ever-present doctorwith his mysterious rejuvenating medicine. Joseph Train in his 1845 historicalaccount of the Isle of Man described it as a ‘rude drama’.

Undoubtedly a specialised area of study, it is a compilation of sourcematerial rather than a bibliographical listing of references, which fits aptlyunder the banner of Traditional Drama Research.

As Manx traditions ebb and flow this fine body of work will serve as avaluable document, including first-hand accounts and much historical datacurrently in the care of Manx National Heritage.

This book has been an extensive project, and although much of thesubject has been covered here, Stephen Miller hopes that his efforts willencourage others to undertake further research.

The book is available at the Manx Museum priced £20, but for furtherinformation contact http://www.smo.uhi.ac.uk/~stephen/whiteboys/

ValerieCaine ©January 2012 (Courtesyof Manx Tails)

Fascinating article from Click Green on Manx gamble looking set to pay off

2012-01-23T11:41:00.002-05:00

Click Green by Stuart Qualtrough at http://tinyurl.com/7vag785

The Isle of Man is looking to cash in on an ambitious renewable energy programme following a remarkable decision to surrender its share of the UK's oil and gas revenues.

The Manx Government wants to harness the green potential of the island's unique position to attract a new era of clean energy generation and export 10 times as much low-carbon electricity to the UK as the entire island consumes in a year.

And a decision 20 years ago to surrender its share of UK's fossil fuel revenues in return for its territorial waters looks like a multi-million pound wager that is destined to pay off.

A gamble that may have appeared madness at the height of the scramble for oil and gas now looks a remarkable crystal-ball policy call as the independent crown dependency prepares to lease off small areas of its seabed for massive returns.

The agreement in July 1991 ended a 25-year deal that saw the Manx Exchequer receive a share of the royalties and rentals from oil and gas exploration from the whole of the UK continental shelf. The Isle of Man had previously agreed to shrink its territorial waters from 12 to three nautical miles and give up any interest it had in oil and gas exploration and production in the Morecambe Bay area.

With the reversal of the 1966 accord, the island now controls around 4,000 square kilometres of territorial waters, which the drive to low-carbon, sustainable power generation has boosted in value to an estimated £8 million per square kilometre over 25 years .

An environmental report to be completed in April may suggest the Isle of Man currently has the capacity to utilise several hundred square kilometres of seabed, which still has the potential to provide a huge return on investment.

A state-of-the-art 80MW gas turbine power plant alongside a 10MW waste-to-energy facility already enables the island to be a net exporter of electricity to the mainland.

But with shallow waters, strong currents and no shortage of wind, the island's renewable capacity appears perfect for the installation of tidal, wave and offshore wind installations.

And with zero corporation tax and a swift planning decision-making process, the island will may soon be looking to lease areas of suitable seabed to energy companies to generate and sell on to the mainland.

The infrastructure is already in place to transmit electricity to the UK and a sub-sea interconnector to the coast of Blackpool hooks directly into the National Grid.

A Strategic Environmental Assessment report is expected to be completed this spring, which will then signal the move to attract offshore wind generators as well as marine energy pioneers.

The Isle of Man has been a test-bed for many technical innovations and roll-outs. The 3G mobile network was first introduced on the island before it was rolled out across the UK.

And the world-famous TT motorbike festival is already going green following the introduction of the TT-zero event for electric-powered motorbikes – this year will likely see the landmark record of a 100mph average circuit speed achieved by an electric model.

“More than 87% of the Isle of Man territory is offshore,” said Dr Ken Milne, senior manager for energy policy at the Isle of Man Government. “We have the capacity and the capability to be generating thousands of megawatts of renewable energy to feed into the UK National Grid.

“Our territorial waters are the equivalent of Rounds 1 and 2 of the Crown Estate leasing programme for offshore wind farms – most of our water is shallow and we have perfect wind conditions.

“Our close proximity to the UK allows a more cost effective interconnection than many other new offshore wind farms around the UK coast and we have the precision manufacturing supply chain already in place on the island.

“By 2015, we aim to produce 15% of our electricity needs from renewable sources and by 2020 we may be able to supply 10 times as much low-carbon electricity to the UK as the entire island electricity consumption in a year .

“The island is well set up for the trial and research of low-carbon technology, we have manufacturing companies on the island that specialise in the aerospace industry supplying Boeing and Airbus and the optics for the Mars Explorer mission were manufactured on the Isle of Man.

“We are a signatory of the same intellectual property rights treaties as the UK and the rest of Europe, which means all royalties and revenues from IP is zero-rated for tax.”

The island is also working on developing smart grid technology and is perfectly positioned in the middle of the Irish Sea to connect Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales, which could create the blueprint of a much larger, pan-European smart grid model.

Dr Milne added: “We are investigating opportunities to become a major net exporter of renewable energy and we have the capacity, skills and infrastructure to achieve it.

“We are looking at other countries such as Scotland for offshore renewables and Singapore for smart grid technology to see how the Isle of Man can best support the role of these low-carbon technologies.

“The island's peak demand for electricity is 90MW so everything we can generate above this and our base load of 40MW can be exported straight to the UK.

“Our energy-to-waste plant already enables the island to divert 100% of domestic waste from landfill – the next big opportunity to help reduce our carbon footprint is from the renewable energy produced from our territorial waters.”

Finlo and the Fairy Kings

2012-01-23T11:36:00.003-05:00

Written by Ruth Blindell (it only took her seven years!), a teacher at the Manx language school on the Isle of Man (Bunscoill Ghaelgagh) this is a bi-lingual book in Manx and English. It went live on-line for purchase today. A portion of the sales made in the first month will go to school funds. Finlo and the Fairy Kings has lines of Manx music and songs in the book that help to tell the story. It's 216 pages long and aimed at 10-14 year olds or adults with an interest in Manx traditions, language, songs and music.

Is Finlo just dreaming or are there really fairies loose in the Dhoon Glen? Who are the Fairy Kings and the Mooinjer Veggey? Join Finlo on a Manx adventure with a sprinkling of fairy dust, Manx Gaelic, traditional music and a few local songs in Manx and English. Follow his father – the Right Honourable Mr Cowin – along with a couple of ghosts and the Little People as they battle to save the magical glen from the destructive plans of the Right Honourable Mr Pratt, a cliff full of seagulls and a squadron of ruthless R-A-Ts.

For sale now through authorhouse.com - e-book £2.55 - a real paper one £7.50

YouTube sensation from Ballaugh

2012-01-23T10:26:00.000-05:00

Over the past year Ramsey Grammar School student Erika, 19, has risen to mini-stardom thanks to YouTube videos of her covering popular hits with just her voice and a 41-string harp.

It was moving to Ballaugh that sparked the first of them, a take on Owl City’s Fireflies. What was it about her new home that inspired her?

‘I didn’t know the area, and I was bored!’ laughs Erika. ‘I wanted to do something different.’

That video has now been viewed more than 20,000 times, and has been joined by 21 others, as Erika has covered acts from Florence and the Machine to Flo Rida.

‘It’s not as common as guitar covers, for instance, and the feedback has been generally really supportive and spurred me on,’ she explains.

Reih Bleeaney Vanannan 2012

2012-01-18T09:23:00.000-05:00

This year the Manx Folk Dance Society was awarded this prestigiousprize in a special ceremony held in the former Nunnery Chapel on the outskirtsof Douglas. Accepted by Chairman of the group, Mrs Joan Cowell, a number of othermembers from the group, wearing their trademark colourful costumes, gathered towatch the ceremony.

Chairman of the Manx Heritage Foundation, the Honourable Phil GawneMHK remarked that the Manx Folk Dance Society had supported and promoted Manxculture tirelessly over the past 60 years, and had made an invaluablecontribution to a unique and important aspect of the Island’s nationalidentity.

This also gave him the opportunity to thank members of the public whogenerously submitted an extensive list of nominations, giving the selectionpanel a more difficult choice than usual this year.

Winning this award was the icing on the cake for the Manx Folk DanceSociety, coming at the end of their 60^th anniversary year when theycelebrated with a special Folk Dance Festival. The Manx Folk Dance Society hasforged many friendships with other groups during this time, some of whom wereinvited to take part in this one-off festival.

Founded for the Festival of Mann celebrated in 1951, members of theManx Folk Dance Society perform both traditional and contemporary Manx dancesat a cross-section of venues both on and off the Island for fundraising eventsand social occasions.

manxfolkdance.org.uk

www.manxheritage.org

Valerie Caine

Manx farms - Shoprite local sourced grub!

2012-01-17T09:24:00.001-05:00

I'm writing to reach out to the North American Manx Association and let you guys know about a series of videos we produced profiling Manx farms and farmers.

I run a video production company here on the Island. Over the summer we were commissioned by Shoprite (our local Supermarket) to visit twelve Manx farms and create short profile videos about them. The farms supply Shoprite with fresh produce, mainly beef and sheep, but there is also a pig farm and an egg supplier in there.

I thought this may be of interest to your members as it provides an insight into farming methods on the Island (you can't get any more Manx than Manx farmers!) And also, if anything else, it showcases the beautiful Manx countryside at the height of summer.

The videos can be viewed on our YouTube page:http://www.youtube.com/user/yourwebvideoiom

You can scroll down the page to watch the farm videos which have only recently been uploaded. I'd also encourage you to look at our other videos as we cover a good range of businesses and events here on the Island. If you need any further information just give me a shout.

many thanks,

Glenn

homepage: www.yourmoviecrew.com
web video: www.yourwebvideo.com

Knob News from the Isle of Man

2012-01-14T18:06:00.004-05:00

Hello Kelly

Thought this may be of interest to your members.

Just before Christmas we were very honoured to be chosen as one of only two businesses to be visited in the South of the Island by our new Governor His Excellency Lieutenant Governor Adam Woods. We were pleased to present The Governor with the very first tub of Manx Knobs to be produced on the Isle of Man for over 40 years.

As you may be aware all Manx Knobs for the last 40 years have been sourced from the UK and are a mass produced Generic Mint Humbug which are shipped to the Island either pre packed in Jars or containers or packed in unlabelled bags and repacked into ‘Manxified’ Tubs.

In September we started to manufacture Manx Knobs here in Ballasalla and have so far produced two Flavours of ‘Real’ Manx made Knobs.

The first is our ‘Old Grumpy Knob’ (the reason they are Old and Grumpy is because for 40 years they have been passed over in favour of the imported Knobs from the UK). Old Grumpy is a rich and Dark Minty Knob.

The second is our Christmas Knob which is a sweet and buttery knob made with American Peppermint oil and Manx Butter, Golden in colour and delicious.

And our current knob going into production as I write has TT approval and is our TT Racing Knob. A dark and sweet mint knob made with lots of rich Dark sugar giving it lots of flavour.

Our packaging has been designed by local artist Elly Kelly and all have a Manx Theme.

Elly is currently working on our next addition to the range which is our ‘Scary Bikers Knob’ which looks like being a really fun knob with a treacle flavour.

Finally by Easter we hope to have our Mixed fruit knobs available and all made here on the Isle of Man.

Local stores are already carrying our range and they can be purchased on line from the factory at www.manxfudgefactory.com

Photo: His Excellency Lieutenant Governor Adam Woods receiving the very first tub of Manx Knobs to be produced on the Isle of Manfor 40 years – Home Rule for Manx Knobs!

End

Hope this is of interest to you

Peter

The Original Manx Fudge Factory
Unit 6, Harmat Court, Portside,
Balthane Industrial Estate,
Ballasalla, Isle of Man. IM9 2AU.

Tel: 07624 244201

East Anglia - IOM flight

2012-01-13T15:33:00.002-05:00

A new flight route between Norwich and the Isle of Man has been announced for Summer 2012.

Flybe franchise carrier Loganair will run the weekly East Anglian service.

Return flights will operate between the island and Norwich each Saturday between 26 May until 8 September.

The move comes in the wake of figures revealing that 13 out of the 18 scheduled routes from Ronaldsway Airport in December 2011 saw an increase in passengers.

The Isle of Man government is hoping to see more growth, especially in charter traffic which increased by 30% in 2011.

Pearls -- information sought!

2012-01-12T17:47:00.004-05:00

PEOPLE in the Isle of Man are being asked to share any information they have on the Manx freshwater pearl mussel.

The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture is asking for "anecdotal" information on the mussel which is one of the longest living invertebrates, capable of living for more than 200 years.

Freshwater pearl mussels were once common in fast flowing, nutrient poor rivers throughout Europe and the North American Atlantic seaboard.

However due to a combination of pollution, habitat degradation and over harvesting for pearls they are now the most endangered freshwater bivalve molluscs in the world.

Records show that the mussels were once in existence in the Island in the River Dhoo.

Writing in the Naturalist in 1865, about a previous visit to the Isle of Man, John Dixon stated: "I met an old gentleman who…procured me some fine living specimens…This was Mr Oates, of Kirk Braddan, through whose farm the Dhoo runs."

Much more at http://www.isleofman.com/News/article.aspx?article=42644

It's cold and dark -- but cheap! (Take Aer Arann from Dublin.)

2012-01-12T12:42:00.001-05:00

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Johnny Jem Beg Puts Up for the Keys

2012-01-11T17:12:00.002-05:00

The General Election for the House of Keys may now be no more than adistant memory, but the Manx dialect play ‘Johnny Jem Beg Puts Up for the Keys’by J. J. Kneen was a fitting choice for the annual Oie’ll Verree Manx Concert.

Organised by Michael Heritage Trust and held in the Ebenezer Hall, theparochial charm of the local Oie’ll Verree still attracts a sizeable audiencefrom all parts of the Island to its doors. Believed to be the only celebrationof its kind actually held on the appropriate date, its ability to survive theonslaught of modernity is quite remarkable.

If you’re looking for professionalism, or perfection, it would be wiseto collect your coat at this stage and slip out quietly, leaving those who remainto settle down expectantly to an evening of entertainment, with participationin an extensive home-made country supper almost obligatory.

Manx dialect poetry remains a clear favourite, as does the rousingmelodies of Manx Gaelic choir ‘Caarjyn Cooidjagh’ under the enthusiasticleadership of Annie Kissack, but the appearance of ‘Scoill Daunse Yernagh Ellan Vannin’, (an Island based Irish dance school) showed that diversification andopportunity are prerequisites of a successful evening.

Local characters and Island MHKsbecome predictable targets for some performers, not least ‘The Deemsters’ whohave developed a suitably dour persona to deliver their own blend of Islandsatire, whilst wearing a fetching pair of mop heads! Manx humour at its best.

But without doubt it’s the dialectplay which draws in the curiosity seekers. Once a popular social pastime, with itsidiosyncrasies and unpretentiousness, the popularity of the dialect play has,however, declined over the years, as audiences seek out celebrity and sophistication.

We should, therefore, raise ourhats to those valiant organisers such as Michael Heritage Trust who, althoughnot alone in the challenge to retain some of the old Manx ways, contribute timeand effort to this worthy cause. It’s a tribute to the Island’s sense of humourperhaps that Kneen’s writing skills can provoke such laughter and gaiety basedon the troubles and vexations of a prospective MHK who loses his trousers!

Let the laughter continue.

Valerie Caine © January 2012 (inc photos)

100 years later...

2012-01-10T15:59:00.002-05:00

What difference does a century’s worth of engineering technology make when racing at the Isle of Man TT? Consider the following: Just over 100 years ago, on June 30th, 1911, the first motorcycle race was held on the IoM’s now-infamous Mountain Course. Rider Percy J. Evans won that event aboard a 339cc Humber V-twin. Evans set the first Junior TT lap record on his second of four laps, dispatching the 37.5-mile distance in 53 minutes and 34 seconds at an average speed of 42 mph. Compare that to the current Junior TT lap record of 17:42 at 127.836 mph, set by Michael Dunlop on his Honda CBR600RR in 2010, on essentially the same race course. In this case, almost 36 minutes and nearly 86 mph is what 100 years of development is worth!

Read more: http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/mc_100/122_1201_riding_the_1911_isle_of_man_junior_tt_wining_humber_350/viewall.html#ixzz1j5iWZwM4

Arrane son Mannin 2011

2012-01-09T07:38:00.001-05:00

Local group ‘Mooinjerey’ was recently selected to represent the Isleof Man at the annual Pan Celtic Song Contest which will be held in Carlow,Ireland, during April 2011.

Now in its seventh year in its current format ‘Arrane son Mannin’ tookplace within the genial surroundings of Peel Golf Club, and was held inconjunction with the monthly folk sessions run by resident duo ‘Shoh asSlaynt’.

‘Mooinjerey’ will perform their new composition ‘Cowrey ny Croshey’(Sign of the Cross) along with other winners from neighbouring Celtic nationsin Ireland next year, with prize money for the successful Manx group generouslydonated by the Manx Heritage Foundation. Entrants from the Isle of Man haveperformed consistently well in recent years, missing the top prize in 2010 byjust one point.

Looking for an opportunity to upgrade into first position, this newlyformed quartet of musicians is made up of Laura and David Rowles, who bothwrote the song and co-represented the Island at the Pan Celtic Festival lastyear. Russell Cowin of popular local band ‘King Chiaullee’ and Ruth Keggin,who, as part of ‘Nish as Rish’, claimed the prestigious top prize at the annualLorient Festival, are the other members of the group.

‘Mooinjerey’ performed a mixture of traditional and contemporary Manxtunes before revealing their entry ‘Cowrey ny Croshey’ which focuses on thecombined beauty and spirituality of the distinctive Manx crosses liberallyscattered across the Island. The song was translated by well-known Manxlanguage expert Bob Carswell.

Local delegate from the Pan Celtic Festival, Fiona McArdle, is hopingfor a good turn- out of Manx supporters and competitors for next year’sfestival, with northern based choir ‘Cliogaree Twoaie’ entering some of themany other competitions on offer. 2011 will also be the year of the Manxpresidency which will be filled by choir member Marghaid Bird of Ramsey.

www.panceltic.ie

Valerie Caine

(Courtesy of Manx Tails)

Isle of Man inventor given Royal Academy honour

2012-01-05T15:24:00.001-05:00

An inventor from the Isle of Man has been awarded a Fellowship of the Royal Engineering Academy.

Dr John Taylor OBE was honoured for his outstanding contribution to the advancement of British engineering, innovation and commerce.

The 75-year-old from Santon designed and built the The Midsummer Chronophage valued at £2m, which was recently on display at the Saatchi Gallery.

Dr Taylor said he was proud to be numbered amongst highly regarded peers.

Educated at King William's College and then at Corpus Christi College in the University of Cambridge where he read Natural Sciences, Dr Taylor moved to the Isle of Man in 1977.

He joined Strix LTD and later became famous for inventing the thermostat for the electric kettle.

After his retirement in 1977 he turned his attention to horology and in 2008 the Chronophage clock concept was unveiled by Professor Steven Hawking on the exterior of the Taylor Library of Corpus Christi College facing King's College Chapel.

Standing more than 3m high the clock was made as a tribute to the great English clockmaker John Harrison who solved the problem of longitude in the 18th Century.

Harrison also invented the grasshopper escapement - a tiny internal device that releases a clock's gears at each swing of its pendulum.

The inventor intends to make more clocks, all of which, it is hoped, will be engineered on the Isle of Man.

12th Night invitation. Come One! Come All!

2012-01-04T15:42:00.000-05:00

The Greater Washington Area Manx Society is holding its Annual Twelfth Night potluck on Saturday. If you are in the area, please come and join us! We'll have Pass the Parcel, Hunt the Manx Cat's Tail and a new special Manx twist on an American TV staple. $10 on the door and lots of grub, raffle opportunities and chances to catch up with friends.

This Saturday, January 7th 2012

St Christopher's Episcopal Church 6320 Hanover Ave, Springfield, VA, 22150

2:00 to 5:00PM

Directions:

From the West on the I495 Beltway take exit 57A for VA-644 W toward Springfield and travel for 1.7 miles.

1. Slight left toward Old Keene Mill Rd and travel 0.2 miles.

2. Continue straight onto Old Keene Mill Rd and travel 0.5 miles.

3. Turn right at Hanover Ave and travel 0.1 miles

4. St Christopher's Episcopal Church is on the left

From the East on the I495 Beltway take exit 169B for VA-644 W toward Springfield and travel 1.3 miles.

2. Slight left toward Old Keene Mill Rd and travel 0.2 miles.

3. Continue straight onto Old Keene Mill Rd and travel 0.5 miles.

4. Turn right at Hanover Ave and travel 0.1 miles

5. St Christopher's Episcopal Church is on the left

Islam in Victorian Britain - The Life and Times of Abdullah Quilliam

2012-01-03T18:19:00.002-05:00

This is the first full biography to be published about Sheikh AbdullahQuilliam which also explores Islam in Victorian Britain, although many peopleon the Isle of Man have known about his exploits for a number of years.

Written by Ron Geaves, Professor of the Comparative Study of Religionat Liverpool Hope University, the book reveals much about the Victorian,Liverpudlian Solicitor and his transition from a Wesleyan Methodist to becomingthe Sheikh al-Islam of the British Isles. His unusual lifestyle became a topicof fascination for many.

A complex and colourful character, he was also known as William HenryQuilliam and is reported to be descended from the ‘small elite of Manx migrantsto Liverpool’. Quilliam visited the Isle of Man on numerous occasions, heldproperty here and was a familiar figure to many, but his Manx lineage andcredentials are viewed cautiously by some historians on the Island.

Nevertheless he was said to be very proud of his Manx ancestry and wasnominated President of the Liverpool Manx Society.

His name is now remembered through the work of The Quilliam Foundationand the Abdullah Quilliam Society, but readers on the Isle of Man will findmany points of interest in this unique publication about an extraordinary man.

Printed by Kube Publishing Limited at £16.99.

www.kubepublishing.com

Valerie Caine

(Courtesy of Manx Tails)

Wanted - Corlett, Clague, Cannell, Kneen, Corkhill, Shimmin and Brew DNA!! - and others

2012-01-03T14:30:00.003-05:00

ManxY-DNA Project Update

Wanted - Corlett, Clague, Cannell, Kneen, Corkhill,Shimmin and Brew DNA!! - and others

The Manx Y-DNAproject was started in August 2010 (www.manxdna.co.uk)with the objective of trying to evaluate the different Y-DNA signatures of the110+ indigenous Manx families in order to identify where and when these earlyfamilies might possibly have originated, Ireland, Scotland or Scandinavia. Thefamily origins, as understood from this DNA research, would then be matched andcompared with the published views as developed by earlier Manx Gaelic scholars(AW Moore, JJ Kneen) through their linguistic research into the derivations ofthese old names.

The Y-DNA dataof some 99 Manx men is now included in the project database. Full or partialresults are available for 47 out of the 110 unique Manx families and representsome 55% of the Island population of these 110 families, on a weighted basis.

Progress so farhas been good but many Manx family names are still as yet unrepresented anduntested.

Some earlypiecemeal analysis has been carried out however and is showing some signs ofrevealing new information. Those inter-Manx family genetic comparisons done sofar do not reveal any real shared common/single family origins for anyparticular Manx family, i.e. no two different family names have shown a singlegenetic profile and origin – at least within the last 1000 years. So we areseeing that all families so far are tending to show unique genetic profiles –and the results have unmasked and identified the real family origins of acouple of non-paternal events within the tested group.

This suggeststhat the population represented by the Manx family names is reasonablyheterogeneous genetically over the last 1000 years at least. Some early geneticconnections with identified Irish families/clans have already been seen. Moreinformation is available on the project website www.manxdna.co.uk

Many more menare required for testing – so if you are a Corlett, Clague, Cannell, Kneen,Corkhill, Shimmin or Brew – and many others! Then please consider applying tojoin the project. The project website shows the names which remain untesteduntil now.

No externalfinancial support is available for this project so individuals are required topay for their own tests. The Manx Heritage Foundation and the Centre for ManxStudies have both been approached but have found themselves unable to provideany form of assistance.

However, if anyphilanthropic Manxman (or Manxwoman) would like to make a financialcontribution to support the work of this worthy and ground-breaking project,which in time will tell us all more about our own early history, then thiswould be greatly appreciated. Please contact me either direct at Creer@one-name.org or through the projectwebsite if you have any questions.

Happy New Year!

John A Creer

New Bree Website

2012-01-02T16:45:00.000-05:00

The Island’s youth group ‘Bree’ (Manx for vitality) has proved to bevery successful in attracting young people under the age of fifteen with aninterest in learning more about Manx music, and now it’s a lot easier to keepup to date with what is happening with the launch of a new website.

Founded in 2006 as a youth education movement celebrating Manx musicand dance, the group is spearheaded by Chloë Woolley and Breesha Maddrell ofthe Manx Heritage Foundation. ‘Bree’ is designed to attract those aged 10 – 18years of age, and aims to introduce and develop Manx culture amongst theIsland’s young musicians and dancers, with the intention of keeping it as aliving tradition. This includes pupils from all of the Island’s secondary schoolsand year six students from primary level.

‘Bree’ provides opportunities for young people already interested insinging, dancing or playing a musical instrument, with an additional interestin Manx culture, to socialise, share ideas and learn from experiencedmusicians. Members are encouraged to participate in an annual weekend of musicand dance workshops (held in connection with the Isle of Man Youth Service)monthly music sessions, performances, community events and some occasionalbusking in aid of local charities.

The new website has been designed by two young members of ‘Bree’Daniel Quayle and Isla Callister.

www.breeiom.tk

NEW YEAR'S MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE WORLD MANX ASSOCIATION

2012-01-02T10:19:00.002-05:00

From: PETER R KELLY M.B.E.,C.P.

As I write this, the people of New Zealand will be waking, not just to a new day but to a new year as well. As the world turns this will happen also in Australia, Dubai, South Africa, Luxembourg, the United Kingdom and then Canada and the United States. Imagine the prospect a New Year brought to those Manx people who decided long ago to make their homes in the far corners of the world. From the days of sailing ships through the spread of steam railways, the advent of the motor car and tractor, as life moved on the challenges changed but the spirit and determination of the Manx settlers to succeed never waned.

Modern day changes brought about by the financial problems of the world may make similar demands on the spirit and determination of us all in the year to come. How good it is then that we have such a common bond through "the gem of God's earth". This past year the World Manx Association, which was set up to act as an umbrella group for all the Manx Societies throughout the world,celebrated its centenary. How pleased we were that Manx descendants from across the world were able to join us in the week long programme of events that took place during Tynwald Week. How grateful we were to Ramsey Crookall and Company, stock and share brokers, who hosted our two special receptions at either end of the week. It was Ramsey's father A.B.Crookall who brought about the first great Home Coming across the Atlantic in 1927 and who was greatly instrumental in the formation of NAMA which created greater links and cooperation between  all the Manx Societies in Canada and th! ! e States which continues to this day.

We look forward to NAMA holding its Convention here in the Isle of Man in 2014 and to welcoming you "back home".We would like to think that A.B.Crookall will be remembered in a similar way as we did with Richard Cain, by placing a garland on his grave, as a mark of respect and in gratitude for what he did in forming the WMA and in making so many Manx people welcome when they returned home. What Richard did was to follow the words of T.E.Brown when he gave his very last lecture in the Isle of Man just before his untimely death at his old college at Bristol. Richard Cain gave them a hearty welcome and then as they left sent them off with renewed vigour to the land of their adoption. We have tried to follow this and also look forward to welcoming all Home Comers throughout 2012. We would ask that you let us know if you are planning to come so that a welcome will await you too.

Finally, on behalf of the World Manx Association , can I extend to you all, wherever you may be, our sincere good wishes for a healthy and happy New Year.

Your Brother in Manxland,

Peter Kelly

2012-01-02T10:16:00.000-05:00

More than 1,000 people have braved the waters of the Isle of Man to take part in the New Year's Dips. One of them was Laurence Skelly, our intrepid Past President, pictured here in Port Erin.

How Mark Cavendish gave the Isle of Man its best moment of 2011

2012-01-02T10:09:00.001-05:00

How Mark Cavendish gave the Isle of Man its best moment of 2011

Date Posted: 01/Jan/2012 11:45

By: Bill Dale isleofman.com

THE Isle of Man has made many headlines around the world over the years, but surely none can compare to the incredible moment before Christmas when Mark Cavendish won the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award.

Now that he’s the number one, the days of trying to establish his place are gone. Cav knows that the rest of professional cycling now knows that he’s the best; there’s nothing left to prove. And it has shown in the way Cavendish has handled himself, particularly in the last twelve months.

It doesn’t mean he won’t say his bit in the future when one of his opponents cuts him up in a sprint finish, or someone else tries to wipe him out in the peloton. Indeed, it would be a disappointment if Cav didn’t speak up when the media mob ask their often inane questions. His straight-to-the-point replies make great headlines for the likes of me, and also show he has a good Manx sense of humour.

But Mark Cavendish has reached a new echelon with the BBC Sports Personality award.

Cavendish has been described many times in the media as “the David Beckham of cycling” and there is quite a parallel between the two. Beckham was a footballer slaughtered by the media for his immature sending off against Argentina in the 1998 World Cup. But he bounced back and turned from villain to hero in 2001 when he scored the remarkable free kick to snatch a 2-2 draw against Greece to qualify for the World Cup finals in South Korea and Japan.

Equally, Cavendish, with many an outspoken word and frequent expletives, became the target of the cycling media as he emerged a few years ago as Britain’s top hope for the future and won his first stages in the Tour de France. The British press knew they had a gem in their midst and, as is typical in this country, the media tried to undermine the Manx lad’s ability.

It took a little while, and Cavendish - young and fiery - clearly thought he could take on the media and give as good as he got. Many have walked the same path and eventually realised it was futile.

This was illustrated perfectly when Cav made a V sign when he crossed the line to win the second stage of the Tour de Normandie in 2010 - aimed at the media who said his career was “finished” after a poor start to the season. HTC withdrew him from the tour and Cav had to issue a fast apology.

But once Cavendish realised that battling with the media was a waste of time, he started to turn it around. Instead of biting back when some idiot reporter stuck a microphone under his nose seconds after winning a stage and asked some ridiculously stupid question, Cavendish learned to be cool, not to over-react, to collect his thoughts, provide a positive sound-bite and the media game was won.

The turning point for me was his response to the Australian media when Cavendish was repeatedly goaded last January about his former HTC Highroad team mate and rival German rider Andre Greipel. Instead of standing his ground and saying something which might have got him into bother, Cavendish turned to the waiting reporters and told them that he and Greipel “were actually lovers!”

It was a big turning point. Suddenly reporters smiled instead of growled. Cavendish had won the media over. And after his amazing 2011 season, suddenly Cavendish has become the media’s hero. Like Beckham in 2002, all of Cavendish’s previous indiscretions seemed to disappear as the Manxman took hold of the professional cycling scene by the scruff of the neck and then went on to his third Champs Elysees win and the prized Tour de France green jersey.

But the moment of all moments for Cavendish - and for anyone and everyone with a connection to the Isle of Man - was on December 22nd when Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson opened the golden envelope and read out the name of ‘one of ours’ and said words which the Isle of Man will never forget. “The winner of the BBC Sports Personality of the Year is . . . Mark Cavendish.”

How absolutely wonderful for Mark, his lovely partner Peta, his family, his friends and for the sport of cycling. But how unbelievably fantastic a moment it was for every single person with a connection to the Isle of Man. Not just those who live on the Island, but all over the world.

To be Manx - or connected to the Isle of Man in any way - at that moment was special, very very special. It made us proud, yes, but not in an arrogant way. It was pride in a truly humbling way. A lad who first rode a bicycle as a little boy on the streets of the Isle of Man who then tried racing against other little lads around the NSC on a Tuesday night, urged on by Dot Tilbury, was standing there with the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award in his hands.

Will there ever be another moment like it? Maybe. The Isle of Man seems to be producing talented sports men and women every year and maybe one of the new young cycling professionals will make it big in the near future? Maybe Conor Cummins will achieve his ambition of winning one of the big TT superbike races?

But, for now, it’s Cavendish’s moment. No Manx sports man or woman has ever made such an impact in such a short space of time and achieved so much on the world stage. His name is household all over the world - and Europe in particular - for his cycling achievements. We all thought the TT was the Isle of Man’s greatest asset in terms of recognition. That has now all changed. Millions more people in the world know Mark Cavendish than John McGuinness.

The honour is the current pinnacle in a so far dazzling professional cycling career, winning stages in the world’s biggest events and finally claiming the green sprinter’s jersey at the Tour de France this year. And the three wins in a row on the Champs Elysees are now embedded in cycling history. I’m sure the Isle of Man must have shuddered like a mini earthquake as thousands of us watched Cav burst out of the pack to the chequered flag, leaving everyone in his wake. It certainly did in my house, also losing my voice for several days!

When he collected the BBC award just before Christmas, Cav might not have mentioned the Isle of Man in his acceptance speech, and maybe he might look back and wished he had done so and perhaps mentioned the likes of Geoff Quine and Dot Tilbury and all the inspirational local cycling fraternity who have played such a huge part in kick-starting Cav’s career.

But there was no need. His Manx background was mentioned many times during the programme and his love of the Isle of Man is now known all over the world. He chose the moment to speak coolly and calmly about his love of cycling and the honour that the BBC award gave to his sport.

And he made mention several times about how he could not have achieved anything without the back-up of team mates and his support crew. His maturity in front of a massive live television audience was impressive.

So, where does Cav go from here? Bob Geldoff wrote a book after Live Aid entitled ‘Is that it?’ which suggested he wasn’t quite sure what more he could do with his life. Mark Cavendish, at 26, still has the cycling world in his hands. If he avoids injury, there’s no reason to stop him becoming the most successful sprinter in the history of the Tour de France and to win more stages than any other rider in history.

He clearly has the ability and he clearly has the desire. Like Bob Geldoff, there are many, many more things in life that Mark Cavendish can achieve.

One question remains for the Isle of Man to ponder, but hopefully not for too long. If the Isle of Man government doesn’t do something about utilising this lad’s worldwide fame for the benefit of the Island - and tourism in particular - it would be a crime.

We should scrap all existing tourism promotions; give the money to Cavendish and pay him to speak about the Isle of Man and promote his beloved Island. Millions all over the planet are watching his every move and hanging on every word. Will the Isle of Man ever have a better opportunity to promote itself?

But, for the moment, for those of us here in the Isle of Man and the many, many more thousands living all over the world with a Manx connection, the last few weeks have been a fantastic opportunity for us to celebrate that unbelievably special moment when Mark Cavendish stood in front of millions of television viewers to receive the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award.

A moment never, ever to be forgotten for the Isle of Man. Thanks Mark.

Mollag Ghennal

2011-12-30T15:16:00.001-05:00

The mid-Christmas musical extravaganza Mollag Ghennal has now found a new home at the Masonic Hall in Douglas, after many happy years in the Garden Room at the Villa Marina, with the emphasis firmly placed on some of the Island’s most talented exponents of traditional Manx music. The annual sell out gig included King Chiaullee, Strengyn, Tom Callister, Caarjyn Cooidjagh and the Mollag Band. Additional entertainers were well-known Welsh accordionist Jamie Smith of Jamie Smith’s Mabon, Scottish harpist Rachel Hair, Island based band Bar Toads and new groups Barrule and Scammylt.

(C)Valerie Caine inc photos.

The Evils of Holding ‘Ill-Veries’

2011-12-29T11:00:00.003-05:00

Once a popular event on the Manx calendar, the attraction of theannual Oie’ll Verree has dwindled, although its parochial charm still attractsa dedicated, but small audience to a handful which have survived across the Island,but cultural field worker Stephen Miller has unearthed some interestinghistorical comments about these gatherings, which were not always looked uponfavourably.

Their association with the unique Manx Carval is highlighted during ameeting of the Manx Methodist Conference held at Ballakaneen, Andreas, duringOctober 1817, when the evils of holding ‘Ill-Veries (sic) clearly became alengthy talking point. Roundly condemned by the majority present, with theexception of two or three individuals who pleaded their case, the Oie’ll Verreewas said to be contrary to the Lord’s words. They objected strongly to thesinging of a Corral (sic) (Carval), twenty or thirty verses in length, withsome verses making no sense at all. This would continue for several hours andaccording to those at the Manx Methodist Conference attract ‘the worst ofcharacters’.

Held on the eve of Christmas Day, the Oie’ll Verree was associatedwith the lower classes, attracting servants and labourers who sat in the rentedpews of their masters. The resident Vicar, or Rector, would leave the buildingas the singing commenced, some of the Carvals self-composed, with the women ofthe audience clutching parched peas to throw at any unfortunate singers whowere felt not to be not up to scratch!

Occasionally their merriment got out of control, and in 1705 MessrsFry and Caine were sentenced to a day’s confinement in the Crypt of St German’sCathedral on St Patrick’s Isle. But their incarceration does provide us withpossibly the earliest known date of the Oie’ll Verree, or Oie’ll Voirrey asit’s sometimes known.

The Rector of Ballaugh, Rev. Moore, also found himself the subject ofdiscontent in 1758 when, too ill to attend to his duties with regard to the‘Ill-Verry’ (sic) his house was surrounded by a hostile crowd and attacked withstones.

Stephen Miller describes Carval singing and the composition of suchsongs as ‘a remarkable insular phenomenon’, with the explorative text a body ofvernacular Manx worthy of further study.

It has also become apparent during his research that originally ‘Huntthe Wren’ took place on the 25^th December, but shifted to itscurrent position on St Stephen’s Day sometime during the eighteenth century.

But a number of the older Manx people still cling to the dates of theold calendar and in some rural pockets of the Island you will find the renownedOie’ll Verree still taking place at the beginning of January.

Hunt the Wren 2012

2011-12-29T10:58:00.000-05:00

Dhoona Leece

Vicky Beavis

Call for government and residents ownership of ferry service to IOM

2011-12-29T10:54:00.001-05:00

View full size image

Government control of the Manx ferry service is a demand of the Liberal Vannin faction in the new Manx government. Only people the government defines as Manx residents could buy shares, which would mean we couldn't participate over here.

THE future ownership of the Isle of Man’s ferry service is set to hit the floors of the House of Keys and Tynwald in the near future, following an announcement today by a political party.

Liberal Vannin says the Manx government should prepare an action plan in the event of the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company being offered for sale in the future.

“As soon as possible, the ferry service should be owned by Manx residents,” the party said today.

LVP says that a contingency plan should include the following:-

We believe that this contingency plan should be:

• Government should form a new company with two classes of share capital. Class A would control the Articles of Association and Class B would be ordinary shares. The Articles of Association would state that only Manx residents could own shares in the company and there would be a maximum limit to the shareholding allowed. This class of shares would be retained by the Manx government.

• The assets of the Steam Packet would be purchased by government and put into this company.

• The ordinary shares would then be sold to Manx residents.

• If implemented, this plan would prevent the Steam Packet ever again being owned by an off-Island corporate structure whose main focus is the bottom line profit.

Party leader, Peter Karran MHK, said, “One issue that the world economic crisis has highlighted is that the Island’s new government of national unity needs policies that promote more self reliance if we are to protect the social improvements that have been achieved of the last 25 years.

“The present structures of the key components of off Island transport, energy and telecommunications need close investigation to maintain a diverse economy for the Island.

“The new administration has to own up to the total mess and the fiscal madness of the previous administrations’ policies such as the User Agreement with the Steam Packet and the MEA fiasco and be brave enough to take the necessary steps to rectify the situation for future generations.”

The Steam Packet is currently owned by a consortium of banks, the principal one being Banco de Spirito de Santo, a Portuguese bank.

Shared from isleofman.com who own copyright.

Call from the North American Manx Museum at University of Wisconsin-Platteville

2011-12-27T13:35:00.000-05:00

"Given that this is a national museum, it would be great if we could get donated materials from across North America. We really need some 3D items that would help round out the museum, make a splash (if you will). It seems to me that people would be more than willing to donate some great things to the museum for display, but they have to know that we exist. Anything...you could do in getting the word out across North America would be wonderful. An email or facebook posting might do the trick with some of the Manx organizations across the continent."

Please send items to: The North American Manx Museum, c/o James Hibbard, University Archivist,Southwest Wisconsin Room, Karrmann Library, 1 University Plaza, Platteville,Wisconsin 53818. His email is hibbardj@uwplatt.eduif you want to discuss it first.

Christmas activities on the island

2011-12-27T13:07:00.000-05:00

Cammag game at St. John's followed by some music down the pub!

North American Manx Association

Isle of Man Family History Society

Manx unemployment at shocking 2.5%

Isle of Man government thanked by people of Nepal

References

Get ready world - here comes Sam Barks!

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Manx State of the Nation

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CRUISE SHIP VISITS WILL PROVIDE LOCAL ECONOMIC BOOST

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Finlo and the Fairy Kings

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Reih Bleeaney Vanannan 2012

Manx farms - Shoprite local sourced grub!

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100 years later...

Arrane son Mannin 2011

Isle of Man inventor given Royal Academy honour

12th Night invitation. Come One! Come All!

Directions:

Islam in Victorian Britain - The Life and Times of Abdullah Quilliam

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How Mark Cavendish gave the Isle of Man its best moment of 2011

How Mark Cavendish gave the Isle of Man its best moment of 2011

Mollag Ghennal

The Evils of Holding ‘Ill-Veries’

Hunt the Wren 2012

Call for government and residents ownership of ferry service to IOM

Call from the North American Manx Museum at University of Wisconsin-Platteville

Christmas activities on the island