Manx Radio's Island Life Series - Specials

What does the UK General Election mean for us?

July 02, 2024 16:44 - 33 minutes - 46.4 MB

People across the United Kingdom will head to the polls this week to decide who will take on the top job at Number 10. But regardless of the outcome - what does the general election mean for the Isle of Man? In this Island Life special, Siobhán Fletcher catches up with some of our Ministers here to find out more about our intergovernmental relationship and asks the Manx public “do you care who wins?”

THE GALES - A RACING FAMILY

June 20, 2024 17:00 - 24 minutes - 22.4 MB

This special programme is an excerpt from the latest JOURNEY TO A DREAM podcast series. Beth Espey finds out that motor racing really is a Family Affair, as she meets with former TT sidecar passenger (now Marshall) Dicky Gale and his sons Ben and Jim, as they look to their first start on the Southern 100 circuit in a matter of weeks. Longer chat and podcast available now in the 'Journey to a Dream' series.

Powerful and moving stories and reflections on war and conflict (full interviews.)

June 06, 2024 14:02 - 29 minutes - 40.7 MB

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

Walking in the Ayres

May 07, 2024 09:23 - 24 minutes - 22.5 MB

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

ROTARY YOUTH : Speaking Out

April 11, 2024 16:00 - 44 minutes - 41.1 MB

If you went to school here on the glorious Isle of Man, you might remember taking part in the annual Public Speaking competition. This popular event is just one of many that is organised by the youth committee of the Douglas Rotary Club. Christy - one of those that does remember taking part in the competition - wanted to find out more about the work of the Committee, so caught up with Chairwoman MaryJane Falconer. We also hear from the award winning pupils from St Ninian's and St Johns' Pu...

MANX ON THE MOON

April 02, 2024 10:17 - 25 minutes - 23.7 MB

Christy DeHaven speaks to space entrepreneur Chris Stott, whose recent endeavours have taken Manx tech to the Moon and back. This is just the latest in many 'out of this world' achievements for Chris, who is a founding member of the British Space Education Council and remains active in supporting space education initiatives. He is also the Honorary Representative of the Isle of Man Government to the Space Community. Chris has also been instrumental in getting the music of Manx artists Truma...

The Housing Crisis

March 19, 2024 10:39 - 24 minutes - 22.4 MB

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

Out on Exercise with the Port Erin RNLI

March 06, 2024 10:09 - 24 minutes - 22.3 MB

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

'Squiggly' Careers

February 01, 2024 11:15 - 24 minutes - 22.4 MB

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

The Murder Mystery with a Manx link

January 18, 2024 10:26 - 24 minutes - 22.2 MB

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

DOUGLAS ROTARY at 100

January 09, 2024 17:30 - 24 minutes - 22.6 MB

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

Manx Radio at 60

January 01, 2024 13:00 - 51 minutes - 47.3 MB

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

Whatever the Weather

December 26, 2023 16:30 - 25 minutes - 23.5 MB

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

MANX RADIO'S BLOOPERS 2023

December 24, 2023 11:30 - 24 minutes - 22.7 MB

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

A Christmas Spooky Story

December 23, 2023 16:00 - 27 minutes - 25 MB

Rhian Evans narrates a spooky story at Christmas.

Winter Skies at Night

December 12, 2023 17:30 - 28 minutes - 26.1 MB

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

The News Team Make the Headlines in ‘23

December 06, 2023 10:05 - 23 minutes - 21.9 MB

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

Squiggly Careers!

November 28, 2023 14:37 - 32 minutes - 29.8 MB

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

Diabetes doesn't define you

November 16, 2023 17:30 - 24 minutes - 22.8 MB

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

The Forgotten Army

November 14, 2023 17:30 - 46 minutes - 42.2 MB

101-year-old Port Erin resident James Fenton was a Bombardier with 178 Field Regiment of the Royal Artillery during WWII. At the age of 20, he was sent to fight in the steamy jungles of Burma as part of the 14th Army, the so-called “Forgotten Army”. Listen now to James’s incredible story in full, as part of Remembrance 2023. James recalls his exploits in Primary Training and thoughts on life when he was posted to the far east. From dealing with the hazards of malaria ridden mosquitos, snak...

The Ivy League 55

November 13, 2023 14:56 - 24 minutes - 22.5 MB

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

Rekindling Old Flames

November 02, 2023 17:35 - 24 minutes - 22.4 MB

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

The Come-Overs do Hop-tu-Naa

October 31, 2023 17:30 - 28 minutes - 26.1 MB

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

A Walk on the Night Side

October 24, 2023 16:03 - 23 minutes - 21.9 MB

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

Aidan’s Story

October 22, 2023 10:45 - 50 minutes - 46.4 MB

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

Autumn Skies at Night

October 17, 2023 13:25 - 24 minutes - 22.7 MB

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

Special Delivery!

October 10, 2023 16:26 - 35 minutes - 32.5 MB

2023 marks the 50th Anniversary of the Isle of Man Post Office and to celebrate the occasion, Christy DeHaven and Judith Ley have combined creative forces to bring you this special programme. With the help of some willing contributors - and the assistance of archivist Tim Price - we’ve gathered some first class memories from some of those who have worked with and for the Isle of Man Postal service since the days of telegrams and bicycle deliveries, battling snow storms and family pets to e...

Isle of Drag

October 03, 2023 09:41 - 26 minutes - 24.1 MB

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

Adrian Cowin's Highs and Lows

August 24, 2023 13:43 - 25 minutes - 23 MB

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

150 Years of Isle of Man Steam Railways

July 11, 2023 09:54 - 24 minutes - 22.6 MB

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

AGENDA 10th July 2023

July 10, 2023 14:06 - 23 minutes - 21.9 MB

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

Our Summer Skies At Night

July 07, 2023 10:03 - 24 minutes - 22.7 MB

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

The 1945 Royal Tynwald

July 05, 2023 08:00 - 29 minutes - 27.1 MB

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

TT - Whatever the Weather

May 30, 2023 16:25 - 32 minutes - 30.1 MB

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

The Geraldine Jamieson Interview - William Roache

April 25, 2023 10:11 - 24 minutes - 22.4 MB

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

Discovering our Dark Skies

April 20, 2023 16:03 - 24 minutes - 22.4 MB

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

Fluoridation for the Nation

April 19, 2023 07:11 - 23 minutes - 21.5 MB

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

The Diary of a Douglas Teenager

April 13, 2023 14:09 - 24 minutes - 22.5 MB

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

The Budget Explained

March 01, 2023 15:04 - 26 minutes - 24.2 MB

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

What is Love?

February 14, 2023 16:47 - 31 minutes - 29.1 MB

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

Young Singer of Mann 2023 (full programme)

February 07, 2023 15:10 - 28 minutes - 26.1 MB

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

100 YEARS OF THE CLEVELAND

January 31, 2023 15:17 - 33 minutes - 31 MB

Highlights from a wonderful celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Cleveland Medal Test - the highest prize awarded annually to the best adult voice in that year's Guild - our treasured Manx Music Festival. Hear 20 medal winners forming a unique 'Cleveland Choir' and listen to reflections from Margaret Summerscales, Ernie Thorne, Paul Costain, Barbara Gale, Allan Wilcocks, Kath Cooil, Christine Bregazzi, Linda Corkish, Ruth Tickle, Elizabeth Townsend and Mrs Eleanor Shimmin, as well as ...

'Don't forget to look up' - The Night Sky in 2023

January 24, 2023 17:30 - 24 minutes - 22.5 MB

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

STORIES FROM THE SEA

January 10, 2023 15:31 - 38 minutes - 35.6 MB

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

Manx Radio's Island Life Series - Specials

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