Shiaght Laa

Fiona McArdle introduces the programme in which we hear from the Young Singer of Mann competitions. Congratulations to Anna Tamarova, winner of the junior category (7-12) and Eve Puzzar, winner of the senior category (13-18). We also hear of Laa'l Moirrey ny Gainle, the Manx Candlemas (2nd February) and of Black Saturday, when Dumbell's Bank failed to open (3rd February 1900). James Franklin of Culture Vannin tells us about the sources for the folkore and other interesting tales of Port Erin and its environs. 

After a brief overview of events into the weekend, we join Pip Rolfe of the Erin Arts Centre to hear about the Young Singer of Mann competition, in two categories this year, the young age group on Saturday 28th January and the older age range on Sunday 29th January. The panel of adjudicators is chaired by Angela Stewart, who tells us about the judging criteria. As we approach the end of the month, we look ahead to folklore associated with Laa'l Breeshey, the celebration of the saint to whom Kirk Bride is dedicated. Laa'l Breeshey is 1st February.

There are interesting exhibitions running at the Manx Museum in Douglas and the House of Manannan in Peel, and we hear of a concert in Bride. Mostly, though, we look forward to Wednesday 25th January, which happens to be Laa'l Paul. Can the weather on that day really foretell the state of the world? Wednesday 25th January sees a presentation by David Bellamy of the Manx Wildlife Trust about the Agri-Environment Scheme, and we hear from him about that. It's also the first night of three when Rushen Players will perform Peter Gordon's comedy, 'Secondary Cause of Death'. We hear from director, Catie Angus, and cast members Juan Bridson, Graham Roberts and Sharon Roberts.

Son dhooragh, shoh claare er ny chebbal liorish Fiona McArdle myr red frea ec jerrey yn straih dy chlaareyn y cheayrt shoh. 'Sy chiaghtoo chlaare shoh (ayns straih as shey claareyn ayn!) ta shin clashtyn mychione y scansh jeh Shenn Houney (11 & 12 Mee Houney), as eisht ersooyl lhien gys 'Rhumsaa - Eisht as Nish', son yn chiaroo lioar ayns straih liorish Lioaryn Loaghtan mychione caghlaaghyn ayns ny baljyn harrish ny bleeantyn, soit er shenn jallooyn ayns chaglym Ray Stanfield, lesh co-chaslyssyn soilshey noa-emshiragh liorish George Hobbs as teks liorish Sara Goodwins. As a perk, here is a programme presented by Fiona McArdle as an extra at the end of the series of programmes this time. In this seventh programme (in a series with six programmes in it!) we hear about the importance of Old Hollantide (11 & 12 November), and then we head off to 'Ramsey - Past and Present', for the fourth book in a series by Loaghtan Books about changes in the towns over the years, based on old images

From the official opening of the Museum 100 exhibition, eighth Manx Bard, Michael Manning, gives his poem about the Manx Museum, and HE Lieutenant-Governor, Sir John Lorimer, gives an overview of his predecessors' involvement in promoting the Manx Museum, culminating in its opening in its current iconic building in Douglas on 2nd November 1922. Charlotte Jane Henry took us through the etching process in Shiaght Laa some time ago, using nitric acid and zinc sheets. Throughout November she has an exhibition at Studio 42 in Port St Mary, not only of etchings, but also of some of her paintings. Her 2023 Etchings calendar is also available. The exhibition also includes pieces by Shane Lucas. Yn Greinneyder, Ruth Keggin Gell, tells us of the Cooish Manx Language Festival, running through to Sunday 6th November. 

Maralyn Crellin is your host for this edition of 'Shiaght Laa'. 'Museum 100' is an exhibition at the Manx Museum in Douglas to celebrate 100 years of the Manx Museum in that very building. The exhibition is now open, ready for the centenary, but there was a preview, at which we hear Director of the Manx Museum, Connie Lovel, and the Chairman of the Manx Museum and National Trust, Jonathan Hall. The centenary actually falls on 5th November, so more next time. There's an opportunity to find out more about the Manx language, learn something of it, and to use what you know during the Cooish Manx Language Festival, 2nd-6th November. Yn Greinneyder, the Manx Language Development Officer of Culture Vannin, Ruth Keggin Gell, gives us an overview and tells us what's on in the opening couple of days.

Fiona McArdle introduces the programme, reminding us that on Friday 21st and Saturday 22nd October there are more opportunities to see the musical presentation about the Star of India by Ramsey-based theatre group, Cloiederyn.  We heard last time about the recent official re-starting of the Great Laxey Wheel. Whilst the Wheel was being re-started, historic building architect and project leader, John Paul Walker, gives an overview of the Wheel and a commentary on its re-starting.    Museum 100 is a new exhibition opening at the Manx Museum in Douglas on Saturday 22nd October. Art and Social History Curator of Manx National Heritage, Katie King, tells us about the background to it and what we can expect to see.

After two years of work, the first phase of repairs to the Great Laxey Wheel has been completed. A ceremony was held on Wednesday 12th October to re-start the Lady Isabella, as she was dubbed when the Wheel opened in 1854. We hear from: the Chairman of the Manx Museum and National Trust,Jonathan Hall; the Director of the Manx Museum, Connie Lovel; and Lady Philippa Lorimer, who unveiled a memorial plaque. Another engineering feat was the launch of an iron-hulled ship, the Euterpe, from Ramsey shipyard in 1863. Renamed Star of India, she is now the oldest, sea-going iron-hulled ship in the world. Heather Ruffino, the writer, producer and director of the Ramsey theatre group, Cloiederyn, tells us about her vision of telling the story of the Star of India in a musical, being presented Friday 14th and Saturday 15th October and Friday 21st and Saturday 22nd October.

Maralyn Crellin gives an overview of the second Port Erin Jazz Festival (7th & 8th October) and a visit by Yorkshire bluesman, Howlin' Mat, with concerts in Peel on Saturday 8th and Port Erin on Sunday 9th. The major part of the programme is given over to Brian King talking about he became involved in research about HMS Racehorse, which went down with loss of life, including three of the rescue party, in 1822. Brian researched historic documents and led an underwater team to plot and recover artefacts. His research work, including charts and photographs, is now published by Loaghtan Books in a timely book for the 200th anniversary of the loss of the vessel, simply called 'The Wreck of the Racehorse' and is available now at £14.95.

Fiona McArdle is your host as we hear about the Isle of Man Poetry Society's Poetry Trail 2022 - available until 28th October - and hear two poems from it. David Martin and Charles Guard open an exhibition of painting by the late David Fletcher at the House of Manannan in Peel. Artist Kate Jerry tells us of an open studio day at the Artreach Studios in Peel, and Kirsty Neate of Manx National Heritage tells us about Heritage Open Days in the first two weekends in October.

Final edition of the present series with Fiona McArdle. The Manannan Festival, the publication of a new collection of poetry and Tynwald - how does it work? 

This week, the team take a look at the Manannan Festival, Loughtan Books and Laa Columb Killey 

In this week's edition, Bob looks at Make Music Day, the Sophia Morrison Award and he hears about the life of James Alfred Curphey.

Bob Carswell brings us voices from the TT and Manx Grand Prix, also news of the Celtic Media Festival and Manx involvement and looks at 40 years of Culture Vannin.

Fiona McArdle presents the programme as Shiaght Laa hears from Phil Craine about Praying the Keeills 2022, and about two art exhibitions - Chief Executive of Hospice IOM, Anne Mills, tells us about The Big Splash Art Trail and how it will help support the work of the Hospice; and artist Paul Parker and curator Hannah Murphy of Manx National Heritage explain the background of the exhibition at the Manx Museum Art Gallery, 'Speed & Light : A Painted Journey Round the World Famous TT Course'. Author Paul Quayle talks about his latest publication, '2020 Haiku'.

Shiaght Laa returns for a new series. Marilyn Crellin gives an overview of some of the events happening on the Island over the next few days, including Praying the Keills, Isle of Man History Day and a look at this weekend's celebration of 40 years of Culture Vannin / Manx Heritage Foundation 

Fiona McArdle introduces a programme which takes quite a dramatic turn. Rushen Players present readings of ghost stories; Dilys Sowrey presents her musical, 'Ayres and Braces'; and President of the Manx Amateur Drama Federation, Michael Lees, tell us about a Festival of One-Act Plays and the Young Actor of Mann 2022

Maralyn Crellin gives a brief overview of animals and birds in Manx music, after we hear from Liam Rice of the ManxSPCA about Dress Up As An Animal Day (Fri 18 Feb), fund raising, the welcome to volunteers and an opportunity for a varied role working full-time for the ManxSPCA. We find out something of the background to 'Ayres and Braces', a musical presentation by well-known musician and singer, Dilys Sowrey.

This week, the House of Keys debated whether prayers should remain part of the proceedings. The former Chaplain was also Archdeacon of Man, and we hear from the new Archdeacon. We also hear some prayers in Manx song. 

The Director of Culture Vannin, Breesha Maddrell, talks to Phil Gawne about the history and work of Culture Vannin as it celebrates a significant anniversary with extra support for new projects. The deadline for applications is 14th February