Episodes
On 6th December 1878, there was a great concourse of more than 700 people who assembled in the new premises of the Philip Christian Endowed School in Peel, funded by the Clothworkers' Guild of the City of London, of which Philip Christian had been a Warden, and had left London property in his will to the Guild's trust to use the rental to pay for education in his native Peel, where he'd been born in 1593.
Our short story in Manx was written by Japanese writer, Matsuo Basho. It's about an old woman whose ingenuity leads to the reversal of a tyrannical law which would otherwise have led to h...
In a short programme this time because of a Covid briefing, we hear how a case of mistaken identity brought a second celebration of St Maughold, with Shenn Laa'l Maghal Geuree, the old style St Maughold's winter feast day, on 26th November - the day when people elsewhere, particularly in Brittany, celebrate the feast day of St Malo.
And only time for part of a story in Manx this time, from one by Matsuo Basho.
As nyn giaull -
MACGREGOR, BRECHIN, O hEADHRA - A chailin alainn
ARFON GWILYM & SIONED WEBB - Nid wyf yn llon
MORWENN LE NORMAND & ARZ NEVEZ - Yr yarig
CAARJYN COOIDJAGH - Yn maarl...
Belle Vue was a very popular resort presenting circuses, model villages, a replica of HMS Victory and much more at a site about a mile from the centre of Douglas, beween the Rivers Doo and Glass just before they converge to become the Douglas River. We get a glimpse of what was there as we hear of the destruction of quite large parts of it in a fire on 23rd November 1895.
It's not so much a story as a study or sketch by Cornish writer, Arthur Quiller-Couch, that we hear in a Manx translation of an unusual family living in Yorkshire.
As nyn giaull -
SHAE APLAND & SHARON WISHART - The end o...
The Douglas and Isle of Man Bank was opened on the South Quay in Douglas in 1815. It was run by the Holmes family, a Liverpool-Manx family. The death of John Holmes in Liverpool was followed very shortly by the death of the last surviving brother, James Holmes, in Douglas. Their bank had been greatly trusted, but its affairs were found to be in disarray. This was uncovered on the death of James Holmes on 7th November 1853.
Our story in Manx is a translation of a modern version of a faux-mythological tale by Indian-American author, Neel Rana.
As y kiaull ain, dy yannoo ard eailley jeh'n Ch...
We're just about half way through November by now. Or are we? And are we at the start of a new year? For many years, the Hop tu Naa tradition was celebrated on 11th November and on the northside, leases took effect from 12th November. These are the dates as they appear on the modern calendar, but by the unreformed calendar, these would be 31st October and 1st November.
Our story in Manx is another written originally by Neel Rana in English, but that's not his native tongue, so the story has been edited in translation - a strange tale of a mad scientist and his wife.
As nyn giaull -
CARREF...
Colonel Robert Duckenfield led a large force against the Isle of Man, but their arrival was dogged by bad weather. By the time they arrived, Illiam Dhone had led a rising against Charlotte, the Countess of Derby, and was able to conclude terms with the Parliamentarians on behalf of the people of the Island, rather than allowing the Countess to use them as pawns in trying to save her husband, not knowing that he had already been executed. The Countess surrendered Castle Rushen in return for safe passage of her household and retainers on 31st October 1651.
Our short story in Manx is a transl...
It's a lucky dip of news as we look through the pages of the Manx Sun newspaper, in the edition for Saturday October 21, 1871. We've looked at pieces of history in and around that year, but we get a glimpse of what was exercising the minds of people in general, with the launch of Isle of Man Railways two years before its first line opened, an unflattering view of the harbour works which gave us the Victoria and Battery Piers in Douglas, and the perhaps surprising shopping hours in Castletown.
Our story in Manx is by David Barber, taking a wry look at the work of a jobbing author engaged in...
We recap on our short story, written in English by American author Joe Giordano and translated into Manx for Claare ny Gael, and then follow it to its sad conclusion.
Meanwhile, we trace the circumstances that led to 800 armed Manx militia men assembling at the house of Illiam Dhone, William Christian, to take an oath of allegiance to him to make a stand against Charlotte, the Countess of Derby, and negotiate directly with the Parliamentarians to protect the rights and privileges - and the lives - of the Manx people. That took place on 18th October 1651.
As nyn giaull -
PADDY MOLONEY & TH...
Our short story in Manx takes us to New York, where Craig is besotted with Brede but loses her close affection, though they remain friends. When Brede becomes the victim of violence, Craig steps in to help.
Laa'l Vial, the Feast Day of St Michael the Archangel - Michaelmas - (which falls on 29th September, but continued to be celebrated by the old style, on or around 10th October) was an important time in the Island, not just in Kirk Michael, as you might expect, but also in Castletown, Ballasalla and Douglas.
As y kiaull ain 'sy chlaare y cheayrt shoh -
DENIS ALLEN - Limerick, you're ...
The Bank of Mona had its head office in Douglas and branches in Castletown, Peel and Ramsey. However, it was a subsidiary of the Bank of Glasgow. However well-run the Bank of Mona was, the Bank of Glasgow crashed, and so the Bank of Mona also shut down, on Wednesday 2nd October 1878. Its former Douglas head office today forms the 'Wedding Cake' of the Island's Legislative Buildings.
And in our story in Manx, whilst y Kyaghan and y Roddan Ushtey do their best to sort out the wreck of the gypsy cart, Mnr Toad is infatuated with the vehicle that frightened the horse and caused the damage.
As...
The Laxey Wheel is iconic, but combines a pleasing appearance with a serious purpose and some outstanding engineering. We hear how the London Illustrated News reported - and illustrated - the official opening on 27th September 1854.
In our story in Manx, we take the road in the canary yellow gypsy caravan so beloved of Mnr Toad - for the time being, at any rate.
As nyn giaull y cheayrt shoh -
THE STATIONARY WILLBERRIES - The Laxey Wheel
GEORGIA RUTH & ALAW - Y G'lomen
FIANA NI CHONAILL, PEDDYR CUBBERLEY & KIRSTY LAWRENCE - Tamo's frolics
AN TRI DIPOP - Tri artilheur
ANNE MARTIN - Oran lea...
In the wreck of the herring fleet at the mouth of Douglas Harbour on 21st September 1787, 21 men died. The number injured is not recorded. In the longer term, there were serious economic consequences because so many fishing vessels were damaged beyond repair. The herring fishery was important domestically as part of the Manx crofting way of life and in international trade.
We look at the Manx traditional song about that tragedy and another about loss at sea.
As y kiaull ain y cheayrt shoh -
ANDREW WILLIAMSON & FENELLA BAZIN - The wreck of the herring fleet
PLETHYN - 'Fuoch chi 'rioed yn...
The coxswain of Douglas lifeboat, William Curphey, said that the lifeboat station on the corner of the Harris Promenade and Church Road Marina was in the wrong place for launching into stormy waters. Unfortunately, he was proved right. Three men drowned whilst the lifeboat was delayed in going to the rescue of the smack 'Hero' on 13th September 1873. William Curphey resigned as a matter of principle.
In our story in Manx, Mnr Toad has given up boating as a waste of time. He's now for the open road in a gypsy caravan - and it seems he expects y Roddan Ushtey and y Kyaghan to go with him.
A...
A large crowd assembled near the foot of Castle Street in Peel on Thursday, 6th September 1906 for the laying of the foundation stone of the Ward Public Library, a presentation by the hugely successful entrepreneur, James Kewley Ward to the people of the town of his birth.
In our Manx translation, the Roddan Ushtey takes Kyaghan to meet Mnr Toad in his fine house - only to find out that he's now given up messing about in boats.
As nyn giaull -
RUNRIG - Meadhan oidche er yn acairseid
AR C'HOAREZED GOADEG - La garde-robe du mari defunt
RUSHEN SILVER BAND - Ellan Vannin
AC ERAILL - Tua'r gor...
The Battery Pier in Douglas was opened with an official "handing over" of the Battery by the designer, Sir John Coode, and Resident Engineer, William Powell, to the Receiver-General, Ridgeway Harrison, who was the Chairman of the Harbour Commissioners, on 29th August 1879.
In our story in Manx we come to the end of the first chapter with the whisper of the wind, not in the willows, but in the rushes, as Mole spends the summer learning to swim and to row and to enjoy running water.
As y kiaull ain -
PAUL REYNOLDS - Wave song
AVEL DRO - Les endives
DUDACI Z CZESKEHO IESA - Lazenska stajdyse...
The fierce King Magnus Olafson of Norway, better known as Magnus Barefoot or Barelegs, came and took the throne of the Kingdom of Man and the Isles from the dynasty of Godred Crovan from 1098 until his death on 23rd August 1103 in Ulster as he set out to conquer Ireland.
Our two animal friends, yn Kyaghan as y Roddan Ushtey, enjoy a picnic alongside the river and are joined by another friend, yn Moddey Ushtey, there's a brief encounter with Brock, and Kyaghan hears all about Toad.
As nyn giaull -
NORWEGIAN-MANX PROJECT - Ta mee nish keayney
CILMERI - Ffarwel i blwy Llangywer
DALLAHAN - H...
From the Island's transport history, we hear of the Upper Douglas Tramway, a cable-car system that went from the Jubilee Clock, up Victoria Street and the steady climb to upper Douglas, then back down via York Road and Ballaquayle Road to the foot of Broadway. The line opened to the public at 8.00am on Saturday 15th August 1896.
Our story in Manx tells of how y Kyaghan as y Roddan Ushtey meet and get to know one another on the river bank and then on the river itself - not any river, but THE river.
As y kiaull ain -
NEEAR NESAN - Ushtey millish 'sy gharee/La violetta
ARFON GWILYM & SIONED...
The Mooragh estate was a rough wilderness when Ramsey Commissioners first bought it. However, plans were drawn up for it and the first stone of the North Promenade was laid - and the promenade was named - and the first sod of the Mooragh Park was cut by the Lieutenant-Governor Spencer Walpole on 11th August 1887.
We look at the opening of a translation into Manx of The Wind in the Willows, a book of which Kenneth Grahame's original English version has far more of poetry about it than prose.
As nyn giaull -
COR MERCHED EDEYRNION - Dim ond meirch y mor
BILL CORLETT & PHIL GAWNE - Y ghraih m...
The opening of the steam railway line between Douglas and Port Erin was very much a case of will it/won't it, perhaps/perhaps not. We hear about the reasons for difficulties and delays before it eventually did open for public travel - without ceremony - on Saturday 1st August 1874.
Sean O Bradaigh made a translation into Irish of one of Dora Broome's stories of Manx folklore. We hear a translation into Manx, with one eye on Sean's Irish translation, and the other on Dora Broome's English original.
As y kiaull ain:
JIM FLANAGAN - Taimse na arrears
CHRISTINE BREGAZZI & FENELLA BAZIN - White...
With elections to some of the local authorities during the week, it also happens to have been the anniversary of the first local authority election held in the Island. It took place in Douglas on 24th July 1860 - ironically as the result of legislation at a time when the House of Keys was unelected and unaccountable.
Neddy Beg Hom Ruy's reminscences of the herring fishery bring us to the end of the season.
As nyn giaull -
FLATS & SHARPS - Boat
CAARJYN COOIDJAGH - Harrish y cheayn
HELMUT ZACHARIAS & HIS ORCHESTRA - Tokyo melody
MACMASTER/HAY - Reason and love
GAI TOMS - Haul hydref y Moelw...
Yn Chruinnaght's Celtic Gathering 2021 will be taking place from Monday 19th July to Sunday 25th July. We look ahead to what will be happening with Chloe Woolley and Jo Callister. You can find out more at
https://ynchruinnaght.com/ or at https://www.facebook.com/pg/CelticGatheringIOM/
We also hear more about the nineteenth century herring fishery from a first-hand source, the reminiscences of Neddy Beg Hom Ruy.
As y kiaull ain -
KATE REID - Caroline
BRETON-MANX COLLABORATION - War Enezenn Manav/Abraham Juan
SCRAN - Our ship did sail/Dhooraght
POL HODGE, BERT BISCOE & ANGUS LAMOND - An go...
A parish and the ancient and modern cathedral are dedicated to Noo Carmane, St German, and he is celebrated in the Island on 13th July. His story is an inter-Celtic one, starting in Brittany, and coming to Mannin via Ireland and Wales.
Neddy Beg's reminiscences, written by him in Manx, continue to focus on his time at the fishing. Some of them were included in letters he wrote whilst he was away on a fishing trip, and he also recalls stories told to him by other fishermen.
As nyn giaull -
CALUM KENNEDY - Brochan lom
ANNIE EBREL - Robardig
THE SKYMASTERS DANCE ORCHESTRA - The dear little ...
Reform of the calendar in 1753 - deemed to have been backdated to 1752 - means that the Great Midsummer Fair is held in St John's on 5th July by the modern calendar, but 24th June (formerly reckoned to be midsummer) by the old style. Midsummer was a fire festival associated with Manninan, but the church made it St John the Baptist's Day. However, the Tynwald ceremony includes links with the old god.
We hear more about Neddy Beg's time as a youth at sea with his father as skipper and a crew much given to drink.
As y kiaull ain y cheayrt shoh -
NY SLOMMAGHYN - O Vanninee
CAARJYN COOIDJAGH -...
Robert Corteen was born in 1790 and was something of a polymath, successful in many fields of study and achievement, and not only in the Isle of Man. Whilst working for Messrs Gelling in Douglas, he constructed machinery to supply gas to light St Matthew's Church and other businesses on Douglas quayside. This was first used on 27th June 1832.
We continue to hear about the exploits of Neddy Beg Hom Ruy at the fishing out of Port St Mary when he was still young, among crewmen who were much given to drink.
As nyn giaull -
CAARJYN COOIDJAGH - Y folliaght
ANNETTE WYN MERRIMAN & JENNIFER JONES...
King Robert the Bruce is a well-known figure in Scottish history. Perhaps less-known is the fact that he spent a month here in the Island, arriving on 18th May 1313 and leaving after the fall of Castle Rushen after a siege, when the Lord Dougal Mac Dowyl held out for a month. A W Moore gives the date of the end of that siege as 21st June 1313.
Neddy Beg Hom Ruy's reminiscences give us a good description of how the herring fishery was conducted in the mid- to late-nineteenth century.
As y kiaull ain y cheayrt shoh -
BREABACH - Coisich a ruin
MEIC STEVENS - Ar y mynydd
THE SKYMASTERS DANC...
A meeting of Ramsey Commissioners on 13th June 1928 became the cause of quite a lot of interest and sundry mocking comments, not only in the Island's newspapers, but in the British national dailies and on the BBC. Should they put out the flags on the promenade on a Sunday, or was that commercialising and compromising the Sabbath? Even the ministers of religion thought it was a minor matter.
In Manx, we continue with Neddy Beg Hom Ruy's reminiscences of life at the fishing in the 1840s as a boy and later as a man, fishing round the Island and off Ireland.
As y kiaull ain y cheayrt shoh -
B...
We find out more about Neddy Beg Hom Ruy and his work in Manx. In his Skeealyn Aesop he was translating from the English. In his letters, reminiscences and other stories, he writes the Manx as he hears it and thinks it, so it gives a window on the language in the nineteenth century.
The foundation stone for Peel Breakwater was laid 6th June 1863 by the Lieutenant-Governor, Henry Brougham Loch. We hear an overview of how the day went and about some of those who took part.
As nyn giaull -
CAZ DOUGHERTY & PAUL ROGERS - Birlinn Ghorree Chrovan
HOLMAN-CLIMAX MVC (as Sydney Mitchell) & CAMBORNE...
We finish off those of Aesop's Fables that were translated into Manx by Neddy Beg Hom Ruy - twenty-five of them were published by Karl Roeder in 1901. We also hear excerpts from a letter from Neddy Beg from his son's Derbyshire home to his friend, Rev John Kewley, in 1899.
Bishop Samuel Rutter had a short episcopacy, and is well-known for the epitaph he wrote for himself, about sharing a home with his brothers, the little worms. He was a surprisingly robust existentialist when it came to his songs of drinking and carousing. He was buried in the chancel of St German's Cathedral on 30th May...
In the early nineteenth century, there was very little money of a small denomination in circulation. The effect was to stifle trade, so from 1804 enterprising traders began to issue their own tokens for small denominations, known as 'card money' . Some issued more that they could redeem. However, the biggest problem was of forgery. The situation came into such disrepute that Tynwald passed the Bankers' Notes Act on 23rd May 1817 to put an end to small demonination card money.
We look once again at translations into Manx made by Neddy Beg Hom Ruy of Aesop's Fables, which were published by K...
By 1911 there were no visible remains of a keeill known as Cabbal Rhullickey. Renowned scholar J J Kneen traced its name to an earlier Cabbal Ronnican, named for an Irish saint who was celebrated on 15th May with a fair in Ballaugh. Nearby, Bishopscourt was the scene of a fire which destroyed much of the middle block and led to the death of Mary Gardner in the early hours of Tuesday 16th May 1893.
We have a series of short stories in Manx, Skeealyn Aesop, in the translation by Neddy Beg Hom Ruy, Edward Faragher of Cregneash, published in 1901.
As y kiaull ain -
MARCAS MAC AN TUAIRNEIR - N...