Episodes
The children of a Manx woman are thanking the Steam Packet for saluting and honouring their mother on her final journey home. Described as a 'Manx Viking Queen', Florence Jean Prest (formally Looney) died in her UK home surrounded by her children at the age of 94. Her wish was to be brought back to the Island and laid to rest alongside her parents at Kirk Braddan Cemetry.
Nine people from the Isle of Man are taking on the challenge of a lifetime - all in memory of a special man.Lucas Martin was just 21 when he died suddenly of meningitis in September 2023.Now, some of his nearest and dearest are setting off to climb Mount Kilimanjaro to try and raise money for the charity set up in his name - Looky's Aid.Among the 'fellowship' are his dad Brett, his best friend Patrick and Patrick's stepdad Richard.Patrick started by telling Amy Griffiths how he got the idea:
Pensioners in Port St Mary are calling for regulations to be put in place to protect those living in sheltered accommodation.According to a letter from the Southern Sheltered Housing Joint Board, seen by Manx Radio, heating costs are increasing by almost £30.
A new sea services framework should put passengers needs first.That's the view of the chair of the Regulations of the Steam Packet Company Select Committee, which recently published its report following a year-long investigation into how the ferry operator is run.In this episode of the Manx Newscast, Chair of the Committee Jason Moorhouse speaks to Manx Radio's Sian Cowper:
Are you taking part in Veganuary this year? It's a challenge that encourages people to eat healthier in the first month of the new year. Manx resident Michelle Garrett Chambers is a first-time author releasing her vegan book KISS Plant Based Eating.
The chair of Ramsey Commissioners claims there's still 'no answer' to the Northern Civic Amenity Site situation but he believes the solution lies in rate reform. Rob Cowell says other northern authorities won't 'subsidise' Bride Commissioners. He adds it's been a 'tough' year for the local authority following failed boundary extension plans and the death of two board members.Despite the challenges Mr Cowell is encouraging people to stand for a seat in the 2025 local authority elections.Local Democracy Reporter Emma Draper has been speaking to him:
Siobhán Fletcher looks back at the stories that hit the headlines over the last 12 months.
Douglas Council says a housing association is a 'short-term fix' to the Island's housing problem and won't improve the situation. The local authority is the largest social housing provider on the Isle of Man.She's committed to continuing to lobby to change how housing is budgeted for by government.Councillor Wells added increasing the rates at the beginning of the year, by 12 percent allowed the local authority to maintain its essential services.Local Democracy Reporter Emma Draper has been speaking to her:
Doctors on the Isle of Man could go on strike early next year as members of the British Medical Association have voted in favour of taking industrial action.It's in response to an ongoing dispute over pay with Manx Care.Both parties say they're open to talks, so what happens next?Manx Radio has been speaking to BMA representatives Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon Sean Crerand and Chair of the Isle of Man Medical Society Dr Prakash Thiagarajan.
Garff Commissioners say despite 'unexpected' challenges - including a landslide and floods - it's been a 'good' year for the local authority.An increase in rates meant a number of projects were completed including showers on the promenade and a new skate park.The lack of sewage treatment works is still said to be a 'problem' for the parish but a compromise has now been reached with a proposed location for a new facility in Axnfell Plantation.Local Democracy Reporter Emma Draper has been speaking to Commissioner Melanie Christian:
Marown Commissioners is warning its residents their rates are likely to go up again next year.The local authority has been reflecting on 2024 saying it’s been about working with parishioners to encourage them to take pride in the area they live.Projects in the upcoming year include a new street light scheme to improve visibility on the main road and help residents keep safe. In February this year Marown increased its rates by 7.8 percent to ensure a 'balanced t'. Local Democracy Reporter Emma Draper has been speaking to Commissioner Alison Lynch:
Back in August this year we heard from Andreas woman Liz Hignett, who was about to embark on a unique challenge in memory of her late husband.She took on two 'walks of life' to raise funds for the Isle of Man Anti-Cancer Association - in memory of Darren, who died of bladder cancer last year.She was aiming for £500, but received nearly £4,000 in sponsorship!Siobhán Fletcher chatted to her before she set off - and caught up with her again recently to reminisce on her huge achievement.
A group of former Castletown politicians say residents need to support the town's businesses during the festive season. John Cringle, Richard Ronan and Tony Brown claim a decision made by the infrastructure minister and the commissioners to close Market Square to cars will mean the traders will struggle during winter.The commissioners has previously said it's 'committed' to 'balancing' the needs of residents, businesses, and visitors while 'fostering' a town centre that is functional and welcoming.Local Democracy Reporter Emma Draper has been speaking to Mr Cringle, Mr Ronan and Mr Brown:
It was the last Tynwald sitting of 2024 - find out what happened with Political Correspondent Phil Gawne.
Police are urging parents to take responsibility for their children and make sure they know where they are during the festive period.It follows an increase in anti-social behaviour from youngsters - predominantly teenagers.Officers say dealing with incidents is ‘labour intensive’ and there will be ‘consequences’ for those involved.Local Democracy Reporter Emma Draper has been speaking with Sergeant Pam Robinson and PC Louise Kennaugh.
The Housing and Communities Board has drawn up a policy response to a comprehensive document that looks at the Isle of Man's housing need now, and in the future.The Board will hand its recommendations to Tynwald for debate.Chair David Ashford spoke to Manx Radio's Christian Jones.
There's concern in England about a significant rise in the number of patients admitted to hospital with the flu compared to this time last year.A 352-percent rise, to be exact.Lewis Foster has been catching up with Dr Ross Keat, Consultant and Deputy Director of Public Health Isle of Man, about how the Island is faring.
The newly appointed health minister has been defending her decision to join the Council of Ministers, after backing a no-confidence vote in the Chief Minister less than two months ago.Claire Christian sat down with Manx Radio's Christian Jones.
The Isle of Man Anti-Cancer Association has joined forces with UK-based cancer charity Orchid on a new campaign.It will roll out for eight weeks across Ellan Vannin Fuels garages on the Isle of Man in a bid to educate men and their families on the key signs to look out for.Chairman Malcolm Clague told Siobhán Fletcher more.
The owner of a Manx outdoor adventure company says his work on the Isle of Man has prepared him for his new venture to one of the harshest regions in the world. Siobhán Fletcher caught up with Keirron Tastagh from Adventurous Experiences who will soon be working for an expedition company operating in Antarctica and the Polar regions as an Assistant Expedition Leader.
A free day programme and exhibition took place at the Manx Museum over the weekend looking at the global efforts to find the missing after the Holocaust.Siobhán Fletcher went along on Saturday and caught up with Dr Christine Schmidt, Deputy Director and Head of Research at London's Wiener Holocaust Library, and Dan Stone, Professor of Modern History and Director of the Holocaust Research Institute at Royal Holloway, University of London.
The father of two boys who were found dead in a room in Bolton after taking ecstasy they bought on the dark web has told Manx Radio he believes his sons would have been saved if drugs were decriminalised.It's been a decade since brothers Jacques and Torin Lakeman, from Port St Mary, died. Ray Lakeman, who is advocating for a law change, accepts it's difficult to stop young people from experimenting.
Two charities on the Isle of Man are joining forces to offer support in National Grief Awareness Week. It takes place from today (2 December) to Sunday (8 December) and this year’s theme is ‘Shine a Light’. Cruse Bereavement Support Isle of Man and Hospice Isle of Man will host a pop-up grief café at the Santander Work Café on Thursday (5 December).
We hear from Sarah Lakeman in this episode - the mother of Jacques and Torin who died in December 2014 after a drugs overdose.This interview does include some potentially upsetting information and if you’re affected by any of the issues there are details of local organisations that provide advice and support here.Help is also available 24/7 via Samaritans on 116 123 - more information is available at their website.Sarah also tells us about what they did with some of the boys' ashes and says she's happy to share the link if you would like to watch their last adventure together.You can watch ...
Manx Utilities has given an assurance that water from a new proposed sewage treatment plan would comply with the latest bathing water requirements.This week the authority has been showcasing its plans for the site at Axnfell Plantation at two public meetings.Tim Woakes is the Executive Director with Responsibility for Water and Wastewater - he spoke to Simon Richardson:
Today (29 November) is the first day people who've experienced a miscarriage, within the first 24 weeks of pregnancy, can register for a Baby Loss Certificate.While it's not a legal document, it is an official recognition of the life that's been lost.Amy Griffiths has been speaking to some of the people who'll be applying for one, as well as the midwife behind the scheme on the Island:
Medical professionals are facing a ‘constant battle’ to try and reduce the stigma around sexual health.Earlier this month the new Manx Integrated Sexual Health Centre relocated to a new home on Kensington Road, in Douglas, to meet the ‘ever-growing’ demands on the service.It's now described as a ‘one stop shop’ for contraception, testing and the management and treatment of all sexually transmitted infections including HIV.Another media outlet on the Island was recently criticised for how it reported the move after initially choosing to use what some people saw as an inappropriate headline.L...
What is Joggle?The new AI company is set to launch its services at a special event in Douglas this week.Siobhán Fletcher speaks to Managing Director Mike Alcock.
Miss the action in Tynwald this month? Don't worry...Phil Gawne has all the details you'll need...
Manx charity Sight Matters has announced it will be closing its shop on Strand Street in Douglas.The store has been on the high street for nine years and the doors will close for the final time on Saturday, 21 December.Peter Marshall, the charity's marketing and fundraising lead, has been speaking to Lewis Foster about what's led to the decision.