Manx Newscast

The world of watchmaking is marking two important anniversaries, both of which have significant links to the Isle of Man.It's the year legendary horologist George Daniels would have celebrated his 100th birthday, and the 25th year in business for his most famous student, Roger W. Smith, whose company continues to produce world leading bespoke timepieces desired by collectors around the world.Simon Richardson met up with Roger at his Sulby workshop.

TT and MGP rider Daniel Ingham died during TT qualifying in May and was honoured with a tribute lap organised by his wife Helayna and travelling marshal Jim Hunter to 'complete the lap he never got to'. Darren Timson spoke to Jim.

Prisoners are 'still human beings who have families' and 'they're eventually going to come back into our community'.That's the message from a source with a connection to the Isle of Man Prison who has joined calls for an independent inquiry into the site.It follows a protest at the Jurby facility last Tuesday (11 August).We sit down with the prison's Deputy Governor Martin Phillips, to get the official response.

Chief Fire Officer Mark Christian has been speaking following a large fire at Castletown & Malew Fire and Ambulance station on Thursday evening.Two firefighters were treated at the scene for minor injuries as crews from other stations and Ronaldsway assisted with the incident. An investigation is now underway.

Legendary comedian Jasper Carrott will perform at the Gaiety Theatre on 18 and 19 August 2026.With special guests Strictly ABBA, the shows promise plenty of laughter, as well as all the best-loved ABBA songs.You can find details of the last remaining tickets on the VillaGaiety website.Jasper joined Beth on One to Three to chat about his tour, his love of the Isle of Man, and why, although he’s a self-confessed adrenaline junkie, a trip around the Mountain Course is a step too far.

The chief executive of Visit Isle of Man says the Island needs to be able to compete with other travel destinations.Deborah Heather was responding to a Freedom of Information request that revealed the Department for Enterprise spent more than £170,000 in five years inviting social media personalities to the Island.

Ahead of the general election the Manx charity Crossroads is asking candidates - what will you do for the Island's carers?It's written an article titled 'The Hidden Economy of Caring' in which it says: "We spend a lot of time talking about the cost of care. We spend far less time talking about its value. "Yet without unpaid carers, our health and social care system would look fundamentally different."Jackie Betteridge is the CEO at Crossroads.She told Lewis Foster why they've put together this article - and why now.

A man living with severe ME on the Island says there are times when he can only manage around 15 minutes of conversation a day.The cause of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, otherwise known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, is relatively unknown and can be difficult to diagnose.It causes extreme tiredness and often leaves people housebound, confined to their beds or even immobile.Thirty-eight-year-old Juan Corlett has suffered from the full effects of ME since 2018 after first catching the Epstein-Barr virus.Ahead of Severe ME Awareness Day (8 August) he's been speaking to Lewis Foster.

Castletown Commissioners is wanting to see charges introduced for Freedom of Information requests after it received 14 in one year. Chair Tony Brown says at the moment the cost of responding is being borne by ratepayers, and he would also like the anonymity element removed from the act. The local authority is planning to ask the Council of Ministers to look into changing the regulations to allow local authorities and other statutory bodies to charge for the service. Mr Brown adds the commissioners are there to 'provide information' to residents and it has 'nothing to hide'. He believes people should be making their requests in writing first, before resorting to an FoI request if the response isn't sufficient. Local Democracy Reporter Emma Draper has been speaking to him.

A sidecar driver says he is confident the class will return to the Isle of Man TT Races in 2027 and beyond. It comes as organisers confirmed late last week that the class could return but will face long-term reforms that will make machines slower. Stephen Kershaw, who is part of the competitors panel, says with team numbers dropping and costs rising, a review was needed:

Ecological assessments undertaken by the applicant behind the proposed Mooir Vannin offshore windfarm are 'inadequate' and the impacts on the Manx environment 'understated'.That's the verdict from the Island's leading nature conservation charity, the Manx Wildlife Trust.It has issued a statement declaring its belief that assessments provided by Ørsted 'do not provide clear analysis of impacts or mitigations in a specifically Manx context'.Siobhán Fletcher has been speaking to the charity.

Prospective General Election candidates should be providing a 'strategy' to solve problems facing the Island. That's the view of the Northern Chamber of Commerce ahead of September's vote.Chair Keith Dalrymple says he's seeing 'more of the same' statements from candidates but the business community and residents are 'living through' these issues.He adds that all candidates standing in either Ayre and Michael or Ramsey have been invited to meet with the chamber. Local Democracy Reporter Emma Draper has been speaking to Mr Dalrymple.

The owner of The Farm Shop in Glen Helen says he is undecided whether he will continue to sell live lobsters in the store. Earlier this week a video of TV star Noel Edmonds went viral after her purchased two lobsters and released them in the sea. Matt Harrison says he was informed by Noel of his intentions and he advised him on the procedures to do so safely.

Lewis Foster speaks to Callum Ball (AKA BackpackBoz) ahead of his upcoming expedition.

Garff Commissioners is asking the attorney general to reconsider advice given to General Election candidates about discussing the Mooir Vannin Offshore Wind Farm. Those standing in the House of Keys elections have been told not to talk about the proposals because it could create a conflict of interest during future decision-making process. The commissioners believe there need to be 'guardrails' in place so people know how much they can say before an issue arises.Local authority Chair Richard Henthorn says residents have a right to know the views of candidates ahead of polling day. Local Democracy Reporter Emma Draper has been speaking to him.

In this episode, Beth is joined by Ben Collins and Conor Boal, who reflect on completing a 55-mile walk around the Isle of Man in memory of their friend, Sami Benbatoul, raising thousands of pounds for Clatterbridge Cancer Charity.

A group of fundraisers are embarking on a near 150-mile walk this morning (16 July) which will see them travel from Stanhope, County Durham to Edinburgh's Murrayfield Stadium.They'll be ending the challenge at a Luke Combs gig being held at the venue this weekend.The team are aiming to raise £4,000 to be divided across four charities, including local cause Ed Space.Former police officer Susan Yule is one of those taking on the feat - she has been speaking to Siobhán Fletcher.

Construction costs on the Isle of Man are 18 percent above the UK average and comparable with Outer London.That's one of the findings of an interim report examining the impact of rising costs on major construction projects.Treasury Minister Chris Thomas has been giving us his reaction.

The musical "Come From Away" is currently being shown at the Gaiety Theatre in Douglas.It tells the true story of how the small town of Gander in Newfoundland welcomed around 7,000 stranded airline passengers after the events of 9/11. Here at Manx Radio we've been running a competition for listeners to win tickets to go and watch this.On Friday (10 July) the person who won the tickets was a Mr John Bevan. In 2001, he was one of the people stranded in Gander when his flight to Miami was grounded.We've been speaking with John and Alex Toohey and Joe Hillard from the Come From Away cast about his experience and what he thought of the musical...

A member of Culture Vannin says it was great to hear King Charles speak Manx in Tynwald. Ruth Keggin Gell, who is the Manx Language Development Officer, had the opportunity to meet His Majesty at a garden party held by the Lieutenant Governor Sir John Lorimer.

A newlywed couple living in Australia, who wanted to showcase the beauty of the Isle of Man to their guests, say they were 'very overpromised and extremely disappointed' by a restaurant in the south of the Island.

Experts from across the maritime sector will be gathering on the Island this week.The Isle of Man is set to host a major Maritime Conference at the Comis Hotel on Thursday (16 July). It will consider key themes such as digital innovation, seafarer skills, superyachts and business development. Lee Clarke is Managing Director of Isle of Man Maritime:

Project Director, Dennis Curphey's been speaking to Simon Richardson about exciting progress on the Queen's Pier project.

Lewis Foster heads down to Strand Street to find out more about the health of print media.

Last month regulatory approval was received and the formal acquisition of Manx Telecom by CVC DIF and Jersey Telecom was completed.At the time, Gary Lamb, Manx Telecom Chief Executive, said it would enable the company to 'move forward with confidence'.So, how exactly? And what benefits will this bring to customers on the Isle of Man?In this edition of Newscast, Lewis Foster speaking to Mr Lamb.

Speaking with Marine Conservation Officer Lara Howe from the Manx Wildlife Trust about the abundance of moon jellyfish visiting Manx waters.

A man whose son died after contracting meningitis B is urging anyone eligible to take up the offer of a vaccine.It was announced this week that students going across to UK universities this autumn will be eligible for a new immunisation programme starting next month.It reflects the UK's scheme which follows a severe outbreak in Kent.Brett Martin's son Lucas died in 2023 when he was just 21.He's been giving his reaction to this week's announcement to Christy DeHaven.

Ørsted is reiterating its commitment to bring some of the power generated to the Isle of Man, if the project gets approval.It's estimating that, as a result, properties on the Island could see reductions in electricity bills of around 10% to 15%, and £2 billion of revenue in taxation and rent could be generated by the Manx government.But how exactly has the company worked that out?Mooir Vannin Project Director, Jamie Baldwin, has been telling Amy Griffiths:

Just weeks after confirming he would stand again, Tim Glover has announced he will not seek re-election in September.The Arbory, Castletown and Malew MHK says his decision has been driven by personal circumstances and the need to put his wife's health first.He's been talking to Beth Espey.

A taxi driver from the UK says he doesn't know if he will return to the Isle of Man following an incident involving his 12-year-old son during the TT.Glen Campbell was riding on the Mountain Road with his son Charlie when another rider allegedly clipped them sending them sliding on the road.

An opponent of Assisted Dying is threatening legal action against the Manx government if it implements its legislation.Earlier this week, Tynwald voted in favour of amendments to the Bill after the UK Ministry of Justice asked for more clarity of safeguarding protections before it could recommend it for Royal Assent.But now, a campaigner says it would still breach the European Convention on Human Rights and plans to start legal proceedings if it's enacted.Dr Graham McAll is from the Manx Duty of Care group and spoke to Amy Griffiths:

A campaign group calling for better provision for students with dyslexia and other learning differences says the approval of a committee's recommendations into the matter is a 'remarkable achievement'.They ask the education department to create things like 'a clear definition' of dyslexia and also provide more specialist training for the Island's teachers.This week, despite the Council of Ministers putting forward a raft of amendments, Tynwald members approved all twelve recommendations as originally written, albeit the wording of one was slightly tweaked.In this edition of the Manx Radio Newscast, Peter Washington of the Dyslexia Advocacy Group IOM gives his reaction.

The chair of a Tynwald select committee looking into support for students with dyslexia says newly-approved recommendations are a 'game changer'.The committee, formed following a Tynwald Petition for Redress, put forward its final report after 18 months of evidence gathering.It recommended that the education department created of 'a clear definition' of dyslexia and provided more specialist training for the Island's teachers, amongst other things.In this edition of Newscast, Phil Gawne speaks to Onchan MHK Rob Callister who is the chair of the Tynwald Select Committee on Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Dyspraxia, and Dysgraphia.The DESC will be expected to report back on a number of progress points by December this year.Rob Callister is seeking re-election in September alongside fellow candidates Julie Edge, Gabriella Corkish, Dr Rachel Glover and Oliver Lockwood.

A group calling for restrictions on social media for under-16s will meet with Tynwald members next week.Yesterday (15 June) the UK announced a which will restrict young peoples' access to apps including TikTok and Snapchat from next year.You can find out more HERE.The Island’s education minister says there are 'discussions to be had' but there's no indication yet if the Isle of Man will follow suit.John Bolton is a member of the 'Delay Smartphones - IOM' group and aligns with the Smartphone Free Childhood campaign in the UK.

Today (16 June) our Island's politicians will gather for the penultimate sitting of Tynwald before this year's General Election.Amongst the topics set to be discussed at the June sitting of the court is that of homelessness.It follows a consultation designed to help develop legislation to prevent and address the problem on the Isle of Man.It's hoped a draft bill can be brought to the Island's parliament by March 2027.Siobhán Fletcher has been speaking to MLC Kirstie Morphet and Cabinet Office Minister David Ashford.

A former MHK has accused the chief minister of publicly belittling and demeaning the Manx parliament during the debate over the Assisted Dying Bill.Quintin Gill, who represented Rushen between 2001 and 2011, has sent an open letter to Alfred Cannan, claiming the Ayre & Michael MHK's behaviour has been inappropriate and unworthy of any chief minister.You can read more about his concerns HERE.In this episode of the Manx Newscast, Mr Gill tells Sian Cowper why he decided to write this letter:

A news agent in Port St Mary is calling on the Steam Packet Company to consider using the MV Arrow or Ben my Chree for freight services instead of the Manxman. Technical issues on the ferry resulted in papers arriving late on the Island yesterday.

The response by the Council of Ministers to a report into the Island's dyslexia provision is 'disappointing', according to a campaign group.Of the twelve recommendations put forward by a Tynwald Select Committee, ministers accepted just two as they are written, amended nine, and rejected one.In this edition of the Manx Radio Newscast, Lewis Foster speaks to Dyslexia Advocacy Group IOM members Julia Bell, Peter Washington and Chrissie Watson.

'We want to provide a facility for almost anybody'.That's the message from two women who are hoping to keep Ballafesson Church Hall open for the local, and wider, community. Maureen Dadd and Pat Harper, from Friends of Ballafesson Community, have one year to make the hall viable otherwise it will be sold on the open market. Mrs Dadd and Mrs Harper say the group is looking to start a programme of events and is open to ideas from local groups.They add the chapel is closed and has issued a 'cease to meet' - but the hall is still in use.Currently the Friends of Ballafesson Community has organised coffee mornings and jumble sales - but is hoping to expand into hotpot nights, soup lunches and concerts with Manx bands.Local Democracy Reporter Emma Draper has been speaking to Maureen and Pat:

Government is being called on to offer ‘clear and meaningful protections’ for migrants who moved to the Isle of Man under the published five-year route to settlement.It comes after the UK Government looked at increasing the time a worker has to live there before starting the naturalisation process and subsequent concerns the Island may follow suit.

The families of dementia patients currently being cared for in the north of the Island are urging Manx Care to ‘think seriously’ about the impact of moving them.It follows concerns there may be plans in place to relocate residents from the Elderly Mental Infirm unit at the Reayrt Skyal residential care home in Ramsey.Manx Care and the Department of Health and Social Care has been contacted for a comment.

Volunteers with the Street Angels group say there's a positive atmosphere around the TT fortnight, and it should stay that way.Sue and Joe Sheehy travelled from Italy to help out the organisation, which helps members of the public on nights out if they get into difficulty.

Greg Lambert, says race organisers, teams and manufacturers need to look after the sidecar class to ensure its future.It follows news that the class has been removed from the Southern 100 Road Races ahead of next month's racing event.

A fundraiser for paralysed sidecar racer Maria Costello MBE has exceeded all expectations and has left her 'overwhelmed'.That's from her team who have told Manx Radio it evidences the sense of community in the biking world.Maria, and her passenger Shaun Parker, were involved in what’s been described as a ‘horrific accident’ at Brandish during TT qualifying on 26 May.Siobhán Fletcher went to the paddock this week to catch up with Maria's sportbike mechanic Dale Extance.He gave us the latest update on her condition, and said she's been overwhelmed by the support she's seen from far and wide.

Efforts are underway to raise £200,000 for a TT rider who’s been left paralysed following a crash in qualifying.Sidecar racer Maria Costello is currently on the High Dependency Unit at The Walton Centre in Liverpool after breaking her back during the incident on Tuesday, 26 May.Her team, Maria Costello Racing, say she will now need to adapt ‘almost all aspects of her life’.They’re calling on motorsport fans to help support her recovery.News Editor Tessa Hawley has been speaking to her manager Alan Gardner:

Tonight (2 June), renowned AC/DC tribute band DC/AC will take to the stage for the final time.The band are calling it a day after 22-years playing to crowds on the Isle of Man due to issues with ill health.The show is set to feature all manner of special effects.In this edition of Newscast, Lewis Foster speaks to Brian Diehl, the a pyrotechnics expert tasked with putting it together.

There will be no more Sidecar action at this year's Isle of Man TT Races.Organisers confirmed the decision to suspend the class this week (28 May), describing it as a 'precautionary measure' taken following an incident involving a Sidecar team during the third qualifying session.Siobhán Fletcher went to the paddock after the news broke to get the reaction from competitors.

In this edition of Newscast, Lewis Foster pops in to Manx National Heritage's new visitor welcome hub in Castletown and speaks to Chief Executive Connie Lovel.

The health minister says her department was reluctant to cut services in order to come in on budget during the last financial year.The DHSC is seeking an additional £20.8m by way of a supplementary vote in next month's sitting of Tynwald.In this edition of Newscast, Phil Gawne speaks to Health Minister Claire Christian.