Manx Newscast
News interviews in FULL! Highlighting some of the most interesting, intriguing and engaging recent Isle of Man stories from Manx Radio News.
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Episodes
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Manx Newscast: Tynwald in Brief - April 2025
Friday, 16 May 2025
The longest debate of the current administration took place - lasting more than 10 hours - and focused on none other than health.Christian Jones looks back at the April 2025 sitting of Tynwald.
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From reservoir to tap - a watery tale
Friday, 16 May 2025
Simon Richardson visits Manx Utilities' Douglas Waterworks and talks to Head of Water, Gareth Patchett
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Manx Newscast: Basking Sharks return
Friday, 16 May 2025
There are high hopes for a good season of basking shark sightings off the coast of the Isle of Man this year.Since 2010, basking shark numbers are said to have decreased dramatically in Manx waters - from around 500 sighting reports per season in 2010 to just 10 last year.But Manx Whale and Dolphin Watch says it's already had six reported to it since the end of April.Jen Adams from the charity has been telling Amy Griffiths more:
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Manx Newscast: Tynwald Youth Select Committee focuses on education
Thursday, 15 May 2025
The Isle of Man’s Youth Select Committee has launched a new inquiry into the opportunities available to young people after leaving school or higher education.The committee is made up of members aged between 15 and 24, and is aiming to understand why the Island continues to face challenges in retaining young adults.It will examine government policies and initiatives to assess the effectiveness of current strategies, and is now calling for public submissions to help shape its findings.Scarlett Clague, Alex Cowley and Riona Zaman have been telling Amy Griffiths more:
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Manx Highway Code to be revised for the first time in more than a decade
Thursday, 15 May 2025
The Manx Highway Code is set to be updated this year for the first time in more than a decade. It was last updated in 2014, and the latest edition will adopt the guidance and rules from the UK’s Official Highway Code (2022), subject to 'specified Manx modifications'.These include references to Manx legislation and amendments for local variations such as the horse trams and derestricted roads.Key changes to be introduced include:The formalisation of the hierarchy of road users so that those driving vehicles have a responsibility for more vulnerable road users including pedestrians, cyclists,...
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Manx Newscast: Making plantations safe after storm damage
Friday, 9 May 2025
A number of the Island's plantations and glens remain closed as the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture continues to make them safe.It's after severe storms this winter, including the record-breaking Storm Éowyn back in January, which saw wind speeds of 107mph recorded on Snaefell.Amy Griffiths to Archallagan plantation to speak to the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture about the impact the extreme weather has had:
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Manx Newscast: New Onchan Commissioner wants to be voice for the young people
Friday, 9 May 2025
A new Onchan Commissioner says she would like to be a voice for the young people in the village after being elected to the board. Gabriella Corkish, who's 19 years old, is the youngest local authority member on the Island and wants to encourage more people her age to engage in Manx politics. At the commissioner's AGM she was given the role of Onchan School Education Representative which she will hold for a year. Miss Corkish also wants to try and improve the sheltered housing complexes in the area, and would like to work more closely with government departments.Local Democracy Reporter Emma...
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Manx Newscast: The Island marks the 80th anniversary of VE Day
Thursday, 8 May 2025
On the 8 May 1945, people across the world were celebrating Victory in Europe Day.But how did Manx residents mark the occasion?Amy Griffiths has been finding out:
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'It's a deep loss to all of us here': colleagues in Ukraine pay tribute to Chris Garrett
Wednesday, 7 May 2025
Manx veteran Christopher Garrett has been described by colleagues in Ukraine as a 'lovable guy, completely dedicated to his work'.The bomb disposal expert, from Peel, was killed yesterday (6 May).The charity he co-founded, Prevail Together, says he and two other team members were seriously injured in an incident in Izyum in eastern Ukraine.Board Member and Ambassador Shaun Pinner later confirmed that Chris had died.Speaking to Manx Radio's Lewis Foster, Shaun paid tribute to his friend and colleague.
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How do you increase footfall to the Island's high streets?
Tuesday, 6 May 2025
Businesses are being encouraged to take advantage of government schemes and expand their offerings as visitor numbers decline in Douglas city centre.In a post on social media, city centre management asked users to offer their suggestions as to what might improve footfall on the high street.A common suggestion was for the introduction of cheaper, or free parking. Others suggested a Primark store would draw them to the centre.Earlier this year Tynwald approved the Local Economy Strategy, which provides financial assistance towards projects in towns, villages, and the capital.Lewis Foster caug...
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Manx Newscast: How can we protect our Loaghtan Sheep for future generations?
Wednesday, 30 April 2025
Manx Loaghtan Sheep have been added to the Rare Breeds Survival Trust's 'red priority watch list' because of dwindling numbers.So what can we do to try and help them thrive for generations to come?Jenny Shepherd has the Island's largest flock of Loaghtans and has been telling Amy Griffiths about some of the commercial opportunities they present:
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Manx Newscast: First 'annual overview' of Manx schools published by DESC
Tuesday, 29 April 2025
The education minister says a newly published report assessing Manx schools looks as the 'education system as a whole' and isn't about shaming particular schools.The 'annual overview' is the first of three publications produced by Etio expected over the course of a three-year 'external validation' contract between October 2023 and July 2026.It's based on the external validation of 14 schools and one education service between January 2024 and October 2024.Siobhán Fletcher sits down with Daphne Caine to find out more.
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Manx Newscast: Local Authority Elections 2025: The Results
Friday, 25 April 2025
All the results are in after local authority elections were held across the Isle of Man on Thursday (24 April).There were 28 seats up for grabs across five local authorities.Siobhán Fletcher runs us through the winners (and the losers) from the night, plus we have exclusive interviews from all the counts!
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Manx Newscast: Infrastructure minister 'regrets' communication of 20mph speed limits
Friday, 25 April 2025
The infrastructure minister says she 'regrets' how plans to implement 20mph speed limits in the Island's towns and villages have been communicated.Earlier this week, Michelle Haywood confirmed there would be more opportunities for feedback on the proposals following backlash from the public.She's been speaking to Amy Griffiths:
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Manx Newscast: North Barrule Aircraft Disaster
Thursday, 24 April 2025
On the 23 April 1945, 31 men were killed when a US military aircraft crashed into the side of North Barrule.Some of their relatives have now travelled from the US to pay their respects at the place where their loved ones died to mark the 80th anniversary of the deadliest aviation accident in Manx history.Amy Griffiths has been speaking to Ivor Ramsden from the Manx Aviation and Military Museum and Don Madar, who's come all the way from Pennsylvania, USA to honour his great uncle:
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Manx Newscast: Dodgeball championship aims to promote mental wellbeing through sport
Thursday, 24 April 2025
Are you ready to dodge, duck, dip, dive...and dodge?A new community sporting event is being launched by Isle Listen as part of Mental Health Awareness Week in May.The inaugural Isle of Man Dodgeball Championship will take place on 16 May in the National Sports Centre’s main hall, open to teams of six to nine players.The charity hopes the event will promote mental wellbeing through physical activity and social engagement.Lewis Foster has been speaking with Isle Listen's Steven Downward and Juan Christian, alongside Mikey Haslett from Active Souls.
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Manx Newscast: Infrastructure minister lays out plan for housing agency
Wednesday, 23 April 2025
In Tynwald this week, the infrastructure minister announced a significant change in direction for the Island’s housing strategy.Michelle Haywood confirmed proposals to establish a Housing Association have been shelved in favour of a new government-led Housing Agency.She's been speaking to Ben and Sian:
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Manx Newscast: Ultra athlete on overcoming addiction
Thursday, 17 April 2025
A record-breaking ultra long-distance runner will be taking part in a Q&A session tomorrow night (18 April) in support of Hospice Isle of Man and Motiv8 Addiction Services.Jack Scott holds the record for the fastest time to complete the 268-mile Montane Spine Race, finishing in 72hrs 55mins 5secs and beating the previous course record set by Jasmin Paris (2019) by more than 10 hours.He'll be visiting the Isle of Man this weekend to take part in the Manx Mountain Marathon (Saturday, 19 April) which sees participants race across a 50km route from Ramsey to Port Erin.The race route passes over...
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Manx Newscast: Antisocial behaviour causing 'real anxiety'
Thursday, 17 April 2025
Parents are being urged to keep a close eye on their children's whereabouts following a recent spate of antisocial behaviour.Police across the Island have reported incidents of doors being banged or kicked late at night and eggs being thrown at houses.In this edition of Newscast, Manx Radio speaks to Sergeant Steve Gorry from Castletown Police Station.
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Manx Newscast: Leigh Morris reflects on MWT career
Tuesday, 15 April 2025
Last month we heard that Leigh Morris was going to be stepping down as CEO of the Manx Wildlife Trust after five years in the role.He's sat down with Amy Griffiths to reflect on his time with the charity and offer advice to his successor:
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Manx Newscast: April marks Autism Acceptance Month
Monday, 14 April 2025
April marks Autism Acceptance Month and it's been revealed a sub-working group will be formed to assist autistic people in getting into the workplace.So says a lay member of the Autism Spectrum Strategy Steering Group.In the UK, one in five people with the disorder is in employment but it's not known what the statistic is here on the Island.Chanelle Sukhoo spoke to members of the group, MHK Joney Faragher and Lauren, someone whose been waiting for a diagnosis for years
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Manx Newscast: Women in Rally
Friday, 11 April 2025
Louise Thomas is part of an all-women team taking part in the Proflex Manx Rally this weekend (11-12 April).But how common is that in the sport?She's been telling Amy Griffiths more about that and why she's supporting the Manx Breast Cancer Support Group in this year's event:
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Manx Newscast: Isle of Man records lowest birth rate in over a century
Thursday, 10 April 2025
New research by population analyst and Member of the Legislative Council Paul Craine has revealed that the Isle of Man recorded its lowest number of births in more than 100 years in 2024, raising questions over the Island’s long-term demographic outlook.
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Changes to child benefit come into effect
Monday, 7 April 2025
The treasury minister says changes to the child benefit are about 'putting money back into the pockets of working families'.A 2.2 percent uplift comes into effect from today (7 April), whilst income thresholds are increasing for the first time in a decade.Those with a household income between:• £50,000 and £60,000 are eligible for the full amount of £28.65, worth an extra £7.61 a week for each child in their family• £60,001 and £70,000 are entitled to £21.49, up an extra £7.46 a week for each child in their family• £70,001 and £80,000 are entitled to £14.33, up an extra £7.32 a week for eac...
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RNLI reflects on a busy 2024
Friday, 4 April 2025
The RNLI has released its annual rescue figures, showing crews on the Isle of Man were called out 40 times last year.That's an increase on 2023, during which lifeboats were launched 31 times.During last year's callouts four lives were saved - double the figure from 2023.The number of people aided rose from 27 in 2023 to 53 in 2024.In this edition of the Manx Radio Newscast, Lewis Foster catches up with Chair of Peel Lifeboat Management Group, Stuart Blackley, about the latest annual rescue statistics.
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Manx Minds Conference returns for 2025
Thursday, 3 April 2025
May marks Mental Health Awareness Month and on 15 May the Isle of Man mental health training business Manx Minds will be hosting its annual conference.Taking place at Babagge's at the Mountain View Innovation Centre, it's open to anyone interested in promoting positive mental health and wellbeing.It's described as a 'chance to learn, connect, and share ideas with others who care about making a difference.'There'll also be talks from guest speakers: Diana Parkes (Co-Founder of the Joanna Simpson Foundation), Sarah McIntosh (CEO of Mental Health First Aid England), Heather Melvin (Director of...
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Manx Newscast: Health minister calls for review into DHSC and Manx Care relationship
Wednesday, 2 April 2025
'We all have a stake in our health and social care on the Island' - that's the message from the health minister, who says 'this is the right time' to review the working arrangements between her department and Manx Care.Later this month, Claire Christian will ask Tynwald to support her motion to form a committee of five members to take evidence and review the governance framework, the division of responsibilities, and the statutory relationship between the DHSC and the healthcare body.It comes four years after Manx Care came into operation; and four months into her term as minister.Ms Christ...
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Employment rights 'enhanced'...but what about Shared Parental Leave?
Tuesday, 1 April 2025
A number of changes come into force today concerning employment rights on the Isle of Man.Written statements are becoming a 'day one right', partners will be granted time off for antenatal appointments, and people going through the adoption process will have the right to leave to attend appointments.There are also new rights for people taking time off to care for dependents, and changes to the Island's whistleblowing regime.But there's also been criticism as new rights to Shared Parental Leave have been left out of these latest measures.In this edition of Newscast, Enterprise Minister Tim J...
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Advice for employers as new employment rights come into force
Tuesday, 1 April 2025
A number of changes come into force today concerning employment rights on the Isle of Man.Written statements are becoming a 'day one right', partners will be granted time off for antenatal appointments, and people going through the adoption process will have the right to leave to attend appointments.There are also new rights for people taking time off to care for dependents, and changes to the Island's whistleblowing regime.In this edition of Newscast we hear from Kimberley Emery, Industrial Relations Officer with the Manx Industrial Relations Service.
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Manx Newscast: Consultant urges women to 'listen to their bodies'
Friday, 28 March 2025
March marks Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, and it's the fifth most common cancer in women, with one in 50 in the UK diagnosed with it. Sarah Jarvis, who found out about it in May 2023 says it's difficult to detect it as initial tests won't pick up the form of cancer, but symptoms will be able to give medical professionals a clue of what it could be. Joined by her consultant, Tony Stock, they spoke to Chanelle Sukhoo about how vital it is for women on the Island to listen to their bodies and go through with their screenings.