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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Reflecting on 2025 and looking ahead to 2026 with financial advisors
Tuesday, 23 December 2025
As we come to the end of 2025, we've been speaking to two financial advisors about the key developments of this year and what 2026 might have in store.Paul Chase is from Financial Options and Paul Wheeler is from Chase Financial Services.They've been speaking to Amy Griffiths about what impact changes to UK taxes could have on the Manx property market, inflation and the availability of financial products like credit cards and insurance:
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How to spot the signs of domestic and elder abuse this Christmas
Saturday, 20 December 2025
We're being urged to stay alert to signs of domestic abuse and elder abuse during the festive season.The Department of Home Affairs and Victim Support Isle of Man say friends, family and communities can play a crucial role in reducing isolation and supporting vulnerable individuals over the Christmas period.The pressures of the season - be it through financial stress, increased alcohol consumption or family tensions - can increase the risk of harm in abusive situations.In this edition of the Manx Radio Newscast, Lorna Trevethan, CEO of Victim Support, explains what to look out for.
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Net zero referendum: Rejection "a hit-job by the establishment"
Friday, 19 December 2025
A former MHK has described Tynwald's decision to reject a referendum on net zero as a "hit-job by the establishment".Paul Quine was the first political member to suggest asking the Manx public directly about the Island's climate direction.Earlier this month, Tynwald voted against holding a referendum alongside the general election.Mr Quine sat down with Manx Radio's Christian Jones.
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Treasury minister responds to figures highlighting contracting economy
Friday, 19 December 2025
The treasury minister has responded to newly published national income figures showing the Isle of Man’s economy has contracted in real terms for a second consecutive year, warning against relying on GDP alone as a measure of economic health.The comments from Alex Allinson come after the latest National Income Report showed inflation-adjusted Gross Domestic Product had fallen for two successive years, highlighting a prolonged economic slump.In October, Dr Allinson had said there was “no evidence” the Island was in recession.The new figures were released in the same week that Chief Minister ...
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Man taking on 31-day marathon challenge 'grateful' as half-way point passed
Thursday, 18 December 2025
A man from Kirk Michael attempting 31 marathons in 31 days says he's 'grateful' to have passed the halfway mark.Albert Johnson has now completed 17 marathons as part of his daily challenge throughout December.He's taking it on in memory of his friend of Graham Brew and in aid of the charity Autism Initiatives which provides help, support and care to Isle of Man residents..So far he's raised more than £2,600.You can find a link to his JustGiving page HERE.Speaking to Manx Radio's Lewis Foster, Albert says he's faced some challenges along the way (weather, chafing etc), but has still managed ...
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Public Health reports increase in flu-like illnesses
Tuesday, 16 December 2025
Public Health Isle of Man says flu-like illnesses are increasing in the community.The body's latest weekly surveillance report has highlighted a rise in cases, based on GP consultations.In this edition of Newscast, Lewis Foster speaks to Dr Ross Keat, a consultant with Public Health Isle of Man.
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Disability awareness: "There is always room for improvement"
Monday, 15 December 2025
It's hoped a new online Disability Awareness Training package, put together for a Manx charity, will lead other organisations to expand their knowledge on the subject.Thought to be a first for the Island, the course has been put together for Sailing for the Disabled by the training service Disability Awareness alongside Governance People Limited, which provided its services free of charge.Manx Radio has been speaking with Sailing for the Disabled CEO Carole Quayle, Andy Hodkin from Disability Awareness and Governance People Limited's Leslie Foster and Robert Duncan.
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Is the idea of future exploration for hydrocarbons dead in the water?
Friday, 12 December 2025
It's been 10 months since Crogga's licence to extract gas from an area off the Island's coast expired.And now, a bid in Tynwald for government to invite applications for a fresh hydrocarbons exploration has been squashed by the Island's lawmakers.In the sitting of parliament this week, Douglas Central MHK Chris Thomas called for a report with recommendations for debate and decision to be brought back by July next year.But he didn't get the backing of the court - as Siobhán Fletcher reports.
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Kirk Michael man attempting 31 marathons in 31 days
Thursday, 11 December 2025
A man in Kirk Michael is attempting to complete a mammoth 31 marathons in 31 days.Every day this month Albert Johnson is pounding the pavements as part of efforts to raise money in memory of his friend Graham Brew, who took his own life several years ago.So far more than £1600 has been contributed towards his fundraiser for Autism Initiatives UK.Manx Radio's Lewis Foster has been catching up with Albert this afternoon, after he completed marathon number 11.
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Is your property under insured?
Thursday, 11 December 2025
Former insurance underwriter, Malcolm Lambert tells Simon Richardson why he believes many homeowners are unwittingly under insuring their properties.
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Prepare for 'unpleasant conditions' around the coasts
Tuesday, 9 December 2025
A red weather warning for coastal overtopping comes into force from 1pm, resulting in the closure of Shore Road, Castletown Promenade, Ramsey Promenade, Tent Road in Laxey and the section between Summerhill Road to Port Jack in Douglas from lunch time.Kirsty Wilding says while the worst of the rain has now passed, peak winds in the early to middle of the afternoon could reach storm force.
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Net-zero policy on the Tynwald agenda today with motion calling for a referendum
Tuesday, 9 December 2025
The December sitting of Tynwald gets underway today (9 December) and amongst the topics on the agenda is government's commitment to Net-Zero.Specifically, Middle MHK Stu Peters is to move a motion calling for a referendum on whether or not to abandon the policy.Siobhán Fletcher speaks to Stu on the proposal, and hears from the Isle of Man Green Party, who are opposed to it.
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RDCH services temporarily relocated to deal with pest control issue
Thursday, 4 December 2025
A number of services normally delivered at Ramsey and District Cottage Hospital are being temporarily relocated while Manx Care continues to deal with a pest control problem there.The healthcare provider says the work coincides with the completion of pest control measures at Martin Ward, which has been closed since October.It includes a comprehensive deep cleaning and inspection programme, along with other structural improvements.Amy Griffiths has been finding out more from Chief Executive Teresa Cope:
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"It's such a devastating thing to go through hair loss... I felt very, very alone"
Thursday, 4 December 2025
A Manx woman hopes her business can help provide a community to women on the Isle of Man who've suffered hair loss. Megan Coulthurst runs Embrace Wigs, a wig shop which also provides consultations to those trying to find the best fit for them.She has alopecia herself, and lost her hair three years ago.Megan has been telling Amy Griffiths why she wanted to start the business:
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Douglas Council to sell 35 social housing properties to the private market
Thursday, 4 December 2025
Douglas Council is planning to sell 35 social housing properties which require 'significant investment' to the private market. The local authority says it has met with the tenants on Falcon Cliff Terrace and Marathon Drive who will be affected and is operating with a 'tenants first' policy. It's confirmed that each house will be sold individually to avoid them being 'swept up' by a developer, and this will start with six vacant homes in the next few weeks. Leader of Douglas Council Devon Watson says the money from the sales will be ring fenced for future social housing developments in the c...
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Treasury minister updates on MiCard
Monday, 1 December 2025
Treasury will continue to work with the banks to offer appointments to MiCard users in the north and south of the Island who want to open an account, according to the minister. After this month the current card will cease from working and so a new one needs to be given to those, who cannot open an account or don't want to receive it in the form of a cheque.
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Manx Youth Orchestra set to return to Villa Marina for Christmas concert
Monday, 1 December 2025
Manx Youth Orchestra is returning to the Villa Marina for its Christmas Concert on Saturday, after last year's event was cancelled due to Storm Darragh.Around 150 young musicians will perform across ensembles spanning wind, strings, and the full orchestra, in a programme mixing seasonal and film music.Manx Radio's Christian Jones sat down with Miss Victoria Hope, Daniel, Matthew and Daniel to find out more.
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Ramsey MHK looks to protect South Beach from development
Friday, 28 November 2025
An MHK wants to bring in new legislation that would block development on Ramsey's South Beach.Ramsey member Lawrie Hooper will ask for leave to introduce a bill that would prevent development on the site.Plans for a 400-berth yacht marina on the beach were unveiled in 2019, although the project has not progressed.Mr Hooper's been speaking to Amy Griffiths:
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Plans for new sheltered housing building in Laxey progressing
Tuesday, 25 November 2025
Plans are progressing for a new sheltered housing building and commissioner's office space in Laxey. Garff Commissioners is hoping to take over the former Princes Motors site to build new accommodation for residents and is due to submit a planning application soon. The local authority wants to fund the site partly from the housing deficiency fund from government and from the sale of its current building - which it's hoped will mean rates won't be as affected. Julie Mattin, who runs the local authority's Cooil Roi property, says it 'breaks her heart' to tell people there's a two year wait fo...
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Treasury needs to hear from about 600 MiCard users
Monday, 24 November 2025
Treasury is trying to engage with about 600 MiCard users who haven't contacted the department yet. At the end of the year the cards, which have been used since 2009, are 'hardwired' to stop working. On Wednesday, a drop-in session will be held with four of the Island's banks at Markwell House to assist people who haven't been able to open a bank account yet.
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Minister insists it's 'early days' as tweaks made to new school menu
Monday, 24 November 2025
The education minister says her department is listening to feedback and actively tweaking menus for school meals.It as figures show a decline in the uptake since a new menu was introduced in September, which cut the amount of ultra-processed foods, increased the amount of Manx produce, and swapped desserts for fruit and milk.Data provided in response to a Tynwald Question for Written Answer shows a trend towards pupils bringing their own packed lunch.In this edition of Newscast, Education Minister Daphne Caine brings Lewis Foster up to speed with how the menu is being received.
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Residents 'must make voices heard' on new Ramsey Harbour flood defence proposals
Thursday, 20 November 2025
A Ramsey Commissioner says residents of the town must make their voices heard about the Department of Infrastructures plans for new flood defences. Next Monday (24 November) the DoI is holding drop-in sessions for people to look at the plans and provide feedback - this is taking place at the town hall during its usual opening hours. The department previously submitted plans in 2021 which could've seen the removal of 50 parking spaces as well as a concrete wall and new pavements. Juan McGuinness says the town is under 'threat' of tidal flooding and believes that the defences need to be in pl...
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MHK calls for probe into Island's financial services and eGaming frameworks
Tuesday, 18 November 2025
A Douglas Central MHK is calling on his fellow Tynwald members to back his call for a new select committee to be formed.Chris Thomas wants a review of the suitability of frameworks for the Island's financial services and eGaming sectors.
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"Every child deserves the right to an education" says mum of neurodivergent child
Tuesday, 18 November 2025
"Every child deserves the right to an education."Those are the words of a Manx mum, after politicians backed her Tynwald Day petition to implement neurodiversity training across all the Island's schools.Last month, Tynwald unanimously supported a motion committing to making adaptive and inclusive practice a core part of teacher training.The Department of Education must now return to the court with a phased timeline for implementation by February next year.Nichola Whitlam-Beckett, whose petition was the basis of the motion, has been sharing her reaction with Amy Griffiths:
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Farmers 'need to come together and find a solution' over withdrawal of veterinary services
Friday, 14 November 2025
A Manx farmer says the sector 'needs to come together and find a solution' following the announcement that Milan Vets will no longer carry out farm veterinary services.The practice says it will no longer be able to treat livestock from the end of the month, citing a long-term decline in the number of farm clients.Milan Vets is owned by Independent Vetcare Limited, a large veterinary group that operates many practices across the British Isles, and it's been suggested that the decision to withdraw these services has been made off-Island.In this edition of Newscast with Lewis Foster, Manx Radi...
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Counselling students set to complete their studies on-Island
Friday, 14 November 2025
Students on their way to becoming qualified counsellors have spoken of the benefits of being able to complete their studies on-Island.The organisation Brighter Teaching brought its training services to the Isle of Man in 2023, allowing people to achieve their Level 5 diplomas without having to leave and study in the UK.It offers a range of Ofqual-registered specialist courses for therapies such as; trauma, couples, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, and children and adolescence.In this edition of Newscast, Lewis Foster speaks to Elisha Gilbertson and Susie Lyons who are part of the first cohort o...
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Derbyhaven Residents Society says ombudsman highlighted issues with golf links hotel
Thursday, 13 November 2025
The Derbyhaven Residents' Society says it welcomes the findings from the Tynwald Commissioner for Administration regarding the handling of a complaint over the former Castletown Golf Links Hotel. A report by the ombudsman found that maladministration had occurred when Malew Commissioners was dealing with a request to serve a demolition notice on the building - which the society describes as an 'embarrassing eyesore'. The document is due to be laid before Tynwald next week, and the group is asking members to consider whether local authorities should have the power to demolish derelict and di...
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Inside the 'adaptive classroom' project
Wednesday, 12 November 2025
What is an adaptive classroom?Scoill Yn Jubilee Juniors in Douglas is the first to pilot the project.Christian Jones speaks to to Brendon Kenny from Ellanstone and Paul Murphy from Werk Solutions about what it means in practice.How can design, psychology, and community insight shape better learning spaces for children, and could it influence the future of education?
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Public sector workers could see increase to pension level
Tuesday, 11 November 2025
Public sector workers could see an increase in the level of pensions provided by government.Tynwald members will be asked to approve changes to its schemes in December's sitting.The amendments being proposed by the Public Sector Pensions Authority's (PSPA) would see an increase in the benefits of the members' contributions rather than a reduction of the contributions themselves.Chief Executive of the PSPA, Kathryn Brondon, and Chair Jerry Carter have been speaking to Amy Griffiths:
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MHK wants more action taken against dilapidated property owners
Tuesday, 11 November 2025
A Douglas East MHK says Treasury isn't going far enough to deal with dilapidated properties and derelict buildings on the Island. Joney Faragher is introducing a motion to Tynwald later this month which aims to give local authorities the power to impose charges on the owners of these sites. It also adds that any off-Island owners of domestic property should face additional charges on that property.Treasury has been consulting residents and local authorities about removing exemptions for derelict properties, introducing caps on the quarry rate as well as looking into rebate schemes. Local D...