Manx Newscast

The Island's southern MHKs say they will not be giving their support to this year's Budget if there's not sufficient funds allocated for the Southern Swimming Pool. You'll likely have heard last week that the Department of Education, Sport and Culture will recommend the pool's closure at the end of the financial year. As a result, all four of the members representing the south...

Politicians on the Isle of Man need to take ‘tough decisions’ in order to make ‘massive strategic change’.  That’s from the education, sport and culture minister who will ask Tynwald, in February, to back her department’s plans to close the Southern Swimming Pool by the end of March.  Regional pools – in Castletown, Ramsey and Peel - are funded t...

The infrastructure minister's been responding to recommendations set out in a report looking into the Isle of Man's heritage railways. Transport consultancy firm SYSTRA estimates the network brings a boost to the Manx economy of around £17 million each year. The long-awaited publication has been subject of scrutiny in the Island's political sittings, where members queried why it...

The Trafalgar Hotel in Ramsey has been named a runner-up in the Campaign for Real Ale's 'National Pub of the Year' competition. The competition seeks to find the best pub in the UK (and Isle of Man, of course) judging them on atmosphere, decor, welcome, service, community focus and quality of beer. The Trafalgar came in the top four for 2023, with the Tamworth Tap in Tamworth winning for the secon...

In this episode we hear from representatives of the RNLI on the annual commemoration of founder, Sir William Hillary's life on what marks the institution's 200th year.

Siobhán Fletcher somewhat predicts the future, by taking a look at some of the dates in the calendar to watch out for this year.

Should the Bishop have a vote? Lawrie Hooper MHK  launches a public consultation to find out what you think. Here he talks to Beth Espey about why he feels the time is right to make the change.

Vice-chair of the Health Services Consultative Committee Annette Baker has resigned from the body following concerns over the health minister's behaviour towards committee members. The former Ramsey Grammar School headteacher has served on the panel for three years. She says it's become increasingly impossible to serve on the committee, and that comments made by Lawrie Hooper about the HSC...

The Manx Emergency Doctors Service will close overnight during the week from Monday 8 January, we speak to Manx Care's Executive Director for Health Services Oliver Radford to find out why, and hear some good news if you've struggled to get an on-the-day appointment at your GP practice.

Broadcaster Paul Corkish presented his final weekly show on Manx Radio today after a 17-year stint on the station's roster. Throughout his Manx Radio tenure he has presented numerous programmes, most recently 'That Sunday Sound'. Christian Jones talks to Paul about his upbringing and how he got through the doors of Manx Radio and onto the air.

Lewis Foster and Siobhan Fletcher look back at the stories that hit the Island's headlines in 2023.

If you're looking for a bracing way to see in the New Year, Lenny Conroy from the Southern Dippers tells us about the fundraising sea dips happening in the south of the Island on 1 January 

This year is Tom Pickard's eighth singing in the Christmas services at King's College, Cambridge. Here, he speaks to William King about singing at Christmastime and what it's like recording a carol service for broadcast on the TV. A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols is on BBC Radio 4 at 3pm and Carols from King's is on BBC Two at 6.30pm. Tom mentions John Rutter's 'All th...

The Northern Chamber of Commerce says a 'good relationship' with local authorities is key for supporting businesses during the festive season.  Keith Dalrymple and Deputy Chair at Ramsey Commissioners Rob Cowell believe the work to support the town and encouraging people to shop local doesn't end at Christmas. Currently, the chamber meets with a representative from Ramsey Commissi...

The ManxSPCA - which cares for lost or abandoned animals - will still be operating over the holidays. We hear what services it'll be able to provide and advice for pet owners during the festive period.

The chair of Peel Commissioners says the authority has been 'coming to terms' with the issues at Reayrt Aalin.  Earlier this year it confirmed it would be demolishing the housing estate, and rebuilding it, something which will cost a 'considerable' amount of money.  The commissioners say when the housing estate was built the materials used were substandard.  Hazel Ha...

Tynwald has met for the final time this year (although Keys and Legislative Council have one more sitting) so if you weren't able to listen to the whole thing - what did you miss?  Beth Espey and Phil Gawne have the highlights...

One of the Island's long-standing police officers says it was "humbling" to receive an award celebrating his contribution to the force. Detective Chief Inspector Mark Newey was recognised for the most outstanding performance in the fields of police service at the Chief Constable's annual award ceremony. DCI Newey has led a number of high profile cases throughout his career, including the investiga...

Manx Care says family carers on the Isle of Man need more support. It's after recent figures showed a stark increase in demand on the Island's only respite care unit for adults with learning difficulties. Some families have been 'stood down' at last minute due to the lack of available beds at Hollydene in Radcliffe Villas in Douglas. In this edition of Newscast, Manx Radio speaks with Manx Care's...

About 150 people turned up to a public meeting last week about Manx Utilities windfarm proposals. It was organised by Arbory and Rushen Commissioners, for residents in the south to have their say to the Chief Minister Alfred Cannan and Manx Utilities Chief Executive Philip King.  Residents quizzed representatives on costs, environmental concerns and whether a referendum would be held about th...

There's potentially positive news for those living with diabetes on the Isle of Man. It's hoped there could be improvements to services here on the Island in the next financial year. Manx Care says it's applying for funding in various areas, after Diabetes Isle of Man made a presentation to Tynwald members on World Diabetes Day. Natasha Parry is from the charity:

A local charity is questioning the amount of time it's taking to get government clearance to build a state-of-the-art cancer support centre here on the Island. Mannin Cancers Support Group raised the £2 million needed to build a Maggie Centre on the grounds of Noble's Hospital through fundraising and has the planning permission required. However, it is waiting on the disposal of the...

There's been growing concern among Cystic Fibrosis sufferers in the UK about potential changes to access to a "life-changing" drug. Called Kaftrio, it can significantly reduce the effects of the condition, and even significantly extend life expectancy. But NICE has recommended NHS England stop giving it to new patients as it's too expensive. It currently costs between £100,000-£160,000 per year, p...

A Little Piece of Hope is hoping to help those at risk of having their gas disconnected after Christmas. In November Isle of Man Energy revealed customers who had significant debt on their account would be cut off. Thirty households have already been disconnected while a further 90 were planned to be. However, former Office of Fair Trading chair John Wannenburgh stepped in requesting a pause - thi...

There are concerns postal delays are having a detrimental impact on many Island businesses. Some local business owners have questioned whether the scrapping of the Royal Mail post plane on 16 October is to blame for recent issues. Siobhán Fletcher chats to Stefanie Kerwin runs Aurora Wellness with her husband Paul, who says delays to mail are impacting her business. We also h...