1.2million soldiers have been killed, injured or are missing, and tens of thousands of civilians have been killed.

Since 2022, Manx Radio has brought you stories from Isle of Man volunteers who have helped the war-torn country with food and military aid.

In this podcast, Chanelle Sukhoo speaks to British veteran Shaun Pinner, who was captured in Ukraine, subsequently released and will be visiting the Island this week.

Alongside this podcast you can see what they got up to here

First up is Hannah Phillips, Community Ranger for the Manx Wildlife Trust.

Siobhán Fletcher went along to meet her.

Alongside this podcast you can see what they got up to here: A Day in the Life of: Hannah Phillips - Manx Radio

*A warning that this podcast includes descriptions of violence, sexual violence, and suicide that some listeners may find distressing.* If you’ve been affected by anything included in this edition of Island Life you can find support at Support - Manx Radio

In this edition of Island Life, Amy Griffiths explores some of the unintended impacts AI could be having on particularly the creative industries on the Isle of Man.

With a warning this episode features conversations around self-harm and suicide that some may find distressing. If you’ve been affected by any of the topics featured in this edition of Island Life you can find help and support at manxradio.com/support.

The programme was first broadcast in 2023.

Back in 2023, we heard from the likes of Alan Shea and Hazel Hannan in our series 'A Brief History of Pride'.

Now, a short verbatim documentary exploring the history of the Isle of Man leading up to the decriminalisation of homosexuality in 1992 has been released online.

Directed by John Craine, and funded by BFI Doc Society, The Guardian and Isle of Man Arts Council, "No Man Is An Island" was primarily filmed here on the Island last year - and we went along to the set!

In this episode, we hear more from members of the cast, producer Diarmuid Hughes, and find out the details on where to watch the film as part of the Island's first ever Pride film festival, which gets underway next week in Port St Mary.

You can buy tickets to 'Pride on Screen' here - Port St Mary Business Association event tickets from TicketSource.

And you can stream 'No Man Is An Island' here - No Man Is an Island: a British society and its historic push for gay rights | Pride | The Guardian

There's also some wonderful archive material from Laxey School 30 years ago - and a treasured diary tells the story of a very different celebration on another Island.

Some of this material has been taken from the VE Day 80th Anniversary Concert recorded in the Villa Marina Royal Hall on Thursday 8 May 2025.

The complete Concert is available as a podcast here in Manx Radio's Island Life Series - Specials.

Channelle Sukhoo was there.

Local Democracy Reporter Emma Draper finds out more, chatting to the current Leader of Douglas Council Claire Wells, Garff Commissioner Melanie Christian, Ramsey Commissioner Lamara Craine, Peel Commissioner and former DOI Minister Ray Harmer, as well as former commissioners and current MHKs Michelle Haywood and Lawrie Hooper.

If you think you or someone you know is being exploited or is at risk of being exploited, Contact the Isle of Man Constabulary on 01624 631212 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. You can also call the NSPCC Children's Helpline on 0808 800 5000.

If you are a child or young person and want to speak to someone anonymously you can contact Crimestoppers' Fearless service through its website.

And if you're here on the Island and want to speak to the Head of Safeguarding call 642602.

The Safeguarding Children Duty Line is on 642697, and the Children's Initial Response Team (social care) is on 686179.

Mary Ramsey, who was later adopted and renamed Stephanie Taylor (née French), was raised in the UK where she lived until her death in 2012.

Her daughter Lorraine Berry has now used DNA tracing to find out more about her biological family.

Returning to the Island in 1980 with husband Philip Summerscales and daughter Helen, she soon established herself as an inspirational teacher.

On 1st November 2024 a tribute concert to celebrate the professional opera career of Margaret Curphey, was held in St Andrew's United Reformed Church in Douglas. Music was by Glenfaba Choral conducted by Margaret's sister, Muriel Corkish with solo performances from Kristene Sutcliffe, Simon Fletcher, Neil Taverner, and members of the Kilgallon family. The compere was Glenfaba Choral member Alan Gelling. The choir was accompanied by Jean James and the soloists by Graham Kirkland.

Helen Summerscales talks about her Mother's rise to fame in the opera world and this has been mixed with Margaret's own voice, talking about those early years, in conversation with Geraldine Jamieson in a recording made in 1980.

Note - this archive material has only very recently been found and was not part of the tribute concert in November.

This podcast is only EDITED HIGHLIGHTS of the concert.

THE CONCERT IN FULL is available as a two-part podcast - it's in Manx Radio's Island Life Series - Specials - search for ECHOES OF EXCELLENCE - THE TRIBUTE CONCERT IN FULL, PART ONE and PART TWO

The full concert features :

Glenfaba Chorale conducted by Margaret's sister, Muriel Corkish and accompanied by Jean James

Soloists Kristene Sutcliffe, Simon Fletcher, Neil Taverner and members of the Kilgallon family - all accompanied by Graham Kirkland

The compere is Alan Gelling and the concert includes the recorded voice of Margaret Curphey both singing and talking about her professional life - together with a tribute from her daughter Helen.

There is also a vote of thanks by Glenfaba Chairman Charles Fargher and a word from John Knight of the Forget Me Not Trust which fully funds the Island's Admiral Nurses who specialise in dementia care and who were a great support to the Summerscales family in the last years of Margaret's life. The proceeds of a raffle, and donations given on the night in lieu of an admission charge, were all given to the Trust.

An edited version of this concert (approx 58 minutes in length) is also available as a podcast in the Manx Radio Island Life series

Ben Hartley and Senior Forecaster at Ronaldsway Met Office Kirsty Pendlebury look back at the big weather events of the last 12 months.

(With thanks to the RNLI, and Allison Fox at MNH.)

The organisation has since announced further cuts, which you can take a look at in detail here.

*Due to the nature of this programme, some listeners may find the content distressing.*

If you are affected by the issues raised, the following may be helpful:

• the police will listen you if you come forward to report an incident. You can call the non-emergency number 631212 oruse 999 if you are in immediate danger
• you can contact Victim Support on 679950 or visit their website –victimsupport.im

We chat with the organisers and some of the performers to find out about this huge international showcase for Manx creatives and producers.

Why did the Solway Harvester sink? John Moss returns to the opening days of the winter of Millennium Year, 2000.

The news that one of the Island's high schools was going to ban access to them during school hours sparked a big debate on social media, before the Department of Education confirmed it was planning on implementing a similar policy across the board.

Amy Griffiths has been looking at both sides of the argument, and also the wider impact devices can have on young people.

After one UK developer told her they’d be reluctant to undertake any more projects here because of the amount of red tape they’ve had to jump through, she wants to find out more about how the current legislation works, who’s responsible for upholding it, and whether any changes need to be made.

This special programme, produced by News Editor Tessa Hawley, takes a look at what's being done at the Isle of Man Prison System to keep people safe.

NB: This programme contains content that some listeners may find distressing, as well as references to suicide.

But scratch beneath the glossy tourism adverts, the beautifully created social media content and the straplines … and you’ll find a small Island with a big problem.

Tessa Hawley uncovers a darker side to our beautiful Island and the disturbing prevalence of Class A drugs following the largest ever mass sentencing exercise at the Isle of Man Courts of Justice.

In this Island Life special, Siobhán Fletcher catches up with some of our Ministers here to find out more about our intergovernmental relationship and asks the Manx public “do you care who wins?”

Beth Espey finds out that motor racing really is a Family Affair, as she meets with former TT sidecar passenger (now Marshall) Dicky Gale and his sons Ben and Jim, as they look to their first start on the Southern 100 circuit in a matter of weeks.

Longer chat and podcast available now in the 'Journey to a Dream' series.

These interviews were recorded in the year 2000.

In the meantime, you can watch a video of Howard and Christy's visit to the space last year here: 

We also hear from the award winning pupils from St Ninian's and St Johns' Public Speaking teams, who took home the trophies this year for the Senior and Junior category respectively. 

Pictured below: Charlie Watterson, Maximus James and Daisy-Mae Moore from St Johns, who spoke on the subject "A Perfect Day" 

Pictured below: St Ninian’s pupils Catrina McMurtrey and Grace Cilliers who spoke on the subject "The Digital World: To Byte or not to Byte"

Chris has also been instrumental in getting the music of Manx artists Truman Falls and Back Door Slam on the International Space Station and in 2009, he organised for Davy Knowles to play a song live to the ISS from Mission Control - you can watch the video of that extraordinary experience below. 

So, at the halfway mark for the administration that promised housing would be one of its main priorities, what is actually being done to help? Amy Griffiths is finding out.

Including interviews with David Ashford in his role as Chair of the Housing and Communities Board, Infrastructure Minister Tim Crookall, Alex Cowley who is Chair of the Youth Tynwald Select Housing Committee and Chief Minister Alfred Cannan.

With grateful thanks to all the employers and workers that spoke with us.

Christy DeHaven is in conversation with Club President Charles Fargher, Secretary Howard Callow and long time Rotary member Ivan Bratty. 

Senior Met Officer at Ronaldsway Kirsty Pendlebury joins Ben Hartley for a look back at the big weather events of the last 12 months.

Christy took the opportunity to catch up with him again, for a festively seasonal insight into the astronomical events we can look forward to, by looking up at our own Island night skies. Winter brings meteors, areas of super bright constellations and, of course, a very special Christmas Star....

Winter brings meteors, areas of super bright constellations and, of course, a very special Christmas Star....

Held at Sky Cinema in London in association with IRN and Sky News, the 2023 Commercial Radio Awards proved successful for the team and in this special programme, we listen back to clips from the nominated shows and hear some previously unheard audio recorded on the night itself. 

Listen now to James’s incredible story in full, as part of Remembrance 2023.

James recalls his exploits in Primary Training and thoughts on life when he was posted to the far east. From dealing with the hazards of malaria ridden mosquitos, snakes and scorpions to the daily onslaught of shelling by the Japanese army.

James always had a passion for art and photography and recalls developing films whilst under a tarpaulin as the enemy sent wave after wave of mortars into his camp. After the war and a career in design, James moved to the Isle of Man to open the photographic museum in Port Erin.

Photo credit:  Royal British Legion Onchan Branch 

Here’s a second chance to listen to Aidan share his story with Chris Pearson.

This programme was first broadcast in June 2022 to mark the 40th anniversary of the surrender of Argentine forces on the Falkland Islands following a 74-day conflict.

With the help of some willing contributors - and the assistance of archivist Tim Price - we’ve gathered some first class memories from some of those who have worked with and for the Isle of Man Postal service since the days of telegrams and bicycle deliveries, battling snow storms and family pets to ensure the post gets through to every corner of the Island. 

Pictured below - Angie Aire, Geoff Corkish, Dot Tilbury and Sharon Maddrell

In this extended podcast, Ben Hartley takes a trip to the Ronaldsway Met Office to find out what life is like for the team during TT fortnight, when the eyes and ears of the Island (and beyond!) are firmly fixed on what the weather is doing. 

And what benefits did Dr Allinson give you...and you...and you in his 30 minute speech. Alex's elixir? or a dose of unpleasant tasting medicine to sort out the Island's finances? 

John Moss considers the pros and cons. 

In this Valentine's Day special programme, Christy DeHaven takes a look at what love means through the generations and through the decades - from young hopefuls using online apps to couples celebrating 50+ years of marriage

And what would YOU do if your knicker elastic snapped in the cloakroom?! Katie King from Manx National Heritage gives a sneak peak in to the diary of an 18 yr old girl enjoying holiday romance on the Island in 1932 – with stories that would give you a fit of the vapours!

Christy DeHaven speaks to regular dippers, experts and members of the Island’s medical community to find out more.  If you’re feeling inspired to dive in, please do start by contacting one of the groups mentioned – cold water therapy coach Kate can be found at SoulAdventures.im, Open Water Coach Kirsty can be found here and the Manx Bluetits have a very active Facebook page and be sure to check with your GP if you have any medical concerns before getting in cold water. 

Exactly 200 years later on the 14th December 2022, a plaque to commemorate the sinking, was unveiled at a special ceremony in Castletown.

Listen to the full ceremony here.

This week, we take a look at what it takes to run a successful and sustainable craft distillery.

So, what can people do if they come over to the Island this time of year?

We sent Siobhán Fletcher to Castletown to take a look at some of the activities on offer with Manx National Heritage.

This year, on what would have been his 19th birthday, his family released an album of his original music called Whispicity, with all proceeds going to help families like theirs. 

Siobhán Fletcher speaks to Cody's family and finds out how the album was made.

For Charlie, that decision came too late and he was one of the last ever military personnel to be discharged for being gay. Charlie relocated to the Island in 1999 and had a successful career in the aviation engineering industry. As well as colleagues, a career and a whole lifestyle, Charlie lost out on future promotions and the increased pension that would have brought.

These days, all three services have a very different attitude and are welcoming to the LGBTQ+ community and others.
Pictured : Charlie Brown on detachment with the Royal Air Force in front of one of the Tornado jets he was responsible for keeping flying

Aidan Forbes, who retired to the Isle of Man a number of years ago, was serving with the second Battalion of the Parachute Regiment in 1982 and sailed with the Task Force from Portsmouth.

Hear Aidan’s story with Chris Pearson in this Island Life special. 

*Warning* : contains numerous fruity anecdotes, including The One About the Prince in the pungent polecat coat... 

In this latest episode of the Bodywise programme with Matt and Ciara tackle the challenging subject of Addiction.

They speak with leading expert Dr Austin O'Carroll, founder of a charity in Ireland called Safetynet

They also hear some brave and honest personal accounts of some people dealing with addiction here on the Isle of Man. 

If you have any questions or comments about any of the Bodywise programmes or would like to post a health question to Matt and Ciara, you can contact them at Bodywise@ManxRadio.com. 

They speak with leading expert Dr Deirdre Lundy, who has transformed menopause treatment, awareness and attitudes in Ireland and they also catch up with local expert Joanne Posey, from Life Lessons Nutrition. Jo has published a free online resource, 'Thriving with the Menopause', which you can find on her website LifeLessonsNutrition.co.uk.

You will find the FULL chats with both Deirdre and Jo available via our Manx Radio Podcast page; click on the Island Life Specials series to find them.

Next week, Matt and Ciara tackle the subject of Addiction. Listen live on air at 6pm on Thursday, or after the programme via the podcast page.

Sharing memories with Howard Caine about his career in journalism, Terry gave a fascinating account of seven decades in the business.

The theme for Holocaust Memorial Day this year is 'One Day'.  Every day this week, we are marking the event with a daily podcast, read by Carol Jempson, a member of the Isle of Man Jewish Community. Carol shares the stories and experiences of real people, recalling One Day in history that changed their lives.

Today, the story of a young Tutsi woman, whose life was turned upside down One Day in 1994 when genocide came to her town. 

The theme for Holocaust Memorial Day this year is 'One Day'.  Every day this week, we are marking the event with a daily podcast, read by Carol Jempson, a member of the Isle of Man Jewish Community. Carol shares the stories and experiences of real people, recalling One Day in history that changed their lives.

Today, a story from the Balkan Peninsula, as a former refugee recalls their childhood being changed forever One Day, when their home in the regions of Bosnia and Herzegovina was wracked by war.

The theme for Holocaust Memorial Day this year is 'One Day'.  Every day this week, we are marking the event with a daily podcast, read by Carol Jempson, a member of the Isle of Man Jewish Community. Carol shares the stories and experiences of real people, recalling One Day in history that changed their lives.

Today, a challenging story from Darfur, as one woman shares her family's experiences under the brutal regime of the government supported militia Janjaweed; but she also shares the hope she has for the future, having found some solace and safety - and a determination to change. In her own words: "If we all speak in one voice, we can compel the international community to act to end the genocide in Darfur, and the suffering of women elsewhere in the world.”

The theme for Holocaust Memorial Day this year is 'One Day'.  Every day this week, we are marking the event with a daily podcast, read by Carol Jempson, a member of the Isle of Man Jewish Community, sharing the stories and experiences of real people who have lived through genocide around the world.  

In Carol's own words: "We put aside 27th January as the one day  to come together to remember, to learn about the Holocaust, Nazi Persecution and the genocides that followed in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur, in the hope that there may be One Day in the future with no genocide. We learn more about the past, we empathise with others today, and we hope that people will take action for a better future."

Florrie was born on the family farm in 1923 and grew up in the South of the Island, becoming an integral part of the Southern  farming community. She shares memories of her life and times in that world in this wonderful conversation with John, which was first broadcast in 2013. 

His mission “Principia” lasted six months.

He’s been into space and travelled much of Planet Earth, but there’s at least one rock he hasn’t visited yet.

In 2022, Tim Peake will visit the Isle of Man for the first time, as part of his tour; “My Journey to Space”, which lands at the Villa Marina on 19 March.

In this interview with William King for Manx Radio, Tim discusses his tour, his own experiences of space, the industry as a whole and the part the Isle of Man could be playing in its future.

Isle of Man Live at Home Schemes  
Email: enquiries@liveathome.im
Phone: + 44 1624 616571 or + 44 7624 497603. Available 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday (if you are met with an answer phone, please don’t be put off. Just leave a message and we will call you back)
Address: Live at Home HQ, The Mike Hailwood Centre, Glencrutchery Road, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM2 6DA

Southern Befrienders: 
Tel: 01624 833025
Email: southernbefrienders@manx.net

Address: Thie Rosien, Castletown Road, Port Erin, IM9 6BD

Manx Retirement Association:

Website: http://www.manxretirement.org/

Email: mra@manx.net

Phone: 817007

The House of Keys will elect the new members this Tuesday (23 November).

Belinda Pilling, Joanne Posey from Life Lessons Nutrition and Howard Caine (pictured with Christy in the studio), also practice nurse Stephanie Beynon from Hailwood Medical Centre, Dr Paula Briggs from the British Menopause Society, the Yorkshire Menopause Doctor Ella Russell, and Mrs Yorkshire The Baking Bard.

Together, we discover that entering the Menopause doesn't have to mean putting your life on hold...