Blogs

The sinking of the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company's vessel Ellan Vannin in 1909 proved to be the worst day in the company's history, but despite time's intervention this tragic event remains deeply etched in the memory of many Manx people.

With the approaching centenary of the death of Manx pioneer Sophia Morrison, it's a good time to evaluate her achievements and review her remarkable legacy.

Born in Peel during 1859, Sophia had many siblings and was the daughter of well-respected, local grocer, merchant and fishing fleet owner Charles Morrison and his wife Louisa née Crellin. Sophia was gifted in music and language by her teenage years she was well read in European literature, possessed a working knowledge of Italian, Spanish, Irish, Scots Gaelic and was fluent in French.

News from the Celtic League:

News in this report that the Ministry of Defence Police are to undertake a higher profile in policing the Rosneath Peninsula on the Clyde in the Scottish Sunday Herald (link):

http://www.heraldscotland.com/…/15009201.Armed_MoD_police…/…

News from Irish Branch of the Celtic League:

Members of Misneach Wicklow and Misneach Dublin have assisted in the ongoing occupation of Apollo House ( a NAMA vacant office block)  which has been underway by housing activists for over a fortnight now.

There are up to 40 residents housed in the building, who would otherwise be sleeping rough on the streets.

News from Kernow Matters To Us:

The Charter for Cornwall (issued by the Charter for Cornwall team)

The Cornish countryside is disappearing at an alarming rate.

Our landscapes are being degraded and urbanised and the character of our towns and villages is changing forever.

Tranquility, the environment and our heritage are ruthlessly ignored.

Our young people are finding it more and more difficult to find an affordable home yet, meanwhile, housing continues to be sold off as second 'homes'.

An extensive crowd gathered at Hango Hill, situated between Castletown and Derbyhaven, for the annual ceremony commemorating the execution of William Christian (Illiam Dhone) on the 2nd January, 1662 (or 1663) for his part in the Manx rising of 1651 against the Derby family, who held the Island for the Royalist cause.

News from Kernow Matters To Us:

As will be widely known, 2016 saw the end of the Westminster Government's return of a rather paltry £150,000 a year of our tax money to support the continued growth and development of the Cornish language. 

This occurred despite the Government's signing of the language charter in 2002 and formal recognition of the Cornish people in 2014. 

Accordingly, a Freedom of Information request was lodged with the relevant Westminster Department seeking background material to cast light on this spiteful decision.

The long-running Mollag Ghennal has been a favourite crowd puller at a variety of venues, but this year the annual event was held in the Masonic Hall in Peel, retaining its winning formula of providing some of the best acts in both traditional and new music.

Under the Druidical traditions of Celtic Ireland, Gaelic law was passed down orally and was first captured in writing beginning around 450 AD as the Christian scribes began their work. This collection of oral and written laws is known as the Brehon Laws. The Brehons were the jurists of Celtic culture and it took a lifetime of study to become a true proficient. Today the Brehon Law Academy seeks to preserve the ancient Celtic Laws.

North American Celtic Festivals kick off at the 4th Annual Florida Keys Celtic Festival held January 6th through 9th.   The festival will take place in Marathon situated half way between the mainland and Key West.  The 2017 Festival will include Celtic Rock and Traditional music, Irish & Scottish Dancing, Pipes and Drums and Highland Athletics.