Alastair Kneale's blog

Press Release from Culture Vannin:

CULTURE VANNIN AND UNIVERSAL HUMAN RIGHTS INITIATIVE RELEASE THE FRST RECORDING OF THE UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS IN MANX GAELIC.

Working in close collaboration, Culture Vannin and Universal Human Rights Initiative (UHRI) have released the first ever recording of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in Manx Gaelic (Fockley‐Magh Cairyssyn Deiney cour y Theihll Slane).

Tynwald Day (Manx: Laa Tinvaal), the National Day of the Isle of Man (Mannin) is held on the 5th of July. It is when the government for the Isle of Man go to Tynwald Hill to read a summary of the laws passed over the last year. The reading is given in Manx Gaelic and English. The artificial hill, which is thought to have started as a Bronze Age burial mound, is made up of four circular platforms. It is said to have been a meeting place for the Celtic midsummer assembly. Hence there is a large Celtic Cross on the site representing the sun god, Lugh.

There are no Celtic teams competing in the finals of the 2018 FIFA World Cup, the international association football (soccer) competition, currently taking place in Russia. For most of those living in the Celtic nations and who enjoy watching football, the tournament has provided an exciting spectacle. People may have their favourite teams, others just want to watch a good game of football and remain neutral as to the outcome.

The Great Strike – Public Lecture with Dr John Callow will be held on 7th July 2018 at the Manx Museum at 2pm. This will be the most thoroughly researched presentation ever given on the events that led to and took place during the Manx General Strike. This is the centenary of the 1918 Manx General Strike

The Manx Hedgehog Conservation Society (MHCS) is asking that people help provide food and water for hedgehogs. This comes after a period of sustained hot and dry conditions on the Isle of Man (Mannin). On the Society facebook page they say: "HEDGEHOGS NEED FOOD AND WATER !!!!

The last races of the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy (TT) 2018 were completed today. Results of the races can be viewed on the Isle of Man TT website.  From the date the qualifying rounds commenced on 26th May until the races ended on 8th June, the island has enjoyed brilliant dry and sunny conditions. This has allowed for some of the fastest times ever recorded in one of the world's greatest motorsport events. The International Isle of Man TT Race was first held on the Island in 1907.

NEWS FROM THE CELTIC LEAGUE:

Spanish politics have featured a lot on the Celtic League Mannin Branch Facebook pages because there are a number of peoples in Spain with aspirations for independence, just like we in the Celtic nations ourselves. At the forefront of the nations aspiring for independence are the Catalans and the Basques.

The Isle of Man Tourist Trophy (TT) 2018 road racing event is underway on the Isle of Man (Mannin). This week the qualifying rounds have been taking place on the 37.73 mile public road course, with the races scheduled to commence on Saturday 2nd June to Friday 8th June. Described as the world's ultimate road race, no other motorcycle race is held on such a challenging track as the Isle of Man Mountain Course. There is little to rival the skill, bravery and concentration levels needed to race in the TT.

News from The Manx Wildlife Trust - Treisht Vanninagh Y Doogys Feie:

The Manx Wildlife Trust (Manx: Treisht Vanninagh Y Doogys Fei) has announced that naturalist and writer Mark Crooker will be appearing at the Centenery Centre in Peel (Manx: Ynnyd Keead Blein ayns Purt ny h-Inshey). He will be talking about and signing copies of his new book Our Place.  There will be a discussion about wildlife, conservation and environmental protection

Australia is home to one of the largest Celtic Diasporas in the world. With substantial emigration from countries such as Cornwall, Ireland, Scotland, Isle of Man, Wales and Brittany approximately half of its population can lay claim to Celtic roots. The Celtic Council of Australia is an important organisation in bringing together those from the various Celtic societies. Since its formation the Celtic Council has encouraged Celtic activities, including establishing the Australian Standing Stones at Glen Innes, achieved along with the local community of the town.