Alastair Kneale's blog

Manx National Party - Mec Vannin call on OCSE to send observers to Catalonia

Mec Vannin the Manx National Party has called for the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe to intervene in Catalonia. This is after Spain has sought to crush democracy in Catalonia and reacted forcefully following the declaration of independence.

“Dears Sirs

With reference to the current situation vis a vis the Madrid and Catalunyan governments, we cite the United Nations Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples:

Who has contributed most to Manx culture? RBV nominations underway

Media realease from Culture Vannin:

Who has contributed most to Manx culture? RBV nominations underway

An annual cultural award named after our very own Celtic sea god, Manannan, the ‘Reih Bleeaney Vanannan’ or RBV is awarded to an individual or group who has made the greatest contribution to the Island’s cultural heritage. Nominations are open to the public throughout November, with the final decision made by representatives of various Manx cultural organisations.

Over 90 ways to talk about the weather in Manx!

Press release from Culture Vannin:

Over 90 ways to talk about the weather in Manx!

Culture Vannin is pleased to announce the release of over 90 animated Gifs in Manx that relate to our wonderful, variable and often challenging weather.

Manx politicians smile as they sell the people down the river

Those nations and regions that we see engaged in the struggle for greater autonomy and self determination around Europe and the world are often faced with force, intimidation and suppression. Catalonia is an obvious current example of a people suffering this fate. However, the organisations and local political representatives seeking greater degrees of self determination, have the aspiration to provide a better life for their people, to protect their culture, distinct identity, and to provide social improvements and better living conditions.

Imprisonment of two prominent Catalan independence leaders provokes outrage in Catalonia

Two prominent Catalan independence leaders, Jordi Sanchez of the Catalan National Assembly, and Jordi Cuixart of Omnium Cultural, were imprisoned on Monday night (16 October). They have been sent to prison by Spain's National Court while they are investigated for alleged crimes of sedition. Omnium immediately condemned the ruling as "intolerable in a democratic society". On Twitter they said: "The mobilisation continues, they won't be able to imprison an entire people!". The imprisonment of two of the best-known Catalan independence leaders has provoked outrage in Catalonia.

Windscale a dark anniversary

This item from Yn Commeeys Celtiagh - Celtic News Mannin draws attention to the recent anniversary of the Windscale Fire at the nuclear plant (now renamed Sellafield) on the English Cumbrian coast which borders the Irish Sea. The Windscale fire of 10 October 1957 was the worst nuclear accident in British history, ranked in severity at level 5 out of a possible 7 on the International Nuclear Event Scale. At the time, the British government released only sketchy details of the accident and minimized its seriousness.

‘Shocked and dismayed’ - General Secretary of Celtic League Writes to Spanish Ambassador

News from the Celtic League:

‘Shocked and dismayed’ - General Secretary Writes to Spanish Ambassador

Book Launch: 'Embracing The Darkness: A Cultural History of Witchcraft' by John Callow

John Callow is of Manx descent and is a writer, screenwriter, and historian, specialising in Seventeenth Century politics and popular culture. He is the author of a number of books and has appeared in numerous television programmes. On November 4th he will be launching his new book : Embracing the Darkness - A Cultural History of Witchcraft (IB Tauris). The event will take place at the Museum of Witchcraft & Magic in the Cornish fishing port of Boscastle (Cornish: Kastel Boterel). 

Support for Catalonia needs to be stronger than ever as dark clouds of further Spanish repression loom on Catalan border

Since the beginning of Catalonia's bid for a referendum on independence, the Spanish Government has made every effort to prevent it. As the date for the referendum approached the Spanish state mounted a disgraceful degree of repression. During the period leading to the vote on 1st October 2017 the Spanish police force arrested 15 Catalan Government officials. The Spanish Civil Guard then searched a number of newspaper offices without warrants and large amounts of referendum material was seized.

The Cooish, Manx Language Festival Returns

Media Release from Culture Vannin:

The Cooish is back!

The Cooish, Manx Language Festival, returns this October after a few years’ absence and in a very different format to previous years.

Re-launching, thanks to the work of the Yn Chruinnaght committee and with support from the Manx Language Development Office for Culture Vannin, this year will see a two-day series of events on the 20th and 21st of October.

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