Valerie Caine's blog

A unique collaboration between some of the brightest talent from the Royal College of Music and the Ensemble Émigré, professional soloists and a selection of young performers from the Isle of Man, highlighted an important aspect of internment on the Island during World War II and broke new ground during the process.

With performances at The Studio Theatre in Ballakermeen High School and the Erin Arts Centre, local audiences were treated to a fabulous presentation of music composed by internees housed in various camps across the Island.

Local traditional music group Croan yn Tead recently hosted a very successful visit by The Lissenhall Harp Ensemble from Ireland who journeyed to the Island from Dublin.

Both groups joined forces to rehearse their joint sets at the Mitre Hotel in Ramsey in preparation for their forthcoming concert, but managed to fit in a visit to the House of Manannan in Peel. After their brief sojourn in the west everyone returned to the Mitre in Ramsey for a mighty music session, with more than thirty musicians from both groups taking advantage of the weekly Irish music session.

Our contemporary lifestyle may have brought additional benefits to Island life, but for one annual summer visitor from Africa it has made a significant impact on their much needed habitat.

The Manx Ornithological Society, in conjunction with Manx BirdLife, have now joined forces under the banner of Swift Action to assess the breeding population of the swift, and monitor current numbers after a visitor from Tasmania noted a decline in the local population in comparison to a previous visit and suggested setting up a project to help them.

A unique collaboration between some of the brightest talent from the Royal College of Music, professional soloists and a selection of young performers from the Isle of Man (second concert only) will highlight an important aspect of internment on the Island during World War II later this month.

The merry month of May heralds the popular National Mills Weekend across the length and breadth of the British Isles, and with it comes an annual opportunity for the public to experience the rich history of Kentraugh Mill in the south of the Island.

As part of the initiative Isle of Architecture, author, historian and enthusiast Dr Kathryn Ferry recently gave an illustrated talk based on the changing face of seaside architecture at the Centenary Centre in Peel.

Dr Ferry spent her early years by the sea in North Devon, but was further stimulated in her architectural interests by childhood holidays by the sea. And although now better known as an architectural historian, writer and broadcaster on a number of seaside related subjects, her first academic interest was Victorian architecture and design.

The Isle of Man has long been a focus of attention within the vibrant world of the film industry, its initial success said to be an early interpretation of Hall Caine's novel The Manxman in 1916, which brought the Island international attention.

This aptly named publication is an inspiring new book of Manx music which is likely to appeal to a wide range of music lovers, providing a collection of scores ideally suited for assorted occasions; including weddings, church services, funerals and other special occasions.

No matter what the temperature might be on the Isle of Man, things are hotting up for Manx music this month, with many singers and musicians heading for pastures old and new - together with a special weekend for harp players.

The Enchanting Island of Cushag is the most recent publication to be launched under the auspices of Peel Heritage Trust with the Peel City Guardian, appropriately on World Book Day, at the Peel Clothworkers School.

Cushag was the pen-name of Ramsey born Josephine Kermode, one of fourteen children of the Reverend William Kermode and sister of the celebrated naturalist and archaeologist P. M. C. Kermode.