Blogs

With everyone much exercised over genealogy and passports and ‘where and when did you come from’ because of the ‘C’ word I thought I would look back in the mists of time.

At least it might have been that or it could have been recollections of peering into that Celtic haze from the Peel - Michael coast road yesterday and dreaming of Manannán and the Tuatha Dé Danann.

I thought I would have a look at the Tuatha Dé or Tuatha Dé Danann.

A panel from the Great Tapestry of Scotland depicting the Western Isles' Iolaire disaster of is to be displayed on Lewis (Leòdhas) in the Outer Hebrides (Na h-Eileanan Siar) of Scotland. The panel forms one part of the 143 metres long tapestry, which is one of the longest in the world. The 160 detailed panels capture unique moments in time during Scotland’s 420 million year history. The vessel Iolaire was carrying home hundreds of sailors after the end of World War One.

Portents of doom abound in Manxland. MUA Chairman ‘Popeye’ (aka Alex Allinson MHK) reinforced by his boss Chief Minister Howard Quayle MHK spoke gloomily of drought recently. However with the tail end of an Atlantic Storm due to catch the British Isles at the weekend the drought could become the flood.

The campaign for selection of a leader for Plaid Cymru – Party of Wales is now underway. The three candidates are all elected members of Cynulliad Cenedlaethol Cymru - National Assembly for Wales. Rhun ap Iorwerth represents Ynys Môn, Adam Price represents Carmarthen East and Dinefwr, and Leanne Wood represents Rhondda.

A deep feeling of pride in being honoured with Cornish bardship will be plain to see this year as 16 proud initiates, 8 of whom are from outside Cornwall, wait to take their place among the 500 or so existing members of the College of Bards of Gorsedh Kernow.

The Skath An Tanlu, a name chosen by the public meaning fire boat in Cornish, was unveiled during a ceremony held at Custom House Quay, Falmouth.

Powered by twin Suzuki 140 bhp engines, the vessel will reach speeds of 37 knots and can carry a crew of six firefighters and two coxswains. It will provide a fire and rescue response to more than 100 houseboats in and around the Falmouth, Penryn and Helford River areas, and it will be available to transfer personnel and equipment during emergency maritime operations.

Despite the fact that you may think I’m chained to this computer churning out this drivel in fact I can rattle this stuff of in a few moments so have plenty of time to enjoy the natural aesthetic.. I think I oscillate between moments of calm contentment in our environment and short bursts of anger at the plight that some on this Island endure (Note: Must try cognitive behavioural therapy).

My good friend Trevor Cowin is in touch again to point out the current issue that he has with the Tynwald Commissioner for Administration. The issue it seems revolves around what he (the Commissioner) believes his role is and what Trevor thinks the role of an Ombudsman should be.

I’ve been having a customer experience with Manx Telecom - that’s what they call it these days when you ask a few questions.

It all started with their statement last week in the war of words with Sure Mobile (link):

http://www.transceltic.com/blog/manx-telecom-wars-who-do-you-believe

If you're looking for a vibrant, colourful festival which brings together our friends and neighbours from the Celtic nations, there's nothing better than the long-running Lorient Inter-Celtic Festival in Brittany, now in its forty eighth year and going from strength to strength.

Following city centre construction work, many of the festival venues have been modified, with new space made available for several pavilions and a layout for a Celtic artwork exhibition in the local square.