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NEWS FROM THE CELTIC LEAGUE

The weather must have been a lot kinder to drains in the 1940s when they started casting around to find a location to site a nuclear experimental facility which would grow and grow (like topsy) until it turned into the monster site we know as Sellafield.

The planet earth is in a parlous state. Many people know and even experience the damaging effects of climate change every day through unpredictable and severe weather events and the destruction of the very lands in which they live. It strikes a particularly deep chord for Celtic peoples and those of Celtic descent. Because our landscape, seas and geographic location has played a pivotal role in our history, beliefs and recognition of ourselves.

NEWS FROM THE CELTIC LEAGUE

“the greatest political con trick since King John of England tried a similar stunt in 1215 that ended up with Magna Carta”

News From The Celtic League

The fact that a UK ‘National’ newspaper woke up to the fact that the Crown Dependencies exist was exercising the media today.

Jersey it seems is going down the toilet fast and there is a far chance the Isle of Man will follow. Of course people from the business community will be wheeled out to say that we have ‘strengths’ that Jersey does not have. Politicians will say we have been diversifying the economy for years etc.

If you're a local songwriter and fancy a new challenge, then why not have a go at writing an original song in Manx Gaelic for the annual Arrane son Mannin Competition?

With a chance to win £300 in prize money (sponsored by Culture Vannin), this is a great opportunity for a group to fly the Manx flag at the Pan Celtic Song Contest in Carlow, Ireland, next year as representatives of the Isle of Man.

Local performers have been consistently in the top three (including first place) of the competition in recent years, which is held as part of the Pan Celtic Festival.

News From The Celtic League

A 4-week £4,000 crowd-funding initiative is being led by author Bob Stimpson and the US and Manx descendants of William Kennish. Running until 28th December, raising funds to place a memorial in New York made from Manx Granite, the initiative has been endorsed by Hon Clare Christian MLC, President of Tynwald, the Isle of Man government.

Storms continue to wreak havoc across many of the Celtic nations. Worst hit at this stage seems to be parts of Ireland, Scotland, Isle of Man and North Wales. Many are without power in Ireland with roads closed due to fallen trees. Widespread flooding and landslides have been caused by Storm Desmond with 83 mph winds, heavy rain, with high tides increasing flood risks in coastal areas. Rising river levels continue to cause concern with people being evacuated from their homes. The storms are set to continue overnight.

NEWS FROM THE CELTIC LEAGUE

The National Illiam Dhone ceremony is held each year on the 2nd January at Hango Hill, Castletown the place of execution of the 17th century patriot William Christian.

The iconic ruin of the old summerhouse forms a grim, though misleading, back drop. It was in fact constructed after the events of Jan 2nd 1663 when Dhone met his death with dignity at that place.

NEWS FROM THE CELTIC LEAGUE

There was extremely heavy rain on the Isle of Man today and it led to unprecedented deadlock on the main arterial routes out of Douglas the Capital.

As workers started to leave for home late evening traffic snarled up. This sort of thing is not unusual in TT week when roads are closed. Traffic crawls at snails pace through the inner core of the capitals roads but last night was different because it soon became apparent there was no where for the traffic to go – in the end people were advised to stay at work until things cleared.

NEWS FROM THE CELTIC LEAGUE

It’s that time of year when you have the Eisteddfod – no not in Wales but in the Welsh speaking community in Patagonia.

There’s currently a series of articles from the Eisteddfod held earlier this month on the Facebook pages of our colleagues in the Patagonian branch of the Celtic League.

There are reports on the poetry, harp competitions dancing etc and also the performances given by the National Orchestra of Wales that visited venues in the Welsh speaking Diaspora and other venues in Argentina to mark this historic year.