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The World Bonnag Competitions, held at St James Church in Dalby, just before the spread of Covid-19 and government restrictions, still attracted a full house, although the number of entries for the competitions were down on previous years.

An evening of entertainment included Dot Tilbury and friends, compèred by Geoff Corkish, along with the presentation of cheques to last year's chosen charities (Mannin Sepsis and Pahar Trust Isle of Man) and introducing those for 2020 - Bees for Burundi and Alana's Gift, raising funds for the Special Unit at St John's School.

Easter is a Christian festival and holiday commemorating the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. This is described in the New Testament as having occurred on the third day after his burial following his crucifixion by the Romans at Calvary c. 30 AD. The Old Testament and the New Testament combine to make up the Holy Bible. The Holy Bible is defined as a book believed by Christians to contain the revelations of God and is the guiding holy text of the Christian religion.

“Sabhal Mòr Ostaig is one of the key partners in fulfilling the government’s objectives in the National Gaelic Plan, which aims to increase the number of people speaking the language and accelerate the growth of Gaelic. “ – The National

The Manx Year, albeit with some minor adjustments, was a singular opportunity to reflect on a whole host of cultural celebrations through the medium of music, song, poetry, dance and drama.

Held at the Centenary Centre in Peel, the evening's entertainment was compèred by Annie Kissack, well known to many in the Manx cultural circle and beyond, more particularly since her year as the Manx Bard.

The Gaelic League (Conradh na Gaelige) is the main voluntary community organisation that promotes the Irish language in Ireland and abroad. The League’s primary objective is the reinstatement of the Irish language as the common tongue of Ireland.  Since its founding in 1893, members have been actively promoting Irish in every aspect of life in Ireland, from legal and educational affairs to the development of media and services through Irish.  Members of the Gaelic League are in the forefront of campaigns to strengthen the rights of the Irish speaking community.

The National, the newspaper that bills itself "The Newspaper that Supports an Independent Scotland",recently fearured an article by Professor Alan Riach. Dr. Riach, a Professor of Scottish Literature at Glasgow University, has written an article that surveys over the centuries Scottish lieterary works that have focused on the Celtic Otherworld. 

The website Irish Tech News has an idea that will fill your days of isolation and "Breathe New Life Into Gaelic":

A recent musical adaptation of the book M is for Manx Cat recently finished its tour of Island venues at the Centenary Centre, with many families enjoying an ingenuous interpretation of the alphabet.

Created by local author Gemma Hjerth and illustrated by Kim Gee, the story revolves around two young children and their Manx granny - and her endeavours to read them an unusual bedtime story. But this is no ordinary tale, as granny takes them, and her audience, on a whirlwind journey through the alphabet; with each letter representing a significant aspect of the Isle of Man.

A glimpse of sunshine during these very bleak times!

The Government of the Isle of Man has announced that it is closing its borders to all but residents. All Manx residents returning from trips abroad (including Britain and Ireland) already have to self isolate for 14 days, even if they are not showing symptoms of the Coronavirus. In the Isle of Man, which is self governing, measures are in place to enforce self-isolation. A 26-year-old on the Island has been arrested for allegedly failing to self-isolate against coronavirus. It is thought the man had just arrived on the island on a ferry.