Alastair Kneale's blog

Manx cultural award named after Celtic sea god, Manannan

Media release from Culture Vannin

Nominations open throughout November for Manannan’s Choice of the year – the Reih Bleeaney Vanannan

Images: https://www.flickr.com/photos/146057732@N07/albums/72157679003123016

Irish 'Serpico' to retire

News from the Celtic League:

A member of the Irish Police, An Garda Siochana, Sgt Maurice McCabe is to retire after thirty years service. An Irish ‘Serpico’ McCabe exposed wrongdoing and malpractice in the Police and was subjected to almost a decade of villainous behaviour from some in the Force up to and including those at the most senior level.

Shocking report states that wildlife populations have declined by over half in less than 50 years due to human activity

"Exploding human consumption" has caused a massive drop in global wildlife populations in recent decades, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) points out in their Living Planet Report. The WWF makes it clear that: "Plummeting numbers of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds and fish around the world are an urgent sign that nature needs life support.

McRae death was it suicide or a extra-judicial killing?

News from the Celtic League:

Renewed controversy surrounds the death of Willie McRae in 1985. The death of the SNP political figure and environmentalist has been ruled a suicide by authorities although over the years ambiguities repeatedly arise to challenge that contention.

The latest controversy surrounds evidence from an intensive care nurse who treated McRae in hospital (NATIONAL link):

IPCC Climate report confirms Manx nationalists call for development of sustainable economy

Last week the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) issued an alarming report on global warming. The new report focuses on what impacts we might expect from warming of 1.5 degrees and 2 degrees. The Paris climate agreement negotiated in 2015, set a target of no more than 2°C global warming above pre-industrial temperatures, but also an aspirational target of no more than 1.5°C.  This would substantially reduce the risks and effects of climate change. However, there had not been a lot of research into the climate impacts at 1.5°C vs. 2°C.

Rayner Hoff - Manx sculptor who became famous in Australia

Rayner Hoff (27 November 1894 – 19 November 1937) was born in Braddan on the Isle of Man (Mannin). He was the son of a stone and wood carver and began helping his father on architectural commissions at a very young age. He studied drawing, design, and modelling, from 1910 to 1915 and during the First World War fought in the trenches of France. After which he studied at the Royal College of Art in London. In 1922, Rayner Hoff won the Prix de Rome which allowed him the opportunity to study in Rome. 

London Manx Society to celebrate Mhelliah 2018

London Manx Society (Manx: Yn Cheshaght Manninagh Lunnin) will be holding their Mhelliah Service at St Bride's Church in London's Fleet Street on Monday 8th October. A Mhelliah is a traditional Celtic harvest festival that remains popular on the Isle of Man, and is celebrated annually by London Manx Society. In his novel 'The Manxman', a 1894 novel by the Manx writer Hall Caine (14 May 1853 – 31 August 1931), he describes the Mhelliah festival:

Isle of Man and the economics of the “fifth column”

Politicians in the Isle of Man are not viewed in a good light. With a few notable exceptions, there is a lack of quality in the present Manx elected representatives. People do not have confidence in their ability to develop the Manx economy in a way that would benefit the community. In uncertain economic times there is a need for a government with a clear plan of action. However, there is a painful lack of direction coming from the Manx government. This results in them resorting to short term reactions to various economic issues as they arise.

Isle of Man Rally 2018 Debacle

The world-renowned three-day Rally Isle of Man was first held in 1963. Held on public roads, the car race is also part of the British Rally Championship. On Sunday, Rally Isle of Man said they had experienced "insurmountable delays" in securing the necessary road closure orders from the Manx government. This has resulted in the cancellation of the Manx event.

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