Valerie Caine's blog

As Manx Gaelic publications become increasingly available, long-time speaker and scholar of the language, Joan Caine, has now completed her translation of the classic Agatha Christie detective novel Murder on the Orient Express.

Published by Caarjyn ny Gaelgey (Friends of the Manx Language), the famous story centres on a group of passengers on the luxurious Orient Express in a snow storm, together with a murder victim and the observant Belgian detective Hercule Poirot.

In celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of the Curraghs Wildlife Park, Isle of Man Stamps and Coins has released a new set of stamps and other collectable items, which depict some of the endangered species which have successfully bred during the park's long history.

Local girl, Cinzia Yates, has recently secured the role of full-time research associate for an innovative project entitled Digital Folk.

It's a two-year AHRC-funded research project which examines the ways in which participants in folk art use digital resources. The project is led by Dr Simon Keegan-Phipps at the University of Sheffield, in collaboration with the University of Westminster and the English Folk Dance and Song Society.

With the Anxo Lorenzo Trio waiting in the wings, first out on stage was local singer/songwriter Matt Creer, who gently cajoled the packed auditorium at the Centenary Centre with a selection of self-composed songs which reflected upon a number of diverse experiences.

His gentle demeanour masks a powerful creative force, which explored material from his latest album, The Leeward Tide, but also touched upon some of his earlier compositions.

Looking for a new challenge this summer? Then why not try your hand at making a decoratively carved Celtic lovespoon from expert craftswoman Sharon Littley, who will be leading two workshops during this year's Yn Chruinnaght Inter-Celtic Festival in July.

In light of the continued growth of interest in Manx Gaelic and the international recognition it has engendered for the Island, Culture Vannin's Manx Language Development Officer, Adrian Cain, has been invited to join the Guernsey Language Commission.

With the bicentennial celebrations for the Battle of Waterloo well underway, representatives from Isle of Man Stamps and Coins will be at the forefront of the trade stands accompanying the spectacular battle re-enactments in Belgium.

This unique event, now well underway, involves a staggering five thousand re-enactors, three hundred horses and one hundred canons, engaging in a four day commemoration.

If you've never heard the unique sound of the Galician bagpipe, there's an opportunity to hear the gifted musician Anxo Lorenzo play live at the Centenary Centre in Peel at 8.00pm on Saturday 27 June.

A ubiquitous instrument, found throughout Europe and as far afield as North Africa and the Persian Gulf, it becomes a powerful tool in the hands of the talented Galician, who hails from the municipality of Moaña on the Atlantic coast.

Aptly titled, and a treasure trove of information, this book was originally published to celebrate the centenary of the first Parish Walk on the Isle of Man.

Billed as one of the toughest sporting events on the Island, those taking part are required to visit each of the seventeen parish churches within twenty four hours, and attracts competitors not only from the Isle of Man, but from the British Isles, Europe and further afield.

In conjunction with Waterloo 200, the Isle of Man Post Office will be presenting a set of four se-tenant pairs of stamps in celebration of the bicentennial anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo.