Valerie Caine's blog

Tallis Consort's recent spring concerts, held at St Paul's Church, Ramsey, and St Mary's Church in Douglas, were dedicated to the memory of former MHK Charles Cain, one of the founding members of the early music group and until recent times its Musical Director.

The first half included a selection of choral music from many composers living between the sixteenth and eighteenth centuries, including William Byrd, J. S. Bach and the group's eponymous inspiration Thomas Tallis.

With groups on the Manx traditional music scene continuing to strengthen their ties with other countries, five-piece collective Nish as Rish has recently returned from a successful trip to Norway.

Nish as Rish was formed during 2009 whilst members of the group were busy studying at the University of York, including two musicians from the Isle of Man; Ruth Keggin (voice, flute and whistles) and Karl Kramer (mandolin, guitar and bodhran).

WOSAT (Western Open Studio Art Trail) 2015 brightened up a wet bank holiday weekend, with its focus set firmly on the creative abilities of some of the many talented individuals who live and work the length and breadth of the Isle of Man.

Now in its fourth year, the affectionately named WOSAT lies solely in the west of the Island, capitalising on locations throughout the area, including some of the outlying villages and assorted venues in Peel.

National Mills Weekend is an annual festival organised to celebrate the UK's milling heritage, but there's also a great opportunity to experience the fascination of a working mill here on the Isle of Man.

Rarely open to the public, Kentraugh Mill is owned by Canon John Sheen and his wife Elizabeth, who inherited the building from her father, Mr R. M. Nuttall. The miller's house was bought by Mr Nuttall in 1965, but he was astonished to discover that the now derelict mill (which he thought was a garage) was part of the deal.

In commemoration of the sinking of the Lusitania and its Manx links, a special Memorial Service was organised by Peel Commissioners during the May bank holiday weekend, together with a number of other events to reflect on the tragic episode which is historically linked to the Island.

The highly successful WOSAT Arts Festival will be returning to the west of the Island this year during the early May Bank Holiday weekend, with an exciting platform with which to promote both artists and the visual arts on the Isle of Man.

Organised by The Creative Network, last year's event recorded excellent visitor numbers, which has prompted the group to include additional ideas and widen the creative experience for both artists and visitors.

Peel Town Commissioners have organised a day of events to commemorate the centenary of the sinking of the Lusitania, which will reflect not only upon the loss of life, but the selfless contribution of the crew of the Peel fishing boat The Wanderer, who were first on the scene and saved many people from the doomed passenger liner.

A recent two man art exhibition held in the historical Sailors' Shelter on East Quay in Peel, was hailed as a resounding success.

Given a new lease of life since its recent renovation, the Sailors' shelter now provides facilities for meetings, exhibitions and other gatherings.

Situated at the heart of the sea-faring community, the weekend art exhibition displayed work by local residents Vic Bates and Peter Leadley, who are both active members of the Western (IOM) Photographic Society.

The expanding group of wild red-necked wallabies in the northern Curragh have long been a source of fascination, since their celebrated escape from the nearby Wildlife Park during the 1970s. But with the help of the Manx Wildlife Trust visitors were able to catch a glimpse of some of these shy animals and learn more about this extraordinary piece of landscape.

Leader of the Wallaby Walk was Biodiversity Education Officer Dawn Dickens, who led a small group of enthusiasts in their hunt for the elusive wallabies.

Nostalgia is a popular subject for many Manx book collectors, but if you’re linked in any way to the northern town of Ramsey there’s an extra reason to dip into this new publication which focuses on some fascinating aspects of the area.

First settled by the Vikings three thousand years ago, Ramsey became known as the capital of the north, and within these pages you’ll find a selection of thought-provoking photographs of the town in its hey-day.