Siobhán Fletcher looks back at the stories that hit the headlines over the last 12 months.Autor: Radio Manx Ltd

If you can - keep your pets indoors and avoid walks tomorrow. That's the advice from the ManxSPCA as Storm Éowyn heads towards the Island. It has issued guidance online for dogs, cats, birds, small pets and larger animals, including livestock. Krysia Boruch is from the charity, she's been speaking to Siobhán Fletcher.…

The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture has strengthened measures to prevent Foot and Mouth Disease from reaching the Island. It comes as Germany reported one confirmed case there last week. The department has updated legislation, which aligns with the UK, banning the commercial imports of cattle, sheep, pigs, deer, buffalo and their pr…

If plans are approved in Tynwald next month the Island's minimum wage could be increased this year to match the Living Wage (£13.05). It would rise in two stages; from £11.45 per hour to £12.25 from 1 April, and then up to £13.05 from 1 October. In this edition of Newscast, Lewis Foster asks Treasury Minister Alex Allinson why this proposal has bee…

Doctors on the Isle of Man are due to strike for the first time in history. But what is government's role in finding a mutually agreeable solution with members of the British Medical Association? The Health Minister Claire Christian has been speaking to Amy Griffiths:Autor: Radio Manx Ltd

Issues relating to young people and substance misuse, gambling and gaming in the Isle of Man will be put under the spotlight next week. Addiction charity Motiv8, alongside Manx Care, is working to raise awareness of the services available here in order to provide treatment, support and education. Next Wednesday (22 January) there'll be a series of …

Onchan MHK Julie Edge says Manx Care needs to listen to the public and provide 'a proper health service'. It comes as doctors on the Isle of Man plan to walk out for two-days next week as part of an ongoing row over pay. The health body says it will make every effort to keep services open where possible.…

Public sector workers who are providing essential services on the Isle of Man are being ‘left behind’ in terms of pay. Unite the Union and Prospect are preparing for further talks with the Public Services Commission this week after a new pay deal was put on the table. Debbie Halsall is the regional officer for Unite - she told Tessa Hawley she want…

A parent on the Isle of Man who has been campaigning for the legalisation of drugs after loosing his sons to a MDMA overdose is welcoming a drug policy. The Isle of Man Government is preparing a new approach aimed at reducing the harms associated with drug use. It follows a directive from Tynwald in November 2023.…

You might, recently, have received a booklet through the door from Manx Telecom regarding the switch-off of the copper network. It gets underway this year - a project expected to be completed by 2029. So, whether you have fibre yet or not, at some point over the next five years, you probably will. Lewis Foster has been speaking to Manx Telecom CEO …

The children of a Manx woman are thanking the Steam Packet for saluting and honouring their mother on her final journey home. Described as a 'Manx Viking Queen', Florence Jean Prest (formally Looney) died in her UK home surrounded by her children at the age of 94. Her wish was to be brought back to the Island and laid to rest alongside her parents …

Nine people from the Isle of Man are taking on the challenge of a lifetime - all in memory of a special man. Lucas Martin was just 21 when he died suddenly of meningitis in September 2023. Now, some of his nearest and dearest are setting off to climb Mount Kilimanjaro to try and raise money for the charity set up in his name - Looky's Aid. Among th…

Pensioners in Port St Mary are calling for regulations to be put in place to protect those living in sheltered accommodation. According to a letter from the Southern Sheltered Housing Joint Board, seen by Manx Radio, heating costs are increasing by almost £30.Autor: Radio Manx Ltd

A new sea services framework should put passengers needs first. That's the view of the chair of the Regulations of the Steam Packet Company Select Committee, which recently published its report following a year-long investigation into how the ferry operator is run. In this episode of the Manx Newscast, Chair of the Committee Jason Moorhouse speaks …

Are you taking part in Veganuary this year? It's a challenge that encourages people to eat healthier in the first month of the new year. Manx resident Michelle Garrett Chambers is a first-time author releasing her vegan book KISS Plant Based Eating.Autor: Radio Manx Ltd

The chair of Ramsey Commissioners claims there's still 'no answer' to the Northern Civic Amenity Site situation but he believes the solution lies in rate reform. Rob Cowell says other northern authorities won't 'subsidise' Bride Commissioners. He adds it's been a 'tough' year for the local authority following failed boundary extension plans and the…

Douglas Council says a housing association is a 'short-term fix' to the Island's housing problem and won't improve the situation. The local authority is the largest social housing provider on the Isle of Man. She's committed to continuing to lobby to change how housing is budgeted for by government. Councillor Wells added increasing the rates at th…

Doctors on the Isle of Man could go on strike early next year as members of the British Medical Association have voted in favour of taking industrial action. It's in response to an ongoing dispute over pay with Manx Care. Both parties say they're open to talks, so what happens next? Manx Radio has been speaking to BMA representatives Consultant Ort…

Garff Commissioners say despite 'unexpected' challenges - including a landslide and floods - it's been a 'good' year for the local authority. An increase in rates meant a number of projects were completed including showers on the promenade and a new skate park. The lack of sewage treatment works is still said to be a 'problem' for the parish but a …

Marown Commissioners is warning its residents their rates are likely to go up again next year. The local authority has been reflecting on 2024 saying it’s been about working with parishioners to encourage them to take pride in the area they live. Projects in the upcoming year include a new street light scheme to improve visibility on the main road …

Back in August this year we heard from Andreas woman Liz Hignett, who was about to embark on a unique challenge in memory of her late husband. She took on two 'walks of life' to raise funds for the Isle of Man Anti-Cancer Association - in memory of Darren, who died of bladder cancer last year. She was aiming for £500, but received nearly £4,000 in …

A group of former Castletown politicians say residents need to support the town's businesses during the festive season. John Cringle, Richard Ronan and Tony Brown claim a decision made by the infrastructure minister and the commissioners to close Market Square to cars will mean the traders will struggle during winter. The commissioners has previous…

It was the last Tynwald sitting of 2024 - find out what happened with Political Correspondent Phil Gawne.Autor: Radio Manx Ltd

Police are urging parents to take responsibility for their children and make sure they know where they are during the festive period. It follows an increase in anti-social behaviour from youngsters - predominantly teenagers. Officers say dealing with incidents is ‘labour intensive’ and there will be ‘consequences’ for those involved. Local Democrac…

The Housing and Communities Board has drawn up a policy response to a comprehensive document that looks at the Isle of Man's housing need now, and in the future. The Board will hand its recommendations to Tynwald for debate. Chair David Ashford spoke to Manx Radio's Christian Jones.Autor: Radio Manx Ltd

There's concern in England about a significant rise in the number of patients admitted to hospital with the flu compared to this time last year. A 352-percent rise, to be exact. Lewis Foster has been catching up with Dr Ross Keat, Consultant and Deputy Director of Public Health Isle of Man, about how the Island is faring.…

The newly appointed health minister has been defending her decision to join the Council of Ministers, after backing a no-confidence vote in the Chief Minister less than two months ago. Claire Christian sat down with Manx Radio's Christian Jones.Autor: Radio Manx Ltd

The Isle of Man Anti-Cancer Association has joined forces with UK-based cancer charity Orchid on a new campaign. It will roll out for eight weeks across Ellan Vannin Fuels garages on the Isle of Man in a bid to educate men and their families on the key signs to look out for. Chairman Malcolm Clague told Siobhán Fletcher more.…

The owner of a Manx outdoor adventure company says his work on the Isle of Man has prepared him for his new venture to one of the harshest regions in the world. Siobhán Fletcher caught up with Keirron Tastagh from Adventurous Experiences who will soon be working for an expedition company operating in Antarctica and the Polar regions as an Assistant…

A free day programme and exhibition took place at the Manx Museum over the weekend looking at the global efforts to find the missing after the Holocaust. Siobhán Fletcher went along on Saturday and caught up with Dr Christine Schmidt, Deputy Director and Head of Research at London's Wiener Holocaust Library, and Dan Stone, Professor of Modern Histo…

The father of two boys who were found dead in a room in Bolton after taking ecstasy they bought on the dark web has told Manx Radio he believes his sons would have been saved if drugs were decriminalised. It's been a decade since brothers Jacques and Torin Lakeman, from Port St Mary, died. Ray Lakeman, who is advocating for a law change, accepts it…

Two charities on the Isle of Man are joining forces to offer support in National Grief Awareness Week. It takes place from today (2 December) to Sunday (8 December) and this year’s theme is ‘Shine a Light’. Cruse Bereavement Support Isle of Man and Hospice Isle of Man will host a pop-up grief café at the Santander Work Café on Thursday (5 December)…

We hear from Sarah Lakeman in this episode - the mother of Jacques and Torin who died in December 2014 after a drugs overdose. This interview does include some potentially upsetting information and if you’re affected by any of the issues there are details of local organisations that provide advice and support here. Help is also available 24/7 via S…

Manx Utilities has given an assurance that water from a new proposed sewage treatment plan would comply with the latest bathing water requirements. This week the authority has been showcasing its plans for the site at Axnfell Plantation at two public meetings. Tim Woakes is the Executive Director with Responsibility for Water and Wastewater - he sp…

Today (29 November) is the first day people who've experienced a miscarriage, within the first 24 weeks of pregnancy, can register for a Baby Loss Certificate. While it's not a legal document, it is an official recognition of the life that's been lost. Amy Griffiths has been speaking to some of the people who'll be applying for one, as well as the …

Medical professionals are facing a ‘constant battle’ to try and reduce the stigma around sexual health. Earlier this month the new Manx Integrated Sexual Health Centre relocated to a new home on Kensington Road, in Douglas, to meet the ‘ever-growing’ demands on the service. It's now described as a ‘one stop shop’ for contraception, testing and the …

What is Joggle? The new AI company is set to launch its services at a special event in Douglas this week. Siobhán Fletcher speaks to Managing Director Mike Alcock.Autor: Radio Manx Ltd

Miss the action in Tynwald this month? Don't worry...Phil Gawne has all the details you'll need...Autor: Radio Manx Ltd

Manx charity Sight Matters has announced it will be closing its shop on Strand Street in Douglas. The store has been on the high street for nine years and the doors will close for the final time on Saturday, 21 December. Peter Marshall, the charity's marketing and fundraising lead, has been speaking to Lewis Foster about what's led to the decision.…

What should the future of Castletown look like? The Department of Infrastructure has been asking residents what they think about developing a 'Living Streets' concept for the ancient capital. The department is considering a range of options, including making some roads one-way, improving on-road parking and making it easier for people to walk, whee…

A campaigner whose Tynwald Day petition has led to the formation of a new committee looking into support for pupils with dyslexia says she's 'so pleased'. Members voted in favour of the Select Committee, which will report back with recommendations on how to improve matters in April. Julia Bell set up the Dyslexia Advocacy Group after noticing signs…

Two Isle of Man residents are hoping to form a local group to help support and advise people with an iron condition. Carolanne Hanley, a sufferer, and Rowanna Miller, whose partner has the condition created the Manx Haemochromatosis Support group on Facebook after seeing that there could be 500 others affected on the Island. This Saturday the duo a…

A charity on the Isle of Man is giving people confidence and a sense of independence through its shopmobility scheme. Circa Isle of Man, located on level 2 of Chester Street car park, lends out powered mobility equipment to people with mobility issues so they can go out and enjoy the high street. Chanelle Sukhoo spoke to Heather Williams from the c…

Doctors on the Isle of Man are being balloted from today (19 November) to determine whether they want to take industrial action in a row over pay. The British Medical Association is putting the matter to a vote in the first ballot of its kind on the Island; it will run until 23 December. However a GP on the Island believes taking industrial action …

On 28 November Manx addiction charity Motiv8 will be hosting a one-day workshop for friends and family of people on the Island with substance dependency. Part of the SMART Recovery programme, it works to support those impacted by someone else's relationship with drugs and/ or alcohol. It's thought around one in four of us on the Isle of Man have su…

One of the Island's leading Manx music specialists is celebrating a major milestone today. Dr Chloe Woolley has been working with Culture Vannin for 20 years! She spoke to our Howard Caine.Autor: Radio Manx Ltd

Every day this week, we've heard from the various agencies that work together in the Island's Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub - or MASH. Today, we're going to hear how they would come together to work on a case. In this fifth Newscast special, Siobhán Fletcher speaks to our Island's professionals about "Harriet".…

All this week, professionals in the Isle of Man are marking Safeguarding Week - with the theme of 'All Age Exploitation'. Today we're turning our attention to the Island's Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub - or 'MASH'. Siobhán Fletcher finds out more.Autor: Radio Manx Ltd

A new piece of equipment based at Noble's Hospital is making a 'massive difference' for patients who have trouble swallowing. The video nasopharyngoscope allows healthcare professionals to see and record action in real time to identify issues. Siobhán Fletcher speaks to Duncan Brown, the Clinical Lead of the Adult Speech and Language Therapy Servic…

Safeguarding is all about utilising so-called 'reachable moments'. That's according to the Island's Named Professional for Contextual Safeguarding, Samantha Holmes, and Manx Care's Head of Safeguarding for Children and Adults, Terri Banks. In this third special Newscast, Siobhán Fletcher speaks to the pair about how our health services stay constan…