A song about for the traditional Manx celebrations of Oie Voaldyn (31 April).
Written and performed in Manx Gaelic by Paul Rogers, the song runs through the traditions and customs of this time of year, from fires and crosses over your doorway to protect against evil, through to the mock battle of summer and winter that proceeds dancing and feasting.
The words are as follows (Manx first, with English translation below):

MANX:

1.
Aileyn lostey ayns dagh ayrn
Cruink as coanyn, mullagh Varrule,
Bwoaill-jee dollan, sheid-jee cayrn,
Geiyrt dagh buitch as scaan ersooyl.

    Cochiaull:
    Noght Oie Voaldyn, aile syn oie,
    Daunse-jee marin, nane, jees, three,
    Ta'n vadran çheet as ver ee lhee,
    Yn Sourey as bluightyn bwee.

2.
Druight y voghree son aigh vie,
Yiow mayd eh ec brishey yn laa,
Ver mayd blaaghyn roish y thie,
Croshyn keirn er famman ny baa.

3.
Yn ven saaley reih mayd ee,
Son Benrein y Touree ain,
As ayns attey nee mayd fee,
Blaaghyn baney'n villey drine.

4.
Hig yn Çheshaght Yeuree magh,
Caggey mooar as keoi vees eh,
Yiow yn Sourey barriaght,
Nee Ree Geuree roie er çhea.


ENGLISH (translation):

1.
Fires burning in every part,
Hills and valleys, the summit of Barrule,
Beat drum, blow horn,
Driving away every witch and spectre.

    Chorus:
    Tonight is May Eve, fire in the night,
    Dance with us, one, two, three,
    The dawn is coming and it will bring,
    The Summer and yellow May flowers.

2.
Morning dew for good luck,
We will gather it at daybreak,
We will lay flowers before the house,
Rowan crosses on the cow's tail.

3.
The fairest woman we shall choose,
For our Summer Queen,
And in a crown we shall weave,
The white flowers of the thorn tree.

4.
The Winter Host will come out,
A great and crazy battle it will be,
The Summer will be victorious,
The Winter King will flee.

This song written and performed by Paul Rogers won a Culture Vannin prize for a best new song in 2020.
More about this competition and the other winners can be found here:
https://www.manxmusic.com/news_story_639970.html

More about the Manx traditions of Oie Voaldyn and Laa Boaldyn can be found here: https://www.culturevannin.im/manxfolklore/boaldyn-475492/

Culture Vannin exists to promote and support all aspects of culture in the Isle of Man.
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Arrane Oie Voaldyn - Paul Rogers

A tune for the traditional Manx celebrations of Laa Boaldyn (1 May).
Written and performed by David Speers, the tune imagines itself in the midst of the celebrations of the first day of Summer, a day when the Manx would come together to enact the victory of Summer over Winter before feasting and dancing in the village squares all over the Island.

This tune written and performed by David Speers won a Culture Vannin prize for a best new tune in 2020.
More about this competition and the other winners can be found here:
https://www.manxmusic.com/news_story_639970.html

More about the Manx traditions of Oie Voaldyn and Laa Boaldyn can be found here: https://www.culturevannin.im/manxfolklore/boaldyn-475492/

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Rosie Speers's Album

Car Laa Boaldyney - David Speers

Memories of VE Day and VJ Day celebrating the end of WW2 in 1945, including the street party on Michael Street and the party in the Albert Hall at the bottom of Stanley Road for VJ Night.

This is an extract from the oral history interview with Albert Frost recorded by Katie Newton on 25 June 2020. The full interview is available online here: https://culturevannin.im/watchlisten/oralhistory/albert-frost-699773/

The image used here is of the Michael Street VE Day party. It is used with thanks to Tony Quirk of Peel Heritage Trust: https://www.facebook.com/PeelHeritageTrust/

Culture Vannin exists to promote and support all aspects of culture in the Isle of Man.
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VE Day & VJ Day Celebrations In Peel

In 1973 the Golden Egg Murder shocked the Isle of Man to its core.
Norman Quilliam here recalls the murderer, Richard Lunney, who he knew as a prison officer at the time. Indeed, Norman was the dock officer on the day that Lunney heard the death sentence given as the sentence (which was a formality in Manx law at the time, as it was not acted upon), and was a part of the 24-hour suicide watch that looked over him until the reprieve was received.

This is an extract from the oral history interview with Norman Quilliam recorded by Katie Newton on 3 November 2021. The full interview is available online here: https://culturevannin.im/watchlisten/oralhistory/norman-quilliam-704065/

Culture Vannin exists to promote and support all aspects of culture in the Isle of Man.
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The Golden Egg Murder & the death sentence

The conclusion of Erin Gaelgagh (the Manx Mass), translated by Adrian Pilgrim, composed and arranged by Annie Kissack, and performed by Caarjyn Cooidjagh.

AGNUS DEI:
Eayn Yee, 
ta goaill ersooyl peccaghyn y theihll, 
jean myghin orrin.
Eayn Yee, 
ta goaill ersooyl peccaghyn y theihll, 
jean myghin orrin.
Eayn Yee, 
ta goaill ersooyl peccaghyn y theihll, 
cur dooin shee.
/
Lamb of God,
you take away the sin of the world,
have mercy on us.
Lamb of God,
you take away the sin of the world,
have mercy on us.
Lamb of God,
you take away the sin of the world,
grant us peace.	

Music composed by Annie Kissack.
Performed by Caarjyn Cooidjagh, conducted by Annie Kissack.

This piece received its première  as part of a special service at St German’s Cathedral, Peel, on 9th September 2018.
This recording was produced for Culture Vannin by Ballagroove Studios, and was made at St. Mary’s Church, Port St Mary, in 2021.

More information about the Manx Mass can be found here:
https://www.learnmanx.com/features/online-release-manx-language-choral-version-of-the-mass-824365/

Released by Culture Vannin, 2024.
Culture Vannin exists to promote and support all aspects of culture in the Isle of Man.
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Manx Mass: Agnus Dei - Eayn Yee

The penultimate part of  Erin Gaelgagh (the Manx Mass), translated by Adrian Pilgrim, composed and arranged by Annie Kissack, and performed by Caarjyn Cooidjagh.

ACCLAMATION:
Hooar Creest baase:
Dirree Creest veih ny merriu
Hig Creest reesht
/
Christ has died:
Christ is risen:
Christ will come again.

Music composed by Annie Kissack.
Performed by Caarjyn Cooidjagh, conducted by Annie Kissack.
Organist – Graham Kirkland.

This piece received its première  as part of a special service at St German’s Cathedral, Peel, on 9th September 2018.
This recording was produced for Culture Vannin by Ballagroove Studios, and was made at St. Mary’s Church, Port St Mary, in 2021.

More information about the Manx Mass can be found here:
https://www.learnmanx.com/features/online-release-manx-language-choral-version-of-the-mass-824365/

Released by Culture Vannin, 2024.
Culture Vannin exists to promote and support all aspects of culture in the Isle of Man.
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Manx Mass: Acclamation - S’mooar folliaght y chredjue

The Sanctus from Erin Gaelgagh (the Manx Mass), translated by Adrian Pilgrim, composed and arranged by Annie Kissack, and performed by Caarjyn Cooidjagh.

SANCTUS:
S’casherick, casherick, casherick uss, Hiarn, 
Yee ny sheshaghtyn flaunyssagh.
Ta niau as thalloo lane jeh dty ghloyr.
Hosanna ayns yn yrjid.
Bannit t’eshyn ta çheet ayns ennym y Çhiarn.
Hosanna ayns yn yrjid.
/
Holy, holy, holy Lord,
God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.

Music composed by Annie Kissack.
Performed by Caarjyn Cooidjagh, conducted by Annie Kissack.
Organist: Graham Kirkland.

This piece received its première as part of a special service at St German’s Cathedral, Peel, on 9th September 2018.
This recording was produced for Culture Vannin by Ballagroove Studios,  and was made at St. Mary’s Church, Port St Mary, in 2021.

More information about the Manx Mass can be found here:
https://www.learnmanx.com/features/online-release-manx-language-choral-version-of-the-mass-824365/

Released by Culture Vannin, 2024.
Culture Vannin exists to promote and support all aspects of culture in the Isle of Man.
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Manx Mass: Sanctus - S’casherick, casherick, casherick uss Hiarn

The Gloria from  Erin Gaelgagh (the Manx Mass), translated by Adrian Pilgrim, composed and arranged by Annie Kissack, and performed by Caarjyn Cooidjagh.

GLORIA:
Gloyr dy row da Jee ‘syn yrjid,
as er y thalloo shee dauesyn jeh aigney mie.

Hiarn Ree, Ree flaunyssagh,
Yee as Ayr ooilley-niartal,
Ta shin dy dty voylley as dty vannaghey,
Ta shin coyrt ooashley as gloyr dhyt.
Ta shin coyrt booise dhyt son dty ghloyr vooar.

Hiarn Yeesey Creest, ynrican vac er ny gheddyn, 
Hiarn Yee, Eayn Yee, Mac yn Ayr;  
uss ta goaill ersooyl peccaghyn y theihll, jean myghin orrin;
uss ta goaill ersooyl peccaghyn y theihll, soie jeh nyn aghin;

Uss ta dty hoie er laue yesh yn Ayr, jean myghin orrin.
Son t’ou uss dty lomarcan y fer casherick, y Çhiarn, y fer syrjey, Yeesey Creest, 
marish y Spyrryd Noo 
ayns gloyr Yee yn Ayr.
Amen.

/

Glory to God in the highest,
and peace to his people on earth.

Lord God, heavenly King,
almighty God and Father,
we worship you, 
we give you thanks,
we praise you for your glory.

Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father,
Lord God, Lamb of God,
you take away the sin of the world:
have mercy on us;
you are seated at the right hand of the Father:
receive our prayer.

For you alone are the Holy One,
you alone are the Lord, you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ,
with the Holy Spirit,
in the glory of God the Father. 
Amen.

Music composed by Annie Kissack.
Performed by Caarjyn Cooidjagh, conducted by Annie Kissack.
Organist – Graham Kirkland.

This piece received its première  as part of a special service at  St German’s Cathedral, Peel, on 9th September 2018.
This recording produced for Culture Vannin by Ballagroove Studios,  and was made at St. Mary’s Church, Port St Mary, in 2021.

More information about the Manx Mass can be found here:
https://www.learnmanx.com/features/online-release-manx-language-choral-version-of-the-mass-824365/

Released by Culture Vannin, 2024.
Culture Vannin exists to promote and support all aspects of culture in the Isle of Man.
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Manx Mass: Gloria - Gloyr dy row gys Jee ‘ayn yrjid

The opening part of Erin Gaelgagh (the Manx Mass), translated by Adrian Pilgrim, composed and arranged by Annie Kissack, and performed by Caarjyn Cooidjagh.

KYRIE:
Hiarn, jean myghin orrin.
Hiarn, jean myghin orrin.
Chreest, jean myghin orrin.
Chreest, jean myghin orrin.
Hiarn, jean myghin orrin.
Hiarn, jean myghin orrin.
/
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, Have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.

Music composed by Annie Kissack.
Performed by Caarjyn Cooidjagh, conducted by Annie Kissack.
Soloist – Ruth Keggin Gell.

This piece received its premiere  as part of a special service at St German’s Cathedral Peel, on 9th September 2018.
This recording was produced for Culture Vannin by Ballagroove Studios, and was made at St. Mary’s Church, Port St Mary, in 2021.

More information about the Manx Mass can be found here:
https://www.learnmanx.com/features/online-release-manx-language-choral-version-of-the-mass-824365/

Released by Culture Vannin, 2024.
Culture Vannin exists to promote and support all aspects of culture in the Isle of Man.
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Manx Mass: Kyrie - Hiarn jean myghin orrin

A full recording of a traditional Manx music session.

This was recorded at the Lowender Peran Festival in 2017. The musicians featured here include some of the leading traditional musicians in the Isle of Man, as well as younger musicians and those new to the repertoire.
It is presented here as both a historical document and also as a resource for those looking to gain confidence in playing Manx music before joining a session.

The tunes featured in the sets here are:

0.00: Moirrey ny Cainle / Creg Willy Syl / Gyn Ennym
5.44 The Black and the Grey
9.10 Smuggler’s Lullaby / Ta Dick Veg Yannoo Mie / Car Juan Nan / Car ny Ferrishyn
16.20 Berrey Dhone / Murran ‘sy Vainney / Bollan Bane
21.30 Bwoaill Baccagh / Girls of Balladoole (3/4 time)
24.42 Polka Drine (by Sharon Christian)
26.41 Cum y Shenn Oanrey Cheh / My Shenn Ayr
30.25 Poagey dy Reenaghyn / Fathaby Jig / Jemmy as Nancy / Jenny is all the Go
Arrane ny Guilley Hesheree
37.50 Oh my Ghraih
40.20 S’liack Lhiam Bine dy Yough jig (by Greg Joughin & Sarah Hewson)
42.15 Billey Keirn (Gathering in the Barley)
44.40 The Wandescope / Peter O’Tavy
49.30 Garey Ford (by Peddyr Cubberley) / Gyn Ennym / Hie Mee Stiagh

More information about Manx music, including resources to learn all of these tunes and more, is available here:
https://www.manxmusic.com/

This recording is released with thanks to the musicians featured, and also to Lowender Peran (https://www.lowenderperan.co.uk).
Gura mie mooar eu!

This recording was released by Culture Vannin in 2024.
Culture Vannin exists to promote and support all aspects of culture in the Isle of Man.
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Manx Music Session (Lowender Peran 2017)

A Manx song performed by Caarjyn Cooidjagh, from Coraa, a collection of Manx songs arranged for choirs of all ages and abilities.

Ellan Vannin - Words by Eliza Craven Green & music by J Townsend, arr. by Mary L Woods

Ellan Vannin (Manx Gaelic for the Isle of Man) is a very well known song in the Isle of Man and is often considered to be a strong contender for the National Anthem.
Written in 1854 with words by Eliza Craven Green (1803‐66) and music by J Townsend, this song was particularly popular with Manx people who had emigrated to other parts of the world, such as America and Australia, as it reminded them of home.
This choral arrangement is by Mary L Wood (1857—1925) who was herself a well‐known music teacher and composer, founder of the Manx Music Festival (Guild) and known as ‘the Mother of Manx music’.
Interestingly, nothing at all is known about  the mysterious J Townsend, composer of such a famous tune!

This recording was originally released as an accompaniment to the book, 'Coraa: Manx Songs for Choirs,' edited by Dr Chloë Woolley and published by the Manx Heritage Foundation in 2011.
The project was designed for the Isle of Man secondary schools, but it will appeal to choirs or singing groups of any age interesting in performing Manx songs.
The book is freely available as a PDF download here: https://manxmusic.com/media//Learn%20Songs/CORAA%20final%20version.pdf

'Coraa' was produced as a part of Culture Vannin's ongoing work to promote, support and celebrate the music of the Isle of Man. More information about this aspect of our work is available here: https://manxmusic.com/

The Manx choir, Caarjyn Cooidjagh, are conducted by Annie Kissack.
https://www.manxmusic.com/performers/gaelic-choirs-and-singers/caarjyn-cooidjagh/

This recording was released, with permission of the performers and others involved, in 2025 by Culture Vannin.
Culture Vannin exists to promote and support all aspects of culture in the Isle of Man.
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Ellan Vannin [English]

A talk by James Franklin offering a tour through some of the strange and mysterious happenings recorded in Port St Mary.

Expect furious ghosts, soggy witches, phantom funerals, competing giants, a terrifying hare and too many bugganes to count!
The talk will delve into some of the folklore available for Port St Mary, offering surprising connections, fascinating histories and ultimately, a better understanding of the Manx and their lives.

This talk was delivered by James Franklin of Culture Vannin, for Rushen Heritage Trust, at the Erin Arts Centre, on 7 April 2025.

More about Rushen Heritage Trust can be found here: rushenheritage.org/

Culture Vannin exists to promote and support all aspects of culture in the Isle of Man.
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The Folklore of Port St Mary

An arrangement of traditional Manx music for chorus and harp by Kevin Kelly.

Manannan is a sea god and king in Gaelic mythologies.  In Manx legend, he was the first ruler (and namesake) of the Isle of Man.  He had a fortress on the high hill of Barrule.

Where is the king?  He has come from heaven, over the sea to the top of Barrule.
What is he doing?  He is looking westwards, under the mist of Barrule.
Who is the king?  The king is Manannan, he has a castle on top of Barrule.
Little Manannan, son of Leir, grant us a blessing on our fishing,
Good going out and a better journey homeward,
Bountiful fish and a good crew to sail her.


This live recording comes from a full concert of Manx music for chorus and harp arranged by Kevin Kelly: ‘This Fair Isle: Celtic Folksongs & Dances from the Isle of Man.’
The performers are the Athens Chamber Singers, directed by Kevin Kelly, with Elizabeth Veal on harp.
This concert took place on Saturday, 26 April 2025, at the Friendship Presbyterian Church, Athens, Georgia, USA.

The recording was made and is released here with thanks to Kevin Kelly and the Athens Chamber Singers.

The full recording can be enjoyed here: https://culturevannin.im/watchlisten/audioarchive/this-fair-isle-manx-music-arranged-by-kevin-kelly/

More about the Athens Chamber Singers can be found here: http://www.athenschambersingers.org
More about Manx music can be found here: https://www.manxmusic.com/

This recording was released online by Culture Vannin, 2025.
Culture Vannin exists to promote and support all aspects of culture in the Isle of Man.
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Prelude: Manannan

An arrangement of traditional Manx music for chorus and harp by Kevin Kelly.

1.O Graih my chree, will you not come to me?
    Love of my heart, O wake, awake!  
    If I’ll not have your love and you to stay with me,
    Then will I give death my heart to break.
2. O love has worn my heart with sorrow 
    And filled my mind with a heavy grief.
    Now sleep has left my house and rest returns no more,
    I seek them vainly without relief.


This live recording comes from a full concert of Manx music for chorus and harp arranged by Kevin Kelly: ‘This Fair Isle: Celtic Folksongs & Dances from the Isle of Man.’
The performers are the Athens Chamber Singers, directed by Kevin Kelly, with Elizabeth Veal on harp.
This concert took place on Saturday, 26 April 2025, at the Friendship Presbyterian Church, Athens, Georgia, USA.

The recording was made and is released here with thanks to Kevin Kelly and the Athens Chamber Singers.

The full recording can be enjoyed here: https://culturevannin.im/watchlisten/audioarchive/this-fair-isle-manx-music-arranged-by-kevin-kelly/

More about the Athens Chamber Singers can be found here: http://www.athenschambersingers.org
More about Manx music can be found here: https://www.manxmusic.com/

This recording was released online by Culture Vannin, 2025.
Culture Vannin exists to promote and support all aspects of culture in the Isle of Man.
https://culturevannin.im/
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Love of My Heart

A conversation with Mary Teare (b.1916) about her childhood on Ballaseyre Farm in Andreas, followed by the war years as a butcher in Ramsey.

Some of the topics covered in this conversation include: Andreas school, farm work (for men and women), Andreas village life (including shops, police and characters), church (including the Ballakaneen Chapel), meals and food, Ramsey harbour and shops, World War 2 as a butcher in Parliament Street with the government contracts for the RAF stations in Jurby, Bride and elsewhere, widowhood and later life.

This conversation with Mary Teare was conduction by Elizabeth Ardern-Corris on 5 October 2011.

This interview is part of the collection of over 200 oral history recordings freely available on the Culture Vannin website: https://culturevannin.im/watchlisten/oralhistory/

Culture Vannin exists to promote and support all aspects of culture in the Isle of Man.
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Oral history interview with Mary Teare (5 Oct 2011)

First-hand memories of the village policeman in Andreas in the 1920s, and the sad story of the man's unlucky parenthood.

This is an extract from the oral history interview with Mary Teare, recorded by Elizabeth Ardern-Corris on 5 October 2011.
The full interview is available online here: https://culturevannin.im/watchlisten/oralhistory/mary-teare-900656/

Culture Vannin exists to promote and support all aspects of culture in the Isle of Man.
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The policeman of Andreas Village in the 1920s

Mary Teare explains her experience of the Second World War as a butcher in Ramsey, where the pressures of having both the government contracts for the RAF stations of the north, and general customers suffering privation and rationing, was not an enjoyable one.

This is an extract from the oral history interview with Mary Teare, recorded by Elizabeth Ardern-Corris on 5 October 2011.
The full interview is available online here: https://culturevannin.im/watchlisten/oralhistory/mary-teare-900656/

Culture Vannin exists to promote and support all aspects of culture in the Isle of Man.
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Being a butcher in Ramsey during WW2

Recollections of Andreas Village in the 1920s - of a man considered at the time to be phenomenally large, and the interviewees own father who was remarkably slight.

(Please note that this short extract of an interview with Mary Teare (b.1916) reflects the language and attitudes used at the time of the memories).

This is an extract from the oral history interview with Mary Teare, recorded by Elizabeth Ardern-Corris on 5 October 2011.
The full interview is available online here: https://culturevannin.im/watchlisten/oralhistory/mary-teare-900656/

Culture Vannin exists to promote and support all aspects of culture in the Isle of Man.
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The fattest & thinnest people in the Isle of Man

A recollection of how the laundry was done in the 1920s in Ballaseyre Farm, Andreas, which has an unexpected connection to potatoes and pigs...!

This is an extract from the oral history interview with Mary Teare, recorded by Elizabeth Ardern-Corris on 5 October 2011.
The full interview is available online here: https://culturevannin.im/watchlisten/oralhistory/mary-teare-900656/

Culture Vannin exists to promote and support all aspects of culture in the Isle of Man.
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Laundry in the Isle of Man in the 1920s

Walter Clarke RBV (1928–2007) recounts the tales of the mooinjer veggey or ferrishyn (fairies) which he received from visiting and speaking to the late native Manx speakers.

This is an extract from the oral history interview with Walter Clarke RBV, recorded by David Callister.
The full interview is available online here: https://culturevannin.im/watchlisten/oralhistory/walter-clarke-901441/

Culture Vannin exists to promote and support all aspects of culture in the Isle of Man.
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Manx Fairies - as spoken of by the late native speakers

A conversation with George Garrett and Howard Jones, with Mr & Mrs John Garrett, about rural life around Grenaby in the past, including farming, superstitions, longtails, the thie veg and more.

This conversation with George Garrett and Howard Jones, with Mr & Mrs John Garrett, was conduction by David Callister in 2003.

This interview is part of the collection of over 200 oral history recordings freely available on the Culture Vannin website: https://culturevannin.im/watchlisten/oralhistory/

Culture Vannin exists to promote and support all aspects of culture in the Isle of Man.
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Oral history interview with George Garrett & Howard Jones (2003)

A discussion of folklore from the Grenaby area of Malew in the Isle of Man, including a man who saved himself from being took by the fairies with urine, and the mysterious Jackie Squarefoot.

This is an extract from the oral history interview with George Garrett and Howard Jones, together with Mr & Mrs John Garrett, recorded by David Callister in 2003
The full interview is available online here: https://culturevannin.im/watchlisten/oralhistory/george--howard-jones-garrett-288493/

Culture Vannin exists to promote and support all aspects of culture in the Isle of Man.
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Grenaby Folklore: Fairies & Jackie Squarefoot

A talk about some of the many of the traditional Manx songs and tunes which come from encounters with the faeries and their kind.

Annie Kissack RBV reflects on the intersections of song and written word with Manx faery lore, and how it’s been interpreted by various writers and musicians, over the years. 
With the help of Phil Gawne, this talk features musical examples of songs, tunes and rhymes, illustrating Annie’s reflections on music, poems and stories, and ways in which they link and feed into each other.

This talk was delivered to Michael Heritage Trust on 16 June 2025 in Kirk Michael. It was recorded by Culture Vannin and released here with thanks to all involved.

More information about the work of Michael Heritage Trust: https://www.facebook.com/michaelheritage01

More information about Annie Kissack is available on her RBV page: https://culturevannin.im/rbv/annie-kissack-887060/

The video recording of this talk is available here: https://culturevannin.im/watchlisten/videos/some-faery-encounters-in-manx-song--rhyme-903439/

This film was produced by Culture Vannin in 2025.
Culture Vannin exists to promote, support and celebrate the culture of the Isle of Man.
http://www.culturevannin.im
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Some Faery Encounters in Manx Song & Rhyme

A conversation with Jackie Beattie, focussing on her childhood in the Bridge Hotel in Douglas during WW2 and after.

Born 01/07/1938 in the Shore Hotel, Laxey, Jackie moved with her parents to the Bridge Hotel, on Douglas harbour, at the age of 5. Of this period she speaks about school, friends, shops, the harbour, illness, doctors, trips to Port Soderick and the open air services at Kirk Braddan, visitors, dance halls, entertainments, rationing and more.

At the age of 16 she began her career as a hairdresser, in Douglas and Port Erin, which she enjoyed very much.

"Wonderful days," she reflects in the interview, "how lucky we were."

This conversation with Jackie Beattie was conducted by Elizabeth Ardern-Corris on 30 April 2012.

This interview is part of the collection of over 200 oral history recordings freely available on the Culture Vannin website: culturevannin.im/watchlisten/oralhistory/

Culture Vannin exists to promote and support all aspects of culture in the Isle of Man.
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Oral history interview with Jackie Beattie (30 Apr 2012)

Childhood memories of lying in bed at night upstairs in the family pub in Douglas during WW2, listening to the people below singing around the piano, all the popular songs of the day, from 'It's a long way to Tipperary' or 'You are my Sunshine' to 'Kelly from the Isle of Man.'

This is an extract from the oral history interview with Jackie Beattie recorded by Elizabeth Ardern-Corris in 30 April 2012.
The full interview is available online here: https://culturevannin.im/watchlisten/oralhistory/jackie-beattie-903833/

Culture Vannin exists to promote and support all aspects of culture in the Isle of Man.
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The songs of pub sing-alongs during WW2

Wonderful childhood memories of B. B. Christian's garage on Douglas quayside, with its unusual turntable on the floor, used to turn cars around after they'd filled up with petrol... and also for children to sneak in and play on at night!

This is an extract from the oral history interview with Jackie Beattie recorded by Elizabeth Ardern-Corris in 30 April 2012.
The full interview is available online here: https://culturevannin.im/watchlisten/oralhistory/jackie-beattie-903833/

Culture Vannin exists to promote and support all aspects of culture in the Isle of Man.
https://culturevannin.im/
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www.youtube.com/@culturevannin8486

The petrol station with a turntable on Douglas quay

Memories of people queuing down the street to get into the pub after the afternoon closing enforced by the shortage of beer during WW2.
Jackie Beattie's childhood memories have the addition of how her father, the landlord of a pub on Douglas quay, prepared to receive the crowd when the doors were opened...

This is an extract from the oral history interview with Jackie Beattie recorded by Elizabeth Ardern-Corris in 30 April 2012.
The full interview is available online here: https://culturevannin.im/watchlisten/oralhistory/jackie-beattie-903833/

Culture Vannin exists to promote and support all aspects of culture in the Isle of Man.
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Queues down the street for the pub during WW2

A childhood memory of being lifted up to feed a pint of beer to Harry Winters' donkey, tied up outside the Shore Hotel on Douglas quayside in the early 1940s...

This is an extract from the oral history interview with Jackie Beattie recorded by Elizabeth Ardern-Corris in 30 April 2012.
The full interview is available online here: https://culturevannin.im/watchlisten/oralhistory/jackie-beattie-903833/

Culture Vannin exists to promote and support all aspects of culture in the Isle of Man.
https://culturevannin.im/
www.facebook.com/culturevannin/
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www.youtube.com/@culturevannin8486

Giving a pint of beer to a donkey

A conversation with Doris Clague about her childhood in Douglas before WW2 and her work in knitting factories around Douglas.

Born in 1927 on Castle Mona Avenue, Douglas, Doris Clague's early years were spent at Springvalley Lodge, where her father was the garnder at Springvalley House, before they moved to Broadway, from where she married in 1947.

This conversation covers such topics as: Murray's Road School, performing in the Guild, Broadway in the 1940s, Douglas entertainment and dance halls of the 1940s (including Howsdrake, Derby Castle and the Palais de Danse), deliveries, shopping, and her first time off the Isle of Man.

She also discusses her career as a machinist in knitting factories around Douglas. She started at the age of 14 in Central Knitting on Athol Street where she made pullovers for the military. She then moved to work at the glove factory in Victory House, before she worked at home when she had young children, doing work for Doughty's.

This conversation with Doris Clague was conducted by Elizabeth Ardern-Corris on 21 October 2011.

This interview is part of the collection of over 200 oral history recordings freely available on the Culture Vannin website: culturevannin.im/watchlisten/oralhistory/

Culture Vannin exists to promote and support all aspects of culture in the Isle of Man.
culturevannin.im/
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Oral history interview with Doris Clague (21 Oct 2011)

A traditional song from Peel in the Isle of Man, sung in Manx Gaelic (Gaelg) by Brian Stowell, one of the best-known and respected speakers of Manx.
This unaccompanied song was recorded in Peel in 1973 and was originally released as a part of vinyl entitled 'Arraneyn Beeal-arrish Vannin.'

It has been reissued by Culture Vannin in a CD, which is available to buy: https://www.culturevannin.im/publications/audio/arraneyn/

Arraneyn

Mannin veg Veen [Brian Stowell]

The traditional Manx song connecting to Hunt the Wren.

The tradition continues on the Isle of Man of people dancing and singing around a wren pole on the 26th of December (however, the tradition of hunting a wren to tie up on the pole is no longer continued!)
Various stories explain the significance of the wren, "the king of all birds," including ones touching on witches and warfare.

The music for the song is freely available here: http://manxmusic.com/learn_page_457493.html

This rendition of the song is performed by Staa:
http://www.manxmusic.com/performer_128483.html

This live recording was made by John Kaneen.
It was made at a fundraising concert for Macmillan Cancer Support. More about that charity can be found here: https://www.macmillan.org.uk/

Culture Vannin exists to promote and support all aspects of culture in the Isle of Man.
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Cree

Hunt the Wren [performed by Staa]

A traditional tune from the Isle of Man connected to a Manx dance celebrating the collecting in of the harvest.

Yn Mheillea is danced at the Mheillea celebration held on a farm after the harvest is taken in. The circle dance traditionally has the Mheillea Queen at the centre holding the Babban ny Mheillea (the Harvest Baby), which is made from the last sheaf of corn and kept for good luck in the farm until the following year.
More about the tradition can be found here: http://culturevannin.im/manx_year_event_491585.html

The tune is here performed by two of the Isle of Man's leading musicians: Tom Callister (fiddle) and Malcolm Stitt(guitar).

This recording was made by Culture Vannin.
Culture Vannin exists to promote and support all aspects of culture in the Isle of Man.
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Manx Dance Accompaniments

Yn Mheillea [performed by Tom Callister and Malcolm Stitt]

A song in Manx for young children, taken from 'Roie Mygeayrt':

Ta mee gimmanayns my ghleashtan,
Peep, peep, peep!

Ta mee gimman feer tappee,
Peep, peep, peep!

Ta mee gimman feer voal,
Peep, peep, peep!

[I am driving in my car,
I am driving in my car very quickly,
I am driving in my car very slowly]

This was one of 34 songs and rhymes compiled and arranged by Annie Kissack for Mooinjer Veggey and Culture Vannin. The collection, 'Roie Mygeayrt', was developed as a resource to help young children learn some of the language of the Isle of Man.
To download this album, please visit BandCamp: https://culturevannin.bandcamp.com/album/roie-mygeayrt-manx-songs-and-rhymes-for-young-children

More information about the Manx language and the resources available to learn it are available here:
http://www.learnmanx.com/

More about Mooinjer Veggey is available here:
http://www.mooinjerveggey.org.im/

Culture Vannin exists to promote and support all aspects of culture in the Isle of Man.
http://www.culturevannin.im
http://www.facebook.com/culturevannin
http://www.twitter.com/CultureVannin

Ta mee gimman: A Manx song for young children

A song in Manx for young children, taken from 'Roie Mygeayrt':

O Rowl eh magh as rowl eh magh as rowl eh,
O Rowl eh magh as rowl y teayst,
O Rowl eh magh as rowl eh magh as rowl eh
O Rowl eh magh as rowl eh reesht!

[Roll it out , Roll out the dough.]

This was one of 34 songs and rhymes compiled and arranged by Annie Kissack for Mooinjer Veggey and Culture Vannin. The collection, 'Roie Mygeayrt', was developed as a resource to help young children learn some of the language of the Isle of Man.
To download this album, please visit BandCamp: https://culturevannin.bandcamp.com/album/roie-mygeayrt-manx-songs-and-rhymes-for-young-children

More information about the Manx language and the resources available to learn it are available here:
http://www.learnmanx.com/

More about MooinjerVeggey is available here:
http://www.mooinjerveggey.org.im/

Culture Vannin exists to promote and support all aspects of culture in the Isle of Man.
http://www.culturevannin.im
http://www.facebook.com/culturevannin
http://www.twitter.com/CultureVannin

Rowl eh magh: A Manx song for young children

A song in Manx for young children, taken from 'Roie Mygeayrt':	

Tree ooyllyn appee er y vanglane,
Tree ooyllyn appee er y vanglane,
Goym unnane veih y vanglane,
As ta daa ooyl appee er y vanglane.

[Three ripe apples on the branch
I’ll take one from the branch 
There are two ripe apples on the branch.]

Daa ooyl appee er y vanglane,
Daa ooyl appee er y vanglane,
Goym unnane veih y vanglane,
As ta un ooyl appee er y vanglane.

[Two ripe apples on the branch.]

Ta un ooyl appee er y vanglane,
Ta un ooyl appee er y vanglane,
Nish goym eh as nee’m gee eh,
As cha nel ooyl faagit er y vanglane.

[One ripe apple on the branch
Now I’ll take it and eat it
And there are no apples left on the branch .]

This was one of 34 songs and rhymes compiled and arranged by Annie Kissack for Mooinjer Veggey and Culture Vannin. The collection, 'Roie Mygeayrt', was developed as a resource to help young children learn some of the language of the Isle of Man.
To download this album, please visit BandCamp: https://culturevannin.bandcamp.com/album/roie-mygeayrt-manx-songs-and-rhymes-for-young-children

More information about the Manx language and the resources available to learn it are available here:
http://www.learnmanx.com/

More about MooinjerVeggey is available here:
http://www.mooinjerveggey.org.im/

Culture Vannin exists to promote and support all aspects of culture in the Isle of Man.
http://www.culturevannin.im
http://www.facebook.com/culturevannin
http://www.twitter.com/CultureVannin

Tree ooyllyn appee: A Manx song for young children

A song in Manx for young children, taken from 'Roie Mygeayrt':

Ta mee troggal thie.
Ta mee troggal thie.
Nane, jees, tree
Kiare, queig, shey
Shiaght, hoght, nuy as jeih!

[I am building a house,
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10!]

This was one of 34 songs and rhymes compiled and arranged by Annie Kissack for Mooinjer Veggey and Culture Vannin. The collection, 'Roie Mygeayrt', was developed as a resource to help young children learn some of the language of the Isle of Man.
To download this album, please visit BandCamp: https://culturevannin.bandcamp.com/album/roie-mygeayrt-manx-songs-and-rhymes-for-young-children

More information about the Manx language and the resources available to learn it are available here:
http://www.learnmanx.com/

More about MooinjerVeggey is available here:
http://www.mooinjerveggey.org.im/

Culture Vannin exists to promote and support all aspects of culture in the Isle of Man.
http://www.culturevannin.im
http://www.facebook.com/culturevannin
http://www.twitter.com/CultureVannin

Ta mee troggal thie: A Manx song for young children

A song in Manx for young children, taken from 'Roie Mygeayrt':	

Moghrey mie, kys t’ou?
Ta mee braew, dooys dty laue!
Moghrey mie, kys t’ou?
Ta mee braew, dooys dty laue!

[Good morning, how are you?
I am fine, here’s my hand!]

This was one of 34 songs and rhymes compiled and arranged by Annie Kissack for Mooinjer Veggey and Culture Vannin. The collection, 'Roie Mygeayrt', was developed as a resource to help young children learn some of the language of the Isle of Man.
More information about the Manx language and the resources available to learn it are available here:
http://www.learnmanx.com/

More about MooinjerVeggey is available here:
http://www.mooinjerveggey.org.im/

Culture Vannin exists to promote and support all aspects of culture in the Isle of Man.
http://www.culturevannin.im
http://www.facebook.com/culturevannin
http://www.twitter.com/CultureVannin

Moghrey mie, kys t’ou? - A Manx song for young children

A song in Manx for young children, taken from 'Roie Mygeayrt':	

Crank er y dorrys!
Broo y cramman,
BING BONG,
Trog y snig as
Shooill stiagh!

[Knock on the door
Push the bell
BING BONG,
Lift the latch
Walk in!]

This was one of 34 songs and rhymes compiled and arranged by Annie Kissack for Mooinjer Veggey and Culture Vannin. The collection, 'Roie Mygeayrt', was developed as a resource to help young children learn some of the language of the Isle of Man.
To download this album, please visit BandCamp: https://culturevannin.bandcamp.com/album/roie-mygeayrt-manx-songs-and-rhymes-for-young-children

More information about the Manx language and the resources available to learn it are available here:
http://www.learnmanx.com/

More about MooinjerVeggey is available here:
http://www.mooinjerveggey.org.im/

Culture Vannin exists to promote and support all aspects of culture in the Isle of Man.
http://www.culturevannin.im
http://www.facebook.com/culturevannin
http://www.twitter.com/CultureVannin

Crank er y dorrys: A Manx song for young children

A demonstration of the traditional song from the Isle of Man:
Sea Invocation

The sheet music & lyrics are available here: https://www.manxmusic.com/media/Learn%20Songs/10%20Sea%20Invocation%20RNM%20-%20Full%20Score.pdf

The pronunciation guide to the Manx and the piano accompaniment of this song are available separately.

This recording by Annie Kissack was made to accompany the book of Manx songs edited and arranged by Fenella Bazin RBV; 'Ree ny Marrey'
https://www.culturevannin.im/publication_1695.html

More about Manx music & song can be found here: http://www.manxmusic.com/

Culture Vannin exists to promote, support and celebrate the culture of the Isle of Man.
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Sea Invocation [song]

A series of traditional Manx tunes arranged into a simple set suitable for learners:

Hunt the Wren (instrumental in D major) (x3)

This is one of 15 sets arranged for Manx sessions and performed by Laura Rowles on fiddle and David Rowles on guitar. All are also available un full musical notation here:
https://www.manxmusic.com/learn_page_144681.html

More information about these 'Steady As She Goes' tunes is available here: https://www.culturevannin.im/

The recordings were made as a part of the #treisht2020 projects during Covid19 lockdown in the Isle of Man in 2020.
More information about the Treisht projects can be found here: https://www.culturevannin.im/resources/treisht-2020-projects-647532/

Culture Vannin exists to promote, support and celebrate the culture of the Isle of Man.
http://www.culturevannin.im
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Download

Set 9: Hunt the Wren

Promoting and supporting all aspects of culture in the Isle of Man.

Culture Vannin awards grants and initiates schemes whilst supporting the work of development officers for music and language. The work of Culture Vannin has been fundamental to the revival of interest and support for Manx language and culture over the last twenty years.

Culture Vannin is the trading name for the Manx Heritage Foundation, registered charity 333 in the Isle of Man.

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