A talk and discussion from 2002 about changes in the Manx countryside, past and present, and what we might be able to do about it.

Led by the well-known and highly-esteemed member of the Manx farming community, Harvey Briggs, the event begins with his reflections on some of the changes he has seen over his lifetime in farming in Braddan and Onchan.
This covers such topics as land-use, mechanisation, urbanisation, food provenance, consumer expectations, imports, hygiene and disease, government influence and more.

Then follows a discussion with those present, revealing many of the concerns and thoughts of an engaged Manx community of the early 2000s. 

This is a recording of Harvey Briggs' talk for the Celtic Congress on 09 February 2002.
It was made by Roy Kennaugh and it is released here with thanks to the families of those involved.

This recording was produced by Culture Vannin, 2025.
Culture Vannin exists to promote, support and celebrate all aspects of culture in the Isle of Man.
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Harvey Briggs: Changes in the Manx Countryside

A conversation with Margaret Jean Skinner (b. 07/10/1926) about her time in the Land Army in the Isle of Man during the Second World War.

Topics discussed include:
* Signing up to the Land Army at Knockaloe soon after finishing school
* Crops grown & work at Knockaloe in the 1940s
* Work, including: picking stones, docking turnips, ploughing, threshing and more
* Uniforms
* Working conditions, including a 7am start and not getting home until 7pm
* Working out on other farms in pairs, dropped off in a wagon from Knockaloe
* Work at the threshing mill and a colleague's terrible accident
* Working alongside internees
* Dances at RAF Andreas and at the Pool in Ramsey, and how they would creep into their accomodation late through the cellar
* Frequently seeing airplane crashes when working out close to RAF Jurby
* Work at Lezayre Lodge and at the farm at Ballamona

This oral history interview with Jean Skinner was recorded by Liz Brand with the assistance of Mrs Skinner's daughter, Winnie Callister, on 8 August 2006.

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.
https://culturevannin.im/
www.facebook.com/culturevannin/
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www.youtube.com/@culturevannin8486

Oral history interview with Jean Skinner (8 Aug 2006)

A detailed description of both thinning and docking turnips in the Isle of Man during WW2, as a member of the Land Army. 

This is an extract from the oral history interview with Jean Skinner, recorded by David Callister, date unknown.
The full interview is available online here: https://culturevannin.im/watchlisten/oralhistory/jean-skinner-889897/

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

Thinning & docking turnips in the 1940s

A description of the hard work of planting potatoes during WW2, as a member of the Land Army. 

This is an extract from the oral history interview with Jean Skinner, recorded by David Callister, date unknown.
The full interview is available online here: https://culturevannin.im/watchlisten/oralhistory/jean-skinner-889897/

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

Planting potatoes as a Land Girl in the Isle of Man

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.

New tracks tagged #Isle of Man farming