Manx Newscast

A mum on the Island has organised a gig with a difference this weekend as local bands will take to the stage to raise money for a cause close to her heart.

Known to many here as a competitive skateboarder, and from her work with Gal Skate, Ali Mellor lost her daughter, Belle, nearly 14 years ago after she was stillborn at 36 weeks.

Siobhán Fletcher sat down with Ali to find out more about the gig this weekend and why the charity, SANDS, means so much to her.

Tributes are being paid to a campaigner described as an 'integral part of' several of the Island's cancer charities following his death.

Chris Barr was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006, making him one of only a few hundred men given the diagnosis each year.

A lawyer, he readily gave many free legal advice, and helped patients come to terms with their illness, even throughout his own battle with the disease.

Siobhán Fletcher sat down with Derek Peters and Carole Male from Mannin Cancers and Chris' husband, John Artil, to hear more a...

The risk of a meningitis outbreak on the Isle of Man is 'very low indeed'.

That's the message from the Island's Director of Public Health and Chief Medical Officer, Matt Tyrer.

It comes following the death of two young people in the UK following an outbreak largely centred around the University of Kent in Canterbury.

But with questions around vaccinations prevalent in most news coverage - what is the advice to parents here who may be worried?

Siobhán Fletcher asked Dr Tyrer.

Parents on the Isle of Man are being encouraged to make sure their children have received all available meningitis vaccinations.

It follows an outbreak in the UK in which two young people have died, and several others are in hospital.

Beth Espey spoke to Brett Martin, whose 21-year-old son Lucas died from the disease in 2023.

He says his heart goes out to the families affected and is urging parents to do everything they can to ensure young people are as protected as possible:

Doctors on the Isle of Man have claimed a ‘critical shortfall’ in inpatient bed capacity at Noble’s Hospital is posing a direct risk to people’s lives.

The Medical Staff Committee is calling for ‘immediate government intervention’ to support the simultaneous demands of emergency admissions and planned surgery.

It claims that Manx Care has reduced the number of beds by 46 percent – something the health body disputes.

Chief Executive Teresa Cope told Manx Radio it’s been an ‘incredibly difficult’ winter and says efforts to configure wards have come at the ‘worst possible time’:

The Salvation Army says it's assisting clients with a combined total of £2.2m debt.

It's an increase of a million pounds from last year; this week marks Debt Awareness Week and year-on-year the charity says it has seen more people seeking assistance on how to manage their money better.

A local mobile catering van says it's 'disappointed' not to be visiting Castletown due to a dispute with the local authority.

Filbey's says it offered the commissioners 42 dates for the year, and after a number of emails the local authority returned with six that they could operate on.

The board says it was 'happy' for Filbey’s to have their mobile unit in Market Square, but the decision was 'made solely' by the business.

Co-Owner Jess Reeder-Katsipis [PRON: KAT-SIPIS] says they have 'no malice' towards the local authority and would love to go ba...

Endometriosis affects around one in ten women - but for many, getting help can be a long and difficult journey.

Chloë Love, 31, has been living with severe symptoms for nearly two decades.

In this extended interview with Manx Radio’s Christian Jones, she speaks about chronic pain, spending her life savings on private surgery, and why she feels her concerns have not been fully heard.

A teenage 'mental health champion' is set to give a talk later this month about how his snakes and other 'unusual pets' have had a positive effect on his wellbeing.

Seventeen-year-old Jessie Quirk has ADHD, autism and severe social anxiety, alongside other mental health issues.

On 24 March he will give a talk at the Erin Arts Centre in Port Erin explaining how his four snakes have been a force for good in his life.

It's only in relatively recent times that a career in catering has earned the respect it deserves in the UK.

That's helped in no short part by the popularity of cookery programmes on TV and much greater awareness of healthy eating and interest in international cuisines.

George Harris is a talented young chef from the Isle of Man who trained initially at UCM and is now making waves in a Michelin starred restaurant in the Lake District.

Simon Richardson spoke to George and asked him what had inspired him to seek a career...

The chief minister says it's important Isle of Man residents understand the future potential economic impacts as the conflict in the Middle East continues into its 11th day.

This afternoon, Alfred Cannan will meet with senior ministers and officials to assess the potential inflationary pressures including increases in energy prices, as well as the potential impact on the economy more generally.

Speaking on Manx Radio Breakfast this morning, he says future fuel prices are expected to increase significantly and there are also other shortages which may have an impact.

Later this year, you're invited to take part in a world record for the largest Pilates class ever.

The low-impact exercise was created by Joseph Pilates at Knockaloe Internment Camp right here on the Isle of Man.

And in July, Ramsey Crookall, in collaboration with 34Moves and Visit Isle of Man, is aiming to break the current world record of 3,486 participants.

We speak to Ramsey Crookall CEO Joanna Crookall, Ruby Griffiths, Founder of 34Moves, and CEO of Visit Isle of Man, Deborah Heather.

Douglas Council says its new social housing development in Willaston is 'everything' it wants to achieve in one building.

The local authority has spent £11 million on the new apartment block which has 48 flats and will take roughly 88 people of its waiting list.

Leader Devon Watson says the development will also make the housing stock more 'efficient' by helping people downsize.

Our Local Democracy Reporter Emma Draper has been speaking to him and the Chair of the Housing Committee Peter Washington.

Manx charity Victim Support has received 85 referrals since the start of the year.

January is typically the busiest month for the service, which helps people affected by crime on the Isle of Man.

An increase in referrals if often, in part, due to increased publicity of the charity - and towards the end of 2025 there was a campaign to raise awareness about coercive control, financial abuse and elder abuse.

CEO Lorna Trevethan says they are looking ahead to similar, targeted campaigns throughout this year.

International data protection authorities - including those in the Isle of Man, Guernsey and Jersey - have raised concerns about AI-generated deepfakes.

They warn that non-consensual intimate imagery can cause serious emotional harm and damage reputations.

Organisations developing AI tools are being urged to prevent misuse, protect personal data and act quickly when harmful content is reported.

Information Commissioner Alexandra Delaney-Bhattacharya sat down with Manx Radio's Christian Jones to discuss.

We are now entering the fourth day of strike action by the Island's bus drivers as an ongoing row over pay and conditions shows little sign of letting up.

For those relying on public transport there is a limited bus service running, while the Department of Infrastructure has worked to reopen the Manx Electric Railway for anyone who is able to commute by tram.

DOI Minister Tim Crookall joined the Manx Radio Breakfast team to discuss the strike action and address his decision on the Ramsey sea wall

The leader of Douglas Council believes government needs to be investing the same amount into social housing as it does 'luxury apartments'.

Devon Watson has welcomed its plan to put £8.5 million pounds every year for five years into the housing deficiency fund,but says it needs to be 'accelerated'.

Local authorities who have social housing development plans use money from rents to pay for the projects and any remaining costs are covered by the deficiency fund.

Councillor Watson says the increased funding is a 'step in the right direction'.

Forty-eight hours after he presented this year's Budget to Tynwald, Treasury Minister Chris Thomas joined Ben and Sian on Breakfast for an extended interview about the financial plan, its implications and to consider the reaction it's had so far.

After voting against the 2026/27 Budget, Lawrie Hooper speaks to Manx Radio's Phil Gawne.

The chief executive of Manx Care has welcomed the increase in the health body's budget for the next financial year.

It will get £404.2 million, up from £361.8 million last year.

In this edition of Newscast, Teresa Cope tells Manx Radio's Lewis Foster what that means for patients on the Isle of Man.

Treasury Minister Chris Thomas MHK has delivered his Budget speech for 2026.

You can listen to it in full here.

Tony Thompson is a harbour keeper in Ramsey and back in November 2025 he joined a crew of seven aboard a 45ft yacht taking on a 3,086‑nautical‑mile voyage from Gran Canaria in the Canary Islands to St Lucia in the Caribbean.

It was part of the world‑famous ARC rally, which sees hundreds of vessels make the transatlantic trip each year, and for Tony - aged 64 and married to Sheila - it was the fulfilment of a lifelong dream.

He's been telling Lewis Foster all about it.

A Manx AC/DC tribute band, who have been playing to crowds for 22 years, have announced plans to disband.

Formed in 2004, DC/AC have become well-renowned amongst the Island's live music scene, covering classics from the Australian group such as 'Highway to Hell' and 'Back in Black'.

The group will play their last ever live show, dubbed ‘The Final Stand’, at the The Villa Marina Royal Hall on 2 June.

Paul Daugherty, who performs as Angus Young, says issues with his health mean it's time to call it a day, but says the audience will...

Bus drivers on the Isle of Man are due to stage a ten-day strike from 21 February following a dispute over pay and contractual issues.

Unite the Union Regional Officer Debbie Halsall speaks out as the DOI Minister bids for last-minute resolution.

When was the last time you chatted to your neighbours?

A new initiative in Peel is hoping to bring people in the community together.

'The Shared Table' is run by volunteers and offers a free meal every week to anyone who comes along.

Rachel O'Connor and Katie Dening are two of the organisers and have been telling Amy Griffiths more:

The infrastructure minister says it's not yet known how the Island will be impacted by a planned 10-day bus strike, but insists the door is always open for talks.

Yesterday, Unite the Union confirmed the planned action to Manx Radio, which starts from 21 February.

Tim Crookall says meetings have been ongoing.

Douglas Council says it's in the 'assessment phase' of dealing with the damage sustained to the sunken gardens during a recent period of bad weather.

Chair of the Regeneration Committee Natalie Byron-Teare believes the Department of Infrastructure's sea wall should be extended to the end of the promenade which is 'most affected' by coastal overtopping and high tides.

The council also claims, despite social media comments suggesting otherwise, the sunken gardens were not designed for defence but to allow the public to enjoy the area with protection from sea breezes.

Councillor Byron-Teare says...

Public Health Isle of Man has launched a survey to better understand how medicinal cannabis and other substances are being used across the Isle of Man.

Officials say the results will help build a clearer picture of medicinal cannabis use since legislation was introduced to allow its prescription for certain medical conditions.

Director of Public Health Matt Tyrer sat down with Manx Radio's Christian Jones to discuss.

A union representing medics on the Isle of Man says less than a quarter of doctors at Manx Care would recommend the Island's healthcare provider as a place to work.

It comes following the British Medical Association's annual survey of its members about the health service they work for and the standards of care it provides.

Siobhán Fletcher speaks to BMA Chair, Dr Tom Dolphin, and Manx Care's Dr Chris Stockport.

From this weekend (Saturday 7 February) a giant model of Mars will be on display at Cathedral Isle of Man in Peel.

In this edition of Newscast, Ben Hartley speaks to lay minister, Rosemary Clarke.

Jamie Baldwin, Mooir Vannin Wind Farm Project Director, speaks to Lewis Foster as the examination phase is set to get underway on 3 March.

Lewis Foster in conversation with Magnus Grinneback, Co-Founder and Distiller at the Baldrine-based Manx Whisky Company following recent success at the World Whiskies Awards.

Speaking with Paul Fletcher, Chairman of the Isle of Man Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group.

This World Cancer Day, the focus is on You!

On 4 February, anyone who is living with or beyond cancer is invited to pop down to the NSC.

If you are thinking about increasing your physical activity, you will have the opportunity to try out some of the classes for free and to chat to local cancer charities.

Email H4L@gov.im to secure your place.

Siobhán spoke to Lesley Cunningham from Manx Sport and Recreation to find out more.

Shannen Samuel speaks to Manx Radio about plans for Isle of Man-inspired short film.

The infrastructure minister believes 20mph speed limits should not be imposed on people if they do not want them.

Tim Crookall has been speaking to the media for the first time since his appointment as minister of the Department of Infrastructure this morning.

A political commentator on the Isle of Man says the past 48 hours have exposed what he describes as “a weakness in our political system”.

On Monday, Chief Minister Alfred Cannan reshuffled his Cabinet, removing Alex Allinson and Michelle Haywood from their roles as Treasury and Infrastructure ministers.

Castletown Commissioners has chosen to decrease its local authority rate for the next financial year.

It will be set at 395 pence in the pound which the local authority says will provide 'much needed' support to residents without 'any detriment' to its operations.

The refuse rate will also be reduced to £220 per household which it believes will still allow for investment into the towns public services.

Vice Chair John Cringle says the local authority had to start the budget 'from scratch' as previous years' accounts were unavailable.

Local Democracy Reporter Emma Draper h...

The former infrastructure minister has accused the chief minister of shaping policy in response to social media pressure.

It comes a day after Alfred Cannan reshuffled his Cabinet, removing Alex Allinson as Treasury Minister and Dr Michelle Haywood from her role as Infrastructure Minister.

For the first time since her sacking, Dr Michelle Haywood has spoken out exclusively to Manx Radio.

Yesterday, Alfred Cannan conducted a reshuffle of his council of ministers, which resulted in two ministers stepping down.

Tim Glover criticised the language used as concerning saying they did not step down but were fired.