LOCAL ELECTIONS SPECIAL

LOCAL ELECTIONS SPECIAL

Author: Manx Radio February 11, 2025 Duration: 26:50

It’s been four years since the last round of local authority elections were held on the Island and seven constituencies elected new members to these boards. But what does it take to be a commissioner or councillor and why should we care about our local authorities?

Local Democracy Reporter Emma Draper finds out more, chatting to the current Leader of Douglas Council Claire Wells, Garff Commissioner Melanie Christian, Ramsey Commissioner Lamara Craine, Peel Commissioner and former DOI Minister Ray Harmer, as well as former commissioners and current MHKs Michelle Haywood and Lawrie Hooper.


Tucked away in the Irish Sea, the Isle of Man holds a unique culture and community spirit that’s both deeply traditional and dynamically modern. Manx Radio's Island Life Series-Specials delves into the stories that define this place, moving beyond the postcard views to explore the real rhythms and conversations of island living. Produced by Manx Radio, each episode in this collection is a standalone deep dive, focusing on a particular person, tradition, or contemporary issue with the care and context it deserves. You might hear from a native Manx speaker reviving the Celtic language, a fisherman discussing changing seas, or an archivist uncovering a forgotten chapter of local history. This podcast serves as an audio documentary series, capturing the nuances of Manx society-from folklore and music to governance and environmental challenges. It’s for anyone curious about how geography shapes identity, offering listeners an intimate, thoughtful portrait of a small nation navigating its path. The conversations are rich, the subjects are varied, and the perspective is authentically local, providing a genuine connection to this distinctive island and its people.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Manx Radio's Island Life Series - Specials
Podcast Episodes
Calls Ring Out for Smartphone Delay [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:50
As the new academic year gets underway we find out why some parents are delaying giving their children smartphones, and hear from the education minister about how a no-phone policy has been received in the classroom.With…
WW2: 80 Years On [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:16
In this special programme, we reflect on 80 years since the end of WW2, with a chance to hear an in depth conversation with 103 yr old veteran of the Forgotten Army, James Fenton and a selection of interviews with reside…
REWIND 01 SEPTEMBER 2025 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:20
Manx Radio's occasional series looking back at some of the best of our recent output - yes there is some you non-believers! As selected by H . . .
The State of Play [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:50
Isle of Play Director Chris Gregory speaks with Christy DeHaven about the current state and future of play on the Isle of Man, as we enjoy the final weeks of the Summer holidays. We look at growing up here, the facilitie…
The Forgotten Army - James Fenton in conversation with Chris Pearson [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:00
As we mark the 80th anniversary of VJ Day, Manx Radio gives you another chance to hear the now 103-year-old Burma Star veteran James Fenton talking about his time with the 14th Army, AKA the ‘Forgotten Army’ in the jungl…
THE COMEOVERS Island Life Special [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:09
During the 1960s three-quarters of the Island’s economy relied on tourism with over a fifth of the working population employed in the industry. In "The Comeovers", Dave Moore looks back on that time courtesy of the memor…
PRIDE SPECIAL: No Man Is An Island [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:50
She's back - Siobhán Fletcher marks Pride month 2025 with a special documentary episode of Island Life. Back in 2023, we heard from the likes of Alan Shea and Hazel Hannan in our series 'A Brief History of Pride'.Now, a…
Hear Us [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:51
H explores the fascinating "Hear Us" project, its links with author Malcolm Lowry, and the sounds under the sea . .