Manx Newscast

A 2000-year-old bronze spoon believed to have been used for ‘telling the future’ has been discovered on private land in Patrick, on the West Coast of the Isle of Man.

The bronze spoon, dating to the Iron Age, was found by metal detectorist Rob Middleton on land owned by farmer, David Anderson. 

Similar artefacts have been found in Britain, Ireland and France, but this is only the 28th example discovered worldwide, and the first from the Isle of Man.

Siobhán Fletcher caught up with Rob and Allison Fox, Curator for Archaeology for Manx National Heritage, to find out more.

A number of green lanes will be closed during the TT period this year to combat damage being caused by off-road bikers.

The Department of Infrastructure has applied for temporary closures of a small number of routes between 23 May to 6 June.

The lanes selected are on the uplands and are generally dead-ends that lead to areas of open hillside in the vicinity of the TT Course.

Infrastructure Minister Dr Michelle Haywood - speaking live on Manx Radio Breakfast this morning - explained the move.

A new campaign spearheaded by Crimestoppers Isle of Man is hoping to put domestic abuse under the spotlight.

The charity has joined forces with Victim Support and the police on a new campaign highlighting the various types and the signs to spot.

The national campaign aims to reach people who have concerns about someone close to them who may be a victim.

To find out more, Siobhán Fletcher caught up with Crimestoppers Chair Karen Ramsey, Detective Sergeant Emily Perkins, Detective Constable Becky Creer and Victim Support Chief Executive Lorna Trevethan.

Farmers on the Isle of Man are being encouraged to ask for help with loneliness and mental health issues that may arise while at work. 

It's as the Manx National Farmers Union (MNFU) observes 'Yellow Wellies Mind Your Head' campaign which focuses on tackling wellbeing issues in the agricultural sector.

Starting today (Monday, 10 February) and taking place throughout this week, the 'Mind Your Head' campaign is designed to raise awareness around wellbeing and mental health in farming.

To mark the occasion, the Manx National Farmers Union has launched a new group known as 'Greener Grass' to assist and support its members.

Manx National Farmers' Union General Secretary Sarah Comish, alongside MNFU Representatives Sam Morrey and Carolyn Layce spoke live on Manx Radio Breakfast about the launch of the initiative.

The treasury minister says his department's plan for a Manx Pension Guarantee has triggered a 'national debate' but UK press attention has confused matters.

The measure, if approved by Tynwald, would mean the state pension - for those who retired after 2019 - would rise annually from April 2025 by either the preceding September’s figure for Manx CPI inflation or 2 percent, whichever is higher.

It's a bid to try and maintain the National Insurance fund which forecasts suggest will be depleted by 2047.

But in recent weeks a number of articles have appeared in the UK press stating that the Isle of Man is 'scrapping' the Triple Lock entirely.

Treasury Minister Alex Allinson returned to Manx Radio Breakfast this morning (Friday, 7 February) to address some of the questions and concerns being put his way.

An Onchan MHK says she has concerns about whether proposed changes to the Island's pension triple-lock comply with the Equality Act.

Julie Edge is set to bring a motion to the House of Keys next week in a bid to separate the proposed changes from the rest of the budget process.

On budget day, politicians vote for the entirety of the document, rather than individual elements.

Ms Edge told Christian Jones more debate is needed by politicians over what she feels could amount to 'age discrimination'.

You may remember a couple of weeks ago we spoke to Brett, Patrick and Richard.

They were about to set off on an adventure of a lifetime, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.

It was all to raise money for Looky's Aid - a charity set up in memory of their son, brother and friend Lucas Martin.

He was just 21 when he died suddenly of meningitis.

They've now returned from Africa and have been telling Amy Griffiths how they got on:

The farming community is one that generally goes quietly about its critically important role. But, there are many issues which are making their work more challenging. Simon Richardson caught up with MNFU General Secretary, Sarah Comish, to find out more.

The farming community is one that goes quietly about its critically important work. However, there are numerous issues which are making their work increasingly challenging. Simon Richardson caught up with MNFU General Secretary, Sarah Comish, to find out more.

Manx Deaf Society puts spotlight on condition that affects 1 in 7 of us