Women Today

Isle Expo 2017 was extremely successful; with a theme of ‘Growth’, the 2 day event saw speakers and workshops from leaders and mentors in a number of different fields – technology, investment, food production and more.

One very impressive guest was keynote speaker, Emma Sinclair. Known as a ‘Serial Entrepreneur’, she is the youngest person ever to float a company on the stock market, she revolutionised parking management across the UK and her current venture, EnterpriseJungle, was voted the most innovative new software company at the SAP Pinnacle Awards. Emma is the UK’s first UNICEF Business Mentor and believes that entrepreneurship can change the global economy

Chris Cave caught up with her after her presentation and panel event.

The continuation of our 'Conister Rocks' special biographical programmes, where we talk to some of the Island's well-known personalities, find out about their lives and the music that means something to them. On May 12th 2017, we were joined on the Rock by Breesha Maddrell, Director of Culture Vanning. Breesha is someone who has played a major part in preserving and promoting Manx culture, while also being an active performer, singing in choirs and playing flutes, whistles and piano in a number of different groups.

She talked about her childhood on a sheep farm, appearing on TV with Boney M dressed in a bonnet, about what it was like have teachers as parents (both of them!) and why the promotion, preservation and evolution of culture is so very, very important to her. And her music choices were wonderfully eclectic!

The continuation of our 'Conister Rocks' special biographical programmes, where we talk to some of the Island's well-known personalities, find out about their lives and the music that means something to them. On April 28th, we welcomed Janet Lees - someone who uses her creative talents to inspire others, through writing workshops. She is also an award winning published poet, a founder member of the Poetry Unlimited team behind the Manx Bard and a member of the Creative Network.

The continuation of our 'Conister Rocks' special biographical programmes, where we talk to some of the Island's well-known personalities, find out about their lives and the music that means something to them. It was a very special show on May 5th, as Beth and Christy were invited back to the Mayor's Parlour in Douglas Town Hall, to celebrate the 12month tenure of Mayor and Mayoress John and Gill Skinner...

The continuation of our 'Conister Rocks' special biographical programmes, where we talk to some of the Island's well-known personalities, find out about their lives - and the music that means something to them.

On March 31st, we welcomed Fiona Helleur. Fiona is perhaps best known for her superb work at the Kensington Youth Arts Centre, where her dedication and passion for the arts has enriched the lives of hundreds of young people on the Island. She is from an extremely creative family, being the sister of musician Anglin Buttimore, and also artist Simon, who passed away in a tragic accident last year.

Her music choices range from Kate Bush to King Crimson via Supertramp - suitably eclectic!

If you'd like to recommend anyone for our Conister Rocks series, email [email protected]

There is a fabulous production coming to the Gaiety Theatre tomorrow (April 27th and 28th), which tells the story of one of the greatest friendships of all time – that of Noel Coward, and his less well known muse, Gertrude Lawrence.

The show also sees the return of one of our own leading ladies, Helen Power, taking on the title role. Helen’s career began right here on the Island, performing in shows at Ballakermeen, being part of the Christine Wild Theatre School and landing many a role on the Gaiety Theatre Stage. Christy caught up with her on the phone en route to the Island, to find out about the show and her fantastic career so far.

"Noel and Gertie" is on at the Gaiety Theatre on April 27th and 28th. Tickets from the Box Office on 01624 600555

Multi-award winning London architect Hannah Corlett returns to the Island this week (April 6th), to speak about contemporary architecture as part of the Isle of Architecture season. Hannah, who went to school at St Ninians High School, is Founder and Director of London architecture studio ASSEMBLAGE. Key projects for her company have included a major regeneration scheme for a Holy City in Iraq, winning the scheme for the United Nations Agency for Human Settlements in 2011, and winning the competition to design the New Iraq Parliament in 2012.

Christy spoke with her from her London Office, just before she rapidly packed a case to fly over for the talk. In the fascinating chat, Hannah spoke about her background and her work, about the gender split in the world of architecture, what it's like working as a Western woman in the construction industry in Iraq and much, much more...Hannah’s talk, entitled ‘Contrast’, takes place at Noa Bakehouse at 7pm on April 6th - and tickets, costing just £5 are on sale now via www.facebook.com/isleofarchitecture/events or on the door on the night.

Georgia Lisette (aka Empire of Whimsy) reads her poem Bardic Necessity for us, in recognition of World Poetry Day 2017. You can find Georgia and her wonderful words at: https://www.facebook.com/empireofwhimsy

‘The painters are in’... ‘Aunty Flo is back’... or maybe you’re more of a traditional ‘it’s the time of the month again’ type?

We have always found it difficult to talk about periods. Period. There are some worrying statistics in the news today (16th March) confirming how awkward we feel about the taboo subject.... more than half of women in the UK have admitted to not knowing what was happening to their body when they had their first period; many of us attach the words 'shame' and 'embarrassment' to menstruation... None of this is healthy.

Well, today sees the launch of an initiative in the UK that’s set to turn the tide (...!) Christy spoke to two of the ladies from Loose Women – Nadia Sawalha and Kaye Adams – famous for their frank discussions on TV about taboo subjects along with Jade Dalrymple, who teaches Year 6 pupils; Jade is part of the new Betty for Schools initiative, and feels schools need to talk about the subject as early as possible.

The continuation of our 'Conister Rocks' special biographical programmes, where we talk to some of the Island's well-known personalities, find out about their lives - and the music that means something to them.

On Friday 10th March we were joined by a woman of many talents – an architect, conservation officer, musician, renowned singer, a composer, a watercolour artist and much more; she loves walking in the Manx countryside, and a good massage (presumably needed after tackling some of our more challenging terrain), and she is a very proud mum to three successful children.

She spoke about her early childhood on the Isle of Man, painting a wonderful picture of a very different time; talked about growing up with music all around her and the difficult decision to choose architecture over opera; told us the story of how she very nearly didn't end up singing with Mannin Folk; about the challenges and often sad surprises of working in the public housing sector; and so much more.

You can find Marlene and her music with Dylis Sowry on Facebook, and her CDs are in local shops such as Celtic Gold and Shakti Man. .