Women Today

The couple who've played a part in the momentous occasions of so many Islanders over their 40 yrs in business as Charles Alexander Jewellers, shared music & memories with Beth and Christy on 23rd November, as Charles and Susan Jane Alexander look ahead to the final weeks of their family firm.In early October news of their retirement was received with a heavy heart by many – although the subsequent closing down sale attracted hundreds of people who queued the length of Strand Street for their chance to grab a bargain from the shop with the reputation of being one of the premier jewellers in the Isle of Man.They talked about working in gem mines in South Africa, being caught up in revolutions in Egypt and shared stories of their involvement in some truly momentous couples' engagements (including one involving a dolphin!).

Christmas is getting quirkier every year - and the advent calendar market is no exception. You can now get them with all kinds of fillings from biscuits, to cheese, to high class beauty products. So much for pretty festive pictures! And now you can even get ones with a wee tot of booze behind every door...This year it seems that alcohol advent calendars are projected to be the newest trendsetters and Gin is the drink on everyone’s lips, as sales of the spirit are at a record high; the UK alone now has more than 400 distilleries- including two right here on the Isle of Man (Seven Kingdoms and Fynoderee). Boutique-y Gin have released their own calendar with a dram-a-day behind every door. Christy caught up with Steph DiCamillo from the retailer to find out more, and also spoke to David T. Smith, author of The Gin Dictionary. They gave us hints and tips on the best gins, how to drink them and why they think gin is so popular..

How would you like to go to Space School?? If you’re a sixth form student on the Isle of Man – or know one – who is looking to expand horizons into galaxies far far away, ManSat could have the perfect opportunity. Every year, working with the Department of Education, Sport and Culture, the Manx satellite firm sponsors scholarships for up to three Isle of Man students to attend the United Space School in Houston, Texas. Christy caught up Dr Jennifer Stone, Snr Manager of Regulatory Affairs at Mansat, who won the very first scholarship back in 2000, going where no other Manx student had gone before – a giant leap which resulted in a career in the space industry.

If you're interested in applying or know someone who is, speak to head of 6th form at your school, or contact ManSat at [email protected]. For more information on the United Space School please visit: www.unitedspaceschool.org. The deadline for entries is January 9th 2019.

Musician and composer Simeon Wood was with Beth and Christy on the Conister Rock on Nov 9th. He shared backstage secrets from Britain's Got Talent, talked about childhood freedoms, first music loves, writing music for Snickers adverts; he also told us a very moving story about reconnecting with his first music teacher and of course shared some wonderful music choices that mean something to him and illustrate important moments in his life to this point.

Alison Schreiber teaches French and Spanish at King Williams College. But for the last 4 years, she has also been researching the 139 World War 1 casualties from the college, and organising the Centenary Celebrations - which involves a very special photographic tribute in the Chapel. Beth and Christy caught up with her in the college grounds to find out more.

Part of our series of interviews in recognition of the sacrifice and service of those who fought in the wars – from first hand experiences, to family members relating the often very emotional stories of their loved ones. It seemed no sooner had the Great War finished - and men, women and children were trying to rebuild their lives while dealing with the atrocities and enormous loss suffered by so many - that another World War loomed large. This of course meant that fathers, mothers, brothers and daughters were in the position of having to watch their loved ones leave home once more, potentially to suffer the same dreadful fate that Their War was meant to put an end to.

One such family was that of Fransis Hinds, nee Dobson. Having spent her early years living at Groudle with no running water or electricity, she decided she wanted an adventure and saw the Forces as an opportunity. Christy DeHaven went to speak with her about her own experience in the 2nd WW as a clerk and decoder, only to find that her father, uncles, brothers and more had been caught up in some of the biggest battles of both conflicts. With a little help from her daughter Gill, we pieced together some of their story - one that they’re still learning about themselves.

The first in a series of interviews with service men and women, in recognition of the sacrifice and service of those who fought in the wars – from first hand experiences, to family members relating the often very emotional stories of their loved ones.

We started with the Chairman of the Isle of Man Royal Naval Association, Mr Tom Quirk. We hear a great deal about the 1st and 2nd World Wars but one war – at the time referred to by those involved as the 3rd World War – isn’t often talked about. Tom served in the Navy in this war, the Korean War, in the 1950s and he told Christy DeHaven all about his experiences.

Christy was joined on the Rock on 2nd Nov by Annie Kissack - teacher, composer, writer, singer, poet - whose life long passion for her native language music and dance was instilled in her by meeting much lauded folklorist Mona Douglas.

Annie continues to play a hugely important part in keeping Manx culture alive - not least informing, educating and shaping future Manx generations with her work at the Bunschoill Gaelgagh, but also from her work Directing and writing for Manx language choir Caarjyn Cooidjagh, amongst other talents.

Annie shared wonderful memories of her life growing up in Onchan, of her time with Mona and other notable Manx preservationists, of her time at University in Wales and the life lessons she learned there and, of course, she shared some equally wonderful pieces of music - from Manx staples, to Latin American baroque!

Nov 1st is World Vegan Day – which also marks the start of World Vegan Month – and while there may be some way to go in terms of education about the subject, research has revealed that 50% of the British public would consider becoming vegan at some point in their lives. So what’s holding them back? Christy spoke with Dominika Peeyasekka from The Vegan Society and Vegan Chef Day Radley to find out more about what it means to be a vegan – and also what they think about attitudes like that of the Waitrose Magazine Editor who suggested they should be “trapped and forcefed meat..”

Anna Cottle is just “one of those people”. You may have seen her name popping up in the local media over the past year or so, whether it be for collecting truckloads of sanitary products to distribute to women who can’t afford them, or for her recent trip to Uganda – with a netball charity... You might wonder why on earth Ugandan villagers might need Netball in their lives – well, the charity in question – the Netball Development Trust or NDT as she refers to it - delivers the game in a number of less developed countries using it as a tool to bring communities together, working with partners to deliver 'sexual and reproductive health' awareness too. Christy caught up with Anna on the phone recently to find out about the trip and about her other, many charitable interests.