Women Today

Well known to regular Manx Radio listeners for the being a voice of the weather reports, Kirsty is Manx born and bred, and it was a film that she watched at the age of 11 which helped to map out her future career. We learnt about the struggle Kirsty overcame to realise her dream, in a truly inspirational tale of how you really can achieve something if you have your heart set on it. Kirsty also credits her mum and dad for supporting and believing in her when she had lost confidence in her own ability. From the Island to the UK, America and back again, we heard some wonderful tales from Kirsty's past, found out that sometimes people really do hold her responsible for the weather - and also learnt of her slight obsession with one particular detective drama...

The thriller writer Douglas Stewart shares music and memories on the Conister Rock with Beth Espey. Now residing in the Isle of Man, Douglas was brought up in England and became a London based international lawyer, later living and practising in the USA. He was involved in some of the most high profile cases of the 20th Century. In tandem, he developed a successful career as an internationally read author of mystery thrillers.

Christy DeHaven visits the beautifully colourful and creative mini-gardens planted by school children from all parts of the Island, created as part of the 2018 Year of Our Island initiative. She speaks with project manager Anna Goldsmith and some of the children and teachers who have designed and created the flower beds. The "Blein Yn Ellan Ain" garden will be open to the public on the 25th June 2018, on the former site of the Farmers Arms pub in St.John’s. (Piece includes a clip from a live session with Croan Yn Tead, with thanks to Peddyr Cubberely and the players)

Apparently, the Sufragettes learned jiu-jitsu in order to protect themselves during the sometimes violent clashes with police when fighting for their rights - who knew?! To celebrate the UK's 100 year anniversary of some women getting the vote (something which the Isle of Man actually achieved in 1881, 36 years previously - not that we're boasting...), Arbory Brownies decided to get a taster of the Brazilian martial art as part of gaining their Sufragette badge. Christy DeHaven went to Arbory Primary School where Coach Conrad Roberts and his assistant Lucy Southward from Gracie Barra Isle of Man were teaching the troop some defensive moves...

Christy DeHaven speaks with visitors from a small village in Uganda, representing the Mifumi Charity, an organisation fighting for the rights of women and children in Uganda: Beatrice Atyang (charity Co-Ordinator), Margaret Apio (Education consultant for Mifumi school) and Christine Auma (Mifumi school pupil) were also joined by Gary Cracknell from Standard Bank Isle of Man and Patrick Brennan Standard Bank Jersey, their hosts for their trip. Listen to the full interview with these remarkable people here.

We’re often told that community is important, but one man has found that connecting with those around you can have incredible results, changing - and even saving - lives. As the Managing Director of Nurture Developments and a leader of Asset Based Community Development (ABCD), Cormac Russell has worked in over 30 countries training communities, agencies, NGOs and governments in South Africa, Canada, Sweden and Australia to name just a few.

Passionate about community-driven change and citizen-centred democracy, he is now working with Isle of Man based mental health charity Quing (by invitation of Graham Clucas), on a mission to help us recognise and develop the gifts and skills our own communities have to offer. Christy DeHaven met with him recently, to find out how we can tap into that People Power right here on the Isle of Man.

On Women Today on 17th May 2018, as part of our special series of programmes for Mental Health Awareness Week 2018, Gemma Park shared her remarkable story and journey through gender reassignment. She spoke frankly about what it has been like for her to live in 'the wrong body', dealing with gender dysphoria, the challenges and discrimination she has faced and the emotional and psychological impact of it all.

Her story is fascinating, moving and enlightening and we hope you are as positively affected by hearing this as we have been. If you would like to find out more there are some informative pages on the NHS website.

On the same programme, we spoke to Sue Baker OBE from mental health charity Mind and Director of the Time To Change campaign, along with Chairman of Ford Andy Barratt, who explained why they created the 'Elephant in the Transit' advertising campaign to address Mental Health Issues - among men and in the workplace in general.

Douglas Mayor Debbie Pitts shared music and memories on the Conister Rock with Beth on May 4th 2018, reflecting back on her year in the role that both her mother and father have previously shared. She talked about her family and the difficult times they have weathered together, about her childhood and teenage years on the Isle of Man and talked about her aspirations and achievements in the office.

The only man to be Chief Minister of the Isle of Man twice shared music and memories on the Conister Rock on 16th March 2018.

Someone who can truly be described as a Manxman through and through (his birthday is July 5th), Mr Gelling spoke of his early childhood while his father was away at war, his school days in Santan and then Murray’s Road and the moment he first met the love of his life Joan.

His political career is well documented. His dedication to public service dates back to the early 1960s when he first became a member of Santan Parish Commissioners and during the programme we learnt a great deal about what shaped the man who would be Chief Minister of the Isle of Man on two separate occasions.

Donald Gelling’s music choices include a traditional hymn, a classic he used to sing with his national service comrades and a well known musical number.

Christy was joined on the Conister Rock on 27th April by Roy Moore, of Manx Radio TT fame, star of the Mountain Memories series and one time Isle of Man Golf Champion, sharing music and fabulous memories from across the decades. During the programme he revealed secrets about his preparation process for the TT, gave a rather emotional farewell to family and friends since departed and talked about his early days growing up in a family of motorsport fans.

This podcast has an additional exclusive 15 minutes of extra chat, recorded after the programme and including Roy's final song choice.