Claare Ny Gael - Manx Radio

Writing in 1832, Rev Thomas Stephen is giving us 'A Poetical Guide to the Isle of Mann'. He includes the Island's government, including the role of the Legislative Council - though without mentioning that he, as Vicar-General, was an ex officio member of it. Jonathan Harker realises that he was not dreaming when he was faced with three beautiful women for whom he felt lust, which turned to horror when it became obvious they wanted to feast on his blood. Count Dracula has him prepare a series of letters - by the dates of which Jonathan Harker sees how long he can expect to stay alive before the Count kills him. As nyn giaull son Laa Boaldyn - DOLORES KEANE - May morning dew DAFYDD IWAN & EDWARD - Cadi ha MARTIN BEST - Kalenda Maya STEELEYE SPAN - Padstow May song SIAMSA NA TIRE - Thugamar fein an samhradh linn JANIG JUTEAU &  REPONSES - A l'arrivee du joli mois de Mai VOX BLENII - Il Maggio KAREN TRENEER & BUCCA - May day carol LOREENA McKENNITT - Beltane fire dance

We continue with Rev Thomas Stephen's 1832 publication, 'A Poetical Guide to the Isle of Mann', but we step aside every now and then to find out more about things he mentions in his text. In our translation into Manx of Bram Stoker's 'Dracula', Jonathan Harker is exploring part of Castle Dracula where it appears the ladies of the household used to live. Feeling tired, he decides to ignore Count Dracula's warning about not sleeping anywhere but in the suite of rooms he has been using so far and to sleep here. As y kiaull ain - PARTI CUT LLOI - Tre Porthmadog DOLORES KEANE - Thuas ag Gort a'Chornain KEVRENN ALRE - Gavotte Pourlet BARBARA GALE with CHRISTINE BREGAZZI, ERNIE THORN & GRAHAM CROWE - Come back to Mona THE STORY REPUBLIC - Cornish lads CHARLIE COWIE - The hangman's reel THE WATERSONS - Country life BISKEE BRISHT - This won't end well CRASDANT - Mwmpwy Llwyd 

We dip once again into 'A Poetical Guide to the Isle of Mann' by Rev Thomas Stephen, published in 1832. It mixes proud bombast and hyperbole with tongue in cheek cheesiness and a sense of humour and awareness of its own mix of purple prose and bathos. Jonathan Harker can hardly believe his eyes as he witnesses Count Dracula's way of leaving his room to exit the castle. With the Count out of the way, he decides to explore further than he's hitherto dared. As y kiaull ain - SONIA JONES, SUE JONES-DAVIES & GERAINT GRIFFITHS - Teilwng yw'r oen PEADAR O CEANNABHAIN - Sadhbh Ni Bhruinneala MIKE O'CONNOR & BARBARA GRIGGS - Miss Pitts' minuet ANAM - Mary and the soldier CHAL HA DICHAL - Gavotte des Terrils MERA ROYLE & DAVID KILGALLON - Deep in the earth THE BYRDS - Bells of Rhymney JOHN McCORMACK & EDWIN SCHNEIDER - Terence's farewell to Kathleen ANAM - Cornish gavottes

We turn to 'A Poetical Guide to the Isle of Mann', written by Rev Thomas Stephen and published in 1832. He wrote in the Manx language as well, but we hear from his work in English this time. Thomas Stephen was Vicar of Kirk Patrick for 15 years and was also Vicar-General - though some parts of his work perhaps belie his day job! In our story in Manx, Count Dracula is pressing Jonathan Harker to write to his employer, Peter Hawkins, and to anyone else he wishes - but with a clear threat not to write too much. There's also a dire warning not to fall asleep anywhere else in Castle Dracula but in his own set of rooms. As nyn giaull - PENNYLESS - Winter is gone STAA - Illiam y Caine RIOBO - Mallador DERVISH - Jig songs SIAN JAMES - Merch ei mam YANN LE MEUR & MICHEL TOUTOUS - Ton double, Plonevez-Porzhe DOCHAS - Puirt e beul GWENNO - Men an toll RIOBO - Estroupele/Polca

In 1975 Kathleen Killip published a collection of fourteen short stories under the title 'Saint Bridget's Night'. In 2017 Ian Cottier recorded ten of them, and we hear him reading 'The White Horse of the Curraghs'. Jonathan Harker listens to some of the history of Transylvania and of the family Dracula from the Count, before looking to the Count's business affairs. It seems that Count Dracula has a sharp mind for such things, despite not having been involved much in them. As y kiaull ain - RUSHEN SILVER BAND - Gwendolen/The washing song (Arrane ny niee) GWENNYN - En tu all GAN AINM - Gilly's jigs GWILYM MORUS - Traffig ALISON O'DONNELL & ISABEL NI CHURAIN - Turn the corner ANAO ATAO - The tinner's puzzle BRIAN MAC STOYLL & SHORYS Y CREAYRIE - Ushtey millish 'sy gharee SONERIEN DU - Bonsoir, maitre de maison GRANIT - Polska efter Ante Sundin

By the Gregorian Calendar Act, the day after 2nd September 1752 was deemed to have been 14th September. Those 11 days are the reason why high days and holy days are often associated with dates a little later than might be expected. Two days in point are Shenn Laa'l Abban, the Old Style Feast Day of St Abban, and Shenn Laa'l Pharick, the Feast Day of St Patrick by the Old Style. Jonathan Harker has discovered himself to be trapped inside Castle Dracula. After some frantic running to and fro, he settles down to think it through. His first course of action is to get Count Dracula talking, to see if he can get some clues. The Count is very forthcoming about his family history. As nyn giaull - FINBAR & EDDIE FUREY - The curragh of Kildare MAGI TUDUR - Dwi'm yn licio BBC WIRELESS MILITARY BAND - Lilli burlero BRIAN MAC STOYLL - Ec ny fiddleryn (Graih foalsey) MARIE-CECILE CHARRIER & JACQUES-ANDRE PAUVERT - Toutouig APHEX TWIN (RICHARD D JAMES) - Logan Rock witch REV ANGUS GRAHAM & CONGREGA

We heard recently of the controversy when the IOMSPCo Ltd named a vessel the Viking, launched on the Tyne in 1905. We hear this time of the next vessel launched for the company, this time at Vickers, Son and Maxim Ltd in Barrow.  No quibbles about the name when the Ben-my-Chree (III) was launched on 23rd March 1908. Having a shave leads to a surprise for Jonathan Harker, which causes him to nick his chin slightly. The result only compounds the strange situation in which he now finds himself, alone and encompassed within the walls of Castle Dracula. As y kiaull ain - son Laa Fheile Padraig, Laa'l Pharick - RITA CONNOLLY - The deer's cry CHRISTY MOORE - Patrick was a gentleman ANDREW MACNAMARA, ORLA HARRINGTON & JIM HIGGINS - The knights of St Patrick IRISH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA & CHORUS - Dochas linn Naomh Padraig LUKE KELLY & THE DUBLINERS - Come to the bower O'CONAILL FAMILY & FRIENDS - Gan ainm/Gan ainm/Gan ainm COR CHUIL AODHA & PEADAR O RIADA - Naomh Padraig CHRISTY MOO

William Forster was consecrated as Bishop of Sodor and Man on 9th March 1634, having been appointed to the episcopacy in December 1633. His term of office was cut short when he died in February 1635. He held a court in Douglas in 1634, and his questionnaire, known as Bishop Forster's Visitation, to the churchwardens and sidemen gives a glimpse of life in the Island at that time.   Jonathan Harker explains to Count Dracula how he came upon the property called Carfax which has been bought for the Count at Purfleet, to the east of London. It's evidently quite to the Count's taste. As yn kiaull ain - IONA - Lindisfarne TUDUR HUWS JONES - Miliwn BIRLINN JIARG - Juan y jaggad keeir/Jerrey yn theihll HILARY COLEMAN - The turning of the tide THE DUBLINERS - Nelson's farewell SOAZIG - Pennherez Keroulaz RACHEL WALKER & SKIPINNISH - Maraiche nan cuantan MEREDYDD EVANS - Un o fy mrodyr ELIZABETH DAVIDSON-BLYTHE & DANIEL QUAYLE - Daybreak

On 6th March 1905 the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company Ltd had a new vessel, its first turbine steamer, launched on the Tyne. We hear of the war of words about a suitable name for it. Jonathan Harker has found a library with a lot of books, newspapers and magazines in the English language. It seems that Count Dracula has been studying the language, customs and manners of the English, prior to a move to London. Whilst the Count has the grammar and vocabulary, he wants Jonathan Harker to stay and teach him the blass. As y kiaull ain, dy yannoo ard eailley jeh Gool Peran, noo patroonagh y Chorn - PYBA - Tri marghak BRENDA WOOTTON - Silver net APHEX TWIN - Goon Gumpus ROB TOFIELD - Cornish elements THE ROWAN TREE & THE AGGIE BOYS CHOIR - One and all STEVE HUNT - Pysk pi CORNCROW - Sweet nightingale COR MEBYON KERNOW - Trelawny GWENNO - An Stevel Nowydh

In late February 1903 a storm - described as a cyclone and a hurricane in the newspapers - caused a lot of structural damage throughout the Island. In Douglas, the tin tab of All Saints' church was damaged, as was St George's, but in the early hours of Friday 27th February 1903 St German's Church in Peel - now the Island's cathedral - was severely damaged. We look at contemporary accounts. Jonathan Harker has entered Castle Dracula and has met the Count. He enjoys a good supper whilst talking with Count Dracula, and afterwards has an opportunity to observe him. As nyn giaull - jeeaghyn gys Dydd Gwyl Dewi Sant - COR MEIBION TREORCI - Sospan fach DAU CEFN - Cysgu heb y radio GEOFF LILES & ANNETTE DAVIES - Eithin aur CARYL PARRY JONES - Adre DRYMBAGO - Be sy cariad? SIAN PHILLIPS & CHRIS LEWIS - Y gaseg felen/Castell Caerllion BOB ROBERTS - Moliannwn 9BACH - Breuddwyd y bardd ABERJABER - Machynlleth/Pwt ar y bys/Rali Llanofer

The early eighteenth century was a time of friction between church and state. One flash point came in 1718, when an appeal against the ecclesiastical courts went to the Earl of Derby. Bishop Thomas Wilson pointed out it ought to go to the Archbishop of York and refused to attend a court called by James Stanley, the 10th Earl of Derby. Wilson was fined £10 for contempt of court on 19th February 1718. Jonathan Harker is standing doubtful and afraid in the dark forecourt of Castle Dracula. Things, however, appear to improve once he is admitted, to find rooms brightly-lit and warm and a good supper. As nyn giaull - JOHN McCORMACK - The star of the County Down ROGER BRYANT - Cornish lads DAVE MOSS (BANOFFI) - Skelder HEATHER JONES - Lisa lan JIMMY LOGAN - Down in the glen ROBIN HUW BOWEN - Pibddawnsiau sipsi NEEAR NESAN - Domb d'er bal TRIO MANDILI - Kahuri CEOLBEG - Galicia revisited

Some time ago in 'Claare ny Gael' we were going through A Book of Manx Poetry, chosen and edited by  William Cubbon. When he was about 85 years of age in 1950, his grand-daughter, Thelma, published a collection of poetry called These Things I Would Remember, dedicated to her grandfather. We dip into that. Jonathan Harker is having a troubled ride in a carriage to Castle Dracula, surrounded by a moving circle of howling wolves. The coachman has already displayed his great strength. But he also exhibits other startling abilities. Arriving at Castle Dracula gives little respite from worries. As nyn giaull - BRYHER'S BOYS - Lamorna CAARJYN COOIDJAGH - Ushag varrey CRASDANT - Fairy glen ARTHUR CORMACK - Mo Mhairi mhin PENTOTHAL - Plac'h ar gwele kloz CEILIHOUSE - O'Keefe's MIKE O'CONNOR & CHORUS - The Tregarten anthem MATT CREER - Rear view mirror SWAP - Master Aslund

After frosts and general cold weather, Wednesday 6th February 1895 saw a fall of snow which began at 7.30am and didn't let up, and with a strong wind created blizzard conditions which piled the snow up to 14 ft deep and smothered the Island and its normal activities. We hear how the Isle of Man Examiner described the conditions. Jonathan Harker has now transferred to the personal carriage of Count Dracula, though he begins to suffer some nervous qualms about it as the carriage sets off, amidst a cacophony of howling from farm dogs and from the mountain wolves. As y kiaull ain - NORMA WATERSON - There is a fountain in Christ's blood FINLAY MacNEILL - O na cuir cul rium CALAN - Rhif wyth JOHN McCORMACK - Turn ye tae me ZAOU - Maison abeilles THE TRADITIONAL PLAYERS - Shetland Isles Marches BRIAN MAC STOYLL & SHORYS Y CREAYRIE - Ny kirree fo niaghtey MEINIR GWILYM - Gormod GOITSE - Tall tales

The Isle of Man Times and General Advertiser hailed the passing by a sitting of Tynwald on 2nd February 1872 of the Public Elementary Education Act. The Act required the Bible to be read and explained as part of the curriculum. The editorial was concerned that that this might lead to "denominationalism", as churches and chapels sought to influence what was taught. Jonathan Harker is on a coach as the evening comes and darkness falls, with the driver urgently driving on his horses and the other passengers in a state of nervous excitement. Where is the personal carriage of Count Dracula, which is to be sent to meet him? As y kiaull ain -  GWALARN - Gwerz ar vezhinerien  COR CHOIS FHARRAIGE - Tuirne Mhaire TYLWYTH TEG - Cerddoriaeth ddawns Gymraeg SKYLL GLAS - Farwel EMMA CHRISTIAN - Breeshey, Breeshey TROOR STRENG SIBELIUS - Moirrey ny Gainle GEORGIA RUTH - Madryn DEEELYTED! - Leis a' lurgainn ASTRAKAN PROJECT - Seizh Manez

Edward Christian was a significant figure in Manx history from about 1630 until his death in 1661, with radical ideas that were well ahead of his time. These were turbulent times, as was his relationship with Yn Stanlagh Mooar, James, the Lord Strange and then VII Earl of Derby. Edward Christian died on 19th January and was buried in the chancel of Maughold Church on 22nd January, 1661. And Jonathan Harker gets a lot of pitying looks, signs of the cross and gestures to ward off the evil eye as he sets off for Castle Dracula. However, he quite enjoys the sights on the road, despite the driver's obvious haste to get it done in the shortest possible time. As y kiaull ain - BLIALAM - Comin' thro' the rye SKWARDYA - Pols anella MERA ROYLE & DAVID KILGALLON - Deep in the earth DOM DUFF - An dans veur STIOFAIN O CUALAIN - Caislean Ui Neill SIAN PHILLIPS & CASS MEURIG - Ty a gardd ANNIE KISSACK - O Vannin veg veen FOUR LANES MALE CHOIR - The skippers of St Ives SGOIL CHIUIL NA GAIDHEALTACHD - Zi

We heard recently about a trial held over the Christmas time of 1843 in the Halfway House just above Crosby. Was it for trespass on Ballaharry, or was it so that the owner, John Quine, could accuse his sister-in-law of causing the death of some of his animals by witchcraft? After the Mona's Herald reported on it, there was a lively debate in its pages about it during January of 1844. Jonathan Harker intends to set out for Castle Dracula, at the invitation of the Count. But there are those who think he should not accept the invitation - particularly if it means being there on a certain day. As y kiaull ain (as paart jeh er yn oyr nagh geayll shin monney jeh y cheayrt shoh chaie) - KAN HA BISKOUL - E garnison JOAN OWEN - Arrane ben drogh hraghtalagh AR LOG - Gwr a'i farch SEAN O hEANAIGH - Ag dul amach thar sceirde BRENDA WOOTTON - De Sul vytyn FIANA NI CHONAILL - The Sligo fancy/The humours of Tuamgraney ANJELA BROUSTEL - Marv ar big MANNIN FOLK - Ramsey town JAMIE SMITH'S MABON - Easy on the ele

Although there had been books of poetry by Cushag - Letitia Margaret Josephine Kermode - since 1907, a collection called 'Manx Melodies' was published one hundred years ago in 1922. We hear some of the poetry from that volume. In 1897, a Dubliner living and working in London, Bram Stoker published a book dedicated 'To my dear friend Hommy Veg' - Hommy Veg being Thomas Hall Caine, and Bram Stoker's book being 'Dracula'. We're starting on a translation of Jonathan Harker's Journal which constitutes the first chapter. As nyn giaull - LON DHOO & LON VANE CHOIRS - Mannin veen KAN HA BISKOUL - E garnison FIANA NI CHONAILL - The humours of Tuamgraney JOHN BOLITHO - Maggie May BARLUATH - Donald's puirt AR LOG - Gwr a'i farch GRAINNE HOLLAND - Uiseag bheag ruaidh TRI YANN - Maluron malurette SHOOGLENIFTY - Black dog 

Our translation of a short story by Anthony Dezenzio into Manx  turns out to be a bit shorter than expected, so we also hear translations of flash fiction by Justin Rulton, John M Carlson and Bianca Sanchez.  We dip into the first newspaper of the new year 150 years ago in 1872, and we hear of children in squalid rags, of poverty and destitution. We also hear criticism of what is supposed to be a hospital, but led by clergymen with no medical staff involved, and of the dangers of Douglas Harbour. Roadworks were also an issue in early 1872. As y kiaull ain y cheayrt shoh - THE MOLLAG BAND - Quoi ta'n dooinney quaagh EMMA CHRISTIAN - Arrane saveenagh THE SULBY PHANTOM BAND - Cur y muc shen magh KATHERINE CROWE - Agh shen mee hene BRIAN MAC STOYLL - Berree Dhone PHYNNODDEREE - Car ny ferrishyn/Car Juan Nan RUTH KEGGIN - She 'neen aeg mish as aalin BILL CORLETT & PHIL GAWNE - Y ghraih my chree 's my stoyr KING CHIAULLEE - Ginantonic

We look to the newspapers to get a feel for what was happening in the Island one hundred years ago, round about the Christmastime of 1921. Mail delivery was obviously important, and the postal service got little respite. Prohibition in the USA had started in 1920, and there were those in favour of it in the Island, and those opposed to it, as the Island discussed a new licensing bill. And moves were afoot regarding secondary education - but, inevitably, there were arguments and complaints. In keeping with a seasonal tradition, our short story in Manx is a translation of a mysterious tale by Joshua A Spotts. As nyn giaull - BBC CONCERT ORCH. Cond Gavin Sutherland - A Manx country dance (Haydn Wood) FLORRIE FORDE - Has anybody here seen Kelly? (1909) DHOON SCHOOL - Green hills of Dhoon BILLY MERSON - They can't find Kelly (1911) RUTH KEGGIN & AON TEANGA/UN CHENGEY - Manannan CAROL WALKER - Arrane ny fee/Smuggler's lullaby/Lhigey, lhigey BILLY WILLIAMS - I've found Kelly (1913) KATE DOWMAN - Ma

In 1843, the reporter in the Mona's Herald was incredulous that, in that modern and enlightened age, people in Marown believed in witchcraft. However, a trial for trespass on Ballaharry somehow became a hunt for the person who was bewitching the farmer, John Quine, who was also a preacher, and apparently supported in his endeavours by two other preachers on the jury. Richmal Crompton is well-known as the writer of the Just William stories, but we hear a Manx translation of her story which, from the dialogue, she set in the rural United States of America. As y kiaull ain y cheayrt shoh -  NEEAR NESAN - Ushtey millish 'sy gharee PLETHYN - Mil harddach wyt LORI WATSON & THE RULE OF THREE - Poppies TRI YANN - An alarc'h EOGHAIN O CEANNABHAIN - An bhaca tu mo Sheamaisin? ANAO ATAO - Sunny Corner/Frogpool MICHAEL HANLY & MICHEAL O'DONNELL - An bothan a bh' aig Fhionnghuala YSBRYD - Hedfan CLASH VOOAR - Roie, ben Juan Tammie