CHANGE OF EMAIL ADDRESS
If you have had a change of email address or know of any other member who has, please can those new contact details be made known to the Hon Sec so that circulated information can be received.
THE LIFE AND TIMES OF ILLIAM DHONE : A PRESENTATION BY CORI PHILIPS
We welcome Cori Philips again with a presentation about The Life and Times of William Christian of Ronaldsway, Illiam Dhone at 2.30pm on Saturday 2nd May in the Guild Room, adjoining Peel Methodist Church in Atholl Street, Peel.
The death of William Christian of Ronaldsway, Illiam Dhone, is a well-known event in Manx history. Less well-known is the lifetime of the man who met his untimely death before a firing squad in 1663 for the part he played in the historic events of 1651.
The lament on the death of Illiam Dhone, Baase Illiam Dhone, is quite well-known as well these days, but there are many more verses to it than are generally heard, some of which give a hint of some of the jealousies and anger to which the song refers, and which perhaps give a more nuanced picture of the cross-currents in his life. Cori Philips has been looking more closely at the events of Illiam Dhone’s life, and her presentation will be a great opportunity to get to know more about a man whose name still reverberates through Manx history.
An opportunity, as ever, for a cooish over light refreshments after Cori’s presentation.
GURA MIE EC – STEPHEN MILLER, RBV – GRATEFUL THANKS
Thanks indeed to Stephen Miller, RBV for his second presentation this month – his third to us this year –
“I often think of you and but very few beside you.” Edward Faragher (1831–1908) and Karl Roeder (1848–1911), Folklorists and Friends
It was once again a treat to hear someone who has so much knowledge at his fingertips and is so willing to share his knowledge. The presentation was recorded by James Franklin of Culture Vannin, and will be available shortly at the Culture Vannin website – www.culturevannin.im
Just a week earlier, Stephen gave “Miss Morrison at the wheel.” Sophia Morrison (1859–1917) and the Manx Language Revival, which you enjoy by clicking here.
This was once again recorded by James Franklin of Culture Vannin, and is a valuable addition to the wonderful storehouse of knowledge available online. Stephen is so generous with the fruits of his scholarship which he has made freely available from the outset through his long-running project, Çhiollagh Books, all of which can be found online with his transcriptions of original documents, background information, cross references and comments, by clicking here.
A MANX FAMILY STORY IN THREE OBJECTS
Sue Woolley gave a very interesting presentation in March, but also issued a challenge to us to look at our family histories and see what tales were there to be gathered and told, so as not to lose valuable reminiscences and pieces of history. Her own family had been involved in two artefacts being given to the Manx Museum, and she retained a third heirloom which formed part of her family story. Grateful thanks to Sue – gura mie mooar eck
SOILSHAGHEY MAGH Y BRATTAGH – SHOWING THE FLAG
Vexillology is the study of flags and their symbolism. The presentation on Saturday 7th February explored the history and symbolism of the flags of the Celtic nations, looking at them in alphabetical order – Alba, Breizh, Cymru, Eire, Kernow and Mannin.
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING AND PRESENTATION BY STEPHEN MILLER, RBV
The Annual General Meeting on Saturday 24th January 2026 was followed by an excellent presentation by Stephen Miller, RBV about the Sophia Morrison Collection of Folk-Charms. A recording was made of the presentation by James Franklin of Culture Vannin and can be seen by clicking here.
We were very fortunate that Stephen was home for a short time, and even more so that he’ll be back in April when he’ll tell us more!
Celtic Nation Kernow has been established to continue the legacy of Celtic Congress Cornwall which has existed as a Celtic organisation for over one hundred years. Time and technology has moved forward in ways our forefathers would never have imagined and we are now able to interact worldwide through the power of the internet. Celtic Nation Kernow is an integral and contemporary part of Celtic Congress Cornwall and continues its aims and goals but in a way better suited to the 21st century. You can find out more by clicking here.
Nyn Mwooise da Margaret Patricia Crellin – Our thanks to Margaret Patricia Crellin
The Manx Branch of the Celtic Congress received a generous bequest from Margaret Patricia Crellin, who passed away in Noble’s Hospital in January 2021 at the age of 91. She was sister to George Crellin of Fiddlers Green, Andreas and a relative of the late John Crellin of Close-e-Kee. Margaret spent some years in Australia but always loved things Manx. She learned the Manx language by getting sets of tapes sent out to her. In addition to her bequest to the Celtic Congress, she also made one to Yn Cheshaght Ghailckagh, with which John Crellin was, of course, so closely associated for many years.
Failt erriu gys Banglane Manninagh y Chohaglym Celtiagh
Welcome to the Manx Branch of the Celtic Congress
Eaghtyrane: Brian Kerwin
Lhiass Eaghtyrane: Stewart Bennett
Patroonyn: Clare Christian OBE; Hazel Hannan
Screeudeyr Onn: Bob Carswell
Tashteyder Onn: Bob Carswell
The Branches of the Celtic Congress in each of the six Celtic Nations of Alba (Scotland), Breizh (Brittany), Cymru (Wales), Eire (Ireland), Kernow (Cornwall) and our own Mannin Branch perpetuate the culture, ideals, and languages of the Celtic peoples, and seek to maintain an intellectual contact and close cooperation between the respective Celtic communities.
The Celtic Congress was founded in 1917, though its antecedents go back some years before that, in order to promote the knowlege, use, and appreciation of the languages and cultures of the six Celtic countries.