November 2018

www.culturevannin.im www.manxmusic.com KIAULL MANNINAGH JIU

Mee Houney 2018 November manx music today Manx calendar customs explored at the Big Bree Workshop Weekend 2018 Musical students from all over the Isle of Man gathered at the start of the October half term for the 12th annual Bree Manx music and dance weekend at the Youth Arts Centre, or the ‘Breekend’ as it has now been dubbed! This year’s workshops were themed around an exciting new range of stamps from the Isle of Man Post Office called ‘Manx Folk Traditions’ and designed by Jay Cover. Bree tutors and students took inspiration from the traditional songs, tunes, dances and folklore associated with the images on the stamps; Mheillea, Hop tu naa, Hunt the Wren, Old Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve and the Quaaltagh (first footer on New Year’s Day). Over the two days, the students worked really hard to produce pieces for the showcase concert on the Sunday afternoon for family and friends – as always, it was very entertaining! The dancers started the concert with a balanced programme incorporating Y Mheillea, Hop tu naa and Hunt the Wren, which was choreographed by tutor Caroline Helps and accompanied by a band of young Bree musicians. The composers group followed on with a new tune they had written together, which was based on the rhythm of the original Hop tu naa dance tune [SEE KIAULL NOA]. The singing group then took to the stage with a medley of songs from the various calendar customs – The Quaaltagh song, various versions of Hop tu naa in English and Manx, and a rendition of Auld Lang Syne, sung in Manx Gaelic! A folk group, who called themselves the Wandersquad then performed some traditional tunes associated with the hired fiddler of the ‘Kegeesh Ommidjagh’ [foolish fortnight] around Christmas-time and the New Year; “Wandescope 1 & 2”, followed by In this month’s edition... “Mheillea Noa”; a new tune which was written by Katie Lawrence as an • Giense with Yn alternative to the well-known dance tune. The songwriting group, led Chruinnaght & Cooish by tutor Greg Joughin, came on next, and they had taken inspiration from the Manx fairytale, “The Old Christmas”, and had penned a • NEW forthcoming albums catchy and humorous song about Peggy Shimmin from Ballacooil! from Scran & Clash Vooar More hilarity ensued from the drama group, with their interpretation • Nominate RBV 2019 of the Manx fairytale “Tehi Tegi”; the beautiful witch who was turned into a tiny wren by Manannan, and who is still hunted each year on St Stephen’s Day. The full cast of Bree students and tutors then joined together for a finale with the song and dance of Hunt the Wren. Gura mie mooar eu - huge thanks to this year’s wonderful Bree tutors; kiaull manninagh jiu 11/18 culture vannin Clare Kilgallon, Greg Joughin, Caroline Helps, Caitlin Bennett, Jo Look outfor videohighlights oftheBree weekend inthefuture from Culture Vannin: https://www.culturevannin.im/image_collection_552118.html https://www.flickr.com/photos/146057732@N07/albums/72157703019929565 Photos oftheBreekend: To findoutmore: www.manxmusic.com/education.html Officer for Culture Vannin. Chloe Woolley, Development Music Manx youth movement isorganised by Dr The Bree weekend music andManx bagpipes! Drums for popping in to demonstrate the members ofEllan Vannin Pipes and Post and Man Office fortheirsupport venue eachyear,perfect to theIsleof the Youth Centre Arts for providing the film andphotography. Bigthanks to have documented theweekend through Podobsky andJiri and Anita who Corkish Callister andFeeagh Joughin,plusRonnie https://www.iompost.com/stamps-coins/collection/manx-folk-traditions-/ More information aboutthestampissue:

kiaull manninagh jiu 11/18 culture vannin www.ynchruinnaght.com/cooish Cooish events Moreinfo about onFacebook

kiaull manninagh jiu 11/18 culture vannin are culture ableto aboutManx learn andidentity, that ensuring what we have gainedasanation will ofCulture A part Vannin's ofEducation remit that inensuring children is to work withthe Department Cover, coming together ofpositive awonderful forces. marking Jo andChloeare Stamps andCoins standingwiththeIsleofMan issueofManx Traditions stampsby Jay Hop tuNaa:https://www.culturevannin.im/manx_year_event_468995.html Yn Mheillea:https://www.culturevannin.im/manx_year_event_491585.html youIf would liketo catch uponwhat children have inschools, beenlearning theselinksshouldhelp... aturnip, itislikelythat Chloe&Joareabout carving behindit! Mheillea outofcorn, orasking aBabbanny about making home dancing, orspeaking So, ifyour childhascome andHoptuNaa. (& harvest) themes have beentheMheillea from thepicture, thetwo main As you willbeableto work out year. toconnected thistimeofthe dances, traditions andstories about themusic, songs, young peoplesomething throughout October, teaching schools over theIsleofMan have beeninto primary ofEducation, the Department Callister, ofCulture Vannin & Dr Chloe Woolley andJo past few weeks. traditions overabout Manx the children have beenlearning Hundreds school ofManx MAYHEM! HOP TU NAA dance! a demonstrationofthe Hop tunaasongsand with renditionsofseveral Bouamrane fromParis UNESCO's DrMeriem troubadours entertained This littlegroupof << generations. not belostonthefuture

kiaull manninagh jiu 11/18 culture vannin and Maughold Parishand Maughold Club. Social by Ramsey Town Commissioners Here are somepicsfrom events held gatherings. processional dancingat community avoiding the ‘other’ Hword (!!)and the traditional songsat doors, lanterns,turnip children singing this year, withabigresurgence of Hop tunaawas oneveryone’s lips Hop tunaa2018 HOP TU NAAINHISTORY past on the Manx Music andDance Music Facebookpast onthe Manx group. has delived Stephen into Miller theiMuseum Recorded live at theDalby Hubby Radio, Manx there was atraditional #HopTuNaa singalong. newspaper archive interesting to snippetsabout HTNfrom unearth days goneby! https://www.manxradio.com/radioplayer/od/items/1913/ #MRTaMeeGindys singalong Manx - Aspooky It's available hereIt's for acouple more days : Check outthearchive references inthe to Hoptunaaactivities

kiaull manninagh jiu 11/18 culture vannin Dark Islandfilm Dark company. the Culture Vannin by website aboutMera the inthefuture documentary andinaforthcoming Young Folk ofthe Musician Year, Royle. Mera was filmedsolookout The concert for excerpts on Culture Vannin, alsofeatured andtheconcert ex-student 2 andwinnerofthe2018BBCRadio the Villa Arcade. Marina The group Hair, consists ofstudents ofRachel whoteaches for harp for concert apackedaudience group lastmonth harp in Manx Claasaghputonawonderful Photo Podobsky thanks:Jiri

kiaull manninagh jiu 11/18 culture vannin Hartes Ease Hartes Research surrounding andotherprojects that era willcontinue... had lastingeffectsonthe lives ofdetainees andtheirfamilies too. betheendofstory.That won't which of course inturn of Islandhistory The camphadahugeeffectonthe life oftheIslandand ispart it willbeofgreat educational benefit to theIslandonehundred years on for localsandvisitors alike. congratulatedheartily for having achieved somuchinfour years since began. theproject We feel sure Patrick Schoolrooms, whichwillbecome thenew Visitor andArchive Centre. The organisation mustbe 2019, 7.30. pm.*(More detailslater). January isinthefinalstagesof Therefurbishment of Old Charity ofHoly permission Trinity Church, Patrick, to present by candlelight, Night", "On Christmas Sunday 6th music, OldChristmas. Manx We were delighted to accept theinvitation and have arranged, withkind hasonce againbeenrequested Charity, by theKnockaloe.im to celebrate with

kiaull manninagh jiu 11/18 culture vannin More info: http://www.crossroadsiom.org/ Manx Traditions Calendar 2019-£5.00 CardsChristmas (pack of10includingenvelopes) -£4.00 Available to buyintheCrossroad Care theCooish shopsandduring languagefestival. Manx from December. from custom. anoldManx This year's card, Christmas LaaSteaoin, St Stephen's Day, hasbeendesigned year, andeachmonth hasbeencreated traditions throughoutbased onManx the The Manx Traditions Calendar 2019is calendar for 2019. and we are shealsocreated thrilled a cardsChristmas for thepastfifteen years has beenproducing Crossroads Care's these shapesinto style. She amodern for andenjoys Celtic developing knots ceramicist Felicity Wood. Felicity hasalove designed andcreated and by localartist thecardsBoth andcalendarhave been 2019 are now available. and Manx Traditions Calendar Crossroads Care's Christmas cards perform attheglitzyawards ceremony. Mec Lir, youngdancegroup Skeddan Jiarg andharpist MeraRoyle willall Newspaper’s annual Awards forExcellence. and dancerswilldisplay theIsland’s wealthoftalentduringtheIOM Next Thursday 15thNovemberatthe Villa Marina,traditionalmusicians

2018 AWARDS FOREXCELLENCE MANX ACTS TO PERFORM AT Tickets available from Trudi Williamson: www.excellence-awards.im

kiaull manninagh jiu 11/18 culture vannin repertoire. group intend to addmore tunesto Manx their the orchestra willagain play Arrane ny Niee. The Cainle and Cur dty Vainney assolopieces, and November whenCarolyn willplay Moirreyny Isle ofMan. willbeon10th concert Their next told theaudience alittleaboutthefolklore inthe Festival, theyincludedArrane ny andCarolyn Niee lastmonth at the first performance Fleurieu Folk who hasrecently orchestra. setupaharp their In tunes onto teacher Morphett, herharp Christine year. Once backhome, shepassedtheManx Edinburgh Festival InternationalHarp this earlier workshop Hairat harp the bythe Manx Rachel Carolyn from MacDonald Australia attended MANX HARPMUSICINAUSTRALIA too! >> over alittleGaelg beenlearning inBrazilThey’ve https://www.facebook.com/arallech/ Watch 2’16” dance footwork into theirCeltic dance medley. recently included “Dance for Three” andsomeManx Brazilian dance group, Danças Celtas arallec’h, danceManx inBrazil Harrish y Cheayn - Across theSea yCheayn-Across Harrish

kiaull manninagh jiu 11/18 culture vannin the public. The recordingofFiveManxRomanceswillsoonbepublishedasaCDandmadeavailable to and composepiecesofthatvirtuosity,well,itisjustamazinginspiring”. composer ofMartin’sstaturecomehereandtakeinspirationfromsitesplacesonthe island “I amamusicianandanoccasionalcomposer,”PaulDunderdalesaid.“Whenyousee a Tower, LaxeyWheel,andTynwaldHill. drew inspirationfromthemanyculturalandhistoricallandmarkshevisited,suchasMilner’s After beingapproachedtowriteit,composerMartinEllerbycametheislandin2017and under Paul’sbaton. Scott DickinsonCharitableTrust,andhaditsworldpremiereatStNinian’sChurchinJuly thisyear, Five ManxRomanceswascommissionedbytheWindOrchestrawithsupportfromMalcolm invited.” stunningly brilliantplayers,”PaulDunderdalesaid.“Weweredelightedandprivilegedtobe “It wasawonderfuldaywatchingouranniversarypiecebeingplayedandrecordedby the collegeorchestra. associate professorofmusicattheUniversityLouisiana,USA,aregularguestconductorwith The RNCMstudentsareexceptionalmusiciansandwereconductedbyDrJeffMathews, wife Gill. Manchester inthepresenceofIOMWindOrchestramusicaldirectorPaulDunderdaleandhis The piece,playedbystudentsfromtheRoyalNorthernCollegeofMusic,wasrecordedin Orchestra’s 20thanniversary. Romances’, writtenbyrenownedcomposerMartinEllerbytomarktheIsleofManWind THE Islandissettogetapublicityboostwiththerecordingandpublicationof‘FiveManx Manx Romancestogoworldwide If you’re interested involunteering inthepavilion, alsogetintouch formore information. [email protected] to bepassed onto thefestival anddelegate forconsideration. de LorientinBrittany, getintouch! Pleasesendapromo pack (biog,photos, recordings, etc.) to If you or your group are interested inrepresenting theIslandat2019Festival Interceltique December deadline:CALLFORMANXMUSIC&DANCERS -LORIENT 2019 Festival Interceltique deLorient2nd-11thAugust2019 www.facebook.com/IOMWO/ Email [email protected] Isle ofManWindOrchestra: Further informationisavailablefromthe the IsleofManWindOrchestra! said. Afittingwaytocelebrate20yearsof ‘Manx’ stampedonit,”PaulDunderdale words ‘IsleofManWindOrchestra’and music whichwilltraveltheworldwith inspiration foraremarkablepieceof “We haveprovidedthegerm, https://youtu.be/ucoCW9oSvrk Manx classic Manx “Sheep undertheSnow” Backto the ‘70s! Triad play theold featuring Christine Teare onvocal. www.festival-interceltique.bzh Recorded by Terry Cloughat Kelly Recording Studios. videocorner Youtube/

kiaull manninagh jiu 11/18 culture vannin downloads through: www.culturevannin.im andmanxmusic.com The CD, whichwillcost soon,withonlinesalesand £10,willbelaunchedandavailable inshopsvery Thing lastyear. the bandsecure Big 2ndplace intheNext Dooraght Lawrence, by Katie whichhelped tunes andsongs, andincludesthelovely The albumfeatures oftrad avariety the Year Royle 2018,Mera onharp. 2 BBC Radio Young Traditional of Musician are agedbetween 13and18include Strengyn &Fecktones), members theScran Led by mentor, Paul (Mabon, Rogers opportunities. performance develop andto group-work provide skills ‘Bree Supergroup’ to was setupprimarily organised by Culture Vannin, andthis music youth movement, Bree, whichis hasgrownScran outoftheManx traditional musicians, Scran. debut albumofyoung group oftalented ‘Nane’, for Gaelic numberone, Manx isthe COMING SOON... DEBUT ALBUMFROM SCRAN kiaull noa Join ManxGaelicgypsy folksters atthelaunch a 10-track collection ofnewandoriginala 10-trackmaterial. collection Matt Creer’sMatt released his latest CD, ’Patient Steps’, and highly-regarded localsingersongwriter has Almost three years awell-known inthemaking, www.iomtoday.co.im/article.cfm?id=43767 taken his time working on histhird album. taken histimeworking CLASH VOOAR albumlaunch! MATT ALBUMOUT CREER-NEW of theirupcomingAlbum, Rumours ofUnease<< READ more:

kiaull manninagh jiu 11/18 culture vannin Bree young composerswere tasked with writing anewtuneto accompany the Hop tunaadance.Here’s theresult! piece whichwillfollow theadjudication. Pick upasyllabusto findoutmore! onaManx theme.music foramaximum offiveperformers Competitors oftheir mayarrange performance a *COMPOSITION To CLASS: maintainalinkwithourcultural heritage, thechallengeisto compose apiece of reading folkof Man, andManx insight inManx dancingclasses. Entriesclose9thFebruary 2019. to theIsle pertaining story/essay reading, orshort dialect original poeminManx poetry spokenManx, solosong, Gaelic Manx folk solo, recorder/tin whistlesolosandgroups, folk woodwind solo, TE Brown in shops, postoffices, etc. Amongstthemany classeson offer, there arelots that relate Manxculture: to -4thMay Guild)willbe27thApril 2019&thesyllabusisoutnow year's Festival Music Next Manx (The COMPOSITIONNEW PRIZE single/1373433046 https://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/the-isle-of-man- Download thesong IsleofMan”: “The http://chrisandkarenrewind.weebly.comperform. summerand hopetoKaren returnnext theIsleofMan the songonhershow, Sundown Easter Sunday. and Chris IsleofMan”“The andtheyfelt honored whenJudithfeatured Ontheirreturnof Man. to Columbia British theycomposed asked iftheymight beinspired to write asongabouttheIsle Island theywere by Radio’s interviewed Manx JudithLey who “Norman Wisdom IstheOne”. While theywere visitingthe that hadcomposed Chris aboutSirNorman Wisdom, called at SirNorman’s andpromote BarinDouglas atribute song Rewind” visited thisyear theIsleofmanearlier to perform A musicalduofrom Columbia British called “Chris andKaren Chris andKaren Rewind 9 5 & & Contact Manx delegate,Contact Manx Fiona McArdle, for more form: info [email protected] and entry Translation andpronunciation helpisavailable, sodon’t beafraid ofsingingfor inManx thefirsttime! original songnow. more info here: www.manxmusic.com/news_story_548534.html on Saturday 12thJanuary, ortranslate 7.30pminPeel penninganewditty your Hall, Masonic sostart willbechosento represent Gaelic an original songinManx theIsleofMan. This heat willtakeplace The InternationalPan Celtic Festival willtakeplace inLetterkenny 2019,butbefore 23-28April that,

# # Reminder - ARRANE SON MANNIN - NEW SONGFORMANNIN: Deadline:7th December SONMANNIN -NEW 2018 Reminder -ARRANE œ œ & # 6 8 œ œ œ j j œ œ œ j œ œ œ j j œ j œ H œ ™ ™ œ op tunaa J œ œ œ ™ œ ™ ™ a! No œ œ œ œ j œ J œ j œ # œ œ œ œ œ J œ j œ ee composersgroup Br ˙ ˙ ™ œ ™ j O ctober 2018 œ ™ ™ ™ kiaull manninagh jiu 11/18 culture vannin of 50to 60minutes, preferably on some traditional music.you If can would appreciate aperformance and entertain theresidents,and entertain they a Thursday orSunday afternoon. Residential Home Let ifyou Chloeknow canhelp Who willManannanfavour for thisyear’s cultural award? Links: http://www.culturevannin.im/cms/page_286033.html Manannan’s ChoiceoftheYear. Theclosingdate for nominations isMonday 26November 2018. Manannan entrusts nominations to thepeopleofIsleMan,soit’s upto you to propose [email protected] orphone676169. website –just follow links for RBV Cultural Award onthehomepage: www.culturevannin.im oremail Full details oftheaward, downloadable nomination forms andrulesare available onCulture Vannin’s designed by Jenny Kissackandreproduced by CelticGold. marble. Althoughthetrophy isonlyheldfor ayear, eachrecipient oftheRBV isawarded amedal by thelate EricAustwick, andconsists ofthefigure ofManannanstanding onapieceofPooilvaaish ‘Mananan Trophy’ together withStephen Quayle. Later reincarnated astheRBV, thetrophy was designed It was MonaDouglaswhochampionedManannanasthepatron ofManx culture, developing theoriginal Recipients are alsoentitled to usetheletters RBV after theirname. cause whichwillreceive anadditionaldonation of£500from Culture Vannin. The winneroftheaward receives apersonal donation of£500andisinvited to name aManx cultural panel. have achieved something remarkable inthepast year, detail this–allaspectsare considered by the something remarkable inonlyashortspaceoftime.Ifthey have beenactive inoneormore areas, or show how they have madeanimpactontheIsland’s culture eitherover decades ofwork orthrough Your nomination shouldassumethat thepanelknows nothingabouttheindividualorgroup. Itshould award really are diverse. artistic heritage, particularlyManx crosses), whichshows that theaspectsofManx culture covered by the (language and culture), Allan Skillan (field-walking andprehistory), andMaureen Costain Richards (Manx Cain (wildlife andenvironment), Clare Kilgallon (music,songanddance),theBunscoill Ghaelgagh of innovative onlineresources. Previous winners includetheMichaelPlayers (dialecttheatre), William Kelly received theaward, inrecognition ofdecades ofwork ineducation, publishingandthedevelopment environment, orsomeotheraspectofManx culture. Last year, Manx language teacher andauthorPhil works to promote andsupportart,dance,folklore, language, literature, music,history, education orthe But what kind ofperson could you thinkofproposing? You may want to nominate someonewho representatives from various Manx cultural organisations andthewinnerisusuallyannouncedinJanuary. who hasmadethegreatest contribution to theIsland’s culture. Nominations are considered by apanel of Celtic seagod, Manannan.The‘Reih Bleeaney Vanannan’ orRBV isawarded to anindividualorgroup Nominations are openthroughout November for anannualcultural award namedafter ourvery own volunteer sometimeto popin [email protected] in Ramsey would lovein Ramsey to hear out andshe’ll pass onyour An evening ofmusic from theisland's home-grown Truman Falls & The Jeff JepsonBand Brookfield details: 17th November, Centre, Centenary Peel, 7.30pm Save thedate!! More detailsin Friday 28th Ghennal Ghennal in Douglas December next month’snext Mollag Mollag Legion KMJ...

kiaull manninagh jiu 11/18 culture vannin Manx Manx A limitedare number ofbooks available from Culture Vannin formore foradonation.Contact Chloe information. READ thefullarticle here: and herearetheresults ofsomefurtherresearchintoit. music byJ.W Knowles,andpublishedbyB.Feldman &Co.,Ltd.,in1900,werepassedtome, details ofahithertooverlooked andlittle-knownunknownsong:Sticky Backs,withwordsand a shortpieceabouttheminduecourse.1Just afewweeksagointhelibraryofManxMuseum the Islandintheirlyrics.Ihaveaprovisional listofoverfortysuchsongs,andIhopetoproduce 1920s and30s,thatpromoteholidaysonthe Isle ofMan,andextollthevirtuesDouglas war, thereareanastonishingnumberofpopularsongsfromthemusichallera, andfromthe In additiontothe‘Kelly’ songsandFlanagan popularisedbyFlorrieFordebeforethefirstworld https://www.manxmusic.com/media/History%20photos/A%20Forgotten%20Isle%20of%20Man%20Song.pdf There isalsoalistofthecontents withlinksto sheetmusicandaudiorecordings. Oneofthesongsin Society &the Society World Association Manx 1915. http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-166247952/view?partId=nla.obj-166248074#page/n1/mode/1up To https://www.manxmusic.com/news_story_552677.html viewapdf ofthebook: the bookis “Mona” written in1877by Stephen Adams &Fred Weatherley: A ForgottenIsleofManSongbyMaurice Powell RESEARCH NEWS

European War” andpublishedonbehalfofthe withH.M.Forces serving Manxmen intheGreat was originally compiledSongs for the “Use of ofManx ABook schoolintheIsleofMan. every of alittlesongbookwhichhasbeensent to Culture Vannin hasproduced afacsimilere-print To commemorate theendofFirst World War, Commemorative editionof WWI Songbook produced for schools Manx

kiaull manninagh jiu 11/18 culture vannin way, credited was afterwards to himself, Johnnie-Willie was called- be known. They were allinvited done. to joininthechorus, whichwas heartily The song, which,by the song hewould liketo singfor them,andhinted that thecomposer ofitwas too modestto lethisname and reels, ofcalledto order for themeetingwas sort somethingspecial. The fiddlersaidhehadanew fiddlesoon Johnnie-Willie's covered hornpipes thefloorwithdancers.After indulging insomemerry enjoyable kind. madecomedy bush.Juan's ofthemost resentment ofthisunparalleledthe license-giving liberty Coolyeh attempted Juan's him,ashestood rightunder (whowellawful actually to austerity) knew kiss to fools befunny. ofthemselvesmaking trying The screaming stagewas reached whenKerry-na- you buthecouldto nomore laugh thanlotsofothersinthisworld befunny; canhelp helpmaking what was genuinelyandirresistibly funny. thing from Juan's wishorintention farthest was thevery It laughedat about to lay everybody hisneckontheexecutioner's andtook holdofthepotstick, block, ears andalmostentirely hidinghiseyes. As clay Juanputdown pipewiththegravity hiscutty ofaman manwithoutthebroad ofhisoldweather-beaten rim seen by mortal hat resting stove-pipe onhis provided great for OldJuan-a-Beth,! merriment. instance, who, sofarasthewriter knew,` was never about amongalotofrustics, maleandfemale, oldandyoung:!; oftheoldcottagers, Some particularly, to thefunandmany isutterly describe impossiblesatisfactorily drolleriesIt accompanying thisturn Tittle-whack." Hence thename of thetoothsome dish. stirring.;; closelyresemblesThe thewords, soundthepotstickmakesonsides;ofpotvery i" as to execute thefigure", eight, theoperator allthetimemoving `; re and round thepotwhileso The pot-stick-a plain,round moved wooden stirrer-is through porridge briskly thecreamy massso and thencommencesby whichthat stirring delightful thelongandbrisk dish,"Tittlewhack," ismade. this, dishofthat night's: dishafter newfrom milking, inthewholemass. the cow,is left Irto ispoured, All theyoung fellows now at taketurns mashingcr"bruising"thepotatoes, until nottheanallestlump floor onasheetortablecloth,hichprevents theslippingofthree littlepot-legs onthestone floor. ofwork. kind When peeled, thepotatoes were putbrck into thegreat pot, andthiswas setdown onthe at thepeelingwhich,astuberswere steaming hotandliableto fallto pieces, was quite aticklish When thepotatoes were done, theywere emptiedinto many dishesalongthetables, andalljoinedin bunch," ofthebig"kissing privileges astheygenerally calledit. bent onfunandmischief, everlasting ononeanother, larks practising withfrequent appealsto thehigh there, andsomeseated onthestone "bink"amongthemilk-cans, were lads andlasses, thefarmer all forms, etc., adjoining, andoutinthelongback-kitchen somedanglingtheirlegsfrom thelongtable Islands.) fromAround theOrkney theroomimported onthebig, high-backedsettles, onchairs, stools, "Bill-John" was along, on.(The oblong,with theirskins rather flat potato, grown from seedpotatoes an evening hungthebigfamilypot, fullto thelidoffavourite "Bill-John" potatoes, boilingaway remainsstill extant oftheold-timeopenfireplace. From the"swee," orcrane inthechimney, onsuch vessels,drinking metaltea andcoffee-pots, etc., etc., gave appearance abright, comfortable to the wellpolished brass. These lights, backedby several dish-covers tiersofburnished andvariouspewter and extinguishers, to incheshigh-allof thosetall, old-fashioned, ornamentalonesfrom fifteen to thirty bedroom ontheirvariousheightsones,burned ofcandlesticks-from having theshort trays, snuffers hollin" decorations stillaround thewalls andonthehighmantelpiece, whereon aboutadozen candles fashionwithribbons, rosettes,in country apples, oranges, etc. There were alsotheliteral "hibbinand not too muchinevidence, bush,aboutayard was alarge indiameter, kissing Christmas gailydecked entirely hiddenby hams, shouldersandflitches ofbacon, amongwhich,aboutthe centre, highupand A caseispoint occurs to mind,kitchen wherewas thescene, alarge, its ceiling almost stone-flagged the longwinter evenings, onesuponatime, usedto beoccasionally whiledaway by tittlewhacksprees. adapted andpeculiarly to thegrowth where oftheIsleMan, thelandisdry ofpotatoes, thenorth In BY GEORGE QUARRIE "TITTLEWHACK" "TITTLEWHACK" PTO >>

kiaull manninagh jiu 11/18 culture vannin https://www.visitisleofman.com/whats-on/hunt-the-wren-p1324991 at oneoftheselocations: Hunt thewren ispracticed each year across theIsleofMan.Joinothers Thefilmisalso available inManx Gaelic:vimeo.com/202398882 in2016:vimeo.com/202405547Mary Watch Culture Vannin films by SamHurtofHunt the Wren in Port St. www.culturevannin.im/manx_year_event_469497.html just areplica!) special pole.(Incase itneedsstating, thebird inthewren pole today is of allbirds,” whichishunted andthendancedthrough thestreets ona The practice, dating back toCeltictimes,is centred on a wren,“the king together across theIsleofManto danceandsingaround thestreets. On St.Stephen’s Day (the26thofDecember)communities come today exciting Manx traditions still practised ontheIsleofMan Hunt theWren isoneofthemost unusual,popularand [From Manx Quarterly, #26,1921]http://www.isle-of-man.com/manxnotebook/mquart/mq26184.htm Now, Kelly’s notover particular. Hewillnotsay what he’s preferrin’, As far, Ibelieve, asBillycould heave bullby thetail! Ballavarkish Put what’s inhisglass, orwhat course to pass, Here’s ahealthto ofthesea, thee, bouldking If you’reIf wantin’ Kelly, to please Misther now, And the Scotch too, mustbrew and theIrish But ifyou would have your revenge onhim, But you know, now boys, how farwe would Jus’ goto thefair-you’ll sowther himthere. And once in a while, tittle-whack !-Chorus. !-Chorus. And once inawhile, tittle-whack O, theEnglishblow agoodcheekonbeef, Give himallhe’ll askfor hiscow !-Chorus; Aw, Tommy, don’t you boy? knowyour tack, And abig “ Bill-John” on, left withtheskin With a hey-riddle, ho-riddle, riddle-om raa,With ahey-riddle, riddle-om ho-riddle, raa,With ahey-riddle, riddle-om ho-riddle, You mustgive himhisspudsandherrin’ ! And they’d dieifrobbed oftheirbeer We want you withagoodthickback Forgo andbeefale: theirwhisky Then lay into good tittle-whack, boy ! Then tittle-whack, layinto good A’. bargain orbetthat ever you met, An’ there’s nothin’ hewillnotstan’ ; Some whisky for whisky theirdailycheer; Some Jus’ tell himhe’s thekeenest han’ I’ll tell way you how; thevery “ TITTLEWHACK.” Like battle abarndoor Let rattle thepotstick Rip-a-rap, rip-a-rap, rip-a-rap, Rip-a-rap, tip-a-tap, Tip-a-tap, Chorus

kiaull manninagh jiu 11/18 culture vannin Smyth, Library and Archives Director Archives and Library Smyth, Music help. ResearchatthevwmlwassupportedbygrantfromCultureVannin. ready Music. National Manx Music, and the Ballads Manx in Collection Clague the of editing her throughout demonstrated be would (1905). (1896), are House Sharp Cecil at Library Memorial JFSS y oi, ak uye Gog Ci, ile el (rn rw Fak alr Alice Naylor, Frank row) (Front Langness, JohnCowley,KatieGell,AlfieKneen,MaudFitzsimmons. Gell. Willie Cain, Fell, J.D. George Binns, Annie (conductor), Kneen John Fitzsimmons, Clara Quayle, Alexander, Ben Cubbon, Jack Cowin, row) (Back follows: Eddy as are Cubbon, Troupe Minstrel Matthew’s Jack St the of names The year. that be to likely more it Song Society Folk-Song Matthew’s Church Choir. They performed first on first performed They Choir. Church Matthew’s Barton Clara living, the in appeared photograph This Sunday School. Sunday was goingonintheIsland). that everything capture not do day the of newspapers the said, (That concert. one-off that a performed rather choir here, the factor the is that faced they criticism the not is it that feels one but thereafter, newspapers seriously.” too ago fortnight a wrote who contributor Examiner

te ics ee re-demanded.” were pieces the of most as was “[s]uch that audience, out pointed who Troupe,” the of One “Not as signed letter a from poor.” whole the on was singing “[t]he that writing performance, their with

References: Song Society Folk-Song the of Journal the in formed Collection Clague Gilchrist Geddes Anne Observations, Correspondents, Times dtr S Mthws isrl Troupe Minstrel Matthew’s St Editor] Stephen Miller Stephen Miller The photograph is said to date from date to said is photograph The

21 vii access to Gilchrist’s personal library personal Gilchrist’s to access to be followed for those for those for followed be to

As would be expected for a scholar of her repute, her annotations are extensive and informative, as informative, and extensive are annotations her repute, her of scholar a for expected be would As Manx National Songs National Manx April April A NOTE ON ON NOTE A

30 Anon, n t on su ta dy eakn ta “th wie eiety ae te rtcss f our of criticisms the takes evidently writer “[t]he that remarking day that issue own its in ” ” Isle of Man Exami Man of Isle 1896 ii & v–viii (1926), ” ” Isl

“[Douglas] St Matthew’s minstrel ….” ….” minstrel Matthew’s St “[Douglas] “The Watchman” in his regular column in the in column regular his in Watchman” “The , , e of Man Examiner Examiner Man of e vii 4 g; g; 28 née —— Published with this note is an interim version of the annotations to annotations the of version interim an is note this with Published xvi & v–xvi (1924), ) edited a substantial selection of Manx folk songs and hymns from the from hymns and songs folk Manx of selection substantial a edited (1863–1954) Fitzsimmons ,

le after a fashion, fortunately changing to ink for ink to changing fortunately fashion, a after readable A.G. GILCHRIST’S PERSONAL LIBRARY AT THE VWML THE AT LIBRARY PERSONAL GILCHRIST’S A.G. THE ST MATTHEW’S MINSTREL TROUPE MINSTREL MATTHEW’S ST THE “Minstrels in Victoria’s Day Victoria’s in “Minstrels ner ), and (1896),

2 281–342. between

May May 16 , ” ” Isle of Man Times Man of Isle

the of numbers three spanning (1842–1908), Clague John Dr by 1890s May May Manx National Songs and Manx National Manx and Songs National Manx se f a Times Man of Isle 1896 of Colby. of , however, the concert details match those for those match details concert the however, 1899, of the Vaughan Williams Memorial Library, Cecil Sharp House Sharp Cecil Library, Memorial Williams Vaughan the of 1896 ; “—— 99–198; , 1924 mns hr esnl irr dntd o h Vuhn Williams Vaughan the to donated library personal her Amongst

[ Manx National Music National Manx 8 , as well as , ]c. , [page not scanned]; scanned]; not [page ,

and e personally her The link with St Matthew’s was that they were also the St the also were they that was Matthew’s St with link The Isle of Man Examiner Examiner Man of Isle 1926: (1896) , ” ” , as to her and her to as 23

Isle of Man Times Times Man of Isle 16 for April

(ii),” her mentions of the troupe in the in troupe the of mentions further no are There May May h lte apae i the in appeared letter The “Songs from the Isle of Man (Part i),” (Part Man of Isle the from “Songs , sent in by a member of the troupe then still then troupe the of member a by in sent 1953,

, in the Regent Hall, Regent the in 1896, 1896 JFSS Pseud [signed “Not One of the Troupe”] the of One “Not [signed Pseud noae cpe of copies annotated Examiner ), as well as well as (1898), ; ; su [ind Te Watchman “The [signed Pseud Nicholas Wall, Librarian, Wall, Nicholas vii 18 11 29

April April April April xi & v–xi (1925), for 1953 1896 2 This brought forth a response a forth brought This Music. , , May , , 4 4 b g; g; bs and Sayings and Proverbs Manx –

. JFSS. Manx National Songs National Manx ax ald ad Music and Ballads Manx e; e; —— was not, however, taken however, not, was Times Isle of Man Examiner Man of Isle I wish to thank Laura thank to wish I in aid of funds for the for funds of aid in not ; “—— 203–76; . “Fixtures . She used pencil in pencil used She 1896,

Manx Ballads and Ballads Manx the verdict of the of verdict the for , for their for vwml, ”]. “Miscellaneous “Miscellaneous ”]. Journal of the of Journal , 16 and so make so and

., Marion j.p., “[Letter to the the to “[Letter , ” ” a, the May, Isle of Man Man of Isle

(iii),” , “To “To ,

and for

kiaull manninagh jiu 11/18 culture vannin Smyth, Library and Archives Director Archives and Library Smyth, Music help. ResearchatthevwmlwassupportedbygrantfromCultureVannin. ready Music. National Manx Manx Ballads and Music, and the Ballads Manx in Collection Clague the of editing her throughout demonstrated be would (1905). (1896), are House Sharp Cecil at Library Memorial JFSS Song Society Folk-Song y oi, ak uye Gog Ci, ile el (rn rw Fak alr Alice Naylor, Frank row) (Front Langness, JohnCowley,KatieGell,AlfieKneen,Maud Fitzsimmons. Gell. Willie Cain, Fell, J.D. George Binns, Annie (conductor), Kneen John Fitzsimmons, Clara Quayle, Alexander, Ben Cubbon, Jack Cowin, row) (Back follows: Eddy as are Cubbon, Troupe Minstrel Matthew’s Jack St the of names The year. that be to likely more it was goingonintheIsland). that everything capture not do day the of newspapers the said, (That concert. one-off that a performed rather choir here, the factor the is that faced they criticism the not is it that feels one but thereafter, newspapers seriously.” too ago fortnight a wrote who contributor Examiner School. Sunday on first performed They Choir. Church Matthew’s Barton Clara living, the in appeared photograph This

References:

Song Society Folk-Song the of Journal the in formed Collection Clague Gilchrist Geddes Anne te ics ee re-demanded.” were pieces the of most as was “[s]uch that audience, out pointed who Troupe,” the of One “Not as signed letter a from poor.” whole the on was singing “[t]he that writing performance, their with Observations, Correspondents, Times Times dtr S Mthws isrl Troupe Minstrel Matthew’s St Editor] production of production ny‘Irree Monica Mudie’sMonica ballet Stephen Miller The photograph is said to date from date to said is photograph The Stephen Miller Greiney’ to musicby AG Gilchrist’s annotatedcopyofManxBalladsandMusic[interimversion]byStephenMiller: https://www.manxmusic.com/media/History%20photos/AGG%20MBM%20Annotations%20Interim_S.pdf 21 vii access to Gilchrist’s personal library personal Gilchrist’s to access to be followed for those for those for followed be to

30 Anon, 1953 n t on su ta dy eakn ta “th wie eiety ae te rtcss f our of criticisms the takes evidently writer “[t]he that remarking day that issue own its in ” ” Isle of Man Exami Man of Isle 1896 ii & v–viii (1926), ” ” Isl

2 281–342. between

May May 16 , ” ” Isle of Man Times Man of Isle

the of numbers three spanning (1842–1908), Clague John Dr by 1890s May May Manx National Songs and Manx National Manx and Songs National Manx se f a Times Man of Isle 1896 of Colby. of , however, the concert details match those for those match details concert the however, 1899, of the Vaughan Williams Memorial Library, Cecil Sharp House Sharp Cecil Library, Memorial Williams Vaughan the of legendary lostrecordings live atlegendary ofhimsinging carvals The Lhen 1896 ; “—— 99–198; , 1924 mns hr esnl irr dntd o h Vuhn Williams Vaughan the to donated library personal her Amongst

In the Manx theManx In Top 20for in1958, even therunupto Hop-tu-naa [ Manx National Music National Manx 8 , as well as , ]c. Elvis was nomarch for theLon DhooandLon Vane choirs! Elvis was a fan of Gospel musicandhopefullyonedayElvis was afanofGospel the , [page not scanned]; scanned]; not [page ,

and “Don’t step onmy bluesuedecarranes….” e personally her The link with St Matthew’s was that they were also the St the also were they that was Matthew’s St with link The Isle of Man Examiner Examiner Man of Isle 1926: (1896) , ” ” , as to her and her to as 23

Isle of Man Times Times Man of Isle 16 Oie’l Verrey willbefound andreleased. for April

Gura mieayd Stephen Miller! , in the Regent Hall, Regent the in 1896, 1896 JFSS Pseud [signed “Not One of the Troupe”] the of One “Not [signed Pseud noae cpe of copies annotated Examiner ), as well as well as (1898), ; ; su [ind Te Watchman “The [signed Pseud Nicholas Wall, Librarian, Wall, Nicholas vii 18 11 29

April April April April xi & v–xi (1925), for 1953 1896 2 This brought forth a response a forth brought This Music. , , May , , 4 4 b g; g; bs and Sayings and Proverbs Manx –

Manx Ballads and Ballads Manx the verdict of the of verdict the for , for their for vwml, ”]. “Miscellaneous “Miscellaneous ”]. Journal of the of Journal , 16 and so make so and

., Marion j.p., “[Letter to the the to “[Letter , ” ” a, the May, Isle of Man Man of Isle

(iii),” , “To “To ,

and for

kiaull manninagh jiu 11/18 culture vannin TRANSCRIPTION OFTHEMONTH piano. Download itfor free here: https://www.manxmusic.com/learn_page_550695.html Frank Woolley hasproduced alovely carol Christmas arrangement ofthisManx for SSAchoirand LULLABY OF THE VIRGIN MARY ARRANGEMENT -CHORAL see www.manxmusic.com formoreprintablepiecesofManxmusic

kiaull manninagh jiu 11/18 culture vannin DECEMBER Whitehouse, Peel,8pm(seeposter) 29th ClashVooaralbumlaunch,The 7.30pm SOLDOUT Taste ofChristmas,StJamesChurch,Dalby, 24th CaarjynCooidjagh&RachelHair, Centre, seeposter 17th TrumanFallsconcert,Centenary com (seeposter) Masonic Hall,£5/3info@ynchruinnaght. 17th YnChruinnaghtCooishGiense,Peel 18), CultureVannin,2–3.30pm 10th Breesessionforyoungmusicians(10- Pensioners, PhilipChristianCentre,7.30pm 7th CaarjynCooidjaghsingingforPeel NOVEMBER CALENDAR 7th CaarjynCooidjaghChristmassongsin 7.30pm £24/20villagaiety.com 7th Manannan’sWinterfest,GaietyTheatre, Villa Marina2.30pm premiere ofCharlesGuard’sStMaughold, 2nd IOMSymphonyOrchestraconcertwith of M.Esupportgroup. would beverywelcome.Collectioninaid like tojoininfrom3til4p.m.singcarols from 2p.mtil4p.m. Anysingerswhowould 1st CaarjynCooidjagh atTynwaldMills PRESS: please feelfreetopickuparticles withoutnamedauthors tospreadtheword aboutManxculture Call: or writeto:

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