Blogs from Isle of Man, Europe

Gillian has tried to set the kitchen on fire twice when trying to cook carrots on a gas stove. David is now expert in cleaning blackened saucepan and carrots are now off the menu. The trains in England are amazing, they travel at 200km per hour. They are very clean and comfortable. Campbell Newman take note. We started this leg of our trip to the Isle of Man with a train journey to Liverpool and were impressed at the transformation of Liverpool Docks. The whole area is now magnificent mix of old and new buildings. Elvis and the Beatles memorabilia are everywhere, museums are first class. Next day we travelled on a catamaran built in Tasmania that the Australian Government would not buy, and we had a very rough crossing to Douglas on the Isle of ... read more

Born in the parish of Patrick seventy years ago, writer, David Moore reflects on his life growing up on the Isle of Man, and his fascinating insight into the sweet life of beekeeping. It’s not an uncommon sight to behold, hands wavering in the air and vocabulary limited to “EEK!” while running around in a commotion of circles. This is what many of us are reduced to when a tiny black and yellow insect whizzes past. Bees, a misunderstood insect are a common sight during the summer months, buzzing in and out of the canopies of bushes sprinkled with blossoming flowers in search for nectar. David Moore delves further into his understanding of bees… Bees are fascinating little machines, programmed by millions of years of evolution- like tiny travelling computers. In 1898, my grandfather Quayle gained ... read more

Guy Fawkes made his mark in history with a bang, not quite how he intended, and it feels almost cliché that we continue to commemorate his capture with dazzling displays of fireworks and bonfires. Yet, when it comes to explosives our fascination doesn’t just stop with a handful of fiery fireworks, or the chemistry lab of a school, no. It’s deep and rooted. Rightly or wrongly, our history is splattered with the use of these materials that detonate, and the Isle of Man is no exception. Donald and Margaret Watterson of Creglea Farm, in Dalby used dynamite to help clear their farmland shortly after the Second World War, around 50-years ago. “There were four steel Pylons or Radio Defense Systems (RDS) in this area ” recalls Mr. Watterson. These Radio Detection Findings (RDF) or Pylons, nicknamed ... read more

Old world charm and new world comfort go hand-in-hand on the Isle of Man, offering a relaxing escape for love struck honeymooners. WHERE TO STAY: The Island is full of amazing places to stay, from stylish boutique B&Bs and quaint cottages to grand apartments. But the jewel in the hotel crown has to be the Sefton, a luxurious 4-star hotel in the heart of Douglas. Close to the capital’s main shopping and business districts, the Sefton combines finely restored Victorian elegance, a modern extension centred round a beautiful indoor water-garden, and the new 5-star quality Sefton suites. The hotel offers the perfect setting for honeymoon or wedding celebrations, with a famously versatile venue to accommodate every size and style of wedding – from intimate to large–scale – and every stage of your special day, either individually ... read more

Guy Fawkes made his mark in history with a bang, not quite how he intended, and it feels almost cliché that we continue to commemorate his capture with dazzling displays of fireworks and bonfires. Yet, when it comes to explosives our fascination doesn’t just stop with a handful of fiery fireworks, or the chemistry lab of a school, no. It’s deep and rooted. Rightly or wrongly, our history is splattered with the use of these materials that detonate, and the Isle of Man is no exception. Donald and Margaret Watterson of Creglea Farm, in Dalby, used dynamite to help clear their farmland shortly after the Second World War, around 50-years ago. “There were four steel Pylons or Radio Defense Systems (RDS) in this area ” recalls Mr. Watterson. These Radio Detection Findings (RDF) or Pylons, nicknamed ... read more