ISLE OF MAN

LOCATION AND COMMUNICATION LINKS

The Isle of Man occupies a central position not only in the Irish Sea, but also in the British Isles. The nearest point on the mainland is the Mull of Galloway in Scotland, 17 miles (27km) away, and 31 miles (50km) to St. Bees Head in England. The Mourne Mountains in Northern Ireland lie to the west, and the North Wales coast and Anglesey (Ynys Môn) to the south. Regular sea links are maintained between the Isle of Man and England, Scotland and Ireland with good daily air services also to all the major U.K. airports, including London Heathrow.

The Calf of Man is a 616 acre islet off the southern tip of the Island, and is a bird sanctuary and has a flock of the native Loaghtan sheep.

Geologically, Manx slates predominate, except for the flat sandy northern plain, an area of red sandstone in the west and some outcrops of Carboniferous Limestone in the south. The main climatic characteristic is the all-year mildness, due to the influence of the Gulf Stream. Summer temperatures rarely exceed 80°F (26.6°C) while heavy snows and severe frosts are rare in winter.

GEOGRAPHY

The Isle of Man is approximately 32.5 miles (52km) from north to south and 13.5 miles (22km) across the east-west central valley, encompassing an area of 221 square miles (572 sq. km).

The majestic headlands and rocky cliffs shelter many bays and creeks along its attractive 100 mile coastline with fine sand and pebble beaches. A range of some twenty hilly peaks runs like a spine from north to south, the highest being Snaefell 2,036 ft (621m). Between the heather and gorse clad hills are well defined green valleys some leading to secluded glens which all add to the outstanding natural beauty and diversity of scenery.

POPULATION AND MAJOR CENTRES

The 1996 census recorded a total population of 71,769. Douglas, the capital (23,531), Onchan (8,657), Ramsey (6,878), Peel (3,847) and Castletown (2,951).

HISTORY

Celtic civilisation appears to have been dominant in the island from at least the beginning of the hon Age, circa 500 BC. Christianity was introduced in the 5th and 6th centuries and probably survived the invasion of the Vikings in the 9th century. The Vikings are credited with setting up a system of government known as Tynwald which has existed continuously for over a thousand years. Their language and culture are reflected in place names and a legacy of sculptured stone crosses. After the end of the Norse rule in 1266 the island came alternately under Scottish and English rule, until in 1405 when it was finally entrusted to a family of English Lords who in effect ruled as petty kings under British suzerainty until 1765. The Revestment Act of 1765 returned the island to direct British rule to counteract losses of United Kingdom revenue following the development of a major smuggling centre here in the 18th century. Direct rule continued until the mid 1800s, since then the political power has gradually devolved from London to the island.

GOVERNMENT

Although the Isle of Man is one of the British Isles it is not part of the United Kingdom, but an independent country which controls its own affairs. Being British it acknowledges Queen Elizabeth as Sovereign and Lord

of Mann. The Three Legs of Man which appear on the Manx flag, is a symbol of independence and the motto

QUOCUNQUE JECERIS STABIT (‘WHICHEVER WAY YOU THROW ME I STAND’) first appeared on Manx coins in 1668. This is the popular, if not the literal translation.

Tynwald Court today, consists of the upper House known as the Legislative Council, with eight members elected by the Keys, the Lord Bishop and Attorney General, and the lower House of Keys consisting of 24 popularly elected members from 15 constituencies, who serve for a period of five years. There is now a ministerial form of Government with a Chief Minister and a number of ministers who head the Departments.

Tynwald Day is celebrated on July 5th every year, when Parliament assembles on Tynwald Hill for this ancient ceremony, and new laws are promulgated in both English and the Manx language.

LANGUAGE AND CULTURE

The Manx language, ‘Gaelg’, is one of the Celtic family of languages akin to Scottish and Irish Gaelic. Once universally spoken,there was a rapid decline in the 18th and 19th centuries until it became almost extinct. However place names and signs still appear in both Manx and English, and the language is now being taught again in our Primary and Secondary schools. There is a strong love of music, singing and Manx dancing, as witnessed at the ever popular annual Yn Chruinnaght Festival of Manx and Celtic literature, music, art and drama, and at the Manx Music Festival which reflect the keen interest taken in our heritage. Music also is an important component of the school curriculum. The Island has an excellent Youth Orchestra and Youth Band. They regularly travel abroad to give concerts in different parts of the world, and are good ambassadors for the Isle of Man.

A Manx Toast

"Shoh slaynt as shee as eash dy yea, as maynrys son dy bragh."

"Here’s health and peace and length of life, and happiness for ever."

ECONOMY

During the last decade the Isle of Man has experienced sustained expansion, with the financial sector such as banking, insurance, investment and property management showing the most rapid growth.

According to the 1994/5 figures, the Finance sector accounts; for 36% of the Gross National Product, Manufacturing 11%, Tourism and Leisure 6%, Agriculture, Foresty and Fishing 2%, and other services 35%.

The Island has its own Income Tax and Customs and Excise services and it has long been a low tax area enjoying total independence from the United Kingdom on matters of direct taxation. There are no Capital Gains Taxes, Death or Inheritance Taxes, Stamp Duties, Estate Duties or Wealth Taxes.

The Island has developed into a modern international offshore finance centre.

SPORT AND LEISURE ACTIVITIES

Sport is one of the great Manx traditions, and very much a part of the island’s culture and heritage. There is a high participation level across all age groups, and members of the community have both the opportunity and encouragement to be actively engaged in competitive sport and/or leisure time pursuits.

Government support, both financial and otherwise, has been commendable; for example the assistance given in establishing the IGA Games HQ in Douglas, grants to Sports Council and the appointment of two Sports Development Officers.

In recent years facilities have improved. There are three public indoor swimming pools in different parts of the island, and the secondary school sports halls are used by the pupils during the day and by members of the community in the evenings and at weekends. There are eight excellent golf courses, good harbours and facilities for water based activities such as sailing, sail boarding, sub-aqua and fishing, and the coastal and country footpaths provide excellent walks with superb scenery.

The Bradshaw purpose built Gymnastic Centre, the Manx Superbowl, and the increasing number of private health and fitness centres are welcome additions to our indoor facilities.

The most recent development is the National Sports Centre in Douglas. The first phase is operational, incorporating a 400 metre all-weather running track and stadium, a 7,000 sq.metre synthetic grass multi-sports area and cycle track, all floodlit. Phase 2(a) will include a 8 x 2.5 metre lane, 25 metre indoor swimming pooi, with electronic timing and good seating accommodation for spectators. Phase 2(b) will be the building of the main sports hall, 44 metre x 37 metre, with 9.1 metre clearance at its lowest point, a Health and Fitness suite and ancillary facilities.

There is a well structured Sports Club network on the island, involving the majority of clubs in winter and summer league programmes. The popular sports in alphabetical order are: Angling, archery, athletics, badminton, basketball, bowls, cricket, cycling, equestrian events, football, golf, gymnastics, hockey, martial arts, motor-cycling, motor-cycle trialling, motor sports, netball, rugby, shooting, swimming, squash, table tennis, tennis and water sports. Triathion and handball are also increasing in popularity.

Sport also makes a big impact on tourism. Many thousands come to take part in the annual student, hockey and bowls festivals, and to see the world famous motor-cycling races, international cycling and car rallying events.

The Isle of Man Sports Council receives an annual Government grant for sport and recreation. Associations or Sports Clubs can apply for financial assistance in the form of grants or loans for improving facilities, purchasing equipment, coaching education, contribution to off island travel etc.

The Sports Aid Foundation was set up by the Sports Council to give financial assistance to those sportsmen and women considered to have outstanding potential by their respective Governing Bodies, usually in the form of travel grants, providing opportunities to train off island with elite squads and gain valuable experience at competing at a higher level than is possible on the island. Marie Purvis, Olympic and Great Britain cyclist, and current British Womens 25km Road Race Time Trial Champion was a recipient of this award, and also world class motor-cycle triallist Steve Colley.

SPECIAL NEEDS

There is now a greater awareness of the needs of the Disabled and those with special needs. ‘Manx Spirit’ is the co-ordinating body for people with special needs. Gateway, the Island Sports School Federation (ISSF) and Special Olympics are all active in promoting sport, health and fitness programmes for the mentally handicapped. The general aim is to encourage more integration into mainstream sport.

The aims of the ISSF are to encourage international friendship through sporting activities, for those with special needs, particularly the mentally handicapped from

small island communities. The member islands are Gotland, Guernsey, Isle of Man, Isle of Wight, Jersey, Malta, Orkney, Shetland and Ynys Mon. Each year member islands take it in turn to host the popular summer sports school. There is also a Manx branch of Special Olympics, and in recent years they have successfully participated in the World Games in Spain (1992), and in America (1995).

The Island Games Association of Mann is now firmly established. With the help of a Government grant, and vigorous fund raising, the Association continues to support strongly the IGA, and on each occasion of the biennial Games the Isle of Man has been represented by a large team, and scored a hat-trick of wins to receive the Year of Sport Cup in 1985, 1987 and 1989.

It is expected that Phase 2 of the National Sports Centre will be fully operational by the year 2001. The Isle of Man will wait with eager anticipation for the opportunity to welcome back all our IGA friends, when the Games return to its spiritual home early in the new millennium.

In Manx Gaelic we will then say:— "Ta Ellan Vannin cur failt erriu. S’taittin mooar lhien dy vel shiu er jeet, as neemayd goaill kiarail vie jiu choud’s ta shiu ayns shah!"

"Welcome to the Isle of Man. We are really glad that you have come, and we’ll take good care of you while you are here!"

Geoffrey Corlett