November was when we found out the DoI was considering plans for tunnels and flyovers around the TT course, spending literally millions of pounds to help traffic congestion for four weeks a year. Meanwhile the gov also announced that TT 2021 was cancelled, marking the first time since World War […]
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New Years Resolutions 2021
Who else is ready to say a fond farewell and f*ck off to 2020? This year has been a shocker globally. However, we’re all about welcoming the #posivibes in 2021 with some New Year’s Resolutions. Be more creative with our baking While we all missed Mr B’s (other bakeries are […]
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Gef’s 2020 Yearbook: September to October
September saw Covid back on the the island as a returning resident tested positive for the virus, however while we would see more cases, the vast majority of them were isolating individuals. With airlines around the world struggling to survive the pandemic, people on the island were calling for the […]
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Gef’s Tynwald Roundup
Tynwald has sat for what they promised is the last time this year, here is what you need to know. I wish we’d closed earlier Chief Minister HQ has told members he wished the gov had closed the borders a week earlier at the start of the pandemic. Mr Quayle […]
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IOM GOV UPDATE 30th DEC
WELL GOOD AFTERNOON EVERYONE HOPE YOU HAD A NICE CHRISTMAS DR HENNY IS ON HAND TO CHAT ABOUT THE OXFORD VACCINE AND WE HAVE DAVE CORLETT (BREXIT BRAIN) MAKING HIS DEBUT TO HELP OUT WITH ANY TOUGH BREXIT Q’S FIRST UP – BREXIT – THE BASICS THERE WAS A REFERENDUM […]
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Gef’s 2020 Yearbook: July to August
A tremendous boy with a big heart was cheered on by the Great Manx Public as Dylan Walton scaled Snaefell to raise money for Rebecca House. After completing a lap of the NSC, Dylan was given a police escort to the Bunaglow before he climbed the rest of the way, […]
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Gef’s Daily Roundup
New Years’ Dip A dip in the freezing sea is a great way to start 2021 and in Douglas, dippers can help raise money for two Manx charities as well. With the dip being started by Health Minister Ashy, who may or may not be going in himself. This year’s […]
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A ‘skinny latte’ but a good deal
The Chief Minister says the UK’s deal with the EU represents what the Isle of Man wanted when negotiations started. Speaking to Tynwald HQ outlined what it means for our island and outlined the risks we faced at the start of the process. The risks These included that if there […]
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Gef’s 2020 Yearbook: May to June
In May we discovered that the MGP and Classic TT were cancelled too, but while there was an acceptance of that, the decision to scrap the Senior Race Day bank holiday led to a petition that attracted thousands of signatures before Treasury Minister Alf Cannan announced he was moving it […]
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Gef’s Daily Roundup
Shining a light on the island’s sports stars The Isle of Man Sports Awards will be held in front of a live audience in 2021 to celebrate the achievements of the island’s leading athletes, coaches and teams. Despite the 2020 sporting calendar being limited by Covid-19 restrictions, the evening will […]
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Gef’s Guide to an Election Year
In the coming months, you may notice a number of men and women appearing in your gardens, knocking on your doors or creating new pages on Facebook. But fear not, they are not (that) dangerous: they don’t want your money, your bank details or your jewellery- just your vote. After […]
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Gef’s 2020 Yearbook: March to April
On March 16, Chief Minister HQ sat behind a table and told residents that ‘the 2020 Isle of Man TT is cancelled’ and it finally became clear that we would not be spared from Covid-19. Just three days later, the first case was confirmed on the island and by the […]
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Brexit Jargon Buster
On Christmas Eve, the UK and EU formally agreed a post Brexit trade deal, but this is full of jargon, even its name the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement, sounds far from simple, so we’ve created this explainer that will hopefully help outline all you need to know going into […]
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Gef’s 2020 Yearbook: January to February
It was a case of the January after the December before to kick off 2020 as the hangover from 2019 stuck around like a Tinder date who won’t leave. In Australia wildfires continued to decimate habitats and homes, with 72,000 square miles of land destroyed and species driven to extinction, […]
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Access Denied: Part 6
Throughout Christmas week, Gef has been talking to people about their experiences of being separated from their families. This woman who contacted us said that difficulties with shared parenting has left her and her daughter in a cycle of isolation. She has shared with Gef the letter she sent to […]
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Manx Boxing Day Traditions
While it might feel like the island’s Boxing Day tradition is staying in your pyjamas for the majority of the day, and then heading out to the pub, there are some more deep rooted traditions. We’ve decided to highlight some of the Manxest traditions in the Isle of Man. Hunt […]
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Access Denied: Part 5
Throughout Christmas week Gef is talking to people about their experiences of being separated from their families. Both these people spoke to us before the newly announced border restrictions. A woman who emailed Gef after reading another person’s experience told us she wanted to ‘encourage conversation on the Island about […]
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Manx fishes remain on EU dishes
A limited number of European fishing boats will be allowed to fish in Manx waters as part of the Brexit trade deal. The free trade agreement, announced today by Prime Minister Boris Johnson ensures tariff and quota-free trade with the EU will continue for Manx produce. While the Isle of […]
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Gef’s Daily Roundup
Ponies join carol service Staff from across DHSC, Hospital and Community Services formed a united choir to sing Christmas carols at Noble’s Hospital this week. Carollers sang to a packed atrium while just outside, five Shetland ponies and their handlers – dressed as elves along with three wise men – […]
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Access Denied: Part 4
Throughout Christmas week Gef is talking to people about their experiences of being separated from their families. Both of these people spoke to us before the new border restrictions were announced on Tuesday December 22. Here a woman tells us how her son’s health problems have made the year much […]
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Will you take the Pledge?
Plastic Busters We started this year with the world on fire, and it’s not got much better. While a more pressing threat has been demanding our attention since March, it’s important that we keep the environment in our mind. Helping us keep the environment at the forefront of our actions […]
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Confessions of a Disorganised Man at Christmas
Gef’s guide on what not to do this Christmas Eve by and for a disorganised man The panic It’s bound to happen, you meant to buy that present but you forgot. You got everything else when you did all your shopping that Thursday night before the office party and you […]
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Gef’s Daily Roundup
GP changes to stay GPs across the island will continue to offer a mix of in-person and telephone appointments in line with an agreed approach to keep patients, staff and the wider public healthy and safe. Health and Social Care Minister Ashy said: ‘By making a decision about whether a […]
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Access Denied: Part 3
In the days before Christmas Gef is talking to people about their experiences of being separated from their families. Today a woman who moved to the UK tells us how her family has been unable to support her sister through a difficult year with a newborn baby. She spoke to […]
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Student Campaigns For Free Condoms
Isn’t it wild that the most effective safe sex campaign for young people on the island is the free Pasante you get when you order a ‘Shag on the Prom’ from Peggy’s? Sixth-former Mitzi Danielson-Kaslik, 16, is on a mission to improve the sexual health of the young people on […]
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Mixed response to new regulations
Liberal Vannin leader Lawrie Hooper MHK has told Gef of his mixed feelings over the new covid and border restrictions announced by the Chief Minister today. You can see Gef’s roundup of the gov update here. Mr Hooper said: ‘Whilst I applaud the government for taking quick action following reports […]
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Gef’s Daily Roundup
Chief Minister announced changes After wishing us all a Merry Christmas and promising to see us in the New Year, HQ, Ashy and Dr Henny were called back to explain what the worsening situation in the UK means for the island. They announced a wide range of measures which will […]
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IOM GOV UPDATE 22ND DEC
HQ, ASHY & HENNY UK UPDATE THERE HAS BEEN A RAPID DETERIORATION REGARDING THE UK’S COVID SITUATION THEY’RE AT THEIR HIGHEST DAILY TOTAL OF CASES TOTAL NUMBER OF PEOPLE IN UK TO HAVE TESTED POSITIVE REACHED 2M ON WEDNESDAY ON MON 14TH DEC THERE WAS A NEW, MORE CONTAGIOUS STRAIN […]
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Access Denied: Part 2
In the run up to Christmas, Gef is speaking to people who have found themselves stuck off island and unable to return due to the border closure. One man who contacted us told Gef about how he and his fiance, who are both from the island but work in London, […]
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Keys in Brief
Tim Baker, DOI Minister Only three GCSE and A-Level students studying Manx Figures released by Education Minister Dr Al show that just three students in Years 10, 11, 12 and 13 are studying Manx in the island. Castle Rushen, QE II and Ramsey Grammar schools all have one student studying […]
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Gef’s Daily Roundup
What happened in the world today Border restrictions being reviewed Ministers are considering changes to the island’s border policy following the rapid spread of the new strain of Covid in the UK. A decision is due to be announced on Tuesday as to whether any changes will be made. Chief […]
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Access Denied: Part 1
Since the island’s borders were effectively closed in March, the Great Manx Public has been a bit split on when they should reopen and who should be allowed to travel. This week Gef has spoken to several people who have been affected by the mental strain of being apart, particularly […]
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Your Weekend In Brief
What happened this weekend V-Day Health Minister Ashy confirmed that the island’s V-Day won’t be until January 4. He said the delay was because of ‘a small number of critical issues’. There had been hope the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine rollout would have begun today. Busy weekend for the police The […]
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V-Day Confirmed
The gov has confirmed January 4 2021 will be the island’s V-Day. Health Minister Ashy said: ‘We had thought it might be possible to start vaccinating from Monday, but with a small number of critical issues outstanding, the practical option is to start on the next available date, January 4 […]
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Miss Bradley’s 2020 Naughty & Nice List
Funny story: I have a very specific fantasy of playing God, and determining who gets into heaven, and who will face eternal damnation. I’m not convinced I’ll ever get to live out my fantasy, so here’s my naughty and nice list instead. Naughty list Five welders from Donny Yeah lads, […]
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Gef’s Weekly Skeet
In a week when we had the arrival of the Pfizer vaccine and a man on a jet ski got everyone talking, we’ve got the latest skeet… Jet ski man A love sick roofer made headlines around the world as Dale McLaughlan arrived on the island by jet ski […]
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Gef’s News Roundup
Seven things that happened in the world today that we thought you needed to know: Santa Claus is coming to town After Douglas held its Santa Dash on Wednesday, it’s Ramsey’s turn this weekend. Taking place at 11am on Saturday morning the town’s Santa Dash is in aid of the […]
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Keys gets V-Day update
We will know V-Day date today We will know by the end of the day when the island’s vaccine roll out will begin. Health Minister Ashy told the House of Keys this morning that the paperwork provided by the UK gov is now being considered by the island’s Attorney General. […]
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Together At Christmas
The festive period should be a time of joy, but with the island having closed borders this year, many people face a potentially lonely Christmas. This year, local girl Sarah Mercer is encouraging us all to make the most of Christmas by embracing the #TogetheratChristmas campaign. The campaign intends to […]
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IOM GOV UPDATE 17TH DEC
HQ, ASHY & HENNY GOOD AFTERNOON EVERYONE JET SKI STORY IT HAS BEEN AN UNUSUAL FEW DAYS AS THE LOVESICK JET SKIER STORY WENT NATIONAL MANY REPORTED IT AS TONGUE AND CHEEK, A LOVE STORY BUT THIS INDIVIDUAL BROKE THE LAW THINGS COULD HAVE ENDED UP VERY DIFFERENTLY, ESPECIALLY THIS […]
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Gef’s News Roundup
Six things that happened in the world today: The vaccine has landed This biggest news on the island today is the arrival of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine. Delivered early on Wednesday morning, the gov is putting the final preparations in place for the roll out to begin, starting with care homes, […]
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Saved by The Boot
The Cosy Nook cafe in Port Erin has been given a stay of execution by Environment Minister Geoffrey Boot, Gef looks at the history of this quirky historic building. What is the Cosy Nook? Today the Cosy Nook is a closed cafe which evokes childhood memories of train rides to […]
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The Vaccine Has Landed
tray of Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine phials The first batch of the island’s share of the Covid-19 vaccine is here and we’re close to a roll out starting, so here’s a little explainer. How and when did it get here? The vaccine was delivered by a courier in the early hours of […]
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Gef’s News Roundup
Five things that you need to know today: Emergency GP appointments only tomorrow afternoon Routine GP appointments will not be available between 1pm and 6pm on the afternoon of December 17 as GPs attend their latest education session.Anyone who needs to see a doctor urgently should ring their surgery for […]
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Isolation could be cut to 10 days
Gef understands that the gov is working towards a major change in its testing and isolation policy. Currently all arrivals in the island are subject to a mandatory 14 day isolation. With the exception of key workers, arrivals must either be able to isolate alone or their whole household must […]
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Tynwald In Brief
Up to 30 of the island’s secondary school teachers look set to be starting off the new year working from home. Figures released in Tynwald by Education Minister Dr Al, shows that Ballakermeen High School expects a maximum of 10 teachers to be working from home. He was asked how […]
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Five Misconceptions About Being A Manx Muslim.
Failt ort, my fellow Manxies! As you may have noticed, the British media’s portrayal of Muslims has been pretty negative, resulting in a lot of misrepresentations of the Muslim community, both on and off the Isle of Man. Here are five major misconceptions about being a Manx Muslim. ‘You […]
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Gef’s News Roundup
Five things Gef thinks you need to know today: No new equipment from the Chinese firm Huawei can be installed in the island from the end of this year. The government, alongside Jersey and Guernsey is working to safeguard the island’s telecoms networks and address the ‘risks associated with the […]
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Love In The Time Of Corona
Why can’t I find a man like Dale McLaughlan? Love has always been a fickle thing. But love in a time of swipe-for-someone-better, ghost-me-if-you-don’t-like-me, deliveroo-style dating is especially feeble. Dating apps play with our little monkey brains, reminding us that there’s always someone newer, better, fresher around the corner. It’s […]
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Gef’s News Roundup
Five things Gef thought you needed to know today: Three new cases of Covid-19 have been identified in the island, bringing the total number of active cases to four. The three new cases were confirmed as of 4pm on Monday. Two of the cases are returning Manx residents and the […]
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If I Could Write The Climate Bill
As you might remember from a September article from Gef, the Climate Change Bill 2020 is currently in the legislative process, and is a chance to massively impact the Island’s route to carbon neutrality. It all kicked off in June 2019, when Tynwald voted to create a ‘Climate Emergency Transformation […]
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IVF During a Pandemic
The Covid pandemic brought nearly all other medicine to a standstill, including fertility treatments. Gef has talked to an expecting mother about her and her partner’s experience of IVF in 2020 including masking up and why pineapples were so important. What restrictions were in place when you were undergoing treatment? […]
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Feeling Connected this Christmas and Beyond
I am someone who’s family, because of Covid-19, won’t all be together this Christmas. I haven’t seen some of my friends who live off island for a long time. Many of you will be in the same boat. If you’d have told me this back in March, I’d have laughed […]
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Gef’s Weekly Skeet
In a week when the post office released triangular stamps and tractors lit up the island, we’ve got the latest skeet… The Post office releases first ever triangular stamps You can’t reinvent the wheel, but you can reinvent the stamp. The Isle of Man post office has released four […]
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IOM GOV UPDATE 11TH DEC
HQ, ASHY AND HENNY UPDATE IT’S BEEN A MONUMENTAL WEEK WITH THE UK BEING THE FIRST TO ROLL OUT THE VACCINE 90-YEAR-OLD MARGARET WAS THE FIRST TO GET THE JAB IN THE UK THE VACCINATION PROGRAM IS ALL ABOUT SAVING LIVES AND RETURNING LIFE TO NORMAL IOM VACCINATION PROGRAM IT’S […]
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2020 NYE Roundup
Not sure what to do this NYE? We’ve got you covered. Full Moon Party Where: Foraging Vintners From: 7pm Ticket price: £10pp Perfect for: people welcoming the new year in with some glow sticks Booking: http://www.foragingvintners.com Foraging Vintners will be hosting a ‘Full Moon Party’ to bring in the new […]
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All About That Manx Produce
Supporting local businesses has never been more important, especially with the year we’ve just had. One business that supports local producers and suppliers is Robinson’s Fresh Foods who work with a ton of Manx suppliers. We caught up with two local businesses that Robinson’s work with: The Fish Market ran […]
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If Christmas Films Were Set In The Isle of Man…
We all love a festive film this time of year but it got us thinking, what would some of our all time faves look like if they were set in the Isle of Man? Home Alone Home Alone would be a non-starter in the Isle of Man. The McAllisters would […]
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What Is OnlyFans?
From Beyoncé lyrics to BBC documentaries, it appears that this year OnlyFans is everywhere. Gef put back on his investigative journalism fedora to get all the details. So what is OnlyFans? OnlyFans is a platform designed for users to create content for “fans”. It’s all behind a paywall, with users […]
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Fact Check: Does Gef the Mongoose bring Christmas presents?
Image: Starkey Comics This week, an article by Starkey Comics made the rounds, claiming our namesake, Gef the Mongoose, takes the role of Father Christmas on-island. The article stated that Gef, born in New Delhi in 1852, delivers Christmas presents to children, if they leave out biscuits, chocolates and a […]
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A Love Letter to: O’Donnell’s
Ad Feature by Okell’s Inns In any city worth visiting, there is an Irish pub. London, Paris, Tokyo: all have their very own Irish pubs. Even Vatican City probably has its own little Irish pub, hidden away in an obscure back alley, where the Pope heads for a pint of […]
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Gef’s Weekly Skeet
In a week when a vaccine was approved and TT 2021 was cancelled, we’ve got the latest skeet… Pfizer and BioNTech vaccine gets approved The Pfizer and BioNTech vaccine has been approved by the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) , the body responsible for regulating medicines meaning […]
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Santa’s on a Bike 2020
The Isle of Man without bikes is a bit like Ant without Dec: it just doesn’t feel right. With the TT having been cancelled in 2020 AND 2021, it feels like there is a desperate void that needs filling on the island. It just isn’t the same without hundreds of […]
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Shop Local This Christmas
Ad Feature by Robinson’s Fresh Foods Ah, the merry bells of Christmastime have begun to toll, and with them, as sure as eggs are eggnog, so too has the creaking of wicker, the rustle of shredded tissue paper, and the satisfying pop of a jar of spiced chutney being opened: it’s officially […]
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IOM GOV UPDATE 3RD DEC
VACCINATION SPECIAL – ASHY, HENNY AND KATHRYN MAGSON ASHY UPDATE ‘I’M JOINED TODAY WITH HENNY AND KATHRYN WHO HAVE BEEN AT THE FOREFRONT OF THE PANDEMIC’ IOM IS COVID-FREE, SINCE YESTERDAY – NO ACTIVE CASES THANKS TO THE GREAT MANX PUBLIC FOR KEEPING US SAFE BUT WE WILL LIKELY GET […]
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A slice of Apple heaven
Ad Feature by iQ IOMI can probably pinpoint 2007 as the greatest turning point of my life. Not only did Barbara Windsor stop me in the street and ask me if I knew where the nearest public bathrooms were (true story), but I also embarked on a journey of moral […]
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Getting to know Manx Men: Dating with closed borders
After lockdown, we were all just a bit touch-starved. While being single can be sound, when you can’t embrace its freedoms, it’s all a bit lonely. When you’re on your 8th box set, it’s only human to want to have a little cuddle with someone who isn’t your dog (no […]
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December’s Foodie Roundup
Who doesn’t love a Christmas night-out? If your calendar isn’t already jam-packed with festive goodness, we’ve got some events for you. NEW RESTAURANTS ALERT Pizza Napoli One of the island’s best wood-fired pizza takeaways have opened their sit in restaurant on Prospect Terrace. While we love a Pizza Napoli in […]
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TT 2021 Cancelled – Gov Statement
“The Isle of Man Government has taken the decision, as a result of the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic, to cancel the 2021 Isle of Man TT Races, which were due to take place from Saturday 29th May to Saturday 12th June next year. Minister for Enterprise, Laurence Skelly MHK said: […]
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GEF SESSIONS: EPISODE 2
This episode is sponsored by Sir Norman’s Theatre Bar https://media.blubrry.com/thetalkingmongoose/p/dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/static1.squarespace.com/static/5e7b3bb1c479f649689bc535/t/5fc38b9a4f983757204d6e76/1606651248359/Sunset+Jet+-+Gef+Sessions+%28online-audio-converter.com%29.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download
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Gef’s Weekly Skeet
In a week when Wobble and Bobble return to the sea and there was some progress on the prom, we’ve got the latest skeet… Drug gang banged up A drug gang who plotted to bring £500k worth of cannabis to the island have been sentenced. Among the gang was a […]
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120 years of The Gaiety Theatre
Ad Feature by VillaGaiety The Gaiety Theatre. You’ve probably been in it. Maybe you’ve enjoyed a fantastically camp panto, watched some local talent perform in a production, or watched some live comedy from some of the best comedians on the UK circuit. The Gaiety is hard to miss; an impressive […]
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Go Wax Go
Hannah Simpson Necessity, they say, is the mother of invention. When Hannah Simspon, a local beauty therapist, found warm chewing-gum-like wax covering, and thus ruining, her carseat, handbag and footwell after breaking suddenly while transporting warm wax between salons, she knew she needed a piece of equipment to help the […]
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IOM GOV UPDATE 26TH NOV
HOWARD, DAVID & HENNY GOOD AFTERNOON EVERYONE COVID DEATH EARLIER THIS WEEK A MANX RESIDENT DIED FROM COVID-19, OUR THOUGHTS ARE WITH THEIR FAMILY AND FRIENDS UPDATE THREE NEW CASES SINCE LAST WEEK ALL BECAME SYMPTOMATIC IN ISOLATION ONE OF THE CASES WAS A CLOSE CONTACT TO SOMEONE IN THE […]
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Christmas at Robinson’s
Ad Feature by Robinson’s Fresh Foods 2020 has been a bit of a shocker globally, and we’re all pretty much ready to see the year out. But before we wave goodbye to this year, it’s time to celebrate the most wonderful time of (certainly this) year: CHRISTMAS. Christmas is class, […]
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Eat, Drink And Be Merry?
Eat, Drink And Be Merry? The reality of living with an eating disorder during the “most wonderful time of the year”. Christmas is often thought of as a relaxing time of year – time spent with family and friends, eating good food and drinking one too many (mulled) wines – […]
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Manxies Making Waves
Media partnership with Extraordinary Islanders We all know that Manxies are capable of achieving extraordinary things. Here at Gef, in collaboration with Extraordinary Islanders, we’ve decided to highlight some incredible Manxies, including some household names and unsung heroes, who are doing fantastic things. Familiar faces Conor Cummins Conor Cummins is […]
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Charity roundup
This week’s charity roundup includes a 21 year old shaving her hair off for Breast Cancer and 20 years of Southern Dippers. Motiv8 appeals for funds The Manx addiction charity Motiv8 have launched an appeal for funds. If services close, there will no longer be support for young people and […]
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Gef’s Weekly Skeet
In a week when Serpent, Reef and MHKs got additional funding, we’ve got the latest skeet… Brand new head teacher for Ramsey Grammar With Annette Baker retiring next year, Ramsey Grammar have appointed a new head teacher , Sarah Findlater. Devon-born Mrs Findlater has an impressive C.V, having worked in […]
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Money, Money, Money
Money, money, money, must be funny in the Tynwald world. Okay so they weren’t singing about MHKs but who doesn’t love a bit of ABBA on a Friday. So, this week Tynwald voted to follow the recommendations of a panel including former Chief Min Sir Miles Walker to boost MHKs’ […]
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Gef’s Grotto
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again… We’re pretty lucky to be living on the Isle of Man at the minute, especially as we head into the festive season. While Christmas will be tough without our family and friends who can’t get past the border, we can enjoy […]
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IOM GOV UPDATE 19TH NOV
GOOD AFTERNOON EVERYONE UPDATE THREE NEW CASES OF COVID-19 SINCE LAST WEEK THEY ARE PART OF THE CLUSTER THEY WERE ALREADY SELF ISOLATING AND ALL BECAME SYMPTOMATIC DURING ISOLATION TO THOSE WHO HAVE ISOLATED – THANKS FOR FOLLOWING THE RULES, YOU’VE PROTECTED THE ISLAND. A BIG THANKS TO THE CONTACT […]
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Encouraging Men To Talk About How They Feel
The focus on the 19th November is often on men’s wellbeing as part of International Men’s Day, and with the month of November being used to draw attention to Men’s Mental Health, there really is a big emphasis on encouraging men to talk more openly about how they’re feeling. With […]
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Area Plan for the East: Update
Ray Harmer, image credit: Isle of Social A couple of week’s ago, we wrote an explainer piece about the Area Plan for the East and how it could affect you, which you can read here. Since then it’s developed and this week, Members of Tynwald gave their backing to the […]
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Tackle Loneliness With A Brew This Winter
Winter can be an isolating time for us all. With the days becoming shorter and shorter, finding the motivation just to go out and get a coffee can be difficult. It can be made all the worse if you find yourself uncomfortable at the thought of sitting alone at a […]
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The Mental Health of Black Men
Jonathan Padi As a Black man, psychologist and former resident of the island, I have been given this platform to speak candidly on the mental health of Black men. Firstly, let’s have a look at how Black men are treated in society. Young Black men are more likely to be […]
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How The Drunk Ruined Christmas
Us Manxies love a drink, especially around Christmas. And while getting together and catching up over a few pints can be a highlight of the festive season, it can also be a stressful time for people working in the night-time economy, emergency services, public transport and security services (i.e. everyone […]
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Panto in a Pandemic
What gets you in the Christmas spirit? Is it a bit of Buble? A choir singing during late night shopping? Or is it shouting “it’s behind you” to a pantomime dame? Panto is a Christmas tradition like no other: it’s camp, it’s funny, and above all: it’s festive af. And, […]
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A Love Letter to: Ronaldsway Departure Lounge
Anyone remember not being on the Isle of Man? While we love our fair isle, sometimes seeing what the world has to offer is essential for us to really appreciate what we’ve got. While holidays are, undeniably, class, one of the best parts of our holiday happens before we’ve even […]
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This Week’s Charity Roundup
This week’s charity roundup includes a fella planning to cycle for 24 hours, and recognition for a couple who have given THIRTY years of service to the RNLI.. John to cycle for a whole 24 hours If you think that your daily commute on a bike is difficult enough, get […]
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Gef’s Weekly Skeet
In a week when there was a suspected bomb in Braddan and the island’s most wanted fugitive returned, we’ve got the latest skeet… Bomb disposal team come for FALSE alert Last Sunday, an unidentified object was found at Middle Farm industrial estate, meaning the bomb squad were called from the […]
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We Are The 6%
The 14th November is recognised globally each year as World Diabetes Day. It’s also the birthday of Frederick Banting, whose work with Charles Best led to the discovery of insulin, a drug used to treat diabetes, in 1921. The aim of the day is to raise as much awareness as […]
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This Winter, Shop Local
While the island’s lockdown was a pretty difficult time all around, it really demonstrated the island’s ability to come together as a community. We rallied together to help and support each other, and evolved to meet the changing needs of the island. One of the ways in which we helped […]
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IOM GOV UPDATE – 12TH NOV
HOWARD, DAVID & HENNY THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME TO WATCH US TODAY COVID UPDATE AT THE WEEKEND THERE WAS A DEATH FROM COVID, WE EXTEND OUR CONDOLENCES WITH THE FAMILY THAT BRINGS THE TOTAL NUMBER OF DEATHS TO 25 THIS REMINDS US OF THE DANGERS COVID POSES TO […]
Read Time : 3 Minutes
Gef’s GMP: Themed Nights
We’re still in a position where we are free to have as many house parties as we like (neighbours opinion’s withstanding). While just seeing our friends out of lockdown was a novelty, getting together for drinks like we did when we were 15 (I mean, ahem, 18) can get a […]
Read Time : 3 Minutes
A Brief History of the NSC Flumes
We’ve all had a race down those red and green slides aptly named Reef and Serpent. They were the focal point of many a birthday party and much to our despair in December 2017 our pals were removed. Three years later, the great Manx public are still waiting for their […]
Read Time : 4 Minutes
When Gef met the FELLAS
Who doesn’t love a meme? Earlier this month, we caught up with ohayefella, an Instagram account memeing everything from Peel to Manx politics. We spoke to the four anonymous fellas behind the account to get all the skeet… What’s the Ohayefella origin story? The origin of Oh Aye Fella is […]
Read Time : 2 Minutes
Charity Roundup
Here’s all the good that’s been going on this week.. Care awards The Isle of Man Care Awards took place on Tuesday night, recognising the incredible work carers do for our community. The cutest winner was Stinker the ferret (aka the most decorated ferret on island) who won the Supportive […]
Read Time : 4 Minutes
Gef’s Weekly Skeet
In a week when we were told to pick up our sh*t and the UK went back in to lockdown, we’ve got the latest skeet… Squirrel Dan gets a court date When it comes to sustainability, Squirrel Dan is your man. For the last 18 months, Squirrel Dan (aka […]
Read Time : 8 Minutes
IOM GOV UPDATE – 5TH NOVEMBER
WELL GOOD AFTERNOON EVERYONE THANK YOU FOR TUNING IN IT’S BEEN AN EVENTFUL WEEK WORLD SITUATION US ELECTIONS ARE ON A KNIFE-EDGE, WORLD AND AMERICA ARE HOLDING THEIR BREATHS WE’RE WAITING FOR BREXIT DEALS UK HAVE EXCEEDED 1M CASES, THE DEATH RATE IS PAINFULLY HIGH BORIS ANNOUNCED LOCKDOWN 2.0 FOR […]