Thursday 6 June, 2024 is the 80th Anniversary of the D-Day Landings - lone pipers throughout the British Isles have been taking turns to each play a poignant piece of music at various locations at 8am each morning. By the time we reach the anniversary on 6 June, the piece will have been played on 80 consecutive mornings, at 80 different locations - and the Ellan Vannin Pipes and Drums have the privilege of playing for the final ten mornings at locations around the Island.

What is the piece of music, and where will it be played? We have all the information in this programme.

The nuns of the Poor Clare Convent in Arundel, West Sussex are - by their own admission - a community of women who 'live an unusual life' when measured by the standards of the secular world. But it's a very productive life, and their musical ability has produced one massively popular CD and a second one has just launched, which is set to become even more popular.

We have the full story - and a couple of tracks from the new CD (called My Peace I Give You)

And today's special guest is Rev Dr Isabelle Hamley - Principal of Ridley Hall College in Cambridge - a centre for training clergy, youth workers etc. Her own life experience of a difficult childhood in a secular family wouldn't suggest she was heading for ordination and a life dedicated to God - so her story is an interesting and honest one - but her passion in ministry now, is to see churches of all denominations make appropriate and helpful responses - in love and honesty - to people of all ages who have mental health issues.

And there's a notice board too (full of TT Cafe details for Race Week!) - you can add items for future programmes by emailing judithley@manxradio.com

Thank you for listening to this podcast

Earlier this year, Angela Southern, a member of Ballagarey Methodist Church, was selected to represent not just the Isle of Man, but the whole of the British Isles, at the All Africa Conference of Churches - an ecumencial body which accounts for over 200 million Christians across the African Continent.

Our local Christian Aid Rep Louise Whitelegg chose to go with Angela (at her own expense) to learn more about the host country - Sierra Leone - and ten days ago Angela and Louise set off for captial city Freetown, for Angela to explore the Conference, and Louise to explore the Methodist churches that tell the story of past slavery struggles and a deep and lively faith that flourishes today.

On this programme we share the audio diary Louise has been sending day-by-day, as well as meeting one of the key conference leaders - and there's some great local music too - from our own Lon Vane Ladies Choir conducted by Christine Bregazzi.

Plus notice board news - specially those upcoming TT Teas!!

Praying the Keeills Week has started and between now and Saturday 25 May, there's a daily programme of walks - both long and short - an evening talk, a coach trip - and even the blessing of the Peel Lifeboat! Catherine Wareing explains that this week is a chance to visit some of the Island's keeill sites - the ruined but sacred chapels dotted around the Manx landscape - to enjoy their beauty, soak up their atmosphere, and learn a little of their history. And walk leader Phil Craine adds a Bible passage that inspires him at this time, and a reflection by an Australian writer. All are welcome

For all the details, see the website - https://www.prayingthekeeills.org/

The Venerable Patricia Hillas and her husband Andrew were on the Island last Thursday, for the announcement that she is to be the next Bishop of Sodor and Man - successor to the Rt Rev'd Peter Eagles who retired in October last year. On the programme this morning, we share extracts from her first interview with Manx Radio's News Journalist Beth Espey - which gives some clear indications of her priorities - including her enthusiasm for becoming a real part of Island life, and getting to know - and be known by - people of all faiths and none.

There's music for Pentecost from Keith and Krystin Getty, our own Curjin Cooidjak, and Simeon Wood

Plus notice board news too - items for inclusion can be emailed to judithley@manxradio.com