Manx culture award for Bob
LEADING LIGHT: Manx Heritage Foundation chairman Phil Gawne MHK, left, presents the Reih Bleeaney Vanannan award to Bob Carswell for his contribution to Manx culture
The island’s most prestigious annual award for culture, the Reih Bleeaney Vanannan, has been awarded to Bob Carswell for his outstanding contribution to many areas of Manx culture.
The award was presented by the chairman of the Manx Heritage Foundation, Phil Gawne MHK, who outlined the extraordinary breadth of Bob’s interest in Manx culture.
Described as one of the most knowledgeable and modest of men, Bob is a skilled poet, songwriter and translator, a fine musician, singer, and historian.
Through his work in broadcasting and education he has made his deep understanding of Manx culture, language and history accessible to a wide audience.
He has been involved in writing and broadcasting in Manx since the 1970s and in providing books and rhymes for Manx language playgroups from 1983.
Since 2006 he has been working to develop Manx language resources for the Bunscoill Ghaelgagh and Unnid Gaelgagh (Manx Language Unit).
His songs have been arranged and recorded by local groups including the Mollag Band, Caarjyn Cooidjagh and Barrule, and he has been commissioned to write new songs for primary schools.
He has danced with the Manx Folk Dance Society, Bock Yuan Fannee and Bock Bane and continues to play music at sessions and with the Calor Gas Ceilidh Band.
He has long been involved in organising festivals like Yn Chruinnaght and the Cooish – on a volunteer basis and involving a considerable amount of his personal time.
A member of the Gaelic Broadcasting Committee, Bob is one of the most important voices in broadcasting as far as Manx culture is concerned – his programmes for Manx Radio include Claare ny Gael, Traa dy Liooar and Shiaght Laa.
Other media project include working extensively on projects such as Caarjyn as Fennee (children’s cartoons) and producing YouTube broadcasts on aspects of culture.
As part of his award, Bob was asked to nominate a Manx cultural group who would receive a donation of £500 from the Manx Heritage Foundation to further their work.
He chose to give the donation to the Bunscoill Ghaelgagh at St John’s.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Isle of Man
Tuesday 21 May 2013
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 9 C to 13 C
Wind Speed: 36 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 6 C to 12 C
Wind Speed: 24 mph
Wind direction: North west
