Michael Cowin, 77, is perhaps better known to most as ’Pullyman’.

The poet, who regularly features in the pages of the Manx Independent, as well as on Manx Radio, is has been married to Irene for 53 years. They have two sons, Phillip, 49, and Tony, 46.

Michael grew up in Cedar Grove, Pulrose, but moved to Onchan in 1964.

He worked at Ridgeway Jewellers, in Douglas, before embarking on his second career as a writer and poet, which led to a sell-out revue at the Gaiety theatre, neld in November 2016.

Michael was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease shortly after retiring, and uses his writing to highlight, campaign and fund raise for the support charity Parkinson’s Association Isle of Man.

What is your idea of a perfect meal?

When you reach my age, it is the next one that comes along.

What is your favourite way to relax?

Enjoying the previous answer, along with my wife.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Doing both of the above in a restaurant called ’The Cave’, in Palma, Majorca.

Do you have any pets?

Not now. I have my mobility scooter which takes me for walks.

What is your greatest achievement?

After having a long stage career, that lasted no more than 18 months, I found the nerve to stage a variety show at the Gaiety Theatre. Its a great achievement to have the friends who trusted me enough to take part, and also to find the audience and making it a sell-out success is good enough for me

What is your favourite time of the year?

At my age, tomorrow.

What is the first job you ever had?

I was a paper boy when I was 11. I covered my early career in a recent Pullyman column.

Do you have any irrational fears?

Not one. I’m too old to be worrying about anything like that.

What is your worst habit?

Being a smart alec.

What is your favourite book?

The Spire, by William Golding.

What is your favourite TV programme?

I haven’t one. I grew up without a telly, and never got into the habit of watching it. There’s nothing on worth watching anyway.

What is your favourite band/artist at the moment?

Then, now and tomorrow, Queen. Ian Clague brought 35 brass band players to the Gaiety and they played Don’t Stop Me Now. It sounded pretty great.

What is your favourite part of the Isle of Man?

All of it.

What is the last show/band that you saw live?

It would have to be my own show, Pullyman and Friends, which we put on as part of the Manx LitFest, above the British Hotel.

If time/money were no object, what would be your perfect day?

Looking over the shoulder of the man who finds a cure for Parkinson’s disease.

Choose three people, dead or alive, to invite to dinner?

Billy Connelly, Bob Monkhouse and Max Wall. I’m pretty sure that we’d all have a good laugh.

Which do you prefer:

Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings?

Neither.

Cats or dogs?

Either.

Birthday or Christmas?

Christmas.

Starter or pudding?

Pudding.

Quiet night in or night out?

Quiet night in.