I hadn't realised it had been so long since the last blog but we've been busy.  Sorry about that.

Our last publication of 2022 is just about due from the printer.  In fact it should have been here, but there were 'delays at the factory', so it missed its promised shipment date.  We're now hoping that Ramsey past & present will arrive next week, so it will still be in time for those of you looking for something for Christmas (?!), even if it's later than expected.

Part of the problem with deliveries to the Isle of Man is, of course, the weather and how it affects shipping.  Rain is a nuisance, but worse are high winds, which can delay the boats.  Incidentally, other countries have ferries, we have boats.

Our shipment will probably arrive on the Ben my Chree, the Steam Packet Company's largest boat and the one used for most freight.  The Steam Packet's fastcraft, Manannan, pictured above in Douglas harbour, is great for a quick crossing, but rarely sails in stormy weather and only goes out in the winter if the Ben is out of action.  We can see the boats from the office when they make one of their rare voyages to Northern Ireland.

Ben my Chree is Manx for 'lady of my heart', and Manannan is the Celtic god of the sea.  A new boat is on order, supposed to arrive next year, with the rumoured name of Manxman.  It's a traditional name for one of the Steam Packet's boats, but a bit unimaginative (and sexist).  They might at least have managed either something in Manx - something like Lught yn Aarkey would do; it means 'seafarers' - or Lord of Mann, which, contrary to appearances, is not gender specific.  The Isle of Man is a Crown Dependency, but the British monarch is always the Lord of Mann.  The late Queen was therefore Lord of Mann.

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