Cultural Award for 2010

Cultural Award for 2010

Mon, 18 Jan 2010

The Foundation’s prestigious cultural award, the Reih Bleeaney Vanannan, has been presented to Peel resident Joan Caine in a ceremony in the Millennium Room on Friday 18th January. The award was presented by the Chairman of the Foundation and Minister for Education, the Hon Annie Craine, MHK. For many years Joan Caine has worked tirelessly and effectively for Manx Gaelic. Her main contribution has been as a member of Caarjyn ny Gaelgey (Friends of the Manx Language) in organising and giving Manx lessons in St John’s House at St John’s. She has done this for over 10 years. Joan has set up a range of Manx classes there for students ranging from beginners to near-fluent speakers. Joan also arranges fund-raising activities for the Friends. She has also served for a considerable number of years as the secretary of the Gaelic Broadcasting Committee. She is also a member of Cooinceil ny Gaelgey (Manx Gaelic Advisory Council), the official body which provides translations and new terminology in Manx. Mrs Craine said that in no small degree Joan’s efforts have resulted in Manx having a more secure position in the community than it has had for the last fifty years, and it is certain that without her tireless work there would be fewer speakers of Manx Gaelic. She commented that all of Joan’s time was given on a voluntary, unpaid basis and she embodies the quiet Manx determination and commitment to the language that all those involved in the language movement can learn from.

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