Rich, M5RIC will be active as MD7C from Isle of Man, IOTA EU-116, in RSGB IOTA Contest, 26 - 27 July 2025.
He will operate in SO SSB 24h Category.
QSL via M0OXO.
Ads for direct QSL:
Charles Wilmott, 60 Church Hill, Royston, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, S71 4NG, England.
English Isle of Man
The Isle of Man is located in the Irish Sea between England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales. The island is a possession of the United Kingdom. With an area of 570 square kilometers, it is home to approximately 84,000 people, most of them concentrated in the capital Douglas. The population speaks the Maine language, which is a descendant of the ancient Celtic language. There is no industry on the island. The main income of the budget is derived from the inflow of foreign capital, as the island is an offshore zone with a reduced tax rate. Also the local budget is replenished by tourism revenues.
An independent island
The island was formed during the Mesolithic period, thanks to the melting of glaciers that flooded the narrow isthmus that connected Maine to Britain. For a long time the island was inhabited by the Celts. The English made attempts to conquer Maine, but they were unsuccessful. What the warriors could not do, the Irish missionaries led by St. Patrick, who converted the inhabitants of Maine to Christianity in the early VI century, successfully accomplished. Since the time of the missionaries, many ancient chapels in which sermons were preached have remained on the island. Over the following centuries, the island was conquered by Norway and Scotland. Their influence on the culture of the island was insignificant, the local population continued to speak the Celtic language and conduct their own affairs. Gradually the island became a feudal fiefdom, and its possession passed from one aristocrat to another, until the independence of the islanders became illegal in the form of smuggling. The British authorities did not tolerate this, bought the island from the next lord and finally strengthened their position on it.
Mild climate all year round
The island is under the influence of the Gulf Stream Current, which forms a rather mild climate. The temperature does not fall below +5° C even in winter. The mild climate promotes gardening and creates favorable conditions for flora. The island is covered with green hills and flowering meadows, and its shores are covered with rocky cliffs, among which there are sandy beaches. On the coast of Maine you can see nesting sea birds and seal haulouts. There are whale sharks off the coast of Maine, and sometimes they swim so close that they can be seen from the shore.
Historical and natural attractions
Despite its remote location, the Isle of Man attracts tourists from all over the world with many interesting objects. In the capital Douglas operates an original mode of transportation - horse-drawn streetcar, on which you can ride through the city streets. Connoisseurs of historical sights will be able to visit the ancient abbey and castles of Peel and Rushen. The life and traditions of the ancient Celts can be learned when visiting Manannan House. The village of Lakis is home to the world's largest water wheel, the Lady Isabella. The wheel is functional and still pumps water from underground mines, just as it did in the old days. The island has beautiful scenery and many people come here for fresh air country walks among the hills and meadows without speed limits. For the leisurely traveler, a small steam train ride from Douglas to the north of the island to the highest peak is a great way to breathe the fresh mountain air and enjoy the magnificent views.
Another Maine attraction is a special breed of four-horned sheep. Sheep farming is popular among the locals. The sheep's wool is processed in village spinning mills, and visitors to the island take home a variety of sheep yarn products as souvenirs.
Interesting facts about the island
The coat of arms of the Isle of Man, Triskelion, which depicts three legs running in different directions, is famous far beyond its borders. The coat of arms illustrates the island's motto, “However you throw it, it will stand”, which means stability and strength.
The Isle of Man is famous for its parliament, which has been in operation since 979. The Parliament of Tynwald consists of an upper and lower house and is the oldest democratic assembly on the planet.
The road network of the island has a length of no more than 800 kilometers, and the roads are of high quality. The peculiarity of the island is the absence of speed limits for cars. Because of this Maine is popular among extreme driving enthusiasts and it is here that sports tests of test cars are held. The island also hosts the annual Tourist Trophy extreme motorcycle race.
The island is home to the famous breed of Maine tailless cats, which are popular all over the world.