2019 Obit Brian Stowell, Isle of Man

Subject: Obit: Brian Stowell, Isle of Man/Eilean Vannin
From: Felipa
Date: 19 Jan 19 - 10:46 AM

Brian Stowell "Bobby Bob" was a promoter of Manx language and folklore and a very occasional contributor to Mudcat (see Manx macaronic song and commment )

His death after a long illness was announced on 18 Jan 2019. He was 82 years old. https://www.manxradio.com/news/isle-of-man-news/loss-of-giant-of-manx-language-revival/

Subject: RE: Obit: Bobby Bob, Ellan Vannin
From: Joe Offer
Date: 19 Jan 19 - 07:56 PM

At Mudcat, he was known as Bobby Bob, Ellan Vannin. He was a wise and prolific poster during the early years of Mudcat. Here's his posting record (click). Go to the old forum search and search under the user name vannin, you'll find lots more Guest posts, some as recent as 2017.

May he rest in peace - oops, Bobby Bob isn't dead. He posted below.
-Joe-

Subject: RE: 2019 Obit Brian Stowell, Isle of Man/Eilean Vannin
From: Waddon Pete
Date: 20 Jan 19 - 06:01 AM

Farewell Brian. A man of great knowledge. I have added his name to the "In Memoriam" thread. May he rest in peace.

RIP

Peter

Subject: RE: 2019 Obit Brian Stowell, Isle of Man/Eilean Vannin
From: GUEST,Bobby Bob, Ellan Vannin
Date: 20 Jan 19 - 06:05 AM

Dr Thomas Brian Stowell was a friend and a mentor in his tireless work on behalf of the Manx Gaelic language and Manx culture in general, including with his performances of traditional songs in Manx, which he recorded in 1973 and were recently re-released on CD by Culture Vannin. Brian was also involved in early documentary films in the Manx language.

Brian's doctorate was in nuclear physics, and after practical work in the field he became a university lecturer. However, he seized the opportunity in 1991 to become the first Manx Language Officer for the Isle of Man Government, developing recognition of educational certificates in Manx for entry to further education and employment.

Brian continued to write original material and translate articles and stories of all kinds, as well as preparing Manx courses for use in schools. Amongst his published work are translations of Alice in Wonderland and Manx author Nigel Kneale's first short-story collection, Tomato Cain. He also published the first Manx language novel, Dunveryssyn yn Tooder Folley (The Vampire Murders).

Brian ran adult education classes in Manx, strove for recognition of the Manx language and culture by international bodies, and was the central figure in a 2 hour weekly radio programme, looking at issues of all kinds from a Manx perspective - and, of course, including pieces in the Manx language itself.

Brian was also very much involved with the Celtic Congress, which aims not to be political in its approach. However, he recognized that many issues require political solutions, and was also a member of the Celtic League, for which he was a long-time contributor in the Manx language to its quarterly publication, Carn.

Brian was genial, approachable, generous with his time and his great abilities, full of good humour, witty, learned. He will be much missed by his family and many friends here in the Island, in the Celtic countries and throughout the world.

However, in lamenting the loss of Brian as a hugely important figure in Manx and Celtic culture, could I just say that rumours of my own demise are premature.


Lhiuish,

Bobby Bob, Ellan Vannin

Subject: RE: 2019 Obit Brian Stowell, Isle of Man/Eilean Vannin
From: GUEST,Martin Ryan
Date: 20 Jan 19 - 07:23 AM

Suaimhneas síoraí dhó.

Regards

Subject: RE: 2019 Obit Brian Stowell, Isle of Man/Eilean Vannin
From: Felipa
Date: 20 Jan 19 - 04:20 PM

oops, sorry Bobby Bob but glad you are still around. Thanks for the additional information on Brian Stowell. Did both of you present radio programmes? I think that's how I got mixed up.

Subject: RE: 2019 Obit Brian Stowell, Isle of Man/Eilean Vannin
From: GUEST,Martin Ryan
Date: 20 Jan 19 - 05:05 PM

Phew!

Regards

Subject: RE: 2019 Obit Brian Stowell, Isle of Man
From: Jack Campin
Date: 22 Jan 19 - 05:00 AM

BBC story

Subject: RE: 2019 Obit Brian Stowell, Isle of Man
From: GUEST,Bobby Bob, Ellan Vannin
Date: 01 Feb 19 - 03:22 PM

Sorry, Felipa - I should have replied to your question earlier.

Yes, I also present some programmes on Manx Radio which involve the Manx language. Brian used to do a 2 hour broadcast on Sunday morning, called 'Moghrey Jedoonee' (which just means 'Sunday Morning'!) looking at a wide range of subjects and including a piece which he gave in Manx, with a translation into English. That was where he worked on the stories from Nigel Kneale's 'Tomato Cain', which was subsequently published in a bilingual edition.


For some time, arrangements were made so that Brian could contribute to the programme from home. When he was unable to carry on with that, there were a series of contributors, but particularly Phil Gawne, who now organizes for himself and others to participate in the programme which is funded through a body of which Brian had formerly been chairman, Bing Ymskeaylley Ghaelgagh (Gaelic Broadcasting Committee).

There is a long-running programme which I've been associated with on Manx Radio for something like 40 years. It's now on a Sunday evening and presents two separate threads, one in Manx and the other in English. The English is generally on a Manx theme - history, folklore or poetry with a Manx background. The Manx thread in recent times has generally been a story including, over quite a long period, instalments of 'Casino Royale' which were subsequently published in a Manx version, with permission of the Fleming estate.



Lhiats,


Bobby Bob, Ellan Vannin