New recordings of stories from the Isle of Man will help raise money for two local charities.

Ian Cottier has recorded 10 tales written by Kathleen Killip for the CD collection St Bridget’s Night, Stories from the Isle of Man, with all proceeds being split between Manx Blind Welfare Society and Manx Radio’s Dreamcatcher Appeal.

The stories include The Mermaid and the Apple Tree, The White Horse of the Curraghs, The Fairy Shawl and The Phynoderee of Glen Chass. Accompanying music is provided by Charles Guard.

Ian, presenter of Manx Radio’s Time for Brass, has been a volunteer at Manx Blind Welfare Society for more than 20 years and regularly lends his voice to the Society’s weekly recorded news service, which brings the latest current affairs to visually impaired people at no charge.

He said: ‘Through my association with the Society and Manx Radio, I’m very aware of the great work MBWS and the Dreamcatcher Appeal both do for the Isle of Man community. Having the opportunity to bring the evocative work of Kathleen Killip to life in these new recordings was an absolute delight and I hope these wonderful stories will be thoroughly enjoyed, as well as raising plenty of money for these deserving causes.’

Kathleen Killip, who was born in 1911 and raised on a farm above Bulgham Bay, developed a keen interest in people, language and folklore. She was involved in attempts to revive the Manx language and contributed to magazines and radio programmes throughout her life, including having pieces of her work performed on Radio Eireann and BBC television.

Upon retirement Kathleen returned to the Island and divided her time between travelling and writing. She had several books published, all retelling tales from the treasury of Manx folklore.

Costing ?10, the two-disc St Bridget’s Night, Stories from the Isle of Man collection will be launched at the Tynwald Day Fair in St John’s on 5th July.

The CD, which has been sponsored by Manx Radio and Quine & Cubbon, will be available from the Manx Blind Welfare Society stall on the fairfield, as well as from The VIP Store in Strand Street, Douglas, by calling 674727 or by emailing dthomson@mbws.org.im.

You can find out more about the work of MBWS at www.mbws.org.im and of the Dreamcatcher Appeal at www.dreamcatcherappeal.im.