Isle of Man Newspapers’ racing pundit Kelly is back by popular demand - but just for the Cheltenham Festival.
Here are his selections for today (Thursday) day three of jump racing’s most spectacular meeting of the year.
1.30: GARDE LA VICTOIRE
2.10: CUP FINAL
2.50: ROAD TO RICHES
3.30: THISTLECRACK (Nap)
4.10: JOHNS SPIRIT
4.50 : LIMINI (Next best)
5.30: DOCTOR HARPER
A team of business partners have signed a 21-year lease to run Glen Wyllin campsite
James Hooper, Leanne Gilman, Tracey Dentith and Michael Dentith have been awarded the contract to run the site by its owner, the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA).
DEFA invited proposals from prospective tenants after Michael Commissioners surrendered its lease of the facility after 23 years.
Four potential operators were shortlisted and the successful applicants were selected at interview.
The group will operate a traditional campsite, accommodating tents, caravans and motorhomes this year and will also offer catering.
The site will be open on April 2 and existing bookings will be honoured.
A government press release issued this morning (Thursday) states: ‘The new operators will begin an improvement programme that will see all forms of traditional camping retained with the addition of camping pods and possibly, in the longer term, a family log cabin.
‘The operators also plan to offer packages and activities to ensure visitors get the most out of their stay.’
The new operators said: ‘We hope to offer enhanced services to existing customers and attract more, new guests to the site and the island. We look forward to greeting our first customers in April.’
DEFA member David Cretney MLC said: ‘I am impressed by the positive attitude of this committed and enthusiastic group. They have some great ideas to help visitors maximise their stays by tying in to other local businesses.’
In August last year, DEFA undertook a public consultation on what locals and visitors would like to see at the site.
Respondents sought new forms of camping and modernised facilities including barbecue points, a shop and a café serving local food.
No, I am not on Facebook and I am not on Twitter or anything else of that kind. Social media is not for me, largely because I don’t know how to do it.
Of course I do have some idea of what happens on Facebook and how one Tweets, but there must be other ways of making new friends.
For instance, every morning I could walk down the street and tell passers-by who I don’t know what I have just had for breakfast. I could also tell them how I feel today – ‘I’m all right so far’ – and what I did the night before as long it wasn’t anything anti-social.
I could hand people photographs of my children and my grand-children, especially while on holiday with them, spending time by the pool or on the beach in Spain. It would certainly save sending them postcards.
I would also listen in to the conversations of these people I don’t know and give them my opinion on every subject that interests me, whether it interests them or not.
The trouble is with this kind of substitute social media is that I will have made new acquaintances of a different kind by the time I finish my walk - a couple of wary police officers, a psychiatrist and a social worker right there on my tail.
THIS image appeared in my column some weeks ago during the telling of stories of the world-wide sales of Castletown Brewery’s Manx Oyster Stout years ago. I wanted to know what was being said and now I know courtesy of Dave Collister of Malew Street, Castletown, who has been told the message is in Cantonese and reads as follows:
‘Helps digestion and maintains beauty and keeps you young, healthy and strong in spirit. For men and women. Keeps you vigorous if you feel weak. Fragrant with a seafood smile!’
I obviously didn’t drink enough of it when I had the chance...
NO crossword clues this week.
FRANK Bond has been on to me about Brexit and Czechout and Mango and all the rest to say it reminds him of when a few years ago some Arctic countries introduced a national lottery only for the indigenous population with the slogan ‘You have to be Inuit to win it.’
PAUL Quayle emailed to say that with Port Soderick under new and wealthy ownership let’s suggest that they repair the Marine Drive and put the horse trams on it to take people to and from the place.
How would the horse trams get up and down down the old cliff railway there?
I HAVE been sent, anonymously, the following from the Daily Telegraph: ‘The study found that despite efforts to improve the representation of women in the boardroom only 15 per cent of new female chief executives were women, down from 25 per cent in the previous year.’
I HAVE been assured that Douglas Corporation once used the slogan: ‘Don’t let your wife kill herself with housework. Let the Electrcity Department do it for you.’
It sounds shocking to me.
FUNNIES File. At a Commonwealth Games years ago Manxman Nigel Kelly won a gold medal in the rifle shooting and Manx Radio’s commentator, the late Geoff Cannell, said on air: ‘Nigel is being kissed all over the place.’
WORLD headlines: ‘Panda mating fails and veterinarian takes over.’
Cat Turner reflects on United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon’s comments about climate change and mass migration at a conference in Germany last week
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United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon last week made a public call for: ‘An unprecedented global response to the challenges of climate change and mass migration.’
Speaking at a conference in Bonn, he said: ‘The Paris Agreement on climate change is a peace pact with the planet.’
Although many climate campaigners were disappointed at the number of issues glossed over in last year’s Paris conference on climate change, he recognised that at least countries had accepted the science – some say 2015 was the year of the ‘death of denial’.
Mr Ban told executive secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Christiana Figueres that she’d given the process her very best and: ‘We see the results. You showed the world what the United Nations can help make possible.’
Well – maybe. As those locals who attended the recent DEFA-hosted Anderson-Bowes talks on climate change recall, many were disappointed that Paris left several areas for action unaddressed – airline emissions, for example, were left off the table, as were the worst of the fossil fuel industry’s.
In any event, so far it’s just words. Ms Figueres pointed out that several potentially important agreements were reached last year – the new Sustainable Development Goals, the Paris Agreement and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.
She reminded listeners in Bonn that so far these are ‘mere letters of intent’ .
What’s needed is action plans, legislation and prompt implementation.
As she put it: ‘We developed an ambitious vision, now we need to work doubly hard to make that vision reality.’
As at international level, 2015 saw Tynwald commit to the 80/50 targets – commitment to cut the island’s CO2 emissions by a whopping 80 per cent of 1990s levels, by 2050.
That’s huge, and needs to start now – not be a ‘fingers crossed’ ambition of business-as-usual for years, in the hope of a technological solution just before 2050. It’s the aggregate greenhouse gas emmissons between now and then that make the difference, not compliance on the day.
So we’ve high hopes of DEFA’s work on developing a carbon-cutting action plan and we hope the rest of government, business and the public will be supportive. We need to ensure that Tynwald’s commitment is also more than a ‘mere letter of intent.’
Jasper Stephen White and Melanie Ann White, of Warrington, bought Wychwood, Alexander Drive, Douglas, for £550,000.
It was bought from Michael Holland, of London, as personal representative, and Margaret Holland, by personal representative.
Other recent transactions lodged at the General Registry in Douglas, are as follows:
John Hilary Turner sold 30 Greeba Avenue, Glen Vine, for £310,000 to Christopher James Madigan and Stacy Marie Davies, both of 2 The Crofts, Glen Vine.
Margaret Olive Hardman, by trustee, Antony Richard Duckworth, of Blackburn, as trustee, and Julia Beverley Anderson, of Blackburn, as trustee, sold Coppertop, Booilushag, for £268,000, to Gregory Sumner Wright and Tracy Suzanne Kinrade, both of Killiney, Bride Road, Ramsey.
Sharon Eleen Kenny sold 55 Port-e-Chee Avenue, Douglas, for £260,000, to Robert Gordon Hazeel and Carole Yvonne Hazeel, both of 6 Ashbourne House, Ballaughton Park, Saddlestone, Douglas.
Thomas Brett Shaw and Vivienne Pamela Chimes sold White Rose Cottage, Four Roads, Port St Mary, for £255,000, to James Dernie and Alexandra Voirrey Watterson, of Apt 2, 9 Clarence Terrace, Douglas.
Mudhafar Yacoub Ibrahim Al Hiwidi, of Greenock, sold 23 Harcroft Avenue, Douglas, for £245,000, to Paul Cunningham and Sarah Louise Cunningham, both of 41 Ballabrooie Grove, Douglas.
Andrew Douglas Christopher Wheeler and Tara Marie Wheeler sold 8 Corrins Way, Peel, for £175,000, to Colin Quirk and Glenda Maria Quirk, both of Laurel Bank Farm, Staarvey Road, St John’s.
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We publish details of all house sales unless we receive a written request from the police or probation services.
Thursday, March 17
• Walk and Talk: Peel promenade, 10am-11.30am. Also Fri, NSC, 9.30am-11.30am; Mon, Poulsom Park, Castletown, 10am-noon, NSC, 5.30pm-7.30pm; Tues, NSC, 9.30am-11.30am. Wed, Mooragh Park, Ramsey, 10am-11.30am. Call Lesley Patterson, 686852.
• Keep Fit for beginners/over 50s, Colby Football Club, 10am. Also, kettlecardio 6.30pm. Sat, kettlecardio, 10am. Wed, aerobics, Ballabeg Hall, 6pm. Call Sara, 432535.
• Iyengar yoga (mixed), 10 Perwick Bay, Port St Mary, 9.30am. Also, Tues, men only, 7pm; Wed, mixed, 6.45pm. Call 452791.
• Wheelie Active Parents (mums and buggies), Villa Marina reception, 9.30am.
• Chair-based pilates with Lizzy Main, The Pilates Studio, The Viking Longhouse, West Quay, Peel, 10am and 6.15pm.Also, Fri, pilates gold, 9.30am and 10.45am; Sat, ante-natal pilates, 9.45am and 11am; Mon, 9.30am and 6pm, Methodist Church Hall, Colby, followed by pure stretch, 7pm; Wed, 5.15pm and 6.30pm. Call 427401.
• Chair-based exercise, Onchan Youth and Community Centre, 1.30pm. Also Fri, Port Erin Methodist Church hall, 2pm; Mon, Ramsey town hall, 10.30am; Tues, Castletown Sandfield residents’ lounge, 2pm; Wed, Westlands’ residents’ lounge, Peel, 10.30am. Call 642668.
• Pilates, beginners to intermediate, 38 Woodbourne Square, Douglas, 2pm, 5.30pm and 7pm. Call 491449.
• Tai Chi Chuan, Lezayre parish hall, 2pm. Call Pete Jackson, 898468.
• Mini tennis coaching, Douglas LTC, Kensington Road. Year 3, 4.30pm; year 4, 5.30pm. Also Tues, adult beginners and improvers tennis coaching, 6pm. Call 302642.
• Iyengar inspired yoga, Laxey Football Club. Children’s yoga years 3 to 6, 3.30pm; recep-yr 2, 4.30-5.15pm; teenage yoga, 5.15pm; men’s yoga, 6.30pm. Also Mon, mixed ability hatha yoga, 9.15am; Wed, adult Iyengar inspired yoga, 7pm-8.30pm. Call Jane, 863130.
• Manx Fencing Club, Ashley Hill School, Onchan, 4pm. Also seniors, BHS, Douglas, 5pm; Tues, Arbory village hall, beginners, 4pm; Grade 1+, 5pm. Wed, juniors, RGS, 5pm; seniors, 6pm. Also, juniors, Ebenezer Hall, Kirk Michael, 6.30pm; adults, 7.30pm.
• Southern Gymnastics Club, Ballasalla School, 4pm. Also Tues, CRHS, 5pm. Call 473741.
• Northern Gymnastics Club, RGS, 5pm.
• Anti-gravity yoga, Savina’s Secret Studio, Glen Falcon Road, Douglas, 6.30pm. Also, pole fitness, 7.45pm. Call 203502.
• Western Athletics Club, QEII High School, 6.30pm.
• Zumba, Carrefour Health Club, Douglas, 6.30pm. Also Mon, 8pm; Wed, 9.45am.
• Cardiotone, Laxey Working Men’s Institute, 7pm. Also Mon, 7pm. Call 452729/863602.
• Peel Badminton Club, Corrin Hall, Peel, 7pm.
• Aquafit, Western Swimming Pool, 7pm. Also Tues, 1.15pm.
• Aerobics and body toning, Philip Christian Centre, Peel, 7pm. Also Mon, Park View hall, Kirk Michael. Call 455924.
• Zumba, The Institute, Laxey 7pm-8pm, also Tues, 7.30pm.
• Yoga, Cooil Methodist hall, 7.15pm. Call 494489.
• Fencing, Ashley Hill School, 7.30pm. Also Mon, Andreas parish hall, 4.30pm; Tues, Arbory parish hall, 4pm and Ebenezer Hall, Kirk Michael, 6.30pm; Wed, Scoill Ree Gorree, Ramsey, 5pm. Call 880863.
• Zumba, The Dance Factory, Onchan Park, 7.30pm. Call 425270. Also Tues.
• Fun Aquafit, Cherry Orchard Hotel pool, 7.45pm. Also Tues.
Friday, March 18
• Ladies tennis, Albany LTC, 10am. Also Sat, junior beginners, noon; Sun, club morning, 10.30am; Tues, club night, 7pm; Wed, club morning, 10.30am; Call Pat Sharp, 861497/ Jan Gaskill, 862144.
• RUN IOM running group for all abilities with UKA qualified coach,TT Grandstand, Noble’s Park, 12.10pm-12.45pm. See Facebook or email 4t8@manx.net Also Mon, meet Jubilee Kiosk, Douglas seafront.
• Acrobatics, The Dance Factory, Onchan Park, 4.30pm.
• Cronkbourne Cricket Club juniors indoor training, BHS, 5.45pm.
• Yoga class, Move it Dance Studio, Westmoreland Road, from 6pm-7.30pm.
• Manx ABC Boxing, Palace Terrace, Douglas. Juniors, 6pm; seniors , 7pm. Also Mon and Wed.
• Yoga, Morton Hall, Onchan, 6.30pm. Call 494489.
• Tai chi chuan, Murray’s Road School, Douglas, 7.30pm. Call 612305.
• Indoor bowls, Legion Hall, Port St Mary, 7.30pm.
Saturday, March 19
• Pregnancy yoga, All Saints’ hall, Douglas, 10am. Call 461461.
• Yoga, Laxey Working Men’s Institute, 10.15am. Also Mon.
• Yoga, Arbory parish hall, 10.30am. Call 494489.
• St Mary’s football club mixed u11s, Pulrose football fields, 10.30am. Call 405859.
• Tae Kwondo beginners, Pinewood Complex, Pulrose, 10.45am. Text 432152.
Sunday, March 20
• Reikido, The Royal British Legion, Port Erin, 11am. Also Mon, 8pm. Call Nick, 398955.
• Yoga and Nutrition, Karma Yoga Studio, Douglas, 6pm.
Monday, March 21
• Beginners yoga, Karma, 2nd Floor, Victoria Street, Douglas 10am.
• Exercise Boot Camp, Corrin Hall, Peel, 6.15pm. Also Wed, Philip Christian Centre, Peel, 6pm; Thurs, Glen Vine Church hall, 9.15am.
• Finch Hill cricket training, 7pm-8pm.
• Bodyweight and cardiotone, Laxey Working Men’s Institute, 7pm. Call 452729.
• Women’s self-defence classes, British Legion hall, Port Erin, 7.30pm.
• Kirk Michael Badminton Club, Park View hall, 8pm. Call 878536.
Tuesday, March 22
• Early Morning Boot Camp, Marown Millennium hall, 6.15am. Also Wed and Fri. Evening Boot Camp, 6pm, Thurs and Tues, 6pm; Sat, 9am. Also kettlebells, Sat, 8am; Wed, 6pm. Call 465335.
• Fit2Go walking, Station Road car park, St John’s, 9am.
• Pilates at 38 Woodbourne Square, Douglas, 9.15am; Trinity Church, Ramsey, 6.15pm. Also, balance and pilates, Cooyrt Balleigh, Ramsey, 1.30pm. No floor exercise. Call 491449.
• Cheerleading, All Saints’ Church hall, 4.30pm. Call 254499.
• Adult beginners and improvers tennis coaching, Douglas LTC, Kensington Road, 6pm, Call 302642.
• Zumba, Fiesta Havana, Douglas, 7pm. Email sjh@manx.net
• Tai Chi Chuan, Lezayre parish community hall, 7pm.
• IoM Karate Federation, Murray’s Road School, juniors, 7pm; seniors, 7.30pm. Call 612305.
• Badminton club, Arbory School, Ballabeg, 8pm-10pm. Call Liz on 466370.
Wednesday, March 23
• Zumba classes, beginners, antenatal and postnatal, 9.45am, zumba fitness, advanced, 10.45am at Zumba Isle of Man, Silvercraigs Hotel. Call 677776.
• Thompson Travel Netball Club junior training, St Ninian’s Lower school, u11s 6-7pm, u14s and u16s 7-8pm, u18s and seniors, 8-9pm
• MYG junior cricket training, Ashley Hill School, under 9s, 6pm-7pm; u11s, 7pm-9pm.
• Valkyrs Hockey Club training, QEII astro pitch, Peel. Juniors, 6pm; seniors, 7.30pm. Call 801802.
• Iyengar inspired yoga, Brightlife, Andreas, 6pm. Call Kel, 452015.
Thursday, March 17
• Tea dance, South Douglas Old Friends’ Association, Finch Road, Douglas, 2pm.
• Dance classes for children, Centenary Centre, Peel, 4pm. Call 450688.
• Modern line dance classes for all levels at the Legion Hall, Onchan. Also Mon and Wed. Call 670308.
• Advanced ballet/pointe work for ages 12-18, Youth Arts Centre, Douglas, 5pm. TAP MOB for ages 8-18, YAC, Douglas, 6pm-7.30pm. Also Sat, ballet and tap for ages 3-7; Irish and Modern for ages 4-12. Theatre Club, Trinity Church hall, Douglas, 1-4pm. Mon, Intermediate Ballet and Tap for ages 12+, 5-6.30pm; tap for adults, 6.30-7.15pm. Tues, Ballet and Tap for ages 5-10 years; Irish for adults, 6.15pm. Wed, modern jazz for ages 10-15, 4pm; Ballet and tap for ages 10-15, 4.45pm-6.15pm; Contemporary dance for ages 8-18, YAC, 7.30-9pm. Contact Susannah Maybury 431380 or theatrix@manx.net
• Fitsteps, Onchan Community hall, 7.30pm. Call 456056.
• Strictly Come Dancing for beginners, Royal British Legion hall, Port Erin, 8pm.
Friday, March 18
• Under six ballroom, St Matthew’s Church hall, Douglas, 5pm-5.45pm. Also, ages 6-9, 5.45pm-6.30pm; ages 9-12, 6.30pm-7.15pm; ages 12+, 7.15pm-8pm. Also Tues, under 8s, 4pm-4.45pm; Dynamites freestyle, 4.45pm-5.30pm; 8-12 ballroom, 5.30pm-6.15pm; Energisers freestyle, 6.15pm-7pm; 12+ ballroom, 7pm-7.45pm; Explosions freestyle, 7.45pm-8.30pm. Call 474063.
• Modern Dance, The Dance Factory, Onchan Park, 5.45pm. Also Thurs, 4.30pm; tap jnr, 6.45pm; tap adv, 7.30pm. Beginners tap, Tues, 4.30pm.
• Argentinian Tango beginners, St Paul’s hall, Ramsey, 7pm. Call 880650.
• Line Dancing, Ebenezer Hall, Kirk Michael, 7pm. Beginners welcome. Call 878687.
Saturday, March 19
• Dance time for children, Port Erin Methodist hall, 9.30am. Call 835696.
• Ballroom dancing for children, Royal British Legion hall, Port Erin, 10am.
• Irish dance mixed, The Dance Factory, Onchan Park,
3pm. Also Mon, prim/int, 4.30pm and Tues, 6.15pm. Tues, beginners, 5.15pm, stage snr, 4pm; stage int, 5pm,
• Sequence dancing, Onchan Pensioners’ hall, 8pm. Call 829669.
• Social sequence dancing, Pulrose Methodist Church hall, Douglas, 8pm. Also Mon, Wed and Sun. Call 842878.
Sunday, March 20
• Perree Bane Manx folk dancing, Ballasalla village hall, 7pm.
Monday, March 21
• Ballet, Viking Works, Riverside, Peel, 5.45pm. Also Thurs, 4.30pm.
• Country dancing, Willaston hall, 7pm-9pm. Call 628521.
• Ceroc dance night, Masonic hall, Douglas, 7.30pm-10.30pm.
• Line dancing, Port Erin Methodist Church hall, 8.15pm. Call 436219.
Tuesday, March 22
• Oriental dance exercise, Gena’s Dance Academy, Peel, 10am. Also Wed, The Gym, Ramsey. Call 300020.
• Line dancing for beginners, The South Douglas Old Friends’ Association, Finch Road, Douglas, 7.30pm-8.30pm.
• Linedancercise, St John’s football clubhouse, 7.30pm-9pm, call 467285.
• Sequence dancing with Port Erin Dancing Club, Port Erin Methodist Church hall, 8pm.
Wednesday, March 23
• Scottish Country Dancing, The Working Men’s Institute, Laxey, 2pm-4pm. Call 817610.
• Tea dance at St John’s Methodist hall, live music with Eric and Jimmy, 2pm. Call 842548.
• Ballroom dancing for children, Centenary Centre, Peel, 4pm. Call 450688.
• Ballet, The Dance Factory, Onchan Park, 4.30pm.
• Latin line dancing, Royal British Legion hall, Port Erin, 7.30pm. Call 835098.
• Ballroom dancing, Villa Marina, Douglas, 7.30pm. Call 623414.
• Rhythmic dance, St Ninian’s dance studio, Douglas, 8pm.
Thursday, March 17
• Port Erin WI, Port Erin Methodist Church hall, 9.30am. Call 818194.
• Manx Retirement Association, stretch and flex, Onchan Methodist Hall, 10am. Fri, monthly luncheon at the King Edward Bay Golf and Country Club, Onchan, 12.30pm. Tues, whist afternoon, Cat with No Tail, Douglas, 2pm. Wed, monthly walk, 1.30pm, meeting at Bishopcourt on the main road outside the glen.
• Onchan Pensioners Club, Morton Hall, Castletown, coffee morning; Friday, sequence dancing, 2pm-4.30pm; Saturday, Arabian dancing, 9am-1pm; Monday, Bridge, 2pm-5pm and 7pm-11pm; Tuesday, coffee morning including raffle, 10am-noon; Wednesday, whist drive, 7pm-10pm.
• Soundcheck, Youth Arts Centre, Douglas, 6.30pm. Also Mon and Tues, 6pm-9pm. Mon, Castletown youth club, 6pm-9pm, and Wed, Ramsey youth club, 6.30pm-9.30pm.
• Ramsey WI, St Paul’s Church Lounge, Market Place, Ramsey, 7.30pm.
Sunday, March 20
• ‘Poetry and Points’ - Isle of Man Poetry Society monthly meeting, South Douglas Old Friends’ Association, Finch Road, Douglas, 7.30pm-9.30pm.
Monday, March 21
• Vannin Bridge, Onchan pensioners hall, 2pm. Also Thurs.
• Possan Aeglagh Manx Speaking Youth Club School Year 6 upwards, Cafe Laare, Lord Street, Douglas, 6.30pm, subs £1. Call Cathy Clucas 414331 or email C.Clucas@doe.sch.im.
• Onchan Silver Band practice, the band room, off Main Road, Onchan, beginners 6.30pm and seniors 7.30pm.
• Foxdale WI, Foxdale Community School, 7.30pm. Call 818194.
• Marown WI, Millennium hall, Crosby, 7.30pm. Call 818194.
• Laxey Minorca WI, Laxey Football Club, 7.45pm. Call 818194.
Tuesday, March 22
• St John’s Art and Craft Group, Methodist hall, 9.40am. Bring your own art and craft. Call 851364.
• The Tuesday Group, flexible learning room to try your hand at basic crafts, have a chat, coffee and fun, Peel Clothworkers’ School, 1.15pm. Pre-school children catered for. Call 614180.
• Isle of Man Chess Club, Belsfield Hotel, Church Road Marina, Douglas, 7.30pm. Call 495097.
• Castletown Metropolitan Silver Band rehearsals, Queen Street Mission hall, 7.30pm.
• Rotary Club of Rushen and Western Mann meet Cherry Orchard Hotel, Port Erin, 7.30pm.
• Mannin Quilters, Ballabeg Methodist hall, 7.30pm. Call 628921. Also Wed at St Columba’s Catholic Church, Port Erin, 1.30pm.
• Ballacottier Senior Youth Project for school years 10+, Ballacottier School youth room, 7.30pm-9.30pm.
Wednesday, March 23
• Laxey Sketch Club, informal drawing and painting, Laxey Football Club, Glen Road, 1.30pm-3.30pm, Call Norman 861125.
• The Friendship Club for the over 60s, Onchan Baptist Church, 2.30pm. Call 674255.
• Laxey Dog Training Club, Laxey Working Men’s Institute, 7pm-10pm.
• Peel Belles WI, St Patrick’s Hall, Patrick Street, Peel, 7.30pm.
Thursday, March 17
• Noah’s Ark Tots Group, Church on The Rock, Ramsey, 9.30am. Call 431034.
• Gym time active play for pre-school children, Manx Gymnastics Centre, Douglas, 9.30am. Call 625636. Also Fri and Wed.
• Happy Tots, Willaston School hall, 9.45am. Call 621577.
• Mannin Music: Mini musicians , Kodály music for non-walkers, Douglas Youth Arts Centre, 10am. Also, mini musicians - Kodály music class for toddlers, YAC, 2pm; Fri, Northern Swimming Pool community room, 10am; Sat, Victoria Road School, 10.30am; Sun,YAC, 10.30am. Email info@manninmusic.com
• Storytime for pre-schoolers, Henry Bloom Noble Library, Douglas, 10am. Call 696461.
• Krafty Kids (pre-school age) Philip Christian Centre, Peel, 10am.
• Toddler Tunes, Community Room, Michael School, 2pm. Call 878090.
• Family Library: Teddy time, 2pm-2.45pm, £2. Also, creative writing for age 11+, 4pm-5pm. Fri, storybox, 10.30am, followed by craft at 11am, £1. Jolly music, 4.15pm-4.45pm. Saturday, Old mutual international super saturday, funology science and craft, 10.30am-noon, £2.
• 2nd Onchan Beavers, Scout Headquarters, Onchan, 5pm.
• Good News Club for primary school children, Living Hope Community Church, Bayview Road, Port St Mary, 6pm. Email weirfamily55@hotmail.co.uk
• St John Ambulance Cadets (10+), 6.30pm-8pm, Douglas headquarters. Badgers (5+), 5.30pm-6.30pm, Age Concern in Peel. Adults meetings, Thurs, Mon and Tues, Douglas headquarters. Fri, Ramsey, St Olave’s Church hall. Call 674387.
• Santon Beavers, Kewaigue School, 5pm. Also Cubs, 6.30pm. Call 623244.
• 1st Laxey Beavers and Cubs, Laxey School. Beavers, 6.30pm–7.30pm; Cubs, 6.45pm–8.15pm. 1stlaxeycubs@manx.net
• The Children’s Centre Parent Support Group, Woodbourne Road, Douglas, 7pm-9pm.
• Army Cadets, Scout hall, Peel, 7pm. Also Tues.
• Onchan District Explorers, Scout Headquarters, Onchan, 7.30pm.
Friday, March 18
• Baby and Toddler Group, Glen Maye Community Centre, 9.30am-11.30am. Call 845681.
• Tiddlers, parents and tots, Elim Church, Onchan, 10am. Call 434933.
• Parents and tots, Philip Christian Centre, Peel, 10am.
• Laxey Mums, Carers and Tots at Laxey Working Men’s Institute, 10am-noon. Call 466887.
• Onchan carers and tots, Onchan parish hall, 1.15pm. Call 625328.
• Parent and toddler group, Ballasalla School, 1.45pm.
• Sporty church for years 3-6, Trinity Church hall, 6pm-7pm. Call 628374. Also Sunday School, Trinity Church hall, crèche to late teens, 10.30am-11.45am. Call 625409.
Saturday, March 19
• Young Bowlers Club. Tuition and tips, Surestrike Bowling Alley, Ramsey, 11am-noon.
• Messy Church, Promenade Methodist Church, Douglas, 3.30pm to 5.30pm.
Sunday, March 20
• Ollies - fun for children up to 11, St Olave’s Church hall, Ramsey, 9.45am -10.45am.
• Sunday School, Sulby Methodist Church, 10.30am.
• Rock Sunday Club for children at Colby Methodist Chapel, 10.30am - 11.30am.
• Task and DFC children’s club, Abbey Church, Ballasalla, 10.45am.
Monday, March 21
• Parents and tots, Dhoon Church hall, 9.30am. Call 426395.
• Daniel’s Den, Methodist Church, Arbory Street, Castletown, 10am. Call 822374.
• Kittens tots and carers group, St Ninian’s Church, Douglas, 10.30am. Call 629683.
• Breastfeeding Buddies drop-in clinic, Village Walk Health Centre, Onchan, 10.30am. Call 656030.
• Roll’n’Play for pre-schoolers, Philip Christian Centre, Peel, 10.30am.
• Story Time, Castletown Library, 1.30pm and 2.15pm.
• Tots play, Northern Lights Community Centre, Ramsey, 1.30pm-3.30pm. Also Wed, tots craft and play.
• Peel Toddler Group, Corrin Hall, Peel, 1.30pm.
• Michael Miniatures’ parents and tots, Ebenezer Hall, Kirk Michael, 2pm. Call 491592.
• Onchan Rainbows, 5.30pm. Also 1st Onchan Brownies, 6.30pm.
• Brownies, Corrin Hall, Peel, 6.30pm.
• Manannan Cubs, Scout Headquarters, Onchan, 7pm.
• Do Drop Inn Drama Club, children ages 10+, St Paul’s hall, Ramsey, 7pm.
Tuesday, March 22
• Parents and tots, Auldyn Infants School community room, Ramsey, 9.15am-11.15am.
• Parents and tots group, Cronk-y-Berry School, side entrance, 9.30am. Call 469756. Also Thurs, 1.30pm.
• Toddle Inn, mums and tots group, Port St Mary Living Hope Community Church, 9.30am. Call 835091.
• Tiddlers Group for parents, grandparents or carers, St Olave’s Church hall, Ramsey, 9.45am-11.30am, £1.50.
• Super Saints, All Saints’ Church vestry, Douglas, 10am-11.15am. Call 427185.
• Foxdale mums and tots, community hall, Foxdale School, 2pm. Call 420234.
• Abbey Acorns, ages 4+ at the Abbey Church, Ballasalla, 3.30pm.
• Peel Footlights Youth Theatre, children aged eight-16, Philip Christian Centre, Peel, 4pm. Also Thursday. Call 843819.
• 2nd Onchan Beavers, Scout Headquarters, Onchan, 5pm.
Wednesday, March 23
• Parents and tots, Salvation Army Citadel, Lord Street, Douglas, 9.30am. Call 627742.
• Mini Club for parents or carers and their babies, toddlers and pre-school children, Anagh Coar School, 9.30am or Braddan Church hall, 2pm. Call 675091.
• Mums and tots, Marown hall, Peel Road, Crosby, 10.15am.
• Busy Bees parents and tots, Beehive Kindergarten, Onchan, 1.30pm. Also Thurs. Call 674655.
• Action, Songs and Rhymes, from birth onwards, 1.30pm-2.30pm, Laxey Working Men’s Institute. Call Jo, 479452.
• Ballaquayle Bears Toddler Group, Ballaquayle School hall, Douglas, 1.45pm-3pm.
• Foxdale Parents and Tots Club at Foxdale School,2pm-3.15pm. Contact Ann Naisbitt, 801946 or annnaisbitt@hotmail.com
• The Energy Youth Group, Colby Methodist Chapel, 7pm-8.30pm. Call Jane, 492010.
• Snaefell Cubs, Scout Headquarters, Onchan, 7pm.
Palace Cinema
• 10 Cloverfield Lane, (12)A. Nightly at 7.45pm, Sat and Sun at 2.30pm.
• How to be Single, (15). Nightly at 7.30pm.
• Zootropolis, 2D, (PG). Sat and Sun at 2pm.
• Goosebumps, (PG). Sat and Sun at 4pm.
Broadway Cinema
• The Divergent Series: Allegiant, (12A).Fri at 7.30pm, Sat and Sun at 4.30pm and 7.30pm, Mon and Tues at 7.30pm, Wed at 2pm and 7.30pm.
• Kung Fu Panda, 2D, (PG). Fri at 5pm, Sat and Sun at noon, Mon-Wed at 5pm. 3D, Sat and Sun at 2pm.
King William’s College Theatre
• Boris Godunov Live screening, Mon at 7.15pm.
Centenary Centre
• Brooklyn, (12A), Wed at 7.45pm.
• Millennium Hall, Crosby
Spectre (12) Tues at 7pm.
Thursday, March 17
• Port Erin branch of IoM Anti-Cancer Association Easter coffee morning at Rowany Golf Club, Port Erin, 10am-11.30am. Call Jane 832087.
• Age IoM computer training sessions, Douglas iMuseum, Kingswood Grove, 10am–12.30pm.
• Art and creative writing, The Hub, Port Erin, 10am. Also board games, 2pm-3.30pm; chair based exercise, 3pm. Sat, social fitness, 9.30am; Meditation led by IOM Brahma Kumaris, 5.30pm-6.30pm. Tues, bridge, 10am-noon; crafts, 2pm-3.30pm. Wed, yoga, 11am-12.15pm. Men in Sheds – Tues/Wed/Fri, 10am, Thie Rosien, Port Erin.
• Isle of Man Farmers’ Market, Tynwald Mills, St John’s, 11am-3pm.
• Northern Ladies Luncheon Club, Kerry Palmer, ‘The work of the Northern Live at Home Scheme, Ramsey Golf Club, 12.15pm for 12.45pm. Call, Sheila Williams, 897728.
• Laxey and Lonan Community Choir, Laxey Methodist Church, Minorca Hill, Laxey, 7pm-8pm. No auditions.
• Meditation: The Practice of Stillness and Silence, Dalby Schoolrooms, 7.30pm-9pm. Call Cheryl on 843471.
• The WI is Celebrating 150 years of the Popular Vote and 135 years of Women’s Right to Vote a talk by Steve Rodan, Speaker of the House of Keys. Admission £7 to include supper, at Manx Blind Welfare Society, Heywood Avenue, Onchan, 7.30pm. Call 818194 or 834624.
• Manx Gaelic class, intermediate-advanced with James Harrison, Arbory Commissioners’ hall, 7.30pm. Also Fri, intermediate-advanced with Adrian Cain, Manx Museum, noon. Sat, intermediate, House of Manannan, 9.30am; intermediate-advanced with James Harrison, Manx Museum, 10.30am. Tues, intermediate with Adrian Cain, St Matthew’s Church, Douglas, noon; advanced, Rovers pub, Douglas, 1pm; beginners, Patchwork Cafe, Port St Mary, 7.30pm; Arbory Commissioners’ hall with Cathy Clucas, 7.30pm; St John’s House with James O’Meara, 7.30pm.
• Gospel message, Ballaugh village hall, 7.30pm.
• Quiz Night, The Railway, Douglas, 8.30pm. Call 670773.
• Bingo Quiz, Manor Hotel, Willaston, 9pm.
Friday, March 18
• Castletown and Malew Branch of IOM Anti-Cancer, spring coffee morning, Morton Hall, Castletown, 10am-11.30am. Call Nola, 823275.
• Coffee and chat, Onchan Methodist Church lounge, 10.30am-noon.
• Revive Fridays, Trinity Church Hall, Douglas, 5.30pm-6.30pm. Enjoy the company and a faith tea. Call 621004.
• Meditation, The Refinery, Duke Street, Douglas, 7pm. Call 467818.
• Sulby and Lezayre Heritage Trust, AGM, Sulby community hall, 7pm.
• Quiz Night, St John’s Methodist Church Hall, 7.30pm. Admission £5.
• Isle of Man Family History Society meeting, Union Mills Chapel, 7.30pm, slide show by Peter Kelly entitled, ‘Memories’.
Saturday, March 19
• Theatre Tours, Gaiety Theatre, Douglas, 10am. Call 600555.
• The Manx Aviation and Military Museum, Ronaldsway, open 10am-4.30pm daily.
• Laxey Woollen Mills, Glen Road, 10am-5pm. Also open weekdays.
• Green Centre, near Chester Street complex, Douglas. Information about recycling, energy, insulation and environmental matters, 10am.
• Isle of Man Farmers’ Market, Karl B and T, Ramsey, 10am-3pm.
• The Mothers’ Union Easter family fun day, St John’s Methodist Hall, 10.15am-3.30pm. Egg painting, easter cards and much more. Children need to be accompanied by an adult, bring packed lunch.
• IoM Torch Fellowship Group meeting for the visually impaired. Call 622830 for venue.
• Coffee and chat, St Mary’s on the Harbour, Castletown, 11am.
• IoM Antiquarian & Nat. Hist. Soc. Annual General Meeting, followed by ‘LiDAR and other digital archaeology on the Island’ by Dave Martin. Manx Museum lecture theatre 2pm.
• World Manx Association AGM, Union Mills Methodist Church Hall, 2.30pm.
• Bally Cashtal Brass training band of Castletown Band, Queen Street Mission Hall, beginners 4.30pm, main rehearsal 5.30pm. Call Barbara 473582.
• Onchan Live At Home Scheme present Eastern Young Farmers Concert, Onchan Methodist Church Hall, 5pm. Tickets £5 for adults & £3 for children, call 623373.
• Car boot sale, Morton Hall, Castletown, 2pm.
• Annual quiz night, Onchan Elim Church, Second Ave, 6.30pm for 7pm. Tickets £5 to include light supper. Call Sarah Richardson 472447.
• Crosby Cricket Club bingo and barbecue fundraiser, Millenium Hall, Old Church Road, tickets £5. Call Bev, 470360.
Sunday, March 20
• Isle of Man Farmers’ Market, S100 Clubhouse, Castletown, 1.30pm-3.30pm. 3RD SUNDAY
• Castletown Metropolitan Silver Band rehearsals, Queen Street Mission hall, 7.30pm. Call 473582.
• Meditation and chat, Pure Inspiration, Ramsey, 7.15pm. Call Gary, 817735.
• Isle of Man Poetry Society Pop-in at the Archibald Knox Pub function room in Onchan, 7.30pm to 9.30pm.
Monday, March 21
• Age Isle of Man - free computer sessions for people aged over 50, House of Manannan, Peel, 10am–12.30pm and 1.30pm–4.30pm.
• Afternoon tea dance, Manx Legion Club, Douglas, 2pm-4pm.
• Free life-changing stress / spine / health talks, Align4Life in Lake Road, Douglas, 6.45pm, 629444.
Tuesday, March 22
• Computers for Beginners, Onchan Library, 10am-noon. Call 621228.
• Manx Cancer Help drop-in day, Lisa Lowe Centre, The Old Schoolhouse, Cronkbourne, 11am-4pm.
• Lunch Club, Salvation Army Citadel, Lord Street, Douglas, 11.30am. Call 627742.
• Simple Lent Lunches, Cooill Chapel Hall, noon-1.30pm. Proceeds to the Middle East Refugee Crises Appeal.
• King William’s College welcome French comedians Le Nom du Titre, King’s Court Theatre, tickets from.kwc.im
Wednesday, March 23
• Dalby Ducklings: Mums, tots, grannies, dads and toddlers, Dalby Schoolrooms, 10am-11.30am.
• Computer training sessions. Leonard Cheshire Disability, Main Road, Onchan, 11am-3pm. Call 679030.
• Call in for coffee at St Peter’s Church, Onchan, 11am and 1pm.
• Bereavement support group, friendly get together for anyone feeling isolated or lonely after a bereavement, Scholl Centre, Hospice Isle of Man, 5pm-7pm. Call 647443.
• SambaMann percussion workshop, Onchan Silver bandroom, off Onchan Commissioners’ car park, 7pm, email sambamann@manx.net
• Bingo Quiz, Archibald Knox Onchan, 8pm.
Thursday, March 17
• Ian Thompson at Jaks, Douglas.
• Brown Sugar at the Rosemount, Douglas, 5pm-7pm and the Sidings, Castletown, from 8.30pm.
• Karaoke, Guys and Dolls, Douglas.
• Ramsey Folk Club, Mitre Hotel, Ramsey, 8pm-11pm.
• Karaoke with Ray Sloane at the Saddle Inn, Douglas.
• Guitar lessons at the meeting room, Archibald Knox, Onchan, 5.45pm-6.45pm.
• Alternative Havana, Fiesta Havana, Douglas. Also, Friday - Full On Fridays.
Friday, March 18
• Little Miss Dynamite at the Union, Castletown.
• Ian Thompson Trio at Jaks, Douglas.
• Brown Sugar at the Empress Hotel, Douglas.
• DJ Tim, Second Venue, 21 Victoria Street, Douglas, 8pm. Also Saturday.
• Karaoke at the Albert, Douglas, 9pm.
• Irish traditional music session at The Mitre, Ramsey, 9pm.
Saturday, March 19
• Little Miss Dynamite at the Manx Arms, Onchan.
• Ian Thompson at the Commercial, Ramsey.
• Symbollix at Jaks, Douglas.
• JonnoPromotions presents, Richard Walters and friends, The Institute, Laxey.
• Brown Sugar at the Station Hotel, Port St Mary.
• Manx music session, the Whitehouse, Peel, 10pm.
• Karaoke with Dobbo at the Decks, Liverpool Arms, Baldrine.
• Karaoke at the Central Hotel, Ramsey.
• Karaoke and disco at The Nags Head, in Second Venue above The Nags Head, 10pm-2am.
Sunday, March 20
• One Wo/Man One Guitar Shoh Slaynt at the Highwayman, Peel.
• Ray Sloane Karaoke at Jaks, Douglas.
• The Isle of Man Choral Society with The Isle of Man Symphony Orchestra concert, Rutter’s Requiem and Puccini’s Messa di Gloria, Villa Marina, 2.30pm. Tickets from the Welcome Centre and Villa Marina Box office, 600555, adults £13, children and students £3.
• Karaoke at The Crescent, Queen’s Promenade, Douglas, 8pm.
Tuesday, March 22
• Acoustic sing-around, the Manor, Willaston, 8.30pm.
• Rock Choir, Youth Arts Centre, Kensington Road, Douglas, 6pm.
Wednesday, March 23
• Irish Music session at O’Donnell’s, Douglas, 8.30pm.
People are reminded that they must be on the electoral register at April 1 to be eligible to stand as a candidate, or to vote, in the 2016 local authority general election.
The cut-off point for inclusion is tomorrow (Friday, March 18).
Further details are available from the Electoral Registration Unit, Crown and Elections, Cabinet Office, Government Office, Bucks Road, Douglas, IM1 3PN, email voters@gov.im or call 685754.
Additional information about local authority elections, including guidance for prospective candidates, can be found on the Government website and Facebook page
Alternatively, people can contact their local authority or attend a public meeting to find out more.
Chief minister Allan Bell gave an upbeat message about the island at a presentation on the enduring resilience of London’s prime property market.
The event at the Villa Marina was hosted by independent structured finance firm Captima and delivered by Martin Gilsenan of Fortwell Capital, the financial services arm of CPC Group.
Mr Bell provided a brief overview of the Manx economy in the wake of the 2016-2017 budget which, he said, had sought to protect the most vulnerable and secure strong foundations for future economic growth.
Expressing ‘cautious optimism’ Mr Bell said that achieving a re-balancing of the revenue budget was ‘close’ and that the economy was ‘moving in the right direction’.
Against a background of geopolitical and financial uncertainty the Isle of Man had ‘weathered quite exceptional storms’ said Mr Bell who, in welcoming Mr Gilsenan, urged: ‘All we need now are investors’.
The event was earlier opened with Captima director Mark Watson welcoming guests, who included Department of Economic Development business development manager John Garland, before introducing Mr Bell.
Mr Gilsenan explained that Fortwell Capital, launched in 2010 and formerly known as Omni Capital, specialised in funding residential residential and alternative property.
With a current balance sheet of £300m the company’s total lending as of February 2016 was just under £1bn made up of 309 transactions.
He went on to outline the resilience of London’s high-end property market and its continuing appeal to overseas investors.
The UK capital was, he said, ‘a world city of the front rank’ which, despite some ‘softening’ of prices in prime central London, remained buoyant.
‘Residential property as an asset class has come of age in the past seven or eight years’, he explained and went on to list London’s ‘five winning post codes’ - in Mayfair, Knightsbridge, Fitzrovia, Marylebone and Chelsea - that had enjoyed 10-year growth in average sales prices, prompting him to comment: ‘Good lending doesn’t depend on a rising market, however.’
With banks becoming increasingly risk averse Mr Gilsenan said there was an appetite among borrowers to seek out alternative funding mechanisms, such as those which Fortwell, with its access to CPC Group’s expertise, could provide. These included short-term funding; high-net worth buy-to-let, development funding and structured finance.
Fortwell’s ‘open-minded flexible approach can be adapted to unique transactions’ explained Mr Gilsenan who thanked Captima for its valued custom and, in closing, urged investors to consider Fortwell’s strategy: ‘Stay ahead of the game. Look for the next opportunity. Don’t hunt with the pack.’
An Anagh Coar man has admitted to possessing £2,900 worth of cannabis with intent to supply.
Liam Bradley, aged 23, of Hibbin Way, also pleaded guilty to two further charges of possessing cannabis.
After executing a search warrant at 8.45am yesterday at Bradley’s home police found 140 grams of cannabis behind a board in the kitchen.
Further wraps weighing a total of 5 grams and 1.1 grams were found in a kitchen unit.
The case has been adjourned until April 28.
Our dad is truly our hero!
Sisters Kennedy and Robyn-Mae Lawler, 19 and 12, have nominated their dad, Constable Tony Lawler, in Isle of Man Newspapers’ Community Police Officer of the Year Award.
Tony, has been in the Constabulary for 17 years, and as a section officer is responsible for the day to day policing of Douglas and Onchan.
‘When I read the nomination I was very humbled by what was said,’ Tony said.
‘I don’t do this job for praise, I do it because I can make a small difference to people of the Isle of Man. Family is the most important thing to me and to have been nominated by my children means the world.’
In their nomination they wrote: ‘PC Tony Lawler is a highly respected member of the constabulary and due to his nature of being kind, caring, funny and having sheer determination he is liked and known by many both within in the force and within the community, he is often referred to as a “gentle giant” as he is a strong and loyal constable.
‘No matter what the situation or the circumstances he will always put the life and wellbeing of another first.
‘As well as being a great officer he has raised a family with wife Leandra which has not always been easy as every time he goes on shift his family do not know what it may bring but he truly is a hero and a role model to his two daughters, who every day are proud of what he does.’
In November, Tony swam out to sea to save a woman, bringing her back to shore himself because the conditions were too hazardous for the Coastguard to reach them.
He has previously received Chief Constable’s Commendations in 2014 and 2003, for an outstanding act of bravery and for saving someone’s life.
Kennedy and Robyn-Mae said he gave 100 per cent to the job despite being diagnosed with an incurable form of cancer in 2004, for which has he undergone lengthy and intensive treatment.
‘He has never allowed his cancer to hinder his commitment to the community,’ they wrote. ‘He has been a part of many schemes to improve the police force, such as Community Watch and School Watch, and he is a tutor and mentor for new starters. He was one of the pioneers of Shop Watch in Onchan and has had a role in implementing many community watch and safety programmes around Douglas.’
• Nominations have closed.
Ramsey Horticultural Society held its annual Spring Show on Saturday at Waterloo Road Methodist Church Hall.
Among the winners was Barbara Corlett who won the Keith Kerruish Trophy Supreme Award for her floral art entry. All the materials used in her exhibit were from her own garden.
The AS Mart Rosebowl - Reserve Supreme Award was won by Joan Hughes in the handicraft section, for her recycled dining chair with a woven seat.
Organisers said that entries in the flowers and plants sections were excellent and the handicraft entries were well up on previous shows.
In the junior section entries were received from children in Footsteps Nursery, Beryl’s Mums and Tots, Ayre Brownies and Ramsey Brownies as well as many individual exhibits.
Ramsey Horticultural Society are now calling for all aspiring Mary Berrys and Paul Hollywoods to get baking and get the tables groaning with goodies for the Summer Show to be held on Saturday, August 20.
The society thanked all those involved in making the show a success.
A special toilet-themed van will tour the island tomorrow (Friday) to celebrate the Isle of Man becoming the world’s first Toilet Twinned island.
The Toilet Tour will visit twinned loos across the island to mark the island winning the Toilet Twinned Award from charity Toilet Twinning.
Lorraine Kingsley, CEO of the charity , said: ‘Our Toilet Twinned award is given to communities which pull out all the stops to help provide life-saving sanitation in poor countries.
‘Manx generosity has been amazing and it’s been wonderful to watch as different groups have pulled together to raise funds. A proper toilet is a vital first step out of poverty for a poor family so Manx twinners can be proud that they’ll have changed many people’s lives forever.’
Toilet twinning involves people making a donation to ‘twin’ their toilet and fund a latrine in one of the poorest countries in the world. The donation helps provide a toilet, clean water, basic sanitation and hygiene education.
The ‘Twin your toilet’ campaign was first launched in the island in 2014 by the One World Centre and Churches Together in Mann and since then residents have joined their toilets with more than 130 latrines and a school block overseas.
Organisations such as Applyby law firm, Ballakermeen High School, Peel Cathedral and the deanery, Broadway Baptist Church and the Department of Education and Children in Douglas have all joined in with campaign.
The tour will visit twinned toilets in the island and will finish with a ceremony at Government Buildings in Douglas, where Lorraine Kingsley will present the award.
Rosemary Clark from the One World Centre said: ‘It’s been wonderful to see people’s enthusiasm grow as they’ve grasped just how much of a difference having a toilet can make to families and whole communities elsewhere.’
Kreston IoM has appointed Ross Byrne as a director of the company.
Ross brings to his new role more than 20 years’ corporate services experience in the Isle of Man.
He was general manager and subsequently director of Scarlett Corporate Services Limited before joining Kreston.
Operations director of Kreston, Christian Cowley said: ‘Ross has extensive expertise in planning and structuring for high net worth individuals, in particular residential and commercial property investments, and is a highly valued member of our team that is key to delivering excellent services to our customers.’
Ross is STEP (Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners) qualified and says that he is a keen golfer when not providing a taxi service for his family!
Kreston IOM is the Isle of Man’s representative of Kreston International, a global network of 192 independent accounting firms in 104 countries.
Isle of Man Creamery welcomed Economic Development Minister Laurence Skelly MHK to present its Investors in People accreditation certificate and plaque.
Investors in People is the leading people management standard which uses a rigorous scale based system to help organisations to improve performance through the development and performance of its people.
The business is then assessed year on year against its own goals to help benchmark performance and improve in the future.
An Investors in People assessor visited the Creamery over two days to gather evidence through employee interviews.
Managing director, Findlay Macleod said: ‘We were delighted to achieve the Investors in People accreditation again, having first been awarded it in 2003.
‘It helps to demonstrate that the Creamery is a great employer with a commitment to improving our business performance through the development of and investment in our people.’
Mr Skelly said: ‘It is fantastic to see so many businesses in the Isle of Man achieving and maintaining the Investors in People standard.
‘These assessments and benchmarks can help businesses to grow and thrive which in turn will bring numerous benefits to the local economy.
‘I would like to congratulate all of the employees of Isle of Man Creamery who have worked hard to contribute to making the business thrive both at home and further afield. I strongly believe that people are the most important asset of an organisation and this really rings true at the Creamery.’