MY mobile phone died in the night while I was asleep last week.

When I went downstairs in the morning to where it was plugged in there was no sign of life in the wretched thing.

Mind you it had left a farewell message on its screen.

It was: ‘Enter Pin Number.’ I didn’t know what to make of this.

But I did as I was told, wondering if my dead phone was going to give me some money.

It didn’t. It just sent another message telling me to send my pin number again.

This didn’t work either. I went straight to downtown Douglas, to the Manx Telecom establishment in Strand Street, where I opened negotiations by telling the young man behind the counter that I was half-witted when it came to technology.

He considered me briefly then said: ‘I understand perfectly sir.’

It took him a couple of minutes and a couple of questions, one of which was a request for my postcode and address for some impenetrable reason, to return my phone in its usual working order which consists largely of asking me if I wanted to do things I neither wanted nor understood.

I asked the young man if I could buy a mobile phone which did nothing more than make or receive phone calls. He told me they couldn’t provide anything of the sort. They couldn’t make one obviously.

That’s modern technology for you.

When we meet people these days we usually ask: ‘How are you?’ and usually these days we get the reply: ‘I’m good.’

I am tempted to ask if they help old ladies across the road, say their prayers every night and donate generously to Save the Children.

THIS week’s crossword clue has been sent in by John Corrin. It was in the Sunday Times as follows: ‘Heart races, locked in trunk.’

TWO items in from Andrew Kerr-Phillips. First, a headline in the Manx Independent as follows: ‘Charge is dropped against teenager.’

He must have been terribly hurt.

Second, also in the Manx Independent: ‘Bill is far-sighted says activist.’

He should have gone to Specsavers.

CROSSWORD: Bottle

I LIKE the bread from the Noa Bake House, especially the Half Manx Wild. But for me there is a mystery in the mix. It is sliced on the inside but not fully sliced on the outside. The crusts still stick together here and there.

It’s obviously an inside job.

.

IN this busy year for electioneering we are hearing and seeing the political jargon embracing the expression: ‘Going forward.’ A leading crab, Manx of course, said last night:

‘This is shellfishism.’

I have been asked what I would like to have incised on my headstone.

Spike Milligan set the standard with: ‘I told you I was ill.’

I can’t compete with that. But if anyone has any ideas, for mine or their own, I would be happy to hear from them.

FUNNIES File. The Examiner once headlined: ‘New direction for TT.’

Anti-clockwise?

WORLD HEADLINE: ‘Miners refuse to work after death.’

No overtime on offer?

Last Wednesday, IoM Friends of the Earth held its monthly meeting.

We meet on the fourthWednesday of every month, at 7.30pm, in the Green Centre at the chester Street complex in Douglas.

We share the Green Centre with our friends from the Manx Energy Advice Centre (a charity advising on energy efficiency and renewable power), and Zero Waste Mann, who campaign for reduced waste and consumption.

It was a great meeting, with a varied agenda and lots of cake – and we were delighted to welcome a new face.

James had come to find out what we get up to, as he’s been thinking increasingly about the environment and sustainability – and wants to explore ways he can put these ideas into practice. Great news!

Becoming a member of IoMFoE is one small way to do your bit for the planet, and especially the glorious spot we’re privileged to live on.

It’s extremely good value - £7.50 for a year’s membership – and lets you get involved in masses of activities.

As well as our sociable and informative monthly get-togethers, we campaign on issues ranging from water cleanliness to the plight of our pollinators; from climate change to plastic bags.

We have a useful library of books which people are welcome to use, and we open the Green Centre to the public on Saturdays (10am-5pm) – anyone can call in for a chat, and there’s usually a cup of tea on offer too.

But we also get out and about – last year we had stalls at Tynwald, the Royal Agricultural Show and the Food Festival, to name but a few - and we took part in the Carnival too.

We believe it’s quite possible to campaign on sometimes-serious issues and still have fun (which often involves dressing up as a bee or a womble, for my part....).

And at the Green Centre itself, we have a planting project, thanks to the kindness of Douglas Corporation Parks Department, who’ve donated two massive planters and a supply of compost.

We plan to show how easy it is to grow food, even if you don’t have a garden – so far we’ve planted a quince tree and some herbs, plus honeysuckle to attract the bees.

If this all sounds good to you, why not come along to one of our regular meetings – or drop into the Green Centre on a Saturday? You can find out more at www.iomfoe.org

Braddan’s substitute Jamie Spicer proved to be the ‘Man of the Moment’ on Wednesday evening, netting an 88th minute equaliser to end Douglas Athletic’s 100 per cent record in JCK Division Two.

Both goalkeepers had to be alert in the first two meaningful attacks, Athletic’s Matthew Quirk superbly denying Conor Dempsey’s effort, before Braddan’s Alex Haddock threw himself across goal to expertly repel Connor Dowell’s header.

Will Smith’s men were gifted with an excellent chance to take the lead on 26 minutes when they were awarded a penalty.

Andy Glover took responsibility, but Quirk guessed correctly brilliantly saving the spot-kick.

However, just before half-time the Pinks took the lead. The Swans didn’t deal with Richie Cannell’s free kick, Mark Wolfenden laid it off to Danny O’Hare who drove his shot hard and low into the bottom-left corner of the net against his former club.

After the break, Lee Ford and Jamie Delaney had opportunities at either end of the pitch that went narrowly wide.

It was Braddan, however, who were looking the more likely to score as Glover twice went close for his side.

Wolfenden had an excellent chance of adding a second after he went clean through, only to be thwarted by a last-ditch tackle,

The hosts’ cause was not helped when captain Joseph Andrews was sent off for a second booking in the 77th minute.

Despite Andrews’s dismissal, Braddan kept pushing forward with Glover again going close with an effort that went narrowly over the crossbar.

With 88 minutes on the clock, the Victoria Road side got their deserved equaliser. Dempsey’s corner was met by John McMullen, his effort picked out Spicer who applied the final touch to make it 1-1, sparking a frenzy of celebrations.

Athletic had the last throw of the dice. Stuart Monks’s free-kick picked out Jamie Clague, his cut-back found Dowell who drove his shot hard and low, but Spicer was expertly positioned to make an important goal-line clearance.

Seconds after, referee Neshko Marinov blew his full-time, ensuring that the points would be shared.

Elsewhere in the second tier, Colby beat bottom side Governor’s Athletic 10-0 to move up to third on goal difference.

Gymns drop down to fourth despite beating Michael 3-2, while Castletown stay second after they beat Foxdale 3-2 in the latter’s first league home game since October.

Onchan dented Douglas Royal’s Paul Henry Gold Cup qualification hopes by winning 3-1 at Ballafletcher.

In the Canada Life Premier League, St John’s hot streak continued at Laxey. Goals from Harry Rothwell (2) and Andrew Chadwick gave the Johnners a 3-0 win at Glen Road, their sixth league victory in a row.

DHSOB won the top-flight’s other match beat Union Mills 1-6 thanks to a hat-trick from Darren Hudgeon, a brace from Josh Thomas and a rare goal from defender Iain Ramsay.

Results: Wednesday, March 30

Canada Life Premier League

Laxey 0-3 St John’s

Union Mills 1-6 DHSOB

JCK Division Two

Braddan 1-1 Douglas Athletic

Colby 10-0 Governor’s Athletic

Douglas Royal 1-3 Onchan

Foxdale 2-3 Castletown

Gymns 3-2 Michael

Fixtures: Thursday, March 31

Canada Life Premier League

6pm Marown v Peel

6pm St Mary’s v St George’s

Island snooker star Darryl Hill has been knocked out of the China Open at the second-round stage.

The newly-crowned Isle of Man Under-21 Sportsman of the Year had been due to play world number one Mark Selby in the preliminary round until the latter was forced to withdraw.

Instead Hill received a bye through to the first round where he played James Wattana in the best-of-nine-frames contest.

The 19-year-old raced into a 2-0 lead against the former world number three and, despite a brief comeback by the Thai player, Hill eventually triumphed 5-3 to progress to the second round. There he faced Welsh star Dominic Dale for a place in the third round.

Dale got off to a flying start by taking the first two frames before Hill stormed back to win the next three to move into the lead.

However, the world number 36 hit back and eventually triumphed 5-3 overall to book his place in the next round.

Steam Packet chief executive Mark Woodward has spoken of his continued frustration on the release of the company’s latest revised sailing schedule.

Manannan remains in dry dock in Cammel Laird’s shipyard in Birkenhead, with repairs due to be completed later today.

The vessel was damaged last week when it crashed into Victoria Pier in Douglas.

It had been due to resume its timetable this morning but repair work could not be completed within the original schedule.

According to a statement released this lunchtime this was due to a ‘24-hour delay entering dry dock, which was caused by work to another vessel overrunning’.

And now, the statement continues: ‘Due to low tide heights over the next few days and the associated limitations on opening and closing of the dry dock gates, and despite repairs to Manannan being completed, the first available undocking tide is now expected to be 8am on Sunday.’

Mr Woodward said: ‘I share the sense of frustration that I know our passengers will feel. Had we been able to get into dry dock as promised, our work would have been completed in time and we would have been able to meet our original deadline for Manannan to be back in service.

‘I would like to sincerely apologise once again for the inconvenience to passengers.’

-------------------

REVISED SCHEDULE

Thursday, March 31

All passengers and vehicles booked on the 11:15 sailing from Liverpool will automatically be transferred to the 14:15 sailing from Heysham

All passengers and vehicles booked on the 15:00 sailing to Liverpool will automatically be transferred to the 19:45 sailing to Heysham

All passengers and vehicles booked on the 19:15 sailing from Liverpool will automatically be transferred to the 02:15 sailing from Heysham on Friday, April 1.

Friday, April 1

Passengers and vehicles booked on the 07:30 sailing to Liverpool are asked to contact the Call Centre on 01624 661661 or 08722 992992 to discuss available alternatives. If you have an online account the best way to check for alternative sailing options is to log in to your online account, access your booking and use the ‘amend’ function.

All passengers and vehicles booked on the 11:15 sailing from Liverpool will automatically be transferred to the 14:15 sailing from Heysham

All passengers and vehicles booked on the 15:00 sailing to Liverpool will automatically be transferred to the 19:45 sailing to Heysham

All passengers and vehicles booked on the 19:15 sailing from Liverpool will automatically be transferred to the 02:15 sailing from Heysham on Saturday, April 2.

Saturday, April 2

Passengers and vehicles booked on the 07:30 sailing to Liverpool and the 11:15 sailing from Liverpool are asked to contact the Call Centre on 01624 661661 or 08722 992992 to discuss available alternatives. If you have an online account the best way to check for alternative sailing options is to log in to your online account, access your booking and use the ‘amend’ function.

All passengers and vehicles booked on the 15:00 sailing to Liverpool will automatically be transferred to the 19:45 sailing to Heysham

All passengers and vehicles booked on the 19:15 sailing from Liverpool will automatically be transferred to the 02:15 sailing from Heysham on Sunday, April 3

Coach transfers for foot passengers

Coaches will be available to transfer foot passengers between Liverpool and Heysham as follows:

Depart Liverpool Terminal 11:00 for the 14:15 Heysham departure

Depart Liverpool Terminal 20:30 for the 02:15 Heysham departure

Depart Heysham on arrival of Ben-my-Chree – journey time is expected to be approximately 90 minutes

Notice for online account holders on disrupted Manannan sailings - The best way to check for alternative sailing options is to log in to your online account, access your booking and use the ‘amend’ function.

Sunday, April 3

07:00 sailing to Belfast will now depart at 12:00

10:45 sailing from Belfast will now depart at 16:00

15:00 sailing to Liverpool will now depart at 20:00

19:15 sailing from Liverpool will now depart at 23:30

A further update will be provided should any of the above plans change.

The sacking of Post Office chairman Graham Cregeen means drink drive MLC Tony Wild, as vice chairman, will chair today’s Post Office board meeting.

It was announced yesterday that Mr Cregeen had been removed as chairman and member of the Post Office board with immediate effect.

His position had been made ‘untenable’ because of his ‘fundamental conflict’ with board policy on corporatisation, Treasury Minister Eddie Teare said.

Plans to run the Post Office as a limited company, wholly-owned by government, will go before the April Tynwald when the court will also be asked to approve the appointment of Peel MHK Ray Harmer as the new chairman.

In the meantime, Tony Wild MLC as vice chairman will be in charge.

In March he ‘unreservedly apologised’ to Tynwald following his conviction for drink driving. He was sentenced to 180 hours community service, as a direct alternative to eight weeks’ custody, and banned from driving for five years.

He said it was his ‘heartfelt desire’ to carry on his LegCo role but had asked to step down immediately from his political membership of the DHSC. Until last year he was also member for the departments of Economic Development and Education and Children. As well as Post Office vice chairman, he is an employer’s representative on the Public Sector Pensions Authority.

Mr Wild was arrested for drink-driving in December after being stopped in Laxey and failing a breathalyser test. He was more than three times the legal limit.

In Tynwald this month he said that at his court hearing mention was made of ‘certain medical conditions’. He told members he would not elaborate on this other than ‘these are personal, under control and I have the necessary support’.

Plans to corporatise the Post Office were first mooted in the 2006 Scope of Government report and aim to give it more commercial freedom.

The proposal for it to be run as a company, 100 per cent owned by the government with Treasury as sole shareholder, followed a review by an independent consultant and has been approved by the Post Office board and CoMin.

Mr Cregeen told iomtoday he had sought assurances with the Chief Minister over jobs and the future of the Post Office local network.

He said: ‘He advised me to speak to Treasury officers and they would give me all the assurances I required. I was called on Tuesday to see the Treasury Minister to be told I was being removed with immediate effect. If you stand up for what you think is right you are shown the door.’

He said he believed any benefit to government from running the Post Office as a limited company rather than a statutory board would be ‘marginal’ and jobs could potentially be lost as a result.

Thursday, March 31

• 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, April 1

• 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, April 2

• 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, April 3

• Reikido, The Royal British Legion, Port Erin, 11am. Also Mon, 8pm. Call Nick, 398955.

• Yoga and Nutrition, Karma Yoga Studio, Douglas, 6pm.

Monday, April 4

• 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, April 5

• 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, April 6

• Zumba classes, beginners, antenatal and postnatal, 9.45am, zumba fitness, advanced, 10.45am at Zumba Isle of Man, Silvercraigs Hotel. Call 677776.

• 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.

Palace Cinema

• Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, 3D, (12A). Nightly at 7pm. 2D, daily at 2pm.

• 10 Cloverfield Lane, (12A). Nightly at 7.30pm.

• Zootropolis, 3D, (PG). Daily at 2.30pm. 2D, daily a 4.30pm.

Broadway Cinema

• Eddie the Eagle, (PG). Nightly at 4.30pm and 7.30pm.

• Kung Fu Panda 3, 2D, (PG). Daily at 2pm.

Thursday, March 31

• 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.

• Manx Retirement Association, stretch and flex, Onchan Methodist Hall, 10am.

• 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.

Monday, April 4

• Isle of Man Ladies’ Luncheon Club, Palace Hotel at 1pm. Speaker Chris Knight ‘Auntie, The War’s Over’.

• Vannin Bridge, Onchan pensioners hall, 2pm. Also Thurs.

• Onchan Silver Band practice, the band room, off Main Road, Onchan, beginners 6.30pm and seniors 7.30pm.

• Ramsey Gardening Club, Quayle’s Hall, Ramsey, 7.30pm, £2.

Tuesday, April 5

• 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.

• Glen Maye WI, St James’ Church hall, Dalby, 7.30pm. Call 818194.

• Mannin Quilters, Ballabeg Methodist hall, 7.30pm. Call 628921. Also Wed at St Columba’s Catholic Church, Port Erin, 1.30pm.

• Santon WI, The Church Centre, Church Road, Santon, 7.30pm. Call 818194.

Wednesday, April 6

• MS Society coffee morning, Harbour Lights, St Paul’s Square, Ramsey, 10.30am.

• Laxey Sketch Club, informal drawing and painting, Laxey Football Club, Glen Road, 1.30pm-3.30pm, Call Norman 861125.

• Onchan Pensioners Club, Morton Hall, Castletown, ladies club, 2pm.

• 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.

• Jurby and District WI, Jurby parish hall, 7.15pm.

• St Mark’s WI, St Mark’s School room, 7.30pm. Call 818194.

• The Isle of Man Literary Society meeting, at Archibald Knox, Onchan, 7.30pm. The AGM followed by ‘Are you being served’, a discussion about the servant and master relationship in fiction led by Jeff Garland. Membership £10; guests £2.

Thursday, March 31

• 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, April 1

• Ian Thompson at Sam Webbs, Douglas.

• Little Miss Dynamite at the Creek, Peel.

• Shoh Slaynt at the Tynwald Hill Inn, St John’s.

• Dickie at the Whitehouse, Peel.

• Chris Winchester Band at Jaks, Douglas.

• Karaoke FM at the Commercial, Ramsey.

• 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, April 2

• Ian Thompson at the Haven, Port Erin.

• Little Miss Dynamite at the Mitre, Ramsey.

• Skeet at the Queen’s, Douglas.

• Dickie at the Manor, Willaston. Fundraiser for Manx Cancer Help. Tickets £5.

• Switch at Jaks, Douglas.

• Karaoke FM at the Manx Arms, Onchan.

• 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, April 3

• Karaoke at Jaks, Douglas.

• Karaoke at The Crescent, Queen’s Promenade, Douglas, 8pm.

Tuesday, April 4

• Acoustic sing-around, the Manor, Willaston, 8.30pm.

• Rock Choir, Youth Arts Centre, Kensington Road, Douglas, 6pm.

Wednesday, April 5

• Irish Music session at O’Donnell’s, Douglas, 8.30pm.

The Isle of Man hosts the 2016 International Celtic Congress, which is a chance for people from the six Celtic nations to meet and share their culture.

The event takes place at the Empress Hotel, in Douglas, from today (Thursday) to Monday with the theme of ‘The Inclusion of Celtic History and Culture in the School Curriculum’.

The programme includes lectures, excursions and concerts featuring musicians and singers from Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall and the Isle of Man.

The lectures take place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday mornings.

The cost for each morning session is £5 including refreshments and is free for full-time students.

A Manks Concert will be held on Saturday evening and will feature dance group Ny Fennee, choir Caarjyn Cooidjagh, singers Marlene Hendy and Dilys Sowry, Isla Callister and The Mollag Band. An Interceltic Concert is planned for Sunday evening and will include musicians Roddy Campbell from Scotland, Maire Nic Fhinn and Ciara Theimhneain from Ireland, and fiddlers Salt and Sky from Cornwall.

Singers Linda Griffiths and Sorela from Wales as well as our own Ruth Keggin, Sarah Hendy and David Kilgallon will also feature.

Tickets for this concert are £10 or £5 for full-time students. A limited number of tickets are available in advance at the Congress reception table or book by emailing celticmann2@gmail.com

Delegates will enjoy excursions to Castletown and Cregneash, visit the Tynwald chambers, and take a tram ride to Laxey.

Details of the programme and costs available on www. celticcongressmannin.com

Thursday, March 31

• 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.

• Toddler Tunes, Community Room, Michael School, 2pm. Call 878090.

• 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.

• Army Cadets, Scout hall, Peel, 7pm. Also Tues.

Friday, April 1

• Tiddlers, parents and tots, Elim Church, Onchan, 10am. Call 434933.

• Parents and tots, Philip Christian Centre, Peel, 10am.

• Onchan carers and tots, Onchan parish hall, 1.15pm. Call 625328.

Saturday, April 2

• Young Bowlers Club. Tuition and tips, Surestrike Bowling Alley, Ramsey, 11am-noon.

• Messy Church, Promenade Methodist Church, Douglas, 3.30pm to 5.30pm.

Monday, April 4

• Parents and tots, Dhoon Church hall, 9.30am. Call 426395.

• Daniel’s Den, Methodist Church, Arbory Street, Castletown, 10am. Call 822374.

• Breastfeeding Buddies drop-in clinic, Village Walk Health Centre, Onchan, 10.30am. Call 656030.

• Tots play, Northern Lights Community Centre, Ramsey, 1.30pm-3.30pm. Also Wed, tots craft and play.

• Michael Miniatures’ parents and tots, Ebenezer Hall, Kirk Michael, 2pm. Call 491592.

• Do Drop Inn Drama Club, children ages 10+, St Paul’s hall, Ramsey, 7pm.

Tuesday, April 5

• Parents and tots, Auldyn Infants School community room, Ramsey, 9.15am-11.15am.

• 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, April 6

• 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.

• Twins/Multiple Births Club, Philip Christian Centre, Peel, 10am-11.30am. Call 458202.

• Mums and tots, Marown hall, Peel Road, Crosby, 10.15am.

• Action, Songs and Rhymes, from birth onwards, 1.30pm-2.30pm, Laxey Working Men’s Institute. Call Jo, 479452.

• The Energy Youth Group, Colby Methodist Chapel, 7pm-8.30pm. Call Jane, 492010.

• Snaefell Cubs, Scout Headquarters, Onchan, 7pm.

Thursday, March 31

• 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, April 1

• 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, April 2

• 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, April 3

• Perree Bane Manx folk dancing, Ballasalla village hall, 7pm.

Monday, April 4

• 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, April 5

• 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, April 6

• 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.

An investigation is continuing into yesterday’s runaway mountain tram crash.

The historic Snaefell Mountain Railway tramcar rolled out of control down the line three quarters of the way from the summit to Bungalow before it derailed.

Tramcar no.3 was completely destroyed. Fortunately no passengers or staff were on board at the time.

Some 30 passengers left stranded at the summit were subsequently taken back down to Laxey by tram.

A decision will be taken tomorrow (Friday) on whether services can resume.

Director of public transport Ian Longworth said the tram had been parked at the top of the down line and had been empty for some time.

There are works currently underway to resurface paving around the summit tram stop and Snaefell Hotel.

He said the tram travelled three quarters of the journey from the Summit to the Bungalow before coming off the tracks.

No other trams were moving at the time of the roll-away, he said.

Tram no.1 had arrived while no.3 was parked for the next downhill service.

Mr Longworth said there is no safety fell rail at the point where the tram was parked but he added that this was not relevant. ‘The fell rail holds the tram on track and is for emergency braking not a parking brake.’

Asked if a member of staff had been on board could the hand brake have been applied, he replied: ‘Yes.’

Mr Longworth said the government health and safety inspectorate is involved in the investigation into the crash along with a retired engineer.

He said he could not yet estimate when the investigation could report back with its findings. ‘I will probably be better able to see the position tomorrow,’ he added.

The SMR celebrated its 120th anniversary last August. Tramcar 3 is not the first of the fleet to have been destroyed. In 1970, car 5 was completely gutted by fire and a new body was built locally.

Shoprite and the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture will be hosting an introduction to the food industry aimed at aspiring entrepreneurs who are looking to develop local food products.

The event is being held at Noa Bakehouse in Douglas on Friday, April 15 from 4pm to 6pm.

It is an opportunity for aspiring local producers to meet leading industry representatives from the island’s food industry who can advise on the most relevant aspects of establishing, running and operating a food business in the island.

Local industry retail experts will be on hand to advise producers on the key elements of product development that can lead to a listing by a multiple store food retailer.

Representatives from Shoprite will give a brief introduction to securing a listing with the Manx food retailer as well as outlining their buying policy. Other subjects that will be covered include ‘How to Pitch’, ‘Plan Production’, ‘Manage Availability’, ‘How to Maintain a Profit’, ‘Packaging’, ‘How to Bring a New Product to Life’ and ‘Local Market Economic Importance.’

Attendees will also have the opportunity to discuss applications for Shoprite’s Startisan competition, which offers a guaranteed Shoprite listing, operational marketing support, advice on packaging and product development and six months rent free in one of Isle of Man Enterprises Village Walk retail units.

Other industry experts who will be on hand to meet the aspiring entrepreneurs include Department of Economic Development staff who can advise on grants and marketing courses, as well as PR, marketing and digital experts.

Specialists in environmental health and transportation will also be attending on the day.

Andrew Thomas, chief executive, Shoprite, said: ‘The idea behind the day is to give aspiring food producers, and people who have already begun developing or retailing a product, the opportunity to meet the key influencers in the local retail market, gain valuable advice and input from experts and meet and network with successful local food producers.’

He added: ‘Having strong local food producers not only provides the island with long term food security, and the benefits of traceability, but also can provide a real boost to the local economy by replacing imported goods and ensuring that the fiscal benefits of a strong local food market remain on the island.’

Richard Ronan MHK, Minister, Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture said: ‘Our Food Matters strategy identifies the importance of local food producers and we are hoping that this event will encourage food producers to take advantage of the opportunity and support that is available on the Isle of Man.’

Round four of the five kilometre Promenade Run series takes place this Saturday morning on Ramsey’s North Shore promenade (otherwise known as Mooragh prom).

This event, which is sponsored by Paddy Power, will start at 10am.

Enter online at www.manxtimingsolutions.com - the deadline for signing up is 8pm today (Thursday).

Race numbers and timing chips can be collected from Up & Running, Buck’s Road, Douglas on Friday (10am til 5pm) or at Ramsey from 8.30am onwards on the day.

£6 entry (free for under-18s), more details at www.manxharriers.com

l This Saturday’s Pier to Pier race has been postponed. It is hoped it will be rescheduled later in the year.

Elllan Vannin Appleby’s Roy Killey road race takes place this Sunday, April 3.

The race HQ will be at Jurby Parish Hall, Bretney Road. Registration is between 8am and 8.30am for a 9am start.

The race distance is 44 miles.

Entry is exclusively through the TLI website and entries close this evening (Thursday).

There is no longer any TLI day membership facility and if riders forget their licence they will not be allowed to ride.

Timing chip cradles are required and are £3 at sign on if riders don’t have one. Disc brakes are not allowed.

Marshals are required, please contact Ian Brand on Brandy@manx.net if you can assist.

The 2016 RL360 Youth Criterium Cycling League gets underway with a come and try it night on Tuesday, April 5 on the National Sports Centre perimeter road.

The first round of the league is the week after, April 12.

Marshals are required for the closed roads events of the Sleepwell Hotels Isle of Man Youth Tour between Friday, April 29 and Sunday, May 1.

Saturday (April 30) is the junior road race on the Peel/Switchback course (8am-12.30pm); followed by the youth races at Ellerslie/Braaid (1.15-5.30pm).

On Sunday (May 1) the juniors will be on the Bride/Ramsey course (8am-12.30pm).

If you are able to help, please email iomyt @hotmail.co.uk

The 2016 Microgaming Isle of Man Lighthouses Challenge is on July 10.

Entries are now open for the epic Manx 100 (mile and kilometre) mountain bike event on Sunday, July 31.

Visit www.manx100.com for more information.

Brian Kelly, chairman of the British Isles’ largest offshore travel group, has become the 300th member of the Isle of Man branch of the Institute of Directors.

‘I had been aware of the IoD for many years but had been so focused on growing my business that I had refrained from joining organisations that were not core to the travel business,’ said Brian.

This year he is celebrating 35 years in business in the Isle of Man while his company, the Online Regional Travel Group Ltd, remains the largest travel group in the island. The Group owns and operates business travel, leisure shops, tour operation and online travel websites in Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man.

‘I decided to join the IoD once we discovered the joining fee was actually great value and only a few hundred pounds a year,’ he said. ‘We have always taken corporate governance and responsibility extremely seriously as they are the foundations of any professional business, no matter what sector you are involved in.

‘Being a member will expose us to best practice and allow us to measure our structure and practices against other members and apply new ideas to raise our bar again. Being able to network locally with fellow members was also an important factor to us joining, in addition to using the benefits that membership brings.’

A Manxman from Ramsey, he has lived in Maughold for the last 25 years. In the Isle of Man the Group operates under the brands of Mann Link Travel Ltd, Richmond Travel and operate websites Manxflights.com, Manxferries.com and VisitIOM.co.uk.

‘I’m looking forward to playing an active role in the IoD here in the Isle of Man,’ he added.

Clive Parrish, chairman of the IoD’s Isle of Man branch said: ‘I’m delighted to welcome Brian as our 300th member. He is someone with a great amount of experience in many spheres of business which will be of great benefit to the branch and I very much look forward to working with him to the benefit of the IoD.’

Bird droppings and oil are marking Castletown’s newly-paved square.

Commissioner Colin Leather suggested they clean the bird mess with water jets.

Andrew Thomas said they could use CCTV cameras to identify cars dropping oil.

The management of parking is ‘haphazard’ said Mr Leather, kerbs are not clearly marked and entering and leaving it is ‘tight’.

Crossroads Care will hold a series of jumble sales every Sunday in April to raise funds and also show the high quality of goods sold at its shops and hopefully entice people into them.

This is the first time the charity, which improves the life of carers in the island, has held such a series of jumble sales to raise funds and awareness. In addition to offering respite care to those who care, the charity works to strengthen support by government and other organisations.

Entrance is £1 for adults and includes a hot drink. They begin in Corrin Hall, Peel, this Sunday, April 3 from midday to 3pm. This is followed by: British Legion, Douglas, April 10, from midday to 3pm; St Catherine’s Hall, Port Erin, April 17, midday to 3pm; and the Parish Hall, Jurby, April 24, from midday to 3pm.