A recruitment campaign has been launched to attract applicants interested in a career in the police.

The force says candidates are being sought to become police officers to support efforts to maintain the island’s status as the safest place to live in the British Isles.

Candidates who successfully pass the initial application form stage will then undergo a fitness test, classroom assessment, outdoor assessment and a medical. All applicants are assessed in line with the force’s ‘core values’ of caring, professional, challenge, service, respect and responsibility.

Inspector Dave Dobbie said: ‘A career in the Isle of Man Constabulary provides an opportunity to help keep people safe and to make a positive difference in the local community.

‘Police work is unique and involves dealing with people from all walks of life in a variety of circumstances. Every day is different. All of this requires a range of personal skills such as patience, courage, flexibility, understanding and the ability to think and act quickly.’

Two drop-in sessions with serving police officers are being held to give prospective applicants an insight into modern policing in the Isle of Man.

The sessions will be held at Costa at the Sea Terminal on Tuesday, April 19, and Wednesday, May 4. Both will run from midday to 2pm.

The first drop-in session was held on Friday at the Strand Centre as part of ASK Douglas Day.

People can also ask questions and find out more about becoming a police officer by taking part in a session on Twitter between 7pm and 8pm on Tuesday, May 17.

To get involved follow @TweetbeatIOM and use the hashtags #EveryDayIsDifferentIOM and #KeepingPeopleSafeIOM

There continues to be a strong focus on recruitment as part of careful planning within the Manx police force.

Regular intakes of student officers are needed to feed into the organisation and maintain policing numbers when long-serving officers retire.

Inspector Dobbie said: ‘We are looking to recruit people who possess strong values and the right mix of skills to serve the Manx public. I would encourage anybody who is thinking of applying to attend one of the drop-in sessions and speak to our officers to find out more.’

Application forms and more information about assessments and essential criteria needed can be found on www.iompolice.im

Further details are also available from the constabulary’s organisational development department on 631547.

The closing date for applications is Friday, May 20.

The Isle of Man is taking part in a special event to celebrate the 90th birthday of The Queen.

A beacon will be lit on the Green at St John’s at 8.30pm next Thursday (April 21) by Allen Corlett, Captain of the Parish of German.

People are invited to attend and take part in the tribute to Queen Elizabeth II, who as Lord of Mann is the island’s Head of State.

The beacon at St John’s will be part of a network of more than 1,000 being lit throughout the United Kingdom, Crown Dependencies and UK Overseas Territories.

As well as the beacon at St John’s, the Isle of Man Civil Defence Unit is also planning to shine a light from the summit of Snaefell.

This will coincide with special beacons being lit at the top of the four highest peaks in the UK – Ben Nevis (Scotland), Mount Snowdon (Wales), Scafell Pike (England) and Slieve Donard (Northern Ireland).

There’s a big weekend of live music ahead with both 10cc and The Charlatans set to take to the Villa stage.

Legendary art rock band 10cc are returning to the island for the first time in over 40 years when they take to the stage tomorrow (Friday).

The 70s music icons performed their first ever gig in the Isle of Man in 1973 and went on to enjoy commercial, critical and creative success.

Their hits include ‘Donna’, ‘I’m not in Love’, ‘Dreadlock Holiday’, ‘Bloody Tourists’ and ‘Things We Do For Love’.

Vocalist and bass player Graham Gouldman is the only original member of 10cc.

He is joined by Rick Fenn, Paul Burgess, Mike Stevens and Mick Wilson.

Lee O’Hanlon, chief executive of promoters tinyCOW, that is bringing over the acts for both nights, told Island Life that 10cc ‘are one of those bands that so enjoy performing that they take the whole crowd along for the ride’.

Support will come from the island’s own Alex Harris and band, Joe Crookall and a new artist from across, Joe Treacy.

The Charlatans, fronted by Tim Burgess, return to the island for their third show on the back of the release of their 12th album, ‘Modern Nature’.

As well as tracks from the new album, gig-goers will also hear the greatest hits from a career that has included tracks such as ‘North Country Boy’, ‘One To Another’ and ‘The Only One I Know’.

Whether playing their own huge shows and festivals or playing alongside acts such as The Who and The Rolling Stones, The Charlatans have built a reputation as one of the best live acts around.

‘Mother Nature’ has received a five star review from The Daily Telegraph and four star reviews from The Guardian, The Times, The Observer, Q Magazine, The Daily Mirror and more.

They will be supported by indie pop band Blossoms, who recently supported the Libertines on their arena tour.

They were on the BBC’s Sound Of New Music list for 2016 where they finished in fourth place.

Meanwhile, The Charlatans aftershow party takes place at Tahiko, in Douglas, with DJ sets from Tim Burgess and Blossoms.

Tickets for 10cc are £29.50 and tickets for The Charlatans are £30.

They are available online at www.villagaiety.com or call the Villa box office on 600555.

Douglas Choral Union is set to take to the Gaiety stage with celebrated rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar.

It involves a cast of 46 adults and two teams of 12 talented children (teams Super and Star), plus a seven-strong orchestra, props team, stage crew, hair and make-up, and not forgetting the Donkey!

Nick Cain, who plays one of the priests, told Island Life why they had decided to stage Jesus Christ Superstar for their latest production, following the runaway success of Sister Act last year: ‘It’s one of the greatest musicals ever written, even though it’s 45 years old the music still sounds fresh and exciting today. Although it has been performed on the island before we though it was a suitable time to bring it back in its updated format.’

The musical, which first hit Broadway in 1971, is loosely based on the Gospels’ accounts of the last week of Jesus’s life, beginning with the preparation for the arrival of Jesus and his disciples in Jerusalem and ending with the crucifixion.

Lloyd Webber’s musical has become a global phenomenon, recently enjoying another star-studded tour and a high profile TV show tie-in where it was reimagined as a rock spectacular, selling out major arenas.

Hit songs include ‘I Don’t Know How To Love Him’, ‘Everything’s Alright’, ‘Gethsemane’ and ‘Superstar’.

DCU is working with director Tony Finnegan, who has starred and directed productions including DCU’s highly acclaimed My Fair Lady.

‘This is one of his all time favourite productions and he is very passionate about his vision for the show,’ Nick said.

‘It’s performed on a purpose built set that will totally transform the Gaiety Theatre like never before using brand new technology for the first time on the island.

‘We have a few tricks up our sleeve but I don’t want to give too much away.

‘I’m certain that everyone is aware of the ending of this story, however the poignant and engaging way in which the show ends will leave the audience emotional and uplifted.’

Playing the role of Jesus is Matt Creer, a singer-songwriter that’s well known on the Manx music scene.He described the role as a ‘once in a lifetime opportunity’.

It’s a dream come true for Jack Divers, who has been keen to play Judas since he discovered his interest in theatre.

Georgia Maddocks, 17, is making her DCU debut as Mary Magdalene.Mike Bonner is playing Pontius Pilate in his fifth DCU show.

And it’s a reprise for David Dawson who also played Herod in the Manx Operatic Society’s 2005 production.

Nick said: ‘The audience will definitely feel part of the show and be drawn along on the journey of Jesus’ final days.

‘It’s a fast-paced production that will give them little time catch a breath. The music is Lloyd Webber and Rice at their musical and lyrical best with a massive dose of rock thrown in for good measure.’

He thanked their title sponsor, DQ Advocates, for their support.

Another sponsor, SMP Partners, is showing its commitment by providing two of the cast, Nick Saunders from SMP’s trust team and managing director Mark Denton.

Mark said: ‘As a fan of musical theatre, I have found the commitment infectious and was inspired to audition for Superstar.

‘This has allowed me to see first-hand the amount of work that goes into each show, how everyone has the common aim of staging the best show they can, and the outstanding talent this island has.’

Performances run from today (Friday) to Saturday next week (April 23).

There is a matinee performance on the final Saturday and a captioned performance is on Tuesday evening (April 19).

Evening performance start at 7.30pm (doors open at 7pm). The matinee starts at 2.30pm (doors open 2pm). Tickets cost from £23. Call 600555 or visit www.villagaiety.com

Farmers have hit out at proposed changes to their grants - and accused the Minister of ‘destroying’ Manx agriculture.

But DEFA Minister Richard Ronan insisted the proposals do not affect the £7m provided annually to island farmers in direct cash support - and the changes are about better targeting of capital grants.

His department is consulting the food sector and the public over a revised farming and fisheries grants scheme, with an increased budget, which is intended to stimulate investment and ensure the long-term viability of both industries.

But the Manx National Farmers’ Union branded it as ‘another navel-gazing, inward-looking, deck chair-moving consultation’ which appeared to divert funds allocated for investment in agricultural businesses to other sectors – and potentially to non-residents.

It claimed DEFA was focusing on a very few niche food producers and products to the exclusion of mainstream agriculture. ‘DEFA is not listening to the farmers who are actively trying to survive in the industry which is facing very challenging times,’ it said in a statement.

The MNFU said it is ‘extremely critical’ of Minister Ronan who it said ‘purported to be the promoter of indigenous industries, yet through lack of knowledge, understanding, commitment and direction appears to be destroying Manx agriculture’.

But Mr Ronan responded: ‘As part of these strategies, we want to widen the scope of our capital grant funding, which has been in place for many years, and ensure it’s targeted to stimulate the most effective investments.

‘I understand the industry’s concerns about the current difficult marketing conditions, which are related to the global commodity market. However, we must better target the capital grants available towards those prepared to invest and grow their profitability, to help them and, ultimately, to help the economy.’

The Minister made it clear: ‘This proposal does not affect the £7m we provide annually in direct cash support to farmers through the Agricultural Development Scheme, which supports their role as farmers and custodians of the countryside.

‘This is a consultation and we want to hear the industry’s views, so I look forward to receiving its thoughts and proposals in detail. We will work with all areas of the food sector to achieve an efficient and effective scheme that maximised growth in the economy, while providing the best value for the taxpayer.’

The application and assessment process for the revised grants would also be simplified, mirroring that used by the Department of Economic Development for its schemes.

Three members of the X Factor team are visiting the island as part of their regional tour to scout for talent for the show.

On Wednesday, April 20, from 3pm till 7pm they will bee at the Ballagroove Studios in Ballasalla.

Each person will get 10 minutes, time to sing a couple of tunes and have a two-minute chat with the staff.

Barclays has launched a new community banking initiative in the island.

The bank is bringing in the role of community banker to create a team of multi-skilled employees.

Community bankers will spend more time ‘on the floor’ interacting with customers and helping them access the range of services available to them.

As part of the launch Barclays has also appointed a new branch manager and assistant branch manager to ensure customers receive the best service possible and continually upskill the community bankers.

Colette Johnston, head of local markets for Barclays in the Isle of Man, said: ‘The launch of community banking reflects the way banking is changing.

‘Customers are increasingly choosing to conduct basic transactions through a digital platform. But they are using branches for more in-depth conversations with staff. Our customers in the UK have told us they love the new structure and our community bankers locally are excited with the new role.

‘We will always offer customers the opportunity to take advantage of any new technology that can provide an easier way to carry out their transactions.

‘Community banking will ensure customers are always offered a choice and staff are on hand to help or support any customers if they need it.’

The launch of community banking is supported by a range of other Barclays’ initiatives such as trained teams of employees, called Digital Eagles, who focus on helping people get the most from the digital world.

Barclays has also launched new accessibility apps that it says makes banking easier for everyone.

Simon Scott, managing director for Barclays in the Isle of Man said: ‘Investing in branches is an important part of our strategy for customer service. With our newly trained staff now in place we think our customers will enjoy the experience of banking with us even more.’

Despite champions being crowned in five of the six senior hockey leagues, there is plenty to play for on Saturday.

First meet second in the PwC Men’s Premier League, as Bacchas aim to make it 10 wins from 10 games to complete a perfect season.

Their opponents on Saturday are their biggest rivals in Crowe Morgan Valkyrs A and nothing would give Russell Miller’s side greater pleasure than to upset the odds and thwart the champions in their final game.

A tense game is in prospect for both LJ Ramsey and Partitionware Castletown A, with both looking to secure Premier League safety.

The southerners have a two-goal advantage, but look to have a tougher tie on paper against Neil Crowe’s in-form Vikings A.

They will need to at least match Ramsey’s result against Bacchas seconds in order to retain their league place.

The PwC Women’s Premier League looks to be done and dusted with positions confirmed all the way down the league.

Champions Vikings A put their 100-game undefeated streak on the line against Emma Leeming’s Bacchas A.

Leeming’s charges look to have consolidated third place in the table, but a heavy defeat against Vikings could just see Valkyrs A pip them to third if they can overcome Hannah Leece’s Castletown A.

In the final game Lauren Brew’s second-placed Ramsey will look to cap off a fine campaign against bottom side Bacchas B, to ensure they have only lost one game all season.

PwC Men’s Division One, and arguably the most evenly matched game of the day comes from the bottom of this division, as Ramsey B face off against Vikings Colts.

Having both won one, drawn one and lost seven, and carrying identical goal difference, there is nothing to split the two and this one promises to be a real relegation naibiter.

Harlequins will have a point to prove against champions Vikings B.

Alex Cave’s Quins squad harboured real promotion hopes this season but were undone against Vikings earlier in the season and revenge will be on their minds.

The only league where the destination of the title is yet to be decided is in PwC Women’s Division One.

In pole position in the quest for top spot are Caitlin Dodd’s Harlequins A, and a win against Ramsey B would see the promotion party started.

If they slip up, however, Vikings B could pinch the title and be playing Premier League hockey next season.

Finally, to PwC Men’s Division Two, a league in which Valkyrs B sealed the title over a month ago.

They complete their season against a Bacchas C side who will look to spoil the westerners’ celebrations.

The second teams of Castletown and Harlequins wrap up the weekend’s hockey, with the victor likely to claim runner-up in the division behind the Blues.

Fixtures: Saturday, April 16

PwC Men’s Premier League

2.05pm Bacchas A v Crowe Morgan Valkyrs A @ CRHS

2.05pm Bacchas B v LJ Ramsey A @ QEII

2.05pm Canaccord Genuity Vikings A v Partitionware Castletown A @ KWC

PwC Women’s Premier League

12.35pm Paritionware Castletown A v Crowe Morgan Valkyrs A @ CRHS

12.35pm Cronkbourne Bacchanalians B v LJ Ramsey A @ QEII

12.35pm Canaccord Genuity Vikings A v Cronkbourne Bacchanalians A @ KWC

PwC Men’s Division One

11.05am LJ Ramsey B v Vikings Colts @ RGS

2.05pm Canaccord Genuity Vikings B v Harlequins A @ RGS

3.35pm Saracens A P-P Bacchas Colts @ KWC

PwC Women’s Division One

11.05pm Crowe Morgan Valkyrs B v Canaccord Genuity Vikings B @ QEII

12.35pm LJ Ramsey B v Harlequins A @ RGS

PwC Men’s Division Two

11.05am Harlequins B v Partitionware Castletown B @ CRHS

3.35pm Crowe Morgan Valkyrs B v Cronkbourne Bacchanalians C @ QEII

PwC Mixed Under-16 League

3.35pm Harlequins v Rogues and Rascals @ RGS

11.05am Canaccord Genuity Vikings v Crowe Morgan Valkyrs @ RGS

This week we pay our attention to Truman Falls and their latest offering.

It’s been 10 years since the release of the Truman Falls debut album, Little Happyhells, and their second and new album entitled HEADSWIMS has just been released.

It’s packed full of feel good, uplifting and at times, fairly minimal yet beautiful pieces.

This album isn’t one for getting you fired up or for putting on before a big night out. It is however very gentle and perfect for a listen during a lazy summer’s weekend or maybe late at night.

Lush string and vocal laden beauty is evident across the board that work really well with the vocal, guitars and gentle bass lines as evident on the title track and the likes of Featherhead, which is scheduled to be released as a single. Indeed, the title track to me has quite a touch of the band Cherry Ghost about it, which is never going to be a bad thing.

There’s also some really nice rhythm work from drummer Paul Tonks. You can also really hear a 50s influence on tracks like Apple Of My Eye and I could even pick out a bit of a country influence on tracks like Oberon, also scheduled to be released as a single.

I caught up with singer and guitarist Simon Rea ahead of the album launch show at Noa Bakehouse on Saturday.

So Simon, it’s been 10 years since your debut album, Little Happyhells was released.

‘We’ve taken our time for sure. We had the luxury of not having a deadline of sorts to worry about plus it wasn’t a continuous effort in the studio. We are musicians by heart meaning we have proper jobs too.’

What can we expect from HEADSWIMS?

‘We have been bold and ambitious. We wanted to give a feel of timelessness to the album, that you couldn’t define an era to it. And it’s big in heart and sound. From string quartets to choirs via reverb drenched guitars. We call it Hestonic!’

How do you write your pieces and what sets off the thought process?

‘The process changes with every song. It can be from a melodic line, a riff or even a title so there is no template as such.

‘For both albums I had a firm idea of where I wanted to go both musically and lyrically not a concept but more a feel. That in itself will be the only kind of boundary I will give myself.

‘The rest is just a case of feeling your way forward staying the course and taking your time.

‘The only exception was the song Headswims which I wrote the night my son Jonah was born. That was when everything came together in a moment of clarity and a glass of wine!”

How have the rehearsals been going for the album launch show?

‘Rehearsals are going great. We have a new addition to the fold, Mark Burrows who is on electric guitar. Mark has a wonderful feel and it intertwines beautifully with Paul Teare’s guitar work.

‘Paul Tonks who played on the album is keeping us in check time wise on drums and Dave Armstrong is still being melodic as ever on bass. We have singers Anna Goldsmith and Christy Dehaven as the icing on the cake.

‘We are all very excited to get back out live. This will not be a one-off. Expect more live performances throughout the year.’

The band appears at Noa Bakehouse on Saturday with Jeff Jepson as their special guest. Doors open at 7.30pm and tickets (£10) can be purchased in advance from the venue.

With various fixture problems still cropping up, we have just one match in the Shimmin Wilson end-of-season competitions this Saturday.

That game takes place in the Shimmin Wilson Manx Bowl at Poulsom Park where Castletown take on southern rivals Noa Nomads.

The clubs have rather helpfully agreed to play this match for double points due to the fast approaching end of season.

Both sides have yet to play in the Bowl competition and the lure of double points will be strong.

A win here could put a side in pole position for an appearance in the Bowl final while a defeat could be very damaging indeed.

These two sides were at the foot of the Manx Shield competition and while neither completed their full fixture list, both were unlikely to improve on their lot by any great margin.

Town’s best result was a four-point defeat by western Vikings back in February.

They lost skipper Matt Quine with a serious knee injury and while Craig Glover is soldiering on in his place, a back niggle has been hindering him.

Dave Akkulugadu is a steady operator at scrum-half for Town and Will Welsh’s goal kicking will always generate points.

Noa Nomads have had a solid first season.

They picked up their first try via Ryan Preston and their first ever win came against Castletown back in September. Steve Downe is leading the side after taking over from Scotty Williams and appears to be doing a good job in generating enthusiasm.

On paper this should be tough to call, however with Nomads other two sides not having games this weekend they should have numbers aplenty and may just be too strong for Town.

Fixtures: Saturday, April 16

South Lancs/Cheshire Division One

New Brighton v Douglas @ New Brighton

Cheshire (South)

Ramsey v Moore @ Mooragh Park ko 1.30pm

Trentham v Vagabonds @ Trentham

Shimmin Wilson Manx Bowl

Castletown v Noa Nomads @ Poulsom Park ko 2.15pm

Friendly

W’Vikings v Dorking @ QEII ko 2.15pm

A ‘phishing’ email scam is targeting people in the Isle of Man.

It involves private individuals being contacted by email and being advised that that they owe hundreds of pounds to UK firms.

The Office of Fair Trading says firms involved have been inundated with phone calls from worried members of the public.

The spelling and grammar used in the emails are good and that the fraudsters appear to already know personal details. Often the spelling and grammar used by fraudsters in emails is poor and they are generally unlikely to know real names, so the email may be addressed in vague terms, for example ‘Dear Valued Customer’.

‘Phishing’ is a method used by fraudsters to access valuable personal details, such as usernames and passwords, which can have a monetary value to criminals. It can also involve sending malicious attachments or website links in an effort to infect computers or mobile devices. Criminals send bogus communications: emails, letters, instant messages or text messages.

Very often these appear to be authentic communications from legitimate organisations. Embedded links within the message can direct people to a hoax website where logins or personal details may be requested. Computers or smartphones can bee infected by viruses.

Once personal details have been accessed, criminals can then record this information and use it to commit crimes such as identity theft and bank fraud.

Phishing messages generally try to convince the recipient that they are from a trusted source. Criminals will use personal information to earn trust and lower the intended victim’s defences, increasing the chances they may open attachments or embedded links.

A computer expert in the UK has said that these particular emails bear the hallmarks of previous phishing attempts from gangs in Eastern Europe and Russia.

Clicking on the link in the email may install ‘ransomware’ that will encrypt files on Windows-based computers and then demand a fee to unlock them.

Anyone receiving such an email is advised to delete it and report it to Action Fraud, the National Fraud and Cyber Crime Reporting Centre Action in the UK {http://www.actionfraud.police.uk/|here}; 0300 123 2040)

Advice on how to deal with phishing and other scams can be found on the Action Fraud website.

There is a lot of advice out there on how to avoid becoming the victim of a phishing email scam, but the OFT offers the following basic advice: NEVER click any attachments or links in a suspicious email.

Anyone with concerns about suspicious emails or telephone calls can contact one of our OFT consumer advisers on 686500.

One of the UK’s top organists will join forces with one of the Isle of Man’s finest organs on Saturday afternoon in what promises to be a treat for music lovers.

The April 16 concert starts at 3.30pm and features Francesca Massey, resident sub-organist at Durham Cathedral, who will play a concert on the St George’s Church organ in Douglas.

The concert at the church just off Athol Street, will be followed by a master class featuring Ms Massey along with two younger organists, Amelia Kopacz and Carys Hoile. This will be followed by entertainment from Jack Oades, who is currently the organist at St German’s cathedral in Peel.

Cambridge-educated Ms Massey has been employed at Durham since 2011 where she plays for daily services, trains chorister and accompanies the cathedral choir for concerts, tours, broadcasts and recordings. After further training at the Royal Northern College of Musice in Manchester, she has held organ scholarships at St George’s Chapel, Windsor, Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge, and Manchester cathedral. She is also a former assistant director of music at Peterborough cathedral. She has won numerous awards for her playing and is well known as a recitalist and recording artist both in the UK and abroad. She is an organ teacher as well as a supervisor for Cambridge University’s faculty of music.

St George’s church in Douglas houses the island’s newest church organ, built by Harrison and Harrison of Durham, which was one of the UK’s most prestigious firms. Isle of Man organ builder Peter Jones said the manufacturer was at one time known as the ‘cathedral organ builder’ because of the quality and quantity of instruments it produced. He said the St George’s organ is unusual in having display pipes of polished tin and is one of the island’s finest instruments.

The concert will last for around an hour and will be followed by refreshments before the master class begins.

The outgoing chairman of the Henry Bloom Noble Healthcare Trust has praised the enthusiasm and professionalism of his fellow trustees.

After almost 20 years as a trustee, the last five as chairman, Larry Keenan has decided to step down from the trust.

He said he understood the importance of ensuring ‘fresh blood’ was brought in to maintain energy and determination.

Mr Keenan, who is an advocate, said: ‘I have been honoured to work with a great bunch of trustees over the years. They are very enthusiastic people who have worked hard and been a pleasure to serve alongside. They have brought forward ideas and given real professional scrutiny to how trust funds are used to ensure real benefits for the island.’

Mr Keenan said the most significant development during his time with the trust had come in 2002 when a successful petition to the High Court allowed the trust to broaden its support for health initiatives.

He said: ‘The trust was formally established as a body corporate in 1909, but with the specific remit of supporting the Isle of Man’s hospital, which was named after Noble.

‘Obviously, this limited the scope of the trust’s work, and we were keen to be able to do more to support advances in healthcare outside the setting of Noble’s Hospital. Following the successful petition, the trust was able to fund community health projects, care-at-home schemes, medical training, public health education as well as the purchase of specific equipment to improve diagnosis and treatment.’

Mr Keenan became a trustee in the 1990s after being volunteered for the role by the late Deemster Henry Callow. He was appointed chairman five years ago, taking over from the late Bob Dowty.

Over the years the trust has considered many applications for support, and donated huge sums to improve the healthcare of people across the island. A substantial contribution was made to Hospice Isle of Man to assist with the building of children’s hospice Rebecca House, and funds were also given to the construction of a dedicated breast care unit.

The trust’s support has also help fund equipment as diverse as special surgical tools to improve orthopaedic care, an all-terrain vehicle for the farm managed by The Children’s Centre and a new ambulance for the Red Cross. There has also been funding for healthcare education in schools, professional training and the trust is currently funding the development of a pilot programme in partnership with Noble’s Hospital for the use of telemedicine.

Mr Keenan said: ‘The health service has its own carefully managed budget, and there are some items that cannot be funded from that budget. We encourage healthcare professionals to approach us with projects and initiatives which need additional funding and which will deliver real results. We require a well-prepared business case, and scrutinise each application to ensure a real need has been identified, that the equipment or training will actually be put to use and there is a real benefit to patients. That is what the Trust is about; improving patient care. Whatever we fund must be about prevention of illness, improved treatments, faster recovery, better outcomes and providing care for people in the appropriate setting, be it hospital, a care home or their own house.

‘Personally, I think that anything that means we can deliver more services here in the Isle of Man is better for patients, and better for the Island. Having to travel off-Island for tests and treatment not only costs the health service a significant amount, it can also be distressing to some patients, to be away from family and familiar surroundings. It can also be inconvenient – busy people don’t want to lose a day of work to attend a 10-minute appointment in the UK.

‘A great deal of the work the trust has done in recent years has contributed to helping more people stay on the island for diagnosis and treatment, and I’m pleased the telemedicine pilot is being taken forward, as this will further reduce the need for off-Island travel while giving access to medical expertise from around the world.

‘Of course, there is much more that could be done, but I hope during my time as a trustee, the trust has made a difference.’

He added: ‘I would still like to see much more invested in mental health training, that is something the trust has pushed for. There is a need for more people to have a better understanding of mental health issues, not just in the medical profession but also in other areas, such as among lawyers who may have to attend mental health tribunals with little or no experience. I also believe the Island should have its own cancer radiography centre of excellence – this would again reduce the need for patients to travel off-island, and could actually see health services outside the Isle of Man sending patients here.

‘If I have any regret it is that there is much more that can be done. There are technological and scientific advances coming every day which could massively improve patient care and I feel a frustration for those who could be helped but aren’t because the equipment or expertise simply aren’t available here. However, I know I leave a strong and determined Trust which will continue to seek to address this.’

The current trustees are Terry Groves, Larry Kearns, Malcolm Clague, Sheila Dean, John Greenwood, Trudi Williamson, Alex Allinson and Helen Booth.

The Henry Bloom Noble Healthcare Trust relies on donations and bequests from the public.

www.hbnhealthcaretrust.org.im

email info@hbnhealthcaretrust.org.im

Call 616108.

There is a reduced fixture list of three games taking place in the Ascot Hotel-sponsored Junior Cup this weekend.

The clash between Peel v Ramsey has been postponed as a result of three of the westerners’ players being involved in the first team’s Cu-Plas Railway Cup final against St George’s at the Bowl at 5.30pm.

Peel’s combi side will, however, play St John’s in a league game at 2pm.

Therefore just three games remain in the annual combination football competition, with two in the first round and one in the quarter-finals. The draw has been kind to JCK Combination Two sides, meaning that there will be at least one team in the quarter-finals and one in the semi-finals.

The two teams vying for a place in the last four are Braddan and Gymns who go head-to-head at Victoria Road.

The sides lie next to each other in the league table in third and fourth, but the Swans are some 11 points ahead of this weekend’s visitors and with three games in hand, therefore the hosts will go into the match as favourites and should progress.

The sides last met in a league encounter in October when Braddan triumphed by the odd goal in seven, so expect another entertaining contest this time around.

Combination Two league leaders Douglas Royal will fancy their chances of causing something of a cupset when they hosts Combi One outfit RYCOB at Ballafletcher.

The Whites are a point clear of Douglas Athletic at the top and are in good form heading into this clash.

Youthie, though, are enjoying a decent season and currently occupy a midtable position with several games in hand which means they could conceivably still secure a top-five finish.

The other Junior Cup match on Saturday is also an all-Combi Two affair, with Colby heading to the capital to take on Douglas Athletic.

The Pinks go into the match very much as favourites as they lie second in the table with a 24-point gap to the southerners down in sixth place.

A defeat for the Moonlighters though, would signal the end of their season having completed their league program so they will be keen to extend their campaign and finish 2015-16 on a high.

Sue Gee, boss of TLC Business Solutions has come up with some new ideas in the training and development world.

Sue told Business News: ‘We’ve been supporting small to medium sized businesses with advice and support as consultants for years – it’s just not something that we’ve really marketed.

‘It’s mostly about making sure that people have the time to focus on more than just what’s going on today.’

Small to medium sized businesses make up a great majority of the employers in the island, and so thinking for the future is clearly important.

Sue pointed out that growth, change and expansion for those businesses is essential for Isle of Man PLC, but sometimes it can be hard for a small business to see the wood for the trees, especially where senior people have operational management roles as well as the strategic responsibility.

One of Sue’s clients, Sharon Sutton of Thornton Associates said: ‘Most people were passionate and love what they do enough to set up and run their own company, but didn’t sign up for all the tasks it takes to run a business successfully.

‘I know I didn’t.

‘And when you have a team, you owe it to them and yourself to make it a success.

‘Cue Sue, who is a business owner like me, so she gets what the issues can be.’

Often, companies don’t have the internal resources to look at things like budgets and costings for future plans, or the expertise to deal with staffing and personnel issues that result from growth and change.

Sue said: ‘We’ve helped with designing structures for growing businesses, and the processes that go with them.

‘Sometimes we’ve developed job descriptions for new roles, and then supported the recruitment process.

‘We’ve built and rolled out whole performance management systems, and worked on succession planning.

‘It’s incredibly varied!’

Sue Gee, who is managing director of TLC said: ‘Our consultancy service provides time, as well as advice and support, but only as much as the client needs or wants – no ongoing costs or overheads!

‘Sometimes, all people need is a simple, objective outsider’s view to help them solidify their thinking.’

Sharon said in no uncertain terms: ‘TLC has been instrumental in helping us get the right staff to help support and grow our business as well as putting performance management plans in place for all of us - including me.’

Sue has also helped with efficiency of process which in turn increases profitability.

‘Technology is key so with TLC’s help we’ve put together a project to get the people and processes right.’

Another TLC client is Diccen Sargent of CityPort Oil and Gas.

He said: ‘TLC have been helping CPOGS with the development of our business processes.

‘We are a small company that is expanding quickly and we had outgrown many of our existing ways of working.

‘Sue helped us to quickly and efficiently re-organise and restructure so that we can be more efficient, more effective and spend more time fee earning rather than dealing with admin.

‘Importantly, we had an objective overview, guidance and practical assistance as we have restructured.’

The message from Sue is clear that TLC’s consultancy services are aimed at allowing people to stay focussed on business today while still planning strategically for tomorrow.

A call has been made for a newly-elected commissioner to be suspended – after it emerged he had been sacked from the local authority for an incident involving a knife.

Former police constable Chris Quirk was elected uncontested to Onchan District Commissioners last week.

But it has emerged that Mr Quirk was sacked from the authority in October 2014 following an incident in which he produced a knife during a row with the head boatman at Onchan Park.

An employment tribunal last week upheld the Commissioners’ decision to dismiss him on grounds of gross misconduct from his job as by-law enforcement officer.

Now fellow commissioner Rob Callister has called for Mr Quirk to be suspended, insisting the situation is ‘totally unacceptable’.

He has written to Infrastructure Minister Phil Gawne MHK to put on record his ‘serious concerns’.

Mr Callister wrote: ‘Given these recent events, along with two still unresolved and ongoing complaints involving Mr Quirk and two current members of staff within the authority, I have to question the underlying motives and objectives for Mr Quirk wishing to come forward to serve as an Onchan commissioner.

‘My professional training and experience are telling me that the current situation is totally unacceptable, both professionally and morally.’

He told the Manx Independent: ‘I’ve asked for him to be suspended until all other matters between him and the authority are settled.’

When we contacted Mr Quirk, he said he hadn’t been aware of the call for him to be suspended - and until he had seen the precise details he could ‘only construe the alleged facts as vexatious’.

He said his nomination had been accepted by the clerk and there had been no objection to him standing from other nominees including three of the standing members. ‘I’m surprised there’s any hostility,’ he said. ‘As far as I’m concerned these things are past history and I want to move on. My intention of standing has been long term and not a knee jerk reaction.’

He said he wanted to work with the clerk and deputy clerk at Onchan Commissioners to ‘find a way forward’.

Mr Quirk, of Wybourn Drive, Onchan, confirmed he has two complaints against the authority outstanding but these have been put on hold at the Commissioners’ request.

The employment tribunal heard that the knife incident was sparked by a disagreement over a coat.

Mr Quirk, who had been employed by Onchan Commissioners as a community warden since January 2006, became angry when he returned from a period of leave in May 2014 to find his long outdoor coat issued as part of his job was being used by the head boatman at Onchan Park, John Mullins.

On June 1, Mr Quirk approached Mr Mullins in the park. ‘There followed a verbal exchange which involved the claimant producing a knife from his pocket, the claimant maintains to show Mr Mullins, the respondent maintains in an intimidating manner,’ records the tribunal.

In his statement of witness, Mr Quirk insisted at no time was Mr Mullins threatened or intimidated. He insisted he had shown him the knife when he was accused of taking his screwdriver. He said: ‘I pretended to frisk myself. When I finished I apologised to him saying I had not got his screwdriver and the only tool I was carrying was my small handy knife which I produced in the closed position.’

He said he went on to demonstrate how the knife opened with its small replaceable blade and then went to pass the closed knife to Mr Mullins ‘for a skeet’.

But dismissing his case, the tribunal unanimously agreed that ‘producing a knife, exposing its blade and tapping Mr Mullins on the back with it in an atmosphere of animosity between the two men could reasonably be considered by an employer as intimidating’, constituting gross misconduct and warranting summary dismissal.

Mr Quirk said he is considering an appeal.

Mr Callister said he first raised concerns with the DoI Minister in June last year that there is no legislation stopping an ex-employee who has been dismissed by the local authority for gross misconduct from seeking election as a commissioner or councillor.

They say good things come to those that wait and fans will be hoping that is true about Saturday teatime’s much-delayed Railway Cup final.

A whopping 112 days after they were meant to go head-to-head, St George’s take on Peel for the spoils of the Cu-Plas-sponsored competition at the Bowl.

Manx football’s current top two meet after facing off in the Paddy Power FA Cup’s finale at Easter. On that occasion the westerners won 3-2 after extra-time to secure the first major silverware of the season.

Victory at Castletown Stadium means that, with a following wind, Steve Falconer’s men could claim the Grand Slam. This would be an unprecedented third for the Douglas Road outfit.

For much of the season talk had been of Premier League leaders St George’s pulling off this historic feat, but Easter Monday’s result has turned this theory on its head.

Aside from fatally wounding Peel’s chances of a clean sweep of silverware, Geordies will be driven by the fact that victory at the weekend would give them a sixth Railway Cup crown in a row.

Only one other club has done that in the history of the prestigious competition and, you’ve guessed it, they form the opposition on Saturday.

The sub-plots don’t stop there with the final marking the first of three meetings between the two clubs in eight days.

The pair meet in a potential league decider on Wednesday evening before facing each other again the following Sunday in the quarter-finals of the Hospital Cup.

Geordies go into the first of this trilogy with a number of recent absentees back in contention.

James McStay missed Wednesday evening’s league encounter with Old Boys, but is back on-island for the final.

Midfielder Jack McVey is also available after completing his recent suspension.

Talisman Calum Morrissey and Chris Bass Jr have been recent injury concerns but the pair should overcome calf and knee problems to play some role in the match.

As an added bonus, speedster Sam Caine is also back to full fitness after a spell on a sidelines with a broken rib.

Peel also look likely to be at near full-strength with defender Andrew Crennell the only man not available as he’s off-island.

Peel will once again look to in-form stiker Ashley Webster to do the damage up front, while centre-backs Dominic Mc Creevy and Adam Cregeen will need to be on top of their game to keep a lid on a Geordies attack that has plundered 186 goals in all competitions so far this campaign.

With little between the two sides calling a winner is a tough one.

Peel will be on a high after their FA Cup success, but a Geordies side still wounded by that defeat will be a dangerous beast.

Extra-time could once again be required to separate these pair so don’t be making plans for Saturday night just yet.

Fans of the Isle of Man TT races – and those wishing to escape the festival – will be able to fly in and out of Cardiff Airport this year.

In a statement issued by the airport this lunchtime, flight operator Citywing was said to have scheduled flights due to ‘popular demand’.

The service will depart at 6.05pm on Friday, June, 3, ahead of the opening races the following day, with a return flight leaving the island on Sunday, June 5, at 4.40pm.

A further flight is scheduled to leave the Welsh capital on the evening of Senior Race Day, Friday, June 10, again at 6.05pm, returning on Sunday, June 12, at 4.40pm.

Debra Barber, of Cardiff Airport, said: ‘The TT Races are always a big event on the calendar so it’s great to see Citywing responding to demand from Welsh customers.’

Two women who work at the island’s Foot Health Clinic in Lake Road, Douglas, are in the running for awards.

Beauty industry governing body BABTAC (British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology) has recognised their work as they are now in the finals for the 2016 awards.

Gill Goss, beauty specialist, is one of just 12 therapists to make the shortlist for Waxing Therapist of the Year and Louise Birch, therapy manager, is fighting for top spot in the Beauty Therapist of the Year category.

After two rounds of gruelling applications the girls now face trade tests in BABTAC head office, Gloucester, where they will compete head to head with the best in the industry.

Lisa Perrie, clinic leader, said: ‘Reaching the finals in these very popular categories is an astounding achievement. Louise and Gill are role models in the beauty industry which often receives bad press.

‘To reach this level, our therapists put in a huge amount of work to ensure their standards and knowledge are akin to industry leaders. It has been humbling for all involved to be recognised at such a level, not only by BABTAC but also through the huge number of positive testimonials and support from our island clients.’ Further success has followed the clinic as it has also moved through to the semi-finals of the Medium Salon of the Year awards.

Louise Birch, therapy manager said: ‘We were delighted to be put through to the semi-finals and felt even more privileged to be recognised despite our unconventional service offering. This is a lovely way to show the island that we have many strings to our bow’.

The clinic will welcome a mystery shopper at the end of April who will decide whether they progress through to the finals. The grand awards ceremony will be held in London in June.

Make an explosion of wildflowers in your garden!

The Manx Wildlife Trust is holding an event on Saturday for youngsters to explore how different seeds look and grow before making their own seed bombs, a great fun way of planting seeds.

Seed Bombs takes place at St John’s Methodist Hall. The session is from 1.30pm to 2.30pm for Watch members (ages four to 11) and from 3pm to 4pm for Watch Rangers (11 to 16).

Booking is essential. Contact Dawn, dawn@manxwt.org.uk or 844432.