When you have been an undercover intelligence operative with Britain’s Special Forces, you know a thing or two about the world’s most dangerous hotspots.

And Duncan Falconer’s thrilling series of books featuring the daredevil elite officer John Stratton have experience and class written all over them.

For those who haven’t yet come under the spell of the terrifying and authentic world of special operations conjured up by Falconer, now is the time to get started. Assassin, an intriguing, full-on action drama, sees the former Special Boat Service and Intelligence Company veteran on top form.

It’s a terrific adventure story that takes us on a mystery ride from the frontline war in Afghanistan and the perilous borderlands with Pakistan to the offices of Whitehall and the bustling streets of Manhattan in New York.

John Stratton is the archetypal action man who is more at home in combat fatigues and with an assault rifle in his hand than he is lounging around a pub back at home.

He’s currently on routine duties in Afghanistan and longing to get stuck into an operation with ‘some real meat on it.’ After leading a brutal attack on a Taliban complex in the Khorasan Valley, he discovers a code book which proves of great interest to two accompanying CIA agents.

Back home in London, Stratton gets an unexpected call from old friend and ex-SBS commander Berry Chandos who fears he is being hunted by an assassin. Through his contacts, Chandos has discovered that a nuclear dirty bomb has gone missing in Pakistan.

Chandos wants Stratton to help him find the unknown and ruthless enemy because if he doesn’t, thousands of people could lose their lives. The only problem is that if he takes on the task, Stratton’s life will also be in danger.

When Chandos disappears a few days later, Stratton finds himself drawn into a desperate race to find his old partner before the killer targets him and before the bomb can fall into the wrong hands.

Alone and unsupported, Stratton must begin a heart-pounding search to stop the bomb being exploded and to discover if his friend is still alive...

Assassin is a fast-paced, straight-talking, no-frills thriller with more twists and turns than the Khyber Pass, and a tough-nut, cynical hero who packs the same charisma and ‘killer’ punch as Muhammad Ali.

Roll on the next round...

(Sphere, paperback, £9.99)

THERE’S a sign in Michele Gogan’s front room that says: ‘Never never never give up.’

In a way it sums up this 41-year-old mother of three’s attitude to life.

For Michele has never looked back since she took the bold step of going into business on her own.

With youngsters aged 12, eight, and six, she says she has succeeded in getting the work/life balance just right.

And her message to others considering going self employed is a positive one.

Michele operates as a sole trader in her own right from her home in St Catherine’s Drive, Douglas, where she advises on the Cambridge Weight Plan.

She is celebrating after winning an award for being the Cambridge Sales Champion for the Isle of Man 2011 - 2012. She said it is the first time anyone from the island has won this award.

She said: ‘I run this as a business. But I tie it round my children Joshua, Kyle and Sophia.’

Michele was born and brought up in Dublin but has lived in the island for the last 19 years. ‘This is my home now. The Isle of Man is a lovely place to live and a great place for the kids.’

She initially worked here as an administrative assistant for an insurance firm before taking up a job with Zurich.

She is well qualified for her self employed role with a busy book of clients.

For at one stage Michele herself was overweight reaching 19 stone with a size 22 dress size.

She said: ‘I was huge. I had gone completely out of control. I suppose my eating habits became bad habits. I used to hit the biccy tin if I was any way emotional, happy or sad and I was not aware of how many calories I was stacking up.’

Michele has been a success story and the move into setting up her own business promoting the Cambridge Weight Plan has been the right one, she said.

She was even chosen by Cambridge to travel to London to be featured in a makeover for The Sun newspaper – even though they managed to spell her name wrong. ‘They made up for it by allowing me to keep the dress I modelled in,’ said Michele.

Her clients include men and women from all walks of life.

She said: ‘Rapport is essential so you can sympathise to people’s needs.’

She added: ‘It comes natural to me, it’s probably my Irish charm.’

Michele believes people who work for themselves often work harder. ‘You are spurred on, but I do not see it as a job. I see it as helping others better their lives.

‘You have to be extremely self motivated and very clear thinking.

‘I try and keep my brain in the whole business thing. But you are taking on people’s problems as well.’

Michele believes a key factor in making her business a success has been communication with clients who include athletes concerned about keeping their weight down, people working in government and private enterprise and even models.

She always tells clients the biggest and bravest step they could take was acknowledging they had a problem and contacting her.

Michele, who enjoys pottery in her spare time, said most of her work comes from word of mouth and she is an active user of social media such as Facebook.

‘Going into business has also boosted my confidence.’

Michele added: ‘I structure my working day around dropping the kids off at school and then them coming home after 3.30pm. I’m a very busy mum.

‘I’m also very motivated. I will put the washing on and do the dishes but then I’ll be back working. I’m also a very chatty sociable person and very strict about privacy.’

Michele currently has about 56 clients on her books. She finds it can fluctuate through the year and January is often the busiest period coming after Christmas when people have put weight on.

Michele said she would advise anyone of going self employed to get a good accountant.

‘I use Pinnacle and they have been fantastic.’

She is determined to keep building the business. She is due to pick up another award later this year for having advised on the Cambridge Weight Plan for five years.

‘It’s been a five year long journey but I want to go a lot further.’

She would also like to continue helping her clients because that gives her immense job satisfaction. She hopes that there can be many more success stories.

She can be contacted by email at cambridge@manx.net or on 200200.

www.cambridgeweightplan.co.uk

THE Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture is playing a ‘positive part’ in helping to rebalance the government’s public finances.

That’s according to its minister, Phil Gawne MHK, who said that following budget cuts over the past three years, the department had continued to identify a number of areas where savings could be made in the 2014/15 financial year.

He said the department was focussed on keeping employment costs capped through natural wastage.

And it is also looking at introducing, or increasing, charges for services provided by DEFA to help it cover costs.

For example, he said the department now charged farmers £25 for soil sampling – so they know how much fertiliser to use – and can significantly improve productivity.

In other areas, Mr Gawne said they were making their assets ‘work harder’ to generate income. This includes releasing the fisheries support vessel, the Barrule, to be chartered out to the private sector, when it wasn’t needed by DEFA.

The department will soon be starting a review of the Sawmill operations, with the aim of identifying areas to improve efficiency.

There will also be a wider review of DEFA’s operations.

Mr Gawne said: ‘The challenges facing the public sector in terms of balancing the budget are great and this department is no exception.

‘The department has already made budget reductions of over £3 million (over 20 per cent) since 2009/10, and it will continue to to play a positive part in rebalancing government’s public finances over the coming years.

‘So much of the work of this department is focussed on supporting the Manx economy and the department is committed in its determination to maintain those areas that are contributing to and supporting the economic development of the Isle of Man.’

THE island under-13 squad travel to England today (Monday) for a series of matches against strong opposition.

First of all they will be guests at Old Trafford to watch the 40 over floodlit match between Lancashire and Gloucester.

Then on Tuesday the Manx play two games against Burscough, followed the next day by a fixture at Ormskirk.

The tour ends on Thursday with two matches versus Southport and Birkdale.

The squad is: Drew Buxton, Ben Christian, Kieran Cawte, Sam Riordan, George Burrows, Eddie Beard, Matthew Quayle, Harry Wilson, Jack Gerrard, Stuart Rushmere, Ben Kebbell, Seth Aycock, Sam Callister. The coach is Gareth Dawson.

CRICKET FIXTURES DIARY

Monday, July 30

Standard Bank Forrester Division Two (6.30pm)

Habib Bank Valkyres B v Ronaldsway

Celton Manx Castletown B v Fairbairn Crosby B

Ramsey B v White House Peel B

Standard Bank Forrester Division Three (6.30pm)

Grasshoppers v Black Grace Cowley St John’s B

-------

Tuesday, July 31

Standard Bank Forrester Division Two (6.30pm)

Cronkbourne B v Union Mills

Tour game

Burscough v Isle of Man Under-13s

-------

Wednesday, August 1

Standard Bank Forrester Division Three (6.30pm)

Fairbairn Crosby C

v Black Grace Cowley St John’s B

Celton Manx Castletown C v White House Peel C

Tour game

Ormskirk v Isle of Man U13s

-------

Thursday, August 2

Standard Bank Forrester Division One (6.30pm)

Ramsey A v Cronkbourne A

Habib Bank Valkyres A

v Celton Manx Castletown A

Standard Bank Forrester Division Three (6.30pm)

Colas Finch Hill A v Celton Manx Castletown C

(Match sponsored by Gelling Johnson Farrant)

Tour game

Southport and Birkdale v Isle of Man U13s

-------

Friday, August 3

Isle of Man Bank U11 League (6.30pm)

West v South

Cronkbourne A v Cronkbourne B

-------

Saturday, August 4

Standard Bank Cain League (2pm)

White House Peel v Celton Manx Castletown

Ramsey v Fairbairn Crosby

Habib Bank Valkyres v Cronkbourne

-------

Sunday, August 5

Isle of Man Bank U13 League (10am)

South A v East

Isle of Man Bank U15 League (10am)

Cronkbourne v South

-------

Monday, August 6

Standard Bank Forrester Division Two (6.30pm)

Habib Bank Valkyres B

v Celton Manx Castletown B

Standard Bank Forrester Division Three (6.30pm)

White House Peel C v Colas Finch Hill A

CASTLETOWN and Cronkbourne are the new leaders of the Standard Bank T20 Cain League after two cliff-hanger finishes on Saturday.

Town were set a target of 128 after a good batting performance from Ramsey.

Skipper Ollie Webster scored 38 and Rob Webber was 25 not out. In reply Castletown made a steady start, but lost opener Gareth Morris for 21. With four overs left they were 38 behind, but Wicus Wessels hit out to boost the run-rate.

At the start of the last over the southerners needed five to win. No runs were scored from the first ball, a wicket fell on the second and again no runs came from the third.

From the next Wessels hit a two and the fifth delivery yielded two byes. The scores were now tied, but on the final ball Wessels blasted a four to win the match. He ended with a superb 78 not out.

There was more last over drama at Marown where Cronkbourne did well to restrict Crosby to 91 for 5.

Kevin Kniveton top scored with 24 and Will Wood claimed 2-12.

However, the Douglas team were soon in trouble and at 76 for 7, needed 16 from the last two overs.

Matty Ansell then came to the rescue. He hit a six and a four and Cronkbourne got home to win with just two balls remaining.

Peel were in control at Tromode where they scored 174 for 3 against Valkyres at Tromode. Chris Hawke made a stylish 59, Phil Littlejohns 38 and Greg Hawke a very quick 33. Amir Mitza was the pick of the bowlers with 2-27.

Valkyres went for the runs, but in doing so lost quick wickets to young Connor Gilbert.

He opened the bowling and returned the admirable figures of 4-32 from his four overs. Shahzeb Raja offered hope with a well-struck 21, but could not stop Valkyres being dismissed for 50.

CRICKET RESULTS

Standard Bank Cain League

Peel 174 for 3 (Chris Hawke 59, Phil Littlejohns 38 : Amir Mitza 2-27, Shahzeb Raja 2-34); Valkyres 50 (Shahzeb Raja 21, Ali Ansari 8: Connor Gilbert 4-32, Greg Miller 2 -4). Peel won by 124 runs.

Crosby 91 for 5 (Kevin Kniveton 24, Joe Rothwell 16: Will Wood 2-12, Carl Wagstaffe 1-12); Cronkbourne 92 for 6. Cronkbourne won by four wickets.

Ramsey 127 for 7 (Ollie Webster 38, Rob Webber 25no: Garreth Roome 2-16, Gareth Morris 1-27); Castletown 131 for 4 (Wicus Wessels 78no, Gareth Morris 21). Castletown won by six wickets.

Standard Bank Forrester Division Two

Crosby B 141 for 7 (Jamie Brown 35, Chris Hermann 31: Ally Slack 3-10, James Harrison 2-32); Cronkbourne B 71 for 8 (Sam Williams 12no, Nick Arden 10: Dave Picken 2-5, Joe Rothwell 2-10). Crosby won by 70 runs.

Cronkbourne B 46 for 9 (Chris Hewson 24no, Nathan Knights 7: Daniel Laughlin 4-5, Greg Tomlinson 1-3): Castletown B 48 for 0 (Richard Corke 26no, Mark Finnie 16no). Castletown won by 10 wickets.

Union Mills 108 for 9 (Bruce Wagstaff 34, Manoj Patel 19: Matt Grice 3-8, Chris McConnell 2-6); Ramsey B 109 for 4 (Patrick Margrave 41no, Jamie Moffatt 18: Eddie Clague 2-14, Chris Nash 1-18). Ramsey won by six wickets.

Finch Hill A v Crosby C : Match abandoned (rain) – one point to each side.

Ramsey B 123 for 5 (Dominic Howard 32, Tom Howard 27: Hameed Sulthan 1-9, Aurangzeb Ghausi 1-13); Valkyres B 124 for 8 (Brian Quirk 48, Keith Brew 32: Chris McConnell 3-12, Brian Arnold 1-4). Valkyres won by two wickets.

Cronkbourne B 127 for 3 (Bob Dix 43, J. Callow 38no: Steve Epplestone 1-17, Richard Jackson 1-28); Castletown B 126 for 5 (Christian Steriopulos 64no, Daniel Laughlin 17: Ally Slack 3-12, Chris Hewson 2-31). Cronkbourne won by one run.

Standard Bank Forrester Division Three

Grasshoppers 81 (David Sheen 24, M. Neil 12: Patrick Moorcroft 4-16, Andrew Ronan 3-10); Castletown C 82 for 1 (Mark Finnie 46no, Andrew Ronan 21no : Chris Wade 1-10). Castletown won by nine wickets.

Crosby C 144 for 3 (Chris Hermann 57no, John Lovelady 31: Connor Gilbert 2-28, Billy Gilbert 1-21); Peel C 128 for 6 (Colin Gilbert 66, Raj Namala 19: Dave Picken 2-14, Damien Baker 2-30). Crosby won by 16 runs.

St John’s B 76 for 9 (A. Holden 21no, A. Jackson 10: Sam Riordan 4-9, Ian Johnson 2-13); Finch Hill B 77 for 7 (Ben Bennett 20no, Joe Harris 13 : Andy Lee 2 -10, Will Bayley 2 -19). Finch Hill won by three wickets.

Isle of Man Bank Under-15 League

South A beat East.

East beat West.

Cronkbourne v East and South B v Cronkbourne : Games abandoned (rain) – one point to each side.

Isle of Man Bank Under-11 League

South (153) lost to Cronkbourne B (173).

PETER Kennaugh Jr will fly the flag for the Isle of Man again in the men’s Team Pursuit at the Velodrome later this week.

Pete, 23, will line-up in the four-man GB team for the qualifying stages on Thursday at 4.40pm, with the hope of getting to the first round on Friday at 4.25pm an the finals which are set to take place at 6pm.

The young Onchan rider, a team-mate of Mark Cavendish’s at Sky, was in the GB squad that won the 2012 UCI World Team Pursuit Championship title in Melbourne last April, setting a new world record time in the process.

Union Mills beat Valkyres B by five wickets to lift trophy for first time

UNION Mills won the Standard Bank Blincoe Cup for the first time after they beat Valkyres B by five wickets in Sunday’s two-innings final at Mullen-e-Cloie.

The Millers batted first and made 106 for 8 with Manoj Patel top scoring with 36. Hammed Sulthan was the pick of the bowlers with 3 for 12.

Valkyres then scored 114 for 3 to take a first innings lead of eight runs. Rob Weight made 34 not out and Aurangzeb Ghausi hit 28.

Valkyres then batted again and ended on 112 for 8, which set Union Mills a target of 121 for victory in their final innings. A good opening partnership between Manoj Patel and Richard Le Page was followed by a splendid 40 not out from Chris Nash. Bruce Wagstaff then thumped 24 as the Millers powered home with an over to spare. Brian Quirk bowled well to take 2 for 4 and Andy Coulson also claimed two wickets.

The police are looking for people who want to be considered for their student officer training programme.

It is the eighth recruitment drive by the force since January 2007, when training was first delivered wholly on-island. The trainee officers maintain the island’s force of 231 officers, replacing officers who retire.

Acting Sergeant Adrian Shimmin, the staff development officer, said: ‘Since 2007, around 70 students have completed their training on-island, and thanks to links with our external partners at the Isle of Man College and Chester University, those completing the student officer programme have had the opportunity to progress their academic studies by undertaking a foundation degree in policing.

‘What we look for are people who are good communicators and good team players, who care about the community in which they live. They should display the constabulary’s core values of being responsible and respectful, and be committed to providing a professional service. We are looking for individuals who relish the daily challenges the job can present.’

Successful candidates receive 30 weeks intensive training to prepare them for duties within the neighbourhood policing teams.

Recruits need to be at least 18½ years of age and can expect to earn around £23,259 at the start of training, increasing to around £25,962 at the end of the initial training period.

The selection process includes fitness and aptitude tests. Anyone who is interested and wishes to find out more should go to one of the information sessions being held at either 4pm or 6pm on Tuesday 7 and Thursday 16 August at the Staff Development Centre, Winchester Court, Second Avenue, Onchan.

An application pack can be downloaded from.gov.im/dha/police. For further information telephone 631547 between 10am and 1pm Monday to Friday.

The deadline for completed applications and other forms to be returned to the police is 4pm on Friday September 7.

The Isle of Man Examiner this week reported that the force is also looking for a new chief constable, with a salary of £130,000.

BUMPER crowds, plentiful livestock, a host of new attractions and - perhaps most surprisingly - sunshine were the order of the day for this year’s Southern Agricultural Show at Great Meadow in Castletown.

The show, which ran over Saturday and Sunday proved a draw for what organisers think will be a record breaking crowd, despite the rival attraction of the Olympic cycle race on Saturday.

Some impromptu entertainment was provided courtesy of Bugsy the bull who was spooked by a rearing horse and provided a challenge for handler Adam Huxham.

Adam sustained a sprained ankle in the incident.

His father Richard, of Ballamoar Farm in Ballaugh, said: ‘It was just one of those things. It happens sometimes with animals. Adam did well to hold on to him and we do want to thank everyone who helped.’

Despite the excitement, Bugsy landed the prize for best Simmental in the show.

Show president Belinda Coole said: ‘It’s been an absolutely fantastic two days and we are sure it will be a record breaking crowd despite the weather and the Cavendish race. It’s been a brilliant weekend.’

As for the weather, Mrs Coole said it had been far better than they dared hope.

‘We’ve been really lucky. I can’t believe how good it has been. The ground was a bit soft when we were setting up that that’s been the story of summer.’

Entries were up in most classes, she said and a number of new attractions, including the maze and the Purple Helments motorcycle display team, had proved popular with visitors.

‘We even set up a new agility course for the meg (hand reared) lambs,’ she said.

In addition to that there were displays by the WI and the Young Farmers as well as show jumping, heavy horses and crafts.

Live stock included a baby donkey, pigs, hens, calves, and there was also a display of vintage tractors. A display of wood carving by Grenaby Artists also proved popular.

‘It’s just gone so well for us - it makes it all worth while when it finally all comes together,’ she said.

THOUGH extremely tired after brain surgery in Liverpool, Jemma McGlone was well enough to be transferred back on to a ward at the weekend.

Speaking on behalf of Jemma’s mother Margaret, Gerry Pishvaie of Naseem’s Manx Brain Tumour Charity said she was making good progress.

‘She is tired and sore after her first procedure,’ she said. ‘But despite that she has still had time to say how grateful she was for all the good wishes that have been sent and she thanked everyone for donating to the charity. Our thoughts are with Jemma and her son and Margaret and Tim.’

Jemma, who is 24, originally had surgery for the benign tumour in 2006. The tumour itself is inoperable but the operation was to take away fluid surrounding it. At that time it was thought no further surgery would be necessary for around 20 years. Though the tumour has not grown, one of Jemma’s regular checks revealed a further operation would be necessary to remove more fluid which has built up. Her mother Margaret said Jemma had initially put her symptoms down to the pressures of study on her forensics course at Liverpool John Moore’s University and the demands of caring for her two-year-old son Mason.

A collection was being made on Jemma’s behalf for Naseem’s Manx Brain Tumour Charity.

SHARE your views on social policy.

The Department of Social Care has launched a public consultation on how the community cares for those in need as, like in the UK, the welfare bill has become unsustainably expensive and the need for change has been ignored by previous administrations.

It asks for people’s views on future policy and the values underpinning it.

Social Care Minister Chris Robertshaw MHK said: ‘If we just go on with policies the way we are now and allow this to grow the damage to your [younger generations’] futures will be profound and that’s unacceptable.’

The principles the department has adopted are that welfare is not purely the responsibility of government.

Secondly, the government’s role is to support and enable people to achieve what they can within the resources available, with support for those in need enabling them to become more self-sufficient.

And finally, that we all have a shared responsibility to support and protect the most vulnerable in the community.

Mr Robertshaw has announced a new model for social policy, called the ‘two-way escalator’, which he said was a ‘major change to public policy’.

It recognises that the current benefits system is badly targeted and often traps claimants in a culture of dependency.

The escalator divides the population into four broad groups – the supported, the coping, the self-sufficient and the well-off.

In the downward direction the escalator, targets scarce resources to those in greatest need. It reduces costs through means testing and needs testing. At present, many benefits are universal.

In the upward direction it sees government embarking on a programme of ‘enablement’, providing opportunities, services and incentives to help people achieve their maximum potential.

Vote on this issue using the web poll panel at the right of this story.

At present, many public services and benefits are provided on an open-ended basis.

The truly vulnerable will continue to get support while others who seek assistance from Social Care will be given help to help themselves get away from the benefits trap.

Expenditure of benefits has rocketed by 29 per cent in five years, hitting £77.3m in 2011-12. Income Support payments rose by £3.2m in the last year – £2.8m over budget.

Treasury estimates that in 30 years the number of people aged over 65 years will nearly double. High-dependency groups are growing faster than the wider population.

Mr Robertshaw initially announced there would be two consultations – one considering the case for greater means and needs testing and the other outlining the case for greater enablement and personal responsibility – but decided it made more sense to combine them.

The findings will be made public in October ahead of a social policy debate in Tynwald in December.

This will help government formulate the overall social policy framework. Detailed public consultations on specific reforms will take place during 2013, which means it will be from 2014 that reforms are implemented.

The consultation deadline is midday on September 17.

Complete the questionnaire online at {http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/iomsocialpolicydebate|www.surveymonkey.com/s/iomsocialpolicydebate}

Alternatively copies are available from Tynwald Library, Commissioners’ officers, post offices and the Welcome Centre at the Sea Terminal. To request a copy email {mailto:iomsocialpolicydebate@gov.im|iomsocialpolicydebate(at)gov.im} or call 685129.

A COFFEE morning is to take place tomorrow at Douglas Golf Club.

The event is being arranged by the friends of the Samaritans to raise funds for the charity.

It is open to all and the admission charge of £2.50 includes coffee and biscuits. Further attractions include a cake stall as well as ones with handbags, scarves and jewellery.

It takes place from 10am to 12 midday on Tuesday July 31.

THE Manx government’s overseas aid committe is to give £50,000 to Christian Aid and Plan UK to respond to flooding which struck Bangladesh at the end of June.

According to current reports, more than 100 people have been killed and another 400,000 affected by the flooding, particularly in the northeast and southeast of the country. Houses, crops and livelihoods have been damaged, families have been displaced and there is an urgent need for food, clean water and health support.

Christian Aid and Plan UK will work in Kurigam, Cox’s Bazar and Gaibandha districts which are amongst the worst affected.

The funding will go towards provision of emergency food supplies, emergency water purification and sanitation supplies, cash transfers for essential items and health care, and maintenance of schooling for children. The charities will also provide longer term support such as help in rebuilding the livelihoods of families.

Phil Gawne MHK, chairman of the overseas aid committee, said: ‘A particularly heavy monsoon season in Bangladesh has caused flash floods and landslides which have killed many and affected hundreds of thousands. Christian Aid and Plan UK’s work will not only assist these people with their immediate needs, but will also support communities in their future recovery. The committee is confident that the funding will help the charities respond swiftly and effectively to this disaster.’

THERE have been nine cases of whooping cough so far this year in the Isle of Man.

In the previous three years there were none.

The number of cases of whooping cough has shown a marked rise in throughout the UK.

Whooping cough also known as pertussis, is a cyclical disease with increases occurring every four years. It affects all ages but is particularly serious if it affects very young babies.

Vaccination is the best way to prevent whooping cough.

In Isle of Man (and the UK) the whooping cough vaccine is offered to babies at two, three and four months and a fourth dose is included in the pre-school booster, given three years later.

The directorate has given the following advice to parents:

· Whooping cough is a serious disease especially among young babies. In addition to the conditions being distressful to the child affected and the family, it can cause complications such as pneumonia and convulsions.

Children can also faint following prolonged bouts of coughing as well as fracture their ribs or bleed in the eye (sub conjunctival hemorrhage).

· Ensure that all your children have received the full course of vaccination – it is especially important that if you have a young baby in your house that all older children have completed their full course of immunisation.

· No vaccination offers 100 per cent protection and same is true of the whooping cough vaccine but the seriousness of the disease is considerately reduced by vaccination.

· If you are concerned about your child, seek medical attention.

· If you are unfamiliar with whooping cough and need to hear what the cough sounds like, please go to the website www.whoopingcough.net/symptoms.htm

· The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has recommended that all health care workers in contact with young babies are offered a booster dose of whooping cough vaccine.

The Isle of Man’s Department of Health is preparing to implement this recommendation in the next few days.

There was a rise in the number of cases of whooping cough in 2008 across the UK and the Isle of Man had six cases.

FORTY-FOUR years of volunteer service to the island’s British Legion organisation is something Port Erin man Kenneth Furniss called ‘an honour’.

He will be 80 next year and thinking of stepping down from his role, and not wanting decades of service to go unrecognised, friend and neighbour John Craig has nominated Kenneth as volunteer of the year in the 2012 Flybe Pride in Mann awards.

John wrote to the Examiner: ‘For many years Kenneth has been of great service to the British Legion in the island and in the UK. In addition he has been a great ambassador for the island and its people.’

Kenneth modestly played down his role when he learned of his nomination, but one fact that can’t be downplayed is the number of years work he has put in.

‘I joined the legion in 1968 when I came to the Isle of Man, and I’ve been secretary of the Port Erin branch more than 30 years, quite an honour,’ said Kenneth. ‘Though it might be time to retire gracefully!’

{http://www.iomtoday.co.im/community/pride-in-mann|Click here to see the other nominees}.

Much of his work has been with the fund raising poppy appeal, and it is obvious that he really believes in the positive impact the fundraising has for the welfare of soldiers and their families.

‘I don’t think there’s a place to match the Isle of Man for generosity in the British Isles,’ said Kenneth. ‘We’ve won the Poppy Award for highest total donations per head of population for the last 35 years, and we’re extremely grateful for that generosity. Legion money can do so much good, both at home and away.’

Visits to the UK through the British Legion have included success in national competitions.

‘My real personal interest has been in standard bearing, and the ceremonial side of things,’ said Kenneth. ‘I’ve won competitions to be the national standard bearer, I believe I was the first from the Isle of Man too.’

His own military experience came through national service, which took him to Sri Lanka and Singapore. It was in Singapore, while installing communications equipment, he came across the contact details of a girl who would be his future wife.

It is spending time with his family, his twin daughters also live in Port Erin, that has led Kenneth to decide to step away from the organisation.

It will also mean retiring from Castletown Silver Band, for whom he has drummed for the last 20 years.

‘I’ve enjoyed it,’ he said. ‘But it’s time to let someone younger come in!’

Nominations for this year’s Pride in Mann awards have now closed.

{http://www.iomtoday.co.im/community/pride-in-mann|Click here to see the other nominees}.

THE Manx government has signed a new fisheries management agreement with the UK and Northern Ireland which gives the island more power to make decisions in its territorial waters.

As part of the agreement, signed by Environment, Food and Agriculture Minister Phil Gawne MHK on Friday, the government no longer requires the concurrence of the UK Secretary of State before introducing new by-laws in parts of its waters.

In addition, the government must now be consulted by UK authorities (England, Scotland and Wales) and Northern Ireland on initiatives which may affect the island’s territorial waters.

Mr Gawne said it was a ‘tremendous step forward for the Isle of Man’ which ‘puts the Isle of Man on an equal footing with its Irish Sea neighbours’.

The Isle of Man territorial sea extends to 12 nautical miles from the coast. Under the previous agreement, signed in 1993, UK concurrence was required for new conservation measures in the area between three and 12 miles. Instead, the island now has to consult the UK administration on any proposed changes.

Mr Gawne said, following this change, he was keen to make progress in addressing concerns about potential damage caused by scallop dredgers off Bay Ny Carrickey.

‘There are things we can down there now which will make the fishery better and be good news for conservationists as well,’ he said, adding there was a lot of important work that can now be done on scallop conservation ‘which we had been unable to progress with any ease under the old fisheries management agreement’.

Tom Bryan-Brown of the Manx Fish Producers Organisation has welcomed the new agreement.

ONE of the popular exhibits at last weekend’s Southern Agricultural Show had visitors quite literally lost in admiration.

The feature - a new one for the show - was an enormous 40-foot square maze constructed specially for the occasion out of larch fencing panels.

But organisers were intent on creating more than a basic puzzle, wanting instead to provide a showcase to their captive audience for many of the island’s diverse range of farming and food products.

Manx NFU general secretary Belinda Leach said their members had spent many a wet afternoon on the farm assembling sections of larch panel fencing for the exhibit, but the result had been well worth while.

‘The idea came about way back in November in the depths of winter,’ she said.

‘They put together the panels then erected them over a couple of evenings down here at the show field.

‘The idea is that as you turn each corner there will be something new connected with farming in front of you. It was certainly a spectacle with both animals as well as static and interactive displays.

‘We managed to include dairy and beef calves, hens and chicks, lambs and pigs.’

She added there had also been a time line showing visitors what happened on a farm and how agriculture resulted in production of common foods. Among the other features were ‘Feely buckets’ full of different cereals and pulses grown in the island, a big vegetable display, a mushroom block and products from Ramsey Bakery.

‘We tried to represent all sectors of Manx agriculture, as well as some things generally taken for granted. For example there was one display showing off the beauty of the Manx countryside,’ she said.

‘What’s amazing is the way all the farmers pulled together to create the maze and build something that was a challenge but also had a purpose.’

She said they were also indebted to the Forestry Division who supplied the wood at cost, and the I Love Manx Food campaign who helped out with the displays.

The maze used a total of 65 wood panels of varying lengths and ‘tested their maths’ to assemble it,’ Mrs Pain said.

Manx NFU president Ray Craine said: ‘We are particularly pleased it has been a fun project and everyone taking part has risen to the occasion. We hope everyone enjoyed it and learned a bit about where their food comes from.’

Two young women, one linked to the Tudor dynasty, the other to the mighty Plantagenets – they lived nearly 100 years apart but both were innocent victims of royal ambitions.

Historian Alison Weir, who has found a fresh and firm footing as a novelist, plucks two little known characters from the footnotes of English history and intertwines their fates in an enthralling tale of murder, mystery and love.

One is Lady Katherine Grey, sister of the nine-day Queen Jane who was beheaded for unlawfully accepting the Tudor Crown; the other is Kate Plantagenet, illegitimate daughter of Richard III, usurper king and chief suspect in the notorious murder of the two young princes in the Tower.

A Dangerous Inheritance, Weir’s third and undoubtedly best historical novel, is proof indeed that she has mastered the popular and beguiling ‘faction’ formula in which fictional events slip seamlessly into an authentic historical framework.

The author of such admired non-fictional works as Eleanor of Aquitaine, Isabella: She-Wolf of France, Queen of England and Lancaster and York: the Wars of the Roses is now a confident and talented novelist, producing classy, sweeping sagas brimming with action, drama and romance.

Well-plotted personal stories play out amidst the weight of real social, religious and political intrigue and the gripping tales that ensue are as much due to Weir’s commanding knowledge of history and its nuances, as to her increasingly impressive style and power of imagination.

Lady Katherine Grey is one of three sisters, all uncomfortably close to the Tudor throne and all political pawns of their ambitious parents who see a chance to seize power as the health of the boy King Edward VI deteriorates.

Katherine, 13 years old, feisty and attractive, and her elder, more bookish sister Jane are married off to advantageous suitors chosen for them by their parents and the ruthless Duke of Northumberland.

When the young king dies and the Grey family’s scheming to put Jane on the throne ends in executions and disaster, Katherine’s marriage to Lord Henry Herbert is annulled and she must learn to tread carefully through a political minefield.

But her problems mount when her distant cousin Elizabeth I becomes queen. Katherine has more royal blood in her than the new monarch and when she secretly marries Edward Seymour, a nephew of Henry VIII’s third wife Jane Seymour, Elizabeth’s fury has dangerous consequences.

Almost a century earlier, Kate Plantagenet, illegitimate daughter of Richard, Duke of Gloucester, is horrified when her two cousins, one of them heir to the English throne, are murdered in the Tower of London.

The rumours are that her beloved father, now King Richard III, was responsible for their deaths. Headstrong and fearless, she embarks on a perilous mission to find out the truth about the two princes, and if that wasn’t enough, like Katherine Grey, she has also fallen in love with a man forbidden to her.

And fortune does not always favour the brave...

Alison Weir has produced a terrific book, full of vivid storytelling, fascinating history and all those ingredients – romance, danger, mystery and suspense – which bring the past to life in such stunning detail, colour and atmosphere.

An entertaining and absorbing read from the new queen of historical fiction...

(Hutchinson, hardback, £17.99)

IT’S a seminal show that has won awards the world over.

So there’s no surprising that local companies are clamouring to add their backing as the Andrew Lloyd Webber/Tim Rice spectacular Evita comes to the Isle of Man next week.

Taylorian Productions’ 2012 summer show opens at the Gaiety Theatre next Monday (Aug 6), sponsored by Lloyds TSB.

Based upon the life of Argentine political leader Eva Perón, it features some of theatre’s most beautiful songs, including ‘Don’t Cry for Me Argentina’, ‘Another Suitcase in Another Hall’, and ‘High Flying, Adored’.

Trevor Kirk, senior manager of Corporate Banking at Lloyds TSB, said: ‘We are delighted to continue our ongoing support of the local community with this fantastic production of Evita. We hope that everyone will come along and enjoy this local top quality production.’

Rice got the idea for a musical about Eva Peron when he was late for dinner in London one evening in 1973 and heard the start of a radio programme about her remarkable life.

He remembered her name from his schoolboy stamp collection and, after further research, realised her story could be the one to prove he and Lloyd-Webber were no one-hit wonders.

Had he been punctual that night, who knows what would be on at the Gaiety this summer!

His eldest daughter, who is a best-selling novelist, is also called Eva!

As well as full backing from Lloyds, SMP Partners has signed up as Gold Sponsor of the show, after last year’s sponsorship of the record-breaking Wizard of Oz.

Mark Denton, managing director of SMP, said: ‘It is with great pride that SMP associates itself with this production.

‘The outstanding success of previous Taylorian productions highlights the quality of the Island’s theatrical scene and the need for the local business community to support such wonderful shows.

‘As it turns out, it’s one of my all-time favourites so we are delighted to be able to sponsor Evita.’

Taylorian Productions was formed in 2007 and has been responsible for many local productions including Oliver! and Me and My Girl.

Co-founder Matt James said: ‘Obviously we’re delighted. It’s quite a coup, particularly in the year it has opened on Broadway. It’s going to be quite a show.’

Director John Cumberlidge added: ‘I think what has surprised me and people in the cast is what an emotional experience creating Evita has been.

‘The fact that, unlike a lot of musicals, it is about something that actually happened makes the story more engaging and interesting and real for the cast.

‘The authenticity will make it visually spectacular and interesting for audiences.

‘The way that Evita is written makes it such a fast moving piece of theatre, packed with so much musical staging, choreography and exciting scenarios, you really can understand why people call Evita a “tour de force” piece of theatre.’

Evita – by special arrangement with the Really Useful Group – runs at the Gaiety from Aug 6-18.

Tickets available on the ticket hotline – 600555 – from the Welcome Centre and Villa Marina or from villagaiety.com

AFTER the wet weather in recent months, Environment Minister Phil Gawne MHK admits a wildfire on the uplands is probably the last thing on people’s minds.

But he said joint initiatives had been agreed between DEFA and the Fire and Rescue Service to offer further protection to the uplands ‘because we need to be prepared’.

They now work together to train staff on the risks, methods and practicalities of tackling upland fires and accessing remote sites.

The Fire and Rescue Service has loaned DEFA a Pinzgauer six-wheel drive fire appliance so more remote areas of the uplands can be brought into management.

Independently, both organisations are looking to further enhance their ability to react and tackle issues, with the Fire and Rescue Service developing their training and IT facilities to reflect remote and difficult locations with limited radio communications.

He said DEFA and its tenants would continue with upland management work such as heather cutting and controlled burning to reduce the amount of combustible material available and create natural firebreaks as well as enhancing habitat.

Mr Gawne said: ‘It is always a careful balancing act in encouraging access to areas of natural beauty and value when there are associated risks.

Meanwhile, Mr Gawne said public access of the uplands remained an issue, with users with competing interests – including walkers, cyclists, horse riders and motorcyclists – using the same tracks.

He said: ‘There’s the danger if we don’t allow any motorbike riders to use the tracks they would then go off and do more damage by going and riding illegally all over the place.’

He said an issue that still needed addressing was some motorcyclists travelling from the UK: ‘They come over and blast around the uplands then head back on the boat two or three days later.’

He said the economic benefits of their visit didn’t outweigh the damage they caused.

DEFA believes the flora and fauna is in a generally very good condition and it contains habitat, such as blanket bog, that is becoming increasingly rare internationally.

Benefits of the uplands are that it provides the island with its main source of clean drinking water, filters out air-borne pollutants, provides grazing for sheep and cattle, and stores huge amounts of carbon in the form of peat.

Fire-damaged uplands can change from being highly valuable resources to potentially damaging liabilities. Wildlife habitat is lost and through the peat itself burning, or through subsequent erosion, carbon can be lost into the atmosphere or pollute watercourses.