Refreshment specialist Mannvend is continuing to expand its workforce and develop the business.

The company has created two new roles and in doing so now welcome a brand new staff member and celebrate an internal promotion at their headquarters in Ailsa House, Spring Valley.

Peter Richardson is IT and media supervisor.

Peter lives in Ramsey, he originally trained as a PE teacher and continues to enjoy athletics outside of work to keep fit.

He began working at Mannvend three years ago and has worked in a variety of roles from warehouse operative to engineer.

His aptitude for technology has shaped his new role, where he is responsible for overseeing the creation, uploading and monitoring of 66 digital screens as well as producing video content for advertising clients.

Peter also maintains the website and handles all in-house technology issues.

Peter said: ‘I am looking forward to expanding the advertising content across the island by showing businesses how easily and effectively their company message can reach local audiences through our machines.’

Dawn Taylor is merchandising manager. Dawn lives in Douglas with her partner David and two rescue dogs.

She previously worked for Marks & Spencer as commercial manager. Her new role oversees the retail aspect of the company’s fleet of freestanding hot drinks, snack and cold drink machines. She will be working closely with clients, looking at seasonal trends, new product lines, promotions and healthy eating habits. She said: ‘I look forward to meeting our very varied client base and I am excited to be a part of this dedicated team’.

Tracey Leahy, managing director said: ‘These two new roles reflect our continued investment in both our people and our business on the island. Peter and Dawn have experience that will be of great benefit and I’m always delighted when we are able to promote someone from within.’

Education chief have appointed a new principal for the Isle of Man College.

The college, which is being renamed University College Isle of Man, will be run by Jo Pretty from September.

She moves to the island from Lowestoft College, which she has headed for two years.

Ms Pretty spent 17 years in the private and public sector, with roles in the NHS, utilities, engineering and manufacturing and recruitment. She owned and ran a design and steel fabrication company.

She joined education as a higher education lecturer and moved into adult education, then qualified as a secondary school teacher before switching to her current field of further education and skills.

As head of school at City College, Norwich, she had strategic leadership of a £10 million portfolio comprising engineering, construction, business, creative arts, retail and enterprise.

During her time there, Jo engaged with sector skills academies, was on a regional employers’ board and helped found and run Norwich Fashion Week.

Ms Pretty then studied in the United States learning new approaches for embedding entrepreneurship within education.

In 2014, she was appointed interim and then permanent principal and CEO at Lowestoft College, which has a £15 million budget. The college now boasts improved success rates and apprenticeships.

She is married to Graham, an artist, and has two grown-up children.

Professor Ronald Barr, chief executive officer of the Department of Education and Children, said: ‘Jo joins us at an exciting time for the former Isle of Man College of Further and Higher Education as we modernise its image and its offer to reflect today’s Isle of Man.

‘The desire to grow the college’s higher education offering is central to the rebranding, although the college will continue to offer its wide range of 14-16, further, vocational, professional and adult leisure and recreation courses.

‘Jo’s experience across the spectrum of education, her commercial outlook and experience and her proven record in managing change will serve us well as we seek to better meet the educational needs of our growing and diversifying economy.’

Astronaut Nicole Scott is to speak at an event in Douglas later this month.

Nicole, married to Manxman Chris Stott, has been on the Space Shuttle Discovery and the International Space Station.

This event will be held in the Manx Museum on Sunday, May 29, at the Manx Musuem from 6.30pm.

She will speak for about one hour followed by a question and answer session, with the evening closing at 9pm.

The event is free.

Here talk has been organised by the International Institute of Space Commerce.

Nicole is staging her first art exhibition – ‘Around the World in 90 Minutes: An Astronaut’s Perspective’ – at the Sayle Gallery in Douglas, running from May 27 until June 26.

The fifth annual Great Glen Maye Duck Festival took place in Glen Maye’s National Glen on Saturday.

Residents enjoyed a plastic duck racing tournament and duck-related stalls, games and crafts at the event.

The corporate race was won by Station Stores in St Johns and the duck treasure hunt was won by Chloe May Gelling, who won three ice cream vouchers from Davison’s Ice Cream.

The final race was won by Annette Eio of Glen Maye and she won a return trip for a car and two passengers with the Isle of Man Steam Packet.

Phoebe Christian came in second place and took home and £40 worth of Ellan Vannin fuel vouchers while Lily Harrison took third place, winning cream tea at the Tea Junction in Douglas.

Organisers thanked everyone who took part in the festival, sponsors for providing prizes and helpers for making it a great day.

The Great Glen Maye Duck Festival raised money for Glen Maye Chapel’s community centre project.

A locum doctor at Noble’s Hospital is under investigation for allegedly sending explicit pictures of himself while at work.

Dr Leendert Verstraten, 55, a surgeon who specialises in knee and hip operations and is based at Liverpool’s Aintree Hospital, is accused of sending an online dominatrix photographs of himself in surgical garb wearing a bondage torture device and with messages scrawled across his bare chest.

The woman who was sent the photographs told a UK tabloid newspaper: ‘The hygiene implications are beyond my imagination.’

A spokesman for the Department of Health and Social Care said: ‘Noble’s Hospital does not comment on employment matters however the hospital does take any complaint of potential misconduct very seriously and investigates such matters in accordance with its procedures.’

Aintree Hospital is also investigating. A spokesman said: ‘We take these claims very seriously and will investigate and take appropriate action.’

A dozen of the island’s schools competed in the annual Isle of Man Football Association Girls Primary School Tournament at the Bowl recently.

There was plenty of excitement around the tournament thanks to Everton Ladies’ players Ellie Stewart and Jenna Dear being the guests of honour on the day.

The FA Skills coaches Ben Qualtrough and Graeme Sears kicked off the event with a group warm-up session, before teams started with the group stages of the tournaments.

The top four teams in the groups progressed into the quarter-final stage of the tournament. Group runners-up Willaston faced fourth-placed Kewaigue in the last-eight as both teams matched each other throughout the game.

Neither side was able to find the back of the net in normal time, resulting in the game going to extra-time and then nail-biting penalties. After going into sudden death with a number of great penalties and saves from both sides, Kewaigue secured their spot in the semi-finals.

The competition heated up in the semis with close matches in both. Cronk-y-Berry A faced Kewaigue and

Anagh Coar met Peel Clothworkers and, despite great efforts from Kewaigue and Peel, it was the group winners Anagh Coar and Cronk-y-berry A, who found themselves in a repeat of last year’s event facing each other in the final.

Both teams battled hard throughout and created several goal-scoring opportunities but were unable to find the back of the net until late in the game when Cronk-y-Berry edged to victory.

Everton Ladies’ players Jenna and Ellie were impressed by the standard of the players at the tournament, pointing out some potential sporting stars for the future.

Amy Beggs-Cairney, Isle of Man Football Association women and girls development officer, said: ‘This is always a great event for me to run, the girls get so much enjoyment from the tournament.

‘There was lots of competitive games throughout the tournament and it is just amazing to see the new faces come down. Girls football in the island is definitely on the up and I look forward to seeing all the players joining clubs next season.

‘A big thank you goes to the FA and Everton Ladies for allowing Jenna and Ellie to come to the tournament - it make the event that extra bit special for the girls.’

The IoMFA would like to thank all the volunteers, coaches, referees and most importantly the schools for coming along to the annual tournament.

Peter Kennaugh’s hopes of competing in this year’s Tour de France are in serious doubt after he crashed out of the Amgen Tour of California on Tuesday.

The British national road racing champion had been hoping to earn his place in Team Sky’s line-up for the Grand Tour which begins on July 2.

However, the Commonwealth Games silver medalist was involved in a late crash 17 kilometres from the end of Tuesday’s 167.5km stage from Thousand Oaks to Santa Barbara County.

The Manxman was sent tumbling to the ground after his front wheel appeared to slide from beneath him, forcing the Sky rider to abandon the race.

Kennaugh was quickly whisked away to hospital for treatment on a suspected broken collarbone, an injury which likely ends his hopes of competing in this year’s Le Tour.

More in Thursday’s Manx Independent.

Braddan AFC were crowned JCK Combination Division Two champions on Tuesday evening following a 5-2 victory over Castletown at Victoria Road.

The Swans got off to the perfect start with only six minutes played, when Ben Harcourt unleashed a speculative first-time strike that flew into the net.

The match was really devoid of any real goal activity until the 32nd minute when Braddan doubled their lead. Adam McCullough met a cross from the right with a diving header, which he directed inside the far post.

Two minutes later, Geoff Murphy made it 3-0 when he swept home from close range following Ben O’Neill’s ball over the top.

With the last attack of the first half, Braddan put themselves firmly in control with a fourth when McCullough guided his effort into the bottom-left corner of the net.

The Swans, however, were caught off guard at the start of the second half and Dylan Shimmin pulled a goal back for Town with a long-range, dipping shot that nestled inside the far post.

Tom Collister made it 4-2 in the 56th minute from the penalty spot.

On the hour mark, Murphy headed home a half-clearance to nullify any chance of a Castletown comeback and secure his side’s first combi two title in 23 years.

Isle of Man FA CEO Frank Stennett gave a quick speech before presenting medals to the players and the Combination Division Two trophy to Braddan captains Geoff Murphy and Craig Fletcher.

Two goals from Ash Sansbury ensured Castletown beat Gymns 2-1 in the first Paul Henry Gold Cup semi-final.

Town will play the winner of Wednesday evening’s last-four tie between Douglas Athletic and Colby in next Thursday’s final at the Bowl.

Results:

Tuesday, May 17

Paul Henry Gold Cup Semi-final

Castletown 2-1 Gymns

JCK Division Two

Foxdale 2-8 Douglas Royal

Canada Life Combination One

Peel H-W RYCOB (Youthie couldn’t field a team)

JCK Combination Two

Braddan 5-2 Castletown

Foxdale A-W Michael (Foxdale couldn’t field a team)

Fixtures:

Wednesday, May 18

Paul Henry Gold Cup Semi-Final

6.30pm Douglas Athletic v Colby

Paddy Power Masters Fa Cup Final at Bowl

7.10pm Colby v Peel

Thursday, May 19

Kirby Estates Cowell Cup Final at Bowl

7.15pm Castletown v Corinthians

In the space of one month, two of the most promising up-and-coming road racers have lost their lives and thousands of fans have been denied the chance to see them make their TT debuts this year.

The death of Malachi Mitchell-Thomas at Saturday’s North West 200 races in Northern Ireland was the second blow to hit the road racing community after Laxey racer Billy Redmayne died the day after being struck by another rider’s machine in an accident at Oliver’s Mount in Scarborough on April 19.

Both enjoyed a friendly rivalry with Billy winning the 2014 Manx Grand Prix Newcomers’ race ahead of the then 18-year-old Malachi, who came from Horwich, near Bolton.

Billy again triumphed by a near-identical margin in last year’s Junior Manx Grand Prix ahead of Malachi, but the latter won the closing event, the Senior, a couple of days later, breaking the event’s outright lap record.

They were great ambassadors for the sport and particularly for the Manx Grand Prix, extolling its virtue as a training ground for the TT. Both were also in the island as special guests of the Manx Motor Cycle Club at its annual dinner in January, as two of the event’s four main race winners from last year.

Speaking after his son’s death on the outskirts of Portrush at the weekend, Kevin Thomas told BBC Northern Ireland: ‘I have lost my son and my best friend. He was a fantastic young man and a fantastic bike rider.’

Malachi died at the scene after an accident in the Supertwin race. Mr Thomas said he had already been to visit the site and would return for a team photograph.

He said he still plans to visit the Isle of Man where his son was to have been riding in the TT and the plan is to scatter his ashes, in accordance with his wishes, round the TT course.

‘He died at 20, but he made a massive impact. He could have been a nothing, or a drug addict or an alcoholic. He was knocked off his bike when he was six by a car - and it could have happened then. It’s a dangerous sport but then, so is horse racing. We will continue to support it... We will remember the positives and enjoy the memories. I would prefer for him to burn bright for a short time.’

Manx Motor Cycle Club chairman Harvey Garton said Malachi had set a new race and lap record at 122.221mph in last year’s Senior race and had been a very promising up-and-coming rider. He (as well as Billy) had recently done an accredited course to help train newcomers to the MGP. He had also given great support to the MGP Supporters’ Club, attending the Mhelliah in October, raising funds for the MGP Helicopter Fund. He told fans the MGP had been a great training ground for the approaching TT and signed a photo for the auction.

‘His popularity definitely swelled the numbers attending that evening. Our deepest sympathy goes out to his parents, Kevin and Vicky, all of his family and friends,’ Mr Garton said.

A man whose home was raided by police searching for drugs had just a small quantity for his own personal use.

In fact, after the 9.30am swoop on May 5, 42-year-old John Robert Peel told police he used cannabis for medical purposes, he was unrepentant and would continue to do so.

Prosecutor Barry Swain told Douglas magistrates despite targeting Peel’s home for the search under the Misuse of Drugs Act, they found just 13.3 grams of cannabis resin worth £70.

When police arrived, Peel told them: ‘I’m just having my morning spliff before work.’

He said Peel voluntarily handed over a tobacco pouch with the cannabis inside it and no other illicit substances were found at the house.

‘He believed there were seven to eight grams for which he said he had paid £50 to £60 cash. He also told police he had used cannabis since he was about 15 and would continue to do so in the future,’ Mr Swain said, adding Peel had admitted possessing cannabis for personal use.

Advocate John Wright, representing Peel, said his client was, in effect, without previous convictions.

‘He admitted it at the earliest opportunity and was co-operative in the extreme. He opened the door, the police came in and he handed them his tobacco pouch containing the cannabis resin, which amounted to around half an ounce.

‘It was not a dealing-type quantity: it was clearly for personal use,’ he said.

Mr Wright said Peel had suffered a childhood illness and used cannabis to control pain and stress.

‘It gives him relief and does not impair his function in the way some prescribed medication does. We are back to the medical cannabis use again and for many it does seem to provide relief in a way that can’t otherwise be treated.’

He said Peel was employed and had child care obligations.

Magistrates’ chairman Caroline Convery told him it’s still a criminal offence.’

He was fined £200 with £50 costs and a forfeiture and destruction order was made for the cannabis.

Award-winning crime writer Chris Ewan launched his latest thriller in Douglas with a book signing and reading event.

Chris, who moved away from the island with his Manx wife Jo and daughter to Somerset 18 months ago, said the launch of Long Time Lost at Waterstones, in Douglas, was fitting as the novel opens in Laxey.

It’s his third stand-alone thriller, following on from Safe House and Dark Tides.

He told the Examiner: ‘It’s a pleasure to be back. I am looking forward to seeing lots of friends and family. It’s always been great to have the island’s support behind the books.

‘Since this one opens in a lonely cliffside house in Laxey it seemed like the right place to come and launch the book.’

Long Time Lost was about a year in the making and the story was inspired by a rumour Chris had heard.

‘It goes back to Safe House which grew out of skeet I had heard about the Isle of Man being used to relocate people in witness protection schemes,’ he explained.

‘I have always enjoyed stories about people who go missing or disappear and who then reappear against all the odds.

‘I began to think more about witness protection and whether it might be possible for someone to set up their own witness protection scheme. So the book is about someone who sets up their own very illegal, very bespoke protection scheme hiding people across Europe.’

Chris said Long Time Lost had proved particularly tricky to write: ‘It’s by far the most ambitious novel I’ve written – multiple plot lines and multiple locations. It’s probably been the most fulfilling book to write because of that.’

Sanctus trilogy author Simon Toyne has been quick to praise the novel, describing it as ‘a beautifully paced and constructed thriller with real characters to root for and to hate, written in a smooth and easy style that keeps you reading into the night’.

Chris is busy working on his next title.

He said: ‘I can’t say too much about the book I’m working on now. It’s set in Bristol and concerns the disappearance of a woman during the Bristol international balloon festival. I’m near to finishing it so hopefully it will be available next year.’

He said the island made an ideal setting for a crime novel with its own culture and customs, its stark landscape, and the sense of claustrophobia created for the characters.

And there is good news for his readers who enjoy the island settings.

‘There’s plenty more scope for crime novels set in the island,’ he said. ‘I’m confident I’ll be writing about the Isle of Man in the future.’

Former Chief Minister Sir Miles Walker CBE has announced that he is to step down from the Manx Telecom Board after 13 years with the company.

He was appointed in 2003 as a non-executive director and served as chairman from June 2010 until the company became an AIM-listed PLC in February 2014.

Paying tribute to Sir Miles, Kevin Walsh, Manx Telecom non-executive chairman, said: ‘Sir Miles’s time on the board has been an era of significant change for the telecoms industry, and for Manx Telecom. As a board member, his wealth of knowledge and experience has helped to ensure that we serve the best interests of the Isle of Man, our customers and our people.

‘On behalf of everyone at Manx Telecom, I thank him for his invaluable contribution.’

Sir Miles said: ‘Long before I joined the Board, I recognised the vital role which Manx Telecom played in the island’s development.

‘The provision of first class telecommunications services has always been fundamental to the Isle of Man’s growth as a successful offshore jurisdiction.

‘The telecoms industry has undergone revolutionary changes in recent years, especially the growth in mobile communications, and I’m very proud of the contribution the company has made to the island’s economic development.’

Sir Miles added that he was especially proud of the company’s longstanding involvement in the community at grass roots level, and in particular its support for the Manx Telecom Parish Walk.

Chris Hall is to join the Manx Telecom Plc Board as an independent non-executive director.

Mr Hall has more than 30 years’ experience in the telecoms sector and was managing director of Manx Telecom Ltd from 1999 to 2011, since when he has developed a wide portfolio of business interests.

He is currently non-executive director of several companies, including AXA Isle of Man Limited, SiRRAN Communications Limited, Isansys Limited, and ManSat Limited.

Gary Lamb, Manx Telecom chief executive officer, added his tributes to Sir Miles and welcomed Chris Hall to the board.

He said: ‘During his many years of service to Manx Telecom, Sir Miles’s advice and counsel has played a significant part in making the company the success it is today.

‘Chris’s knowledge of both the telecoms sector and the wider business scene will be valuable to the company as we move forward.’

Chris Hall said: ‘I’m pleased to be joining the board at a time when the prospects for the telecoms sector have never been better, and wholeheartedly endorse the tributes paid to Sir Miles for his contribution to the business.’

Sir Miles will formally step down from the board at Manx Telecom’s AGM on June 15, and Chris Hall’s appointment as independent non-executive Director is subject to approval at the AGM.

Passers- by on Circular Road, Douglas, will have noticed that Microgaming’s new five-storey office in Douglas is well under way.

A spokeswoman for the eGaming software giant told Business News that construction is going very well, and thanks to a hard-working team, the building is on track for completion in early 2017.

Manx-based Auldyn Construction, the company responsible for the building’s construction, explained that the structure and fabric are nearing completion, with the target of achieving manageable weather integrity at the earliest opportunity. This will allow the expansion of ‘finishing trades’ internally, although progress is already moving apace in this respect. And there will be a significant impact visually just before TT, when the planar glazing starts to be fitted.

Preparations for the installation of the link bridge, which will connect the new building with Microgaming’s existing headquarters (MGS House), are also advancing. Expanding at a rapid rate, the additional office will accommodate the company’s increased headcount and allow for continuedgrowth. John Coleman, finansce director told Business News: ‘Every day you look out the window at the new office something has changed or developed, which is incredibly exciting to witness.’

‘The on-site team are working tirelessly to complete the construction project and we’re busy finalising the interior of the building, ensuring the environment is one where our talented people can thrive.

‘We have a lot to look forward to – 2017 is going to be an exciting year for the company!’

The five-storey building, which is next to Microgaming’s current office, MGS House, is on track to be completed by 2017.

Construction officially began in April last year on the project which will see a third-floor walkway spanning Hillside Terrace connecting the two buildings.

Douglas architects Savage and Chadwick have designed the office and Auldyn Construction is responsible for the construction of the building.

Other Manx companies Bell Burton Associates, Curtins, March Consultants Ltd and SMS Ltd are also involved with the design and construction of the Microgaming office.

Microgaming is a big name in the gaming and eGaming industry.

It produces an incredible range of online games whichare played all over the world.

A spokeswoman for the company said the cost of the project is not being publicised but added: ‘It’s a huge investment for the company and it indicates our commitment to the island.’

Last October an eGaming player in the UK scooped a world record jackot of more than 12 million euros playing a game devised by Microgaming. The Douglas company is live-streaming the construction of the new building.

To watch the feed visit www.microgaming.co.uk/our-culture/2017

Conor Cummins will ride for Padgetts Racing in the Supersport and Superstock races at the forthcoming TT.

The Ramsey man has made an 11th-hour switch from Jackson Racing to the Yorkshire outfit after a disappointing North West 200 on board the Preston-based team’s machinery.

Conor will partner John McGuinness in the factory Honda Racing team for the Superbike and Senior races.

Volunteers cleaning a Manx beach found a gigantic piece of carpet.

Beach Buddies were tackling Sartfield beach in Jurby when they found it.

The carpet was found north of the Sartfield slipway, and initially it looked like an impossible task as it was buried deep into the sand.

But Beach Buddies volunteers don’t give up easily.

Beach Buddies founder Bill Dale said: ‘After loads of really hard graft, the carpet was eventually pulled out of the sand. But that was just the start of the hard work – it then had to be pulled back along the beach and up the really steep slipway at the Sartfield access.

‘Anyone who has ever had to manhandle carpet will know that it’s no easy task, but imagine how much more difficult this was when the carpet was soaking wet having spent who knows how long buried in the sand.

‘It took a big team just to get the carpet out of the sand, and then an even bigger team to drag it back along the beach. A truly tough job - every single person should be thanked for their fantastic efforts.’

The 26 volunteers who joined the session also shifted massive amounts of other rubbish from the beach, and Bill says it’s clear that Beach Buddies will need to return to this area again at least once more to get the beach into acceptable condition.

It was a memorable session, and the volunteers were afterwards treated to refreshments in Andreas; a successful after-event occasion that will definitely be repeated when Beach Buddies goes north again.

Trust and corporate services provider Equiom has donated £7,750 to several causes from funds raised by employee ‘dress down’ days.

Equiom’s Isle of Man staff charity committee invited employees to wear casual clothes on a Friday in return for a monthly donation to a charitable fund.

The fund was split between charities nominated and voted for by the staff at the beginning of the financial year.

The chosen headline charities, Parkinson’s Disease Society Isle of Man and Finley’s Tracks, each received £2,000. Five additional charities – Autism Initiatives Isle of Man, Breathe Easy Isle of Man Support Group, Naseem Manx Brain Tumour Charity, Manx Miracles and Manx Mencap – each received £750.

Hannah Francis, staff charity committee chair, said: ‘I am thrilled to be able to support so many local causes. On behalf of the committee I would like to thank all the Equiom Isle of Man dress down day participants. Having spoken with many of the charities I know that our donations really are appreciated and will make a significant difference locally.’

Send your cheque presentation photos to newsdesk@newsiom.co.im

Always include a daytime phone number so we can cheque details quickly if we need to.

Members of the Lancashire branch of the Morris Minor Owners’ Club enjoyed good weather and not too many breakdowns when they visited the island at the weekend.

A total of 21 club members brought 13 cars over, including three 1954 split-screen models, one of them a convertible, and a 1970 ex-Royal Mail van.

Steve Rose, secretary of the Lancashire branch of the UK club, said: ‘It was fabulous – apart from a couple of breakdowns. The weather has been perfect and the hotel has been excellent.’

From their base at the Falcon’s Nest in Port Erin, the club visited most of the major attractions in the island as well as meeting up with local Morris Minor owners.

The visit involved visits to the Laxey Wheel as well as time seeing the sights of Peel, visiting the House of Manannan and posting kippers home. The return to Port Erin was the scenic route via Niarbyl.

Saturday saw the members exchange one form of vintage transport for another, with a day on the heritage railways network. From Port Erin, the group took the steam train to Douglas, horse tram to Derby Castle then the electric tram up to the Snaefell summit via Laxey.

For Sunday, it was a return to the cars and a drive to Cregneash. There was a visit to the folk museum and then a drive on to the Sound cafe for lunch. After that it was on to Castletown via Port St Mary, for a tour of Castle Rushen.

Monday saw the group driving again to Douglas and assembling at the TT Grandstand for a photograph. Then it was on to Tynwald Hill followed by the new motor museum in Jurby, which was opened specially for the group to visit.

Next, the cars rejoined the TT course to Ramsey where the visitors stopped off again to explore. They then drove on up round Ramsey hairpin and followed the TT course back to Douglas before returning home on last night’s ferry.

Mr Rose said apart from one car, currently awaiting a new gearbox, the trip had gone well.

‘We last came here 10 years ago so we will definitely have to make another trip back sooner than that,’ he said.

There aren’t many places you can meet donkeys, plant vegetables and sit round a fire in a tepee tent all in the same day.

But they’re the kind of life experiences The Children’s Centre’s Community Farm has been set up to provide – and it is hosting a Spring Open Day this Sunday.

The public are invited to the rural education project – on the Old Castletown Road in Braddan – to meet and learn about the farm animals, explore the wild conservation area, see the vegetable growing process and discover the ‘hobbit house’ building.

There will be the chance to learn about bees, home composting and wild herbal teas, alongside music, crafts, games, face-painting and a barbeque.

Admission is free.

The 15-acre charity project is run by The Children’s Centre, set up as a ‘nurturing and caring environment, helping people grow while reconnecting with the countryside.’

Staff work with hundreds of young people and families each month, on everything from wildlife to woodwork.

Community Farm team leader Lee Brooks said: ‘The type of therapeutic work we do means we can’t always throw open the doors to the public, so events like these are our chance to show people the place, what happens here and how they can get involved.’

He added: ‘Spring is a great time too, the lambs are looking strong and we had some new chicks born last week!’

The event starts at 10.30am on Sunday, and runs until 4pm.

Parking is available at Kewaigue School, where regular shuttle buses will run to and from the farm.

People are asked to leave dogs at home.

For more information call 610540 or email farm@thechildrenscentre.org.im

Treasury Minister Eddie Teare admitted there has been ‘teething problems’ following the island’s split from the UK state pension system.

Anyone retiring from April 6 this year, who has spent part of their working life in the UK, will have to apply for two separate pensions - one from the Isle of Man and one from across.

But in Tynwald this week Speaker Steve Rodan queried the claims process - amid concerns that the application forms are complex and ask for details on for example payroll numbers that retirees may well have long forgotten.

He also sought clarification on the qualification period for eligibility.

Treasury Minister Eddie Teare confirmed that some people have been having difficulties getting through on the telephone to the relevant pensions office in the UK.

He told Tynwald: ‘I would not hide the fact that there have been a few teething issues. There is a teleconference taking place next week and we are trying to move into a smoother operating system.’

Graham Cregeen (Malew and Santon) said one of his constituents had been on the phone for 90 minutes, after trying to log on, only to be told to phone the ‘international pension centre’ - and then told to ring the ‘future pension centre’.

Mr Teare replied: ‘I would encourage people who are having difficulty to continue to liaise with Markwell House.

‘We will do our level best to assist, but what Isle of Man residents are experiencing is exactly the same as anybody else who has got a split pension or a split National Insurance contribution record and who no longer lives in the UK.’

He accepted the claim form is relatively lengthy and asks for a lot of information.

Mr Teare said his advice to claimants is that they should provide as much information as they can but should not worry or delay in making their claim if they do not have all the details to hand, such as exact dates or payroll numbers. They could provide further details later if it is felt necessary, he added.

Turning to the question of eligibility, Mr Teare said that a person who has less than 10 qualifying years attributed to the UK, can have the shortfall made up by qualifying years worked in the Isle of Man but only for this purpose of deciding eligibility.

As an illustration, he said someone who has 12 years of contributions with seven in the UK and five in the island would pass the UK’s 10-year hurdle for eligibility and the UK would pay seven 35ths of the UK pension and the Manx government would pay five 30ths of the Isle of Man pension.

There would be no liability falling on the Manx government to make a contribution in respect of the UK pension element, he added.

Weather permitting, 10 ponies and children will be heading off-island this week to compete in the Pony Club Area 4 Prince Philip Cup Games.

The event will take place at Osbaldeston Equestrian Centre in Blackburn on Saturday.

Practices have been taking place twice weekly at Hope Cottage on Poortown Road, Peel and the Isle of Man branch of the Pony Club would like to thank Peter and Carolyn Lace for allowing members to use their field and for preparing all the equipment for each practice.

The island has been competing in this event for more than 30 years and this year several members of the teams are children of previous team members and it is lovely to still see great enthusiasm from this second generation of members. The club would also like to thank team trainers Chris Chatel and Julie Sansbury who have done a splendid job training and cultivating a terrific team spirit within the squads.

The Isle of Man Steam Packet have been most helpful and supportive sorting out the reservations for this trip so thanks also go to Darren Crawford and Trina Denham for all their help.

The teams for this year’s Philip Cup are: Percy’s - captain Percy Hampton, Immy Milward, Abby Jackson, Amelia Hotchkiss and Aislinn Lace; Eva’s - captain Eva Jones, Sammie Callister, Lucy Parsons, Lauren Batty and Freya Cowie.

Area 4 Horse and Pony Care Competition

This Sunday the Pony Club Area 4 Horse and pony care unmounted competition will be taking place in Carnforth.

The Isle of Man have two teams of three entered for this competition – Immy Milward, Abby Jackson and Aislinn Lace, as well as Eva Jones, Daisee Sewell and Lucy Parsons.