THE Department of Transport across the water is taking action to make learner drivers there be more courteous to elderly and vulnerable motorists.

They have to fill in a voluntary online log to show what progress in this they are making before taking their driving tests.

If they are doing that over there what about the Department of Infrastructure doing it here in the Isle of Man?

I say this as an elderly and vulnerable motorist.

Unfortunately my fellow motorists are not always courteous to the likes of me.

This seems to be just because I prefer to drive rather more slowly than most of them. If I am going to have a crash I want it to be at as low a speed as possible, so that I can live longer to, if necessary, have another one.

It certainly happens when I am tootling along admiring the scenery and the fine weather in my convertible Mini One with the hood down, I hear other drivers banging on the horn. They seem to think this can achieve something useful.

But I have a childlike faith in my fellow motorists. I am sure they are actually just friends of mine saying hello or people who recognise me as a media celebrity (Isle of Man only; terms and conditions apply) and they wish to show their appreciation of my work.

In that case I would wish to show them my appreciation. You really are a hoot.

WE have all been following the drama involving North Douglas MHK John Houghton and his being cast into the wilderness by Tynwald.

This cropped up on Stu Peter’s ‘Talking Heads’ programme on Manx Radio and he suggested that there should be a charity record made on the lines of ‘Free Nelson Mandela.’

It would go something like ‘Free Good Old John Houghton.’

THIS week’s crossword clue has come in from Andrew Crooks.

It was in The Times and contained a definition and wordplay and also described the Isle of Man when read as a whole, as follows: ‘Man for one regularly insulted (4)’

I SEE that Dr Helen Grieg of the Promenade Medical Centre in Douglas has been nominated by one of her patients for a Pride in Mann Award.

She is also my GP and she is doing her best to see if I can reach the age of 90.

If I do, do you think the Examiner will give me more money?

CROSSWORD: Isle. InSuLtEd.

ANDREW Kerr-Phillips draws attention to a headline in the Examiner last week saying ‘Snack van could run from Point of Ayre’.

He asks: ‘Why? Scared of lighthouses? Pharophobia?’

That should throw some light on the matter.

IAN Radford has returned from a visit to Rome to say he went to a bar which offered among other drinks a ‘Rusty Neil.’

Neil likes a Brown Ale?

COLIN and Margaret Brown have been on holiday to Tenerife where they found a sign outside a block of apartments saying: ‘The step is forbidden to person unaware to the complex.’

What was wrong with ‘Keep Out’ I wonder.

DURSLEY Stott writes to say the Ben-my-Chree cost £34 million when she was launched, not £10,million as I asserted two weeks ago.

That’s fine. Mrs Donald Gelling is still worth it.

FUNNIES File. The Examiner once reported that a new physiotherapy unit at Port St Mary ‘was able to deal with about 25 patients at full stretch.’

Was it lying?

SIGNS: On a shoe repair store in ‘Vancouver: ‘We will heel you. We will save your sole. We will even dye for you.’

l Times Past on pages 24 and 25.

Two anglers ended up in the water after their boat was involved in a collision with a fishing boat off Douglas Head at the weekend.

The anglers were on board an 18-foot boat when it was involved in the accident with the larger vessel and was capsized.

The larger boat towed the anglers’ upturned boat back to Fort Anne Jetty where members of the coastguards’ team refloated it and helped to put it on a trailer. No call out was made to the Douglas lifeboat. A spokesman for the coastguards said the three anglers were not injured.

‘The were wearing lifejackets and so they were safe and well,’ he said.

The incident happened sometime soon after midday on Sunday in an area of water off Douglas head. The parties involved were believed to be local and the other boat involved in the incident was also believed to be local.

The last silverware of the senior Manx football season will be decided this evening (Thursday) when Douglas Athletic and Castletown battle it out in the Paul Henry Gold Cup final at the Bowl.

Athletic are aiming to complete a memorable league and cup treble, having already clinched the JCK Division Two and GH Corlett Woods Cup titles.

Town, meanwhile, will be hoping to end their season on a high after narrowly missing out on promotion to the Premier League with Athletic, finishing just two points behind second-placed Colby.

On paper the Pinks will be favourites to complete the treble having already defeated the Mets three times in the league and cup this season. However, the two league meetings were close affairs with DAFC winning both by the odd goal which suggests that another close game could be in store.

It remains to be seen how the sides will line up at the Bowl tonight, but it is expected to be Pinks’ striker Mark Wolfenden’s last game following the news that he will undergo a jaw operation in the near future which means he will likely retire from the game.

Can Wolfie go out on a high? Kickoff is at 7pm at the Bowl - follow @manxfootyblog

Alarmed at the continued neglect of the island’s built heritage, last autumn the Isle of Man Natural History and Antiquarian Society offered to host a meeting with like-minded groups to discuss what might be done to highlight and promote awareness of the plight of vulnerable buildings.

As a result, a network has been formed which already includes all the active Heritage Trusts on the island and national groups such as the Victorian Society, Steam Railway Supporters Association and the Antiquarian and Natural History Society.

Their mission is to draw the nation’s attention to buildings of architectural or historic value, and what’s at risk, and to encourage and support government, planners and developers to return to best practice, which sometimes need not cost much more than neglect.

The island did have both a conservation team in planning, and an active registration system. But the conservation team was disbanded/side-lined, and registration has almost entirely gone by the wayside, with the suggestions that buildings will only be considered for registration if they’re about to be demolished – but by then much of their historic character and value may be lost.

Unsympathetic alterations have also been permitted in years gone by – be they to registered buildings like Baillie-Scott’s own house, or allowing short-lived MDF reproductions on masonry facades that were supposed to remain intact.

It is absolutely recognised that, with rare exceptions, buildings cannot just be preserved – the ideal result is often if a building can be adapted to provide a sustainable use without damage to the important features.

Key to this is the availability of conservation support to/within the planning department and to owners/developers, and recognition of buildings of value and their registration if appropriate.

There are many cases such as Ballaughton Manor, which is now threatened with demolition of the remaining front wing, where registration was started but never followed through by the planning department.

Indeed, under a previous conservation officer many registration proposals were prepared but most eventually disappeared years ago into a ‘black hole’ in the planning department.

Some important buildings, such as the Castle Mona, are very much in the public eye already, but many are not.

A campaign is being launched to draw attention to buildings of value and buildings at risk, what neglect – by owners or government – can bring, and how sympathetic conservation and adaptation can bring new life to historic buildings.

Find out more about the Isle of Man Natural History and Antiquarian Society at www.manxantiquarians.com

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The Isle of Man Man Examiner is running a series of fortnightly articles on particular buildings on the groups’ agenda. This week’s edition featured the history of the Castle Mona, by Simon Artymiuk.

The 2016 Isle of Man TT starts at the weekend - and the Mountain Road will be one-way for a fortnight from tomorrow (Friday) evening.

The route will close at 9.30am from Barrule Park in Ramsey to Creg-ny-Baa to enable preparation work to take place.

When it road reopens at 4.30pm it will be one-way for the duration of the festival.

The arrangement will remain in place until 9.30am on Monday, June 13, when it will close for the day for signage to be removed.

It will revert to two-way traffic when it reopens at 4.30pm that day.

The Isle of Man Constabulary are offering a week of work experience for up to 15 Year 10 students during the first week of the school summer holidays, week commencing July 25.

PC Mike Griffiths said: ‘We offer a week of experience once a year as we are unable to offer meaningful experience during the weeks that the schools go out separately.

‘We like to give students an overview of most of the departments within the force and have found that the week in the summer holidays accommodates this really well.’

Students will gain an insight into neighbourhood policing, the dog unit, Financial Crime Unit, Custody, Joint Control Room, Youth Justice Team, CID, Community Policing, Roads Policing Unit.

‘This is a great opportunity to find out how the Police operate, and what situations we have to deal with on a daily basis. This week of work experience is invaluable for any Year 10 student who is considering a career in the Police’ added PC Griffiths.

To apply for a place, students will need to login to their account on www.employed.im and read the notice board which details how to apply for a placement. Should any students have any difficulty in applying, contact Lorna Trevethan, work experience coordinator at employed.im on 664000, or email lorna@employed.im for more details. employed.im has the contract to coordinate the Isle of Man’s Work Experience Programme in local schools.

Thursday, May 26

• Manx Retirement Association stretch and flex, Onchan Methodist hall, 10am. Tues, Douglas/Onchan coffee morning at the Cat with No Tail, Douglas, 10.30am.

• Onchan Pensioners Club, Morton Hall, Castletown, coffee morning; Friday, sequence dancing, 2pm-4.30pm; Saturday, Arabian dancing, 9am-1pm; Monday, Bridge, 2pm-5pm and 7pm-11pm; Tuesday, coffee morning including raffle, 10am-noon; Wednesday, whist drive, 7pm-10pm.

• Soundcheck, Youth Arts Centre, Douglas, 6.30pm. Also Mon and Tues, 6pm-9pm. Mon, Castletown youth club, 6pm-9pm, and Wed, Ramsey youth club, 6.30pm-9.30pm.

Sunday, May 29

• Port Erin Bowling Club, Club night, 4.30pm- 6.30pm. Everybody welcome.

Monday, May 30

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

• Possan Aeglagh Manx Speaking Youth Club School Year 6 upwards, Cafe Laare, Lord Street, Douglas, 6.30pm, subs £1. Call Cathy Clucas 414331 or email C.Clucas@doe.sch.im

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

Tuesday, May 31

• St John’s Art and Craft Group, Methodist hall, 9.40am. Bring your own art and craft. Call 851364.

• The Tuesday Group, flexible learning room to try your hand at basic crafts, have a chat, coffee and fun, Peel Clothworkers’ School, 1.15pm. Pre-school children catered for. Call 614180.

• Isle of Man Chess Club, Belsfield Hotel, Church Road Marina, Douglas, 7.30pm. Call 495097.

• Castletown Metropolitan Silver Band rehearsals, Queen Street Mission hall, 7.30pm.

• Rotary Club of Rushen and Western Mann meet Cherry Orchard Hotel, Port Erin, 7.30pm.

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

• Ballacottier Senior Youth Project for school years 10+, Ballacottier School youth room, 7.30pm-9.30pm.

Wednesday, June 1

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

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

• The Friendship Club for the over 60s, Onchan Baptist Church, 2.30pm. Call 674255.

• Laxey Dog Training Club, Laxey Working Men’s Institute, 7pm-10pm.

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

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

• Ballabeg WI, Methodist Sunday School, Ballabeg, 7.30pm. Call 818194.

The island’s next Lieutenant Governor, Sir Richard Gozney, will be sworn in to office at the Isle of Man Courts of Justice in Douglas tomorrow (Friday) morning.

The ceremony has previously been held at the Court Room in Castle Rushen, but this was deemed unsuitable on this occasion, to the consternation of many in the south, as the venue is no longer is in use.

However, Sir Richard’s first official engagement will be a visit to the island’s ancient capital in the afternoon following his swearing-in.

The court building will be closed to the public for the morning but will re-open from 1pm following the conclusion of the ceremony.

Thursday, May 26

• Little Miss Dynamite at the Royal, Ramsey.

• Ian Thompson at Sam Webbs, Douglas.

• Douglas Town Band at the Villa Marina Arcade, 8pm.

• Karaoke, Guys and Dolls, Douglas.

• Ramsey Folk Club, Mitre Hotel, Ramsey, 8pm-11pm.

• Karaoke with Ray Sloane at the Saddle Inn, Douglas.

• Guitar lessons at the meeting room, Archibald Knox, Onchan, 5.45pm-6.45pm.

• Alternative Havana, Fiesta Havana, Douglas. Also, Friday - Full On Fridays.

Friday, May 27

• Little Miss Dynamite at the Rosemount, Douglas.

• Dickie at the Whitehouse, Peel.

• Ian Thompson at the Commercial, Ramsey.

• Grass Roots at Jaks, Douglas.

• Karaoke FM at the Queen’s, Douglas.

• Brown Sugar at the Union, Castletown.

• The Barefoot Revolution at Sam Webbs, Douglas.

• DJ Karaoke and Disco, at Bordello’s, Douglas, 9pm till 1am.

• DJ Tim, Second Venue, 21 Victoria Street, Douglas, 8pm. Also Saturday.

• Karaoke at the Albert, Douglas, 9pm.

• Irish traditional music session at The Mitre, Ramsey, 9pm.

• Kiaull as Gaelg at the Albert, Port St Mary, 9pm.

• Open Mic Night at Café Laare, Douglas, 7pm-9.30pm.

Saturday, May 28

• Little Mill Dynamite at the Commercial, Ramsey.

• Bruce Foxton, founding member of punk/rock/mod revival band The Jam will be playing his trademark basslines when his band ‘From the Jam’ makes their Manx debut, 8pm. Tickets £25 from Villa Gaiety box office, the Welcome Centre or call 600555.

• Dickie at the Mitre, Ramsey.

• Ian Thompson at the Rosemount, Douglas.

• Borderline athe Railway Station Hotel, Port St Mary.

• Penthouse Dive at Jaks, Douglas.

• Karaoke FM at the Pinewood, Pulrose.

• Brown Sugar at the Manx Legion, Douglas.

• Manx music session, the Whitehouse, Peel, 10pm.

• Karaoke with Dobbo at the Decks, Liverpool Arms, Baldrine.

• Karaoke at the Central Hotel, Ramsey.

• Karaoke and disco, in Second Venue above The Nags Head, 10pm-2am.

Sunday, May 29

• Little Miss Dynamite at the Baltic, Foxdale.

• Ian Thompson at the Haven, Port Erin.

• Konstruktion featuring Joy White at Jaks, Douglas.

• Karaoke FM at the Heron, Port Erin.

• Brown Sugar at the Manx Legion, Douglas.

• Jazz Aces at the Villa Marina Arcade, Douglas at 3pm.

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

Monday, May 30

• Ian Thompson at the Tynwald Inn, St John’s.

Tuesday, May 31

• Ian Thompson at the Queen’s, Douglas.

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

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

Wednesday, June 1

• Little Miss Dynamite at the Mitre, Ramsey.

• Ian Thompson at the Tynwald Inn, St John’s.

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

Thursday, May 26

• Walk and Talk: Peel promenade, 10am-11.30am. Also Fri, NSC, 9.30am-11.30am; Mon, Poulsom Park, Castletown, 10am-noon, NSC, 5.30pm-7.30pm; Tues, NSC, 9.30am-11.30am. Wed, Mooragh Park, Ramsey, 10am-11.30am. Call Lesley Patterson, 686852.

• Keep Fit for beginners/over 50s, Colby Football Club, 10am. Also, kettlecardio 6.30pm. Sat, kettlecardio, 10am. Wed, aerobics, Ballabeg Hall, 6pm. Call Sara, 432535.

• Iyengar yoga (mixed), 10 Perwick Bay, Port St Mary, 9.30am. Also, Tues, men only, 7pm; Wed, mixed, 6.45pm. Call 452791.

• Wheelie Active Parents (mums and buggies), Villa Marina reception, 9.30am.

• Chair-based exercise, Onchan Youth and Community Centre, 1.30pm. Also Fri, Port Erin Methodist Church hall, 2pm; Mon, Ramsey town hall, 10.30am; Tues, Castletown Sandfield residents’ lounge, 2pm; Wed, Westlands’ residents’ lounge, Peel, 10.30am. Call 642668.

• Pilates, beginners to intermediate, 38 Woodbourne Square, Douglas, 2pm, 5.30pm and 7pm. Call 491449.

• Tai Chi Chuan, Lezayre parish hall, 2pm. Call Pete Jackson, 898468.

• Mini tennis coaching, Douglas LTC, Kensington Road. Year 3, 4.30pm; year 4, 5.30pm. Also Tues, adult beginners and improvers tennis coaching, 6pm. Call 302642.

• Iyengar inspired yoga, Laxey Football Club. Children’s yoga years 3 to 6, 3.30pm; recep-yr 2, 4.30-5.15pm; teenage yoga, 5.15pm; men’s yoga, 6.30pm. Also Mon, mixed ability hatha yoga, 9.15am; Wed, adult Iyengar inspired yoga, 7pm-8.30pm. Call Jane, 863130.

• Manx Fencing Club, Ashley Hill School, Onchan, 4pm. Also seniors, BHS, Douglas, 5pm; Tues, Arbory village hall, beginners, 4pm; Grade 1+, 5pm. Wed, juniors, RGS, 5pm; seniors, 6pm. Also, juniors, Ebenezer Hall, Kirk Michael, 6.30pm; adults, 7.30pm.

• Southern Gymnastics Club, Ballasalla School, 4pm. Also Tues, CRHS, 5pm. Call 473741.

• Northern Gymnastics Club, RGS, 5pm.

• Anti-gravity yoga, Savina’s Secret Studio, Glen Falcon Road, Douglas, 6.30pm. Also, pole fitness, 7.45pm. Call 203502.

• Western Athletics Club, QEII High School, 6.30pm.

• Zumba, Carrefour Health Club, Douglas, 6.30pm. Also Mon, 8pm; Wed, 9.45am.

• Cardiotone, Laxey Working Men’s Institute, 7pm. Also Mon, 7pm. Call 452729/863602.

• Peel Badminton Club, Corrin Hall, Peel, 7pm.

• Aquafit, Western Swimming Pool, 7pm. Also Tues, 1.15pm.

• Aerobics and body toning, Philip Christian Centre, Peel, 7pm. Also Mon, Park View hall, Kirk Michael. Call 455924.

• Zumba, The Institute, Laxey 7pm-8pm, also Tues, 7.30pm.

• Yoga, Cooil Methodist hall, 7.15pm. Call 494489.

• Fencing, Ashley Hill School, 7.30pm. Also Mon, Andreas parish hall, 4.30pm; Tues, Arbory parish hall, 4pm and Ebenezer Hall, Kirk Michael, 6.30pm; Wed, Scoill Ree Gorree, Ramsey, 5pm. Call 880863.

• Zumba, The Dance Factory, Onchan Park, 7.30pm. Call 425270. Also Tues.

• Fun Aquafit, Cherry Orchard Hotel pool, 7.45pm. Also Tues.

Friday, May 27

• Ladies tennis, Albany LTC, 10am. Also Sat, junior beginners, noon; Sun, club morning, 10.30am; Tues, club night, 7pm; Wed, club morning, 10.30am; Call Pat Sharp, 861497/ Jan Gaskill, 862144.

• RUN IOM running group for all abilities with UKA qualified coach,TT Grandstand, Noble’s Park, 12.10pm-12.45pm. See Facebook or email 4t8@manx.net Also Mon, meet Jubilee Kiosk, Douglas seafront.

• Acrobatics, The Dance Factory, Onchan Park, 4.30pm.

• Cronkbourne Cricket Club juniors indoor training, BHS, 5.45pm.

• Yoga class, Move it Dance Studio, Westmoreland Road, 6pm-7.30pm.

• Manx ABC Boxing, Palace Terrace, Douglas. Juniors, 6pm; seniors , 7pm. Also Mon and Wed.

• Yoga, Morton Hall, Onchan, 6.30pm. Call 494489.

• Tai chi chuan, Murray’s Road School, Douglas, 7.30pm. Call 612305.

• Indoor bowls, Legion Hall, Port St Mary, 7.30pm.

Saturday, May 28

• Pregnancy yoga, All Saints’ hall, Douglas, 10am. Call 461461.

• Yoga, Laxey Working Men’s Institute, 10.15am. Also Mon.

• Yoga, Arbory parish hall, 10.30am. Call 494489.

• St Mary’s football club mixed u11s, Pulrose football fields, 10.30am. Call 405859.

• Tae Kwondo beginners, Pinewood Complex, Pulrose, 10.45am. Text 432152.

Sunday, May 29

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

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

Monday, May 30

• Pilates Isle of Man, mat based Pilates classes, The Pilates Studio, Peel, Monday 9.30am, Wednesday 5.15pm and 6.30pm, Thursday 6.15pm, Friday 9.30am, Saturday 9.45am. Also mat based Pilates, Colby Methodist Hall, Monday 6pm. Chair based Pilates, Pilates Studio, Peel, Thursday 10am ( free for members of MS Society). Pilates for orthopedic and neurological conditions available upon request, ante/post natal Pilates as required. Contact Lizzy Main, 427401, pilatesisleofman@manx.net,pilates-isle-of-man.co.uk.

• Beginners yoga, Karma, 2nd Floor, Victoria Street, Douglas 10am.

• Exercise Boot Camp, Corrin Hall, Peel, 6.15pm. Also Wed, Philip Christian Centre, Peel, 6pm; Thurs, Glen Vine Church hall, 9.15am.

• Finch Hill cricket training, 7pm-8pm.

• Bodyweight and cardiotone, Laxey Working Men’s Institute, 7pm. Call 452729.

• Women’s self-defence classes, British Legion hall, Port Erin, 7.30pm.

• Kirk Michael Badminton Club, Park View hall, 8pm. Call 878536.

Tuesday, May 31

• Early Morning Boot Camp, Marown Millennium hall, 6.15am. Also Wed and Fri. Evening Boot Camp, 6pm, Thurs and Tues, 6pm; Sat, 9am. Also kettlebells, Sat, 8am; Wed, 6pm. Call 465335.

• Fit2Go walking, Station Road car park, St John’s, 9am.

• Pilates at 38 Woodbourne Square, Douglas, 9.15am; Trinity Church, Ramsey, 6.15pm. Also, balance and pilates, Cooyrt Balleigh, Ramsey, 1.30pm. No floor exercise. Call 491449.

• Cheerleading, All Saints’ Church hall, 4.30pm. Call 254499.

• Jamse’s fitness boot camp, Douglas promenade, 6pm-7pm. Also Thursday. Call, 614570.

• Adult beginners and improvers tennis coaching, Douglas LTC, Kensington Road, 6pm, Call 302642.

• Zumba, Fiesta Havana, Douglas, 7pm. Email sjh@manx.net

• Tai Chi Chuan, Lezayre parish community hall, 7pm.

• IoM Karate Federation, Murray’s Road School, juniors, 7pm; seniors, 7.30pm. Call 612305.

• Badminton club, Arbory School, Ballabeg, 8pm-10pm. Call Liz on 466370.

Wednesday, June 1

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

• Thompson Travel Netball Club junior training, St Ninian’s Lower School, u11’s 6-7pm, u14s and u16s 7-8pm, u18s and seniors, 8-9pm TERM TIME ONLY.

• MYG junior cricket training, Ashley Hill School, under 9s, 6pm-7pm; u11s, 7pm-9pm.

• Valkyrs Hockey Club training, QEII astro pitch, Peel. Juniors, 6pm; seniors, 7.30pm. Call 801802.

• Iyengar inspired yoga, Brightlife, Andreas, 6pm. Call Kel, 452015.

Palace Cinema

• Alice Through the Looking Glass, 2D, (PG). Nightly at 7pm. 3D, Sat and S at 2pm. Mon at 2pm.

• Captain America: Civil War, 2D, Fri-Sun at 7.15pm.

• War Craft: The Beginning, 3D (12A). From Mon at 7.30pm. 2D, Mon at 2.30pm.

• The Jungle Book, 2D, (PG), Sat and Sun at 1.45pm.

Broadway Cinema

• X-Men Apocalypse, 3D, (12A). Nightly at 7pm. 2D, Sat-Mon at 4pm, Wed at 2pm.

• Angry Birds, 2D, Sat-Mon at 11.30am. 3D, Sat-Mon at 2pm.

Thursday, May 26

• Age IoM computer training sessions, Douglas iMuseum, Kingswood Grove, 10am–12.30pm.

• Art and creative writing, The Hub, Port Erin, 10am. Also board games, 2pm-3.30pm; chair based exercise, 3pm. Sat, social fitness, 9.30am; Meditation led by IOM Brahma Kumaris, 5.30pm-6.30pm. Tues, bridge, 10am-noon; crafts, 2pm-3.30pm. Wed, yoga, 11am-12.15pm. Men in Sheds – Tues/Wed/Fri, 10am, Thie Rosien, Port Erin.

• Isle of Man Farmers’ Market, Tynwald Mills, St John’s, 11am-3pm.

• Laxey and Lonan Community Choir, Laxey Methodist Church, Minorca Hill, Laxey, 7pm-8pm. No auditions.

• Manx Gaelic class, intermediate-advanced with James Harrison, Arbory Commissioners’ hall, 7.30pm. Also Fri, intermediate-advanced with Adrian Cain, Manx Museum, noon. Sat, intermediate, House of Manannan, 9.30am; intermediate-advanced with James Harrison, Manx Museum, 10.30am. Tues, intermediate with Adrian Cain, St Matthew’s Church, Douglas, noon; advanced, Rovers pub, Douglas, 1pm; beginners, Patchwork Cafe, Port St Mary, 7.30pm; Arbory Commissioners’ hall with Cathy Clucas, 7.30pm; St John’s House with James O’Meara, 7.30pm.

• Gospel message, Ballaugh village hall, 7.30pm.

• Quiz Night, The Railway, Douglas, 8.30pm. Call 670773.

• Bingo Quiz, Manor Hotel, Willaston, 9pm.

Friday, May 27

• Giant car boot sale and BBQ at The Fun Farm, Whitebridge Road, Onchan 10am - 4pm. Bag a bargain and enjoy a burger. Proceeds go to the ManxSPCA.

• Garage sale, back of crossroads charity shop, Victoria Street, Douglas, 10am-4pm.

• Coffee and chat, Onchan Methodist Church lounge, 10.30am-noon.

• Revive Fridays, Trinity Church Hall, Douglas, 5.30pm-6.30pm. Enjoy the company and a faith tea. Call 621004.

• Meditation, The Refinery, Duke Street, Douglas, 7pm. Call 467818.

• The Link - interesting talks and a buffet supper, Onchan Baptist Church. Call 623415.

Saturday, May 28

• Theatre Tours, Gaiety Theatre, Douglas, 10am. Call 600555.

• The Manx Aviation and Military Museum, Ronaldsway, open 10am-4.30pm daily.

• Laxey Woollen Mills, Glen Road, 10am-5pm. Also open weekdays.

• Green Centre, near Chester Street complex, Douglas. Information about recycling, energy, insulation and environmental matters, 10am.

• Isle of Man Farmers’ Market, Karl B and T, Ramsey, 10am-3pm.

• Car boot sale, Mill Road, Peel, (by Moore’s Kipper House), 10.30am-2.30pm. Cars £5, vans £7. Admission free. Proceeds to charities. Call 801200.

• Great Laxey Mine Railway running every Saturday until the end of September, from 11am-4.30pm.

• Coffee and chat, St Mary’s on the Harbour, Castletown, 11am.

• Messy Church, Dalby Schoolrooms, 3.30pm-5.30pm. Call Pauline, 843494.

• Sporty Church with Ramsey Baptist Church, Bunscoill Rhumsaa’s Auldyn hall, 4.15pm. Call 316013 or email info@ramseybaptist.org

• Bally Cashtal Brass training band of Castletown Band, Queen Street Mission Hall, beginners 4.30pm, main rehearsal 5.30pm. Call Barbara 473582.

• The Manx Bat Group bat walk, Churchtown, Lezayre, meeting outside Lezayre church at 9.30pm.

Sunday, May 29

• Marown Memorial Playing Fields host a Parish Sports Day, 2pm-4pm.

• Car boot sale, Morton Hall, Castletown, 2pm. Call 673320/481532.

• Children’s Sports Day at Crosby Playing Fields, 2pm, novelty and flat races. Refreshments available. No admission charge.

• Animal Blessing Service led by Rev. Grace Easthope at Glen Maye Methodist Chapel at 3pm. A collection will be taken for the ManxSPCA & Pet’ Aid League.

• Castletown Metropolitan Silver Band rehearsals, Queen Street Mission hall, 7.30pm. Call 473582.

• Meditation and chat, Pure Inspiration, Ramsey, 7.15pm. Call Gary, 817735.

Monday, May 30

• Age Isle of Man - free computer sessions for people aged over 50, House of Manannan, Peel, 10am–12.30pm and 1.30pm–4.30pm.

• Michael School, car boot sale, Michael School sports field, 11am-2.30pm, (set up from 10am), £6 per pitch, (bring own table). Call Tony Robinson 878246/431779.

• Collectables, vintage and antiques fair, St Paul’s Hall, Ramsey, 11am-4pm, admission 50p.

• MS Society coffee morning, Cherry Orchard, Port Erin, 1.30pm.

• Afternoon tea dance, Manx Legion Club, Douglas, 2pm-4pm.

• St German’s Cathedral Choir Parents’ Association, Bank Holiday jumble sale, Corrin Hall, Peel, 2pm-4pm.

• Free life-changing stress / spine / health talks, Align4Life in Lake Road, Douglas, 6.45pm, 629444.

Tuesday, May 31

• Computers for Beginners, Onchan Library, 10am-noon. Call 621228.

• Manx Cancer Help drop-in day, Lisa Lowe Centre, The Old Schoolhouse, Cronkbourne, 11am-4pm.

• Lunch Club, Salvation Army Citadel, Lord Street, Douglas, 11.30am. Call 627742.

Wednesday, June 1

• Independent Living Centre open day, Ballakermeen Road, 9.30am-3.30pm. Call 642511.

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

• Computer training sessions. Leonard Cheshire Disability, Main Road, Onchan, 11am-3pm. Call 679030.

• Call in for coffee at St Peter’s Church, Onchan, 11am and 1pm.

• Bereavement support group, friendly get together for anyone feeling isolated or lonely after a bereavement, Scholl Centre, Hospice Isle of Man, 5pm-7pm. Call 647443.

• SambaMann percussion workshop, Onchan Silver bandroom, off Onchan Commissioners’ car park, 7pm, email sambamann@manx.net

• Bingo Quiz, Archibald Knox Onchan, 8pm.

• Castle Rushen High School, Art and Design Technology exhibition, Art and Design Technology Departments, Thursday, 7pm-9pm.

• Works by Manx and international artists James Duggan, Megan Hindley, and many others, Isle Gallery, Tynwald Mills. Until Sunday.

• Astronaut Nicole Stott’s exhibition ‘Around the World in 90 Minutes: An Astronaut’s Perspective’ at the Sayle Gallery, and is presented with support from ManSat and the Isle of Man Arts Council. Until June 26th.

• From Saturday. An exhibition of wood carvings and other sculptures created by Dave Renshaw, 28 Parliament Street, Ramsey, (next to Looneys), 10am-5pm. Free entry, but donations to the Manx Grand Prix Helicopter Fund. Until June 10.

Thursday, May 26

• Tea dance, South Douglas Old Friends’ Association, Finch Road, Douglas, 2pm.

• Dance classes for children, Centenary Centre, Peel, 4pm. Call 450688.

• Modern line dance classes for all levels at the Legion Hall, Onchan. Also Mon and Wed. Call 670308.

• Advanced ballet/pointe work for ages 12-18, Youth Arts Centre, Douglas, 5pm. TAP MOB for ages 8-18, YAC, Douglas, 6pm-7.30pm. Also Sat, ballet and tap for ages 3-7; Irish and Modern for ages 4-12. Theatre Club, Trinity Church hall, Douglas, 1-4pm. Mon, Intermediate Ballet and Tap for ages 12+, 5-6.30pm; tap for adults, 6.30-7.15pm. Tues, Ballet and Tap for ages 5-10 years; Irish for adults, 6.15pm. Wed, modern jazz for ages 10-15, 4pm; Ballet and tap for ages 10-15, 4.45pm-6.15pm; Contemporary dance for ages 8-18, YAC, 7.30-9pm. Contact Susannah Maybury 431380 or theatrix@manx.net

• Fitsteps, Onchan Community hall, 7.30pm. Call 456056.

• Strictly Come Dancing for beginners, Royal British Legion hall, Port Erin, 8pm.

Friday, May 27

• Under six ballroom, St Matthew’s Church hall, Douglas, 5pm-5.45pm. Also, ages 6-9, 5.45pm-6.30pm; ages 9-12, 6.30pm-7.15pm; ages 12+, 7.15pm-8pm. Also Tues, under 8s, 4pm-4.45pm; Dynamites freestyle, 4.45pm-5.30pm; 8-12 ballroom, 5.30pm-6.15pm; Energisers freestyle, 6.15pm-7pm; 12+ ballroom, 7pm-7.45pm; Explosions freestyle, 7.45pm-8.30pm. Call 474063.

• Modern Dance, The Dance Factory, Onchan Park, 5.45pm. Also Thurs, 4.30pm; tap jnr, 6.45pm; tap adv, 7.30pm. Beginners tap, Tues, 4.30pm.

• Argentinian Tango beginners, St Paul’s hall, Ramsey, 7pm. Call 880650.

• Line Dancing, Ebenezer Hall, Kirk Michael, 7pm. Beginners welcome. Call 878687.

Saturday, May 28

• Dance time for children, Port Erin Methodist hall, 9.30am. Call 835696.

• Ballroom dancing for children, Royal British Legion hall, Port Erin, 10am.

• Irish dance mixed, The Dance Factory, Onchan Park,

3pm. Also Mon, prim/int, 4.30pm and Tues, 6.15pm. Tues, beginners, 5.15pm, stage snr, 4pm; stage int, 5pm,

• Sequence dancing, Onchan Pensioners’ hall, 8pm. Call 829669.

• Social sequence dancing, Pulrose Methodist Church hall, Douglas, 8pm. Also Mon, Wed and Sun. Call 842878.

Sunday, May 29

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

Monday, May 30

• Ballet, Viking Works, Riverside, Peel, 5.45pm. Also Thurs, 4.30pm.

• Country dancing, Willaston hall, 7pm-9pm. Call 628521.

• Ceroc dance night, Masonic hall, Douglas, 7.30pm-10.30pm.

• Line dancing, Port Erin Methodist Church hall, 8.15pm. Call 436219.

Tuesday, May 31

• Oriental dance exercise, Gena’s Dance Academy, Peel, 10am. Also Wed, The Gym, Ramsey. Call 300020.

• Line dancing for beginners, The South Douglas Old Friends’ Association, Finch Road, Douglas, 7.30pm-8.30pm.

• Linedancercise, St John’s football clubhouse, 7.30pm-9pm, call 467285.

• Sequence dancing with Port Erin Dancing Club, Port Erin Methodist Church hall, 8pm.

Wednesday, June 1

• Scottish Country Dancing, The Working Men’s Institute, Laxey, 2pm-4pm. Call 813074.

• Tea dance at St John’s Methodist hall, live music with Eric and Jimmy, 2pm. Call 842548.

• Ballroom dancing for children, Centenary Centre, Peel, 4pm. Call 450688.

• Ballet, The Dance Factory, Onchan Park, 4.30pm.

• Latin line dancing, Royal British Legion hall, Port Erin, 7.30pm. Call 835098.

• Ballroom dancing, Villa Marina, Douglas, 7.30pm. Call 623414.

• Rhythmic dance, St Ninian’s dance studio, Douglas, 8pm.

Measures to ease traffic problems on Fishergate are to be introduced ahead of another bank holiday weekend.

The early May bank holiday saw traffic chaos in Preston city centre, with drivers reporting two-hour queues to get out of the St George’s Centre car park.

Now Lancashire County Council has introduced new restrictions, which will come in force tomorrow.

These include stopping traffic turning right from Butler Street to Fishergate and restricting traffic on the lower section of Fishergate to buses and delivery vehicles.

The measures are being introduced following meetings between representatives of Preston’s business community and senior members of the county council’s administration.

An experimental traffic order has been put in place to prohibit traffic from turning right from Butler Street on to Fishergate, from Friday 27 May.

The order, which lasts for up to 18 months, will make it an offence for vehicles to turn right at the junction. If the measure is successful, the order will be made permanent.

In the longer term, a further experimental traffic order will be introduced in the Autumn which will restrict access on Fishergate from Theatre Street to Corporation Street to buses and delivery vehicles only. Cars leaving the St George’s car park will have to use Chapel Street to exit the city centre.

Speaking about the measures, county councillor John Fillis, cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “The Fishergate improvements have been a resounding success, making it a much more attractive place to be and attracting new businesses to the area. However, we have to acknowledge that at peak times the road network has struggled to cope with the volume of traffic.

“I am hopeful that these measures will introduce will have a positive impact but there are other factors that can help improve the situation. I’d like to encourage people to think about all of their parking and travel options, including the park and ride, which could reduce congestion at key times.

“The traffic arrangements on Fishergate rely on a certain amount of co-operation and give and take between drivers and pedestrians, and I’d like to ask everyone visiting Fishergate to bear that in mind.”

John Boydell, Chairman of Preston City Centre Business Improvement District, said: “We are pleased that Lancashire County Council has reacted positively to the concerns of business and that we’re now in an ongoing dialogue over measures to improve traffic flow in and around the city centre.

“There is common ground to seek the advancement of the city as a great place to work, live and visit, and we will continue to monitor the effectiveness of these measures to ensure Preston city centre remains vibrant and attractive to visitors, shoppers, businesses and investors”.

The Blackford Financial Services Pre-TT Classic kicks off 15 days of near-continuous two and three-wheel motorcycle action across the island this weekend.

Initial practice for the three-day classic meeting takes place at Billown, on the outskirts of Castletown, between 6.05 and 9.25 tomorrow evening (friday).

Practising will continue on Saturday afternoon, with roads closed between 12.15 and 4.15pm.

This will also include the combined 250 and 350cc Singles race at 3pm and the opening sidecar event at 4pm.

There is a full day’s racing on Bank Holiday Monday. The morning half will see roads closed between 9.10am and 12.20pm at the latest, with a break for lunch.

Roads will re-close at 1.05pm for the final four events, re-opening no later than 4.10pm.

Practising on the Mountain Course commences on Saturday evening between 6.20 and 8.50pm at the latest.

That time schedule will continue for the remainder of qualifying each evening next week from Monday to Friday.

Full previews in TT News edition one - out Saturday.

POLICE in Leeds seized what were formerly known as legal highs during a visit to a ‘head shop’ just hours after a wide range of substances were outlawed.

Officers seized 94 cannisters of nitrous oxide - commonly known as laughing gas - during a visit to the High Rollaz shop on Compton Road, Harehills, this morning.

Two men were also cautioned for possession of cannabis.

Suppliers of so-called legal highs that mimic the effects of controlled drugs like cocaine cannabis and ecstasy, will now face up to seven years in prison after the substance was outlawed at midnight.

The blanket ban on previously legal highs now criminalises the production, distribution, sale and supply of the new psychoactive substances - or designer drugs.

Detective Chief Inspector Warren Stevenson of West Yorkshire Police, said: “Psychoactive substances mimic the effect of controlled drugs and are not safe to take.

“They are rather unhelpfully often referred to as ‘legal highs’ which leads people to think that if they are legal, they must also be safe.

“This couldn’t be further from the truth, and sadly we have incidents where people have ended up seriously ill in hospital, and also some deaths following on from people taking these substances.

“We are utilising a number of methods, along with our partners to educate both users and suppliers in an effort to avoid retailers falling foul of the new law and at the same time making West Yorkshire a safer place to be including making people feel safer within West Yorkshire communities.”

One man working at the High Rollaz shop, who did not want to be named, said: “They have forced it on to the street...At one point it had to come in a packet with a sticker on the back explaining what it was and what to do with it and now it’s just going to come in little wraps on the street.

“You don’t even know what people are going to be selling. You will probably find it turns out worse.

“There will be more muggings and stabbings because now it‘s behind shops and it’s in ginnels and it’s down the side of people’s houses.”

Detective Chief Inspector Stevenson said: “The change in legislation affects all retailers, and guidance has already, and will continue to be issued nationally and locally to those thought to be intentionally, and unknowingly selling psychoactive substances.

“Certain items are exempt from the act, however it will be an offence to supply, or offer to supply psychoactive substances and the police will be able to stop and search people, vehicles as well as premises and not only seize but also destroy psychoactive substances.

“We have tried to ensure that all retail outlets – shops, garages, market stalls and internet suppliers are aware of their obligations under the new act and that their organisations or business are not selling or in any other way dealing in psychoactive substances by conducting extensive visits at premises in the run up to the bill.

Officers from across West Yorkshire have been visiting premises and those known to be distributing psychoactive substances in the run up to today to offer advice about the legislation change and what it means to them.

Premises will be revisited regularly to enforce the new legislation and where necessary, officers will take appropriate action.

Mark Burns Williamson, Police and Crime Commissioner for West Yorkshire, said: “I have previously called for the existing laws to be tightened up to reflect this rapidly changing problem facing our communities.

“ With more psychoactive substances constantly introduced into the market West Yorkshire Police have been at the forefront of leading the way with partners in tackling this growing problem. For example we had the first successful prosecution of its kind in the country in Leeds, but it’s very important that retailers and others know about the human impact and their moral responsibility to stop selling these drugs which we now know can devastate families and the lives of those that use them.

“It is testament to our partnership and innovative working that West Yorkshire Police have been praised for helping keep these substances off our streets and now it will be an offence to supply, or offer to supply psychoactive substances. “I welcome that the police will now have greater and appropriate powers to ensure those breaking the law are dealt with severely in trying to lessen the very harmful wider impact on our streets and in communities.”

DCI Stevenson added; “West Yorkshire Police has been running Operation Nightshot since 2012, a multi-agency campaign aimed at raising awareness of the potential dangers of using these substances.

“As part of this campaign, DC Jamie Hudson has used existing legislation in innovative ways to prosecute suppliers and protect consumers. The change in legislation today, will assist police in dealing with this unregulated industry and it will go some way in reducing the availability of these often dangerous substances to users.”

Councillor Simon Blackburn, of the Local Government Association, said “legal highs” are a “scourge on society and shatter lives”.

He added: “We are aware of the risk that the sale of psychoactive substances will now move on to the ‘dark web’ - a network of untraceable online activity and hidden websites - and would welcome the Government putting additional resources into tackling the online threat.”

Thursday, May 26

• Noah’s Ark Tots Group, Church on The Rock, Ramsey, 9.30am. Call 431034.

• Gym time active play for pre-school children, Manx Gymnastics Centre, Douglas, 9.30am. Call 625636. Also Fri and Wed.

• Happy Tots, Willaston School hall, 9.45am. Call 621577.

• Mannin Music: Mini musicians , Kodály music for non-walkers, Douglas Youth Arts Centre, 10am. Also, mini musicians - Kodály music class for toddlers, YAC, 2pm; Fri, Northern Swimming Pool community room, 10am; Sat, Victoria Road School, 10.30am; Sun,YAC, 10.30am. Email info@manninmusic.com

• Storytime for pre-schoolers, Henry Bloom Noble Library, Douglas, 10am. Call 696461.

• Krafty Kids (pre-school age) Philip Christian Centre, Peel, 10am.

• Family Library: Teddy time, 2pm-2.45pm, £2. Also, creative writing for age 11+. Friday, storybox at 10.30am followed by craft at 11am, £1. Jolly music, 4.15pm-4.45pm. Saturday closed. Tuesday, mini maths, two sessions, 3.45pm-4.15pm 3 years old, 4.15pm-4.45pm, 5 years old, £2.

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

• 2nd Onchan Beavers, Scout Headquarters, Onchan, 5pm.

• Good News Club for primary school children, Living Hope Community Church, Bayview Road, Port St Mary, 6pm. Email weirfamily55@hotmail.co.uk

• St John Ambulance Cadets (10+), 6.30pm-8pm, Douglas headquarters. Badgers (5+), 5.30pm-6.30pm, Age Concern in Peel. Adults meetings, Thurs, Mon and Tues, Douglas headquarters. Fri, Ramsey, St Olave’s Church hall. Call 674387.

• Santon Beavers, Kewaigue School, 5pm. Also Cubs, 6.30pm. Call 623244.

• 1st Laxey Beavers and Cubs, Laxey School. Beavers, 6.30pm–7.30pm; Cubs, 6.45pm–8.15pm. 1stlaxeycubs@manx.net

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

• Onchan District Explorers, Scout Headquarters, Onchan, 7.30pm.

Friday, May 27

• Baby and Toddler Group, Glen Maye Community Centre, 9.30am-11.30am. Call 845681.

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

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

• Laxey Mums, Carers and Tots at Laxey Working Men’s Institute, 10am-noon. Call 466887.

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

• Parent and toddler group, Ballasalla School, 1.45pm.

• Sporty church for years 3-6, Trinity Church hall, 6pm-7pm. Call 628374. Also Sunday School, Trinity Church hall, crèche to late teens, 10.30am-11.45am. Call 625409.

Saturday, May 28

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

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

Sunday, May 29

• Ollies - fun for children up to 11, St Olave’s Church hall, Ramsey, 9.45am -10.45am.

• Sunday School, Sulby Methodist Church, 10.30am.

• Rock Sunday Club for children at Colby Methodist Chapel, 10.30am - 11.30am.

• Task and DFC children’s club, Abbey Church, Ballasalla, 10.45am.

Monday, May 30

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

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

• Kittens tots and carers group, St Ninian’s Church, Douglas, 10.30am. Call 629683.

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

• Roll’n’Play for pre-schoolers, Philip Christian Centre, Peel, 10.30am.

• Story Time, Castletown Library, 1.30pm and 2.15pm.

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

• Peel Toddler Group, Corrin Hall, Peel, 1.30pm.

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

• Onchan Rainbows, 5.30pm. Also 1st Onchan Brownies, 6.30pm.

• Brownies, Corrin Hall, Peel, 6.30pm.

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

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

Tuesday, May 31

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

• Parents and tots group, Cronk-y-Berry School, side entrance, 9.30am. Call 469756. Also Thurs, 1.30pm.

• Toddle Inn, mums and tots group, Port St Mary Living Hope Community Church, 9.30am. Call 835091.

• Tiddlers Group for parents, grandparents or carers, St Olave’s Church hall, Ramsey, 9.45am-11.30am, £1.50.

• Super Saints, All Saints’ Church vestry, Douglas, 10am-11.15am. Call 427185.

• Foxdale mums and tots, community hall, Foxdale School, 2pm. Call 420234.

• Abbey Acorns, ages 4+ at the Abbey Church, Ballasalla, 3.30pm.

• Peel Footlights Youth Theatre, children aged eight-16, Philip Christian Centre, Peel, 4pm. Also Thursday. Call 843819.

• 2nd Onchan Beavers, Scout Headquarters, Onchan, 5pm.

Wednesday, June 1

• Parents and tots, Salvation Army Citadel, Lord Street, Douglas, 9.30am. Call 627742.

• Mini Club for parents or carers and their babies, toddlers and pre-school children, Anagh Coar School, 9.30am or Braddan Church hall, 2pm. Call 675091.

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

• Busy Bees parents and tots, Beehive Kindergarten, Onchan, 1.30pm. Also Thurs. Call 674655.

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

• Ballaquayle Bears Toddler Group, Ballaquayle School hall, Douglas, 1.45pm-3pm.

• Foxdale Parents and Tots Club at Foxdale School,2pm-3.15pm. Contact Ann Naisbitt, 801946 or annnaisbitt@hotmail.com

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

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

Nationwide International is to close its Isle of Man operations next year with the possible loss of around 70 jobs, it has been announced.

In a statement Nationwide Building Society said it is proposing to close its Nationwide International business based on the Isle of Man in 2017.

The premises are in St George’s Street, Douglas, just off Athol Street.

The decision was said to have been made as part of a regular review of all its operations to ‘ensure it delivers the best value to its membership.’

Chris Rhodes, executive director, group retail at Nationwide, said: ‘We continually review all our operations to ensure our business is run in an efficient way that delivers the best possible value to our members.

‘This was not an easy decision and it was only taken after much careful thought and consideration for our customers and employees.

‘The proposal to close Nationwide International is based on a number of factors including demand from customers for its services, volumes of current business, ongoing running costs and its contribution to the wider Nationwide business.

‘As a result, regrettably, it is no longer sustainable for us to continue to operate Nationwide International.’ The Society is supporting its employees through this period of change and will be consulting fully with them and the Nationwide Group Staff Union.

Around 70 Nationwide International employees will be affected by the proposal.

Mr Rhodes added: ‘The welfare of all our employees on the Isle of Man is very important to us and we are doing everything we can to support those employees and minimise the impact on those affected. We also understand this will also impact our Nationwide International customers and we will be writing to them in the future to notify them of the decision and outline how this will affect their accounts.’

Plans to extend Broadcasting House on Douglas Head have been approved, despite planners’ reservations about the design.

Manx Radio has been given approval (16/00105/B) for an extension, which includes three studios and even a green room

on the second floor, together with a news room, interview room and news studio on the first floor as well as an office area for BBC news.

In the planning officer’s report, it said the extension ‘could not be said to reflect a particularly exciting architectural statement, and in some ways is reminiscent of office blocks of the 1980s, and a continuation of this kind of approach would not, in an ideal world, be encouraged’.

It said the building was iconic due to its location but ’is not particularly architecturally attractive and is very much of its time’,

The extension was approved, with planners noting it was ‘neatly proportioned’ and ‘would reflect much of the existing building’s form and mass’.

In March, Treasury Minister Eddie Teare told the House of Keys he was ‘concerned’ about the broadcaster’s proposals.

He said nothing had been agreed with Treasury and Manx Radio would have to provide a ‘robust’ business case.

And he hinted changes may be needed, given that the state-subsided radio station is the only part of government to have its funding ring-fenced.

Manx Radio managing director Anthony Pugh said that Broadcasting House was identified by Treasury as ‘the worst premises in government ownership’ about 10 years ago.

Douglas Head Apartments Ltd had objected to the plan due to concerns about parking provision.

But it was noted the application included an increase of parking spaces from 20 to 26.