The recent introduction of an availability fee by the Department of Infrastructure is a blow to recycling efforts.

Until recently, the rules were simple: for every ton of waste, a £79.50 gate-fee was levied. By recycling instead, this fee was avoided - and further, the recyclates could be sold, earning revenue.

The new waste payment rules demand a greatly reduced £20.75 gate-fee and an ‘availability fee’, paid by the local authority. This makes recycling much more uneconomical.

The amount of waste produced in the Isle of Man has decreased in recent years, a very positive development.

Unfortunately, mistakes were made in the past: the incinerator was built with a huge capacity, due to government projections of an ever increasing waste burden.

If the incinerator does not get fed enough material, maintenance costs go up, as the combustion chamber is only fired up temporarily.

Furthermore, costs like wages and equipment needed to maintain this huge facility don’t fall proportionately. So the costs per ton go up. This clearly puts the island in a poor situation.

But there is a solution, called ‘refuse derived fuel’ (RDF).

RDF is dehydrated, compressed waste which can be handily transported. The UK produces vast amounts of RDF as it lacks incinerators and is trying to reduce landfill by taxing it heavily.

It’s exported, mainly to the Netherlands, Germany and Sweden. The UK pays a handsome amount for every ton it exports.

Nobody likes the idea of importing waste to the island, especially not groups like IoMFoE or Zero Waste Mann.

However, we believe it’s the best alternative. The money earned could support the incinerator, instead of its upkeep being paid by the population.

CO2 emissions will fall as the transport distance between northern UK and the island is much shorter than that to the Continent.

Additional employment could be created. Recycling wouldn’t have to be scaled back, could maybe even further encouraged. After the lifetime of the incinerator, we would have an established recycling infrastructure – and a population used to recycling.

Finally, the amount of waste creating emissions will be the same, whether it’s from fuels or additional on-island waste.

A change in law would be required, as it is currently forbidden to bring in big quantities of waste to the island. Also, logistics would have to be set up, businesses contracted and people hired.

Nothing comes without effort but for us the choice is clear.

Which is yours?

Tynwald has approved an ambitious plan to cut carbon emissions – despite concerns it includes no costings and could hit households who are already struggling financially.

The strategy aims to cut greenhouse gases by 80 per cent from 1990 levels by the year 2050.

But Juan Turner MLC said: ‘There’s no costs in this at all.’

‘People have been squeezed and squeezed,’ he added, claiming the outgoing administration had ‘probably put more pressure on property owners than any in history’.

The proposals, brought to Tynwald by member for Environment, Food and Agriculture Ralph Peake (Douglas North), include the first of a series of five-year action plans.

The action plan is divided into measures that the current administration should do and those that will need to be delivered by the next government after the general election.

That first list includes a new cycling strategy to encourage people to get out of their cars and onto their bikes, increasing the number of electric car charging points and promoting the retro-fitting of insulation and efficiency technology in homes.

Malew and Santon MHK Graham Cregeen tabled an amendment seeking the report just be received rather than approved. He said the plan would results in the loss of £30m in excise duty and those who can’t afford to buy an electric or hybrid car would be penalised.

Infrastructure Minister Phil Gawne said: ‘Of course we should be insulationg our homes, of course we should be use electric vehicles if we can do so.’

Treasury Minister Eddie Teare said his department had no issue at with the motion. ‘We feel it’s a matter of principle.’

Mr Peake said Treasury will come back with the costs. He said measure to improve homes and reduce costs was a ‘win, win’ for householders.

The quarter-finals of the men’s and women’s Grant Thornton-sponsored Isle of Man Golf Championships took place at Peel Golf Club on Wednesday evening.

Shirley Price and Breeshey Jansen remain on course to battle it out for the women’s honours as they saw off the challenges of Lindsey Tickell and Dee Lewis respectively.

Jane Gaines used her experience to come from behind and defeat Catherine Cassidy while the remaining quarter-final saw Christina Skelly get the better of Gail Corrin.

In the men’s competition there was something of a shock as two-time champion Kevin Moore was knocked out by Peel’s own Lee Morgan.

This result means Paul Lowey is now arguably the favourite for the title after he just edged past Chris Kneen on the last hole after a tight battle that went all the way.

Standing in Lowey’s way though is newly-crowned island junior boys champion Alex McAuley whose excellent form continued as he defeated Mount Murray club-mate Robert Noon.

In the other match, Peter Glover saw his hopes of adding to his 2014 title ended by Robert Braide whose quest to finally land a championship crown moved a step closer to fruition.

All the action from the semi-finals and finals in next week’s Isle of Man Examiner.

Government support of the Shaw’s Brow car park has cost the taxpayer well over £1m.

Infrastructure Minister Phil Gawne described the contract with Douglas Council over the multi-storey as the ‘single largest waste of taxpayers’ money’ in his department.

He was responding to a Tynwald question from Peter Karran, the outgoing LibVan MHK for Onchan, who had asked each Minister which was the biggest waste of money in their department over the past five years.

Mr Gawne insisted the no department was deliberately setting out to waste taxpayers’ money. It was only possible to give a subjective answer to such a question as it involved a value judgement, he said.

But he added: ‘That all said, in my judgment, the single largest waste of taxpayers’ money is on-going support for the Shaw’s Brow car park in Douglas.

‘The support is essentially a guarantee given by the former Department of Local Government and the Environment to Douglas Borough Council to make good any revenue losses arising from the operation of the car park.

‘The contract was poorly drafted, it has no break clauses nor an end date. To date, this agreement had cost the taxpayer well over £1m and is on-going.’

Mr Gawne said the council had successfully negotiated a very good support contract. He said his department has now negotiated a new contract with Douglas Council and, as a result of this, the annual cost is falling dramatically and is expected to cease entirely in due course.

Mr Gawne hit out at newspaper reports about the £473,000 spent on resurfacing the Sloc road. He claimed we had selectively quoted his comment to a Tynwald scrutiny committee that the money had to be spent on something.

‘Sadly we don’t have a Press Complaints Commission,’ he told the court.

This is how Hansard reported his comments to the committee: ‘But first of all there have been allegations made and people have said, “Well, the Minister has just done this because it is in his constituency”. First of all that is not true; the Minister had nothing to do with it. I do not get into that sort of detail – I believe that it is appropriate to leave that to the engineers.

‘But secondly, even if I had chosen to pick a road in my constituency and said “You must get that done”, I cannot imagine that the Sloc would even come close to the top 10 – there are loads of other roads, in my view, that need to be done!

‘The reasons I am aware of why the Sloc was done, was because first of all we had an underspend in the capital programme – so we had some spare money and we needed to spend it on something.

‘Secondly the Sloc, because of its nature and not having any ironwork on it, did not need to be designed as such, it was a relatively simple thing to do – there was a little bit of planing around some of the edges that needed to be done, and then it was really just a case of laying tarmac.

‘So in that regard it was a relatively simple job to do and easy enough to slot into the capital programme, in the same way that various other roads have been done over the course of the last two or three years – rural roads without drains underneath, or wires, or any ducts, or anything like that.’

Hartford Homes Limited, whose registered office is situated at 2 Middle River, Douglas, bought a plot of land, part of the Rheast Mooar Estate, Ramsey, for £2,990,000.

It was bought from Dennis Raymond Kneen, of Vollan Farm, Bride Road, Ramsey, and Barbara Quine, of 12 Balleigh Park, Ramsey.

Other recent transactions lodged at the General Registry in Douglas are as follows:

Lynn Strivens sold Ballacriy Manor, Ballacallow, Arbory, for £1,200,000, to Alasdair McKenzie Stewart and Donna Susan Crossland, both of 2b Eagle Towers, The Promenade, Port Erin.

John Hunt and Susan Valerie Hunt sold 29 Fairway Close, Onchan, for £385,000, to Rita Rosemary Nicholas, of Enfield.

Arthur Anthony Reginald Rose, and Judith Mary Rose, sold 4 Market Street, Peel, for £292,000, to Haydn David Bevan and Joanne Reid, of 15 Ballatesson Meadow, Peel.

Barbara Mary Zokas sold 24 Pairk Beg, Port Erin, for £235,000, to Selina Catherine Collister and Patrick Andrew Collister, both of The Haven, Ballaferson Road, Port Erin.

Ian Thomson Haworth, of Botswana, sold 9 Harbour Road, Onchan, for £230,000, to Patricia Turnbull, of 36 King Edward Bay Apartments, Sea Cliff Road, Onchan.

Sheila Harness sold 17 Thornhill Close, Port Erin, for £228,000, to Sandra Betty Barrett, of Chelmsford.

Sinead Veronica Killey sold 40 Ballanoa Meadow, Santon, for £215,000, to Andrew James Nash and Amanda Brenda Nash, of 1 Slieau Ree, Union Mills.

Ann Jessica Harrison, of Ellan Vannin Home, Kingswood Grove, Douglas, sold 1 Laurel Avenue, Birch Hall, Onchan, for £200,000, to Ronald Harrison, of Bayr House, Barroose Road, Baldrine.

Ian Kendrick Cooper and Margaret Lydia Marion Cooper sold 51 Cooil Drive, Braddan, for £184,000, to Andrew John Lancaster and Sophie Louise Jones, both of 49 Devonshire Road, Douglas.

Alan Richard Barks and Ann Martha Barks, of The Lhea, Douglas Road, Laxey, sold 21 All Saints Park, Lonan, for £165,000, to Jonathon Peter James Skelton, of 11 The Abbeywoods, Ballanard Road, Douglas.

Terence Sean Mitchell, by personal representative, Peter Mitchell, as personal representative, and Rosemarie Mitchell, as personal representative, of 77 Port-e-Chee Avenue, Douglas, sold a plot of land abutting Kensington Lane, Douglas, for £68,000, to William Jackson Muir, of Flat 2, Fazakerley, 35 Peel Road, Douglas.

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We publish details of all house sales unless we receive a written request from the police or probation services.

Lizzie Holden finished an excellent runner-up in the Women’s inaugural CiCLE Classic based at Melton Mowbray, Rutland on Sunday.

In the absence of race favourite Alice Barnes, who was on international duty, the win was taken by Rebecca Durrell (Drops CT) by a wheel from the Manx teenager.

Post-race definitions described the 105km event as brutal and the hardest race any of the riders had experienced.

A total of 56 women set out from Melton town centre, attacks straight from the gun.

The race split with a strong front group of 30 forming, which was slowly whittled down over the succession of short sharp climbs and off-road sectors of farm tracks that the CiCLE Classic is uniquely known for providing.

Starting the final lap Holden (Team Ford Ecoboost), Durrell, Bethan Hayward (Podium Ambition) and Steph Clayton (Mammouth Lifestyle RT) had established a lead of more than one minute on a chasing group of six.

With a £1,000 first prize awaiting the winner, the leading group doubled their lead and an all-out sprint for the line resulted in Durrell taking the win from Holden by the slimmest of margins.

Only 15 riders completed the distance.

Plans for improvements to two island high schools have been outlined in Tynwald.

Education and Children Minister Tim Crookall MLC told the court that business case for a new Castle Rushen High School would be progressed while there were also proposals for future development at Queen Elizabeth II High School.

He told members that there was financial provision within the capital budget for the current financial year to develop a current business case for the new Castle Rushen High School.

‘We have started to scope this study and this will move forward with various work groups from September, for completion by next March 2017 as planned,’ he said.

Turning to QEII High School, Mr Crookall said: ‘The department is in the early stages of considering future development options for QEII to increase capacity, to meet a roll which is expected to rise in the short-medium term following the extensive residential development in the town, and also address existing suitability issues across the school.

‘The department is to make an initial provision for such future development as part of the forthcoming 2017/18 budget process, and will be looking at confirming the need and developing a feasibility study over the balance of this financial year, to support a business case.’

Mr Crookall said the development may well take the form of a new STEM facility (for science, technology, engineering and mathematics), with the existing accommodation occupied by these subjects being refurbished and converted to provide additional accommodation for post-16 and other subject areas, ‘improving the overall capacity and quality of the accommodation’.

The Fred Kelly Memorial Road Race takes place this Sunday with the challenging finish on Tholt-y-Will. There will be A and B classes.

Entry details on the TLI website, or via Jim Cottier.

Marshals are needed, refreshments (vouchers supplied) will be provided for riders and helpers at the Tea Barn, Tholt-y-Will after the race.

The epic Manx 100 (mile and kilometre) mountain bike event takes place on Sunday week, July 31. Visit www.manx100.com for more information.

Trade body Mersey Maritime has forged a new trade agreement with the Isle of Man Shipping Association (IOMSA) which aims to supercharge bilateral trade, particularly among small to medium sized businesses.

The agreement was announced at a special reception during the recent International Festival of Business in Liverpool.

The links were hammered out from a series of discussions facilitated by the Isle of Man Ship Registry, which is an executive club member of Mersey Maritime, and other IoM based companies such as software engineer PDMS, both of which are also involved with IOMSA.

The reception was hosted by maritime law firm Hill Dickinson.

IOMSA chairman Lars Ugland, who announced the partnership, said: ‘The Isle of Man Shipping Association (IOMSA) represents a wide range of shipping related businesses but it is essential that we reach out towards a bigger market beyond the Isle of Man.

‘I am excited about the collaboration with Mersey Maritime and have no doubt that it will bring considerable benefits to both organisations.’

Members of IOMSA include: Baker Tilley Isle of Man, Bernhard Schulte Ship Management Isle of Man, Bibby Ship Management Isle of Man, BP Maritime Services Isle of Man, Cayman National Bank Isle of Man, Ernst & Young, KPMG LCC, LT Ugland, Maersk Global Payroll, Shell Ship Management and V Ships Isle of Man.

Chris Shirling-Rooke, Mersey Maritime chief executive, who has helped build closer links with numerous visits to the Isle of Man, said Mersey Maritime represents more than 1,200 companies generating more than £3billion while the Isle of Man marine industry is also growing.

He said: ‘This is an ambitious partnership which can build a bridge for years to come between the historic and dynamic maritime sectors of Merseyside and the Isle of Man.

‘Mersey Maritime has just launched Phase one of the new Maritime Knowledge Hub with Liverpool John Moores University in Birkenhead which aims to galvanise the opportunities in the maritime industry for businesses across the North West.

‘This new partnership will extend those exciting opportunities to the Isle of Man with a busy programme of events, seminars and networking plus a range of facilities to help maritime businesses grow.

‘We have so much in common with the Isle of Man’s maritime sector, with long and historic trading ties between us.

‘This partnership will build on those close ties and develop new opportunities for bi-lateral trade with groups like the Isle of Man Superyacht Forum. We particularly want to encourage trade between small to medium sized businesses which are the engine room of both our maritime economies. If any business wants to know more, we urge you to join Mersey Maritime and benefit from these new initiatives.’

IOMSA representatives visited Liverpool during the International Festival of Business 2016 to host a series of meetings on board the tall ship the Kathleen & May. The meetings were held to promote the Isle of Man as an international Maritime Centre of Excellence and showcase the wide range of maritime related services that IOMSA members have to offer.

Concerns were raised in Tynwald about the scrapping of free TV licences for the over-75s from September.

Veterans’ groups are due to meet today (Thursday) at the Manx Legion Club in Douglas to discuss the licence fee decision.

In Tynwald David Cretney MLC, chairman of the Manx Labour Party, questioned why the Manx government couldn’t have ‘stood still’ while negotiations with the BBC are continuing.

Policy and Reform Minister John Shimmin told the court that the proposal that the Manx government should no longer fund free BBC licences for all households were approved as part of the 2015 budget.

This included those aged 75 or older, regardless of their means. Free BBC TV licence for those less well-off pensioners who are in receipt of income support will continue, however.

But Mr Shimmin said the position in the Isle of Man now differs to that in the UK.

He explained that in its July 2015 budget the Westminster Government announced it would continue with its policy of providing free TV licences for everyone in the UK aged 75 or older until May 2020.

However, responsibility for the policy on free TV licences will be transferred to the BBC from 2020/21.

The BBC is take over funding free TV licences over a three-year period starting in 2018, with the UK Government contributing two thirds of the cost of in 2018-19, reducing to one third in 2019-20 and nothing from 2020-21.

Mr Shimmin said: ‘To be absolutely clear, the BBC is not currently funding free TV licences for UK residents who are 75 or older, and is not due to start making a contribution to funding them until 2018 in collaboration with the UK Government.

‘The BBC will not be able to determine the policy for the concession, including whether it is continued and, if so, who will be eligible for it, until a further two years after that in June 2020.

The Minister said following the UK Government’s announcement that it was contyinuing to subsidise free TV licences, Tynwald approval to abolish funding of free TV licences for island residents aged 75 and older was reviewed by Treasury and the Council of Ministers.

But the outcome was to confirm the Tynwald approval not to continue with the automatic subsidy. But Mr Shimmin said the Cabinet Office is in talks with the BBC to ensure equality of treatment for Isle of Man licence fee payers aged 75 and over from 2020.

The Manx Labour Party is calling for the Manx government to rethink the decision. One of its candidates, Carol Quine, presented a petition on the topic on Tynwald Day.

Vandals threw tiles from the roof of an unoccupied cottage on Wednesday at about 7pm.

The crime happened at Ivy Cottages at White Hoe, Douglas, and police say a ‘large number of tiles’ were removed.

They are appealing for anyone with further information to ring them on 631212 or contact the anonymous Crimestoppers Line on 0800 555 111.

Thursday, July 21

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

• 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.

• Concert at St Catherine’s church, Port Erin with Musicale. 7.45pm.

• Shoh Slaynt at the Villa Marina Arcade, Douglas, 8pm. Fundraising for The Pahar Trust.

Friday, July 22

• Mae Challis at Jaks, Douglas.

• Little Miss Dynamite at the Mitre, Kirk Michael.

• Dickie at the Whitehouse, Peel;

• Ian Thompson at Jaks, Douglas.

• Karaoke FM at the Union, Ramsey.

• 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.

Saturday, July 23

• Konstruktion at Jaks, Douglas.

• Little Miss Dynamite at the Manx Arms, Onchan.

• Dickie at the Mitre, Ramsey.

• Karaoke FM at the Queen’s, Laxey.

• ABBA reunion tribute show at the Villa Marina Royal Hall, 7.30pm. In aid of South Douglas Old Friends Association. After the show David Cretney staging his over 18s disco. Tickets £20, under 16s £15.

• The James Taylor story, Centenary Centre, Peel, 8pm. Tickets £14.

• 80’s disco night in aid of Hospice & Rebecca House,, The Crescent, Queens Promenade, Douglas, 8pm to late. Tickets £7.50, call Lisa 207544.

• 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, July 24

• Karaoke at Jaks, Douglas.

• Rushen Silver Band at the Villa Marina Arcade, Douglas, 3pm.

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

Tuesday, July 26

• Sailors Shelter, Peel. Concerts every Tuesday, 7.30pm-10pm. Free entrance.

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

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

Wednesday, July 27

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

Thursday, July 21

• 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.

• 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, July 22

• 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, July 23

• 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, July 24

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

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

Monday, July 25

• 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, July 26

• 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.

• Isle of Man Schools Fencing, Arbory Village Hall, 4pm-5pm. Also St John’s Methodist Hall, 5.30pm-6.30pm. Wed, The Gym, Parliament Street, Ramsey, 4pm-5pm. Thur, St ninian’s Church Hall, 4pm-5pm and 5.30pm-6.30pm. Beginners welcome, all equipment supplied.

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

• Jamses’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, July 27

• 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, u11s 6-7pm, u14s and u16s 7-8pm, u18s and seniors, 8-9pm.

• 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.

• ‘Remnants’ by Vici Blackburn, Hazel Walsh, Isle Gallery, Tynwald Mills, 2pm-4pm. Until Sunday.

• Of Time and Place, Peter Davies, Sayle Gallery, Douglas. Until July 31.

• ‘Summer Symphony of Silk’, Hodgson Loom Gallery, Laxey, 9am-5pm. Until August 13.

Thursday, July 21

• 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, July 22

• 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 Western Live at Home scheme bingo night, St John’s Football Club, doors open at 7pm and ‘eyes down’ at 7.30pm. Admission is £10 which includes eight bingo games, payable on the door.

Saturday, July 23

• 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.

• Great Laxey Mine Railway, 11am-4.30pm.

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

• Isle of Man Anti-Cancer Association, Marown and District Banch Floral Demonstration followed by afternoon tea, Millennium Hall, Crosby, 2pm-4.30pm. Admission ticket only, £10. Call 471168.

• 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.

Sunday, July 24

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

• Mayoral charity fundraising event. A classical afternoon tea, The Council Chamber, Douglas Town Hall, 2.30pm-4.30pm.

• 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, July 25

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

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

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

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

Tuesday, July 26

• Rock pooling: Hungry hermit crabs. Meet at Doughlas beach opposite Summerhill Road. 10am.

• 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.

• DIY Family picnic and treasure hunt! Meeting at St Johns Arboretum, 4pm-6pm.

Wednesday, July 27

• 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.

• Leonard Cheshire Disability, fundraising Give and Bake at Willow House, 61-69 Main Road, Onchan, 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.

Palace Cinema

• Star Trek Beyond, 2D, (12A). Nightly at 7.30pm. 3D, daily at 2.30pm.

• Ghostbusters, 3D, (12A). Nightly at 7pm. 2D, daily at 2.30pm.

Broadway Cinema

• The BFG, 3D, (PG). Fri at 7pm, Sat at 1.30pm, Sun-Wed at 2pm and 7pm. 2D,Fri at 4.30pm, Sat-Wed at 4.30pm.

• Ice Age: Collision Course, (12A). Sat-Wed at 11.30am.

• Andre Rieu’s 2016 Maastricht Concert, Sat at 7pm.

Thursday, July 21

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Family Library: Creative writing for age 11+. Fri, storybox 10.30am followed by craft at 11am, £1. Sat, sticky fingers, ££2.

• 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.

• 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.

Friday, July 22

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

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

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

Saturday, July 23

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

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

Monday, July 25

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tuesday, July 26

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wednesday, July 27

• 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.

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

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

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

The former police station in Port Erin is to be developed into a staff development centre for the Department of Home Affairs.

The building will operate as a training base for personnel from across the department, which delivers a wide range of community-focused services including the police, fire service, prison and probation service, emergency communications and emergency planning.

The police station closed {http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/closure-of-port-erin-police-station-will-be-a-huge-blow-1-6686190|in 2014.}

It will be used primarily for police training and three officers from the police will relocate to Port Erin to work with new recruits as well as with experienced officers seeking to enhance their knowledge and skills.

A limited police counter service is provided at the Port Erin Commissioners’ office on Bridson Street.

Alternatively, people can call Castletown police station on 822222.

Home Affairs Minister Juan Watterson MHK said: ‘I am delighted the former police station will remain an active part of the Port Erin community.

‘The proposed use of the building as a staff development centre for Home Affairs has been in the pipeline for some time as part of the wider reorganisation of our estate. This facility will help to develop staff throughout the Department, including student constables who will be visible in the local community as they learn their profession.’

He added: ‘This is a further example of how the department is seeking to make the best use of its assets. By running ourselves as efficiently as possible, Home Affairs is continuing to provide essential public services for spending of less than £1 a day per head of population.’

Vagabonds players said: ‘It feels like we’ve won the league,’ after the rugby side secured their maiden win in the Women’s Summer League on Monday evening.

Vagas looked strong in the first half putting lots of pressure on opponents Canada Life.

Canada Life’s keeper made some brilliant saves, but Vagas’ determination saw a long ball from captain Sammie Macdonal find the feet of Lydia Shaw who ran through to score what would turn out to be the winning goal.

Canada Life caused problems for Vagas’ back four in the second half and Vagas made some needed changes to bring fresh legs onto the centre field. This helped them to hold off Canada Life’s attacking players.

In the last few minutes of the game Canada Life nearly scored an equaliser thanks to a great run down the right and a pass into the centre, but Jackie Daly came out of the nets to make the save to ensure Vagas left with the win.

Early on Monday evening, Peel kept up their winning streak with 8-0 victory over Nationwide International, while Colby beat Lloyds 2-0 at the Bowl.

Around 40 people attended a meeting on Friday to consider if the Manx people should be given the chance to express their views about sovereign independence for the island and EU membership.

The gathering, at the Empress Hotel in Douglas, was instigated by advocate Nigel Cordwell who told iomtoday the overriding consideration was that the Manx people were given the chance to express a view, which they had not had.

Mr Cordwell’s aim is to field candidates for this autumn’s general election who will stand on a ticket of calling for a referendum which will ask voters whether they think the island should be independent and whether it should seek membership of the EU.

Douglas Councillor Catherine Turner was at the meeting and said a page has now been set up on the social media site Facebook in the hope of engaging with some younger people.

Log onto Facebook: It’s your island, have your say, and take part in a poll on the question of independence.