Matt Bostock claimed a bronze medal at the 2016 UCI Track Juniors and Under-23 European Championships in Italy last week.

The Manx cyclist - who turned 19 on Saturday - formed part of Great Britain’s four-man squad for the men’s team pursuit at the championships in Montichiari, northern Italy alongside Joe Holt, Mark Stewart and Oliver Wood.

The GB quartet booked their place in the finals by finishing in third place in the qualification round in a time of 4 minutes 1.307 seconds, close behind Italy and France.

Bostock and co then faced Belarus in the third-fourth place playoff to determine who would clinch the final step on the podium and the bronze medal.

Great Britain went almost two seconds quicker in the medal contest as they edged past the Belorussians by a little over one second in a time of 3:59.396 with an average speed of 60.151kph to claim the final step on the podium.

France clinched the gold medal ahead of Italy with silver.

Speaking to the Manx Independent yesterday (Wednesday), a delighted Matt commented: ‘It was great. We really didn’t expect to go as quick as that, so it was a bit of a shock.

‘We only had two weeks to prepare for this event and we were eight seconds slower just a few days before the event.

‘Fortunately it all seemed to come together on the day.

‘This is my first medal at a major European competition so it’s really special and ranks right at the top in terms of what I’ve achieved so far.’

Bostock and his GB team-mates are based in Italy at the Great Britain Olympic Senior Academy and the Manx teenager has been competing in various continental races around Europe, including the Gent-Wevelgem in Belgium, as well as the British National Road Race Championships under-23 time trial in which he finished 22nd.

‘This season’s been a bit of a shock jumping up from the junior ranks to competing in elite races but it’s really good for my career and hopefully it will be a good stepping stone.’

Bostock will now concentrate on a series of one-day races before taking part in the Nations Cup as he bids to win a place in the team for the Tour of Britain which takes place between September 4-11.

St John’s School held an Olympics and Paralympics on Tuesday after the children had been learning about the events.

Deputy headteacher Peter Lewis said: ‘The day was all about having fun and experiencing new events – no scores were recorded.

‘We wanted the emphasis to be on the Olympic creed, taking part and doing your best.

‘All the classes have learnt about the Olympics and paralympics as topics within the classroom so we thought a whole school event would end the term perfectly.’

Events included long jump, shot put, javelin, golf and hurdles. The Paralympic events, meanwhile, involved boccia (a ball sport), sprinting with a guide, goal ball, sitting volleyball and sitting rugby, instead of in wheelchairs.

Schoolchildren in Kewaigue will say goodbye tomorrow (Friday) to a teacher who has been at the school for 39 years.

Pupils, parents and colleagues, past and present, together with friends of Janet Gilmour gathered at the school yesterday (Wednesday) to mark the end of an era by holding a celebration of her career and to show appreciation for the impact she’s made on their lives.

Headteacher Adrian Shorthouse said: ‘Thirty-nine years is a very long time in any profession, but for a teacher to commit to the same school for such a long period of time is rather unprecedented.

‘Many children and parents in the island will have been taught by Mrs Gilmour over the years and benefitted from her skills, knowledge and passion for learning.

‘We are all going to miss her.’

Director of education Geoff Moorcroft said: ‘Mrs Gilmour will have positively influenced the lives of many children during her time at Kewaigue School and they will have many fond memories of her.

‘Her commitment and enthusiasm have been unwavering during her career and she has consistently developed strong relationships with pupils and their families.

‘Everyone in the department will miss Janet, but wish her a long, happy and well-earned retirement.’

A public meeting will be held on Saturday (July 23) to update the community on the progress of the closed Pinewood Pub possibly becoming a social club.

It will take place at 11am at the Sunshine School (Old Pulrose School), next to Manor Park Primary School. The meeting has been organised by Douglas South MHK Bill Malarkey and the Pinewood Committee, made up of Pulrose residents.

The island’s historic transport systems are going to be celebrated later this month.

The Manx Heritage Transport Festival will take place from July 27 to 31.

There will be vintage and classic bus trips, railway and maritime model displays.

Events co-ordinator Anji Street said: ‘We are lucky to involve some very knowledgeable transport enthusiasts to ensure that the exciting transport combinations and excursions we have planned will appeal to a wide range of people.

‘The partnership event with the Laxey Mines Railway and the Groudle Glen Railway to bring their locos down to Douglas Station for a once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunity will amaze and delight both residents and visitors.

‘It’s a huge year also for bus enthusiasts with a vintage bus extravaganza on the Sunday (July 31) at Jurby. This will be served by vintage buses from Ramsey MER Station with passengers returning on a special express service over the TT Mountain course from Ramsey to Douglas with a brief stop of the AEC Regent at the Bungalow.

‘We are also repeating the popular bus tour of closed railway lines on the Friday, July 29, featuring a stop at the Wildlife Park to ride on the Orchid Line,’ she added.

The Douglas Bay Horse Tramway will be running more frequently than usual during the weekend, operating an evening service on Saturday, July 30, until 9pm and having every operational tram in service during the day. On Sunday, July 31, the double decker tram will make its first appearance of the season for the 9am service, pulled by a pair of horses.

Additionally, there is the opportunity to take a cruise on board the MV Karina, a film evening at Port Erin, a pie and mash supper or a curry club night on the dining car and two Snaefell Sunset dinners.

More information is in the Manx Heritage Transport Festival leaflet available from www.rail.im or from the Welcome Centre, Derby Castle booking office and main stations.

There are restricted places on some special services. Go cards are valid for travel on scheduled services.

The timetable:

Wednesday, July 27

Manx Electric Railway shuttles to Groudle from 10.55am. Plus evening shuttles from 6.10pm to celebrate the 120th anniversary of Groudle Glen Railway.

Thursday, July 28

Model display at Port Erin bus shed.

In association with the iom15mil group, displays of Manx railway models in various scales, from the diminutive 4mm to the large five-inch gauge, will be held in the bus garage at Port Erin station. This year it also includes the new Accucraft model of Mannin, and a visiting Isle of Man themed model railway ‘Mannin Middle’ as featured in Railway Modeller Magazine.

Additionally the event is being joined by the Manx Model Boat Club, who will be displaying their award winning exhibition stand, featuring models of Manx maritime history, including Steam Packet and “Ben” boats. Admission is free.

Friday, July 29

Vintage bus tour of closed lines featuring a stop at the Wildlife Park to ride on the Orchid Line.

Isle of Man Railways’ chief engineer Jeremy Reece will give a talk in Ramsey revealing the inside story of the restoration of Ballure Bridge.

Douglas Bay Horse Tramway

Open day at the tramway stables from 12.30pm to 4pm.

Every available horse tram will be used in rotation.

Victorian passengers at Strathallan terminus during the day.

All operational trams on display outside the depot.

Saturday, July 30

Mixed gauge extravaganza at Douglas Station.

Isle of Man Railways will welcome steam locomotives from the Great Laxey Mine Railway and from the Groudle Glen Railway. These locomotives will join its own locomotives for an unprecedented mixed gauge event at Douglas Steam Railway Station.

The two visiting locos will be posed with No. 8 Fenella for photographs during the day, with No.8 being turned for this very special occasion.

Steam vehicles including a Sentinel Steam Waggon, Fowler Traction engine and Stanley Steam Car will also be on display on the platform 10:00 to 16:00. Admission is free.

Douglas Bay Horse Tramway

Trams operate an enhanced service from 2pm to 3.30pm with a tram leaving every 10 minutes.

Services will continue into the evening until 9pm. Last departure from Strathallan at 9pm, returning from Victoria Street terminus at 9.20pm.

Sunday, July 31

Vintage Bus Extravaganza

Take the tram to Ramsey then ride on a vintage bus to Jurby to explore the Isle of Man Motor Museum and Manx Transport Trust’s Jurby Transport Museum and see displays of cars, buses and trucks from a Lion to a Greyhound.

Services between Ramsey and Jurby will be operated by a selection of vintage buses. Then take in the stunning mountain views as you return to Douglas on the X3 express service along part of the famous TT course with a brief stop for photographs of the AEC Regent at the Bungalow.

Travel information: Tram departs Derby Castle at 10.10am. Bus transfers from Ramsey MER Station to Jurby at 11.25pm. Buses back to Douglas at 2.30pm and 4.30pm, which will go via Ramsey MER Station 3pm and 5pm to link with service trams for those wishing to return by tram.

Standard fares apply, no reservations necessary. Go Explore travel cards accepted. Standard admission charges apply to Isle of Man Motor Museum.

Douglas Bay Horse Tramway

Double decker tramcar no. 18’s first outing of 2016 with a pair of horses.

Okell’s double decker tram will depart Strathallan at 9am and Victoria Street at 9.20am. There will be a procession of horse trams departing Strathallan at 4pm.

The classic musical Oliver! is to be performed in the Gaiety Theatre in Douglas from August 8 to 20.

Based on Charles Dickens’ classic novel, Oliver Twist, its hit songs include ‘Consider Yourself’ and ‘As Long As He Needs Me’.

Oliver! features a cast of 70 performers from Taylorian Productions. Twenty-five young Manx actors wil take part, the youngest of whom is eight years old. Directing the show is John Cumberlidge, working with producer Matt James.

The stage production is being supported by Douglas-based Microgaming through its PlayItForward initiative.

Claire Coleman, head of Microgaming PlayItForward, said: “Our work on the island encompasses sport, education, healthcare, charity work and now the arts! We are thrilled to be adding a new project to our CSR programme, supporting a group of highly-talented performers in the local production of Oliver! We have visited rehearsals and the performance is looking and sounding great. We can’t wait to see the show in a few weeks’ time!”

Tickets are on sale for Oliver! at the Gaiety Theatre. Call 600555 or visit taylorianproductions.net for more information, or visit the Welcome Centre at the Villa Marina.

Scouts from across the island represented countries from all over the world at the Beaver Scouts Olympic-themed sports competition.

A total of 65 scouts took part in the annual sports day at Gymns Football Club in Tromode.

Each Isle of Man colony chose a country to represent on the day and proudly waved their flags at the opening parade around the field.

The parade was led by a Beaver carrying the Olympic flag followed by the flags of the other countries.

Scouts in every colony made their own miniature flags to wave during the parade.

China was represented by Ballaugh, 1st Douglas Buggane chose to fly the flag for Scotland, 1st Douglas Loaghtan chose France, Onchan Tuesday represented Jamaica, Onchan Thursdsay represented Brazil and Peel chose Japan. The Olympic-themed sports day did not include traditional sports featured in the Olympic Games.

Instead youngsters took on egg and spoon, ball and cup and sack races.

There was also skipping and space hopper races, a running relay which involved four Beaver Scout colonies, and a water relay in which every scout took part.

Points were awarded according to finshing positions in the races and totals for each of the countries were counted at the end to determine the final positions.

Onchan Thursday came in first place with 1st Douglas Buggane coming in second and Ballaugh in third.

Onchan Beavers were presented with the large Olympic flag, a large sports shield to hold for one year and smaller replica for the colony to keep.

Every Scout who took part received a medal and each colony was awarded a certificate.

Bev Hewson, assistant island commissioner for the Beaver Scouts, said: ‘The event was great fun for the beavers.

‘Numerous parents, grandparents and younger brothers and sisters who had come along to watch and cheer on the Beavers also enjoyed the afternoon.’

To find out more about The Scout Association visit www.manxscouts.com

A four-day pilates conference was held on the island over the weekend attracting delegates and speakers from all over the world.

The conference was organised by the UK-based Pilates Teacher Association (PTA) in conjunction with charity The Knockaloe and Patrick Visitor Centre.

Events, including classes, workshops and talks were held at Knockaloe, King William’s College and the old Patrick schoolrooms.

Pilates is thought to have its roots at Knockaloe where its creator, Joseph Pilates, was interned for three and a half years from September 1915.

Alison Jones from the charity said: ‘It was great to see so many visitors to our island. Attendees were arriving all week from a huge range of countries, including Australia, America, Canada, Spain, Sweden, Germany and Malta to listen to a range of visiting speakers.

‘A guided tour around Patrick and Knockaloe was followed by a pilates class on the field which used to be camp four and was Joseph Pilates home 100 years ago. The delegates almost managed to miss the cow pats and had a great time.’

Alison thanked the DEFA which was also involved in the conference and the current Knockaloe tenants who also helped.

‘Delegates commented on how moved they felt by being at Knockaloe,’ said Alison.

‘We received fabulous feedback, both on the charity’s work and the island, with many delegates intending to return for holidays with their families.’

Another pilates event takes place in the island on September 10.

‘Pilates 1020’ is on September 10 and aims to attract 1,020 participants for a pilates class at Knockaloe. This was the number of internees each camp compound held. Register for ‘Pilates 1020’ at www.knockaloe.im

Bride Sports Day had something to offer all ages on Saturday, including its regular Lambhill marathon.

The sports were held at the playground in the middle of Bride and included all the usual favourites such as the wheelbarrow race, three-legged race, sack race and obstacle course.

There was also a raffle, refreshments and prizes for all the winners.

The Lambhill marathon is not actually a marathon but has a route that travels down Chapel Hill, up Ballakilley, and back to the sportsfield.

The year’s event was marathon was won by Dan Richmond. A spokesman for Bride Commissioners, who organised the event, said: ‘Well done to Dan for winning the marathon.

‘The day went well and the sun was glorious.’

A 21-year-old man who took offence to being searched by police landed himself in court.

Nathan Lee Halsall, of Harcroft Meadow, Douglas, was spotted by officers around 2.30am in Lower Church Street, Douglas.

Prosecutor James Robinson told the court the defendant had already been subjected to a police drugs search earlier that evening when nothing was found.

He said they suspected Halsall had been drinking and when they searched him, he ‘resisted mildly’, swore and shouted: ‘Get off me. Why are you doing this to me?’

‘He was warned to stop swearing and moderate his language,’ Mr Robinson said.

When he was arrested, he responded by saying: ‘Why is this happening?’

‘It’s clear that alcohol has underpinned this offence,’ Mr Robinson said.

Halsall admitted being drunk and disorderly on July 3.

Halsall’s advocate Louise Cooil said the defendant had taken ‘significant steps’ to put his life in order and he had found a job.

She said: ‘The police did not go over to the defendant because he was being drunk or disorderly. They went over to conduct a search after receiving incorrect information.

‘They then sought to do a further search, which is when he became irate.

‘He was in drink but he was not paralytic.’

Magistrates’ chairman Brian Walton told him the behaviour was ‘inappropriate’ and fined him £400 with £125 costs.

Tynwald has voted to buy a site in Liverpool for a new ferry terminal – and to continue talks with the Steam Packet over a new sea services deal.

But following a raft of amendments, and amendments of amendments, the near-four hour debate ended in farce as it became clear that the court was not sure what it had voted for.

New Tynwald president Steve Rodan remarked: ‘You can look up in Hansard what we have just voted on if you are unclear!’

During the debate, the Steam Packet was criticised for its ‘threats and blackmail tactics’ and its motive in pursuing an early deal questioned, with a number of MHKs claiming a distressed fund manager called Anchorage which has a 31 per cent shareholding was just after making a quick profit.

There was no such questioning of the role of the Peel Group from whom a 236-year lease on Princes Half Tide Dock is to be purchased for a new ferry terminal for a price of up to £3.5m.

Indeed all Tynwald members appeared to support the move to buy the site despite no clear explanation being given as to why the taxpayer is to get involved at all, given that Peel had originally indicated it would fund the facility in its entirety – if it could get a guarantee of long-term commitment to the route.

Infrastructure Minister Phil Gawne said it was ‘an opportunity we would not want to miss’. He said any agreement to buy the site would provide for it to be returned to the owner at no cost to government if the development didn’t subsequently go ahead.

Leonard Singer (Ramsey) said the purchase of the site would mean we would control both ends of the route.

There will be an open tender for the design and build contract for the ferry terminal, the £25m cost funded by the developer. The DoI report says no work would begin ‘until a suitable agreement has been reached for its long-term use by IOMSPCo’.

But Mr Gawne insisted that he was not asking members to agree to any offer from the Steam Packet at this stage and he was not ‘tying the hands of a future Tynwald’.

But Bill Malarkey (Douglas South) said: ‘We are being rushed to try to make a decision.’ He said Anchorage had ‘bought cheap’ and would ‘make a killing’ when the new user agreement is signed.

Douglas East MHK Chris Robertshaw accused the Minister of ‘rushing his fences’. He questioned the Steam Packet’s claim that it would invest £170m in new ships and facilities. ‘We are selling our soul for one new boat and one second-hand vessel,’ he claimed.

Turning to the role of Anchorage, he said: ‘I believe they want closure on this part of their game. We must not dance to their tune.’

Chief Minister Allan Bell hit out at the ‘threats and blackmailing tactics’ of the Steam Packet, which he said did not help the situation.

He said: ‘The concept of the user agreement is not bad. It’s worked very well for the Isle of Man in the past. If we go about this in the right way we will have a new user agreement, whether it’s with the Steam Packet or with another body is for the next Tynwald to decide on.

‘I do believe though that while there is from time to time angry sentiment in this court about the Steam Packet some of it is actually justified with the threats and the blackmailing tactics of the company who seem to believe this is the way they should negotiate with government. I would ask the Steam Packet to please take note of the concerns members have and to back off from some of the stupidity which we read in the paper.’

Peel MHK Ray Harmer warned that members risked ending up with a situation exactly the opposite to what they wanted to achieve.

‘We could end up with a landing stage they don’t want to use. Why should they use Liverpool if they’ve only got a few years left?’

Glenfaba’s Geoffrey Boot said delaying the agreement was not the way forward. He said the Steam Packet’s debt had been parked but ‘as long as they deliver their contractual obligations it’s their business’. ‘It’s up to us to ensure there’s a robust contract in place,’ he added.

Malew and Santon MHK Graham Cregeen tabled a multi-part amendment that seemed to add little to the original motion.

His call for a select committee to be set up in November to look at the Steam Packet’s offer and other options was defeated. An amendment by LibVan leader Kate Beecroft (Douglas South) that alternative ownership models should be investigated was approved, as was a call by Alfred Cannan (Michael) for a independent economic appraisal of service level requirements and comparisons with other ferry companies.

PwC Isle of Man has promoted Phil Morris to tax director.

A chartered tax advisor and member of the Chartered Institute of Taxation, Phil joined PwC in 2009, and has more than 17 years’ experience within the Big 4/Top 10 accountancy practices.

Phil primarily advises on indirect tax matters and automatic exchange of information reporting, including FATCA.

‘It is an exciting and challenging time to be working in taxation in an offshore environment,’ Phil said. ‘With the recent developments in the UK regarding Brexit, the Isle of Man’s trading and indirect tax relationship with the EU will potentially be changing and we want to work with local businesses to ensure they are ready to deal with the issues and opportunities this brings.

‘In addition to this, we are continually moving to a world of increased tax transparency and the automatic exchange of tax related information.

‘This has created certain logistical and technical challenges and we aim to help clients and contacts to understand their requirements and deal with them as efficiently and effectively as possible.’

Phil’s current clients are drawn from both the financial and non-financial sectors, ranging from offshore banks and fiduciary businesses, asset ownership structures, ebusinesses and businesses involved in international trade and cross border matters.

PwC Isle of Man’s tax services team, led by tax partner Kevin Cowley, utilises the skills of its financial and tax specialists to offer client services in all areas of tax, including corporate tax, employer solutions, private client services and succession planning, VAT and international tax.

Kevin said: ‘Phil has been a vital member of our team since joining PwC seven years ago, and his appointment as tax director is worthy recognition of his efforts during that time.

‘I am sure he will continue to thrive in his new role and further enhance his excellent reputation, whilst continuing to add value to our clients’ businesses.’

The pressure is now back on Premiership leaders Peel and St John’s.

Even after last week’s surprise defeat by the Schools XI, they still top of the standings.

However, their lead has been cut and Cronkbourne are getting closer.

The gap is now 31 points, but the Douglas side have a game in hand and the Saints know they cannot afford another slip up.

Ramsey visit Mullen-e-Cloie this Saturday and should face a Saints team determined to get back to winning ways.

The northern club have still to win a Premiership game this season, although they nearly beat Crosby in their last outing at the weekend.

Their cause, however, will not be helped with several key players away on holiday.

Grant and Brandon Atchison are out and skipper Marc Pons-Burt is not available.

Rob Webber leads the side, but the odds are stacked heavily against them.

Cronkbourne face a tricky visit to Crosby, a team which is capable of causing a big upset. They showed great spirit in coming back from the jaws of defeat at Ramsey.

The Douglas club are now showing splendid form and, as more of their university players return, look a very dangerous side. There should be plenty of runs in this match.

Castletown are in third place, but have lost their last two games.

The team must forget last week’s defeat at Tromode when they were bowled out for 62. This Saturday will not be easy for them either with the Schools’ XI as their opponents.

The Scholars will be confident after that win at Mullen-e-Cloie, but this weekend sees the start of the school holidays.

That could cause major selection problems and see the Town take full advantage.

junior iom squads picked for august tournaments

The island selectors have announced the junior squads for two tournaments next month.

The under-13 side will be at the Bromsgrove Festival and the u11s travel to the Malvern competition in Worcestershire.

Under-13s squad: Sam Barnett, Spencer Clarke, Jamie Hopwood (Finch Hill); Will Barnes, Charlie Beard, Joshua Clough, Freddie Dancox, Oliver Dean, Ben Johnston, Aaron Pope, Oliver Wait (Cronkbourne); Carl Hartmann, Edward Walker (Crosby).

U11s squad: Jacob Butler, Jenson Eve, Joseph Humphrey, David Sargeant (Crosby); Nathan Williams (Castletown); Fraser Clarke, Luke Parry, Christian Webster, James Weight (Finch Hill); Dollin Jansen, Harry McAleer (Cronkbourne); Luke Ward, Michael Webber (Ramsey).

Blincoe Cup results

Valkyres 188 for 4 (Paul Fleming 78, Arun Mahalingham 51no: Greg Wenn 2-31, Chris Cunningham 1 -11) and 72 for 1 (Shahid Rafique 34no, Salman Malik 29no: Greg Wenn 1-20). Union Mills 153 for 4 (Richard Taylor 69, Chris Nash 22no: Andy Coulson 2-16, Shibu Augustain 1-12) and 105 (Chris Nash 29, Jamie Charlton 19, Will Miller 19: Shibu Augustain 3-7, Paul Fleming 2-7, Valkyres won by nine wickets.

Castletown 103 for 5 (Tom Burrows 36, Christian Steriopulos 27: Eddie Beard 2-17, Sam Mills 1-10) and 74 (Garreth Roome 26: Sam Riordan 3-8, Simon Beard 2-8); Schools’ XI 168 for 1 (George Burrows 72, Eddie Beard 48no: Ewan Quayle 1-19) and 118 for 7 (Sam Riordan 39no, George Burrows 35 : Joe Burrows 2-8, Garreth Roome 2-10). Schools won by 109 runs.

Having been very much on hiatus since the end of 2014, The Clowns Calls For War make a welcome return to the stage at Amber in Douglas this weekend.

The band features Brook Wassall on guitar, Lee Stevens on drums, and Andy Clucas on bass and vocals. For those who haven’t yet seen the band, style wise it’s pretty much indie and rock with a smattering of influence from the likes of Explosions In The Sky, Mogwai, Oceansize and Muse.

Support for this show comes from the rock, metal and punk covers band Fugue State, who have certainly kept themselves very much in the public eye with a string of live shows since their inception in 2014. The band that features Phillip Cleary on bass, Brian Duffy on drums, Kriss Lane on guitar and Paul Nicholson on vocals and guitar in their line-up play a set that features songs from the likes of Iron Maiden at one end to The Buzzcocks at the other.

The doors for this free event open at 8pm and Fugue State will open the proceedings at around 9.30pm.

For more information on both bands, visit www.facebook.com/The-Clown-Calls-For-War-221659871235256/ and www.facebook.com/iomfuguestate respectively.

Heading next door to Jaks this weekend and on Saturday night you’ll find Konstruktion in residence at what is now becoming one of their regular shows at the Douglas based bar.

The two-piece band made up by Joy White on vocals and Nige B on keys and vocals have their roots in live versions of dance anthems from the modern chart to ‘old skool’ classics. If a little bit of Calvin Harris, David Guetta, Rihanna and Lady GaGa at one end through to Diana Ross and Tina Turner at the other end of the spectrum takes your fancy then this will be well worth a look at.

For more information on the band please visit www.facebook.com/iommusic

If you have anything for inclusion in The Manx Sound Exchange, contact leachsteve@hotmail.com

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Steve Leach brings the latest rumblings, murmurings, news and views on forthcoming events in and around the island’s music scene. Help support the scene by emailing leachsteve@hotmail.com

The Strand Shopping Centre in Douglas has been sold to UK retail giant Sports Direct.

The shopping centre has 40,000 square feet of retail space in Douglas town centre and houses well known brands including HMV, Mothercare, Peacocks, Card Factory and Millets.

But many units are empty.

The centre’s manager, Louise Whyman, said: ‘We are all delighted with this acquisition and look forward to the forthcoming investment to the Centre as well as the opening of an exciting new Sports Direct store.’

Sports Direct hit the news today for other reasons.

It has been criticised for the way it treats its staff.

{http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/uk-news/sports-direct-founder-mike-ashley-accountable-for-appalling-work-conditions-1-8027885|Click here for more}

The Strand Centre was bought less than two years ago by an island-based millionaire.

{http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/business/millionaire-buys-strand-centre-for-cash-1-6965343|Click here to read our story at the time}

Tesco was planning to set up shop in the Strand Shopping Centre. It first announced its intention almost two years ago.

A stumbling block had been the alcohol licence.

But that was resolved in January.

{http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/tesco-secures-licence-to-sell-alcohol-in-town-centre-shop-1-7662205|Click here to read more}

Whether the change in ownership of the centre has any bearing on its plans remains to be seen.

We are working on this story for fuller coverage in next week’s Isle of Man Examiner.

The island’s bishop has announced he plans to retire.

Reverend Robert Paterson has served the Diocese of Sodor and Man since 2008 and sits on the Legislative Council and Tynwald.

The 67-year-old told Manx Radio his decision to step down was motivated ‘purely by age’.

He will leave the post in November.

The respective men’s and women’s semi-finals in the Grant Thornton (IoM) Isle of Man Golf Championships took place in sunny but breezy conditions at Peel Golf Club on Thursday evening.

The large crowd were treated to some fine golf and certainly a lot of interest as to who would progress through to Saturday’s two finals.

Shirley Price v Jane Gaines

Leading women’s qualifier Shirley Price was playing another many-time qualifier in Jane Gaines but neither has yet added their name to the championship trophy, so who would it be going through?

There was early success for Price at 1up after five holes which could have been extended at the 6th hole but with the wind and ultra quick greens she appeared to be struggling with her putter.

All through the match Gaines holed some good putts and her chipping was excellent. It was back to all square after eight holes and then a lead of 1up after 11 as Price struggled all the way down the tricky hole with its testing green.

The next five holes were all halved so it was still all to play for. There was a poor drive at the 16th from Gaines but she was near the green in two. A break saw Price’s ball find the path gap in the hedge but a par four in the end won it and it was all square with just the two holes to play.

Both holed excellent pressure putts to halve the 17th in three apiece, so it was up the last and in a great display by both it was Price who secured the win with a six-foot putt when it looked as if a 19th hole would be required.

Christina Skelly v Breeshey Jansen

It was not quite as close in the other semi-final which saw the defending champion and home-bred player Breeshey Jansen take on another player who has not as yet, despite many attempts, won the much sought-after women’s championship, this being Christina Skelly.

There was early success for the champion as she moved into a 2up lead after five holes, her drive at the 5th hole being a talking point amongst the crowd watching. Skelly won the short 6th after Jansen was in the bunker left.

Winning the two holes which have Corrin’s Folly as the backdrop saw Jansen go 3up and, after a further couple of halved holes when Skelly made some unforced errors - not unlike Shirley Price earlier at the 11th hole - the lead moved to 4up.

A couple of holes later it was all over with victory to Jansen by the margin of 6 and 5 after another impressive shot by the defending champion when she hit her second from light rough with a rescue club through the long 13th hole.

Lee Morgan v Paul Lowey

Could the local hero of the week, Lee Morgan, continue his winning ways? After seeing off two-time champion Kevin Moore the previous evening, would four-time champion Paul Lowey be next on the ‘Muffin’ hit list.

He got off to a good start as a birdie three saw him move 1up but no three at the 2nd and it was all square again. This was the case all the way to the 8th hole, although both players had chances which were not taken.

There was a breakthrough at the 8th hole as Lowey got up and down from the left edge of the green in two, while Morgan from the front edge of the green took three putts and found himself 1 down for the first time.

The next few holes were halved and when Lowey won the 13th with a par, a lead was being established which would be hard to bring back over the last few holes.

There was a further win to move 3up after 14 and then it was all over as a long putt by Lowey went in at the 15th and sealed a 4 and 3 win for him on the official records.

Robert Braide v Alex McAuley

This match was a close call as the experience of Robert Braide - the current president of Castletown and who first made the qualifying stages as far back as 1980 having contested two finals - took on the 2015 and 2016 island boys champion Alex McAuley who was showing an approach and maturity to the game way beyond his years and making many friends doing so.

It was a lead for McAuley around the turn but just at 1up as the putting of Braide was not at its best. There were opportunities for both at the 11th hole but none were taken.

Over the next sequence of holes it was a pure match play situation and McAuley will be re-living it for a while. A par by Braide at the 12th saw the match all square and then by going top side of the 13th with Braide below the hole, it was an impossible task for McAuley to get near so he found himself 1down.

Despite a poor drive by Braide at the next and a pulled second near the cemetery wall, he recorded a four was recorded and when McAuley three-putted it was Braide 2up.

This went out to 3up for Braide with a birdie three at the next hole and when McAuley pulled his drive at the 16th, despite playing a superb recovery, a solid par-four from Braide saw him win the match 3 and 2 to progress to his third final appearance after 36 years’ involvement with the event.

Action from the finals in next week’s Isle of Man Examiner, on sale Tuesday.

Pirate adventurers on the Family Library Summer Reading Scheme can test their treasure-seeking skills while using their Manx National Heritage Ace cards.

The cards are distributed to all primary age school children and grant them admission to MNH sites during the summer holidays.

This year, as part of the Family Library’s Summer Reading Scheme on the theme of We Be Pirates, young readers can look for five pirate phrases hidden in Manx National Heritage venues – and then fill them in on the papers they received when they signed up for the scheme.

The five venues where the pirate phrases are hidden are the Manx Museum in Douglas; Cregneash, Grove Museum near Ramsey; the House of Manannan in Peel and the Nautical Museum in Castletown.

There is still time to sign up for the Summer Reading Scheme, which runs until September 10, and there will be plenty more activities announced over the summer.

Next week, July 26-30, is a game launch double points week. From August 9-19, the library will be staging a Ship-Shape Challenge, also known as the Pirate Olympics.

Other events on the horizon include a pirate picnic, Jolly Music Sea Shanties, pirate joke day, pirate dress-up and much more. Details will be nearer to the events.

Librarian-in-charge Mary Cousins said: ‘We are delighted that our friends at Manx National Heritage have teamed up with us for the Summer Reading Scheme.

‘Of course, as well as the fun in searching for the pirate phrases, it’s another good reason to visit the many MNH sites during the summer holidays, making a perfect trip for the whole family.’

Family Library: 640650.

The Isle of Man Football Association women’s management team of Michael Quilliam and Billy Crowe have named a provisional 17-player squad for next weekend’s triangular tournament.

The Manx will go up against visitors Rhyl & Prestatyn and Wigan Athletic at Bowl, with the first game taking place on the evening of Friday, July 29.

The biennial event will have a new look, with fellow island nations having competed in previous tournaments.

Yet again ‘Quilly’ continues to give youth a chance by naming three newcomers in the squad. Indeed only nine players from last year’s Island Games selection feature this time round.

ISLE OF MAN FA SQUAD:

Anna Dillon, Shannon Groves, Casey Halsall, Jade Burden, Lisa Costain, Kiera Morgan, Chloe Teare, Alice Ashe (Corinthians); Kym Hicklin, Ceri Purvis, Holly Stephen, Holly Sumner (Douglas Royal); Kayleigh Greggor, Sarah O’Reilly, Sarah Wignall (Peel) Stephanie Hall, Sara Ismail-Sutton (Colby).

FIXTURES:

Friday, July 29:

Isle of Man v Rhyl & Prestatyn kick-off 6pm Saturday, July 30:

Rhyl & Prestatyn v Wigan Athletic ko 1.30pm Sunday, July 31:

Isle of Man v Wigan Athletic ko 10.30am

Beach Buddies go north this weekend and will be tackling the beaches in the area of the Point of Ayre.

The meeting point is on the track going out south towards Smeale, and past the lighthouse for a 10.30am start on Sunday.

This is a section of beach that always has lots of marine litter, but it’s easy to get to, and they will have the Beach Buddies’ truck and trailer to collect all bags, so there is no need to drag any bags at all.

Volunteers can expect to find lots of plastic and typical marine litter such as tin cans, fishing gear, ropes and a lot of polystyrene. They can also expect to find discarded commercial 25-litre barrels with used oil, as on most previous visits.

Beach Buddies provide all the necessary equipment, and disposes of the materials collected afterwards at the nearby Northern Civic Amenity Site where many of the items are recycled.

New volunteers have been a regular feature of the sessions this year, and in recent months Beach Buddies have see a large number of new faces, of all ages.

Organiser Bill Dale said: ‘If you have never been before, come along and join in. It’s informal, there’s no need to register - just turn up and wear suitable clothing for the weather and decent walking shoes or boots. You will be warmly welcomed.’

Sessions last no more than 90 minutes and Sunday’s event will conclude not later than noon. But volunteers can stay for a little or as long as they wish.