The number of people out of work in the Isle of Man has dropped again.

Figures released by the Manx government show that in July there were 620 people on the register.

That’s down 16 from June and a drop of 170 from July 2015.

There were 405 unemployed men and 215 women.

The figure is the lowest since October 2008, a month after the collapse of Lehman Brothers and the banking crisis sparked the global financial turmoil.

Twenty years ago, in July 1996, there were 1,260 on the register.

There were 812 job vacancies notified to the Job Centre during July this year and, at the end of the month, there were still 524 jobs waiting to be filled.

The unemployment register does not just include those getting benefits. It includes claimants who are signing on just for credits. There were 27 of those.

But people under 18 who are registered with the DED but not claiming benefit are not included. There were 34 of those.

The unemployment rate is 1.4 per cent in the Isle of Man.

That compares with 4.9 per cent in the UK (the March to May official statistic), 4.5 per cent in Germany, 7.8 per cent in the Republic of Ireland and 24.1 per cent in Greece.

Some on social media have suggested that the Isle of Man’s figure is lower because a number of people have left the island.

Finding hard evidence to back that assertion is difficult, although an interim census was carried out in the spring and the island awaits its outcome.

In the health and medical sector, there were 47 vacancies but only 15 people with medical qualifications out of work.

In contrast, in the construction sector there were 13 vacancies but 56 people with a background in the industry looking for work.

Daniel McCanney won both days of the British Enduro Championship event hosted by Southern Motor Cycle Club last weekend.

It was the first occasion that a major enduro had been held in the island since the last time the International Six Days Trial took place here in 1975.

Previous to that, Daniel’s late grandfather Roger Kelly rode in the 1965 and 1971 ISDT events on Manx soil.

McCanney came from behind to beat current E3 Enduro World Championship leader Steve Holcombe by less than two seconds to win Saturday’s event, round three of the current British Enduro Championship.

The Rockstar Energy factory Husqvarna rider made a better start to day two with victory on the first of Sunday’s special tests at Archallagan Plantation.

After a brief fightback by Beta ace Holcombe, McCanney took the event by the scruff of the neck and went on to win round four by a comfortable margin of 44 seconds.

Daniel later said that it was one of the best British championship enduros he had contested and congratualted the club on what had been an excellent two-day event.

There was less joy for multiple former British champion David Knight who was forced to retire with a painful hip injury on Sunday, having finished fourth on day one.

Two pages on the weekend’s enduro in this week’s Manx Independent - on sale now.

New eco-friendly homes in the south of the island are also good for the wallet, the government says.

Families living in the first public sector homes in the Isle of Man to achieve the internationally recognised Passivhaus standard are using up to 58 per cent less energy than the average UK household.

A study has shown lower levels of electricity and gas consumption in the two eco houses, which were constructed during the final phase of the Janet’s Corner development in Castletown.

Results for the first 12 months of occupancy of the three-bedroom homes at Thie Grian revealed annual energy consumption of 9,070 kilowatt hours (property 1) and 7,589 kilowatt hours (property 2). Average annual energy consumption in the UK is 18,378kWh, according to data published by the UK Government’s Department of Energy and Climate Change.

The figures for the properties in Castletown were also well inside the target (10,329kWh) required to meet the certified Passivhaus standard.

The low-energy homes, winners of two of the main categories in the 2015 Energy Awards, were built as part of wider efforts by the Department of Infrastructure’s housing division to encourage more sustainable construction methods in the Isle of Man.

The Passivhaus standard, which was introduced in Germany in the 1990s, helps to substantially reduce energy costs and to improve indoor air quality.

This is achieved in part by high levels of thermal insulation, including triple-glazed windows, the use of whole house ventilation and heat recovery, and careful detailing and construction to maximise the airtightness of the building.

These ‘passive’ construction methods are used rather than more sophisticated technology such as solar panels, wind generators or ground source heat pumps.

Infrastructure Minister Phil Gawne MHK said: ‘The department has been monitoring the performance of the two homes and the initial results are very impressive.

‘I am passionate about protecting the environment and this clearly points the way towards a more sustainable approach to providing affordable housing in the Isle of Man.’

The senior men’s league season begins on Saturday afternoon.

Reigning Canada Life Premier League champions St George’s begin their title defence away at Ayre eager to bounce back from last Friday’s Charity Shield defeat at the hands of Peel.

The latter begin their title tilt with a tricky trip to western rivals St John’s.

Last season’s Division Two champions Douglas Athletic begin their maiden top-flight campaign away at Kevin Middleton’s new-look St Mary’s, while fellow promoted side Colby travel to Union Mills.

Elsewhere Rushen host Laxey and Corinthians welcome DHSOB to Ballafletcher in two tight looking fixtures.

In JCK Division Two, two of the pre-season championship favourites Gymns and Braddan go head-to-head at Tromode, while relegated Marown travel to near-neighbours Foxdale for the early kick-off at Billy Goat Park.

Castletown visit fellow relegated side RYCOB, while Onchan face Michael, Pulrose host Governor’s and Malew tackle Douglas Royal.

Saturday, August 13

2.30pm kick-offs

unless otherwise stated

Canada Life Premier League

Ayre Utd v St George’s

Corinthians v DHSOB

Rushen Utd v Laxey

St John’s Utd v Peel

St Mary’s v Douglas Athletic

Union Mills v Colby

JCK Ltd Division Two

Foxdale v Marown (1pm kick-off)

Gymns v Braddan

Malew v Douglas Royal

Onchan v Michael Utd

(3pm at Balleira Road)

Pulrose Utd v Governor’s Athletic

RYCOB v Castletown

Canada Life Combination One

Colby v Union Mills

DHSOB v Corinthians

Douglas Athletic v St Mary’s

Laxey v Rushen Utd

Peel v St John’s Utd

St George’s v Ayre Utd

JCK Ltd Combination Two

Braddan v Gymns

Castletown v RYCOB

Douglas Royal v Malew

Governor’s Athletic v Pulrose Utd

Marown v Foxdale

(3.30pm at Billy Goat Park)

Michael Utd v Onchan (1pm kick-off)

FourFiveOne - your eight-page guide to the new season - is free inside this week’s Manx Independent.

The memory of one of the island’s most famous residents Sir Norman Wisdom continues to live on at the bar named after him.

The Sefton Hotel’s Sir Norman’s bar recently came under the directionof Harbour Lights.

This was 18 months after its popular Harbour Lights at the Sefton restaurant was launched at the Douglas seafront hotel.

Now a new ‘food proposition’ is being celebrated at the venue.

As well as having benefited from refurbishment including new furniture, Sir Norman’s customers can now enjoy dining from a new menu based on a ‘gastropub’ concept.

To borrow the name of one his many popular films, it is clear the late Sir Norman is still the ‘Man of the Moment’ at this place.

Sir Norman, the legendary entertainer, actor and national treasure made the island his home for many years.

People of all ages loved Norman, known to millions for his comic film character Pitkin, who died in October 2010 aged 95. He was especially loved in the island.

And fans and visitors flock to the bench outside the bar to have their picture taken with ‘Sir Norman’ in the shape of a lifelike statue.

The furniture in Sir Norman’s Bar includes new comfortable lounge seating, as well as a number of tall tables with bar stools, ideal for watching football - Sir Norman loved watching sport!

The bar now opens between 4pm and midnight during the week, and between midday and midnight at weekends, with food served daily until 10pm.

The bar and drinks proposition within Sir Norman’s remains under the direction of the Sefton Hotel.

Harbour Lights director, Ben Heath, said: ‘Sir Norman’s bar is renowned for being a little quirky, and is as popular with local residents as it is with visitors from off-island who are fascinated by the late Sir Norman Wisdom.

‘In creating our new menu we wanted to have some fun and be really creative to meet our customers’ expectations.

‘As well as many dishes being served in a ‘one bowl’ style, a number are also served on boards and platters. With Sir Norman’s being based inside a hotel, it’s essential we showcase the exceptional quality of Manx produce to our off-island guests as well as create a relaxing atmosphere for them to enjoy.

‘We are also catering for our local residents and pre-theatre customers who know they can enjoy being able to eat a three-course meal within an hour before the show if they choose to.’

Meanwhile the other restaurant, ‘Harbour Lights at the Sefton’ is said to offer a different dining experience including breakfast and brunch, cakes, afternoon teas, ‘gin tasting’ afternoon tea experiences, a daytime menu including gourmet sandwiches and a dinner menu. It is open from 10am to 10pm daily, and can cater for large groups in addition to more intimate parties.

Allen Jackson, general Manager of the Sefton Hotel, said: ‘Sir Norman’s is one of the most popular and talked-about venues in the island, so enhancing our customer experience in partnership with Harbour Lights is very exciting.

‘Already we have received a lot of excellent feedback on our refurbishment and new menu from both local residents and off-island guests, including a large number of bookings across Christmas and New Year, which demonstrates how well this change is being received.’

Villagers are frustrated that the coastal erosion at Kirk Michael has not been given higher priority in the government’s national strategy.

Some 40 residents attended a public meeting at St Michael’s Hall to discuss the DEFA’s long-awaited strategy report which was given Tynwald approval last month.

The document sets out how government should adapt to current and future flood and coastal erosion risks, in response to recent extreme weather events such as last December’s flash floods which devastated homes in Laxey and businesses at Hills Meadow in Douglas.

But the report ranks the Kirk Michael coastline as medium risk rather than high priority at present as the rate of erosion means that, with the exception of a small number of properties, the main village is unlikely to be affected within the next few decades.

Michael MHK Alfred Cannan, who called the public meeting, said that the general feeling was one of dissatisfaction at the report’s conclusions.

He has written to the DEFA’s chief executive Richard Lole to express the villagers’ concerns.

He wrote: ‘There was a clear sense of frustration and concern in respect of the importance that has been attacked to the ongoing erosion problems along the Kirk Michael coastline.

‘The strategy fails to consider properly the impact on Kirk Michael and fails to properly evaluate why remedial action in the short to medium term will be more cost effective than delaying matters for an unspecified time period.’

He added: ‘The erosion problem facing Kirk Michael is credible and serious. A stitch in time saves nine. We urge you to act now to give security and peace of mind to local residents.’

Mr Cannan said the feedback from the public meeting was that action now will prevent properties being devalued and will minimise broader cost impacts.

There has been little or no government investment in Kirk Michael and public money invested in Glen Wyllin fish farm will be wasted, it was noted.

Residents said that the rate of erosion was 1.5m a year, not the 1m a year frequently quoted.

A father whose son was killed when a teenage driver lost control of his car and smashed into a house has spoken out about his disappointment in the legal process.

David Campbell’s son Brad was a passenger in a car driven by 17-year-old Brandon Gowland, which careered off the road near Foxdale, hitting the wall and porch of a house.

Gowland was sentenced to three years and nine months in prison for causing Brad Campbell’s death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury to another passenger in the car.

In a media statement, police described the accident scene, in August 2014, as one of the worst they had ever attended.

Mr Campbell has described the years since the death of his son, who was 17 at the time of the accident, as the worst two years of his life.

He said he felt sidelined by the whole court process which, he said, seemed to view family as purely incidental to the process.

Moreover, a raft of measures promised in the wake of the accident, to improve the safety of R-plate restricted drivers, has still not been implemented.

‘We are coming up to the two-year anniversary and still nothing has been done,’ he said.

The proximity of the election this autumn, he said, meant no politician had wanted to embrace the measures and try to get them through Tynwald.

‘We have already had another incident earlier this year when a car went over the cliffs on Marine Drive. And it’s not necessarily young drivers – R-plate restrictions apply to any new driver,’ he said.

‘The maximum sentence for causing death by dangerous driving is around 14 years, I believe, but actual sentences rarely come close to that.’

The very drawn out court proceedings also took its toll, and he’s currently signed off work with depression.

Despite being Brad’s immediate family, he said he felt no ownership of the prosecution process, which was conducted at arm’s length from the family.

‘The whole system just does not recognise the victim. We would like to have met the prosecutor but that was not possible.

‘Prosecutions are carried out by the Attorney General’s chambers so as a family you feel out of the loop in terms of what is being said. But when we are sitting in court, people should remember that it’s our son who is being talked about.’

He wishes families were approached and asked for feedback about how the process worked and if there were any areas for improvement.

He would also like to see power given to the police to impose an interim driving ban on anyone suspected of committing a very serious or fatal driving offence. As the law stands, he said driving restriction might not be imposed on the other party until a court appearance, which could be some time later.

Proposed measures for R-plated drivers, as yet unadopted, include a driving ban for any R-plate drivers who accumulate six or more penalty points. The proposal is contained in the Road Traffic Amendment Bill, currently at the committee stage of the legislation process. Non-R-plate drivers are banned after accumulating 12 penalty points.

Other proposals for R-plate drivers who commit traffic offences include extending the R-plate restriction period (which is normally one-year), limiting the number of passengers they can carry, and a curfew. These proposals are for possible inclusion in the Driving Licences and Test Regulations of 2007 but would need Tynwald approval before taking effect.

Brad, an apprentice plumber and former Ballakermeen High School student, was a keen sportsman and a member of Union Mills Football Club.

The island’s probation service has moved.

Officers have moved from central Douglas to the property in Cronkbourne Village, which until recently had been run as a children’s home by the Department of Health and Social Care.

The ground floor of the converted building now comprises probation offices, as well as interview, programme delivery and meeting rooms.

The first floor will in future be used as living accommodation as part of the overall provision of rehabilitation and resettlement services for offenders at Tromode House.

Officials say this is seen as a way to ‘promote a more integrated offender management system and support the government priority of protecting vulnerable people’.

The government says the move also ‘reflects the aims of the department’s flagship criminal justice strategy, which is focused on improving outcomes for all those affected by and working within the criminal justice system.

Geraldine Martin, head of community rehabilitation, said: ‘Work is taking place with a view to broadening the scope of community rehabilitation services provided in the Isle of Man.

‘The intention is for probation officers to become more involved in reparation, intervention and restorative justice and to have an input into strategies to divert offenders from court or prison.

‘We are also looking to develop a more cohesive service to victims to ensure they have a voice in criminal justice proceedings. The new facilities at Tromode House will help us to deliver those objectives as part of the department’s commitment to keeping people safe.’

Home Affairs Minister Juan Watterson today officially opened Tromode House.

He said: ‘The opening of Tromode House represents welcome progress on many fronts. The ground floor provides an excellent new base for our probation service and the relocation of staff has allowed the Department to reduce costs by moving out of Prospect House in Douglas.’

He added: ‘In the longer term, having probation staff and offenders under the same roof will further improve monitoring and engagement.

‘It is vital that offenders are appropriately dealt with for their crimes, but we must also assist their rehabilitation and resettlement back into the community to deter them from committing further offences and potentially returning to prison. Providing support and “through-the-gate” services following a prison sentence is a fundamental part of our work to break the offending cycle, reduce crime rates and maintain the Isle of Man’s reputation as the safest place in the British Isles.’

Following the commissioning process, Tromode House will replace David Gray House, which is owned by the Salvation Army and run by the charity in partnership with the Department of Home Affairs.

New shops could open at the old post office on Regent Street, Douglas.

The Post Office has submitted a planning application to redevelop the site, which is in the town’s regeneration area.

The Post Office says it ‘believes it’s important that the building is used to its best potential, for the benefit of Douglas town centre for years to come’.

When plans were announced to close the Crown post offices in Douglas and Ramsey there were a number of protests.

Under the original plan, the Regent Street facilities were going to be operated by Mannin Retail (part of Heron and Brearley) in the Spar shop on Strand Street.

But there was a change of heart.

The new post office will open in a former pub on Monday.

A planning application has been submitted for the redevelopment of the Regent Street site for retail purposes and a design team led by the Department of Infrastructure project management unit has developed the proposed scheme.

A statement from the Post Office reads: ‘The board of Isle of Man Post Office recognise the architectural significance of the façade of the property and the proposed development seeks to retain this, with only alterations made to the street level area to make it more suitable for retail use and to improve access for customers.

‘A professional review, undertaken during 2015, advised that the best future use of the site was for retail activities.

‘The site has the potential to create an approximate 13,000 square foot retail unit over two floors and provide the opportunity to attract a well-known UK high street name to the island. However, Isle of Man Post Office would be required to secure a suitable pre-letting agreement with a likely future tenant before committing to any development.’

The chairman of Isle of Man Post Office, Ray Harmer, said: ‘We hope these redevelopment plans will meet the expectations of the planning committee and will be given approval.

‘This is an opportunity to revive this large site for the benefit of the island as it is positioned within the regeneration zone and on one of the main thoroughfares into Strand Street.

‘By retaining the existing façade, we hope that we have struck a balance between preserving the building’s distinguished style and creating a modern and up to date new facility.’

A woman has appeared in court for having an amount of cannabis so small police had difficulty weighing it.

Tanya Margery Corkill, of Alder Road, Pulrose, was sentenced to a 12-month conditional discharge on Tuesday after admitting possession of 0.2 grams of the drug.

The street value was said to be between £1.06 and £4.

The court heard how, on June 9 at 9.10pm, police attended 30-year-old Corkill’s home after a report of suspicious activity.

Officers spoke to her on the doorstep and she told them she had cannabis in the house.

She was taken to police headquarters and during an interview made a full admission to possessing cannabis, saying that it was for personal use. The court heard that the cannabis amount had been so small there were problems weighing but it was eventually established to weigh 0.2 grams.

Corkill is currently subject to a two-year probation order imposed in February 2016.

Deputy High Bailiff Jayne Hughes said: ‘I note the very small quantity. Too small to weigh.

‘It is more serious as it is committed while subject to a probation order, but that would seem to be continuing without any issues.’

Six horse trams are to be auctioned by Douglas Borough Council on Saturday, August 27.

The trams are said by the council to be surplus and in need of renovation.

The auction will take place at Murray’s saleroom, 8-10 Allan Street in Douglas at 11am, with the chance to view the trams beforehand between 9am and 11am.

Regeneration and community committee chairman Stephen Pitts said: ‘The council has agreed to assist the Department of Infrastructure in consolidating its core horse tram stock, for which the department will be retaining a large fleet of trams of historic interest for operational use.

‘Following the department’s assessment of the fleet there are a small number of surplus trams in need of restoration - examples of which will be retained in the main fleet – to be sold by public auction to organisations or individuals willing to commit to their preservation.’

The trams to be auctioned are a winter saloon, three bulkheads and two ‘toastracks’ in differing conditions, but all are said to be in need of renovation.

All interested bidders must contact the saleroom for registration and bidding approval by emailing murrays@antiquemann.im or calling 665550.

ROADS will be closed in the city centre as part of the Fishergate shared space project.

Work is now being done to extend the scheme to Church Street, in Preston, and this will entail road closures from this Sunday, August 21.

The work will take place 10pm to 6am, from Sunday, August 21, until Friday, August 26, and from Tuesday, August 30 to Thursday, September 1.

It involves the section of Church Street from Guild Row to Cheapside, with the majority of the work taking place from Guild Row to Lancaster Road.

Throughout these times, Church Street will be closed between Lancaster Road and St John’s Place.

This closure will then be extended on Thursday, August 25 to the junction with Fishergate.

The works on Church Street are to extend the extensive and long-running refurbishment that Lancashire County Council has been doing on Fishergate.

County Coun Jennifer Mein, leader of the county council, said: “These city centre improvements will help to bring in new businesses and attract more people to this part of the city.

“Working in such a busy area will cause some disruption, but we’ve been focused on keeping this to a minimum throughout the scheme, while making sure that people can continue to access businesses.

“I’m sure that people will be happy when they see the completed improvements.

“We’re looking forward to seeing the benefits that it brings to this part of the city centre,” she added.

The work on Church Street aims to create a more pedestrian-friendly city centre and attract more commercial investment.

The area on Fishergate is now ‘shared’ between motorists, pedestrians and cyclists, with no-one having automatic right of way.

However, the Evening Post reported last week on concerns that the layout at the junction of Fishergate and Corporation Street was causing confusion among motorists.

A stone bollard at the junction has repeatedly been knocked over by drivers failing to 
negotiate the plinth, and some believe it is supposed to be a roundabout.

Castletown held its 60th festival on Saturday and it was hailed as a great success by the event’s chairman, Tony Brown.

Organisers stick to the same formula, with fancy dress and competitions throughout the day and a confetti carnival in the evening, and whatever they do attracts the crowds as hundreds of people milled around the square.

‘This year the fancy dress competition was held for the first time in the afternoon,’ said Mr Brown. ‘We had some wonderful entries, and there was a good entry of floats.’

He thanked people for entering and parents for ‘taking so much time and effort’ over costumes.

The confetti carnival was also very popular and the tribute act, local group ‘Shoddy Waddy’, and the disco were enjoyed by all, as was the firework display at the end.

Mr Brown and the festival committee especially thanked Elsie Pickard – the guest of honour who crowned the festival queen – for taking part.

They thanked sponsors, the commissioners and their staff, the ladies who provided and served afternoon tea, the police and everyone else who helped with the day. Mr Brown also thanked committee members for their support in making this special anniversary such a success.

Mr Brown, a member of the festival committee for 36 years – including 30 as chairman – said he is now stepping down from the committee.

He said: ‘The festival is in good hands, with many new younger committee members joining in the past few years.

‘It is important for the festival to survive and prosper into the future that a new generation takes charge of the event and develops it further to reflect the needs of the community.

‘There is a good new committee now in place who are dedicated and full of ideas. I wish them all every success for the future.’

Rosie Walker, from Braddan, daughter of Karen Walker has graduated from Edgehill University, Ormskirk, with a BA Honours in primary mathematics education with QTS

She was educated at St Thomas’ CE School and St Ninian’s High School in Douglas.

Isle of Man Newspapers prints graduation photos such as this for free.

Email photographs and details (plus your phone number) to newsdesk@newsiom.co.im

A Douglas man who failed to finish off building work on his house has been fined £250 and ordered to pay a further £40 for every day the work is not done.

Howard George Osborne, of Brighton Terrace, pleaded guilty to failing to comply to a notice.

In February 2015 he was fined £100 for failing to have completed the work, which originally dated back to June 2014. The court heard on Thursday that he had still not completed the work ordered.

Prosecuting on behalf of Douglas Corporation, Claire Collister told the court how Osborne had been ordered to finish off installing roof tiles on a bay window and remove rusting scaffolding at the front of the property at 13 Brighton Terrace. On June 30 he told the court he would finish the work by the end of July. However, on August 2, a Douglas Corporation representative visited the property to find the work still unfinished.

Defence advocate Winston Taylor told the court that his client had been ill and that the building was in a conservation area so Osborne was trying to restore it to full conservation standard, which normal roof tiles did not meet.

Chair of the magistrates Caroline Convery said: ‘It has been a long ongoing saga and it’s disappointing to see you back again. Hopefully this will be a real incentive to get the work done.’ Osborne was also ordered to pay £500 costs.

Telecommunications company Sure is sponsoring the award for Public Sector Achievement at this year’s Isle of Man Newspapers’ Awards for Excellence.

Its marketing and public relations manager, Sarah Jarvis, has told the Isle of Man Courier why she believes this is such an important award.

‘The entries in this category tend to demonstrate the true meaning of excellence and real loyalty to Manx values – decency, public service and community,’ she said.

‘These are people who are not looking for short-term gain but genuinely display long-term values.

‘Last year’s winners, the DEFA team which organised the Isle of Man Food Festival, is a great example of this. The Food Festival provides a real showcase for locally produced food and drink, giving its 7,000 visitors the chance to sample the products.

‘As well as Manx food producers, the DEFA also champions Manx agriculture and fishing and plays its part in looking after the environment, trees and wildlife. It’s a huge portfolio of issues that really affect the island community in which we live.’

In a similar way, Sure also plays its part in contributing to the local community.

Sarha said: ‘Trying to give back to the island is something that all of us at Sure are passionate about.

‘We especially love to support some of the smaller service-oriented organisations and charities that make amazing things happen. We can help them to get things off the ground and raise awareness in the public domain – sometimes it isn’t just providing money.

‘Two examples of our community involvement are Kenyon’s Youth Café, in Onchan, and the Mobile Family Library.

Kenyon’s Youth Café does incredible work with youngsters, giving them somewhere to go two evenings a week, and a lot of dedicated volunteers give up their personal time for this rewarding work. We helped them with a phone line and broadband, plus iPads for the youngsters to use.

‘We have also recently supported the family and mobile Libraries which are such a lifeline to many in the community, especially lonely older people living outside Douglas. We have given them financial support, some equipment and mobile WiFi for their library van.’

The arrival of Sure on the island in 2007 gave customers real competition and choice in the telecoms sector for the first time.

The company is currently putting a lot of additional investment into its network and offers mobile, fixed line and broadband services for residential customers, and a range of corporate communications ‘solutions’ for business customers.

Sarah added: ‘A recent innovation is the introduction of a 4G wireless router which enables customers to have excellent broadband, without having to pay a monthly landline rental.

‘We have also recently relaunched our monthly mobile plans to include a lot more data because that’s what our customers have asked us for! We now offer the best value plans on the island in terms of data.

‘There are new business mobile plans, too, with great roaming features and increased data allowances; these are suitable for any business from a small organisation up to the largest corporate.’

Are you entering this year’s Awards? Isle of Man Newspapers’ Awards for Excellence has 16 award categories offering opportunities for companies of all sizes, individuals, public sector teams and charitable and community organisations.

You will find full details of all the categories and entry forms to download at www.iomtoday.co.im.

There’s still time for racing supporters to add a unique extra dimension to their Manx Grand Prix experience this year by backing a race Newcomer.

Anyone who wishes can simply make a donation of any amount, or for £200 they can choose a specific rider to back.

In return, they get their name on the bike and they can visit the paddock to meet the rider and their team.

In addition, they get lunch at the Jurby Festival of Speed, which takes place on the middle Sunday at the end of practice week, and they also get admission to the Newcomers’ prize presentation.

Another perk of the scheme allows backers a seat in the grandstand for the Senior Manx Grand Prix race and they also get a signed photograph of their rider competing in their race. For £250, those benefits also extend to the backer’s guest.

This is the third year the scheme has run and last year around 35 Newcomers received support. This year there are 41 Newcomers, and travelling marshal Jim Hunter, who organises the familiarisation weekends which are now compulsary for Newcomers, said they aimed to get backing for all of them.

‘We are very grateful for the continued support of several backers who are now backing riders for a third consecutive year, and also to the Hailwood Foundation which has supported the Newcomers’ weekends,’ he added.

Anyone wanting more details can find out more from the MGP office, jimhunter@wimanx.net, or by looking at the MGP Facebook page which has details of Newcomers who have been backed and those still looking for support.

Sunny weather, great visitor numbers and a bumper entry made Sulby Horticultural Show’s 70th anniversary ‘Dig for Victory’ event special.

The show was first held in 1946 and to create that early post-war atmosphere Lezayre Community Hall was decorated with bunting, while committee members dressed as land girls, tea station ladies and Home Guard with Vera Lynn serenading in the background.

Arthur Radcliffe opened the show, referring back to his aunt Daisy Kelly who helped start the show all those years ago.

He offered thanks to all the exhibitors and complimented the efforts of the committee for keeping this parish tradition alive and flourishing.

With 71 trophies to award there was much to celebrate.

The young committee has boosted entries to 1,235, nearly half of which were junior exhibitors. Sulby and Jurby schools supported the show, as well as local nurseries, Butterflies and Footsteps.

Children had fun competing in the bumble bee treasure hunt, which was won by Lucy Radcliffe from Ballaugh.

There was a massive entry in the photography section and judge Bill Dale of Beach Buddies had a difficult time picking the winners. There was another good entry in the soft handicraft classes, well supported by Sulby WI.

Best in Show (Merle Mathews Trophy) went to David Renshaw, a first time entrant, with a beautifully-carved wooden otter. Eleanor Howland won Best Junior in Show (Billy and Barbara Graham Cup) with a pretty decorated cake, iced with flowers and bumble bees.

The special 70th Show class, a ‘Cake for the Troops’ attracted 13 entries and was won by Hannah Arnold.

Secretary Kirstie Martin said:‘Sulby has developed itself into a ‘have a go’ show with 10% of entries being from brand new exhibitors.

‘The committee actively assists newcomers, offering advice and support before and during the event in a friendly, helpful manner.’

A teenager from Crosby has been jailed for 14 weeks after spitting in a policeman’s face just two days after he was released from jail.

Jason Craig Quayle, of Reayrt ny Chrink, pleaded guilty to a charge of assaulting a police officer.

A second charge of being drunk and incapable was withdrawn by the court.

The court heard that Quayle had only been released from jail on July 21 after spending 28 days there for breaching a community service order and non-payment of a fine.

Prosecutor Hazel Carroon told the court how, at 7.10am on July 23, police went to Lord Street bus station after a report of a man drunk there.

When officers arrived they found Quayle sleeping, but were unable to rouse him despite trying for around three or four minutes.

The 18-year-old eventually woke up and was said to be unsteady on his feet and smelling of alcohol.

He refused to co-operate with police and would not give his name and address details.

He continued to refuse to co-operate and was subsequently arrested and taken to police headquarters.

At this point Quayle was said to have become extremely agitated, swearing at police and insulting them.

As the facts of his arrest were read out to him, Quayle turned to one officer and spat in his face.

Quayle continued being aggressive and swearing until he was restrained and put in a cell.

Defending Quayle in court, advocate Ian Kermode said: ‘My client went out partying at a friend’s house and consumed a substantial amount of alcohol.

‘He was making up for lost time. He remembers leaving the party then waking up in a cell. He doesn’t remember spitting.

‘He has been shown CCTV footage and fully accepts that’s what happened. He has handed in a letter of apology to the officer.

‘Mr Quayle’s attitude is one of profound embarrassment. He feels stupid and ashamed. There have been different offences but the common denominator is alcohol. In the last Youth Justice Team report on him alcohol was identified as a risk factor and that has proved to be prophetic.’

Deputy High Bailiff Jayne Hughes said while passing sentence: ‘Spitting in the face of anyone is always considered an extremely serious assault.

‘If spit lands on the eyes, nose or mouth area it can cause fear of infection. This was committed two days after your release.

‘You have a very real difficulty with alcohol and unless you address it you’re going to spend an awful lot of your life in prison.’

Quayle was also banned from entering onlicensed premises for 12 months.

More than 500 runners and walkers have entered this Sunday’s Microgaming-sponsored Isle of Man Marathon and Half-Marathon events.

Organised by Isle of Man Veteran Athletes’ Club, both races will be run over a course starting and finishing in Ramsey. The race HQ is at Ballacloan football stadium.

The 13.1-mile route involves the undulating coast road north to Bride, turning left to Andreas, then St Jude’s, before returning to Ramsey via Jurby Road.

Runners in the marathon will complete slightly less than two circuits, starting from North Shore Promenade at 9am. The half-marathon starts on North Shore Road (close to the main entrance to Mooragh Park) at 9.30am and both finish inside Ballacloan Stadium.

Spectators are welcome at the stadium all day, where refreshments will be available.

l Motor vehicle drivers and riders are urged to take care round the course on the day please, especially at the Vollen junction (close to the former Grand Island Hotel).