The Isle of Man Friends of Anthony Nolan are celebrating 25 years of fundraising for the blood cancer charity Anthony Nolan with an anniversary dinner.

It will be held at The Best Western Palace Hotel on November 11 at 7.30pm.

Comedian, author, and broadcaster Dominic Holland will provide the after dinner speech.

Anthony Nolan saves lives by matching those with blood cancer with bone marrow or stem cell donors, and relies on funding.

Thanks to the work of the Isle of Man Friends group, 1,400 people have registered and at least 24 Manx residents have donated.

Tickets cost £65 (£600 for a table of 10). Contact Ivan Bratty, chairman of the Friends group, on 852486 or ivanbratty@manx.net to book.

The 40th anniversary of the formation of Isle of Man National Transport is being commemorated with a book by local historian and author Richard Davis.

Isle of Man Road Services features the service’s famous ‘red buses’, which mainly operated outside of Douglas and were a familiar sight on Manx roads following the amalgamation of the island’s two bus fleets.

Mr Davis said: ‘Always maintained in a smart and tidy condition, Road Services gave sterling service to the Isle of Man from the late 1920s until nationalisation in October 1976.

‘Viewed with great affection by both residents and visitors to the island, the operation was also highly regarded by other transport undertakings throughout the UK and beyond, many of which were considerably larger organisations operating huge fleets.

‘It has been an honour and a pleasure to have known many of the Road Services’ staff over the years and to have the opportunity to drive some of the buses, and indeed to own one, a 1967 Leyland Leopard, which appears later in the book.’

Images for the book were sourced from the author’s collection, Stan Basnett, the late Bill Lambden’s collection, John Davis, Ray Stanfield, Manx National Heritage and Travel lens Photographic.

Mr Davis has had a lifelong interest in the island’s history and transport.

His previous titles include Douglas Corporation Buses In Pictures - Centenary Edition and Buses of the Isle of Man: 1945-present day.

He has also published three volumes of Those Were The Days, featuring old photographs of the island, with the fourth volume due out later this year.

A proportion of the proceeds from the books goes to the Manx Transport Enthusiasts Association, of which Mr Davis is chairman. The charity is operated by volunteers and is dedicated to the restoration and maintenance of vintage buses based at the former Tours coach depot at Summer Hill in Douglas.

Isle of Man Road Services is published by Lily Publications with an RRP of £15.

Bringing unique and incredibly talented guitar virtuosi to the island is the main aim of GuitarFest.

The festival returns from Friday, October 28, to Sunday, October 30, and this year is moving to Peel.

Jonno Gollow of JonnoPromotions said each performer brought something different and will ensure that audiences have a memorable experience.

‘The reason we have moved to Peel is the Centenary Centre is a perfect size for this type of event, with brilliant acoustics, sound and lighting equipment and also has an established music audience,’ he said.

‘JonnoPromotions is proud to have been part of developing that audience over our past 11 years of music event creation.’

Grammy award-winner Amrit Sond returns to the island on his fourth visit to be guest opening act on the Friday and Saturday evening.

Amrit, who last played at GuitarFest in 2009 and supported Clive Carroll in 2011, uses every surface of the guitar to provide an exciting variety of percussions while playing highly complex contrapuntal guitar lines which negate the need for vocals.

Born in Kenya and raised in the Middle East, his formative years were influenced by Indian, African and Middle Eastern sounds before he moved to the UK where the rock/metal scene caught his attention. Amrit has blended these musical influences to create a truly individual sound that will leave audiences awestruck.

Headlining on the Friday evening is the incredibly talented Mike Dawes, one of the world’s finest and most creative modern fingerstyle performers.

Mike released his debut album in 2013 and has toured all over the world since then.

He has recorded with, sessioned for, and even taught, multiple Grammy award-winning artists, appeared on film and TV soundtracks, released apps and transcribed for international music magazines.

He is coming to GuitarFest after a US tour where he was opening the show for and playing lead guitar for Justin Heywood from the Moody Blues.

Mike will also lead a masterclass on Saturday afternoon.

‘Mike’s guitar skills will have even the most seasoned guitarist listening to, and playing, their instruments with fresh ears,’ Jonno said.

The main headliner is powerful guitarist, singer and songwriter, the Welsh wizard Martyn Joseph. With a career spanning more than 30 years and 30 albums, his versatility is well known and his live concerts are legendary.

Martyn had five UK Top 50 singles in the 90s, including ‘Dolphins Make Me Cry’, ‘Working Mother’, ‘Being There’ and ‘Let’s Talk About it in The Morning’.

Martyn has been referred to as the ‘Welsh Springsteen’ and among his many awards is best folk song at the World Independent Music Awards in 2012. BBC 6Music’s Tom Robinson has described Martyn as ‘one of the most charismatic and electrifying performers in Britain today’ while Mojo magazine described him as ‘Britain’s best kept secret’.

Jonno said: ‘Martyn is a brilliant guitarist and musician as well as an amazing songwriter. I’ve been looking for an opportunity to bring him to the Isle of Man for some time and GuitarFest 2016 seemed a perfect opportunity.

Meanwhile, on Sunday morning JonnoPromotions is hosting a brunch, courtesy of Creative Industries at DED, at the Mereside Hotel where GuitarFest artists will be ‘In Conversation’ about working in the music business, tales from the road and answering questions from the public.

Jonno thanked the Arts Council, Aston International, Swagelok, Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, Dougherty Quinn and 3FM for their support.

For more details see www.jonnopromotions.com

Tickets are available from www.eTickets.im/jp and from Celtic Gold, Peter Norris Music, Shakti Man and Thompson Travel.

A man who is thought to have jumped into Douglas harbour on Saturday night was rescued by a passing yacht, Douglas coastguard have confirmed.

At around 6.30pm, the crew on the yacht pulled the man from the water and took him to safety at the pontoon where an ambulance crew was waiting.

The incident took place just as the Millennium Bridge was being opened.

A spokesman for the Douglas coastguard was unable to comment on the man’s condition or why he was in the harbour.

A police spokesman said that they had not been involved in the incident.

Mark Cavendish’s Olympic medal hopes hang very much in the balance at the halfway point in the six-discipline omnium event.

This is the ultimate track endurance test, cycling’s equivalent of a decathlon or heptathlon, pitting the world’s toughest track cyclists against each other in a multi-discipline two-day event.

Cavendish knew going into the event that he would face the stiffest of tests, but he started well on Sunday with sixth place in the 15 kilometre bunch scratch race.

This followed by the 4km individual pursuit in which the 31-year-old Manxman performed brilliantly to record the second fastest time of 4min 16.878sec and catch reigning world champion Fernando Gaviria Rendon of Colombia in the process.

This placed him third going into the always exciting elimination race, a bunch race which sees the last rider to cross the line every two laps eliminated, until one rider remains and takes the win.

Cav was perfectly placed throughout and when overall omnium leader Lasse Norman Hansen of Denmark, who won in London, went out at the first hurdle, followed shortly later by Germany’s Roger Kluge, it looked as though he was set for another top-three finish.

But he made a mistake when overtaking on the blue, flat section of the track at one of the track often referred to as the Cote d’Azur, and was ejected. He was awarded with seventh, but he was painfully aware that he could have been considerably higher placed.

This left him third overnight on 96 points, 10 behind the leader, France’s Thomas Boudat, the 2014 world champion,and two more than Italy’s Elia Viviani who won the elimination race.

The second day of the omnium begins with the time trial over 1km at 2.20pm (BST) today, Monday, followed by the flying lap, a race against the clock over 200 metres with a flying start, at 8pm this evening and the final event, the 40km points race at 9.23pm.

A piece of art representing the seven kingdoms visible from the top of Snaefell and the flight of people to and from the island will go in Castletown square as part of the regeneration scheme.

The art – by local artíst Angela Patchett – will go at the centre of the pedestrianised area of the square near shops.

It is hoped it will be installed later this year.

The town’s retiring MHK, Richard Ronan, said: ‘It is absolutely stunning, it’s unique. It represents Castletown and the island how it is and and has been for centuries with the movement of people. The seven kingdoms have never been recreated before, the birds are Manx shearwaters.’

The town authority welcomed the artwork, but said they felt it required some explanation.

A Douglas woman has been convicted of having more than £11,000 worth of cannabis at her home.

Melanie Anne Freeland, of Hillside Avenue, has been committed to the Court of General Gaol Delivery and will be sentenced there on a date to be set.

The court heard how, on July 21, police went to 36-year-old Freeland’s home on an unrelated matter.

She admitted to police that there was a quantity of cannabis in the kitchen in a rucksack.

In the bag police found 16 100 gram bars of cannabis resin, with a further 112 grams in its front pockets.

A search found another nine 100 gram bars in a cupboard under the sink.

The total value of the cannabis resin found was said to be between £11,144.09 and £11,394.09, with cash totalling £1,170 also discovered in Freeland’s purse.

In a police interview Freeland handed in a prepared statement saying that her partner had drug debts and a person she wouldn’t name had subsequently forced her to store the cannabis. She said she believed someone would be coming back to collect it.

The amount in the front pocket she said was for her own personal use and she said she had saved the cash from her benefits because she had not had to buy any cannabis for the last six months.

Deputy High Bailiff Jayne Hughes said that she was committing the case to the higher court due to high value of the drug seized.

Bail continues with conditions that Freeland reside at her home address, report to police headquarters daily and abide by a 7pm to 7am curfew.

A squabble over a game of pool culminated in one player being attacked with a cue.

The yobbish scenes erupted in Sam Webb’s pub after the defendant, Carl James Druggan, had been on an afternoon drinking session while watching the European football tournament on the television.

But when the 26-year-old, from Kensington Avenue in Douglas, finished up in a pool doubles game around 11.30pm, matters turned ugly.

Another player accused Druggan of standing too close to his pool partner and fouling her shot. The pair started bickering which escalated into some pushing and shoving and general acrimony.

For the prosecution, James Robinson told the court: ‘Words were exchanged again and the defendant took the pool cue when it was handed to him.

‘The defendant then used the thick end of the pool cue to strike the other party twice in the head area,’ he said.

The court heard that the pool cue was smashed into two pieces as a result and the victim suffered injury.

Druggan was charged with assault causing actual bodily harm, on May 21, and later admitted the offence. When he was arrested and interviewed at the police station, he declined to comment on the incident.

At the request of his advocate, Peter Russell, the case was adjourned for two weeks, giving chance for the defendant to pay for a television, damaged in the altercation. He is to reappear on August 25.

Sure has appointed Andy Winslade to the professional services team in the role of professional services network consultant.

Mr Winslade joins Sure with an extensive engineering background and is qualified and experienced in the design, delivery and operation of large-scale customer premises equipment (CPE) networking, delivering secure communication solutions.

The company says that in his new role he will primarily be responsible for pre-sales and network design architecture for the Sure Isle of Man business customer base, which is continuing to grow.

Mr Winslade has previously established network infrastructure systems in the defence sector, local government and the Royal Air Force.

Mike Phillips, chief executive of Sure Isle of Man, said: ‘Andy’s background and experience in systems launches and subsequent management will bolster our enterprise offering and ensure that we can offer complete, high-spec systems to our customers.

‘Sure is continuing to grow in the Isle of Man and Andy will be a valuable resource for our professional services team.’

Mr Winslade said: ‘The team that’s in place at Sure is well-positioned to ensure further growth in the enterprise solutions space and I’m excited to be a part of that.’

Manx Telecom has appointed Alex Gibson as human resources transformation manager.

He will help Manx Telecom achieve its strategic goals.

Alex, originally from New Zealand, previously held roles at Zurich in the island and the UK.

Alex has now returned to the Isle of Man with his wife Emma and their three children.

Alex has a great track record of broad HR roles, and his academic qualifications include a Bachelor of Business and Management degree with majors in both HR and Marketing.

Alex said: ‘I am genuinely excited to become a part of such a dynamic and innovative organisation, with a real sense of focus and appetite for change.’

John McChesney, Manx Telecom human resources director, welcomed Alex’s appointment and said: ‘His appointment is part of our HR strategy which is designed to meet the needs of the business as it grows.’

A 20-year-old woman was seriously injured at an address in Reayrt ny Chrink, Crosby, on Saturday evening.

Lee Michael Dillon, aged 27, who lives in Reayrt ny Chrink, was arrested at the scene.

He was was subsequently charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm upon the woman.

The man appeared at court this morning and was remanded in custody at the prison, until Tuesday, August 23.

The injured woman was treated as an in-patient at Noble’s and subsequently released from hospital.

Inspector Andy Kneen said: ‘This matter is being investigated by detectives from CID, led by Detective Sergeant Brian Shimmin, supported by uniformed colleagues.

‘The public will likely see officers in the area over the next day or so, as they conduct house to house inquiries.

‘We would like to thank members of the public who have already assisted us, and would like to hear from anyone else who saw or heard anything out of the ordinary in the vicinity of Reayrt ny Chrink on Saturday evening.

‘f you have information to share with us please ring 631212.’

A wrestler who grew up in Port Erin will fight again at the Royal Hall in the Villa Marina on Wednesday, October 26.

Marcus Shilling, now living in Stockholm, fights under the name of Marcus of Man, will be on the bill as part of two show’s in Megaslam Wrestling’s October Outrage.

A matinee event will start at 2.30pm with an evening show at 7.30pm with Marcus fighting in both shows.

In September the wrestler won his first bout back in the island beating opponent the Masked Menace Tagori.

Marcus said: ‘After the biggest match of my career when I defeated Tagori last year I was so appreciative of the Manx support and everyone who came along to the show.

‘It was honestly very hard to leave the island again and return to Sweden.

‘I have a full autumn schedule ahead of me that will require a lot of training and preparation.

‘I’m very much looking forward to returning to the Isle of Man and know that, if you enjoyed the show last time, this time it will be even better.’

Marcus went to Castle Rushen High School, finishing there in 2003. He left the island after falling in love with a Swedish au pair who was working in Santon.

When she returned to Sweden, Marcus went with her and the couple are now married. His mother Ingrid Shilling, still lives in Port Erin.

Marcus’ love of wrestling began when a retired wrestler, Ted Betley, who was living in Braddan, told him tales of wrestlers he had trained who had gone on to big things in America.

The youngster began attending wrestling training camps in the south of England when he was 17.

When All-Star Wrestling announced multiple shows on the Isle of Man in 2005 Marcus contacted them and asked if he could help in anyway.

He helped set up and take down the ring, sold merchandise and was a general helper for the shows in return for some training with any of the wrestlers who had time in the afternoons before the show.

In their final show of the season Marcus was put in the final match – a battle royale where he played the part of the local boy underdog.

Since his fight here last September Marcus has been keeping busy.

‘I finished 2015 with a victory in a tag-team match. My partner was the European powerhouse Steinbolt,’ he said.

‘In the 2016 season I started with a Royal Rumble match and beat my new arch-rival Stanislaw Van Dobroniak.

‘Something new was happening in Swedish wrestling in 2016 with the shows taken out of the major cities and visiting other towns. I was invited on the tour and it was invaluable experience. I learned a few new moves and tricks to use when I’m back on the island.’

Speaking about the October event at the Villa the wrestler said: ‘Many of last year’s stars will be over again. Fan favourite El Ligero is scheduled to appear which I know will make a lot of the younger wrestling fans happy. He is one of the best in Europe right now and is working in all the top UK promotions.’

Tickets are available from the Villa Marina website.

A sixth candidate has announced he wants to be the MHK for Ayre and Michael.

Carlos Phillips, aged 27, will contest the constituency for one of two seats.

With a law degree and postgraduate year at Belgium’s College of Europe Institute, Carlos interned with an EU President before returning home to work for government’s external relations team, promoting and defending the island’s reputation internationally.

He says his knowledge of the EU system, contacts and language skills allow him to fight for the best Brexit deal for northern farmers and the Manx economy, making the most of new opportunities.

Carlos says he wants to give back to the island that gave him his chance. He commented:

‘Coming from a modest income family, I couldn’t have gone to university and onto Europe without the island’s generosity. I want to give back five of my best years to help secure a prosperous, caring future. Being an MHK is a public service − not a career path.’

Northern raised at the Lezayre Tearooms in Glen Duff, he attended Sulby School and was Ramsey Grammar head boy.

If elected, he said he would respond to every constituent’s query in 10 days or less.

Details of Carlos’ policies can be found at www.carlos.im

He added: ‘Ensuring the island fulfils its potential drove me to stand.

‘Residents tell me they seek positive change, I ask you vote for it.’

Brian Keenan, for 30 years the ‘face’ of the Empress Hotel, has died.

Mr Keenan lost his life to prostate cancer. Few knew of his illness, except his immediate family and closest friends.

Michael Lees, a member of the Arts Council, was one such close friend.

He said: ‘We were life-long friends, knowing each other for more than 50 years.

‘Our friendship was born out of shared interests in theatre and travel.

‘Not long after we had left school we went on the first of what was to be many holidays together and it was while we were away that our friendship grew.

‘Since then we visited many parts of the world together and he was ever the ideal travelling companion, always ready with his sharp observations and sense of humour, even on the odd occasion when our travel plans would go awry.

‘We also loved the theatre and I recall how Brian first got a taste for the stage when he was about 15 and used the work the spotlights at the then Palace and Derby Castle theatres and also the Gaiety Theatre.

‘He loved the whole atmosphere and met many international stars who came to the island to perform. But he also loved going to theatre, and we made many trips to London and elsewhere, to see not only tried and tested shows but also new works as well.

‘His love of the stage, though, extended beyond that. Brian had a good tenor voice and for a while he was involved in local operatics, but as his career took hold he had to contend with being in the audience rather in front of it.

‘Brian’s career in the food and beverage industry dates from when he was about 15, when he was an apprentice at Crellin’s Bakery, following which he worked in many hotels in the island including the Peveril, the Metropole, the Grand Island, the Palace and latterly the Empress Hotel where he rose to become general manager, working alongside Maureen McGowan for many years. And during his time at the Empress he worked for three owners: John Morley, John Turner and the current owner Kim Yip.

‘The Empress was effectively Brian’s second home and he made every guest feel that they were “at home” too. Weddings were always a big part of Brian’s work and his aim was to make sure the bride had a wonderfully memorable day. In his words he wanted everything to be “correct”. He made every bride feel special and only a very few weeks ago he told me he’d overseen more than 1,000 wedding functions at the Empress.

‘I would say that one of Brian’s legacies is that during his time at the Empress he was heavily involved in training the staff to a very high standard.

‘He made them feel welcome and valued, embracing all their different nationalities, and knew every member of staff by name, no matter how difficult the pronunciation.

‘Such were his mentoring skills that many staff have gone on to forge successful careers in the industry around the world, including some now working at the Ritz Hotel in London.

‘He was also very supportive of the island’s amateur drama scene, and made sure visiting performers and crew were made welcome at the Empress on occasions such as Island of Culture 2014 and when the island hosted the British All-Winners festival of plays, and would provide them with a “green room”.

‘Away from the hotel Brian enjoyed a full and active life. For 25 years he was treasurer of Arthritis Research and until his death was a committee member of Manx Radio’s Dreamcatcher appeal. He had a wide and varied circle of friends and on June 30 this year, despite failing health, celebrated his 70th birthday with 100 friends at, of course, the Empress.

‘I’ve said Brian had a love of the stage and I think it’s fair to say that these past 30 years Brian’s “stage” has been the Empress, and his audience the many guests and members of staff fortunate to have known and worked with him.

‘In the island’s hospitality industry Brian will be a hard act to follow. And as a dear friend to me, Brian was always there. And what, for me, will always be there even though he’s passed away will be the fond memories of the times we shared together these past 50 years.’

Mr Keenan leaves two brothers and three sisters.

A funeral Mass for Mr Keenan will be held on Thursday, August 18, at 10.30am at St Mary’s Church, Hill Street, Douglas.

A couple who have travelled Britain raising money for the Alzheimer’s Society and awareness of dementia are heading to the Isle of Man for the Festival of Motorcycling.

Michael Payne and Kate Yates, who live in Carmarthen in Wales, have already raised more than £2,500 and are hoping for more donations when they visit the island from August 23 to September 4.

When Kate was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s at the age of 56 the pair formed ‘Team Katy’ and embarked on two tours around Britain with their sidecar. Throughout their travels they discuss the condition with people they meet and collect money for the charity.

Michael said: ‘Kate was a keen rider herself until the disease robbed her of her licence so touring Britain in a sidecar seemed a good way to keep up her involvement in riding, as well as raising awareness of Alzheimer’s and money for research.

‘One of Kate’s priorities is to give people a greater understanding of the disease and we have managed to help a few people on the earlier trips, raising awareness of what Alzheimer’s means – it isn’t just losing your memory.

‘I am hoping to give Kate a good experience during this trip, as well as collecting and raising awareness while in the island.’

The Steam Packet Company have covered the cost of the couple’s travel to the island.

If you would like to donate visit www.justgiving.com/Michael-Payne1

Peel Gardeners’ Association will hold its 74th annual show on Thursday.

The show will open at 2pm in the town’s Corrin Hall, and will feature all the usual categories.

There will be classes for flowers, vegetables, pot plants, floral art, plus confectionery such as jams, fruit and honey, and photography and adult handicrafts.

There is also a wide variety of children’s classes ranging from flowers, handwriting, photography, painting and computer handiwork.

You don’t have to be a professional as there are also classes for novices in the flower and vegetable sections.

Some of the trophies date as far back as the 1940s.

Pat Costain will take over as auctioneer this year, due to the sad loss of John Kennaugh, who took on the role for many years and who organisers say will be sorely missed.

Robert Quayle, from the Gardeners’ Association, said: ‘Last year’s show was probably one of the best we have had with entries up on previous years.’

Entries will be accepted at the Corrin Hall between 5pm and 9.30pm tomorrow (Wednesday), and confectionery before 10.30am on Thursday. The sale of produce auction will be held in the evening at 7.30pm.

For further information contact Margaret Kennaugh on 803269 or Robert Quayle on 843157.

The Department of Economic Development is inviting local organisations to participate in Employment and Skills 2016, the island’s largest careers event.

The event will take place on Thursday, November 10 at the Villa Marina, Douglas and will be jointly hosted by the DED and the Department of Education and Children.

Graham Cregeen MHK, political member with responsibility for Employment and Skills at the Department of Economic Development, said: ‘Support from industry is vital for mutually beneficial events such as this.

‘Employment and Skills 2016 offers a fantastic opportunity for the island’s employers to showcase the depth of opportunity available on the Isle of Man.

‘Companies and associations from the private, public and third sectors are all welcome to exhibit.’

The Department of Economic Development is responsible for employment, skills development and training in the island and works closely with the Department of Education and Children in this regard.

This event is aimed at job seekers of any age currently searching for full time employment, considering a change in their current employment or researching future opportunities.

Previous events have been attended by secondary school students and adult jobseekers alike, giving them the opportunity to speak directly to potential employers in an informal setting about the range of careers and jobs available.

Employers wishing to exhibit will find full details of the event and an online application form at www.gov.im/esc2016. Alternatively, they can contact the event organiser Frances Hampton by phoning 693830 or via email at frances.hampton@gov.im Deadline for applications is Friday, August 19.

A man who was attacked in his Douglas property fled and was chased by his assailants who then assaulted him outside.

It took place at a property on Victoria Road at about 5.30pm on Sunday afternoon.

Police are appealing for any witnesses to this incident to come forward as a matter of urgency.

The victim did not sustain serious injuries, but he did go to hospital.

Chief Minister Allan Bell has congratulated Manxman Mark Cavendish on winning a silver medal in the Olympic Games.

Cav won the medal in the men’s omnium cycling event in the Rio Olympics.

Mr Bell said: ‘It was great to see Mark Cavendish realising his ambition of winning an Olympic medal and extending his long list of magnificent sporting success.

‘Mark is a superb ambassador for the Isle of Man and once again he has made the island proud.’

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The number of seats on Douglas Council will reduce from 18 to 12 in 2020.

Council leader David Christian raised the motion at last week’s meeting, where the issue was discussed for around three hours.

Members voted in favour of the reduction, 13 to 4.

Douglas is currently divided into six wards, which would see two councillors elected to each when the reduction comes into effect following the next election, due to take place in 2020.

However, the possibility of replicating the capital’s four Keys constituencies will now be investigated. If this approach is adopted then each ward would be represented by three councillors.

The assistant town clerk will now compile a report on how this may work, and this will be discussed by the council in due course.

Mr Christian said: ‘This is the third time I’ve been involved in trying to get this reduction so I’m very pleased.’

The move to reduce numbers was defeated in 2011 by a single vote and again in 2014, when it was raised by Ann Corlett, by 14 votes to two.