Soapboxes reaching speeds of up to 50mph will be hurtling through the closed streets of Peel on Sunday afternoon.

Peel’s first soapbox races in 60 years took place last year – and they’re returning again this year with a longer and faster course.

One of the event organisers, Ian Davison, told Island Life: ‘Last year we decided it would be fun to run the event again and it attracted more than 25 soapbox racers from all over the Isle of Man.

‘This year we will have around the same number of entries but as usual the entries all come in on the last minute so we wont turn entries away should they be a day or two late.

‘After the success of last year’s event we have decided to make our course longer and even more exciting and this year we have incorporated Stanley Road, where speeds will reach nearly 50mph before going over the flying finish, braking hard at the bottom onto the promenade where the racers will have an uplift and be taken back to the start.’

The course has been designed by Mark Ellison of Manx Auto Sport, who has more than 40 years’ rallying experience.

Ian said it would feature a ‘series of jumps and chicanes to outwit the competitors’, with names such as the Bone Rattler.

And he said the flying finish would truly live up to its name as it comprised a two and a half foot jump!

Last year the derby went straight down Peveril Road, finishing at the corner with Church Street, but this year’s will turn right and run down to the promenade.

The excitement will start from 2pm on closed roads and Ian urged people to go along and watch as each of the competitors complete their three timed runs.

Ian said that the safety of both the competitors and spectators was paramount.

‘All soapboxes are fully checked over by our chief engineer and all must be built to specification,’ he said.

The driver of the kart which achieves the fastest combined time for their three runs will win the Pepsi Challenge Cup, £150 and 10 cases of Pepsi Cola.

The winners of the team entry, one driver with a passenger, will also win a cup, £150 and 10 cases of free Pepsi.

There will also be the Davison’s Ice Cream Cup and £100 for the best fancy dress award, the Peter Dawson Cup and £100 for the best novelty soapbox design.

The highest speed recorded will win £50 from Peel Fisheries and highest sponsorship achieved will win £50 from Peel Commissioners.

Ian thanked residents on the course for their understanding and Paul Craine and Empire Garage for closing the garage early to allow the event to take place.

He also thanked the sponsors: Pepsi, Peel Fisheries Top Chippy, Davison’s Ice Cream, Peter Dawson Tyres, Manx Auto Sport, Peel Town Commissioners and Energy FM.

• Meanwhile, Sunday will also see hundreds of ‘big kids’ tackle Hospice Isle of Man’s urban water slide.

It will be in action on Walpole Road, in Peel, from 11.30am for ticket holders to enjoy.

Plans to turn the former Pinewood Pub, in Pulrose, into a social club are moving ahead.

The interim committee of the newly-formed Pinewood Social Club have submitted a Club Registration Order to The Licensing Court. Their case will be heard on September 8.

The committee, which is made up by Douglas South MHK candidate Bill Malarkey and Pulrose residents, hopes the new social club will open its doors on Saturday, September 17.

Mr Malarkey, who has spearheaded the set-up of the club, said: ‘The committee would like to thank the management of Heron and Brearley for their ongoing and committed support during the discussions.

‘I would also like to thank the many professionals who have given their time and advice, freely, helping us to get to this point.

‘The Social Club will be focused on community activities and events for the welfare of the members. There has already been a high sign up for membership.

‘And thanks to the enthusiastic and committed spirit of the community, as this could now be a reality.’

Heron and Brearley made the decision to close the Pinewood Pub in June, due to the changing demands of its customers and its desire to focus on the development of its overall estate. The pub closed its doors on July 6.

The brewery also announced the closure of Ramsey club Nightlife.

Following Heron and Brearley’s decision, a public meeting, organised by Mr Malarkey, was held where Pulrose residents could discuss the future of the pub. Around 60 residents attended and a committee was formed to start discussions with the brewery.

Anyone interested in joining the Social Club can pick up a membership form from Pulrose Post Office.

A driver was freed from her car this morning after her car landed out on its roof in a crash on the Poortown Road, Peel

It happened at 10.45am and police and fire crews were called out.

Fire crews gave first aid to the woman, who was suffering from shock and a complaining of a minor shoulder injury.

Broadcaster Ben Fogle has made a video about the island’s nature and outdoor activities.

He and a film crew spent a day of cycling, abseiling and nature spotting around the Isle of Man.

The video forms part of Ben Fogle’s Great British Adventures and will be released on the government’s www.visitisleofman.com website later this year.

A comment made by radio presenter Stu Peters has triggered several complaints.

Mr Peters, who presents the phone-in programme Talking Heads on Manx Radio, made the comments in a discussion on Facebook.

He said that children who appeared to be badly behaved shouldn’t be ‘inflicted’ on others in cafes.

Mr Peters, the man behind Coffee Exchange on Athol Street, added: ‘My sincere sympathies to anyone dealing with autism or any other condition, it must be really difficult and you’re only looking out for them, I know.

‘But think of all the other people who may have a rare meal out ruined by ‘apparent’ bad behaviour.

‘Remember, only you’re the expert – to other people it’s just an awkward or disruptive child.’

There were dozens of angry responses to his views on social media.

One member of the public told Isle of Man Newspapers: ‘I write as a Manx resident re the article and comments made by Manx Radio presenter Stuart Peters last night re autistic children on Facebook.

‘His comments, sentiment and understanding of autism is a disgrace.

‘A grown “respectable” man who himself lives behind a mask of dignity should know better than to throw comments about a condition he knows nothing about.

‘[He is] an uneducated bigot whose actions should be investigated.

‘He should ever be associated with Manx Radio or the Isle of Man. The isle Of Man should be ashamed to be associated with such a man.’

Manx Radio boss Anthony Pugh released a statement.

It reads: ‘Manx Radio’s programme code offers guidelines as to how our broadcast output is managed, but the online and social media space is not regulated in the same way. However, Manx Radio, as a responsible media provider, applies the same set of codes to its digital output.

‘Whilst Stu Peters’ post occurred away from the Manx Radio social space and was made in a personal capacity I personally believe it is unwise of any Manx Radio presenter to think they have a separate public and personal persona. Obviously his views are not shared by Manx Radio.

‘I am disappointed that his comments have been used by many out of the original context in which they were posted and that some comments sent to Manx Radio have been abusive, foul and threatening. Through necessity they have had to be moderated.

‘Manx Radio does have guidelines regarding the use of social media but I feel this incident points to further lessons here for the station which we will address.

‘It is not Manx Radio’s intention to upset or distress any part of our community. It is a practice that has held us in good stead over the decades and we will need to ensure it also applies to the company in the digital space for the future.’

A drugs mule who brought more than £4,000-worth of cocaine to the island to help pay off a £1,000 heroin debt has been sent to prison.

Matthew David Joseph Prendergast was intercepted by police as he arrived at Ronaldsway airport on April 9.

After initially denying any wrongdoing, he was taken to Noble’s Hospital where he excreted packages containing a total of 83.2 grams of cocaine worth betweem £4,164 and £5,829.

The 29-year-old, who is currently resident at the prison in Jurby, said he was promised £500 towards his drugs debt in return for bringing the drugs to the Isle of Man but refused to name the other party involved.

His advocate, Paul Glover, told the court Prendergast was keen to engage with drug and mental health support at prison and to improve his qualifications.

He was also working in the prison as a cleaner, he said.

Prendergast admitted importing cocaine to the island and possessing it with intent to supply.

Sentencing him to five and a half years in total, Deemster Alastair Montgomerie said: ‘There is a sentence plan to get you clean from addiction. I hope you take that opportunity.

‘If you do, you can be optimistic...the choice is yours.’

Farmers and food producers who are focusing on the future have been recognised with awards.

The winners of the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture’s (DEFA) new Isle of Man Food and Farming Award, were announced at the Royal Manx Agricultural Show.

Kneale Brothers of Ballaugh and Andreas Meat Co captivated judges with their enthusiasm to improve and expand their businesses, and their passion for food, farming and the environment while focusing on the requirements of their markets.

Brothers David, Mark and Chris Kneale, along with father Leslie, run 600-acre Lough Dhoo Farm, which is based on the edge of the Ballaugh Curragh. They took home the award in the farming category.

Andreas Meat Co won the award in the food category. The company, formerly known as M&K Poultry, is run by Norman and Rita Morrey, John Faloon and Emma Pickar.

They produce sausages and bacon and now cure, cook and slice their own cooked meats.

The companies received their awards at a ceremony in the DEFA’s marquee at the Royal Manx Agricultural Show. They were presented with vouchers for £200, trophies and certificates.

Richard Ronan, Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture, said: ‘It’s important for the economy and the environment that farmers and food producers look to the future and adapt to ever evolving customer demands and trends.

‘Today’s winners are adopting new farming methods and carving out new markets and are reaping the rewards in terms of their businesses and reputation. I congratulate them for their vision, commitment and hard work.

‘My department’s Food Matters strategy sets out how a future focus is key to the growth of Isle of Man food and drink, which plays a vital role in growing the economy.’

At a ceremony compered by Geoffrey Boot, John Speakman, senior buyer with Shoprite and a, member of the judging panel, presented the winners with vouchers for £200, trophies and certificates.

‘Manx-produced food is important to our business and our customers and it is reassuring to know that there is a strong commitment to the industry’s future,’ Mr Speakman said.

‘I was particularly impressed by the innovation and determination to succeed showed by these committed, forward-looking, commercially driven people.’

Farms were marked on efficiency, profitability, future plans, customer focus, conservation and promotion. Food and drink producers were assessed on their sourcing of local ingredients and skill to produce an outstanding product.

Runners-up in the awards were Will McMillin of Lhen Mill, in the farming category, and Betty’s Pies and Manx Cider Co, in the food section. They were each presented with £50 vouchers and certificates.

The judges were John Speakman, senior buyer with Shoprite; DEFA member Geoffrey Boot; Andrew Lees, the department’s food business development manager; Brian Brumby, vice president of the Manx National Farmers’ Union; Allan Craine, president of the Royal Manx Agricultural Show, and Tim Johnston, who won DEFA’s ‘Tomorrow’s Farmer’ award last year.

Supermarket group Shoprite sponsored the award.

A young man caught late at night smoking dope in an isolated car park has been given a conditional discharge.

Daniel Justin Keppel Woodbridge, of Murray’s Road, Douglas, was found in possession of a morsel of cannabis bush weighing just half a gram and worth around £10, when police swooped on Marine Drive just after midnight on July 19.

For the prosecution, Barry Swain conceded: ‘It was a small amount for personal recreational use.

‘The circumstances of the offence do reflect that as he was with friends in a car. But it’s not his first dealing with the drug.

‘There has been recent press coverage of prosecutions for possessing small amounts of cannabis, however this was a very small amount for personal use.’

He said police were on patrol on Marine Drive when they saw three people in an Audi car at the Pigeon Stream car park.

Mr Swain said: ‘There was a strong smell of cannabis coming from it so they spoke to the people inside. The defendant admitted owning a cannabis grinder wich had a small amount of cannabis in it. He was arrested and said he had put the grinder under the car seat to hide it.’

The defendant admitted a charge of possessing cannabis bush.

Representing Woodbridge, Jim Travers said the 22-year-old had few previous convictions and emphasised the fact that it was a minute quantity. He said the case had been delayed while a weight and value were provided, and noted that statistics given were in surprisingly round figures. He said Woodbridge was employed and could pay a fine.

Sentencing him, Deputy High Bailiff Jayne Hughes agreed to a conditional discharge for 12 months. He must pay £125 costs and a forfeiture and destruction order was made for the grinder.

Here are the results of the Royal Manx Agricultural Show, which was held in Knockaloe on Friday and Saturday.

Supreme Championship, Mr T. Cain, Straw Frank Gloria & Calf

Reserve Supreme Championship, Ballacricket Farms Ltd, N. Masson & Mrs V. Sloane-Masson

2nd Reserve Supreme Champion, J.H. & Miss J.H. Quine, Ballakilley Jasper

3rd Reserve Supreme Champion, Creer Brothers, Shearling Yearling Ewe

Highest Placed Beef Exhibit in Supreme Awards, Mr T. Cain, Straw Frank Gloria & Calf

Reserve Highest Placed Beef Exhibit in Supreme Awards, J.H. & Miss J.H. Quine, Ballakilley Jasper

Celia Hedges Light Horse Champion, The Real McCoy, Miss A. Corlett

Celia Hedges Light Horse Champion, 1st Reserve, Conrhenny Windsong, M. Hargreaves

Celia Hedges Light Horse Champion, 2nd Reserve m Spinway Special Gift, Miss R. Ranson

Best Heavy Horse in the Show, Ballafayle Scout, Miss C. Baldwin

Best Heavy Horse in the Show - reserve, Faradale Honey, Mrs J. Hunt

Champion Handler in the Calf Show, Michael Kinvig, Adam Kinvig

Champion Calf in the Calf Show, Cairbre Classic Pat (Ballacricket Farm), Carrick Silver Scarlett ( Mr J.P. Maddrell)

Best Exhibit, Other Native Beef, Ballig Prince Jonathan, Ballig Crumple

Best Exhibit, British Blue, Andreayas Georgie Girl, Andreayas Joy

Best Exhibit, Limousin, Straw Frank Gloria, Straw Frank Lauren

Best Exhibit, Other Continental Beef, Ballakilley Jasper, Ballakilley Luna Moon

Best Exhibit in Short Wool Sheep Section, Creer Brothers, Mr L.W. Halsall

Best Exhibit in the Long Wool Section, J.H. & Miss E.A. Quine, Mr J.R. Middleton

Best Exhibit in the Loaghtan Classes, Mrs J. Shepherd

Best AO Rare or Minority Breed, Mrs S. Hogg (Teeswater), Mrs S. Hogg (Teeswater)

Best Beltex, Creer Brothers, Mr L.W. Halsall

Best Texel, Creer Brothers, Mr & Mrs P.A. Kermode

Best Charollais, Mr & Mrs P.A. Kermode, Mr T. Kewley & Mr B.C. Leece

Best AO Continental Breed, Miss C. Kermeen (Zwartbles)

Best Suffolk, J.H. Quine & D. Summers

Best Cheviot, Miss J.M.E. Kewley

Best Ryeland, Mrs R. Brown

Best AO Native Breed

Best Blackface, Mr J.R. Middleton, Miss K. Creer

Best Blue Faced Leiceste, J.H. & Miss E.A. Quine, J.H. & Miss E.A. Quine

Best Border Leicester, Mr A. Kelly

Best Herdwick, Mr W. Cain

Best Swaledale, No entry

Best AO Longwool, J.H. & Miss E.A. Quine (Teeswater), Mrs S. Hogg (Teeswater)

Best Cross Bred LW/LW, Mr S. Christian

Prime Lamb, Mr C. Kermode, Mr L.W. Halsall

Pen of two sheep shown by Young Farmer. Mr C. Kermode

Showmanship Class (sheep), Mr R. Kissack, Mr J. Creer

Megs, Champion, Lucy O’Connor

Meg Lambs - smaller, Alice Teare

Meg Lambs - larger, Lauren Comish

Meg Lambs - best dressed - joint winner, Georgia Smith

Meg Lambs - best dressed - joint winner, Katie Smith

Meg Lambs - most character, Poppy Bregazzi

Meg Lambs - best behaved, Elena Caley

Meg Lambs - coloured, George Hampton

Meg Lambs - wooliest, Fearne Bregazzi

Meg Lambs - cutest,Elsie Creer

Farmyard Pet Class, Ballanorman Delilah (a goat), brought by Ms C. Lewis

Best Goat in the Show, Ballanorman Arthur (M. Walker & C. Lewis)

Best Donkey in the Show, Carlos, brought by Mr J.W.A. Graham

Best Donkey in the Show - reserve, Skippy & foal, brought by Miss A. Kerruish

Best Exhibit in the Large Fowl Section, Mr N.R. Taylor

Best Bantam in the Show, Mrs T. Jauncey

Best Pigeon in the Show, Mr A. Ball

Best Rabbit in the Show, Mr A. Hogg

Best Cavy in the Show, C., S. & O. Qualtrough

Best Hamster in the Show, C., S. & O. Qualtrough

Best Cat in the Show, Mrs S. Church

Best Livestock & Cropped farm, under 200 acres, Mr R.H. Gelling

Best Livestock & Cropped farm, over 200 acres, Mr A.W. Teare

Best Livestock & Cropped farm, any size, tenanted, Mr D.H. Brew

Best crop of wheat - Milling variety, Mr D.H. Brew

Best crop of wheat - Feed variety, McMillin Farms

Best crop of winter barley, Mr A.W. Teare

Best crop of spring barley, Mr D.J. Cooil

Best crop of winter oats, No entry

Best crop of spring oates, McMillin Farms

Best Trade Stand - Agricultural merchants, J.D.W. Engineering

Best Trade Stand - 10 -20ft frontage, Pinewood Furniture Studio

Best Trade Stand - Over 20’ frontage (excl. ag merchants), Barclays Bank

Best Vintage Tractor 1917-1959, Mr M.D. Black, 1962 Fordson Dexta

Best Classic Tractor 1960-1984, Mr B. Plant, 1957 Massey Ferguson Pet Paradine 35

Best Working Vintage Machinery (not tractor), Mr O. Mitchell, 1948 Claas Straw/Hay Low Density Stationary Baler

Champion Light Horse in the Show, The Real McCoy, Miss A. Corlett

Reserve Champion Light Horse in the Show , Conrhenny Wind Song, M. Hargreaves

Second Reserve Best Light Horse in the Show, Spinway Special Gift, Miss R. Ranson

Champion Working Hunter Horse Section, The Real McCoy, Miss A. Corlett

Champion Working Hunter Pony, Deep Blue, Mr P. Hampton

Champion Show Hunter Section, Daddy’s Girl, Miss E. Wiltcher

Champion Horses Section, The Real McCoy, Miss A. Corlett

Champion Mountain & Moorland Section, Spinway Special Gift, Miss R. Ranson

Champion Pony Section, Small-Land Mikado, Miss T. Kewley

Champion In Hand Section, Conrhenny Wind Song, M. Hargreaves

Champion Dreiving, Black Jack, Mr J.K. Corlett

The public can find out more about the effects of sight loss in a special week.

fgfdgRNIB Isle of Man, in partnership with the Manx Blind Welfare Society, has arranged for RNIB’s Eye Pod to visit the island.

The Eye Pod is an interactive simulator that provides an insight into the four most common causes of sight loss in Britain: glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration.

Digital viewers overlay a simulation of each eye condition onto a view of the outside world, showing how vision is impacted. There will also be advice on eye health to prevent the conditions, or reduce their impact with early detection and prompt treatment.

The Eye Pod will tour the Isle of Man during Vision Awareness Week, which runs from September 12 to 18, and is free to enter.

Julie Lee, services manager at RNIB in the Isle of Man, said: ‘When entering the pod people will be able to gain an insight into the four most common causes of sight loss via electronic screens that provide a view of the outside world simulating each eye condition. The intention is to convey public health messages about sight care to visitors and help them understand the impact of sight loss on everyday activities for blind and partially sighted people.’

She added: ’Over 50 per cent of sight loss can be avoided and RNIB has produced a number of tools like the Eye Pod to raise awareness of preventable sight loss and to address issues faced by people who are blind or partially sighted. Better eye health and understanding the impact of sight loss are key messages of Vision Awareness Week, and we are delighted to be working with Manx Blind Welfare Society in sharing these vital messages in such an interactive way.’

The Eye Pod itinerary includes:

Monday, September 12- Manx Blind Welfare Society’s headquarters, Corrin Court in Onchan

Tuesday, September 13 –Shoprite in Ramsey

Wednesday, September 14- University College Isle of Man

Thursday, September 15– Shoprite in Port Erin

Friday, September 16 – Shoprite in Peel

Saturday, September 17- Granville Street, Douglas

Manx Blind Welfare Society chief executive Ian Cooil said: ‘The aim of Vision Awareness Week is to highlight the challenges faced by blind and visually impaired people, what we as a society can do to help people live as independently as they choose and, importantly, to promote eye health.

‘Throughout the third Vision Awareness Week we will be delivering these messages through talks and events, and the visit of the RNIB’s Eye Pod will be a big part of the week of activities.’

Vision Awareness Week, from September 12 to 18, will include an open day at Corrin Court, a series of talks to schools, businesses and local organisations, fundraising events, Bright for Sight Day on September 16 and Walk My Way along Loch Promenade, Douglas, on September 18.

To find out more about the week visit www.mbws.org.im.

Humid and damp weather conditions are perfect for slugs, and this time of year sees a spike in cases of slug pellet poisoning in dogs and cats, and the pellets affect other species, too, such as hedgehogs.

It’s a complex topic, but in general any chemical treatment that kills slugs, snails or insects will be bad for certain larger animals and should be avoided.

The jury is still out on the effects that slug pellets have on mammals.

Metaldehyde is the active ingredient in most commercial slug pellets and research shows that the amount a mammal would need to consume to be lethal would need to be quite large either directly from eating slug pellets or poisoned slugs.

In dogs and cats signs of poisoning are the sudden onset of symptoms such as anxiety, twitching, fitting, vomiting, diarrhoea, excessive panting, drooling, uncoordinated walking, and heightened sensitivity to light, touch and sounds. Quick action can save the animal’s life and it must be taken immediately for veterinary attention.

Alternatives to using slug pellets are: seaweed which should be placed around the base of your plants but not touching them; broken egg shells or coffee grounds (often available from coffee shops for free) which can be placed in the same manner as the seaweed; copper barrier tape that can be wrapped around the base or middle of a plant pot preventing slugs from crossing it to reach your plants as it gives them a slight electrical shock on contact; and garlic which can be planted next to your most vulnerable crops because it will act as a repellent.

Many people also use beer placed in jam jars (the slugs are attracted to the beer and then drown in it) but this can also kill other insects such as ground beetles that actually eat slugs.

To way to avoid this is to keep the entrance to the jar well above ground level.

At Ard Jerkyll we maintain the grounds without the use of chemicals, but it’s not easy especially at this time of year when grass and shrubs are growing so quickly. We always welcome volunteers who can help us with general gardening and grounds maintenance.

If your employer allows you to have a ‘team volunteering day’ then please bear us in mind.

Because we’re lucky enough to have such wonderful grounds, our rescue and boarding dogs enjoy lots of exercise either off the lead in one of our three exercise fields or on the lead around our nature trail.

One of our new dogs, Dixie, particularly enjoys his exercise.

He is a very handsome two-year-old border collie and his previous owners no longer had the time for him.

He can live with children over the age of 14, and we would be willing to try him with another dog, although he has always been the only pet. Dixie needs further training and socialising, and does try to escape from his garden.

He will make someone an amazing companion, he loves attention and playing fetch!

At the other end of the spectrum we have Hollie, who is a placid and gentle cat who simply wants a quiet life.

Hollie’s previous owner’s child developed allergies and so she came to us in May for re-homing.

She had a pretty rough time in sick bay for several weeks, but she has now been given the all-clear and is in one of our socialisation rooms. Hollie is a middle-aged cat and although she’s very friendly she can be a little timid at first until she warms to you. She especially enjoys having her cheeks being stroked! Hollie has never been a wandering cat and she will stay close to her new home, when she finds one, and not roam too far; and she isn’t used to traffic and so a house in a quiet area would be more suitable for her.

She’s a beautiful cat and she will make a perfect companion for her new owner – could this be you?

And finally, our agency dress shop in Windsor Road in Douglas closed its doors last week, and we are planning to replicate the success of our Buck’s Road shop (also in Douglas) by opening a charity shop on Parliament Street in Ramsey.

As soon as we have an opening date we will let you know.

Prepare to display the best flowers, cakes and vegetables at Ballaugh Horticultural Show.

The show will take place on September 10 at Ballaugh Bowling Club. This year new classes have been added which include Best Selfie in the children’s photography category and bread not made in a bread maker.

Entries need to be taken to the club on the evening of Friday, September 9 or before 10am on show day. Doors open at 2pm. Entry costs £1 for adults and children go free. The prize presentation will start at 3pm and will be followed by an auction of entries. Proceeds will go towards children’s groups in the village.

For more details go to Ballaugh Horticultural Show on Facebook or call Helen on 495252, Gill on 405510 or Sarah on 465735.

Refusing a proposal to convert Port St Mary railway station into offices is ‘a really bad step’, according to the local authority.

The proposal, 16/00535/B by Haven Homes, was submitted on their behalf by Hugh Logan Architects, who argued alternative use is needed to secure the building’s future.

The authority said they did not want the station to mirror the marine biological station in Port Erin, which has been derelict – despite proposals – for 10 years.

However the planning committee said it is ‘not persuaded’ the station buildings are redundant for their original purposes and the waiting room is inadequate.

Introducing car parking between the goods shed and the railway building would visually separate them. The committee felt registration of the buildings should be decided first.

Commissioner Ian Skelly said: ‘I’m very disappointed this was refused.’

He added Haven Homes has withdrawn another application (14/00357/A) for 23 houses on land near the station.

He said: ‘This would have been a good income generator for the village. My fear is if we give it too long, a derelict station building will be there when we are all pushing up the daisies.’

Michelle Haywood read out planners’ reasons for refusal, and said: ‘You can hear the architects smacking their heads and saying: “But the department said this was OK”. The department had said: “no, we do not need these buildings”. I’m gutted by this, it’s a really bad step.’

Peel’s controversial £1.16m regeneration project has been slated by one of the town’s prospective MHKs.

The project started in March and aims to rejuvenate the market place and the section of Douglas Street leading to Michael Street. It is expected to last 14 months.

A Department of Infrastructure spokesman said: ‘The scheme will create a much more usable public space using natural stone materials.

‘Access to St Peter’s Church is being improved and extreme care is being taken during these operations in recognition of the sensitive nature of these works. The top part of the boundary wall is being removed by hand to allow new steps and a ramped access to be installed.

‘This will open up the grounds of the old church.

‘Work remains on programme. Paving in the first phases is complete and the alterations to the toilet block/shelter have been completed. The contractor continues to liaise with the local businesses and residents to manage the impact of the works.’

But MHK candidate Leslie Hanson said: ‘Tourists have said to me “What are we doing to Peel?”. The money could have been better spent in plenty of other places where the road needs resurfacing. I can’t see the point of it. People don’t want it.’

Ray Harmer, who was Peel’s MHK and is standing again, said: ‘Regeneration is needed in Peel, for example, renewing worn out roads and pavements, restoring buildings such as Looney’s, repairing outdated infrastructure such as old sewers and power lines. Peel competed against other towns for Treasury regeneration funds, which were available for infrastructure and this release of finance has enabled things to get started. The work in the Market Place is part of a wider initiative to attract people into the centre of Peel.

‘Next year, plans are in place to resurface Castle Street and Douglas Street. My hope is that Michael Street and Atholl Place will follow. Grants are available for shopfronts and ideas to improve parking are being explored.’

Geoffrey Boot, who was Glenfaba’s MHK and is standing again, said: ‘Peel certainly needs regeneration but it does seem to be taking a long time.

‘It seems we’re trying to do something similar to Ramsey and Castletown but it would have been nice to have done something a bit different that displayed the character of Peel. It’s a pity the money doesn’t extend to cover more areas. You have to ask would it have been better spent on resurfacing and tidying up a much larger area? Public money is tight but if I’m elected I’ll be following it up.’

The Peel and Glenfaba Keys constituencies have merged and will have two MHKs from the election on September 22.

A charity fundraiser in aid of the Billy Redmayne Memorial Fund is taking place at the Corn Mill, Laxey this Sunday, August 21 from 4pm onwards.

Live music will be provided by Fugue State and hot/cold food will be available.

There will be guest speakers from the MGP and TT, in addition to an auction and raffle.

Tickets are £15 (adult), under-16s £5, under-fives free.

Contact Hannah on 07932 584111 or Leanne 07624 311544 if you have any items to donate.

Peter Kennaugh has been named in Team Sky’s line-up which will tackle the last of this season’s Grand Tours, La Vuelta a Espana.

The three-week Spanish tour fires into life this weekend with a team time trial from Balneario Laias to Parque Náutico de Castrelo de Miño in northwestern Spain.

Over the following 20 stages, the race takes in the likes of Ourense, Oviedo, Bilbao and Benidorm before finishing on the streets of Madrid on September 11.

Alongside Kennaugh in the Sky squad is Tour de France winner Chris Froome, Ian Boswell, Michal Golas, Christian Knees, Leopold König, Michal Kwiatkowski, Mikel Landa and Salvatore Puccio.

The Manxman, one of just a handful of British riders in the race, will therefore hopefully play a key role in helping Froome claim back-to-back Grand Tours following his superb success in France last month.

Kennaugh has been on the comeback trail in recent weeks after he was forced to miss the summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro after a collarbone injury sustained in the Tour of California.

The two-time British National Road Race champion had been due to ride in the men’s team pursuit event but, citing a lack of form and insufficient recovery time, Pete pulled out and was replaced by Steve Cummings. GB won gold in the pursuit earlier this week.

Since his withdrawal though, Kennaugh has been making a strong comeback and recently rode in the Vuelta a Burgos in Spain where he enjoyed an impressive race, claiming two top-10 stages finishes on his way to a fine fifth place overall in the general classification.

The 2016 Vuelta a Espana begins this Saturday and Eurosport will be showing daily live coverage and highlights, while ITV4 will also broadcast stage highlights.

The first Isle of Man Newspapers’ Team of the Week for the 2016-17 Manx football season boasts a host of familiar faces and a plethora of goals.

The opening weekend of the Canada Life Premier League season saw champions St George’s begin the defence of their title with a 13-1 thumping of Ayre, while there were also wins for Peel, Rushen, Corinthians, Union Mills and St Mary’s.

Veteran goalkeeper Christian Cellamare - the reigning Football Writers’ Goalkeeper of the Year - shows no signs of slowing down at all as he helped Union Mills and Neil Akkulugadu get their campaigns off to a winning start thanks to a 1-0 win over newly-promoted Colby.

Also impressing for the Millers in that match was another defensive cohort in the shape of Will Miller who excellent in the heart of the defence to keep a clean sheet and book his place in hypothetical XI.

Joining him in a three-man backline are Eric Kelly and Adam Cregeen who went head-to-head at Mullen-e-Cloie for St John’s and Peel respectively. Cregeen proved to be the match-winner as his early goal ensured last year’s runners-up Peel got three points on the board, just edging his Douglas Road team-mate Daniel Lace out of the Team of the Week.

Kelly was also impressive as the young, talented full-back shone for the Saints as they restricted their western rivals to only one goal.

The two standout results from the first round of fixtures were arguably at Croit Lowey and Ballafletcher where Rushen United thumped Laxey 6-0 and Corinthians eased past DHSOB 3-0 respectively.

Therefore it’s no surprise to see players from both the Spaniards and Whites being called up to TotW, with Rushen’s Liam Cowin excelling in the centre of the park as the southerners ran riot against the Miners while Danny Oram netted twice to put Old Boys to the sword.

Completing the midfield quartet are St Mary’s playmaker Brian Crellin and St George’s Sam Caine. Crellin pulled the strings in midfield for the Saints as the Bowl outfit saw off the challenge of newly-promoted Douglas Athletic 3-1, while Caine was the undoubted star of the show as he helped himself to four goals during the champions’ 13-1 rout of Ayre United.

The three-man attack also boasts plenty of goals, with the potent trio having grabbed no fewer than eight between them in Saturday’s matches, two of them netting hat-tricks.

The two in question are no strangers to Team of the Week, namely Steven Priestnal and Chris Bass Jr who tormented their opponents for the St Mary’s and St George’s respectively.

Completing the line-up is Rushen United ‘s Jack Saxon who grabbed a brace for the Spaniards in their aformentioned 6-0 demolition of Laxey at Croit Lowey.

Just missing out on a place in the latest hypothetical XI were Saxon’s team-mate Alex Maitland, Bass’s fellow attacker Conor Doyle and Corinthians star Josh Ridings.

Claiming the first referee of the week honours for the new season is Matty Shaw who impressed with the whistle in the middle of the clash between Rushen v Laxey.

Team of the Week

Goalkeeper

Christian Cellamare (Union Mills)

Defence

Eric Kelly (St John’s)

Adam Cregeen (Peel)

Will Miller (Union Mills)

Midfield

Brian Crellin (St Mary’s)

Liam Cowin (Rushen)

Danny Oram (Corinthians)

Sam Caine (St George’s)

Attack

Ste Priestnal (St Mary’s)

Jack Saxon (Rushen)

Chris Bass Jr (St George’s)

Referee

Matty Shaw (Rusheb v Laxey)

A final decision will be made this afternoon on whether tonight’s (Saturday’s) practices for the Manx Grand Prix and Classic TT will go ahead.

Clerk of the course Gary Thompson is to make an announcement at 2.30pm after consulting staff at the meteorolocical office.

Roads are currently scheduled to close at 5pm for the opening practice session which should kick off with Newcomers’ speed controlled laps.

If the session goes ahead, roads are due to reopen again at no later than 9pm.

The event’s organisers have had to close the Noble’s Park car park to minimise any damage to the soft ground following the heavy overnight rain. Parking is expected to be available again on Monday.

The Mountain Road, which had to be shut earlier today (Saturday August 20) for emergency repairs has now reopened.

A short statement from the constabulary explained the closure: ‘A road repair has succumbed to the horrendous weather conditions on the mountain this morning just near the tram stop at the Bungalow in the Ramsey-bound carriageway.

‘Although unlikely to take place, there is a practice for the Festival of Motorcycling scheduled to take place tonight and if the repairs are not carried out this damage would impact on the practice taking place, as well as day to day traffic flow if not repaired and allowed to deteriorate further.’

Diversions were put in place via Tholt-y-Will for north-bound traffic and southbound traffic was able to travel as normal while the repairs took place.

After many months of careful conservation, a rare 18th century cavalry officer’s helmet has gone on display at the Nautical Museum in Castletown.

The helmet, known as a Tarleton, belonged to Castletown resident George Quayle, who is best known as the owner of the armed yacht Peggy.

George Quayle was a member of the House of Keys for 51 years and during the time of the wars with France was an officer in successive Manx forces raised for island defence. He both raised and funded his own regiment of cavalry.

Captain Quayle’s Constitutional Dragoons were a yeomanry regiment, in which the men provided their own horses, Quayle provided the uniforms, and the government provided the weapons.

The helmet, which has a leather body adorned with a red silk sash and a horsehair plume, is now on display in the Quayle Gallery in the Castletown museum.

The artefact was conserved by Jenny Barnsby at the conservation studio of the People’s History Museum in Manchester, which specialises in historic textiles.

The horse hair plume was moulting and the scarlet silk bow was very fragile. Jenny cleaned them then carefully enclosed them in fine silk nets to stabilise and protect them.

She also created a display stand for the helmet that makes it easier to handle.

Manx National Heritage’s Matthew Richardson said: ‘This is a remarkable object and is almost unique. It comes from a fascinating time when fear of invasion by revolutionary France led wealthy men across Britain to raise their own regiments for home defence.

‘Many, like Quayle’s, were short lived and the details we have about them are sketchy. As it is, this is the only known helmet from this formation and one of only three surviving artefacts, all kindly donated by the descendants of George Quayle.’

The helmet can be seen in the Quayle Gallery, which tells the story of the late Captain George Quayle and his family.

The museum is open from 10am to 4pm daily.