Information about how to volunteer for the Samaritans will be available and a number of sessions next month.

Every six seconds Samaritans receives a call for help.

Samaritans offers confidential and judgement-free support to callers.

To find out more about volunteering and meet current volunteers come along to one of the information sessions which all start at 7pm with the exception of the session on September 3 which starts at 2pm.

Dates and locations are:

September 1 and 3: Samaritans office, 5 Victoria Place, Douglas

September 5: Civic Centre, Castletown

September 6: St Catherine’s Church Hall, Church Road, Port Erin

September 7: St Patrick’s Isle suite, House of Manannan, Peel

September 8: Ramsey Town Hall.

Sinead Nudd, Samaritans recruitment deputy, said: ‘We welcome anyone interested in volunteering to join us at the information sessions, ask as many questions as you like, and meet some of our current team. If you are unable to attend the information sessions but would like more information, please feel free to send us an email.

‘There’s no commitment if you come and meet us, it’s just a chance to find out how you could make a difference. We don’t ask for any specific “experience”, our volunteers are provided full training so we are well equipped when on duty.’

For more information about volunteering opportunities with Samaritans, or to find out more about the information sessions, contact Samaritans@manx.net

A Port St Mary woman has been fined £500 for failing to keep a dog under proper control after it bit a jogger.

Nicola Lee Teare, of St Mary’s Avenue, was also given an order to keep her springer spaniel under control and ordered to pay £50 prosecution costs.

The court heard how, on June 12, a group of joggers were stood talking at Langness Peninsula.

Teare’s dog ‘Willow’ bit one of the joggers on her left lower leg, on the side of her calf.

Teare, who is 35, gave the victim tissues to stop the bleeding and called an ambulance.

The bite victim was taken to hospital, kept in overnight and operated on the next day.

A witness said that she saw the group of dogs off their leads and playing. She said they were gathered up by their owners when they saw the joggers but Willow ran through the joggers as Teare tried to grab her.

In a police interview Teare said that the runner had appeared to kick out but she had not seen the bite take place.

She also said that the dog was wearing a device to restrict how wide it could open it’s mouth.

Teare refused to answer questions about the dog being under proper control.

Prosecutor Michael Jelski said in court that the police had spent time with the dog and did not have any immediate concerns.

Mr Jelski asked for a control order to be put in place.

Defending Teare in court, advocate David Reynolds said that Teare and the other dog walkers had walked their dogs at Langness many times before.

He said that it was their usual process to put the dogs on their leads if people were coming.

Mr Reynolds told the court: ‘Ms Teare doesn’t know 100 per cent what has happened. She saw her dog near the victim and the only explanation is that Willow has bitten her. She has taken this seriously from the start and has been concerned about the victim’s welfare.

‘She has had her dog seen by an animal behaviourist though we do not have any documentation relating to that unfortunately.

‘Ms Teare is also putting the dog on a six-week behaviour course. She is very apologetic for what has happened.

‘It is just so out of character she says. The police said they have no concerns and the dog was not acting aggressively.

‘She is doing her best to ensure there won’t be any issues. Ms Teare is not the kind of person who will be here again.

‘She is doing all she can and clearly loves her dog. We would have no issues with an order relating to keeping the dog under control.’

Deputy High Bailiff Jayne Hughes said: ‘I don’t consider a destruction order would be appropriate and will issue the control order.’

There are a couple of new faces in the latest installment of Isle of Man Newspapers’ Team of the Week.

The second weekend of fixtures in the Canada Life Premier League saw a plethora of high-scoring games, with no fewer than 40 goals being scored across the six matches.

As such, the hypothetical XI takes on an attacking look in a 3-4-3 formation, with two of those midfielders pushed slightly further up the pitch in advanced positions.

With so many goals being scored across the island, there was only one clean sheet kept in the top flight on Saturday, therefore St George’s goalkeeper Andy Perry dons the TotW gloves after shutting out Colby in his side’s 9-0 demolition of the league newcomers.

In front of Perry, the Geordies number one is joined by one of his fellow Glencrutchery Road stars in Johnny Myers, as well as a former team-mate in the shape of Alex Harrison while the back three is completed by Alex Maitland.

Myers continued his fine goalscoring start to the season and, having just missed out on last week’s TotW, the centre-back gets the nod this week after he netted twice against Colby.

His ex-defensive cohort Harrison now plies his trade at St Mary’s and helped his new team remain at the top of the table following a hard-fought 2-1 victory at home to Laxey, their third successive win.

Like Myers, Maitland only just missed out on a place in the first Team of the Week of the fledgling football season but this week makes the cut after a fine game for the Spaniards during their 5-1 win over Ramsey at Croit Lowey.

One of the aforementioned new faces takes his place in midfield, namely Jonathan Lund who starred during St George’s rout of the Moonlighters. In what is believed to be only his second season in Manx football, Lund impressed in the heart of midfield and helped himself to a goal against the southerners.

Joining him in the centre of the pitch is Maitland’s team-mate Matty Lamb as well as two Peel players who grabbed joint man of the match honours against Corinthians.

Lamb was in good fettle in front of goal on Saturday as he bagged a brace for the southerners in their dominant win over Ramsey to help Rushen remain second in the table.

The Spaniards held title hopefuls Peel to a draw last week but the westerners bounced back by overcoming a resilient Corinthians side 6-4 at Ballafletcher, with both Kelly and Christian playing a key role in the win.

Kelly pulled the strings in midfield and had a hand in several goals thanks to the pin-point accuracy of his trusty left foot, while Christian proved a handful for the Whites defence throughout and scored the vital fifth goal late on to break Corinthians’ resistance.

The second of this week’s new faces takes his place up front in the attacking trio.

Martin Cowan claimed the man of the match honours as he helped Premier League newcomers Douglas Athletic record their first ever victory in the top flight, a 6-2 win at Ayre United which saw them leap into the top half of the table.

Joining him in the attacking third are two other players who led the line well for their respective teams on Saturday, Luke Booth and Darren Hudgeon.

Booth helped Union Mills continue their unbeaten start to the season by grabbing a first-half goal during their 2-2 draw at home to DHSOB, a result which leaves the Garey Mooar outfit flying high in fifth place.

Old Boys’ former striker Hudgeon made the switch from Blackberry Lane to the Bowl during the summer and has already settled in well, grabbing his second and third goals during the Saints’ aforementioned victory over Laxey to take his place in Team of the Week.

Claiming the second refereeing honours of the new season is Andrew Lodge who impressed in the middle during the Ayre United v Douglas Athletic game in Andreas.

TEAM OF THE WEEK

Goalkeeper

Andy Perry

Defence

Alex Maitland (Rushen)

Alex Harrison (St Mary’s)

Johnny Myers (St George’s)

Midfield

Johnny Lund (St George’s)

Marc Kelly (Peel)

Matty Lamb (Rushen)

Kerron Christian (Peel)

Attack

Darren Hudgeon (St Mary’s)

Luke Booth (Union Mills)

Martin Cowan (Douglas Athletic)

Referee

Andrewe Lodge

(Ayre Utd v Douglas Athletic)

More than £5,000 was raised at Hospice Isle of Man’s urban water slide in Peel last Sunday.

The water slide, which was set up on Walpole Road, proved a big hit, with around 400 people bravely descending the slide at speed.

Hospice thanked the organisations and volunteers who helped and the residents of Peel for their cooperation and patience.

A 39-year-old Douglas woman has been sentenced to 100 hours’ community service after admitting drink-driving.

Amanda Islyn Byron, of Willaston Crescent, was also banned from driving for 30 months after a breathalyser test recorded 66 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres – the legal limit is 35.

The court heard how, on May 13, an off-duty policeman reported seeing Byron driving a blue Ford Fiesta and drinking from a half empty bottle of rose wine.

Police were told Byron’s car was heading north and she was pulled over by police a few moments later on Glencrutchery Road.

Her car was searched and police found the empty wine bottle in the passenger footwell covered by items of clothing.

Byron told them the bottle had been lying there for two weeks but admitted she had been out during the afternoon and she had been drinking.

She was taken to the police station where she failed a breath test.

Byron pleaded guilty to drink-driving but a Newton Hearing had to be held as she disputed the allegation that she had been drinking from a bottle of wine while driving, saying it was a bottle of water.

The hearing ruled in favour of Byron and she was sentenced on the basis that she was drinking water.

Defending Byron in court, advocate Louise Cooil said: ‘It was not a case of drinking and getting straight in her vehicle. She had the wine at lunchtime, then took a taxi to an appointment. It was not until later, when she was told her daughter was in difficulties, that with heightened emotions she put her daughter before clear thinking. It was not a flagrant flouting of the law, just a momentary decision.’

Deputy High Bailiff Jayne Hughes said: ‘You were almost twice the limit, it is a significant reading. I will treat it as a one-off incident.’

A 22-year-old man from Douglas has been handed a 12-month probation order after riding a scooter with on licence or insurance.

Michael Sean James Webb, of Lheannag Park, was also disqualified from driving for six months.

Webb pleaded guilty to driving with no vehicle licence, having no insurance, having no driving licence, failing to notify a change of ownership, and breaching a community service order.

Webb was stopped by police on Queen’s Promenade in Douglas on May 9. He told police he didn’t think he needed to do CBT (compulsary basic training), which motorcyclists are required to do with a provisional, but his provisional licence had expired in March anyway.

Defending Webb in court advocate Ian Kermode said: ‘My client purchased the scooter a few months before the incident and it had been off the road for repairs.

‘He accepts he has not complied properly with probation.’

A Ramsey man has been jailed for 11 months after pleading guilty to a total of nine offences.

Robert John Thomas, of North Shore Road, was also disqualified from driving for 18 months and ordered to pay £1,500 compensation to Manx National Heritage after crashing a car into a wall belonging to them.

Thomas, who is 32, admitted offences of burglary, taking a vehicle without consent, driving while disqualified, driving with no insurance, driving without due care and attention, failing to stop after a road traffic accident, failing to report an accident, common assault on a female and damaging property.

The court heard how Thomas was disqualified from driving in September 2015 for 12 months.

However, on January 20, he entered a friend’s home without permission and took the keys to her Mercedes Benz.

The next day the car was found crashed into a wall in Ramsey which was owned by Manx National Heritage.

In a second incident on May 14, Thomas was said to have burst into his ex-girlfriend’s room at a Ramsey guesthouse.

During a row he pushed her on to the bed and broke her phone.

On Tuesday, a summary court heard how Thomas had three previous convictions for taking a vehicle without consent, two previous for driving while disqualified, four for driving without insurance and six for criminal damage.

It was also said Thomas had been unable to complete 200 hours community service, imposed in February as a direct alternative to 10 months custody, due to a dislocated hip.

He was sentenced to eight months for the nine offences and a further three months to replace the community service order.

Thomas has already served 14 weeks on remand.

The popularity of this year’s open day at the airport fire station has benefited four charities to the tune of £1,535 each.

Hundreds of people visited the station to enjoy a day of family fun, including rides in a fire appliance, bouncy castles, water games, stalls, refreshments and a raffle. Demonstrations and displays were also staged to provide an insight into the work of the airport rescue and fire fighting service.

Money raised by the firefighters was boosted by a donation from Lloyds Bank International to produce a total of £6,143.

The funds were split between the Firefighters Charity, which provides support to serving and retired firefighters and their families, and three Isle of Man-registered charities: Wish Upon A Dream.,Bridge the Gap, Manx MSA Trust (Multiple System Atrophy).

Firefighter Nick Dale said: ‘We would like to thank Lloyds Bank International for their support and all the staff, families, volunteers and businesses who helped to make this year’s Open Day such a big success. The event has become an established part of the local community calendar and provides welcome assistance to charities that work hard to improve the lives of people in the Isle of Man.’

The local businesses and individuals who supported the event and provided raffle prizes, included The Steam Packet, Manx Flight Training, Mal’s Butchers, Cherry Orchard, Trend Gift Shop, Whistle Stop Café, Station Garage, Karyn at No. 52 Salon, Natalie Davies Nails & Beauty, Sweets N Treats, John Henley of the New Dawn, Station Port Erin, Canada Life International, Green’s team rooms, Kevin Moore (golf vouchers).

Andrew Roy Malster and Lucinda Jane Malster, both of 11 Africa Court, Salibury Street, Douglas, bought The Garth, Quarterbridge Road, Douglas, for £718,000.

It was bought from Keith McGarry.

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

David Michael Bull, of 12 Tromode Green, Tromode, and Ann Mary Bull, sold Rookwood, Quarterbridge Road, Douglas, for £620,000, to Adrian Schofield Hall and Beverley Jayne Ferris, both of 103 Woodbourne Road, Douglas.

John Bernard Finnerty and Audrey Finnerty sold 23 King Edward Close, Onchan, for £485,000 to John Rutherford Duffy and Doreen Ann Duffy, both of Rugby, Warwickshire.

Lynda Jones sold Viking House, Summerhill, for £405,000, to Anne McCombs and David Robert Rice, both of 40 Ashberry Avenue, Saddlestone, Douglas.

Nigel Derek Thomas and Elizabeth Thomas sold Calcaria House, 7 Stanley View, Ballaquayle Road, Douglas, for £278,000, to Robert Francis Arthurs and Chiva Arthurs, both of Flat 1, 10 Empire Terrace, Douglas.

Peter Thomas Moorhouse sold 12 Brunswick Road, Douglas, for £255,000, to Wayne Edward Byrne and Kelly Louise Whittaker, of Flat 2, Number 3 Mona Drive, Douglas.

Elliot James Millar and Debra Margaret Millar sold 16 Cronk Avenue, Onchan, for £235,000 to Andrew Thomas Robert Kneale, of 10 North View, Peel, and Helen Jane Thomas, of 69 Sunningdale Drive, Onchan.

Karen Louise Field, of Holmleigh, Main Road, Michael, sold 8 Fairfield Avenue, Ballachurry, Onchan, for £232,500, to Alan Ferrington, of 6 Marina Close, Onchan.

Sandra Cubbon, by trustee, and Nicola Jane Merritt, advocate of 4 Finch Road, Douglas, as trustee, sold 18 Meadow Court, Ballasalla, for £200,000, to Carole Winifred Edgecox, of 23 Cedar Walk, Tromode.

Mary Claire Walker sold 64a Friary Park, Ballabeg, for £187,000 to Samantha Kim Dolby and Mark Stuart Pitts, of 17 Rheast Barrule, Ballalough, Castletown.

William Joseph Ahearne, by personal representative, and Anna Grace Ahearne, of Camolin, 11 Lakeside Road, Governor’s Hill, Douglas, as personal representative, sold 8 Howe Road, Onchan, for £180,000, to Peter Thomas Hubert Johnson and Sonia Mary Elizabeth Johnson, both of 10 Howe Road, Onchan.

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

A reunion of former pupils from Douglas High School for Girls (Park Road School) who were at the school in 1960 is to be held in October.

There has been a change of venue for the get-together.

It is now at Peel Golf Club.

It will take place on October 7.

Ring Pauline Brew on 300630 for details.

A 45-year-old Douglas woman has been convicted of five theft charges after a shoplifting spree.

Denise Waterson, of Mona Street, will be sentenced on September 20 after the preparation of a probation report.

Prosecutor Michael Jelski told the court how, on July 3 at 1.48pm, Waterson entered the Strand Shopping Centre from Market Street.

She went into Peacocks clothes shop and the Card Factory before leaving at 2.01pm and going along Strand Street to Marks and Spencer.

The court heard that Waterson is banned from Marks and Spencer due to a previous incident.

She was seen in the shop by an off-duty member of staff who recognised her.

Waterson was said to be carrying three bags but when she left Marks and Spencer she was only carrying two bags.

A review of CCTV footage showed Waterson drop one of the bags and leave it next to a clothes rack before leaving.

She was challenged by security staff but continued to walk along Regent Street and then the promenade with the staff continuing to talk to her.

Police arrived and her bags were searched. Items were found from Marks and Spencer, ShoeZone, the Card Factory and Peacocks.

All were confirmed by the shop managers as stolen.

The stolen items total value were, £131 worth of clothes from Marks and Spencer, £73.93 worth of shoes from ShoeZone, clothing from Peacocks worth £40, and Card Factory goods worth £6.34. The total value of the goods was £251.27.

When charged Waterson replied: ‘Joke’.

In a second incident on August 4 Waterson went into the Manx Co-op in Duke Street and picked up a ‘bag for life’ and started placing food in it.

She bought a £5 pre-paid electricity card but did not pay for the food in the bag before leaving. As she was leaving she picked up a packet of toilet rolls which she also didn’t pay for.

CCTV footage again confirmed the theft but Waterson told police she could not remember anything about it.

The prosecutor submitted that he felt the case was suitable to remain in summary court.

The court heard that the second offence had been committed while Waterson was on police bail for the first offence.

Defence advocate Paul Glover agreed that the case was suitable for summary court and asked for the adjournment to allow time for the preparation of a probation report.

Deputy High Bailiff Jayne Hughes recorded convictions and accepted jurisdiction for sentencing.

No bail application was made and Waterson was remanded in custody until her sentencing date.

The island’s Young Farmers’ Federation is on a recruitment drive.

In the Isle of Man, there are four clubs representing regions: Central, Northern, Southern and Eastern.

These clubs belong on a wider scale to one of the largest rural-orientated organisations in Britain, with 612 groups across the UK and Wales, so members have the potential for activities and adventures far beyond their ‘stamping ground’.

Federation secretary Angela Teare said: ‘It’s not all about tractors and wellies, far from it!

‘In fact, you don’t even have to be a farmer or belong to a farming family. You just have to have a love of the outdoors and the countryside.

‘Anyone between the ages of 10 and 36 can join up. Meet new people, take part in a host of social and sporting activities, travel nationally and internationally, learn new skills and boost your career prospects – the benefits are endless.

‘One thing all Young Farmers have in common is a huge zest for life, so you can expect never to have a dull moment!’

Supporting the Federation in their recruitment drive is Robinson’s, the food and flowers wholesaler and retailer.

It is sponsoring the creation a leaflet promoting the organisation.

Katie Mathieson-Nelson of the company said: ‘Robinson’s has always had close links to the Manx countryside, working in partnership with many local farmers and growers, so we’ve been really happy to be part of this initiative.

‘Young Farmers is a fantastic, positive organisation in so many ways – and they always seem to be having so much fun!’

Anyone interested in joining a local Young Farmers club should ring Angela Teare on 321664 or send a message to the organisation via the Isle of Man Young Farmers Facebook page.

We have a particularly unusual young kitten to tell you about this week.

She’s called Mittens and she is a polydactyl cat which means that she has six toes on each of her feet rather than the usual five on the front feet and four on the back.

She also has no tail, which makes her even more special.

She is one of a litter of four, and although two of her siblings have ‘stumpy’ tails none of them are polydactyl.

Polydactyl cats were extremely popular as ship’s cats in the 18th and 19th centuries

Although there is some controversy over whether the trait originated as a mutation on the East Coast of the USA or was brought there from Britain there seems to be agreement that it spread widely as a result of cats carried on ships originating in New England.

The prevalence of polydactyly among the cat population of various sea ports correlates with the dates when they first established trade with New England.

Sailors valued polydactyl cats for their extraordinary climbing and hunting abilities, helping to control rodents on board ships, and some sailors also considered the cats to be extremely good luck when at sea.

Nobel Prize-winning author Ernest Hemingway was a famous aficionado of polydactyl cats, after being first given a six-toed cat by a ship’s captain.

Upon Hemingway’s death in 1961, his former home in Key West, Florida became a museum and a home for his cats, and it currently houses approximately 50 descendants of his cats about half of which are polydactyl.

Because of his love for these animals, polydactyl cats are sometimes referred to as ‘Hemingway Cats’.

Mittens, our very own Hemingway Cat, has a new home to go to as soon as she is weaned. If you are interested in rehoming a kitten please call into the cattery and complete an adoption form.

We have a short waiting list for kittens but the cattery team endeavour to match the right kitten, or kittens, to the right home as quickly as they can.

While we have no shortage of people wanting kittens, as regular readers will know, we have certain dogs that stay with us for long periods of time either because they are large in size or they are a ‘bull’ breed.

The ‘bull’ breeds are mistakenly thought of by some people as being more aggressive than most dogs.

However, the Staffordshire bull terrier and the English bull terrier do not appear in the top ten of any of the recent studies into dog aggression.

You may be surprised to know that the Dachshund is usually top of these lists, with the Chihuahua not far behind!

Molly, a super friendly and affectionate brindle and white Staffie, is only two and so her boisterousness towards other dogs is something that can be worked on.

With time, and a new owner’s patience and commitment towards her training, she will provide a lifetime of pleasure and fun.

‘Once a Staffie owner, always a Staffie owner’ is a phrase we hear a lot because this breed is so special.

If you are looking to adopt a dog but you have reservations about Staffies, please come and meet one here at Ard Jerkyll so that you can see for yourself that they are the most loving of dogs.

Lola, the English bull terrier, has now finished her stint on the stage in Oliver! at the Gaiety Theatre.

She behaved so well both on the stage and off it, and although she has many admirers she has not yet found a new home.

Deciding to adopt a dog is not a decision that should be taken quickly and so we are still hopeful that a member of the Oliver! audience or the cast will come and visit Lola and spend time with her, and then ultimately decide to take her home.

And finally, although we do not yet have a firm opening date for our new charity shop at 64 Parliament Street in Ramsey we are recruiting volunteers to help out on a regular basis.

Please call Alex Morrison, the shop’s manager, on 406613 for an informal chat about the role.

Alex is also now able to take donations of clothes and household items, but please telephone her before you make plans to drop off any goods.

A 41-year-old man from Ramsey has been ordered to perform 100 hours’ community service.

Mark Roberts, of North Shore Road, pleaded guilty to possessing cannabis and was also found guilty after a trial of driving without a licence or insurance.

He had his driving licence endorsed with six penalty points and was ordered to pay £750 costs.

Prosecutor Michael Jelski told the court how, on June 24 at 7pm, police stopped Roberts in a Mercedes on New Castletown Road.

They spoke to him and noted that his speech was slurred, he was pale looking and his breath smelled of alcohol.

Officers found a rolled joint in his pocket. He was arrested and made no reply after caution.

His vehicle was searched and a tin with a small lump of resin, later identified as cannabis was found.

Also in the side pocket of the car police found a lock knife.

In a police interview Roberts told police that the cannabis was for personal use and that he used it to alleviate back pain.

He said he had bought it for £25. Regarding the knife, Roberts said that it was a work knife he had in his pocket and he had put it in the car door compartment rather than carry it.

The total value of cannabis was said to be £33.52. He was also found to have no valid insurance or driving licence.

The knife matter was not pursued.

Defending Roberts in court advocate Paul Rodgers said: ‘It is not the most serious of matters. Perhaps the most unattractive matter is that my client took the driving offences to trial.

‘He passed his driving test shortly after this and now has all his documents. He became a father in October and he has completely turned his life around since that point. He is regularly tested for drugs.

‘He has served over 10 years custody in the past. The cannabis was for personal use and he was not using it while driving. He offered the knife up to the prosecution and they will dispose of it.’

Deputy High Bailiff Jayne Hughes said: ‘I give you full credit for your guilty plea to the cannabis charge but I can’t give you similar credit for the driving offences, you were convicted after a trial.There does seem to have been a slowing down in your offending and you have taken steps to legitimise your driving which is very much to your credit.’

The Isle of Man Constabulary is recruiting for full-time police officers to join the force.

A recruitment campaign has been launched to attract applicants interested in a career in the Manx constabulary.

Drop-in sessions with serving police officers are being held to give prospective applicants an insight into modern policing and to ask any questions about the process.

The sessions will be held at Costa at the Sea Terminal from midday to 2pm on September 1, 8 and 19.

People can also ask questions in a Twitter session between 7pm and 8pm on Wednesday, September 14 by following @TweetbeatIOM and using the hashtag #EveryDayIsDifferentIOM

The selection process involves an initial paper sift of applicants followed by a fitness test, classroom assessment, an outdoor assessment and a medical. Candidates are assessed in line with the constabulary’s core values of caring, professional, challenge, service, respect and responsibility.

Inspector Dave Dobbie said: ‘A career in the Isle of Man Constabulary will undoubtedly give you opportunities to help keep people safe and to make a positive difference in the local community. Police work is unique and involves dealing with people from all walks of life in many different circumstances.

‘Recent recruits said they were attracted to apply because of the variety of work, and that every day is different, something that they have found to be the case since being operational officers.

‘All of this requires a range of personal skills such as patience, courage, flexibility, understanding and the ability to think and act quickly. We are looking to recruit people who possess these values and the right mix of skills to serve the Manx public. The response from the initial drop in session was positive, with some promising potential candidates.’

Inspector Dobbie said he would encourage people to attend the drop-in sessions, join in with the Twitter session, or contact Organisational Development at Police Headquarters to find out more from the officers.

The closing date for applications is Friday, September 23. Download an application pack at www.iompolice.im. For more information contact Organisational Development on 631547.

Have you entered Isle of Man Newspapers’ Awards for Excellence yet?

To find out a bit more about how each entry is assessed we talk to one of the judging panel, Les Nicol, managing director of N K Construction…

Les Nicol says he sometimes finds people are surprised when they discover that he is one of the judges for the Awards for Excellence: in some people’s minds the judges for such a prestigious event must surely be a bit of an ‘old boys’ network’.

‘I think they find it quite refreshing when they realise it’s not just people from the finance sector,’ says Les.

In fact, the 16 judges who make up the panel come from a diverse range of backgrounds: law, engineering, egaming, the charitable sector and government. The one common factor is that all of them are highly regarded in their fields.

Les, who runs family business N K Construction, certainly knows a thing or two about excellence. The company was twice a finalist in the award for Company of the Year. Following that, Les was asked to join the judging panel because the construction industry was not represented at the time.

This will be his third year as a judge and he says of the judging process: ‘It’s a lot more involved than I expected it to be but in a nice way because it’s very enjoyable.

‘I didn’t realise until I did it how much went into the judging – it isn’t just picking someone out of a hat.’

The 16 judges work in pairs and each pair is given two award categories to assess.

This means marking each entry against a list of set criteria. When each judge has marked both categories, the pair then meet to compare marks and decide who the winner and finalists in each category should be.

Then all the judges get together. Les said: ‘When you go for the final judging day and you have to present the results for your categories there is much discussion and you have to give your reasons for choosing your winners and finalists – that is an eye-opener.’

There are 16 award categories in the awards, for companies, individuals, public sector teams, charities and community organisations. You can find details of all the categories, and download entry forms, at www.iomtoday.co.im Entries close on September 26.

Poilce are asking motorists to take extra care today after one motorcyclist was stopped riding at 74mph in a 30mph zone.

A police spokesman said: ‘Lots of traffic on the roads today, especially in the north and on the west side of the TT course with people travelling to and from the Festival of Jurby.

‘Please take your time and stick to the speed limits - there are lots of towns and villages in these areas.

‘One motorcyclist has been stopped this morning in Sulby travelling at 74mph in a 30mph limit. The rider will be appearing in court very soon.

‘Remember that we are operating unmarked bikes and cars during the Festival of Motorcycling and speed enforcement units are also out and about.

‘We can’t give you fairer warning than that - the rest is up to you.’

Police have warned against people walking onto closed roads after an incident on Saturday afternoon on Bray Hill.

The incident occurred during what was a full day of racing, qualifying and parades at the Festival of Motorcycling.

Sergeant Will Moffatt of the Roads Policing Unit said that there had been an incident during the race session involving people crossing the closed roads while racing was taking place.

He said on the radio: ‘An investigation into this is taking place. People found committing this offence can expect to be prosecuted.

‘It is totally unacceptable to put anyone at risk in this way.’

A bus driver was forced to stop his bus after it caught fire on Saturday.

The number 21 bus was travelling through Farmhill when a loud noise at the back of the bus was heard.

Smoke appeared and the three passengers who were on the bus at the time were escorted off.

Fire crews inspected the vehicle and no-one was injured.

A passenger on the steam train, a churchgoer, three men in a pub and even our own newspaper photographer were among those who agreed to be DNA tested by three Viking visitors.

Norwegians Aage Harry Sørensen, Frode Myrheim and Trond Øyvidsson Lunde carried out free DNA testing on no fewer than 33 Manx residents during their visit last week as part a quest to trace our Norse ancestry.

In all, the three men have DNA tested some 250 people in Norway. The tests carried out in the island will allow for comparison with the results from the Norwegian project.

Aage Harry Sørensen, 47, a medical radiographer at Vestfold Hospital, said: ‘We got 33 tests on the island. Two of them don’t know their father’s lines, one because he was a war baby.

‘We tested a lady of 80, a man from the top of Manx society and also all down the other way. We tested a man on the steam train to Ballasalla who could be the line back to William the Conqueror, a man in a church in Jurby and three in a pub, so it’s been a very great experience for us.

‘The only sad thing where that we didn’t see the Manx museum because it was closed on Sundays.’

During their visit, the Norwegian trio visited Rushen Abbey in Ballasalla which was founded through a grant of land from Olav the First.

The three also DNA tested Isle of Man Newspapers photographer Mike Wade.

They mainly use Texas-based www.familytreedna.com.

But with the three paying for the tests out of their own pockets, it could take a while to get the results unless a wealthy benefactor comes forward to help fund the project.

And Aage Harry added: ‘We also hope people who we didn’t test will order themself a test. Then other people will have this fantastic tool to look back in time of mankind.’

If you can help with sponsoring the project, contact Aage Harry at bernadiner34@hotmail.com