A 45-year-old woman from Douglas has been jailed for 16 weeks after staging a shoplifting spree she was too drunk to remember.

Denise Elizabeth Waterson, of Mona Street, pleaded guilty to five counts of theft from Marks and Spencer, Shoezone, Peacocks, The Card Factory and the Manx Co-op.

She was also banned from entering on-licensed premises for six months.

The court heard how, on July 3 at 1.48pm, Waterson was seen in Peacocks clothes shop and The Card Factory, both in the Strand Shopping Centre.

She then went along to Marks and Spencer, even though she is banned from the store due to a previous incident.

She was spotted by an off-duty member of staff and was said to be carrying three bags in the shop ,but when she left, only appeared to have two.

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 on to the promenade with the staff continuing to talk to her.

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

The 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.

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.

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

Defending Waterson in court, advocate Paul Glover said: ‘My client is caught in a vicious circle of offending. This is her sixth conviction in three years for similar offences. Simply locking her up isn’t doing the job.

‘She is engaging with the Drug and Alcohol Team, and has also contacted Motiv8.’

Mr Glover said Waterson had no memory of the offences due to being intoxicated.

He added: ‘She hasn’t had a craving for alcohol while on remand, something she hopes to keep up.’

Deputy High Bailiff Jayne Hughes said: ‘Your references say you have “a heart of gold” but unfortunately you are someone who alcohol has got a grip of.’

Waterson has spent six weeks on remand so should be released in a few weeks.

The organisers say next year’s Guild will be improved as it is modernised and expanded.

Officially the Manx Music, Speech and Dance Festival – but known as the Guild – it will enjoy its 125th anniversary next April.

The Guild will take place between April 21 and 29. Preparations are already well under way and the syllabus will be available from the usual outlets from October.

This year it will be free of charge to try to attract more entries.

Chairman of the Guild Sarah Kelly said: ‘Our executive, music and drama committees have been working very hard over the summer to prepare our syllabus. Set pieces are now chosen, and following a review of last year’s festival, we have deliberated on all the suggestions we received from adjudicators, competitors and audiences alike, to bring in some changes to enhance next year’s event.’

Last year saw the introduction of new dance classes and next year tap dance classes will be added to the programme alongside the modern and ballet classes.

A country and national dancing class for adults is also planned. In the vocal classes, a new American art song class has been added and voices are to be permitted in the music making classes so competitors will be able to both sing and play.

In recognition of the growing popularity of tin whistles in schools, the familiar recorder classes are to be extended to include this instrument. Last year the piano classes were changed to reflect the grade level of the pianist, rather than their ageand will also applied to the string classes from 2017.

Sarah added: ‘Some 4,000 competitors take part in the Guild each year and we hope that these changes will encourage new competitors to take that step to enter and take part. It’s great to see the Guild still growing after 125 years. Even though such an important anniversary is a time of reflection on the long and successful history of the festival, we are always looking ahead to the future, and we are very grateful to the continued sponsorship from Dandara Group’.

Dandara group marketing director Joanna Orton added: ‘We’re very pleased to be supporting the festival again in 2017, particularly as it is celebrating such an historic anniversary. The committee is clearly taking great steps to ensure it continues to thrive and grow while maintaining the format and traditional classes.’

Work to restore the historic steam railway terminus in Douglas is on target to be completed before Christmas.

Tynwald in March approved funding of £1.1m to stabilise and redevelop the old station - despite concerns from heritage campaigners that it might ruin its character.

But the ornate glass canopy erected on the rear of the building certainly adds to the character.

The scheme has aimed to tackle structural problems including subsidence and cracked brickwork but also to make the station more commercially viable.

A shop will open on the ground floor while the restaurant and café will be moved to a new first-floor mezzanine. Lift access and a staircase is being constructed in the station tower while the canopy will provide shelter for an al-fresco dining area.

Rodney Christopher, director of the government’s estates shared services, said: ‘It’s progressing quite well. The canopy looks good and it will improve the building and the facilities.

‘We are on target to finish just before Christmas.

‘The steps have been done and most of the structural work has been completed, including underpinning. Scaffolding has gone up on the clock tower and the clock itself has been fixed in the UK. It’s awaiting delivery. The new kitchen will be up and running in the next week allowing us to strip out the old kitchen.’

Mr Christopher added: ‘It’s going as well as can be expected for a building of that age.’

Planning inspector Anthony Wharton had said the building was in ‘very poor condition’ and agreed repairs and stabilising works were ‘essential’.

But he shared objectors’ concerns about the position of the new mezzanine and said registered building consent would not be given to the removal of one of the ticket windows, another feature of ‘architectural and historical importance’.

The Isle of Man Steam Railway Supporters’ Association claimed revised plans did not comply with the inspector’s report.

Work is also going on at Port Erin station. This has involved the demolition of a flat roofed annex which was once a shop unit, and will see the extension of the pitched roof, reinstatement of a belfry and refurbishment of toilet facilities.

Run-off from the fields above Laxey was a major contributor to the flooding which devastated the village last winter.

The sight of the double decker bus that fell into the swollen river when the 200-year-old Old Laxey bridge collapsed was the defining image of the flash floods that swept the island on December 3 last year.

Now work is underway on a civil engineering scheme to channel the water and hopefully prevent major flooding in future.

The project on Baldhoon Road involves collecting and distributing run-off more evenly.

Similar work will take place on Pinfold Hill and Old Laxey Hill.

Tynwald president and former Garff MHK Steve Rodan said: ‘This will make a big difference.

‘A major factor contributing to the flooding of Old Laxey was the run-off from the higher ground above the village in the Baldhoon area. Baldhoon Road has frequently been like a river.

‘The DoI has been surveying the land from the village to the top with a view to creating channels that can take the run-off from the fields and stop it all coming down the hill. It’s a masterplan to prevent flooding.

‘There’s been great co-operation with the landowners and farmers to create these new channels and gullies.’

A spokesman for the Department of Infrastructure said: ‘The works on Baldhoon Road are to improve the collection/distribution of surface water/run-off in the area.

‘Following the flooding earlier this year, the department met residents in the affected area and identified a number of locations whereby the existing surface water drainage could be improved.

‘Work has taken place to ensure surface water is collected and distributed more evenly into natural collection areas, rather than the majority of the run-off ending up lower down Baldhoon Road and subsequently in the village.’

The 35th Western 10 road race takes place this Sunday, sponsored by the Creek Inn.

The event also incorporates the Julie Brew Memorial walking race, sponsored by Kirby Garden Centre, over the same course.

It is unlikely that anyone will better Steve Kelly’s record of 52min 04sec from 1983, but super-vet Peter Cooper is looking forward to his 20th race over the course.

The walk record is held by Peter Kaneen at 80m 44s from 2008, while the fastest time for a woman is 91.00 (2012).

Athletes must be at least 16 years of age to enter the running race and 18 to enter the walk. Signing-on for both events will be from 8am at the House of Mannannan, with the starting point is at the bottom end of Heathfield Drive, next to the Catholic Church.

The bulk of the walkers will set off at 9.15, with the runners and sub-90 minute walkers at 10.15. The presentation of awards and buffet will be at Peel football clubhouse.

The Treasury is giving more help to people who are completing their tax forms online.

There is just one week to go until the October 6 deadline for the submission of personal income tax returns.

An out-of-hours telephone service starts on Sunday afternoon (October 2) and will be also be available in the evenings next Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

The times are Sunday, 2pm to 8pm; Monday and Tuesday 5.30pm to 8pm and Wednesday 5.30pm to 10pm.

Gerard Higgins, business support manager with the Treasury’s income tax division, said: ‘To assist new users the online enrolment process can be completed to enable immediate submission of their return online by calling 685400 (option 2) during normal office hours or through the extended hours telephone service as announced.’

He added: ‘If everyone submitted their personal returns online the saving of taxpayers’ money would be more than £600,000 each year.’

Paper returns can be put through the letterboxes at Government Office’s front entrance or on the second floor.

If the income tax division has not received personal tax returns for the year ended April 5 2016 by October 6 2016, taxpayers will be charged a £100 penalty.

If the return has still not been received by the division by April 6 2017, a further £200 penalty will be charged.

Even if the penalties are paid, the return must still be submitted and people may be prosecuted for failing to do so.

The Manx Independent today gives its readers the chance to tell Members of Tynwald who they’d like to see as the island’s chief minister.

The paper, which is in the shops now, includes a cut-out-and-post ballot paper to gauge the Manx people’s attitude.

Also this week:

We talk to the couple who have won £1million on the lottery

We reveal that a report into an accident on a bouncy castle in Douglas is to be kept secret

Four pages of Pride in Mann winners

There is going to be a change in the law to pardon gay men for offences that are no longer crimes

We hear praise for Manx beer andpubs

One woman tells us about her victory against EasyJet

Foxdale roadworks delayed, we have the details

A shake-up in the motor trade as a newcomer buys three established car sales firms

More photos after Tuesday’s fire in Douglas restaurant

A preview of Ken Livingstone’s appearance in the Isle of Man

Manx Radio wins planning fight

Domino’s is to get a second pizza shop in the island

Twelve pages of sport

The Isle of Man’s What’s On guide

Your seven-day television guide

And lots more

The Manx Independent is in the shops now.

The Hospice UV Midnight Walk has been rescheduled to this Saturday, after being postponed last Saturday due to poor weather.

All entries have been carried over. Any walkers who are unable to attend should email fundraising@hospice.org.im for a refund.

Anyone wishing to enter should attend the registration day at Hospice today (Thursday) from 9.30am to 5pm. Paints will be on sale.

The walk will start from the National Sports Centre, Douglas, at 9.30pm.

The four-mile course will take in Douglas promenades.

This week, Cat Turner of Isle of Man Friends of the Earth profiles another of the environmental groups with which it shares the Green Centre – Zero Waste Mann

------------------

As I write, the stoic folk from Zero Waste Mann are holding a street collection in Strand Street, to raise money for their excellent charity – this despite it being a typically breezy Isle of Man Saturday.

Zero Waste Mann is a registered Manx charity which campaigns to eliminate waste in the island.

The team, led by Muriel Garland, works to raise awareness of the causes of waste – and suggests ways to overcome them.

Some of these ways are very practical – for example, ZWM offers ‘pocket ashtrays’ so that smokers can dispose of their butts without littering; they’re very popular.

Even more popular are their Morsbags, made from peoples’ surplus duvet covers, sheets and curtains and given free (or for a donation where people are able to spare some change).

The aim of these is to encourage people to give up their ubiquitous plastic bags, which create so much unsightly garbage and are a big threat to both land-living and marine wildlife.

The team has also published a really useful guide to running ‘Zero Waste’ events – it’s aimed at organisers, whether professionals running a festival, or schools and clubs putting on something much smaller scale.

They can also hold lively interactive sessions in schools, and at scouts/beavers and the like so that the island’s youngsters appreciate the difference they can make.

They point out that there are various stages in helping reduce waste and avoid waste, where possible.

For example, use china cups rather than paper or styrofoam at events if you can; reduce the amount of it, where some waste is unavoidable; re-use things that might have been seen as ‘waste’, so that they become a resource.

This includes taking part in recycling schemes, of course.

Re-use also includes composting green waste, food waste and some paper/card to make great quality, nutrient-filled compost for growing food.

In some cases incineration is an appropriate next step for what’s left over, and it can help generate electricity.

Landfill should be seen as a last resort.

ZWM is always looking for new members.

In addition they take part in lots of events, along with colleagues from other Green Centre groups.

If you’d like to know more, check out www.zerowastemann.org

A SHORT time ago the Daily Telegraph reported that new scientific research has discovered that dog lovers are right.

Their dogs, as they have always claimed, understand exactly what they are saying. It seems there is a part of dog’s brain which has the ability to process words just like humans do.

I have long known this. Once a week I take a dog called Charlie out for a walk for its owner, a little old widow lady in Onchan. He understands what I say, I promise you. But people who I encounter on our walks wonder why I talk to him in Spanish. I have to tell them it’s because he doesn’t understand English.

Carlito – that’s the name he answers to – knows exactly what I say to him when we start out from the lady’s house. ‘Adelante perro.’ I tell him and, no trouble at all, forward he goes.

Next I have to decide which way we must turn when we come to the end his road. ‘A la derecha en el primer vez’ I tell him, and off he goes obediently to the right.

I usually take him to a stretch of grass near the graveyard at Onchan parish church. There are notices there saying that dogs should not foul anywhere in or near it. But they are in English, which he doesn’t understand, and suddenly he might squat purposefully.

But he stops the moment I shout: ‘No hombre! Es todo prohibido.’

There is one thing about Charlie/Carlito. He never barks.

But if he ever does I’m sure he will do it in Spanish.

LAST week I wondered why there had been, for more than two weeks, a 1p coin lying on a shelf in a men’s toilet at Manx Radio.

This brought in an email from Sean Young who gets in touch occasionally and always starts off: ‘Hello you old duffer.’ He goes on: ‘Never heard the expression spending a penny? Although what with inflation etc it is more like spending a pound these days.’

It doesn’t matter. Using the toilets at Broadcasting House is free.

Sean also sends me a car registration number he has seen. It is Man 512E, otherwise Man Size.

NO crossword clues this week. What’s the answer to this?

DAVE Cretney tells me there was a lady on Manx Radio talking about the need for improving sex education in the Isle of Man. She declared: ‘We need more tools.’

Men can donate them?

AS we all know there is such a thing as child benefit. But a reader has been on, anonymously, to ask: ‘Is there such a thing as second childhood benefit?

If there is I am going to apply for it right now.’

FUNNIES File: We have groynes on the foreshore at Douglas leading out to sea which are designed to maintain sand levels.

There is also one at Peel and previewing the annual Peel Carnival the Peel City Guardian said: ‘The fireworks will be set off from the groin.’

It didn’t say whose.

THE Washington Post has published the submissions in its yearly contest in which readers are asked to supply alternative meanings for common words.

I have a list of them and the first is: ‘Abdicate: To give up hope of ever having a flat stomach.’

An election candidate has been fined £1,000 for drink-driving.

Nigel Dobson, of Ballachrink Drive, Onchan, who is 63, was also banned from driving for five years.

The incident occurred on Groudle Road on September 2.

Dobson stood in Garff in last week’s general election. He got 231 votes, finishing last of the five candidates.

He must retake and pass his test once the ban ends and attend a drink-driving rehabilitation course.

The full story will appear in tomorrow’s Isle of Man Courier.

Pizza chain Domino’s could open a takeaway and restaurant in two vacant units at The Village Walk, in Onchan.

Domino’s has applied (16/00774/B) to government planners to convert Units 24 B/C, which have lain empty for at least four years.

In the application it says that if opened, the takeaway and restaurant would create approximately 30 jobs.

And it says it would result in the ‘beneficial reuse of a prominent building within The Village Walk centre’.

In amended plans submitted to planners, the applicant has included an external security spotlight to the drawings and added details of the CCTV and security systems to be installed. It follows discussions with crime reduction officer Roger Midghall.

A drunk man who caused alarm among fellow bus passengers then fell asleep is now starting a custodial sentence courtesy of Deputy High Bailiff Jayne Hughes.

David Samuel Anderson was finally sentenced, two days late, having arrived at court too drunk to be sentenced at the scheduled time.

Passing sentence on the 35-year-old, formerly of Belmont Terrace in Douglas, Mrs Hughes said: ‘He’s remorseful now he’s sober but he did attend court drunk on Tuesday.’

Anderson admitted possessing a lock knife, breaching a community service order and also breaching a nine-month licensing act ban prohibiting him from entering on-licensed premises.

Defending him, advocate Ian Kermode said Anderson was carrying the knife quite openly on his belt. There was nothing sinister in the episode, it was simply a work knife.

He said the alcohol ban was due to expire in November but could easily be extended for a further period.

‘Alcohol has been his nemesis but he does now have an offer of work,’ he told the court.

Mr Kermode said Anderson had not sought help for his alcohol habit for 13 years but had now started attending sessions with the support service MOTIV 8.

Referring to the knife incident, Mrs Hughes said : ‘You should not have had it with you on the bus when you were intoxicated.’

She noted he had admitted breaching a community service order from a very early stage.

‘The order is no longer possible to continue with. It is ineffective therefore you will be resentenced for the two provoking behaviour offences for which it was made,’ she said.

‘Intoxication is a theme in respect of each and every offence. Possessing a lock knife while on the bus, drunk and causing distress to other passengers, including children, when there was no effective means for them to escape - there’s nothing worse.’

The knife offence was committed after he was sent home from a community service work session because he was too drunk to attend. Since the order was imposed in February, she said he had completed just 22 and a half hours of the 140-hour total.

‘When sober, you are fine, upstanding and hard-working but you change completely when intoxicated, and up to now you’ve shown no inclination to change’ Mrs Hughes said.

The community service order was revoked and he was instead sentenced to 12 weeks’ custody for the two provoking behaviour offences, plus six more weeks for carrying the lock knife. He was banned from licensed premises for a further six months and a forfeiture and destruction order was made for the knife.

Work to reconstruct the highway and install new water and drainage systems at Lezayre Road in Ramsey has been postponed until next year.

The decision was taken following a meeting on Wednesday between the Department of Infrastructure and a number of interested parites.

Work started on Monday. In response to local requests to keep the road open, the department had tried to work with traffic lights in operation.

However, it quickly became apparent that there was insufficient space to operate the site and maintain public safety.

Wednesday’s meeting brought together local representatives including the town’s two MHKs, Ramsey Commissioners, the schools, the police, the Chamber of Commerce and the business community.

The meeting agreed that the work could not take place without the road being closed for a period of time. It was also accepted that a compromise would be required and that all parties would work to help the department prepare its plans for the future road closure.

Jim Davidson, project co-ordinator at the Department of Infrastructure, said: ‘The department was asked to try to keep the road open while the work at Lezayre Road was carried out, but it soon became clear that this was not safe. public safety is of paramount importance.

‘The meeting was very positive and there was a shared sense that all parties needed to work together over the coming months to mitigate the effects of the road closure when it comes. A working group will be set up to help review and refine the department’s closure plans, as everyone accepts there is no easy solution to this matter.’

The news comes after a delay to major roadworks in Foxdale was announced.

Thursday, September 29

• Noah’s Ark Tots Group, Church on The Rock, Ramsey, 9.30am. Call 431034.

• Gym time active play for pre-school children, Manx Gymnastics Centre, Douglas, 9.30am. Call 625636. Also Fri and Wed.

• Happy Tots, Willaston School hall, 9.45am. Call 621577.

• Mannin Music: Mini musicians , Kodály music for non-walkers, Douglas Youth Arts Centre, 10am. Also, mini musicians - Kodály music class for toddlers, YAC, 2pm; Fri, Northern Swimming Pool community room, 10am; Sat, Victoria Road School, 10.30am; Sun,YAC, 10.30am. Email info@manninmusic.com

• Storytime for pre-schoolers, Henry Bloom Noble Library, Douglas, 10am. Call 696461.

• Krafty Kids (pre-school age) Philip Christian Centre, Peel, 10am.

• Toddler Tunes, Community Room, Michael School, 2pm. Call 878090.

• Family Library: Creative writing, for age 11+, 4pm-5pm. Also, Fri, storybox, 10.30am followed by craft at 11am, £1. Meet the Author Debi Gliori, 4.15pm-5.15pm, in association with Manx Litfest, call library to book a place. Sat, meet the Author, Cathy Cassidy, 11am-noon, in association with Manx Litfest.

• 2nd Onchan Beavers, Scout Headquarters, Onchan, 5pm.

• Good News Club for primary school children, Living Hope Community Church, Bayview Road, Port St Mary, 6pm. Email weirfamily55@hotmail.co.uk

• St John Ambulance Cadets (10+), 6.30pm-8pm, Douglas headquarters. Badgers (5+), 5.30pm-6.30pm, Age Concern in Peel. Adults meetings, Thurs, Mon and Tues, Douglas headquarters. Fri, Ramsey, St Olave’s Church hall. Call 674387.

• Santon Beavers, Kewaigue School, 5pm. Also Cubs, 6.30pm. Call 623244.

• 1st Laxey Beavers and Cubs, Laxey School. Beavers, 6.30pm–7.30pm; Cubs, 6.45pm–8.15pm. 1stlaxeycubs@manx.net

• Army Cadets, Scout hall, Peel, 7pm. Also Tues.

• Onchan District Explorers, Scout Headquarters, Onchan, 7.30pm.

Friday, September 30

• Baby and Toddler Group, Glen Maye Community Centre, 9.30am-11.30am. Call 845681.

• Tiddlers, parents and tots, Elim Church, Onchan, 10am. Call 434933.

• Parents and tots, Philip Christian Centre, Peel, 10am.

• Laxey Mums, Carers and Tots at Laxey Working Men’s Institute, 10am-noon. Call 466887.

• Onchan carers and tots, Onchan parish hall, 1.15pm. Call 625328.

• Parent and toddler group, Ballasalla School, 1.45pm.

• Sporty church for years 3-6, Trinity Church hall, 6pm-7pm. Call 628374. Also Sunday School, Trinity Church hall, crèche to late teens, 10.30am-11.45am. Call 625409.

Saturday, October 1

• Young Bowlers Club. Tuition and tips, Surestrike Bowling Alley, Ramsey, 11am-noon.

• Messy Church, Promenade Methodist Church, Douglas, 3.30pm to 5.30pm.

Sunday, October 2

• Ollies - fun for children up to 11, St Olave’s Church hall, Ramsey, 9.45am -10.45am.

• Sunday School, Sulby Methodist Church, 10.30am.

• Rock Sunday Club for children at Colby Methodist Chapel, 10.30am - 11.30am.

• Task and DFC children’s club, Abbey Church, Ballasalla, 10.45am.

Monday, October 3

• Parents and tots, Dhoon Church hall, 9.30am. Call 426395.

• Daniel’s Den, Methodist Church, Arbory Street, Castletown, 10am. Call 822374.

• Kittens tots and carers group, St Ninian’s Church, Douglas, 10.30am. Call 629683.

• Breastfeeding Buddies drop-in clinic, Village Walk Health Centre, Onchan, 10.30am. Call 656030.

• Roll’n’Play for pre-schoolers, Philip Christian Centre, Peel, 10.30am.

• Story Time, Castletown Library, 1.30pm and 2.15pm.

• Tots play, Northern Lights Community Centre, Ramsey, 1.30pm-3.30pm. Also Wed, tots craft and play.

• Peel Toddler Group, Corrin Hall, Peel, 1.30pm.

• Michael Miniatures’ parents and tots, Ebenezer Hall, Kirk Michael, 2pm. Call 491592.

• Onchan Rainbows, 5.30pm. Also 1st Onchan Brownies, 6.30pm.

• Brownies, Corrin Hall, Peel, 6.30pm.

• Manannan Cubs, Scout Headquarters, Onchan, 7pm.

• Do Drop Inn Drama Club, children ages 10+, St Paul’s hall, Ramsey, 7pm.

Tuesday, October 4

• Parents and tots, Auldyn Infants School community room, Ramsey, 9.15am-11.15am.

• Parents and tots group, Cronk-y-Berry School, side entrance, 9.30am. Call 469756. Also Thurs, 1.30pm.

• Toddle Inn, mums and tots group, Port St Mary Living Hope Community Church, 9.30am. Call 835091.

• Tiddlers Group for parents, grandparents or carers, St Olave’s Church hall, Ramsey, 9.45am-11.30am, £1.50.

• Super Saints, All Saints’ Church vestry, Douglas, 10am-11.15am. Call 427185.

• Foxdale mums and tots, community hall, Foxdale School, 2pm. Call 420234.

• Abbey Acorns, ages 4+ at the Abbey Church, Ballasalla, 3.30pm.

• Peel Footlights Youth Theatre, children aged eight-16, Philip Christian Centre, Peel, 4pm. Also Thursday. Call 843819.

• 2nd Onchan Beavers, Scout Headquarters, Onchan, 5pm.

Wednesday, October 5

• Parents and tots, Salvation Army Citadel, Lord Street, Douglas, 9.30am. Call 627742.

• Mini Club for parents or carers and their babies, toddlers and pre-school children, Anagh Coar School, 9.30am or Braddan Church hall, 2pm. Call 675091.

• Mums and tots, Marown hall, Peel Road, Crosby, 10.15am.

• Busy Bees parents and tots, Beehive Kindergarten, Onchan, 1.30pm. Also Thurs. Call 674655.

• Action, Songs and Rhymes, from birth onwards, 1.30pm-2.30pm, Laxey Working Men’s Institute. Call Jo, 479452.

• Ballaquayle Bears Toddler Group, Ballaquayle School hall, Douglas, 1.45pm-3pm.

• Foxdale Parents and Tots Club at Foxdale School,2pm-3.15pm. Contact Ann Naisbitt, 801946 or annnaisbitt@hotmail.com

• The Energy Youth Group, Colby Methodist Chapel, 7pm-8.30pm. Call Jane, 492010.

• Snaefell Cubs, Scout Headquarters, Onchan, 7pm.

Thursday, September 29

• Walk and Talk: Peel promenade, 10am-11.30am. Also Fri, NSC, 9.30am-11.30am; Mon, Poulsom Park, Castletown, 10am-noon, NSC, 5.30pm-7.30pm; Tues, NSC, 9.30am-11.30am. Wed, Mooragh Park, Ramsey, 10am-11.30am. Call Lesley Patterson, 686852.

• Keep Fit for beginners/over 50s, Colby Football Club, 10am. Also, kettlecardio 6.30pm. Sat, kettlecardio, 10am. Wed, aerobics, Ballabeg Hall, 6pm. Call Sara, 432535.

• Iyengar yoga (mixed), 10 Perwick Bay, Port St Mary, 9.30am. Also, Tues, men only, 7pm; Wed, mixed, 6.45pm. Call 452791.

• Wheelie Active Parents (mums and buggies), Villa Marina reception, 9.30am.

• Chair-based exercise, Onchan Youth and Community Centre, 1.30pm. Also Fri, Port Erin Methodist Church hall, 2pm; Mon, Ramsey town hall, 10.30am; Tues, Castletown Sandfield residents’ lounge, 2pm; Wed, Westlands’ residents’ lounge, Peel, 10.30am. Call 642668.

• Pilates, beginners to intermediate, 38 Woodbourne Square, Douglas, 2pm, 5.30pm and 7pm. Call 491449.

• Tai Chi Chuan, Lezayre parish hall, 2pm. Call Pete Jackson, 898468.

• Mini tennis coaching, Douglas LTC, Kensington Road. Year 3, 4.30pm; year 4-7, 6pm-6.45pm, year 7-9, 6.45pm-7.30pm. £15 for block of 5 sessions or £4/sessionAlso Tues, adult beginners and improvers tennis coaching, 6pm. £5 session or £20 for 5. Call 302642.

• Iyengar inspired yoga, Laxey Football Club. Children’s yoga years 3 to 6, 3.30pm; recep-yr 2, 4.30-5.15pm; teenage yoga, 5.15pm; men’s yoga, 6.30pm. Also Mon, mixed ability hatha yoga, 9.15am; Wed, adult Iyengar inspired yoga, 7pm-8.30pm. Call Jane, 863130.

• Southern Gymnastics Club, Ballasalla School, 4pm. Also Tues, CRHS, 5pm. Call 473741.

• Northern Gymnastics Club, RGS, 5pm.

• Aikido classes at St Johns Methodist Hall at 7pm. For further information contact David on 07925 209472.

• Anti-gravity yoga, Savina’s Secret Studio, Glen Falcon Road, Douglas, 6.30pm. Also, pole fitness, 7.45pm. Call 203502.

• Western Athletics Club, QEII High School, 6.30pm.

• Zumba, Carrefour Health Club, Douglas, 6.30pm. Also Mon, 8pm; Wed, 9.45am.

• Cardiotone, Laxey Working Men’s Institute, 7pm. Also Mon, 7pm. Call 452729/863602.

• Peel Badminton Club, Corrin Hall, Peel, 7pm.

• Aquafit, Western Swimming Pool, 7pm. Also Tues, 1.15pm.

• Aerobics and body toning, Philip Christian Centre, Peel, 7pm. Also Mon, Park View hall, Kirk Michael. Call 455924.

• Zumba, The Institute, Laxey 7pm-8pm, also Tues, 7.30pm.

• Yoga, Cooil Methodist hall, 7.15pm. Call 494489.

• Fencing, Ashley Hill School, 7.30pm. Also Mon, Andreas parish hall, 4.30pm; Tues, Arbory parish hall, 4pm and Ebenezer Hall, Kirk Michael, 6.30pm; Wed, Scoill Ree Gorree, Ramsey, 5pm. Call 880863.

• Zumba, The Dance Factory, Onchan Park, 7.30pm. Call 425270. Also Tues.

• Fun Aquafit, Cherry Orchard Hotel pool, 7.45pm. Also Tues.

Friday, September 30

• Ladies tennis, Albany LTC, 10am. Also Sat, junior beginners, noon; Sun, club morning, 10.30am; Tues, club night, 7pm; Wed, club morning, 10.30am; Call Pat Sharp, 861497/ Jan Gaskill, 862144.

• RUN IOM running group for all abilities with UKA qualified coach,TT Grandstand, Noble’s Park, 12.10pm-12.45pm. See Facebook or email 4t8@manx.net Also Mon, meet Jubilee Kiosk, Douglas seafront.

• Acrobatics, The Dance Factory, Onchan Park, 4.30pm.

• Cronkbourne Cricket Club juniors indoor training, BHS, 5.45pm.

• Yoga class, Move it Dance Studio, Westmoreland Road, 6pm-7.30pm.

• Manx ABC Boxing, Palace Terrace, Douglas. Juniors, 6pm; seniors , 7pm. Also Mon and Wed.

• Yoga, Morton Hall, Onchan, 6.30pm. Call 494489.

• Tai chi chuan, Murray’s Road School, Douglas, 7.30pm. Call 612305.

• Indoor bowls, Legion Hall, Port St Mary, 7.30pm.

Saturday, October 1

• Pregnancy yoga, All Saints’ hall, Douglas, 10am. Call 461461.

• Yoga, Laxey Working Men’s Institute, 10.15am. Also Mon.

• Yoga, Arbory parish hall, 10.30am. Call 494489.

• St Mary’s football club mixed u11s, Pulrose football fields, 10.30am. Call 405859.

• Tae Kwondo beginners, Pinewood Complex, Pulrose, 10.45am. Text 432152.

Sunday, October 2

• Reikido, The Royal British Legion, Port Erin, 11am. Also Mon, 8pm. Call Nick, 398955.

• Yoga and Nutrition, Karma Yoga Studio, Douglas, 6pm.

Monday, October 3

• The Swing of Things, activity session, table tennis, racquet ball, squash, badminton or mini tennis. Fully trained coaches on hand, NSC, Douglas, 9.30am-11.30am.

• Pilates Isle of Man, mat based Pilates classes, The Pilates Studio, Peel, Monday 9.30am, Wednesday 5.15pm and 6.30pm, Thursday 6.15pm, Friday 9.30am, Saturday 9.45am. Also mat based Pilates, Colby Methodist Hall, Monday 6pm. Chair based Pilates, Pilates Studio, Peel, Thursday 10am ( free for members of MS Society). Pilates for orthopedic and neurological conditions available upon request, ante/post natal Pilates as required. Contact Lizzy Main, 427401, pilatesisleofman@manx.net,pilates-isle-of-man.co.uk.

• Beginners yoga, Karma, 2nd Floor, Victoria Street, Douglas 10am.

• Exercise Boot Camp, Corrin Hall, Peel, 6.15pm. Also Wed, Philip Christian Centre, Peel, 6pm; Thurs, Glen Vine Church hall, 9.15am.

• Finch Hill cricket training, 7pm-8pm.

• Bodyweight and cardiotone, Laxey Working Men’s Institute, 7pm. Call 452729.

• Women’s self-defence classes, British Legion hall, Port Erin, 7.30pm.

• Kirk Michael Badminton Club, Park View hall, 8pm. Call 878536.

Tuesday, October 4

• Early Morning Boot Camp, Marown Millennium hall, 6.15am. Also Wed and Fri. Evening Boot Camp, 6pm, Thurs and Tues, 6pm; Sat, 9am. Also kettlebells, Sat, 8am; Wed, 6pm. Call 465335.

• Fit2Go walking, Station Road car park, St John’s, 9am.

• Pilates at 38 Woodbourne Square, Douglas, 9.15am; Trinity Church, Ramsey, 6.15pm. Also, balance and pilates, Cooyrt Balleigh, Ramsey, 1.30pm. No floor exercise. Call 491449.

• Isle of Man Schools Fencing, Arbory Village Hall, 4pm-5pm. Also St John’s Methodist Hall, 5.30pm-6.30pm. Wed, The Gym, Parliament Street, Ramsey, 4pm-5pm. Thur, St ninian’s Church Hall, 4pm-5pm and 5.30pm-6.30pm. Beginners welcome, all equipment supplied.

• Cheerleading, All Saints’ Church hall, 4.30pm. Call 254499.

• James fitness boot camp, Douglas promenade, 6pm-7pm. Also Thursday. Call, 614570.

• Adult beginners and improvers tennis coaching, Douglas LTC, Kensington Road, 6pm, Call 302642.

• Zumba, Fiesta Havana, Douglas, 7pm. Email sjh@manx.net

• Tai Chi Chuan, Lezayre parish community hall, 7pm.

• IoM Karate Federation, Murray’s Road School, juniors, 7pm; seniors, 7.30pm. Call 612305.

• Badminton club, Arbory School, Ballabeg, 8pm-10pm. Call Liz on 466370.

Wednesday, October 5

• Zumba classes, beginners, antenatal and postnatal, 9.45am, zumba fitness, advanced, 10.45am at Zumba Isle of Man, Silvercraigs Hotel. Call 677776.

• Thompson Travel Netball Club junior training, St Ninian’s Lower School, u11s 6-7pm, u14s and u16s 7-8pm, u18s and seniors, 8-9pm

• MYG junior cricket training, Ashley Hill School, under 9s, 6pm-7pm; u11s, 7pm-9pm.

• Valkyrs Hockey Club training, QEII astro pitch, Peel. Juniors, 6pm; seniors, 7.30pm. Call 801802.

• Iyengar inspired yoga, Brightlife, Andreas, 6pm. Call Kel, 452015.

Thursday, September 29

• Age IoM computer training sessions, Douglas iMuseum, Kingswood Grove, 10am–12.30pm.

• Art and creative writing, The Hub, Port Erin, 10am. Also board games, 2pm-3.30pm; chair based exercise, 3pm. Sat, social fitness, 9.30am; Meditation led by IOM Brahma Kumaris, 5.30pm-6.30pm. Tues, bridge, 10am-noon; crafts, 2pm-3.30pm. Wed, yoga, 11am-12.15pm. Men in Sheds – Tues/Wed/Fri, 10am, Thie Rosien, Port Erin.

• Isle of Man Farmers’ Market, Tynwald Mills, St John’s, 11am-3pm.

• Laxey and Lonan Community Choir, Laxey Methodist Church, Minorca Hill, Laxey, 7pm-8pm. No auditions.

• Traditional Aikido, St John’s Methodist Hall, 7pm-8.30pm.

• Manx Gaelic class, intermediate-advanced with James Harrison, Arbory Commissioners’ hall, 7.30pm. Also Fri, intermediate-advanced with Adrian Cain, Manx Museum, noon. Sat, intermediate, House of Manannan, 9.30am; intermediate-advanced with James Harrison, Manx Museum, 10.30am. Tues, intermediate with Adrian Cain, St Matthew’s Church, Douglas, noon; advanced, Rovers pub, Douglas, 1pm; beginners, Patchwork Cafe, Port St Mary, 7.30pm; Arbory Commissioners’ hall with Cathy Clucas, 7.30pm; St John’s House with James O’Meara, 7.30pm.

• Gospel message, Ballaugh village hall, 7.30pm.

• Quiz Night, The Railway, Douglas, 8.30pm. Call 670773.

• Bingo Quiz, Manor Hotel, Willaston, 9pm.

Friday, September 30

• Coffee and chat, Onchan Methodist Church lounge, 10.30am-noon.

• Bridge lunch at Corrin Court, Heywood Avenue, noon, £20 including a glass of wine. Call Diana Killey 624095.

• Revive Fridays, Trinity Church Hall, Douglas, 5.30pm-6.30pm. Enjoy the company and a faith tea. Call 621004.

• Meditation, The Refinery, Duke Street, Douglas, 7pm. Call 467818.

• Mhelliah in aid of Cummal Mooar Resource Centre’s Amenity Fund, the Swan, Ramsey, 7pm. All welcome.

Saturday, October 1

• The Isle of Man Multiple Sclerosis Society annual fundraising abseil down the TT Grandstand. Anyone over 16 with or without MS can take part. The Venture Centre staff will be in charge and are fully qualified and able to help anyone who needs it. Support the abseil by going to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Derek-Patience, or call Derek, on 480755 or email derekpatience@hotmail.com.

• Theatre Tours, Gaiety Theatre, Douglas, 10am. Call 600555.

• The Manx Aviation and Military Museum, Ronaldsway, open 10am-4.30pm daily.

• Laxey Woollen Mills, Glen Road, 10am-5pm. Also open weekdays.

• Green Centre, near Chester Street complex, Douglas. Information about recycling, energy, insulation and environmental matters, 10am.

• Isle of Man Farmers’ Market, Villa Marina, Douglas, 10am-2pm.

• Great Laxey Mine Railway, 11am-4.30pm.

• Coffee and chat, St Mary’s on the Harbour, Castletown, 11am.

• Bally Cashtal Brass training band of Castletown Band, Queen Street Mission Hall, beginners 4.30pm, main rehearsal 5.30pm. Call Barbara 473582.

Sunday, October 2

• Manx Wildlife Trust,Volunteer Conservation Work Party for Ramsey Eco-Active: Meet at Ramsey Hairpin, 10am-2pm. Volunteers will help create a new path to connect Crossags Coppice with the centre of Claughbane Plantation. For further information http://www.manxwt.org.uk/whats-on

• ‘No Poet is an Island’ A Manx Litfest event featuring local poets going global. Various poets, Henry Bloom Noble Library, Douglas, 1.30pm-3pm.

• Indoor car boot sale, Morton Hall, Castletown, (opposite railway station), 2pm, £6 a stall, tables provided, admission 50p. Call 481532/67332.

• Harvest afternoon teas at Dalby Schoolrooms, 2.30pm-5.30pm.

• Castletown Metropolitan Silver Band rehearsals, Queen Street Mission hall, 7.30pm. Call 473582.

• Meditation and chat, Pure Inspiration, Ramsey, 7.15pm. Call Gary, 817735.

Monday, October 3

• Age Isle of Man - free computer sessions for people aged over 50, House of Manannan, Peel, 10am–12.30pm and 1.30pm–4.30pm.

• Afternoon tea dance, Manx Legion Club, Douglas, 2pm-4pm.

• Free life-changing stress / spine / health talks, Align4Life in Lake Road, Douglas, 6.45pm, 629444.

• The Annual General Meeting of the Friends of St Jude’s, 7pm at the Church, followed by light refreshments. All are welcome.

Tuesday, October 4

• Computers for Beginners, Onchan Library, 10am-noon. Call 621228.

• Manx Cancer Help drop-in day, Lisa Lowe Centre, The Old Schoolhouse, Cronkbourne, 11am-4pm.

• Lunch Club, Salvation Army Citadel, Lord Street, Douglas, 11.30am. Call 627742.

• Whist for Hospice, Michael Methodist Church, 7.30pm.

Wednesday, October 5

• Independent Living Centre open day, Ballakermeen Road, 9.30am-3.30pm. Call 642511.

• MS Society coffee morning, Harbour Lights, St Paul’s Square, Ramsey, 10.30am-noon.

• Computer training sessions. Leonard Cheshire Disability, Main Road, Onchan, 11am-3pm. Call 679030.

• Call in for coffee at St Peter’s Church, Onchan, 11am and 1pm.

• Bereavement support group, friendly get together for anyone feeling isolated or lonely after a bereavement, Scholl Centre, Hospice Isle of Man, 5pm-7pm. Call 647443.

• SambaMann percussion workshop, Onchan Silver bandroom, off Onchan Commissioners’ car park, 7pm, email sambamann@manx.net

• Bingo Quiz, Archibald Knox Onchan, 8pm.

• Manx Bat Group talk by Julia Hanmer, Cats and Churches, Braddan Church Hall, 8pm. Free admission, light refreshments (donation suggested).

Palace Cinema

• Bridget Jones’s Baby, (15). Nightly at 7.30pm.

• Magnificent Seven, (12A). Nightly at 7pm, Sat and Sun at 2pm.

• Finding Dory, 2D, (U), Sat and Sun at 2pm.

Broadway Cinema

• Deepwater Horizon, (12A). Fri at 7.30pm, Sat and Sun at 4.30pm and 7.30pm, Mon at 7.30pm, Tues and Wed at 2pm.

• Kubo and the Two Strings, (PG). Sat and Sun at 11.30am and 2pm.

Thursday, September 29

• Karaoke, Guys and Dolls, Douglas.

• Ramsey Folk Club, Mitre Hotel, Ramsey, 8pm-11pm.

• Karaoke with Ray Sloane at the Saddle Inn, Douglas.

• Guitar lessons at the meeting room, Archibald Knox, Onchan, 5.45pm-6.45pm.

• Alternative Havana, Fiesta Havana, Douglas. Also, Fri - Full On Fri.

• Ian Thompson at the Tynwald Inn, St John’s.

Friday, September 30

• Dickie at the Whitehouse, Peel, 9pm

• DJ Karaoke and Disco, at Bordello’s, Douglas, 9pm till 1am.

• DJ Tim, Second Venue, 21 Victoria Street, Douglas, 8pm. Also Saturday.

• Karaoke at the Albert, Douglas, 9pm.

• Irish traditional music session at the Mitre, Ramsey, 9pm.

• Kiaull as Gaelg at the Albert, Port St Mary, 9pm.

• Open Mic Night at Café Laare, Douglas, 7pm-9.30pm.

• Ian Thompson at the Commercial, Ramsey.

Saturday, October 1

• Little Miss Dynamite at the Mitre, Ramsey.

• Karaoke FM at the Manx Arms, Onchan, 9pm.

• Little Big Time Band, members of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Centenary Centre, Peel, £10, 8pm.

• Dickie at the Manor, Willaston, 9pm.

• Manx music session at the Whitehouse, Peel, 10pm.

• Karaoke with Dobbo at the Decks, Liverpool Arms, Baldrine.

• Karaoke at the Central Hotel, Ramsey.

• Karaoke and disco, in Second Venue above The Nags Head, 10pm-2am.

• Ian Thompson at the Mitre, Kirk Michael.

Sunday, October 2

• One Man/One Guitar at the Mitre, Kirk Michael, 8pm.

• The Mariners Choir will be performing a service at St Judes’ Church, 7pm All are welcome.

• Karaoke at The Crescent, Queen’s Promenade, Douglas, 8pm.

Tuesday, October 4

• Acoustic sing-around at the Manor, Willaston, 8.30pm.

• Rock Choir, Youth Arts Centre, Kensington Road, Douglas, 6pm.

Wednesday, October 5

• Irish Music session at O’Donnell’s, Douglas, 8.30pm.

Thursday, September 29

• Onchan Pensioners Club, Morton Hall, Castletown, coffee morning; Friday, sequence dancing, 2pm-4.30pm; Saturday, Arabian dancing, 9am-1pm; Monday, Bridge, 2pm-5pm and 7pm-11pm; Tuesday, coffee morning including raffle, 10am-noon; Wednesday, whist drive, 7pm-10pm.

• Manx Retirement Association stretch and flex at the NSC, Douglas, 10am.

• Soundcheck, Youth Arts Centre, Douglas, 6.30pm. Also Mon and Tues, 6pm-9pm. Mon, Castletown youth club, 6pm-9pm, and Wed, Ramsey youth club, 6.30pm-9.30pm.

Monday, October 3

• Vannin Bridge, Onchan pensioners hall, 2pm. Also Thurs.

• Possan Aeglagh Manx Speaking Youth Club School Year 6 upwards, Cafe Laare, Lord Street, Douglas, 6.30pm, subs £1. Call Cathy Clucas 414331 or email C.Clucas@doe.sch.im

• Onchan Silver Band practice, the band room, off Main Road, Onchan, beginners 6.30pm and seniors 7.30pm.

• Ramsey Gardening Club at 7.30pm at Quayle’s hall, Ramsey, £2.

Tuesday, October 4

• St John’s Art and Craft Group, Methodist hall, 9.40am. Bring your own art and craft. Call 851364.

• The Tuesday Group, flexible learning room to try your hand at basic crafts, have a chat, coffee and fun, Peel Clothworkers’ School, 1.15pm. Pre-school children catered for. Call 614180.

• Isle of Man Chess Club, Belsfield Hotel, Church Road Marina, Douglas, 7.30pm. Call 495097.

• Castletown Metropolitan Silver Band rehearsals, Queen Street Mission hall, 7.30pm.

• Rotary Club of Rushen and Western Mann meet Cherry Orchard Hotel, Port Erin, 7.30pm.

• Glen Maye WI, St James’ Church hall, Dalby, 7.30pm. Call 818194.

• Mannin Quilters, Ballabeg Methodist hall, 7.30pm. Call 628921. Also Wed at St Columba’s Catholic Church, Port Erin, 1.30pm.

• Santon WI, The Church Centre, Church Road, Santon, 7.30pm. Call 818194.

• Ballacottier Senior Youth Project for school years 10+, Ballacottier School youth room, 7.30pm-9.30pm.

Wednesday, October 5

• MS Society coffee morning, Harbour Lights, St Paul’s Square, Ramsey, 10.30am.

• Onchan Pensioners Club, Morton Hall, Castletown, ladies club, 2pm.

• The Friendship Club for the over 60s, Onchan Baptist Church, 2.30pm. Call 674255.

• Laxey Dog Training Club, Laxey Working Men’s Institute, 7pm-10pm.

• Jurby and District WI, Jurby parish hall, 7.15pm.

• St Mark’s WI, St Mark’s School room, 7.30pm. Call 818194.