The fixtures computer - also known as Tony Mepham - has thrown up several intriguing clashes in JCK Division Two this weekend.

Arguably taking top billing is the clash at Billy Goat Park between Foxdale and Castletown, two of the sides gunning for promotion and possibly the league title.

Only three points separate second-placed Foxdale and fourth-placed Town, but the latter have a game in hand and will know that they can’t really afford to hand this weekend’s hosts the initiative.

Foxdale bounced back from their recent defeat to Pulrose by hammering Governor’s Athletic last time out while Town are on a run of four successive victories so both teams should be confident of claiming a win this weekend, therefore expect this one to be tight.

League leaders Braddan face a potential banana skin when they travel to the Nivison Stadium to take on a resurgent Onchan side.

While the Os lost narrowly to Castletown last week, their recent form has been superb so they may fancy their chances of an upset.

Not content with those two interesting contests, there’s also a potentially good game taking place at Scoill ree Goree where RYCOB face in-form Pulrose. Youthie’s fine start to the season has come undone recently with three successive defeats while Pully are on a good run, but home advantage could prove crucial.

Douglas and District will be favourites to get the better of Michael, while lowly Malew host Marown and Governor’s visit Gymns.

A debate on whether MLCs should hold positions in government was overshadowed by a spat between past and present Ministers.

Former Policy and Reform Minister Chris Robertshaw said he was so shocked when he heard new post-holder Chris Thomas saying that reform was not a priority that he nearly crashed his car into a hedge.

At the first press conference of the new Council of Ministers, Mr Thomas told reporters: ‘I don’t even think emphasis needs to be so much on reform in this administration. We’ve already made some significant reforms.

‘The next step is to focus on the programme of government. I think there has been a qualitative move towards evidence based policy making rather than policy based evidence making. Government is already reformed and I think the focus now is on policy and the application of resources to agreed policy.

‘It feels to me as if this government is taking a fresh approach and is making a new start.’

During a debate on LegCo reform at the first sitting of the new parliament, Mr Robertshaw described driving home and listening to Mr Thomas’s comments on the radio.

He said: ‘What happened was so surprising I nearly hit the hedge. I was shocked to say the least when he said reform was not a priority for this administration but it was all about policy [and] government is already reformed.

‘When did this happen, this magic alchemy? I must have missed that – it happened in another space-time continuum.’

Mr Thomas hit back, saying he was profoundly disappointed at the remarks from a senior, experienced member of Tynwald. He pointed out that the debate was about parliamentary not government reform.

‘This is about doing things, about working out the right policies, not about navel gazing and looking at reform for reform’s sake,’ he said.

New LibVan MHK for Ramsey Lawrie Hooper had prompted the debate with a motion calling for MLCs not to be appointed as members of government. ‘Government should be elected by the people,’ he said.

But Douglas North MHK David Ashford tabled an amendment saying the status quo should be maintained until the recommendations of the Lord Lisvane review have been debated. He felt it would pre-empt that debate.

Mr Hooper disagreed, saying some of the Lisvane reforms stood alone. ‘We can’t be seen to be kicking this into the long grass,’ he said, but added he had no issue with the amendment.

Tynwald overwhelmingly backed the amended motion with only two members, Rob Callister and Alex Allinson, voting against.

A petition signed by 40 residents against a plan for three wind turbines overlooking Port Erin has joined the chorus voicing opposition to the proposal.

The application ((14/00632/B) by Cheeseden Investments Ltd) for the turbines is at a home owned by billionaire property magnate John Whittaker at his home at Ballaman in Rushen parish.

The petition raised several objections including that three 18.5-metre-high wind turbines would have ‘a significant visual impact’ and that it contravenes five policies in the strategic plan.

The petitioners argue: the proposal could affect the local bird population and have an ‘unacceptable impact on the setting of archaeological remains on Mull Hill and Meayll Peninsula’; that it could have a potential impact on air navigation radar at Ronaldsway airport; their erection would make private helicopters using Ballaman approach over Port St Mary and Port Erin, resulting in an increase in noise and disturbance from the helicopters for residents; approval would set a precedent for other much larger onshore wind farms in the island.

The petition states: ‘The quality of life and exceptional landscape are things that make the Isle of Man distinctive – this key economic asset should not be undermined.’

Rushen Parish Commissioners reiterated points they raised in 2014.

Their concerns include the aesthetic impact, arguing: ‘The site is already substantially developed (and) ... already dominates the landscape and three wind turbines would exacerbate the situation.’ They add this does not benefit the people of the island, adding: ‘Had they been there may have been an argument for approving wind turbines – but not in this location.

‘Approval would set a precedent for turbines in other parts of the island.’

They said this is mentioned in a report from Rushen Eco Energy, which is part of the application, which stated: ‘Multiple turbines may also be considered possible after a single one has proven the principle. Multiple small turbines are likely to be more acceptable than a single large one at this location above the town.’

The authority raised concerns about aircraft safety: ‘It is an area affected by mist and fog. Consideration by the Office of Planning has been delayed for two years because of concerns regarding the safety of aircraft flying in this vicinity.’

They added the proposal includes information that a pole has been erected since May in the position where the turbines would go and that they have provoked no complaints, but it ‘bears no resemblance to how the three turbines would appear should they be erected’.

Port Erin Commissioners, granted interested party stratus in 2014, reiterated its opposition.

Commissioners’ clerk Jason Roberts said there were ‘two or three’ letters of support for the plan, but the majority were opposed.

Commissioner Phil Crellin said: ‘I try to be as green as I possibly can. It’s a shame it is where it is, but unfortunately I cannot agree with that.’

He said he hopes others with plans to erect wind turbines should not be deterred by objections to this proposal.

‘Everyone knows green energy is the way forward,’ he said.

‘But government must take the lead on saying where we can put them.

‘Having them ad hoc like this is not acceptable.’

A mouth-watering clash between the Canada Life Premier League’s current top two heads Saturday afternoon’s Manx football bill.

Reigning champions and current pacesetters St George’s make the short trip to the Bowl where they will face second-place St Mary’s.

Since the latter’s impressive start to the campaign under new manager Kevin Middleton, this fixture has been eagerly awaited.

Even more so after Geordies lost their first league match since January 2015 in their last outing against Corinthians.

Chris Bass Sr’s men haven’t lost two league games in a row since 2009, when they fell to Peel, St Mary’s and Castletown in quick succession.

The hosts will smell blood in the water, but will have to be at their best to continue their own unbeaten start to the season against a stung St George’s side.

St Mary’s centre-backs Alex Harrison and Karl Clark will play key roles if Geordies are to be overcome especially with St George’s hotshots Ciaran McNulty and Calum Morrissey nearing full fitness. This one should be a cracker.

The race to see who will join the aforementioned duo in this season’s Cu-Plas Railway Cup continues to hot up by the week.

Seven teams are still eyeing the remaining two spots with intent after last weekend’s results.

Two of the six go head-to-head on Friday evening at Mullen-e-Cloie.

St John’s host DHSOB, with the latter knowing only a win will keep them in contention for a semi-final spot.

Laxey need to bounce back from last weekend’s defeat at the hands of Peel away at Ramsey if they are to remain in the mix.

Rushen also need three points from their visitors Douglas Athletic if they are to keep their current spot in the top four at the season’s halfway mark.

Last weekend’s headline makers Corinthians, who have played two games less than most, could yet come up on the rails to land a place in the cup draw. They face second-bottom Colby this week.

At the foot of the table Union Mills could put some distance between themselves at the division’s relegation zone with victory over rock bottom Ayre at Garey Mooar.

The government must ‘bite the bullet’ and look at reforming rent levels in public sector housing, Port Erin Commissioners say.

Their discussion followed a letter from Debbie Reeve, director of housing at the Department of Infrastructure, asking if rents should rise by 2.6 per cent next year – in line with inflation.

Commissioner Phil Crellin said the department had invested greatly in social housing and built up a ‘considerable’ housing deficit of ‘millions of pounds’.

He said: ‘It’s time government looked at a sensible way to pitch the rents at a sensible level. If more than two people in one house are paid a living wage, that rent should be increased.

‘I would dearly like to see government make an effort [at addressing this].’

Barbara Guy said: ‘Some people are living comfortably, others struggle. If government don’t do means testing, we have to keep it as low as possible.’

Commissioners’ chairman Nick Watterson said: ‘We are where we are until central government bites the bullet and comes up with something.’

A Corinthians side that ended St George’s 42-match unbeaten run in the league provides the spine for the latest Isle of Man Newspapers’ Team of the Week.

The Whites triumphed 4-3 at Glencrutchery Road to inflict Geordies’ first Canada Life Premier League defeat since January 2015 and their first at home since September the previous year.

Goalkeeper Adam Killey is the first of three Corinthians players in this week’s line-up after he produced a commanding display to keep Geordies at bay.

In front of him slots team-mate Chris Cannell alongside Alex Harrison (St Mary’s), Adam Cregeen (Peel) and St John’s full-back Eric Kelly.

Cannell helped the Whites limit a Geordies attack that has been averaging more than five goals a game to three at Glencrutchery Road on Saturday. Harrison’s sparkling early season form continued in Andreas as the top-flight’s only undefeated team thrashed Ayre 11-0.

Cregeen grabbed a clean sheet and a goal as Peel gave their Cu-Plas Railway Cup qualification hopes a shot in the arm with an impressive 3-0 at rivals Laxey.

Kelly earns his second TotW call-up of the season after he laid two of St John’s three goals on during the Johnners’ 3-1 win at Douglas Athletic. The result leaves the Saints firmly in the mix for a Railway Cup spot.

Catching the eye in the hypothetical XI’s four-man midfield is September’s Young Player of the Month Mathew Rennie.

The St Mary’s youngster bagged four goals during the Bowl outfit’s 11-0 rout of bottom side Ayre to tee the Bowl outfit up nicely for Saturday’s clash with St George’s.

Another player in form is Peel’s Marc Kelly and he lands his fourth TotW cap of the campaign after laying on all three of his side’s three goals against Laxey.

Claiming one of the side’s wing berths is DHSOB flyer Gary Quirk.

He grabbed two goals as Old Boys ground out a 3-2 win over Ramsey to keep their slim Railway Cup qualification hopes alive for another week.

Rushen’s Liam Cowin joins Marc Kelly in the XI’s midfield engine room after he shone in the Spaniards 4-1 win over southern rivals Colby at the Station Fields.

Up front, Mike Williams (Rushen) is paired with Corinthians’ bean-pole striker Sean Doyle.

Williams bagged a hat-trick for the Spaniards as they beat Colby, while Doyle scored one of Corinthians’ all-important goals as they downed Geordies.

Also impressing on the Glencrutchery Road pitch was official Andy Lodge and he lands the Referee of the Week honours.

Team of the Week: 15/10/16

Goalkeeper

Adam Killey (Corinthians) TotW apps this season: 1

Defence:

Adam Cregeen (Peel) TotW apps: 2

Alex Harrison (St Mary’s) TotW apps: 4

Chris Cannell (Corinthians) TotW apps: 1

Eric Kelly (St John’s) TotW apps: 2

Midfield:

Liam Cowin (Rushen) TotW apps: 2

Marc Kelly (Peel) TotW apps: 4

Mathew Rennie (St Mary’s) TotW apps: 2

Gary Quirk (DHSOB) TotW apps: 1

Attack:

Mike Williams (Rushen) TotW apps: 2

Sean Doyle (Corinthians) TotW apps: 1

Referee: Andy Lodge (St George’s v Corinthians) RotW apps: 1

The Isle of Man Squash Rackets Association is taking part in the Unicef’s World Squash Day on Saturday.

Various activities will be taking place at the NSC’s newly-refurbished courts with coaches on hand to offer advice to novice and experienced players alike.

Sessions take place throughout the day from 10am to 6pm. To take part just turn up on the day with £2.50.

Fore more information log on to iomsra.co.uk or take a look at www.facebook.com/IOMSRA

Davy Knowles and his band will headline the musical entertainment at Isle of Man Cyclefest 2017.

The first details of next year’s festival, taking place from May 12 to 14, were unveiled this week.

Now based in Chicago, the home-grown blues/rock/roots star released his third studio album, titled Three Miles from Avalon, earlier this month featuring a return to his roots and the sounds that first ignited his passion for music.

Davy, who last performed in the island with two gigs over Christmas, will embark on a European tour in 2017 with Cyclefest appearing on the calendar as his homecoming date.

Organisers say that the Roots and Rhythms main stage at Milntown estate, Ramsey, will feature a range of professional singers and groups, UK festival acts and professional touring and recording artists.

The first day of the festival will feature a community day in and around Ramsey town centre. The action then moves to Milntown for two days.

Family entertainment planned for the weekend includes Titan the robot, an eight-foot-tall mechanical behemoth that has appeared at events including Glastonbury, the Winter Olympics at Sochi and the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi.

Festival wristbands are now available to buy at iomcyclefest.com as well as event entries with a discounted ‘early bird’ rate up to December 1.

The event’s title sponsor is Isle of Man Bank.

The Manx Wildlife Trust is to show people how to encourage bats into their gardens next week.

Monday, 1.30pm: A walk around the gardens at Milntown in Ramsey looking for where food and bats might be seen.

Wednesday 10am ,Henry Bloom Noble Library: Learning about bats and batty crafts. Contact the library on 696461 to book a free ticket before the event.

Thursday, October 27, 2.30pm, Onchan Library: A batty story then create some bats, Book via the library on 621228 for a free ticket

Friday, October 28, 2pm , Methodist Hall in St John’s: A bat box building workshop. £5 entrance per child, with additional £10 to cover each bat box kit.

At 6pm the trust will explore the Arboretum for hiding bats.

An end to the long-running Castle Mona saga may be in sight.

The Sefton Group revealed today [Friday] it was in talks with an interested party.

Sefton Group chairman Clive Parrish said: ‘We have an interested party that we are in discussions with at the moment.

‘ At this stage they have not made an offer but they are doing work into that.

‘They seem to be a credible interested party’.

Brett Martin, chief executive, said: ‘We have been in discussions for three or four months and they have done a lot of homework. It has not just been a general enquiry, they have had architects and surveyors in the buildings and have spent money on the programme.’

Mr Parrish described the Castle Mona as the group’s biggest ‘drag anchor’ and one the group is keen to see sold off.

Mr Parrish said the board of the Sefton ‘is as frustrated as the local populace and if we can find a solution for it that is feasible and sensible for us as the current owners of it then we remain open to offers if you like. And we are hopeful the people showing interest at the moment will continue.’

Mr Parrish added he did not believe the people looking at the Castle Mona at the moment are looking to us e it as a hotel if they buy it.

The historic property has been on the market for several years.

Earlier at today’s annual meeting shareholders heard that the grouphas announced a further increase in profitability.

Profit for the financial year ending December 31, 2015 was £411,000, an increase of 60 per cent on the 2014 figure.

There has also been the completion of a deal to refinance the Palace Hotel and Casino site and a 10-year renewal of its casino licence.

More details in the Examiner on Tuesday.

Emergency services had to help a motorist out of her car after a crash last night.

It happened on the Switchback Road near Peel at about 10.20pm.

Police, fire and ambulance crews were sent to the scene.

Fire crews stabilised the two cars while ambulance crews assessed the vehicles’ drivers.

One driver had minor cuts and abrasions and she was able to get out of her vehicle. She was taken to hospital for a check-up.

The other driver, although not physically trapped, was unable to get out of her car due to back pain and the damage sustained by her vehicle, which caused access problems.

Fire crews removed the side and roof of the car and part of a tree which the car had come to rest against and which was impeding access.

Paramedics gave her first aid and then, with the firefighters, secured her onto a long board, which then allowed her to be taken out of the car.

The latest condition of the casualties is not known at this time.

Councillors in Douglas are to get now iPads.

The council’s Executive Committee heard the devices, which are now four years old, have software which is no longer supported.

Councillors use the iPads to access email, calendars, documents and electronic agendas for meetings. In the near future they will also be used for council members to manage their expenses.

Approval was given to replace the existing equipment with new iPad Air 2 devices which have keyboards. Initial cost is to be met from the council’s IT budget.

The iPads cost £345 each but are said to offer many benefits including savings in printing and paper. Cost equates to £86 per year per councillor, over four years.

A workshop for budding sport stars has launched the second year of the Isle of Man Sport Aid Academy.

Almost 70 athletes, accompanied by parents, guardians and coaches, attended the start of year two of the academy at St Ninian’s Lower School at Bemahague, Onchan.

Nick Grantham, shared experience built up over almost two decades as a sports performance professional including working with British Gymnastics, England Netball, the Rugby Football Union, several Premiership football teams and athletes at four Olympic Games.

There were also contributions from physiotherapists Ruth Cooil and Wendy Shallcross and sports psychology consultant Sian Griffith, all members of the Isle of Man Sport Institute support team.

The Isle of Man Sport Aid Academy was launched in 2015 to help athletes aged 13 to 17 who are in the tier below those currently supported by Isle of Man Sport Aid.

During the first year the academy hosted four workshops developed by sport and athlete development adviser Paul Jones. The programme, which involves parents, guardians and coaches, includes homework

At the first workshop of year two there were many familiar faces as athletes who attended the first year returned, as well as more than 30 new recruits from across a range of sports.

The latest intake attended a series of ‘boot camp’ sessions in September to cover the topics which formed the first year of the Academy, ensuring they were fully up to speed for the workshop.

Sport Aid sports performance co-ordinator Chris Quine said: ‘Year two of the Isle of Man Sport Aid Academy got off to a great start with our first workshop.

‘Hearing from a professional with as much experience as Nick Grantham was invaluable, as was the input from of our own team members.

‘Once again everyone, both returning athletes and our new academy intake, took full advantage of the opportunity to learn and benefit from the expertise and experience of others as they work towards achieving their full potential.

‘Physical preparation is obviously a key element to performance in sport, and at the workshop the athletes were able to hear about different approaches which will help them develop their own methods to realise optimum results.

‘While our first workshop has focused on the physical side, the Academy adopts an holistic attitude towards sport which is reflected in the broad range of subjects covered in year one, including respect and resilience, and the diverse topics planned for year two.’

The academy’s next workshop, focusing on rest and regeneration, takes place on January 13.

The academy is sponsored by finance firm SMP Partners and e-gaming company Newfield.

A new online feature promises to give patients more control over their medical records.

By the end of the month, people who register on the Patient Access website and downloadable app will be able to to view details of test results and other records without having to visit their GP.

Annmarie Cubbon, head of Primary Care Commissioned Services, said: ‘These changes mean that not only will patients be able to book appointments, and manage their own prescriptions, but they can review their complete GP record at any time they want.

‘Those who have frequent laboratory tests, perhaps a diabetic who regularly attends a blood clinic, can monitor their own results without waiting for updates from their GP. That is really putting patients in control.’

Previously it has been possible to book and cancel appointments using the program, but now patients can see details of their diagnoses, medial treatments, and medication as well as details from past appointments.

Test results will be accessible at the same time as they are reviewed by GPs, with an opportunity for doctors to leave notes for patients to read attached to the results. These could indicate that another appointment should be made, or offer reassurance that the results were normal.

The use of the feature is a part of the government’s Digital Strategy.

Richard Wild, chief information and digital officer, said: ‘The whole strategy is built around the commitment to improving the quality of all government digital services, and making sure that they are easy, simple and swift to use. ’

Appointments remain bookable through other previous ways.

To find out more, visit https://patient.emisaccess.co.uk

Two island cadets have been appointed to a special position helping out the Lieutenant Governor on official occasions.

The chosen cadets are Michael Smethurst and Jared may who will support and escort the Lieutenant Governor Sir Richard Gozney at various official functions as well as attending receptions at Government House.

Both cadets were chosen at the end of a rigorous selection process and were nominated as outstanding cadets by their respective organisations.

Michael, who lives in Onchan, is 18 and is a cadet sergeant with 440 (1st Manx) Squadron Air Training Corps. Jared is 17 years old and is a cadet sergeant with Ramsey Combined Cadet Division, St John Ambulance. He lives in Laxey.

The period running up to Christmas will prove a busy time for both cadets as they find themselves on duty at a number of events leading up to the festive period. one of Michael’s duties will be to accompany the Lieutenant Governor at the National Service of Remembrance at St John’s on November 13. Both cadets said they were very much looking forward to their year in the post.

The Lieutenant Governor has also awarded certificates of merit in a ceremony at Government House.

Sergeant Major Instructor Paul Lewin and Jim Jackson have each been awarded the Lieutenant Governor’s certificate of merit in recognition of their outstanding commitment and dedication.

Sergeant Major Instructor Lewin is an instructor with the Isle of Man Cadet Force, and was previously a cadet. He joined the force in 2012. He was then appointed Detachment Commander of Ramsey and is the island’s public relations officer. He has run an effective recruitment strategy attracting new adult instructors as well as new cadets.

Mr Jackson is a civilian instructor with the 440 (1st Manx) Squadron Air Training Corps and has completed 20 years’ service.

He is the supply officer and in charge of building maintenance and security. and is involved in UK visits, shooting and camping events.

More than £120,000 has been approved for spending across the capital’s sheltered housing complexes.

The bulk of the money will be spent on general running costs, including maintenance for the lifts, cleaning, television licence fees, and boiler servicing.

This accounts for just over £98,000 of the full sum to be spent.

In addition to this, Waverley Court and Ballanard Court are to have CCTV installed at a cost of up to £8,300. The purpose is to deter anti-social behaviour and improve security. Similar systems are already installed at the Hazel Court sheltered housing complex and will be included in the new Willaston sheltered housing. However, the systems are not yet linked to the wider Douglas CCTV network, councillors were told.

A further £3,700 is to be spent on installing LED motion sensor corridor lighting at Ballanard Court. A similar system has already been put in place at Waverley Court and will be included in the Willaston complex.

An estimated maximum figure of £12,000 has also been set aside for decorating at Waverley Court. Councillors were told the sum was to address stains and marks in the communal corridor areas of the complex. Most areas were in good order, but areas that see heavy traffic, such as stairwells, were showing signs of wear and tear.

He lasted less than a year as boss of the Manx NHS.

Now Mark Charters has quit his latest post in the remote South Atlantic island of St Helena after just four and a half months.

He was appointed director of safeguarding for the government of the British Overseas Territory on May 12 this year for what should have been a two-year contract.

But this month, the St Helena Government posted on its Facebook page: ‘As of September 28, 2016, Mark Charters is no longer the director of safeguarding.

‘His responsibilities passed to Paul McGinnety with immediate effect - until a substantive replacement is identified. The process of recruitment will begin shortly.’

Mr Charters was appointed to head up the newly merged Department of Health and Social Care in July 2014.

But in June last year it was announced he had quit as chief executive for personal reasons.

During his short time in the Isle of Man, Mr Charters spearheaded a new strategy of integrated healthcare.

He and then Health Minister - and now Chief Minister - Howard Quayle came in for much criticism when they travelled to New Zealand on a fact-finding mission.

A spokesman for the St Helena Government confirmed: ‘I can confirm that during the recruitment process, as with everyone St Helena Government employs, a full fact check (including references) was completed.

‘I cannot go into the detail of why Mr Charters is leaving as that is confidential between the parties, except to say that the position of director of safeguarding is currently being held by Paul McGinnety until a full time successor is appointed.’

When he took up his post in St Helena, Mr Charters said: ‘When I look back at my career it has been the team, the people, the professional family, that all pull together in the same direction that has been the difference between a good service and a great service. From the most junior to the most senior, we all belong to one team, and I hope to bring that ethos to St Helena.

‘I am so looking forward to meeting and working with everyone who lives on St Helena, to become part of an important team and to build on the good work that has already been done.’

St Helena is famous as the place of Napoleon’s exile. Its lifeline to the rest of the world is RMS St Helena, which takes five days to sail from Cape Town.

Mr Charters has had more than 30 years’ experience of social work in the UK. He has held leadership positions in Oxford, Newbury, Southampton and the London borough of Bexley, including as director of social services and director of children’s services.

Manx rally driver David Higgins capped off another impressive American season by dominating the final round of the series, the Lake Superior Performance Rally (LSPR) over the weekend.

The win affirmed Higgins and co-driver Craig Drew’s sixth straight Rally America title, while also earning Subaru the manufacturer’s championship.

Higgins entered the LSPR having already secured the Driver’s Championship crown, having won four rounds already this season.

LSPR is affectionately known in the rally community as the ‘oldest, meanest, toughest’ event on the circuit.

It was a round of the very first official World Rally Championship in 1973 and features technical gravel forest roads that are often impacted by the highly variably autumn weather of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. This year the event culminated with a unique stage through downtown Houghton, Michigan.

With the championship pressure off his back Higgins could focus solely on his friendly rivalry with his Subaru team-mate Travis Pastrana. The latter led the rally’s opening loop after Higgins lost 20 seconds with an electrical issue on the first stage. However, Higgins quickly set to erase that deficit, pulling away from Pastrana and the rest of the field by winning the following six stages on day one.

With a lead of more than one minute entering day two Higgins still didn’t let up, winning all but one of the day’s stages on his way to his fifth victory this year.

Higgins said: ‘It’s been a good season and we wouldn’t be able to do it without the great help from our team.

‘They do a fabulous job on my Subaru and I am very thankful for them.

‘As always, great job by my co-driver Craig Drew providing spot-on notes throughout the season. I’m looking forward to spending some time at home in Wales relaxing with my kids and watching them race karts.’

Enjoy a walk to the Point of Ayre and a paella lunch while raising money for a good cause.

The Diana Princess of Wales Care at Home Trust is challenging walkers to complete the 95-mile Raad ny Foillan coastal footpath, split into a number of stages.

For the fifth leg, it is a 7.5 mile walk from Sartfield along the shore line to the Point of Ayre, where an al fresco lunch of paella will be served at the lighthouse.

The walk will start at midday on Sunday, October 30, and it’s estimated participants will reach the lighthouse between 3pm and 3.30pm.

An easy walk from Eary Cushlin to Niarbyl Cafe kicked off the Raad Ny Foillan Challenge in June.

The second leg ended in Peel with supper at the Creek.

The third hike got as far as Kirk Michael, with lunch at the Mitre.

And the fourth stage headed along the old railway line and then the beach to Sartfield, where participants had lunch at the Guard House Cafe in Jurby.

The Diana Princess of Wales Care at Home Trust, known as Hospice at Home, is an island charity that funds nursing staff to provide respite and palliative care for terminally ill patients in their own homes. It works closely with Hospice Isle of Man.

The charge for the hike is £10 while the paella is £12.50.

If you haven’t already joined the Raad Ny Foillan Challenge, the entry fee is £10 or £500 for corporate teams of five.

Anyone joining the challenge now will be able to make up the missed stages and therefore be eligible for an RNF Challenge Certificate.

Cheques for the walk and paella should be sent to Challento Terri at Annexio Limited, Anglo International House, Level 6, Lord Street, Douglas, IM1 4LN, or settle by bank transfer.

A driver who cannoned into the back of a stationary car shunted it forward into the vehicle in front and that, in turn, careered into the next one in the queue.

Stephanie Crellin, of Alder Road, Pulrose, told the court she simply didn’t notice the car in front had stopped, when she hit the back of it during the afternoon on May 22.

For the prosecution, Hazel Carroon said Crellin, who is 37, was in a stream of traffic heading towards Onchan along the seafront in Douglas, when she ran into the back of another car as it stopped near Jak’s bar.

Miss Carroon said the impact from her black Nissan Juke caused a domino effect and left a total of four vehicles damaged as a result.

Crellin told the police she had been the driver at the back of the line and did not see traffic had stopped until it was too late.

She admitted driving carelessly and having no insurance, after it came to light her insurance policy had been cancelled some time before the accident.

The defendant originally entered a guilty plea by post but was required to appear in person to offer reasons why she should not receive a driving ban.

Defending her, Deborah Myerscough said the accident was quite low speed and came about because of a momentary lapse of concentration. She told the court Crellin had originally had a policy of insurance on the car but had recently been through a relationship break up. As a result of confusion, she said the premium payments had not been kept up to date and the policy had lapsed.

‘It was a misunderstanding, not a deliberate act. Her driving licence is very important to her,’ she said.

Deputy High Bailiff Jayne Hughes said: ‘This was made more serious because you were driving without insurance. It was your responsibility to check the insurance rather than assume it had been paid,’ she said.

She was fined £250 for careless driving, £400 for no insurance and pays £50 costs. She received eight penalty points but no driving ban.