THE Met Office has confirmed that 2012 had the wettest summer on record.

August’s rainfall at Ronaldsway measured 126.6mm, almost double the long-term average for the month.

June and July were also significantly wetter than average. The total rainfall across June, July and August came to 381.5mm, which easily surpasses the previous record of 329.9mm from back in 1985. Ronaldsway’s records began in 1947.

The rain was often unusually varied around the island last month.

On August 5, a thunderstorm caused some flooding just over Douglas, and a similar intense downpour caused problems, again mostly for Douglas and the east, on the 29th.

The thousands enjoying the sun at the Jurby Festival on the 26th may be surprised to learn that there was 18mm of rain at the Point Of Ayre that morning. Heavy rain over high ground also caused problems with road damage and land slips. On the 27th there was 16mm of rain at Ronaldsway, but over 60mm on the hills.

Despite all the rain, other areas of the weather weren’t too far from the long term averages.

The mean daily maximum was 17.5C; about half a degree below normal, but the mean night minima of 13.0C was about half a degree above normal. The warmest day was the 10th with 19.5C achieved at Ronaldsway.

The wind averaged out at 9.9 knots, which is normal for the time of year, with a peak gust of 38 knots on the 27th.

Sunshine totalled 169 hours, which is 17 hours below the long term average.

There were 3 days with fog observed at Ronaldsway, and a funnel cloud (small tornado) was seen over Onchan on the 4th.

FIONA Moore has been promoted to assistant manager in Moore Stephens Trust Company Limited.

Fiona, who has been with Moore Stephens since 2004 and was nominated as a finalist for the Young Achiever of the Year award at the 2011 Isle of Man Excellence Awards, said: ‘I’m over the moon with my promotion; I began my working career at Moore Stephens eight years ago and they’ve always gone out of their way to support my development.’

‘A promotion well deserved, with this comes greater opportunities and challenges for Fiona’, said Anthony Cashen, client services director of Moore Stephens Trust Company Limited, ‘With her extensive experience I’m certain she will play a crucial role in Moore Stephens’ continued success, ensuring our clients continue to receive the exemplary levels of service they’ve come to expect.’

WORK starts on New Castletown Road, Douglas, between Groves Road and Saddle Road today (Monday).

This is a continuation of the works which were carried out before the Manx Grand Prix between Quarterbridge and Saddle Road.

Once exposed, the Department of Infrastructure found that parts of the carriageway needed to be completely reconstructed as the road foundations had failed.

The works to reconstruct the carriageway and the footway are programmed in two phases.

Under the first phase, anticipated to last 10 days, works will be completed under a one-way system, with traffic travelling southbound, out of Douglas between Millmount Industrial Estate and Ballaughton Close. The junction at Saddle Road will be completely closed as the inbound and centre lanes are totally reconstructed.

Traffic heading into Douglas from the south should use either Cooil Road/Vicarage Road or Kewaigue/Old Castletown Road to avoid delays at Groves Road traffic signals.

Bus services will operate on revised routes, with additional buses being provided to maintain services to residential areas.

For the second phase, also expected to last 10 days, the Saddle Road junction will be re-opened and two way traffic will once again flow on the New Castletown Road, although the junction will be controlled by traffic lights as the outbound lane is reconstructed.

Access to Spring Valley Terrace will be maintained throughout this period.

Mylchreest’s garage and car show room and other adjacent business premises will remain open throughout this period.

A spokesman for the Department of Infrastructure said: ‘We would like to thank you in advance for your patience and co-operation. If you have any concerns or queries regarding the work, please phone 850000.’

COMMUNITY-spirited individuals are being encouraged to consider a range of public service opportunities.

The Appointments Commission is seeking a chairperson and deputy chairperson for the Employment Tribunal, along with new members of the Health Services Consultative Committee.

Later in the year appointments will be made to two newly constituted bodies - the Legal Aid Committee and the Legal Aid Tribunal.

Positions advertised by the Appointments Commission, which is independent of Government, provide an opportunity to fulfil an important role in public life, as well as develop personal skills and knowledge.

People from all backgrounds and walks of life are urged to apply in order to provide ideas and advice from different perspectives.

Tribunal members serve for a term of three years and are appointed on merit via an open and transparent recruitment process.

To find out more, visit {http://www.gov.im/registries/tribunals/vacancies.xml|www.gov.im/registries/tribunals/vacancies.xml}.

TIRELESS Isabella Hawke packs a lot into her day and running her own business is just part of it.

Isabella, 42, is a mother-of-three and became a grandmother four months ago.

She is also a paid coastguard working with two male colleagues at the coastguard head office in Douglas.

But she has never looked back since starting her own venture by creating her own brand of natural skincare products.

And her message to people thinking of starting their own business is: ‘Go for it.’

Originally from Nottingham Isabella came to the island five years ago with her Manx husband Stephen who is an immigration officer.

‘So between the ports and the airports we have it covered,’ she said.

‘I worked first at Ballakermeen High School as support assistant for children that have problems and then I worked as a manager at Marks & Spencer before I got the job with the coastguard.

‘There are three of us in head office and there are 80 volunteers at five stations around the island.

‘I’m an administrator and I’m training to do other things but I don’t go jumping off the cliffs with the lads. That’s not for me.’

Isabella lives in Douglas with husband Stephen and five-year-old daughter Alicia.

She has two other grown-up children Amy, 21, and Sam, 20, who also live in the island. There is also a four month old grandchild Lucian.

Isabella told how she decided to go into business. ‘I have extra sensitive skin and it will come up in bumps and hives at the slightest sniff of a cosmetics jar.

‘I decided I could either deal with it or moan about it. So I dealt with it and devised my own range of skincare. I have several allergies that don’t help things and if I use this the allergies can be kept to a minimum. I decided there are plenty of people out there like me.

‘I devised a range at high street prices and when I do trade shows I sell at trade prices.

‘What’s surprising is that many of my customers are men. I never anticipated that. That very much surprised me.’

She added: ‘I think more men are starting to look after themselves. They buy from me and then buy their wives things as well. It’s also suitable for kids and pregnant women.’

The gonatural range includes cleansers, toners and moisturisers, skin masks, body lotions, bubble bath, shampoo and conditioner and shower gel.

gonaturalskincare.com

457139

PARENTS have been so keen for their children to attend the newly built St Ninian’s Lower School that some have even moved house so they fall into its catchment zone.

Head teacher Andy Fox and deputy head Rob Cowley both agree that everyone that had been shown round ahead of its opening this week – including about 100 primary school pupils moving up to the school and staff – had been impressed by what’s on offer.

Mr Cowley said that while the Department of Education and Children came ‘under a lot of flak at times’, it should be given credit for ‘pushing the boat out’.

He described it as a ‘flagship school’ not just for the Isle of Man but across the UK.

In fact, he said a head teacher building a similar size school in Derbyshire, who visited last month, was ‘totally jealous’, at what had been achieved.

The visiting head had a budget of just £15m compared with the £33.8m spent at Bemahague, in Onchan.

With such good facilities on offer – especially in comparison with those available at St Ninian’s former lower school at Park Road – Mr Fox admitted that students might not want to leave at the end of year nine (ages 13 and 14) and move up to the upper school site in Ballaquayle Road.

While the lower school is designed to benefit the whole community – with the sporting facilities, dance/drama studio and arts and food technology rooms being leased to groups – Mr Fox said the upper school was a ‘different scenario’.

He said it would be ‘much more of an academic area for years 10 to 13 [ages 14 to 18].’

‘To some extent our challenge is to work to improve the opportunities there. There are some plans to improve that and bring that about.’

Plans being looked at include a new library and independent learning area for sixth form. Space has been created at the upper school site with year nine students moving from there to the lower school.

Mr Cowley said the first students had a big responsibility: ‘Park Road has been standing for 118 years.

‘It is their job to set the standard for the next 100 years because that’s how long this school will be around for.

‘They have to look after it. Setting that standard is really quite an important task for future students to follow.’

As well as community groups, primary schools, including Ashley Hill, Onchan and Cronk-y-Berry are expected to make use of the facilities.

We take a video tour of the new school, {http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/education/such-a-stunning-place-to-go-to-learn-1-4878052|click here to see inside}.

THE British Film Institute has announced it will present the world premiere of its restoration of Hitchcock’s The Manxman (1929) in Leicester Square, London, on October 19.

The powerful love triangle set among the fishing community here in the Isle of Man will be shown at The Empire cinema with a new score by internationally renowned accompanist Stephen Horne as part of the BFI London Film Festival (October 10 -21).

The Manxman is Alfred Hitchcock’s last wholly silent film and one of the best and most mature works of his early career.

Adapted from the novel (originally published in 1894) by bestselling Manx author Sir Hall Caine, who specialised in stories set in the island.

Set in a small fishing community, it tells the tale of two boyhood friends who take markedly different paths in adulthood.

One a humble fisherman, the other a lawyer destined to become Deemster. Both fall in love with the same woman, forcing them to deal not only with their own moral code but also that of the strict Manx society.

Although an atypical Hitchcock work, The Manxman features actors Malcom Keen, Carl Brisson and Anny Ondra.

The film has been restored as part of The Genius of Hitchcock - the biggest ever project undertaken by the BFI.

The Manxman is the last of nine new restorations of Alfred Hitchcock’s surviving silent films to be presented with new music, part of a series of events launched as part of the Cultural Olympiad.

The project continues through August into October. The BFI has also published a new book 39 Steps to The Genius of Hitchcock and there is a supporting exhibition at BFI Southbank alongside a series of new resources online at www.bfi.org.uk

BFI artistic director Clare Stewart said: ‘The Manxman will be a fitting culmination to the BFI’s extraordinary series of screenings of Hitchcock’s newly restored silent films this summer. Critics and audiences alike have been thrilled to see these films afresh, transformed by great new music and exciting settings.’

Monday, September 3

Aries (March 21 - April 20) With your engine revving and the road ahead clear, a sense of great freedom is with you. There are those for whom this week is a chance to really make headway. For some, though, it is an irksome task. The difference is that some of you are taking a negative attitude! Make sure that yours is positive and you will have a chance to make real progress.

Taurus (April 21 - May 21) Wanting to put things right with someone close is a good instinct to have. It would certainly give you peace of mind. Indeed, this should be a quiet and peaceful week and one that is long overdue. Being successful in business is only one part of success. The light is dawning that what you have always wanted has changed. Perhaps you have grown out of an ambition or found something better.

Gemini (May 22 - June 21) Someone very special could come into your life. You must, however, be at the ball to meet the prince. This opportunity for happiness is not going to jump up and bite you. A small phone call could be the start of it all. Accept invitations and get out and about. Be aware of what is going on so that you can be in the right place at the right time.

Cancer (June 22 - July 23) What is the reason that you are being held back? Are you sure that you are, in reality, being held back at all? These are not trick questions. Being honest with your answers this week will lift a cloud from your horizon. Perhaps you are seeing ghosts when there are only shadows. Don’t let your imagination run away with your confidence.

Leo (July 24 - August 23) With high energy, you are seeking to get as much done as possible in a small amount of time. Rather than go at it ‘hammer and tongs’, it could be easier. Let someone help you out. They will find it satisfying and so you will both be happy. Someone is waiting in the wings to be noticed but your heart is otherwise engaged.

Virgo (August 24 - September 23) You are freer than you imagine. Your imagination is letting you down a bit at the moment. Not for some time have opportunities been throwing themselves at you like this. The question is not if you should take up an offer but rather which offer you should choose. You should have every confidence in your abilities to carry off the prize. Why would you doubt it?

Libra (September 24 - October 23) Give others the benefit of the doubt and your infinite patience this week. Situations will change from minute to minute. It would be a waste of energy to take anything at face value. Time is often the first thing to solve many problems. As with health, given a few days simple things will sort themselves out. Try not to over-react when you do not get your own way midweek.

Scorpio (October 24 - November 22) Although you are only too aware that you are capable of great good when you put your mind to it, it would be wise to bide your time this week. You may not realise that you are expending too much energy until your weary head hits the pillow. Be kind to your body. Some things that are taken for granted should not be so. This can lead to neglect. In neither home or business is this recommended.

Sagittarius (November 23 - December 21) It may seem that everyone wants your attention at the moment. There are times when you would like nothing more than to go away and clear your mind. This is not only possible but essential. You need some quiet moments. Even a day away can renew your spirits and energy. Explaining yourself is not easy this week as you do not feel much like communicating. Stay cool.

Capricorn (December 22 - January 20) So strong have been the practical considerations of late that you have been in a bad position. You need to live more for the ‘now’ and less for the ‘tomorrow’. Of course life should be a mixture of both but sometimes it all gets a bit jumbled. Getting a few hours peace and quiet on your own may be all that you need. Getting enough sleep is also important in this situation.

Aquarius (January 21 - February 19) Putting all of your eggs in one basket is rarely to be advised. It should particularly be avoided this week. For the sake of speed and ease, it will be tempting to take short cuts and make decisions that are bland. These will, of their nature, not be of the ‘good’ or ‘great’ categories. You are capable of better. Give yourself some time and space.

Pisces (February 20 - March 20) How you feel about someone will change dramatically over the week. This will surprise you. Thinking about it logically, though, you have been missing the point for some time. Someone who you always thought of as a friend turns out to be much more. How you deal with this is very much an individual thing. All that I can advise is that you don’t hesitate and miss the mark again!

TWELVE proprietors of hotel, bed and breakfast and self-catering properties were honoured with gold and silver accolades for providing excellent customer service at a special celebration.

The accolades were introduced in 2010, mirroring the scheme operated in the UK by Visit Britain.

They are in addition to a star grading and shows that accommodation has significantly exceeded expectations with its quality and cleanliness but, more importantly, the proprietors’ standards of service and hospitality.

Ten gold and two silver accolades were awarded following assessments by independent assessors Quality in Tourism.

Head of tourism Angela Byrne said: ‘The Department of Economic Development’s tourism division is constantly working to improve the quality of service provided to visitors and the gold and silver accolades recognise the exceptional standards that have been achieved by these accommodation providers.

‘The individual awards shows that these businesses are all willing to go that extra mile to ensure their guests have an enjoyable and comfortable stay.

‘They should be congratulated for their commitment and I wish to express my sincere thanks to all accolade winners for their hard work.’

The award winners will be entitled to display the gold and silver accolade award at their premises, alongside their star grading sign.

DED political member for tourism Geoff Corkish MHK, presented the awards at Sir Norman’s Bar in the Sefton Hotel, Douglas.

Mr Corkish said: ‘It is so important that we continue to improve accommodation standards for our visitors and these accolade winners show just how much passion and enthusiasm there is within the industry.

‘Achieving this award reflects their hard work and I would like to personally thank each and every one of them on their award.’

Gold accolades: Inglewood Guest House, Douglas, Andrew Cross; Bay View Cottage, Self Catering, Port Erin, Judy Ewart; Borrane, Self Catering, Port St Mary, Anna Kelly; Aalin Thie Apartments (Ground & 1), Self Catering, Douglas, David Emmett; Ballachrink Farm Cottages (Cherry Cottage), Self Catering, Laxey, Tracy Nolan; Bridson House Holiday Apartments, Self Catering, Port Erin, Beverley Jones; Corrody Cottage, Self Catering, Sulby, Carol Hutchinson; East Ballabane Farmhouse, Self Catering, Andreas, Claire Gordon; Spaldrick View Cottage, Self Catering, Port Erin, F.D. Gell; Old Lonan Church Cottage (Cummal-Rae Shillish) Self Catering, Baldrine, Sue Goody.

Silver accolades: Claremont Hotel, Douglas, Ian Stephenson; The Old Parsonage Barns B & B, St Mark’s, Fiona Cameron.

• The 2012 Tourism Awards close on September 30.

Categories include best customer service and best hotel, guest and self-catering accommodation.

Nomination cards are available for collection from a number of distribution points including the Welcome Centre at the Sea Terminal, railway stations, local commissioners’ offices and Manx National Heritage attractions.

Completed forms can either be returned by post or dropped into one of the many collection boxes situated around the island.

TOTALLY distraught following the death of his uncle and good friend Trevor Ferguson in the Supertwin MGP last Wednesday, Ryan Farquhar has announced that he is to quit road racing forthwith.

‘I’m finished with racing,’ he said. ‘I’ve been at it a long time and I’ve lost a lot of friends, but it’s different when it comes to your own doorstep,’ said the Dungannon ace who just hours before the incident had won the Senior Classic event for the fifth time.

‘This is a sport I love but I can’t risk putting my family through something like that any more – I have to think of them. I’m absolutely gutted.’

Farquhar is particularly saddened that he’d offered one of his own KMR Kawasakis to Farguson to ride in the race. He was holding onto second place at the time the tragic accident occurred at the Nook, nearing the end of the second circuit.

His two daughters, Aimee and Jane, were both at the Manx. One of them was in his pit at the time the incident occured.

Farquhar, who has a total of 44 race wins to his credit in the Isle of Man, covering the TT, Manx Grand Prix and Southern 100, also has 199 Irish road race wins and had been hoping to crack 200 at the forthcoming Killalane meeting in the Republic of Ireland.

THE Ramsey Bakery-sponsored End to End Walk takes place on Sunday, September 23 over the regular western route.

Entries are expected to be in the region of 500 by the time they close at midnight on Saturday, September 8. To encourage people to enter early, the fee will go up from £20 to £25 on Saturday, September 1.

Signing on will be at Manx Harriers clubhouse, NSC perimeter road, on Friday, September 21 between 5 and 8pm.

A new category is being introduced this year for corporate teams. These can consist of a line-up of four people (male, female or mixed) who work for the same company/firm, with no restriction on the number of previous finishers.

Dropped this year is the 50km dibbing point which was on the exposed section between Round Table and the top of Sloc. It was particularly miserable last year weatherwise and the committee has decided to abandon it altogether.

The final dibbing point/cut-off point prior to the finish therefore will be at St James’s Church, Dalby (approximately 27.5 miles into the race). The cut-off time for those wishing to continue will be 3pm (3.30 for those finishing at that point). This time will be strictly enforced.

The maximum cut off time to complete the event will be 6pm, as usual.

Other sponsors include Royal London 360 and Microgaming who will be looking after the water stations.

A prize presentation will be held on Wednesday, September 26.

70: In the Summertime

So summer has been, and early nightfall outside the study window as I labour over the keyboard heralds another shift in the seasons.

And what a summer; seven weeks back to back of ‘Isle of Deals’ patrons all proudly brandishing their vouchers and keen to test all the area has to offer the summer visitor. Mainly but not exclusively travelling from the Rock, they came their various ways; grand motorcycle tour, hire-car from Dover, fraught first-timers hiring from the wrong side of Geneva Airport, by airport transfer and by Jag purring up from Malaga. Just about all wound up hopelessly lost; my careful directions proved less than useless (particularly popular was ‘turn left at the bus shelter’ – which of three?!) and all relying on the various incarnations of Sat Nav were wrongly directed to the Village Church about a mile away and had to be rounded up like lost sheep as dinner congealed on the table..

And once they found their bearings there was nothing this lot didn’t get up to. Our cyclists swarmed up impossible mountain passes and beguiled their way onto closed sections of the Tour de France, others took to the skies on parapentes, slid down zip-wires, hurtled down VTT trails. Culture was not eschewed, the scented gardens of Yvoire proved popular, Annecy’s guided walks were fully explored and our heroes even penetrated the inner sanctum of CERN, hopefully without undue collision. Mountain Railways, Tramways, Cable Cars, Lake Steamers all carried our intrepid voyagers and mostly managed to bring them back to their departure point if not always at the anticipated hour – but so what, as the Boss never tired of saying –‘You’re on Holiday!’

Meanwhile new rhythms were dictated for the chalet host; daily pool maintenance and watering of flower-baskets replacing the morning rituals of the winter season, and new lighter summer recipes made their way onto the menu; and for the hostess, a return after a break of some twenty years to the joys of home baking; very good, she assures me, for working out accumulated frustrations... The swimming pool proved immensely popular, hardly surprising as the temperature climbed into the 30s. For the first time in my experience Chamonix Meteo chose ‘scorching’ to describe the weather for three days last week; we sweated under a single sheet each night, windows open to the slightest breeze. Goodness knows how they managed in the valley.

But cooler this week, thank goodness, and whether due to the recent heat or perhaps on cue in any case some leaves are starting to turn; will we see the magnificent colours of last autumn? So another season brings a different clientele; another cookery course scheduled for October and walkers and those attracted by the alpine scenery coming to fill the gap until the first snows herald our sixth winter in the Alps. The Manx press last week reported a local company supplying Christmas puddings to Harrods (or was it Fortnum & Masons); already?? Now where can I get my hands on one...

{http://www.manxski.com.manxski.com|Click here to visit manxski.com}

{http://www.iomtoday.co.im/community/blogs|www.iomtoday.co.im/community/blogs|Click here to see earlier blog entries}

{http://www.facebook.com/pages/Manxskicom/7180218948?ref=ts|Visit ManxSki on Facebook|Click here for the ManxSki facebook page}

The Isle of Man Sports Development Unit are running a series of long-term athlete development (LTAD) and fundamental sport coach UK workshops in September.

These will take place over two days on September 11-12 from 6.30-9.30pm in the Isle of Man Sport Institute. The cost is £25 per workshop, with a 25 per cent discount for Manx Sport and Recreation coaches association members.

The workshops offer coaches the opportunity to develop their knowledge and skills in these very important areas related to coaching and developing, athletes, players and teams effectively.

If you would like to book place on the workshops or require more information please contact Gianni on 688592 or email gianni.epifani@gov.im

From the dark humour of A Humble Companion’s opening lines through its 60 exhilarating years alongside the eccentric House of Hanover, you know you are in the company of a very special author.

Laurie Graham – humourist, novelist and creative conjuror of history – produces some of the most original and entertaining books in today’s market. She is observant, sardonic, humane and supremely literate, and her moving, funny books speak loudly of a sophisticated talent.

Here she lets loose an enchanting and irreverent observer – Nellie Welche, a royal steward’s daughter and ‘humble’ friend of a royal princess – and gives her the character and razor-sharp wit to lift the lid on Hanoverian high drama.

From the first rumblings of revolution in France to the exciting, modern times of gaslight and steam trains, and from poor mad King George III to safe and steady Queen Victoria, Nellie is perfectly placed to be the sharp-penned narrator of a changing world and the unchanging, cloistered lives of Princess Sofia and her sisters.

The result is a revealing and often heart-rending account of what it was to be the offspring , and particularly the female offspring , of a monarch over 200 years ago – freezing palaces, little pleasure, few privileges and plenty of paternalistic pedantry.

In 1788, 13-year-old Nellie, only child of a high-ranking steward in the household of Prinnie, Prince of Wales, becomes the subject of a ‘royal experiment’ when she is selected to be playfellow and humble companion to his sister, young Princess Sofia (Sofy,) so that the girl might gain ‘a better understanding of the world.’

An only child, Nellie has a birthmark on her face but has never allowed a mirror or the disfigurement to change her view of life and, like her father, she wears her ‘servitude’ lightly and ‘uses it cannily.’

Sensible, cheerful and cherished by her parents, she is unfazed by her new role in a household with 15 children, particularly after being assured by her family’s own general servant, the amazing Mr Morphew, that the royals ‘might have thrones under them but they’re still sitting on their rumps.’

But the reality of the princesses’ claustrophobic existence is an eye-opener for Nellie. Separated from their parents and brothers, closeted in comfortless houses with nurses and unsympathetic governesses, the younger girls thread beads, embroider tray cloths, eat yesterday’s mutton and kill time until a German cousin offers them marriage.

Despite their very different backgrounds, the two girls become friends for life with Nellie proving a hawk-eyed witness to the increasingly bizarre behaviour of affable, gentle King George, the wanton neglect of his imperious wife Queen Charlotte, the fall-out from the French Revolution and the birth of little Princess Alexandrina, the future Queen Victoria.

Nellie is the family’s keeper of secrets and her memoir lifts the lid on the House of Hanover’s worst excesses, most blatant lies and greatest vulnerabilities...

A Humble Companion has been painstakingly researched but Graham uses her knowledge with a light touch and a keen eye for the genuine human plight of the Georgian princesses in their shuttered and gilded cages.

Using superb comic timing and a faultless storytelling technique, she finds colour, poignancy and humour in the lives of the royals and the colourful characters, both real and fictional, drawn from all levels of society.

An extraordinary novel from an extraordinary writer...

(Quercus, hardback, £16.99)

Manxman scores win in Finland as fellow Manxies Alex Rockwell and Jamie McCanney also impress

MANX World Enduro stars Danny McCanney and Alex Rockwell delivered stunning results to finish first and third respectively in the junior class of Sunday’s Enduro World Championship round in Finland.

These results now firmly put both McCanney and Rockwell into third and eighth overall in the championship standings with just one race remaining. Adding to the Manx celebration, Danny’s younger brother Jamie also secured second in the Youth Cup classification to ensure a memorable Finnish GP of the young trio.

Commenting on his maiden victory in the EWC, Danny remarked: ‘It’s an amazing feeling to have won a race in what is only my first season of EWC. I’ve been trying hard for a result like this and finally it’s happened. With both Alex and Jamie also getting podiums it’s turned out to be a perfect weekend racing.’

CIVIL servants are consulting with voluntary organisations to try to come up with ways to help people who care for others.

The Department of Social Care is working with other government departments and ‘third sector’ (charities and voluntary bodies) organisations to develop support for carers.

The organisations have drafted a ‘carers’ charter’, which aims to create what they call ‘a framework for developing appropriate support for carers’.

The DSC says a carer is defined as someone who supports a relative, friend or a neighbour who for any reason needs help with daily living and receives no payment for doing so.

Carers provide physical and emotional support to vulnerable people.

They help the person they support to deal with the issues of daily living, particularly those more specifically associated with a short or long term illness or disability, mental health issues or problems resulting from alcohol or ‘substance’ (such as drugs or solvents) misuse.

The type and amount of support provided may vary considerably depending upon individual needs and therefore it is not possible to fully define the role, produce a job description or person specification.

Each situation is different and the role will not be the same for everyone.

In addition caring responsibilities usually vary over time and may be difficult to predict from day to day.

The DSC says anybody can become a carer at any time, as the result of a sudden event, such as an accident, or through a gradual process when someone’s physical or mental health slowly deteriorates.

A DSC spokesman said: ‘We want to hear views from both carers themselves and the general public on the draft charter. In order to take into account summer holidays the consultation will run until Friday, September 21.’

Electronic copies of the consultation and further information about the proposals are available on http://www.gov.im/socialcare/services/adults/carers.xml or www.crossroadsiom.org

Paper copies of the consultation document can be collected from:

Crossroads Care Isle of Man Carers’ Centre, 35/36 Derby Square, Douglas, IM1 3LW or The Department of Social Care, Markwell House, Market Street, Douglas, IM1 2RZ or The Tynwald Library, Legislative Buildings, Finch Road, Douglas, IM1 3PW or by ringing Crossroads Care on 673103 or the DSC on 686208.

SINGING and acting coach Sonia Callin says musical theatre isn’t just a hobby, it’s part of her life.

That enthusiasm has rubbed off on to one of her pupils, who has nominated Sonia as teacher of the year in the Flybe Pride in Mann awards.

12-year-old Lois Mooney, of Peel, is one of Sonia’s students at the Stage One theatre school, which holds sessions in Onchan, Douglas and Colby.

Lois said: ‘She has been my singing teacher for four years, she’s helped me get a part in every show I’ve ever auditioned for. That’s about 15 shows! She’s an inspiration to many. She helped Sam Barks to where she is today, and I hope to follow in Sam’s footsteps with her help.’

Lois added: ‘She is so supportive, and she knows what she is talking about.’

Lois credits Sonia with helping her land the lead role in Annie, which opens at the Gaiety Theatre in October, and helping her win the Year 6 girls’ solo category in the Guild in April last year.

Queen Elizabeth II High School student Lois says she looks up to Sam Barks, who blazed a similar path in her youth, all the way to Hollywood where she is filming to star as Eponine in the big screen adaptation of Les Miserables.

Sonia, of Tromode, was happy to learn of the nomination from her student: ‘Lois has always been very switched on and has a natural ability. And everyone is so proud of Sam. Seeing these young people grow is very rewarding.’

Sonia has been involved in musical theatre since school, inspired by performances at Ballakermeen to join the Douglas Choral Union aged 16.

‘It was very different to what it is nowadays, the standard has come on so much,’ she said.

‘But it was still the same ethos, people committed to the hobby.

‘More kids are involved now, they’re trying it a lot more. There’s more talent, more shows and more opportunities and it’s great.’

From appearing on stage, Sonia went on to direct shows and work on choreography.

‘I like the production side, as you get involved with more of it, the cast and the crew,’ she said.

She became involved in teaching with Stage One through a friend, founder Jacqui Hawkes.

‘I had done a few things with kids, and I wanted to pass things on,’ she explained ‘It’s not just about kids who can sing or dance. Musical theatre is fun, and being part of it helps gives young people confidence and the feeling of being part of a team.’

Nominations for this year’s Pride in Mann awards have now closed.

{http://www.iomtoday.co.im/community/pride-in-mann|Click here to see the other nominees}.

• We’ll be explaining how you can vote in Pride in Mann soon.

PUBLIC health bosses are urging anyone under the age of 40 to make sure they are fully immunised following an alarming increase in the number of cases of mumps in the island.

In 2008, there were 18 cases of mumps in the island, 10 the following year, 13 the year later and seven in 2011. But so far this year there have been 134 cases, although not all these have been confirmed.

Director of public health Dr Parameswaran Kishore said there had been five cases of mumps at one local football club alone.

He said the majority of cases were among people aged between 20 and 35.

Dr Kishore explained that those over the age of 40 would have been exposed to mumps naturally and had got lifelong immunity to the virus while those aged 15 and below will have received the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine which offers 95 per cent protection.

‘Between those two ages are people who are too young to be immune naturally and too young to have received the vaccine,’ he said.

He said it was important that people get two doses of the MMR vaccine as immunity could wane over time - but some people don’t know what injections they’ve had or whether they’ve received the second booster jab.

Dr Kishore said: ‘I would like to remind everyone under 40 if they’ve not had two doses they should make an appointment to receive the MMR. Even if they don’t know what jabs they’ve had and can’t find their records, they can still go and get both doses.’

He also urged parents of young children to ensure they’ve had the full course of immunisation before the new school term starts.

The public health director confirmed that one island football club had seen five players contract mumps. ‘We were asked should they stop football matches and our answer is ‘absolutely not’,’ he said

Symptoms of mumps include fever, tiredness, headaches, loss of appetite, muscle aches and swollen glands.

Most people recover fully. However, it can occasionally cause complications, some of which are serious. These include inflammation of the testes, ovaries and brain and also temporary and permanent deafness.

The mumps virus is spread by droplets of saliva, usually when a person coughs, sneezes or talks.

Good personal hygiene is essential to prevent infections. Public Health officials recommend that mumps patients are isolated for days after their salivary glands begin to swell.

The MMR vaccine is the best way to prevent mumps. It should be routinely given when children are 12 months old, and a second dose should be given when they are three years and four months old.

Isle of Man beat Cyprus by 19 runs in tournament opener in Corfu

THE Isle of Man’s senior cricket side began their ICC Europe Division Two Championship campaign with a 19-run victory over Cyprus in Corfu this morning.

Batting first the Manx finished on 166-3 from their 20 overs, Gareth Morris and Max Stokoe top scoring with 43 and 42 runs respectively.

Gareth Dawson’s charges then restricted the Cypriots to 147-8 in reply to wrap up the victory.

The Manx play their second group match of the week-long tournament this afternoon, when they tackle Sweden in temperatures expected to reach more than 30c.

Centrica and DONG Energy have submitted initial proposals for a giant 2.2GW offshore wind farm between Anglesey and the Isle of Man.

The two energy companies have set up a joint venture called Celtic Array and say they intend to submit an application to the Planning Inspectorate by the end of 2013 with the aim of beginning construction in 2017. Named Rhiannon, the wind farm would comprise between 147 and 440 turbines.

But the Steam Packet Company has already objected to Celtic Array’s proposals which will cut through both the Heysham and Liverpool routes.

And now Infrastructure Minister Mr Cretney has raised similar concerns in a letter to Centrica’s Irish Sea Zone development manager.

He said the Isle of Man Government was supportive of moves to a low carbon economy and said the generation of energy from renewable sources was ‘not just essential environmentally but will create economic opportunities throughout the British Isles’.

But he added: ‘However, the needs of the Isle of Man including the maintenance of the essential shipping lanes to the island much be considered by any proposed wind farm development.

‘The additional journey times resulting from proposed offshore wind farm development would increase travel costs to and from the island and would have a significant impact on our economy, damaging the competitiveness of existing island businesses when trading with the UK and the rest of Europe. It could also be expected that additional sea journey times and a less reliable and predictable ferry service would place at risk future economic development and act as an impediment to free trade.’

Mr Cretney said wind farms could also have complex cumulative impacts on fishing patterns, wildlife habitats and species such as basking sharks and Risso’s dolphins.