Islanders lose final their final group game at ICC European Division Two Championship

THE Isle of Man senior cricket team lost to Finland this morning by six wickets putting in jeopardy their chances of qualifying for the semi-finals of the ICC European Division Two Championship in Corfu.

The Manx currently sit top of group B of the competition level on points with Finland and Sweden. Crucially the latter two teams have a game in hand on the Gareth Dawson’s side, as they both play their last games of the group stages this afternoon against Greece and Croatia respectively. The Scandanavian sides will be favourites to take the points in both and if they do they will deny the island the chance of progressing into the tournament’s latter stages and a shot at the promotion to Division One given to the victors.

In this morning’s match, the island were bowled out for 82 by some impressive Finnish bowling. Initially the Manx did well to stem the Finnish reply, but the Finns rallied to knock off their low target with three overs to spare.

THE clerk of Laxey Commissioners was left a without his car keys, mobile phone, wallet and trousers after a theft on Laxey Promenade on Saturday.

Peter Burgess had been swimming in the sea with his family, having left his clothes and towel on the sea wall opposite the public toilets at the southern end of the beach, when an opportunist made off with his jeans and their contents, including an iPhone.

Mr Burgess is now appealing for people to help police retrieve his possessions.

‘I was swimming with my daughter. My clothes and towel weren’t far away, they were near enough to be in sight but I just wasn’t paying attention,’ he said.

‘I’ve done it on numerous occasions, especially when there are plenty of people around. It’s the Isle of Man, people feel they can leave their cars unlocked and things like that. I was extremely miffed to find them gone, but we shouldn’t be complacent with belongings.’

Did the theft leave him stranded with no car, money or trousers?

‘Not quite,’ he said. ‘I only live two minutes walk from the beach, and fortunately my house keys weren’t on the same key ring as the ones that were taken.

‘I had a spare set of car keys, there wasn’t much cash in the wallet and I cancelled the debit card straight away.’

Mr Burgess added: ‘I haven’t come across any reports of similar thefts so I’m hoping it’s an isolated incident. It is a wake up call, but people shouldn’t be put off from the beach, Laxey is a lovely place to be on a sunny afternoon. The police have it in hand.’

The theft took place between 2.30pm and 3pm on Saturday. The items stolen include a pair of grey-coloured Marks and Spencer jeans, a black iPhone, black wallet and a set of car keys on a beige-coloured key fob.

The investigating officer, PC Will Moffatt, of Ramsey police, said: ‘It is my understanding that the promenade area was busy with people at the time on what was a warm sunny day.’

He added: ‘This appears to be an opportunist theft which has caused considerable disruption, upset and loss to the aggrieved party in this matter.’

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Ramsey police station on 812234 or any police officer.

THE Isle of Man’s telephone companies are joining the battle to provide television to homes.

Manx Telecom is promoting YouView, a free internet TV service that combines the UK’s Freeview channels with on-demand content.

It went on sale this week.

Competitor Sure is to launch a rival product next month and is promising ‘a real Isle of Man television channel’.

Both companies’ big challenge is to lure customers away from satellite television. Around 90 per cent of Manx homes currently have a dish, far higher as a proportion than the UK where many viewers also have the choice of cable television and a better Freeview service.

As well as offering digital TV and radio channels, YouView shows on-demand television from services such as the BBC’s iPlayer and Channel 4 OD. That means viewers won’t have to watch that on their computers, they’ll be able to watch it on their television set.

There is no subscription and, as long as customers have a broadband connection and TV aerial, the only cost is the price of the YouView set top box, which is £299 (£279 until the end of October). Sky viewers pay a subscription. Freesat viewers don’t.

YouView also features NOW TV which allows viewers to pay monthly for unlimited access to Sky Movies or rent a single film on a pay-as-you-go basis.

It also features the similar recording and playback functions to Sky Plus. But it also has a function that means you can watch television programmes you’ve missed by scrolling back in time through the schedule. You don’t have to record them.

David Smith, director of marketing at Manx Telecom, said: ‘We are confident that YouView will appeal to customers who want to watch regular TV channels and on-demand content through their TV.

‘We believe YouView is the perfect platform to support local content and we are working with them in regard to additional content.’

In February the company launched MTTV, an on-demand TV news service on the internet.

Manx Telecom is also offering the Devolo Homeplug – a device which eliminates the need for the broadband router to be next to the YouView set top box by your TV.

This does away with any need for re-cabling. A YouView set top box and Devolo Homeplug bundle is also available. This would usually cost £379, but is available at an introductory price of £349.

Mike Phillips, product manager for Sure, said: ‘We are launching a Sure TV product on October 15. It is TV on steroids and a fraction of the price of the UK-focused YouView.

‘We have been developing this product for 18 months, specifically for the Isle of Man and from launch it comes with significant UK and local content and a real Isle of Man television channel.’

The island’s terrestrial television masts don’t broadcast all the Freeview channels that bigger transmitters in the UK broadcast.

As YouView is dependent on a televison aerial, viewers of Manx transmitters will still not be able to watch channels such as Dave, ITV3 or ITV4 – which broadcasts the TT programmes.

However, these are available on satellite TV.

Thursday, September 6

• Port Erin WI, Port Erin Methodist Church hall, 9.30am. Call 818194.

• Gym time active play for pre-school children, Manx Gymnastics Centre, Glencrutchery Road, Douglas, 9.30am. Call 625636. Also Friday and Wednesday.

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

• Onchan Pensioners Club, coffee morning, Morton Hall, Onchan, 10am-noon. Also bingo, 7pm. Friday, sequence dancing, 2pm; Monday, bridge, 2pm; bingo 7pm; Tuesday, coffee morning, 10.30am-midday; Wednesday, Onchan Ladies Club, 2pm, whist, 7pm.

• MRA Stretch and Flex at the NSC, Douglas, 10am. Also 10 Pin Bowling at the Sure Bowling Alley in Ramsey at 9.45am. Tuesday Southern Coffee morning at the Cherry Orchard, Port Erin at 10.30am.

• The Dalby Art Group, St James’ schoolrooms, Dalby, 2pm. Bring your own equipment. Call Cheryl on 843471.

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

• Manx Fencing Club, Ashley Hill School, Onchan, 4pm. Also seniors at Ballakermeen High School, Douglas, 5pm; Tuesday, Arbory village hall, beginners at 4pm and Grade 1 and above at 5pm; Wednesday, Ramsey Grammar School, juniors at 5pm and seniors at 6pm , also at Ebenezer Hall, Kirk Michael, juniors at 6.30pm and adults at 7.30pm.

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

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

• Army Cadets, Scout Hall, Peel, 7pm. Also Tuesday.

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

Friday, September 7

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

• Castletown Youth Club, school years 4-6, Youth Centre, Arbory Street, Castletown, 6-7.15pm. Also school years 7-9, Friday, 7.30-9.30pm; Wednesday, 6.45-8.45pm; school years 9 and upwards, Saturday and Tuesday, 7.30-10pm; soundcheck, Monday, 6-9pm; girls club, school years 9 and upwards, 7-9.30pm.

• Onchan Youth Club, school years 4-6, Onchan Community Centre, 6.30-8pm. Also school years 9 upwards, Kenyon’s Cafe, 7-9.30pm; Tuesday, school years 9 upwards, Kenyon’s Cafe, 7-9pm; Wednesday, school years 7-9, Onchan Community Centre, 7-9pm.

• Youth Club, school years 4-6, Ballacottier School, Douglas, 7-8.30pm. Also Tuesday, school years 9 and upwards, 7.30-9.30pm; Wednesday, school years 7-9, 7-9pm.

• St John’s Youth Club, school years 9 upwards, St John’s School, 7-9pm. Also Monday, school years 7-9, 6.30-8.30pm; school years 4-6, 6.30-8pm.

• Youth Club, school years 7-9, Douglas Youth Centre, Kensington Road, 7-10pm. Also Saturday, school years 9 and upwards.

Sunday, September 9

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

• Isle of Man Poetry Society, Archibald Knox meeting room, Onchan, 8pm. Call 664796 or 897815.

Monday, September 10

• Daniel’s Den, Methodist Church, Arbory Street, Castletown, 10am. Admission £1, Call 822374.

• Mannin Art Group, St Paul’s Hall, Ramsey, 10am. Email mailbox@manninart.org

• Onchan Ladies’ Choir, Methodist Hall, 1.30pm. Call 673453.

• Peel Craft Club, the family room, Peel Methodist Chapel, 2pm-4pm.

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

• Onchan Rotary Club, The Max Restaurant, Groudle Road, Onchan, 6.30pm.

• Onchan Silver Band practice, The Band Room, off Main Road, Onchan, beginners 6.30pm and Seniors 7.30pm.

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

• Do Drop Inn Drama Club, children aged 10 and above, St Paul’s Hall, Ramsey, 7pm.

• Ramsey Gardening Club at 7.30 pm at Quayles Hall, Ramsey. £2 entry fee.

• Cornaa WI, Maughold parish hall, 7.30pm. Call 818194

• Sulby WI, St. Stephen’s Church hall 7.30pm.

Tuesday, September 11

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

• Onchan Pensioners’ Social Club, Morton Hall, 10.30am. Also Thursday.

• Peel City WI, Guild Room, Athol Street, Peel, 10.30am. Call 818194

• 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.

• Computers for Beginners, Onchan Library, 10am-noon. Call 621228 or e-mail onchan.library@onchan.org.im

• Baldrine WI, Methodist Sunday School, Baldrine, 2pm. Call 818194.

• Peel Footlights Youth Theatre for ages eight-16, Philip Christian Centre, Peel, 4pm. Contact 843819. Also Thursday.

• Cheerleading, All Saints Church hall, 4.30pm. Call 254499 or email gengym@manx.net

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

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

• Rotary Club of Rushen and Western Mann meet, Falcons’ Nest Hotel, Port Erin, 7.30pm.

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

• Michael WI, St Michael’s hall, Kirk Michael, 7.30pm. Call 818194.

• Michael WI, Kirk Michael Church Hall, 7.30pm Call 818194.

• Mannin Quilters, Ballabeg Methodist hall, 7.30pm. Call 628921 or 628655.

• Ballacottier Senior Youth Project for school years 10-plus, Ballacottier School Youth Room, 7.30-9.30pm.

Wednesday, September 12

• Sketch Club, Laxey Working Men’s Institute, New Road, Laxey, 7-9pm. Call 469642/862035• Carers and Tots, St James’ Church, Dalby 10.30-noon.

• Desi Robinson to give talk on Calf of Man to Ramsey Probus Lunch, Ramsey Golf Club 12.30. Call 816404.

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

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

• Homework Club for year 7s, Youth Centre, Arbory Street, Castletown, 4pm. Call 822490.

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

• Ballabeg WI, Methodist Sunday School, Ballabeg 7.30pm. Call 818194.

• Castletown WI, Methodist hall, Arbory Street, Castletown, 7.20pm. Call 818194.

• Talk by Dr Sophie Wang for Spring Chicks WI, Albany Tennis Club, Douglas, 7.30pm. Call 414902.

Friday, September 7

• Magic of Motown, Villa Marina, 8pm.

Thursday, September 6

• Theatrix Theatre Company Musical Theatre age eight-12. (Lion King). Also Saturday Babies Irish/mod 9am. Prep Ballet/Tap 10am, Babies Ballet/Tap 11am. Musical Theatre (Disney songs. Age five -eight. Monday, Senior Ballet 4pm, Senior Tap, 5pm, Senor Jazz 5.45pm Adult Irish 6.30pm. Tuesday Community Ballet/Tap 4pm. Beginners Irish 4.45pm. Junior Irish 5.30pm. Adult Tap 6.15pm. Wednesday Grade 2 Ballet/Tap 4pm. Novice Irish 5.30pm. Adult Ballet 6.15pm.

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

• Happy Tots, main hall, Willaston School, 9.45am £1 per family including refreshments. Call 621577.

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

• Age Concern Isle of Man free computer sessions, iMuseum, Douglas, 10am-12.30pm. Also Wednesday. Also Thursday, Southlands, Port St Mary, 2-4.30pm; Monday, Ramsey Town Hall, 10am-12.30pm and 1.30pm-3.30pm; Tuesday, Ramsey Town Hall, 10am-12.30pm; Wednesday, Southlands, Port St Mary, 2-4.30pm.

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

• Parents and tots, Auldyn Infants School Community Room, Ramsey, 1.30pm.

• Arbory Tots, from birth upwards, parish hall, Ballabeg, 2pm. Cost £1 per family. Call 832394.

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

• The Children’s Centre Parent Support Group, informal chat with family support workers, at Douglas Family Centre, Woodbourne Road, 7-9pm.

• Peel Gardeners’ Association 70th Annual Show, in the Corrin Hall, Peel, 2pm.

• Manx Gaelic class with Cathy Clucas, Arbory commissioners’ hall, 7.30pm. Call 838527.

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

• Great Laxey Mine Railway. Until the end of September. Saturdays. From 11am until 4.30pm.

Friday, September 7

• Coffee morning, Port St Mary Golf Pavillion, 10-11.30am. In aid of IOM Anti-Cancer Association.

• Parents and Tots, upper room, Sulby Methodist Church, 10.30am. Call 897364.

• Willaston Weekly Drop In Centre, Willaston Methodist Church, Barrule Road, 10am - midday.

• Drop in for coffee and a chat, Sulby Methodist Church, 10am-midday.

• Mums and Tots, Laxey Working Men’s Institute, 10am-midday. Call 479839.

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

• Prayers with Bears Tots group, All Saints Church Vestry, Alexandra Drive, Douglas, 10am. Call 483248.

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

• Garage Sale, at the rear of Crossroads charity shop, Victoria Street, Douglas. Opens 10am until 4pm.

• Storybox, Family Library, Westmoreland Road, Douglas, 10.30am. Also Saturday, Sticky Finger Craft for six years and over, 10.30am; Wednesday, Busy Bee Time for pre-schoolers, 1.45pm. Call 673123.

• Coffee and chat, Onchan Methodist Church lounge, opposite commissioners’ office, 10.30am-midday.

• Learn Manx with Adrian Cain, beginners midday-1pm, intermediates 1pm-2pm, Manx Museum, Douglas. Admission free. greinneyder@mhf.org.im 838527 or 451098.

• Friday Lunchtime Choir, Salvation Army Citadel, Lord Street, Douglas. 1.15pm.

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

• Tiny Tunes, music time for 0-3s, Family Library, Westmoreland Road, Douglas, 1.30pm. £2.50. Call 673123.

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

• The Manx Aviation and Military Museum, 10am-4.30pm. Also Saturday and Sunday. 10am-4.30pm. Free admission. Donations welcome.

Saturday, September 8

• Theatre Tours, Gaiety Theatre, Douglas, 10am. Tickets for adults £7.50, children £4, family £20. Call 600555.

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

• Green Centre, opposite Iceland, Chester Street Complex, Douglas. Information about recycling, energy, insulation and environmental matters. Zero Waste Mann, Isle of Man Friends of the Earth and Manx Energy Advice Centre. Open from 10am

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

• Isle of Man Farmers Market, at Northern Lights Community Centre, Ramsey, 10am-1pm.

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

• Manx Transport Museum Open Weekend, Brickworks Office, Mill Road, Peel, 1-5pm. Also Sunday with talk by Norman Dowd on the ‘Ultimate Driving Experience’.

• Milntown House Tours, Ramsey. 2.30pm. £6. Call 812321. Also Wednesday.

• Spice Night at Milntown Restaurant. Call 818091.

• A Night at the Opera. Originally opened in 1874, board the steam train at Douglas and relax with a glass from our on board bar, as you travel in style to an exclusive night of Opera (black tie event) 663366.

Sunday, September 9

• Sunday School, Sulby Methodist Church, 10.30am. Also youth group for school years seven-plus at 7pm. Call 450104.

• Fishing workshops for beginners, includes both river and sea, bait, spinning and fly fishing, at Adventurous Experiences lecture room, Patrick Road, St John’s, by Kelvin Tastagh, owner of Kelvin’s Tackle, 2pm. Entry £3 donation to RNLI. Call Kelvin on 478224.

• Car boot. Legion Hall, Janet’s Corner. £3 table. 12-4pm. Phone Kath 824759.

• Isle of Man Farmers Market, at S100 Clubhouse, Castletown. 1.30-3.30pm.

• Manx Footpaths Conservation Group, Glen Wyllin. 1.30pm.

• Car Boot Sale, Morton Hall, Castletown. 2pm. Call 673320/481532.

• Castletown Metropolitan Silver Band rehearsals, Queen Street Mission Hall, 7pm.

Monday, September 10

• Kittens tots and carers group, St Ninian’s Church, Douglas, 10.30am. £1 per family. Call 629683.

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

• Noah’s Ark Tots Group, Church on the Rock, behind Ramsey Bus Station, 9.30am. Call 459890.

• MV Balmoral Cruise from Peel Breakwater to Portaferry (N Ireland) with 3 hours ashore. Register at Peel Breakwater by 9.30am for 10am dep. Back approx 7pm.

• Breastfeeding Buddies, The Salvation Army Citadel, Ridgeway Street, Douglas. 10.30am. Call 656030.

• Coffee morning and chat, St George’s Church hall, Upper Church Street, Douglas, 10.30am-12.30pm.

• Roll’n’Play for preschoolers, Philip Christian Centre, Peel, 10.30am.

• Parents and tots, St Olave’s Church, Ramsey, 1pm.

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

• Action Songs and Rhymes, from birth upwards, The Children’s Centre, Woodbourne Road, Douglas, 1.30pm. Also Tuesday, Sulby School, 9.30am; Philip Christian Centre, Peel, 2pm; Wednesday, Auldyn School Community Room, 9.15am and 10.30am.

• Michael Miniatures’ parents and tots, Ebenezer Hall, Kirk Michael, 2pm. £1.50 per family, Call 491592.

• Vannin Bridge, Onchan Pensioners Hall, 2pm. Also Thursday.

• Onchan Silver Band practice, The Band Room, off Main Road, Onchan, beginners, 6.30pm and seniors 7.30pm.

Tuesday, September 11

• Manx Cancer Help drop-in day, Lisa Lowe Centre, Woodbourne Road, Douglas, 11am-4pm.

• Parents and tots group, Cronk-y-Berry School side entrance, 9.30am. Admission £1. Call 469756. Also Thursday, 1.30pm.

• Toddle Inn, mums and tots group, Living Hope Community Chruch, Port St Mary, 9.30am. Also Wednesday, Lancashire House, Santon, 9.30am. Call 835091.

• Laxey mums and tots, Laxey Pavilion, 1pm. Call 438408.

• Manx Gaelic conversational class with Adrian Cain, The Rovers, Douglas, 1pm. Also Manx Gaelic class with Brian Stowell at Isle of Man College, Douglas, 7pm. Call 623821.

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

• Abbey Acorns, ages four and above, the Abbey Church, Ballasalla, 3.30pm.

• Peel Footlights Youth Theatre, children aged 8-16, Philip Christian Centre, Peel, 4pm. Also Thursday. Call 843819.

Wednesday, September 12

• An hour of popular music, at 7.45pm, St Thomas’s Church, Douglas.

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

• Mini Club for parents and tots, Anagh Coar School, Douglas, 10am. Also 2pm at Kirk Braddan Church. Call 675523.

• Ballabeg Busy Bugs for under fives, Arbory Parish hall, Ballabeg, 10am. Call 429676 or email BusyBugs2009@manx.net

• Mums and tots, Marown Hall, Peel Road, Crosby, 10.15am. £1.50 per family.

• Carers and tots, St James’ Schoolrooms, Dalby, 10.30am-noon. Call 843471 or cherylcousins@manx.net

• Computer Training Sessions for everyone. Leonard Cheshire Disability, Main Rd, Onchan. 11am-3pm. Call 679030.

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

• Parent and toddler group, Castletown Youth Centre, Arbory Street, Castletown, 2pm.

• The Friendship Club (a friendly meeting for the over 60s). Onchan Baptist Church. Call 674255.

• Bereavement support group, friendly get together for anybody feeling isolated or lonely after a bereavement, however or whenever it occurred, tea, coffee and a chat, Scholl Centre, Hospice Isle of Man, 5pm-7pm. Call 647443, 668192 or 647449.

• Samba percussion workshop, no experience necessary, Onchan Silver Bandroom, off Onchan Commissioners car park, 7pm. Cost £3, email: sambamann@manx.net

• Manx Gaelic class with James O’Meara, St John’s House, 7.30pm. Call 843436.

• Bingo, South Douglas Old Friends Association, Finch Road, Douglas, 8pm.

• Bingo Quiz, Archibald Knox, Onchan, 9pm.

Thursday, September 6

• Crosby Silver Band, Villa Marina Arcade, Douglas, 8pm.

• Karaoke, Guys and Dolls, Douglas.

• Soundcheck, Basement, Youth Arts Centre, Kensington Road, Douglas, 6.30pm. Also Saturday and Wednesday.

• Ramsey Folk Club at The George Hotel, Ramsey, 8pm.

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

• Guitar Lessons, Meeting Room, Archibald Knox, Onchan, 5.45-6.45pm.

• Alternative Havana, Fiesta Havana, Douglas. Also, Friday, Full On Fridays.

Friday, September 7

• Little Miss Dynamite, Cherry Orchard Port Erin.

• Ian Thompson at The Union, Castletown.

• Karaoke, The Albert, Douglas. 9pm,

• Thai Night, authentic food and music, The Railway, Douglas, 6pm. Also Wednesday.

• Manx Music session, Tynwald Inn, St John’s, 8.30pm.

• Irish Traditional Music session, The Mitre, Ramsey, 9pm.

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

• Slice of Life at Jaks, Douglas

Saturday, September 8

• Little Miss Dynamite, Sidings, Castletown.

• Ian Thompson at The Mitre, Ramsey.

• Symbollix at Jaks, Douglas

• Manx Music session, The White House, Peel, 10pm.

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

• Karaoke at the Central Hotel, Ramsey.

Sunday, September 9

• Douglas Town Band, Villa Marina Gardens, Douglas, 3pm. If wet in Villa Marina Arcade.

• DJ Karaoke and Disco at Jaks, Douglas.

• Music Box with David Castro and Stephanie Chatterley at Guys and Dolls, Douglas.

• Karaoke at the British, Douglas.

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

Monday, September 10

• Ramsey Music Society AGM, St Paul’s Church Lounge, 7pm.

Tuesday, September 11

• Onchan Silver Band, Villa Marina Arcade, Douglas, 8pm.

• The Cathedral Church of St German Concert, Castletown Metropolitan Silver Band.

• Acoustic Sing-a-Round, The Manor, Willaston.

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

• The What You Want Acoustic Music Club, The Manor, Willaston, 8.30pm.

Wednesday, September 12

• Rushen Silver Band, St Catherine’s Church, Port Erin at 8pm.

• Karaoke at The British, Douglas.

Palace Cinema

• Dredd 3-D (18). Nightly 7.30pm. Saturday and Sunday 2.30pm

• Ted (15). Nightly at 7pm.

• Brave (PG) Saturday and Sunday 2pm and 4pm.

Broadway Cinema

• Anna Karenina (12A). Friday-Thursday 7pm. Wednesday 10.30am and 2.30pm.

• Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Saturday and Sunday 2.30pm.

Erin Arts Centre

• The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, Wednesday, September 12, 2.30pm and 7.30pm. Admission £1.

Thursday, September 6

• Cardiotone, Laxey Working Men’s Institute, New Road, Laxey. 7-8pm. Also Monday 7-8pm. Call 452729/863602.

• Thighs, Bums and Tums, Laxey Working Men’s Institute, 9.30am. Also Tuesday. Call 335635.

• Walk and talk, Harbour Lights Cafe, Peel, 10am. Also Friday, NSC, Douglas, 10am; Monday, Pulsom Park, Castletown, 10.30am and Noble’s Park, Douglas, 5.30pm; Tuesday, NSC, Douglas, 10am; Wednesday, Ramsey Rugby Club, 10am. Call 688592.

• Fitness league exercise class, Ballafesson Church hall, Port Erin, 10.30am. Call 832759.

• Gentle Circuits, NSC, Douglas, 11am. Also Saturday. Call 688588.

• Chair based exercise sessions, Onchan Youth and Community Centre, 1.30pm. Also Friday, Port Erin Methodist Church hall, 2pm; Monday, Ramsey Town Hall, 10.30am; Tuesday, Castletown Sandfield residents lounge, 2pm; Wednesday, Westland’s Residents Lounge, Peel, 10.30am. Call 642668.

• Tai Chi Chuan, Lezayre Parish hall, 2pm. Call 813222.

• Southern Gymnastics Club, Ballsalla School, 4pm. Also Tuesday, Castle Rushen High School, 5pm. Call 473741.

• Northern Gymnastics Club, Ramsey Grammar School, 5pm.

• Aqua Zumba, NSC, Douglas, 6pm. Call 688588.

• Pilates, St John’s Methodist Church Hall, 6.15pm. Also Friday and Monday, 9.30am; Wednesday, 6.15pm; Monday, 6.15pm Colby Methodist halll. Call 427401.

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

• Zumba, Carrefour Health Club, Douglas, 6.30pm. Also Monday, 8pm; Wednesday, 9.45am.

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

• Aquafit, Western Swimming Pool, Peel, 7pm. Also Tuesday, 1.15pm.

• Aerobics and body toning, bring your own mat, Philip Christian Centre, Peel, 7pm. Also Monday, Park View hall, Kirk Michael. Call 455924.

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

• Fencing for ages 7 and up, Onchan Community Hall, 7.30pm. Also Monday, Andreas Parish hall, 4.30pm; Tuesday, Arbory Parish hall, 4pm and Ebenezer Hall, Kirk Michael, 6.30pm; Wednesdays, Scoill Ree Gorree Sports Hall, Ramsey, 5pm. Call 880863.

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

Friday, September 7

• Walk and talk, Earroo Nane House, 1 Snaefell View, Threshold Estate, Jurby, 10am.

• Manx ABC Boxing, Palace Terrace, Douglas. Juniors, 6pm. Seniors (age 16+), 7pm. Beginners welcome. Also Monday and Wednesday.

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

• Indoor bowls, Legion Hall, Port St Mary, 7.30pm. No experience necessary.

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

Saturday, September 8

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

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

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

• St Mary’s AFC mixed under 11s training, Pulrose Football Fields, 10.30am. Call 405859.

• Tae Kwondo beginners, Pinewood Complex, Pulrose, 10.45am. Also 6-7yrs, Wednesdays at 5.30pm and Monday and Wednesday, 8-13yrs at 6pm, all ages at 7.15pm. Text 432152.

• Gymnastics and dance, St Ninian’s School, Douglas, 2pm. Also Wednesday, Call 254499.

Sunday, September 9

• Yoga & Nutrition. Karma Yoga Studio, Douglas 6-7.30pm.

Monday, September 10

• Disability Swimming Sessions, NSC 3-4pm £1.55. Also Tuesday 6-7pm.

• Ladies’ activity morning, NSC, Douglas, 9.30am. Call 688556.

• Pilates, St John’s Methodist Church hall, 9.30am Call 427401.

• Aquafit, NSC, Douglas, midday. Also Tuesday midday and Wednesday at 6pm. Call 688556.

• Arthritis exercise, NSC, Douglas, 1pm. Call 688588.

• Circuit Training, NSC, Douglas, 6pm. Also Wednesday at 7pm. Call 688588.

• Beginners Pilates, Rushen Primary School, Port Erin, 6.15pm. Improvers at 7.30pm; Beginners Wednesday at Victoria Road Primary School, Castletown, 7.30pm. Call 491963.

• Zumba, NSC, Douglas, 6pm. Call 688588.

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

• Zumba Fitness Class. 6.30pm to 7.30pm, Zumba Toning Class 7.30pm to 8.30pm. Morton Hall, Castletown. Also Wednesday Zumba Toning Class 6.30pm to 7.30pm and Zumba Toning Class 7.30pm to 8.30pm. Corrin Hall, Peel. Call Sue 230369.

• Cardiotone, Laxey Working Men’s Institute, 7pm. Also Thursday. Call 452729.

• Deep Water Aquafit, NSC, Douglas, 7.15pm. Call 688588.

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

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

Tuesday, September 11

• Fit2Go walking sessions, Car Park, Station Road, St John’s, 9am. For ladies looking to improve their fitness. Cost £3 per session.

• Pilates for Horse Riders, Ballaugh, 5.15pm and 6.30pm, Call 465115.

• Pilates, at Church on The Rock hall, Ramsey, 6.15pm. Call 491449.

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

• Tai Chi Chuan, Lezayre Parish Community Hall, 7pm.

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

• Qigong, Community Hall, Clenagh Road, Sulby, 7pm. £5 per session, Call 878607.

• Body Toning, NSC, Douglas, 7pm. Also Wednesday at 11am. Call 688588.

• IOM Karate Federation, Murray’s Road School, Juniors 7pm, Seniors, 7.30pm. Call 612305.

• Zumba Toning, Jurby Parish hall, 7.40pm. Also Monday, Morton Hall, Castletown; Wednesday, Corrin Hall, Peel. Call 230369.

• Arbory Badminton Club, Arbory School Hall, 8pm. Call 832094.

Wednesday, September 12

• Gentle yoga, ladies class, Gena’s Dance Academy, Peel, 9.30am. Call 456782.

• Pilates, NSC, Douglas, 12.10pm. Call 688588.

• Pilates, Braddan Church hall, 5.30pm and 6.45pm. Call Suzanne 465115.

• Thompson Travel Netball Club junior training, Braddan School, 6pm. For ages 10-14.

• Valkyrs Hockey Club training, QEII Astro pitch, Peel. Juniors (8 and up), 6pm; Seniors (13 and up), 7.30pm. Call 801802 or cathkilley@manx.net

• Bowling club night, Port Erin Bowling Club, Breagle Glen, 6.30pm.

• Beginners yoga, St Ninian’s Dance Studio, Douglas, 6.30pm.

• Margaret Galloway exhibition of paintings, calligraphy, fabrics and drawings, ‘All Kinds of Everything’, Erin Arts Centre, Port Erin. Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 10.30am-4.30pm. Admission free. Until September 29.

• Manx Motorsport, Our Sporting Life display, Manx Museum, Douglas. Until September 29.

• Edward Kelly Art Exhibition, House of Manannan, Peel, 10am-5pm. Until October 28.

• Olympic Dreams, Our Sporting Life display, Manx Museum, Douglas. Until September 29.

• Semi-Abstract Painting and Sculpture Exhibition, Sayle Gallery, Douglas. Until September 30.

A MANX couple have spoken to iomtoday about finding themselves caught up in a multiple murder investigation at Lake Annecy in the French Alps.

The drama unfolded yesterday after three bodies were found in a BMW people-carrier registered in Britain while a fourth body, of a cyclist, was found lying nearby on a forest road near the village of Chevaline.

All four had been shot and 15 cartridges were found around the car, suggesting all the gunshots had come from outside the car.

A girl, believed to be aged eight, was found lying injured in the road and a four-year old girl was found alive after eight hours hiding in the back of the vehicle containing the victims. The elder sister is in a critical condition in hospital while the younger sibling was uninjured.

The father has been named as Saad al Hilli, originally from Iraq but living in Claygate, Surrey.

Malcolm Lambert and his wife Chris, from Port Erin, have been staying on the same campsite near Lake Annecy as the murdered British family, Le Solitaire du Lac, on the shores of Lake Annecy in the village of St Jorioz.

Mr Lambert told iomtoday that the family’s caravan was just 50 yards from their own.

He said: ‘It’s a shock, you don’t expect things like this to happen. We don’t feel threatened or vulnerable in any shape or form. Nevertheless it is a shock being so close to where we are and with the people staying on the same campsite.’

Mr Lambert and his wife, who were on holiday with friends from Norfolk, said they were now cutting short their vacation and would be leaving tomorrow.

He said the murdered family, made up of the husband and wife, two children and paternal grandmother, were frequent visitors to the campsite and were well known to others there.

Mr Lambert said they had driven back from a cave and waterfall past the murder scene at around the time the shootings would have taken place.

‘We arrived back at about 3.30pm French time and sirens were going on constantly for about two hours,’ he revealed. ‘The police helicopter was up and we knew something serious had happened.

‘This morning when we went to the toilet block, the family’s caravan which is 50 yards from where we are, had all its windows and awning taped up with gendarmes guarding it.’

He said details of the number plates of all those on the campsite had been taken by the gendarmes.

And he added: ‘A lot of people are packing up and going home early. We hadn’t been planning to leave until Sunday but we are going in the morning.’

‘There are people who knew the family who are really upset - they had been playing boules with them last year.’

Meanwhile, the Manx owner of a tourist accommodation business in the French Alps has spoken of his shock at the deaths.

Describing the news as ‘terrible’, Chris Callow, who runs ManxSki in St Sigismond, south of Annecy, with his wife Vanessa, said: ‘This is a very low-crime area of France which makes the story all the more shocking.

‘We’re regularly in Annecy and all our summer guests went over this year, it’s one of the “must see” towns in the area and just an hour’s drive from the chalet.

‘Annecy is a very prosperous clean-living sort of place, the very last place you would expect this sort of thing to happen. Guests have loved the old town with its cafe-lined canals and busting markets. I’m sure it will retain its justified place high on the tourist itinerary.’

Police say there are still no clues as to the motive for the killings and no arrests have yet been made.

The prolonged wet weather this summer has forced the planning committee of the Isle of Man Food and Drink Festival to re-locate the festival to the Royal Manx Agricultural Show ground at Knockaloe Farm, Patrick.

Despite the current good weather, the car parking field at the festival’s original site at the Nunnery remains wet and is unlikely to dry out in time.

With little alternative car parking nearby and the difficulty of setting up the festival without churning up the gardens, alternative sites in and around Douglas were checked but none was available. The decision to move to the drier land at Knockaloe has therefore been taken.

Knockaloe will provide a scenic backdrop to the festival and there is plenty of space for easy car parking and all of the festival marquees.

The festival will still take place on September 22 and 23, opening at 10am and closing at 5pm with last admissions at 4pm.

Festival activities are unchanged with celebrity chef Ainsley Harriott on Saturday, a full programme of demonstrations from local chefs, the finals of the ‘I Love Manx Chef of the Year’competition, lots of activities for families, producer marquee and farmers’ market with a wide range of local produce to taste and buy, the Farm in the Festival maze, great food and drink and lots more.

Agriculture Minister Phil Gawne MHK said: ‘We very much regret having to change locations but it is important that we find the best way to run a truly enjoyable festival for everyone.

‘The only other alternative would have been to cancel the event and we wanted to avoid this as the festival is an increasingly popular event in the Isle of Man’s show and festival calendar. Knockaloe is an excellent site and I am sure that the festival this year will build on its growing reputation as the premier event for celebrating local Manx produce.

‘It promises to provide plenty to see and do so I hope that lots of people will plan a day out at the Isle of Man Food and Drink Festival at Knockaloe.’

Details of buses from Douglas will be listed on the festival website.

THIS week’s Manx Independent is in the shops now.

The lead story on page 1 is about a trial that collapsed this week.

A prisoner was accused of attacking another inmate. But the other inmate retracted his statement to police.

Before the trial collapsed, the defence suggested that a fair trail couldn’t take place because of comments posted on an internet site. We report that aspect of the story on page seven.

The main picture on page one is the scene after a tram crash in Groudle. Eighty passengers were on the tram at the time.

Inside, we reveal that Manx Telecom and Sure are going to go head to head in another market. They’re both selling boxes providing television services. Manx Telecom’s service has hit the market first but Sure will follow next month.

But with 90 per cent of Manx homes already watching satellite television, will they succeed?

On our south page we report about turkeys voting for Christmas. Well, almost. One board of commissioners has agreed they have too many members and have decided it’s time for a cull.

On the back page we preview this weekend’s End to End mountain biking competition and we celebrate Daniel McCanney’s success in World Enduro.

The Manx Independent is in the shops now.

JUKEBOX shows like Our House are a mixed bag – the plots are tenuous to the point of ludicrous and there is usually an air of desperation to try and fit in the all the big hits of the artist/era/whatever.

So this creation by Tim Firth is a treat, as the Sliding Doors-style plot used the music of 80s favourite Madness to its best advantage and told a great story that echoed Hamlet, Blood Brothers and Chicago with energetic production numbers that made staggering use of the small stage at the Centenary Centre in Peel.

As the evening skanked along, the company danced their hearts out in sequences from a Vegas wedding to a London market.

The tale is basically a moral story about Joe Casey, half of whose nature is good, while the other half is bad and the consequences of the choices that he made.

Joe Hilliard, 17, played both facets with energy and a sense of purpose and stole the hearts of the 30 teenage girls I brought along.

He recently returned from a week in London at the West End Stage School, his prize for winning Young Actor of Mann 2012 – and it shows.

It’s a huge part for a first leading role, but Joe has the sort of face that can soften or harden in a moment; plus he was able to dance whilst wearing three costumes simultaneously. No mean feat. He played his dual role as Good Joe/Bad Joe with a confidence and emotive level that warms the old cockles and made the show a pleasure to watch.

Sarah, the leading lady, played by Abi Newton was a sweetheart, playing opposite both Good Joe and Bad Joe as he made his choices that led him down the path to happiness or ruin. She kept up with Hilliard and was more than a match for him.

They were supported by a great cast and the comedy sat well with the tragedy – the goodies and the baddies made the best of the thin plot line but hey, they managed to squeeze in Last Boat to Cairo in a show based in North London. Kudos.

There was a party atmosphere as the band, suitably attired in fezzes, sunglasses and berets, played up a storm as all the Madness hits skanked past – Los Palmas, Our House, My Girl’s Mad at Me, Baggy Trousers, Embarrassment, Driving in my Car, Tomorrow’s Just Another day, House of Fun, Last Boat to Cairo (yessssss) Wings of a Dove and It Must be Love. I was in skank/2tone heaven.

There was clever choreography and stage direction with the use of backlighting, shadows and film and it only goes to show what, with a lot of imagination, a dedicated cast and crew, and a talented director with vision, can be achieved.

This is the last show to be directed by Jools Morrison for Inspiration Theatre Company. It would be a shame if she gave up directing all together as she has a lot of talent.

Well done all.

THE deadline for submitting personal tax returns is less than a month away.

Malcolm Couch, the assessor of income tax, said: ‘If the income tax division has not received personal tax returns for the year ended April 5, 2012 by October 6, taxpayers will be charged a £100 penalty. If the return has still not been received by the division by April 6, 2013, a further £200 penalty will be charged.

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

Taxpayers can submit their tax return online.

Anyone who is interested in doing so should register for Government Online Services and then follow the link to enrol for income tax services as soon as possible and not leave it to the last few days before the return deadline. To register they should go to www.gov.im/onlineservices and select ‘Income Tax’ where a video guide to assist in completion of the registration and enrolment process can also be viewed.

From September 17 to October 5, a dedicated team of officers will be available at the income tax division from 11.30 am to 2pm daily to assist people wishing to complete their tax return online.

Using online tax services enables people to deal with their tax affairs from the comfort of their own home and avoid the potentially large queues at the Income Tax Division office, particularly in the final weeks before the deadline.

Alternatively returns can be put through the letterboxes at the front entrance to, or on the second floor inside Government Office.

If anyone requires a duplicate tax return, then they should contact the Division as soon as possible in order that a return can be issued and returned before the deadline.

ELEVEN Sayle Gallery Artists have contributed to the mixed exhibition Sculpture and Semi-Abstract Paintings, which opens tomorrow (Friday, September 7).

Once again the Gallery’s Artists have risen to the challenge and submitted works which, for some, diverge from their usual styles.

‘Semi-Abstract’ is a term which refers to paintings in which the subject remains recognisable although the forms are highly stylised, and the artists responded to this theme and produced new works accordingly.

Brigid Stowell, who is exhibiting four new pieces, describes her work: ‘These new works are a continuation of my paintings of the streets of Douglas and I was interested in simplifying the familiar landscape and landmarks yet still creating a recognisable depiction of the area.’

She said: ‘In my paintings of the Quay, I’ve taken this further – investigating the juxtaposition of the old familiar landmarks with tall, imposing new ones, which many people find uncomfortable and ‘unnatural’.

‘I suppose you could call it a representation of an ever-changing manmade landscape – new and old, side-by-side.’ (See page 30 for Brigid’s Top Ten.)

Alongside the paintings, a selection of ceramic sculpture by Manos Kalamenios and Colleen Corlett will also be on display and James Duggan has contributed both paintings and ‘assemblages’ – a term which was coined in the 1950s but harks back to early 20th century cubism, and refers to three-dimensional compositions of found objects.

Other artists who are taking part include Jelena Benson, Bruno Cavellec, Nancy Corkish, Alan Croll, Gillian Hinds, Andrea Jeavons and Rosi Robinson.

The Sayle Gallery is in the Villa Marina Arcade in Douglas and is open 10am to 5pm on Tuesday to Saturday, 1.30pm to 4.30pm on Sundays and 1pm to 5pm on Mondays.

Sculpture and Semi-Abstract Paintings continues until Sunday, September 30. Admission is free.

For more information call the Sayle Gallery on 674557 or visit www.saylegallery.com

HIGH street chain TopShop is a step closer to having a new purpose-built store in Strand Street, Douglas.

Stephen Bradley for Kane Ltd has been granted approval (12/00966/B) by the government planning committee to demolish the recently closed Leisure Amusement Arcade at 68-72 Strand Street and build in its place a retail store with associated accommodation.

The Arcadia Group is behind plans for the new store.

In his submission, Mr Bradley said: ‘The scheme proposed is one of Arcadia’s top store treatments for TopShop.’

Submitted illustrative drawings show a glass frontage and mezzanine level.

The present store is on the corner of Duke Street and Lord Street in Douglas.

MOTORISTS are warned there will be a number of road closures in place on Sunday to accommodate the Sleepwell Hotels Manx End to End Mountain Bike Challenge.

Around 1,600 competitors _ more than half from off-island – will leave the Point of Ayre at 10am before tackling the 41.9km route to Cregneash.

The road from Ballaugh Cronk to Ballacrye will close between 10am and 11.30am while the Druidale Road will close between 10.30am and midday as the riders pass through in the early stages of the event. The first refreshment checkpoint will be at Brandywell, and the road will be one-way from there down to Barregarrow crossroads, 10am to 1pm.

The Sloc will be one-way, south-bound, between 12.30pm and 4pm and the Howe Road will also be one-way, south-bound, between 12.30pm and 4.30pm.

The leading riders are expected to reach the finish line at Cregneash at around 1pm. The official cut-off time for the rest of the field to reach the same point is 5pm.

For more information, visit the event website at manxe2e.org

Find a full preview of the Manx End to End Mountain Bike Challenge on the back page of this week’s Manx Independent - in shops now.

A TEENAGE mother died as a result of hanging at her flat in Douglas last month, an inquest heard this week.

The inquest into the death of 19-year-old Caitlin Majella Alker was told she was discovered soon after 7am in the bathroom of her flat on Murray’s Road early in the morning on Sunday, August 26.

Paramedics were unable to revive Miss Alker, who was a full time mother, and pronounced death at 7.18am as a result of asphyxia.

A post-mortem examination by Dr Ervin Long confirmed death was due to hanging.

Coroner John Needham said proceedings would be opened and adjourned until enquiries into the death were complete.

Mr Needham offered his condolences to the family.

GERMAN soprano Dorothee Jansen is to peform the second of four island concerts tonight (Thursday) at St German’s Cathedral, Peel.

I was lucky enough to be invited to her first concert in aid of Ramsey Music Society on Monday evening.

With its stained glass windows, arches and wooden beams, St Paul’s Church, Ramsey, was a perfect setting for Handel’s Nine German Arias. Encased in its history, Dorothee and her fellow musicians delivered a magical performance.

We were transported back in time to the early 18th Century when, between 1924 and 1927, German composer Handel created the little known arias.

Dorothee took to the stage dressed in a long red dress - flamboyant in colour but understated in design and fabric.Without the need for bright make up or an elaborate hairstyle, this performer simply presented herself naturally as herself.

Her husband Haydn, who played the harpsichord exquisitely throughout, offered a narrative following the composer’s life and works between each aria. It is believed that these concerts are to be the first time the composer’s German arias will be played in the island. Though not clear why they are rarely performed, they are the only pieces Handel, who had become a British citizen by the time of his death, wrote in his own language.

And anyway, as Haydn explained, his music was ‘Italian through and through even when sung in English or German’.

The couple were joined by island musicians who, despite appearances, they had only met this summer.

Perched next to Hayden was Janet Warburton on cello. And joining the mix, as required, were Bernard Osborne on violin, Andrew Cole on oboe and Ruth Crossley, in a stunning black dress, on flute.

They played as if they’d been united for years – their rhythm and flow was immaculate.

Dorothee’s voice was perfectly powerful yet subtle in its strength and deliverance. She had a beautiful fluidity as she sang in her own mother tongue.

As with many operatic performances just watching Dorothee as she followed the music by sucking in air and unleashing her voice from deep within. Her facial expressions, hand movements and eyes alone told a thousand stories, as her head lifted and swayed. The energy of the music coarsed through her veins. She is an emotive story teller without the exaggeration that can sometimes spoil opera. And as each aria was performed the mood became more and more jubilant.

Although she stood there gimmick-free, there was something rather exotic about Dorothee - perhaps because she is German, a world renowned singer singing in German, in little old Ramsey.

She really brought the world stage to our island.

Speaking before the concert, Dorothee, who has a home in Castletown as well as New Zealand, said: ‘We considered the Handel and Italian programmes and thought it would nice to give something back to the island.

‘Haydn found some wonderful musicians who are all music teachers and members of the Isle of Man Orchestra and then it all started to come together.’

She added: ‘Hopefully we will continue to do concerts on the island as we are so pleased to have met these musicians here.

‘I think they are of a very high standard – much higher than I expected in such a small community. I’m also amazed at how good their sight reading is. They are really very professional. It’s been nice to work with them.’

She added: ‘The Manx people, I find, are really open and laid back, which isn’t to say they aren’t serious about their music. They seem to really enjoy making music. They’re sensitive to everyone’s requirements and seem to really enjoy working with one another.’

Tonight’s concert, which starts at 7.30pm, is in aid of the new cathedral choral foundation. Along with a concert at King William’s College Chapel at 8pm on September 13, it will also feature Handel’s Nine German Arias.

In addition, Dorothee will present an evening of Italian music at 8pm on Monday at the Erin Arts Centre.

So why peform these relatively unknown nine arias? ‘I’ve only performed them once before but they are so easy to listen to.When musicians, including here, play them they can’t understand why they’ve never heard of them before.’

Meanwhile the Italian programme will cover composers from the late 16th century such as Peri, Caccini and Scarlatti to Verdi who just lived into the 20th Century.

When asked why she moved to the island in 1999, Dorothee said: ‘Haydn had a business in the island and I loved it here. It’s a perfect antidote to my work which is in big noisy cities. It’s so unspoilt and a good place to find one’s strength.’

Tickets costing £8-£10 can be bought on the door at each concert.

www.dorotheejansen.com