Matthew Bostock is participating in the under-23 section of the Six Day Amsterdam track meeting with fellow Great Britain Olympic senior academy team member Joe Holt.

The event got underway on Tuesday evening and the pair are contesting the long 40km Madison race on each of the first three nights.

An orienteering-type roadquest event is taking place on the quieter roads and lanes round the northern plains this Sunday, based at Ramsey Rugby Club, Mooragh Park.

There will be a total of 20 checkpoints and teams of two will have to choose the best route to collect as many checkpoints as they can.

Adult and family teams will start at 10am for a 90-minute ride (under-14s must be accompanied by a parent). Entry for two is £10.

A 45-minute junior park quest will take place in the Mooragh area from 10.30, cost £2.

Tea and cake will be served from 11.45, all proceeds will go towards the 2017 Island Games cycling team.

There is no registration, go to Zurich XC youth mountain bike page for more.

The annual pre-Christmas cycle ride to the Baltic Inn, Foxdale is taking place on Wednesday, December 21.

All roadies and mountain bikers are welcome, those riding from the Douglas area are asked to meet at the Railway Inn, Union Mills from 6.30. Others please aim to arrive around 8pm at the Baltic for the usual carol service and good banter.

A mobile canteen will be in situ alongside for supper requirements.

The Fellowship of Manx Veteran Cyclists’ annual Christmas lunch takes place at the Palace Hotel next Thursday, December 15, starting 12.30 for 1pm. The cost is £20. Email FMVC@wm.im for more.

Manx Road Club’s Christmas lunch is at the Talk of the Town, Noble’s Park this Sunday, 1pm.

The Bikestyle Hamper race is scheduled to take place in the Jurby area on Tuesday, December 27.

There is a new and testing venue for round three of the Microgaming-sponsored island cross-country league this Sunday.

The event will take place in the grounds of the Nunnery, off the Old Castletown Road, within half-a-mile of Douglas town.

The format will be similar to the regular pattern, with the usual registration and start times (first race 2pm).

The course, perhaps surprisingly, has some major hills in it as well as flat fast running so it should be a good tester.

Car drivers need to be aware that parking will be tight and it may actually be more convenient to park in Pulrose or at the car park alongside the Power Station/King George V Park Bowl. The venue is a 10-minute walk away through the path from the Middle Industrial Estate. Full details will be available on the Manx Harriers website.

Athletics calendar:

Sunday, December 18, Winter Walk League (round three), St John’s; Sunday, January 1, New Year’s Day fell run, St John’s; Thursday, January 5, Ramsey Bakery Firemen’s Runs (round four); Sunday, Jan 8, Winter Walk League (round four); Saturday, Jan 14, 5km Prom Run Series (round one); Sunday, January 22, Microgaming Cross-Country League (round four) and IoM champs; Saturday, Jan 28, Ard Whallin Fell Run; Sunday, Jan 29, Jude’s Sports Hall Athletics; Thursday, February 2, Ramsey Firemen’s run (round five).

LET me explain in the first place that I admire, love, respect and enjoy the company of women on social occasions.

Is that perfectly clear? Good.

I think it’s safe for me to carry with what I have to say now.

It is my habit to spend the cocktail hour once a week with a family in Douglas that I have been friendly with for a long time.

Last week it was all progressing nicely until the husband had to leave suddenly to attend to a pressing matter and another gentleman telephoned to say he would be late arriving.

This meant there was only me there with the women, an unescorted lady having also turned up.

This is when I disappeared.

It was because there was no way I could contribute to the conversation - it was all far outside my range. All I could do was sit there politely and get on appreciatively with my glass of wine.

Women, you understand, are always happy to talk among themselves and suddenly there was no place for me in the conversation.

I was on the sidelines. My problem was that the topics covered tended to be outside my range and, to be honest, interest.

The conversation was about housework, cooking, caring for children and husbands, in fact domesticity in general, and also doing all the things that men are hopeless at. There was nothing else.

I have a suspicion that it might also have covered sex if it wasn’t for me being there. They would not have wanted me to have anything to say about that.

In time the husband returned and the male latecomer made his appearance. Reinforcements had arrived and I re-appeared in the happy cocktail-hour melee.

Ever since I have been wondering what would happen if there was a group of men at our cocktail hour and only one woman.

I hesitate to think about what the men would want to talk about.

IT is nearly Christmas and there are plenty of Christmas related items on Manx Radio.

For instance newsreader Tanya Humbles said in a bulletin that the police were asking people ‘to drink safe on social media.’

Can you drink at all on Facebook?

THIS week’s crossword clue has been sent in by Sara Goodwins. It was in the Telegraph Toughie as follows: ‘Man perhaps heading off one day to get drunk (6).’

ANDREW Kerr-Phillips says last week the Isle of Man Courier carried a story about a lady who had retired from being a Weight Watchers leader and it said: ‘She spoke of the satisfaction her role gave her and how it enabled her to grow as a person.’

I didn’t know that was the idea of Weight Watchers.

CROSSWORD: Slewed.

TWO more Malapropisms have come in as follows:

‘He went straight for the juggler.’

‘I just use my discrepancy.’

THE Funnies File has been temporarily suspended. We move on to what might be called Manxlish.

In the heat of a debate in Tywnald once upon a time one of the Manxer members declared: ‘We have been led down the river.’

He did not mean we had been led up the garden path or sold down the river. He was talking Manxlish which is similar to Minglish in many ways.

There is more Manxlish to come.

NEW definitions: ‘Dopeler Effect.’ The tendency of stupid ideas to seem smarter when they come at you rapidly.

In the second of two articles, Friends of the Earth member James McLean looks more closely at the detail of the Department of the Environment, Food and Agriculture Landscape and Amenity Strategy 2050

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

Following last week’s overview of the Department of the Environment, Food and Agriculture’s new strategy paper, there were a few high level aims in the document that grabbed my attention.

For reference, the document can viewed online here: https://www.gov.im/media/1352012/our-landscape-our-legacy.pdf

They’re all good suggestions, but I felt these in particular were worth drawing attention to.

- Ensure the unique Isle of Man landscape is protected and promoted

- Ensure everyone understands what biodiversity is, why it is important and is empowered to use it sustainably

- Ensure ecosystem services are a key part of policy decisions

- Take a ‘catchment management’ approach to help mitigate climate change, prevent flooding and provide clean drinking water.

- Sensitively manage critical habitats in a pragmatic manner to sustain and maintain value

- Involve society in understanding, appreciating and safeguarding biodiversity

- Develop a Green Economy to enhance our island’s reputation and to sustainably use our natural wealth

- Maximise the potential of eco-tourism

- Ensure that the complex interaction of regulations, markets and policy deliver economic and environmental benefit

- Improve visitor information so people can confidently and responsibly use and enjoy [our landscape]

- Recognise the importance to health of catchment management for flood prevention and water quality, and ensure that policies and management support this.

- Increase community group, user group and corporate engagement with countryside projects.

- Encourage and develop new outdoor/natural learning opportunities.

- Support forest school concepts to promote different learning opportunities.

However, without timelines for implementation, ownership and assessment, the document offers very little in the way of actual strategy.

For comparison, there are a number of notable LEMPs (Landscape and Ecological Management Plans) to refer to, in order to illustrate what could be expected.

The University of Bath’s particularly stood out to me as a well formatted and documented strategy, setting out a clear and easy to follow plan:

- Assessment of current position

- Strategic vision

- Implementation (including management strategy, programme and phasing, funding and resources)

- Assessment (strategy for monitoring and review)

Other than what has already been highlighted as missing, where, for example, is the input from the Department of Infrastructure?

DEFA and DoI are intrinsically connected. How does this document sit along with urbanisation in the island?

What about sustainable energy descent and clean transport infrastructure?

What about the island’s waste reduction and sustainable waste management?

All of these questions lead back into the greater strategy for sustainably sustaining and developing our natural environment.

In times past, drunks and petty criminals thrown in the village lock-up would have dreamed of getting their hands on the key to the door.

Now you have a chance to own the keys to a piece of Manx social and criminal history after Kirk Michael’s Old Courthouse - including what was once the cell - was put up for sale.

It’s gone on the market with estate agents Crystals for £170,000.

Crystals describe it as a ‘unique opportunity’ to acquire a building of ‘great historical value, ideal for persons looking for a restoration project and suitable for other uses subject to planning’.

The castellated Old Courthouse, which stands next to the Mitre Hotel, dates back to 1835, replacing an early courthouse that was built in 1766.

It was originally used as an ecclesiastical court and was the last rural courthouse to function. The last case was held in the early 1950s.

It was registered as a listed building in 1991.

During the 19th century, courts were held once a quarter and these were then reduced to one annually.

At the south side of the Courthouse is the cell, which was known locally as the ‘Blaekhole’. This was a lock-up and appears to have been rarely used except on Fair nights. Michaelmas Fair Day was held on the Fair Field behind the Mitre.

Since the 1950s it has been a social centre, classroom and restaurant as well as being owned by Liverpool and Bradford education authorities and used as a summer camps for schools.

In 2006 a Michael Courthouse Trust was set up in a bid to purchase it for the nation. They planned to turn it into a heritage centre with a library, tearooms and, possibly, links to Michael School for lessons and projects on local history.

Roy Kennaugh, who was a member of the Trust and a Michael commissioner at the time, said that after the local authority rejected his proposal to buy the Old Courthouse, he contacted several people who were ‘Michael born and bred’ and managed to raise almost the asking price for the building.

But he said: ‘However, the Health Minister at the time was interested in it as a potential doctor’s surgery for the village which was a “hot potato” at the time.

‘Two of the supporters had a conflict of interest as a result of this and had to withdraw their financial support. Consequently the bid to purchase this unique building failed.

‘I believe this historically important (and Registered) building could be a great asset to the community.’

Thursday, December 8

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

• Keep fit, Colby Football Club, 10am, suitable for beginners/over 50s. Also, kettlecardio, 6.30pm. All levels welcome. Sat, kettlecardio, 10am. Wed, aerobics, 6.30pm. All classes £5. Call Sara, 432535.

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

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

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

• Pilates, beginners to intermediate, Promenade Church, Douglas, 4.15pm, 5.30pm and 6.45pm. Please call 491449.

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

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

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

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

• Northern Gymnastics Club, RGS, 5pm.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Friday, December 9

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Saturday, December 10

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

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

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

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

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

Sunday, December 11

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

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

Monday, December 12

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tuesday, December 13

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

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

• Pilates at Trinity Church, Waterloo Rd, Ramsey at 6.15pm. Please call Midge on 491449

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wednesday, December 14

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

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

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

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

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

Palace Cinema

• Office Christmas Party, (15). Fri at 7.30pm, Sat and Sun at 4.30pm and 7.30pm, Mon and Tues 7.30pm, Wed at 2pm and 7.30pm.

• Trolls, 2D, (U). Sat and Sun at 2.30pm

• Cinema event: Christmas classics: The Muppet Christmas Carol, Sat and Sun at 12.30pm.

Broadway Cinema

• Office Christmas Party, (15). Fri at 7.30pm, Sat and Sun at 4.30pm and 7.30pm, Mon and Tues 7.30pm, Wed at 2pm and 7.30pm.

• Trolls, 2D, (U). Sat and Sun at 2.30pm

• Cinema event: Christmas classics: The Muppet Christmas Carol, Sat and Sun at 12.30pm.

Erin Arts Centre

• Dad’s Army, Wed at 2.30pm and 7.30pm, £5, under 18s £2.

Thursday, December 8

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

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

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

• Swan Lake - live from Opera National De Paris, Erin Arts Centre, Port Erin, 6.15pm. Also, Sat, Live from the Met New York - L’Amour de loin - Saariaho, Erin Arts Centre, Port Erin, 5.55pm.

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

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

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

• Gospel message, Ballaugh village hall, 7.30pm.

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

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

Friday, December 9

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

• Sing for fun with the Friday Lunchtime Choir, Salvation Army Citadel in Lord Street, 1.15pm. £1, towards hire of the venue and sheet music. For more information about the choir, ring the Music Service on 686555.

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

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

Saturday, December 10

• Northern Branch Hospice coffee morning and more, in aid of Hospice Isle of Man at Ramsey Town Hall, 9.30am-noon. Cakes, table decorations, hamper raffle. Admission £2 for coffee and mince pie. All welcome.

• Festive Douglas, What’s on this Christmas. Local Christmas fair, Castle Street, Howard Street and Granville Street, Douglas, 9.30am-5pm. Also Sun.

• Groudle Glen Railway, Santa Trains, 10am-3pm, fare from £6, also Sun.

• Christmas Market, Top Banana, Ballaughton Lane, Saddlestone. Stalls will be selling a variety of goods including perfumes, jewellery, fashion accessories, hampers, gift wrap, beauty products, pet accessories, stocking fillers and there will be plenty of Christmas present ideas to choose from. A percentage of all money raised will be going to Isle of Man registered charity, ManxAid.

• St Stephen’s Church, Sulby, coffee morning, Ramsey Town Hall, 10am-12 noon.

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

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

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

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

• Isle of Man Farmers’ Market, Karl B and T, Ramsey, 10am-3pm.

• Dog lovers’ Christmas fayre, St Patrick’s Church, Patrick St, Peel, 11am-1.30pm. Admission £1, children free.

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

• Manx Wildlife Trust, Marvellous Mountain Hares, St Olave’s Church Hall, Ramsey, 2pm. £5 per child, £4 if member of WATCH.

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

Sunday, December 11

• Bride Methodist Sunday School, Christmas Nativity Service, 2.30pm. Sunday school children will be taking part. Service followed by coffee and mince pies. Everyone welcome.

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

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

Monday, December 12

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

• Breastfeeding Buddies sessions, Greenfields Road, Douglas, 11am- 12.30pm.

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

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

Tuesday, December 13

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

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

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

Wednesday, December 14

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

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

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

• UCM History and Heritage, public lectures, Prof. Howard Williams (University of Chester), ‘Watchful Warriors on Viking-Age Sculpture’, Lecture Theatre, Elmwood House, Glencrutchery Road, 6pm-7pm.

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

• Bingo Quiz, Archibald Knox Onchan, 8pm.

Thursday, December 8

• Harbourside WI, St Paul’s Church hall, Ramsey, 10am. Call 818194.

• Onchan Pensioners Club, Morton Hall, Castletown, coffee morning; Fri, sequence dancing, 2pm-4.30pm; Sat, Arabian dancing, 9am-1pm; Mon, Bridge, 2pm-5pm and 7pm-11pm; Tues, coffee morning including raffle, 10am-noon; Wed, whist drive, 7pm-10pm.

• Manx Retirement Association, stretch and flex at the NSC, 10am. Also, indoor flat green bowling, 2pm-3.30pm at the NSC, Douglas. Tues, Southern coffee morning at the Cherry Orchard Hotel, Port Erin at 10.30am. Whist afternoon at the Cat with No Tail, Douglas at 2pm. Wed, ‘Dad’s Army’, a film at the Erin Arts Centre, Port Erin, 2.30pm.

• Avondale Afternoon WI, Morton Hall, Onchan, 2pm. Call 818194.

• Soundcheck, Youth Arts Centre, Douglas, 4pm-9pm. Also, writers club (11+), dressing room. ExperiMental Art, (12+), studio/art room. Fri, social club (ages 11+), 7pm-10pm. Mon, junior art (ages 8-11). Tue, photography (ages 11+), 6pm-8pm.

• Kirk Bride WI, Bride Church hall, 7pm. Call 803804.

• Arbory WI, Colby Methodist hall, 7.15pm.

• Port Soderick WI, recreation hall, 7.30pm. Call 818194.

• Parkfield WI, St Andrew’s Church hall, Douglas, 7.45pm. Call 818194.

Sunday, December 11

• Isle of Man Freethinkers, Douglas Yacht Club, 7pm-7.30pm.

Monday, December 12

• Onchan Jubilee WI, Methodist Church hall, 10am. Call 818194.

• Onchan and District WI, Elim Pentecostal Church, Second Avenue, Onchan, 2pm. Call Ella 621921 or Pat 624565.

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

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

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

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

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

• Laxey Minorca WI, football clubhouse, Glen Road, Laxey, 7.45pm. Call 818194.

Tuesday, December 13

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

• 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.

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

• Laxey Art Club, Laxey football clubhouse, 7pm-9pm. Enquiries 861125 or 862035.

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

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

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

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

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

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

• The Isle of Man Amateur Radio Society, Sea Cadet hall, Tromode, 8.30pm-9.30pm.

Wednesday, December 14

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

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

• Spring Chicks WI, Old Friends Association, Finch road, Douglas, 7.30pm. For further information or a programme of events contact 488842 or 455435.

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

• Castletown WI, Methodist hall, Arbory Street, Castletown, 7.30pm. Call 818194.

• Port St Mary WI, Mount Tabor School Room, Port St Mary, 7.45pm. Call 818194.

Thursday, December 8

• Karaoke, Guys and Dolls, Douglas.

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

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

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

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

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

Friday, December 9

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

• Karaoke at the Albert, Douglas, 9pm.

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

• Ian Thompson at the Sulby Glen Hotel, Sulby.

• Dickie at the Whitehouse, Peel.

• Karaoke FM at the Heron, Anagh Coar.

• Brown Sugar at the Rosemount, Douglas.

• Border Line at Sam Webb’s, Douglas.

• Konstruktion at Jaks, Douglas.

Saturday, December 10

• Little Miss Dynamite at the Haven, Port Erin.

• Karaoke and disco with Steve, Second Venue, 21 Victoria Street, Douglas, 10pm-3.30am.

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

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

• Karaoke at the Central Hotel, Ramsey.

• Ian Thompson at the Railway, Douglas.

• Dickie at the Mitre, Ramsey.

• Karaoke FM at the Manx Arms, Onchan.

• Music for everyone at Manx Youth Orchestra’s Christmas concert, Villa Marina, Douglas, 7.30pm.

• AM Frequency at Jaks, Douglas.

Sunday, December 11

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

• One/Man One/Guitar at the Highwayman, Peel, 8pm.

• Candlelit Carol Service, Glen Maye Methodist Chapel, 6.30pm. Followed by tea and mince pies. Everyone welcome.

• Karaoke, Ray Sloane, Douglas.

Tuesday, December 13

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

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

Wednesday, December 14

• Wurlitzer Christmas concert, Villa Marina Arcade, 1pm–2pm, free entry.

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

Thursday, December 8

• Tea dance, South Douglas Old Friends’ Association, Finch Road, Douglas, 2pm.

• Dance classes for children, Centenary Centre, Peel, 4pm. Call 450688.

• Modern line dance classes for all levels at the Legion Hall, Onchan. Also Mon and Wed. Call 670308.

• Advanced ballet/pointe work for ages 12-18, Youth Arts Centre, Douglas, 5pm. TAP MOB for ages 8-18, YAC, Douglas, 6pm-7.30pm. Also Sat, ballet and tap for ages 3-7; Irish and Modern for ages 4-12. Theatre Club, Trinity Church hall, Douglas, 1-4pm. Mon, Intermediate Ballet and Tap for ages 12+, 5-6.30pm; tap for adults, 6.30-7.15pm. Tues, Ballet and Tap for ages 5-10 years; Irish for adults, 6.15pm. Wed, modern jazz for ages 10-15, 4pm; Ballet and tap for ages 10-15, 4.45pm-6.15pm; Contemporary dance for ages 8-18, YAC, 7.30-9pm. Contact Susannah Maybury 431380 or theatrix@manx.net

• Ballroom dancing, ages 5-8, 6pm-6.30pm, cheerdance/street dance, age 4-7, 6.30pm-7pm, age 8-12, 7pm-7.30pm, age 12 plus, 7.30pm-8.15pm, ballroom, age 12 plus, 8.15pm-9pm. Mon, mini movers age 2 and half upwards, 4pm-4.30pm, ballroom, age 3-5, 4.30pm-5pm, age 6-11, 5pm-5.30pm. Adult chasamba fitness, 7.30pm-8.15pm. Tues, adult chasamba dance fitness, 9.30am-10.15am.

• Fitsteps, Onchan Community hall, 7.30pm. Call 456056.

• Strictly Come Dancing for beginners, Royal British Legion hall, Port Erin, 8pm.

Friday, December 9

• Under six ballroom, St Matthew’s Church hall, Douglas, 5pm-5.45pm. Also, ages 6-9, 5.45pm-6.30pm; ages 9-12, 6.30pm-7.15pm; ages 12+, 7.15pm-8pm. Also Tues, under 8s, 4pm-4.45pm; Dynamites freestyle, 4.45pm-5.30pm; 8-12 ballroom, 5.30pm-6.15pm; Energisers freestyle, 6.15pm-7pm; 12+ ballroom, 7pm-7.45pm; Explosions freestyle, 7.45pm-8.30pm. Call 474063.

• Modern Dance, The Dance Factory, Onchan Park, 5.45pm. Also Thurs, 4.30pm; tap jnr, 6.45pm; tap adv, 7.30pm. Beginners tap, Tues, 4.30pm.

• Argentinian Tango beginners, St Paul’s hall, Ramsey, 7pm. Call 880650.

• Line Dancing, Ebenezer Hall, Kirk Michael, 7pm. Beginners welcome. Call 878687.

Saturday, December 10

• Dance time for children, Port Erin Methodist hall, 9.30am. Call 835696.

• Ballroom dancing for children, Royal British Legion hall, Port Erin, 10am.

• Irish dance mixed, The Dance Factory, Onchan Park, 3pm. Also Mon, prim/int, 4.30pm and Tues, 6.15pm. Tues, beginners, 5.15pm, stage snr, 4pm; stage int, 5pm.

• Sequence dancing, Onchan Pensioners’ hall, 8pm. Call 829669.

• Social sequence dancing, Pulrose Methodist Church hall, Douglas, 8pm. Also Mon, Wed and Sun. Call 842878.

Sunday, December 11

• Perree Bane Manx folk dancing, Ballasalla village hall, 7pm.

Monday, December 12

• Ballet, Viking Works, Riverside, Peel, 5.45pm. Also Thurs, 4.30pm.

• Country dancing, Willaston hall, 7pm-9pm. Call 628521.

• Ceroc dance night, Masonic hall, Douglas, 7.30pm-10.30pm.

• Line dancing, Port Erin Methodist Church hall, 8.15pm. Call 436219.

Tuesday, December 13

• Oriental dance exercise, Gena’s Dance Academy, Peel, 10am. Also Wed, The Gym, Ramsey. Call 300020.

Ballroom and latin classes, Colby Methodist Hall, Colby, beginners and intermediates, 7pm. Also, Wed, St Matthew’s hall on the Quay, Douglas, 6pm and 7.30pm. Sat, British Legion Hall, Port Erin, 4 and 5 year olds, 10am, 6 and 7 years olds 10.30am; 8-11 year olds, 11am; 12 and older after 11.30am.

• Linedancercise, St John’s football clubhouse, 7.30pm-9pm, call 467285.

• Sequence dancing with Port Erin Dancing Club, Port Erin Methodist Church hall, 8pm.

Wednesday, December 14

• Scottish Country Dancing, The Working Men’s Institute, Laxey, 2pm-4pm. Call 813074.

• Tea dance at St John’s Methodist hall, live music with Eric and Jimmy, 2pm. Call 842548.

• Ballroom dancing for children, Centenary Centre, Peel, 4pm. Call 450688.

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

• Latin line dancing, Royal British Legion hall, Port Erin, 7.30pm. Call 835098.

• Rhythmic dance, St Ninian’s dance studio, Douglas, 8pm.

Thursday, December 8

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Family Library: Teddy time, 2pm-2.45pm, £3. Also, Christmas crafternoon, Tues and Weds, £1-£3. Fri, storybox, 10.30 followed by craft at 11am, £1. Jolly Christmas music, 4.15pm-4.45pm. Old Mutual International Super Saturday, funology science and craft, 10.30am-noon.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Friday, December 9

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Saturday, December 10

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

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

Sunday, December 11

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

• Sunday School, Sulby Methodist Church, 10.30am.

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

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

Monday, December 12

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Brownies, Corrin Hall, Peel, 6.30pm.

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

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

Tuesday, December 13

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wednesday, December 14

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The area on Douglas Promenade between the War Memorial and the Bottleneck will become a designated disc parking zone from Saturday, December 10, until Sunday, January 8.

Motorists will be able to park free of charge on the Promenade walkway for up to two hours by displaying a parking disc.

No parking over two hours will be permitted.

The additional parking is part of the Department of Infrastructure’s efforts to encourage people to support the Manx economy over the festive period.

The island’s GPs will be taking part in an education session on Wednesday afternoon.

Routine appointments will not be available during afternoon, however urgent appointments will be available through on-call GPs.

Anyone who needs to see a doctor should ring their GP practice as normal.

Practices will remain open during for patients to visit the practice nurse, collect test results, make future appointments, and order repeat prescriptions as normal.

During the training session, the fourth to take place this year, doctors will hear from colleagues within the Department of Health and Social Care on topics including: anxiety management; education for people newly diagnosed with diabetes; and reducing antibiotic prescribing.

The quarterly education sessions were established in 2012 to give GPs the opportunity to discuss developments in medical care and best practice, and to examine ways to enhance care for patients.

Isle of Man snooker star Darryl Hill almost produced one of the shock results of recent years when he went up against Ronnie O’Sullivan on Wednesday evening.

The reigning Isle of Man Under-21 Sportsman of the Year, currently ranked 100 in the world, went up against Rocket Ronnie in the 2017 German Masters qualifiers which are taking place in Barnsley, Yorkshire.

The 20-year-old was unfazed at the prospect of going up against the five-time world champion, who had lost in the final of the UK Championship to Mark Selby on Sunday.

Hill edged a tight opening frame 66-51 before doubling his advantage in fine style with a 100-32 win in the second, helping by an impressive 62 break.

O’Sullivan powered back though, and won the next three frames in a row 72-46, 74-26 and romping to a 105-4 victory in the fifth thanks to a 105 break.

However, Hill responded by winning back-to-back frames himself 69-21 and 76-48 to retake the lead, only for O’Sullivan to roar back with 93-0 and 87-1 wins to book his place in the next round.

The Isle of Man Natural History and Antiquarian Society’s winter season of lectures will continue this Saturday with society head Ian Burrell giving his Presidential Lecture on ‘The Other Mona’ – the isle of Anglesey in North Wales.

The talk, which is also open to non-members for a small fee, takes place in the Manx Museum lecture theatre, beginning at 2.30pm.

Ian will tell of some of the fascinating sights members came across when they visited Anglesey in May.

They found the island had many similarities with the Isle of Man, such as Neolithic burials, legendary links to St Patrick and ring-and-chain Norse carved crosses. Key differences include Roman remains and a remarkable ‘Copper Kingdom’.

The largest island in the Irish Sea, Anglesey is not mountainous like the Isle of Man, though some of the higher hills are referred to as ‘mountains’ and the towering peaks of Snowdonia, on the mainland across the narrow but sometimes treacherous Menai Strait, are an often visible and brooding presence to the south.

The strait was bridged in the early 19th century with two pioneering structures designed by famous engineers.

No one is sure why the Romans called both Anglesey and Mann by the same name of ‘Mona’ but somehow the word has stuck as a poetic title for each.

Tea and biscuits will be served at the end. See www.manxantiquarians.com and the Isle of Man Natural History and Antiquarian Society Facebook page.

An unlicensed and uninsured driver had to be pursued by police and forced to stop, a court has been told.

Joanne Louise Hall was spotted by an off-duty policeman on the A26 in St Marks village on November 30.

Her Renault Clio was followed by a marked Panda car, from Bridge Road to Cross Fourways, but she ignored both the flashing blue lights behind her and the car’s sirens.

For the prosecution, Barry Swain told the court not only had Hall ignored all indications to pull over, but she actually speeded up and overtook two cars, apparantly to get away. Finally, the police car was forced to swerve in front of the defendant’s Clio and physically block it from continuing any further.

The 39-year-old told police she had not seen the flashing blue lights behind her and she was aware she had no licence or insurance.

‘There’s no reason why she might not have seen the blue lights and in any event she should have heard the sirens,’ Mr Swain said.

Hall, who lives at Malew Street in Castletown represented herself.

She told the court: ‘I’m sorry the police have so much time on their hands. This was like something out of the Keystone Cops. I had no licence, no insurance, yes: guilty.’

But she said prosecution allegations that she had speeded up and overtaken cars to evade the police were completely false.

‘Go ahead make up what you want,’ she said.

Magistrates’ chairman Kenneth Faragher told her: ‘The offences are very serious.’

She was fined £300 with a 20 week ban for having no insurance, £100 for failing to stop; no separate penalty was given for no licence.

Its full steam ahead for Christmas this weekend, when the Santa trains get underway at groudle Glen this Saturday.

Santa will be in his grotto at the Lhen Coan station, where visitors will met by his elves and be given a warm welcome, with a mince pie, a glass of mulled wine, a hot drink or some sweets for the children.

Children can also have their picture taken when they visit him at his woodland home before boarding the train for a trip back through the glen.

The trains will be running from 10am until 3pm this week from Saturday, 10th and Sunday 11th, and next week from the 17th and 18th of December.

Tickets for the train ride are £6, and are available online

Hundreds of tots and their mums and dads have been enjoying the special Christmas ice rink sessions in the community marquee at Tynwald Mills.

Ice rinks can be a daunting place for young children with teens and adults whizzing by just as they are trying to find their feet on the ice.

At the Community Marquee at Tynwald Mills, currently home to the Christmas ice rink, it was important that the little ones didn’t miss out on the fun.

Sponsorship from plan.com has enabled Tynwald Mills to run a number of free sessions at the rink, for very young children, schools, and charitable organisations such as Crossroads Young Carers.

This week, three morning sessions allowed the tots to come along and simply enjoy being on the ice, whether they were being towed along on sleds, cruising round the ice on the helpful penguins, or enjoying building snowmen and snow castles.

The ‘snow’ was provided by scraping the excess ice from the surface after the previous session and piling it in the middle of the rink where the children soon discovered it had exactly the right consistently for filling buckets and plastic wheelbarrows.

Some of the older tots were able to go around the ice on special double runner skates whilst holding their parents hands which made an ideal introduction to ‘proper’ skating.

Tynwald Mills marketing and project manager Matthew McSevney said: ‘We have been delighted by the response to these free sessions with so many young children and their parents able to come and have fun on the ice and we are very grateful to plan.com whose generous sponsorship is helping us to fulfil the original intention of making our community marquee truly a facility for the whole community.’

For the retail side of the business the ice rink also helps to increase footfall at the most crucial time of the year, with mums often taking the opportunity to stay for a cup of coffee or do a spot of Christmas shopping afterwards, once the tots have run off some of their energy.

Matthew added: ‘Young children on the island don’t always get to experience an environment like this, where they can play in the cold with snow and it’s amazing how well it’s been received; they love it.’

Queen Elizabeth II High School will host a Christmas concert next Tuesday, December 13.

It will start at 7.15pm and is being held in the main school hall.

Entrance for adults is £4 and £2 for children.

A family ticket costs £10 and includes entry for two adults and two children.

There will be refreshments available and a raffle.

Entertainment will include windband, senior and junior choirs, flute choir, ukulele orchestra, Club Kiauli, bells and much more.

Tickets are available from the school reception or by calling 841000 or emailing qe2enquiries@sch.im