A £3.2 MILLION baggage handling and screening facility for passengers flying out of Ronaldsway became operational just hours before a UK-imposed deadline.

New EU regulations stipulated that by September 1, the airport’s x-ray machines had to be upgraded to new ‘standard 2’ machines.

Failure to meet that deadline would have meant the airport losing its domestic status for inbound flights and it would also have meant no hold bags being allowed onto aircraft.

Tynwald gave funding approval in March for the security x-ray machines, a replacement outbound baggage conveyor system and an extension to house the new baggage make-up area.

Work began on site early in April to replace the old outbound baggage conveyor system, located behind the check-in desks in the terminal building. The old carousel equipment had become very unreliable, although it had lasted two years longer than expected.

The three new standard 2 x-ray machines have been commissioned, all staff training completed, and the whole system was put into operation late on Friday afternoon (August 31).

Airport director Anne Reynolds said another benefit of the new system was that it was all under cover so that baggage on delayed flights could be stored out of the elements.

She said: ‘I’m delighted with this new facility, which means that we now have a processing area for outbound baggage, which has a modern conveyor system working within it, plus the new x-ray machines. The old conveyor system operated from holes in the wall behind check-in and led to a single line conveyor under what can only be described as a ‘lean to’.

‘This meant staff were always working out in the elements and importantly, bags were also kept out in the open. During times of delay, there wasn’t sufficient space to store bags other than on the ground – the alternative being to not allow passengers to check-in. This new facility has space in which bags for delayed flights can now be stored under cover.’

The replacement conveyor scheme has a two-line system, providing back up in event of a breakdown. It is expected to have a working life of about 15 years and has the ability to integrate future X-ray machine standards, if required, and cope with any projected increase in passenger numbers.

Overall cost of the project was £3,216,779 and the scheme was delivered within budget. The expected spend on island and off–island was split 50/50 because of the specialist x-ray machines and conveyor system equipment.

Ms Reynolds thanked contractor JCK and baggage conveyor supplier Cal-jan, plus airport staff who had to work under some ‘very challenging times’ during the project. Passengers were also thanked for their patience and co-operation.

ONE of the aims of youth theatre is to discover new talent and another is to boost confidence and team skills in our young members of society.

And the Youth Art Centre’s production of Footloose the Musical, performed in the Gaiety Theatre at the weekend, is real proof that it can work on both levels.

The all-singing, all-dancing show was put together in no fewer than three weeks before curtain up. Which is why it’s astonishing just how the cast and crew of under-25s pulled off such a slick, fluid and vibrant piece of musical theatre.

The story follows teenager Ren who challenges the no-dancing rule in his stuffy new hometown while finding romance with Ariel, the Reverend’s daughter. From the first scene, there was no doubt in my mind that Dan Palmer, who played Ren, is a natural born actor destined for the West End. With real ease and comfort, this fresh-faced lad led the cast through the highs and lows of the teen story. He hit his high notes perfectly and when he screamed with angst at the passing train it left me with goosebumps. And, playing Ariel, Emma Grant was wonderful throughout, particularly as she stood on a table belting out I Need a Hero above the sea of chorus girls. The moonlight duet between hero and heroine was very sweet and delicately performed.

Favourites for me were the Reverend and his wife, played by Michael Cowin and Amber Purnell. Their scenes portraying parents coming to terms with death and change were really moving. Both were very emotive actors with strong singing voices. And James Scott was a great bad guy brimming with real attitude and cool dude humour.

As well as mastering American accents, the young cast showed off their skills in breakdancing, skipping, leap-frogging and even a bit of gyrating line-dancing. Beth Brown’s Let’s Hear It For The Boy solo was fantastic especially as she managed to sing while also spinning, star jumping and doing cartwheels. Even the slight sound problems and cursing off-stage accidentally caught on microphone added to the experience.

The show was well-paced, full of energy and beautifully choreographed to funky music. Everyone showed real courage and strength of character, and a genuine sense of commeraderie as they stood side-by-side up there. They had obviously put their heart and soul into it. I look forward to keeping an eye on these budding stars, many of whom were brimming with raw talent.

Director Alex Turner is to be highly commended, as is musical director Jenna Withey and choreographer Kat Ash.

The night ended fittingly with plenty of whoops and wolf whistles.

CORINTHIANS fine early season form will face another stern test on Saturday when they take on current Canada Life Premier League pace-setters Laxey.

The Whites seem to have gained some consistency and maturity over the summer months and are so far unbeaten this term after a draw at Rushen and last week’s good victory over DHSOB.

Summer signing Chris Feeney and fellow midfielders Louis Thornton and Danny Gerrard have all impressed over the last couple of weeks. The latter, however, returns to university this week and he will be missed against a Miners that has scored 13 goals in just three games. Strikers Mark Wolfenden and Ashley Webster have been the Glen Road outfit’s key players thus far and their fire-power in front of goal may once again prove the difference between the two sides on Saturday.

St George’s will be hoping to put behind them last week’s defeat to Rushen and the bout of mumps that proceeded it with a strong performance against DHSOB at Blackberry Lane.

The weekend’s hosts will be eager to inflict another defeat on Geordies, but with the Glencrutchery Road ranks replenished expect a backlash from Chris Bass Sr’s men.

Two sides that have been tipped to battle it out at the foot of the division meet at Garey Mooar.

Union Mills host Ramsey with both aiming to add to their top-flight survival fund. Ramsey showed fight against Peel last week and this encouraging display might be just enough to propel them to all three points on Saturday.

With Rushen’s game with Marown called off, the Premier League’s sole game in the south sees Castletown play host to St Mary’s.

The latter should be among the division’s front runners and they will be firm favourites to return to the Bowl with all three points from their trip to the Stadium.

Peel will also be hoping to scale the Premier League’s top-four heights this season. They welcome Gymns to Douglas Road on Saturday in a fixture the westerners will be targeting the win in.

Ken Hedley’s visitors from Tromode, however, do have the ability within their fold to take advantage of any western complacency, so Rick Holden’s men will need to turn in a professional performance if they are to be guaranteed of the points

CHRISTOPHER Hattersley participated with great success in the Special Olympics Great Britain National Cycling competition at Tameside Cycle Circuit, Ashton-under-Lyne recently.

Cyclists from Scotland, England, Wales and the Isle of Man of all abilities gathered and competed in road race and time trial events.

The Special Olympics GB and Isle of Man athletes demonstrated to themselves, to their coaches and the spectators what they can do, rather than what they cannot do.

The event was the largest cycling competition in Great Britain this year for athletes with intellectual (learning) disabilities.

Chris, from Special Olympics Isle of Man, won silver in the 10km time trial, recording 17min 27sec, to finish a mere 12 seconds off the gold medal ride from Daniel Weston, representing Great Britain Special Olympics’ Devon region.

In the 15km road race the Isle of Man rider rose to the occasion by breaking clear of the bunch at half-distance, going on to win by some 56sec from Stevie Burns of Great Britain Special Olympics Fife region.

An added bonus to the day for Special Olympics Isle of Man was that national director Beryl Wooldridge was invited to present the awards for this event and a Paralympics hand cycling and tandem event which also took place during the championships.

Four games in Wi-Manx Mixed Division Two

Wi-Manx Mixed Division Two

CM Skye Ravens will be hoping to secure an opening day victory when they meet HQ Harlequins B at Ramsey Grammar School when the hockey season begins this Saturday afternoon.

Raj Nandha’s Ravens side finished runners-up in the division last season and will be aiming to go one better this time around.

Opponents Harlequins had a difficult campaign last time out and will be looking for improvement. With their young contingent having more experience they should fare better but they may struggle to come out on top in this match.

Elsewhere, Manx Telecom Vikings D will be looking to put last season’s relegation behind them when they meet Celton Manx Southerners in the lunchtime fixture at Castle Rushen.

Iain Thomas’s Vikings will be aiming to make a winning start to their season as they seek to gain promotion at the first time of asking. He will need to find a replacement for defensive stalwart Nigel Birken following his retirement from mixed hockey but should provide Rebecca Jacob’s Southerners with tough opposition.

Saturday’s fixtures

Wi-Manx Mixed Division Two

Celton Manx Southerners v Manx Telecom Vikings D CRHS 12.35pm

Geoff Callister James Russell

CM Skye Rookies v IOMA Group Bacchas D RGS 12.35pm

Vic Ferns Rob McKenzie

Fearless Sharks v Paragon Valkyrs D CRHS 2.05pm

Mike Taylor Fran Tinkler

HQ Harlequins v CM Skye Ravens RGS 2.05pm

Sandra Smith Unappointed

SIGNIFICANT changes to the route, coupled with underlying amounts of water from a summer of discontent could make this weekend’s Sleepwell Hotels-sponsored End to End mountain bike challenge tougher than ever.

Thankfully, this week’s relatively settled weather will have helped some of the areas dry out slightly, but the damage was done early with the island’s wettest June to August period in living memory.

The official entry of 1,684 is bound to include a lot of non-starters, but the fact that people can now sell their entries if they so wish means that the big no-show of two or three years ago has gone and the likelihood is that between 1,550 and 1,600 will probably make the start at 10am from the Point of Ayre.

The first 14 miles of the 42-mile distance is on tarmac, and can often turn into a mass-bunch road race as riders jockey for position before the route goes off-road.

And that will be the best part of two miles earlier than normal with a sharp turn off the TT Course on the Ramsey side of Ballaugh Bridge, through the private farmland at Ballamoar and up, via the farm tracks, to the marshy moorland leading onto the steepest part of the Druidale climb.

Riders will cross the road there and head down into Ballaugh Plantation, to be followed by a tough pull out of the trees back up in the direction of Druidale Road again, turning south-west towards Black Mountain and Slieau Dhoo. The route then rejoins the original route before the rocky descent to Brandywell Road.

The run over Glion Gill should be fine, but there is likely to be another tweak to the route to avoid the wettest part of Beary Mountain before the lumpy Dowse track and the relatively smooth descent to Ballacraine.

It was rumoured that Slieau Whallian track was to be dropped this year, but that does not appear to be the case. Thankfully the Battle of the Somme in Arrasey Plantation should be avoided this year as the bulk of the route through there will be on fire roads.

The climb up Glen Rushen Pipeline track will be a slog, as will the trek along the sodden fields to the plantation. The climb from Eary Cushlin to Point 1119 is always tough as fatugue and cramp take their toll, while the final off-road stretches at the side of the Sloc and Ballarock will be a welcome sight for many, especially as the latter will hopefully be a tad smoother than normal after Dept of Infrastructure work there over the winter.

Hopefully, the fields on the final descent won’t be as wet as the first year they were used in 2007, while the final ascent to Cregneash will be a tough finale for every man, woman and bike.

It’s likely that the early changes to the route will be compensated by the slightly easier runs over Beary and Arrasey, but the double whammy at Ballamoar and Ballaugh - while avoiding the dreaded Ballacobb - is certain to prove tough for the middle/low-markers, perhaps causing many to miss the cut-off at St John’s that accounted for almost 10 per cent of the entry last year.

As for picking out a winner? Well it would be hard to discount Englishman Nick Craig for a fifth consecutive victory, but Elliot Baxter is again leading the local challenge hoping to better his disappointing fourth place last year behind Craig, Neal Crampton and Mat Clinton (both of which are back for more).

Lloyd Taggart finished an amazing fifth last year but is unsure if he will ride as he is contesting the final round of the British Fell Running Championship in Wales the day before. Other Manxies to look out for include Rob Sorby, Paul Kneen, roadie Chris Whorrall, Kale Hawkins and the irrepressible Julian Corlett.

{http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/road-closures-for-end-to-end-mountain-bike-race-1-4900718|Full list of road closures|Full list of road closures}.

EXTRAS are needed for a film that starts production in the island later this month.

Belle. a lavish period drama set in the 18th century, will start shooting at various locations around the island on Monday, September 24.

Bev Lawley, from the island’s extras and actors agency Ex-Isle Casting Agency, will be holding casting sessions for existing Ex-Isle members and new recruits in the Cowell Suite in the Sefton Hotel on Sunday from 12noon to 8pm and again on Monday between 3pm and 10pm.

Bev is looking for people aged 16 to 60 for a variety of background roles, in particular, women with shoulder-length hair or longer for one category and women with short hair to be wigged for another.

Men can either have longish or short hair which is not an obvious fashion cut as the film is set in the 1700s.

Filming will be taking place between September 24 and October 10 and extras will be required for one, two or three days during this time, with possibly additional time for costume fittings.

Interested people should register with Ex-Isle via www.ex-isle.com or telephone Bev Lawley on 835100 or 415096 for further details.

HEALTH chiefs have come up with a new way to help patients remember they have appoinments – text messaging.

Hospital staff are now texting people on their mobile phones to remind them the day before their appointment.

The move comes because of growing concern about missed appointments.

Each missed appointment costs the health service an average of £200. With around 15,000 missed appointments last year this equates to losses for the hospital of up to £3m each year.

Health Minister David Anderson said he was pleased with how the texting experiment was working.

‘This has had the effect of reducing the number of people who failed to turn up for their allotted appointment in the areas where it has been trialled,’ he said.

The idea is to roll out the scheme into other areas in the near future, he said.

‘We do appreciate this sort of approach may not be suitable for everyone,’ he added. ‘But where it has been trialled it certainly seems to be quite successful.’

The trial in the gynaecology department will extend to other hospital departments from this autumn.

‘Missed appointments are obviously not conducive to the good running of the hospital and we are constantly looking for ways to improve,’ said the minister.

Mr Anderson said he believed many factors contributed to missed hospital appointments. Routine matters could receive appointments many months in the future, which held a risk of patients forgetting.

Even if patients had not forgotten, he said sometimes their circumstances might have changed since the appointment was made, leading them to miss it.

‘They might simply have recovered in the meantime, or they could have been seen by someone else, or for some other reason they might no-longer need that appointment.

‘In the future if something like that happens we need to ensure we know about it so an appointment slot is freed up for someone else and does not create a log jam for other people. If someone has not attended, we could have fitted in perhaps two or even three other people that day.’

Noble’s Hospital chief nurse Bev Critchlow said some responsibility lies with patients but the hospital too must take responsibility for giving appointments a long way in the future or not sending out letters in time. She also said she accepted it was sometimes difficult for patients to let them know if they were going to miss an appointment.

She added the self referral system for appointments had improved the situation and they hoped to set up an appointments bureau in the future where patients could arrange appointments at times which suited their schedule, This meant they would take ownership of them and were more likely to keep them, she said.

POLICE are investigating a collision involving a Manx Electric Railway tram with almost 80 passengers on board and an Onchan Commissioners bin wagon.

It happened shortly after the number 19 tram left Derby Castle tram station in Douglas, at 9.40am on Tuesday, at the Groudle Road crossing on to King Edward Road, at Groudle.

The bin wagon’s windscreen was broken and the front was dented. Director of public transport Ian Longworth said the tram sustained paint scratches on the front corner but no ‘material damage’.

Passengers and crew were uninjured, and were taken by bus back to the station. The tram service resumed at the next scheduled time.

A police spokesman said: ‘Further inquiries into the circumstances are being conducted.’

Onchan resident finishes second on stage 18 of Spanish Grand Tour

ONCHAN resident Ben Swift missed out on victory in stage 18 of the Vuelta a Espana by half-a-wheel on Thursday.

The Team Sky rider was beaten in an extremely tight finish by Italian Daniele Bennati (RadioShack-Nissan) at the end of the 204km ride between Aguilar de Campoo and Valladolid.

Swift had a perfect set-up and sprinted into the wind at 200 metres, but Bennati charged up from behind and was able to grab the win by a whisker.

There was no change in the overall standings with Alberto Contador (Saxo Bank–Tinkoff Bank) retaining his lead in the general classification. Swift is 141st, with Sky Procycling third in the team standings.

The Tour of Spain finishes in Madrid on Sunday.

THE Isle of Man’s annual rate of inflation, measured by the Retail Price Index, has dropped 0.1 per cent since July. It now stands at 2.1 per cent for August.

The annual rate of inflation excluding housing costs shown by RPI dropped from 1.5 per cent to 1.4 per cent.

The annual rate of inflation shown by the Consumer Prices Index fell 0.1 per cent to 1.3 per cent.

More details in Monday’s Isle of Man Examiner

Island side beat Israel to clinch spot in Saturday’s ICC European Division Two Championship finale, gaining promotion to Division One in the process

THE Isle of Man’s senior cricket side are through to final of the ICC European Division Two Championship after they produce a fine bowling performance to beat Israel by 39 runs in Corfu.

Gareth Dawson’s side, who only qualified for the last-four tie on net run rate, won the toss and elected to bat. After the early loss of Cronkbourne opener Max Stokoe, the Manx rallied through top scorer Gareth Morris (53) and Peel’s big hitter Phil Littlejohns (19).

However, four quick wickets saw the Manx middle-order fall away for just 12 runs leaving the islanders in trouble on 84-6. Cue Mark Williams’s arrival at the crease. The Castletown all-rounder hit 39 off just 18 balls to ensure the island finished their 20 overs on 136 for 7.

A polished performance with the ball ensured the island’s total soon became a very defend-able one with Williams returning figures of 3-13 and Max Stokoe 3-16 as the Israeli batting line-up collapsed under the pressure, Garreth Roome and Akkie Van Den Berg picked up a further two wickets apiece as Israel, who had topped group A unbeaten, were bowled out for 97.

The Manx will now face either Spain or Sweden who meet this afternoon in the tournament’s other semi-final on Saturday afternoon. By just being in the final the Manx side have secured promotion to Division One next season.

Team of the Week

THE latest installment of the Isle of Man Newspapers’ Team of the Week has a surprisingly balanced feel to it.

Gung-ho tactics have gone out the window - for the time being at least - to be replaced with the more conventional 4-4-2 line-up in the nation’s favourite hypothetical XI.

Donning the gloves in between the sticks is Corinthians goalkeeper Joe Kelly who produced several good saves during his side’s impressive victory over DHSOB, including one spectacular stop.

Following their impressive victory over reigning champions St George’s at the weekend, thus ending their 52-match unbeaten run, it’s no surprise to see two of Rushen’s defensive heroes in the latest Team of the Week.

Michael Baker was at his imperious best at the heart of the back four as he helped his side to a 1-0 win, collecting the man-of-the-match honours along the way. Indeed the centre-back almost made his mark at the other end of the pitch but was denied by the crossbar early on in Saturday’s contest.

Slotting in alongside him is his southern team-mate Adam Cregeen who also impressed against the Grand Slam winners and looks to be successfully over the knee injury which ruled him out of the final few weeks of the 2011-12 season.

Another player often seen gracing the pitches in the south of the island is Castletown’s Tom Charmer who earns his place in TotW thanks to an good showing during his side’s 2-1 victory over newly-promoted Marown. Completing the back four is St John’s player-manager Nick Hurt whose strong display during the Saints 3-0 win at home to Gymns was enough to secure his second Team of the Week appearance of the season already.

Hurt’s Mullen-e-Cloie team-mate Andy Glover also impressed during that match and managed to get on the scoresheet in the process, thus earning his TotW stripes in a four-man midfield.

Charmer’s fellow Castletown player Ashley Sansbury also impressed Eric Clague’s ratings panel while in action against Marown, as did veteran midfielder Chris Feeney for Corinthians during their aforementioned victory over DHSOB at Blackberry Lane.

The final spot in the middle of the pitch is taken up by Peel’s all-action midfield maestro Danny Bell who was on top form for the westerners as he netted a hat-trick to help his side secure a 4-3 victory over Ramsey at Douglas Road.

Leading the line in the latest Team of the Week are two players who have instantly hit it off up front for Laxey. Since signing from Castletown last month, Mark Wolfenden has enjoyed a flying start to his Glen Road career and seems to have already forged a devastating partnership with Ashley Webster up front.

Having notched a brace against Peel and a superb hat-trick versus Rushen, Wolfie continued his rich goalscoring form with another brace against Union Mills on Saturday and was joined on the scoresheet by Webster who collected the man-of-the-match honours.

Claiming the refereeing honours this week is Tony McMeiken who produced an impressive display of officiating in the middle of the park during the Mills v Laxey contest at Garey Mooar.

Team of the Week

Goalkeeper

Joe Kelly (Corinthians)

Defence

Michael Baker (Rushen)

Adam Cregeen (Rushen)

Nick Hurt (St John’s)

Tom Charmer (Castletown)

Midfield

Chris Feeney (Corinthians)

Andy Glover (St John’s)

Danny Bell (Peel)

Ashley Sansbury (Castletown)

Attack

Ashley Webster (Laxey)

Mark Wolfenden (Laxey)

Referee

Tony McMeiken

(Union Mills v Laxey)

St George’s and the hot topic of mumps get the blog treatment this week

NOT even the combined powers of Mystic Meg and Russell Grant could have foreseen ‘mumpsgate’ and the demise of St George’s unbeaten epoch in the Canada Life Premier League at Rushen last weekend.

It was always going to take something pretty special to derail last season’s Grand Slam winners as they homed in on Peel’s 55-game record sequence of the 1970s - little did we know that it would appear in a viral disease form, mumps striking down several of the clubs key players. {http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/319480/Tottenham-boss-Harry-Redknapp-takes-measures-to-avoid-lasagne-gate-repeat|If the blog was then Tottenham boss Martin Jol|Spurs’ lasagne-gate} it would be crying conspiracy and blaming another club for a crude form of biological warfare, but sadly the reality is nowhere near as exciting - it was just one of those cruel twists of fate.

Let’s not to take anything away from Mark Heywood and Ben Qualtrough’s Spaniards who, according to {http://www.iomtoday.co.im/sport/football-news/rushen-end-geordies-long-unbeaten-run-1-4893482|Disco Dave’s readily available match musings|Rushen 1-0 St George’s}, produced a sterling defensive performance on their way to becoming the first side since they did it in April 2010 to beat Geordies in the league.

You have to feel a little for Chris Bass Sr’s Glencrutchery Road outfit, coming to within a couple of games of bettering the westerners’ remarkable long-held benchmark, a record that looks unlikely now to be bettered.

Should the Isle of Man FA have postponed the match? No. If there was no medical reasons to call the match off why should they have. Geordies squad depth, or lack of it, has been kicked about as a potential banana skin for the best part of a season and it some point it was going to come back to bite them. In the end Geordies were missing Sean Quaye, James McStay, Lian Cowin and the injured Chris Bass Jr, although questions marks will remain over the fitness over the previously ‘inflected’ Frank Jones and Calum Morrissey who both played.

What next for St George’s? The club are far from at crisis stage, but they will need to bounce back relatively quickly if they are to avoid giving further ground to early pace-setters Laxey in the title race even at this embryonic stage of the term. Wednesday evening’s draw with promoted Union Mills showed there is a mumps ‘hangover’ of sorts and means a strong showing and result against near neighbours DHSOB is needed this weekend.

Old Boys, who themselves have endured a mixed start to the season, won’t be lining up to do their rivals any favours and Geordies can expect another tough match.

The blog will be pitchside at Blackberry Lane on Saturday so keep an eye on our Twitter feed @manxfootyblog to see if Geordies remain immersed in the doldrums or produce a backlash to put their campaign back on track. They’ll also be Tweets from Ballafletcher as Corinthians take on 100 per centers Laxey.

MARK Cavendish has been confirmed as part of the six-man Team Sky squad that will participate in this year’s Tour of Britain which begins on Sunday.

The Manx Missile will be joined by fellow Britons Jeremy Hunt, Luke Rowe and Olympic gold medalist Bradley Wiggins. Also in the squad is Cav’s former HTC-Highroad colleague Bernhard Eisel and Christian Knees.

The ninth edition of the Tour starts with a 199.6 kilometre stage from Ipswich to Norfolk Showground and should suit Cav and fellow sprinters Andre Greipel and Alessandro Petacchi.

Monday’s stage from Nottingham to Knowsley Safari Park should also end with a bunch sprint but Tuesday’s 152.6km trek to Dumfries features several climbs which could prove tricky.

Stage four also includes three hills before ending on Blackpool Promenade after 97 miles of cycling while the fifth stage is more suited to the all-rounders, as will stage six to Caerphilly and the penultimate stage from Barnstaple - Dartmouth.

The Tour of Britain concludes in Guilford on Sunday, September 16.

LONDON Wasps rugby union team will open a play project at Fairfield Junior School, in Douglas, on Saturday, during their visit to the island.

Play Bins are metal containers holding what might be viewed as rubbish but are seen by the children as a stimulus to create other worlds, constructions and to develop new games. They encourage children to play creatively, imaginatively and collaboratively.

Money for the project was raised by the Isle of Man Wooden Spoon, a rugby based charity. For more details on the team’s visit see page 42.

THE government is reminding residents and visitors to send in their nominations for the tourism awards scheme 2012 before the closing date of September 30.

The tourism awards are now in their sixth year and have proved to be a very popular way in which to showcase all that the Isle of Man has to offer.

There are seven award categories: Best Customer Service (Individual); Best Visitor Accommodation; Best Campsite or Hostel; Best Eating Out Experience; Best Attraction; Best Town/Village; and Event of the Year. Awards are based on customer feedback and not simply on the number of nominations, which means that smaller enterprises can be just as likely to win as larger ones.

Nominations can be submitted easily by visiting the Visit Isle of Man website at www.visitisleofman.com/tourismawards. Alternatively, nomination forms can be collected and submitted from a number of distribution points around the Isle of Man including; the Welcome Centre at the Sea Terminal; the airport; railway Stations; local commissioners’ offices; and at all Manx National Heritage sites. Completed forms can also be returned by post.

Angela Byrne, head of tourism for the Department of Economic Development, said: ‘The Tourism Awards support the Department’s strategic objective of encouraging quality and service in the tourism and hospitality industry. The carefully selected categories offer a great opportunity for the diverse range of tourism businesses on the Isle of Man to show how they stand out from the crowd.’

Andy Turner, of Isle of Man Trike Tours, which was named Best Attraction in 2011, said: ‘Trike Tours were pleased to be nominated for an Isle of Man Tourism Award as this showed the delivery of our service reached the high standards we set ourselves.

‘Over the past year, several customers said that they had noted the award in our advertising and this gave them reassurance when making a booking.’

Judging of the awards by an independent panel takes place in October and the winners will be announced at an awards ceremony which will be held towards the end of the year.

A FORMER Ella Olesen scholar has returned to the University of Idaho to study for a PhD.

Katie Taylor, of Close Caarjys, Ramsey, first went to the American university in August 2010 after winning a scholarship issued annually by the Department of Education and Children.

Katie, aged 23, who already has a BSc honours degree in sports science from the University of Central Lancashire, has returned to the town of Moscow to further her studies after being awarded a graduate teaching assistantship.

She said: ‘I am over the moon that I can really begin to achieve my dream with the opportunity of this scholarship and I am looking forward to continuing my education while also teaching other students.’

‘I am grateful to the Isle of Man Government and the Department of Education and Children because, without the opportunity I was provided with through the Ella Olesen scholarship, I wouldn’t be embarking on this fantastic new adventure.’

Settling back in at Idaho, Katie added: ‘As my life has moved to Moscow for the next few years, I will be supporting the Idaho Vandals university sporting teams but I will always be a Manx girl at heart. As the saying goes, “you can take the girl away from the Isle of Man but you can’t take the Isle of Man out of the girl”.’

The Ella Olesen scholarship is awarded annually to a female graduate who has been supported through her studies by the DEC.

It is named after a registrar of the university who died in 1985.

Her Manx ancestry – her mother Margaret Teare was born in Ballaugh and emigrated to America in 1890 – led her to gift the scholarship in 1971.

Applications will be invited shortly for the 2013/14 scholarship, with interviews taking place at Christmas.

Katie said: ‘To all the girls who will be receiving a letter about the 2013/14 scholarship: I urge you to apply.

‘It’s an experience you will never forget and who knows what may come of it.’

In 2010/11 Katie studied classes in physiology, psychology, and anthropology and community development. She also gained credits in step aerobics.

Three months into her experience she said: ‘The American lifestyle is very different with regards to food and sport but the traa-dy-liooar attitude here in Moscow is comforting and makes a Manx girl feel very much at home.

‘I have been welcomed with open arms by both the university and the Moscow community who remember many of the past Manx girls. It is a fantastic experience to be a part of the long-standing international friendship.’

Katie had the honour of helping the government to formally recognise the work of Phyllis and Duane le Tourneau. Between 1984 and 2009 they provided a home from home for more than 40 Ella Olesen scholars for the first few days.

Katie presented the couple with an illuminated address – a framed certificate signed by then Education Minister Eddie Teare MHK – that expressed thanks for their unstinting hospitality.

Katie joins 2012/13 Ella Olesen scholar Melissa Bell, aged 21. Melissa, of Hillberry Road, Onchan, left in August and will return home in May 2013.

She gained the International Baccalaureate at King William’s College and graduated in criminology and psychology from the University of West England in Bristol.

Melissa wants to work as a counsellor for children with behavioural difficulties, so while she is at Idaho she is studying psychology, hopefully specialising in counselling.

A SKATEPARK which would be the first of its kind in the island could be built at Cronk Grianagh Park in Braddan.

Braddan Commissioners have applied (12/01186/B) to government planners for the state-of-the-art development.

It is just one of the ways in which the commissioners are improving leisure facilities in the park – a BMX track, playground equipment and benches were also recently installed.

Existing skateparks in the island are made up of a concrete area with metal and wooden ramps bolted to a concrete base. The skatepark planned for Cronk Grianagh is made up of a poured concrete ‘plaza’, and is designed to replicate street architecture in a safe environment.

Among the many features would be a quarter-pipe, range of ledges, steps, a bullion block with a floating grind ledge and a 1.4 metre high clam shell pocket.

A quote for the scheme provided by Hampshire-based company Gravity Skateparks, which was submitted with the application, is for £78,000 plus VAT.

Brendan Jarvis, a designer at the company, said it would suit all ages and abilities, with smaller transitions for younger riders and some technical equipment for those with more experience. He said the smooth concrete was good to ride on, and less abrasive than tarmac to fall on.

Braddan Commissioners community warden Paul Parker said: ‘With the feedback we are getting already and the amount of emails from people all round the island asking when it’s going to be done, I have no doubt it’s going to be a success.

‘At the moment there’s not a proper skatepark in the island. This is going to be totally different to what we’ve already got.’

He explained the idea came about 15 months ago when the commissioners asked youngsters, including Ballacottier School pupils, what was required in the area.

Their suggestions were for a BMX track, skatepark and more playground equipment. Since then, the commissioners have been working on the design with skaters across the island, aged 17 to 25, to ensure it is well-used.

It is hoped the skatepark would be finished in time for October half term.

Once completed, the commissioners will then start installing more play equipment, including a zipline aimed at older youngsters, in Clagh Vane Park. In the longer term, they also want to extend play facilities at Strang Corner.

Meanwhile, the newly-formed Rushen Action Group has asked the four local authorities in Rushen to suggest potential sites for a BMX track and skatepark after youngsters from the south said they were the facilities they wanted.

MULTI award-winning crazy-haired comedian Milton Jones is set to make his Manx debut next month thanks to the Isle of Man Junior Acheivement charity.

Milton’s comedy career has spanned more than 20 years. After a brief, failed spell as an actor, the funnyman turned his attention to comedy and has not looked back since.

His acclaimed stand-up has seen him being named Perrier Best Newcomer and most recently, holder of Chortle Website’s Headliner of the Year.

However, he is probably best known for his radio comedy. He is an almost permanent feature on Radio 4 with no fewer than nine successful series of The Very World of Milton Jones – winner of a prestigious Sony Award.

A visually compelling comedian, with his wild hair, eyes and colourful shirts, it seemed inevitable that Milton would also find success on screen.

He holds down a regular spot on BBC2’s acclaimed panel show Mock the Week and has been regularly appearing at the world famous Comedy Store for several years. He also writes successfully for television and has been a contributing writer to the hit BBC series Not Going Out. Last year, this led to a Writers’ Guild Award nomination. He also has a forthcoming pilot show on Channel 4 called The House of Rooms.

In a comedy world increasingly dominated by observational wit, his distinctive deadpan delivery and surreal one-liner approach sets him apart from the crowd. Moreover, his broad and varied talents means he remains at the forefront of British comedy even after 20 years. His first steps into novel writing, with Where Do Comedians Go When They Die – a fictional comedic novel – represents a further diversification of this already varied comedian.

At his Villa Marina show, Man to Mann, on October 17, Milton will be supported by the talented Hal Cruttenden.

Another stalwart of the British comedy circuit, who has recently appeared in Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow as well as having written for and appeared in The Rob Brydon show, Hal has been a respected and dominant feature of the UK comedy club scene for many years, and has just come off the back of his first national tour.

Tipped as a comedian whose stock will just keep rising, Hal comes fresh from performing sell-out shows at the world famous Fringe Festival in Edinburgh, a highlight of the year for both fans of comedy and comedians themselves.

As well as making the audience laugh, the Douglas show will also help raise funds for Junior Achievement, a Manx charity aimed at equipping youths with the essential skills they need for post-education life.

The show, which is for over 16s, starts at 8.15pm. Tickets are £23 and available from the box office on 600555 or online at www.villagaiety.com