The number of registered unemployed increased by 21 last month to 573 - but that’s still 213 fewer than the same month last year and the lowest November figure since 2007.

It meant that the unemployment rate - the proportion of the economically active population out of work - increased by 0.1 per cent in November to reach 1.3 per cent.

A total of 206 signed onto the unemployment register and 185 left the register over the month.

During the month 690, job vacancies were notified to the Job Centre. At the end of the month, 406 remained.

Of those, 72 per cent (291) were full time positions and 28 per cent (115) were part time roles.

Sectors of the economy with the highest number of unemployed were construction, some retail distribution, other business services, some catering and entertainment and miscellaneous services.

Those sectors with the highest numbers of vacancies were e-gaming, medical and health services, wholesale distribution, other catering and entertainment and other retail distribution.

Of the 573 unemployed in November, 390 were men and 183 were women. Of the 206 new claimants, 149 were male and 57 female.

Three of those unemployed required work permits and 18 were under the age of 18.

Of the 573 registered out of work, 161 have been out of a job for less than one month, 74 have been without work for between one and two years, 31 had been out of a job for between two and four years and 26 had been jobless for more than four years.

Not included in the figures released by the Economic Affairs unit of the Cabinet Office are the 42 under-18s registered with the Department of Economic Development but not claiming any benefit.

Does the public support pedestrianising the square in Castletown?

The idea was floated at the local authority meeting on Monday.

Commissioners have a number of issues relating to the square including unfinished aspects of the regeneration scheme.

These were raised at a meeting with the Department of Infrastructure’s director of highways Jeffrey Robinson.

The authority also asked if it would be possible to close the square for functions with ‘less administrative burden’, such as road closure orders, and Mr Robinson said the department will look into the request but supports the idea ‘in principle’.

Speaking after a weekend when the town’s square was closed to traffic for the Christmas lights switch on - the event was a great success attracting an estimated over 1,000 people - commissioner Colin Leather said: ‘If we cannot manage the square in the way it’s meant to be, the only way is pedestrianisation.’

- Other issues raised include: creating different exit routes from the square; adapting the kerb outside the George Hotel; more removable bollards for George Lane; a more clearly delineted crossing point in the Parade; and reviewing options for cleaning the paving in Malew and Arbory Street, as they rest on sand, water might disturb them.

Problems surfacing the new Laxey Bridge means that the work will now not be finished until the New Year.

The final stage of the scheme was due to be finished by tomorrow (Friday) at the latest, just over a year since the historic bridge collapsed in flashfloods, toppling a double decker bus into the raging torrent below.

The bridge opened to traffic at the end of September, having previously opened temporarily over the TT period.

A temporary road closure order was in place for the bridge and roads leading off it from November 28 up tomorrow to allow the permanent asphalt surface to be laid.

It follows the installation of new telecommunications infrastructure by Manx Telecom to provide more residents and businesses in lower Laxey with access to high-speed broadband services.

The features inspired by the ‘pepper pot’ lighthouses at Laxey harbour – dubbed the Daleks by locals – were installed at the end of last week.

But the surfacing works did not go to plan.

A Department of Infrastructure spokesman told the Manx Independent: ‘An issue has been identified in relation to the bond between the hot-rolled asphalt and the chippings used in the surfacing for Laxey Bridge.

‘The Department of Infrastructure is committed to providing a high quality finish for the bridge and will look into the matter before returning to complete the work, probably early in the New Year.

‘In the meantime, the bridge will remain open to traffic and is safe to use.’

The spokesman described the problem as ‘relatively minor’ but said that the DoI were keen for the bridge to be absolutely right.

The bridge reopened yesterday (Wednesday) so that traffic could flow along Minorca Hill and Old Laxey Hill.

Meanwhile, Glen Road is due to reopen this afternoon.

The surfacing work has been put back to the New Year as the DoI has to apply for another temporary road closure order.

The bridge will have to be closed for up to three days for the completion of the scheme.

Unlike the 200-year old arched bridge, the department’s engineers opted for a flat bridge which they say will reduce the likelihood of any future flood damage by allowing the river to flow unimpeded out to sea.

It can handle almost three times the volume of water of the original bridge.

Children’s social services are facing a sensitive data breach just months after the launch of a move to improve transparency and restore confidence.

Police are investigating the theft of a device used to record sensitive child protection meetings.

It is understood that the handheld digital device has recordings of a number of meetings involving two cases.

Health and Social Care Minister Kate Beecroft announced in Tynwald last month that her department was introducing a policy of audio recording child protection conferences and other meetings with parents.

In a move designed to improve transparency and bolster confidence in the children and family services division, parents are provided with a copy of the recording for their own personal use.

But this week, the Department of Health and Social Care wrote to parents involved in child protection cases to inform them of ‘a serious incident’ involving a device used to record meetings which had been ‘removed without authorisation’ from its Murray House offices.

It said the matter had been reported to police with a request that it is investigated as a theft.

‘Please be advised that the department is taking this matter very seriously,’ it added.

The audio files have not been lost as they had already been downloaded to the government network.

One parent who was informed about the stolen recording device told iomtoday: ‘It’s extremely concerning how they have allowed such unthinkably sensitive information to go missing.’

The missing device has also been reported to Information Commissioner Iain McDonald. He said: ‘We are aware of the matter. It was reported to us by the department at the start of the week. There is an ongoing investigation.’

In a statement, the Department of Health and Social Care said: ‘The two affected service users have been informed of the theft and the department is keeping them up to date with developments.

‘The recording of meetings is not currently routine and is only done at the request of the service user. The department takes its duty to protect data extremely seriously. It would not be appropriate to comment further, pending the outcome of any investigation.’

At present the recording is an interim arrangement subject to a policy being agreed.

In Tynwald last month, the Health and Social Care Minister said the digital recording equipment had been chosen after consultation with police and social security about the systems they use. She said the move would address problems of parents making their own recordings of meetings.

Such recordings may be edited or taken out of context, she said, and there had been examples of children’s private information being uploaded onto

social media, leading to concerns about a child being identified or shared recordings being ‘used for abusive purposes’.

Social workers had nothing to fear from being recorded, Mrs Beecroft told the court.

Clare Bettison (Douglas East) said it was unfortunate the good faith of the majority of social workers is being brought into question and the introduction of any recording system must be in a way that protects the child, their carers, but also the social workers involved.

Policy and Reform Minister Chris Thomas will seek Tynwald approval next week for a feasibility study into a central database. He accepted some will have serious privacy concerns about the storage of personal information, and the risk of this data being leaked.

An Isle of Man investigations company has launched an initiative aimed at tackling online counterfeiting.

Douglas-based Intelect Solutions is run by Colin Tansley a former police officer and director of investigations and intelligence with FACT (Federation Against Copyright Theft).

His scheme involves information gathered by his team being passed to a designated multi industry body set up to tackle the problem.

Having researched the issue extensively in recent months his company has noticed a huge spike in the availability of clothing, electrical items, luxury goods and chemicals being sold online and particularly via social media sites.

Not only will this initiative protect the rights of brand holders it will help protect people buying online during the peak Christmas shopping period.

Colin said: ‘We are delighted that Intelect Solutions is now part of a global network providing intelligence to help companies protect their goods from counterfeiters. We are already carrying out investigations to tackle this worldwide problem that costs businesses and their customers billions of pounds.

‘Christmas is obviously a peak time for people who wish to buy seasonal goods and gifts on the internet. This presents criminals and counterfeiters many, many opportunities to sell fakes to unsuspecting members of the public.

‘Some of these goods may seem a bargain but they may present a danger to the public. So this will help protect island residents.

‘We will be using an array of technology and investigative techniques to tackle this issue and have started to work closely with some significant brands.’

Intelect Solutions established itself here in 2014. his company have been delivering online investigations training and conducting investigations for a wide variety of clients for over six years. The techniques he teaches and uses to provide Enhanced Due Diligence on the Isle of Man to his customers will now be used to directly target online criminals.

The match of the day in the Shimmin Wilson Manx Shield on Saturday is at QEII where second-placed Western Vikings host defending champions Southern Nomads.

The men from the south must start as favourites although they haven’t had a game for a few weeks and may be a little rusty.

The two haven’t met this season either so gauging form is a little tricky.

I watched Vikings play Ramsey B a fortnight ago and they’re technically competent.

The forwards win ball and they have a couple of ball carriers who know which way to run.

Ramsey just edged them over an hour and then superior fitness took over in the final quarter.

Vikings, however, will make life hard for most teams on the smaller QEII pitch so Nomads won’t have an easy time.

Elsewhere, Ramsey B make the trip to Poulsom Park where they should pick up maximum points against Castletown.

Ramsey currently lead the standings but have some work to do.

Nomads must visit the Mooragh and they have away games at Douglas and Vagabonds.

Town are battling on despite a thin squad and will look to fulfil their fixtures and perhaps steal a win or two in the Manx Bowl competition a little later in the season.

The weekend’s final game is at King William’s College where Emerging Nomads host Vagabonds B.

Vagas have been struggling for a team for the past couple of weeks and could be stretched here.

Nomads are a close-knit squad who get better and better each time they play and this could be a chance for them to upset the apple cart.

Fixtures: Saturday, December 10

South Lancashire/Cheshire Division One

Manchester v Douglas @ Manchester

South Lancashire/Cheshire Division Two

Vagabonds v Dukinfield @ Ballafletcher ko 1.30pm

South Lancashire/Cheshire Division Three

Mossley Hill v Ramsey @ Mossley Hill ko 2.15pm

Shimmin Wilson Manx Shield all ko @ 2.15pm

Western Vikings v PDMS Southern Nomads

Castletown v Ramsey B @ Poulsom Park

Emerging Nomads v Vagabonds B @ King William’s College

This Saturday night sees Amber in Douglas play host to the Dark Horse Christmas Party. From the folks that brought you the Dark Horse Festival back in the summer, this night features acoustic singer/songwriter Lee Brooks, The Shads, Ballagroove DJ’s spinning tunes throughout the night plus Han-FX and JorDMC.

Indeed, Manx Hip-Hop supremos Han-FX and JorDMC will be using this event as a launch night for their debut EP ‘Partners in Rhyme’. Featuring six tracks, the EP, recorded and mixed at Ballagroove Studios by the legendary Gypo Buggane in the south of the island, swings between Hip-Hop, Funk and Blues, with plenty of Bass and a wall of sax thrown into the mix.

A further round up of other gigs taking place this weekend and Symbollix make their way West to Peel and to The Creek on Saturday night.

The band roots itself in mostly 70’s classic rock. The setlist combines the likes of ZZ Top, The Who, Wings, Bad Company, Whitesnake, Cream and The Rolling Stones and features John Ruscoe, George Hughes, John Ryan, Martin McEvely and Stewart Steptoe in their line-up.

Head to Jaks tomorrow night (Friday) and you’ll find Konstruktion in residence at what is now one of their regular shows at the Douglas based bar.

The two piece band made up by Joy White on vocals and Nige B on keys and vocals have their roots in live versions of dance anthems from the modern chart to ‘old skool’ classics. If a little bit of Calvin Harris, David Guetta, Rihanna and Lady GaGa at one end through to Diana Ross and Tina Turner at the other end of the spectrum takes your fancy then this will be well worth a look at.

Finally this week a future date for your diaries. Next Friday night (December 16), sees The Jeff Jepson Band, Truman Falls, Anna Goldsmith and Christy DeHaven all appear at a charity show taking place at St Ninian’s Church in Douglas from 7.30pm onwards.

Tickets can be purchased for £5 by either emailing jj@jeffjepson.co.uk or on the door on the night.

That’s all for this week! If you have anything for inclusion in The Manx Sound Exchange, please contact leachsteve@hotmail.com

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Steve Leach brings the latest rumblings, murmurings, news and views on forthcoming events in and around the island’s music scene. Help support the scene by emailing leachsteve@hotmail.com

With the Mixed Hockey Leagues all but concluded, attention switches to the Bridgewaters Cup and Plate competitions with the semi-finals at the NSC this weekend.

It looks odds-on to be another meeting of the two top clubs in the final, but they will need to prove their credentials against their respective opponents on Saturday.

Jamie Brown’s Ramsey Crookall’s Bacchas A host Partitionware Castletown Celts and will start as firm favourites having beaten the southern side twice already this season.

The reds will have their work cut out to keep the league champions quiet as they quest after the double.

In the second semi-final, Greg Miller takes his Crowe Morgan Valkyrs side from west to face Emma Leeming’s Bacchas seconds.

The two shared the spoils when they first met in the league, but since then Valkyrs have looked stronger each week and triumphed when the two met more recently.

In the Bridgewaters Mixed Plate it will be a good opportunity for Castletown Cammags to test themselves against Division One opposition, having sealed promotion to the league on Tuesday.

They had too much for Ramsey Rookies thanks to goals from Don Stewart and Daniel Cross. The newly-crowned Division Two champions will be looking to keep the momentum rolling against Bacchas C and this one could go down to the wire.

The winners of that game will face the victors of Harlequins Colts and Saracens Sabres. The latter are a league above Colts and will go into the game as favourites, but would be wise not to underestimate their opposition.

Quins are built of steely stuff, having won two of their last three to give themselves the chance of survival in Division Two.

There are a few rearranged games to take place in the leagues too, although unlikely to make many changes to the league positions.

The game that could potentially shake things up is if LJ Ramsey’s third team Rookies can get one over on their own second team to keep themselves in Division Two.

A somewhat dead rubber takes place in PwC Mixed Division One as already-crowned champions Ramsey A face off against already-relegated Canaccord Genuity Vikings C.

In PwC Mixed Division Three, Bacchas D pit themselves against in-form Castletown Southerners, while Harlequins B play champions Valkyrs D to complete the fixtures.

Bridgewaters Mixed Cup

2.05pm Ramsey Crookall Bacchanalians A v Partitionware Castletown Celts @ NSC

Umpires: Peter Foxton, Dave Whiting

12.35pm Ramsey Crookall Bacchanalians B v Crowe Morgan Valkyrs A @ NSC

Umpires: Connor Duggua, Ian Duggua

Bridgewaters Mixed Plate

11.05am Partitionware Castletown Cammags v Ramsey Crookall Bacchanalians C

@ NSC

Umpires: Helen Cave, Jess Tarpey

3.35pm Harlequins Colts

v Saracens Sabres @ NSC

Umpires: Andrew Bentley, Jamie Brown

PwC Mixed Division One

12.35pm Canaccord Genuity Vikings C

v LJ Ramsey A @ RGS

Umpires: TBC, TBC

PwC Mixed Division Two

2.05pm LJ Ramsey Rookies

v LJ Ramsey Ravens @ RGS

Umpires: TBC, TBC

PwC Mixed Division Three

12.35pm Ramsey Crookall Bacchanalians D v Partitionware Castletown Southerners @ QEII

Umpires: Alison Middleton, TBC

2.05pm Harlequins B

v Crowe Morgan Valkyrs D @ QEII

Umpires: David Beynon, Vic Ferns

League leaders Douglas Royal face a tricky test this weekend when they travel to rivals Pulrose United in JCK Division Two on Saturday.

The Whites lead the way in the second tier by a point after edging past RYCOB by the odd goal in seven last week and they will be favourites to win again this time out. Pully, though, could well make life difficult for the Ballafletcher side having lost only once at home all season. That being said, the Springfield Road side will certainly have to improve their defending from the reverse fixture in September when they shipped 10 goals against the Craig Dolman-inspired Royals.

There’s an intriguing battle in store at Billy Goat Park where third-placed Onchan are the visitors to Foxdale in a match which could go either way. Having won their previous five games in a row, form certainly favours the Os but Foxdale romped to a 9-2 victory when the sides last met,

With second-placed Braddan enjoying a week off, Onchan could go level on points with the Swans should they win, whereas Foxdale could move up to third if results go their way.

The result in question is at the Stadium where the team currently fourth, Castletown, will be aiming to bounce back from defeat to Braddan last time out when they take on in-form Marown. This one could go either way. Gymns will be favourites to get the better of Malew in Tromode while Douglas and District aim to upset RYCON at Scoill Ree Gorree while Governor’s Athletic host Michael Utd.

Police have stepped up patrols after a harrowing burglary in Andreas in which a raider broke into a house while an elderly couple were at home.

Detectives and officers from the Northern Neighbourhood Policing Team are investigating the raid that took place about 8pm last night (Thursday) at a property off the Andreas Road.

Further details were posted on social media by a relative of the victims. She wrote: ‘Last night my elderly uncle and his partner were burgled on the outskirts of Andreas village with the thief walking into the front room while they were watching television and snatching what they could.

‘Among other belongings taken, this selfish crime has left an elderly man recovering from knee surgery without pain medication overnight. The thief entering the house was wearing a hoodie and goggles to try to conceal their identity.’

A police spokesman said: ‘The incident happened around 8pm where a property situated off the Andreas Road was entered by an unknown person. At the time the occupants were at home.

‘There will be increased patrols whilst the matter is investigated and the Constabulary are dealing with this as a priority.

‘We would remind everyone to take some simple steps to prevent yourself becoming a victim of crime. These include locking your doors, not leaving car keys or valuables on show and particularly on the run up to Christmas don’t leave presents under the Christmas tree.’

Anyone with information about the burglary is asked to contact CID at Police HQ on 631213 or alternatively ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

The whole process of public consultation and engagement by government is being reviewed.

And as part of the review the Cabinet Office is going to – you’ve guessed it – consult the public!

Policy and Reform Minister Chris Thomas told the House of Keys that the review will look at all types and levels of public engagement and how government can develop a more flexible and inclusive approach.

This will include learning from previous Isle of Man Government consultations, researching best practice from elsewhere, and exploring options for improving current ways of consulting.

Mr Thomas said a working group from across government will consider ‘how we can improve the way we develop policy from an early stage, as well as better engaging with hard-to-reach groups and addressing consultation fatigue’.

He said the Cabinet Office was inviting feedback from members of the public on their previous experiences of responding to consultations, which can be submitted via the consultations page of the government website or emailed to change@gov.im

Mr Thomas said the Cabinet Office hoped to have guidance ready by the spring of next year.

And he added: ‘I really do hope that the Isle of Man Newspapers’ headline is not going to be that ‘Government is Consulting on Consulting’, like it was on having a ‘Committee on Committees’!’

Speaker Juan Watterson noted: ‘Some things you can control – some things you can’t!’

He is truly the quiet man of Manx politics.

Over the two full Tynwald sittings, one special sitting to elect the Chief Minister and six House of Keys sittings that he’s attended (he was absent on parliamentary business in England at a seventh) Arbory, Castletown and Malew MHK Jason Moorhouse had said just four words in parliament since he was elected.

Those four words – ‘I will second him’ – were spoken at the first sitting of the Keys on September 27 when he seconded fellow Arbory, Malew and Castletown MHK Graham Cregeen as a member of Tynwald’s standing orders committee.

Since then, we haven’t heard anything from Mr Moorhouse.

He has, however, been elected to the economic policy review committee and he has been appointed political member of the Department of Infrastructure and Department of Health and Social Care.

Presumably, he will be making spoken contributions in those roles. And it’s true to say that those who make their voices heard most don’t necessarily say the most of significance.

In the meantime, Isle of Man Newspapers will look forward to reporting on all his contributions to parliamentary debates and question time in the weeks and months to come.

Former Castle Rushen High School economics teacher Mr Moorhouse topped the poll in Arbory, Castletown and Malew in September’s general election, securing 1,066 votes.

There’s some tasty-looking games in the Canada Life Premier League this Saturday afternoon.

At the foot of the standings there’s a six-pointer at Garey Mooar where second-bottom Union Mills host third-bottom Ramsey.

The pair are currently separated by six points in the standings having played 14 games.

Mills, who were hit by a three-point deduction last month, could do with a win in this one if they are to claw their way to safety for another campaign.

The Millers have marginally the better recent form, having won one of their last six. Over the same period, Ramsey have only picked up a solitary point thanks to a 3-3 draw with Laxey.

Ramsey won the reverse fixture 2-0, but this one could go either way.

St George’s will be looking to protect the seven-point advantage they hold at the top of the division’s standings.

Geordies welcome Laxey to Glencrutchery Road with the latter having won their last three games in a row.

The Miners were 2-0 up after 45 minutes in the reverse fixture but ended up losing 3-2 after Geordies staged a second-half comeback.

This game should be tight, but expect the hosts to edge the points on offer.

Fourth is pitted against third at Ballafletcher as Corinthians entertain Rushen.

The Whites will be eager to bounce back after last week’s Railway Cup semi-final defeat, but the Spaniards are in good form having won four of their last six.

Another close game looks on the cards at the Bowl, where second-place St Mary’s take on St John’s.

The Saints drew 0-0 when they met at Mullen-e-Cloie in September, but St Mary’s should go into this one as favourites after a good performance against Corinthians in last week’s semi.

After a spirited showing against St George’s last week, Peel should make short work of bottom side Ayre on Saturday in what will be skipper Daniel Bell’s 401st appearance for the club.

Colby took a big stride toward top-flight survival with three points from their encounter with Douglas Athletic last week. The southerners face in-form DHSOB on Saturday in a game they will do well to get something out of.

Dan Kneen is on the search for a new team after Lisburn-based Mar-Train Racing announced it was quitting road racing on Friday morning.

The team, one of Northern Ireland’s most successful, is run by heavy haulage company chief Tim Martin and his wife Sonya, who have been involved in the sport for the past 11 years.

‘This has been a tough decision to make,’ said Martin. ‘My heart is telling me to continue but in my head I know it is the right time for us to step down both as a team and a family.

‘I’ve had numerous discussions with Yamaha Motor UK over the past couple of months and the package they have put together for us for the next two years is extremely tempting.

‘I am sorry to have to let them down but when I consider the personal commitment required for another two years I just feel that a decade has been enough and it is time to step back.’

Mar-Train has been involved with many top quality riders over the years, highlighted on the short circuits by Stuart Easton’s British Supersport Championship win in 2013. Alastair Seeley came close to retaining the title 12 months later, but he did give team its first international road race victories when he scored a double at the North West 200 that year.

For 2015 and 2016, Mar-Train were given factory support when they were made the official Yamaha UK road race team.

Two years developing the new YZF-R1M brought it’s own challenges, but podium finishes on the R6 at the TT in 2015 for Gary Johnson, along with Scarborough wins for Dean Harrison, plus early season success for Dan Kneen this year at Tandragee set the team up well.

Unfortunately, a training injury for the Manxman put him out of the TT, but he bounced back with podium successes at the Southern 100, Ulster Grand Prix and Oliver’s Mount kept the team in the spotlight.

Kneen was as surprised as anyone by the news: ‘It was a shock to me to be informed that Mar-Train Racing has decided to stop racing with immediate effect as things were all agreed months ago to go again next season. But they’ve had a change of heart and this leaves me without a ride.

‘I’m already getting a list together of teams to contact and hopefully get a deal in place that will give me my best shot at next season.’

As Guy Martin sets off on his latest two-wheel epic (a 4,800 mile cycle round the coast of the British Isles), the speculation rumbles on about a possible return to the TT.

Last week’s edition of MCN ran a speculative story about a possible return to road racing for the TT celebrity, but while the door remains open at Tyco BMW, the chances look no better than slim.

‘I don’t know if I’m done with the TT or not,’ he said on a recent visit to New Zealand. ‘I’ve done well as a part-time racer, so could walk away with no regrets. But I’m still undecided.’

‘I’m stopping filming for a year to get the trucking business back to where we need to be and I’ll take some time to think about stuff,’ he added. ‘If I do go back [to racing], it’ll be a dedicated year of my life – that’s what it takes to win.’

He had no road racing outings this year, even though Tyco BMW promised to have a bike at Guy’s disposal any time riding it took his fancy. And team boss Philip Neill has left the door open again for him in 2017.

As Stephen Davison wrote: ‘There is little love lost between Guy and Ian Hutchinson, so would Guy really want to go and risk having to play second fiddle to his old foe?’

Having just returned from New Zealand, where he took to the controls of a speedway sidecar as reported in last week’s Manx Independent, Guy is undertaking one of his toughest challenges yet.

In the early hours of Sunday, Martin started his attempt to cycle all the way round the circumference of England, Wales and Scotland some 4,802 miles.

The record for this, which was set back in 1984, stands at 22 days. Guy is planning to ride roughly 250 miles a day to complete the challenge in only 20.

Martin described the record attempt as a: ‘Bl**dy long way on a pushbike’ and his ‘biggest job yet’ on a YouTube video posted on his official website earlier this week. He finished by saying ‘We like a challenge though.’

The latest Isle of Man Newspapers’ Team of the Week is a Railway Cup special after the semi-finals of the Yuletide competition took centre-stage at the weekend.

Boxing Day will be all Saints day this year after St George’s and St Mary’s edged past Peel and Corinthians in their respective last-four clashes on Saturday afternoon.

As such the latest Team of the Week is predictably dominated by Saints players, with no fewer than eight making up the hypothetical XI.

Bucking that trend though is Peel’s up-and-coming talented goalkeeper Owen Dawson who dons the TotW gloves after producing several impressive saves during the Sunset City side’s narrow defeat to Geordies, preventing the defending champions from winning by a wider margin at the Station Fields.

Lining up in front of the Peel youngster is a formidable-looking five-man defence made up entirely of Saints players, namely Geordies trio Johnny Myers, Adam Long and Sean Quaye alongside St Mary’s defensive duo Tony Cain and Alex Harrison.

At the aged of just 16, Long produced an assured man-of-the-match performance in the heart of Geordies defence in the south of the island, successfully shutting out Golden Boot favourite Ashley Webster.

The more experienced pairing of Myers and Quaye were in typically dominant form as they led by example from the back to see off the spirited challenge of the westerners.

Likewise Harrison and Cain impressed at the back for St Mary’s, Cain setting the Saints on their way with the opening goal during an entertaining 3-2 victory over in-form Corinthians at the Bowl while Harrison gave a typically solid performance alongside him.

Just missing out on a place in the latest Team of the Week is Peel’s centre-back pairing of Adam Cregeen and Dominic McGreevy who excelled against St George’s.

Harrison’s team-mate Sam Gelling also shone in that game at the Bowl and subsequently takes his place in a three-man midfield along with Corinthians duo Josh Ridings and Dan Simpson.

Gelling produced a busy display in the heart of midfield, setting up numerous St Mary’s attacks whilst also thwarting several of the Whites’ forays forward.

Ridings has been one of this season’s standout players and once again caught the eye of Eric Clague’s expert player ratings panel, grabbing a goal in a lively display at the Bowl.

Simpson also made a big contribution to that match at the Stadium, laying on the assist for Ridings’ goal and causing havoc with his long throw-ins during a tidy performance against the Saints.

Providing the main difference between the two sides was Steven Priestnal after the St Mary’s striker netted twice to fire the hosts into the final and he duly takes his place in the TotW line-up.

Slotting in alongside him is his Isle of Man team-mate Calum Morrissey who continued his return from a long-term injury with a fine showing against Peel, almost getting his name on the scoresheet only to see his goal disallowed.

Claiming the referee honours this week is Andy Lodge who impressed with the whistle in the middle of the Peel v St George’s game in Colby.

TEAM OF THE WEEK

RAILWAY CUP SPECIAL

Goalkeeper

Owen Dawson (Peel)

Defence

Johnny Myers (St George’s)

Alex Harrison (St Mary’s)

Adam Long (St George’s)

Sean Quaye (St George’s)

Tony Cain (St Mary’s)

Midfield

Sam Gelling (St Mary’s)

Josh Ridings (Corinthians)

Dan Simpson (Corinthians)

Attack

Calum Morrissey (St George’s)

Steven Priestnal (St Mary’s)

Referee

Andy Lodge (Peel v (St George’s)

If you were passing Ballafletcher a few Sunday mornings ago you may have seen the unusual sight of a group of naked males putting out some corner flags.

I can confirm that this wasn’t a naturists’ XI’s first football fixture, but part of the fundraising push to build a stand in the name of former Corinthians captain Louis Thornton.

Louis sadly passed away while on a trip to Liverpool with friends in September at the age of just 26.

Since then his former team-mates, friends and family have been fundraising to erect a permanent 150-seat stand in his memory at Corinthians pitch’ at the site opposite Noble’s Hospital.

A justgiving page set up in his name reached and exceeded its initial £5,000 target within a matter of weeks, but the fundraising is far from over as the group need another £30,000 to make the stand a reality.

The latest money raising initiative is a Calendar Girls-eque calendar, which rolled off Bridson and Horrox’s presses last week.

Louis’s dad Andy explains how the idea came about: ‘We had a meeting of about eight or nine of Louis’s family and friends to come up with some fundraising ideas to help fund the memorial stand we’re looking to put up at Ballafletcher. This idea came via a friend of Louis’s fiancee Kirsten.

‘We went through various football-themed poses we could do, including the Hull City celebration one, sitting round the tea hatch, cleaning the changing rooms, putting the goals and flags out photos that feature in the finished calendar.

‘Louis would have been well up for something like this and he would have laughed as much as we all did during the shooting of it with photographer Gary Weightman.

‘Everyone involved is so determined to get a lasting memorial for Louis that will give the family and friends of Corinthians’ teams a place to sit and watch games in comfort.’

Other stand-funding ideas are already in the pipeline as Andy explained: ‘We’ve had fundraising taking place in Staithes, North Yorkshire where we’re originally from, while some of the lads did a Santa Walk with collection buckets into town after the Railway Cup semi.

‘We’ve already applied for planning permission on the structure and that’s in progress at the moment and we could potentially sell seats within it, so individuals have their own seat so to speak, to help reach our target.

‘It would be absolutely amazing if we could get the stand in and done before the end of this campaign, but a more realistic target is to have it in by the start of next season.

‘The people coming over to erect the stand reckon it could be up within three or four days.

‘The concrete base and groundwork takes a bit more time.’

Andy, who has now resumed his duties as first-team manager at Corinthians, added the family have been touched by the support they have received in the wake of Louis’s sudden passing:

‘The response from the Manx sports community, not just football, has been overwhelming.

‘The amount of well wishers, support and comforting words, cards and letters has given the family so much comfort.’

Calendars, which cost £10, are available from the Ballafletcher tea hatch, FA headquarters at the Bowl, at Corinthians’ fixtures and in Strand Street during Thursday late-night shopping.

l Listen to the full interview with Andy Thornton on this week’s Manx Football Podcast at audioboom.com/channel/manxfootball

The island is facing an obesity epidemic.

That’s the warning of the House of Keys Speaker and Rushen MHK Juan Watterson who will urge Tynwald next week to support the principle of introducing a sugar tax.

According to the last Manx lifestyle survey, there are an estimated 15,500 obese adults in the island and 1,100 who are morbidly obese.

Mr Watterson told iomtoday: ‘Our nation is facing an obesity epidemic. We are not alone, the whole of the Western world is facing a similar challenge as unhealthy foods have become the simple, quick and cheap option.

‘We should be worried as a society that the most unhealthy option is the most convenient. On average obese people in the UK take four extra sick days per year, so the effects are short-term as well as long-term. In 2012, one in five reception age children was either overweight or obese. This is not setting our children up for success in later life.’

The Speaker said education and promotion have been around for a generation or more, but the problem is getting worse not better.

He said: ‘There are lots of contributory factors, but research shows that sugary drinks is one of the most significant causes. There are others too, Hungary’s system taxes products high in sugar, fat and salt. There, consumption has fallen by 20 per cent.

‘Sugar, alcohol, and tobacco are not essentials of life. All are avoidable, all of them are bad for you, all of them are capable of abuse and all have negative societal consequences that outweigh the benefits. The alternative to sugary drink is practically free - water.

‘A sugar tax is neither simple nor popular. However, if we don’t think big - and think differently - we will never see the big changes needed in our culture and buying decisions which we will rue in our old age.’

Mr Watterson pointed out that taxes on alcohol have brought alcohol abuse and crime down while taxes on tobacco have improved cancer rates.

He said: ‘Both of these worked by challenging people’s need for them, increasing the cost and reducing demand. There is no reason that the same benefits would not accrue from a sugar tax. People would think before they buy, buy less and contribute to the cost of treatment of related illness as well as better education.’

But he accepted there is no perfect system and proposals in the UK proposals have their strengths and weaknesses. ‘We must be wary of the unintended consequences of just moving onto artificial sweeteners which have different problems,’ he added.

The Isle of Man’s pubs and hotels are joining together to offer advice on drinking over the Christmas period.

The Licensed Victuallers Association, which represents the majority of the island’s pubs and hotels, have issued a ‘Festive Five-Pointer’ to get through the coming month’s celebrations.

‘We are keen that people enjoy themselves, and we know pretty much everyone is out and drinking more often than usual,’ said Andy Saunders, chairman of the LVA. ‘But there are some risks involved in over-consumption and unsafe drinking practices.’

The LVA’s ‘Festive Five-Pointer’ is designed to help everyone celebrate the Christmas and New Year period without getting in trouble with the law - and hopefully without a hangover the next day.

Andy Saunders added, ‘This is a great time of the year for everyone, but now and again some people spoil it for others, and themselves. We hope our advice will help everyone to have a great time, and to look after each other.’

The LVA ‘Festive Five-Pointer’ suggests . .

• Drink in moderation - it’s more fun and more enjoyable to drink sensibly so that you can spend leisure time with friends and colleagues.

• Leave the car at home - Over the Christmas period, pre-book taxis if you are concerned about getting home safe, or ask the staff in the pub to organise transport for you when you are getting ready to leave; they will be pleased to help you.

• Know your own limits - Don’t drink more than usual, and stick to your limits - and don’t get carried away by other people’s antics.

• Take care of each other - Look after yourself and your friends when drinking; keep an eye on your valuables and each other’s levels of drunkenness.

• Choose your venue carefully - The safest places to drink are public houses and other hospitality outlets, where there are trained, sober and concerned people overseeing the environment.

Andy Saunders said: ‘The Licensed Victuallers all have the public’s enjoyment, safety and well-being at the heart of their operation, and we also work hard to provide vibrant, welcoming and entertaining environments in which to enjoy the festivities.

‘Remember that the staff and management of the hospitality trade are there to make your night out better, but also to act in your better interest sometimes even when you don’t agree.

‘ Please treat them with respect.

‘The Isle of Man Licensed Victuallers wishes everyone a Merry (and safe) Christmas, and look forward to seeing you all in the island’s fine hospitality venues not just at Christmas but throughout 2017 and the years ahead.’

A woman who had a morsel of cannabis has escaped immediate custody by a whisker.

Tanya Margery Corkhill was told her 2.5 grammes of cannabis, worth £50 would not normally attract such a heavy penalty but her background of repeated cannabis offences placed the matter in a different league.

The 31-year-old, who lives in Douglas, arrived in court around five hours late, apologising and attributing the delay to an alarm clock mix up.

The court heard the latest offence, from October 14, followed in the wake of numerous similar matters and placed her in breach of a probation order imposed in the summer and a conditional discharge from August. The latter penalty was imposed after she was found in possession of a quantity of cannabis police initially thought too small to weigh.

Defending her, advocate Stephen Wood said the quantity involved was relatively small and under normal circumstances might attract a modest fine.

But he added the court may fear she was ‘a young woman not prepared to be led down the right path, regardless of the consequences’.

He said: ‘I have explained that she is not giving the court any choice if she is not prepared to make any effort to change.’

Mr Wood said the problem appeared to be his client used cannabis not as a recreational drug but as a crutch to block out unhappy memories.

He said: ‘So I am asking the court to give her a chance to engage with community mental health and attend support services. She is committed to doing this if the court is minded not to send her to prison today.

‘Probation as a direct alternative to custody may be an option.

‘She says she has already cut down her cannabis use considerably but I can’t say she has desisted.’

Mr Wood reminded the court Corkhill had no experience of prison and desperately wanted to avoid it.

‘But it has been impressed upon her that we really are at that tipping point now,’ he said.

Passing sentence, Deputy High Bailiff Jayne Hughes noted the report on Corkhill ended ‘somewhat abruptly’ because she had failed to attend so many appointments.

‘You have difficulties from your past that you need to address otherwise you will be wallowing in a fog of cannabis smoke for the rest of your life,’ she said.

Corkhill received a total of 22 weeks’ custody suspended for two years for possessing cannabis, cultivating cannabis and being concerned in its production. The probation order was discharged.