Two iconic structures have been lit up to raise awareness of Samaritans’ services and encourage people who are struggling to cope to get in touch with them.

Douglas Tower of Refuge and Ramsey swingbridge have been lit up in green – the charity’s main colour – from Monday until tomorrow (Friday) as part of a British Isles-wide initiative that includes Blackpool Tower.

Samaritans Isle of Man director Gill Porter said: ‘Samaritans offers emotional support which is completely confidential, non-judgmental and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

‘This time of year can be very difficult for those who are struggling to cope, and we want to remind those who are that they have somewhere to turn and Samaritans are there to listen to anyone who feels they need to speak to us. Don’t suffer alone this Christmas, contact us.’

Call the Samaritans for free on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org

Tributes have been paid to Ken Radcliffe, a talented musician and entertainer and valuable former staff member at Douglas Corporation.

Mr Radcliffe, of Alpine Close, in Onchan, died on Sunday in Hospice Isle of Man.

He was well-known as the pianist for a huge number of shows and charity events across the island and for many years he was the organist at St Mary’s RC Church, in Douglas.

Fellow performer Dot Tilbury said Mr Radcliffe had helped her through her first Gaiety performances as the fairy on the Christmas tree in Christine Wild’s pantomime Cinderella.

‘Ken calmly nursed me through my first appearances on the Gaiety stage, selecting the music for my part of the fairy on the Christmas tree, which people still talk about today,’ she said. ‘A close friendship was formed and the rest as they say is history.’

She added: ‘I feel super lucky and privileged to have known Ken and our Manx troop of travelling players, Geoff Corkish, Ian Qualtrough, Peter Cringle and Val Kissack, plus a host of fabulous talent who dipped in and out of our shows as we performed from the Braaid to Baldrine and Ballaugh to Ballasalla.

‘We laughed till we cried and while rehearsal time was in short supply – non-existent for the most part – the shows went down well with our audiences all over the island despite flying by the seat of our pants.’

She said that he could be relied upon to carry on playing no matter what happened: ‘If I made a mistake, which was often, I’d blame Ken and that was the way.

‘He could do anything on the keyboard and filled a multitude of blank spots with twiddles and tunes appropriate to the moment.

‘Despite the total chaos Ken always came to the rescue.’

Christine Wild, of the Christine Wild Theatre School, said he played for school shows and charity events as part of the KGB band with Barbara Walker and Gerry Reynolds for more than 30 years.

‘I have wonderful memories of a lot of fun times we had during those years,’ she said.

‘Ken was always cheerful and smiling, always full of encouragement especially when as a very young teacher I was beginning to stage productions in church halls/school halls and then later at the Gaiety.’

Mr Radcliffe worked for Douglas Corporation from 1968 to 1995, progressing to the role of deputy town clerk.

Douglas Council leader David Christian said that he was one of many councillors who had sought out Mr Radcliffe for advice when they first took on the role.

‘He really took me under his wing, not just in the early days but for the first couple of years,’ he said.

‘What he didn’t know about Douglas wasn’t worth knowing.

‘As a new councillor Ken was the person to turn to for help, assistance and guidance.’

Mr Christian described Mr Radcliffe as having a ‘wicked sense of humour’ that had caused committee meetings to dissolve into laughter.

He said that after Mr Radcliffe took early retirement in 1995 he had kept in touch with councillors and many members of staff at the town hall.

He leaves wife Anthea, three children, five grandchildren and sister Pat.

His funeral will take place at St Mary’s RC Church, in Douglas, on Thursday, January 5, at 1.30pm, followed by interment at Douglas Cemetery.

Preparations are already under way for a musical in March to raise money for the island’s hospice.

On March 18 the Manx Operatic Society with turn Douglas’s Gaiety Theatre pink as part of the opening night of Legally Blond4e the Musical.

They want theatre-goers to wear pink outfits to the theatre and help raise awareness for Hospice Isle of Man.

Pink is the lead character Elle Woods’ signature colour.

Clad in a palette of pink, Elle tackles stereotypes, snobbery and scandal in pursuit of her dreams in a stage adaptation of a film.

By selling special limited edition programmes, and through bucket collections on the night the society hopes it can raise both awareness and money. Hospice requires over £4 million a year to keep running and is reliant on donations

The musical will run at the Gaiety Theatre from March 18 to 25 with matinees on the 19th and 25th. Tickets are £19.50 to £24.

Pictured are: Event manager for Hospice Sharon Connor with the cast and crew from the forthcoming Legally Blonde The Musical.

The height barrier at Douglas tip is to be removed for an additional period of time on Monday afternoons, councillors have decided.

The 2.2-metre height restriction was put in place to discourage businesses from disposing of commercial waste free of charge at the site which is principally for household waste.

The restriction, which prevents some (but not all) vans or larger vehicles from entering the site, is already removed on Wednesday afternoons and Sunday afternoons.

Councillors were told the height barrier had caused a knock-on effect at the Western tip at St John’s with drivers desperate to get rid of rubbish diverting there instead.

Councillor Betty Quirk suggested that obstructing people from dumping rubbish at the site could encourage fly-tipping.

Debate also took place at a recent council meeting about whether the policy of charging charities to dispose of what is effectively commercial waste should apply across the board. This followed in the wake of a request from homeless charity Graih for charges to be relaxed.

Councillor Falk Horning pointed out the charity was a small one providing emergency shelter, food and somewhere for people to discuss problems.

‘We should be helping the vulnerable to have access to the site and it should be free to other charities,’ he said.

Chairman of the site’s committee, Councillor Ritchie McNicholl said it was very difficult to make exceptions for particular organisations. He said the type and quantity of rubbish being disposed of would be monitored and Graih should identify themselves when using the tip.

In the meantime, a charge will still be made for charities using the site. He said the site was not fully manned at present and possible monitoring of use by automatic number plate recognition was still being considered.

About 90 performers ranging from primary school age to year 13 A-level students took to the stage for a Christmas Concert at Queen Elizabeth II High School, in Peel.

The evening of festive entertainment in the main hall is a popular event in the secondary school’s calendar and tickets sold out in advance of the performance.

A wide variety of acts were staged by the performers, spanning their many musical talents, in front of a large audience of their friends, family and staff members.

They included the Queen Elizabeth II High School Partner Primary Choir, Windband, Senior and Junior Choir, Flute Choir, Ukulele Orchestra, Club Kiaull, Bells and more.

The audience also enjoyed refreshments and taking part in a raffle.

Tynwald may have made a welcome u-turn over free TV licences for the over 75s, but the changes have left many confused over the new rules.

Moreover, the new system means many will have shelled out the full £145.50 cost before the changes approved by Tynwald meant they could claim it back from the government.

Carol Garrett, whose 93-year-old mother lives in Douglas, told the paper she had made many calls to clarify the situation on her mother’s behalf after the pensioner received threats of a fine and even prison if she didn’t pay the fee.

She told the Manx Independent: ‘I think many will have received letters and telephone calls from the TV licensing authorities as they are clamping down on non-payers, particularly since the end of September when anyone viewing on line must also pay.’

She said she felt some old people may be confused by the fact that previously, over 75s didn’t need to do anything to receive their TV licence free of charge. Now they have to pay and claim back the cost, but some may not have understood this and feel intimidated by threats of legal sanctions.

A spokesman for Age Concern Isle of Man also said the charity had received a number of calls from old people wanting clarification of the situation or help filling out forms.

The charity’s operations manager Maureen Cowbourne said: ‘People do ring us when they are concerned about something to ask us for information. We are always happy to help out and give them a hand filling in forms if necessary.

‘It’s useful to us if the relevant authorities can let us know about any changes so we are better able to advise people, but this all happened quite quickly.’

A spokesman for the government said all people over 75 have now been sent letters from Social Security explaining the new rules.

‘Under the previous aarrangement the island’s over 75s were exempt from paying for their TV licences as the government paid the BBC the cost of the exemption. But the mechanism allowing that to happen is no longer in place.

‘Under the new scheme they are liable to pay but can have the cost funded either in advance or afterwards, on application to social security.

‘In short, everyone affected should have received a letter explaining the position but if anyone needs help they should contact our Income Support for Pensioners Unit on 687020 or log on to www.gov.im/categories/benefits-and-financial-support, or call at their local social security office or post office for information.’

The old television licence fee exemption ended on September 1 but the new system was put in place on December 1, following approval at the November sitting of Tynwald. The new scheme means anyone over 75 who bought a licence in September, October or November can claim back the cost. Anyone renewing now will automatically receive their claim form in advance. This can be completed and sent along with their licence renewal notice to Social Security, who will process claims up to a month in advance so claimants can avoid having to pay the sum up front if they deal with it quickly. Claims will also be dealt with up to two months after the licence fee falls due if claimants again submit the form along with the licence iteself. About 5,800 households include someone over 75 and a further 400 have someone under 75, retired but on income support, who can also claim the cost back.

The Manx Independent tried the Income Support for Pensioners Unit helpline four times before being connected.

A Ballasalla man has been ordered to perform 180 hours community service by a magistrates’ court after punching a policeman.

Richard Joseph Leaver, of Abbots Drive, was also banned from entering onlicensed premises and purchasing or buying alcohol for 12 months.

Leaver pleaded guilty in court to offences of being drunk and disorderly and assaulting a police officer.

The court heard how, on October 9, a policeman was on foot patrol near the Outback in Barrack Street, Douglas, when he saw Leaver being ejected from the nightclub.

The 28-year-old was refusing to leave and was said be unsteady on his feet, with glazed eyes.

He became abusive, swearing at the policeman, and declared: ‘I’m not going anywhere’.

Leaver was subsequently arrested but continued to be abusive, struggling with the policeman and bouncers.

He was put in a police van and taken to police headquarters, where he continued to be abusive and swear.

During the struggle Leaver punched one police officer on the side of the mouth and was arrested for assaulting a police officer.

Defending Leaver in court, advocate Darren Taubitz said: ‘My client has very little recollection of events.

‘He had been out for dinner and drank half a bottle of wine. He was then playing the drinking game ‘beer pong’ and had two pints.

‘He went to the Courthouse bar and his friend bought him a double shot of a spirit. He then went to the Outback and that’s when the incident occurred, as he left.

‘Mr Leaver was on anti-depressants at the time and mixing those with drink was not a wise move.

‘He doesn’t recall being escorted out but realises he’s been a fool to himself not to listen. Had he shut up he would not be here today. There were no injuries but he understands the officer was just doing his job. He is very embarrassed by his arrest.’

Mr Taubitz also handed in a letter of apology from his client addressed to the police officer concerned.

We’re now fully into the swing of the festive period (some have been for weeks now!) and the bands and DJs around the island are busy with their various gigs and club nights.

If you feel the need to escape the house over the next week, here’s a round up of some of the various things taking place.

Head out west to Peel tomorrow night (Friday)and you’ll find local boys 3 Million in action from 9.30pm onwards. Featuring Chris Honour on vocals and guitar, Joe Crookall on Bass, Gary Smith on guitar and Matthew Woods on drums, expect original material influenced by the likes of The Stereophonics and Oasis.

Following his high-profile show as one of the support acts to Sir Tom Jones when he appeared here in the island back in the summer, Hamish Faragher will be appearing at The Station in Port St Mary on Christmas Eve.

Still only 18 years of age and having played guitar from the tender age of 9, Hamish cites his influences between Ed Sheeran and Jake Bugg.

Having also supported Davy Knowles for his three shows in the island late on in 2015, he’s since ventured out further afield playing several gigs in and around the island this year in order to help raise his profile further.

Elsewhere and on Boxing Day, Nexus in Douglas will be hosting the inaugural free event for Groove 2 Funk. A night headed up by DJ’s Darren ‘Ninjafingers’ Millar, Dreamfish and Jason “Bish-Bash” Thomas and features music from a wide variety of genres all mixed up with a full on funk flavour. If this sounds like your kind of thing you can get an early start to this mammoth club night as the event starts at 5pm and then runs until 1am.

At various points over the Christmas week Jak’s Bar in Douglas plays host to the likes of AM Frequency, Dance Anthems/Modern Chart band, Konstruktion, Classic Rock Covers from Penthouse Dive and Rock and Pop covers from Ian Thomson amongst others.

To round off this week, we’re heading back to The Creek in Peel where next Tuesday you’ll be able to catch hugely popular Two-Tone, Ska band Buncha Skankers doing their thing.

For the uninitiated, this band has been entertaining the Manx gig-goers for a number of years now and specialises in the likes of The Specials, Desmond Dekker, Bad Manners, Prince Buster, and Madness. That’s just merely scratching the surface. The night kicks off around 9.30pm.

That’s it for this pre-Christmas edition of the Manx Sound Exchange, so I bid you all a very Happy Christmas.

Local travel agent Edward Pearson is celebrating after winning a prestigious accolade at the annual Travel Counsellors conference.

He beat more than 1,500 colleagues to bring home the title of ‘Best Overall Business Growth,’ following a phenomenal year which saw sales increase by more than £800,000.

Douglas-based Edward scooped the award at this year’s star-studded ceremony, which recognises the very best talent within Travel Counsellors’ network of franchisees. This is Edward’s 19th year with the business, having worked in the travel industry for his entire life.

He prides himself on a loyal client base which has continued to expand both in size and reach, as well as a commitment to an extremely high level of customer service – an attribute which led to his award win.

The conference, which was held in Manchester, was attended by speakers such as Green & Black’s co-founder founder Jo Fairley and Dame Kelly Holmes, and included performances from comedian Jack Whitehall and Ronan Keating.

Edward said: ‘I became one of the first Travel Counsellors back in 1997, as I knew my passion for client service stood me apart from the crowd, so I wanted to branch out on my own – and I’ve never looked back.

‘I live and breathe the job and put in the hours to ensure that each of my clients receives wonderfully tailor-made holidays and see themselves as my only priority.

‘This award is testament to that fact, and I’m hugely proud to be recognised by my peers in this way.’

Travel Counsellors is an independent travel company whose global network of home-working travel professionals delivers bespoke travel solutions to both the leisure and corporate markets.

This network offers unparalleled first-hand destination knowledge and industry expertise, along with complete financial protection on all holiday bookings and a work ethic which revolves around genuine care for the customer.

www.travelcounsellors.co.uk.

The island’s only snooker professional, Darryl Hill, has won the Fowler and Co Champion of Champions event, which concluded over the weekend at Douglas Snooker Club.

Sunday afternoon saw the first session of seven frames played at the Douglas Snooker Club between last year’s winner Hill and John Kennish.

It was a cagey start from both players but it was Hill who took the first frame by a single point.

Kennish immediately hit back with an excellent 69 break to take the second frame with it looking like being a close contest.

However, Hill who recently lost 5-4 to Ronnie O’Sullivan in qualifying for the German Masters, had other plans and took the third frame courtesy of a 100 break which proved to be the highest of the competition.

Kennish made a 26 break in the fourth frame but Hill overcame this with a 42 to take a 3-1 lead.

A 27 break was enough to give Hill the fifth frame and despite another 26 break from Kennish in frame six, two breaks of 22 enabled Hill to take it.

The final frame of the afternoon saw Hill make breaks of 22 and 43 to give him a 6-1 lead going into the evening session.

At the beginning of that Kennish knew he needed to make a good start and he looked very positive as he made some excellent pots with breaks of 24 and 48 to take the first frame.

Hill looked to be in control of the second frame with two breaks of 22, but it was Kennish who potted the last two reds and the colours to take the frame with a 35 break and bring the match score to 6-3.

A 49 break from Hill managed to stop the rot as he took the 10th.

The 11th frame was very close with Hill making a 25 break, but yet again Kennish hit back with a 30 to take the frame and bring the match score to 7-4.

Both players missed chances in the 12th but with breaks of 20 and 22 it was Hill who just did enough to win the frame and match by eight frames to four.

After the match the presentation of trophies was made by past Island Snooker Champion Peter Reynolds.

The Isle of Man Billiards & Snooker Association would like to thank main sponsor Fowler & Co, Brian Ellis who sponsored the trophies, the Douglas Snooker Club who provided the venue free of charge for both weekends of the competition and to the referees who did an excellent job throughout all the sessions.

The journey starts with Dorothy played by the young and talented Alexandra Slater arriving in Oz.

The good witch Glinda played by Mandy Griffin welcomed her and set her on her journey along the yellow brick road.

She then meets up with Scarecrow played superbly by Jack Divers followed by a particularly narcissistic Tin Man played by David Lyons and a dainty lioness played by Beth Thomas who was lacking in courage, but had plenty of charm.

The arrival at the Emerald City was camp, glitzy and glamourous, and you’d expect nothing less from a dance number lead by the island’s very own stage star Gary Chatel who plays the Wizard.

The Wicked Witch of the West, played by David Dawson was a cross between an evil witch and a glamourous drag queen, and he played the part of the ‘baddie’ extremely well. The flying monkeys were almost as scary as I remember from the original movie.

There was great music throughout the show, with classic tunes merged with pop such as ‘Ease on down the road’ leading Dorothy to The Emerald City. They even incorporated tunes from other musicals like ‘Pure Imagination’ from ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ as well as updating more iconic songs such as ‘Somewhere over the Rainbow’.

There was lots of audience interaction. Colourful costumes of a high quality and believability added to the atmosphere along with the exquisite sets. A particular mention must go to the costumes of the Tin Man and the Wicked Witch of the West, who should get the award for ‘Best and most frequent costume changes’.

The attention to detail was excellent, each scene was engaging and fuelled the imagination.

I have seen pantos over the years who have taken the decision to cut back on their sets and I personally feel that a panto needs it to draw people, especially children into the story.

My own children loved the panto, they laughed a lot at the jokes and booed and hissed in the right places. The ‘Mastermind quiz’ scene with the Tin Man with the Emerald City Guard was a particular favourite.

The tone was upbeat and fast paced with family friendly jokes that really did cause some belly laughs. If you haven’t got your tickets already you’d better be quick as I hear there have been record ticket sales so far.

The ‘Wizard Of Oz’ is produced by JT Productions, and runs until December 31.

The hospital’s oncology day unit – a team of three chemotherapy sisters and an oncology clinical nurse specialist – has a tree in the Save the Children ‘Festival of Trees’ in the airport’s main hall.

The tree is called ‘Colours of Cancer’ and has been designed to represent and acknowledge the many different cancers that the team can treat at Noble’s Hospital.

From its temporary home next to the day assessment and treatment unit, the oncology unit currently gives 500 treatments and supportive care for 150 patients a month.

Jane Gaunt, chemotherapy senior sister, said: ‘Not everyone knows about the unit and many patients think they still have to go to the UK for chemotherapy treatment. There are some specialised treatments which can only be given in cancer centres in the UK but most patients can have their treatment locally.

‘Going across to the UK can be stressful so we find that most patients prefer to stay at home. Because we are dealing with relatively small numbers, we get to know our patients well and there is a friendly and personal atmosphere.

‘We have seen considerable growth in our service over the last 10 years and, according to national statistics, a third of the population will be affected by cancer, so we don’t expect demand for our services to decline. Because finances generally are tight, support from businesses and charities is very important and I would like to thank Standard Bank for its valuable sponsorship.’

Sanshia Tumblety, of Standard Bank Isle of Man, which is sponsoring the tree, said: ‘Standard Bank is keen to support any initiative that raises awareness of this fantastic unit at Noble’s Hospital.’

Former vicar of Arbory and Castletown Reverend Dr Canon Gomes has been given a 10-year ban from exercising a ministry as an Anglican priest anywhere in the world.

His name has been included on the Archbishops’ List of clergy not able to exercise their ministry, not just in the Church of England but anywhere in the Anglican Communion.

The sanction was imposed after a Bishop’s Disciplinary Tribunal upheld a complaint of misconduct against Dr Gomes by Archdeacon Andrew Brown.

In the document detailing the penalty it stated that Dr Gomes’ reaction to the tribunal’s finding had been ‘entirely inappropriate’, by giving a radio interview describing the Bishop as vindictive and likening the Church of England’s approach to dealing with disciplinary issues to Sharia law.

It states: ‘In our judgment Dr Gomes has shown absolutely no remorse for his behaviour.

‘In such circumstances in and in the light of our findings set out in our determination we see little realistic possibility of him ever being able to resume the normal duties of the ministry of a Church of England priest even with appropriate pastoral and other support.’

Dr Gomes resigned as vicar of Arbory and Castletown and Canon Theologian in January, citing ‘bullying and harassment’ and subsequent ill health.

He refused to attend the three-day tribunal hearing in October, saying he didn’t recognise its authority.

Outlining the principal findings, tribunal chairman Geoffrey Tattersall QC said that Dr Gomes had an ‘over-inflated view of his own self-importance’ and dealt with people with ‘little or no compassion or pastoral concern’.

He said the clergyman lost his temper and displayed anger, even to those who continued to support him. His behaviour had caused ‘serious harm’ to people and caused them to leave their offices or his church, and he did not seem to understand the need to express remorse or amend his ways, the tribunal found.

Finally, he made untrue statements against Bishop Robert Paterson, the Archdeacon and Rev Erica Scott.

‘We have no doubt that such behaviour on the part of the respondent has damaged the reputation of the Church, ’ the judgment concluded.

Dr Gomes did not attend the tribunal hearing where his penalty was decided. The tribunal agreed that if Dr Gomes had not resigned his office it would have been ‘appropriate to order that he be removed from office with immediate effect’.

The 17th Team of the Week of the Canada Life Premier League campaign is awash with newcomers.

In total seven make their seasonal bow in the last hypothetical XI of the year.

The weekend’s five top-flight games threw up some shock results, none more so than at Glen Road where Colby beat a Laxey side that started the day 20 points better off in the standings.

Three of the Moonlighters that impressed in the 3-1 win over their hosts, defender Carl Hickey, midfielder Martin Moore and striker Jordan Primrose-Smith, make it into the line-up.

Hickey earns his first TotW call-up of the term after bagging a goal and impressing at the back for the southerners at they moved 11 points clear of the relegation zone.

Joining Hickey in the TotW’s back four are fellow first-timers Stuart Monks (Douglas Athletic) and Jake Garvey (St George’s), plus Ramsey full-back Jordan Kelly who makes his second TotW of the term.

Monks was one of DAFC’s top performers as the Pinks triumphed 2-1 at DHSOB in another of the day’s surprise results.

Centre-back Monks was among those manning the defensive barricades as Old Boys pushed for a leveller.

Former Laxey youngster Garvey shone at left back as Geordies beat Peel 3-0 to open up a nine-point gap at the head of the division.

Kelly was Ramsey’s best player as they drew 2-2 with Ayre in the northern derby at Ballacloan.

Behind them claiming the side’s coveted number one jersey is DAFC’s Matty Quirk who produced a number of brave stops as the Pinks beat DHSOB.

Slotting in alongside the industrious Moore in midfield are two players with plenty of TotW experience this season.

St George’s Jack McVey makes earns his fifth call-up of the campaign after a classy performance and a man-of-the-match showing against Peel.

St Mary’s youngster Mathew Rennie makes his fourth TotW outing of the term after he impressed for the Railway Cup finalists in Saturday’s dramatic 3-3 draw at Rushen.

Primrose-Smith, who was also among the scorers for the southerners as they beat Laxey, slots into a three-man attack alongside debutants Dean Tate (Ayre) and Ryan Crawley (Rushen).

Tate bagged a brace, including a 90th-minute equaliser, as the Tangerines secured their first point of the season at the 19th attempt against Ramsey.

Substitute Crawley was also at the double at the weekend netting twice as the Spaniards came from 3-0 down to draw 3-3 with St Mary’s at Croit Lowey.

Referee honours go to Stuart Kneen, who impressed with the whistle in Colby’s win over Laxey.

Team of the Week 17/12/16

GK: Matty Quirk (DAFC)TotW apps this season: 1

Defence: Jordan Kelly (Ramsey) TotW apps: 2

Stuart Monks (DAFC)TotW apps: 1

Carl Hickey (Colby)TotW apps: 1

Jake Garvey (St George’s)TotW apps: 1

Midfield: Jack McVey (St George’s)TotW apps: 5

Martin Moore (Colby)TotW apps: 1

Mathew Rennie (St Mary’s)TotW apps: 4

Attack: Dean Tate (Ayre)TotW apps: 1

Ryan Crawley (Rushen)TotW apps: 1

Jordan Primrose-Smith (Colby)TotW apps: 2

Ref: Start Kneen (Laxey v Colby) RotW apps: 2

Too much Christmas pudding? Over done it on the turkey?

The best thing you can do, then, is to spend Boxing day playing a game of cammag.

The age-old, rule-defying sport of Cammag is a uniquely Manx game that generally involves sticks, running about and a great deal of physical exertion. And, year on year, whether people come along to play or just to watch, its popularity is growing.

The game is an earlier form of hockey, and it shares its roots with the Scottish game of shinty and Irish sport, Hurling. The name ‘cammag’ itself comes from an amalgamation of the Manx gaelic words for ‘curved stick’ (‘camman’) and the name for the ball used’ (crig).

The sticks themselves are something to behold. The traditional form is a shaped piece of gorse wood, although a great many are home made affairs, ranging from brooms, adapted crutches, walking sticks through to lengths of 2x4 with boots nailed onto the end.

The action traditionally happens on the Tynwald Green, in front of St John’s church, and always kicks off at 2pm sharp.

As for the rules, well, cammag is not exactly the hardest to get your head around. You need a stick and a sense of humour, and that is really about it.

Teams of an indeterminate number, purely dependent on who turns up, are loosely cobbled together and divided into ‘North’ and ‘South’. There is a general dividing line across the island, stretching from Ramsey to Niarbyl.

The two teams then proceed to try to wallop the ball past the other team’s goal.

The final word on the length of the game should go to Dave Fisher, who has been the highly impartial referee over the past few years, and is possibly the world’s leading authority on all things cammag.

‘In the past, the players would go and fight to the death for several hours until somebody won or got drunk,’ said Dave. ‘It hasn’t changed much over the years. The rule is it starts at 2pm. We play three halves of 20 minutes each no matter what the weather. Sunshine, snow or ice.’

And those are the rules. All that remains is to grab a stick, choose a side and get stuck in.

Officer cadet Christopher Bolton, a 29-year-old from Santon, has joined the ranks of the British Army’s next generation of leaders, after passing out in a graduation ceremony at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, in front of the Duchess of Cornwall.

Passing out from Sandhurst marks the completion of 44 weeks of intensive military and academic training, combined with adventurous training and sporting challenges. As soon as Officer Cadets graduate, they enjoy immediate leadership responsibilities and will have guaranteed career progression through the ranks.

They will be in charge of a platoon of 30 soldiers, managing their skills, workloads and welfare, and could deploy on peacekeeping missions or deliver humanitarian aid within months of graduating. Sandhurst trains officers to prepare for leading their platoons in high pressure situations, while giving them a sense of belonging to something bigger than themselves.

With friends and family in the audience, Officer Cadet Bolton took part in the Sovereign’s Parade in front of Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cornwall, and now promotes to Second Lieutenant. The parade is a key milestone for every Army Officer and has been run at the end of each term for over 200 years.

Second Lieutenant Bolton, who will be joining the Adjutant General’s Corps (AGC), said: ‘Being part of an elite group of people that have graduated as British Army Officers from Sandhurst makes me extremely proud. It’s one of the biggest challenges I have ever undertaken, but also one of the most rewarding.

‘I cannot wait to be putting the leadership skills I’ve learned at Sandhurst to good use as part of the AGC.

‘I would recommend an officer career to anyone looking for an exciting job away from the mundane nine to five, and especially if you want to move immediately into a leadership or management position.’

The parade ended in traditional fashion with the Academy Adjutant following the Officer Cadets up the steps and through the grand entrance, mounted on his horse.

After a formal lunch with friends, family and regimental officers, the day concluded at the commissioning ball. There, at the stroke of midnight, the newly commissioned second lieutenants displayed their rank insignia for the first time.

To join the regular army as an officer, candidates must be 18 to 26 years of age, attained at least seven GCSEs (with a minimum grade C in English Language, Maths and either a science or a foreign language) and also have 180 UCAS Tariff points from a maximum of 3 A level subjects.

Applicants attend a two day Army Officer Selection Board briefing, where leadership and teamwork skills are tested. Candidates then go to the selection board, which consists of a three-day assessment of physical and mental suitability for the role. Those successful, embark on a 44 week course taking place at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.

Recruits earn a starting salary of £25,727 while they train.

After five years officers can be earning at least £39,628 as a captain.

A 24-year-old man from Douglas has been ordered to work 80 hours community service after fighting in a takeaway.

Jordan Maguire, of Anagh Coar Road, pleaded guilty to a charge of affray and was also ordered to pay £125 prosecution costs.

The Deputy High Bailiff heard how, on October 14, Maguire was at the Flaming Great takeaway, on Buck’s Road, Douglas, when he said he was racially abused by another man.

A fight broke out with both men throwing punches and spilled out on to the pavement outside.

At one stage the other man was said to have gone back into the takeaway and got a piece of wood but Maguire managed to disarm him.

Both men suffered facial injuries during the fight and Maguire was bitten on the ear.

CCTV footage was viewed from a neighbouring property. It showed the pair throwing punches at each other and people running out of the takeaway.

In a police interview Maguire admitted that he was in the takeaway when he said the other man swore at him and started to racially abuse him.

He said that he got angry and he confronted the man, standing face to face with him. He said both of them then began throwing punches and grabbed each other by the collar, grappling until the altercation moved outside.

Maguire conceded that he had the opportunity to walk away but he didn’t.

Defending Maguire in court, advocate Jim Travers handed in four letters of reference for his client.

Mr Travers also entered a basis of plea on behalf of Maguire which was accepted by the prosecution.

In it Maguire said: ‘I was approached by the other man and abused racially. I lost my self-control and acted beyond self-defence.

‘He bit my ear and got a wooden plank [to be used as a weapon].

‘I struck him with punches only.’

Mr Travers said: ‘My client was approached by a man he didn’t know while he was completing his order.

‘There had been a minor issue with his card. There was no reason for the other man to use the words he did.

‘Nevertheless Mr Maguire is remorseful.

‘He has no previous convictions and strong references.

‘He had been in the takeaway to order some food. He had his ear bitten and has gone through various procedures as a result of that.’

Deputy High Bailiff Jayne Hughes said: ‘It’s clear there was considerable provocation in terms of racist language.

‘References describe you as a “pleasant well-mannered young man with a calm temperament”.

‘You should have walked away.’

Dozens of elderly people will tuck into tasty Christmas meals thanks to the generosity of staff at a finance sector company.

Staff at Nedgroup Investments and a donation from Nedbank Private Wealth have paid for 36 hampers for Age Concern Isle of Man.

For the 10th year running, staff either donated from their cupboards at home or bought a few extra bits with their weekly shopping.

Volunteers from Nedbank Private Wealth and Nedgroup Investments gave up their time to make up the hampers

Lynn Kelly, senior training executive at Nedbank Private Wealth, who co-ordinated both the collection of food and the volunteers who wrapped and filled the hampers, said: “This is the tenth year we have provided the Christmas hampers, which are very much appreciated by both the charity and the recipients. The requests for help continue to increase each year with so many literally having to choose between heating and eating this winter.’

Helen Southworth, chief executive of Age Concern Isle of Man, and Steve Dawson, meals on wheels manager, visited Nedgroup Investments to collect the hampers which their volunteers will deliver to the homes of those most in need.

Steve Dawson passed on his thanks to all of the staff for their donation.

He added: ‘You can rest assured that the hampers will be delivered to a number of our service users who I know will really appreciate the generosity of your companies at this special time of the year.’

A special event set for the new year will see creative people given the opportunity to pitch for funding from the Isle of Man Arts Council.

People trying to get a creative business or project off the ground will be able to put their case at a special event taking place in the Noa Bakehouse on Thursday, February 9, from 6pm.

The Arts Council itself will host the event and participants will give presentations up to eight minutes long to an Arts Council panel, to stake their claim for funding.

There are eight places on offer at the event and the three successful pitches will be awarded grants of £1,500, £1,000 or £500.

Arts Council chairman Geoff Corkish said the event was part of a successful and inspiringprogramme of creative industries events that started last year.

To apply to pitch at the event, download an application form from www.iomarts.com, email iomartscouncil@gov.im or call 694598.

Apply by Friday January 6. Unsuccessful applicants will be notified if oversubscribed.

A 20-year-old woman admitted a common assault charge when she appeared in Deputy High Bailiff court this week.

Leah Isobell Skillen Cain, of Alder Road in Douglas, admitted the offence and will be sentenced on Tuesday, January 31, at 10am.

Cain had originally pleaded not guilty to the charge in a court appearance on Tuesday, October 25.

She was 19 years old at the time of that court appearance.

Prosecutor Hazel Carroon told the court how, on Sunday, June 26, Cain had been out drinking in Douglas.

Two other women who also out said that they went to the Courthouse bar in Athol Street in Douglas at 11.40am.

An hour later, at 12.40am, one of the women told police that she was confronted by Cain on the dancefloor and struck in the face with a bottle. The victim said that they left the Courthouse after the incident.

Cain was later identified and arrested.

She was interviewed by police and told them that she could remember arguing with a woman.

Deputy High Bailiff Jayne Hughes asked if the bottle had caused any injuries but prosecutor Hazel Carroon said that no treatment had been required by the victim.

Defending Cain in court, her advocate said that the facts were accepted as presented by the prosecutor.

The Deputy High Bailiff said that convictions been recorded and adjourned the case to allow time for the preparation of a probation report.

Mrs Hughes said that the report should consider all options, including a custodial sentence.

Bail was granted in the sum of £500 with conditions that Cain lives at her home address, attends probation meetings when instructed to do so and does not leave the island without prior permission.