Amended and additional plans have been submitted as part of a bid to redevelop part of the former Albert Road School site in Ramsey.

Wardsley Limited, based at Ballacutchel Farm in Braddan, submitted a planning application (16/01103/B) in October for a three-storey ‘mixed use development’ on the western part of the site.

The original proposal was for 210 square metres of retail space on the ground floor, which could be used as one unit or divided into two; a coffee shop on the Albert Road/Albert Square corner; office space measuring about 440 square metres on the first floor; and four two-bedroom flats on the second floor.

Three four-bedroom town houses, built over four floors, are proposed for the southern side of the site.

Now, Wardsley Ltd has amended the bid to seek approval for commercial units instead of retail.

It follows comments from the Ramsey Chamber of Commerce and means a wider variety of businesses, including restaurants, could operate from the premises without having to go through planning to change the use.

Additional documents include a flood risk assessment statement detailing flood defence measures.

The eastern part of the former school has been developed by the Department of Infrastructure into a 69-space public car park.

A fisherman from Andreas is set to face a £21,000 bill after an investigation into drugs offences revealed he’d never filed a tax return.

Daniel Justin Kepple Woodbridge, aged 23, of Larivane Meadows, admitted possessing cannabis and the proceeds of crime and was sentenced to four months custody, suspended for a year.

Prosecutor James Robinson told the Court of General Gaol Delivery how, on June 10 at 9.35pm, police executed a search warrant at a house in Marathon Road, Douglas, where Woodbridge was living at the time.

No one was present but the search uncovered 32.3 grams of cannabis bush in a bag on the living room table, scales and snap bags.

Cash totalling £3,445 was also found in a jacket pocket in the laundry basket and in a bag with an iPad.

More cash was found in a car linked to Woodbridge.

Woodbridge was located at his mother’s house and arrested on suspicion of money laundering and drug dealing.

In a police interview Woodbridge gave no comment but handed in a prepared statement saying the cannabis was for his own personal use. He said that he used the scales found at his house to split the drug up into small bags, so it was easier to carry it around with him.

Woodbridge said that he used about 5 grams a day. He was asked to sign forms authorising access to his financial records, but refused.

An analysis of the iPad found a large number of messages which appeared to relate to drug dealing.

It was noted that the case was only committed to the higher court because of a confiscation order under the Proceeds of Crime Act which can only be made at the Court of General Gaol Delivery.

Defending Woodbridge in court advocate David Reynolds handed in letters of reference praising his client and commenting on how hardworking he was.

The advocate said: ‘He did fail to sign the disclosure forms but that has since been provided.

‘Due to not having filed any tax returns it is believed he owes £21,000 to the tax man.

‘He has been liaising with tax officials and they are happy that is being sorted out.

‘He also has other debts with Manx Telecom and Sure but is doing his utmost to pay them.

‘Unfortunately he was involved in an accident when he got his arm caught in a winch on a fishing boat. He was on significant medication, then found himself self-medicating. Cannabis became a regular part of his lifestyle. But he is back in employment, getting off cannabis and mending bridges with his family.’

Deemster Alastair Montgomerie said: ‘You have a supportive family and every prospect of an offence-free and bright future.

‘I feel it behoves me to give you that opportunity. Make sure you take it because it won’t come again. I don’t expect to see you here again.’

Although the leagues have taken a break until January 7, there’s still a sizeable serve of rugby action over the festive period.

On Boxing Day there is four games to take your pick from.

Kicking off the day’s action at 1pm is the annual clash between Castletown’s current XV and the club’s ‘Elder Lemons’.

This year’s match at Poulsom Park is in honour of former captain, Chris Scott, who sadly passed away earlier this year.

Just across the road at King William’s College, Southern Nomads under-30s take on the club’s over-30s, kicking off at 1.30pm.

At the same time, the always entertaining Paul Clelland Memorial match between Vagabonds and the Young Farmers takes place at Ballafletcher.

Douglas also get in on the festive act with their own under-30s v over-30s match taking place at Port-e-Chee the same afternoon, kicking-off at 1pm.

Jim Nicholson’s Front Row All-Stars will make their annual outing on Friday, December 30 against an Isle of Man Veterans side. The game will kick off under the floodlights of Mooragh Park at 6.30pm.

Festive Fixtures:

Monday, December 26

Christ Scott memorial match

Castletown v Elder Lemons

@ Poulsom Park 1pm

George Fathers Memorial

Douglas U30 v Douglas O30 ko 1pm

Paul Clelland memorial match

Vagabonds v Young Farmers

@ Ballafletcher ko 1.30pm

Nomads U30 v Nomads O30

@ King William’s College ko 1.30pm

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

Friday, December 30

Front Row All-Stars v IoM Vets

@ Mooragh Park ko 6.30pm (ish)

Plans for the gateway to St Peter’s Church in Peel’s Market Place have been revealed by the island’s Regeneration Committee.

But there are still some problems, with Peel Town Commissioners raising issues with the railings, gates and position of a control box.

The regeneration work at the Market Place kicked up a storm earlier in the year when Peel commissioner Hazel Hannan described the work done as ‘vandalism’ and a ‘disgrace’ after a historic sandstone wall at the front of the church was demolished.

The wall was replaced with white steps which sparked outrage from many residents.

Two protests were held in the Market Place organised by Mrs Hannan and Peel resident Steven Moore.

The protest group raised concerns over further regeneration plans to fill in the gateway of the church with the sandstone from the demolished wall.

Plans to remove the metal archway above the gateway were also criticised.

After discussions with the island’s regeneration project manager Steven Stanley and Peel Town Commissioners it was agreed that the gateway would be retained and gates would be provided in a similar style to the last recorded gates to the churchyard.

Now the latest plans have been revealed by the regeneration committee but a spokesman for Peel Town Commissioners said: ‘Points have been raised with the Regeneration Manager, Mr Stanley, for him to pass on to the Regeneration Committee.

‘The railings do not match the originals located from the gate post on the right of the entrance to the hairdressers shop.

‘For example, there are no round embellishments on the existing cross braces and there is only a single top cross brace.

‘Also, the gates when open, block the pathway to the left as you enter the churchyard.

‘In addition, the gate stop on this side protrudes and is a trip hazard in the middle of the new paving.

‘There is an existing control box behind the gate pillar between the old entrance and the new steps.

‘This is now in a prominent location and it should be relocated to a less conspicuous location.’

Mrs Hannan, speaking on behalf of the protest group, said: ‘We are very pleased with the gates. I was asked to research how the old gates looked and I sent the regeneration committee that information.’

The existing arch is also being kept which was another victory for the protest group.

The plans show that the metal archway will be removed, blasted, primed, painted black to match the new gates and re-installed.

Mrs Hannan will be raising issues over the clocktower.

She said: ‘The clocktower needs to be renovated and we will raise this with the committee. There has been some erosion of the sandstone on the harbour side.’

A Douglas councillor has been cleared of two charges of wilful neglect of a child.

Fifty-one-year-old Catherine Rose Turner, of Westminster Terrace, who also stood as an independent in this year’s General Election, had pleaded not guilty to the offences when she appeared before the Deputy High Bailiff earlier in the year.

The case dates back to the beginning of the year when police had been called to her home address.

Ms Turner was found not guilty after a summary trial.

St George’s and St Mary’s will battle it out for the honours in the 100th Cu-Plas Railway Cup final on Boxing Day.

The pair will go head-to-head on Monday afternoon at the Bowl with Geordies aiming for a record seventh Railway Cup title in a row.

Chris Bass Sr’s men will go into the encounter as favourites to pick up the silverware once again.

The Glencrutchery Road outfit triumphed in the pair’s sole meeting thus far this season 3-0 and, despite being plagued by injury problems, lead their opponents by nine points at the top of the Canada Life Premier League standings.

St George’s walking wounded are now beginning to return to fitness and Bass Sr should be spoilt for choice when naming his 16 for the game.

Reports from Kevin Middleton’s St Mary’s camp are also of a full-strength squad to choose from meaning this should be a late Christmas cracker at the national stadium.

Kick-off is 3pm.

l Fuller preview in this week’s Manx Independent - on sale now.

Police are investigating an assault which occurred in the early hours of Friday near Bordello nightclub on Douglas promenade.

The following statement has been issued.

‘Constable Dvorakova from Central Neighbourhood Policing Team is investigating an assault that occurred at approximately 1.10am on Friday, December 23, at the entrance to Bordello nightclub, Douglas.

‘The male assaulted received facial injuries that fortunately did not result in hospital treatment.’

PC Dvorakova said; ‘We are keen to hear from anybody who may have witnessed anything at the time. It is mindless and unnecessary incidents like this that can result in more horrific outcomes regardless of the level of assault and we are keen to find the person responsible.’

If you have any information regarding this matter, please contact police headquarters on 631212

Police are urging householders to be vigilant with their security after a burglary in Douglas.

Sergeant Gary Heaton said on the Isle of Man Constabulary Facebook page: ‘Sadly this morning we have taken a crime report for a house burglary in Douglas but with some basic security measures we wouldn’t have needed to attend because the householder would have locked the doors before going to bed.

‘I’ve lost count over the years the amount of people that have said to me; “In The Isle of Man you can still leave your doors unlocked”; this isn’t the case anymore and the opportunist thief is out there and he or she cares not about you, your family or the property you own.

‘Whilst material things can be replaced imagine how you’d feel if someone came into your home and was going through your things.

‘The effects of that violation often live with people for years.

‘Some basic crime prevention about your home being locked and secure at night need to be taken and keeping your curtains closed away from prying eyes and maybe leaving a night light on will all help.

‘The only stranger we expect to see enter anyone’s home over the next 24 hours is Father Christmas, so please take our advice and lock your doors.’ice

A driver stopped by police and arrested for possession of cannabis last night (Friday) has been further arrested for possession with intent to supply, possession of a class A drug and other related offences after a property was searched in the north of the island.

A police statement said: ‘The Roads Policing Unit will target people who we believe to be using the island’s road network for criminal purposes.’

Two men ended up being pursued by police and bouncers along Douglas seafront after they were refused entry to a bar.

Roman Pszezolkowski, of Loch Promenade in Douglas, was one of two men who were prevented from going into Jak’s bar on Douglas promenade.

The dispute rapidly descended into chaos as 23-year-old Pszezolkowski and his friend yelled near-incoherent abuse, scuffled and fled the scene, only being arrested after being cornered in a dead-end road.

For the prosecution, Michael Jelski said police were flagged down by doormen at Jak’s as the dispute escalated on October 30, at around 11.40pm.

He said police noted the men’s slurred speech and glazed eyes and deduced they may be drunk. In fact, Mr Jelski said the other man (dealt with separately by the court) was the main problem, refusing to go away, pointing a finger and yelling insults.

He told police he was a ‘professional’ bouncer and should therefore be allowed in the bar. Momentarily he walked away before finding new inspiration, returning swearing.

He refused to provide any personal details to police then told them he would provide only false information.

The defendant was simply incomprehensible, laughing, refusing to listen, interrupting and talking over everyone. He grabbed hold of an arm of one of the police and after being told to let go, advanced again towards Jak’s door staff, yelling abuse. When police removed him he swore at them.Threatened with arrest, he then sprinted away towards Granville Street, pursued by police who only caught up with him when he ran down a lane that was blocked off at the far end. Turning, he squared up to police who doused him in pepper spray and ‘took him to the ground’. At this point, Pszezolkowski’s partner-in-crime appeared, pursued by bouncers, who managed to restrain him while police hand-cuffed him.

He admitted being drunk and disorderly and resisting the police.

Defending Pszezolkowski, Stephen Wood said his client drank one and a half whisky-and-cokes at home before going out and accepted he had been intoxicated. As a Polish speaker, he had not understood the situation or its seriousness.

He denied ‘squaring up’ to police, saying they yelled, ‘Stop’ at him, so he did. before turning round and facing them.

However, having been pepper sprayed, he said he did swear and lash around. Part of the difficulty arose from his failure to understand what was being said to him.

Magistrates’ chairman Julian Ashcroft adjourned the case for a pre-sentence report. The defendant was bailed with a £500 recognisance. He must not leave the Isle of Man without permission, he must live at his home address and co-operate with making the report. He reappears on February 9.

Police have released more details on a burglary which took place last night in Anagh Coar.

A police statement said: ‘A house burglary took place in Anagh Coar, Douglas, yesterday evening (Friday) at around 9pm.

‘We would like to clarify that the thief entered a kitchen at the rear of the house via an unlocked but closed door and took some items.

‘At this time the householders were in a lounge at the front.

‘It’s unfortunate that on occasions the Isle of Man suffers from this type of crime.

‘We would ask that you consider keeping any valuable items out of view. Also we all need to consider locking windows and doors, especially when you go up to bed and definitely when you go out.

‘If you know anything about this matter please ring us or use the crime stoppers number 0800 555 111.;

Charities are to be invited to take part in next year’s Douglas carnival.

Councillors resolved at a recent meeting to ask any interested charities for details of how they would like to be involved in next year’s event.

Any proposals can then be considered by the council’s Regeneration and Community Committee in February.

Councillors were told there were no major issues to be resolved that had arisen from debriefing sessions after the 2016 carnival. Over the past three years the Isle of Man Hospice has staged a charity colour run in which participants smother one another in cornflour-based powder paints. Last year, the council billed the charity for £830 - half the cost of cleaning up the paint residue afterwards. The council had funded the full clean-up cost the previous two years.

Next year’s Douglas carnival will take place at 3pm on Sunday, July 16, on Douglas promenades. A suggestion from Councillor Stephen Pitts that it be run on North Quay instead was rejected.

A student from Douglas who struggled against crippling illness through her GCSEs and A-levels is about to start a PhD course.

Ashleigh Johnstone, who is 23, was diagnosed with ME or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome while she was still a pupil at St Ninian’s High School in Douglas.

The illness made studying for her exams extremely difficult but she said she was grateful for the support she received at school and later when she went on to study psychology at Bangor University in Wales.

She said: ‘I have always loved education and looked to the next step. In high school I was very excited to move to university.

‘However my plans stalled when I was diagnosed with ME. This severely affected my education as there were many days where I could barely get out of bed. Luckily my school, St Ninian’s, was supportive and they helped facilitate a plan for me to be able to complete my English and maths GCSEs through online learning.

‘At A-level, they again allowed me to do what I was able to at the time. My health had started to improve and I could start considering university, which is something I had set my heart on.’

Ashleigh went along to the Higher Education Fair in the island with her mother and spoke to a representative from Bangor University.

‘They explained they would still consider my application, despite only having two A-levels, and now, two graduation ceremonies later, I’m working towards a PhD,’ she said.

While at university, she tried to get involved in as many schemes and activities as possible before continuing on to do a Master’s (MSc) degree in Psychological Research, in which she graduated with distinction.

‘I also volunteered for Soapbox Science, which was a great opportunity,’ she said. ‘I was assigned to one of the speakers where I helped them with their preparation, and assisted during the talk by getting people engaged and helping with props. I was also involved in collecting data by asking people what they thought of the event, and how engaged they felt.

‘I’m now working towards a PhD and continuing with my Master’s project, which looks at the influence of martial arts on cognitive control.’

She said she was delighted to hear the government in the island was improving funding for treatment and diagnosis of ME

‘I have shown that I am fully capable of studying at postgraduate level despite this health condition, but that is only because I had the support necessary to reach higher education in the first place; improving the funding is so important to help other people reach their goals,’ she said.

The island’s Weight Watchers members are celebrating losing a grand total of 1,500st – 21,000 lbs – this year and are looking forward to celebrating the festive season with confidence.

Last Christmas was a different story for many members who were dreading the extra temptations that inevitably come their way.

Weight Watchers leader Annette Cunningham, speaking on behalf of the island’s leaders, said: ‘We know that Christmas can be a difficult time for weight loss – and we often get to the beginning of January feeling weighed down by the excesses of the festive season.

‘But the excess doesn’t just happen on Christmas Day – in fact, almost half of Brits surveyed plan to be over-indulging by the second week of December.

‘And almost 80 per cent don’t think they will stop eating excessively until January or later.’

With such a range of food and drink choices available to us over the festive season, Christmas is undoubtedly a time of indulgence.

But Weight Watchers leaders advocate that it doesn’t have to be that way.

‘With some small changes, you can enjoy the festive season without regretting it come January,’ Annette said.

So this year, the Weight Watchers leaders have issued five top tips for the festive season.

Five top tips:

• Don’t go hungry

With all the social occasions and big meals, many people often think that they should skip breakfast so they can indulge later.

But this is the worst thing you can do.

Make sure to have a filling, healthy breakfast such as porridge, fruit and yoghurt or poached eggs.

This will not only help to sustain you during the day, it will also help to curb cravings and beat temptation, when Christmas treats appear.

• Enjoy fruit and vegetables

Remember to fill your plate with as many fruit and vegetables as possible.

Not only do they have great health benefits, they will also help to fill you up.’

• Move more

It can be tempting to find a spot in front of the telly and stay there – particularly after a filling meal – but make sure you stay active and move more during the festive season.

Try going for a Christmas Day walk, or dance the night away to some of your favourite festive tunes.

• Donate Christmas treats

Give any leftover chocolates to friends/ family/ a local charity after Christmas, so they don’t tempt you in the new year.

• Be kind to yourself

Most importantly, you should be kind to yourself.

Remember you can enjoy your favourite treats this Christmas but just make sure they are in moderation.

The island leaders are thrilled to hear members say that they have found that Weight Watchers is flexible and not restrictive.

Members can continue to eat out and lose weight while still enjoying all the foods they love at home, out in their favourite restaurant, and on the go.

You don’t have to give up any foods you love while following the plan, and Weight Watchers doesn’t get in the way of your social life.

Weight Watchers also encourages members to move more and to find a new activity to love. Why not team up with a exercise buddy to keep motivated?

Annette said that feedback showed that members were happier than ever, make much healthier choices and many health issues have hugely improved through their long term healthy eating plan.

For anyone who needs a helping hand to tackle their Christmas excess, Weight Watchers meetings are held across the island.

For more information contact Annette on 467548, Caroline on 437023 or Lyn on 465670.

Hospice Isle of Man will hold its annual Christmas tree collection recycling scheme over the weekend of Saturday, January 7 and Sunday, January 8.

This year the Isle of Man Post Office is supporting the scheme by volunteering to do the collections and help with deciding the route.

It is the third year that Hospice has run this initiative.

Tree collection will cost £10 per tree with all funds being donated to the charity. A donation will be made back to the Post Office to cover running costs.

In order to arrange a collection of a Christmas tree register online at www.hospice.org.im – all registration needs to be done online.

Geoff Rickard, Isle of Man Post Office general manager, mails said: ‘We are delighted to be able to offer voluntary assistance with the collections and route planning for this year’s Hospice Christmas tree collection recycling initiative.

‘The charity provides an exceptional service that touches so many of the island’s population and any money raised will help support the continuation of its fantastic work in the community.’

Event manager for Hospice Sharon Connor thanked the team at the Isle of Man Post Office for their support and the Manx public for supporting Hospice’s commitment to the environment as the trees will be made into compost at Ballaneven Compost Limited in Peel as per previous years.

Ms Connor said: ‘This is the third year that Hospice has run this initiative and the key to the scheme is volunteers so we are delighted that the Post Office is coming on board.’

Last year Hospice Isle of Man said that they raised approximately £3,500 from recycling more than 400 Christmas trees around the island.

Hospice Isle of Man started in 1983 and provides specialist physical, social and psychological care for adults and children with life-limiting illnesses as well as support for their families.

More than 350 patients every year are cared for by Hospice Isle of Man.

The final known plays of perhaps the Isle of Man’s greatest playwright are now available online, including one which has only recently been re-discovered.

Three new comic plays in Manx dialect by the pioneering Manx Labour MHK, Christopher Shimmin, dating back more than 100 years are now available on manxliterature.com

Except for some years struggling to find a living in America and Liverpool, Christopher Shimmin lived all of his life in Peel.

He became a monumental mason, even making the gravestones of those who died within Knockaloe Internment Camp during the First World War.

He was a founding member of the Manx Labour Party and was an MHK from 1919 until his death in 1933. From 1912 Shimmin wrote short plays in Manx dialect and rapidly became known as the island’s greatest playwright.

Two of the plays just released online for free were commissioned by Sophia Morrison, who is the subject of the exhibition which opened last week in the Manx Museum.

It was with her Peel Players that ‘The Charm’ and ‘The Dooiney Moyllee’ were first performed in Peel, in 1912 and 1914.

These ushered in the heyday of a form of theatre unique to the Isle of Man, all of it written in the Manx dialect.

‘The Charm’ will be also produced by The Michael Players at the Manks Concert at the Centenary Centre on January 14.

The final play, ‘The Club Day’, is about the farcical preparations for a grand and pompous Friendly Society procession, complete with sashes, ceremonial axes and brass bands.

This play was thought to have been lost until recently, when it was discovered in the collection of the Michael Players as a part of a Culture Vannin project.

The continuing Michael Players’ Collection project is funded by Culture Vannin and hopes to make available the Manx plays from what has been described as ‘the most important resource of its kind anywhere in the world’.

The people behind the project hope that more than 50 plays will be released for free online over the coming years.

‘The history of Manx culture over the past 100 years cannot be told without talking about Manx dialect theatre,’ said James Franklin, online and educational resources officer at Culture Vannin.

‘Manx dialect theatre was one of the most important creative expressions from the Isle of Man for more than 50 years. So all of the known work of Christopher Shimmin going online is an important achievement for the Isle of Man.

‘That one of these plays was thought to be lost until now makes it all the more special.’

The newly released plays can be found here

Isle of Man Newspapers would like to wish all its readers a very merry Christmas.

We are grateful for all your support over the past year and hope that you will continue to return to the Isle of Man’s leading news website as we enter 2017.

It’s set to be an exciting time at the Isle of Man Newspapers offices, after the business was bought by Tindle Newspapers earlier this year.

A lot of work has been going on behind the scenes in recent months with staff working hard to ensure a smooth handover. Readers will start to see changes from mid-February, when iomtoday.co.im will be relaunched.

Looking ahead to the coming week, the Isle of Man Examiner and Manx Independent will each feature 16-page Year in Pictures pullouts which promise to stir the memories and make us think about another hugely eventful 12 months.

The Examiner will cover January to June, including a spread on the Isle of Man TT, while the Manx Independent will cover July to December.

Have a wonderful Christmas Day and remember to keep visiting iomtoday for the latest news and sports stories over the holiday period.

Staff will be back in our Peel Road office on Boxing Day morning to ensure the Isle of Man Examiner is printed that evening and in shops from first thing on Tuesday.

If you have a story, call the newsroom on 695657 or email newsdesk@newsiom.co.im

If you would like to place an advert, call 670000 or email ads@newsiom.co.im

Merry Christmas! Nollick Ghennal!

Doesn’t time fly? It’s hard to believe that the ’Sofas Direct’ Christmas sale is already history, and in a couple of days they will be having their Boxing Day ‘Everything must go sale’. This is to make space for all the fantastic bargains that they hope you can’t resist in the ‘New Year Extravaganza Bonanza Sale’.

And don’t worry about paying for your new sofa, you can have two years’ interest free credit. Hang on a minute, with the money that you will save on the sofa, you can have another look at that double glazing quote of 50 per cent off, if you buy before January 1 .

At Christmas, more than at any other time of the year, temptation beckons from all directions. Buy now, pay later. It’s easy. Just flash the plastic. Because of the current low interest rates, it is cheaper to borrow now than ever before.

If you use your credit card to pay for your weekly supermarket shop, unless you pay off your balance in full every month you will be paying interest on the balance of more than 18 per cent. What’s that? You have two cards? And you can borrow on one card to pay off the other. No worries there then.

Personal debt is now at an all time high, and is growing bigger every month. The banks and credit providers are rapidly digging a huge hole that very few of their customers will ever climb out of.

It must only be a matter of time before the Bank of England puts up interest rates. This will push up the cost of borrowing, which means that mortgages, credit cards, bank loans and overdrafts at a stroke will cost more.

Statistics quoted in the popular press tell us that there are more people in work in the UK than ever before. So why is the National Debt increasing by £5,170 PER SECOND? The simple answer, as they say, is very complicated. There may be more people in work, but many of these new jobs are low paid which means that the government receives less tax income and pays out more benefits.

Factor in the ageing population with its long term health and social care implications, and the UK’s referendum result that has the potential to cause economic disaster. You can see why Allan Bell and Eddie Teare decided that it was time to retire. And who can blame them?

The Isle of Man, because of it’s links to the EU via the United Kingdom, is more than likely going to come off the worst. Trade barriers mean customs and immigration check points, and combined with the fall in the value of the pound against the Euro and the US Dollar, the Isle of Man will not be as attractive to every job hunting Tom, Dick and Ivan as it used to be.

I read somewhere that the UK National debt is now more than 1.76 trillion pounds. But, in the Isle of Man, our books have to balance each year. We are not permitted, by law, to end the year in debt. So why don’t we re-introduce Government Treasury Bonds?

A generation ago, if you were retired and had a few quid in the bank, you would be earning a bit of interest on your cash. This would not only give your income a boost, you would have some extra cash in your wallet to spend in the shops, which in turn would help the local economy.

But now, with virtually no interest being paid on savings, a government fixed term bond, paying say 3 per cent, would be an absolute winner. It could even help the housing market. There must be more than a few of us wrinklies living in houses that are either too big or too inefficient for retirement comfort. A government-private sheltered housing initiative, could be one of the answers to a growing problem facing the elderly home owner.

The golden oldies could be encouraged to sell their big old properties, buy a smaller energy efficient house in ‘Bus Pass Valley’ and invest their spare cash in Treasury Bonds. Problems solved!

Police in the North of the island are asking people to be responsible when they drink after three arrests on Friday.

A police statement said: On Friday three people from the north of the island were detained overnight at police headquarters after being arrested for unrelated matters.

‘All of them will be appeaing in court in the New Year.

‘We have plenty of space within our new custody block.

‘Please help to keep it that way. Drink and act responsibly, after all it is Christmas.’

The annual traditional celebration of Manx trad music and culture will take place on Wednesday.

Mollag Ghennal is a highly anticipated event in the cultural calendar, and one of the most popular in the ‘foolish fortnight’, the name given to the two weeks around Christmas and new year.

Often the night sees some of the finest trad musicians come together for solo performances and unique one-off collaborations, as they get into the spirit of the event. Latterly, though, it has become almost a celebration of some of the internationally recognised talent that has emerged from the island’s trad scene, when some of the musicians return home for Christmas.

The concert is organised by Greg Joughin and the Mollag Band, who always take a leading role in the music on offer. This year will see something pretty unique from the Mollags, when they showcase a set of gaelic re-workings of some popular favourites.

‘We’re playing new stuff from our latest project, which we’ve called the “Manx Pop Project”, said Greg. ‘They are basically pop songs from down the years, from as early as 1940. We’ll be doing songs by the Andrews Sisters, The Temptations, KC and the Sunshine band and “Happy”, the song by Pharrell Williams.

‘The difference is that they will all be Manx versions, arranged by us and translated into Manx by Bob Carswell and Chris Sheard. It’s great fun. The girls (singers and musicians Sarah Hewson, Julie Matthews and Hillary Gale) have even got some dances to go along with it.’

Elsewhere on the bill, there is the usual mix of excellent musicianship and wonderful entertainment that you can expect from the Mollag Ghennal night.

Gaelic choir Caarjyn Cooidjagh will sing, and there will be a set from Isla Callister-Wafer, who is currently studying music at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. She will be accompanied by Daniel Quayle on keyboards.

‘Something that is a bit special is that we will have a coming together of Jamie Smith, David Kilgallon and Malcolm Stitt,’ said Greg. ‘That is a one off and I can imagine that will be highly entertaining. Possibly Paul Rogers will be joining them as well, but I can’t be sure of that. That would be good though. There is a lot of talent there to heard.

‘Then there will be a couple of new bands,’ he continued. ‘We will have Scran playing with us, which will be good. They were formally known as the Bree supergroup. They are all young players, and the have recently done well at the “Next Big Thing” show. They are doing really well in that. They’ll be running on a bit of a high, so it will be good to have them along.’

If all that isn’t enough, there will be a debut performance of a new group called ‘Clasht Vooar’, which translated means ‘Big Groove’. This will be a real experimental meeting of minds which will see Dave McLean (bass), Anglin Buttimore (keyboards) and Danny Kneale (drums) join up with trad musicians Breesha Maddrell and Aalin Clague to produce blues-jazz fusion versions of Manx folk tunes.

The night will kick off at 7pm, Wednesday, December 28, at the Peel Masonic Club, and tickets have, unfortunately for some, already sold out. Those lucky enough to be going are guaranteed a great way to see out the year.