BUSY Irene Cannan is cleaning up with her own family-run business based in the north of the island.

Mother-of-two daughters Irene, 59, is the woman behind the Isle of Man Soap Company.

From her seafront home in Ramsey Irene produces a huge array of soap products including Legs of Man soap and even soap made with beer.

All her products are hand made using ingredients sourced locally wherever possible.

It’s a real labour of love for bank manager’s wife Irene who has seen her hobby expand into a business.

Now Irene has been involved in her most unusual project yet - helping a campaign to get rid of longtails on the Calf of Man.

As reported recently in Isle of Man Newspapers, Manx National Heritage, Manx Wildlife Trust, the Food and Environment Research Agency, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, Manx BirdLife and the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture have got together to try to tackle the problem.

The project will continue until March 2013, to be followed by a period of regular monitoring for any remaining signs of longtails.

Irene volunteered her skills and services to help produce hundreds of chocolate flavoured wax blocks.

Around 2,500 of them will be distributed around the Calf in half metre long drainage tubes. Manx Wildlife Trust director Duncan Bridges confirmed to Business News that Irene’s wax blocks will help them monitor whether there are any longtails remaining after the baiting campaign.

Speaking from her specially adapted ‘soap room’ at home on Queen’s Promenade, Irene showed Business News her ‘wax tarts’ which will be used in the longtail campaign.

She said: ‘My soap is sold at the Manx Wildlife Trust and one of the people there telephoned to say they were doing this project with Manx National Heritage to try to rid the Calf of longtails. They were looking for wax monitoring blocks and these then measure the activity of animals. They don’t eat them, they will claw at them, scratch at them and leave evidence of what type of animal, mammal they are. It’s a fantastic project and I feel privileged to be involved. They will have their volunteers and these blocks will be laid in strategic places around the Calf of Man to monitor activity. Then they will be recalled, the substance, whatever it is to be used, will be placed down and then after a period of time the blocks will be put out again to monitor what if any activity, of longtails, is left.

‘It’s a great way of being able to monitor activity because these robust monitoring blocks are made of eco soy wax flavoured with real chocolate so they are very attractive to the animals to come along and investigate but they won’t harm them.

Mr Bridges praised green-minded Irene for her help and said she was only being paid the cost of the materials involved in making the blocks.

SOUTH LANCASHIRE AND CHESHIRE DIV TWO

While Ramsey have a battle on their hands, all eyes will undoubtedly be fixed on Ballafletcher where last season’s Manx Cup finalists Douglas and Vagabonds meet in South Lancashire and Cheshire Division Two on Saturday.

With unquestionably the most intense rivalry in Manx rugby, these two near neighbours will slug it out for the first of a possible three times this season.

They have another league match yet to play and could well meet in the semi final of the Manx Cup if Vagabonds can get past Southern Nomads.

Despite home advantage for Vagabonds, Douglas probably start as pre-match favourites (for what that’s worth).

They are ahead of Vagas on the standings and have a 100 per cent record so far.

Vagas are only just behind them though and have lost just once in seven outings. Crucially, however, that was at home and with hindsight, it was a game which they could have won.

Both sides should be able to field pretty similar line ups to last Saturday.

Douglas are likely to retain Niall Killey in the centres for continuity, but could be tempted to use him at number eight to give some added vavoom to the forwards against what is a quite dogged Vagabonds pack.

Outside the forwards, Vagabonds have the luxury of multiple choice at half-back where Jonny Beckley, Leigh Kennaugh and Aiden O’Shea can interchange positions very easily.

Last season’s Manx Cup final was an absolute epic and I’m expecting another classic this week.

Home advantage will count for very little and I’ll favour the form book and back Douglas for the win.

Whatever the result, league leaders Sefton know that this could be their chance to pull clear at the top, before Douglas and Vagabonds get their games in hand played.

SOME of the finest and most familiar singers in the island come together this evening (Friday), for a special concert at the Villa Marina’s Promenade Suite in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.

One Night Stand will feature a house band backing no less than 18 vocalists, who will each take to the stage in turn to perform one of their favourite songs, with the evening compered by Manx Radio’s Stu Peters.

Sponsored by Dark Horse Promotions and Supertone Records, singers will include solo artists Christine Collister, Katherine Crowe, Louise Earner, Matt Creer, Christy DeHaven, Juan Callister and Simon Campbell, while guests from local bands include DC/AC’s Adrian Bruce, RedGap’s Barry Nelson and Jo Callister, Uber Room/Jacoba man Geoff Murphy, 3 Million’s Liam Harrison, Psychoholic’s Shelly Rourke, 8 Bit Empire’s Dave Brew, Simon Rea of Truman Falls, GASP’s Steve Parry, Geddy Up/Ed Force One’s Mike Jelski and STARLITE singer Suzy Starlite.

They will be supported by musicians Chris Glaister on keys, drummer Danny Kneale, bassist Steve Rowe and Simon Campbell on guitar.

Campbell, who conceived the event, said that so far rehearsals have been a hoot.

‘The camaraderie is great. The guys all mostly know each other, but don’t often get the chance to all meet up together like this,’ he said.

‘Everyone has been really flexible, it seems to have captured imaginations; they want to be involved. The singers have got behind each other, supporting and applauding. It’s like Band Aid!’

With the singers choosing their own songs, and the remit being an ‘unusual cover’, the challenge for the band of course is the breadth of material.

‘All 18 songs are so, so different,’ said Simon. ‘And when I say different I mean late 50s jazz to 80s synth pop. We have ended up with everything from Duran Duran to Doris Day! It will be a fantastic evening.’

Secrecy shrouds the camp however, as who is singing which track is being kept under wraps until the show itself.

All performers, as well as backstage manager Andy James and Mark Cleator’s ManxSound team, are offering their services for free, meaning the Macmillan charity will receive the vast chunk of proceeds from the £9.50 ticket sales.

‘Macmillan is well run,’ said Simon, ‘We chose them because of the help they have given Kath Crowe, who is dealing with cancer, and also when my dad died, the Macmillan nurses were excellent. It’s a good cause.’

Tickets are available from the Villa Marina reception, the Sea Terminal Welcome Centre, by calling 600555, or on the door on the night. Doors open at 7.30pm for an 8.15pm start.

SHIMMIN WILSON MANX SHIELD

After a solid start to their comeback season Western Vikings have foundered a little in recent weeks but will be aiming to get back to winning ways this weekend when Emerging Nomads visit QEII for the first time in four years for the pair’s Shimmin Wilson Manx Shield tie.

Vikings won the earlier encounter at King William’s College and a repeat this Saturday will give them their first double of the season.

Vikings will, however, be without skipper Mike Sheeley who picked up a nasty knee injury at Ramsey last weekend and he will leave a big hole in their backline.

The westerners may receive a psychological boost from sponsor electrobits.com with the arrival of a new playing strip in the black and white colours which the club wore in its earlier years.

For Emerging Nomads, this is likely to be a test of character as they come back from a couple of large and unfavourable scorelines.

Several of Hugo McKenzie’s team made cameo appearances for their firsts last week at Vagabonds and will be raring to go again this week.

In the only other Manx Shield game, defending champions PDMS Southern Nomads host Ramsey B at King William’s College for what should be a straightforward game for them.

While Ramsey B have picked up a couple of wins, they shouldn’t cause too much trouble for a Nomads side who currently lead the standings, even if they were a little under par last Saturday.

Saturday’s Fixtures

South Lancs/Cheshire Division Two

Ramsey v Moore @ Mooragh Park kick off 2pm

Vagabonds v Douglas @ Ballafletcher kick off 3pm

Shimmin Wilson Manx Shield

all kick off at 2.15pm

Western Vikings v Emerging Nomads

@ QEII School, Peel

Southern Nomads v Ramsey B

@ King William’s College

THE top two sides in the Wi-Manx Mixed Premier Division put their unbeaten records on the line when IOMA Group Bacchas A host Paragon Valkyrs A at the NSC on Saturday afternoon.

Karl Moore’s Bacchas side have made an impressive start to the season netting 43 goals in their first five games.

Opponents Valkyrs A will provide much sterner opposition as they look to maintain the defence of their top-flight title.

This promises to be a close game which could go down to the wire.

Wi-Manx Mixed Division One

A close game is in prospect when Celton Manx Cammags meet Paragon Valkyrs C in the lunchtime fixture at QEII.

The two sides are currently level on points at the top of the division and will be keen to claim victory as they look to secure the advantage in the title race.

Valkyrs will be hoping to put last week’s shock defeat to Harlequins behind them and should have Mark Moyer available for selection again.

Cammags will be looking to improve on last weekend’s drawn game with Bacchas Colts but will need to find their touch in front of goal if they are to claim both points.

Wi-Manx Mixed Division Two

Celton Manx Southerners will be aiming to extend their winning run to four successive games when they meet CM Skye Rookies in the early fixture at the Grammar School on Saturday.

Rebecca Jacobs’ Southerners side have been in good form in recent weeks and confidence will be high.

Opponents Rookies will provide a stern test for the Castletown side having lost only once this season.

Wi-Manx Mixed Under-16s’ League

CM Skye Rascals will be hoping to extend their unbeaten record when they meet Celton Manx Castletown at Castle Rushen on Saturday afternoon.

Max Renton’s Rascals side have put together an impressive run of form and will be keen to maintain the record here.

Jon Allen will be encouraging his team to build on last weekend’s good result and if he can field a full side here will be hoping they can claim both points on offer.

TWO of the league’s in-form sides go head-to-head in JCK Division Two at Ballafletcher this weekend, looking to move closer to the top four and a potential Gold Cup qualification place.

Both Douglas Royal and Foxdale have won four out of their last five games - form which is only bettered by league leaders Michael and Ayre - to surge up the table following indifferent starts to the season.

They now lie fifth and sixth respectively with two points separating them, although crucially Foxdale have two games in hand following a brace of postponements.

There was little to choose between the sides when they met last season, with Foxdale winning at Ballafletcher and Royal claiming the points at Billy Goat Park, so all signs point to this being another close encounter which could go a long way to defining their seasons.

Sandwiching those two teams in the standings are Ayre in fourth and seventh-placed Braddan who go up against each other in Andreas. Like Royal and Foxdale, Ayre endured a somewhat difficult start to the campaign but have bounced back in style with 16 points from a possible 18 in their last six outings, culminating in Saturday’s 7-2 victory at Pulrose.

However, Braddan will still be reeling from a 4-0 defeat at the hands of Royal and will be keen to get their own top-four ambitions back on track as soon as possible.

Elsewhere, Colby will be favourites to continue their good run of form when they entertain Douglas and District at their new ground.

The southerners have surprised many already this season and are currently lying in a very healthy second place a couple of points behind Michael United, however they will have to be on their toes against an unpredictable D&D which took three points off them last season.

Should Colby slip up then RYCOB will be waiting in the wings ready to take advantage when they host Douglas Athletic at Schoil ree Gorree. Youthie thumped D&D 6-0 at the weekend to maintain third place in the league and will be odds on to get a similar result this Saturday but Athletic recently held Ayre to a 2-2 draw so RYCOB will need to be wary of complacency.

Elsewhere in the second division, leaders Michael take on Pulrose at Balleira Road looking for their 10th successive win while the bottom two, Ronaldsway and Onchan, go head-to-head in Ballasalla.

SAMANTHA Barks mixed with Hollywood’s top guns on Monday night at a glittering awards ceremony held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, in Beverly Hills.

The Manx singer and actress was there to receive a Hollywood Spotlight Award at the Hollywood Film Awards Gala Ceremony. The Spotlight Awards are handed out annually to ‘exciting new talents’ in the film world.

Sam was chosen, said an awards spokesman, because she is ‘one of Hollywood’s most engaging, vivacious and talented young actresses’.

The Laxey girl will next be seen in the Tom Hooper-directed blockbuster Les Miserables, which also stars Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway and Hugh Jackman, and is due for release in December.

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{http://www.iomtoday.co.im/lifestyle/manx-entertainment-news/sam-barks-awarded-top-hollywood-honour-1-5042044|Sam Barks awarded top Hollywood honour}

AS the Canada Life Premier League season gets ever closer to its turn, the Isle of Man Newspapers Team of the Week débutantes continue to come thick and fast.

Five of the latest line-up make their seasonal bow this week after impressing Eric Clague’s infamous player ratings panel in Saturday’s round of top-flight matches.

The débuts start at the back, where Douglas High School Old Boys’ man mountain, Liam Buckley, makes his maiden bow of the term after a good showing in the Blackberry Lane outfit’s 11-0 demolition of Castletown.

The former Onchan man also got his name on the scoresheet as Old Boys kept their feint Railway Cup qualification hopes alive.

Slotting in alongside Buckley are two players that have already picked up seven TotW appearances between them thus far this campaign.

Corinthians Chris Cannell makes his third TotW outing after a solid showing and a goal-of-the-season contender against St John’s at Ballafletcher.

Another whose performance caught the eye in that match was Saints’ player-manager Nick Hurt, the island international earning his fourth TotW stripes of the season after helping his side to bolster their Railway Cup hopes with a 1-2 win at the Whites.

Hurt’s goalkeeper Damyan Petkov edges compatriot Kiril Velev (Ramsey) to claim the side’s coveted gloves for a fourth time after another impressive showing for the westerners in their aforementioned victory.

Three of the XI’s four-man midfield make their 2012-13 debut. The reigning Gordon Clague Football Writers Player of the Year St George’s Ciaran McNulty lands his first TotW appearance of the season after pulling the creative strings during Geordies’ 6-0 win over struggling Gymns.

McNulty is joined in the middle third by fellow first-timers Matthew Woods (Peel) and Kris Halsall (Ramsey).

Woods was man of the match as Peel triumphed 1-3 at his former club Union Mills, while Halsall laid on a couple of goals for his side as the northerners picked up an important win at home to fellow relegation candidates Marown.

Completing the midfield ranks is September Player of the Month Michael Hooper who shone in Old Boys’ big win over Castletown.

Up front there’s goals galore, with the side’s front three combining to hit 10 goals between them. Half of them came from DHSOB’s Callum Stewart who bagged five goals against Town to take his tally to the season to 12.

St George’s island striker Calum Morrissey made it nine goals in his last three outings with a brace against Gymns, while Ramsey’s Michael Fernandes confirmed his status as Ramsey’s main goal threat with a hat-trick in their 6-1 win over bottom side Marown.

The referee honours go to Gareth Jones for a second time this season after the former Rushen manager impressed in the middle during St George’s triumph over Gymns.

Team of the Week 20/10/12

Goalkeeper

Damyan Petkov (St John’s) TotW appearances this season: 4

Defence

Liam Buckley (DHSOB) TotW apps: 1

Chris Cannell (Corinthians) TotW apps: 3

Nick Hurt (St John’s) TotW apps: 4

Midfield

Ciaran McNulty (St George’s) TotW apps: 1

Michael Hooper (DHSOB) TotW apps: 2

Matthew Woods (Peel) TotW apps: 1

Kris Halsall (Ramsey) TotW apps: 1

Attack

Callum Stewart (DHSOB) TotW apps: 2

Calum Morrissey (St George’s) TotW apps: 2

Michael Fernandes (Ramsey) TotW apps: 1

Referee:

Gareth Jones (St George’s v Gymns) RotW apps: 2

Pasty and Thad give Bacchas a well-deserved pat on the back

THAT is possibly the worst headline we’ve ever used in the blog, but we’ve spent several seconds trying to think of puns on ‘Congleton’ and ‘Cheshire’ and have failed entirely.

A big ‘well-played’ to the Bacchas lads for a solid performance last Sunday against North Division Two opposition South Cheshire last Sunday.

Two goals, and the lead for the part of the match, and leaving with a 4-2 defeat is not too shabby against opposition who’ve won five out of six matches in the division this season, including a 9-0 and 6-1 along the way.
There’s not even a punchline to this story, just a genuine well done.

Andy Whiting was absent for the match - we understand he was rebuilding a wall up near Ramsey or something (is it too soon?!!) - and at one point Karl Moore was seriously considering playing Phoenix. We at the blog aren’t the type to criticise Karl’s selection processes, but we recommend that, in the style of most American sports movies, Phoenix might have heroically and single handedly scored three goals in the last three minutes. On the other hand, the choice of ‘a red setter which happened to be walking past’ to play centre-midfield under the name of Andy Kneale’ in preference to the man himself was also noted as quite inspired. 
This weekend, the Vikings ladies get the chance to weave some international magic (metaphors are always best mixed) and travel away to Deeside Ramblers in Tarporley. Currently sitting in fourth in North League One, this is going to be a pretty tough test for them. Best of luck all.

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SPITTING IMAGES

Many thanks for some brilliant look-a-like contributions, many of which came straight from Pasty’s workmates. Is a ‘prolific’ Castletown female striker looking for her Doctor? Was that a Saracens midfielder or a double world F1 champion? Who is the Vikings and West Ham goalkeeper? Stay tuned to the Facebook page for the answers to these questions and many more!

Keep the contributions coming in, there are some classics in there already but there must be some more of your teammates who you think resemble your favourite celebrities? Is there a Justin Bieber up in Ramsey?

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AS THE CROWE FLIES...
One of our favourite blog personalities/victims, Sophie Russell-Crowe leaves the island next week, under a cloud (well, accordingly to the weather forecast anyway). Our regular readers will both remember that last year we ran a competition to find Sophie a double-barred surname in order for her to achieve the poshness she’s always desired. Well, we understand that the casting agency for Made In Chelsea has shown an interest in our dear Sophie. Admittedly, by interest, we mean their lawyers showed enough interest to issue a ‘cease and desist’ order in respect of her continual application forms, but it hasn’t stopped Sophie from committing to spend the next few years trying to get her ‘rightful place on the show’.
Additionally, Sophie has always proclaimed that she has mostly been inspired in her life by Victoria Beckham and in the event that she was to have a child, it will need to be named after the locality of it’s birth. Having given it long consideration, she determined that neither Cronk-y-Voddy Crowe nor Baldrine Crowe were suitable names. Sophie has always desired a child called Kensington.
We have no idea where we’re going with this. It’s probably time to stop. Good luck, Sophie, we’ll miss you. We’ll have to find a new celebrity.
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STILL INSPIRING A GENERATION

Exciting times at Blog HQ this week as a large parcel full of prizes (see picture above!) turned up on the doorstep. These will be given out to victims who have provided an...erm...worthy contribution to the week’s blog, and we will also be donating these excellent handmade treats to anyone who has the ability to defeat both Pasty and Thad in the predictions for the week. We have two headbands waiting for Mr Whiting and Giggsy which will be distributed this week and I’m sure worn with pride by the recipients both on and off the pitch!

Rumours of an end-of-season game between those with headband hopefully shouldn’t be too far off the mark, a one-off match for the pride of the blog. We might even splash out for a trophy, stranger things have happened in Manx hockey (Lindsay Riordan scored two goals last season). Plus it would be nice to give Giggsy the chance to win some silverware.

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BRATTISTICS

Ahead of the crunch Valkyrs A vs Bacchas A game this weekend, did you know that a group of cats is called a ‘clowder’.

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PREDICTIONS

From the highs of the previous week it was back down to earth with a bump this week, with shocks on the cards all over the leagues. Kneeno ‘did a Poyzer’ limping in with just five points out of 12 games, just one point behind Thad.

Pasty came out on top though with an impressive two correct scorelines gaining him a slightly less impressive nine points for the week.

This week we have our first gold clad predictor, with fixtures mastermind Paul Gould being the first Harlequin to forecast the scores this season. Helen Cave threw down the Harlequins shaped gauntlet last season with nine points from 19 games, which means Paul needs to gain just six points from the 11 games this week to be Quins golden boy.

Hopefully, if Pasty and Thad beat Paul in the predictions and deprive him of a sought after headband he will not move all our remaining games this season to 11.05am in Jurby - good luck Paul!

Have a good ‘un!

Pasty and Thad

PAUL’S PREDICTIONS
 

Prem

Ramsey A  2 v 3 Castletown Celts

Bacchas A 2 v 2 Valkyrs A

Div One

Bacchas Colts 3 v 1  Vikings C

Saracens Sabres 2 v 3 Harlequins A

Valkyrs C 2 v 1  Castletown Cammags

Bacchas C 3 v 1 Castletown Cushags Colts

Div Two

Harlequins B  1 v 1  Vikings D

Ramsey Rookies 4 v 2  Castletown Southerners

Saracens Sharks 0 v 2  Bacchas D

Castletown Cosney 0 v 4  Ramsey Ravens

U16s

Ramsey Rascals 1 v 2  Castletown


PASTY’S PREDICTIONS
 

Prem

Ramsey A  3 v 2 Castletown Celts

Bacchas A 3 v 1 Valkyrs A

Div One

Bacchas Colts 3 v 0  Vikings C

Saracens Sabres 4 v 2 Harlequins A

Valkyrs C 2 v 2  Castletown Cammags

Bacchas C 3 v 1 Castletown Cushags Colts

Div Two

Harlequins B  3 v 1  Vikings D

Ramsey Rookies 4 v 0  Southerners

Saracens Sharks 1 v 3  Bacchas D

Castletown Cosney 1 v 5  Ramsey Ravens

U16s

Ramsey Rascals 2 v 3 Castletown

THAD’S PREDICTIONS
 

Prem

Ramsey A  1 v 4 Castletown Celts

Bacchas A 4 v 2 Valkyrs A

Div One

Bacchas Colts 2 v 1  Vikings C

Saracens Sabres 5 v 2 Harlequins A

Valkyrs C 2 v 3  Castletown Cammags

Bacchas C 4 v 1 Castletown Cushags Colts

Div Two

Harlequins B  3 v 5  Vikings D

Ramsey Rookies 2 v 3  Southerners

Saracens Sharks 0 v 5  Bacchas D

Castletown Cosney 2 v 2  Ramsey Ravens

U16s

Ramsey Rascals 1 v 3 Castletown

THE head of Hospice Isle of Man has moved to allay fears about a treatment programme for dying patients.

Margaret Simpson, Hospice chief executive, said although the Liverpool Care Pathway is the subject of some controversy in the UK and questions have been raised about its usage here in the Isle of Man, relatives have nothing to fear.

In Tynwald last week, Liberal Vannin member and Douglas South MHK Kate Beecroft tabled a motion asking the Department of Health to investigate using the Welsh system of end of life care. Mrs Beecroft withdrew the motion.

She told the Manx Independent she withdrew it because of negative articles in the UK: ‘I did not want people on the island to worry that it was being misused here as we are particularly fortunate to have our Hospice and its staff.

‘Their standards are exceptionally high and give no cause for concern. As has been evidenced by the occurrences in the UK, the safeguards for the LCP need to be as stringent as possible, particularly if it is to be used more widely, but the withdrawal of the motion was purely timing.’

Critics say the LCP advocates the withdrawal of food, drink and some treatment and is therefore barbaric. But Mrs Simpson said the LCP ethos is the exact opposite.

‘It is used purely to prevent dying patients from having distress or receiving treatment or tests that are not beneficial any longer to them and can cause them harm and not good,’ she said.

‘For instance, if a patient can no longer swallow, it is counter productive to force them to take medication which will not have an effect on the outcome. Drinking when a patient is in this condition can also lead to ‘‘bubbling’’ or choking.’

It is this, she said, that people interpret as a withdrawal of treatment. ‘It doesn’t change the fact of death, it makes the death that little bit better because everything is thought about,’ she said.

A patient is put on to the pathway only with the signatures of the most senior doctor present, the relative/carer and, if possible, the patient. The decision can be reversed.

Mrs Simpson said the LCP had been improved and adapted to best practice over the years and that the Welsh version, although similar in many ways to the LCP, was a not as up-to-date.

The LCP operates both at the Hospice and Noble’s Hospital. The issue of whether or not the pathway is followed correctly is not a problem in the island, said Mrs Simpson. ‘We have been lucky we have got the right personnel and education,’ she said.

Referring to adverse publicity, she said: ‘People who have had loved ones on the LCP in the past will now get very anxious, thinking “have I agreed to something that maybe I shouldn’t’ve agreed to?”.

‘In my own experience as a professional, I can say they don’t always get it 100 per cent right in the UK but over here we are getting it totally right.

‘There isn’t a single example where we have got it wrong.’

THE Family Library in Douglas is hosting a number of workshops over half-term as part of ‘The Big Draw’.

Our House In the Middle of Our Street gives families the chance to draw your house (or dream house) to put on the Family Library street.

It takes place from Tuesday to Thursday, 10am to 2pm, and is free.

Librarian in charge Mary Cousins said: ‘We’d like all members of the family to get involved.’

Monster Rolls will see youngsters create spooky, cardboard characters to scare people on Hop-tu-Naa. The free workshop runs from Tuesday to Thursday, 10am to 2pm.

And there is a chance to work with local illustrators Rachael Ansell and Tom Egan at The Cartoonists workshops, next Friday and Saturday, 10.30am to 11.30am. It costs £5 and there are limited spaces.

‘The Big Draw’ is a UK-wide campaign to get everyone drawing and being creative.

A CHARITY initially formed to address youth crime, reduce accidents and discourage antisocial behaviour is appealing for support for its valuable sessions for young people.

The Youth Motor Project badly needs a portable building it can use as an office, meeting room and toilet.

The current one, generously donated by a local building firm some years ago, is now falling apart and is beyond economic repair.

Project bosses say that when it rains, it resembles an indoor swimming pool and will soon be unusable.

The project also needs to replace its ageing, borrowed minibus, which will soon be pensioned off, so it can continue to take young people out and about at weekends, or it faces being without its own transportation.

Based at workshops off Glencrutchery Road, the project offers young people tuition in vehicle mechanics and advice on issues affecting them, cars and motorcycles. There are opportunities to learn to ride trials bikes and take part in motorsport events.

As well as discouraging young people from becoming involved in crime and helping to reduce accident rates through promoting road craft, the project encourages young people to have a wider sense of social responsibility.

The project – managed by Pete Hodgson and full-time youth worker Mike Buttimore – takes on young people while they are of school age but continues to work with them into their 20s.

From an intake of just seven, 12 years ago, it now runs school, multi-agency, drop-in and voluntary sessions for hundreds of young people, 46 weeks of the year.

It works with young people from all backgrounds, some of whom are referred to the project and others who join independently.

This year, for the first time, it has run sessions especially for young people not in education, employment or training (Neets), equipping them with skills ranging from socialising to CV-writing that may enable them to find positions.

Of the 16 Neets it has worked with so far, all but two have secured employment.

Attendance at sessions helped get one 16-year-old back on track. The youth left school, was jobless, had family issues and was turning to antisocial behaviour and recreational drug use.

The project helped find him work with a local garage and he attended day release at the Isle of Man College of Further and Higher Education. He still takes part in the project.

The project was set up as a charity with a grant from the Department of Education in 2000 and receives support from the DEC, the Department of Home Affairs and the Department of Economic Development, as well as the Manx Lottery Trust.

But with the need for a new portable building and vehicle, it hopes a generous corporate sponsor will keep it on the right road.

Ken Callister, principal youth officer with the DEC, said: ‘Young people learn important life skills through their involvement in the project’s activities and through interaction with the staff, who are experienced mentors and act as confidantes, often at a difficult time in a teenager’s life.

‘It has never been more important for young people to be ready for the challenges they face when they make that transition from school into the next phase of life.

‘All opportunities, education, employment or training, have demands and our young people need to be tooled to make the most of them.

‘The motor project does not just teach young people to recognise one end of a spanner from the other, but also builds resilience and resourcefulness,’ Ken said.

‘We hope that we can find private support for this worthwhile project and help us to replace our dilapidated portable unit and help us to obtain our own minibus.’

For more information about the project, or to assist its work, phone Pete Hodgson on 07624 460601 or email youthmotorproject@manx.net

BURGLARS who assaulted a 62-year-old man in his Ramsey home left a torch behind.

The home owner confronted two men in his home on the corner of Bowring Road and Coburg Road in Ramsey and was attacked.

He had to be treated in hospital.

Sergeant Andy Kneen said: ‘We are now able to say that the offenders are believed to have left a torch at the house.

‘The torch is described as black, made of plastic, rechargeable, with an adjustable handle. The torch has no obvious branding. It has an internal battery and needs to be charged from a mains supply.

‘Inquiries have identified that torches of this type have been widely sold from local petrol stations in boxes marked “AA”.

‘I would ask anyone who owns such a torch to check its whereabouts. We would be very interested in hearing about any such torch that is missing from a home, outbuilding, or vehicle. Likewise, we would like to hear from anyone who knows someone who had such a torch, and is now without it.

‘We suspect that the focus of the offenders was to steal alcohol from within the house. However, a silver-coloured Citizen Quartz Eco-drive watch was stolen during the course of the offence.

‘Anyone offered such a watch for sale or otherwise, should please contact the police.”

He added: ‘The address, subject of the burglary, could be described as a premises in need of significant repair and, to some, may appear unoccupied.

‘Do you know any person who is interested in targeting such a premises? Do you know anyone who would be targeting alcohol, for either misuse or easy sale? Where were they during the time of the offence? Who were they with?’

Police, led by officers from CID, are still pursuing a number of inquiries in this case.

Sergeant Kneen added: ‘I would ask members of the public to come forward with any information that can assist, either to directly to the police, or anonymously via the Crimestoppers number.

‘I would take this opportunity to thank all those that have assisted thus far.’

The attack happened on Wednesday, October 17.

{http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/man-assaulted-in-his-own-home-1-5053259|Our previous report}

The jury in the Douglas East by-election trial are this weekend at home after they began considering their verdict on Friday.

They will return to the court on Monday to resume those considerations.

Kerry Rothwell, aged 25, of Onchan, and Gail Corrin, aged 40, and from Douglas deny dishonestly obtaining proxy votes for TV chef Kevin Woodford in the 2010 by-election.

{http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/election-trial-jury-on-verge-of-retiring-to-mull-verdict-1-5060648|Our most recent report about the case}

St George’s stay top of Canada Life Premier League after 0-3 win at St Mary’s

Friday, October 26

Canada Life Premier League

St John’s 1-2 Laxey

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Saturday, October 27

Canada Life Premier League

Castletown 2-1 Corinthians

Gymns 3-1 Ramsey

Peel 1-1 DHSOB

Rushen 3-2 Union Mills

St Mary’s 0-3 St George’s

JCK Division Two

Ayre 7-1 Braddan

Colby 3-0 Douglas and District

Douglas Royal 4-3 Foxdale

Michael 1-1 Pulrose

Ronaldsway 3-4 Onchan

RYCOB 1-0 Douglas Athletic

Canada Life Combination One

Laxey 8-0 St John’s

Corinthians 10-1 Castletown

Ramsey 1-1 Gymns

DHSOB 3-0 Peel

Union Mills 5-4 Rushen

St George’s 2-1 St Mary’s

JCK Combination Two

Braddan 0-2 Ayre

Douglas and District 2-3 Colby

Foxdale 6-2 Douglas Royal

Pulrose 1-4 Michael

Onchan 2-2 Ronaldsway

Douglas Athletic 1-5 RYCOB

Douglas maintain 100 per cent start to South Lancashire and Cheshire Division Two with 10-point win over Old Firm rivals Vagabonds

South Lancashire and Cheshire Division Two

Ramsey 28-14 Moore

Vagabonds 22-32 Douglas

Shimmin Wilson Manx Shield

Southern Nomads WO Ramsey B Ramsey unable to field a team

Western Viking 50-17 Emerging Nomads

A SPECIAL breakfast is to be held tomorrow (Monday) morning for members of the public to find out how they can help the Royal British Legion raise money with the Poppy Appeal.

It will take place at the Claremont Hotel in Douglas.

The event will be opened by the Hon Steve Rodan SHK, island president of the Royal British Legion and will start at 8am.

The Legion in the island is Manx2.com’s charity of the year.

Manx2.com managing director David Buck said: ‘Current conflict is affecting service people and their families in terrible ways, so it is imperative that the work of the Legion continues to help. The Legion offers aid and assistance to these individuals in so many ways, including medical support, help with rehabilitation, and being there for families in distress.’

Thanks to the Claremont Hotel, breakfast is free in return for donations to the Poppy Appeal.

THE government has launched a visitor mobile ‘app’, which is available to download for free now on iPhone and will eventually be available to Android.

It is targeted at those people travelling to the island for business or leisure, but will also prove valuable for residents looking for something to do in the evening or at the weekend.

The app – an application that allows internet information to be accessed quickly – allows users to discover over 85 ‘things to see and do’ and ‘places to visit’ via a ‘shake for inspiration’ tool that takes advantage of the phone’s GPS function.

The app also contains details of more than 450 properties and users can contact the proprietors directly via the app, while a built-in What’s On search allows visitors and residents alike to keep up to date with all the latest events taking place in the island.

The app, which can be used offline so that visitors to the island will not incur roaming charges by their host network, also features convenient live flight arrival and departure information from Ronaldsway airport and a host of useful travel links.

RAMSEY resident Cal Crutchlow gave himself the perfect early birthday present when he scorched to a stunning podium finish in the AirAsia Australian Grand Prix early on Sunday morning.

The Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Team rider turns 27 today (Monday) and he kicked off the celebrations with a fantastic ride to third position in front of a record crowd of 53,100 fans packed into the spectacular Phillip Island track near Melbourne.

After Dani Pedrosa’s early crash out of the lead on lap two, Crutchlow kept his team-mate Andrea Dovizioso, Alvaro Bautista and Stefan Bradl at bay in an exciting early battle for third place.

Eight laps had been completed when Crutchlow commenced a devastating attack that saw him comfortably streak away from the chasing trio. At the end of lap eight he pulled a 1.050sec advantage over Dovizioso, but just four laps later his red-hot pace had seen him establish a gap of more than 3.5s.

Still feeling below par after being struck down by a nasty bout of bronchitis earlier in the week, but he was able to maintain a fast and consistent pace in sunny but cool conditions to finish a richly deserved third position.

It was Cal’s second rostrum finish of a fantastic second season in MotoGP and he maintains an outside chance of claiming a top-five finish in the overall world championship standings with one round remaining at Valencia in less than a fortnight’s time.

‘I’m really happy with this result because it is a great way to finish this period of three races in a row. After the disappointment of running out of fuel while battling for the podium on the last lap in Japan and then crashing in Sepang, I really needed a positive result here and that’s what I got,’ said Cal.

Considering how ill I’ve felt with the fever and bronchitis, to be back on the podium is fantastic.’

PERMANENT Bank International has appointed Mike Clay as compliance manager.

Mike began his career in the finance sector in 1983 with Barclays and worked in various branch banking roles around Liverpool and Wirral before moving to the company’s Water Street Head Office in Liverpool in the late 1980s.

He then worked in regional office administration and the corporate securities division within Barclays.

He moved to the Isle of Man in 1993 when he was involved in the launch of Barclays’ offshore banking centre.

Mike then joined Barclays International Premier Banking as a client relationship manager looking after sales and servicing for a portfolio of international clients.

His last role with Barclays was within compliance and he worked in regulatory monitoring until he left the company in 2005.

He joined Close Bank (now Kleinwort Benson) as a compliance officer and held this role until 2011.

Prior to joining Permanent Bank International Mike worked on two short term contracts in compliance roles for AIB International Savings and Axa Wealth - both in the Isle of Man.

Mike said: ‘Joining Permanent Bank International is a great opportunity for me to contribute to the ongoing development of the business.

‘My role involves ensuring that the business expands in line with regulatory requirements, while retaining a client focused approach.

‘The business has a very positive outlook and I am looking forward to the future with the team here.’

Carlton Freegard, managing director of Permanent Bank International Ltd, welcomed Mike to the business and said: ‘Mike’s experience and impeccable reputation built up over many years in the finance sector makes him a valuable addition to our already experienced team.

‘His appointment is part of our strategic plan to strengthen and grow the business and I’m sure he will make a significant contribution to the future of Permanent Bank International.’

Permanent Bank International is based on the second floor of Britannia House, Athol Street, and employs 13 staff, many of whom have been with the bank for more than a decade.

www.permanent-bank.com