Thursday, December 6

• Bruno Cavellec’s Man and Land at The Erin Art Centre. Until December 21.

Thursday, December 6

• Thighs, Bums and Tums, Laxey Working Men’s Institute, 9.30am. Also Tuesday. Call 335635.

• Pilates matwork 9.30-10.30 and 10.45-11.45. Belly Fit 17.30-18.30 and 19-20.30 Beginner Vinyasa. Also Friday 9.30-11 Ashtanga Half Primary Series Yoga. 12.30-14.00 Hatha Traditional Yoga; 18.00-19.30 Advanced Vinyasa Yoga. Monday 7-7.45 Kettlebells. 11.00-12.30 Vinyasa Yoga, 13.10-13.50 Kettlebells, 17.00-18.00 Pilates. 18.00-19.30 Vinyasa Yoga. Tuesday 9.30-10.30 Bellyfit. 11.00-12.30 Meditation and Relaxation. Tuesday 17.30-18.30 Pilates. 19.00-20.30. All levels Kundalini Yoga. Wednesday 7.00-7.45 Kettlebells. 13.10-13.50 Kettles. All at The Gym Ramsey.

• Aerobics and body toning, bring your own mat, Philip Christian Centre, Peel, 7pm. Also Monday, Park View Hall, Kirk Michael. Call 455924.

• Yoga, Cooil Methodist Hall, 7.15pm. Call 494489.

• Fencing for all ages. Ashley Hill School, 7.30pm. Also Monday, Andreas Parish Hall, 4.30pm; Tuesday, Arbory Parish Hall, 4pm and Ebenezer Hall, Kirk Michael, 6.30pm; Wednesdays, Scoill Ree Gorree Sports Hall, Ramsey, 5pm. Call 880863.

• Zumba, The Dance Factory, Onchan Park, 7.30pm. Call 425270. Also Tuesday.

Friday, December 7

• Zumba Classes, Friday at, Silvercraigs Hotel, Queens promenade, 9.45am and 10.25am. Creche facility. Zumba Masterclass for beginners, Zumba Gold and Zumba Fitness Classes for ladies and mums and tots. Also Tuesday.

• Walk and talk, Earroo Nane House, 1 Snaefell View, Threshold Estate, Jurby, 10am.

• Manx ABC Boxing, Palace Terrace, Douglas. Juniors, 6pm. Seniors (age 16+), 7pm. Beginners welcome. Also Monday and Wednesday.

• Yoga, Morton Hall, Onchan, 6.30pm. Call 494489.

• Tai chi chuan, Murrays Road School, 7.30pm. Call 612305.

• Indoor bowls, Legion Hall, Port St Mary, 7.30pm. No experience necessary.

Saturday, December 8

• Pregnancy yoga, All Saints Hall, Douglas, 10am. Call 461461.

• Yoga, Laxey Working Men’s Institute, 10.15am. Also Monday.

• Yoga, Arbory Parish Hall, 10.30am. Call 494489.

• St Mary’s AFC mixed under 11s training, Pulrose Football Fields, 10.30am. Call 405859.

• Tae Kwondo beginners, Pinewood Complex, Pulrose, 10.45am. Also 6-7yrs, Wednesdays at 5.30pm and Monday and Wednesday, 8-13yrs at 6pm, all ages at 7.15pm. Text 432152.

• Gymnastics and dance, St Ninian’s School, Douglas, 2pm. Also Wednesday. Call 254499.

Sunday, December 9

• Yoga and Nutrition. Karma Yoga Studio, Douglas. 6-7.30pm.

Monday, December 10

• Ladies’ activity morning, NSC, Douglas, 9.30am. Call 688556.

• Arthritis exercise, NSC, Douglas, 1pm. Call 688588.

• Disability Swimming Sessions, NSC, 3-4pm, £1.55. Also Tuesday, 6-7pm.

• Aquafit, NSC, Douglas, noon. Also Tuesday at noon and Wednesday at 6pm. Call 688556.

• Cardiotone, Laxey Working Men’s Institute, 7pm. Also Thursday. Call 452729.

• Deep Water Aquafit, NSC, Douglas, 7.15pm. Call 688588.

• Women’s self-defence classes, British Legion Hall, Port Erin, 7.30pm.

• Kirk Michael Badminton Club, Park View Hall, Kirk Michael, 8pm. Call 878536.

Tuesday, December 11

• Fit2Go walking sessions, Car Park, Station Road, St John’s, 9am. For ladies looking to improve their fitness. £3.

• Pilates, The Hall at Church on The Rock, Ramsey, 6.15pm. Call 491449.

• Zumba, Fiesta Havana, Douglas, 7pm. Email sjh@manx.net

• Tai Chi Chuan, Lezayre Parish Community Hall, 7pm.

• Body Toning, NSC, Douglas, 7pm. Also Wednesday at 11am. Call 688588.

• Badminton club, Arbory School, Ballabeg, 8pm. Call Liz on 466370.

• Early Morning Boot Camp 6.15am-7am. Also Wednesday and Friday. Evening Boot Camp, 6pm-6.45pm. Tuesday and Thursday, 9am-9.45am, Saturday. Also Kettlebell Classes Wedesday, 6pm-7pm. Saturday, 8am-8.45am. Marown Millennium Hall. Call 465335 or email totalwellbeing@manx.net

Wednesday, December 12

• Gentle yoga, ladies class, Gena’s Dance Academy, Peel, 9.30am. Call 456782.

• Pilates, NSC, Douglas, 12.10pm. Call 688588.

• Pilates class in Colby Methodist Hall, at 10am. Call Lizzy Main on 427401 or visit pilates-isle-of-man.co.uk

• Thompson Travel Netball Club junior training, Braddan School, 6pm. For ages 10-14.

• Valkyrs Hockey Club training, QEII Astro pitch, Peel. Juniors (8+), 6pm; Seniors (13 and up), 7.30pm. Call 801802 or email cathkilley@manx.net

• Lyengar inspired yoga, Wednesday, 6pm till 7.30pm, Brightlife, Andreas. Contact Kel on 452015 or kelandsi@Manx.net

• Bowling club night, Port Erin Bowling Club, Breagle Glen, 6.30pm.

Thursday, December 6

• Gym time active play for pre-school children, Manx Gymnastics Centre, Glencrutchery Road, Douglas, 9.30am. Call 625636. Also Friday and Wednesday.

• Krafty Kids (pre-school age) Philip Christian Centre, Peel, 10am.

• Onchan Pensioners Club, coffee morning, Morton Hall, Onchan, 10am-noon. Also bingo, 7pm. Friday, sequence dancing, 2pm; Monday, bridge, 2pm; bingo 7pm; Tuesday, coffee morning, 10.30am-midday; Wednesday, Onchan Ladies Club, 2pm, whist, 7pm.

• MRA Stretch and Flex at the NSC, Douglas at 10am. Also Indoor Flat Green Bowling from 2pm. Saturday Grand Christmas Luncheon at the Palace Hotel, at 1pm. Tuesday Southern Coffee Morning at the Cherry Orchard Hotel, Port Erin at 10.30am. Also Afternoon Whist at the Cat with No Tail, Douglas at 2pm.

• The Dalby Art Group, St James’ schoolrooms, Dalby, 2pm. Bring your own equipment. Call Cheryl on 843471.

• Freetime, Youth Arts Centre, 2-4pm. Also Friday and Monday-Wednesday.

• This Is My Cup of Tea with Noreen Fishburn for Manx Floral Art Luncheon Club, Wentworth Suite, Mount Murray Hotel, Santon, 11am. Followed by luncheon at 1pm. Call 827265.

• 2nd Onchan Beavers, Scout Headquarters, Onchan, 5pm.

• Manx Fencing Club, Ashley Hill School, Onchan, 4pm. Also seniors at Ballakermeen High School, Douglas, 5pm; Tuesday, Arbory Village Hall, beginners at 4pm and Grade 1+ 5pm; Wednesday, Ramsey Grammar School, juniors at 5pm and seniors at 6pm, also at Ebenezer Hall, Kirk Michael, juniors at 6.30pm and adults at 7.30pm.

• Santon Beavers, Kewaigue School, 5pm. Also Cubs at 6.30pm. Call 623244.

• Good News Club for primary school children, Living Hope Community Church, Bayview Road, Port St Mary, 6pm. Email weirfamily55@hotmail.co.uk

• Onchan Book Group, Onchan Library, 6pm. Call 621228.

• Onchan District Explorers, Scout Headquarters, Onchan, 7.30pm.

Friday, December 7

• Parent and toddler group, Ballasalla Primary School, 1.45pm.

• Castletown Youth Club, school years 4-6, Youth Centre, Arbory Street, Castletown, 6-7.15pm. Also school years 7-9, Friday, 7.30-9.30pm; Wednesday, 6.45-8.45pm; school years 9+, Saturday and Tuesday, 7.30-10pm; soundcheck, Monday, 6-9pm; girls club, school years 9 and upwards, 7-9.30pm.

• Onchan Youth Club, school years 4-6, Onchan Community Centre, 6.30-8pm. Also school years 9+, Kenyon’s Cafe, 7-9.30pm; Tuesday, school years 9+, Kenyon’s Cafe, 7-9pm; Wednesday, school years 7-9, Onchan Community Centre, 7-9pm.

Sunday, December 9

• Task and DFC children’s club, Abbey Church, Ballasalla, 10.45am.

Monday, December 10

• Mannin Art Group, St. Paul’s Hall, Ramsey. 10am -4pm. Christmas Party and Christmas card competition, noon start. Call 814105.

• Daniel’s Den, Methodist Church, Arbory Street, Castletown, 10am. Admission £1. Call 822374.

• Mannin Art Group, St Paul’s Hall, Ramsey, 10am. Email mailbox@manninart.org

• Onchan Ladies’ Choir, Methodist Hall, 1.30pm. Call 673453.

• Peel Craft Club, the family room, Peel Methodist Chapel, 2pm-4pm.

• Sulby Youth Club, school years 4-9, Sulby School, 6-8pm.

• Onchan Rainbows, 5.30pm. Also 1st Onchan Brownies, 6.30pm.

• Onchan Rotary Club, The Max Restaurant, Groudle Road, Onchan, 6.30pm.

• Brownies, Corrin Hall, Peel, 6.30pm.

• Manannan Cubs, Scout Headquarters, Onchan, 7pm.

• Do Drop Inn Drama Club, children aged 10+, St Paul’s Hall, Ramsey, 7pm.

• Sulby WI, St. Stephen’s Church Hall 7.30pm.

Tuesday, December 11

• St John’s Art and Craft Group, Methodist Hall, St John’s, 9.40am. Bring your own art and craft. Call 851364.

• Onchan Pensioners’ Social Club, Morton Hall, 10.30am. Also Thursday.

• Peel City WI, Guild Room, Athol Street, Peel, 10.30am. Call 818194.

• The Tuesday Group, flexible learning room to try your hand at basic crafts, have a chat, coffee and fun, Peel Clothworkers’ School 1.15pm. Pre-school children catered for. Call 614180.

• Computers for Beginners, Onchan Library, 10am-midday. Call 621228 or e-mail onchan.library@onchan.org.im

• Baldrine WI, Methodist Sunday School, Baldrine, 2pm. Call 818194.

• Peel Footlights Youth Theatre for ages 8-16, Philip Christian Centre, Peel, 4pm. Call 843819. Also Thursday.

• Cheerleading, All Saints Church Hall, 4.30pm. Call 254499 or email gengym@manx.net

• 2nd Onchan Beavers, Scout Headquarters, Onchan, 5pm.

• Rotary Club of Rushen and Western Mann meet, Falcons’ Nest Hotel, Port Erin, 7.30pm.

• Michael WI, St Michael’s Hall, Kirk Michael, 7.30pm. Call 818194.

• Michael WI, Kirk Michael Church Hall, 7.30pm Call 818194.

• Mannin Quilters, Ballabeg Methodist Hall, 7.30pm-9pm. Call 628921 or email chairman@manninquilters.org Also Wednesday at St. Columba’s Catholic Church, Port Erin. 1.30-4pm. Call 628921 or 832649.

Wednesday, December 12

• Twins/Multiple Births Club, Philip Christian Centre, Peel, 10am-11.30am. Call 458202.

• Talk on IOM Law Society by Jane O’Rourke at Ramsey Probus Lunch, Ramsey Golf Club 12.30pm. Call 816404.

• Busy Bees parents and tots, Beehive Kindergarten, Onchan, 1.30pm. Also Thursday. Call 674655.

• Laxey Sketch Club 1.30pm - 3.30pm at Laxey Football Clubhouse. Brush up on your art. Call 861125.

• Ballaquayle Bears Toddler Group, Ballaquayle School Hall, 1.45-3pm.

• Sulby Art Club, between 2pm-4pm at St Stephen’s Church Hall, Sulby.

• The Friendship Club for the over 60s. Onchan Baptist Church. Call 674255.

• Homework Club for year 7s, Youth Centre, Arbory Street, Castletown, 4pm. Call 822490.

• Snaefell Cubs, Scout Headquarters, Onchan, 7pm.

• Ballabeg WI, Methodist Sunday School, Ballabeg 7.30pm. Call 818194.

• Castletown WI, Methodist Hall, Arbory Street, Castletown, 7.20pm. Call 818194.

• Christmas party night with Spring Chicks WI, Albany Tennis Club, Douglas, 7.30pm. Call 414902.

Thursday, December 6

• Karaoke, Guys and Dolls, Douglas.

• Soundcheck, Basement, Youth Arts Centre, Kensington Road, Douglas, 6.30pm. Also Saturday and Wednesday.

• Ramsey Folk Club at The George Hotel, Ramsey, 8pm.

• Karaoke with Ray Sloane at The Saddle Inn, Douglas.

• Guitar Lessons at The Meeting Room, Archibald Knox, Onchan, 5-45-6.45pm.

• Alternative Havana, Fiesta Havana, Douglas. Also, Friday. Full On Fridays.

Friday, December 7

• Little Miss Dynamite at The Tynwald, St Johns.

• Ian Thompson at Sam Webb’s, Douglas.

• Karaoke with Mike at The Queens, Douglas.

• Music at the Club at Peel Golf Club from 8pm-11pm.

• Brown Sugar at The Creek Inn, Peel.

• Karaoke, The Albert, Douglas, 9pm.

• Thai Night, authentic food and music, The Railway, Douglas, 6pm. Also Wednesday.

• Manx Music session, Tynwald Inn, St John’s, 8.30pm.

• Irish Traditional Music session, The Mitre, Ramsey, 9pm.

• Slice of Life at Jaks, Douglas.

Saturday, December 8

• Little Miss Dynamite at The Sidings, Castletown.

• Ian Thompson at O’donnells, Douglas.

• Age of Steam at The Swan, Ramsey.

• Brendan at The Queens, Douglas.

• Party Nights with DJ Terry Crook at Port St Mary Pavilion Great Christmas Menus.

• The Shenanigans, Laxey Working Men’s Institute, 8pm.

• The Rayons, busking in aid of St John Ambulance’s Community First Responders, between 4pm and 4.30pm in Regent Street, Douglas.

• Symbollix at Jaks, Douglas.

• Manx Music session, The White House, Peel, 10pm.

• Karaoke with Dobbo at the Decks, Liverpool Arms, Baldrine.

• Karaoke at the Central Hotel, Ramsey.

Sunday, December 9

• One Wo/Man, One Guitar, One Night at The Tynwald, St Johns with Paul Reynolds, Tony and Hiloary with Perree Bane.

• Isle of Man Rock Choir’s Christmas concert The Pavilion Ballroom, in Laxey Glen Gardens from 2pm-3.30pm. Tickets (£5 adults, £3 children).

• DJ Karaoke and Disco at Jaks, Douglas.

• Music Box with David Castro and Stephanie Chatterley at Guys and Dolls, Walpole Avenue.

• Karaoke at the British, Douglas.

• Karaoke, The Crescent, Queen’s Promenade, Douglas, 8pm.

Monday, December 10

• Ramsey Music Society, Presidents Memorial Concert, West Hall, Ramsey Grammar School. 7.30pm.

• The Glenfaba Chorale Carol Service at St Johns Church at 7.30pm.

Tuesday, December 11

• Acoustic Sing-a-Round, The Manor, Willaston.

• Rock Choir, Youth Arts Centre, Kensington Road, Douglas, 6pm.

• The What You Want Acoustic Music Club, The Manor, Willaston, 8.30pm.

Wednesday, December 12

• Danny Lowry as Robbie Williams, Kirk Johnstone as Olly Murs with Only One Direction. Villa Marina. In aid of willowme.

• Winter Wurlitzer Wednesday, Villa Marina Arcade, 1pm, featuring Margaret Cubbon.

• Karaoke at The British, Douglas.

Thursday, December 6

• Theatrix Theatre Company Musical Theatre age 8-12. Also Saturday Babies Irish/mod, 9am. Prep Ballet/Tap, 10am, Babies Ballet/Tap, 11am. Musical Theatre, age 5-8. Monday, Senior Ballet, 4pm, Senior Tap, 5pm, Senor Jazz, 5.45pm Adult Irish, 6.30pm. Tuesday Community Ballet/Tap, 4pm. Beginners Irish, 4.45pm. Junior Irish, 5.30pm. Adult Tap, 6.15pm. Wednesday Grade 2 Ballet/Tap, 4pm. Novice Irish, 5.30pm. Adult Ballet, 6.15pm. 1/08/12

• Quiz Night at The Railway, Douglas from 8.30pm. Call 670773.

• Manx Footpaths Conservation Group, Onchan Park, Car Park, 10.30am. Also Sunday, Crosby Railway Station, 1.30pm.

• Christmas Coffee Morning. 10.30am-noon, Kings Reach Care Home, Alkest Way, Ramsey. Call 353334.

• Isle of Man Farmers’ Market, at Tynwald Mills, St John’s, 11am-3pm.

• The Children’s Centre Parent Support Group, informal chat with family support workers, at Douglas Family Centre, Woodbourne Road, 7-9pm.

• Manx Gaelic class with Cathy Clucas, Arbory Commissioners’ Hall, 7.30pm. Call 838527.

• Bingo Quiz, Manor Hotel, Willaston, 9pm.

Friday, December 7

• Christmas coffee morning, St Mary’s Church Hall, Port St Mary, 10-11.30am. In aid of IOM Anti-Cancer Association.

• Parents and Tots, upper room, Sulby Methodist Church, 10.30am. Call 897364. Also 3.45pm Sparks after school club with themed activities.

• Mums and Tots, Laxey Working Men’s Institute, 10am-noon. Call 479839.

• Tiddlers, parents and tots, Elim Church, Second Avenue, Onchan, 10am. Call 434933.

• Prayers with Bears Tots group, All Saints Church Vestry, Alexandra Drive, Douglas, 10am. Call 483248.

• Parents and tots, Philip Christian Centre, Peel, 10am.

• Storybox, Family Library, Westmoreland Road, Douglas, 10.30am. Also Saturday, Sticky Finger Craft for 6+, 10.30am; Wednesday, Busy Bee Time for pre-schoolers, 1.45pm. Call 673123.

• Coffee and chat, Onchan Methodist Church lounge, opposite commissioners’ office, 10.30am-midday.

• Learn Manx with Adrian Cain, beginners midday-1pm, intermediates 1pm-2pm, Manx Museum, Douglas. Admission free. greinneyder@mhf.org.im Call 838527 or 451098.

• Friday Lunchtime Choir, Salvation Army Citadel, Lord Street, Douglas, 1.15pm.

• Onchan carers and tots, Parish Hall, Onchan, 1.15pm. Call 625328.

• Tiny Tunes, music time for 0-3s, Family Library, Westmoreland Road, Douglas, 1.30pm, £2.50. Call 673123.

• Peel Clothworkers Christmas Fayre, 6pm-8pm.

• Yuletide Market, St Ninian’s Lower School, Bemahague Site, Onchan. 6.30pm-8.30pm.

• Meditation at The Refinery, Duke Street, Douglas, 7pm. Call 467818.

• The Manx Aviation and Military Museum, 10am-4.30pm. Also Saturday and Sunday, 10am-4.30pm. Free admission. Donations welcome.

• Peel and Glenfaba Hospice Committe, Quiz at The British Legion in Peel at 8.30pm.

Saturday, December 8

• Theatre Tours, Gaiety Theatre, Douglas, 10am. Tickets for adults £7.50, children £4, family £20. Call 600555.

• Laxey Woollen Mills, Glen Road Laxey, 10am-5pm. Also open weekdays.

• Green Centre, opposite Iceland, Chester Street Complex, Douglas. Information about recycling, energy, insulation and environmental matters. Zero Waste Mann, Isle of Man Friends of the Earth and Manx Energy Advice Centre. Open from 10am • Coffee and chat, St Mary’s on the Harbour, Castletown, 11am.

• Isle of Man Farmers’ Market, at Northern Lights Community Centre, Ramsey, 10am-1pm.

• A Medieval Christmas, Castle Rushen. Various entertainment. Trains depart Douglas at 11.50am, 12.50pm, 1.50pm and 2.50pm. Return departs Castletown at 1.34pm, 3.34pm and 5.34pm.

• Hospice Light up a Life, 5pm at Hospice.

• Port Erin Christmas Tree Festival 5.30pm-8.30pm. Port Erin Village. Santa Special Train from Douglas at 4.40pm.

• SUMT, All Island Youth Event, 7pm. St. German’s Cathedral. Also Sunday, Mothers’ Union Advent Service. 3pm. St German’s Cathedral, Peel.

Sunday, December 9

• Sunday School, Sulby Methodist Church, 10.30am. Also youth group for school years 7+, 7pm. Call 450104.

• Fishing workshops for beginners, includes both river and sea, bait, spinning and fly fishing, at Adventurous Experiences lecture room, Patrick Road, St John’s, by Kelvin Tastagh, owner of Kelvin’s Tackle, 2pm. Entry £3 donation to RNLI. Call Kelvin on 478224.

• Family Service at Sulby Methodist Church to launch Christmas tree festival. Opening 11am-4.30pm daily, until 15th.

• Christmas Shopping in Ramsey, St. Paul’s Square Charity Market, noon.

• Car Boot, Legion Hall, Janet Corner. 12-4pm. Call Kath on 824759.

• Antiques and Collectables Fair, St. Paul’s Hall, Ramsey, 12.30pm-4pm.

• Castletown Metropolitan Silver Band rehearsals, Queen Street Mission Hall, 7pm.

• Meditation and chat at Pure Inspiration, Studio 1, The Harbour, Ramsey. 7.15pm. Call Gary on 817735.

Monday, December 10

• Kittens tots and carers group, St Ninian’s Church, Douglas, 10.30am. £1 per family. Call 629683.

• Parents and tots, Dhoon Church Hall, 9.30am. Call 426395.

• Noah’s Ark Tots Group, Church on the Rock, behind Ramsey Bus Station, 9.30am. Call 459890.

• Breastfeeding Buddies, The Salvation Army Citadel, Ridgeway Street, Douglas. 10.30am. Call 656030.

• Roll’n’Play for preschoolers, Philip Christian Centre, Peel, 10.30am.

• Parents and tots, St Olave’s Church, Ramsey, 1pm.

• Northern Lights Community Centre, Ramsey, Tots play. 1.30pm-3.30pm. Pilates 6.15pm-7.15pm. Also, Tuesdays, Hatha yoga, 6.30pm-7.45pm. Call Isis on 303836. Wednesdays Tots craft and play. £1.

• Peel Toddler Group, Corrin Hall, Peel, 1.30pm.

• Action Songs and Rhymes, from birth, The Children’s Centre, Woodbourne Road, Douglas, 1.30pm. Also Tuesday, Sulby School, 9.30am; Philip Christian Centre, Peel, 2pm; Wednesday, Auldyn School Community Room, 9.15am and 10.30am.

• Michael Miniatures’ parents and tots, Ebenezer Hall, Kirk Michael, 2pm. £1.50 per family. Call 491592.

• Vannin Bridge, Onchan Pensioners Hall, 2pm. Also Thursday.

• Onchan Silver Band practice, The Band Room, off Main Road, Onchan, beginners, 6.30pm and seniors, 7.30pm.

• Disney’s Alice in Wonderland, Youth Arts Centre, Kensington Road, Douglas. 7pm. £5 adults and £3.00 concessions. Call 437339.

Tuesday, December 11

• Manx Cancer Help drop-in day, Lisa Lowe Centre, The Old Schoolhouse, Cronkbourne, 11am-4pm.

• Parents and tots group, Cronk-y-Berry School side entrance, 9.30am. Admission £1, Call 469756. Also Thursday, 1.30pm.

• Toddle Inn, mums and tots group, Port St Mary Baptist Church, 9.30am. Also Wednesday, Living Hope Community Church, Lancashire House, Santon, 9.30am. Call 835091.

• Laxey mums and tots, Laxey Pavilion, 1pm. Call 438408.

• Manx Gaelic conversational class with Adrian Cain, The Rovers, Douglas, 1pm. Also Manx Gaelic class with Brian Stowell at Isle of Man College, Douglas, 7pm. Call 623821.

• Foxdale mums and tots, community hall, Foxdale School, 2pm. Call 420234.

• Abbey Acorns, ages 4+ at the Abbey Church, Ballasalla, 3.30pm.

• Peel Footlights Youth Theatre, children aged eight-16, Philip Christian Centre, Peel, 4pm. Also Thursday. Call 843819.

• Regal Singers in Concert + Buffet supper/Christmas tree Festival. Port Erin Methodist Church 7.30pm.

• The Castletown & Malew Branch of IOM Anti-Cancer Association will be holding its Annual General Meeting in the Boardroom at the Town Hall in Castletown, at 7.30pm. All welcome.

• The Isle of Man amateur radio society annual general meeting for 2012 . 8pm. Tromode Sea Cadet Hall, Tromode Road.

Wednesday, December 12

• Parents and tots, Salvation Army Citadel, Lord Street, Douglas, 9.30am. Call 627742.

• Mini Club for parents or carers and their babies, toddlers and pre-school children at Anagh Coar School, 9.30am or Braddan Church Hall, 2pm. Call 675091.

• Ballabeg Busy Bugs for under fives, Arbory Parish Hall, Ballabeg, 10am. Call 429676 or email BusyBugs2009@manx.net

• Mums and tots, Marown Hall, Peel Road, Crosby, 10.15am. £1.50 per family.

• Carers and tots, St James’ Schoolrooms, Dalby, 10.30am-midday. Call 843471 or cherylcousins@manx.net

• Computer Training Sessions for everyone. Leonard Cheshire Disability, Main Rd, Onchan, 11am-3pm. Call 679030.

• Busy Bees parents and tots, Beehive Kindergarten, Onchan, 1.30pm. Also Thursday. Call 674655.

• Parent and toddler group, Castletown Youth Centre, Arbory Street, Castletown, 2pm.

• Bereavement support group, friendly get together for anybody feeling isolated or lonely after a bereavement, however or whenever it occurred, tea, coffee and a chat, Scholl Centre, Hospice Isle of Man, 5pm-7pm. Call 647443, 668192 or 647449.

• Samba percussion workshop, no experience necessary, Onchan Silver Bandroom, off Onchan Commissioners car park, 7pm. Cost £3, email: sambamann@manx.net

• Manx Gaelic class with James O’Meara, St John’s House, 7.30pm. Call 843436.

• Bingo Quiz, Archibald Knox, Onchan, 9pm.

Pasty and Thad give the low-down from another legendary Castletown social night

THEY ONLY SING WHEN THEY’RE WINNING

Back in 2007, Professor Trevor Cox of Salford University ran a series of scientific tests to determine the most horrendous sound ever, which he deduced to be vomiting.

Last weekend over the course of a Saturday evening in Douglas, Pasty and Thad conducted a slightly less scientific series of tests, which deduced that a close contender would have been the Castletown Hockey Club karaoke night (although thanks to the...erm...’commitment’ of guest judges Cassie Quirk and Dani Kelly, we almost had grounds for a direct comparison).

Castletown karaoke nights have become synonymous with bribery, debauchery and the vocal massacre of timeless dancefloor fillers, and I can confirm that last weekend’s event, brilliantly organised by social king and queen Anthony and Lisa Cooke, did not disappoint in any of these categories.

Debauchery was mainly provided by blog hero David ‘Shirley Bassey’ Quayle’s attempts to recreate Hey Big Spender, which had an ironic effect on the night as, during his perfectly-scripted ‘wardrobe malfunction’ (including tassels), most of the audience promptly became big spenders at the bar...

Highlights were too numerous to mention, but credit must also go to Cammags’ well-outfitted and marvellous rendition of the YMCA, along with Mike Taylor’s stunning (!) vocals of a Top Gun classic. Real showstoppers, however, were the victors of the night, the Saracens team clad in tartan and stetsons belting out country classics all night. Barry Powell and Kyle Caine’s brokeback mountain version of Stand By Your Man left not a dry eye in the house!

Pictured above is the victorious Saracens team (along with Pasty who sang for most of the Castletown teams instead). This photo is purely for posterity as since they’ve won it for the past three years it remains to be seen if they will be invited next year!

A DISCIPLINARY OFFENCE TO REPORT

It’s alright, it’s not Thad again. Just this once.

It’s a well-known fact that if there’s a bandwagon about we’ll be hanging off the front of it, using our top journalistic credentials to attempt to shoehorn something entirely irrelevant into a blog about Manx Hockey. If anyone should doubt such a thing, we refer you to last year’s blog which spelt out the similarities between Vikings A and the Costa Concordia.

However, a matter of international importance has come to our attention and we, together with the whole of Manx Hockey, whose signatures we have just forged on a document, now call on our county disciplinary officer, Jon Whiting, to do something about it. Sure, he may get hung for treason or something, but I’m sure after a difficult period for all of us, someone else would step into the role of county disciplinary officer so it would be okay.

To the matter at hand, we all saw over the weekend that Kate Middleton is having a baby. Great news. But fewer of us will have seen footage of Kate Middleton on Friday opening a new hockey pitch at her old school and demonstrating some solid hockey ability on the new Astroturf pitch (in high heels, but she’s the future queen so she can do what she wants). Always on the lookout for additional women’s players, it’s understood she’s still yet to acknowledge receipt of Thad’s player registration form for Castletown.

Anyway, the big problem is that Kate was quite clearly playing hockey while pregnant and we’re pretty sure there’s a rule buried somewhere about not doing that. So we call on Mr Whiting to complete a Disciplinary Report Form and ensure that this doesn’t happen again and she is banned from the sport, high heels or no high heels, for a significant period of time.

Obviously, this might have a detrimental effect on any plans Jon had to be knighted, but if it makes him feel better, we’ll refer to him as Lord Whiting in these pages forevermore.

Since we know that these pages tend to do the rounds at his office, if we could encourage all of his colleagues to refer to him as Lord Whiting from this point forward, we’d be most grateful.

COTTIER HOUSEHOLD UPDATES

It’s been a bad week in the Cottier household. Steve Cottier, along with many others amongst you, has been doing the level two coaching course at the NSC over the past few weekends and, as part of his follow-up work, now has to make Pasty into a decent hockey player.

Pasty was last heard in the Whitestone muttering something about his international experience and how he had nothing left to learn. However, we shall follow closely Steve’s attempts to make Pasty a top-notch hockey player over future weeks.

His coaching started rather unsuccessfully this week as the Saracens training session was iced-off. This did, however, save Steve from the difficult but inevitable moment when he was going to need to pass the ball to another player in order to coach them. There’s all kinds of hurdles to overcome...

Even more difficult times for wife Steph, as there was an awkward and somewhat urgent substitution part way through Saturday’s match against Valkyrs C when Steph suffered from what is best described as a wardrobe malfunction during the match when, errr, some strapping failed. Fortunately, no-one noticed at the time and at least no-one wrote about it on the website of the national paper.

CHANGING FACES

What started out life as the Vikings Vole and became the Valkyrs Vol-Au-Vent has once again morphed into something new. It announced its new identity as the Ramsey Ramekin to Pasty over Facebook during the week.

‘The sad square loser of a vol au vent has left us and abandoned ship. I am the new kid on the block (blog), I am liking the lookalikes in the blog. I do believe I have a very close likeness to a lasagne dish that was once in an episode of Friends. Keep up the good work, may see you sometime when I am keeping a soufflé warm. RR’

Pasty’s cooking knowledge extends to having once not burned toast in 1994 (under the supervision of his mum) but, after having looked up what a Ramekin is, we confirm that the Ramsey Ramekin does indeed bare a close likeness to a lasagne dish. Just a bit smaller.

It’s an improvement over our previous communication with the Ramekin-Au-Vent, where we accused him/her of being Phoenix which, frankly, he/she took rather badly. We still have absolutely no idea who it is.

BRATT ATTACK

I’ve tried; there are officially no interesting facts about Ramekins. Interestingly, Google (other search engines are probably available...I think) reckons I mean Americans. There are no interesting facts about Americans.

CHRISTMAS IS COMING, THE BLOG IS GETTING FAT

Cast your minds back to last Christmas if you can, and if you remember we gave you a special present of a water-based pun team. Can’t really remember why but let’s not d’well’ on it.

Well next week we’ve got another cracker for you to unwrap, as we’ll be racking our brains to come up with a Christmas-based team. If there’s anyone who may have a slightly Christmassy name who you can nominate for our pun team please let us know at pastyandthad@manx.net - there’s another sleepless week for Chris(tmas) Hyde? You get the idea...

PREDICTIONS

Last week, Sam Spooner had a special game-plan for his predictions; he was going to back the clubs he has promised to play for in the past three seasons. This naturally backfired and we sent his first effort back to him advising not every team could win. To be fair to him, he went back and, after much headscratching, came back with a full set of predictions and got a total of six points from the 10 games. This unfortunately wasn’t good enough for a blog mega-prize, being three points behind both Thad and Pasty for the week, the latter calling two perfect results.

This week we’re back up north again for the latest member of the green machine to put his neck on the line, with the man apparently responsible for all of Top’s skills, Ben Curtis, to take the plunge. He’s got a lot to answer for...good luck!

Have a good ‘un!

Pasty and Thad

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BEN’S PREDICTIONS

Wi-Manx Mixed Division Two

Harlequins B 1 v 3 Bacchas D

Wi-Manx Mixed Cup

Celts 2 v 2 Ramsey (Celts on flicks)

Vikings A 1 v 6 Bacchas A

Wi-Manx Mixed Plate

Ramsey Ravens 2 v 2 Vikings C (Vikings on flicks)

Valkyrs C 3 v 2 Harlequins A

Wi-Manx Under-16s

Bacchas 4 v 2 Castletown

Harlequins 0 v 5 Ramsey Rogues

Valkyrs 2 v 4 Ramsey Rascals

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PASTY’S PREDICTIONS

Wi-Manx Mixed Division Two

Harlequins B 1 v 2 Bacchas D

Wi-Manx Mixed Cup

Celts 2 v 1 Ramsey

Vikings A 1 v 3 Bacchas A

Wi-Manx Mixed Plate

Ramsey Ravens 3 v 1 Vikings C

Valkyrs C 4 v 2 Harlequins A

Wi-Manx Under-16s

Bacchas 4 v 2 Castletown

Harlequins 1 v 3 Ramsey Rogues

Valkyrs 2 v 3 Ramsey Rascals

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THAD’S PREDICTIONS

Wi-Manx Mixed Division Two

Harlequins B 2 v 3 Bacchas D

Wi-Manx Mixed Cup

Celts 3 v 1 Ramsey

Vikings A 2 v 5 Bacchas A

Wi-Manx Mixed Plate

Ramsey Ravens 5 v 1 Vikings C

Valkyrs C 3 v 2 Harlequins A

Wi-Manx Under-16s

Bacchas 4 v 3 Castletown

Harlequins 0 v 3 Ramsey Rogues

Valkyrs 4 v 2 Ramsey Rascals

ISLE of Man Athletics Association are looking for talented youngsters from school years five, six, seven and eight to represent the island at two sportshall athletics competitions in January and February.

The first event will see athletes from years five and six travel to Sport City, Manchester on January 20 to compete at the North-West Inter-County Fun in Athletics Festival.

This will be the third consecutive year a Manx team has competed in this competition, where athletes take part in events such as soft javelin, speed bounce and obstacle relays. It is a team event with the emphasis placed on team work, sportsmanship and most of all fun.

The second competition will be the first time the Isle of Man has sent a team of under-13s to the inter-county championships, which this year takes place at Robin Park, Wigan on February 16.

This older age group will see more individual races on the track, while field-wise there will be indoor high jump and the shot put - events not featured in the u11s version of this event.

Any children interested in trying out for these teams should get along to their local athletics club training sessions. For club details, contact athletics development officer trevor.christian@gov.im or call 688576.

This Saturday, December 8, Northern AC will host an indoor pentathlon at Ramsey Grammar School sports hall from 2pm. This event costs £2 and is a great introduction to sportshall athletics. Entries will be taken on the day, so please turn up in good time to register.

ST GEORGE’S winger Chris Bass Jr has been named as the Canada Life Player of the Month for November.

The midfield maestro has been back at his scintillating best for Geordies in recent weeks, helping the Grand Slam winners claim victory in each of their three Canada Life Premier League games during the month.

Bass Jr bagged a brace during his side’s second-half demolition of St John’s and then went one better by netting a hat-trick in the Saints’ 9-0 win over Castletown, as well as playing a starring role against Peel a week later.

His performances have caught the eye of Eric Clague’s esteemed ratings panel and he has been given a total of 8.5 points for the month.

Just half a point behind Bass Jr is St Mary’s winger Brian Crellin who impressed for the Bowl outfit, netting four times in November including a hat-trick during the Saints 10-0 hammering of Gymns.

It proved to be an excellent month for ‘Saints’ players as remarkably three more from St George’s and another one from St Mary’s complete the top six positions in the monthly ratings.

Claiming joint third with seven points apiece are Geordies duo Ciaran McNulty and Johnny Myers. McNulty helped himself to a hat-trick in the aforementioned 10-1 over St John’s while tram-mate Myers was in typically sublime form at the back for the Glencrutchery Road side, also netting twice during the month including a thunderbolt free-kick against former club Peel.

Myers’ excellent performances throughout the season so far means he is now leading the overall playing rankings with 25.5 points ahead of Laxey’s Mark Wolfenden on 23.

Another of his club-mates, Frank Jones, has been in fine form in recent weeks and claimed joint fifth place with St Mary’s defender Karl Clark.

Midfielder Jones has been one of the creative focal points of Geordies’ free-scoring run of late and also scored twice, while Clark has continued to go from strength to strength since his summer switch from Castletown.

One of the standout performances of November came from Marown goalkeeper Mark Kinley who was in superb form for the bottom-of-the-side as they very nearly claimed a point against high-flying St Mary’s before eventually going down 2-1. His displays earned him six points.

Completing the top of the monthly rankings are Paul Rowley (Laxey), Lee Gale (Peel), Martin King (DHSOB) and Steven Priestnal (St Mary’s).

Gale proved to be something of a supersub for Peel in November as he twice came off the bench to score against Corinthians and Laxey, as well as grabbing the westerners’ only goal at Geordies.

As a result, the winger has been named as the Canada Life Young Player of the Month for November.

Player ratings for November: 1, Chris Bass Jr (St George’s) 8.5 points; 2, Brian Crellin (St Mary’s) 8; 3=, Ciaran McNulty and Johnny Myers (both St George’s) 7; 5=, Karl Clark (St Mary’s) and Frank Jones (St George’s) 6.5; 7, Mark Kinley (Marown) 6; 8, Paul Rowley (Laxey) 5.5; 9=, Lee Gale (Peel), Martin King (DHSOB) and Steven Priestnal (St Mary’s) 5.

Overall player ratings: 1, Johnny Myers (St George’s) 25.5 points; 2, Mark Wolfenden (Laxey) 23; 3=, Brian Crellin (St Mary’s) and Nick Hurt (St John’s) 22; 5, Neil Brogan (Laxey) 21.5; 6, Ashley Webster (Laxey) 21; 7, Marc Kelly (Peel) 20; 8=, Frank Jones (St George’s) and Dominic McGreevy (St Mary’s) 19.5; 10=, Adam Cregeen (Rushen) and Steven Priestnal (St Mary’s) 19; 12, Chris Bass Jr (St George’s) 18.5; 13, Callum Stewart (DHSOB) 17; 14, Chris Cannell (Corinthians) 16.5; 15=, Andy Glover (St John’s) and Ciaran McNulty (St George’s) 16; 17=, Michael Baker (Rushen) and Louis Thornton (Corinthians) 15.5; 19=, Karl Clark (St Mary’s) and Damyan Petkov (St John’s) 15.

THE Isle of Man’s national football team has received a bye in the preliminary round of the FA Inter-League Cup, meaning the Men will not play a competitive game in the next 10 months.

Along with Jersey and Guernsey, the Isle of Man men’s team will automatically go into the draw for the first round proper as a result of reaching the final of the 2011-12 competition where they suffered an extra-time defeat to Jersey.

Having won the competition, the latter will now represent England in the UEFA Regions Cup in San Marino next March, while former winners Guernsey will also go straight into the last-32 of the Inter-League Cup.

With the uncertainty surrounding the Quadrangular Trophy currently ongoing and both the men’s and women’s teams not travelling to Bermuda for the 2013 NatWest Island Games, it means the Reds will probably not play a competitive fixture until next September.

However, new island men’s coach Steve Burns is set to name his first training squad in January and is hopeful of arranging some friendlies before the start of the 2013-14 season.

THE Lady Taverners’ playground in Onchan Park is to close for repairs.

In the next few months Onchan Commissioners staff and contractors will carry out their annual programme of repairs and maintenance at all of their children’s playparks.

At the Onchan Park playground much of the play equipment is no longer economical to maintain so some of the items may be removed.

The commissioners will be appointing a designer to draw up plans for the make-over of the playground and the installation of new equipment.

Lead member for properties and amenities Rob Callister, said: ‘Our existing playparks will remain open at School Road, Lakeside, Ballachurry and Birch Hill but we think it will be safer to close the Lady Taverners’ Playground because of the amount of work that will be going on there.

‘The young people of Onchan can look forward to an exciting new play area for 2013.’

A Pearl Ball raised more than £27,000 for Hospice.

It was was held at the Villa Marina, Douglas, and sponsored by Coutts

Lieutenant Governor Adam Wood was among the 220 guests.

Chief executive for Hospice, Margaret Simpson added her thanks to John Morphet for his generosity prior and during the event and Charles Alexander Jewellers for their support of Hospice.

She said: ‘It is truly gratifying and stunning to make £27,000 profit from one event but this would not have been possible without the support of Coutts and everyone involved in making Hospice’s Pearl Ball an event to truly remember.

The ball launched a year of celebrations for Hospice Isle of Man in 2013, commemorating 30 years of palliative care on the island.

Guests enjoyed an early Christmas turkey dinner, provided by Brian Keenan and his team from the Empress Hotel.

The charity was set up in the Isle of Man in 1983. It now looks after more than 350 patients and their families every year. The children’s unit, Rebecca House, currently looks after 24 children.

Every year Hospice needs to raise more than £3.5 million to continue its excellent level of service and continue to provide a wide range of care.

It is particularly fitting that Coutts and its founders were involved with this event.

From as early as the 19th Century, philanthropist Angela Burdett-Coutts (granddaughter of Thomas Coutts) was one of the first to support cancer research. She had a significant impact on society through her philanthropy. Indeed she supported and funded many projects for local hospitals, children’s education, housing for the poor and the protection of animals.

In addition, Hospice thanked Kevin Ford, the compere for the evening, and Georgia Maddocks for her endition of Somewhere over the Rainbow accompanied by the Kelly Sweetman String Quartet.

Hospice also thanked Shelby Sandyford-Sykes, Harvey Gough’s family, Balloonatics, Andrew Barton, Marco Leonetti at Utopia, Ron Berry, Monsoon and Laxey Blacksmith, the Villa Marina team, Douglas Corporation and A3 Marquees.

During the evening, ‘surprise’ guests appeared and burst into song with performances from the west end as well as classical opera.

This element of surprise was brought to the Villa by a group called Incognito.

David Batey, director for Coutts in the Isle of Man, said: ‘Following my recent visit to the Hospice I saw at first hand the tremendous work that goes on.

‘Coutts are proud to be associated with this charity that offers such an important facility for the island.’

ISLAND schoolchildren have been ‘showing racism the red card’ for the third year running with the help of two former professional footballers.

Former Newcastle United defender Olivier Bernard and ex-Cardiff City winger Christian Roberts were in the island promoting the Show Racism the Red Card initiative; a charity that produces anti-racist educational resources and harnesses the power of high profile professional footballers to help combat racism.

The Show Racism the Red Card team visited pupils at Peel Clothworkers and Kewaigue Primary and held a special session at the Bowl for children from the island’s other schools, organised by the IoMFA.

Christian and Olivier played fun football games with the pupils before providing them with an introduction to the subject of racism and its origins, causes and practical ways to combat it. The children were also given the opportunity to ask any questions they had on the topic of racism.

Christian said: ‘We have been given such a warm welcome to the island on our previous visits, and this year has been no exception. We are so pleased with the children’s enthusiasm for this project; it really is inspiring to see how much they care about these important issues even at such a young age.’

‘Our team is also very appreciative of the ongoing support of Barclays in making our trips to the island possible. They have been a fantastic help in sponsoring and helping to arrange our visits over the past few years.’

Barclays Wealth and Investment Management supported the visit.

Simon Scott, Barclays’ managing director in the Isle of Man, said: ‘We are committed to promoting diversity and seek to work in partnership with charitable organisations to help others in our community. The Show Racism the Red Card initiative provided the opportunity to do both of these things.’

SAMANTHA Barks is pictured taking to the red carpet ahead of the movie premiere of Les Miserables in London on Wednesday evening.

The Manx singer and actress, who reprises her Eponine stage role in Sir Cameron Mackintosh’s film production, wore a Stella McCartney dress for the occasion.

The screening took place at the Empire in Leicester Square.

But anyone wishing to know what the critics thought of the movie, which runs to 2hrs 40mins, will have to wait. Universal have placed an embargo on any reviews appearing before Tuesday (December 11).

Sam, 22, grew up in Lonan and first rose to fame when she came third in the BBC’s I’d Do Anything, Sir Andrew Lloyd-Webber’s search to find a face to play the role of Nancy in his West End production of Oliver!

A series of high-profile musical theatre roles led her to Les Miserables, where she played the tragic Eponine to critical acclaim.

Marown finally get off the mark in Canada Life Premier League

Saturday, December 8

Canada Life Premier League

Corinthians 1-2 DHSOB

Gymns P-P St John’s

Laxey 5-1 Union Mills

Marown 2-1 Castletown

Ramsey P-P Peel

St George’s 5-1 Rushen United

JCK Division Two

Ayre United 3-4 Michael United

Braddan 6-1 Ronaldsway

Douglas Athletic 3-1 Onchan

Douglas Royal 1-1 RYCOB

Foxdale 3-3 Colby

Pulrose United 3-2 Malew

Canada Life Combination One

Castletown 0-9 Marown

DHSOB 2-2 Corinthians

Peel 4-0 Ramsey

Rushen United 2-1 St George’s

St John’s P-P Gymns

Union Mills P-P Laxey

JCK Combination Two

Colby 8-2 Foxdale

Malew P-P Pulrose United

Michael United P-P Ayre United

Onchan 0-4 Douglas Athletic

Ronaldsway 1-6 Braddan

RYCOB 4-0 Douglas Royal

Douglas lose second game of the season in South Lancashire and Cheshire Division Two, but wins for Ramsey and Vagabonds

Saturday’s Fixtures

South Lancashire and Cheshire Division Two

Ramsey 23-20 Oldershaw

Vagabonds 30-26 Dukinfield

Oswestry 20-12 Douglas

RFU Women’s NC North 1

Southport 0-27 Vagabonds

Shimmin Wilson Manx Shield all ko @ 2.15pm

Western Vikings 19-18 Ramsey B

Douglas B 51-7 Emerging Nomads

Castletown P-P Vagabonds B

Manx National Heritage has received a rare and unusual piece of artwork.

The oil painting depicts Mrs Elizabeth Karran, the wife of Captain John Karran, a member of the Castletown family which owned the famous Karran Fleet.

Karran vessels traded all over the world at the end of the 19th century, and it was understood that the portrait was painted in Japan, from a photograph carried on one of the vessels during a trading voyage.

A signature, ‘J Kasagi’, gave a clue to the identity of the artist – and MNH curators, working with a Japanese colleague, were able to confirm that this was in fact Jirokichi Kasagi, who was painting in the port of Yokohama at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th century.

Many Japanese records relating to the Kasagi family were destroyed in allied bombing during the Second World War, and the artist’s grandson is now trying to gather as much information as he can about his grandfather.

He was delighted to be contacted by MNH and was able to confirm the attribution.

Hidefumi Kasagi, aged 65, wrote in an email: ‘I have never visited the Isle of Man, but the name is very impressive for me because I worked at the Honda Motor Company for 40 years.

‘Although I am not an Occultist, I feel very strange that your email was received on the day our family decided to have a special memorial ceremony for our ancestor, and today we will go to the temple for this ceremony.’

Kasagi’s work is now highly regarded – and collected in Europe.

Matthew Richardson, MNH curator of social history, said: ‘One of the great delights of working in a museum is that you never know what will turn up next, and it can be a fascinating process of detective work to piece together the wonderful stories which lie behind historic artefacts.

‘Here we have a piece of artwork which illustrates the trading routes that existed between the Isle of Man and the Far East during the age of sail.

‘It is often forgotten that before the Second World War, there were quite close links between Japan and the West, indeed Japan was an ally of Great Britain during the First World War.’

It is hoped that after some conservation work, the portrait will be on show in the National Art Gallery at the Manx Museum.

THE Duke of Edinburgh’s Award in the Isle of Man has topped regional statistics for the number of participants per head of population.

Figures for April 2011 to March 2012 for the North West, just published by the Award in its annual review, show that 2.47 per cent of the 14 to 25 year olds living locally were taking part – higher than anywhere else in the region.

The Department of Education and Children is licensed to offer the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award in the Isle of Man.

Young people complete activities under the headings of volunteering, skills, physical, expedition and residential, explained Alison Gawne, of the Youth Service, who co-ordinates it.

At any one time, there are more than 800 young people in the island working towards bronze, silver and gold Awards through all six secondary schools, six voluntary youth organisations, two youth centres and one outdoor activity provider.

Participants take part in regular activities and commit themselves to a minimum timescale of between three and 18 months depending on which Award they are taking part in – and learn a lot about themselves along the way.

The North West statistics also show that the island is fifth out of 23 centres when it comes to young people completing the award.

In the Isle of Man nearly 60 per cent of those who start DofE finish their award, which is 20 per cent higher than the national average.

This may be down to the island being a close community where unit leaders meet regularly with participants and the award co-ordinator can easily communicate with all those involved.

In the year in question, nearly 200 young people gained an award, which is the highest number to date.

Announcing the launch of the award in 1956, Buckingham Palace said it wanted to encourage the young citizens of tomorrow by helping them to ‘achieve a balanced development of their character’.

The Duke of Edinburgh remains a patron of the award, introduced in the island three years after its inception.

To find out more about DofE in the Isle of Man, contact Alison on 686051 or visit {http://gov.im/education/info/doea.xml|gov.im/education/info/doea.xml}.

The winter season has commenced at Manx National Heritage (MNH) – which means now is the time to undertake essential improvement works around the island.

MNH recently welcomed a group of volunteers from Isle of Man Bank to The Grove in Ramsey.

The team gave the ticket office and shop building a new lease of life by redecorating the exterior and also renewed a nearby fence.

Dating back to the mid 19th century, The Grove, now known as the Museum of Victorian Life, presents a series of period rooms of original furnishings, fittings and precious possessions belonging to three generations of the Gibb family.

Shaun Murphy of MNH co-ordinated the work. He said: ‘The appearance of the outbuilding and the fencing was looking tired.

‘We are very grateful for the work carried out by IoM Bank, which has made a vast improvement to the entrance and the welcome to visitors at The Grove.

‘The team managed to get through a considerable amount of work and in the process they have really transformed this area.’

John Lindon, head of community investment for Isle of Man Bank, said: ‘We are committed to supporting the communities in which we live and work and volunteering is a way to develop new skills and team work across our divisions.

‘Our products and marketing team were delighted to support the excellent ongoing work of MNH with a “Community Day” at The Grove.’

MNH regularly works with companies looking to provide an ‘away day’ which provides excellent team building opportunities while providing support for its work across the island’s countryside, heritage sites and ancient monuments.

Find out more at {http://www.manxnationalheritage.im.manxnationalheritage.im}.

Police in Ramsey are asking people who live in the Ballure Road, Stanley Mount and Walpole Drive to check their vehicles, sheds or outbuildings.

Officers have discovered items of property that they believe was removed from such locations last night.

Anyone who finds that items are missing should not disturb anything and contact Ramsey police station on 812234 so a forensics search can be conducted/

ZOE Gillings opened her 2012-2013 World Cup season up with fifth place at Montafon, Austria on Saturday, beating off stiff competition from Olympic gold medallist Maelle Ricker (Canada) and world No.3 Alexander Jekova (Bulgaria).

The Manx woman qualified fourth out of a field of more than 35 athletes, automatically placing her into the heats.

She went comfortably into the first heat, finishing second, ensuring progression to the semi-finals. A good start from Zoe saw her again take second place but a small mistake midway through the course opened the door for the third-placed boarder to pass her on the third berm, eventually relegating the Ronague woman to third place and into the small final.

Zoe immediately took charge in her final race, passing World No.4 Jekova before winning the heat and securing an overall fifth place World Cup finish.

Commenting afterwards, she said: ‘I made a silly mistake in the semi-final, which meant I could only race for positions five to eight, which I was really disappointed with. But overall, qualifying in fourth and finishing fifth in the first World Cup gives me a lot of confidence at the start of the season.’

‘I would like to say a huge thank you to British Ski and Snowboard Federation and UK Sport without whom I simply wouldn’t be in this position.’

Round two is at Telluride, Colorado this Saturday.