‘There are two means of refuge from the miseries of life: music and cats,’ observed the German philosopher and theologian Albert Schweitzer.

The revelation that one of the world’s greatest thinkers was so enamoured by our feline friends will be music to the ears of the world’s army of cat lovers who need no convincing that these quirky animals are the purr-fect pet.

And to celebrate the eccentricities and charms of humankind’s most disdainful but delectable domestic companion is Cats’ Miscellany, an extraordinary box of delights covering everything feline from practical advice and top tips to popular fallacies and cat myths.

Lesley O’Mara’s cuddly compendium is a treat for cat lovers everywhere, dishing up the most delightful cat facts – like just how far a cat will go to stay with its owner, which famous historical figures were owned by their cats and a rundown of some of the most legendary cats.

Arranged as a true miscellany, this definitive book on cats can be read from start to finish or dipped into as the reader pleases, celebrating every age of the humble human’s subservience to feline domestic domination.

From explorations of cat behaviour and tips on how to photograph your cat to cats’ incredible journeys and cats in high office, there are scores of stories about cats and occasional glimpses of the famous people they owned.

Did you know that while Marilyn Monroe and Charles Dickens loved cats, Julius Caesar, Napoleon Bonaparte and Adolf Hitler all disliked or despised them?

Sir Winston Churchill was a well-known cat lover; in later life he owned a tabby called Jack who attended many wartime Cabinet meetings and was reported to have been lying on the bed at his master’s side when the great statesman died in January 1965.

The nursing pioneer Florence Nightingale owned more than 60 cats during her lifetime and named all of them after famous names of her day, including Disraeli, Gladstone and Bismarck, a large Persian.

In early Christianity, a cat seen on a grave signified that the buried person’s soul was under the Devil’s control and legend has it that the Manx breed lost its tail when the door closed on it as it was boarding Noah’s Ark.

It is also believed that cats can forecast the weather. So expect high winds when your cat claws at the carpet or curtains, rain when it washes its ears and cold weather when it sleeps with all four paws tucked under its body.

The heaviest recorded cat was Himmy from Australia who weighed in at a staggering 45lb 10oz and amongst the most fecund was a Burmese with the eccentric name of Tarawood Antigone who produced 19 kittens in 1970, the largest litter in history. In fact, left to their own devices, one female cat and her offspring can produce 420,000 kittens in just seven years.

Illustrated throughout with beautiful black and white illustrations and written with all the love and adoring admiration of a true cat lover, Cats’ Miscellany is proof that, as French musical phenomenon Colette once noted, ‘there are no ordinary cats.’

(Michael O’Mara Books, hardback, £9.99)

GOVERNMENT’S information systems division (ISD) came under close scrutiny amid concern over the high level of payments for staff from one company – Intelligence Limited.

Payments from the ISD – which provides information/communication technology across government – have totalled £8m over the last five years – which equates to £6,000 per day.

Tynwald’s Public Account Committee called Allan Paterson, who retired as director of ISD after 10 years in the role, in for questioning.

It came after an internal audit by the division, which is part of the Department of Economic Development, revealed the scale of the spending. The audit also showed about seven Intelligence staff worked at the ISD on a daily basis.

Asked by the committee’s chairman, Alfred Cannan (Michael MHK) to justify the £8m figure, Mr Paterson said: ‘I think it is a business as normal process where there is a finite headcount.’

He said that at the last count before he retired of the number of projects, there were 53.

And he described the contract as ‘value for money’.

Mr Cannan said it would ‘surely be cheaper’ to hire the workers directly instead of using Intelligence.

Mr Paterson countered that using Intelligence ensured there was a continuity in service of workers with a high level of competency, saying that in the past staff had been recruited by ISD and trained, and then left.

‘There’s a tendency for people to move on,’ he said.

He said he hadn’t met regularly with the minister responsible for the ISD when it was under Treasury and even less so from April 2010, under DED.

Mr Paterson said the company’s role was to provide a mix of strategic governance to departments, a mix of programme and project management, and business analysis services.

He explained Intelligence were brought in due to a cap on head count imposed on the division: ‘They are there to fill a gap because we do not have adequate headcount to meet the demand from the business units for business change.

‘Their value is the experience, the high level of competence, a strong user relationship and a good understanding of business change and programme management. The other value is they fill gaps if someone goes off ill for an extended period, so you get continuity of service.’

Mr Paterson said there was no need for such a service before 2003 because much of the work was carried out at departmental level:

‘What was becoming clear was at that level it was impossible to drive the joined up agenda required.’

Intelligence were chosen following a competitive tendering process, which drew four applications from companies that could provide the service.

‘I think it was probably the lowest,’ he said.

Mr Paterson was also questioned by public accounts committee members Dudley Butt MLC, Brenda Cannell MHK and Leonard Singer MHK.

Police are appealing for information following a hit and run collision that occurred on Main Road, Kirk Michael at about 5pm on Monday.

A dark red Citroen C4 car had its driver’s door wing mirror damaged while it was parked and unattended outside the shops on the Main Road. It would appear that a vehicle travelling in the direction of Peel hit the wing mirror.

Police would ask anyone who may have witnessed the collision to come forward.

If you have information call Peel police on 842208, or the anonymous Crimestoppers Line on 0800 555 111.

EMERGENCY roadworks are being carried out on the outskirts of Peel.

A section of the main Douglas to Peel road is now subject to a 30mph speed limit from the existing 30 mph speed limit at Queen Elizabeth II High School to a point 200 metres past Peel Cemetery entrance to enable the work to be carried out.

This speed limit was put in place at 6am today and will last until 6pm on Thursday, or until the emergency road works are completed, whichever is the earlier.

Chief Minister Allan Bell made a statement to Tynwald today about the government’s decision to sign a new tax deal with the United Kingdom.

As {http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/business/isle-of-man-will-adopt-tax-information-sharing-agreements-with-the-uk-1-5207270|we reported last week} the new deal is ground-breaking.

Mr Bell’s statement:

In October, Government announced our intention to negotiate a partnership agreement with the United States of America to implement its Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act, or FATCA.

Last Friday I announced that the Isle of Man would be adopting information sharing arrangements with the United Kingdom, which will closely follow those currently being negotiated with the United States of America.

Today I wish to outline the strategic basis for that decision.

The island’s direct tax regime has faced external pressure for change, in terms of transparency, for over a decade. The nature, extent and focus of pressure has ebbed and flowed throughout that period, but has never left us.

Awareness of this has informed the Government’s policy-making and actions over that period. We have long sought to position the island so as to avoid damaging political and economic attitudes being held against it. This approach, for instance, led us to work successfully to feature on the OECD’s first ‘white list’ in 2009.

Government has also has sought to foster an awareness of an island characterised by its pragmatic and co-operative approach to international relations, committed to the implementation of international standards in an effective and professional manner.

Whilst some would argue that the Island has gained little from this, the counterargument is simple: a failure to meet the standards of the best regulated jurisdictions in the world, and help to shape that framework, would damage the island’s economic prospects in the medium to long term.

Honourable Members, the U.S. FATCA is a game changer in relation to transparency and the automatic exchange of information agenda. It will be used as the lever and model by many countries for equivalent information to be provided to them.

Such is its reach and effect, FATCA may even overtake the proposed changes in the EU Savings Directive. This Government considers, therefore, that automatic exchange of tax information in something like the volume and form required by the USA under FATCA will become part of the international standard.

It is clear that the next two years will see massive changes in the way in which nations co-operate in the field of international taxation issues.

Bluntly, we have a choice: we can either participate in the shaping of that change and, in the process, help to minimise its less welcome impacts in the short term, or we can sit back and let others effectively shape our future.

As Chief Minister, I cannot accept the lack of leadership that this second option represents.

Because we have reached this view, key strategic decisions as to how and where to position the Isle of Man in response to the evolution in global standards need to be taken now.

Those decisions must take into account the needs of our private sector as far as is possible, although we must base decisions of this magnitude on the interests of all those who work and live in the Island, as well as those with whom we have important relations.

However, in terms of the business community whether based here or overseas, it seems to me that we can put those needs into two categories: the actual ability to do business here and use the Island as a base for international operations on the one hand and the cost of doing business here on the other.

Adhering to international standards and norms creates a sort of passport, or right of way, into global markets for all sections of our highly diversified economy.

There is a brand associated with the Isle of Man as a country which both protects and fosters business. That brand will be damaged if we try to swim against the tide of international changes and sentiment and run the risk of forever being labelled as a tax haven, with the prospects of new blacklists and missed opportunities.

Government does all that it can to maintain our reputation as a co-operative and competitive jurisdiction, and I am proud that during my tenure as Treasury, Economic Development and Chief Minister this reputation has been the bedrock of our economy, and has helped to deliver continuous economic growth and diversification.

I accept that the cost of doing business, and in particular what might be called the compliance burden, is a different but very important kind of pressure on our economy, and Government also does all that it can to keep this cost to a minimum. I will return to this theme shortly.

First, I want to give Honourable Members a little more information about FATCA and the intergovernmental agreements – or IGAs - associated with it.

FATCA assists in the prevention of tax evasion and financial crime by creating a co-operative environment within which information on many forms of investment owned by non-residents is shared with the investor’s country of residence.

In its basic form, financial institutions would need to have a direct relationship with the US authorities which could be particularly burdensome. The development of a model IGA was first announced by the USA and five initial partners, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK and was driven by the concerns of business about the heavy compliance load which would be put on them in the absence of these international framework agreements with the USA.

The key concerns apply as much in the Isle of Man as they do in the UK and elsewhere, and this is what led our Government to decide that an IGA was the best approach for the Island.

Under FATCA, financial institutions could be put in an impossible position. If they provide customer information directly to the US authorities, they could well end up breaching data protection laws. To solve that problem, financial institutions under an IGA will provide information to their local tax authority, and the information will then be shared with the USA under a pre-existing information-exchange agreement.

Second, FATCA requires financial institutions to close the accounts of customers who refuse to provide information. This could cause another big problem, again putting these institutions at risk of breaking local law, their contractual obligations to their customers, or both. The IGA takes away this problem.

Third, Madam President, the IGA also simplifies the tests used to identify customers, and places more reliance on anti–money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) rules; rules which we have consistently met or exceeded to make an important contribution to the fight against international crime and terrorism.

Finally, the IGA allows certain business types and financial products effectively to be carved out of the FATCA requirements completely, and so streamlines the whole process.

The work which financial institutions need to do under FATCA actually starts next year in 2013, although information reporting does not start until September 2015. The reporting of information in 2015 is partial, and the range of information required under FATCA expands in 2016 and reaches its full extent in 2017.

I know well that business needs certainty to operate successfully, and in relation to FATCA, our negotiation of an IGA with the USA gives business precisely that: a great deal of certainty, combined with the benefits which I outlined just now.

An additional benefit for our multinational companies is that we will be providing exactly the same platform in the Isle of Man that they will need to run in the UK and their other major countries of operation. This helps them reduce compliance costs and increases the attractiveness and credibility of the Isle of Man as one of the world’s leading international business centres.

Madam President, this Court must consider how we wish to position the island for the future.

On the tax front, I believe the Isle of Man must be viewed by the international community as a highly competitive jurisdiction, with a good tax treaty network, but with tax and regulatory regimes which meet international standards and are not harmful to other countries’ economic or fiscal interests. Achieving this position will build further confidence in the stability of our investment environment and our credibility as a trading partner.

As such we will continue to be an accepted, respected and significant part of the international political and economic community, despite our relative size.

Last week’s announcement of a new relationship of co-operation with the UK demonstrates this Government’s strategic approach and its consideration of all of the factors which I have just outlined. It represents a carefully considered balance of all those factors which, taken together, represent the public interest.

The decision did not please everyone and I acknowledge that; but it was in the island’s best interests. Government will do all that it can to reduce the additional burden which will come from this new relationship and maximise the reputational and credibility dividend which flows from it.

I intend to negotiate more than just an IGA with the UK, and will provide Honourable Members with more information when the negotiations reach their conclusion. I trust that it will be accepted that I cannot go into great detail today, but I will outline some themes.

FATCA became part of US law in 2010, and so businesses around the world have been preparing for its implementation for quite some time, especially after draft regulations were published in February of this year. My announcement about the new relationship with the UK should be followed by a period of preparation and planning, and so I intend to build extra time into the final arrangements with the UK.

I also want to modernise our double taxation agreement with the UK, which dates back to 1955: particularly so that we have an explicit understanding between our two countries on how to determine where a person or business is resident for tax purposes.

Finally, and although I am sure that we have no more reason to worry about tax evasion here in the island than the UK does in relation to its own jurisdiction, I want to explore whether we can put in place some form of mechanism which will encourage people to regularise their tax affairs when they may have neglected them in the past.

There will now follow a period of intense negotiation in relation to the detailed implementation of that statement of intent and I will ensure that I keep Tynwald and very importantly, our business community regularly updated on the progress and detailed outcome of those negotiations over the forthcoming weeks and months.

I believe the future for the Isle of Man is clear: we must continue to be a highly-regarded international business centre by leading jurisdictions, institutions and investors.

In the New Year Government will publicly engage with Tynwald, the public and leaders in our community to set out this economic vision and the policy choices we must make to support it.

This is part of Government’s clear programme of engagement to help us steer the island through what is, undoubtedly, a difficult period but which is also capable of producing new and sustainable opportunities in the medium to long term. This will include our plans to assist our business community with the compliance issues arising from last week’s announcement

Through this programme you will hear:

Of our plans for the development of the island as an Enterprise Zone

Of the plans to utilise the Economic Development Fund (some £17m set aside for the development of new and existing business)

Of our determination to review all barriers to economic growth and consult on removing them. This should mean we create a Work Permit system that welcomes medium and large businesses but respects the need to provide opportunity for local residents

That we are applying additional resource to support professional services and e-business in driving and managing new business projects from first contact to launch.

You will hear of our plans for re- structuring our package of support under its Financial Assistance Scheme aimed specifically at Financial Services businesses wishing to relocate to the Island.

You will learn of our determination to continue and expand Government’s support for all export focused businesses in the economy.

And you will hear how our fully integrated promotional campaign embraces all sectors under a single banner of “The Isle of Man. Where You can”

I want the whole of the Isle of Man to be seen as an Enterprise Zone. I think the Department of Economic Development’s initiative of “Isle of Man. Where you can” captures the positive attitude we must maintain if we are to continue to have the economic and social prosperity we have been fortunate to enjoy over the last 30 years.

I believe our economy must be one where there is:

a sustainable and vibrant Financial Services industry, free from the risk of exclusion from core markets abroad. Again FATCA and UK automatic exchange are vital building blocks in securing this objective.

proactive expansion and growth of our wider economy where we build, make, design and support local business trading globally.

education and infrastructure which supports the diversity of our economy.

rejuvenation of our traditional industries to embrace our heritage while recognising the changing world, whether that be through innovation in motorsports, refocusing our tourism industry to activity led pursuits or specialist agricultural products.

We are bold enough to innovate, take risks and incubate new sectors which are the envy of our competitors.

Our commitment to fatca is both a challenge and an opportunity.

But given our achievements over the last 25 years, I am convinced we can succeed again.

Honourable members, we can build, even in these difficult times, a sustainable economy, embracing new ideas and reaching new goals. But key to that success is the ability to recognise change, respond to it appropriately and adapt in a way that enables us to thrive in this new environment.

I believe our response to the move to greater transparency will enable us to deliver that future.

More coverage in Thursday’s Manx Independent

BUS Vannin has purchased 30 new buses at a cost of £4.42 million over the past three years.

And there have been teething problems with six of the vehicles, MHKs were told in a written reply to a House of Keys question.

Bus Vannin has come under much criticism over possible moves to buy bendy-buses for use on school routes.

Peter Karran (Lib Van, Onchan) asked Community Culture and Leisure Minister Graham Cregeen how much had been spent on new buses in each of the last three years - and whether he was satisfied with their quality and performance.

Mr Cregeen replied that £1,879,214.40 had been spent in 2012/13, £1,196,176.71 the previous year and £1,345,567 in 2010/11.

A spokesman for the DCCL confirmed that the department has purchased 24 Mercedes Citaro buses and six Wright StreetLite low-floor midi-buses over that three year period.

But he said: ‘Contracts with manufacturers contain confidentiality clauses and we are not allowed to give details of the individual cost of contracts.’

In his written reply, Mr Cregeen described the quality and performance of the silver Mercedes delivered in 2011 and 2012 as ‘excellent’.

But he said the quality and performance of the six Wright StreetLites delivered in 2010 had been ‘satisfactory’ and there has been ‘teething troubles with this new design of vehicle’.

He said this had been addressed by the manufacturer and their performance had improved to the same level as other Wright’s buses in the fleet delivered previously.

No other bus types have been brought in these three years, he added.

SIXTH form students from Castle Rushen High School are urging their MHKs not to break their manifesto pledges by supporting the introduction of university tuition fees.

Year 12 and 13 students (ages 16 to 18) have been busy collecting signatures on a petition opposed to the change and lobbying their MHKs.

Heather Allen, aged 17, who lives in a commissioners’ house in Castletown, hopes to study maths at Oxford.

She said she cried when she heard the Department of Education and Children’s proposals: ‘I thought that’s it, I just won’t be able to go. I come from somewhere where we can barely afford to pay the accommodation.

‘I sat down with my dad yesterday and he started talking about me finding a job on the island instead of going to university.

Heather added: ‘None of my family have been to university, and not meaning to sound cocky, I’m smart and I think I deserve to go.’

James Georgeson, aged 17, of Port St Mary, hopes to study history and politics at Bangor.

‘I feel let down,’ he said. ‘I voted for MHKs who promised not to introduce tuition fees.’

He said: ‘We are fighting for all generations after us. If we don’t stand up now there is going to be a backlash.’

James said that they would continue to campaign if Tynwald voted in favour of the proposals.

Erin Jackson, aged 16, of Port St Mary, said a fairer system of means-testing was needed than the system being proposed.

‘If families have a high income and can afford to pay then they should pay. But if they have a low income then they should have help.’

Mairead Merritt, aged 17, of Port Erin, wants to study nursing.

She said if the changes were introduced, it would be students like her who would be ‘paying the price’ for the department acting ‘irresponsibly’ in the past by having such a relaxed system over university tuition fees, with regard to the minimum qualifications needed.

And she said money had been wasted in education in other areas too, for example, by introducing iPads into schools.

Bronte Wright, aged 16, of Port St Mary, said it was ‘a bad decision that hasn’t been considered fully’.

She said Manx students were in a worse position than those in the UK because they were not eligible to apply for a range of UK and EU scholarships and bursaries.

Thomas Bott, aged 18, of Ballasalla, has applied to study natural sciences at Cambridge.

He said the current system did need changing, but that it should feature a much lower interest rate as part of the student loan.

Pupils from all the island’s secondary schools have been collecting signatures on petitions against the proposal for fees {http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/sixth-formers-stage-protest-at-tuition-fees-1-5189930|as we reported here}.

THE pinnacle of the isle of Man’s tourist industry was honoured at the seventh annual tourism awards held at the Claremont Hotel in Douglas.

The Department of Economic Development’s member for tourism Geoff Corkish said tourism had an important role to play in in encouraging a successful and diverse economy. To that end, he said 100,000 copies of the island’s visitor guide were being printed.

‘We have confirmed 16 cruise ships visiting next year and that compares favourably with Belfast and Liverpool, and the free visitor mobile “app” featuring things to do and places to visit has had more than 1,500 downloads to date,’ he said.

In the past year there was a 4.2 per cent increase in visitor numbers, visitor spending rose by 8.1 per cent to £98m and he said 6,190 people, representing 15 per cent of the economically active population were employed in the toursim industry.

Adjudicators for this year’s tourism awards were Douglas mayor Councillor David Ashford, Chamber of Commerce chairman Mike Hennessy and Ian Moncrief-Scot, the Isle of Man STEP co-ordinator.

Presenting the first batch of awards, Mr Moncrief-Scott said it had been an honour and a privilege to be a judge: ‘Thank you for this valuable and fulfilling experience,’ he said.

Winner of the award for best customer service was Billy Stowell of the Nautical Museum, who was described has having real passion for his job.

The Ascot Hotel, which was described as ‘outstanding’, scooped the award for the best hotel accommodation. Best guest house accommodation went to the Monaville guest house run for 25 years by Billy and Eileen Stewart. Their guest house was described by customers and a ‘home from home’.

Laxey Harbour Chalets were the best self catering accommodation.

The chalets at the side of the picturesque Laxey harbour have been nominated five times and this was the third win for owners Brian and Barbara Quirk.

‘Every year we try to provide what our guests want and really we want to say thank you to them,’ Mr Quirk said.

Celebrating their 10th year in business the Tapas Restaurante in Port Jack had extra cause for jubilation after winning the nomination for best eating out experience.

‘This is a wonderful gift, thank you,’ said Jill Segovia who collected the award with partner Manolo.

John Bate, warden of Laxey commissioners’ Quarry Road campsite collected the award for best campsite for the third time out of five nominations.

Former police inspector Andy Turner collected the award for the best attraction for his Isle of Man trike tours business. Castletown was named as the best town or village and the event of the yea was named as the Isle of Man walking festival.

‘One of my more pleasurable jobs is celebrating the tourism industry in the island,’ Mr Corkish said.

DAWN Webb, a partner in Moore Stephens Chartered Accountants, has been announced as winner of the Corporate Business Woman of the Year in the Forward Ladies North West and Isle of Man’s Women in Business Awards.

‘Congratulations to Dawn. Her contribution is already recognised by her colleagues locally and it’s great to see she is now being recognised nationally,’ said Clive Dixon, senior partner in Moore Stephens Isle of Man. ‘She’s a great role model and I am proud that she is part of our team.’

The Forward Ladies Awards, recognising achievements of professional business women in the North West and the Isle of Man was held on November 26 at Manchester’s Midland Hotel and was attended by over 200 industry experts from the North West.

‘I’m absolutely delighted. It was both a surprise and an honour to have even been shortlisted but to win is fantastic,’ said Dawn.

‘I would like to thank my team at Moore Stephens as I couldn’t have achieved this without them.’

This award finishes off an extremely successful year for Dawn who was also shortlisted for Business Person of the Year in the Isle of Man Newspapers Awards For Excellence.

Dawn’s dedication and professionalism resulted in her being invited to become a partner in Moore Stephens Isle of Man, an independent member firm of Moore Stephens International Limited.

Since then, Dawn has conceived and launched the firm’s initiative targeting smaller and locally owned businesses under the brand name Moore Stephens ‘Business Sense.’

Police are investigating an incident of criminal damage to a boat moored in Douglas inner harbour near to the Douglas Hotel.

The boat was entered between Friday and Monday and equipment damaged onboard.

Police are appealing for any witnesses who may have seen suspicious activity around that area between those times or who knows who boarded the boat to contact the police on 631212 or alternatively Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Police reminded boat owners to make sure all items of value onboard are safely secured or removed when not in use.

SCORES of students protested outside Tynwald against the proposed introduction of tuition fees.

The island’s polticians had been due to vote on the proposal at this month’s sitting {http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/education/vote-on-tuition-fees-delayed-1-5204761|but that has been put back a month.}

The Council of Ministers is understood to have been worried it would lose the vote.

The {http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/manx-students-might-have-to-pay-tuition-fees-1-5163909|proposal} would mean that most undergraduates would have to pay a minimum of £2,500 a year towards their higher education.

English students have to pay a maximum of £9,000.

More on this story in tomorrow’s Manx Independent.

{http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/education/keep-your-promises-students-tell-mhks-1-5214647|Castle Rushen students tell us why they believe they shouldn’t pay tuition fees}

{http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/education/faqs-about-the-tuition-fees-proposal-1-5193831|FAQs about the proposal}

Christmas is coming and Santa has more than a few surprises up his very wide sleeves this year... including a sackful of sparkling books.

From those early years of discovery to the more discerning teenage readers, there is a winter wonderland of reading out there just waiting to be wrapped and delivered. Here is a selection of some of the best Christmas crackers.

2 plus:

When It Snows by Richard Collingridge

Get in the festive mood with this beautiful story of one small boy’s magical snowy adventure. When everything grinds to a halt because of the snow, a little boy and his teddy bear refuse to allow the weather to spoil their fun. They embark on an amazing journey in which they ride a polar bear and meet huge snowmen, an ice queen, elves, a giant reindeer and Father Christmas. And at the very end of the story, there’s a clever twist... he has simply become immersed in the magical scenes of his favourite book! A winter wonderland of atmospheric pictures, blazing fires and the spirit of Christmas, and an inspiring story about the imaginative power of books.

(David Fickling Books, hardback, £10.99)

Snow Bunny’s Christmas Wish by Rebecca Harry

Endearing illustrations, a warm, cosy story and silver foiled illustrations make this a truly sparkling gift. One snowy Christmas Eve, a small bunny goes in search of Santa to ask him to make her Christmas wish come true. She packs everything she might need for the journey, leaves her warm burrow and sets out through the snow. On the way she meets other animals, all in need of a little help, which she gladly offers – and by offering makes her own wish come true! All’s well that ends well in this heart-melting story. Baby animals and Christmas cheer abound, and all depicted through Rebecca Harry’s appealing, broad stroke pictures, including foil on every page for that extra special something.

(Nosy Crow, hardback, £12.99)

Big Book of Nursery Rhymes by Kali Stileman

Old and well-loved nursery rhymes are brought to life with stunning illustrations in this light and bright nursery book which will capture the hearts of toddlers. Kali Stileman brings the action rhymes, songs and lullabies to life with her characteristically quirky illustrations. These traditional staples of early childhood are an essential part of developing a love of words and books, and this is a fun, fresh way of introducing them. The stunning anthology is a wonderful way to share nursery rhymes with babies and toddlers, and the luxury, padded cover makes it an extra special gift.

(Doubleday, hardback, £9.99)

Tamara Small and the Monsters’ Ball by Giles Paley-Phillips and Gabriele Antonini

Monsters don’t have to be scary, particularly if you are a toddler who is easily spooked! This clever and colourful picture book, full of reason and rhyme, will help little ones get their fears into perspective as well as delivering a monster feast of fun. On a windy night Tamara lies awake in bed when she hears a noise outside her room. Suddenly she is whisked away by a hairy arm and taken to the village hall. Luckily it’s just the neighbourhood monsters inviting her to their ball and after a night of dancing, she is sent back home with a lovely slice of slime cake! With big, bold pictures, a truly delightful rhyming text and a message that is the perfect remedy for night time fears, this book has all the makings of a bedtime classic.

(Maverick Arts Publishing, paperback, £6.99)

3 plus:

Playbook Farm by Corina Fletcher and Britta Teckentrup

Keep the children entertained this Christmas with an ingenious pop-up book and play mat that combines a fun game with an entertaining story. This is the perfect novelty package for all pre-school children. Bright, vibrant and sturdy, the fold-out mat and figures provide hours of play before being stored safely away in their own carry case. Created by a paper engineer, the robust package comprises a pop-up story book which unfolds and transforms into a 3D farmyard landscape, with cardboard animals and vehicles to use on the farm. The simple story is full of animal noises and actions, perfect for sharing as a book as well as awakening imaginations. Easily portable, this is just the job for journeys and play dates.

(Nosy Crow, boardbook, £14.99)

Grandma Bendy by Izy Penguin

Children are never too young to learn the difference between right and wrong. A case in point in Grandma Bendy; she might once have been ‘bent’ but she’s going straight now. Grandma Bendy is incredibly bendy and used her skills to burgle houses until the long arm of the law locked her up in a bendy-proof prison. Now she uses her bendiness to help other people and has found that making other people happy makes her happy too! Morality tales don’t come better than in this funny and creative picture book which features brilliant illustrations and an engaging story.

(Maverick Arts Publishing, paperback, £6.99)

Albert the Pug and the Haunted Castle by Garry Cook

Albert, the pugnacious pug who can’t seem to keep out of trouble, is back for another madcap adventure! When our doggedly brave hero is disturbed by a strange sound while on holiday in Scotland, he decides to make a search and find out what’s going on. But he will have to overcome his fears and imagination first if he is going to solve the mystery. Lancashire journalist Garry Cook’s quirky, rhyming stories with their large, colourful hand-painted illustrations and positive themes are aimed at children who are developing their reading skills. An ideal book for bedtime.

(Createspace, paperback, £8.75)

Friends in the Snow by Daniel Postgate and Sam Childs

The mind is a canvas on which to paint your dreams and that’s just what one little girl does is this colourful and clever picture book that lets young imaginations take flight. When Lucy’s dad paints her bedroom wall white, Lucy knows that it isn’t JUST white – it’s a white monster, standing in the white snow and the monster wants an adventure! An endearing tale about the magic of invention and the importance of friendship is brought to life with superbly evocative illustrations. As the cold winter nights approach, what better book could there be to cuddle up with on the sofa, and share with mum and dad?

(Scholastic, paperback, £6.99)

Age 4 plus:

Lost in the Woods by Claire Harrison and Elinor Geller

Who can resist these two adorable dogs and their exciting adventures? Peggylicious, a beautiful black cocker spaniel, and Archie, a Tibetan terrier, are the creation of author Claire Harrison and illustrator Elinor Geller and the story of their mission to help a group of children who are lost in the woods certainly has the ‘aaah’ factor! In their excitement at the end of term, the children run off on an adventure without telling their parent s where they are going. Fortunately, Peggylicious and Archie bring the three children back home safe and sound. With its rhyming text, charismatic canines, heart-warming message and big, bold illustrations, this endearing story has real child-appeal.

(Vision Marketing, paperback, £5.99)

Age 6 plus:

The Great Race by Nathan Kumar Scott and Jagdish Chitara

A fabulously exotic mix of cultures makes this an extra special Christmas gift. The Great Race is an exciting retelling of an Indonesian folktale, featuring the popular trickster Kanchil, a mouse deer. Illustrated using the exquisite Mata Ni Pachedi style of ritual textile painting from Gujarat, this is the first time that this rare form of traditional art has been used to illustrate a children’s book. ‘I’m the fastest animal in the forest!’ boasts Kanchil, ‘and I challenge any animal to race me!’ Who will step forward to accept this challenge? Vivid illustrations give a wonderful eastern flavour to a fascinating folk story.

(Tara Books, hardback, £10.99)

Genie in Trouble by Ciaran Murtagh

There’s fun and laughter all the way with Ciaran Murtagh’s adventure-loving schoolboy and his ingenious genie. When Jamie’s genie friend Balthazar pops up in the middle of a really tricky spelling test at school, Jamie knows there’s an adventure in store. Bad genies have taken over Lampville and Balthazar wants Jamie to leave his classroom immediately and help. Evil wishes, undercover missions and death-defying magic carpet races face Jamie in his most dangerous challenge yet. Still, it’s got to beat a spelling test! Jamie’s hilarious escapades are ideal for young boys who are reluctant readers and need plenty of laughs to keep the pages turning.

(Piccadilly, paperback, £5.99)

Christmas Carols Sticker Book by Jane Chisholm and Marie-Eve Tremblay

For children who love sticker books, here’s one that’s a real cut above! As well as the fun of matching the stickers with the pictures, youngsters can explore the wonderful world of art with fantastic paintings from the National Gallery in London. Featuring 11 of the most popular carols and their musical accompaniment, this amazingly different book is illustrated with Christmas and Nativity scenes from famous paintings from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance to Victorian Christmas cards and posters. Children can have fun matching stickers of the paintings to their labelled frames, as well as learning interesting facts about painting. There’s an art to buying the perfect Christmas present and this is it!

(Usborne, paperback, £6.99)

Age 7 plus:

Where’s The Meerkat? Journey Through Time by Paul Moran and Jen Wainwright

The meerkats are making it a real family get-together this Christmas with a book that offers pages of fun for every age group. Find the adorable meerkat family as they go on a voyage through the ages, from the Ancient Greeks to King Henry’s court through the Battle of Waterloo to a 1920s New York ballroom. Spot them as they feast at a Tudor banquet, swash and buckle aboard Blackbeard’s ship, spend a day in the Forbidden City and much, much more. And make sure to watch out for their arch-nemesis, the crafty hawk, and their annoying next door neighbour, the greedy squirrel! Combining meerkat madness with the challenge of a search book and the added thrill of time travel, this entertaining book is an ideal gift.

(Michael O’Mara Books, hardback, £9.99)

Excuses Excuses by Anushka Ravishankar and Gabrielle Manglou

Poetry in motion... from India! Every child breaks the rules sometimes so it’s always useful to have a few good excuses up your sleeve, and here we have some of the most outrageous. Late again! What is it now? Chased by a lion? Kicked by a cow? Meet Neel, who has noble intentions but finds that they all have a funny habit of going wrong! Excuses, Excuses captures the gleeful childhood dilemma of knowing the importance of rules but delighting in breaking them. A deliciously wild and absurd feast of fun from Anushka Ravishankar, India’s best-loved children’s poet, and Gabrielle Manglou, a zany artist from Réunion Island.

(Tara Books, hardback, £10.99)

Age 8 plus:

Horrible Histories Annual 2013 by Terry Deary and Martin Brown

To mark the 20th awesome and awful anniversary of Horrible Histories, here’s a book full of madcap moments and foul facts from days gone by. A new year is on the horizon and there’s plenty of new nasty bits to be enjoyed! Packed with foul facts, gory games, dreadful jokes and putrid puzzles, plus content from Horrible Histories TV, this is every child’s chance to pep up 2013 with jokes, grot and grime from history’s yuckiest moments. A must-have for all Horrible Histories fans, it’s the annual with rat-itude and guaranteed to make you go wow, aargh and yuk!

(Scholastic, hardback, £7.99)

Age 9 plus:

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and the Race Against Time by Frank Cottrell Boyce

It’s almost 50 years since James Bond author Ian Fleming wrote Chitty Chitty Bang Bang as a bedtime story for his son Caspar and now the little car is flying again thanks to the storytelling talents of scriptwriter Frank Cottrell Boyce. This is his second official sequel and it’s as fast, funny and exciting as you would expect from adventures featuring this fantastic flying car. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is stuck in reverse. Baby Harry’s pressed a button that means she’s reversing through time – with the Tooting family aboard. When they finally come to a stop, it’s at the feet of a very hungry-looking T-rex. How will the Tootings get out of there before they become T-rex takeaway? Fast-paced, entertaining and laced with wry humour, Chitty’s 21st century adventures are just brilliant for a new generation of readers.

(Macmillan, hardback, £10.99)

Age 10 plus:

Guest review: Forget Me Never by Gina Blaxill reviewed by Lancashire reader Hui-Ling Phillips aged 16

An intriguing book set over one summer, drawing together a crime close to home and heart with sympathy for the everyday troubles of the modern teenager. This story draws you into the minds of two teenagers caught up in a dangerous situation with only each other for reassurance.

Sophie, whose cousin Dani has just died, refuses to believe what the authorities have deduced. Suicide in her opinion was not the reason. She and her best friend Reece fight to find out the truth, while fighting to simply stay friends.

This book takes you on a journey from arranging their own undercover work to trying to stay friends throughout all of their hardships which tests their loyalty to instinct or logic. Can Sophie learn to trust before she loses her best friend for good?

Forget Me Never will open your eyes to a world you may have dared not think about. Blaxill has created amazingly complex and believable situations and characters in Forget Me Never that you will never forget.

(Macmillan, paperback, £6.99)

North Child by Edith Pattou

How about something completely different this Christmas ... a timeless, beautiful story that has the power to transport children into another world? North Child is the unforgettable unfolding of one girl’s love and destiny, a modern-day classic and a spellbinding story based on the Norwegian fairytale, East of the Sun and West of the Moon. Rose is a North Child, destined to travel far from home and meet a lonely, icy death. Unaware of her fate, she makes a bargain with a mysterious bear and is carried away to a distant castle. When Rose’s actions unleash a terrible curse, she must embark on an epic journey to save the stranger who stole her heart. This luxury, padded hardback edition with its ribbon marker is a gift to treasure and hand down to future generations.

(Usborne, hardback, £12.99)

The Truth about Christmas by Philip Ardagh

So why DO we have sprouts with our Christmas dinner, whose idea was it to kiss under the mistletoe and what on earth has a Yule log to do with the festive season? The truth about Christmas and its often weird traditions are unravelled in this brilliant little book from Philip Ardagh, a man who just can’t stop finding fascinating facts! Here he sets his sights on the cryptic side of Christmas as he reveals who decided to celebrate Jesus’ birthday on December 25, the real Saint Nicholas, the purpose of all that holly and ivy, when the first Christmas card was sent, why we have a fairy at the top of the tree and plenty of other candle-burning questions. A must-have gift for inquisitive children.

(Macmillan, hardback, £7.99)

Silenced by Simon Packham

A 15-year-old grief-stricken schoolboy’s mental conversation with his dead best friend seems a harrowing subject for a young adult novel but Silenced, the story of Chris who is struck dumb when his comedy ‘partner’ Declan dies in a car crash, is one of this year’s best teen reads. Darkly funny, compellingly real, remarkably wise and beautifully written, this is the kind of book that leaves adults convinced that youth fiction is wasted when it’s read only by the young. Using an eclectic and instantly recognisable cast of characters, and a powerful and original narrative voice, Packham deals with highly sensitive and emotive themes with extraordinary warmth, understanding and humour.

(Piccadilly, paperback, £6.99)

AN extraordinary match, a sensational comeback, this has to be the best match I’ve seen so far this season in Manx football’s second tier.

Hosts Ayre United had raced into a 3-1 half-time lead before a Lazarus-style comeback from Michael saw the JCK Division Two leaders fire in three goals and clinch a 3-4 victory in what has to go down as one of United’s greatest games.

It was a good day all round for the Aces with the chasing pack all dropping points meaning the westerners move five points clear at the top.

Manager Barney Kelly has his side focussed on that number one spot.

A minute’s silence was observed before kick-off in memory of Lawrence Gell, a former Michael Utd player who was tragically killed last week.

Once referee Mark Thomas blew his whistle, the calm was broken by two fired-up sides.

It was the visitors who opened their account first.

Andrew Berry’s long throw was launched into a congested penalty area before flicking off a tangerine shirt and finding its way into the hosts’ goal.

Snapping away at the visitors, Ayre rallied to the cause, equalising in the 24th minute.

Stephen Parrish’s free-kick was met by Jason Craine at the far post, the former Silver Boot winner heading home a poacher’s goal into the top-left corner of the Michael goal.

The hosts started to turn the screw, as the first half drew to a close - Ayre firing in two goals within three minutes to give themselves a 3-1 lead and what should have been a platform to victory.

Michael goalkeeper Will Mitchell’s missed a testing ball which rebounded off a Michael shirt. Phil Quayle picked up the pieces to make it 2-1.

Seconds before half-time, a through-ball was received by Craine on the left who raced away to slot in an accomplished finish for the Tangerines’ third.

In the second half, Michael’s tremendous team spirit shone through.

Just a minute after the restart the ball was played into the United box. Ayre goalkeeper Toby Hedges looked to have gathered the danger, but spilled the ball into Antony Corkill’s path to slot home.

This was real end-to-end stuff as the match opened up like a cup tie and Corkill made an important goal-line block when Ayre looked certain to score.

Clearly buoyed from netting their second, Michael equalised.

Ben Drewry raced along the right, his cross was palmed to Paul Corlett who fired his strike into the goal.

The winner came on 75 minutes. Drewry pushed a through-ball to Pete Fisher who cut in from the right before firing a low shot that rebounded off the far post before hitting the net.

Ayre threw everything forward in the remaining quarter of an hour but Michael held firm to clinch yet another important victory.

TEAM CHECK

Ayre Utd: Toby Hedges, Kris Murdoch, Mark Cain, George Rawlinson, Stephen Parish, Gordon Heward (James Teare 73m), Stephen Jordan, (Luke Rowe 87m), Paul Kennish, Phil Quayle, Jason Craine, Chris Duggan. Sub not used: Paul Allison

Michael: Will Mitchell, Michael Hammond, Tommy Corlett, Peter Fisher, Richard Crowe (Michael Perks 78m) Andrew Berry, Ben Drewry (Brian Brew 90m), Kevin Pulman, Antony Corkill, Paul Corlett, Andrew Williamson

Referee: Mark Thomas

Man of the Match: Corkill (Michael)

Match rating: HHHHH

ST George’s extended their unbeaten home run in the top flight to 41 games on Saturday with a hard-earned 5-1 victory over southern rivals Rushen at Glencrutchery Road in the Canada Life Premier League’s match of the day.

The home side, in fact, got off to an electric start as they took the lead after just 51 seconds, but the remainder of the opening half turned out to be a highly competitive affair with little to choose between the two sides.

After the break, however, the Saints raised their game and three goals in a 10-minute spell provided the reigning champions with a comfortable, if slightlyflattering, final scoreline.

The visiting supporters must have feared the worst in the opening minute when Rushen keeper Tom Strivens was forced to push a Ciaran McNulty cross into the path of Calum Morrissey who netted with ease.

But the response from Mark Heywood’s side was positive as the lively Steve Riding drew a full-length save from Saints’ keeper Grant Dawson.

The game went from end to end, Morrissey delivering a superbly judged low cross that beat both attackers and defenders alike, before the home defence was forced to scramble away a cleverly taken Jack Saxon free-kick.

The scoreline remained the same to the break but Frank Jones and McNulty fashioned superb chances for the Saints, but both missed the target.

Meanwhile efforts from Saxon and Riding at the other end severely tested the home defence.

If the stand-out performers of the opening half were defenders Johnny Myers and Michael Baker then the second half star was clearly Chris Bass Jr.

His performance throughout was outstanding as he clearly transformed the game.

The hosts increased their advantage early in the second period when midfielder Sean Quaye headed home a Bass Jr corner in a crowded goalmouth.

After Bass sent another effort inches wide, Michael Williams drew an important acrobatic save from keeper Dawson to retain the home side’s advantage.

Then two goals in a minute effectively ended the game. Firstly McNulty produced a superb shot on the turn to make it three, before Bass Jr delivered another clever ball into the box for McNulty to add his second.

Chris Shimmin gave the visitors a little hope as he slammed home a well-worked consolation.

Fittingly it was Bass Jr that rounded off the scoring after racing clear of the Spaniards’ defence before firing past Strivens despairing dive.

TEAM CHECK

St George’s Grant Dawson, Sam Caine, Mark Teare, Julian Ringham, Gary Quirk (James McStay) Sean Quaye (Reece Thompson) Frank Jones, Calum Morrissey, Ciaran McNulty, Chris Bass Jr.

Rushen Tom Strivens, Alex Maitland, Alex Guy, Adam Cregeen, Michael Baker, Jordan Watterson (Ryan Crawley) Jack Saxon, Chris Shimmin, Michael Williams, Aaron Hawley (Harvey Kneale), Steve Riding.

Referee Andrew Lodge

Assistants David Murphy and Alan Cowin

Man of the Match Chris Bass Jr (St George’s) Made a clear difference during the second half.

Match Rating HHHHH

Attendance 86

DOUGLAS High School Old Boys moved up to fourth place in the Canada Life Premier League table after coming from behind to record a hard-fought 1-2 win over Corinthians at Ballafletcher on Saturday afternoon.

Lewis Griffiths gave the hosts a first-half lead and looked for a long time like securing an impressive double following their 4-2 victory at Blackberry Lane in September.

However, Brian Gartland’s visitors kept plugging away and, although they were denied by the woodwork several times, Lee Gartland struck twice in 11 second half minutes to secure all three points.

Old Boys flew out of the traps early on and should have taken a fourth-minute lead when Callum Stewart latched onto Martin King’s long pass before rounding Corinthians goalkeeper Joe Kelly but he fired wide from an acute angle with the goal at his mercy.

They were almost made to pay for that miss immediately when Corinthians broke down the other end and the ball fell to Josh Ridings but his half-volley flashed inches past the wrong side of the post.

With 10 minutes played the visitors were guilty of wasting another glorious chance to break the deadlock when Callum Stewart won possession deep in opposition territory, surged into the area before squaring the ball to the unmarked Lee Gartland but the midfielder blazed over the bar when a goal looked certain.

A minute later DHSOB went close again, this time through John Quirk who met captain Craig Stewart’s lay-off with a thunderous strike from 30 yards out but his strike was superbly repelled by Kelly.

Chances continued to fall Old Boys’ way but Phil Knox and the Stewart brothers all failed to find a way past Kelly and gradually the hosts began to gain a foothold on the game.

Just before the half-hour mark a quick throw-in by Max Neale found substitute Mike Callister on the edge of the box who turned sharply before firing goalwards but his low effort was saved by Sam Halliday.

The hosts weren’t to be denied five minutes later though when Neale again turned provider, sliding a neat ball through to Griffiths who beat the offside trap and slotted past the onrushing Halliday to give Corinthians the lead.

Despite back on the backfoot for most of the first half, all of a sudden the hosts had a spring in the step and could have doubled their advantage just before the break when Chris Feeney and Griffiths combined to release Neale whose cross was parried by Halliday into the path of Callister. However, just when it looked like he would slot home in the unguarded net, he lost his footing and Old Boys survived.

The Whites began the second half the way they ended the first and felt they should have had a penalty in the 50th minute when Griffiths’s cross appeared to strike an arm but referee John McCallum waved play on.

In-form Darren Hudgeon was introduced into the fray in place of the injured Phil Knox and the big striker’s presence gave Old Boys more options up front as the momentum gradually began to swing back in the visitors’ favour.

With 57 minutes on the clock Hudgeon rose highest to meet a David Quirk corner from the right but his header was deflected just wide of the target. He then went even closer from the resulting corner when his header cannoned back off the crossbar but Corinthians survived.

However, the pressure finally told 10 minutes later despite the visitors being denied by the woodwork again. Old Boys won the ball in the Whites half and the ball was fed to Hudgeon who, from the corner of the area, tried his luck with a venomous effort which crashed back off the woodwork.

The rebound fell to the lurking Craig Stewart who fired goalwards, only to see Danny McMahon brilliantly head the ball off the line. Unfortunately for the hosts, the ball dropped to Gartland who made no mistake from six yards out to level matters.

The game continued in much the same vein, with Old Boys pressing for the all-important next goal. It duly arrived 11 minutes later when Callum Stewart released Gartland through on goal and, from the edge of the area, he side-footed past Kelly to give his side a 2-1 lead they would not relinquish.

TEAM CHECK

Corinthians: Joe Kelly, Tom Callister, Darren Cain, Chris Feeney, Noel Quigley, Stuart Smith, Ryan Burns (Michael Callister 11m), Danny McMahon, Josh Ridings (Kane Ridings 71m), Max Neale (Blane Slattery 80m), Lewis Griffiths

DHSOB: Sam Halliday, John Quirk, Liam Buckley (Karl Gartland 83), Martin King, Tommy Miller, David Quirk (Lee Ford 64m), Craig Stewart ©, Michael Hooper, Phil Knox (Darren Hudgeon 45m), Lee Gartland, Callum Stewart

Referee: John McCallum

Assistants: Danny Cowin and Mark Todd

Booked: (N. Quigley, L. Griffiths, B. Slattery (C’thians)

Man of the Match: Gartland (DHSOB) – aside from his two match-winning goals, the midfielder troubled the opposition on numerous occasions and held up the play well to bring his team-mates in the to game Match rating: HHHHH

MAROWN finally secured their first points of the Canada Life Premier League season on Saturday when they beat fellow strugglers Castletown 2-1 at a soggy Memorial Playing Fields.

Whether their hard-fought win will be enough to kick-start the division’s bottom side’s survival bid remains to be seen, but David Brew’s charges now have renewed hope as they sit just five points off safety with 10 games still left to play.

Town will be left ruing a defeat that leaves them embroiled in a battle to beat the drop. Gary Sansbury’s southerners were the sharper side in the first half and enjoyed a number of chances that would have put them on the road to a second successive victory and a step closer to preserving the club’s top-flight status.

However, with just his side’s 10th goal of the season Niall Quayle gave the home team the lead midway through the second period. Ash Sansbury drew Town level moments later, but then disaster was to strike for the Stadium outfit as Stuart Butterworth headed an unfortunate own goal to hand a jubilant Marown the spoils.

As mentioned it was Town that made the brighter start to the encounter and they would have taken an eighth-minute lead had it not been for Neil Withers’s goal-line block. The Crosby side’s seasoned full-back clearing Max Perry’s smart flick from a Ash Sansbury corner after Marown keeper Mark Kinley could only parry it.

Driven forward by fleet-footed playmakers Perry and Lee Davenport, Town belied the deteriorating conditions to put pressure on a Marown defence that has shipped 62 goals so far this season.

However, led by centre-backs Michael Wheeler and talented teen Cameron Avery the hosts held firm and a Town frontline missing the prolific Alex Crawley began to run out of an inspiration as a tight first half drew to a close.

Half-chances for Martin Charker and Davenport came and went, but with Town unable to repeat their goalscoring heroics of the previous week’s 0-7 win over Ramsey the pair turned around level.

The Stadium side’s inability to covert pressure into goals soon came back to haunt them as Marown began the second 45 the brighter side.

The ever-green Juan Killip went close before the Quayle hinted at what was to come when he sprinted clear only to be denied by the fine covering challenge of Butterworth.

Opportunities continued to come the way of the hosts. Gary Christian seeing his well-struck effort deflected narrowly wide before Kevin Druggan crashed a header from a Withers corner just off-target.

Marown’s good spell finally bore some fruit in the 68th minute. Quayle was released down the left, the former Peel man’s resulting shot initially looked to have been collected by Jake Sansbury in the Town goal only for the keeper to spill the ball in the slippery conditions and allow Quayle to fire home from a very tight angle.

With their tails up Marown nearly added a second, but Quayle was this time was denied by a fine save from Sansbury as his stinging low shot from inside the box looked set to arrow into the back of the net.

A handling error at the other end of the pitch then led to Castletown’s equaliser, home keeper Mark Kinley fumbling a cross from the right and then conceding a free-kick on the edge of the area as he attempt to retrieve the ball.

Ash Sansbury took it, curling a low shot past the former Foxdale number one to restore parity to the fixture just five minutes after Marown had edged in front.

Michael Edge went close for the visitors as they nearly took the lead, but it was Marown who would get their noses in front when some miss-communication between Butterworth and Jake Sansbury saw the former head Killip’s long punt past his own keeper and into the back of his own net.

In the remaining 12 minutes Town pushed forward against an at times panicky Marown, but as had been the story of the first half, the visitors failed to really test Kinley and the home side held on to claim what could turn out to be a pivotal three points.

Team Check

Marown: Mark Kinley, Alex McQuarrie, Cameron Avery, Michael Wheeler, Neil Withers, Richard Mulhern, Gary Christian, Kevin Druggan (Paul Timpson 73m), Juan Killip, Neil Sharpe (Josh Clancey 61m), Niall Quayle. Sub not used: Eunan Timmins

Castletown: Jake Sansbury, Tom Charmer, Stuart Butterworth, Kevin Cain, Ash Sansbury, Lee Davenport, Brett Allcote, Evan Johnstone, Max Perry, Martin Charker (PJ Martin 63m), Michael Edge. Sub not used: Danny McMahon.

Referee: Ian Fisher

Assistants: Matty Evans, Huw Matthews

Man of the Match: Avery (Marown) youngster shone at the back with Michael Wheeler for the hosts

Match Rating: 2*

GOVERNOR’S Hill Spar could well see a rush of business after two of its customers left the premises considerably wealthier than when they went in.

It seems owner Ernie Russell is the man with the Midas touch when it comes to selling lottery tickets after a customer scooped £50,000 on a scratch card last April.

But this proved simply to be a warm up for the spectcular tour de force which saw a Pulrose plasterer net £1m, shared with a friend, on a ticket bought at the shop last month.

‘The only problem is people think I get a share of it,’ said Mr Russell.

‘But sadly that’s not true! I think people think I’ve got about £100,000 spirited away as a result. I do the lottery with my sister and brother-in-law and now my staff have started too so I have to go in with them – otherwise they might all win and walk out leaving me alone here. I’m not sure if this has brought more people in, but you do notice more if it’s a roll-over week.’

I had been paying a social call at the house of friends. I left the car at the kerbside.

When I left the house I climbed into the front passenger seat.I sat there, puzzled by the amazing circumstance that somebody had managed to turn my car around through 180 degrees after I had left it.

Why would anybody want to do such a thing? And how? In time it came to me that nobody had done anything of the sort. It had been my own idea to jump into the passenger seat instead of the driver’s seat.

There was only one answer to this. Senile disintegration was tightening its remorseless grip. It was worse than the day when I wrote a cheque and dated it a week in advance because I hadn’t properly grasped what day it was.

Fortunately last week I read a story in the Daily Telegraph saying that British scientists are preparing to test a new pill which will stop early stage Alzheimer’s Disease in its tracks. They told the Daily Telegraph that this wonder drug is called MK-8931. Now this is all very well. But, when I go to my pharmacist with early stage Alzheimer’s, how am I supposed to remember a name the likes of that?

All right, I could write it down on a bit of paper. But I’d have to remember to do that as well.

The story was in a page of the Telegraph with two others in which the boys in white coats were announcing other research results relating to health care. One of them told me that scientists from Japan and China – they’re at it all over the world – have found that eating tomatoes helps to ward off depression.

This rang a bell with me. Some years ago – very likely in the Telegraph – I learned that tomatoes can prevent prostate cancer. I was already eating lots of tomatoes. But when it came to preventing prostate cancer I wasn’t sure exactly what I had to do with them.

The third story related to drink. Nearly every day we read different versions of what amount of drinking is good and/or bad for you.

This time I learned that a medical conference in Denmark – I told you – had decided that drinking red wine can prevent cancer, heart disease and diabetes. The headline said: ‘Two glasses of red wine a day could save your life.’

I don’t drink red wine during the day. But I do in the evening. Does the story mean that I can save my two day-time glasses and add them to those I hose down at night?

This would make sure the medicine was working.But I follow this kind of medical story devotedly and I will continue to do so until some clever fellow in Azerbaijan or the like announces that he has found a way of curing people afflicted by the belief that they can drive their cars sitting in the passenger seat.

PHIL – that’s all – directs attention to a story in the Examiner saying: ‘A memorial to the 35 passengers and crew who lost their lives when the SS Ellan Vannin sank more than a century ago will be held by the ManxAid charity at the quayside in Ramsey . . .

Let’s hope they didn’t drop it.

I DIDN’T get to see the Rolling Stones on stage in London. I have to make do with the other Antiques Road Show on BBC television.

THIS week’s Manx crossword clue is: It shows who one is on an island in a manner of speaking (5) – IDIOM (The Times)

ISLAND-based investors fear they will never see their money again after a fund promoted as ‘low risk’ was suspended, unable to pay its multi-million pound debts.

Regulator the Financial Supervision Commission is being urged to wind up the Louis Group Structured Fund in the interests of investors and the Manx public.

Liquidators from PricewaterhouseCoopers say investors were left in the dark about the financial affairs of the company and its various linked entities.

Louis Group investors gathered in the high court last week to hear that the date for the winding up hearing has been set for January 21.

Among them was Richard Griffiths, aged 62, of Douglas, who invested a significant proportion of his life savings in the Louis Group in July 2009.

He was introduced to the Louis Group by a friend who had a successful earlier investment.

‘It appeared very low risk. My investment was for a one year term at a rate of 5.3 per cent, to be paid on maturity. At the time banks were going bust and paying very little interest.’

He said the product was sold with the promise that it would be secured by property owned by the Louis Group in the island and in Europe, with its operation in South Africa being the ultimate lender of last resort.

First indication that all was not well came a year later when Mr Griffiths received a letter from the Louis Group informing him that as the property market had not performed as well as expected it would not be able to pay out on the due date.

Interest would continue to accrue at 5 per cent and the pay out would be made the following year instead.

Then earlier this year came another letter saying that the fund would not be able to pay any interest on the capital in the future.

‘I still thought I was going to get my money back,’ he said.

But then he read our article in the Examiner about the liquidator’s report findings.

‘I was horrified,’ he said. ‘I’ve come to the conclusion that I’m unlikely to see my money again – it doesn’t look hopeful.

‘I would like to know where my money has gone. I would like to see someone brought to book for this.’

Retired Manx Airlines pilot Peter Green, 74, who lived in the island for 25 years before moving to Cheshire, invested £100,000 - his whole life savings - in Louis Group.

He, too, fears he will never get his money back.

‘I understood it was a company with Christian ethics that conducted its business with that very much to the fore.’

Another island-based investor who attended last week’s court hearing was a 61-year-old who had invested her inheritance in a Louis Group Secured Loan Note in April 2009.

Her mother, who is now 90, also invested in LG SLN and Louis Group Structured Fund.

They have written to the Financial Services Ombudsman asking them to investigate their allegations they had been mis-sold products as ‘low risk’.

And they say it is difficult to understand how Louis Group employees could be unaware of concerns about the viability of both companies at the time of the sale.

The daughter, who did not wish to be named or give details about the size of her investment, told the Examiner: ‘We were assured it was a low-risk product. It was promoted as an ethical company run on Christian values. We would never ever get into anything that appeared risky.’

Liquidators believe there could be more than 100 investors in LG SLN which is likely to be insolvent and unable to pay its debts.

In their report, made public following a court ruling, they say the Isle of Man-incorporated Louis Group Structured Fund plc, based at Louis Buildings on Bucks Road, Douglas, ‘probably suffered an almost total loss of investor capital’ due to its exposure to LG SP Investments Ltd, an allied company registered in the British Virgin Islands, which they say appears to have been engaged in unlicensed deposit-taking.

The FSC first had concerns in the autumn of 2010 following information received from the company’s board.

Liquidators were appointed by the High Court in May this year to investigate the affairs of the structure of linked companies and to trace the whereabouts of sums totalling more than £5 million.

The company rejects the liquidators’ findings, with director Alan Louis saying they weren’t given the opportunity to comment in advance and that they will oppose the winding up hearing.

Meanwhile, Mr Griffiths believes a support group for Louis Group investors should be formed. You can contact him via our newsdesk on 695693.

THE decision to hold a Continental Christmas market in Douglas was defended in Tynwald.

Onchan MHK Peter Karran (Lib Van) asked a series of questions about the revenue generated by the market, whether it contravened bye-laws and whether work permits had been issued to the stall holders.

Economic Development Minister John Shimmin replied that while there was not detailed information on the direct benefit to the Exchequer, the venture had resulted in an estimated 320 bed nights for those traders visiting the island and associated expenditure totalling about £25,000.

A further £7,400 was paid direct to the Office of Fair Trading for the non-resident trader licences issued. Additionally, goods and services were purchased from local businesses including food, event security, insurance and fuel for generators.

Mr Shimmin said no work permits were issued as an administrative exemption was granted which he said was properly dealt before the fair arrived, with the names and addresses of all traders provided to his department and spot checks carried out.

He told the court: ‘While my department was not responsible for attracting this event, I am supportive of it as a means of trying to stimulate interest and bring additional business into the town centre, which hopefully has brought benefits to both retailers and the public.

‘Initial feedback showed the event has been a great success, with good feedback from both the public and retailers.’

Brenda Cannell (Douglas East) described the market as ‘splendid initiative and a wonderful event’.

Her only gripe was that Villiers Square might have been a better location rather than along the town’s main shopping thoroughfare.

The Minister replied: ‘It’s nice to see some Christmas cheer!’

He said the Town Square/Villiers Square site had not been made available by its owners.

There was less festive cheer from Richard Ronan (Castletown) who asked how much money had stayed on the island. He suggested that before ‘inviting foreign markets’ over we should be promoting Manx produce with a ‘street fair of our own’.

Mr Shimmin replied: ‘Would I prefer everybody to buy local? Of course I would.’

He said there had been more spaces available for local traders in the market but there were not all taken up.

‘I’m not really sure why there is so much opposition,’ he added.

He said the decision on whether or not to allow the fair to go ahead was a matter for Douglas Council. All traders were issued with a street trading licence under the terms of the Pedlars and Street Traders Act 1906. Mr Shimmin said VAT will be payable by any island-registered trader taking part in the Christmas market, he added.