A ROW broke out in Douglas Council following a proposal to ban the use of electronic equipment in council meetings.

In a brisk 20-minute debate, council chairman David Christian said that it was ‘human nature’ to want to open an email and he felt it likely that members would end up ‘playing solitaire or logging onto Facebook’ during sessions if electronic devices were allowed in chambers.

The order required that the use of electronic equipment within a council meeting should not be acceptable, and that this included committee meetings.

Leading the debate against was Bill Malarkey (Murray’s) who felt such a ban would be a ‘backward step’ after all the money spent on reducing large volumes of unnecessary paper and buying council members iPads.

‘We need to move with the times,’ he argued.

Councillor John Skinner (Murray’s) felt the wording was ambiguous and perhaps a ‘blanket ban was not intended’, but use of mobile phones alone could be barred.

There was considerable alarm from Councillor Ritchie McNicholl (Murray’s) who said: ‘Members should give 100 per cent in meetings, or not be here.

‘A member could easily miss the context of an important agenda item whilst replying to a text and then vote under a misapprehension.’

Concerns were raised by John Faragher (Derby) who said it would be an issue for him to be uncontactable for four hours.

‘If I get an urgent email from a client or staff member, I feel I should be able to send them a 30 second reply to resolve the problem.’

Responding, Mr McNicholl said that it was pretty sad that people couldn’t do without their mobiles.

‘Anyone wishing to take an emergency call should get up and leave the chamber’ he said. Before adding that he could not recall such an occasion in all his years.

Taking back the amendment, chairman David Christian said that they had managed without them for 115 years.

‘We changed from laptops to iPads mainly for reasons of lower maintenance, security and replacement costs – not for paperless reasons,’ he said.

ROYAL London 360° has appointed Angela Gregory to the role of communications executive in the marketing team at its Head Office in the Isle of Man.

Angela will be responsible for communicating the busy offshore life provider’s message, promoting its brand both on-island and internationally.

Educated in the Isle of Man at Ballaquayle Infants’ School, Murray’s Road Junior School and King William’s College, Angela went on to study English Language and Literature at the University of Newcastle Upon Tyne, before obtaining a post-graduate qualification in journalism from Sheffield College.

She has been employed for the last 12 years as a journalist with Isle of Man Newspapers, working in a senior role on all aspects of news and business.

‘I am looking forward to hitting the ground running here at RL360°,’ said Angela. ‘It is an energetic company with a strong brand and I hope to help build on that using the skills I have developed during more than a decade’s work in the communication industry.

‘It’s a new challenge and one I relish.’

Nigel Danzelman, RL360°’s marketing services and communications manager, said: ‘We are delighted to take on someone with the kind of communications experience Angela possesses. She is a welcome addition to the RL360° marketing team.’

Monday, December 17

(March 21 - April 20)

Lighting your way this week is your natural sense of romance. The way that you empathise with others makes you a popular choice as a soulmate. Of course, you may have other ideas. If so, be prepared to let someone down lightly. The festive spirit ignites old and new passions, which need swift action. Bring about a better understanding between two rivals by taking a practical approach.

Taurus

(April 21 - May 21)

You are a bit of a puzzle to those around you this week. They may think that you are hiding secret holiday plans, but it is more than that. Decide this week what you intend to make public and what you will keep close to your chest. During all of this intrigue, don’t be so busy that you miss a signal. Someone who interests you deeply is showing signs of wanting to know more about you.

Gemini

(May 22 - June 21)

Mercury is already urging better communications with loved ones and extra effort is rewarded. With Venus, bringer of love, on your tail, you are in for a special holiday! Take care not to stock up on too many presents as a busy time overtakes you this week. Showing the will to make this holiday special encourages others to get a move on. Involve younger relatives.

Cancer

(June 22 - July 23)

Being always one step ahead you are sure to be pretty organised for the upcoming holiday. Allow plenty of time, however, when planning that diary. Last-minute invitations bring romance but you don’t want to be cancelling loved ones to pursue it. If someone really wants your company, then they will be willing to be flexible. Link your future more to younger people.

Leo

(July 24 - August 23)

Lost in the happy fog of Christmas? Let others give a hand with the plotting, planning and wrapping. This is much appreciated by younger members of the family and grandma! Expect mixed feelings at the weekend regarding an old love who has found someone new. Being honest with yourself helps but this is the ideal time of the year to move on.

Virgo

(August 24 - September 23)

In the lull between now and the holidays, give a thought to older members of the family. Sometimes there is not a second chance to make the time special for them. People who you see infrequently appreciate your time now more than those who see you all the time. Plans need to be flexible to allow for travel delays and periods of thin finances. This is where your talents come into play!

Libra

(September 24 - October 23)

Romance is in the air with Venus, bringer of love, looking over your shoulder. Avoid falling in love with love itself, or face a shock. It is hard for you to be practical at this time of year, but try. Long-term love may seem to evade you and present relationships seem lacking. However, it is nothing that time and hope will not cure. Be brave!

Scorpio

(October 24 - November 22)

Both Mercury the messenger and Venus bringer of love are urging you on. Your charm and charisma are at a peak. This does not mean that everyone will fall at your feet. It could mean, however, that there is a chance to let your feelings be known. Looking for excuses or continuing to procrastinate will simply not do. Take your courage in both hands and make a move.

Sagittarius

(November 23 - December 21)

Getting others to communicate and compromise is your main goal this week. Much as you may try not to become involved in someone else’s plans, it cannot be avoided. Spend plenty of time with your loved one, and not just talking about others! Quality is important in all things, especially if they are small. What is the point in going for big if it is not beautiful?

Capricorn

(December 22 - January 20)

You know how to work hard at things. Such an approach may not be needed right now. Someone who really wants to help is suggesting that you take things easier. Will you let others take up the slack? There is little to defend yourself against and everything to gain. Be open-minded and trust your instincts far more for the best results.

Aquarius

(January 21 - February 19)

Being a party animal is not always your first choice. This week, however, you seem to have a bit more energy. Also your imagination has been stirred. Is love spurring you on? Make the most of the lighter side of this holiday and be prepared to try things which are new to you. Do you want to make some fresh starts? Looking to the new year suddenly seems exciting.

Pisces

(February 20 - March 20)

Forward planning does not just involve the upcoming holiday this week. A suggestion for a summer or spring getaway seems attractive. Try to avoid being suspicious of someone who is only trying to be positive. Light-hearted love is more the norm at the moment than long-term bonds. This should suit you pretty well given your present restlessness.

WORK on the new South Barrule Adventure Park has swung into action.

A team of volunteers, who are not in education, employment or training (NEETS), have been erecting mobile platforms as the work forges ahead.

As planning permission for the site has yet to be granted, project ;leader Steve Salter explained that none of the platforms are permanent and could easily be dismantled.

‘But I would be disappointed if full approval were not granted given the level of positive feedback we have received from the public,’ he said.

The Health and Safety Inspectorate has already paid a site visit and granted its approval.

Fomer UNITE Union representative Mr Salter said: ‘I have been especially happy to see a huge change in the attitude of the volunteers. They have gelled as a team and are really, really motivated.

‘When we open full-time some of these guys will be getting jobs, it would be brilliant to see them come off benefits’

The willing team have started thinking ahead and tasks are being done without prompting.

Steve has to fill three full-time and six full-time seasonal positions before the adventure course opens at Easter next year.

They have been on-site two days a week for nearly two months and he is talking to the Department of Economic Development (DED) about a structured work placement training package.

The package will cover areas such as construction, landscaping, site clearance, joinery skills, first aid and classroom work.

The ‘Ape-Mann Adventure Course’ is billed as the ideal place to release you inner Tarzan or Jane. It will take at least two and half hours to complete.

The grand finale will be an adrenalyn-inducing 250-metre zip wire slide.

Plans include a log cabin, swings, obstacles, scramble nets, vertical climb sections, and a range of high rope activities all set in the magnificent South Barrule plantation.

The park is billed as an example of the reinvention of Manx tourism, basing itself around the island’s natural resources.

Mr Salter added: ‘ I would like to personally thank DEFA Minster Phil Gawne for having the confidence to facilitate this venture, and I don’t say this lightly, but he deserves credit for his involvement.’

GYMNASIUM and Douglas Royal have qualified for the semi-finals of this season’s Warehouse Fitness-sponsored Floodlit Cup after finishing as Group A runners-up and winners respectively.

Gymnasium defeated Castletown 3-1 in the last of the group matches on Sunday afternoon. Leading 2-0 at half-time, Alannah Hall (2) and Rachael Beckley netted for the Tromode outfit, the southern response came via a Trisha Fleming strike.

The remaining Group A match involving Douglas Royal and Rushen United was cancelled as the southerners couldn’t field a team.

A full round-up of all the women’s football will appear in this week’s Manx Independent.

In the male-written history books, Alice Perrers was little more than a whore ... an unscrupulous, greedy and manipulative woman of humble origins who became one of the most powerful figures at the court of Edward III.

Alice was lady-in-waiting turned royal mistress and mother of a brood of children to the mighty Plantagenet monarch, but was she really the scheming harlot famously described by John Wycliffe as the ‘devil’s tool’?

Anne O’Brien, historical novelist and magician of medieval history, brings us a new Alice in this extraordinary retelling of the life of a notorious and much vilified 14th century courtier who rose from penniless orphan to one of the most influential women of her age.

In O’Brien’s brilliantly told, unashamedly romantic and compelling novel, Alice becomes flesh-and-blood; a tenacious, loyal, astute and passionate young woman whose path from poverty to extravagant wealth was one determined chiefly by the ambitions and desires of others.

Using a fascinating blend of fiction and the very little that is actually known of Alice Perrers’ life, The King’s Concubine is a plausible and engrossing account of how her bizarre and fantastic destiny might just have unfolded.

Alice was conceived out of wedlock and abandoned to the nuns at the Abbey church of St Mary in Barking near London in 1348. A headstrong girl, born without beauty but with plenty of spirit, she is determined to make something of her life beyond the governance of others and to be ‘neither nun nor wife nor whore.’

Alice’s chance of advancement comes when the rapidly ageing and ailing Philippa of Hainault, King Edward’s wife and queen, visits the abbey and is so taken with the 15-year-old girl’s kindness and care that she whisks her to the royal palace at Havering-atte-Bower.

Soon Alice is promoted to lady-in-waiting but the queen has another, more important role waiting for her at court.

Still deeply in love with her vigorous and charismatic 50-year-old husband but too sickly now to be a proper wife, Philippa has chosen Alice, who has become a young woman of ‘strange charm,’ to be Edward’s lover.

‘This is my gift to him, and yours to me. I have lifted you from nothing, Alice. Now you can repay me,’ she informs Alice.

Alice is soon swept up in Edward’s lavish court, amassing wealth and influence for herself, but she has also become an enemy of the king’s power-hungry son John of Gaunt and the cruel and arrogant Princess Joan, wife of heir to the throne Prince Edward.

Wily Alice must balance her future with caution as her star begins to rise because the despised concubine is not untouchable. Politics and pillow talk are dangerous bedfellows. The fading king wants her in his bed but her foes want her banished.

Power has a price, and Alice Perrers will pay it...

O’Brien’s book is a masterful portrayal of a woman known only as an infamous mistress. Using her persuasive imagination and her ability to recreate the court of Edward III in all its dangerous magnificence, a femme fatale becomes not just a pawn of the 14th century powerbrokers but also a woman with more character, charm and charisma than those medieval historians would have us believe.

(Mira Books, paperback, £7.99)

TODAY (Monday) marks the 50th anniversary of a pioneering new recruit for the Isle of Man Constabulary.

PD Rex Corlett was the first police dog enlisted into the force back in 1962 along with his handler PC Henry Corlett.

Although things have moved on since the days of police boxes and Wolseley cars with bells, the island’s dog unit remains and now has 13 dogs.

Five handlers have two dogs each and there are currently three in training.

Sergeant Ian Kelly is in charge of the dog unit after previously working with Greater Manchester Police.

‘Each handler will have a general police dog as well as a drugs detection dog,’ he said. ‘They go home each night with the handler and are kennelled with them.’

‘The dogs are brilliant because they extend what we can do. For example, a burglar might be able to run faster than us – but he’ll not outrun the dog which is trained to bring him down and keep him there.’

For general work such as crowd control, chasing suspects or finding missing people, the force uses alsatians or Belgian shepherd dogs, which are similar to alsatians but less thick-set and with more ginger coats.

The dogs undergo a 12-week training course along with their handlers and are then certified as a pair at the end.

There are occasional failures, such as the dog recently who officially passed the course then decided he was a pacifist.

‘He just decided he didn’t want to bite anyone,’ Sergeant Kelly said.

‘He’ll make a brilliant pet but not much good for police work. He’s living the life of Riley down in the New Forest now.’

‘The beauty of them is they can go to a burglary and then track a burglar who may be hiding in a garden nearby.

‘Also, burglars conceal items nearby to collect later so the dogs are good at finding and recovering stolen goods.’

Dogs and trainers undergo a reassessment each year and most of the dogs are given to them by people who can’t cope with them.

The force currently has just one explosives detection dog but hopes to have a second one in the near future.

Out on the field by the police station Apollo demonstrated with enthusiasm how to detain a fleeing suspect – in this case a hapless Sergeant Kelly with a fortuitously padded arm.

‘Of course it’s all a big game to him. He doesn’t know he’s stopping a burglar. The reward is he gets to keep the arm,’ he said, as Apollo trotted triumpantly away, worrying the huge padded tube.

‘He’s quite soft really,’ added Constable McNally as Apollo took a flying leap into his arms and licked his face.

The dogs have to be house-trained and fit to live with a family – not too exuberant.

A variety of training venues are used from farmers’ fields – offered for the purpose – to empty buildings like the old Imperial and Castle Mona Hotels and, recently, Park Road School.

‘We did have one that was fine at sniffing things out but put him in a house and it was as if a tornado had gone through it,’ said Sergeant Kelly.

‘So much energy! He would wrap himself in the phone or television wires, then run off round the corner with the obvious consequences.’

Call for explosives detection is not huge in the Isle of Man but they are routinely used for parades, Tynwald Day and other occasions which could be a terrorist target.

Despite the relatively low need here in the Isle of Man, it’s cheaper to have our own than bring them over when needed.

The drugs detection dogs are mainly springer spaniels trained using small samples of the real drugs so they can identify the smell. The same goes for the explosives, which are precisely weighed out and weighed back in.

‘Some people seem to think we get them addicted to the drugs so they crave it but that’s not true,’ Sergeant Kelly said.

‘You just need to know what makes them tick – for some it’s playing with a ball and they’ll do anything for that and for others it’s food.

The dogs are also trained to detect money – which has a specific scent, apparently – and will indicate large amounts of cash which could be proceeds from crime or money laundering.

‘We’ve taken a few quantities of cash and no one has ever applied to get them back, which I think speaks for itself,’ Sergeant Kelly said.

Apart from having a visible presence at the Sea Terminal in Douglas the drugs dogs can be invaluable in house searches.

‘We had one instance where items were well hidden underneath floor boards,’ said Sergeant Kelly.

‘Without the dog we’d never have known that because you just can’t start ripping up floor boards on the off-chance.’

As we talked, a call came from the sorting office. An hour later Constable McNally returned with two packages of cannabis, wrapped up in innocuous padded envelopes.

‘People try all sorts of things to disguise it,’ he said.

‘It’s often in vacuum-sealed plastic now and people do things like putting it with coffee to mask the scent but it never fools the dogs.

‘The post office are very good at identifying packages that don’t seem quite as they should be, but we can only open the Royal mail if the dog indicates something that shouldn’t be there.’

At a special presentation on Friday, Deputy Chief Constable Gary Roberts welcomed the 20 surviving members of the police dog handling service and presented them with commemorative mugs and certificates.

‘It is a science now which it was not then, though the same skill and dedication was present,’ he said.

He recalled being a policeman on the beat and answering a call from a dog handler.

‘As I drove along the prom I saw the dog van going back the other way. Later I found out it had been stolen with the dog still in it,’ he said, adding: ‘Thank you for coming: it’s important to remember our history and where we came from.’

Graham Priest, now 67, started with the dog unit in 1973. His drugs dog Sam appeared on television and on the front of the national papers after assisting in 22 arrests during TT Week and his alsatian Rex was the only civilian dog at the time to perform with the RAF display team.

Roger Payne, now 70, was a handler from 1966 to 74.

‘We only had one patrol car in those days,’ he said. ‘It made a big difference when we got a van.’

‘We used to get the Hell’s Angels over at TT then and the dogs were a big asset for crowd control, whereas now a lot of the function is searching.’

BUS bosses say they’ve been told some drivers were intimidated into voting to go on strike.

Today’s Isle of Man Examiner has more on the story.

On the front page, we reveal how many parcels have been seized by Customs officers.

It’s part of a special report in which reporter John Turner joined the police’s dog unit.

Inside we report on our ‘Don’t cut us off!” campaign. Hundreds of readers have cut out our petition form and joined us in calling for our Irish Sea routes to be kept clear. They’ve been threatened by plans for more and more wind farms between the island and England.

Our page 3 story features Katherine Crowe. She was on page 1 of the Manx Independent as she launched her bid to become Christmas No1. Today’s Examiner reveals how far she’s got.

There’s also a story featuring Charles ‘Buster’ Lewin. It’s part of the long-running legal dispute that followed him being sacked as clerk to Braddan Commissioners.

The situation in the courts features on page 4. Dudley Butt MLC, who was once in charge of prosecutions for the police, says it would be cheaper and more cost-effective to take summary prosecutions away from the Attorney-General’s office and return them to the police.

The Examiner also reveals that it could cost thousands of pounds to repair the BMX track in Noble’s Park, Douglas, less than a year after it opened.

Our coverage of the problems of savers with the Lewis Group continues inside. You might remember that the suspension of the multi-million fund has made front-page news twice. We report on a member of staff who fears they’ve lost their savings too. The winding-up date has also been set.

This week’s paper also includes a report on the inquest into the death of a 91-year-old car passenger. Her carer fell asleep at the wheel.

Brian Blessed was in the island recently. Our Terry Cringle (and quite a lot of others) had lunch with him.

This week’s Examiner includes your 16-page Business Word. It looks at the biomed cluster and includes a report on a meeting we held about the e-gaming sector.

We also look forward to what the business world can expect in 2013.

In our business news coverage, John Webster, the chairman of Manx Business Connection, describes the Isle of Man as ‘the world’s most open and transparent country’.

On the back page there’s a picture of Harlequins celebrating victory and a report on DHS Old Boys’ game with Laxey.

Comprehensive football coverage is inside, plus a nostalgia special on MotoGP.

The island’s favourite newspaper is in the shops now.

PEEL’s two beaches were the target of volunteers when Beach Buddies staged its final ‘Big Team Beach Clean’ before Christmas.

A team of 17 joined in the event and removed every piece of rubbish from both the town’s main beach and Fenella beach, filling 12 bin bags.

They also found some large items, including a huge piece of rope from a ship.

‘Big Team’ sessions have been held at Ballaugh, Ramsey, Perwick Bay, Castletown, Douglas, Kirk Michael, Glen Wyllin, Glen Mooar and Peel in recent weeks, leaving each beach spotlessly clean afterwards.

Beach Buddies founder Bill Dale said: ‘We have had around 150 different volunteers take part in cleaning sessions during the last few months and I am very grateful to each and every one of them for their support. It has made a really big difference.

‘What’s really encouraging is that the majority of the volunteers have never been involved in organised beach cleaning before, and many of them have been turning up regularly. This is really positive for the future of our beaches, and especially for the wildlife and marine life which lives in that environment.

‘I think 2013 could be a really fantastic year for our volunteers, making a genuine and noticeable difference and finally getting a grip on a problem which has been ignored for far too long in the past.’

Further team sessions will be staged again in the New Year, although an extra beach clean may take place during the Christmas holidays, depending on the weather.

Further details about Beach Buddies sessions can be found of the Facebook pages (Beach Buddies Isle of Man) or by email on beachbuddies@manx.net

KATHERINE Crowe’s single Smile knocked Ed Sheeran’s entry off the No 1 spot in the iTunes Singer-songwriter Chart over the weekend.

And it reached No 17 in the main iTunes Chart – overtaking Adele’s Skyfall and Mariah Carey’s All I Want For Christmas.

It is the dream of the Manx mother-of-two, who has terminal cancer, that her song becomes the No 1 Christmas song in the Top 40 Charts.

Related article: {http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/make-me-no1-for-xmas-1-5220192|Make me No1 for Xmas}.

The track was only released on the music download website on Friday and within one night had sold 2,560 copies.

She said: ‘iTunes told me they’ve never seen such magnificent sales from something that wasn’t a major push by a huge record company – never from just us little people. So islanders should be very proud of themselves. That’s making history in its own right.’

However, by yesterday (Sunday) her track was no longer in the charts and she said: ‘iTunes said that we’d have to sell the same amount of downloads every single day to continue to have a presence in the charts and to reach the Top 40 Chart.’

As well as having enormous support from the island’s population, with her Facebook page Katherine Crowe ‘Smile’ for Xmas Number 1 2012! being shared by nearly 80,000 people so far, she has now appeared on the BBC main entertainment webpage, Metro’s website and has had the support of various celebrities including comedian Eddie Izzard, her friend Beverley Craven and island actress Samantha Barks.

She has just been interviewed by The Sun and the Daily Express and is due to speak to The Times and The Guardian this week.

However, to reach her goal she feels she really needs the backing of UK radio stations. She has contacted BBC Radio Two’s Chris Evans, who apparently mentioned her briefly over the weekend.

But she is asking for supporters to email the DJ at {mailto:chris.evans@bbc.co.uk|chris.evans(at)bbc.co.uk} to encourage him to play her song and give her support.

She said: ‘We just really need people to buy the single online for 79p. And the CD should become available to buy in the Douglas HMV shop this week - we are hoping on Wednesday.

‘If it is on the shelves by the weekend, I’m hoping to do a signing session on Saturday.’

Katherine, 37, recorded the Nat King Cole song with the London Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra and conductor Julian Kershaw, who worked on Harry Potter and Notting Hill, in Abbey Road studios, London, at the beginning of this month.

During her six-year battle with the disease, she spent three years in remission. But now the cancer is back and ‘progressing at a rate of knots’.

She has had to stop all conventional drug treatments because her body reacts with life-threatening anaphylactic shock.

On one occasion she had to be shocked back to life after her heart stopped during chemotherapy.

She explained: ‘Cancer treatments need to change. There needs to be more research into treatments that allow a better quality of life while undergoing them.

‘We’re not winning the war on cancer. For more than 50 years we’ve been using chemo, radio and surgery, maybe it’s time to look at treatments that slow down rather than eradicate.’

Proceeds from the single will help support her family should the worst happen and pay for the alternative treatments she has now turned to.

She thanked everyone for their support, and said: ‘Whatever happens we have to be proud of what we have achieved.’

‘I know it would be a miracle if Smile was Christmas No 1, but I need to believe miracles can come true. This campaign is all about people power, there are so many of us affected by cancer.’

Katherine’s ‘Smile‘ facebook page: {https://www.facebook.com/events/517206194971048/|https://www.facebook.com/events/517206194971048/}.

A 17-year-old man appeared in court today (Monday) after an incident which has left a Peel man in a critical condition.

Liam Priestnal, of Lhennagh Park, Douglas, is charged with assault causing grievous bodily harm against father-of-three Darryl McGeowan, aged 33.

The incident is alleged to have taken place on Loch Promenade, Douglas, near to the junction of Walpole Avenue, at 3am on Saturday.

Mr McGeowan was transferred to Walton Neurological Hospital, in Liverpool, for treatment to serious head injuries.

Deputy High Bailiff Jayne Hughes heard that his condition was ‘critical but stable’.

A bail application for Mr Priestnal was refused and he was remanded in custody until Friday.

The court heard that the defendant has no previous convictions, and that a further bail application could be heard at his next court appearance.

CELEBRATE Christmas by sending messages in Manx.

That’s the challenge being sent out by Adrian Cain, Manx language officer with the Manx Heritage Foundation, who has placed a number of useful words and phrases on the learnmanx.com website.

Adrian said: ‘Obviously the recently published Gruffalo book will make an ideal Christmas present but you’ll only really impress your friends and loved ones if you use a little Gaelg [Manx] this year.

‘Check out the handy phrases to use in your Christmas cards and on your presents.’

Nollick Ghennal – Happy Christmas

Nollick Ghennal as Blein Vie Noa – Happy Christmas and a Good New Year

Bannaghtyn – Blessings/greetings

Lesh yeearreeyn share – With best wishes

Lesh yeearreeyn share son y Nollick as y Vlein Noa – With best wishes for Christmas and the New Year

Lesh yeearreeyn share ec yn imbagh casherick shoh – With best wishes at this holy Season

Shee as Boggey erriu – Peace and Joy to you

Lesh Shee as Graih – With peace and love

Hee’m oo ‘sy vlein noa – See you in the New Year

Shee erriu car ny bleeaney shoh çheet – Peace to you throughout the coming year.

The {http://www.learnmanx.com|learnmanx.com} website also uses audio files to offer guidance on pronunciation.

Also available is ‘Learn Manx‘ - a newly launched free app for android/apple devices.

AWARD nominations have started rolling in for Manx singer and actress Samantha Barks following the world premiere of the new Les Miserables film.

Last month the 22-year-old, who plays Eponine in the blockbuster, picked up a coveted Hollywood Spotlight Award at the Hollywood Film Awards Gala Ceremony.

Now, following the London and New York premieres of Les Mis, she has been nominated for Actress in a Supporting Role by the International Press Academy’s Satellite Awards and Most Promising Performer by the Chicago Film Critics Awards.

The former St Ninian’s High School pupil co-stars with A-listers Anne Hathaway, Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Amanda Seyfried and Eddie Redmayne.

She first rose to fame when she came third in I’d Do Anything, Sir Andrew Lloyd-Webber’s tv 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 the stage production of Les Mis, where she played the tragic Eponine to critical acclaim. This in turn led to a role in Sir Cameron Mackintosh’s film of the French classic.

The film and its cast has received plenty of recognition, with 10 Satellite nominations and three Chicago nominations so far.

To win the Satellite Actress in a Supporting Role award, Sam will have to fight off stiff competition from her co-star Anne Hathaway as well as Judi Dench for Skyfall, Helen Hunt for The Sessions, Amy Adams for The Master and Helene Florent for Cafe de Flore.

The world premiere of Les Mis took place on December 5 at the Empire inLeicester Square in London.

The New York premiere then took place last Monday (December 10).

Samantha wore dresses by British designer Stella McCartney to both.

The film hits UK cinemas on January 11.

DHSOB inflicted a damaging defeat on title challengers Laxey in the Canada Life Premier League at Blackberry Lane on Saturday afternoon.

In one of the few top flight games to survive the bad weather, Lee Gartland, Darren Hudgeon plus an own goal saw Old Boys race into a 3-0 lead by half-time.

Ashley Webster then pulled a goal back for the Miners immediately after the break but a Craig Stewart penalty restored the hosts’ three-goal advantage before Laxey substitute Shuan Kelly netted a long-range free-kick late on.

With most of the island’s football pitches being exposed to persistent rain in the days leading up to the weekend, a plethora of postponements, including Union Mills v St George’s at Garey Mooar, meant Laxey could have gone top of the Premier League table with victory at Blackberry Lane.

However, after referee John Lovelady had decided the pitch was just about playable, the hosts took control of the game after a scrappy start and put the Laxey defence to the sword.

After Jackson Brown had gone close for the visitors with the game’s first real chance, when he shot straight at Old Boys goalkeeper Sam Halliday, Brian Gartland’s hosts took the lead just after the quarter-hour mark through the in-form Lee Gartland who scored both goals in a 2-1 win at Corinthians the previous week.

Latching onto a long ball through the middle, the attacking midfielder showed good strength to shrug off the attentions of Laxey defender Dave Corlett before breaking clear and expertly slotting the ball past on-rushing keeper Andy Perry to break the deadlock.

The Miners almost responded immediately when some good build-up play resulted in Brown being released down the left but his fierce shot from an angle fizzed just the wrong side of the post.

The sides then traded chances at either end of the pitch when Old Boys full-back John Quirk fired a superb volley just wide of Perry’s goal before Laxey’s Mark Wolfenden went close with a free-kick and Nigel Beattie saw his header saved.

Laxey were made to pay for those missed chances when DHSOB doubled their advantage in the 29th minute.

David Quirk’s initial corner from the right was half-cleared to the edge of the box where John Quirk’s wayward shot turned into a good pass back out to David Quirk.

The latter then took a touch before driving a dangerous ball across the face of the goal to Darren Hudgeon who ghosted in at the back post and drilled the ball across the keeper into the bottom right corner for 2-0.

Laxey suffered a further setback a few minutes later when influential midfielder Paul Rowley was forced off injured after suffering what looked like a nasty gash to his calf, but his withdrawal was tempered by the return of Neil Brogan, remarkably back in action just a few weeks after breaking his leg for the second time in little more than a year.

With the bit between their teeth and momentum fully in their favour, Old Boys nearly added a third a couple of minutes before half-time when Craig Stewart had a venomous strike parried by Perry.

Then a minute later they went closer still when David Quirk received the ball on the edge of the box and tried his luck with a thumping effort, only to see his strike cannon back off the underside of the crossbar and caught by a relieved Perry.

However, they weren’t to be denied and struck again on the stroke of half-time. Lee Gartland was again at the heart of it as he slalomed his way through the visiting defence to the byline before cutting the ball back across goal where Sam Theobald could only watch as the ball inadvertently struck him and flew into the net to give Old Boys a 3-0 half-time lead.

Despite being seemingly down and out, whatever Laxey manager Steve Falconer said to his players during the interval clearly had the desired effect as the visitors flew out of the traps in the second half and had the ball in the back of the net within a minute, only for Ashley Webster’s effort to be ruled out for offside.

Their good start to the second 45 paid off just a couple of minutes later when they had the ball in the back of the net again and this time it counted.

Wolfenden was the architect as he received the ball in his own half and played a delightful pass down the left wing to Webster who timed his run to perfection before cutting inside and slotting past Halliday into the far corner to make it 3-1.

However, any hopes of a remarkable Laxey comeback were snuffed out on the hour mark when Old Boys restored their three-goal cushion in slightly confusing circumstances.

The impressive Hudgeon stole possession deep in Laxey territory and surged goalwards, only to be pulled back by Brogan inside the area. However, referee John Lovelady played advantage and Hudgeon subsequently crossed to the unmarked Gartland who headed past Perry.

However, Gartland was adjudged to have strayed into an offside position so play was brought back for the original infringement and a penalty was awarded. Up stepped Old Boys’ skipper Craig Stewart who powered home the resulting spot kick.

To their credit, Laxey refused to give up and kept searching for another way back into the game. It duly arrived in the 69th minute when the visitors were awarded a free-kick in the DHSOB half and substitute Shaun Kelly fired a low effort through the wall and past Halliday from all of 35 yards to make it 4-2.

Five minutes later the same player tried his luck with another free-kick, this time from just outside the area on the right, but his fierce drive was deflected behind for a corner.

The resulting set-piece culminated in a chaotic goal-mouth scramble but Halliday was eventually able to smother the ball and the chance passed.

The last meaningful opportunity of the game fell to Beattie who latched onto a deep ball into the box but, just when it looked like he might score to set up a nervy finale, the ball stung the side netting and DHSOB were able to see out the remainder of the game and record an impressive 4-2 victory.

TEAM CHECK

DHSOB: Sam Halliday, Liam Buckley, Tommy Miller, Martin King, Michael Hooper, John Quirk (Chris Coxon 85m), Callum Stewart, Craig Stewart (c), Lee Gartland, David Quirk (Karl Gartland 81m) Darren Hudgeon (Phil Knox 70m)

Laxey: Andy Perry, Gary Williams, David Corlett (Shaun Kelly 58m), Sam Theobald, Johnny Callow, Paul Rowley (Neil Brogan 41m), Nigel Beattie, Darryl Haslett, Ashley Webster, Mark Wolfenden, Jackson Brown (Ryan Williamson 85m)

Referee: John Lovelady

Man of the Match: Gartland - another fine performance from the attacking midfielder

Match rating: HHHHI

LAST month Ramsey beat Vagabonds for the first time in a competitive match and they went one step further on Saturday when they achieved a South Lancashire and Cheshire Division Two double by beating them at Mooragh Park.

After Ramsey’s Fintan Cummins missed an early penalty, the game finally came alive in the 16th minute when Vagabonds took the lead.

Vagas were on the attack but were over eager at the breakdown and conceded a penalty in the Ramsey 22.

Ramsey scrum half Lance Wyllie sensed a counter-attack opportunity and tapped quickly. Unfortunately, he lost control of the ball and Vagas’ centre Ross McCulloch swooped on the chance and ran it in unopposed for a try and a 5-0 lead.

Wyllie redeemed himself three minutes later when his half break was ended by a high tackle. Cummins slotted the penalty and Ramsey were back into it two adrift at 3-5.

Ten minutes later, after a second penalty miss from Cummins, Ramsey took the lead. A Vagabonds scrum was turned over, Wyllie secured possession and fed it to right wing James Wren who dived in for the score. Cummins converted from out wide and Ramsey were in front 10-5.

Nine minutes before half-time, Bryan Kennaugh and Rob Martin thumped the ball up the middle as Vagas streamed forward in an all-out attack.

Ramsey stole the ball at the breakdown and fired it wide to left wing Tom Kinrade who raced in from 60 metres for his first Ramsey try. Cummins added the extras, with some help from the crossbar, and Ramsey were looking comfortable at 17-5.

But shortly before half-time Vagabonds showed they were far from finished. The pack kept it tight and drove for the line from a lineout inside the Ramsey 22.

As the drive ended, Ramsey’s Max Singer went off his feet and conceded the penalty. Jonny Beckley tapped it quickly and dived over in the corner before the defence could realign and left it 17-10 to Ramsey at half-time.

Ramsey struck what was the killer blow seven minutes into the second half and once again it came from turnover ball. This time, as Vagas steamed forward in midfield, Ramsey centre Ali Trace picked off a stray pass and ran in from halfway for an interception score and when Cummins converted, a 24-10 lead.

This left Vagas with a mountain to climb, but with plenty of time to do it, if they could get an early score.

The early score duly came six minutes later with Bryan Kennaugh the architect and the executioner. The Vagas eight got a shove-on and Kennaugh arced from the base right into the heart of the Ramsey midfield.

After two-phased Ramsey coughed up a penalty five metres out, Vagas’ skipper Mark Howarth opted for the scrummage and with a touch of right wheel, Kennaugh launched himself off the back and dived in for the try that left his side trailing by nine points.

It was to be the last score of the game with both sides tightly closing the shutters for the remainder of the match.

DOUGLAS bounced back from a disappointing defeat against Oswestry to get their promotion challenge back on track with a crushing win over bottom side Buxton in South Lancashire and Cheshire Division Two on Saturday.

Callum Carine, Nick Horsthuis and Glyn Hooson-Owen all crossed for first half tries, while a penalty and conversion from Scott Goodall gave Douglas a 0-20 half-time lead.

The home side had a player red carded in the opening period for punching Craig McGee.

Douglas pulled away in the second half when Bryn Snellgrove added two tries, Carine picked up his second and McGee bagged one too, with skipper Goodall adding three conversions and Snellgrove one.

It was a good performance from a Douglas side missing a few regulars through injury and unavailability. Even the coach, Tom Waterworth, occupied a place on the subs bench.

Santa came early for Douglas too, with news that league leaders Sefton lost 19-3 away at Dukinfield. Douglas are now only six points off the top spot and 10 points clear of third.

The league now goes into the festive recess, with the next games on January 5: Douglas v Moore; Southport v Ramsey and Vagabonds v Buxton.

League Table

P W D L Diff. Pts

Sefton 14 13 0 1 373 63

Douglas 14 12 0 2 287 57

Dukinfield 14 9 1 4 130 47

Liverpool C’giate 14 9 0 5 384 45

Ormskirk 12 8 0 4 144 40

Vagabonds 14 7 1 6 19 40

Oswestry 14 7 1 6 26 34

Moore 13 5 0 8 -135 25

Oldershaw 14 5 0 9 -136 25

Southport 14 4 1 9 -65 24

Ramsey 14 6 0 8 -239 22

Marple 14 4 1 9 -193 22

Wallasey 12 2 1 9 -135 14

Buxton 13 1 0 12 -244 8

CLAIMS that bus drivers were intimidated into voting for strike action are being investigated.

Community Culture and Leisure Minister Graham Cregeen said he had been ‘really disturbed’ by complaints that a number of bus drivers had allegedly been subject to threats of violence and intimidation. ‘It’s of great concern to me if bullying and intimidation has been going on. I have expressed my concern to the union about this.’

Chief executive officer of the department Nick Black told iomtoday: ‘If we do obtain evidence we will refer the matter to the police.’

He insisted the motivation for revealing allegations of intimidation was not to affect the outcome of the dispute but because the department had an obligation and duty of care towards its staff.

The Unite union announced last week that its members have overwhelmingly backed strike action by 71 votes to eight in a dispute over changes to the Bus Vannin drivers’ terms and conditions including the removal of paid lunch breaks. Unite say the drivers will lose up to £3,000 in pay.

Contingency plans being put in place for the three-day stoppage taking place on Thursday, Friday and Saturday were unveiled the following day by the DCCL.

Buses will run to a Sunday service and Bank Holiday timetable, the steam railway will run every 90 minutes and the Manx Electric Railway every 30 minutes.

Schools will stay open on Thursday and Friday and school services will operate using a combination of buses, trains and trams. A new halt on the railway had been at School Hill, Castletown, for pupils at Castle Rushen High School. Temporary traffic lights will be installed to allow the students to cross the Castletown by-pass safely on the walk to school.

The Night Owl service will also operate as planned every night to ensure that festive partygoers can get home safely.

Mr Black said he was confident the department could operate an effective, albeit reduced, bus service throughout the strike.

As well as the bus drivers who are not Unite members, casual drivers would be used as well as a number of Public Transport managers who hold Public Passenger Vehicle licences. The department is also seeking to recruit additional casual staff who hold a valid PPV.

It is thought there are some 1,500 people in the island who hold a valid PPV licence and will therefore also already be CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) checked.

Mr Black said there would be a police presence at depot picket lines to ensure striking drivers behave responsibly, that drivers who wish to work can pass safely and without threat and that there is no damage to property.

‘Anyone engaging in unlawful activity will be subject to full disciplinary proceedings,’ he said.

Unite national officer for passenger transport, Bobby Morton said it strike action was a last resort and the action could still be averted if the department entered into ‘meaningful negotiations’. A further meeting is planned for today (Tuesday).

He said he could not rule out further strikes.

The department says the proposed changes will save £300,000 a year. The basic salary of the drivers is about £24,300 but paid lunches take that to about £28,000. Mr Black said a third of drivers earn an average of between £40,000 and £45,000 including overtime.

Mr Cregeen said: ‘There is no more money out there.’

Mr Black added: ‘We have not changed their pay. There is no suggestion the drivers’ rates of pay is going to change. But there is no justification to pay for a lunch break.’

Mr Black said not paying striking bus drivers will save about £10,000 each day and it was expected that the cost of the contingency measures would be no more than that figure.

He said the cost of the temporary halt built at School Hill, Castletown, was less than £5,000 and it was hoped that this money could be recouped by running a rail enthusiasts’ special when the station is finally closed.

WITH Ayre United leading 1-2 with the match approaching full-time, the north was going to be painted tangerine on Saturday evening.

But Ramsey Youth Centre and Old Boys’ Matthew Boyd struck a decisive equaliser ensuring a share of the spoils in the JCK Division Two northern derby.

A draw was no good for either side. With Colby victorious the previous weekend, the southerners have recently made up good ground as the race for promotion to Manx football’s promised land intensifies.

Ayre are now 11 points short of second place Colby, although they have two games in hand, and the best they can hope for is a good cup run matched with a league run-in to guarantee qualification for the end-of-season Gold Cup competition.

This was a match of footballing clichés with middle battles, defences on top and chances at a premium in the opening 45 minutes. Also included is a game of two halves: the first half was a colourless and drab affair; the second was a more entertaining and end-to-end occasion.

The stand-out feature in the first period was referee Chris Taggart wearing a yellow goalkeeping jersey to avoid a colour clash.

Stephen Parish and Chris Duggan both drove efforts that were collected by Youthie net-minder Greg Radcliffe early on while the opposing response came via an Oliver Blaker free-kick that just went wide of goal.

The only chance worthy of note in the first half came shortly before the interval when Matthew Boyd’s header was expertly palmed over the crossbar by an acrobatic Toby Hedges as both goals remained intact come the oranges.

The match desperately needed a goal and it came courtesy of the hosts. Glen McGovern’s free-kick was parried by Hedges and Graham Kennish reacted the quickest to poke home for 1-0.

United refused to roll-over and, showing great character, levelled the scoreline. Stephen Jordan played the ball inside where Chris Duggan nipped in ahead of the Youthie defence and placed his shot into the bottom left corner for the equaliser.

Graham Kennish continued to be a nuisance for the visitors and twice went close with headers, one bringing out an outstanding save from Hedges while the other was flicked onto the post

Ayre had their moments too, Stephen Jordan leading the charge along the flank and Chris Higgins flashing an effort just wide when presented with a shooting opportunity.

With 83 minutes played, the Tangerines got their noses in front for the first time in the game. A throw-in was flicked on to Duggan whose scooped effort hit the crossbar and Cain raced onto the rebound to plant a header into the Youthie goal.

With the match entering its final phase, RYCOB gambled with one last throw of the dice that brought reward with a tried and trusted method.

Andrew Walton’s huge throw was planted amidst the mixer and the resulting melee was met by Boyd’s outstretched leg to convert the last-gasp equaliser and earn a share of the spoils.

TEAM CHECK

RYCOB: Greg Radcliffe, Dan Callow, Graham Kennish, Oliver Blaker, Mike Nixon, Matthew Boyd, Marc Faragher, Glen McGovern (Rob Moreton 63m), Chris Robinson (Andrew Walton 79m), Jamie Brew (Marc McClurg 83m), Stephen Grose

Ayre United: Toby Hedges, Kris Murdoch, Mark Cain, Stephen Parish (Christian Penswick 71m), George Rawlinson, Gordon Heward (Tony Corlett 48m), Stephen Jordan , Paul Kennish, James Teare (Chris Higgins 59m), Chris Duggan

Referee: Chris Taggart

Bookings: Robinson (RYCOB) and Penswick (Ayre United)

Man of the Match: Kennish (RYCOB)

Match rating: HHIII

SOUTHERN Nomads recorded a comprehensive 90-6 win away at Western Vikings to go back to the top of the Shimmin Wilson Manx Shield standings on Saturday.

Rob Keelan was undoubtedly the star of the show for Nomads with an incredible five tries. Steve McHugh ran him close though with a personal haul of four. There were also tries from Gerard Landels (2), Leon Landels, Conor Stephens and Mark Young, who also kicked 10 conversions. Tony Grundy kicked two penalties for Vikings.

In the bottom of the table clash, Ramsey B beat Castletown comfortably 61-5 at Ramsey Grammar School.

The Keenan cousins, Will and Dave, each scored a hat-trick for Ramsey B and there were also tries from Jarred Callister, Gareth Hinge and Al Chrstian. Ben Harding and Tom Moss shared the kicking duties.

Rugby Results

South Lancashire/Cheshire Division Two

Buxton 0-48 Douglas

Ramsey 24-15 Vagabonds

Shimmin Wilson Manx Shield

Western Vikings 6-90 Southern Nomads

Ramsey B 61-5 Castletown

Hat-trick hero Steven Priestnal proved the difference between the two sides at Mullen-e-Cloie on Saturday as St Mary’s battled past a lively St John’s side in the Canada Life Premier League.

The Douglas-based club gained revenge over their western rivals who had knocked them out of the BCS Railway Cup recently at the semi-final stage on the same ground. Sam Kenny’s men were certainly up for the encounter, playing some neat and clever football as they put the home defence under serious pressure.

But thanks to a stout back four the home side restricted their visitors early on to two efforts from Brian Crellin that skimmed the crossbar.

Gradually the Johnners worked their way into the contest and they too began to look dangerous on the counter.

Nick Hurt and Malcolm Blackburn’s side were, in fact, rewarded midway through the half when a Johnny Holland effort from just inside the box beat keeper Max Thomas with the aid of a deflection.

But it took the visitors only two minutes to respond as the exciting Priestnal raced clear of the home defence before finishing with aplomb.

Then, with half-time beckoning, the Bowl outfit took the lead when another sweet move resulted in Ste Whitley delivering a measured cross for Priestnal to add his second.

The home side may have levelled before the break but an Andy Glover strike whistled inches the wrong side of an upright.

The visitors regained the initiative soon after the restart and Marc Priestnal was unfortunate to see a fine effort deflect off the woodwork.

Then seven minutes into the half the visitors delivered the killer blow. A mistake in the home defence gifted the ball to Steven Priestnal and, without hesitation, he steered it home.

To be fair the home side never gave up and mounted a period of sustained pressure on their opponents’ goal. Indeed Nick Hurt looked to have pulled one back with a spectacular effort but the ball rebounded off the angle between crossbar and post.

Substitute John Haggerdon produced a clever lob that beat keeper Thomas but slipped past the goal and Jamie Moffatt also drew a fine save from the St Mary’s custodian.

The Douglas side too had their moments and it required three impressive saves from Damyan Petkov to deny Steven and Marc Priestnal, together with a fine effort from the busy James Murphy, to keep the scoreline the same.

TEAM CHECK

St John’s: Damyan Petrov, Eric Kelly, Sam Ingham, Nick Leung, Wes Kitching, Jamie Moffatt, Johnny Holland, Nick Hurt, Tony Duggan (Krasmir Stoev) Stephen Glover (John Haggerdon), Andy Glover (Harry Rothwell)

St Mary’s: Max Thomas, Harry Wetherill, Martin Reilly, Dominic McGreevy, Karl Clark, James Murphy, Liam Doyle, Ste Whitley (David Priestnal), Steven Priestnal, Brian Crellin, Marc Priestnal, (Paul Doyle)

Referee: Danny Cowin - not an easy game to handle, but, without the help of any assistants, he did a first class job

Man of the Match: Steven Priestnal - was the difference between the two sides

Match rating: HHHHI Attendance: 64