FOLLOWING news that the government is considering introducing MoT-style tests for cars, Lee Brooks went in search of public opinions on the streets of Douglas. The Department of Infrastructure says the primary objective for the tests would be to reduce the risk of road traffic incidents, and that older vehicles pose more of a risk.

Gavin Carter, 56, from Douglas: ‘I have no problem with MOTs in principal, cars have got to be safe. At the moment it’s a bit hit and miss, people can get away with dangerous cars. The road side checks are pretty minimal, they can’t check things like bearings and steering. I don’t know how they’d keep on top of it though!’

Craig Purvis, from Douglas: ‘I do agree with it for road safety. If the price of an MOT isn’t too high, then you may as well. Even if you can’t prove road accidents are down to mechanical faults, at least raising the standard of cars on the road helps rule out the possibility.’

Tom Brew, 28, from Douglas: ‘I think introducing an MOT is probably a good idea,’ he said. ‘You do see a lot of under-maintained cars on the roads. I think testing every couple of years would be about right, though it depends how much the test will be! It can be as much as £100 in the UK. If the car is less than three years old it probably doesn’t need it.’

Kym Holland, 37, from Douglas: ‘The standard of the roads is the main concern, which should be looked at before the standard of cars. Yes, there are plenty of poor cars around, but the only road surfaces that get proper attention are those around the TT course.’

David Saunders, from Crosby: ‘I think it’s a good idea. Road safety is one of the most important aspects. There are a lot of old bangers that should be tested. With regular vehicle tests it would be good for everyone’s confidence of what they’ll come across on the roads.’

Viv Hounslea, from Douglas: ‘Because of the size of the Isle of Man, there’s not enough road usage here compared with the UK, there’s not the same milage. And I don’t really see that many old cars around here to be fair, so I’d be against introducing compulsory vehicle tests.’

Sophia Birchall, 33, from Eairy: ‘Only if it goes on the age of the car. Otherwise it’s an additional cost on top of all the other car servicing and maintenance. People should keep cars roadworthy anyway, and if you can produce proof that your car has been serviced, you shouldn’t have to pay for an MOT on top.’

Robert Campbell, 56, from Douglas: ‘There’s some junk on the roads, so it’s a good idea in that sense. A test every few years wouldn’t be so bad. But is it all just a money making scheme for the government?’

Chris Carr, 50, from Colby: ‘I would agree with it, especially with the fact that people take cars across on the ferry. It’s not just a case of low island mileage when cars can technically go on trips to the UK, or even drive to Europe. Testing every year would be overkill though, every 24 months would be fine.’

Siobhann Lockwood, 27, from Douglas: ‘I think it’s unnecessary, because there are no major highways and motorways here like there are in countries where MOTs are mandatory. It seems like a bit of a money maker. There could be a stipulation for people who take their cars abroad though.’

IOMA Group Bacchas A made a winning start to the defence of their Wi-Manx Men’s Premier Division title with a 5-0 victory over Manx Telecom Vikings A on Saturday afternoon.

Karl Moore and Andy Whiting netted two goals apiece with Alex Bell adding a single strike.

Paragon Valkyrs A secured an opening day victory with an 11-2 win over CM Skye Ramsey A. Chris Caldwell, Chris Thomas, Gareth Morris and Neil Jacobs all scored twice with Juan Corlett, Steven Lowe and Vic Ferns all adding single strikes. James Aitchison and Finn Cain replied for northerners.

Celton Manx Castletown A claimed victory over Paragon Valkyrs B scoring seven goals while maintaining a clean sheet. Christian Steriopulos led the way for Castletown scoring four times with Paul Kelly adding a hat-trick.

IOMA Group Bacchas B secured a 5-2 victory over Manx Telecom Vikings B. Richard le Page led the way for the Tromode side with two goals, with Alex Bell, Craig Leece and Pete Hodgson adding single strikes. Ian Perry netted both goals for Vikings.

Wi-Manx Men’s Division One

HQ Harlequins opened their season with a 6-0 victory over Paragon Valkyrs C. Pete Nuttall led the way with two goals and was joined on the scoresheet by Paul Nuttall, Tony Mansell, David Smith and Iain Wrigley all with single goals.

Celton Manx Castletown C caused an upset as they claimed both points on offer from their derby match with Celton Manx Castletown B. James Allen opened the scoring for Castletown C before Miles Ashworth levelled for the B team. Robin Masson grabbed the decisive goal minutes before the final whistle.

CM Skye Ramsey B secured an impressive 6-1 victory over Manx Telecom Vikings C. Hat-tricks from Tom Howard and Dan Stevenson proved enough for the northerners. Dave Elliott scored a consolation goal for Vikings.

IOMA Group Bacchas C claimed a 4-2 victory over IOMA Group Bacchas Colts. Two goals from Dave Kneale and single strikes from Dave Partington and Chris Hill proved enough for Arron Hannah’s Bacchas C side. Jack Barker and John Pearson replied for the Colts.

Wi-Manx Women’s Premier Division

Manx Telecom Vikings A made a winning start in the defence of their title with a 4-0 victory over title rivals Paragon Valkyrs A.

After a goal-less first half, goals from Kim and Zoe Carney, Sarah Breen and Hayley Crowe with a penalty flick ensured both points went to Vikings.

IOMA Group Bacchas A claimed both points on offer from their match with Celton Manx Castletown B. Two goals from Sandra Moore and strikes from Sharon Pope, Cat Hodgson, Sosie Cox and Claire-Louise Lace sealed the win.

The points were shared between CM Skye Ramsey A and Celton Manx Castletown A. Dani Kelly netted a debut goal for Castletown with Ali Breen replying for Ramsey.

IOMA Group Bacchas B claimed both points on offer from their match with Paragon Valkyrs B. A goal from Fay Wilcox and two from Niamh Goddard proved enough for the Tromode side. No details of the Valkyrs scorer were received.

Wi-Manx Women’s Division One

Celton Manx Castletown C secured a 6-1 victory over Fearless Saracens. Single goals from Lauren Stewart, Sarah Cringle, Aalish Bridson, Ellie Gilson and two from Rebecca Jacobs ensured both points for Castletown. Kelsey Spooner claimed a consolation goal for Saracens.

The points were shared between HQ Harlequins and Paragon Valkyrs C. Sandra Wrigley netted for Harlequins with Emily Kelly scoring for Valkyrs on her maiden senior appearance.

IOMA Group Bacchas C emerged victorious from their match with Manx Telecom Vikings C. Sophie Hudson and Jo Hicks found the net for the Tromode side with Chelsea Bawden replying for Vikings.

The points were shared between Manx Telecom Vikings B and CM Skye Ramsey B. Jess Tarpey netted for Vikings with Gail Corrin replying for Ramsey.

Wi-Manx Mixed Under-16s

CM Skye Rascals maintained their good run of form with a 10-4 victory over CM Skye Rogues.

Arron Bell led the way for Rascals, netting on seven occasions, with Monique Lloyd-Davis, Oli Grice and Will Greenbank adding single strikes.

Rogues replied through Erik Millar and Ellen Barlow who each netted two goals apiece.

Celton Manx Castletown emerged 6-3 victors over HQ Harlequins. Robin Masson and George Powell netted two goals each with Nick Clague and Mia Greenwood adding single strikes.

No details of the Harlequins scorers were received.

AMENDMENTS have been made to the government’s plan to introduce university tuition fees.

After deferring the motion at December’s Tynwald sitting, Education Minister Tim Crookall MHK will seek approval for the Student Awards Regulations next week.

Changes have been made following concerns raised by students, parents and political representatives.

It would see all students contributing £2,500 a year towards their degree courses for the first time, from 2014, with those whose parents earn more than £80,000 a year contributing more on an incremental basis.

An Isle of Man government loan scheme would allow students to borrow the £2,500 a year contribution.

Currently, the government pays all fees up to a cap of £9,000 a year, although certain courses – including medical, veterinary and dentistry are exempt from that.

Under the revised scheme, the student alone will be liable for the loan. It was initially proposed that parents would have joint liability.

Director of education Martin Barrow said: ‘We think what we have done further protects those on the lowest incomes. One of the things we picked up on was young people from low income families were uncomfortable about asking their parents to guarantee the loan, and the parents were uncomfortable too.’

He said the department did not believe that students defaulting on their loans would be a big issue, due to the size of the loan and young people wanting to avoid getting a poor credit rating.

Anyone who did default would be pursued: ‘We will make every effort to recover the money from them.’

In addition, interest will not begin to accrue until the student has completed his/her studies – even if they go on to study at postgraduate level.

Under the initial proposal, interest would have been built up from the time the loan was approved.

Mr Barrow explained that the revised proposal meant that Treasury would lose out as a result of students accruing interest later.

But he said it had never been the department’s plan to make money out of the scheme: ‘We had always billed the interest payment as money that was going to fund the loan scheme itself.

‘We still think there will be sufficient funds coming in to fund it.’

A concern which has been raised repeatedly by students is that those from low income families will be hit hardest as all families earning up to £80,000 per year make the same contribution.

When asked whether the department had considered revising the sliding scale of contributions, Mr Barrow said: ‘Wherever we put that line, there will always be a break. We wanted to make sure there is no one from a low income family that feels they can’t take out a loan because of the impact on the family.’

He said some students had not been looking at the level of repayments ‘rationally’, with the loan not being repaid until their income is £21,000 and with those earning £22,000 only having to pay back £7 per month.

The amendments have been held as a victory by one of the students who has been protesting against their introduction.

But Ramsey Grammar School student Ciara Howes said that students would be continuing to protest, with their main concerns still outstanding.

Ciara, aged 16, said: ‘I think it definitely shows a victory in a sense that they (Department of Education) have realised the flaws of the proposal.

‘But the main issue still stands that students will be paying fees based on their parents’ income, and when they are earning £21,000 we are not earning what our parents were earning when the loan was assessed.’

She said: ‘The moral issue still stands that students have a matter of months to raise a significant sum of money to go to university.

‘And the financial issue still stands that no immediate savings are going to be made.’

When asked what difference she thought the amendments made, Ciara said: ‘They make a huge difference from the point of view of MHKs sitting on the fence. They now have an excuse to vote for the changes.

‘But the amendments make no real difference to the situation.’

St Ninian’s High School student Jack Gibney, aged 17, believes that students from low income families will be hit hardest, and that despite the amendments, they will still struggle to go to university.

‘This doesn’t help the people who we need to help the most, which are people who can’t find the money and the people who didn’t expect their parents to pay for it anyway because they knew they couldn’t anyway.’

He is urging people opposed to the introduction of tuition fees to carry on collecting signatures, even though the petition has already been presented, signed by more than 2,000 people: ‘Although we may be in the final sprint of this race, we need to carry on emailing and petitioning until the last moment.’

He added: ‘We can’t afford to lose this political battle, literally as well as figuratively. This isn’t a time for political apathy or idle cynicism.

‘We don’t have the luxury of hearing people who tell us that “fees are an inevitability” or that “we can’t change anything”.

‘The postponement has already proved these people to be wrong, and these comments just give people who could do something an excuse to do nothing.’

Sixth formers will again be protesting outside Tynwald before this month’s sitting, when the extra signatures will also be presented. Peter Karran MHK will present the petition in Tynwald.

FEES FACTFILE

Tuition fees for English students are capped at £9,000 a year.

Under the DEC plans most Manx students will pay a maximum of £2,500 a year towards their tuition fees. The Manx government will pick up the tab for the extra costs of more expensive medical, dentistry, veterinary and conservatoire music courses.

In all but a few universities, undergraduates are charged the same fee that would be charged to an English student attending the same course. But a number charge more – including Imperial College in London, Cambridge and Warwick, which will charge island students at international rates. Cardiff has advised that for certain courses the fees will be £12,000 rather than £9,000.

Manx students would have to pick up the balance – and in some cases could pay more than the English. It is possible that other universities may seek to charge more in future.

Scots pay no tuition fees while students in Wales and Northern Ireland pay £3,500. Tuition fees for English students are capped at £9,000 a year.

MAC Group, a leading corporate independent financial adviser (IFA) and professional insurance broker, has announced the launch of what it claims is the island’s first retirement planning mobile app.

The new app will help people to plan their finances with the aim of improving income in retirement.

Jon McGowan, managing director of the MAC Group, said: ‘When we sat down earlier last year to assess how we have improved communications with the thousands of members in our local corporate pension plans it became apparent that we could do more through the use of modern technology.

‘We discussed the need for something that reflects our own brand identity that is easy to use.’

Jon added: ‘While we cannot provide financial advice through an app, we felt that the ability to use a generic calculator to help people assess their financial situation was important.

‘We have noticed a developing theme where people rely less and less upon paper and more on electronic access that is available both 24-7 and when they are on the move. The development of the MAC Group Pension Calculator is an ideal way for us to deliver this.’

For months, MAC has worked closely with Gryphon Digital, an Isle of Man based app developer, in the planning, design and delivery of the product.

Jon said: ‘The team at Gryphon were excellent and really added value through the process.

‘They continually sought to not only deliver exactly what we needed but also reduce what can be very complicated and somewhat daunting pension related information into an intuitive and slick app.

‘The end result is a user friendly tool that graphically allows a person to play around with various options and to work out both what they are likely to receive from their pension plan and also how much more it might cost them to reach the income levels they desire.’

Ed Walter, one of MAC’s team of corporate independent financial advisers was closely involved in the development and testing of the app.

‘We launched a test version with a large local client and it was well received. We took feedback and tweaked certain aspects, but the core app features were spot on and it is great to be able to use it either in a one to one meeting or for the client to download it and use it in their own time.’

Nigel Gregg, a Director at MAC Group, said: ‘We continually strive to be at the forefront of what we do.

‘Now, more than ever, a person’s future financial security is under pressure.

‘People need to be given tools, not barriers, to enable them to understand what they have, what they might need one day and how much it will cost them to achieve this.

‘We are very grateful for the hard work Gryphon put into this project and we look forward to helping many on their road to achieving financial security.’

The app can be downloaded for free on your smartphone by visiting the App Store and searching for MAC Group Pencalc.

DOUGLAS Royal caused an upset in the Paddy Power FA Cup when the JCK Division Two side defeated Premier League outfit Union Mills - last year’s finalists - thanks to a last-gasp goal at Garey Mooar on Saturday afternoon.

With Mills having enjoyed a decent return to the top flight this season and Royal sitting just outside the top four in the second tier, the hosts were expected to book their place in the draw for the first round proper.

However, the 2012 runners-up were made to pay for a poor first half in which Royal raced into a three-goal lead thanks to strikes from the impressive Nick Ford, Paul Whitley and Richard Winn.

The Millers hit back after the break through skipper Karl Dobbin and Kyle Uren plus an own goal but, just when it looked like extra-time would be needed to separate the two sides, up popped Whitley in the 95th minute to nod home a dramatic late winner to send his side through.

The visitors were good value for their lead in the first half as they flew out of the traps and took the game to their opponents, fighting for every lost cause and first to the loose ball on numerous occasions. Indeed, the Whites felt they should have had a penalty as early as the third minute when Adam Boyde’s cross seemed destined to find the head of Whitley until he went to ground under pressure from a defender but referee Huw Matthews was not convinced.

The hosts had their own penalty appeals turned down minutes later when Lee Christian went down inside the Royal box after a challenge from Greg Hoskisson but, again, nothing was given. The same two players clashed again moments later and a free-kick was awarded from which Richie Cannell tried his luck with a venomous effort which was deflected just over the bar.

Royal made the most of that let-off soon after as they raced up the pitch and broke the deadlock. Whitley showed good perseverance in the middle to hold off an opponent before sliding the ball through to Nick Ford who beat the offside trap and kept his composure to poke the ball past on-rushing Mills goalkeeper Danny Christian.

With the bit between their teeth and momentum fully in their favour, Royal wasted little time in doubling their advantage only two minutes later. With the Mills defence still reeling from the first goal, Richard Winn collected possession on the left and slid a superb through ball into the path of Whitley who rounded Christian before slotting home from a narrow angle to make it 2-0 to the underdogs.

It almost got even better for the Whites seconds later when Winn released another team-mate, this time Ford, whose early shot was parried by the keeper but the rebound fell kindly to Whitley. However, just when he looked certain to score, the striker prodded wide under pressure from Mills skipper Dobbin.

They were nearly made to pay for that missed chance when Mills went agonisingly close to pulling a goal back in the 24th minute.

The hosts were awarded a free-kick roughly 25 yards from goal and up stepped Stephen Halsall who let fly with a thunderous effort which looked destined to find the back of the net until Royal keeper Paddy Dempsey somehow got a hand to it and pushed it onto the woodwork. The ball crashed back off the underside of the bar and bounced down, inches from the goal-line, before falling to Chris Kelly who saw his close-range effort well blocked by Dempsey and the chance passed.

To make matters even worse for the Millers, less than two minutes later it was 3-0. A long throw-in from the left caused confusion in the defence and fell at the feet of Whitley at the back post. His initial effort was saved impressively by Christian but Royal retained the ball and Whitley flicked it into the path of Winn who fired expertly past the keeper and into the back of the net to give the visitors a seemingly unassailable lead.

The hosts attempted to muster an immediate response but Michael Nash’s 25-yard effort was tipped wide by Dempsey while at the other end Whitley twice went close, one effort curling wide and the other being brilliantly saved by Christian. Nash went close again for the Millers when he broke free down the left but his attempted lob dropped just the wrong side of the bar.

With a few feisty tackles flying in, tempers threatened to boil over, none more so than when Andrew Lancaster went in dangerously on Nash near the half-way line and was perhaps lucky to escape with just a yellow card.

Whatever Mills manager Derek Cowley said to his side at half-time clearly had the desired effect as his troops emerged with renewed vigour and determination and they very nearly pulled a goal back straightaway when a Nash effort was saved by Dempsey before Kelly’s rebound was somehow blocked on the line.

Dempsey continued to frustrate Mills but, when a kick went straight to substitute Ronan McDonnell, the talented youngster tried his luck with a superb half-volley which the keeper only just managed to tip over the bar. McDonnell then went close with a first-time shot which was well blocked inside the box.

At the other end of the pitch Whitley was denied a second goal when his header was hacked clear off the line.

However, the Mills attacks were relentless and they soon pulled a goal back when a corner from the left was diverted into the net via the head of a Royal defender, despite the best efforts of Boyde on the line.

With renewed hope, Mills enjoyed a sustained period of pressure as they searched for another way back into the game. It duly arrived shortly after the hour mark when Halsall launched a deep free-kick into the Royal area where Dobbin rose highest to power a header past Dempsey and reduce the deficit to just a single goal.

With their backs against the wall, it looked like Royal might crumble but the visitors could well have restored their two-goal cushion in the 77th minute when the ball fell to Hoskisson inside the Mills box and the defender attempted an acrobatic shot on goal, only for it to be somehow blocked on the line when a goal looked certain.

They were immediately punished for that miss as Union Mills went straight up the other end of the pitch and netted an equaliser. Gareth Logan showed good awareness to poke the ball through to Kyle Uren down the right wing and the striker used his strength to hold off a defender before rifling a fierce shot high past Dempsey from an angle and into the roof of the net to spark jubilant scenes among the Garey Mooar faithful.

From then on it looked like there would only be one winner with Mills pinning Royal back deep in their own half. Substitute James Lace swung in a deep cross which almost deceived Dempsey, forcing the keeper to tip the ball over, while a neat one-two between Steven Quine and Kelly resulted in the former unleashing a low effort goalwards which was saved by the legs of Dempsey as the pressure mounted.

Just when it looked like the tie would need extra-time, Royal delivered a classic sucker punch. With 95 minutes played and just seconds left on the clock, Whitley rose highest to head the ball down through a crowded area and inside the post to seal a dramatic, last-gasp victory for Royal to send them through to the first round proper.

TEAM CHECK

Union Mills: Danny Christian, James Cannell, Richie Cannell (James Lace 45m), Chris Kelly, Stephen Halsall, Karl Dobbin (c), Michael Nash (Eddie Howland 83m), Gareth Logan, Lee Christian (Ronan McDonnell 45m), Steven Quine, Kyle Uren

Douglas Royal: Paddy Dempsey, Adam Boyde, Adam Pate (Daniel Beattie 82m), Richie McCann, Greg Hoskisson, Gavin Gawne, Nick Ford (Stuart Foley 71m), Andrew Lancaster, Paul Whitley, Ryan Kelly, Richard Winn (Simon Dooley 71m)

Referee: Huw Matthews

Assistants: Peter Crompton and Anthony Page

Booked: Lancaster, R. McCann and Gawne (all Royal)

Man of the Match: Ford (Royal) - enjoyed a superb first half for the visitors, scoring a goal and using his pace to good effect down the right wing

Match rating: HHHII

2E2 DOUGLAS Rugby Club welcomed in the new year at Port-e-Chee on Sunday with a comfortable victory over the Gentlemen of Moore in South Lancashire and Cheshire Division Two.

Despite the scoreline it was not quite as one-sided as it appears.

For the first 40 minutes Moore stifled Douglas and with the wind at their backs pinned the hosts into the corners.

The deadlock was broken by a Bryn Snellgrove penalty and minutes later Simon Heggs hoisted the ball into the Moore 22 and it bobbled over the try line where Andy Evans won the race to touch down.

Moore then came to play and some meaningful faces forced Douglas to give away a penalty to make the score 8-3. The rest of the half was played with neither side really impressing too much dominance over the match.

Some words were had at half-time in the Douglas huddle and the second half was a completely different affair as Douglas showed Moore their ruthless side. Snellgrove moved to scrum half and bagged himself a try early in the proceedings.

Moore kicked off and Douglas recycled the ball, stringing together phases and dragging Moore to the right. When the ball was released to the left side, Hooker Carl Markl-Ferns had the pace to scamper over for the try.

In the reverse fixture at the start of the season, Douglas used their forward dominance to great effect, but on this occasion Moore were determined that this would not happen. They were stunting the driving mauls and scrums at source.

Finally, resistance was broken on the hour mark and who else but Daryn Thompson was on hand to dab the ball down - Scott Goodall no doubt claiming the assist on that one as he was within 10 yards.

Thompson took the gloss off his try when he was yellow-carded for a bout of fisticuffs with the opposition flanker.

This did not deter Douglas and, during Thompson’s spell off the pitch, Callum Carine showed that his dad’s investment in new boots with long studs was a wise one. Picking up the ball in his own 22, he weaved through six players and then showed the full back a clean pair of heels to score the try.

Douglas were at full tilt now and Moore were beginning to tire. The ball was making its way from left to right and Douglas were finding gaps. Skipper Goodall sent Maddox into an ambush of two defenders and, when Maddox placed the ball back, Rob Todd was on hand to pick up the ball and fall gracefully over the line for a rare try from all of three yards.

The two sin-binned players returned to the park and in the final few minutes Douglas were still pushing for more. When the scrum pushed the opposition back, Stephen Tansell picked up from No.8 and went over the line.

The scoreline does not give justice to how hard Moore battled. They were determined and never shirked away from anything, so credit is due for the way in which they were still competing for every ball up until the final whistle, never making it easy for Douglas.

Next for the Port-e-Chee outfit is Marple away this weekend. Douglas will have to bring Saturday’s second-half physicality and intensity to the game if they want to come home with the points. Based on the second half, Douglas proved that when they want to be they can be a real handful and will want more of the same against Marple.

FIFTEEN workers with the Post Office’s Integrated Mailing Solutions are to lose their jobs.

Vivat Direct, or Reader’s Digest, stopped trading at the end of last week. It was one of IMS’s largest clients.

More on this story in tomorrow’s Manx Independent

Police investigating an incident at Douglas cemetery on Friday have made an arrest.

The incident, {http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/man-acts-suspiciously-in-cemetery-1-5283116|which we reported on Saturday}, allegely left a woman upset and frightened.

Police were called to an address in Anagh Coar in the late hours of Tuesday to a report of a domestic disturbance.

When officers arrived one of the people involved had barricaded themselves inside the premises and was making threats towards them.

Police had to use force to enter the premises and detain the person responsible.

Police are keen to reassure the public, in particular the neighbours who may have witnessed some or most of the incident, that no one was actually hurt during the incident and they are investigating criminal offences in relation to it.

Sergeant Michelle McKillop said: ‘I am mindful that the investigation is on going and therefore information has to be with held from the public for legal reasons however, if any member of the public, particularly those who may live in the area, have any concerns or information they should contact their ward officers either Constable Steve Lapsley or Constable Damon Carberry, alternatively contact police on 631212.’

Isabella of Castile, wife of Ferdinand of Aragon, warrior queen, architect of a united Spain, educational reformer, the visionary who sent Columbus to discover a New World... and a religious fanatic who unleashed the deadly Inquisition.

So who was the real Isabella? Was she, as many still claim, a near-saint who brought peace to a fractured Spain after centuries of discord? Or was she a merciless Catholic zealot whose horrific excesses led to the persecution and execution of thousands?

US author C.W.Gortner, himself half-Spanish by birth, takes up the known threads of the turbulent early life of this complex and compelling 15th century queen and weaves a gripping novel about the forging of a nation, and a determined woman who overcame all the odds to rule in a man’s world.

The Queen’s Vow is his third foray into historical fiction and another captivating reimagining of one of Europe’s most notorious, controversial – and maybe misunderstood – queens.

Using an authentic 15th century framework, Gortner allows Isabella’s extraordinary life story to unfold in all its dangerous reality, creating a powerful and unforgettable portrait of a tenacious young woman who overcame prejudice and treachery to achieve her destiny.

Young Isabella’s father, King Juan II of Castile, died when she was only three and she is barely a teenager when she and her brother Alfonso are taken from their mother’s home to live under the watchful eye of their half-brother, King Enrique, and his sultry, conniving queen Juana.

It is at Enrique’s court that she first meets her cousin, the brash, young Prince Ferdinand of Aragon, who vows that one day he will make her his wife and queen, and by so doing will bind together their kingdoms and help to restore peace.

But he also warns her that she must never let her emotions show. ‘You must learn to dissemble if you are to survive,’ he tells her.

And only a few years later, Isabella is thrust into danger when she becomes an unwitting pawn in a plot to dethrone Enrique. Suspected of treason and held captive, she treads a perilous path of divided loyalties until, at the age of seventeen, she suddenly finds herself heiress of Castile.

Plunged into a deadly conflict to secure her crown, she is determined to wed Ferdinand, the one man she loves yet who is forbidden to her. And when they defy King Enrique and marry, Isabella and Ferdinand unite their two realms under ‘one crown, one country, one faith.’

But they face an impoverished Spain beset by enemies and under pressure from the Church to present a strong, united Catholic front. When the Moors of the southern domain of Granada finally declare war, a violent, treacherous battle against an ancient adversary erupts, one that will test all of Isabella’s resolve and courage...

Gortner’s sweeping, sumptuous novel takes his readers from the glorious palaces of Segovia to the battlefields of Granada and the intrigue-laden gardens of Seville as well as creating the very human story of a woman pitted against the might and machinations of Spain’s most powerful men.

The Queen’s Vow might take a few liberties with the facts but this is historical fiction written with the heart as well as the head, and allows us to view the remarkable Isabella as very much a product of, and exception to, her times.

(Hodder, paperback, £7.99)

THE number of people out of work in the island has risen, according to the latest official statistics.

The Treasury’s economic affairs division says that at the end of last month, the figure stood at 1,020, a rise of six on the previous month.

That’s a rate of 2.3 per cent.

During the month 162 signed on and 156 signed off.

At the end of the month, 113 positions were still vacant and held on file.

More on this story in tomorrow’s Manx Independent.

THE Douglas woman who received the MBE for her 30 years as a motorcycle rider welfare volunteer has spoken about the challenges of the role.

Wyn Evans was named in the Queen’s New Year Honours list, for her work as the liaison between race organisers and riders’ families.

She has been closely involved in the Auto Cycle Union and the Manx Motorcycle Club since 1980, and on a voluntary basis she has assisted the race officers, particularly after serious incidents and has provided support and advice to injured riders and to the families of riders who had lost their lives in competitions.

She covers the TT, Manx Grand Prix and Southern 100 and spends many hours, weeks and sometimes many months visiting hospitals after the event.

‘I’m usually up at the grandstand with my own radio, so if there’s an incident I know that it’s happened,’ explained Mrs Evans. ‘I get a list of any injured riders, and I go up to the hospital and check on all the patients.’

She said receiving the call from Lieutenant Governor Adam Wood was quite a shock, and she has been overwhelmed with the reaction since the news of her award was announced.

Wyn said: ‘I’m pleased, because it gives exposure to the great care the island gives to injured riders. It goes on all year round, not just in race weeks. I keep in touch with the families, and if there’s an inquest I go along with them too.’

She said her husband Des is a former competitor, and was a travelling marshall for 32 years. The couple have taken so much enjoyment from the races volunteering is her way of giving something back, and she said she will continue to do it as long as she is physically able to.

‘It can be very hard, especially if it’s a nasty,’ she said.

‘When I first started I decided there was no point me doing the job and trying to help families if I was going to burst into tears. It does upset me, and I do go home and have a cry, especially if it’s lads I know or local lads.’

She added: ‘But I’ve just got to be there to support the families. It’s important for them especially if they’re away from home, they never know what happens next. I’m able to tell them the procedures with the police and inquests.’

Her colleagues have described Wyn as an ‘unsung hero, who is well respected throughout the whole motorcycling community.’

The Hon. Eddie Teare MHK,

Treasury Minister,

Government Office,

Douglas.

Dear Eddie,

Happy New Year. It should be happy for you, all right.

Early January is when the likes of me, the self-employed, pay our annual income tax. You’re going to be rolling in it which should make a nice change for you in these straitened times. Spend it wisely.

There is, however, something I would like to draw to your attention. As long ago as June last year your people in the income tax division of the Treasury sent me formal notice that I would have to meet my tax liability by January 6th 2013 at the latest or be charged interest.

This looked to be in order at first sight. January 6th is always the deadline. But it would appear that your Treasury officials, who should be good with numbers, did not appear to realise six months ago that January 6th, yesterday, was going to be a Sunday and their offices would be closed and none of us could pay up then, however willing.

This set me to wondering, if the door was closed when I turned up with my cheque and nobody was there to receive it, I could take it away and put it back in the bank and I would be allowed to hang on to it.

After all there is no rule against me paying on the last day set out in the official notice from the income tax division and I would have tried to do my duty as required but had been rebuffed.

Of course, I could have left it to the Monday, today. But that would have left me liable to pay interest.

This might not come to too much. But I’ve already got enough to stump up. It’s not my fault that your people didn’t realise that on this particular January 6th they were going to be having a day off.

In the circumstances I must tell you that I consulted my accountant on this matter. He is a friend of long standing. But whenever I call upon him in his professional capacity he tends to look wary. He knows me not only for my innumeracy but also my blithe ignorance of the rigours of early 21st Century fiscal responsibility.

‘What is it this time?’ he demanded. I told him.

He leaned back in his chair and studied the ceiling for nearly a minute before saying: ‘My advice to you is get it paid straight away. What you have is a wholly fallacious argument and they don’t go for sophistry of this kind at the Treasury. Good morning.’

I paid up last Friday, January 4th. It was two days in advance of deadline because Saturday was Treasury closing day as well.

Does this mean, Eddie old son, that I can charge you two days’ interest for early payment?

Let me know at your earliest convenience.

• WHAT follows goes back quite a few years but it has only just been reported to me by Peter Tucker and these things do not deteriorate with age.

The old Tynwald Water Board had dug up the length of Sulby Glen to lay a pipe down to a newly built water filtration plant and a spokesman told Manx Radio that the road would re-open as soon as “they had got all the bugs out of the system.”

• I HAVE been told of a women’s fashion shop in Paris with a notice saying: “Dresses for street walking.”And for taking off I suppose.

• THIS week’s Manx crossword clue comes again from Richard Hetherington. It was in the Daily Mail as follows: Man, for example, follows a gangway (5). AISLE

DETAILS of a big shake-up of the House of Keys have been announced.

THE Boundary Review Committee today launched a public consultation on a draft plan for 12 two-seat constituencies for the Keys to replace the current mixture of three-, two- and one-seat constituencies.

The 12 two-seat constituencies proposed in the draft plan published by the Boundary Review Committee are listed below with general and approximate descriptions.

{http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/will-2013-be-a-year-of-change-for-democracy-1-5273173|Why should there be changes? Click here to see our previous report}

The names are working titles only and the committee would welcome suggestions.

The Manx Independent will tomorrow include maps with the proposals, so you can work out in which constituency you’d live if the plan went ahead.

North – the current constituencies of Michael and Ayre plus the parish of Maughold, from Garff

Ramsey – the current constituency

East – Laxey and Lonan, from Garff, plus Onchan parish and most of Birch Hill, from Onchan

Onchan Urban – the current Onchan constituency minus Onchan parish and most of Birch Hill

Douglas Western – based on the polling districts Anagh Coar, Ballaugton, Pulrose

Douglas Central – Albany, Ballabrooie, Eastfield, Quay, St George’s, Somerset and Tynwald, plus part of Garden City (around the Port-e-Chee Avenue area)

Douglas Northern – Glencrutchery, Willaston and part of Garden City, plus a small part of Onchan parish

Douglas Eastern – Crescent, Derby, St Ninian’s, Strand, Windsor

Central – Middle plus the parish of Santon, from Malew and Santon

South – Castletown plus Malew, from Malew and Santon, and Arbory, from Rushen

South West – the current Rushen constituency minus Arbory

West – Peel plus Glenfaba and a small part of north Malew

PASSENGERS travelling on this morning’s (Wednesday) Steam Packet sailing to Heysham endured a long wait before docking at 4pm.

The area was under a blanket of fog, which was more severe and prolonged than that forecast, and for a long time visibility remained less than that permitted by Heysham harbour regulations to allow safe berthing.

It was thought at one stage that the Ben-My-Chree may have to return to the island, but the vessel eventually managed to dock.

Referring to this evening’s sailing, a Steam Packet spokesperson said: ‘The forecast is that fog may continue to be a problem for the rest of the day. However, there will be a sailing from Douglas this evening and passengers should check in at 8pm.

‘Passengers should, however, be aware there is a possibility of a similar scenario, where berthing in Heysham may not be possible, and should adjust their travel arrangements accordingly.’

POLICE are appealing for information relating to a burglary that took place at a restaurant in Parliament Street, Ramsey.

In the early hours of yesterday (Wednesday), entry was forced to the rear of a property which backs on to Water Street. Cases of Strongbow cider, in 440ml cans, were taken, along with a quantity of bottles of both red and white wine.

Two men have been arrested and are helping police with the enquires.

If you have any information regarding this matter, contact Ramsey Police on 812234.

MANOR Park School pupils with special educational needs will soon get extra support following the Department of Education and Children’s successful bid for a new classroom.

Government planners have approved (12/01468/B) the DEC’s plan to move a double mobile classroom from the former St Ninian’s Lower School site at Park Road to Manor Park, in Pulrose Road, Douglas.

A DEC spokesman said the mobile classroom would provide specialist accommodation for pupils at the school with special educational needs.

‘There are a number of pupils at the school who require various additional interventions and learning strategies that are not always possible within a mainstream classroom environment.

‘These pupils with extreme social emotional and behavioural difficulties or additional need would benefit from specialised input alongside their mainstream provision.’

It is planned that one of the classrooms will also provide a base for the appointed child and family support worker.

The department says that the cost of dismantling the facility and then re-erecting it and providing the new services will be about £20,000.

Approval was granted by government planners with the condition that the double mobile classroom can remain in place until July 31, 2017.

After then, it must be removed unless otherwise approved by the planning authority.

The approval notice says: ‘Mobile classrooms such as this are considered by the planning authority to be a temporary measure to address unusual or new situations in the school.’

It continues: ‘If the reason for the temporary accommodation becomes a permanent requirement then the school should consider ways to make permanent provision for this either by reorganisation or expansion of the school infrastructure.’

THIS weekend marks the deadline for households to dispose of natural Christmas trees.

Work will start shortly on shredding hundreds of discarded trees to make chippings or compost which will be used around the island’s parks and gardens.

Trees can still be recycled at the Douglas tip at Middle River industrial estate and in the north of the island Ramsey Town Commissioners is also offering the service.

Trees can be taken to the commissioners’ nurseries at the corner of North Shore Road and Park Road between 8am and 4pm today (Thursday), 8am to 3pm tomorrow and 8am to midday on Saturday.

Dave Hewes, head of parks for Douglas Council, said the Christmas trees they collected along with plant waste generated around the borough’s parks and gardens meant they were more or less self sufficient in compost and mulch.

‘It gets used in flower beds and borders and some of it is used to form our own growing medium for shrubs and bedding,’ he said.

The shredded vegetation is stored in 20-tonne piles and turned periodically as it rots down.

It remains there for six months, generating a heat in the centre of the pile of around 60 to 70 degrees centigrade. Sterilised soil is then added to produce a growing medium.

‘It’s all sustainable. As well as the Christmas trees each year all our own waste comes back to the nursery,’ he said.

DARRYL McGeown, the assault victim who was airlifted to the UK with severe injuries before Christmas, has finally returned home to the island.

After more than three weeks away at Walton Neurological Hospital in Liverpool, the Peel man was passed fit to travel home on Monday, and flew back on Tuesday evening.

After suffering head injuries which saw him unconscious and in intensive care for 10 days before waking up on Christmas Day, doctors were waiting to see signs of improvement on a bleed on Mr McGeown’s brain before allowing him to leave.

Monday’s scan showed enough of a recovery to satisfy the medics, and a pre-flight medical exam on Tuesday morning gave the green light for him to travel home.

Wife Sharon has been at the 33-year-old’s side through the entire stay at Walton, although the father-of-three was still in a coma at the time of the visit of his children – who flew home on Christmas Eve just 24 hours before their father woke – meaning this week was a family reunion after being in the UK since December 15.

Friend and Western Vikings Rugby Club team-mate Mike Sheeley said he received a text from Darryl to say he was happy to be home, and hoping to be on the sidelines on Saturday afternoon to cheer on his club in their match against Vagabonds B.

Mr Sheeley has been at the heart of the fundraising effort that saw thousands of pounds donated to the McGeown family to help with travel, accommodation and recovery costs, and plans are afoot for the surplus money to be used to start a new victim support charity.

‘It’s something we’ll get started with next week as I think Darryl and Sharon will want to be involved,’ said Mike, adding that friends are planning to leave the family in peace over the next few days.

‘We’ve had a lot of people come forward offering to help, including the guys at Craig’s Heartstrong Foundation who used to play football with Darryl.’

Much of the recovery starts now for Mr McGeown as he adjusts back to life at home and out of full-time care. His injuries left him weaker on his right side – the side that took the impact – and struggling with balance, though physiotherapy will help improve his strength and steadiness.

He also lost a remarkable three stone in weight while in a coma, and had no recollection of the incident outside a Douglas nightclub that led to the injuries.

l Liam Priestnal, aged 17, of Douglas, was bailed after being charged with inflicting grievous bodily harm following the incident on Douglas promenade. The case has been adjourned until February 12 for committal to the Court of General Gaol Delivery.

ONE of the island’s leading independent providers of trust, fiduciary and corporate services is playing a major role in a new global umbrella group of companies with many employees.

BW Oakfield (BWO), has announced the establishment of the Kreston Offshore Special Interest Group.

It will link Kreston Internationals network of firms engaged in the provision of fiduciary services.

BWO’s managing director, Stewart Davies, will chair the Group on behalf of the international network.

The group includes firms from 12 countries, including Mauritius, Switzerland, Malta, Cyprus and Jersey. It is intended the new group will pool intelligence and information and develop business between each other, as well as providing a dedicated central resource for the wider network.

Speaking from BWO’s offices at Millennium House, Victoria Road, Douglas, Mr Davies said: ‘This initiative mirrors a number of similar groups within the network, mainly dedicated towards accounting, audit and tax. This brings together a number of firms engaged in similar services to BWO, under one umbrella, for their mutual benefit, and for the wider benefit of the network.’

The launch of the group comes immediately after Kreston International admits Nkonki Inc., of South Africa. Established in 1993, Nkonki is a 23 partner firm with more than 300 professional and support staff, headquartered in the central business hub of Sandton, Johannesburg with further offices in Cape Town, Durban and East London.

Accredited by the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, Nkonki acts for quoted, private, state owned and public sector entities across a broad industry sector range including telecommunications, national transport, financial services, asset management, medical aid and education.

Jon Lisby, Kreston chief executive officer said: ‘Nkonki is a progressive, leading national firm and is recognised for its role in supporting the development of the South African accounting profession through an on-going programme of conferences, seminars and technical publications. The annual Nkonki Integrated Reporting Awards is an outstanding example and provides an analysis on compliance by the Top100 companies, together representing 85 per cent in value of companies on the JSE listed companies. Nkonki will support the further expansion of Kreston coverage throughout Africa.’

l BWO is the Isle of Man’s only representative of Kreston International, a global network of independent accounting firms with more than 600 firms in 98 countries, providing a resource of more than 19,000 professional and support staff.

l BW Oakfield Group is licensed by the Isle of Man Financial Supervision as a trust and corporate service Provider.