THE island’s annual rate of inflation has dropped.
Measured by the Retail Prices Index, December’s rate stood at 2.5 per cent, compared with 2.9 per cent for November.
Excluding housing costs, RPI inflation stood at 2 per cent, from 2.3 per cent in November.
The rate of inflation measured by the Consumer Prices Index stood at 1.4 per cent for December, a drop from 1.8 per cent the previous month.
The most recent UK RPI rate, in November, was 3 per cent
SOME readers have suggested that many students will have to pay considerably more than the £2,500 annual charge suggested by the Manx government.
Today’s Manx Independent asks the Department of Education and Children about that.
Inside, there’s a two-page special on the proposed new Keys boundaries.
We’ve drawn up a simplified map to show where the constituencies would be.
In our What, Where, When section there’s a review of Les Miserables starring Lonan’s own Samantha Barks.
On page 2, we look at the reviews the film has generated so far.
Also in today’s Manx Independent, we have a report on the court appearance of former Peel commissioner Arran Kaighin. He has been jailed for 10 months.
In other news, the bus drivers’ union says more strikes could take place.
We also look more at the latest unemployment figures.
Our comprehensive sports coverage includes a report on the Lancashire Cross-Country, in which a number of Manx competitors excelled.
The Manx Independent is in the shops now.
Rawtenstall, a small town nestling in Lancashire’s Rossendale Valley, was first mentioned in the archives way back in 1326 when it was rather quaintly described as the ‘row tunstall,’ or long, narrow farmstead.
Today it is known for two very different and distinctive features... its dry ski-slope, now recognised as one of the best in England, and as the home of the country’s last remaining Temperance Bar.
The rolling hills and dales around Rawtenstall offer some spectacular views and this fascinating new book records many older corners and buildings, some forgotten, some still fondly remembered, and more than a few still standing.
Using contrasting old and new photographs, Kathy Fishwick takes us on a voyage of discovery spanning over a hundred years of history, industrial development and growth.
In the early part of the 14th century, Rawtenstall and its surrounding countryside was part of the Royal Forest of Rossendale but, like much of this area of Lancashire, it rapidly expanded with the advent of the Industrial Revolution when mills producing textiles and footwear took over the landscape.
Water-powered mills carded woollen fleeces and spun thread while handloom weavers made cloth in their scattered farmhouses and then took it to market in Rochdale or Halifax using strong shoulders or the back of a packhorse.
In 1789 a turnpike road was built by John Metcalfe, known as Blind Jack of Knaresborough. Going west to east, the road went literally uphill and down dale creating a tough route for the trundling carts needed to carry increasing loads of goods.
Before long Rawtenstall had become a crossroads for trade routes and steadily grew into a thriving town. By the 1830s the main thoroughfare, now called Bank Street, was attracting prestigious buildings in keeping with a town aspiring to a promising future.
It achieved borough status in 1891, taking in many of the much older hillside villages around, although they managed to retain their individual pride and character.
Rawtenstall itself had grand aspirations, and although these failed to develop, many of the fine buildings of the Victorian and Edwardian periods remain as reminders of its important role in the 19th century.
Much was swept away in the 1960s, in preparation for a motorway to Burnley that never arrived. Farmland and industrial scenes have been replaced by housing estates and superstores, and village corners have been lost for road widening.
New trees and grassed areas cover the scars of vanished buildings but, as Fishwick’s powerfully nostalgic book reveals, here and there amid the traffic and tarmac, an isolated group of cottages or a view down a street can still recall the town that used to be.
(Amberley, paperback, £14.99)
ISLE of Man Darts Organisation is holding its first qualifying event of the new year this Saturday at Peel Legion, commencing 7.30pm.
The newly-elected Isle of Man Darts committee will be on hand to welcome any new members who wish to join. Subscription for 2012/13 is £5, which allows entry into the remaining competitions for the rest of the season.
The usual £5 entry fee for the men’s and women’s competitions applies.
There will be prize money on offer at each of the qualifying events for the remainder of the season.
A £100 prize fund has been created for each event, which will be shared between both the women’s and men’s competitions.
The usual points will be awarded to players, that will go to determining who will be invited to represent the island in major darts events later in the year.
THREE-TIME TT winner Adrian Archibald has announced his retirement from road racing.
In an article in yesterday’s Belfast Newsletter, the 43-year-old said that he believed the time was right to leave motorcycle racing behind after discussing his options for 2013.
‘I sat down with my sponsor, Nigel Henry, and we decided that we wouldn’t run the team this year and after that I decided that I’d just forget about it,’ he told reporter Kyle White.
‘Sponsorship was going to be light enough this year and between the two of us we decided that would be it.
‘I would say I probably won’t race again, but it’s not something that bothers me. It’s just come to that time now and it’s no big deal,’ added the Ballymoney man in his usual blasé manner.
Archibald’s career spanned a total of 21 years, making his Mountain Course debut in 1995 when he finished fifth in the Junior Newcomers MGP won by fellow Ulsterman Ricky Mitchell.
He finished 10th in the Senior race the same week, returning the following year to finish runner-up in both the Junior and Senior behind Mitchell, setting what was at that time an outright lap record for the Manx of 117.18mph.
Progressing to the TT in 1997, his first top-10 finish was a seventh in the 1997 Junior.
His first of eight visits to the TT podium came in the 2000 Junior when he finished runner-up to David Jefferies
He scored an emotional Formula One/Senior double in 2003 following the death, in practice, of his TAS Suzuki team-mate Jefferies. The quietly spoken County Antrim man finished runner-up to John McGuinness in the following year’s F1, but retained the Senior plaudits.
His last podium finish at the TT was third behind Antipodeans Cameron Donald and Bruce Anstey in the 2008 Superbike.
Archibald also won at the North West 200 in 2003 but rated the Ulster Grand Prix, where he racked up six victories, as his favourite event alongside the TT.
‘I’m happy enough with my career,’ he added. ‘My TT wins are obviously the biggest ones for me - no doubt I’ll probably miss that and the Ulster a bit.
‘I think I was lucky to be racing in some of the good times because we had big grids for every race and there was a really good, quality line-up.
‘I just tried to keep it as safe as I could and I was just lucky that I got away with it.’
St John’s v Peel kicks off this weekend’s action on Friday evening
Friday, January 11
7pm kick-off
Canada Life Premier League
St John’s v Peel
---------
Saturday, January 12
2pm KO
Canada Life Premier League
Gymns v Union Mills
Marown v DHSOB
Ramsey v Corinthians
St George’s v Laxey
St Mary’s v Rushen United
JCK Division Two
Ayre United v Malew
Braddan v Douglas Athletic
Douglas Royal v Onchan
Foxdale v Douglas and District
Michael United v Ronaldsway
RYCOB v Colby
Canada Life Combination One
Corinthians v Ramsey
DHSOB v Marown
Laxey v St George’s
Peel v St John’s
Rushen United v St Mary’s
Union Mills v Gymns
JCK Combination Two
Colby v RYCOB
Douglas and District v Foxdale
Douglas Athletic v Braddan
Malew v Ayre United
Onchan v Douglas Royal
Ronaldsway v Michael United
---------
Sunday, January 13
10.30am KO
Appleby 15-17 Division One
Ayre v Colby
Laxey v St George’s
Peel v Union Mills A
Appleby 15-17 Division Two
Ramsey v Braddan
Rushen v Onchan
Union Mills B v Ronaldsway
2pm KO
Paddy Power Veterans’ League
Foxdale v RYCOB
Ronaldsway v Colby A
Union Mills v Braddan
HIGHWAYS bosses are warning motorists that if they buy a vehicle from off-island they must register and license that vehicle immediately following importation to the Isle of Man.
If the vehicle is more than three years of age it must be tested before registration and licensing. Although the vehicle may have a period of tax remaining, this tax is not valid here and the vehicle may not be used on island roads on foreign plates, including UK plates.
Vehicles used as hire and drive vehicles obtained from Isle of Man businesses must also be registered and taxed in the Isle of Man.
Richard Pearson, director of highways, said: ‘There is no relaxation on the period of time for residents to register and tax vehicles brought into the island and it must be done as soon as possible.’
People who don’t re-register their vehicles face a fine of £1,000.
A UNION spokesman said he was sorry to be planning a new wave of bus strikes with his members – but added he could not rule out the possibility of an all-out strike.
He made the comments before a meeting yesterday (Wednesday) to set new year strike dates for January, February and March.
Bobby Morton, UNITE’s national officer for passenger transport added the matter could be solved by a referral to arbitration.
He said the Bus Vannin management and representatives of the Department of Community Culture and Leisure (DCCL) which is in charge of the buses should agree to a binding face-to-face arbitration to avoid more strikes.
‘It is with great sadness that plans for a new wave of strike action are being put in place today, particularly when there is a logical common sense way to end this protracted dispute,’ he said.
‘I appeal yet again to Nick Black, the department’s chief executive and the DCCL to refer this matter to a third party for binding arbitration.
‘This would be the fairest way to resolve the problem and avoid triggering further disruption to the general public on the Isle of Man.’
He said not only did he expect there to be more strikes but he also anticipated an escalation of the action, adding the union had a £25m ‘war chest’ which had been made available.
‘That means we will be supporting the drivers on a monetary basis,’ he said.
‘It is their [the bus drivers’] decision but they may even decide on an outright stoppage.’
He added there was a standard strike payment of £30 per day.
‘However because of the importance of the dispute I have licence to add to that if I wish – and I do wish at the moment,’ he said.
Mr Morton also said the union felt ‘very strongly’ its own side of the dispute was not coming across in the media. He said he felt the government put pressure on the media and as a result he thought the government’s side of the dispute had been much more fully aired at the expense of the union’s position.
The bus dispute began last year after the DCCL said the bus operating budget had to be cut by £300,000, despite the island being recession-free. This led in turn to the drivers’ contracts being terminated and new contracts imposed, cutting drivers’ wages by up to £3,000 per year.
The first of the planned strikes took place for three days in the run up to Christmas on Thursday to Saturday December 20 to 22 after talks aimed at finding a resolution broke down.
On that occasion train services using a temporary platform at School Hill, and tram services ran alongside a reduced bus service to ensure children were able to get to school.
The drivers are also objecting to proposals to increase their driving time and reduce their contractual hours from 42 to 37.
• What do you think? Email {mailto:opinions@newsiom.co.im|opinions(at)newsiom.co.im}
ROCK trio The Enemy will head to Manx shores next month as part of their current British tour.
The Coventry lads have been kicking up a storm with their anthemic rock tracks such as Be Somebody, It’s not OK and Had Enough.
Born out of sessions messing about in their bedrooms, the band were cult heroes before they were even signed.
They made their breakthrough on NME’s coveted Rock ‘N’ Roll Riot Tour and are now appearing on the bill with legends like Oasis, as well as headlining their own high-profile shows.
The band’s debut album We’ll Live and Die in These Towns (2007) went straight to Number 1 in the UK Albums chart. And their second album Music for the People (2008) went to Number 2. Streets In The Sky, their third studio album, was released last May and reached the top 10.
Tickets, costing £17.50, are now available for their gig in the Villa Marina on Wednesday, February 27.
They are available at www.villagaiety.com, on 600555 and at the Welcome Centre at the Sea Terminal.
Thursday, January 10
• Tea dance, South Douglas Old Friends Association, Finch Road, Douglas, 2pm.
• Dance classes for children, Centenary Centre, Peel, 4pm. Call 450688.
• Modern Line Dance classes for all levels at The Legion Hall, Onchan every Thursday, Monday and Wednesday. Call Michael on 670308.
• Strictly Come Dancing for beginners, Royal British Legion, Port Erin, 8pm. £3.50 per person.
Friday, January 11
• Acrobatics, Dance Factory, Onchan Park, 4.30pm.
• Modern Dance, Dance Factory, Onchan Park, 5.45pm. Also Thursday at 4.30pm.
• Tap Jnr, Dance Factory, Onchan Park, 6.45pm. Also Tap Adv at 7.30pm. Also Beginners Tap, Tuesday at 4.30pm.
• Argentinian Tango beginners class, St Paul’s Hall, Ramsey, 7pm. Call 880650 or 324110.
Saturday, January 12
• Dance Time for children, Port Erin Methodist Hall, sessions from 9.30am. £2.50 per half hour session. Call 835696.
• Ballroom dancing for children of all ages, Royal British Legion Hall, Port Erin, 10am.
• Sequence dancing, Onchan Methodist Church Hall, 8pm. Call 829669.
• Social sequence dancing, Pulrose Methodist Church hall, Douglas, 8pm. Also Monday; Sunday, sequence dancing with latest dances only; Wednesday, sequence dancing. Call 842878.
Sunday, January 13
• Perree Bane Manx folk dancing, Ballasalla village hall, 7pm.
Monday, January 14
• Irish Dance Prim/Int, Viking Works, Riverside, Peel, 6.30pm. Also Wednesday at 5.45pm. Beginners, Wednesday at 5pm.
• Modern, street and stage dance classes, Rinkey Studios, Mill Road, Peel, from 6pm. www.rinkey.co.uk
• Country dancing, Willaston Hall, 7pm-9pm. Call 628521.
• Ceroc Dance night, Masonic Hall, Woodbourne Road, Douglas, 7.30-10.30pm.
• Line dancing, Port Erin Methodist Church hall, 8.15pm. Call 436219.
Tuesday, January 15
• Oriental Dance Exercise. Gena’s Dance Academy, Peel, 10am. Also Wednesdays, The Gym, Ramsey. Call 300020.
• Sequence dancing and social, South Douglas Old Friends Assoc, 7.30pm. Admission £1.50.
• Beginners Line Dance, St John’s Football Club, 7.30pm-9pm. Call 462104.
• Sequence dancing with Port Erin Dancing Club, Port Erin Methodist Church hall, 8pm. Admission £1.50.
Wednesday, January 16
• Ballroom dancing for children, Centenary Centre, Peel, 4pm. Call 450688.
• Ballet, Dance Factory, Onchan Park, 4.30pm.
• Ballroom dancing, Villa Marina, Douglas, 8pm. Call Ellis Killey on 623414.
• Rhythmic dance, St Ninian’s Dance Studio, Douglas, 8pm.
Thursday, January 10
• Theatrix Theatre Company Musical Theatre age 8-12. Also Saturday Babies Irish/mod, 9am. Prep Ballet/Tap, 10am, Babies Ballet/Tap, 11am. Musical Theatre, age 5-8. Monday, Senior Ballet, 4pm, Senior Tap, 5pm, Senor Jazz, 5.45pm Adult Irish, 6.30pm. Tuesday Community Ballet/Tap, 4pm. Beginners Irish, 4.45pm. Junior Irish, 5.30pm. Adult Tap, 6.15pm. Wednesday Grade 2 Ballet/Tap, 4pm. Novice Irish, 5.30pm. Adult Ballet, 6.15pm.
• Quiz Night at The Railway, Douglas from 8.30pm. Call 670773.
• Happy Tots, Main Hall, Willaston School, 9.45am, £1 per family including refreshments. Call 621577.
• Storytime for pre-schoolers, Henry Bloom Noble Library, Victoria Street, Douglas, 10am. Call 696461.
• Age Concern - Free Computer Training Sessions: Douglas iMuseum, Kingswood Grove – Thursday and Wednesday, 10am–12.30pm. Douglas, Drinkwater Street and Monday and Tuesday, 2pm– 4.30pm
• Manx Footpaths Conservation Group, Port St Mary – Kallow Point, 10.30am. Also Sunday, Santon Railway Station, 1.30pm.
• Isle of Man Farmers’ Market, at Tynwald Mills, St John’s, 11am-3pm.
• Group acoustic guitar tuition at the Nothern Lights Community Centre, Ramsey, from 7pm, £10. Call John on 204320 or email bluejohnmedia@hotmail.co.uk
• Manx Gaelic class with Cathy Clucas, Arbory Commissioners’ Hall, 7.30pm. Call 838527.
• Bingo Quiz, Manor Hotel, Willaston, 9pm.
Friday, January 11
• Willaston Weekly Drop In Centre, Willaston Methodist Church, Barrule Road, 10am-noon.
• Drop in for coffee and a chat, Sulby Methodist Church, 10am-noon.
• Coffee and chat, Onchan Methodist Church lounge, opposite commissioners’ office, 10.30am-noon.
• Learn Manx with Adrian Cain, beginners noon-1pm, intermediates 1pm-2pm, Manx Museum, Douglas. Admission free. greinneyder@mhf.org.im Call 838527 or 451098.
• Friday Lunchtime Choir, Salvation Army Citadel, Lord Street, Douglas, 1.15pm.
• Meditation at The Refinery, Duke Street, Douglas, 7pm. Call 467818.
• The Manx Aviation and Military Museum, 10am-4.30pm. Also Saturday and Sunday, 10am-4.30pm. Free admission. Donations welcome.
Saturday, January 12
• Hearth & Home: Manx Rural Life in the 19th and early 20th Century a talk by Yvonne Cresswell, curator of social history, Manx National Heritage. Seminar Room 1, Manx Museum. £30.
• Theatre Tours, Gaiety Theatre, Douglas, 10am. Tickets for adults £7.50, children £4, family £20. Call 600555.
• Laxey Woollen Mills, Glen Road Laxey, 10am-5pm. Also open weekdays.
• Green Centre, opposite Iceland, Chester Street Complex, Douglas. Information about recycling, energy, insulation and environmental matters. Zero Waste Mann, Isle of Man Friends of the Earth and Manx Energy Advice Centre. Open from 10am.
• Coffee and chat, St Mary’s on the Harbour, Castletown, 11am.
• Isle of Man Farmers’ Market, at Northern Lights Community Centre, Ramsey, 10am-1pm.
Sunday, January 13
• Fishing workshops for beginners, includes both river and sea, bait, spinning and fly fishing, at Adventurous Experiences lecture room, Patrick Road, St John’s, by Kelvin Tastagh, owner of Kelvin’s Tackle, 2pm. Entry £3 donation to RNLI. Call Kelvin on 478224.
• Car Boot Sale, Onchan Community Centre, noon-3pm. Sellers £6 each.
• Car Boot Sale, Legion Hall, Janet Corner. 12-4pm. Call Kath on 824759.
• Car Boot Sale, Morton Hall, Castletown, 2pm. Stalls £6. Call 673320/481532.
• Castletown Metropolitan Silver Band rehearsals, Queen Street Mission Hall, 7pm.
• Meditation and chat at Pure Inspiration, Studio 1, The Harbour, Ramsey. 7.15pm. Call Gary on 817735.
Monday, January 14
• MS Society coffee morning, Cherry Orchard, Port Erin, 1.30pm.
Tuesday, January 15
• Manx Cancer Help drop-in day, Lisa Lowe Centre, The Old Schoolhouse, Cronkbourne, 11am-4pm.
• Manx Gaelic conversational class with Adrian Cain, The Rovers, Douglas, 1pm. Also Manx Gaelic class with Brian Stowell at Isle of Man College, Douglas, 7pm. Call 623821.
• Peel Footlights Youth Theatre, children aged eight-16, Philip Christian Centre, Peel, 4pm. Also Thursday. Call 843819.
Wednesday, January 16
• Computer Training Sessions for everyone. Leonard Cheshire Disability, Main Rd, Onchan, 11am-3pm. Call 679030.
• Bereavement support group, friendly get together for anybody feeling isolated or lonely after a bereavement, however or whenever it occurred, tea, coffee and a chat, Scholl Centre, Hospice Isle of Man, 5pm-7pm. Call 647443, 668192 or 647449.
• Samba percussion workshop, no experience necessary, Onchan Silver Bandroom, off Onchan Commissioners car park, 7pm. Cost £3, email: sambamann@manx.net
• Group acoustic guitar tuition at the Patchwork Cafe, Port St Mary, from 7pm, £10. Call John on 204320 or email bluejohnmedia@hotmail.co.uk
• Manx Gaelic class with James O’Meara, St John’s House, 7.30pm. Call 843436.
• Bingo Quiz, Archibald Knox, Onchan, 9pm.
Thursday, January 10
• Death and Decay. Featuring Bruno Cavellec, Charlotte Jane Henry, Rosi Robinson, Vici Blackburn, Hazel Walsh at the Sayle Gallery. Until January 27.
Thursday, January 10
• Walk and talk, Harbour Lights Cafe, Peel, 10am. Also Friday, NSC, Douglas, 10am; Monday, Pulsom Park, Castletown, 10.30am and Noble’s Park, Douglas, 5.30pm; Tuesday, NSC, Douglas, 10am; Wednesday, Ramsey Rugby Club, 10am. Call 688592.
• Fitness league exercise class, Ballafesson Church hall, Port Erin, 10.30am. Call 832759.
• Gentle Circuits, NSC, Douglas, 11am. Also Saturday. Call 688588.
• Chair based exercise sessions, Onchan Youth and Community Centre, 1.30pm. Also Friday, Port Erin Methodist Church hall, 2pm; Monday, Ramsey Town Hall, 10.30am; Tuesday, Castletown Sandfield residents lounge, 2pm; Wednesday, Westland’s Residents Lounge, Peel, 10.30am. Call 642668.
• Tai Chi Chuan, Lezayre Parish Hall, 2pm. Call 813222.
• Southern Gymnastics Club, Ballasalla School, 4pm. Also Tuesday, Castle Rushen High School, 5pm. Call 473741.
• Northern Gymnastics Club, Ramsey Grammar School, 5pm.
• Aqua Zumba, NSC, Douglas, 6pm. Call 688588.
• Pilates, St John’s Methodist Church Hall, 6.15pm. Also Friday and Monday, 9.30am; Wednesday, 6.15pm; Monday, 6.15pm, Colby Methodist Hall. Call 427401.
Friday, January 11
• Zumba Classes at Silvercraigs Hotel, Queens Promenade, 9.45am and 10.25am. Creche facility. Zumba Masterclass for beginners, Zumba Gold and Zumba Fitness Classes for ladies and mums and tots. Also Tuesday.
• Walk and talk, Earroo Nane House, 1 Snaefell View, Threshold Estate, Jurby, 10am.
• Manx ABC Boxing, Palace Terrace, Douglas. Juniors, 6pm. Seniors (age 16+), 7pm. Beginners welcome. Also Monday and Wednesday.
• Yoga, Morton Hall, Onchan, 6.30pm. Call 494489.
• Tai chi chuan, Murrays Road School, 7.30pm. Call 612305.
• Indoor bowls, Legion Hall, Port St Mary, 7.30pm. No experience necessary.
Saturday, January 12
• Pregnancy yoga, All Saints Hall, Douglas, 10am. Call 461461.
• Yoga, Laxey Working Men’s Institute, 10.15am. Also Monday.
• Yoga, Arbory Parish Hall, 10.30am. Call 494489.
• St Mary’s AFC mixed under 11s training, Pulrose Football Fields, 10.30am. Call 405859.
• Tae Kwondo beginners, Pinewood Complex, Pulrose, 10.45am. Also 6-7yrs, Wednesdays at 5.30pm and Monday and Wednesday, 8-13yrs at 6pm, all ages at 7.15pm. Text 432152.
• Gymnastics and dance, St Ninian’s School, Douglas, 2pm. Also Wednesday. Call 254499.
Sunday, January 13
• Yoga and Nutrition. Karma Yoga Studio, Douglas. 6-7.30pm.
Monday, January 14
• Pilates at Northern Lights Community Centre, Ramsey, 6.15-7.15pm. Also, Tuesdays, Hatha yoga, 6.30-7.45pm. Call Isis on 303836.
• Ladies’ activity morning, NSC, Douglas, 9.30am. Call 688556.
• Pilates, St. John’s Methodist Church Hall, 9.30am. Call 427401.
• Beginners Yoga, 10am, Karma, 2nd Floor, 8 Victoria St, Douglas. Also at 10am (over 60’s half price £5).
• Arthritis exercise, NSC, Douglas, 1pm. Call 688588.
• Disability Swimming Sessions, NSC, 3-4pm, £1.55. Also Tuesday, 6-7pm.
• Aquafit, NSC, Douglas, noon. Also Tuesday at noon and Wednesday at 6pm. Call 688556.
• Circuit Training, NSC, Douglas, 6pm. Also Wednesday at 7pm. Call 688588.
• Beginners Pilates, Rushen Primary School, Port Erin, 6.15pm. Improvers at 7.30pm; Beginners Wednesday at Victoria Road Primary School, Castletown, 7.30pm. Call 491963.
• Zumba, NSC, Douglas, 6pm. Call 688588.
• Exercise Boot Camp, Corrin Hall, Peel, 6.15pm. Also Wednesday, Philip Christian Centre, Peel, 6pm; Thursday, Glen Vine Church Hall, 9.15am.
Tuesday, January 15
• Fit2Go walking sessions, Car Park, Station Road, St John’s, 9am. For ladies looking to improve their fitness. £3.
• Cheerleading, All Saints Church Hall, 4.30pm. Call 254499 or email gengym@manx.net
• Pilates, The Hall at Church on The Rock, Ramsey, 6.15pm. Call 491449.
• Zumba, Fiesta Havana, Douglas, 7pm. Email sjh@manx.net
• Tai Chi Chuan, Lezayre Parish Community Hall, 7pm.
• Body Toning, NSC, Douglas, 7pm. Also Wednesday at 11am. Call 688588.
• IOM Karate Federation, Murrays Road School, Juniors, 7pm, Seniors, 7.30pm. Call 612305.
Wednesday, January 16
• Gentle yoga, ladies class, Gena’s Dance Academy, Peel, 9.30am. Call 456782.
• Pilates, NSC, Douglas, 12.10pm. Call 688588.
• Pilates class in Colby Methodist Hall, at 10am. Call Lizzy Main on 427401 or visit pilates-isle-of-man.co.uk
• Thompson Travel Netball Club junior training, Braddan School, 6pm. For ages 10-14.
• Valkyrs Hockey Club training, QEII Astro pitch, Peel. Juniors (8+), 6pm; Seniors (13 and up), 7.30pm. Call 801802 or email cathkilley@manx.net
• Lyengar inspired yoga, 6pm-7.30pm, Brightlife, Andreas. Contact Kel on 452015 or kelandsi@Manx.net
• Bowling club night, Port Erin Bowling Club, Breagle Glen, 6.30pm.
Thursday, January 10
• Brown Sugar at The Outback. Douglas.
• Karaoke, Guys and Dolls, Douglas.
• Soundcheck, Basement, Youth Arts Centre, Kensington Road, Douglas, 6.30pm. Also Saturday and Wednesday.
• Ramsey Folk Club at The George Hotel, Ramsey, 8pm.
• Karaoke with Ray Sloane at The Saddle Inn, Douglas.
• Guitar Lessons at The Meeting Room, Archibald Knox, Onchan, 5-45-6.45pm.
• Alternative Havana, Fiesta Havana, Douglas. Also, Friday - Full On Fridays.
Friday, January 11
• Arrane son Mannin (Song for Mann) competition, Peel Masonic Hall. 8pm.
• Concert and New Song Competition, Peel Masonic Hall, 8pm.
• Brown Sugar at The Queens, Douglas.
• Karaoke, The Albert, Douglas, 9pm.
• Blues Night at The Pavillion, Port St Mary, 8pm. Food available. Call 834932.
• Thai Night, authentic food and music, The Railway, Douglas, 6pm. Also Wednesday.
• Manx Music session, Tynwald Inn, St John’s, 8.30pm.
• Irish Traditional Music session, The Mitre, Ramsey, 9pm.
Saturday, January 12
• Little Miss Dynamite at The Union, Castletown.
• Ian Thompson at The Whitestone Inn, Ballasalla.
• Brown Sugar at The Manx Legion. Douglas.
• Manx Music session, The White House, Peel, 10pm.
• Karaoke with Dobbo at the Decks, Liverpool Arms, Baldrine.
• Karaoke at the Central Hotel, Ramsey.
Sunday, January 13
• One Wo/Man, One Guitar, One Night at The Tynwald Inn, St. John’s. Joe Russell with Al Lawrence and Geoff Kerrison.
• Music Box with David Castro and Stephanie Chatterley at Guys and Dolls, Walpole Avenue.
• Karaoke at The British, Douglas.
• Karaoke, The Crescent, Queen’s Promenade, Douglas, 8pm.
Tuesday, January 15
• Acoustic Sing-a-Round, The Manor, Willaston.
• Rock Choir, Youth Arts Centre, Kensington Road, Douglas, 6pm.
• The What You Want Acoustic Music Club, The Manor, Willaston, 8.30pm.
Wednesday, January 16
• Karaoke at The British, Douglas.
Thursday, January 10
• Parents and tots, Auldyn Infants School Community Room, Ramsey, 1.30pm.
• Arbory Tots, from birth, Parish Hall, Ballabeg, 2pm. Cost £1 per family. Call 832394.
• Toddler Tunes, Community Room, Michael School, 2pm. Call 878090.
• Gym time active play for pre-school children, Manx Gymnastics Centre, Glencrutchery Road, Douglas, 9.30am. Call 625636. Also Friday and Wednesday.
• Krafty Kids (pre-school age) Philip Christian Centre, Peel, 10am.
• MRA Stretch and Flex at the NSC, Douglas at 10am. Also Indoor Flat Green bowling from 2pm. Sunday Monthly Carvery Lunch at the Sefton Hotel, Douglas at 1pm. Tuesday Southern Coffee Morning at the Cherry Orchard Hotel, Port Erin at 10.30am. Whist Afternoon at the Cat with No Tail, Douglas at 2pm. Also a carvery lunch at 1pm on Sunday. Cost £14 for members and £15 for guests.
• Harbourside WI, St. Paul’s Church Hall, Ramsey, 10am. Call 818194.
• Onchan Pensioners Club, coffee morning, Morton Hall, Onchan, 10am-noon. Also bingo, 7pm. Friday, sequence dancing, 2pm; Monday, bridge, 2pm; bingo 7pm; Tuesday, coffee morning, 10.30am-noon; Wednesday, Onchan Ladies Club, 2pm, whist, 7pm.
• The Dalby Art Group, St James’ schoolrooms, Dalby, 2pm. Bring your own equipment. Call Cheryl on 843471.
• Avondale WI, Onchan Community Centre, 2.15pm. Call 818194.
• Kirk Bride WI, Bride Church Hall, 7pm. Call 803804.
• Arbory Youth Club, school years 7-9, Ballabeg Village Hall, 7-9pm.
• The Children’s Centre Parent Support Group, informal chat with family support workers, at Douglas Family Centre, Woodbourne Road, 7-9pm.
• Army Cadets, Scout Hall, Peel, 7pm. Also Tuesday.
• Rushen Youth Club, school years 7-9, Rushen Youth Centre, Bay View Road, Port Erin, 7-9.30pm. Also Monday; Friday, drop-in, 7-9.30pm; Tuesday, school years 4-6 art club, 4.30-6pm; Wednesday, school years 9+, 7-9.30pm.
• Onchan District Explorers, Scout Headquarters, Onchan, 7.30pm.
• Arbory WI, Colby Methodist Hall, 7.15pm.
• Port Soderick WI, Port Soderick Recreation Hall, 7.30pm. Call 818194.
• Parkfield WI, St Andrew’s Church Hall, Douglas, 7.45pm. Call 818194.
Friday, January 11
• Onchan carers and tots, Parish Hall, Onchan, 1.15pm. Call 625328.
• Tiddlers, parents and tots, Elim Church, Second Avenue, Onchan, 10am. Call 434933.
• Prayers with Bears Tots group, All Saints Church Vestry, Alexandra Drive, Douglas, 10am. Call 483248.
• Parents and tots, Philip Christian Centre, Peel, 10am.
• Baby and Toddler Group, 9.30-11.30am at Glen Maye Community Centre. All pre-school children welcome. Refreshments provided. No charge but donations welcome. Call 845681.
• Parent and toddler group, Ballasalla Primary School, 1.45pm.
• Castletown Youth Club, school years 4-6, Youth Centre, Arbory Street, Castletown, 6-7.15pm. Also school years 7-9, Friday, 7.30-9.30pm; Wednesday, 6.45-8.45pm; school years 9+, Saturday and Tuesday, 7.30-10pm; soundcheck, Monday, 6-9pm; girls club, school years 9 and upwards, 7-9.30pm.
• Mums and Tots, Laxey Working Men’s Institute, 10am-noon. Call 479839.
• Storybox, Family Library, Westmoreland Road, Douglas, 10.30am. Also Saturday, Sticky Finger Craft for 6+, 10.30am; Wednesday, Busy Bee Time for pre-schoolers, 1.45pm. Call 673123.
• Parents and Tots, upper room, Sulby Methodist Church, 10.30am. Call 897364. Also 3.45pm Sparks after school club with themed activities.
• Tiny Tunes, music time for 0-3s, Family Library, Westmoreland Road, Douglas, 1.30pm, £2.50. Call 673123.
• St John’s Youth Club, school years 9+, St John’s School, 7-9pm. Also Monday, school years 7-9, 6.30-8.30pm; school years 4-6, 6.30-8pm.
• Youth Club, school years 7-9, Douglas Youth Centre, Kensington Road, 7-10pm. Also Saturday, school years 9+.
Sunday, January 13
• Sunday School, Sulby Methodist Church, 10.30am. Also youth group for school years 7+, 7pm. Call 450104.
• Task and DFC children’s club, Abbey Church, Ballasalla, 10.45am.
• Isle of Man Freethinkers, Douglas Yacht Club, 7pm-7.30pm.
Monday. January 14
• Kittens tots and carers group, St Ninian’s Church, Douglas, 10.30am. £1 per family. Call 629683.
• Parents and tots, Dhoon Church Hall, 9.30am. Call 426395.
• Parents and tots, St Olave’s Church, Ramsey, 1pm.
• Tots play, 1.30-3.30pm, at Northern Lights Community Centre, Ramsey. Wednesdays Tots craft and play. £1.
• Noah’s Ark Tots Group, Church on the Rock, behind Ramsey Bus Station, 9.30am. Call 223669.
• Breastfeeding Buddies drop in Clinic at Onchan Clinic, Village Walk Health Centre Onchan, 10.30am. Call 656030.
• Daniel’s Den, Methodist Church, Arbory Street, Castletown, 10am. Admission £1. Call 822374.
• Onchan Jubilee WI, The Methodist Church Hall, 10am. Call 818194.
• Mannin Art Group, St. Paul’s Hall, Ramsey. 10am -4pm. Call Hilary Bruce on 814105.
• Roll’n’Play for preschoolers, Philip Christian Centre, Peel, 10.30am.
• Onchan and District WI, Onchan Church Hall, 2pm.
• Onchan Ladies’ Choir, Methodist Hall, 1.30pm. Call 673453.
• Peel Toddler Group, Corrin Hall, Peel, 1.30pm.
• Action Songs and Rhymes, from birth, The Children’s Centre, Woodbourne Road, Douglas, 1.30pm. Also Tuesday, Sulby School, 9.30am; Philip Christian Centre, Peel, 2pm; Wednesday, Auldyn School Community Room, 9.15am and 10.30am.
• Michael Miniatures’ parents and tots, Ebenezer Hall, Kirk Michael, 2pm. £1.50 per family. Call 491592.
• Vannin Bridge, Onchan Pensioners Hall, 2pm. Also Thursday.
• Onchan Silver Band practice, The Band Room, off Main Road, Onchan, beginners, 6.30pm and seniors, 7.30pm.
• Peel Craft Club, the family room, Peel Methodist Chapel, 2pm-4pm.
• Onchan Rainbows, 5.30pm. Also 1st Onchan Brownies, 6.30pm.
• Brownies, Corrin Hall, Peel, 6.30pm.
• Onchan Silver Band practice, The Band Room, off Main Road, Onchan, beginners 6.30pm and seniors 7.30pm.
• Youth Club, school years 4-9, Jurby School, 6.30-9pm.
• Manannan Cubs, Scout Headquarters, Onchan, 7pm.
• Do Drop Inn Drama Club, children aged 10+, St Paul’s Hall, Ramsey, 7pm.
• Cornaa WI, Maughold Parish Hall, 7.30pm. Call 818194.
• Sulby WI, St. Stephen’s Church Hall 7.30pm.
Tuesday, January 15
• Foxdale mums and tots, community hall, Foxdale School, 2pm. Call 420234.
• Abbey Acorns, ages 4+ at the Abbey Church, Ballasalla, 3.30pm.
• Parents and tots group, Cronk-y-Berry School side entrance, 9.30am. Admission £1. Call 469756. Also Thursday, 1.30pm.
• Toddle Inn, mums and tots group, Port St Mary Baptist Church, 9.30am. Also Wednesday, Living Hope Community Church, Lancashire House, Santon, 9.30am. Call 835091.
• Laxey mums and tots, Laxey Pavilion, 1pm. Call 438408.
• Onchan Pensioners’ Social Club, Morton Hall, 10.30am. Also Thursday.
• Peel City WI, Guild Room, Athol Street, Peel, 10.30am. Call 818194.
• The Tuesday Group, flexible learning room to try your hand at basic crafts, have a chat, coffee and fun, Peel Clothworkers’ School 1.15pm. Pre-school children catered for. Call 614180.
• Computers for Beginners, Onchan Library, 10am-noon. Call 621228 or e-mail onchan.library@onchan.org.im
• Baldrine WI, Methodist Sunday School, Baldrine, 2pm. Call 818194.
• Peel Footlights Youth Theatre for ages 8-16, Philip Christian Centre, Peel, 4pm. Call 843819. Also Thursday.
• 2nd Onchan Beavers, Scout Headquarters, Onchan, 5pm.
• Michael WI, St Michael’s Hall, Kirk Michael, 7.30pm. Call 818194.
• Mannin Quilters, Ballabeg Methodist Hall, 7.30pm-9pm. Call 628921 or email chairman@manninquilters.org Also Wednesday at St. Columba’s Catholic Church, Port Erin. 1.30-4pm. Call 628921 or 832649.
• Ballacottier Senior Youth Project for school years 10+, Ballacottier School Youth Room, 7.30-9.30pm.
• The Isle of Man amateur radio society (IOMARS) meet. Sea Cadet Hall, Tromode, 8.30pm-9.30pm.
Wednesday, January 16
• Parents and tots, Salvation Army Citadel, Lord Street, Douglas, 9.30am. Call 627742.
• Mini Club for parents or carers and their babies, toddlers and pre-school children at Anagh Coar School, 9.30am or Braddan Church Hall, 2pm. Call 675091.
• Ballabeg Busy Bugs for under fives, Arbory Parish Hall, Ballabeg, 10am. Call 429676 or email BusyBugs2009@manx.net
• Mums and tots, Marown Hall, Peel Road, Crosby, 10.15am. £1.50 per family.
• Carers and tots, St James’ Schoolrooms, Dalby, 10.30am-noon. Call 843471 or cherylcousins@manx.net
• Busy Bees parents and tots, Beehive Kindergarten, Onchan, 1.30pm. Also Thursday. Call 674655.
• Parent and toddler group, Castletown Youth Centre, Arbory Street, Castletown, 2pm.
•• Laxey Sketch Club 1.30pm - 3.30pm at Laxey Football Clubhouse. Brush up on your art. Call 861125.
• Ballaquayle Bears Toddler Group, Ballaquayle School Hall, 1.45-3pm.
• Sulby Art Club, 2pm-4pm at St Stephen’s Church Hall, Sulby.
• The Friendship Club for the over 60s. Onchan Baptist Church. Call 674255.
• Homework Club for year 7s, Youth Centre, Arbory Street, Castletown, 4pm. Call 822490.
• Snaefell Cubs, Scout Headquarters, Onchan, 7pm.
• Youth Group Computer Club, Commissioners Office, Close Corran, Braddan, 7pm. Call 686057.
• Ballabeg WI, Methodist Sunday School, Ballabeg 7.30pm. Call 818194.
• Castletown WI, Methodist Hall, Arbory Street, Castletown, 7.20pm. Call 818194.
Thursday, January 10
Palace Cinema
• Les Miserables (12A). Nightly at 7pm, Saturday and Sunday at 2pm.
• The Hobbit An unexpected Journey (12A). Nightly at 7.15pm. Saturday and Sunday 2D at 2pm.
Broadway Cinema
• Quartet (12A). Friday-Thursday at 7.30pm. Wednesday at 2.30pm, Saturday/Sunday at 4.30pm.
• Life of Pi (12A). Saturday/Sunday at 2pm.
• Rise of the Guardians (PG). Saturday/Sunday at 11.30am.
START the new year with a relaxing day of yoga.
This Saturday, Brightlife is hosting a workshop for all abilities led by island yoga teacher Kel Smith.
Inspired by internationally recognised yoga teacher Ruth White, Kel decided to embark on her Karuna 500 hours Yoga Alliance Teaching Diploma, registered with the Yoga Alliance & the Independent Yoga Network.
‘Yoga is one of the oldest systems of personal development in the world,’ she explained.
‘It is considered a way of life, rather than a physical activity, with a firm spiritual, philosophical and practical base.
‘This system of balancing the body, mind and spirit was formulated by ancient yogis who understood man’s essential nature and realised a way to use all of man’s inner resources to live in harmony with himself and the environment.’
A member of the International Yoga Teachers Association and the Isle of Man Yoga Network, Kel is also qualified in reiki levels 1 and 2 and has a keen interest in health and nutrition.
She teaches Hatha Yoga, inspired by the world famous BKS Lyengar, using physical poses or ‘asana’, breathing techniques or ‘pranayama’, and meditation to achieve better health and spirituality.
‘As the sun opens the flowers delicately, unfolding them little by little, yoga postures and breathing open the body during a slow and careful training,’ she said.
‘When the body is open, the heart is open and there is a transformation in the body’s cells - they work in a different way and a new growth is possible.’
Yoga practice both relaxes and energises the body and mind and brings vitality, flexibility, strength, concentration and self-confidence.
It is suitable for all types of people and levels of fitness and practicing it helps overcome and prevent many stresses, strains, aches and pains and promotes a firm foundation for health and well-being.
The one-day workshop, which will include yoga, pranayama, meditation and relaxation, is suitable for all levels and abilities.
Starting at 9am and finishing at 4.30pm, it costs £85 and includes lunch.
For more information contact Brightlife, which is at Ballalheaney, off Andreas Road, near Ramsey on 880318 and at brightlife@brightlife.com or visit www.brightlife.com
THE date of the next bus strike has been annnounced.
A half-day stoppage, between 1pm and 6pm, will take place next Thursday (January 17).
The Unite union gave formal notification of the strike date to the Department of Community Culture and Leisure today.
It’s the latest move in a long-running dispute over changes to Bus Vannin drivers’ terms and conditions, including the loss of paid lunch breaks. Unite says drivers stand to lose up to £3,000 from their pay packets.
The first strike took place on the Thursday, Friday and Saturday before Christmas. Trains and trams were operated as part of a contingency plan.
Unite national officer for passenger transport, Bobby Morton, said: ‘It is with great sadness that plans for a new wave of strike action are being put in place today, particularly when there is a logical common sense way to end this protracted dispute.
‘I appeal yet again to Nick Black, the department’s chief executive and the DCCL to refer this matter to a third party for binding arbitration. This would be the fairest way to resolve the problem and avoid triggering further disruption to the general public on the Isle of Man.’
HIGH Street banks need to be prepared for a significant loss of market share this year as dissatisfied customers start switching their accounts, claims Duncan Lawrie Private Bank, which has a branch in the island.
It alleges growing customer dissatisfaction with high street banks, coupled with a demand to a return of a more personal service means that the days of 26-year average customer retention are over.
The bank points as evidence to a report commissioned with YouGov between August 14 and 16, 2012 with a sample size of 1,008 UK HNWIs (high net worth individuals) with over £250,000 investable assets which showed that over three quarters (76 per cent) wanted a more personalised banking service.
In 2011, the Independent Commission on Banking set out stipulations on account redirection, saying that banks have a time limit of seven days to switch customer accounts – the ICB wants this to be fully operational by September 2013.
Matthew Parden, managing director of Duncan Lawrie Private Bank said: ‘The repercussions for the banking industry will be severe. With rock bottom faith in High Street banks and with many customers disgruntled at the service they are getting, we predict that people will start to look around. And the independent private banking industry is set to be a beneficiary.’
Mr Parden added: ‘2013 is set to be another year of changes for consumers, which need to be planned for and considered.
‘For people to preserve their wealth and maximise their financial circumstances, they need to be conscious of the changes taking place and look into the best options available to them. Whether it means switching banks or seeking financial or investment advice, people need to be proactive around their finances in 2013.’
l Meanwhile the bank predicts India’s growth potential will continue to be strong in the New Year but Duncan Lawrie believes China is the one to watch in 2013. Its pick-up in GDP growth rate and estimated corporate stability means it is hugely under-valued.
Despite the failure of GDP to meet the beginning of year forecasts of 7.5 per cent pa growth, India’s main index, the BSE Sensex 30, ranked as the clear winner in market performance terms in 2012 when compared with other BRICs. Favoured by Duncan Lawrie Private Bank at the start of 2012, India knocked the other BRIC (Brazil, Russia and China) countries into a cocked hat, appreciating in monetary terms by over 15 per cent.
The banks says the question at the start of 2013 is who to watch this year?
In India, investors were given a rollercoaster ride, with a depreciating currency thrown in for good measure, and it was only after the middle of the year that the BSE Sensex 30 index established a firm upwards trend.
The catalyst for this firmer course was the government’s third quarter announcement of reform initiatives, including the resurrection of FDI (foreign direct investment in multi brand retail).
Edward Bland, director and head of research at Duncan Lawrie Private Bank said: ‘The Indian government, at long last, appears to be taking steps to cut some of the red tape and investors can take heart that further long pending reforms to stimulate the economy now stand a better chance of being implemented.
‘The question on India is, however, whether it will continue to be the prime performing emerging market.’
Edward Bland, added: ‘While not losing faith in India’s enormous growth and long-term potential, we believe valuations in China have reached historically low levels and do not properly discount the pick-up in GDP growth rate and corporate earnings expectations.
‘The transition to new leadership has gone smoothly, providing more certainty and promises more impetus to measures to support domestic consumption such as basic health care, and the acceleration of urban and infrastructure investment.’
In summary, Bland believes that in the short term the market may once again be disappointed by the lack of progress in India, in contrast to China which is much better placed to implement large scale reforms, such as the Special Economic Zones from the East Coast to the West, which will increase urbanisation, improve per capital income and drive consumer spending higher.
China is certainly set to be the ‘top dog’ in 2013 but India’s long-term potential mustn’t be discounted – it remains to be a compelling longer-term investment proposition.
Stock markets: Duncan Lawrie Private Bank envisages continued volatility across equity markets, due to the cocktail of low GDP growth rates, political uncertainty, and high sovereign debt levels. However, the backdrop of low interest rates and continued policy stimulus (QE et. al) is constructive for equities versus bonds. There is the capacity for markets to grind higher in 2013.
Mobile Banking: banks will invest heavily in m-banking in 2013 as big players such as Google leverage new technology to steal more of the market share.
Stop gap in lending: despite Government schemes trying to boost lending, there will be continued caution into 2013 as legislation such as Basel III means banks have stricter capital demands even less capacity to lend. As a result, payday and other alternative forms of lending will soar following continued increased borrowing in the last few years**.
Landscape for annuities: the cost of implementing the European Gender Directive will fall on consumers in 2013 resulting in lower overall annuity rates for both men and women.
l MPs’ gold plated pensions will lose their lustre in 2013: Duncan Lawrie Private Bank predicts that MPs will face calls to bring their pensions in line with private and other public sector pensions, after the news in the Autumn Statement that MPs’ pensions are exempt from the reductions in both the annual and lifetime allowances.
Disappointing pensions: The drop in lifetime allowance will mean companies need to look to find alternative methods of remunerating high earning employees, particularly those with defined benefit schemes, which could see a resurgence of EFRBS (Employer Funded Retirement Benefit Scheme)-like products and the increased use of workplace funded ISAs as part of employee benefit packages. There will also be a corresponding surge in VCT and EIS usage by HNWIs looking to boost tax reliefs lost by previous drops in the annual allowance.
Child benefit: As it starts to reduce in 2013, the onus will be on consumers to opt out of child benefit payments if their income exceeds the threshold. A large number of people are likely to be unaware of the changes, which will mean they will hit with the need to repay any benefit they received that they were not entitled to when they complete their 2013/14 tax return.
EDUCATION Minister Tim Crookall MHK has responded to concerns by the Isle of Man Medical Society that the introduction of tuition fees could impact on patient care.
In a letter printed in the Isle of Man Examiner on December 31, the society’s executive chairman, Dr May Shiu Chan, said that ‘in order to produce our own, attract non-Manx doctors and to retain them, the island must be able to offer a tertiary education package to residents which is competitive in the international market place.’
{http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/letters/tuition-fees-could-hit-provision-to-patients-1-5266167|Read the letter here}
He said if the education package was less competitive than other jurisdictions ‘we run the real risk of failing to attract suitably skilled key and productive professionals or even worse losing some of those who are already here’.
In his written response to the society – which is part of the British Medical Association – Mr Crookall said: ‘You also suggest that the new arrangements may be a disincentive to recruiting and retaining staff.
‘My department is acutely aware of this possibility as it recruits a significant number of staff from off the island into its secondary schools.
‘However, like other employers, we will be redoubling our efforts to make sure that we emphasise to potential recruits all the benefits the island offers.
‘These of course range from low taxation, domestic rates and water rates, a very low crime rate, through to the high quality of provision for sport and the arts as well as health care and the island’s natural beauty and resources.’
Mr Crookall said that under the proposals students wishing to study medicine ‘continue to attract very generous funding towards their tuition costs’ as the courses are excluded from the £9,000 a year tuition fee cap.
‘This means that, regardless of parental income, the department pays any balance of fee over £9,000 for those universities which don’t charge overseas rates (currently this excludes only three universities.
‘As the average annual costs of medical tuition fees is currently £23,500 this means that the department is paying between £21,000 and £14,500 a year (dependent upon family income).