NO bus passenger will be left stranded during tomorrow’s strike, transport bosses say.

The bus drivers’ union, Unite, is holding a strike tomorrow from 1pm to 6pm in a dispute about a number of issues, including the loss of paid lunches.

Nick Black, chief executive officer of the Department of Community, Culture and Leisure, which runs the nationalised bus service, said: ‘The regular school day timetable is scheduled for the morning peak to ensure children can get to school and commuters arrive at work at the normal time. This will continue until approximately 11am. We are intending to implement a reduced service for the strike period and schools have been notified of any changes to their afternoon services. Normal service will resume from 6:30pm.’

Mr Black added: ‘I can assure the public though that no passengers will be left stranded as a result of a bus not completing a journey as any buses operating at 1pm will be driven by staff who are not taking industrial action.’

Full timetables are available at the Welcome Centre in the Sea Terminal (662525) and online at www.iombusandrail.info and cf.gov.im.

In addition to the temporary bus time timetables and rail services, the Department of Infrastructure have confirmed that additional parking is available at the following locations:

· Douglas Promenade – short stay parking (up to three hours) is available on the promenade in the same area that is used during the Christmas shopping period available from 9.30am to 9pm.

· Quarterbridge, main car park on Peel Rd (20 plus) and overflow car park on New Castletown Rd (20) both between 8am and 9pm.

· The Bowl car park on Pulrose Rd (Douglas Corporation) pay and display (100 plus).

· Circus Beach (pre-check in area) is available strictly between 9am and 5pm (up to 40 spaces), access through ferry entrance.

· Victoria Pier is made available between 8am and 9.30pm (100 spaces plus), access on left hand side approach to Sea Terminal. This is the section beyond the 1hr area. (Vehicles are parked at the owner’s discretion. DOI advise the public to avoid parking there if weather forecast is poor)

Due to the potential for increased congestion on the day of the strike, the Department would encourage commuters, where possible, to also consider some of the following options:

· Car sharing – which can be arranged using www.journeymatch.im.

· Flexible Working Hours – with buses operating as normal until 11am, then resuming at 6.30pm, it may be possible for some employers/employees to make flexible working arrangements.

· It may also be possible for some employees to work from home

Peter Karran MHK (Lib Van, Onchan) accused Isle of Man Newspapers of ‘black propaganda’ on behalf of the government during a Tynwald debate this week because of our story revealing that bus drivers were entitled to a £400 pay rise because of a Whitley Council agreement.

Read the full story in tomorrow’s Manx Independent

MANAGING director Sheila Dean has been recognised in a list of the top 50 most influential people for 2013.

Sheila is boss of Equiom, a leading trust and corporate service provider based in the island.

The Private Client Practitioner 50 Most Influential celebrates the top individuals within the UK and UK Offshore private client advisory professions.

It begins with an open call for nominations on www.eprivateclient.com and www.thewealthnet.com.

The judging process then looks at the quality of the nominations based on the achievements of an individual, their impact on how wealthy individuals are served, who nominated them and how many nominations they received.

A number of leading firms including KPMG, PWC and Deloitte were also represented in this year’s award.

Speaking in response to her award Sheila said: ‘I am thrilled to have been selected for this award which is shared with like minded and dedicated practitioners.

‘At Equiom I have developed a number of key relationships with the leading private client teams throughout the UK and this award is a fantastic endorsement of these partnerships and endeavours to ensure that our clients continually receive the best advice’.

The winners celebrated at a champagne reception in Bonham’s London.

PEEL Town Commissioners’ chairman Eric Beale has stated it is ‘very upsetting’ that development plans for the town have been scrapped.

Mr Beale was speaking of his disappointment after the commissioners announced that the Peel rate for 2013-14 is to remain the same at 242 pence in the pound.

However, due to the Department of Infrastructure’s withdrawal of the waste disposal subsidy it means the commissioners have had to factor an increased cost of £42,000 for the coming financial year.

The separate annual refuse charge for domestic properties, which covers the cost of the bin collection contract, the waste disposal charge at the Energy From Waste Plant and Peel’s contribution to the cost of running the Western Civic Amenity Site will have to increase significantly.

Therefore, the current waste disposal charge per dwelling per annum of £128.50 will increase to £152.00.

The commissioners said that they had planned ‘an ambitious programme of improvements to the town’, which included a major refurbishment/improvement scheme in Marine Parade that would have included a new play area, five-a-side football pitch and combined basketball court, replacement fencing, new lighting and repairs to the bowling green.

Other spending planned included a new disabled access to the Ward Library, additional CCTV coverage and part funding of an extra outreach worker for the town to cover Friday and Saturday evenings.

It was also intended to purchase a replacement beach harrow.

Mr Beale said: ‘I am absolutely miffed about it. It is appalling we’ve spent a long time on our budget, we wanted to gain something in the town along with improvements, especially for the kids.

‘It is very upsetting and I am not happy at all.

‘I would like to think the town [people] will say: “What is going on in government?”.’

He added: ‘The kids are going to miss out on things, we wanted to give them more to do.

‘We also wanted to get an extra outreach worker, which they need at the youth club. The outreach workers are doing a superb job, but government are not prepared to give them the money.

‘We spoke to the police and they thought their [outreach workers] help would be tremendous for the kids.’

• Onchan’s rate is to rise by 4p in the pound to 271p in the pound; Castletown’s rate remains at 320p in the pound; Lezayre’s rate is to increase from 67p in the pound to 70.5p in the pound.

REPAIRS can be made to the Gaiety Theatre’s leaking roof, government planners have ruled.

The Department of Community, Culture and Leisure, which owns the site, revealed the roof was leaking when it submitted a planning application to fix the problems in November.

Under the plan (12/01527/GB) remedial works can be carried out on the theatre’s barrel roof, including replacing fixings and flashings.

It involves replacing the defective felt coverings to the roof and lead flashings to the adjacent gutter.

Corrugated aluminium cladding will be installed to the proscenium wall – which separates the stage from the auditorium – above roof level to prevent further water ingress.

And the parapet wall to the north side of the building will be lowered by about 60cm to provide access to an existing gutter.

The existing cracked concrete coping on the wall will be removed and replaced with a new pre-cast watertight concrete coping.

In relation to the corrugated aluminium sheeting to the domed roof and lantern, the existing fittings will be removed and then replaced with new stainless steel fasteners complete with aluminium storm washers.

In addition, existing defective roof mounted smoke vents will be replaced with a ‘modern equivalent’ of matching size, appearance, colour and material.

The DCCL has also been granted registered building consent for the works (12/01528/CON).

The theatre, designed by Frank Matcham, was built in 1899. It underwent major restoration in 1976.

SIGNIFICANT snowfall could be on the way, the Met Office has warned.

A Met Office spokesman said the latest indication was that rain and sleet would move in overnight today/tomorrow (Thursday/Friday), turning into snow, especially over the hills.

Snow is also expected at lower levels, particularly away from the east coast, and there is a potential for ‘significant amounts’ in some parts of the island.

It is also expected to cause disruption at some UK airports. With a cold spell forecast over the weekend, any snow will be slow to melt.

THE torrential rain of the past year has caused problems for many, from farmers with ruined crops to people with flooded properties.

But an unwelcome effect for one Onchan resident has been a regular tide of effluent through his garden.

Andrew Leece, of Birch Hill Avenue, moved into the property he shares with his pregnant wife two years ago but the problem only really came to light over the past year.

The garden was so overgrown he was unaware at the time of the drain running through the land.

‘It comes down Birch Hill and does a 90-degree turn,’ he explained. ‘The problem is when we have really heavy rain, the water coming down it backs up and starts coming out through the manhole cover. The Water Authority has capped two of the drains so it comes up through ours now.’

Mr Leece added the problem had affected other houses nearby but measures had been taken to address it.

‘Maybe if I was paying rent rather than rates more notice would be taken of it,’ he said.

The torrential rain of the past year, he said, had produced a regular sea of sanitary towels, faeces and toilet paper welling up out of the manhole cover, creating a lake in his garden and spilling over into the lane at the back.

Attempts to seal the man-hole cover had only exacerbated the problem by forcing everything up through the drains adjacent to the house itself.

David Watt of the Isle of Man Water and Sewage Authority said the problem was caused in part by the expansion in the district, which meant more houses and more people feeding into an ancient sewage and drainage system designed to cater for fewer people.

‘We do know there is a problem there which we are investigating,’ he said.

‘The problem is, if we go for a simple solution all it will do is move the problem somewhere else rather than actually solving it.’

He said the were considering the best short-term solution until major work needed to address the problem could be undertaken.

‘We are considering all options,’ he said.

THE number of parcels being posted and couriered to the island has shot up.

With HMV in trouble and after the closure of Jessops, today’s Manx Independent reveals figures for the number of packages now entering the island.

It all adds up to bad news for the island’s retailers and the Manx economy.

Inside the paper we report from the Strand Shopping Centre about the problems at the HMV store and ask shoppers how their habits have changed.

This week’s Independent also has reports on the big Tynwald issues of the week: Tuition fees, the Scope of Government report, health waiting lists and more.

Meanwhile, we also catch up with the crew of the Juliette Pride, the African-owned tug that’s been stuck in Douglas harbour since mid-December.

The Examiner reported the story on its front page last week. Today’s Manx Independent finds out how the sailors have coped.

The front page picture is of a man called Ian Clague. He is, apparently, the perfect man. Find out why in today’s paper.

As the bus strike begins, we include a report from Tynwald in which Liberal Vannin leader Peter Karran criticises the Manx Independent’s accurate coverage of bus drivers being entitled to a £400 pay rise.

The main story on the back page is the record field of runners at the cross-country run at Glen Lough.

The paper has the results of the Isle of Man Cross-Country Championships.

We also report on Mark Cavendish’s outburst after he was asked about Lance Armstrong’s apparent doping confession on American television.

The Manx Independent is in the shops now.

THE deadline is tomorrow (Friday) to join Isle of Man Newspapers’ campaign to protect the island’s lifeline ferry routes from over-intensive wind farm development in the Irish Sea.

Since we launched our ‘Don’t cut us off’ campaign in December, we have received 1,190 petition forms, signed by more than 1,500 people.

Our campaign received a welcome boost this week from Shoprite. They sent in more than 100 signed petition forms.

We will then present them to developer Celtic Array – a joint venture between Centrica and Dong Energy – to show the strength of feeling on the issue.

We hope they will then abandon their plans for the North East wind farm development, which we believe would seriously jeopardise the island’s lifeline to the outside world.

The Manx government, the Steam Packet, the Chamber of Commerce and TravelWatch Isle of Man have expressed concerns the cumulative effect of the current and proposed wind farms, together with the Morecambe Bay gas field platforms, will present a very real threat to lifeline services and the Manx economy.

Concerns include a greater likelihood of cancelled/delayed sailings, particularly in bad weather, and increased journey times and costs.

{http://bit.ly/T6LWB8|Get involved by downloading and filling in the petition form - click here.}

As a new term begins at a tiny North Yorkshire primary school in September 1983, headmaster Jack Sheffield feels that familiar mix of excitement and trepidation.

There’s a fresh intake to settle in, a new teacher to be appointed and at home, Jack and wife Beth are getting used to being parents to baby John.

But nothing has prepared him for the tragedies, triumphs and scandals that will test his skills and endurance in the months that lie ahead...

For those who haven’t already met Jack Sheffield and his amazing, multi-faceted cast of characters, welcome to Ragley-on-the-Forest, a fictional village which forms the backcloth for some of the headmaster-turned-author’s hilarious and heart-breaking real-life experiences at two North Yorkshire schools in the 1970s and 1980s.

School’s Out! is the seventh instalment of the ever-popular Teacher series, and memories of the brave new world of the Eighties, Sheffield’s wry Yorkshire humour and moments of childhood magic are still flowing with the same irresistible exuberance, charm and affection.

For Jack and his cohorts, it’s the era of the new CD player, Microsoft adverts featuring something called Word, the McDonald’s McNugget, a range of strange dolls called Cabbage Patch, the threat of miners’ strikes and a final farewell to the halfpenny piece.

And at Ragley CE School, Jack gets ready for an even more eventful year than usual, including a bizarre introduction to new girl, four-year-old Madonna Fazackerly, who is sporting a Wham! t-shirt, black stone-washed jeans and red pixie boots.

Her ‘sensitivity’ has got her mum and dad ‘proper flummoxed’ and they are eager she should continue a family tradition and ‘mek ’er mark’ on the school. By the end of the first day, some unfortunate graffiti, a wall decorated with handprints and the near death experience of two goldfish will ensure her parents’ fears were groundless.

And there are tests ahead for the village’s adults. School caretaker Ruby’s nostalgia, as the last of her six children gets ready to leave Ragley Primary, is overtaken by a shocking event, and at the village Coffee Shop, assistant Dorothy Humpleby is planning a ‘dirty weekend’ with boyfriend Malcolm in pursuit of a marriage proposal.

But the appointment of a new teacher sets tongues wagging and a scandal brews that is uncomfortably close to home for headmaster Jack.

The joy of Sheffield’s laugh-out-loud books is his attention to period detail, his ability to tap into the fun and foibles of both school and village life and a gentle touch which adds poignancy and pathos to sensitive plotlines.

Top marks again to everyone’s favourite headmaster!

(Bantam, paperback, £12.99)

GH Corlett Woods Cup begins this weekend

Saturday, January 19

1.30pm kick-offs

GH Corlett Woods Cup

Ayre United v Malew

Braddan v Colby

Foxdale v Pulrose United

Michael United v Douglas and District

Ronaldsway v Onchan

2pm kick-offs

Canada Life Premier League

Corinthians v Marown

DHSOB v Gymns

Laxey v Ramsey

Peel v Castletown

Rushen v St John’s

Union Mills v St Mary’s

Canada Life Combination One

Marown v Corinthians

Gymns v DHSOB

Ramsey v Laxey

Castletown v Peel

St John’s v Rushen

St Mary’s v Union Mills

JCK Combination Two

Douglas Royal v Douglas and District

RYCOB v Ronaldsway

---------

Sunday, January 20

Appleby 15-17 Division One

10.30am kick-offs

Colby v Laxey

Ayre v St George’s

Appleby 15-17 Division Two

Ronaldsway v Onchan

Union Mills B v Rushen

Ramsey v Braddan

2pm kick-offs

Paddy Power Veterans’ League

Braddan v Onchan

Colby B v St Mary’s

Corinthians v Union Mills

Warehouse Fitness Floodlit Cup semi-finals

Douglas Royal v Peel 2.10pm @ Bowl

Corinthians v Gymns 3.40pm @ Bowl

INTERNET shopping comes at a price – a reduction in the number of Manx businesses and jobs, Tynwald was warned.

Chief Minister Allan Bell MHK made the comments as he was questioned over the government’s priorities on sustainability and self-sufficiency.

Peter Karran (Lib Van, Onchan) raised the issue of buying off-island and import substitution as a way of trying to help local businesses.

Mr Bell replied that the island was very limited in what we can actually manufacture and produce for ourselves. He added: ‘In a broader sense, whilst the imports will still have to come from off the island, it is very important that people buy through local suppliers.

‘The internet is a very tempting medium to buy. It is easy. It is often cheaper, but when people do that they have to understand it comes at a price, and that price is the decimation of local suppliers, local retailers and obviously local jobs as well.

‘Therefore, we have to be very alert to that and across government, and indeed across the island, work to achieve the very end that the member is talking about.’

Vote on this issue using the web poll panel at the right of this article.

Castletown MHK Richard Ronan said the unexpected challenges to our self-sufficiency and sustainability will continue to grow over the next three years, and asked the Chief Minister what steps he is taking to reduce the unexpected nature of these challenges.

Mr Bell replied: ‘There is no doubt that the period we are living through at the moment is the most challenging we have experienced probably for 30 years or more.

‘There is no question about that. There is absolutely no possibility of going back to life as it existed before 2008.

‘The problem with unexpected shocks is they tend to be unexpected,’ he pointed out, adding that few had forecast the risk of a credit crunch before 2008. He said the VAT issue had come at very short notice and it would take some time to recover from it.

• What do you think? Email {mailto:opinions@newsiom.co.im|opinions(at)newsiom.co.im} or sign in to add your comment below.

LIBERAL Vannin leader Peter Karran railed in Tynwald against the ‘black propaganda’ he claimed was being used by the government and ‘state sponsored media’ against the bus drivers.

Target of his ire was a front page report in the Manx Independent which revealed that the striking bus drivers were in line to receive a lump sum pay award of £400 in line with a deal agreed for public sector manual workers.

Community Culture and Leisure Minister Graham Cregeen MHK confirmed in Tynwald that the drivers have not as yet received the £400 one-off payment, and the department would negotiate the application of this lump sum.

Mr Karran claimed the general public had been purposefully misled which he said was ‘absolutely disgraceful’ and ‘shameful’.

He said: ‘This is part of the black propaganda of the state media service within this island. It is wrong to be giving the impression to the general public that they were getting this £400, and now we are told they are not getting the £400, which was supposed to be universally given to all Whitley workers. We live in the Isle of Man, not in Disney World.’

Fellow Lib Van MHK Kate Beecroft (Douglas South) said that if inaccurate information is ‘blasted’ on the papers as a headline, the Minister should take steps to correct it.

The department, however, confirmed that our story was in fact accurate.

In a statement, cheif executive officer Nick Black said: ‘The DCCL is of the view that the newspaper report of the Whitley Council negotiations was substantially accurate.

‘The department can confirm that bus drivers’ rates of pay are currently linked to Whitley Council rates.

‘In this case, a £400 lump sum was agreed for Whitley Council workers and drivers will be expecting their payment along with other manual workers. However, as this is not an increase in rate, it is not applied until formally ratified through the regular department/union negotiating forum.

‘The only inaccuracy as far as the department is concerned was that the lump sum would be paid to drivers in January. Due to the ongoing industrial dispute, it has not yet been possible to ratify the payment of the lump sum with drivers’ representatives.’

Mr Cregeen told Tynwald the union had chosen this afternoon, a day when hundreds of school pupils were taking exams, for the next strike to ‘cause the most disruption for the least loss of pay’.

Leonard Singer (Ramsey) asked if the department was taking legal advice over the possibility of bus drivers abandoning their vehicles at the side of the road when this afternoon’s half day strike begin at 1pm.

The department subsequently confirmed that arrangements had been put in place to ensure no passengers will be left stranded when the strike starts at 1pm. Mr Black said: ‘I can assure the public that no passengers will be left stranded as a result of a bus not completing a journey as any buses operating at 1pm will be driven by staff who are not taking industrial action.’

In Tynwald, Castletown MHK Richard Ronan criticised the construction of a temporary railway halt at School Hill for use by Castle Rushen High School students during the bus strike.

He suggested the existing Castletown railway station should have been used rather than building an ‘expensive white elephant’.

Mr Cregeen said the projected cost of the School Hill halt, including operational costs, was expected to be less than £10,000 and it would be used again if there is further industrial action.

He insisted the ‘walk is slightly shorter, the route simpler, the crossing points much fewer and the risks far less’ than if schoolchildren had used the town’s original station.

Once again, the trains and trams will be running as a contingency measure during this afternoon’s half day stoppage with the Steam Railway starting at 12.50pm and the MER timetable beginning at 1.10pm.

The first strike took place on the Thursday, Friday and Saturday before Christmas in a dispute over changes to terms and conditions including the loss of paid lunch breaks. The Unite union says its members stand to lose up to £3,000 in pay.

In addition to the temporary bus time timetables and rail services, extra parking is available on Douglas Promenades, Quarterbridge main car park on Peel Road and the overflow car park on New Castletown Road, the Bowl car park on Pulrose Road, Circus Beach and also Victoria Pier – although the public is advised to avoid parking there if weather forecast is poor.

EDUCATION bosses have decided to open schools as normal tomorrow.

We have an updated story on this site {http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/schools-to-open-as-normal-tomorrow-1-5327337|Click here to read it}

{http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/significant-snowfall-for-isle-of-man-1-5321454|Snow forecast}

{http://www.gov.im/tourism/webcam/webcam.aspx?webcam=8|Click to see the scene on the mountain now}

Thursday, January 17

• Theatrix Theatre Company Musical Theatre, Douglas, for ages 8-12. Also Saturday Babies Irish/mod, 9am. Prep Ballet/Tap, 10am, Babies Ballet/Tap, 11am. Musical Theatre, ages 5-8. Monday, Senior Ballet, 4pm, Senior Tap, 5pm, Senior 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.

• Port Erin WI, Port Erin Methodist Church Hall, 9.30am. Call 818194.

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

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

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

• 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.

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

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

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

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

• 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.

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

• Ramsey WI, St. Paul’s Church Lounge, Market Place, Ramsey, 7.30pm.

Friday, January 18

• Baby and Toddler Group, 9.30am-11.30am at Glen Maye Community Centre. 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.

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

• 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.

• Youth Club, school years 4-6, Ballacottier School, Douglas, 7-8.30pm. Also Tuesday, school years 9+, 7.30-9.30pm; Wednesday, school years 7-9, 7-9pm.

• 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 20

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

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

• Isle of Man Poetry Society, Archibald Knox meeting room, Onchan, 8pm. Call 664796 or 897815.

• Isle of Man Freethinkers, Douglas Yacht Club. 7pm-7.30pm.

Monday, January 21

• 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 at Northern Lights Community Centre, Ramsey, 1.30pm-3.30pm. And Tots craft and play, Wednesdays.

• Noah’s Ark Tots Group, Church on the Rock, behind Ramsey Bus Station, 9.30am. Call 223669.

• Breastfeeding Buddies drop in Onchan Clinic, Village Walk Health Centre, 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.

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

• Onchan and District WI, Onchan Church Hall, 2pm

• Mannin Art Group, St Paul’s Hall, Ramsey, 10am. Email mailbox@manninart.org or call 814105.

• 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.

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

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

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

• Brownies, Corrin Hall, Peel, 6.30pm.

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

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

• Foxdale WI, Foxdale Community School, 7.30pm. Call 818194.

• Marown WI, Millennium Hall, Crosby, 7.30pm. Call 818194.

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

• Laxey Minorca WI, Laxey Football Club, 7.45pm. Call 818194.

Tuesday, January 22

• 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.

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

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

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

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

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

• Youth Club, school years 4-6, Ballaugh Village Hall, 6-7.30pm. Also, school years 7-9, 7.30-9pm.

• Isle of Man Chess Club, Belsfield Hotel, Church Road Marina, Douglas, 7.30pm. Call 495097 or email Zahed.miah@gov.im

• Youth Club, school years 9+, Memorial Hall, Union Mills, 7-9pm. Also, Wednesday, school years 4-9, Braddan School, 6-45-8.45pm.

• PHAB Youth Club, Years 7-9, Masham Court, Victoria Avenue, Douglas, 7.30pm.

• Castletown Metropolitan Silver Band rehearsals, Queen Street Mission Hall, 7.30pm.

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

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

• St John’s WI, St John’s Church Hall, 7.30pm. Call 818194.

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

• Ballacottier Senior Youth Project for school years 10+, Ballacottier School Youth Room, 7.30-9.30pm.

Wednesday, January 23

• 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.

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

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

• Northern Lights Community Centre, Ramsey, Tots craft and play. £1.

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Soundcheck, Ramsey Youth Club, 6pm-9pm. £2.

• Ballaugh WI, Ballaugh Bowling Club, 7.30pm. Call 803804.

• Port St Mary WI, Mount Tabor School Room, Port St Mary, 7.45pm. Call 818194.

Thursday, January 17

• 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. Also Monday and Wednesday. Call Michael on 670308.

• Strictly Come Dancing for beginners, Royal British Legion, Port Erin, 8pm. £3.50 per person.

• Irish set dancing above Macbeth’s, Victoria Street, Douglas, 8pm. Call David on 457268.

Friday, January 18

• 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.

• Line Dancing, Ebenezer Hall, Kirk Michael, 7pm. Beginners welcome, adults £3.50, children £1.50, including tea and biscuits. Call 878687.

Saturday, January 19

• 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.

• Irish Dance Mixed, Dance Factory, Onchan Park, 3pm. Also Prim/Int on Monday at 4.30pm and Tuesday at 6.15pm. Beginners on Tuesday at 5.15pm.

• Stage Snr, Dance Factory, Onchan Park, 4pm. Also Stage Int at 5pm.

• Sequence dancing, Onchan Methodist Church Hall, 8pm. Call 829669.

• Social sequence dancing, Pulrose Methodist Church hall, Douglas, 8pm. Also Monday and Sunday, sequence dancing with latest dances only; Wednesday, sequence dancing. Call 842878.

Sunday, January 20

• Perree Bane Manx folk dancing, Ballasalla village hall, 7pm.

Monday, January 21

• Ballet, Viking Works, Riverside, Peel, 5.45pm. Also Thursday at 4.30pm.

• 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 22

• Oriental Dance Exercise, Gena’s Dance Academy, Peel, 10am. Also Wednesdays, The Gym, Ramsey. Call 300020.

• Sequence dancing and social, South Douglas Old Friends Association, 7.30pm. Admission £1.50.

• Beginners Line Dance, St John’s Football Club, 7.30pm-9pm. Call 462104.

• Laxey Bollywood Dance Class 6 week course. Working Mens Institute, Laxey. 7.30pm-8.15pm. £35.

• Sequence dancing with Port Erin Dancing Club, Port Erin Methodist Church hall, 8pm. Admission £1.50.

Wednesday, January 23

• 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 17

• 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 18

• Little Miss Dynamite at The Whitestone, Ballasalla.

• Ian Thompson at Jaks, Douglas.

• Karaoke, The Albert, Douglas, 9pm.

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

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

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

Saturday, January 19

• Little Miss Dynamite at The Sidings, Castletown.

• Ian Thompson at The Pinewood, Douglas.

• Age of Steam at Jaks, Douglas.

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

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

• Karaoke at the Central Hotel, Ramsey.

Sunday, January 20

• One Wo/Man, One Guitar, One Night at The Mitre Hotel, Ramsey with Paul Cringle and Shoh Slaynt, 8pm.

• Ray Sloan Karaoke at Jaks, Douglas.

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

• Karaoke at The British, Douglas.

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

Tuesday, January 22

• 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 23

• Karaoke at The British, Douglas.

Palace Cinema

• Les Miserables (12A). Nightly at 7pm. Saturday and Sunday at 2pm.

• Texas Chainsaw 3D (18). Nightly at 8pm.

• Monsters Inc 3D (U). Nightly at 6pm. Saturday and Sunday at 2.30pm.

Broadway Cinema

• The Impossible (12A). Nightly at 7.30pm. Wednesday 2.30pm. Saturday and Sunday 4.30pm.

• Life of Pi (PG). Saturday and Sunday 2pm.

• Rise of The Guardians (PG). Saturday and Sunday 11.30am.

Centenary Centre, Peel

• The Imposter (15). 7.45pm.

Thursday, January 17

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

• MRA Stretch and Flex at the NSC, Douglas at 10am. Also Indoor Flat Green Bowling at the NSC from 2pm. Friday Monthly Walk from Pottery Shop, Gansey at 1.30pm. Tuesday Whist Afternoon at the Cat with No Tail, Douglas at 2pm.

• Age Concern - Free Computer Training Sessions: Douglas iMuseum, Kingswood Grove – Thursday and Wednesday 10am–12.30pm. Douglas, Drinkwater Street – Monday and Tuesday 2pm–4.30pm.

• Manx Footpaths Conservation Group, Ramsey North, Road parking by river, 10.30am. Also Sunday, Crosby Railway Station, 1.30pm.

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

• Northern Ladies’ Luncheon Club, Ramsey Golf Club. 12.15-12.45pm. Guest speaker Ms Katie Richardson.

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

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

Friday, January 18

• 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.

• The Manx Blind Welfare Society, Corrin Court, Heywood Avenue, Onchan, Robert Middleton - Gardening, 11am to 12.30pm

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

• 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.

• Darts Knockout at The Sulby Glen Hotel. £2 to enter.

Saturday, January 19

• Mothers Union Coffee Morning, 10am-noon, Corrin Hall, Peel. Admission £1.

• Table Top Sale at Glen Maye Chapel and Community Centre, 10am-12 noon. Refreshments and a cake stall. Admission Free.

• 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.

• IOM Torch Fellowship Group (meeting for the visually impaired). Call 622830 for venue details.

Sunday, January 20

• 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.

• Creation, Community Hall, Sulby, 10.30am.

• Messy Church or bacon butty church, Sulby Methodist Church, 10.30am.

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

• Isle of Man Farmers’ Market, at S.100 Clubhouse, Castletown. 1.30pm-3.30pm.

• 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 21

• Bride Wesley Guild, Oie’ll Verry, Bride Methodist Sunday School, 7.45pm.

Tuesday, January 22

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

• 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 23

• 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

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

• IOM Anti-Cancer Association Marown and District Branch AGM at The Crosby Hotel.

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

A YOUNG Manx fashion designer has revealed his latest two collections of work in Ronaldsway airport.

The exhibition of Calum Harvey’s summer and autumn collections opened in the upstairs atrium at the weekend and will continue until Sunday (January 20).

‘I am thoroughly excited to be showing to the island’s community and businesses alike,’ said the 24-year-old, of Laxey.

The Calum Harvey Design Studio was founded in Laxey last June.

He explained: ‘Coming from a small, creative family, arts and crafts have always been encouraged while both my sister and I were growing up.

‘My grandmother Fleur, was in the “rag trade” and had a boutique in Laxey.

‘While me and my sister were young, my mum worked from home on a knitwear line.

‘My dad is an engineer and was always working on technical woodwork projects.’

The former St Ninian’s High School pupil has always been focused on a career in fashion, specifically design.

After GCSEs he completed a two-year National Diploma in Art and Design at the Isle of Man College. He went on to study a degree in fashion design at Ravensbourne College of Art and Design in London, graduating in 2009.

After Ravensbourne he went on to specialise in menswear design, at the Royal College of Art in London, a two-year masters programme which ended with a catwalk show.

After living, studying and working for Burberry in London, Callum moved back to the island to be closer to his family, especially his new-born nephew Oliver.

‘Working from a sample studio in Laxey, I’m fortunate to be able to concentrate on personal design projects post college life,’ he explained. ‘I have been specialising on commissions, collections and collaborations with other artists and designers, both locally and internationally.’

He said: ‘During the time I’ve been back, I’ve been fortunate enough to teach students at the Isle of Man college, work with young adults at Kensington Road drama group, organise a group exhibition with local artist Natasha Kinrade and freelance for several local businesses working on branding ideas.’

Now having lived in the island again for nine months, an exhibition of his latest works was opened on Saturday.

He explained; ‘The exhibition features items from two new womenswear collections. All items are designed and produced locally on the Isle of Man.

‘The debut womenswear spring/summer 2013 collection Subtract is mainly inspired by a tomboy attitude.

‘Menswear details, hand-finished and laser cut textiles are included within the collection.

‘The items intend to be easy to wear with a carefree attitude.’

The follow up autumn/winter 2013/14 collection Natives is also included in the exhibition.

‘It mixes up smart tweeds with graphic lines,’ said Callum. ‘The collection aims to be sophisticated yet bold. Laxey Woollen Mills tweed, loaghtan fleece and traditional Manx patchwork technique all feature.’

He concluded: ‘I hope to continue creating collections that will one day encompass menswear designs.

‘I would love to collaborate more with local artists, shops and businesses on creative projects.’

For more information email calum@calumharvey.com or visit www.calumharvey.com

BUS drivers were back on the picket line today – with no end in sight to the long-running dispute over their terms and conditions.

The half-day stoppage began at 1pm and were due to continue until 6pm.

Fears that passengers could be left stranded did not materialise as all buses operating at 1pm were driven by staff not taking industrial action.

Contingency measures using trains, trams and non-union drivers appeared to go to plan.

Unite regional officer Eric Holmes said there was a bigger turn-out on the picket line than during the first three-day strike before Christmas.

He said: ‘It’s good to see the drivers’ resolve has not been broken.’