In 1961, Yuri Gagarin became the first man to enter outer space, the Beatles set out on the road to success, a house could be bought for £2,000... and 16-year-old Pam Weaver began her training as a nursery nurse.

She arrived at a government-run children’s residential nursery in Surrey with just one small suitcase, a desire to help others and a burning ambition to get a qualification which would give her letters after her name.

The road ahead involved long working hours, the devastating results of poverty and neglect and plenty of harsh realities, but Weaver also discovered the joys of caring for needy youngsters and the rewards of loyalty, compassion and friendship.

Fans of Call the Midwife will revel in this heart-warming and gritty memoir about life as a nursery nurse and nanny more than 50 years ago.

Weaver takes us through the highs and lows, the triumphs and the tragedies as she moved from caring for deprived and orphaned children to her work as a private nanny at a luxury house near Hyde Park in London.

The daughter of an English woman and a wartime American GI, Weaver was adopted by her natural mother’s best friend and raised in rural Dorset.

After an inauspicious period working on the broken biscuit counter in Woolworths, the young Pam decided she wanted to make something more of her life and successfully applied to train as a nursery nurse.

Her salary was £194 a year, less £101 for her board and lodgings, and when she checked in on that first day she was immediately assigned the ‘Lates’ shift which involved cleaning shoes, drying nappies and settling down children to sleep whilst battling the gnawing ache of homesickness.

She quickly had to get to grips with a demanding routine of early mornings, endless floors to scrub, clothes to clean and children to care for, all carried out under the watchful eye of an overbearing and highly-strung matron.

Life in the nursery was hard and Weaver witnessed the abandonment of children, the struggles of single and widowed parents, families stricken by youngsters born with disabilities and the heartbreak and pain of rejected children.

But despite the rigid routine which could be distressing for both children and staff, everyone did their best to give the children a happy experience. The nursery nurses often took out a child on their days off, bought them extra toys with their own money and always gave a cuddle when it was needed.

In 1965, when her training was complete, Weaver took on a job as a private nanny to a little boy in North London and discovered that for all the wealth and privilege that surrounded him, he displayed some of the same symptoms of deprivation that she had seen in the children’s home.

Bath Times and Nursery Rhymes is a revealing and sympathetic memoir. Written with engaging and uplifting honesty, it transports us to an era of hard graft and dedication whilst providing a fascinating insight into the ethos of childcare in the 1960s.

(Avon, paperback, £6.99)

THE Isle of Man’s bus service has been hit by snow and ice today (Monday), leading transport chiefs to release the following information.

Services 5C and 6C - Cronk y Voddy

Buses are unable to serve Cronk-y-Voddy and are diverting via Ballaquane Road and the Coast Road between Peel and Kirk Michael.

Service 4/4A - Foxdale

Services 4 and 4A are diverted between IOM Business Park and Peel and therefore does not serve Brraid, Eairy, Higher & Lower Foxdale.

Buses are operating from the IOM Business Park via Vicarage Road, Glen Vine, Crosby and St Johns to Peel. The service from Peel to Niarbyl operates as normal.

Service 8 – Ballamodha and Foxdale

Service suspended until further notice.

Passengers wishing to travel from Port Erin to Castletown or the Airport are advised to use Routes 1 and 2.

Birch Hill – Services 1, 22A and 25

The above services are not able to serve Birch Hill until further notice. Services 1, 22 & 25 operating via Hillberry Road between Signpost Corner and Main Road.

Ronague/Ballakilpheric – Services 64 and 65

School Services 64 and 65 are unable to serve Ballakilpheric, Colby Glen or Ronague today.

For further information on the timetable, contact 662525.

{http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/icy-conditions-on-the-roads-1-533631|Icy conditions on the roads}

THE government’s taxation strategy until 2016 received a unanimous vote of approval from Tynwald members.

Treasury Minister Eddie Teare told members personal income tax rates would remain competitive and there was to be no change to basic personal allowances for married couples and civil partners.

For businesses the zero-ten tax rating (10 per cent for banks and zero for other businesses) would be retained.

‘Individuals constitute by far the biggest group of taxpayers in the Isle of Man. The consultation (on taxation strategy, conducted among the public last year) showed our community does not see a need for major changes in the way that people are taxed. Having a regime which is based on simplicity and low rates of tax can make the island more attractive to people who are considering moving here to work,’ he said.

However he suggested a simplification of the system could see some tax allowances and reliefs removed and an increase in basic personal allowance or a tax reduction brought in to compensate. Moreover the annual burden of filing a tax return could become a thing of the past for individuals with simple tax affairs, with more information provided instead by financial institutions.

People are also to be encouraged to use on-line tax services.

Long-standing reciprocal social security arrangements with the UK mean the Manx and UK benefits and National Insurance systems are almost identical making it easy for people to move between the two juridictions.

But given the major changes proposed by the UK government, for example to state pensions, Mr Teare said it was appropriate to consider if the current reciprocal agreement with the UK remained fit for purpose. He added, income tax and national insurance could be brought together into a single system that would be simpler and easier to administer.

Describing the island’s business tax system as ‘a fundamental aspect of our economic competitiveness’, Mr Teare said in addition to retaining the zero ten corporate tax system he also wanted to support business investment and to simplify the tax system for unincorporated businesses.

A survey of the island’s spending patterns based on household income and expenditure is already under way and a business survey is to be carried out. This should be complete and the results analysed in about 18 months’ time.

The information will be used to calculate the island’s allocation of VAT revenue but until this is complete the island had agreed a provisional share of the VAT, customs and excise revenue of £270m for 2013-14.

A final figure is to be decided once the surveys are complete and any adjustment made as necessary.

On international taxation matters, quoting from the original taxation strategy of 12 years ago, Mr Teare said; ‘The Isle of Man remains committed to preserving the island’s status as a top-class financial centre with good regulation and co-operation with other jurisdictions.’

Accordingly, he said he would continue to develop tax co-operation agreements and information exchange for taxation purposes.

Monday, January 21

Aries

(March 21 - April 20)

Continuing to seek out bright and optimistic friends keeps your enthusiasm going. We all need a bit of a boost at this time of the year. Happy people can surround you with emotional sunshine. A Full Moon at the weekend shines a sharp light on finances. Dealing with these now gives you flexibility later. Booking a holiday? Get the bargains and make sure that others pay their share.

Taurus

(April 21 - May 21)

Any special contacts made recently need developing. Some may help your career. Make full use of your charm and intuition when dealing with someone new. Minor problems at home are annoying, so be prepared to delegate. A rise or sideways step in your work gives the chance of more cash. However, don’t spend it until you have it in your hand! Be flexible in any negotiations.

Gemini

(May 22 - June 21)

An inspiring idea sees you looking ahead instead of living in the moment. There may be many reasons for feeling bored, certainly lack of progress could be one! There is every reason to hold out for what you want. This is not a time to accept second best. Going ahead with early spring cleaning or house reorganisation takes the edge off tedium. We all have to bear it at times!

Cancer

(June 22 - July 23)

What an exciting week! Given the opportunity you can delve into your most sensitive feelings and communicate them. Somehow you feel strong. Hopes and dreams shared now with a loved one can see some real emotional progress. Romance is high on the agenda. Finances need your attention as the week ends, so make a good budget and stick to it. Luxuries may be out.

Leo

(July 24 - August 23)

Get ahead with career moves but do listen to others. Taking their opinions into account can make all the difference. It is better to delay travel rather than fall foul of a partner. The Full Moon at the weekend can spell trouble for relationships so steer clear of contentious discussions. Lay your ideas out carefully and in a practical manner to impress someone in authority.

Virgo

(August 24 - September 23)

A strong intuitive sense guides you this week. This is especially so when opening discussions with a senior colleague. Show what you can do and then offer to move things forward. Don’t let dynamic you get overtired, though. Your health is of paramount importance. If someone at home wants to spoil you, why would you resist the offer?

Libra

(September 24 - October 23)

Having considered a personal situation very carefully, it is now time to move forward. This is a romantic time and also one that is good for business. If the world is at your feet then, Libra, take care not to tread on it. Opportunities may be subtle, hints even more so. Keep sharp so as not to miss the signs. When you do, have confidence and enthusiasm.

Scorpio

(October 24 - November 22)

You won’t want someone to take a march on you when it comes to a work matter, so be ready to act. Home life should be sound. That is good as you may need to get a second opinion from someone who you trust. Romance may be short-lived at the moment and some disappointments are likely. Whatever comes, you will be the stronger for it.

Sagittarius

(November 23 - December 21)

Although the week may get off to a slow start, pay attention to details. Keeping abreast of the latest news and developments stands you in good stead at work. Finding those around you to be particularly sensitive? It is a time for tact. With the Full moon at the weekend, maybe it is time to spoil a loved one with a special treat? Use your very fertile imagination!

Capricorn

(December 22 - January 20)

Although it is not a great week for finding hidden treasure, it is advisable to keep looking. In the meantime, deal with your finances in a practical and imaginative way. Tempted to let someone else sort it out for you? It is best to plan and keep control yourself. Someone from your past may ask a favour, but be careful. Keep your own best interests at heart.

Aquarius

(January 21 - February 19)

Be as confident as you like inside but avoid appearing arrogant outside. Someone in authority will be more willing to see things your way if you are just a bit more humble. Work hard and keep a low profile for the best long-term results. It is a case of ‘the hare and the tortoise’. You may be passed but you will not be surpassed! Have faith in your own abilities.

Pisces

(February 20 - March 20)

A few low-key moments this week may give the impression that you are in the doldrums. You are not, but when the chance comes to think more deeply, do so. You are about to be given a chance to show your talents, even if you don’t yet know what they are! Listen and learn. Believe that anything is possible if you want it enough. Aim high and any disappointments will be small.

Noble’s Hospital is reviewing a number of patients who are receiving treatment for breast cancer.

The issue is not with the diagnosis of breast cancer, which is correct in all cases, but with the subsequent hormone testing of tissue which is carried out to decide the appropriate additional treatment for individual patients with breast cancer.

Currently, 22 patients have been identified as being affected.

They are being contacted directly by the hospital and are being invited to attend a clinic appointment to discuss their treatment with the breast care team.

It is likely that a similar number of further patients will be identified by the end of the review.

They will also need to attend for a clinic appointment.

The hospital’s medical director, Stephen Upsdell, said: ‘Caring for patients is our priority and we appreciate that some patients and their families will be concerned by the fact that their current treatment may need to be reviewed.

‘Noble’s Hospital is acting on the basis of information as it becomes available and all affected patients will be seen as quickly as possible.

‘Patients who have immediate queries are asked to call 651300 between 9am and 6pm to arrange a telephone discussion with a member of the breast care team.’

More on this story in Thursday’s Manx Independent

HMV has announced that from tomorrow, Tuesday, January 22 it will be honouring all gift vouchers which have been issued.

No new vouchers will be issued, but today’s news will be welcomed by local shoppers.

The company announced last week that it was entering administration with around 4,000 jobs at risk throughout its 238 stores the UK.

It was originally announced that vouchers would not be honoured but today has seen the company’s administrators agree to a turnaround.

A RAFT of fee increases will come into force in April affecting driving tests, driving licence renewals and registration of vehicles.

The cost of a 10-yearly driving licence update goes up from £30 to £35, a provisional licence increases from £20 to £21 to cover the cost of supplying a theory and hazard perception test DVD, and the supplementary fee for an emergency driving licence rises from £30 to £32 in addition to the standard fee.

Infrastructure Minister David Cretney, presenting the measures in Tynwald, told members the increases would generate £9,000 extra revenue bringing the total to £187,500.

Driving theory tests carried out for the government by the Isle of Man College will also rise by £2 from £33 to £35.

Practical car tests go up too from £45 to £55 and for motorcyclists from £50 to £55. The new weekend charge is £65 for either.

Mr Cretney said fee increases helped income keep pace with inflation and had been phased in over a number of years to bring them in line with the actual cost of conducting the tests. It would also redress the shortfall built up over many years with no increases.

He said the money would help to fund road safety measures and offset a reduction in revenue caused by falling numbers of vehicles on the roads.

‘While the increases are high, it is important to cover costs and no-longer subsidise the tests,’ he said.

In 2011-12 driving test fees amounted to £218,000. The increases are expected to generate an extra £13,000.

THE Department of Health has issued a warning urging people ‘at risk’ to get vaccinated against flu.

Those considered in the ‘at risk’ category are those aged over 65, pregnant women and anyone with chronic diseases or immunological problems.

The health warning comes as flu activity is reported as high in many parts of North America and very high in several US states.

An alert has been issued by the Pan-American Health Organisation to healthcare providers warning of possible increases to their workload.

In addition to this, weather predictions indicate a cold snap potentially lasting until mid-February, which can often lead to increased flu outbreaks.

Dr Parameswaran Kishore has issued the following advice for anyone who may contract symptoms:

Keep away from others, especially those in the ‘at risk’ category.

Cover you nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing and dispose of tissues immediately.

Wash your hands regularly.

If seeking medical advice contact your doctor/MEDS by phone.

THE Council of Ministers’ Overseas Aid Committee, responsible for the provision of overseas development funding and emergency aid, will undergo a ‘significant transition’ in 2013, including a change of name.

The rebranded International Development Committee is to have a shifted emphasis in how the Isle of Man supports the world’s less developed nations.

The change includes the end of financial aid to India, reflecting that country’s improved economic status.

Part of the focus for the rebranded committee will be to establish long-term partnership agreements to assist countries ranked as ‘low’ on the UN Human Development Index, to help those in poverty become more self-sufficient and less dependent on foreign aid.

This will include funding for education, training and capacity building programmes and providing access to the island’s technical expertise in key areas such as finance and fisheries.

Phil Gawne MHK, chairman of the International Development Committee, said: ‘Funding from the Isle of Man is continuing to make a genuine difference to people’s lives and also reinforces our reputation as an internationally responsible country.

‘One project we are looking to support is a sustainable fisheries management programme in Sierra Leone, in conjunction with other major stakeholders such as the World Bank.’

He added: ‘The Isle of Man already has strong links with this country and last year gifted a fisheries protection vessel to the Sierra Leonean authorities. A great deal of work still needs to be done before this initiative can be taken forward, but there is an opportunity to enhance our support through the provision of technical assistance, personnel and training.’

Commenting on the committee’s change of name, Mr Gawne added: ‘This is in keeping with the terminology of modern aid organisations such as the UK’s Department for International Development and the US Agency for International Development and better reflects the work we do.’

The island’s International Development Committee is responsible for a budget of £2.4million, which is currently used to fund small grants, multi-year projects and donations to disaster and emergency appeals.

Programmes supported must seek to address the Millennium Development Goals, which are to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger, achieve universal primary education, promote gender equality and empower women, reduce child mortality, improve maternal health, combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases, ensure environmental sustainability and develop a global partnership for development.

TREASURY Minister and Ayre MHK Eddie Teare got behind the wheel for the launch of Volkswagen’s new Golf 7.

Mr Teare was in the driving seat after the new car was unveiled at the island’s exclusive VW retailer, Raymotors of Ramsey.

Also lending his support to the launch was Ramsey TT racer, Conor Cummins.

More than 70 guests enjoyed a Casino Night at the dealership’s showroom on Parliament Square in the town, and were invited to take part in a competition to win a Golf 7.

The Volkswagen Golf is one of the world’s best-selling and most instantly recognisable vehicles; the Golf 7 is undoubtedly the most technically advanced model Volkswagen has built in this range, and is loaded with new technology to keep even the most demanding driver happy.

Key developments between the Golf 7 and its predecessors include:

l 100kg lighter in weight yet with a longer chassis, thus more fuel efficient

l More refined engine, yet economical on tax thanks to Volkswagen’s clean technology

l Improved suspension, with a lower and sportier profile, with an electric park brake with hill-hold function as standard

l Combination of 1.2TSi to 2.0 litre TDi engines including high-performance specifications to satisfy every driver need

l The addition of new technology including lane-assist, driver fatigue warning, radar cruise control, and automatic emergency braking (optional on certain models)

l Subtle chassis changes, yet still instantly recognisable as the iconic vehicle it is on the road today

David Casement and Christine Radcliffe, co-directors of Raymotors, said: ‘As the island’s exclusive Volkswagen dealer, we are delighted to be offering the Golf 7 to Manx residents, and we expect it to be incredibly popular. The Golf’s longevity in the market and continuing reinvention are testament to Volkswagen’s revolutionary and cutting-edge technology and driver vision, and the excellent car it really is. The Volkswagen Golf 7 really does offer something for every type of driver – whether you’re after a sporty performance vehicle, something for the family, a high-performing diesel if you do a lot of miles or just an economical every-day car.

‘Its sleek, stylish design mean it appeals to both male and female drivers looking for an exceptional vehicle which also delivers on performance. We look forward to welcoming Manx residents for a test drive.’

For further information, visit www.raymotors.com.

WORK has been taking place this morning (Tuesday) to treat roads around the island following the snow.

The roads include Tosaby, Glen Darragh, Braaid to St Marks and the St Marks to Ballasalla.

Work to start clearing the Ballamodha to Roundtable will begin this morning with a view to trying to have the road open for later today.

Roads that are to remain closed until at least 5pm today are: Beinn-y-Phott, Sulby Glen, Injebreck and Brandywell Road.

The Department of Infrastructure will carry out an assessment on the Mountain Road, between the Hairpin and Creg-ny-Baa, with the view to starting work to try and open the road, however the department has said there is a substantial quantity of snow with severe drifting in places.

A NUMBER of bus drivers are under investigation over potential disciplinary breaches, it’s been confirmed.

In a statement, the Department of Community Culture and Leisure declined to give details of the allegations being investigated - but said that at least one case was not linked to the industrial dispute.

It said: ‘The department can confirm that a number of drivers are currently under investigation in respect of potential breaches of the department’s disciplinary standards, though in at least one case the matter is not related to the current industrial dispute.

‘These incidents are currently being investigated using standard internal disciplinary procedures. To avoid prejudicing the outcomes of those investigations, no further comments can be made at this time.’

CORINTHIANS and Douglas Royal will contest the 14th Warehouse Fitness-sponsored Floodlit Cup final this Sunday after the Ballafletcher duo both won their semi-finals at the weekend.

Four-time winners Douglas Royal secured their passage after defeating Peel 11-4. Leading 5-2 at half-time, Donna Shimmin (4), Siobhann Lockwood (3), Kym Hicklin, Rebecca Cole, Becci Pate and Leanne Quayle netted for the capital outfit, the western response came via Nicola Naden (3) and Maxine Smalley.

Holders Corinthians will be looking to retain the trophy after defeating Gymnasium 4-0. Leading 2-0 at half-time, Jenna McStay, Lauren Christian, Jade Burden and Anna Dillon scored for the Whites.

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

As apartheid spreads like a stain across South Africa, the voice of one young black girl speaks volumes for a nation in Barbara Mutch’s moving debut novel.

Previously released as Karoo Plainsong, this fully revised and utterly absorbing tale of love, friendship and redemption tackles head on the cruelty and barbarism of racial segregation in the middle decades of the 20th century.

With a captivating blend of eloquence, insight and integrity, South African-born Mutch transports us to a defining and degrading chapter in that country’s history when the colour of a man or woman’s skin marked out their destiny.

Her humble narrator, housemaid’s daughter Ada Mabuse, becomes a powerful symbol for marginalised black women, an example of the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity and a role model for those who face oppression in all corners of the world.

Ada’s abiding friendship with her white Irish-born ‘mistress’ crosses the huge divide, breaks down barriers and sets in motion changes that bring hope for the future...

Cathleen Harrington leaves her home in Ireland in 1919 to travel to South Africa and marry her fiancé Edward, a man she has not seen for five years.

Despite the births of her two children, Phil and Rose, Cathleen feels isolated and estranged at Cradock House in the great semi-desert of Karoo and starts to find solace in her diary and the friendship of her housemaid Miriam’s young daughter Ada.

Born in 1930 in her mother’s kaia under the bony shade of a thorn tree at the back of the big house, Ada feels a part of the fabric of the place.

And Cathleen recognises in her someone she can love and respond to in a way that she cannot with her husband and her own daughter. ‘She made me feel like I was hers,’ says Ada.

Under Cathleen’s tutelage, Ada grows into an accomplished pianist, and a reader who cannot resist turning the pages of Madam’s diary, discovering cryptic messages and secrets that Cathleen has tried to hide. Musical notes, Ada discovers, are like words. ‘They meant one thing when played on their own, and quite another when strung together.’

When Ada is compromised and finds she is expecting a mixed-race child – one who ‘belongs nowhere... who falls in between’ – she flees her home, determined to spare Cathleen the knowledge of her betrayal, and the disgrace that would descend upon the family.

Ostracised and derided within her own township community, Ada is forced to carve out a life for herself, her child and her music.

But Cathleen still believes in Ada, and risks the constraints of apartheid to search for her and persuade her to return with her daughter. Beyond the separation and the segregation, there is hope for a new generation.

The Karoo region’s beautiful but unforgiving landscape, and the music which is the soul of Ada’s friendship with Cathleen, provide a symphony of vivid colour and harmony as the background to this exquisite and heart-rending story which captures time and place with consummate skill and blistering honesty.

(Headline Review, paperback, £7.99)

MEMBERS of the public are being warned to be vigilant over hoax calls from a company wanting to confirm bank account and Visa card details, after a number of complaints to local police.

A foreign male, giving his name as Peter, and claiming to be calling from ‘Safe Communications’, states that following a recent conversation, £79 has been debited from the recipient’s debit or visa card in payment for a device that filters nuisance phone calls.

The caller then says the goods are awaiting postage, once card and account details are confirmed. Under no circumstances should anyone give out their bank details, police have said.

They have said this is a ploy to fraudulently obtain bank details and advise that anyone receiving this type of call should ask for the caller’s details and report the matter to Police Headquarters on 631212 or Ramsey Police Station on 812234.

MARK Cavendish enjoyed a winning debut for his new team, Omega Pharma-Quick Step, in the opening stage of the Tour de San Luis in Argentina on Monday.

The Manx Missile made the switch to the Belgium-based outfit following a year at Team Sky and delivered the perfect start to life at his new team by producing a trademark sprint finish.

On a flat 164km route from San Luis to Villa Mercedes, Cav’s new team reeled in a seven-man breakaway to deliver the Manxman to the finish where he broke clear 200m from the line and held off Sacha Modolo (Bardiani Valvole-CSF Inox) and Alessandro Petacchi (Lampre-Merida) to seize victory and the overall lead.

Speaking after the race, Cavendish said: ‘The team did a great job for me today. We were the first team to start riding, with Martin Velits at the beginning, we were present at the front the whole day. We got help from other teams too, the sprinter teams, but the guys just rode so strong and stayed with me the whole day.

‘It is so nice to have a team with me that is 100 per cent committed. I’m so, so proud of the guys today.’

The Tour de San Luis continues with another flat stage today (Tuesday).

ONCHAN MHK and Liberal Vannin Party leader Mr Peter Karran has warned about the increasing threat to Douglas seafront from rising sea levels caused by global warming.

This is altruism of a high order. Mr Karran lives in Onchan and I don’t think the sea will be lapping his doorstep in his lifetime.

But his warning is timely and important.

The Examiner reported that Mr Karran has written to Chief Minister Bell asking if the plans for re-surfacing the promenade roadway have taken into account the risk that it will be flooded when the tide is high in the near future, which it nearly is already.

I share Mr Karran’s concern, even though where I live at Blackberry Lane will not be lapping my doorstep in my lifetime either.

Think about it . . .

In the first place, when we have a really big tide, the Villa Marina will be more marina than villa.

The sunken gardens on Loch Promenade will be well and truly sunk without trace.

The Sea Terminal will be all at sea

The Summerland site will be naturally re-developed as an open-air swimming pool and those still surviving old diving platforms which were in the Aquadrome will come in handy.

And what about the horse trams when the tide’s in? You try and get wellies on a horse.

As for the Tower of Refuge that will be a danger to navigation, not a safe place for shipwrecked sailors.

Mind you, this is just thinking about Douglas. There’s the rest of the Isle of Man to be considered and I am sure Mr Karran will agree with me.

The Point of Ayre will become pointless in every sense and the Northern Plain will be more like the North Sea.

But a much more serious matter will be the future of the TT races, especially when you consider the Sulby Straight and Parliament Square in Ramsey. Underwater motor cycle racing is unlikely ever to become a viable spectator sport.

Langness will be water-logged. But this is unlikely to discommode JC. Not, not Him. It’s Jeremy I’m talking about. There will no longer be insensitive people walking their dogs past his premises and peering in through his kitchen windor.

The Calf Sound will be a good deal wider. This means customers of the restaurant there demanding fish as fresh as humanly possible will be issued with fishing rods at the door.

Finally, Snaefell. No, I don’t think the sea’s going to get anywhere near the Summit Hotel. But it is the Isle of Man’s only mountain by definition because it is over 2,000 feet above sea level. Only by a few feet at the moment however.

People should listen to Mr Karran, if not to me.

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LES Crellin has been on to draw attention to a court story in the Isle of Man Courier in which £450 in fines were imposed on a motorist – ‘who drove a car without a driving licence, insurance, and faulty lights’.

Not exactly a shining example to others.

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OFFER in the front page of last week’s Examiner: ‘Win £200 worth of high-tech prizes from HMV’.

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This week we have Karl Campbell’s last Manx crossword clue: Misanthrope’s lie here in tax haven (9): Isle of Man (Times Cryptic.)

ISLE OF MAN Hospice is raising money for World Cancer Day on Monday, February 4, by asking everyone to donate £2 to hospice to wear their favourite jumper for the day.

‘Cosy Jumper Day’ is particularly timely after the recent touching story of Cumbrian 17-year-old Alice Pyne, who lost her battle with Hodgkin’s lymphoma this month, and whose website ‘bucket list’, which contained a list of things she wanted to do before dying, gained worldwide attention in 2011.

The local hospice cares for 350 patients a year and the children’s hospice, Rebecca House, currently looks after 24 children and their families.

Four in ten people are affected by cancer at some stage in their lives and the hospice movement makes a huge difference sufferers and their families with the support it provides.

Hospice celebrates 30 years of care on the island this year and to commemorate the landmark the local fundraising team has arranged 30 events aimed at raising a total of £300,000.

If you would like to join in on February 4, contact the fundraising team on 647434. The team will be happy to come out and take photos of any participating companies, shops or schools, which will then be displayed on facebook and the hospice website.

Anyone interested in further information about hospice can visit the charity’s website www.hospice.org, follow them on Twitter, or visit their Facebook page.

THE cost of a dog licence is to rise in April from the current £16 to £20.

Concessionary rates of £10 (currently £8) will continue to apply.

Answering questions in Tynwald, Agriculture Food and Fisheries Minister Phil Gawne MHK said reduced rates applied to dogs which had been neutered and those owned by pensioners.

In addition he said guide dogs and police dogs were exempt from the charges.

Responding to questions from speaker Steve Rodan, who queried whether the dog licence system was worth keeping, and Alex Downie MLC, Mr Gawne said there were currently 6,484 dog licences issued, of which 1,743 were for dogs owned by pensioners.

‘I can’t say how many unlicensed dogs there are but this is something the dog wardens are looking into,’ he said.

He added the dog licence system for the island was administered on behalf of the government by the post office.

Total revenue raised from issuing dog licences in 2010 to 2011 came to £64,832. Most of this went to the post office for administering the system but it yielded profits of £3,241 to the government.

ST Mary’s moved up to second in the Canada Life Premier League on Saturday with a thumping 1-7 win over Union Mills at Garey Mooar.

Sam Kenny’s Saints belied a deteriorating pitch and bitterly cold temperatures to convincingly overcome their mid-table hosts and move to within five points of top-flight pacesetters St George’s.

Summer signing Stephen Whitley and hot shot Steven Priestnal did much of the damage for the Bowl outfit, grabbing three and two goals respectively. Midfielder Tom Weir and Marc Priestnal added one goal apiece for good measure as the Saints comfortably completed a league double over their spirited opponents.

Such a gulf in the scoreline didn’t look likely in a tight first half which saw defence on top.

Whitley, however, was presented with a golden chance to edge his side in front after barely a minute when he charged down Mills’ keeper Danny Christian’s clearance. The former Castletown youngster rounded the Garey Mooar stopper only to drag his shot agonisingly across the face of goal.

Whitley’s chance jolted the Millers into life and they were soon the side on the front-foot. Crucially, however, the Millers couldn’t test Max Thomas’s understudy in the St Mary’s goal, Geoff Crennell, and their enthusiastic start was soon dampened by two clinical finishes in the space of seven minutes from Whitley.

The junior island international opened the game’s scoring in the 11th minute dispatching a cool finish past Christian after linking up well with Steven Priestnal.

The latter’s brother Marc then turned provider for Whitley’s second slinging in a low cross from the left that the talented teen neatly converted at the near post.

The quick-fire double naturally buoyed the visitors and they pressed in search of a third, but came up against some spirited Mills defence led by the impressive Craig Ennett.

As the opening 45 drew to a scrappy conclusion, the Saints were a whisker away from adding a third only to see Connor Gorman’s cross come shot glance the top of the Mills’ cross-bar.

St Mary’s made a bright start to the second period, but found themselves pegged back six minutes into it when Martin Reilly was adjudged to have handled Chris Kelly’s cross in the Saints’ box by referee Scott Campion.

Lively winger Matthew Cain stepped up to cooly convert from the spot and give his side some hope of claiming something from the contest.

This hope, however, was only short lived as Kenny’s charges restored their two-goal advantage just two minutes later. A swift Saints’ counter saw the ball delieverd into the box from the left-hand side to Golden Boot contender Steven Priestnal. His resulting looped effort looked to be arrowing in over Christian and into the goal only to be forced home by Marc Priestnal.

The Saints’ third goal seemed to break the Millers’ resistance and it was soon one-way traffic as the visitors went for the jugular driven forward by star centre backs Dominic McGreevy and Karl Clark.

Gorman fired narrowly wide after being teed up by Weir, before a scuffed clearance by Christian let in Steven Priestnal.

With the goal at his mercy the hard-working Gazz Logan did well to deny him on the line with a fine block, Christian recovering to repel the in-form Whitley’s follow up.

The Mills’ goal’s charmed life was soon broken with two goals in three minutes midway through the second half effectively wrapping up the points.

A Gorman corner from the left was headed back across goal by Whitley, Weir adding the telling touch to take the score to 1-4.

A trademark finish by Steven Priestnal made it 1-5 in the Bowl side’s favour as the away team continued to cut loose.

Two goals in the encounter’s last eight minutes added further sheen to the scoreline. Priestnal nabbed his second of the match after being teed up by his younger sibling Marc, before Whitley completed a deserved hat-trick with another assured finish three minutes from time.

Team check

Union Mills: Danny Christian, James Cannell (Will Miller 46m), Richie Cannell (Alex Redfearn 49m), Craig Ennett, Chris Kelly, Stephen Halsall, David Clark, Ronan McDonnell, Gazz Logan, Steven Quine (Nuno Sousa 46), Matthew Caine.

St Mary’s: Geoff Crennell, Connor Gorman, Tony Cain (Nathan Halsall 85m), Dominic McGreevy, Karl Clark, Martin Reilly (Nathan Cooil 79m), Tom Weir, James Murphy (Cian Geoghegan 75m), Steven Priestnal, Marc Priestnal, Stephen Whitley.

Referee: Scott Campion

Man of the Match: Whitley (St Mary’s)