Thursday, January 31

Palace Cinema

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

• Lincoln (12A). Nightly at 7pm, Saturday and Sunday at 4pm.

• Monsters Inc 3-D (U). Saturday and Sunday at 1.15pm and 3pm.

Broadway Cinema

• Flight (15). Friday-Thursday at 7.30pm, Wednesday at 2.30pm, Saturday and Sunday at 4pm.

• Parental Guidance (PG). Saturday and Sunday at 11am.

Thursday, January 31

Thursday, January 31

• Thighs, Bums and Tums, Laxey Working Men’s Institute, 9.30am. Also Tuesday. Call 335635.

• Pilates matwork 9.30am-10.30am and 10.45am-11.45am. Belly Fit 5.30pm-6.30pm and 7-20pm- 8.30pm Beginner Vinyasa. All at The Gym Ramsey. Visit www.thegym.co.im for other classes.

• Lyengar inspired yoga classes,Children’s Yoga, Thursday 3.45pm-4.45pm, reception to Year 3. Children’s Yoga, Thursday 4.45pm-5.45pm, Year 4 to teenagers. Men’s Yoga, Thursday 6.30pm-8.pm, mixed ability, Hatha Yoga, Monday 9.15am-10.45am mixed ability. Hatha Yoga for over 60s, Monday 11am-12.30pm, Hatha Yoga, Wednesday 7pm-8.30pm mixed ability, all at Laxey Football Club.

• Aqua Zumba, NSC, Douglas, 6pm. Call 688588.

• Fencing for all ages. Ashley Hill School, 7.30pm. Also Monday, Andreas Parish Hall, 4.30pm; Tuesday, Arbory Parish Hall, 4pm and Ebenezer Hall, Kirk Michael, 6.30pm; Wednesdays, Scoill Ree Gorree Sports Hall, Ramsey, 5pm. Call 880863.

• Zumba, The Dance Factory, Onchan Park, 7.30pm. Call 425270. Also Tuesday.

Friday, February 1

• 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, February 2

• 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, February 3

• Yoga and Nutrition. Karma Yoga Studio, Douglas. 6-7.30pm.

Monday, February 4

• 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 60s half price £5).

• Exercise Boot Camp, Corrin Hall, Peel, 6.15pm. Also Wednesday, Philip Christian Centre, Peel, 6pm; Thursday, Glen Vine Church Hall, 9.15am.

• Pilates at Northern Lights Comminity Centre, Ramsey, 6.15pm-7.15pm. Also Hatha Yoga on Tuesdays, 6.30pm-7.45pm. Call Isis on 303836.

• Zumba Fitness Class. 6.30pm to 7.30pm, Zumba Toning Class 7.30pm to 8.30pm. Morton Hall, Castletown. Also Wednesday Zumba Toning Class 6.30pm to 7.30pm and Zumba Toning Class 7.30pm to 8.30pm, all at the Corrin Hall, Peel. Call Sue on 230369.

• Cardiotone, Laxey Working Men’s Institute, 7pm. Also Thursday. Call 452729.

• Deep Water Aquafit, NSC, Douglas, 7.15pm. Call 688588.

• Women’s self-defence classes, British Legion Hall, Port Erin, 7.30pm.

• Kirk Michael Badminton Club, Park View Hall, 8pm. Call 878536.

Tuesday, February 5

• 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.

• Badminton club, Arbory School, Ballabeg, 8pm. Call Liz on 466370.

• Early Morning Boot Camp 6.15am-7am. Also Wednesday and Friday, Evening Boot Camp, 6pm-6.45pm. Tuesday and Thursday, 9am-9.45am, Saturday, also Kettlebell Classes Wedesday, 6pm-7pm, Saturday, 8am-8.45am, Marown Millennium Hall. Call 465335 or email totalwellbeing@manx.net

Wednesday, February 6

• Gentle yoga, ladies class, Gena’s Dance Academy, Peel, 9.30am. Call 456782.

• Pilates, NSC, Douglas, 12.10pm. Call 688588.

• Pilates 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+), 7.30pm. Call 801802 or email cathkilley@manx.net

• Lyengar inspired yoga, Wednesday, 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 31

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

• Happy Tots, Main Hall, Willaston School, 9.45am, £1 per family including refreshments. Call 621577.

• MRA Stretch and Flex at the NSC, Douglas at 10am. Also Indoor Flat Green Bowling at the NSC, Douglas from 2pm.

• Storytime for pre-schoolers, Henry Bloom Noble Library, Victoria Street, Douglas, 10am. Call 696461.

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

• Action Songs and Rhymes, birth-5 years. Ballasalla Primary School, 10am-11am, Friday, Royal British Legion Club, Port Erin, Parents and Tots 10am-11am, Action Songs and Rhymes 11am-12pm. Monday, The Children’s Centre, Douglas 1.30pm-2.30pm. Tuesday, Sulby Primary School, 9.20am-10.20am, Philip Christian Centre, Peel, 2pm-3pm. Wednesday, Auldyn School Community Room, Ramsey 9.20am-10.20am and 10.30am-11.30am, Working Mens Institute Laxey, 1.30pm-2.30pm. Free but donations welcome.

• 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.

• Freetime, Youth Arts Centre, 2-4pm. Also Friday and Monday-Wednesday.

• 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

• Onchan Book Group, Onchan Library, 6pm. Call 621228.

• The Isle of Man Children’s Centre Parent Support Group, informal chat with family support workers, at Woodbourne Road, 7pm-9pm.

• Willaston Youth Club, school years 7-9, Willaston School, 7-9pm. Also Friday, school years 4-6, 6.30-8pm.

• Army Cadets, Scout Hall, Peel, 7pm. Also Tuesday.

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

Friday, January 1

• Baby and Toddler Group, 9.30am-11.30am at Glen Maye Community Centre. No charge but donations welcome. Call 845681.

• Prayers with Bears Tots group, All Saints Church Vestry, Alexandra Drive, Douglas, 10am. Call 483248.

• Parents and tots, Philip Christian Centre, Peel, 10am.

• Tiddlers, parents and tots, Elim Church, Second Avenue, Onchan, 10am. Call 434933.

• Theatrix Theatre Company Musical Theatre, Douglas, Saturday 12-2.30pm 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.

• Onchan carers and tots, Parish Hall, Onchan, 1.15pm. Call 625328.

• 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, Youth Arts Centre, Douglas, 7-10pm. Also Saturday, school years 9+.

Sunday, January 3

• 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.

Monday, January 4

• Daniel’s Den, Methodist Church, Arbory Street, Castletown, 10am. Admission £1. Call 822374.

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

• Kittens tots and carers group, St Ninian’s Church, Douglas, 10.30am. £1 per family. Call 629683.

• Breastfeeding Buddies drop in Clinic, Village Walk Health Centre, 10.30am. Call 656030.

• Parents and tots, St Olave’s Church, Ramsey, 1pm.

• Tots play at Northern Lights Community Centre, Ramsey, 1.30pm-3.30pm. Also Tots craft and play on Wednesday. £1.

• 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.

• 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.

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

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

• Ramsey Gardening Club at 7.30pm at Quayles Hall, Ramsey. £2 entry fee.

• Santon WI, The Church Centre, Santon, 7.30pm. Call 818194.

Tuesday, February 5

• Parents and tots group, Cronk-y-Berry School side entrance, 9.30am. Admission £1, Call 469756. Also Thursday, 1.30pm.

• St John’s Art and Craft Group, Methodist Hall, St John’s, 9.40am. Bring your own art and craft. Call 851364.

• Onchan Pensioners’ Social Club, Morton Hall, 10.30am. Also Thursday.

• Peel City WI, Guild Room, Athol Street, Peel, 10.30am. Call 818194.

• Laxey mums and tots, Laxey Pavilion, 1pm. Call 438408.

• 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.

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

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

• Braddan WI, Methodist Church Hall, Union Mills, 2pm. Call 818194.

• Glen Maye WI, St James’ Church Hall, Dalby, 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.

• Santon WI, The Church Centre, Church Road, Santon, 7.30pm. Call 818194.

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

Wednesday, February 6

• 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

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

• MS Society coffee morning, Harbour Lights, St Paul’s Square, Ramsey, 10.30am.

• Mums and tots, Marown Hall, Peel Road, Crosby, 10.15am. £1.50 per family.

• 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.

• Busy Bees parents and tots, Beehive Kindergarten, Onchan, 1.30pm. Also Thursday. Call 674655.

• 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.

• Jurby and District WI, Jurby Parish Hall, 7.15pm.

• St. Mark’s WI, St. Mark’s Schoolroom, 7.30pm. Call 818194.

Thursday, January 31

• Karaoke, Guys and Dolls, Douglas.

• Soundcheck, Youth Arts Centre, 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, February 1

• Little Miss Dynamite at The Britannia, Ramsey.

• Music at the Crosby, hosted by Shoh Slaynt folk/rock band with Al and Geoff. 8.15pm to 11.15pm.

• Joey Wylde at Jaks, Douglas.

• Ian Thompson at The Queens, 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, February 2

• Little Miss Dynamite at The Mitre, Ramsey.

• Mayor of Douglas Charity Appeal Band Night at The Crescent Nightblub, 8pm start. Tickets £5 from The Crescent or David Ashford on 427232 or e-mail cllr.dashford@douglas.gov.im

• Skeet at The Queens Hotel, Douglas.

• 9 Mile Smile at Jaks, Douglas.

• Ian Thompson at The Swan, Ramsey.

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

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

• Karaoke at the Central Hotel, Ramsey.

Sunday, February 3

• One Wo/Man, One Guitar, One Night at The Mitre Hotel, Kirk Michael with Eddie Rough and Dessie Kelly.

• Ray Sloane Karaoke at Jaks, Douglas.

• Ian Thompson at The Mount Murry Golf Club, 12.30pm-2.30pm.

• 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, February 5

• 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, February 6

• Karaoke at The British, Douglas.

Thursday, January 31

• Douglas Choral Union presents Seven Brides for Seven Brothers at the Gaiety Theatre.

Until February 9.

Thursday, January 31

• 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, February 1

• 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, February 2

• 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. 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, February 3

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

Monday, February 4

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

• Modern, street and stage dance classes, Rinkey Studios, Mill Road, Peel, from 6pm. www.rinkey.co.uk

• Irish Dance Prim/Int, Viking Works, Riverside, Peel, 6.30pm. Also Wednesday at 5.45pm. Beginners, Wednesday at 5pm.

• Line dancing, Port Erin Methodist Church hall, 8.15pm. Call 436219.

Tuesday, February 5

• 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.

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

Wednesday, February 6

• Ballroom dancing for children, Centenary Centre, Peel, 4pm. Call 450688.

• Ballet, Dance Factory, Onchan Park, 4.30pm.

• Rhythmic dance, St Ninian’s Dance Studio, Douglas, 8pm.

Thursday, January 31

• This is Art. An exhibition of video art and installations by Simon Buttimore and friends at the Sayle Gallery, Douglas.

Until Sunday, February 24.

Thursday, January 31

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

• Manx Footpaths Conservation Group, Port Soderick, Upper Car Park, 10.30am. Also Saturday, South Barrule Plantation, 1.30pm. Sunday Glen Mona Car Park, 1.30pm.

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

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

• FC United of Manchester IoM Supporters meeting, Rovers Return, Douglas, 8pm.

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

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

Friday, February 1

• Willaston Weekly Drop In Centre, Willaston Methodist Church, Barrule Road, 10am-noon.

• Drop in for coffee and a chat, Sulby Methodist Church, 10am-noon.

• The Manx Aviation and Military Museum, 10am-4.30pm. Also Saturday and Sunday, 10am-4.30pm. Free admission. Donations welcome.

• Garage Sale at the back of Crossroads Charity Shop, Victoria Street, Douglas. 10am-4pm.

• Coffee and chat, Onchan Methodist Church lounge, opposite commissioners’ office, 10.30am-noon.

• BCS (The Chartered Institute for IT) Lunchtime event, James Cameron, Can IT help save the world? at noon in the Sanderson Suite, Claremont Hotel. Also evening event, Steven Flower, Hackday #1, DIY Public Services, 5pm at The Forum, 17-18 Mount Havelock, Douglas.

• 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.

• Onchan Live At Home Scheme annual Sankey Evening at Onchan Methodist Church, at 7.30pm. Supper will be served.

• QEII High School Association Back to School Night, 8pm-11.30pm (adults only).

• The Link (interesting talks and a buffet supper), Onchan Baptist Church. 7.30pm. Call 623415.

Saturday, February 2

• Theatre Tours, Gaiety Theatre, Douglas, 10am. Tickets for adults £7.50, children £4, family £20. Call 600555.

• Isle of Man Farmers’ Market, at Villa Marina, Douglas, 10am-2pm.

• 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.

• Isle of Man Farmers’ Market, at Northern Lights Community Centre, Ramsey, 10am-1pm.

• Coffee and chat, St Mary’s on the Harbour, Castletown, 11am.

Sunday, February 3

• Indoor Car Boot, Gladstone Park, Ramsey, 10am-3pm in aid of Rebecca House and Peel Clothworkers’ Special Needs Unit.

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

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

• 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.

• 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, February 4

• World Cancer Day - Wear your slippers to work to support your local hospice.

Tuesday, February 5

• 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.

• Erin Arts Centre Monday Luncheon, 12.30pm Guest speaker: Trevor Nall.

• Peel Footlights Youth Theatre, children aged eight-16, Philip Christian Centre, Peel, 4pm. Also Thursday. Call 843819.

• 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.

• Whist for Hospice, Michael Methodist Church, 7.30pm. £2.

• Ramsey Gardening Club talk by Bobby Cunningham, Ramsey Town Commissioners Head Gardener, Quayle Hall, 7.30pm.

Wednesday, February 6

• Independent Living Centre, Open Day, Ballakermeen Rd, 9.30am-3.30pm. Call 642511.

• MS Society coffee morning, Harbour Lights, St Paul’s Square, Ramsey, 10.30am-noon.

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

• Erin Arts Centre Book Circle, Cold Comfort Farm. 1.30pm.

• Masterpieces: What do we know about them? Olga Eggert. 1.30pm-3.30pm. The Stable Building, Centre for Manx Studies, Douglas.

• Our Day Out by Willy Russell at Castle Rushen High School, 2pm matinee for southern primaries. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 7.30pm.

• 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.

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

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

10-man DHSOB beat St Mary’s 1-2 at the Bowl, while St George’s stay clear at the top with 0-2 win at Ramsey

Saturday, February 2

2pm kick-offs

GH Corlett Woods Cup Prelim Round

Michael 2-0 Douglas and District

Braddan 0-4 Colby

Ronaldsway 7-1 Onchan

Foxdale P-P Pulrose

2.30pm kick-offs

Canada Life Premier League

Castletown 1-2 Rushen

St John’s 1-0 Union Mills

St Mary’s 1-2 DHSOB

Gymns P-P Corinthians

Marown 1-4 Laxey

Ramsey 0-2 St George’s

JCK Division Two

Douglas Royal 6-0 Douglas Athletic

RYCOB 7-2 Malew

Canada Life Combination One

Rushen 13-1 Castletown

Union Mills 2-4 St John’s

DHSOB 4-1 St Mary’s

Corinthians 5-3 Gymns

Laxey 4-0 Marown

St George’s 2-1 Ramsey

JCK Combination Two

Douglas Athletic 1-2 Douglas Royal

Douglas and District 1-4 Ayre

Onchan 0-2 Michael

Malew 1-3 RYCOB

Ronaldsway 2-1 Colby @ Colby

Pulrose P-P Foxdale

FOLLOWING Douglas’s victory before Christmas, Ramsey and Vagabonds under-15 and u16s rugby team was looking to even the score when the two teams met at Mooragh Park recently.

With the anticipated snow not materializing the game went ahead but the blustery conditions were a challenge to both sets of players that meant much good work was undone in a moment.

It was Douglas that opened the scoring when pressure near the hosts’ line forced them to concede a penalty from which Stevie Bradley bulldozed over the line. As was to be the case for the rest of the game, the conditions got the better of the kicker and the conversion was missed.

Douglas tried to control the game through their forwards, for whom Liam Kirkpatrick and Dominic Long stood out, but Ramsey/Vagas worked hard to ensure any loss of possession was punished by a loss of yards with some hard-running coupled with a strong kicking game.

Towards the end of the first half this allowed them to move into Douglas’s 22 and, again from a penalty, Ollie Morris went over for the try to tie the game at 5-5. Soon after Joe Bowes, on his return from a non-rugby injury, had a chance to put Douglas back in the lead but the ball was knocked from his grasp as he went to ground it and the scores remained tied at half-time.

The second half saw more of the same with both sides trying to build phases and gain territory but the weather continued to make flowing rugby difficult. The defence on both sides looked like it was going to hold out but with 10 minutes remaining the hosts managed to get close enough to the try line for Ramsey’s Matty Clague to drive over for what proved to be the decisive score.

With the wind getting the better of the conversion 10-5 was the final score and, with one game each so far, the next meeting between the sides should see a full-on encounter as they battle for local bragging rights.

As for man of the match, there were some strong performances from the usual suspects in Cheshire squad members Duncan Wilson and James Maddrell, try scorer Matty Clague and Scott Kneale combined well in the hosts’ backline.

Joe Bowes performed well in his first match for some time and Dom Long’s game continues to develop but, with strong running and non-stop effort throughout, my vote goes to another Cheshire squad player, Douglas’s Liam Kirkpatrick.

Up next for Douglas is a Cheshire Junior Plate encounter at Wirral against Caldy in early February. The two sides met in a friendly earlier in the season which Caldy won but Douglas have certainly progressed since that game.

This improvement plus a few players returning from injury, who did not feature then, means that they are certainly capable of causing an upset.

MARK Christian’s new Raleigh UK 14-man cycling team was officially launched last week with the help of former England cricket captain Michael Vaughan and footballer Viv Anderson, the ex-Nottingham Forest, Manchester United and England player.

The two special guests were in attendance on behalf of team sponsor GAC and talked about the synergies between their sporting achievements, Raleigh and GAC brands, plus Team Raleigh’s strengths.

Following its hugely successful period in the 1970s and 80s, which culminated in a Tour De France win in 1980, the new Team Raleigh has been in existence since 2010 and has been steadily progressing through the ranks of professional cycling.

The company has had its headquarters in Nottingham for more than 125 years.

Team Raleigh begin their 2013 season as a Continental level team, competing in domestic, European and International races but, according to team manager Cherie Pridham, ‘will be looking to build on last year’s domestic successes and raise the bar in Europe.’

Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Christian is one of eight new riders in the team along with Alexandre Blain, Richard Lang, Lachlan Norris, Sam Witmiz, Mark O’Brien, Rob Britton, Tom Scully, Tom Moses and Eric Berthou.

The other four riders were also in the 2012 team, namely Graham Briggs, Russell Hampton, Evan Oliphant and Matthew Holmes

The launch was presided over by Eurosport commentator Anthony McCrossan who introduced guest speakers from the team’s three primary sponsors, Raleigh, GAC and The Nottingham.

Raleigh marketing director Geoff Giddings reflected on a highly successful 2012 campaign, which saw more than 50 podium places in races including the Tour Series and Vuelta Mexico, restating the team’s desire to get to the pinnacle of professional cycling.

The team has now headed off for a tough winter training camp in Majorca, followed by some early season races in France.

Their first UK races will be in March.

Nomads beat nearest challengers Douglas B 7-8

A TIGHT 8-7 victory over Douglas B secured Southern Nomads the Shimmin Wilson Manx Shield for the fifth consecutive season.

Nomads led just 5-0 at half time with Leon Landels’ thirty eighth minute try the only difference between the two sides. Rob Todd crossed for a Douglas try early in the second half and when Luke Hyland converted, Douglas led 7-5.

They retained their lead for much of the remainder of the game and with just three minutes to play, Mark Young’s penalty sealed the win for Nomads.

Last-minute winner seals Vikings Cup win

Western Vikings’ made a successful Manx Cup comeback with a 20-17 win over Castletown at QEII. Vikings led 5-0 at half-time through a Chris Williamson try. Two tries in the second-half from Martin French, plus a Tony Grundy conversion saw them build a 17-0 lead.

Castletown, however, hit back with tries from Mike Condra, Lee McIver and Gary Stephenson and when Stephenson added a conversion the game was ties at 17-17. This was a cue for Vikings skipper Mike Sheeley to enter the fray and in the final minute he kicked a penalty from wide out on the touchline to bag the win.

Vagabonds B into Manx Plate Semi

Vagabonds B beat Emerging Nomads comfortably 62-13 at Ballafletcher and booked themselves a home semi-final in the Manx Plate where they will play either Western Vikings or Southern Nomads.

Saturday’s Results

Shimmin Wilson Manx Shield

Douglas B 7-8 Southern Nomads

Manx Cup Preliminary Round

Western Vikings 20-17 Castletown

Manx Plate Preliminary Round

Vagabonds B 62-13 Emerging Nomads

BALLAKEIGHAN’S Phil Cringle has been named on the bench for Scotland’s under-20 Six Nations opener against England on Friday evening.

The former Castle Rushen student and Douglas Rugby Club member was picked for the match after impressing selectors at under-18 level and in a recent squad get-together and training game against a Scottish Club XV.

The Isle of Man Sport Aid recipient signed for the Scottish RFU’s Edinburgh Academy last August after some starring performances for Kirkham Grammar’s first XV, the school he attended in Lancashire thanks to a Gubay Chase Your Dream bursary.

Since then the 18-year-old prop forward has been loaned to RBS National League side Stewart’s Melville who are based in the Scottish capital.

Friday’s match at Championship outfit Plymouth Albion RFC’s Brickfields Recreation Ground will be shown live on Sky Sports 2, with the Scots looking to avoid the 59-3 drubbing they received when the pair met in last year’s Six Nations.

Cringle will be hoping to retain his place in the squad for the rest of the annual competition with a home tie against Italy next up a week on Friday.

Despite Douglas, Ramsey and Vagabonds all enjoying a week off South Lancashire/Cheshire action, there are still sufficient games to whet the appetite of the most fervent supporter as three matches take place in three separate domestic competitions.

Probably the biggest of the local comps is the Manx Cup, where Western Vikings meet Castletown in a preliminary round match at QEII School Peel.

Town have already lost to Southern Nomads in an earlier preliminary game so their hopes of a Manx Cup semi are already gone.

Vikings, however, could still make the last four tie if they beat Town this week and Southern Nomads the following week.

More likely, however, is that Nomads will take the semi-final spot away at Douglas on February 23, with this game between Town and Vikings finally settling the semi line ups for the Manx Plate competition which sits just underneath the Cup.

Vikings resurrection is probably now just about complete.

They’re assured of fourth place in the Shield and despite some injuries to key players - skipper Mike Sheeley (leg), playmaker Mark Venables (shoulder) and terrier Darryl McGeown (head) - they still have some tasty players in the line up.

Vice captain Paul Wheeldon has been outstanding all season at hooker, Tony Grundy is solid at eight and with experienced vets like Paul Gale on the sidelines they should have enough in the tank to edge past Town.

Town’s Mick Shipley is their inspiration and he’ll be in the thick of it no matter where he starts. The southern pack is solid and there’s pace out wide in the shape of Dave Akkulugadu.

They were one win apiece in the Shield so this one will be tight.

There are just two unresolved fixtures in the Shimmin Wilson Manx Shield and the most significant of these will take place at Port-e-Chee (weather permitting) where Douglas B will take on Southern Nomads.

Nomads already have a hand on the trophy and provided the game is played, they will retain the Shield whatever the outcome.

The two sides have met once before with Nomads winning 43-15 back in November. Since then Douglas have become much more organised and focussed and they will provide much tougher resistance. However, Nomads should win.

Last but not least there is a preliminary round tie in the Manx Plate at Ballafletcher where Vagabonds B take on Emerging Nomads.

Vagas have beaten the Nomads second string twice already in the Shield and should make reasonably light work of them.

Nomads have had a leadership change. Out goes the glass-shouldered Hugo McKenzie and in comes the talented youngster Fraser Veale.

Perhaps the young and talented can do what the old and experienced couldn’t.

Saturday’s Fixtures

Womens NC North One

Northwich v Vagabonds @ Northwich

Manx Cup Preliminary Round

Western Vikings v Castletown

@ QEII School ko 2.15pm

Manx Plate Preliminary Round

Vagabonds B v Emerging Nomads

@ Ballafletcher ko 2.15pm

Shimmin Wilson Manx Shield

Douglas B v Southern Nomads

@ Port-e-Chee ko 2.15pm

WINNERS of the 2012 Hodgson Loom Gallery Annual Open Art Competition have been revealed this month.

A wide range of art in different categories, by artists of all ages, was exhibited at the gallery at Laxey Woollen Mills.

The overall winner of the competition was Anne-Louise Clague’s Extinguished – Specimen B, Mutant Sea Dragon and Infant Phycodurus eques plasticus, which was made using Bags for Life. The habitat of the real little sea dragons in the southern hemisphere is under threat from pollution. Anne and her family are horrified by the amount of plastic littering our own beautiful shores. And by creating her little sculptures she hoped to draw attention to how easily habitats and their inhabitants can become extinct. She also won the 3D Category with Extinguished- Specimen A, Leafy Sea Dragon.

Meanwhile, Anne Pitts’ Autumn Fires won the 2D Category. The 2D Mixed Media Category was won by Fire in the Sky by Pat Kelly. The Photographic Category winner was Dragon’s Breath by Hazel Walsh. The Textile Category winner was Felted Fire by Karen Smirthwaite. The Wall Hanging Category winner was Ash & Embers by Annie Eastham. The Group Category winner was The Sun by the Homeschoolers. The Children 12 & Under Category winner was My Daddy is a Fireman by Luka Quirk. And the Public Vote winner was Firebird by Felicity Wood.

Category runners up were Meriel Lloyd, Felicity Wood, Wendy Allen, David Smyth, Sheila Tootill, Christine Elliot and Samantha Hassall.

The theme for this year’s competition will be Water. The closing date for entries will be in November.

ALL three emergency services are in attendance at an incident on central promenade in Douglas this evening (Saturday).

It is understood to be a fire in, or near to, a block of flats.

More to follow.

AN ambitious plan to build a multi-million pound business plan near the airport has been withdrawwn.

The Nicholson Group, which owns a number of businesses including Shoprite, released a statement this afternoon (Friday).

It reads: ‘At the public inquiry planning meeting held on Monday anuary 21, to consider Nicholson Group’s application to develop a business park on land at Ronaldsway, representatives of the Department of Infrastructure planning team unexpectedly informed those present that the Southern Area Plan was to be taken to February Tynwald for ratification, on exactly the same dates that the full inquiry was due to be heard.

‘Work on the Southern Area Plan has been ongoing since 2008. In May 2012, the final modified draft area pllan was issued. In October 2012 The Nicholson Group submitted a planning application to develop a business Park on its Ronaldsway land.

‘However the impression given by the planners at the inquiry meeting was that further changes may have been made to the Plan, and this would only become public knowledge in time for Tynwald. The policy in this plan covers the Ronaldsway area and is relevant to the determination of this application.

‘Nicholson Group subsequently sought clarification of the Plan adopted by the DoI. They received confirmation on Tuesday, January 29, that it would be in the public domain on February 7.

‘The deadline for the submission of comprehensive Proofs of Evidence for the Inquiry into the planning application is February 8.

‘Three-and-a-half years; work and a substantial sum of money has gone into the development of this business park scheme to date.

‘The company feels that to be left with a 24-hour window to produce evidence on the basis of policy that is unconfirmed and may yet change is prejudicial to their proposal.

‘The company feels that it cannot deliver its application in a meaningful fashion due to the lack of clarity of policy given by the Department of Infrastructure in relation to the publication of the draft Southern Area Plan.

‘However, when the policy is eventually clarified and in the public domain the company will reconsider its position.’

Almost 35 years ago, a schoolboy watched a RAF Vulcan bomber aircraft take part in the Jurby air show.

That schoolboy was Steve Lushington and through a successful military career and promotion to the rank of Group Captain, he now commands RAF Brize Norton – the largest RAF station in the Royal Air Force.

Steve grew up on the island and is from St Jude’s.

He was a pupil at Ramsey Grammar School before joining the RAF in 1988. Although his interest in aircraft and flying was sparked by that summer’s day at Jurby, his passion for the RAF and the thought of pursuing a military flying career was fostered through the air cadets in the island.

‘Never once during that time did I ever consider a different career – flying was something that I was going to do.

‘I knew the career path I wanted to take and getting involved with the air cadets was the first step in achieving my that ambition.’

Group Captain Lushington’s career in the RAF has been busy, demanding and taken him across the globe. As soon as he had finished his flying training, he was involved in Gulf War I flying the VC10 air-to-air refuelling aircraft as a co-pilot. Soon after he became a flying instructor and low-level aerobatic display pilot – displaying the Bulldog aircraft at airshows across the UK and Europe.

Subsequent appointments have included operation deployment to Iraq, Afghanistan, Kosovo, and the Falkland Islands and numerous training exercise across the globe.

‘The RAF has given me so many opportunities. There are so many career options and world beating training to ensure that everyone has the chance to be the very best they can. It is a demanding lifestyle but the rewards are well worth it. I have absolutely no regrets about choosing a career in the Royal Air Force.’

The 44-year-old is no stranger to RAF Brize Norton – his current job as Station Commander is his fifth tour of duty at the Station. All his previous tours were flying the VC10; his first tour as a co-pilot and his final as Officer Commanding Number 101 Squadron.

‘The VC10 is a wonderful aircraft and celebrates its 51st birthday this year,’ he said. ‘The VC10 will retire in 2013 marking an end to an outstanding chapter in British flying history. It will be a sad day when the VC10 finally retires.’

RAF Brize Norton is home to seven flying squadrons, home to all UK forces parachute training and is the central node for all UK military air transport to and from all operational theatres.

‘I am delighted that I have been given an opportunity to serve in such a pivotal post which is vital to the success of UK military operations both in the UK and overseas.

‘There were a number of individuals who could have been chosen for the post of Station Commander RAF Brize Norton – I feel honoured and very privileged to be the one appointed.’

Although as Station Commander the opportunities to actually fly are few and far between, he added:

‘You join the air force to fly and I will do my utmost to get flying again. However, commanding a garrison of more than 7,000 personnel and managing seven different aircraft types which are deployed to numerous locations around the world dominates your time.’

Asked what makes his current job special Steve said: ‘Flying and deploying on operations is the routine – something that we train for continuously. It is the extra activities that often go unnoticed that make the difference.

‘For example, RAF Brize Norton is at the very centre of the recovery of very sick and injured servicemen and women from anywhere in the world – sadly and most routinely, soldiers that have been injured by improvised explosive device (IEDs) whilst on operations in Afghanistan.

‘When called upon to fly back an injured serviceman from Afghanistan, the whole team at RAF Brize Norton swings in to action without hesitation or question. Each and every time the shout come, sadly all too often, Team Brize Norton is focused on ensuring that the injured person gets back to the UK as quickly as possible.’

RAF Brize Norton also has the sad but very privileged status as being the military unit that is used for the repatriation of all our country’s fallen servicemen and women. The bodies of the Fallen are flown back to RAF Brize Norton on a C17 aircraft and RAF Brize Norton personnel co-ordinate and take part in the repatriation ceremony – all of whom are volunteers.

‘The pride, professionalism and dignified manner which underpins every repatriation ceremony is exemplary and most appropriate for the families and friends of the Fallen, who all come to Brize Norton to see their loved one brought home. The repatriation team at Brize Norton is passionate about getting every repatriation right – not for themselves or the military but for the families and friends of the fallen servicemen and it is right every single time and so it will and must remain.

‘I am very lucky – I work with ordinary people who do extra-ordinary things every single day.’

Married to Maggie, they live on base at RAF Brize Norton situated in the heart of the Cotswolds with their three children. Steve returns to the island whenever he can:

‘The Isle of Man is home – my parents still live here. I really enjoy going back to the island, I have such fond memories of growing up here.’

IT has been a remarkable survival of the island’s tourism heyday, lying almost forgotten for nearly half a century.

But sadly, the end is in sight for the escalator that once took happy holidaymakers from Douglas promenades to the Cunningham’s holiday camp – as an order has been signed for its demolition.

A wonderfully Heath Robinson affair, passengers were carried up the hill at Little Switzerland in continually moving bucket seats that were fixed sideways to a clattering endless belt, the seats flipping over and underneath when it reached the top.

It was called the Golden Staircase as local lads would offer to carry suitcases up for a few pennies for the visitors.

Health and safety would have had a field day if it was running today.

But the Cunningham Camp escalator last worked in 1968 and has remained in place ever since, although in a state of increasing dereliction.

Now, worried about its dangerous condition, the owners of the site are soon to begin its demolition.

Isle of Man Newspapers columnist Terry Cringle remembers the escalator working. ‘It travelled about walking pace and was very noisy. Health and Safety would take a very hard look today.

‘It closed for a time during the war when the camp became a Royal Navy shore base - it wasn’t thought to be good for discipline for the sailors to take a ride. The escalator reopened with the tourism boom after the war. You wouldn’t have been able to ride it back to the camp after getting drunk in town as Cunningham’s was dry. Anyone suspected of being drunk would be made to leave the camp.

‘It’s just been forgotten. In recent years it had got very dangerous. Shoprite went to a lot of trouble to stop people going in there. It would be pointless to preserve it even if it was possible - you can’t save everything.’

Cunningham’s opened about 1902 and was one of the earliest holiday camps in the British Isles, pre-dating Butlin’s.

The escalator was installed just after the First World War, replacing a staircase. It is thought to have been built by JT Skillicorn of Onchan. In 1938, a second escalator was provided, both working in the up direction and running within a wooden shelter. If you wanted to go down, you walked.

The lower station, an imposing structures complete with an archway and castellated turrets, still survives.

Local historian Peter Kelly said in 1986 an American had plans to buy the escalator but this came to nothing.

Conservation officer Steve Moore said: ‘Unfortunately it really is in a poor state of repair. There is no point in registering it at this juncture.

‘You couldn’t think of restoring it without a lot of alterations so people can get on and off in a safe manner. Before it is demolished we will go and record it and make sure that record is placed with the museum for posterity.’

THERE has been a breakthrough in the long-running bus dispute.

The Department of Community, Culture and Leisure and Unite the Union confirmed that further talks on terms and conditions of employment of the bus driving staff have been held and that the discussions have identified a possible solution that will be put to union members in a sealed ballot.

A statement reads: ‘The proposed agreement allows the department to make the savings it requires to meet its budget targets whilst reassuring bus driving staff that their new terms and conditions will remain in place for a further two years.

‘The proposed agreement balances the Department’s wish to see increased operational efficiencies with the union’s wish to protect the interests of its members.’

The ballot is expected to close on Monday, February 11.

More on this story in Monday’s Examiner