Monday, February 4

Aries

(March 21 - April 20)

Feeling perkier now? You should be as it is your week to make friends and influence people. There is a wonderful feeling of team spirit around and joint efforts of all kinds are winners. Someone who you have always seen as strong may show a softer side. Don’t make a big deal out of it, but be aware. Imagine, in quieter moments, how you would like the future to unfold. Be ready for opportunities.

Taurus

(April 21 - May 21)

Grand gestures fall by the wayside as small efforts are rewarded. Nobody expects you to solve the problems of the world, a role that you would gladly tackle. Romance responds to gentle approaches and modest beginnings. Let that natural charm be on display. Expand your circle by meeting friends of friends. Someone out there is about to make a magnificent suggestion. Listen carefully.

Gemini

(May 22 - June 21)

Push ahead and aim to make good progress, whatever the task in hand. Showing that you are willing to put in effort and enthusiasm brings admiration. When being sociable, realise that combining work and pleasure can really work! Do everything that you can to spark movement in your career. This is your week to show your talents are there, even if you can’t use them immediately.

Cancer

(June 22 - July 23)

With your imagination all fired up, looking for something fresh and new is on the agenda. When you find it, be choosy and seek only the best. This is best done by taking a practical approach. Romantic links also need to be scrutinised. Are you really heading in the right direction? Make the most of a bit of luck that comes with the New Moon at the weekend. Spend wisely.

Leo

(July 24 - August 23)

Are you ready to show someone how you feel? Increase the chances of success by using a little imagination. In the longer term, finances can be given a boost by being with someone with a more open attitude. With Mercury being unhelpful this week, take care with emails and letters. Choose your words carefully at all times. Read that small print and check bills.

Virgo

(August 24 - September 23)

Being flexible and co-operative with others can bring you great success. Realise that others may not have your sharpness of mind and give them a helping hand. Your social circle should be shining brightly and expanding all of the time. Deal with communications this week and check finances. Passions are hot when it comes to romance but avoid taking advantage. Make others feel important by giving them attention.

Libra

(September 24 - October 23)

The chance to improve your general lifestyle is coming. Your artistic flair is much admired by someone who can increase your wealth. Be swift to ask for help when having to make any fast decisions. Romance can be hot, whether or not you are in a relationship. Someone may not realise how you feel, however, so aim to be more open. There is little to lose and much to gain.

Scorpio

(October 24 - November 22)

Communications bring success and helpful advice. Be aware, however, that volunteering for something socially could prove very taxing. Love and romance are appealing but only ask for what you need and no more. Being in a mood for socialising could see you making exciting arrangements for next week. Happiness reaches a peak at the weekend, so be with someone special.

Sagittarius

(November 23 - December 21)

Keep in tune with what is going on at home. Fine-tune finances and aim to tuck some cash away. You don’t always worry about being in charge but, at the moment, it is to your advantage. Being in the driving seat makes it so much easier to turn that corner! Mars is giving you the energy while Mercury is handing you the gift of charming words. Does that make for a loving time? Certainly!

Capricorn

(December 22 - January 20)

It’s a lucky week and one in which you should take full advantage of trends. Communications are highlighted and even travel throws up opportunities. Keep the pace moving both at work and home by staying enthusiastic and passionate. Remember that knowledge can be power. Sell any unwanted items to boost funds and collect any money owing to you. Optimism shows the way to a dream.

Aquarius

(January 21 - February 19)

Money and love run side by side this week. Give both equal attention so as not to miss opportunities, keeping communications and all options open. Be enterprising in romance. New things spark an interest and innovations can be fun. Cash may be easier to come by but it is equally easy to spend. Don’t feel guilty about being frugal as something more deserving of your money is on the horizon.

Pisces

(February 20 - March 20)

Solving a dilemma for someone else this week throws up some interesting information. Are you able to use this to influence a trend at work? Remember that knowledge can be power, so search for the unusual and hidden answers. Get ready for action in March by planning ahead and getting finances on an even keel. Please, have patience to pick the right time and the right people.

Valkyrs edge Bacchas in Women’s Premier Division

WI-MANX MEN’S HOCKEY PREMIER LEAGUE

Castletown A 0-0 Ramsey A

Valkyrs A 3-2 Vikings A

Valkyrs B 1-6 Bacchas B

Vikings B 0-14 Bacchas A

WI-MANX MEN’S HOCKEY DIVISION ONE

Bacchas C 5-1 Vikings C

Bacchas Colts 5-1 Castletown C

Saracens 5-3 Castletown B

Valkyrs C 1-6 Ramsey B

WI-MANX WOMEN’S HOCKEY PREMIER LEAGUE

Bacchas A 1-2 Valkyrs A

Castletown A 6-0 Castletown B

Ramsey A 3-2 Valkyrs B

Vikings A 4-0 Bacchas B

WI-MANX WOMEN’S DIVISION ONE

Bacchas C 0-4 Harlequins

Vikings B 1-2 Valkyrs C

Vikings C 0-1 Saracens A

Ramsey B vs Castletown C awarded walkover to Ramsey B due to Castletown player unavailability

WI-MANX MIXED U16s

Bacchas A 6-3 Harlequins

Ramsey 2-0 Bacchas B

Vikings 5-1 Castletown

CAPTURING the spirit and essence of the Manx Grand Prix was the aim of the new film about the event, and it really does come pretty close.

Filmed by island company Greenlight, between the downpours that punctuated the 2012 event, Grand Prix Racer has the behind-the-scenes story of the newcomers preparing for their big day and interviews with the riders themselves as they prepare to fulfil a lifetime ambition.

The film’s director Rob Hurdman, who has a wide experience in filming motorsport events of all types, said he was particularly aiming to convey the story of the event and the people as it unfolded during the final two weeks of August.

An opening sequence in which various riders explain the draw of the Mountain Course for them, against rolling images of the racing, paddock activity and even some sunny aerial shots of the island’s coastal scenery set the tone for the film.

We get to see the parts the average spectator usually doesn’t – the Saturday morning pre-practice signing-on, the riders’ briefings and the routine checking of boots, gloves, helmets and leathers for every rider before they are allowed out on the course.

We also accompany the race bikes, riders and mechanics through the pre-practice scrutineering, as each machine is rigorously safety checked before being allowed out, and we even get a run on the newcomers’ lap of the course under the expert guidance of experienced competitors Chris Palmer and Mark Castle.

That the event has appeal without boundaries comes across loud and clear with riders referring to the event as a ‘personal Everest’.

The point is sharply demonstrated by the enormous spectrum of riders – all of them clearly overwhelmed by emotion having made it to base camp.

Not ‘a lot of old men messing around on motorbikes’ – as a rather rude and ill-informed newspaper correspondent once referred to the event – but a band of dedicated enthusiasts from bankers to bin men.

Last year’s event saw 55 newcomers sign up - all with a story to tell about their fortnight. For brothers Jamie and Rob Hodson, both from Wigan, it was a family affair: their father Jim races in the TT. Neither minded being beaten, but not by his sibling! Theatre technician 51-year-old newcomer Adam Nix comes close to stealing the show, but ultimately the laurels went to 33-year-old Kamil Holan who came from Prague to take the Newcomer’s title.

ITV4 8pm, Tuesday, February 5

CROSSROADS Care is to benefit from being this year’s charity chosen by the Co-op to support.

To launch the year-long initiative, Co-op staff were joined in their Duke Street branch in Douglas by members of Crossroads and some of the people who are supported by the charity.

The celebration had a rocking theme with some visitors donning rock star outfits. Others turned their attention to culinary matters and rose to the occasion by baking cakes.

The event served a dual purpose by raising some cash for the charity at the same time.

The Crossroads charity is devoted to providing respite for people looking after someone with an illness or disability.

Thursday’s launch was part of a national support campaign for carers, with representatives of Britannia International also taking part in the programme.

If you would like more information visit {http://www.crossroadsiom.org|www.crossroadsiom.org}

THE police have renewed an appeal for a lorry driver to come forward after an incident more than three months ago.

Police are appealing for assistance into an investigation of an incident that occurred on October 23 last year.

Constable Andy Lloyd said: ‘At about 5pm on October 23 an incident occurred on the long stretch of road between the St Mark’s Junction and Bridge Nurseries where an altercation occurred between the driver of a black Land Rover and a cyclist.

‘I still would like to speak to the driver of a large HGV vehicle or large farm vehicle travelling from St Mark’s down the slope, in the direction of Bridge Nurseries.

‘I am sure that the driver of this vehicle holds information which is key to the events that unfolded and I would urge the driver of that vehicle to came forward to speak to the police.

‘I would like to make it clear that this person is purely a witness and that there is no suggestion of any wrongdoing on this person’s part.

‘We would also like to appeal to anyone else who may have seen the incident to come forward and assist us with our enquiries.’

Any information please to PC 289 Andy Lloyd at Castletown police station.

FOOTBALLERS wearing West Ham shirts will no longer have be promoting SBOBET.

SBOBET is a brand name owned by island-based company Celton Manx.

Bill Mummery, the company’s executive director, has said that the conclusion, after four years, of the sponsorship agreement between the company’s global online sportsbook operation SBOBET and the Premiership club will present ‘new opportunities’ for both parties.

His comments follow the football club’s announcement that it had signed with Alpari.

Mr Mummery, who concluded the SBOBET shirt sponsorship agreement with West Ham United in December 2008, said: ‘We have enjoyed a mutually beneficial relationship these past four years during which SBOBET and West Ham United have each gained a heightened level of global exposure, particularly in Asia. The time has now come for both parties to review and refresh their sponsorship programmes.

‘During our long-standing association we have been pleased to have been aligned with a club respected for its professionalism. These past four years we have followed the fortunes of West Ham United closely and brought a new dimension to the club’s profile on and off the field. Additionally, as a business that takes its corporate social responsibilities extremely seriously, Celton Manx shared the club’s commitment to the Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research UK, a charity to which we have been proud to lend long-term financial support.

‘This is an amicable parting that heralds change for both businesses. Change brings with it new and exciting opportunities and it is against this background that we wish all those at West Ham United with whom we have worked every success for the future.’

Businesses are being invited to ‘partner’ with Douglas Council and support the horse tram service.

Asked whether ‘partner’ meant advertise on the side of the trams, a council spokesman said it could but that it was also ‘open to suggestions’.

The service, which loses money and is subsidised by the ratepayers in Douglas, is now in its 137th year of operation.

Regeneration and community advisory committee lead member Councillor Stephen Pitts said: ‘The horse tram service continues to attract not only local and international fans of vintage transport but also film crews from the UK and further afield.

‘In recent years the council has been pleased to have partnered with local companies when organising large-scale events as, along with welcome financial support, partnership working brings new perspectives and new ideas. It is against this background that the council is extending this invitation to become involved with what is acknowledged as the oldest horse-drawn tramway in the world still in regular service.’

The 2013 horse tram service will start on Monday, May 13, and finish on Sunday, September 15.

TWO bendy-buses have arrived in the island ahead of a month-long trial.

The two articulated vehicles arrived on the Ben-my-Chree at 7.30pm last night and have started driver and fitter training today.

It is expected the trial will begin later this month to decide whether they are suitable for use on Manx roads and whether the Department of Community Culture and Leisure should go ahead with a purchase.

Proposals to introduce bendy-buses for use on school runs have sparked controversy. Some have expressed fears over safety given that there will be standing room only for up to 90 school children.

Police are investigating a serious public order incident which occurred on a bus travelling from Port Erin to Douglas on Monday.

The bus was the number 2 service from Port Erin which left at 3:15pm and the incident took place upon its arrival into Douglas.

As a result of the incident remaining passengers were assisted onto another bus as police dealt with the matter.

Both of the men involved were arrested by police.

Anybody travelling on the bus and who witnessed the incident is urged to contact the investigating officer, Constable Carberry, based at Pulrose police station with any information.

Alternatively witnesses can contact police on 631212.

BOSS of radio station 3FM Ron Berry has outlined his vision of the future of public service broadcasting, including the proposal to merge the island’s radio stations.

Addressing a meeting of the Positive Action Group in Douglas last month, Mr Berry detailed how a ‘Manx Broadcasting Corporation’ – with three centrally-operated stations – could be structured.

It comes at a time of government review into how Manx Radio is funded.

He said that while the annual government subvention the station receives fell to around £850,000 for 2012/13, funding is actually closer to £1.2 million when factoring in government picking up the station’s annual £67,000 transmission costs, and around £250,000 of capital programmes.

Mr Berry also weighed up Manx Radio’s projected income (£1.9 million) and expenditure (£14,998 higher than that figure), concluding: ‘Clearly, government money is vital to Manx Radio.’

Since the summer of 2012, Energy FM has shared premises with Three FM, with shared costs leading to an overall saving of 30 per cent. Mr Berry said the proposal to further consolidate staff would help secure the future of public service broadcasting in the island.

‘I’ve put forward the consideration that the three radio stations combine facilities and resources to deliver what I’ve called the Manx Broadcasting Corporation,’ he said.

‘The government has already made a substantial investment in the Manx Radio building and infrastructure. It’s easy to put two other radio stations up there. The most radical changes however, would be to the levels of staffing required.’

The MBC board would be made up of public and private sector representatives, and would preside over the three stations, each overhauled to appeal to separate demographics, in a move likened to the BBC’s and Radio One, Two and Four.

Energy FM would target 15 to 25-year-old listeners, with chart music and tabloid style news.

Three FM would be for the 25-50 market, with adult contemporary music and tabloid news with a ‘more mature presentation style.’

Manx Radio would cater for the 50 plus audience, with a more easy-listening music format, more upmarket news coverage and a bigger emphasis on current affairs, Saturday sport, features, specialist music and Manx language programming.

‘Voice tracking’ would keep costs down: pre-recorded presenter links between music that sound live, which would take over on weekday evenings on each station from around 6pm.

Mr Berry Suggested the entire structure could be run by a staff of around 30 people, less than half the staff currently employed by Manx Radio alone.

Further savings would come from shared rents, transmission costs and membership to music licensing organisations.

He estimated the MBC’s running cost would be in the region of £438,000, which would come from public money.

‘You take away the subvention, and replace it with cost of actually running the structure,’ he explained.

The MBC’s combined income, said Mr Berry, through advertising revenue and from the engineering support currently carried out by Manx Radio staff, would total around £1.2 million.

Measured against a total running cost of around £950,000 when factoring in staff and operational costs, Mr Berry said the MBC could deliver a profit of £250,000.

He said this was a better proposition to the public than the current public service broadcasting spending levels.

‘The total cost to the government would be half a million, but with potential returns from a £250,000 profit share.’

l Email opinions@newsiom.co.im

DOUGLAS Council leader David Christian says there’s no need to change tenancy agreements for local authority tenants.

Mr Christian hit out after {http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/end-of-a-house-for-life-for-council-tenants-1-5350903|plans were revealed by the government’s Department of Social Care.}

He said that the debate surrounding the proposal that from April 1 new public sector housing tenancies are to be fixed for a two-year term has been clouded by ‘untimely information’ issued by the department and damaging comments on social media sites from ill-informed observers.

The issue was also raised in the House of Keys today (Tuesday) by Bill Henderson.

Cllr Christian said that while the council shared the department’s view that the concept of ‘tenancies for life’ was not only outdated but also fundamentally unfair he and his fellow members did not support the department’s latest proposals.

‘The council also maintains that the department has no legal right to impose such a measure,’ he added, referring to Section 47 of the Housing Act of 1955 that provides ‘the general management, regulation and control of Douglas Borough Council’s housing stock is vested in and shall be exercised by Douglas Borough Council…’

‘There is no need to change the tenancy agreements,’ he continued.

‘The council’s tenancy agreements are weekly and provide for tenancy agreements to be terminated with one week’s notice, although that would only be a measure taken under extreme circumstances such as substantial rent arrears or severe antisocial behaviour.

‘Importantly, weekly tenancies provide the council the flexibility to serve a reasonable period of notice. Under the island’s landlord and tenant legislation the council would be required to give tenants on a two-year tenancy considerably longer notice, which removes the flexibility provided by weekly tenancy agreements.

‘The department’s proposal makes much of re-assessing a tenant’s housing needs and “adjusting” the terms of the tenancy, but there is already provision for downsizing or increasing accommodation requirements as set out in the council’s existing tenancy agreements which provide: ‘The corporation reserves the right at all time to require a tenant to transfer from a larger dwelling to a smaller dwelling, and vice versa, where it is necessary owing to the increase or decrease in the size of a tenant’s family.

‘The fixed-term tenancy debate has served to highlight once again the department’s questionable vision for the future of public sector housing. The council is concerned that government appears to be drip-feeding often highly emotive information to the media ahead of the report into findings from its housing review due to be laid before Tynwald this autumn.

‘Rather than demonstrating sensitivity towards the subject the department is turning the serious matter of the future of public sector housing into something of a media frenzy and causing extreme concern among some tenants who believe – quite wrongly – that they may be at risk of losing their homes under the new proposals.

‘Regrettably this badly judged approach has also given some ill-informed observers the opportunity to direct venomous comments towards social housing tenants. While there will always be a minority of tenants who could afford to transfer to the private housing sector, for the vast majority of tenants social housing offers a lifeline; those people are there because they cannot afford to access any other type of housing.

‘To those criticising council tenants for the amount of rent they pay, I would pose the question: “Do you honestly expect our tenants to turn up at the town hall and offer to pay an extra £100 towards their rent?”’

Housing and property advisory committee lead member Cllr Carol Malarkey added: ‘Simply put, tenants aren’t to blame for the levels of rent they pay, government is.

‘It is the Department of Social Care, not local authorities, that sets the rents.’

Cllr Christian continued: ‘From the council’s perspective keeping rent levels artificially low was never a way of gaining votes. In the last election when I was canvassing in Hills ward, I made it clear that a housing review was under way and that it could have far-reaching implications for tenants, despite which voting was unaffected. It would appear, however, that there are some members of Tynwald who are adopting a less than transparent approach.

‘The council’s response to the government’s housing review was extremely comprehensive; tenancy agreements were just one element of our submission. We are therefore disappointed that the department has chosen to air some of its views ahead of the final report. Its actions are only serving to undermine all the hard work this council and other local authorities contributed to the consultation and distort the stance we are taking.

‘Douglas being a forward-thinking local authority, it was ahead of the game, anyway. Long before Minister Robertshaw launched his housing review the Council was aware changes were needed so implemented its own internal review and has since restructured and streamlined its housing operation to bring a greater focus on front-line services.

‘It is clear government subsidy of public sector housing through the deficiency payments system is unsustainable. But what is also clear is that were government to heed this council’s call for “authority for authorities” and give us wider powers we could employ our own housing model as set out in our response to the housing review, set realistic rent levels, direct more funds to housing maintenance, remove the need for housing deficiency grants and lessen the burden on the ratepayer. The council owns 2,315 properties valued at around £227 million, so is well qualified to offer a workable cost-effective solution.

‘In an interview in late 2012 the minister coyly referred to “the sensitivity of affordability” – means testing in other words. The council’s submission to the housing review made clear it did not support means testing. The council believes rents should reflect the true cost of the housing service and, if some tenants have difficulty meeting the rent, then they have recourse to benefits provided through Social Services. To means-test all tenants would simply be unworkable. There are not the administrative mechanisms in place to support it and we do not need any more layers of bureaucracy to what is an already cumbersome and complex system.

‘The Scope of Government report has questioned the number of housing authorities in the island and would appear to be making a case for a single body. There are currently 17 but the council would favour a “four plus one” system, the “one” being Douglas. Whatever the future size and scope of local government is to be, housing must be one of its prime functions.

‘This island is not like the adjacent isle. It is made up of small distinct communities and it is the duty of local authorities to serve those individual communities, and recognise and respond to local sensitivities and needs, something a single housing authority could never achieve.’

More on this story in Thursday’s Manx Independent

FORMER chief minister Sir Miles Walker has retired as chairman of AXA Isle of Man.

Sir Miles joined the board of AXA Isle of Man in 2002 and was swiftly appointed chairman on January 1, 2003.

Since joining in 2002, with his extensive knowledge, skills and experience, Sir Miles has steered AXA Isle of Man through many changes, which have helped the company to become a market leader within the industry today.

His dedication and commitment has helped see the growth of funds under management grow from £1.7 billion assets for 15,411 clients as at December 31, 2002 to £7.5 billion assets for over 32,300 clients as at December 31, 2011.

Following the announcement of Sir Miles’ retirement, Mike Foy, managing director, AXA Isle of Man paid tribute to the skill, commitment and leadership which epitomised Sir Miles’ chairmanship.

Mr Foy said: ‘Sir Miles brought significant experience to AXA Isle of Man and has actively contributed to the success of the company in many ways.

‘His contribution as chairman has been greatly appreciated by all and he has been of particular support to me personally.

‘He will be greatly missed’.

Sir Miles said: ‘I have been privileged to be associated with this very fine company. To the senior management team, I have absolutely great regards, they have done a great job for the company and the Isle of Man. And to all of the staff at AXA Isle of Man, thank you also for all of your support.’

Born and educated in the Isle of Man, Sir Miles attended Castle Rushen High School and subsequently the Shropshire Agricultural College in England.

He served as Chief Minister on the island from 1986 to 1996, so has a comprehensive understanding of the Isle of Man, its economy, politics and machinery of Government.

In 1991, he went on to be honoured as Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE), was awarded an honorary degree in 1994 by Liverpool University; and given a knighthood in 1997. The company will announce in due course who will act as chairman following Sir Miles’ retirement.

TRIBUTES from the island’s music community have poured in for Onchan man John Nelson, whose decades of performing and teaching earned him ‘a huge place in Manx social history’.

Last month the 71-year-old lost a two-year battle with illness, but his legacy lives on in the music of the hundreds of students he helped inspire.

The widower was a father to four, had four grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

His son Kit said his father used his guitar workshops and lessons to keep him going through a battle with oesophageal cancer, and he has received hundreds of touching messages from John’s friends, bandmates and former students.

Student Winston Liu described Mr Nelson as ‘a wonderful man who changed my life’, whose legacy was that he eventually became a guitar teacher himself.

Steph Motley, former member of girl band Twisted Angels, said John gave so many budding musicians their first opportunities to develop.

‘His patience with beginners and enthusiasm for music was endless and this gave his older students the confidence to realise a life long dream,’ she said.

‘He had an amazing ability to see the talent in everyone and nurture it to its full potential with friendly advice or guidance. He had a way of making everybody feel special. John was such a genuine man with time for everyone and I feel lucky to have been his friend.’

Kit said so many similar tales have flooded in on how John affected the lives of hundreds of people.

Former band mate David Saunders said listening to an album they made together in 1971 ‘melts the time away’.

As a performer John supported greats including Chuck Berry and The Shadows in the heady days of the Palace Lido venue in Douglas.

‘On and off stage he was great to be around, but it was his ability, at speed, to learn and perfect his role in different numbers which was outstanding,’ said Mr Saunders.

Relatives Mo and Roy Cain recalled how John treated all students as individuals. ‘There was a man there who would never make a guitarist in a million years, but John encouraged him because he was learning on the guitar of his late son, and John knew it was a healing process for the gentleman,’ said Mo.

John’s funeral will be held on February 15, while the Villa Marina has been booked for Saturday 16 for a tribute night of performances from John’s friends and students.

REGULAR readers will be aware that this website is experiencing some problems.

Usually the most recent stories appear at the top of the news page. Currently, any story from the last few days could be at the top of the story list, while more up-to-date stories appear much further down.

We’re very sorry about this situation and our IT people are trying to fix it.

In the meantime, we’re still tweeting new stories @iomnewspapers and posting links to them on our Facebook page.

LAXEY ratepayers will have to pay more for waste removal from April.

The current fixed refuse charge will rise from £123 to £139 per household after the Department of Infrastructure announced charges for tipping domestic waste at the incinerator (energy from waste plant) would go up for all local authorities.

The rates in the village will stay at 165p in the pound.

That compares with 320p in Castletown, 129p in Michael, 60p (plus £123 for waste) in Lonan, 395p in Douglas, 275p in Onchan and 67p in Lezayre.

ENVIRONMENT Minister Phil Gawne has welcomed a decision by two local authorities in Cumbria to reject plans for an underground nuclear dump opposite the Manx coast.

Cumbria County Council and Allerdale district councils both voted against the proposal for the nuclear waste facility on the Solway Firth.

Mr Gawne MHK said: ‘Obviously I welcome this decision.

‘I appreciate it was an enormously difficult decision for them – everyone in government is very much aware of the need to encourage economic growth in their area. But this demonstrates there does come a point where the environmental risks have to be weighed up against the economic benefits.’

The Minister said the Manx government had taken part in the consultation on the potential nuclear waste site – and that its view was the Solway Firth was ‘wholly inappropriate in terms of geology’.

He said: ‘We expressed concern about the degree of instability in the geology there and the various aquifers running through there.

‘There are far better places. This is not about Nimbyism – and even if it was, we could be forgiven for it as this is absolutely not the most suitable site.’

Cumbria County Council and Allerdale and Copeland district councils were the only local authorities in the UK still involved in feasibility studies for the £12bn disposal facility.

Cumbria’s cabinet voted against research continuing, after evidence from independent geologists that the fractured strata of the county was impossible to entrust with such dangerous material. The vote is a major blow to the Westminster government’s wider nuclear strategy. Mr Gawne said it remained to be seen whether further pressure or funding would be put on the local authorities to try to encourage a rethink.

Peel Castle, Laxey Wheel and Castle Rushen are set to open to the public at weekends, starting from this Saturday (February 9).

Timed to coincide with the half-term break, the weekend openings are designed to provide an opportunity to explore three of the island’s most iconic heritage sites outside of the traditional summer season.

Manx National Heritage director Edmund Southworth said: ‘Late winter and early spring are often a beautiful time of the year here and we hope that both residents and visitors will enjoy the opportunity to visit Castle Rushen, Peel Castle and Laxey Wheel at this time of year. Visitors to Laxey Wheel and Castle Rushen will also have the chance to learn about some of the conservation work currently taking place there, including work to the West Tower of Castle Rushen and work on the T-Rocker at the wheel.’

The three sites will open each Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 4pm, before they open daily from March 23.

The House of Manannan, Manx Museum, Niarbyl and the Sound are open all year round. All other Manx National Heritage sites open on Good Friday, March 29.

The Victorian Steam Railway Service will begin on Valentine’s Day and the Manx Electric Railway will commence services on March 9.

Admission charges to the Manx National Heritage sites remain unchanged for the 2013 season and local residents planning to undertake multiple visits are encouraged to join the Friends of Manx National Heritage or bu a season pass, which provides access to all Manx National Heritage sites for only £20.

THERE was a wealth of information provided for people with dementia and their carers at an event held at the Villa Marina last week.

The day, to raise awareness about the condition, was organised by the Departments of Health and Social Care.

As well as a number of speakers, there was a range of stands represented by charities and organisations that provide services for people with dementia.

George Quayle, chief executive of Age Isle of Man – one of the charities represented – described the event as ‘excellent’.

He said: ‘It did suggest we could be more optimistic and in many cases, if we diagnosed dementia early enough, we could certainly enable dementia sufferers a reasonable quality of life.

‘As a result of that, there was a definite strain of optimism that ran through the conference that I found very heartening.’

He said that dementia was ‘almost a taboo word’, and that instead ‘we have to embrace this word and work with the various service providers that exist on the island to make sure we are proactive in getting the best possible care for sufferers and support for their carers’.

The first speaker was Dr Chris Jagus, consultant psychiatrist with the Older Persons Mental Health Service, who works extensively to help people with dementia.

He described the work he is involved in and the impact that dementia has on those affected as well as those who support and care for them.

He was followed by Dr Ann Johnson, who was keen to show life doesn’t just stop once a diagnosis has been given.

She originally trained as a nurse and then became a lecturer in nursing at the University of Manchester before being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease seven years ago at the age of 52.

An ambassador for the Alzheimer’s Society, she has worked tirelessly for them as well as being involved in national media coverage, giving lectures and speaking at many events, describing her own personal journey.

A number of charities and organisations were represented. They included Manx Decaf, a charity which holds monthly cafes where those who have dementia or memory problems, their relatives and carers can meet to socialise and receive support.

Anita Gould and Christine Sugden of Noble’s Hospital library advertised the range of reading material on offer. And Age Isle of Man provided information about the day care support it provides in five centres.

Dementia describes symptoms including memory loss, problems with reasoning and communication skills, and a reduction in a person’s abilities and skills in carrying out daily activities such as washing, dressing, cooking and caring for self.

MICHAEL Commissioners’ rates for 2013/14 will increase by 30 per cent.

The old rate was 99 pence in the pound – it will now go up to 129 pence in the pound.

The commissioners’ stated that, during the last year, projects such as the construction of a BMX park for young people and refurbishment of amenities have been started and need to be completed.

The board blames the increase on the additional costs, such as the removal of the £5.7m waste disposal subsidy by government, which will increase refuse costs from households and civic amenity sites.

Michael Commissioners’ state it still represents good value and it is less than half the island average.

Meanwhile, Marown Commissioners have announced its rates will increase from 122 pence in the pound to 134 pence in the pound.

During 2013/14 Marown rates will rise by an average of just over £20 per household for the year, which is around 40 pence a week.

The commissioners’ also state that the waste disposal costs that the government has made, which will cost the parish an additional £20,000, has made it necessary to increase its rates.

Chairman Paul Craine, said: ‘In effect we are holding the rates at the same level as last year but we are having to pass on the extra costs of waste disposal.

‘It was simply impossible for us to absorb this increase. We have good reserves but we operate on a limited income and we have a number of projects that we hope will come to fruition this year.’

MARK Cavendish recorded his second victory for new team Omega-Pharma Quick-Step with a trademark sprint finish in the second stage of the Tour of Qatar on Tuesday.

After securing a debut win at the Tour de San Luis in Argentina last week, the Manxman had to settle for sixth place during the opening stage of the Qatari tour.

However, he was at his dominant best a couple of days later when he produced a typically explosive finish to seal victory at the end of the 143 kilometre stage from Al Wakra to Mesaieed.

In a chaotic sprint, the Manx Missile won by more than a bike length ahead of Barry Markus (Vacansoleil-DCM Pro Cycling Team) and Orica GreenEdge rider Aidis Kruopis.

The tour continues tomorrow (Wednesday) with a 160km stage from Camel Race Track to Al Khor Corniche.