AN unholy row has broken out between an ex-Lieutenant Governor and the Bishop.

Sir Laurence New has resigned as church warden and licensed reader at St Matthew’s church, North Quay, Douglas.

In an open letter to members of the church, he says he is sad to have resigned but felt it necessary as he can no longer honour his vow of obedience to Bishop Robert Paterson.

This has prompted Bishop Robert to accuse Sir Laurence of a ‘serious breach of trust’.

The row concerns Bishop Robert’s decision not to agree to the appointment of Father Robert Ferguson as priest-in-charge at St Matthew’s.

In his letter, Sir Laurence says: ‘Fr Robert is an outstanding Manx priest, loved and held in high esteem, and who is now debarred by the Diocesan Bishop from being further considered as our priest-in-charge.’

He says he will consider a formal complaint to ‘minimise the distress felt by our congregation and many others’.

Bishop Robert said: ‘Sir Laurence has not done me the courtesy of forwarding a copy of the letter.

‘Permission to officiate as a Reader is granted by the Bishop and not by any congregation. I have not received a resignation from Sir Laurence so, having heard of his intention to resign expressed in public to others, I have revoked his permission.

‘Sir Laurence was party to a scrupulously fair appointment process and, as such, he still remains committed to confidentiality. I have been shocked that he has broken that confidentiality and I cannot comment further on this serious breach of trust.

‘Reverend Robert Ferguson, who is undertaking some of the vacancy duty in St Matthew’s Parish, has had my permission to officiate since 2009. I note a reason for his resignation is he could now feel free to make a formal complaint. He has always been at liberty to do so.’

Another open letter to the Bishop, published in last week’s Examiner, spoke of congregations’ ‘distress and disquiet’ at reorganisation of the diocesan parishes said to have been ‘rushed through’. Moves to amalgamate parishes were unveiled in 2008. First of the changes came in force last year.

TESCO still has its sights set on Callow’s Yard, in Castletown, it has been confirmed.

In October the supermarket giant was refused an alcohol licence for a proposed Express store for the second time.

And when the licensing court confirmed that Tesco had not appealed the decision within the 14-day time period it looked like Tesco’s interest in the Malew Street premises had ended as it had said it needed to sell alcohol to be financially viable.

But Callow’s Yard developer Roy Tilleard has confirmed this is not the case.

‘A survey has been carried out in conjunction with a licencing application for a proposed Tesco Express store in Castletown,’ he said.

‘The survey has been undertaken by MORI on behalf of Callow’s Yard Ltd and Tesco.

‘The focus of the survey is about alcohol shopping in the south of the island.’

The first application for an alcohol licence was turned down in April last year, when the court said it was not satisfied there was a need for further licensed premises in Castletown centre.

Following the hearing, a survey by Ashgrove Marketing was commissioned by Tesco, and submitted as part of its evidence at the second hearing to show the need exists.

But Deputy High Bailiff Jayne Hughes, who chaired the licensing court, said the court didn’t hold the survey as ‘credible evidence’, because of the ‘limited circulation’ and because the question of whether there was a need for an additional licence wasn’t directly asked.

‘The court finds it can attach very little weight to the findings of that survey,’ she said.

Explaining the reasons for the second refusal of the alcohol licence, Mrs Hughes had said the court was ‘shocked’ by the current ratio of alcohol licences in Castletown to residents.

The court heard there was one licence per every 80 households in Castletown and Malew, and one off-licence per 519 Castletown residents.

Mrs Hughes said the court had been ‘impressed’ by the evidence submitted by two objecting parties, Castletown Commissioners’ chairman Kevin Weir and Castletown MHK Richard Ronan, adding: ‘They both recognised there was a need for further development but despite that they are both adamant the further provision of an alcohol licence would be detrimental to Castletown.’

The potential problems with parking and deliveries, which were raised as a concern by police inspector Mark Newey, were also taken into consideration.

We received a mixed response from Castletown shoppers to the licensing court’s decision.

While Brian Harris, of Athol Park, Port Erin raised his concern a Tesco Express would do harm to existing traders, Robert Bardsley, of Callow’s Yard, said he wanted to see the store as it would create jobs and boost other businesses.

TT FANS have a chance to bid for a genuine part of the races’ history since the launch of a dedicated auction site to sell off TT course memorabilia.

The idea was spawned after the runaway success of a number of items which attracted fierce bidding on ebay recently.

TT organisers are currently replacing the orange corner signs used around the course and the first of these - showing the left-right sweep through Braddan Bridge - has now been featured on the site which is part of www.iomtt.com

A TT organisers’ spokesman said: ‘We want to thank those who have taken advantage of the opportunity to bid for the TT memorabilia we recently auctioned through ebay. It is fair to say we were blown away by the response, and the generosity. Profits from the sale go directly towards funding safety improvements around the Mountain Course so it is definitely a worthy cause.’

It is free to register on the site and payment can be by Paypal or credit card and, best of all, you can actually speak to a real person on the phone if you need to.

There are currently three items featured on the site. The six-foot tall Braddan Bridge sign was top of the financial stakes on Thursday with six bids totalling £590.

A blue milestone marker was most popular with 18 bids and a price of £330.

Cheapest, though perhaps not bargain basement, is one of the yellow shell branded petrol fillers going for £185 after nine bids. All the items were posted on April 16th with starting bids of between £10 and £25.

The site tells bidders all items come with a signed certificate of authenticity confirming it is a genuine piece of TT history.

In the coming weeks organisers have promised more mile markers, corner signs fuel fillers and other items.

Anyone with a query about the TT auction site should email info@iomtt.com or call 640013

BAD weather has forced a Douglas man kayaking round the Scottish islands to curtail his trip.

George Shaw of Willow Terrace set out ten days ago and has already completed 125 miles of his kayak trip which should have taken him right round the Outer Hebrides.

But thwarted by high winds and with no sign of any respite from the bad weather over the next few days, he has been forced to modify his route to avoid the roughest of the seas.

Mr Shaw left on April 19 to cover the first couple of miles of his trip from Castlebay in Barra and camped for the night at Bhatarsaigh.

‘Once I set camp, the beauty of the Outer Hebrides hit me. This place was stunning. It was a clear sunny evening and the sand on the beaches was white with crystal clear waters,’ he said.

But from early on the trip has been blighted with high winds, rough seas and rain.

Setting up camp in the sand dunes at the end of day two he said: ‘It felt like a long day having covered around 40 miles. Raining all day and went to bed hoping for sunshine the next day.

The third day was still windy and with it came rough seas and heavy surf which rolled the kayak.

Further problems came later as he tried to camp for the night and the surf made landing the kayak impossible, at one point flipping it over before he finally found a sheltered bay.

‘I was so happy. It was time to rest up so I landed and camped at Scolpaig.The beach and water looked like something out of Thailand. Very lucky to have been here.

Day four saw little improvement: ‘In the back of my mind I knew the weather was going to get worse as the day went on.’

The crossing to South Harris took two hours into the wind before he finally made land in a howling gale and set up camp for the night.

‘Found a place to pitch tent behind an old coach dumped in the sand dunes spent the whole night lying there awake to the sound of 60 mile an hour gales,’ he said.

After two days stranded by the weather and with long range forecasts offering little hope of a respite he decided to head south on a modified route.

‘A complete trip around is not on the cards. This trip was always weather permitting I have kayaked over 125 miles so far. The scenery is some of the best I have seen and the few folk that I have met are very friendly and helpful

‘At present the weather is gales of around 50 to 60 miles an hour, pouring with rain and it’s not looking good for the next week.’

DOCTOR Who, Bacardi Breezer and Ferrari were among the references employed by solicitor Patricia Barclay of Edinburgh-based firm Bonaccord when she gave two seminars on intellectual property (IP) organised by the Isle of Man Law Society.

Drawing on her experience from her years with pharmaceuticals company Pfizer and working with scientists, often in Central Europe, in other commercial sectors, including chemicals and cosmetics, Ms Barclay explained that her seminars were designed to give ‘a flavour’ of the legal implications of trademarks, copyright, patents and licensing.

As an example, referring to nostalgia articles featuring old photographs, she said: ‘Just because it’s old, doesn’t mean it’s copyright free’.

Ms Barclay gave two seminars over two days and met representatives of the Department of Economic Development in anticipation of collaborative projects between the jurisdictions involving advocates’ clients. This was against the background of the Law Society’s wish to act as a catalyst to business to benefit the island’s economy and legal profession. In her seminar on trademarks and copyright, Ms Barclay discussed how intellectual property could be used to develop capital value in a consultancy or other professional services firm, the fundamentals of branding, the purpose of trademarks and how multiple copyrights could be involved and exploited in a single work.

Her audience was charged with reviewing the number and type of copyrights appearing in the film Casino Royale and set the challenge of assuming the role of commercial director of TV’s Dr Who and coming up with ideas to maximise the return on the brand. Citing Coca Cola, Apple and Microsoft as examples she urged her audience of advocates to ‘keep some perspective’ when dealing with patents, explaining: ‘Even the most valuable patents will never be as valuable as a brand. Patents will run out…and are expensive.’

For the future Europe was, she said, ‘inching towards a single EU patent system’, although Spain and Italy remained opposed to the reform, saying the new régime would discriminate against their languages.

Summarising, and against the background of the legal complexities of intellectual property, Ms Barclay advised her audience that it was important for lawyers to keep their skill base current with training events whenever possible and for lay persons not to dabble in matters they did not understand as the financial and commercial consequences could be catastrophic.

She described a scenario in which two school friends had established a thriving business; one designing fabrics, the other marketing them. Neither had thought to incoroporate the IP relating to the design work into the partnership.

On the designer’s death, the IP passed to the designer’s estate leaving the marketing director with neither job nor business. Ms Barclay explained that with the right legal advice at the outset this could have been avoided.

Football Results

Tuesday, April 23

Canada Life Combination One

Ramsey 1-8 St Mary’s

St George’s 3-0 Gymns

Union Mills 2-2 Laxey

DHSOB 13-1 Castletown

JCK Combination Two

Ayre 4-4 Douglas Athletic

Braddan 10-1 Malew

Michael 3-0 Pulrose

RYCOB 4-2 Onchan

From a replica sink with real taps to a stick in a piece of clay, a project on sculpture inspired up to 300 different art works that were displayed at The Buchan School in Castletown on April 19 and 20.

Head of Art and Design Sarah Watterson said the exhibition was ‘a fantastic success’.

It featured work by every child between the ages of seven and 11, and was the culmination of three months’ study.

‘The pupils had studied the history and theory of sculpture and genres such as symbolism, abstractism and realism as well as completing a research project, prior to designing and creating their artwork,’ said Sarah.

‘It was linked with 3D design, the properties of clay, how plastic is made from oil. It was academic as well as practical.

‘They learned about being responsible for the planet and recycling. We used drift wood. They had to take responsibility and source their own material.’

She added: ‘They love practical lessons.

‘We looked at different genres and linked that in, it was quite in depth. You see them at the end and it’s a stick in clay, but it’s the concept behind it … a huge amount are very talented.

‘As long as they are enjoying it and learning, absorbing, I’m thrilled to bits.’

Exhibits were sold for £2 each, but some donated £20, the proceeds will go to the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA).

IN acknowledgment that some farmers suffered damage to their boundary fencing during the recent adverse weather the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture has opened the Farm & Horticultural Improvement Scheme.

The application window will be open until 4pm on Friday, May 10, with the emphasis on supporting those who experienced snow-damage to their boundary fencing.

Agriculture Minister Phil Gawne MHK said: ‘I am pleased to be able to support those farmers who have been affected during the recent adverse weather. The snow caused serious damage to boundary fencing in some areas and this is a priority to put right for the safety of stock and road users alike.’

This round will be weighted towards snow-damaged boundary fencing and those applications will follow a fast-track process. There is a further round planned for later in the year, dates to be advised.

All relevant paperwork can be found on the website www.gov.im/daff/animals/fhis.xml For more details phone 685844.

MANX Telecom has appointed a new chief technology officer and customer service director who has a CV that includes senior roles with eircom Group and Vodafone UK.

Kevin Paige has more than 30 years’ experience in the telecoms and IT industries and joins MT having spent the last two and a half years in Dublin with eircom - Ireland’s principal provider of fixed-line telecommunications services.

He was eircom’s director of access networks and director of central technology operations, managing approximately 700 staff with significant budgetary responsibility for investment and operations. Among key achievements at eircom he established Ireland’s first mobile network sharing agreement, defined and commenced execution of eircom’s fibre based broadband rollout to one million homes, and led the business transformation of eircom’s group technology function.From 2007 to 2010 Mr Paige worked for Level (3) Communications as senior vice president Technology Services - Europe. As part of the European board he managed a team of more than 200 staff spread across 42 European markets in more than 20 countries. During three years with the company the European business achieved industry leading growth of more than 20 per cent YOY. He worked as chief technology officer and chief network officer during a year with Bulldog Broadband (now Cable and Wireless Access), Bulldog were the pioneers in offering broadband services via Local Loop unbundling building an extensive network across 800 BT exchange areas and prior to that spent five years with Vodafone UK. Senior roles with Vodafone included director of telecommunications systems, executive for Core Network and Transport Services, head of enterprise IT Network Services, and head of IT Systems and Infrastructure Services. He began his career in telecoms in 1982 with an engineering apprenticeship at British Telecom where he worked for six years. His CV also includes technical roles with British Airways and Barclays Bank Group.

He said: ‘I’m delighted to join Manx Telecom as a member of the operating board. Manx Telecom is very well recognised for industry leadership and innovation and I’m looking forward to continue to grow that reputation alongside ensuring that our products and services continue to deliver high levels of customer satisfaction.

‘With the responsibility for all technology aspects of Manx Telecom’s product development, and service delivery on and off island, this is an excellent opportunity to contribute to the growth of an interesting and successful business.’

Mr Paige takes over the roles of chief technology officer and customer service director from Mike Loundes who is retiring after 47 years with Manx Telecom. Mr Loundes will continue his role as a non-executive director on the Manx Telecom board.

Mike Dee, Manx Telecom chief executive officer, said: ‘Mike Loundes has contributed so much to Manx Telecom over many years and replacing his knowledge and experience was never going to be easy.

‘But in Kevin Paige we have appointed someone who has all the qualities required to maintain and improve our excellent reputation for customer service and product development.

‘His CV includes roles in traditional telecoms and IT, experience which will allow him to make a significant contribution as Manx Telecom continues to move from being a pure communications provider to one in which managed services are an increasingly important part of the business.’

A VASE of flowers stood on the press bench on Friday morning to mark the place where Isle of Man Newspapers’ court correspondent Esther Richmond sat for more than 40 years - both in the current building and its precedessor.

The sitting started early while Deputy High Bailiff Jayne Hughes offered a special tribute on behalf of the court staff.

‘Esther was a no-nonsense individual who didn’t suffer fools gladly and she wasn’t afraid of making that fact known, in fact I can hear her bristling now in the press box as I speak,’ she said.

‘But behind that no-nonsense exterior was a very kind heart, and not just a kind heart but a practical one as well. In particular I remember her kindness when on our first arrival at the island my husband was ill and looking for things to do to occupy his time.

‘It was Esther who put us in touch with her brother Dollin and provided him with employment with the Port St Mary Life Boat Institution as a volunteer and also gave us information about local work in the area for him.

‘I also remember Esther’s humour which I think at best can be described as being dry and in particular her relationship with Mr Moyle when he was the High Bailiff. She referred to him as “the boy”!’

Noting her wealth of knowledge about not just the courts but the people in them including defendants, advocates and the judiciary, she added: ‘Esther knew not only about the people that attended but also their extended family and perhaps had a greater knowledge of the people of the Isle of Man and their association with the Courts of Justice than anyone else.’

Esther was not afraid to make her opinions known and even as a prosecutor, Mrs Hughes said she was not immune: ‘I recall the look of disdain on Esther’s face whenever I said or did anything with which she disagreed and I am sure other prosecutors have felt that look as well; sometimes a look from Esther was worse than a look from the Bench.

‘But against that and again as evidence of her kindness was the constant supply of lemon drizzle cakes delivered both to the Attorney General’s Chambers and also to police headquarters.

She was, as His Honour Deemster Doyle said, one of the island’s characters. She will be sadly missed by court administration, the judiciary, the prosecutors, the police and advocates.

‘She will also of course be missed by her family and I extend my condolences to her friends and family, particularly her brother Dollin and his wife Jean and Esther’s nephews and nieces. She will also of course be sadly missed by her colleagues who have lost an enormous wealth of experience and knowledge.’

First Deemster David Doyle added his voice, recalling how he had paid tribute to Esther during the swearing in ceremony for Deputy High Bailiff Jayne Hughes: ‘At the ceremony in July 2011 I took the opportunity to thank Esther for her contribution to the coverage of criminal cases appearing in the Summary Courts and in the Court of General Gaol Delivery.

‘The involvement of the media in fair and accurate court reporting is essential to maintain and enhance open justice in this jurisdiction.

‘Esther had been reporting on the proceedings before the court for over 40 years. That is an outstanding achievement. I am glad that I was able in open court to thank Esther in her presence and to congratulate her on a job well done.

‘I used to occasionally bump into Esther during my walks to get some fresh air over the luncheon adjournments. She was always frank and robust in her views. I did not always share her strongly-held opinions but I respected the honest way in which they were delivered. She had the best interests of the island in her heart and in her soul.

‘When I was appointed a Bencher of Gray’s Inn Esther sent me a note of congratulations which was most appreciated. Esther was a kind, thoughtful and sensitive woman.

‘Esther was a remarkable woman who with her reporting of court proceedings played a key role in maintaining and enhancing open justice in this Island. I will miss Esther. The island has lost one of its real characters. I extend my sympathy to Esther’s family and friends.’

Though she latterly lived in Ramsey and was a familiar sight (for those who like her were very early risers) walking her dog Rusty on the beach, she was brought up at Rocklands in Port St Mary with her two younger brothers where they had easy access to Chapel beach.

Her brother Dollin Kelly recalled: ‘Living at Rocklands in Purt Le Murra, with its direct access to Chapel Beach, we were given a loose rein to climb the rocks, to bathe, to acquire severe sunburn every summer, to explore the pools all the way down to the harbour and also any abandoned vessels lying on Purt Verk’s shingle, to play with dogs, other children and total strangers. This is probably how Esther came to possess such a ‘can do’ spirit and such a caring nature because there were always accidents and other mishaps down by the sea and the nearest child could usually deal with such events satisfactorily. She also was a real ‘big sister’ to her brothers.’

Her father was Henry Percy Kelly a prominent Manx language scholar and teacher. He also was translator for Tynwald of the new laws each year from English into Manx.

He became the island’s High Bailiff - perhaps the source of her interest in the courts and justice system - but died when Esther was nine.

While her two brothers were sent to the Royal Masonic school outside Watford at the outbreak of war, Esther went initially to Rushen School then to Brentwood School in Southport in around 1941.

‘It taught her very little except how to be a lady when, in fact she preferred being a tomboy,’ Mr Kelly said.

‘The only exams she was entered were the Associated Board’s piano exams. She was a very good pianist capable of performing all of Beethoven’s piano sonatas but she never played again after leaving school.

‘She left Brentwood as soon as she could and came home to help her mother in the agricultural haulage business.’

Despite her slight physique, she drove the cattle wagons and could ‘swing’ an engine into life on the various dilapidated lorries in the fleet which did not have working starter motors.

When her first husband, Donald Bell became a lighthouse keeper with the Northern Lighthouses Service, she delighted in the isolated locations where they lived.

Later on, they trained as manager and manageress in a number of Scottish hotels with the Trusthouses Group before running the Woburn Arms in Bedfordshire until they returned to the island in the 1950s.

Back in the Isle of Man, they ran a boarding house called Sydney House on the site of the General Registry. This included a public restaurant nicknamed the Grill on the Hill by customers.

Esther’s first marriage failed and she married Robin Richmond, remembered by many as a unique character. He was a coach driver and a director of Hamill’s Garage and for many years the salesman for the first ever Volkswagen cars to come to the island.

As a life long animal lover she was for a time the MSPCA’s inspector, travelling all over the island fighting the corner for mistreated animals.

Former Isle of Man Newspapers news editor Paul Speller who worked with Esther for 20 years said: ‘She hailed from a different era of journalism and was a wonderful example of the traditional reporter values of getting out there and talking to people.

‘I doubt there was another person in the island who knew as many people as Esther did, nor any reporter with a contacts book anything like as full.

‘When I started, she took me under her wing, giving me advice and support. Such advice was never long-winded, but it was always invaluable and always welcome.

‘Those who got to know Esther well will all attest that she was a very warm person, with a sometimes mischievous sense of humour, very loyal, and very supportive of her friends. I feel lucky to have been able to count myself among those

Former deputy editor Jo Overty described her as a good, old-fashioned reporter who attended events in her community, got to know people and won their confidence and friendship.

‘She had a fantastic network of contacts and was always on top of the latest news.

‘What Esther didn’t know probably wasn’t worth knowing. She was devoted to her job, which saw her working evenings and weekends, whether to pick up a story or file her copy, which she did assiduously, no matter how late at night or how many hours she had been in court. There can be an uneasy relationship between court officials and the prosecuting police and reporters, but Esther had the utmost trust and respect of all involved in the court process.’

Many in the newsroom will miss Esther’s cynical humour, pithy and sometimes non too flattering observations on everything from island politics to the courts, not to mention her famous lemon drizzle cakes carefully wrapped in tin foil and delivered to the office.

Broadcaster and journalist Terry Cringle said: ‘I knew Esther for most of her working life in journalism. She was a good reporter, accurate and literate and tireless and always within deadline.

‘She also had exceptionally good relations with the Isle of Man judiciary (her father having been High Bailiff Kelly may have helped in this) and they trusted her. This resulted in good stories beyond straight court reporting which the likes of me couldn’t deliver.

‘I am flattered by the fact that Esther liked me and we got on well out of mutual respect. She didn’t take to everybody. Her standards were high. She was formidable all right and none the worst for it.

‘But I must also say that she was a woman of infinite kindness to people who needed kindness.’

The last word should perhaps go to Esther herself who left the following message for the newsroom: ‘This is the last thing I will ever write for Isle of Man Newspapers, where I spent 42 years working in the courts.

‘Thank you to all friends and colleagues at work and particularly the staff in court and at the front. I will miss you all.’

Her relatives have requested family flowers only and donations in lieu to Port St Mary Lifeboat, c/o The Treasurer, Ken Leigh, Willow Cottage, Shore Road, Port St Mary, IM9 5DY. All enquiries to Corkhill and Callow on 813114.

The funeral will take place at Glen Auldyn Chapel at 11am on Saturday (April 27) followed by interment at Lezayre Church.

THE airport has posted an increase in passenger numbers of 1.9 per cent in the first three months of the year compared with 2012.

The big boost came last month when 6 per cent more passengers flew compared with March last year.

Exactly 158,000 passengers flew through Ronaldsway in the first three months of the year, almost 3,000 more than last year.

The airport finished 2012 with a fall in traffic of 0.7 per cent for the year, and the first two months of 2013 continued in much the same vein with the flat trend recording a passenger decrease of just half of one per cent.

Routes to London and the North West performed best. North West traffic was up by almost 4,000 passengers – 2,500 of them in March – an increase of traffic to and from the region of 5.4 per cent. More than 4,600 additional passengers were carried on Liverpool rotes, with easyJet up by almost 9,700.

London routes saw 8,271 additional passengers during the first quarter of 2013.

Elsewhere, the picture was less rosy.

South West routes saw a drop of 3,600 passengers, a drop of 54 per cent. The Bristol service was suspended over the winter and Southampton dropped last year. Both are due to begin again in May.

The suspension of the Leeds/Bradford Citywing service meant that passengers to the North East fell by 1,800 or almost 60 per cent. Scotland fell by 20 per cent and the Midlands by 14 per cent.

Airport director Ann Reynolds said: ‘The 1.9 per cent increase for the quarter is against a background of the first quarter of 2012 increasing by 2.9 per cent, so it is particularly gratifying to see a consistent increase for the past two years over the period,’ she said.

‘I’m particularly pleased to see the London market responding well to increased capacity from Gatwick and especially that the BA London City route has recorded a healthy increase of 20 per cent during the quarter. With Luton now restarted, I would expect that London traffic will continue to grow at a good pace with a broad variety of services being offered to the three London destinations by Flybe, easyJet and BA CityFlyer.’

The economic downturn in the UK looks to have put paid to hopes of turning the Isle of Man into conference destination, MHKs were told.

Economic Development Minister John Shimmin was quizzed in the House of Keys by John Houghton (Douglas North) about the use of the Villa Marina as a conference venue.

Mr Shimmin explained that the former Department of Tourism and Leisure had produced a business case in 2005 to develop and market the island as a conference destination for corporate and association conference organisers.

Funding of £60,000 per year was secured for three years. That funding expired in 2009.

But following the 2010 restructure of government, and the creation of the new Department of Economic Development, a review was carried out which included that the conference market was not providing a good return on investment.

Mr Shimmin said: ‘Feedback from local conference venue providers in both the private and public sectors is that conferences are currently an ‘on island’ proposition, with very few conferences bringing delegates from off-island.

‘This may be due to the current economic downturn and, in particular, the UK’s economic difficulties.’

Mr Shimmin said the Tourism website continues to market conference business with all inquiries being followed up.

Among conferences booked this year include Young Carers convention on May 9 with up to 130 delegates expected, and gathering of Jehovah’s Witnesses on September 14 with more than 400 visitors due to arrive here.

The Minister pointed out that there had been recent multi- million investment in conference facilities in the north west including the £146 million Liverpool Arena

And he added: ‘Since 2011, the economic downturn has had a negative effect on both the association and corporate conference markets throughout the British Isles.’

THE Sefton Group wasn’t about to collapse, according to its chief executive.

Brett Martin talks to today’s Manx Independent as the controversy about the government bailout mounts.

The paper also included a full report on the Keys debate about the issue.

We also look at the refurbishment of Douglas town centre and include a photo of the further demolition of Park Road School.

Today’s Manx Independent has a fresh new look. It sees the launch of a revamped features section, now known as Island Life.

We’d be interested to hear your views about it.

Wednesday evening’s football results

RAMSEY Youth Centre Old Boys have just about secured a return to the top-flight following a brilliant 2-0 win over Michael at Balleira Road on Wednesday evening.

Youthie have to play second-placed Colby in their remaining league match on Saturday knowing a point or even a defeat by no more than six goals will cement their return to the Canada Life Premier League.

Long-term JCK Division Two pacesetters Michael United appear to be running out of steam and were overtaken by a turbo-charged performance from RYCOB.

Straight from the opening whistle the visitors, with boundless energy levels, didn’t let the hosts settle.

RYCOB made their intentions clear early on Glenn McGovern’s free-kick hitting the woodwork within the first minute. With the match opening up and chances beginning to fall to both sides, it was Youthie who deservedly took the lead.

Chris Robinson launched a huge throw-in and Steve Grose was lurking at the near post to lift home the opener.

After the break, Michael goalkeeper Will Mitchell was the busier of the two stoppers, on one occasion pushing aside a McGovern thunderbolt.

With frantic defending and gutsy challenges, this was a full-blooded fixture. With the match well into stoppage time, RYCOB guaranteed victory and got the promotion party well and truly on the road with a second goal.

Following a foul just inside their own half, Michael Nixon planted his free-kick to the right flank where it was picked up by Rob Moreton. Rather than kill time by going to the corner, his chipped effort slipped through Mitchell’s palms and into the net for Youthie’s second.

Colby set themselves up for Saturday’s crunch fixture with a 1-0 win over southern rivals Malew, Ollie Swales scoring the game’s only goal.

Ayre bid for a Paul Henry Gold Cup spot looks like it will end in success after they beat Douglas and District 3-0 thanks to goals from Jason Craine, James Teare and Paul Kennish. The Tangerines are now two points ahead of fifth place Douglas Royal with a couple of games left to play.

Foxdale began to chew through their fixture backlog at Victoria Road, losing 5-2 to Braddan, the ever-green Mark Watterson banging a brace for the Swans.

In the Canada Life Premier League champions St George’s came from behind to beat Corinthians 2-1 at Ballafletcher. Lous Thornton’s free-kick gave Corinthians an early lead on for Ciaran McNulty to fire in a thunderous equaliser.

Midway through the second period both sides were reduced to 10 men when Lewis Griffths and Julian Ringham were given their marching orders by referee Willie Cowley. Chris Bass Sr introduced the fresh legs of Reece Thompson from the bench and the lively young forward put his side in front not long after being introduced to the fray.

There was further drama to come in the fixture’s closing minutes, Grant Dawson producing a fine save to deny Thornton from the penalty spot after Sam Caine was adjudged to have handled in the St George’s area.

Laxey brought their season to a close with a 1-1 draw with Hospital Cup semi-finalists St Mary’s. The Miners currently sit in second two points above DHSOB who beat Castletown 7-0 last night. Old Boys can leapfrog the Glen Road outfit into runners up spot if they take maximum points from their remaining rearranged game against Ramsey.

Gymns remain in the top-flight’s relegation spots after they lost 2-6 to St John’s at Tromode.

John Haggerdon was the Saints star turn netting a hat-trick. He was joined on the scoresheet by Stephen Glover (2) and the in-form Nicky Sloan as the Johnners brought the curtain down on an eventful campaign.

Finally Union Mills arguably claimed the result of the night coming from two goals down to draw with Peel 2-2 at Douglas Road. Early goals from Lee Gale and the increasingly prolific Andrew Crennell put the westerners in the fixture’s driving seat only for Lee Christian and Steven Quine to net in the second half for Derek Cowley’s battling Millers who face DHSOB in Sunday’s BCS Vinyl Hospital Cup semi-finals.

Wednesday, April 24

Canada Life Premier League

Corinthians 1-2 St George’s

Gymns 2-6 St John’s

Castletown 0-7 DHSOB

Peel 2-2 Union Mills

Laxey 1-1 St Mary’s

JCK Division Two

Ayre 3-0 Douglas and District

Braddan 5-2 Foxdale

Malew 0-1 Colby

Michael 0-2 RYCOB

Onchan P-P Pulrose Now being played on Saturday

The deadline is approaching for submitting contractor’s and employer’s tax returns.

A £250 penalty will be charged on tax returns for the year ending April 5 2013 not received by the Income Tax Division by May 5. Contractors and employers may also be liable to a penalty of £50 per day for each day it remains outstanding.

Tax returns can be submitted online or put through the letterboxes at the front entrance to, or on the second floor inside Government Office.

The Chief Minister challenged the Liberal Vannin leader to put down a vote of no confidence in his leadership over the controversial Sefton Group £4.5 million bail-out deal.

In a bad-tempered exchange in the House of Keys Allan Bell defended the government’s intervention, insisting that doing nothing could have put hundreds of jobs and confidence in the wider Manx economy at risk.

‘You have to make a judgement call. The buck stops with me,’ he said of the deal to loan £1.3 million to the debt-ridden plc, and buy-up and lease back the Middlemarch site for £3.2 million, which was signed on Thursday.

But Peter Karran (Lib Van, Onchan), who raised the issue in the Keys as a matter of urgent public importance, said he had repeatedly highlighted concerns about the finances of the Sefton Group, including calling for an investigation by the Financial Supervision Commission back in 2006.

He claimed the bail-out was about ‘people knowing the right people’. ‘In reality this would not happen anywhere else,’ he told MHKs.

rebuke

This brought a swift rebuke from Mr Bell: ‘This constant denigration and assertion of corruption, of cronyism, that we are only helping our friends is utterly disgusting.

‘I would suggest to Mr Karran if he is so concerned about the leadership of this government, put a vote of no confidence down. You’re the one who thinks you should be chief minister. I’m very happy to stand aside and let you sort it out.’

Leonard Singer (Ramsey) suggested that directors of the Sefton Group who were directors at the time that ‘disastrous’ decisions were made that put the Sefton Group into such ‘dire straits’ should ‘have the decency and self-respect to resign their positions’.

Mr Bell said he ‘agreed entirely with those sentiments’. He said he had raised this point ‘most forcibly’ as recently as the day before and the situation is being considered changes may well be seen between now and the Sefton Group’s AGM in July.

He said the Sefton Group had ‘brought it on themselves’ but he had to make decisions in the best interests of the island – ‘not just getting revenge for, frankly, a lunatic who was running this company for a number of years and did serious damage’ – a reference to Graham Ferguson Lacey who stepped down as chief executive in 2010, citing ill health.

Howard Quayle (Middle) suggested the deal to buy the Middlemarch site off the Group for £3.2 million and then lease it back to the company with the option of it buying it back after five years, for the purchase price plus inflation, was in a reality a low interest loan.

Mr Bell insisted the deal could ‘no way be characterised as putting public funds into a failing business’ as the Sefton Group’s core business was ‘profitable and sustainable’. He said all the proposals were vetted by the Attorney General’s office.

He spoke of a two-speed economy, with the international economy driven by the e-Gaming sector faring well while the local economy was ‘creaking’. Alfred Cannan (Michael) argued the Sefton Group should have been placed into receivership and a buyer found. He said the ‘bleak picture’ of mass close downs and jobs losses was not a true one. Kate Beecroft (Lib Van, Douglas South) agreed, accusing the Chief Minister of ‘scaremongering’.

Mr Bell said any would-be buyer would seek to cherry-pick the best assets and with receiverships being costly and complicated, such a route would likely have involved substantial costs to customers, the economy and government revenues.

David Quirk (Onchan) asked if Treasury had concerns about the finanical set-up of Parkinson’s, a subsidiary of the Sefton Group, when it was awarded the contract for the latest phase of the redevelopment of Janet’s Corner, Castletown. Mr Bell replied that the usual due diligence checks were carried out.

The Sefton Group has sold the assets of Parkinson’s which is now being wound up, the contract at Janet’s Corner being its last.

The Manx Classic, a three-day sprint and hillclimb event for vintage, classic and modern sports cars, will take place today, tomorrow and on Saturday.

It means that roads will be closed over the three days as the competitions are held on the public highways. More than 85 competitors, in a great selection of vintage, classic and modern sports cars ranging from 1921 to 2010, will compete in the event, held at three venues across the island. In addition to the ever-popular Ford Escorts and Minis, a group of Caterhams, Mitsubishis and Subarus head-up the modern sports cars alongside rarities including a 1935 Wolseley Hornet, a couple of 1930s MGs and three Frazer Nashes dating from the 1920s.

This year also sees a good showing of Austin Healeys and Triumphs and the return of the popular GT40s and the head-turning 1985 Audi Quattro S1 E2 Pikes Peak Replica.

The events include:

Governor’s Sprint – today

Roads closed: Noon to 3pm and then 6pm to 9.30pm.

Starting from the TT Grandstand on Glencrutchery Road and travelling through Governor’s Dip to finish on the A18 Mountain Road, at The Nook on the TT Course ‘old road’, near to West Drive.

The Sloc – Friday

Roads closed: 9.15am to 4.30pm. Taking in a section of the A36 Sloc Road, north of Port Erin and south of the Round Table.

Lhergy Frissell: Saturday

Roads closed: 9.15am to 5pm.

From Barrule Park, running out of Ramsey on the TT Course, taking in Ramsey Hairpin, Waterworks and Gooseneck and out towards the 26th Milestone on the mountain road.

Thursday, April 25

• Manx Footpaths Conservation Group, Derbyhaven – Overlooking Harbour, 10.30am. Also Sunday, Creg Ny Baa, 1.30pm.

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

• 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.

• Manx Gaelic class, intermediate-advanced with James Harrison (Manx Heritage Foundation) 7.30pm at Arbory Commissioners Hall. Friday Intermediate-advanced with Adrian Cain (Manx Heritage Foundation) noon at the Manx Museum. Saturday, Intermediate 10.30am at House of Manannan in Peel. Intermediate-advanced with James Harrison 10.30am at the Manx Museum, Douglas. Tuesday, intermediate with Adrian Cain noon at St. Matthews in Douglas. Advanced 1pm at the Rovers in Douglas. Beginners 7.30pm at Patchwork Cafe in Port St Mary. Also Learn Manx with Adrian Cain, beginners noon-1pm, intermediates 1pm-2pm, Manx Museum, Douglas. Admission free. Call 838527 or 451098.

• The Rehearsal Queen – Ms Ella Slack, The Corn Mill, Laxey, 3pm. Call 863616.

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

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

Friday, April 26

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

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

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

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

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

• Breakthrough Breast Cancer Bra Dash, 1.05pm M&S Car Park Entrance. Call Angie on 498864. Also The Square, Castletown at 1.30pm. Call Tracy 450217. Saturday, Shoprite, Ramsey at 12.30pm. Call Rosy 472548. Also Market Place, Peel at 2pm. Call Lindsay 422853.

• Friday Lunchtime Choir, Salvation Army Citadel, Lord Street, Douglas, 1.15pm.

• Meditation at The Refinery, Duke Street, Douglas, 7pm. Call 467818.

• The Link - interesting talks and a buffet supper, Onchan Baptist Church. Call 623415.

Saturday

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

• Laxey Woollen Mills, Glen Road, 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.

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

• Great Laxey Mine Railway, open every Saturday, 11am-4.30pm.

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

• Milntown House Tours every Saturday at 2pm. Call 812321.

• Made in Chelsea legend Spencer Mathews at The Courthouse, Douglas. 8pm.

Saturday, April 27

• Car Wash, Jumble Sale and Raffle at Foxdale School, 10am-noon.

• Car Boot Sale, Mill Rd, Peel, noon-2.30pm. Call 801200

Sunday, April 28

• Car Boot Sale, Morton Hall, Castletown, 2pm.

• 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, April 29

• MS Society coffee morning, Cherry Orchard, Port Erin, 1.30pm.

Tuesday, April 30

• 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.

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

• In Spring a young man’s fancy turns to…(Flower arranging by Barbara Gotrel), Abby Church Hall, Ballasalla, 7.30pm-9.30pm. Call Nola on 823275 or Dorothy on 823016.

Wednesday, May 1

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

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

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

• Erin Arts Centre Book Circle, Summer in Baden Baden, 1.30pm.

• 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.

• Samba percussion workshop, no experience necessary, Onchan Silver Bandroom, off Onchan Commissioners car park, 7pm. Cost £3, email sambamann@manx.net

• Manx Footpaths Conservation Group, Fennela Beach, 7pm.

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

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

Thursday, April 25

• Onchan Pensioners Club, Morton Hal, Castletown Coffee Morning; Friday Sequence Dancing 2pm-4.30pm; Monday Bridge 2pm-5pm and 7pm-11pm; Tuesday Coffee Morning including raffle 10am-noon; Wednesday Whist Drive.

• Manx Retirement Association Stretch and Flex at the NSC. Friday a visit to Milntown House and Gardens at 2pm. Tuesday, Douglas/Onchan Coffee Morning.

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

Monday, April 29

• Mannin Art Group, St. Paul’s Hall, Ramsey. 10am -4pm. Call Hilary Bruce on 814105.

• Onchan Ladies’ Choir, Methodist Hall, 1.30pm. Call 673453.

• Vannin Bridge, Onchan Pensioners Hall, 2pm. Also Thursday.

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

• Onchan Silver Band practice, The Band Room, off Main Road, Onchan, beginners, 6.30pm and seniors, 7.30pm.

Tuesday, April 30

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

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

• 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.

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

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

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

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

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

Wednesday, May 1st

• Laxey Sketch Club, 1.30pm - 3.30pm at Laxey Football Clubhouse. Call 861125.

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

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

Palace Cinema

• Iron Man 3 3D (12A) Nightly at 7pm. Saturday and Sunday 2pm.

• Evil Dead (18). Nightly at 7.30pm.

• Oz the Great and Powerful, Saturday and Sunday 2.30pm..

Broadway Cinema

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

• The Croods 2D. Friday and Sunday 2pm.