Thursday, May 2

• 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.

• 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. Plus many other sessions across the island. Free but donations welcome. Call Jo on 479452.

• Arbory Tots, from birth, Parish Hall, Ballabeg, 2pm. Cost £1 per family. Call 832394.

• Toddler Tunes, Community Room, Michael School, 2pm. Call 878090.

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

• St. John Ambulance Cadets (10+), 6.30pm-8pm, Douglas Headquarters. Badgers (5+), 5.30pm-6.30pm, Peel Age Concern. Adults meetings, Thursday, Monday and Tuesday, Douglas Headquarters. Friday, Ramsey, St Olaves Church Hall. For all other times and venues call 674387.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Friday, May 3

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

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

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

• Parent and toddler group, Ballasalla Primary School, 1.45pm.

• 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.

• Mums and Tots, Laxey Working Men’s Institute, 10am-noon. Call 479839.

• Storybox, Family Library, Westmoreland Road, Douglas, 10.30am-11am. Also Saturday, Sticky Fingers craft, 10.30am-noon; Alternate Wednesday, Busy Bee Time for pre-schoolers, 1.45pm-2.45. Tuesday, Sing and Sign with Nickie Gaskell, 11am-noon. Call 673123 or visit www.familylibrary.co.uk

• Parents and Tots, upper room, Sulby Methodist Church, 10.30am. Call 897364. Also 3.45pm Sparks after school club with themed activities.

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

• Tiny Tunes, music time for 0-3s, Family Library, Westmoreland Road, Douglas, 1.30pm, £2.50. Call 673123.

Sunday, May 5

• 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, May 6

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

• Parents and tots, Dhoon Church Hall, 9.30am. Call 426395.

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Peel Toddler Group, Corrin Hall, Peel, 1.30pm.

• Michael Miniatures’ parents and tots, Ebenezer Hall, Kirk Michael, 2pm. £1.50 per family. Call 491592.

• 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.

Tuesday, May 7

• Parents and tots, Auldyn Infants School Community Room, Ramsey, 9.15am-11.15am.

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

• Toddle Inn, mums and tots group, Port St Mary Baptist Church, 9.30am. Call 835091.

• Super Saints, All Saints Church Vestry, Alexandra Drive, Douglas, 10am-11.15am. Call Kristene on 427185.

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

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

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

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

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

Wednesday, May 8

• 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 emailBusyBugs2009@manx.net

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

• Carers and tots, St James’ Schoolrooms, Dalby, 10.30am-noon. Call 843471 or cherylcousins@manx.net

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

• Parent and toddler group, Castletown Youth Centre, Arbory Street, 2pm.

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

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

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

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

Thursday, May 2

• Manx Retirement Association Stretch and Flex at the NSC, Douglas 10am. Also Tuesday, Northern Coffee Morning at St. Paul’s Hall, Ramsey at 10.30am.

• Onchan Pensioners Club, Morton Hal, Castletown Coffee Morning; Friday Sequence Dancing 2pm-4.30pm; Saturday Arabian Dancing, 9am-1pm; Monday Bridge 2pm-5pm and 7pm-11pm; Tuesday Coffee Morning including raffle 10am-noon; Wednesday Whist Drive 7pm-10pm.

Friday, May 3

• Castletown and District Over 60s Club Afternoon Tea, Castletown Civic Centre. Call Betty on 823493

Monday, May 6

• 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.

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

Tuesday, May 7

• 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.

• 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.

• 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, May 8

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

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

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

• Onchan Pensioners Club, Morton Hall, Castletown, Ladies Club 2pm-4pm.

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

• Ramsey Probus lunch, Ramsey Golf Club, 12.30pm. A talk by Brian Draper. Call 816404.

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

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

Thursday, May 6

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

• Walk and talk, Harbour Lights Cafe, Peel, 10am. Also Friday, NSC, Douglas, 10am; Monday, Pulsom Park, Castletown, 10.30am; Tuesday, NSC, Douglas, 10am; Wednesday, Ramsey Rugby Club, 10am. Call 688592.

• Pilates 9.30am and 10.45am, Hot Yoga 6pm and 7.30pm, Friday, Kettlebells 7am and 1.10pm, Get Yoga Fit 10am, Hot Yoga 6.30pm, Saturday, Hot Yoga 10am and 11.30am , Sunday, Hot Yoga 10am and 11.30am , Monday, Kettlebells 7am and 1.10pm, Get Yoga Fit 10am, Warm Pilates 5pm, Hot Yoga for Beginners 6.30pm, Tuesday, 7am Hot Yoga, 5.30pm Pilates, Wednesday, Kettlebells 7am and 1.10pm, Get Yoga Fit 10am, Hardcore 6 pack ABS 5.45pm, Pilates 6.30pm at The Gym, Ramsey 812100.

• Fitness league exercise class, Ballafesson Church hall, Port Erin, 10.30am. Call 832759.

• Gentle Circuits, NSC, Douglas, 11am. Also Saturday. Call 688588.

• Pilates at noon and 2.15pm. Also balance pilates at 1.30pm on Tuesdays. All at the Church on the Rock, Ramsey. Also 9.15am Pilates at Woodbourne Sq, Douglas at 9.15am on Tuesdays. Call 491449.

• Chair based exercise sessions, Onchan Youth and Community Centre, 1.30pm. Also Friday, Port Erin Methodist Church hall, 2pm; Monday, Ramsey Town Hall, 10.30am; Tuesday, Castletown Sandfield residents lounge, 2pm; Wednesday, Westland’s Residents Lounge, Peel, 10.30am. Call 642668.

• Tai Chi Chuan, Lezayre Parish Hall, 2pm. Call 813222.

• Iyengar inspired yoga classes, Children’s Yoga, 3.45pm-4.45pm, reception to Year 3 and 4.45pm-5.45pm, Year 4 to teenagers. Men’s Yoga, 6.30pm-8pm, mixed ability. Hatha Yoga, Monday, 9.15am-10.45am mixed ability for over 60s, Monday, 11am-12.30pm, Hatha Yoga, Wednesday, 7pm-8.30pm mixed ability. All at Laxey Football Club. Call Jane on 863130 or janepycroft@manx.net

• Manx Fencing Club, Ashley Hill School, Onchan, 4pm. Also seniors at Ballakermeen High School, Douglas, 5pm; Tuesday, Arbory Village Hall, beginners at 4pm and Grade 1+ 5pm; Wednesday, Ramsey Grammar School, juniors at 5pm and seniors at 6pm, also at Ebenezer Hall, Kirk Michael, juniors at 6.30pm and adults at 7.30pm.

• Southern Gymnastics Club, Ballasalla School, 4pm. Also Tuesday, Castle Rushen High School, 5pm. Call 473741.

• Northern Gymnastics Club, Ramsey Grammar School, 5pm.

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

• Get Back Into The Swing of Things - badminton, squash, table tennis and mini tennis, includes equipment and a coach, NSC, 2pm-4pm.

• Pilates, St John’s Methodist Church Hall, 6.15pm. Also Friday and Monday, 9.30am; Wednesday, 6.15pm; Monday, 6.15pm, Colby Methodist Hall. Call 427401.

• Western Athletics Club, QEII High School, 6.30pm.

• Zumba, Carrefour Health Club, Douglas, 6.30pm. Also Monday, 8pm; Wednesday, 9.45am.

• Cardiotone, Laxey Working Men’s Institute, 7-8pm. Also Monday 7-8pm. Call 452729/863602.

• Peel Badminton Club, Corrin Hall, Peel, 7pm.

• Aquafit, Western Swimming Pool, Peel, 7pm. Also Tuesday, 1.15pm.

• Aerobics and body toning, bring your own mat, Philip Christian Centre, Peel, 7pm. Also Monday, Park View Hall, Kirk Michael. Call 455924.

• Yoga, Cooil Methodist Hall, 7.15pm. Call 494489.

• 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; Wednesday, Scoill Ree Gorree Sports Hall, Ramsey, 5pm. Call 880863.

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

Friday, May 7

• Pilates with Lizzy, St. John’s Methodist Hall, at 9.30am and The Studio, Douglas at 1pm. Also Monday St. John’s Primary School, at 5.15pm and 1pm. Monday, St John’s Methodist Hall, at 9.30 and Colby at 6.15pm. 427401 or pilatesisleofman@manx.net

• 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.

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

• 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, May 4

• 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.

Sunday, May 5

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

Monday, May 6

• Ladies’ activity morning, NSC, Douglas, 9.30am. Call 688556.

• Pilates 9.30am-10.30am St John’s Methodist Hall. Also 6.15pm-7.15pm Colby Methodist Hall. Wednesday, 5pm-6pm and 6.15pm-7.15pm St John’s Primary School, Friday, 9.30am-10.30am, St Johns Methodist Hall.

• Beginners Yoga, 10am, Karma, 2nd Floor, 8 Victoria St, Douglas. Also at 10am (over 60s half price £5).

• Arthritis exercise, NSC, Douglas, 1pm. Call 688588.

• Disability Swimming Sessions, NSC, 3pm-4pm, £1.55. Also Tuesday, 6-7pm.

• Aquafit, NSC, Douglas, noon. Also Tuesday at noon and Wednesday at 6pm. Call 688556.

• Circuit Training, NSC, Douglas, 6pm. Also Wednesday at 7pm. Call 688588.

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

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

• Zumba Fitness Class. 6.30pm-7.30pm - 8.30pm, Morton Hall, Castletown. Also Wednesday 6.30pm-7.30pm and Zumba Toning Class, 7.30pm-8.30pm, all at 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, May 7

• 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.

• 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.

• Body Toning, NSC, Douglas, 7pm. Also Wednesday at 11am. Call 688588.

• IOM Karate Federation, Murrays Road School, Juniors, 7pm, Seniors, 7.30pm. Call 612305.

• Zumba Toning, Jurby Parish Hall, 7.40pm. Also Monday, Morton Hall, Castletown; Wednesday, Corrin Hall, Peel. Call 230369.

• 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, and 9am-9.45am Saturday. Also Kettlebell Classes, Wednesday, 6pm-7pm, Saturday, 8am-8.45am, Marown Millennium Hall. Call 465335.

Wednesday, May 8

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

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

• 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.

• Iyengar inspired yoga, 6pm-7.30pm, Brightlife, Andreas. Contact Kel on 452015.

• Bowling club night, Port Erin Bowling Club, Breagle Glen, 6.30pm.

Thursday, May 2

• 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 Footpaths Conservation Group, Glen Wyllin, 1.30am.

• 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.

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

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

Friday, May 3

• 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.

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

• Castletown and District Over 60s Club Afternoon Tea from 2pm-3pm at the Castletown Civic Centre.

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

Saturday, May 4

• 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.

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

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

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

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

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

• Save The Children Spring Fair, Port Erin Methodist Church Hall, 2pm- 4pm.

• The IoM Neighbourhood Watch AGM at Ballaglass, Eleanora Drive, Douglas at 6.15pm. Everyone welcome. For more information call 672251.

• The Great Glen Maye Duck Festival y from 1 to 4pm in the National Glen at Glen Maye.

• Soundcheck/Youth Service under 18s disco and live music, Port St Mary Town Hall from 7pm-10pm.

Sunday, May 5

• Walking for Wildlife, Port Lewaigue to Port Cornaa. Meet at Port Lewaigue Car Park, 10.30am. Call 882401 and 462504.

• Manx Footpaths Conservation Group, Liverpool Arms, 1.30pm.

• 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.

• Car Boot Sale, Morton Hall, Castletown, 2pm. Call 673320 or 481532.

• Bride Methodist Chapel Anniversary, 6.30 pm Musical items: Von Quayle Family. Followed by light refreshments. Everyone welcome.

• 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, May 6

• Bank Holiday Car Boot Sale, Childrens Resource Centre, Braddan 10am - 2pm Bring your own table - Pitch £5. Call 656100 for any information

• Manxaid, Pantomime Derby Carnival Day, Nobles Park, 11am-8pm.

• St James Annual Collector’s Fair noon-4.30pm.

• Erin Arts Centre Monday Luncheon with guest speaker John Wilkinson, 12.30pm.

• Outdoor Car Boot Sale, Michael School Field, noon-2pm, £6 pitch. Call Carrie on 321074.

• Peel Youth Club, V E Day Street Party, at Peel Youth Centre, 2pm-5pm.

• 3 Legged Race, Douglas beach for The Children’s Centre, 2.30pm.

Tuesday, May 7

• 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

• Caarjyn ny Gaelgey (Friends of Manx Language) beginners class 7.30pm at St John’s House, St Johns. All welcome. Small charge. Call Joan Caine 843436. Also Wednesday and Thursday.

Wednesday, May 8

• 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.

• 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, Groudle Glen Car Park, 7pm.

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

• Ramsey Gardening Club, talk by Mark Tuson about a major project in the north of the Island, Quayle Hall, 7.30pm.

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

Thursday, May 2

• Open Mic Night at The Bay View Hotel, Port St Mary.

• 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, 5-45pm-6.45pm.

• Alternative Havana, Fiesta Havana, Douglas. Also, Friday - Full On Fridays.

Friday, May 3

• Little Miss Dynamite at The Heron, Anagh Coar

• Dickie at the Whitehouse, Peel.

• Ian Tompson at The Union, Castletown.

• Grass Roots at Jaks, Douglas.

• Brown Sugar at The Queens, Douglas.

• DJ Tim Second Venue, 21 Victoria Street, Douglas, 8pm. Also Saturday..

• 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.

• Soundcheck/Youth Service under 18s disco and live music night, Port St Mary town hall, from 7pm to 10pm..

Saturday, May 4

• One Wo/Man One Guitar Busking with Dickie Kelly and Friends outside of Ramsey Post Office and Memorial Garden at 2.00pm to 4.00pm in aid of IOM Agricultural Benevolent Trust.

• Little Miss Dynamite at The Mitre, Ramsey

• Dickie at the Manor, Willaston

• Borderline at The Creek, Peel.

• Ian Thompson at The Sidings, Castletown.

• Symbollix at Jaks, Douglas.

• Age of Steam at The Cat with No Tail, Douglas.

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

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

• Karaoke at the Central Hotel, Ramsey.

Sunday, May 5

• (One Louder presents) Ska Face - An Evening of Ska, Reggae and Funk music

The Railway, North Quay, Douglas. 8.00pm. Free entry.

• Brown Sugar at The Haven, Port Erin. 4.30pm-7.30pm. 8pm Jacks Pub, Douglas.

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

• Karaoke at The British, Douglas.

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

Tuesday, May 7

• Acoustic Sing-a-Round, The Manor, Willaston, 8.30pm.

• Rock Choir, Youth Arts Centre, Kensington Road, Douglas, 6pm.

Wednesday, May 8

• Karaoke at The British, Douglas.

A union leader is urging civil servants and government manual workers to give their views on proposals which he claims will dramatically reduce their income.

Under the proposals a single employing authority for government staff will be creating, replacing both the Civil Service Commission and the Whitley Council pay negotiating body from some 2,500 public sector manual and craft workers.

Jonty Arkell, who is chairman of the employees’ side of Whitley Council, said: ‘This impacts on every man, woman and child on this island.

‘The reason for this is that everybody on this island is directly or indirectly connected economically to a government worker be it their husband, wife, son, daughter or family friend.

‘If people don’t respond to this consultation, the government will assume they have a mandate from the people.

‘People must realise that if this comes in, many of the 4,000 plus staff will have dramatically reduced incomes as a result of this, which will have an impact on their livelihoods, their lifestyles, their ability to pay their bills, their rent or mortgage, their food bills and their ability to go on holiday.’

Consultation on the proposal to establish a Public Services Commission was launched this week by the Civil Service Commission under the government’s Agenda for Change programme.

Chief Minister Allan Bell says the existing structure is ‘not fit for purpose’ and he has described Whitley Council as ‘anachronism’. But Mr Arkell said scrapping Whitley was a ‘retrograde step back to Victorian terms and conditions’.

Written submissions can be sent to: Amanda Haxby, Office of Human Resources, St Andrew’s House, Finch Road, Douglas, IM1 2PX, or email amanda.haxby@gov.im

The deadline is May 31.

Relay For Life organising committee members and supporters will tour the island on Saturday to encourage people to join the fight and kiss goodbye to cancer.

The organising committee, chaired and assisted by Nicola Walkingshaw and Debbie Pitts of Dot’s Dream Foundation, hope more teams will sign up to the 24-hour non-competitive walking relay taking place at the NSC on August 23.

Nicola said: ‘The main message of the Relay event is to “Celebrate, Remember and Fight Back” and so we chose a popular superhero theme to go out and meet people.

‘You can come and have your picture taken with our superheroes, and we will be handing out sweets, balloons and stickers with flyers and posters, our bus will have facepainters and music and we want to leave a purple trail wherever we go.

‘We will be running mini relays and kids’ games, dancing in the street and whatever it takes to get people motivated to join us as part of this global movement.’

There will also be information on the event and candle memorial bags for dedication and decoration.’

The open top bus will be in Castletown Square at 10.30am, Port Erin town centre at 11.45am, Peel Promenade at 1pm, Ramsey town centre at 2.45pm, St Ninian’s Lower School at 5.15pm, Douglas promenade (Central and Queens) at 5.45pm.

It will be followed by a social night at the Queen’s Pub, Douglas.

So far 17 teams have signed up. Cancer survivors and children register for free.

There are lots of fundraising and social events including monthly team nights for teams to socialise and talk about fundraising ideas.

There are more than 6,000 relays world-wide for Cancer Research UK. All funds raised in the island go directly to cancer research in the areas and centres that treat Isle of Man patients.

Register or donate online at relay.cancerresearchuk.org

For more details email relayiom@gmail.com or go to the Relay for Life Isle of Facebook page.

Police are hunting a motorist who hit and damaged a lamppost and wall on Cronk Road, Port St Mary, on Monday at around 8.30pm.

The culprit drove off without reporting the incident.

If you witnessed this incident, then contact Constable Kyle Sayers at Castletown police station on 822222 or via police headquarters on 631212.

Ministers should resign if the government’s controversial bail-out deal doesn’t save the Sefton Group from going under, a backbencher says.

Michael MHK Alfred Cannan was speaking after Chief Minister Allan Bell and Treasury Minister Eddie Teare came under intense questioning in the House of Keys over the government’s intervention.

Under the deal signed last month, £1.3 million from the economic development fund is to be loaned to the debt-ridden plc while the strategic Middlemarch site would be purchased and leased back to the company which will have the option to buy it back after five years.

Mr Cannan told Manx Independent after the Keys sitting: ‘The whole policy on the use of economic development funds is now in complete tatters and the government is going to have to take steps to restore public confidence.

‘If this company falters after what has happened, then members of this government are going to have to resign. There is still a question in my mind about whether there is enough confidence left in the Economic Development Minister and the Treasury Minister to keep them in position over the next few months but we will have to see how matters develop now in the next couple of weeks.’

In the Keys, the Chief Minister was asked whether now government policy to give secured and unsecured loans to companies in debt.

In a personal statement he corrected any earlier announcement that the group’s outstanding debts would be netted off against the loan. In fact, he told MHKs, the group had been given until the end of June to clear its income tax, National Insurance and VAT arrears.

The Sefton Group has confirmed it owes £200,000 in unpaid tax – although Mr Teare declined to give that figure in the Keys. Mr Bell told MHKs there was a difference between being in arrears and being in default.

Kate Beecroft (Lib Van, Douglas South) suggested if the company had gone into liquidation it might have revealed transactions that ‘some people would prefer not to come to light’. Lib Van colleague Peter Karran (Onchan) suggested this was why the company had received ‘preferential treatment’.

Mr Teare replied: ‘This is definitely not an exercise in brushing things under the carpet – far from it.’

After months of planning, the organisers of the 15th Big Wheel Blues Festival, taking place at the Villa Marina next weekend, are putting the finishing touches to a jam-packed programme.

Friday’s (May 10) headliner Larry McCray has arrived from the US and is playing dates all over the UK between now and next week.

‘Unfortunately his keyboard player was rushed to hospital with pneumonia,’ explained festival secretary Pete Christian. ‘But, luckily agent Mike Hellier of Movin Music has pulled all sorts of strings to engage the much in demand British keyboards man Jack Stow.’

Supporting Larry is double bass player Giles Robson and his band the Dirty Aces, and upcoming talent Tom Attah.

Then on the Saturday (May 11), the Dani Wilde Band, with super smooth bassist Roger Inniss, and acoustic legend Wizz Jones will support headliners British swing band King Pleasure and the Biscuit Boys, featuring Shark von Schtoop.

‘Ticket sales are ahead of where we were at this point in previous years,’ said Pete, ‘and as the last two festivals have sold out both nights in advance I would definitely recommend getting in now or risk missing out.’

He added: ‘There’s a real buzz building up around the local scene, and a lot of enthusiasm among musicians and supporters. We have two full daytime programmes of local acts from 1pm to 5pm - one acoustic, one electric - and it’s been a challenge to fit in everyone wanting to play.

‘And I think we’ve again managed to put together a fascinating and really eclectic roster of visiting artists. We have musical styles from areas where the blues feeds off, and into - the worlds of folk, funk, soul, swing and 50’s R’n’B, following on from an opening act of solid traditional blues.’

He said: ‘We can’t make everyone happy all of the time, but we try to keep it fresh and varied. Friday night will be on the more rootsy side of the street, and I reckon Saturday night will be party time.

‘We have excellent vocalists, and scorching lead instrumentalists, but as a sort of bass player myself I’m almost drooling at the prospect of the more unsung rhythm section bassists performing.’

This year’s festival is in aid of the Children’s Centre, which will be organising all sorts of daytime family fun in the Villa Marina Gardens. If it rains things will move into the Villa’s Colonnade Suite.

The organisers thanked Ken Mitchell and the staff at Peter Norris Music for their support.

Tickets for the evening concerts are £20. Call the Villa box office on 600555 or visit www.villagaiety.com

Doors open at 7.30pm.

For full festival details visit www.bigwheelblues.com

Excitement is mounting as participants in this year’s Guild await their scores and look forward to Saturday’s final day when the winner of the Cleveland Medal will be revealed.

Here are the results from the first few days of the week-long festival. For the remaining results and more photos see tomorrow’s (Friday) Isle of Man Courier and Monday’s Isle of Man Examiner or visit www.manxmusicfestival.org

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Friday, April 27

Instrumental Solo - Brass (Up to Year 6): 1, Rory Donegan, Onchan, 90; 2, Toby Crossley, Rushen Primary, 89.

Instrumental Solo (Years 7 and 8): 1, Owen Williams, Colby, 89; 2, Isabella Nutter, KWC, 88.

Saturday, April 28

Brass Ensemble (Up to Year 10): 1, Manx Youth Band B, Douglas, 87; 2, Manx Youth Band A, Douglas, 86.

Brass Quartet (Up to Year 10): 1, Top Trumps, Rushen, 88; 2, Manx Youth Band C, Douglas, 87.

Instrumental Solo (Years 9 and 10): 1, Peter Smith, Laxey, 89; 2, James Kneen, Douglas, 87.

Instrumental Solo - Brass (Years 11 to 13): 1, Illiam Quane, RTB Ramsey, 92; 2, Ellen Quane, Ramsey Grammar, 88.

Instrumental Solo - Brass (Adult): 1, Meghan Quane, Ramsey, 89; 2, Robert Quane, Ramsey, 88.

Brass Ensemble (Open): 1, Manx Concert Brass A, Douglas, 89; 2, Ramsey Town Band A, Ramsey, 88.

Brass Quartet (Open): 1, Manx Concert Brass C, Douglas, 88; 2, Manx Concert Brass A, Douglas, 87.

Boys Choirs (Up to Year 6): 1, Buchan ‘Falcons’, Buchan School, 86, and Ballacottier School Boys Choir, Farmhill, 86; 2, Marown School, Marown, 82.

Mixed Choirs (Years 3 to 6): 1, Ballacottier School Junior Choir, Ballacottier School, 87; 2, Scoill Vallajeelt Junior Choir, Braddan, 86.

Girls Choirs (Up to Year 6): 1, Ballacottier School Girls Choir, Farmhill, 86, and Marown School, Marown, 86; 2, Scoill Phurt Le Moirrey, Port St Mary, 85.

Mixed Choirs (Up to Year 2): 1, Ballacottier School Infants, Farmhill, 86; 2, Buchan Bluebirds, Buchan School, 85.

School Choirs (Under 150 on register): 1, St Thomas’s School Choir, Douglas, 86; 2, Kewaigue School, Kewaigue, 85.

Gaelic Choirs (Up to Year 13): 1, Gale Force Theatre School A, Peel, 86; 2, Gale Force Theatre School B, Peel, 85, and Ballacottier School, Farmhill, 85.

Action Songs (Up to Year 6): 1, Marown School, Marown, 87; 2, Ballacottier School, Farmhill, 85.

Open Concert Class (Up to Year 13): 1, OTTO dir. Nicholas Roberts, Ballakermeen, 89; 2, The Xenakis Singers, Ballakermeen, 88.

Manx Folk Dancing (Up to Year 6): 1, Onchan School, Onchan, 90; 2, Arbory Primary group 2, Ballabeg, 88.

Morris or Sword Dance: 1, Arbory Primary, Ballabeg, 91; 2, Scoill Phurt Le Moirrey B, Port St Mary, 86.

Country Dancing (Up to Year 6): 1, Onchan School, Onchan, 87; 2, Scoill Phurt Le Moirrey, Port St Mary, 85.

Folk Song (Years 9 to 13): 1, Maebh Worthing, Gale Force, 87; 2, Saroja-Lily Ratnavel, Douglas, 86.

Songs from the Musicals (Years 9 to 13): 1, Alice Quayle, Stage One, 89; 2, Saroja-Lily Ratnavel, Douglas, 88, and Juan Riordan, Douglas, 88.

Sunday, April 28

Brass Bands: 1, Manx Concert Brass, Douglas, 93; 2, Ramsey Town Band, Ramsey, 90.

Brass Bands - March and Hymn: 1, Manx Concert Brass, Douglas, 90; 2, Ramsey Town Band, Ramsey, 89.

Brass Bands: 1, Manx Concert Brass, Douglas, 89; 2, Ramsey Town Band, Ramsey 85.

Monday, April 29

Reading from the Bible (Years 9 to 13): 1, Maebh Worthing, Gale Force, 88; 2, Harriet Godby, Broadway TC, 86.

The Spoken Word (Years 9 and 10): 1, Saoirse Coyle-Carroll, Broadway TC, 90; 2, Kirsty Moore, Broadway TC, 89.

Shakespeare (Years 10 to 13): 1, Jared More, Broadway TC, 89; 2, Owen Atkinson, Broadway TC, 89; 2, Owen Atkinson, Broadway TC, 87.

Reading at Sight (Years 10 to 13): 1, Owen Atkinson, Broadway TC, 90; 2, Hannah Godby, Broadway, 87.

Duologue (Years 9 to 13): 1, Saoirse Coyle-Caroll, Broadway TC, 90; 2, Paige Gilmour, Broadway TC, 89.

The Spoken Word (Years 11 to 13): 1, Hannah Morrison, Broadway TC, 90; 2, Hannah Godby, Broadway TC, 89.

Reading at Sight (Years 7 to 9): 1, Jack Smollen, Broadway TC, 89; 2, Sasha Thomas, Douglas, 88.

Reading from the Bible (Adults): 1, John Kennaugh, St John’s, 89; 2, Noel Cringle, Ballabeg, 88.

Duologue (Adult): 1, Una Qualtrough, Cheltenham, 84.

Public Speaking (Adult): 1, Jacqueline Yates, Douglas, 87; 2, Zoe Cannell, Douglas, 86, and Noel Cringle, Ballabeg, 86.

Pianoforte Solo (Years 7 and 8): 1, Alex Buck, Douglas, 88.

Pianoforte Solo - Own Choice (Years 7 and 8): 1, Sinead Stephens, Port Erin, 87; 2, Alex Buck, Douglas, 86.

Pianoforte Solo (Year 9 and 10): 1, Victoria Wright, Braddan, 85.

Pianoforte Solo (Years 9 and 10): 1, Victoria Wright, Braddan, 87; 2, Adam Crebbin, Douglas, 86.

Pianoforte Solo - Memory (Up to Year 10): 1, Victoria Wright, Braddan, 89; 2, Toby Crossley, Rushen Primary, 88.

Pianoforte Solo (Year 11 and Over): 1, Chris Jagus, Sulby, 90; 2, Tom Shirtliff, Douglas, 87.

Pianoforte Solo - Memory (Year 11 and Over): 1, Ian Wright, Braddan, 88; 2, Kellie De Vos, Onchan, 87.

Pianoforte Accompaniment (Open): 1, John Riley, Onchan, 86; 2, Ian Wright, Braddan, 85.

Boys Solo (Years 1 to 4): 1, Samuel Heeney, Buchan School, 89; 2, Toby Poole-Wilson, Glen Vine, 88.

Girls Solo (Year 1 to 3): 1, Jessie Quigley, Gale Force, 88; 2, Ellie Caine, Stage One, 87.

Folk Song (Adult): 1, Arthur Cowley, Onchan, 90; 2, Alistair Qualtrough, St Albans, 89, and Laurence Kermode, Douglas, 89.

Open Voice Trio: 1, CHORAA, Lonan, 88; 2, The Titipu Trio, Douglas, 87.

Quartet - SATB: 1, Milliways Minions, Douglas, 85.

Quartet - TTBB: 1, The Farmers, Ballabeg, 87; 2, Lon Dhoo Quartet, Douglas, 86.

Pianoforte Sight Test (Years 7 and 8): 1, Alex Buck, Douglas, 85.

Pianoforte Duet (Up to Year 10): 1, Maia Haddock, Douglas, 86.

Lieder - Mezzo Soprano (Adult): 1, Elizabeth Townsend, Douglas, 86; 2, Linda Corkish, Onchan, 85.

Lieder - Bass (Adult): 1, Andrew Williamson, Ballaugh, 88; 2, Glynn Morris, Sale, 87.

Lieder - Contralto (Adult): 1, Jane Mayne, Kirk Michael, 88; 2, Voirrey Carr, Oxford, 86.

Lieder - Tenor (Adult): 1, Ernie Thorn, Onchan, 86; 2, Alistair Qualtrough, St Albans, 85.

Lieder - Soprano (Adult): 1, Deborah Lean, Douglas, 88; 2, Karen Elliott, Peel, 87.

Lieder - Baritone (Adult): 1, John Qualtrough, Cheltenham, 88; 2, Simon Fletcher, Douglas, 87.

Pianoforte Solo - Open: 1, Chris Jagus, Sulby, 89.

Pianoforte Duet - Open: 1, Victoria Wright, Braddan, 91; Kath Blackburn, Onchan, 86.

Pianoforte Sight Test - Open: 1, John Riley, Onchan, 88, and Chris Jagus, Sulby, 88.

Piano Duet (Years 1 to 6): 1, Sophie Hawley, Buchan, 86; 2, Katie O’Connor, Onchan, 85.

Pianoforte Duet (Up to Year 8): 1, Toby Crossley, Rushen Primary, 89; 2, Cara Bregazzi, Douglas, 86.

Popular Standard Song 1980 to Present (Adult): 1, Mandy Griffin, Douglas, 89; 2, Kelly Smith, Laxey, 88.

Girls Solo (Years 11 to 13): 1, Alana Downey, Glen Maye, 85.

Lieder Voice and Piano: 1, Mandy Griffin, Douglas, 88; 2, John Qualtrough, Cheltenham, 87.

Operatic Solo (Adult): 1, Karen Elliott, Peel, 90; 2, Paul Costain, Colby, 89

THE public’s views will be sought during an investigation into the government’s bailout of the Sefton Group.

The Economic Committee, a Standing Committee of Tynwald, will enquire into the government support for the Sefton Group.

It has written to the government asking for initial written evidence and will seek further written and oral evidence from others in the near future.

Ramsey MHK Leonard Singer, who is the chairman of the committee, said: ‘The Chief Minister wrote to the committee asking it to inquire into this matter in the light of the significant public interest in the decision by the government to support the Sefton Group.

‘We have written to the government asking for them to explain the decision and, in the light of their evidence, we will be making further enquiries and collecting written and oral evidence. We will welcome evidence from the public in due course.’

The debt-ridden Sefton Group was given a £1.3m bailout by the government two weeks ago. Some £3.2m of taxpayers’ money was also used to buy the landmark Middlemarch site on the corner of Lord Street and Walpole Avenue in Douglas. Management at the Sefton subsequently denied the hotel group was on the brink of collapse.

The decision has prompted a backlash, especially from the rival Sleepwell group, which disliked the fact that its principal competitor was being given help by the government.

In this week’s Manx Independent, a backbencher says that some ministers would have to resign if the deal went sour.

The paper, which is on sale now, also asks Treasury Minister Eddie Teare MHK about a secret £450,000 loan from government to the group last year.

The Ben-my-Chree is back in action after undergoing swift repairs following an incident in Douglas yesterday evening (Wednesday).

The Steam Packet vessel struck the King Edward Pier Linkspan, Number 5 berth, causing a hole about four metres above the waterline.

Emergency repairs for Ben-my-Chree after striking Douglas linkspan

However, she returned to service with a freight-only sailing to Heysham mid-morning.

A Steam Packet spokesman said: ‘It was initially thought the Ben would return to service for this evening’s Douglas-Heysham sailing, but she will now operate a normal, albeit delayed, passenger and freight service for her return from Heysham this afternoon. This is expected to depart at 3.30pm, slightly later than her scheduled time of 2.15pm.

‘Manannan’s Liverpool-Douglas service departed on schedule at 11.15am, and her later sailings – the 3pm Douglas-Liverpool and 7.15pm Liverpool-Douglas – are also on schedule.

‘This evening’s Ben-my-Chree Douglas-Heysham service at 7.45pm may be delayed slightly as a consequence of her late sailing this morning, with an anticipated departure time of around 2030.

‘The Company has made every effort to contact affected passengers and freight customers to advise them of the latest revised schedule, and will continue to do so should there be any further changes.’

Steam Packet chief executive Mark Woodward said: ‘We managed to effect the temporary repairs to the Ben sooner than expected, which enabled her to operate a freight-only service to Heysham this morning.

‘At this stage, we do not expect there to be any impact on the Ben’s schedule during TT fortnight.’

Yesterday’s collision caused damage to the berthing fenders on Number 5 berth and the Steam Packet Company has launched an internal investigation. There were no injuries reported.

Mr Woodward said: ‘We continue to work with Department of Infrastructure to assess damage to the seaward berthing fender on the King Edward Pier and what is required in order to bring the berth back into operation, pending permanent repairs.’

A new memorial in tribute to those who lost their lives in the Summerland fire could be installed if planners approve Douglas Council’s bid.

Their bid (13/00458/B) comes in the 40th anniversary year of the tragedy.

Douglas Council have applied for a three-column memorial in the Kaye Memorial Gardens, at the bottom of Summer Hill.

The Douglas Council-owned site is designated as public open space.

In the application it says the memorial would have three columns, and would be made from granite ‘or a similar natural stone’.

It would be situated in the central shrub border of the gardens.

The memorial would be no taller than two metres in height, and each column would be no bigger than 40cm wide by 40cm deep.

All three columns would be surrounded within a three-metre diameter granite setts paving platform, or similar natural stone.

The garden, which houses memorial stones from the Summerland fire, was built at the northern end of the promenades, near the bottom of Summer Hill, in the 1950s using money bequeathed by S. J. Kaye in memory of his parents and grandparents. The bequest to the council comprised two farms, three cottages and 112 acres of land at Cooil.

The property was sold to the sitting tenants in 1954 and some of the £6,800 proceeds were used to create the memorial garden.

At least 50 people were killed in the Summerland tragedy, which happened on August 2, 1973. The fire, sparked by three boys illicitly smoking, destroyed the Douglas holiday complex within minutes.

When the fire broke out, the seven-storey building was crammed with about 3,000 people..

Summerland had been open for little over two years before it was destroyed.

It was later rebuilt to a different design and re-opened. It shut for good in 2005.

THE 55-year-old man from Douglas who died in an accident on a construction site yesterday has been named as Gareth Sowden.

Mr Sowden came from Douglas.

Emergency services attended a construction site on the Balleira Road, Kirk Michael, just after 11:30am on Wednesday, following a report of a work-related accident.

Mr Sowden was working at the site and died as a result of his injuries.

The investigation is being led by the Health and Safety at Work Inspectorate.

Would the Sefton Group have been trading while insolvent if the multi million-pound rescue package had not been agreed?

Treasury Minister Eddie Teare was careful in his answer when he was quizzed on the issue in the House of Keys and by iomtoday.

Replying to a question from Howard Quayle (Middle), Mr Teare said that following the restructuring, involving the government support, a £2 million injection by shareholders and the write down of bad debts, the group would be left with a positive valuation.’ It would not be trading while insolvent in my opinion.’

Mr Teare was pressed on the issue by iomtoday. We asked him: ‘Is that saying without that package it would be trading insolvently or are you saying it has been trading insolvently up to this point?’

He replied: ‘No, I’m not qualified to say whether it has or hasn’t been trading whilst insolvent. What I am saying is that post this reconstruction, it’s in a much stronger position to meet its commitments as they fall due. If you look at the 2011 accounts it does state there that there are material concerns about the company’s cashflow.’

He added that are legal penalties against a company’s directors if they take further credits without disclosing the company is insolvent.

Asked how perilous he felt the Sefton Group’s position had been, Mr Teare said he felt it could have traded throughout the summer but there had been no guarantees beyond that.

In the Keys he was asked about an earlier loan on £450,000 requested by the Sefton Group in April last year. He said the loan money was paid to Treasury to clear the company’s ‘significant’ debts.

Mr Teare told MHKs the amount outstanding on this loan was £202,000.

Michael MHK Mr Cannan asked why the £450,000 had been kept secret and political members not informed. Mr Teare said being a public quoted company there was a potential for insider dealing and he wanted to protect members.

Earlier today a local man was arrested in Douglas on suspicion of serious drug related offences and money laundering offences.

About £20,000-worth of what is believed to be cocaine and ecstasy wasd seized along with what the police called ‘a substantial amount’ of cash.

Detective Sergeant Paul Holland said: ‘In recent weeks the “pro-active team” have had great success in targeting criminal networks involved in the importation and supply of class-A controlled drugs.

‘This is another positive step towards reducing the availability of class a controlled drugs on our island.

‘If criminals are considering importing or dealing controlled drugs, then be warned you may be the next person in custody helping with inquiries.’

As the closing date for entries in Junior Journalist of the Year 2013 approaches, last year’s winner is urging all aspiring young writers ‘to give it a go’.

At the age of 10 St John’s primary school student Isabelle Barber won the competition in 2012 after she impressed the judges with her enthusiastic and well researched account of the Isle of Man’s qualities as a tourist destination.

Isabelle, now aged 11, said: ‘I’d say to anyone thinking of entering, just give it a go. I entered the competition for the fun of it and because I really like writing. I love the Isle of Man and have visited so many places here, which is why I chose to write about how good it is for a holiday.’

She continued: ‘It was a huge surprise for me – and for my mum and dad – when I won. Winning Junior Journalist has made me more confident and imaginative in my writing and I’m using the dictionary a lot now so I can include more grown-up words.’

Isabelle has entered this year’s competition and for her topic has chosen ‘Leading Education into the Future’, which tasks students to write a manifesto outlining their priorities were they the island’s Minister for Education and Children. ‘I enjoy school so would probably want to make sure schools carried on being as good as they are now,’ she said, adding: ‘Winning Junior Journalist in 2012 was really exciting, so I’ve a lot to live up to this year.’

Organised by Isle of Man Newspapers in association with the Department of Education and Children Junior Journalist is being sponsored for the third year in succession by Celton Manx.

Executive director Bill Mummery said: ‘I had the pleasure not only to present Isabelle with her trophy last year but also to read her winning entry.

‘She conveyed her passion for the island most compellingly in her article and showed a creative flair and maturity well beyond her years.

‘It is precisely this power of Junior Journalist to inspire young minds and encourage primary school students to take those vital early steps towards discovering the pleasure of creative writing that led us to sponsor the competition again in 2013.

‘Supporting personal endeavour and helping young people and adults achieve their potential are central to how Celton Manx chooses to engage with the community in which it operates. I wish all this year’s fledgling journalists every success and look forward to the awards presentation in June.’

The closing date is May 7.

To enter, email sally-ann.maiden@newsiom.co.im

Union Mills held their nerve to defeat in-form DHSOB in a penalty shoot-out to book their place in the final of the BCS Hospital Cup.

‘Tell me ma, me ma, we’re gonna be late for tea, we’re going to the NSC, tell me ma, me ma!’ was the song the Union Mills players and faithful sang after they defeated DHSOB in the semi-finals of the BCS Hospital Cup in a penalty shoot-out to reach the final of the competition for the first time in the club’s history.

It’s another exciting chapter that has been written for this young and vibrant side. Clearly bruised by their two league defeats at the hands of DHSOB this season, Union Mills had a point to prove and this was evident within the first minute.

Matty Cain’s free-kick was played to the feet of Stephen Halsall who drove the ball into the back of the net to give the visitors the ideal start.

Clearly fired up, Mills pressed and closed down DHSOB, hardly giving them space to manoeuvre.

However, the hosts’ only shot on target on 42 minute resulted in the equalising goal when David Quirk cut in from the right flank and drove a low shot that beat Danny Christian’s outstretched arm and flew into the net.

DHSOB manager Brian Gartland gave his players the hair-dryer treatment at the interval and it seemed to spark his side into life.

Hemming their opponents into their own half, Craig Stewart, Quirk and Tommy Miller all forced Christian into making saves while for Mills Ronan McDonnell had a diagonal shot repelled by Halliday.

With the match entering extra-time, it wasn’t until the second quarter-hour that the real drama unfolded.

Stewart hit the crossbar while at the other side of the park Joe Morling broke free and was homing in on goal when Iain Ramsay lunged and brought the player down. A professional foul - Ramsay had to walk. From the resulting free-kick, Richard Cannell drove it hard and low and into the back of the net to recapture the lead for the Millers.

DHSOB had one last throw of the dice and, on 118 minutes, a ball over the claret defence found the feet of Darren Hudgeon who guided his shot into the visiting net for the leveller, sending the hosts into delirium.

This extraordinary cup tie had to be settled via a penalty shoot-out. Craig Stewart was successful, as was Matty Cain. Hudgeon took his, his effort spun off Christian and against the post before bouncing out.

Richard Cannell, Craig Stewart, Ronan McDonnell, Dave Quirk, Kyle Uren, Robbie Ward were all successful converting their spot-kicks.

It was left to Halsall who slotted in the decisive penalty before racing towards the travelling faithful, before disappearing under a human pyramid.

Final stop - St George’s at the Bowl.

TEAM CHECK

DHSOB: Sam Halliday, John Quirk (Sean Gavin 90m), Martin King, Tommy Miller, Iain Ramsay, David Quirk, Craig Stewart, Michael Hooper (Robbie Ward 79m), Phil Knox (Darren Hudgeon 64m), Lee Gartland, Callum Stewart

Union Mills: Danny Christian, James Cannell, Willie Miller, Chris Kelly (Ronan McDonnell 59m), Stephen Halsall, Karl Dobbin, Michael Nash (Richard Cannell 105m), Gareth Logan, Joe Morling, Steven Quine (Kyle Uren 88m), Matty Cain

Booked: Logan (Mills) Sent off: Ramsey (DHSOB)

Referee: Ian Fisher

Assistants: Willie Blair, Colin Coole

Man of the Match: Halsall (Mills)

Match rating: HHHHI

l St George’s avenged their FA Cup final defeat at the hands of St Mary’s by beating the same opponents 3-1 in the other semi-final.

Chris Bass Jr, Ciaran McNulty and Frank Jones were on target for the treble-chasers. Liam Doyle replied for Sam Kenny’s Bowl outfit.

AS the domestic rugby season comes to an end, there is just one fixture this week.

The final league game of the Shimmin Wilson Manx Trophy between Vagabonds B and Southern Nomads will decide who meets the latter in next week’s final at Ballafletcher.

A win for Nomads will see them play Douglas B, while if Vagabonds draw or better they will face Nomads in a rematch next Saturday.

Nomads’ fixture list has been something of a disaster since early March. Their opponents have pulled out, had a rearranged league match or the weather has been against them. Last week’s outing against an Isle of Man Barbarians side was their first proper trot since Easter and much needed.

Vagas have run Nomads close on two separate occasions this season. The opening game of the campaign finished in a 10-10 draw and the return Shield leg was almost as close with Vagas just edged out 17-10 at Ballafletcher.

I fancy Nomads may just be the sharper this time out and I suspect we’ll see them play Douglas in the final.

Kick-off at Ballafletcher is 2.15pm.