Friday, February 3

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Monday, February 6

• Miss Saigon performed by Douglas Choral Union, Gaiety Theatre, Douglas, 7.30pm. Tickets £20, concessions available. Until February 18, matinees on Saturdays at 2pm.

Thursday, February 9

• MADF One Act Play Festival, Erin Arts Centre, Port Erin, 7.30pm. Tickets £8, concessions available. Until Saturday.

Friday, February 3

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Broadway Cinema

• The Descendants (15) Showing nightly 7.30pm. Wednesday 2.30pm.

• Alvin and The Chipmumks: Chipwrecked Saturday and Sunday 2.30pm.

• Chico and Rita (15) Showing Saturday and Sunday at 5pm.

Palace Cinema

• War Horse (12A) Nightly from 7pm. Also Saturday and Sunday 1.30pm.

• Underworld: Awakening 3D (18) Nightly 7.30pm.

• Sherlock Holmes A Game of Shadows (12A) Saturday and Sunday 2pm.

Tuesday, February 7

• Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy, Erin Arts Centre, Port Erin, 2.30pm and 7.30pm.

Wednesday, February 8

• TT: Closer To The Edge, Centenary Centre, Peel, 7.15pm.

Friday, February 3

• Parents and Tots, upper room, Sulby Methodist Church, 10.30am. Call 897364.

• Age Concern Isle of Man free computer sessions, Ramsey Town Hall, downstairs, 10am-12.30pm and 1.30pm-3.30pm, also Tuesday 10am-12.30pm, Also Wednesday and Thursday Southlands Port St Mary, 2pm-4.30pm, Also Monday 10am-12.30pm, Wednesday and Thursday new iMuseum, Douglas, 10am-12.30pm.

• Community coffee morning, Willaston Methodist Church, Barrule Road, 10am-midday.

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

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

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

• Learn Manx with Adrian Cain, beginners midday-1pm, intermediates 1pm-2pm, Manx Museum, Douglas. Admission free, Email greinneyder@mhf.org.im 838527 or 451098.

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

• 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. Cost £2.50. Call 673123.

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

• Speed dating night starting at the Falcons Nest, Port Erin. 7.30pm till late. Call 834077 or go on Facebook.

• Erin Arts Council, Piano Series, Mohamed Shams 8pm.

Saturday, February 4

• Mens breakfast, Palace Hotel, Central Prom, Douglas. Scripture Union Team. Two young members speak of their calling and experience as volunteers. 7.30am-9.00am

• The Art Market, Strand Shopping Centre, Douglas, 9am-5pm.

• Drawing for pleasure. Learn to sketch before summer. The Centenary Centre, Peel 10am. Also 18th and 25th. Call 843480.

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

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

• Laxey Woollen Mills, Glen Road Laxey, 10am-5pm. Also open weekdays.

• ‘Early Music workshop II’ with Eileen Silcocks, Ballakermeen High School, Douglas, 10am-5pm. Continues Sunday, 11am-4pm. Fee £45, concessions £25. Adult education class run in conjunction with the University of Liverpool. Contact Hazel Marshall 695777.

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

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

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

Sunday, February 5th

• Cathedral Church of St. German, Peel. BCP 8.30am Corrin Hall, Eucharist 10.30am Corrin Hall, Evening Prayer 6.30pm Corrin Hall. Also Wednesday BCP Eucharist 9.30 Corrin Hall, The Voice - Youth Group 6pm Corrin Hall.

• Car wash in aid of RNLI SOS, Peel Lifeboat House, 10am-2pm.

• Onchan Fur and Feather Society Annual Show. 10am. Call 628597.

• Sunday School, Sulby Methodist Church, 10.30am. Also youth group for school years 7 and up at 7pm. Call 450104.

• Capital Clear Out Indoor Car Boot Sale, Masonic Hall, Douglas 11am-4pm.

• Car Boot Sale, Onchan Community Centre 12-3pm. Call 623704.

• 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, 478224.

• Old Kirk Braddan Snowdrop (afternoon) Teas are being served in the Church from 2.30pm to 4pm cost £5.

• Castletown Metropolitan Silver Band rehearsals, Queen Street Mission Hall, 7pm.

Monday, February 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.

• Noah’s Ark Tots Group, Church on the Rock, behind Ramsey Bus Station, 9.30am. Call 459890.

• Breastfeeding Buddies, The Salvation Army Citadel, Ridgeway Street, Douglas. 10.30am. Call 656030.

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

• Erin Arts Centre Monday Luncheon, Val Cottle, ‘Desperately Seeking Thomas, 12.30pm. Also Thursday 9th MADF One act plays festival, Adjudicator, Ben Humphries 7.30pm.

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

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

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

• Action Songs and Rhymes, from birth upwards, The Children’s Centre, Woodbourne Road, Douglas, 1.30pm. Also Tuesday, Sulby School, 9.30am; Philip Christian Centre, Peel, 2pm; Wednesday, Auldyn School Community Room, 9.15am and 10.30am.

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

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

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

• Manx Heritage Transport Museum annual general meeting, Centenary Centre, Peel, 7pm. Followed by talk by Ann Reynolds, director of Isle of Man Airport.

Tuesday, February 7

• Manx Cancer Help drop-in day, Lisa Lowe Centre, Woodbourne Road, Douglas, 11am-4pm.

• 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. Also Wednesday, Living Hope Community Church, Lancashire House, Santon, 9.30am. Call 835091.

• Autumn Break, lunch, tea and cakes, St Mary’s on the Harbour, Castletown, midday-1pm. Free admission but donations welcome.

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

• MRA Coffee Morning at the Royal George Hotel, Ramsey at 10.30am

• Manx Gaelic conversational class with Adrian Cain, The Rovers, Douglas, 1pm. Also Manx Gaelic class with Brian Stowell at Isle of Man College, Douglas, 7pm. Call 623821.

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

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

• Abbey Acorns, ages four and above, the Abbey Church, Ballasalla, 3.30pm.

• Douglas branch of IOM Anti-Cancer annual general meeting, Lecture Theatre. Homefield, Woodbourne Road, Douglas, 6.30pm.

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

• EFT group for therapists, looking after the healers by Bill Tucker, Healing of Mann, Ramsey, 7.30pm. Email www.healingofmann.com £6 per session.

Wednesday, February 8

• Parents and tots, Salvation Army Citadel, Lord Street, Douglas, 9.30am. Call 627742.

• Mini Club for parents and tots, Anagh Coar School, Douglas, 10am. Also 2pm at Kirk Braddan Church. Call 675523.

• Ballabeg Busy Bugs for under fives, Arbory Parish Hall, Ballabeg, 10am. Call 429676 or email BusyBugs2009@manx.net

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

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

• Independent Living Centre, Open Day, Ballakermeen Road. 9.30-3.30. Call 642511.

• ‘Manx Children and the British Reformatories 1890-1914’ seminar, Upper Seminar Room, The Stable Building, The Nunnery, Douglas, 6pm. Free admission, call 695777.

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

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

• Bingo, South Douglas Old Friends Association, Finch Road, Douglas, 8pm.

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

Thursday, February 9

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

• 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.

• Step-In for tea, coffee, chat and music, Onchan Baptist Church, 10.30am.

• Craft Club for Adults at Onchan Library. All welcome & refreshments served. Please contact Evelyn 621228

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

• Parents and tots, Auldyn Infants School Community Room, Ramsey, 1.30pm.

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

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

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

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

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

Friday, February 3

• Pilates, St John’s Methodist Church Hall, 9.30am. Contact Liz 427401. Also Wednesday 6.15pm,Thursday, 6.15pm and Friday 9.30am.

• Walk and talk, NSC, Douglas, 10am. Also Monday, Pulsom Park, Castletown, 10.30am and Noble’s Park, Douglas, 5.30pm; Tuesday, NSC, Douglas, 10am; Wednesday, Ramsey Rugby Club, 10am; Thursday, Harbour Lights Cafe, Peel, 10am. Call 688592.

Walk and talk, Earroo Nane House, 1 Snaefell View, Threshold Estate, Jurby, 10am.

• Chair based exercise sessions, 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; Thursday, Onchan Youth and Community Centre, 1.30pm. Call 642668.

• Manx ABC Boxing, Palace Terrace, Douglas. Juniors, 6pm. Seniors (age 16+), 7pm. Beginners welcome. Also Monday and Wednesday.

• Tai chi chuan, Murrays Road School, 7.30pm. Call 612305.

• Indoor bowls, Legion Hall, Port St Mary, 7.30pm. No experience necessary.

• Yoga, Morton Hall, Onchan, 6.30pm. Call 494489.

Saturday, February 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.

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

• Gymnastics and dance, St Ninians School, Douglas, 2pm. Also Wednesday, Call 254499.

Monday, February 6

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

• Pilates, St. John’s Methodist Church Hall, 9.30am Call 427401.

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

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

• Fencing for ages 7 and up, Andreas Parish Hall, 4.30pm. Also Tuesday, Arbory Parish Hall, 4pm and Ebenezer Hall, Kirk Michael, 6.30pm; Wednesdays, Scoill Ree Gorree Sports Hall, Ramsey, 5pm; Thursdays, Onchan Community Hall, 7.30pm. Call 880863.

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

• Beginners Pilates, Rushen Primary School, Port Erin, 6.15pm. Also Improvers at 7.30pm; Beginners also Wednesday at Victoria Road Primary School, Castletown, 7.30pm. Call 491963.

• 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, Morton Hall, Castletown, 3.30pm. Also Tuesday, Glen Helen Inn, 7pm; Wednesday, Corrin Hall, Peel, 6.30pm; Thursday, Jurby Parish Hall, 6.30pm. Call 230369.

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Zumba, Carrefour Health Club, Douglas, 8pm. Aso Wednesday at 9.45am; Thursday at 6.30pm.

Tuesday, February 7

• Fit2Go walking sessions, Car Park, Station Road, St John’s, 9am. For ladies looking to improve their fitness. Cost £3 per session.

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

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

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

• Pilates for Horse Riders, Ballaugh, 5.15pm and 6.30pm, Call 465115.

• Pilates, St Paul’s Hall, Ramsey, 6.15pm. Call 491449.

• Zumba, Fiesta Havana, Douglas, 7pm. Email sjh@manx.net

• Tai Chi Chuan, Lezayre Parish Community Hall, 7pm.

• Badminton club, Arbory School, Ballabeg, 8pm. Call Liz on 832904.

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

• Qigong, Community Hall, Clenagh Road, Sulby, 7pm. £5 per session, Call 878607.

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

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

• Arbory Badminton Club, Arbory School Hall, 8pm. Call 832094.

Wednesday, February 8

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

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

• Pilates, Braddan Church Hall, 5.30pm and 6.45pm. Call Suzanne 465115.

• Thompson Travel Netball Club junior training, Braddan School, 6pm. For ages 10-14.

• Valkyrs Hockey Club training, QEII Astro pitch, Peel. Juniors (8 and up), 6pm; Seniors (13 and up), 7.30pm. Call 801802 or cathkilley@manx.net

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

Thursday, February 9

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

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

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

• Braaid Fencing Club, Foxdale School, 5.45pm. Call 801832.

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

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

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

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

Friday, February 3

• St John’s Youth Club, school years 9 upwards, St John’s School, 7-9pm. Also Monday, school years 7-9, 6.30-8.30pm; school years 4-6, 6.30-8pm.

• Rushen Youth Club drop in, Rushen Youth Centre, Bay View Road, Port Erin, 7-9.30pm. Also school years 7-9, Monday and Thursday, 7-9pm; Tuesday, school years 4-6 art club, 4.30-6pm; Wednesday, school years 9 upwards, 7-9.30pm.

• Pulrose Youth Club, school years 7-9, Pulrose Youth Centre, Heather Crescent, Douglas, 7-9pm. Also Monday, T-Time Club, 3.30-8pm; Monday and Wednesday, school years 4-6, 6.30-8pm; Tuesday, school years 9 upwards, 8-10pm; Thursday, T-Time Club, 3.30-5pm; school years 9 upwards, 7-9pm.

• Youth Club, school years 9 and upwards, Cronk-y-Berry School, Douglas, 7.30-9.30pm. Also, Wednesday, school years 4-6, 7-8.30pm; Thursday, school years 7-9, 7-9pm.

Sunday, February 5

• Task and DFC children’s club, Abbey Church, Ballasalla, 10.45am.

Monday, February 6

• Onchan Jubilee WI, The Methodist Church Hall, 10am. Call 818194.

• Mannin Art Group, St Paul’s Hall, Ramsey, 10am. For further details email mailbox@manninart.org

• MRA Mr T P Whiteway, Town Clerk and Chief Executive of the Ramsey Town Commissioners, will speak at 10.30am at the Royal George, Market Square, Ramsey on local government.

• ‘Desperately Seeking Thomas’ with Val Cottle for EAC Monday Luncheon Club, Erin Arts Centre, Port Erin, 12.30pm. Members £13.50, visitors, £14.50.

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

• Brownies, Corrin Hall, Peel, 6.30pm.

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

• Youth Club, school years 4-9, Jurby School, 6.30-9pm.

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

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

• Andreas Youth Club, school years 7-9, Andreas Parish Hall, 7-9pm. Also Thursday, school years 4-6, 6.30-8pm.

• Michael Youth Club, school years 7-9, Michael School, 7-9pm. Also Tuesday, school years 9 upwards; Thursday, school years 4-6, 6.30-8pm.

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

Tuesday, February 7

• Twins/Multiple Births Club, Philip Christian Centre, Peel, 10am. Contact 426395.

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

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

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

• MRA Whist afternoon at the Cat With No Tail, Douglas at 2pm. Also Thursday Stretch & Flex at the NSC at 10am and indoor flat green bowling at the NSC Douglas from 2pm to 3.30pm.

• Cheerleading, All Saints Church Hall, 4.30pm. Contact 254499 or email gengym@manx.net

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

• Youth Club, school years 4-6, Ballaugh Village Hall, 6-7.30pm. Also, school years 7-9, 7.30-9pm.

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

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

• 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.

• Glen Maye WI, Dalby Church Hall, 7.30pm. Call 818194.

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

• Mannin Quilters, Ballabeg Methodist Hall, 7.30pm. Call 628921 or 628655.

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

Wednesday, February 8

• Carers and Tots, St. James Dalby 10.30-noon.

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

• Peter Whiteway, Clerk to Ramsey Commissioners, will be giving a talk at the Ramsey Coffee morning on 7th February at 10.30 at the Royal George, Ramsey.

• A talk by HE Lieutenant Governor at Ramsey Probus Lunch, Ramsey Golf Club 12.30. Call 816404.

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

• Isle of Man Photographic Society, A4 Prints Competition. Thie Ellyn, off Withington Road, Douglas. 7.30pm

• Talk on Emergency Planning for Spring Chicks WI, Albany Tennis Club, Douglas, 7.30pm. Call 414902.

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

• Ballaugh WI, Ballaugh Bowling Club, 7.30pm. Call 803804.

• Peel Pensioners Club, Philip Christian Centre, Peel, 7.30pm. Call Elaine on 844972.

Thursday, February 9

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

• Harbourside WI, St. Paul’s Church Hall, Ramsey, 10am Call 818194.

• Avondale WI, Onchan Community Centre, 2.15pm. Call 818194.

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

• Guitar Lessons, Meeting Rooms, Archibald Knox, 5.45-6.45pm.

• Kirk Bride WI, Bride Church Hall, 7pm. Call 803804.

• Arbory Youth Club, school years 7-9, Ballabeg Village Hall, 7-9pm.

• Kirk Bride WI, Bride Church Hall, 7pm, Call 818194.

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

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

• Arbory WI, Colby Methodist Hall, 7.15pm.

• Ramsey WI, St. Paul’s Church Lounge, Market Place, Ramsey, 7.30pm.

• Port Soderick WI, Port Soderick Recreation Hall, 7.30pm. Call 818194.

• Parkfield WI, St Andrew’s Church Hall, Douglas, 7.45pm. Call 818194.

Friday, February 3

• Dickie Kelly at the Whitehouse, Peel.

• Mohamed Shams, Erin Arts Centre, Port Erin 8pm. Tickets £10, concessions available.

• Native, Cosmos and Pete Brown at Paramount City, Douglas. Tickets £5. Call 650310 or 222261.

• Grass Roots at Jaks, Douglas.

• Borderline: Rock & Roll, Blues and Soul, The Creek, Peel.

• Little Miss Dynamite at the Cat With No Tail, Douglas.

• Folk at the Club with Show Willing. Peel Golf Club. Free admission.

• 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.

• Kiaull as Gaelg, The Albert, Port St Mary, 9pm.

• Full On Fridays, Fiesta Havana, Douglas. Also ‘Alternative Havana’ on Thursday.

Saturday, February 4

• Dickie Kelly at the Manor Willaston.

• Skeet at the Britannia, Ramsey.

• Physcoholic at The Creek, Peel.

• 3,000,000 at Jaks, Douglas.

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

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

• Karaoke at the Central Hotel, Ramsey.

• Little Miss Dynamite at the Mitre, Ramsey.

Sunday, February 5

• DJ Karaoke & Disco at Jaks, Douglas

• Karaoke at the British, Douglas.

• DJ Karaoke & Disco at Jaks, Douglas.

• One Wo/Man One Guitar featuring Joe Russell and Eddie Rough and Brendan McLaughlin, The Mitre, Kirk Michael, 8pm.

Tuesday, February 7

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

• Soundcheck, live bands, Basement Youth Arts Centre, Kensington Road, Douglas, 6.30pm. Also Rock Choir. Singing 6pm-7pm. Also Thursday and Saturday.

• The What You Want Acoustic Music Club, The Manor, Willaston, 8.30pm.

Wednesday, February 8

• Karaoke at The British, Douglas.

Thursday, February 9

• Karaoke at Guys and Dolls, Douglas.

• Accoustic Open Mic, The Rosemount, Douglas, 8pm.

• Open Mic night, The Mines, Laxey, 8.30pm.

• Ramsey Folk Club at The George Hotel, Ramsey, 8pm.

• Karaoke with Ray Sloane at The Saddle Inn, Douglas.

YOUR health, your way.

That was the message at the first Isle of Man Self Care Summit, held by the Department of Health this week.

Health Minister David Anderson MHK joined doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, patients, carers, third sector representatives and senior managers in the Barool Suite, in the Tynwald Building, to discuss the issue of patient self care, which is one of the key priorities in the department’s Strategy for Health.

In total around 90 delegates attended.

The idea behind self care is the empowerment of the patient. In other words, in the circumstances where a patient can care for themselves, they should be afforded the opportunity to do so.

This is done with support from the people involved in their care and in conjunction with care received from health and social care professionals.

It includes the actions people take every day in order to stay fit and maintain good physical and mental health, meet their social and psychological needs, prevent illness or accidents and care more effectively for minor ailments and long-term conditions.

People living with a long-term condition can benefit enormously from being supported to self care. They can live longer, suffer less pain, anxiety, depression and fatigue, have a better quality of life, and be more active and independent.

Obviously, this method will not be appropriate in all aspects of a patient’s care and it will certainly not be appropriate for every patient but health professionals believe it is a vital tool in confidence-building.

It also goes without saying that the successful introduction of a self-care system would free up vital departmental resources.

The concept is in its early stages at present and the summit was seen as a way of gathering together anecdotal evidence of instances of self-care already taking place with a view to looking at how and where this could expand, always with the needs of the patient at the heart of any discussion.

Jane Cooper, a director from Talking Health Network, attended the summit as the keynote speaker.

Jane has been at the forefront of the development of lay-led self-management programmes for people with long-term health conditions in the UK for the last 15 years.

The summit was chaired by the DoH chief executive David Killip, who said: ‘This summit has been a great success for the future of self-care on the island and will certainly help as a catalyst to drive us forward in developing this increasingly important sphere of healthcare.’

Mr Anderson said: ‘Work is well under way with the delivery of the department’s Health Strategy, which was launched almost a year ago.

‘A great deal of work is involved, and the changes we want to make to improving and transforming care won’t happen overnight; but we’re making steady progress, which I’m delighted with.’

The summit heard presenters outline different self-care initiatives available on the island.

Speakers included Steve Sieling, chief ambulance officer, and physiotherapists Christine Wright and Christine Cole.

Cath Quilliam, director of community nursing, said: ‘This summit has been a fantastic opportunity to develop the future of self-management on the island. It was wonderful to see such a variety of services working together to improve patient and client care on the island.

‘Self-care is not a new concept. Sometimes we talk about it as the science of common sense. Patients have self managed for years to a certain extent. There are lots of pockets of it going on but we have not got a co-ordinated response to it.

‘It’s about empowering patients to look after themselves, it’s nothing more than that.’

THREE teenagers from the north of the island have a bright future thanks to qualifications gained through the Department of Education and Children’s Youth Service.

Siobhan Kelly, Zoe Mason and Alicia Brown attended a support group for the young unemployed, run at Ramsey Youth Club.

They gained in confidence to the point where they wanted to seek a qualification and took a combined course in health and well-being and healthy living via the National Open College Network (NOCN).

Their six months’ hard work paid off when they were awarded the qualifications, achieving a high standard.

Zoe has gone on to gain employment with Crossroads Caring for Carers and Siobhan is furthering her studies at the Isle of Man College of Further and Higher Education, while Alicia is seeking to gain further opportunities via the NOCN at higher levels.

Siobhan and Zoe, both 18 and from Andreas, and Alicia, 17, from Ramsey, were presented with their NOCN certificates by Laurence Skelly MHK, member of the Department of Economic Development.

The presentations took place at an informal celebration held at Ramsey Youth Club.

Jim Maynard, youth and community worker who runs the support group for young jobseekers, said: ‘This was a remarkable piece of work that involved the girls getting to know each other, gaining in confidence and going on to achieve success and a recognised qualification.’

Mr Skelly said: ‘I am delighted to make this presentation to Zoe, Siobhan and Alicia, who richly deserve recognition for their efforts to gain an important qualification. I wish the girls every success for the future and hope they will be an inspiring example for other young people in a similar position.’

Among those who have encouraged the girls along the way is youth worker Cathy Christian, whose work for the Youth Service was recognised with an MBE in the Queen’s New Year Honours List. Many other figures in the community provide input to the course. One of those who mentored the girls, chef Nuno Correia of Mama Mia’s restaurant in Ramsey, took along a giant cake to the celebration.

GREEN Living and Zero Waste Mann are both throwing down the gauntlet: give up your plastic bags.

Now we’re also challenging our readers to help the environment by giving up using throwaway bags on shopping trips.

If you can manage it for Lent, which starts on February 22, then it should show you how you could actually cope with not using the bags at all.

Doing your bit to help the environment needn’t be hard work. The Manx Independent - in shops today - gives you a great headstart. We’ve teamed up with Shoprite to give all readers a ‘bag for life’ (while stocks last). On page six of the Green Living supplement, there’s a voucher.

Meanwhile, it’s just a case of remembering to bring your own bags when you go shopping.

In fact, if you’re handy with a sewing machine, you might want to create your own sturdy bags . Nearly 2,000 ‘morsbags’ have now been produced and distributed by volunteers in the Isle of Man.

To take up the challenge, simply contact or call into The Green Centre in Douglas on a Saturday (10am to 2pm) over the next few weeks and pick up a special pledge card which you can display at checkouts to show your commitment. It is hoped that the campaign will encourage people to change their ‘bag habits’ on a more permanent basis, and show retailers that consumers are turning their backs on disposable plastics.

With the worldwide demand for resources ever-rising, businesses are being urged to adopt strategies from an EU-derived ‘waste hierarchy’ for dealing with their waste materials. In terms of environmental impact, prevention – using less material and extending the life of products – is known to be the best option, ranked above recycling and reusing.

A number of supermarkets have already taken steps in the right direction but it’s up to consumers to give the sustain the momentum.

A spokesperson for Zero Waste Mann explained: ‘Based on a figure of 54,473 people (the number of people aged 16 to 64 according to the 2011 Isle of Man census), if each person shops twice a week for a year and accepts just two plastic bags each time, it comes out at 11,330,384 plastic bags in circulation per year – an incredible amount for a small island.

‘By making small changes, you can make a real contribution. If you’re out shopping, consider whether you really need that extra bag. Organising your shopping into fewer trips is likely to reduce the amount of plastic you take home. Most of all, try to get into the habit of taking those reusable bags with you every time you go to the shops.’

As far as the major supermarket retailers on the island go, most at least have a policy of keeping plastic bags ‘out of sight’ under the till unless requested by customers, with more environmentally friendly alternatives prominently displayed.

Marks & Spencer presently leads the way however, as the Douglas store charges 5p for each plastic bag given out. All the money goes to Groundwork, a UK environmental regeneration charity.

The charge for shopping bags was rolled out across M&S’s British Isles outlets after a trial in 50 of its stores in Northern Ireland and south-west England, which resulted in demand for polythene bags falling by more than 70 per cent. If that figure was replicated across the Marks & Spencer empire, 280 million fewer plastic bags would be used each year.

In May 2009 Castletown Commissioners were considering the possibility of banning plastic bags altogether from the town’s shops.

Chairman Alwyn Collister said the bags don’t burn particularly well in the incinerator, and they should appeal to the people of the town to curb their use. The commissioners eventually conceded they could not force a ban, and the expense of alternatives to plastic, on local traders.

The official launch of Give Up Plastic Bags For Lent will take place on Saturday February 18 at The Green Centre, with a special performance by SambaMann.

To add your name to Give Up Plastic Bags for Lent, call the Green Centre on 664796 or email greencentre@manx.net. Alternatively, visit the centre (on Market Street, below Chester Street car park), which is open on Saturdays from 10am to 2pm.

Not So Fantastic Plastic

• More than one million plastic bags are consumed per minute globally.

• The average ‘lifespan’ of an ordinary carrier bag is three minutes – but it will be decades before it begins to biodegrade.

• Plastic bags and packaging are a danger to marine wildlife such as turtles, which mistake them for food and die after ingesting them.

• The UK grocery industry alone uses enough carrier bags to cover the planet twice a year.

• Over 96 per cent of the 2.5 million tonnes of household plastics used in the UK each year ends up in landfill sites.

Links

{http://www.zerowastemann.org|www.zerowastemann.org}

{http://www.morsbags.com.morsbags.com}

FISH producer Paddy’s has joined forces with Robinson’s in a move that will see the business leaving its Port St Mary home.

As of Wednesday, the company’s production facility moved to Robinson’s Fresh Foods’ Cooil Road, Braddan, site as part of the merger between the fish divisions of the two companies.

The fish shop on the quay in Port St Mary has closed but may possibly re-open at the Robinson’s site in future.

Paddy’s boss Tim Croft confirmed that the merger has meant the loss of two part-time jobs. Both he and his brother Paddy will still be involved in the business of supplying and servicing local wholesale and restaurant customers, as well as the retail fish counters within Shoprite stores in Port Erin and Victoria Road, Douglas. The Paddy’s branding will remain.

John Horsthuis, managing director of Robinson’s, said: ‘This merger brings together two family-run businesses, each with a strong tradition of food service in the Isle of Man.

‘The strengths of both Robinson’s within the restaurant and wholesale sector and Paddy’s in retail will allow the new business arrangement to reach its strategic goals, which will lead to an enhanced offering for our customers in the island. We are very pleased to be a part of this new and exciting development.’

Mr Croft added: ‘The decision to leave Port St Mary was obviously a tough one, as it was where the Paddy’s story began. Since I started the business, much has happened in the retail and economic environment and in order to protect the business and for it to thrive and reach its full potential then we needed to change.

‘John and I feel strongly that by joining forces we will be able to offer our customers even more, with greater efficiencies and improved customer service.’

Fresh food trader Robinson’s has been operating in the island for over 125 years. From beginnings as a small fresh fruit shop in Strand Street, Douglas, the business now supplies a vast range of products island-wide with services to more than 80 per cent of the independent retailers, hotels, schools and the hospitals in the island.

Paddy’s began trading from the quay in Port St Mary in 2006 as the retail arm to the seafood export activities of Island Seafare. The business has grown steadily to date and offers seafood online via mail order as well as fish counters within two Shoprite stores.

WINDY with less rain and more sunshine is how the Met Office summed up January’s weather.

One of the most noticeable features of the weather was the change in temperature during the month.

A Met Office spokesman explained: ‘The start of the year saw strong south-westerly winds bringing relatively mild air up from the Atlantic.

However, by the end of the month the south-easterly winds were introducing much colder air from the continent.’

The average temperature for the month measured 7C which was 1C above the long term average.

It followed on from a warmer than average December, when both the daytime maximum and overnight minimum temperatures were 1C above the long term average.

The highest temperature of 12.2C was recorded at about 6am on January 3.

The warmer temperatures meant flowers such as wild primroses, blue periwinkles, fuchsia and crocuses made an earlier than expected appearance.

At the time forecaster Adrian Cowin told Manx Independent readers nature was ‘slightly confused about the milder temperatures and things are growing, and sooner than they should do’.

But by the end of the month the temperatures had dropped considerably and were struggling to reach 4C.

In fact, January 28 recorded the first air frost since March 2011. The minimum air temperature was minus 0.1 C and the Met Office recorded a temperature on the ground of minus 5.6C.

There were 65 hours of bright sunshine during the month, which is 20 per cent above normal. The sunniest day was January 13 with 5.8 hours.

Rainfall totalled 60.2mm at Ronaldsway, compared with the January average of 83mm. The wettest day was January 24 which saw 15.3mm fall at Ronaldsway.

The strong winds that dominated the latter part of 2011 continued well into January.

The average speed for the month was 19.4mph. It compares with a long-term average of 18mph.

The strongest winds were recorded on January 3 with a gust of 71mph measured at the airport.

There were no thunderstorms at Ronaldsway during the month but hail was observed on two days and sleet on January 26.

The Met Office forecast the cold spell to continue today (Friday) with a minimum temperature of minus 1C expected.

A frost or ground frost was forecast early, away from windward coasts.

And it said there was a possibility of sleet or snow on the hills.

It is expected to be a bit warmer over the weekend with temperatures ranging from 2C to 8C. Tomorrow (Saturday), up to 12mm of rain is forecast.

DOUGLAS B and Vagabonds B face each other in the first domestic final of the season this Saturday when the Manx Plate final gets underway at Ballafletcher.

The two sides have coincidentally met twice in the last three weeks with Douglas coming out winners on both occasions. Vagabonds will no doubt want to set the record straight this time around.

Both teams have had somewhat contrasting runs in the Shimmin Wilson Manx Shield this season. Vagas, for so long one of the dominant sides, have fallen away a little in recent years and this season, their fourth place means they will be playing for the Shimmin Wilson Manx Bowl later this month for perhaps the first time.

Douglas, however, have been going great guns and they will face Southern Nomads in a one off game in early March to decide the Shield title.

The results, especially those of the last two meetings, suggest that Douglas will start as favourites.

It will, however, be a big day at Vagabonds with their women’s and first team playing too.

The extra support may just give Vagas the lift they need to make it third time lucky against their old rivals.

VAGABONDS RUFC’s women’s side will play their first RFUW Championship North Two game of 2012 at Ballafletcher on Saturday. This weekend the Manx team welcome their old rivals Sheffield to the island.

The last clash saw the Connections Recruitment-sponsored side flatten Sheffield 24-0 in the snow.

The women will be looking for a repeat performance in this game as they aim to capitalise on their improvements of last year in defence and rucking.

Coach Bryan Kennaugh has yet to decide Vagas’ full line-up, but Rachel Purnell and Ann-Marie Rivers will be joined by captain Alana McCaughan and Natalie Bush in the engine room of the scrum, while Abbie Corkish takes up post at fly-half partnered by Joanne McCabe at scrum-half.

The Manx team will be eager to win scrums and get the ball out to the backs quickly to allow the wingers Rachel Clark and Denise Gimbert to ignite the pitch with their speed. With an early kick off of 11.30am, Ballafletcher will be the place to be this Saturday for some great rugby.

THE first round draw of the Cu-Plas FA Cup has paired together some unlikely bedfellows none more so than Premier League leaders St George’s and Division Two battlers Foxdale who meet at the latter’s Billy Goat Park ground on Saturday.

Chris Bass Sr’s undefeatables have Manx football’s grand slam in their sights and should advance into the hat for the competition’s quarter-finals if their array of island stars play to their potential.

The tight Dale pitch will even things up slightly for the hosts who are enjoying a good season in the second tier that could yet spawn a surprise Paul Henry Gold Cup space.

The westerners will need to produce a mighty performance though to derail their in-form opponents, but then again stranger things have happened in the cup in seasons of yore.

A Division Two side with probably a more realistic prospect of advancing past top-flight opposition is Onchan.

The Os currently sit third in the second tier standings and are still in with a chance of claiming one of the division’s two promotion spots. At the weekend they face an Ayre side that may very well replace them in the JCK-sponsored League next season.

The Tangerines are rock bottom of the Premier League having won just once all campaign.

However, player-manager James Teare’s men have produced some improved performances in recent weeks and will be looking forward to Saturday’s cup distraction.

This one could go either way and may yet prove to be one of the ties of the round.

Braddan will also be flying the flag for Division Two when they take on Castletown at Victoria Road.

The Swans have been inconsistent to say the least this season, but have mustered a win over promotion contenders Union Mills along the way.

Town’s top-flight nous, and the collective striking talent of Mark Wolfenden and Alex Crawley, will, however, install them as favourites to make the last-eight.

In one of three all-Premier League ties, Corinthians welcome Gymns to Ballafletcher.

Gymns are set for another battle against the drop and may see the cup as an unwelcome distraction. The Whites on the other hand will be keen to put a good run together and should advance through.

FOLLOWING last year’s ruling permitting venues other than churches and registry offices the authority to host weddings, The Claremont is pleased to be one of the first hotels in the island to be endorsed with a wedding licence.

The hotel recently undertook the first stage of a £2 million regeneration scheme.

The Claremont, on Loch Promenade, Douglas, will of course be able to accept bookings in time for February 14 – Valentine’s Day.

THE draw for the first round proper of the Cu-Plas FA Cup has thrown up several intriguing clashes which take place on Saturday afternoon.

Taking top billing is the match at Croit Lowey where two heavyweights go head-to-head, reigning champions Rushen United and cup specialists Peel.

In a repeat of last season’s final, which the Spaniards won 3-0, the southerners booked their passage to the first round thanks to a hard-fought 2-1 win away at Laxey while the westerners, who have lifted this trophy new fewer than 30 times, received a bye.

Any match between the Old Firm rivals is likely to be a fiery and hard-fought encounter where form goes out the window. Having said that, though, Rushen put on a good performance against Premier League champions St George’s last week and were perhaps unlucky not to gain a point so they should go into this contest as slight favourites.

The Sunset City side got off to a slow start this season but, under the guidance of player/manager Rob Cottier, have found their feet and have gradually climbed the table. They warmed up for this match in fine style with a resounding 7-0 victory over RYCOB, therefore should be full of confidence which could make for an open and entertaining match.

Elsewhere DHSOB will be looking to get back to winning ways when they face a tricky test up north at Ballacloan against Ramsey. Seen by many as title challengers this season, their league form has dipped recently so this competition could provide them with their best chance of silverware.

The northerners, though, will be no pushovers and remain the only team to have taken anything from Geordies thus far this season, as well as holding Old Boys to a 2-2 draw in November.

With the likes of Callum and Craig Stewart along with Gary and David Quirk, the visitors have more than enough attacking talent amidst their ranks to book their place in the next round but will have to wary of a potential shock.

The two remaining first round matches both see Premier League sides taking on Division Two outfits as St Mary’s welcome Douglas Royal to the Bowl while St John’s travel to Garey Mooar to take on in-form Union Mills.

St Mary’s will be firm favourites to brush aside their lower league opposition and have been on a good run of late, climbing up to second in the league table. However, Royal claimed a morale-boosting win over top four rivals Michael last time out and should not be written off completely, although the firepower at the Saints disposal should send them into the second round.

The Millers are currently on a fine run and went joint top of the second tier last weekend while St John’s have enjoyed a triumphant return to the top flight following their promotion last year and, having all but secured their survival, will be hoping to go all out for a good cup run.

All matches kick off at 2pm on Saturday afternoon.

THE match of the day in the Wi-Manx Men’s Premier Division takes place at QEII on Saturday afternoon when Paragon Valkyrs A meet IOMA Group Bacchas A.

Both sides have made unbeaten starts to the season and will be aiming to continue that in this match. The victor in this fixture will take pole position in the title race in what promises to be a close contest.

Wi-Manx Mens Division One

Paragon Valkys B will be looking to extend their winning streak when they meet HQ Harlequins A. The westerners currently top the league and will be hoping to add two more points here. Harlequins suffered their first defeat last weekend and will be aiming to return to winning ways.

Wi-Manx Men’s Division Two

IOMA Group Bacchas C will aim to maintain their 100 per cent start to the season when they meet Celton Manx Castletown C at King William’s College on Saturday afternoon.

The Tromode side currently top the division and will be confident of claiming maximum points. Castletown will need to improve on recent performances to avoid suffering defeat.

Wi-Manx Women’s Premier

The top game in the Wi-Manx Women’s Premier Division sees current league leaders IOMA Group Bacchas A meet Manx Telecom Vikings A. The Tromode side currently have maximum points so far and will be hoping to avoid dropping points to their title rivals. Kim Carney’s Vikings side have dropped a single point so far but will know they can’t afford another slip up if they are to retain their title.

Wi-Manx Women’s Division One

Celton Manx Castletown B title push continues on Saturday when they meet Fearless Saracens A. Emma Keig’s Town side currently have maximum points and will be hoping to maintain that record here. Saracens will be looking to bounce back from last weekend’s defeat in what promises to be a close game, but Castletown should emerge on top.

Wi-Manx Under-16 Mixed League

Manx Telecom Vikings will be looking to extend their lead at the top of the division when they meet Paragon Valkys at QEII on Saturday morning.

While Vikings will begin the game as favourites they can’t afford to underestimate their opponents or they could suffer a shock upset.

Saturday’s fixtures

Wi-Manx Men’s Premier Division

CM Skye Ramsey A

v Celton Manx Castletown A RGS 12.35pm

Unappointed, Gary Corkhill

Paragon Valkyrs A

v IOMA Group Bacchas A QEII 2.05pm

Jonathan Hull, Colin Kniveton

Manx Telecom Vikings A

v IOMA Group Bacchas B NSC 3.35pm

Mark Entwisle, Garreth Roome

Wi-Manx Men’s Division One

Celton Manx Castletown B

v IOMA Group Bacchas Colts CRHS 11.05am

Unappointed, John Harrison

Paragon Valkyrs B

v HQ Harlequins A CRHS 2.05pm

Unappointed, Laurence Watterson

Manx Telecom Vikings B

v Fearless Saracens A NSC 12.35pm

Dee Gimbert, Sandra Moore

Wi-Manx Men’s Division Two

IOMA Group Bacchas c

v Celton Manx Castletown C KWC 1.35pm

Unappointed, Paul Gould

Manx Telecom Vikings C

v Paragon Valkyrs C QEII 12.35pm

Jamie Brown, Andy Kneale

Wi-Manx Women’s Premier Division

Paragon Valkyrs A

v Celton Manx Castletown A CRHS 12.35pm

Peter Foxton, Tim Leeming

Paragon Valkyrs B

v CM Skye Ramsey A QEII 3.35pm

Unappointed, Karl Flint

Manx Telecom Vikings A

v IOMA Group Bacchas A NSC 2.05pm

Alan Buxton, John McCarrick

Manx Telecom Vikings B

v IOMA Group Bacchas B NSC 11.05am

Ian Duggua, James Russell

Wi-Manx Women’s Division One

Celton Manx Castletown B

v Fearless Saracens A KWC 12.05pm

Fran Tinkler, Unappointed

IOMA Group Bacchas C

v Paragon Valkyrs C RGS 2.05pm

Matt Grice, Rob McKenzie

CM Skye Ramsey B

v HQ Harlequins A RGS 11.05am

Ben Curtis, Sandra Smith

Manx Telecom Vikings C

v Celton Manx Castletown C KWC 3.05pm

James Shimmin, Unappointed

Wi-Manx Under-16 Mixed League

IOMA Group Bacchas

v CM Skye Ramsey RGS 3.35pm

Patrick Burton, Nat Smith

Paragon Valkyrs

v Manx Telecom Vikings QEII 11.05am

Lindsay Riordan, Unappointed

WITH just eight games left in their battle against relegation, every game is crucial for Ramsey in South Lancs/Cheshire Division Two.

This week’s trip to Southport is therefore no different with perhaps the possible exception that the game is eminently winnable. Southport are not too far ahead of Ramsey in the standings and they lost down at Trentham last week.

Statistically, however, the odds are against Ramsey. Southport have a fair home record having lost just three games. They’ve scored less than Ramsey but also conceded less, but despite their fairly low league position, they have the fourth best home defence stats in the league.

A big blow too for Ramsey is the absence of top points scorer and vice skipper Fintan Cummins. He’s been summonsed for a routine non-rugby op and will miss all of February while he convalesces.

This could be an opportunity for Ali Trace to step up to the plate. The youngster is something of a utility back and he could well fill the gap temporarily. The natural replacement 10 at Ramsey would normally be Nick McCudden but he is out for the season which means limited choices for the coaching team.

With a full strength side, Ramsey would be expected to come away from this game with something for their troubles. In Cummins’s absence, however, they may be counting on their relegation rivals to slip up.

MANX National Heritage contributes about £23m to the island’s economy and employs in the region of 800 people, according to new research.

Two pieces of research commissioned a year ago looked first, at the economic impact of the organisation, and second, at how it could be developed in the future.

Research by the company ECORYS found the contribution to the island’s gross domestic product was even greater – at about £30m – if the indirect benefits were taken into account. Similarly, taking into account those employed indirectly through MNH, the figure of 800 increased to around 1,000, the report said. Unpaid volunteers gave the equivalent of £58,400 of work to the organisation, which will receive £3.8m of government funding in the coming year.

Manx National Heritage director Edmund Southworth told an audience assembled at the Manx Museum in Douglas on Monday to hear the results of the research that the organisation had enjoyed a statutory role for the past 125 years.

But in spite of this he added: ‘Not everyone is absolutely clear about what this organisation does. We are guardians of the island’s heritage and cultural assets and, where money is tight, we have to spend our money wisely.’

Researchers Headland Design conducted the survey, soliciting opinions from visitors and residents as well as members of the public in Belfast, Liverpool, Glasgow, Manchester and London who were asked about their perception of the island as a holiday destination.

The company said it had been overwhelmed by the range and quality of what the island had to offer but said many information plaques and guides were ‘too didactic’ or ‘worthy but wordy’ and sites could be lacking in fun and family orientated activities.

Signs were sometimes unclear, neglected, confusing or unwelcoming – one listing no fewer than nine prohibited activities at St Michael’s Isle was cited as an example. The survey identified very low awareness of the Isle of Man amongst potential visitors, lack of publicity, the cost of getting here and that MNH sites are targeted at the one-off tourist rather than repeat visitors: only 16 per cent of locals visit the sites. However, one third of the island’s visitors have been more than 10 times.

Goals for the future included changing or clarifying the Manx National Heritage name, working in partnership with government departments and private sector, developing the website, improving visitor information at attractions and introducing more child and family activities. They added that a TT museum or attraction should be considered and natural assets such as lack of light pollution for astronomers, the Viking heritage, and natural beauty in the coastlines, countryside and glens should be exploited.

Creating interactive, activity-led family-friendly areas and providing school holiday and family activities throughout the year was also suggested and another recommendation was to lobby for a stronger tourism development.

James MacDonald is a son of the British Empire, a rich tea planter in India with a distinguished family history ... the lives of his two beautiful daughters should be mapped out for comfort and wealth.

There’s just one giant stumbling block for Serafina and Mary – their mother is James’s Indian concubine and that means the girls were born illegitimately from two different worlds but belong to neither.

In the claustrophobic colonial climate of the 1920s, their very existence is a social and cultural disaster for both parents, and one which will affect the fate and fortunes of both girls.

In a novel spanning over 80 years of history, Alison McQueen carves out the gripping and heartbreaking story of two young women who must endure prejudice and risk everything if they are to find a place for themselves in a cruel world.

Their journey to belong will take them through cataclysmic events like the Second World War and the turmoil of Indian independence and into a new and uncertain dawn...

In Assam in 1925, James MacDonald has taken India to his heart and made it his own, his life inextricably entwined with the jewel in his king’s crown.

The remote tea plantation suits his introverted temperament and he feels perfectly in tune with the harmonious flow of the seasons.

He has no interest in the wide-eyed English girls sent out to India in search of a suitable husband and instead decides to satisfy his occasional loneliness with a ‘clean and pure’ Indian girl who should feel it an honour to be chosen as his concubine.

Enter Chinthimani, fresh from a family ‘cursed’ with four daughters and a father only too happy to hand over what he regards as ‘a dishonourable burden.’

James falls for her instantly but the locals, unsure of where she comes from, believe she might not be a human at all but the daughter of one of the gods, sent to do their bidding.

Others whisper that Chinthimani will be his downfall...

It’s a heady time for the teenager who revels in her new status, resplendent and beautiful in her happiness and good fortune despite having to live in secret quarters away from the main house.

What wasn’t in the script was Chinthimani falling pregnant – twice – and producing two daughters who, however beguiling they are, threaten to bring shame on James’s family because they have mixed the heritage of his bloodline.

The two girls grow up strong and well fed, but always hidden away. Their strange names, paler skin and hair that waves mark them out in the nearby village where they are forbidden to play with local children.

Serafina, the older sister, is proud, handsome and demanding while Mary is trusting, compliant and good-natured. Both will be tested when events mean that they must move away from all they have ever known and make choices that will last a lifetime.

McQueen was inspired by her own family history and this gives added impetus, realism and resonance to a tale which is rich in emotion, cultural complexity and India’s vibrant landscape.

Her characters are beautifully imagined ... the relationship between the two sisters is lovingly developed as their contrasting lives intertwine through war, partition, hardship and happiness.

She portrays the cultural chasm between Indian native and British colonialist with care and compassion to create a sweeping and moving saga that will live long in the memory.

(Orion, hardback, £9.99)