The TT Challenge Beach Race will take place today on Douglas beach.

The high speed off-road action will start at around 7pm after practising at 6.30pm.

Racing fans can watch the event from the promenade walkway opposite the Palace Hotel.

The event will feature quad bikes and motorbikes.

A daughter is threatening legal action after her elderly mother was injured after being trapped in the door at the Co-op store in Onchan.

Doris Lay, 91, had been an active and independent lady who until very recently had enjoyed going on world cruises and holidays in Cyprus.

But her daughter Diana Coad says her mother’s health has deteriorated since anincident in March when Doris got trapped in the sliding door at the Onchan Co-op, lost her balance and toppled down the slope into the road.

Back home in Lakeside Gardens, Onchan, after a spell in a nursing home, she now requires near round the clock care.

Diana, a Tory councillor for Slough Borough Council in Berkshire, said: ‘This has changed her life - and I don’t know whether it will shorten her life. She’s my mum and I can’t bear to see her like this.

‘She’s got carers in virtually 24 hours a day. They have to help her get up and get dressed. Before this accident mum would go out two or three times a week and walk to the shops and back. She did her own washing, ironing and cleaning. She always had a strong grasp of current affairs but now her memory has been shot to pieces by the trauma.

‘This is all through no fault of her own. The Co-op are just saying this is not their responsibility. They way they have behaved is absolutely disgraceful.’

Doris, who had got about with the assistance of a wheeled walker, had been to the blood clinic at Noble’s Hospital when she was dropped off at the Co-op on March 6.

Her daughter, who has stood for election as an MP in Slough and in the West Midlands, said: ‘While she was in the shop the door’s electrics were playing up, opening and closing and then not completely closing or not completely opening.

‘The door started to close on her. She was trying to hold the door back with her other hand on the walker. Mum was half outside and lost her balance and she tried to grab hold of the walker. She toppled down the slope and into the road.’

Diana said her mum’s injuries could have risked being exacerbated because a member of staff lifted her up by the arm and walked her back into the store.

She said it was costing £1,500 a week to pay for round the clock care.

The family’s lawyer Pervez Choudhury told the Manx Independent said: ‘She was a very independent lady, very active for her age. But now she has difficulty in doing her normal routine.

‘In ideal circumstances we would not look to issue legal proceedings. There would be a lot of costs to take this matter to court but if push came to shove we will do it. Unfortunately the Co-op is not co-operating. They are adamant that no they won’t accept liability. They have supplied copies of the CCTV footage which they say shows she was already outside when she fell down.’

He said his clients were not seeking damages only the costs of Doris’s rehabilitation in terms of nursing care and home care. Mr Choudhury said that given Doris’s age, Co-op should act quickly to settle the claim.

A spokesperson for The Co-operative Food said: ‘We are sorry that Mrs Lay suffered a fall outside our Onchan store, and we wish her a full recovery. Staff immediately went to Mrs Lay’s assistance, and rang for an ambulance.

‘After carrying out a thorough investigation into the circumstances we do not believe The Co-operative is in any way liable for this unfortunate incident. CCTV footage shows that Mrs Lay was clear of the door and that she fell on the pavement after she had exited the store.’

Sports star of the future Finley Canipa toddled away with his first gold medal after winning at a UK sporting event.

He took gold at the 20th Dwarf Sports Association (DSA) National Games, held at Alexander Stadium in Birmingham.

Finley, aged two, who has a form of dwarfism called achondroplasia, impressed the crowds with his ability and accuracy at an indoor version of the winter sport curling.

Paralympic star Ellie Simmonds, who won two golds in the pool at the London Paralympics, presented children with their medals. Ellie, who also has achondroplasia, is a patron of the DSA, a charity which aims to ensure regular sporting opportunity is accessible and enjoyable to everyone of restricted growth.

Finley’s mum, Kristy said: ‘It gives him the opportunity to compete on competitive level. Sport is such a positive tool and will help build on his confidence and determination.

‘Although Finley has dwarfism, it will never hold him back in anything he hopes to achieve. We are all so proud of him, and I have no doubts he will continue to amaze us as he grows up.’

Kristy, of Douglas, founded Finley’s Footsteps Fund after a successful campaign to raise awareness in the island. Over £12,000 was raised for Rebecca House and the DSA.

It continue to raise funds and work with the DSA to include the island as part of the north west. It will continue to promote the development of sport for people of restricted growth and enable them to enter into and compete in sport on an equal footing.

Kristy will continue to work with schools and organisations to raise awareness. The fund will also provide sporting equipment and other adaptations.

Chief Minister Allan Bell hopes to see ‘real progress’ on the introduction of equality legislation by the end of the year.

He said he wanted to speed up the progress of an Equality Bill, based on the UK Equality Act 2010, after a lesbian couple were refused the tenancy of a flat in Ramsey because of their sexual orientation.

‘There’s a few more gaps than I realised initially in our provision,’ he said.

‘I have asked the draftsman and the Department of Economic Development, who also has an interest in this, to consider the best way to bring a new Bill forward which can be done quickly and simply.’

The Chief Minister said the timing, with a raft of legislation being brought forward, was ‘unfortunate’, adding: ‘I hope we will see real progress on it by the end of the year.’

He said government’s quick response and belief the action was ‘completely unacceptable’ ‘considerably limited the amount of off-island damage’ caused despite ‘extensive coverage’ in the UK.

The UK Equality Act covers discrimination on factors including sexual orientation, age, religion, disability, race and sex. It covers areas such as work, education and as a consumer.

Continent 8 Technologies has appointed Bruce Craig as a senior network analyst in the island.

Bruce, a highly skilled network engineer with 13 years’ experience within the telecommunications sector, joins the Continent 8 Global Network Operation Team supporting the company’s worldwide hosting and connectivity services.

John Stone, for the company, said, ‘Continent 8 are delighted to have attracted such a well-respected and qualified engineer. Bruce’s skills and experience greatly complement our plans for the expansion of our global network, and the enhancements we are currently making to our portfolio of services.

‘Bruce’s appointment will enable us to immediately augment our expertise around Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) solutions for both hosted and non-hosted customers’.

Bruce said: ‘I am excited to join a company at a time of local and global expansion.’

With the TT mountain course winding through the heart of the village, there’s no avoiding motorbikes at this time of year for Ballaugh.

Organised by police officer Steve Grainger, class R2 – of children aged six to eight – of Ballaugh Primary School received a visit from representatives from the police, fire and rescue service and TT marshals to highlight the important of road safety with so much increased traffic.

Head teacher Dr Graeme Cushnie said the school was pleased to host some of the people that help keep the public and competitors safe during the TT Festival.

He said: ‘The children got to find out about the safety equipment that is carried by the motorbikes and vans of the fire service, police and marshals as well as to ask many interesting questions.

‘We always want the children to learn about different roles and jobs, and they all enjoyed it.’

He added: ‘We were very pleased that Mr Grainger was able to arrange the visit to Ballaugh School and help the children deepen their understanding of how the public and competitors are kept as safe as possible during the TT festival, the course for which bisects our village.’

Pictured above with Dave Cowley and the fire service’s bike are Roo Hyatt, Daniel and Criag Long on the bike, Alice Craig standing, and kneeling from left are Rachel Radcliffe, Lizzie Radcliffe, Lucy Field and Hermione Russell.

This week (June 1 to 7) is Volunteer Week and Kemmyrk, the charity for the homeless, is taking the opportunity to thank the people who help it.

A spokesman said: ‘We would like to take the time to recognise and thank all our host families who give their time and a spare room to help young people who need emergency, short-term accommodation.’

One person helped by Kemmyrk’s Nightstop project was a 15-year-old called Hannah.

The charity says that she was unable to live with her family and had been sofa-surfing at friends’ houses. She eventually ended up sleeping rough and even slept in public toilets.

Hannah would like to thank the family who not only gave her a place to stay, but gave her a fresh start.

‘I was referred to NightStop through Kemmyrk,’ she said. ‘It was two weeks before my 16th birthday and I had no other option but to be placed with a host family.

‘It was the most nerve-wracking and awkward experience for me and probably them too. Going to a place you don’t know and sleeping in a house with people you don’t know but yet they are willing to help regardless.

‘The two people I met in those two weeks are still the most kind, loving and influential people I have ever met. Becky has a big heart and will make time for anyone that needs it whilst Anthony is the most sarcastic but honest person I know who always manages to make me laugh.

‘I have known them now for four years and throughout that time they have become the family I always needed, giving me confidence to do what I want, the guidance and encouragement but also the love and support I needed.’

With the help and support of her host family and the staff at Kemmyrk Hannah now has gained qualifications at college, worked full time for two years and lives independently.

Logistics provider Trade Distribution Limited, (TDL) has secured a major contract with UK kitchen and bathroom design and manufacturing company, AKW.

AKW supplies products for people requiring mobility support to local authorities, housing associations and contractors throughout the UK and counts logistics as central to ensuring a consistent quality customer experience.

‘Securing this contract is not only a coup for TDL,’ said operations director Vic van den Heever, ‘it is also an opportunity to demonstrate our sophisticated parcel delivery system where, in this instance, the service will be provided using a fleet of AKW-branded vehicles that operate out of six UK distribution centres.’

AKW group operations director Bruce Lockton said: ‘We can now offer a one-to-one service with products being collected from our warehouse and delivered to the customer with minimal in-transit handling.’ AKW will benefit from TDL’s planning optimisation system which provides the client with real-time communications and complete visibility of every order in transit.

AKW group logistics director Sara Elliott said: ‘With this system, drivers effectively have their own administrative office in their vehicle.’

TDL managing director Steve Pickett said: ‘Although the UK logistics market is highly competitive, we have a culture of high standards and proven service levels, which has contributed greatly in winning this contract.

‘It is particularly pleasing for us, as a Manx company, to continue to build on our success in the UK, by adding a further blue-chip account to our customer portfolio.’

A man is in hospital after being seriously injured in a road accident on Tuesday.

Police are investigating the incident.

Inspector Derek Flint said: ‘About 2.20pm we were called to the scene of a road traffic collision at the 32nd Milestone, just back up the one way system on the Mountain Road from Windy Corner.

‘It appears to have involved a single, red Honda motorcycle, ridden by a man from Nottingham. He was transferred by ambulance and is undergoing treatment for serious injuries at this time.

‘We were on scene for several hours whilst the area was examined.

‘Although we spoke to several witnesses at the scene, anyone who witnessed the collision is asked to contact us at the roads policing unit office on 631212.’

Today’s TT schedule is as follows:

9.30am: Roads closed TT mountain section

10am: Roads closed rest of the course

10.45am: Race 3. SES TT Zero Race (1 lap)

12pm: Monster Energy Supersport Race 2 (4 laps)

2.15pm: Sure Sidecar Race 2

3.50pm: PokerStars Senior TT Practice

4.10pm: bikesocial.co.uk Lightweight TT Practice

5pm: Roads open Grandstand to Ramsey

6pm: Roads open (Mountain section)

Roads close from 9.30am

9.30am Roads closed TT Mountain section

10am: Roads closed rest of the Course

10.45am: Race Three SES TT Zero Race (One lap)

12pm Monster Energy Supersport Race Two (Four laps)

2.15pm Sure Sidecar Race 2

3.50pm PokerStars Senior TT Practice

4.10pm bikesocial.co.uk Lightweight TT Practice

5pm Roads open Grandstand to Ramsey

6pm Roads open (Mountain section)

Hospital bosses say they are taking action to address serious concerns raised by Noble’s consultants about standards of care for acutely ill patients.

Meanwhile, an independent working party, set up to consider the recommendations of the inquiry into the Mid-Staffordshire NHS Trust scandal, is considering an anonymous letter distributed to Tynwald members last month which claims problems at Noble’s bear many similarities to the Mid Staffordshire crisis.

It refers to a letter sent six months ago to medical director Stephen Upsdell signed by 10 named consultants - and now leaked to the Examiner - which called for urgent action to review services in light of their increasing concerns at ‘shortcomings in the management of acutely unwell patients presenting to the hospital’.

That letter adds: ‘We feel that these are not isolated incidents but instead represent a continuing trend we have all observed. Attempts to raise concerns about poor practice and systems failures are not, we feel, taken sufficiently seriously by the hospital management.

‘This is a cause of considerable professional anxiety and frustration, with serious consequences for patients.’

Hospital manager Barbara Scott said the concerns raised were being taken seriously and an action plan was being developed that would lead to possible significant changes to systems and processes.

‘We were so shocked when we got that letter,’ she said. ‘It came out of the blue.’

A number of the consultants had withdrawn their support for the letter immediately, she added.

She denied there was comparison with the situation at Mid-Staffs – and she claimed the anonymous letter contained significant inaccuracies.

She added: ‘We can always do better. I want people to feel comfortable and able to raise any concerns they have. They will be listened to, their concerns taken on board and action taken.’

The anonymous letter sent to MHKs and MLCs claims there has been ‘absolutely no meaningful or definitive action’ taken by hospital management or the Department of Health since the consultants put their concerns in writing.

That letter, also seen by the Isle of Man Examiner, urges Health Minister David Anderson and chief executive David Killip to ‘take full responsibility for the current state of Noble’s Hospital, which at present bears many similarities to Mid Staffs, particularly regarding the style of management’.

It alleges patient safety is regularly put at risk by understaffing on the wards, staff are actively discouraged from reporting incidents and the Air Ambulance service is in ‘complete disarray’.

It says people would be horrified to learn that there was not round the clock qualified anaesthetic assistance available for expectant mothers and emergency patients. This is a ‘grave cause for concern’ which had the potential to lead to the death of a mother and her unborn child, says the author.

But hospital manager Ms Scott insisted there was no neglect of patients at her hospital, mortality ratios were in line with the UK average and numbers of complaints were slightly lower than the UK average.

She insisted that understaffing on wards was not an issue generally. The case for a consultant lead trauma team was being looked at, she explained. The hospital does have a trauma team during TT, she pointed out and it was a question of whether it was necessary and relevant to operate one year-round.

Asked if there were problems with the Air Ambulance, Ms Scott replied: ‘None whatsoever. The service is working extremely well.’

She said that any members of clinical staff could log an incident report with the hospital’s PRISM system which would be investigated. ‘We can’t stop people putting a complaint on PRISM. It’s open and anybody with access to the system can see it.’

She said number of incidents remained fairly static. ‘There’s no massive unexpected peak,’ she said.

Ms Scott said the hospital does not have a resident operating department assistant working with an anaesthetist and instead ODAs are on-call. She confirmed that Noble’s had not been complying with the changed guidelines on this due to lack of resources although patient care had not been affected.

She said headcount had not been found to support a full-time ODA working on site round the clock.

The hospital managers said the author of the letter was wrong to hide behind anonymity. ‘It contains sigificant inaccuracies. They have not got their facts right, If people are going to raise concerns and they’ve got evidence we need to be able to talk to them.’

Liberal Vannin has called for an external independent audit of Noble’s Hospital.

Douglas South Lib Van MHK Kate Beecroft said: ‘I do not understand why the department has been dragging its heels. I applaud the writer of this anonymous letter for bringing the issues detailed to the attention of all MHKs and I hope that this courage will be rewarded by the Health Minister finally taking appropriate action.’

Mike Coleman MLC will be the independent chair of the working group set up to respond to the 18 recommendations of the Francis Report into the scandal at Mid-Staffs where as many as 1,200 patients lost their lives as the result of appalling care.

Health Minister David Anderson said the working group will identify those recommendations of Francis that apply to the Manx NHS and prioritise any areas that require further work.

Police are investigating a disturbance at The Wave Shelters, The Promenade, Port Erin, on Monday at about 11pm.

One 17-year-old youth was arrested for assaulting another male and has subsequently now been charged with assault and kept in police custody overnight pending an appearance at court first thing this morning.

Police sergeant Gary Heaton said: ‘I understand that this shelter is a gathering point for young people in the town but let me make it absolutely clear to everyone – if you cause public disorder or assault people in the south you are likely to find yourself in court the following day.

‘The police will always be fair to the young people in our town so enjoy the beach and summer events which Port Erin has to offer but drunkenness, public disorder and violence will not be tolerated.’

If you witnessed anything or have any information that you think may be relevant then contact Port Erin police on 832222 or the anonymous Crimestoppers Line on 0800 555 111.

Welshman will bow out after Friday’s Senior

IAN Lougher will ride his final TT on Friday.

Fifty next month, the popular Welshman announced his retirement from the TT earlier this week.

He has been a major supporter of road racing in general and the TT in particular for the past 30 years.

Lougher made his debut in the 1984 Historic TT when finishing runner-up to American Dave Roper, one year after finishing third behind Robert Dunlop and Steve Hislop in the 1983 Newcomers 350cc MGP.

Since then, Lougher has chalked up no fewer than 10 TT wins (all bar four on the Mountain Course), putting him alongside many of the all-time greats.

He has started 118 TTs and finished 94, which is a record number of starts (Dave Madsen-Mygdal is marginally ahead on finishes).

Don’t miss our coverage of all today’s TT action.

Go to the special section of our website by {http://www.iomtoday.co.im/sport/isle-of-man-tt-manx-grand-prix|clicking here.}

Utopia hair salon, in Douglas, is the latest business to show its support to The Jane’s Big Push.

The campaign is raising money for Noble’s Hospital’s maternity unit.

Last week, staff from the salon presented a cheque for £205 – proceeds from a cake sale – to campaign representatives.

More than £6,000 has now been raised since its launch in March.

The charity With Women Worldwide is spearheading The Jane’s Big Push, backed by our sister paper the Manx Independent.

With Women Worldwide secretary Anne Graham said: ‘I’m delighted with the progress we’re making towards our £20,000 target, which is thanks to the support of the community.

‘We’ve held a wide range of fundraising events, including a fabulous May Ball last month, and we have lots more in the pipeline. We’d welcome support from anyone who would like to raise money for our worthwhile cause.

‘And we’d love to hear from any business interested in matching our efforts.’

People with a head for heights are encouraged to sign up for an abseil, taking place at Maughold Head on July 21 and 22.

The entry fee is £15 and the minimum sponsorship to be raised is £100.

Anyone interested should email chrissie50@manx.net

Money raised during the nine-month campaign will be used by midwives working to refurbish two rooms on the labour ward into a home-from-home birthing room.

It will provide a much more relaxed and low-tech environment. Donations can be made to With Women Worldwide and sent to The Secretary, Anne Graham, 10 Lezayre Park, Ramsey, IM8 2PU.

A volleyball promotion held at the Villa Marina in Douglas attracted at least 50 participants and a number of spectators.

The occasion was part of a wider UK initiative by the Volleyball England Association which saw similar events taking place around the British Isles to promote the sport.

The plan was to cash in on the interest in sport after the 2012 London olympics and the promotion, known as Go Spike takes its name from ‘spiking’ which is an attacking shot in volleyball.

Roberto Villani, a member of the Isle of Man volleyball club and one of the organisers said he was pleased with the interest they had generated.

‘We certainly picked the right day for it,’ he said.

‘Some of us even got sunburned. It was a great day.’

The club set up two volleyball courts in the grassy area in the Villa Marina Gardens and during the course of the day a steady flow of people took part.

‘Most people took quite naturally to it. It was very informal game play really and as some people left others would join in and take their place,’ he said.

The court set up a men’s court, which has an eight-foot net and a women’s court which has a net six inches lower.

‘It was very well received and a lot of people did not know there was a club in the island. It was nice to have some exposure and in that respect it was very successful for us. I think we will be able to judge our conversion rate (into new members) in the next few weeks. It was certainly a big benefit being in such a prominent location.’

The Isle of Man Volleyball Club meets Monday evenings 7pm to 9pm at Onchan community centre. For more information see www.iomvolleyballclub.co.uk or email volleyballisleofman@manx.net

A summer of social and fun-based touch rugby events have been scheduled around the island.

Manx Sport and Recreation’s rugby development officer Ian Williams said the programme of the non-contact version of the game is ‘all about having fun, enjoying a run around and socialising with like-minded people’.

Everyone can take part and it is aimed at attracting teams in the corporate, business, family and work sectors, and is open to men, women and people of all abilities.

In the interests of fairness, only two current rugby players are allowed in each team, with teams being six-a-side on the pitch with a squad size of ten.

There is pre-tournament training on offer for those that would like to try it before entering.

There are six rounds in the tournament held at three venues, they are: Ramsey Rugby Club at Mooragh Park on June 12, Douglas Rugby Club at Port-E-Chee near Quaterbridge on June 26, and Vagabonds Rugby Club at Ballafletcher next to Noble’s Hospital in Braddan on July 10.

The second round stops in on Douglas Rugby Club on July 24, Ramsey Rugby Club on August 7, and Vagabonds Rugby Club on August 21.

There is an entry fee of £100 per team, which covers the whole team for all six events. There is free food, refreshments and a rugby ball for each team.

Garry Vernon is the main contact, he can be contacted on 499600 or garryvernon@manx.net

More information on the sport can be found from Ian Williams on 686808, 487965, or ian.williams@gov.im

Noah’s Ark Nursery, established in Laxey 40 years ago and the village’s only pre-school facility, will need new owners if it is to survive into the autumn term.

Staff and parents have been told that current operators, The Salvation Army, was hoping to offload the nursery onto new management by July 19.

Salvation Army north west commander Major Mike Highton said: ‘The decision is we’re no longer able to manage the nursery, we’re a Christian organisation and a nursery is not our main role. We have a broad remit, but limited resources. It’s difficult for the ministers in the island to manage the nursery as new things come on board, so we’re looking for someone to take over that management.’

One of five staff at Noah’s Ark, Yvonne Crawford said that parents were concerned for the future of pre-school care in the area, given the tight timescale, even setting up a Facebook group to help search for new sponsors.

She said 53 children were registered until July, with 40 signed up already for the autumn term at the nursery, which is housed in the former Salvation Army church in Shore Road and operates during term time only.

Having worked there for 11 years, Yvonne added that until last week there had been no suggestion Noah’s Ark would be facing closure; there had even been decorating work recently done.

Major Highton said he recognised Laxey is a small community with only one nursery, but said he was optimistic they could find someone to take over in time, with four prospective providers having already come forward, including offers from parents.

‘The nursery has had its ups and downs, but it has a good reputation,’ he added.

Parents have also sought the help of Garff MHK and Speaker of the House of Keys Steve Rodan, who has been in touch with the Salvation Army since the announcement.

Mr Rodan said: ‘If Noah’s Ark were to go it would be a huge blow to the village of Laxey, because it has been important for families over the years. My own children went there actually, and it’s a feeder to Laxey Primary School.

‘It is a fairly short time to get something else in place, though I have spoken to the Salvation Army, who have given me assurance there will be flexibility over the timescale. They want to pass on the management to others; I understand they have got the details of all the other nursery providers in the island.

‘We have never had a Department of Education pre-school facility in Laxey, families have always relied on the private nursery.’

‘I’m obviously concerned on behalf of the parents, but we have to be positive and hope there will be another provider, there is obviously a demand there. It would be a great opportunity for somebody.’

Against the background of challenging economic times and a rise in employment dispute cases the society was grateful to Deemster Roberts for sharing her extensive knowledge of tribunal hearing procedures with more than 40 members of the Manx Bar, including trainees.

Attendees heard how employment tribunals were very different from court hearings. Deemster Roberts stressed that employment law was complicated and multi-faceted and that, in respect of claimants seeking a conciliated settlement, it was very much ‘personality-centred’ with money never being the sole consideration.

‘Hurt, anger and grievance’ were all common factors, she said.

Fairness to all was key, explained Deemster Roberts, urging advocates to prepare well in advance and identify conflicts early.

Advocates should also recognise it was likely that some parties would be reluctant to engage in the tribunal process.

With legal aid not available for proceedings before an employment tribunal significant numbers of claimants were unrepresented.

Deemster Roberts cautioned: ‘You will often get surprises when evidence from unrepresented parties is being heard, so you need to be flexible and mentally agile.

‘I pay tribute to the advocates who have appeared in the tribunal in respect of their patience and understanding towards unrepresented participants.

‘Long may this continue,’ she added.

It was important advocates possessed an extensive knowledge of employment law, from pensions to perks, commission to contracts, but most of all, said Deemster Roberts, they must always ‘expect the unexpected.’

For more information about the Isle of Man Law Society visit www.iomlawsociety.co.im