Great play by Jaco Jansen and Phil Richardson kept Cronkbourne top of the Standard Bank Premiership on Saturday.

The Tromode outfit defeated Ramsey by nine wickets to open up a 23-point gap over second-placed Peel and St John’s.

In the opening stages of the match, however, it was the northern club who were making the running.

Eddie Cleator and Rob Webber had a fine opening stand before Cleator was run out on 46 and Webber fell to Chris Hewson for 23.

The next batsmen faltered before Richardson entered the attack. In four stunning overs he destroyed the middle order and tail with five wickets for just six runs. All his victims were clean bowled.

The northern club were dismissed for 146 and then faced an amazing display from Jansen. Opening the innings with Max Stokoe, he hit a spectacular 94, which included 11 fours and no fewer than five sixes.

He needed just six runs to complete his century when he was caught on the boundary by Ollie Webster off the bowling of Matt Grice.

Adam Killey cracked the winning runs with Stokoe undefeated on 28.

Castletown recovered from 76 for 6 to defeat Peel and St John’s at King William’s College. Skipper Garreth Roome led the fight back with 42 and was well supported by Brendan Coleman who made 36 not out.

Town ended their 40 overs on a respectable 172 for 8. Chris Hawke did the damage for the western side by taking 5-30.

Their hopes of victory were dented by the loss of two quick wickets, but Tom Gascoyne (28) and Akkie Van Den Berg (25) fought back.

Tight bowling from Mark Williams (3-30) dashed any hopes of a win for the visitors who ended on 130.

At Marown the Valkyres’ batsmen ran up a creditable 194 for 9 against Crosby.

Chris Langford shone with an excellent 66, Ryan Windell made 34 and Tom Reader crashed 23.

Jack Rowlands led the home reply with a gritty 89 not out.

Martyn Oates hit 32, while the hard-working Langford topped the bowlers’ chart with 2-36.

This was Crosby’s second Premiership win and bodes well for the rest of their campaign, particularly as they were missing key players through injury and holiday.

Standard Bank Premiership

Ramsey 146 (Eddie Cleator 46, Rob Webber 23: Phil Richardson 5-6, Jaco Jansen 2-24); Cronkbourne 150 for 1 (Jaco Jansen 94, Max Stokoe 28no: Matt Grice 1-4). Cronkbourne won by nine wickets.

Valkyres 194 for 9 (Chris Langford 66, Ryan Windell 34: Dave Picken 3-28); Crosby 198 for 4 (Jack Rowlands 89no, Martyn Oates 32: Chris Langford 2-36, Ryan Windell 1-38). Crosby won by six wickets.

Castletown 172 for 8 (Garreth Roome 42, Brendan Coleman 36no: Chris Hawke 5-30, Greg Hawke 1-25); Peel and St John’s 130 (Tom Gascoyne 28, Akkie van der Berg 25: Mark Williams 3-30, Andrew Ronan 2-11). Castletown won by 42 runs.

Peel and St John’s 304 for 3 (Greg Hawke 125no, Chris Hawke 55: Harry Rothwell 3-37); Crosby 222 for 6 (Danny Kniveton 115no, Shaun Grobbelaar 29: Akkie Van Den Berg 2-28, Nick Hawke 1-28). Ramsey won by 82 runs.

Standard Bank Cain League

Castletown A v Peel/St John’s A and Cronkbourne A v Ramsey A : Games abandoned without a ball being bowled (rain). One point to each side.

Standard Bank Forrester Division One

Ramsey B 162 for 5 (Shaun Kelly 83, Greg Rawlinson 19: Matt Killip 2-15, Chris Cunningham 2-19); Union Mills 166 for 2 (Bruce Wagstaff 104no, Manoj Patel 25: Dominic Howard 2-24). Union Mills won by eight wickets.

Castletown B 109 (Dan Laughlin 35, Jack Newberry 19: James Harrison 3-12, Phil Richardson 2-13); Cronkbourne B 111 for 5 (Dave Smith 30, Nathan Knights 21: Gayan Dissanayake 2-19, Andrew Ronan 2-42). Cronkbourne won by five wickets.

Crosby B 147 for 9 (Shaun Grobbelaar 38, Harry Rothwell 26: Colin Gilbert 3-30, Matt Wozniak 1-21); Peel and St John’s B 148 for 5 (Dean Wales 71no, Will Bayley 36: Gareth Rowlands 2-23, Dave Picken 2-23). Peel and St John’s won by five wickets.

Under-14 League

Cronkbourne (202) beat Finch Hill (90) by 112 runs.

CRICKET FIXTURES DIARY

Monday, June 10

Standard Bank Blincoe Cup (6.30pm)

Paddy Power Union Mills v Ramsey B

Standard Bank Forrester One (6.30pm)

Ronaldsway v Peel and St John’s B

Standard Bank Forrester Two (6.30pm)

Celton Manx Castletown C v

Best Group Finch Hill B

Valkyres B v Grasshoppers

Tuesday, June 11

Standard Bank Cain League (6.30pm)

Celton Manx Castletown A v Ramsey A

Peel and St John’s A v

Nedbank Private Wealth Crosby A

Valkyres A v Baker Tilly IoM Cronkbourne A

Wednesday, June 12

Standard Bank Forrester One (6.30pm)

Paddy Power Union Mills v

Baker Tilly IoM Cronkbourne B

Celton Manx Castletown B v

Best Group Finch Hill A

Ramsey B v Nedbank Private Wealth Crosby B

Thursday, June 13

Standard Bank Blincoe Cup (6.30pm)

Grasshoppers v Peel and St John’s B

Best Group Finch Hill A v Ronaldsway

(Match sponsored by Gelling Johnson Farrant)

Friday, June 14

Under-11 League (6.30pm)

Celton Manx Castletown v Baker Tilly Cronkbourne B

Cronkbourne A v Ramsey

Best Group Finch Hill v Nedbank Private Wealth Crosby

(Match sponsored by Colas)

Saturday, June 15

Standard Bank Tinker Cup (1pm)

Nedbank Private Wealth Crosby v

Baker Tilly IoM Cronkbourne

Peel and St John’s v Paddy Power Union Mills

Ramsey v Valkyres

Sunday, June 16

Standard Bank Premiership (1pm)

Celton Manx Castletown v Island Development XI

Under-Nine Tournament (1pm)

At Crosby

Colin Kelly won his third men’s doubles competition in as many outings as he paired up with island champion Glynn Hargraves to win the R. H. Green Fours at Finch Hill Bowling Club on Saturday.

Kelly has won every competition with a different partner, so sorry Glynn it looks like he will be throwing you on the scrap heap!

They didn’t have it all their own way in the final and had a real battle on their hands, just having enough to see off the challenge of Bob Clark and Nathan Cooil 21-19 in a great game.

The calibre of bowling throughout the day, particularly in the final, was of an exceptional standard with the green was running so well and so difficult to master.

In the semi-finals Kelly and Hargraves fought off the challenge of father and son Kevin and Matthew Quirk 21-15 while the team of Clark and Cool had a real battle on their hands winning 21-19 against home greeners Arthur Halsall and Jerry Wordsworth.

Port St Mary’s Sam Palmer played exceptionally well to pick up the Island Junior Bowls Championship title at Marown Bowling Club on Saturday, beating defending champion Casey Bolton 21-4 in the final.

Palmer was simply imperious in the final and left Casey no place to hide as his bowls shadowed the jack throughout.

Casey should be commended for reaching the final for a second occasion and it was a great attempted defence of her title. Both finalists have qualified to travel away to represent the island in the British Junior Merit finals in August and I wish them both every success.

Tie of the competition came in the semi-finals with Palmer just seeing off hotly-tipped home greener Luke Hyland in an epic encounter.

Hyland should not be discouraged as he really did nothing wrong and played his part magnificently in making this a tremendous match.

In the other semi Casey put out Manx Youth Games participant Edward Walker 21-5. Walker is younger than a lot of the field - a real talent - and I am sure this is not the last we will see of him.

The remaining quarter-finalists were Jake Cade, Bobby Thorn, Thomas Curphey and Sam Stannard-Duke.

The future of our game looks in great hands and I hope to see the numbers growing in years to come but things are certainly moving in the right direction.

The day though belongs to Sam, himself a Manx Youth Games coach, and it is great to see him emulating the form of his head coach Glynn Hargraves who picked up the senior title just a few weeks ago.

Actually we better watch out for these coaches from South and, with George Peach set to take part in the Over-60s Championships, what are the odds on them doing a clean sweep?

Swimmer Charlotte Atkinson has her sights fixed on representing Team Isle of Man at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

She’s already achieved a great deal, as this athlete profile shows, but the Games are a key focus for her as the countdown to the next ‘friendly games’ gathers pace. She is benefiting from the Glasgow 2014 Support Programme, funded by the Isle of Man Commonwealth Games Association, which provides competitors with expert advice and support from the Isle of Man Sport Institute.

Name: Charlotte Atkinson

Age: 16

Home town: Douglas

Sport: Swimming

Sports club: Douglas Amateur Swimming Club

School: Ballakermeen High School

Sporting achievements:

At the 2012 Isle of Man Bank Sports Awards Charlotte was named Isle of Man Under-21 Sportswoman of the Year and was also delighted to be named one of the first recipients of a Cavendish Scholarship.

In 2011 she won two gold, two silver and one bronze medal at the Island Games, and a few months later at the Commonwealth Youth Games she reached four finals with her highest placing being fifth in the 400m Individual Medley.

Last year was a fantastic one for Charlotte as she set 69 new individual island records, in all strokes except breaststroke. In the same year she also achieved number one spot in the UK national short-course rankings for 15-year-old girls’ in seven different freestyle and butterfly events.

She was also seventh in the European Short Course rankings for 15-16 year old girls’ in 1,500m freestyle. Currently she has 20 top-10 national rankings, being number one in the short-course rankings in the 1,500m freestyle.

In June 2012 she competed in the ASA National Championships, which were the second-round Olympic selection trials, and she got to meet Olympic star Rebecca Adlington.

In March 2013 she competed in the British Gas International Meet which included Olympians, world and European champions. So far she has achieved consideration times for the Commonwealth Games 2014 in 12 different events including freestyle, butterfly, backstroke and individual medley and range in distance from 50m to 800m. Charlotte has also been selected for next month’s Island Games.

Charlotte says: ‘I enjoy competing in each of the different events, but my main targets would be butterfly, individual medley and freestyle races.’

Aims for 2013

‘One of my aims for 2013 is to do well at the Island Games being held in Bermuda in July,’ she says. ‘At the last Island Games in 2011 I set a new Games record in the 400m individual medley and it would be great to set a new record for the Isle of Man in a different event at this year’s event.’

How does being on the Glasgow 2014 Support Programme help you?

Charlotte says: ‘I am delighted to be part of the Glasgow 2014 Support Programme, alongside other Manx athletes who are all working towards the same goal – to represent the island as part of Team Isle of Man. Being on the Support Programme means I have use of all the facilities provided at the Sport Institute.

All of the services available are excellent and essential in helping athletes prepare for major events.’

The Glasgow 2014 Support Programme, funded by the Isle of Man Commonwealth Games Association, and allows competitors aiming to represent the island at the Games to receive expert advice and support from the Sport Institute.

What do the Commonwealth Games mean to you?

‘It would be brilliant to be part of the Commonwealth Games, especially as many of the big names from the London 2012 Olympics will be competing,’ added Charlotte. ‘I am sure the atmosphere will be electric, and support from the home crowd should be amazing.

‘Taking part in the Commonwealth Games would be the highlight of my swimming career so far, as it is the highest profile event in which Manx athletes can represent the island.

‘I am particularly excited because the event will be televised and it will be fantastic for everyone at home to be able to watch our athletes competing.

‘I am sure the opening and closing ceremonies will be brilliant and it will be wonderful to watch our team parading with the Manx flag.

‘I know the support on the island will be fantastic and it would be amazing if Team Isle of Man could bring home some medals.

‘I would like to thank Sport Aid, the Cavendish Scholarship and Gubay Scholarship for Sporting Achievement for their support in helping me achieve my success so far.’

A section of the main Peel to Kirk Michael coast road closed briefly yesterday (Tuesday) evening, as the emergency services dealt with a traffic accident.

Police and the fire and rescue service attended the scene at Lynague, near Knocksharry, around 6.30pm.

The accident involved just one vehicle. Police say the driver was uninjured, and there were no other people in the car.

TT star Ian Hutchinson has pleaded guilty to speeding and driving without due care and attention.

Deputy High Bailiff Jayne Hughes banned Hutchinson from driving for three months and fined him £850 for the offences.

Hutchinson, aged 33, of Guiseley, Leeds, pleaded guilty to driving at a speed of 75 mph in a 30mph residential zone.

Camera footage of the incident was shown during the court case on Thursday.

The court heard that the rider was driving an unlicensed Yamaha quad bike on Saturday. June 1.

Prosecutor Justin Bullas, who stated that Hutchinson has now lost his good character, told the court that around 2.25pm during the TT race period a police officer was on a unmarked motorbike along King Edward Road, Onchan travelling in the direction of Laxey.

The officer was in a queue of traffic, when the queue had to stop and wait for a car ahead to turn into Sea Cliff Road.

The car waiting to turn was delayed from doing so by oncoming traffic.

The police officer then noted in his rear view mirror that the defendant was travelling up behind the stationary vehicles and then overtook the stationary queue of traffic.

After the car cleared the junction Hutchinson accelerated rapidly travelling towards the Groudle area.

In the meantime the police officer operated his convert camera system on his bike.

While in the residential area the defendant accelerated up to a speed in excess of 75mph in the 30mph zone.

The officer matched the speed of the quad and noted that Hutchinson’s speed did not slow down until it came behind a slower moving car.

The court heard that, as the defendant overtook the slower car, he accelerated sharply towards the old left hand side Howstrake bend.

On the approach to the bend Hutchinson moved onto the opposite carriageway and overtook a car travelling in the same direction.

The prosecutor Mr Bullas told the court that during the manoeuvre ‘there was no afforded view to the defendant of any oncoming vehicles’.

Hutchinson, who has won eight TT races, moved the quad back into the nearside approximately mid bend cutting across the front of the slower-moving vehicle.

The defendant was later interviewed by police, he denied riding over 60mph as the quad was restricted to 60mph by gearing.

He admitted the speeding but said that he had not put anyone in danger when he over took at Howstrake bend.

His advocate, Darren Taubitz, told the court that Hutchinson did not think he was travelling the speed that the unmarked police bike recorded and that he was an experienced rider.

The defendant claimed he could see if there was any oncoming traffic coming because he had a good view on the quad.

The court heard that Hutchinson felt intimidated by the bike following him and thought that the bike was either trying to race him or get to him.

Mr Taubitz added that Hutchinson could have asked for more investigations into the speed he was travelling because the camera did show the exact speed, but he wanted the case to be dealt with on the day.

The court heard that Hutchinson was genuinely remorseful and extremely embarrassed and ashamed to be in court.

Mr Taubitz added that the defendant ‘had taken this very much to heart’.

‘He loves the TT and puts a lot of effort into promoting the event in the UK and Europe. He made a stupid mistake and wishes he could turn back the clock.’ said Mr Taubitz.

He continued: ‘He loves motor racing and the sport and would not want to do anything to damage it.’

Mr Taubitz added: ‘This is a one-off incident that will never be repeated by him, on an open road. He will leave his speed for the race track.’

The prosecutor withdrew a charge of dangerous driving and speeding.

The Deputy High Bailiff gave Hutchinson credit for his early guilty pleas and co-operation with police.

Mrs Hughes told Hutchinson that it was a serious offence because he was 45 miles per hour above the speed limit. Mrs Hughes said it was ‘unfortunate’ that he was now in this position and that he ‘should know better’.

She gave him credit for having the case dealt with on the day, which saved a lot of court, police and investigation time.

The Deputy High Bailiff accepted that Hutchinson was an experienced driver, but she couldn’t ignore the speed he was travelling, she said: ‘The speed on that road was excessive to say the least.’

Mrs Hughes pointed out that after watching the footage, ‘it was not just a quick incident, it carried on for some period of time.’

She told the defendant that he not only put himself in danger but other people were at risk.

Hutchinson was also ordered to pay £50 prosecution costs.

An independent report looking at the suitability of using bendy buses on Manx roads has been delayed pending results of technical assessments.

One of the report’s authors, Brendan O’Friel, said it would focus on the evidence rather than be skewed by personal opinions or unfounded criticism of the controversial articulated vehicles.

He said no clear conclusions were emerging yet - and would not, until results from technical assessments being carried out by the Department of Infrastructure had been received. These are looking at whether any costly changes will have to be made to roads to allow the bendies to operate here.

Bus Vannin bosses say bendy buses, if introduced, will save £300,000 in staffing and fuel costs, plus £3m of capital costs saved in replacing older buses – and if they do not prove suitable, the savings will have to be found elsewhere.

A month-long trial was carried out earlier this year at a cost of £10,000.

But the exercise was dogged with series of embarrassing breakdowns. A replacement bus had to be shipped over after one bendy developed a fault on the first day of the trial. The same week a second one broke down north of Fairy Bridge, Santon. Then in the last week of the trial, there were two breakdowns in two days.

Results of the trial are being considered by an independent working group which includes TravelWatch chairman Mr O’Friel and representatives of the DoI and the Department of Education. Its report was expected last month.

But Mr O’Friel said the Department of Community, Culture and Leisure should now get the report by the end of the month, dependent on receipt of the DoI’s technical assessments. He said: ‘Quite a lot of the drafting has been done but it’s got to be trawled through to make sure we’ve got it right.

‘Until we get all the technical assessments there’s no clear emerging conclusion. It should be quite a straight forward conclusion - the balance of advantage will fall one way or another.’

He added: ‘To be honest, much of the criticism over bendy buses has been pretty unfounded. We’ve tried to get away from personal views and seek out the evidence.’

Mr O’Friel said the issue of breakdowns had been a red herring.

He said: ‘The vehicles had been standing around possibly without sufficient maintenance.

‘If bendy buses were to be bought a lot of work would be done to make sure they didn’t break down.

‘The failure of the bendy buses particularly on the Peel and Ramsey routes where they caused mayhem has inevitably skewed peoples’ perception of them.’

He said a ‘decent number’ of responses from the public opinion survey work would be included in the final report.

Progressing an Equality Bill is not a knee-jerk response to the controversy over a lesbian couple refused the tenancy of a flat in Ramsey, MHKs heard.

Chief Minister Allan Bell told the Keys it was his aim that a Bill should be brought forward for debate as soon as reasonably possible.

But he added: ‘I should make it quite clear that the decision to progress an Equality Bill is not a knee-jerk response to recent events.’

He explained that the Council of Ministers had agreed back in November 2011 that the Attorney General’s Chambers should draft a Bill covering both discrimination in employment and discrimination when providing goods and services.

CoMin agreed that this Bill would be subject to full public consultation.

Mr Bell admitted progress had been slower than might be hoped as there had been competing demands on the time of the legislative drafters and other important Bills to be dealt with.

But he added: ‘What recent events have highlighted is the extent of the current gaps in the island’s anti-discrimination legislation. This is obviously very distressing for people who find that they have no remedy under the law when faced with discrimination.

‘It also leaves the island vulnerable to adverse publicity and reputational damage when cases of discrimination come to light.’

More than 1,400 people signed a petition for equality legislation launched last month by Laura Cull and Kira Izzard after being refused a tenancy on a private flat because of their sexual orientation. The story made headlines in the UK. At the time, the Chief Minister strongly condemned the ‘ugly outdated prejudice’ of the landlord, Ramsey Independent Methodist Church Minister Keith Price.

Mr Bell said he had met officers from the Attorney General’s Chambers and asked the Equality Bill now be treated as a high priority.

He said the first draft will require further detailed work before it is issued for full public consultation but he added he would like it to be ready ‘as soon as possible’.

Mr Bell said the Bill will cover age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.

Have you seen this toy elephant?

Children at Little Learners Nursery, in Ormskirk, Lancashire, are desperate for the safe return of their holiday bear after it fell out of the pram while in the island at the TT last week.

Any sightings should be reported on Little Learners Nursery’s Facebook page.

Police are renewing a call for help in solving a crime that happened a year ago.

Two cars were stolen and then set alight on Port St Mary golf course in the early hours of Wednesday, June 6, last year. Sergeant Paul Kemp said: ‘I am hoping that perhaps this media release will jog some memories. Were you in Port St Mary last TT when the two cars were set alight on the golf course?

‘Perhaps you were on holiday on the island last year at the time but didn’t think anything of something that you saw back then or perhaps you are a resident and have come into some information that could help us? Did you see anybody acting suspiciously around that time? Have you heard anything since that may help us identify the culprits.?

‘I would urge anybody with information either contact us or telephone Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, which is a charity independent from the police.’

Firefighters from Douglas, Peel and Kirk Michael were called out to a blaze in Peel this morning (Wednesday).

Members of the public raised the alarm at 7.30am after seeing flames and smoke coming out of the roof area of a property in Douglas Street.

An external electrical box had caught fire causing smoke logging inside the property and slight damage to the building fascia.

The building was checked to ensure that no one was inside.

The fire was put out using a CO2 extinguisher and a hose reel. Supporting appliances were stood down but one crew remained in attendance until the electrics had been isolated and the building made safe.

A fire service spokesman said: ‘It is important to have electrical installations and appliances checked regularly for any damage, if you are not sure contact a local electrical engineer for advice.’

An investigation into Friday’s Senior Race Day TT crash is looking at the footage captured by television cameras on the course.

Today’s Manx Independent talks to the clerk of the course about the investigation.

The front page also includes an interview with one of the people who was hurt after being hit by parts of Jonathan Howarth’s machine.

Inside, we ask an advocate about the legal position of allowing people to watch a race from a vantage point on private property.

Also in today’s paper, a medic challenges a government minister who said that some consultants had withdrawn their support for a letter that was critical of the Manx NHS. He says that’s not true.

Elsewhere, we look at how the fire service copes during the TT. It was during a practice race that a fire broke out in Kirk Michael this year.

Kirk Michael is the most inaccessible village on the TT course when the roads are closed.

So what procedures does the fire service have?

The lead story on the back page is the golf championships, which get under way on Saturday.

The Manx Independent also has the island’s two-page What’s On guide and this week gives you a chance to vote for the island’s favourite pet.

The Manx Independent is in the shops now.

A Ramsey man found out through radio reports this morning that his oil engineer son had reportedly been kidnapped in Indonesia.

It is believed that Scottish 62-year-old Malcolm Primrose, who works in the south-east Asian country for mining company Medco Exploration and Production, was ambushed in his car by a group of armed men on Tuesday.

His father Sid, who lives in Ramsey, said at the moment he knew very little about what had happened.

He said: ‘As far as I know the Foreign Office are handling it.’

A consultant at Noble’s Hospital has challenged a statement made in the House of Keys yesterday.

Consultant gynaecologist Mark Divers has written to Health Minister David Anderson MHK to question an assertion he made in the Keys.

The controversy comes after a letter was signed by 10 consultants expressing concern about the Manx NHS.

{http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/consultants-concerns-about-the-hospital-1-5737105|Click here for a reminder about the letter}

In the Keys on Tuesday Mr Anderson said: ‘Some of those consultants subsequently withdrew their support for that letter because they believed it overstepped the mark and there where other processes which they could have gone down in place to relay their concerns to management about clinical areas of concern.’

But Mr Divers wrote to Mr Anderson today to say: ‘I have clarified with nine of the ten signatories, the tenth is currently on annual leave, and all confirm that they did not withdraw their support for the letter as you suggest.

‘I am therefore very concerned that you are being placed in a position where you are misleading both Tynwald and the public.

‘I am not sure how 10 consultants writing to the medical director with concerns about patient safety isn’t appropriate and is “overstepping the mark”.’

More on this story in tomorrow’s Manx Independent

The volunteer beach cleaning group, Beach Buddies, is meeting at a new venue tonight (Thursday) to tackle a big pile of rubbish which has accumulated near the mouth of the Lhen Trench.

The session starts at 6.30pm and the forecast is not too bad.

The tide will be well on the way out.

Organiser Bill Dale yesterday told iomtoday.co.im: ‘I was down there late this afternoon and it’s a beautiful place (apart from the large quantities of rubbish!), so this should be really enjoyable.’

DIRECTIONS

If approaching on the Coast Road from Jurby towards Bride.

Cross the Lhen river over the humpbacked bridge, carry on up the hill, at first road junction bear left on Coast Road heading for Bride.

Third drive on the left after junction is Ballawanton. The house is a typical white Manx farmhouse standing on the ridge about 80 metres back from the road. There is no house name on the very solid looking gate posts and the drive is a farm track.

If approaching on the Coast road from Bride, pass Norman Wisdom’s old house ‘Ballalaugh’, continue through the small collection of houses on top of the ridge. About a quarter of a mile after the last house turn right onto the Ballawanton track. The house will be visible to your right as you descend from the group of houses.

If approaching from Andreas on Kiondroghard Road.

At the T-junction turn sharp right towards Bride.

Third drive on the left is Ballawanton. The house is a typical white Manx farmhouse standing on the ridge about 80 metres back from the road.

The picture shows a sunset at the Lhen

Morgan will replace the current CEO Declan Kenny who will move in to the role of group executive chairman.

Morgan joined First Names Group as the buy out from IFG was completed in July 2012.

He was appointed as chief financial and operating officer to drive the development and growth of the Group through deep functional management strength, processes and systems.

He has also worked together with Declan in driving the Group’s acquisition strategy, so far securing fund business Moore Management and reaching an agreement to acquire trust and corporate services provider Basel – both within the first three months of the independent Group’s rebrand.

The appointment became effective from Saturday, June 1.

Morgan has enjoyed a successful career in financial services.

Since arriving in Jersey in 1999 he has worked for Walbrook Group, Barclays Wealth and Mourant International Finance Administration (MIFA).

He then operated independently for two years, providing strategic advice to fiduciary and fund administration companies together with helping global organisations through the integration process following mergers and acquisitions.

First Names Group now has more than 300 staff operating out of eight strategic locations. The Group is aligned to a robust five-point vision statement that clearly defines its objectives.

Vigorous plans for growth, both organic and inorganic are high on the agenda.

Speaking about his new appointment Morgan said; ‘Since gaining our independence last year we set very clear aspirations of what we wanted to achieve.

‘Very good progress has been made to date and I’m very excited and focused to lead the Group through the rest of the journey.’

Declan, who has served as CEO since 2003, said: ‘Morgan is a strong leader with a passion for finance and deep understanding of the business.

‘His track record of execution and strategic leadership, combined with his open-minded approach to problem solving has earned him the respect of employees, clients and partners group wide.

‘He has the right combination of knowledge, depth and experience to lead the company during this period of rapid change.

‘Morgan’s appointment means that I will be able to concentrate on my new role and I am really looking forward to that challenge.’

First Names Group is the parent company of Moore Management and FNTC.

The organisation that established the Spring Valley Estate, the Isle of Man Development Company Limited, celebrated its 40th year in the island by holding a reception.

In May 1973 John Finlan was invited by the then Government’s First Minister, Percy Radcliffe, to play a part in a re-organisation of the island’s infrastructure; and the company’s objectives were, and still are, to ‘support the development objectives of the Manx Government’.

Conditions requested at that time were that the Board of Directors should be Manx, as should the company’s bankers, accountants, lawyers and other professionals, and this is still the case today.

The reception not only marked this notable anniversary, but it was also an opportunity for the company to demonstrate its support for two local charities.

John Scott, chairman of the Isle of Man Development Company Limited, said: ‘Our investment has produced the Spring Valley Estate you see today and many tenants have made notable contributions to Manx life. With our shareholder’s complete agreement, we celebrate our 40th anniversary with a donation of £100,000 to Isle of Man charitable organisations concerned with children and aged persons in need. We thank the Isle of Man Government, the Manx public and the Island’s companies for their ongoing support.’

Crossroads Care and The Children’s Centre each received £50,000 to support their charitable projects. Crossroads Care will use the donation to develop its newly taken over premises at Masham Court in Douglas, and will help to support psychological services for elderly carers and those with disabilities or illness.

Work has been ongoing at Masham Court over the last few months to make it more accessible and to create a greater social atmosphere.

The building houses Crossroads’ Adult Services and provides a Day Centre for individuals with illness, disability or learning difficulties where people can socialise, get involved in activities, undergo work-based training, and plan trips and outings. Most importantly the Centre gives respite to carers, those unpaid family members who look after someone with an illness or disability. Respite gives carers time to be themselves, do a bit of shopping, have a bath, or go to the doctors – small things that we all take for granted that are made almost impossible when you become a carer.

The donation will be used to upgrade the outside facilities at the Centre, to create more space and to make the building more accessible; and it will also be used on a programme of respite and psychological support for carers, helping them to deal with the effect that looking after someone over a long period of time can have on a person’s wellbeing.

The Children’s Centre will use the £50,000 donation to develop an Island Gap Scheme for young people, giving them a chance to experience work within a sector of their choice for a period of between nine and 12 months. Against a backdrop of rising unemployment on the Island, the scheme will complement work already undertaken by The Children’s Centre to support young people who are Not in Education or Training (often referred to as NEETs).

The Gap Scheme will be modelled on one run successfully in the UK for the last 20 years by The Rank Foundation (www.rankfoundation.com), and which is generally accepted as good practice in supporting young people to investigate and experience a work setting whilst also deciding if they have a long-term commitment to and interest in that field of work. They are paid ‘out-of-pocket expenses’ plus a small living allowance.

, and work to a preplanned budget for personal development and training, amounting to approximately £10,000 during the period of

their placement. As with the UK scheme, the Island Gap Scheme will focus on the community, youth and social care

sectors rather than the corporate or commercial world, since the underlying ethos is a social one.

th

May at the Sefton Hotel. In 1973 the

Isle of Man Development Company Ltd

Outcomes for the young people who take part in the UK scheme are outstanding – they gain immediate personal

development and often long-term full employment.

Further details about the work of both charities can be viewed on their respective websites – www.crossroadsiom.org

and www.thechildrenscentre.org.im

PHOTO CAPTION

Jackie Betteridge, far left, CEO of Crossroads Care, and John Knight, far right, CEO of The Children’s

Centre, accept cheques on behalf of the charities from the Isle of Man Development Company (IOMDC).

Representing IOMDC are, left to right, Geoffrey Ellis, Director; John Scott, Chairman; and Pauline Macready,

Managing Director.

– ENDS –

Media contacts:

The Isle of Man Development Company Limited

Thursday, June 13

• Gym time active play for pre-school children, Manx Gymnastics Centre, Douglas, 9.30am. Call 625636. Also Friday and Wednesday.

• 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 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.

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

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

Friday, June 14

• Baby and Toddler Group, 9.30am-11.30am at Glen Maye Community Centre. Free but donations welcome. Call 845681.

• Baby and Toddler Group at Glen Maye Chapel, 9.30am-11.30am.

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

• Theatrix Theatre Company Musical Theatre, Douglas, Saturday noon-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.

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

• 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, June 16

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

• ROCK Sunday Club for children at Colby Methodist Chapel. 10.30am - 11.30am weekly during term time.

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

Monday, June 17

• 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.

• 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.

• 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, June 18

• 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, Douglas, 10am-11.15am. Call 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, June 19

• 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.

• 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

• 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.

• The Energy Youth Group, Clby Methodist Chapel. 7pm-8.30pm. Call Jane 492010.

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

Thursday, June 13

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

• Manx Footpaths Conservation Group, Earystane, 10.30am.

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

• Manx Gaelic class with Cathy Clucas, Arbory commissioners’ hall, 7.30pm. Call 838527.

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

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

Friday, June 14

• Coffee Morning, St Mary’s Church hall, Port St Mary, 10am to 11.30am. Call 833618.

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

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

• IoM Association of Chartered Certified Accountants Quarterly Networking Lunch at La Piazza, Douglas, 12.30pm.

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

• St John’s Primary School’s Summer Fayre between 4pm and 6.30pm.

• Ballasalla School Summer Fayre, A Night at the Movies, 6pm-8pm. £1.

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

• QEII High School Association Summer Ball, Wentworth Suite, Mount Murray Hotel and Country Club, 7.30pm.

• Quiz Night at the Peel British Legion. £1.50. Call 447624.

Saturday, June 15

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

• Family Library Open Day. Take a look behind the scenes, 10am-4pm. Plus crafts.

• 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.

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

• Castletown Heritage – The Hidden Gardens of Castletown 2013, 1pm-5pm. £2. Also Sunday. Call 823443.

• Family Fun Day, Auldyn School, 2pm-4.30pm.

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

Sunday, June 16

• British Horse Society Isle Of Man, centenary parish horseride, starting from Quarterbridge car park, 5.30am. Finish on the promenade Castle Mona car park . Call 483014.

• 1st Marown Cubs and Scouts Car Wash, Marown School, 10am-4pm.

• Manx Wildlife Trust Annual Gardeners Fair at Ballacottier, Andreas ,11am - 5pm. Call 882401.

• Manx Footpaths Conservation Group , Bride Car Park, 1.30pm.

• Car Boot Sale, Onchan Community Centre, noon-3pm. Sellers £6.

• Michael Heritage Trust Visit to Jurby Transport Museum. Either meet in KM car park by 1.30pm, or at Jurby for a 2.15pm start. All welcome.

• Ramsey Gardening Club visit to Close Taggart, Ballaugh Curraghs – Orchids courtesy of John and Shirley Kneal. 2pm.

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

• Meditation and chat at Pure Inspiration, Ramsey, 7.15pm. Call Gary on 817735.

Monday, June 17

• Afternoon Tea Dance every Monday, 2pm-4pm, Manx Legion Club, Douglas.

Tuesday, June 18

• Computers for Beginners, Onchan Library, 10am-noon. Call 621228.

• Manx Cancer Help drop-in day, Lisa Lowe Centre, The Old Schoolhouse, Cronkbourne, 11am-4pm.

Wednesday, June 19

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

• The Manx Blind Welfare Society, Corrin Court, Chris Ball – Trek to Everest. Raffle. 11am-12.30pm.

• Manx Footpaths Conservation Group, Ramsey Hairpin, 7.30pm.

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

• Bingo Quiz, Archibald Knox.

Thursday, June 13

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

• Onchan Pensioners Club, Morton Hall, 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.

• Manx Retirement Association Stretch and Flex at the NSC, Douglas at 10am. Also Tuesday A visit to Manx Radio at 2pm. Wednesday Peel Coffee Morning at the Peel Castle Hotel, Peel, 10.30am, and Miniature Golf at Onchan Pleasure Park at 2pm.

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

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

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

• Arbory WI, Colby Methodist Hall, 7.15pm.

• Port Soderick WI, recreation hall, 7.30pm. Call 818194.

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

Friday, June 14

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

Sunday, June 16

• Isle of Man Freethinkers, Douglas Yacht Club. 7pm-7.30pm.

Monday, June 17

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

• Onchan and District WI, Onchan Church hall, 2pm.

• Cornaa WI, Maughold parish hall, 7.30pm. Call 818194.

• Sulby WI, St Stephen’s Church hall 7.30pm.

Tuesday, June 18

• 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.

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

• The Tuesday Group, flexible learning room, Peel Clothworkers’ School, 1.15pm. Pre-school children catered for. Call 614180.

• Baldrine WI, Methodist Sunday School, Baldrine, 2pm. Call 818194.

• Isle of Man Chess Club, Belsfield Hotel, Church Road Marina, Douglas, 7.30pm. Call 495097.

• 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.

• Michael WI, St Michael’s hall, Kirk Michael, 7.30pm. Call 818194.

• Michael WI, Kirk Michael Church hall, 7.30pm Call 818194.

• Mannin Quilters, Ballabeg Methodist hall, 7.30pm-9pm. Call 628921. Also Wednesday at St Columba’s Catholic Church, Port Erin, 1.30-4pm.

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

• The Isle of Man Amateur Radio Society (IoMARS), sea cadet hall, Tromode, 8.30pm-9.30pm.

Wednesday, June 19

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

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

• Ballabeg WI, Methodist Sunday School, Ballabeg, 7.30pm. Call 818194.

• Castletown WI, Methodist hall, Arbory Street, Castletown, 7.20pm. Call 818194.