Thursday, August 22

• 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, Dhoon Glen car park, 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.

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

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

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

Friday, August 23

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

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

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

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

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

Saturday, August 24

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

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

• Green Centre, opposite Iceland, Chester Street Complex, Douglas. Information about recycling, energy, insulation and environmental matters. Zero Waste Mann, Isle of Man Friends of the Earth and Manx Energy Advice Centre. Open from 10am.

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

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

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

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

Sunday, August 25

• Manx Footpaths Conservation Group, Scarlett car park, 1.30pm.

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

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

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

Monday, August 26

• Antiques, vintage and collectables fair, St Paul’s hall, Ramsey 11am-4pm. Admission 50p.

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

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

Tuesday, August 27

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

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

• Charity Bingo night for Manxaid at 7pm, Kursaal, Palace Hotel. Tickets £20 with buffet or just bingo £10. Call 331367 or email manxaid@manx.net

Wednesday, August 28

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

• Bereavement support group, friendly get together for anybody feeling isolated or lonely after a bereavement, however or whenever it occurred, tea, coffee and a chat, Scholl Centre, Hospice Isle of Man, 5pm-7pm. Call 647443.

• Manx Footpaths Conservation Group, Glen Maye, 7pm.

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

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

• Bingo Quiz, Archibald Knox.

Thursday, August 22

• Port Erin WI, Port Erin Methodist Church hall, 9.30am. Call 818194.

• Manx Retirement Stretch and Flex at the NSC, Douglas at 10am, also a visit to Robinson’s Wholesale Warehouse in Braddan at 2.15pm, Friday, monthly luncheon at Murray’s Restaurant, Mount Murray Hotel at 12.30pm,Tuesday, Douglas/Onchan coffee morning at the Cat with No Tail Douglas at 10.30am.

• 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.

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

Friday, August 23

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

Sunday, August 25

• Isle of Man Poetry Society, Archibald Knox meeting room, Onchan, 8pm. Call 664796 or 897815.

Monday, August 26

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

• Vannin Bridge, Onchan pensioners hall, 2pm. Also Thursday.

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

• Onchan Silver Band practice, the band room, off Main Road, Onchan, beginners, 6.30pm and seniors, 7.30pm.

• Ayre WI, Grosvenor Hotel, Andreas, 7.30pm. Call 818194.

Tuesday, August 27

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

• The Tuesday Group, flexible learning room to try your hand at basic crafts, have a chat, coffee and fun, Peel Clothworkers’ School, 1.15pm. Pre-school children catered for. Call 614180.

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

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

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

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

Wednesday, August 28

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

• Peel Belles WI, St Patrick’s hall, Patrick Street, Peel, 7.30pm.

Palace Cinema

• The Conjuring (15). Nightly at 7pm.

• Alan Partridge - Alpha Papa (15). Nightly at 7.30pm. Daily 4.30pm.

• Monsters University 2D (U). Daily at 2pm.

• Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters (PG). Daily at 2.30pm.

Broadway Cinema

• Kick Ass 2 (15). Daily at 5pm and 7.45pm.

• The Smurfs 2 (U). Daily at 11.30am and 2pm.

Thursday, August 22

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

• Happy Tots, main hall, Willaston School, 9.45am, £1 per family including refreshments. Call 621577.

• Storytime for pre-schoolers, Henry Bloom Noble Library, Douglas, 10am. Call 696461.

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

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

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

• 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, Douglas, 7-9pm.

Friday, August 23

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

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

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

• Theatrix Theatre Company Musical Theatre, Douglas, Saturday 12-2.30pm for ages 8-12. Also Saturday, Babies Irish/mod, 9am. Prep Ballet/Tap, 10am, Babies Ballet/Tap, 11am. Musical Theatre, ages 5-8. Monday, Senior Ballet, 4pm, Senior Tap, 5pm, Senior Jazz, 5.45pm Adult Irish, 6.30pm. Tuesday, Community Ballet/Tap, 4pm. Beginners Irish, 4.45pm. Junior Irish, 5.30pm. Adult Tap, 6.15pm. Wednesday, Grade 2 Ballet/Tap, 4pm. Novice Irish, 5.30pm. Adult Ballet, 6.15pm.

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

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

• 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.

Monday, August 26

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Do Drop Inn Drama Club, children aged 10+, St Paul’s hall, Ramsey, 7pm.

Tuesday, August 27

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

• Toddle Inn, mums and tots group, Port St Mary Living Hope Community 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.

Wednesday, August 28

• 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.

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

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

• Onchan Ladies meet in Moreton Hall, the Pensioners Club, 2.15pm. Call Shirley Baldwin 620352.

Thursday, August 22

• 9 Mile Smile at Jaks, Douglas.

• Karaoke, Guys and Dolls, Douglas.

• Soundcheck, Youth Arts Centre, Douglas, 6.30pm. Also Saturday and Wednesday.

• Ramsey Folk Club at The Britannia, Ramsey, 8pm.

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

• Guitar lessons at the meeting room, Archibald Knox, Onchan, 5-45-6.45pm.

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

Friday, August 23

• 3 Million at Jaks, Douglas.

• Ian Thompson at The Haven, Port Erin.

• Brown Sugar at O’Donnells, Douglas.

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

• Karaoke, The Albert, Douglas, 9pm.

• Thai Night, authentic food and music, The Railway, Douglas, 6pm. Also Wednesday.

• Irish Traditional Music session, The Mitre, Ramsey, 9pm.

Saturday, August 24

• Ian Thompson at The Sidings, Castletown.

• Brown Sugar at the Manx Legion, Douglas.

• Cat with no Tail, karaoke retro night djs playing soul, ska ,motown,mod and reggae music. Also Saturday.

• Seaside Fun Band at The Queen’s, Douglas.

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

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

• Karaoke at the Central Hotel, Ramsey.

Sunday, August 25

• Caution Runners at Jaks, Douglas.

• Brown Sugar at the Manx Legion, Douglas.

• St German’s Festival Organ Recital, 4.30pm.

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

• Karaoke at The British, Douglas.

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

• Disco Fever at Macbeth’s, Second Venue, Douglas, 10pm to 2am.The Pub that’s a Club.

Monday, August 26

• Penthouse Dive at Jaks, Douglas.

• Brown Sugar at The Rosemount, Douglas.

Tuesday, August 27

• 3 Million at Jaks, Douglas.

• Brown Sugar at Sam Webbs, Douglas.

• Lon Dhoo Male Voice Choir at St German’s Cathedral, Peel, 7.45pm.

• Manx Youth Orchestra: St German’s Cathedral, 7.45pm – 8.45pm.

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

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

Wednesday, August 28

• Grass Roots at Jaks, Douglas.

• Brown Sugar at The Savoy Hotel, Douglas.

• Karaoke at The British, Douglas.

• Erin Arts Centre, ‘New Paintings of Douglas’ by Brigid Stowell. Gallery opening times Wednesday – Friday 10.30am-4.30pm. Until August 30.

• ‘Out of the Ordinary’ an Exhibition of paintings by Eileen Schaer, Sayle Gallery, Tues-Sat. 10am - 5pm, Sun. 1pm -5pm. Until September 1.

Supporters of TT stars Michael and William Dunlop are racing against the clock for their hardest-ever challenge – as a fundraising push is organised to save their family home.

Time is running out for the Dunlops to raise a substantial sum to prevent losing the home in Ballymoney, Northern Ireland, that was built by their late father, race legend Robert, and where both brothers still live with their mother Louise.

The house has been put at risk after Robert allegedly fell victim to a conman who persuaded him to remortgage the property on the back of a bogus investment.

Read the full story in the Manx Independent - in shops now.

Elsewhere in today’s paper, shocking figures released by the Department of Health’s public health division reveal more than a fifth of Manx children are classed as overweight.

And three men appear in court in relation to a fracas at a football match in March.

A former candidate in the BBC’s Apprentice show was recruiting in the island at the weekend - we have the full story.

Meanwhile, Manx Telecom is set to increase the cost of fixed line, an island-based accountant is accused of £1m tax relief fraud, an appeal for information is made over a medal from the First World War and the newly-formed HIV Support Group is calling on health chiefs to follow the UK and make home-testing kits available.

The Island Life entertainment section has a report and pictures from last week’s Deep South Festival and looks ahead to Ocean Colour Scene’s Villa Marina gig next week.

And sport has all the action from Manx Grand Prix practice sessions, a preview of the Manx Two-Day Trial, looks ahead to the weekend’s football fixtures and has all the latest golf news plus athletics reports and pictures.

Your Manx Independent is in shops now.

Castle Rushen will open its doors tonight (Thursday) for music, games and good company

‘Twilight at Castle Rushen’ will feature live performances from Zac Phillips, duo Us and three-piece fusion Scammylt.

Visitors can take the train from Douglas to Castletown or the Open Top Tour Bus. For more information on times, call 464017.

The castle will be open for visitors to explore, play chess or learn a game of Nine Men’s Morris.

Entry to the castle is £5 adult, £2 child or £10 family ticket, all available on the door. The barbeque is an additional charge.

Visit www.manxnationalheritage.im or call 648000 in case of inclement weather.

Poor visibility at Isle of Man Airport has caused disruption today, leading to delays and resulting in the plane carrying today’s mail not being able to land.

The Blackpool flight was also delayed and there has also been a problem with the Liverpool Flybe route as the aircraft is unserviceable and is waiting for a part.

The Birmingham flight which was bringing the part had to be diverted to Belfast.

Flights to Gatwick and Manchester are still running, and the Manchester plane will take on the Liverpool route.

For the latest information visit http://www.iom-airport.com/

A vehicle failed to stop after hitting a parked car at around 3pm yesterday (Wednesday) afternoon.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the collision that took place in the area of Curragh Road, St John’s.

The offending vehicle is believed to be grey in colour and is missing it’s nearside wing mirror casing.

If you can help, call Peel Police Station on 842208.

Ireland’s Michael Sweeney again dominated qualifying at the 2013 Manx Grand Prix, posting the fastest time of Wednesday evening on his Junior machine. However, a number of challengers started to emerge including Northern Ireland’s Andy Lawson who clocked 116.875 on the 750 Suzuki that he will ride in the Senior MGP.

Bolton rider Stephen Harper, who returned to the MGP last year after an eight-year absence, was timed at 115.999mph on his Triumph while Stephen McKnight, who will be looking to improve on the third places he achieved in the 2011 and 2012 Junior MGP, was fractionally behind Harper with 115.998. Czech Republic rider Kamil Holan, the 2012 Newcomer A race winner, posted his first sub 20-minute lap of the week with 113.244.

In the Supertwin class, James Cowton continued to show the form that won him the 2012 Newcomer C race topping the leaderboard with a lap of 112.600, the fastest newcomer lap of the week to date. Colin Stephenson (110.092) and Rab Davie (109.869) also posted their fastest times of the week, just behind Michael Sweeney’s 110.239 from Tuesday’s session.

In the Newcomers A class Northern Ireland rider Neil Lyons again topped the leaderboard with 108.155 from Anthony Cooper (107.044) and Australian Alexander Pickett (106.897), whose father Chris is competing in the Classic TT meeting.

Callum Collister, from Douglas, was the fastest in the Newcomer B class with 105.368 with James Neesom, Joe Faragher, Stephen Ault, Jason Markham and Peter Minns all posting 100mph-plus laps.

Clitheroe-based Ben Roe was the fastest Newcomer C rider (100.465) with David Howard also breaking the 100mph barrier, the pair finishing third and fourth in the Lightweight session behind Bob Barrington (102.126) and Colin Martin (101.698).

Colin Purslow (Quarterbridge) and Scott Smythe (Railway) were both reported OK after incidents while Mick Neeson was sustained a hand injury following an accident at Keppel Gate. Adrian Bowman was taken by airmed to Noble’s but his injuries were not reported as serious.

After a break of nine weeks, Manx racing driver Chris Mealin was back in the Kingswood Honda-supported Chevrolet Monte Carlo at Raceway Venray in Holland recently.

Following an excellent start to the season, Mealin went into the double-header World Cup Weekend lying second in the championship but it would prove to be a testing time for the Manxman.

The first of the weekend’s five races started with a bang as his Revolution Racing team-mate Deme Cordell was spun from behind in turn one, bringing out the yellow flags immediately.

At the restart Mealin made good progress and was moving through the field when a burst power steering hose forced his retirement.

Although the crew worked hard to replace the failed item before the second race, time ran short, leaving Mealin a disappointed spectator as his championship rivals raced on.

With the car back to its best, he once again joined the field for the final race of the day but further bad news was in store.

It would be another non-score for the Manxman as he had to pull off the circuit with clutch failure.

It had been a difficult day for all the team who, with a lack of spare parts at the racetrack, faced a race against time to prepare the car for the following day’s racing.

When the drivers awoke at Venray on Sunday morning the weather was ominous.

Heavy rain overnight had continued to fall as the teams worked on the cars but, having sourced parts to fix the ailing number 23 car, the Revolution Racing crew were working hard to get Chris out on the grid.

As the weather cleared early in the afternoon the cars took to the half-mile oval in dry conditions, with Mealin at the front. The first portion of the race was spent battling with fellow rookie Leon de Kevie who was showing good pace to lead the field.

Mealin then came under pressure from Patrick den Biggelaar and Frank Wouters who had been the pacesetters all weekend, eventually relenting to the two quicker cars.

This left him to battle with former Hot Rod and ASCAR Champion Colin White and the two drivers had a storming battle for lap after lap.

Mealin pushed to the limit, eventually going slightly too hard and clipping the wall. The impact was just enough to damage the propshaft of the Chevrolet, allowing White alongside.

The race was then stopped because of an incident in front and, while it looked for a moment that Mealin had done enough to secure the final podium spot, timing errors eventually showed that he had finished fourth.

Disappointed but not downhearted and the car repaired once more, he took to the circuit for the final race of the weekend with a steely determination to secure a good result and get his Rookie Championship campaign back on track.

There would, however, be one final twist to the day. Under the pace laps, Mealin’s radio cable had become caught in his seatbelts leaving him unable to hear race control, meaning he was forced to stop on safety grounds to have the issue rectified.

The delay meant he had to start at the rear of the 19-car field, facing a massive uphill struggle to achieve the large points haul he was looking for.

However, the Manxman rose to the challenge superbly, impressing the crowds with one overtaking manouevre after another to move through the field at a rapid pace.

Eventually, his reward would be a eighth position at the end of a difficult weekend.

All involved will be hoping for a more trouble-free run in the next round of the Late Model V8 Supercup which takes place under the lights at Ipswich on Saturday, September 14.

After a short delay moving vehicles on the Mountain section of the Course, qualifying for the 2013 Classic TT presented by Bennetts duly got underway shortly before 6.40pm on Wednesday evening.

A number of the leading contenders, including Team Classic Suzuki riders Michael Dunlop and Conor Cummins, elected to take their Formula One machines out in the earlier MGP practice with Dunlop posting an opening lap of 122.837mph, improving his 120mph lap from the previous evening, with Cummins clocking 117.824.

The Ramsey Rocket opted to go straight through on a second lap and improved his fastest lap of the week to 119.396mph, setting up Monday’s Motorsport Merchandise Formula One race for a dual between the two Team Classic Suzuki team-mates.

The majority of the Classic riders went out in the later session, which started at 7.05pm with rider liaison officer John Barton first away on the Kawasaki ZXR. Riders were given the opportunity to practice their 60kmh speed limit through pit lane, giving Grandstand fans the chance to see the sights and sounds of these stunning bikes being put through their paces.

In the Bennetts 500cc Class Ian Lougher on the Flitwick Motorcycles Royal Enfield Seeley signalled his intent with a lap of 106.484 while William Dunlop on the Davies Motorsport Honda, with the number 11 plate, was well on the pace to Ramsey with 116.114 before dropping back on the Mountain section and cruising over the line to eventually post a lap of just over 100mph.

With Team Winfield reporting an electrical fault on John McGuinness’ Paton, which prevented him from going out, Olie Linsdell consolidated his position as one of the pre-race favourites with a lap of 109.438 on the Giovanni Cabassi Paton.

Kiwi Bruce Anstey confirmed his position as a race contender, powering his McIntosh Racing/Mobil 1 Norton to a lap of 107.277 ahead of Alan Oversby (105.981) riding the Davies Motorsport Honda, Chris Palmer on the Richard Shelton Racing Matchless (104.970) and Gary Johnson’s Lincs Lifting MV (104.195). Palmer eventually went out on three different machines during the session and posted top-five times on all of them.

Dunlop and Cummins topped the board in the Motorsport Merchandise Formula One class with the times they posted in the MGP session but Mistral Racing Kawasaki’s Jamie Coward (116.305) and Paul Owen (113.936) both threatened to break into the top 10 ahead of some of the seeded riders.

Seasoned campaigner Phil McGurk finished ahead of Chris Palmer in the Motorsport Merchandise Formula 2 Classic Qualifying with both posting 109mph laps while Dean Harrison, riding the Porter Racing BSA, was the fastest in the Motorsport Merchandise Formula Classic Class with 104.071 from Gavin Lupton (103.902) and Mark Parrett.

Palmer (100.962) on the Ripley Land Racing Honda was the only rider over 100mph in the Okell’s 350cc class, ahead of Northern Ireland rider Jamie Hamilton (98.868) while Ewan Hamilton topped the 250cc leaderboard with 95.441mph.

Doug Fairbrother was taken by airmed to Noble’s Hospital following an accident at Sarah’s Cottage with a reported shoulder injury.

The Isle of Man Victorian Society is to hold a talk about Sir Henry Brougham Loch, the lieutenant governor between 1863 and 1882.

Loch was 35 years old when he was appointed but already had had been a midshipman in the Royal Navy, captain in the Army, and undertaken diplomatic work in Japan and China where he was taken prisoner and tortured. For two years before his appointment as governor, he was private secretary to the British Home Secretary.

Derek Winterbottom will give the talk in the former art school (now Douglas Youth Centre) on Kensington Road, Douglas, on Sunday, August 25, at 2.30pm. Loch and his wife were early promoters of the establishment of an art school in Douglas.

Admission costs £1.

Simon Jones has has been appointed head of client relations at Permanent Bank International Ltd (PBI).

Simon has 14 years’ experience in international banking, beginning his career when he moved to the Isle of Man in 1998 to join HSBC.

Since then, Simon, who grew up on the Wirral, has worked for Irish Permanent International and Bank of Ireland, gaining experience in a variety of banking roles including mortgage counselling, personal banking, sales and marketing and business development.

He said: ‘I’m delighted to have joined PBI, which is built upon the principle of being the personal face of banking.

‘The whole ethos of the business is to focus upon getting to know our customers, building a relationship over several years, and offering a standard of customer service that few other banks can match. These are principles which have been important to me throughout my career so my new role at PBI is an ideal opportunity for me.’

As head of client relations his responsibilities will include helping personal and corporate clients with their accounts, attracting new depositors, developing new lines of communication with customers and ensuring the highest levels of customer service continue to be applied.

Simon, who is married with two children, is chair of the Friends of Ballacottier School charity and a member of the Manx Executive Challenge organising committee.

David Fulton, business development manager at PBI, welcomed Simon’s appointment.

He said: ‘Simon brings with him a breadth of customer service and relationship management that will be a major contribution to our business development goals.

‘I know that he will fit in well with colleagues and customers and has already made a positive impact.

‘Simon’s appointment comes at a time when PBI is looking to extend its reach to new customers in new regions while developing the way the bank interacts with our existing depositors.’

PBI is based at Hillary House on Prospect Hill, Douglas.

Simon can be contacted by emailing Simon.Jones@permanent-bank.com or by calling 639215.

Go to www.linkedin.com/in/simonjonesiom for his LinkedIn profile.

For more information about PBI go to www.permanent-bank.com

Kestrel Insurance has opened a new branch in Peel – taking its total number of branches to four.

The new premises is in Michael Street and is the first branch to be opened in the west by the Manx insurance firm.

Residents can visit the new premises to buy motor, home, travel, pet and boat insurance, as well as life cover. It also has an on island commercial department to cater for local companies looking to take out insurance policies.

Branch manager, Liam Hutton, said: ‘The opening of our new Peel branch highlights our aim to provide a local service to the local community.

‘We understand that insurance can be complex and many people feel more comfortable with being able to discuss their requirements with a broker face to face, so we know how important it is for our clients to be able to drop into one of our branches – it’s very reassuring to talk to an expert directly.

‘In addition, from our 24 years of experience on the island, we know that local people want to buy policies that are tailored to the Isle of Man.

‘We would like to welcome all local residents and invite them to come down and see our new branch – you can’t miss us, we’re the shop with the bright red frontage where Michael Street Pharmacy used to be.’

Over the past few years, Kestrel have increased its head count significantly, creating new roles and new departments.

The company now has four branches, including in Douglas, Onchan, Ramsey and Peel.

It went off with a bang at the weekend on Strand Street for the opening weekend of the Carnival bar.

The facelifted Strand 58/Rendezvous has a Latino-flavoured paint job and no expense spared sound system; all in all a very welcome addition to the scene.

The proof was in the pudding; it was full to capacity both Friday and Saturday. Circus performers set the Carnival atmosphere before the ‘crazy ass yessirs with the tiny guitars’ Duke Ukem rocked the crowd as only ukulele-armed punks can. Everyone did the twist to the infectious surf rock of Mr Eliminator and the Deadly Vipers, before a complete change of pace; the stage was tucked away, extending the dancefloor for the funk of Ballagroove DJs before DJ Christian Clague turned the house up to 11.

On Saturday night I walked into a different vibe altogether; darkened and hushed with the spotlight on guitarist Ste Quinn and exceptional singer Susan Norman.

It showed off the versatility of the venue; it would lend itself as well to a poetry night as it would a rave.

My own band Hoodoo Nation stepped up for a set afterwards, and had a blast. I lost about two kilos of sweat under those lights though, hopefully the air-con gets sorted out soon enough.

The rest of August is jam-packed.

The delectable Jeff Jepson played last night (Wednesday); tonight it’s electro from Candy Blasta, with the Alex Harris Trio supported by Kris Breadner on Friday, and soulful duo Electric Railway headlining Saturday.

Next Wednesday is songwriter Niki Maden and young rockers Honourable play Thursday, before the jewel in the crown Heymoonshaker on Friday (see next week’s Island Life for more on these pair, or stick their name into YouTube and set yourself to ‘blown away’ mode).

Southern Audio Conspiracy headline next Saturday.

TT stars Michael and William Dunlop are racing against the clock for their toughest-ever challenge – as a fundraising push is organised to save their family home.

Time is running out for the Dunlops to raise a substantial sum to prevent losing the home in Ballymoney, Northern Ireland, that was built by their late father, race legend Robert, and where both brothers still live with their mother Louise.

The house has been put at risk after Robert allegedly fell victim to a conman who persuaded him to remortgage the property on the back of a bogus investment.

Iconic items of TT memorabilia, including the leathers and helmets belonging to their uncle, 26-times TT winner Joey, are going under the hammer as part of the fund-raising effort. They will be on display at the Paddock behind The Grandstand from today.

The auction and race night, being held at The Crescent in Queen’s Promenade, Douglas, on Sunday (August 25), together with a golf day at Douglas Golf Club the following Thursday, have been organised by Martin Marlow, long time family friend of the Dunlops.

Martin, who is the founder of TT contractors Marlow Construction, said: ‘Time is running out for the family. Robert fell victim to an alleged con and the family home is at risk.

‘The boys have put all their energy and earnings into trying to save the family home. They have been working day and night to try to raise the money. They have been under a lot of pressure. This has been devastating for them.

‘People are under the false impression they are really well off but unfortunately there is not much money in road racing.’

Five-times TT winner Robert Dunlop sustained life-threatening injuries after he crashed exiting Ballaugh village in 1994 during the Formula 1 TT. He spent a long time in hospital.

In 1996 he bought a farm on Lisboy Road in Ballymoney on which he built a family home.

But all that is now at risk, The house has been up for sale for many months but no buyer has been found and the bank could take possession if a substantial sum isn’t raised soon.

Robert was killed in crash in the NW200 in 2008 at the age of just 48.

Among Dunlop memorabilia going under the hammer at Sunday’s Night at the TT Races and auction at the Crescent are Joey’s Rothman and Downtown Radio leathers, and two of his helmets including one from the 2000 TT, his last TT before he died as well as one of his jackets from the TT 2000.

Other lots include two of Robert Dunlop’s 125 Hondas, a signed Steve Hislop helmet and an Ian Lougher helmet, and photos of the Dunlop brothers in action.

Companies can sponsor a race for £2,000 with sponsors entered into a draw on the night to win one of Robert’s racing bikes.

Stars from the TT, the TV and world champions in other sports will be taking part in the golf day at Douglas golf Club on August 29.

T-shirts with the Dunlop brothers’ picture on the front are on sale at the Paddock, price £20, as well as Dickie Kelly’s latest CD entitled Mickie D on a Jet Ski which tells the story of Michael Dunlop’s achievements so far.

MD Racing chairman Mr Marlow and his wife Maria also sponsor several sporting clubs in the island including St Mary’s Boxing Club, Marown Badminton Club and Ellan Vannin Gaelic Football Club. He has also recently built the Ard na Mara holiday homes at Port Soderick with the aim ultimately of donating profits towards MD Racing and the other clubs.

For more information about both fund-raisers, or have any memorabilia to sell or donate, contact Martin Marlow on 494896 or by email at mmarlow@hotmail.com Donations can be made by cheque to MD Racing Ltd or by card by emailing Martin.

More than a fifth of all five-year-olds in the Isle of Man are obese or overweight.

The shocking figures were released by the Department of Health’s public health division after Chief Minister Allan Bell launched a stinging attack on levels of childhood obesity.

Mr Bell said parents were responsible for ensuring their children eat properly and take enough exercise – and those who failed to do so could be guilty of neglect.

Now public health officials have given their backing to Mr Bell’s tough stance.

Public health consultant Dr Paul Emerson said: ‘The Chief Minister was right to be forthright.

‘If we refer to the problem in a round about way no one really listens or cares or takes notice – by being so forthright people have noted the issue.’

The figures, for 2012, show that just over 20 per cent of five-year-olds were overweight.

And of these, about half were obese.

Dr Emerson said obesity presents numerous health problems to both individuals and families especially with regard to diabetes, heart disease, cancer and joint problems.

‘We must also not forget the significant mental health problems that obesity causes to affected individuals (both adults and children),’ he said.

‘And it is not just the health related problems that are significant, obese people are less productive in work because of the illnesses and other problems they face causing more work absence than is found in normal weight individuals and the overall productivity of the nation is affected.

‘In addition, obese people and families have to be assisted by the welfare system more than normal weight individuals and families as a result of their increased illness and physical incapacities.’

He said that if present trends continue funding of the local healthcare system will have to change – because the diseases resulting from obesity are among the most expensive and disabling and that means some sort of extra taxpayer funded scheme must be introduced.

‘It is not for public health to determine what form that extra funding should take but the present situation is unsustainable,’ he said.

To tackle the issue, the public health division recently produced a local obesity framework.

Dr Emerson said it will mean significantly increased working and co-ordination across government and other sectors on the island such as planning policy, transport policy, educational policy and family education in order to achieve any success in bringing obesity levels down.

‘The starting point is parents, however, and parents need to be responsible both in terms of what their families eat and in the levels of activity they encourage from a very early age,’ he said.

‘Simple public health messages such as “more breastfeeding”, “better weaning practice” “less takeaways”, “less fizzy drinks”, “smaller portion sizes” and “less TV and games and more physical activity” are all vital.

‘So yes, we support the Chief Minister and are extremely encouraged that our political leaders are recognising the importance of setting about tackling this next great public health problem after tobacco.’

Home-testing kits could help reduce levels of undetected HIV in the Isle of Man.

That’s the view of the newly-formed HIV Support Group which has welcomed the UK government’s announcement that it is to legalise and regulate HIV self-testing kits from 2014 – and is urging the Manx Government’s Department of Health to follow suit.

Tony, of the HIV Support Group, said: ‘The self-testing kits would be a good idea but access to counselling prior to the use of these kits would also be necessary as part of a greater awareness and education of HIV – something that has been lacking in the Isle of Man so far.’

‘The Health Minister seems to ignore this matter and in his previous role as Education Minister blocked and continues to block safe sex messages – and this comes down to his much publicised religious view point.’

Director of public health Dr Parameswaran Kishore said: ‘Many people are still unhappy about going and getting tested. Hopefully these kits will lead to more people testing themselves. But at this stage we don’t know the full details of what is being announced.’

He said the Minister would follow the advice of the clinical recommendation committee.