Police have advised motorists to avoid Eyreton Road in Crosby which is likely to be closed for around an hour.

This is because of an accident involving two cars and a motorcycle. The road wlll remain closed while police clean up a diesel spillage.

The island’s health service has been described as ‘ahead of the game’ by island renal consultant Dr Matthew Todd.

His comments came after the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in the UK flagged concerns that 12,000 lives a year could be saved in England by taking simple steps to avoid or properly identify and treat Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) in patients admitted to hospital.

AKI is the term for deterioration in kidney function; it can develop quickly, even in a matter of hours, and can easily go undetected – estimated to be present in one in six hospital admissions. The ‘injury’ is usually on the cellular level, rather than due to trauma to the kidneys, and can be exacerbated by things as simple as dehydration, or problems with medication and infections. Kidneys are usually the first organs to fail, and if AKI is not detected and treated, it can lead to kidney failure and the requirement for dialysis and a kidney transplant, making it an extremely dangerous condition.

The Isle of Man has seen a significant investment in kidney care over the past few years, most recently with the opening of a new satellite renal unit at Ramsey and District Cottage Hospital, greatly increasing the island’s capacity to provide dialysis.

Dr Todd was appointed as the dedicated renal consultant for the island in 2012.

Dr Todd said: ‘Although NICE are just publishing these guidelines now, my colleagues and I have already undertaken a significant amount of work to raise the profile of Acute Kidney Injury among staff at Noble’s Hospital, putting appropriate protocols in place – so in that sense we’re ahead of the game, which is a real positive for patients.

‘While patient care is always our top priority, the costs associated with not detecting and quickly treating AKI can be staggering – estimated in 2011 to be up to £186m in the UK NHS. This is because AKI can lead to longer hospital stays and can require more complex treatments and intensive intervention. So in line with the spirit of the island’s health strategy, prevention and early intervention really are the key here.’

Dr Todd has been instrumental in upping the ante for kidney care and AKI in the Isle of Man, raising awareness of the importance of prevention, early detection and treatment, primarily through staff education. Termed ‘the silent killer’, AKI is now deemed as important an issue to tackle as hospital acquired infections and deep vein thrombosis; such is its prevalence amongst inpatients.

Dr Todd added: ‘A base line audit of AKI incidences and outcomes at Noble’s was carried out in October 2012, and we’ll be undertaking a review again in October this year to provide us with comparison data. Staff education is key – AKI can crop up in all specialities, so all staff need to be aware of how to prevent it from developing and how to monitor patients. Basics like hydration are a significant factor in prevention, but certain medical procedures and medications can potentially lead to kidney problems, which is why, generally, all patients have a kidney function test upon admission. It’s also one of the reasons why we monitor a patient’s urine output. We want patients to be as safe as possible and protected from instances of avoidable harm; so we have to be vigilant and proactive. We can’t rest on our laurels, we have to keep up the momentum with education, and these new guidelines from NICE will give us additional food for thought.’

With Dr Todd, Noble’s Hospital has a dedicated renal consultant on hand; ensuring advice is available for clinicians, which isn’t always the case in UK hospitals of a similar size to Noble’s. The message on the importance of watching for AKI has filtered down to frontline staff including Bernie Smith, senior health care assistant, who works on Ward 2 at Noble’s Hospital and has a particular interest in hydration.

Bernie said: ‘I’m very passionate about ensuring high standards of basic of care and safety, such as patient hydration. Making sure that patients have plenty of fluid is an extremely important part of preventing kidney damage. We saw this with July’s heat wave, where a few patients admitted during this period were found to have kidney problems as they weren’t keeping their fluid levels up. The hospital ran a two week hydration campaign in 2011 to kick-start a long term and sustained drive to improve awareness of the importance of hydration. Dehydration can cause things as common as tiredness and headaches to more series conditions such as kidney damage. It’s this later element in particular that makes us so determined to maintain focus on putting hydration at the very core of basic care for patients. All patients have water jugs by their beds, which are checked regularly and patients are encouraged to drink, with their fluid intake monitored and assistance available for those who may struggle.’

For parents a little jaded with hearing Bob the Builder – again – a disco event for young children with music that will also appeal to adults will take place in Port St Mary’s town hall from 2pm to 4pm on Sunday, September 22.

Babbagroove is the brainchild of Port St Mary resident Aalish Maddrell, who said: ‘I had read about similar initiatives in the UK and thought that it would work really well over here. I approached Gypo [Andrew Clague] from Ballagroove Records to see whether he would be able to DJ and fortunately he loved the idea.

‘We decided to make it a not-for-profit, community event, keeping the ticket price as low as possible at £1 in order to be as inclusive as possible.

‘If the first event is as popular as we hope it will be, then we plan to host events throughout the year.’

Gypo, who also lives in the port, said he intends to play music that will appeal to parents. ‘It’s to get everyone that used to go out, but can’t [because they have young children] together – we want to get them together and let the kids play around. As opposed to it being kiddie music like Bob the Builder, it’s music we would play.

‘It’s not the full club experience, it will be funk and soul, it’s for the adults who used to come to our nights – kids are impartial to the sort of music that’s played.’

Aalish has four-year-old Kinley and Gypo a daughter, Sage, aged 10 months, so have a vested interest in making the event, aimed at children aged around seven and under, fun and keeping it going.

Also, the event is an extension of an area both are already involved in professionally. Aalish (formerly a primary school teacher) is the organiser of additional events held on and associated with Tynwald Day while Gypo is one of the driving forces behind recording collective Ballagroove Records.

Aalish said: ‘We are really excited about the first Babbagroove event and the positive response we have already received from people. We have already had a lot of community support, with offers of sponsorship and even cake-baking.

‘Port St Mary Commissioners are very supportive of the town hall being used for events like this – and since its refurbishment, the venue itself is fabulous.

‘Hopefully we will be able to run these events throughout the year – just the thing to brighten up a gloomy winter’s afternoon!’

An appeal has been made for percussion instruments the children could use on the day, call 458177 if you can help .

The plan, too, is to have a chill out area at the back of the hall with cushions and bean bags.

Any profits made will be used to buy instruments for future events.

Aalish thanked Ricky Broadbent at Quine and Cubbon for printing the tickets free of charge.

Tickets are available from Patchwork Cafe and Studio 42 in Port St Mary and Noa Bakehouse in Douglas.

Fun at the Venture Centre and a regatta at Mooragh Park marked the end of a summer of fundraising for the young people of St Christopher’s centre.

Children and staff took part in a variety of activities through the summer, including a walk up to Snaefell summit, to raise £1,200 for the farmers’ benevolent fund. A total of 54 staff and children from St Christophers took part in archery, shooting, an assault course and team building. Heather Barker, chairman of St Christopher’s trustees, presented a cheque to Jill Cannell of the Farmers Benevolent Fund. Pictured are, Steve Taylor, second left, of St Christopher’s, with front right, Sam Olsen, back second left, Heather Barker and other St Christopher’s staff. MP130821(10)

Douglas, Peel, Castletown, Laxey and Port Erin are all part of plans to revamp the Isle of Man under the government’s regeneration project.

In Douglas, the regeneration focus is currently on the main retail area around Marks and Spencer, Regent Street and Duke Street.

New paving has been installed around the Marks and Spencer entrances to provide level surfaces with easy gradients, designed to help people with mobility difficulties and those with pushchairs.

Work joining the main street to Wellington Street is complete.

The work started in March 2013 and is scheduled for completion by November 17, in time for Christmas shopping. The government has said that no work will be undertaken in Douglas during the Christmas shopping period.

Elsewhere in the island, the work on George Lane in Castletown got under way at the beginning of August. The Castletown lane links the car parking and coach stop to the main square.

Regeneration project managerSteven Stanley said: ‘George Lane is a typical backstreet with poor quality surfaces which do not provide a fitting welcome to visitors and residents.

‘Adjoining landowners, Castletown Commissioners and local business people have worked alongside Government to design a pilot scheme which will include new paving, lighting, street furniture and artwork to make it into a place that Castletown can be proud of,’ he added.

Work on Laxey, Peel and Port Erin will be following shortly with the creation of a dedicated coach stop and information area in Mines Road in Laxey, a new gateway to Peel in Derby Road, and a Port Erin square created at the Railway Station.

The gateway to Peel will be a new entrance to the cathedral grounds with an archway, opposite the Town Hall.

There will be enhanced paving designed to renew the appearance of Port St Mary’s shopping area, while public art and new pedestrian signs will be displayed in the hope of making the town more welcoming.

Mr Stanley said of Ramsey’s recent regeneration work: ‘The transformation of the area around Ramsey Courthouse is the latest example of the investment being made to reinvigorate local economies.

‘When the people of Ramsey were consulted about what they wanted regeneration to achieve, they said the town needed a new heart,’ he added.

The catalyst behind the initiative, and many others throughout the Isle of Man, has been the Town and Village Regeneration Scheme, which was established by Government with funding of £8 million.

‘Government, Ramsey Commissioners and local businesses have worked together to deliver that aim. We think that the Courthouse is clean, bright, and attractive and comes alive with people walking, talking and lingering in the new spaces created,’ continued Mr Stanley.

Work in Ramsey started in June 2012 and was completed by June 2013, on time and within budget.

Ramsey architects Dalrymple’s carried out the design work and Island Drainage and Ground Works undertook the construction.

The crowning glory of the regeneration is the newly installed sculpture of Kings of Mann and the Isles playing a board game.

The artwork has been relocated from the Town Hall to the front of the Courthouse.

When opening the Ramsey Courthouse area, the Chief Minister said: ‘Government is using its funds to regenerate town and village centres at a pace which maximises the opportunity for change.

‘The work in Ramsey is a catalyst to help bring investment and people to the town.

‘Already we are seeing new shops springing up and more people visiting and staying longer in the town centre,’ he added.

Highlights of this year’s Manx Grand Prix Races will be available for viewers to see on the internet.

The race organiser, the Manx Motor Cycle Club, is calling on spectators and fans to contact it with any footage shot of the racing or practising so it can be uploaded and shared with others.

The call has also been made to any of the racers who completed laps of the course carrying on-bike cameras to record their laps.

In addition the event was filmed by Greenlight Television who put footage on to its own web channel MGP TV which includes coverage of the event during the second week.

Last year the island television company filmed throughout the race fortnight and produced the film Grand Prix Racer which has been shown on ITV4 and was also shown at the Villa Marina.

Focusing principally on the newcomers the film gave a vivid insight into the backgrounds, aspirations and fears of the riders at the prospect of tackling the famous Mountain Course for the first time.

Manx Motor Cycle Club chairman Harvey Garton said they were delighted to be working again with Greenlight after their successful collaboration over the Grand Prix Racer film last year.

‘In this new format we were able to make available a practice report and same day race coverage. This year we had an excellent entry in all the classes including the Newcomers which attracted a record 65 entries.

MGP TV will be accessible through http://www.manxgrandprix.org or www.youtube.com/themanxgrandprix

Today, SATURDAY

HAYDOCK: 2.05 Harrison George 2.40 Gabrial 3.15 Clowance Estate 3.50 Lethal Force (NAP) 4.25 Musical Comedy 5.0 Chief Barker 5.30pm Lemon Pearl

ASCOT: 1.55 Gabriel’s Lad 2.25 Bon Voyage 3.0 Casual Smile 3.30 Special Meaning 4.05 Flying Bear 4.40 Lanansaak 5.10 Diamond Charlie

THIRSK: 2.0 Lulu the Zulu 2.30 Lincoln 3.05 Snow Squall 3.40 Gabriel’s Kaka 4.20 Me And My Shadow 4.55 Simply Shining 5.25 Eeny Mac 5.55 Sharaarah

KEMPTON: 1.45 Hors de Combat 2.20 Royal Empire 2.55 Seek Again 3.35 Nimiety 4.10 Hot Streak (NB) 4.45 Mallory Heights 5.20 Footstepsintherain

STRATFORD: 2.10 On the Feather 2.45 Foundry Square 3.20 Castle Beach 3.55 Laudatory 4.30 Rhum 5.05 Giant O’Murcho 5.40 Wave The Grapes

What a line up! The list of those who have been given the honour of a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Isle of Man Newspapers’ Awards for Excellence is impressive in itself, but the impact they have made, both on the island and much further afield, is even more so…

The Lifetime Achievement Award is the only award at the Isle of Man Newspapers’ Awards for Excellence that is not decided by the panel of judges. The winners have submitted no entry form and they have no idea, when they attend the Awards Night, that they are about to receive this honour.

Last year’s winner, Dot Tilbury, (pictured) had been busy organising some of the young members of her cycling league to take part in the finale and thought she was at the Awards Night to honour someone else, as she explains:

‘I do remember being stunned because I’d arranged to get all the cyclists there. All the time I was thinking it was in honour of Peter Kennaugh getting the gold medal and all the time it was for me!’

Dot was given the award for her dedication to the island’s youth cycling league, developing protégés like Peter in the very early stages of their careers. She was also honoured for her community work in the parish of Marown and her achievements as an entertainer. The award was presented to her on the night by Peter Kennaugh (who himself received a special award to mark his Olympic gold medal win) and Dot explains what it meant to her:

‘It was a great honour because of all the other people who have been Lifetime Achievers before me – all those great Manx people who’d been honoured. I’m passionate about the Isle of Man so it meant such a lot.

‘Everyone was so kind and generous in their remarks – it was humbling. It all went in a bit of a daze. Words can’t express what a great night it was and to have Peter Kennaugh there was very special.’

The first winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award, in 2006, was former Chief Minister Donald Gelling, followed by Geoff Karran in 2007.

In 2008, Robin Gibb collected the award on behalf of the Bee Gees, before performing a rendition of Ellan Vannin backed by a choir of schoolchildren.

In 2009, Lady Walker stepped onto the stage, thinking she was there to honour her husband, former Chief Minister Sir Miles Walker, only to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award herself. ‘I’ve never been more surprised in my life!’ she said afterwards.

Lady Walker received the award for her charity work and especially her role at the forefront of efforts to raise money to build the new hospice on the island.

In 2010 the honour was awarded posthumously to the former first deemster and proud Manxman Mike Kerruish.

His family was there to witness the emotional video tribute that even brought a tear to the eye of the evening’s presenter, comedian Rory Bremner.

Charity campaigner Olga Gray, the winner in 2011, and Dot complete the line-up which is a testimony to the extraordinary people the Isle of Man has produced.

Whoever wins this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award, which will be announced at the awards night on November 21 at the Villa, one thing is certain: they will be proud and honoured to take their place alongside those amazing Manx men and women who have received it already.

A couple from Anagh Coar raised £660 towards refurbishing the maternity unit at Noble’s Hospital in memory of their daughter Jasmine.

Jonathan and Amanda Barton, who have a four-year-old daughter Olivia, were keen to thank the midwives and doctors who cared for them.

Their second baby, Jasmine Grace, was diagnosed with the hydrops fetalis, characterised by swelling in the foetus, when Amanda was 27 weeks pregnant and after tests was given just a 5 per cent chance of survival.

She was delivered by emergency caesarean section at 31 weeks in July last year and was alive for seven and a half hours.

The couple raised the money for The Jane’s Big Push by walking 32.5 miles to Peel in the Parish Walk, and presented the cheque last week.

Amanda said: ‘The care Jasmine, Jonathan and I received from the special care baby unit during her short life was outstanding. I stayed in the Jane for four nights and I received amazing care from the midwives and doctors. Nothing was ever any trouble and they welcomed our family and friends.’

When they heard about The Jane’s Big Push they decided to do the Parish Walk: ‘It gave us something positive to aim for and we were able to say thank you and give something back.’

Money raised includes £45 from midwives. The campaign aims to raise £20,000 to refurbish two rooms on the labour ward into a home-from-home birthing room.

The Manx Government is happy to pull out the stops for the finance industry, so why shouldn’t it do the same for the food industry?

That’s the question asked by Laxey Glen Mills chairman Mike Henthorn, as he gives his support to Ramsey Bakery managing director Jim Duncan’s call for government to increase its support for local food producers.

Mr Henthorn and Mr Duncan blame cheap imported bread for a decline in production – at the mill where milling wheat is turned into flour, and at Ramsey Bakery, where 90 per cent of the mill’s flour is turned into bread.

Mr Henthorn said: ‘The Government pulls out all the stops to go on visits to China in connection with the finance industry, so why can’t they pull out all the stops to help the local food industry.’

He said bread, along with meat and milk, was one of three ‘food staples’ in which the island should be self-sufficient, in part, so residents won’t go without in the event of Steam Packet cancellations.

He said a concerted effort should be made by senior civil servants ‘to impress upon major food multiples the importance of increasing the purchase of local food products’. And they should be told that otherwise, the milling wheat industry and Ramsey Bakery, ‘won’t survive in any significant form’.

Mr Henthorn said: ‘The more bread that Ramsey Bakery supplies to major food retailers, the more flour that’s required from the mill and the more milling wheat that’s needed from the farmers.

‘If Ramsey Bakery didn’t exist, the mill wouldn’t exist and there would be no need for the milling wheat growers.’

Meanwhile, in Economic Development Minister John Shimmin’s written response to Mr Duncan, he said sustainability of local food production and local producers was ‘very high on Government’s agenda’, particularly in the DED and Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture.

‘We provide financial assistance and practical help to businesses across the food and drink sector,’ he said.

‘Government over the years has invested significantly in this sector to help local businesses to make attractive products for customers on the island and overseas. We are helping such businesses to be profitable and sustainable which is good for the local economy, taxpayers, food producers and our environment.’

He said Government shared Mr Duncan’s concerns when there appeared to be threats to the viability of such businesses.

Despite challenging financial times, he said he intends to continue this support.

And he encouraged businesses looking to expand to contact the department to discuss their plans and see where Government can help them.

Mr Duncan urged government to enter into one to one talks with major chains and ‘lobby vigorously’ for the support of local produce.

The Minister replied, saying Ministers had done so several times in recent years and would continue to do so.

He said a draft retail sector strategy, being drawn up, was ‘fully supportive of indigenous Manx businesses including those producing for the local retail market’.

He told the Manx Independent ‘local residents and local businesses also play a vital role and Government asks them to consider buying local’.

The Carnival Live Lounge in Douglas shows no signs of slowing down with a packed September schedule.

The soulful sounds of Chris Winchester and his band perform this evening (Thursday), with lively five-piece indie rockers 3 Million on Friday.

The now customary acoustic Wednesdays continue on the 11th with songsmith Matt Creer, and slick rockers the Acoustic G.A.S.P taking on the Thursday slot.

On Friday 13th, DJs will bring the festival fever-tinged Mardis Gras, playing soulful nu-disco infused with funk-filled breaks.

Throughout the Saturday will be a Live Lounge Session, all filmed under the Fuzzy Orange label banner, featuring 10 local acts, all playing original tunes, following on from last year’s successful session filmed at Jabberwocky.

A highlight comes on Wednesday 18th, with the young and highly talented Lily Wolter set to play a melodic solo set from behind the piano.

The very next day is something completely different; everyone’s favourite didgeridoo and banjo-led 90s dance cover artists The Fecktones will get the place swinging, while on the Friday former support act Susan Norman and Ste Quinn get a headline slot after wowing the crowd with their energetic, hook-laden set in August.

On Saturday it’s dynamic three piece Your Gold Teeth, fresh from a summer stint in Spain, the band are at once graceful and scuzzy.

On Wednesday 25th are aspiring young original band Exit Left, before a Thursday set from the Latin-infused groovers Lava El Elephant.

On Friday is Baby Seal Club; the Candyblasta guys plus friends producing an eclectic collection on the decks with live electronic indie and dance instruments on stage.

On Saturday 28th is the month-closing main event.

Returning from the UK Mutant Vinyl travel a path of heavy dub, cosmic funk and dreamy trip-hop, recently handpicked by Radio 1’s Huw Stephens. They made a splash with some big performances around the island during TT.

Frontman Edwin Pope leads the band with guitar, saxaphone and vocals in what will be a lively show.

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The Manx Sound Exchange is Lee Brooks’ ramblings on the rumblings of the island’s music scene. Help support the scene by emailing lee.brooks@newsiom.co.im or calling 695674 with Manx music news, reviews and photos

Plans for a major revamp of Laxey station on the island’s heritage railway network have been lambasted by railway enthusiasts.

But according to the government’s Department of Community, Culture and Leisure, the criticism is premature because money is only available for track replacement; the rest of the plans are on indefinite hold.

The Manx Electric Railway Society says the plans would see installation of LED lighting, new tactile paving and stainless steel street furniture at the MER station in Laxey as part of the Laxey regeneration scheme.

Critics say the street furniture proposed is inappropriate for the historic setting which has remained largely unchanged since the station’s early days in the 1900s.

The society has described the station at Laxey as the ‘jewel in the crown of the MER’, adding the plans were likely to herald the ‘ruination of the charm, abmience and character of the Laxey station’.

Plans to relocate the historic mercury arc rectifier in another building nearer the station - where it can be on display for visitors to see - have also attracted severe criticism from the group.

‘The Government has indicated it will evict this irreplaceable piece of Manx and international heritage, missing a golden opportunity to create a unique museum in its original setting and a much-needed added attraction for both Laxey village and the island.

‘Unnecessarily moving the equipment to another building runs the serious risk of irreparable damage and will absorb much needed funding in removal and re-installation costs. If this government really cared about the island and its heritage there should never have been any suggestion to remove the equipment.’

Peter Kelly, case worker for the island’s Victorian Society questioned why the equipment couldn’t be left where it was so it remained in its historical context.

‘It seems a bit like digging up the Tower of Refuge and putting it in the Manx Museum,’ he said, adding that modern paving and street furniture, if used, risked turning the station into the equivalent of a Sainsbury’s car park.

Andrew Moore, chairman of Laxey Commissioners, said they had reviewed the proposals: ‘We had some concerns over the inappropriate nature of some of the proposals like the paving. Commissioners can make recommendations to the planners which they have chosen to disregard.’

A statement from the DCCL said both the Laxey Regeneration Committee and representatives of the Manx Electric Railway Society had had close involvement with the scheme.

‘The committee and the planning office were both informed that the specifics such as seating and lighting were purely indicative and not finalised plans. Planning permission for the scheme was granted in October 2012 but available finance dictates the only element of the scheme that is progressing is the track renewal, which is vital for safely operating the railway.’

A DCCL spokesman added: ‘Any proposal to develop other amenities in the Laxey MER Station area will only progress when funding is available and further consultation is undertaken with appropriate parties.’

A rider in the Classic TT who was left with a broken right shoulder blade and left hip socket and a minor liver laceration after coming off his bike in a practice session has vowed to get back on a bike again but has decided to retire from racing.

The photo on the right of Peter Richardson, aged 69, of Little Carleton, Blackpool, was taken by reader Stuart Bridson and caught the imagination of many readers of the Examiner, where it was printed. It was also printed in Peter’s local paper, the Blackpool Gazette.

Peter had just negotiated a right turn and believes he was travelling at around 70 mph when he came off the 350 Classic Honda he was riding.

Son Roy, who was riding on the same course at the time, was informed of his father’s accident when he finished the circuit. The pair had been due to compete with the same Tower Race Team.

The father-of-six broke his right shoulder blade and left hip socket, while his left knee was also damaged, but remembers nothing of the incident itself.

Doctors have told him his shoulder will heal on its own but have inserted metal screws to stabilise the shattered hip socket.

Peter said: ‘They think I might have landed on my knee which pushed my thigh bone into the ball and socket of my hip. They have repaired the top with four screws.’

Peter, who crashed and broke his collar bone in the Isle of Man in 2003, added: ‘Without a doubt, this is my worst biking injury.

‘As I was going up the mountain, there was a right hand bend then a left hand bend going up to the Gooseneck. I remember going out of the right hand bend but nothing after that.

‘I don’t think I made the left hand bend. The next thing I can remember is somebody saying he’s damaged his hip joint but I don’t know if that was in the road, the helicopter or the hospital.’

Peter was taken to Noble’s Hospital where he stayed until being taken by air ambulance to Liverpool three days later. He has been at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital, a specialist centre for trauma and orthopaedics, since Friday August 23.

Consultant surgeons Gunasekaran Kumar and Sanjay Kalra, both specialists in complex trauma including hip socket fractures, performed Peter’s hip socket operation on August 24.

Mr Kumar said: ‘The complex fracture of his left hip socket was fixed using specialist equipment, which results in minimal scarring and a shorter recovery time for the patient. We are one of the few centres to provide this type of complex hip socket surgery.’

Firefighters were called to a blaze that was started by an electrical fault yesterday (Saturday) morning.

The kitchen in a property in Ridgeway Road, Onchan, was alight.

Two firefighters wearing breathing apparatus entered the building carrying a hosereel and a CO2 extinguisher. The fire was isolated to a gas boiler and they extinguished the flames using the CO2 extinguisher.

Due to smoke logging throughout the house a positive pressure fan was then put in use to clear all the products of combustion from the premise.

The cause of the fire was a fault on the electrical system of the boiler with all wiring and circuit board being completely destroyed by fire.

An engineer from Manx Gas was asked to attend the incident to ensure that the boiler was left in a safe condition.

Leading firefighter Kirby who was the officer in charge of the first appliance said: ‘The occupier did the right thing by evacuating the property and calling the fire service out.’

Crews remained in attendance for about 40 minutes to ensure that the property had been well ventilated.

A man threatened another man and a woman last night (Saturday) on Douglas promenade.

The incident happened at about 11.15pm near Central Apartments at the bottom of Broadway.

The man, who was wearing dark clothing, threatened one man and a woman and then chased the other man along the promenade in the direction of the Empress Hotel.

Police would like to speak with anyone in the area that can offer assistance with the investigation.

In particular, they would like to trace three men who were outside the Empress Hotel who told the victim to call the police.

Detective Sergeant Paul Holland said: ‘This incident occurred at a busy time and a number of people were in the area.

‘If you have any information regarding this, no matter how small please contact the police.’

There’s an international flavour among my selections today

Today, SUNDAY

LONGCHAMP (France) : 1.25 Karakontie (jockey: Olivier Peslier) 2.40 Valirann (Christophe-Patrice Lemaire) 3.10 Market Share (James Doyle)

VELIEFENDI (Turkey): 2.o David Livingston (Johnny Murtagh) and Lost in the Moment (Mickael Barzalona - NAP) 3.30 Producer (Richard Hughes) and Quick Wit (Mickael Barzalona - NB)

YORK: 2.0 Remember (Ryan Moore) 2.30 My Inspiration (Ryan Moore) 3.0 Smoothtalkinrascal (D Tudhope) 3.35 Fragonard (Tom Queally) 4.05 Hawk Mountain (W Buick) 4.40 Bondesire (D Tudhope) 5.10 Tetbury (D Bergin)

FONTWELL: Champion jumps jockey A.P. McCoy rides Princely Hero in the 4.15 and Chestnut Ben in the 5.20. He has good chances of success in both races.

DUNDALK (Ireland): Watch out for Joseph O’ Brien riding for his father Aidan O’Brien in the 3.25 on Lungarno Palace and in the 5.30 aboard Giovanni Boldini

Matt Clinton from Balsall Common in the Midlands took victory in Sunday’s Manx Telecom End2End Mountain Bike Challenge.

In muddy and wet conditions Clinton finished the 75km course in 3 hours 2 minutes 54 seconds, a couple of minutes ahead of Lonan’s Ed Perry and last year’s winner Elliot Baxter.

Manxie Nick Corlett was first under-23 home in fourth, followed by four-time winner and early leader Nick Craig in fifth.

Chichester’s Fay Cripps was first woman in 63rd overall.

More in Monday’s Isle of Man Examiner and Thursday’s Manx Independent.

The Mountain Road is being closed during the daytime this week for roadworks.

The first phase of the work, including resurfacing the Ramsey Hairpin, requires the Mountain Road to be closed to traffic from today (Monday) to Thursday, with a possible closure on the Friday in the event of any delay due to poor weather.

During this period the Mountain Road will be re-opened between Creg-ny-Baa and the Bungalow from 5pm each evening until 9.30am the next morning, however the section from Bungalow to Ramsey will remain closed.

The work includes:

Re-surfacing of Ramsey Hairpin

Re-surfacing Creg-ny-Baa corner

Checking and replacing cats’ eyes

Checking and replacing retro reflective verge markers

Re-newing road markings

Drainage ditch clearance

Miscellaneous patching and re-surfacing where required.

The remaining phases of the work will follow from Monday, September 16, over a further three weeks with the Mountain Road closed off peak between 9.30am and 4.30pm, Monday to Saturdays inclusive. There is provision for an evening closure from 6.30pm if required.

Continuous access will be maintained to the Creg-ny-Baa public house and the Peveril Rifle Club.

The Department of Infrastructure says that motorists and race fans may have observed that the surface at Ramsey Hairpin and the Creg-ny-Baa are deteriorating and require attention.

A spokeman said: ‘The full closure is required due to the tight movement of vehicles around the hairpin. Normally it is possible to lay tarmac and fairly quickly re-open the new surface to traffic.

‘However in this instance the skewing forces generated by vehicles cornering so tightly would quickly churn up the new surface which needs to be allowed to fully cool before being opened to traffic.

‘The significant swept path and movement of vehicles around the bend also makes it impossible to keep one lane open to traffic.’

He added: ‘Similar space restraints apply at the Creg-ny-Baa and people may be aware that the Creg-ny-Baa bend had a special high friction surface applied some years ago.

‘This was added to improve grip in view of the poor and varied super elevation (cross fall) around the bend. The high friction surface was successful in giving the necessary grip to assist cornering but has now started to fail.

‘It has delaminated from the road surface due to changes in temperature and weather but also due to the lateral forces applied by vehicles during cornering. High friction surfacing is an expensive technique and in order to replace it like for like we would first need to re-surface the road and then re-apply the high friction surface.

‘If we did this then we could anticipate that the surface would fail again.

‘Therefore the corner will be re-surfaced, but at the same time the super elevation (cross fall) will be increased slightly to provide for a smoother and safer cornering experience.

‘This will restore the road surface to a good condition and will negate the need for the high friction surface which in turn will help reduce the need for future maintenance work and costs.

‘The new surface will benefit all users.’

The Sayle Gallery is taking part in the Bi-Annual UK Festival of Silk, which being hosted for the first time by The Isle of Man Guild of Silk Painters.

An exhibition there, which began on Friday and runs till September 22, includes work by local silk painters as well as those created by UK artists.

Mandy Southan – whose books include ‘Beginner’s Guide to Silk Painting
’ which is perhaps the best introduction to this art, as well as containing new techniques for more experienced silk painters – will be exhibiting some of her work at the Sayle Gallery, alongside works by, among others, Melinda Berkovitz and Anne Shelby, who will be exhibiting examples of Japanese technique of Shibori pleating.

Yvonne Bell, a member of the Milton Keynes Guild of Silk Painting, has been commissioned to create hand painted vestments for St German’s Cathedral in Peel and examples of her work will be display at St Thomas’s Church, Douglas and at the Sayle Gallery.

Margaret Dunning, chairman of the UK Guild. is exhibiting an ‘Underwater World’ silk painting to entice viewers to attend her workshop over the Festival creating a coral reef with shimmer paints.

Yvonne Bell, a member of the Milton Keynes Guild of Silk Painting, has been 
commissioned to create hand-painted vestments for St German’s Cathedral in Peel and examples of her work will be display at St Thomas’s Church, Douglas, and at the Sayle 
Gallery, which is situated on Harris Promenade in the capital.

Local artists taking part in the exhibition include Sayle Gallery artists Cas Powles and Myra Gilbert, the ‘Wearable Art’ 
Group, the Embroidery Group and the Manx Quilters along with silk painting members of the Isle of Man Art Society and the Mannin Art Group.

Organiser, and silk painter herself, Jean Buck said: ‘Although the actual festival lasts only a weekend, the two-week Sayle Gallery exhibition will provide a opportunity for anyone interested in silk painting to see what this art involves.

‘I can guarantee that 
the exhibition will be both beautiful and inspiring – and The Isle of Man Guild 
of Silk Painters is grateful to the Sayle Gallery for this opportunity to exhibit work from local artists, and from well-known off-Island 
silk painters whose 
stunning work really has to be seen close up to be appreciated.’

Wildlife artist Dr Jeremy Paul will showcase highlights from a quarter of a century’s work as a professional artist in a new exhibition open at the Manx Museum from Saturday, September 14.

This exhibition features paintings from Jeremy’s travels from across the world includes prize-winning artworks from BBC Wildlife Artist of the Year and Wildscape Magazine’s Wildlife Artist of the Year.

A self-taught artist, Jeremy Paul works in acrylics, using his own photographs for reference and building his work in layers with under-painting and use of glazes for different effects.

The development of skills has come at the cost of thousands of hours of work and self-motivation on Jeremy’s part.

He has earned a reputation for accurate and sensitive representations of the natural world.

Jeremy did not set out to be an artist. His decision to try making a living out of art arose from a career in marine biology.

An affinity with drawing and painting, was nurtured alongside his work as a marine scientist in Scotland and the Isle of Man.

The realistic portrayals of animals in their environment that Jeremy is best known for today reflect a scientific attention to detail as well as an appreciation of the subtleties of light, textures and colours which create tone and atmosphere. He has said that he would not be an artist if he hadn’t been a marine biologist. The one goes with the other.

Scotland, particularly the west coast and highlands, where Jeremy Paul spent much of his career as a marine biologist in the 1980s, provided both opportunity and inspiration for his art work. Wilderness and abundant wildlife motivated him to begin painting seriously, particularly during his time living on the Inner Hebridean island of Scalpay.

A two-year spell out of work in Kent gave Jeremy the time to develop his painting skills and his art began to sell.

His first exhibition in Ashford public library gave him the encouragement to continue painting, even as he moved back to Scotland for a job researching and developing shellfish farming.

In 1988 Jeremy moved back to the Isle of Man, where he had earlier spent four years completing his first degree and PhD.

Over the years the island’s wildlife has been a consistent source of subjects, from majestic settings for peregrine falcons to intimate studies of wrens. Having brought up his family here, Jeremy’s base continues to be at home in Colby, from where he produces artwork for exhibition locally and abroad.

Jeremy says he believes in seeing animals in their natural environment before depicting them. That way he can experience the nuances of light, landscape and behaviour that set his paintings apart. When opportunities arise, he travels to different parts of the world to observe and photograph native species.

Big cats have particularly captured his imagination: tigers in India, lions, leopards and cheetahs in Africa. Botswana, Zambia, South Africa, Tanzania, Kenya and Namibia have all drawn him back to the continent to take part in small safari expeditions to witness wildlife spectacles.

He has gone to both the Arctic and the Antarctic regions for first-hand experiences of fragile landscapes and the wildlife adapted for survival there.

He is a member of ‘Artists for Conservation’ and has contributed paintings to ‘Art for Survival’ auctions at Christies in London on behalf of the David Shepherd Conservation Foundation.

Early visitors to the exhibition have the opportunity to buy some of Jeremy’s latest work, with a special edition print, stamp collections and cards also available in the Manx Museum Shop.

The exhibition is on display at the Manx Museum until January 4 and is accompanied by an illustrated book celebrating a quarter of a century of Dr Jeremy Paul’s work as a professional wildlife artist, published with support of Manx National Heritage and KPMG.

Jeremy will be on hand to sign copies of his new book at the Gallery Shop at the Manx Museum from 11am to midday on Saturday, September 14.