Isle of Man based Dominion Marine has been providing help for yacht and superyacht corporate owners and to the yachting industry since 1984.

Founder and director Chris Allix closely monitors changes to EU VAT and marine legislation to make sure the best and most cost-effective ownership structures are developed.

Now, because of recent changes to EU VAT regulations, the ratification of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) and stricter requirements for commercial registration, Dominion Marine has launched a new VAT deferment structure for pleasure yacht owners.

Chris said: ‘I am very excited to announce the launch of our new VAT solution for pleasure yacht owners. We have been working hard behind the scenes, meeting with the relevant authorities and seeking tax and legal opinions to make sure, as always, we are fully compliant.

‘Dominion Marine SARL has been incorporated and VAT registered in the Principality of Monaco to provide this solution to clients.

‘We already have vessels using the structure so it has been tried and tested.

‘This solution is ideal for pleasure yacht ownership and is based on a five year bare boat rental contract.

‘The owner defers the payment of VAT on the acquisition of the yacht and only pays VAT on its depreciation, in accordance with European Court judgements.

‘At the end of the five year period the client has the option to enter into a new rental period. Should the client decide to sell the yacht, there are no penalties and all options relating to the tax on the yacht remain open.’

The team at Dominion Marine believes there is a market for this new product due to the decrease in commercial charters and recent VAT changes affecting the commercial yacht industry.

According to the Superyacht Index, published by Campers & Nicholson, the total sold weeks in the charter market for the 24 metres-30 metres yachts was down 7.6 per cent in 2012 compared to 2010 and the 30 metre-50 metre yachts down 6.9 per cent

Chris Allix said the complexities and extra costs of running a commercial yacht are increasing all the time, making it harder to offset those costs with revenue from charters. The decrease in charters together with the implications of the new MLC regulations for commercially registered yachts is giving yacht owners cause for reflection.

‘I have been in the industry long enough to know how difficult it has become to operate a commercial yacht. I think the time has come for many superyacht owners to go back to using their yachts purely for pleasure. I highly recommend this new VAT deferment structure to yacht and superyacht owners who are no longer interested in running their vessel as a commercial enterprise. The fact it is based in Monaco will also make life easier for them as that is where the paperwork has to be signed. The vessel has to visit Monaco to sign the rental agreement but of course many yachts are already berthed there or just around the corner along the French Riviera!’

Dominion Marine will be exhibiting at the Monaco Yacht Show from September 25-28.

Chris Allix will be joined by Catherine Connolly of Dominion Marine, Jackie Baker of Dominion Consultants and Simon Roberts of Dominion Crew Solutions.

Two hundred and one children joined Onchan Library’s ‘Creepy House Summer Reading Challenge’, an event held in libraries throughout The British Isles.

The theme was monsters and horror and participants have been collecting smelly stickers, batty bookmarks, bags and medals as rewards for reading six books over the summer holidays.

Children still have until September 14 to complete their challenge of reading the books.

Margaret Hunter of the Manx Bat Group visited the library for one of the sessions and, along with regular readings, there were competitions based on monster themes.

Andrew Jones from sponsor Skandia presented some competition prizes last week.

Many of the monsters and pictures are on display in the Library until September 14.

Skandia has sponsored summer reading schemes at Onchan Library for the past seven years. It has already promised its support for next year’s summer reading challenge, which has a myths and legends theme. The library is planning to give it a local twist as part of its 70th anniversary celebrations in 2014.

The attached group photograph shows the winners: (back row) Andrew Jones, Skandia, (middle row) Abigail Campbell, age 6; Noah Campbell, age 4; Bonnie Winrow, age 3, Lauren Winrow, age 6, Megan Butler, age 5, Imogen Cowell, age 4, (front row) Gabriel Campbell, Edie Reimer, age 3. All are children from The Storytime Nursery.

The prize winners were: Monster Hunt: Imogen Cowell, Age 4

Monster Colouring: Joanne Hewitt, Age 7, Megan Butler, Age 5, Bonnie Winrow, Age 3

Monster Making: First, Sophie and Sarah Long, age 9 and 7; Second, Fynn and Malane Bradley, age 5 and 2; Third, Ethan Quirk and Connor Clinton, age 11 & 10; Runners-Up: Lucia Murphy ,age 4, Edie Reimer, age 3, Abigail and Noah Campbell, age 6 and 4, Aaron, Bee Hive Nursery; Group Prize: Storytime Nursery, Onchan.

The Manx Wildlife Trust is appealing for people to leave money to the charity in their wills.

Anne Marie Kilgallon, fundraising and wildlife advocacy officer for the Manx Wildlife Trust, said: ‘Gifts in wills are so important in allowing us to continue to protect our natural world and wildlife as we currently do.

‘This “Remember A Charity” week, we’d like to ask everyone making or amending a will to take a moment and think about leaving a gift in their will to the wildlife trust, once they have looked after family and friends.’

Braddan Commissioners want to build new sports and community facilities as well as new headquarters at the Strang.

The new project would be built on the land known as the ‘Strang Corner Field’, next to the new Palatine Group Medical Practice.

The proposals include building a sports hall/gym, local government offices, indoor and outdoor play areas suitable for young children, a coffee shop, and accommodation suitable for a health facility.

Colin Whiteway, clerk to Braddan Commissioners, explained: ‘It’s at a very early stage yet, we’re just currently preparing a business case to put forward to Treasury.

‘It’s only a rough estimate but the cost would be in the region of £4.8m for the scheme as we currently view it, but it’s still in the early stages of us justifying it as a viable project.

‘The plan is to build facilities that will finance themselves, rather than be a drain on the ratepayer,’ he added.

The commissioners showcased the plans in their tent at the recent ‘Best of Braddan’ Parish Day.

‘We had the plans on show at the Parish Day and we have had some tremendous feedback from locals,’ says Mr Whiteway.

‘We also had an external survey company, Home Strategic conduct a survey online and face to face with people and all the feedback has been very positive,’ he continued.

The commissioners asked for expressions of interest in running any of the facilities and Mr Whiteway said that they have received interest in all of them.

‘It is still around three years away from happening if everything went to plan, there’s still a lot of things needed like Treasury approval and planning permission.

The plans can be viewed at the commissioners’ office at Close Corran in Braddan.

The proposed £4.5m redevelopment of the old Traie Meanagh pool at Spaldrick in Port Erin has received a ‘resounding yes’ from the Department of Economic Development, said the man behind the proposal, Steve Bradshaw.

The department looked into the proposal in an attempt to move the project forward, said Mr Bradshaw.

The previous plan, for an 18-bedroom hotel with marine haven and associated facilities, was withdrawn last December.

Principal access would be by boat, from the Raglan pier, but some pedestrian access would be using the footpath above the site. Planners said there were issues with the footpath, which was outside the boundary of the plan, so a further application would have to be submitted.

Since then, Mr Bradshaw has worked closely with planners, commissioners, Rushen MHKs and the DED, ‘in the spirit to try and get something achieved. It’s a matter of getting something together. The public wants something done, it [the DED study] was a galvanising approach to satisfy concerns.’

DED Minister John Shimmin wrote the department is ‘prepared to support the project’ and the resubmission of a planning application.

Mr Shimmin wrote the proposal ticks the boxes in terms of economic growth, diversification and use of resources ‘focused upon attracting and developing business prospects which will benefit the island’s economy’.

This is ‘one of the few potential developments likely to meet’ the requirements as laid out in the Southern Area Plan that stated the site – derelict since 1981 – was ‘unsightly’ and would benefit from the clearance of ‘redundant fabric’.

The department has undertaken a ‘detailed analysis of the economic benefit of the project’ for the Manx economy through local construction companies and jobs, also local spend.

There would be up to 48 full and part time jobs in hotel, cafe, marine, health and safety instructors/trainers and marketing and accounts personnel.

DED is also satisfied the investor has access to finance and the professional skills required as a property developer/investor.

The application is worthy of support and the proposed development ‘would be a significant boost to Port Erin’ wrote Mr Shimmin.

Mr Bradshaw said: ‘I do not think they could have given me a bigger thumbs up. At the end of the day, everybody wants the site to be developed, and this is really good for the Isle of Man and Port Erin in particular. [The pool] will be visually improved and make it commercially viable.’

He added: ‘I was surprised and impressed at the depth they [the DED] went into. It is a resonating positive – it will also encourage and give comfort and confidence to any potential operator.

‘We have a financial investor identified, someone to operate and run it needs to be identified – it will be a cluster operation, also covering water sports and training.’

The next step is to gather all those involved – the investor, planners and local authority – and discuss access over the authority’s land to the site.

‘He [the investor] prefers a consultative approach,’ said Mr Bradshaw.

‘Everybody is happy about there being an 18-bed hotel, marina, it seems to me madness the type of lighting used to get there causes a problem. If you are spending £4.5m, it [access] is going to be done well.’

Mr Bradshaw said planning permission could be granted with a condition that access is ‘appropriate for the use of the site’.

However, he said: ‘The noises from planning are they are not happy [with the suggestion of such a condition].’

He added: ‘The investor and I need to resolve the issue. We want to put in an application for planning once that is resolved. We are looking at a further meeting to iron out this process.’

He added: ‘The rest of this is super positive news. It’s not a whim. It’s really good sanity check, it got flying colours from the minister.

‘We look forward to putting a new planning application in, the only wrinkle is we want it to come with a condition. The investor is really pleased with the minister’s decision, hopefully now we will get through the planning process so we can get the site developed.’

A model boat competition with a difference will take place tomorrow (Saturday).

The Manx Model Boat Club is to hold an event at the model boat lake in Onchan Park.

A member of the Onchan Commissioners will select a boat ‘for its appeal’ while on static display for the commissioners’ shield. Then, as dusk descends, the boats will be launched and all assessed for their lighting displays while afloat.

There will also be a barbecue as well.

The evening’s events start at 6.30pm with the static judging and, once completed, the boats, if not already afloat, will be launched for the grand spectacle of the fleet lit up for sailing in the dark at about 7.30pm.

The club says that this will be a rare opportunity to witness the model boats with navigation and other lighting on, as its normal competition times are during full daylight hours.

The event is free to watch.

Club members will always welcome any questions from interested observers relating to any vessel on display.

The 50th anniversary Rally Isle of Man, powered by Microgaming, starts tonight, Thursday, with three challenging days ahead for crews on the longest rally in the British Isles this year.

The combined organising team from both Rally Isle of Man and Druidale Motor Club has laid on a whopping 196 stage miles across the island over the traditional roads used since the event’s inception, though in many cases with new configurations.

Double-lap tests and side-by-side starts, allied to town centre stages, should provide plenty of action to thrill the crowds.

The event is a round of the Irish Historic Tarmac Rally Championship and a crucial double-points scorer for the Eurocars Motorsport Manx Rally Championship.

As a result it has attracted 105 crews from the island, around the British Isles and as far as Belgium and Japan, plus a dozen iconic cars as part of the Rallying with Group B team demonstration.

As in 2012, there are three sections to the rally.

Rallee Classicagh caters for the historic crews, while the Manx International Rally title covers the modern machinery.

The Manx Trophy Rally tackles Friday evening and Saturday’s stages.

Rallee Classicagh is led into action by Leeds’s Darren Moon in his Ford Escort MkII, but last year’s victor faces a strong opposition including the 2010 Manx Historic winner, Omagh’s Ryan Barrett, who scored a crushing victory in the category on last month’s Ulster Historic Rally in his MkII Escort and former winner David Stokes.

The Manx International Rally section also looks hugely competitive. Carnforth teenager Arron Newby is top seed with local co-driver Rob Fagg in their TEG Sport Subaru.

The opposition includes all the leading home crews including last year’s winners Steve Quine and Richard Skinner (Mitsubishi Evo IX) who took victory on a dramatic final stage 12 months ago.

Multiple Manx champion Nigel Cannell, Sean Kelly, Andrew Leece and Steve Colley are all in various Mitsubishis and all intend to give this one their all.

Evoking memories of the first 25 years of the event’s history, crews will assemble on the walkway on Loch Promenade from 6pm on Thursday for a ceremonial start, offering fans the chance to see the cars and teams up close as part of an evening on ‘the prom’.

The Villa Marina test, introduced last year and hugely popular with spectators as crews tackle the stage in pairs, is the centerpiece of a six-stage opening evening. Marine Drive, Ellerslie and Snuff the Wind are all on the menu before crews return for the seafront stage at about 8.30pm, before heading off to stages at Tholt-e-Will and Druidale in the darkness.

Friday is a 13-stage day, headlined by the extended Castletown stages in the evening which finish at the Southern 100 start/finish line and the Shore Hotel, Gansey respectively.

Before that the 12-hour day starts with side-by-side start line for two separate stages at St Mark’s, with one also featuring roads used more than once on a loop.

The same stages complete the day, again heading into darkness.

New double-lap tests at The Cronk and Bretney also feature, along with an extended Staarvey stage.

Crews have what must be the ultimate wake-up call on Saturday morning, a helter-skelter second trip down Tholt-e-Will. It’s the first of eight stages to conclude, the final four of which are all over 11 miles long, ensuring that completing this anniversary edition will be a real achievement in its own right.

The rally concludes with the now traditional Classic stage, joining the TT course at Cronk-ny-Mona and heading to the TT finish line shortly after 3.30pm. There is free access to the Grandstand for all, so head along and see the champagne sprayed.

As ever, the action can’t happen unless the stages are sufficiently marshaled. If you can help, even for only a few hours please head along to the Rally HQ at the TT Grandstand.

The Grandstand is also the sole service area throughout the event and will host scrutineering throughout today.

Zoe Lambie of Peel recently presented a cheque for £225 to Special Olympics, Isle of Man.

The money was raised by friends, colleagues and family when Zoe took part in the 2013 Manx Telecom Parish Walk. A regular member of the Special Olympics Isle of Man team, she reached her home town (a distance of 32.5 miles) in 7hr 29min 31sec and was third fastest in the under-21 women’s category. She also raised £225 for Gareth’s Games, as it was renamed, in South Korea in January of this year. She and her family wish to thank everyone who sponsored Zoe’s magnificent efforts in June.

Four weeks of roadworks which will affect prominent landmarks at either end of the Mountain Road began this week at Ramsey Hairpin.

The tightness of the turn has required a complete road closure during the work and as a result the road has been closed daily with just a route through from the Creg-ny-Baa to the Tholt-y-Will road open between 5pm and 9.30am.

The work at the Hairpin will end today or tomorrow, depending on progress.

Mountain Road shut for repairs during the day this week

The island’s director of highways, Richard Pearson, said larger vehicles could not negotiate the acute turn if the width was reduced using a one-way system controlled by traffic lights. In addition the new surface needed to cool and set properly after the work to ensure traffic negotiating the very tight turn did not cause it to ripple.

From Monday, attention turns to the Creg-ny-Baa corner, which is to be banked to give a favourable camber for drivers.

This is said to provide a more durable alternative to the Shellgrip surface which is now breaking up. Improving the camber on the corner will mean the high friction Shellgrip surface, which is both costly to lay and tends to wear out more quickly, is no longer needed.

Elevation on the corner will be slight, so access to the pub car park is unaffected but it will mean improved cornering for drivers. During this work the road will be closed between 9.30am and 4.30pm.

Access will be permitted to the Peveril Rifle Club, near Windy Corner, and access to the pub should be unaffected. If the work runs behind schedule there is further provision for a road closure each night at 6.30pm to allow teams to catch up. The work is likely to continue for up to three weeks.

While this work is being done, general maintenance will also be taking place on the Mountain Road.

‘People ask why the road can’t be open while this is carried out, but it is a matter of safety on a road that is fast and narrow,’ Mr Pearson said.

‘We have a duty of care to our employees and the public, so it is best to close it.’

As the winter approaches with a promise of worsening weather, a programme to replace around 2,800 defective cats’ eyes is to be completed along with work cutting back undergrowth encroaching on to drainage ditches. This starts on Hailwood Rise. Road markings are to be repainted and there will be miscellaneous patching and repairing and replacement of reflective verge marker posts where they have been hit or collapsed.

Have you submitted your tax return yet?

The October 6 deadline is looming and the Income Tax Division is reminding residents that a late return will incur a £100 penalty.

Furthermore, if the return has still not been received by by April 6 next year, a further £200 penalty will be charged. And even if the penalties are paid, the tax return must still be submitted and you may be prosecuted for failing to do so.

With this in mind, taxpayers are advised that they can submit their tax return online. Anyone who is interested in doing so should register for Government Online Services at gov.im and then follow the link to enrol for Income Tax Services.

To register, go to www.gov.im/onlineservices and select ‘Income Tax’ where video guides to help in the completion of the registration and enrolment process and their income tax return can also be viewed.

From Monday (September 16) to October 4, a dedicated team of officers will be available at the Income Tax Division from 11.30am to 2pm daily to help people wishing to complete their tax return online.

Thursday, September 12

• Manx Retirement Stretch and Flex at the NSC, Douglas at 10am. Also Wednesday Peel Coffee morning at the Peel Castle Hotel at 10.30am and Monthly Luncheon at the Cherry Orchard, Port Erin at 12.30. Call 817007 to book.

• 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.

• Avondale Afternoon WI, Morton Hall, Onchan, 2pm. Call 818194.

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

• Arbory WI, Colby Methodist hall, 7.15pm.

Friday, September 13

• Castletown and District Over 60s Club Coffee Morning, Castletown Civic Centre. Call 823493.

Sunday, September 15

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

Monday, September 16

• 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.

• Foxdale WI, Foxdale Community School, 7.30pm. Call 818194.

• Marown WI, Millennium hall, Crosby, 7.30pm. Call 818194.

• Laxey Minorca WI, Laxey Football Club, 7.45pm. Call 818194.

Tuesday, September 17

• 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.

• 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.

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

• St John’s WI, St John’s 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.

Wednesday, September 18

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

• Onchan Pensioners Club, Morton Hall, Castletown, ladies club, 2pm-4pm.

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

• Jurby and District WI, Jurby Parish hall, 7.15pm.

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

• Port St Mary WI, Mount Tabor School Room, Port St Mary, 7.45pm. Call 818194.

Thursday, September 12

• 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.

• 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 479452 for further venues and times.

• 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, 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.

• 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, Douglas, 7-9pm.

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

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

Friday, September 13

• 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.

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

• Parent and toddler group, Ballasalla Primary School, 1.45pm.

• 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.

Sunday, September 15

• 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.

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

Monday, September 16

• 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.

• 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.

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

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

• 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, September 17

• 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 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.

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

Wednesday, September 18

• 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.

• 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, Colby Methodist Chapel. 7pm-8.30pm. Call Jane 492010.

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

• Silk at the Sayle. Part of the Celtic Kingdom Festival of Silk at the Sayle Gallery. Until September 22.

• Autumn Exhibition, Erin Arts Group, Erin Arts Centre, Port Erin. Gallery open Wednesday-Friday 10.30am-4.30pm. Until September 27.

Thursday, September 12

• 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, Colby Bridge (Clock Tower), 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 Church 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, September 13

• Manx Artisan Market, Douglas Market Hall, also Saturday.

• 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.

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

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

• House Party to celebrate Nell’s 30th Birthday at Talons, 7.30pm, The Falcon, Port Erin. Live bands and DJ, a fundraiser for Praxis, donations on the door. All welcome.

Saturday, September 14

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

• Peel Fire Station Open Day, 10am-1pm.

• 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.

• Nearly New Sale in Michael Parish Hall, 10am-2pm.

• IOM Torch Fellowship Group (meeting for the visually impaired). Call 622830 for venue details.

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

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

• Port St Mary Ladies Lifeboat Guild, Last of the Summer fairs fun day in the Stone Field Ballacreggan Farm in aid of the R.N.L.I. Gates will be open to the public at 1pm.

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

• Onchan Horticultural show in the Onchan Youth & Community Centre at 2pm.

• ME Support IoM social meeting at the Pavillion Restaurant, Port St Mary, 2.30pm.

• The Marown and District branch of IOM Anti-Cancer Association - A do in a barn at Ellerslie Farm in Marown. Only £5 a ticket. Call Joan 851272 or Marilyn 852705.

Sunday, September 15

• Car Boot Sale, Marown Memorial Playing Fields, Crosby, £5 per table for leukaemia and lymphoma research. Call 470850.

• Isle of Man Farmers’ Market, at S100 Clubhouse, Castletown, 1.30-3.30pm.

• Manx Footpaths Conservation Group, Gansey Point, 1.30pm.

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

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

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

Monday, September 16

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

Tuesday, September 17

• 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, September 18

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

• Call in 4 coffee at St Peters Church, Onchan, 11am & 1pm.

• 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 Eating Disorders Support Group open night for sufferers and carers, Keyll Darree Nurse Education Centre, opposite Noble’s Hospital in Strang, 6pm-8pm.

• 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 Onchan.

Thursday, September 12

• Tea dance, South Douglas Old Friends’ Association, Finch Road, Douglas, 2pm.

• Dance classes for children, Centenary Centre, Peel, 4pm. Call 450688.

• Modern Line Dance classes for all levels at the Legion Hall, Onchan. Also Monday and Wednesday. Call 670308.

• Strictly Come Dancing for beginners, Royal British Legion, Port Erin, 8pm. £3.50 per person.

• Irish set dancing above Macbeth’s, Victoria Street, Douglas, 8pm. Call 457268.

Friday, September 13

• 5pm-5.45 under 6 years ballroom; 5.45pm-6.30pm 6-9 years ballroom; 6.30pm-7.15pm 9-12 years ballroom;

7.15am-8:00 12+ years ballroom, St Matthew’s Church hall. Also Tuesday, 4pm-4.45pm under 8 years ballroom; 4.45pm-5.30pm Dynamites freestyle; 5.30pm-6.15pm 8-12 years ballroom; 6.15pm-7pm Energisers freestyle; 7pm-7.45pm 12+ years ballroom; 7.45pm-8.30pm Explosions freestyle. Call 474063.

• Modern Dance, Dance Factory, Onchan Park, 5.45pm. Also Thursday at 4.30pm. Tap Jnr, 6.45pm. Also Tap Adv at 7.30pm. Also Beginners Tap, Tuesday at 4.30pm.

• Argentinian Tango beginners class, St Paul’s hall, Ramsey, 7pm. Call 880650.

• Line Dancing, Ebenezer Hall, Kirk Michael, 7pm. Beginners welcome, adults £3.50, children £1.50. Call 878687.

Saturday, September 14

• Dance Time for children, Port Erin Methodist hall, from 9.30am. £2.50 per half hour. Call 835696.

• Ballroom dancing for children of all ages, Royal British Legion hall, Port Erin, 10am.

• Zumba for Fun in Jurby Parish hall, 11am.

• Irish Dance Mixed 3pm. Also Prim/Int on Monday at 4.30pm and Tuesday at 6.15pm. Beginners on Tuesday at 5.15pm. Stage Snr 4pm. Also Stage Int at 5pm, Dance Factory, Onchan Park.

• Sequence dancing, Onchan Methodist Church hall, 8pm. Call 829669.

• Social sequence dancing, Pulrose Methodist Church hall, Douglas, 8pm. Also Monday, Wednesday and Sunday. Call 842878.

Sunday, September 15

• Perree Bane Manx folk dancing, Ballasalla village hall, 7pm.

Monday, September 16

• Ballet, Viking Works, Riverside, Peel, 5.45pm. Also Thursday at 4.30pm.

• Country dancing, Willaston hall, 7pm-9pm. Call 628521.

• Ceroc dance night, Masonic Hall, Douglas, 7.30pm-10.30pm.

• Line dancing, Port Erin Methodist Church hall, 8.15pm. Call 436219.

Tuesday, September 17

• Oriental Dance Exercise, Gena’s Dance Academy, Peel, 10am. Also Wednesdays, The Gym, Ramsey. Call 300020.

• Beginners Line Dance, St John’s Football Club, 7.30pm-9pm. Call 462104.

• Sequence dancing with Port Erin Dancing Club, Port Erin Methodist Church hall, 8pm. £1.50.

Wednesday, September 18

• Ballroom dancing for children, Centenary Centre, Peel, 4pm. Call 450688.

• Ballet, Dance Factory, Onchan Park, 4.30pm.

• Latin Line Dancing,7.30pm. Beginners welcome. Royal British Legion Hall, Port Erin, 835098.

• Ballroom dancing, Villa Marina, Douglas, 8pm. Call 623414.

• Rhythmic dance, St Ninian’s dance studio, Douglas, 8pm.

Palace Cinema

• Riddick (15). Nightly at 7.30pm.

• We’re the Millers (15). Nightly at 7.45pm.

• Planes 3D Saturday and Sunday 2pm. 2D 4pm.

• Monsters University (U). Saturday and Sunday 2.30pm.

Broadway Cinema

• Love Actually, Notting Hill (12A).Friday 12.30pm. Saturday and Sunday 7.45pm. Monday-Monday-Thursday 7.30pm. Wednesday 2.30pm.

• One Direction: This is us (U). Saturday and Sunday 10.30am.

Thursday, September 12

• 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, 5.45pm-6.45pm.

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

Friday, September 13

• Brown Sugar at Sam Webbs, Douglas.

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

• Karaoke, The Albert, Douglas, 9pm.

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

• Caution Runners at Jaks, Douglas.

Saturday, September 14

• Brown Sugar at Manx Legion, Douglas.

• Viva Santana, Gaiety Theatre.

• Seaside Fun Band at The Queens, Douglas.

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

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

• Karaoke at the Central Hotel, Ramsey.

• Bit Empire at Jaks, Douglas.

Sunday, September 15

• 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.

• DJ Jaraoke and Disco at Jaks, Douglas.

Tuesday, September 17

• 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, 18

• Karaoke at The British, Douglas.

Thursday, September 12

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

• Yoga, Iyengar (mixed) 9.30am-11am, Tuesday (Men only class) 7pm-8.30pm; Wednesday (Mixed) 6.45pm-8.15pm, 10 Perwick Bay, Port St Mary.

• Walk and talk, Harbour Lights Cafe, Peel, 10am. Also Friday, NSC, Douglas, 10am; Monday, Poulsom Park, Castletown, 10.30am; Tuesday, NSC, Douglas, 10am; Wednesday, Ramsey Rugby Club, 10am. Call 688592.

• Pilates 9.30am and 10.45am, Hot Yoga 6pm and 7.30pm, Friday, Kettlebells 7am and 1.10pm, Get Yoga Fit 10am, Hot Yoga 6.30pm, Saturday, Hot Yoga, 10am and 11.30am , Sunday, Hot Yoga 10am and 11.30am , Monday, Kettlebells 7am and 1.10pm, Get Yoga Fit 10am, Warm Pilates 5pm, Hot Yoga for Beginners 6.30pm, Tuesday, 7am Hot Yoga, 5.30pm Pilates, Wednesday, Kettlebells 7am and 1.10pm, Get Yoga Fit 10am, Hardcore 6 pack ABS 5.45pm, Pilates 6.30pm at The Gym, Ramsey 812100.

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

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

• Pilates at noon and 2.15pm. Also balance pilates at 1.30pm on Tuesdays. All at the Church on the Rock, Ramsey. Also 9.15am Pilates at Woodbourne Square, Douglas, at 9.15am on Tuesdays. Call 491449.

• Chair based exercise sessions, Onchan Youth and Community Centre, 1.30pm. Also Friday, Port Erin Methodist Church hall, 2pm; Monday, Ramsey town hall, 10.30am; Tuesday, Castletown Sandfield residents’ lounge, 2pm; Wednesday, Westland’s residents’ lounge, Peel, 10.30am. Call 642668.

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

• Iyengar inspired yoga classes, Children’s Yoga, 3.45pm-4.45pm, reception to Year 3 and 4.45pm-5.45pm, Year 4 to teenagers. Men’s Yoga, 6.30pm-8pm, mixed ability. Hatha Yoga, Monday, 9.15am-10.45am mixed ability for over 60s, Monday, 11am-12.30pm, Hatha Yoga, Wednesday, 7pm-8.30pm mixed ability. All at Laxey Football Club. Call Jane on 863130 or janepycroft@manx.net

• Manx Fencing Club, Ashley Hill School, Onchan, 4pm. Also seniors at Ballakermeen High School, Douglas, 5pm; Tuesday, Arbory village hall, beginners at 4pm and Grade 1+ 5pm; Wednesday, Ramsey Grammar School, juniors at 5pm and seniors at 6pm, also at Ebenezer Hall, Kirk Michael, juniors at 6.30pm and adults at 7.30pm.

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

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

• Get Back Into The Swing of Things - badminton, squash, table tennis and mini tennis, includes equipment and a coach, NSC, 2pm-4pm.

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

• Zumba, Carrefour Health Club, Douglas, 6.30pm. Also Monday, 8pm; Wednesday, 9.45am.

• Cardiotone, Laxey Working Men’s Institute, 7-8pm. Also Monday 7-8pm. Call 452729/863602.

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

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

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

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

• Fencing for all ages. Ashley Hill School, 7.30pm. Also Monday, Andreas Parish hall, 4.30pm; Tuesday, Arbory Parish hall, 4pm and Ebenezer Hall, Kirk Michael, 6.30pm; Wednesday, Scoill Ree Gorree sports hall, Ramsey, 5pm. Call 880863.

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

Friday, September 13

• Yoga and Meditation (evening) with Ruth White, also Saturday (day workshop) at Karma.

• Pilates St John’s Methodist hall at 9.30am and The Studio, Falcon Road, Douglas, at 1pm,Monday - St John’s Methodist hall at 9.30am and Colby Methodist hall at 6.15pm,Wednesday - St John’s Primary School at 5.15pm and 6.15pm. Equipment provided. Ring Lizzy Main on 427401 or visit http://pilates-isle-of-man.co.uk

• Zumba Classes at Silvercraigs Hotel, Queen’s Promenade, 9.45am and 10.25am. Creche facility. Zumba Masterclass for beginners, Zumba Gold and Zumba Fitness Classes for women and mums and tots. Also Tuesday.

• Acrobatics, Dance Factory, Onchan Park, 4.30pm.

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

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

• Tai chi chuan, Murray’s Road School, 7.30pm. Call 612305.

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

Saturday, September 14

• Pregnancy yoga, All Saints hall, Douglas, 10am. Call 461461.

• Yoga, Laxey Working Men’s Institute, 10.15am. Also Monday.

• Yoga, Arbory Parish hall, 10.30am. Call 494489.

• St Mary’s A football club mixed under 11s training, Pulrose football fields, 10.30am. Call 405859.

• Tae Kwondo beginners, Pinewood Complex, Pulrose, 10.45am. Also 6-7yrs, Wednesdays at 5.30pm and Monday and Wednesday, 8-13yrs at 6pm, all ages at 7.15pm. Text 432152.

Sunday, September 15

• Yoga and Nutrition, Karma Yoga Studio, Douglas. 6-7.30pm.

Monday, September 16

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

• Beginners Yoga, 10am, Karma, 2nd Floor, 8 Victoria Street, Douglas. Also at 10am (over 60s half price £5).

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

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

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

• Exercise Boot Camp, Corrin Hall, Peel, 6.15pm. Also Wednesday, Philip Christian Centre, Peel, 6pm; Thursday, Glen Vine Church hall, 9.15am.

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

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

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

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

Tuesday, September 17

• Fit2Go walking sessions, car park, Station Road, St John’s, 9am. For ladies looking to improve their fitness. £3.

• Cheerleading, All Saints Church hall, 4.30pm. Call 254499.

• Pilates, the hall at Church on The Rock, Ramsey, 6.15pm. Call 491449.

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

• Tai Chi Chuan, Lezayre Parish community hall, 7pm.

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

• IoM Karate Federation, Murray’s Road School, Juniors, 7pm, Seniors, 7.30pm. Call 612305.

• Badminton club, Arbory School, Ballabeg, 8pm. Call Liz on 466370.

• Early Morning Boot Camp, 6.15am-7am. Also Wednesday and Friday. Evening Boot Camp, 6pm-6.45pm, Tuesday and Thursday, and 9am-9.45am Saturday. Also Kettlebell Classes, Wednesday, 6pm-7pm, Saturday, 8am-8.45am, Marown Millennium Hall. Call 465335.

Wednesday, September 18

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

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

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

• Valkyrs Hockey Club training, QEII astro pitch, Peel. Juniors (8+), 6pm; Seniors (13+), 7.30pm. Call 801802.

• Iyengar inspired yoga, 6pm-7.30pm, Brightlife, Andreas. Contact Kel on 452015.

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

The Family Library is holding a party on Saturday (September 14) to celebrate the success of this year’s Summer Reading Scheme.

This year’s scheme – with activities centred on Roald Dahl favourite Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – was a big hit. A 30 per cent increase compared with 2012 saw the number of children taking up the challenge top 400.

Librarian in charge Mary Cousins said: ‘We’re delighted at the increased number of children taking part in the summer reading scheme this year – especially when you consider that, for much of the summer holiday, the weather was so good.’

A party is being held to celebrate the end of the scheme, at the Family Library in Westmoreland Road, Douglas. All those who took part in the reading scheme have been invited.

The library itself is closed to the public on Saturday.

Children who took part in the scheme were asked to read one book per week – through the library – to a total of five to complete the challenge. They could choose their own books for the scheme, which ended on Saturday.

After each book was completed, children received a badge and they will also receive certificates for completing the challenge.

There was a wide range of activities throughout the summer to tie-in with the theme, including workshops to make armpit fudge and Oompa Loompa Allsorts bracelets!

Professional illustrator Gary Myers held sessions covering everything from creating posters to designing sweet wrappers.

In addition Rachel Green’s Young Writers School, held during the summer holidays, proved to be a major success, with 36 hours’ worth of workshops.

The Junior Reading Club had a Hansel and Gretel them for its summer reading scheme.

Mary added: ‘I would like to thank everyone involved in both schemes for all their help and, especially, all the children for reading and taking part in all the activities this summer.

‘We can’t wait to start planning next year’s schemes!’

The dates chosen at the respective venues for the playing of the series of 18-hole medals which comprise the Nedbank Private Wealth Order of Merit have, on reflection, not been the best weather-wise, and postponements - as well as a cancellation - have been the order of the day.

Those travelling to Castletown Golf Links last Sunday and, having listened to the weather forecast, were sure to have packed waterproofs and a change of clothes.

However, they were not needed as not only did it stay dry, but they found the Derbyhaven venue in excellent condition having benefited from the recent downpour on Friday which allowed some good scoring from the island’s top golfers.

Early starter Jamie Arneil was level par on 72 and the early leader in the clubhouse. Not for long though as former professional but now a reinstated amateur Chris Kneen came in one better on 71 and this led for most of the morning.

The senior challenge who have their own separate Order of Merit was being led by Godfrey Kelly who so far has accumulated maximum points and looks unstoppable with two rounds to go. On Sunday it was a 75 from Kelly which took the win with his fellow clubmate Ray Hughes on 79 as runner-up.

Having won the island championship it is not unusual to see a dip in form for the rest of the season, but with sub-par rounds at Douglas, current champ Kevin Moore seems to be benefiting from the 2013 win. He was under par on Sunday to just pip Chris Kneen when he returned a two-under-par 70 to take the win and the merit points, but also the prize for the best nett on the day also a 70.

Calculations from the Golf Union’s competition duo, Fergus Murdoch and Paul Daniels, gave the runner-up spot in the nett section to Arneil with a 71.

On hand to present the prizes was Andy Halsall from Nedbank Private Wealth and he was introduced by Isle of Man Golf Union president-elect Roy Moore.

The players were well looked after by the catering staff at Castletown and thanks were expressed to them and to all those who had negotiated the use of the Fort Island venue, and it was a delight to use the facilities both on and off the course.