The Isle of Man’s rate of inflation has increased, according to the latest figures from the economic affairs division of the Treasury.

The annual rate of inflation measured by the Retail Prices Index stood at 2.5 per cent for November, that’s up from 2.3 per cent the month before. In September it was 2.4 per cent.

Excluding housing costs, the annual rate of inflation shown by RPI stood at 2.3 per cent, up from 2.1 per cent in October.

The Consumer Price Index, which excludes mortgage interest payments and household expenditure such as buildings insurance, stood at 1.2 per cent in November, up from 0.9 per cent in October.

The cost of rent and food has risen much faster than other prices. Monday’s Isle of Man Examiner will have more details.

While the Railway Cup takes centre stage this weekend, there is a massive clash in JCK Division Two on Saturday when the two promotion favourites Marown and Gymns go head-to-head in Crosby.

The visitors currently top the table by a healthy six points from Douglas Royal and Colby, with Marown three further back but crucially with games in hand on those above.

Gymns trio Michael Booth, Conor Dempsey and James Murphy all went off with injuries in their last match against Pulrose but should be alright to play, while the Tromode outfit are also boosted by the return of player-manager Jonathan Broad following a long-term ankle injury.

Marown will be without Cameron Avery through injury while Niall Quayle and Jay Blair are absent due to work commitments but Dave Brew should still be able to put out a strong 16-man squad including seven players 18 or under. The Crosby side will be hoping in-form Stuart Morris can continue his fine scoring run and that the defence can tighten up a bit at the back.

Marown dropped their first points for more than two months against Onchan last week so will be eager to get back to winning ways but this match is too close to call.

Elsewhere, Onchan host Ronaldsway, Braddan travel to Malew and Foxdale welcome Douglas and District.

As a result of the Railway Cup semi-finals taking place on Saturday afternoon, there are only two fixtures in the Canada Life Premier League this weekend.

Having got their season off to a superb start, St John’s have suffered of late and are now winless in their last four, but they have the ideal opportunity to get back to winning ways when they visit bottom-of-the-table RYCOB. The latter are currently enduring an 11-game losing streak and look certain to be relegated. However, they gave a good account of themselves against the Saints of the opening day before eventually going down 2-1 so they will be looking for a similar level of performance.

The other game in the top flight sees Ramsey make the journey to Balleira Road to take on a Michael United side just outside the relegation zone. Seven points separate the sides in the northerners favour and, having beaten the westerners 6-2 on the opening day, they will be favourites.

However, Michael stunned St John’s 2-0 recently so certainly have the ability to secure back-to-back wins.

Manx crimefighters are working with their counterparts in Japan to combat money laundering and the financing of terrorism.

Senior officers from the Isle of Man Constabulary’s financial crime unit this week signed a Memorandum of Understanding with their counterparts from Japan’s Financial Intelligence Centre.

A government spokesman said: ‘The move further demonstrates the island’s commitment to working with its global partners in the fight against financial crime.’

The Isle of Man is a full member of the Egmont Group of Financial Intelligence Units (FIUs), a network of FIUs that promotes international cooperation through the exchange of intelligence, training and the sharing of expertise.

The MOU was signed by Detective Inspector Iain MacMillan of the Isle of Man financial crime unit and Hiroyuki Mizobata, assistant director at Japan Financial Intelligence Centre, in the presence of Kevin Roper, senior financial intelligence officer at the Isle of Man FCU, Chief Inspector Naoki Kojima, the officer responsible for MOUs with foreign FIUs, and Mr Kanji Totokawa, first secretary, police attaché, UK Embassy of Japan.

Det Insp MacMillan said: ‘As well as having a FIU that meets the Egmont model requirements, the Isle of Man also has legislation in place to allow for intelligence sharing and, where necessary, the investigation and prosecution of those involved in money laundering or the financing of terrorism.’

He added: ‘The Egmont Group recognises the importance of international cooperation in the drive to prevent money laundering and financing of terrorism. The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Isle of Man and Japan will further strengthen that global network and enhance the overall effectiveness of our FIUs.’

As well as signing the MOU, the Japanese delegation enjoyed a tour of legislative buildings with Clare Christian, President of Tynwald, and visited the island’s financial crime unit.

Pictured:

Sitting: Hiroyuki Mizobata, assistant director at Japan Financial Intelligence Centre and Detective Inspector Iain MacMillan of the Isle of Man financial crime unit

Standing: Kanji Totokawa, First secretary, police attaché, UK Embassy of Japan; Chief Inspector Naoki Kojima, the officer responsible for MOUs with foreign FIUs, Kevin Roper, senior financial intelligence officer at the Isle of Man FCU

Buckingham Palace has announced that The Princess Royal (Princess Anne) will visit the Isle of Man on Tuesday, January 21.

Her official engagements will include visits to the Isle of Man Prison in Jurby and the headquarters of the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture.

She will also open Ballavartyn Equestrian Centre in Santon.

Could you give up alcohol for a month?

That’s the question being posed by drug and alcohol charity Motiv8, which wants to encourage the Manx public to give up booze for January.

They have released details of the campaign just before the Christmas party season begins, at a time when many over-indulge.

A spokesman for the organisation said: ‘The advantages of giving up alcohol for a month after the excesses of the festive season can reap all-round benefits.

‘Previous campaigns have led to people reporting significant weight loss, saving money and an improvement in all round general health and well-being.

‘Some participants noted that taking part in the challenge made them re-evaluate their drinking and think about drinking less once the challenge was over.’

Thea Ozenturk, of Motiv8 Addiction Services, added: ‘Alcohol is linked to over 60 medical conditions including: diabetes, heart disease, certain cancers and hypertension.

‘According to the Department of Health guidelines, women should drink no more than two to three units per day and men three to four units per day. Twenty-five per cent of the population have been shown to frequently binge drink i.e. drink more than six units a day for a woman and eight units a day for a man.

‘These individuals are drinking in a hazardous way which could potentially store up health problems for the future. Therefore, any reduction in overall alcohol consumption per population has the potential to reap rewards not only for the individual but for their families and society in general.’

The group will launch the challenge with a series of posters and information leaflets around alcohol being distributed island-wide.

Anyone who wants to sign up for the challenge should go to the Dry January website, run by the UK’s Alcohol Concern.

There are opportunities for companies to sign up and take up the challenge together.

There are also lots of resources on the website and encouraging tips and guidance which will keep the participant motivated and focused during January.

The group would like to encourage as many people as possible to join up for the Dry January Campaign.

However, Motiv8 says the initiative should not be seen as a medical detox. Those with any form of dependence and reliance upon alcohol or other substances are advised to seek medical advice.

To sign up for the Dry January challenge the web address link is: www.dryjanuary.org.uk

For posters for workplaces, email motiv8@iom.com

The Isle off Man Photographic Society held its latest Open Print competition of the 2013 - 2014 season on Wednesday evening of November 20 at Thie Ellyn, off Withington Road, Douglas.

Our president, Tony Curtis, opened the evening and briefly introduced the Judge for the evening, John Atkinson. John gave a fuller introduction of his photographic history and explained his criteria for judging.

He explained that the mechanics of getting a good photograph were built into modern cameras and so differences in image impact came down to the artistic input from the photographer.

John then proceeded to critique every photo in the three sections, Standard, Intermediate and Advanced and awarding commendations and top places in each section. Top places were as follows:-

STANDARD MONO

1st Bobbing Boats by Nessie Gillen

2nd Red Bull Dude by Nessie Gillen

3rd Prowess by Norma Cowell

STANDARD COLOUR

1st Injebreck Reflections by Mark Falconer

2nd Jumping Jills by Mark Faulconer

3rd Succulent by Sue Collier

INTERMEDIATE MONO

1st The Unguilded Lilly by Annette Slater

2nd 8 O’clock Shadow by Jenny Shanley

3rd Hot Shoeing the Horse by Elaine Dewhirst

INTERMEDIATE COLOUR

1st Is it Christmas Yet? By Elaine Dewhirst

2nd Young Reindeer by Jiri Podobsky

3rd A Splash of Colour by Annett Slater

ADVANCED MONO

1st Lone Tree by Sue Jones

2nd Fontrevaud Abbey by Ruth Nicholls

3rd Who’s for Peace by Bob Servante

ADVANCED COLOUR

1st The Haunting by Sue Jones

2nd Arctic Turn with Sand Eel by Janet Servante

3rd Cam Donald in Reflective Mood

Bob Servante

Entries for the Manx Telecom Parish Walk 2014 open tomorrow (Sunday).

Entry costs £30 for all participants in all categories, but MT mobile customers will receive a £5 discount if they enter before January 31.

All those who enter will receive a commemorative T-shirt and goodie bag.

The walk takes place on Saturday, June 21.

To enter go to www.parishwalk.com for both individual and team entries.

There will be new men’s and women’s team trophies for the 2014 race, specifically for younger walkers. They will be for teams of three, aged 18 to 21, walking the 32.5 miles to Peel.

A petition has been launched against Manx Telecom’s plan to remove six telephone boxes.

We reported last week Manx Telecom will remove them next month unless local authorities step in to pay for ongoing maintenance.

Revenue for each payphone was under £10 over the last 12 months.

The petition, launched by Christine Cowley, of Peel, has more than 500 signatures.

It states: ‘Red telephone boxes are an iconic part of British and Manx history and should be preserved for the future. Whilst the telephones themselves may not be profitable, the red box is a valuable part of our heritage and should be left in situ.’

The phone box at Cregneash – painted green for the film Waking Ned – is one of those under review. A notice says alternative kiosks are in Station Road, Port Erin and Church Road, Port St Mary.’

Angela Lawrence, of Cregneash, said the Cregneash phone box was part of the island’s heritage and something visitors recognise.

‘It should be repainted green and, if it has to be decommissioned, could do sterling service as an information centre,’ she said.

Sign the petition at www.change.org/petitions

Douglas Market Hall could become the base for an extended range of arts degrees offered by Isle of Man College.

The launch of the project, a partnership between Douglas Council and the college, takes place tonight (Thursday).

Speaking on behalf of Douglas Corporation, Chris Pycroft said: ‘It is a really exciting prospect to work with the college in a partnership between the council and the college to breathe new life back into the Market Hall and make it a place really for the whole community, to start to be creative and think creatively.’

He added: ‘The project should allow the market operation to continue, not in the same format as it is at the moment, but at weekends and holiday times, but with additional uses happening in the building as well.’

Planning permission would be needed for the additional use of the building for education.

Helen Fox, programme manager for art, design and media at Isle of Man College, said: ‘The Market Hall Project is going to be an amazing opportunity for education in the Isle of Man.

‘We’re developing currently four new pathways to run at degree level – fine art, contemporary crafts, fashion communication and promotion, and digital media.’

She said: ‘The Market Hall is an amazing iconic building that’s going to give students the space and the opportunity to interact with local businesses and artists. We’re hoping also that community groups and schools will be able to come in and use the facilities here.’ It is hoped that the degree courses will be on offer from September 2014.

And that once students have graduated, they could stay in the building with their business, depending on space.

The hall will be painted, and the fixed tables in the centre would be removed.

Units around the outside of the hall could be used as workshops and studios.

There will also be retail and exhibition spaces, and the Market Hall will host community events.

In the longer term, Helen said there could be a ‘complete overhaul of the building’, including work in the basement and possibly, to install a mezzanine floor. Douglas Council received six expressions of interest from individuals, groups and businesses looking to lease the loss-making facility. Council leader David Christian has previously said the Market Hall made an annual loss of about £20,000.

The highest academic achievers at Ballakermeen High School, Douglas, can look forward to a hot drink every day for a year.

Coffee shop chain Costa is joining other local businesses, including Manx Telecom, Laser Mayhem, Sure, Shoprite, Promenade T-shirts and Domino’s Pizza, in supporting the school’s ‘BallaVivos’ reward scheme.

The rewards system is aimed to help improve students’ performance.

Ballakermeen adopted the scheme in September to encourage students to achieve highly in all areas of school activity.

‘BallaVivos’ are awarded for achievements inside and outside the classroom. Students collect points which can then be redeemed in an online shop or donated to charity. Youngsters in the school recently donated 38,000 Vivos – equivalent to £380 - to the Typhoon Haiyan disaster fund via 900 separate donations on the website.

Costa franchise operator Gary Dorling said: ‘The Costa Coffee award for academic achievement will be given to the students with the highest number of ‘BallaVivos’ in that reward category. We are delighted to acknowledge the efforts of talented, hard-working students in this way.’

Ballakermeen head teacher Adrienne Burnett said: ‘We are very pleased with the way that BallaVivos are bringing out the very best in our students. I would like to express my sincere thanks to all the organisations that have so far come forward to support the achievements of our young people. ‘

Any organisations who are interested in becoming involved with this initiative should contact deputy head teacher Annette Baker at a.baker@bhs.sch.im or by phone on 648754.

The ground floor of Markwell House has been revamped.

The Department of Social Care’s base, on the corner of Market Hill and Well Road Hill, Douglas, has replaced what it calls ‘the confusing array of service counters spread across numerous floors’ with a ‘one-stop shop’ on the ground floor.

The DSC says it’s part of the move away from universal benefits towards a much more targeted approach to individual need.

Members of the public have traditionally had to try to work out how they ‘fitted in’ in the past the DSC said.

A DSC spokesman said: ‘It no longer matters whether you are inquiring about benefits, pensions, housing or social care matters, simply call in at the ground floor and counter staff will do their best to meet your needs.

‘These improvements have freed up space on the floors above and allowed the department to move staff from 3 and 4 Hill Street which, in turn, has been put up for sale.’

Social Care Minister Chris Robertshaw MHK said: ‘Our credo is no longer the administration of categorised entitlement, but rather the desire to reach out to and understand real need.

‘This fundamentally new approach to service delivery is epitomised by the changes at Markwell House and is another step down a long road of change.’

The fourth Disability Football Festival saw more than 100 children compete and socialise during activities and matches.

The result of fun, inclusive weekly sessions run by the Sports Development Unit and Barclays Wealth, the programme helps improve physical functioning and self confidence. Also at the NSC each term-time Monday at 12.15pm are inclusive racquet sports and Boccia sessions for adults with physical disabilities and long term health issues.

There’s a familiar feel to the latest IoM Newspapers Team of the Week with just two of the line-up making their seasonal bow.

St Mary’s keeper Max Thomas is one of 87 Premier League players to have made it into the nation’s most hotly debated XI already this term.

The island stopper makes his second appearance of the campaign after producing an impressive performance as the Saints warmed up for Saturday’s BCS Railway Cup semi-final against St George’s with a 5-1 triumph over DHSOB.

Thomas’s Bowl team-mate Andy Glover also earns his second stripes of the season after netting three of the Saints’ five goals at the weekend.

Joining the former St John’s man in the attacking third is fellow hat-trick hero Chris Duggan and island forward Ashley Webster.

Duggan grabbed the match ball as Ramsey put neighbours Ramsey Youth Centre to the sword 4-0 at Ballacloan, while Webster was on the scoresheet for Laxey as strugglers Castletown were defeated 3-0 at Stadium.

Flanking the four-man midfield are St George’s pair Conor Doyle and Chris Bass Jr.

Doyle struck twice as Geordies claimed an impressive 3-0 win at Rushen to maintain their six-point lead at the table’s summit.

Bass Jr was also a constant threat for the Glencrutchery Road powerhouses working tirelessly down the left for the reigning champions.

Slotting into the side’s other two midfield berths are Peel’s Daniel Bell and Union Mills’ prodigy Ronan McDonnell.

Bell makes it six TotW appearances out of a possible 14 after he struck twice as the Sunset City side won the western derby with St John’s 4-2 at Mullen-e-Cloie. At the other end of the appearance spectrum is McDonnell who makes his 2013-14 début after pulling the strings as the merry Millers heaped further misery and a 7-2 reverse on out-of-sorts Corinthians.

Also making his first TotW showing of the campaign is Laxey full-back Gary Williams. The latter hit his second goal in three weeks as well as helping the Miners to a first clean sheet in six matches as the Railway Cup semi-finalists triumphed at Castletown.

Williams is joined by former international team-mates Sean Quaye and Danny Lace in a three-man defence.

Quaye led a very organised St George’s back four, forcing prolific opponents Rushen to draw a blank in the top-flight for the first time since April 2012.

Peel stalwart Lace was one of the westerners top men as they inflicted a first derby league defeat on St John’s since August 2011.

Referee honours go to Kevin Giles this week after he impressed with the whistle during Laxey’s defeat of Castletown.

Team of the Week (23/11/13)

Goalkeeper

Max Thomas (St Mary’s) TotW apps this season: 2

Defence

Gary Williams (Laxey) TotW apps: 1

Sean Quaye (St George’s) TotW apps: 4

Danny Lace (Peel) TotW apps: 4

Midfield

Conor Doyle (St George’s) TotW apps: 2

Daniel Bell (Peel) TotW apps: 6

Ronan McDonnell (Union Mills) Totw apps: 1

Chris Bass Jr (St George’s) TotW apps: 4

Attack

Andy Glover (St Mary’s) TotW apps: 2

Ashley Webster (Laxey) TotW apps: 3

Chris Duggan (Ramsey) TotW apps: 3

Referee

Kevin Giles (Castletown v Laxey) RotW apps: 1

Isle of Man Schoolboy MCC’s 2013 motocross series drew to a close at Ballagarraghyn, Jurby a couple of weeks ago in poor conditions.

Seven-year-old Jack Keenan rounded off a tremendous year in the automatic gearbox class by taking his little KTM to another full-house of wins. He has virtually remained unbeaten in all events bar one that he missed at Bride.

All of the youth classes were dominated by single riders in the final round, Luke Hall winning all three 65cc races, Max Ingham the small-wheel 85s, newly Kawasaki-mounted Jed Etchells the big-wheel 85/150s and Centre champion Ben Rice in the poorly supported 125/250F category.

The 65cc class was the closest fought with both Tom Cain and Luke Hall level on points going into the final round. After some brilliant racing, Luke just edged it for the overall.

The adult support class saw Alex Rockwell and Kyle Casement enjoy a good battle in race one until Rocky dropped his Suzuki. Casement passed him, only to slip off himself which enabled Rockwell to take the win.

But bike problems sidelined him from the rest of the meeting and Casement went on to win the remaining two motos from his first cousin Jamie Cringle.

RESULTS

Autos (top six): 1, Jack Keenan 135 points; 2, Beau Brown 124; 3, Ethan Blackley 117; 4, Kian Kelly 112; 5, Oliver Carroll 108; 6, Millie Bottomley 104. Overall (top three, best four rounds): 1, J. Keenan 540; 2, B. Brown 486; 3, Luke Saunders 457. 65cc: 1, Luke Hall 135; 2, Tom Cain 126; 3, Grant Skeoch 116; 4, Alex Bottomley 115; 5, Aaron Kirk 109; 6, Billy McKivett 105. O’all: 1, L. Hall 527; 2, T. Cain 518; 3, A. Bottomley 486. 85 small-wheel: 1, Max Ingham 135; 2, Harry Corrin 122; 3, Curtis Grose 113; 4, Kyle Batty 110; 5, Aaron Lund 106; 6, Jay Lamb 102. O’all: 1, M. Ingham 529; 2, H. Corrin 490; 3, Thomas Lee 472.85/150 big-wheel: 1, Jed Etchells 1135; 2, Lee Dentith 126; 3, Ethan Lamb 118; 4, Max Murray 116; 5, Chris Moore 111; 6, Will Farrant 108. O’all: 1, L. Dentith 518; 2, E. Lamb 487; 3, Thomas Walker 468.

125/250F: 1, Ben Rice 135; 2, Reece Crellin 126; 3, Thomas Walker 118; 4, Tom Quayle 112; 5, Lewis Howland 78. O’all: 1, B. Rice 540; 2, R. Crellin 480; 3, L. Howland 333. Adult: 1, Kyle Casement 297; 2, Jamie Cringle 287; 3, Jack Collins 285; 4, Callum Purves 277; 5, Michael Faid 274; 6, Aaron Kneale 272. O’all: 1, J. Collins 1157; 2, C. Purves 1105; 3, A. Kneale 1085.

Today, Saturday

NEWBURY SELECTIONS: 12.20 The Pirate’s Queen 12.50 Black River 1.20 Gus Macrae (Each way) 1.50 Gibb River 2.25 At Fishers Cross (NB) 3.0 Houblon Des Obeaux 3.35 Fairy Rath

NEWCASTLE TIPS: 12.05 Green Flag 12.35 Quinder Spring 1.05 Kilbree Chief 1.35 Badger Foot 2.05 My Tent Or Yours 2.40 Mr Moss 3.15 Full Shift

BANGOR CHOICE: 12.30 Bob Ford 1.0 Blackwater King 1.30 Polarbrook 2.0 Master Red 2.35 Hada Men 3.10 The Last Samuri 3.45 Jessica Valentine

TOWCESTER PICKS: 1.45 Earcomesthe dream 2.15 If In Doubt 2.50 Annie Confidential 3.25 Two Jabs

WOLVERHAMPTON: 7.20 Mick Duggan 7.50 Poppy Bond (NAP) 8.20 Alfred Hutchinson 8.50 Legal Eagle 9.20 Red Shadow

Rushen United and St George’s will go head-to-head in Boxing Day’s BCS Railway Cup final after the two sides triumphed in thrilling semi-final contests on Saturday afternoon.

The Spaniards needed extra-time before finally getting the better of 10-man Laxey at Glen Road by the odd goal in seven, while Geordies came from behind to defeat St Mary’s at the Bowl.

Saturday, November 30

BCS Railway Cup semi-finals

Laxey 2-2 Rushen (Rushen win 4-3 after extra-time)

St Mary’s 1-2 St George’s

Canada Life Premier League

Michael 2-1 Ramsey

RYCOB 1-2 St John’s

JCK Division Two

Foxdale 3-0 Douglas and District

Malew 3-1 Braddan

Marown 2-2 Gymns

Onchan 3-2 Ronaldsway

Canada Life Combination One

DHSOB 6-2 Corinthians

Peel 14-0 Castletown

Ramsey 1-5 St John’s

JCK Combination Two

Braddan 6-1 Pulrose

The Tynwald Christmas carol service will be held at the Church of St Mary of the Isle, Hill Street, Douglas at 1.10pm on Thursday, December 12.

The public is invited to join members and officers of Tynwald, some of whom will be singing in the choir, for the service which will feature familiar and lesser-known music from the Isle of Man and elsewhere.

In extending a warm invitation to members of the public and the local business community President of Tynwald Clare Christian, said: ‘I know that this is a very busy time of the year for everyone but we should be delighted to welcome all those who can spare the time to take a break from the pressures of the day to join us in this celebration of Christmas.

‘I am delighted to say that Canon Philip Gillespie, Roman Catholic Dean of the Isle of Man, has decided to donate the retiring collection to the Philippines typhoon appeal. ‘

The service is expected to finish at about 2pm after which those attending are invited to stay for a cup of tea and a mince pie.

Historic shipping firm Ramsey Steamship Company Ltd has sold vessels the Ben Maye and Ben Varey to Kent-based shipowner Angel Shipping Limited.

They will be operated and managed by Absolute Shipping Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Angel.

This summer Ramsey Steamship Company announced it would be wound-up after 100 years because of its pensions liability.

Captain Eion Lyons, managing director of Angel and Absolute, said the acquisition was ‘extremely good news and represents a further investment in our expanding short-sea dry cargo fleet’. He said the vessels were well maintained and operated.

‘It is our intention to build on the excellent reputation of RSSC and to further develop the service they have provided to the local community and to customers around the Irish Sea. To assist in that process, Tony Kennish (currently managing director of RSSC) is joining the Absolute management team.’

Mr Kennish said the RSSC’s years of service to the island and Irish Sea area, it is was ‘a very sad day’ that the firm’s name will be no more. He thanked all personnel and customers.

Age Isle of Man has come of age.

The charity celebrated its 21st birthday at its annual general meeting and Christmas lunch at the Empress Hotel, for staff and volunteers.

Formerly known as Age Concern Isle of Man, the charity’s history was described briefly in his address by chairman Malcolm Kelly.

He recalled how Age Concern Isle of Man was set up with its headquarters in Ramsey in 1992.

He went on to talk about the opening of the first Age Concern shop in Ramsey followed by one in Port Erin in 1993.

Malcolm recalled the charity taking on Bob Clucas as a new chief officer that year and telling him after he was appointed, that there was only enough funds to pay him for six months, so he had better get out and raise some money, otherwise he would be out of a job!

Current chief officer George Quayle rounded off the proceedings by presenting a review of the past year.

He congratulated staff for their contribution to the work of Age Isle of Man, and described how demands for its services were steadily increasing/

He closed by thanking all the volunteers who had given their time to support the charity by working in shops, computer learning centres, day centres, lunch and activity clubs.

Long service awards were then presented by Age Isle of Man’s Patron, Bishop Robert Paterson, to Beryl Sandwell, Pat Callister, Ann Reynolds, Hillary Kermode, Jean Renshaw, Vivienne Watkins, Muriel Putnam and Eileen Walker who had all been volunteers for more than 15 years.

Bishop Robert also presented the ‘Employees of the Year’ award to Mary Gallagher and Jonathan Kelly for their splendid work in the Meadow View Day Centre in Onchan.

A Douglas man has been to the House of Commons after being nominated for an Individual Fundraiser of the Year Award.

Eugene Wilson did not win the overall award but received a special commendation at the Anthony Nolan Supporter Awards 2013.

The awards recognise outstanding individuals who have contributed to the blood cancer charity over the last year.

The charity uses its register to match potential bone marrow donors to blood cancer patients in desperate need of a bone marrow transplant.

Eugene has run six marathons, taken on a Great Wall of China trek and will run the London Marathon in 2014.

He has raised over £25,000 so far for the charity.

Eugene’s daughter, Lisa, died in 2005 at just 22 years old after a fight against leukaemia.

For more information visit www.anthonynolan.org