Tickets are on sale now for a Neil Diamond tribute act billed as being one of the best in the UK.

Mike Leigh’s Diamond Nights will be performing at the Centenary Centre, in Peel, on Saturday, March 22.

The event is in aid of Breakthrough Breast Cancer Isle of Man, and thanks to sponsor 4Hire, all the proceeds from the show will be going straight to the charity.

It will feature all the favourites and more from this popular and well-loved American performer, from the powerful and uplifting songs of the jazz singer to the haunting soulful ballads that have made Neil Diamond the legend that he is.

He has been wowing audiences and producing hits since the 1970s.

The last two years have seen Diamond Nights working as far afield as Dubai.

Lindsay Quayle, a committee member of the Isle of Man branch of Breakthrough, said: ‘I wanted to do something on the west of the island because we have lots of supporters on this side.

‘I thought it would be nice for them to do something without having to go to Douglas all the time.’

The show starts at 8pm, and there will be an interval.

Tickets costing £15 are available from Celtic Gold, Peel; Shakti Man, Ramsey; Peter Norris Music, Douglas; Thompson Travel, Douglas.

Alternatively buy them online at www.centenarycentre.com

For more information call Lindsay on 422853.

Plans have been submitted to convert an acute mental health unit on the Noble’s Hospital site into a rehabilitation and resettlement centre for offenders.

Grianagh Court is expected to become available in 2016-17, as health chiefs progress a scheme to build a new inpatient facility on a vacant plot of land next to Geddyn Reesht at Noble’s.

For more details, see today’s Isle of Man Examiner.

Heritage Homes Ltd has applied to transform the former Athol Garage in Peel Road, Douglas, into 74 flats.

The developer has applied to develop the site – comprising vacant buildings, parking areas that are occasionally used to display vehicles for sale, and undeveloped land – next to the former Wool Control Centre.

Approval in principle was granted in December 2011 to Dandara Commercial Ltd to redevelop the site for residential purposes (11/000724/A) or offices (11/00723/A).

One of the conditions of the approval in principle, was the application for approval of the reserved matters should be made within two years.

In the application, it shows that Heritage Homes Limited, whose interest in the site is as ‘potential developer’ has applied for 40 one-bedroom and two 34 two-bedroom flats, to be contained in two buildings.

The applicant states: ‘The proposed scheme would represent a significant improvement over the existing building in visual terms.’

One parking space would be provided for each flat – 34 under the standard set out in the Isle of Man Strategic Plan.

It says the standard has been relaxed in other similar developments in the capital.

A transport assessment carried out by Bryan Hall concludes that traffic generated by the proposed development could be safely accommodated on Peel Road and its junction with Circular Road.

This morning’s Steam Packet service from Douglas to Heysham has been cancelled because of the weather.

The decision means that this afternoon’s return sailing is also cancelled.

Passengers booked on the Ben-my-Chree this morning should ring 661661 to re-arrange travel.

This evening’s 7.45pm sailing and its 2.15am return sailing are also likely to be disrupted or cancelled.

A decision will be made by 4pm today.

Several sailings have been cancelled in the last few weeks because of stormy conditions in the Irish Sea.

For the latest from the Steam Packet, {http://www.steam-packet.com/LatestSailings|click here.}

UPDATED STORY: The Isle of Man is being hit by more flooding this afternoon.

Many coastal areas and promenades are closed to traffic and pedestrians as the 3pm high tide of 8.1 metres combines with gale force winds to create a significant storm surge.

Parts of Castletown are facing the biggest impact, with flooding expected around the areas of Back Hope Street, Hope Street, Springfield Terrace, Athol Terrace and Milner Terrace.

Douglas and Laxey Promenades and Ramsey quayside are at risk, although water levels in these areas are expected to be about 0.3 metres (12 inches) lower than those experienced during Friday afternoon’s tidal flooding event.

{https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eEAjoLAjHAY&feature=youtube_gdata_player|Watch a video of a motorist trying to drive on Douglas promenade here.}

The police, fire service, ambulance service, Civil Defence, coastguards, Department of Infrastructure and the Water and Sewerage Authority are working together to try to mitigate potential damage.

All island schools are open as normal.

It is possible that pupils attending Victoria Road primary school in Castletown may be asked to remain in school for a short period beyond the usual finishing time, while the condition of the road is assessed.

arents collecting children from Victoria Road will be able to access the school via the side entrance (the new teachers’ car park) next to Sandfield/Morton Hall.

The crossing patrol officer will be moved to the area to add some extra protection and visibility.

Any parents who are late getting to the school should not panic as children will not be allowed to leave school unaccompanied.

Parents are advised that the road in front and behind the school will be closed to vehicles and pedestrians. Access is only via Morton Hall via Victoria Road opposite the station garage.

{http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9i9cZW3PYOo|See a reader’s footage of last week’s waves in Castletown here.}

People in vulnerable coastal areas are being encouraged to take steps to protect their properties and vehicles from potential storm and flood damage.

More than 10,000 sandbags are still in place at key locations and a further 1,000 were distributed yesterday (Sunday) in Castletown and Ramsey.

Members of the public have also been urged to abide by all road closures and to stay away from promenades and harbours where waves of up to 4.5 metres in height – and possibly 5m in Castletown - will be breaking and throwing up stones and other debris.

Some sea defences were breached by Friday’s storms and further structural damage is possible in exposed areas, as winds will be stronger on Monday than those experienced on Friday.

People are asked to keep clear of flood waters, as there may be unseen dangers such as open manhole covers.

{http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MILQyconWn4&feature=share|Watch storm footage from Laxey here.}

Contingency measures have again been put in place to deal with the storm surge and the following roads will be closed to between 1pm and 6pm on Monday –

Douglas: The promenade from Broadway to Port Jack in Onchan

Castletown: Castletown promenade, Back Hope Street, Hope Street, Springfield Terrace, Athol Terrace, Milner Terrace. The car parks next to the Old Grammar School will also be closed. In the event of Victoria Road being closed, it is hoped the road will be re-opened by 3.30pm to allow children to be collected from school.

Laxey: Laxey promenade and Tent Road

Rushen: Shore Road, Gansey, Ballakeighan Road to Gansey Pottery

Ramsey: Ramsey quayside, Parliament Street, Market Square, Ramsey promenades

Roads will be closed to vehicles and pedestrians. The police will be in position at strategic areas and will adopt a commonsense approach once the storm surge starts to abate. It is expected that pedestrian access will be permitted on a phased basis as conditions improve, but some roads may stay closed to traffic beyond 6pm to allow the clear-up operation to take place.

Other areas around the island – including Peel (in particular around Fenella Beach) and Port St Mary will be assessed during the day.

{http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/live-news|For more updates, click here to go to our ‘Live News’ page.}

Members of the public are requested to take heed to road closures, plan their journeys and drive to the conditions.

Extreme caution is also advised for those watching the storms, as some people put themselves as risk during Friday’s extreme weather. The advice from the emergency services is to stay well clear from areas where waves are breaking.

It is also possible that raw sewage could be discharged from manholes, so people are asked to keep out of flood waters.

The emergency services will respond to any incident where people are in danger and can be contacted on 999.

For general help and support with flooding problems or storm damage, where human life is not at risk, the public are asked to call the Department of Infrastructure’s Ellerslie control on 850000.

The high tides after Monday afternoon are not expected to result in the same level of problems, although gales force winds are expected overnight on Monday into Tuesday.

The Isle of Man Bank’s Ramsey branch has shut because of the weather.

For pictures and a report on Friday’s weather, see today’s Isle of Man Examiner.

Today’s Isle of Man Examiner is in the shops now.

The paper has more on last week’s floods and the problems that many are facing as a result of them.

On page 3, we report on an MHK who is calling for a government minister to resign.

We also report on:

A man who’s been jailed after a fight on Christmas Day

The possibility of more migrants from the EU coming to the Isle of Man.

Plans to create a half-way house for offenders

Nominations opening for police officer of the year

A dog that was swept away during a flood

The Agriculture Minister’s view on live exports.

The Examiner also includes the next part of our series of features about the influence of the Vikings

With business news, all the top action from sport and our lively letters page, the island’s favourite newspaper is a must this week.

The Examiner is in the shops now.

The Tynwald Annual Report on the 2012-2013 parliamentary year is now available.

The report highlights activities, events and legislation that have marked a parliamentary year which has seen many guests welcomed to Tynwald and which has seen links built with other jurisdictions.

According to a press release: ‘The publication illustrates the broad reach of Tynwald’s community engagement and co-operation with external partners and also highlights how improved efficiencies and streamlined administration have led to Tynwald successfully continuing to deliver more for less.’

The Tynwald Annual Report 2012-2013 is available free from the Tynwald Library and may viewed online at www.tynwald.org.im

Isle of Man athletes had a very successful time in the Lancashire Cross-Country Championships at Witton Park, Blackburn on Saturday.

Manx Harriers equalled their previous best medal haul of nine, led by the women who came away with individual golds for Rachael Franklin (senior) and Gail Griffiths (veteran/fourth overall). Added to that, Caroline Mayers was 14th overall and second veteran woman to secure team gold.

Ollie Lockley was 10th overall in the men’s (taking silver in the under-20s), with Alan Corlett 13th and Ed Gumbley 18th out of 123 competitors to steer the team to second overall.

Mike Garrett was 21st overall (second vet/40), Stephen Garrett 34th, Gianni Epifani 36th (third vet), Paul Sykes 42nd, Chris Quine 61st and Murray Lambden 79th. The veteran men also took silver in the team contest.

The pick of the junior athletes was Lydia Morris of Northern AC who took bronze in the under-11 girls. TJ Phair just missed out on a medal in the u11 boys where he came home fourth.

Full report in Thursday’s Manx Independent.

Bus services are being disrupted because of road closures today.

Service 1/1A/13/13A

Buses are unable serve stops between Broadway and Derby Castle. Buses are diverted from the Villa Marina Stop via Broadway, Victoria Road, Summerhill, Strathallan Road to Port Jack.

Service 2

Buses are unable to serve stops between Broadway and Derby Castle. Services are diverted from Villa Marina via Broadway, Victoria Road, Governors Road to Manx Arms and vice versa.

Buses are unable to serve Gansey/Shore Road and are diverted from Castletown to Port St Mary via Colby and Church Road and vice versa.

Service 6

Buses will not serve Peel promenade.

Ramsey Town Service

Buses are unable to serve Ramsey Quayside and Promenades.

Diversions will be in place from 1pm until roads re-open.

{http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/more-flooding-expected-today-1-6353170|More flooding is expected at high tide today. Click here to read our story.}

Douglas B tied for runner-up spot with Southern Nomads in the Shimmin Wilson Manx Shield after they beat Castletown 78-3 at Poulsom Park on Saturday.

Alex Long bagged a hat-trick for Douglas and there were also tries from Jack Fallon (2), Glenn Smith, Mark Shortland, Ben Dutnall, Andy Evans, Dayle Collister, Mark McGee and Charlie Henthorne. Long rounded off a good day at the office with nine conversions to give himself a 33-point haul. John Forrest hit Town’s consolation penalty.

Results

Saturday, January 4

South Lancs/Cheshire Division One

Winnington Park 35-5 Douglas

South Lancs/Cheshire Division Two

Ramsey 21-50 Manchester Medics

Vagabonds 45-5 Southport

Shimmin Wilson Manx Shield

Castletown 3-78 Douglas B

Reports on all the weekend’s matches in today’s Isle of Man Examiner.

The PwC-sponsored men’s and women’s hockey leagues got off to a problematic start as pitch issues caused by bad weather led to the scheduled games at Ramsey and Peel being postponed.

Full round-up of the games that did take place in today’s Isle of Man Examiner.

PwC Men’s Premier Division

Celton Manx Castletown A 2-4 Vikings A 4

IOMA Group Bacchas A 9-1 LJ Skye Ramsey A

PwC Men’s Division One

IOMA Group Bacchas Colts 4-0 Fearless Saracens A

PwC Men’s Division Two

IOMA Group Bacchas C 1-1 Fearless Saracens B 1

PwC Women’s Premier Division

Celton Manx Castletown A 3-1 IOMA Group Bacchas B

IOMA Group Bacchas A 2-13 Vikings A 13

PwC Women’s Division One

Celton Manx Castletown B 1-0 Celton Manx Castletown C

Vikings B 3-0 HQ Harlequins A

PwC Mixed Under-16s’ League

Vikings 10-0 Celton Manx Castletown 0

Ian Hutchinson’s comeback appearance at this year’s TT has been put in further doubt after the title sponsors of Shaun Muir’s Yamaha team withdrew their support for the event.

In a press release issued over the weekend Milwaukee Power Tools confirmed it had withdrawn its backing of Muir’s outfit at the TT due to a change in the rules governing the use of electronic systems.

Muir has fought the introduction of the new regulations because he believes it would leave Hutchinson and team-mate Josh Brookes at a disadvantage with the Yamaha system they would be forced to use not as advanced as others.

In a statement on bikesportnews.com Milwaukee’s UK commercial director Dale McElveen said:

‘The decision to withdraw our support from the 2014 Isle of Man TT Races with SMR is two-fold. Firstly we believe the rule changes, apparently initiated as a cost-saving exercise, would actually have had an adverse effect on SMR Racing – costing Shaun Muir and his team in excess of £30,000 to convert machinery that is currently ready to race.’

‘SMR, with much reluctance, made a proposal to the ACU and manufacturer supported teams, proposing to run their current Magneti Marelli ECU System – albeit with disable rider aids.

‘This would have brought the team’s Marelli system into line with the proposed Motec variant, which was listed as an option by TT organisers.

‘This in turn would have saved Milwaukee Yamaha £30,000 to purchase and fit the Motec systems, which we hasten to add, is not being used, or purchased, by any of the other leading manufacturers.

‘Unfortunately SMR’s proposal to use a restricted Marelli package, was rejected by the other leading manufacturers and the TT organisers.

‘The forced ECU changes, suggested at the outset by Honda, would have made all SMR road racing machinery less competitive than its rivals, and the control ECU that SMR would have been forced to fit [Motec] – gives less control than that of their main competitors’ Kit systems.

‘The irony is the rule change will solely affect Yamaha as the other leading manufacturers have modern manufacturer produced ‘Kit’ versions readily available, which will allow them to compete with no disadvantage.

‘If we add to that the increased budget involved to compete [in a less competitive state] with the other main manufacturers [should SMR have used Motec] – who ironically, can roll out last year’s machinery at no extra cost – then we had no option but to make this tough decision and withdraw our support for SMR at the 2014 TT Races.

‘We would like to stress that every effort was made with the Isle of Man TT organisers in somewhat protracted discussions to find a solution that would effectively have allowed SMR to bring high-profile riders Ian Hutchinson – the event’s only five time clean sweep winner in a week – and Josh Brookes to TT 2014.

‘Milwaukee Yamaha was also in the process of pledging support to a third rider for next year’s event and we feel, the tangible inflexibility, has robbed TT fans of seeing three riders with 15 TT victories between them, numerous lap records; not to mention an embargo on the return of the fastest newcomer in Australian superstar Brookes.’

Milwaukee will continue to back the team in BSB and at the North West 200, Ulster GP and Macau.

Hutchinson, Tweeting on the subject yesterday said: ‘I support my team and sponsors decision fully, this has been driven by another manufacturer from the start who don’t have to change a thing!’

In a statement issued to the Belfast News Letter on Sunday, TT organisers countered the allegations that another team had spearheaded the new rule changes:

‘The Department of Economic Development and ACU Events Ltd, organisers of the Isle of Man TT Races, regret the decision by Milwaukee Power Tools to withdraw their sponsorship from Shaun Muir Racing (SMR) for the 2014 Isle of Man TT races as a result of a regulation change in the Superbike class.

‘ACU Events Ltd amended the regulations following consultation with the motorcycle manufacturers as part of a longer-term strategy to contain costs for the TT teams and competitors.

‘Despite extensive mediation and consultation with SMR, which began in July 2013, ACU Events Ltd is disappointed that the team has rejected the compromise proposed for the 2014 Races.’

‘At no point did any one manufacturer influence the decision and after discussions with a number of competitors, ACU Events Ltd does not believe that it will in any way compromise rider safety, which remains the organisation’s utmost priority.’

Thieves have stolen wheels from a parked car that will be useless on most other vehicles.

They struck some time over the weekend.

The wheels are unique to either a Ford Escort or Sierra Cosworth from the years 1987 to 1992 and police say they won’t fit any other vehicle.

Theywere black alloy wheels which have considerable kerb damage.

They are ‘Compomotive’ five-spoke, multi-spoke alloys with 18-inch rim.

Constable Andy Lloyd is investigating. Ring police headquarters on 631212 or email andrew.lloyd@gov.im if you have any information.

The Steam Packet sailing tonight (Monday) has been cancelled again.

The company is blaming the continued bad weather conditions in the Irish Sea.

Anyone who is booked on the 7.45pm sailing from Douglas to Heysham and its return at 2.15am tomorrow should call Steam Packet reservations on 01624 661661.

The Ben-my-Chree sheltered in port today after its sailings to and from Heysham were cancelled.

However, she did sail from Heysham at 2.15am this morning.

Several sailings over the past few weeks have been cancelled because of stormy weather in the Irish Sea.

Tomorrow’s 8.45am sailing from Douglas to Heysham should sail, the Steam Packet says.

However, there is likely to be a delay of an hour.

The company will make an announcement about that at 7am tomorrow.

For the latest from the Steam Packet, {http://www.steam-packet.com/LatestSailings|click here.}

Government should not try to stop farmers exporting animals for slaughter, the Agriculture Minister told a Tynwald scrutiny committee.

Phil Gawne and his department’s chief executive Richard Lole were giving evidence for a second time to the Environment and Infrastructure policy review committee which is investigating the Countryside Care Scheme.

Farmers packed into the public gallery at the Legislative Council to hear them give their evidence.

The Countryside Care Scheme was introduced in April 2009 to replace the old system of production subsidies. But there is continuing concern about its impact on the farming industry and the Meat Plant.

Committee chairman Dudley Butt MLC said the committee had heard claims that individuals were deliberately exporting live animals to undermine the viability of the Meat Plant.

Mr Gawne replied that it was difficult to prove as nobody was going to openly admit they were trying to undermine the abattoir.

But he said: ’We should not have government trying to stop people exporting - that’s their decision.

‘As soon as you start putting restrictions on exports you effectively say to the Meat Plant “you can be as inefficient as you wish”. While I would certainly have concerns about people exporting to deliberately undermine the Meat Plant - deep concerns – I don’t believe a heavy-handed government response is going to help. You should use the carrot not the stick.’

Mr Gawne insisted that the old system of production subsidies wasn’t working and there had been almost universal support for the need to change.

He said it would always be constant struggle to make the Meat Plant run profitability as it didn’t have the throughput of larger operations across - and even larger concerns in the UK were struggling.

‘There will always be an element of subsidy for the Meat Plant?’ Mr Butt asked.

‘You never say never. It is possible to have a Meat Plant that wasn’t subsidised by government,’ the Minister replied.

Committee member Zac Hall (Onchan) why a verbal agreement with Meat Plant directors about equivalency to UK average prices made in April 2009 never became an official guarantee.

Mr Gawne said he couldn’t imagine lasting very long as Minister if he were to offer these sort of open-ended guarantees.

Turning to problems facing the dairy industry and the Creamery, Mr Gawne said there were fears that changes in EU quotas could result in the market being flooded with cheap milk but added the impact might not be that significant here.

He said the answer to the Creamery’s problems lay in its own hands - and adding 1p to the price of a litre of milk would ‘completely overshadow’ any support that could be offered through the Countryside Care Scheme. Mr Gawne said the Creamery had taken £500,000 out of its cost structure. He revealed Treasury had approved a loan to the Creamery but the directors had declined that loan.

Migrant workers from Bulgaria and Romania will be free to travel to the Isle of Man - but they’ll need a work permit to take a job here and there’s limited access to benefits.

There have been fears of mass immigration by Bulgarians and Romanians into the UK as work restrictions imposed in 2005 were lifted on January 1 giving millions in these new EU member states the right to work in Britain.

The Isle of Man is not a member of the European Union, but under our Protocol 3 agreement with Europe, Bulgarians and Romanians will be free to come here like any other national from a EU member state.

But numbers will be restricted by our work permit system and the fact that access to certain benefits is restricted.

For example, you would need to have lived here for 10 years to be eligibly for public sector housing and to have been resident for five years to claim Income Support.

Economic Development Minister John Shimmin said a new Control of Employment Bill - which will make a number of changes to existing work permit controls – was due to go for its second reading in the House of Keys at the end of this month.

The bill will modernise the existing system but will tighten up controls in some areas such as rules on family members, criminal convictions and the ability to speak English.

Mr Shimmin said: ‘Those who are free to move into the UK by membership of the EU have the opportunity to come to the Isle of Man. We don’t differentiate between the English, French and now Bulgarians or Romanians.

‘We have a work permit system but that legislation is purely a mechanism for restricting those people who seek to work on the island. It is not a residency control. We have a Residency Act but that is sitting on the shelf.’

‘The proposed changes to the work permit legislation will take into accounts issues such as family membership, criminal records and the ability to speak English. These are already there but will be clarified in the new Bill.

‘New members of the EU are free to travel here. Bulgarians and Romanians are the same as any other European national.

‘What we want to ensure is that those peoples have jobs to come to, that they can be employed and be independent.

‘The lion’s share of the people coming to the Isle of Man do really contribute to our economy by fulfilling jobs of either a level of which we haven’t got the skills on-island or the people of the island are not prepared to do. We need to encourage new skills to the island.’

The new Bill proposes more flexibility to grant exemptions or to remove existing exemptions from the requirement for work permits. For example, it will have a new power to exempt a person working in a specified capacity if it considers the employment to be in the national interest.

A person with a relevant criminal conviction will no longer be entitled to use any exemption. Similarly the spouse of a permit holder or of an exempt person will no longer have an automatic entitlement to a permit if he or she has such a conviction.

The wider consequences of granting a permit, particularly the costs to the government, may be taken into consideration including the potential impact of any person living with, or likely to live with the applicant as a member of his or her family or household.

There are also discretionary powers to take into account the ability to speak English.

Police are warning people to stay away from rivers after a Sulby man was injured trying to save his dog from being swept away.

The dog, a golden retriever called Arthur, was saved by a member of the public after a Facebook plea asked for people to help in the search.

The police have however warned against the danger of such pleas and urged the public to stay away from rivers and to leave rescues to the emergency services.

Arthur’s owner is Dave Corlett, a local motorcycle racer from Sulby, who came fourth in this year’s Manx Grand Prix.

He was exercising the 14-month old Golden Retriever at Sulby Claddaghs late afternoon on New Year’s Day when ‘he just took off and bolted straight into the river’

‘He got washed down to the council estate by the Claddagh Mill, where he got himself out of the water,’ explained Mr Corlett.

It was two hours later when Dave’s son Jack and friend Ed Duggan found Arthur lying under a gorse bush, when his retinas reflected in their torch light. He was obviously fairly frightened. When he went in the river I jumped over a fence and snapped my ankle, it was a catalogue of disasters,’ said David, whose ankle is now in a cast after treatment at Ramsey Cottage Hospital and then Noble’s.

‘I saw the look on his face then his head disappear under the water, I lost sight of him then.’

As David was taken to hospital he passed emergency services on their way to look for Arthur, alerted after a woman who had seen the accident phoned his wife.

‘I had my phone with me at the hospital waiting to hear news on him. I wasn’t expecting him to be alive,’ said David.

However a Facebook appeal for people to look out for the golden retriever led to around 40 people turning up to the Claddaghs to personally help with the search.

‘I’d like to thank the lady - I don’t know her name - who ran to phone my wife, and thanks to all the people who came to help,’ said David.

‘Arthur was back to his old self within half an hour, thinking “what’s all the fuss about?”. But he’ll probably be a bit wary of water now!’

Dave’s daughter Rachel set up the Facebook plea asking for people to help search for Arthur after he had been swept away and said that the response had been amazing.

Rachel said: ‘I have to say everyone was fantastic, there is a great community spirit, it was a brilliant example of everyone pulling together to help out someone.

‘The police asked me after I’d put the plea up not to tell people not to search as it was too dangerous to go near the river, but by then of course people were out looking, so the police put up a warning on their Facebook page.

‘Nevertheless, even if it wasn’t the right thing to do, on behalf of my family I’d like to thank everyone so much for helping.’

The Fire and Rescue Service issued a statement thanking everyone who assisted in the search but stressing the dangers of being close to fast flowing rivers. The statement said: ‘With more rain and bad weather to come this winter we would advise all dog owners to keep their dogs on leashes when in close proximity to the water’s edge.’

Recently in the UK two persons have drowned due to the result of trying to retrieve their pets that have accidentally gone into rivers.

As part of the Island of Culture celebrations in 2014 Culture Vannin (formerly The Manx Heritage Foundation) in conjunction with yn Çheshaght Ghailckagh is releasing a new book about Manx Gaelic

Lioar-lhaih Ghaelgagh: Original Manx Prose 1821-1907 is a remarkable insight to the language as it was spoken in the 19th Century.

It edited by Chris Lewin, who writes a monthly column in Manx in the Isle of Man Examiner.

The book covers the substantial body of prose material from Manx newspapers of the time as well as the writings of Edward Faragher (1831-1908) of Cregneash or Ned Beg Hom Ruy as he was known.

The newspaper articles in Manx cover topics such as the political situation of the day, attacks and defence of the Manx language and various philosophical and religious ruminations: such material is illustrative of a vibrant language.

The writings of Edward Faragher meanwhile complement those of the newspaper material and provide am insight into the life of a farming and fishing community.

Here the reader will discover a wealth of information covering such matters as: preparation of nets; the dangers of stormy weather and alcohol; the dialogue between crews on different boats; the struggle against the age-old enemy of Manx fishermen, the dogfish together with many fantastic and humorous incidents such as the priest fleeing from his church because of bees in his trousers and the coroner using his knowledge of Manx to acquit thieves and cover his own back.

Adrian Cain, Manx language development officer for Culture Vannin, said: ‘This book will really make us think about the recent history of the language; moreover, given the recent revival of interest in Manx it illustrates the continuity of the language over the last 200 years’.

Brian Stowell, secretary of Yn Çheshaght Ghailckagh, said: ‘It is important that the Island of Culture celebrations in 2014 have a really strong Manx language flavour to them and it is hoped that this book will contribute to the

debate about culture and identity on the island.’

Lioar-lhaih Ghaelgagh: Original Manx Prose 1821-1907 will be officially launched between noon and 2pm on Thursday at the Lexicon Bookshop in Strand Street, Douglas.

Chris Lewin will be present to signs copies.

The PwC-sponsored men’s and women’s hockey leagues got off to a problematic start as pitch issues caused by bad weather led to the scheduled games at Ramsey and Peel being postponed.

PwC Men’s Premier Division

IOMA Group Bacchas A got the defence of their title off to a winning start with a 9-1 victory over LJ Skye Ramsey A.

Tom Wilson top-scored for the Tromode side, netting on four occasions. He was joined on the scoresheet by Andy Whiting with two, Jamie Brown, James Wright and Tony Bentley-Roberts all with one.

James Aitchison was the only Ramsey player to find the net.

Vikings A secured a 4-2 victory over Celton Manx Castletown A in their first match of the season. Goals from Ian Perry, Jonny Killey, Conor Byrne and Alex Birch proved enough for Vikings. Paul Kelly netted both goals for Castletown.

PwC Men’s Division One

IOMA Group Bacchas Colts claimed an impressive 4-0 victory over Fearless Saracens A at the NSC on Saturday afternoon. Goals from James Harrison, Pete Duchars, Richard Weir and Patrick Cox ensured victory for the Tromode side.

PwC Men’s Division Two

Honours ended even between IOMA Group Bacchas C and Fearless Saracens B when the two sides met at King William’s College. Dave Partington found the net for Bacchas.

No details of the Saracens scorer were received.

PwC Women’s

Premier division

Vikings A started their season in impressive style with a 13-2 victory over IOMA Group Bacchas A.

Captain Kim Carney led the way for Vikings with four goals. There were hat-tricks for Sarah Blackman and Bresha Foxton, along with an own goal and strikes from Chelsea Bawden and Zoe Carney. Chelsea Golding scored both goals for Bacchas.

A young Celton Manx Castletown A side bounced back from going a goal down to secure a 3-1 victory over IOMA Group Bacchas B.

An own goal gave Bacchas a first-half lead. Mia Greenwood opened the scoring for Castletown, reacting first to a saved penalty corner. Greenwood then set up Dani Kelly to give Castletown the lead before netting her second of the game to seal the win.

PwC Women’s

Division One

Celton Manx Castletown B claimed a narrow 1-0 victory over a resilient Celton Manx Castletown C. After a goalless first half, Gail Logan broke the deadlock to give the Castletown second string the win. Rebecca Jacobs had the best chance for the third team, but her shot hit the post.

A second-half hat-trick from captain Jessica Tarpey saw Vikings B claim a 3-0 victory over HQ Harlequins A.

PwC Mixed Under-16s

Vikings continued their good form from last season with a 10-0 victory over Celton Manx Castletown.

Lee Cowell led the way for Vikings with four goals, while there were two goals apiece for Macklin Wilson and Tom Burrows.

There were single strikes for Caitlin Gelder and David Rivers.

Isle of Man-based taekwondo star Aaron Cook regained his No1 world ranking at the end of 2013.

The under-80kg fighter made the podium in an amazing nine competitions out of 11 in 2013, winning no fewer than five gold medals.

His first fight for the Isle of Man was in the Swedish Open in February where he took gold, finishing the year with silver in the French Open. He won an incredible 34 bouts out of 40.

The World Taekwondo Federation gives ranking points to major international competitions and the top-six in each weight category in December 2015 automatically obtain a place in their national team for the Rio Olympics.

This rule change was brought in following Cook’s controversial non-selection for the Great Britain team at the London Olympics and to ensure more objectivity in the selection process.

Aaron can compete for the Isle of Man in all competitions except for the Olympics where he would compete for GB.

This was confirmed by the world body and the BOA earlier last year after Isle of Man Taekwondo Association successfully fought off an attempt to stop Cook representing the Isle of Man. Aaron is based in the island and spends his time between mentoring local students and training and competing internationally.

He will be flying the three legs when competing all over the world this year. One of his major highlights of 2013 was beating double Olympic champion and five-time world champion, the legendary Steven Lopez, at the first World Grand Prix in Manchester last month.

Isle of Man Taekwondo director Richard Halsall commented: ‘It has been a fantastic 12 months, starting with Sky Sports breaking the news that Aaron was to fight for the island. Seeing a huge digital Manx flag against the Russian one in the semi-final of the World Grand Prix was a really proud moment for us. It has been a challenge for such a small association, but the World Taekwondo Federation has been incredibly supportive.

Scott Physio have patched Aaron up between his gruelling fight schedule and he now has financial sponsorship from Creechurch Capital for 2014.

‘It will be an exciting year. Aaron will defend his double European title in Azerbaijan in May and compete against the top 32 in the world at three Grands Prix this year.

Follow Isle of Man Taekwondo Association on Facebook @iomtkd on twitter or contact iomtkd@iomtkd.org

The association licences students at three Manx clubs - West Tkd, Peel; Manx Tigers, Pulrose and Southern Manx Tigers, Arbory.