The annual service to honour the memory of Sir William Hillary, who founded the Royal National Lifeboat Institution while living in Douglas, will be held on Sunday at St George’s Church, Douglas, at 3pm.

The service will be conducted by the Archdeacon of Man, the Venerable Andrew Brown, and the Bishop of Sodor and Man, the Rt Reverend Robert Paterson.

Attending the service on behalf of the RNLI will be Gareth Morrison, operations manager, Ireland North and Isle of Man, who will lay a wreath on the tomb of Sir William and Lady Hillary in St George’s Churchyard after the service.

Supporters of the RNLI are invited to attend the service, and afterwards at the South Douglas Old Friends Association, Finch Road, Douglas, where refreshments will be served.

A new initiative aimed at putting the focus on tourism and its importance to business life in the island is being launched by the Chamber of Commerce.

The campaign is in its early days but the year 2014 is likely to see more emphasis being placed on the hospitality sector and its role in the economy.

Chamber chief executive Jane Dellar said: ‘It’s an ongoing initiative to increase the awareness of the contribution that the visitor economy makes to the island from a monetary and lifestyle perspective.’

She added that the drive was likely to be given the all-encompassing title of ‘Enjoy IoM’.

Jane revealed the chamber wanted to highlight the benefits of tourism and hospitality to the island.

Speaking from the Chamber’s new base in Athol Street, Douglas, she was backed by Sara Richards, chairman of the island’s self catering owners association.

It is understood some businesses in the tourism sector feel their contribution to the economy is sometimes overshadowed by other business sectors. They also feel they play the ‘poor relation’.

The Chamber of Commerce has eight main committees including one devoted to tourism.

Jane said around 400 properties in the island, the vast majority being owned by people living in the island, are involved in tourism and hospitality in a year-long capacity.

She said a meeting has already been held with the government’s Department of Economic Development and there was a presentation on the difference betwen Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and and Gross National Income (GNI).

Because so many accommodation providers are based in the island there is a definite boost for the Isle of Man’s economy.

‘A large proportion of profits stay on the island,’ said Jane.

Jane added that here in the island ‘actually we have loads of great shops and restaurants and activities you can do.

‘My eyes have certainly been opened and we will be starting a local campaign to promote tourism locally.

‘The campaign is not frivolous. This is all about the value of tourism to the island.’

Sara Richards said: ‘Local people need tourism to succeed.’

The Chamber believes tourism can be a ‘foundation stone for the rest of the island’.

Jane said she knew of visitors attracted to the island from as far afield as America, Canada and China.

Jane, who took on the Chamber job last year, told Business News the island had to be promoted for what it is.

She said: ‘You have to go with the facts. For instance it is not two weeks in Marbella.

‘I lived in the Middle East for four years on an island that had plenty of sunshine but no beaches. it was too hot.

‘Whatever you are faced with you have issues

‘Every country has its own issues. It is about engaging with what we have here and maximising the benefits of what is here.

‘It’s about trying to engage with people to show what is on offer.

‘And it is interesting to see the amount of things that there are to do in the island.

‘There are some cracking little gems tucked away.

‘ There is an awful lot to do if you are prepared to go and find it.

‘This is about increasing awareness of the contribution made to our economy by tourism.’

Oie’ll Verree, the traditional Manx celebration of Christmas, taken place in Ebenezer Hall, Kirk Michael, on Saturday evening.

Proceeds from the event went to the charity Southern Befrienders.

Oie’ll Verree translates as Mary’s Eve and the celebrations included performances from Michael Players and Caarjyn Cooidjagh.

No one was injured in a two-vehicle crash, which saw this white Vauxhall Corsa end up on its roof.

The damage-only collision took place on the Quarterbridge Road, at its junction with Selborne Drive, in Douglas, on Monday evening.

It was reported to the emergency services at 5.40pm, and both police and an ambulance attended. When officers arrived at the scene, they found the road was blocked.

Traffic had to be diverted until the scene was cleared and motorists were advised to avoid the area.

A police spokesman said no one was injured or trapped in the crash.

A torchlit procession, led by the Vikings of Mann, has kicked off the 2014 Year of Culture celebrations in Peel.

The procession began at Mill Yard carrying a flaming torch and went along the quayside to Peel Beach.

Chairman of Peel Town Commissioners, Ray Harmer, was handed the torch to light a beacon on the beach.

There was then a short firework display.

Mr Harmer said: ‘It was a fantastic start to the Year of Culture.

‘Thanks to John Shakespeare and Ian Davison.

‘There was a fantastic turnout even with the weather so bad.’

More than 200 households have signed up to Hospice’s Christmas tree recycling scheme.

The charity is recycling them as compost through Ballaneven Compost in Peel.

It is hoped that the final amount raised will amount to over £2,000.

The Hospice’s team are picking up Christmas trees all this week for a minimum donation of £5 per tree.

The service is being offered to people living in the post codes of IM1, IM2, IM3, IM4 and IM8.

The children’s hospice, Rebecca House, along with another local charity, Oskar’s Dreams, will benefit from this scheme too.

To get your Christmas tree picked up, you need to is register with www.charityxmastreecollection.com.

Once registered you will be given full collection details.

The collections will be mainly during office hours and continue till Friday.

Pictured is celebrity chef and television presenter Kevin Woodford and his grandson, Harvey Dale, aged 20 months.

Kevin was one of the first people to register and is seen here with the team from Hospice.

Athol Garages has provided the van.

{http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/hospice-is-offering-to-collect-christmas-trees-for-recycling-1-6352286|Click here for a previous story about this.}

Marks and Spencer in Douglas will be collecting Christmas Cards for recycling throughout January.

Woodland Trust Christmas card collection boxes will be in the shop until January 31.

Money generated through the card recycling scheme will fund the planting of new trees throughout the UK.

Bibby Ship Management Group Ltd has announced the appointment of Mark Robertshaw as its new commercial director.

His responsibilities will also include the role of new managing director for Bibby Ship Management’s Western Europe office, based in the Isle of Man.

Mr Robertshaw, a shipping and marine professional, is joining the business from Faststream Recruitment, where he set up its new Asian operation and took responsibility for sales performance for the region.

With more than 20 years’ worldwide experience in the maritime industry, he has worked around the world in various senior client management roles within the chartering sector.

He is looking forward to the challenge of applying his extensive experience to a new sector of the shipping industry.

Ed Rimmer, chief executive officer of Bibby Ship Management, welcomes Mark onboard.

He said: ‘We have ambitious growth plans for the business and are delighted to welcome Mark to Bibby Ship Management.

‘With his global experience and understanding of the market, we are very much looking forward to his contribution to the management team.’

Bibby Ship Management, part of the Bibby Line Group, has a long history within the shipping sector, as well as contributing its expertise within other industries, to provide effective business solutions to meet the needs of modern ship owners.

An Island of Culture 2014 project has been launched with the goal of creating one of the most definitive records of Manx culture for many years.

Amateur and professional photographers alike are being invited to get snapping using whatever kind of camera they have, be it digital, medium format, polaroid, box brownie or smartphone.

It is hoped that an archive of thousands of images will be created by the end of the year.

And the best images from the archive will be selected for inclusion in a limited edition of 300 hardback coffee table books.

Rich Ashcroft, co-ordinator of the voluntary Isle of Man 365 project, said: ‘We want people to get excited and creatively capture whatever it is that makes us Manx.

‘In particular our beliefs, customs and arts.

‘In other words a Manx a way of thinking.

‘It could be traditional meets modern, in the air, upside down or under water, there really are no barriers for content submission.’

In particular, he said that small local events could prove a ‘gold mine’.

All images used in the book will be credited to the photographers.

Rich, aged 44, of Port St Mary, said: ‘It is a very interesting time for the island as we shoot into the digital age and beyond whilst still embracing out unique cultural past.

‘I really hope that anyone with a camera from the top island professionals to happy snapper point and shooters will send us their pictures.

‘It’s not about money or fame but a love for the culture of this little rock and how we live our lives today.’

He said he has been in contract with Jan Cowan, arts development officer and secretary to the Isle of Man Arts Council to negotiate funding for the cost of the initial print run and it is hoped that this process will be successfully completed.

Shots at 300 DPI, minimum five MB are preferred but all sizes shapes and artistic interpretations are welcome.

Submit pictures on to the IsleofMan365 Facebook page, email isleofman365@gmail.com

Alternatively, send your photographs by post to Isle of Man 365, C/O Patchwork, Bay View Road, Port St Mary, IM9 5AE.

• Island of Culture was officially launched at the weekend with a range of events.

It is hoped it will leave a lasting legacy for creativity and the arts in the island.

Manx snowboard cross star Zoe Gillings has set her sights on clinching a medal at next month’s 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.

The 28-year-old from Ronague began her season with an impressive fifth-place finish at the opening round of the Snowboard X World Cup series in Montafon, Austria as she attempts to build up momentum ahead of the Sochi Games in February.

Unfortunately there was bad luck for the snowboarder at the second event in Lake Louise, Canada a few weeks later when, having qualified with the seventh fastest time, she was knocked out at the quarter-final stage after a rival rider fell directly in front of her, forcing Zoe to crash off the piste.

Despite that setback she remains on track for Sochi and is currently seventh overall in the World Cup standings.

It is a remarkable turnaround from a couple of years ago when it looked like her Olympic career may be over following the collapse of the UK governing body for skiing and snowboarding which led to Zoe losing her funding.

Fast forward to now and the snowboarder-turned-entrepreneur now has a range of sponsorship deals and two online businesses – namely Isle of Deals and the more recent Expert Health - as well as UK Sport funding being re-established.

With a more stable footing off the slopes, Gillings will be concentrating on keeping herself in peak physical condition over the next month until the Winter Games.

‘I managed to get out on snow quite a lot over the summer at training camps in Switzerland and Austria, working on specific things for the course in Sochi which we knew in advance.

‘We had a test event in Sochi last February which was almost like a dry run for us and since then we’ve replicated parts of the actual course to help with the training.’

Injuries have been a problem for Gillings in previous Olympics, having broken several bones in her foot in 2005 before suffering heartbreak in the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver when she incurred a serious knee injury in the semi-finals.

The Manx snowboarder is feeling good about staying 100 per cent fit for Sochi, but new rules mean that there will now be six riders competing in each race as opposed to four in the past.

‘That makes it that bit more unpredictable. There will be a few more crashes - two extra people on a course which is wide enough will definitely make it a bit more “exciting” anyway!

‘Snowboard cross is such an unpredictable sport anyway. Even if you win all your competitions in a season, there’s still no way of knowing how it will go but I will go as fast as I can and see what happens. Hopefully I can get a medal.’

Zoe’s main rivals to a podium place are likely to be the Canadian duo of Maelle Ricker and Dominique Maltais.

Ricker became the first Canadian woman to win a gold medal on home snow at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver so will be seeking to defend her title next month, while Maltais claimed bronze in the same event.

The latter was also crowned FIS World Cup champion the following year.

American snowboarder Lindsey Jacobellis is also seen as something of an unknown quantity heading into the Sochi games.

The 28-year-old from Connecticut clinched silver at the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin and is also a seven-time champion of the X Games, however she has been blighted by injury over the past couple of years before making a winning return to the aforementioned Lake Louise event last month.

Isle of Man Sportswoman of the Year in 2012, Zoe Gillings is currently ranked number eight in the world and is hopeful of breaking back into the top five in 2014.

Looking further ahead, she has not ruled out competing at the 2018 Olympics:

‘I don’t see why not. If I’m still enjoying it and the funding is there, I’d love to go again. I reckon the peak age is about 32, so I should be good for Pyeongchang 2018.’

Zoe is currently training in France and will head to Andorra this week for the next round of the Snowboard X World Cup in Vallnord before the X Games in Aspen, Colorado at the end of the month.

The 2014 Winter Olympics begin in Sochi on Friday, February 7 and will continue until Sunday, February 23.

Zoe appeared on BBC1’s Breakfast Show last week taking ice-cold baths to aid her recovery between events.

The manager of the Strand Shopping Centre in Douglas is urging shoppers to sign an e-petition calling for new Sunday parking charges to be scrapped.

Sunday pay and display charges were introduced at the two government-owned multi-stories at Chester Street and Drumgold Street – above Marks and Spencer – last weekend, their introduction having been delayed by a month with the agreement of Infrastructure Minister David Cretney.

Rates are the same as those applied on weekdays and Saturdays - £1 for up to an hour, £1.50 for up to two hours and £2 for up to three.

Some shoppers expecting to park for free on Sunday found themselves receiving a ticket.

The petition has been set up by Steve England of the organisation Manx Business Reviews and has been signed by more than 600 people.

It calls for the government to withdraw the charges indefinitely, claiming the parking fees will drive customers and business away – and push people to opt for internet shopping instead.

Strand Shopping Centre manager John Shakespeare said: ‘Retail is having a particularly hard time and this is another nail in the coffin for town centre shopping.

‘We know government is in a tough position but charges should be postponed until the whole issue of car parking is addressed.

‘They did advertise these charges back in April but I’ve not seen much consultation. It rather went under the radar.

‘I first became aware in early December when people started having tickets but the Minister agreed to put it back another month. Now people are getting tickets the petition is gaining momentum.’

Mr Shakespeare said the idea of a manual petition would be discussed at a meeting of shopping centre tenants next Wednesday.

Town centre manager Michelle O’Malley said the Sunday pay and display charges was also on the agenda for Monday’s meeting of the of the Douglas Development Partnership’s advisory group.

You can view the e-petition at http://fb.me/18KS5H251

With the IoMRA Winter League now at half distance, the individual championship is finely poised with only 12 points separating the top 10 shooters.

Michael Duncalf heads the list that includes all seven match results.

1, Mike Duncalf (IoMSC Douglas) 100, 99, 98, 99, 96, 99, 98 = 689 x 700 (Ave 98.42); 2, Harry Creevy (Laxey) 99, 100, 98, 99, 95, 98, 98 = 687 (98.14); 3, John Wood (Laxey) 97, 100, 98, 97, 97, 97, 98 = 684 (97.71); 4, Richard Arthur (IoMSC Sandsiders) 98, 99, 99, 97, 98, 94, 98 = 683 (97.57); 5, Bill Jones (IoMSC Sandsiders) 95, 98, 96, 99, 98, 98, 98 = 682 (97.42); 6, Mark Osborn (IoMSC Douglas) 99, 96, 97, 97, 98, 98, 96 = 681 (97.28); 7, Suzanne Curphey (Laxey) 97, 98, 96, 96, 97, 96, 99 = 679 (97); 8, Ashley Gardner (Port St Mary) 97, 97, 97, 97, 97, 96, 97 = 678 (96.85); 9, Andy Potter 98, 97, 96, 98, 98, 97, 94 = 678 (96.85); 10, Ashley Gardner Jr (Port St Mary) 97, 96, 96, 95, 96, 98, 99 = 677 (96.71).

Laxey Rifle Club’s Suzanne Curphey has a two-point lead ahead of last year’s champion Marion Jones in the women’s championship. Jones in turn has a single-point lead over Tracey Skelton.

(Top-four only) 1, Suzanne Curphey (Laxey) 679 (Ave 97); 2, Marion Jones (IoMSC Sandsiders) 96, 98, 98, 97, 96, 97, 95 = 677 (96.71); 3, Tracey Skelton (IoMSC Douglas) 97, 95, 97, 95, 98, 97, 97 = 676 (96.57); 4, Perryn Callister (Kirk Michael) 94, 94, 96, 97, 95, 97, 95 = 668 (95.42).

In the junior section, Port St Mary youngster Ashley Gardner has a significant lead over IoMSC Douglas shooter Thomas Clague who is competing in his first full league season.

Also in their debut year as is third-placed shooter Illiam Christian (Kirk Michael) who is on equal points with Jonathon Webb (Cossacks).

(Top five only) 1, Ashley Gardner Jr 677 (Ave 96.71); 2, Thomas Clague (IoMSC Douglas) 94, 98, 96, 97, 93, 95, 97 = 670 (95.71); 3, Illiam Christian (Kirk Michael) 91, 94, 97, 96, 99, 95, 93 = 665 (95); 4, Jonathon Webb (Cossacks) 97, 94, 97, 94, 96, 94, 93 = 665 (95); 5, Fergus Coulter (Cossacks) 96, 95, 96, 92, 93, 94, 94 = 660 (94.28).

Mixed fortunes in the Ulster Counties Short Range Postal Leagues

With more than 40 locals shooting in the Ulster Postal Leagues, I will list just the division, name and position of the results for round four.

Division One Kevan Kneale (PSM) =7th. Division Two Ashley Gardner Sr (PSM) 7th. Division Three Richard Arthur (IoMSC Sand) 3rd, Suzanne McKnight (KM) 7th. Division Four Ashley Gardner (J) (PSM) 2nd; Harry Harrison (PSM) 4th; Jess Clague (CSSK) 5th; Chris Birtwhistle (CSTLT) 8th. Division Five Mike Clague (IoMSC D) 1st; Juan Clague (PSM) 7th; Lorrie Thompson (CSTLT) 8th. Division Six Barry Jones (S&D) 2nd; Tony Kneale (IoMSC S) 5th; Gary Knight (PSM) 10th.

Division Seven Kevin Quinn (KM) 4th. Division Eight Chris Clague (CSSK) 4th; Dave Bould (PSM) 8th. Division Nine Mike Thompson (CSTLT) 3rd; Nick Brown (IoMSC D) 7th. Division 10 Fergus Coulter (CSSKS) 1st; Steve Callus (IoMSC S) 3rd; Jaccie Hamilton-Jones 8th; Ean Brewis (PSM) NCR. Division 11 Perryn Callister (KM) 1st; Liz Jones (IoMSC S) =2nd; Robin McFee (CSTLT) 6th; Peter Lewis (PSM) 7th; Sandie Skuszka (PSM) 10th.

Division 12 Tracey Skelton (IoMSC D) 4th; Graham Brown (PSM) 9th. Division 13 David Lord (KM) 6th. Division 14 Richard Faragher (S&D) 8th. Division 15 Illiam Christian (KM) 1st; Callum Grant (PSM) 4th; Orry Kerr (PSM) 5th; Ronnie Fairbairn (CSSK) 7th; Patrick Kerr (PSM) 8th. Division 16 Alex Trafford (KM) 1st. Division 17 Dave Handscombe (CSTLT) 1st; Rod Forshaw (S&D) 6th; Aaron Astill (IoMSC D) 9th. Division 18 Jordan Kiernan (PSM) 1st; George Powell (PSM) 5th.

In the Junior Leagues Division One Ashley Gardner (PSM) 1st. Division Two Illiam Christian (KM) 4th; Orry Kerr (PSM) 5th; George Dalton-Brown (PSM) 8th. Division Three Alex Trafford (KM) 1st; Callum Grant (PSM) 2nd; Patrick Kerr (PSM) 6th; Aaron Astill (IoMSC D) 8th. Division Four Jordan Kiernan (PSM) 2nd; George Powell (PSM) 4th.

l Unfortunately, the island is represented in only three of the six team divisions.

The Castletown A team of Chris Birtwhistle, Lorrie Thompson and Mike Thompson lie in third position in Division B and the Kirk Michael team of Suzanne McKnight, David Lord and Kevin Quinn are second, but the three-man team from Sulby and District of Jess Clague, Barry Jones and Richard Faragher are holding onto fourth.

The leaders by an increase aggregate in Division F are the Castletown team of Robin McFee, Dave Handscombe and Lauren Cooper.

l Just a gentle reminder to return your 101 Challenge Cup round one cards, to Judy Kee by January 10.

The league is very quiet at the moment with the next round of league matches not scheduled to be shot until January 20, but prior to that we will see the Annual Open Shoot, a classified competition open to all local shooters.

This will be shot at three locations, Castletown, Sulby and Sinclair ranges on Monday, January 13.

How can historic parts of Castletown be saved from sea erosion?

Today’s Manx Independent looks at the issue and includes reports and pictures from the flooding on Monday.

Among the other stories the paper reports are:

- Police are to lose officers as cuts hit the force.

- Motorists are now being charged to use car parks in Douglas on a Sunday. There’s been a backlash.

- We talk to one headteacher about the {http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/additional-daytime-isle-of-man-tt-practice-session-planned-1-6359185|proposal reported on iomtoday.co.im yesterday} to have a daytime practice during school hours in the TT. He says it would be a nightmare.

- A proposal to change bin collections that could see them taken out of the hands of local authorities and save ratepayers hundreds of thousands of pounds.

- Education bosses hit back after an MHK accused the department of not teaching enough about Manx history in schools.

- A full report on {http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/death-by-misadventure-verdict-in-inquest-1-6357220|this inquest.}

In our Island Life section, we feature Davy Knowles, the Manx blues star, who did four special gigs in a night.

We also look at the launch of Island of Culture.

As usual, the paper includes the latest sporting action from across the island.

There are also two photos in the paper that you must see.

Our photographer snapped a car on its roof after an accident on Quarterbridge Road, Douglas, and a reader took a fantastic photo of last weekend’s lightning.

The Manx Independent is in the shops now.

The latest property sales recorded at the General Registry.

Pauline Hustings, of 21 Ballahane Close, Port Erin, bought 18 Berry Woods, Governor’s Hill, Douglas, for £186,000.

It was bought from Anthony Michael Rowley, and Angela Patricia Rowley, of 1 Bowness Crescent, Lakeside Gardens, Onchan.

Linda Margaret Garnett, of Bridge Moore, Glencrutchery Road, Douglas, and Christine Wolfenden, sold Craiglands, Hilary Park, Onchan, for £178,000, to Pauline Hancock, of 4 Strathallan Crescent, Douglas.

Amanda Gwaba, sold 21 Wallberry Mews, Farmhill, Braddan, for £175,000 to Arlin Limited, of 3rd Floor, Exchange House, 54-58 Athol Street, Douglas.

Manx Gas Limited, whose registered office is situate at Murdoch House, South Quay, Douglas, sold parcel of land abutting Mill Road, Peel, for £170,000, to I & W Properties Limited, whose registered office is situate at Unit 20, Isle of Man Business Park, Braddan.

Timothy James Heffer and Elizabeth Ann Heffer, sold 57 Anagh Coar Road, Douglas, for £170,000, to Graham Smith and Elizabeth Anne Smith, of 38 Farmhill Park, Douglas.

James Cordus, of Leeds, sold 23 Mona Street, Douglas, for £137,000, to Christopher Eugene Samson and Wendy Ann Samson, of Glenholme, King Edward Road, Onchan.

Rosemary Angela Glassey, of 2 Bayr Grianagh, Ballaugh, and Sheila Alicia Bailey, sold 39 Hope Street, Castletown, for £130,000, to J & K Developments Limited, whose registered office is at Penrith Colden Road, Onchan.

Lone Star Properties Limited, of PO Box 237, Peregrine House, Peel Road, Douglas, sold 12 Orry Street, Douglas, for £115,000, to Ian Russell Logan and Susan O’Rorke, of 24 Thorny Road, Douglas.

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We report all property transactions unless we receive written request from the police or probation service not to do so.

Friday, January 10

Canada Life Combination One

St John’s v Corinthians 7pm @Mullen-e-Cloie

Paddy Power Masters’ League

Ayre United v Laxey 8.40pm @ the Bowl

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Saturday, January 11

1.30pm kick-offs

Paddy Power FA Cup Preliminary Round

Marown v Braddan

Union Mills v Ayre United

Ronaldsway v Douglas Royal

Gymns v St Mary’s

2pm kick-offs

Canada Life Premier League

RYCOB v DHSOB

Michael United v St George’s

Ramsey v Laxey

Rushen v Castletown

Corinthians v St John’s

JCK Division Two

Malew v Douglas and District

Pulrose v Douglas Athletic

Foxdale v Onchan

Canada Life Combination One

DHSOB v RYCOB

St George’s v Michael

Laxey v Ramsey

Castletown v Rushen

JCK Combination Two

Douglas and District v Malew

Onchan v Braddan

Douglas Athletic v Pulrose

Colby v Gymns

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Sunday, January 12

10.30am kick-offs

Appleby 15-17 League

Corinthians v Union Mills

Onchan v Colby

Laxey v Ramsey B

Ramsey A v St George’s

Warehouse Fitness Women’s Floodlit Cup Semi-finals

Corinthians v Gymns 2.10pm @ the Bowl

Douglas Royal v Peel 3.40pm @ the Bowl

Keith Gerrard has pulled out of this weekend’s televised Edinburgh International Cross-Country event.

The Peel runner has been troubled by a slight muscle strain in recent weeks and thought it best to withdraw from the event as a precaution.

The reigning English Cross-Country champion and Great Britain international is still doing light training and heads back to his winter base in Albuquerque, New Mexico this Monday.

The 2014 Saucony English National Cross Country Championships take place at Wollaton Park, Nottingham on Saturday, February 22.

Today, THURSDAY

CATTERICK CHOICE: 1.05 Getabuzz 1.35 Surprise Vendor 2.05 Askamore Darsi 2.35 Merlin’s Wish 3.05 Hit The Top

SOUTHWELL SELECTIONS: 1.20 Twilight Angel 1.50 Grace Hull 2.20 On The Cusp 2.50 Taming The Tweet 3.20 Argent Touch 3.50 Wealth

WOLVERHAMPTON: 4.10 Lord Buffhead 4.40 Big Baz 5.10 Daring Dragon 5.40 Bon Port (NB) 6.10 Honest Strike (NAP) 6.40 Mosman 7.10 Fire In Babylon

The Ben-my-Chree will be out of action for two short periods in the coming weeks to undergo essential repairs.

It is planned the first period will cover 72 hours over January 17-20 and the second will cover 96 hours over February 8-10.

According to a statement released by the Steam Packet Company, one of the stabilising fins of the vessel has suffered some damage as a result of a prolonged period of use in heavy weather.

The statement continues: ‘As these items are underwater, it is not possible to ascertain the full extent of the damage without dry-docking the vessel. The vessel has effective stabilising efficiency with only one fin operational but clearly, for passenger comfort, two operational stabilising fins are preferred.

‘This does not impact on the vessel’s ability to sail nor to berth safely, but for the reasons stated it may have a limited impact on marginal weather sailings. The repair time, if the fin is removed, repaired and replaced in the same period, is estimated at a week and the vessel would need to go into dry-dock.’

Steam Packet Company chief executive Mark Woodward said: ‘After assessing the practical implications and options, which range from simply not using the second stabilising fin until the next scheduled dry-docking of Ben-my-Chree to looking for an earlier window in which to dock her, we have concluded that an early repair is the preferred option.

‘However, no freighter charter cover is available to allow us to take the Ben out of service for a week. Instead we are looking to take the Ben out of service for two consecutive periods of between 72 and 96 hours each. Provisional dates have been identified. The first of these (January 17-20) will be to remove the damaged stabilising fin so that it can be sent away for repair. The second (February 8-10) will be to reinstate the repaired fin.

‘We have arranged for a chartered freighter to provide one return service on both the January 19 and February 9 to assist with freight needs.

‘Manannan will be brought into service for both of these periods in order to cover our passenger commitments and will also provide a limited freight service. Passengers should note that the scheduled weekend Birkenhead sailings will instead operate to and from Pier Head in Liverpool.

‘We recognise the inconvenience this may cause to passengers and freight customers and apologise for this necessary disruption to normal services. However, we believe that with prior notice and the ability to forward plan any difficulties should be minimised. Any additional changes to our schedules will be announced as soon as they are known.

‘In the meantime Ben-my-Chree will continue to operate as scheduled.’

A former Castle Rushen High School and Isle of Man College student will fulfil an ambition to study in America after winning the 2014 Ella Olesen scholarship.

Lorrae Fox, aged 22, of Port Erin, will follow a long line of local students in spending nine months among hundreds of international students at the University of Idaho in the USA from August.

‘To represent and champion the Isle of Man while studying in a place I’ve aspired to experience for many years and is an opportunity I’m utterly thrilled and honoured to have been chosen to undertake,’ she said.

‘I will be making the most of every experience on offer and I’m excited to fully embrace the Idahoan and American culture while teaching others about our wonderful island.’

The scholarship is named after the late Miss Ella Olesen, a former registrar of the university who died in 1985.

Her Manx ancestry – her mother Margaret Teare was born in Ballaugh and emigrated to America in 1890 – led her to gift the scholarship in 1971.

It is awarded annually to a female degree student who has been supported through her studies by the Department of Education and Children.

Forming the interview panel for this year’s scholarship were Education Minister Tim Crookall MHK and John Gill, head of legal and administrative services.

They shortlisted and interviewed six applicants before selecting Lorrae.

Candidates also chatted with 2010 Ella Olesen scholar Katie Taylor who has returned to Idaho to study for a PhD and who was home for Christmas.

Lorrae is working towards a BA in English language and linguistics at Lancaster University and graduates this summer.

She suffered from ME in her mid-teens and missed two years of education, returning to her studies only part-time at first.

Lorrae is an academic writing mentor for both undergraduate and postgraduate students and this has sparked in her an interest in returning to the island to teach.

From this term, she’ll be supporting a university language exchange scheme, liaising with speakers of languages from Lancaster’s partner institutions.

She’s an active member of the university’s Linguistic and English Language Society and was on the executive of its Baking Society, which volunteers in schools and raises money for charities.

Lorrae introduced three-legs and Manx cat-shaped cookies to the society’s biscuit repertoire.

Away from her studies, Lorrae works for the student union and enjoys hiking.

She is looking forward to experiencing the natural beauty that Idaho has to offer.

She had a ‘longing to study in live in America’ but the cost of a degree course that would have seen her spend a year there proved prohibitive.

The university funded two scholars in 2013, Siobhan Walshe, 22, of Onchan, who graduated from Edinburgh University with an MA in history, and Joanne Durber, 22, of Peel, who gained a BA English literature and creative writing from the University of Chester. They will be in Idaho until May.

Joanne had some advice for Lorrae: ‘Eat real fish and chips before leaving the island, as Americans only do fries, and their “chips” are actually our crisps.

‘Battered fish and hot crisps is an experience I will never forget.

‘And pack your suitcase with warm jumpers and as many packets of biscuits as you can squeeze in.

‘Real British biscuits don’t exist in this wonderful land.’

The autumn semester saw Joanne talking about Manx traditions and culture on her weekly Manx/British themed radio show Across the Atlantic, and represent the island at a campus cultural event Cruise the World.

Both Joanne and Siobhan are enjoying making friends from around the world and travelling the US.

An audience of business people gathered at the Sefton Hotel to hear from a series of experts on different aspects of mergers and acquisitions.

The Transactions Seminar was delivered by local accounting firm KPMG, and particularly highlighted the continuing growth of confidence in the marketplace.

Russell Kelly, director at KPMG Isle of Man, set the scene by arguing that the first positive signs were starting to show since the Lehman Brothers collapse in 2008, which shook the market.

He observed that global deal volumes have remained consistently low in recent years, and that large stores of cash are being built up, particularly in the private equity business.

Speaking on the local industry, Russell said: ‘The island has seen a lot of activity in the CSP market in recent years, particularly as larger players try to ‘‘leverage the multiples’’ of buying and integrating smaller business.

‘Succession planning has also been a key driver in smaller markets such as ours, Gibraltar and the Channel Islands.

‘However, from a more global perspective there is certainly more activity in the East and a number of corporate service providers are quite rightly looking towards Hong Kong, Singapore and Dubai.’

Mr Kelly was also bullish regarding recent figures on the London Stock Exchange, and noted that there was still a lot of private equity funded structures with significant debt in the market that would have to be refinanced over the next few years.

A series of speakers followed Russell’s introduction, each detailing a different area of the M&A market and considerations for those involved. Ed Houghton, a senior manager in Transaction Services at KPMG, commented on some of the details of executing a transaction and particularly how to maximise deal value.

He was followed by Greg Jones, taxation director, who spoke on the tax implications of buying or selling a business. Greg focused particularly on the challenges and opportunities of tax planning within a ‘tax morality’ milieu.

Sinead O’Connor, senior manager, Regulatory and Compliance, expanded on Greg’s comments by specifically looking at regulatory considerations and where responsibility sits - with buyer or seller.

Micky Swindale, associate director, People and Change, then wrapped up the seminar by covering the human aspect of takeovers and transitions and warning that failure to manage cultural and people integration can lead to rapid loss of value in the combined business.

KPMG provide regular updates on matters of interest to the Island’s business community, on a range of topics.

The full presentation, ‘Realising Value: A Guide to Mergers & Acquisitions’, is available online at www.kpmg.co.im.

Thursday, January 9

• 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, January 10

• 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 noon-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-2.45pm. Tuesday, Sing and Sign with Nickie Gaskell, 11am-noon. Call 673123.

• Parents and Tots, upper room, Sulby Methodist Church, 10.30am. Call 897364.

• 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.

• Sporty church at Trinity Church hall 6pm-7pm for years 3-6. Football, hockey, parachute games etc. 50 pence including refreshments. Call 628374. Also Sunday school Trinity Church hall, crèche to late teens, 10.30am-11.45am. Call 625409.

Sunday, January 12

• Sunday School, Sulby Methodist Church, 10.30am. 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, January 13

• 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, January 14

• 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, january 15

• Parents and tots, Salvation Army Citadel, Lord Street, Douglas, 9.30am. Call 627742.

• 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.

• Carers and tots, St James’ Schoolrooms, Dalby, 10.30am-noon. Call 843471 or cherylcousins@manx.net

• 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, 1.45pm-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.