Princess Anne’s busy diary was packed even tighter after fog delayed her arrival.

Despite the late start on Tuesday, she managed to carry out all her official engagements.

The Princess Royal was met by owners, riders and staff at Ballavartyn Equestrian Centre, where she was shown round some of the purpose-built facilities.

She unveiled a plaque to mark the official opening and was presented with flowers from owners Ken and Saskia’s son Arthur.

Mr Blaymire said it was ‘marvellous’ that Princess Anne opened the centre.

‘It was absolutely brilliant,’ he said.

‘She was very interested in all of the facilities and took the time to meet lots of horses.’

He described her as being ‘very down to earth’.

Princess Anne also visited St German’s Cathedral for a briefing on the Cathedral Redevelopment Campaign to create ‘a new national cultural venue’.

She has accepted the role of patron for the £10 million project.

Bishop Robert Paterson, who welcomed the Princess Royal to the cathedral, said: ‘I am delighted that the cathedral is leading the way for the island in providing a first-class visitor destination.

‘And we are thrilled to have the support of the Princess Royal as we embark on our fundraising challenge.’

Fundraising campaign chairman John Morphet was also at the cathedral.

At the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture’s headquarters in St John’s, the Princess Royal spoke to forestry experts, Manx beekeepers and food producers including veal suppliers and the Apple Orphanage.

And she heard first-hand of the impact of the snow on the farming community last March from sheep farmer Trevor Quirk.

At Isle of Man Prison, in Jurby she was shown round some of the facilities, opened in 2008, met staff and heard about restorative justice regimes.

Princess Anne has visited the island on a number of occasions dating back to the 1970s. She last visited the island in 2008, when she officially opened Rebecca House children’s hospice.

Recent storm surge events highlight an inconsistency in the approach to protecting the island’s sea defences, Castletown’s MHK claimed in Tynwald.

Richard Ronan said repairs to the breached sea wall in the ancient capital would be borne by the town’s ratepayers – while down the road at Gansey, the cost of making good storm-damaged defences would be paid for by the national government.

He described the hole in the sea wall by the Old Grammar School as ‘looking like a meteorite has hit’.

Chief Minister Allan Bell said he believed there is already a consistent approach to the island’s sea defences.

He rejected the idea of reserves being used, saying that while the recent events had been dramatic they had not reached the scale of a national emergency.

Mr Bell said he had seen for himself the damage caused by the storm surge in Castletown, which he said had demonstrated the ‘sheer power of the sea’.

He said a meeting had already been held between officers in the Department of Infrastructure and Castletown Commissioners and stone was being provided free of charges to shore up the defences and give short term protection. ‘If not already in place it’s certainly on its way,’ he added.

Mr Bell said the commissioners and DoI would also be working on a longer term solution.

The storm damage is estimated to have cost the government £300,000 and the Chief Minister said this would have to come from departments’ existing budgets.

Brenda Cannell (Douglas East) suggested that with extreme weather events becoming more frequent, as a result of ‘climatic change’, an emergency disaster contingency fund should be set up – an idea ruled out of hand by Mr Bell.

The Chief Minister said lessons would learned from what had happened and policies reviewed. But he said this did not mean the ‘entire government programme should be focused on coastal protection because of one extreme weather event’.

Alfred Cannan (Michael) invited Mr Bell to take a look at the coastal erosion in his constituency.

Two high tide storm surges earlier this month caused widespread flooding with Castletown and Ramsey badly hit. The tidal flooding was the worst in a decade.

Thursday, January 23

• Free Female Football Fitness Sessions, NSC sports hall, Thursdays 7am – 8am, also noon-1pm. Michael.baker@isleofmanfa.com

• Zumba at 9.30am-10.15am, Total Tone at 10.15am, call Jane 201811. Legs, bums and tums at 7pm-8pm, call Lisa 438150. Also Monday, High Intensity Circuits at 6.30am, Wednesday and Friday 6.30am, call Shelley 487270. School Drop Boot Camp at 9.30am, also Wednesday and Friday at 6.30am, call Errol on 488105. Vibro-Step classes at 12.15pm and 7.15pm, also on Wednesdays and Fridays at 12.15pm-12.45pm and Tuesdays and Fridays at 9.15am-9.45am, call Shelly 487270. Tuesday, Tae-Bo on Tuesdays at 5.45pm-6.30pm, Kettlebells at 6.30pm-7.15pm, call Kate 347160. Wednesday, Kettlebell Core, 6pm-7pm, also Saturdays at 9.30am-10.30am, Call Kelly 220220. Elite Fitness, Douglas.

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

• Yoga, Iyengar (mixed) 9.30am-11am, Tuesday (men only class) 7pm-8.30pm; Wednesday (mixed) 6.45pm-8.15pm, 10 Perwick Bay, Port St Mary. Call 452791.

• Wheelie Active Parents (mums and buggies) 9.30am – 11am, Villa Marina reception, £2. Also Walk and talk, Peel promenade, outside Harbour Lights Cafe, 9.45am – 11.30am, £1.50. Friday, Walk and Talk, NSC, 9.30am–11.30am; also Mondays, Poulsom Park, Castletown, 9.45am – 11.30am, £1.50. Racquet Sports and Boccia, 12.15pm–1pm NSC, £1.75, Walk and Talk, 5.30pm–7pm, NSC, £1.50. Tuesdays: Walk and Talk, NSC, 9.30am–11.30am, £1.50. Walk and Talk, Ramsey Mooragh Park, (meet Rugby Club), £1.50, 9.30am–11.30am. Call Gianni 688556.

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

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

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

• Pilates 2pm, 5.30pm and 7pm beginners to intermediate, 38 Woodbourne Square, Douglas. Call 491449.

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

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

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

• Unite, mixture of Yoga and Pilates, 4pm-5pm. Also, Fridays 6pm Legs Bums and Tums, 7pm Aerial Suspension Fitness. Saturdays 9.30am Zumba and 10.30am Aerial Fitness. Mondays 6pm Zumba and 7pm Aerial Yoga. Tuesdays 6pm, Fitness Pilates and 7pm Kettlebells. Wednesdays 6pm, High Intensity Interval Training and Fitness Yoga. Jillian’s Unique Fitness Solutions 48 Loch Promenade Douglas.

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

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

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

• Men on Mats - Core Strength/Pilates Class Thursdays 6pm-7pm. £8. Jillian’s Unique Fitness Solutions, 48, Loch Promenade, Douglas. Call 376574.

• Anti-gravity Yoga at Savina’s Secret Studio, Glen Falcon Road, Douglas. 6.30pm. Call 203502.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Pole fitness class at Savina’s Secret Studio, Glen Falcon Road, Douglas, 7.45pm. Call 203502.

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

Friday, January 24

• Pilates The Isle Gallery, Tynwald Mills, at 9.30am and The Studio, Falcon Road, Douglas, at 1pm; Monday - The Isle Gallery, Tynwald Mills at 9.30am and Colby Methodist hall at 6.15pm; Wednesday - The Studio, Falcon Road, Douglas 9.30am and The Isle Gallery, Tynwald Mills at 5.15pm and 6.30pm. Equipment provided. Ring Lizzy Main on 427401 or visit http://pilates-isle-of-man.co.uk

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

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

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

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

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

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

Saturday, January 25

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

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

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

• Fun and fitness, NSC, Douglas, 11am-noon. Call 688588.

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

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

Sunday, January 26

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

Monday, January 27

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

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

• Begin to Run ( running club for all abilities), Douglas seafront, meet Jubilee Kiosk, noon – 1pm, cost £2, call Trevor Christian for more details on 688576.

• Stretch ‘n’ Flex exercise, NSC, Douglas, noon. Call 688588.

• Disability Swimming Sessions, NSC, Douglas, 3pm-4pm, £1.55. Also Tuesday, 6pm-7pm.

• Aquafit, NSC, Douglas, 1.30pm. Also Tuesday at noon and Wednesday at 6pm. Plus Deepwater Aquafit on Monday at 7.15pm, and Thursday Deepwater at 6pm. Call 688556.

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

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

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

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

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

Tuesday, January 28

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

• Pilates 9.15am 38 Woodbourne Square, Douglas. Pilates 6.15pm Trinity Church, Ramsey. Also, Balance and Pilates 1.30pm Cooyrt Balleigh, Ramsey, (no floor exercise). Call 491449.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wednesday, January 29

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

• Balance and Pilates 10.30am Manx Legions Club, Douglas. (No floor exercise). Call 491449.

• Gentle body toning, NSC, Douglas, 11am. Call 688588

• Chair-based exercises/Stretch and flex, NSC, Douglas, noon. Call 688588.

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

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

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

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

Saturday, January 25

• The Next Best Thing. Junior Achievement annual talent competition. Gaiety Theatre.

Thursday, January 23

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

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

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

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

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

Friday, January 24

• 5pm-5.45pm under 6 years ballroom; 5.45pm-6.30pm 6-9 years ballroom; 6.30pm-7.15pm 9-12 years ballroom; 7.15pm-8pm 12+ years ballroom, St Matthew’s Church hall. Also Tuesday, 4pm-4.45pm under 8 years ballroom; 4.45pm-5.30pm Dynamites freestyle; 5.30pm-6.15pm 8-12 years ballroom; 6.15pm-7pm Energisers freestyle; 7pm-7.45pm 12+ years ballroom; 7.45pm-8.30pm Explosions freestyle. Call 474063.

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

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

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

Saturday, January 25

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

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

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

• Sequence dancing, Onchan Pensioners hall (across from library), 8pm. Call 829669.

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

Sunday, January 26

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

Monday, January 27

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

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

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

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

Tuesday, January 28

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

• Linedancercise at John’s football clubhouse every Tuesday evening 7.30pm-9pm call 467285.

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

Wednesday, January 29

• Tea Dance at St John’s Methodist hall, live music with Eric and Jimmy, 2pm. Call 842548.

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

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

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

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

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

Thursday, January 23

• Manx Retirement Association Stretch and flex at the NSC, Douglas at 10am. Also indoor flat green bowling at the NSC, Douglas at 2pm-3.30m. Call 817007 to take part.

• Onchan Pensioners Club, Morton Hall, Castletown, coffee morning; Friday, sequence dancing, 2pm-4.30pm; Saturday, Arabian dancing, 9am-1pm; Monday, Bridge, 2pm-5pm and 7pm-11pm; Tuesday, coffee morning including raffle, 10am-noon; Wednesday, whist drive, 7pm-10pm.

• Soundcheck, Youth Arts Centre, Douglas, 6.30pm. Also Monday and Tuesday, (6pm-9pm). Monday, Castletown YC (6pm-9pm) and Wednesday Ramsey YC (6.30pm-9.30pm).

Monday, January 27

• Mannin Art Group, 10am, at St Paul’s hall, Ramsey.

• Onchan and District WI, Onchan Church hall, 2pm.

• Onchan Ladies’ Choir, Methodist hall, 1.30pm. Call 673453.

• Vannin Bridge, Onchan pensioners hall, 2pm. Also Thursday.

• Possan Aeglagh Manx Speaking Youth Club School Year 6 upwards at Cafe Laare, Lord Street, Douglas, 6.30pm - 8.30pm, subs £1. Call Cathy Clucas on 414331 or email C.Clucas@doe.sch.im for further details. TERM TIME ONLY.

• Onchan Rotary Club, The Max Restaurant, Groudle Road, 6.30pm.

• Onchan Silver Band practice, the band room, off Main Road, Onchan, beginners 6.30pm and seniors 7.30pm.

• Ayre WI, Grosvenor Hotel, Andreas, 7.30pm. Call 818194.

Tuesday, January 28

• Manx Retirement Association Douglas/Onchan coffee morning at the Cat with No Tail, Douglas.

• The Tuesday Group, flexible learning room to try your hand at basic crafts, have a chat, coffee and fun, Peel Clothworkers’ School, 1.15pm. Pre-school children catered for. Call 614180.

• Isle of Man Chess Club, Belsfield Hotel, Church Road Marina, Douglas, 7.30pm. Call 495097.

• Castletown Metropolitan Silver Band rehearsals, Queen Street Mission Hall, 7.30pm.

• Rotary Club of Rushen and Western Mann meet Falcon’s Nest Hotel, Port Erin, 7.30pm.

• Mannin Quilters, Ballabeg Methodist hall, 7.30pm-9pm. Call 628921. Also Wednesday at St Columba’s Catholic Church, Port Erin, 1.30pm-4pm.

Wednesday, January 29

• Wednesday, Laxey Sketch Club, 1.30pm-3.30pm, Laxey Football Clubhouse, winter indoors, summer outdoors.

• Sulby Art Club, 2pm-4pm at St Stephen’s Church hall. New members welcome. Call 488014.

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

• Peel Belles WI, St Patrick’s Hall, Patrick Street, Peel, 7.30pm.

Palace Cinema

• Jack Ryan Shadow Recruit (12A). Nightly 7.30pm. Saturday and Sunday 2pm.

American Hustle (15). Nightly 7pm.

Frozen 2D, Saturday and Sunday at 2.30pm.

Broadway Cinema

• The Wolf of Wall Street (18). Nightly at 7pm. Thursday at 1.30pm.

• The Railway Man (15). Saturday and Sunday 4.30pm. Wednesday 2.30pm.

• Moshi Monsters The Movie (U). Saturday and Sunday 11.30am and 2pm.

• Hospice Slumber Party (12A). Thursday at 7pm.

Wednesday, January 29

• Erin Arts Centre, Waking Ned. Starts: 7.30pm. Admission on the door: Adults £5 Under 18’s £1.

Thursday, January 23

• 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 24

• 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.

• Laxey Mums, Carers and Tots at Laxey Working Mens Institute. 10am - 11.45pm term time £2.50 per family inc refreshments. Call 466887.

• 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 26

• 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 27

• 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 28

• 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.

• 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 29

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

• Mini Club for parents or carers and their babies, toddlers and pre-school children at Anagh Coar School, 9.30am or Braddan Church hall, 2pm. Call 675091.

• Ballabeg Busy Bugs for under fives, Arbory parish hall, Ballabeg, 10am. Call 429676.

• Mums and tots, Marown hall, Peel Road, Crosby, 10.15am. £1.50 per family.

• Parent and toddler group, Castletown Youth Centre, Arbory Street, 2pm.

• Busy Bees parents and tots, Beehive Kindergarten, Onchan, 1.30pm. Also Thursday. Call 674655.

• Ballaquayle Bears Toddler Group, Ballaquayle School hall, 1.45pm-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.

Thursday, January 23

• Age Concern - free computer training sessions, Douglas iMuseum, Kingswood Grove, 10am–12.30pm.

• Isle of Man Farmers’ Market, at Tynwald Mills, St John’s, 11am-3pm.

• Manx Gaelic class with Cathy Clucas, Arbory Commissioners’ hall, 7.30pm. Call 838527.

• Manx Gaelic class, intermediate-advanced with James Harrison 7.30pm at Arbory Commissioners’ hall. Friday, intermediate-advanced with Adrian Cain, noon at the Manx Museum, Douglas. Saturday, intermediate 10.30am at House of Manannan in Peel; intermediate-advanced with James Harrison 10.30am at the Manx Museum, Douglas. Tuesday, intermediate with Adrian Cain, noon at St Matthew’s Church in Douglas, advanced 1pm at the Rovers pub in Douglas; beginners 7.30pm at Patchwork Cafe in Port St Mary. Call 451098.

• Bingo Quiz, Manor Hotel, Willaston, 9pm.

• Quiz Night at The Railway, Douglas, 8.30pm. Call 670773.

Friday, January 24

• Milntown Restaurant re-open.Come along for a morning coffee, lunch or afternoon tea. Opening times: Wednesday to Sunday 10am to 4pm. For bookings call 818091.

• Willaston Weekly drop-in Centre, Willaston Methodist Church, Barrule Road, 10am-noon.

• Drop-in for coffee and a chat, Sulby Methodist Church, 10.30am-noon.

• The Manx Aviation and Military Museum, 10am-4.30pm. Also Saturday and Sunday, 10am-4.30pm. Free admission. Donations welcome.

• Coffee and chat, Onchan Methodist Church lounge, opposite commissioners’ office, 10.30am-noon.

• Relax Fridays noon-2pm, Trinity Church hall. Bring your sandwiches and enjoy free tea, coffee and company. Call 628374. Also Revive Fridays 5.30pm-6.30pm. Enjoy the company and a faith tea. Call 621004.

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

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

• The Link - interesting talks and a buffet supper, Onchan Baptist Church. Call 623415.

Saturday, January 25

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

• Laxey Woollen Mills, Glen Road, 10am-5pm. Also open weekdays.

• Green Centre, opposite Iceland, Chester Street complex, Douglas. Information about recycling, energy, insulation and environmental matters. Zero Waste Mann, Isle of Man Friends of the Earth and Manx Energy Advice Centre. Open from 10am.

• Isle of Man Farmers’ Market at Northern Lights Community Centre, Ramsey, 10am-1pm.

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

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

• Sporty Church, Bunscoill Rhumsaa’s Auldyn Hall, from 4.15-5.30pm. Bible-based story and prayer. A Ramsey Baptist Church event. Call 316013; info@ramseybaptist.org; www.facebook.com/rbcim

Sunday, January 26

• Messy Church, Community Hall, Clenagh Road, Sulby, 10.30am-12.30pm.

• Car Boot Sale, Shaw’s Brow Car Park, Douglas, 12-3, free entry. Spaces £10, bookings call 674727 or email dkenyon@mbws.org.im

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

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

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

Monday, January 27

• Age Isle of Man - free computer sessions for people aged over 50 at House of Manannan, Peel. Lift available and coffee shop, 10am–12.30pm and 1.30pm–4.30pm.

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

• Shorties, pirate adventure. Children’s Soft play centre, Alexandra Road, Castletown, also Tuesday.

Tuesday, January 28

• Computers for Beginners, Onchan Library, 10am-noon. Call 621228.

• Manx Cancer Help drop-in day, Lisa Lowe Centre, The Old Schoolhouse, Cronkbourne, 11am-4pm.

• Raffles for the Pahar Trust Nepal. In the Isle of Man College Foyer, Douglas. 11am-2pm.

• Lunch Club, Salvation Army Citadel, Lord Street, Douglas, 11.30am. Call 627742.

• Play Reading from 7.30,at the Station Hotel, Port Erin, Readers, listeners. Rushen Players welcomes all.

Wednesday, January 29

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

• Call in for coffee at St Peter’s Church, Onchan, 11am and 1pm.

• Manx Footpaths Conservation Group Walk, Kallow Point, Port St Mary, 1.30pm. Also Monday, Rushen Abbey, 10.30am.

• Bereavement support group, friendly get together for anyone feeling isolated or lonely after a bereavement, however or whenever it occurred, tea, coffee and a chat, Scholl Centre, Hospice Isle of Man, 5pm-7pm. Call 647443.

• Samba percussion workshop, no experience necessary, Onchan Silver Bandroom, off Onchan Commissioners’ car park, 7pm. Cost £3, email sambamann@manx.net

• Manx Gaelic class with James O’Meara, St John’s House, 7.30pm. Call 843436.

• Bingo Quiz, Archibald Knox Onchan.

Saturday, January 25

12pm kick-offs

JCK Division Two

Braddan v Onchan

GH Corlett Woods Cup Preliminary round

Ronaldsway v Gymns

FA Inter-League Cup Quarter-final

2pm KO at the Bowl

Isle of Man v West Riding League

------------

Sunday, January 26

Appleby 15-17 League

10.30am KO

Onchan v Peel

Laxey v Union Mills

St George’s v Colby

Ramsey A v Ramsey B

Warehouse Fitness Women’s League 2.30pm KO

Castletown v Peel

Corinthians v DHSOB

Douglas Royal v Gymns

Paddy Power Masters’ League

Ayre v Colby B

@ the Bowl 2.10pm KO

Braddan v Ronaldsway

@ the Bowl 3.40pm KO

The inquest into the death of a Ballabeg tree surgeon has been opened and adjourned.

Neil Edward Roberts, 60, of Main Road, Ballabeg, who was born in Liverpool, died on December 1 at 40 Queen’s Street in Castletown.

Coroner John Needham said that the death was the subject of an investigation and the inquest would have to be adjourned until the outcome of the criminal proceedings was known.

Mr Needham passed his condolences on to the deceased’s family who attended the inquest.

A 45-year-old Castletown man has been charged with Mr Roberts’ murder. He will appear in court again on Tuesday, February 4.

The pub landlord has been reinstated at the Highwayman after a huge Facebook campaign in his support.

We reported last week how Andrew Davies, the pub’s popular landlord, had been suspended by brewery, Heron and Brearley while an ‘ongoing inquiry’ took place.

A spokesperson for the Facebook group said: ‘Everyone involved in the campaign is delighted with the outcome and the return of Andrew, with common sense eventually prevailing.

‘We would like to express our thanks to everyone who joined our group and took time to sign the petition from as far afield as Australia, New Zealand. Canada and the USA, we will never know what would have happened had we not made a stand.

‘A very special thanks goes to all those who helped distribute our flyer, you know who you are so I will not name you but it couldn’t have been done without you. ‘We would also like to thank the landlords of the Peveril and Waterfall who allowed locals to use their venues for Darts & Pool fixtures during Andy’s suspension.

A Heron and Brearley statement said: ‘We are satisfied with the outcome of our inquiry.’

Kevin Loundes wrote his name into Isle of Man athletics history at a very wet Crossags Farm in Ramsey on Sunday.

The 33-year-old Manx Harriers man, who won two individual gold medals at last year’s NatWest Island Games in Bermuda, became the first athlete to win four consecutive senior men’s Isle of Man Cross Country Championships with a start-to-finish victory.

It was his fifth title in all, as he was also the champion in 2009. Graham Clarke, Andy Fox and John Halligan have previously won three successive titles.

Although not absolutely at his best following a recent injury concern, Loundes was never seriously challenged although Lloyd Taggart and Alan Corlett both kept him within range in the first half of the race.

Champion fell runner Taggart, 44, showed what a terrific athlete he is by pulling away from his younger rival on the final lap to take an excellent second place 38 seconds in arrears of the champion and 22s ahead of Corlett. Andy Barron battled hard throughout to take fourth place.

Lancashire champion Rachael Franklin won her second successive senior women’s title with an assured and classy display, and the 22-year-old looks set to dominate this event for many years to come.

Top veteran athlete Gail Griffiths was tracked closely by Rebecca Wallace on the first lap, before stretching away from her Island Games team-mate to take second place by a 52-second margin.

There was an excellent debut from Island Games footballer Eleanor Gawne, who finished sixth.

Jason Moore made a great comeback from long-term injury problems with a victory over Stephen Garrett in the junior men’s race. Jason’s twin brother Shaun, likewise returning from a long layoff, easily won the non-championship short course race.

Katie Astin was the clear winner of the under-17 women’s race in which triathlete Rebecca Storrie ran really well to take second place. Fellow triathlete Joseph Ricciardi took the men’s title.

David Mullarkey and Laura Dickinson took the under-15 honours, David being pushed hard in the first half of the race by Conor Davies who is concentrating more on cycling these days.

The under-13 boys title was won in fine style by the very promising James Strickett. It was a shame that his closest challenger, Rhys Owen, had to retire from the race feeling unwell.

Four extremely talented athletes went head-to-head in the under-13 girls race. Jessica Hill and Lorna Spiers ran practically in tandem throughout, before the much taller Jessica managed to pull clear in the final sprint. Isabella Barnes took the bronze ahead of Angela Aumonier.

TJ Phair and Lydia Morris continued their domination of the under-11 age group this season with excellent victories, but Ieuan Owen, Jake Robertshaw and Corrin Leeming were all superb in the boys’ race.

Oliver Sykes took the under-nine boys title with a brilliant run to beat Michael Webber who had won the previous three rounds. Mairi Harrison, daughter of former Island Games champion Julie (nee Moore), took a great win in the under-nine girls ahead of Lucy Corlett.

It was one of the best cross country championships ever held despite the testing underfoot conditions, and grateful thanks go to Northern AC and all the officials and athletes for making it such a terrific event.

l The final round of the league series takes place at Ballannette, Lonan, on Sunday, February 9. Further details are on the cross-country page at www.iomaa.info

The team from Marco Leonetti’s Utopia celebrated the official opening of its second hair salon in Walpole Avenue, Douglas.

Also named Utopia, the salon will be managed by Giulio Fabrizio, with Alex Clarke managing Purité beauty.

The opening comes as part of a series of large-scale investments from Marco which, in June last year, saw the salon’s 17 year old Castlemona Colonnade premises transformed to an ultra-modern space at a cost of £85,000.

The refurbishment marked the salon’s commitment to reinvesting in what Marco then termed ‘a promising and constantly maturing economy’, a sentiment which is reflected again in the opening of the Walpole Avenue salon. Marco moved to the Isle of Man aged two and, having studied locally, went on to win UK Student of the Year Award in 1978, along with a range of other industry accolades. He has also competed in two European and one World Championship and was nominated for the prestigious Global Salon Business Awards.

Marco, who was featured in Business News last week talking about his life, first went in to business aged just 18 and together with his daughter Daniella, managing director of Purité Beauty Salons, has been at the forefront of luxury beauty treatment and hair care on the Isle of Man for more than 35 years. Marco said: ‘At Utopia, we’ve always aimed to be the best at what we do and this comes from developing our staff and from listening to our customers with real intent.

‘It is they who have contributed to our success so far and it is they who will continue to support us throughout this expansion. We on the island need to have the confidence to invest in ourselves and invest in our customers, but none of this is possible if we don’t have the confidence in our team.

‘I would like to thank every single person who attended our launch and for getting us to this point. It was a lovely evening in stunning surroundings with stunning people, and I have no doubt 2014 will be a fantastic year.’

Spiralling public sector pension liabilities are concerning but not unexpected, Chief Minister Allan Bell told Tynwald.

Alfred Cannan, chairman of the Civil Service Commission, has previously revealed liabilities, even after the introduction of the unified pension scheme, have risen exponentially from £1.9bn to £2.2bn while net revenue payments have also increased significantly and are currently running at about £3m a month.

Mr Bell told Tynwald this week: ‘There are many issues which will need the Council of Ministers’ attention in the coming months, in particular the size of the challenge associated with the public sector schemes. The decades of liabilities built up cannot be underestimated.

‘The analogy of turning the supertanker has been used and although we have started to turn, there is still more work to do. The emerging figures are concerning but not totally unexpected.’

----------

Tynwald rejects reform of members’ pensions

The 2014 Manx Youth Games was officially launched on Monday.

It’s the island’s largest multi-sport event for youngsters, with more than 1,000 participants.

Community, Culture and Leisure Minister Graham Cregeen said: ‘I am delighted to formally launch this fantastic event, which is without doubt one of the highlights of the Manx sporting calendar.

‘The Manx Youth Games is now in its 13th year, and since the first Games back in 2002 the event has kindly been supported by HSBC.

‘During the last 13 years the Manx Youth Games has offered young people of the island accessible opportunities to engage in sport and enjoy the benefits an active lifestyle offers.’

Training sessions for youngsters aged four to 15 will start later this month in all regions of the island and run up to the day of the event, on Saturday, May 17.

There are 12 sports in this year’s event: athletics, badminton, basketball, cricket, crown green bowls, girls football, hockey, netball, squash, swimming, table tennis and tag rugby.

Youngsters will represent one of five regions, north, west, east (divided into two) and south depending on where they live.

The sports development unit has been busy visiting every school in the island.

Pupils have been shown a promotional video of last year’s event, and given a training booklet which contains all the details of the training sessions.

There are a number of aims of the MYG.

They include building confidence and improving social and life skills of young people, attracting new participants and identifying new talent.

Mr Cregeen said: ‘The values of taking part in sport are clear: team work, fair play, achieving goals and, just as importantly, the MYG offers young people the opportunity to meet new friends, have lots of fun and enjoy the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.’

HSBC senior manager Kevin Cartledge said: ‘It is a privilege for HSBC to be involved with the Youth Games and help with the continued community development on the island.’

Argon Technologies Douglas Rugby Club travel to Glossop this weekend in South Lancashire and Cheshire Division One for what could be a crucial tie in deciding the Manx side’s hopes of promotion.

Second-placed Douglas currently hold the slender advantage of two points over their Derbyshire hosts but know that come Saturday that won’t count for much.

Douglas have once again been dipping into the ‘transfer’ market and have secured the signature of Akkie Van Den Berg from local rivals Vagabonds to add more depth to the forward pack.

The South African-born number eight has been cleared for league rugby having made his second team debut last week.

In the forwards there is plenty to choose from with Rob Todd, Dan Creer and Ben Pote battling it out for the starting prop berths.

Nick Hughes sabbatical at prop seems to be over, for Saturday anyway, as he returns to his natural hooker position.

The engine room remains unchanged and Niall Killey, Lance Wyllie and Stephen Tansell should complete the pack.

In the backline Andrew Corris is available again and should compete with Liam King and Callum Randle for a spot out wide and, although recently moved away, James Wood should make the trip up to slot in at fullback.

Douglas have been a little bit wasteful in their first two games of 2014 and have had plenty of chances in both games to improve their fortunes, but have not had the cutting edge required.

This week they will have to be on the ball as this game will go a long way to defining their season.

l Round-up of the weekend’s rugby in Monday’s Examiner.

The Isle of Man host the West Riding County League in the quarter-finals of the FA Inter-League Cup at the Bowl on Saturday afternoon.

Victory would bring Steve Burns’s men one step closer to reclaiming the silverware the island league side won in 2006 and another chance at representing England in the Uefa Regions Cup.

Burns’s charges secured their place in the last-eight of the English FA’s knockout competition by securing a 3-2 extra-time triumph away at the Yorkshire Amateur League in December.

Prior to that the Cumberland County League were put to the sword 5-0 in September in the first round proper.

The West Riding County League side, who has three division and 40 sides to choose from, have twice travelled to Suffolk, defeating the Suffolk and Ipswich League 3-2 in the preliminary round before dispatching the Essex and Suffolk Border League 2-1 in the first round proper.

A strong Manchester League were sent packing 3-0 by the Yorkshire outfit at the next stage teeing up this weekend’s first showdown between the two teams.

Burns and his coaching staff have the luxury of a near fully fit squad to choose from.

Talisman Calum Morrissey is returning to full fitness and Burns will have to decide whether to include the St George’s striker in his 16-man match day squad at the expesense of one of those that have deputised admirably in the Shire’s absence.

Morrissey’s St George’s team-mate Grant Dawson is the Men’s only doubt with a shoulder injury.

If the Geordies keeper doesn’t pass a late fitness test his place in the squad is likely to be taken by Peel stopper Joe Kelly with St Mary’s Max Thomas starting.

The rest of the side should be made up of the usual familiar faces led by skipper Sean Quaye.

With the squad now beginning to get to grips with Burns’s much-discussed tactics, and cheered on by a partisan home crowd, the Manx should be favourties to advance to the semi-finals.

The other three quarter-finals (Dorset Premier League v Jersey Combination; Lincolnshire League v Humber Premier League; Surrey Elite Intermediate League v Worthing and District League) all take place this weekend so if they win the island should know their last four opponents next week.

Kick-off is 2pm, but people are advised to get down to the Bowl in ample time.

Tickets cost £4 for adults and £1 for children under-16 and concessions.

ISLAND SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Max Thomas (St Mary’s), Joe Kelly (Peel); Defenders: Julian Ringham (St George’s), Karl Clark (St Mary’s), Johnny Myers (St George’s), Sean Quaye (St George’s), Stephen Riding (Rushen), Liam Cowin (St George’s); Midfielders: Marc Kelly (Peel, Daniel Bell (Peel), Frank Jones (St George’s); Attackers: Sam Caine (St George’s), Chris Bass Jr (St George’s), Ciaran McNulty (St George’s), Conor Doyle (St George’s) and Lee Gale (Peel).

As a warm up to the Inter-League Cup game, Ronaldsway and Gymns will play their rearranged GH Corlett Woods Cup tie at the Factory Fields on Saturday lunchtime.

Division Two pacesetters Gymns should be favourites to advance from the tie that kicks off at midday, having beaten the Rockets 8-1 in the pair’s sole league meeting thus far this season.

Ronaldsway have impressed against Douglas Royal and Ayre in recent weeks, but Jonathan Broad’s men should advance to the second-tier cup competition’s first round.

Elsewhere there is one game taking place in JCK Division Two as Braddan host Onchan at Victoria Road.

PwC Men’s Premier

The game of the day in the PwC Men’s Premier Division on Saturday sees title contenders IOMA Group Bacchas A host Paragon Valkyrs A at the NSC.

In a match which could give an early indicator of the title destination both sides will be hoping to claim the early advantage.

Andy Whiting’s Bacchas have enjoyed two comfortable victories so far but will know that Valkyrs will provide much tougher opposition.

Will Margot’s Valkyrs have not been as clinical as they would like so far this season and will know they’ll need to be on top form here to avoid defeat.

PwC Men’s Division One

IOMA Group Bacchas Colts will be hoping to maintain their unbeaten start to the season when they meet Vikings B in Saturday’s lunchtime fixture at the NSC.

Bacchas have claimed two impressive victories so far and will feel confident of adding to their points tally here.

Ian Perry’s Vikings will be keen to return to winning ways following last week’s defeat to Saracens A and inflict a first loss of the season on the Tromode side.

PwC Men’s Division Two

Celton Manx Castletown B will be aiming to extend their 100 per cent start to the season as they look to complete the double over Vikings Colts.

Adam Parker’s Town side were victorious when the two sides met last weekend and will be confident of victory once again.

Ian Duggua’s Vikings are playing some impressive hockey but will need to show improvement in front of goal if they are to take the points here.

PwC Women’s Premier

The early pacesetters in the PwC Women’s Premier Division go head-to-head when LJ Skye Ramsey A host Vikings A at the NSC on Saturday morning.

Ellen Robinson’s Ramsey side have made an unbeaten start to the season but will find reigning champions Vikings much tougher opposition.

Kim Carney’s side have also made a winning start to their season and will be confident of sealing a third successive victory.

PwC Women’s Division One

The lunchtime fixture at Castle Rushen sees the division’s two title favourites go head-to-head as Celton Manx Castletown B take on Paragon Valkyrs B.

Both sides have made unbeaten starts to the season and will be hoping to continue that form here. Julie Kelly will need to ensure her Castletown side are in good fettle to prevent Alex Jones’s westerners from claiming the spoils.

PwC Mixed Under-16s

Two sides still searching for their first points of the season meet at the weekend when HQ Harlequins host IOMA Group Bacchas at the NSC on Saturday afternoon.

Having suffered narrow defeats in their opening games the two sides will be hoping from an improved showing here.

Today, FRIDAY

LINGFIELD ALL WEATHER FLAT PICKS: 1.0 Intomist 1.30 Charlies Mate 2.0 Seek The Fair Land 2.30 Proper Charlie 3.05 Hawkeyethenoo (NAP) 3.40 Global Explorer 4.10 Anglo Irish

DONCASTER JUMPERS: 1.10 Monita Bonita 1.40 Dubai Prince 2.10 Danners 2.45 Honest John 3.15 Atlantic Roller 3.50 Take The Mick 4.20 Call Me Vic

HUNTINGDON CHOICE: 12.50 Waldorf Salad 1.20 Hollow Blue Sky 1.50 Bally Braes 2.20 Loose Chips 2.55 Milan Bound 3.25 Brandon Thomas 4.0 Theatrebar

WOLVES FLAT SELECTIONS: 4.30 Kyle Of Bute 5.0 Electric Qatar 5.30 Classy Trick 6.0 Prime Exhibit 6.30 Compton Silver 7.0 Flash Crash (NB) 7.30 Fashion Line