A film screenplay competition has received a total of 45 unique scripts from Manx or island-based writers.

The contest was organised by MannIN Shorts, an initiative designed to help film makers in the island.

It was announced in December alongside a series of writers’ gatherings, organised to help people come up with ideas and to teach everything from story development to formatting scripts.

‘We were staggered by the level of interest,’ said Christy DeHaven of MannIN Shorts.

‘We received more than 30 entries for our first competition in 2011, but it was publicised well in advance of the deadline so writers had a while to get material prepared. This time, there was really only a matter of weeks for people to enter, so we were thrilled with the number – and quality – of entries.’

Entrants are vying for the chance to have their screenplay turned into a short film by the internationally-recognised scheme, with the potential of 50 per cent of their production budget (up to £7,500) being made available by Isle of Man Film.

Couples preparing for their big day will want to make a date for a wedding fair, which will take place at The Sefton Hotel in Douglas on Sunday, February 9, from 1pm to 4pm.

Exhibitors at this year’s event will include Andrew Barton Photography, Balloons To Go, Blue Olive Productions, Forever Living, Boxed Off, Embellished Elegance, Graih My Chree, Island Travel, Parties And Occasions Stationery, Photobooth.co.im, SALT, Sweet Sensations, The Cake Lady, Shan’s Photography, Platinum Cars, Switched On Events and Steve Woodley Photography.

Sefton Group marketing manager Nicola Wilkinson said: ‘Our wedding fairs have proved extremely popular over the past few years, thanks to the calibre of exhibitors we are attracting and the fact that both venues remain incredibly popular as wedding venues.

‘We’re delighted to have attracted such varied exhibitors, with some new names joining us this year, which should ensure that brides and grooms-to-be can discuss the vast majority of requirements for their dream day under the same roof, and in one afternoon.

‘Of course, the event also allows couples the opportunity to look around The Sefton itself, and see first hand how well we cater for large events – such as weddings.

‘The Atrium Water Garden at The Sefton is a popular choice of venue, and has the advantage of being available for ceremonies year-round.’

Entrance to The Sefton Wedding Fair is free. To find out more information, please call 645500 or visit www.seftonhotel.co.im.

Planning permission has been granted to convert a former RAF Jurby guard house into a restaurant/cafe.

The vacant timber-frame building was built by the Air Ministry post-1935, and has a cladding of timber chiplap, and a roof covering of asbestos cement.

The applicant Karl Meier, of Ramsey, will lease the building from the Department of Infrastructure for 21 years. It was stated in his application that ‘Mr Meier ... will invest a substantial amount of money to revive a building of dilapidation, a building of non-architectural merit, but of historical significance’.

It added that ‘this iconic building will be maintained by the applicant during this period and the proposed internal layout will easily be removed to reinstate the original layout’.

The restaurant/cafe would maintain all external features, replacing decayed timber chiplap like for like, and painted the same as the existing colours. Inside the layout would change to accommodate the business, except for two urinals in the men’s toilets which would be kept. Walls and ceilings would be upgraded to meet building regulations requirements, with two extractor flues to be fitted to the kitchen walls, and plumbing connected to existing manholes at the building’s rear.

Conditions were attached to the planning approval (13/91082/GB) and registered building consent (13/01083/CON) such as the replacement of any fabric or features and glazing are not to be carried out without prior written approval from the planning authority.

A nine-year old boy has set himself the challenge of swimming the distance of the Southern 100 Course to raise money for the ManxSPCA.

Cameron Hawes was inspired by his mum Rosie, who recently signed up to do the TT Course swimming challenge – 2,416 lengths – at the Western Swimming Pool to help in her recovery from leg surgery.

Cameron, of Ballatessan Meadow, Peel, will be working towards the 4.25 mile-distance by swimming 20 lengths a time.

Rosie said: ‘Cameron asked if he could do a swimming challenge to raise some money for the ManxSPCA. He recognised swimming 2,416 lengths may be a bit too much, so he set himself a challenge to swim the Southern 100 Course distance which equates to 272 lengths of the Western Swimming Pool.

‘Cameron will be swimming some days after school, but mainly at weekends.’

The Buchan School pupil has had two pets: Jake, a German Shepherd dog who didn’t quite make the grade to be a police dog and Foggie, a Manx cat named after the famous TT rider Carl Fogarty.

‘Jake and Foggie were part of Cameron’s life since he was born and have very sadly now passed away after long and healthy lives. Since they died, Cameron has spent some time at the ManxSPCA helping me to walk some of the dogs looking for a forever home,’ Rosie said.

‘He especially liked walking Freddie and Masie who recently found their forever home. He also learned about the work done by the ManxSPCA at school.’

At the age of six, he cycled 100 miles for charities and the following year cycled 150 miles, raising a total of over £2,500.

Rosie thanked the Western Swimming Pool for its support.

To support Cameron’s challenge, make a donation directly to the ManxSPCA via Paypal or call Rosie on 481192.

Some sections of the new highway on Peel road are having to be renewed again after torrential rain caused damage to the newly-laid surface.

Workmen have been occupied planing off the new road surface on a stretch between Pulrose Bridge and the Brown Bobby petrol station and traffic flow has been regulated by temporary traffic lights while the work is going on.

A spokesman for the Department of Infrastructure said: ‘The section of surfacing that is being planed out is a small area between the Hills Meadow industrial estate, east entrance and Hamilton House.

‘The material in this area deteriorated because of excessive water flowing from the Belmont Hill cinder path during the recent heavy rain. This is only the binder layer of the carriageway and is being removed and replaced as a precaution before the final surface material is laid in February.

‘Further areas of planing are required throughout the full extent of the works as we installed sacrificial material to increase the carriageway widths to allow two way traffic flow and temporary ramps to allow property access, which now have to be removed to allow the final surfacing to be installed to the correct design levels.’

The statement added work was going according to plan and was still running ahead of schedule.

The island is bracing itself for more flooding today at high tide.

Today will witness a high tide of about 8.1 to 8.3 metres at 12.20pm, along with southwesterly gales gusting to 55 to 60mph and pressure falling to about 968mb. The resulting storm surge will lead to large waves breaking over sea defences and promenades in Douglas, Castletown, Ramsey, Laxey and Gansey.

The inner harbour areas likely to be affected include: Back Hope Street, Hope Street, Douglas Street, Springfield Terrace, Athol Terrace, Milner Terrace and Victoria Road in Castletown; North Quay, parts of South Quay and Leigh Terrace in Douglas; the Quayside, Market Square and sections of Parliament Street in Ramsey.

Estimates point to tidal flooding at a higher level to that experienced on Monday, January 6.

{http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/live-news|Click on to our Live News page for the latest updates from the emergency services.}

The stormy weather has also affected the Steam Packet. This morning’s sailing to Birkenhead was cancelled.

The Manx Electricity Authority has warned that it might have to turn supplies off due to flooding.

The government has issued a press statement to say that police, fire service, ambulance service, Civil Defence, coastguards, Department of Infrastructure and Water and Sewerage Authority are working together to try to mitigate potential damage.

It adds: ‘People in exposed coastal areas are encouraged to take steps to protect their properties and vehicles from the storms and flooding, and to help elderly or vulnerable members of the community wherever possible.

‘Lessons have been learnt from the severe weather events at the beginning of January and a robust response has been planned.’

Officers from the Department of Infrastructure will be helping to place more than 20,000 sandbags at key locations around the island. This is in addition to the thousands of sandbags still in place from the tidal flooding experienced on January 3 and 6.’

One-tonne sandbags and other flood prevention measures will also be deployed in Castletown, Ramsey and Laxey to try to seal off roads and protect homes and shops.

Further contingency measures have again been put in place to deal with the conditions and the following roads will be closed between 10am and 6pm today:

Castletown – The Promenade, Douglas Street and Bridge Street from its junction with College Green to Bank Street

Shore Road, Gansey – From Fishers Hill to its junction with Castletown Road, Rushen

Shore Road Underway – Shore Road to the Promenade

Laxey – The Promenade and Tent Road

Douglas – The Promenade from Broadway to Port Jack

Ramsey – Queen’s Promenade from its junction with Queen’s Drive East to Dale Street, Mooragh Promenade from its junction with Old River Road to Vollan Crescent

The following roads will be closed between 10am and 6pm:

Castletown – The Promenade, Douglas Street and Bridge Street from its junction with College Green to Bank Street, the Quayside – Bank Street, Victoria Road to Alexander Road (roundabout), Back Hope Street, Hope Street, Athol Terrace

Shore Road, Gansey – From Fishers Hill to its junction with Castletown Road, Rushen

Shore Road Underway – Shore Road to the Promenade

Laxey – The Promenade and Tent Road. Shore Road will close at 8am to enable flood prevention measures to be put in place. The one-way system will be revoked to provide access for residents

Douglas – The Promenade and walkway from Broadway to Port Jack, Leigh Terrace – Castletown Road from its junction with Bridge Road to the Nunnery entrance, North Quay – Quine’s Corner to Parade Street

Ramsey - Queen’s Promenade from its junction with Queen’s Drive East to Dale Street, Mooragh Promenade from its junction with Old River Road to Vollan Crescent, East Quay – West Quay to Neptune Street, West Quay – Bowring Road to East Quay, Parliament Street from its junction with Parliament Square to, and including, Market Hill

West Street, East Street and Christian Street from the junction with West Quay to Parliament Street closed at 8am to enable flood prevention measures to be put in place

Peel – Mill Road – Station Place to East Quay

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 surges start 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.

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

Diversions will be in place on bus routes and updates have been provided by Bus Vannin {http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/buses-diverted-because-of-road-closures-1-6412227|here}.Public safety is the primary concern during the severe weather and people are asked to keep clear of flood waters, as there may be unseen dangers such as open manhole covers. It is also possible that raw sewerage could be discharged into the water.

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

Motorists should park vehicles away from promenades and harbours to avoid possible damage from flying debris and 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 should call the Department of Infrastructure’s Ellerslie Control on 850000.

The House of Manannan and coffee station in Peel are closed today due to the potential floods and road closures.

If you have taken any photos of the storm or the floods, email newsdesk@newsiom.co.im

The island’s state-run bus service has made some changes to bus timetables because of road closures which are affecting a number of coastal areas.

Bus Vannin says that from 10am to 6pm:

Buses serving Castletown will divert via the by-pass to Castle Rushen High School and then back to the by-pass for onward journey’s thus not serving stops from Victoria Road School – Farrants Way. (And Vice Versa).

Gansey and Fisher’s Hill locations are closed, therefore Buses serving this area are being diverted via Ballabeg and |Colby in both directions.

Buses serving Douglas Promenade will only serve Victoria Street to Loch Promenade and Harris Promenade then divert via Broadway, Victoria Road to Onchan Manx Arms/Isle of Man Bank, Royal Avenue. It will not serve Port Jack.

Services that are timetabled to travel along Summerhill Road will remain and divert to and from Governor’s Road via Blackberry Lane.

Buses serving Peel Promenade are diverted to the town hall stop via Albany Lane and will not serve Queens Drive or Promenade.

Ramsey services timetabled to serve the Promenade are diverted -

RT C & L (Deleted Quay and South Promenade).

RT O & T (Deleted North Shore Road and Mooragh Promenade – it will serve Bowring Road to Ormly Estate).

The latest meeting of the Isle of Man Photographic Society opened with congratulations to one of our members, Paul Dougherty, who had the previous week enjoyed having one of his images awarded ‘photograph of the week’ in the Sunday Times Travel Section.

The image was of a street trader in China pushing a cardboard load on his bicycle – a particular ‘well done’ as it was the second time in less than a year that he has achieved this distinction.

Our evening continued with an assignment competition for both prints and digitally projected images on the subject of “Night Time”, being judged by Eddie Fryer from the Western club. Eddie is a very popular choice as a judge, giving a very measured and considered commentary on each entry, carefully clarifying what he believes the photographer has achieved, and assessing the areas of strengths and weaknesses – and always in a sympathetic and encouraging tone, the aim being to improve photographic and artistic skills.

The Standard Group mono prints section was won by Joy Brodie, with an image of the Point of Ayre lighthouse, described as being ‘dark, foreboding and very atmospheric’, while Nessie Gillen came in as runner-up with a shot of Ramsey harbour, the lights from the harbour wall being reflected in the water.

A lovely image of a Douglas fireworks display and their reflections in the water gave Richard Shafto a win in the colour prints section, while an eerie shot of the front of Marown Church with the moon behind, gave Mark Thorsby a second place (plus several queries as to just how some of the ghostly effects had been achieved).

Mark then rounded off his evening with a first place in the digital section with a well composed image of three of the street lights from Douglas promenade, the lights just overlapping each other and giving a lovely recession to the shot. Joy Brodie’s bonfire night image came in second place.

In the Intermediate Group, Annette Slater swept the board in the mono prints section, a first place coming for an image of a Spanish bullring taken from an elevated position, and second place for a busy city centre nightscape, the lights from the buildings and traffic illuminating the scene.

In the colour prints, Jiri Podobsky gained first place with a high-impact shot of a bright and richly-lit telephone kiosk, the composition being absolutely spot-on for a quite dramatic effect.

Annette Slater continued her success, gaining second place with an image of burning wire wool being spun like a catherine wheel firework and the sparks whirling around the night sky.

In the digital section, Martyn Parnell’s image of a rock musician playing a guitar, lit by stage lights and showing his sweat and concentrated effort, deservedly won first place. Sam Bucknall, a junior member, came in as runner-up with an atmospheric and busy image of gamblers around their gaming tables – with several follow-up questions as to whether school or after-school activities ?

Bob Servante was the winner of the Advanced Mono Prints with a well composed night shot of a fireman dousing a fire, the water from the hose giving a strong lead-in line to a dramatic image with flames and billowing smoke. Patricia Harvey’s moonscape, taken with a digiscope, was a more tranquil image but also well composed and very detailed, was second.

The colour prints were won by Patricia Harvey with a wonderful image of the Thames riverbank, the London Eye illuminating the left side and Parliament the right, and the riverside lights and people providing interest and detail through the centre.

Dave Welsh’s shot of Malta’s Valletta harbour by night earned a second place.

In the digital section, a well composed image of a steam train leaving Douglas Station- smoke and steam providing drama – gave Sue Jones maximum points, while Bob Servante’s good form continued with a second place for an image of a fireworks display.

Isle of Man Photographic Society meetings are open to the public - non-members with a charge of £1 on the door - and all will be given a very warm welcome.

Meetings are at Thie Ellyn (the Art Society building) in Withington Road, Douglas, starting at 7:30pm. Full details of our programme can be found on the website at www.iomps.com, which also includes a personalised gallery for the display of work by our members.

Results ‘Night Time’ Assignment : Standard Group – Mono Prints : Joy Brodie (1 & 5), Nessie Gillen (2), Mark Falconer (3 & 6), Aida Podobska(4). Colour Prints : Richard Shafto (1 & 4), Mark Thorsby (2), Joy Brodie (3), Nessie Gillen (5 & 6). Digital : Mark Thorsby (1 & 4), Joy Brodie (2), Karen Norton (3 & VHC), Aida Podobska (5 & 6). Intermediate Group : Mono Prints : Annette Slater (1 & 2), Elaine Dewhirst (3). Colour Prints : Jiri Podobsky (1 & 5), Annette Slater (2 & 3), Roger Oram (4), Shirley Lotfy (6 & C). Digital : Martyn Parnell (1 & 3), Sam Bucknall (2), Roger Oram (4), Anne Bidwell (5 & HC), Hazel Walsh (6), Annette Slater (C), Jiri Podobsky (C). Advanced Group : Mono Prints : Bob Servante (1 & 3), Patricia Harvey (2), Ron Shimmin (4), Sue Jones (5 & 6). Colour Prints : Patricia Harvey (1), Dave Welsh (2 & 4), Chris Blyth (3), Ron Shimmin (5 & 6). Digital : Sue Jones (1), Bob Servante (2 & 5), Chris Blyth (3 & 4), Patricia Harvey (6).

Report by Chris Blyth

Pictured: Night Time assignment print winners Richard Shafto; Joy Brodie; Jiri Podobsky; Annette Slater and Bob Servante with Judge Eddie Fryer (back, centre)

Sharon the swan is causing something of a flap.

Volunteers are sought to give her a lift from the Isle of Man to Birkenhead from where she will be collected and taken to Surrey for specialist treatment to her injured leg.

Staff at the ManxSPCA say Sharon needs care that can’t be provided here in the island.

Milan Vets in Castletown has arranged for a swan sanctuary in Surrey to take her and they will collect her from Birkenhead. The vets has also arranged for the Steam Packet to allow her to be transported in a car, and then for the car and driver to come back to the island on the same ferry.

The Steam Packet has offered to do this for the price of a foot passenger and the ManxSPCA will be covering this cost.

But the call has gone out for someone with a car who can give up their time either this Sunday, February 2, or next Saturday, February 8, to transport Sharon to Birkenhead in their car.

If you think you can help, call Sarah at Milan vets in Castletown on 823710.

Total expenditure by local government bodies for the year ending in 2013 was £56.7m according to Infrastructure Minister David Cretney.

Out of that total, £30.4m – or just over half – represents gross expenditure by Douglas Borough Council, he said.

Mr Cretney was responding to a House of Keys question from Douglas West MHK Chris Thomas.

He went on to say the precise amount could not be given and the most up to date figures he had were those in circulation as part of the consultation process on proposed changes to audit and accounts’ requirements.

Better figures could only be provided once this year’s audited accounts were received from all bodies.

Mr Cretney added the accounts of all the local goverment bodies, which include local authorities, committees and boards, were to be laid before Tynwald in March this year.

At this time he said full accounts for the local authorities would also be available for inspection in the Tynwald library.

In December the government announced it was proposing to change the way in which various local government bodies were audited, allowing those with a smaller turnover to avoid the expense of a full annual inspection.

There are more than 50 local government bodies ranging in turnover from less than £5,000 to more than £30,000.

Each body currently has to undergo a full statutory audit regardless of size and turnover, and the total cost of this is £210,000.

Latest proposals from Treasury are for only those authorities with a turnover of more than £1m to undergo a full audit.

A similar approach is being considered for publication of annual accounts by such bodies.

Public consultation on these proposals finishes at the end of January and more information can be found on the government website.

The island is beginning to get back to normal after a flood alert at high tide at around 12.20pm today.

Most areas fared much better than they did when water flooded into areas of Castletown, Ramsey, Peel and Douglas a month ago.

That seems to have been down to better planning, the distribution of more sandbags and the tidal conditions.

Nevertheless, there were reports of flooding in some coastal areas and the sea threw up debris on to promenades, especially on the east coast of the island.

Road closures are coming to an end throughout the island.

Tuesday’s Examiner will include a picture special of the weather.

Email your photos of the storm and flooding to newsdesk@newsiom.co.im

Don’t forget to include a daytime phone number so we can check any details if we have to.

Firefighters dealt with a chip pan fire last night.

They were called just after 6pm to a property on Circular Road, Douglas

The house was smokelogged.

The pan which had been left on the hob in the kitchen.

Sub Officer Hinds said: ‘The occupiers had acted swiftly upon hearing the smoke alarms sounding reporting the incident via 999 and requesting the help of the fire service.’

Crews remained in there for about 45 minutes to ensure that the property had been well ventilated.

An Andy Glover hat-trick ensured Paddy Power FA Cup holders St Mary’s edged past St John’s 3-2 at the Bowl in one of just two games to be beat the weather this afternoon.

Glover had twice put Sam Kenny’s side ahead against his former club only for the visitors’ Louis Morris to twice peg back the first round tie’s hosts.

However, with the match looking destined for extra time, Glover forced home Darren Cain’s low cross in 89th minute to ensure his new side would be in the draw for the competition’s quarter-finals.

In the only other game to survive the wind and rain, Premier League side Castletown’s FA Cup encounter with second tier Pulrose went to extra time and penalties at the Stadium.

Kieron Iveagh put the home side in front only for Karl Staniford to be sent off for Town. Aaron Raby equalised for Pully in the second half sending the tie into the additional 30 minutes.

Neither side could add to their tally forcing the lottery of spot-kicks, Pully holding their nerve to eventually triumph 6-5.

Full reports on both games in the new Final Whistle supplement in Tuesday’s Examiner.

Saturday, February 1

Paddy Power FA Cup Preliminary Rd

Peel P-P Laxey

RYCOB P-P St George’s

Paddy Power FA Cup First Round

Union Mills P-P Marown

Ramsey P-P Douglas Royal

Rushen P-P DHSOB

Pulrose 1-1 Castletown (Pulrose win 6-5 on penalties)

St Mary’s 3-2 StJohn’s

Corinthians P-P Colby

GH Corlett Woods Cup Prelim Round

Ronaldsway P-P Gymns

Onchan P-P Ayre

JCK Division Two

Douglas Athletic P-P Braddan

Canada Life Combination One

St George’s P-P St John’s

DHSOB P-P RYCOB

Michael P-P Laxey

JCK Ltd Combination Two

Ayre P-P Douglas and District

Foxdale P-P Douglas Athletic

Marown P-P Douglas Royal

Ronaldsway P-P Malew (at Clagh Vane)

----------

Sunday, February 2

Appleby 15-17 League

10.30am kick-off

St George’s v Onchan

Ramsey A v Corinthians

Ramsey B v Peel (KO TBC)

Colby v Union Mills

Paddy Power Masters’ League

Union Mills v D and D 2.10pm @ Bowl

Peel v Corinthians 3.40pm @ Bowl

Warehouse Fitness Women’s League

2.30pm kick-off

Colby v Gymns

DHSOB v Douglas Royal

Peel v Corinthians

St German’s Cathedral in Peel has launched a new logo, pictured, incorporating themes from renowned Manx artist Archibald Knox.

Some of Archibald Knox’s finest treasures are held in the cathedral and the unusual design of the new logo is based on his artistic style.

The logo also incorporates images of the Bishop’s crozier (staff), a fish and the letter ‘G’ for St German.

Dean of the cathedral, the Very Reverend Nigel Godfrey, said: ‘We wanted a symbol that was modern-looking to reflect the exciting changes that are underway at the Cathedral.

‘It is also intended to incorporate our artistic and religious heritage – hence the references to Knox and the Bishop’s crozier.

‘The fish has a strong Christian tradition – as well as being synonymous with Peel.

‘Finally, we felt the need to incorporate movement in the same way as the Three Legs of Man symbol is a dynamic design.

‘After all, the cathedral is unique and belongs to the whole of the island and so reaches out much further than a parish church could do.’

The new logo has been launched to coincide with the 2014 Island of Culture.

Isle of Man police have revealed they are hearing that residents are receiving an increased number of scam phone calls.

It is reported that foreign nationals, mainly with a Chinese or Indian accent, are claiming to be calling on behalf of, for example, a bank, computer software sompany or lottery before asking for personal details.

Some of the callers ask for bank details while other say money must be sent through MoneyGram, a global money transfer service.

Officers wish to remind people, when giving details over the phone, to make sure it is a genuine call.

Genuine calls from banks will involve completing a security check based on information already agreed with the account holder.

If you think you’ve been the victim of a scam, contact police headquarters on 631212.

Two women who battled in pain and with weight issues for years before their condition was diagnosed are raising awareness and offering support to others in a similar position.

Jane Hodson and Dawn Robertson have lipoedema, defined by the NHS as the abnormal build-up of fat cells in the legs, thighs and buttocks.

They were both diagnosed by Solar Care IOM, an independent nurse-led service.

They now want to set up a support group in the island.

Jane, aged 59, of Douglas noticed at puberty she had large legs and hips. By the time she had two children in her 20s, she had put on her weight and had developed swollen hips, thighs, calves and ankles.

‘This progressively got worse with age and by my mid-40s my legs were so painful that I found it hard to stand for long,’ she said.

‘By this time I started to bruise easily and just a small knock would look like I had a few rounds with Mike Tyson.’

She tried alternative treatments, massages and therapies but her weight continued to increase: ‘My legs became so heavy and tired that I felt I was carrying around sacks of potatoes.’

In November 2012 her podiatrist recommended two lymph nurses at SolarCare IOM, and within 10 minutes, she had been diagnosed.

‘You can imagine my joy at having a name for this thing that had plagued me for all these years and I rushed home and did what we all do – I Googled it.

‘My joy quickly turned to absolute horror. It seemed to be all doom and gloom. Dieting doesn’t get rid of it, and I had seen early signs in my daughter.’

Jane went to a London clinic where she was told tumescent liposuction could greatly improve her quality of life.

‘The rest is history. I still have lipoedema in parts of my body, but I have had two treatments to relieve my lower legs and knees and what a difference it has made.

‘Not only has the pain and discomfort gone, but also cosmetically it has made me feel so much better about myself. I now have ankle boots too!’

Dawn, aged 48, of Ramsey, said that aged 15 she had ‘tree trunk’ legs, and after having a hysterectomy aged 30, her weight became difficult to control and her legs very tender to touch.

Following tests, she was advised by a private consultant to try a low carbohydrate, low sugar diet. It helped her lose some weight and eased the deep ache in her legs.

But she found that as she got older and her legs heavier, activities that she had enjoyed – walking and going to the gym – were becoming more of a chore.

She was diagnosed with primary lymphoedema and lipoedema about five years ago after reading an article about Solar Care IOM.

‘I booked an appointment and these two angels came to see me and said yes without a shadow of doubt I had lymphoedema, but more importantly a condition called lipoedema.

‘I cried, not because of what I had but because I had a name, a condition with a name – so I wasn’t a freak.’

She is hoping to see whether she will be suitable for tumescent liposuction, which is only offered privately.

‘Fingers crossed, my days on the dance floor may not be over,’ she said.

Both Jane and Dawn are encouraging women to join the Lipoedema Ladies Facebook page or visit the support organisation’s website, www.lipoedemaladies.com

The UK group’s founder, Michelle Ellis, said ‘many undiagnosed ladies are still beating themselves up as to why their bodies do not behave in the way text books, magazines, friends, families and their doctors say it will act.

‘These ladies are living with the unfair stigmas associated with being overweight.’

It affects 11 per cent of women worldwide.

For more details about Solar Care IOM visit www.solarcare.im or email info@solarcare.im

A Douglas house which featured in a series of Isle of Man Newspapers articles on dilapidated properties around the island is to be redeveloped.

The once grand end-of-terrace house at the top of Woodbourne Road has lain empty for years, inhabited only by pigeons which found a way in through decaying windows and missing slates.

Neighbour Jim MacGregor voiced concerns at the time about the danger of falling slates and masonry and the possibility of vermin infestation or unwanted visitors breaking into the property.

Now planning consent has been granted to demolish the property, while supporting the adjoining property, and replace the large decaying building with two smaller properties with off-road parking at the back.

According to the planning application, the new houses are to be designed to match the style of the existing terrace and mature trees on the site are to be pruned and retained.

Mr MacGregor said the house had been empty since before he moved to the area and he was delighted to see progress finally: ‘Already the situation has improved because the site has now been secured, the surveyors have been round and we are expecting something to happen now in a matter of weeks.

A large fire at a compost production business in St Johns could burn for days, the Fire and Rescue Service has said.

Business owner at Ballaneven Compost on the Poortown Road, John Kneen, has said that the material was due to be shredded and sold over the coming months.

The materials spontaneously combusted on Tuesday and strong winds have been fanning the flames, but the blaze is being managed and poses no threat to buildings, land or livestock.

Firefighters have said the fire and smoke will be visible for miles while being whipped up by winds.

The Steam Packet sailing to Heysham tonight (Sunday) and Monday morning’s early return have both been cancelled due to stormy weather.

More strong winds are forecast for Monday with a high spring tide at 1.50pm which is predicted to be similar in severity to Saturday’s tide.

Laxey and Douglas are set to be hit with further in-harbour flooding and splash-over of sea walls.

With severe weather and flooding again predicted for tomorrow (Monday), the police have tonight issued the following statement via their Facebook page: ‘It is predicted that the east coast of the Island will face the main impact of the storm surge, with strong to gale force southeasterly winds and low pressure resulting in large waves breaking over promenade walls and sea defences.

It is likely that a substantial amount of water, stones and other debris will be deposited on many coastal roads, in particular Douglas and Laxey promenades. The clean-up operation will get underway as soon as the conditions start to abate, but travel may be disrupted around the peak commuter times.

Road closures will again be in place at key locations across the Island and on this occasion the entire section of Douglas promenade between the Sefton Hotel and Port Jack will be shut to traffic and pedestrians. Pedestrian access along the landward pavements of Douglas promenade will be permitted as soon as it is considered safe to do so. Motorists are asked to abide by all road closures, drive to the conditions and to plan their journeys – particularly late afternoon travel from the capital as Douglas promenade may still be closed to traffic.

It is possible that Castletown and Ramsey could experience inner harbour flooding on a similar scale to Saturday 1 February, although early indications point to water levels being slightly lower tomorrow.

Gansey, especially the area by the Potteries, Port St Mary and Peel may also be affected.

Householders and shop owners are encouraged to take steps to protect their properties and vehicles from the storms and flooding, and to help elderly or vulnerable members of the community wherever possible.

Officers from the Department of Infrastructure, Isle of Man Constabulary, Fire and Rescue Service, Ambulance Service, Civil Defence Unit, Coastguards and Water and Sewerage Authority are working together to try to mitigate potential damage.

In addition to the 20,000+ sandbags deployed ahead of Saturday’s severe weather event, other contingency measures such as one-tonne bags and flood barriers will again be in position to help seal off roads in vulnerable areas.

The DoI and Coastguards will be putting additional flood defences in place in Laxey tomorrow, while Civil Defence volunteers will have pumps available to alleviate any problems in Hope Street in Castletown.

Public safety is the primary concern during the severe weather and people are asked to keep clear of flood waters and breaking waves. Motorists should park vehicles away from promenades and harbours to avoid possible damage from flying debris and flood waters.

Road closure orders will be in place tomorrow between 10am and 6pm. Although roads can be closed from 10am, they will remain open until it is necessary to close them on safety grounds. Updates will be provided via the local media and social media channels.

Douglas – The promenade and walkway from Port Jack to Greensills Corner in front of the Sefton; Leigh Terrace – Castletown Road from its junction with Bridge Road to the Nunnery entrance; North Quay – Quine’s Corner to Parade Street

Castletown – The promenade; Douglas Street and Bridge Street from its junction with College Green to Bank Street; the Quayside – Bank Street, Victoria Road to Alexander Road (roundabout), Back Hope Street, Hope Street, Athol Terrace

Shore Road, Gansey – From Fishers Hill to its junction with Castletown Road, Rushen

Shore Road Underway – Shore Road to the Promenade

Laxey – The Promenade and Tent Road

Ramsey – Queen’s Promenade from its junction with Queen’s Drive East to Dale Street; Mooragh Promenade from its junction with Old River Road to Vollan Crescent; East Quay – from West Quay to Neptune Street; West Quay – from Bowring Road to East Quay; Parliament Street from its junction with Parliament Square to, and including, Market Hill

Peel – Mill Road – Station Place to East Quay

As with the previous severe weather events, 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.

Further guidance and advice is available on the Isle of Man Government website at http://www.gov.im/