Manx Telecom has confirmed it will start trading on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange from 8am next Monday, as revealed in last week’s Manx Independent.

The company intends to raise £156.3 million by floating on the junior arm of the Stock Exchange.

The Aim flotation follows a fully underwritten and oversubscribed share placing expected to raise £89.2m with shares being sold at 142p each.

Manx Telecom said it will use the proceeds to repay all of its outstanding debt and loan notes ‘ensuring a strong balance sheet structure to support the future growth of the business.’

Existing shareholders, HgCapital Partners and CPS Partners, are expected to receive £67.2m in return for selling out of the company.

Mike Dee, Manx Telecom Plc’s chief executive officer, said: ‘The IPO (initial public offering) will be a new chapter for Manx Telecom as a fully independent quoted company.

‘We are delighted with the interest received from institutional investors during the marketing exercise which will provide a solid and supportive shareholder base for the future. The oversubscription for the shares is testament to the quality and hard work of our employees, and I would like to thank all of our people for their tireless commitment.’

Legal eagle Nick Verardi has spoken of the challenge of going to a new job in the Isle of Man.

Nick is one of the leading lights of the island’s financial centre.

He told Business News the ‘easy option’ would have been to remain at Appleby where he is head of the corporate and commercial practice group.

He revealed he was approached by Dan Craddock over a leading position at Bramden Investments.

He will be leaving for Bramden, where he will be a director, at the beginning of April. It is just up the road from Appleby’s base in Athol Street, Douglas, and is in Capital House on Circular House.

Nick, 45, originally from Manchester, is married to Manxwoman Zoe Comaish. He has a daughter Emily who is aged 14, and they live in Gansey.

Asked why he has decided to leave Appleby Mr Verardi said: ‘First of all it was a very difficult decision on my part.

‘I’ve been in a privileged position here at Appleby. I’m an equity partner here with a lot of responsibility as local corporate head. But also I sit on the strategic board of Appleby of which there are five elected members deciding on the strategy of Appleby and its business over the 12 different jurisdictions that Appleby operates in.

‘So I’m in a great position. However I’ve been qualified now for 20 years and it just felt that, looking forward I was uncertain whether there would be enough challenges ahead. I think it is fair to say that I’ve been instrumental in the growth and success of Appleby, not least when we merged from Dickinsons to Appleby.

‘I just felt, was I going to achieve the same sort of momentum in the next 10 to 15 years? And I felt probably not so.

‘The opportunity that arose at Bramden will set me a new challenge and it is what I am looking for.’

Appleby employs 150 people in the Isle of Man and 800 people around the world in 12 different jurisdictions.

‘Bramden is smaller than that, they employ 25 people in the island at the moment and hope to get that up by the end of the year to about 40. And in the rest of the world they employ 70 people andglobally hope to get that up to 110 by the end of this year.

‘My specific role will be to head up the DLA Group which is the family office of an ultra high net worth individual on the island, Dan Craddock.

‘Bramden is an Isle of Man based equity based business.’

Nick, who specialises in corporate and commercial law, and went to school at King William’s College said there had been many highlights over the years including business visits to places such as Hong Kong, Cayman, Bermuda, BVI, Moscow and Tel Aviv.

A lot of his work has involved mergers and acquisitions as well as general corporate and insurance.

Nick has 22 lawyers working for him at Appleby where a typical working week for him is 60 hours.

He is a former president of the island’s Chamber of Commerce and he has always taken a keen role in encouraging young people to get involved in the business.

He told Business News: ‘I’m leaving on very good terms. I’m a close friend of the firm (Appleby) and I’m sure I will be passing work their way in the future.

‘I leave at the endof the financial year after serving six months notice.’

Nick added: ‘At Appleby we are fortunate to have a stong team of talented people rising up through the ranks.

‘Appleby Isle of Man remains the largest legal and fiduciary business in the island with more than 35 lawyers and 30 fiduciary staff.’

He described Bramden as an island based private equity firm with a ‘refreshingly different approach to investment.’

He said Bramden’s history lies in start-up ventures and typically look for investments in the £50-200 million bracket..

Bramden is a majority shareholder in Vannin Capital, a specialist litigation funding provider which assists businesses, insolvency practitioners and law firms by offering a funding solution to the costs of running commercial litigation disputes.

In under three years Vannin Capital has become the world’s largest private equity backed Litigation Funder, handling litigation in 15 different countries with over £5.8bn of quantum under management.

Nick’s place will be taken at Appleby by Faye Moffett, a leading banking and finance practitioner.

Faye also leads the Banking and Asset Finance team in the Isle of Man.

A qualified Isle of Man advocate, Faye joined Appleby in 2004 as an associate before becoming a partner in February 2006.

She specialises in banking and finance transactions, including property finance, aircraft and ship finance matters. She has particular experience in providing opinions on Isle of Man companies and on cross-border security and insolvency issues and has been recognised as a ‘Leader in her Field’ by Chambers UK, The Legal 500 UK and PLC Which Lawyer.

Sean Dowling, managing partner of Appleby (Isle of Man) LLC said: Faye is taking over the responsibility of leading the Isle of Man Corporate and Commercial group from Nick Verardi.

‘I would like to take the opportunity to thank Nick for his enormous contribution to the success and growth of Appleby to date. While it is sad to see good friends leave, Nick does so with our warmest wishes.’

He added: ‘Faye is highly respected in her field and I welcome her expertise and leadership of the team in our Isle of Man office.

‘She will ensure the practice group in the Isle of Man continues to offer outstanding quality of service in corporate and commercial matters to clients both in the Isle of Man and internationally.’

The island’s Data Protection Supervisor has raised concerns over parents’ consent to social services referrals and assessments.

But Iain McDonald’s claims at a Tynwald scrutiny committee were rejected at the same hearing by the head of safeguarding in the Department of Social Care who suggested he was ‘offering opinions outside the remit of his professional role’.

The Social Affairs Police Review Committee heard in July last year that social services had been swamped with referrals about potential abuse cases under the now abandoned Every Child Matters agenda, with 959 referrals in one year to children’s social care leading to just 60 cases of abuse registered.

Mr McDonald told the committee he had two main issues. The first concerned parents’ consent to referrals to social services.

He said such referrals, where they are not child protection cases, required consent of the families which legally had to be freely given. On the referral documents there is a tick box indicating whether the family has given its consent but Mr McDonald said he was recommending the documents should be changed so that parents actually sign to say they had given their consent.

He said the second issue had come as a surprise to him and concerned assessments. ‘Assessments are not mandatory. Are the parents told that these assessments are voluntary,’ he told the committee. Mr McDonald said parents can withdraw their consent at any time.

Committee member Steve Rodan, whose questions in Tynwald and the House of Keys had prompted Mr McDonald to investigate the issue, asked: ‘Why in your view is it so important for initial assessments to be voluntary and consent could be possibly be withheld?’

The witness replied: ‘It’s what the law says. As it stands we have a consent-based system.’ He said he had parents in his office over whom he had feared for their health as control over the future of their family appeared to have been taken out of their hands.

Mr Rodan said of 701 initial assessments, 177 had been instigated for child protection concerns, leaving at least 500 which required consent.

But head of safeguarding Deborah Brayshaw suggested Mr McDonald was offering opinions outside his remit and some of his concerns were inaccurate.

She said the department has statutory powers to intervene without consent on occasion but she admitted it was ‘not good’ at recording specific consent. She said referral documents had now been changed and a new leaflet would give advice to parents on their rights over consenting to assessments. She insisted rates of referrals were comparable with the UK.

A plan has been submitted (14/00069/B) for the removal of the existing telephone kiosk and concrete base at Cregneash.

The decision to remove the ‘iconic example of design’ has dismayed Manx National Heritage.

The box is one of six in the island earmarked by Manx Telecom for closure and removal because the annual revenue in each was less than £10.

If local authorities were prepared to take over their upkeep, at an average cost of £585 a year, the phone boxes would stay.

Rushen Parish Commissioners decided they ‘could not justify spending rate payers’ money on keeping the phone box there (in Cregneash),’ said commissioners’ clerk Gill Kelly.

The other possible source of financing the phone in Cregneash was Manx National Heritage, but they said as an organisation in the heritage sector partially financed by government, it is not in a position to fund payphone maintenance.

‘We had hoped Manx Telecom (MT) might reconsider their removal policy in this case; the phone box at Cregneash is an iconic example of design in a prominent and extraordinary location with much public appreciation and lots of exposure - visitors per annum around 80,000 to The Sound and circa 20,000 to Cregneash,’ said Cregneash site manager Helen Ashcroft.

‘We are therefore very sorry to hear that MT is also unable to maintain the booth and are applying for planning permission for it to be taken away. Ideally the booth would be kept in place for its intended and current purpose; an operational payphone. It is with regret that lifestyles and technology have made them obsolete and the ability to subsidise them by private industry, local government and the national government has become economically unviable.’
She added MNH has currently no intention of objecting to the plan, but is happy to share its opinion with the planning committee.

‘The Meayll Peninsular, including Cregneash is recognised and protected by statute for its cultural and national importance to the island’s heritage which excludes any permitted development within the area. MNH are happy to help inform the planning process and eagerly await the outcome.’

Of the pay phones earmarked for removal in the south, Malew is the only local authority that will pay for the upkeep of the kiosk at Derbyhaven (at £300 per annum) because of its possible emergency use.

Nearly a quarter of a million pounds was paid out in bonuses to government staff last year.

But the figure of £234,762 for the year ending December 31 is nearly £100,000 down on the £330,708 paid out in bonuses in 2010.

The figures were revealed in a written reply by Chief Minister Allan Bell to a House of Keys question from Onchan MHK Zac Hall.

Mr Bell explained that bonus payments to members of staff are made where there is provision within the terms and conditions of a particular employment group.

There is no such provision with Civil Service Regulations in respect of bonus payments and so such payments are not made to members of the Civil Service.

Mr Bell said bonus payments are not normally subject to Treasury approval unless there is an express requirement to do so. He said it was a matter for the collective bargaining bodies and employing authorities to determine the appropriateness of using bonus schemes to incentivise and or reward staff performance.

l Have your say. Email opinions@newsiom.co.im

The fifth and final round of the Microgaming Cross-Country League takes place on Sunday afternoon at Ballannette, Lonan, home of Stewart Clague Services Ltd.

This event is organised by Manx Harriers and racing gets under way at 2pm.

From the main Douglas to Laxey road, the venue is reached by taking ‘Road of the Middle Farm’ – this is the junction at the Onchan end of Baldrine village. Follow this narrow road for about half-a-mile and turn left into Ballannette estate – this will be signposted. There is plenty of parking at the venue which will be controlled by marshals.

The timetable of events is as follows: 12.45pm to 2pm - registration for all competitors; 2pm - under-nine boys (one small lap - 790 metres); 2.05pm - under-nine girls (one small lap - 790m); 2.10pm - u11 boys (two small laps - 1,420m); 2.20pm - u11 girls (two small laps - 1,420m); 2.30pm u13 boys and girls, u15 girls (one large lap - 2,620m); 2.50pm - u15 boys, u17 women, Short Course (one small lap, one large lap - 3,220m); u17 men, junior, senior and veteran women (one small lap, two large laps – 6,000m); 2.51pm - junior, and veteran men (four large laps – 10,390m).

Entry fees are £4 for under-18s, £5 for competitors aged 18 and over who are paid up members of an athletics club, and £7 for unattached competitors aged 18 and over.

The end of season prize presentation will take place on Friday, March 21 at the Claremont Hotel, Douglas.

Further information including league tables is on the cross-country page at www.iomaa.info

l The fifth and penultimate round of the Ramsey Bakery Firemen’s Road Race League takes place this evening (Thursday).

Signing on will be from 6.15 in the fire station, with a massed start for the two races (4.9-miles and 1.7-mile) at 7pm. Results will be based on handicap.

Final round March 6, best four to count.

l Saturday, February 22 - Round three Wi-Manx Fell League, Aston International Baldwin Valleys .

The clean-up operation is under way at the sunken gardens in Douglas.

A large section of wall collapsed, and gardens were submerged in sea water following tidal flooding on Monday.

Douglas Council parks staff have been breaking up the stone by hand, and it will be used to rebuild the wall if possible. The council is awaiting the results of a preliminary survey to see whether the wall can be repaired.

Engineer Ian Clague said: ‘The issue we’ve got is there’s a drop down so we really have to make sure it’s safe enough to stay up in future.’

He said the damage was one of the worst he’d seen during his career.

Meanwhile, head of parks David Hughes said he was praying for rain to wash away the salt from the soil.

He said he would have to wait and see how the flowers fared when they were planted in the spring.

More coverage in today’s Manx Independent - in shops now.

For the fourth year running QEII met Ballakermeen in the Senior Schools’ Basketball Final at the NSC recently.

After last year’s epic contest, another close affair was predicted with Balla having edged the league game in November.

A cagey first quarter saw neither side take control of the match. Nerves, poor decision-making and good defensive rebounding led to scoring being difficult and Balla eventually edged it 10-7.

The shackles came off in the second quarter. Four consecutive three-pointers were shared by Callum Randle (Balla) and Mel Valencia (QEII) and the crowd sat back to enjoy some excellent play.

The Douglas side began to dominate, able to beat the zone defence up court and create many more scoring opportunities than they had earlier in the match.

Shots again were wasted though and their opponents did well to keep in the game, scoring some good baskets of their own through driving to the baseline and winning those all-important offensive rebounds.

At 29-22 ahead, Ballakermeen became more deliberate in their attacking in the third quarter, moving the ball well and trying to drive when the opportunity arose.

The Peel side, on the other hand, began to chase the game and were unlucky not to close the points gap. The NSC boards lived up to their lively reputation with shot after shot rattling the ring but not dropping, which was frustrating for the westerners.

Leading by 11 points at the start of the last quarter, Balla only had to maintain their disciplined play to win the title for the fourth time in a row.

QEII had other ideas though, and a magnificent period of play saw them close the gap to four points and bring the final back to life.

With all to play for and the crowd getting excited it was a question of who could cope with the pressure.

QEII continued to force the play but this meant that Balla were given breakaway opportunities to score and they duly took them. Lay-ups from Randle, Kai Kirkham and Patrick Ferrer re-opened the gap and Ballakermeen hung on to record a 54-42 victory.

The final score does not reflect how close the game was. The Douglas side edged each quarter but the westerners probably produced the best passage of play in the decisive last 10 minutes.

All the players involved deserve credit, with Randle and Kirkham headlining for Ballakermeen and Valencia starring for QEII.

Warnings from the police, health service and schools about an online drinking craze feature on page one of today’s Manx Independent.

The paper, which is in the shops now, also includes a token for a bacon roll from McDonald’s.

You can buy one, get one free.

Inside the paper includes:

>John Houghton MHK, the boss of the Water and Sewerage Authority, who’s introducing the toilet tax. Even he thinks it’s unfair.

>Reaction to the loss of more jobs in the banking sector.

>The start of the retrial of the Attorney General

>Bell saying there’s no conspiracy regarding the Sefton bail-out

>The deemster’s comments after he jailed a rapist

>A look at the rising star of the Manx folk world

>A picture special on kayaking

>Two pages of What’s On

>An easy-to-read seven-day television guide

>The latest on whether Michael Dunlop will race in the TT

>A total of 12 pages of sports action

The Manx Independent is in the shops now

A new critical care service which has been put in place at Noble’s Hospital should ensure a swift intervention for patients whose condition deteriorates.

The critical care outreach team consists of staff skilled and experienced in the care of acutely ill patients in intensive care and coronary care, who will be on call to offer expertise around the hospital, caring for patients and supporting nursing staff.

Previously specialist intensive care staff tended to focus almost exclusively within the intensive care, high dependency and coronary care units but the new team will be available to offer expertise across the hospital.

Pam Makin, who is the clinical lead for critical care outreach, said their small team of nurses who were experts in critical care would be on call daily from 7.15am to 8.45pm.

‘The team can be called by any member of the hospital teams that have concerns about a patient,’ she said.

‘It necessary, the team can arrange transfer to intesnive care or high dependency. It means we can deal with patients promptly and preventy deterioration by taking action quickly.’

She said staff were using a set of guidelines to flag up worrying patients on an early warning system. The system got under way on December 1 and during that month the team saw 89 patients and seven were transferred to one of the higher dependency units. In addition, she said there were 300 interventions in the form of advice to staff and patient reviews, for example.

‘We are taking the experts from intensive care outside on to the wards,’ she said.

The new measures were sparked following a letter sent last year signed by 10 consultants voicing concerns to the hospital’s medical director Stephen Upsdell. The letter called for urgent action on ‘shortcomings in the management of acutely unwell patients presenting to the hospital’.

Health Minister David Anderson MHK said he welcomed the improvements made to critical care services.

Thursday, February 6

• 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 Woodbourne Road, Douglas. 7pm-9pm.

• Army Cadets, Scout Hall, Peel, 7pm. Also Tuesday.

• Onchan District Explorers, Scout Headquarters, Onchan, 7.30pm.

Friday, February 7

• 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 men’s 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, February 9

• 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, February 10

• 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, February 11

• 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, February 12

• 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.

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

• Twins/Multiple Births Club, Philip Christian Centre, Peel, 10am-11.30am. Call 458202.

• 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 (11 to 12 year olds), 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, February 6

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

• Manx Footpaths Conservation Group Walk, The Sloc, 10.30am.

• 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, February 7

• 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 Onchan, Laxey and Middle Hospice Fundraising Committee is holding a Murder Mystery Evening starting promptly at 7:30pm at the Onchan parish village hall (at the top of Royal Ave). Information and tickets. Call Lee on 661871.

Saturday, February 8

• The Port Erin Branch of IoM Anti-Cancer Association Chinese New Year themed coffee morning at the Cherry Orchard, Port Erin, from 10am-11am. Tickets only £1.50. Call Betty on 836996.

• 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.

• Isle of Man Farmers’ Market at Villa Marina, Douglas, 10am-2pm.

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

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

Sunday, February 9

• Car Boot Sale, Onchan Community Centre, noon. Sellers £6. Admission 40p.

• Car Boot Sale, Morton Hall, Castletown, 2pm.

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

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

Monday, February 10

• 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.

• Lent Lunches at the Methodist Church, Waterloo Road, Ramsey, from noon to 1.30 pm. Soup followed by fruit pudding. £5.00. Organised by the Northern Churches in support of Griah – home for the homeless charity.

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

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

Tuesday, February 11

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

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

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

• Whist for Hospice, Michael Methodist Church, 7.30pm, £2.

Wednesday, February 12

• MS Society coffee morning, Harbour Lights, St Paul’s Square, Ramsey, 10.30am-noon.

• Independent Living Centre, Open Day, Ballakermeen Road, 9.30am-3.30pm. Call 642511.

• 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.

• Ramsey Probus lunch, Ramsey Golf Club, 12.30pm. A talk by Steve Rodan SHK. Call Ian Wells 816404.

• 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.

Thursday, February 6

• Karaoke, Guys and Dolls, Douglas.

• Ramsey Folk Club, Mitre Hotel, Ramsey, 8pm-11pm.

• Karaoke with Ray Sloane at The Saddle Inn, Douglas.

• Guitar lessons at the meeting room, Archibald Knox, Onchan, 5.45pm-6.45pm.

• Alternative Havana, Fiesta Havana, Douglas. Also, Friday - Full On Fridays.

Friday, February 7

• Open DJ competition at The Tynwald Inn, St John’s.

• Brown Sugar at The Queen’s, Douglas.

• Shoh Slaynt at The Highwayman, Peel.

• Ian Thompson, Jaks, Douglas.

• DJ Tim, Second Venue, 21 Victoria Street, Douglas, 8pm. Also Saturday.

• Karaoke at The Albert, Douglas, 9pm.

• Irish traditional music session at The Mitre, Ramsey, 9pm.

Saturday, February 8

• Penthouse Dive, Jaks, Douglas.

• Ian Thompson, O’Donnells, Douglas.

• Manx music session, The Whitehouse, Peel, 10pm.

• Karaoke with Dobbo at the Decks, Liverpool Arms, Baldrine.

• Karaoke at the Central Hotel, Ramsey.

Sunday, February 9

• One Wo/Man One Guitar at The Highwayman, Peel featuring Donal McMahon and Al Lawrence. 8.30pm.

• Brown Sugar at the Manx Legion, Douglas.

• Ray Sloane Karaoke, Jaks, Douglas.

• St German’s Festival Organ Recital, 4.30pm.

• Music Box with David Castro at Guys and Dolls, Douglas.

• Karaoke at The British, Douglas.

• Karaoke at The Crescent, Queen’s Promenade, Douglas, 8pm.

• Disco Fever at Macbeth’s, Second Venue, Douglas, 10pm-2am.

Monday, February 10

• Ramsey Music Society concert with Matthew Jones, violin/viola and Annabel Thwaite, piano in the West Hall, Ramsey Grammar School, 7.45pm. Tickets on the door £10. Students free.

Tuesday, February 11

• Manx Youth Orchestra, St German’s Cathedral, 7.45pm–8.45pm

• Acoustic sing-around, The Manor, Willaston, 8.30pm.

• Rock Choir, Youth Arts Centre, Kensington Road, Douglas, 6pm.

Wednesday, February 12

• Piano Series, Eliza Puchianu at Erin Arts Centre, Port Erin.

• Karaoke at The British, Douglas.

Palace Cinema

• Paranormal Axctivity The Marked Ones (15). Nightly at 8pm.

• I Frankenstein 3D (12A). Nightly at 7.30pm.

• The Lego Movie 3D (U) Saturday and Sunday at 2.30pm.

• Frozen (PG) Saturday and Sunday at 2pm.

Broadway Cinema

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

• Mr Peabody and Sherman (U). Daily at 4.30pm. 2D. Saturday and Sunday at 11.30am. 3D Saturday and Sunday at 2pm.

Thursday, February 6

• Manx Retirement Association Stretch and Flex at the NSC, Douglas, 10am. Also indoor flat green bowling at the NSC, Douglas, from 2pm-3.30pm. Also Tuesday, Southern coffee morning at the Cherry Orchard Hotel, Port Erin, at 10.30am.

• 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, February 10

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

• 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.

• 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.

• Ramsey Gardening Club at 7.30pm at Quayle’s Hall, Ramsey. £2 entry fee.

Tuesday, February 11

• St John’s Art and Craft Group, Methodist hall, 9.40am. Bring your own art and craft. Call 851364.

• 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.

• 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.

• Glen Maye WI, St James’ Church hall, Dalby, 7.30pm. Call 818194.

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

• Santon WI, The Church Centre, Church Road, Santon, 7.30pm. Call 818194.

• Ballacottier Senior Youth Project for school years 10+, Ballacottier School Youth Room, 7.30pm-9.30pm.

Wednesday, February 12

• MS Society coffee morning, Harbour Lights, St Paul’s Square, Ramsey, 10.30am.

• 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.

• Onchan Pensioners Club, Morton Hall, Castletown, ladies club, 2pm-4pm.

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

• St Mark’s WI, St Mark’s school room, 7.30pm. Call 818194.

• Isle of Man Chess Club, Belsfield Hotel, Church Road Marina, Douglas, 7.30pm. Call Alan Robertson 495097. New members welcome.

Thursday, February 6

• 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 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, February 7

• Pilates at 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, February 8

• 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, February 9

• Reikido, The Royal British Legion, Port Erin, 11am-12.30pm. Also Monday 8pm-9pm. Call Nick on 07624 398955.

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

Monday, February 10

• 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, February 11

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

• Pilates at 9.15am, 38 Woodbourne Square, Douglas. Pilates 6.15pm Trinity Church, Ramsey. Also, Balance and Pilates at 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, February 12

• 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.

Thursday, February 6

• 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, February 7

• 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, Douglas. 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, The Dance 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, February 8

• 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 Pensioner’s hall (across from library), 8pm. Call 829669.

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

Sunday, February 9

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

Monday, February 10

• 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, February 11

• 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.

Wednesday, February 12

• 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.

Mark Cavendish endured a frustrating finish to the second stage of the Tour of Dubai on Thursday.

The Manxman seemed to be boxed in late on and was unable to contest the sprint, finishing 30th.

Simon Andrews will ride for Rico Penzkofer’s Penz13.com BMW Racing team at June’s TT.

Andrews will ride a BMW HP4 S1000RR prepared by Penzkofer’s outfit and supported by the BMW HP Race Support team at the TT as well as the North West 200 and Macau Grand Prix.

He also has the potential to represent the Penz13.com Franks Autowelt Racing Team in the FIM World Endurance Superstock Cup races. Andrews will be the reserve rider at the Bol d’Or and the legendary Le Mans 24 hours with the opportunity to be selected for the team during qualifying.

Andrews’s TT record has included four top-15 finishes including 11th place in last year’s RL360 Superstock race.

He made his TT debut in 2011, taking 11th in both the Superstock and Senior, also finishing as the fastest newcomer with a lap of 125.134mph - the third fastest newcomer in the all-time list.

He has a fastest lap to date of 126.001mph around the Mountain Course. He also finished third in the 2012 Macau Grand Prix.

The 29-year-old from Evesham is now recovering from his injuries sustained in last year’s accident while competing in the World Endurance at Le Mans and is expected to have his first test on the bike later this month.

Commenting on the move, Andrews said: ‘I’m pleased to sign with Penz13.com BMW Racing Team for the 2014 road racing season. I’ve raced against Rico and know his bikes are well built.

‘I’ve had some success with BMW already when I started on the roads earlier in my career. With the help and support of the manufacturer I believe the team will give me a good competitive bike. I’m looking forward to meeting all the team and really seeing what we can do together.’

Penz13.com team principal and former TT competitor Penzkofer commented: ‘We’ve been in negotiations with Simon for a while and he was scheduled to ride for us in last year’s Macau Grand Prix before his accident at Le Mans last year so I’m really pleased that we’ve now signed him.’

He continued: ‘The Isle of Man or Macau has been my greatest passion, my life, if you like. Over recent years we’ve built a special wealth of experience as a team and focused on the TT - not least because I raced the TT myself. I now want to use this experience and get closer to the sharp end. Steve Mercer delivered our team’s best TT result last year with an eighth spot. I am happy that we’ve signed Simon and that he has faith in our team as he’s a really talented road racer.’

Former Castle Rushen prop Phil Cringle has retained his place in the Scotland squad for Friday’s Under-20 Six Nations game with old foe England.

The Gubay Scholarship recipient came off the bench to play the last 20 minutes of last Friday’s 34-7 mauling by Ireland in Athlone, and has done enough in the competition opener to remain in coach Sean Lineen’s plans for this weekend’s clash at Gala Rugby Club’s Netherdale ground in Galashiels.

Kick-off is 7.30pm and the game will be streamed live online at the Scottish RFU’s YouTube channel.