Thursday, April 3

• Free Female Football Fitness Sessions, NSC, Douglas, sports hall, 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, 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, April 4

• Pilates at The Pilates Studio, Viking Longhouse, Middle Wharf, Peel, at 9.30am and The Studio, Falcon Road, Douglas, at 1pm; Monday – The Pilates Studio, Viking Longhouse, Middle Wharf, Peel, at 9.30am and Colby Methodist hall at 6pm; Wednesday – The Pilates Studio, Viking Longhouse, Middle Wharf, Peel, at 5.15pm and 6.30pm. Thursday - The Pilates Studio, Viking Longhouse, Middle Wharf, Peel, at 10am (chair-based Pilates for older, frailer adults) and beginners’ Pilates, 6.15pm. Equipment provided. Ring Lizzy Main on 427401 or visit www.pilates-isle-of-man.co.uk

• Zumba Classes Advanced, 10.30am. Also Tuesday Zumba Intermediate, 8.30am and Zumba for beginners, Tuesday and Friday, 9.45am at Zumba Isle of Man, Silvercraigs Hotel. Call 677776 or visit www.zumbaisleofman.com

• Acrobatics, The 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, April 5

• 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, April 6

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

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

Monday, April 7

• 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, April 8

• 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 at 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, April 9

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

• Balance and Pilates, 10.30am, Manx Legion 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, April 3

• 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, April 4

• Dickie at The Whitehouse, Peel.

• Brown Sugar at The Rosemount, Douglas.

• Ian Thompson at Jaks, Douglas.

• Borderline at The Station, Port St Mary.

• Shoh Slaynt at The Highwayman, Peel.

• Orchestra, Galeforce, a Manx concert of music and song, 7.30pm, Queen Elizabeth II High School, Peel.

• 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, April 5

• Big Wheel Blues Festival launch at the Centenary Centre, Peel, headlined by Honeyfeet, 8pm. Tickets £10 available online from.centenarycentre.com, Celtic Gold, Peel, Peter Norris Music, Douglas, Shakti Man, Ramsey, and Thompson Travel, Port Erin.

• 9 Mile Smile at Jaks, Douglas.

• Dickie at The Manor, Willaston.

• Brown Sugar at The Sidings, Castletown.

• Ian Thompson at The Queen’s, Douglas.

• Borderline at The Highwayman, Peel.

• Shenanigans Banned St James’s schoolrooms, Dalby, 7.30pm for 8pm. £12.50 including supper. To book please call Gilly on 844031; stating if you need the veggie option. For any other info call Margy on 843768.

• Honeyfeet. Big Wheel Blues Festival Launch, Centenary Centre, Peel, 8pm. Tickets £10.

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

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

• Karaoke at the Central Hotel, Ramsey.

Sunday, April 6

• Ray Sloane Karaoke at Jaks, Douglas.

• John Watterson (Fake Thackray) at Jabberwocky, Douglas. Tickets £15.

• Sulby Methodist Church Centenary Celebrations, Gareth Moore and friends in concert, 3pm, £6 at door includes refreshments.

• Choral Evensong, St German’s Cathedral, Peel, 3.30pm.

• One Wo/Man One Guitar at The Highwayman, Peel featuring Desi Kelly and Tony Archibald, 8.30pm.

• 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.

Tuesday, April 8

• Regal Singers at Trinity Church, Douglas, (upper hall), 7.30pm. Light refreshments, raffle. Admission £5.

• 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, April 9

• Karaoke at The British, Douglas.

• Irish Music session at O’Donnell’s, Douglas, 8.30pm.

• Celebration in Colour, Work by Jill Hinds, Howard Shimmin and Jodie Buckley, Hodgson Loom Gallery, Laxey. Until April 12.

• Catherine James and Colleen Corlett exhibition, Creativity, at The Isle Gallery, Tynwald Mills. Until April 27.

• Satisfying Imperfections, Abi Bass at the Erin Arts Centre. Open Wednesday-Friday 10.30am-4.30pm. Free entry. Until May 2.

Thursday, April 3

• 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.

• Fitsteps (fitness that’s strictly fun) at Onchan Community hall, 7.30pm. Booking is required via text or Facebook. Fitsteps Isle of Man or call 456056.

• 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, April 4

• 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, April 5

• 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, April 6

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

Monday, April 7

• 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, April 8

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

• Linedancercise at John’s football clubhouse, 7.30pm-9pm, call 467285.

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

Wednesday, April 9

• 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, call 835098.

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

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

Thursday, April 3

• 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.

• 1st Laxey Beavers and Cubs, Laxey School during term times. Beavers meet at 6.30pm–7.30pm and Cubs meet at 6.45pm–8.15pm. 1stlaxeycubs@manx.net

• 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, April 4

• 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.

Saturday, April 5

• Young Bowlers Club. Tuition and tips (open to ages 8 to 12), 11am-12noon, Surestrike Bowling Alley. To book call 812444.

Sunday, April 6

• Ollies - fun for children up to 11, St Olave’s Church hall, Ramsey, 9.45am -10.45am approx.

• 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, April 7

• 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.

• 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, Tuesday April 8

• 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.

• Tiddlers Group for parents, grandparents or carers, St Olave’s Church hall, 9.45am-11.30am, £1.50.

• 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, April 9

• 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.

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

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

• Ballaquayle Bears Toddler Group, Ballaquayle School hall, 1.45pm-3pm.

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

• Mums and tots sessions for babies and pre-schoolers at Foxdale School. Dads, grandads, grandmas and carers welcome too. 2pm-3.15pm. £1.50 per family. Call Emma 801946.

• Homework Club for year 7s (11-12 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.

A fin on the Steam Packet’s Ben-my-Chree will be replaced after the TT festival.

The company has been told by Fincantieri, the stabilising fin manufacturer, that repairs to a damaged fin, removed in January, will be completed and ready for re-fitting to car ferry in June.

The ship sustained damage to one of its two stabilising fins during heavy weather at the start of the year.

Following an inspection in late January, a decision was made to remove the affected fin and return Ben-my-Chree to service until the repaired unit was ready to be re-fitted.

The repaired fin will installed in a period from June 19 to 21 and a revised sailing schedule will operate during this period.

A spokesman said: ‘The Steam Packet is contacting any passengers affected on these dates in the coming weeks and Manannan and Arrow will provide sailings to Heysham and Liverpool.

‘Ben-my-Chree has effective stabilising efficiency with only one fin operational, and there is no impact on the vessel’s ability to sail, nor to berth, safely.’

The Isle of Man is suffering from high levels of pollution.

Like much of the UK, the island has been affected by high levels of particulates in the air because of the prevailing weather conditions.

The island is officially in the ‘very high’ band.

The levels of particulate matter – PM10 and PM2.5 – are above 100 micrograms per cubic metre for PM10 and 70 micrograms per cubic metre for PM2.5.

The Public Health Directorate issued the following advice:

>Adults and children with lung problems, and adults with heart problems and older people, should avoid strenuous physical activity. People with asthma may find that they need to use their inhaler more often.

>Members of the public who are otherwise healthy should reduce physical exertion – particularly when outdoors – if they experience symptoms such as cough or sore throat.

>Anyone with heart or lung disease whose symptoms get worse suddenly should please seek medical help. Similarly, anyone who is asthmatic whose symptoms get worse should increase the frequency of use of their inhaler as advised. If the symptoms are not relieved, they should seek medical help.

>Children with asthma should be able to take part in games in the usual way, although they may need to increase their use of medication before participation. There is no need for them to stay away from school.

Dr Parameswaran Kishore, Director of Public Health, said: ‘The situation regarding the pollution reaching the British Isles from Europe and beyond, due to prevailing weather conditions, is changing all the time. The Government Laboratory will continue to monitor the situation.’

Repair works on the Manx Electric Railway near Ballaglass Glen, Maughold, will be completed in time for the start of the season tomorrow (Friday).

In this initial phase of works that were required following flood damage to the line, the track was removed, ground around the sinkhole was excavated and replaced plus 10 metres of gabion baskets have been installed giving additional support. The track has been reinstated followed by works to replace the lined drainage ditch.

The first trams will depart Douglas at 9.40am and Ramsey at 10.10am on Friday.

Insurance businesses are crucial for the island’s economy, says chief minister Allan Bell.

He said: ‘The life industry is a major contributor to the Isle of Man economy and has been so for more than 25 years.

‘It is, in spite of growth in other areas, the largest individual sector in the Manx economy.

‘The insurance business generally is vitally important for the health of the island’s economy and it is one that the government will work very closely with to ensure success into the future.’

Mr Bell was speaking at the relaunch of Charles Taylor Insurance Services (IOM) Ltd.

Twenty five people work for the organisation in the island.

It has a global reach and caters for ‘high net worth’ customers.

Mr Bell was the guest of honour for the relaunch of the business under the Charles Taylor banner.

Mr Bell said: ‘It is always a pleasure to hear good news about our business community.

‘Expansion news, rebranding news, all the positives that we want to hear about in the Isle of Man.

‘I’m delighted to see a company like Charles Taylor recognising the excellence of the Isle of Man.

‘London, which is the headquarters of Charles Taylor, has historically been a very important partner for the Isle of Man in developing new business links with the outside world.

‘And many of you may well be aware that we have just returned from a very successful visit to China promoting a wide range of business opportunities in the island.

‘And part of that party that visited China was Mark Field, the MP for the City of London, jointly promoting the Isle of Man.

‘And indeed promoting the strong links between the Isle of Man and the City of London.’

partnership between govt and business community

Mr Bell added: ‘Government has a very proud record of developing close business relationships with the business community. It’s a genuine partnership.

‘We work with you, we help you and if you have problems we help to resolve them.

‘The island has been one of the most successful economies in Europe, not in recession and indeed still growing in excess of four per cent net.

‘I very much look forward to hearing about the new avenues that Charles Taylor is exploring at the moment to expand the business further.’

The chief minister said one of the most important things that the island has to defend is its reputation in the world.

And he said the island had taken the lead to drive forward adherence to international standards through FATCA and various other regulations that have come along.

‘We have been widely recognised as a leader in that field and I hope that gives you confidence to know the business you place in the Isle of Man and your expansion is firmly based in a jurisdiction that fully adheres to international standards.

‘I wish you every success and I’m sure we will hear more about you in the future.’

Jeffrey More, chief executive officer for Charles Taylor Insurance Services (IOM) Ltd, told the audience gathered in the atrium at the company’s base at St George’s Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas: ‘The Isle of Man is indeed a great place to do business.’

‘Government provides an excellent business environment, that although increasingly complex remains light touch.

‘This has helped increase the potential market for the insurance industry.’

Mr More was also pleased to announce to the audience of business folk a new insurance management arrangement between Charles Taylor Insurance Services (CTIS) and Guardian Life of the Caribbean. Guardian Life has selected CTIS to launch and administer a new product for the caribbean markets, he said.

He said the Isle of Man business reached a global market from the Far East to the Americas.

London based David Marock, group chief executive at Charles Taylor plc, thanked everyone for coming to the relaunch event.

He said LCL International Life Assurance Company had been in the island for a number of years.

‘But we have recently rebranded LCL under the Charles Taylor group banner to be Charles Taylor Insurance Services Isle of Man.

‘Some of you might be wondering who is Charles Taylor.

‘Charles Taylor has been around since 1885 so it has a long history and the organisation has about 1,000 people across the globe.

‘We have 50 offices, we are in 25 countries across Asia, Australia, Europe and the Americas.

‘We are also on the main exchange of the London Stock Exchange.’

‘

English is a second language to some 613 island school children.

A breakdown of the number of pupils with English as an additional language in each school was given by Education Minister Tim Crookall in a written reply to a House of Keys question from Peter Karran (Lib Van, Onchan).

Ballakermeen has the highest number at 139. Of the primary schools, St Mary’s has the largest number with 51.

Mr Karran had asked what resources each school devotes to helping such pupils.

But Mr Crookall replied that it was not possible to quantify this as there is a wide range of need, which changes frequently as pupils make progress and new pupils arrive.

Chris Mealin enjoyed a single-seater debut to remember at Brands Hatch last weekend with a class victory in only his third race in the Dunlop MSA Formula Ford Championship of Great Britain.

The 20-year-old racing driver from Braddan made steady progress throughout the two days at the wheel of his Falcon Motorsport EcoBoost Mygale.

He claimed second spot in the scholarship class for rookie drivers (seventh overall) in Saturday’s first race and then third in class in race two.

Mealin’s Falcon team-mate, Ricky Collard of Hampshire, was the scholarship class victor in each.

The latter man’s strong run came to grief in Sunday’s finale following a mid-race collision with a rival, handing the class lead to Mealin who more than rose to the challenge of keeping Meridian Racing’s leading pair behind him all the way to the flag.

‘I had to give it my all,’ said the Manxman. ‘The last five minutes of the race seemed to take forever and I just had to keep calm and carry on.

‘My tyres were just about gone and the car was sliding everywhere. I have to say huge thanks to all the guys at Falcon for a great job throughout the weekend.’

Mealin’s hat-trick of podium finishes gives him second place overall in the scholarship class points battle, one point behind Collard.

Chris Mealin will be back in action over the Easter weekend (April 19-20) at Donington Park in Derbyshire.

Chief Minister Allan Bell and Scotland’s First Minister Alex Salmond have stated this week’s restoration of flights between Ronaldsway and Glasgow is fantastic news for both countries.

Citywing is operating nine return flights a week between Ronaldsway and Glasgow, with 10,000 passengers expected to use the route in its first year.

The Chief Minister headed a Manx delegation comprising Infrastructure Minister Laurence Skelly MHK, senior government officers, members of the business community and media that flew on one of the restored link’s first flights on Tuesday morning.

On arrival the party were greeted by the First Minister who said: ‘I am really delighted today we have got this direct flight restored.

‘The Chief Minister and I decided last year we would definitely get it done. And something unusual has happened - a political promise has been redeemed.

‘It’s a symbol of the historical links between the two countries. It may only be a small plane, and not a Jumbo Jet, but it’s a direct flight that will grow from here.

‘This is going to save a lot of people a lot of time, from businesses, to tourists to families.’

The Chief Minister added: ‘The return of direct flights between the island and Scotland is fantastic news for both countries and an example of what can be achieved when we act in partnership with our neighbours.

‘Both governments, together with Citywing, have worked hard to make this happen.’

He concluded: ‘The air route between us was simply too important to lose and its restoration will stimulate tourism and business on both sides of the water.

‘It is particularly pleasing to see the new service in place ahead of the Commonwealth Games. I am sure many people will travel to Glasgow at the end of July to cheer on the Isle of Man team.’

After the euphoria of last week’s vital victory against Dukinfield, Ramsey have it all to do again, this time on the road at Port Sunlight.

Ramsey are still in the relegation mire and are a point adrift of Dukinfield, who have a home game against Vagabonds.

Vagas haven’t won for almost two months but they walloped Dukinfield 77-10 in the reverse fixture at Ballafletcher.

Ramsey know, however, that if Dukinfield secure a bonus-point win then they will be relegated regardless of the result at Port Sunlight.

The northerners beat Port Sunlight 12-5 at the Mooragh earlier this season and their away win at Wallasey shows they can knuckle down and pick up results.

But Sunlight are a tough side on their own turf and a big effort will be needed to secure the points.

The Merseysiders currently sit in a safe mid-table position but have lost six of their 12 home matches.

Ramsey will be looking to make as few changes as possible to last week’s squad.

Teenage full back Matty Clague is, however, unable to travel so there will be a vacancy in the number 15 jersey.

Despite that, they do welcome back try machine Ali Trace, while Kyle Kenyon is an injury concern after a clash of heads last week but is likely to play if available to travel.

Craig Long made a big impression off the bench against Dukinfield and if able to travel he is likely to command a start either in the back row or the centres.

This is a tough game but Ramsey know that with some good fortune and a big Vagas win at Dukinfield, they will be in a strong position going into the final round of games.

Saturday’s fixtures

South Lancs/Cheshire Division One

Douglas v Northwich @ Port-e-Chee ko 3pm

South Lancs/Cheshire Division Two

Port Sunlight v Ramsey @ Port Sunlight ko 2pm

Dukinfield v Vagabonds @ Dukinfield ko 3pm

Shimmin Wilson Manx Trophy

PDMS Southern Nomads v Vagabonds @ King William’s College ko 2.15pm

Shimmin Wilson Manx Bowl

Western Vikings v Emerging Nomads @ QEII High School ko 2.15pm

Ramsey B P-P Castletown

PwC Men’s Premier

Division

Celton Manx Castletown A go in search of their first points of the season when they meet LJ Skye Ramsey A at Castle Rushen on Saturday.

Dave Clark-Wilson’s Castletown side have struggled so far this season and will be determined to show improvement here.

The previous two games with the northerners have proved to be close affairs.

The visitors will be aiming to end their own three-match losing streak with victory here.

PwC Men’s Division One

LJ Skye Ramsey B will be hoping to end their season on a high by claiming victory over Vikings B.

Matt Greenbank’s Ramsey side have struggled so far this campaign with just a single victory over Harlequins.

They were narrowly defeated by Vikings in the plate competition earlier this season and will be looking to build on that performance here.

Opponents Vikings are on a four-match losing streak in the league fixtures and will be hoping to end that with victory this weekend.

PwC Men’s Division Two

Vikings Colts will be hoping to claim victory over IOMA Group Bacchas C as they look to regain the runners-up spot in the division.

Ian Duggua’s side have been victorious in their last two matches, however they will be wary of a Bacchas side who they lost to earlier in the season.

Bacchas will be looking to end a four-match losing streak with victory but will need to show improvement on recent weeks if they are to avoid another defeat.

PwC Women’s

Premier Division

A close game is in prospect when Paragon Valkyrs A meet IOMA Group Bacchas A in the lunchtime fixture at QEII on Saturday.

Leanne Miller’s Valkyrs side currently occupy the runner-up spot in the division but defeat here could see opponents Bacchas leapfrog them.

The previous fixtures have seen the sides claim one win each.

PwC Women’s Division One

LJ Skye Ramsey B will be aiming for victory over Celton Manx Castletown B when they meet in the lunchtime fixture at the Grammar School as they look to close the gap on league leaders Valkyrs B.

Gail Corrin’s Ramsey side have been in good form this season, having claimed victory in seven of their last eight fixtures, will feel confident of claiming victory.

Julie Kelly’s Castletown side are one of only two sides to defeat the northerners this season and will be keen to claim victory again.

PwC Mixed Under-16s

Celton Manx Castletown will be looking to secure the runners-up spot in the PwC Mixed Under-16s by claiming victory over HQ Harlequins at Castle Rushen on Saturday afternoon.

Jon Allen’s Castletown side claimed an impressive 7-3 victory over Harlequins in their last match and will be hoping for a repeat performance this time around.

Harlequins will be hoping for an improved performance from recent weeks which has seen them defeated in their previous three matches in a row.

Some £2,000 has to be added to the cost of repainting a bus because vehicles have to be shipped off-island.

Public transport bosses say a new £500,000 paintshop is needed at Banks Circus, Douglas, but they have been putting off the plans as long as possible.

Questions about the bus replacement programme were raised at last week’s House of Keys sitting. A total of £2,576,258 has been spent on new buses and vans in the current financial year, Chris Robertshaw told MHKs.

Supplementary information provided for the Minister revealed a £3,000 paint job that cannot be completed on the island becomes £5,000 including shipping costs – and this had to be balanced against a capital expenditure of over £500,000 on a new paintshop that would only have 50 per cent use.

Director of public transport Ian Longworth explained the existing paint shop at Banks Circus cannot be used for repaint spraying following a health and safety prosecution a decade ago.

He said funding had been earmarked in the Treasury’s ‘Pink Book’ two years ago but added: ‘We need a new legal body and paint shop but we have held off spending that money as long as possible as the fleet replacement programme has allowed us to. We have bought new buses with the cheapest paint scheme, but also long lasting.’

All buses now have to be repainted in the UK. The cost of repainting a silver Mercedes bus is around £5,000 including shipping while a red bus costs about £5,500.

Mr Longworth said the single-colour silver buses with their standard Mercedes finish provide significant savings as it is longer lasting and, importantly, pre-painted panels can be purchased.

Mercedes had also offered a bespoke red livery but this would have cost £2,500 extra.

Total savings with the silver buses are about £3,000 with one repaint or £3,500 if they need painting twice.

Mr Longworth said a new paintshop would also solve the problems of dealing with white lead and lead paint on trams and trains.

He added: ‘We only need to paint 10 buses in the next three years, then it is 12 to 15 a year. We paint six to eight railway vehicles a year. Hence, only 50 per cent of available time would be used, so we proposed a partnership with others.’

Today, FRIDAY

AINTREE - SECOND DAY OF THE GRAND NATIONAL MEETING: 2.0 Irish Cavalier 2.30 O’FAOLAINS BOY (NAP) 3.05 Boston Bob 3.40 DOUBLE ROSS (NB) 4.15 Capote 4.50 Caid Du Berlais 5.25 The Govaness

LEICESTER FLAT TIPS: 1.50 Great Expectations 2.20 Flyball 2.55 Intense Feeling 3.30 Wee Jean 4.05 Idder 4.40 Stereo Love 5.15 Sword Of The Lord

SEDGEFIELD SELECTIONS: 2.45 Generous Chief 3.20 Apache Blue 3.55 Wintered Well

WOLVERHAMPTON: 5.50 Very First Blade 6.25 Profile Star 7.0 Sir Frank Morgan 7.30 Mornin Mr Norris 8.0 Strong Man 9.0 Colour My World

Police have new powers to issue on the spot fines of £120 for minor road traffic offences from this week - in a move that is expected to save £100,000 a year.

Fixed penalty notices are aimed at reducing the number of low-level and high-volume driving offences dealt with by the courts.

They will not replace the old system of having all offences considered by the courts.

Instead, drivers will be offered the choice of either accepting a ticket, resulting in a fine and penalty points being imposed without the need to attend court, or receive a summons for a future court appearance.

Inspector Derek Flint said this would streamline the process and relieve pressure on officers. ‘The system is commonly used in other jurisdictions and has been for a long time now,’ he said.

The police approach to enforcement will not change – it will still be proportionate and action will only be taken when necessary.

It will still be down to police officers at the scene to decide whether to caution, issue a notice or prepare charges for court.

Drivers opting to accept a ticket will be asked to produce their documents at the police station and will be given 28 days to pay the fine.

Among the offences that now can be dealt with by the on-the-spot fines are failure to comply with direction of school crossing patrol, careless or inconsiderate driving or cycling, parking on offside of road during hours of darkness, failing to adjust the light of a vehicle to prevent oncoming motorists being dazzled, failure to give required certificate if vehicle found to be defective during a roadside test and exceeding speed limit where vehicle bears an L-plate or R-plate.

Fixed penalties first came into operation in August 2012 but in November last year Tynwald approved an order expanding the number of offences that can be dealt with this way. That order came into effect on April 1.

It is among a package of measures being introduced as part of the Criminal Justice Strategy and is expected to generate cost savings of £100,000 a year.

Home Affairs Minister Juan Watterson said it is intended the introduction of fixed penalty notices will free up court time to ensure more serious cases can be heard sooner. This will in turn help to reduce the impact on victims and witnesses, while improving efficiency.

He said: ‘This project has involved the co-operation of the Department of Home Affairs, Department of Infrastructure, General Registry and the Attorney General’s Chambers and is a great example of joined up government seeking to achieve better ways of working.’

In February last year, the then Infrastructure Minister David Cretney was initially forced to withdraw the Road Traffic Regulation order in Tynwald after some members voiced concern that, far from dealing only with minor offences, a number of infringements covered were actually very serious.

Zac Hall (Onchan) cited the example of furious driving, an offence which he pointed out actually pre-dates the internal combustion engine.

Leonard Singer (Ramsey) said that of the 30 offences originally listed 12 were in his view too serious to be dismissed as minor offences.

The court heard that constraints on police manpower made it impractical for many minor road traffic cases to proceed by way of summons to court and there was therefore a tendency to proceed by way of a caution when, strictly speaking, a prosecution was warranted.

Mr Cretney brought a revised order to the November Tynwald with 12 offences having been omitted, which were thought to be too serious to be dealt with by a fixed penalty notice.

SATURDAY

THE GRAND NATIONAL - 4.15 pm on Channel 4.

First: BURTON PORT (owned by island resident Trevor Hemmings, trained by Jonjo O’Neill, jockey Brian Harding)

Second: TEAFORTHREE (trainer Rebecca Curtis, jockey Nick Scholfield)

Third: BALTHAZER KING (trainer Philip Hobbs, jockey Richard Johnson )

Fourth: DOUBLE SEVEN (trainer M Brassil, jockey AP McCoy)

REST OF TOMORROW’S AINTREE CARD: 1.30 Lac Fontana 2.05 Hinterland 2.50 At Fishers Cross 3.25 Johns Spirit 5.10 Scots Gaelic 5.45 Ballybolley

Tickets are now on sale for two charity shows taking place in aid of local singer Katherine Crowe.

The first show takes place on Friday, April 11, at the Centenary Centre in Peel. The line up includes Nick Barlow and The Bad Noise, Christine Collister and Dark Heart.

The second show takes place in the Promenade Suite of the Villa Marina on April 19. This show will be headlined by hugely popular local Pink Floyd tribute band, Pigs On The Wing. Those more used to seeing them upstairs in the main Villa Marina auditorium will get to see a stripped down, more intimate show. Joining them in the line up are Nick Barlow and The Bad Noise, Your Gold Teeth and Dark Heart.

Tickets for the Pigs On The Wing show are priced at £12.50 and are available from the Villa Marina box office. Doors open at 7.30pm, with the first band taking to the stage at 8.30pm.

Tickets for the Peel Centenary Centre show are priced at £10 and can be bought from Shakti Mann in Ramsey, Peter Norris Music in Douglas, Thompson Travel in Port Erin and online at either www.centenarycentre.com or www.etickets.im/cc/

• The Drop makes its monthly appearance at Amber in Douglas on Saturday night. Still in its infancy, this club night comprises two rooms. In the main room you’ll find anything from Indie, Electro, Funk, Reggae, Ska and just about anything else you care to mention, whilst the second room caters for the Rock, Metal and Punk enthusiasts. With as diverse an array of styles being played, hopefully most tastes can be catered for! The doors are open from 9pm to 1am and the event is free entry.

Seven Year Black Hole appear at The Carnival Live Lounge in Douglas this Saturday. The band formed in 2011 and is made up of Dave Clarke on vocals, Ste May on guitar, Chris Corkish on bass and Matt Looker on drums. The band lists their influences from Mastodon to Mogwai, Bob Dylan to Bad Religion. Support on the night comes from local punks, Deady Long Legs. This event is also free entry.

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

Steve Leach brings the latest rumblings, murmuring, news and views on forthcoming events in and around the Manx music scene. Help support the scene by emailing leachsteve@hotmail.com

Ramsey’s heroics in the Paddy Power FA Cup at the weekend mean that no fewer than five of their players are included in the latest Isle of Man Newspapers’ Team of the Week.

The northerners produced a superb performance in the semi-finals of the cup competition to oust 30-time winners Peel 2-0 at Ballacloan on Saturday afternoon.

Keeping a clean sheet against a westerners attack featuring the in-form Daniel Hawke is no mean feat but that is exactly what Ramsey goalkeeper Kiril Velev did and he deservedly dons the Team of the Week gloves in the latest hypothetical XI.

Two of his northern team-mate are also selected in a four-man defence, namely Jamie Arniel and Robbie Collister.

The duo were at their best as they frustrated their opponents, keeping Lee Gale, Daniel Bell and the aforementioned Hawke quiet throughout the last-four tie.

Joining them in defence is St Mary’s Karl Clark and St George’s Johnny Myers, who went head-to-head in the other semi-final at the Bowl.

While he was on the wrong end of a 5-1 scoreline, Clark was the hosts’ best player on the day and made several impressive interventions, including one excellent goal-line clearance in the first half.

Myers was in typically dominant form for the Grand Slam-chasers and also rolled back the years to score a superb goal, venturing forward from centre-back before playing a one-two and slotting the ball underneath St Mary’s keeper Max Thomas.

Lining up in a three-man midfield is one of Myers’s Glencrutchery Road team-mates, Conor Doyle, as well as Ramsey’s Barry Gaffney and Peel playmaker Marc Kelly.

Having produced a man-of-the-man performance for the Isle of Man a week earlier, Doyle continued his good form with another fine showing for Geordies in their FA Cup win.

Another of the island’s star midfielders, Kelly also shone again for Peel despite the westerners slumping to that 2-0 defeat in the north and was perhaps unlucky to be on the losing side.

One of the star performers in that match at Ballacloan was Ramsey’s Gaffney who is also included in the latest TotW after the scheming midfielder was full of tireless running and was instrumental in his sideposing a potent threat on the counter-attack.

The three-pronged attack which leads the line in the latest Team of the Week features two Geordies players and one from Ramsey.

Calum Morrissey produced a man-of-the-match display for the Saints at the Bowl and netted with a second half header, while team-mate and strike partner Ciaran McNulty once again showed his class with a well-taken brace.

Alongside the St George’s duo is Liam Wheeler who climbed off the bench to make a telling contribution for Ramsey during their fine win against Peel.

Having only entered the action in the 70th minute, Wheeler latched onto a long ball by the aformentioned Collister in injury time, showed good skill to nutmeg an opponent before teeing up fellow sub Lewis Qualtrough to net the hosts’ second and seal their place in the final.

Team of the Week

Goalkeeper

Kiril Velev (Ramsey)

Defence

Karl Clark (St Mary’s)

Jamie Arniel (Ramsey)

Johnny Myers (St George’s)

Robbie Collister (Ramsey)

Midfield

Conor Doyle (St George’s)

Marc Kelly(Peel)

Barry Gaffney (Ramsey)

Attack

Calum Morrissey (St George’s)

Ciaran McNulty (St George’s)

Liam Wheeler (Ramsey)