Flats on Prince’s Street, Douglas, were evacuated after a pan left on a stove caught fire.
Firefighters from Green Watch were called out at just after 9am today (Thursday) following reports of an alarm operating.
Most residents had already been evacuated but two male occupants were still inside.
The pair were led to safety and given oxygen therapy until they were handed over to paramedics for treatment.
The Steam Packet’s new freight vessel has begun operations to Heysham while the Ben-my-Chree is in dry dock for planned maintenance.
MV Arrow, which has been secured on a long-term charter, will cover for the Ben for three weeks while she is overhauled and refurbished.
During this time the fast craft Manannan will be covering both Liverpool and Heysham passenger sailings.
MV Arrow will also boost the fleet during the TT fortnight and at other times of peak demand as well as being called into service if the Ben sustains damage or technical problems. It will provide freight services from June 19 to 21 while the Ben is being refitted with a repaired stabilising fin.
The Steam Packet secured the long-term charter of 7,606-tonne freighter from Seatruck in September last year. The agreement includes an option to purchase if necessary.
Packet chief executive Mark Woodward has confirmed the company will be looking to replace both the 16-year-old Ben and the Manannan as part of the renegotiation of the user agreement with the Manx government - preferably before the current agreement comes to an end.
The current user agreement expires in 2020 with an option to extend it to 2026.
Mr Woodward said it would take three years from design to delivery.
A man whose identity remains unknown was buried in Lonan churchyard following a short graveside service.
The body was dredged up by fishermen a mile and a half off the coast of Ramsey in April last year and a lifeboat was launched to assist in the recovery of the body.
Despite efforts by the police to identify him, his identity remains a mystery.
About 20 mourners responded to Methodist Minister DeeDee Haines’ invitation to attend the short graveside on Tuesday morning.
Reverend Haines said: ‘Even though we don’t know his name, we know he is a human being who lived in this world and was created in God’s image and was loved by God always.
‘We invited people to be there as we commend this man to God and return him to the dust of the Earth.
‘It matters when someone leaves this world because it matters that they were here.’
She was unsurprised that residents felt moved to attend the funeral.
‘We have got a sense of community and caring for neighbours so people came to honour this man,’ she said.
She described Lonan as a welcoming rest place, as tradition has it, it was where monks chose to live when they first came to the island.
Coroner’s officer Mark Moyer explained that officers contacted the UK Missing Persons Bureau and extracted DNA in an attempt to identify him.
And inquiries were made with police forces in the North West of England and Ireland.
Officers did not believe the man was from the island.
‘The coroner made an order for burial only, in case a DNA link can be made in the future and the family can be tracked,’ he said.
The family could then choose to have the body exhumed and moved to a family grave or for a cremation.
He described the situation as ‘quite uncommon’.
Thursday, May 1
• 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, May 2
• 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, May 3
• 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, May 4
• Perree Bane Manx folk dancing, Ballasalla village hall, 7pm.
Monday, May 5
• 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, May 6
• 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, May 7
• 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, May 1
• 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, May 2
• 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.
• 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, May 3
• Young Bowlers Club. Tuition and tips (open to ages 8 to 12), 11am-noon, Surestrike Bowling Alley, Ramsey. To book call 812444.
• 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.
Sunday, May 4
• 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, May 5
• 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, May 6
• 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, Ramsey, 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, May 7
• 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.
• 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.
Thursday, May 1
• Manx Retirement Association stretch and flex at the NSC, Douglas, 10am. Friday, Pilates at Jillian’s Gym Loch Promenade, Douglas at 10am. Tuesday, Northern coffee morning at St Paul’s Hall, Ramsey at 10.30am. Wednesday, Computer group at the Cat With No Tail, 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 Youth Club, 6pm-9pm and Wednesday Ramsey Youth Club, 6.30pm-9.30pm.
Friday, May 2
• Castletown and District Over 60s Club afternoon tea, 2pm, Civic Centre, Castletown.
Saturday, May 3
• Craft Club for under 11s at the House of Manannan, Peel.1pm-3pm, £2. Call 648090 or www.manxnationalheritage.im
Monday, May 5
• 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 (10 to 11 year olds) 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, May 6
• 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, May 7
• MS Society coffee morning, Harbour Lights, St Paul’s Square, Ramsey, 10.30am.
• 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, May 1
• Free Female Football Fitness Sessions, NSC sports hall, Douglas, 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, May 2
• 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, May 3
• 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, May 4
• Reikido, The Royal British Legion, Port Erin, 11am-12.30pm. Also Monday 8pm-9pm. Call Nick on 398955.
• Bowling club night, Port Erin Bowling Club, Breagle Glen, 4pm-6pm.
• Yoga and Nutrition, Karma Yoga Studio, Douglas. 6-7.30pm.
Monday, May 5
• 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, May 6
• 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, May 7
• 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.
• Satisfying Imperfections, Abi Bass at the Erin Arts Centre. Open Wednesday-Friday 10.30am-4.30pm. Free entry. Until Friday.
• Mannin Quilters exhibition at Ballabeg Chapel, 10am-4.30pm, £2. Friday-Monday. Also Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
• A New Exposure – an exhibition of photographs at Sayle Gallery, Douglas.
• Ode to Manx Maritime, John Halsall, Erin Arts Centre, Wednesday-Friday, 10.30am-4.30pm.
Thursday, May 1
• Not About Heroes , Gaiety Theatre. Tickets £16.50. Also Friday and Saturday.
Palace Cinema
• Noah (12A). Nightly at 7.30pm, Saturday, Sunday and Monday 2.30pm.
• Bad Neighbours (15). Nightly at 7.30pm.
• Transcendence (12A). Nightly at 7pm.
• Captain America 2D, (12). Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
Broadway Cinema
• The Amazing Spiderman 2 (12A) in 3D, tonight (Thursday) to Monday, 4.30pm and 7.30pm; Tuesday 7.30pm; Wednesday 2.30pm and 7.30pm; Thursday, 7.30pm. In 2D, Saturday to Monday, 1.30pm.
• Rio 2 (U), Saturday to Monday, 11.15am.
Wednesday, April 30
• Erin Arts Centre, Relative Values, 2.30pm.
Thursday, May 1
• Drop In for a bargain at Willaston Methodist Church from 10am-noon. Free refreshments available.
• Age Concern - free computer training sessions, Douglas iMuseum, Kingswood Grove, 10am–12.30pm.
• Isle of Man Farmers’ Market, at Tynwald Mills, St John’s, 11am-3pm.
• Manx Gaelic class with Cathy Clucas, Arbory Commissioners’ hall, 7.30pm. Call 838527.
• Raja Yoga Meditation (4 sessions: one a week), 7.30pm-9pm, Brahma Kumaris Centre, 20 Appledene Court, Woodlands View, Douglas, register online at www.brahmakumaris.org/uk/isleofman free with donations welcome.
• 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, May 2
• 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.
Saturday, May 3
• 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.
• Craft Fair, Royal British Legion, Port Erin, 10am-4pm. Call 321479.
• Car Boot Sale, Mill Road, Peel. (by Moore’s Kipper House) 10.30am-2.30pm. Cars £5, Vans £7. Admission Free. Proceeds to charities.
• Robert Owen House coffee morning, Ramsey Town hall, 10.30am-noon.
• Coffee morning in Ramsey Town hall at 10-30am in aid of Robert Owen House, admission £1.
• Colonialism, capital punishment and failing to amuse Queen Victoria: Manx capital punishment 1800-2000. A Centre for Manx Studies lecture with Prof Peter Edge, School of Law, Oxford Brookes University. Manx Museum Lecture Theatre, 11am-12pm. Entry free, no booking required. Call 695777 or email cms@liverpool.ac.uk
• Coffee and chat, St Mary’s on the Harbour, Castletown, 11am.
• Charity Bingo in aid of Manx Breast Cancer Support Group at Palace Bingo at 2pm. Buffet at 1pm, plus 10 games book bingo. Tickets £20.
• Milntown House Tours every Saturday and Wednesday at 2.30pm. Call 812321.
Sunday, May 4
• Car Boot Sale, Morton Hall, Castletown, 2pm. Call 673320 or 481532.
• The Young Magicians of Mann will stage their first full length magic show titled ‘IT’S MAGIC!’ at the Erin Arts Centre, Port Erin at 3pm.
• Castletown Metropolitan Silver Band rehearsals, Queen Street Mission hall, 7pm.
• Meditation and chat at Pure Inspiration, Ramsey, 7.15pm. Call Gary on 817735.
Monday, May 5
• 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.
• Coffee morning. Ramsey Town Hall, 10.30am. Admission £1. Cake and bottle stalls and a raffle. Proceeds in aid of Robert Owen House.
• Giant Car Boot and Antique Fair, at Onchan Park from 11am - 3pm, free admission. Stalls must be booked and paid for in advance by contacting suecook@jaiom.im or online www.jaiom.im/store
• Ballaugh Heritage Trust are opening their new community heritage centre in the Manx Northern Railway goods shed between 2pm and 6pm. Opening ceremony at 3.30pm, and a hog roast from around 4pm. Entry is free with a small charge for food. Further information call Sarah Christian on 898207 or sarahleechristian@gmail.com
• Michael School Car Boot Sale, noon-2.30pm. £6 per pitch. Call Tony Robinson 878246/431779.
• May Day Collectors Fair and Country Kitchen at Dalby, noon – 4.30pm.
• Afternoon Tea Dance, 2pm-4pm, Manx Legion Club, Douglas.
• Shorties, pirate adventure. Children’s soft play centre, Alexandra Road, Castletown, also Tuesday.
Tuesday, May 6
• 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, May 7
• 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.
• 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.
• Thinking Positively course (three sessions: one a week), 6.30-8pm, Brahma Kumaris Centre, 20 Appledene Court, Woodlands View, Douglas, register online at www.brahmakumaris.org/uk/isleofman free with donations welcome.
• 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, May 1
• Borderline at The Queen’s, Laxey.
• Tallis Consort. A mix of Renaissance and 20th/21st century a capella music, at St Mary’s Church, Ballaugh. 7.30pm.
• Dusty Plankton at The Courthouse, Douglas
• 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, May 2
• Shoh Slaynt folk/rock band at The Highwayman, Peel. 8.30pm.
• Ian Thompson at Jaks, Douglas.
• Brown Sugar at The Queen’s, 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.
• Little Miss Dynamite at The Commercial, Ramsey.
Saturday, May 3
• Ian Thompson at O’Donnell’s, Douglas.
• Dandy Smacks, at Jaks, Douglas.
• Brown Sugar at The Sidings, Castletown, from 9.30pm.
• Borderline at The Railway, Douglas
• Manx music session, The Whitehouse, Peel, 10pm.
• Karaoke with Dobbo at the Decks, Liverpool Arms, Baldrine.
• Karaoke at the Central Hotel, Ramsey.
• Little Miss Dynamite at The Mitre, Ramsey.
Sunday, May 4
• Brown Sugar at The Haven, Port Erin, 4.30pm-7pm. Jaks, Douglas from 10pm.
• Choral Evensong, St German’s Cathedral, Peel, 3.30pm.
• 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, May 5
• Tallis Consort. A mix of Renaissance and 20th/21st century a capella music, at St Mary’s of the Isle, Hill Street, Douglas, 7.30pm.
• Matt Cardle, Villa Marina, Douglas. Tickets £22.50
Tuesday, May 6
• 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, May 7
• Karaoke at The British, Douglas.
• Irish Music session at O’Donnell’s, Douglas, 8.30pm.
Some representatives of an African government have been in the island this week to learn how about the Manx approach to fisheries management and protection.
Victor Kargbo, head of Sierra Leone’s Joint Maritime Committee Management Team, and Hindolo Momoh, fisheries officer, have been visiting.
They have been working with staff from the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture.
The officers joined the crew of the fisheries protection vessel Enbarr, as well as tour fish processing factories, legislative buildings and DEFA headquarters.
The visit has been arranged by the International Development Committee of the Council of Ministers and is part of the development partnership between the Isle of Man and Sierra Leone.
According to a Manx government press release, the assistance provided by the Isle of Man is ‘dramatically improving’ the lives of thousands of people in the west African country by helping to combat the scourge of illegal fishing.
Phil Gawne MHK, chairman of the International Development Committee, said: ‘As an internationally responsible nation, the Isle of Man is committed to playing its part in addressing global issues such as food security. Our focus is on supporting capacity building programmes to help those in poverty become more self-sufficient and to improve their lives through trade rather than depend on foreign aid.’
Mr Gawne added: ‘This week’s delegation from Sierra Leone is a positive example of that approach. We are providing operationally relevant training that the officers can use to tackle the challenges they are facing at home.’
The visit has further strengthened links between the two countries.
The Isle of Man gave a fisheries protection vessel to the Sierra Leone Government in 2012 and has provided a satellite monitoring system for the local fishing fleet.
That assistance has contributed to an estimated 35 per cent increase in local landings, netting an additional $16 million in earnings for the country’s subsistence fishermen.
The Isle of Man is also working closely with the World Bank, which is supporting a multimillion pound fisheries management programme in Sierra Leone.
Victor Kargbo, head of Sierra Leone’s Joint Maritime Committee Management Team, said: ‘We are grateful for the continued support provided by the Isle of Man, which is making such a big difference to our communities. It has been beneficial for us to visit the Isle of Man and see first-hand how you manage your fisheries. We will use this experience to continue the good work that is currently taking place to improve the sustainability of our own fishing industry.’
More on this story in the Isle of Man Examiner on Tuesday.
Animal lover Roseleen Harrison leaves the Isle of Man this week to spend a month volunteering at a Thai elephant sanctuary.
Many of the Asian elephants at the Thailand Elephant Sanctuary, south of Bangkok, have previously been used as ‘begging’ elephants living in poor and unsafe conditions in cities or being exploited at elephant camps in tourist resorts.
Roseleen, of Port Erin, who featured on iomtoday last week calling for the introduction of an Animal Welfare Act, said: ‘I have a genuine love and compassion for animals, and have found elephants to be very emotional and family-orientated, much like humans.
‘I believe they should be protected and I will continue to do what I can to help.
‘The world’s wild animal population is dwindling and I feel I have a duty to help. Last year, the black African rhino was declared extinct and I don’t want to see any other species added to the list.’
Roseleen, volunteering through Globalteer, will work a six-day week alongside the professional keepers to enable the animals to live a life as close as possible to their wild relatives. Her jobs will include cleaning paddocks, bathing the elephants, collecting fruits, walking the elephants to the lake or into the forest to forage, and performing basic health checks.
‘I have been told to be prepared to work hard,’ she said.
She added: ‘I can’t wait to get there, I feel very lucky. It’s one thing to donate my money to worthy causes but it is a different matter and feeling to be there and to be hands on with the day-to-day running of the project.’
Angelena Boden tackles training issues
I am beginning to feel my age. Staring the scary 60 in the face.
It’s not that I’m afraid of a new round of redundancies or some fresh young things eyeing up my swivel chair or even the threat of early arthritis in my twitter thumb.
It’s more to do with feeling the need for a new sense of purpose.
Chatting with local business people in the 50 - 60 age group has brought up similar questions of “ Who am I?” and “What Now?”
The energy levels aren’t quite the same that’s for sure but there’s a lot of life in the old dogs (and lady dogs) yet.
The last thing any of us intend to do is put on our slippers and read the paper till lunchtime. Personally I prefer to be writing for it!
The big questions also apply to those facing redundancy and retirement. Some might look forward to it as a prisoner welcomes release day but for many it’s a frightening prospect.
Either way we want to feel useful, valued and to continue to use our skills and knowledge in some way.
According to Chris Ball, 68, chief executive of The Age and Employment Network: ‘If you become unemployed in your 50s, and if you remain unemployed for more than a year, you are more likely to die or start drawing your pension than get a job again’.
Now that IS scary.
An alternative is self employment. With the help of PRIME, set up in 1999 (Prince’s Initiative for Mature Enterprise), the over 50s can look at developing a business idea using their career and life experience.
Prince Charles is quoted as saying: ‘No one should be afraid of backing someone because of their age because at the end of the day, if it’s a good idea, it’s a good idea, whatever age you are.’
So what can you do if are feeling on the scrapheap?
Step One
Take time to reflect on your skills, achievements, interests and passions. Panicking won’t help make good decisions. Talk to others who feel the same.
Step Two
Assess your finances. How much leeway do you have before you need to earn money? How will you invest your redundancy payment? Look at other practical issues. Downsizing your home? Smaller car? Do you really need all these material trappings?
Step Three
Try out different activities. Volunteering is a good way to maintain a social life and ward off despondency. Maintain good health. Is it time to start a new course of study? Don’t commit too early.
Step Four
If mature entrepreneurship appeals, do your research into who might be able to help. Again it’s important to accept that there will be limitations but you can employ others. Technology and social media not your thing? There are plenty of freelancers out there looking to build a portfolio. Helping young people to start their careers is a satisfying way of feeling needed.
Step Five
We operate in a global marketplace. Is there some global cause you could become passionate about? You can offer training and mentoring on line via Skype without leaving the island. English language teachers now offer classes to overseas students via Webex conferencing. You can home work without the overheads. You just need a good idea, a laptop and the guts to go ahead.
Step Six
Believe in yourself. It’s a shock when you hit the buffers even if you’ve been in business for 30 years. You can’t ever imagine doing something different but when you find that new sense of purpose that gets you bouncing out of bed in at 5am then it’s magic. Consider a personal mentor or coach to get you through the initial period.
We all reach a life passage in our mid 50s which can be stormy to navigate. Career closure, empty nest, reduced energy levels but it doesn’t have to mean we don’t have years ahead of being able to use what we’ve learned to help others.
Think sense of purpose rather than job.
The Great Ramsey Bike Show will take place on Monday, May 5, at Mooragh Park.
Featuring vintage classic and modern bikes, everyone is welcome to bring their bike along. The show will take place from 11am to 4pm with prizes to be won.
For further information contact Geof Staples on 835067 or geofstaples@aol.com
The sponsored ‘Walk the Southern’ to raise funds for Robert Owen House has its 10th anniversary on Sunday, May 4, starting at 2.30pm from Castletown bypass.
Over the last decade, hundreds have taken this opportunity to stroll, walk or run the iconic five-mile Southern 100 Billown circuit.
A bed has been pushed round the course, some turn up in fancy dress, however it is completed, the purpose is to raise funds for the house in Broadgreen, which accommodates relatives or friends of those undergoing treatment at Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, and relies entirely on voluntary contributions. Since this event began £15,000 has been raised.
Registration in advance is required, to do this, email froh@manx.net or go to the Southern 100 office at 1pm on the day of the walk.
Under 14s must be accompanied by an adult; those 14 to 16 must have their parent or guardian’s written consent. For a sponsor form call 622314 or download it at www.robertowenhouse.org
Douglas and Sure-sponsored Vagabonds will slug it out in this year’s Manx Cup Final which gets underway at 2.30pm at Ballafletcher this Saturday.
As ever, games between these two are likely to be close, but this season Douglas will start as favourites given that they’re playing a division higher in the English league structure.
The two sides last met competitively in the 2012 Manx Cup Final which Douglas won by a point, but the various changes to both squads since then have favoured Douglas.
Additionally, the Port-e-Chee outfit have had league fixtures every Saturday since February 22 and, while Vagas will no doubt be well rested, Douglas may just have that match sharpness which can win games.
Douglas were clinical last week when they thrashed Ramsey 48-0 at Mooragh Park.
The Port-e-Chee pack has been their strong point all season and while that was the case last Saturday, it was the back line which did all the damage with Bryn Snellgrove and Liam King scoring six out of Douglas’ seven tries.
The wizardry of Snellgrove will be the foundation on which Douglas will build their game.
Vagas’ season has been less dynamic than Douglas. They started their league campaign well enough, winning their opening two games, but since then the results have been less consistent.
While they finished a solid enough seventh place, they were well short of the promotion places but well clear of relegation.
A Manx Cup win would probably just be the boost they need over the summer to start building towards next season’s campaign.
The key players for Vagabonds will undoubtedly be club captain Mark Howarth and, if selected, the evergreen Leigh Kennaugh.
Howarth’s grit and determination will inspire his fellow forwards and Kennaugh’s guile and experience will be looking to extinguish the Snellgrove spark.
Expect a compelling game as ever, but on current form, I suspect that the cup will remain at Port-e-Chee for another season.
Kick-off is at 2.30pm at Ballafletcher.
The Isle of Man could exploit its independence to become a research centre looking into the medical benefits of drugs like cannabis.
That is the belief of former UK government drugs adviser Professor David Nutt, who was speaking after a presentation given in the Manx Museum in Douglas earlier this week.
Professor Nutt said restrictive cannabis laws in the UK stifle research into developing medicines from the drug which could benefit a whole range of ailments, including chronic pain.
As a separate jurisdiction, the Isle of Man could take a different stance from the UK and relax its restrictions.
‘I am hoping to speak to the Isle of Man government about this being a rational place to do research and I hope to come back to the island regularly and see research blossom. This is a phenomenal opportunity for the island. A more relaxed approach could facilitate medical tourism for people with a variety of ailments.
‘Who knows perhaps the Isle of Man could even be the location of the first cannabis cafe in the British Isles.
‘On a more serious note, something which I will suggest to Ministers in the Isle of Man is that medicinal cannabis should be available. That would be an enormously humane gesture. Then when the world does not end, they can decide what to do next. The Dutch experience shows cafes can be operated safely.’
Professor Nutt said he had been approached after the talk by people who did use cannabis to alleviate medical conditions but were uncomfortable that it was breaking the law.
‘It has been available for centuries so what purpose does banning it achieve? In 2000 the House of Lords said it should be available in Britain but the Labour party thought it would not win votes. It’s the politicians who don’t want it, not the doctors,’ he said.
Roger Tomlinson of the Positive Action Group which. along with the Isle of Man Freethinkers had organised the talk, said the lecture theatre was packed with around 200 people for the talk which highlighted anomalies in drugs policy with alcohol, caffeine and nicotine all legal but cannabis banned.
Dozens of young cyclists from across the UK and the near Continent will converge on the Isle of Man this weekend for the Sleepwell Hotels-sponsored Youth Cycle Tour.
The three-day event caters for children from as young as five to 18, including a number of internationals.
This year sees a record number of entries for the event, which includes races in Douglas, the Peel/Switchback area, Ellerslie and Ramsey.
Organised by Isle of Man Cycling Association, the Tour is a major part of the British Cycling Junior Road and Youth Circuit Series. It is the only open road racing event of the British junior series, making it a unique and exciting prospect for many young local and British cyclists.
Past winners of the overall junior classification include Olympic gold medallist Peter Kennaugh.
A prologue time trial will take place on Douglas promenade on Friday evening from 5.45pm, followed by a junior road race round the Peel/Switchback course on Saturday morning from 9am, followed later in the day by the youth races on the tough Ellerslie course near Crosby from 2pm.
The final day of action will be based in the north of the island with a junior road race over the Tour of the North course in the morning and youth circuit races over the Mooragh Promenade/Grand Island course from 12.30pm.
Star locals in the junior category include in-form Leon Mazzone, Jamie Dudley, Nathan Draper and, hopefully, ODP rider Matty Bostock.
Those in with a good chance in the A class are Conor Davies, Matthew Draper and Owen Dudley.
More info is available at www.iomyouthtour.com