School holiday dates for TT 2015 are longer than usual.

Schools in the Isle of Man will be closed for half-term from Monday, June 1, to Friday, June 12, 2015.

This period includes both TT practice and race weeks.

However, examination boards will schedule GCSE and A Level exams for both practice and race weeks, when most UK schools are open.

As in the past, students who have exams in this period will be expected to attend them even though school is closed to other students. This will involve Year 10 students, as well as those in their final year of GCSEs and those studying for A Levels.

Parents and carers are urged to consider this if seeking to make the most of the longer than usual break by booking holidays.

The holidays the following year (2015-16) revert to the more typical pattern of schools being open to pupils for the Tuesday (May 31), Wednesday (June 1) and Thursday (June 2) of practice week, but then closing to pupils until after race week, returning on Monday, June 13.

Anyone wishing to check when schools are open and closed should visit www.gov.im and click on ‘school holidays’ or ring the Department of Education and Children on 685820.

The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture will consider changing its policy of ‘managed coastal retreat’ if a working group finds the benefits of erosion reduction works on the west coast outweighs the costs to society.

Aerial photographs will be taken by the Department of Infrastructure in July to assess the rate of erosion.

Environment Minister Phil Gawne told Tynwald: ‘If the group establishes that calculated benefits of sustainable coastal erosion reduction works outweigh the costs to society in loss of housing, farm land and infrastructure, then the department will consider changing its existing policy of managed coastal retreat.’

Government’s policy of ‘managed retreat’ has been in place since 2000, but the Minister said he was alarmed to hear Kirk Michael residents’ reports that seven metres of coastline was lost in the last year.

A working group was set up in January to review government policy, best practice in the UK and to explore whether a scheme could be put forward to reduce coastal erosion.

It viewed the erosion on May 9, which indicated there had ‘probably been a greater than average rate of erosion’ due to the significant storms last winter.

But Mr Gawne said it was unclear if an increased frequency of storm events was materially increasing the average rate of erosion.

An option being evaluated is the construction of 100,000 tonnes of rock armour along the base of the cliff between Glen Wyllin and Balleira, at an estimated cost of £6-8m. This would be ‘likely to accelerate coastal erosion both north and south of its construction’.

Softer options include an offshore reef to slow down erosion.

As an alternative, the group will look at the potential for introducing a compensation scheme or fund to ensure the safe clearance of any properties destroyed by coastal erosion.

The final build-up to the ICC Europe Division Two Championship has begun.

The Isle of Man joins five other nations to compete in next week’s tournament which starts on Monday in Essex.

Last week the Manx squad were presented with their blazers by former England manager Bob Bennett.

This was at a splendid reception which was attended by sponsors Martin Young and Ged Power from Isle of Man Golf Tours and Phil Taylor, proprietor of 14North.

Ex-Lancashire player Bennett made an impressive speech describing the importance of such awards and wishing everybody well for their games. IoM Cricket Association president Barry Smith gave an inspirational talk to the players on the honour of representing their country.

The Manx continue their final preparations today Friday, with two T20 matches against the annual visiting MCC party. These are at Tromode, starting at 11am and 3pm.

On Saturday the team fly to England and on Sunday play a warm-up fixture against Hadleigh and Thundersley, one of the leading sides in the Essex league.

The tournament starts the next day with the IoM’s opening game against Norway under floodlights at the Essex County Ground in Chelmsford. This will be a big test for the Manx who have not played before under lights.

On Tuesday morning the IoM go to Billericay to face Germany in the morning and Belgium during the afternoon. Wednesday is the official rest day, which will be used if bad weather prevents play on the opening days.

The final fixtures are on Thursday with the Manx having a 10am start against Austria at Southend. Then it is back to Billericay for a 3pm meeting with Gibraltar, who are now run by former island coach Gareth Dawson.

The side return on Friday.

Island squad: Phil Littlejohns (captain), Greg Hawke, Ollie Webster, Akkie Van Den Berg, Chris Hawke (Peel and St John’s); Wicus Wessels, Gareth Morris (Castletown); Sam Kebbell, Adam Killey, Max Stokoe, Alex Stokoe, Luke Lacey, Adam McAuley (Cronkbourne) and Danny Kniveton (Crosby). Tour manager Colin Jones. Coach Phil Unsworth.

Richard Gerrard will start as the clearest favourite to win the Parish Walk since Manx Telecom took over the sponsorship of the event in 2012.

Although fellow former winners Jock Waddington, Michael George, Vinny Lynch and Robbie Callister are all entered, Gerrard appears to be the walker with the best form and fitness.

Joint winner in 2012 with Lynch and runner-up last year to George, Gerrard is without doubt the odds-on favourite this time around.

Michael George suffered a knee injury when, of all things, jumping out of a boat on a family vacation to Australia last Christmas and has since undergone an operation. If he starts at all on Saturday, he is unlikely to go far.

Jock Waddington had intended to do a leisurely walk to Peel but last week admitted that his feet would need to improve a bit if he was to even do that after winning the 100-mile Dutch Open race in Rotterdam.

‘Alternatively, I can catch a lift and sip Pimms on the way, which sounds more appealing,’ he joked.

Vinny Lynch had planned to go to Peel with Waddington, but he was pulled out of the Dutch event by medics at half-distance after his feet became badly blistered in the intense heat.

Five-time winner Robbie Callister will be going for his 13th finish, but is fully aware that he does not have the speed in his legs to match the likes of Gerrard.

It’s the latter man’s race unless something goes badly wrong.

His main challenge could be split between last year’s surprise package David Mapp, who was fourth, and leading woman Janice Quirk who finished seven minutes behind him in fifth.

Both have the ability to go sub-16 hours, but they need to walk almost one minute a mile quicker to be on the pace of Gerrard’s 14hr 50min time of 12 months ago. A tall order indeed.

Others to watch out for will be Dave Walker, Brian Wade, Michael Bonney, Chris Cale and Dale Farquhar of the guys. Relative new name, Karen Chiarello, could get into the top-10, while other women likely to be in the mix include Sammy Bowden, Maureen Moffatt, Karen Lawrie and Janette Morgan.

As four-time winner Jock summed it up: ‘It hasn’t been so open in a long time for podium positions - but Alex Eaton will sew up the under-21 race to Peel easily.’

Look out for Special Olympian Zoe Lambie who could well pull off a win in the under-21 women’s race.

Those supporting friends and family in the Manx Telecom Parish Walk can follow their progress via the official timing website www.mt.im/parishwalk which will show the main leaderboard for the elite walkers and allow visitors to track the progress of up to 10 friends. In addition, it will show leaderboards for all of the team races. The site is also easily accessible on the main www.parishwalk.com website.

The 2014 race will be the 53rd Parish Walk in its current format.

Around 1,500 walkers will be setting off from the National Sports Centre track at 8am on Saturday.

The leaders are likely to arrive at Santon church around 9.45am, Rushen 11.05am, Peel 1.20pm, Ballaugh (half-way) 3pm, Bride 4.55pm, Maughold 7.25pm, Lonan 9.35pm and the finish (if on record pace) around 10.40pm.

Motorists are advised to look out for a number of road closures and one-way sections of the 85-mile route.

A full review of the 2014 Parish Walk will appear in next week’s special edition of the Manx Independent.

The Songs From The Sofa sessions organised by acoustic troubadour Chris Gray continue tomorrow (Saturday) night at Amber bar in Douglas.

This event, which is part four in the series and normally sees singer-songwriters taking to the stage, on this occasion sees a number of members from the island’s regular gigging bands strip down their songs and also throw in a few covers for good measure.

Saturday will see Jack Wolter and Brian Brough from Your Gold Teeth joined on the bill by rock boys Geoff Murphy and Scott Beecroft, formerly of Uber Room, line up under their new Dead Youth moniker. Chris Honour and Gary Smith of Peel-based Indie band, 3 Million and Dani Reader and Harry Harrison from acoustic, Reggae-tinged skankers Electric Railway also join the bill in what looks like on paper as being one of the best line-ups the Songs From The Sofa gigs has had so far.

Doors open at 8pm and the first performers should take to the stage start just before 9pm.

Talking of all things Amber related and a future date for your diary, I’ve been tipped off about a club night taking place at the bar on Friday, August 22, headed up by DJ Jacqui Carroll from RTE 2XM Radio in Dublin.

Jacqui’s Friday night show, Ready Steady GO!, is being taken out on the road and specialises in 60s pop, Beat, Soul, Mod and Ska.

I’ll pass on more news regarding this event as I have it.

For more information on Jacqui and her show, visit www.facebook.com/rtereadysteadygo

I’ve also received a copy of the ‘Live at Kennaa’ seven-track mini-album from Post War Stories.

I’ll be giving that a spin and writing a review for the column over the next few days.

If there are any bands out there wishing me to review their work, or if you have any gossip or news about the Manx music scene, drop me an email to leachsteve@hotmail.com

Until next week, thanks for reading.

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

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

Daryl Callister and Peter Glover will contest Saturday’s final two rounds of the Grant Thornton Isle of Man Close Amateur Golf Championship after they emerged triumphant in Thursday evening’s semi-finals.

2010 champion Callister finished 1up against top qualifier Tom Harris, while Glover beat teenager Robert Noon 2&1.

The first of tomorrow’s two final rounds on the Castletown Golf Links gets under way at 10am with the second following at 2pm.

Don’t miss Tuesday’s Examiner for a full report on all the weekend’s action.

The Chief Constable says that any more cuts to the police could endanger public safety.

Gary Roberts was speaking to reporters when he announced swingeing cuts to the force, including the closure of two police stations.

He said: ‘The Isle of Man is a very safe place and the changes I have announced have been designed to ensure that the constabulary’s shrinking budget does not threaten this.

‘I would, though, sound an important word of caution - it is my professional opinion that further reductions could not be absorbed without there being a real threat to public safety.’

And in barely disguised frustration at the politicians – who in Tynwald this week approved funding of £758,800 for new dining facilities at Queen Elizabeth II High School, £3.2m for an upgrade to the Noble’s IT system and £915,000 on the final phase of the food park in Peel – he said: ‘At the moment policing is not seen as a priority.’

Lord Street and Port Erin police stations are to close as part of the shake-up unveiled this week.

Policing of the south of the island will be carried out from Castletown, with proposals to move to a new base within the town’s civic centre.

The number of police officers will reduce from 236 (having previously been as high as 248) to around 210, levels last seen in the mid-1990s. In the short term it will fall further to as low as 198.

Mr Roberts said that in a week that has seen three officers assaulted while making arrests, needing hospital treatment, his bobbies would be entitled to ask how the force could guarantee their safety if they were fewer in number.

Neighbourhood policing will be preserved, but it will be in a changed format with the three teams outside Douglas being reduced in size. These teams will be under the command of a single Inspector. Slightly more officers will be deployed in Douglas.

The cuts, which come at a time when recorded crime is starting to rise after years at being at historically low levels, will see a reduction in the number of detectives, road policing officers and senior officers.

In other moves, there will be an overhaul of the Financial Crime Unit and, with the closure of Lord Street, policing of Douglas will be moved to the constabulary’s headquarters and custody facilities will be centralised on a new site next door.

A new approach to policing the island during night-time hours will be introduced.

Most of the changes will be brought in by the end of September.

The constabulary’s budget has been cut from a high of £15.8m five years ago to £12.5m by the beginning of 2015-16.

Police officers cannot be made redundant as they are Crown officers, so the reduction in numbers is being achieved by retirements or resignations. This has already largely been achieved as no recruitment has taken place since the autumn of 2012.

As things stand, the reduction in posts will be completed by mid-summer. No support staff are being made redundant.

Mr Roberts said Port Erin police station was the most expensive of the stations to run and he was not convinced the decision to build a new one in the village in 2001 had been the right one.

He said: ‘The closure of police stations is not something I am doing lightly. However, the two that are being closed were opened in a very different financial environment.’

Mr Roberts insisted ‘most people, most of the time’ will not notice any major differences to policing and there will still be an effective, visible presence in all the main towns including central Douglas and Port Erin.

Police will still turn out to every incident.

But the Chief Constable accepted there might be a slight reduction in response times.

He insisted the plans were ‘genuinely exciting’, as they will make the police ‘even more efficient and even more effective’.

The Chief Constable said: ‘I have had extensive dialogue with politicians over the last year or so. I am now in the position where I can pointlessly try to make a case for the police being special, or I can create a modern, streamlined police service that meets the needs of the people of the Isle of Man, using the financial situation as an opportunity to drive through change.

‘I have chosen to do the latter.’

He said he was pleased to have been able to maintain some form of neighbourhood policing, initially fearing that this would have to lost as a result of the budget cuts.

There will still be neighbourhood policing teams in Ramsey, Peel and the south but the number of constable posts will be reduced from an average of 13 to eight and there will be four sergeants outside Douglas instead of the current five.

‘Neighbourhood policing is still going to be at the heart of our activities,’ he insisted.

Mr Roberts accepted that the island might have to draft in officers from the UK, at a five-figure cost a week, if there was an exceptional period of violent crime.

Home Affairs Minister Juan Watterson MHK said: ‘The Department of Home Affairs has reached a critical point in balancing our competing priorities of protecting the vulnerable and balancing the budget.

‘Whilst we recognise this will mean a different level of service to the public, the Chief Constable has redesigned the constabulary into a sustainable model for the future, which will still have its roots in our communities and focus on the prevention and detection of crime, and looking after our most vulnerable.’

He added: ‘The department has been at the forefront of redesigning services and making savings, and we are now getting to the stage where that process is complete and represents an irreducible minimum number of people employed to meet our commitments to public safety.’

According to figures released by the police, the cost per head of population for the Manx force is £164.

That compares with £206 for Guernsey, £248 for Jersey, £223 for England and Wales and £181 for Scotland.

Art, design and media students from the Isle of Man College of Further and Higher Education will showcase their work at an annual exhibition that opens to the public today (Friday).

Eighty full-time and 81 part-time students will have work featured in the traditional end-of-year show, which is one of the highlights of the year at the College.

The event runs until July 1 is open from 10am to 8pm Monday to Thursday and 10am to 4pm on Fridays.

Helen Fox, programme manager for art, design and media, said visitors would see work by students ranging from GCSE to degree-level. Two and three-dimensional art, fashion, photography, sculpture, print-making, jewellery and video animation all feature.

Helen said: ‘Students have again produced some stunning work that is imaginative, thought-provoking and inventive.

‘Digital technology has become even more embedded into what we do. It’s vital students stay up to date with the skills needed to make contemporary work. The keyboard is as important as the pencil.’

The two-week event is part of the college’s participation in Island of Culture 2014.

‘Island of Culture 2014 has made us all think differently about where we live and how we live,’ said Helen.

‘The value of the arts in our lives is much more important than many people may realise. The real legacy will be in what happens next and how we continue to work together to develop arts in our island.’

Helen added that this year had been a busy and exciting time at the college, with the project to develop the Market Hall as an arts hub, in partnership with Douglas Council, and the development of new degree programmes at the same time as delivering courses.

She thanked Citywing, sponsor of the college’s ‘Artist on a Plane’ initiative to fly artists to the island to give public lectures and work with students.

The race is on for the first 20 teams willing to take on the challenge of Douglas Carnival’s Wheelie Bin drag race on Saturday, July 19.

It’s first come, first served to claim one of the 20 240-litre domestic wheelie bins provided by Douglas Council and headline the carnival cavalcade when takes place at 6.30pm and travels the full length of Douglas promenades.

Each team must comprise three people who are being asked to customise their race outfits and bins and transform them into what a council spokesperson said would be ‘Formula 1 fabulousness’.

Rules and regulations are available from the Douglas Carnival website, douglascarnival.im.

There’s also champagne for the winning team, either for spraying in true Formula 1 fashion or drinking.

A council spokesperson said: ‘The runners-up will receive a bottle of something with bubbles, could be cava, could be bath foam, depends on the discount.

‘And for third place? Well, it’ll be a bottle, but we can’t guarantee the contents won’t be more paint stripper than pinot.’

Entry forms can be downloaded from douglascarnival.im. Would-be participants will also have to supply a sketch of the design they’re planning for the bin to Douglas Development Partnership in Victoria Street, Douglas.

For more information call 696304 or email carnival@douglas.gov.im.

One of the island’s biggest annual music weekends is set to take place.

The Big Wheel Blues Festival returns to the Villa Marina tomorrow (Friday) to Sunday. There are ticketed concerts on the Friday and Saturday nights as well as two free stages of local musicians from 12.30pm to 5pm on Saturday and Sunday, with family entertainment courtesy of The Children’s Centre.

For the first time, there will also be a free afternoon stage at the Strand Centre, in Strand Street, Douglas, on Saturday to spread the music a little further.

The first island blues festival was held in 1999 and one has taken place every year since; previously held in Laxey, but for the past couple of years it has been held at the Villa.

Festival Friday night opens with duo Leonie Evans and Ben Sayers, a real treat for lovers of traditional acoustic blues. They are both stalwarts of the Bristol roots music scene, but who also travel all over Europe bringing their style of early acoustic blues to an ever increasing fan base.

In complete contrast, second up is Jo Harman and Company, a five-piece electric outfit and finishing the night is blues rock band King King, led by front man Alan Nimmo, who was described in Classic Rock as having a voice that’s part Otis Redding and part Paul Rodgers.

King King’s album Standing In The Shadows was selected as one of Paul Jones’ albums of 2013 for his Radio 2 show, the only British act to be chosen. Not only that, but for the second year running King King won the Best Band award at the British Blues Awards 2013.

Opening Saturday night is duo The Red Wine Serenaders from Italy, winners of the European Blues Challenge 2013, who play country blues and ragtime, hokum, jug band and rural music from the 20s and 30s.

Second on the bill for Saturday night is Rob Heron and the Tea Pad Orchestra, a six-piece acoustic band featuring guitar, mandolin, accordion, double bass and drums. They play their own brand of Western Swing, Blues, Gypsy Jazz and Country, or ‘North Eastern Swing’ as they’ve coined it.

The festival night will be brought to a climax with a big band sound from Steve Roux and the Brass Knuckle Blues Band, a six-piece with horn section, delivering what has been described as the big city sound of Albert King and Albert Collins, reminiscent of the great Stax recordings.

‘We think we’ve come up with yet another wonderful and varied roster, hopefully with something to please most people, and are looking forward to a superb weekend of blues,’ said The Big Wheel Blues Festival’s Pete Christian. ‘Of course, we couldn’t do it without the backing of sponsors and supporters, so huge thanks to Domicilium, Peter Norris Music, and the Isle of Man Arts Council.’

Tickets cost £22.50 per night. To book call 600555 or online at www.villagaiety.com

• The Big Wheel Blues Festival, in association with the Island of Culture 2014, will provide a free afternoon of music outside the Strand Centre on Saturday (or inside if wet). Thanks went to centre manager John Shakespeare for accommodating the event.

Artists from the island will be joined by Rob Heron and the Tea Pad Orchestra and Good Biscuits (Good Biscuits are Leonie Evans and Ben Sayer), which are both bands from the UK, who are to perform on the main stage for the festival, but have agreed to do an extra performance for shoppers.

Thursday, June 19

• 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. 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 Isle of Man 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

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

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

Friday, June 20

• Baby and Toddler Group, 9.30am-11.30am at Glen Maye Community Centre. Free but donations welcome. Call 845681.

• 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; 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, June 21

• 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. 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, June 22

• 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, June 23

• 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 pre-schoolers, 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, June 24

• 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, June 25

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

• 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.

Thursday, June 19

• 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.

• 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, June 20

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

• The Manx Aviation and Military Museum, Ronaldsway, 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.

Saturday, June 21

• Car boot sale, Mill Road, Peel (by Moore’s Kipper House), 10.30am to 2.30pm. Cars £5, vans £7. Admission Free. Proceeds to charities, call 801200.

• 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.

• IoM Torch Fellowship Group (meeting for the visually impaired). Call 622830 for venue details.

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

• Milntown House Tours every Saturday and Wednesday at 2.30pm. Call 812321.

Sunday, June 22

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

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

• Mariners’ Service, Sandygate Chapel, 6.30pm. Preacher Andrew Emison

Sunday, June 22

• Car boot sale at Onchan Community Centre, from noon. Admission 50p for adults, children free. In aid of the Pisces Swimming Club for the Disabled.

• Family fun day and car boot sale at Colby Football Club, 2pm-4pm, organised by Inner Wheel Club of Rushen. Proceeds to Rebecca House.

• Ballacottier School summer fair, noon to 3pm.

• Indoor car boot sale at Morton Hall, Castletown, 2pm.

Monday, June 23

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

• Afternoon tea dance, 2pm-4pm, Manx Legion Club, Douglas.

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

Tuesday, June 24

• 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.

Wednesday, June 25

• 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, Scholl Centre, Hospice Isle of Man, 5pm-7pm. Call 647443.

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

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

• Bingo Quiz, Archibald Knox Onchan.

Thursday, June 19

• Port Erin WI, Port Erin Methodist Church hall, 9.30am. Call 818194.

• 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.

• Ramsey WI, St Paul’s Church lounge, Market Place, Ramsey, 7.30pm.

Monday, June 23

• 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.

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

Tuesday, June 24

• 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.

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

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

Wednesday, June 26

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

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

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

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

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

Thursday, June 19

• Free female football fitness sessions, NSC sports hall, Douglas, 7am-8am, also noon-1pm. Michael.baker@isleofmanfa.com

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

• 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, Douglas, 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.

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

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

• Iyengar inspired yoga classes, Children’s Yoga, 3.45pm-4.45pm. Monday, hatha yoga, 9.15am-10.45am mixed ability for over 60s; 11am-12.30pm, hatha yoga. Wednesday, mixed ability, 7pm-8.30pm. All at Laxey Football Club. Call Jane on 863130 or janepycroft@manx.net

• 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.

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

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

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

• 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, June 20

• Pilates at The Pilates Studio, Viking Longhouse, Middle Wharf, Peel, at 9.30am and The Studio, Falcon Road, Douglas, at 1pm; Saturday, 10am; 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 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, Douglas, 7.30pm. Call 612305.

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

Saturday, June 21

• 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 Mondays and Wednesdays, 8-13yrs at 6pm, all ages at 7.15pm. Text 432152.

Sunday, June 22

• 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.

Monday, June 24

• 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.

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

Tuesday, June 25

• 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; 6.15pm Trinity Church, Ramsey; 1.30pm balance and Pilates, Cooyrt Balleigh, Ramsey. No floor exercise. Call 491449.

• 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.

Thursday, June 19

• 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 at Onchan Community hall, 7.30pm. Booking is required via Facebook or text or call 456056.

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

Friday, June 20

• 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, June 21

• 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, June 22

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

Monday, June 23

• 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, June 24

• 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, June 25

• 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, 7.30pm. Call 623414.

Thursday, June 19

• 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, June 20

• 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.

• Ian Thompson, Sam Webbs, Douglas.

Saturday, June 21

• Ian Thompson, O’Donnell’s, Douglas.

• Borderline at The Big Wheel Blues Festival at the Villa Marina, Douglas, 3.30pm. At Bar Logo, Ramsey, 9pm.

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

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

• Karaoke at the Central Hotel, Ramsey.

Sunday, June 22

• 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.

Tuesday, June 24

• 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, June 25

• Karaoke at the British, Douglas.

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

The Council of Ministers today published a summary report on the 34 responses to the recent extended consultation on the draft Freedom of Information Bill.

The report provides a summary of the main themes which emerged from the consultation, together with an overview of the areas of the draft Bill which will now be subject to further review.

It can be found {http://www.gov.im/media/1210287/foi_bill_-_summary_of_consultation_responses.pdf|here}.

Chris Britton, of Bristol, and Lucas Meagor, of Kingston-upon-Hull, are pictured in Onchan on Saturday night visiting the village’s gold post box.

The pair are on a man-powered 27-day mission to cycle 3,000 miles to all the 111 post boxes painted gold in the home towns of Great Britain’s gold-medal winning athletes at London 2012, as well more than 25 venues used during the event.

The Isle of Man was included as Manx cyclist Peter Kennaugh was part of the record-breaking four-man pursuit team, and the visit was supported by the Steam Packet.

The pair’s trek is scheduled to finish at on Thursday (June 26) at the post box on Hessle Road in Kingston-upon-Hull, commemorating boxer Luke Campbell’s success in the bantam weight, and is raising money for three charities: ParalympicsGB, Tree of Hope and Sport Relief.

Stay up to date with their progress at www.lucaskeepsrunning.co.uk

Vikings will be gathering in St John’s over Tynwald Day weekend and setting up camp in Cooil y Ree.

The encampment, one of the highlights of the attractions on offer as the island celebrates its national day on July 7, will provide visitors with an opportunity to learn about the Vikings’ way of life – from the weapons they used to the clothes they wore and the food they ate – hear accounts of Viking sagas and, on Tynwald Hill on Tynwald Day from 10am to 10.30pm, witness a son et lumière re-enactment titled ‘The Thing (assembly) 979AD’, an interpretation of what the first Tynwald might have looked like.

Organiser John Shakespeare said: ‘Local and visiting Vikings are taking part in the celebrations. Our Viking encampment is free to enter and will be open on Sunday, July 6, from 1 to 7pm and on Monday, July 7, from 10am to 5pm. Throughout the two days there will be combat and living history displays, storytelling and fun and games for all the family then, for the Thing performance, visitors can expect a memorable experience complete with music and flaming torches.’

As Island of Culture 2014 celebrations continue, Manx music and culture will take centre stage with local and visiting musicians from Germany and Menorca performing throughout the day, while the free-to-enter Manx Tent will showcase many fascinating aspects of the island’s rich cultural heritage and play host to organisations including the World Manx Association and Yn Chruinnaght.

Creative workshops have long been a feature of Tynwald Day attractions and in honour of the 150th anniversary of the birth of Archibald Knox, one of the most influential figures in the art nouveau movement in the British Isles, the Bunscoill’s ‘Take Part in Art’ programme will include an opportunity for children to produce a mosaic inspired by his work.

Central to celebrating the Isle of Man’s unique parliamentary system will be the formal open-air proceedings of Tynwald Court on Tynwald Hill while this year’s President’s Tynwald Day quiz will challenge people’s powers of observation and knowledge of Viking runes.

The day’s proceedings will draw to a close with the Ellan Vannin Pipes and Drums playing on Tynwald Hill at 10.30pm.

President of Tynwald Clare Christian, said: ‘The landscaping of Cooil y Ree symbolises aspects of the island’s Celtic and Viking past, making the park a fitting setting for welcoming a gathering of present-day “Vikings” to share in our national day celebrations and offer an insight into a people whose influence endures to this day.

‘Additionally, in this year when the island is showcasing the arts in all their diversity, the programme of entertainment features a heightened emphasis on music, dance and creativity - traditional and contemporary - that will vividly reflect Island of Culture’s “Be Inspired. Get Involved” call to action.’

Grandstand seat tickets, priced £4 to include a programme, can be purchased by contacting the Tynwald Library, telephone 685520.

A delegation of eight MHKs – a third of the whole House of Keys - has returned from a study visit to the Oireachtas, the national parliament of Ireland.

Former minister David Anderson MHK (Glenfaba) led the delegation to Leinster House, Dublin, of Kate Beecroft (Douglas South), Alfred Cannan (Michael), Zac Hall (Onchan), Howard Quayle (Middle), Richard Ronan (Castletown), Laurence Skelly (Rushen) and Chris Thomas (Douglas West).

Clerk to the delegation was deputy clerk of Tynwald Jonathan King.

The two-day programme provided discussion opportunities on a broad range of topics including parliamentary practice and procedure, taxation, public service pay and pensions, banking, health service management and local government reform.

Members were also able to observe parliamentary proceedings in the two Houses of the Oireachtas, Dáil Éireann and Seanad Éireann, and of the public accounts committee.

In the Seanad the delegation was welcomed by Cathaoirleach (Speaker of the Senate) Senator Paddy Burke who extended to the Tynwald delegation ‘good wishes for a very successful visit to Dublin and the Irish countryside’

Reception in the Dáil was equally warm with Ceann Comhairle (Speaker of the Dáil) Seán Barrett TD welcoming Members, who were seated in the Distinguished Visitors’ Gallery, by saying he hoped their visit would be ‘helpful in their consideration of procedures.’

On the delegation’s return from Dublin Mr Anderson said: ‘The study visit was very successful and extremely productive. We were most grateful to our Irish counterparts for arranging such a full and varied timetable of meetings.

‘The sessions were, without exception, most stimulating and we left every meeting thinking we could have continued the discussion for a lot longer.

‘It was also interesting to observe parliamentary proceedings in the Oireachtas and to compare those to our own.

‘Above all what distinguished our visit was the overwhelming Irish hospitality and warmth of friendship extended to us.

‘Our time in Dublin has not only served as a valuable opportunity for parliamentarians on both sides to learn from one another but also to strengthen the already close relationship between the Manx and Irish parliaments.’