Comeback rider Amelia Sharpe has been named as Team RL360’s rider of the month for May.

The Onchan youngster returned to cycling last year and since then has made great strides in the sport.

Competing in her first year in the under-14 girls category, Amelia really came to the fore in the opening rounds of British Cycling’s prestigious youth series.

In the Isle of Man Youth Tour she started the final stage in Ramsey well placed to fight for a top-three finish overall. Unfortunately, she lost time in a crash, but recovered well to salvage a very good eighth on general classification.

Three weeks later she produced one of the best Manx performances in the North West Youth Tour, scoring a brace of excellent fifth places on the final two stages for a fine seventh in the final overall standings.

A brilliant performance considering that she was competing against the top category B girls in Britain, some of whom were two years older than her.

At home Amelia, who is still only 12, has already broken the magic 30-minute mark in the Conister Trust 10-mile Time Trial League and is currently leading her class in the RL360 Tuesday night youth circuit race series.

She has also qualified for the national final of the British GHS juvenile 10-mile time trial championship.

In recognition of her achievements Amelia receives a commemorative trophy and £50 in cash.

Paul Weller produced a storming show at the Villa Marina last night (Monday).

The former Jam and Style Council frontman and hugely successful solo artist performed songs from throughout his 40 year career, bringing the house down with a second-encore finale of A Town Called Malice.

The packed Douglas venue was treated to a two-hour set, which kicked-off with mid-90s hit Sunflower and took in tracks from his earliest post-punk releases to those on his most recent albums which feature on this year’s More Modern Classics package.

The Modfather and his five-piece band return for a second show at the Villa this evening - and there are some tickets still available. Call the box office on 600555 to find out more.

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A full review will appear in this week’s Manx Independent.

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Were you at the gig? Comment below to give us your review.

Manx Gas is looking to ‘invest in the youth of the island’ by offering up to three apprenticeships to candidates who can demonstrate their desire to work in an engineering based environment.

Robert Gardner, customer and network services director for International Energy Group (IEG) said: ‘After a difficult few years and a major restructure of the business we are now able to provide these opportunities.’

He added: ‘It is three years since the last apprentice joined so with youth unemployment so high we feel we are supporting local employment.’

He said the same opportunities are being made available in the Channel Islands as part of the group’s overall business investment in young people with a determined work ethic.

‘So far, there have been 19 candidates as a result of advertisements in local colleges, schools, job centres and on our website but we can accept further applications up to Friday.

‘Ideally, we are looking for one of the apprentices to already have some form of electric/electronics certificate.

‘We are holding an assessment day on Wednesday, July 9. The successful apprentices, who will study at a college in the UK and at their local college, will be fully funded by Manx Gas. We will dedicate a technical training officer to support them through a demanding apprenticeship which will provide excellent opportunities in the future.’

Applicants should email their CV and a covering letter to Ceri Maltwood at Ceri@hrnow.je

IEG has Manx Gas and the gas operations for the Channel Islands under its corporate umbrella.

The contribution paid by the Armed Forces was recognised on Sunday.

Residents lined Douglas seafront to show their respect as the Armed Forces Day parade took place.

It saw 150 veterans and 40 serving personnel – including seven Marines and eight members from submarine HMS Vigilant – march along the seafront led by bands and joined by primary and secondary school students.

Lieutenant Governor Adam Wood took the salute, accompanied by Douglas Mayor Stan Cain and Second World War veteran and Manxman Major-General Sir Peter Downward.

By his retirement from the active list in 1979, he had been awarded both the Distinguished Service Order and Distinguished Flying Cross.

The event had greater significance this year as the island marks the centenary of the outbreak of World War One and the 70th anniversary of D-Day.

The church service inside the Villa Marina was led by Archdeacon of Man Andrew Brown. It stopped several times for those attending to remember those in the First World War.

Brigadier Norman Butler, chairman of the Armed Forces Day committee, described the event as a ‘great success’.

The Manx Utilities Authority’s new plan (14/00578/B) for a sludge treatment plant at Meary Veg, Santon, was approved by planners.

It comprises amendments to a plan approved in October, including a reduction in the building’s height, length and width.

The then Water and Sewerage Authority had hoped work would start in April.

Part of the Regional Sewage Treatment Strategy, the plant is aimed at making the Meary Veg sludge treatment facility available to treat sludge from regional sewage plants. The drier is being replaced because it does not have capacity post 2016 to treat sludge generated island-wide.

Advances in technology mean it will use less energy, require less manpower and have capacity to treat all island sludge until at least 2033. The facility will comprise a sludge treatment building, odour control plant, sludge cake storage silo, and final product silo.

In the bid it states since October the scheme has gone through the detailed design phase, resulting in ‘optimisation of the layout and operational philosophy’. A thermal dryer is part of the plan, and a boiler room has been added.

Has the sunshine made you happy?

Staff at the Tynwald Mills shopping complex in St John’s are so full of the joys of summer that they’ve made a video.

It is inspired by a Pharrell Williams’ Happy video, which has started a copying craze around the world.

Matthew McSevney, departmental manager at the Mill Shop, said: ‘Tynwald Mills have put down the challenge for others in the Isle of Man to see who is happiest, especially as the sun is out.’

To see the video, click {http://youtu.be/UE0RzxsDBNg|here.}

Tynwald will be asked to spend £1.36million on the next phase of the redevelopment of Douglas Promenade in this month’s Tynwald.

Members were today given a preview of the plan, which includes moving the horse tram tracks.

The area affected will be Loch Promenade from the Bottleneck car park to Regent Street.

The scheme is designed to build on the initial phase of work, from Peveril Square and the Victoria Street/promenade junction, which was undertaken at the beginning of the year and included moving the Jubilee Clock at the bottom of Victoria Street.

Those changes, completed ahead of this year’s TT Festival, feature natural stone paving, new street furniture and the introduction of trees.

Subject to approval being granted at the July sitting of Tynwald, Phase 2 will involve the reconstruction of the highway and footways, and improvements to highway drainage.

The horse tram tracks will be removed from the centre of the road from Peveril Square to Regent Street.

A dedicated corridor will be set aside on the seaward side of the carriageway in readiness for the construction of the new horse tram tracks. An area will also be allocated on the footway adjacent to the Bottleneck car park for the provision of a tram terminus and shelter.

If Tynwald Members give Phase 2 the go-ahead, it is intended that work will start in September, with a scheduled completion date in March 2015.

A traffic management plan has been produced and the aim is to keep traffic flowing without the need for traffic signals or road closures – except for a limited period.

Parking will be permitted on the walkway next to the Marine Gardens to compensate for the loss of on-street parking on the promenade during the construction period. This will operate on a similar basis to the Christmas parking, but will be subject to weather conditions.

Infrastructure Minister Laurence Skelly MHK said: ‘The department is committed to delivering a high quality infrastructure that allows the Isle of Man to attract new investment and secure future economic growth. The promenade in Douglas is the gateway to the island and provides a first impression for visitors arriving at the Sea Terminal.’

He added: ‘As well as improving the visual appeal of the area, the scheme will enhance the ride quality of the road, improve drainage and set in motion plans to relocate the horse tram tracks to a safer location on the seaward side of the promenade. We hope this work will breathe new life into the area, support existing businesses and encourage more private sector investment.’

The total capital cost for Phase 2 is £1,362,000.

The Department of Infrastructure’s highway services division will retain responsibility for the production and laying of asphalt concrete, lining works and the supply of natural stone paving materials and kerbs. About half of the labour and plant element of the work will be sub-contracted to the private sector.

If Phase 2 is approved, plans will be progressed for Phase 3, which will focus on the refurbishment of the remainder of Douglas promenade from Regent Street to Strathallan.

More on this story in Thursday’s Manx Independent.

One of our reporters will be asking those in charge how we can afford such a scheme at a time when many services are being cut.

Owners of stray dogs may be charged by the government for their animals’ return under plans to recoup some of the cost of retrieving them.

In the last financial year, more than 300 stray dogs were retrieved and returned to their owners.

It costs taxpayers between £100 and £140 for a dog to be picked up and returned but owners are currently only charged a minimal fee when their animal needs overnight kennelling.

In order to recoup some of the cost of taking them off the streets, the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture expects to consult soon on plans to also charge owners for the collection and return of their animals when overnight kennelling has not been necessary.

Until recently, DEFA employed a private warden to retrieve strays. From today (July 1), the department’s own staff will carry out this duty during normal working hours.

Out of hours the service will be operated by the ManxSPCA which successfully tendered for the contract. The ManxSPCA’s trained staff will assume the duty of Dog Warden from 5pm until 8pm on weekdays and 9am until 12 noon on Saturdays.

The police will respond to reports of dangerous dogs outside of these hours.

From today, the public should ring 686688 night or day to report stray dogs.

All stray dogs will, from today, be kennelled at Ard Jerkyll.

The ManxSPCA previously had an arrangement with the dog warden to deal with animals not claimed after the statutory seven-day period, by which the animal would be taken to Ard Jerkyll and gifted to the society for rehoming.

-The proposed collection and return charges mentioned above – plus the introduction of compulsory micro-chipping of dogs, (in line with other areas of the British Isles) with the resultant phasing out of licences – will be contained in law changes the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA) plans to progress in the next parliamentary session.

‘The charity and DEFA share many animal welfare objectives, including the introduction of micro-chipping,’ said Phil Gawne MHK, Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture.

‘We will continue to work together with DEFA to improve animal welfare and look forward to a long and mutually rewarding relationship,’ said Lyn Renshaw, sanctuary manager at Ard Jerkyll.

Ronaldsway Football Club is holding an extraordinary general meeting tomorrow evening (Wednesday).

The EGM will take place at The Cat With No Tail from 6.30pm to discuss the future of the club.

All members are requested to attend.

The Isle of Man FA’s final group opponents for September’s intermediate stages of the Uefa Regions Cup has been decided.

Steve Burns’s Manx, whose FA Inter-League Cup triumph in May won them the right to represent England at the pan-European amateur competition, already knew they would be facing opponents from hosts Slovakia and Germany.

The trio will be joined by a combined East, West and Central Scotland side after the Scots triumphed in the competition’s prelim stages in Slovenia, edging past San Marino, a team from Greece’s Evia region and hosts MNZ Murska Sobota at the ŠRV Bakovci Stadium last month.

A travelling party of 18 players, four coaches and two officials will head to central Europe at the end of September. The Isle of Man contingent will be supplemented by several support staff and coaches from the English FA.

Prior to the trip to Slovakia the Manx will play two friendlies in Ireland over the weekend of September 13 as preparation for their second Uefa Regions campaign.

The Manx represented England at the 2007 tournament, falling at the intermediate stage.

The road between Ballig Bridge in St John’s and Douglas Road corner in Kirk Michael will be closed tomorrow (Wednesday).

It is to allow the centre lines to be reinstated following surface dressing which took place recently.

The closure will be in place from 9.30am to 4.30pm.

The Department of Infrastructure released the information this afternoon.

Fashion entrepreneur Laura Faragher, 23 is celebrating her first year in business.

Laura launched her online dress shop last year with the aim of helping women shop by their body shape.

Her ‘innovative’ shop tells women what their body shape is and then shows them a range of dresses to suit their figure.

To add to the celebrations Laura was married in April to John Faragher.

Business News caught up with Laura, who was previously known as Laura Faulds, to ask her how she has found her first year of business and what her plans are for the next few years.

As first revealed in Business News a year ago her buisiness is called Love My Figure, Love My Fashion (LMF LMF).

She said: ‘This first year has been a tremendous experience.

‘We’ve helped women all over the world shop by their body shape and in just 12 months we have shipped dresses to 23 different countries – all from the Isle of Man!

‘The number of brands we stock on the website has more than doubled, reflecting the quick growth of the business and we’ve recently introduced shape wear, jewellery and makeup to the website too.

‘This complements our dresses so that customers can create entire outfits to flatter their figures.

The most memorable part of this first year has been the overwhelming response from our customers and fans.

‘I’m always receiving emails and messages from women saying how much of an inspiration they find the website and our ethos – to appreciate the fact that every women is different and every shape is beautiful.

‘Our customers also send in photographs of themselves wearing our dresses, saying how amazing they felt wearing it and how much more confident they feel now that they know their body shape and how to dress it.

‘It’s very touching and exactly the reason I launched this business.

‘We campaign for women to really learn to love their figures and feel confident in the clothes that they wear.’

To celebrate their first year in business, LMF LMF will soon be unveiling a new website, demonstrating their investment in technology and the continued expansion of the business. Laura added: ‘The new website will help us continue to expand into the global fashion market - we’re always learning about new technologies and speaking to our customers about ways we can improve their customer experience.

‘The next few years promises to be very exciting as we continue to build our online brand. We’ve done a lot of collaborations with global fashion bloggers over the past 12 months and we’ve seen a huge interest in the way we help women shop.

To find out your body shape, go to Love My Figure, Love My Fashion’s website www.lmflmf.co.uk or get in touch with Laura on her Facebook page.

The new Heritage Homes development at Ballakilley is in Port Erin and Rushen parish, meaning some residents will pay substantially higher rates than others depending on which authority their house is in.

The two authorities met recently to discuss management of the estate, which is under construction.

Port Erin commissioner Phil Crellin said that the meeting was ‘very amicable . . . the two clerks will liaise to bring our services together. It does not look like they [Rushen, where bins are collected fortnightly] will go for weekly bin collections.

‘There will be a rate disparity, but there is nothing we can do about that. Someone on one side of the street will be paying less than half someone living on the other side. That’s for a higher authority to deal with and (the discussion about) an all island rate.’

He added the recreational land will be all public. There will be a rugby pitch used by the Nomads. 
He said RPC would like to hear from any clubs or associations who have ideas about facilities on the land. Contact RPC clerk Gill Kelly, 834501.

The imminent closure of Port Erin and subsequent impact on policing in the village will be discussed at a meeting of the local authority with police inspector Darrill Pearson.

Last week, June 24, the authority discussed the announcement made the week before that the station – along with Lord Street – is to close and policing of the south will be based at Castletown.

Godfrey Egee said the police had ‘at no point’ discussed alternatives with them, such as an emergency phone being installed at the commissioners’ office.

Phil Crellin said the authority is ‘between a rock and a hard place’, adding: ‘We are in possession of some knowledge that has not been made public, there are more [government cuts] to come. I honestly think this is bad. It [information] is being dripped out to the public.’

The public thinks the Port Erin station ‘is not manned anyway’ said Barbara Guy. She added: ‘Port Erin and Lord Street [stations] were purpose built – this is money gone to waste.’

Steve George added: ‘Crime is at an all time low, will that be maintained?’

‘It is low,’ said Mr Egee. ‘But it’s on the increase.’

The chorus of objections to plans to erect three wind turbines overlooking Port Erin grew louder after further issues were raised by Port Erin Commissioners.

The plan (14/00632/B) by multi-millionaire John Whittaker is to erect three 10Kw wind turbines at Ballaman, Ballnahowe Road, Rushen.

Rushen Parish Commissioners (RPC) voted unanimously against the proposal and it has provoked many letters of objection from members of the public.

Port Erin Commissioners requested interested party status; the planning committee will decide if this will be granted.

Barbara Guy said her greatest concern is ‘there could be more [turbines]. You could go from three to suddenly 10.’

Nick Watterson said: ‘It’s not something I want for Meayll Hill ... particularly if there could be more.’

Phil Crellin agreed the main concern is the impact of the view from Meayll Hill, ‘they will stand out’.

Godfrey Egee said: ‘If they were somewhere else they would not have such an impact.’

He added he did not want to ‘industrialise’ the headland, a tourist draw.

Chairman Ged Power commented on the whole development at Ballaman, he said: ‘It seems to be expanding. I’m not comfortable with the landscape having this feature in it.

‘We would not be seeing great benefits other than to the residents up there, who will have lower fuel bills.’

They voted unanimously to object to the plan.

Pinewood Studios has doubled its profit, its end of year figures show.

The company, which the Manx Government has invested in, reported that profit after tax for the year ending March 31 was £5.4m, up from £1.8m, on revenues of £64.1m, which is up from £55m in 2013.

The announcement comes shortly after Pinewood won its planning appeal over a £200m expansion plan at its site in Iver Heath, Buckinghamshire.

The company’s chief executive, Ian Dunleavy said that demand for the Studio’s UK facilities was at an ‘unprecedented level’.

Treasury Minister Eddie Teare told the House of Keys last week that the Government’s stake in Pinewood has been ‘far and away the best performing share’ in its portfolio.

He outlined his position at last week’s sitting as he came under further questioning on the issue from Douglas South MHK Kate Beecroft (Lib Van).

He was asked why Pinewood shares had reduced in value since the beginning of May. The Minister explained while the share price dropped from 462.5p each on May 1 to 415p on June 2, it had since risen. ‘In the Tynwald debate on this matter exactly two years ago, I outlined a number of factors that I believe indicated why our strategy for the future was evidenced by strong commercial fundamentals: the lack of UK studio space, the growing strength of the brand and the possibility of adding asset value based on land use consents,’ he said.

‘It appears to date at least that our assessment of the underlying fundamentals was not too far off the mark.

‘The company has increased turnover, utilisation of profitability.’

Mr Teare added: ‘The volatility of all stock market investments is a fact of life.

‘Share prices go up and down, depending on the marketplace, and the marketplace is determined by supply and demand. So it is not to be unexpected that from time to time there will be volatility in share prices.

‘But I have been impressed by the performance of this share. It has certainly been by far and away the best performing share in the Government’s portfolio. As we stand at the moment, we have turned an investment of £12.5m into an investment which is currently worth £23m.’

Mrs Beecroft said the investment had to quadruple, not just rise by 80 per cent, before all moneys were covered ‘because it is highly unlikely that we are going to get money back off the films, given that we did not off any of the previous investments’.

The Minister replied: ‘Do not let the truth get in the way of a good story.’

Meanwhile, Mr Teare admitted there was an ‘anomaly’ in the Government’s accounts for the Media Development Fund, with bank interest earned on the fund and retained by CinemaNX from 2007 to March 31 2013 actually totalling £6,364,148.

‘This anomaly has only recently been identified by the Treasury which is due to timing differences in the accounting periods of CinemaNX Ltd and Isle of Man Government together with adjustments for accruals and contra accounting entries within the respective sets of accounts.’

CinemaNX retained the interest to cover pre-production expenses of incoming productions and to invest in strategic media assets, Mr Teare said.

Treasury and CinemaNX have agreed to draw up a list of withdrawals from the Media Development Fund in each year since 2007.

One of the island’s best known and respected advocates has taken on the challenge of running his own business.

Popular John Rimmer, 47, has opened an office in Athol Street, Douglas, just yards from his previous employment at Appleby where he was a partner.

Father of two Mr Rimmer told Business News: ‘At the moment it’s just me but hopefully we will expand a bit but I’m not looking to take over the world or anything. I’m looking to build up a stable, steady business and deliver top quality service.’

On leaving Appleby where he had worked for 15 years, Mr Rimmer said: ‘I’m getting to an age I suppose where if ever I was going to do it I had to do it now because in just a few years time I think I would have struggled to do it.’

Mr Rimmer said he is still on very good terms with Appleby ‘and we were able to agree things and everything was done in an orderly manner’.

Mr Rimmer left on the same day as another leading Appleby partner Nick Verardi but he said this was ‘completely coincidental.’ Another coincidence was that they became partners at the firm on the same day in 2002.

He said: ‘Appleby were quite understanding to let two of us go [on the same day]. I wish them the very best. Nothing should be read into it at all. Appleby is far bigger than John Rimmer. It is a huge and thriving organisation.’

The new independent practice is called Advocate John Rimmer. Business News last week revealed he will be consulting island firm Cains. Mr Rimmer, married to Manx

woman Sarah, has been practising law in the island for more than 15 years and in that time has had a very accomplished career.

He spoke to Business News shortly after returning from a speaking engagement in Toronto. He addressed the STEP Canada annual conference.

By his own admission in an interview with Business News last year when he was with Appleby, Mr Rimmer admits he could ‘never be accused of being stuck for words’.

He contributes chapters for books and often finds himself giving ‘after dinner style’ talks.

His ability for finding the right words also help outside of work as an honorary aide de camp to the island’s governor.

He says he has been lucky to work with three governors including the current ‘His Excellency’ Adam Wood. Part of the role of an aide de camp involves making sure visitors are well looked after at Government House receptions.

Mr Rimmer has featured in the Citywealth Honours list - a prestigious list of respected advisors and managers selected through recommendations of global peers, clients and charitable organisations.

He was also named in the top 10 international estate planning lawyers by the 2013 Legal Who’s Who and appears on a number of other prestigious lists such as Legal 500 and Chambers.

Mr Rimmer has enlisted a former colleague, legal secretary Sharon Kelly, to work part time in his office on the top floor.

He is looking forward to working with a diverse variety of clients including individuals and families in the Isle of Man.

Everything from wills, estates planning and organising their personal affairs. That might involve setting up trusts or setting up charities.

He will also work with trust companies and non-Manx law firms.

‘One of the things that differentiates my sort of practice I suppose from some of the big commercial practices is that I have a big presence of local clients, especially individuals.’

The annual World Championship Viking Longboat Races took place in Peel on Sunday after the weather forced Saturday’s planned event to be postponed.

Strong onshore winds put the event back a day but it still attracted 64 teams out 79 who had planned to row on Saturday.

In the men’s event, Farghers Lift Men were the champions with Central Young Farmers in second place and Southern Young Farmers taking third.

Central Young Farmers went one better in the ladies’ event beating Northern Young Farmers into second place with ‘Puck3r up Fellas’ in the third.

In the mixed competition ‘Raven Raiders’ came out on top with ‘Western Vikings Minions’ in second and ‘Western Vikings’ coming third.

Central Young Farmers Ladies were crowned overall World Champions.

Organiser Jimmy Lee said: ‘The races were held in bright sunshine and calm conditions with the competitors and visitors to Peel making the most of the good weather.

‘The event was run in association with RL360 and Manx Radio with additional support from our other partners Heron and Brearley and Promenade T-shirts.

‘We’d like to thank all our sponsors for their continuing support and all of the helpers who made the day run smoothly.

‘Also a big thank you to the western neighbourhood policing team who were very patient and supportive in all our decisions to delay the races.’

A new member is to join the Council of Ministers.

Castletown MHK Richard Ronan has been appointed as the new Environment, Food and Agriculture Minister.

Old hand Phil Gawne (Rushen) takes over at the Department of Infrastructure, while Laurence Skelly gets the big job at the Department of Economic Development.

The reshuffle has come after John Shimmin resigned from Economic Development over the Sefton loans affair.

Mr Shimmin (Douglas West) left the Council of Ministers 13 days ago.

{http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/shimmin-falls-on-his-sword-after-all-1-6684450|Click here for a reminder of that story.}

Chief Minister Allan Bell made the announcement about the ministerial shake-up late this morning..

Mr Skelly, who succeeds John Shimmin MHK, had more than two years’ experience as a member of the Department of Economic Development before his appointment as Minister for Infrastructure in March this year.

Mr Skelly is succeeded as Minister for Infrastructure by Phil Gawne MHK, who moves from his role as Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture.

Mr Gawne is returning to the Department of Infrastructure having been Minister there in 2010 and 2011.

Joining the Council of Ministers as successor to Mr Gawne as Minister at the Department for Environment, Food and Agriculture, where he has been a member, is Richard Ronan MHK.

The Chief Minister said: ‘As I have said before, it is vital that we maintain continuity and momentum in developing the island’s economy so it is good that the new Minister at Economic Development is someone with recent and significant experience as a member of the department.

‘Mr Gawne too is returning to a Department of which he has previous experience, so he understands the background of many of the issues that Infrastructure is dealing with.

‘Mr Ronan has shown dedication and commitment working for Government in a number of roles, and I am pleased to welcome him as a new member of the Council of the Ministers.’

Manx-born golfer Tom Gandy was oh so close to making it into this month’s prestigious Open Championship at Royal Liverpool.

After finishing in sixth place in the regional qualifying at Clitheroe Golf Club recently, the Rowany golfer progressed into the final qualifying itself and drawn to play at Western Gailes Links Scotland.

In a field of 72, featuring well-known professional players and top class amateurs, after the first round Tom was in great shape having returned a four-under 67.

At one stage on the live scoring system, Gandy was actually leading the event.

A few got away in round two but it was still an outstanding performance as, shooting a three-over 74, Gandy finished tied fifth just two agonising strokes away from ‘teeing it up on the tele’ in a few weeks’ time.

Certainly more world amateur ranking points though, and to see the Manx flag alongside his name in the printed results is an indication of how much progress the Rowany player has made this year and how beneficial all the winter training and practice at the Isle of Man Sports Institute in Groves Road has been.

From all local golfers Tom, very well done yessir!