The island’s First Deemster has called on politicians and other decision-makers worldwide to learn to love the rule of law.

He says that without the rule of law ‘anarchy would prevail.’

Deemster David Doyle believes passionately that economic growth is also vital as long as nations adhere to laws.

He said: ‘The rule of law is, and will continue to be, the social and economic backbone of every society.

‘A backbone that enables countries to fully evolve, and irrespective of size, stand shoulder to shoulder when it comes to the international collaboration needed to fuel economic growth.

‘But for me the rule of law is much more than just money. It directly impacts on the quality of all our lives. It goes to the root of a civilised existence.’

He was making a keynote address to the world-renowned Oxford Union.

small countries

It came during the Oxford stage of the two week long Small Countries Financial Management Programme.

The first week of the pionering event took place in the Isle of Man and saw 24 men and women come from as far afield as the Caribbean, Pacific, Indian Ocean and Africa. They were finance officials from small nations.

They were in the audience as Deemster Doyle said: ‘Without the rule of law, anarchy would prevail. Rights and responsibilities would not be determined by independent judges within a fair public hearing but by the use of physical force, by seedy behind-the-scenes meetings, by grubby secret telephone calls and by corruption.

stability

‘So the existence of the rule of law in a country can provide stability that undoubtedly encourages investment from internal and external sources because there is the expectation that the investor will be protected by an independent judiciary applying laws that ensure fairness.

‘Equally, the very existence of the rule of law provides every citizen with an expectation of fairness that potentially fuels his belief in lasting self-betterment through education, work, wealth and liberty that cannot unfairly be taken away.

‘So in the broadest sense, the existence of the rule of law provides the vital reassurance and motivation needed by individuals, businesses and investors to stimulate economic growth.

anarchy

‘If the citizens of a country believe the rule of law can only be accessed by a small number of the privileged elite they will lose the motivation to strive for better. Ultimately this will be because they feel certain that any success will be short lived without the rule of law to protect them. In situations like this they must either knuckle under and do nothing, or step outside the law … here starts anarchy.’

He added that it was essential that every individual citizen can be assured of fair treatment.

And the motivation of the individual is the economic engine of every country. Individual success leads to national prosperity.

He warned: ‘Until a country has a legal system enabling property to be protected, and contracts to be enforced, real economic progress, shared by all members of the community, is not possible.’

He went on to say the motivation of the individual and inbound investment are vital for prosperity, but so is collaboration between nations, and that too is only possible with the common foundation stone of the rule of law.

He pointed out that only two years ago the General Assembly of the United Nations held its first ever high level meeting on the rule of law.

In a direct message to the programme participants Deemster Doyle said: ‘At a time when so many nations are cutting back in an attempt to demonstrate economic prudence, I would urge you not to cut back on the structures and processes that support the rule of law. Often it is at the very moment when economic times are tight that extra care must be taken to ensure that the fundamental rights of people, especially vulnerable people, are respected and maintained.’

cultivate

The leading judge concluded: ‘I would ask that all politicians and other decision-makers worldwide learn to love the rule of law. In fact, let’s all change our status and tell the world that we are in a positive relationship with the rule of law. We must cultivate a love for the rule of law.

‘So let us be excited, happy and passionate about the rule of law.

‘Let us adore it, embrace it, nurture it, protect it and respect the rule of law. Much as it is essential for economic growth it is also essential for a decent and dignified human existence’.

Robert Douglas was given an Awards for Excellence finalist award last year in the Volunteer of the Year category for his achievements in changing the lives of people who are coping with the devastating impact of hair loss.

‘I have clients who go from coming in here and saying: “There’s too many mirrors and I don’t want to look at myself” to going out laughing and joking and saying they can’t have enough mirrors!’ reveals Robert.

We all know the saying ‘bad hair day’: for anyone losing their hair, through treatment for cancer or alopecia, every day can be a bad hair day, and it can mean their self esteem is at a very low ebb.

Robert, who has run his successful Douglas hair salon, The Worx, for 21 years, can offer a practical solution.

Robert is one of a number of experience hair professionals who take part in the My New Hair programme, developed by top London stylist Trevor Sorbie, in response to his personal experience of helping a family member during cancer treatment.

My New Hair is a national independent charity offering information, advice and support for people experiencing medical hair loss. Through their network of Salons that Care, stylists like Robert give generously of their time and expertise to fit and style wigs.

Robert is also on hand to advise with other aspects of hair loss, such as what to do when chemotherapy treatments are over and hair is starting to regrow – often with a different colour and texture from how it was before.

Robert, who also works in conjunction with MacMillan Cancer Care in the island, offers appointments on a Monday when his salon is closed, to give hair loss sufferers complete privacy. He says an initial consultation will take one or two hours. ‘You have to get to know the clients properly and find out what will work best for them,’ he explains.

Robert can supply them with a wig from Trendco, a UK specialist wigmaker and by the time he has styled and coloured it to each individual client’s requirements, it can totally take away any preconceptions about a wig looking ‘fake’.

‘I’ve had cards this week alone from clients saying that everybody loved their hair and no one could believe it was a wig!’ he says.

Robert’s outgoing personality makes the process enjoyable for clients, allowing them to experiment and have fun with their ‘new hair’.

Robert was nominated for the Awards for Excellence by someone who knew of his work and says he was delighted when he became a finalist. ‘I really didn’t expect it,’ he says.

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Do you know of someone whose voluntary work deserves recognition? Why not nominate them for the Awards for Excellence in the Volunteer of the Year category? Entry forms are available to download at iomtoday.co.im/afe

A motorcylist was killed in a road accident this afternoon (Wednesday).

It happened at about 12.30pm near the Bulgham Rocks on the Laxey to Ramsey coast road.

The collision involved a silver Volkswagen Golf and a Kawasaki motorcycle.

The motorcyclist, a 43-year-old man from Ramsey, died at the scene.

The driver of the car subsequently attended Noble’s Hospital, but was released after treatment for a minor injury. There were two passengers in the car who both escaped injury.

The road was closed for accident investigators to examine the scene.

It remained shut between Minorca crossroads and Dhoon Glen, and traffic was diverted via Ballaragh, until about 5.45pm.

A number of witnesses were spoken to at the scene.

The police appealed for anyone else who was present and who witnessed the incident but has not been spoken to, to contact police headquarters on 631212, or any police station.

The Coroner of Inquests has been informed.

A man was cut from his car after he lost control of his vehicle near the Liverpool Arms, Baldrine, this afternoon.

Douglas firefighters were called to the incident at about 5pm.

The vehicle had left the road and was on its side in a field opposite the pub

Paramedics assessed the casualty and police officers shut the road and redirected traffic.

A fire service spokesman said: ‘The extrication was carried out using well-practised techniques working closely with the paramedics.

‘Although the position of the vehicle did present challenges to the rescue services the extrication was carried out efficiently with all services working together.

‘This team approach led to the casualty being transferred to the waiting ambulance approximately 20 minutes after the arrival of fire and rescue personnel, an excellent performance by all concerned.’

The condition of the man is not known at this time.

A Heritage Homes site manager has every reason to hold his head high after winning a prestigious ‘Pride in the Job’ quality award for the fourth time in his career.

Mark Patton, who has been employed by the Dandara Group for the last 22 years, has been selected as a Pride in the Job NHBC Single Home Commendation Award winner for his work on Wardfell, a luxury three-storey property in Ballasalla.

Mark, who specialises in executive developments such as Wardfell, said: ‘It’s great to have been recognised again, not only for myself but also for the company and all of the local tradesmen involved in creating this unique property.’

The NHBC is the UK’s leading warranty and insurance provider and standards setter for new build homes in the UK.

Now in its 34th year, ‘Pride in the Job’ is regarded as one of the house-building industry’s most prestigious awards programmes, of which 450 honours are given throughout the British Isles.

The judging process lasts 18 months, with site managers rigorously scored against 37 pre-set criteria.

To win they must score highly for the quality of workmanship at every stage of the build.

professionalism

Heritage Homes and Dandara managing director Seamus Nugent said: ‘Mark is a highly experienced senior site manager known for his professionalism and attention to detail.

‘To be nominated for one UK award is a great achievement, but to be chosen for a fourth time really highlights his genuine dedication to his profession, his projects and to his clients.

‘As a company, we are extremely proud to have Mark on board as a site manager and wish him every success in the next stage of the competition’.

Mark was selected from almost 15,000 site managers and he will now go on to compete in the next round where nominees vie for ‘seals of excellence’ or ‘regional award’ titles.

The winners will be announced at theNorthern Ireland and Isle of Man Region Pride in the Job Dinner in Belfast in November.

Wardfell, is a prestigious private property of some 9,000 sq.ft. set in three acres of grounds. Work began in February 2013 and the property features the highest level of design and specification.

Bespoke features include the three internal staircases, customised bathroom suites, feature ceilings throughout, five internal fire places, a cinema room, a guest wing and a lift to the three storeys.

Glen Helen Inn, at Glen Helen, St John’s, could be demolished and replaced with a ‘high quality’ residential development.

Migragh Glen Helen Ltd has applied (14/00882/A) for approval in principle for the development.

In the planning statement it says the decision to close the facility had not been taken lightly and has resulted from a significant drop in bookings for bed and breakfast, bar and restaurant and functions.

The plan is to demolish the inn and ‘unsightly single storey outbuildings’, and replace it with eight flats in two buildings.

A ruinous house which has been a blight to neighbours in Douglas for years has finally been demolished.

The large and once grand Victorian end-terrace house at the top of Woodbourne Road had been a source of concern to neighbour Jim MacGregor for years, most recently after slates started falling from the roof and landing in his garden.

Earlier this year, Mr MacGregor told the Isle of Man Examiner about his concerns over falling masonry and possible vermin infestation at the house which was inhabited by a sizeable pigeon population which had found a way in through the missing roof slates and broken windows.

Matters started to look up, however, when planning permission was granted to demolish the property, while supporting the adjoining terrace, and replace it with two smaller terraced houses, each with parking at the back.

The planning application shows the new houses are to be designed to match the style of the old house and therefore be in keeping with the remainder of the Victorian terrace. Where possible, mature trees on the site were to be pruned and retained.

Mr MacGregor said the house had been empty since before he moved to the area and he was delighted to see some progress finally being made.

‘We are really pleased something is being done,’ he said.

‘We don’t know when the building work will start on the replacement houses but already the situation is very much improved. My big concern was that the property was unstable because there were such big cracks in the walls.

‘They told us we had to get out of our house while the demolition was going on and it worked well because we were on holiday,’ he said.

There is still some work remaining to be done on the site, Mr MacGregor said – support was to be added to the end wall of his house where it had adjoined the demolished house and the end wall would also need rendering and waterproofing now it is open to the elements.

A section of Ballaquayle Road had to be closed for several days while the demolition took place.

An energy firm’s decision to scrap its Irish Sea wind farm plans brings into question proposals for Manx waters.

As the Courier reported last week, Celtic Array, a joint venture between Centrica and Dong Energy, announced it was pulling out of all schemes in the Irish Sea zone, citing ‘challenging’ seabed conditions which it said made it ‘economically unviable with current technology’.

The news came as a shock as Celtic Array had just completed the second round of a costly statutory public consultation on its planned Rhiannon wind farm between Anglesey and the Isle of Man, which would have comprised 440 turbines generating 2.2GW of energy – enough to power 1.5 million homes.

But it has been welcomed by the Steam Packet which feared over-intensive wind farm development would have disrupted shipping lanes.

In April, Tynwald voted overwhelmingly for a strategy on offshore energy production that could see wind farms developed in Manx territorial waters. A Council of Ministers’ report suggested leasing the seabed could earn government £5m a year from each wind farm – and create at least 60 jobs.

But Chief Minister Allan Bell said those plans could be put in doubt – if unsuitable seabed conditions was the real reason for Celtic Array pulling out.

He said: ‘Clearly, this was going to be a major investment on Celtic Array’s part. They had already spent a substantial amount of money so it has come as a surprise that they have pulled out. They’ve cited seabed conditions as the only reason – whether that’s the truth or there’s more behind it remains to be seen. Wind farms are heavily dependent on UK government subsidies.

‘But if the reason specifically lies with unsuitable seabed conditions, clearly it will bring into question whether these conditions might affect the areas the Isle of Man is putting out to tender. We will need to bear that in mind.’

He added: ‘It seems strange that Celtic Array’s plans had gone so far without a full assessment of the seabed.’

It has been reported that Centrica is taking a £40m charge as a result of its decision, principally by writing off the total book value of the project.

Celtic Array had identified three potential development areas - Rhiannon in the south east, the north east which was put on hold due to concerns raised by the Steam Packet, and the south west area. All have been abandoned.

Steam Packet chief executive Mark Woodward said: ‘We welcome the decision by Celtic Array. For more than two years we and others have been raising serious concerns about the impact these developments could have on the Isle of Man.’

There was fun for all the family at the annual Peel Carnival.

Events included live music, street entertainment and a circus skills area as well as the main parade.

Among the floats in the parade were a Vee Dub driven by Maeve Quaye as well as Peel-built P50s, Tridents and Vikings.

These cars were taking part in the Peels to Peel Festival to commemorate 50 years since 1964, the year in which most of the Peel cars were built.

Carnival princess was Latisha Thomas, aged 10. Peel Commissioners chairman Ray Harmer said: ‘The carnival was a wonderful success and a great family day.

‘It was a real treat to see all the culmination of the P50 rally and their participation in the carnival.

‘The weather stayed fair and there was so much going on, with the stalls, bands, entertainment, and the carnival procession itself.

‘The steel band were amazing and full of energy. The day finished with a brilliant firework display.

‘A special thanks to Ian Baker and the carnival committee and the enormous work they have done and to Sam Knight and Grant Kearney for bringing over the P50s.’

Order copies of these pictures and more at www.iomtoday.co.im/buyaphoto

The death of Kate Burge is reported on the front page of this week’s Manx Independent.

The paper includes tributes to the physiotherapist.

Inside, the Manx Independent reveals that a UK cmopany given a Manx government contract to investigate the island’s National Insurance system owed millions in unpaid pension contributions itself.

The paper includes:

More on the flags stolen from a memorial in Port St Mary

A plan to repair the sea wall in Ramsey

Court reports about a teenager who had ecstasy at a party in Andreas, an elaborate hoax by a Douglas man to secure a £12,000 loan, and a man who attacked a teenager.

The Manx students who have gone to Houston to ‘Space School’

The return of a parrot that had flown away

A £19,000 plan to transform an urban river bank in Castletown into a wildlife reserve

A review of the Sulby Horitcultural Show

A page of photos of the island remembering the outbreak of the First World War 100 years ago.

In Island Life, our features section, there’s a review of Sunset Boulevard and a report on the Tough Mann challenge.

Our sports pages look back at the Commonwealth Games and look forward to the start of the football season.

With your seven-day television guide, the island’s What’s On guide, puzzles and the lively letters page, the Manx Independent is a great read this week.

It’s in the shops now.

Peel and St John’s became the new champions of the Standard Bank Premiership when they beat Castletown by 10 wickets on Saturday.

The torrential rain in the morning wiped out the matches at Ramsey and Tromode where rivals Cronkbourne could only take five points from an abandoned match.

This left the Saints needing only one bonus point to clinch the title and they put the Town into bat, knowing that just two wickets would give them that point.

Ollie Webster claimed an early victim and then Peter Lewis took a brilliant one-handed diving catch to clinch the trophy. A lively innings of 26 from Garreth Roome boosted Castletown’s hopes, but good work from Connor Gilbert and Mark Walker reduced the side to 71 for 8.

Skipper Mark Williams held the tail together with an excellent 28 not out, but the innings ended in the 40th over on 117.

In reply the Peel and St John’s openers, Dan Hawke and Phil Littlejohns, treated spectators to some spectacular hitting. The pair knocked off the runs in just 15 overs with Littlejohns making 33 not out and Hawke blasting an amazing 79 not out from only 38 balls. His innings included 10 fours and five sixes.

The Saints finished the Premiership with only one defeat, which came last week against Cronkbourne who ended second in the table.

In just over a week’s time the two sides will meet in the Standard Bank Tinker Cup Final at Tromode. This could be a match to remember.

CRICKET RESULTS

Standard Bank Premiership

Castletown 117 (Mark Williams 28no, Garreth Roome 26 : Mark Walker 2 -20, Connor Gilbert 2 -24); Peel and St John’s 119 for 0 (Dan Hawke 79no, Phil Littlejohns 33no). Peel and St John’s won by 10 wickets.

Cronkbourne v Crosby and Ramsey v Valkyres: Games abandoned without a ball being bowled (rain). Five points to each side.

Standard Bank Cain League

Crosby A 154 for 5 (Danny Kniveton 38, Floris Venter 37 : Andy Ball 2 -19, Brian Arnold 1 -20); Ramsey A 155 for 3 (Shaun Kelly 34, Andy Ball 30 : Harry Rothwell 2 -26, Floris Venter 1 -37). Ramsey won by seven wickets.

Valkyres A 143 for 7 (Auri Ghausi 35, Bruce Wagstaff 26 : Andy Ball 3 -32, Brian Arnold 1 -16); Ramsey A 116 for 7 (Andy Ball 20, Shaun Kelly 17, Matty Grice 17no : Abdul Khan 2 -18, Paul Fleming 2 -30). Valkyres won by 27 runs.

Standard Bank T20 Forrester One

Crosby A 153 for 6 (Harry Rothwell 47, Martyn Oates 37 : Phil Littlejohns 2 -19, Akkie van den Berg 2 -23); Peel and St John’s A 154 for 3(Peter Lewis 76no, Phil Littlejohns 37no : Dave Picken 1 -12, Joe Rothwell 1 -41). Peel and St John’s won by seven wickets.

Castletown A 109 for 5 (Richard Jackson 24, Dave Griffiths 22, John Short 22 : Jodie James 3 -28, Eddie Clague 1 -17); Union Mills 115 for 3 (Bruce Wagstaff 64no, Chris Nash 41no : Richard Jackson 2 -12, Tom Kennaugh 1 -23). Union Mills won by seven wickets.

Castletown B 69 (Richard Jackson 15, Seb Aycock 10no : Joe Rothwell 3 -18, Floris Venter 2 -7); Crosby B 70 for 2 (Harry Rothwell 32no, Drew Buxton 22 : Seb Aycock 1 -10, Seth Aycock 1 -31). Crosby won by eight wickets.

Peel and St John’s B 83 (Alex Williamson 40, Colin Gilbert 9 : Saad Jaffary 3 -20, Andy Coulson 2 -16); Valkyres B 76 (Saad Jaffary 35no, Jawad Rajput 17 : Colin Gilbert 2 -8, Connor Gilbert 2 -12. Peel and St John’s won by seven runs.

Standard Bank T20 Forrester Two

Finch Hill A 146 for 7 (Joe Burrows 40, Matthew Nicholson 28 : Dan Jacobs 3 -28, Jack Rowlands 2 -26); Crosby C 120 for 8 (Matt Mey 50, Dan Jacobs 26 : Ewan Quayle 2 -4, Graeme Healy 2 -17). Finch Hill won by 26 runs.

Junior Under-12 League

Cronkbourne A (277) beat Finch Hill A (222)

Crosby (243) lost to Cronkbourne B (244)

Junior Under-9 League

Finch Hill (237) beat Crosby B (214)

Crosby A (246) beat Cronkbourne (222)

Castletown (236) lost to Ramsey (241)

Ramsey (264) beat Finch Hill 241

Castletown (233) beat Crosby A (230)

Crosby B (263) lost to Cronkbourne (263)

This week, IoM Friends of the Earth’s Tony Brown looks at the impact of rising ocean acidification on our planet, and our diets

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In 2010, a report by the US National Research Council found that pH levels – the level of acidity or alkalinity – at the oceans’ surface had fallen from a measure of 8.2 in pre-industrial times, to 8.1 in modern times.

This has taken place as something between a quarter and a third of man-made CO2 emissions have been added to the natural absorption rates of those oceans.

Since pH is measured on a logarithmic scale, this means that there has been a 10-fold decrease in alkalinity – or to put it another way, an increase in acidity.

The rate of change is 100 times faster than anything the world’s oceans have experienced for the last few million years.

By 2100, pH levels could, it’s estimated, drop to between 7.7 and 7.8, if we continue to emit CO2 at present rates. A pH of 7.0 is ‘neutral’, so this is significant – it would be the lowest level for 55 million years, when during the Paleocene-Eocene thermal maximum (PETM), a sudden die-off of shell-based ocean life forms took place in the space of around 1,000 years. If projections are correct, our extra CO2 emissions will cause a similar demise in a few centuries, with no time for species to evolve or adapt.

After the PETM die-off, it took 100,000 years for crustaceans to gradually return.

Already, as acidification (or, more correctly, less alkaline) conditions progress, there are signs that organisms such as corals and oysters are beginning to struggle to secrete enough calcium carbonate to satisfactorily form their shells, as carbonate ions in the ocean decrease.

The shells of some animals have been found to be thinner than they were 300 years ago.

In February of this year, an acidification ‘spike’ around the coast of British Columbia wiped out an estimated 10 million scallops.

It looks as if our Manx scallops will have to face the effects of increased acidity over the years, as well as over-exploitation!

Formanifera, the tiniest shelled plankton, are also having trouble growing; and this matters because as the bottom rung of the food chain, plankton are the food base for almost all sea animals.

It’s easy to see how this could have disastrous effects for a range of life forms, including, of course, ourselves.

Coccolthophores, the shelled plankton that process sunlight in the same way plants do, also suffer from changes in ocean chemistry.

In the laboratory, pteropods, which are tiny swimming snails, dissolve in water with low alkalinity.

In the arctic, where acidification is progressing fastest, they may already be on the verge of extinction – a cause for concern, since they’re commonly consumed by fish such as salmon, haddock, cod and pollack.

Then there are the prawns, shrimp, crabs and lobsters which, although not as affected by less alkaline oceans as their shells are made out of the polymer chitin, changes in the ocean chemistry seems to harm the working of their gills and to alter the behviour of the young crustaceans.

The direct effect on finned creatures such as monkfish, hake, sardines and tuna is so far little understood, but there’s no doubt that a combination of over-fishing and changes in the food chain (such as those we’ve looked at here) are putting them on the ‘at risk’ lists.

What all this means is that deep, and vast, dead zones along the coasts are beginning to appear, where huge blooms of toxic algae, which thrive in less alkaline waters and are fed by human pollution, are causing oxygen depletion and rendering these areas virtually lifeless.

On top of all this, warming waters and strengthening currents have enabled some tropical species of fish to move polewards, devouring kelp forests and seagrass meadows, and leading to profoundly adverse effects on ecosystems and biodiversity.

This has already led to the collapse of Japan’s abalone fisheries where 40 per cent of the local kelp and algae beds have vanished since the 1990s under the accumulation of parrot and rabbit fish.

In the east Mediterranean, hundreds of kilometres of ocean forests have been destroyed by the influx of tropical fish leading to a fall of some 40 per cent in the variety of marine species to be found there.

So there’s even more reason than ever for us to cut our CO2 emissions dramatically, and take steps to remove the excess from the atmosphere by re-planting vast acres of forest, while at the same time halting deforestation.

If we don’t, it seems that your average wild seafood eater may have only jellyfish and a small amount of plankton on their dinner plate by the next century.

Pinfold Personal Pension Scheme, by trustee, Paul Juan Leneghan, of Pinfold Cottage, Pinfold Hill, Laxey, as trustee, and Tynwald Pensions Limited, whose registered office is at 29/31 Athol Street, Douglas, as trustees, bought 101 Anagh Coar Road, Douglas, for £185,000.

It was bought from Anthony Ian O’Dell and Karen Rita O’Dell.

Other recent transactions at the General Registry in Douglas are as follows:

Andrew Alan Oxley and Sandra Elizabeth Oxley, sold 32 Victoria Avenue, Douglas, to Jenna Fozard, of Brookside, Ballakinnish, Douglas, for £178,000.

Graham Kinley and Julie Ann Kinley, sold 45 Harcroft Meadow, Douglas, for £175,000, to the Department of Health and Social Care, whose registered office is at Marwell House, Market Street, Douglas.

Tangmere Limited, sold 7 Esplanade Mews, Douglas, for £160,000, to Kieran Henry Sean O’Brien, of Penrith, Colden Road, Douglas.

Tangmere Limited sold 6 Esplanade Mews, Douglas, for £155,000, to Kimberley Martina Irene O’Brien, of Penrith, Colden Road, Douglas.

Stephen Richard Lawrinson and Gillian Elizabeth Lawrinson, of 21 Manor Woods, Douglas, sold 21 Linden Gardens, Linden Grove, Douglas, for £150,000, to Gillian Elizabeth Lawrinson, of 21 Linden Gardens, Linden Grove, Douglas.

Peter Leonard Rogers, and Christine Rogers, of Maidenhead, sold 5 Park Road, Douglas, for £128,000, to Philip Turner and Helen Elizabeth Turner, of Brookside, 1 Ballanard Road, Douglas.

John Ernest Thompson, of Ballabeg Cottage, Main Road, Glen Vine, and Susan Margaret Thompson, sold centre plot in Eastfield, Douglas, for £7,000, to Andrew Cunningham and June Annette Cunningham, of 26 Western Avenue, Douglas.

David Brian Mylchreest, sold a parcel of land abutting High Road, Greeba, for £2,500, to Kevin Ronald Spicer.

Cedric Winston Callister, of 22 Grove Mount West, Ramsey, sold a parcel of land near to the Clenagh Road, Close Quane, Lezayre, for £600, to Shane George Young, of 13 Water Street, Ramsey.

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We publish details of all house sales unless we receive a written request from the police or probation services.

Chief Minister Allan Bell went public a short time ago in warning that we should consider carefully the possible economic challenges the Isle of Man might face if Scotland decides to become an independent nation next month.

What he didn’t warn us about was the chances of the Scots invading us and conquering us shortly after they go for broke, which is how some people see it.

After all, they’ve done it before you know.

In 1257 King Alexander III of Scotland sent a battle fleet against us, landed at St Michael’s Island, and sent the Manx warriors fleeing for the hills at the Battle of Ronaldsway.

Now we have the prospect of the future King Alexander IV of Scotland, also known (for the present at least) as a Mr Alex Salmond, pulling off a similar wheeze.

Mind you the Scots haven’t got an army or a navy or an air force to do this sort of thing and neither is the Isle of Man similarly kitted out, which could mean an internationally risible stand-off.

But King Alexander IV could persuade the Steam Packet Company to reopen it’s old services to Ardrossan so that thousands of Scots people could come across pretending to be summer holidaymakers enjoying Glasgow Fair Fortnight and take over by way of illegal immigration.

This, you might say, is fair enough. But what they won’t know is that we still have a law that allows us to shoot Scotsmen on sight.

Allan Get Your Gun.

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Pedants’ Corner has the following anonymous contribution: Man to woman: ‘Can I kiss you?’ Woman to man: ‘I don’t know. But you may kiss me if you want to.’

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Cath Cringle (one of my lot) tells me that the Peel Online website announced a concert of ‘scared music.’

She asks: ‘Including the theme from the film Ghostbusters perhaps?’

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Fred Newton recalls my story of my granddaughter flying from Gatwick to the Isle of Man with easyJet, when the captain announced that the flight time would be ‘five minutes.’ This reminded him of the woman who rang her travel agent to ask how long easyJet took to fly to Liverpool. The travel agent replied: ‘Just a minute, madame’

She said: ‘Thank you.’

And rang off.

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In a Manx Radio report from the Commonwealth Games, newsreader Jason Roberts referred to ‘the four metres event.’

He was quick with his correction: ‘Four metres? I could manage that.’

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This week’s Manx crossword clue is sent in from the Yorkshire Post by Frank Bond, as follows: Island is cross between two people (7) – MANXMAN.

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Church notice: ‘Weight Watchers will meet at 7 pm at the First Presbyterian Church. Please use large double door at side entrance.’

Phil Kerruish and Amanda Lawler saw off a quality field of 39 pairs at Marown Bowling club last Sunday to win the Heywood Gelling Mixed Doubles thanks to a 21-10 final win over Mike Hargraves and Joyce Ogden.

Kerruish and Lawler played magnificently all day and it is hard to think that this is their maiden title, and Lawler’s first open win of any description.

In the semi-finals the eventual victors put pay to the challenge of Trevor Qualye and Lin Bolton 21-16 while Hargraves and Ogden ended the hopes of Neil Withers and Elaine Dewhurst 21-13.

Losers in the quarter-finals were Sid and Casey Bolton, Arthur Moore and Jenny Maddrell, Phil and Kath Parker and Jordan Cain and Paula Firth.

This year’s Royal Manx Agricultural Show starts takes place today (Friday) and on Saturday.

Police have urged visitors to follow their diversions as roadworks threaten to cause chaos on the island’s roads.

Up to 20,000 visitors are expected to flock to the showground at Knockaloe Farm, Patrick, to see the traditional farming and livestock exhibitions and competitions.

But with the main road in Foxdale closed for emergency repairs and the surrounding diversions unable to cope with heavy traffic, visitors from the south of the island have been asked to follow the show signs and proceed along the coast road via Dalby and Glen Maye.

Meanwhile, continuing roadworks at St John’s on the main Douglas to Peel road prevents direct access to Peel from Douglas, the east and north of the island. Traffic will be diverted at Ballacraine to the Hope crossroads and Patrick road.

The annual show is the largest single event in the island. Top of the bill are the Stampede Stunt Company who thrilled crowds at last year’s show.

This year, and for the first time in the Isle of Man, the Stampede team will perform their ‘Gulliver’s Carnival’ set which features horse-riding stunts and tricks in two half-hour displays on both days of the show.

Allan Jones, president of the Royal Manx Agricultural Society, says that introducing new events and entertainment is a key to the continued success of the event.

He added: ‘The show has been an important part of island life for more than 150 years but we need to move with the times.

‘It is a much-loved cornerstone of Manx community life and most people have a special memory of a day spent there – meeting friends and enjoying a leisurely day seeing the very best that Manx agriculture has to offer.

‘By introducing new events and entertainment we aim to encourage more young people to not only visit the Royal Show in August, but hopefully to become involved personally, perhaps even as exhibitors in years ahead.

‘Providing entertainment such as the Stampede Stunt Company display is only possible thanks to funding from Manx Telecom. We are therefore very grateful to them for extending their role as title sponsor until 2016, and thank the many other local businesses which also support the show.’

Manx Telecom will have its own stand featuring a ‘Sprint Cycling Challenge’ competition on both days.

Prizes of Sony wireless headsets will be presented to the fastest adult and fastest under-16s competitors who will race on stationary bikes.

The competition is being held to celebrate Mark Cavendish’s role as what the company describes as ‘Manx Telecom 4G Ambassador’, and visitors to the company’s stand will also be able to take advantage of some exclusive show offers.In addition, everyone who signs up to or renews their mobile or Ultima broadband tariff at the show, will be entered into a prize draw to win free Ultima broadband plus their mobile rental for 12 months.

Show organisers said that due to the presence of heavy livestock on Saturday, visitors to the show will not be allowed to bring dogs.

A report of the investigation into last year’s blaze at the Mount Murray Hotel and Country Club is not now expected to be submitted until the end of October.

Bernard Warden, head of the Health and Safety at Work Inspectorate, said there had been a number of issues that had caused delays - but declined to outline what those issues were.

Meanwhile, work is yet to start on rebuilding the bedroom block which was devastated in the massive blaze in November last year.

Hotel manager Chris Brayden said there had been a delay in starting the rebuild. ‘We’re in arbitration with the insurers,’ he said.

Fifty people were evacuated when the fire broke out.

Flames ripped along the roof of the bedroom block and firefighters were praised for their efforts in preventing the blaze from spreading to the reception block next door.

There was only one casualty who was treated for minor injuries at Noble’s Hospital accident and emergency department.

The function rooms, restaurant, bistro, pool and gym opened within a fortnight but 30 jobs were lost with the blaze having destroyed 90 hotel rooms.

Mr Warden said: ‘We are close and currently in the throes of compiling our report. A number of issues have caused delays. My hope is we will have a report submitted to the authorities by the end of October.’

Glamour, romance, tragedy: Sunset Boulevard has all the constituents of a great Hollywood movie and it started a two-week run at the Gaiety Theatre on Monday.

Presented by Taylorian Productions and directed by John Cumberlidge, this staging of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s stylishly dramatic musical deserves every plaudit in the book.

The Isle of Man is extremely lucky in having the chance to see the first-ever amateur staging of Sunset Boulevard in the British Isles – one of the many reasons not to miss Taylorian’s stunning production, which runs until Saturday next week (August 16).

Read the full version of this review in this week’s Manx Independent - in shops now.

Thursday, August 7

• Manx Retirement Association stretch and flex at the NSC, Douglas, at 10am. Also Saturday, a visit to the Calf of Man at 9am. Tuesday, southern coffee morning at the Cherry Orchard Hotel, Port Erin, at 10.30am. Miniature golf at the Onchan Pleasure Park, at 2pm.

• Manx Footpaths Conservation Group walk, Axnfell Plantation car park, 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.

Monday, August 11

• 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.

• 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.

• Cornaa WI, Maughold Parish hall, 7.30pm. Call 818194.

• Sulby WI, St Stephen’s Church hall 7.30pm.

Tuesday, August 12

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

• Peel City WI, Guild Room, Athol Street, Peel, 10.30am. Call 818194.

• 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.

• Baldrine WI, Methodist Sunday School room, Baldrine, 2pm. Call 818194.

• 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.

• Michael WI, St Michael’s hall, Kirk Michael, 7.30pm. Call 818194.

• Michael WI, Kirk Michael Church hall, 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.

• The Isle of Man Amateur Radio Society, Sea Cadet hall, Tromode, 8pm.

Wednesday, August 13

• 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.

• Ballabeg WI, Methodist Sunday School, Ballabeg, 7.30pm. Call 818194.

• Castletown WI, Methodist hall, Arbory Street, Castletown, 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, August 7

• 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 text 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, August 8

• 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, August 9

• 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, August 10

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

Monday, August 11

• 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, August 12

• 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, August 13

• 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.

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