Tracey Bell has been refused planning approval for a dental surgery in Castletown.

Her application (14/00647/B)for alterations and an extension to the shop at 12 Malew Street, and to convert it to a dental surgery, was turned down by planners.

The decision notice states: ‘The proposed extension, by reason of its flat roof design, would result in an unattractive and incongruous addition which would be harmful to the Conservation Area and perception of views from the castle.’

The plans showed there would be a reception and waiting area, three surgeries, an X-ray room and staff area on the ground floor.

It was anticipated that there would be eight full-time members of staff employed.

The Southern 100 Helicopter Fund recently received a boost of £488 from Jax Rusling, who instigated ‘racing to the stars’ wristbands so families, friends, fans and enthusiasts could show their support of riders who have lost their lives while taking part in road racing.

Jax is the partner of retired road racer Garry Dickinson, The donation offsets the cost of a vital service and race organisers thanked her for her generosity.

Peel’s Ward Library is one of the last in British Isles to still use a colour coded card system that’s more than 100 years old . . . but that is finally about to change.

Under the Browne System, when a book was borrowed the librarian took the reader’s borrowing card and removed the book’s own card.

When a book was returned, the user’s card was removed from the file and given back, and the book card was replaced in the book.

This system was used in almost all libraries before computerisation. Each book has an individual ticket inside with a colour or numerical code and that ticket goes into the member’s folder when they take books out.

Librarian Gemma Quilliam said: ‘We often get visiting librarians and indeed older borrowers coming in and commenting on how nice it is to still see the old card system in use.

‘A lot of people will be sad to see the old book issuing system replaced as Peel has always combined the feeling of a wonderful traditional library with innovations in technology.

‘Under the former librarian, Mrs Carol Horton, Peel was one of the first libraries to offer the public access to computers and Wi-Fi technology.

‘The new software is just being phased in now so if anybody still wants to come and see how the more traditional system works they need to call into the library by the end of the month really.’

Irreplaceable TT replica trophies have been stolen in a raid on the National Motorcycle Museum.

The museum, based in Bickenhill, West Midlands, has offered a £20,000 reward for information leading to the safe return of the priceless artefacts.

Raiders broke into the inner foyer of the Coventry Road attraction at about 11pm on Wednesday evening.

Each of the trophy cabinets was smashed, causing substantial damage to the displays. A large number of the trophies and TT replicas – including a number won by racing legend and island resident Geoff Duke – were stolen.

Museum director James Hewing said: ‘They’ve taken almost all the trophies in our inventory – the TT replicas, and the World Cup and Geoff Duke trophies.

‘Many of the trophies and TT replicas have little “scrap” value but are unique and irreplaceable as part of this country’s motorcycling heritage.

‘Because of the historical importance of these trophies the National Motorcycle Museum will be offering a substantial award of £20,000 for information which leads to the safe recovery of these important artefacts.’

The museum re-opened as normal yesterday morning. Police said windows to the museum shop had been smashed but the raiders had not got into the main premises.

Geoff Duke, 91, was six times world motorcycling champion and won six TT races.

Brad Campbell’s former school has paid tribute to the teenager, who died in a road accident on Sunday.

Brad Campbell, 17, who lived in Onchan with his parents and brother, died when a Renault Clio hatchback, in which he was a passenger, was involved in a collision on the Foxdale Road near the Archallagan plantation junction at 12.10am on Sunday.

Police say they have traced a taxi driver who helped at the scene of the collision – and they have renewed their call for further witnesses to come forward.

One of the two other passengers remains in the intensive therapy unit, while the other has now been released from hospital and is recovering at home.

Meanwhile, a tribute to Brad has been paid by his former school.

In a statement Ballakermeen High School said: ‘Everyone is desperately saddened to hear this devastating news.

‘Brad was a lively character, well-liked by his peers and teachers.

‘He was a keen sportsman and was a member of Union Mills Football Club.

‘Brad left school in summer 2013 very much looking forward to learning a trade. His tutor, Mrs Wareing, remembers him as a popular young man who always had a smile on his face. Our thoughts and prayers are with Brad’s family at this time.’

Inspector Derek Flint said: ‘We have made good progress with our inquiries, and I’d like to thank those people who have already come forward. Amongst these, we have managed to trace the taxi driver, and have been able to speak to him.

‘We’d still like to hear from anyone who was travelling along that road from Braaid to Foxdale around the time of the collision by giving us a call here at headquarters on 631212.’

The driver of the Renault Clio was arrested on suspicion of having caused death by dangerous driving. He was bailed pending further police inquiries.

The Steam Packet has blamed the ‘atrocious’ behaviour of some passengers for its decision to call police in Liverpool when a fast craft sailing was cancelled.

There were scenes of chaos on Monday evening after passengers on the 8.30pm Manannan sailing were kept waiting on board for hours while engineers tried to fix an engine fault – only for the captain to announce the service would be cancelled.

Many vehicle passengers drove to Heysham to board a delayed sailing of the Ben-my-Chree but more than 400 passengers were left stranded in Liverpool, with limited hotel rooms available on a bank holiday. Some foot passengers had to wait on board until midnight before they were allowed to disembark.

The Steam Packet managed to secure 115 bedrooms in the Thistle hotel and a further 40 rooms at the Hotel Formule1 but some passengers had to bed down on the Thistle’s conference room floor.

Steam Packet chief executive Mark Woodward confirmed the company had requested police attendance at the Liverpool ferry terminal to ensure the safety of passengers and staff.

He said: ‘I would first of all like to apologise to all passengers affected and thank many of them for their understanding and patience as we first attempted to resolve the issue to allow the sailing to leave and then tried to assist with transfers and overnight accommodation.

‘Unfortunately there was a small number of passengers whose behaviour was atrocious, who both physically assaulted and verbally abused shore staff in Liverpool, as well as damaging fixtures and fittings in toilets and the main departure lounge.

‘I would also like to thank all our staff, who were working in difficult circumstances, and in the face of some very unpleasant and threatening behaviour. I believe they did everything they could to protect passenger safety and assist as much as possible.

‘The police in Liverpool should also be thanked for their prompt and professional response, helping to calm passengers and safely escort them to the accommodation, including closing the busy main road at one point to allow a safe crossing.’

Merseyside police confirmed that no arrests were made.

Passenger Claire Browne, who had been due to sail on Monday night, said: ‘We were kept on the boat until midnight – foot passengers with no checked luggage got off about an hour earlier.

‘Upon leaving the boat we were greeted by several police cars and a riot van but by no helpful staff. No-one had a clue what was going on. To have to drive through the night to Heysham is ludicrous. Given my disability this simply wasn’t an option. Luckily, we were told we could check in at the Thistle Hotel, paid for by the Steam Packet.’

As the Ben was also very busy it was not possible to accommodate all vehicles, so some remained in Liverpool.

The Manannan resumed her schedule shortly after midday on Tuesday, after specialist engineers repaired a fault to the vessel’s electric control system.

Mr Woodward said the decision by the ship’s captain to cancel the sailing had been a difficult one and it is always the aim of the Steam Packet to sail unless safety concerns or technical issues make that impossible.

{http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/passengers-relive-ferry-journey-in-stormy-seas-1-6784944|Only a fortnight earlier the Steam Packet had been forced to defend the decision to sail the Manannan to Douglas through the remnants of Hurricane Bertha in a five-hour crossing that left passengers anxious and seasick and vehicles damaged.}

Mr Woodward insisted the issue on Monday could not be fixed by on-board engineers and when it became clear there was no option but to cancel the sailing, passengers were ‘informed immediately’ and arrangements for accommodation and transfers were made.

He said: ‘This was a very busy sailing and due to the Bank Holiday it was extremely difficult to find sufficient accommodation and not possible to find coaches to transfer foot passengers to Heysham.

‘Despite it being a busy Bank Holiday weekend in Liverpool, our staff managed to secure more than 150 hotel rooms, transfer 85 vehicles to an alternative sailing and even secured the conference room at the Thistle Hotel which, whilst not ideal, did provide a warm and safe place for people to rest if they chose to.

‘Every attempt was made to keep passengers on board informed as the situation developed, with the captain making nine announcements, and to communicate with those whose travel was affected by the cancellation.’

{http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/steam-packet-hits-back-at-atrocious-behaviour-of-some-passengers-1-6808131|This story was first published in the Manx Independent and mentioned in the promotion for the paper. That generated a lot of comments from readers, see them by clicking here.}

After a disrupted start to the season, the Canada Life Premier League will hope to return to some sort of normality on Saturday with a full programme of fixtures.

Taking top billing is the match between Peel and St Mary’s at Douglas Road.

The pair were tipped to provide St George’s with their sternest challenge for the top-flight silverware.

Peel drew their opening game of the season 2-2 with western neighbours St John’s and new manager Steve Falconer will be keen to chalk up up his first win of the season in this one.

Saints will be licking their wounds a little after being beaten by Geordies 5-2 in Tuesday evening’s sole game.

With both keen to set down an early season marker, this should be a cracker.

Elsewhere Ramsey make their delayed season bow when they welcome St John’s to Ballacloan.

A host of summer signings has reinforced the northerners’ ranks, but with the Johnners a tough outfit to beat the two sides might have to settle for a point apiece.

Another close game looks on the cards at Ballafletcher as Corinthians host promoted Ayre United.

Both sides made winning starts to the season, the Whites beating Gymns 3-0 and United beating Laxey in one of the opening weekend’s standout results.

With confidence high in both camps this could go either way.

Laxey will hope to bounce back against Michael, but will need an improved performance to the one shown at Ayre, while last season’s Division Two champions Gymns will face some familiar faces when they tackle DHSOB.

Geordies’ game with Union Mills has been postponed.

David Higgins claimed victory at the Muscatell Ojibwe Forest Rally in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota at the weekend to rubber stamp his sixth Rally America championship.

Manxman Higgins and co-driver Craig Drew secured their latest victory of the season despite constant pressure from Subaru USA team-mate Travis Pastrana.

The Muscatell Ojibwe Forest Rally was the penultimate event of the eight-round American championship and featured three days of competition on high-speed and technical forest roads in north western Minnesota.

The event is highly regarded for its flowing and technical sandy gravel roads which are a favourite among rally drivers. Higgins and Drew entered Ojibwe as champions-elect after mathematically securing his fourth straight US title at the previous round in New England.

The rally began with a close duel between team-mates Higgins and Pastrana, with Pastrana only 24.1 seconds behind at the beginning of the final day of competition. Unfortunately former motocross star Pastrana slid wide off the racing line and became stuck in a ditch on the final day’s first stage.

Pastrana tried in vain to free his high-centered Subaru and was forced to retire from the event. It was Pastrana’s first non-finish of the season after a string of four consecutive podium finishes prior to Ojibwe.

To the delight of the fans, the event organizers allowed Pastrana to race as exhibition only on the final stage of the event which ran through the streets of Detroit Lakes.

The rally, however, belonged to David Higgins and Craig Drew. They won nearly all of the event’s 16 competition stages, with just two stages narrowly won by Pastrana.

Higgins battled through the fog on the second day’s night stages to pull time from Pastrana and then never looked back after the latter’s retirement, winning all of the final day’s stages while cruising to the finish.

‘This rally is always a difficult one and this year was no different. We had thick fog to contend with on Friday night, plus real tricky road conditions where it would be very slippery and wet in spots,’ explained mid-Wales-based Higgins.

‘Travis (Pastrana) was pushing us real hard and it was a big challenge to go fast in those conditions. After Travis exited the rally we obviously had it easier but we still pushed a bit and tried some different things with the car. The team and our Subaru were perfect again, and big thumbs up to Craig (Drew) as this was the only event in the championship that he had yet to win.’

The final stop on the Rally America calendar will be the Lake Superior Performance Rally on October 17 and 18 in Houghton, Michigan.

After a Classic TT-enforced break from regular action, JCK Division Two bursts back into action this weekend with a full round of fixtures on Saturday afternoon.

The pick of the games is arguably at Springfield Road where Douglas Athletic take on Colby in a battle between two sides hoping to challenge for the top four and promotion. The hosts will be eager to get three points on the board having lost their opening match against RYCOB. Athletic went up against Douglas Royal last night (Wednesday) as their tough start to the season continued, while Colby got their campaign off to a winning start with a 2-0 success over plucky Braddan.

Both sides recruited well during the summer transfer window and are expected to be up near the top of the table come May so this is a chance for one of them to make a statement to their rivals.

Elsewhere, recently relegated Castletown continue their quest for an immediate return to the Premier League when they face Douglas and District. Town won their season opener, but only just by a single goal in five against newly-formed Governor’s Athletic in their first ever competitive fixture and so will need to improve against a D&D side who like to raise their game against the so-called bigger teams.

Douglas Royal topped the fledgling standings after the opening day having won 8-1 and they will be expected to claim the three points on offer again when they travel to Pulrose. New manager Paul Guiver has been busy at the Springfield Road club though, so a tricky match could be in store for the Whites.

Onchan were the other big winners on the opening day when they thumped Foxdale 7-1 and this weekend they travel to nearby Victoria Road to take on Braddan. The Swans gave a good account of themselves in their aforementioned match against Colby and another performance like that could see them disrupt the Os’ momentum.

Two other sides expected to challenge for honours this season, Marown and RYCOB, travel to Foxdale and Malew respectively on Saturday.

Youthie will be hoping to build on that win against Douglas Athletic and cement their place at the right end of the league but may find it hard going against a Malew side tipped for good things on the back of several impressive summer signings.

At the time of going to press, Marown were preparing for their first game of the season against Pulrose on Wednesday evening. Dave Brew’s men are expected to push hard for promotion so expect them to claim two wins by the end of the weekend.

A full-house of 250 entries have been received for this weekend’s Manx International Classic Trial.

Of the expected starters, the first 60 will be on twinshock machines, predominantly from the 1970s and 1980s.

Among those is former World Trials Champion Yrjo Vesterinen at No 29 on a 270 Bultaco. He rode last year and thoroughly enjoyed the experience, so has brought his teenage daughter Hanna across with him this time and she will ride alongside on a 125 Bultaco.

Local rider Barry Kinley (No12), third in last weekend’s Manx National Two-Day, is expected to be among the top performers in this class on his 1976 175 Yamaha, along with fellow local Graham Christian (15), Northern Ireland’s Stephen Murphy (16) and Leicestershire’s Mick Thurman (21).

Former winners in the main Pre-65 class include John Maxfield (80), Kevin Chapman (96), Paul Heys (99), Roy ‘Ago’ Wilson (109), Peter Salt (110) and Dave Thorpe (123).

Other likely winners include James Harland (92) and Rob Bowyer (93), while three former Senior TT winners in the entry are Mick Grant (117), Steve Plater (148) and John McGuinness (149).

Signing on for the Manx International Classic Trial will take place at a new venue, the Manx Legion Club, Market Hill, Douglas on Friday evening from 7.30pm.

The Saturday route begins from the Southern 100 paddock at 8.30am and early groups include Scarlett Point (8.45), Billown Glen (9.10), Old Stoney Mountain (10.45) and South Barrule Quarry (11.10).

After lunch there is Glen Rushen Gully (12.35pm), Sloc Corner (1.30pm), Ballarock (2pm) and Pooil Vaaish (2.20).

On Sunday, the action goes north, starting from the TT Grandstand at 8am, with sections at Ballanard (8.05), Ballachrink and Creg-y-Cowin (from 8.20), Windy Corner Gully (9am), Snaefell Gully (9.20), Tholt-y-Will Quarry (10.30), Cluggid (11.20), Cooilslieu (12.40pm), Greeba Glen (12.55), King’s Forest (1.20), Camlork (1.50) and Douglas Rugby Club, Port-e-Chee (2pm).

These are estimated arrival times for the first bikes. Twinshocks occupy the first 60 places both days. Starting positions reversed on day two with No60 first away.

The highest numbered Pre-65s (starting at 250), will be after No1 of the twinshocks. Last on the road should be No61.

The annual drag racing and drifting event is to take place at the weekend at Jurby Motordrome.

Now in its fifth year the free-to-spectate event has grown in popularity, attracting top UK drag racers whose vehicles are capable of 0–180mph in seven seconds.

This year one of the top UK ‘pro mod drag’ bike teams, Warpspeed, will bring over a garage of bikes capable of covering the quarter mile in six seconds at speeds close to 200mph.

Guy Martin fans who remember watching the TT star trying out drag racing in an episode of his TV series Speed will be interested to know Warpspeed was the team which was on hand to lend Guy the bike and teach him how to handle the monster.

For the four-wheeled fanatics there will be not one, but two 1950 Ford Populars capable of 0 to 140mph in 9.5 seconds.

These cars run in the popular outlaw Anglia class of drag racing, where their wheel standing launches from the startline wow the crowds.

Last year the event witnessed the beginning of unusual vehicles being built and raced along the quarter mile.

The Wacky Racers theme began with the Isle of Man-based Garage Insanity Team building and attempting to crack the world speed record for a mobility scooter, which at that time was 74mph. Unfortunately, handling problems prevented their attempt.

This year another Isle of Man-based Wacky Race team, Anderson Bodyshop from Ballasalla, has built a mobility scooter which has recorded 107mph in testing.

The scooter was recently seen on Douglas promenade during the TT.

Saturday is official Guinness World Record attempt day.

Continuing with the Wacky Races, the world’s fastest toilet will be thundering down the track along with the world’s fastest coin-operated ride, the Postman Pat van.

Due to popular demand, the Patvan racing team is making the trip over again with the Postman Pat van, and will be bringing along garage buddy Patvan 2, a bike-engined dragster, and Patvan 3, a slightly larger Postman Pat van complete with a 1,000cc V Twin Aprilia engine.

The all-new Patvan 3 will be testing at the event as it’s currently still under construction.

The Manx Drift Corporation, MDC, will be churning up plenty of tyre smoke as they display car control on their twisty track.

The event is open to all riders and drivers who would like to compete in the drag racing or Drifting. All you need is a licence, helmet and a safe vehicle.

The event is sponsored by PokerStars and hosted by the Manx Drag Racing Association in partnership with Straightliners.

Harold Albert Hill and Karen Hill, of Wigan, bought Newlands House, Spring Valley Industrial Estate, for £1,000,000.

It was bought from Waddicar Investments Limited, whose registered office is situated at Mount Rule Equestrian Centre, Mount Rule, Braddan.

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

Fellside Limited, whose registered office is at 4 Finch Road, Douglas, sold 15 Vicarage Park, Braddan, for £410,000, to Lynn Andrea Smith and Ryan Francis Jay Smith, of 12 Alderley Close, Douglas.

Patrick Rupert Cottrell, as trustee, Marcus Simon Dene Williams, of USA, as trustee, and Alexander John Claude Williams, of London, as trustee, sold 1 Arbory Road, Castletown, for £405,000, to Philippa Mary Rosalinda Williams, of 1 Arbory Road, Castletown.

Jon Alan Stephen sold 21 Groudle View, Onchan, for £370,000, to James Arthur Surgeon and Sarah Anne Surgeon, of 11 Bowness Close, Onchan.

Steven Nicholas Wright and Karen Jane Wright, sold 8 Milner Close, Port Erin, for £350,000, to Norman Corlett, of 67 Lilac Grove, Silverburn, Ballasalla.

Allan Jones sold 8 Queen Margaret Road, Glen Vine, for £322,000, to James Michael Kermode and Gwendoline Ivy Kermode, of 14 Keeil Pharrick Park, Glen Vine.

June Rosemary Reid sold Glenacre, Stockfield Road, Michael, for £295,000, to Michael John Holt and Leigh Dawson Holt, of Stockfield House, Cronk-y-Voddy.

Hayley Roberts sold Laggan, 20 Port-e-chee Avenue, Douglas, for £253,000, to Bruce Austen Parkinson and Susannah Jane Pilling, of Flat 2, 106 Bucks Road, Douglas.

Angela Gallagher sold 10 Cronk-y-Berry Drive, Douglas, for £232,000, to Paul Martin Jennings and Kelly Marie Uren, of 40 Lhon Vane Close, Onchan.

Brian Kane, of Aberdeenshire, and Michelle Christina Harrison, sold 6 Heather Lane, Abbeyfields, Douglas, for £211,000, to Shaun Horrocks and Rosemary Jane Horrocks, of Shee-dy-Vea, The Darrag, Port Erin.

Ryan Middleton and Rhys Middleton, of 151 Woodbourne Road, Douglas, sold 5 Summerhill Grove, Douglas, for £175,000, to Braydie Shannon Grove and Hannah Marie Clare Grove, of 1 Poplar Road, Douglas.

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

Four brothers from Ramsey have reached the final of a competition at the UK’s biggest horror movie festival.

The Staszkiewicz brothers are Joe, 33, Lloyd, 27, Tom, 34, and Rowan, 29, and their short film, ‘Hubert’s Ghost’ has been chosen in the final three from well over 100 entries in a FrightFest and Horror Channel competition.

The finalists are pitted against each other and the public has to choose which film they want to vote for.

The ultimate winner will get their short film made into a full length feature film with a guaranteed minimum budget of £20,000.

The brothers now live in Nottingham where they also went to university.

Joe said: ‘We had to screen our film to hundreds of horror fans and take part in a small Q & A about why our film would make a great full length feature afterwards.’

‘We all grew up in Ramsey and went to the Grammar School. We still visit the island to play with our band, Swound!, which is always amazing fun.’

Joe told the Examiner the brothers began making their own films with their parents’ camcorder.

‘We started taking it seriously when we needed music videos making for our band, we learnt how to make high quality promos on a shoestring budget.

‘Hubert’s Ghost, aside from a small amount that we paid for the location, cost us about £30 for props and materials.’

To watch and vote for ‘Hubert’s Ghost’ visit - www.horrorchannel.co.uk/shortcuts_to_hell.php

After the success of winning the President’s Cup for Best New Play at the Manx Amateur Drama Federation’s One Act Festival, the intriguingly named Preposterous Theatre Group has announced its first island tour.

The new company, the brainchild of Andreas-based Shawn Sturnick, will be performing its brand of theatre across the island from mid-September.

Preposterous scored at the Manx Amateur Drama Federation festival with its fast-paced comedy Marry Me, a not so straightforward ‘boy meets girl’ story set on Douglas seafront – where the girl has a gun and wants to marry the boy as quickly as possible – preferably the same night!

Mr Sturnick both wrote and directed Marry Me, which features Lisa Creighton of Ballaugh and Tom Cain of Kirk Michael in the lead roles.

In addition to its President’s Cup success, MarryMe was highly commended in the Geoffrey Whitworth New Play Competition.

‘The reaction from both judges and the general public was so positive that we decided the play deserves to be seen by more than just the festival audience, so we are taking it around the Isle of Man,’ Mr Sturnick said. ‘Rather than book only one of the excellent small theatre spaces that dot the island, we decided to hatch a plan called The Preposterous National Tour!’

As well as Marry Me, audiences will be treated to another original Sturnick comedy, Zenith of the Sun, starring Lisa Creighton as a statue who comes to life in an artist’s studio. Sturnick takes on the role of the artist who interprets this miracle as a sign that he and she are destined to be together. The living statue has other ideas, however.

The Arts Council has supported Preposterous with its inclusion in the ongoing programme for Island of Culture 2014.

‘Everyone involved really looks forward to bringing theatre directly to local communities, particularly in the north where regular theatre performances have been absent for several years,’ added Mr Sturnick.

The autumn season kicks off at the Erin Arts Centre, September 18 and 19.

Further dates have been booked as follows: Kensington Road Youth Arts Centre in Douglas, September 26 and 27; Laxey Working Men’s Institute, October 4; Peel Centenary Centre, October 10; Maughold parish hall, October 18; Port St Mary town hall, October 23; Onchan parish hall, October 31 and November 1; Ramsey Freemason’s hall, November 21; Andreas parish hall, November 29.

For Erin Arts Centre tickets phone 832662. For all other performances, tickets available at the door, or in advance from Celtic Gold in Peel, Shakti Man in Ramsey, or the Welcome Centre at the Sea Terminal in Douglas.

All seats £10. All performances at 7.30pm.

Gary Firth from Barnsley in Yorkshire was killed during today’s Senior Manx Grand Prix.

The incident happened at the 11th Milestone on the Mountain Course, at approximately 1.45pm. The race was immediately red flagged.

Firth, aged 50, a newcomer to racing on the Mountain Course, finished 34th in the Newcomers A Race earlier in the week and had recorded his fastest lap of 102.282mph earlier in today’s race.

The Manx Motor Cycle Club passed on its sympathy to Gary’s family and friends.

The Coroner of Inquests has been informed and an investigation into the circumstances of the accident is underway.

Blind-folded people will walk along Douglas Promenade next month to find out what it’s like to have no sight.

‘Walk My Way’ is part of an awareness-raising campaign for the Manx Blind Welfare Society.

While some volunteers will be blindfolded, others will try to guide them. They’ll be assisted by people from the MBWS.

It will Sunday, September 21, as part of Vision Awareness Week from War Memorial on Harris Promenade to opposite the Empress Hotel on Central Promenade and back.

Guided walking is the method used by sighted people to escort blind and visually-impaired people.

MBWS chief executive Ian Cooil said: ‘We have delivered guided walking training to businesses, charities and other organisations and it has proved very successful in preparing sighted people to confidently and safely escort visually impaired people.

‘As part of Vision Awareness Week, which seeks to raise public awareness of the challenges faced by blind and visually impaired people living in the Isle of Man, we would like to invite everyone to join Walk My Way.

‘You can enter on your own or with a team and the intention is to pair entrants up, with one person blindfolded, for the walk.

‘We hope it will demonstrate to everyone that takes part why it is so important to understand how to safely and confidently escort a visually impaired person, and will encourage more organisations to sign up for our free training.

‘If anyone would like to be sponsored for the event and raise funds for the vital work we do with more than 600 people in the island with serious sight loss, that would be very welcome.’

The first Vision Awareness Week, from September 15 to 21, aims to explain what people can do to embrace visual impairment in society, in the workplace and in all walks of life, and gain a greater understanding of how those with a visual impairment live.

There will be a series of events outlining the simple steps we can all take to enhance the daily experience of blind and visually impaired people by anticipating and meeting their needs, such as cutting overhanging vegetation and not parking on pavements, and calling for significant improvements in access to public services for blind and visually impaired people.

During the week, MBWS will also be encouraging people to think about their own eye health, the possible impact their lifestyle could have on their future vision and the importance of regular eye checks.

The week will be launched at the Manx Museum on September 15, when Steve Cunningham, an inspirational speaker who lost his sight as a child but went on to set three World Records and play sport for his country, will address the audience.

Tickets for the event, supported by Specsavers, are available now priced £10.

There will also be a series of roadshows around the island throughout the week.

The roadshow will be from 10am to 3pm at Castletown Civic Hall on September 16, Corrin Hall, Peel, on September 17, Ramsey Town Hall on September 18 and Promenade Church, Douglas, on September 19.

Entry for Walk My Way is free and more details are available by calling 674727 or emailing enquiries@mbws.org.im.

Conister Bank has already shown its support by sponsoring the event and confirming members of staff will join in.

Conister Bank managing director Juan Kelly said: ‘Vision Awareness Week is an important opportunity to explain to the community the issues faced by blind and visually impaired people in the Isle of Man and what we can do, as a society, to assist them.

‘Conister is delighted to be giving its support to Manx Blind Welfare Society and sponsoring Walk My Way, which I hope the whole community gets behind. We will have members of staff taking part, and I’d like to encourage everyone to get involved.’

Mr Cooil added: ‘I’d like to thank Conister Bank on behalf of the society for its support of this event. This sponsorship is vital to the success of Walk My Way and a clear commitment by Conister to help us raise awareness of the needs of the visually impaired in the island.’

Isle of Man Post Office is sponsoring the Laxey AFC Juniors football kits for the coming season.

The Post Office’s sponsorship committee was approached by the club offering it the opportunity to support approximately 20 under 5s players’ football shirts which are now emblazoned with the Post Office’s logo.

Sarah Read, chairman of Isle of Man Post Office’s sponsorship committee said: ‘We were delighted to support Laxey AFC under 5s and take up the opportunity to promote our brand with a team in the local community.

‘The sponsorship of the kits will be valuable I’m sure. The sponsorship committee aims to support a variety of local initiatives throughout the year and we are always keen to hear from individuals and organisations looking for support which we may be able to help with.’

Peter Kinnish, Laxey AFC’s director of football and juniors coordinator, said: ‘You only needed to see the lads’ faces when they got their new kit and were then allowed to wear them on Saturday morning.

‘The lads were over the moon and so were the parents. The Isle of Man Post Office logo on the front of the shirts looks smart. Laxey AFC wishes to thank the Isle of Man Post Office for sponsoring their Under 5s.

‘It is a winner for Laxey AFC and a winner for Isle of Man Post Office. I think they look great as well.’

The head of the Office of Fair Trading says the calculations used by Manx Gas to support its latest price hike ‘make sense’.

But Mike Ball admits it is ironic that an OFT investigation report that aimed to protect customers from profiteering has been used by the utility to justify the tariff increase.

There has been widespread criticism of Manx Gas’s announcement of a 2.9 per cent increase in all tariffs - which will cost the average domestic customer with gas central heating an extra 6.05p a day from September 12. There will also be a 3 per cent or 0.48 pence a day increase in the standing charge, taking the total increase to 6.53p a day or an extra £23 a year.

Tony Nicholls, group managing director of parent company International Energy Group, blamed the increases on ‘warmer than average weather patterns’ which meant that customers had been using less gas.

‘The business has struggled to achieve the necessary levels of output over recent years and this small price increase will go some way to returning the business towards the average of the acceptable returns,’ he said.

OFT chief officer Mike Ball explained that a 2008 OFT investigation into gas prices had concluded that Manx Gas was not making excessive profits, with an acceptable range of return on capital employed deemed to be between 8.8 per cent and 12.4 per cent.

He said Manx Gas had voluntarily adopted a mid-range point of 10.6 per cent as its target.

Mr Ball said: ‘What we are clear about is that the numbers for the coming year make sense.’

But he pointed out these calculations were based on predictions of gas use for the coming year, and if those projections proved ‘off beam’ and Manx Gas was running above its 10.6 per cent target it would have to factor that in to bring the price back down.

Asked about the 2008 report being used to justify the tariff increase, he said: ‘Of course there is an irony there.’ He accepted price as well as weather was a factor in how much energy some people use.

Manannans are the favourites to triumph in the Manx Premier League final at Mullen-e-Cloie this Sunday.

They have won both of their opening games in the T20 competition and will meet Fenodyrees in their closing league match at midday also on Sunday.

The top two in the table go through to the final which starts later in the afternoon.

Manannans have already qualified and will take on the victor of the game between Bugganes and Glashtyns which could be close.

Bugganes lost their first fixture by 10 wickets, but later rallied to beat Fenodyrees by seven wickets.

Ollie Webster skippers a side which were dismissed in 13 overs for just 55 by the Manannans who then knocked off the runs in 30 balls.

None of the Webster side’s batsmen reached double figures and many expected the worst when they needed 115 to win their second game.

Any fears were quickly dismissed by a fine innings from Luke Lacey who made 40 not out. Shaun Kelly and Matt Ogden gave good support and the team romped home in the 11th over to win by seven wickets.

Glashtyns will be no pushover. In their first match they had an opening stand of 86 before a dreadful collapse saw them squeeze over the finishing line by just one wicket.

There was excellent batting from Drew Buxton (34) and Chris Langford (21), who also picked up three wickets in their second game.

Whoever wins this encounter will be hard pressed to defeat the Manannans.

Dan Hawke and Floris Venter are amongst the runs while Nick Hawke took 4 for 13 against Bugganes.

The final, starting at around 4pm, could be a cracker and a game not to miss.

Sunday, August 31

Manx Premier League

Manannans v Fenodyrees

(12pm at Mullen-e-Cloie)

Bugganes v Glashtyns

(12pm at Crosby)

Final (4pm at Mullen-e-Cloie)

Saturday, August 30

(KO 2.30pm)

Canada Life Premier League

Corinthians v Ayre United

Gymns v DHSOB

Laxey v Michael Utd

Peel v St Mary’s

Ramsey v St John’s Utd

St George’s P-P Union Mills

JCK Division Two

Braddan v Onchan

Douglas Athletic v Colby

Douglas and District v Castletown

Foxdale v Marown

Malew v RYCOB

Pulrose Utd v Douglas Royal

Canada Life Combination One

Ayre Utd v Corinthians

DHSOB v Gymns

Michael Utd v Laxey

St Mary’s v Peel

St John’s Utd v Ramsey

Union Mills P-P St George’s

JCK Combination Two

Onchan v Braddan

Colby v Douglas Athletic

Castletown v Douglas and District

Marown v Foxdale

RYCOB v Malew

Douglas Royal v Pulrose Utd