St German’s Cathedral in Peel will be holding a series of talks offering people the chance to find out about Manx Saints.

The programme will start on Tuesday (September 16), covering St Ninian. Forthcoming talks will feature Adamnan on September 23, Cairbre on October 11, Abban on October 27, Malachy on November 3, Spitlhin on November 18, Maughold on November 26, Nicholas on December 6 and Fingan on December 12.

Each evening will start at 6.30pm – except December 6 which starts at 4.30pm – and will include a talk, music and light meal.

The project is the result of several years of research and will be introduced by Reverend Ian Faulds.

A 2015 ‘Discovering the Saints’ programme is being planned, with more details to follow.

Today (Sunday) marks the last day in the 2014 horse tram season.

To mark the event the horse tram stables at Strathallen are having an open afternoon between 2pm and 5pm when visitors can call in.

Talks will be given by Mike Crellin of the horse tram service and a face painter will be on site for children who travel free over the weekend.

The horse tram service is to be temporarily suspended in 2015 while road repairs and upgrading are carried out along Douglas promenades. The double tram tracks running down the centre of the road are to be replaced by a single track with passing places which will run at the side of the road next to the marine gardens.

To mark the temporary suspension of the service, Douglas mayor Stan Cain will be driving the season’s last tram setting out from Strathallen at 5.20pm.

Members of youth organisations across the island are taking part in an adventure challenge at the Ardwhallan outdoor centre today (Sunday).

The event, supported by Ellan Vannin Fuels, should challenge the participants’ fitness, dexterity, and problem solving abilities.

Constable Mike Griffiths, who also runs the police youth scheme, said it promises to be an enjoyable afternoon with some fun challenges for everyone taking part.

Isle of Man Newspapers’ photographer Mike Proudfoot will be there recording the event for posterity.

A play worker at The Children’s Centre has won a prestigious BBC Countryfile Magazine award.

Play development officer Chris Gregory won the Professional Wild Hero accolade which was open to nominations from the UK and Isle of Man.

After five nominees were short-listed, the winner was chosen by a public vote on the www.countryfile.com website.

A total of 933 votes were cast, with 380 for Chris who took 41 per cent of the poll.

He was nominated for his work championing children’s ‘right to play’ encouraging children to have the freedom to interact and play in the outdoors.

Chris says he is delighted to win, but regards the award as a positive reflection on those he works closely with and The Children’s Centre in general, rather than a purely personal accolade.

He added: ‘It’s great to bring this award back to the Isle of Man as a reward for everyone who has contributed towards what we have achieved so far.

‘Winning this award also highlights the fantastic opportunities which the Isle of Man provides for children, but there is still much needed work to do.’

The Professional Wild Hero Award is for someone who works with children that has gone beyond the call of duty to open youngsters’ eyes to the natural world around them.

Nominations for the award were open to teachers, social workers, healthcare professionals and play workers.

Chris and his colleagues at The Children’s Centre are always working on new projects – one current example is a plan to create an adventure playground in Jurby.

To do that they need a sponsor and would love to hear from any individuals or businesses to help fund it.

John Knight, the chief executive of The Children’s Centre, said: ‘Many congratulations to Chris for winning such a prestigious award.

‘It represents the increasingly wide acknowledgement of his impact in furthering the development and recognition of play as such an important medium for children and adults alike, across the Isle of Man.’

In addition to being play development officer, Chris is also The Children’s Centre’s International Play Association correspondent.

The IPA is an international non-governmental organisation founded in 1961 which aims to protect, preserve and promote children’s right to play as a fundamental human right.

Chris also devised the Play Bin initiative which transforms a mundane school playground into 100 unique worlds for children to enjoy at a fraction of the cost of generic playground apparatus.

The Professional Wild Hero Award is part of the Octavia Hill Awards scheme which are organised by the National Trust, the Wild Network and BBC Countryfile Magazine.

The awards celebrate people who work to protect and enhance green spaces for wildlife and local communities.

This year, the organisers were looking for ‘heroes’ who have helped children and young adults connect with the outdoors and wildlife – passing on their own experience, enthusiasm and love of nature.

Many studies have shown that such connections with nature – especially in towns and cities – are essential for mental, physical and emotional wellbeing.

Arron Newby and Rob Fagg (Subaru Impreza) made it back to back successes on Rally Isle of Man powered by Microgaming on Saturday while Daniel McKenna and Arthur Kierans (Citroen DS3) lifted the MSA British Rally Championship title.

Nineteen-year-old Newby, who retained his Eurocars Motorsport Manx Rally Championship crown on Friday, took a two-minute lead into the final day’s seven closed roads stages and swept to fastest stage time on each of them. It extended the VP Fuels/Pirelli/Beatsons Building Supplies TEG Sport driver’s winning margin to 3 minutes 27.4 seconds.

Second placed Steve Colley/Andrew Cowley felt more in the groove on Saturday despite a major moment on one stage, the former trials ace finally feeling at home with the Specialised Glazing Solutions Mitubishi Evo IX.

Nigel and Michaela Cannell (Star Services Evo IX) were third on the combined event standings and the winners of the main Rally Isle of Man category, both Newby and Colley contesting the National element.

More in Tuesday’s Examiner.

A local charity has been helped to bring a much-needed minibus to the island.

Isle of Man Live at Home Schemes secured a second brand-new minibus thanks to the generosity of the Isle of Man Residential Homes 2009.

The Steam Packet arranged for the minibus to be transported from Heysham to Douglas at no charge, just as it had with the charity’s first minibus.

The 14-seat minibus is specially fitted with equipment to meet the needs of Live at Home’s members and was supplied by Minibus Options of Macclesfield.

Island manager Jo Dixon said: ‘We are so incredibly grateful to all those who have helped and supported us securing this second bus.

‘We are absolutely delighted it is here, as having the bus means we can continue to enhance our services and look at expanding and exploring new services to reach more people, particularly those in the more rural communities.

‘I would like to thank the Steam Packet for being kind enough to help us once again. The support is truly appreciated.’

Isle of Man Live at Home Schemes, established in 1998, aims to enhance the quality of life of older people and help support them in their independent living through what they call ‘social inclusion’. It offers a range of services to the differing needs of scheme members, including one-to-one befriending, social groups, an information service and assisted shopping.

The charity has formed five schemes around the Island, each with a local committee, part-time manager and assistant manager, and a dedicated team of volunteers local to their area responsible for supporting services and befriending in the community. Isle of Man Live at Home Schemes currently supports more than 450 people thanks to the dedication and generosity of its 400 registered volunteers.

Steam Packet chief executive Mark Woodward said: ‘This hard-working charity is providing vital services to older people in the island, allowing them to live independently in their own homes. The provision of a second specially-adapted minibus will allow the charity to enhance and expand that service, and we are pleased to have helped out by bringing the minibus to the island at no charge.’

Manx Telecom has appointed John Corrigan as corporate sales account manager.

He has more than 16 years’ experience in national and international sales, operations, and managerial roles in the enterprise, ICT, and aviation sectors.

Prior to joining Manx Telecom he worked as an independent consultant focusing on sales and go to market strategies for companies operating in the data and mobile technologies sectors.

His clients included Armac Systems, a specialist data analytics solution provider targeting large enterprises and aerospace companies and PC Monitor, a remote monitoring and diagnostic solutions provider.

From 2006 to 2012 he was executive director for sales and commercial activities at Skypaq.

Skypaq provides a range of web and enterprise software solutions for the aerospace industry.

Prior to this John worked as a key account director for Cable & Wireless Worldwide and as an international country and channel manager for Mitel for five years, a role which took him to London and Melbourne.

As Manx Telecom’s corporate sales account manager his main responsibilities will be to focus on the eGaming and financial services sectors, with a strong emphasis on sales alignment strategies in order to lead business growth.

John said: ‘I am really excited about my new role with Manx Telecom.

‘What initially attracted me to the company was its excellent reputation in the market for customer service and the provision of leading technology solutions.

‘The impressive list of eGaming and financial services clients confirmed I was making the right career move.’

Fergal McKenna, Manx Telecom sales director, said: ‘John has a wealth of sales experience and a strong technical background, which means he’s a fantastic asset to the company and we wish him every success in his new role.’

John, who grew up in County Kildare, graduated from Trinity College Dublin in 1993 with a BSc Honours degree in Management.

He is relocating to the island from the Republic of Ireland where his interests away from work included being a coach with Clontarf GAA (Gaelic Athletic Association) junior teams. John is also a member of St Anne’s Golf Club in Dublin, which he has represented in inter-club competitions, and has a keen interest in most team sports, including Gaelic football, hurling, rugby union and football.

Employers in the island are being encouraged to sign up for a scheme to help young people in their career choices.

Inspiring the Future Isle of Man will be launched with speed dating-style sessions between those at work and Year 9 (aged 13 and 14) students at Ramsey Grammar School.

Inspiring the Future is run by the Education and Employers taskforce, a UK-based charity whose partnership board includes representatives of industry bodies such as the CBI and those representing education. It is being extended to the Isle of Man free of charge.

The scheme’s extension to the island resulted from the Employability Working Group, which was set up to help bridge gaps between school and the workplace in the face of changing economic challenges and growing competition in the jobs market.

The working group comprises representatives of the departments of Education and Children and Economic Development and business and voluntary organisations. It has three priorities: involving employers more directly in careers education; communicating job-related information digitally and enhancing work experience opportunities.

Annette Baker, chairman of the working group, is inviting employers and individuals from any profession to take part in the launch event on Monday, October 13, from 9.15am to 11.30am.

‘We want people from all walks of life to sit down with students and talk to them about what their job involves, what qualities and attributes they need to be successful at it, what training opportunities there are, what skills they use daily and what their typical day or week looks like,’ Mrs Baker said.

‘The fast-moving format will see students move from table to table, gaining a flavour of professions they might not even have considered.

‘We have volunteers already, especially from the finance sector, but are keen to attract others from a whole variety of areas.’

Mrs Baker said: ‘Employers and individuals who can’t commit to this event can visit www.inspiringthefuture.org and add their details and schools can invite them into similar events as the scheme gets off the ground locally.

‘The website is a great resource for schools.

‘The island’s diverse economy allows young people to consider a wide range of opportunities but it’s important they have access to quality information so they can make informed choices.

‘We hope employers and their staff will find it rewarding to invest in the future of our young people.’

Nick Chambers, director of the Education and Employers taskforce, will attend the launch, as will Clare Christian MLC, President of Tynwald, Tim Crookall MHK, Minister for Education and Children, and Laurence Skelly MHK, Minister for Economic Development.

Mrs Baker said Ramsey Grammar had been chosen as the venue as its headteacher, David Trace, was instrumental in bringing Inspiring the Future to the island.

In the same week (October 13 to 17) in the UK, Inspiring the Future is launching Primary Futures, encouraging volunteers to spend an hour a year with children, discussing their job, and how literacy and numeracy skills helped them.

To take part in the launch event or for more information about Inspiring the Future Isle of Man, email a.baker@bhs.sch.im

A free lipreading class will take place at Isle of Man College on Saturday, September 20.

The class is for anyone who is struggling to follow their friends and family, finds communication stressful or would like to learn new skills.

Sessions are informal and aimed at beginners and take place from 9.30am to midday and 1.30pm to 4pm.

The event is supported by the College, IoM Hearing Solutions and the Manx Deaf Society.

Anyone interested should text 256025 or email gareth.foulkes@deafway.co.uk

Taxpayers are being reminded that the deadline for submitting personal tax returns for 2013/14 is now less than a month away.

If the Income Tax Division has not received returns for the year ended April 5 by October 6, offenders will be charged a £100 penalty.

If the return has still not been received by April 6, 2015, a further £200 penalty will be charged.

Even if the penalties are paid, the tax return must still be submitted and people may be prosecuted for failing to do so.

You can submit your return online. Anyone who is interested in doing so should register for Government Online Services and then follow the link to enrol for Income Tax Services as soon as possible.

To register, go to www.gov.im/onlineservices and select ‘Income Tax’ where video guides to assist in completion of the registration and enrolment process and their income tax return can also be viewed. Assistance can also be provided in completing the forms either in person at the Income Tax Division or by calling 685400.

Alternatively, returns can be posted through the letterbox at the front entrance to Government Offices on Prospect Hill in Douglas, or on the second floor.

If anyone requires a duplicate tax return, then they should contact the tax office as soon as possible in order that a return can be issued and returned before the deadline.

Online Government Services can also be used to pay rates and electricity bills, vehicle tax and even parking tickets.

A ‘yes’ vote for Scottish independence will present both opportunities and threats to the Isle of Man.

That’s the personal view of House of Keys Speaker Steve Rodan who has family and friends in Scotland on both sides of the independence argument.

Mr Rodan said the referendum next Thursday is now too close to call – but it would have been a very different story if voters had been offered a third option on the ballot paper allowing Scotland to follow the Manx model of fiscal and political autonomy.

He said he was not surprised that polls were suggesting a small lead for the yes campaign for the first time – and suggested there had been a lot of complacency in the no campaign.

Mr Rodan said: ‘I said at the beginning of the year that you under-estimate the yes campaign at your peril. Back in 2011, two months before the Scottish general election Alex Salmond was running 15 points behind. At the election there was an outright SNP majority. That had not been predicted.

‘The yes campaign has been a campaign of the heart while the no campaign has been more of a campaign of the head. I always said it was going to be close but I thought there would be a narrow victory for the no campaign. But now who can say at this stage?’

Mr Rodan said David Cameron had agreed that the ballot papers would only give two choices - yes or no to independence. But if there had been a third option of ‘Devo Max’ this may have found favour with many people, he said.

‘If the ballot paper had had three questions and not two the outcome would be very different.

‘Devo Max is the Manx model where the island has full economic and political power short of sitting in the United Nations between India and Israel. But it was not put on the ballot paper.’

So what will be the impact if there is a vote in favour of Scottish independence?

Mr Rodan believes there will be both threats and opportunities, in the short and long terms.

He explained: ‘If there is a yes vote there will obviously be huge political and economic implications for the British economy to which the Isle of Man is so closely linked. Any detrimental impact on the pound or the markets will be felt in the island.

‘In the longer term there will be a friendly independent nation well disposed to the Isle of Man with whom we will no doubt have a very close cordial working relationship politically but which could become an economic rival for financial services with freedom to have different corporate tax rates to make it attractive to international business.

‘No doubt the Isle of Man will monitor this as nimbly and skilfully as it has in the past.’

Mr Rodan said there may well be opportunities for the island in the short term if companies currently based in Scotland take fright – these could be domiciled in the Isle of Man as a politically and economically stable jurisdiction.

During a visit to the island last year, Alex Salmond hailed the Manx currency model as an example of how an independent Scotland could retain the pound.

But Mr Rodan believes that’s not a good comparison, pointing out we don’t have a formal currency union and Manx notes are not legal tender in the UK. He said an independent Scotland would not want to feel beholden to the central bank in London as lender of last resort.

Any new user agreement with the Steam Packet will need Tynwald approval, the director of ports has insisted.

iomtoday revealed last week that negotiations between the government and the ferry operator over a revised user deal appear to have stalled.

Steam Packet boss Mark Woodward warned that unless ‘real progress’ was made in those negotiations by early next year, the company would have ‘little option’ but to terminate the charter of its new freight vessel MV Arrow.

The MW Arrow was only brought in on a long-term charter in April to cover for the Ben-my-Chree during overhaul and to boost the fleet during the TT fortnight and at other times of peak demand. But is has already been sub-contracted for three months to Condor Ferries.

Director of ports Ann Reynolds said: ‘The department is continuing regular dialogue with the Steam Packet Company regarding what happens after the current User Agreement comes to an end.

‘We have informed them that we will continue to do what is best for the people of the Isle of Man and that any new agreement will need Tynwald approval.’

The user agreement gives the Steam Packet a guarantee of near-exclusivity over the government-owned linkspan.

It expires in 2020 with an option to extend to 2026. The ferry operator is looking to negotiate a further extension and in return, commit to invest more than £50 million in new vessels and infrastructure.

Mr Woodward revealed that the charter of MV Arrow was agreed on the understanding it would be a ‘key requirement’ in a revised user agreement package which the SPC believed it would be negotiating with the government.

But with no real progress made in talks after almost three years, the on-going charter could not be justified unless headway was made by early next year, he said.

Meanwhile, former Infrastructure Minister David Cretney MHK says he’s disappointed the Steam Packet has apparently withdrawn an offer to meet to discuss problems with fast craft services including the cancelled August Bank Holiday sailing. He accused them of a ‘slight sense of arrogance’.

Police are investigating a fight that broke out in Douglas on Friday afternoon.

The fracas began at around 3pm near the end of Gutterby Gable Lane on Market Street in Douglas.

Officers say ‘a number’ of men were involved and one received injuries to his face.

A police spokesman said: ‘Those involved in the fight were known to each other and there was no direct threat to the public at large.

‘Police arrived soon after the fight was reported. No one was seriously injured and three men were arrested.’

Police are keen to speak to anyone who was in the area and saw the fight or has information which they think may assist with inquiries to contact Douglas police headquarters on 631212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111

The island’s first Vision Awareness Week will be celebrated by the Tower of Refuge and Pulrose Power Station being lit up in yellow.

The Department of Infrastructure and Manx Utilities Authority have offered to mark the week by turning the lights on the two buildings yellow, the colour traditionally associated with visual impairment issues.

Manx Blind Welfare Society is organising Vision Awareness Week to improve public understanding of the challenges faced by blind and visually impaired people living in the Isle of Man, promote eye health and highlight the charity’s work and services. The special events started today , with the official launch at the Manx Museum in Douglas.

Volunteers’ coordinator and events organiser Debbie Thomson said: ‘We are absolutely delighted the Department of Infrastructure and Manx Utilities Authority have made this kind offer. To have two iconic and prominent buildings specially lit in recognition of Vision Awareness Week is an honour and will help raise public awareness of the events we are hosting.

‘The purpose of the week is to explain some of the challenges faced by those living with a visual impairment and highlight ways the Island community can help, whether that is simple everyday actions, like remembering not to park on pavements, or joining our call for significant improvements in access to public services for blind and visually impaired people in the Isle of Man.

‘We also want to make more people aware of the support and services available in the island for visually impaired people of all ages, through Manx Blind Welfare Society and other charities and organisations we work with.’

She added: ‘Vision Awareness Week is also an opportunity to remind people to look after their eye health and have regular check-ups, as early detection can make a huge difference in the prevention and treatment of conditions which can compromise vision.

‘These are important issues for the community to be aware of and get involved with, and we are very pleased the DoI and MUA have shown their support.’

There will be roadshows giving people the opportunity to find out more about services available for visually impaired people in the Isle of Man, and information on how to look after your eyesight. The roadshows 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.

The week concludes with Walk My Way, sponsored by Conister Bank, on September 21. Entrants will be paired up, with one blindfolded, to walk from the War Memorial on Harris Promenade to opposite the Empress Hotel on Central Promenade and back during the event, which is intended to encourage the community to experience the challenges faced by the visually impaired and learn some skills which they can use every day to safely and confidently guide visually impaired people.

Walk My Way is open to teams and individuals, and entry is free, although a sponsorship form is available for anyone who would like to raise money to support the work of Manx Blind Welfare Society. Signing on starts at 2pm and the walk begins at 3pm. For more information email enquiries@mbws.org.im or call 674727.

Mrs Thomson concluded: ‘We have received tremendous support, and I am excited to announce that McDonald’s is also backing Vision Awareness Week. Staff from the Douglas restaurant will be helping to marshal Walk My Way, and we hope to encourage some of them to try out guided walking for themselves. We hope as many people as possible will come along on September 21 to join in and find out more.’

To find out more about MBWS, visit www.facebook.com/manxblindwelfaresociety

Isle of Man advocate Chris Webb discusses why ‘till death us do part’ may no longer be the case for many

According to the office of Natural Statistics in the United Kingdom the number of men aged 60 plus who are getting divorced has increased by 73 per cent over the last 20 years .

In addition there were 15,300 people of either gender over the age of 60 getting divorced in 2011 (the last year for which figures were available) by contrast to 1991, when just 8,700 got divorced.

This increase in itself sees a new trend emerging.

As the overall divorce rate is falling (having peaked in early 1990) there appears to be a change in the divorce dynamic.

What factors have led to this?

The reasons for later life divorce or ‘Silver Splitting’ are that:

l People are living longer and having healthier lives prompting many couples to reconsider whether they want to grow old together.

l Divorce no longer carries for the baby boomer generation the same stigma which might have been found with their parents or grandparents.

l Women enjoy greater financial independence.

l There is an increase in later life marriages due to couples deciding to save for a house deposit, or having delayed children for career or lifestyle reasons.

l Couples more than previously re-evaluate what is important to them in terms of life goals.

l The developments of divorce law which has meant that assets such as pensions can now be utilised if appropriate to meet Splitters needs.

The growth in the number of men over 60 filing for divorce can also be attributed to delayed midlife crisis

l unhappily married men waiting until they felt they had fulfilled their responsibility to their wives and family before starting a new life.

What factors should husbands or wives consider if they are contemplating splitting or find themselves with a splitting partner?

l It is important to obtain legal and financial advice as soon as possible. The division of what could be quite substantial assets may create a need to consider the financial future afresh

l Priorities need to be identified. A desire to keep the family home will have a cost to it.

Does each party have an adequate income for his or her retirement?

l In addition to other assets which will have to be considered, if either the husband or wife has a pension this could potentially be utilised in one of the following ways:-

Pension offset - where the pension is offset against other assets

Pension earmarking - where the pension is paid in whole or part to the other party.

Pension Sharing - where an existing pension fund is split into two pension pots.

Pensions are difficult and legal advice should be taken.

In addition to financial requirements, Splitters should consider making new wills, as their existing will may no longer be appropriate and here again legal advice should be obtained. The change in the demographic when coupled with a growth in financial security for some means that ‘till death do us part’ may no longer be appropriate for the Silver generation.

l Chris Webb is a senior associate advocate at Gough Law and a member of the family team.

England’s World Cup-winning rugby captain Martin Johnson and Liverpool FC legend Kenny Dalglish are to speak in the Isle of Man.

Martin Johnson will speak on October 16 and look forward to the Rugby World Cup in England in 2015, where the final will be played at Twickenham.

Johnson is the only man to lead the British Lions on two tours, including the series win over the world champion Springboks.

As captain of England he led his country to victory over the All Blacks, Australia and in South Africa and, in 2003, to the longed-for Six Nations Grand Slam.

He and Dalglish are being brought to the island by the island’s Sporting and Dining Club and both events will take place at the Palace Hotel in Douglas.

Dalglish, who will be speaking on October 24, had been a full Scotland International for six years before he left Celtic for Liverpool in 1977.

After 269 appearances, and 167 goals for the Hoops, Kenny moved to Bob Paisley’s Liverpool for a record £440,000 transfer fee.

At the end of his first season, Dalglish had played 62 times scoring 31 goals.

Tickets for Johnson are £65 for members, and £80 for non-members. Tickets for Dalgleish are £50 for members, and £65 for non-members.

Tickets are available on email john@sportinganddiningclub.com, or telephone 617049 or 495749.

There will be a chance to ask questions of politicians and business professionals during an Any Questions event in the north.

On the panel will be Health and Social Care Minister Howard Quayle MHK, Liberal Vannin Party leader Kate Beecroft MHK, business woman Sue Gee and managing director of Ramsey Bakery Jim Duncan. Chairing the event will be Manx Radio presenter James Davis.

Organised by the League of Friends of Ramsey Cottage Hospital, it will take place at Ramsey town hall on Friday, September 19, starting at 7.30pm. Free entry.

Leonard Singer MHK, chairman of the league of friends, said: ‘I’m expecting this will be an extremely lively discussion, which is particularly relevant as it’s only a short time before Tynwald resumes. So here’s a chance to ask those questions you wanted to ask of people in public life.’

The court of Tynwald will sit again following its summer break on October 21-23.

Any Questions will be recorded by Manx Radio for its Sunday opinion programme.

Mr Singer added: ‘I’m hoping we have a good turn out from people in Ramsey and the north.’

Hospice Isle of Man’s fifth annual midnight walk will be held on Saturday, September 27, setting off from PokerStars building on Onchan Head at 10.30pm.

The route will cover Douglas promenades, Peel Road and then Ballafletcher Sports Ground in Braddan where participants will enjoy a glass of pink fizz and a cupcake.

Organiser say every walker will make a difference to the charity – with 85p of every £1 donated or raised being spent directly on patient care.

This year there is the option of signing on online – click the link www.sientries.co.uk/event.php?event_id=1476 – or you can download a form from hospice.org.im

Entry is just £16 per person. Once you have registered you will receive all the necessary information, including a wristband as proof of entry which needs to be worn on the night.

Marshals are needed – contact fundraising@hospice.org.im if you can help.

The story about the end of an era for the horse trams was the most-viewed on iomtoday.co.im last week.

Our readers are obviously interested in developments on the promenade because the second most-viewed was about the looming charges for parking on the seafront walkway.

Reports about the Steam Packet always get a lot of hits. Four out of the top 10 stories on this site last week concerned the company.

Around 150 reports are uploaded on to iomtoday.co.im every week. That figure includes all our news, sport, business and entertainment stories.

The top 10 last week (September 7 to 13) were:

1. {http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/end-of-an-era-for-horse-trams-1-6824513|End of an era for horse trams} 6,757

2. {http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/prom-ready-for-paid-parking-1-6830508|Prom ready for paid parking} 5,086

3. {http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/talks-between-steam-packet-and-government-are-not-going-well-1-6829329|Talks between Steam Packet and government are not going well} 4,784

4. {http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/soon-you-ll-have-a-choice-for-fixed-line-telephone-provider-1-6829203|Soon you’ll have a choice for fixed line telephone provider} 3,942

5. {http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/manannan-delay-due-to-medical-emergency-1-6828672|Manannan delay due to medical emergency} 2,803

6. {http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/taxpayers-cash-for-railway-to-be-cut-1-6830523|Taxpayers’ cash for railway to be cut} 2,412

7. {http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/police-hunt-for-three-females-after-assault-1-6827863|Police hunt for three females after assault} 2,206

8. {http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/assault-on-board-the-manannan-1-6829976|Assault on board the Manannan} 2,203

9. {http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/passengers-not-satisfied-with-onchan-buses-1-6824387|Passengers not satisfied with Onchan buses} 2,102

10. {http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/talks-stall-over-steam-packet-s-linkspan-user-deal-1-6833174|Talks stall over Steam Packet’s linkspan user deal} 1,857

The future of state-provided services in the Isle of Man is under the spotlight like never before.

In this week’s Isle of Man Examiner, the Minister for Policy and Reform, Chris Robertshaw MHK, outlines why there needs to be a ‘Big Debate’ about the issue.

His explanation is in his own words inside the paper.

But the news about the ‘Big Debate’ is the basis of the lead story in today’s paper too.

People will be invited to a series of meetings throughout the island and have the chance to vote using an electronic gadget.

Also in this week’s paper, we have been invited to see the railway station with trains boss Ian Longworth.

Two weeks ago, the Isle of Man Examiner revealed that the station could be knocked down if work wasn’t done on it.

In spite of the fact that the information came as a written statement from his own department, the minister, Phil Gawne, described it as a ‘throwaway comment’.

So what is the situation and how bad is it?

A petitioner at Tynwald called for the Isle of Man to allow assisted suicide. We hear what she has to say and ask if the bishop agrees.

There’s a page devoted to that.

We also join the last horse tram of the season. It’s the last for some time because of the work that’s planned on the promenade.

The paper also looks back at the Film Festival and there’s the second part of our feature on the island’s involvement in the slave trade. {http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/isle-of-man-s-role-in-18th-century-slave-trade-1-6833224|Part one is here to whet your appetite.}

Our sports pages include a review of the rally, while our 12-page business coverage reveals why the island has made history with digital currencies.

With our lively letters page, a page of news reports written by readers, Terry Cringle’s nostalgia column and details of the latest property sales, the Isle of Man Examiner is an indispensible part of the Manx week.

It’s in the shops now.