Individual bedside televisions are now available for patients at Noble’s Hospital thanks to donations..

A total of 260 bedside televisions have been installed.

Barbara Scott, director of hospital operations, said: ‘A television by each bed has been a long-term aim for Noble’s Hospital.

‘The quality of care and patient safety are our primary concern, but we’re always looking for ways to improve the comfort of patients during their stay. None of this would have been possible without generous donations from the Noble’s Hospital Gift Trustees and the Noble’s Hospital League of Friends, for which we are extremely grateful. By funding the project this way we’ve been able to ensure that there are no usage costs for patients.;

Each patient admitted to a ward now has access to their own television with headphones and remote control as well as access to subtitles.

The positioning of the equipment and the provision of headphones and subtitles allows patient treatment and recovery to continue without distraction to other patients, visitors and staff.

Barbara continued: ‘The Department of Infrastructure’s estates services team, in partnership with the local contracted provider, Colebourn’s, installed the televisions across the hospital. They have worked hard to complete the project without disrupting patient care, for which we are grateful.’

The chairman of the Noble’s Hospital League of Friends, Chris Kelly said: ‘Understandably, being a patient on a ward can be stressful and worrying. Bringing television entertainment and radio stations to the bedside can help to reduce anxiety and speed up recovery. In partnership with the Gift Trustees, we hope that this service will enable patients to feel more relaxed and comfortable during their stay.’

After the disappointment of a false start in August, a small team from the Lonan Gentlemen’s Fellowship will be returning shortly to the Bonneville Salt Flats.

The full team faced disappointment last month when they arrived at Bonneville hoping to contest up to seven speed records.

On that occasion they took two bikes, two riders, Paul Hodgson and Chris Proctor, and support teams but arrived only to find the famous salt flats under several inches of water. With no immediate prospect of any racing, organisers Southern Calafornia Timing Association took the decision to cancel the event, which was the centenary.

Since then, the water has receded and the salt flats have dried out rapidly and events have been taking place there since late August.

Now, part of the original team are to make a swift return trip to tackle what they see as unfinished business.

Ann McGrath said she would be returning along with rider and mechanic Paul Hodgson and Bob Watson to Bonneville this year. They are to fly out for the last week in September and will again be aiming at four records.

‘It was still a lake when we were there before and some of the organisers got a poor reception but they had a difficult decision to make. We have local people keeping an eye on things for us and we know it is dry now and the forecast is for 80 to 90 degrees.’

Both bikes are currently still out there in secure storage so the team will be collecting Paul’s bike, a Yamaha (which uses a Yamaha frame and engine), the day after they arrive and travelling back to Bonneville.

With the reduced manpower in the team this time they will be helped by members of another team who they met on the last trip in 2012.

‘Paul and I kept in touch with them by email from two years ago and they are being kind enough to travel 500 miles to help us out. They have been fantastic so we have their names on our bike.

‘They are hoping to visit the Isle of Man for the TT next year.

‘We arrive back in the Isle of Man at the end of the first week in October and we hope to bring another four records with us back to the island,’ Ann said.

When the team visited Bonneville in 2012 they were the first rookie team to top 200mph on a production based 500cc bike. Both bikes will travel back to the Isle of Man after the event later this month. The other team members will make a decision about returning with the second bike in future, possibly next year or in 2016.

With the hands of its gateway clock stubbornly stuck at 12.15, it seems that time has stood still for Douglas’s iconic railway station.

However, the red-brick Victorian landmark has not aged well.

Subsidence has caused cracks to appear in the clock tower and the entrance steps. Work in the 1960s on a sewer serving Pulrose has caused further cracks in the main terminus building.

Now £1.4m proposals have been put forward to tackle the subsidence, restore the clock to working order and, controversially perhaps, make the station more commercially viable.

The restaurant and café will be moved to a new first floor mezzanine with toilet facilities. Lift access and a staircase would be constructed in the station tower while a new al-fresco dining area with a glass canopy sympathetic to the style of the building is proposed for the rear.

But the plan has caused outrage among enthusiasts and heritage campaigners who have launched a Save Our Stations campaign, fearing the building could be stripped of its history or, worse still, face demolition if the plans are not approved.

But director of public transport Ian Longworth believes the campaign is self-defeating. He said: ‘That view is not going to save the railway station. The building is in a poor state - a lot worse than people appreciate.’

So is demolition an option? Mr Longworth replied: ‘Any building can get to a state where it has to be demolished. In my view the scheme put forward to stabilise and reinforce the building is what’s necessary to save it for the future.

‘A lot of us have an affection for the building and some of us have a budget to fix it. But the two may not be compatible. We’ve got to deal with it with the funds available.’

He added: ‘I’ve got to balance trading a major tourist attraction with its heritage. We are not going to destroy any of the core heritage. It will be in a state that if you want to put it back how it was in 1900 at some point you would be able to do so. But that would take a lot of money and we haven’t got that money.’

Giving iomtoday a tour of the building to show what work requires doing, he said: ‘The most important thing is to stabilise the building and restore the clock tower.

‘In my opinion this is iconic – this is what the station is all about.’

He said their plans would not involve changing the front vista at all. However, the station’s entrance door is to be move one archway across. Identical bricks recovered during the demolition of the Victoria Road jail will be used to ensure a match.

Mr Longworth said: ‘We’ve got to justify the investment. By vacating the current café it gives us about 1,000sq ft of retail space. Whether we use that as an outlet exit shop or rent it out we have not decided that yet.’

Changes to the booking hall have incensed enthusiasts. But Mr Longworth insists only one of the two ticket hatches is genuine - although again he insisted no decision has been made yet on changes here, either.

Infrastructure Minister Phil Gawne MHK met on Monday with transport enthusiasts to discuss details of the plans.

Mr Gawne said: ‘The railway station was erected around 1890 and put on the Protected Buildings Register in 1984. Although it was not deemed to be a good example of such a Victorian structure it was accepted that it was valued by the public.

‘However, the building has suffered from a lack of investment over many years now. My department is proposing to rectify that with a £1.4m scheme to carry out repairs to preserve the integrity of the original exterior but transform the interior to provide improved facilities for passengers, access for the disabled and a better commercial focus to ensure the station’s future.’

He added: ‘Refurbishment is long overdue. In the current climate it is not enough just to patch up what is there but to maximise the return for both taxpayers and passengers while maintaining our heritage. However, I am keen to listen to all opinions and will amend the scheme where appropriate.

‘Monday’s discussion with representatives of support groups has been very informative and I will do my best to accommodate the views expressed to me. I also look forward to meeting them again next week for further discussion.’

Before any work can begin, the scheme would require Council of Ministers’ planning consent because it is a department application. It will also need full Tynwald support.

Full details of the proposals can be viewed at Planning online: http://www.gov.im/planningapplication/services/planning/ and searching for planning application 14/00891/GB.

SMP Partners claims it has made history by becoming the first corporate service provider in the Isle of Man to accept Bitcoin payment from its clients.

The decision to allow invoices to be settled with Bitcoin is part of the firm’s commitment to embrace digital currency.

The landmark news came on the eve of the first Crypto Valley Summit.

It is being held tomorrow (Wednesday) at the Palace Hotel and Thursday at the Sefton.

SMP Partners already has an established digital currency team, led by Andrew Corris, and is engaged with a number of exchanges, funds and other Bitcoin-related enterprises exploring opportunities to establish in the Isle of Man.

As one of the island’s largest corporate service providers, and leading provider of services to the e-commerce and e-gaming sectors, SMP Partners says it has been at the forefront of developing virtual currency opportunities for its clients.

Representatives were present at this year’s BitFin Conference in Dublin and Coin Summit in London.

This week SMP Partners is attending the Crypto Valley Summit on the Isle of Man

Two directors of the Group’s accounting and tax practice will host one of the expert tables to discuss the VAT and Tax implications of establishing an operation on the island.

Allowing invoices to be settled using Bitcoin, with island-based CoinCorner.com providing merchant services to SMP, is the latest commitment by the firm to the digital currency revolution.

Group director David Hudson said: ‘Digital currency is becoming more commonplace around the world, and provides excellent opportunities for the Isle of Man.

‘The addition of digital currency experience and expertise to our group has allowed us to broaden the range of services we offer existing clients, as well as ensuring we are able to deliver an all-encompassing service to emerging market leaders in the sector.

‘We have been actively engaged in this sector for some time now, assisting our clients to adopt digital currency payment, especially our extensive portfolio of e-commerce and eGaming clients as there is a clear synergy with those industries.

‘The appointment of Andrew Corris as senior administrator for Digital Currency Development underlined our commitment to developing this sector and has led to advanced engagement with a number of digital currency exchanges, funds and miners looking to establish operations and profile in the Isle of Man.’

Andrew joined SMP Partners from Barclays earlier this year, having previously been assistant vice-president with Barclays Wealth Intermediaries.

Mr Corris saidd: ‘We have been developing the opportunities offered by digital currency for some time, ensuring leaders in the sector were aware of our ability to deliver complete bespoke solutions, encompassing tax and structuring, VAT consultancy, company formation, compliance and corporate solutions and accountancy.

‘We have also ensured our clients had the expert advice they needed to engage in the digital currency sector, expertise which has been developed, for example, by working with Bitcoin exchanges across four continents.

‘We welcome the Isle of Man Government’s recent

TURN TO PAGE 47

Police yesterday stopped a vehicle in the south of the island which was running on ‘red diesel’.

The vehicle was seized for further examination and testing.

Officers will be continuing to check those vehicles that they suspect are being fuelled on red diesel and are being used on public roads.

It is illegal to use red diesel in vehicles for public road use.

Red diesel is the low duty form of diesel that’s dyed red. It can be used in off-road vehicles such as agricultural/industrial/construction machinery but cannot legally be used as automotive diesel fuel in normal cars.

Isle of Man FA manager Steve Burns has named the 18-man squad that he will take to the UEFA Regions Cup in Slovakia next week.

Skipper Sean Quaye has elected not to travel to eastern Europe with partner Hollie due to give birth to their first child in the next few days. St Mary’s Karl Clark has been called up to cover his absence in the selection that will represent England against teams from Scotland, Germany and the hosts.

Chris Bass Jr will wear the captain’s armband with Quaye unavailable, the winger returning to the squad with St George’s team-mate Julian Ringham after both missed last week’s trip to Ireland with injury. Midfielder Jack McVey, who was also sidelined from the two games against the Republic of Ireland amateurs with a knee problem, has also proved his fitness and will jet off with the rest of the squad on Saturday.

Josh Thomas (St Mary’s), Aaron Hawley (Rushen) and Ashley Webster (Peel) all miss out, but there is a place in the travelling party for St Mary’s target man Mark Wolfenden who was a late call-up to the squad last week. Peel’s summer signing Josh Kelly also retains his place after impressing on the recent Irish tour.

Squad

Goalkeepers: Max Thomas (St Mary’s), Sam Holliday (DHSOB). Defenders Julian Ringham (St George’s), Stephen Riding (Rushen), Johnny Myers (St George’s), Karl Clark (St Mary’s), Andrew Crennell (Peel). Midfielders Liam Cowin (St George’s), Daniel Bell (Peel), Frank Jones (St George’s), Conor Doyle (St George’s), Marc Kelly (Peel), Jack McVey (St George’s), Chris Bass Jr (St George’s), Lee Gale (Peel). Forwards Ciaran McNulty (St George’s), Mark Wolfenden (St Mary’s), Josh Kelly (Peel).

Uefa Regions Cup Fixtures:

Tuesday, September 23 (Ko 3pm):

Isle of Man v East West Central (Scotland)

Thursday, September 25 (Ko 11am):

Wurttemberg (Germany) v Isle of Man (Eng)

Saturday, September (Ko 3pm):

Eastern Slovakia v Isle of Man (Eng)

Full preview in Tuesday’s Examiner, plus second part of interview with manager Steve Burns.

There’s always plenty going on in the world of today.

Take this coming Thursday, September 18. There’s going to be a tea dance at the Douglas Old Friends Association in Finch Road at 2pm.

There will also be something called ‘Thighs, bums and tums’ at Laxey Working Men’s Institute at 9.30 am, and there’s lots more.

Of course this is looking at life under the conventions of the Manx Perspective.

There’s going to be other stuff happening elsewhere this Thursday.

For instance, I notice that people in Scotland will vote on whether they should declare independence.

If you have been following events, and it’s been hard to do otherwise in the news media, you will know that it’s going to be pretty close to call.

In fact, I don’t know whether anybody has thought about this possibility, but it might end up as a draw, 50-50, when all the votes are finally counted. What will happen then?

As far as I know nobody has given this a thought. A re-run?

The risk is that nobody in Scotland will turn up for it because even they are now fed up with the whole thing.

Of course, when you come to think about it, a draw is highly unlikely. All it would take is for one voting paper to get mysteriously lost in all the excitement on Thursday with Alex Salmond being photographed swallowing hastily before launching into his victory speech.

But it could go the other way and the United Kingdom Government will have to honour their last-gasp promises to give Scotland a lot more self-determination, like they gave the Isle of Man when we kept going to London and kicking down the door of the Home Office.

The United Kingdom will then be saved. But things won’t be quite the same. There will be a diminished spirit of unity. We might be the Fairly United Kingdom.

I’ll leave it there if I may.

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

My former colleague in journalism Colin Brown says he heard Manx Radio’s early morning show presenter Chris Williams coming back on air after a five-minute break in transmission of the Mandate programme on the other channel to say: ‘Due to technical problems beyond our control we can now rejoin John Moss in the Mandate studio.’

This brought back memories for Colin of when he was working in the station’s newsroom in the 1970s and waiting to read a news bulletin in the news studio.

Something went wrong in the main on-air studio where music programme presenter Mike Reynolds dealt with this by bringing in the news two minutes early saying: ‘And now, the result of a complete technological disaster, it’s Colin Brown.’

The joys of live broadcasting.

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

Eve Berridge says the Isle of Man Courier on September 5, 2014, advertised Isle of Man Railways’ ‘Pie in the Sky’ events as being for Friday and Saturday, April 25 and 26, 2014.

At least people wouldn’t have missed the bus.

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

‘Jim’ directs attention to the Isle of Man Government’s Job Centre website offering jobs for a scaffolder and a ‘trannie’ (instead of trainee) scaffolder, pointing out that trannie sounds like tranny or transvestite. All right, you go and ask a scaffolder if he’s a transvestitie.

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

John Quaye says Manx Radio news reported: ‘Thousands of pounds worth of damage has been caused by vandals after an arson attack in the Riverside Industrial Estate in Douglas. It happened when the cab of a truck parked in a secure area was set on fire. A £1000 reward is offered by the truck owner for any information which leads to a successful promotion. If you have any information speak to any police officer.’

I should think he’ll be happy to talk to you.

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

This week’s Manx crossword clue from Richard Hetherington was in the Sunday Times Cryptic, as follows: ‘Manx cat on temple in Rome (8)’ – PANTHEON. Think Panther with the R missing and joined by ON.

Alexander James Wigmore and Margaret Bell, of Derby, bought Booilushag House, Ballajora Hill, Ramsey, for £700,000.

It was bought from Simone Clare Wright, of 502 King’s Court, Ramsey.

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

Vezelay Limited, whose registered office is at Dandara Group Head Office, Isle of Man Business Park, Cooil Road, Braddan, sold a parcel of land at The Neighbourhood Centre, Isle of Man Business Park, Cooil Road, Braddan, for £480,000, to Firefly Properties, whose registered office is at The Old Smithy, Main Road, Santon.

John Norman Corlett, of 67 Lilac Grove, Silverburn Estate, Castletown, sold Ballajuanvark House, Ballamodha, for £470,000, to Steven Nicholas Wright and Karen Jane Wright, of 8 Milner Close, Port Erin.

Laurence Binge, of Surrey, and Asgard Investments Limited, whose registered office is at 69 Athol Street, Douglas, sold 77 Cronk Drean, Glencrutchery Estate, Douglas, for £302,500, to Luke Aidan O’Reilly and Karen Louise Curphey, of Thie Darragh, Main Road, Glen Vine.

Stuart Ronald Clarke and Dionne Hayley Barbara Clarke, of Leicestershire, sold 39 Birchill, Onchan, for £255,000, to Lisa Joanne Hall, of 16 Governor’s Hill, Douglas.

Robert Mark Creighton and Lisa Marie Creighton, sold 6 Cooil Drive, Douglas, for £255,000, to Somkeait Tunkrathok-Gribbin and Wai Sun Cheung, of Silverbay, Flat 4, 8 Derby Road, Douglas.

Paul John Kirk and Juliette Kirk, sold 55 Cronk Grianagh, The Strang, Braddan, for £250,000, to Jamie Robert Devereau and Colleen Theresa Devereau, of 28 Berrywoods Grove, Governor’s Hill, Douglas.

John Armstrong Maddrell, of Abbotswood Nursing Home, Ballasalla, sold The Workshop, Victoria Square, Port Erin, for £198,000, to Neflier Limited, whose registered office is at Ballacannell, Glen Road, Colby.

John Norman Pallister, of 9 Saddle Mews, Douglas, sold 20 Ballabrooie Way, Douglas, for £190,000, to Richard Michael Killeen and Fiona Foody, of 7 Ballakermeen Close, Douglas.

Eileen Elizabeth Cubbon, of Abbotswood Nursing Home, Crossage Road, Ballasalla, by receiver, and William Ean Cubbon, of Gardenfield, Malew Road, Castletown, sold 21 Greyfriars Close, Friary Park, Ballabeg, for £165,000.

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

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

The first ever Vision Awareness Week began on Monday, organised by the Manx Blind Welfare Society and launched by ‘the world’s fastest blind man’.

The society has been arranging a week of events to raise public awareness 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.

Steve Cunningham, who lost his sight at 12, holds three world records, including the blind land speed and powerboat records, was the first blind person to pilot a plane around the UK and has played football and cricket for England.

Steve gave a talk at the launch of the week on what people can achieve and their goals in life, and roadshows are continuing throughout the week.

The next roadshow will be from 10am to 3pm at Ramsey Town Hall today (Thursday) and Promenade Church, Douglas, on Friday, September 19.

The week concludes with the island’s biggest ever guided walking event on September 21. Sponsored by Conister Bank, ‘Walk My Way’ will encourage the community to experience the challenges faced by visually impaired people and learn some skills which they can use every day.

To find out how you can take part, visit www.mbws.org.im

Young drivers will have an opportunity to improve their skills and knowledge at an event taking place in Douglas on tomorrow (Friday).

The Young Drivers Manx Motor Meet, which is being held at the Bowl car park between 7.30pm and 10pm, is specifically aimed at 16- to 25-year-olds.

As well as receiving a free winter health check for their vehicles, participants will be able to pick up useful tips and guidance, enter competitions to win fuel, service and valet vouchers and take part in a special auto test organised by Manx Auto Sport. There is also a free slice of pizza on offer for everyone who turns up.

The event is a joint initiative involving the police, youth arvices, Department of Infrastructure road safety team, Manx Auto Sport and Energy FM.

It is hoped that as many young people as possible will turn up in their vehicles and take advantage of friendly and practical advice from experienced drivers, mechanics and road safety officers.

Handy hints on vehicle maintenance will help to take the mystery out of what happens beneath the bonnet, and there will be demonstrations on how to change a wheel safely.

The aim is to encourage safer driving and support efforts to cut the number of fatalities and serious incidents on the Isle of Man’s roads.

Police sergeant Wendy Barker said: ‘Statistics show that a disproportionate number of young people are killed and seriously injured on roads throughout the British Isles. In the Isle of Man we have witnessed terrible tragedies this year involving young drivers and passengers. Unfortunately police officers and youth workers are still seeing examples of irresponsible driving by a minority of young drivers, so a number of agencies have joined together to offer practical advice and support.’

John Houghton MHK, Member of the Department of Infrastructure with responsibility for Highway Services, said: ‘Driving is important to young people as it provides independence and mobility. It also comes with great responsibility and the Manx Motor Meet is a way for young drivers to learn skills that will stand them in good stead for many years to come. The emphasis is on more fun, more skill and less speed.’

Further information is available {https://www.facebook.com/events/598849003556804/|on the youth services Facebook page} and comprehensive road safety advice can be viewed {http://www.gov.im/categories/travel-traffic-and-motoring/road-safety/|here}

iomtoday reporter John Turner speaks to people on either side of the the assisted dying debate

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

To legalise assisted suicide would be the beginning of a descent down a slippery slope with possibly disastrous consequences for society, according to the island’s bishop.

The Right Reverend Robert Paterson was responding to a recent Tynwald Day petition calling for assisted suicide to be made legal in the Isle of Man.

But Bishop Robert said he had serious concerns rooted in society’s wellbeing, religion and the practicalities of creating water tight legislation that was not open to abuse.

‘We have to think very carefully about the implications of what we are doing,’ he said, adding it was easy to set off on a particular path without reallising the full consequences later on.

‘Think about Hitler’s Germany and Stalinist Russia. The people in those nations would not have dreamed of taking that approach to human life. That’s the worry about changing the law because if it is practised in the wrong hands then you have changed society’s attitude to human life and that can take you anywhere.’

He added the whole issue raised serious questions about the way disabled and elderly people are treated. ‘There is no such thing as a useless human being,’ he said.

Moreover, he said to give in to a culture where euthanasia is normal, the concept of ‘what is the use’ goes into the minds of people: ‘People think they are a drag, so they might as well go...’

‘I realise that is not what is being proposed and I know that’s not people’s motive but it is not possible to say that the pure motives that people have at the moment can’t turn into impure motives later on. Unless you make sure your law making is totally secure, that’s where it can lead,’he said.

The Bill proposed in the UK by Lord Falconer would, if passed, allow assisted suicide for a terminally ill person who has fewer than six months to live. The person concerned has to be of full understanding and needs to have requested it clearly and freely, and it has to be supported by two independent doctors.

But even with safeguards, Bishop Robert described it as ‘a slippery slope that you can’t control’, and said he favoured the current approach where a doctor may administer a high dose of morphine with the principal objective of alleviating painand will not be prosecuted if life is shortened as a side effect.

‘We don’t go prosecuting doctors on that basis,’ said Bishop Robert. ‘We would only pursue him if the primary intention was to shorten that person’s life. I think that is the best way to do it.

‘Hospices are places of optimism. You don’t find people in the hospice advocating euthanasia, because they believe in life.’

He added: ‘Those of us with a religious outlook think that life is a gift and when you are given something there is a sense in which it does not belong to you to dispose of it.

‘Legally, we are talking about a party intervening in the cessation of a human life. It’s hard to predict when the end of human life will be so how do we know if we are into the last six months of life?’

Bishop Robert also rejects the arguments on which some legal challenges in the UK have been based: the ‘Catch 22’ situation in which those with a degenerative illness find themselves, that while they have quality of life they don’t want to end it, but when they no longer have quality, they probably also lack the physical ability to act unaided.

‘At what point do we say that point has been reached? At what point do we put down granny?’ he asked. ‘The thought of going to a clinic and drinking something to end your life seems horrific and the emotional trauma that families go through . . . There are no absolutes. Anyone who says there are does not understand.’

Should such a law be adopted, Mr Patterson said: ‘I seriously fear for society in the future.

‘You hear one or two people shrieking loudly about these things but it is a very very small number of people who are making a lot of noise. The majority are not asking for it. Once you make a legal change, that undermines the fundamental value of human life.’

Juan Watterson MHK said he was likely to seek leave to introduce a bill in October but had no intention to rush it.

Bishop Robert said:‘It is important MHKs hear both sides of this debate as it progresses. It was last debated in 2006, so it is timely to reconsider the issue.’

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

It would be reassuring to know that if she wanted to end her life but was unable to do so, she could call on the help of a close friend or relative.

That is the view of Millie Blenkinsop French who reopened the assisted dying debate when she presented a petition to Tynwald in July calling for new legislation.

What she hopes to see is something akin to the bill presented by Lord Falconer in the UK earlier this year.

This would allow doctors to help a patient to end their life provided certain strict criteria are met: the patient must be assessed independently by two doctors; they must be of sound mind and have expressed a clear intention to end their life; they must be suffering a terminal illness; and their expected survival must be less than six months.

For Mrs Blenkinsop French the matter was brought to the fore by three personal events. When her mother died a few years ago she said she suffered pain and had no quality of life. A close friend also suffered greatly while dying from cancer. Her own recent medical history has also been a motivating factor.

‘I don’t see it as a debate which involves religion at all,’ she said. ‘I do believe in a higher power but putting aside religious teachings about it not being God’s will, I think this is something of man’s making.’

‘Modern medicine has advanced so much that we now have the means to prolong people’s lives, sometimes way beyond what nature originally intended.

‘Medical advances are wonderful. Here I am at 71, but I have had two minor strokes and my fear is that it could lead to a bigger one.

‘If I were unlucky enough for that to happen and I were left in a vegetative state and with no quality of life, why would I want to stay alive? Especially if I were suffering excruciating pain. It seems cruel.

‘You would not do that to an animal, so why a human being? If there is nothing more to be done, you want to go as quickly as possible.

‘I remember my mother dying from cancer and suffering excruciating pain and I’m sure if she were here today she would be supporting me in this.’

Assisting in the suicide of another person currently can be treated by the courts as murder, carrying a mandatory life sentence on conviction. In some instances a defendant may plead diminished responsibility, which, if successful, reduces the charge to manslaughter, giving a judge different sentencing options.

During the 1990s, in the case of the Hillsborough victim Tony Bland, it was judged lawful to withdraw feeding from a patient in a persistently vegetative state. However, subsequent legal challenges asking for a more lenient approach to those who help others to die have failed.

In the UK House of Lords debate in July, Lords favoured Lord Falconer’s bill by a narrow margin of 62 to 65. Supporters of the bill included former police commissioner Ian Blair, former BBC boss John Birt, former director general of Age Concern Sally Greengross and former archbishop of Canterbury George Carey. Many said it was the right of an individual to choose their own fate.

Opposing the bill were paralympian Tanni Grey-Thompson, the archbishop of York Dr John Sentamu and former Conservative cabinet minister Norman Tebbit.

Currently people who are terminally ill have the option of travelling to the Dignitas clinic in Switzerland. Research published in the Journal of Medical Ethics suggests 126 people travelled to Switzerland from the UK to end their life between 2008 and 2012.

Steve Burns has said his Isle of Man FA squad are in confident mood ahead of jetting off to the UEFA Regions Cup in Slovakia at the weekend.

The Men warmed up for next week’s competition where they will represent England with a successful two-game trip to Ireland.

Burns’s charges narrowly lost 2-1 to the Republic’s amateur side on Thursday before beating the same opposition 1-0 in Dublin on Saturday thanks to Ciaran McNulty’s strike.

Reflecting on the Irish sojourn, Burns said this week: ‘We’re absolutely delighted with the way the weekend went. All 18 players covered themselves in glory and as far as I’m concerned represented the Isle of Man and England superbly well. I know that was the thoughts of the English FA as well.

‘It’s the toughest games that we’ve played since the Umbro Cup last October. If you remember they absolutely battered us in that 5-0. The team we played on Saturday was pretty much the same set of lads albeit with a couple of new faces.

‘What I was really pleased about was it was a deserved victory. We had a real good go and their goalkeeper was forced into a couple of really good saves before we scored.

‘The last 15 minutes we had to defend resolutely, but that was good as well as the boys had to fight hard for each other.

‘You could see them giving it their all for the good of whole group. I could say good things about every single player in the squad.’

Injuries to St George’s quartet Chris Bass Jr, Julian Ringham, Jack McVey and James McStay meant that Burns and his coaching team had to try out some personnel in Ireland. With the squad coming through the test with flying colours, Burns now has some selection dilemmas to face before finalising his squad especially with some of his walking wounded returning to fitness.

‘We didn’t have Chris Bass Jr and Julian Ringham in Ireland, two stalwarts of the team that have been through this England experience before, and they were gutted to miss out on the trip. However, it was probably the right thing to do as it has given them extra time to rehabilitate and given them a chance to make the Slovakia selection.

‘Jack McVey is in the same boat after he suffered a knock to his knee and was forced to pull out on the Irish games. It offered up opportunities to St Mary’s duo Mark Wolfenden and Josh Thomas and both did ever so well and contributed positively in both matches.’

Second half of Steve Burns interview, plus a full preview of the Slovakia trip in Tuesday’s Examiner.

Thursday, September 18

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

• Manx Retirement Association stretch and flex at the NSC, Douglas. Wednesday, Cherry Orchard lunch, Port Erin, at 12.30pm. Also Friday, Pilates at Jillian’s Gym, Loch Promenade, Douglas, at 10am.

• 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.

• Kirk Bride WI, Bride Church hall, 7pm. Call 803804.

• Arbory WI, Colby Methodist hall, 7.15pm.

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

Friday, September 19

• Northern Ladies’ Luncheon Club coffee morning at Ramsey town hall, 10.30am to noon. Everyone welcome, no charge.

Sunday, September 21

• Isle of Man Poetry Society, Archibald Knox meeting room, Onchan, 8pm. Call 664796 or 897815.

Monday, September 22

• Onchan Ladies’ Choir, Methodist hall, 1.30pm. Call 673453.

• Vannin Bridge, Onchan pensioners hall, 2pm. Also Thursday.

• Possan Aeglagh Manx Speaking Youth Club, Year 6 (ages 10-11) upwards at Cafe Laare, Lord Street, Douglas, 6.30pm - 8.30pm, subs £1. Call Cathy Clucas 414331 or email C.Clucas@doe.sch.im for further details.

• Onchan Rotary Club, The Max Restaurant, Groudle Road, 6.30pm.

• Onchan Silver Band practice, the band room, off Main Road, Onchan, beginners 6.30pm and seniors 7.30pm.

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

Tuesday, September 23

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

• The Tuesday Group, flexible learning room to try your hand at basic crafts, have a chat, coffee and fun, Peel Clothworkers’ School, 1.15pm. Pre-school children catered for. Call 614180.

• Isle of Man Chess Club, Belsfield Hotel, Church Road Marina, Douglas, 7.30pm. Call 495097.

• Castletown Metropolitan Silver Band rehearsals, Queen Street Mission hall, 7.30pm.

• Rotary Club of Rushen and Western Mann meet Falcon’s Nest Hotel, Port Erin, 7.30pm.

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

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

Wednesday, September 24

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

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

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

Thursday, September 18

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

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

• Wheelie Active Parents (mums and buggies) 9.30am – 11am, Villa Marina reception, £2.

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

• Chair-based exercise sessions, Onchan Youth and Community Centre, 1.30pm. Also Friday, Port Erin Methodist Church hall, 2pm; Monday, Ramsey town hall, 10.30am; Tuesday, Castletown Sandfield residents’ lounge, 2pm; Wednesday, Westlands’ residents’ lounge, Peel, 10.30am. Call 642668.

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

• Manx Fencing Club, Ashley Hill School, Onchan, 4pm. Also seniors at Ballakermeen High School, Douglas, 5pm; Tuesday, Arbory village hall, beginners at 4pm and Grade 1+ 5pm; Wednesday, Ramsey Grammar School, juniors at 5pm and seniors at 6pm, also at Ebenezer Hall, Kirk Michael, juniors at 6.30pm and adults at 7.30pm.

• Southern Gymnastics Club, Ballasalla School, 4pm. Also Tuesday, Castle Rushen High School, 5pm. Call 473741.

• Men on mats - core strength/Pilates class, 6pm-7pm, £8. Jillian’s Unique Fitness Solutions, 48 Loch Promenade, Douglas. Call 376574.

• Anti-gravity yoga at Savina’s Secret Studio, Glen Falcon Road, Douglas. 6.30pm. Call 203502.

• Cardiotone, Laxey Working Men’s Institute, 7pm-8pm. Also Monday 7pm-8pm. Call 452729/863602.

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

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

• Aerobics and body toning, bring your own mat, Philip Christian Centre, Peel, 7pm. Also Monday, Park View hall, Kirk Michael. Call 455924.

• Yoga, Cooil Methodist hall, 7.15pm. Call 494489.

• Zumba, The Dance Factory, Onchan Park, 7.30pm. Call 425270. Also Tuesday.

Friday, September 19

• Pilates at The Pilates Studio, Viking Longhouse, Middle Wharf, Peel, at 9.30am and The Studio, Falcon Road, Douglas, at 1pm; Monday, The Pilates Studio, Viking Longhouse, Middle Wharf, Peel, at 9.30am and Colby Methodist hall at 6pm; Wednesday, The Pilates Studio, Viking Longhouse, Middle Wharf, Peel, at 5.15pm and 6.30pm. Thursday, The Pilates Studio, Viking Longhouse, Middle Wharf, Peel, at 10am (chair-based Pilates for older, frailer adults) and beginners’ Pilates, 6.15pm. Saturday, 10am, The Pilates Studio, Peel. Equipment provided. Ring Lizzy Main on 427401 or visit www.pilates-isle-of-man.co.uk

• Zumba classes advanced, 10.30am. Also Tuesday Zumba intermediate, 8.30am, and Zumba for beginners, Tuesday and Friday, 9.45am at Zumba Isle of Man, Silvercraigs Hotel. Call 677776 or visit www.zumbaisleofman.com

• Tai chi chuan, Murray’s Road School, Douglas, 7.30pm. Call 612305.

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

Saturday, September 20

• Pregnancy yoga, All Saints’ hall, Douglas, 10am. Call 461461.

• Yoga, Laxey Working Men’s Institute, 10.15am. Also Monday.

• Yoga, Arbory parish hall, 10.30am. Call 494489.

Sunday, September 21

• Reikido, The Royal British Legion, Port Erin, 11am-12.30pm. Also Monday 8pm-9pm. Call Nick on 398955.

• Bowling club night, Port Erin Bowling Club, Breagle Glen, 4pm-6pm.

Monday, September 22

• Women’s activity morning, NSC, Douglas, 9.30am. Call 688556.

• Begin to Run , Douglas seafront, meet Jubilee Kiosk, noon – 1pm, cost £2, call Trevor Christian for more details on 688576.

• Disability swimming sessions, NSC, Douglas, 3pm-4pm, £1.55. Also Tuesday, 6pm-7pm.

• Aquafit, NSC, Douglas, 1.30pm. Also Tuesday at noon and Wednesday at 6pm.

• Cardiotone, Laxey Working Men’s Institute, 7pm. Also Thursday. Call 452729.

• Women’s self-defence classes, British Legion hall, Port Erin, 7.30pm.

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

Tuesday, September 23

• Fit2Go walking sessions, car park, Station Road, St John’s, 9am. For women looking to improve their fitness. £3.

• Pilates at 9.15am, 38 Woodbourne Square, Douglas. Pilates at 6.15pm Trinity Church, Ramsey. Also, balance and Pilates 1.30pm, Cooyrt Balleigh, Ramsey. No floor exercise. Call 491449.

• Pilates, the hall at Church on The Rock, Ramsey, 6.15pm. Call 491449.

• Tai Chi Chuan, Lezayre parish community hall, 7pm.

• Badminton club, Arbory School, Ballabeg, 8pm. Call Liz on 466370.

• Early Morning Boot Camp, 6.15am-7am. Also Wednesday and Friday. Evening Boot Camp, 6pm-6.45pm, Tuesday and Thursday, and 9am-9.45am Saturday. Also kettlebell classes, Wednesday, 6pm-7pm, Saturday, 8am-8.45am, Marown Millennium hall. Call 465335.

Wednesday, September 24

• Gentle yoga, women’s class, Gena’s Dance Academy, Peel, 9.30am. Call 456782.

• Balance and Pilates, 10.30am, Manx Legion Club, Douglas. (No floor exercise). Call 491449.

• Gentle body toning, NSC, Douglas, 11am. Call 688588.

• Chair-based exercises/stretches, NSC, Douglas, noon.

• Holy Trinity Church, Patrick, exhibition of photographs, paintings and memorabilia to commemorate 100 years since the start of the First World War. Open daily 10am-5pm.

• Grenaby Artists, the autumn collection, The Isle Gallery, Tynwald Mills, St John’s. Wednesday-Saturday, 1pm-5pm, Sunday, 2pm-5pm.

• Chinese Whispers exhibition, Hodgson Loom Gallery, Laxey. Open Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm.

• Ruth Nicholls, The Eye of The Beholder, photograph exhibition, Erin Arts Centre, Port Erin. Open Wednesday-Friday, 10.30am-4.30pm.

Thursday, September 18

• Age IoM - free computer training sessions, Douglas iMuseum, Kingswood Grove, 10am–12.30pm.

• Isle of Man Farmers’ Market, at Tynwald Mills, St John’s, 11am-3pm.

• Manx Gaelic class, intermediate-advanced with James Harrison, 7.30pm at Arbory Commissioners’ hall. Friday, intermediate-advanced with Adrian Cain, noon at the Manx Museum, Douglas. Saturday, intermediate 10.30am at House of Manannan in Peel; intermediate-advanced with James Harrison 10.30am at the Manx Museum, Douglas. Tuesday, intermediate with Adrian Cain, noon at St Matthew’s Church in Douglas, advanced 1pm at the Rovers pub in Douglas; beginners 7.30pm at Patchwork Cafe in Port St Mary. Call 451098. Arbory Commissioners’ hall with Cathy Clucas, 7.30pm. Call 838527. St John’s House with James O’Meara, 7.30pm. Call 843436.

• Bingo Quiz, Manor Hotel, Willaston, 9pm.

• Quiz Night at The Railway, Douglas, 8.30pm. Call 670773.

Friday, September 19

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

• The Manx Aviation and Military Museum, Ronaldsway, 10am-4.30pm. Also Saturday and Sunday, 10am-4.30pm. Free admission. Donations welcome.

• Coffee and chat, Onchan Methodist Church lounge, opposite commissioners’ office, 10.30am-noon.

• Relax Fridays, noon-2pm, Trinity Church hall. Bring sandwiches and enjoy free tea, coffee and company. Call 628374. Also Revive Fridays 5.30pm-6.30pm. Enjoy the company and a faith tea. Call 621004.

• Friday Lunchtime Choir, Salvation Army Citadel, Lord Street, Douglas, 1.15pm.

• Meditation at The Refinery, Duke Street, Douglas, 7pm. Call 467818.

• There will be a chance to ask questions of politicians and business professionals during an Any Questions event in the north. Held at Ramsey town hall at 7.30pm. Free entry.

Saturday, September 20

• Isle of Man Food and Drink Festival, 10am-5pm, Villa Marina Gardens, Douglas. Also Sunday.

• Coffee morning in aid of Greyhound Rescue at The Mitre, Ramsey, 10am-12.30pm.

• Laxey Woollen Mills, Glen Road, 10am-5pm. Also open weekdays.

• Green Centre, opposite Iceland, Chester Street complex, Douglas. Information about recycling, energy, insulation and environmental matters. Zero Waste Mann, Isle of Man Friends of the Earth and Manx Energy Advice Centre. Open from 10am.

• Isle of Man Farmers’ Market at Northern Lights Community Centre, Ramsey, 10am-1pm.

• Isle of Man Farmers’ Market at Villa Marina, Douglas, 10am-2pm.

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

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

• Motor Neurone Disease Association IoM, fundraising lunch, Ramsey Methodist Church, noon. Tickets £8. Call Anne 491375 or Claire 451692

• Manx Wildlife Trust blackberry picking, 1.30-3.30pm, meet at St John’s car park, near new school. Also invasive species survey at 3pm, meet at the RNLI slipway, Ramsey.

• Ballaugh Horticultural Show, Ballaugh Bowling Club. Doors open 2pm. Adults £1, children free.

• Sulby and Lezayre Heritage Trust, a walk through Bishopscourt Glen and Glen Trunk, meet at Bishopscourt Glen layby at 2pm, suitable shoes to be worn, all welcome.

• Harvest in the Barn, Ballacreggan Farm, Glen Maye. Music by Crosby Silver Band, 6.30pm. Service led by Rev. Grace Easthope and John Kennaugh. Refreshments after the service followed by auction.

• The I Love Culture Show, Royal Hall, Villa Marina, Douglas, 7.30pm. Tickets £12.

• Michael Heritage Trust - Illustrated talk ‘A History of St Michael and All Angels Church, Kirk Michael’ at 7.30pm in St Michael’s hall presented by Mr Rob Cubbon. All welcome.

Sunday, September 21

• Manx Blind Welfare Society Walk my Way. Entrants will be paired up with one person blindfolded to walk along the Sea Terminal to the War Memorial and back. Call 674727

• Isle of Man Farmers’ Market, at S100 Clubhouse, Castletown, 1.30pm-3.30pm.

• Car boot sale, Morton hall, Castletown, 2pm. Call 673320/481532.

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

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

Monday, September 22

• Cancer Awareness i-Van in Ramsey, 10am-4pm. Also Tuesday at Isle of Man College, Douglas, 10am-1pm.

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

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

Tuesday, September 23

• Computers for Beginners, Onchan Library, 10am-noon. Call 621228.

• Manx Cancer Help drop-in day, Lisa Lowe Centre, The Old Schoolhouse, Cronkbourne, 11am-4pm.

• Lunch Club, Salvation Army Citadel, Lord Street, Douglas, 11.30am. Call 627742.

• Cancer Awareness i-Van in Port Erin, 2pm-6pm, Orchard Walk car park.

Wednesday, September 24

• Cancer Awareness i-Van in Duke Street, Douglas, 10am-5pm.

• Computer training sessions for all. Leonard Cheshire Disability, Main Road, Onchan, 11am-3pm. Call 679030.

• Call in for coffee at St Peter’s Church, Onchan, 11am and 1pm.

• Bereavement support group, tea, coffee and a chat, Scholl Centre, Hospice Isle of Man, 5pm-7pm. Call 647443.

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

• Bingo Quiz, Archibald Knox Onchan.

• Manx Litfest 2014, Poetry Slam at Jabberwocky, Duke Street, Douglas, 8pm.

Thursday, September 18

• Gym time active play for pre-school children, Manx Gymnastics Centre, Douglas, 9.30am. Call 625636. Also Friday and Wednesday.

• Happy Tots, main hall, Willaston School, 9.45am, £1 per family including refreshments. Call 621577.

• Storytime for pre-schoolers, Henry Bloom Noble Library, Douglas, 10am. Call 696461.

• Krafty Kids (pre-school age) Philip Christian Centre, Peel, 10am.

• Arbory Tots, from birth, parish hall, Ballabeg, 2pm. Cost £1 per family. Call 832394.

• Toddler Tunes, Community Room, Michael School, 2pm. Call 878090.

• 2nd Onchan Beavers, Scout Headquarters, Onchan, 5pm.

• St John Ambulance Cadets (10+), 6.30pm-8pm, Douglas headquarters. Badgers (5+), 5.30pm-6.30pm, Age IoM in Peel. Adults meetings, Thursday, Monday and Tuesday, Douglas headquarters. Friday, Ramsey, St Olave’s Church hall.

• Good News Club for primary school children, Living Hope Community Church, Bayview Road, Port St Mary, 6pm. Email weirfamily55@hotmail.co.uk

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

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

Friday, September 19

• Baby and Toddler Group, 9.30am-11.30am at Glen Maye Community Centre.

• Tiddlers, parents and tots, Elim Church, Onchan, 10am.

• Parents and tots, Philip Christian Centre, Peel, 10am.

• Laxey Mums, Carers and Tots at Laxey Working Men’s Institute 10am - 11.45pm, £2.50 per family inc refreshments.

• Parent and toddler group, Ballasalla Primary School, 1.45pm.

• Mums and Tots, Laxey Working Men’s Institute, 10am-noon. Call 479839.

• Storybox, Family Library, Westmoreland Road, Douglas, 10.30am-11am. Also Saturday, Sticky Fingers craft, 10.30am-noon; Alternate Wednesday, Busy Bee Time for pre-schoolers, 1.45pm-2.45pm. Tuesday, Sing and Sign with Nickie Gaskell, 11am-noon.

• Parents and Tots, upper room, Sulby Methodist Church, 10.30am. Call 897364.

• Onchan carers and tots, parish hall, Onchan, 1.15pm. Call 625328.

• Sporty church at Trinity Church hall 6pm-7pm for years 3-6. 50p includes refreshments. Call 628374. Also Sunday School Trinity Church hall, crèche to late teens, 10.30am-11.45am. Call 625409.

Saturday, September 20

• Young Bowlers Club. Tuition and tips (open to ages 8 to 12), 11am-noon, Surestrike Bowling Alley, Ramsey. Call 812444.

Sunday, September 21

• Ollies - fun for children up to 11, St Olave’s Church hall, Ramsey, 9.45am -10.45am approx.

• Sunday School, Sulby Methodist Church, 10.30am.

• Task and DFC children’s club, Abbey Church, Ballasalla, 10.45am.

Monday, September 22

• Kittens tots and carers group, St Ninian’s Church, Douglas, 10.30am. £1 per family.

• Parents and tots, Dhoon Church hall, 9.30am.

• Story Time at Castletown Library, 1.30pm and 2.15pm.

• Tots play at Northern Lights Community Centre, Ramsey, 1.30pm-3.30pm. Also tots craft and play on Wednesday, £1.

Tuesday, September 23

• Parents and tots, Auldyn Infants School community room, Ramsey, 9.15am-11.15am.

• Toddle Inn, mums and tots group, Port St Mary Living Hope Community Church, 9.30am. Call 835091.

• Tiddlers Group for parents, grandparents or carers, St Olave’s Church hall, Ramsey, 9.45am-11.30am, £1.50.

Wednesday, September 24

• Ballabeg Busy Bugs for under fives, Arbory parish hall, Ballabeg, 10am. Call 429676.

• Mums and tots, Marown hall, Peel Road, Crosby, 10.15am. £1.50 per family.

• Twins/Multiple Births Club, Philip Christian Centre, Peel, 10am-11.30am. Call 458202.

• Homework Club for 11-12 year olds, Youth Centre, Arbory Street, Castletown, 4pm.

Thursday, September 18

• Castletown Silver Band, Villa Marina Arcade, Douglas, 8pm.

• Karaoke, Guys and Dolls, Douglas.

• Ramsey Folk Club, Mitre Hotel, Ramsey, 8pm-11pm.

• Karaoke with Ray Sloane at the Saddle Inn, Douglas.

• Guitar lessons at the meeting room, Archibald Knox, Onchan, 5.45pm-6.45pm.

Friday, September 19

• Little Miss Dynamite at Commercial in Ramsey.

• Karaoke at the Albert, Douglas, 9pm.

• Irish traditional music session at The Mitre, Ramsey, 9pm.

• The Birds and The Beards, Jaks, Douglas.

• Ian Thompson, The Railway, Douglas.

Saturday, September 20

• Ian Thompson, The Horse and Plough in Braddan.

• The Chillerz, Jaks, Douglas.

• Grizzled Vetz at the Mitre, Ramsey.

• Little Miss Dynamite at Rosemount, Douglas.

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

• Karaoke at the Central Hotel, Ramsey.

Sunday, September 21

• Ray Sloane, Jaks, Douglas.

• Rushen Silver Band, Last Night of the Proms, at the Erin Arts Centre, Port Erin, 7.30pm. Tickets £8.

• Manx Concert Brass, Villa Marina Gardens, Douglas, 3pm.

• Laxey Methodist Church, Minorca Hill annual Jazz Church Service. Starts 6.15pm, service at 6.30pm. Preacher Reverend David Shirtliff, music provided by a 7-piece jazz band. Collection for church funds, refreshments provided.

• Choral Evensong, St German’s Cathedral, Peel, 3.30pm.

• Music Box with David Castro at Guys and Dolls, Douglas.

• Karaoke at the British, Douglas.

• Karaoke at The Crescent, Queen’s Promenade, Douglas, 8pm.

Tuesday, September 23

• Douglas Town Band, Villa Marina Arcade, Douglas, 8pm.

• Manx Youth Orchestra, St German’s Cathedral, 7.45pm–8.45pm.

• Acoustic sing-around, the Manor, Willaston, 8.30pm.

• Rock Choir, Youth Arts Centre, Kensington Road, Douglas, 6pm.

Wednesday, September 24

• Karaoke at the British, Douglas.

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

Thursday, September 18

• 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.

• Scottish Country Dancing, 7.30pm to 9.30pm. Held in St Olave’s Church hall in Cumberland Road, Ramsey. Dancers of all abilities welcome, but a little experience of country dancing helps. Call Pauline on 817610, Norman on 813074 or Heather on 628521.

• 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, September 19

• 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, September 20

• 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.

• Theatrix Theatre Company Musical Theatre, Douglas, Saturday, noon-2.30pm, for ages 8-12. Also Saturday, babies Irish/mod, 9am. prep ballet/tap, 10am, babies ballet/tap, 11am. Monday: senior ballet, 4pm; senior tap, 5pm; senior jazz, 5.45pm; adult Irish, 6.30pm. Tuesday: community ballet/tap, 4pm; beginners Irish, 4.45pm; junior Irish, 5.30pm; adult tap, 6.15pm. Wednesday: grade 2 ballet/tap, 4pm; novice Irish, 5.30pm; adult ballet, 6.15pm.

• 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, September 21

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

Monday, September 22

• 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.

Tuesday, September 23

• Oriental dance exercise, Gena’s Dance Academy, Peel, 10am. Also Wednesdays, The Gym, Ramsey. Call 300020.

• Line dancing for beginners, The South Douglas Old Friends’ Association, Finch Road, Douglas, 7.30pm-8.30pm, doors open 7pm.

• 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, September 24

• 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.

• Latin Line Dancing, 7.30pm. Beginners welcome. Royal British Legion hall, Port Erin, call 835098.

• Ballroom dancing, Villa Marina, Douglas, 7.30pm. Call 623414.

Entries close for the Isle of Man Mountain Ultra this Saturday.

The race will take place the following Saturday, September 27, and is sponsored by Okells Brewery, Up & Running Ltd, Inov8 and the Department of Tourism and Leisure.

The race starts at 7.30am (for runners/joggers expecting to take longer than eight hours to complete the full distance) and 8.30am for the main field from Market Square, Ramsey.

Entries can be made on line via the isleofmanmountainultra.com website.

The shorter Mountain Race from St John’s to Port Erin will also take place the same day, starting 1pm.

Entries will be accepted on the day (in the car park opposite the former Farmers’ Arms) but competitors are asked to enter online if possible to make it easier for the organisers.

Full info for both races including maps and route description on isleofmanmountainultra.com