Friday, September 19

Paddy Power Masters Football

8.40pm Braddan v Union Mills @ Bowl

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

Saturday, September 20

Canada Life a Premier League

2.30pm St Mary’s P-P Ramsey

2.30pm Union Mills v Gymns

2.30pm Rushen Utd P-P Laxey

2.30pm DHSOB v Ayre Utd

2.30pm Michael v Corinthians

JCK Division Two

2.30pm Governor’s Athletic v Foxdale @ Foxdale

2.30pm Castletown v Pulrose

2.30pm Braddan v Douglas Athletic

2.30pm Douglas Royal v Rycob

2.30pm Colby v Malew

2.30pm Onchan v Marown

Canada Life Combination One

2.30pm Ramsey v St Mary’s

2.30pm Gymns v Union Mills

2.30pm Laxey v Rushen

2.30pm Ayre Utd v DHSOB

2.30pm Corinthians v Michael

2.30pm Peel v St George’s

JCK Combination Two

2.30pm Pulrose v Castletown

2.30pm Douglas Athletic v Braddan

2.30pm RYCOB v Douglas Royal

2.30pm Malew v Colby

2.30pm Marown v Onchan

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

Sunday, September 21

Appleby 16-18 League

10.30am Peel v Colby

10.30am Braddan v Laxey

5.15pm Onchan v Ramsey @ Bowl

Warehouse Fitness Women’s Football

2.30pm Peel v Douglas Royal

2.30pm Corinthians v Gymns

2.30pm Castletown v DHSOB

Paddy Power Masters League

2.10pm Colby B v Laxey @ Bowl

3.40pm Colby A v Marown @ Bowl

World record breaker Steve Cunningham - ‘the world’s fastest blind man’ - enjoyed a lap of the TT course as he brought his visit to the island for Vision Awareness Week to an end.

Steve, who lost his sight aged 12, set the land and powerboat speed records for a blind person, piloted a plane around the UK and captained England at football.

His ambition while in the island was to lap the TT course, and Isle of Man Trike Tours was on hand to ensure Steve achieved another goal.

Manx Blind Welfare Society organised Steve’s visit for Vision Awareness Week, a series of events 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 work of the society and others including RNIB, Guide Dogs and the Macular Society in the island.

Chief executive officer Ian Cooil said: ‘Steve gave inspiring talks to several groups during his time in the island, helping us improve public understanding of what it means to be blind or visually impaired. Before he travelled over, Steve had mentioned his ambition of lapping the TT course and we delighted to be able to help him achieve that goal thanks to the assistance of Isle of Man Trike Tours.

‘Steve thoroughly enjoyed the experience, which was a great way for him to end his visit.

‘The society is very grateful to Trike Tours for taking Steve around the course and helping him to tick off yet another goal.’

On Monday, Steve was guest speaker at the official launch of Vision Awareness Week, when he encouraged the island to ensure people are educated and informed so they better understand what blindness and visual impairment mean and called for visually impaired people to be given greater freedom to set and achieve ambitious targets.

After addressing the launch he also spoke to Onchan Rotary Club and students at Ballakermeen High School.

The week concludes with Walk My Way, sponsored by Conister Bank, on Sunday. 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.

A blaze involving what the fire service described only as ‘an electrical appliance’ broke out in a property near the Level in Colby this afternoon.

Two fire engines from the Port Erin station were sent to the call-out.

The ‘appliance’ was on fire in the front room of the property.

After the firefighters dealt with the fire, the property was then checked by representatives from Manx Utilities Authority’s electrical department, who were working in the area at the time.

A fire service spokesman said: ‘It’s important that you know where your fusebox is in case you ever need to turn the electricity off in an emergency. It contains three things – the main switch, fuses and/or circuit breakers, and residual current devices.

‘The main switch allows you to turn off the electricity supply to your home. You might have more than one mains switch, for example if your home has electric storage heaters. In this case you may have a separate fusebox.

‘Fuses (which may be found in place of circuit breakers) have a piece of special fuse wire running between two screws. When a fault or overload current flows through the fuse wire, it will become hot and melt. The melted fuse breaks the circuit, disconnecting the faulty circuit and keeping you safe.

‘Residual current devices are switches that trip a circuit under dangerous conditions, and instantly disconnect the electricity.’

An exhibition by the island’s schools and college of further and higher education opened on Saturday at the Market Hall in Douglas.

This is the first exhibition to be held in Douglas Corporation’s Market Hall in its new life as a creative hub and centre for higher education arts degrees.

Students were asked to create the exhibition on the theme ‘fish’ to mark Island of Culture 2014.

Every pupil studying art, at all the Department of Education and Children schools, has contributed a fish they have hand-crafted for a display.

Helen Fox, programme manager for art, design and media at the college, said: ‘Pupils had a free rein with materials. Some used objects they have found, some recycled materials and others were extremely inventive with standard art and craft materials.

‘Over 1,000 fish are in the exhibition, from 13 schools and the college. The giant aquarium-like structure is filled to the brim with some very ingenious creations.

‘The use of recycled materials was great and added another important message about global climate. The characters that were invented were amazing, you could write some lovely stories featuring them.

‘We have an amazing opportunity now on the island in arts education to see the continuum of education right though from primary to degree level.

‘It is hoped that this will lead to further Department of Education and Children arts exhibitions and events in the future with the Market Hall at the centre of its community.

‘The partnership with Douglas Borough Council and the College has progressed very quickly and we are now in a position where we can start to plan lots of interesting activities. It has already been great working in the space and meeting people who have wandered in like the customers for the café, butchers and visitors to see what we are doing.’

The exhibition was opened on Friday by Geoff Corkish MLC, member of the Department of Education and Children and chairman of the Arts Council.

It remains open daily until Saturday, 9.30am to 5pm.

Peel Fire Station held an open day on Saturday.

The event offered people the chance to look around their local station as well as enjoy tea, coffee, cakes, a raffle, bouncy castle and trips on the aerial platform.

Pictured is fireman and hoist operator Justin McMullin with Margaret Kaighan, Bree Kaighan, seven, and Orrin Gell, nine.

Visit www.facebook.com/iomfire

Manx National Heritage’s bid to replace the Grove Museum of Victorian Life’s leaking roof has been approved by planners.

The museum, in Andreas Road, Ramsey, closed to visitors last week – more than a month earlier than usual – to enable the works to take place.

And it is due to reopen on March 27, 2015.

The felt roof will be replaced with lead.

Replacement gutters and rain water down pipes will also be installed.

The museum is the former family home of Liverpool shipping merchant Duncan Gibb, who developed the house as a summer retreat in the mid 19th century.

The Victorian villa later became the family’s permanent residence.

PwC Mixed Premier

Two sides looking to continue their unbeaten start go head-to-head on Saturday afternoon when IOMA Group Bacchas A meet Canaccord Genuity Vikings A at the NSC.

Jamie Brown’s Bacchas eased into the season with a victory over Celts while Steve Crowe’s Vikings put Sabres to the sword 12-0.

Both sides will find this match a much tougher prospect.

PwC Mixed Division One

IOMA Group Bacchas B will be looking to maintain their unbeaten record when they meet Canaccord Genuity Vikings B.

Bacchas secured a comprehensive victory over Ravens and will feel confident of adding to their points tally here.

Vikings were also victorious in their first match and will be sure to provide tough opposition.

PwC Mixed Division Two

The top two sides in PwC Mixed Division Two meet at the Grammar School on Saturday morning when LJ Ramsey Rookies face Celton Manx Cammags.

Dani Kelly’s Cammags side claimed a narrow victory over Bacchas Colts last weekend while Rookies were victorious over Cushags.

Cammags should start the game as favourites but will need to improve on their defensive performance if they are to avoid defeat.

PwC Mixed Division Three

Harlequins Colts go in search of their first points of the season when they meet Crowe Morgan Valkyr D in Saturday’s early game at QEII.

Paul Nuttall’s Harlequins side were narrowly defeated by an experienced Vikings D side last week and will be hoping to make amends here.

Valkyrs will be looking to secure a second successive victory and their added experience may pay off here.

PwC Mixed Under-16s

LJ Ramsey Rogues & Rascals will be aiming to secure their first points of the new campaign when they meet IOMA Group Bacchas A at the Grammar School on Saturday afternoon.

The northerners suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of Vikings last weekend and will be looking to improve here. Bacchas were victorious in their match last week and will be hoping to make it two wins from two.

Saturday’s fixtures

PwC Mixed Premier Division

IOMA Group Bacchas A v Canaccord Genuity Vikings A NSC 2.05pm

Peter Foxton Tim Leeming

Saracens Sabres v LJ Ramsey Mixed A CRHS 2.05pm

Laurence Watterson Unappointed

Crowe Morgan Valkyrs A v Celton Manx Celts QEII 2.05pm

Vic Ferns Iain Wrigley

PwC Mixed Division One

IOMA Group Bacchas B v Canaccord Genuity Vikings B RGS 2.05pm

Gary Corkhill Unappointed

IOMA Group Bacchas C v LJ Ramsey Ravens RGS 12.35pm

Ken Carney James Harrison

Crowe Morgan Valkyrs B v Crowe Morgan Valkyrs C QEII 12.35pm

Unappointed Clive Callister

PwC Mixed Division Two

IOMA Group Bacchas Colts v Harlequins A NSC 3.35pm

Jamie Brown John Harrison

LJ Ramsey Rookies v Celton Manx Cammags RGS 11.05am

Unappointed Rob McKenzie

Canaccord Genuity Vikings Mixed C v Celton Manx Cushags CRHS 12.35pm

Andy Bentley Geoff Callister

PwC Mixed Division Three

IOMA Group Bacchas D v Canaccord Genuity Vikings D NSC 12.35pm

Kirsty Bowley Helen Cave

Harlequins Colts v Crowe Morgan Valkyrs D QEII 11.05am

Unappointed Andrea Littlewood

LJ Robins v Harlequins B QEII 3.35pm

Unappointed James Allen

Saracens Sharks v Celton Manx S’therners CRHS 11.05am

Ian Duggua Unappointed

PwC Mixed Under-16s

Celton Manx Castletown v Harlequins CRHS 3.35pm

Hayley Christian Unappointed

IOMA Group Bacchas B v Canaccord Genuity Vikings NSC 11.05am

Chris Callow Unappointed

LJ Ramsey Rogues & Rascals v IOMA Group Bacchas A RGS 3.35pm

Unappointed

A private landlord who has 110 rental properties on his books in Douglas claims new legislation aimed at improving standards could create a housing crisis.

Ian Abrahams was giving evidence to the House of Keys select committee on the Landlord and Tenant (Private Housing) Bill.

The Bill will make it illegal to operate as a landlord unless you are registered, and meet a set of minimum standards.

But Mr Abrahams described it as a ‘bad act’.

‘Many small landlords will just close down, causing a housing crisis. Many elderly landlords who rent out flats within their own homes will not have the funds to upgrade. Many will just sell off to overseas investors and enforcement will be impossible,’ he said in his submission.

Mr Abrahams told the committee that he had been a private landlord for 30 years – but would ‘give up tomorrow if I could’, However, he felt an obligation to his tenants.

He explained that from the outset he had acted as an unpaid social worker and accommodation officer and had housed people for the Manx Community Housing Trust, various churches, the women’s refuge, rehabilitation units, probation officers, prison welfare officers and even through the Department of Health and Social Care itself.

‘I have no hidden agenda,’ he said. ‘The only thing I want is sensible, workable legislation that is fair to everyone. A lot of my tenants have been with me for more than 10 years and one for 23 years. Many are second generation and one third generation. Many of my tenants have refused public sector properties and have moved out only to return to me.’

He told the committee that he took all tenants and didn’t ask for a deposit. ‘I take DHSS, cats, dogs, children, everybody. Anybody who hasn’t got a roof over their heads they can phone me up and I will get a roof over their head. I will not see someone with a child on the street. I don’t ask for deposits. I take everybody on trust. For every 100 I take on three or four will abuse it.’

He was asked if he insisted on social security paying his tenants’ rent direct, he replied: ‘Yes, otherwise I’m competing with the betting office!’

Mr Abrahams said he didn’t charge for furniture. ‘It might not be the best of furniture – but it’s better than no furniture. That’s why I’m successful in business. That’s why I’m not in any slightest fear of any legislation you might throw at me.’

He showed the committee photographs of his flats that had been wrecked by tenants. ‘That’s what happens when you make a flat beautiful,’ he said.

Mr Abrahams maintained there are no homeless people in the Isle of Man. ‘The situation is not like the UK with people sleeping in doorways or six to a garden shed,’ he said.

He claimed those with no accommodation were either the ‘can’t work, won’t work brigade’, usually young people often with drink-related problems, and those who deliberately make themselves homeless by not paying rent so they can get a new flat in the public sector or get the DHSS to pay their deposit. ‘They just use it as a scam,’ he said.

Mr Abrahams claimed the legislation gave tenants more power than landlords and the Bill discriminated against the private sector. ‘The Bill should be fair and balanced,’ he said.

Tenants could not be evicted for antisocial behaviour, only for rent arrears – and even that process was protracted and unlikely to end with the landlord getting his money back. Committee chairman Chris Thomas MHK pointed out the witness was not there to defend his reputation or his properties.

Mr Abrahams said environmental health had no issues with his properties. But he claimed a member of Tynwald recently made ‘derogatory remarks’ at Tynwald concerning him and his properties. ‘I had to threaten him with legal action. That’s unfortunate,’ he said.

All options are being considered to reduce costs and generate revenue on the island’s heritage railways.

That was the message from director of public transport Ian Longworth after it was announced that the taxpayers’ subsidy for running the lines is to be cut by 15 per cent over the next two to three years.

Mr Longworth said one option being considered is to reduce the number of staffed stations.

Cutting back the length of the heritage railways was another option, he admitted. But he stressed this would be very much a last resort.

‘It’s something we wouldn’t want to do. But it has to be an option,’ he told the Manx Independent.

Currently there are five stations on the Steam Railway that are manned – Douglas, Ballasalla, Castletown, Port St Mary and Port Erin.

Mr Longworth said: ‘It’s a question of whether we can man all the stations we do currently.’

He said features such as the hanging baskets which maintain the ambience of the Victorian line were also an option for cutbacks.

The railways run at a loss of about £2.3m a year, but it is estimated they contribute more than £11m a year to national income.

A new policy to reduce the government subsidy to 50 per cent of overall running costs over the next two to three years was agreed at a departmental meeting earlier this month.

When Mr Longworth took over as public transport director the railways only covered 18 per cent of running costs.

That figure has now risen to 35 per cent. Reducing the government subsidy to 50 per cent will mean the railways will have to cover an extra £0.53m of running costs.

‘When I came here the railways covered about 18 per cent of the direct operating costs. That’s now in the mid 30s and the Minister has given me the target of 50 per cent,’ said Mr Longworth. ‘We are starting to evaluate where there are operating costs to be saved. We do put quite a bit into maintaining ambience but that’s a key feature of a heritage railway. We’re going to have to look at that issue so you may see the hanging baskets disappear.’

A controversial £1.4m scheme has been unveiled to secure the future of Douglas station.

Mother-of-two Rebecca Mills has really dived into her business.

Rebecca says swimming is in her blood and the idea of teaching people to take the plunge seemed the natural thing to do.

The 35-year-old of Port Erin said: ‘I have never had to advertise my small swimming lessons business as I have a very good reputation and so have managed my business by word of mouth.

‘Recently I have expanded and am now offering small morning group lessons as well as one to one swimming lessons.

‘I believe I am unique in my teaching as I do not use flotation devices so I tend to get fantastic fast results.

‘I am teaching from a very small pool and groups are small with only four students per group’.

As part of the expansion Rebecca is offering tuition to the following groups

l Parent and Baby

l Parent and Toddler

l Toddler

l PreSchool

Appropriately enough Rebecca’s business is called One to One Swimming Lessons and classes take place at the Cherry Orchard’s pool in Port Erin

Rebecca is married to self- employed plumber Barry Mills.

She was previously known as Rebecca Macaulay.

The youngest person she has helped in the water was just four weeks old and the oldest was a pensioner in her 70s.

Rebecca said she founded the business in 2011.

She had previously been involved in working with a number of businesses in the island. She has a four year old daughter Greyia and a son Ewan, aged two.

She told Business News: ‘We always have a great time at the classes and it gives me a great deal of satisfaction to help youngsters and their parents’ confidence to go in the water.’

She added: ‘I was brought up with swimming. Me and my brother used to do well competing as youngsters.

‘So in a way it is quite natural to be involved in my own swimming business.

‘I have really enjoyed the challenge of being self-employed. I have help from two other people and things are getting busy.’ Her Facebook page for One to One Swimming Lessons is proving popular with more than 650 ‘likes’ recorded so far.

Rebecca has Amateur Swimming Association Level one and level two certificates for teaching swimming.

And although many of her ‘customers’ are from the south there’s afair smattering of folk who travel from across the island to enjoy her style of tuition.

rebeccamacaulay@live.co.uk

The game of the weekend in the Shimmin Wilson Manx Shield is undoubtedly at Port-e-Chee where Douglas B host Vagabonds B.

Both are unbeaten thus far and while Southern Nomads will no doubt be there or thereabouts come the end of the competition, this game could well go a long way to deciding who will challenge them.

Douglas have appeared slightly more ruthless so far this season and probably start as slight favourites.

Vagas, while maintaining a 100 per cent record, had a big second-half dip a fortnight ago against Western Vikings and will need to up their game.

Elsewhere in the Shield Ramsey B head west to face Vikings in what could also be a close game.

Ramsey racked up a big score last week against an under-strength Castletown, however, the Peel side will provide a much stiffer challenge and could well just sneak the points.

Finally at King William’s College there’s an inter-club derby as Southern Nomads take on Emerging Nomads.

While the result will undoubtedly be a win for Southern Nomads the game will have a little spice as fringe players compete for first team places.

The club will celebrate afterwards with a ‘bad taste clothing’ social.

Saturday’s fixtures

South Lancashire/Cheshire Division One

Hoylake P-P Douglas @ Hoylake

South Lancashire/Cheshire Division Two

Marple v Vagabonds @ Marple

South Lancashire/Cheshire Division Three

Ramsey v Ellesmere Port

@ Mooragh Park ko 2pm

Shimmin Wilson Manx Shield

all ko @ 2.15pm

Douglas B v Vagabonds B

@ Port-e-Chee

Western Vikings v Ramsey B

@ QEII School

PDMS Southern Nomads v Emerging Nomads

@ King William’s College

The Isle of Man will retain its positive relationship with the Scottish Government following the outcome of the country’s referendum on independence.

That’s the message this morning from the Isle of Man’s Chief Minister, Alan Bell MHK.

The island’s nearest neighbours went to the polls yesterday, with 2,001,926 voting to retain political links with the United Kingdom and 1,617,989 voting to become independent.

Mr Bell said: ‘Although Scotland has voted in favour of remaining within the United Kingdom it is expected to gain greater autonomy, short of full independence, and that could have implications throughout the British Islands.’

‘Scotland is the Isle of Man’s closest neighbour and a potential economic partner as well as competitor. We have developed a good working relationship with the Scottish Government in recent years and there is no reason why that should not continue now that the results of the referendum are known.’

The Chief Minister added: ‘The Isle of Man Government has been following the referendum campaign with considerable interest and we will be closely monitoring further developments.’

Calling all bands!

The annual Amber Battle of the Bands is looming on the horizon for this year.

The event will run over two to three initial heats, a semi-final and a final from November 1 and every subsequent Saturday in November onwards (excluding Saturday 22, due to the appearance of John Power, he of The La’s/Cast fame), but more on that in due course.

The Battle of the Bands is open to all bands, both covers and originals and also solo artists.

Whatever your style, if you fancy giving it a go, let Amber know. Please note that the competition is open to over 18s only.

Prizes are £100 for each heat winner, with a case of beer given to the runner up. The winner of the final will receive £750 and the runner up £250. If this sounds like your thing, get in touch via the Amber Facebook page www.facebook.com/pages/Amber-Bar with your preferred and available dates for the initial heats.

They are also looking for judges and a compere, so if you would like to get involved and you aren’t a musician, again let them know via their Facebook page.

In other news, Richard Walters will take to the stage at Amber on Saturday night. According to Richard’s website, at 29 years old Richard has been performing for over a decade now and has been a voice-for-hire for many prominent musical projects.

He has released three full-length albums, ‘The Animal’ in 2009; the Bernard Butler (Suede/The Tears) produced ‘Pacing’ in 2011 and his gospel-folk masterpiece ‘Regret Less’ in 2012. His music has featured on the soundtracks of hugely popular US TV shows ‘Criminal Minds’, ‘Grey’s Anatomy’, ‘CSI: Miami’, ‘Private Practice’, ‘Revenge’ and ‘So You think You Can Dance…America’.

For more information on Richard and his music, visit www.richardwaltersmusic.co.uk

Support for this show comes from fellow acoustic singer/songwriter, Matt Creer. Door opens at 8pm, free entry.

As mentioned in this column two weeks ago, this Friday sees SMILE…A tribute to Katherine Crowe taking place at the Gaiety Theatre.

The event sees a line up featuring a backing band made up by Christine Collister, John Cleator, Lou Earner, Jo Callister, Lindsay Rowe, Juan Callister, Christy DeHaven, Tina Fisher, Steve Rowe, Jim Hannah, Andy Frankland-Davies, Becky Frankland-Davies and Matt Creer. T

here’s also a 20-piece, specially commissioned orchestra.

Support comes from Richard Walters as mentioned above.

Tickets for the show can be purchased from the Villa Marina box office or via its website, priced at £18.50

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

Steve Leach reports on the island’s music scene every week in the Manx Independent. Help support the scene by emailing leachsteve@hotmail.com with Manx music news, reviews and photos

A vandal attacked a car by pouring solvent over it.

The incident happened in the area of {https://maps.google.co.uk/maps?hl=en&q=google+maps+the+threshold+jurby&gws_rd=ssl&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=X&ei=PfEbVOeHGsfC7AanmYGQDQ&ved=0CAkQ_AU|The Threshold in Jurby} between 6pm on Wednesday and noon the next day.

A white Nissan Qashqai was damaged.

A police spokesman said: ‘It is thought the solvent is paint stripper as it has caused extensive damage to the paintwork of the vehicle.

‘his has caused the owner and family considerable upset. Police have been to the area and conducted house-to-house inquiries

‘ Other vehicles in the area were checked but as yet police have received no further reports of damage to any other vehicles.

‘Police would like to speak with anyone who may have any information or seen anything suspicious.’

If anyone has any information contact Constable Mark Hempsall at Ramsey police station on 812234 or Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.

Youth teams from around the island tested their mettle in a series of tasks at the weekend in the first Ellan Vannin Adventure Challenge.

Teams aged from 10 to 18, from the Sea Cadets, Air Cadets, Combined Cadet Force, Police Youth Scheme and others took on the climbing wall, assault course and a range of practical activities at Ardwallan outdoor education centre.

Constable Mike Griffiths who leads the police Youth Scheme said the day had been fantastic with good weather and high spirits by all taking parts.

‘I must have cooked well over 200 burgers on the day,’ he said.

‘Everyone had a great time. Teams did archery, climbed the climbing wall blindfolded and did some blindfold tennis ball throwing. I think there may have been a bit of cheating going on there!’

Teams scored credits for their performances and cashed these in for parts to build a rocket, powered with compressed air, They were then awarded further points depending on how accurately they could hit targets using their rockets.

Winning team was the Skye Ragamuffins, an independent Duke of Edinburgh team from the Isle of Man.

Constable Griffiths said they were grateful to everyone, including sponsors who had supported the event.

‘We definitely want to repeat it next year and make it even bigger and better. And we may well invite some off-island teams too,’ he said.

‘It’s a great thing for them to have on their CVs.’

People with questions about cancer are being encouraged to attend information events next week.

The Isle of Man Anti-Cancer Association is bringing the ‘i-van’ to the island from September 22 to 24 to help us answer these questions such as ‘what are the symptoms of cancer?’, ‘how can you cut your risk of developing cancer’ and ‘how can you examine your breasts or testicles?’

The ‘i-van’ is a vehicle from Merseyside and Cheshire Cancer Network, which is designed to bring cancer awareness information to the local community. It is equipped with a range of information materials, and with two trained staff members who can help to answer questions relating the signs and symptoms of cancer, or cancer screening. It also has a private area where people can discuss any concerns in confidence.

The i-van will be in the following locations:

Ramsey Shoprite car park, on Monday, September 22, from 10am to 4pm

The Isle of Man College car park, on Tuesday, September 23, from 10am to 1pm

Port Erin Shoprite car park, on Tuesday, September 23, from 2pm to 6pm

Duke Street, Douglas, near the Co-operative, on Wednesday September 24, from 10am to 5pm

Microgaming Health and Care Trust and the Steam Packet Company have supported the i-Van visit.

Dr Guy Sissons, trustee to the Microgaming Health Care and Trust, said: ‘We know that early diagnosis is very important when it comes to treating cancer; understanding the various signs and symptoms is essential. The i-Van is all about educating the local community and providing the opportunity to get any questions answered, no matter how big or small. We are delighted to be supporting this initiative and we hope that the public get on board and take advantage of this great service.’

Steam Packet chief executive Mark Woodward said: ‘We were only too happy to help the association with bringing the i-Van across once more. The Isle of Man Anti-Cancer Association does so much important work around the Island, and the visit of the i-Van will hopefully encourage those who have been avoiding visiting their doctor to do so.’

Bringing the i-Van to the island is just part of the work IOM Anti-Cancer Association are doing on the Isle of Man.

It is also involved in various local projects, such as the Staywell Clinic (cervical screening), Psycho-Oncology Service (psychology and counselling specifically for people affected by cancer), and cancer awareness work in conjunction with a local radio station.

The Isle of Man Anti-Cancer Association also raises money to fund research into cancer, its causes and its treatment; and funds equipment at hospitals in the UK who provide treatment to Manx patients.

Readers can find out more about the association by contacting 252725, emailing IOMAnticancer@gmail.com, visiting its website www.iomaca.org.im

Exhibits from flowers to fruit cake and shortbread were on display at the 66 annual show run by Onchan Horticultural Society on Saturday.

The show at Onchan Youth and Community centre in the village awarded prizes in 40 different categories ranging from fruit and vegetables to cut flowers, pot plants, cakes and confectionary.

The Blue Riband Orry and Betty Teare memorial rose bowl for best in show was awarded to Dorothy Faragher, who also took a further 11 accolades for her flowers, vegetables and tomatoes, winning the Leo Kane trophy for most points gained by a member of the society, the Hinton trophy for most points in the flower, vegetable and fruit sections by a member of the society, the JH Nicholls trophy for best exhibit in the flower section, and the HE Coole trophy for best exhibit in the dahlia section. Other accolades included the society trophy for best gladioli and the HG Stacy trophy for six stems of garden flowers, the Douglas Cashin Cup for most points in the vegetable classes, the AC Vondy Cup for best exhibit of vegetables, trophies for best potatoes, best tomatoes and the William Gorton Watson memorial award.

Jennifer Corrin was beaten only by herself in the pot plant section. She triumphed in four categories for the best sweet pea exhibition, the best pot plant, the second best pot plant and she also won the category for a pot plant other than a flowering begonia.

Other prize winners included Ian Watterson, for the most prize money in the show for horticultural classes; Marilyn Nivison and Ann Garrett for gaining the most points in the novice section, the former also taking the trophy for the best novice vegetable.

Heather Goldsmith took prizes for the most points gained by an Onchan resident and most points gained for preserves. Ruth Kelly took the trophy for best exhibit in the rose section, the GM Ellison shield for best in the fruit section and the Society trophy for best exhibit in the decorative section, and the CE Gaggs memorial trophy for the best miniature arrangement.

Bill Mizen took the FM Cubbon tropy for best chrysanthemum exhibit and Margaret Newton took the John Skillicorn trophy for best cut flowers in the novice section and the JT Daugherty cup for best sweet peas in the novice section.

Carole Nivison won the Balakrishna trophy for her exotic plant and Robert Middleton took the Dennis Watterson memorial cup for his onions as well as the society trophy for best in the vegetable section.

Andrea Gorry took the Nula Ballakrishna memorial trophy for most points in a decorative section. Hazel Warburton took the silver bon bon dish for most points in the confectionary section, the Holmes trophy for best exhibit in the confectionary section and the Fuchsia award for best non-horticultural exhibit.

Phil Walton took the Kinvig cup for first prize in the garden competition. Mrs B Crean and Philip and Verona Addy took second and third prize respectively in the Onchan Commissioners’ shield.

The Kathleen O’Connor trophy for most points in children’s classes went to Layla Carter.

Children’s certificates were won by Layla Carter, Lydia Hunter, Robyn Hutchinson, Sean Kelly, Dylan Addy, Sapphire Ashcroft, Jack Scramler, Athina Arkoudgiannis, Grace Miller, Amelie Shimmin, Cara Bregazzi, Rachel kelly and Charlotte Kelly.

Beach Buddies will be going back to the north again this weekend, to continue the task of clearing the beaches of the north and northwest from decades of rubbish.

Organiser Bill Dale said: ;Big inroads have been made into the job this last few weeks, with volunteers from Price Waterhouse making a big difference by giving staff time off every week to join us, making a big impact on the years and years of accumulation of rubbish along this coastline.

‘We will meet at Blue Point on Sunday morning at 10.30am and, as always, Beach Buddies supplies the cleaning equipment (with support from SITA, WDS Ltd, DoI) and our new 4x4 will be in action again, very generously donated by Mr and Mrs Dorricott of AFD, along with the Sandy B trailer and the quad bike, bought from Juan Knight Ltd.’

The government’s flagship policy of means testing public sector rents has turned to farce – after it emerged there were no legal powers to introduce it.

It’s the latest legal vires blow for the government which was rocked by revelations that loans given to the Sefton Group were ‘more likely than not’ unlawful.

Admission that means-testing of public sector housing rents has run into problems was made yesterday (Wednesday) by Health and Social Care Minister Howard Quayle as he gave evidence to the Social Affairs policy review committee.

Mr Quayle revealed means-testing of public sector rents would not now be introduced as planned in April next year because it is now clear the department does not have the legal vires to do so – and new primary legislation will be needed.

The policy of means-testing was launched by Chris Robertshaw MHK when Social Care Minister and followed a wide-ranging housing review.

It aims to align rents with ability to pay. Mr Robertshaw has claimed 5 per cent of public sector tenants are in the top 25 per cent of earners.

This week Alfred Cannan MHK resigned as member for housing claiming the DHSC had been sidelined by the Cabinet Office over proposals for devolved housing – and describing the policy of means testing as ‘deeply flawed’.

In his letter of resignation to the Minister, he wrote: ‘In particular I am extremely disappointed to find that the stated policy of means tested rents will not be in place as planned and that this major policy would in fact appear to be deeply flawed.

‘This is being managed from the Cabinet Office and I have yet to be invited to a meeting to discuss this issue despite my political responsibilities. This is not acceptable to me.’

In a statement, Mr Quayle said: ‘The original introduction date of April 2015 has been deferred following extensive research into the feasibility of introducing means tested rents for the public sector. The current position regarding legislation and information sharing has confirmed it is not possible to achieve the original 2015 timescale.

‘Following the feasibility study completed within my new Department of Health and Social Care it is clear that there is a need for the appropriate legislative powers to be progressed before means testing rents can take place.

‘It is important that any policy we introduce is understood by the user, robust enough to prevent fraud or loop holes and does not have unforeseen consequences for the vulnerable. Work is ongoing to determine the strategic policy on means testing across government, to which my officers are contributing.’

Mr Quayle said in the meantime his department will be consulting with all local housing authorities over the annual rent increase for 2015/16, and this will be progressed in the usual manner. A statement on an agreed rent increase will be made in November, he added.

Liberal Vannin said it was a worrying situation.

In a statement, the party’s leader Kate Beecroft said: ‘Those on low and/or fixed incomes have been hit with the toilet tax and the recent gas price rise along with a myriad of other additional costs that are eroding what is left for basic items such as food. In addition, many social housing tenants have seen increases of up to 30 per cent in their rent and have been anticipating more assistance when means testing was introduced.

‘Concerns have already been raised about how the vulnerable will cope particularly if we have a harsh winter this year. Government refuses to give us a definition of fuel poverty so we can only guess at how many more will suffer as a result of means testing being “deeply flawed”.’

The government has announced its intention to scale back universal benefits. Means testing of Child Benefit was introduced in April this year.

Treasury does have the legal vires to bring in means-testing of benefits.

There has been a spate of vandalism at the Tynwald National Park and Arboretum in St John’s.

In the most recent incidents, an historical plaque was stolen and a commemorative tree destroyed, while grass was damaged by fire and branches of another tree were broken.

The granite plaque was unveiled by King Olav of Norway when he visited the park in Millennium Year, 1979. The ruined tree was dedicated to a late member of forestry staff.

Zac Hall MHK, chairman of the Forestry Directorate of DEFA, said: ‘The National Park and Arboretum was established to commemorate the millennium of Tynwald more than 30 years ago and it houses a collection of exotic, naturalised and native trees from many parts of the temperate world.

‘Encouraging people to use the Isle of Man’s wonderful amenities and green spaces is one of my Department’s key aims and it is frustrating that the behaviour of a small, mindless minority threatens to spoil this beautiful, peaceful place for others.’

Anyone with information about the vandalism, or who witnesses anti-social behaviour in the park, should report it either to the Department of the Environment, Food and Agriculture on 801263 or Peel police on 842208.

Mr Hall said the damage all took time and money to put right.

‘With help from members of the public, we hope that the park can continue to be a place much appreciated by its many visitors, both local and from further afield, for many years to come,’ he said.