PLANNING has already begun for a major Manx National Heritage exhibition to mark the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of the First World War.

The exhibition will open at the Manx Museum in January 2014 and will run throughout the anniversary year.

Curators would therefore like to hear from anyone who has material which they feel they can contribute.

The First World War was the world’s first truly global conflict.

The war affected the lives of those at every level of society in the Isle of Man, from Government House down to those in the humblest croft, as sons were sent to the trenches, daughters went to work in munitions factories or volunteered as nurses, fathers helped guard the island from attack and mothers raised money for Belgian refugees and knitted socks for those at the Front.

Manx National Heritage curator of social history Matthew Richardson said: ‘This exhibition will look at the whole range of Manx experiences in the First World War, from soldiers on the battlefields, to sailors at sea, women in factories, conscientious objectors, politicians, fishermen and others on the Home Front.

‘If you have family letters, diaries, photographs or artefacts relating to a Manx person who lived through the First World War, we would be delighted to hear from you. We are particularly keen to find material relating to the less well documented aspects of the war, such as its impact on women.’

In many ways the war created the modern world in which we live today, introducing for the first time state control of industry, daylight saving and the gradual decline of a sense of deference on the part of the working classes towards those in authority.

The First World War also changed the face of warfare forever.

The conflict began with the horse as the prime mover on the battlefield, and with cavalry making heroic charges in the battles of 1914. However, the machine gun soon came to dominate the battlefield and it quickly saw the horse being superseded by the tank and the aeroplane.

At sea, the first ever attack made on an enemy ship by a plane carrying a torpedo was launched in 1915 from the Isle of Man’s own Ben-my-Chree. It would render most of the world’s navies (including the mighty Dreadnought battleships) obsolete overnight, as the age of the aircraft carrier was born.

Under the waves, a new deadly threat emerged – the submarine.

While the Isle of Man housed thousands of enemy aliens in internment camps, many of its men were fighting on battlefronts across the world, while its women were engaged in a range of war-related work.

Talking about the scale of planning such an exhibition, Mr Richardson said: ‘Major exhibitions always take a lot of planning, and an exhibition on this scale is certainly no exception to that rule.

‘That is why we would like to hear now from anyone who has letters, photographs or artefacts which they feel may be relevant to this subject.

‘Even if you feel able to loan material to us for just a short time, this would still be useful and would enable us to photograph, record or copy these items.’

For more information contact Matthew Richardson by calling 648053 or by email {mailto:matthew.richardson@gov.im|matthew.richardson(at)gov.im}.

MUCH-needed renovations to the organ at St Catherine’s Church in Port Erin are due to be completed imminently.

Organ builder Peter Jones and his team of helpers have been working on the 100-year-old instrument – built in the same year, 1912, that Titanic sailed – for a month and a half.

He said it had been painstaking work on the 15-stop instrument, which contains more than 900 pipes of all sizes, from those the size of a pencil to the 16ft bottom note of its Violone rank – around 5 metres long.

Mr Jones, who has been building organs in the Isle of Man for 30 years, said: ‘The original key mechanism of the instrument continues to function as well as it did 100 years ago.

‘But the pedal Violone stop is controlled by a pneumatic action which needs to have its many leather membranes renewed every 60 or more years.

‘Age and dampness at the back of the organ chamber had left it silent for over 30 years.’

He said: ‘The old leather is very thin and was put on with animal glue originally in 1912.

‘The components have to be removed and the old leather, which has perished, has to be removed by soaking it with warm water to dissolve the glue.

‘When everything has been cleaned off and all the wooden surfaces have been planed true you can re-glue leather – less than half a millimetre thick – using traditional animal glue which has to be warmed up.

‘Then you have to screw everything back down and put it all back.’

He said the work would last for about 60 years before it would need doing again.

In addition, Mr Jones said that the 25 front display pipes of the organ, which had become dull and pitted, have been removed and repainted.

Mr Jones said that one of the most difficult parts of the job was removing the components: ‘A lot of work is in getting the components out.

‘They’re so big and the space inside the organ is so compact.’

But he said that other than ‘simple wear’ there wasn’t really anything that could go wrong with organs, and added that the pipework would never wear out.

But he did find that there were a number of rusty screws that needed replacing.

The reports mean that the instrument will be ready for use in the regular weekly services and also at special events, such as the series of summer concerts that have been a feature at St Catherine’s for some years. Everyone is welcome to attend the concerts, which take place on Wednesday evenings at 8pm from June 13 to September 19.

Mr Jones explained that the organ is the last of 10 or more church instruments to come from the island-based firm of Moses Morgan, who had workshops in St George’s Walk, Douglas.

He said that an almost identical instrument was built one year earlier in the Methodist chapel which is now the Erin Arts Centre. The 1911 organ can now be found in Port Erin Methodist Church, in Station Road.

‘Morgan must have been a busy man, running not only his organ-building business, but also a piano tuning round and a guest house, or hotel, at the same time,’ he said. ‘He is buried in Douglas Cemetery.’

While a 100-year-old organ may sound old, Mr Jones said that in fact, most church organs in the Isle of Man were older. It is believed, for example, that the organ at Sulby Methodist Chapel was installed in the old chapel (before being moved to the current building) in about 1750.

WITH news that outdoor fitness equipment could soon be installed along Douglas promenade, and with the recent addition of similar equipment in Noble’s Park and Peel, there is a sense that something of a trend is occurring.

Taking into account existing facilities in Ramsey’s Mooragh Park and Douglas’ Westmoreland Road, the island seems suddenly remarkably well-equipped for people who enjoy doing their chest presses and sit ups in very public places.

Equipping Noble’s Park with the seven exercise stations cost Douglas Council £20,000, and when news of plans for more of the same for Douglas promenade was announced on our website iomtoday.com, safe to say it polarised opinion among the members of the public posting comments on the story.

Comments ranged from ‘great idea, perfect location’, citing the potential benefits of free-to-use fitness equipment on public health and NHS strain, to ‘it’s a luxury we can’t afford’, and the more cynical ‘the lardies will still walk past shaking their jowels muttering “not for me”.’

Speaking with Leisure Services Committee chairman Councillor Stephen Pitts, the thinking behind investing in this kind of facility is to ensure the widest possible audience have access to leisure and recreational opportunities. It’s a quality of life thing, though an additional major influence is a current Department of Health strategy to encourage people to adopt healthier lifestyles.

Cllr Pitts said it was the popularity of the equipment next to the children’s park in Westmoreland Road that drove the decision to create similar facilities elsewhere in the town, and though nothing is fully confirmed, plans for the promenade consist of six installations along the grass areas of Queen’s Promenade, appearing this year or next if sufficient funding is found.

The health argument is compelling. American College of Sports Medicine advocate the generally accepted minimum amount of exercise as 150 minutes a week, and ‘exercise’ means pretty much anything other than sitting on the sofa, including walking and gardening.

The concerning reality is that not enough people are even doing that. Simple to use and free exercise equipment dotted around the island is no doubt a gateway to exercise for those without the inclination to join a sports club or gym. The question is, is the money better spent on promoting healthier lifestyles rather than on outdoor exercise areas that as one canny poster on iomtoday.co.im noted, is ‘certainly not going to look like the foreshore of Miami Beach with the sea crashing over it in the winter months’.

So is the equipment any good? The eyes of the newsroom fell on to the one reporter who happened to have a gym instructor qualification, to help answer this by trying out the machines at Noble’s Park. So off I went.

Alone, the seven simple stations are not a replacement for a gym membership. As bodyweight is the only resistance, most of the exercises are very easy even for complete novices. But the intensity of each specific exercise is not the point. At Noble’s, the machines are dotted along a newly defined circuit along the perimeter of the park, which gives them scope to spice up a run, walk or circuit training rather than be a complete workout in their own right, which given the promenade’s popularity with strollers could also be the case there.

The target area of each machine and instructions for use are clearly laid out on each machine, and the equipment ticks the accessibility box; casual passers-by of all ages and conditions are far more likely to sit down and try these out – in winter or summer – than pop a few ollies in the adjacent skateboarding park.

The value for money of such a scheme rests now on us. The decision of Douglas Council to spend tens of thousands of pounds on this kind of equipment, in the context of public spending cuts elsewhere, can be vindicated only if the we, the public, get out there and make enough use of it.

In that sense, the ball is in our court.

ZAC Hall MHK has been suspended from the Liberal Vannin party.

The move comes after he defied his party’s leader, Peter Karran MHK, in a vote on pre-school nurseries in Tynwald last week.

He and Douglas North MHK John Houghton were sacked from the department on Thursday after failing to support Mr Karran, the minister in the Department of Education and Children.

In a statement released on Sunday night, Liberal Vannin party chairman Roy Redmayne said: ‘As chairman of the Liberal Vannin Party I have informed Zac Hall that he has been suspended forthwith from the party.

‘The Chief Minister had no other course of action but to dismiss Mr Hall and Mr Houghton from their positions as political members of the Department of Education as their behaviour on the April 17, 2012 was reprehensible and struck at the very heart of our democracy.

‘They had no respect for the debating chamber or the President by making themselves absent from a debate to which they both had responsibility to contribute. What could they have contributed to that debate? They offered no alternative solution to the nursery education scheme, only criticisms to it and had no plan other than to request more money which they knew was not available.

‘The public of the Isle of Man should be under no illusion. Both MHKs, since taking their positions in the Education Department, have continually undermined Mr Karran’s and the chief executive’s efforts to bring about an affordable and universal nursery school service on the Isle of Man.

‘I take exception to claims made in public that Mr Karran was unable to manage his department, after the debates on the 3rd and 17th April. It is self-evident that his political departmental colleagues were way beyond any management control and this led to them being sacked.

‘The Chief Minister called for unity from our politicians in the face of huge financial losses in revenue which will affect not only us but future generations.

‘The Liberal Vannin Party will continue to support the Chief Minister in finding a solution to our current fiscal difficulties, but question those who elected him to office why they cannot support the difficult decisions which have to be made to ensure future generations’ prosperity.

‘The party has to concede that Mr Hall has not performed to the high ideals that we set ourselves when our party was formed six years ago. Mr Hall led us to believe that he supported the party system and would promote our ideals. As a matter of mandatory procedure he signed his acceptance to the Liberal Vannin constitution and national manifesto and was willing to abandon his career as an airline pilot to represent the people of Onchan and Liberal Vannin

‘I also assure you that Mr Hall will be brought to account for his actions and his failure to adhere to our manifesto.’

The pre-school nurseries issue cost Mr Karran all three of his department’s political members. Dudley Butt MHK resigned over the issue last month.

Mr Houghton and Mr Hall have so far been unavailable for comment.

However, they have released a statement, which is reported in Monday’s Isle of Man Examiner.

USE your vote in the forthcoming local authority elections.

That’s the message from Infrastructure Minister David Cretney MHK as 12 local authorities – out of the island’s 24 – prepare to go to the polls on Thursday, April 26.

There will be a total of 16 elections – including in four wards in Douglas and two in Ramsey. This is double the number of the last local elections in 2008.

Polling will take place in Andreas, Braddan, Castletown, Douglas (Athol Ward, Murray’s Ward, Victoria Ward and Hills Ward), German, Laxey, Lezayre, Malew, Michael, Port Erin, Port St Mary and Ramsey (North and South Ward).

Infrastructure Minister Mr Cretney said that local authorities played an important role in the island’s community.

Once elected, commissioners (or councillors in Douglas) make decisions in a number of areas, including refuse collection, street lighting, car parking, libraries and public conveniences.

The elections will give people in these areas the chance to make their voices heard and use their vote to elect who they feel are the best people to represent them. A number of areas are not having elections because too few people have stood. There aren’t even enough candidates to fill the seats in Onchan, for example.

Mr Cretney said: ‘These elections can have a major impact and I would encourage everybody to use their vote on April 26.’

Local authority elections are held every four years.

The deadline for candidates to deliver their nominations was on March 29.

To find out more about how to vote, including details on how to apply for absent votes, visit {http://www.gov.im/transport/msd/local/elections.xml|www.gov.im/transport/msd/local/elections.xml} or contact your local authority directly.

• What do you think? Do our local authorities do a good job? Do we have too many of them? Do we need them at all? Email your view to {mailto:opinions@newsiom.co.im|opinions(at)newsiom.co.im}.

The Isle of Man Examiner is in the shops this morning.

It includes the latest on the Houghton and Hall affair.

Eddie Lowey explains why the MEA showrooms are going to shut.

Meanwhile, if you saw a tall ship in Douglas harbour, you might be wondering why it was there. The Examiner has the details with a picture on the front page.

There’s reaction to the news that EasyJet plans to fly from Ronaldsway to Gatwick.

If you’re driving between Douglas and Peel, you might like to know that CCTV is monitoring you for part of your journey. The details are inside.

PLUS: You can save more than £3 on a shop in Tesco with cutout vouchers inside.

A BRITISH born rider based in California is looking for either a 600 or a 750 to make his Manx Grand Prix debut upon later this year.

Dave Crussell was born and brought up in Grays, Essex but has lived near San Francisco since 1990.

He has an impressive CV on classic machines Stateside, but would consider any machine, even a standard road bike, as he will only be using the Newcomers race for practice for the Post-Classic. He would be interested in hiring a bike.

Former Isle of Man Centre champion Ronnie Russell, and his wife Helen, will be looking after Dave during the MGP period. He will also be racing his own 1980s spec Kawasaki Z1R superbike at Spa in late June.

If anyone can help out contact Ronnie on dfar@manx.net or phone 07624 487756.

Team Collins and Russell are hoping to parade their 1972 H2R 750 and 1996 ZX7RR 750 Kawasakis at Goodwood in late June and Mallory Park’s Festival of 1000 bikes on July 7/8, together with the MGP parade lap and Jurby Festival.

Dan Sayle and American Hurley Wilvert will ride H2R two-stroke triple while former Senior MGP winners Gary Carswell and Mark Parrett will be re acquainted with the ZX7RR.

PROGRESS has not always been kind to Chorley, a Lancashire market town since medieval times and once part of a royal forest that stretched from Bowland in the north to Bolton in the south.

If evidence was needed of the demise of the town’s heritage, look no further than Chorley industrial historian Jack Smith’s remarkable book which, picture by picture, takes us through almost 100 years of history.

By juxtaposing old and new images of streets, buildings and people, Smith helps readers to consider the effects of modern development on what is often regarded as a typical English town.

The Industrial Revolution brought growth and prosperity to the town whose landmark moorland hill, Healey Nab, was occupied way back in prehistoric times and may also have been used by the Romans.

During the 19th century, there was work aplenty in the cotton mills, coal pits and iron foundries while the newly-built canals and railways enabled goods to be transported far and wide.

In the 1930s, Chorley became home to the largest Royal Ordnance filling factory in the country with its opening by King George VI proving to be a grand occasion for the proud townsfolk.

But over the last 50 years, much of Chorley’s heritage has been demolished or obliterated by development, mainly for housing and roads.

Bagganley Hall, a 17th century manor house with historic associations to the town, was demolished to make way for the M61 motorway in 1969, along with a splendid railway viaduct of eight arches over the canal at Botany, and the unique 16 stone arches built at Hartwood rail cutting in 1843 were removed in 2009 with a so far unfulfilled pledge to return them within two years.

A huge amount of housing development has taken place on green land, and the surrounding countryside is no longer as accessible. Ribbon housing along the roads is commonplace, garden spaces have been sold for house plots and ancient timber-framed houses and cotton mills with unusual architecture and decoration have been pulled down.

In fact, Smith reveals that he has witnessed the demise of almost every mill in the borough over the past 30 years, including the last working mill, Lawrence’s, which was closed and demolished last year.

Even the town’s motto, an integral part of Chorley’s heraldic Coat of Arms which itself dates back to the 13th century, was not safe from those eager to ‘update.’ Thus ‘Beware’ became ‘Be Aware’ courtesy of members of the 21st century town council.

Fortunately, notes Smith, Chorley has many ‘goods’ along with the ‘bads.’ There is a new country park at the scenic Yarrow Valley and a 150ft mill chimney has been saved from extinction to be used as part of a Morrison’s supermarket.

The town’s famous markets have seen investment and improvements, the pedestrianised streets have made shopping a more pleasant experience and a new bus and railway interchange is far more user friendly.

Among the many fascinating photographs reproduced here is the famous ‘Big Lamp’ at the junction of Market Street, Bolton Street and Pall Mall which was a popular meeting place for townsfolk. The lamp was removed amidst a great outcry in the late 1940s and later replaced by a new one, far less impressive than the old decorated cast-iron post.

An image of the Cattle Market, or Flat Iron as it is known today, taken in 1873 demonstrates very clearly that it was indeed a bustling centre for local animal traders and another picture reveals the huge extent of the former Birkacre bleachworks, a mill demolished in the 1930s.

St Mary’s Church, which still stands today on Mount Pleasant, has an eight-peal bell tower which was erected in 1894 and stands 130ft tall. Originally the bells were hung too high and caused the tower to move so much that they had to be lowered by several feet!

A 1928 photograph shows long-distance walker and Chorley postman Bob Bridges sporting an impressive moustache and hat as he competes in the Manchester to Blackpool Walking Race. During the post First World War years and 1920s, he became the British Walking Champion.

Another of the town’s famous characters was Mr Testo Santé, a theatrical entrepreneur and showman who settled in Chorley in the late 19th century and built a skating facility and variety venue which later became the Pavilion cinema. He also built a wooden theatre on the Flat Iron market which was dramatically destroyed by fire in 1914.

Smith’s nostalgic book is full of Chorley’s rich history and provides a wonderful trip down memory lane for local folk and a sobering reflection on the many ways development can so utterly change the face of an old English town.

(Amberley, paperback, £14.99)

DAVID Harris is a strategic sales and marketing consultant who vehemently believes in metaphorically getting his hands dirty when companies in the island ask him to use his 38 years of business nous to their advantage.

‘I don’t just go into a business and carry out an initial audit, prepare a report and then walk away,’ said David, who has just launched Laxey-based David Harris Consulting Ltd.

‘For me, it’s all about accountability and commitment, which means working within the company and alongside management to ensure my recommendations are successfully implemented.’

David, whose career has seen him work for major financial institutions in mainland Europe, Scotland, Leeds and London, moved to the island in 2009 when he became sales and marketing director with corporate service provider Equiom Trust.

‘Setting up my own business as a launch pad for others to achieve future success has already proved to be very successful, with work coming from a diverse range of clients, including some of the biggest companies and financial institutions on the island,’ he said.

‘My aim is to work for high quality clients, helping with their strategic direction and using my strong financial services background and experience to nurture growth and cross-selling opportunities.’

He added: ‘I’m definitely very encouraged by the business opportunities which the Isle of Man offers.’

Union Mills claim another Premier League scalp

UNION Mills remarkable season continued on Sunday evening as they pulled off another giant-killing in the BCS Vinyl Hospital Cup.

Having beaten St John’s and Rushen to reach the final of the FA Cup, Derek Cowley’s Division Two side claimed another Premier League scalp at the weekend, defeating St Mary’s 2-1 at Garey Mooar. Former island striker Steven Quine grabbed both goals for the Millers who advance into the competition’s second round.

Elsewhere, St George’s Grand Slam bid remains in tact after they overcame Corinthians 2-6 at Ballafletcher, while Rushen also remain in the mix after they made short work of Onchan 0-9 at Blackberry Lane.

Ramsey were the first round proper’s other big winners as they beat Police 1-10 at Springfield Road, Michael Fernandes leading the way with four goals. Joning the former Laxey man on the scoresheet for the Ballacloan outfit were Kris Halsall (2), Jamie Moffatt (2), Matty Kelly and John Roberts.

In the other two all-top-flight encounters, Peel edged past RYCOB 2-3 thanks to a brace from Lee Gale and a single strike from Liam Harrison. Jamie Brew and Daniel Tate struck for the northerners who twice pegged back Rob Cottier’s westerners. Also in the north St John’s triumphed 1-6 over Ayre to book their place in the competition’s next round.

Michael and Foxdale will join Union Mills in flying the second tier’s standard after they beat Braddan and Douglas and District 2-0 and 5-0 respectively. Matty Brand and Kevin Pulman both struck in the second-half for the westerners in their win over the Swans.

Sunday, April 22

BCS Vinyl Hospital Cup

Onchan 0-9 Rushen

RYCOB 2-3 Peel

Michael 2-0 Braddan

Foxdale 5-0 Douglas and District

Corinthians 2-6 St George’s

Union Mills 2-1 St Mary’s

Police 1-10 Ramsey

Ayre 1-6 St John’s

MANX Telecom is hosting a second presentation about its Intelligent Cloud product afer a ‘fantastic’ response at the launch.

The event will be held at Manx Telecom Headquarters, Isle of Man Business Park, on Wednesday (April 25).

The presentation will last around an hour with Fergal McKenna, Manx Telecom sales director, and Stephen Trimble, Manx Telecom enterprise hosting and solutions manager, demonstrating the product and answering questions from guests.

Stephen Trimble said the second Intelligent Cloud event was aimed at those businesses representatives who were unable to attend the launch at The Claremont which was packed with more than 80 representatives from a wide range of business sectors..

He said: ‘We had a fantastic response to the Intelligent Cloud launch, but wanted to provide another opportunity to explain the technology behind the product and demonstrate how easy it is for businesses of all sizes, and in all sectors, to benefit from cloud computing.’

Intelligent Cloud was developed by Manx Telecom in partnership with market leading hosting technology firm VMWare. Intelligent Cloud is the only Isle of Man-based VMWare-powered solution with free bandwidth.

In layman’s terms, Intelligent Cloud allows a business to buy IT services from Manx Telecom in the same way as it would buy power from an electricity supplier.

If required, Intelligent Cloud allows a business to host all of its IT needs with Manx Telecom in a secure and resilient environment, removing the need to own and manage in-house networks and servers.

For larger businesses that wish to use existing in-house networks and servers, Intelligent Cloud can provide extra capacity as and when required, therefore removing the need for further capital investment in additional IT hardware.

Manx Telecom claim Cloud is ideal for a business that needs to flex its IT capacity up and down or for those needing a joined up business continuity plan.

At the heart of Intelligent Cloud is Manx Telecom’s purpose built Douglas North Data Centre which is used and trusted by Isle of Man Government and many world leading private sector brands.

Guests are invited to arrive at 3.30pm for a 4pm start and if you wish to attend email business.events@manx-telecom.com or phone Manx Telecom corporate sales on 624624.

For more information about Intelligent Cloud go to www.manxtelecom.com/cloud

Peel draw Union Mills, while St George’s take on Rushen

THE second round draw for the BCS Vinyl Hospital Cup has thrown up four intriguing ties.

Grand Slam chasing St George’s welcome Rushen, the last team to inflict league defeat on them 47 games ago, while Peel host giant-killers Union Mills at Douglas Road.

Also in the west there’s a tasty-looking derby tie as St John’s take on second tier Michael at Balleira Road. The round’s remaining match-up takes place at Billy Goat Park where Foxdale take on Ramsey.

The ties are scheduled to take place this Sunday, April 29, but the games at St George’s and Peel will likely be postponed because of player involvement in the previous day’s FA Inter-League Cup final.

BCS Vinyl Hospital Cup

Second round draw

Ties scheduled to be played Sunday, April 29

Foxdale v Ramsey

St George’s v Rushen

Peel v Union Mills

Michael v St John’s

Monday, April 23

Aries (March 21 - April 20)

Even a few days ago there may have been doubts in your mind as to whether a plan could succeed. As this week begins, however, a breakthrough is possible. Pacing yourself seems impossible as things around you are moving so quickly. When it comes to business, fantasy may be your chosen path. You try to believe in the impossible. Don’t waste time daydreaming. In any case, practical matters will soon spike any unrealistic dreams.

Taurus (April 21 - May 21)

Romance and passion fly in a crazy way through this week. Venus and Mars spark off each other to form an emotional vortex. Be your charming best and by midweek relationships will have been strengthened. There is no need, however, to make a commitment where none is asked for. People come and go and the atmosphere is very flirtatious. Pluto is on hand at the weekend to bring your ideas down to earth.

Gemini (May 22 - June 21)

This is a great time socially, especially if you seek to be, or are, romantically involved. Gemini, being the ultimate lover, can be capitulated into a week of flirtatiousness initiated by the power surge that is Venus and Mars. Some confused thoughts are likely, so be prepared to seek advice. Use any excess energy on something both creative and physical. This would certainly take in spending time with your paramour.

Cancer (June 22 - July 23)

Be prepared for a hectic time as this week begins. The first few days may start slowly but the pace will soon pick up. Venus and Mars urge you to listen to your heart. Instincts are sharp and creative thoughts come flooding in. Changes at work are considered as you realise your worth. You may have felt unappreciated. Stretching yourself and increasing your experience seems the obvious way forward.

Leo (July 24 - August 23)

There is not so much a clash of planets this week as an explosion. You will have energy, charisma and creativity in abundance. Thinking big both at home and work seems inevitable. Why would you want to avoid it anyway, when there is so much to gain and so little to lose? Have confidence in your own abilities. At the weekend you will remind yourself of past success and realise that you still have what it takes.

Virgo (August 24 - September 23)

Achieving a balance between the need for adventure and the realities of everyday life is difficult sometimes. At the moment there may be a tendency to over-emphasise the urgency of a new venture to make progress. Keep everything on a practical and realistic level at work. On the other hand, romance gives the scope to use both imagination and creativity. Enjoy all the possibilities that this brings.

Libra (September 24 - October 23)

With the emphasis strongly on relationships, particularly intimate ones, you may be looking for a perfect partner. Perhaps you are asking yourself how perfect your current relationship is? With both Venus and Mars working away in your corner this week, a sharp mind brings everything into focus. However, don’t forget that imperfections can make someone more loveable. Don’t you like to have times when you feel superior?

Scorpio (October 24 - November 22)

An incredibly romantic week ahead brings out the lighter and more entertaining side of your personality. Rarely have you been more attractive and loveable. With both Venus and Mars on your side, take these advantages and run with them! Midweek can bring boredom at work, but consider all changes before making them. Judgment may be clouded at times. The weekend brings the need to make a long-overdue decision.

Sagittarius (November 23 - December 21)

Your playful side comes out as this week begins. Light-hearted thoughts and flirtatiousness bring you into contact with new people and situations. Emotions rise to the surface, but midweek confidence soars. Now it is possible to say or do something that you have long wanted to. Abundant charm at the weekend brings you even closer to a loved one. The response that you get depends on the attention you give.

Capricorn (December 22 - January 20)

With extra energy and a sense of purpose, it is possible to get much more done than expected. Stretching yourself now fires up confidence and allows you to hope for more. Although visions may be magical, hard work is still needed, if only in spurts. Avoid those who would delay your progress by causing disruption. You will see them coming if you stay sharp. Don’t rise to their bait!

Aquarius (January 21 - February 19)

Get out and about, with or without a partner, to make the most of this romantic time. With both Mars and Venus firing passions and heightening attraction, it is not a time for wishful thinking, but for action! Showing to a paramour that you can be exciting and unpredictable (even if it isn’t generally true) only serves to increase their longing to be with you. Do your best to increase an air of mystery.

Pisces (February 20 - March 20) Powerful planets make you both adventurous and imaginative this week. Spring is bringing you closer to loved ones and new relationships get off to a good start because of charm and determination. Others take your willingness to consider their needs and feelings as a great compliment and respond accordingly. Keep your feet on the ground at the weekend, however, for rash promises can be hard to change.

Peel man sets new time of 13 minutes 50.06 seconds

KEITH Gerrard has opened his track season at the Mount Sac Relays in Walnut, California with a new Manx record of 13 minutes 50.06 seconds for the 5,000 metres.

The Martin Bullock Manxsport-sponsored athlete finished in second place slicing more than eight seconds off his previous best time, which was set at the same venue last year.

The race was won in 13.37 by Mauricio Gonzalaz (Colombia) with Keith gaining runner-up spot after a two-way contest with American Christo Landry in the final 2,000 metres.

The Manx Sports Aid and RBS scholarship recipient heads to the Payton Jordan Invitation on April 29 where he is looking to improve his 10,000 metres personal best ahead of this summer’s championships.

Round-up of Sunday’s Division Two action

PEEL continue their impressive league form with a 2-6 win over Colby in the MBL Women’s Division Two on Sunday.

The westerners led 2-1 at the break, Nicola Naden (3), Maxine Smalley, Claudia Konig and Katie Meads finding the target for Douglas Road outfit. The southern reply came via two penalties - Kira Buchan and Ruby Callister netting their spot-kicks.

In the remaining MBL Division Two match, Ramsey’s title push gathered momentum with a 5-0 win over Rushen. Leading 3-0 at the break, Bekkie Colquitt (2), Sammie MacDonald (2) and Lauren Miller scored for the northerners.

A full round-up of all the women’s football will appear in this week’s Manx Independent.

Silverware for Southern Nomads and Vagabonds B

Saturday’s Results

South Lancashire/Cheshire Division Two

Ruskin Park 57-17 Ramsey

Vagabonds 30-30 Crewe & Nantwich

Douglas 62-19 Ellesmere Port

RFUW Championship North Two

Vagabonds 15-16 Fleetwood Grasshoppers

Shimmin Wilson Manx Trophy - Final

Douglas B 16-43 Southern Nomads

Shimmin Wilson Manx Bowl – Final

Emerging Nomads 15-31 Vagabonds B

Reports on all the day’s rugby in Monday’s Examiner.

MOBILE CCTV cameras are to be placed at roadworks on the main Douglas to Peel road this week to deter motorists from driving through red lights and endangering highways staff working on the site.

They will be located as a pilot scheme at the roadworks at Glen Lough Dip, which began at the start of April. Cameras will be positioned at each end of the site, focusing on the traffic signals to monitor those drivers who choose to ignore red lights.

Infrastructure Minister David Cretney MHK said: ‘Despite numerous articles in the media, and road safety campaigns over the last few years, it seems some motorists continue to ignore red lights on temporary traffic signals. Last year, several motorists were prosecuted for this during works undertaken in Victoria Road in Castletown.

‘As this pattern shows no sign of changing, the department is taking the next step to try and deter motorists and improve safety, both for our works teams and the general public.’

CCTV evidence of vehicles running red lights may be used by the police in prosecutions against drivers.

However, it is hoped that the CCTV will act as a deterrent to drivers.

Warning signs will be positioned in advance of the works to advise motorists that CCTV will be in operation.

If the pilot scheme is successful, the department intends to install CCTV on all future roadworks with temporary lights.

Mr Cretney added: ‘While I understand the frustration and inconvenience of roadworks to the travelling public, it is a requirement of all road uses to adhere to the appropriate traffic controls. I welcome this initiative to monitor temporary traffic signals in an attempt to improve safety for the public in general and for the department’s staff.’

Sergeant Pete Dyer of the roads policing unit said: ‘The police are prepared to use any evidence obtained from CCTV in order to identify and prosecute motorists who blatantly ignore traffic lights, which are situated at road works. This manner of driving is antisocial and unacceptable. These lights are positioned for safety purposes.’

SENSATIONAL bowling by Ollie Webster sent St John’s crashing to defeat on the first day of the Standard Bank Premiership on Saturday.

Last year’s champions were rocked by the Ramsey captain who had the great figures of six wickets for only 11 runs.

Put into bat, Saints had an early setback when star batsman Daniel Dickinson was dismissed by Charlie Whipp. Then, with only 12 runs on the board, Greg Hawke became Webster’s first victim.

The northern all-rounder proceeded to tear through St John’s middle-order, aided by some excellent fielding and catching. Opener Paul Nicholson stood firm, but quickly began to run out of partners. When he fell for a defiant 25, Jamie Moffatt finished off the innings - aided by a startling one-handed catch in the deep by Ken Harding.

Saints’ total was only 35 and the Ramsey bowlers had done its work in little more than one hour. However, any thoughts that their batsmen would have an easy stroll were soon dashed.

Greg and Nick Hawke opened the St John’s attack and soon had four of their opponents back in the pavilion. The situation was tense, but Eddie Cleator broke the spell with a pull for six. Aided by Webster, he steered his side home for a fine victory by six wickets.

A determined Greg Hawke took 3 -25, while Nick Hawke’s six overs cost only six runs.

This was a blow to Saints’ hopes of retaining the Premiership title, but the season has only just started.

Cronkbourne and Castletown battled out a close game at Tromode. Matt Ansell, back from a week’s training at the ICC Centre of Excellence in Spain, quickly dismissed both of Town’s openers.

This brought skipper Mark Williams and Wicus Wessels together for a splendid stand of 71 runs. They looked on course for a good total when Phil Richardson came on to bowl.

The Tromode seamer was soon amongst the wickets and turned the match with 4 -15 from eight overs. The southerners fell from a comfortable 93 for 2 to 127 all out. Wessels looked in top form with 56 and Williams made an important 39.

Cronkbourne’s batting last season had major problems and all the old fears soon resurfaced. An aggressive opening spell from Andy Sewell put the home team in deep trouble at 14 for three.

Carl Wagstaffe and Will Wood then hit back and took the total to 70 before Wagstaffe went lbw to Peel Taggart for 28. Wood was deceived by Guyan Dissenyakke for 28 as well and home supporters became very nervous.

Ryan Burns and Adam Killey calmed their fears and, with only eight runs to win and four wickets left, all seemed well. But Killey was dismissed for 16 and another batsman was caught, resulting in a tense cliff-hanger finish.

Burns kept his head and cracked the winning runs to finish with 22 not out. This was a tight game and a morale boosting win for Cronkbourne. Castletown at times were very good and will play a lot worse in the future and still win.

CRICKET RESULTS

Standard Bank Premiership

St John’s 36 (Paul Nicholson 25 : Ollie Webster 6 -11, Jamie Moffatt 1 -9, Charlie Whipp 1 -14); Ramsey 37 for 4 (Eddie Cleator 15no, Ollie Webster 7no : Greg Hawke 3 -25, Nick Hawk3 1 -6). Ramsey won by six wickets.

Castletown 127 (Wicus Wessels 56, Mark Williams 39 : Phil Richardson 4 -15, Matt Ansell 2 -14), Cronkbourne 130 for 8 (Carl Wagstaff 28, Will Wood 28 : Andy Sewell 3 -18, Peel Taggart 1 -17). Cronkbourne won by two wickets,

Tour Match

St Mary’s (Chester) v Crosby :

Match abandoned (rain)

CRICKET FIXTURES DIARY

Saturday, April 28

Standard Bank Premiership (1pm)

Black Grace Cowley St John’s v Fairbairn Crosby

Ramsey v Cronkbourne

Habib Bank Valkyres v Celton Manx Castletown

THE Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) has triumphed in becoming the Department of Health’s top team for 2011-12.

HART is specifically designed to maintain patient care in hazardous conditions, such as a cliff fall or aiding a search and rescue mission.

This project insured that paramedics were able to attend the site of the accident and see to the casualty, in the past they have only received basic first aid.

Before this initiative, paramedics had to wait for the patient to be rescued from the hazardous area before treating them.

Mark Kelly, ambulance training supervisor and team leader of HART, said: ‘The team was delighted to win this year’s Top Team Award considering the strength of all other entrants. We feel that everyone concerned deserves a big pat on the back for jobs well done.

‘It has been a hard slog for all our team to progress the programme this far and we would like to extend our thanks to all who have assisted us, in particular our sponsor, Microgaming Health and Care Trust, the Isle of Man’s Fire and Rescue Service for providing us with such thorough and professional training and the A&E department for assisting with the reciprocal training initiative. The programme will continue to grow upon our already strong foundations with our focus being to provide patients in hazardous areas with the best standards of care possible.’

The awards consisted of four shortlisted teams. Each team made a 10-minute presentation to show why their project should win.

Minister for Health David Anderson MHK opened the ceremony. He said: ‘My congratulations go to all the teams that submitted an entry, those who were shortlisted and of course, the team at the Ambulance Service who succeeded in becoming the Department’s Top Team for 2011/2012 with their HART project. The quality of the entrants just goes to show the array of talented teams we have in the department and I hope that this is an incentive for all teams to put an entry in for next year’s award.

‘The Top Team Award showcases the Departments of Health’s dedication to provide the highest standard of care for the Isle of Man. Every project, initiative or scheme, which is devised by the department, has a direct impact on the Manx public and awards like this recognise the hard work that teams endure to provide the island with the best possible care.’

HART was formed by a small group of dedicated paramedics. The Isle of Man’s HART has gone through extensive and intense training alongside the Isle of Man’s Fire and Rescue Service to ensure that the best skills from all areas are taken advantage of.

EDUCATION Minister Peter Karran has been badly advised over controversial cuts.

That’s the view of the two members sacked from his department last week after they absented themselves from a crunch vote on the nursery reforms.

A bitter row has broken out after MHKs Zac Hall and John Houghton, both members of the department, failed to take part in the debate on Steve Rodan’s motion to try to scupper the department’s plan to privatise nurseries in the island in a bid to save money.

Both were roundly criticised and they were subsequently sacked. Mr Hall has also been ‘suspended’ from Liberal Vannin.

Mr Hall and Mr Houghton have issued a lengthy statement.

In it they say of education cuts: ‘Despite recording our objection to the proposals, we were horrified that the minister was adamant to take a course of action without the support of any of the departmental members.

‘The minister appeared to show a lack of understanding of the subject matter and the real value of teacher led nursery opportunities for children and that its withdrawal would result in lower standards. We believed it was a short-sighted, regressive step that will be very hard to reverse in the future and will have a detrimental effect on the progress and attainment of pupils in the long term.’

They add: ‘As we were largely removed from the decision making process, did the civil service leadership support the Minister of Education & Children sufficiently as they tried to develop options?

‘We do not believe the minister received good advice or support from them. The bureaucratic response to budget reduction was simply to cut non-statutory provision.

‘In fact, informed analytical consideration, not rushed decision, was needed. We were concerned that this decision was being made without first consulting and fully discussing the proposals with teachers and head teachers who would be affected by the changes.

‘They were left largely on their own to shoulder the burden of parents’ anger and concerns about a policy decision that was not of their own making and about which they knew nothing until it was too late to prepare an adequate response which they were confronted with at very short notice.’

But they admit they may have got it wrong by not taking part in last week’s debate.

‘We did not want to be dishonest to Tynwald by supporting a policy we couldn’t endorse in the form being proposed but with consideration for the minister, we decided at the time it was appropriate to remove ourselves from the debate and abstain from the vote,’ the statement says.

‘However, with the benefit of hindsight, we regret that we were not present in the court in order to be able to vote in support of Mr Speaker’s motion. We have been taught a lesson which we have learned. We recognise that it would not have made a difference to the outcome or our own positions in government.’