A number of people have rung 999 to ask the police to give them a lift home.

Sergeant Paul Kemp said that the force had had several 999s overnight on Saturday/Sunday from people asking for the police to provide lifts home.

One person even rang back and asked for another service when unsuccessful with the police.

In a separate 999 call, one person tried to tell the operator that a patrol officer had advised him to call the Police for a lift for his drunk friend.

Sergeant Kemp said no officer would do this.

A couple of officers also reported that they had been approached for lifts by different members of the public.

Sergeant Kemp said: ‘Unbelievable as it is, we are going to have to reiterate that the emergency services are not there to provide taxis and 999 is for emergency calls only.’

He added: ‘Throughout our service we receive banter from people asking for a lift home.

‘However, this evening there appeared to be an actual expectation that officers would comply with these requests.

‘999 lines were also being taken up with the same requests and unrealistic expectations and each call can often take minutes to assess the situation. This doesn’t sound much but can be an eternity if it delays a genuine emergency being reported and could potentially threaten a life. Please don’t call for a taxi on 999.

‘It is vitally important though, that anything that is believed to be a genuine emergency is reported via 999 so that an immediate response can be given.’

Staff at Barclays in the Isle of Man raised £1,844.56 at their Macmillan Coffee Morning event which was matched pound for pound by Barclays to give a total of £3,689.12 for the charity.

Coffee mornings with tea, coffee, cakes and savoury treats on offer were held on every floor of the bank’s Eagle Court office and Barclays House Banking Hall and staff took part in a raffle and various competitions with all proceeds going to the charity.

There are two more Manx-made films to be shown at the Erin Arts Centre in Port Erin during its current season.

Wild Target will be on tomorrow (Wednesday) from 7.30pm.

It’s a comedy about having fun on the run.

A hitman tries to retire but a beautiful thief may change his plans.

Victor is a lonely, uptight middle-aged mummy’s boy, who also happens to be a lethally efficient professional hitman. His last assignment before he retires is to take out con artist Rose for gangster client, Ferguson.

Finding himself increasingly attracted to the bold and beautiful Rose, Victor is unable to complete the job, and instead ends up trying to save her from the murderous intentions of his client.

Filming locations include St John’s, Douglas and Ramsey. It stars Bill Nighy, Emily Blunt and Rupert Grint.

Admission on the door: Adults £5, Under 18s £1.

The Erin Arts Centre’s final Manx film screening this year is animated film Chico and Rita on Wednesday, November 26, 2.30pm.

The Scottish independence referendum may have ended in a resounding ‘no’ vote.

But the Manx government says its important to continue to build good relations with our closest neighbour.

Chief Minister played host to Scottish Minister for Energy, Enterprise and Tourism Fergus Ewing MSP. He is the son of an icon of Scottish nationalism, Winnie Ewing, whose 1967 victory in the Hamilton by-election launched the modern SNP.

The police are investigating a number domestic burglaries which occurred within the Douglas area since July.

Many of the properties had been left unlocked.

Crime prevention officer Mike Radcliffe said: ‘It is vitally important that householders remember to take basic precautions to protect their property.

‘I don’t want to create “fortress mentality” but our records show that in many cases of domestic burglary, the offender has been able to gain entry through an unlocked door or window.

‘Criminals are opportunists and ensuring that your house is left secure could significantly reduce the risk of you becoming the victim of a similar offence.’

He added that householders should think about locking doors even when they are at home.

He asked: ‘Would you hear if someone opened your front door and came into the house when you were upstairs?’

He added: ‘How good is your home security? Imagine for a moment that you have lost your house keys - how would you get in?

‘Could you do it without causing any significant damage? If so then so could a burglar!’

His top tips include:

l Do your door and window locks work properly? Are they in good condition? Insurance companies normally require that door locks meet the appropriate British Standard - BS3621.

If you’re not sure – take advice from a reputable locksmith.

l Don’t leave keys in hiding places (for example, under a flowerpot). If you’ve thought of it, the burglar probably will as well. Remember to take the keys out of window locks and keep them somewhere safe.

l Keep garages, sheds and outhouses locked. If your garage has a door leading into the house, treat it like an exterior door - fit it with a good quality BS 3621 lock.

l Use good quality clasps and locks on garden sheds. Just think of the cost of replacing your bicycles or lawnmower.

l Don’t leave ladders or garden implements lying around.

They can be used by the burglar to break in to your house.

l Chain ladders up. Keep implements in your shed or out of sight.

l Remember to close your curtains when you go out at night and leave a downstairs light on (not the hall light) but don’t leave them closed during the day as they attract attention to your home.

l Do you have outside lights?

When did you last check that they work? Do you use them? Burglars hate the light.

If your property isn’t fitted with external lights you should consider installing some controlled by ‘Dusk till Dawn’ sensors.

That way you don’t have to remember to switch them on when it gets dark.

l Don’t leave windows open for your pets to get into the house. It doesn’t matter what size the window. You’d be surprised how small a gap someone can get through. If you leave it open for ventilation use the catch to lock it in that position.

l Ensure that your premises and contents are suitably insured.

Speak to the insurance company or your broker to check that you meet their security requirements.

advice

The force has a number of crime reduction officers who are available to give security advice regarding both domestic and commercial premises and this service is free.

Further information can be obtained by contacting Constable Radcliffe on 631473.

The annual Fairtrade sale celebrating One World Week will be held at Cooill Methodist Hall this week from Thursday to Saturday, 10am to 6.30pm.

Christmas cards, beautiful gifts created by artisans in the developing world and fairtrade foods will be on sale. Lunches will also be available from noon to 2pm in aid of two charities working with orphans and their schooling in Uganda. For details, ring 628995/436182.

In the week that the government announced a raft of charges to previously-free services, the first sitting of Tynwald since the summer and the replacement of the toilet tax, a different story was the most-read on our site.

Our report about a householder who pinned up posters on his house and car addressed to historian Peter Kelly and the people he guides around places of interest seemed to intrigue our readers most.

Around 150 items are uploaded to iomtoday.co.im every week. They include news and sport reports, business features, readers’ letters and the island’s What’s On guide.

The top 10 most-read from last week were:

1. {http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/historians-told-you-re-not-welcome-1-6901578|Historians told: You’re not welcome} 8,098

2. {http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/government-to-charge-charge-and-charge-again-1-6910476|Government to charge, charge and charge again} 7,685

3. {http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/toilet-tax-to-be-scrapped-and-replaced-by-sewerage-rate-1-6908305|Toilet tax to be scrapped and replaced by sewerage rate} 3,734

4. {http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/lucky-escape-after-sleeping-through-landslide-1-6899048|Lucky escape after sleeping through landslide} 3,574

5. {http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/parents-forced-to-watch-their-kids-play-football-from-behind-a-fence-1-6906612|Parents forced to watch their kids play football from behind a fence} 3,057

6. {http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/steam-packet-expects-high-winds-to-disrupt-sailing-schedule-1-6905331|Steam Packet expects high winds to disrupt sailing schedule} 2,899

7. {http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/officials-regret-at-having-to-ban-all-parents-from-touchline-1-6907376|Officials regret having to ban all parents from touchline} 2,584

8. {http://www.iomtoday.co.im/what-s-on/manx-entertainment-news/want-you-back-jackson-s-show-made-a-big-loss-1-6912091|Want you back? Jacksons show made a big loss} 2,271

9. {http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/investors-keen-on-the-capital-s-masterplan-1-6907359|Investors keen on capital’s masterplan} 2,136

10. {http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/keys-candidate-in-court-on-cannabis-charge-1-6910798|Keys candidate in court on cannabis charge} 1,985

An amateur local historian wants to hear from anyone in the island who has an interest in King Richard III.

Brenda Cubbon is hoping to create an informal society to discuss the history and legacy of one of the most controversial monarchs in British history.

After only two years on the throne, he became the last English king to die in battle, falling at the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485 aged 32.

The battle effectively ended the Wars of the Roses and paved the way for the Tudor dynasty.

Thanks to his depiction in Shakespeare’s play, Richard has gone down in history as a hunchbacked villain who killed anyone who stood between him and the throne, including his young nephews who were supposedly killed in the Tower of London on Richard’s instructions.

But with the history written by the victorious Tudors, his controversial legacy has been the subject of much debate and many groups have arisen to reclaim his memory.

Mrs Cubbon said: ‘I think he’s been mistreated by history because if you read the Chronicles that were written at that time, there was nothing to say that he was a bad king and there’s nothing to prove that he killed the princes in the Tower.

‘He was a good lord of the North, and he brought in laws during his Parliament that are still in use today. It was propaganda that turned him into a controversial figure.’

To register your interest, contact Brenda Cubbon by phone on 437649 or email brenda51252@hotmail.co.uk

Eight ducklings that were rescued after being targeted by seagulls will be released next week back into Silverdale boating lake.

Jake Callow, aged 16, who worked over the summer at Silverdale cafe, prompted the rescues in August when he became concerned about the risks posed to them by seagulls.

Paddle boats were used to reach the ducklings and Jake even ended up in the water during the first of two rescue missions.

The ducklings were just a couple of days old when they were rescued.

And since then they have received VIP treatment from Jake and Sandy Huyton of Dolittle’s Animal Centre at Cregg Mill in Silverdale.

In that time they have moved on to solid foods, and increased in both size and weight.

The ducklings’ rescue and subsequent progress sparked interest online with more than 1,300 people following their progress on the Dolittle’s Facebook page.

Sandy said everyone was invited to watch the ducklings return to the boating lake.

They will be released at 1pm on Wednesday next week.

dsfThe Curraghs Wildlife Park is celebrating a successful year, with visitor numbers at their highest for a decade and memberships increasing.

In 2014, the park launched an extended what’s on guide, highlighting feeding times, feeding talks, craft activities, discovery tables and animal encounters.

Online and advance booking is now possible thanks to a new website.

Zac Hall MHK, Member of the Environment, Food and Agriculture responsible for the park, said: ‘The warm, dry summer has no doubt boosted the number of people coming to see us. However, staff and volunteers have been working hard to improve our visitor experience and we have invested in new facilities and that is reaping rewards.’

‘Popular play features such as the Jumping Pillow have been enhanced this year with the addition of the Enchanted Wood, the only facility of its kind in the Island, which is proving a big hit with visitors,’ Mr Hall said.

‘Special themed Thursdays, when the Orchid Line miniature railway ran, also drew large numbers of visitors and Thursday was often the busiest day of the week during the summer.’

The number of people through the gate for 2014 is on target to top 55,000 – the highest since 2005, when the park held activities to mark its 40th anniversary.

Footfall was around the 47,000 mark for several years but climbed to 50,000 in 2012 and more than 51,000 in 2013.

Membership numbers have increased 738 per cent in the last three years and now stand at nearly 3,000.

Memberships cost £32 for an adult, £20 for a child and £85 for a family. They include unlimited access to the park and discount in the café and shop.

On Friday (October 31) a Hop-tu-Naa-themed day will take place at the park, with children wearing fancy dress given free entry and lots of activities taking place.

From Monday, November 2, the park operates its winter opening hours, opening every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 4pm, with last entry at 3pm.

From Friday, November 28, to Friday, December 19, visitors can enjoy an all-inclusive Friday meal deal – £10 gaining them admission plus a two-course meal in the café.

The government wants to recruit a new prison governor and head of probation.

Alison Gomme, the current head of the prison and probation service, is set to retire at the end of March 2015 after a 34-year career.

Her successor will play a prominent role in delivering the department’s criminal justice strategy, which, the Department of Home Affairs says sets out ‘a clear direction of travel for the criminal justice system in line with government’s national priorities’.

The job includes responsibility for the management of the Isle of Man Prison and 140 members of staff across the combined Prison and Probation Service. There is also a requirement to deliver ‘a high standard of public service within the government’s current budgetary constraints’.

Applications are being sought from qualified professionals who have experience of leading significant organisational and cultural change, sound financial management skills and the ability to motivate and develop a multi-disciplinary team.

Home Affairs Minister Juan Watterson MHK said: ‘Alison Gomme has made an outstanding contribution to the island’s the Prison and Probation Service during her time in the post. The department is looking for an exceptional candidate to continue that positive work.’

Michael Coleman MLC, Member of the Department of Home Affairs with responsibility for the Prison and Probation Service, said: ‘Strong leadership will be essential to drive forward what is a diverse and complex organisation. The years ahead will be particularly challenging as we continue to place a greater focus on prevention, rehabilitation and alternative forms of justice, so that custody is reserved for more serious and persistent offenders.’

DHA chief executive officer Mark Kelly added: ‘The DHA is committed to protecting vulnerable people and the Prison and Probation Service has a fundamental part to play in that. We are seeking to recruit a highly motivated individual to lead the further modernisation of the criminal justice system and achieve meaningful results for offenders, victims and the general public.

‘This is an important role that contributes to the Isle of Man’s reputation as one of the safest places to live in the British Isles.’

Applications should be made online via {https://www.jobtrain.co.uk/iomgovjobs/displayjob.aspx?jobid=1025|here} and the deadline for submissions is Tuesday, November 18. Further information about the post may be obtained from the recruitment manager on 694305.

The successful candidate will replace Alison Gomme who was appointed as the Isle of Man’s Prison Governor in 2008 after serving in a wide range of establishments in the UK.

One of Mrs Gomme’s first duties in the island was to oversee the transfer of the entire prison population from the old Victoria Road site to the new facility in Jurby.

In April 2010, she took on additional responsibility for the strategic leadership of the Probation Service, following the creation of a merged Prison and Probation Service.

Having worked in prisons for more than 34 years, including 6½ years in the Isle of Man, Mrs Gomme is looking forward to spending more time with her family and pursuing her creative interests.

Corinthians maintained their push for the Warehouse Fitness Women’s League by defeating Colby 14-0 at Station Road on Sunday.

Leading 9-0 at the break, Hattie Castle (5), Lisa Costain (2), Jade Burden (2), Shelley Simpson, Kiera Morgan and Anna Shaw netted for the Whites.

In the other match, Gymnasium made it three wins out of three after defeating Castletown 6-1. Leading 3-1 at the break, Alannah Hall (2), Nicky Naden (2), Kayleigh Whitehead and Shannon Diamond scored for the Tromode side, the southern response coming in the form of a Dawn Winn effort.

A full round-up will appear in this week’s Manx Independent.

Win for Ramsey as Vagabonds and Douglas both lose in South Lancashire and Cheshire leagues.

Results 25/10/14

South Lancs/Cheshire Division One

Altrincham Kersal 65-5 Douglas

South Lancs/Cheshire Division Two

Vagabonds 31-42 Ormskirk

South Lancs/Cheshire Division Three

Ramsey 24-7 Liverpool University

Shimmin Wilson Manx Shield

Vagabonds B 10-14 PDMS Southern Nomads

Emerging Nomads 22-46 Ramsey B

Douglas B 78-0 Western Vikings

Full round-up of all the weekend’s rugby in Tuesday’s Examiner.

When we think of Vikings we generally picture a fierce warrior wearing a helmet and brandishing a weapon.

We may have learned a lot about Vikings in school but how many of us consider the role played by Viking women?

The ladies attending the first of this season’s gatherings of the Methodist Ladies’ Luncheon Club at the Mount Murray Golf Club on Wednesday were treated to a highly informative and entertaining talk by Dr Fenella Bazin who showed just how important a role was played by women in Viking times. We, on the Isle of Man, are lucky to have some wonderful crosses depicting scenes from life in Celtic times.

In particular the cross of Sandulf in Andreas, which he had commissioned in memory of his wife Arinbjork, helps us to understand the animals that were important to them.

Perhaps the most well known example of a Viking woman was found in a grave in Peel.

The necklace found with her remains shows examples of stones found from as far away as the middle east.

She was also buried with implements she would use for cooking, including a roasting spit, which they thought would be needed in the next life.

Dr Bazin went on to explain that, with the men often away for some time, it was up to the women to run the household, this consisting of as many as 40 or 50 people including relatives, workers and slaves.

Everything had to be hand produced, from food to clothing, weapons to cooking implements.

Although a first husband would be chosen for a woman, on being widowed she was then entitled to choose her own husband thereafter!

Viking women also had some rights so were not down-trodden chattels. At the end of her talk, Dr Bazin was thanked by Ms Norma Cowell, on behalf of those present, for a fascinating insight into the life of Viking women.

The next meeting will take place on Wednesday, November 19, when the speaker will be Mr Hector Duff on the subject ‘My World War II’. For further details please contact Mrs Sheila Astill on 620236.

Ingrid Jones

Methodist Ladies’ Luncheon Club

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All six 2014 TT race winners are expected to return to defend their titles in an unchanged race programme for next year’s event.

Official qualifying will commence on Saturday, May 30 and continue throughout the following week leading up to the opening race day on Saturday, June 6 featuring the Superbike and Sure Sidecar race one.

New regulations for the Superbike class are being introduced for 2015, similar to those in the British Superbike Championship. These are likely to reduce costs and support more teams in their efforts to be competitive.

There are also new technical regulations for the sidecar class, which will allow 675cc three-cylinder motors, giving teams the option to introduce power plants such as the Triumph 675 and MV Agusta F3 alongside the traditional four-cylinder 600cc engines.

Monday’s race programme will feature the double-header of the RL360 Superstock and Monster Energy Supersport race one.

Wednesday, June 10 has a packed and varied schedule including the Sure Sidecar race two, the Monster Energy Supersport race two and the seventh running of the ground-breaking SES TT Zero.

The 2015 TT meeting finish on Friday, June 12 with the Bike Nation Lightweight and PokerStars Senior TT races.

Manxman Dan Kneen has withdrawn his entry from next month’s Macau Grand Prix.

The newly crowned Irish road racing champion has not yet fully recovered from the injuries he suffered in the Ulster Grand Prix.

He will be replaced in the B.E. Racing Team by Southern Ireland’s Brian McCormack. Michael Sweeney will also be riding in B. E. Racing colours at Macau between November 13-16.

The autumn fair held on October 18 at the Ramsey Town Hall has been hailed a great success.

It raised over £2,000 towards the upkeep of the Roman Catholic church on Queen’s Promenade, Ramsey.

One of the organisers, Gail Fletcher-Cooke, said: ‘The church is more than one hundred years old and is a true architectural gem designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, the same man who designed Liverpool Cathedral and the famous red telephone box.

‘A great deal of hard work goes into these fairs but the appreciation from the wider community makes it all worthwhile.

‘It was a great success.’

The fair had on sale, craft materials such fabrics, trims, lace and craft patterns.

There was also a bottle stall, hand made gifts, jewellery and bric-a-brac stalls as well as a raffle.

The ever-popular cake stall was there as well as refreshments available all day from 10am to- 4pm to buy such as homemade soup, sandwiches, cakes and hot mulled apple punch.

The Church of Our Lady of the Sea and St Maughold was built in 1909-10 and is one of ht efinest of Giles Gilbert Scott’s churches.

The Hospice is to open a ‘designer’ shop in the heart of Douglas’s shopping area.

It will be in the old Manx Telecom shop in Strand Street and will sell more upmarket goods.

A spokesman said the shop will be based in the old Manx Telecom shop and will be selling some ‘lovely items – all of which have been donated to Hospice in order to raise funds.’

The shop will be opened on Saturday, November 1, at 10am.

The new boutique will be open from 10am to 5pm Monday to Saturday with late night openings from Thursday, November 20, until 9pm.

funds

It will only be open for a short period to raise extra funds for the local Hospice.

Shop manager Judith Leslie has issued an appeal for designer or new items specially for this new outlet.

She would like people who’d like to give items to ring her on 615055 if they have items they would like to donate.

She added: ‘Naturally we really appreciate all donations to our shops and warehouse but we have wanted to open a pop up shop in Strand Street to sell some special items – particularly new and designer items.

‘We were delighted when this opportunity came up, it is not something we will sustain long term but it was too good to turn down this chance.’

She added she would also like to thank Marks and Spencer for its support.

Hospice is looking for volunteers to staff the shop.

Anyone interested in helping should ring 615055 to find out about volunteering at Hospice shops.

A spokesman said: ‘An interest in retail would help but a warm smile and willingness to work to raise funds for your local hospice is all that is needed.’

Meanwhile, Hospice Shops Christmas cards continue to sell well – visit any of the shops or Hospice to buy them.

The spokesmansaid: ‘Corporate or individual personalised cards still supporting Hospice are available from Cannell Printers on 625690. We are grateful to them for their continued support.’

artist

Hospice staff were also delighted when local artist Anita Woods donated two of her original paintings of her Christmas cards – both of Castletown.

These will be raffled at the new boutique, Hospice shops and Frosty the Snowman Christmas fair at the Villa Marina on Sunday, November 30.

Tickets are £1 each. The draw will be on Thursday, December 18, at 7pm which is the last late night shopping prior to Christmas.

Douglas Council leader David Christian has described promenade parking proposals as sounding a deathknell for retail in the capital and residents’ parking charges as unfair.

Mr Christian was responding to proposals publicised by Department of Infrastructure Minister Phil Gawne last week to reduce free on-street parking on Loch Promenade to one hour instead of two and to charge people for parking on the promenade walkway.

‘At a time of difficult trading conditions, to impose these ill-considered measures will only serve as yet another nail in the retail coffin,’ he said.

The council’s executive committee was totally opposed to the reduction to one hour for the promenade disc zone parking and, while they conceded there could be a case for charging motorists to park on the promenade walkway, the first two hours of that should be free.

He added: ‘The council has long recognised that on-street parking charges in the town centre were likely to be introduced. It had always hoped however that the government’s plans would be sensitive to the economic climate and the challenges, compounded currently by the regeneration works, retailers are facing. Also shoppers are finding it hard enough as it is, negotiating the town centre while these works continue without being deterred from visiting the town by these new parking restrictions.’

Following further discussions and a meeting with Strand Shopping Centre manager John Shakespeare, the DoI has made some concessions to retailers and shoppers.

Infrastructure Minister Phil Gawne has now announced free car parking at Chester Street car park and on the promenade walkway on Thursdays from 6pm from November 20 to December 18.

Chester Street car park and the promenade walkway car parking will also be free on Saturdays from November 22 up to and including December 20. The parking duration for the Loch Promenade disc zone between Granville Street and the sea terminal will remain at two hours and the reduction to one hour will only come into operation at the start of January.

Mr Gawne said: ‘It has always been my intention to grant concessions on parking charges in the build up to Christmas, which is the busiest time of year for the vast majority of shops. Indeed DOI officers ahd I have met representatives of the retail industry andthe Department of Economic Development on several occasions to discuss this issue.

‘Discussions were generally positive andproductive and although there were some differences of opinion we were able to reach agreement on a number of helpful measures.’

Mr Gawne said the idea was for the free parking to coincide with the peak shopping times in Douglas in the run up to Christmas, on Thursday for late night shopping and through the day on Saturdays.

Chamber of Commerce chief executive Jane Dellar said she was pleased with the Christmas concessions but added: ‘Parking provision is an important consideration for the retail trade. There is concern over the department’s plans to increase charges but retailers are pleased that arrangements for free parking will be in place in the lead up to Christmas. I look forward to further discussions with the department in the future.’

Other plans include a £25 fee for residents’ permits.

Police are investigating a mugging that took place in broad daylight on Sunday.

An elderly woman was attacked on Tennis Road, Douglas, at about midday.

A man approached her from behind and snatched her purse from her hand.

The woman was not injured and chased her assailant for a short distance.

Detective Sergeant Michelle McKillop said: ‘We are treating this matter as a priority.

‘This lady was simply wandering to the shops and the last thing she expected was for this to happen.

‘Luckily the victim was not physically injured but she was obviously shaken by the incident.

‘Although this is a rare occurrence it is even more concerning that this would occur in daylight on a main road.

‘I believe there are members of the public who could be witnesses to this and may hold vital information,

‘I would urge them to make contact with us. We have arrested a male in connection with this incident and he has been placed on police bail whilst we conduct further enquiries.’

Anyone with information should contact Det Con Sam Cannell or Det Con Leslie Taylor at CID, police headquarters, on 631212.