Terms and conditions for all new civil servants and government manual workers are to be reviewed.

If implemented, it could save in the region of £1m next year and up to £10m after eight years, Infrastructure Minister Phil Gawne, who is chairing the new starters working group, told iomtoday.

But it will also mean that terms and conditions for existing members of staff will be protected.

Infrastructure Minister Mr Gawne said discussions have begun within the joint working group to examine the introduction of new terms and conditions for new starters within the civil service and Whitley Council.

He said: ‘We are committed to ensuring the safeguarding of public sector jobs, in return for a more sustainable terms and conditions framework.

‘This is best achieved by developing new terms and conditions which would apply to staff appointed after April 1 2015, whilst ensuring the terms of existing staff would be protected.’

The concept of introducing new terms for new starters is not new. It was included within the recommendations of the Scope of Government review in 2012 and was put forward in the consultation process on the proposed Public Services Commission, receiving broad support both from within and outside government last year. Mr Gawne said: ‘When I re-joined the DoI as Minister this summer I recognised that the current terms and conditions framework was not sustainable and joint working with the unions was essential to enable us to look to provide more cost-effective arrangements in future.

‘This joint working has now been extended to cover other parts of government with the full support of my ministerial colleague, Chris Robertshaw, who is the chairman of both the Civil Service Commission and the Whitley Council.

‘The work we have done so far shows that we could save many millions of pounds if we can make these changes for new starters.’

The areas to be looked at by the Working Group for New Starters will include pay and grading arrangements, allowances, annual and sick leave and overtime rates.

It will not be proposing any changes be made in respect of existing employment contracts.

Earlier this week, it was announced that government manual workers have been awarded a 25p per hour pay rise, backdated to April.

Lynsey Dryhurst Smith and Toby Nicholas Smith, of 3 Raven’s Wharf, Douglas, bought 127 Cronk Liauyr, Tromode, Douglas, for £607,500.

It was sold by Michael John Kenyon and Clare Louise Kenyon.

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

Lynton Paul Hoch and Georgia Stanulis Hoch, sold 103 Fairway Drive, Mount Murray, for £418,000, to Leon Joseph Turner and Yvonne Sonja Plumbley, of 2 Meadow Crescent, Douglas.

Thomas George Farrington and Irene Farrington, of 22 Quay West Apartments, Bridge Road, Douglas, sold 16 Hilltop View, Farmhill, Douglas, for £375,000, to Franciskus Frederikus Germishuys and Dawn Michelle Germishuys, of 4 Marine View Close, Onchan.

Robin Peter Rose, of 50 Douglas Street, Peel, and Richard William Rose, of Barnston House, Glen Road, Laxey, sold 13 Rheast Mooar Close, Ramsey, for £240,000, to David George Abraham and Sharon Ann Abraham, of 21 Eyreton Park, Crosby.

Leon William Triggs and Louise Alison Triggs, sold 29 Campion Way, Abbeyfields, Douglas, for £230,000, to Videovision Broadcast Limited, whose registered office is situated at 6 Manor Woods, Farmhill, Douglas.

David James Coulter Cunningham, by coroner, and Kenneth Alan Quilleash, of 1-5 Church Street, Douglas, as coroner, sold 2 Woodbourne Square, Douglas, for £222,000, to HSBC Bank plc, whose registered office is situated at Ridgeway Street, Douglas.

Thomas William Kneen and Carol Ann Kneen, of 60 Seafield Close, Onchan, sold 62 Lakeside Road, Hillberry Lakes, Douglas, for £210,000, to Maric John Langridge Thorpe and Patricia Thorpe, of 44 King Orry Road, Glen Vine.

Melanie Anne McFarlane, of 39 Maghergarran, Ponyfields, Port Erin, sold 36 Close Famman, Port Erin, for £180,000, to Stuart Andrew Tindall, of 5 Patrick’s View, Peel.

Department of Health and Social Care, whose registered office is situated at Markwell House, Market Street, Douglas, sold 4 Reayrt ny Cashtal, Castletown, for £150,000, to Andrej Bobok and Silvia Bobokova, of 54 Victoria Road, Castletown.

Heritage Homes Limited sold land at Glebe Aalin, Ballaugh, for £1,000, to Graham Mark Gell, of 4 Cowley Terrace, Peel.

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

A young lady, whose name is not for publication for reasons of her own, has tried to persuade me that there is a supermarket in the Isle of Man where you can find more exotic pleasures than you might expect in such a place.

It is where that you can go and use a secret recognition signal to indicate that you are single and ready to mingle, as she put it, and if you think that means attending more church socials, think again.

What you have to do, on a certain specified evening of the week, is place a bunch of bananas at the front end of your trolley and leave it there to be seen and recognised as you patrol the supermarket aisles.

It is then a matter of finding out what, or rather who, might be on your menu for later in the evening.

For lots of reasons I have agreed not to name the supermarket or what evening you should go there.

All I can say is that you can easily find out if you simply shop around, which is what you will be doing anyway, only for a different kind of goodies.

There are pitfalls, of course. If you are not a Single Mingler and you put a bunch of bananas in the front of your trolley without knowing what it means, you might find yourself getting special offers which you don’t expect or even fancy.

What is even more of a risk is that you might be offered an unexpected kind of two for the price of one.

It all gives new meaning to a supermarket checkout.

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Roger Mason reports a notice in the gymnasium at the Mount Murray Hotel and Country Club offering ‘RIP classes’ for the over-60’s. After telling the management this was rather insensitive he was told that ‘Rip’ is the name of a particular kind of exercise.

What will they say if somebody dies doing it? That’s torn it?

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Nigel Farage will be guest speaker at the Gaiety tonight for the Isle of Man Sporting and Dining Club. I’d like to welcome him to the Isle of Man. Under the terms of the Manx Perspective his family name used to be Faragher.

It’s why his supporters are called UKippers.

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Somebody has done it. Fenella in Castletown emails: ‘The weather was HORRENDOUS so mother cooked a STUPENDOUS lunch which we ate with gusto and all agreed it was TREMENDOUS but, due to the sprouts, the air quality afterwards was HAZARDOUS to say the least.’

That DOUS it for me Fenella.

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My Manx Radio broadcasting colleague Chris Kinley tells me he had a call from John and Karen asking if he knew whether the treacle mines are on the Manx National Heritage Trail so they can have a look at them.

They are not easy to find. You have to stick at it.

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The Manx Treasury has sent me a form to be filled in to show that I am still entitled to my pension because they need to know if certain changes of circumstance mean I no longer qualify for it, the first of these being death. There was lots of news last week about the Isle of Man’s ageing population starting to bankrupt the National Insurance Fund and wrecking the Manx economy.

They’re planning to cull us?

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This week’s Manx crossword clue is from Sara Goodwins and it was in the cryptic in the Daily Telegraph as follows: ‘Circle an island sultanate (4) – OMAN.’ Sara says: ‘Being frivolous I like the idea of a Sultanate of Man.’

What can she mean?

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The first of two Puns for the Educated sent in anonymously by a reader is: Al Capone booked into a Chicago hotel for the night and left his brand new shoes outside his room to be cleaned.

He was furious the following morning to find a cat had got at them and they were scratched and nibbled beyond salvation.

A contract went out on the cat.

The following evening Al answered a tap on his door to find a hood holding the mangiest, dirtiest cat you have ever seen and singing: ‘Pardon me Al, is dis de cat dat chewed de noo shoes.’

In this week’s Green Column, publisher and enthusiastic pedestrian Sara Goodwins looks at the Douglas promenade redevelopment plans, and asks: Do we really want to throw away years of heritage just so that people find it easier to go somewhere else?

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Ever seen old photographs of Douglas front?

Of course you have! People chatting on benches, travelling on the horse trams, strolling, shopping and generally getting on with life.

What is most startling about those pictures however is the lack of traffic.

Compare it with today. Yes, nowadays there is room to walk and cycle, but to get from the sea to the shops pedestrians take their life in their hands.

Douglas front has become an uneasy mix of arterial road and huge carpark.

It’s noisy, smelly and dangerous, particularly for children, the elderly and anyone with limited mobility.

And it could be so much better.

Just think for a moment how lovely Douglas front could be without traffic.

Get rid of all the cars and you suddenly have a much bigger space to do creative things with.

A pop-up market with small huts from which different traders could sell vegetables or craft work or spices. Street theatre perhaps? Farmers’ market? Play area for children? Sculpture park? Outdoor eateries? Information trail? Songs by the sea? Mobile library? Tai Chi?

The list of possibilities is endless, but the point is that they would attract people from both on and off island who might not otherwise come.

Existing retailers would benefit. So would the Douglas community. There’d be more to do. More money to do it with.

Now, many people will point out that Douglas front is a ‘through-route’, so banning traffic isn’t feasible.

Well, let’s think about that. There are three sorts of traffic going through Douglas: people en route elsewhere; people going to the boat; and people going somewhere within Douglas.

The first could use Glencrutchery Road, Bray Hill and Quarterbridge Road, the second could be routed along Peel Road or Castletown Road. The third category could be served by park and ride.

And before you all groan, a well-organised park and ride is a joy; no worries about where to leave your car, no paying for parking (planners take note) and much less stressful than sitting in a traffic queue.

Build a multi-storey car park on the old Summerland site and have a true traffic interchange with cars, buses, horse trams and the MER all undercover.

So, what vehicles would be allowed on Douglas front?

Horse trams of course, cyclists, buses, taxis if you insist, and the Manx Electric Railway.

Yes, the MER. In this, the 122nd year of the electric railway, isn’t it time the original plan was finally completed? Extend the MER all the way to the Sea Terminal – it makes no sense that one of the island’s main sources of transport to the north terminates two miles outside the island’s capital city; a single line with passing places would do it.

With a terminus in town, traffic on the electric tram would rise exponentially and the extension needn’t threaten the horse trams; the four-footed transport becomes the stopping route, with the MER running non-stop along the prom.

Everyone sees that what exists at the moment isn’t working. The trouble is that the planners seem to lack imagination.

Some cities import sand to create false beaches. Some encourage horses and carriages for a unique view of the sea front. Yet more emphasise their heritage or introduce pavement trains.

Douglas already has all this naturally – why not celebrate it?

Largely pedestrianising the Douglas promenades would attract visitors, but would, more importantly, benefit the people who live here.

This is such an opportunity – let’s not waste it.

Peel Commissioners have hit out at a planning decision to approve the building of two houses in the town despite their objection.

The plan is to demolish the existing building and build two semi-detached houses with parking at 15 Mill Road, which was the former Peel Gas Works site and adjacent showroom.

Commissioner Christine Moughtin feels that the latest project would have an impact on traffic at the Mill Road traffic lights and again ignores the strategic plan for the west of the island which stated a 1,000 house limit, a figure which has been exceeded.

This comes after a row with the planning department over its decision to approve Dandara’s project to build 144 new houses at Reayrt ny Cronk in Peel.

The commissioners appealed against that plan and went to an appeal hearing, the outcome of which is still awaited.

Speaking at the latest commissioners’ meeting, Mrs Moughtin said: ‘Do we have a planning department which is a law unto themselves?

‘Do they read why we object? Is there a new strategic plan? I would like the board to object, it’s two houses in the middle of a busy road in between traffic lights.

‘This is a government department not taking any heed of a local authority we’re in charge of. I’m getting to the point of despair.

‘They’re just saying “we’ll tell you what you’re having, but we’ll give you back the things that cost money”. What is the point of plans coming to us for our comment?’

Commissioner Alan Jones agreed, saying: ‘These properties are in an industrial area, it’s always been for industrial use.

‘This hasn’t been properly thought out. We met with Mr Gawne and he told us he listens very carefully to what we think.

‘Let’s put him to the test and see if he will listen instead of riding roughshod over us.’

Fellow commissioner Ian Davison added: ‘The town cries out for commercial properties, the whole area should be smaller units for smaller businesses, to create more employment in the town. Peel’s crying out for small businesses.’

The commissioners will now lodge an appeal.

Douglas councillors believe moving the horse tram tracks on to the promenade walkway is a bad idea.

Council leader David Christian said the change would sacrifice parking space and cause problems for recreational use of the area.

Infrastructure Minister Phil Gawne MHK revealed in the House of Keys last week that it will cost about £3m-4m to relocate the tramway.

Mr Gawne announced last month that the next phase of the regeneration works were being put on hold pending consideration of a new proposal to relocate the Douglas horse tramway on the promenade walkway.

The original plan was to create a dedicated section for a single horse tram track with passing places at the seaward side of the road.

In the Keys, the Minister was quizzed over his plans to relocate the tracks as part of the promenade improvement scheme, but said he was keeping an open mind about the final shape of the scheme.

He was quizzed by Onchan MHK David Quirk and Douglas East MHK Brenda Cannell about the price tag for relocating the tramway – and whether he had plans to abandon the idea altogether because of the cost.

Mr Gawne said: ‘The figure for relocating the tram tracks has not been finalised yet but I expect it to be in the region of £3m to £4m, whether the tracks are placed at the side of the road or more directly on the walkway.’

He said he would be giving an update on the proposed scheme during a briefing to Tynwald members. Mr Gawne said he had been delighted by the level of public participation at a recent exhibition in the Sea Terminal on the two main options, which brought feedback from more than 800 people. ‘This, in addition to the feedback from other stakeholders including businesses and Douglas Council, has been more welcome and helpful,’ he said.

The Minister said the briefing to Tynwald members would present options and he wanted to hear the view of his parliamentary colleagues before his department brings detailed proposals to the court early next year.

He added: ‘It is clear the overall promenade scheme will give a very significant benefit to the environment and economy of not just Douglas but the whole island, but I am keeping an open mind.’

Isle of Man Darts Organisation commences its new season this Saturday with the first qualifier event at the Heron, Douglas.

Signing on takes place at 7pm for a 7.30 start. Membership for the 2014-15 season remains £5 and entry fee for each qualifier remains £6. The committee is looking forward to seeing all players for the new season.

For info contact the general secretary by email on john.denny@manx.net

Thursday, November 13

• Isle of Man Employment and Skills 2014, Villa Marina, 9am-6pm.

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

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

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

• Thinking Positively (3 week course), 7.15pm-8.45pm. 20 Appledene Court, Woodlands View, Douglas. Free of charge, donations welcome. Also Sunday, Empowered Relationships, 2pm-5pm. Join Dr Kala Mistry for this workshop, Grand View, Ramsey Road, Knocksharry. Free of charge, donations welcome. Also Monday, Letting Go of Self-limiting Beliefs, 7.30pm-9pm, Eden Conference Centre, Ballapaddag, Braddan. Free of charge, donations welcome. For more details and to register visit:www.brahmakumaris.org/uk/isleofman or call 626940.

• Gospel message in Ballaugh village hall at 7.30pm.

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

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

Friday, November 14

• The Curraghs Wildlife Park winter opening times: 10am-4pm, last entry 3pm. For more information call 897323.

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

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

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

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

• Port St Mary RNLI, car boot sale, Morton hall, Castletown, 2pm-4pm.

• Jumble Sale, at Foxdale School, 6.30pm. Admission 50p.

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

Saturday, November 15

• Inner Wheel Club of Rushen and Western Mann Christmas Coffee Morning in Castletown Civic Centre, 10am - noon.

• Willow Lantern Workshops, 10am-4pm, Villa Marina Arcade. Also Sunday.

• Theatre Tours, Gaiety Theatre, Douglas, 10am. Tickets for adults £7.50, children £4, family £20. Call 600555.

• The Manx Aviation and Military Museum, Ronaldsway. Includes the Major Cain VC exhibition. Open Saturday and Sunday, 10am-4.30pm. Free admission. Donations welcome.

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

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

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

• Coffee and Mince Pies at Salmon Lake Centre, Wheel Hill, Laxey from 10.30am - noon in aid of Hospice Care. Raffle and stalls. Tickets £5. Call Ann Scott 673654.

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

• Craft Fair, St John’s Methodist Hall, 11am-4pm. Admission £1 including refreshments.

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

• Manx Wildlife Trust, fossil hunting at Scarlett, 1.30pm-3.30pm.

• Manx Natural Healing Centre, relax and recharge, 1.30pm-4pm.

• Southern Chrysanthemum Show, at the Morton Hall, Castletown. Open to the public on Saturday and Sunday between 2.30pm and 5pm.Cups and awards will be presented on Sunday at 4.30pm followed by our popular sale of produce.

• Milntown House Tours every Saturday and Wednesday at 2.30pm. Call 812321.

• Michael messy church at Kirk Michael School, from 5pm.

Sunday, November 16

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

• Craft ,Cake and Christmas Gift Sale, British Legion Hall, Port Erin, 2pm-4pm. Free admission. Call Elaine 401866 or Julie 499572 further details.

• Collectors’ Fair, Sailors’ Shelter, East Quay, Peel. 2pm-4pm, admission free.

• Bride Wesley Guild, Guild Sunday at Bride Methodist Chapel, 6.30pm. Rev Dawn Mather. W.I. choir. All welcome.

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

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

Monday, November 17

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

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

• Free life-changing stress / spine / health talks, 6.45pm, Align4Life in Lake Road near Tesco, Douglas, 629444.

• Shorties, pirate adventure. Children’s soft play centre, Alexandra Road, Castletown, also Tuesday.

Tuesday, November 18

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

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

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

Wednesday, November 19

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

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

• Bereavement support group, friendly get together for anyone feeling isolated or lonely after a bereavement, however or whenever it occurred, tea, coffee and a chat, Scholl Centre, Hospice Isle of Man, 5pm-7pm. Call 647443.

• North Douglas schools, A Concert of Remembrance, in memory of those who fought during WW1, 2pm, St Ninian’s lower school.

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

• Bingo Quiz, Archibald Knox Onchan.

• Archibald Knox, A Retrospective, Sayle Gallery, Douglas. Until November 26.

• Michael Heritage Trust and Michael Photo Group - Photo Exhibition ‘Life in Michael in 2013’ in St Michael’s Church Hall. Saturday 10.30am - 4.30pm, Sunday 1.30 - 4.30pm. All welcome.

• Svetlana Cameron, solo exhibition of classical portraits, Sayle Gallery, Douglas. Until November 30.

• ‘Little Island’ by Hollie Mills, 3D illustrations, Erin Arts Centre, Port Erin. Until November 30.

Thursday, November 13

• Tea dance, South Douglas Old Friends’ Association, Finch Road, Douglas, 2pm.

• Dance classes for children, Centenary Centre, Peel, 4pm. Call 450688.

• Modern Line Dance classes for all levels at the Legion hall, Onchan. Also Monday and Wednesday. Call 670308.

• Scottish country dancing, St Olave’s Church hall in Cumberland Road, Ramsey, at 7.30pm. Call 817610 or 813074 or 628521.

• Fitsteps at Onchan Community hall, 7.30pm. Booking is required via text or call 456056.

• Strictly Come Dancing for beginners, Royal British Legion hall, Port Erin, 8pm. £3.50 per person.

• Irish set dancing above Macbeth’s, Victoria Street, Douglas, 8pm. Call 457268.

Friday, November 14

• 5pm-5.45pm under 6 years ballroom; 5.45pm-6.30pm 6-9 years ballroom; 6.30pm-7.15pm 9-12 years ballroom; 7.15pm-8pm 12+ years ballroom, St Matthew’s Church hall, Douglas. Also Tuesday, 4pm-4.45pm under 8 years ballroom; 4.45pm-5.30pm Dynamites freestyle; 5.30pm-6.15pm 8-12 years ballroom; 6.15pm-7pm Energisers freestyle; 7pm-7.45pm 12+ years ballroom; 7.45pm-8.30pm, Explosions freestyle. Call 474063.

• Modern Dance, The Dance Factory, Onchan Park, 5.45pm. Also Thursday at 4.30pm. Tap jnr, 6.45pm. Also tap adv at 7.30pm. Also Beginners tap, Tuesday at 4.30pm.

• Argentinian Tango beginners class, St Paul’s hall, Ramsey, 7pm. Call 880650.

• Line Dancing, Ebenezer Hall, Kirk Michael, 7pm. Beginners welcome, adults £3.50, children £1.50. Call 878687.

Saturday, November 15

• Dance time for children, Port Erin Methodist hall, from 9.30am. £2.50 per half hour. Call 835696.

• Ballroom dancing for children of all ages, Royal British Legion hall, Port Erin, 10am.

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

• Irish dance mixed, 3pm. Also prim/int on Monday at 4.30pm and Tuesday at 6.15pm. Beginners on Tuesday at 5.15pm. Stage snr 4pm. Also stage int at 5pm, The Dance Factory, Onchan Park.

• Sequence dancing, Onchan Pensioners’ hall (across from library), 8pm. Call 829669.

• Social sequence dancing, Pulrose Methodist Church hall, Douglas, 8pm. Also Monday, Wednesday and Sunday. Call 842878.

Sunday, November 16

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

Monday, November 17

• Ballet, Viking Works, Riverside, Peel, 5.45pm. Also Thursday at 4.30pm.

• Country dancing, Willaston hall, 7pm-9pm. Call 628521.

• Ceroc dance night, Masonic hall, Douglas, 7.30pm-10.30pm.

• Line dancing, Port Erin Methodist Church hall, 8.15pm. Call 436219.

Tuesday, November 18

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

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

• Linedancercise at John’s football clubhouse, 7.30pm-9pm, call 467285.

• Sequence dancing with Port Erin Dancing Club, Port Erin Methodist Church hall, 8pm.

Wednesday, November 19

• Tea dance at St John’s Methodist hall, live music with Eric and Jimmy, 2pm. Call 842548.

• Ballroom dancing for children, Centenary Centre, Peel, 4pm. Call 450688.

• Ballet, The Dance Factory, Onchan Park, 4.30pm.

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

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

• Rhythmic dance, St Ninian’s dance studio, Douglas, 8pm.

Thursday, November 13

• Karaoke, Guys and Dolls, Douglas.

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

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

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

• Alternative Havana, Fiesta Havana, Douglas. Also, Friday - Full On Fridays.

Friday, November 14

• Little Miss Dynamite at the Union, Castletown.

• Borderline at the Mines Tavern, Laxey.

• Ian Thompson at Sam Webbs, Douglas.

• Brown Sugar at Jaks, Douglas.

• Karaoke at the Albert, Douglas, 9pm.

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

Saturday, November 15

• Little Miss Dynamite at the Manx Arms, Onchan.

• Borderline at the Rover’s Return, Douglas

• Ian Thompson at O’Donnells, Douglas.

• Rusty Jam Revolution at Jaks, Douglas.

• Manx music session, the Whitehouse, Peel, 10pm.

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

• Karaoke at the Central Hotel, Ramsey.

Sunday, November 16

• One Wo/Man One Guitar at The Horse and Plough, IOM Business Park, Douglas.

• Ray Sloane Karaoke at Jaks, Douglas.

• Brown Sugar at the Manx Legion, Douglas.

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

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

• Karaoke at the British, Douglas.

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

• Disco Fever at Macbeth’s, Second Venue, Douglas, 10pm-2am.

Tuesday, November 18

• Keyboard and electronic organ sessions, St Andrew’s Church hall, Glencrutchery Road, 7.30pm.

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

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

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

Wednesday, November 19

• Karaoke at the British, Douglas.

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

Thursday, November 13

• Rushen Players, The Lady Killers, 7.30pm, Erin Arts Centre. Tickets £10. Also Friday and Saturday.

Thursday, November 13

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

• Southen Swimming Pool, Castletown, Thursday, 9.15am-10am , circuits, 7pm-8pm, aquafit; Fridays, 9.15am-10.15 circuits, 6.30pm-7.30pm; Saturday, 10am-11am, yoga; Monday, 9.15am-10.15am, circuits, 2.10pm-3pm, aquafit, 6.30pm-7.30pm, circuits; Tuesday 2.30pm-3.30pm, aquanauts/rehab swimming, 6.30pm-7.30pm, yoga; Wednesday, 6.30pm-7.30pm, circuits.

• Zumba at 9.30am-10.15am, total tone at 10.15am, call Jane 201811. Legs, bums and tums at 7pm-8pm, call Lisa 438150. Also Monday, high intensity circuits at 6.30am, Wednesday and Friday 6.30am, call Shelley 487270. School Drop Boot Camp at 9.30am, also Wednesday and Friday at 6.30am, call Errol on 488105. Vibro-step classes at 12.15pm and 7.15pm, also on Wednesdays and Fridays at 12.15pm-12.45pm and Tuesdays and Fridays at 9.15am-9.45am, call Shelley 487270. Tuesday, Tae-Bo at 5.45pm-6.30pm, kettlebells at 6.30pm-7.15pm, call Kate 347160. Wednesday, kettlebell core, 6pm-7pm, also Saturdays at 9.30am-10.30am, call Kelly 220220. Elite Fitness, Douglas.

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

• Yoga, Iyengar (mixed) 9.30am-11am. Tuesday, men only class, 7pm-8.30pm; Wednesday, mixed, 6.45pm-8.15pm, 10 Perwick Bay, Port St Mary. Call 452791.

• Wheelie Active Parents (mums and buggies) 9.30am – 11am, Villa Marina reception, £2. Also Walk and Talk, Peel promenade, outside Harbour Lights Cafe, 9.45am – 11.30am, £1.50. Friday, Walk and Talk, NSC, Douglas, 9.30am–11.30am; also Mondays, Poulsom Park, Castletown, 9.45am – 11.30am, £1.50. Racquet Sports and Boccia, 12.15pm–1pm NSC, £1.75; Walk and Talk, 5.30pm–7pm, NSC, £1.50. Tuesdays,Walk and Talk, NSC, 9.30am–11.30am, £1.50; Walk and Talk, Ramsey Mooragh Park, (meet Rugby Club), £1.50, 9.30am–11.30am. Call Gianni 688556.

• Pilates, 9.30am and 10.45am, hot yoga 6pm and 7.30pm. Friday: kettlebells 7am and 1.10pm, get yoga fit 10am, hot yoga 6.30pm. Saturday: hot yoga, 10am and 11.30am. Sunday: hot yoga 10am and 11.30am. Monday: kettlebells 7am and 1.10pm, get yoga fit 10am, warm Pilates 5pm, hot yoga for beginners 6.30pm. Tuesday: 7am hot yoga, 5.30pm Pilates. Wednesday: kettlebells 7am and 1.10pm, get yoga fit 10am, hardcore 6 pack abs 5.45pm, Pilates 6.30pm at The Gym, Ramsey. Call 812100.

• Gentle Circuits, NSC, Douglas, 11am. Also Saturday. Call 688588.

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

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

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

• Mini tennis coaching, year 3 4.30pm, year 4-6 5.30pm. £3. Also, family tennis coaching sessions, Saturday 2.30-4pm. £5 adult, £3 child, family and member discounts. Tuesday, Adult beginners and improvers tennis coaching. 6pm. Douglas LTC, Kensington Road. £5. Call 302642.

• Iyengar inspired yoga classes, men’s yoga, 6.30pm-8pm, mixed ability hatha yoga, Monday, 9.15am-10.45am mixed ability for over 60s; Monday, 11am-12.30pm, hatha yoga. Wednesday, 7pm-8.30pm mixed ability. All at Laxey Football Club. Call Jane on 863130 or janepycroft@manx.net

• Unite, mixture of yoga and Pilates, 4pm-5pm. Also, Fridays 6pm legs, bums and tums, 7pm aerial suspension fitness. Saturdays, 9.30am zumba and 10.30am aerial fitness. Mondays, 6pm zumba and 7pm aerial yoga. Tuesdays, 6pm, fitness Pilates and 7pm kettlebells. Wednesdays, 6pm, high intensity interval training and fitness yoga. Jillian’s Unique Fitness Solutions, 48 Loch Promenade, Douglas.

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

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

• Northern Gymnastics Club, Ramsey Grammar School, 5pm.

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

• Anti-gravity yoga at 6.30pm. Also, pole fitness class at Savina’s Secret Studio, Glen Falcon Road, Douglas, 7.45pm. Call 203502.

• Western Athletics Club, QEII High School, 6.30pm.

• Zumba, Carrefour Health Club, Douglas, 6.30pm. Also Monday, 8pm; Wednesday, 9.45am.

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

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

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

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

• Zumba, The Institute, Laxey 7pm-8pm, also Tuesday 7.30pm-8.30pm. £5.

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

• Fencing for all ages. Ashley Hill School, 7.30pm. Also Monday, Andreas parish hall, 4.30pm; Tuesday, Arbory parish hall, 4pm and Ebenezer Hall, Kirk Michael, 6.30pm; Wednesday, Scoill Ree Gorree sports hall, Ramsey, 5pm. Call 880863.

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

Friday, November 14

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

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

• Acrobatics, The Dance Factory, Onchan Park, 4.30pm.

• Manx ABC Boxing, Palace Terrace, Douglas. Juniors, 6pm. Seniors (age 16+), 7pm. Beginners welcome. Also Monday and Wednesday.

• Yoga, Morton Hall, Onchan, 6.30pm. Call 494489.

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

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

Saturday, November 15

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

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

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

• Fun and fitness, NSC, Douglas, 11am-noon. Call 688588.

• St Mary’s football club mixed under 11s training, Pulrose football fields, 10.30am. Call 405859.

• Tae Kwondo beginners, Pinewood Complex, Pulrose, 10.45am. Also 6-7yrs, Wednesdays at 5.30pm and Monday and Wednesday, 8-13yrs at 6pm, all ages at 7.15pm. Text 432152.

Sunday, November 16

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

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

• Yoga and Nutrition, Karma Yoga Studio, Douglas. 6-7.30pm.

Monday, November 17

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

• Beginners yoga, 10am, Karma, 2nd Floor, 8 Victoria Street, Douglas. Also at 10am (over 60s half price, £5).

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

• Stretch ‘n’ Flex exercise, NSC, Douglas, noon. Call 688588.

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

• Aquafit, NSC, Douglas, 1.30pm. Also Tuesday at noon and Wednesday at 6pm. Plus deepwater aquafit on Monday at 7.15pm, and Thursday deepwater at 6pm. Call 688556.

• Circuit training, NSC, Douglas, 6pm. Also Wednesday at 6pm. Call 688588.

• Exercise Boot Camp, Corrin Hall, Peel, 6.15pm. Also Wednesday, Philip Christian Centre, Peel, 6pm; Thursday, Glen Vine Church hall, 9.15am.

• Bodyweight and cardiotone, Laxey Working Men’s Institute, 7pm. Call 452729.

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

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

Tuesday, November 18

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

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

• Social-cise, social fitness sessions. Low intensity exercise, NSC main sports hall, Douglas, 2pm-3.30pm. Also, Boccia, 5pm-6pm. Everyone welcome.

• Cheerleading, All Saints’ Church hall, 4.30pm. Call 254499.

• Adult beginners and improvers tennis coaching. 6pm. Douglas LTC, Kensington Road. £5. Call 302642

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

• Zumba, Fiesta Havana, Douglas, 7pm. Email sjh@manx.net

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

• IoM Karate Federation, Murray’s Road School, juniors 7pm, seniors 7.30pm. Call 612305.

• Badminton club, Arbory School, Ballabeg, 8pm-10pm. Call Liz on 466370.

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

Wednesday, November 19

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

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

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

• Chair-based exercises/stretch and flex, NSC, Douglas, noon. Call 688588.

• Thompson Travel Netball Club junior training, Braddan School, 6pm. For ages 10-14.

• Valkyrs Hockey Club training, QEII astro pitch, Peel. Juniors (8+), 6pm; Seniors (13+), 7.30pm. Call 801802.

• Iyengar inspired yoga, 6pm-7.30pm, Brightlife, Andreas. Call Kel on 452015.

Palace Cinema

• Interstellar (12A). Nightly at 7pm. Saturday and Sunday at 2pm.

• The Judge (15) Nightly at 7.30pm.

• Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, 2D (12A). Saturday and Sunday at 2.30pm.

Broadway Cinema

• Nightcrawler (15). Friday-Tuesday at 7.30pm, Wednesday, 2.30pm and 7.30pm.

• The Maze Runner (12A). Saturday and Sunday at 4.30pm.

• The Book of Life, 3D (U). Saturday and Sunday, 2pm.

Ramsey Grammar School

• Maleficent (PG), Friday at 7.30pm, £6 and £4 children under 12yrs. Also,Wednesday, November 19, Belle, (12A), 7.30pm, £6 and £4 children under 12yrs.

Thursday, November 13

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

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

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

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

• Action Songs and Rhymes, birth-5 years, Ballasalla Primary School. Plus many other sessions across the island. Free, but donations welcome. Call 479452 for further venues and times.

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

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

• St John Ambulance Cadets (10+), 6.30pm-8pm, Douglas headquarters. Badgers (5+), 5.30pm-6.30pm, Age Concern in Peel. Adults meetings, Thursday, Monday and Tuesday, Douglas headquarters. Friday, Ramsey, St Olave’s Church hall. For all other times and venues call 674387.

• Santon Beavers, Kewaigue School, 5pm. Also Cubs at 6.30pm. Call 623244.

• 1st Laxey Beavers and Cubs, Laxey School during term times. Beavers meet at 6.30pm–7.30pm and Cubs meet at 6.45pm–8.15pm. 1stlaxeycubs@manx.net

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

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

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

Friday, November 14

• Baby and Toddler Group, 9.30am-11.30am at Glen Maye Community Centre. Free but donations welcome. Call 845681.

• Tiddlers, parents and tots, Elim Church, Onchan, 10am. Call 434933.

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

• Laxey Mums, Carers and Tots at Laxey Working Men’s Institute 10am - noon, £2.50 per family inc refreshments. Call 466887.

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

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

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

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

• Tiny Tunes, music time for 0-3s, Family Library, Westmoreland Road, Douglas, 1.30pm, £2.50. Call 673123.

• Sporty church at Trinity Church hall 6pm-7pm for years 3-6. Football, hockey, parachute games etc. 50 pence including refreshments. Call 628374. Also Sunday School Trinity Church hall, crèche to late teens, 10.30am-11.45am. Call 625409.

Saturday, November 15

• Onchan Public Library, drop in for a story and something to make or do for children with their parents or carers, 10.30am.

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

Sunday, November 16

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

• Sunday School, Sulby Methodist Church, 10.30am. Call 450104.

• Rock Sunday Club for children at Colby Methodist Chapel, 10.30am - 11.30am.

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

Monday, November 17

• Kittens tots and carers group, St Ninian’s Church, Douglas, 10.30am. £1 per family. Call 629683.

• Parents and tots, Dhoon Church hall, 9.30am. Call 426395.

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

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

• Noah’s Ark Tots Group, Church on The Rock, behind Ramsey bus station, 9.30am. Call 223669.

• Breastfeeding Buddies drop-in clinic, Village Walk Health Centre, Onchan, 10.30am. Call 656030.

• Daniel’s Den, Methodist Church, Arbory Street, Castletown, 10am. Admission £1. Call 822374.

• Roll’n’Play for pre-schoolers, Philip Christian Centre, Peel, 10.30am.

• Peel Toddler Group, Corrin Hall, Peel, 1.30pm.

• Michael Miniatures’ parents and tots, Ebenezer Hall, Kirk Michael, 2pm. £1.50 per family. Call 491592.

• Onchan Rainbows, 5.30pm. Also 1st Onchan Brownies, 6.30pm.

• Brownies, Corrin Hall, Peel, 6.30pm.

• Manannan Cubs, Scout Headquarters, Onchan, 7pm.

• Do Drop Inn Drama Club, children aged 10+, St Paul’s hall, Ramsey, 7pm.

Tuesday, November 18

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

• Parents and tots group, Cronk-y-Berry School, side entrance, 9.30am. Admission £1. Call 469756. Also Thursday, 1.30pm.

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

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

• Super Saints, All Saints’ Church vestry, Douglas, 10am-11.15am. Call 427185.

• Foxdale mums and tots, community hall, Foxdale School, 2pm. Call 420234.

• Onchan Public Library, Stories, Rhymes and Colouring for pre-schoolers with their parents or carers, 2.30pm.

• Abbey Acorns, ages 4+ at the Abbey Church, Ballasalla, 3.30pm.

• Peel Footlights Youth Theatre, children aged eight-16, Philip Christian Centre, Peel, 4pm. Also Thursday. Call 843819.

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

Wednesday, November 19

• Parents and tots, Salvation Army Citadel, Lord Street, Douglas, 9.30am. Call 627742.

• Mini Club for parents or carers and their babies, toddlers and pre-school children at Anagh Coar School, Douglas, 9.30am or Braddan Church hall, 2pm. Call 675091.

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

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

• Busy Bees parents and tots, Beehive Kindergarten, Onchan, 1.30pm. Also Thursday. Call 674655.

• Action, Songs and Rhymes, from birth onwards. Great for everyone, 1.30pm-2.30pm, Laxey Working Men’s Institute. Call Jo, 479452.

• Ballaquayle Bears Toddler Group, Ballaquayle School hall, Douglas, 1.45pm-3pm.

• Parent and toddler group, Castletown Youth Centre, Arbory Street, 2pm.

• Mums and tots sessions for babies and pre-schoolers at Foxdale School. Dads, grandads, grandmas and carers welcome too, 2pm-3.15pm. £1.50 per family. Call Emma 801946.

• Homework Club for year 7s (11-12 year olds), Youth Centre, Arbory Street, Castletown, 4pm. Call 822490.

• The Energy Youth Group, Colby Methodist Chapel, 7pm-8.30pm. Call Jane 492010.

• Snaefell Cubs, Scout Headquarters, Onchan, 7pm.

Thursday, November 13

• Harbourside WI, St Paul’s Church hall, Ramsey, 10am. Call 818194.

• Manx Retirement Association, stretch and flex at the NSC, Douglas at 10am. Also, indoor flat green bowling at the NSC, Douglas from 2pm-3.30pm. Friday, monthly walk, meeting in the Waterfall car park in Glen Maye at 1pm. Tuesday, Whist afternoon at the Cat with No Tail, Douglas at 2pm. Wednesday, monthly luncheon at the King Edward Bay Golf and Country Club, Onchan at 12.30pm.

• Onchan Pensioners Club, Morton Hall, Castletown, coffee morning; Friday, sequence dancing, 2pm-4.30pm; Saturday, Arabian dancing, 9am-1pm; Monday, Bridge, 2pm-5pm and 7pm-11pm; Tuesday, coffee morning including raffle, 10am-noon; Wednesday, whist drive, 7pm-10pm.

• Northern Ladies Luncheon Club, 12.15pm for 12.45pm at Ramsey Golf Club. Dr Jeremy Paul, ‘Travels of wildlife artist’.

• Avondale Afternoon WI, Morton Hall, Onchan, 2pm. Call 818194.

• Soundcheck, Youth Arts Centre, Douglas, 6.30pm. Also Monday and Tuesday. (6pm-9pm). Monday, Castletown youth club, 6pm-9pm and Wednesday Ramsey youth club, 6.30pm-9.30pm.

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

• Arbory WI, Colby Methodist hall, 7.15pm.

• Port Soderick WI, recreation hall, 7.30pm. Call 818194.

• Parkfield WI, St Andrew’s Church hall, Douglas, 7.45pm. Call 818194.

Sunday, November 16

• Manx Footpaths Conservation Group, meet Onchan Community Centre, 1.30pm.

• ‘Poetry and Points’ - Isle of Man Poetry Society monthly meeting, South Douglas Old Friends Association, Finch Road, Douglas, 7.30pm. All welcome, you don’t need to be a member.

Monday, November 17

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

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

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

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

• Foxdale WI, Foxdale Community School, 7.30pm. Call 818194.

• Marown WI, Millennium hall, Crosby, 7.30pm. Call 818194.

• Laxey Minorca WI, Laxey Football Club, 7.45pm. Call 818194.

Tuesday, November 18

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

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

• Braddan WI, Methodist Church hall, Union Mills, 2pm. Call 818194.

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

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

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

• Kirk Andreas WI, Andreas Church hall, 7.30pm. Call 818194.

• St John’s WI, St John’s Church hall, 7.30pm. Call 818194.

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

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

Wednesday, November 19

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

• Onchan Ladies meet in Morton hall, the Pensioners Club, 2.15pm. Call Shirley Baldwin, 620352.

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

• Laxey Dog Training Club, 7pm-10pm, Laxey Working Men’s Institute.

• Ballaugh WI, Ballaugh Bowling Club, 7.30pm. Call 803804.

• Port St Mary WI, Mount Tabor School Room, Port St Mary, 7.45pm. Call 818194.

Infrastructure Minister Phil Gawne has agreed to one concession for parking in Douglas.

The plan to cut free disc parking on Loch Promenade from two hours to one has been abandoned after pressure from the retail sector and Department of Economic Development.

A press statement from the Department of Infrastructure says the climbdown came ‘following detailed consultation’ with the Department of Economic Development and representatives of the retail sector,

The reduction to a one-hour disc zone on the promenade was suggested ‘to encourage a greater throughput of short-term users following a recent parking study’.

However, Mr Gawne has now accepted that the retail sector does not want this to be introduced.

But the change is predicted to result in a £200,000 annual loss in expected income in the department’s off-street car parks.

The pay and display car park will remain in place on the promenade walkway, but free parking will be provided on Sundays as well as Saturdays and Thursday evenings in the period before Christmas. These free parking measures will also apply at Chester Street car park.

Mr Gawne said: ‘As part of last month’s announcements I made clear that I would try to help the retail sector in the run up to Christmas.

‘I am pleased that my ongoing discussions with my political colleagues have resulted in financial support now being offered to the department to meet the expected losses these free parking concessions will incur. The parking provisions announced today will provide a timely boost to the town centre economy as shops gear up for their busiest period of the year.’

He added: ‘The departments of Infrastructure and Economic Development have worked in close partnership to put in place the new arrangements. The changes will have an impact on the Department’s budget. However, subject to further discussion, Economic Development has undertaken to fund these parking measures for the current financial year to assist the retail sector. I am grateful for the support provided by Minister Skelly and his department.’

Changes to parking in Douglas are among a package of measures announced by the Department of Infrastructure to help achieve its challenging budget target for 2014-15.

The department has already delivered £4 million of revenue savings through the streamlining of its workforce, the merging of divisions and management structures and efficiencies generated through new shared services for fleet and estate management.

Additional income is required to ensure that Infrastructure meets its budget responsibilities in line with the Isle of Man Government’s national priority of rebalancing public finances by 2016.

Mr Gawne said: ‘The department has always been mindful of the impact on the public and our retail economy when considering the introduction of new or increased parking charges. Our efforts remain focused on striking the right balance in what is an extremely challenging financial environment.’

Police have arrested 62-year-old man from Ramsey in connection with the supply of cannabis.

Cannabis bush with a street value in the region of £3,000 was seized from an address in the town.

The man was subsequently charged.

Sergeant Vinny Lund said: ‘In the last few months we have had a number of significant seizures and arrests in Ramsey and people are telling us that Ramsey is dry of drugs, which is the way we intend to keep it.’

The legal complexities of exhumation, the hanging of the Manchester Martyrs in 1867 and the crimes of serial killer Dr Harold Shipman provided much of the material for the 2014 Caroline Weatherill Memorial Lecture.

It was given by the Isle of Man Judge of Appeal, Geoffrey Tattersall QC.

He first paid tribute to Caroline Weatherill who tragically died at an early age in 2006.

She left husband Lawrence, a practising advocate, and four children, describing her as ‘a very doughty advocate’ who had enjoyed the respect of her clients and colleagues.

serial collector

The audience at the Manx Museum then heard the judge, a self-confessed ‘serial collector of part-time jobs’ draw on his wealth of experience in ecclesiastical law, personal injury and clinical negligence and as Chancellor of the Dioceses of Manchester and Carlisle.

The talk he delivered was titled ‘A litany of exhumations’.

Coffins unearthed in Cumbria through flooding, a skeleton in a Bolton cellar, riots at HM Prison Manchester (Strangeways), the public hanging of the Manchester Martyrs and his involvement in the four-year Harold Shipman enquiry made for an insightful and absorbing lecture.

His Honour closed by saying how much he enjoyed his visits to the Isle of Man.

It was, however, an enjoyment tempered with some reservations.

‘I’m not keen on fairies, cats and motorbikes, though,’ he said.

The evening concluded with a vote of thanks from Isle of Man Law Society President Kevin O’Riordan who presented His Honour with a set of cufflinks of a design specially commissioned by the Society and given in appreciation to each Caroline Weatherill Memorial Lecture male speaker.

The Caroline Weatherill Memorial Lecture was organised by the Isle of Man Law Society and sponsored by Conister Bank and advocates’ practices Appleby (Isle of Man) LLC and Cains.

www.iomlawsociety.co.im

Tonight’s 7.45pm Ben-my-Chree sailing from Douglas to Heysham might be cancelled or changed.

The Steam Packet says it will make a decision by 5.30pm.

If it is cancelled, the 2.15am return sailing will obviously be cancelled too.

The company is blaming forecast bad weather

For the latest directly from the Steam Packet, {http://www.steam-packet.com/LatestSailings|click here.}