David Cameron has given his seal of approval to an island company’s luxury Christmas puddings.

The UK prime minister was in Atherstone, Warwickshire visiting Aldi’s headquarters after the announcement that the supermarket chain would be creating 35,000 new jobs.

He tucked into a festive pud made by Port St Mary company Berries during a sampling session.

As revealed by Business News thousands of the Manx-made puds will be appearing on the shelves of the chain’s 500 UK stores.

Berries managing director Karl Berrie, 42, posted the news on Facebook by saying: ‘Guess who has been asking about the Isle of Man and our three star vintage Manx Christmas Puddings? Only the Prime Minister himself, Mr David Cameron!

‘Following a tour of Aldi’s depot, Mr Cameron undertook a quick sampling session of Aldi’s products including our 3 star Gold Award Winning Vintage Manx Christmas Pudding.

‘Mr Cameron enjoyed our Christmas Pudding so much that he was interested in how Aldi “discovered” our Christmas Puddings. Wow, wow, wow!’

An ecstatic Mr Berrie, who works around 100 hours a week, added: ‘What fine company we are now in! I wonder if the Prime Minister will be thinking Manx and will be having one of our Christmas Puddings on Christmas Day. I very much hope so.’

Mr Berrie told Business News it was mo re than likely he would be sending one of the puds to Mr Cameron’s base in London.

The Aldi puds order was secured after the company exhibited at the BBC Good Food Show, said Mr Berrie.

The deal was clinched after he was invited to the chain’s UK base in Atherstone.

Mr Berrie added that it was now all systems go for the Manx order to appear on the Aldi shelves from November 23.

And there is extra joy for Mr Berrie as details of his enterprise are contained in publicity material and brochures being published by Aldi.

Later it was revealed Karl’s Vintage Manx Christmas Pudding made for Aldi Stores was judged Best Christmas Baked Product at the Quality Food Awards in London.

The same product was placed second place overall for the best Christmas food product.

Mr Berrie also revealed that he is due to make a return visit to Aldi’s UK headquarters next month (December) to discuss possible new ideas for the future.

Meanwhile he is keeping fingers crossed over plans to find a base for a purpose built premises as the company experiences rapid expansion.The latest is a planning application for approval in principle to develop on a 6,000 sq ft site near the DEFA headquarters in St John’s . It would accommodate production areas and a small retail shop.

The Prime Minister met with Aldi’s group managing directors to hear about the supermarket’s plans to invest more than £600 million in UK expansion. Aldi plans to more than double employee numbers in the UK as it opens over 550 new stores.

It looks increasingly likely that Australian TT ace Josh Brookes won’t be taking part in next year’s event.

The Belfast Telegraph reported last week that the Milwaukee Yamaha man would miss the North West 200 and the TT due to a date clash with the World Superbike calendar, which the 32-year-old is expected to make several wildcard appearances in next season.

This week team boss Shaun Muir confirmed to Bikesport News that Brookes’s focus will be short circuits next year: ‘I worked very hard on Josh to get him to stay with us. There was no doubt that if he was staying in BSB that he would stay with us, which was good to hear. I know he wants to do the TT but his focus is going to be working very closely with the factory.

‘We have made a package for him to do these wildcards and we have given him options in his contract to go to WSBK with the factory supported team whoever that may be. For that reason we want to keep him sharp and on the money.

‘Our relationship is such that the factory in Japan has made it very clear that the focus on short-circuit racing will be the British Superbike championship, which is fantastic for us and the BSB championship. There is going to be a high level of input from Japan.’

A fundraising day will take place at the island’s seven Shoprite stores as well as the Iceland supermarkets in Douglas and Ramsey tomorrow (Friday).

The initiative is in aid of Project 21, which brings together five charities – Manx Mencap, Down’s Syndrome Isle of Man, Autism in Mann, Manx Gateway and the Isle of Man Special Olympics.

All funds raised will go towards the running costs for Centre 21, a headquarters and social centre for people with learning disabilities which opened in 2007 and has been used by many charities to extend the range of activities they offer members, from drama and music to different sports.

Staff will be donning fancy dress and customers will be invited to estimate the number of sweets in a jar to win a grocery voucher, guess the bear’s birthday and decide the weight of a cake. Other prizes include a Robinson’s Hamper and a joint of meat from the Butcher’s Counter. The charity will also be running a bag pack service in some of the stores.

Project 21 director Elan Karran said: ‘Shoprite’s staff have been hugely supportive in developing this event and we are very grateful to both the company and its staff for their assistance.’

Thursday, November 20

• 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 21

• 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 23

• 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 23

• 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 24

• 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 25

• 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 26

• 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 20

• Dickie at Port St Mary Town Hall.

• 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 21

• Ian Thompson at the Queen’s, Douglas.

• Dickie at the Whitehouse, Peel.

• Borderline at the Royal Hotel, Peel.

• Symbollix at Jaks, Douglas.

• Grizzled Vetz at the Mitre, Ramsey.

• Brown Sugar at O’Donnell’s, Douglas.

• Karaoke at the Albert, Douglas, 9pm.

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

Saturday, November 22

• Little Miss Dynamite at the Sidings, Castletown.

• Ian Thompson at the Manx Arms, Douglas.

• One Wo/Man One Guitar, charity concert in aid of Isle of Man Breast Care, at the Centenary Centre, Peel, 8pm. Tickets £10 from Celtic Gold, Peel.

• Borderline at the Mitre, Ramsey.

• Caution Runners at Jaks, Douglas.

• Grizzled Vetz at the Creek, Peel.

• Brown Sugar at the Haven, Port Erin.

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

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

• Karaoke at the Central Hotel, Ramsey.

Sunday, November 23

• One Wo/Man One Guitar at The Mitre, Ramsey featuring Joe Russell and Derek Oates. 8pm.

• Ray Sloane Karaoke at Jaks, 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 25

• 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 26

• Karaoke at the British, Douglas.

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

Palace Cinema

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

• Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2D (12A). Nightly at 7.30pm. Saturday and Sunday at 2.30pm.

Broadway Cinema

• The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 (12A). Thursday at 7.30pm. Friday at 7pm and 9.15pm. Saturday at 4pm, 7pm and 9.15pm. Sunday at 11.30am and 7.30pm, Monday and Tuesday 7.30pm, Wednesday at 2.30pm and 7.30pm.

• The Book of Life (U). Saturday at 1.30pm.

Erin Arts Centre

Chico and Rita (15). Wednesday at 2.30pm.

• 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 20

Service Players presents The Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Town’s Women’s Guild Dramatic Society’s Christmas Carol, at the Gaiety Theatre, Thursday to Saturday, 7.30pm. For tickets call 600555 or villagaiety.com

Thursday, November 20

• 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.

• AGM of the Anti Cancer Association, Port Erin Methodist Hall, Station Road, at 2pm. All welcome.

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

• Family Library, Teddy time, £2, 2pm-2.45pm. Also, Storybox, 10.30am, £1. Jolly music 4.15pm-4.45pm. Saturday, Sticky fingers, 10.30am-noon, £2. 11am-11.45, Origami, £2.50.

• Christmas lights switch on outside Douglas town hall, 7.15pm. Followed by willow lantern parade from Upper Nelson Street to Villa Marina Arcade for carols and refreshments.

• Getting too close: A look into Manx waters, 7.30pm St John’s Methodist hall. Refreshments provided, £2:00 entry charge.

• Manx Wildlife Trust, St John’s Methodist hall. Getting too close, a look into Manx waters, 7.30pm, £2.

• 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.

• 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 21

• Kirk Braddan Winter Market, 10am-4.30pm, play area for children and school children singing at 1.30pm. Free admission.

• 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.

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

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

• Isle of Man Family History Society meeting at Union Mills Methodist Church, 7.30pm, Speaker Matthew Richardson from MNH on ‘Tracing Your 1st World War Ancestors’. All welcome.

Saturday, November 22

• Belly Dancing workshop, at Onchan Pensioners Hall, 9.30am-11.30am and noon-2pm.

• 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.

• Christmas coffee morning in aid of greyhound rescue, at the Mitre, Ramsey, 10.30am-1pm.

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

• Autumn Craft Fair, Erin Arts Centre, Port Erin, 11am-4pm.

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

• St Thomas’ Church Christmas Fayre, at 2pm in Church, Finch Road Douglas.

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

• Sporty Church, Bunscoill Rhumsaa’s Auldyn hall, from 4.15pm-5.30pm. Bible-based story and prayer. A Ramsey Baptist Church event. Call 316013 or email info@ramseybaptist.org; see the website www.facebook.com/rbcim

Sunday, November 23

• Sulby Methodist Church, Plough Service at 10.30am.

• Car boot sale at Onchan Community Centre, noon. Sellers £6. Admission 50p. Call Sheila on 623704 or 480231.

• Lions Club Spectacular Christmas Market, 1pm- 4.30, Mount Murray Hotel. Illuminated craft and specialist stalls, Father Christmas grotto. Admission £2, accompanied children free.

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

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

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

Monday, November 24

• 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 25

• 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.

• Raja Yoga Meditation (4 week course) 7.15pm-8.45pm, 20 Appledene Court, Woodlands View, Douglas. Free of charge, donations welcome. For more details and to register visit: www.brahmakumaris.org/uk/isleofman or call 626940.

• AGM of the Castletown and Malew Branch of IOM Anti-Cancer Association, 7.30pm, The Abbey Church hall, Ballasalla. All welcome. For more info call Theresa on 252725.

Wednesday, November 26

• The Ladies’ Advisory Committee of the Ellan Vannin Home, Coffee Morning at St Ninian’s Church, from 10.30am to noon with free admission. Everyone is welcome.

• 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.

• Ballacottier School Christmas Fair, 6pm-8pm. Free Entry. Visit Santa in his grotto, and lots more.

• 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.

Thursday, November 20

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

• Manx Retirement Association, stretch and flex at the NSC, Douglas at 10am.

• Manx Footpaths Conservation Group, meet 10.30am Port Erin Breakwater. Also Sunday, Ballakilloweey picnic site, 1.30pm.

• 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.

• 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.

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

Monday, November 24

• 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.

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

Tuesday, November 25

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wednesday, November 26

• Laxey Sketch Club, Laxey football club house, 1.30pm. Various projects. £10 per year or £2 per session.

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

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

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

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

Thursday, November 20

• 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 21

• 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 22

• 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 23

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

Monday, November 24

• 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 25

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

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

Wednesday, November 26

• 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 20

• 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, 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 21

• 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 22

• 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 23

• 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 24

• 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 24

• 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 26

• 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.

Manx cycling continues to prosper and last week it was confirmed that three teenagers had been accepted onto British Cycling’s Olympic Development Programme (ODP).

Nathan Draper and Lizzie Holden are first-timers on the ODP, while fellow 17-year-old Matty Bostock will be on the programme for a second successive year in 2015.

The ODP camps are based at Newport in South Wales. The first camp was during the schools half term week, and their are two more prior to Christmas.

Recently it was announcded that Tara Ferguson was to join the Olympic Development Apprentices scheme, previously known as British Cycling’s Talent Team.

Anna Christian and Jake Kelly are both on the Olympic Academy, based in Manchester. This is the scheme that kick-started Mark Cavendish’s career a decade ago and has since also carved professional careeres for Peter Kennaugh, Jonny Bellis and Mark Christian.

Anna has also been signed for Wiggle Honda, described as one of the top allwomen’s cycling teams in the world.

Her brother, Mark Christian, is in the Olympic Podium squad which caters for elite riders and is largely focussed on track riding. He has ridden for An Poste Sean Kelly and Team Raleigh in recent years.

Police are appealing for witnesses to an arrest of a man by a male police officer.

The incident occurred around 10.20am on Monday, November 10, in the area of The Terrace, Woodbourne Road, Douglas.

Anybody with information should contact police headquarters on 631212.

Crowe Clark Whitehill has acquired the accountancy, fiduciary and audit businesses of the late Philip (Pip) Thomas.

Mr Thomas was a well-known figure among the island’s business community and, with a view to his impending retirement, had concluded negotiations with Crowe Clark Whitehill but then sadly became very ill.

Mr Thomas died on October 14 this year.

Andy McLarney, who worked with Mr Thomas since 1995, has since joined Crowe Clark Whitehill as business services manager.

He said: ‘Pip will be sorely missed.

‘His experience of the industry was extensive and he enjoyed the respect of his colleagues and clients.

‘I am pleased to have joined Crowe Clark Whitehill, a firm with which Pip and I had an excellent working relationship.

‘I am looking forward to continue serving our former clients, working with a new team and forming links with new clients.’

Crowe Clark Whitehill director John Cowan said: ‘Pip Thomas was a trusted name in accountancy circles, so we were pleased to be approached by him when he was looking to relinquish his business interests ahead of his retirement, as his practice was a good fit with our own.

‘We are also pleased to welcome Andy McLarney to the firm.

‘Andy will help ensure a seamless transition for his and Pip’s clients and be a valuable asset to the team as we develop our business.’

accountancy careers

Mr Cowan knew Pip Thomas for more than 35 years as they started their accountancy careers on the same day in 1979 at the Pannell Fitzpatrick induction course at Warwick University.

He said: ‘Pip was a good influence on me and a big help. We studied together and out of an intake of about 75 on that course he finished third and I fourth!

‘We will all miss him enormously.’

www.crowecw.im

Pictured right: Crowe Clark Whitehill’s Andy McLarney, centre, with directors Phaedra Bird and John Cowan

The Isle of Man College’s new £4.9 million engineering department has been officially opened by Department of Education and Children (DEC) Minister Tim Crookall MHK.

The project has seen the former water treatment works on Greenfield Road converted into the new facility which contains workshop environments where students can work on industry standard equipment, along with laboratories for testing engineering materials.

The building has been named the William Kennish Engineering Centre after the pioneering Manx inventor, and the ceremony was attended by two of Mr Kennish’s great-great-grandsons, Cliff Kennish and Dana Smith.

Assistant principal at the college Joanne Richardson introduced the speakers while principal Geoff Draper gave a welcome address.

Speeches were made by both great-great-grandsons before Mr Crookall unveiled a commemorative plaque and programme manager for engineering, Brian Young, led a tour of the new building.

Mr Crookall said: ‘Education seeks to support the island’s economy by equipping students with skills for life and the workplace.

‘With a view to better meeting the needs of the community and economy, we have extended the range of further and higher education courses and improved the quality and range of vocational options.

‘The creation of these modern training facilities is a big step towards achieving those aims.

‘This is a facility to be proud of, and one that will provide students with the highest quality of training.’

William Kennish was born in 1799 and grew up on his father’s Cornaa farm along the Cornaa Valley at the foot of North Barrule.

He was apprenticed to shipwright Thomas Crellin of Douglas at the age of 12 and worked at Ramsey Shipyard before joining the Royal Navy aged 22.

William Kennish emigrated to the USA in 1848 and died in New York in 1862.

His inventions included novel hydraulic engine valve gear, a diving machine for the recovery of gold and a method for concentrating fire on the broadside of a ship of war.

A successful appeal was launched to help fund the visit of Mr Kennish’s family by author Robert Stimpson who wrote a book about the life of the inventor.

Ballasalla’s Jackie Taggart has capped off a highly successful year by adding Welsh Fell Running’s women’s title to the British championship she claimed during the summer.

The 39-year-old, who runs off-island for her original club Eryri Harriers, won the Welsh Fell Runners Association open championship for the first time when finishing runner-up in the recent Rhobell Fawr race near Dolgellau, also winning the North Wales Series as a result.

Jackie, formerly of Buckley, is the joint winner of the 2014 British Fell Running Women’s Championship with GB international Victoria Wilkinson of Bingley Harriers.

Next year, Jackie is planning to some longer races, such as the Welsh 1,000 metre Peaks and the Brecon Beacons, while she says that her husband, LloydTaggart, has promised to treat her to a trip to the Himalayas for the Everest Marathon to celebrate her 40th birthday!

The Manx International Football Alliance’s Ellan Vannin side are to travel to France next month to play Occitania in Toulouse.

The game will take place on December 30, the disputed date of a proposed friendly between Chris Bass Sr’s side and Kurdistan at the Bowl.

The date for the latter game was rejected by the Isle of Man FA, ‘on the grounds it would have a negative impact on fixtures already arranged by the FA around that time.’

The Bowl-based organisation has yet to comment on the match in France, but confirmed it had received notification from MIFA about their intentions to play the game. The FA also added it would release a response in due course.

The travelling party, which include 16 players, will travel to Southern France on December 29, the day after the Cu-Plas Railway Cup final, and return on New Year’s Eve ahead of the resumption of league programme on January 3.

The announcement of the fixtures against the winners of the 2013 Tynwald Hill tournament was made in a press release by the Rotary Club of Douglas.

The match will be played in aid of Rotary’s End Polio Now campaign, the logo of which Ellan Vannin carry on their new purple away kit.

The Rotary statement added: ‘We at the Rotary Club of Douglas are looking to support the match with our fellow Rotarians based in Toulouse.’

‘This is a great opportunity to raise awareness of our campaign on the global stage.’

War hero Hector Duff was given the lifetime achievement award at last night’s Isle of Man Newspapers Awards for Excellence.

Mr Duff, who’s 95 and lives in Onchan, fought in the desert in North Africa and in the Normandy landings.

He frequently gives talks to schoolchildren about his time in the war and is president of the Onchan branch of the Royal British Legion.

Mr Duff, who joined the Manx police force after the war, is the recipient of the British Empire Medal, the Military Medal, the Tynwald Honour of France’s Légion d’honneur.

The other winners were:

Microgaming for public sector achievement: Health and Social Care Teaching Unit

First Names Group award for small enterprise: Segway Ltd

Domicilium award for excellence in the use of technology: Triumph Actuation Systems

Claremont award for customer service: Wi-Manx

Continent 8 Technologies award for charity, cultural and social enterprise: Fishermen’s Mission Isle of Man

Dervico Isle of Man award for medium enterprise of the year: Regency Travel

Tynwald Mills award for volunteer of the year: Brenda Charlton of Riding for the Disabled

Thomas Miller award for innovation and independent thinking: Strix

AXA Wealth International award for company of the year: Continent 8 Technologies

Riva Financial Systems award for teamwork: Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre

Isle of Man Bank award for business person of the year: David Kneeshaw of RL360

Canaccord Genuity Wealth award for international buiness of the year: Roger W Smith Ltd

Friends Provident International award for young achiever of the year: Anna-Lucia Phillioos

Pokerstars award for marketing and PR effectiveness: plan.com

Celton Manx award for corporate social responsibility: Microgaming

Isle of Man Government Freedom to Flourish award: Isle of Man Creamery

Last week’s Employment & Skills event had a new face among its exhibitors as plan.com take to the floor to showcase their latest vacancies, which seem to be growing by the week!

From its Circular Road HQ, plan.com says it is shaking up the UK telecoms industry with its modern, flexible business-to-business proposition.

Financial director, Neil Kelly said: ‘Six months in we’ve already doubled in size, taking on 12 new staff in 2014 alone, and have secured over 190 mobile partners.

‘From technology and IT, to commercial and finance, we have some of the best talent in the business and we’re looking for more.’

He continued, ‘We’re rolling out solutions not seen before in the telecomms market, it’s a really exciting time to be a part of this dynamic team.

‘If you have a nose for sales, a passion for technology or maybe a head for numbers we want to hear from you.’

plan.com was among exhibitors at the Isle of Man Government Employment & Skills event last week at the Villa Marina. You can also visit www.plan.com for all of the latest vacancies, as well as keeping up to date with plan.com news on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.