WITH the island at the mercy of global economic pressures and facing an unprecedented squeeze on public finances, one would have thought there were to be vital questions to be asked in our national parliament.

But Liberal Vannin MHK for Douglas South Kate Beecroft had far more pressing issues to address in the House of Keys.

How much, she asked in a question for written reply, does each government department spend on buying, maintaining and watering flowers, plants, other foliage and greenery?

She could be forgiven, perhaps, if the sums involved were huge.

However, the reply given by Treasury Minister Eddie Teare MHK gives little comfort that cutting back on floral displays is going to make much of a dent on our yawning VAT blackhole.

In 2011/12, the total cost was £9,000, including £469 on buying flowers, £708 on hiring and leasing, and £7,823 on watering and maintenance.

Mr Teare said the costs had reduced over four years from £11,426 in 2008/09 and the largest costs were incurred by the Department of Infrastructure in maintaining the flowers and plants in public spaces such as the airport and Sea Terminal.

During question time itself, Mrs Beecroft asked Health Minister David Anderson MHK if he would oblige all medical staff to wear appropriate clothing and suggested that they should wear bigger name badges.

She said that many people don’t understand the difference between a registrar, a consultant and a ward manager, and it would be most helpful if their name, job description and General Medical Council registration number was actually on their badge.

By making the badges just a little bit bigger, this information could be clearly visible, she argued.

But Mr Anderson dismissed the idea: ‘Making the badges bigger, I imagine, would be impractical; it would impair their work.’

After the Keys sitting, Chief Minister Allan Bell MHK defended the right of members to ask whatever questions they chose, insisting it was their ‘absolute prerogative’.

But he added: ‘Certainly the quality of some of the questions do vary from time to time. Perhaps some people would question their relevance in these tough economic times.’

Palace Cinema

• Avengers Assemble 3D. (12A) Nightly at 7pm. Weekend and Bank Holiday Monday, 2pm.

• Cabin In The Woods (15). Nightly at 7.30pm. Read a review of Cabin In The Woods on p24

• Mirror Mirror (PG). Weekend and Bank Holiday Monday, 2.30pm.

Broadway Cinema

• American Pie Reunion (15), Saturday to Monday 4.30pm, Wednesday and Thursday 7.30pm. Also, Wednesday 2.30pm.

• The Pirates! In An Adventure With Scientists (U). Saturday to Monday, midday and 2.15pm.

Peel Centenary Centre

• We need to Talk about Kevin. (15), Wednesday, 7pm.

Erin Arts Centre

• Anonymous (12A), Wednesday, 2.30pm and 7.30pm.

Thursday, May 3

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

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

• 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, Westland’s Residents Lounge, Peel, 10.30am. Call 642668.

• Aqua Zumba, NSC, Douglas, 6pm. Call 688588.

• Pilates, St John’s Methodist Church Hall, 6.15pm. Also Friday and Monday, 9.30am; Wednesday, 6.15pm; Monday, King William’s College, 6.30pm. Call 427401.

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

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

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

Friday, May 4

• Walk and Talk, Earroo Nane House, 1 Snaefell View, Threshold Estate, Jurby, 10am.

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

• Tai chi chuan, Murrays Road School, 7.30pm. Call 612305.

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

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

Saturday, May 5

• 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.

• St Mary’s AFC 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.

• Gymnastics and dance, St Ninian’s School, Douglas, 2pm. Also Wednesday, Call 254499.

Sunday, May 6

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

Monday, May 7

• Aquafit, NSC, Douglas, midday. Also Tuesday midday and Wednesday at 6pm. Call 688556.

• Arthritis exercise, NSC, Douglas, 1pm. Call 688588.

• Zumba, NSC, Douglas, 6pm. Call 688588.

• Zumba Fitness Class. 6.30pm to 7.30pm, Zumba Toning Class 7.30pm to 8.30pm. Morton Hall, Castletown. Also Wednesday Zumba Toning Class 6.30pm to 7.30pm and Zumba Toning Class 7.30pm to 8.30pm. Corrin Hall, Peel. Call Sue 230369.

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

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

Tuesday, May 8

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

• Tai Chi Chuan, Lezayre Parish Community Hall, 7pm.

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

• Qigong, Community Hall, Clenagh Road, Sulby, 7pm. £5 per session, Call 878607.

• Body Toning, NSC, Douglas, 7pm. Also Wednesday at 11am. Call 688588.

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

• Zumba Toning, Jurby Parish Hall, 7.40pm. Also Monday, Morton Hall, Castletown; Wednesday, Corrin Hall, Peel. Call 230369.

• Arbory Badminton Club, Arbory School Hall, 8pm. Call 832094.

Wednesday, May 9

• Valkyrs Hockey Club training, QEII Astro pitch, Peel. Juniors (8 and up), 6pm; Seniors (13 and up), 7.30pm. 801802 or cathkilley@manx.net

• Bowling club night, Port Erin Bowling Club, Breagle Glen, 6.30pm.

• Beginners yoga, St Ninian’s Dance Studio, Douglas, 6.30pm.

Thursday, May 3

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

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

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

• Irish set dancing Douglas Old Friends’ Club, Douglas, 8pm. Call David on 457268.

Friday, May 4

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

• Tap Jnr, Dance Factory, Onchan Park, 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 or 324110.

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

Saturday, May 5

• Dance Time for children, Port Erin Methodist Hall, sessions from 9.30am. £2.50 per half hour session. Call 835696.

• Sequence dancing, Onchan Methodist Church Hall, 8pm. Call 829669.

• Social sequence dancing, Pulrose Methodist Church hall, Douglas, 8pm. Also Monday; Sunday, sequence dancing with latest dances only; Wednesday, sequence dancing. Call 842878.

Sunday, May 6

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

Monday, May 7

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

• Ceroc Dance night, Masonic Hall, Woodbourne Road, Douglas, 7.30-10.30pm.

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

Tuesday, May 8

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

• Sequence dancing and social, South Douglas Old Friends Assoc, 7.30pm. Admission £1.50.

• Beginners Line Dance, St John’s AFC, 7.30pm-9pm. Call 462104.

• Sequence dancing with Port Erin Dancing Club, Port Erin Methodist Church hall, 8pm. Admission £1.50.

Wednesday, May 9

• Modern Line Dance-exercise class for beginners, Legion Hall, Onchan, 7.15pm. £3.50.

• Ballroom dancing, Villa Marina, Douglas, 8pm. Call Ellis Killey 623414.

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

Thursday, May 3

• Castle Rushen High School Performance Showcase. Music from the Windband, Bigband andJunior Choir. School Hall, 7.30pm.

• Acoustic Open Mic, The Rosemount Hotel, Douglas, 8pm.

• Crosby Silver Band, Villa Marina Arcade, Douglas, 8pm.

• The Manx Music Festival, The Guild, Songs from the shows. £6. Royal Hall, Villa Marina. Call 624387.

• Karaoke, Guys and Dolls, Douglas.

• Soundcheck, Basement, Youth Arts Centre, Kensington Road, Douglas, 6.30pm. Also Saturday and Wednesday.

• Ramsey Folk Club at The George Hotel, Ramsey, 8pm.

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

• Open Mic Night, The Mines, Laxey, 8.30pm.

• Guitar Lessons, Meeting Room, Archibald Knox, Onchan, 5-45-6.45pm.

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

Friday, May 4

• Dickie at The Mitre, Kirk Michael, 8 30pm.

• Little Miss Dynamite at The Cat With No Tail.

• Brown Sugar at The Queens, Douglas.

• Live at the Mines, Mines Tavern, Laxey. 6pm. Also Saturday and Sunday from 1pm.

• Karaoke, The Albert, Douglas. 9pm,

• Thai Night, authentic food and music, The Railway, Douglas, 6pm. Also Wednesday.

• Manx Music session, Tynwald Inn, St John’s, 8.30pm.

• Irish Traditional Music session, The Mitre, Ramsey, 9pm.

• Kiaull as Gaelg, The Albert, Port St Mary, 9pm.

Saturday, May 5

• Age of Steam at Northern, Ramsey.

• Dave Stewart at The Tynwald.

• Dickie at the Manor, 9pm.

• The Manx Music Festival, The Guild. Cleveland Final’s Night. £10. Royal Hall, Villa Marina. Tickets from the Villa Marina, Peter Norris Music, and the Secretary on 624387.

• Manx Netball Association Awards 2012, Palace Hotel, Shearwat3er Suite at 7.30pm.

• The Dublin City Ramblers, Centenary Centre, Peel. Tickets £16.

• Oompah Band Night, Woodbourne Hall, Douglas, 8pm. Tickets £15 in aid of Age Isle of Man. Optional fancy dress with prizes for the best costumes.

• The Shedmen at Jaks, Douglas.

• Manx Music session, The White House, Peel, 10pm.

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

• Karaoke at the Central Hotel, Ramsey.

Sunday, May 6

• Little Miss Dynamite at The Britania, Ramsey.

• Music box at Guys and Dolls with David Castro & Stephanie Chatterley From 9.00pm

• Dickie at The Tynwald Inn 8 30pm.

• Brown Sugar at The Haven, Port Erin. 4.30pm to 7pm. O’Donnells, Douglas

• Sarah Haigh and friends concert, Bishopscourt Chapel, 7.30pm, tickets £12, including light refreshments, in aid of Ballaugh Guides. Call 813530.

• Open mic event at Bridge Inn, Laxey. From 3pm.

• Penthouse Dive at Jaks, Douglas.

• Karaoke at the British, Douglas.

• DJ, Karaoke & Disco at Jaks, Douglas.

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

Tuesday, May 8

• Soundcheck, local youth bands, Promenade Suite, Villa Marina, Douglas, 7pm.

• Maytime Medley at Barregarrow Chapel, featuring John Kennaugh (chair) and Eric Kelly (playing). 7.30pm.

• Acoustic Sing-a-Round, The Manor, Willaston.

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

Wednesday, May 9

• Regal Singers in Concert, Baldrine Methodist Chapel, 7.30pm. In aid of IoM Anti-Cancer Association.

• Musicale Concert, Methodist Church and Schoolroom, Mount Tabor, Port St Mary, 7pm. In aid of IoM Anti-Cancer Association.

• Karaoke at The British, Douglas.

• Ernst Eisenmayer: Art Beyond Exile, Sayle Gallery, Villa Marina Colonnade, Douglas. Until May 10.

Pictures without Paint, Digital Paintings by Martyn Cain. Nobles Hospital until June 10th.

• Manx Motorsport, new Our Sporting Life display, Manx Museum, Douglas. Until September 29.

• Mountain Milestones, House of Manannan, open daily 10am-5pm. Until 10 June.

• Four Elements by Roberto Edmunson-Harrison, Erin Arts Centre, Port Erin. Until May 28.

• Mannin Quilters Exhibition, Ballabeg Methodist Chapel Sunday School, 10am-4.30pm. Admission £2 including refreshments. Sunday, midday-4.30pm.

Thursday, May 3

• MRA Stretch & Flex at the NSC, Douglas at 10am. Also Friday Ten Pin Bowling at Sure Bowling Alley, Ramsey at 9.45am for 10am. Also on Friday Southern Luncheon at The Cherry Orchard Hotel, Port Erin at 12.30pm. Tuesday. Southern Coffee Morning at the Cherry Orchard Hotel, Port Erin at 10.30am.

• Onchan Pensioners Club, coffee morning, Morton Hall, Onchan, 10am-noon. Also bingo, 7pm. Friday, sequence dancing, 2pm; Monday, bridge, 2pm; bingo 7pm; Tuesday, coffee morning, 10.30am-noon; Wednesday, Onchan Ladies Club, 2pm, whist, 7pm.

• Purely For Pleasure with Diane Fair for Manx Floral Art Luncheon Club, Wentworth Suite, Mount Murray Hotel, Santon, 11am. Followed by luncheon at 1pm. Call 827265.

• The Dalby Art Group, St James’ schoolrooms, Dalby, 2pm. Bring your own equipment. Call Cheryl on 843471.

• Avondale WI, Onchan Community Centre, 2.15pm. Call 818194.

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

• Onchan Book Group, Onchan Library, 6pm. Call 621228.

• Andreas Youth Club, school years 4-6, Andreas arish Hall, 6.30-8pm. Also Monday, school years 7-9, 7-9pm.

• Michael Youth Club, school years 4-6, Michael School, 6.30-8pm. Also Monday, school years 7-9, 7-9pm; Tuesday, school years 9 upwards.

• Arbory Youth Club, school years 7-9, Ballabeg Village Hall, 7-9pm.

• The Isle of Man Children’s Centre Parent Support Group, informal chat with family support workers, at Douglas Family Centre, Woodbourn Road, 7pm-9pm.

• Willaston Youth Club, school years 7-9, Willaston School, 7-9pm. Also Friday, school years 4-6, 6.30-8pm.

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

Friday, May 4

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

• Castletown Youth Club, school years 4-6, Youth Centre, Arbory Street, Castletown, 6-7.15pm. Also school years 7-9, Friday, 7.30-9.30pm; Wednesday, 6.45-8.45pm; school years 9 and upwards, Saturday and Tuesday, 7.30-10pm; Soundcheck, Monday, 6-9pm; girls club, school years 9 and upwards, 7-9.30pm.

• Onchan Youth Club, school years 4-6, Onchan Community Centre, 6.30-8pm. Also school years 9 upwards, Kenyon’s Cafe, 7-9.30pm; Tuesday, school years 9 upwards, Kenyon’s Cafe, 7-9pm; Wednesday, school years 7-9, Onchan Community Centre, 7-9pm.

Saturday, May 5

• Manx Netball Association Awards 2012, Palace Hotel, Shearwater Suite at 7.30pm.

Sunday, May 6

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

• Isle of Man Poetry Society, Archibald Knox meeting room, Onchan, 8pm. Call 664796 or 897815.

Monday, May 7

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

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

• Onchan Rotary Club, The Max Restaurant, Groudle Road, Onchan, 6.30pm.

• Brownies, Corrin Hall, Peel, 6.30pm.

• Onchan Silver Band practice, The Band Room, off Main Road, Onchan, beginners 6.30pm and Seniors 7.30pm.

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

• Do Drop Inn Drama Club, children aged 10 and above, St Paul’s Hall, Ramsey, 7pm.

• Santon WI, The Church Centre, Santon, 7.30pm. Call 818194.

Tuesday, May 8

• Peel City WI, Guild Room, Athol Street, Peel, 10.30am. Call 818194.

• Computers for Beginners, Onchan Library, 10am-noon. Call 621228 or e-mail onchan.library@onchan.org.im

• Peel Footlights Youth Theatre for ages eight-16, Philip Christian Centre, Peel, 4pm. Contact 843819. Also Thursday.

• Cheerleading, All Saints Church Hall, 4.30pm. Call 254499 or email gengym@manx.net

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

• Glen Maye WI, St James’ Church Hall, Dalby, 7.30pm. Call 818194.

• Glen Maye WI, Dalby Church Hall, 7.30pm. Call 818194.

• Santon WI, The Church Centre, Church Road, Santon 7.30pm. Call 818194.

• Mannin Quilters, Ballabeg Methodist Hall, 7.30pm. Call 628921 or 628655.

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

• The Magic of the Musicals with Nigel Whyles for Onchan Flower Club, Methodist Church Hall, Onchan, 7.30pm. Call 622238.

Wednesday, May 9

• MS Society coffee morning, Harbour Lights, St Paul’s Square, Ramsey, 10.30-noon.

• Antarctica - illustrated talk by Duncan Robertson at Ramsey Probus Lunch, Ramsey Golf Club 12.30pm. Call 816404.

• Jurby & District WI, Jurby Parish Hall, 7.15pm.

• St. Mark’s WI, St. Mark’s school room, 7.30pm. Call 818194.

• Spring Chicks WI quiz night and resolutions meeting, Albany Tennis Club, Douglas, 7.30pm. Call 414902.

• Peel Pensioners Club, Philip Christian Centre, Peel, 7.30pm. Call 844972.

Thursday, May 3

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

• United Nation’s Association (IOM) AGM, King Edward Bay Golf Club, Onchan, 6.30pm. Followed by dinner, call 878266.

• The Children’s Centre Parent Support Group, informal chat with family support workers, at Douglas Family Centre, Woodbourne Road, 7-9pm.

• Manx Gaelic class with Cathy Clucas, Arbory Commissioners’ Hall, 7.30pm. Call 838527.

• Ballure Walk, Ramsey. 7.30pm - exploring the glen and it’s biodiversity with Andree Dubbeldam, Project Manager of The Wildflowers of Man. Meet at the reservoir car park on the TT Course. Wear comfortable walking shoes.

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

• Great Laxey Mine Railway. Until the end of September. Open Saturdays from 11am until 4.30.

Friday, May 4

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

• Learn Manx with Adrian Cain, beginners noon-1pm, intermediates 1pm-2pm, Manx Museum, Douglas. Admission free, Email greinneyder@mhf.org.im or call838527/451098.

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

• 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. Cost £2.50. Call 673123.

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

• St. John’s Primary School PTA quiz evening at Peel Golf Club on at 7pm. Tickets are £5 and include a light supper. Teams of up to 6, Contact Ann Astill at St John’s School on 801282 for tickets.

• Youth Outreach, Cathedral, Peel, 7pm. Also Sunday, BCP Eucharist, 8.30am, Café Church Eucharist, 10.30am, Thanksgiving service, 1.30pm and evening prayer, 6.30pm; Wednesday, BCP Eucharist, 9.30am and The Voice Youth Group, 6.30pm.

• The Manx Aviation and Military Museum, 10am-4.30pm. Also Saturday and Sunday. 10-4.30pm. Free admission. Donations welcome.

• Quiz night for Department of Social Care respite unit for adult with learning difficulties at the Manx Legion Club, in Douglas. Raffle and music. 7.30pm.

• A talk entitled 125 years of Freemasonry in the Isle of Man by Provincial Grand Master Keith Dalrymple at 7.30pm, with tea and coffee, a chat afterwards and an opportunity to view the exhibition, Manx Freemasonry , open to the public from May 3 – 6, from 10.30am – 5pm and on Bank Holiday Monday from 10.30am - 4pm.

Saturday, May 5

• Charity Garage Sale, Rosemead, 38 Ballaterson Fields, Ballaugh. Call 897424.

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

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

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

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

• Isle of Man Farmers Market, at Villa Marina, Douglas 10am-2pm.

• Jurby WI Spring coffee morning, Ramsey Town Hall, 10am-noon.

• ME Support (IOM) AGM at Circa, Level 2, Chester St. Car park, Douglas, Refreshments from 2pm, meeting at 2.15pm.

• Great Glen Maye Duck Festival, Glen Maye, 2-5pm. Ducks available from Elaine’s Flowers, Peel.

• If We Ignore Wrongs We Condone Them with Baroness Cox, Palace Hotel, Douglas, 7.30am. Tickets £13, including full Manx breakfast, contact david.holmes@manx.net

Sunday, May 6

• Isle of Man Heavy Horse Society Spring Show, Knockaloe, Patrick, 11.30am.

• Sunday School, Sulby Methodist Church, 10.30am. Also youth group for school years 7 and up at 7pm. Call 450104.

• Car Boot Sale, Morton Hall, Castletown. 2pm. Call 673320/481532

• Collectors Fair, Morton Hall, Castletown, 2-4pm. In aid of Isle of Man Anti-Cancer Association.

• Michael Heritage Trust ‘Bluebell Walk’ in Glen Mooar with Andree Dubbledam (Manx Wildflower Trust) Meet at the beach car park, Glen Mooar. 6.30pm start.

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

Monday, May 7

• Collectors Fair and Home Cooking at Dalby. 12noon-4.30pm.

• Parents and tots, St Olave’s Church, Ramsey, 1pm.

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

• Action Songs and Rhymes, from birth upwards, The Children’s Centre, Woodbourne Road, Douglas, 1.30pm. Also Tuesday, Sulby School, 9.30am; Philip Christian Centre, Peel, 2pm; Wednesday, Auldyn School Community Room, 9.15am and 10.30am.

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

• Vannin Bridge, Onchan Pensioners Hall, 2pm. Also Thursday.

• Onchan Silver Band practice, The Band Room, off Main Road, Onchan, beginners, 6.30pm and seniors 7.30pm.

Tuesday, May 8

• Manx Gaelic conversational class with Adrian Cain, The Rovers, Douglas, 1pm. Also Manx Gaelic class with Brian Stowell at Isle of Man College, Douglas, 7pm. Call 623821.

• Flower arranging workshop with Heidi Baker, Laxey Working Men’s Institute, 7pm.

• Whist for Hospice, Michael Methodist Church, 7.30pm. £2.

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

• Abbey Acorns, ages four and above, the Abbey Church, Ballasalla, 3.30pm.

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

• EFT group for therapists, looking after the healers by Bill Tucker, Healing of Mann, Ramsey, 7.30pm. www.healingofmann.com £6 per session.

Wednesday, May 9

• Independent Living Centre, Open Day, Ballakermeen Rd. 9.30am-3.30pm. Call 642511.

• MS Society coffee morning, Harbour Lights, St Paul’s Square, Ramsey, 10.30am-noon.

• Computer Training Sessions for everyone. Leonard Cheshire Disability, Main Rd, Onchan. 11am-3pm. Call 679030

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

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

• Milntown House Tours, Ramsey. 2.30pm. £6 (No concessions) Call 812321.

• Bereavement support group, friendly get together for anybody 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, 668192 or 647449.

• Samba percussion workshop, no previous musical experience necessary, Onchan Silver Bandroom, off Onchan Commissioners car park, 7pm. Cost £3, contact sambamann@manx.net

• Manx Footpaths Conservation Group Evening Walk, St. John’s station car park, 7pm.

SUSPENDED Liberal Vannin MHK for Onchan Zac Hall says he has still not been notified of the outcome of a meeting of the party’s executive committee held to decide his fate.

Mr Hall was suspended from Liberal Vannin last month for failing to support party leader, Education Minister Peter Karran, in the Tynwald debate over pre-school cuts.

He had been earlier sacked as member for education for breaching the government code on collective responsibility.

Liberal Vannin’s executive committee sat on Wednesday to discuss the situation. But in a statement, the party said it was decided there would be no comment made to the media until Mr Hall had been informed of the outcome.

However, Mr Hall told iomtoday he had not been informed of the outcome. ‘I wasn’t invited to the meeting. I don’t know who was present and I have absolutely no idea what the outcome was as I’ve not been informed. Nothing surprises me any more.’

In a hard-hitting statement issued in response to the his suspension, Mr Hall accused the party of having ‘Stalinist tendencies’ and says he was aghast at the ‘unprofessional way’ the matter had been handled, insisting it would have been almost impossible to have a fair hearing.

THE idea of a ‘people’s bank’ will be discussed at a meeting of the Positive Action Group tonight (Thursday).

PAG has linked up with another island group, the Alternative Worldview Society, for the event, called The Lawful Bank.

Well-known community activist from the UK, Roger Hayes, was due to address a public meeting at Union Mills FC Clubhouse from 7pm.

However, he has not been able to get to the island due to travel difficulties.

But the meeting will still go ahead.

The clubhouse is at Garey Mooar, Ballaoates Road, Braddan. Admission is £2 on the door and all are welcome.

THE parent company of Manx Gas is to axe about 50 jobs across the Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey.

Manx Gas, along with Jersey Gas and Guernsey Gas, is owned by the International Energy Group.

Manx Gas commercial director John Davies said: ‘As part of the restructure of Manx Gas, and the gas operations on both Jersey and Guernsey, it’s likely there will be job losses in all three islands.

‘We will do everything we can to try and minimise the impact of this process. We will be keeping our staff informed.’

He added: ‘The numbers are still being looked at and will be across the three islands. It is anticipated that the detailed consultation process with trade unions and staff will start formally later this month.

‘Until that process has been completed it will not be possible to provide more detail.’

The company was unable to say which departments were at risk.

A spokesman said the rise in gas price tariffs – taking effect next Thursday – was a ‘totally separate issue’.

WHEN the new Boeing 787 Dreamliner touched down in the UK for the first time last week there were plenty of smiling faces in the island.

For Manx manufacturing firms played a vital part in the production of the revolutionary Boeing aircraft.

And it appears there are not many planes flying today that have not had some input from island businesses.

It’s all a major shot in the arm for companies in the island that belong to the so-called aerospace cluster.

David Hester, general manager of Swagelok ltd, is also deputy chairman of the Aerospace Cluster and said the Boeing 787 Dreamliner had been good news for the island.

He said Swagelok had been involved in manufacturing components for Rolls Royce who made the Trent 1000 engine used in the Dreamliner project.

‘Our relationship with Rolls Royce is very strong,’ said Mr Hester.

He said the island’s aerospace cluster was very strong and companies worked together very well and there is a good relationship with the government.

It’s also a shot in the arm for employment. Mr Hester said Swagelok, based at Tromode, employs around 189 people including an extra 39 skilled staff hired last year.

Mr Hester said some of the bigger firms in the cluster included Swagelok, GE Aviation and Ronaldsway Aircraft Company.

But smaller companies had also been sub-contracted by the larger companies to do work.

These include Kiartys, a small precision engineering outfit based on the Balthane industrial estate, Ballasalla.

Steve Riding, co-owner of Kiartys, confirmed the firm had been involved in sub-contract work for Ronaldsway Aircraft Company.

He said: ‘We were delighted to be involved in this project.’

He added: In fact there are not that many planes flying today that do not have some parts made in the Isle of Man.’

Bosses of three major UK airlines were at Heathrow Airport last week to welcome the ultra-modern plane, in adavance of taking delivery of their own orders of the finished product over the next few months. The new, fuel-fuel-efficient aircraft will feature LED lighting and bigger windows, as well as wider aisles and higher ceilings.

According to Boeing, the jet can fly 52 per cent further, burning 20 per cent less fuel and saving more than 30 per cent on annual maintenance costs than existing aluminium machines. Seattle-based Boeing launched the world tour to promote the Dreamliner.

It is designed to carry up to 290 passengers and far more fuel-efficiency than existing aircraft. The Dreamliner is expected to have fare-paying flights as early as May 2008.

Both Mr Riding of Kiartys and Mr Hester of Swagelok spoke highly of the partnership approach adopted by members of the aerospace cluster.

There are are also regular meetings within the north west sector with some ‘cracking’ speakers from major players in the aviation world, according to Mr Riding.

He said his company was ‘punching above its weight.’

Mr Hester said the ‘next big story’ will be the Airbus A350.

The Airbus A350 is a family of long-range, wide-body jet airliners under development by European aircraft manufacturer Airbus. The A350 will be the first Airbus with both fuselage and wing structures made primarily of carbon fibre-reinforced polymer. It will carry 270 to 350 passengers.

Meanwhile, Swagelock has revealed a number of exciting, new developments to Business News:

l The Isle of Man site has been selected to be the leading European manufacturing site by Swagelok which is globally based in America.

l The company says this will lead to products from other Swagelok sites being relocated to the island.

l And in the short-term this will generate opportunities which will see employee numbers increase by approximately 10-15 in engineering and manufacturing roles across Swagelok’s Tromode facility.

A BILL that aims to promote the staging of live gaming tournaments in the island has moved a step closer to becoming law.

The Casino (Amendment) Bill 2012 passed its second reading and clauses stage in one sitting of the Legislative Council (LegCo) on Tuesday.

Eddie Lowey MLC, who is leading the bill through LegCo as a Treasury member, said it created an opportunity for the island to participate and benefit from an industry that has a ‘proven success record’.

He said: ‘I believe the Isle of Man would be doing a dis-service to itself if it didn’t participate and take advantage of its reputation as well regulated in this area, as far as gambling is concerned.’

Alex Downie MLC said there was a ‘significant benefit’ for the island in allowing live gaming tournaments, with many of the participants involved being ‘high net worth individuals’.

Mr Lowey dismissed David Callister MLC’s comments that ‘it seems we don’t know what the economic benefit would be’ and that it was a ‘shot in the dark to see what might happen’.

Bishop Robert Paterson said he would give the bill his support despite his concern about it: ‘I believe it [the bill] will have more serious consequences than it is realised.’

Mr Lowey explained live gaming tournaments were competitions where players came together in a single venue to compete against one another to win prizes.

There is a series of rounds staged over a number of days, culminating in a final, which may be televised.

Live tournaments can take place in the island already, but they must be held in the permanent premises of a casino and this naturally limits the size of any event that can be held.

The bill aims to facilitate larger live tournaments by allowing premises other than those belonging to a casino to be temporarily used for the purposes of gambling.

Under the proposed legislation, the Gambling Supervision Commission would be permitted to grant temporary certificates for premises.

RAMSEY’s infant and junior schools are to come under the leadership of a single head teacher.

From September, Jacqueline Barrow, head teacher at Scoill Ree Gorree since 2009, will also take charge of Auldyn Infants’ School.

The schools sit side-by-side in Lezayre Road, Ramsey, and children progress from the infants to the juniors at the age of seven.

Over the next two years, Mrs Barrow will combine the schools into a single primary school and every opportunity will be taken to involve parents and pupils in the planning.

The Department of Education and Children took a similar step in Douglas to bring an infants’ and junior school under a single head teacher in the spring term when Linda Green, head teacher at Ballaquayle Infants’ School, took the helm at Murray’s Road Junior School too, after the latter’s head returned to classroom teaching.

Meanwhile, Ballacloan Infants’ School and Fairfield Junior School, to which the infants progress, will come together as a single primary from 2015 when the new school opens on the old Noble’s Hospital site in Douglas.

Current Auldyn head teacher Chrissy Callaghan spends part of her time in a school support role with the department’s Education Improvement Service (EIS) and she will undertake this role full-time from September 2012. A post in EIS has been unfilled since Ian Longshaw moved to be head of Marown School last summer.

Stuart Dobson, chief executive officer, Department of Education and Children, said: ‘We are drawing on the strengths of two very experienced and highly respected head teachers.

‘Mrs Barrow, who was head teacher at Ballasalla before taking over at Ree Gorree, is ideally placed to bring the two schools together, having lived in Ramsey for more than 30 years and having worked at both Auldyn and Ree Gorree’s predecessor, Albert Road, before their moves to the buildings they now occupy.

‘Mrs Callaghan came back to the island after gaining both headship experience and working as a school improvement adviser in England, which makes her ideal to join the Department’s team of staff who support schools and quality assure education.’

CONCERNS were raised in the House of Keys this week about a sharp fall in corporate bank deposits.

Alfred Cannan (Michael) said there had been an £8 billion decrease in corporate and trust and fiduciary deposits in the final quarter of last year.

Treasury Minister Eddie Teare said: ‘The decline in deposits is not an issue which is confined to the Isle of Man, although I have to say that I would be much more comfortable if our deposits were moving up. There has been some evidence over the last 12 months or so that our deposits are starting to stabilise.’

Mr Cannan asked when the Financial Supervision Commission had been informed about the closure of Allied Irish Bank and what discussions had taken place to keep it in the island.

Mr Teare said the FSC was informed at a meeting on March 30 that AIB had resolved to close its offshore subsidiary banking operations in the Isle of Man and Jersey.

He added: ‘We understand the two AIB banks on the island remain open to consider opportunities to sell or transfer business to an acceptable party, although that would be dependent on whether AIB at parent level would support such a move.’

IT’S big, and it’s back – after an unavoidable trip down the east coast to Douglas for last year’s event, this weekend the Big Wheel Blues Festival will return to its spiritual home of Laxey village.

And two full days of 12-bar rhythms and soulful strumming are a fine way for the festival to mark its homecoming.

The refurbished Pavilion Ballroom in Laxey Glen Gardens is the venue for two evening concerts, two free-entry daytime stages featuring local performers, and a host of family activities in the gardens organised by the Isle of Man Children’s Centre, the charity to whom all money raised through the festival will be going.

Headliners Mud Morganfield, Kris Dollimore and Cherry Lee Mewis will play Saturday night, with bluesbreaker Buddy Whittington, Paddy Milner and Marcus Bonfanti performing on Sunday night. Doors will open at 7.30pm both nights, with sets due to finish by 11.45pm.

As for the daytime schedules, Saturday on the bowling green acoustic stage will feature, for 35-minute sets each, Hit and Run at 12.50pm, Mannin Black at 1.30pm, Beastie Dovey at 2.10pm, Al Lawrence at 2.50pm, Hugh Price at 3.30pm and John Barker closing the stage from 4.10pm.

Meanwhile, over in the Pavilion on the electric stage, the Richie Moore Band will get things under way at 1pm, followed by Bartoads at 1.45pm. Walter Ego will play at 2.30pm, before Manx Radio’s finest Stalking Heads play at 3.15pm and Loose Crew finish things off at 4.05pm.

Sunday’s daytime line-up on the acoustic stage will start with an as yet unconfirmed act at 12.50pm, then Blue John and Papa Cass will entertain at 1.30pm. Dickie Best and Tony Knowles will pair up at 2.10pm, ahead of Another Shade of Blue at 2.50pm. Richie Moore will get a second outing at the festival at 3.30pm, before a stage-closing set from the Manx Jazz Cats starting at 4.10pm.

The concurrent electric stage will also be opened with a band yet to be confirmed at 1pm. Condition Blue will play at 1.45pm, Borderline at 2.30pm, the Bus Pass Blues Band at 3.15pm, and then the Big Wheel Blues Band close the stage from 4.05pm.

Travel wise, in addition to the normal Saturday and Sunday bus timetables (which will run at extra capacity), extra evening buses from Laxey will run on Saturday at 7.10pm, 9.10pm, 10.29pm, 11.15pm and 12.28am to Douglas, and at 7.15pm, 8.15pm, 9.35pm, 11.15pm, 11.40pm and 12.40am to Ramsey.

On Sunday, extra buses will leave Laxey for Douglas at 7.14pm, 9.14pm, 11.15pm and midnight, and for Ramsey at 7.10pm, 9.10pm, 11.15pm, 11.30pm and midnight.

Also, on Sunday the more intensive timetable C – instead of timetable B – will be in operation on both the Manx Electric and Snaefell Mountain Railways.

Full details and tickets, which cost £20 per night, are available online at www.bigwheelblues.com and from Peter Norris Music in Finch Road, Douglas.

For further information, email committee@bigwheelblues.com

LIBERAL Vannin MHK for Onchan Zac Hall has been expelled from the party.

Party chairman Roy Redmayne today confirmed that Mr Hall’s membership was revoked at a meeting of the party’s executive committee on Wednesday.

Mr Hall was suspended from Liberal Vannin last month for failing to support party leader, Education Minister Peter Karran, in the Tynwald debate over pre-school cuts.

He had been earlier sacked as member for education for breaching the government code on collective responsibility.

In a hard-hitting statement issued in response to the his suspension, Mr Hall accused the party of having ‘Stalinist tendencies’ and says he was aghast at the ‘unprofessional way’ the matter had been handled, insisting it would have been almost impossible to have a fair hearing.

In a statement, Liberal Vannin said its chairman had informed Mr Hall his membership had been revoked with immediate effect, the MHK having previously been suspended for ‘undermining the reputation of the party’.

Mr Redmayne said: ‘The decision regarding Mr Hall was not taken lightly. He was given every opportunity to regain the confidence of the party but he chose to ignore all the advice he was given and left us with no real choice. It is disappointing but this is the end of the matter and we shall move on.’

THE Manx Netball Association hosted its sixth annual Netball Festival as part of the Department of Tourism and Leisure-sponsored Sports Challenge Series at the NSC recently.

The latest event in the series, which also includes the island’s student and squash festivals, was an action-packed weekend of netball and was hailed a success by all.

A total of 10 visiting teams joined four local sides in a fast-paced, dynamic event which spanned the weekend of April 21-22. Teams came from across the UK for their annual fix of Manx netball and for a chance to win some of the fantastic prizes on offer.

There was an excellent atmosphere, everyone played with integrity and a positive attitude which made easy work for tournament official Pauline Samson.

Team were split by ability into two groups for the second round on Sunday.

Three of the four Manx teams secured their position in group one which is a great indicator of the standard of local netball.

SMP Ballasalla were the best Manx team coming in a respectable fourth place overall.

C&S Joinery A and Route 1 Connections weren’t too far behind and C&S Joinery B also secured fourth in group two.

In first place overall, former winners Evesham Reds reclaimed their title as they stormed their way through the competition. Harrogate Challengers took the runner-up spot and their very own Caroline Artindale claimed the Player of the Tournament accolade.

Group two belonged to Broomhill, followed by Classics A and DJ Dollymixtures in third place.

They all take away cash prizes accompanied by a tour voucher valid for next year’s tournament.

Thank you to all the volunteers who helped organise, umpire and officiate on the day. The event is the result of months of planning and could not run so smoothly without their support.

The Manx Netball Association would also like to thank St John Ambulance for kind and professional assistance over the weekend. A raffle was also held in their honour raising a total of £150 towards the charity.

All in all this was yet again a fantastic success and plans are already underfoot for 2013.

ONCHAN District Commissioners’ new authority chairman is Robin Turton.

Mr Turton was elected to the post at the commissioners’ meeting held on Tuesday, May 1. Mr Turton, a port security officer, was first elected in last autumn’s local authority by-election called to fill the seats left vacant after the death of Ray Kniveton and resignation of Brian Stowell.

He will hold the post for one year.

Last year’s chairman June Kelly this year becomes vice chairman, a post she too will hold for one year.

The council also used their meeting to elect other lead members.

Rob Callister will take responsibility for Properties and Amenities, Derek Crellin now takes control of Environmental and Technical Servces and John Quaye is in charge of Finance and General Purposes.

Onchan Commissioners’ surgeries take place each month so residents can air any concerns directly with two of the commissioners.

There are seven commissioners in the authority and they have responsibility for local matters such as street lighting, play equipment and public toilets.

The board of commissioners meets on the first three Mondays of each month. Residents can attend the meetings.

THE semi-finals of the Ascot Hotel Junior Cup take centre-stage this Saturday with the competition’s last four - Police, St Mary’s, Peel and St George’s - vying for a place in combination football’s end-of-season showpiece finale.

With Canada Life Combination One champions and pre-tournament favourites Douglas High School Old Boys falling at Sunday’s quarter-final stage, all four sides will feel they have a shot at lifting the trophy at the Bowl on May 13.

Surprise semi-finalists Police host St Mary’s in a south Douglas derby of sorts at Springfield Road. The Constabulary side from Combination Two would probably have got long odds on claiming a semi-final berth at the competition’s onset, but after a bye in the first round have defeated Pulrose and Onchan - the latter an impressive 0-7 last weekend.

Karl Breadner and Leon Dawson were the hereos on that occasion bagging hat-tricks and their firepower will be crucial to the Combi Two side’s chances of upsetting a handy looking St Mary’s side.

The Saints have beaten Rushen, Douglas Royal and most notably Old Boys to get this far and must be strong contenders to lift the overall crown. St Mary’s midfield unit of JJ Balanda, Jay Corkill, Stuart Pacey and Nathan Halsall all impressed in their first-round win over Rushen and they should prove the difference between the two sides.

Out west there’s a tasty looking encounter on the cards as Peel take on holders St George’s at Douglas Road. The westerners look set to finish the Combi One season in second after stringing together a fine end-of-season run that has seen them go 13 matches unbeaten in cup and league.

Steve Corkill’s side seem to come of age over recent months with talented youngsters Louie Parmar, Daniel Pickering and Alex Holden all finding the back of the net. Add to the aforementioned precocious talents the likes of prolific captain Gary Smith, Neil Birchenough and Tony Duggan and you have a potent mix that should be a match for anyone.

Geordies, however, won’t be turning up in the Sunset City just to make up the numbers and are more than capable of reaching a second successive final. After a indifferent league campaign that finished with an eighth-place finish, the Glencrutchery Road side have found their form in this competition negotiating tricky ties at St John’s, Combi Two champions Marown and 2006 winners Laxey to set up this weekend’s match.

Goalkeeper David Cherry has tasted first-team action this season and in front of him Ashley Higginbotham, Stuart Morris and teenage winger Connor Dempsey have impressed during the side’s cup run. That’s without mentioning current Player of the Year Neil Brogan who is continuing his return to full fitness after breaking his leg in the Autumn.

Whether the presence of the island midfielder will be enough to deny the in-form westerners remains to be seen, but either way this should be a cracker. Both ties kick-off at the earlier time of 1.30pm.