Michael Dunlop will ride for Milwaukee Yamaha at this year’s Isle of Man TT.

The North East-based team will be providing a full spec Yamaha YZF-R1 Superbike for Dunlop for the RST Superbike and PokerStars Senior TT Races as well as the North West 200 and Ulster Grand Prix.

The 25-year-old, who won four TTs in 2014 said: ‘I’ve gone on record as saying that I’ll only race if the package is right and in the Milwaukee Yamaha team I’m confident in both the bike and the support team that will be in place.

‘We’ve already had a look at the bike that I’ll be riding and the early indications are really good but I’m looking forward just to getting out on the track and testing it properly.’

Shaun Muir’s experienced road racing team have enjoyed notable success at the TT including podiums with Guy Martin. They supported Josh Brookes and Ian Hutchinson in the 2014 TT meeting and Conor Cummins and William Dunlop also rode for the team in 2013.

Dunlop, who made his TT debut in 2007 after winning the 2006 Manx Grand Prix Newcomers Race, has already won Superbike and Senior TT Races on Honda and BMW machines, as well as recording Superstock and Supersport wins on Honda, Kawasaki and Yamaha motorcycles.

He has 11 TT victories to his name, which places him fifth in the outright winners list.

His fastest lap to date of 131.890mph, set in 2014, is the fastest ever standing-start lap around the Mountain Course.

Team owner Muir added: ‘Michael Dunlop has proved himself to be the leading road racer over the last few years and his recent TT record is second to none.

‘We are really confident that the new Yamaha will prove to be more than competitive on the Isle of Man and in Michael we have the rider to deliver its potential.’

Milwaukee UK commercial director Dale McElveen enthused: ‘We are delighted to have Michael on board.

‘At Milwaukee we have for a while, without doubt, seen Michael as an ideal brand ambassador and to have finally secured his signature has reinvigorated our passion for the roads.

‘This is the third year we will have taken part in the TT Races and this time we will land in the island with a high level of expectation in the hunt for success.’

-----------------------------

Read about Ryan Farquhar’s return to the big bike races at TT 2015 in this week’s Manx Independent.

The accident that claimed the life of TT racer Karl Harris at last year’s TT could simply have been a tragic error of judgement.

Recording a misadventure verdict on Mr Harris, 34, from East Yorkshire, coroner John Needham said there was contact between Mr Harris’s Kawasaki ZX10 and Joe Faragher’s Honda Fireblade which he had caught up with in the Joey’s section of the Mountain Course.

‘There was a racing incident which may have involved an error of judgement and travelling at those speeds matters can be very unforgiving once control is lost,’ Mr Needham told the court.

Evidence from accident investigator Constable Michael Crompton found rubber tyre marks on the nearside swinging arm of Mr Faragher’s bike which may have come from the front tyre of Mr Harris’s Kawasaki.

There were also tyre marks on the fork leg and front mudguard of Mr Harris’s bike, possibly from the back tyre of Mr Faragher’s bike.

The court heard Mr Harris was declared dead at the scene from multiple injuries. Mr Faragher, who was present in court, was airlifted to hospital with serious injuries.

Mr Needham offered his condolences.

Increased recycling in Port St Mary and subsequent reduced waste disposal costs is the reason the local authority has given for being able to keep the rate the same as last year, at 306p in the pound.

The authority issued a statement: ‘Significant new responsibilities that have been devolved from the Department of Infrastructure will be taken on in the coming year.

‘This will include street cleaning, gulley emptying and the maintenance of hedges. These will be paid for partly from the government’s freeze on the gate price from tipping at the Energy from Waste Plant and partly from efficiency savings in other areas of the commissioners’ service delivery.’

Chairman Bernadette McCabe said: ‘We are very pleased to be able to announce that, despite an increasing workload, there will be no increase in the rates levied in the coming year.

‘We have been working hard to reduce our costs throughout this year and it is gratifying to see this rewarded now. We could not have achieved this without the active participation of our residents in our recycling initiative.

‘Refuse disposal is our biggest single cost and we are confident that this will reduce by 20 per cent next year.’

Twenty-five year old Sarah Houghton from Laxey resolved to stay off alcohol for a year as her 2014 New Year’s Resolution.

As part of her challenge Sarah decided to raise funds for a cause close to her heart: Arthritis Research UK, the charity leading the fight against arthritis which affects one in six people in the UK.

Sarah was diagnosed with inflammatory arthritis (the specific type is yet to be determined) in May 2013, when her life changed entirely.

Simple tasks that she never used to think about now proved difficult (opening drinks bottles, door knobs) and she was rarely able to take part in the sports she used to enjoy such as hockey and tennis. As Sarah said when she started her alcohol-free year: ‘I now rarely take part in sports, which is a bit of a bummer.’

For all of 2014 Sarah was her friends’ designated driver, resisting all opportunities such as weddings, hen parties, holidays and Christmas parties to imbibe.

Come midnight on New Year’s Eve Sarah celebrated with her first pint in a year.

She said: ‘As much as it was hard, I am so glad I did it – only now from taking myself out of the binge drinking society most young people live in could I really see the destructive way I was living my life.

‘“Eat, sleep, rave, repeat” is now in moderation!

‘One thing I did notice quite early on was that I was sleeping a lot better and my skin cleared up a lot. I’m not sure whether it was related but my arthritis improved significantly – so much so that I was able to enjoy playing tennis again with my dad in the earlier months (whilst being on no medication).’

Sarah has raised over £1,000 for Arthritis Research UK already from her abstinence and her JustGiving webpage is still open should any readers wish to sponsor her for her efforts. Just go to: http://www.justgiving.com/SarahHoughtonDryathlon2014.

Arthritis Research UK regional fundraising manager Ruth Owen said: ‘I would like to thank Sarah for this incredible achievement and all of her sponsors for supporting her.

‘All of us at Arthritis Research UK are truly grateful for their support and we wish Sarah all the best in fighting this cruel and very painful disease.

‘These generous donations will be used to help the charity to fund world-class research into arthritis, the biggest cause of pain and disability in the UK.’

Young volunteers who are delivering sports sessions to children have been congratulated after their first four months’ work.

Thirty-five young people signed up for the Sure Sports Leaders’ Programme, run by the Department of Education and Children’s sports development unit and sponsored by telecoms firm Sure Isle of Man.

The recruits took part in a week-long training camp at the National Sports Centre in July, attended mentoring opportunities with Manx Sport and Recreation’s coaches and began delivering sessions in September.

Emma Callow, community sports development officer, said: ‘Our 10-year strategy for sport aims to increase physical activity in young people and engage them regularly in community sport.

‘The Sure Sports Leaders, who are all in Year 12 [aged 16 and 17] at school, have given up time to support sports activities for children in the community and have further improved their confidence and knowledge of sports coaching.

impressive

‘Over 14 weeks, they completed an impressive 657 hours’ between them in a wide variety of settings, including primary schools, community sports clubs and Manx Sport and Recreation activities.’

On Friday at the Sure shop in Douglas, the two students who clocked up the most hours’ coaching during the autumn term received their rewards.

Jack Maylin, who attends Castle Rushen High School, completed a 56 hours and received a £100 Sure voucher.

Alex Jackson, from St Ninian’s High School, received a £50 voucher for his 55 hours.

Sarah Jarvis, Sure’s marketing manager, praised the leaders, saying: ‘The number of hours these young leaders have completed in one term is commendable, particularly if you consider they are also studying for their A-levels. Their passion for sport and sports coaching is admirable at such a young age and I’m sure it will stand them in good stead in the future.’

Recruitment for the 2015/2016 Sure Sports Leaders’ Programme gets under way next month when Year 11 (aged 15 and 16) students will be given presentations on how to get involved.

For further information on the programme, ring Emma on 688557 or email her via Emma.Callow@gov.im

Acclaimed watchmaker Roger Smith has described his visit to Downing Street as ‘bizarrely wonderful’

Awards for Excellence winner Mr Smith, 44, joined a glittering line up of people for the visit which included sitting on the top table for dinner with the UK premier David Cameron.

Top horologist Mr Smith rubbed shoulders with some well-known faces of British industry, creativity and sport such as Kelly Hoppen from Dragons Den, Stella McCartney, David Bailey, Katherine Jenkins and 2012 Olympian Tom Daley.

The talented watch supremo from the north of the island went alone to the London gathering because his wife Caroline was heavily pregnant. She has since given birth to their second daughter Edith rounding off an amazing year.

David Cameron hosted the dinner at Downing Street for the so-called GREAT ambassadors, at which he recognised the importance of their contribution to the GREAT Britain campaign and encouraged them to continue their involvement.

Mr Smith was invited to become an ambassador for the GREAT Britain campaign in recognition of his personal support and contribution to the UK’s most ambitious international promotional campaign ever.

Roger created the now iconic GREAT Britain watch to showcase the pinnacle of British mechanical watchmaking, and the watch, now valued at more than £250,000, is travelling to Britain’s key international markets to champion British creativity, innovation

and technology, alongside key brands such as McLaren and Bentley.

Mr Smith told Business News that the Isle of Man was ‘very much on the radar’ after Mr Cameron was introduced to him at the prestigious event.

‘He said he saw me earlier on the BBC One programme The One Show. It was quite nerve wracking being there; it was bizarrely wonderful but also a real honour to be involved.’

Mr Smith’s impressive handmade watch, made specially for the campaign, was carefully passed around the assembled guests who also included Jo Malone, the famed perfume and beauty products pioneer.

Mr Smith, who recently scooped the Canaccord Genuity Wealth International Business of the Year award at the Awards for Excellence, backed by IoM Newspapers, said he was delighted to find himself sitting at the top table for the dinner.

The GREAT Britain campaign showcases the very best of what Britain has to offer.

The GREAT Britain campaign is now active in 144 countries.

Roger will be showcased at the upcoming GREAT Festival of Creativity in Shanghai, China (March 2-4).

He said he had thoroughly enjoyed his experience of visiting Downing Street.

For more information about the GREAT Britain campaign, visit: www.greatbritaincampaign.com

The annual Burns Supper organised by St Andrew’s Church will take place at the Palace Hotel in Douglas on Saturday, January 24.

The celebration of the life and work of Scottish poet Robert Burns will be led by Steve Rodan SHK.

The speaker will be Bill Ashton, who was born and raised in Perth, Scotland, but moved here on his retirement.

On leaving school he joined the airforce where he met his future wife, June. After leaving the airforce he entered the police in Liverpool, rising through the ranks to become Chief Inspector. As he had enjoyed holidays in the Isle of Man with his wife, they decided to retire here.

Other speakers include Reverend Dawn Mather, Zoe Cannell, Roy Kelly and Lisa Creighton.

Mr Rodan will address the haggis and will act as toastmaster for the evening.

There will also be a piper and the entertainer will be Ernie Thorn.

Anyone wishing to attend should call contact Pauline Richardson on 624434 or Elan Karran on 676033.

Tickets are £30 and must be booked by Saturday (January 17).

For the fifth year in a row, the rate in Castletown remains at 320p in the pound.

Commissioners’ chairman Richard McAleer said: ‘2013/14 was a difficult year with major expenditure incurred with re-surfacing the Chapel Lane car park, repairing and enhancing the sea wall area and other projects.

‘Careful housekeeping and budgetary constraints have allowed the board to maintain the rate unchanged, but it is clear that the forthcoming year will brings its own challenges, with the proposed transfer of functions from central government to local authorities, the proposed redeveloment of the civic centre and the beginning of the regeneration project, among many others.

‘I would like to congratulate our clerk and his staff for their excellent stewardship which has enabled us to freeze the rates for a fifth successive year – no mean feat in a challenging financial climate.

‘The board continues to be committed to maintaining and improving the facilities and services of the town, and there are a number of schemes planned for the coming year.’

----------------------

A public meeting to discuss the redevelopment of the civic centre will be held shortly.

Plans involve moving the police station into the centre and building an extension to create enough space for the library and commissioners’ office; the hall is unaffected.

The 2014-15 Shimmin Wilson Manx Shield draws to a close this weekend with what promised to be a grand finale between the two top sides, PDMS Southern Nomads and Douglas B.

Sadly the game is now just a dead rubber with Nomads already confirmed as winners and Douglas second whatever the result after 80 minutes.

Nomads are enjoying another good season and victory here will see them complete their fixtures unbeaten.

They were in dynamic form last week with the defence soaking up Western Viking pressure and waiting patiently for the moment to strike.

Gerard Landels, Dan Bridle and Adam Boyd were the big runners in the backline while in the forwards Steve McHugh and Bozzer Beaumont were doing the damage.

They’ll find this week a little tougher though.

Ben Dutnall will be back for Douglas and will give solidity up front. Jack Moore was on fire last week and virtually won the game single handed, although he would be too modest to mention that.

I suspect we’ll see a tighter game for Nomads but their unbeaten run will continue.

The Shimmin Wilson-sponsored competitions are, however, far from finished.

With the Shield now out of the way, the Shimmin Wilson Manx Bowl can begin.

This is a three-way competition between Ramsey B, Western Vikings and Emerging Nomads.

They play each other home and away on a round robin basis and the best two from the three will play in the Bowl final later in the season.

This week the first game of the competition is at the Mooragh Park where Ramsey B take on Western Vikings.

These two sides took one apiece in the earlier Manx Shield. Ramsey B have perhaps shown the more consistent form with Gareth Hinge’s men just missing out on a top-three finish.

They have, however, lost Orry Watterson, John Ali and Jake Corkish to Southern Nomads on a big money deal at Christmas and will struggle to replace such fine figures of men.

Vikings star is without doubt skipper Kevin Mellor. He had a hand in both their tries last week and will be a handful for the Ramsey midfield.

I’m hopelessly biased and will plump for a Ramsey win but this could be very close indeed.

Callow’s Yard Ltd has submitted a petition of doleance to the high court requesting a decision to refuse a planning application for the Castletown development be reconsidered.

The application (14/00338/B) to convert from retail to residential use properties on Arbory Street and Fusion Bar, retaining retail on the ground floor in all bar one property was refused by planners because they said more residential units would increase the need for parking and have an ‘adverse impact’ on the town centre; the number of single bed units would be ‘over intensive’ and ‘alter adversely the sense of community’.

Applicant Cornerstone Architects appealed against the decision, leading to an inquiry.

Independent inspector Alan Langton recommended the application be approved. The main reason for refusal would be increased demand on car parking, but he thought there would be ‘a likely increase of about five vehicles … (which) would not in my view be determinatively harmful to parking stress or the safe, free flow of traffic.’

The decision was made by Kate Beecroft MHK (as Infrastructure Minister Phil Gawne MHK declared an interest), who said parking could be between five and 14 spaces (a calculation based on Strategic Plan Appendix 7).

Relaxation of parking ‘may have been applied when Callow’s Yard development was brought back into use but that such rationale for relaxation could not be applied to this application as the buildings have already been secured’.

She was ‘not persuaded that there is sufficient availability within the town centre and its closest zones to accommodate those parking requirements’.

She concluded: ‘It has not been demonstrated that a reduced level of parking for the proposed development will not result in unacceptable on-street parking within the locality.’

The petition – submitted by lawyer Dougherty Quinn on behalf of Callow’s Yard Ltd – requests the ‘quashing’ of Mrs Beecroft’s decision.

It said the decision failed to take into account the inspector’s conclusions that there was likely to be low additional parking demand.

The commissioners and highways division were improving parking in town anyway plus there was plenty of parking in walking distance of Arbory Street.

Also the inspector found an increase of five spaces would not be ‘determinatively harmful’ to parking stress and benefits would flow from the development.

The petition states Mrs Beecroft did not have regard for the whole of the Amey report (into parking in town, conducted in February 2013 and commissioned by the Department of Infrastructure) meaning ‘her decision may be characterised as irrational’.

It adds: ‘The decision reached by Mrs Beecroft as set out in the department’s letter, contains inadequate reasons to support the refusal of the claimant’s appeal.’

PwC Men’s Premier

Bacchas A will be looking to make it two wins from two when they meet LJ Ramsey Men’s A at the Grammar School on Saturday.

Jamie Brown’s reigning champions made a triumphant start to the season with victory over Vikings A last weekend and will feel confident of extending their winning run.

Opponents Ramsey were defeated by Valkyrs A in their opening game and may find this match a struggle.

PwC Men’s Division One

Harlequins A will be aiming to follow up last week’s victory over Bacchas Colts by claiming victory over Crowe Morgan Valkyrs B when the two sides meet at QEII.

Matthew Shanahan’s charges have made an impressive start to the season and he will be hoping his side can maintain form here as they look to build a title challenge.

Neil Shimmin’s Valkyrs suffered a narrow defeat against Ramsey B last weekend and will be keen to secure their first points of the season.

PwC Women’s Premier

A close game is in prospect when Crowe Morgan Valkyrs A meet Bacchas A in Saturday’s late game at the NSC.

Andrea Littlejohn’s Valkyrs side were comfortable victors over Valkyrs B, however, they will need to be on top form as the Tromode side will provide a more formidable opponent.

Emma Leeming’s Bacchas were held to a draw by Ramsey A in their opening match and will be hoping her side can go one better here and claim both points on offer.

PwC Women’s Division One

Celton Manx Castletown B will be aiming to add to their tally when they meet Harlequins B at Castle Rushen on Saturday afternoon.

Amy Dawson’s Town side secured an impressive opening victory over Valkyrs C and will feel confident of victory.

Harlequins were well beaten by Saracens last time out and Helen Cave’s side will be hoping for an improved performance this weekend.

Saturday’s fixtures

PwC Men’s Premier Division

LJ Ramsey Men’s A v Bacchas A RGS 2.05pm

Unappointed, Mark Entwisle

Saracens A

v Crowe Morgan Valkyrs A CRHS 2.05pm

Unappointed, Gary Corkhill

Canaccord Genuity Vikings A

v Bacchas B NSC 2.05pm

Unappointed, Vic Ferns

PwC Men’s Division One

Celton Manx Castletown B

v Celton Manx Castletown A CRHS 12.35pm

Andy Bentley, Barry Powell

Harlequins A

v Crowe Morgan Valkyrs B QEII 3.35pm

Nigel Birkin, Tim Leeming

Harlequins B

v Canaccord Genuity Vikings Colts RGS 11.05am

Helen Cave, Sandra Smith

LJ Ramsey Men’s B v Bacchas C RGS 12.35pm

Connor Duggua, Rob McKenzie

Canaccord Genuity Vikings B

v Bacchas Colts QEII 2.05pm

Alex Cave, Peter Foxton

PwC Women’s Premier Division

Bacchas A v Crowe Morgan Valkyrs ANSC 3.35pm

Unappointed

Crowe Morgan Valkyrs B

v Celton Manx Castletown A QEII 12.35pm

Peter Foxton, Lindsay Riordan

Canaccord Genuity Vikings A

v LJ Ramsey Women’s A NSC 12.35pm

Unappointed

PwC Women’s Division One

Celton Manx Castletown B

v Harlequins B CRHS 3.35pm

Unappointed James Van Dort

Bacchas B

v Crowe Morgan Valkyrs C KWC 12.35pm

Unappointed

Harlequins A

v Canaccord Genuity Vikings B QEII 11.05am

Unappointed

LJ Ramsey Women’s B

v Canaccord Genuity Vikings C RGS 3.35pm

Jamie Brown Jon Whiting

Saracens A v Bacchas C CRHS 11.05am

Unappointed James Allen

Treasury Minister Eddie Teare will seek Tynwald approval next week to spend up to £2m of reserves to carry out a rate revaluation of homes.

The government has pledged to complete the rate revaluation of the island’s domestic housing stock by January 2016.

Chief Minister Allan Bell has previously said it would be impractical to carry out physical inspections of more than 40,000 domestic properties by the February 2016 deadline and so it is intended that valuation office records will be used and valuations based on capital values across nine different bands.

That deadline was agreed at the October sitting of Tynwald following a debate on a select committee’s report into the domestic rating system.

The committee was set up to investigate a petition of redress of grievance presented on Tynwald Day back in 2009 by David Buttery.

It made a series of recommendations including that a revaluation of ratable values of homes should be carried out every five years - irrespective of whether there is any reform of the rating system.

The last general rates revaluation took place in 1972 and was based on rental values from the late 60s.

This was at a time when properties in rural areas were let at low rents, resulting in lower rateable values than properties in towns and villages.

In Tynwald next week, Mr Teare will seek the court’s approval to draw down up to £2m from the reserve fund in order to deliver the domestic rating revaluation project.

In his explanatory memorandum to members, he says that Treasury does not consider the outdated rental valuation system is appropriate and believes it necessary to move towards a capital banded rating system.

He says that in order for a reformed system and revaluation to be achieved by the February 2016 timescale, it is necessary that a project team be quickly set up to deliver the project.

A public consultation will begin this month and run until March, and domestic property revaluations will begin in April. Political and legislative approval will be needed by December next year for implementation to take place from April 1, 2017.

But Mr Teare notes: ‘Implementation in this manner carries a risk of valuations being subsequently abortive should the relevant legislation upon which the capital valuations are then based not being supported in the branches or receive Royal Assent.

‘Valuations will be carried out utilising existing data from the valuation office records although it is expected that a valuation on this basis will result in a considerable amount of appeals which is unavoidable within the timescales.

‘Subject to consultation and final endorsement valuations will be provided on the basis of a nine band capital value arrangement as previously reported to the Council of Ministers.’

‘The timescales for delivery are extremely challenging not only in relation to the valuation process but also to introduce new primary legislation,’ he adds.

Mr Teare said it had been decided to fund the project from reserves rather than put a charge on the rates now or recover costs from future revenues.

He pledged that expenditure will be incurred only up a level needed to achieve the objective but that costs may approach £2m.

The Treasury Minister said ‘significant’ external professional valuation and legal advice will be required to meet the deadline - although there was uncertainty over budgetary requirements and availability of sufficiently qualified valuers to deliver the project.

He pointed out the revaluation process will have an impact on domestic rates bills.

Twenty-one burglaries or attempted burglaries have been reported to the Manx police force in less than a week.

Another five incidents of burglary or attempted burglary were reported over Wednesday and Thursday.

They were committed in the south of the island and Douglas and Onchan areas.

Police say investigations are continuing into these.

They are linking them to the previous burglaries reported since Friday last week.

The police say they have deployed extra staff, day and night in response to these burglaries and these additional patrols continue.

Detective Inspector Dave Dobbie said: ‘There continues to be contact from members of the public reporting suspicious activity, which we are grateful for.

‘We ask that people continue to be vigilant, both around their and neighbouring houses, particularly if the houses are unoccupied.

‘These incidents have occurred over a large area of the island and the message for the public to be attentive and to report anything suspicious applies to all of our community.’

Related reports:

{http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/big-jump-in-burglaries-in-the-isle-of-man-1-7046347|Big jump in burglaries}

{http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/more-break-ins-reported-1-7050624|More burglaries reported}

{http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/burglary-alert-1-7047684|Burglary alert}

{http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/attempted-burglary-1-7043669|Attempted burglary}

{http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/more-burglaries-in-douglas-1-7028939|More burglaries in Douglas}

{http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/christmas-presents-stolen-from-inside-house-1-7031841|Christmas presents stolen from house}

The number of people out of work in December in the Isle of Man rose by 18.

The total stands at 882, an unemployment rate of 2 per cent.

During the month, 194 people signed on while 176 signed off. There are 622 men and 260 women.

The December figure in 2013 was 1,159, a rate of 2.6 per cent.

In the UK, the unemployment rate is 6 per cent, while in Germany it’s 6.5 per cent and in Spain it’s 23.7 per cent.

During December 317 vacancies were notified to the Job Centre and at the end of it 129 were still on file.

A closer look at the statistics reveals that the island has a number of skills gaps, meaning it’s hard for bosses to find workers with the right qualifications for the jobs available.
For example, in the healthcare section, there were 11 people unemployed but 16 vacancies at the end of the month.

For finance and accountancy, the figures were two unemployed but 10 vacancies.

But there were 22 painters and decorators looking for work but no vacancies and 177 of those unemployed had never had a job.

Included in the figures are 49 people who are claiming for credits only and 16 people who need a work permit.

The statistics, from the government’s economic affairs division, do not include people under 18 but who are not claiming benefits.

The highest December unemployment figure in recent years was in 1985 when 2,434 were out of work. The lowest was in 2000 when 206 were out of work.

The island’s rate of inflation has dropped significantly, according to figures released today by the government.

The cost of living went up by just 0.2 per cent over the 12 months to December 2014 when measured by the consumer prices index (CPI).

A month earlier it stood at 1.1 per cent.

When measured by the retail prices index (RPI), which includes mortgage interest payments and household expenditure such as buildings insurance, inflation hit 2.2 per cent, down from 3 per cent.

Petrol and oil were 7.9 per cent lower than the year before. January’s {http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/price-of-petrol-drops-again-1-7044027|drop in prices at the forecourt} will make an impact on official inflation figures next month.

While air travel is 9.7 per cent cheaper (possibly a reflection of fewer services being available) sea travel inflation is running at 9.2 per cent.

Food and non-alcoholic beverages are 3 per cent cheaper than a year earlier while rent was 4.6 per cent more expensive.

While oil and ‘other fuels’ dropped 16.1 per cent, gas was 2.8 per cent dearer.

The UK’s December rate has not yet been published.

{http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/uk-news/osborne-hails-record-inflation-low-1-7046986|However, it is expected to fall below 1 per cent, as this story on our international news section said earlier this week.}

Classic local tales from a legendary screenwriter and author have been translated into Manx for the first time.

A bilingual edition of Nigel Kneale’s Tomato Cain and some other stories, which was first published in 1949, will launch next week thanks to a joint venture between Culture Vannin and the Isle of Man Arts Council.

Entitled Tomato Cain and some other stories, or Tomato Cain as paart dy skeealyn elley, the book comprises seven of the specifically Isle of Man based stories from the original publication.

The author, who died in 2006 aged 84, gained international recognition for his science fiction and horror scripts that drew audiences of millions.

To this day his breakout success, the Quatermass serials, are regarded as some of the the finest British television dramas of the 1950s.

The stories in this edition aren’t about science fiction or dystopian worlds, instead covering rural life in the island at the end of the 19th century, telling stories he would have heard from his grandparents growing up about scandal, skeet and the bittersweet comedy of everyday life.

Adrian Cain, the Manx language development officer for Culture Vannin, received permission from Kneale a number of years ago to create the work. The Manx translations have been been produced by Dr Brian Stowell.

The island’s secondary schools will receive free copies of the books to encourage a new generation of students to discover Kneale’s work.

Chairman of Culture Vannin Phil Gawne said: ‘Regardless of the language you read these stories in it is hoped that they will provide as much pleasure as they did to the readers of the original publication. We are proud to be associated with the publication of such an important book.’

Costing £10, Tomato Cain and some other stories will be launched at the Lexicon Bookshop in Douglas on Monday, January 19, from midday.

Three songs have been entered for the 10th Arrane Son Mannin – Song for Mann – competition.

As well as £300 sponsored by Culture Vannin, the winner will get all-expenses paid visit to the 44th Pan-Celtic Festival, which this year takes place in Derry in April, to represent the Isle of Man in the Inter-Celtic ‘New Song’ contest.

The competition takes place at the Masonic Hall, in Woodbourne Road, Douglas on Saturday, from 7.30pm.

The 10th anniversary of the competition will be celebrated with great songs from past years too, as well as Manx music and dance.

Not only that, but a ceili will follow with Tarroo Marroo to celebrate a bigger birthday – 40 years of the Manx dance group Bock Yuan Fannee.

Arrane Son Mannin organiser Fiona McArdle said: ‘Although several entries in the recent past have done well in the New Song competition and very much raised the profile of the island, as well as producing some memorable songs, this was won by the island for the first time in 2014 by the group ‘Shenn Scoill’ (Old School) with their song ‘Tayrn Mee Thie’ (Drawing Me Home), with Michelle Jamieson as their lead singer.

‘Looking purely at statistics, possibly a second win in two years is not likely, but hope springs eternal and the Isle of Man may achieve what Cornwall, the other small Celtic nation, did a few years ago when they won twice in a row!’

This year’s entries come from a variety of backgrounds. Two are from individual composers and the other from a husband and wife partnership.

Two of the songs were written in English, then translated into Manx, and the other was written in Manx first. Only one has the composer performing in it.

Fiona said: ‘It’s not easy learning a song in a language you don’t speak fluently – but opera singers manage it all the time!

‘So some of the singers, but not all, already have a reasonable knowledge of how to pronounce the Manx words.’

One of the songs is a lullaby, written for a new arrival in the family.

The other two are songs of the sea. One is jaunty, looking at a traditional Ramsey-built red-sailed fishing boat, the Master Frank, out in Ramsey Bay on a sunny afternoon, and recalling her glory days in the early 20th century fishing industry.

The other shows us the other crueller side of life when, during the days of the 18th century running trade, a lover lost his life at sea when struggling to evade the pursuing Revenue men.

The Pan-Celtic Festival runs from April 7 to 12. The Isle of Man Arts Council has helped to pay the costs of visits in past years.

Anyone wishing to go along on the night should reserve a place by emailing Fiona on fmcardle@manx.net

St George’s will be hoping to keep the pressure up on Canada Life Premier League rivals Peel when they face Laxey at Glencrutchery Road on Saturday.

Chris Bass Sr’s men currently top the pile by a point, but have played a game more than the westerners who sit this week out.

Conor Doyle is back from holiday and should return to a Geordies side that suffered a second loss of the season at the hands of Peel last time out.

Liam Doyle has returned to university in the United States, while Tom Weir is away, but Alex Harrison and new signing Ryan Kelly could make the squad as could Chris Bass Jr who nears fitness after a lengthy spell out with injury.

Prior to last week’s cup exit at the hands of Corinthians, the Miners had won their previous five league matches.

Aside from their exit from the competition, Saturday’s match also saw Danny Foulis break a leg and dislocate a knee. He will be missed in midfield against the hosts who will be favourites to claim all three points.

There’s a big game on the west coast as bottom side Michael take on fourth-bottom Ayre.

United are running out of games if they are to avoid relegation, but will be hoping to build on last week’s fine cup win over Douglas Athletic and heap more misery on an Ayre team that have lost their last six games.

Fellow relegation candidates Union Mills will also be hoping to add to their survival fund when they face Ramsey at Garey Mooar.

The Millers have won their last two games, both against Gymns, having not tasted victory previously since April.

Ramsey, however, will be a tougher prospect than the out-of-sorts Tromode outfit and Joedy Scarffe’s men will do well to make it three in a row.

Elsewhere Rushen should bounce back from last week’s cup exit with victory over Gymns at Croit Lowey, while two close games look on the cards at Blackberry Lane and the Bowl. Old Boys face St John’s and St Mary’s host Corinthians respectively.

There are a couple of potentially pivotal games taking place in JCK Division Two this weekend featuring four of the current top five.

Fourth-placed Colby welcome the side two spots above them in the table, RYCOB, while third and fifth do battle at Ballafletcher where Douglas Royal welcome Marown. Youthie are five points behind leaders Douglas Athletic but have no fewer than three games in hand so will still fancy their chances of overhauling the Springfield Road outfit.

They face a tough test though as Colby will be full of confidence having knocked Premier League outfit Ayre United out of the FA Cup at the weekend.

Royal and Marown are well placed to challenge for the end-of-season honours in the second division with just two points separating them. Should results go their way at the weekend, Marown could move up to second or Royal may rise to third in the table.

Breathing down the Whites’ necks though are Pulrose United - two points behind - who face a trip to Victoria Road to face Braddan. A close game should be in store and this one could go either way.

Leaders Douglas Athletic only have five league games left to play so will know they need to keep winning if they are to clinch the title. Standing in their way this weekend are Douglas and District who will be hoping to avenge their 7-0 thumping earlier on in the season.

The final game sees Malew travel to Noble’s Park to face the mighty Governor’s Athletic.

Manx alternative band Post War Stories have released a new two-track offering entitled ‘This Terrible Ordeal : Soundtracking The Lives Of Manx Residents In WW1’.

The two tracks, namely August 4th 1914 and Tommy Cain The U Boat Destroyer (The Ship of Death Has A New Captain), have been released in collaboration with the Isle of Man Arts Council and Manx National Heritage.

It’s based on the Island of Culture 2014 and fits in with the Manx Museum exhibition ‘This Terrible Ordeal’.

The exhibition was set up to mark the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of the First World War.

The two tracks can be downloaded for free from https://postwarstories.bandcamp.com/album/this-terrible-ordeal

Post War Stories is made up of Paul Salisbury (vocals/ guitar), Martyn Cain (bass guitar) and Ben O’Hare (drums/samples).

In other news, post rock, alt rock, shoegaze – whatever you want to call it– band Nanaki have released a new album entitled ‘Afterlight’.

This is only the second release from the band, who originally formed in 2002, and features the first original material in almost a decade.

It features Postcode guitarist Mikie Daugherty.

To purchase this release, please visit http://nanaki.bandcamp.com

Another new band to emerge on to the scene are Douglas-based alternative noisemakers Bloom.

Featuring Conrad Roberts, Brian Brough and Dario Leonetti, their next show, which I believe is only their second, is due to take place at The Carnival Live Lounge in Douglas on the evening of Saturday, January 31.

It follows their debut at New Social Studios, in Douglas, in December as part a Substructure Christmas Special with Baad Acid.

After the show they said they were ‘totally overwhelmed with the response we received’.

The show at The Carnival Live Lounge also features Baad Acid as part of the line-up.

The five-piece band is made up of Leigh Mitchell, Jamie Marshall, Benjamin Jones, Brian Brough and Gerard Cordwell.

For more information about Bloom, take a look at their Facebook page www.facebook.com/Officialbloomband

More next week!

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Steve Leach brings the latest rumblings, murmurings, news and views on forthcoming events in and around the island’s music scene. Help support the scene by emailing leachsteve@hotmail.com