The Fedelta Group are pleased to announce a senior new appointment.

Hannah Smith has been appointed tax manager.

Managing director Frank Perry said: ‘Hannah is both a chartered accountant and a chartered tax advisor specialising in inheritance tax, trusts and estates.

‘Her combined breadth and depth of knowledge and experience are a welcome addition to our ‘‘in house’’ capabilities and will enable us to advise our clients on the intricacies of their tax exposure in terms that are practical, commercial and, importantly, understandable.’

Hannah said: ‘I am attracted to Fedelta by their focus on a close client relationship and am looking forward to the challenge of building tax efficiencies into structures that make sense in a real world context.’

Fedelta’s services include bespoke trust and corporate services, pension services and fund administration, utilising tailored products that provide ‘innovative solutions’.

Fedelta Trust Limited is licensed by the Isle of Man Financial Supervision Commission and Fedelta Pensions Limited is Registered with the Isle of Man Insurance and Pension Authority as a professional Retirement Benefits Schemes Administrator.

Eight responses have been received to a notice inviting expressions of interest in operating island ferry services, Tynwald was told.

Infrastructure Minister Phil Gawne was speaking ahead of yesterday’s closing date.

Mr Gawne explained the prior information notice issued by his department was being used to ‘test the market’ and did not oblige it to proceed with a procurement process.

‘The purpose of the process is to determine whether a tender exercise is appropriate, or indeed even possible,’ he said.

Mr Gawne has previously revealed three responses have been received from established ferry operators.

Replying to a question from Alfred Cannan (Michael), the Minister said: ‘I can confirm that, so far, eight responses have been received, but I must stress the period for responses has been extended and there may yet be more responses to follow.’

He said bids for interested parties would be formally assessed during any tender exercise itself, if it was decided to proceed to that stage.

Mr Gawne said: ‘The only assessment during the market-testing exercise would be to determine if there were credible interested parties prepared, for example, to bid in a tender exercise.

‘If the department decided a tender process was appropriate, it would then work with procurement services to publish a full specification of requirements, call for expressions of interest and formally assess such expressions against the requirements.

‘It is entirely possible that all, none or some of the responders may take part in any expressions of interest tender process.’

Mr Cannan suggested any future ferry operator must not use any contract as leverage for debt. Mr Gawne said: ‘It’s important we don’t end up in the mess we have had in the past in relation to significant debt being part of the business model. Clearly, the user agreement will run out at some point – it may be as late as 2026, or much sooner – and at that point we have to have something far more robust in place, which allows us to get what we need as a nation.’

Laxey Village Commissioners’ (LVC) offices in New Road could be demolished under plans submitted by public transport bosses.

An application has been submitted (15/00017/A) for approval in principle to demolish the site and develop residential properties.

Laxey Commissioners had wanted the building to be refurbished or redeveloped for new offices.

But the government – which would be needed to provide some financial help – did not support either proposal.

The site is owned by Laxey Commissioners and the Manx Electric Railway.

The local authority owns the office accommodation, stores, garage and rear yard.

The offices are used by the commissioners and the remaining offices are let out to tenants including Lonan Commissioners, the police and Manx Bird Atlas. The MER owns the remaining grassed land and hard-standing.

In a statement submitted as part of the bid, it says Steven Morley Chartered Surveyors were appointed in 2010 to investigate upgrading fire precautions to the property.

While a specification was prepared for the works the principal rafter to the roof failed.

They advised it could not be repaired as the whole roof covering was in poor condition and required renewal.

It was envisaged that other essential works could be carried out at the same time, such as window renewals/repairs and re-rendering.

The statement continues: ‘Due to the level of refurbishment works required and the estimated costs LVC has approached the government valuer who has viewed the property, including the estimated costs of refurbishment, and is not supportive of either redevelopment or refurbishment of the property.

‘LVC would therefore need financial assistance from government to undertake either proposal and the government is not supportive of either approach. Therefore LVC have been exploring options and disposal of the site in partnership with MER, who do not require their land, forms the basis of this application.’

The commissioners are looking at building public toilets, to replace the ones in New Road, next to the new Laxey miner statue in Mines Road.

Mark Cavendish was second for the second time in three stages of the Tour de Luis in Argentina on Wednesday.

Cav and his and Etixx Quick-Step team moved to the front before the final kilometre of the 176.3km stage, but it was Fernando Gaviria (Colombia) who launched early on the uphill sprint finale to clinch his second win of the race.

‘It was a fast finish, and I felt super good,’ Cavendish said at the stage’s finish.

‘The team rode incredible again all day. But the Colombians went super, super fast the last few hundred metres. I’m happy with my form.’

Also on Wednesday, Peter Kennaugh helped Richie Porte climb to fourth overall in the Tour Down Under. The Manxman’s efforts during the stage to Paracombe helped the Australian rider finish sixth, while Pete was 104th.

A major new cycling and lifestyle festival is coming to the island in May 2016.

Isle of Man Cyclefest, presented by Isle of Man Bank, will be situated in the heart of Ramsey, with the spectacular Milntown Estate the festival hub for three days of epic cycling and family fun over the weekend of May 13-15.

Bursting into life on Friday evening, Cyclefest will let fans get up close and personal to the professional peloton as the Pearl Izumi Tour Series brings frenetic street racing to the northern capital.

Along with racing for the kids and a mass participation Big Ride in aid of children’s hospice Rebecca House, it will provide a stunning opening for the weekend’s activities.

There will be a range of events for the amateur cyclist to test both their stamina and mettle.

On Saturday Cyclefest’s mountain bike challenge, the Battle of Sky Hill, will pit the treaded-tyre warriors against the island’s natural landscape, while road cyclists will have the opportunity to conquer part of the world-famous TT course with a lung-busting Storm the Tower hill climb.

Sunday’s spectacular Sportive will provide competition for the masses and will feature thousands of metres of climbing crammed into a picturesque route, making it a fitting headline act.

For the less energetic there will be a family-friendly course to encourage all-comers.

l Full story in this week’s Manx Independent, on sale now.

Thursday, January 22

• 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.

• Family Library: Teddy time, 2pm-2.45pm, £2. Also, storybox, 10.30am followed by craft at 11am, £1. Friday, Jolly music, 4.15pm-4.45pm. Saturday, sticky fingers, 10.30am-noon. £2. Origami, 11am-11.45am, £2.50. Diorama workshop, 1.30pm-2.30pm, £5. Tuesday, letter patterns, 4pm-4.30pm, £2.

• 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, January 23

• 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 School, 1.45pm.

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

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

• 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, January 24

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

Sunday, January 25

• 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.

• 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, January 26

• 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, January 27

• 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.

• 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, January 28

• 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.

• Twins/Multiple Births Club, Philip Christian Centre, Peel, 10am-11.30am. Call 458202.

• 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, January 22

• 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.

• Hot yoga 7pm. 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, 5.30pm. £3. Also 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, January 23

• 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

• 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, January 24

• 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, January 25

• 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, January 26

• 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, January 27

• 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, January 28

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

• Zumba classes, beginners, antenatal and postnatal 9.45am, zumba fitness, advanced, 10.45am at Zumba Isle of Man, Silvercraigs Hotel. Call 677776 or visit www.zumbaisleofman.com. Run by a GP.

• 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.

Thursday, January 22

• 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, January 23

• 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, January 24

• 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, January 25

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

Monday, January 26

• 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, January 27

• 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, January 28

• 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, Royal British Legion hall, Port Erin, 7.30pm. Beginners welcome. Call 835098.

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

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

Thursday, January 22

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

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

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

• 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, January 23

• Department of Health and Social Care. Supporting older people in Mann. Free information day, Manx Legion Club, Market Street, Douglas, 10am-3.30pm.

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

• Revive Fridays 5.30pm-6.30pm. Enjoy the company and a faith tea. Trinity Church hall. Call 621004.

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

• Quiz to be held by the Isle of Man District Lodge of Oddfellows in aid of Motor Neurone Disease at Laxey Football Clubhouse at 7.30pm, £1 entrance.

• The Rise and fall of Dumbells Bank, talk by Alan Gelling, Sulby community hall, Clenagh Road, 7.30pm.

Saturday, January 24

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• 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, January 25

• Messy Church in Sulby Community hall, Clenagh Road, 10.30am-12.30pm.

• 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, January 26

• 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.

• MS Society coffee morning, Cherry Orchard, Port Erin, 1.30pm.

• 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, January 27

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

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

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

Wednesday, January 28

• 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.

• 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.

• Sir James Mellon Gallery Art Exhibition, Cool Manx - Jo Davies, Erin Arts Centre, Port Erin, 10.30am-4.30pm. Until January 31.

• We are Connected. Exhibition of works from the Isle Gallery children’s and adults art workshops, The Isle Gallery, Tynwald Mills, St John’s. Until February 1.

• ‘EARTH’ competition exhibition on in the Hodgson Loom Gallery, Laxey. This exhibition shows all the entries across various mediums including 2D, sculpture, ceramics, photography and textiles. Monday to Saturday, 9am – 5pm. Until 31st January.

• Come On, Keep on Trying, Tynwald Library until January 30. Exhibition pays tribute to Ramsey Gelling Johnson OBE.

Thursday, January 22

• 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.

• Isle of Man Anti-Cancer Association table top sale, Christ Church, Laxey, 10am-4pm. Call Christine on 861724. Also Saturday.

• Manx Retirement Association, stretch and flex at the NSC, Douglas, 10am. Indoor flat green bowling at the NSC, Douglas, 2pm-3.30pm. Tuesday, Douglas/Onchan coffee morning at the Cat with No Tail, 10.30am. Whist afternoon at the Cat with No Tail, Douglas, 2pm.

• 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.

Monday, January 26

• 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, January 27

• 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, January 28

• 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.

• Manx Retirement Association, a visit to Ronaldsway Met. Office at 2pm. Call 817007 for details.

• 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.

Palace Cinema

• American Sniper, (15). Nightly at 7.30pm.

• The Gambler, (15). Nightly at 7.45pm. Saturday and Sunday at 4pm.

• Paddington, (PG). Saturday at 1.30pm.

• Into the Woods (PG). Saturday at 3.30pm, Sunday at 1.45pm.

Broadway Cinema

• The Theory of Everything, (12A).Nightly at 7.30pm, Saturday at 4.30pm, Tuesday and at 2.30pm.

• Night At The Museum: Secret of the Tomb, (PG). Saturday at 2pm, Sunday at Noon.

• Penguins of Madagascar 2D, (U). Saturday at 11.30am.

• Bolshoi Ballet: Swan Lake Live. Sunday at 3pm.

Peel Centenary Centre.

•Finding Vivian Maier (2013).Wednesday at 7.45pm. £5. Doors open at 7pm.

Thursday, January 22

• Karaoke FM at Nexus Vodka Bar, Douglas.

• 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, January 23

• Little Miss Dynamite at the Union, Castletown.

• Ian Thompson at the Commercial, Ramsey.

• Borderline at Bar Logo, Ramsey,

• Southern Tenant Folk Union, Promenade Suite, Villa Marina, 8pm. Tickets £15.

• Brown Sugar at Jaks Bar, Douglas.

• Karaoke at the Albert, Douglas, 9pm.

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

Saturday, January 24

• Karaoke FM at the Manx Arms, Onchan.

• Little Miss Dynamite at the Commercial, Ramsey.

• Penthouse Dive at Jaks, Douglas.

• Ian Thompson at the Bridge, on the quay, Douglas.

• Brown Sugar at the Rosemount, Douglas.

• Skeet at the Mitre, Ramsey.

• Nick Barlow and the Bad Noise at the Bay, Port Erin.

•‘Them ‘Oul Times’ The Wandering Players’ popular Year of Culture 2014 presentation of the Manx story through word, music and song at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Woodbourne Road, 7pm for 7.30.

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

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

• Karaoke at the Central Hotel, Ramsey.

Sunday, January 25

• Karaoke FM at Nexus Vodka Bar, Douglas.

• One Wo/Man One Guitar at The Highwayman, Peel featuring Indigo Blue.

• 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, January 27

• 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, January 28

• Karaoke at the British, Douglas.

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

The International Development Committee of the Council of Ministers is inviting applications for multi-year grant funding for 2015-18.

The aim is to establish long-term partnership agreements to assist countries ranked as ‘low’ on the UN Human Development Index.

A government press statement says that this approach ‘strengthens the Isle of Man’s ability to help those in poverty become more self-sufficient and less dependent on foreign aid and is recognised as a more cost-effective way of supporting developing countries’.

The multi-year scheme also provides Isle of Man or UK-registered charities with greater certainty when planning and delivering overseas development programmes.

Phil Gawne MHK, chairman of the International Development Committee (IDC), said: ‘The Isle of Man remains fully committed to playing its part in efforts to create a more sustainable future for all the world’s citizens. Funding from the Isle of Man is continuing to make a genuine difference to people’s lives and also reinforces our reputation as an internationally responsible country. By channelling some of our resources into long-term partnerships I believe we can make our contributions work harder.’

He added: ‘Where charities have secured funding for three years it enables projects to focus on addressing the root causes of poverty and hunger or identifying opportunities for better health and education.’

A copy of the application form and further information about the application process is available on the IDC website {https://www.gov.im/about-the-government/offices/cabinet-office/international-development-committee/funding/multi-year-grant-application-checklist/|here}

The deadline for applications is 5pm on Monday, February 16, and late submissions will not be considered.

The IDC Secretariat will not be able to respond to detailed queries or enter into correspondence on the closing date.

To complete the application form, charities are required to provide general information about their organisation, contact details, background and experience, project information, delivery plan and budget, and any additional supporting evidence.

The application criteria is highlighted on the website and further information is available by emailing the IDC Secretariat idc@gov.im

The International Development Committee is responsible for a budget of £2.4million which is used to fund multi-year projects, small grants and donations to disaster and emergency appeals in the world’s developing countries.

Programmes supported by the Committee must seek to address the Millennium Development Goals which are to –

Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger

Achieve universal primary education

Promote gender equality and empower women

Reduce child mortality

Improve maternal health

Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases

Ensure environmental sustainability

Develop a global partnership for development

A dummy run of a new flood defence barrier in Castletown last Friday went well, said the town’s MHK, Richard Ronan.

He said it did its most important job: it reassured residents the department is on top of the problem.

Castletown was badly flooded last year by high tides and storm surges. Preparations are being made for high tides forecast this weekend.

The barrier is at Qualtrough’s timber yard and interested parties gathered last week to see how it would work.

‘I’m really pleased with it,’ said Mr Ronan. ‘There is good liaison with the Department of Infrastructure works team and the commissioners’ works team for the commissioners taking responsibility for the temporary flood barrier. There is a lot of good input with residents of the affected areas. As a result drainage valves and the overflow into Athol Terrace is being looked at. Things are progressing at a good pace. We are in a better place than this time last year.’

He referred to the consultant’s report published on January 19 and said it was ‘only the first step’.

‘It reassures people in the areas of the island affected by flooding we are on to this. We do have a problem this year, all that can be done is being done. From a Castletown perspective I’m satisfied. I want to see local authorities taking more responsibility, they are the bodies on the ground who respond quickly. What matters is the residents they need to know we are on top of this.’

The top judges in the Channel Islands will be able to preside over Manx courts, while the island’s First Deemster will now be able to preside over courts in Guernsey and Jersey.

David Doyle, the island’s First Deemster and Clerk of the Rolls, can now sit as a Judge of Appeal of the Courts of Appeal of Jersey and Guernsey.

It is anticipated that His Honour will sit in the Courts of Appeal of Jersey and Guernsey for up to two weeks per year.

He was officially appointed by the Queen.

The Lieutenant Governor has appointed Sir Michael Birt (the Bailiff of Jersey) and Sir Richard Collas (the Bailiff of Guernsey) to the office of Deemster thereby enabling them to sit in the Appeal Division of the High Court of Justice of the Isle of Man from time to time.

Hard-working Karen Kelly combines being a full time nurse with running her dream shop.

Mother-of-three Karen, 53, juggles the demands of working with the island’s mental health service with being proprietor of Winnie Kelly’s Ladies 
Fashion in Parliament Street, Ramsey.

And it seems word is fast going around the island about the shop that has just started selling Audrey Hepburn-style ‘retro’ fashions.

Following a very successful first year’s trading, Winnie’s moved into the shop next door which is more appropriate for its needs, but traded from both shops over the Christmas period.

Winnie Kelly’s Ladies Fashion Shop has become a firm favourite with women from all over the island selling new clothing, shoes, hats and handbags as well as jewellery and costume jewellery.

They have also operated a Ladies Dress Agency over the last 12 months selling clothing for clients on a 50/50 payment basis.

One woman called it a ‘jewel of a store’ on Facebook while another said she could spend all day in there.

Winnie’s is named after Karen’s beloved Yorkshire Terrier called Winnie who is a firm favourite with the customers.

Karen told Business News it had always been her dream to own a fashion shop.

Originally from Dudley in the West Midlands she has been in the island for the past eight years.

She came to live here after meeting her future husband, Cyril, on holiday in Tenerife.

She married the retired bank manager in Castletown, and he now uses his expertise to keep an eye on the book work as well as helping out with the shop.

Karen sells a mixture of ladies fashions.

This includes genuine vintage fashions ranging from the 1920s right up to the swinging sixties.

She also sells the latest fashions and has just started selling a new range of clothes based on the ‘Audrey Hepburn’ look which is starting to make a name for itself.

Karen is a firm believer in Ramsey’s regeneration.

‘It is really important for Ramsey and we are happy to be a part of it,’ she said.

‘Ramsey has a lot of family-run little shops and businesses that have a charm of their own.’

Post Office bosses have spoken out after Leonard Singer MHK resigned from the board.

Mr Singer was the vice chairman of the Isle of Man Post Office board.

He announced his intention to stand down during a {http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/hundreds-take-part-in-ramsey-post-office-protest-march-1-7057964|protest march} on Saturday about the threatened Crown post office in his Ramsey constituency.

His announcement came more than eight weeks after the Post Office originally announced that the Ramsey post office was due to close and its operations move into the Spar shop nearby.

In a statement released tonight (Thursday), the Post Office board says: ‘Isle of Man Post Office refutes all claims that Mr Leonard Singer MHK was asked to leave a Post Office board meeting and that it has in any way acted improperly.’

It says tht Mr Singer MHK, then vice chairman of the Post Office, attended a board meeting on November 27 at which he declared his position as Ramsey MHK but stayed in for the duration of the board meeting.

The statement adds: ‘He also attended the board meeting on December 15 where the post office conversion project was included on the agenda.

‘Mr Singer accepted that his publically-stated constituency position caused him a conflict of interest in this discussion and elected to withdraw from the meeting for this item.

‘At no time was Mr Singer asked to leave the meeting.’

The statement goes on: ‘All board members share the collective responsibility of the board for the control and management of its business. The board strives at all times to operate to the highest levels of corporate governance in the ways it conducts its affairs.

‘In addition to the above, Isle of Man Post Office wishes to state that it has, to date, not received any plans from Mr Singer to save the Ramsey and Douglas Crown Post Offices including his suggestion, made to the press, of increasing postage rates for all island residents.

‘Isle of Man Post Office continues to work to the motion set down by the House of Keys on December 2 and in doing so has delivered information to and answered questions from the relevant interested parties.

‘This information allows these parties to identify some alternative options for achieving the necessary savings and to put proposals forward should they decide to do so.

As the Chief Minister has confirmed, the Cabinet Office is assisting in the exploration of alternative solutions.

‘The board looks forward to receiving alternative proposals, ahead of the closing date on March 2, which identifies alternative options for achieving the necessary savings.

‘Whatever the outcome, the board is committed to continuing postal services in both Douglas and Ramsey town centres.’

The Isle of Man Post Office’s board members are The Ven Brian Partington OBE, Graham Cregeen MHK, Kit Pemberton and Kurt Roosen.

Related stories:

{http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/island-s-two-biggest-post-offices-to-shut-1-6958187|Island’s two biggest post offices to shut}

{http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/cannan-says-ramsey-should-keep-crown-post-office-1-7063460|Cannan says Ramsey should keep Crown post office}

{http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/crown-post-offices-could-be-converted-into-sub-post-offices-1-7056158|Crown post offices could be converted to sub post offices}

{http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/post-office-closures-instruction-to-conduct-closed-tender-process-came-from-govt-1-6975106|The tender process}

{http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/business/profits-at-the-isle-of-man-post-office-drop-by-900-000-1-6922520|Post Office profits plunge}

{http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/post-offices-not-being-closed-but-repositioned-1-6961607|Post offices are being repositioned}

{http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/ramsey-makes-feelings-known-at-angry-meeting-over-post-office-closure-1-6974645|Residents’ meeting}

{http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/post-office-decision-could-have-been-handled-better-says-chief-minister-1-6970851|Chief Minister admits decision could have been handled better}

{http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/we-would-have-had-an-open-tender-if-comin-wanted-it-1-6995273|We would have had an open tender if CoMin had wanted one}

{http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/post-office-closures-put-on-hold-after-emergency-keys-debate-1-6983613|Post office closures put on hold}

{http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/50-000-mhk-to-move-into-a-subsidised-flat-1-5657997|Leonard Singer’s subsidised flat}

The chances of being a victim of burglary in the island remain small, a police chief said tonight.

His comments came after a spate of dozens of burglaries or attempted burglaries.

Inspector Derek Flint said: ‘Currently we have 36 burglaries or attempted burglaries recorded in this current run of incidents.

‘We are working with those victims, and progressing a number of lines of inquiry to try to reduce the number of future victims as much as we can.

‘Whilst there is a lot of understandable public concern over these offences, we need to make sure that people understand that the chances of becoming a victim really do remain very small here on the island.

‘That chance is further diminished by what we are seeing – people becoming more security conscious, and that vitally important neighbourhood vigilance.

‘Neighbours are definitely keeping more of an eye out for each other, and letting us know about anything untoward.

‘Please keep the information coming in. We are out there waiting to respond to your call.’

Related stories

{http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/updated-report-another-burglary-and-another-attempted-break-in-1-7064566|Our story from earlier today.}

{http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/jewellery-stolen-by-burglars-1-7056184|Jewellery stolen in break-ins}

This year’s Tower of Refuge walk will be on Sunday, April 19.

The escorted walk is open to all ages, but children must be accompanied by an adult.

The walk is expected to begin in the early evening.

Douglas town centre manager Michelle O’Malley said: ‘This is a great community event that raises money for the RNLI.’

Tower Insurance is sponsoring the event, which is now in its fourth year.

In 2014 the walk attracted around 3,400 participants and raised £3,000 for the RNLI. Picture by Mike Wade