A TT world series could have great benefit to the Isle of Man according to Economic Development Minister Laurence Skelly.

Mr Skelly said a series of races, proposed at perhaps five different venues in winter in the southern hemisphere culminating in the June final at the Isle of Man would also promote the main TT event and raise its profile worldwide.

While the island may be packed during TT fortnight itself, the hope is that tourists could be encouraged to visit throughout the season.

‘One of the things we will get out of it is a rights or franchise fee,’ he said.

‘And the idea would be to have a profit share with the organiser of each event around the world.’

Initial investigations were done on the proposal back in 2012 and the government has spent approaching £200,000 on a report from The Sports Consultancy which thinks the plan is viable.

The idea is various countries will be able to bid for the right to host a TT race but the essence of the Isle of Man event should be preserved in that it will be at least partly run on roads, there will be an open paddock and spectators will be able to get close to the action.

‘It means we have exclusive rights to promote the Isle of Man in those destinations and the broadcast opportunities that sit along side that are also beneficial.

‘We probably can’t accommodate a lot more for the TT itself becase we are about to plateau as far as the races are concerned. But what we are trying to do is create other tourism opportunities.’

Another benefit would be the extra opportunity to sell a whole range of branded products including clothing and trinkets.

The government is currently inviting expressions of interest from organisations interested in taking over the promotion side of the event currently managed by the Department of Economic Development motorsport team.

‘The event is in the ascendancy so now is the time to take a step back,’ he said.

But he said the motorsport team will still have plenty to occupy them: ‘We will still be managing all the infrastructure in terms of staging the event in the Isle of Man, things like road maintenance and closures, co-ordinating emergency services and all the other tasks associated with running the event.’

Commenting on how likely it is to happen, Mr Skelly said: ‘We have got the level of interest and the right calibre of people interested, I can’t say who at this stage. It does suggest there is a distinct possibility but there are also a number of issues to think through. We need to protect our reputation.’

The World Series proposal is to be put to Tynwald in November.

Marketing expert Professor Hugh Davidson said he thought the idea had the potential to offer benefits to the island.

‘It’s certainly worth exploring and I think it could be big,’ he said.

‘The TT is our biggest brand and when you mention the Isle of Man to people the subject of the TT always comes up. It’s a very strong brand with international potential.’

However, he said there were definitely certain issues that would need to be addressed, not least the matter of safety in times of increasing health and safety concerns.

Moreover, there is no guarantee of success: ‘Any new project involves a risk. But the potential pay off is so great it deserves some investment. If it didn’t work, I don’t think the people behind it should be castigated.’

The key thing will be to use and promote the same brand name, the same logo: ‘The event has tremendous history and heritage from the past 100 years and we can take advantage of that.’

A modernisation programme at Port Erin Commissioners means the authority can afford to keep the rate at 288p in the pound.

Commissioners’ chairman Ged Power made the announcement on Tuesday and said the rate has been pegged for another year despite the prospect of increased costs when the authority takes over services such as street sweeping and pothole repair from the Department of Infrastructure in April.

Mr Power outlined some of the modifications including a ‘customer relationship management system’ to record issues highlighted by residents, featuring planning applications on the website and accepting card payments at the office.
He thanked clerk Jason Roberts, ‘for his vision and transformational actions’.

For continued cost savings to be made, he urged authorities in the south to co-operate and said: ‘It is imperative that local authorities better communicate and work together in order to further reduce costs. I’m hoping that greater co-operation will benefit many people in Port Erin and the neighbouring areas.’

Projects for this year include replacing the bridge on the coastal path at Spaldrick.

He thanked staff and board members for their hard work and added: ‘Port Erin has a bright future with our modernised approach and continued positive development in local governance.’

So far, the local authority rates set are:

Arbory 113p (105p last year)

Braddan 215p (219p)

Castletown 320p (320p)

German 81p (70p) plus waste charge

Marown 155p (146p)

Ramsey 348p (348p)

Port Erin 288p (288p)

Port St Mary 306p (306p)

Douglas is setting its rate today.

Other authorities have not yet announced their rates.

After the windy weather of the past few weeks, consumer watchdogs are advising householders to be wary of any builders who turn up on the doorstep without an appointment, offering to carry out repairs to storm damage or other home improvements.

The Office of Fair Trading says that ‘cold calling’ is a tactic often used by itinerant and less-reputable builders to catch householders off their guard and the OFT has been involved with several recent cases in the island where sub-standard work has been the result.

Andrea Tabb, advice centre manager at the OFT, offers the following advice to householders on how to avoid becoming a victim of rogue builders:-

DON’T be pressurised into having work done

DON’T fall for patter such as ‘We’re working on a roof down the road and spotted some damaged tiles on your roof” or “We’ve got some materials left over from a cancelled contract’

DON’T part with a significant amount of cash up front

DON’T settle for vague written statements, e.g. ‘Replace tiles’ or ‘Tarmac drive’”

DO call the police or the OFT for advice if a builder is pestering you

DO ask for time to think about it before you agree to having any work done – you may change your mind on reflection when the builder has gone away

DO ask yourself whether the work to be carried out actually needs doing – if necessary seek a second opinion

DO seek the advice of your friends, neighbours or relatives before you agree to have work done

DO obtain at least two further quotes if you believe that the work is necessary – be wary if the quote from the builder who called on you is significantly cheaper than the others

DO ask for quotes rather than estimates – remember that an estimate is just that and can be exceeded, but a quote should not be exceeded

DO ask for a written breakdown of the work to be carried out

DO contact the OFT for advice if a cold calling builder does not give you a notice in writing indicating that you have the right to cancel the contract within the period of 7 days, as in most circumstances you have the right to cancel a contract that you have entered into with a builder who has called at your home without a prior appointment

The OFT produces leaflets on ‘scams’ and also ‘Home Improvements – A guide to having work done on your home’ which can be obtained from the OFT in Lord Street, Douglas, telephone 686500 or from its website www.gov.im/oft

An island based company has an important role in the richest horse racing meeting in the world.

Premier Gateway International Ltd (PGI) are working with the Emirates Racing Authority as the host of the international horse race betting pools for this year’s Dubai racing season, which includes the Dubai World Cup Carnival.

The Carnival is a series of 11 highly-competitive race meetings that annually attract the world’s best horses, jockeys and trainers to Meydan racecourse in the United Arab Emirates.

The Carnival culminates in the world’s richest race meeting, the Dubai World Cup, which is being held on March 28th 2015.

This features nine high-class races highlighted by the US$10 million Dubai World Cup.

Neil Harmer, chief information Officer for PGI said: ‘We are delighted to be working with the Emirates Racing Authority as the betting pools provider for the Dubai racing season and are particularly looking forward to working on the Dubai World Cup Racing Carnival.

‘The betting pools for the Carnival attract interest from betting operators around the world who will all be connecting into PGI’s totalisator system located in Douglas.

‘We’ve found the Isle of Man to the ideal location for our business and have benefited from the highly professional approach that the Government takes for the gaming industry and the technological infrastructure.

Chief executive officer for eGaming Development with the Isle of Man Department of Economic Development Peter Greenhill said: ‘This announcement is not only great news for PGI but also for the Isle of Man as it reinforces our status as a high quality and respected jurisdiction for gaming and betting business.’

Premier Gateway International (PGI), an Isle of Man company, is a wagering hub that facilitates access to worldwide totalisators for international clients and other wagering operators. It is owned by Phumelela Gold International Limited and Tabcorp Europe Holdings Limited under a joint venture arrangement.

As one of the largest wagering hubs in the world, PGI operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, offering wagering on an average of over 130 race meetings across the world every day.

Police officers will catch the burglars responsible for dozens of break-ins ‘unnerving’ people across the Isle of Man.

Two former members of the Manx force spoke out to say they are in no doubt the thieves will be apprehended.

Former experienced senior detectives David Bell and Robert Kinrade are convinced it is only a matter of time before the criminals are brought to book.

The men, who run an island security company called Expol, have been ‘inundated’ with calls from worried members of the public seeking assurances and help in keeping an eye on properties.

Mr Bell, a retired detective chief inspector, said: ‘The police will be eager to have this dealt with.’

And Mr Kinrade, a retired detective inspector, said: ‘Police will catch them, undoubtedly they will catch them.’

They spoke as Chief Minister Allan Bell said the burglaries – 39 at the last count – were impacting on our quality of life as an island community.

He said: ‘This is beginning to unnerve some parts of our community.’

Jewellery and cash appear to have been the main targets of the thieves who have struck across the island at places including Douglas, Onchan, Kirk Michael, Lonan and Port St Mary.

Four Expol full-timers and a ‘pool’ of five part timers, all former police officers with many years of service between them have been working flat out in the last week keeping an eye on properties and advising residents.

In at least a couple of cases Expol men have been ‘house sitting’ at empty properties for clients.

David Bell, who notched up 25 years’ service with the Manx force, said Expol was normally involved in corporate style investigations but the last week had seen more than two dozen members of the community call their Douglas office for help during the current crimewave.

He said: ‘When we are out and about there are some extra eyes out there and anything we see we would report direct to them [the police].’

Mr Kinrade said: ‘There’s been 30-plus incidents now against the community and we are community people. The police have our total support in this. I stress that the police will catch them.’

His colleague and fellow Expol director Mr Bell said:‘I would expect people to report anything that is the least bit suspicious now and the police will be getting more of a picture that they are building up. It’s only a matter of time before these people are caught.’

Both men said that during their time with the Manx force they had never come across such a crimewave. Mr Bell said: ‘There have been spates of burglaries on the island before. [But] I have never known them go on over such a period of time and in such numbers.’

Chief Minister Allan Bell said:‘This is beginning to unnverve some parts of our community.

‘I don’t think we have had such sustained criminal activity of this nature for a very long time. It’s impacted on our quality of life. I think it has surprised people, shaken them up. The island is exposed as being a bit more vulnerable than we have come to expect in the past.

‘We still have a very low level of crime. This is not a breakdown in law and order. This is a specific targeted series of acts by a criminal or criminal gang.

‘I believe the police are doing all they can. We need to come together as a community to help police catch those responsible as soon as possible.’

Inspector Derek Flint yesterday said the weekend had not seen any new domestic burglaries. The total tally stands at 39 now some offences that had taken place earlier have been identified.

Inspector Flint said: ‘It is important that people continue with their vigilance and remain security conscious. When criminals know that a community is actively contributing to both the investigation and the prevention of offences, they are less likely to commit offences. We’d like to thank the public for their work, and to keep the information flowing.’

In the House of Keys today, Liberal Vannin MHK Peter Karran (Onchan) will ask Home Affairs Minister Juan Watterson what the reasons are for the increase in burglaries.

A business run by former Manx police officers has been inundated with calls from worried residents in the wake of the island’s burglary crime wave.

Dozens of home owners have called the Expol office because they are concerned they could be the target of the criminals and are seeking help.

Four people work full time at Expol but the demand for help has been so great that a ‘pool’ of five other former Manx constabulary officers have been drafted in to help.

Their work has included checking homes, liaising with householders and in at least one case Expol staff have been ‘house sitting’ while the occupier has been away.

Director David Bell told Business News that Expol is primarily involved in forensic investigation and corporate risk consulting but the spate of burglaries in the island - 39 at the last count - have led to the company being contacted by an ‘unprecedented’ number of people. He said: ‘This is not something we normally get involved with but we are pleased to help. It is not just from people who own homes in the island, it’s coming from some business premises as well.’

‘I’ve just come back from doing a check now,’ said fellow director Robert Kinrade as he joined us in the Douglas office having just returned from doing a check on a commercial business.

Mr Bell said: ‘We have had calls from people who live off island who feel they have vulnerable relatives here. We have come to an arrangement

to make visits.And also we have heard from people who live on island who are going off on trips who feel they want a physical presence.

‘Some of that is for a more inclusive arrangement, for people to stay on the pre mises and we have been able to arrange that.

‘Others have asked for a number of visits per day.

‘So much so that we have had to mobilise our external staff.’

Mr Kinrade said: ‘It’s a pool of part timers, they are all former police officers. It gives clients a good feeling and a good sense of security that former Manx police officers are doing this type of work. Whilst we are not a ‘‘guarding’’ organisation we can provide a discreet, efficient and trustworthy service to clients.’

Mr Bell said: ‘And it’s situations they [the former officers] are all quite used to.’

The directors said they are visiting houses and it is planned with the householder as to the times they are away and then ‘strategically we think about what are the best times and we try to fit that in with what we know about what’s going on.

‘We’ve worked that out with the client.’

Mr Kinrade said: ‘What we have picked up on now is the fact that the burglars at the moment . . . there does not seem to be a routine to their times so it could be day time, day light or early evening or late at night.

‘So for somebody who is out at work during the day and leaving their house unoccupied it is a genuine concern.’

Mr Kinrade said calls were coming in from all over the island from people in all walks of life.

Both Mr Bell and Mr Kinrade were experienced senior Manx officers.

David Bell formed Expol Ltd when he retired as a detective chief inspector with the Manx constabulary in 2005.

His colleague, former detective inspector Robert Kinrade, joined the firm as a director in 2007.

Mr Kinrade said: ‘I don’t think there has been the compacted numbers in a compacted space of time that there’s been now. That’s quite unique, a lot of burglaries squashed into a short amount of time.’

Both men says it is only a matter of time before the offenders are caught.

Mr Bell said: The police will be eager to have this dealt with.

And Mr Kinrade said: ‘They will catch them, undoubtedly they will catch them.’

Mr Bell said: ‘They will be deploying all the resources they can, that’s human resources, technical resources and these people will eventually be caught .

‘We ourselves have noticed by being out and about, that there is a good police presence out there.

‘The police will want this high visibility presence.’

Mr Bell said in his opinion the public could expect to face more stop and searches on the road, at the ferry and the airport. ‘I would be surpised if that was not happening now and I would expect there will be more of that type of tactic used by the police.’

Mr Kinrade said: ‘The police will be deploying every strategy known to catch thse people quickly and they will catch them.’

Both men said burglary can have ‘devastating effects on people, it’s a personal violation.’

Both Expol men urged members of the community to report anything suspicious to police.

Typhoon House is celebrating a major coup by signing an exclusive contract to supply the Konica Minolta DEVELOP range of multi-functional printing devices (MFD) in the Isle of Man.

The contract win means that Douglas-based Typhoon House says it will be able to offer customers the very latest technology at competitive prices, backed by one of the biggest international names in the industry.

Typhoon House specialises in providing office printing from single mono printers through to the most advanced multi-functional production printers.

Debs Gwinnell, sales and marketing director of Typhoon House said: ‘We are thrilled to be able to offer both our new and long established clients the DEVELOP range of multi-functional devices.’

Typhoon House will have been in the island for 22 years this year.

contract

She added: ‘We are confident this is a contract which will further enhance that growth while offering major benefits and savings to new and existing clients.

‘It is a contract which also offers global opportunities for Typhoon House which, since we moved to purpose built facilities at Hills Meadow more than three years ago, has seen growth of some 40 per cent.

‘DEVELOP is without doubt the market leader in MFD (office multifunction devices) technology, offering remarkable renewable build quality and printing and copying results.

‘Its range of devices is also backed by award winning software that can be tailored to the needs of an individual business and will sit alongside the major brands we already supply and maintain, backed by our extensive, on-island qualified engineers.’

The growth spiral has also seen two new arrivals join a company which prides itself on its individuality stemming from the unconventional management style adopted by Debs and husband Geoff.

They include Andrew Berry who, for the past eight years has been a successful sales and account manager.

Married with a two-and-a-half-year-old daughter, his hobbies include golf, football, swimming running and in the office making a ‘mean cup of coffee’.

Tim Shaw, married with two sons and who recently celebrated his 25th wedding anniversary with wife Georgina, has worked in the office equipment industry since leaving school 31 years ago.

This has been in a variety of roles including service engineer, service management and consultancy sales.

Something of a ‘petrol head’, hobbies include motorsport and he is also a lifelong supporter of Manchester United.

‘They are both excited to be part of Typhoon House’s future,’ said Debs.

Former World Supersport podium finisher Robbin Harms is set to make his TT debut this summer.

The 33-year-old Dane will ride for the highly-respected TC Racing/DP Coldplaning team, run by former racer Mick Charnock, and will contest the Superbike, Superstock, Senior and Supersport races on Honda machinery.

Speaking about his planned debut, Robbin commented: ‘I didn’t think I would have the chance to race in the world famous Isle of Man TT but thanks to the efforts of the organisers and Mick Charnock and the TC Racing/DP Coldplanning team that dream has become a reality.

‘I made my first visit to the island to see the circuit for myself in December and I am under no illusions as to how much work there is ahead of me. However, I am not fazed by this and I intend to spend as much time as I can in the island learning the course so I am fully prepared when the races begin.’

More in Thursday’s Manx Independent.

Douglas rate payers will face a small increase in their payments this year.

Douglas council has set its rate for this year at 402 pence, which represents a 1.26 per cent rise on last year.

Council leader David Christian said the rise was below the current Retail Price Index inflation rate and this was in itself an achievement, in the face of rising costs.

Inflation measured by the CPI (Consumer Prices Index) which does not include mortgage interest and household insurance, was running at 0.2 per cent during the year ending in December 2014.

Describing the budget as ‘sombre but realistic’, he said: ‘There has been pain and there is more pain to come.’

Increasing costs to the council of waste disposal, added to a 2.2percent inflation rate, would equate to a rate level of 415 pence, a 4.5 per cent increase. But it was thanks to judicious cost savings of £416,000, identified for the coming financial year, that the rate had been kept lower.

One of the savings has been achieved by reducing the rates payer’s early payment discount from five to four per cent. Other savings have been made by using reserves to pay off loans and fund some capital expenditure, thus saving on interest repayments.

The increase equates to a rise of 11 pence per week for a typical three-bedroom semi-detached house rated at £116.

Rates set so far are as follows: Arbory 113p, (105p last year), Braddan 215p, (down from 219p last year), Castletown, unchanged at 320p, German 81p (70p) plus the waste charge, Marown 155p (146p), Ramsey, unchanged at 348p, Port Erin unchanged at 288p, Port St Mary unchanged at 306p.

The Steam Packet has cancelled tonight’s sailing from Douglas to Heysham.

Tomorrow morning’s 2.15am return sailing is obviously cancelled too.

The stormy weather has already led to this morning’s Ben-my-Chree sailing being cancelled.

The company is now warning that tomorrow morning’s sailing and its return are in doubt too.

A decision on tomorrow morning’s sailing will be made at about 7am.

For the latest on the situation visit {http://www.steam-packet.com/LatestSailings|this site}.

Passengers affected by the cancellations should contact the Steam Packet’s reservations team on 01624 661661 to make alternative arrangements.

Marshals and timekeepers can sign on for this Saturday’s IMGold Chris Kelly Memorial Rally at the Mike Hailwood Centre near the Grandstand from 6pm this evening, Wednesday.

This event is the first round of the Eurocars Manx Rally Championship and will see various crews from the UK travel to the island as a practice run for the Manx National Rally in May.

If anyone can spare a morning or afternoon they will be gratefully received. Stages running approximately 9-1 or 12-4.

Contact chief marshal Seb Turner on seb.turner@manxautosport.org or 420357 (texts only during working hours) for either role.

The captain of a Scottish fishing boat has been fined £15,000 for illegal fishing in Manx waters.

Gary Nicholson, skipper of the vessel Tobrach-N, was found to be employing eight dredges per side with the legal limit in Manx waters being seven dredges.

The diameter of the boat’s tow bar was also larger than that permitted under Manx regulations.

Tobrach-N is a sister ship to the Solway Harvester which sunk in Manx waters in 2000.

Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA) minister, Richard Ronan MHK, said: ‘I hope this sends out a strong message to the industry that the Isle of Man is committed to the protection and development of stocks of shellfish within its territorial sea and is vigilant over illegal fishing activity.

‘The significant fine must act as a strong deterrent to all vessels intending to fish in Manx waters.’

Sea fisheries officers from DEFA’s fisheries protection vessel, Barrule, boarded the Scottish boat on Monday, January 19, while it was fishing for king scallops off the island’s west coast. It was escorted to Peel, where it was detained.

On Thursday, January 22, Nicholson appeared before Deputy High Bailiff Jayne Hughes and admitted two breaches of Manx regulations relating to scallop fishing.

Mrs Hughes also ordered that Nicholson pay £125 court costs and that the catch, worth £5,423, be forfeited.

A dredge is towed along the bottom of the sea by a fishing boat in order to collect edible bottom-dwelling species. It is then winched up into the boat and emptied.

The gear is used to fish scallops, oysters and other species of clams and crabs.

Thursday, January 29

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

• Southern 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 30

• 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 31

• 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, February 1

• 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, February 2

• 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, February 3

• 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, February 4

• 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.

An afternoon tea and talk by SuperJam founder Fraser Doherty and organised by Junior Achievement attracted more than 160 people to the Palace Hotel.

Supported by Microgaming PlayItForward the event provided the Manx charity with an opportunity to highlight the importance to equip young people with the entrepreneurial and soft skills they will need to succeed in an increasingly competitive jobs market.

The audience of local business representatives was also introduced to the self-styled ‘Jam Boy’ who recounted his story of how, inspired by his grandmother’s recipes, he founded his 100 per cent fruit jam company aged just 14 and now supplies more than 2,000 supermarkets worldwide.

The 26-year-old is a long-time Junior Achievement ambassador who became Global Student Entrepreneur of the Year in 2007 and was appointed MBE in the 2014 Queen’s birthday honours list.

Ahead of learning about ‘The Adventures of Jam Boy’ the audience heard Junior Achievement chief executive Sue Cook explain why the charity’s work in schools was vital.

She said: ‘Globally the highest level of unemployment is among the young.

‘My counterpart in Greece tells me youth unemployment there stands at 60 per cent.

‘In the Isle of Man, as of December last year, there were 380 young people under the age of 24 classified as NEETS - not in education, employment or training.

‘You could be forgiven for thinking it’s because the jobs don’t exist but that’s not strictly true. In a recent survey of 3,000 companies conducted by the British Chamber of Commerce 76 per cent reported a lack of work experience as one of the key reasons why young people were struggling to get work.

‘More than 57 per cent said young people were lacking basic “soft” skills. ‘I believe the only way we can change this is to combine academic knowledge with practical skills, which is why Junior Achievement is working with teachers, volunteers and businesses to help equip our youth for the challenges they’re going to face when they start looking for work.’

She went on to outline the value of Junior Achievement’s company programme.

Supported in the island by the Boston Charitable foundation it is recognised by universities as the top entrepreneurial programme in the world for young people, with more than 250,000 students in the British Isles participating every year.

The company programme tasks students to set up and run their own business supported by a volunteer business mentor.

They develop a product then take it to market and are responsible for running every aspect of the business including raising the start-up capital.

At the end of the programme students can enter their business into a competition to find the Isle of Man student Company of the Year.

‘But the journey doesn’t end there,’ said Sue. ‘The winning team goes on to represent the Isle of Man in the Junior Achievement Young Enterprise European finals and compete against 38 other countries.’

She said research showed that taking part in the company programme or a similar entrepreneurial scheme while still in school can significantly enhance students’ chances of getting a job.

She cited the reasons why. ‘It gives young people more confidence, the ability to learn to network and generate business contacts and they’re more likely to be able to sell, take initiative and think strategically because the company programme shows them what it takes to run a business.

‘We know this programme works.

‘A report commissioned by Junior Achievement Europe surveyed 1,200 people aged between 20 and 29 who had participated while in school. Its findings showed that 15 per cent had gone on to start their own business and a further 36 per cent were considering it.

‘This was compared to the national average of six per cent. ‘And if further proof were needed, Fraser participated in the company programme.’

In his talk the Edinburgh-born entrepreneur and philanthropist told his audience he had entered the company programme with a scheme to sell sweets.

‘I didn’t win, but I learned a lot about how to start a business.’

The journey from making jam in his parents’ kitchen to supplying outlets across the world was not without its setbacks, he explained, but on the way he had learned about branding, image, presentation, marketing and funding.

The day following the presentation Fraser shared his story at Ballakermeen High School with this year’s company programme entrants.

He said: ‘The company programme was inspirational. It showed me how a good idea doesn’t have to re-invent the wheel.’

He urged students to take advantage of their business mentors’ experience and said how, with luck, imagination and hard work, the company programme ‘can change your life.’

To find out more about the work of Junior Achievement visit www.jaiom.im or contact Sue Cook suecook@jaiom.im

How much is the mobile library used in Port Erin?

That’s the question to be posed by the commissioners to those running the service.

Librarian-in-charge of the mobile library Sandra Henderson has written to all local authorities asking for financial support. The government ran the library until August 2012. The Manx Educational Foundation charity pledged funding for three years, but this expires in August.

Running and maintaining two mobile libraries costs £250,000 a year. They have secured half of that and are seeking £125,000 by August.

Last week, commissioner Godfrey Egee said: ‘It’s difficult when we have our own [library].’

Barbara Guy asked: ‘How much of Port Erin is serviced by the mobile library?’ She wondered how much they visit the ‘outreaches’ of the village.

Clerk Jason Roberts said they visit areas of sheltered accommodation where elderly people live and Shoprite.

Chairman Ged Power suggested they find out how many books are loaned out in Port Erin.

Phil Crellin said: ‘We have our own library. It’s a valuable service, but we are not in the business of sponsoring other libraries.’

Mr Roberts said: ‘The libraries in Port Erin and Castletown combined cost less than two thirds of what they are looking for.’

He added volunteers from the library deliver books to people at home.

They will request more information on the use of the mobile library in Port Erin.

Queen Elizabeth II High school in Peel has made it into the finals of the keep Britain Tidy Diamond Jubilee awards in two separate categories.

The school saw off more than 90 other applications to make the short lists of the Green Flag Eco-School’s Eco-Committee of the Year and the Diamond Jubilee Award.

The winners will be announced at a presentation ceremony on February 12 at Lutyen’s Crypt in Liverpool, where more than 300 guests are expected.

Green Flag Award nominees must have been involved in a Green Flag Award-winning site. The school has successfully renewed its second Green Flag Award which has earned it this recognition. Representing the school at this event will be eco committee member Ben Roobottom, aged16, and eco-committee teacher co-ordinator Lesley Sleight.

The school was assessed on the innovative ways the committee went about its work, obstacles overcome, achievements and impact and benefits the eco-committee made through their work to imbed the principles of sustainability into the heart of school life.

Over the past year school projects included growing clothes from bacteria, recycling T-shirts into scarves, bracelets, cat and dog toys, growing food for the canteen, making bird boxes and making a new roof for the bike shed from food cans from the canteen. Groups monitored electricity usage and informed students how money saved could be spent.

A property which has been an eyesore for years is to be raised at the next Onchan commissioners’ meeting.

Commissioner Rob Callister said the property had gone off the radar because it had not been brought to their attention recently. But he said he was happy to follow it up.

The house at Third Avenue in the village has been left empty for more than 15 years with a mass of weeds as well as an ancient boat and motorbike in the back garden.

‘It’s quite historical,’ Mr Callister said.

‘The matter has not been before the commissioners’ board recently but I will put it on our agenda for next week.

‘Empty properties are always difficult to deal with. One problem is establishing ownership and another is actually getting someone to do repairs,’ he said.

‘It’s a recurring theme around the Isle of Man and it is difficult when we have people looking for properties to live in. I think it is something the government should act on.’

One neighbour who asked not to be named said they had not seen the owner for years and the property had gradually deteriorated in that time.

Another neighbour, Mandy Underwood, said: ‘You don’t expect a house to stay like that for years. I feel sorry for those people next door.

‘When people buy a house they buy what they can afford but I think anyone would be surprised for a property to stay in that state for so many years. I am further away but I would still like to see something done. We need a residents’ association to promote our interests.’

The chairman of the body which oversees the running of Douglas tip has said he is adamant an island charity must pay its waste disposal fees.

Councillor Bill Malarkey, chairman of the joint committee in charge of the site at Middle River in Douglas, said to waive charges for the charity would not be fair on Douglas rate payers.

‘It’s just the way of life,’ he said.

‘We are not being nasty to a charity but someone has to pick up the tab. As a charity they are already being charged domestic rather than commercial rates, so they are getting a favourable rate.’

Mr Malarkey said the problem was the charity collected from towns and villages around the island but because its charity shop is based in Douglas unsaleable items were then left at the Douglas tip. In some instances goods were left in the recycling area but remained unclaimed and had to be moved by site staff up to the skips.

‘The problem is the amount of rubbish from around the island, collected by charities that then ends up a Douglas amenity site [tip]’ he said.

Increases in fees charged at the incinerator mean costs of running the tip have escalated and further rises set for the next few years will see those expenses rise even further.

‘This affects quite a lot of charities but the only one we have had trouble with enforcing payment is Crossroads. The council has had to “say pay up or you can’t have the service”,’ he said.

‘We are not making any profit out of it but my job is to protect Douglas rate payers’ money and when we are accepting rubbish that comes from Ramsey, Port Erin or Peel that’s not fair.

‘The charities are being run as a business and they are doing a great job but you can’t expect local authority rates payers to subsidise them.’

Mr Malarkey refused to divulge how much money Crossroads owes in unpaid charges to use the tip but did say they had been given notice to pay or be barred from the site.

He also said he believed action to recover the debt was ‘imminent’ but added: ‘I really hope they pay because I don’t want to see it go to court.’

Crossroads was offered the chance to comment but no response was received at the time of going to press.

It’s Paddy Power FA Cup first round weekend.

Friday, January 30

Paddy Power Masters League

8.40pm Union Mills v Marown @ the Bowl

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Saturday, January 31

Paddy Power FA Cup first round

1.30pm Braddan v Ramsey

1.30pm Castletown v Peel

1.30pm Corinthians v St John’s

1.30pm DHSOB v Marown

1.30pm Michael United v Malew

1.30pm Union Mills v St Mary’s

1.30pm Colby v Pulrose United

1.30pm Onchan v St George’s

Canada Life Premier League

2pm Rushen v Laxey

2pm Ayre v Gymns

JCK Division Two

2pm Foxdale v Douglas Royal

2pm RYCOB v Governor’s Athletic

JCK Combination Two

2pm Malew v Douglas Royal

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Sunday, February 1

Warehouse Fitness Women’s League

2.30pm Colby v DHSOB

2.30pm Peel v Gymns

Paddy Power Masters Football

2.10pm Ronaldsway v Laxey @ the Bowl

3.40pm Douglas & District v Michael Utd @ the Bowl

Appleby 16-18 Cup

10.30am Braddan v Peel

10.30am Laxey v Onchan

5.15pm Corinthians v Ramsey

The UK’s legislation on feed-in tariffs was amended on January 15, and the changes will affect UK householders from April 1. It’s a regime the island’s more mindful energy consumers would benefit from, giving us choice, energy security and, ultimately, long-term price stability

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The UK’s Feed-in Tariffs (Amendment) Order 2015 recently became law.

It will start affecting people’s bills on April 1, and makes changes to the previous Feed-in Tariffs Order 2012.

Among other things, it brings some incentives for community energy projects, under a Feed-in Tariffs (FITs )scheme announced in November last year. They’ve come in as an alternative to plans for increasing the maximum capacity for community energy projects supported under FITs.

It also reflects changes to the definition of stand-alone solar photovoltaic (PV) installations that will be made by the incoming ‘Modifications to the Standard Conditions of Electricity Supply Licences 2015’.

This second element is all part of the UK Government’s changes to its degression (cost control) mechanism for FITs for solar PV, with the aim of incentivising midscale building-mounted solar PV, and at the same time (and slightly disspiritingly) discouraging larger-scale ground-mounted solar PV projects.

Under the current FITs regime, solar PV installations are subject to a separate degression mechanism, which reduces the rate of FITs they receive – based on how much is actually being deployed.

Why is this happening? Well, back in May last year, the government consulted on splitting the solar PV degression band for installations over 50 kW into separate bands for: stand-alone solar PV installations of any size; ‘other than stand-alone’ solar PV installations which are over 50 kW.

In October, the government announced that instead it intended to split the degression band for installations over 50 kW.

There was also a further (very short) consultation about the definition of ‘other than stand-alone installations’ for solar PV installations over 250 kW.

The outcome was that for a solar PV installation over 250 kW to be considered ‘other than stand-alone’, there must be the potential for at least 10 per cent of its energy to be used on-site.

In January 2015, a new bit of law – the Modifications to the Standard Conditions of Electricity Supply Licences 2014 – was therefore used as the means to split the degression band for installations over 50 kW into the aforementioned ‘other than stand-alone solar PV installations over 50 kW’ and ‘stand-alone solar PV installations of whatever size’.

There have also been some other changes, intended to encourage community energy projects – something we’d dearly love to see supported here.

As I’ve mentioned in earlier columns, the Isle of Man’s legislation doesn’t currently allow for such projects – despite their clear benefits on a sustainability and energy resilience basis.

In May 2014, the UK’s government consulted on increasing the maximum capacity for community energy projects under the FITs scheme for all renewable technologies, for anything from 5 to 10 MW.

However, in November 2014, it announced that it had decided not to proceed with this.

Instead, it said it planned to support community energy projects through FITs by doing these things:

- Extending the definition of ‘community organisation’ so it’ll include registered charities and their wholly-owned subsidiaries, provided they’ve got no more than 50 employees

- Introducing an additional exemption to the ‘site’ rule, so as to allow two community projects (or one community project and one commercial project), each up to 5MW, to share a single grid connection and still receive separate FITs tariffs. This is really good news, because it means they can share costs and access to the grid.

- Extending some accreditation periods for community projects by six months, for all technologies. This is helpful as it gives projects more time to achieve their commissioning.

The new definition of a ‘stand-alone installation’ for these new rules is, for a solar PV installation, one that is either: not wired through a building; or it is wired through a building, relates to a building that isn’t capable of using 10 per cent or more of its electricity generated on-site.

The split between stand-alone and other than stand-alone installations only applies to installations over 250 kW, and again these changes will come into force on April 1.

Community energy installations are proving popular in the UK not just on environmental grounds (though that’s a large part of it).

People want to feel that they have, and can use, choice – and also that they have an element of control over the reliability and future costs of their power supply, rather than feeling like hostages to their power generators.

It’s a familiar feeling to many here, too, but we live in an island where we have a monopoly supplier which is vastly over-capacity for what the island needs – so there’s no incentive for our utilities company to serve us well, by opening up these choices to us. This needs to change.