The Sun has given up its topless Page Three Girls?

There was some confusion over this last week and I don’t know whether it has or not.

I don’t buy The Sun. If I want a good laugh at a UK national newspaper I read the Daily Mail.

But whatever The Sun is doing the Examiner is not the least bit bothered.

This young lady appeared in this column last year and I thought now would be the appropriate time to let people see her again.

After all, it was the first topless lady ever to appear in a Manx newspaper, which I consider to be one of my greatest achievements in a lifetime in journalism.

The photograph was sent to me all those months ago by the now late Dr Linda Cottier of Port St Mary, who was wondering if the young lady was sitting on Cringle’s Rock on the Douglas foreshore.

I have given the image long hours of careful consideration and my view is that it might well be and then again it might not. I am still thinking about it.

All I know is that we are looking at the work of a Manx professional photographer of the late 19th century and we can see that it was taken in the cause of high art and respect for the female form.

You also have to wonder who the young lady was and how the old rascal talked her into it.

Now I have to wait for another suitable opportunity to put it in the Examiner. You never know.

(There was an opportunity at this point to make a clever little play on words about keeping abreast of the times. But I have decided to resist the temptation).

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This week’s Manx crossword clue is from Keith Rigby in Ramsey as follows: ‘Distant cousin working the land near isle (II 3).’

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Manx Radio newsreader Ed Oldham reported on Monday of last week that ‘A dry run of flood defences was held at Castletown last week’.

A dry run? Er . . .

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The Examiner ran a photograph with the caption ‘The Ramsey Fur and Fear Society held a successful show in Andreas at the weekend.’

It showed exhibitors with a small pigeon and a large rooster.

The pigeon certain looked scared.

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During my Walk and Talk last week I managed, with a huge effort, to overtake somebody – an elderly lady with two sticks stopping now and again for a little rest. The session also brought my total mileage so far to more than 25 and for this I have been presented with a T-shirt.

There will be another little present when (and if) I reach 100 miles.

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Sean has been on about the Examiner again, this time for the headline ‘Man receives binding order.’

He asks: ‘They’re going to put him in the stocks?’

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Out of the Funnies File full of stories long past comes an item sent to Manx Radio by the eternally slipshod Independent Radio News which referred to ‘Ronnie Biggs, the runaway train robber.’

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The last sample of Texting for Seniors is WAITT – Who am I talking to?

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Answer to clue: Neanderthal Man.

LCT Commercial Limited, whose registered office is situated at 12 Manor Park, Banks Howe, Onchan, bought Regent Corner House, 64 Duke Street, and 3A (1-3) Regent Street, Douglas, for £825,000.

It was bought from St Maden Properties Limited, whose registered office is situated at Dandara Group Head Office, Isle of Man Business Park, Cooil Road, Braddan.

Other recent transactions lodged at the General Registry in Douglas are as follows:

Sarah Louise Wolstenholme Rimmer sold 7 Tromode Heights, Douglas, for £489,475, to Anthony Peter Wilkins, of 48 Royal Avenue, Onchan.

Patricia Ann Moorhouse, by executor, Timothy Allen Mann, of 49 Victoria Street, Douglas, as executor, and George Cochran Noble, of Abacus House, Mona Street, Douglas, as executor, sold Westlea, Dalby, for £360,000, to Jocelyn Pearson Rosenberg, of Ballelby Farm, Dalby.

Clifford Henry Corlett, by trustee, and Paul Stephen Kinnin, of Auckland Chambers, Auckland Terrace, Ramsey, as trustee, sold Dorcliff, 30 Peveril Road, Peel, for £260,000, to Janet Gale, of 14 Balladoyne, St John’s.

Eva Maria Mutiyani Coulter sold 14 Hillberry Heights, Douglas, for £230,000, to Lyncot Properties Limited, whose registered office is situated at 8/9 Hill Street, Douglas.

Donald Rodney Burgess and Marilyn Burgess, of Hannah’s Court, Main Road, Kirk Michael, sold Dunroamin, 18 Cannan Avenue, Kirk Michael, for £215,000, to Michael Stephen Joslin, of Buckinghamshire.

Adrian Copley and Ann Muriel Copley sold 34 Auburn Road, Onchan, for £215,000, to David Charles McMullen and Kimberly Jane McMullen, of 5 Alberta Drive, Onchan.

Ka-Nam Lay, of 32 Hailwood Avenue, Douglas, sold 86 Lakeside Road, Berry Woods, Governor’s Hill, Douglas, for £200,000, to BGK Investments Limited, whose registered office is situated at 16 Manor Park, Bank’s Howe, Onchan.

Andrew Drummond Cameron and Christine Margot Lydi Cameron sold 29 Hailwood Avenue, Governor’s Hill, Douglas, for £187,000, to Lyncott Property Limited, whose registered office is situated at 8/9 Hill Street, Douglas.

Keith Antony Jones and Eileen Jones sold The Banks, Ballavolley, Ballaugh, for £120,000, to Eileen Jones.

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We publish details of all sales unless we receive a written request from the police or probation service.

Statistics this week showed that the many Manx families are simply not making ends meet.

The extra charges now levied on them for a number of government services are making things worse.

Today’s Manx Independent reveals more.

Also on the front page is a story about the Manx god Manannan Mac Lir. A statue of him has been stolen, possibly by religious fundamentalists.

Inside the paper, we have the latest on plans for the Castletown Golf Links Hotel and pictures of workers creating islands for wildlife in the Silverburn river.

We report more criticism of the increase in vehicle tax. One group says that motorists are paying around 25 per cent more than they would if they lived in the UK.

There are a number of reports from this week’s House of Keys sitting, including Phil Gawne’s verdict that speed limits can be a waste of time.

Our reporters have also been to court to cover a number of interesting cases.

In Island Life, the Manx Independent’s features supplement, we look forward to the Big Wheel Blues Festival and preview a number of Manx National Heritage events.

Features editor Jackie Turley also goes on a ghost hunt in Castletown.

Elsewhere, columnist Pullyman wonders if the island’s social glue is becoming unstuck.

The Manx Independent is home to the Isle of Man’s what’s on guide. We have two pages every week dedicated to listings, which we publish for free.

The paper also includes your easy-to-view seven-day television guide.

The main report on the back page is about Robbin Harms’ TT debut and there is also a preview of the Eurocars Manx Rally Championship.

Among the sports covered in the paper are rugby, badminton, rallying, darts, hockey, motor sport, netball, mountain biking, athletics, football, cycling and golf.

The Manx Independent is in the shops now.

The Association of Corporate Service Providers has arranged a repeat session on Thursday, February 24 of a seminar with Sinead O’Connor, head of regulatory and compliance services at Dougherty Quinn, sponsor of the event.

The February 19 presentation became fully booked.

Sinead O’Connor, who has worked in the compliance industry for 20 years, is a member of the Joint Anti-Money Laundering Advisory Group, is involved in the National Risk Assessment project and is a regular speaker on anti-money laundering matters.

She is also a director of the Alliance of Isle of Man Compliance Professionals and chairman of its CPD committee.

The session will be at the Upper Hall, Loch Promenade Church, Douglas with registration at midday for a 12.30pm prompt start.

Subject to the number of questions and contributions from the audience the event is expected to finish around 1.30pm.

For bookings contact Antonia King, aking@acsp.co.im

Calls were made in the House of Keys to extend the TT access corridor through Kirk Michael to reach as far as the Orrisdale junction.

Michael MHK Alfred Cannan asked the Infrastructure Minister Phil Gawne: ‘Why does his department not go to the organiser and get this ironed out so that my constituents can have a clear access run through Kirk Michael, both to Peel and to the north and Ramsey?’

Mr Gawne said his department is currently in discussion with the organiser about the scope of the TT access corridor.

He said: ‘The department supports the use of access corridors by the organiser, but the access corridors are managed by the organiser and they are responsible for managing the risks associated with their use.’

Thursday, January 29

• 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 30

• 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 31

• 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, February 1

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

Monday, February 2

• 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, February 3

• 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, February 4

• 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 29

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

• The Hub, (Thie Rosien, the Old Southlands) Port Erin, Thursdays Art & Creative Writing, 10am-12.30pm (art and writing alternating weekly), £3.50 per session. No experience necessary. Also Board games 2pm-3.30pm, £3.50 per session, including refreshments. Chair based exercise at the Hub 3pm-4pm, £3.50 per session. Saturday Social Fitness (walking/running/indoor exercises) 9.30am-noon, £2 per session. Mats etc provided. Meditation, 5.30pm-6.30pm. Led by IOM Brahma Kumaris. Free sessions, donations welcome. Tuesdays Bridge, 10am-noon. £3 per session, including refreshments. Crafts, 2pm-3.30pm, 3.50 per session. Materials provided. Wednesdays 11am-12.15pm, Yoga, £3 per session. Mats etc provided. Men in Sheds – Tues/Weds/Fri, 10am-5pm, Thie Rosien, Castletown Road, Port Erin. Hobbies and company for men. All welcome.

• 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 30

• Garage Sale at the back of Crossroads Charity Shop, Victoria Street, Douglas, 10am-4pm.

• 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.

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

• The Isle of Man College Pantomime – Cinderella in the College Hall, at 6pm. This is a ticketed event, purchased from Student Services on 648367, for 50p per ticket. Proceeds will go to the Student Hardship Fund.

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

• The Link - interesting talks and a buffet supper, Onchan Baptist Church. Call 623415.

Saturday, January 31

• Coffee Morning, Ramsey town hall, 10am. Proceeds to Sulby Methodist Church.

• 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.

• Southern Community Arts Project Open Day: 2-4.30pm, The Hub, Thie Rosien, Old Castletown Road, Port Erin. Come and find out about all the creative activities on offer for all ages.

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

• Messy Church, Promenade Methodist Church, 3.30pm-5.30pm. Call 621968 for more information.

Sunday, February 1

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

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

Monday, February 2

• 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, February 3

• 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.

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

Wednesday, February 4

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

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

• 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.

• Isle of Man College presents, Cinderella the panto, 8pm, 50p per entry.

• Freelance Players present Cinderella with Castletown Metropolitan Silver Band, Erin Arts Centre, 7.30pm. Also Saturday, 7.30pm, Sunday, 2.30pm. Tickets £8 adults, £1 for under 18s.

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

• 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 Sunday.

• ‘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 Saturday.

Thursday, January 29

• Manx Retirement Association, stretch and flex at the NSC, Douglas, 10am. Also, indoor flat green bowling at the NSC, Douglas, 2pm-3.30pm.

• Onchan Pensioners Club, Morton Hall, Castletown, coffee morning; Friday, sequence dancing, 2pm-4.30pm; Saturday, Arabian dancing, 9am-1pm; Monday, Bridge, 2pm-5pm and 7pm-11pm; Tuesday, coffee morning including raffle, 10am-noon; Wednesday, whist drive, 7pm-10pm.

• Soundcheck, Youth Arts Centre, Douglas, 6.30pm. Also Monday and Tuesday. 6pm-9pm. Monday, Castletown youth club, 6pm-9pm, and Wednesday Ramsey youth club, 6.30pm-9.30pm.

Monday, February 2

• 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, February 3

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

• Manx Retirement Association, Ramsey coffee morning at St Paul’s hall at 10.30am. Also, whist afternoon at the Cat with No Tail, Douglas at 2pm. Wednesday, computer discussion group at the Cat with No Tail, Douglas at 10.30am.

• 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, February 4

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

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

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

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

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

Palace Cinema

• Big Hero 6, 3D, (PG). Nightly at 7pm. Saturday and Sunday at 2pm. 2D, 4.15pm.

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

• The Gambler, (15). Nightly at 5pm. (Not Saturday and Sunday).

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

Broadway Cinema

• Kingsman: The Secret Service, (15). Friday, 7.30pm, Saturday and Sunday 4.30pm and 7.30pm. Monday, 7.30pm, Tuesday 8pm, Wednesday, 4.30pm and 7.30pm.

• The Theary of Everything, (12A). Daily at 2pm.

• Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb, (PG). Saturday and Sunday at noon.

Thursday, January 29

• 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 30

• Dickie at the Whitehouse, Peel.

• Borderline at the Creek, Peel.

• Ian Thompson at Sam Webbs, Douglas.

• Grass Roots at Jaks, Douglas.

• Brown Sugar at the Haven, Port Erin.

• The News at the Bay Hotel, Port Erin.

• The Isle of Man WI choir, Glen Maye Community Centre at 7.30pm. Tickets £5. Call 840801 or email glenville@manx.net

• Karaoke at the Albert, Douglas, 9pm.

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

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

• Open Mic Night at Café Laare, Douglas, 7pm-9.30pm.

Saturday, January 31

• Dickie at the Mitre, Ramsey.

• 3 Million at Jaks, Douglas.

• Borderline at the Highwayman, Peel.

• Grizzled Vetz at the Railway Station, Port St Mary.

• Brown Sugar at the Manx Legion, Douglas.

• St James’ in Dalby schoolrooms, bistro style evening with Shenanigans Banned, 7.30pm. Admission £12.50 with supper. Call Gilly on 844031.

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

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

• Karaoke at the Central Hotel, Ramsey.

Sunday, February 1

• One Wo/Man One Guitar at the Mitre, Ramsey, featuring Dickie Kelly and Tony Archibald.

• 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.

• Dickie at the Hydro Douglas Midday onwards for the Moddey Dhoo xmas party.

Tuesday, February 3

• 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, February 4

• Karaoke at the British, Douglas.

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

Thursday, January 29

• Gym time active play for pre-school children, Manx Gymnastics Centre, Douglas, 9.30am. Call 625636. Also Friday and Wednesday.

• Happy Tots, main hall, Willaston School, 9.45am, £1 per family including refreshments. Call 621577.

• Storytime for pre-schoolers, Henry Bloom Noble Library, Douglas, 10am. Call 696461.

• Krafty Kids (pre-school age) Philip Christian Centre, Peel, 10am.

• Action Songs and Rhymes, birth-5 years, Ballasalla Primary School. Plus many other sessions across the island. Free, but donations welcome. Call 479452 for further venues and times.

• Toddler Tunes, Community Room, Michael School, 2pm. Call 878090.

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

• St John Ambulance Cadets (10+), 6.30pm-8pm, Douglas headquarters. Badgers (5+), 5.30pm-6.30pm, Age Concern in Peel. Adults meetings, Thursday, Monday and Tuesday, Douglas headquarters. Friday, Ramsey, St Olave’s Church hall. For all other times and venues call 674387.

• Santon Beavers, Kewaigue School, 5pm. Also Cubs at 6.30pm. Call 623244.

• 1st Laxey Beavers and Cubs, Laxey School during term times. Beavers meet at 6.30pm–7.30pm and Cubs meet at 6.45pm–8.15pm. 1stlaxeycubs@manx.net

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

• Army Cadets, Scout hall, Peel, 7pm. Also Tuesday.

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

Friday, January 30

• 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 31

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

Sunday, February 1

• 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, February 2

• 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, February 3

• 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, February 4

• Parents and tots, Salvation Army Citadel, Lord Street, Douglas, 9.30am. Call 627742.

• Mini Club for parents or carers and their babies, toddlers and pre-school children at Anagh Coar School, Douglas, 9.30am or Braddan Church hall, 2pm. Call 675091.

• Ballabeg Busy Bugs for under fives, Arbory parish hall, Ballabeg, 10am. Call 429676.

• Mums and tots, Marown hall, Peel Road, Crosby, 10.15am. £1.50 per family.

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

• Action, Songs and Rhymes, from birth onwards. Great for everyone, 1.30pm-2.30pm, Laxey Working Men’s Institute. Call Jo, 479452.

• Ballaquayle Bears Toddler Group, Ballaquayle School hall, Douglas, 1.45pm-3pm.

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

• Mums and tots sessions for babies and pre-schoolers at Foxdale School. Dads, grandads, grandmas and carers welcome too, 2pm-3.15pm. £1.50 per family. Call Emma 801946.

• Homework Club for year 7s (11-12 year olds), Youth Centre, Arbory Street, Castletown, 4pm. Call 822490.

• The Energy Youth Group, Colby Methodist Chapel, 7pm-8.30pm. Call Jane 492010.

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

Peel’s ratepayers are going to have to pay more in the forthcoming financial year.

The town’s local authority is the latest to announce its figure.

The rate will go up from 246p in the pound to 252p, a 2.44 per cent increase.

A statement from the authority reads: ‘All local authorities face significant increases in costs as a result of central government transferring the cost of more services onto ratepayers.

‘The commissioners will minimise certain of these costs, in particular refuse disposal, by urging residents to recycle more. As a result additional new recycle stations will be established in Peel.

‘The former swimming pool site on Marine Parade will be redeveloped for leisure purposes and new LED Christmas lights will be purchased.

The commissioners are also committed to working with and assisting the Peel Youth Club.

In addition to the town rate, the separate refuse charge will increase from £169 to £170 per dwelling.

The refuse charge covers the incinerator gate fee costs, our contribution to the running of the Western Civic Amenity Site at St John’s and the refuse collection contract.

Local authorities are currently setting their rates.

So far:

Arbory Parish 113p (105p last year)

Castletown 320p (320p last year)

Douglas 402p (397p)

Port St Mary 306p (306p)

Braddan 215p (219p)

Marown 155p (146p)

Ramsey 348p (348p)

Rushen Parish 79p (70p) plus £59 per household refuse charge (£59)

German 81p (70p) plus waste rate

Entries for Peveril MCC’s back-to-back rounds of the British Sidecar Trials Championship on February 7 and 8 close this Saturday. Both days include a solo twinshock class.

Riders wishing to participate or anyone available to observe on one or both days should get in touch with Denise Kissack on 851279, email dkissack@manx.net

An officials signing-on evening takes place on Wednesday, February 4 at Knock Froy clubhouse.

Canaccord Genuity Wealth Management has been named Isle of Man Investment Management Company of the Year at the 2015 Citywealth International Financial Centre Awards.

This is the second year the company has been successful in the Isle of Man Investment Management category and the fourth year the company has been recognised at the awards.

The Citywealth International Financial Centre Awards highlight the excellence of the advisors and managers in the private wealth sector in major international financial centres.

Dermot Hamill, head of wealth management in the Isle of Man said: ‘We are very proud to have been named the Citywealth Investment Management Company of the Year in the Isle of Man.

‘This was a new category at the awards last year so we are very pleased to be successful for the second year in a row and to be associated with increasing the profile of the island’s finance sector as a whole.

‘The Isle of Man team and business has grown significantly over recent years to now include seven very experienced portfolio managers and four dealers managing significant funds for an increasingly global and sophisticated client base.

‘Our focus continues to be on providing high-quality investment advice and offering exceptional services to our clients.

‘Winning this award reinforces this.’

The Mount Murray Hotel is to close in a week’s time.

The hotel, including its leisure club, will close on Friday, February 6, with the loss of 30 jobs.

The golf club will remain open.

It’s almost 14 months since a major fire struck the Santon hotel.

David Lyons, managing director at the Mount Murray, said: ‘Given the protracted negotiations with the company’s insurers, lasting over a year and the prospect of a further year at Arbitration the company was forced to agree a settlement.

‘A further nail in the coffin was increasing energy costs which proved crippling for the business.’

The company’s insurers are understood to be the American group Travelers.

Fifty people were evacuated when the fire broke out.

Flames ripped along the roof of the bedroom block and firefighters were praised for their efforts in preventing the blaze from spreading to the reception block next door.

There was only one casualty who was treated for minor injuries at Noble’s Hospital accident and emergency department.

The function rooms, restaurant, bistro, pool and gym opened within a fortnight but 30 jobs were lost with the blaze having destroyed 90 hotel rooms.

After the fire Mount Murray continued to trade and management praised the loyalty and commitment of the remaining staff.

The hotel staff were informed of the closure today.

Mount Murray Country Club says it will work with the staff and government agencies to expedite the redundancy procedures and assist the staff in finding alternative employment.

Arrangements are in train to refund gym memberships in accordance with their agreements.

Anyone with wedding or function bookings will be contacted today to discuss alternative arrangements including in some cases transferring to the golf club.

The Mount Murray Hotel and Leisure Club was developed by Mr Albert Gubay in the 1990s.

It quickly became a popular venue for conferences, weddings and corporate events.

Enquiries regarding bookings and memberships should be emailed to enquiries@mountmurray.com. Telephone 661111.

Transport chiefs have apologised for a data breach affecting their smart travel card service for school pupils.

The Department of Infrastructure has been criticised after a member of the public saw another person’s details - including an ex-directory phone number - while using the online service in December.

As {http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/data-protection-supervisor-criticises-doi-over-school-bus-card-security-lapse-1-7074447|we reported on Tuesday,} data protection supervisor Iain McDonald said ‘public trust and confidence in government’s ablility to manage personal data securely is eroded by such occurrences’.

The department originally wrongly claimed that a ‘weak password’ was to blame, but an investigation revealed that the card suppliers had disabled part of the password protection system during testing. The system was vulnerable for 26 hours.

In a a statement, director of public transport Ian Longworth said: ‘We apologised to the two customers who alerted us to the security breach, which occurred as a result of human error by a subcontractor working for our online card shop provider.

‘We are continually making improvements to the online portal to enhance this important customer facility and we are sorry that while a change was being made a window occurred where the password protection process wasn’t as effective as it should have been.

He added: ‘More than 24,000 transactions are now being made each week on the Go cards system and further smart card products are being phased in to meet commercial and customer demand. We are confident these will be managed successfully and there is no risk to customer information.

‘There is no possibility of a future breach’, he said.

David Cretney has announced his intention to seek election to the Legislative Council.

Four seats will become vacant when Alex Downie, Alan Crowe, Dudley Butt and Phil Braidwood are due to retire by rotation next month.

It’s not yet known if all or any will seek re-election – but South Douglas MHK Mr Cretney announced today on his Facebook page that he will be putting his name forward.

He said: ‘I am not contesting the 2016 General Election but my name will be going forward to the elections for the Legislative Council which are to take place in March. I believe my mandate from the people is still current and strong.’

First elected in 1985, Mr Cretney spent 18 years as a government minister.

His resignation from the House of Keys would trigger a by-election.

The next Keys general election will take place in September 2016.

A new app aimed at encouraging students to find out more about the Isle of Man’s history has been launched

The app – a computer program or application – has been developed to work both on mobile devices and desktop computers and covers the main topics and subject material secondary school history students are likely to encounter.It has been developed by staff at Culture Vannin alongside Jo Ewan, formerly head of history at St Ninian’s High School in Douglas. Additional funding was supplied by the Gough Ritchie Trust and the Gaelic Broadcasting Committee.

Culture Vannin’s Manx language development officer Adrian Cain and Mrs Ewan are pictured trying out the app at St Ninian’s Lower School in Onchan with Katherine Haddock, 13, Rachel Gregson, 13, Harry Brown, 12, and Kenu NoNo, 12.

The app is available to download now at www.manxhistory.com