The sailing from Douglas to Heysham tonight (Saturday) has undergone a timetable change because of tidal conditions, says the Steam Packet.

And passengers planning to travel from Douglas to Heysham tomorrow morning (Sunday) will have to set their alarm clocks earlier.

Instead of leaving at 8pm tonight the Ben-my-Chree will now depart at 9pm with expected arrival in Heysham at about 12.45am. Passengers are asked to check in no later than 8.15pm.

The one other change to the schedule is tomorrow morning’s (Sunday) sailing from Douglas to Heysham. Instead of leaving at 8.45am the Ben-my-Chree will now be leaving earlier at 7.15am. Passengers should check in no later than 6.30 am with arrival in Heysham at about 10.45am.

According to the Steam Packet website all other sailings are running to plan including the cruise around the Isle of Man tomorrow ab oard the Manannan with departure at 11.30am.

The sailing information line is 645745

About one in a thousand of the 37,000 runners who set off from three starting positions around Blackheath in the 35th Virgin Money London Marathon on Sunday morning will be Manx or Isle of Man resident.

By three miles the courses merge and the first Manx runners, although slower than in previous years, will finish on the Mall within three hours.

Steve Kelly was the first Manx runner to finish the 1981 event in 2hr 27min 24sec and every one of the 1,000 or more who have followed have been slower! Dave Cowell’s Manx record of 2:23.34 has lasted since the 1974 Commonwealth Games in New Zealand. Keith Gerrard’s debut of 2:26.27 in Rotterdam 12 days ago is next best.

Last year’s fastest in London, Adam Russell, has emigrated to Australia and Ed Gumbley, fastest in 2013, to Hong Kong. Former Isle of Man Sportswoman of the year, Jess Draskau-Petersson, who used her dual nationality to represent Denmark in the 2012 Olympics, was the fastest in Olympic year and she now resides in the USA!

Of this year’s runners, Paul Curphey is the fastest but his 20-year best of 2:37.51 will not be threatened on his 22nd consecutive appearance.

Tim Knott was hoping to improve on his 2:43.42 until injury and a cold wrecked his chances. He will start slowly but will he catch Nigel Armstrong who has a best of 2:44.32 from 2006 but is well short of the form that took him to victory in the 2013 Isle of Man Mountain Ultra.

It’s asking a lot of Peel’s Helen Taylor to be the first female finisher only six days after a personal best of 3:23.53 in Boston on Sunday but she could be, although probably not close to Paula Radcliffe whose marathon swansong will boost the crowd.

One of the aims of the London Marathon was to improve the standard of British marathon running. Within three years 220 British runners had run under 2hr 25min.

Standards have plummeted since with only around 10 per cent at that level. But with an elite field containing most of the world’s best runners, spaces allocated to all British clubs - many gaining their places through an online ballot and the majority of spaces sold to charities who expect their runners to raise up to £2,000 for their cause - the range of ability makes the London Marathon arguably the greatest in the world.

DHSOB’s quest for a combination league and cup double was ended when they crashed out of the Ascot Hotel Junior Cup at the hands of Rushen United on Saturday afternoon.

The Blackberry Lane outfit had enjoyed a memorable couple of weeks having seen their combi side clinch a league title at the expense of Peel, before their first team effectively ended the westerners’ hopes of winning the Premier League.

However, Old Boys found themselves up against a resolute Rushen side who clinched a 2-0 win thanks to a fine brace from Andy Moody and remain on course to defend their Junior Cup title.

There was a shock at Mullen-e-Cloie where Combination Two outfit Braddan stunned hosts St John’s to book their place in the semi-finals.

Nick Ford gave the Saints a lead but Kyle Sum-Warrender equalised before Daniel Bedford clinched a 2-1 win from the penalty spot.

There were no such problems for Peel who eased to a 10-0 victory over Combi Two outfit Douglas Royal. Aaron Costain and Will Morris both helped themselves to hat-tricks and they were joined on the scoresheet by Chris Cain, Dan Corkill, Simon Cowley and Tom Wood.

Corinthians also successfully negotiated their way into the semi-finals with a 2-0 win at Glen Road over Laxey.

In the day’s sole Paul Henry Gold Cup semi-final, RYCOB edged a five-goal thriller with Douglas Athletic.

Odge Blaker opened the scoring for Youthie, only for Michael Callister to equalise just moments later. The goal flurry continued soon after when Stephen Jordan restored the northerners’ lead before Callister netted his second of the afternoon.

It remained that way until the hour mark when Lewis Moran struck to seal a 3-2 victory for RYCOB to send them into the final.

Ascot Hotel Junior Cup quarter-finals

DHSOB 0-2 Rushen

Douglas Royal 0-10 Peel

Laxey 0-2 Corinthians

St John’s 1-2 Braddan

Paul Henry Gold Cup semi-final

Douglas Athletic 2-3 RYCOB

Junior Cup semi-final draw

Peel v Rushen Utd

Corinthians v Braddan

Creations that stole the show at the Manx Wearable Art Catwalk Show go on display at the Hodgson Loom Gallery, in Laxey.

The exhibition, which opened today (Saturday), offers a chance to get up close and personal with many of the creations from the catwalk show organised by Sue Robinson and Doreen Dixon and held at the Youth Arts Centre, in Douglas, last month.

Also on display will be well maquettes, sketchbooks, photos and footage from the show.

The exhibition continues until May 23.

The gallery, in Laxey Woollen Mills, Glen Road, is open Monday to Saturday, 9am to 5pm.

The Alzheimer’s Society is hosting a 1940s themed tea party for anyone living with dementia and their carer.

The free event, taking place at the Villa Marina’s Promenade Suite on Sunday, May 17, will launch Dementia Awareness week in the island.

There will be singers, dancers, tea, soft drinks, sandwiches and cakes, dancing for anyone who wishes to partake and enthusiastic help from the volunteers of the Capita charity committee who are sponsoring the event.

The charity’s services manager, Grahame Bell, said: ‘A frequent effect of dementia is that the person has problems with their short-term and recent memories.

‘Events such as this allow people living with dementia to relax in an environment where they are not challenged by having to recall recent events, and consequently their personality is helped to shine through by the reminiscences they bring.

‘Give someone you love a great afternoon out and remember that even though the memories may fade, the good feelings last.’

The tea party runs from 1pm to 4pm.

To reserve a place, contact Grahame.Bell@alzheimers.org.uk or 613181.

A woman hailed as one of the most gifted young songwriters in Britain returns to the island to perform.

Leddra Chapman, known for her quintessentially English voice, will be performing her folk-pop music at Peel Centenary Centre on Saturday, May 2.

She will be supported by talented singer-songwriter Lee Broderick, who will also join Leddra for her headline set as guitarist.

They are being brought over by Mark Armstrong of TalisMann Promotions.

He first brought Leddra to the island in 2010 for an intimate gig at the Outback, in Douglas.

Leddra returned in 2012 to play on the main stage of the Garden Party at Begoade Fields, just north of Onchan.

The line-up that weekend included Newton Faulkner, Reverend and the Makers and the Little Comets, but Mark said that, for some, Leddra was the highlight of the festival.

Leddra wrote her first song at the age of 12 and began playing gigs soon after.

She has a music degree from the London College of Music.

She rose to prominence with her debut single ‘Story’, which was released in December 2009 to much critical success and strong support from Terry Wogan on BBC Radio 2.

The single was taken from her debut album ‘Telling Tales’, recorded by international producer Peter-John Vettese, which was released the previous month.

In The Independent’s album review, they labelled the collection of music as ‘pitch perfect acoustic pop’.

‘All About You’, a single from her second EP ‘The Crowds and the Cocktails’ was premiered on the The Graham Norton Show and it was BBC Radio 2’s single of the week in March 2013.

That year she also released Beauty With Heart with the Body Shop as a charity single raising money for the Teenage Cancer Trust.

Last year she released her second album, ‘My Mother’s Mind’, from which she had a single ‘Playground’.

She has collaborated with the likes of Brit Award winner Ed Sheeran and she has opened shows for Tom Jones.

This year will also see her performing at the Fling Festival in Essex.

The Centenary Centre show starts on Saturday, May 2, at 8pm, with doors opening at 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £15.

They are available from Peter Norris Music, Douglas; Celtic Gold; Peel; Shakti Man, Ramsey; Thompson Travel, Port Erin or online at www.etickets.im/talismann

The event is supported by the Isle of Man Arts Council.

The Isle of Man College of Further and Higher Education hosted a conference entitled ‘Outdoor Childhood’.

It was organised by the second year public health degree students studying at the college and aimed to investigate perceptions and opportunities for children’s outdoor play on the Isle of Man.

Invited guest speakers were; Dawn Henley (Department of Public Health), Kirsty Neate (Manx National Heritage), Chris Gregory (Isle of Man Children’s Centre), Tina Moore (Early Years Education, Isle of Man College) and second year public health degree student Jennifer Quaggan.

Jennifer said: ‘It was extremely successful and well-received.’

Topics covered many aspects of the importance of outdoor play for children, from building community relations, physical and mental well-being, and creating resilience, to presenting on-island research undertaken by the students themselves and looking at the patterns of play for island children.

The event was opened by the Isle of Man College’s principal, Geoff Draper, with more than 60 guests attending throughout the day, including Treasury Minister Eddie Teare, chief executive of the Isle of Man Children’s Centre Fiona Dawson and parents and professionals from all areas of education and childcare provision on the island.

The conference is planned to be an annual event covering a variety of contemporary health issues affecting the Isle of Man.

A new Powerchair Football Club has been launched – thanks to a generous donation by Microgaming’s health and care trust.

Powerchair Football is a sport specifically for adults and children with severe physical disabilities.

It caters for a wide range of physical impairments, including quadriplegia, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, stroke and spinal cord injury.

It has been a popular sport in the UK for a number of years. There are both regional and national UK Powerchair Football leagues and even a Powerchair Football World Cup!

The game is played indoors with two teams of up to four players. Players use their wheelchairs equipped with bumpers to attack, defend and spin kick the ball.

Keen to introduce this sport locally, Manx Sport & Recreation sought funding to make it happen.

The Microgaming health and care trust eagerly stepped in to provide the funds for goalposts, bumpers, coaching equipment and footballs, as well as supporting training facilities and coaching costs.

Taster sessions were held over two days last week at Project 21 on Greenfield Road in Douglas for young people in both manual and power wheelchairs.

Representatives from the Wheelchair Football Association came over to the island to oversee the sessions and workshops.

Zoe Crowe, disability sports development Officer for Manx Sport & Recreation, said: ‘There are very few sports on the island that cater for wheelchair users, yet we know that participating in sports and physical activities when living with a disability can provide many benefits, such as improved physical fitness, better confidence and enhanced social skills.

‘So we were determined to set up a Powerchair Football Club in the island to combat this, and it’s thanks to the Microgaming health and care trust that we can make this happen.’

Trustee Dr Roy Clague added: ‘We are very supportive of this initiative.’

Nick Hurt has named a strong Isle of Man FA squad for Wednesday evening’s friendly against a Leeds United XI.

The Peel defender has picked 23 for next week’s friendly at the Bowl as he and coaches Rick Holden and Jon Hallworth fine tune their plans ahead of naming their NatWest Island Games 20-man squad next month.

St George’s contribute nine to the selection including fit-again winger Chris Bass Jr, while top-flight title rivals Peel have eight in the squad including Golden Boot winner Josh Kelly.

St Mary’s Max Thomas will vie with St John’s Damyan Petkov for the number one jersey, the latter keeping his place in the selection mix alongside fellow newcomers Declan Cummins, Robbie Ward and Darren Hudgeon.

Tickets for the game. which kicks off at 7pm, cost £5 for adults and £2 for under-16s and concessions.

All monies raised from the gate will go toward sending the FA squad to the UK for a training weekend ahead of Games in Jersey.

Isle of Man FA squad to face Leeds United XI: Max Thomas (St Mary’s), Damyan Petkov (St John’s), Andrew Crennell (Peel), Adam Cregeen (Peel), Johnny Myers (St George’s), Karl Clark (St Mary’s), Matthew Woods (Peel), Frank Jones (St George’s), Daniel Bell (Peel), Alex Harrison (St George’s), Liam Cowin (St George’s), Robbie Ward (DHSOB), Declan Cummins (Ramsey), Conor Doyle (St George’s), Jack McVey (St George’s), Lee Gale (Peel), Chris Bass Jr (St George’s), Marc Kelly (Peel), Ciaran McNulty (St George’s), Sam Caine (St George’s), Josh Kelly (Peel), Darren Hudgeon (DHSOB), Ashley Webster (Peel).

The squad will undertake a light training session at Peel’s Douglas Road ground at midday on Saturday.

All involved in next week’s game are asked to attend.

TV chef Alan Coxon has launched a new food and travel cookbook.

Alan, who trained at Isle of Man College and previously owned the Taste of Magic restaurant in Port St Mary, has published From Birmingham to Bombay.

It takes us behind the scenes with stories and delicious recipes from three very different regions of India.

Recipes include well known and the not so well known dishes from

paneer tikka kalimirch and kandhari barwaan to vindaloo and Goa fish curry.

The foreword is written by Indian celebrity super chef Sanjeev Kapoor.

Other Indian guest chefs also feature, offering their own favourite recipes.

www.alancoxon.com

Young sports leaders participating in the Sure Sports Leaders Programme have been congratulated for their commitment to voluntary coaching.

The Sports Leaders Programme is led by the Department of Education and Children’s sports development unit and sponsored by telecoms firm Sure Isle of Man.

The current cohort of students have been delivering sports sessions at schools and in the community, and recording their voluntary leadership hours in their Sure Sports Log Books, since September.

Emma Callow, community sports development officer, said: ‘The department’s strategy for sport aims to increase the number of young people involved in leadership training and mentoring, and support them in gaining recognised coaching qualifications.

‘The Sure Sports Leaders, who are all in Year 12 [sixth formers] at school, have shown commitment and enthusiasm in their leadership and coaching roles since they completed their training in July and began to deliver sports sessions in September.

‘Between January and March this year, the students have completed an impressive total of 552 hours coaching sports in a wide variety of settings, including Manx Sport and Recreation activities, primary schools, and community sports clubs, as well as continuing their academic studies.

‘Seven students have completed a Level 1 National Governing Body coaching award to further develop their leadership skills.’

The two students who have delivered the most voluntary hours during the last three months received recognition at a presentation recently at the Sure Shop in Douglas.

Joseph Waterson, who attends the Isle of Man College of Further and Higher Education, completed an extraordinary 62 hours and received a £100 Sure voucher.

Just behind Joe, was Jack Maylin from Castle Rushen High School with 61 hours.

Manx National Heritage, the organisation responsible for protecting and promoting the Isle of Man’s heritage and culture, is appealing for organisations, groups, associations and individuals to put forward their sites and activities as part of the Isle of Man Heritage Open Days programme on offer to the island’s residents and visitors.

Isle of Man Heritage Open Days 2015 is scheduled for October 2 to 4 and October 9 to 11 =, with the two weekends now fixed highlights in the autumn calendar.

It will be the sixth year that organisations have joined together to provide the public with an exciting programme of free events with the aim of encouraging residents and visitors to discover more about the island.

Organisations, individuals and groups can be included in the Heritage Open Days programme if they can provide public access to buildings, landscapes and displays that are either usually closed to the public, normally have an admission fee or can provide extra information to explain the significance of the area. Manx National Heritage will once again coordinate the programme and marketing of the event which is generously funded by the Manx Museum and National Trust.

Katie King, community outreach and learning support officer at Manx National Heritage said: ‘The ethos of Heritage Open Days is about opening people’s eyes to some of the historic or unusual places around the Isle of Man.

‘There is a huge appetite to explore the island as shown by over 2,000 people enjoying the events last year.

‘Co-ordinating the programme enables us to meet and make contact with groups on the island, with over forty different organisations putting on events during last year’s event.

‘We have had the pleasure of meeting a huge variety of interesting, enthusiastic people with a real passion for celebrating the island’s heritage and we are always keen to welcome new participants to the Heritage Open Days programme.

‘Your mundane is someone else’s eye opener and we want you to engage, inspire and show it off.’

Do you work somewhere amazing that you can show people around? Has your home got historic connections? Have you got access to places and spaces that could be opened to the public?

Suzanne Walker and Katie King, the Heritage Open Days co-ordinators at Manx National Heritage, are asking organisations or private individuals to get in touch directly if you would like to take part.

Their contact numbers are:

Katie King 648035; katie.king@gov.im

Suzanne Walker 648091; suzanne.walker@gov.im

The Steam Packet has agreed a priority booking scheme for TT marshals.

The company has teamed up with the TT Marshals’ Association to give priority for TT2016 to those marshals who attended five or more practice or race sessions during TT2014.

This scheme is in addition to a discount scheme, introduced in 2008, whereby marshals who attend both the TT and Festival of Motorcycling in one year have their ferry travel for the following year discounted by the Steam Packet.

Terry Holmes, chairman of the TT Marshals’ Association, said: ‘The aim of introducing priority booking is to benefit those marshals who give up their time each year to help make the TT happen.

‘It is hoped that the scheme will entice more marshals to attend, and it will also help the TTMA when we are out and about recruiting new marshals.

‘Alongside the discount scheme, this is further evidence of the support shown over the years by the Steam Packet Company, which has played a major role in helping us attract marshals to cover both festivals. For each race or practice session we need more than 500 marshals to cover the TT Course.

‘Without them, the events could not take place.’

Brian Convery, the Steam Packet’s sales development manager, added: ‘We introduced the discount scheme in 2008 to support the TTMA and encourage more marshals to volunteer. We are delighted to have agreed this priority booking system for marshals, which should make it easier for them to book, in addition to reducing the number of callers to our Call Centre when advance bookings open for the following year’s TT.’

The TTMA works hard each year to ensure there is enough cover for all practice and race sessions. Anyone interested in becoming a marshal should contact info@iomttma.com or call 618191.

There’s a chance to see some of the island’s top artists at work.

More than 40 artists will be exhibiting and demonstrating their work as part of the fourth Western Open Studio Art Trail (WOSAT).

Running over the May bank holiday weekend from Saturday (May 2) until Monday, May 4, the visual arts festival takes place in a number of venues in the west of the island.

The major exhibition will be held at the Isle Gallery, at St John’s, from May 1 to May 24.

Some of those taking part, artists Anna Clucas, Jeremy Paul, Jacqueline Dawson, Charlotte Jane Henry and jeweller Susanne Ekdahal will be demonstrating everything from oil and acrylic painting to ceramics, jewellery making and etching.

The exhibition has a maritime theme to mark the 100 year anniversary of the sinking of The Lusitania.

A large sand replica of the British cruise ship, which was sunk by a German U-boat, will be built on Peel beach by international artists Darren Jackson and Stephanie Quayle.

At the Corrin Hall and St German’s Cathedral artists will be demonstrating drawing, carving clay figures, letter cutting and wood carving and there will also be the opportunity to talk to Bruno Cavellec, Juan Moore and Petrina Kent among others.

At the House of Manannan there will be an opportunity to see textile work and wood carving and work by Isle of Man College art students.

Many of the artists demonstrating are also happy to let children and adults try out their techniques.

Other venues include open studios in Peel, Kirk Michael, Dalby and St John’s as well as the Pilates Isle of Man studio and Patrick Church.

A new addition to this year’s art trail is a ceili night on May 2, from 7pm, in a marquee on Marine Parade.

The line up includes Mollag Band, Strengyn, Kippercillie and Mae Challis Band.

Following on from last year’s yarn bombing of Peel, this year the Isle of Man Poetry Society will be ‘poetry bombing’ around the town on May 2 and there will be island-produced films from MannIN Shorts and the Isle of Man Film Festival showing at Corrin Hall throughout the weekend.

Meanwhile the Poetry Society and Hartes Ease will be performing ‘All in a Garden Green’, poetry and music, at Corrin Hall on May 3. The free concert starts at 7.30pm.

Admission to WOSAT is £2 per adult. Trail guides (also £2) featuring maps and details of all events and venues, are also available.

They are available from the Isle Gallery, St John’s; Celtic Gold, Peel; Sweet Ginger, Ramsey; Petrina’s Light and Space Gallery, Castletown.

WOSAT will be opened by Education Minister and Peel MHK Tim Crookall at the House of Manannan.

The festival has been organised by the Creative Network, a co-operative set up to promote visual arts in the island.

The Manx Hockey Association’s centenary dinner is taking place on Saturday, May 23 at the Best Western Palace Hotel & Casino in Douglas.

There will be a drinks reception from 6.30pm with dinner due to start at 7.15pm

Dress code is black tie and the cost is £30 per ticket.

Tickets can be reserved from club secretaries or by emailing mhasecretary@manx.net

Police are appealing for information after a green Volkswagen Golf was targeted twice by vandals.

The vehicle was parked in the horseshoe area of Queen’s Pier Road in Ramsey, where, on two separate occasions, large scratches were made down the sides of the vehicle using a key or something similar.

The damage was caused between 8.30pm on Thursday and 10am on Saturday.

Constable Kath Giles said: ‘This is mindless vandalism which has caused a great deal of upset and inconvenience to the owner of the vehicle.

‘I strongly urge anyone with information to contact me at Ramsey Police Station on 812234.’

Corinthians were presented with the Warehouse Fitness Women’s League championship after defeating Colby 13-0 at Ballaflecther on Sunday.

The Whites led 4-0 at half-time, Melissa Bell (3), Lisa Costain (3), Emma Davenport (2), Anna Dillon (2) Kiera Morgan (2) and Leonie Roberts finding the target.

It was Corinthians fifth league title in six years. The fixture brought the 2014-15 women’s season to a close.

A report will appear in this week’s Manx Independent.

Mark Cavendish sprinted to victory in the opening two stages of the Tour of Turkey this week.

The Etixx Quick-Step rider claimed the turquoise leader’s jersey after finishing off a perfect leadout from his team-mates at the end of the 145-kilometre opening stage on the southern coast in Antalya.

The Belgian team timed their race to perfection as they still had four riders remaining as the bunch reached the final 2km of the stage, before Tom Boonen and then Mark Renshaw delivered Cav to the finish where the Manx Missile produced a typical burst of pace to beat Caleb Ewen (Orica-GreenEDGE) and Nicola Ruffoni (Bardiani-CSF Pro Team) to the line.

The result means Cav has got the defence of his points jersey off to a good start, having won four stages and the points classification in the 2014 edition.

Monday’s second stage presented another opportunity for a group finale and sprint finish and the Manxman delivered yet again to claim his ninth win of the season.

Once more, Quick-Step’s leadout was a well-oiled machine as they had four riders - including Cav - leading the peloton into the final kilometre.

Despite a late attack by Lampre-Merida’s Sacha Modolo, Cavendish timed his sprint to perfection as he surged past the Italian rider to claim his second victory in as many days.

There were some tight games in Sunday evening’s four Hospital Cup matches.

St George’s won the evening’s big match with DHSOB 2-0 at Glencrutchery Road thanks to goals from Sean Quaye and Sam Caine.

The day’s other two first round ties were even closer, Union Mills edging past Division Two champions Marown 2-1 at Garey Mooar. Chris Kelly’s first-half goal gave the top-flight side the lead before Kevin Druggan smashed home an equaliser from the penalty spot early in the second half.

As extra-time loomed, substitute Jamie Johnston struck the winner for Mills, 11 minutes before the final whistle.

Extra-time and penalties were required to decide the other Premier League versus Division Two match at Tromode.

Gymns and Foxdale had drawn 1-1 after 120 minutes meaning spot-kicks were required. Gymns held their nerve to advance forward to a quarter-final encounter with St Mary’s on Sunday.

In the weekend’s sole quarter-final tie, Peel beat Corinthians 2-1 thanks to two early goals from Daniel Pickering and Ashley Webster. Louis Thornton pulled one back for the Whites who had Kane Ridings sent off late on.

Craig Heartstrong Foundation Hospital Cup

First round ties

Gymns 1-1 Foxdale AET Gymns win on penalties

St George’s 2-0 DHSOB

Union Mills 2-1 Marown

Quarter-final

Peel 2-1 Corinthians

The remaining remaining quarter-finals, will be played this Sunday:

St George’s v Rushen

Gymns v St Mary’s

St John’s v Union Mills

Hoylake avoided relegation from South Lancashire/Cheshire Division One when they beat Douglas by two points, 26-24, on Saturday.

Mark Shortland’s first-half try plus a conversion and penalty from Bryn Snellgrove gave Douglas a 10-7 half-time lead in their final league match of the season.

Hoylake hit back in the second half though and despite two tries from Will Keenan, both converted by Snellgrove, the hosts clung on for the win which sent Manchester Medics into Division Two.