The local authority in Port Erin has decided to meet every month rather than fortnightly.

Its decision follows a notice of motion brought by commissioner Ged Power to reduce the frequency of meetings.

He said they should use electronic devices to make the operation ‘slicker and quicker’.

Referring to last week’s agenda, he said: ‘The majority of those items could have gone through on the nod, as they have at most of our meetings – I’m talking about charitable collections, invitations, etc. I feel we could handle those matters electronically – they need no contribution.

‘People could have an immediate response.’

He added reducing meetings from 26 to 12 a year would lead to ‘a huge amount of time saved to our staff in that office, photocopying agendas, binding them together and posting them’.

If necessary, they could convene an ‘emergency meeting,’ he said.

Regarding planning matters, other authorities handle these with monthly meetings. They could have a sub-committee to deal with planning or a policy, so applications are ‘dealt with swiftly, electronically’.

He said: ‘Last year on three occasions meetings were held monthy and the world has not fallen apart.’

Barbara Guy thought it was a ‘step too far’.

Phil Crellin said debating things around the board table is ‘the essence of democracy’. He added: ‘There has to be a proposal and it has to be seconded. How we get around that [using technology], I do not know.

‘The role of the chairman is not to make arbitrary decisions about what we think; it’s to make sure all people have their say. Regarding planning, I would not like to make arbitrary decisions without listening to what other commissioners think.’

Nick Watterson said: ‘I do not think there’s a better forum than this for debate … I’m not sitting in front of a computer when I can be sat here and answer questions.’

Turning his attention to financial savings, he said: ‘It does not particularly relate to the amount of meetings we have – we still have to come to meetings. We have two people absent tonight.

‘If they missed another two meetings that’s a 75 percent attendance rate – that’s not particularly good.

‘We have comments to make on many issues, there are things which need a response that cannot wait a month.

‘Responsibility goes out of the window when you’re at home making decisions, you make them more responsibly when you are here.’

He added: ‘When fortnightly meetings run very smoothly they are still taking two hours. Do you want to sit here for four hours?’

Mr Power said ‘contentious issues’ can still be debated at meetings.

Clerk Jason Roberts said many issues can be covered by the board drawing up a policy.

The majority – Martin Norbury, Steve George, Godfrey Egee and Mr Power – supported the motion. Against were Mr Watterson, Mr Crellin and Mrs Guy.

Steve Christian’s resignation from Pinewood will have no effect on government plans, MHKs were told.

Treasury Minister Eddie Teare was quizzed in the House of Keys about Mr Christian’s departure from the Pinewood Group which was confirmed in an announcement to the Stock Exchange on Tuesday morning.

Lib Van leader Kate Beecroft (Douglas South) had tabled an emergency question on the issue as a matter of urgent public importance.

Mr Teare told the House: ‘The announcement that Mr Christian is to step down as a director of the Pinewood Group and Pinewood Film Advisors will not affect our plans of the Media Development Fund.’

But Mrs Beecroft queried who is co-ordinating investment advice to the Manx Treasury now, given this was Mr Christian’s role, having joined the board as executive director.

‘Pinewood Film Advisors are the managers of the fund and over the last two and a half years, they have worked closely with the government as a team. That team remains in place,’ replied the Treasury Minister.

But Mrs Beecroft pressed: ‘If Pinewood Film Advisors are just the managers, could he clarify who is giving the advice?’

Mr Teare repeated his reply that the advice is given by the team.

Peter Karran (Lib Van, Onchan) argued that the fund had fallen from £50m to about £10m, and this was ‘just another scandal as far as public money is concerned’ - prompting Speaker Steve Rodan to remind members about being careful with their choice of words.

The Treasury Minister said Mr Karran is quite entitled to his own opinion, but that is an opinion he did not share.

Alfred Cannan (Michael asked whether Mr Christian was resigning with immediate effect and what timescales are Treasury working to in terms of a replacement.

Mr Teare quoted from the notice issued to the Stock Exchange at 9.33am that morning which read: ‘Pinewood announces that Steve Christian has today resigned as a director of the company with immediate effect’.

He added: ‘We are in dialogue, and have been since the beginning of this contract, with the chief executive officer of Pinewood, Mr Ivan Dunleavy, and that continues.’

Mrs Beecroft asked the Treasury Minister to clarify who is legally responsible for advising on the Media Development Fund. ‘We have always been led to believe it was Pinewood Film Advisors but it has been recently reported that it is Pinewood Pictures that acts as fund adviser,’ she said.

Mr Teare replied that is Pinewood Film Advisors who are properly authorised by the financial watchdog the Financial Conduct Authority.

He said that Mr Christian, who he described as an ‘absolute stalwart’ had chosen to resign for personal reasons.

He has also given notice to step down from the board of the Manx Utilities Authority, MHKs were told.

‘That will be a big loss. He has not been paid as a director of the MEA and the MUA. He has done it solely for the public good, and with all the criticism that he has received, I think he needs to be recognised for everything that he has done. I am personally grateful to him, but I do respect his decision,’ said Mr Teare.

He added that it was ‘somewhat ironic’ that Mrs Beecroft who had raised so many questions about Pinewood, and Mr Christian’s involvement with Pinewood, ‘now seems to be so very concerned that he is stepping down’.

Mrs Beecroft insisted: ‘It is the public funds that I have been concerned about and I have never made any personal statement about Mr Christian.’

Douglas and Vagabonds will slug it out for the Manx Cup at Port-e-Chee on Saturday afternoon.

Games between these two rivals are always close, however, this season holders Douglas will start as favourites given that they’re playing a division higher in the English League structure.

These two sides last met competitively in the 2014 final which Douglas won 22-8.

Since then, both clubs have had mixed seasons in their respective leagues. From being early pacesetters the previous season, Douglas finally finished 10th this year. Vagas have a very similar playing record and their finishing position was eighth.

That, when translated into possible cup scores, equates to a very close game.

Douglas beat Ramsey 32-3 on Thursday to claim their place in the final.

The game was much tighter than that scoreline suggests although to be fair, Ramsey never really threatened and Douglas were worthy winners.

Vagas’ route to the final was a little more comprehensive, beating Southern Nomads 57-5.

Douglas have had to play an additional league match since Vagas’ season ended and of course their semi-final was just last week. They may just have the edge on match fitness, while Vagas haven’t played since April 18 and are likely to be better rested.

For threats on the pitch you need look no further than Douglas’ Bryn Snellgrove. He scored two and made two last week and is a threat no matter where he starts.

Multi-talented, he is capable of filling any position from scrum-half outwards. The Douglas pack are a powerful unit and work well in the set- piece and driving maul.

The Vagas side is not without its talent either. Skipper Ross Pulman is the spark which can ignite fire.

His pace to the breakdown will give Vagas an edge and with Kevin Birchall packing down up front, the Douglas scrummage will not get an easy ride.

Further out the backline, Ross McCulloch and Sam Liver compliment each other well in the centre and Tom Gascoyne’s finishing is well known.

Expect a fiercely competitive game as ever, and on current form, I suspect that the cup will remain at Port-e-Chee for another season, but the result could be mighty close.

Dave Christian

Saturday’s Fixture

Manx Cup Final

Douglas v Vagabonds @ Port-e-Chee ko 2.30pm

Fingers crossed, the Isle of Man Premiership will get under way on Saturday after last weekend’s total wash out.

The rains that swept the island caused all the opening games to be abandoned without a ball being bowled.

The forecast for the week-end looks better and there are three key matches scheduled.

Champions Peel and St John’s are at Tromode to face Valkyres.

Last year the western club did the double over the Douglas team. In one match Greg Hawke hit 76 and in the other Ollie Webster made 46.

However, they will need to watch out for Marc Furness. In those games he starred for Valkyres with innings of 38 and 42. So he is clearly a man the Saints will want to dismiss quickly.

Cronkbourne go to Ramsey and will be able to call on a strong squad with plenty of young academy players breaking through.

They should prove too strong for Ramsey who are likely to be missing top batsmen Shaun Kelly and Tom Howard. That could be fatal against a powerful Douglas attack.

The closest game on Saturday should be at King William’s College where Castletown host Crosby.

In 2014 Town were third in the Premiership, two places above the Marown side.

The two games between the clubs resulted in a win each.

In a high-scoring clash, Castletown made 222 for 5 and Crosby, in a great chase, ended on 225 for 7.

Wicus Wessels hit 91 for the Town and the Marown high scorers were Drew Buxton (64) and Danny Kniveton (56).

In the other fixture, the Town romped home by nine wickets, thanks to 85 from John Short and 3-11 by Scott Weaver.

So the two sides are evenly matched with the batting looking stronger than the bowling. This game could be tight.

Maurice Trace

CRICKET FIXTURES DIARY

Saturday, May 9

Isle of Man Premiership (1pm)

Newfield Castletown

v Nedbank Private Wealth Crosby

Ramsey v Baker Tilly IoM Cronkbourne

Conister Bank Valkyres

v Shimmin Wilson Peel and St John’s

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

Monday, May 11

Forrester League (6.30pm)

Nedbank Private Wealth Crosby C

v Shimmin Wilson Peel and St John’s C

Ramsey C v Baker Tilly IoM Cronkbourne Bacchas

Newfield Castletown C v Colas Finch Hill B

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

Wednesday, May 13

Cain League (6.30pm)

Paddy Power Union Mills A

v Baker Tilly IoM Cronkbourne B

Shimmin Wilson Peel and St John’s B

v Newfield Castletown B

Ramsey B v Colas Finch Hill A

Conister Bank Valkyres B

v Nedbank Private Wealth Crosby B

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

Thursday, May 14

Forrester League (6.30pm)

Newfield Castletown C

v Paddy Power Union Mills B

It is the 179th anniversary of St Luke’s church this year and a service will be held next Sunday, May 10, at 6.30pm.

Reverend Ian Faulds will be the guest speaker at the service and he will give a talk about St Abban and the history of St Luke’s.

Everyone is welcome and tea and biscuits will be served after the service.

Time has run out for pay and display parking on Loch Promenade walkway in Douglas.

Pay and display parking was introduced last winter as part of a package of measures announced to generate income for the cash-strapped Department of Infrastructure.

It was also brought in as work was due to start on the next stage of the promenade refurbishment, which would have resulted in the loss of disc-zone parking.

That project was subsequently shelved. And the ambitious new £21.3m proposals for a ‘shared space’ scheme, announced this week, include parking on both sides of Loch Promenade.

Now covers have been put on the pay and display machines.

A government spokesman said it was always the intention to end pay and display parking when the summer season started.

He said pay and display parking had been well-received by hoteliers and retailers.

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

Do you think parking should return to the promenade after the summer?

Email opinions@newsiom.co.im or use the comments system below.

Saturday sees the latest edition of the Songs From The Sofa acoustic shows at the Amber Bar in Douglas.

This chapter features a bill comprising singer-songwriter Danny Looney, acoustic trio The Kites and Jack Wolter, who’s now back on the island ahead of his TT shows with Cubzoa – more news on that to come.

Doors open at 8pm with Danny kicking off proceedings around 9pm. Entry is free.

Now, as reported in this column last week the boys in the Post War Stories camp have been busy putting the finishing touches to their brand new EP entitled Visions: Live 2.

The line-up, which features Paul Salisbury on vocals and guitar, Martyn Cain on bass and Ben O’Hare on drums and samples, are now on their third official release, fourth if you count their This Terrible Ordeal: Soundtracking The Lives Of Manx Residents In WW1 collaboration with The Isle of Man Arts Council and Manx National Heritage.

Visions: Live 2 is a collection of five new tracks that carries on the band’s DIY ethic in that it was all written and recorded in their rehearsal room in St John’s.

The opening and title track Visions continues the dark, ethereal dreamscape sound that is evident throughout their previous output.

Delayed guitars interweave with an almost triphop-esque bass line that’s underpinned by Ben’s minimal drum track.

This gives way to what can only be described as a simply huge, gargantuan riff.

It seems to come out of nowhere, breaking the hypnotic feel of the main riff that had previously set the mood.

It disappears just as quickly and shows why they do the light and shade dynamics in their songs and shows so well.

Wasting Time ups the tempo with a mainly bass and drum-driven track that allows the guitar and vocals to create a feel that struck me in places as giving a nod to the likes of Maximo Park and Editors.

Formulaic Fate then carries you on a far gentler journey. It has the slightly more experimental feel of some of the 80s Liverpool exports like Echo and The Bunnymen, Teardrop Explodes et al, and that can never be a bad thing.

Ghosts has been a staple of the live set for a while now and harks back to the dark, brooding triphop leanings found on Live at Kennaa.

It’s driven solidly by the drums and bass, allowing Paul to do his guitar and vocal thing over the top. The likes of Massive Attack come to mind and it’s a personal favourite of mine.

Proceedings are closed by Scriptures. It’s superbly gentle for the most part. This one could be the standout track for me. There’s some lovely bass lines working their way around the delay and reverb-laden guitars.

As always, there are a few moments where the dynamics are played with and it’s a stunning end to this release.

They are really coming into their own these days and honing a very recognisable sound. For more information on this free (yes, free) release, visit www.facebook.com/postwarstories

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

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

Corinthians booked their place in the Kirby Estates Cowell Cup semi-finals on Thursday evening with a 3-0 win over Union Mills.

The Whites join fellow group A side Ramsey and group B pair Ayre and St Mary’s in the semi-final draw for the competition thanks to goals from Sean Doyle, Ryan Burns and Andy O’Neill.

The draw for next Thursday’s last-four games will be made tonight, Friday, on Manx Radio at 6.30pm.

The final is scheduled to be played on the evening of Thursday, May 21 at the Bowl.

Things are now officially costing more again than they did a year ago.

The Isle of Man had dipped into deflation, meaning that the cost of living dropped.

But in April the annual rate of inflation measured by the consumer prices index (CPI) stood at 0.1 per cent, up from MINUS 0.5 per cent in March.

The rate of inflation measured by the retail prices index, which includes mortgage interest payments and household expenditure such as buildings insurance, rose from 1.9 per cent to 2.9 per cent.

The rise in inflation came party as electricity prices rose by 9 per cent, public sector rents increased, domestic rates went up in some areas and water and sewerage rates rose.

The government pointed a large rise in travel costs.

Much of this related to the prices of certain air fares and car hire costs increasing with a later-than-usual TT festival, which has warped the year-on-year inflation figures.

The impact of these is to add about 0.7 per cent to RPI inflation and 0.9 per cent to CPI, and those increases are expected to reverse next month.

The Paul Henry Gold Cup final takes place at the Bowl on Sunday afternoon.

Douglas Royal and RYCOB will duke it out for JCK Division Two’s end-of-season honours after beating Marown and Douglas Athletic in the semi-finals.

Royal booked their place in the top-four competition’s finale with an impressive 2-0 victory over second tier champions Marown on Saturday.

Paul Whitley bagged a double against the Crosby outfit and player-manager Gavin Gawne will be looking to the striker to fire his side to a first Gold Cup title since the inaugural crown in 1988.

Gawne will be hoping the few injury problems that have dogged his squad in recent weeks clear up ahead of their trip to the national stadium.

Former Onchan and DHSOB man Liam Buckley is definitely going to miss out, while striker Kenny Cowin faces a late fitness test after sustaining a knock in training a few weeks ago.

James Halliday is also a doubt after a week away with work in America, but ex-St Mary’s midfielder Chris Anderson is back in training and has a chance of being involved in the match day squad. Bob Le Page could also yet force his way into Gawne’s plans.

Like Royal, Youthie go into the final on a high after securing the second tier’s runners-up spot and promotion with an 8-0 thrashing of Foxdale at the weekend.

The northerners young squad have shown their mettle in recent weeks and will be hoping to finish the season with their first cup silverware since the Woods Cup in 1986.

Oliver Blaker is RYCOB’s go-to man for goals, the 20-year-old netting a hat-trick as a place in the Premier League was secured.

Skipper Ruairi Poole has also impressed in the midfield engine room this season and will play a key role if his side are to lift their first Gold Cup crown.

Royal have triumphed in the two sides league meetings this campaign, winning 2-1 at Ballafletcher in September, before winning the reverse fixture 5-4 a month ago.

The Bowl crowd will be hoping for an equally compelling match when the two meet this weekend.

l Twitter updates from both finals @manxfootyblog

Peel and Corinthians go head-to-head in the final of the Ascot Hotel-sponsored Junior Cup at the Bowl on Saturday afternoon.

In a repeat of the 2013 cup final, Peel will be looking to clinch the trophy for an 11th time in the club’s illustrious history as well as avenge their defeat at the hands of the Whites two years ago.

On the day, the Ballafletcher side stunned the westerners 4-2 at the Bowl after twice coming from behind to win courtesy of goals from David Bignell, Nigel Moody, Simon Nicol and Robert Bentley.

Bignell is now joint player-manager of the Corinthians combi side alongside Matt Palmer who impressed during their semi-final victory over Braddan last weekend, grabbing a goal in his side’s 3-1 win.

The Whites should be boosted by the return of Stewart Smith who faces a late fitness test, while the only other doubt is Jamie Stoy who is carrying a knock but will hopefully play.

Colin Hardman’s Peel outfit have no new injury worries ahead of the final and, while Louis Morris went off as a precaution against Rushen United in their semi-final, he should be fit to play. Youngsters George Alexander, Wilf Hewson and Greg Kelly have been involved in the earlier rounds and will be pushing for inclusion in the squad.

Peel will go into the match as firm favourites to lift the trophy once again but, as shown two years ago, they can ill afford to take this talented Corinthians squad lightly. Kick-off 3pm.

DAVE NORTON

Don’t be alarmed if you see volunteers rescuing a whale, a dolphin and a seal pup on the beach in front of the Northern Swimming Pool in Ramsey on Sunday afternoon – they’re not real.

The whale does weigh two tonnes though!

A team from British Divers Marine Life Rescue, a charity that has more than 3,000 trained marine mammal medics across the UK, will be teaching around 30 volunteers how to rescue marine mammals in the first course they’ve run on the island.

The course gives the trainee medics all the basic information they need to be able to assess the condition of animals on the beach, give them first aid, handle them safely and in the case of the whale and dolphin, refloat them.

The day-long course is being run in association with the Manx Wildlife Trust, with the Isle of Man Steam Packet having sponsored the team’s ferry crossings and the Department of the Enviornment, Food and Agriculture sponsoring 15 places on the course for members of the coastguard, civil defence, RNLI and fisheries department.

Lara Howe, the Manx Wildlife Trust’s marine officer, said: ‘We’ve had a really good response to the course and with around 30 people on it, so it should be a great day.

‘It’s a bit different but giving people the skills needed to look after our marine wildlife will be of real benefit and will complement the marine mammal strandings work the trust does on behalf of the DEFA.’

Steam Packet chief executive Mark Woodward said: ‘We are delighted to be able to support this valuable training day, which will help further protect the marine mammals around the Isle of Man’s coast.

‘The Steam Packet is already a supporter of Manx Whale and Dolphin Watch, assisting with the group’s regular marine surveys, and fully recognises the importance of our marine wildlife, so we had no hesitation in adding our backing to this training visit.”

Stephen Marsh, BDMLR’s operations manager, who will be leading the course, said: ‘We’ve wanted to come out and run a course for a long time as we knew there was a lot of interest on the island, so we’re really grateful for the support we’ve had to get this one organised.

‘The Isle of Man has some incredible marine wildlife so it’s great that we’re able to help local people contribute to its conservation in a practical way.’

The course is now fully booked but it is hoped that further courses will be run in the future and more information can be found at www.bdmlr.org.uk.

Beach Buddies is going to team up with the Marine Conservation Society and the Douglas branch of Marks & Spencer to clean Castletown beach at the weekend.

It starts at 10am on Sunday at Castletown Bay, meeting at the second car park after Hango Hill.

M&S will again be bringing a number of staff to join in with volunteers.

This is one of the beaches in the Isle of Man which is often filled with marine rubbish.

This year the volunteers will be trying something a bit different and trying to count every single item collected.

Having claimed a famous victory on the 2014 event, Jason Pritchard/Phil Clarke (Ford Focus WRC) have the honour of leading away the 35th anniversary IMGold Manx National Rally on Friday evening.

Next to set off just after 6pm on the six-stage opening leg will be four-time winner Melvyn Evans and co-driver Mark Glennerster (Subaru Impreza WRC).

Evans was on course for a record-equalling fifth victory in 2013 when his Impreza’s gearbox cried ‘enough’ with three stages to go.

At number three in the near-capacity entry are Paul Bird/Aled Davies (Focus WRC), who were more than two minutes ahead of their nearest rivals overnight last year before crashing heavily on the Saturday leg.

The pair will be aiming to add to their wins on the island, which currently stands at Bird three and Davies two.

Steve Simpson/Patrick Walsh (Impreza WRC), who were fifth two years ago and third in 2014, have the wherewithal to improve on those results as they try and put their REIS MSA Asphalt Rally Championship campaign back on track.

The Manx is the second round of the six-event calendar and Simpson/Walsh failed to finish the opener on the Epynt Military Ranges back in March.

Multiple Asphalt champion Damian Cole has yet to taste victory on the Isle of Man after finishing third in both 2012 and 2013 before retiring last year.

Now with Jack Morton installed in the co-driver’s seat of his Focus WRC, Cole will be aiming to add his name to the list of winners and, in so doing, plug a sizeable gap in his rallying CV.

In Asphalt Championship terms, Simon Mauger starts the Manx as leader, having won the Tour of Epynt in his Metro 4M4.

However, the Bicester driver will have his work cut out to maintain his position at the top of the table as he has not contested this event since 2008 when he finished 25th in an Escort.

Simon Chapman/Will Rutherford-Child are next in the first of three Proton Satrias in the entry - this particular car is the one in which Ollie Mellors claimed the runner-up spot in on last year.

Then, at number eight, Manx National regular John Indri has Peter James for company in his Darrian T90 GTR - the very position in which John brought the car to the finish in both 2012 and 2013.

They will be hoping for dry weather over the weekend in order to extract maximum traction from their two-wheel drive machine.

The top 10 is completed by defending Eurocars Motorsport Manx Rally Champions Arron Newby/Rob Fagg (Subaru Impreza) and the Ford Fiesta WRC of Graham Coffey/Tom Woodburn.

Manx interest then continues into the teens with the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IXs of Steve Colley/Andrew Cowley and Nigel/Jade Cannell.

The victors in the Chris Kelly Memorial Rally winners, which ran concurrently with last year’s Manx National, Timmy and Cliona Collins are back in the main event in their Evo IX.

Come rain or shine, the IMGold Manx National Rally always presents competitors with a supreme challenge, with crews having to complete 14 special stages totalling almost 108 miles.

The event is based at the TT Grandstand where the first car is due at the finish at 3.30pm on Saturday.

First car stage times Friday, May 8 leg one SS1 Keristal 6.16pm; SS2 Marine Drive 6.33pm; SS3 Port Erin 6.59pm; SS4 Port Erin 7.23pm; SS5 St Mark’s 7.52pm; SS6 Cringle 9.38pm. Saturday, May 9 Leg two SS7 Ramsey 9.26pm; SS8 Baldwins 10.05am; SS9 Keristal 11.28am; SS10 Marine Drive 10.45am; SS11 Cringle 12.28pm; SS12 St Mark’s 12.59pm; SS13 Ramsey 2.34pm; SS14 Baldwins 3.14pm.

The number of tourists visiting the island rose last year but the total number of visitors, figures released today reveal.

The economic affairs unit of the Cabinet Office published the full report of the 2014 Passenger Survey.

The annual survey provides information on levels of passenger traffic to and from the island by sea and by air, and includes business travellers as well as tourists and local residents.

Initial figures, providing provisional estimates of the number of visits to the island and the number of trips off-island made byiIsland residents during 2014, were released earlier in the year as part of the Isle of Man in Numbers 2015 publication.

The full report gives a more detailed breakdown of these figures and provides additional data, including estimates of the expenditure, length of stay and area of residence of visitors.

The number of non-business visitors staying in paid accommodation (tourists) increased by 13 per cent during 2014 to 126,404.

Total scheduled passenger departures remained constant over the year, at 641,213 in 2014 compared to 641,219 in 2013.

The total number of visitors including business and non-business fell by 4.8 per cent to 276,903 during 2014.

The average length of stay of visitors to the island (including business visitors) was estimated at 5.2 nights, which is a small increase compared to 2013.

Estimated total expenditure by visitors to the island during 2014 was £107.7m, and on average visitors spent £388 per visit.

The government is to explore options to outsource the running of the Villa Marina and Gaiety Theatre to a commercial operator.

But Economic Development Minister Laurence Skelly stressed that both venues would remain in public ownership.

Expressions of interest will be sought from June this year from parties interested in managing and operating the complex.

Mr Skelly MHK said: ‘At this stage we are testing the market to establish what interest there is in running both venues.

‘We are mindful that the indications are that outsourcing operations could greatly reduce the financial contribution that the taxpayer currently makes through the budget allocated to operate the two venues.’

He said the move follows the recommendations of the Scope of Government review that the Villa Marina and the Gaiety Theatre could be operated more effectively by contracting them out.

‘Since my department took over responsibility for the Villa Gaiety complex in April 2014 we have taken further steps to identify what would be the most appropriate way forward that would optimise the commercial potential of the two venues while at the same time keeping them in government ownership,’ he added.

Questions about the Villa Marina and Gaiety were raised in the House of Keys this week by Douglas West MHK Chris Thomas.

The heavily-subsidised complex’s net budget (operating costs minus revenue) has actually increased from £1,349,700 in 2014/15, including £625,000 of loan charges, to £1,489,700 this year, including £765,200 of loan charges.

But Mr Skelly told MHKs it had come in under budget for the fifth successive year.

The Minister iomtoday he did not know what level of interest there would be from commercial operators. He said the complex would continue to be subsidised to a degree by the taxpayer.

He said new opportunities would open up for commercial operators particularly for daytime use of the facilities for conferences and corporate hospitality.

The complex employs 20 to 30 full-time staff plus casual staff.

Mr Skelly said that although outsourcing is being considered, this was no reflection on the good work that the staff at the Villa Marina and Gaiety Theatre have done over the past few years.

‘The staff will be kept regularly informed throughout and we will also be communicating with unions and key regular users of both venues to update them on progress,’ he said, adding that the process would be ‘open and transparent’.

Mr Skelly said consideration had been given to ‘de-coupling’ the two venues, with a social enterprise trust running the Gaiety. But this option had been ruled out as not viable because there were a lot of shared services.

In the Keys, he said that coming in under budget had been achieved through a range of improvements.

He said the complex now has approval to hold civil wedding ceremonies. Overall attendances had totalled over 200,000, with ticket sales over £2.2m. The Royal Hall is very close to capacity for Friday and Saturdays throughout the year.

Future plans include more live streaming, growing the corporate business, upgrading audio-visual equipment and re-seating the cinema.

The latest end-of-season Hospital Cup-inspired Team of the Week is comprised of players from Sunday evening’s three quarter-final ties.

St George’s bid for a second Grand Slam negotiated another hurdle at Glencrutchery Road, Chris Bass Sr’s side beating Rushen 4-0.

Three of the Geordies side that teed up a tantalising semi-final tie with Peel make it into the latest hypothetical XI.

Johnny Myers concluded a week where he’d scored for the Isle of Man FA against Leeds United U21s, with a solid performance at the back against the Spaniards.

Also impressing in that game were winger Chris Bass Jr and striker Ciaran McNulty.

Bass Jr’s return to fitness and top form continued with a brace against the Croit Lowey outfit, while McNulty led the line as Geordies eased into the last four.

The evening’s other big winners were St Mary’s and they contribute a couple of faces to this week’s line-up.

Defender Karl Clark took the skipper’s arm band in Dominic McGreevy’s absence and did his best to lead by example.

The Saints centre-back’s thumping header gave his side the lead, while some stout defending helped the Bowl outfit to a clean sheet during their 5-0 victory.

Also impressing at Tromode was Mark Wolfenden.

The targetman revelled in a new deeper role in midfield alongside the busy Josh Thomas, Connor Birch and Danny Gerrard.

Joining the former Laxey man in the middle of the park are Bass Jr and St John’s Andrew Chadwick.

Chadwick produced a typically steely showing as the Johnners edge past fellow Premier League outfit Union Mills 1-0 at Mullen-e-Cloie.

Getting the decisive goal in that fixture was Callum Taggrt and he makes up a three-pronged attack alongside the already mentioned McNulty and Union Mills’ youngster Jordan Crawley.

The goal capped a fine all-round performance by Taggart, while Crawley nearly forced the Millers back into that tie after coming on as a substitute.

In defence Myers and Clark are joined by St John’s Kevin Shimell and Gymns stopper Barry Hardinge.

The latter was the Tromode outfit’s best player and broke up several promising St Mary’s attacks while going close at the other end with a couple of headers.

Shimell’s end-of-season renaissance continued with a stout performance against the Millers.

Mills skipper Christian Cellamare claimed the side’s coveted number one jersey after making several fine stops against St John’s.

Also impressing in that match was official Peter Beighton who lands the referee of the week honours.

l The Isle of Man FA’s awards night takes place on Friday, May 22 at Pulrose Golf Club. Tickets cost £20.

Peel’s Golden Boot winner Josh Kelly has been named as the Isle of Man FA’s Player of the Year.

The former Rushen striker will pick up the Burrell Rosebowl at the FA’s awards night on Friday, May 22 at Pulrose Golf Club.

Also celebrating that night will be Malew hot shot Andy Glover who has added the JCK Division Two Player of the Year award to the Silver Boot his 38 league goals landed him.

Peel’s Sarah Wignall has been named Women’s Player of the Year, while Laxey forward Matty Kent-Lloyd nets the 16-18 league award.

Tickets for the awards night cost £20 and are available from the FA offices at the Bowl.

The island’s men’s hockey squad for this weekend’s counties tournament in HMS Temeraire, Portsmouth has been announced.

The Isle of Man team will go up against the Royal Navy and Herefordshire on Saturday followed by games on Sunday versus Surrey and Leicestershire.

The squad is a mixture of youth and experience, a blend of players from the PwC Men’s League and local lads now plying their trade for UK hockey clubs. Making their debuts will be Chris Bass, Alex Birch, James Harrison and Sam Moffatt.

Herefordshire and Leicestershire are old adversaries, but the Royal Navy and Surrey are new opponents for the squad.

Thanks go to Viking Office Equipment and Kyocera who have generously provided the kit and cash under a new three-year sponsorship deal covering the island’s men’s and women’s squads.

The squad is as follows: Chris Bass, Alex Bell, Alex Birch, Andy Bridson, Jamie Brown, Gareth Craig, Steven Crowe, Matty Grice, James Harrison, Ben Leeming, Will Margot, Luis Novo-Smith, Sam Moffatt, Steven Underwood, Andrew Vernon-Browne, John Verrall, Andrew Whiting and David Whiting. Coach - Jon Whiting. Manager - Raj Nandha.

A self-styled ‘King of Man’ will be given a warm welcome in the island when he arrives here to star in an American reality TV series.

In a surprise move, the Manx government issued a statement about the imminent arrival of David Drew Howe, saying it has made clear it does not take his claims to sovereignty seriously.

A government spokesperson said: ‘As the filming may attract media and public interest, it might be helpful if the Isle of Man Government states its position in advance.

‘The Isle of Man Government is familiar with Mr Howe’s claim to sovereignty over the island, as it was first expressed several years ago. We have made it clear to the series producers that the claim is not to be taken seriously and that it is not recognised by either the Isle of Man Government or the United Kingdom Government. The Head of State of the Isle of Man is and remains Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

‘The Isle of Man Government has not endorsed this TV project. However, this is an open and friendly country, and as a successful international business centre and tourist destination we welcome visitors from all over the world. We hope that Mr Howe and his family enjoy their time here and gain some appreciation of the island’s unique charms.’

Mr Howe, of Maryland, first created a right royal stir in 2007 – after crowning himself King of the Isle of Man.

He posted a notice in the London Gazette year claiming legal right to the Manx crown.

When the newspaper notice went unchallenged, he crowned himself ‘undisputed’ King.

It’s a title abandoned 500 years ago by the Stanleys in favour of ‘Lord of Mann’, the current holder being, of course, the Queen, who Mr Howe insists is his cousin.