A motorcyclist is in hospital in the UK after sustaining serious injuries after a crash on the Mountain Road last night.

It happened at about 7.20pm between Joey’s (the 26th Milestone) and the Guthrie’s Memorial.

He was riding a blue Triumph motorcycle.

Detective Inspector Mark Newey said: ‘If there are any motorists who witnessed the incident that have not already provided their details to the police, I would ask them to contact the police on 631212.

‘Similarly, if anyone has captured the incident on a camera, I would like them to let the police know so we can piece together what happened.

‘The injured male rider has been flown to the UK for further treatment and our thoughts are with him and his family at this time.’

TT organisers have released condition checks for yesterday’s injured riders.

Michael Sweeney was taken by airmed to Noble’s Hospital following an accident at Ramsey Hairpin. He is reported to be comfortable but with back pain.

Sidecar passenger Jake Lowther was reported to have a back injury following an accident at Handley’s.

He was transferred by airmed and is now in Noble’s where he is described as comfortable. Driver John Lowther was OK in the incident.

Sidecar crew Mark Saunders and Marc Maier were involved in an incident at Laurel Bank.

Both were taken by airmed to Noble’s. Saunders is described as OK while Maier has a hip injury but is expected to be discharged shortly.

Sidecar crew Dwight and Noel Beare hit the bales at the Waterworks but both are OK.

The number of people out of work at the end of last month was the lowest May figure for seven years.

Statistics released by the government today reveal that there were 768 people out or work. That’s a drop of 66 from April’s figure and 122 from May 2014.

During the month, 152 signed on to the unemployment register while 218 left.

The unemployment rate is 1.7 per cent. That’s the percentage of the economically active population that’s unemployed.

It compares well internationally.

In the UK it’s 5.5 per cent. The figure for Germany is 6.4; the USA 5.5; Republic of Ireland 9.8 and Greece 25.6.

During the month 701 vacancies were notified to the Job Centre and at the end of the month 320 positions remained vacant.

Of those 70 per cent were full-time positions and 30 part-time.

The reason the unemployed cannot simply slot into those jobs is a skills gap.

For example, there are 114 people with a background in construction looking for work. But at the end of the month there were only 10 vacancies in that sector.

But there were 12 people with qualifications in education out of work but 21 vacancies.

The health sector has 40 vacancies but there are only 18 people with health qualifications looking for a job.

The analysis from the government’s economic affairs division also breaks down the figures by age.

There are 144 people aged 20 to 24 looking for work, while there are only 45 people aged 60 to 64. and 51 aged 40 to 44.

The figures include 14 people who need work permits, 29 who are under 18 and 49 who are signing on for credits only.

They do not include people under 18 who are registered with the Department of Economic Development but who are not claiming any benefit.

In recent years, the highest May unemployment figure was in 1995, when 1,365 were out of work. The lowest was in 2001 when the figure was 154.

In 2008 the figure was 550.

There is a company called Autocrash which doesn’t need to advertise its function as a workshop for repairing damage to the bodywork of your car when it’s needed.

The name has a resonance as memorable as the sound of the collision which, of course, wasn’t your fault.

Mind you it wasn’t a crash that made me go to them with my veteran Mini One convertible.

It was the accumulation of battle scars sustained in the course of 10 years everyday motoring in the Isle of Man.

They were mostly unsolicited gifts when parked from the drivers of other cars and, no, I am not going to allege that most of them were donated by women drivers. I just don’t know. No messages of any kind were left with any of them.

(I will admit that I might have caused some of them myself. But that is not a matter up for discussion today).

The trouble is that now I have a car in pristine condition and I wait apprehensively for the first donation of a new scratch, and I mentioned this to Sharon, the lady in reception at Autocrash.

She told me: ‘Three new scratches this year and you get a free invitation to our Christmas party.’

That’s smashing, Sharon.

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This week’s crossword clue has been sent in by Sara Goodwins and Barbara Taylor. It was in the Daily Telegrph cryptic as follows: ‘Man, for example, saying I will (4).’

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The strangulated jargon of politicians, Manx and otherwise, regularly includes saying that something or other will be done ‘going forward.’

A leading crab, Manx of course, said last night that this is crustaceanism. He added:

‘Why don’t they do it like us?’

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The Daily Mail last week had a photograph of Sir Cliff Richard looking what it called ‘frail and weary’ and adding that he faces ‘historic sex abuse’.

Historic? You couldn’t say that about his singing.

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Walkers and Talkers were advised in advance that there would be no sessions this week because the TT races. All I can suggest is that we do it on the TT Course.

But how will we be able to make ourselves heard?

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A group of women described as feminists say God is a woman and should be referred to as such in church services as in ‘Our Mother who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.’

This kind of thing can get out of hand, so what next?

Our Cross Gender Person who art in heaven?

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A headline in last week’s Manx Independent said: ‘Woman’s fine for speeding.’

Is she now?

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Funnies File. The sport news on Manx Radio included a preview of a women’s hockey match which said: ‘There will be few favours given by the Harlequins on the pitch.’

In the clubhouse bar afterwards perhaps?

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I have been sent a list of announcements made by London Underground drivers to their passengers starting with: ‘Ladies and gentlemen. I do apologise for the delay to your service. I know you’re all dying to get home unless, of course, you happen to be married to my ex-wife in which case you’ll want to cross over to the Westbound line and go in the opposite direction.’

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Crossword: ISLE. (Even I got it).

A growing movement against fracking has kept the UK free from this dirty, unnecessary and dangerous activity for the past four years – a great result, and proof that public opinion counts for something. But the new Tory Government is known to be frack-friendly, and David Cameron’s once-promised ‘greenest government ever’ is nowhere to be seen. IoM Friends of the Earth’s Cat Turner explains why it’s important to support our friends over the water

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This week, Isle of Man Friends Of The Earth has posted off a small contribution to a big campaign – a petition signed by lots of Manx people showing their support for campaigners protesting against plans to start large-scale fracking in Lancashire, just across the sea from us.

Why are we getting involved, when it’s not directly us that’ll be affected?

For the same reasons that people all over Britain are joining in the call – because what affects one part of the world affects near neighbours too, and because it’s the right thing to do.

Allowing fracking to become ‘normal’ would be a backward step, legitimising ever more costly and damaging processes dedicated to continuing our reliance on fossil fuels, despite growing evidence of its high risks.

Looking to the US for economic experience, it’s also clear that fracking has abjectly failed to deliver on its financial promises. You can see more in this here: http://www.foe.co.uk/sites/default/files/downloads/myth-cheap-abundant-shale-gas-us-45589.pdf.

Fracking for shale gas in Lancashire is a major environmental threat in an area with some stunning wildlife and landscapes. If you think a wind turbine makes an impact, wait till you see what a fracking site looks like.

It also threatens peoples’ wellbeing too. The campaigners point out that ‘it risks polluting the area’s water, air, and soil, and brings disruption and health risks to local communities. In addition, Lancashire’s local economy could be harmed by risking jobs in sectors such as farming and tourism, house prices have already been impacted, and there is no evidence that it will reduce peoples’ energy bills’.

It’s hard to comprehend why business and governments are still pursuing fracking, given the rising evidence of its toxicity, risks and environmental and community impacts.

After all, there are much better prospects for the economy, and for energy security, through investment in a carefully balanced mix of renewables and energy efficiency.

These include new jobs, new skills, better health for the community, less in the way of eyesores – and, of course, continuing delivery on the UK Government’s commitment to tackle climate change, seen by many as the biggest challenge to humanity in generations.

As readers will know, the Isle of Man’s Tynwald has only in the past few weeks itself committed to international standards of emissions cuts.

We want to play our part in the green industrial revolution, and we want our efforts to count for something.

And while certain of our MHKs have alleged that the UK’s fracking regulations are ‘gold standard’ and provide adequate protection for people and planet, this is clearly not the case, as can be seen in the 2014 report ‘All That Glitters’ (http://www.foe.co.uk/sites/default/files/downloads/all-glitters-critique-fracking-regulation-46660.pdf).

The petition is being handed in to Lancashire Council next Tuesday (June 16), and it’ll be followed up by a number of campaigning events - on June 17, a Mass Climate Lobby of Parliament, followed by other marches, meetings and protests.

It’s timely because if the Lancashire proposals go ahead, they could open the doors to fracking right across the UK, a frightening prospect, especially as the UK Government is reneging on its commitment to protect the country’s national parks, and its crucial water systems.

And, as I’ve already said, giving the lie to its climate commitments.

It’s time for governments and business to give up the myth that we can continue burning fossil fuels, if we want to continue living a reasonably comfortable life – and further, to stop pretending that gas is a reasonable ‘transition’ fuel. The timescales and economics of a switch to gas within the period available to scale down CO2 emissions makes this a nonsense.

The opportunities for clean, green technologies (and jobs) are there for the taking, if we can just rid ourselves of these entrenched and vested interests.

If you want to see a great example of how another small island, with a climate not too dissimilar to ours, has embraced these opportunities and is profiting from them, check out a stunning video of the Orkney islands online.

They’re generating more electricity than they need – and storing some of the excess, that which they don’t sell into the UK grid, by using it to ‘fuel’ their electric vehicles, therefore avoiding the need to export local earnings on petrol, too.

Good result all round.

Watch the video at youtube.com/watch?v=FXe1hBvlylw&sns=fb

Grant Michael Smith, of Bromley, and Chiara Smith, bought Hillberry House, Hillberry Green, Douglas, for £1,850,000.

It was bought from Kenneth Blaymire.

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

Vera Elsie Davies, by trustees, Louise Clemo Byrne, of Old Court Chambers, 8 Finch Road, Douglas, as trustee, Michael Crowe, of Crowe Morgan, 8 St George’s Street, Douglas, as trustee, sold 58 Majestic Drive, Onchan, for £800,000 to Wayne Barrington Sweeting and Janet Mary Sweeting, of 44 Majestic Apartments, King Edward Road, Onchan.

Hilldene Properties Limited, whose registered office is situated at Laurel Bank Farm, Laurel Bank, Glen Helen, sold 7 Links View, Onchan, for £505,000, to Robert Michael Hunt and Margaret Carolyn Hunt, of 10 Rhenwyllan Close, Port St Mary.

Robert Heinz Saunders sold Devonshire House, 21 Second Avenue, Douglas, for £410,000, to Mark Kaye Taylor and Antoinette Clare Taylor, of Ballaragh Holiday Cottages, Ballaragh Road, Laxey, and Riverside Properties Limited, whose registered office is situated at 6th Floor, Victory House, Prospect Hill, Douglas.

John Ernest Clayton, of United Arab Emirates, and Bridget Anne Coatalen, of Devon, sold Langdale, Croit-e-Quill, for £397,500, to Paul Ramsbottom and Helen Elizabeth Gough, 19 Hillberry Lakes, Douglas.

Christopher Ian Ewan and Joanne Claire Ewan sold 35 Hawarden Avenue, Douglas, for £305,000, to Walkabout Investments Limited, whose registered office is situated at The Outback, Barrack Street, Douglas.

Andrew Colin Mulhern and Kate Alexandra Mulhern sold 11 Central Drive, Onchan, for £280,000 to Jian Yao and Ying Yang, of 29 Summerhill Village, Onchan.

Jane Hylda Conwell sold 44 Hawarden Avenue, Douglas, for £228,300, to Jennifer Elizabeth Killian, of 1 Parr Street, Douglas.

Samuel Redmond and Barbara Ann Redmond sold 3 Richmond Grove, Onchan, for £185,000, to Andrew David Brown, Flat 6, 9 Clarence Terrace, Douglas.

Reginald Ingram Brough sold 36 Slieau Curn Park, Kirk Michael, for £160,000, to Michael Keough and Doreen Smith, of Whitley Bay.

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

Children are being invited to take part in a triathlon later this month.

The Junior Triathlon event organised by The Children’s Centre is a swim, bike and run challenge.

It takes place on Sunday, June 28, for youngsters aged eight to 14.

Around 50 children took part in last year’s inaugural event and up to 100 can take part this year.

The deadline for entries is June 17 and must be made online {http://www.thechildrenscentre.org.im/adventure-events/|here}.

The entry fee is £10 and participants will also be asked to raise a minimum of £25 in sponsorship.

All funds raised go towards The Children’s Centre’s charitable projects. All finishers receive a medal as a memento of their achievement.

Lisa Motley, endurance events fundraiser at The Children’s Centre, said: ‘The emphasis at this event is on having lots of fun and encouraging children to enjoy exercise.

‘We had a great response to the inaugural event last year and we’re looking forward to building on that success this year. There’s still time to enter, but we are limited to a maximum of 100 participants.’

The Junior Triathlon begins at 9am on June 28 at the Northern Swimming Pool in Ramsey (in the 25-metre pool), followed by a bike ride on the wide Ramsey Promenade footpath on a marked out 700-metre circuit.

The triathlon then finishes with a run on a 550-metre course on the field around Ramsey Rugby Club.

There will be competitions in four age groups and each child will be asked to wear a different coloured T-shirt to denote which group they are in.

Children can then keep the T-shirt after the event.

It’s being run under British Triathlon Federation (BTF) rules and the distances for each age group are the maximum allowed by the BTF, as follows:

Eight years (blue T-shirts): Swim – 50metres (two lengths); Cycle – 700 metres (one lap); Run – 550 metres (one lap)

Nine to 10 years (green T-shirts): Swim – 150 metres (six lengths); Cycle – 3.5km (five laps); Run – 1.1km (two laps)

Eleven to 12 years (yellow T-shirts): Swim – 200 metres (eight lengths); Cycle – 4.9kms (seven laps); Run – 1.65km (three laps)

Thirteen to 14 years (red T-shirts): Swim – 300 metres (12 lengths); Cycle – 6.3km (nine laps); Run – 2.2km (four laps).

The event is sponsored by Knox House Trust Ltd.

Exciting times are ahead at the Ronaldsway Aircraft Company with at least 10 more jobs being taken on and a new managing director at the helm.

‘This company means business,’ said new boss Nigel Brown.

He is a keen to promote a new era for the proud island company which has a great history of providing parts for the aircraft industry.

Hot off the press is also the news that the company has just scooped a silver award in the investors in people scheme.

Mr Brown said: ‘It’s a significant achievement which puts Ronaldsway in the top 12 per cent of accredited companies within the British Isles.

Business News caught up with Mr Brown in his office at the long-established Ballasalla business which is a leading player in the Isle of Man Aerospace Cluster.

He’s a firm believer in straight talking and does not believe in wearing a suit when it comes to day to day interaction on the shop floor.’

‘I’ve been here six weeks and what the board are looking for me to do is actually take control of the business in a much wider way as a managing director and to go and grow the business.

‘So it really is the case of coming in and taking control of the company; now go and find some new customers.

‘I’ve got approval to go and recruit a sales team as we will be expanding the commercial side of our business, and actually change it from being, if you like a manufacturing division, which essentially is how it has been, into being a fully fledged divisional company in its own right.’

The company has taken out a half page advert in this newspaper.

The island company is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. It is part of the RLC Engineering Group (RLC) which provides components and services to the aerospace industry. The group was founded in 1955 and headquartered in the Isle of Man.

The island factory was the first followed by sites in Northern Ireland and the north of England.

Mr Brown said: ‘This site has the potential for significant growth and for investment. The board are happy to invest in new equipment.’

Asked why there is this optimism and positive feeling he said: ‘If you look at the aerospace business in general, there are significant opportunities within the aerospace supply chain, and also one of the things I will be looking at is to diversify into other market areas. Looking probably to defence. We have a full range of processes here and we really do a ‘‘start to finish’’ job here.

‘That puts us in quite aunique position here compared to a lot of other companies.’

The company is understood to be in the top three of the island’s growing aerospace cluster.

The company makes parts for aero engines and ejector seats. At present some 212 people work there and Mr Brown is full of praise for the workforce. The company is also actively supporting engineering apprenticeships and the training scheme at Hills Meadow.

Mr Brown still has a home in Poole, Dorset but he is looking forward to the challenges ahead.

He has a technical degree and has worked for major aerospace and defence companies.

His office door is open. ‘One of the first things I did when I got here was to walk round talking to everyone. And when I have the time I go round the floor and talk to people.’

And he revealed that before he was appointed he came on a visit. ‘I was shown around the factory and looked round. I liked what I saw in terms of the equipment and processes here, but equally I stood and watched some of the guys at work and I thought we had some really skilled people here.

‘So for me I have the challenge of going and finding customers but I also have the building blocks that I need.’

Why did he take the job after a career that has seen him working at home and abroad? ‘Because it is a great opportunity. I have a vision of what I want to do for this business.’

Mr Brown said he fully intends to recruit people who live in the island, if at all possible. He said he is committed to help the economy of the Isle of Man.

A fascinating book about the internment of German and Austrian women in Port Erin and Port St Mary during the Second World War has been produced by Rushen Heritage Trust in association with the trust’s exhibition ‘Friend of Foe’, which is staged until Sunday.

The book ‘An Illustrated Roll Call’ is based on 48 Christmas greetings written in 1940 by women interned in the Golf Links Hotel in Port Erin to their landlady Marjorie Crighton, who ran the hotel with her sister Alice Latimer.

The introduction, by Professor Hugh Davidson, is excellently written and is based on over 1,000 hours of research estimated to have been conducted by the Heritage Action Team – the group within the trust with special responsibility for the subject of internment.

It outlines the social and historic context for what was a unique situation: when the two ports had to accommodate and feed 3,025 German women and their children who arrived ‘en masse’ with just literally a few hours’ notice.

The book tells how the War Cabinet decided on May 24 to intern large numbers of German women in the island. They were arrested, some held in Holloway Prison, before their journey to a destination which was to them unknown.

After being brought by train or bus from Douglas to Port Erin over two days on May 29 and 30, they were assembled in St Catherine’s Church hall (the location of the exhibition) where they were allocated their accommodation.

Because of the last minute scramble to organise so many in such a short time, there were some ‘unsuitable pairings’ (Jews who had fled oppression sharing a bed with Nazis), but these were soon sorted out and the camp ran relatively peacefully.

By Christmas 1940 there had been just one detention, of an internee who was a prostitute for ‘repeated immoralities’.

It gives the wider context of what was happening in Europe in 1940, when it seemed Germany might win the war. There was heavy bombing of British cities, the fires in Liverpool could be seen from Port St Mary.

The internees’ arrival coincided with the evacuation of troops from the beaches at Dunkirk, which involved eight Steam Packet vessels. Three of the ships were lost along with 45 men, most of them Manx.

Tragedy also struck some internees who lost their husbands who were part of a group of internees travelling on the Arandora Star to Newfoundland when she was sunk by a German U-boat in July 1940.

The book outlines daily life in the camp, particularly at the Golf Links Hotel, and how the Christmas greetings came about.

The greetings themselves give a fascinating glimpse of the experiences of these women whose lives had been abruptly interrupted by war.

Written in German accented English, themes emerge including the shock of the Manx weather (particularly the wind), thoughts of release, rooms and beds, rushing to either the bathroom or fireside and knitting.

But the over-riding mood is humorous and they include some lovely illustrations of life as an internee.

They also demonstrate the experience was bitter sweet, many women were satisfied living in the hotel and built up a good relationship with the landladies; but they were being held captive and longed to be released.

Susie Brock, called it ‘that happy prison’. Wally Ganowsky wrote ‘My internment is a lovely time for me/And I am very happy/I found a temporary home over here.’ Rita Lackner wrote: ‘However nice a time here, that we may have had/To say goodbye to this island will not make us sad.’

The collection captures the resilience and spirit of ordinary women caught up in extraordinary times.

An Illustrated Roll Call, at £12.99 is available at the Lexicon, Douglas, Bridge Bookshops, Port Erin or until Sunday at the exhibition.

TT fortnight will end with a bang as a spectacular firework display is set off over Douglas bay tomorrow (Friday) evening.

But there is still plenty more TT entertainment to be enjoyed before the display starts at 11pm.

Local Iron Maiden tribute band Ed Force One will be bringing their high energy live show to the Villa Marina’s Royal Hall tonight (Thursday).

The band formed in 2010 and their first show took place in March of that year.

The line-up is Mike Jelski on vocals, Steve Leach on drums, Richard (Dick) Raine on bass and Phil Hatton and Kev Cleator on guitars.

Steve said: ‘We’ll be playing a selection of classics from the Maiden catalogue that’s now become part of the staple of our live set.

‘We’ll be pulling out the likes of The Trooper, Fear Of The Dark, Aces High, 2 Minutes To Midnight and the 13-minute opus “The Rime Of The Ancient Mariner” among 15-odd other tracks.’

He added: ‘We thought as it’s TT week, we’d do something a little bit special and so we’re going to be performing the entire Number Of The Beast album in order and from start to finish.

‘There’s even a B-side thrown in there that I don’t think Maiden have played live since 1982!’

Mike, whose favourite track is ‘Hallowed Be Thy Name’ described playing Iron Maiden’s music as ‘relentless’.

He said: ‘There’s no rest in the set, but it’s fast, fun and very loud!’

Steve added: ‘We’ve certainly put the work in to making sure it sounds perfect, so I think we do the band justice.

‘As Mike said, there’s no let up in the set. The list runs to around two and a half hours, so it’s a great work out!

‘We also use the various song intro tapes to try and make it as authentic as possible.’

Steve found it hard to pick his favourite Maiden song: ‘That’s a tough one. I’ve been a fan of the band for almost 30 years now.

‘I’ll go with The Rime Of The Ancient Mariner or maybe Powerslave, which isn’t in the set yet, but if I keep badgering the rest of the guys we’ll hopefully get it in there at some point!’

Support for the night comes from Tender Rage.

Doors open at 7pm for a 7.45pm start.

Tickets cost £7.50. They are available online at cfvg.gov.im

Meanwhile, there’s two nights of free live music in the Villa’s Promenade Suite, from 7pm till late.

Tonight, Symbollix will return to play classic rock covers, past and present, then tomorrow, Soul Suspects will be back for a night of great soul music.

The final bands performing at the Bushy’s Tent’s Carole Nash main stage in the Bottleneck car park, on Douglas promenade are:

Tonight: 3 Million, 7.30pm to 9.30pm; Mad Dog Davies Band, 10pm to midnight.

Tomorrow: Fireball, 7.30pm to 9.30pm; Symbollix, 10pm to midnight.

Acoustic slots today and tomorrow from 5pm to 6pm will be filled by Nick Barlow.

Meanwhile, a free to enter motorcycle show which has been running since 2007 takes place on Laxey promenade today.

Laxey Motorcycle Show, organised by Andy Scullard and Derek Peters of the Moddey Dhoo Motorcycle Club, runs from midday to 6pm.

There are more than 20 awards up for grabs and show entries will be accepted from 11am to 2pm.

There will also be live music on the green and a display by the Laxey Heritage Trust.

The TT Mayhem touring stunt show will be at Noble’s Park, Douglas, tomorrow for a day of stunts and thrills.

It will include everything from heart-stopping stunts from Fred Crossett and Christophe Bruand to a show of Hungarian Pro BMX flatland athlete Adam Kun’s technical expertise.

Show times are 11.30am and 4pm.

Sunday is the final day of the TT funfair.

An inquest has opened into the death of a pilot killed in a helicopter crash near the TT course.

Lincolnshire businessman Matthew Chapman, 48, died last Saturday (June 6) when the Bell Jetranger aircraft he was piloting came down in a field next to the 33rd Milestone on the Mountain Road.

The inquest heard that Cleethorpes-born Mr Chapman, of the Old Rectory, Tathwell, Lincolnshire, had flown two passengers from Woburn golf course in Buckinghamshire to the Creg-ny-Baa.

His plan had been to fly to Ronaldsway airport to refuel and then get a taxi back to the Creg to watch the racing.

Eyewitnesses saw the helicopter travelling in the direction of Kate’s Cottage and Windy Corner but then descend to the ground.

Mr Chapman was pronounced dead at the scene. Fire crews extracted his body from the wreckage.

A post mortem has been carried out but with the results of toxicology tests awaited, the cause of death has yet to be established.

Coroner of inquests John Needham said the air accident investigation is continuing and adjourned the inquest for a date to be fixed.

Releasing the body of the deceased for repatriation and funeral, he asked for his sincere condolences to be passed on to Mr Chapman’s family.

As Frank sang: ‘And now, the end is near and so I face the final curtain”.

It’s almost the end of TT fortnight for another year.

Some of the island’s biggest and best bands and solo artists have been out there slogging it out night after night for the TT hordes and have quite rightly been receiving rave reviews, but it’s not quite over just yet.

If you’re in the vicinity of Amber in Douglas on Senior Race Day evening and a bit of Two Tone and Ska is what does it for you, then you may just want to pop into the bar on Loch Promenade.

The venue will be playing host to hugely popular outfit Buncha Skankers, whose set includes classics from the likes of The Specials, Bad Manners, Prince Buster and Madness and will be wrapping up their TT tour that very evening.

The band has also invited Ska/Reggae DJ Shaun Hogg down to warm the remaining TT crowd up before the band hit the stage later that evening. The doors will be open from 5pm.

Meanwhile, across at the hugely popular Bushy’s Tent, they wrap things up on Senior Race Day with UK rockers Fireball. The band have become a regular on the TT gig calendar in recent years and play an extensive collection of classic rock tunes from Ozzy Osbourne to AC/DC, and from Bad Company to Free and Led Zeppelin among many others.

Closing the final show at the tent will be local band Symbollix.

These guys are a perfect match on the bill with the aforementioned Fireball as their repertoire ranges from ZZ Top to Jimi Hendrix via Fleetwood Mac.

If you’re a fan of classic rock then this should be a great night.

Heading north to Ramsey and to Bar Logo, the venue will host eighties cheese (their words!) outfit Jester’s Dead.

The band formed in January 2013 and boasts a line-up that includes Mike Jelski on vocals, Phil Hatton on guitar, Chris Glaister on keys, Jamie Christian on bass and Joe Kneale on drums.

The band specialises in the anthemic stadium rock tunes of the eighties and includes a set list made up of the likes of Bon Jovi, Queen, Toto, Rainbow and Meat Loaf.

Well worth checking out if that sounds like your kind of thing.

And that is that.

I hope you’ve all had a great TT fortnight and checked out some of the fantastic musical talent that the Isle of Man has to offer.

More next week!

Manx rally ace David Higgins and co-driver Craig Drew recorded a dominant victory in the Susquehannock Trail Performance Rally at the weekend.

Higgins earned a rare perfect-rally, winning all 15 of the event’s competition stages on his way to victory.

The result means Higgins and Drew also maintained their perfect record thus far this year, having won all five Rally America National Championship rounds this season with just three events remaining.

The Wellsboro, Pennsylvania-based STPR event included 119 miles of competitive stages over two days.

The event’s fast serpentine roads are lined with trees, earning STPR the reputation as one of the fastest and most harrowing events in the Rally America series.

It is also steeped in history, having run for 38 years consecutively. This was Higgins’ fifth career STPR victory.

Speaking after the culmination of a successful weekend, a delighted Higgins said: ‘This new 2015 Subaru WRX STI has been absolutely 100 per percent perfect.

‘The roads here are such a challenge, they are fast and technical and the sight lines are limited with how dense and close the forest is.

‘We beat our previous stage records here, yet we are now running the required smaller restrictor, meaning we have less power. It proves how great this new chassis is and how great of a job the team has done preparing it.’

Higgins and Drew ran trouble free all weekend, winning each stage of the rally and progressively extending their lead over hard-charging Subaru privateer driver Adam Yeoman.

The latter nearly spoiled the perfect rally for Higgins on the final stage, a head-to-head spectator friendly ‘super-special’, where Higgins crossed the line just two-tenths of a second ahead of Yeoman.

It was another Subaru clean sweep of the podium, with Yeoman and Subaru Super Production class driver Nick Roberts joining Higgins in the champagne spray.

With just three events remaining, Higgins may now be thinking that a perfect season - winning all eight rounds - is possible. A perfect rally season in the USA has only been accomplished once, in 1987 by rally legend and Subaru Rally Team USA rally manager John Buffum.

The Rally America field heads to Newry, Maine July 17-18 for the New England Forest Rally where several top competitors may guest enter and look to spoil Higgins’s run, including long-time rival Ken Block.

A man from Guernsey has appeared in court facing two charges of causing serious bodily harm by driving without due care or consideration.

Mark Febrache, aged 47, of Baudu Vale, suffered a broken leg and arm in a crash on Sunday involving two motorcycles, at the junction of Glen Wyllin camp site in Kirk Michael.

His Honda VTR was travelling in the direction from Kirk Michael towards Glen Wyllin when it collided with a Suzuki GSXR travelling in the opposite direction from Peel with a pillion passenger.

Mr Febrache, who works as a self-employed carpenter, appeared before magistrates in Douglas today with his arm in a sling and leg in surgical boot.

Prosecutor Barry Swain said he did not feel the case would be suitable for summary trial.

Mr Febrache was granted bail in the sum of £500 and will to return to Guernsey until July 9.

Police have released video footage of an incident in which a woman was allegedly assaulted in Douglas.

The incident took place in Demesne Road in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Footage, captured on nearby CCTV, shows a lone female walking back to her car, closely followed by a man.

Thankfully, with only minor injuries, the alleged victim was able to report the incident to a nearby police patrol.

A man has since been arrested and is currently on police bail.

Police are appealing to any member of the public who was in the area of Westmoreland Road, Demesne Road or Church Street at about 3am on Sunday, and may have seen those individuals captured in the footage.

Detective Constable Sam Cannell stressed: ‘So far this is an isolated incident, but a worrying one all the same.’

He added: ‘The investigation remains open-minded and enquiries continue to establish the full circumstances of what happened.

‘As such the decision was made to release a small portion of the footage in order to directly appeal to those who know this male or anybody in the nearby area at the time.’

Anyone with information is urged to contact Douglas police headquarters on 631212.

The Celtic League has spoken out against the privatisation of part of the island’s police.

Under proposals reported in the Examiner this week, civilian detention officers could look after prisoners in police cells instead of police officers.

The government is currently consulting on the idea.

Celtic League spokesman Bernard Moffatt said: ‘We think most Manx people would regard emergency services as being “beyond the pale” when it comes to privatisation and feel sure most would prefer to see direct labour organisations delivering police, fire and ambulance services, not forgetting to include a DLO- delivered prison service.

‘It is too early – enough information not having been gathered – to make a definitive judgement. However, early indications from just a cursory look online would seem to point to the Department of Home Affairs plans having some pitfalls.’

He adds: ‘Years ago a Manx government led by Miles Walker wisely eschewed leading the Isle of Man down the Thatcher path to privatisation. Let us hope Messrs Bell (Chief Minister) and Watterson (Minister for Home Affairs) resist any temptation to follow Cameron’s “police privatisation road” today!’

Continent 8 Technologies, the award winning multi-jurisdiction hosting and connectivity provider, has announced the appointment of Alan Paradise as solutions architect, based at the company’s headquarters in the island.

Michael Tobin, chief executive officer and co-founder of Continent 8, said: ‘Continent 8 prides itself on its growth in the Isle of Man and the ability to attract such highly qualified people, like Alan.

‘Our company’s continued success – locally and globally – depends on the quality of our personnel.’

Peter Williams, global sales director for the Group said: ‘As the complexity of the Continent 8 services portfolio extends from technology to business driven initiatives, Alan brings a wealth of experience from both a customer and provider perspective that will be key in our continued drive towards full service provision for our clients.’

Alan brings more than 15 years’ experience in technical pre and post-sales solutions deployment within the Isle of Man while working for a leading IOM based IT Reseller and brings a wealth of local knowledge and experience within the offshore business community.

Prior to this, Alan was the IT infrastructure manager for an international financial services provider based in the island.

Alan said: ‘It is extremely exciting to be joining a company as dynamic and forward-thinking as Continent 8.

‘At a time of local and global expansion I am looking forward to assisting with the deployment of further world-class products and services to the customers of Continent 8, while strengthening and building on existing customer relationships.’

Bollywood is set to meet Baldrine when the ball, themed ‘Indian Summer’, takes place on Saturday, October 3, at Stuart and Barbara Clague’s Ballannette Estate in Baldrine with the charity’s joint patrons superbike champion James Toseland and his wife, the singer Katie Melua, as guests of honour.

Fundraising co-ordinator Ally Martin said: ‘This will be the fourth year we’ve held a fundraising ball and it’s very much our flagship event. We’re delighted that Celton Manx has generously agreed to be our sponsors once again.

‘It’s thanks to their support, the patronage of Katie and James and the many loyal guests who attend each year that this event enjoys such a sell-out success.

‘Last year the ball raised more than £30,000 - a fantastic amount, especially given the current economic climate - so we’re hoping that our ‘Indian Summer’ will not only be this year’s must-have hot ticket but also a great evening of fun and fundraising.’

Celton Manx executive director Bill Mummery said: ‘Manx Cancer Help is an organisation which, with only a small but dedicated team, succeeds in combining the delivery of a vital service to those living with and touched by cancer with organising some of the island’s most inventive and popular fundraising events.

‘Having attended last year’s ball I have first-hand experience of the attention to detail paid by Ally and her colleagues, so it is against this background that Celton Manx is pleased to be sponsoring what I am sure will be another memorable event.’

To buy a table or individual tickets, contact Ally Martin, 679544, ally@manxcancerhelp.org.

The Electoral Registration Office says it has received only a small number complaints from constituents unable to vote in the Douglas North and South by-elections.

A review was carried out following concerns that an update of the electoral register had left many unable to vote.

The update resulted in the names of 12,252 people being taken off the voters’ list island-wide.

Policy and Reform Minister John Shimmin said the list was now more accurate as it only contained the names of those who had signed and returned the electoral registration form by the given date.

Some 800 names have been removed from the list in Douglas North and more than 1,200 in Douglas South.

Bill Henderson, whose elevation to the Legislative Council sparked the Douglas North by-election, said it ‘beggared belief’ that the voters’ list had been emptied of hundreds of names – and refused to believe they had all died or moved house.

But estimates from the returning officers suggest the problems were nothing like as large, with only 18 unregistered voters having turned up at the polling stations to cast they vote.

In a statement, the Electoral Registration Office said: ‘Exact figures are not available but estimates from the returning officers indicate that the number of unregistered persons seeking to vote at polling stations was approximately 18 in total across the two constituencies, compared to around 3,000 who did vote.

‘We do not have information on the reasons why these individuals were not registered, nor how this situation compares with previous elections. What we can say is the Electoral Registration Office has received a single figure number of complaints from people who were unable to vote because they had not returned a registration form or had done so after the deadline.’

In Tynwald last month, Douglas North MHK John Houghton failed to win support for his motion calling for an inquiry into why active voters had been removed from the electoral register.

Chief Minister Allan Bell told the Manx Independent he’d received no direct complaints. But he accepted there may need to be a change in legislation to allow voters to register up to a week before a by-election – as they can do ahead of a general election.

The pressure is on Peel and St John’s in the Isle of Man Cricket Premiership. Last year’s champions travel to Tromode on Saturday for a game they must win if they are to retain their title.

They lost to Crosby in their last outing while their main rivals Cronkbourne picked up a narrow two-wicket win over Castletown. This means the Douglas team has opened up a 17-point lead at the top of the table.

It is essential this weekend for the Saints to take 20 points against Cronkbourne. A defeat would spell disaster and lead to a difference in points that would be very difficult to bridge in the second half of the season.

So the scene is set for what could be a titanic struggle.

In their last match, Peel and St John’s were missing Chris Hawke, island skipper Phil Littlejohns and Greg Hawke so the return of these top class players could make all the difference.

On the other hand, Cronkbourne could see Alex Stokoe and Adam McAuley available again. Also there is also a strong rumour that Luke Lacey, the 2014 Player of the Year, might be back in the island for this match.

It all goes ahead at Tromode on Saturday with a 1pm start. It should be a tremendous game and one that might decide the title.

Crosby are now in third place, just one point behind the champions. They will be full of confidence and looking forward to their home fixture against the Valkyres, who at the moment are bottom of the league.

On paper this looks like all 20 points to the Marown club, but beware of a banana skin. Valkyres have played some good cricket and their supporters put their lowly position down mainly to bad luck. They are not a poor side and should soon start climbing up the table.

But will that rise start on Saturday? A great deal will depend on the attitude of Crosby. If they think this is going to be an easy stroll, then big trouble lies ahead. If, however, they adopt the same strong attitude as in recent games, then all should be well.

Danny Kniveton is in great form with more than 233 runs so far this year, while both Rothwells are performing well and the fielding has looked sharp.

Ryan Windell, with 152 runs, and Chris Nash have held the Valkyres batting together and both are good bowlers. Hammed Sulthan claimed three wickets at Ramsey and this team is no push over so the result could be close.

Castletown are set for an interesting weekend. On Saturday they are at home in the Premiership to a rejuvenated Ramsey and the next day they are at home again, but this time in the Tinker Cup with Cronkbourne as their opponents.

If Town lose both games, then their main hopes for silverware this season will be gone. They almost won that last match at Tromode and will be keen to gain revenge.

Spinner Seb Aycock impressed and his figures did not do him justice for an excellent piece of bowling. Garreth Roome put down a fiery spell and four wickets for Tom Burrows was a good return.

Ramsey will be keen to keep their momentum going after their previous win and are clearly now a threat. They are quite capable of winning this encounter and causing quite a few surprises in future fixtures.