A crime prevention charity that aims to create peace of mind and encourage neighbourliness has been relaunched.

After nearly closing down for good, Neighbourhood Watch Isle of Man has a new lease of life and is actively recruiting new members.

‘Some people think that it’s all about twitching curtains, which of course is totally wrong,’ according to Isle of Man branch vice chairperson Amy Maguire. ‘It’s sad that it has these connotations with people because it’s as much about neighbourliness as it is about crime prevention.’

There are around 50 schemes operating island-wide which range from small groups of five or six houses to entire estates.

But the struggle to gain new members led to suggestions that the charity should shut down earlier this year, even at the height of an unprecedented spate of burglaries.

Mrs Maguire said: ‘I think people didn’t see the need for it and it was becoming difficult to get anyone involved – even in February ths year, believe it or not, there was talk of closing it down!’

With the support of Ellan Vannin Fuels, Neighbourhood Watch Isle of Man have produced a new advice leaflet tailored for Manx residents.

As time passes since the burglaries, Mrs Maguire warned against residents falling back into old habits.

‘It’s easy to fall back into a laissez faire attitude,’ she said. ‘I think people are quite trusting here. That isn’t a bad thing – that atmosphere is one of the best things about this place.

‘But I come from London, where I’ve been burgled. I have a much more security-minded approach. I always make sure I lock all my doors.’

She added: ‘We’d like to make people a little more savvy when it comes to looking after their belongings, locking their car and securing any valuables left in gardens.

‘It’s also an opportunity for people to get to know their neighbours. We’ve found that people are much more friendly and engaged with each other when they’re part of a scheme.’

For more information or to request a leaflet, email neighbourhoodwatchiom@hotmail.com

A decision to approve a plan for a Port Erin building deemed ‘negative’ by planners has ‘astonished’ the local authority, who aired their grievances in a letter to Kevin Gillespie, local government unit manager at the Department of Infrastructure.

The plan (14/01282/B), for a two-storey residential extension and an additional storey above Donnington’s cafe-bar restaurant, formerly known as Beachcomber, to house a tea room, was turned down by planners.

They said ‘by reason of its design, proportions and scale [it] would have an adverse impact on the street scene and overall character of the area’.

The local authority also objected, raising concerns about its visual impact, particularly so close to the George Herdman Institute building, highway safety and lack of parking.

The Department of Infrasture raised no objection because there was parking on the nearby promenade.

Applicant Phillip Martin Joynes appealed against refusal, leading to an inquiry.

Planners said in a draft conservation area character appraisal, the building was described as being ‘negative’. Extending it would only increase this. The choice of windows was also a concern.

Independent inspector Ruth MacKenzie agreed it was a ‘negative building’ and, if enlarged, ‘the incongruous building would become even more incongruous’. Any alterations to ‘negative’ buildings should make them more sympathetic to the area, but these proposals were ‘unsympathetic’.

The decision was delegated to Richard Ronan, Minister at the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture.

Mr Ronan said the building was economically viable and that demolition was not an option. If approved, it would enhance the offering to the public. He pointed out the DoI did not object and it was not silhouetted against the skyline. He noted concerns about the visual impact and, while it is in a proposed conservation area, this was not yet approved.

Mr Ronan argued that the area had evolved in a piecemeal manner, meaning different styles of building co-exist. As such, he did not think it was a ‘negative’ building. Also, ‘it is diversity of built form, design and time which creates an area’s character.’

Mr Ronan quoted the planning principle that every application should be considered on its own individual merits. The building was ‘clearly representative of its time and design’ so he was ‘not persuaded . . . that the evidential context is such that it has been proven that proposed development would adversely affect the character of the surrounding area by reason of its design, proportions and scale.’

Port Erin commissioners’ clerk Jason Roberts wrote that the board was ‘astonished’ at the decision taken by Minister Ronan, which went against the recommendations of the local authority, planning committee and independent inspector.

He said Mr Ronan had ‘advocated the empowerment of local authorities as part of mandate at the last election and furthermore in his role within the Department of Infrastructure and now as Minister of the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture.

‘His decision in this instance certainly does not go along with this view,’ the letter continued before asking why there was ‘such a significant lack of consistency in planning decisions made by ministers and the Council of Ministers’.

The letter then referred to the decision over the redevelopment of the marine laboratory, and said: ‘Many of the same concerns and recommendations were made by the independent inspector yet, in this instance, the Council of Ministers agreed with the inspector.’

Business bosses are becoming more concerned about people bugging private meetings and ultra-sensitive dealings in the boardroom.

And corporate espionage is fast becoming more of a problem

And there’s a growing threat from disgruntled employees with an axe to grind against their employers.

That’s the message from two experienced former Isle of Man detectives David Bell and Robert Kinrade.

Running a company called Expol they are corporate risk consultants and forensic investigators specialising in enhanced due diligence, white collar crime, training and employment screening.

A few years ago it would have sounded like something from James Bond but the message from Expol is that ‘bugging the boardroom’ is a real and growing threat.

So much so that David Bell, a former Det chief inspector with the Manx force says this part of their business has grown ten-fold in the last decade since he established Expol.

The business is gaining a name for its work in electronic bug sweeps - or to use the technical name ‘Technical Surveillance Counter Meassures’ (TSCM)

David Bell said their work in this area is not new but they have noticed there has been a lot more awareness of the problem recently.

Robert Kinrade said: ‘We are actively working on this both here in the island and in the UK at the moment.’

David Bell said it was legitimate in business to want to know what the opposition is doing ‘as long as you use open source information, and there is plenty of it out there. That’s a legitimate tactic and you would expect a good business to do that, to be aware of what the opposition is doing.

‘But when it becomes illegitimate, when someone plants a bug or listening device into premises, then that’s when it goes into a completely different sphere.’

Mr Kinrade said: ‘I think companies also have to be concerned about disaffected employees and we are aware that there are concerns in many boardrooms now that disaffected employees are taking steps to pass on sensitive information to competitors or to record conversations for what ever benefit there may be.

‘So there is a threat within.’

Expol have a team of experts who go into business premises to give a clean sweep

using ‘state of the art equipment that can detect even the smallest of bugs or surveillance equipment.

Mr Kinrade said ideally these sweeps take place at night when there are usually fewer staff around asnd the Expol investigators can get on with their vital work unhindered.

Mr Kinrade told Business News: ‘We are being contacted regularly now by organisations on and off the island.

‘More often than not they are quite substantial companies who have concerns in their boardroom and they want a sweep of the premises being made .

‘The sweep includes a physical and an electronic search of the premises.

‘Depending on the size of the premises it can take days [to complete the sweep] Obviously we have to do it at a time when we cause as little disruption as possible to the organisation. No stone is left unturned. When we leave our aim is to give the client a 100 per cent health check so to speak. And what we have done is search physically and electronically for any device that might be there.

‘But at the same time we are taking note of their security systems and feeding back to the client breaches or weak points in their security and suggestions on how they can go forward to improve security services.’

‘So the onus will then be on them to introduce a more robust and vigorous security plan. It’s in their own interests .’

threat

Mr Kinrade said the larger the organisation the bigger they perceived the threat from competitors.

He added that when the Expol team leave premises they know the place is ‘clean’ and a number of companies are retaining us to come back as part of their management of risk and to return in four to six months to do it again.’

Mr Bell said that over the last 10 to 15 years listening devices had become smaller and battery capabilities have become increasingly better. ‘So you could be searching for something capable of being switched on and off remotely from a distance even from the other side of the globe in some cases.’

Mr Bell said their team have years of experience and their skills were sought after by businesses.

Mr Kinrade pointed out that these days people can pick up bugging devices quite cheaply off the internet thus giving capabilities for disgruntled employees to take part in disruptive action against their bosses.

Expol, based in Douglas, are also involved in active pre-employment screening of would-be employees.

‘This is a growing tool used by bosses before taking people on. We would recommend people to pre-employment screening every time,’ said Mr Bell. ‘Because it really should be a precursor to employing somebody’.

Mr Kinrade said: ‘You need to know your employee really because there is so much at stake. It’s another part of the management of risk of staff.’

Right. The news last week was that there is now an organised campaign by way of Facebook for the de-railing of the Department of Infrastructure’s plans for moving the Douglas horse trams on to the seafront walkway.

Let me say, in all blushing modesty, that I might have had something to do with this happening.

Count me in.

Other news this week is that the DoI have painted lines in places along the walkway to show people where the new tram lines would be. These are at the bottom of Broadway, Marine Gardens, opposite the Palace Hotel and on Queen’s Promenade and, I have to say, they are important.

If the trams stay where they are and these lines are not erased they will be a lasting monument to the folly and futility of it all. But I suppose you have to draw the line somewhere.

Finally, for the moment at least, there are good public finance reasons for leaving the trams where they have always been since 1871. Moving them would cost untold thousands of pounds of Manx taxpayers’ money.

Moving the cars around instead wouldn’t cost us a thing.

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We don’t have one of our usual crossword clues this week but I have a number in reserve sent by Karl Campbell in Australia including, from the Times cryptic; ‘Statesman, smart chap, getting Isle of Man residence (4, 7-4)’.

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Last week’s Isle of Man Courier carried the headline ‘Clubber, 24,convicted of common assault.’

Er, what kind of club?

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Sara Goodwins tells me she was reading a QI book of little known facts and came across: ‘If you removed the water from every life form on earth there would be enough of it to cover the Isle of Man to a depth of one mile.’

Is this taking the . . .

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A friend of mine asked why, when he drives down Summer Hill in Douglas, he drives over a big white painted letter O on the road. I told him there used to be the word SLOW there but traffic had erased the S, the L and the W.

‘Oh!’ he said.

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There was scaffolding on a building going up to Douglas Head last week with a sign saying ‘Scaffs ‘r’ Us.’

That’s lovely isn’t?. R.

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My old (he’s in his 90s) friend Fred Wade always notes the inclusion in the front pages of the Examiner and the Manx Independent of ‘tasters’ for stories inside the paper with the numbers of the pages they are on. Fred asks: ‘Why don’t they tell us which page the obits are on?

‘That’s what we’re interested in.’

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My Funnies File reveals that the Manx Independent carried a court story involving a man charged with domestic violence with a headline saying: ‘Tried to kick down flat door.’

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This week’s London Underground driver announced in a West Indian drawl during an extremely hot rush hour on the Central Line: ‘Step right this way for the sauna ladies and gentlemen. Unfortunatley towels are not provided.’

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Crossword: ALEX DOUGLAS HOME.

In his book The unnatural history of the sea – The past and future of humanity and fishing, Professor Callum Roberts reveals a thought pattern which some readers might already have known in the back of their minds. It could come as a shock to you, nonetheless, as IoM Friends of the Earth’s Falk Horning discovers

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There has, historically, been a much greater abundance in wild life than most people can nowadays imagine.

Fish populations were at one point 10 times higher than they are now, average sizes for fish were extraordinary by today’s standards - and there were many, many more diverse species in our seas.

The impact of humans on fish stocks reach back far into history. Intensive fishing has, as most people know, led to a depletion of the seas over generations. But the real extent of this trend has slipped by, un-noticed by most people, precisely because of this generational effect.

For example, the status of marine life as it is when a person is born, is what seems ‘normal’ to him (or her).

Over his life span, he might have noticed a degradation, compared to what was in evidence when he was young – but his children are brought up in a time when this degradation is already embedded; it sets a new baseline.

So the state the seas are in when they are young seems normal to them. Again, over the lifespan of this younger generation, the seas are further depleted, which they will again compare to the state the seas were in when they were young.

Their offspring again accept the natural environment they’re born into as normal... and so when they see a reduction in sea life, they might aspire to stop that destruction at the then-current levels, not realizing that those levels were already far off from what their father or grandfather had experienced.

Most of the time, a compromise between keeping the status quo and the demands of the fishing industries is made. So sea life gets demished further.. and the next generation will see that new state as normal, and so on and so on. If those children were to ask their father how sea life was in his youth, and, instead of taking their own perception of the seas as a baseline for aspirations, took their father’s perception as the ideal state, that compromise would look much different from the ones typically arrived at. And this differential would be even greater, if they were to take the state of the seas two or three generations ago, rather than just one.

The Isle of Man’s waters have changed dramatically. Up until about one generation ago, salmon and seatrout were seen so often in our waters, that they were fished commercially. Until about two generations ago, huge herring schools were common. Nowadays, much herring for our traditional Manx kippers has to be imported. Looking further back, cod was known as the “Emperor” of the North Sea, found in great numbers and majestic sizes. Big skates surfed through our waters. Until 1900, an oyster fishing fleet with as many as 200 boats was active around the Isle of Man. Overfishing and the destruction of underwater habitats has hugely altered the underwater landscape of the seas. Huge mussel beds, coral reefs and seagrass territories once gave our fish stocks food and shelter. Today, big parts of the sea floor are covered only in sand and mud.

This ‘deforestation’ of submarine flora has gone unnoticed by most of us, as it’s harder to see.

Ballakilley Homes Limited, whose registered office is situated at Isle of Man Business Park, Cooil Road, Braddan, bought seven parcels of land, part of the estate of Ballakilley, Rushen, for £2,469,484.04.

They were bought from the Elizabeth Clucas Charitable Trust by Trustee, Mark Stephen Humphrey as trustee, Rebecca Charlotte Kelly, as trustee.

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

The Trustees of the Sodor and Man Diocesan Board of Finance and The Church Commissioners for the Isle of Man sold 24 Athol Street, Douglas, for £460,000, to Invincible Properties Limited, whose registered office is situated at 1st Floor, Genesis House, 8 Victoria Street, Douglas.

David Raymond Kelso and Kathleen Patricia Kelso, sold Ballaoates Cottage, East Baldwin, for £375,000, to Mary Simpson Smith, Pamela Jill Smith and James Robert William Teare, of 43 Fuchsia Grove, Ballasalla.

Sarah Georgina Ackland, of Luton, sold White Lodge, Rheast Lane, Peel, for £370,000, to Maurice Edwin Fargher and Kevin Sansom, of 25 Queens Drive, Peel.

Abdelqader Haddouche and Trudy Jane Haddouche sold 9 Maple Avenue, Peel, for £325,000 to Kevin Keith Martin Lewin and Joanna Lewin, of 15 School Road, Onchan.

Barbara Cecil Barton sold 27 Devonshire Road, Douglas, for £300,000 to Rebecca Natacha Parkhouse, of 5 Second Avenue, Douglas.

Richard Stanley Johnson sold Edale, Claughbane Drive, Ramsey for £270,000 to James Edward Billington, of Riversdale, Jurby Road, Ramsey, and Dorothea Billington.

Phyllis Mary Cain, of Sky Hill, Riverbank Road, Ramsey, sold 2 Kerrocoar Drive, Onchan, for £235,000, to Stephen Barry Quayle, of 9 Watterson Close, Douglas.

Anthony Andrew Brand and Judyth Caroline Brand sold 58 Woodbourne Road, Douglas, for £230,000, to James William Stamp, of Flat 4, Prospect House, Woodbourne Road, Douglas.

Andrew Peter Otten, of 1 Ravenswharf, South Quay, Douglas, and Joanne Stevenson, of 10 All Saints, sold 10 All Saints Park, Lonan, for £198,000, to Samuel James Michael Holliday and Laura Shortall of 9 Woodlands View, Farmhill, Douglas.

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

Hartford Homes site manager Dominic McGreevy has scooped a coveted ‘Pride in the Job’ award for the second time is his career, recognising his work on a super-luxury property in Douglas.

The National House Building Council has named Dominic as a Single Home Commendation Award winner in the first round of its annual awards programme, considered as the construction industry’s most prestigious competition.

Dominic, who has worked for the local family-run building firm for five years, said: ‘It’s an honour to be acknowledged for my and our work on Belvedere House at Montreux Court.

‘It’s all down to the support of a great and fully integrated team at Hartford who have helped create such an extraordinary property.’

The award comes as Hartford nears completion on the four-storey home which spans an impressive 16,000 square foot, featuring six en suite bedrooms, an indoor swimming pool and gym suite, as well as an expansive glazed rear overlooking Douglas Bay.

This is the fourth time Hartford Homes has picked up a Pride in the Job award in the last five years, with Dominic previously receiving a Quality Award in 2012 for his work at Royal Buildings, a luxury apartment development in Onchan.

Running for 35 years, Pride in the Job is the only British Isles -wide competition dedicated to recognising site managers who achieve the highest standards in house-building.

Hartford Homes director James Greenhalgh said: ‘It is really great for Dominic and the whole team at Hartford to have won another NHBC award.

‘We as a company strive to deliver quality homes and go that extra mile so it’s great to see recognition of that.’

Dominic is one of only three site managers to be selected for a single commendation award in the Northern Ireland and Isle of Man region.

He is among just 450 site managers out of a nationwide pool of around 15,000 who will go forward to the next stage, competing for the seals of excellence and regional awards in the autumn.

During his time at Hartford Homes, Dominic has also managed work on a 22,000 square foot individual property in Abbeylands, a block of 30 apartments in Onchan and seven detached £1M-plus homes on The Links development in Peel.

Kuta Fitness was first across the line in the KPMG Promenade Relay last week.

Meanwhile, Team Gramparts (pictured above), comprising siblings Matt, Jo and Juan Callister and Erin Bonett, won the fancy dress award after completing the 10km course along Douglas seafront dressed as 80s rockers Kiss.

The event was open to both serious athletes and fun runners alike.

Sponsorship money is still being collected but organisers anticipate an ‘impressive’ total to donate to the island branch of the Alzheimer’s Society. (JM150626-39)

Divorce laws that assign blame to one person are ‘medieval’ and cause irreparable harm to families.

That’s the view of Port St Mary’s Craig Morris, who is taking his campaign to introduce ‘no fault’ divorces to the island’s highest court by presenting a petition for redress on Tynwald day.

Formerly head of English at King William’s College, Craig’s work and family life has been transformed by a debilitating disease.

Having previously led an active life, including running several marathons, the father-of-one was diagnosed with ME - or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - in 2010. He had to step down from his dream job and five years later he is still dependent on a wheelchair.

Having recently divorced he believes that the current system, based around the idea that one party is at fault, guarantees conflict that can have devastating effects on long-term family relationships.

In the petition he says: ‘Divorcees often have children and a “one wins, one loses” solution harms families and relationships irreparably, most unfortunately regarding relationships with children.’

The petition will be presented on Craig’s behalf by Home Affairs Minister Juan Watterson MHK during next week’s sitting of Tynwald in St John’s, when members of the public can directly petition the court.

Mr Watterson told the Independent that he believes the issue needs a fresh look. ‘It seems wrong in this day and age that people are driven into blame, and there to litigation to justify divorce,’ he said.

The petition calls for a Select Committee to consider the options for introducing the option of a ‘no fault’ divorce, where blame does not have to be attached.

Craig told the Independent that he believes the benefits are obvious. ‘It would make the process less adversarial and so less damaging to the parties, particularly the children involved,’ he said. ‘It seems medieval to have a process where one side has to be blamed and the other is presumed innocent.’

His own experience of divorce has convinced him that the current system is inherently unfair, he said.

‘As someone who was very ill and weak, I felt very badly let down by the law. I had neither the funds nor energy to represent my case and feel that the harm that was done to me could be easily avoided in the future.”

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Are you submitting a petition to Tynwald this year? Let us know by emailing newsdesk@newsiom.co.im

The latest attempt to reform the way in which members are appointed to serve on the Legislative Council failed in Keys this week.

The Legislative Council Reform Bill, proposed by Onchan MHK Peter Karran, fell at the examination of clauses stage.

A proposal by Laurence Skelly MHK to refer the matter to a committee of three members failed after being supported only by Mr Skelly and his seconder, Castletown MHK Richard Ronan.

Mr Skelly said he supported reform but felt the bill was ‘unworkable’ in its current form.

Speaking on Mr Skelly’s proposal, Chief Minister Allan Bell said: ‘I have been a politician for over 30 years and more time has been spent discussing the future of Legislative Council than anything else. We are no closer to a solution and I despair.’

Mr Bell said he was rejecting the whole of the bill because he considered it to be unworkable. Mr Karran’s bill would have seen MLCs publicly elected using a single transferrable voting system.

A proposed amendment by Ramsey MHK Leonard Singer to use a first past the post voting system to elect MLCs to eight constituencies also failed to win support from fellow Keys members.

• Mann Motorsports IOM TT Photos Exhibition, Onchan Library. Prize draw to win a Mann Motorsports print - donations to IOM TT Marshals Association welcome. Until Tuesday.

• Sunny Days and Starry Starry Nights, exhibition of paintings by Nancy Corkish at the Erin Arts Centre’s Sir James Mellon Gallery. Until Friday.

• Jigsaw, an exhibition of new work by Adam Berry, The Isle Gallery, Tynwald Mills. Open Wednesday, Saturday 1pm-5pm and Sunday 2pm-5pm. Until Sunday.

• Fast Women: Women in Manx motorsport, Manx Museum, 10am-5pm. Until August 6.

• Ulster’s TT Heroes Exhibition, House of Manannan, 10am-5pm. Until September 6.

• IoM Flower Festival at St Matthew’s Church, North Quay, Douglas, Sunday, 10.30am-6.30pm daily to Saturday. Late night opening Friday.

• ‘The Grand Tour’ Exhibition, Ramsey Town Hall. Victorian and Edwardian photography. Starts Monday, until July 25.

Thursday, July 2

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

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

Monday, July 6

• Vannin Bridge, Onchan pensioners hall, 2pm. Also Thursday.

• Possan Aeglagh Manx Speaking Youth Club School Year 6 (ages 10-11) upwards at Cafe Laare, Lord Street, Douglas, 6.30pm - 8.30pm, subs £1. Call Cathy Clucas 414331 or email C.Clucas@doe.sch.im for further details.

• Onchan Silver Band practice, the band room, off Main Road, Onchan, beginners 6.30pm and seniors 7.30pm.

• Ramsey Gardening Club, Quayle’s hall, Ramsey, 7.30pm, £2.

Tuesday, July 7

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

• Manx Retirement Association, Ramsey coffee morning, St Paul’s Church, Ramsey, 10.30am. Wednesday, miniature golf at Onchan Park, 2pm.

• The Tuesday Group, flexible learning room to try your hand at basic crafts, have a chat, coffee and fun, Peel Clothworkers’ School, 1.15pm. Pre-school children catered for. Call 614180.

• Isle of Man Chess Club, Belsfield Hotel, Church Road Marina, Douglas, 7.30pm. Call 495097.

• Castletown Metropolitan Silver Band rehearsals, Queen Street Mission hall, 7.30pm.

• Rotary Club of Rushen and Western Mann meet Falcon’s Nest Hotel, Port Erin, 7.30pm.

• Glen Maye WI, St James’ Church hall, Dalby, 7.30pm. Call 818194.

• Mannin Quilters, Ballabeg Methodist hall, 7.30pm-9pm. Call 628921. Also Wednesday at St Columba’s Catholic Church, Port Erin, 1.30-4pm.

• Santon WI, The Church Centre, Church Road, Santon, 7.30pm. Call 818194.

• Ballacottier Senior Youth Project for school years 10+, Ballacottier School youth room, 7.30pm-9.30pm.

Wednesday, July 8

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

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

• Onchan Pensioners Club, Morton Hall, Castletown, ladies club, 2pm-4pm.

• Onchan Ladies meet in Morton hall, the Pensioners Club, 2.15pm. Call Shirley Baldwin, 620352.

• The Friendship Club for the over 60s, Onchan Baptist Church, 2.30pm. Call 674255.

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

• Jurby and District WI, Jurby parish hall, 7.15pm.

• St Mark’s WI, St Mark’s School room, 7.30pm. Call 818194.

Thursday, July 2

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

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

• Isle of Man Farmers’ Market, Tynwald Mills, St John’s, 11am-3pm.

• Manx Gaelic class, intermediate-advanced with James Harrison, 7.30pm at Arbory Commissioners’ hall. Friday, intermediate-advanced with Adrian Cain, noon at the Manx Museum, Douglas. Saturday, intermediate 10.30am at House of Manannan in Peel; intermediate-advanced with James Harrison 10.30am at the Manx Museum, Douglas. Tuesday, intermediate with Adrian Cain, noon at St Matthew’s Church in Douglas, advanced 1pm at the Rovers pub in Douglas; beginners 7.30pm at Patchwork Cafe in Port St Mary. Call 451098. Arbory Commissioners’ hall with Cathy Clucas, 7.30pm. Call 838527. St John’s House with James O’Meara, 7.30pm. Call 843436.

• Gospel message in Ballaugh village hall, 7.30pm.

• Harbour Bistro fund raising dinner in aid of St. Paul’s Church, Ramsey, including a raffle, auction and entertainment. Tickets £25, contact Ken on 814182 or 498757.

• Quiz Night at the Railway, Douglas, 8.30pm. Call 670773.

• Bingo Quiz, Manor Hotel, Willaston, 9pm.

Friday, July 3

• The Curraghs Wildlife Park, 50th anniversary, open until 9pm, half price entry all day. Also, Saturday and Sunday, Big Birthday Party.

• The second trial Farmers’ Market at Village Walk in Onchan 10am-3pm, veg stall with cakes and preserves, plants, the Apple Orphanage (selling Manx juices) and the Original Manx Fudge Factory.

• Coffee and chat, Onchan Methodist Church lounge, opposite commissioners’ office, 10.30am-noon.

• Willaston School Summer Fayre, 2pm-6pm.

• Revive Fridays, 5.30pm-6.30pm. Enjoy the company and a faith tea, Trinity Church hall. Call 621004.

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

Saturday, July 4

• Theatre Tours, Gaiety Theatre, Douglas, 10am. Tickets for adults £7.50, children £4, family £20. Call 600555.

• The Manx Aviation and Military Museum, Ronaldsway. Includes the Major Cain VC exhibition. Open Saturday and Sunday, 10am-4.30pm. Free admission. Donations welcome.

• Laxey Woollen Mills, Glen Road, 10am-5pm. Also open weekdays.

• Green Centre, opposite Iceland, Chester Street complex, Douglas. Information about recycling, energy, insulation and environmental matters. Zero Waste Mann, Isle of Man Friends of the Earth and Manx Energy Advice Centre. Open from 10am.

• Isle of Man Farmers’ Market at Storm Art Cafe, Ramsey, 10am-1pm.

• Carry on at the Courthouse, music and entertainment outside the Ramsey Courthouse, 10am-3.30pm.

• The Friends of St John Ambulance Isle of Man charity Secret Gardens and Hidden Treasures of Ballasalla. An Antique and Collectors Fair will also be held in the Village Hall. Brochures listing the gardens are £4. One brochure entitles two people entry. For more information call Pam Crowe on 834614. Also Sunday.

• Isle of Man Farmers’ Market at Villa Marina, Douglas, 10am-2pm.

• NGS open garden at Primrose Lodge, Athol Park, Port Erin. Open 11am- 4pm. Admission £3, children free. Plant stall and refreshments available.

• Great Laxey Mine Railway, 11am-4.30pm.

• Coffee and chat, St Mary’s on the Harbour, Castletown, 11am.

• Milntown House Tours every Saturday and Wednesday, 2.30pm. £7. Call 812321.

• Sporty Church, Bunscoill Rhumsaa’s Auldyn hall, from 4.15pm-5.30pm. Bible-based story and prayer. A Ramsey Baptist Church event. Call 316013 or email info@ramseybaptist.org; see the website www.facebook.com/rbcim

Sunday, July 5

• Onchan Elim Church Flower Festival, 10am-6pm. Admission £1 includes tea/coffee and biscuits. Until Friday 10th.

• Car wash at Marown School, Glen Vine in aid of 1st Marown Scouts. Drinks and home made cakes will be available.

• Car boot sale, Onchan community centre, noon, admission 50p. Call Sheila on 623704 or 480231.

• Yn Chruinnaght Inter-Celtic Festival afternoon of traditional music and dance in Mooragh Park, Ramsey. 2pm-4pm.

• Bride Methodist Sunday School Anniversary, services 2.30pm and 6.30pm, led by Sue and Geoff Collier. Children taking part in both services. Supper will be served following the Evening service.

• Anniversary Songs of Praise for St James Dalby followed by a traditional Manx tea in the schoolrooms, 6.30pm.

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

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

Monday, July 6

• Age Isle of Man - free computer sessions for people aged over 50 at House of Manannan, Peel. Lift available and coffee shop, 10am–12.30pm and 1.30pm–4.30pm.

• Afternoon tea dance, Manx Legion Club, Douglas, 2pm-4pm.

• Free life-changing stress / spine / health talks, Align4Life in Lake Road near Tesco, Douglas, 6.45pm 629444.

• Shorties, pirate adventure. Children’s soft play centre, Alexandra Road, Castletown, also Tuesday.

Tuesday, July 7

• Computers for Beginners, Onchan Library, 10am-noon. Call 621228.

• Manx Cancer Help drop-in day, Lisa Lowe Centre, The Old Schoolhouse, Cronkbourne, 11am-4pm.

• Lunch Club, Salvation Army Citadel, Lord Street, Douglas, 11.30am. Call 627742.

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

Wednesday, July 8

• Independent Living Centre, open day, Ballakermeen Road, 9.30am-3.30pm. Call 642511.

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

• Computer training sessions for everyone. Leonard Cheshire Disability, Main Road, Onchan, 11am-3pm. Call 679030.

• Call in for coffee at St Peter’s Church, Onchan, 11am and 1pm.

• Ramsey and District Probus Club lunch, Ramsey Golf Club, 12.30pm. A talk by Jerry Carter on his ‘30 years at the Manx bar’. Call John Christal, 812565.

• Golden Memories group, iMuseum, entrance back of Manx Museum, Douglas, 2pm-4pm.

• Bereavement support group, friendly get together for anyone feeling isolated or lonely after a bereavement, however or whenever it occurred, tea, coffee and a chat, Scholl Centre, Hospice Isle of Man, 5pm-7pm. Call 647443.

• A talk entitled ‘Equal Rights, A Goal Worth Fighting For’ by human rights activist Peter Tatchell, presented by Isle of Man Freethinkers, Douglas Old Friends Club, 7.30pm (doors open 7pm). Free admission but advance booking advised via tatchell@iomfreethinkers.org or 664796.

• Samba percussion workshop, no experience necessary, Onchan Silver bandroom, off Onchan Commissioners’ car park, 7pm. Cost £3, email sambamann@manx.net

• Bingo Quiz, Archibald Knox Onchan.

Thursday, July 2

• Jump Fx - cardio classes, 9am. Also Wednesday, 6pm. Ballabeg hall. Phone Sara 432535 or email saraszestforlife@gmail.com

• Southern Swimming Pool, Castletown, Thursday, 9.15am-10am , circuits, 7pm-8pm, aquafit; Fridays, 9.15am-10.15 circuits, 6.30pm-7.30pm; Saturday, 10am-11am, yoga; Monday, 9.15am-10.15am, circuits, 2.10pm-3pm, aquafit, 6.30pm-7.30pm, circuits; Tuesday 2.30pm-3.30pm, aquanauts/rehab swimming, 6.30pm-7.30pm, yoga; Wednesday, 6.30pm-7.30pm, circuits.

• Zumba at 9.30am-10.15am, total tone at 10.15am, call Jane 201811. Legs, bums and tums at 7pm-8pm, call Lisa 438150. Also Monday, high intensity circuits at 6.30am, Wednesday and Friday 6.30am, call Shelley 487270. School Drop Boot Camp at 9.30am, also Wednesday and Friday at 6.30am, call Errol on 488105. Vibro-step classes at 12.15pm and 7.15pm, also on Wednesdays and Fridays at 12.15pm-12.45pm and Tuesdays and Fridays at 9.15am-9.45am, call Shelley 487270. Tuesday, Tae-Bo at 5.45pm-6.30pm, kettlebells at 6.30pm-7.15pm, call Kate 347160. Wednesday, kettlebell core, 6pm-7pm, also Saturdays at 9.30am-10.30am, call Kelly 220220. Elite Fitness, Douglas.

• Thighs, bums and tums, Laxey Working Men’s Institute, 9.30am. Also Tuesday, call 335635.

• Yoga, Iyengar (mixed) 9.30am-11am. Tuesday, men only class, 7pm-8.30pm; Wednesday, mixed, 6.45pm-8.15pm, 10 Perwick Bay, Port St Mary. Call 452791.

• Wheelie Active Parents (mums and buggies) 9.30am – 11am, Villa Marina reception, £2. Also Walk and Talk, Peel promenade, outside Harbour Lights Cafe, 9.45am – 11.30am, £1.50. Friday, Walk and Talk, NSC, Douglas, 9.30am–11.30am; also Mondays, Poulsom Park, Castletown, 9.45am–11.30am, £1.50. Racquet sports and boccia, 12.15pm–1pm NSC, £1.75; Walk and Talk, 5.30pm–7pm, NSC, £1.50. Tuesdays,Walk and Talk, NSC, 9.30am–11.30am, £1.50; Walk and Talk, Ramsey Mooragh Park, (meet Rugby Club), £1.50, 9.30am–11.30am. Call Gianni 688556.

• Pilates with Lizzy Main, The Pilates Studio, The Viking Longhouse, West Quay, Peel (all classes at this venue unless stated). Thursdays 10am (chair based Pilates) and 6.15pm. Also, Fridays 9.30am and 10.45am (Pilates Gold – gentle Pilates). Saturdays 9.45am and 11am (Ante-natal Pilates). Mondays, 9.30am (also 6pm at Methodist Church Hall, Colby which is followed by Pure Stretch at 7pm). Also, Wednesdays 5.15pm and 6.30pm. Classes £9 when pre booked in blocks of six, £10 drop-in. Call 427401.

• Gentle Circuits, NSC, Douglas, 11am. Also Saturday. Call 688588.

• Chair-based exercise sessions, Onchan Youth and Community Centre, 1.30pm. Also Friday, Port Erin Methodist Church hall, 2pm; Monday, Ramsey town hall, 10.30am; Tuesday, Castletown Sandfield residents’ lounge, 2pm; Wednesday, Westlands’ residents’ lounge, Peel, 10.30am. Call 642668.

• Pilates, beginners to intermediate, 38 Woodbourne Square, Douglas, 2pm, 5.30pm and 7pm. Call 491449.

• Tai Chi Chuan, Lezayre parish hall, 2pm. Call Pete Jackson 898468.

• Mini tennis coaching, year 3, 4.30pm, year 4, 5.30pm. £3. Also Tuesday, adult beginners and improvers tennis coaching, 6pm. Douglas LTC, Kensington Road. £5. Call 302642.

• Iyengar inspired yoga classes, children’s yoga from 3.30pm-4.30pm yr3-yr6, 4.30-5.15 rec yr 2, teenage yoga 5.15pm-6.15pm, men’s yoga, 6.30pm-8pm, mixed ability hatha yoga, Monday, 9.15am-10.45am, adult Iyengar inspired yoga. Wednesday, 7pm-8.30pm adult Iyengar inspired yoga.. All at Laxey Football Club. Call Jane on 863130 or janepycroft@manx.net

• Unite, mixture of yoga and Pilates, 4pm-5pm. Also, Fridays 6pm legs, bums and tums, 7pm aerial suspension fitness. Saturdays, 9.30am zumba and 10.30am aerial fitness. Mondays, 6pm zumba and 7pm aerial yoga. Tuesdays, 6pm, fitness Pilates and 7pm kettlebells. Wednesdays, 6pm, high intensity interval training and fitness yoga. Jillian’s Unique Fitness Solutions, 48 Loch Promenade, Douglas.

• Manx Fencing Club, Ashley Hill School, Onchan, 4pm. Also seniors at Ballakermeen High School, Douglas, 5pm; Tuesday, Arbory village hall, beginners at 4pm and Grade 1+, 5pm; Wednesday, Ramsey Grammar School, juniors at 5pm and seniors at 6pm, also at Ebenezer Hall, Kirk Michael, juniors at 6.30pm and adults at 7.30pm.

• Southern Gymnastics Club, Ballasalla School, 4pm. Also Tuesday, Castle Rushen High School, 5pm. Call 473741.

• Northern Gymnastics Club, Ramsey Grammar School, 5pm.

• Men on mats - core strength/Pilates class, 6pm-7pm. £8. Jillian’s Unique Fitness Solutions, 48 Loch Promenade, Douglas. Call 376574.

• Anti-gravity yoga, 6.30pm. Also, pole fitness class at Savina’s Secret Studio, Glen Falcon Road, Douglas, 7.45pm. Call 203502.

• Western Athletics Club, QEII High School, 6.30pm.

• Zumba, Carrefour Health Club, Douglas, 6.30pm. Also Monday, 8pm; Wednesday, 9.45am.

• Hot yoga 7pm. Friday: kettlebells 7am and 1.10pm, get yoga fit 10am, hot yoga 6.30pm. Saturday: hot yoga, 10am and 11.30am. Sunday: hot yoga 10am and 11.30am. Monday: kettlebells 7am and 1.10pm, get yoga fit 10am, warm Pilates 5pm, hot yoga for beginners 6.30pm. Tuesday: 7am hot yoga, 5.30pm Pilates. Wednesday: kettlebells 7am and 1.10pm, get yoga fit 10am, hardcore 6 pack abs 5.45pm, Pilates 6.30pm at The Gym, Ramsey. Call 812100.

• Cardiotone, Laxey Working Men’s Institute, 7pm-8pm. Also Monday 7pm-8pm. Call 452729/863602.

• Peel Badminton Club, Corrin Hall, Peel, 7pm.

• Aquafit, Western Swimming Pool, Peel, 7pm. Also Tuesday, 1.15pm.

• Aerobics and body toning, bring your own mat, Philip Christian Centre, Peel, 7pm. Also Monday, Park View hall, Kirk Michael. Call 455924.

• Zumba, The Institute, Laxey 7pm-8pm, also Tuesday 7.30pm-8.30pm. £5.

• Yoga, Cooil Methodist hall, 7.15pm. Call 494489.

• Fencing for all ages, Ashley Hill School, 7.30pm. Also Monday, Andreas parish hall, 4.30pm; Tuesday, Arbory parish hall, 4pm and Ebenezer Hall, Kirk Michael, 6.30pm; Wednesday, Scoill Ree Gorree sports hall, Ramsey, 5pm. Call 880863.

• Zumba, The Dance Factory, Onchan Park, 7.30pm. Call 425270. Also Tuesday.

• Fun Aquafit class at the Cherry Orchard Hotel pool. 7.45pm. Don’t forget the jaccuzi and sauna afterwards. Also Tuesday.

Friday, July 3

• Acrobatics, The Dance Factory, Onchan Park, 4.30pm.

• Manx ABC Boxing, Palace Terrace, Douglas. Juniors, 6pm. Seniors (age 16+), 7pm. Beginners welcome. Also Monday and Wednesday.

• Yoga, Morton Hall, Onchan, 6.30pm. Call 494489.

• Tai chi chuan, Murray’s Road School, Douglas, 7.30pm. Call 612305.

• Indoor bowls, Legion Hall, Port St Mary, 7.30pm. No experience necessary.

Saturday, July 4

• Pregnancy yoga, All Saints’ hall, Douglas, 10am. Call 461461.

• Yoga, Laxey Working Men’s Institute, 10.15am. Also Monday.

• Yoga, Arbory parish hall, 10.30am. Call 494489.

• St Mary’s football club mixed under 11s training, Pulrose football fields, 10.30am. Call 405859.

• Tae Kwondo beginners, Pinewood Complex, Pulrose, 10.45am. Also 6-7yrs, Wednesdays at 5.30pm and Monday and Wednesday, 8-13yrs at 6pm, all ages at 7.15pm. Text 432152.

• Fun and fitness, NSC, Douglas, 11am-noon. Call 688588.

Sunday, July 5

• Reikido, The Royal British Legion, Port Erin, 11am-12.30pm. Also Monday 8pm-9pm. Call Nick on 398955.

• Bowling club night, Port Erin Bowling Club, Breagle Glen, 4pm-6pm.

• Yoga and Nutrition, Karma Yoga Studio, Douglas. 6pm-7.30pm.

Monday, July 6

• Women’s activity morning, NSC, Douglas, 9.30am. Call 688556.

• Beginners yoga, 10am, Karma, 2nd Floor, 8 Victoria Street, Douglas. Also at 10am (over 60s half price, £5).

• Stretch ‘n’ Flex exercise, NSC, Douglas, noon. Call 688588.

• Begin to Run ( running club for all abilities), Douglas seafront, meet Jubilee Kiosk, noon – 1pm, cost £2, call Trevor Christian for more details on 688576.

• Disability swimming sessions, NSC, Douglas, 3pm-4pm, £1.55. Also Tuesday, 6pm-7pm.

• Aquafit, NSC, Douglas, 1.30pm. Also Tuesday at noon and Wednesday at 6pm. Plus deepwater aquafit on Monday at 7.15pm, and Thursday deepwater at 6pm. Call 688556.

• Circuit training, NSC, Douglas, 6pm. Also Wednesday at 6pm. Call 688588.

• Exercise Boot Camp, Corrin Hall, Peel, 6.15pm. Also Wednesday, Philip Christian Centre, Peel, 6pm; Thursday, Glen Vine Church hall, 9.15am.

• Bodyweight and cardiotone, Laxey Working Men’s Institute, 7pm. Call 452729.

• Women’s self-defence classes, British Legion hall, Port Erin, 7.30pm.

• Kirk Michael Badminton Club, Park View hall, 8pm. Call 878536.

Tuesday, July 7

• Early Morning Boot Camp, 6.15am-7am. Also Wednesday and Friday. Evening Boot Camp, 6pm-6.45pm, Tuesday and Thursday, and 9am-9.45am Saturday. Also kettlebell classes, Wednesday, 6pm-7pm, Saturday, 8am-8.45am, Marown Millennium hall. Call 465335.

• Fit2Go walking sessions, car park, Station Road, St John’s, 9am. For women looking to improve their fitness. £3.

• Pilates at 38 Woodbourne Square, Douglas, 9.15am. Pilates at Trinity Church, Ramsey, 6.15pm. Also, balance and Pilates, Cooyrt Balleigh, Ramsey, 1.30pm. No floor exercise. Call 491449.

• Social-cise, social fitness sessions. Low intensity exercise, NSC main sports hall, Douglas, 2pm-3.30pm. Also, Boccia, 5pm-6pm. Everyone welcome.

• Cheerleading, All Saints’ Church hall, 4.30pm. Call 254499.

• No strings badminton, for novices, beginners and getting back into badminton, NSC, 5pm-6pm.

• Adult beginners and improvers tennis coaching, Douglas LTC, Kensington Road, 6pm, £5. Call 302642.

• Pilates, in the hall in Trinity Church, Waterloo Road, Ramsey, 6.15pm. Call 491449.

• Zumba, Fiesta Havana, Douglas, 7pm. Email sjh@manx.net

• Tai Chi Chuan, Lezayre parish community hall, 7pm.

• IoM Karate Federation, Murray’s Road School, juniors 7pm, seniors 7.30pm. Call 612305.

• Badminton club, Arbory School, Ballabeg, 8pm-10pm. Call Liz on 466370.

Wednesday, July 8

• Gentle yoga, women’s class, Gena’s Dance Academy, Peel, 9.30am. Call 456782.

• Zumba classes, beginners, antenatal and postnatal 9.45am, zumba fitness, advanced, 10.45am at Zumba Isle of Man, Silvercraigs Hotel. Call 677776 or visit www.zumbaisleofman.com. Run by a GP.

• Gentle body toning, NSC, Douglas, 11am. Call 688588.

• Chair-based exercises/stretch and flex, NSC, Douglas, noon. Call 688588.

• Thompson Travel Netball Club junior training, Braddan School, 6pm. For ages 10-14.

• Valkyrs Hockey Club training, QEII astro pitch, Peel. Juniors (8+), 6pm; Seniors (13+), 7.30pm. Call 801802.

• Iyengar inspired yoga, 6pm-7.30pm, Brightlife, Andreas. Call Kel on 452015.

Palace Cinema

• Terminator Genisys, 3D (12A). Nightly at 7pm, 2D, Saturday and Sunday at 2pm.

• Magic Mike XXL, (15). Nightly at 7.30pm.

• Jurassic World, 3D, (12A), Saturday and Sunday at 1.30pm, 2D at 4pm.

Broadway Cinema

• Minions, 3D, (U). Daily at 4.30pm and 7pm, Wednesday, 4.30pm only. 2D Saturday-Monday, 11am and 2pm. Wednesday at 2pm.

Thursday, July 2

• Noah’s Ark Tots Group, Church on The Rock, behind Ramsey bus station, 9.30am. Call 431034.

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Family Library: Teddy time, 2pm-2.45pm, £2. Friday, Storybox, 10.30am, £1. Jolly music, 4.15-4.45pm. Tuesday, Learning library - number fun, 4-4.30pm, £2.

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

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

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

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

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

• The Children’s Centre Parent Support Group, informal chat with family support workers at Woodbourne Road, Douglas, 7pm-9pm.

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

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

Friday, July 3

• Baby and Toddler Group, Glen Maye Community Centre, 9.30am-11.30am. Free but donations welcome. Call 845681.

• Tiddlers, parents and tots, Elim Church, Onchan, 10am. Call 434933.

• Parents and tots, Philip Christian Centre, Peel, 10am.

• Mums and Tots, Laxey Working Men’s Institute, 10am-noon. Call 479839.

• Laxey Mums, Carers and Tots at Laxey Working Men’s Institute, 10am-noon, £2.50 per family inc refreshments. Call 466887.

• Onchan carers and tots, parish hall, Onchan, 1.15pm. Call 625328.

• Parent and toddler group, Ballasalla School, 1.45pm.

• Sporty church at Trinity Church hall 6pm-7pm for years 3-6. Football, hockey, parachute games etc., 50p including refreshments. Call 628374. Also Sunday School Trinity Church hall, crèche to late teens, 10.30am-11.45am. Call 625409.

Saturday, July 4

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

Sunday, July 5

• Ollies - fun for children up to 11, St Olave’s Church hall, Ramsey, 9.45am -10.45am approx.

• Sunday School, Sulby Methodist Church, 10.30am.

• Rock Sunday Club for children at Colby Methodist Chapel, 10.30am - 11.30am.

• Task and DFC children’s club, Abbey Church, Ballasalla, 10.45am.

Monday, July 6

• Parents and tots, Dhoon Church hall, 9.30am. Call 426395.

• Daniel’s Den, Methodist Church, Arbory Street, Castletown, 10am. Admission £1. Call 822374.

• Kittens tots and carers group, St Ninian’s Church, Douglas, 10.30am. £1 per family. Call 629683.

• Breastfeeding Buddies drop-in clinic, Village Walk Health Centre, Onchan, 10.30am. Call 656030.

• Roll’n’Play for pre-schoolers, Philip Christian Centre, Peel, 10.30am.

• Story Time at Castletown Library, 1.30pm and 2.15pm.

• Tots play at Northern Lights Community Centre, Ramsey, 1.30pm-3.30pm. Also tots craft and play on Wednesday, £1.

• Peel Toddler Group, Corrin Hall, Peel, 1.30pm.

• Michael Miniatures’ parents and tots, Ebenezer Hall, Kirk Michael, 2pm. £1.50 per family. Call 491592.

• Onchan Rainbows, 5.30pm. Also 1st Onchan Brownies, 6.30pm.

• Brownies, Corrin Hall, Peel, 6.30pm.

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

• Do Drop Inn Drama Club, children aged 10+, St Paul’s hall, Ramsey, 7pm.

Tuesday, July 7

• Parents and tots, Auldyn Infants School community room, Ramsey, 9.15am-11.15am.

• Parents and tots group, Cronk-y-Berry School, side entrance, 9.30am. Admission £1. Call 469756. Also Thursday, 1.30pm.

• Toddle Inn, mums and tots group, Port St Mary Living Hope Community Church, 9.30am. Call 835091.

• Tiddlers Group for parents, grandparents or carers, St Olave’s Church hall, Ramsey, 9.45am-11.30am, £1.50.

• Super Saints, All Saints’ Church vestry, Douglas, 10am-11.15am. Call 427185.

• Foxdale mums and tots, community hall, Foxdale School, 2pm. Call 420234.

• Abbey Acorns, ages 4+ at the Abbey Church, Ballasalla, 3.30pm.

• Peel Footlights Youth Theatre, children aged eight-16, Philip Christian Centre, Peel, 4pm. Also Thursday. Call 843819.

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

Wednesday, July 8

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

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

• Twins/Multiple Births Club, Philip Christian Centre, Peel, 10am-11.30am. Call 458202.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Foxdale Parents and Tots Club at Foxdale School,2pm-3.15pm. Craft fun play and refreshments. Call Ann Naisbitt 801946 or email annnaisbitt@hotmail.com

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

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

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

Thursday, July 2

• Tea dance, South Douglas Old Friends’ Association, Finch Road, Douglas, 2pm.

• Dance classes for children, Centenary Centre, Peel, 4pm. Call 450688.

• Modern line dance classes for all levels at the Legion hall, Onchan. Also Monday and Wednesday. Call 670308.

• Scottish country dancing, St Olave’s Church hall in Cumberland Road, Ramsey, at 7.30pm. Call 817610, 813074 or 628521.

• Fitsteps at Onchan Community hall, 7.30pm. Booking is required via text or call 456056.

• Strictly Come Dancing for beginners, Royal British Legion hall, Port Erin, 8pm. £3.50 per person.

• Irish set dancing above Macbeth’s, Victoria Street, Douglas, 8pm. Call 457268.

Friday, July 3

• 5pm-5.45pm under 6 years ballroom; 5.45pm-6.30pm 6-9 years ballroom; 6.30pm-7.15pm 9-12 years ballroom; 7.15pm-8pm 12+ years ballroom, St Matthew’s Church hall, Douglas. Also Tuesday, 4pm-4.45pm under 8 years ballroom; 4.45pm-5.30pm Dynamites freestyle; 5.30pm-6.15pm 8-12 years ballroom; 6.15pm-7pm Energisers freestyle; 7pm-7.45pm 12+ years ballroom; 7.45pm-8.30pm Explosions freestyle. Call 474063.

• Modern Dance, The Dance Factory, Onchan Park, 5.45pm. Also Thursday at 4.30pm. Tap jnr, 6.45pm. Also tap adv at 7.30pm. Also Beginners tap, Tuesday at 4.30pm.

• Argentinian Tango beginners class, St Paul’s hall, Ramsey, 7pm. Call 880650.

• Line Dancing, Ebenezer Hall, Kirk Michael, 7pm. Beginners welcome, adults £3.50, children £1.50. Call 878687.

Saturday, July 4

• Dance time for children, Port Erin Methodist hall, 9.30am. £2.50 per half hour. Call 835696.

• Ballroom dancing for children of all ages, Royal British Legion hall, Port Erin, 10am.

• Theatrix Theatre Company Musical Theatre, Douglas, Saturday noon-2.30pm for ages 8-12. Also Saturday, babies Irish/mod, 9am. prep ballet/tap, 10am, babies ballet/tap, 11am. Monday, senior ballet, 4pm; senior tap, 5pm; senior jazz, 5.45pm; adult Irish, 6.30pm. Tuesday community ballet/tap, 4pm; beginners Irish, 4.45pm; junior Irish, 5.30pm; adult tap, 6.15pm. Wednesday, grade 2 ballet/tap, 4pm; novice Irish, 5.30pm; adult ballet, 6.15pm.

• Irish dance mixed, 3pm. Also prim/int on Monday at 4.30pm and Tuesday at 6.15pm. Beginners on Tuesday at 5.15pm. Stage snr 4pm. Also stage int at 5pm, The Dance Factory, Onchan Park.

• Sequence dancing, Onchan Pensioners’ hall (across from library), 8pm. Call 829669.

• Social sequence dancing, Pulrose Methodist Church hall, Douglas, 8pm. Also Monday, Wednesday and Sunday. Call 842878.

Sunday, July 5

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

Monday, July 6

• Ballet, Viking Works, Riverside, Peel, 5.45pm. Also Thursday at 4.30pm.

• Country dancing, Willaston hall, 7pm-9pm. Call 628521.

• Ceroc dance night, Masonic hall, Douglas, 7.30pm-10.30pm.

• Line dancing, Port Erin Methodist Church hall, 8.15pm. Call 436219.

Tuesday, July 7

• Oriental dance exercise, Gena’s Dance Academy, Peel, 10am. Also Wednesdays, The Gym, Ramsey. Call 300020.

• Line dancing for beginners, The South Douglas Old Friends’ Association, Finch Road, Douglas, 7.30pm-8.30pm, doors open 7pm.

• Linedancercise at St John’s football clubhouse, 7.30pm-9pm, call 467285.

• Sequence dancing with Port Erin Dancing Club, Port Erin Methodist Church hall, 8pm.

Wednesday, July 8

• Tea dance at St John’s Methodist hall, live music with Eric and Jimmy, 2pm. Call 842548.

• Ballroom dancing for children, Centenary Centre, Peel, 4pm. Call 450688.

• Ballet, The Dance Factory, Onchan Park, 4.30pm.

• Latin line dancing, Royal British Legion hall, Port Erin, 7.30pm. Beginners welcome. Call 835098.

• Ballroom dancing, Villa Marina, Douglas, 7.30pm. Call 623414.

• Rhythmic dance, St Ninian’s dance studio, Douglas, 8pm.

The organisers of the Southern 100 motorcycle races have announced this lunchtime (Thursday) that ‘selfie sticks’ have been banned from this year’s event, due to start on Monday.

Selfie sticks are telescopic extensions used by spectators taking pictures or filming video, and were a source of discussion during this year’s Isle of Man TT Races.

Chief marshal Dave Ali said: ‘The use of these and similar devices are both a distraction and a danger to riders.

‘To have something like these stick extensions hanging over a wall of hedge, in a rider’s path, is an unthinkable idea.

‘There’s also the possibility of the camera or phone becoming detached and falling on to the track.

‘Please remembner this while you’re enjoying the racing at this year’s Diamond Jubilee Southern 100.’

Organisers also wish to remind people that drones are not permitted to be used anywhere on the Billown Circuit and that remote cameras can only be used by accredited media with the authorisation of the press officer.

For a full preview of the S100 races, pick up a copy of today’s Manx Independent.

Ronaldsway airport’s new radar system is still awaiting approval by the Civil Aviation Authority nearly five years after it got the go-ahead from Tynwald.

Speaking in the House of Keys this week, Infrastructure Minister Phil Gawne told MHKs: ‘The situation is as it was in February. The radar is functioning but it has not yet got Civil Aviation Authority approval.’

But Mr Gawne said, thanks to a good deal struck between the suppliers and his department, the suppliers had to make penalty payments while the delay continued.

‘We are introducing innovative technology. Two airports in the UK have this already and we will be the third when it gets approval,’ he said.

‘The system works, it’s just not yet had CAA approval and while the company works out its approval with the CAA we continue to receive payments.’

There is broad support for phasing out the Manx pension supplement for new pensioners over a 20 year period, according to Treasury Minister Eddie Teare.

Mr Teare told members of the House of Keys the findings were based on replies given to a recent consultation on social security reform.

The increase in the cost of the Manx pension supplement from 2012 to date was £2.22 million for the tax year 2012-13; £1.53 million for 2013-14 and £1.69 million for 2014-15.

He told Keys members a strategy document was to be presented to Tynwald this month setting out Treasury’s recommendations for reforming social security and national insurance.

Speaking in 2012, then Social Care Minister Chris Robertshaw said the Manx pension supplement, of just under 50 per cent, introduced after Margaret Thatcher cut the link between average earnings and the state pension, was safe until 2016.