Memories of the long-closed Manx Northern Railway to Ramsey were rekindled during an island transport extravaganza at the weekend.

Stations on the surviving line to Port Erin were renamed as stops on the northern line.

And visitors were welcomed to take a look around the old Sulby Glen station, now the home of Douglas and Aneisha Kennaugh.

Another highlight of the Manx Heritage Transport Festival was the relaunch of a mail van on the Manx Electric Railway following restoration by the Laxey and Lonan Heritage Trust.

The van, saved from near dereliction, operated for the first time in 40 years on a special postal service between Douglas, Laxey and Ramsey last Friday.

The sun shone brightly in Sulby last Saturday afternoon as several hundred visitors arrived at the Lezayre Parish Community Hall to enjoy homemade teas and a wonderful, colourful display of fruit, veg, confectionery, photography and handicraft exhibits at this year’s show.

A total of 1,150 entries were received for the Sulby Horticultural Show and nearly half were from children, which is very promising for this traditional event.

Sulby School submitted more than 130 entries and Jurby School more than 50, along with northern based Nurseries Butterflies, Parklands and Footsteps.

The children’s exhibits were vibrant, imaginative and a joy to see.

The fruit, veg and flower entry volumes were a pleasant surprise in light of the challenging growing season and late May frosts.

Again there were many novice show entrants.

Sulby is establishing itself as the friendly show, encouraging all ages to come along and have a go at exhibiting! The bumble bee treasure hunt kept the younger visitors entertained, with Harry Eyres being drawn as the winner, receiving a bag of arts and crafts goodies for his efforts.

Northern resident and radio presenter Simon Clarke gave an entertaining opening speech, looking back at the show’s beginnings and how it has evolved. Miss Matilde Jackson presented posies and the show was declared open.

Sixty-six trophies and more than 60 special prizes were awarded during the presentation.

Tibor Miklos from Milntown Trust collected the Merle Matthews Best in Show Trophy, for a lovely display of own grown flowers, whilst Isaac Hope won the Junior Best in Show Trophy for his lovely craftwork.

Best in section for soft handicrafts was Clive Sutton for an exquisite handmade toy, while Martin Lawson won hard handicrafts with a beautifully carved walking stick.

John Kaighin, grandson of William Kaighin and the late Jean Kaighin, was very successful, in a variety of veg classes, taking home seven trophies.

Theresa Shammon was a pleasantly surprised winner of a number of trophies for her flowers and pot plants.

Mark Quayle secured one of the original show trophies, the Lady Collett Challenge Cup, which was first presented in 1949.

Kevin Martin, the show treasurer, secured several trophies for an array of entries across many classes.

Carolyn de Beaufre Apps travelled from the south of the island, with her grandson Ancel, leaving with eight trophies for her wonderful efforts, while Ancel secured one too, for his display of wild flowers. It was nice to see the Isle of Man Prison return as exhibitors to the event this year.

Many thanks to all who exhibited, attended, and helped with this year’s show.

Special thanks to all sponsors, supporters and prize donators, especially the Isle of Man Steam Packet for their continued support with the star raffle prize.

While the show was a success, following the event, we were all saddened to hear of the recent passing of Mr WJ Ball, a long-time show exhibitor and supporter of the event. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.

Fundraising thrillseekers have less than a week to apply for the chance to speed through the island’s streets aboard a lilo as the ‘urban slide’ craze reaches the Isle of Man.

In what promises to be a spectacular sight for spectators, a water-covered track will carry 500 selected participants 100 metres downhill from their starting point at the Port Jack Chippy in Onchan.

Organised by Hospice Isle of Man and Friends Provident International, the event will take place from midday on Sunday, August 23, in aid of Hospice.

Having been developed as an attraction in the United States, urban slides have appeared in cities and events around the UK this year.

Space is strictly limited to 500 people and demand is expected to be high, so would-be sliders for the inaugural Manx event must apply for a place, costing £10, by Wednesday (August 12).

A ballot will take place the following day to award the 500 spaces available.

Hospice events co-ordinator Terri Cook said: ‘We are always looking to do new and innovative events and this seemed like a fun and different way of raising Hospice’s profile and engaging with young people.

‘Looking for the right gradient of hill has been fun, particularly as we need to be sure people can stop safely!

She continued: ‘We hope to raise more than £5,000 through this event – we have already had over 380 expressions of interest so I would encourage people to get their names down as soon as possible – you won’t want to miss it.’

Friend Provident International’s Caroline Cornish added: ‘We work very closely with this much loved and valued charity and are thrilled to be involved in such an innovative event.

To apply for a place email events@hospice.org.im by Wednesday.

There is no upper age limit but children must have completed their first year of primary school to participate.

The 500 selected participants must pay the £10 per person entry fee before Thursday, August 20, or their place will be reassigned to another applicant.

Damp, misty and at times very rainy weather had to be battled against by 42 golfers on Wednesday as the Northern Counties Championship took place at Mount Murray.

The Isle of Man Team comprising of Daryl Callister (151), Tom Gandy (145), Jon Corke (151), Kevin Moore (141), Tom Harris (144) and Alex McCauley (148) produced a truly outstanding result by finishing in third place, only two shots away from second-place Cheshire and only four shots away from the winning side of Lancashire.

The outcome was unknown until the very end of play and it became clear how close it all was. This is the best ever result in the 45 years that the island have played in the event and president Roy Moore and county captain Geoff Skillicorn were obviously delighted, as was everyone connected with Manx golf.

The final team totals of all the competing counties was as follows: Lancashire 876, Cheshire 878, Isle of Man 880, Northumberland 882, Yorkshire 889, Cumbria 892 and Durham 920. This is based on all scores to count from teams of six players.

A full report of all that happened at Mount Murray will be in next week’s Examiner, on sale Tuesday.

They are still out to get us even though they won’t admit it . . .

I continue to believe that the Manx government is plotting secretly to cull all of us old people in the Isle Man who are living longer and longer and threatening to bring the economy down in ruins in the next 10 years.

The latest item on this hidden agenda of the Council of Ministers was laid bare to my eyes last week by the announcement that there needs to be a big increase in the working population.

They want to bring over 15,000 new young workers in the next 15 years in order to give the economy a much needed shot in the arm.)

What they didn’t say is that their plan would bring about a huge increase in the number of cars in the Isle of Man.

We would have new young families over with at least two cars each rushing about and causing more and more road accidents.

For old codgers like me, standing at the roadside with our sticks, scared motionless as we wait to potter across, there would be no hope.

We wouldn’t stand a chance.

It would be youthanasia.

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A copy of the Manx Treasury’s ‘Medium Term Financial Strategy’ was emailed to Manx Radio in advance of the debate on it in Tynwald and the second page came through with, in the middle of it, the words ‘This page is intentionally blank.’

No it wasn’t.

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The Examiner had a fine photograph last week of Glen Quayle of the Northern Athletics Club winning the under-15’s long jump event at the Isle of Man Track and Field Events at the NSC – with a jump of ‘9.87 metres.’ It was on the front of the paper’s sports section which is called ‘Final Whistle.’

Phew!

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Sara Goodwins reports overhearing the following conversational exchange between a couple on an MER tram trailer at Ramsey.

‘What’s that wheel for?’ pointing at the brake wheel.

‘It’s for emergencies so that the conductor can steer.’

Andrew Kerr-Phillips also likes listening in to people. This time it was an elderly couple on the No 3 bus: ‘I’m not sure if George is still alive. He was the last time I saw him.’

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In the Mandate programme on Manx Radio the presenter, James Davies, referred breezily to ‘LA’ where a Manx team is taking part in the Special Olympics.

He added helpfully: ‘That’s Los Angeles. Not Lower Andreas.’

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Richard Hetherington tells me the Manx Independent had the headline ‘£3,500 cost of Minister’s visit to Los Angeles is defended’ with a spokesman quoted as saying: ‘The Minister will be in Los Angeles for 10 days and the cost to the Department of Education and Children is approximately £3,452.’

Precisely.

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If the Douglas horse trams are moved on to the promenade walkway, where will we have to put the highly popular TT Fun Fair in future?

In the middle of the road where the horse tram rails are?

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In the Funnies File there is an advertisement which was in the Manx Independent for a charity dinner to be held in Ramsey with details of the menu including ‘crochet potatoes.’

You could get hooked on those.

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No reader crossword clues today again so over to Karl Campbell who says the cryptic in The Times had: ‘Took part in the TT race, as it were, and became exhausted (3 3).’

RAN DRY.

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MATRIMONY: After marriage husband and wife become two sides of a coin; they just can’t face each other – Sacha Guitry

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Last Friday was, apparently, National Orgasm Day. I didn’t know that.

I didn’t hear a thing.

Manx electricity generation remains mired in an expensive, fossil-fuelled, debt-laden past. It denies customers access to clean, modern renewable energy – secure in both supply and price terms. Cat Turner looks at what’s happening in Europe

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On July 15, the EU announced its ‘summer package’ of energy reforms.

It’s aiming to get a balance between meeting peoples’ needs, delivering new technology benefits and encouraging investment.

It’s a stark reminder of how far the island is behind in terms of new, low-carbon technologies – but even more so on the subject of how Manx taxpayers and billpayers are treated by our government on energy matters, compared with the EU.

The European Commission proposes a ‘new deal’ for energy consumers, based on three ‘pillars’:

– consumer empowerment;

– smart homes and networks;

– data management and protection (that is, making sure people’s personal data gathered for energy management purposes isn’t misused).

That whole idea of ‘consumer empowerment’ doesn’t even get discussed here in the island, but it should.

We taxpayers and bill-payers – owners, ultimately, of our electricity infrastructure – shouldn’t have to pay through the nose for past planning mistakes through a costly commitment to last-century, over-capacity plant.

In most countries, it’s accepted that customers have the right to choose clean energy, whether self-generated, commercially or community-generated.

That choice is denied to us because we’re constrained by the legacy of past decisions – the Electricity Act doesn’t allow for the establishment of community power networks, which would compete with Manx Utilities Authority.

Community renewables just aren’t an option here, but they are in the EU and UK – in ways which give people choice in their power sourcing and usage.

Such schemes can also cut true costs hugely, since the fossil-fuelled power industry’s subsidies – as readers of this column will know – dwarf those of the renewables industries.

The EU says it aims to put consumers at the centre of a ‘thriving and functioning energy system’. Wouldn’t it be wonderful, as customers, to feel similarly valued here?.

Its summer package is made up of proposals on:

– redesigning the electricity market;

– the new deal for energy consumers;

– revising energy labelling rules;

– revising the EU Emissions Trading System, so as to help meet CO2 reduction targets.

As part of all this, it’s promoting things like smart grids, smart metering, smart-homes, self-generation and storage to help people take ownership, use technology to cut bills and participate actively in the market.

Some options (mostly demand management) are open to us in the island, and hats off to MUA for promoting them where they are, but it’s nowhere near enough, and energy worries are a real constraint for many families and businesses.

And discussions on choice as to cleaner sources of power are largely completely off the table, of course.

So, back to the EU. The Commission’s strategy includes:

– empowering consumers. In part this means clearer billing so customers can understand the components of energy prices and bills. They should also have easy access to real or near-time consumption data so they can change behaviour and save energy.

– and crucially, explicitly, giving consumers a wide choice of action. This includes helping them cut bills through local and microgeneration from renewables, for power and for heat. It also helps a country’s energy security, since many small sources make for far more resilience in the face of disasters than does reliance on a small number of generators.

In this day, power is almost as much as a ‘hygiene factor’ for a decent standard of living as are clean water or good quality health services.

The means of generating, distributing and charging for power is fundamental to our way of life – and needs special scrutiny in a monopoly, albeit one owned ultimately by the public.

But we seem to have been lulled into submissiveness on this most crucial of issues.

Isn’t it time we took part in a proper public discussion about fairness, good value and planning for our energy future?

Sky lanterns – often referred to as Chinese lanterns – are likely to be banned from sale in the Isle of Man.

The Office of Fair Trading recently sought the public’s views about its proposal to introduce regulations prohibiting the sale of sky lanterns in the island.

{http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/should-sky-lanterns-be-banned-1-7278509|Read our report about that here.}

The chairman of the OFT, David Quirk MHK, said: ‘We were pleased with the level of response to our recent consultation in relation to prohibiting the sale of sky lanterns and have taken the public’s views on board.’

Seventy-nine per cent of those who responded agreed with the view that sky lanterns could pose a risk to public safety and that a ban on the sale of sky lanterns would be a good first step to ensuring this risk could be reduced.

The OFT now plans to introduce safety regulations in October’s sitting of Tynwald, and if approved, the ban on sales in the island would be immediate.

However, that would not stop people buying lanterns from the internet.

An OFT spokesman said: ‘The OFT does recognise that in order for risk to be minimised further, a ban on importation and use would need to be introduced.

‘It has therefore asked the Department of Home Affairs to look to introduce the necessary primary legislation within three years.’

The OFT acknowledged its lack of power over internet sales in {http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/lantern-sales-ban-might-not-achieve-much-1-7289991|this story}

Mr Quirk added: ‘While we are happy to assist our colleagues at the Department of Home Affairs, the ban on sale is limited in its effect.

‘The consultation revealed strong support for a total ban covering the sale, importation and use of sky lanterns, and our regulations will give DHA time to put the necessary legislation in place.’

The consultation summary document can be found on the OFT website {http://www.gov.im/oft/ConsultationDetail.gov?id=504|here.}

The Manx National Farmers’ Union called for a ban {http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/manx-national-farmers-union-calls-for-ban-on-sky-lanterns-1-6849914|as we reported here.}

That came after one was blamed for killing a cow in a farm in Baldrine.

In the UK, some organisations have called for sky lanterns to be banned.

The RSPCA has highlighted some of the dangers {http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/the-sale-of-sky-lanterns-is-set-to-be-banned-in-the-isle-of-man-1-7396085|here}

Simon Goddard has been appointed chief executive of the island-based Online Regional Travel Group.

He was previously IT director.

Simon joined the company in 1999 originally as technical director of Wayfarers World Travel Limited before becoming director of technology for the group as a whole in 2007.

He later became IT director in September 2011 with a responsibility for the company-wide technology and communications strategy including budgets and implementation.

Brian Kelly, who founded the group and who was previously chief executive, has been elevated to the role of chairman.

Brian will oversee the growth of the business into the Middle East and Africa.

ORTG was formed as a group by Brian Kelly in 2007.

It is understood the business is seen as an IT specialist within the travel sector thanks to the way it has pioneered travel technology.

Brian Kelly, chairman of ORTG, said: ‘I am delighted that Simon has agreed to take up the reins as CEO of ORTG.

‘Since founding the business more than 30 years ago, it has changed dramatically and we have gone from strength to strength.

‘It was always my ambition to move into other regions and we want to build on the success of our established online travel websites with the launch of FlyAbuDhabi.co.uk.

‘The growth of the Group into new exciting regions globally is going to be my primary focus and so I am moving away from the day-to-day running of the business.’

Simon Goddard said: ‘I look forward to working with Brian in driving the business forward. We have seen tremendous growth over the past few years and it is an exciting time to head up the Group.’

A passionate and talented contingent of island artists and musicians will be representing the Isle of Man at what promises to be a very special Lorient Interceltic Festival.

The French festival, which sees about 700,000 visitors each year, is celebrating its 45th anniversary this year and for the first time is jointly honouring two nations: the Isle of Man and Cornwall.

The 10-day festival, which starts tomorrow (Friday), celebrates the vibrancy and diversity of contemporary Celtic culture with artists coming from the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Spain and France.

This year’s line-up includes Charlie Winston, Simple Minds and Carlos Núñez as part of more than 200 concerts over 12 stages.

Festival director Lisardo Lombardia said: ‘Together, the two smallest of Europe’s Celtic countries have enthusiastically arranged a rich and exciting edition that is sure to impress visitors.

‘This is one of the exciting aspects of this year’s festival: the focus on the strength of contemporary Intercelticism, which is far from an outdated dream or ideal, but is instead a reality that is stronger than ever.’

He added: ‘Talented artists and musicians from both “countries” will take part in numerous events, notably the Grande Nuit honouring Cornwall and the Isle of Man, and will perform, for the first time, at the Nuit Interceltiques at the Moustoir Stadium.’

Representing the island are:

• Composer and multi-instrumentalist David Kilgallon, whose newly commissioned piece, The Gathering, will be performed as the finale to one of the gala nights.

The piece, which celebrates Celtic music, song, language and dance, was premiered last month at the Yn Chruinnaght festival.

David said: ‘The piece explores the rich cultural intrigue within the Isle of Man and hopefully captures the spirit of the Manx appetite for embracing Celtic music, dance, language and culture whenever they touch our shores.’

• Gaelic singer Ruth Keggin will be presenting a new project Aan Teanga - Un Chengey, based on Celtic languages.

She has built up a considerable following at the LIF.

• Ny Fennee, a young and dynamic traditional dance group made up of 40 dancers are an LIF regular.

Under the direction of Juan Garrett, the group has been taking traditional dance in new directions.

• The Barrule trio, comprising accordian player Jamie Smith, violinist Thomas Callister and Adam Rhodes,.

The group sing in English and Gaelic and play a range of slow airs, marches and dances that recount the mythology of Celtic gods, but especially the beauty and vibrancy of their beloved island.

• Renowned trumpet player Russel Gilmour, who has performed regularly at the LIF in Manx folk ensembles.

He has performed as far afield as Australia and has played and recorded with some of the world’s best orchestras.

Stuart Baggs, the telecommunications entrepreneur and one-time television star, died of natural causes, police said today.

The Manx force said that Stuart, who was found dead in his flat in Douglas last Thursday, that he had suffered from asthma for many years and died as a result of his condition.

Inspector Michelle McKillop said: ‘From the reaction we have encountered during our inquiries it is clear that this is a tragic and premature loss of such a hardworking and visionary young man.

‘We extend our thoughts to the family at this sad time and on their behalf I would request that they are now left in peace to grieve as a family.’

Stuart gave his last interview to the Isle of Man Examiner just days before his untimely death. {http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/stuart-baggs-final-interview-offers-glimpse-of-man-looking-forward-to-the-future-1-7391860|Click here to read it}

Previous reports:

{http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/business/baggs-unveils-broadband-without-a-landline-1-7381327|Stuart launches new 4G service}

People who work for Lloyds Bank in the Isle of Man are to raise money for the BBC’s Children in Need appeal.

The mascots, Pudsey and Blush (staff members dressed up as teddy bears) will meet people in the Strand Shopping Centre in Douglas on Saturday, August 15, from 10am.

Children and adults will get the chance to take a selfie with the bears, plus take home ‘a goody bag full of great surprises’.

Sam Pretty from Lloyds Bank said: ‘I decided to support BBC Children in Need because, although not a mother myself, I am “Auntie Sam” and I would love all children to have the same opportunities as my own family. I feel that we can help by ensuring a loving and safe environment.

‘It’s great to know that every pound will help BBC Children in Need make a positive change to the lives of disadvantaged children and young people, Lloyds Banking Group has given me the opportunity to do this all this from my desk at work.’

It’s up to landowners to cut overgrown hedges.

That’s the message that’s come from Ramsey Commissioners.

The board have developed a policy on the application of the Highways Act 1986 to deal with complaints from the public about obstructions caused by overhanging hedges, trees and shrubs.

In a leaflet, to be posted on its website, the authority states that responsibility lies with the land owner for ensuring trees, hedges and any other vegetation do not encroach onto the public highway and cause an obstruction.

The leaflet clarifies what is classed as ‘an obstruction’, sets out under what circumstances the commissioners should be alerted to any such obstruction and details the authority’s complaints response procedure, which includes the power to serve a formal notice on the offending land owner, failure to comply with which attracts a maximum penalty of £1,000.

In extreme cases where vegetation is deemed to pose a potential risk to public safety, remedial work will be undertaken by Ramsey Commissioners, who will then seek to recover all reasonable costs incurred from the land owner.

To report incidences of overhanging trees and hedges write to Ramsey Commissioners, Town Hall, Ramsey, IM8 2EF. Alternatively register the complaint at ramsey.gov.im or email enquiries@rtc.gov.im

{http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/road-signs-covered-on-overgrown-island-1-7370263|Click here to read a report on overgrown hedges from earlier in the year.}

A SECURITY guard at a prestigious Lancashire college has been jailed after cheating more than £30,000 of disability benefits, claiming he was incapacitated.

Christopher Reilly, 62, told the Department for Work and Pensions he needed help to get out of bed and could not walk even short distances without suffering debilitating pain.

But CCTV taken from Stonyhurst College in Lancashire showed Reilly, of Witton, Lancs, climbing ladders, carrying fire extinguishers and patrolling the college’s extensive grounds.

Michael Maher, prosecuting, told Preston Crown Court Reilly - a black belt in kickboxing - had first claimed disability benefits legitimately in 1992 after undergoing surgery for back and hip problems.

He was paid Disability Living Allowance at the highest rate and was given a Motability car to use due to the difficulties he claimed to have.

But despite telling the authorities his mobility was so poor he stumbled once or twice a week and had frequent falls, his CV - submitted to Stonyhurst in 1999 - stated his health was “excellent.”

One colleague, John McGee, who also worked in security at the £30,000 a year boarding school, told investigators about a conversation in May 2014 in which Reilly said he feared he was being investigated.

Reilly told him: “I think someone’s trying to stitch me up. It’s because of my car - it’s a mobility car. The receptionist has received a phone call from the DWP.”

Mr McGee also claimed Reilly had told him he was registered as disabled when he started the job but was perfectly fit to work now, adding: “I might have a word with the receptionist. If anyone calls or there are any letters in the post, just to say I work behind the desk.”

Reilly was arrested and interviewed and claimed that although he had been claiming DLA for 24 years he did not know he was supposed to report a change in circumstances which affected his claim.

His case had been reviewed the previous year but Reilly had allowed it to continue on the basis even walking short distances caused him significant pain.

When officers showed him a number of night security reports stating he had been carrying heavy items, opening the college’s heavy iron gates and climbing ladders, Reilly admitted he had performed those duties but said they caused him severe pain when he did so.

Paul Hodgkinson, defending, told the court his client was a man of previously good character and had pleaded guilty to fraudulently claiming £30,774.93 when he appeared in the crown court.

He added: “It wasn’t a claim that was fraudulent from the outset with wholly fabricated medical conditions.

“From reading the medical reports there still exists a medical condition from which the defendant suffers but it is less severe than it was on 1992 when the claim commenced.”

Judge Philip Sycamore, sentencing, said: “Ultimately it is a fraud against the taxpayer.”

He jailed Reilly for 27 weeks and ordered a Proceeds of Crime Hearing in which it is believed the defendant will have to release the equity in his home to repay his debt to the taxpayer.

Peel have swooped to sign St Mary’s duo Max Thomas and Dominic McGreevy ahead of Friday evening’s Eric Fletcher Charity Shield.

Isle of Man FA and Ellan Vannin goalkeeper Thomas will compete with Joe Kelly for the number one shirt at Douglas Road, while centre-back McGreevy will bolster a formidable backline that only conceded 17 goals as they finished Premier League runners up last term.

St George’s are also likely to have a new face on show for the campaign curtain-raiser, Union Mills’ speedster Joey Morling has signed on at Glencrutchery Road to add further to Chris Bass Sr and Lee Dixon’s attacking options.

The versatile Liam Cowin’s much-touted move from reigning champions Geordies to Rushen has been confirmed. The former St Mary’s man will be joined at Croit Lowey by full-back Alex Guy who has signed on for another spell with the Spaniards from second tier Colby.

Transfers

Lewis Crowe

(Not attached to Douglas and District)

Luke Callister

(Malew to Douglas and District)

Jordan Meads (Foxdale to Marown)

Max Thomas (St Mary’s to Peel)

Alex Guy (Colby to Rushen Utd)

Joey Morling (Union Mills to St George’s)

Dominic McGreevy (St Mary’s to Peel)

Ian Mellows (Gyms to Douglas Athletic)

Liam Cowin (St George’s to Rushen Utd)

l Full list of this summer’s transfers online at iomtoday.co.im/football

Apprentice star Stuart Baggs died as a result of his asthma after suffering from it for many years.

Here is some more information about the common but deadly condition, which kills more than 1,200 people a year in the UK.

Q: How prevalent is asthma?

A: Around 5.4 million people are currently receiving treatment for asthma in the UK, according to the NHS. That works out at one in every 12 adults and one in every 11 children. It is more common in women than men.

The long-term condition can develop at any age and can cause coughing, wheezing, chest tightness and breathlessness.

Q: How serious is it?

A: While there is no cure, there are a number of treatments that can help control the condition by relieving symptoms and preventing attacks. Most commonly an inhaler is used. But sometimes asthma symptoms can get gradually or suddenly worse, known as an “asthma attack”. Severe attacks may lead to hospital treatment and can be life-threatening.

Someone has an asthma attack every 10 seconds in the UK, and it kills three people every day - or more than 1,200 people a year, according to the charity Asthma UK.

Recent research from the charity found the UK has some of the worst asthma mortality rates in Western Europe, with children four times more likely to die from an asthma attack than children in Germany, Spain, Finland, Portugal or Sweden.

Q: What happens when someone has an attack?

A: Asthma attacks are the result of symptoms getting gradually worse over a few days, according to Asthma UK, and patients may not have even noticed. Signs could be the sufferer needing to use their reliever inhaler more than three times a week. Patients are urged not to ignore their asthma symptoms getting worse or if they are using their reliever inhaler more. Experts say patients should make an urgent appointment to see their doctor or asthma nurse within 24 hours if this is the case.

The steps that should be taken if someone has an attack vary according to what kind of inhaler they have been prescribed.

Q: What causes asthma?

A: It is not known why people develop asthma, but it is thought many cases are hereditary. It leads to inflammation of the small tubes that act as a passageway to the lungs, known as bronchi. If someone with the condition comes into contact with an irritant - known as a trigger - it can set off their asthma symptoms, or makes them worse. These vary from person to person, but common triggers include pollen, animal fur, house dust mites, cigarette smoke, pollution, moulds and fungi, and exercise.

Q: What can people do to avoid having an asthma attack?

A: It is impossible to avoid all triggers, but Dr Samantha Walker of Asthma UK, said patients should make sure they take their preventer medication exactly as their GP has told them to and use a personal written action plan agreed with their doctor or nurse to identify when extra action needs to be taken and how to go about this. Patients should also have their asthma reviewed regularly. Not smoking and keeping to a healthy weight also help.

{http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/stuart-baggs-died-as-a-result-of-asthma-1-7396308|Police confirm Stuart died from natural causes}

The government is considering changing the laws on road racing in the Isle of MAn.

It is asking the public for its views on its proposals, including the relaxation of rules concerning racing on a Sunday.

The Department of Infrastructure says it is seeking to update key elements of legislation ‘to ensure that motorsport festivals continue to flourish and make an important contribution to the island’s economy and culture’.

It says the Road Races Bill 2015 aims to better reflect the needs of event organisers, participants and fans by reducing bureaucracy, enhancing safety and increasing the period over which road racing can take place.

The proposals will also remove an overlap between two current pieces of legislation by restricting the use of the Road Races Act to powered vehicles and the Highway Act to other types of entertainment such as bicycle races, soap box derbies and carnivals.

John Houghton MHK, the politician at the Department of Infrastructure Member with responsibility for highway services, said: ‘The Isle of Man is widely regarded as the road racing capital of the world and events such as the TT festival attract a global audience of millions and contribute to the growth of our economy.

‘It is important to protect our road racing heritage by keeping it relevant to the modern world.’

He added: ‘The Road Races Act 1982 enables the Department of Infrastructure to hand over parts of the highway network to the organisers of racing events.

‘Over the past 33 years the legislation has become increasingly out of step with the requirements of the general public, the department, event organisers and health and safety standards.

‘Change is needed and I would urge people to have their say on this important aspect of Manx life via the consultation.’

The proposed modernisation would relax the current restrictions on Sunday racing.

The DoI says that evidence suggests that allowing motorsport festivals to take place at weekends would increase visitor numbers and boost the Manx economy.

Infrastructure Minister Phil Gawne MHK said: ‘Thirty-three years ago, when the current legislation was written, Sunday was considered a day of peace, free from events and commercial entertainment.

‘Since then, our culture and expectations have changed dramatically.

‘Restaurants, cafés, shops and pubs are open on Sundays and people increasingly travel to events at weekends. The Department of Economic Development believes Sunday racing will support the visitor economy, although organisers would still be expected to work with affected communities.’

He added: ‘We believe the time is right to bring forward new legislation that will continue the legacy of road racing in the Isle of Man.’

The draft Bill and consultation documents are available on the government website {https://www.gov.im/transport/ConsultationDetail.gov?id=515|here} and people are encouraged to comment on a wide range of issues, including event management and safety, the appointment and powers of marshals, prohibited spectator areas and Sunday racing.

Views can be emailed to doiconsultation@gov.im or posted to Jeffrey Robinson, Director of Highway Services, Department of Infrastructure, Sea Terminal, Douglas, IM1 2RF. The closing date for submissions is Thursday, September 17.

The Manx Breast Cancer Support Group (MBCSG) have said they are ‘thrilled’ that the new breast and endoscopy unit at Noble’s Hospital has been completed so quickly.

The charity also praised the island’s people and their community spirit after a £1.5million fundraising campaign helped fund the unit.

The project is a joint �£3.4 million investment by the Manx government and the charity and it is the first time there has been a single, dedicated breast care facility on the island.

Julie Stokes, chair of the MBCSG, said: �’We’re thrilled to see plans for the unit coming to fruition. When we launched the £1.5 million fundraising campaign in April 2014, who would have thought we�d be completing construction only 15 months later.

‘It is the first time a charity on the island has worked with goverment to fundraise, build and equip a specialist unit at Nobles Hospital and it has been a great success.

‘We hope to be able to equip the unit to a high standard to enable us to become involved in research and trials with a Breast Unit in the UK.

‘Delivering a project of this scale and in such a short period of time speaks volumes of our community spirit and people of the Isle of Man.

‘The project would not have been possible without the support and generosity of so many on our island not least the committee, our patrons, sponsors and donors with special mention for the Eric and Marion Scott Trust and the Scheinberg family.’

The unit will be the home for all outpatient breast care on the island, including screening which will move from the Community Health Centre on Westmoreland Road.

Work on the Breast Unit began in October 2014 with work on the Endoscopy Unit starting in December 2014. Both facilities are expected to be operational early in 2016.

Approximately 6,000 breast screenings take place each year on the island, with around 100 women diagnosed with breast cancer. The outpatient clinic has over 3,000 outpatient appointments a year.

Built above the Breast Care Unit is a new �£1.9million Endoscopy Unit. Funding for the facility was approved by Tynwald last November. Endoscopy uses miniature cameras to examine the inside of the body. Over 3,500 endoscopies are performed each year at Noble�s Hospital.

Panacea Pharma Projects has appointed Sam Tipper as business development manager.

Since joining Panacea in 2010 as a pharmacovigilance administrator, Sam has gained experience in many aspects of the business including administration, technical vigilance tasks, staff training, client relations, sales and marketing.

His main duties as business development manager will be to identify potential clients and their needs, and maintain and build relationships with existing clients.

He will also present new products and services to clients, attend industry expos, and manage the company’s marketing strategy.

Sam said: ‘I’m looking forward to promoting Panacea to the pharma industry and excited about the challenges ahead.

‘Having worked at Panacea for nearly five years now, I’m looking forward to utilising previous experience combined with a fresh approach to this role, and will enjoy continuing to work alongside the Panacea team.’

studies

Panacea sponsored Sam’s studies at Isle of Man International Business School where he earned an ACCA Advanced Diploma in Accounts and Business.

Stuart Colligon, chairman of Panacea, congratulated Sam on his appointment and said: ‘Panacea has a policy of developing talent to form the future of the company and so it is particularly pleasing that Sam, as one of our first recruits, has achieved this promotion.

‘Having gained experience in all of Panacea’s technical teams, Sam is almost uniquely placed having the rare mixture of technical and commercial skills.

‘Panacea’s strategy is to enter its next growth phase now, and I am confident that Sam will be instrumental in delivering it to us.’

Panacea will be attending CPhI Worldwide in Madrid this October. The exhibition – which is the most prestigious international event for the pharma sector – is expected to attract 36,000 attendees, and more than 2,500 exhibitors from over 150 countries. Panacea will also be sponsoring the Company of the Year category at the Global Generics & Biosimilars Awards for the second successive year.

awards

The awards are held as part of the CPhI Worldwide expo.

Panacea Pharma Projects has been trading since 2009 and is believed to be the only Isle of Man-based company specialising in pharmacovigilance and offering regulatory affairs services.

The company’s headquarters are at Peterson House, Middle River, Douglas, and employs 32 staff in total – 29 of whom are based here in the Isle of Man.

Business bosses are trying to put a positive gloss on the island’s retail scene – in spite of the announcement of a closure of a high-profile shop this week.

Body Shop, in the Strand Centre in Douglas, is to close on September 5 with the loss of three jobs.

In a statement, the Strand Centre described that news as a ‘devastaing blow’.

{http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/strand-centre-calls-closure-of-body-shop-devastating-1-7392016|Click here to read our story about that.}

But the chairman of the Chamber of Commerce’s retail committee, Stephen Bradley, was upbeat.

He said it was sad to lose a high street name but stressed businesses were flourishing and said that there was high demand for larger premises in the town centre.

He pointed to the opening of the new Top Shop premises and the extension of Next as examples where big names were growing in Douglas.

UK national chains such as photography shop Jessops, health food shop Julian Graves and Woolworths are among the familiar retailers to have shut up shop in the town in recent years.

But Mr Bradley said Douglas had fared better than comparable locations in the UK with fewer empty shops. But he said ‘never-ending’ increases in overheads such as rates and car parking charges were a burden, particularly affecting smaller traders.

‘There are definitely more businesses looking for space in the town centre than leaving,’ he said.

‘Smaller units are more affected by increased costs like blanket increases in car parking charges, and that in turn affects the diversity of Douglas. It would be good to see a more active approach taken to attract people to Douglas.’

Strand Centre general manager Louise Whyman said the Body Shop’s retail sales had been hit not just by online competition but regeneration work, as well as car parking charges. Increases in rates had also added to the impact.

‘We want to thank the customers who have supported the shop over the last 25 years and wish the staff the best of luck in securing new positions,’ she said.

‘The rates paid by our tenants to the government have seen an increase of around 18 per cent compared with last year and regeneration, though it will be an improvement eventually, has hindered footfall. Car parking charges have also added to this,

‘Regeneration work was going on outside the shop for quite a long time and the charges for car parking on a Sunday, I am told, was key in their decision not to open on a Sunday any more because it affected both customers and staff.

She added: ‘There just comes a point where it all topples over. If they had had more time to see it through I’m sure things would have improved. If retailers are not supported, the Body Shop will not be our only casualty. The shop has been a landmark for years. We need to think about how to support our town centres if they are to continue to exist.’

She suggested incentives such as one free parking day per month might help boost trade.

Council leader David Christian said the authority was disappointed to be losing a main brand shop after 25 years. He noted some shops had reported a 40 per cent drop in trade during regeneration works but added this was coming to an end and they hoped to reap longer-term gains.

‘People tell us that five years ago the centre was dowdy and run down and now they are keen to open a shop there, so there are positive signs.’

In some cases, the premises available are too small to be suitable for big-name traders, he said, and this was evident in the case of brands like Top Shop and Next which have recently constructed new larger premises.

He said since the council took over responsibility for all the town’s car parks there had been a ‘modest’ increase in fees but despite this, Marks and Spencer’s car park at Drumgold Street remained often full to capacity while, on average, Chester Street is only around 67 per cent occupied. The plan is to make improvements there, he said, possibly creating two spaces from what are currently three, making it more user-friendly.

‘I hope they can fill the shop quickly and that the employees find jobs,’ he said.

Notably, when vandals smashed parking meters in the Welsh town of Cardigan last month, retailers reported a 50 per cent rise in profits. Last year 1,000 high street shops shut in the UK.

A health and safety investigation is underway after an electrician was injured at Noble’s Hospital.

The injured man has been transferred to a specialist unit in the UK for treatment but his injuries are not life threatening.

The power went off for a short time following the incident last Wednesday but no patients were put at risk.

A spokesman confirmed: ‘The department can confirm that an electrician working for the Department of Infrastructure Estates Team was injured in an incident at Noble’s Hospital last Wednesday.

‘After initial treatment at Noble’s Hospital the member of staff has been transferred to the UK for further treatment, however their injuries are not life threatening.

‘An investigation is ongoing into the incident in conjunction with the Health and Safety at Work Inspectorate.’