Do you fancy being the island’s next lieutenant governor?

The position, the Queen’s representative in the island, falls vacant in April next year when Adam Wood will step down after his five-year term of office.

Applications are currently being invited for the position.

The government says that as the Queen’s personal representative and impartial adviser, the lieutenant governor plays an important role in Manx life, with a strong focus on community and charitable activities.

According to a press statement: ‘The position involves working closely with the Isle of Man Government to promote the island’s interests at public and social events, representing The Queen on ceremonial occasions and hosting Royal and VIP visits at Government House.

‘The Lieutenant Governor performs a range of executive functions, including giving Royal Assent to primary legislation progressed by Tynwald. The successful candidate will also work to enhance the Isle of Man’s reputation as a leading international business centre that makes a positive contribution to the global economy.

‘As well as being diplomatic and tactful in the discharge of official duties, the role demands a proactive approach to supporting an open relationship between Government House, the Isle of Man Government and the public.’

The appointment of the Lieutenant Governor is officially made by The Queen, Lord of Mann, for a five-year period.

Candidates must have a ‘distinguished’ record of Crown, Public or other relevant service at the highest level.

Further information and an application pack for the position are available {https://www.gov.im/co/|here} and from the Cabinet Office, 3rd Floor, Government Office, Buck’s Road, Douglas IM1 3PG, tel: 686397.

The deadline for applications is 5pm on September 15.

The role of lieutenant governor has changed over the years as more power has been devolved to Manx politicians.

Until 1990, he had the role currently undertaken by the President of Tynwald. He chaired Legislative Council until 1980 and was the head of government until 1961.

The Manx government’s new chief financial officer has been appointed.

Sheila Lowe has got the job, Treasury Minister Eddie Teare MHK announced today.

But this is a limited term appointment until December 2016.

Mrs Lowe, previously the director of finance and development at the Department of Economic Development, had been carrying out the CFO role on an interim basis since the start of July.

She succeeds Dr Malcolm Couch following his appointment as chief executive of Department of Health and Social Care.

Mrs Lowe, a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales since 1993, had wide experience as a Chartered Accountant in the private sector before being recruited to the Isle of Man Government 10 years ago.

She joined the government as director of finance and development at the Department of Trade and Industry and retained that role within the Department of Economic Development after the departmental restructuring in 2010.

Gain a fascinating insight into world champion sidecar racer Stan Dibben.

The Manx Museum will be showing Cabell Hopkins’ short film on Stan followed by a Q&A session with Stan himself.

The event takes place on Thursday (August 27) at 2.30pm.

Eric Oliver and Stan won the World Sidecar Championship in 1953. Stan had already been a professional musician, electrician and sailor, plus a respected solo racer on the GP circuits.

He worked with well known names in BSA and Norton, raced the first Dommie Racer and helped in the world land speed record set by Donald Campbell in Bluebird.

Hospice Isle of Man is encouraging island residents to take part in its sixth annual midnight walk on Saturday, September 19.

The five-mile walk starts at King Edward Bay House in Onchan and finishes at Ballafletcher sports grounds in Braddan, where participants will be rewarded with a cupcake, glass of bubbly and goody bag.

Registration will start from 9.30pm and the entry fee is £16.

Mary Doyle from Hospice Isle of Man said: ‘It is not a race and if walkers just want to walk along Douglas promenade then that is fine. It is a lovely event and everyone walks for their own reasons.

‘There are lots of ways of supporting Hospice with this event, you can pay the entry fee, entry fee plus sponsorship or entry fee plus a bag of clothes which will be used in Hospice Shops. Either way is great fun.’

This year’s event is sponsored by PokerStars and supported by 3FM.

Deadline for entries is Friday, September 11.

To enter, visit www.hospice.org.im to enter online or download an entry form.

Entry froms are also in all Hospice shops and from Elaine’s Coffee Shop at Hospice’s Scholl Centre.

There is a need for long-term foster carers in the island for children from the age of 10 to their early teens, Fostering First says.

Nigel Howard, deputy fostering manager at Fostering First, responsible for foster care across the island, said children in this age group need a foster family to provide a stable and loving environment in the long term.

‘It’s a big challenge, but also very rewarding for foster carers willing to make what can often be a life changing commitment to a child.’

There is also a need for short-term carers for a few weeks up to several months or for emergency fostering.

To find out more attend one of Fostering First’s drop-in sessions at Bourne House, 97 Woodbourne Road, Douglas, call 631947 or email fosteringfirst@thechildrenscentre.org.im.

Ramsey Commissioners are seeking to borrow £895,000 repayable over 30 years to buy a terrace of six newly-built two-bedroom houses in Shipyard Road, to add to their housing stock.

The terrace forms part of a development by Haven Homes Ltd on the former gas works site.

The development as a whole comprises 30 properties. The six units in question fulfilled the developers’ obligation to provide affordable housing; but as there has been no demand for these first-time buyer properties they have been offered for sale to the commissioners.

The proposed purchase price is £147,000 per unit – a total of £882,000 which, together with legal fees, advertising and sundry expenses, brings the total borrowing to £895,000.

The decision to buy the properties was passed by 11 votes to one, with Lawrie Hooper voting against.

The board also agreed to look constructively at the purchase of other similar properties in any future developments offering affordable housing.

Mr Hooper told the monthly board meeting that he wished it to be placed on record that he had ‘serious misgivings’ about the project.

He said: ‘I think there is something fundamentally wrong in this. It is still more economic for people to purchase than to rent.

‘Why are they pushing these properties on to us? We have being asked to step in and purchase them. I am worried and concerned about removing the opportunity for people to buy affordable housing. There are people on our housing waiting list who could afford to buy these properties’.

Sylvia Beattie made the point that no potential first-time buyers had shown interest in buying these properties.

Lead member for housing, Tony Harmer, responded that he had ‘serious misgivings’ that Mr Hooper, as a member of the Housing Allocation committee, was against the commissioners acquiring new stock, especially when there was a shortage of properties of this size.

Manx Netball Association is running another Back to Netball course, starting next month.

The course takes place at Ballakermeen High School and begins on September 14 from 7pm.

The sessions last for an hour and cost £5 per week or £50 for the whole 11-week course.

They are led by a 1st4Sport level two netball coach and cover a range of netballing skills followed by the chance to put them into practice during match play.

For more information contact Isle of Man netball development officer Rachel Andrew via email mnadevelopment@gmail.com or by calling 308892.

One of the island’s most important artefacts from the First World War is to become a permanent exhibit at the Manx Museum, thanks to the generosity of a local family.

The wooden cross, which was erected in 1917 to mark the battlefield grave of Manx soldier, Private Thomas Corlett who was killed in action near the Belgian city of Ypres, is to remain on public display.

For many years the cross remained with his family in Ballaugh until it was loaned to the Manx Museum as part of a First World War exhibition in 2014.

The cross has been donated by Michael Christian, great nephew of Thomas Corlett, and his wider family on the island.

Curator Matthew Richardsonsaid the donation would help tell the story of Manx people’s experience of the First World War.

‘When we displayed the cross last year there was a tremendous interest in it because it has huge impact.

‘It represents not just one man, Thomas Corlett, but all of the Manx people who lost their lives in the conflict.

‘We are most grateful to Mr Christian and the other members of Thomas Corlett’s family who have agreed to donate this extremely rare artefact to us.

‘It is tremendously emotive and I can’t think of a better object to represent the human cost of war.’

This week’s Isle of Man Examiner is in the shops now.

The lead story is about the inquiry that’s been set up into the early release of a man who went on to kill a walker on the Tholt-y-Will road.

We have found out more about how it’s going to be conducted.

The paper also includes details from an horrific court case involving a paedophile.

He kept a detailed diary, extracts of which were read out in court.

We were also in court to cover {http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/claw-hammer-jewellery-robber-jailed-for-five-years-1-7420546|this story about an armed robber.}

In the paper today we have a page-long report with lots more details, including the fact that he was robbed himself.

Also this week, we have the GCSE passes from all the island’s schools, so you can see how pupils you know have done.

The Examiner includes your letters, the social diary, Terry Cringle’s two pages of nostalgia and all the sports action from the weekend.

The island’s favourite newspaper is on sale now.

A number of riders were injured during last night’s qualifying session for the Manx Grand Prix.

Yvan Cadrona, no 23, in the MGP newcomers’ class, crashed at Cruickshanks, and was flown to hospital. He has a suspected femur injury.

Darren Cooper, no 4, MGP Newcomers, crashed at Governor’s, seen by travelling marshal. Condition OK.

Paul Smythe, no 9, Junior MGP, Sulby Bridge, seen by travelling marshal. Condition OK.

Adrian Bowman, no 88, Junior MGP, Schoolhouse Corner, flown to hospital. Arm and leg injuries.

Shaun Evans, no 42, Junior MGP, Whitegates, flown to hospital. Elbow injury.

Tom Snow, 67, Lightweight MGP, Braddan Oak, seen by Hogg ambulance. OK.

Sjak van Dijk, no 17, MGP Newcomers, Mayhill. OK.

Tom Palmer, 29, MGP Newcomers, Brandish, flown to hospital. Wrist and chest injuries.

The Isle of Man Festival of Motorcycling finally burst into life on Monday night, with the first qualifying sessions for both the Classic TT and Manx Grand Prix.

After Saturday evening’s scheduled session was cancelled because of bad weather, Joe Ackroyd from Knaresborough on a 250 Suzuki, Preston’s Jaeson Caunce and Lee Jennings from Mold, North Wales had the honour of getting this year’s meeting under way and all three duly completed their first laps under the guidance of experienced TT campaigner Dave Madsen-Mygdal.

Michael Dunlop on his F1 Team Classic Suzuki was first away in the qualifying session with David Johnson on the Team York Suzuki following shortly after.

Australian Johnson has the honour of the number one plate and will be the first away in the Motorsport Merchandise Formula 1 Race on Bank Holiday Monday.

Other riders away early in the session included William Dunlop on the distinctive sounding Team National Motorcycle Museum/Crighton Racing Rotary Norton while Valvoline Racing by Padgetts Motorcycles pair Bruce Anstey, again riding the YZR Yamaha that he won last year’s race on, and Dan Kneen on the Yamaha OW01 were also among the early group away.

Nostalgic race fans were treated to their first sight of Michael Rutter, riding an identical machine complete with matching livery, to the one that his father Tony achieved podiums on in the 1984 Formula 1 TT and TT Formula 1 World Championship.

However, shortly after the session began, reports came through of an incident at School House on the approach to Ramsey featuring MGP rider Adrian Bowman, which resulted in the session being red-flagged at 7.20pm.

The rider was reported as conscious at the scene and was taken by airmed to Noble’s Hospital where he was later reported to have arm and leg injuries.

Most of the riders were already through School House when the incident took place and notable opening laps were achieved by Ryan Farquhar, who posted the fastest of the night with 117.70mph on the Team Winfield Yamaha with Johnson (116.84) and Team Classic Suzuki’s Michael Dunlop (116.11) also signalling their intent.

Although the session was red flagged and a number of riders were brought back behind a travelling marshal, they will be credited with a qualifying lap.

After the delay, the 350/500cc session eventually got underway at 8pm. In the 500 class five riders posted laps in excess of 100mph with last year’s race winner Ian Lougher on Giovanni Cabassi’s Flitwick Motorcycles CMM Paton clocking the fastest time of the evening with a very credible 104.20 (21 minutes 43.539 seconds). John McGuinness (Team Winfield Paton), Michael Dunlop (Norton/Team Molnar Manx), Jamie Coward (Craven Honda K4) and Olie Linsdell on the Flitwick Motorcycles Royal Enfield were the other riders over the ‘ton’.

In the concurrent 350cc session Michael Rutter on the Ripley Land Racing Honda, Bill Swallow on the AJS and MV Agusta/Black Eagle Racing teammates Lee Johnston and Dean Harrison posted the four fastest times.

The session was eventually flagged shortly before 8.30pm with the light deteriorating with the majority of the riders in the 350 class achieving their first qualifying laps.

In the Manx Grand Prix sessions, Wigan’s Rob Hodson was quickest lapping his 750 Suzuki at 114.853mph. Joe Newbould was quickest in Junior qualifying (111.168 mph), with Ramsey’s Andrew Dudgeon fastest of the Supertwins in a time of 105.706mph.

Solihull’s Dan Hobson led the way in lightweight practice with a lap of 96.878 mph.

Qualifying continues tonight, Tuesday, roads closing at 6pm.

The island’s long-awaited Freedom of Information legislation will be force for parts of the Manx government by February.

While the island has operated under an access to information code of practice for the past 20 years, ultimately this works on a voluntary basis meaning information could be refused and an applicant would have no right to insist on its provision.

The new act will place access to information on a legal footing, meaning it must be provided, if requested unless it falls under a specific exemption. Requests would, additionally, be overseen by an independent information commissioner, currently the data protection supervisor who will undertake both roles.

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{http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/limited-freedom-of-information-available-from-the-isle-of-man-government-from-february-1-7422321|Click here to see our story from last week about this issue}

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‘The current code of practice has operated very successfully and has given very free access to information,’ Mr Bell said.

‘But I made a pledge to introduce this legislation.’

The code of practice provided a guideline for provision of information rather than a statutory obligation. In addition, the new law creates potential access to post October 2011 proceedings of the Council of Ministers, though this is again subject to exemptions. Currently all Council of Ministers proceedings are confidential by law.

The new law is to be phased in over a period of time to avoid any possibility of government being engulfed with a deluge of requests all at once. But Mr Bell said he did not anticipate any problems beyond a slight increase at the start. The first government department that will receive requests for information from February 1 will the the Department of Environment Food and Agriculture, and the Cabinet Office.

Other government departments, the various branches of Tynwald, publicly-owned companies and statutory boards follow in January and June 2017, followed by local authorities in January 2018. Until the new law is fully in force, the current access to information code of practice will run along side it.

Similar legislation introduced in Jersey landed its government with a bill for more than £1 million to fund extra staff, but Mr Bell said costs in the Isle of Man would be negligible, with existing staff across different departments undergoing training.

‘I don’t believe the Isle of Man needs to go that far. We can provide the same level of service at much less cost,’ he said.

Precise costs, he said were hard to predict, he said: ‘We don’t get many requests currently. There may be an increase in the first few months but after that I expect the number to drift back down again. In fact, Isle of Man Newspapers has used the current code more than most and is possibly the most regular user.’

A public consultation on the new legislation attracted 34 responses. The majority of these was from government departments and other organisations, and eight were from individuals.

‘People should step back a moment and think what happens elsewhere,’ Mr Bell said.

‘We are way ahead on this and I believe the Isle of Man will be a better place for it.’

Those able to request information will be limited to residents in the Isle of Man, which again is designed to prevent overseas requests and an allied increase in costs.

It is expected that as requests are processed a fund of case law will build up defining what requests are reasonable and what are reasonable grounds for refusal. Refusal on grounds of public/national interest can often be based, for example, on national security.

Teenagers in the south have complained for many years there is nowhere for them to ‘hang out’.

That has now changed with the coincidental launch of two businesses aimed at the teenage market and for those still in touch with their inner youth.

Shake Lounge in Castletown is a welcoming place for young people to lounge around and create their own milkshake (from 20 different flavours). It also serves smoothies and juices, as well as paninis and donuts.

It is also the island’s sole distributor of Wild Monk Bubble Tea – a new concept in drink which contains bubbles of flavour that burst open when bitten.

Shake Lounge manager Tim Brogan, 23, said: ‘It’s a milk shake bar for teenagers. It’s somewhere for them to hang out, we’ll have games consoles and a gum ball machine. Our target is 13 to 18 year olds but there has also been a lot of interest from younger kids and adults who are big kids as well. We really want this to be a place for them and that they respect it. Most of the places serve afternoon tea and are adult-orientated.’

To publicise the lounge, he held a competition to create your own milk shake. The top three were presented with their prizes at the launch last Saturday.

Meanwhile, Port St Mary is rejoicing with the news there is a Smokey Joe’s again!

The ice cream parlour harks back to the 1950s, with its signage, décor, jukebox and homage to Elvis Presley (in the toilet). For many residents its name and vibe will stir memories of the port’s original Smokey Joe’s, that operated for decades a few doors away.

‘It was before my time,’ said Smokey Joe’s owner Dolyn Clucas-Morris of the original parlour.

‘The original plan was to open a 1950s-style cafe. People told me about Smokey Joe’s – it seemed like a good name.

‘Loads of people are coming in and talking about it. They talk about the sausage and onion sandwiches, hot dogs are as close as I will get!’

The feel may be retro, but Dolyn hopes it will appeal to the younger generation.

‘I want to stay open later for the kids,’ he said. ‘Once the school term starts, I want them to hang out here. They can come in on the weekends and I will do more stuff to keep them entertained.

‘Also, it’s more affordable, it costs £1.50 for a hot dog. Kids should be able to hang out there.’

Tuesday evening’s Festival of Motorcycling qualifying sessions have been cancelled because of the wet conditions.

Weather permitting the Manx Grand Prix and Classic TT qualifying will resume on Wednesday evening with roads around the Mountain Course closing at 6pm.

A statement from the Festival organisers said: ‘Tonight’s (Tuesday’s) qualifying session has been cancelled due to the forecast that advises that the rain around the course is likely to get heavier with low cloud and mist on the Mountain section which will prohibit helicopters flying.’

A little girl with a very big heart has used her creativity to raise funds for a charity that delivers clean drinking water to some of the 663 million people in the developing world whose drinking water is unclean.

Port St Mary’s Lula Brown, aged seven, wrote Seven Surprises for Tiddles, a tale about a rabbit who goes into a cave and encounters seven ‘disgusting surprises’ – such as leeches, bats and parasites – but fortunately emerges unscathed.

Her parents, Amanda and Alex, got the story published and it went on sale last Wednesday, at £10 a copy, and by Friday all 100 had been sold with requests for 21 more copies. The proceeds will go to ‘Charity: water’, a non-profit organisation that provides clean and safe drinking water to people in developing nations.

The story of Tiddles is the culmination of much thought by Lula, explained Amanda.

She said: ‘Lula saw some videos about dirty drinking water on You Tube, then later another about a girl in South East Asia taking dirty drinking water to school. Lula said: “That’s not right.”’

After watching the CBBC programme Deadly 60 the idea for her story emerged.

Amanda said: ‘She can’t dig a well, but she can write – so write she did!’

The instinct to write runs in the blood and her dad Alex is a published author of books for children. He is, said Amanda, quite ‘jealous’ of her runaway publishing success!

‘She would love for people to give her enough money to dig the well herself,’ said Amanda. ‘Short of that, we will raise money to help people wherever we can. She wants to set up her own charity called “gush gush”, but that could be some way down the line.’

Amanda said she is ‘a bit shocked’ at how quickly the books have sold – all the publicity has been done on Facebook – and already they are into the second print run.

Lula said: ‘This is the first book I have written. It is making me very happy. I want to help people to have clean water, I just want people to be well and healthy.’

To order a copy see www.gushgush.strikingly.com.

Douglas and Onchan Citizens Advice Service is seeking more volunteers.

It advised 414 clients in the last year. The most frequently raised topics related to domestic issues, finance, employment and legal concerns.

The last quarter saw a notable increase in pensions and benefits queries.

Prospective volunteers should ring the chairman, Robin Turton, on 499500. The service operates on Tuesday afternoons and Friday mornings.

Patients will now be able to stay on island for breast cancer scans after the Manx Breast Cancer Support Group received a donation from a Manx company for an essential piece of equipment.

Microgaming Health and Care Trust donated over £16,000 for the purchase of a breast coil, a vital tool used in MRI scans.

Dr Rebecca Miller, consultant radiologist at Noble’s Hospital, said:‘This breast coil will transform the service we provide on the Isle of Man, particulary with the management and experience of younger women with a strong family history risk for breast cancer.

‘Subtle cancers can now be detected and treated much earlier.’

The Manx Breast Cancer Support Group embarked on a fundraising campaign in November 2013 to raise money for a new dedicated breast care clinic at Noble’s Hospital. It will house the island’s entire breast screening service, screening around 3,000 patients yearly and is expected to open in early 2016.

Julie Stokes, chairman of the Manx Breast Cancer Support Group, said: ‘Since undertaking this project we have been overwhelmed by the support we have received from both the public and corporate companies willing to get involved. Being able to offer this service on-island will make a huge difference to patients and their families.’

Trustee of the Microgaming Health Care and Trust Paul Novellie said: ‘Well done to all involved in this remarkable achievement.

‘This island will benefit greatly from this unit.’

For more information visit manxbreastcancersupportgroup.com

Denim, leather jackets and brylcreem will be the order of the day at the Classic TT’s 1950s style ‘Paddock Carnival’ on Friday.

The free event, held at the Grandstand, will turn back the clock to the birth of rock n roll.

The full day’s entertainment will start at noon with nine-times TT winner Charlie Williams hosting a series of chat shows with many of the classic TT light motorcycles.

The Blue Jays, one of the UK’s leading rock n roll tribute bands, will be playing two one-hour sets during the day including covers from Buddy Holly, Eddie Cochran and Elvis Presley.

As well as this Michael Dunlop, Lee Johnston, Ryan Farquhar, Ian Lougher, Michael Rutter, Conor Cummins and John McGuinness will be on stage to share their thoughts ahead of the 500cc Classic TT race.

The carnival will also play host to the Concours D’Elegance, open to all cars and bikes of any make and model, which will by judged by David Cretney MLC, John McGuinness, David Mylchreest from Mylcreest Motors and Mortons media publisher Malcolm Wheeler and in mid afternoon The Purple Helmets will take over the pit lane for a performance.

Grand National winning Many Clouds is looking his best after a successful summer holiday in the island with his owner Trevor Hemmings.

The Aintree hero aged eight has returned to his trainer Oliver Sherwood’s yard in Lambourn after spending weeks in the fields at Mr Hemmings’s Ballaseyr stud in the north of the island.

Last year’s Hennessy Gold Cup and Grand National winner arrived back in the UK in the company of Mr Hemmings’s racing manager Mick Meagher.

And trainer Mr Sherwood is delighted, saying: ‘He looks absolutely amazing - I couldn’t be more pleased with him.’

Mr Sherwood said of Many Clouds: ‘He’s certainly come back the best he’s ever looked and it was very exciting to see him again.’

His loyal stable lad Chris Jerdin told last Sunday’s Racing Post: ‘He’s come back a monster. I can tell the difference this year - I think he must have eaten half the Isle of Man while he was there. He’s not like the typical National horse who won’t win it again - if any horse can do it, it’ll be him.’

In an interview with Business News after this year’s triumph, businessman Mr Hemmings said he would love to win the National again next year. If he did it would be his fourth victory as an owner having previously tasted victory with Hedgehunter and Ballabriggs wholive in retirement in the island.

Island punters cashed in when Many Clouds passed the winning post at a starting price of 25 to one. It led Sid Cuningham, director of bookies Joe Jennings, to describe it as a ‘total disaster’ for the company’s five island shops. The Ramsey shop even ran out of cash because so many locals latched on to Many Clouds.

Celton Manx is sponsoring the award for Young Achiever of the Year at this year’s Isle of Man Newspapers’ Awards for Excellence.

Executive director Bill Mummery has explained the company’s approach to developing young talent and helping young people in the community.

He said: ‘This year we came up with a more structured and inclusive approach to our community involvement, under the banner of Celton’s recognition programme.

‘It’s right to say that, over the last three to four years, the giving cake certainly hasn’t got bigger throughout the business community, in fact it’s contracted.

‘One of the aims of our approach was to ensure that some of the less well known - and perhaps less glamorous - charities have a fair representation,’ explained Bill, and he went on:

‘That’s not always about just writing a cheque: we’ve put together half a dozen marketing campaigns for smaller organisations, using our skills and contacts, and the contracts we have, and we have found that we can deliver more value.’

The aims of the campaigns that Celton Manx have assisted with have been diverse: some charities have been looking to recruit more volunteers, other have wanted to raise awareness in the community of what they do.

Bill said: ‘We put together professional radio campaigns for the Alzheimer’s Society and the Samaritans and both organisations were amazed at the success of them.’

When Celton Manx first announced that it was inviting submissions for the recognition programme, it received no less than 130.

Bill explained: ‘We went through quite a rigorous approach to them all and we got the numbers down to 27 that were successful this year in obtaining funding.’

The projects and organisations relating to young people which Celton Manx are assisting with include: Soundcheck, for whom they have bought studio equipment; the very successful Code Club for computer coding; Crossroads Young Carers; employment.im, aimed at young people looking for work, and Junior Achievers.

‘About 25 per cent of our charitable community projects this year, measured in fiscal terms, which amounts to about £130,000, has gone to young people’s projects.

‘I know that when we start the process again for next year, the approach that we used was very beneficial in teaching us to do better and making sure that there aren’t valuable third sector small organisations that simply fail because they can’t get on the radar,’ Bill said.

Bill is also a director of Housing Matters, a charity offering invaluable help to – often young – homeless people on the island.

He told us: ‘There is a perception that there is no such thing as homelessness on the island or, if there is, that these people have brought it on themselves.

‘It’s not a glamorous issue to raise funding for but we have to deal with nearly 400 people every year.’

Bill also touched upon the young people that Celton Manx employs:

‘As one of the premier remote gaming operations here on the island, we recruit young people largely in the area of IT and we know that, for our economy in the island to grow, IT is a particular area that we are addressing.

‘We pay top dollar because we want the best young people and it’s a very competitive market.’

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Do you know a Young Achiever who should be recognised?

Last year’s award for Young Achiever of the Year was won by Anna-Lucia Phillips whose determination and entrepreneurial spirit led to her setting up her own successful business, Anna Lucia Hair Studio.

The only Manx person to achieve Certified Status at the renowned Vidal Sassoon Hair Academy in Mayfair, Anna-Lucia is a role model to young female entrepreneurs and a dedicated supporter of local charities to whom she freely gives her time to style hair for fundraising events.

Young Achiever of the Year is just one of sixteen awards to be won at this year’s Isle of Man Newspapers’ Awards for Excellence.

These include categories for companies, individuals, public sector teams and charitable organisations.

If you can demonstrate an exceptional achievement, tell everyone about it by entering Isle of Man Newspapers’ Awards for Excellence.

You can find more information and download entry forms at www.iomtoday.co.im/afe

The closing date for entries is Friday September 25.