A total of £276,360 was spent on the now ditched plans to introduce a TT World Series.

Economic Development Minister Laurence Skelly MHK told the House of Keys that while the time was now not thought right for a world series, it had been a ‘valuable exercise’ and a ‘great deal had been learned’.

But this did not convince John Houghton (Douglas North) who blasted: ‘How can the department say lessons have been learned after wasting £276,000 on a complete non-starter?’

Mr Skelly said the total expenditure of £276,360 covered all fees and expenses paid to the Sports Consultancy – which had been contracted to explore the feasibility of the idea – as well as the costs of advertising the tender process and producing brochures relating to that.

He told the House: ‘Much of this expenditure relates to research into the TT Series concept, which showed the idea had merit and warranted further work. Hence earlier this year we commenced the procurement process to seek a private promoter with the right skills and resources to help us grow the TT and Classic TT as well as launch a new, ambitious international TT Series.

‘We have learned a great deal in the past year and much progress has been made. The department considered the bids carefully and we were unanimous in our decisions. We do not think the time is right for the TT Series.’

Mr Skelly said his department believed there remain great opportunities to continue to grow the TT and Classic TT by working with a private promoter partner.

He said the government would soon begin a new procurement process to find the right partner.

‘Government must be seen to be fair to all potential bidders so given this is different in scope to the previous procurement process it is necessary to commence a new process. We expect to be able to complete this new process prior to TT2016 which will enable us to maintain the momentum we have already built in our plans to date,’ he said.

‘I believe this is the right way forward to deliver best value for the taxpayer, grow our economy and respect the TT’s loyal fan base.’

Mr Skelly said he accepted a lot of money had been spent on the project. But he added: ‘The real question is: has this been a valuable exercise? What I would contend is yes, this has been a valuable exercise. I still believe there are signifiant growth opportunities in the local events.’

Lib Van leader Kate Beecroft (Douglas South) asked for a breakdown of the £276,300 figure and queried what kind of data had been collated and how it would be used.

The Minister replied that that this always going to be a high risk idea but he believed the department had gained some valuable information.

Mr Houghton said he was ‘appalled’ by Mr Skelly’s answers and claimed thousands had just been ‘put down the sink’. ‘Could the Minister say how many hip operations that would have paid for?’ he asked.

The idea for a world series was originally announced in 2011 by Geoff Corkish MHK, Department of Economic Development member with responsibility for tourism and motorsport.

In January this year, the DED announced proposals to stage some test events in 2017, then six rounds in 2018 culminating in the TT proper in the Isle of Man in June.

As recently as May, Mr Houghton asked in the Keys for ‘tangible evidence to show what has actually been done for all this cost’. ‘There does not appear to be anything. The whole scheme does not appear to be any further than its embryonic stage,’ he said.

Then last Friday, the Economic Development Minister confirmed the idea had been shelved.

Thursday, October 29

• 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.

• Mannin Music: Mini musicians - Kodály music for non-walkers, Douglas Youth Arts Centre, 10am. Also, mini musicians - Kodály music class for toddlers, Douglas Youth Arts Centre, 2pm. Friday, mini musicians - Kodály music class for toddlers, Northern Swimming Pool community room, 10am, Saturday, mini musicians - Kodály music class for toddlers, Victoria Road Schoo,l 10.30am. Sunday, mini musicians - Kodály music class for toddlers, Douglas Youth Arts Centre, 10.30am. Email info@manninmusic.com

• 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. Free, but donations welcome.

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

• 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

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

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

Friday, October 30

• 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.

• Family Library: Teddy time, £2, 2pm-2.45pm. Also, Friday, ghostly storybox, 10.30am followed by craft at 11am. Jolly music, 4.15pm-4.45pm. Hop-Tu-Naa late night - spooky stories, £3. Saturday, Hop-Tu-Naa sticky fingers, £2. 1pm-2.30pm, creepy castle 3D papier-mache modellig workshop, £3.

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

Saturday, October 31

• Young Bowlers Club. Tuition and tips, Surestrike Bowling Alley, Ramsey, 11am-noon.

• Messy Church at Promenade Methodist Church, 3.30pm to 5.30pm. Messy crafts, worship/celebration and lovely food, and a tots area. Free admission, but there will be a collection afterwards. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Monday, November 2

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

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

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

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

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

Tuesday, November 3

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

• 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, November 4

• 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.

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

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

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

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

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

Villa Marina

• Dara O Briain: Crowd Tickler, 8pm, also Thursday and Friday, £23.50.

Thursday, October 29

• Manx Retirement Association, stretch and flex at the NSC, Douglas a 10am. Also, indoor flat green bowling at the NSC, Douglas at 2pm.

• 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.

Saturday, October 31

• Castletown Over 60s Club, children’s Hop Tu Naa party, 6pm-8pm.

Monday, November 2

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

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

• Ayre WI, Grosvenor Hotel, Andreas, 7.30pm. Call 818194.

Tuesday, November 3

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

• 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.

• Albany Lawn Tennis Club: Social tennis Tuesdays 7 – 9pm club night. Wednesdays 10.30am–12.30pm. Club morning Fridays 10am–noon. Friday ladies. Saturdays, noon – 2pm, junior beginners, mini tennis. Sundays 10.30am–12.30pm, club morning All sessions are open to members. Non­members can attend three sessions with no charge. Indoor court available when it rains. Call Pat Sharp 861497 or Jan Gaskill 862144. Private coaching contact Ian Watson 496293 or email ianwatsonpts@manx.net

• 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.

Wednesday, November 4

• Laxey Sketch Club, informal drawing and painting, Laxey Football Club, Glen Road, 1.30pm-3.30pm, £10pa membership and £2 per session. Call Norman 861125 for more details.

• 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.

• Peel Belles WI, St Patrick’s Hall, Patrick Street, Peel, 7.30pm.

Thursday, October 29

• 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. 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, October 30

• 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, October 31

• 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, November 1

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

Monday, November 2

• 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, November 3

• 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.

• 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, November 4

• 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. Call 835098.

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

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

Palace Cinema

• Spectre, (12A). Daily at 2pm. Nightly at 7pm.

• Crimson Peak, (15). Nightly at 7.30pm.

• Inside Out, 2D (U). Daily at 2.30pm.

• Hotel Transylvania 2, 2D, (U). Daily a 4.30pm. Autism friendly screening on Monday at 4.30pm.

Broadway Cinema

• Pan, 2D, (PG). Friday at 10.30am, Saturday-Wednesday at 11.30am. 3D, daily at 2pm.

• Martian (12A). Saturday and Sunday at 4.30pm.

• Suffragette, (PG). Friday-Sunday at 7.30pm. Monday-Thursday, 4.30pm and 7.30pm.

Thursday, October 29

• Pullyman poetry, Centenary Centre, Peel, for more information www.centenarycentre.com

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

• Art and creative writing, The Hub, Port Erin, 10am, £3.50 per session. Also board games 2pm-3.30pm, £3.50 per session, including refreshments. Chair based exercise at the Hub 3pm, £3.50 per session. Saturday, Social Fitness 9.30am, £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, Thie Rosien, Port Erin. Hobbies and company for men.

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

• St German’s Cathedral in Peel is inviting people to get to know more about their local place of worship. People are invited to come along any time between 3pm and 4.30pm when they can, meet the cathedral team, have a look around and ask any questions. Tea/coffee and cake will be served.

• 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.

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

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

Friday, October 30

• Garage Sale at the back of Crossroads Charity Shop, Victoria Street, Douglas, 10am-4pm.

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

• Launch of the Dalby cook book, ‘A Slice of Dalby along with a one night exhibition and sale of 48 charcoal drawings that illustrate the book, Dalby schoolrooms, 6pm. Call Margy 843768.

• 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.

• The Guild goes South, singing, music and drama, Erin Arts Centre, Port Erin, 7.30pm. Tickets £10/u18s £2.

• The Link - interesting talks and a buffet supper, Onchan Baptist Church. Call 623415.

Saturday, October 31

• Spooktacular in the Park, Curraghs Wildlife Park, 10am-4pm, free entry to children in fancy dress, normal park entrance fees apply for all others.

• Mannin Art Group, ‘Meet the Artist’, St Paul’s Hall, Market Place, Ramsey, 10am-5pm. Admission free.

• 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 10am-4.30pm daily. New memorial garden. Free admission. Donations welcome.

• Hop-tu-Naa treasure hunts, Milntown Gardens, from 10am-5pm. Until November 8. There is no charge to enter the competition but normal garden entry fees apply.

• 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-3pm.

• Onchan Horticultural Society, coffee morning, Elim Family Centre, Second Avenue, Onchan, 10.30am-noon.

• Coffee morning, Mitre Hotel, Ramsey, 10.30am-1.30pm. Charity stalls, cakes, crafts, Xstitch, Christmas gifts, huge tombola. Christmas hampers, raffle.

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

• Ramsey Town Library Hop-tu-Naa story time , 11am-11.30am. Winnie the Witch will be telling stories, suitable for pre-school and early years schoolchildren. There will also be a prize for the scariest costume.

• Great Laxey Mine Railway Hop-tu-Naa Ghost Trains, 1pm-7pm, Sunday, 2pm-8pm.

• IoM Antiquarian and Natural History Society lecture, ‘The Enclosure of Common Land in the Isle of Man’, by Paul Quayle, Manx Museum lecture theatre, 2.30pm.

• Castletown and District over 60s Club, Hop-tu-Naa Fun and Dance night for children and families at Morton Hall, Castletown, 6pm-8pm, adults 70p, children 50p.

• A night of satire, music and poetry at the Centenary Centre in Peel at 8pm. Roy McMillan will take a satirical look at island life while there will be poetry from Vinty Kneale and music from Beastie Dovey, Donal McMahon and Barry Pitts. Tickets are £10 from Celtic Gold.

• A celebration of the life of Stephen Donnelly, the Nags Head, upstairs in Second Venue. Presentation to Hospice, 8pm-2am.

Sunday, November 1

• Christmas craft and artisan fair at the Play Barn, Ard Jerkyll, noon-4pm.

• Collectors Fair in Morton hall, Castletown, 2-4pm. Wide variety of antique to modern items. Admission 50p for Anti-Cancer.

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

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

Monday, November 2

• 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.

• Would you like to learn to draw? The House of Manannan is offering you the chance. Local illustrator Quinn Shipton will hold classes between 2pm and 4pm each day. For more information visit www.manxnationalheritage.im/whats-on/detail/the-big-draw or call 648090 to reserve a place. Through to Thursday.

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

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

Tuesday, November 3

• 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.

• Manx Wildlife Trust: Homes for Hedgehogs, St John’s Methodist hall, 4-11 year olds, 2pm-3pm, 11-16 year olds, 3.30pm-4.30pm. Please bring a box approcimately 30x30x40cm, a plastic carrier bag and a yogurt pot. £3. To book: dawn@manxwt.org.uk or call 844432.

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

Wednesday, November 4

• 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. Leonard Cheshire Disability, Main Road, Onchan, 11am-3pm. Call 679030.

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

• 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.

• Samba percussion workshop, no experience necessary, Onchan Silver bandroom, off Onchan Commissioners’ car park, 7pm. Cost £5, email sambamann@manx.net

• Bingo Quiz, Archibald Knox Onchan.

Thursday, October 29

• Jump Fx - cardio classes, Ballabeg hall, 9am, and Wednesday, 6pm. Also, gentle circuits at St Catherine’s hall, Port Erin, 10.30am. Phone Sara 432535 or email saraszestforlife@gmail.com

• Southern Swimming Pool, Castletown, Thursday, 9.15am, circuits, 7pm, aquafit; Fridays, 9.15am circuits, 6.30pm; Saturday, 10am, yoga; Monday, 9.15am, circuits, 2.10pm, aquafit, 6.30pm, circuits; Tuesday 2.30pm, aquanauts/rehab swimming, 6.30pmpm, yoga; Wednesday, 6.30pm, circuits.

• Zumba at 9.30am, total tone at 10.15am, call Jane 201811. Legs, bums and tums at 7pm, 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 and Tuesdays and Fridays at 9.15am, call Shelley 487270. Tuesday, Tae-Bo at 5.45pm, kettlebells at 6.30pm, call Kate 347160. Wednesday, kettlebell core, 6pm, also Saturdays at 9.30am, 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. Tuesday, men only class, 7pm; Wednesday, mixed, 6.45pm, 10 Perwick Bay, Port St Mary. Call 452791.

• Wheelie Active Parents (mums and buggies) 9.30am, Villa Marina reception, £2. Also Walk and Talk, Peel promenade, outside Harbour Lights Cafe, 9.45am, £1.50. Friday, Walk and Talk, NSC, 9.30am; also Mondays, Poulsom Park, Castletown, 9.45am, £1.50. Racquet sports and boccia, 12.15pm, NSC, £1.75; Walk and Talk, 5.30pm, NSC, £1.50. Tuesdays,Walk and Talk, NSC, 9.30am, £1.50; Walk and Talk, Ramsey Mooragh Park, (meet Rugby Club), £1.50, 9.30am. 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. MAKE SURE THIS GOES IN.

• Gentle Circuits, NSC, 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, yr3-yr6, 4.30-5.15 rec yr 2, teenage yoga 5.15pm, men’s yoga, 6.30pm, mixed ability hatha yoga, Monday, 9.15am, 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. £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. Also Monday 7pm. 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, £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, October 30

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

• Manx ABC Boxing, Palace Terrace, Douglas. Juniors, 6pm. Seniors , 7pm. 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, October 31

• 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, 11am-noon.

Sunday, November 1

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

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

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

Monday, November 2

• Women’s activity morning, NSC, 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, 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, 3pm, £1.55. Also Tuesday, 6pm.

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

• Circuit training, NSC, 6pm. Also Wednesday at 6pm.

• 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, November 3

• Early Morning Boot Camp, 6.15am. Also Wednesday and Friday. Evening Boot Camp, 6pm, Tuesday and Thursday, and 9amam Saturday. Also kettlebell classes, Wednesday, 6pm, Saturday, 8am, 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, NSC, 2pm. Also, Boccia, 5pm.

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

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

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

• Pilates, Trinity Church hall, 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.

• Albany Lawn Tennis Club: Tuesdays, club night, 7pm-9pm. Also, Wednesdays, club morning, 10.30am-12.30pm. Fridays, ladies, 10am-noon. Saturdays, junior beginners, noon-2pm. Sundays, club morning, 10.30am-12.30pm. Call Pat Sharp 861497 or Jan Gaskill 862144.

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

Wednesday, November 4

• 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.

• Gentle body toning, NSC, 11am.

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

• Thompson Travel Netball Club junior training, Braddan School, 6pm.

• Valkyrs Hockey Club training, QEII astro pitch, Peel. Juniors, 6pm; Seniors, 7.30pm. Call 801802.

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

Thursday, October 29

• Karaoke, Guys and Dolls, Douglas.

• Ramsey Folk Club, Mitre Hotel, Ramsey, 8pm-11pm.

• Karaoke with Ray Sloane at the Saddle Inn, Douglas.

• Guitar lessons at the meeting room, Archibald Knox, Onchan, 5.45pm-6.45pm.

• Alternative Havana, Fiesta Havana, Douglas. Also, Friday - Full On Fridays.

Friday, October 30

• Little Miss Dynamite at the Creek, Peel.

• Dickie at the Whitehouse, Peel.

• Chillerze at Jaks, Douglas.

• Bown Sugar at the Union, Castletown.

• Ian Thompson at Sam Webbs, Douglas.

• DJ Tim, Second Venue, 21 Victoria Street, Douglas, 8pm. Also Saturday.

• Karaoke at the Albert, Douglas, 9pm.

• Irish traditional music session at The Mitre, Ramsey, 9pm.

• Kiaull as Gaelg at the Albert, Port St Mary, 9pm.

• Open Mic Night at Café Laare, Douglas, 7pm-9.30pm.

Saturday, October 31

• Sounds of the sixties with Steve at the Commercial, Ramsey.

• Little Miss Dynamite at the Bowling Green, Douglas.

• Dickie at the Mitre, Ramsey.

• OneWo/man One Guitar at the Mitre Hotel, Kirk Michael with Paul Reynolds and Dessie Kelly.

• Konstruktion at Jaks, Douglas.

• Ian Thompson at O’, Donnell’s, Douglas.

• Brown Sugar at the Railway Station Hotel, Port St Mary.

• Manx music session, the Whitehouse, Peel, 10pm.

• Karaoke with Dobbo at the Decks, Liverpool Arms, Baldrine.

• Karaoke at the Central Hotel, Ramsey.

Sunday, November 1

• Ray Sloane Karaoke at Jaks, Douglas.

• Erin Arts Centre Chamber Orchestra concert, Telemann, Handel, Dvorak, Bach, 3pm. Tickets £10/u18s £2. Also, Piano Series, George Todica, 8pm. Tickets £10/u18s £2. Saturday, Ivor Novello - His life in music, 7.30pm. Tickets £8/u18s £2.

• Karaoke at the British, Douglas.

• Karaoke at The Crescent, Queen’s Promenade, Douglas, 8pm.

• Disco Fever at Macbeth’s, Second Venue, Douglas, 10pm-2am.

Tuesday, November 3

• Acoustic sing-around, the Manor, Willaston, 8.30pm.

• Rock Choir, Youth Arts Centre, Kensington Road, Douglas, 6pm.

Wednesday, November 4

• Karaoke at the British, Douglas.

• Irish Music session at O’Donnell’s, Douglas, 8.30pm.

The first Friday night Canada Life Premier League game of the season takes place this week, with St John’s hosting St Mary’s under the floodlights of Mullen-e-Cloie.

Friday, October 30

Canada Life Premier League

7pm St John’s v St Mary’s

Paddy Power Masters Football

8.40pm Peel v Braddan @ Bowl

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

Saturday, October 31

Canada Life Premier League

2pm Union Mills v Corinthians

2pm Laxey v Peel

2pm Ayre v DHSOB

2pm Ramsey v StGeorge’s

2pm Marown v Rushen

JCK Division Two

2pm Onchan v Castletown

2pm Douglas Royal v Douglas and District

2pm Gymns v Pulrose Utd

2pm Colby v Braddan

2pm Douglas Athletic v Governor’s Athletic

2pm Malew v Michael Utd

Canada Life Combination One

2pm Corinthians v Union Mills

2pm St Mary’s v St John’s

2pm Peel v Laxey

2pm DHSOB v Ayre Utd

2pm St George’s v Ramsey

2pm Rushen Utd v Marown

JCK Combination Two

2pm Castletown v Onchan

2pm Douglas and District v Douglas Royal

2pm Pulrose Utd v Gymns

2pm Braddan v Colby

2pm Governor’s Athletic v Douglas Athletic

2pm Michael Utd v Malew

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

Sunday, November 1

No Appleby 16-18 League fixtures due to half-term

Paddy Power Masters Football

2.10pm Colby v Governors Athletic @ Bowl

3.40pm Union Mills v Douglas and District @ Bowl

Regency Travel Women’s Football

2.30pm Gymns v Douglas Athletic

2.30pm DHSOB v Douglas Royal

2.30pm Corinthians v Colby

The Isle of Man handball team travelled to Merseyside at the weekend for a tournament with the Liverpool and John Moore’s University teams.

The team worked hard against some tough opposition, resulting in a win and two losses.

In the IoM v JMU contest the island side won 8-7 courtesy of goals from Mike Hegarty (4), Dylan Parish (2), Max Grelewicz and Brett Callow.

The Isle of Man then narrowly lost 6-7 to the Liverpool side, with the Manx goals coming via David Rousseau (3), Brett Callow, Levi Sander and Dylan Parish.

The final game saw the Isle of Man go up against a mixed Liverpool and JMU team which resulted in a 10-8 win for the Merseysiders, despite Rob Parker, Brett Callow (2), Levi Sander (4) and Michael Hegarty scoring for the IoM.

The player of the tournament, as voted for by the team, was goalkeeper Sid Hathazi who made some difficult saves and carried on with determination throughout all the games.

The Isle of Man Natural History and Antiquarian Society (IoMNHAS) will be beginning its Winter Programme of lectures on Saturday with a talk in the Manx Museum lecture theatre by Paul Quayle on ‘The Enclosure of Common Land in the Isle of Man’.

The lecture, which will begin at 2.30pm and will be followed by tea and biscuits, will examine the areas of the island which in former times were known from medieval times as ‘The King’s Forest’, meaning that they were unenclosed areas deemed to belong to the Lord of Mann.

J.R. Quayle, writing in the IoMNHAS proceedings in 1940, estimated that at one time the area of unenclosed King’s Forest amounted to a total of 47,000 acres, or around one third of the island’s total land area. This unenclosed land was placed under the charge of an official known as the King’s Forester, but by the time the island’s statutes were first recorded for the Stanley Kings of Mann in 1417 the right of islanders to graze their animals on the unenclosed land at certain times of year had been fully recognised.

By the 1860s, when disafforesting legislation was brought before Tynwald, the policy of successive Earls of Derby, Dukes of Atholl and UK crown officials of allowing portions of the forest to be granted to landowners to be enclosed as ‘intacks’ (sometimes in the face of local opposition from those used to exercising grazing rights) had reduced the area of forest to 25,113 acres, but it was still listed as including ‘the Northern Mountains, the Southern Mountains, the Ayres and the Mooragh’.

In his lecture Paul Quayle will not only examine the history of ‘The King’s Forest’ in the island but will also outline what happened to these areas after the 1860s disafforestation and how the legacy continues today, with many of the upland areas remaining in public ownership.

Following just a week later, on Saturday, November 7, the second lecture of the Winter Programme will see Dr Mike Hoy MBE talking about ‘Education and literacy in the Isle of Man 1660-1800’. Dr Hoy will be taking as his starting point the appointment – soon after the Restoration in 1660 of both King Charles II in England and Charles, 8th Earl of Derby as Lord of Mann – of Isaac Barrow as the island’s bishop and governor.

Barrow established primary schools for the education of every boy and girl on the island together with grammar and academic schools for the most able students.

Dr Hoy’s talk will outline the subsequent development of education in the Isle of Man and the progress made with both oral and written literacy over the course of the late 17th and 18th centuries.

Other forthcoming lectures will see, on Saturday, December 5, Dr R. Andrew McDonald, author of the authorative book on the Norse rulers of the Isle of Man and Hebrides, ‘Manx Kingship in Its Irish Sea Setting’, travelling from Canada to speak on ‘Medieval Water Worlds: maritime mobility and connectivity in the late Norse empires of Atlantic Scotland, 1000-1300’ – an exploration of the links between the Norse Earls of Orkney and the Kingdom of Mann and the Isles; and, on Saturday, January 23, Dr Patricia Tutt, author of the recent scholarly book ‘An Introduction to the Architecture of the Isle of Man’, talking about the stained glass to be found across the island – not all of it ecclesiastical. In January there will also be a field trip exploring the birdlife of the Ayres.

The society also has plans to conduct a members’ field study visit to that other Mona’s isle, Anglesey in North Wales, in a similar vein to last year’s visit to Dumfries and Galloway in South West Scotland.

For further details on the society, see http://www.manxantiquarians.com and https://www.facebook.com/IsleOfManNaturalHistoryandAntiquarianSociety

Turnip carving, ghost walks and scary Halloween events will take place across the island this weekend to celebrate the Manx tradition of Hop-tu-Naa.

At Cregneash village the unique Manx tradition of turnip ‘moot’ carving will be held for all the family to enjoy this Saturday (October 31). From 10am to 4pm visitors will have the chance to carve their own turnip lantern, listen to live music and find out about different recipes and superstitions from the past as well as join in with Manx song and dance sessions.

Every child will receive a free turnip to carve and admission to the event is £6 for adults and £3 for children.

In the north of the island, Curraghs Wildlife Park will be hosting a fun-filled family ‘Halloween Spooktacular’ day. An array of different activities including creepy crafts, gory games and freaky face painting will all take place on Saturday.

All of the park’s usual attractions will be open and the miniature railway will have regular departures throughout the day.

Children wearing fancy dress receive free entry. Tickets cost £6 for children not wearing fancy dress (£2.20 for children aged under two) an adult tickets are £9. Tickets can be purchased at the gate or via the website at www.curraghswildlifepark.im.

Dare you ride the Laxey Mine Ghost Train?

The Great Laxey Mine Railway will be transformed into a spooky ghost tunnel with plenty of scary skeletons, witches, spiders and bats to look out for. Visitors will also have the chance to view a laser light show in the Valley Gardens.

Trains run from today (Thursday) until Saturday between 1pm and 7pm and rides on Sunday will take place from 2pm to 8pm.

Fares are £2 for adults and children.

Another spooky ghost train will make its departure from Douglas railway station tomorrow (Friday) but with a murder mystery theme.

Turn detective on the ‘The Murder on the Ghost train’ and investigate whodunit, while enjoying a four course gourmet meal on the dining car train.

Departure is at 7pm and will return at 10.30pm. Tickets are £49 per person,to book a place call 697457 or email steamdining@gov.im

In Ramsey, a Hop-tu-Naa treasure hunt to find hidden pumpkins will take place in the Milntown gardens.

From Saturday to November 8 (excluding November 3) treasure hunts will be held between 10am and 5pm (last admission at 4.30pm) at the Milntown estate.

There is no charge to take part but normal entry fees apply. Entry is £3 for adults and £1 for children.

If you’re looking for something scarier visit the Milntown house on November 2 for a creepy ghost tour to witness apparitions and paranormal occurrences.

Guided tours will be run by Isle of Man Ghost Tours from 6:15pm. To book a place or for more information call Alan Shaw on 416824 or email info@iomghosttours.com

Onchan Village Walk will be transformed into a Halloween ‘Scareground’ hosting a variety of spooky stalls, rides and games for all the family.

Outdoor fairground rides, Halloween make overs and a best dressed competition will be held from tomorrow until Sunday between 6pm and 9pm.

Tickets are £2 and can be purchased on the night or at http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07ebnw0xzr0ff77b76&llr=yaucmmvab

Dare you enter a killer clown glen?

Tonight (Thursday) Summerhill Glen will be crawling with a host of creepy characters and killer clowns. The ‘Lights Out Killer Clowns - Fright Night Part 2’ begins at 8.30pm to midnight and will run until November 1.

Younger visitors can take part in an earlier glen walk at 5pm but are also welcome to the later walk. Groups are encouraged to bring a torch and wear sensible outdoor clothing and footwear.

Entrance is at The Old Boys Football Club on Blackberry Lane and parking is available at Shoprite car park. Admission is £3 for adults and £2 for children.

Face your worst nightmares at the Halloween House of Extreme Horrors at Laserblast in Onchan.

From tonight until Saturday beginning at 6.30pm creepy characters will enter the scary Halloween house.

Parental guidance is advised and tickets are £4. To book or find out more call 439282.

For something a little less scary Laserblast and the Manx Fun Farm will be hosting a children’s Halloween Party with face painting, apple bobbing and fancy dress competitions.

All children will receive a goody bag on arrival and food and drink will be available. The party will take place tomorrow (Friday) from 4.30pm to 7pm and tickets cost £8.50. To book a place call 679399.

A Halloween Extravaganza with pumpkin carving, competitions and yummy treats galore will be held at Silverdale Glen in Ballasalla.

The event will take place on Saturday (October 31) from 1pm to 6pm. Admission is free however there will be a charge for activities.

In Douglas, the Strand Shopping centre will play host to a ‘Hop-tu-Naa Spooktacular’ from midday on Saturday.

A variety of different activites will be available including face painting, a bat hunt, turnip carving and fancy dress parade.

Up to 100 new jobs could be created if a multimillion-pound plan for a new car showroom gets the green light.

Planners have been sent details from Eden Park Developments to develop a 10-acre site on Cooil Road.

Channel Islands motor retail and leasing group Jacksons say it would be their most advanced car retail showroom and service centre.

Jacksons chief executive officer Paul Collier said: ‘This major new facility will create over 65 jobs immediately, from sales and customer service staff to master technicians, rising to over 100 predicted jobs in the near future.’

Several leading global manufacturers are said to have already committed to the project including Audi, Porsche, Volkswagen, Volvo, Skoda and SsangYong. While Ramsey-based Raymotors sells Volkswagens, none of the other brands is currently represented in the island. Jacksons is already said to have close links with these big names and say they would be able to offer full manufacturer-approved servicing and warranty work in the island as well as a full sales outlet.

The Jacksons Group, which started in Jersey in 1950, says if planning is approved for the site opposite B&Q, work will start on the facility early next year, with completion due later the year.

James Greenhalgh, director of the ] local commercial property development firm, said: ‘Along with the benefits of inward investment to the island and creating long-term employment, the dealership would also reinvigorate the local car trade by bringing many of the world’s best car franchises to local customers.’

Mr Greenhalgh said: ‘Any business that creates 100 new jobs has to be welcomed, but it goes even deeper than that. Jacksons is a big name and could help attract other new business to our shores’ ‘

Jacksons says it would also roll out an apprenticeship scheme in the island to candidates every two to three years. The scheme is already said to be successful in the Channel Islands.

Mr Collier, of Jacksons, who is no stranger to the island, also feels the development could have a positive effect on the local car market generally.

He said: ‘People looking for other brands will be more likely to look locally and the clustering effect should provide a higher footfall to existing dealerships in the area. This has already been proven in the Channel Islands where Jacksons coexists with other successful dealerships, giving greater consumer choice and competition.’

More details on this in next week’s Isle of Man Examiner - in shops Tuesday morning.

Police are warning of new spate of phone scams.

One involves a man who says he’s a police officer with the Manx force.

A business received a call this week from someone claiming to be James Taylor from the Isle of Man police, who said their company had been involved in a crime prevention campaign last year. They were then asked if they would like to join again and that they would get an invoice.

In a PayPal scam an email is received informing the recipient that their PayPal account has been fraudulently used and that they need to log in via a link provided which apparently then takes you to a fraudulent page asking you to enter your details.

Police urged the public not to disclose any personal details to anyone.

Singer, composer and musician Louise Jordan is visiting the island with her third album, Veritas.

She will be performing in the Peel Centenary Centre’s Atholl Room tomorrow (Friday) and the following evening at The Laxey Institute.

Louise, who grew up in Winchester, has a breadth of experience behind her having studied law, worked as a youth worker and in youth justice before training and working as a teacher in challenging schools in east London as part of the Teach First graduate scheme.

While working as a project manager for Shelter and studying for a Masters in human rights, Louise discovered folk clubs.

‘I believe these experiences have informed the direction of my song-writing and performing.

‘I write and choose songs which explore the human condition and which people can relate to.’

Louise, who sings and plays guitar and piano, has four recordings, nine UK and two European tours already under her belt.

Her latest album, Veritas, was released at the end of September. Latin for truth, the album reflects on the role of honesty and integrity in our lives.

The track list includes an original song about New Forest smuggler Lovey Warne, Louise’s empowering self-penned single ‘In the End’, traditional songs including ‘Bushes and Briars’ and a unique arrangement of Handel’s aria ‘Where’er You Walk’.

The album has been produced with support from Help Musicians UK, which awarded her an Emerging Excellence Grant.

And she has been part of the English Folk Dance and Song Society’s Aspire Programme for the development of emerging artists, working with producer Stu Hanna (Show of Hands, Seth Lakeman, Megson) as a mentor.

Her music has been described by Radio 2’s Mike Harding as ‘absolutely, totally and completely, brilliant’ and by FATEA Magazine as ‘absolutely glorious’.

Louise is being brought over by Mark Armstrong of Talismann Promotions.

Tickets (£12) are available for from.etickets.im/talismann

She will have copies of Veritas available to buy at both concerts. Alternatively, download a digital copy from Amazon and iTunes.

Manx Grass and Sand Racing Club’s stubblefield motocross on Sunday takes place at Ellerslie Farm, Crosby, not Turkeylands as stated in this week’s Manx Independent.

The club will be course building on Saturday from around 1pm - all help appreciated. To find the field go up Old School Hill in Crosby, turn right up the lane just before the church and its on your right about half a mile up.

Manx ABC’s Nikki Arthur has booked herself a place at this weekend’s England Boxing National Novice Finals at York Hall in London’s Bethnal Green.

Arthur did this by pulling off an impressive win at the Dean Valley Leisure centre in Doncaster on Saturday when she beat Bethany Turman-Wood from Droitwich ABC by third round TKO.

Both boxers started at a fast pace throwing close-range hooks and counter punches from the first bell but the Manx boxer’s high work rate and determination put her one round up. The second round started at a frantic pace with both boxers having equal success early on, but Arthur’s constant pressure started to show and after a number of thumping right hands, the referee issued his first standing count.

Arthur sensed an early night and piled the pressure on and before the end of the round the Droitwich boxer was issued her second standing count.

The Manx boxer started the final round in determined fashion and went straight at her taller opponent in an all-action attack. This was too much for the Worcestershire-based boxer and the referee called a halt to the contest.

l Arthur’s Manx ABC club-mate Mathew Rennie has been selected to represent England at next month’s European Youth Championships.

Full story in this week’s Manx Independent.

Health Minister Howard Quayle was quizzed in the House of Keys overs whether he would support the use of cannabis or cannabis derivatives for medical use.

Replying to the question from Lib Van leader Kate Beecroft (Douglas South), Mr Quayle said: ‘The department will consider supporting the use of any medication, irrespective of its origin, that has a proven evidential basis.

‘A number of preparations derived from cannabis are undergoing clinical trials and some already have product licences as prescription-only medicines for specific conditions. There are no plans to support the introduction of unlicensed unproven medications.’

He added; ‘I should make it clear that nothing I have said changes the fact that the possession and the supply of cannabis is a crime. However, I am clear that where there are clinically proven treatments that include cannabis or its derivatives this should be supported through proper supervised and prescribed routes.

‘I do not advocate individuals either growing cannabis privately for their own use or deciding without proper medical advice or support that this is an appropriate treatment for their condition.’

An exhibition titled ‘The Craftsmen of Kelly’s Yard’ was staged by Michael Heritage Trust at the weekend.

It was held in St Michael’s Hall, Kirk Michael, over Saturday and Sunday, and the trust’s 19th exhibition was busy over both days.

Daniel Kelly was a joiner in Kirk Michael during the mid-19th century who went on to build the very first reapers to be sold on the island, and the exhibition traced the engaging story of his joinery and metalwork businesses.

His eldest son, JDL Kelly, was as skilled at carving as his father, and he in turn taught some of the workmen. These included Stanley Keig, who carved the details on the chest presented by the island to the then Princess Elizabeth when she married in 1947.

The story of the firm – Kelly and Sons which later became major building firm Kelly Bros – included two major fires, two windmills, wooden rattles for use by wardens during World War Two, carved bookcases, clog shoes, deck chairs and kipper boxes. It also featured information on many Manx churches and chapels, and others in England, which still contain pulpits, communion tables and a wide range of furniture made in the workshops in the area now known as Kelly’s Yard.

Michael Heritage Trust secretary James Kennaugh said: ‘We’re delighted with the response to the exhibition, and it was great to have lots of people who came along to share their memories, memorabilia and knowledge with us.’