Thursday, November 26

• 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.

• Douglas Christmas lights switch-on ceremony, Ridgeway Street, 6.15pm. Family entertainment then switch-on at 7pm. Willow lantern parade to Villa Marina Arcade, where Isle of Man wind orchestra will lead a carol service, 7.30pm.

• 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, November 27

• Northern Community Information Day, Ramsey Town Hall, 10am-3pm, with twenty Health and Social Care professional agencies.

• 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.

• Glen Maye Chapel Christmas fair, 4pm-8pm. Admission is free. Various stalls and Christmas grotto. A light supper will also be available.Father Christmas arrives at 5pm. Everyone is welcome.

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

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

• Fun Bingo night at the Douglas Legion, 7.30pm. In aid of St Mary’s Lourdes youth and Onchan junior’s new pitch . Tickets £10, includes your bingo books. Call Annette 457826 /614442.

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

• Bill Cubbon, steam railway enthusiast, illustraed talk on ‘The Isle of Man Victorian Steam Railway, 8pm, Barbara Cottier lecture theatre at St Ninian’s High School, to IoM Victorian Society.

Saturday, November 28

• Greenfield Garden Centre, Christmas wreath workshop, £25, includes one wreath, 10am-noon or 1.30pm-3.30pm. Reservations only. Call 670849.

• 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.

• 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 Karl’s B and T, Ramsey, 10am-3pm.

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

• Queen Elizabeth II High School Association Christmas Fayre, Main School Hall, 1pm until 4pm. Admission £2, children 50p.

• Western Athletic Club Christmas table top sale at the Corrin Hall, Derby Road, Peel, 1pm-4pm. Call Moira Hall 421887. Stalls £7, entrance £1, children free.

• Queen Elizabeth II High School Association Chrismas fayre, 1pm-4pm in the Main School Halll Call 841000

• Ellan Vannin Pipes and Drums, ‘Bagpipes for Peace’, Strand Street, outside M&S, 3pm.

• Sporty Church, Bunscoill Rhumsaa’s Auldyn hall, from 4.15pm. A Ramsey Baptist Church event. Call 316013 or email info@ramseybaptist.org

• Charity Auction at the Glue Pot, Castletown, 7pm, to raise funds for the Manx/Walton Centre Research Fund.

Sunday, November 29

• Christmas Fayre and Christmas Market at Laxey Pavilion 10am-4pm.

In aid of the Children’s Centre,and in conjunction with Laxey Working Men’s Institute, tables are available for stall holders on either or both of those days. To book a table or for further information email lisamotley@thechildrenscentre.org.im or call 676076. Also Sunday.

• Christmas Fair, in aid of Project 21, Centre 21, Greenfield Road, Douglas. Tickets £1, or pay on the door, 1pm-4pm.

• Lions Club Spectacular Christmas Market, Mount Murray Golf Club, Santon, 1pm-4.30pm. Admission adults £2, accompanied children free.

• Advent Candle-lit procession, St German’s Cathedral, Peel, 3.30pm. The Bishop will lead the compline service followed by hot chocolate and cream in the servery.

• A gathering of Light at Tynwald Hill, 5pm. Bring your own lanerns.

• 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 30

• 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.

• MS Society coffee morning, Cherry Orchard, Port Erin, 1.30pm.

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

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

• Christine Wild Theatre School and Rachel Wild’s Performers Studio present, ‘Christmas Spectacular’. A magical and spectacular show, 7.30pm, Gaiety Theatre. Box office 694500. Until December 5.

Tuesday, December 1

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

• The Isle Gallery, Tynwald Mills, Screen print your own gift bags this Christmas. Create your design and print your fabric bags, 10am-4pm, £65.

• 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.

• Nativi-tea Cafe open at Michael School in aid of school fund, Community Room, 1.15pm-5pm, Friday, 1.15pm-5pm and 6pm-8pm.

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

Wednesday, December 2

• 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

• Meditation for Busy People, (one session only), 7.15pm-8.45pm. Course free of charge, 20 Appledene Court, Woodlands View, Douglas. To register: www.brahmakumaris.org/uk/isleofman or call 626940.

• Bingo Quiz, Archibald Knox Onchan, 8pm

Thursday, November 26

• 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.

• 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, November 27

• 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, November 28

• 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.

• Play tennis for free and cheer for GB at Davis Cup celebration weekend. Live Davis Cup on TV, refreshments and raffle. Douglas Lawn Tennis Club, Kensington RoaD, 1.30PM-4PM. Call 302642. Sunday, noon-2pm.

Sunday, November 29

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

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

Monday, November 30

• 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, December 1

• 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.

Wednesday, December 2

• 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.

Douglas Lawn Tennis Club on Kensington Road will open its doors to the public this weekend to play tennis for free and to watch the Davis Cup final live on a large screen TV.

Great Britain are competing in its first final since 1978 and will face hosts Belgium in Ghent on Saturday between 1.30-4pm and Sunday 12-2pm.

All are welcome and equipment will be available. The club will also be running its own Davis Cup-style fun tournament at 10am on Sunday. Members and nonmembers wishing to enter the tournament should email douglastennis@manx.net by Friday.

There will be great atmosphere, hot and cold food/beverages, raffle - for more information phone 302642.

The countdown to the 2016 Manx Telecom Parish Walk begins in earnest when entries open on Tuesday, December 1.

Discounts are available for those who sign-up to the event which will start on Saturday, June 18 from the NSC.

Enter before January 31 and it will cost £30, but if you are a Manx Telecom mobile customer you will also receive an additional £5 discount thanks to the event’s title sponsor.

Enter online at www.parishwalk.com

Manx landmarks will be lit up red on Tuesday to mark World Aids Day.

These include Government Office ‘the Wedding Cake’, the Tower of Refuge in Douglas bay, Ramsey Swing Bridge, Ramsey Court House, Douglas Power Station and, weather permitting, the sunken gardens on Douglas promenade.

World Aids Day is held on December 1 each year and is an opportunity for people worldwide show their support for people living with HIV and to commemorate people who have died.

World Aids Day was the first ever global health day, held for the first time in 1988.

Supporters of World Aids Day wear red ribbons.

Red ribbons have been provided to the police and various government departments for staff to wear if they choose.

The ribbons will also be available at various points around the island free of charge.

For further information regarding World AIDS Day, including how you or your company can get involved contact Tony Watterson on 07624 331061

Anyone suffering from, living with or supporting someone with HIV or Aids can contact the Isle of Man HIV Support Group on their confidential hotline 07624 327195.

Ellan Vannin Pipes and Drums is taking part in a global initiative, Bagpipes for Peace, on Saturday.

Pipers all over the world will meet at 3pm and play Amazing Grace as a message of solidarity and hope in the face of terrorist activity.

The band will parade through Strand Street and then play outside M&S. It’s hoped residents will show their support.

Pipe Major Paul Davenport said he hoped it would send out a message of solidarity of good people, and defiance in the face of terrorism.

Wet weather delayed the annual Southern Vintage Engine and Tractor Club ploughing match in Colby by a week, resulting in a slightly reduced entry.

However, a total of 11 tractors and three pairs of horses still took part in the event last Saturday.

Chairman of the club, Orry Mitchell, said two competitors from Wales were scheduled to take part but had to withdraw when the date was changed.

‘We are very grateful to Paul Costain for letting us use his fields, and to the judges and supporters of the event,’ Mr Mitchell said.

Competitors plough a set area which for tractors is 50 yards by 15 and for horses is 40 yards by eight.

Classes in the competition include vintage tractors, up to 1960. classic tractors up to 1975, and World Class, for modern tractors, plus various special classes.

Winners were as follows: World class: Colin Duggan with a Case International 454; second, Steven Lace with a Massey Ferguson 4325; the Cecil J Mitchell Shield for a vintage diesel trailer was won by Tony Collister with a standard Fordson; runner up was Francis Garnett-Orr with a Massey Ferguson 35; the Darnill’s World Shield was won by Jimmy Corlett with a Massey Ferguson 35; the Rose and David Corkish Shield was won by Alan Radcliffe with a Massey Ferguson 35; runner up, Peter Faragher, Fordson Dexta; Jeffrey Kelly took the Roy Hutchinson Memorial Shield; Chris Clegg, Harry Kelly and Michael Reubens were first, second and third in the Ferguson T-20 system class; Nicola Rawnsley, Gordon Clague and Ian Tilley were first, second and third horse teams in the Robert and Helen Cleator Shield class; Nicola Rawnsley also took the Jack Collinson Trophy, the Ballaconnell Cup and the Metalco Shield Ladies’ Trophy; Harry Kelly took the J Quilliam Trophy awarded to the youngest competitor; the Bob Corkish Cup and the John and Brenda Costain Cup went to Tony Collister; and the Mrs EM Cubbon Trophy for tractor of the match went to Jimmy Corlett. Judges were Phil Gawne, Ray Gawne and Dennis Quirk, Jack Faragher and Willie Gelling.

Eighty people gathered in Douglas to celebrate the fifth birthday of ‘boutique’ wealth manager, Creechurch Capital.

Guests travelled from across the island, as well as overseas, to enjoy a glamorous evening of fantastic food, cocktails and entertainment, filling the restaurant Portofino - the setting of the official launch five years ago.

In its five years of business the company has seen exponential growth, with business development in continents such as Latin America, Africa and Asia, while continuing to retain the values it was founded upon.

Despite its successful growth, the firm’s chief executive officer, John Greenwood, makes no secret of the fact he will never allow the original business to grow beyond the industry standard of a so-called boutique business.

He said: ‘It was an absolute pleasure to host our valued clients and team for the event.

‘We wouldn’t have made it to this milestone without the talented team we have, as well as the relationships they’ve cultivated with their clients over the years.

‘The party was a way for us to thank everyone involved and take the opportunity to celebrate what looks to be a very bright future ahead of us.’

Sponsorship forms are available for the Peel New Year’s Day Dip.

They can be obtained from Green’s Jewellers in Michael Street, in Peel.

For more information contact John Teare on 843974.

Several dips happen in Manx waters on the first day of the year.

Email newsdesk@newsiom.co.im to let us know about yours.

The National Union of Teachers has launched a Crowdfunder initiative to raise money for a very fitting tribute to stalwart Karl Flint, who died in August.

Tributes flooded in for the Kirk Michael resident, who was the National Union of Teachers’ island branch secretary and worked as a history teacher at Ramsey Grammar School for 32 years before retiring in August last year.

Now Jess Egelnick, who took over from Mr Flint as the NUT’s island branch secretary, is raising £350 to pay for a memorial bar stool and bench at the Mitre, in Kirk Michael.

She explained: ‘A bunch of us from the union were just chatting about what we could do to honour Karl and the idea of a bench came up, which led to the idea of a bench at the Mitre, which was his local.

‘From there it was a natural step to think we needed a bar stool!

‘The bar stool really captures the fact that Karl could always be found in “his” corner, and it’s a nice way to leave a permanent reminder of him, in a way that’s fairly unique.’

The bench, to be commissioned from the Manx Workshop for the Disabled, will be placed in the pub’s front garden.

And the bar stool will go into “Flinty’s Corner”, at the end of the bar.

Both the bar stool and bench will be engraved with a message from his friends – suggestions for the messages are welcome and invited.

The project will only be funded if at least £350 is pledged by 1.14pm on December 11.

‘Please take a moment to make a small donation to remember a man who meant so much to so many people,’ she said.

Despite retiring in 2014, Mr Flint continued to work with his involvement with the NUT and to undertake supply work, and he was an employee representative on the Public Sector Pensions Authority board.

He was also vice-president of the island’s Trades Union Council. He became treasurer of the NUT in 1996 and secretary in 2005.

To make a donation, visitcrowdfunder.co.uk/karls-memorial-bar-stool-and-bench-at-the-mitre

Copying the UK’s single tier state pension will extend the life of the island’s National Insurance Fund by just two years.

A review carried out of the NI Fund back in 2012 found that if no action is taken, the fund will be exhausted by the year 2054-55.

This summer social security officials asked the UK government’s actuary’s department to calculate what the impact would be if the Isle of Man adopted the single tier state pension being introduced across in April next year.

Its results, revealed in a letter dated October 28 now distributed to Tynwald members, show a single tier scheme would boost the fund, peaking in the 2030s, but it would then decline and run out completely in 2056-57.

In the House of Keys, backbencher Chris Thomas (Douglas West) asked for the findings to be made public and accused Treasury Minister Eddie Teare of ‘suppressing’ alternative options.

He suggested the reason the NI Fund was predicted to run out five years earlier than originally forecast was because of a different assumption about contracting out. ‘That possibility has not even been raised so we might not even be needing to talk about increasing retirement age to 74,’ he argued.

But Mr Teare said contracting out was not the major issue. The reason the fund had fallen by five years was that people are living longer and also the method of uprating used by the UK. He accused Mr Thomas of a being a ‘master of delay and procrastination’.

He said he intended to publish all reports and calculations relevant to the consultations, debates and presentations about the proposed new Manx pension.

Mr Teare supplied the Manx Independent with a copy of the letter from the UK actuary’s department.

It states: ‘The introduction of UK single tier is projected to affect the situation only relatively modestly, increasing the fund to a multiple of 8.6x benefit outgo by 2028-29 but then declining to exhaust by 2056-57. The introduction of UK single tier is consequently not expected to support a fund of 1x to 2x benefit expenditure for very much longer than the existing state provision would have.’

The letter explained this is because although the ending of contracting out increases contributions by about 3 to 6 per cent, the payment of benefits is projected to increase in the longer term, exceeding contributions from 2036-37.

In the Keys, Alfred Cannan (Michael) asked why reforms were being ‘rushed through’. Mr Teare insisted this was not the case. He said the UK brought forward its proposals, adding: ‘The longer we delay the shorter period we have to move and that runs the risk of unintended consequences.’

PwC Mixed Premier

Crowe Morgan Valkyrs A will be aiming to get back to winning ways when they meet LJ Ramsey A at QEII on Saturday afternoon.

Greg Miller’s Valkyrs were defeated by Vikings A last weekend which has all but ended their title hopes.

A further defeat here could see them overtaken in the race for second. Chris Wells’s Ramsey have yet to get off the mark this season.

PwC Mixed Division One

Harlequins A could all but seal the PwC Mixed Division One crown if they are to claim victory over Crowe Morgan Valkyrs C on Saturday.

Conversely defeat in the lunchtime fixture at Ramsey Grammar School result which would see Valkyrs C relegated.

Nick Hamer’s Harlequins side were defeated by Saracens Sabres last weekend and can’t afford a repeat of that performance if they are to take the title.

Helen Moyer’s Valkyrs were unlucky not to claim both points in their match last week with Vikings and another performance like that could see them victorious in this one.

PwC Mixed Division Two

Cammags will be aiming to claim victory over LJ Rookies as they look to maintain their title aspirations.

Christian Steriopulos’s Cammags were defeated by league leaders Vikings C last weekend and sit three points behind, but do have a game in hand.

Victory in these two matches would put the southern side right back in contention.

Opponents Rookies have yet to register a point this season and a further defeat here would see Jenny Lantry’s side relegated.

PwC Mixed Division Three

Canaccord Genuity Vikings D can take a big step towards securing the PwC Mixed Division Three when they face Bacchas D in the lunchtime fixture at the NSC.

David Rivers Vikings are unbeaten so far this season and will be aiming to maintain that record here.

David Beynon’s Bacchas side were defeated by a single goal last time the two sides met.

The Tromode side will be looking to become the first team to defeat Vikings this season.

Saturday’s fixtures:

PwC Mixed Premier Division

Celts v Canaccord Genuity Vikings A CRHS 2.05pm

Gary Corkhill, Laurence Watterson

Bacchas B v Bacchas A NSC 2.05pm

John Harrison, Tim Leeming

Crowe Morgan Valkyrs A v LJ Ramsey A QEII 2.05pm

Vic Ferns, Iain Wrigley

PwC Mixed Division One

Bacchas C v Saracens Sabres NSC 11.05am

Jamie Brown, Ken Carney

Harlequins A v Crowe Morgan Valkyrs C RGS 12.35pm

Chris Callow

Crowe Morgan Valkyrs B v Canaccord Genuity Vikings B QEII 12.35pm

Andrea Littlejohns, Lindsay Riordan

PwC Mixed Division Two

Cammags v LJ Rookies CRHS 12.35pm

Kirsty Bowley, Laurence Watterson

LJ Ravens v Harlequins Colts RGS 2.05pm

Alex Cave, Juan Killey

Canaccord Genuity Vikings C v Bacchas Colts NSC 3.35pm

Nigel Birken, James Harrison

PwC Mixed Division Three

Harlequins B v Southerners CRHS 11.05am

Unappointed

Crowe Morgan Valkyrs D v Saracens Sharks QEII 11.05am

Unappointed

Canaccord Genuity Vikings D v Bacchas D NSC 12.35pm

Connor Duggua, John Pearson

PwC Mixed Under-16s’ League

LJ Rogues and Rascals v Harlequins RGS 3.35pm

Helen Cave, Sue Taylor

Saracens v Canaccord Genuity Vikings CRHS 3.35pm

Unappointed

Second World War radar station bunkers at Bride should be protected from planned expansion of sand and gravel quarrying.

That was the plea in the House of Keys from Lib Van MHK Peter Karran, who argued that the bunkers are ‘internationally significant’.

Environment Minister Richard Ronan said his department had recently been requested to consider registering the wartime radar station buildings at Bride.

He said DEFA was working closely with Manx National Heritage and the landowners, Island Aggregates, to determine the most appropriate way forward.

Mr Ronan pointed out that some of the structures lie within the area covered by a 1998 planning consent for sand and gravel extraction at the Point of Ayre quarry, and demolition was approved at that time.

That planning permission required all Second World War remains lying within the site to be recorded and photographed prior to demolition.

The Minister added: ‘Neither the department nor to my knowledge Manx National Heritage have made any decision on whether to protect the structures, and if so to subsequently manage the conservation.

The discussions between the parties are ongoing.’

Mr Ronan said some of the bunkers and shelters are on land right outside the current quarry which Island Aggregates has identified for future sand and gravel extraction, subject to planning.

He said the request for registration raised a number of issues which needed to be considered including the economic need for sand and gravel, existing planning approval, the significance of the structures from a historic and conservation perspective and any implications for compensation, if listed status was approved.

An island-based arm of accountancy giant KPMG is to face a £100m claim in Douglas high court over allegations of professional negligence.

The claim has been brought by the liquidator of island-incorporated Heather Capital Limited, which operated an investment scheme that lent money in the property market, but was suspended in 2009 and subsequently wound up by order of the court.

Heather Capital’s two executive directors were Gregory King and Santo Volpe who are both alleged by the liquidator to have been fraudsters, although neither have been charged with any criminal offence, the court heard.

KPMG Audit LLC had been Heather’s auditor from August 2006.

Heather’s liquidator alleges that in the course of its audits KPMG negligently failed to detect and report frauds and imprudent lending by Heather’s management and as a result the company and its shareholders suffered substantial losses. KPMG denies this.

The liquidator issued three sets of proceedings against KPMG based on these allegations of professional negligence - to recover damages for losses allegedly suffered by Heather and its shareholders, Aarkad plc and Lomond Capital LLC. Total damages claimed exceed £100m.

Between October 2005 and February 2007 Heather made loans of approximately £95m to 10 special purpose vehicles incorporated in Gibraltar.

The liquidator alleges these loans were fraudulent – they were not genuine investments but a means for Mr King and Mr Volpe to divert money from Heather for purposes of their own.

This alleged fraud took place before KPMG’s alleged negligence, however, and the liquidator recognised that KPMG cannot be held responsible for any losses suffered on the loans themselves.

During the course of KPMG’s audit work it discovered, in March 2007, that the documentation for the SPV loans was unsatisfactory.

In the meantime the loans were repaid but the liquidator alleges this was achieved by circular loans made by Heather routed through two companies called Mathon and Bathon and ultimately back to Heather.

The liquidator alleges that KPMG should have detected and reported that Mr King and Mr Volpe were operating a ‘Ponzi’ scheme under which repayments to Heather were funded by Heather itself and that the SPV loans were not genuine.

Mr Volpe took the blame for the SPV loans and resigned as a director of Heather in September 2007.

KPMG, which denies all allegations of negligence, applied for the case against it to be struck out, arguing that it could not be held responsible for the losses.

But Deemster Andrew Corlett said he was not persuaded that any of the three sets of proceedings should be struck out. He said the case should proceed to trial as expeditiously as possible.

So here we are once more dear reader.

We’ve now arrived at the final of the annual Battle of the Bands competition at Amber, in Douglas.

Ahead of this event, last Saturday night the third and final heat took place and saw acoustic covers outfit Acoustic Atmosphere do battle against a stripped down acoustic version of Small Bear Records’ very own Postcode along with a debut, full band performance at the venue for Mae Challis.

It was Mae and the band that were the victors in this instance and go through to the final this coming Saturday.

Joining Mae and the band on this final bill will be heat one winner, Hip-Hop, MC and live looping specialist Han FX (aka Keiran Hannifan) and Metal outfit The Fletcher Christian Mutiny who were the winners of heat two.

A slightly eclectic and interesting line-up to round of the proceedings.

As always, the doors for the final open from 8pm, the event is free entry and the first band will hit the stage at around 9.15pm.

The acts will be battling it out to win a £750 cash prize.

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/events/1648994672051447/

Across the road to Jaks now where Friday night sees well-known veteran cover band Caution Runners appear on Friday night.

Expect a mixture of Arctic Monkeys, The Beatles, The Killers, Kings of Leon, Muse, Oasis and Radiohead, among others.

Whilst we’re on the subject of all things covers elated, Saturday night also sees Jaks playing host to classic rock covers band, Penthouse Dive.

The three piece band that features Mark Riley on guitar and vocals, Mark Cleator on bass and Mark Brabbs on drums (Mr Brabbs having already played drums for Mae Challis earlier in the evening in the aforementioned Battle of the Bands no less!) play covers from the likes of ZZ Top, Foo Fighters, The Police, Thin Lizzy and the like.

This band is certainly very popular on the covers circuit so are well worth checking out if those influences sound like your cup of tea.

For more information on the band and any of their forthcoming shows, visit www.facebook.com/groups/penthousedive

Meanwhile, slowing the pace down now.

Chris Gray continues his run of open mic nights every Tuesday night at the Bath and Bottle in Douglas.

Jam-tini, as these nights are called, is open to anyone who fancies having a go trying out their musical material in a relaxed and low key setting.

The night starts at 8.30pm.

For more information, and to book a slot visit Chris’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/chris.j.gray.3)

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Steve Leach brings the latest rumblings, murmurings, news and views on forthcoming events in and around the island’s music scene. Help support the scene by emailing leachsteve@hotmail.com

The Shimmin Wilson Manx Shield will hopefully find some regular rhythm from this weekend onwards after a few lean weeks.

The competition should be well past the halfway stage, but with the intervention of the Rugby World Cup nobody has yet crossed that point.

The early leaders this season have been Douglas B. A good blend of youth and experience has seen them lose just one from six and that was against defending champions PDMS Southern Nomads, who they face this Saturday.

Douglas know that a win is a must, if they harbour any hopes of taking the title.

Nomads are currently unbeaten in domestic competition and sit just a single point behind Douglas. They will take top spot with a win and they have a game in hand too.

Both sides toiled a little against Ramsey B recently. Douglas looked to have their game sew up by half-time leading 21-7, but only managed a single score in the second half.

Nomads by contrast led by just 7-0 at the break, before running away with it in the second half with five tries. This week’s match therefore looks decidedly tight.

Vagabonds B are also still in the hunt for the title and they have Western Vikings as the visitors at Ballafletcher.

The Peel side will be looking to celebrate their recent 25th anniversary with a a win. Vikings shipped a big score to Douglas B in round one, but since then their results have settled a little and they ran Douglas fairly close in the return. Skipper this season is the experienced Ed Alderson who of course has had a spell at Vagas which could make the game a little more special. On the form book though, it should be a home win.

Elsewhere in the Shield Castletown face Emerging Nomads at King William’s College and Ramsey B host Noa Nomads at the Mooragh.

Emerging may just be there for the taking this week. Skipper Dion Meechan is out for the season and Orry Watterson will lead the team in his absence. The ex-Ramsey man has bags of experience for one so young and his drive will pull the side along behind him.

With three teams out though, could this be one game too many for Nomads.

Finally, Noa Nomads make the long trip down north to face Ramsey B. Scotty Williams and his men have won two matches this season, which is probably two more than they had imagined.

The team seem to enjoy playing, despite some big scorelines they always seem to be smiling. Sport is ultimately about enjoyment and these guys are clearly enjoying it.

James Wren at Ramsey, however, has ambitions for a top-four finish and will want to win. Noa are actually above Ramsey in the standings and this game is for league position.

Saturday’s Fixtures

South Lancs/Cheshire Division One

Bowdon v Douglas @ Bowdon

Women’s NC North One

Vagabonds v Doncaster ko 2pm

Shimmin Wilson Manx Shield all ko @ 2.15pm

Douglas B v Southern Nomads @ Port-e-chee

Vagabonds B v Western Vikings @ Ballafletcher

Emerging Nomads v Castletown @ KWC

Ramsey B v Noa Nomads @ Mooragh Park

Friends of the Earth is co-ordinating a climate change march through Douglas on Sunday to send a message to governments about the need for urgent action.

The event, starting from the Sea Terminal at 2pm, is one of a number of marches planned around the globe, ahead of the 2015 Paris Climate Conference. The Western Mission Partnership will then hold a Gathering of Light with a lantern lit vigil at Tynwald Hill, from 5pm.

Pete Christian said: ‘We are at a crossroads for preventing temperature rise exceeding 2C.’

Sailings to and from the Isle of Man are under threat over the weekend with high winds set to develop tomorrow (Saturday).

The Steam Packet Company has issued a warning this morning (Friday) outlining potential problems.

The firm is confident today’s schedule and the overnight Heysham to Douglas service will operate as planned, but a decision is set to be made at 6.30am on the Douglas to Birkenhead sailing.

If this sailing is affected by the forecast stormy conditions, then the remainder of Saturday’s schedule, involving return sailings to Birkenhead and Heysham, would have to be revised.

Windy conditions are set to continue into Sunday, and sailings are again being described as being subject to disruption or cancellation.

For further information, call the sailing information line on 01624 645745 or visit steam-packet.com

A southern derby takes centre stage in JCK Division Two this weekend as Colby and Castletown do battle at Station Fields.

Arguably the pick of the day’s games in the second division, this clash looks set to be an extremely tight affair with the sides boasting almost identical records so far this season.

Castletown currently lie third one place ahead of Colby by virtue of a slightly better goal difference, with both teams having won eight, drawn two and lost three of their 13 games thus far in the 2015-16 campaign.

Visitors Town go into the match buoyed by their impressive 3-1 victory over second-placed Gymns last time out, while the Moonlighters recorded a 2-0 win at Douglas and District.

Castletown won the reverse fixture 2-0 at The Stadium so Colby will no doubt be doing their upmost to avenge that defeat, and a close game is in store.

The aforementioned D&D are the visitors to league leaders Douglas Athletic who will be hoping to make it 13 successive wins in a bid to maintain their seven-point lead over Gymns who will be favourites to defeat Foxdale.

Braddan will close the gap on the top four should they get the better of a resurgent Michael United at Balleira Road, while Douglas Royal will be hoping to do likewise when they host lowly Onchan at Ballafletcher.

The final game in Division Two sees Pulrose United make the journey south to take on Malew at Clagh Vane looking for a win to boost their own top four hopes.

St George’s free week means that Peel can return to the top of the Canada Life Premier League this Saturday with three points from their trip to Marown.

The westerners currently trail Geordies at the head of the standings on goal difference and will be looking for a big score against David Brew’s promoted side.

The Crosby outfit have shipped 15 goals in their last two games against DHSOB and St George’s and could be in for another long afternoon with Peel netting 20 over the same period.

Laxey warm up for next weekend’s Cu-Plas Railway Cup semi-finals with a home game against bottom side RYCOB.

The latter nearly caused an upset in the reverse fixture only a couple of weeks ago, taking a two-goal lead against the Miners before eventually losing 2-3.

Youthie need to claim a win with the gap to safety 10 points and growing by the week, but expect Steve Moran’s hosts to land the spoils in this one.

Second-bottom Ramsey also need the points if they are to haul themselves out of the bottom two.

They currently trail third-bottom Union Mills by six points and face St Mary’s at Ballacloan this weekend.

The Saints ended a dismal run of form against Ayre last weekend. Steven Priestnal’s side won the reverse match 7-1, but expect this one to be a closer affair in the north.

Arguably match of the day is at Croit Lowey where Rushen entertain DHSOB.

The Spaniards will be still smarting from last week’s 7-0 defeat at the hands of St George’s, a result that saw them slip from third in the table to fifth.

Old Boys have won their last three in swashbuckling style but might have to settle for a draw in what should be a tight encounter in Port Erin.

Corinthians will be looking to extend an unbeaten run that now stretches to five matches when they make the trip to out-of-form Ayre.

This weekend’s top-flight programme was due to kick off slightly earlier than usual with St John’s hosting Union Mills under the floodlights of Mullen-e-Cloie on Friday evening. However, the wet weather has caused its postponement.