The latest job figures for the Isle of Man show that region by region, the north of the island has the highest rate of umemployment.

Those people out of work and actively seeking employment in the north stood at 2.6 per cent, or 171 people in November.

Chief Minster Allan Bell, a Ramsey MHK, said as yet the figures had not been fully analysed so no definitive answers could be provided but he added the Charterhouse Group now employed fewer people than at its peak.

‘At one time they employed 340 people,’ he said.

‘Those jobs have gone and have not really been replaced as yet.

‘They also offered flexible working hours which was a great bonus to people with child care commitments. Driving into Douglas for work may not be a viable option for some of those people.’

At less than one per cent, the west of the island has the lowest rate of unemployment, while Douglas and other towns in the east from Laxey to Santon have the second highest at 1.8 per cent.

But Mr Bell said the statistical samples were small and prone to being swayed one way or the other by relatively minor fluctuations.

Overall the jobless figure for November shows an increase of 12 compared with last month but Mr Bell said it is still the lowest November figure for four years, showing 78 fewer people than in November 2014.

‘The figures are positive,’ Mr Bell said.

‘A small increase is normal at this time of year.’

He said there were 400 job vacancies in November and some areas, like ICT, were still experiencing skills shortages.

A vehicle was forced off the road this morning.

The incident happened at about 7am on the Sloc Road, Rushen.

A vehicle travelling towards Port Erin has been forced off the road and into a ditch by an oncoming vehicle travelling in the middle of the road.

The weather at that time was very foggy and visibility was exceptionally poor.

A police spokesman said: ‘Unfortunately, the aggrieved vehicle has had extensive damage caused to it and required recovery from the ditch.

‘The oncoming vehicle was described as a large 4x4 and appeared to be unaware of what had happened to the other vehicle.

‘Police would like to trace the driver of the other vehicle to obtain details.

‘If anyone has any information they are requested to contact Constable Rebekah Collings at Lord Street police station on 631212.’

Earlier this month 16 leading companies committed at the Paris Climate Change meeting to help drive delivery of nearly zero energy buildings by 2020 and refurbished buildings by 2030. IoM Friends of the Earth’s Cat Turner looks at why this matters...

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Nearly zero-energy buildings or nZEBs, are those which are built to very high energy performance standards.

The low amount of energy that they do need comes mostly from renewable sources.

Thus they’re an important part of the world’s transition to a safer, lower-carbon infrastructure and one which helps their owners and users reduce the cost of heating, cooling and ventilating them too.

They’re not a new idea: the European Union’s Energy Performance of Buildings Directive is already in place, and this requires all new buildings in member states to be nZEBs by the end of 2020.

In fact for new public buildings, the requirements are even more demanding - these must be nZEB by 2018.

As many readers will be acutely aware, right now some important talks are going on in Paris - critically important, in fact if humankind is to preserve a civilised way of life on Earth.

The talks are known as COP21 (21st Conference of the Parties) and they’re a key opportunity for countries to agree strategies that will make this transition as pain-free, and potentially productive, as possible.

Much of the focus has been on the issue of energy generation, since the phasing-out of fossil fuels has been identified as something that has to happen if we’re to have the slightest chance of avoiding damaging levels of climate change (and they’re already damaging for many, as residents of Kiribati and other low-lying communities can attest).

But other factors as well as energy generation will need to come into play - how we grow our food, how we get around and importantly - how we build and re-furbish our buildings, whether for living or other purposes.

Space heating and cooling accounts for a significant element of CO2 emissions, so it was great to hear that this group of Europe’s leading companies had reached agreement on the launch of this initiative to deliver nZEBs across the continent from 2020 and just as importantly, nZEB refurbished buildings by 2030.

The companies involved include some well-known British names. They range from British Land, Hammerson, Interface and JLL, through to Kingfisher, Land Securities, Lloyd’s Banking Group, Philips, Skanska, and Tesco.It’s not just builders getting in on the act, but others involved in the supply chain, including banking, technology and investment groups.

And this isn’t just about cutting carbon and saving money for the occupants of buildings (though that will be a persuasive factor).

Sandrine Dixson-Decleve director of the Prince of Wales’ Corporate Leaders Group which co-ordinated the agreement, points out that: ‘Better energy efficiency of buildings will put us on a low-carbon pathway while improving the productivity of the economy as a whole.

‘She makes the point that these technologies can offer up new business opportunities in their own right, creating new skills and jobs for communities.’

So what’ll actually happen? Well, the various organisations involved have committed themselves to a number of specific steps, including energy intensity reductions across their own property estates, transparent reporting on their delivery of nZEBs from 2020 onwards and co-operation with their supply chains and policy makers to help make sure nZEBs are delivered.

And it’s extremely timely that in the same week the Buildings Performance Institute Europe (BPIE) issued a report which showed that some 75 per cent of European buildings are energy inefficient - and predicted that some two million jobs could be created through effective renovation programmes.

For a kick-off, the groups involved have promised that they’ll register, renovate or certify over 1.25 billion metres squared of ‘green building space’ - and importantly, they’ll also train more than 127,000 green building professionals by 2020.

All of this is an excellent start and hats off to the organisations getting involved. Of course, EU directives and agreements don’t directly affect us in the island though they do have a way of finding themselves into our jurisdiction, either through pressure on EU member states to ‘encourage’ their dependencies to come into line.

In the case of improved buildings efficiency, the jobs and skills, and savings for buildings occupants that could come from this initiative. Let’s hope this is one of those moves that takes root in the island very soon,

LAST week’s stormy weather caused something of stop-go sequence for the Manx boats. This was expected to cause an outbreak of panic buying in the Isle of Man as people would think the cutting off of daily fresh food supplies would leave us all in danger of starving to death.

Unhappily I have to confess that if there was any panic buying it was only me doing it.

It was Monday morning, December 7, the anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl harbour in 1941, which was preying on my mind for some reason, and I went to Shoprite on my way to work to get my usual two bananas.

I have a banana in the middle of the day as a substitute for luncheon.

But the shelves which are always overflowing with bananas were empty – the boat hadn’t come in.

I decided to rush down to Marks & Spencer before anybody else got there. But when I stormed through the main doors I found myself in a vast department full of men’s clothing. Not a banana in sight.

I even went to Tesco. But I couldn’t find a parking space by the front door.

The thought of a banana was now making me decidedly peckish.

When I reached Manx Radio, where I have my workplace, somebody else working there was having a birthday and there were goodies for all laid out in the kitchen. There were only cream cakes, nothing else. But I don’t like cream cakes and I was ravenous. I ate three, or was it four?

It was, perhaps, a case of panic eating.

I AM indebted for this photograph (right) to a friend of mine, Oscar Brown.

He was on a business trip to South Africa and at a social function he was presented by Peter Veleman with a set of postcard views taken in Kruger National Park, including this one. We are looking at zebras and it is a little puzzling. Can anybody get to the bottom of it?

CROSSWORD clues seem to be in short supply so I will offer one myself. It was in the Daily Telegraph general knowledge crossword as follows: ‘Sea-bound kingdom where the Bee Gee brothers and cyclist Mark Cavendish were born, site of the annual Tourist Trophy event (4 ,2, 3.)’

Answer anybody?

JOYCE Oates, of Lower Duke’s Road, Douglas, found a story in the Examiner describing Geoffrey Boot as the newly elected MHK for Garff. I wonder what the Speaker of the House of Keys Mr Rodan might say. He was there first.

THE Daily Telegraph reported last week that ‘uninformed’ police officers were called to confront a knife-wielding Syrian terrorist at a station on the London Underground.

Exactly what did they need to know?

I DINED last week with a visiting friend of mine called Nigel Bruce. He told me there is a new collective noun for Nigels.

It’s a Farage.

ANDREW Kerr-Phillips says the flooding in Laxey was no laughing matter but he did smile a little when it was announced on Manx Radio that a meeting of the Laxey Bridge Club had been cancelled.

No troubled waters there I hope.

I HESITATED before excavating from my Funnies File a headline that was in the Manx Independent as follows: ‘Advice on flavoured condoms is tasteless says Mum’

I leave it to others to offer a suitable comment.

THIS week’s silly sign was in a London department store: ‘Bargain basement downstairs.’

The Ellan Vannin football team is to take part in next summer’s Europeada championships in Northern Italy.

The Manx International Football Alliance side will join 23 other teams at the Federal Union of European Nationalities-organised competition in South Tyrol between June 18-26.

MIFA made the move to enter Ellan Vannin in the tournament for autochthonous and national minorities after it became clear it would not be able to compete at next year’s ConIFA World Cup in Abkhazia because of security concerns.

A MIFA statement said: ‘Following UK Foreign Office advice that travel to Abkhazia should not be undertaken due to unstable political situation in the area, MIFA looked for a tournament that met its criteria of top-level football and an emphasis on cultural identify.

‘The FUEN Europeada 2016 met both the aims with its support for cultural and ethnic minorities, language and history and the opportunity to play against some old foes and to make new friends in a tremendous European adventure.’

The draw for the competition’s group stages, which was made in Bolzano earlier this week, has paired Chris Bass Sr’s Manx with hosts South Tyrol, North Frisians and Germans in Poland. The island’s four-team group will be based in the town of Olang.

Other teams taking part in what is believed to be the largest football tournament any island side has taken part include French side Occitania, who Ellan Vannin played this time last year, as well as a host of other German-speaking sides from as far and wide as Russia, Estonia and Denmark.

MIFA has said that the withdrawal from next year’s World Football Cup would not effect its ability to enter future ConIFA tournaments. Indeed it hopes to send a side to a ConIFA-organised beach football tournament later in the year.

James Peter Maher and Kim Ilse Moyses, of Weybridge, Surrey, sold 8 Port-e-Chee Avenue, Douglas, for £262,500, to James Bridson and Charlotte Gray, both of Hawthorn Cottage, 32 New Road, Laxey.

Michael Frank Gordon Crowe and David John Morgan, of St George’s Street, Douglas, as trustees of the C H Wallis settlement, sold Santos, Croit-e-Quill Road, Lonan, for £242,000, to Anthony Edward Mellor and Jennifer Ann Mellor, of 136 Woodbourne Road, Douglas.

William Thomas Wood and Felicity Clare Wood sold 25 Mona Street, Onchan, for £180,000 to Amie Dugdale and Matthew David Kinrade, both of Flat 3, 27 Nelson Street, Douglas.

Bertram Roy Cleator and Janet Vivienne Cleator, both of Ballamenagh Beg, Sandygate, Jurby, sold a parcel of land situated at the estate of Berrag, Jurby, for £70,000, to Gemma Quilliam, 11 Cowley Terrace, Peel.

Department of Home Affairs, whose registered office is situated at Homefield, 88 Woodbourne Road, Douglas, sold two parcels of land at the Eairy, Foxdale, for £27,360, to JC Properties Limited, whose registered office is situated at Kenna Estate, Kenna Road, St John’s.

Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture, whose registered office is situated at Thie Slieau Whallian, Foxdale Road, St John’s, sold two parcels of land at Granite Mountain and Stoney Mountain, Foxdale, for £22,000, to Roy Shane Kermeen and Susan Lee Kermeen, of The Paddocks, Stoney Mountain Road, The Eairy.

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

People are being warned to be careful in the island’s glens.

The advice comes after damage caused by last week’s storm and flooding.

The Department of the Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA) has issued the following update:

Laxey Glen: Partially closed, including playground.

Glen Maye: Partially closed due to trees in a dangerous condition.

Glen Helen: Footpath closed from the high footbridge to the waterfall due to a landslip.

Ballaglass: Paths passable with care

Groudle Glen: Mid-section down to viaduct closed; remaining paths passable with care

Port Soderick - Paths passable with care

Visitors are requested to follow all safety signage and not cross any taped off areas which may signify hazards ahead such as path and riverbank erosion, hung-up trees or precarious limbs of trees overhead.

A DEFA spokesman said: ‘The department is working hard to reinstate full access. Further updates will follow.’

David Cretney MLC, Member of DEFA with responsibility for forestry, said: ‘The scale of the damage across the island is staggering and the glens and forests have not escaped this.

‘Since glens are often key watercourses, they felt the full force of the storm and the Forestry, Amenity and Lands Directorate has been working hard to prioritise key areas for safety and access.

‘I am grateful that the team has worked hard to make sure that Groudle Glen can accept visitors for the Santa Trains.

‘I would ask all users of our unique glens and wider countryside to take heed of any notices.

‘The level of erosion experienced has meant that some areas look safe but have hazards such as deep under-cuts or structural implications for bridges.’

Manx Troopers will be out in force at the Palace Cinema from this evening (Thursday) when Star Wars: The Force Awakens hits the screen.

Resplendent in their Star Wars characters’ costumes, some 10 to 15 members of the galactic group will be at the cinema for around an hour up to 15 minutes before the start of selected screenings over the Christmas and New Year period.

‘Darth Vader’, ‘R2D2’ ‘Stormtroopers’ and a host of other Star Wars characters will be in the foyer and auditorium ahead of the screenings to entertain the legions of fans eager to see the seventh instalment in the George-Lucas inspired space saga, pose for photographs and raise money for Finley’s Tracks, the Manx charity supporting those living with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

Confirmed dates:

Thursday, December 17 (evening)

Sunday, December 20 (matinée)

Wednesday, December 23 (evening)

Sunday, December 27 (matinée)

Wednesday, December 30 (evening);

Sunday, January 3, (matinée)

Approximate times for appearances will be from 6pm to 6.45pm, (evenings), 1pm to 1.45pm (matinees).

In addition, some Manx Troopers will be making the occasional unscheduled ‘surprise appearance’.

Palace Cinema manager Steve Rea said: ‘With worldwide speculation, rumours and theories having been circulating for months about the film there’s mounting anticipation for the release this Thursday of what’s set to be one of the most eagerly-awaited films of the year.

‘And Manx Troopers will be adding to the excitement, offering fans an opportunity to get up close and personal with some of their favourite Star Wars characters and, importantly, helping to raise funds for a very deserving local cause.’

You can book your tickets for the latest Star Wars epic online at www.palace-cinema.com or call the box office on 682773 or 682778, open daily from 3pm.

This week’s Manx Independent reveals the latest moves in the privatisation of the Villa Marina and the Gaiety Theatre.

It’s the lead story in the newspaper.

The main photo on the front page is the footbridge that’s been built to reunite Old Laxey after the floods on December 3 destroyed the old structure in the area. Inside, we report when the original bridge is due to be replaced.

On page three there are a lot of photos from Wednesday’s Santa Dash.

Also this week Alfred Cannan MHK says we need to adopt a new approach to rebalancing the Manx budget. In the same story, Allan Bell confirms that although the number of people working in the public sector has dropped, the wage bill has risen.

Want to go green? Phil Gawne says we should switch to gas central heating. His views were not greeted with universal enthusiasm.

In Port St Mary the village commissioners say they feel insulted by the response of planning chiefs over an issue that’s causing consternation in the area.

We report an inquest into the death of unemployed chef David Gledhill. It’s a complicated situation that the coroner rules was not caused by an overdose of prescription drugs.

There’s also a court report on a man who begs a court to jail him to stop him drinking.

How should we recognise the island’s role in internment camps during the wars? That’s an issue that’s causing a stir around Knockaloe. We report more.

A bit further afield, astronaut Major Tim Peake has taken Manx stamps into space with him. The Independent reports why.

One of the landmarks on the main road from Douglas to the south of the island is no longer there.

We have photos of the demolition of the Lancashire Hotel and report on what’s due to replace it.

In health news, we report that more than 7,000 appointments were cancelled at Noble’s Hospital.

Meanwhile, the effects of the storms are still being felt. Many of the island’s glens are hard to access. We also report on a call to dredge the rivers.

In our memory lane feature, we have photos from past storms, including from the 19th century. Loch Promenade and the sea are hard to differentiate in one photo.

Elsewhere, there’s a heart-warming story of a pizza delivery man who’s donating his Christmas tips to charity.

Talking of Christmas, there’s a lot of photos of people on the Santa Train at the weekend in this week’s paper and a selection of pictures from the Ramsey lantern parade.

Our business editor reveals that the Junior Chamber of Commerce is to get a new name and on the secrets of effective leadership.

Columnist Bernard Moffatt recalls being interviewed for the post of union leader and being warned ‘you’re not left wing enough!’

Our Island Life section includes a look forward to the Southern Dippers’ 15th year braving the sea on New Year’s Day and a Christmas ceili organised by Perree Bane.

Steve Leach looks forward to the final live event in the Amber Bar gig calendar in 2015.

As usual, the paper includes the Isle of Man’s What’s On guide and seven-day television guide plus a great selection of photos sent in by readers.

And our sports team look forward to the weekend action.

The Manx Independent is in the shops now.

Comedian Kevin Bridges is ending his first big tour for three years at the Villa Marina.

The Glaswegian will be coming to the island with his record-breaking 135-date European tour tonight (Thursday).

His 2012 tour, Kevin Bridges – The Story Continues… smashed records with 45,000 tickets sold on the first day of sales. Bridges explains he hasn’t been idle in the meantime.

He wrote an autobiography (We Need To Talk About... Kevin Bridges), he’s been kept busy after buying a house, a boat and a dog, and performed some shows in the run-up to last year’s Scottish independence referendum.

And he has been treating his ever-supportive parents Andy and Paddy with a trip on the Orient Express, and he took his mum to New York.

‘My dad made it clear he has financial security and doesn’t want for anything,’ he said.

‘I could buy him an expensive watch but he’s not interested. What excites my dad much more is when I come to him with a new idea for material, this new “bit”, and I take out my notebook and we go over it together and he is in fits of laughter.

‘He’ll chime in with his own wee “bits” but he knows they’re sh**e and we’ll laugh that off.’

‘A Whole Different Story’ is Kevin’s third big tour. He has no regrets about taking a break after his last one.

‘Andy argued: “You have done two big arena shows and two DVDs and you’re only 25. If you want to do this your whole life then you can afford to pull back for a while.

‘I initially thought that if I took that much time off people would forget about me ... but they haven’t. What has become very apparent to me is that you need a reason to tour.

‘It is psychological. It sounds like a cliché but all this is not simply about the money.’

Kevin explains he made a conscious decision to turn down offers when he first shot to fame in 2009 after appearing on TV in Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow.

‘I was in demand for television and I was receiving calls from my agent saying: “There are people who want to meet you and talk ideas...”

‘I had no interest in being a comedian who simply went on TV only then to burn out, not unlike The X Factor or Britain’s Got Talent contestants.

‘I concluded that if I put in the hard graft to write and perform one more big tour and DVD that would then afford me valuable time off to relax.’

Kevin said making his family proud is important to him.

‘After my first ever gig my dad welled up a bit and that was a huge moment for me, I was blown away by that.

‘It had come after a time of two/three years not going off the rails as such but definitely getting into trouble at school; getting into trouble with the police a couple of times; falling in with a bad crowd.

‘From my parents’ point of view there was a sense of “what is Kevin going to do next?” So for my father to see me on stage for the first time being creative it meant I could say: “See dad, the police and teachers are not lying, I am quite funny!”

Tonight’s show starts at 8pm.

Tickets cost £25.50, including booking fee.

Thursday, December 17

• Port Erin WI, Port Erin Methodist Church hall, 9.30am. Call 818194.

• Manx Retirement Association stretch and flex at Onchan Methodist Church at 10am. Friday, monthly walk, meeting at St John’s car park (old Railway Station) at 1.30pm. Tuesday, whist afternoon at the Cat with No tail, Douglas, 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.

• Ramsey WI, St Paul’s Church Lounge, Market Place, Ramsey, 7.30pm.

Sunday, December 20

• ‘Poetry and Points’ - Isle of Man Poetry Society monthly meeting, South Douglas Old Friends’ Association, Finch Road, Douglas, 7.30pm-9.30pm. All welcome, members and non-members alike.

Monday, December 21

• 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.

• Foxdale WI, Foxdale Community School, 7.30pm. Call 818194.

• Marown WI, Millennium hall, Crosby, 7.30pm. Call 818194..

• Laxey Minorca WI, Laxey Football Club, 7.45pm. Call 818194.

Tuesday, December 22

• 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, 7pm– 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. Non-­members 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.

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

Wednesday, December 23

• 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, December 17

• 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.

• 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, December 18

• 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, December 19

• 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, December 20

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

Monday, December 21

• 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, December 22

• 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, December 23

• Scottish Country Dancing, The Working Men’s Institute, Laxey, 2pm-4pm. Call 817610.

• 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

• The Force Awakens, 3D, (12A). Nightly at 7pm. 2D daily at 2pm. (Saturday 19th at 11.30am).

• Sisters, (15). Nightly at 7.30pm.

• Spectre, (12A). Daily at 1.30pm.

• The Good Dinasaur, (PG). Daily at 4.30pm.

Broadway Cinema

Closed Christmas Eve.

• Bridge of Spies, (12A). Nightly at 7pm.

• The Lady in the Van, (12A), Friday at 4.30pm, Saturday and Sunday at 3.30pm, Monday-Wednesday at 4.30pm.

• The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2, 2D, (12A). Saturday and Sunday at 12.30pm.

• Snoopy and Charlie Brown: The Peanuts Movie, 2D, (U). Monday-Wednesday at 11.30am, 3D, Monday-Wednesday at 2pm.

Thursday, December 17

• 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 School, 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, December 18

• 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.

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

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

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

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

Saturday, December 19

• 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, December 21

• 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.

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

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

Tuesday, December 22

• 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, December 23

• 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.

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

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

Thursday, December 17

• 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, 6.30pm, 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, December 18

• 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, December 19

• 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, December 20

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

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

Monday, December 21

• 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 22

• Early Morning Boot Camp, 6.15am. Also Wednesday and Friday. Evening Boot Camp, 6pm, Tuesday and Thursday, and 9am 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 23

• 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, December 17

• 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.

• Northern Ladies Luncheon Club, Mr Raymond Cox, Chairman IoM Home of Rest for Old Horses, A happy place for retirement, Ramsey Golf Club, 12.15pm for 12.45pm. Call Mrs Sheila Williams, 897728.

• 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.

• Carol Service at Ramsey Methodist Church at 7.45pm. Music by the Salvation Army Band and the Cushag Choir.

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

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

Friday, December 18

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

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

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

• The Nativity, film screening in Dalby schoolrooms, 6pm.

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

• Sulby and Lezayre Heritage Trust meeting in Sulby community hall at 7.30pm. Christmas slide show given by Tommy and Moira Cashin.

Saturday, December 19

• 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.

Sunday, December 20

• Isle of Man Farmers’ Market, at S100 Clubhouse, Castletown, 1.30pm-3.30pm.

• Bride Methodist Chapel are holding an Old Scholars Service, 6.30pm. Preacher Mrs Elaine Christian, followed by light refreshments. All welcome.

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

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

Monday, December 21

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

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

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

• The Friends of St Jude’s are holding a Traditional Carol Service at 7pm at the Church on St Judes Straight. Light Refreshments will be served after the service. All are welcome.

Tuesday, December 22

• 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.

• Christmas in the Barn at Ballacreggan Farm, Glen Maye, traditional carols, readings and nativity, music led by the Crosby Silver Band, 6.30pm.

Wednesday, December 23

• 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, 8pm

Thursday, December 17

• Karaoke FM at Nexus Vodka Bar, Douglas.

• 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, December 18

• Karaoke FM at the Commercial, Ramsey.

• Ian Thompson at the Station Hotel, Port St Mary.

• AM Frequency at Jaks, Douglas.

• Brown Sugar at the Union, Castletown.

• 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.

Saturday, December 19

• Karaoke and disco in Second Venue above Nags Head, 10pm-2am.

• Karaoke FM at the Quen’s, Laxey.

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

• Borderline at the Highwayman, Peel.

• Penthouse Dive at Jaks, Douglas.

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

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

• Karaoke at the Central Hotel, Ramsey.

Sunday, December 20

• Konstruktion at Jaks, Douglas.

• Community Carol Singing, 5.30pm-6.30pm, Dalby schoolrooms.

• Brown Sugar at the Pinewood, Pulrose. (4pm-7pm)

• Karaoke at the British, Douglas.

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

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

Monday, December 21

• Chillerz at Jaks, Douglas.

• The Friday Lunchtime Choir traditional carols, to raise funds for the Salvation Army’s Christmas Appeal in the departure lounge at the Sea Terminal, joined by players from the Manx Youth Orchestra, 1pm-2pm.

Tuesday, December 22

• AM Frequency at Jaks, Douglas.

• Bride Parish Commissioners Carol Service in St Bridget’s Church, 7pm. Refreshments after in the Tea Rooms.

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

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

Wednesday, December 23

• Konstruktion at Jaks, Douglas.

• Karaoke at the British, Douglas.

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

Police have appealed for a man who bounced into two windows in Ramsey in an apparent drunken prank to contact them.

At 11.35pm last night, three men wee walking along Parliament Street.

One of them bounced into a shop front window. That window held, but the same man repeated the act at Felton’s Ironmongers.

This time the window smashed. The man was lucky not to receive serious injury, police said.

The three men - one wearing a distinctive Santa hat - ran away down Parliament Street together.

A spokesman said: ‘Police appeal to the man to do the right thing and contact Ramsey police station on 812234.’

The area is well covered by CCTV.

Anyone with information is being asked to contact Ramsey police station on 812234 or anonymously through crimestoppers 0800 555 111.

A pizza delivery driver is dressing up as Santa and collecting all his tips to donate to a local children’s charity.

Cody Preston, a delivery driver for pizza company Domino’s, is donating the tips he receives over the festive period to The Children’s Centre.

‘I’ll be collecting all my tips from work to hopefully help less fortunate children have a better Christmas,’ Cody said.

The 23-year-old, from Kirk Michael, has decorated his motorbike in tinsel and is dressing up as Father Christmas for deliveries until December 22.

Cody said he came up with the idea as he wanted to help give a child a Christmas they deserve. ‘To be really honest it was a 3am idea and I thought why not?’ he revealed. ‘I messaged my boss and he said “yes”!

‘I’m struggling with money at the moment but the money raised could be a considerable amount to The Children’s Centre. If there’s anything I can do to give back then I would like to help.’

He said The Children’s Centre had helped his brother, family and friends a lot over the years through its different projects.

He said: ‘My family has always been involved with charities for as long as I can remember. The Children’s Centre has done a lot for my brother and his friends and it’s something that has been close to the family.’

Cody, who has worked on and off at the company for five years, said the job has helped him with his battle against depression and said the company has supported his fundraising mission.

‘They’ve been really supportive of it and there’s a collection box on the counter for customers that don’t have deliveries,’ he explained. ‘It did take a couple of days to get permission from head office but my boss pushed them.’

The delivery driver posted his fundraising plan on the ‘Isle of Man good neighbours’ Facebook page and it soon received morethan 1,100 likes and 530 shares.

So far, he has raised around £80 but hopes to raise much more. He said: ‘It would be nice to raise about £500. The first night was great but since then it’s slowed down.’

If you would like to help, Cody will be collecting his tips until December 22. Donations can also be made at the Domino’s shop on Groves Road, Douglas, or online by visiting www.thechildrenscentre.org

MPES are pleased to announce the success of a new programme targeted at young people, aged 16-18, who have perhaps not yet realised their full potential, and as a result are finding it difficult to find employment.

Building on the already established, and very successful work placement programme operated by the Department of Economic Development (DED), the pilot programme provided candidates with a structured learning approach via a blended mix of work experience, mentoring and learning opportunities.

Over a 13 week period, the programme provided the five individuals with a range of training in basic office and general employability skills, delivered by MPES [Manx Professional and Educational Services Ltd] on a day release basis, whilst giving the opportunity to undertake a paid work placement.

MPES and the DED would like to acknowledge the support of local employers; Prospero Group, Hansard International, Premier Gateway International, Sovereign Group, First Names, IoM Ship Registry and DoI - Estates Division, who played a vital role by providing the work placement element of the programme.

The work placement element has given the young people the opportunity to put into practice what they have learnt in the classroom gaining invaluable ‘real world’ experience throughout the programme leading to five of the six candidates securing permanent full-time work as a result.

Eddy Kewin, managing director of MPES, based in Duke Street, Douglas,said: ‘The course has been a great success. MPES are delighted to continue to be delivering courses, aimed at developing our young people’s skills and knowledge, in a bid to ensure that the Manx economy continues to flourish.’

Graham Cregeen MHK, DED Political Member with responsibility for Employment and Skills said: ‘I am delighted with the outcome of this programme which has resulted in five young individuals gaining employment with a range of local businesses.

‘This initiative demonstrates that by working with industry in a public/private partnership we can support, train and assist individuals, in order to prepare and equip them to succeed in the world of work.

‘The delivery of the programme is a credit to the Employment and Skills Group team, the training staff at MPES, the establishments who provided the work placements and in particular, the participants who have shown commitment, motivation and enthusiasm throughout.

‘The feedback from everyone involved has so far been excellent and I look forward to my department engaging with more employers and training establishments in similar ventures.’