Don’t throw out your natural Christmas tree - give it to Douglas Council instead for recycling.

The council makes use of the chipped trees in its parks and gardens and in Summerhill Glen.

You can take your tree to the following locations on Saturday (January 9) at the following times for free collection.

Noble’s Park car park, 9am to 9.45am; Governor’s Hill by the play area 10-10.45am; Willaston opposite the shops, 11-1145am; Farmhill Stevenson’s Way, 12-12.45pm; Anagh Coar car park, 1-1.45pm; Pulrose by council workshop, 2-2.45pm; Central Promenade by casino, 3-3.45pm; Lord Street car park by the Albert Hotel, 4-4.30pm.

A memorial for a revered Manx poet has been renovated and repainted to last for decades to come.

The gravestone for Isle of Man writer, poet and playwright Kathleen Faragher has undergone repair work after lettering on the marble slab had faded over time.

The poet died in 1974 and after her death a marble slab was added to her family’s grave in Kirk Maughold.

Without any family remaining to maintain the memorial, the lettering faded over the past 40 years leaving it almost illegible.

Culture Vannin funded the project, with Douglas company Gregg Memorials carrying out the restoration work.

Dr Breesha Maddrell, director of Culture Vannin, said: ‘As soon as we found out about it, we wanted to put things right. As one of the most important dialect poets, Kathleen Faragher is an incredibly important figure in Manx history.

‘Helping to maintain her gravestone is a simple way to help support her memory.’

Kathleen was born in Ramsey in 1904 and went on to become a popular writer and performer in the island, particularly through her humorous poems written in the Manx dialect.

She published seven books as well as numerous poems and short stories in the Courier before her death in Glen Mona in 1974.

Reverend Christopher Lowden, vicar for the parish of Maughold, said: ‘With memorials of other great Manx writers like TE Brown, Hall Caine and Cushag at Kirk Maughold, it is wonderful to return Kathleen Faragher to an equal place amongst them.’

Kathleen was also involved with many island organisations including the Women’s Institute, The Courier, The Guild and the churches and schools in Ramsey and Glen Mona.

Culture Vannin, an organisation which supports and promotes the Manx culture, currently has a project dedicated to recording memories about the Manx poet.

The project aims to capture memories, no matter how small, about Kathleen to preserve her memory for future generations.

If anybody would like to get involved with the Kathleen Faragher project and has any memories they would like to contribute, contact project organiser James Franklin on manxliterature@gmail.com or write to c/o Culture Vannin, PO Box 1986, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM99 1SR.

To learn more about Kathleen Faragher or for more information about the Culture Vannin project visit www.manxliterature.com/kathleen-faragher

Do you always make the same resolutions and end up breaking them every year?

Did you enjoy playing netball at school and fancy giving it a go again?

Do you want to improve your health and fitness in fun way?

If you’ve answered yes to any of these questions, Back to Netball might just be the key to unlocking your active self.

Sessions are running at Ballakermeen High School this January and provide women of all ages with a gentle re-introduction to the sport.

Run by passionate and enthusiastic coaches, they cover the basics of the game including passing, footwork and shooting.

Sessions finish with a friendly game to put the skills you have learnt into practise.

Many women that join Back to Netball go on to form teams and play regularly in leagues. Kirsty Finn from Douglas attended her first Back to Netball session in 2013 and hasn’t looked back since.

Since joining Back to Netball, Kirsty and the some of the others she met at the session formed a team, Thompson Travel Violet, and now train and play regularly in the local league. Joining Back to Netball has encouraged Kirsty to get more active and she now runs 10 - 15km a week.

Kirsty said: ‘Before joining Back to Netball I didn’t do much exercise.

‘I was a bit nervous before my first session as it was 11 years since I had last played while at school but my coach Charlotte was really nice and introduced me to the other ladies.

‘I was surprised how much I enjoyed it. I am now playing once a week and train on a Wednesday.

‘I am much fitter and have made new friends, and it’s a great feeling when we win a match!

‘I would highly recommend anyone who is thinking about going to give it a go.

‘I have recently become a police officer.

‘The assessment process required a good degree of fitness which I know that had it not been for netball I would not have achieved.

‘I am very appreciative of the help I have received from Charlotte and everyone else at Thompson Travel Netball Club.’

Hundreds of women from all over the UK are getting ‘Back to Netball’ each week.  

Log on to www.englandnetball.co.uk/Back-to-Netball or email the island’s netball development officer Rachel Andrew at mnadevelopment@gmail.com or phone 308893 for more information.

l More netball in next week’s Manx Independent and online at iomtoday.co.im/sport

The Manx Independent is in the shops now.

Inside this week:

Charities to benefit after Albert Gubay’s death

Brother’s tribute after man’s night club death

Search for tragic Josh called off

Attorney General’s £88,000 legal bill

Hit-run death inquiry continues

Shake-up for Manx banking industry

Teenager had cannabis posted to him

Some great photos of old Steam Packet boats

Some more photos from the New Year’s Day dips

A look forward to the weekend sport

The island’s What’s On guide

Seven-day television guide

AFTER the dubious delights of Storm Desmond and Storm Eva we have just had Storm Frank, which was named after my late father. Well, his name was Frank so I think that must count in his favour.

It’s not often that the name Frank crops up at all these days so I am sure he will be delighted, if he is in a position today to be pleased or anything else we understand.

He died 50 years ago at the age of 60 and we haven’t seen or heard from him since.

But if he decides to do so now I will have a lot of interesting things to tell the world.

Mind you, I think he would have preferred Hurricane Frank.

He left school at the age of 14 and immediately went off sailing deep sea as a galley boy, where he learned to cook and sailed through hurricanes all over the world.

He was also a boxer with a nice hurricane style of attack.

He left the sea when he married my mother in Liverpool in 1929 and they opened a boarding house on Queen’s Promenade in Douglas.

There he would stare out over the bay growling: ‘The Bay of Naples isn’t a patch on this one.’

The next weather assault on the list is called Storm Gertrude. Dirty Gertie? I am assured that we also had one of these in my family at one time.

JOHN Garfield has been on to tell me the Daily Mail reported that the lovely Pippa Middleton was looking forward to a goose on Christmas Day.

He says: ‘Presumably the Mail and Pippa are unaware of what being goosed is. How about a goose at Christmas? It would make a refreshing change from a kiss under the mistletoe.’

You have to admit, John, that if there is a girl who deserves to be goosed at any time it’s Pippa.

THIS week’s crossword clue has come in from Richard Hetherington. It was in the Daily Telegraph cryptic as follows: ‘Stable studies article probing series of races (8).’

Three of the usual suspects have sent in the clue to be featured next week.

In case they don’t know the phrase ‘usual suspects’ was first coined in the film ‘Casablanca’ by Claude Rains as the police chief Captain Renault when he ordered: ‘Round up the usual suspects.’

I HAVE had one of my rare emails from my former Jurby correspondent Trevor Baines saying: ‘I too am annoyed by all the major companies who feel they need a tag. Tesco’s is particularly annoying – ‘Every Little Helps.’ That means every little you give us improves our dodgy fiscal position. I prefer the Londoners’ tag “Tesco helps keep the scum out of Waitrose”.’

FOR years now I have been on the lookout for two particular Manx car registrations They are MAN1C and MAN1A.

I want to know who has them. Not to know is maddening.

CROSSWORD: Constant.

I HAVE been reminded by somebody who wishes not to be named that Manx Radio scored a notable first in its early days. It was the first local station in Britain to broadcast obituaries.

This is true enough and it led to listeners saying: ‘People are dying to get on Manx Radio.’

MY Funnies File reveals that Manx Radio world news once reported: ‘The Chinese, while not celebrating Christmas on religious terms, do go out and enjoy themselves in restaurants. In fact they make a meal of it.’

SILLY SIGN. This was outside a second-hand shop: ‘We exchange anything – bicycles, washing machines, etc. Why not bring your wife along and get a wonderful bargain.’

It was dispiriting to read Chief Minister Allan Bell’s interview in last week’s Manx Independent.

Neither environment nor people got much mention.

Climate change is the biggest challenge humanity faces – globally shaping government policies, technological innovation, economic frameworks, and peoples’ lives.

Yet despite claiming that ‘sustainability’ is key to our future, climate didn’t feature.

Instead, as ever, he focussed on gross domestic product (GDP) growth – a measure of how much is being bought and sold, not a barometer of what matters most to a healthy society.

He didn’t look at our ‘Gini coefficient’ – this measures income inequality, and it’s rising.

He said this administration had three priorities: economic growth, protecting the vulnerable and rebalancing public finances.

He discussed 31 years of unbroken growth – but not its human impact.

But what’s an economy for, if not people’s wellbeing?

Nobel prize-winning economist Joseph Stiglitz says: ‘GDP tells you nothing about sustainability.’

And even Simin Kuznets, dubbed the ‘inventor’ of GDP, says: ‘The welfare of a nation can scarcely be inferred from a measure of national income.’

Mr Bell also discussed priority three: government’s finances.

But number two, looking after the vulnerable, got short shrift. Yet it’s this, and the wellbeing of everyone (vulnerable or not), that we pay government for. It speaks volumes that he had nothing to say on it.

Research consistently shows that people’s wellbeing turns on: being connected – to environment and people; being active, especially out in nature; being aware of what’s around you; learning, growing, feeling valued; giving (time, not money).

Obsessive pursuit of GDP growth isn’t just outdated, it encourages policies that hurt people and planet.

Many things that boost GDP are bad – plane crashes, for example, generate economic activity through insurance payouts and new plane builds, but they’re not helpful!

And governments can increase wellbeing in planned recessions – indeed, many economists say this is absolutely necessary to combat climate change.

Our environmental record is woeful.

This island:

– has no climate change legislation

– is the only place in the British Isles with no plastic bag tax or charge

– has minimal contribution from renewables to the Manx Utilities Authority

– fails to properly incentivise microgeneration and applies punitive charges especially to wind-turbine planning applications

– applies last-century clean-water standards, rather than those used across UK and EU

– fails to protect ancient greenways from being destroyed by off-road vehicles, so that many are shockingly damaged. In the UK, these are protected, so tourist bikers come here to destroy ours instead.

‘Growth’ means nothing when it masks a degrading environment, rising inequality and an irresponsible approach to wellbeing.

Let’s make 2016 the year this changes. After all, it’s an election year!

Louise Callister is pictured taking part in Oie’ll Verree celebrations in Kirk Michael.

Oie’ll Verree is what the Manx used to call Christmas Eve and it’s still celebrated on the day on which it fell in the Julian Calendar.

A traditional concert of music, dance, carval singing and Manx dialect performances was held.

To see more pictures and read more about it, see this week’s Manx Independent, which is in the shops now.

The local race walking year gets underway this Sunday with round four of the Up & Running Ltd-sponsored winter league at Ronaldsway Industrial Estate from 10am.

There are walks for all age groups and levels of ability and distances ranging from the senior 10km and 5km events to junior distances from 1km up to 3km.

Signing on will be at 9.15am at Barrule House (at the far end of the estate) and Manx Harriers are grateful to Kurt Rosen and the Manx ICT Association (MICTA) for them allowing the use of their facilities for this event.

Entry fees are £7 for unattached athletes and £5 to athletic club members. Junior fees are £1.

This event will be started as a scratch race and handicap times will be added after the event.

Please remember your race numbers if you have already raced in the league and highly visible (hi-viz) clothing should be worn as it is an open road venue.

Fixtures at a glance

TONIGHT Thursday, January 7 - Ramsey Bakery Firemen’s Run, round four, 7pm, Ramsey fire station. Distances five miles and 1.7 miles. All welcome, sign on from 6.15 - please wear hi-viz clothing.

Saturday, January 16 - Up & Running Promenade 5km series (round one), Douglas, start 10am from Bottleneck car park, sign on from 8.30am. Entries in advance preferred, via Skanco Prom Run Facebook group. Numbers and timing chips will be available from Up & Running Ltd, Buck’s Road, Douglas next Friday between 10am and 5.30pm. Round two: February 27 (also Douglas). £6 entry (£30 for full series of six rounds). More details at www.manxharriers.com

Sunday, January 24 - Round four Microgaming-sponsored cross-country league, incorporating 2016 IoM Cross-Country Championships, QEII School, Peel (hosted by Western AC).

To list your event email sportsdesk@newsiom.co.im or phone 695654.

All households are being asked to confirm their details for the electoral register in an update which will help to keep the register accurate ahead of this year’s local authority and House of Keys elections.

The annual ‘canvass’ process is in line with the requirements of the Registration of Electors Act 2006. Registration forms are being delivered this week and must be returned by February 1.

Electoral registration officer Della Fletcher said: ‘An accurate electoral register is important for the integrity of the democratic process. Over time people change address and the register becomes increasingly unreliable. After a year has passed we do not know if people are still living at the address at which they are registered.

‘In the absence of a system to monitor the movements of all individual citizens, the only way to maintain an accurate register is to make the voter responsible for keeping their entry alive and up to date. That is why we have the annual canvass giving every household the opportunity to confirm details for the register and secure the right to vote.’

Registration forms have been sent to all households currently listed on the electoral register, and to ‘The Occupier’ at properties with no registered electors. Those who fail to respond will be contacted subsequently as the electoral registration officer is obliged to ensure that the information on the register is accurate. Therefore, it may be necessary to take steps to correct inaccuracies, which could result in a person’s removal from the register.

Mrs Fletcher said good progress had been made tidying up the electoral register to make it more reliable and accurate than it had been for several years.

But she added: ‘There is no doubt that the island’s electoral legislation is in need of modernisation, and a root and branch review has already been set in motion. This is a huge and complex issue, however, and a new system cannot be developed until after this year’s general election.’

April’s local authority elections are without doubt the most important for many years.

That’s the message from Chris Thomas MHK in a newsletter sent out by the Department of Infrastructure in which he urges candidates to stand and ratepayers to ensure they use their vote in the polls on April 28.

Mr Thomas points out that as more services are transferred on to local authorities from central government, the April elections are an ideal time for people to make a contribution in their local community and to try to influence decisions that will help to shape the future where they live.

The newsletter, entitled Looking Local, had been produced in response to the poor turn-out in recent local elections, which has been as low as 15 per cent in some areas, but also to the worrying number of uncontested elections.

Mr Thomas, who is political member in the DoI with responsibility for local authorities, writes: ‘How does that square with an aspiration to provide local services at local level, as surely local people know their own communities better than anyone else?

‘Uncontested elections and poor voter turn-out should be a thing of the past.’

Until recently there have been 24 town, district, village and parish authorities plus additional bodies for things like housing, waste management and regional swimming pools.

The largest, Douglas Borough Council, has gross expenditure of around £30m — half the total of all local authorities — and more than 200 employees, whereas several of the smaller parishes have expenditure under £100,000.

Proposals for a comprehensive reorganisation of local authorities have been around since at least the Second World War but have come to nothing.

Recently the focus has been on giving local authorities a bigger say in how their towns, villages and parishes are run.

Last year some highway maintenance functions were transferred such as hedge cutting, street sweeping, verge clearing and weed spraying.

With the number and extent of services increasing, the cost has risen to about £60m which is larger than the expenditure of several government departments.

In the east of the island, the old ‘sheading’ name of Garff is being re-used for a new local authority which merges the village and parishes of Laxey, Lonan and Maughold.

Mr Thomas writes: ‘The local authority elections on April 208 are without doubt the most important for many years.

‘This could be a defining moment in local government and will no doubt have an impact on the House of Keys election.

‘The range and scope of transformation already under way, combined with the potential for many more exciting initiatives, mean this is too good an opportunity to miss. Make sure you don’t.’

The regeneration scheme in Castletown should be completed on February 19.

The news will come as some relief to traders, who have suffered greatly since the scheme – involving repaving and closure of the square – began in the summer.

Owner of Callow’s Yard, Roy Tilleard, called on a joint effort to identify the way forward and promote the town with an advertising campaign.

Town commissioners’ chairman Alwyn Collister said the authority would happily support such an initiative. However he pointed out the town was already suffering because of disruption associated with Callow’s Yard.

He added alternative parking spaces had been identified to compensate for lost parking in the square. To help traders over the Christmas period the square was open for parking for two weeks which was ‘a great help’.

Traders island wide were suffering, he said. ‘It’s not only us that has a problem, you cannot force people to come in.’

The Paddy Power FA Cup is due to kick-off this Saturday.

Paddy Power FA Cup Preliminary round

1.15pm Rushen v St George’s

1.15pm Laxey v St Mary’s

1.15pm Pulrose P-P St John’s

1.15pm Douglas Royal v Marown

1.15pm Michael Utd v Onchan

1.15pm Gymns v Colby

1.15pm Braddan v RYCOB

1.15pm Douglas Athletic v Ramsey Switched to Ballacloan

1.15pm Douglas and District P-P DHSOB

1.15pm Corinthians v Peel

Canada Life Premier League

2pm Ayre Utd v Union Mills

JCK Division Two

2pm Malew v Castletown

Canada Life Combination One

2pm DHSOB v Ayre

2pm Marown v Ramsey

2pm RYCOB v Corinthians

2pm Union Mills v St John’s

2pm Peel P-P St George’s

2pm St Mary’s P-P Rushen Utd

JCK Combination Two

2pm Foxdale v Gymns

2pm Onchan v Douglas Royal

2pm Castletown v Colby

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

Sunday, January 10

Appleby 16-18 League

10.30am Corinthians v Onchan

10.30am Union Mills v Colby

10.30am Peel P-P Laxey

Regency Travel Women’s Floodlit Cup

2.10pm Peel v Douglas Royal @ Ramsey GS

3.40pm Gymns v Colby @ Ramsey GS

Thursday, January 7

• 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, January 8

• 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, January 9

• 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, January 10

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

Monday, January 11

• 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, January 12

• 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, January 13

• 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

• Star Wars: The Force Awakens, 3D, (12A). Nightly at 7pm. 2D, Saturday and Sunday at 3.45pm.

• The Hateful Eight, (18). Nightly at 7.30pm. Saturday and Sunday at 2.30pm.

• The Good Dinosaur, (PG). Saturday and Sunday at 1.30pm.

Broadway Cinema

• Daddy’s Home, (12A). Friday at 7.30pm, Saturday and Sunday, 4.30pm and 7.30pm, Monday and Tuesday, 7.30pm, Wednesday 2pm and 7.30pm.

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

Thursday, January 7

• 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.

• 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, January 8

• 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.

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

Saturday, January 9

• 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 B and T, Ramsey, 10am-3pm.

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

Sunday, January 10

• Car boot sale, Morton Hall, Castletown, 2pm. Call 673320/481532.

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

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

Monday, January 11

• 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.

Tuesday, January 12

• 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.

• The Isle of Man Astronomical Society invite you to a night under the stars, Onchan Park, 7pm-9pm (weather permitting). Also Wednesday and Thursday.

Wednesday, January 13

• 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, January 7

• 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.

Monday, January 11

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

• Possan Aeglagh Manx speaking Youth Club School Year 6 upwards at Cafe Laare, Lord Street, Douglas, 6.30pm, subs £1. Call Cathy Clucas 414331 or email C.Clucas@doe.sch.im

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

Tuesday, January 12

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

• Manx Retirement Association, southern coffee morning at the Cherry Orchard Hotel, Port Erin at 10.30am. Whist afternoon at the Cat with No Tail, Douglas at 2pm.

• 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.

• Michael WI, Kirk Michael Church hall, 7.30pm. Call 818194.

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

• Ballacottier Senior Youth Project for school years 10+, Ballacottier School youth room, 7.30pm-9.30pm.

• The Isle of Man Amateur Radio Society, Sea Cadet hall, Tromode, 8.30pm-9.30pm.

Wednesday, January 13

• 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.

• Ballabeg WI, Methodist Sunday School, Ballabeg, 7.30pm. Call 818194.

• Castletown WI, Methodist hall, Arbory Street, Castletown, 7.30pm. Call 818194.

Thursday, January 7

• 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, January 8

• 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, January 9

• 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, January 10

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

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

Monday, January 11

• 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, January 12

• Early Morning Boot Camp, 6.15am. Also Wednesday and Friday. Evening Boot Camp, 6pm, Tuesday and Thursday, and 9am Saturday. Also kettlebells, 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, January 13

• 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, January 7

• 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, January 8

• Little Miss Dynamite at the Union, Castletown.

• Brown Sugar at the Rosemount, Douglas.

• Shoh Slaynt at the Tynwald Inn, St John’s.

• Ian Thompson Trio at Jaks, Douglas.

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

• Karaoke at the Albert, Douglas, 9pm.

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

Saturday, January 9

• Little Miss Dynamite at the Rosemount, Douglas.

• Brown Sugar at the Manx Legion, Douglas.

• Power Cut at Jaks, Douglas.

• Ian Thompson at the Haven, Port Erin.

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

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

• Karaoke at the Central Hotel, Ramsey.

Sunday, January 10

• Ian Thompson at the Tynwald Inn, St John’s, 5.30pm-8.30pm.

• Ray Sloane Karaoke at Jaks, Douglas.

• One Wo/Man One Guitar, featuring Derek Oates and Tony Archibald at the Horse and Plough, Isle of Man Business Park, Douglas, 8pm.

• Karaoke at the British, Douglas.

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

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

Tuesday, January 12

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

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

Wednesday, January 13

• Karaoke at the British, Douglas.

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

Thursday, January 7

• 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.

• 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

• The Children’s Centre Parent Support Group, informal chat with family support workers at Woodbourne Road, Douglas, 7pm-9pm.

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

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

Friday, January 8

• 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, January 9

• 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.

Sunday,

• Ollies - fun for children up to 11, St Olave’s Church hall, Ramsey, 9.45am -10.45am.

• Sunday School, Sulby Methodist Church, 10.30am.

• Rock Sunday Club for children at Colby Methodist Chapel, 10.30am - 11.30am.

• Task and DFC children’s club, Abbey Church, Ballasalla, 10.45am.

Monday, January 11

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

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

• Kittens tots and carers group, St Ninian’s Church, Douglas, 10.30am. £1 per family. Call 629683.

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

• Roll’n’Play for pre-schoolers, Philip Christian Centre, Peel, 10.30am.

• Story Time at Castletown Library, 1.30pm and 2.15pm.

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

• Peel Toddler Group, Corrin Hall, Peel, 1.30pm.

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

• Onchan Rainbows, 5.30pm. Also 1st Onchan Brownies, 6.30pm.

• Brownies, Corrin Hall, Peel, 6.30pm.

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

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

Tuesday, January 12

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

• Parents and tots group, Cronk-y-Berry School, side entrance, 9.30am. Admission £1. Call 469756. Also Thursday, 1.30pm.

• 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, January 13

• 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.

• Busy Bees parents and tots, Beehive Kindergarten, Onchan, 1.30pm. Also Thursday. Call 674655.

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

• Ballaquayle Bears Toddler Group, Ballaquayle School hall, Douglas, 1.45pm-3pm.

• Foxdale Parents and Tots Club at Foxdale School,2pm-3.15pm. Craft fun play and refreshments. Call Ann Naisbitt 801946 or email annnaisbitt@hotmail.com

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

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

Charlotte Faragher is proof that funeral directors are no longer the preserve of a previously male-dominated profession.

The 22-year-old is the third generation of funeral directors within her family.

She works alongside her father Ken Faragher who in turn took over from his father Eric Faragher.

She has just scooped the National Association of Funeral Directors Diploma in Funeral Arranging and Administration and firmly sees her career future with Eric Faragher Ltd.

Speaking from the business based in Main Road, Onchan, Charlotte said she felt very proud to have achieved the qualification.

Charlotte told Business News that the business generally used to be ‘predominantly a male profession in the past but things are definitely changing.’

And her father Ken backed this point up by pointing out that when he went to see Charlotte pick up her diploma in Birmingham there were many other women there.

He said that the profession generally may have been ‘slow to accept change’ in the past but this was not the case now.

Mr Faragher, 58, said he was impressed with her work saying she has a ‘natural affinity and ability’ to work closely with families while handling sensitive funeral arrangements.

Charlotte first went to Onchan school and then Ballakermeen High School. She started a course at Newcastle Business School, Northumbria University but left to start a job at Skandia in the island.

But she eventually left there before starting to work part time at Eric Faragher Ltd. She also fitted this in with her studies to become a funeral director and attended monthly visits to Liverpool as part of her intensive studies.

She now sees this as her true vocation and her father is delighted.

She said: ‘To be honest I get a lot of job satisfaction from my job and I fully intend to carry on with my career here.’

She told Business News that the very nature of being a funeral director means there is a lot more involved in the job than just reading books and studying.

‘In this profession you cannot have any preconceived ideas, no two families are the same. You have to do a lot of thinking on your feet.’

Mr Faragher said he was very proud of Charlotte who has an elder sister Sam who teaches at Ashley Hill School.

His late father founded the business in 1949.

Charlotte spoke to Business News shortly before embarking on a six month holiday of a lifetime backpacking around the world with her partner Oliver Creasey.

But when she returns to work, during TT fortnight, she will resume her career.

Indeed her father said Charlotte was ‘ultimately the future of the company’ although he stressed he definitely has no plans to step down just now.

The business also has several full and part time staff and Mr Faragher estimated that since 1949 the company had dealt with more than 10,000 funerals.