My life or death struggle to survive the rigours of everyday life in the early years of the 21st century continues...

When I get into trouble with my computer Catherine Nichol, producer of my History Man programmes on Manx Radio, is always on hand to help me. She is known in Broadcasting House as my computer bitch.

She was the obvious person for me to ask what an app is and she extracted the following from her own computer: ‘The word app is a noun and it’s short for application. Application in this case refers to a software application – in other words an app is a software program (sic). But an app is not just any old software program.

‘It typically refers to software used on a smartphone or other mobile device such as an Android, iPhone, Blackberry.’

At this point I had had enough of apps.

What I needed was an app to help me understand the explanation. This means I am not an apparatchik even though I can tell people who it was that invented apps.

They were the Romans and they lived down the road known as The Appian Way.

GEORGE Hobbs of Loaghtan Books at Maughold was in Laxey last week and saw this in the window of the Shore Hotel, which had a hard time in the floods, and it demonstrates an indestructible sense of humour.

All I can say is: ‘Bottoms up.’

AVRIL Firth tells me she saw the following news item on MTTV: ‘Phil Gawne explains the thinking behind the three different plans for the replacement bride that is to be built in Lower Laxey before TT fortnight.’

Clearly she will replace: ‘The Battered Bride.’

THIS week’s crossword clue has come in from Barbara Taylor.

It was in the ‘Telegraph Toughie as follows: ‘Competitor chased in races by opponents (7).’

When icy conditions hit the Snaefell Mountain Road last week Manx Radio news reported the police saying there had been a ‘one-vehicle collision.’

A case of carless driving.

I WAS visiting my son and his family in London just before Christmas and I left a message on my computer saying I would be out of office until Monday, December 21 and would get in touch after that. But when I got back to my office I forgot to remove the message and Hugh Bethune emailed to say: ‘I hope you remember to in 11 months time.’

It is seemly that I should confess to little aberrations and errors like this which, fortunately for me, lots of other people do.

ANDREW Kerr-Phillips says while lunching at the Station Hotel in Port Erin he found that the label on a bottle of ginger ale was advising him to ‘upend’ it before pouring.

Otherwise I suppose he would have ended up looking foolish.

CROSSWORD: Entrant

FUNNIES File: The Manx Independent said a new branch of Lloyd’s Bank would incorporate an ‘ex-patriot’ unit.

SILLY Signs: In a safari park: ‘Elephants, please stay in your car.’

Don’t forget whatever you do.

Mike Phillips has been promoted to become the new boss at telecommunications company Sure.

He has more than 20 years’ experience in both the IT and telecommunication sectors. He joined Sure as head of fixed and data services in 2009 and was promoted to chief operating officer in July 2014.

There will be more on his appointment in Tuesday’s Isle of Man Examiner.

SOS Investments Limited, of Unit F, Snugborough Trading Estate, Union Mills, bought a parcel of land abutting Church View, Braddan, for £600,000.

It was bought from David Mark Cannell and Amanda Jane Cannell, both of 4 Church View, Braddan.

Other recent transactions lodged at the General Registry in Douglas are as follows:

Jennifer Claire Bailey, of Trelja, Heathfield Drive, Peel, sold 9 Raad-ny-Gabbil, Castletown, for £335,000, to Maureen Oddie, of Buckinghamshire.

Streetz Limited, whose registered office is situated at Ground Floor, East Suite, Exchange House, Athol Street, Douglas, sold 89 Royal Avenue, Onchan, for £260,000, to Darren William Gibbons and Charlotte Louise Davies, both of 21 Imperial Court, Castle Hill, Douglas.

Grovebrook International Limited, whose registered office is situated at Top Floor, 14 Athol Street, Douglas, sold 64 Bucks Road, Douglas, for £240,000, to Cartworlds Limited, whose registered office is situated at 26 Windsor Road, Douglas.

Clive Hesketh, of 2 Slegaby Cottages, Ballacottier Road, Onchan, sold 7 Falcon Cliff Court, Douglas, for £212,500, to Christopher Jack Flood and Lani Kate Pollie, both of 3 Ivydene Avenue, Birch Hill, Onchan.

Ruth Doris Howard Quirk, of Squeen Farm Bungalow, Ballacrye Road, Ballaugh, sold Rose Cottage, Killane, Ballaugh, Jurby, for £210,000, to Aaron Christopher Bradley and Beverley Crochard, of 28 Castlemona Avenue, Douglas.

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

Police have met staff at the Sea Terminal in Douglas after reports of young people being involved in anti-social behaviour.

A spokeman said: ‘If it does not improve possible options are bans from the area, stopping young people using the area at certain times and stopping the wifi.

‘This is highly possible and would affect more people than the small number involved.’

Lib Van MHK Peter Karran came under fire in Tynwald this week after calling the President ‘love’.

It prompted one member to accuse him of being sexist.

But President Clare Christian took it all in her stride.

She said: ‘I would invite the member for Onchan to address the Chair more appropriately.’

The exchange came during question time when Mr Karran asked about the tax implications of crowd funding.

Mark Cavendish will hopefully make his debut for Team Dimension Data in Australia next week.

The Manx Missile joined the African team for 2016 after three seasons with Etixx Quick-Step and is due to head Down Under where he will compete in the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race.

The 30-year-old has so far been concentrating his early-season efforts on the track as he bids to secure a place in Great Britain’s team for this year’s Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

He narrowly missed out on a podium place at the third and final round of the UCI Track World Cup in Hong Kong at the weekend when he competed on the track at world cup level for the first time since 2009.

Cav was part of the GB team which successfully negotiated their way through the qualifying rounds of the team pursuit, although there was drama when team-mate Kian Emadi crashed out.

The team then went on to claim bronze, although Cav was not part of the final foursome.

Instead, the Manxman concentrated his efforts on the omnium - which he is hoping to ride in Rio - and he eventually finished an impressive fourth, only narrowly missing out on a podium place.

Despite not medalling, Cav was pleased with his performance: ‘I’m really pleased, personally. I did better than I thought I was going to do. I’d have been happy with a top ten here so to get fourth…

‘It’s been a great group atmosphere - we’ve won the weekend, won the world cup overall so it’s nice to be a part of that.’

Attention now turns to the road and the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race.

The event is still in its infancy - 2016 will be its second edition - but it already has previous Manx interest, with Peter Kennaugh finishing in ninth place during last year’s inaugural edition.

The race will take place on January 31 over 174 kilometres around the port city of Geelong on the southeast coast of Australia.

Speaking about his Team Dimension Data debut, Cav commented: ‘I am looking forward to starting the 2016 season in Victoria and racing for the first time with Team Dimension Data at the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race.

‘I’ve heard great things about the challenging race course and I’m especially excited to visit Geelong again – last time I was there was for the 2010 UCI Road World Championships.’

Cav is not the only Manxman in action in Australia at the moment, with Kennaugh currently competing in the Tour Down Under for Team Sky alongside Onchan resident Ben Swift.

Tuesday’s opening stage from Prospect to Lyndoch resulted in a bunch sprint which was won by Caleb Ewan, with Swift claiming a fine seventh place.

The second stage, a 132km route from Unley to Stirling saw Kennaugh in the thick of the action late on as he launched an attack heading into the final kilometre of the race.

However, a late crash scuppered several Team Sky riders, although Sergio Henao was still able to claim eighth place.

Kennaugh crossed the line safely in 34th place on the same time which leaves the Manxman well positioned in 35th overall with the key climbing stages still to come.

Optimus Pension Administrators Limited (OPAL) are pleased to invite Martin Hall on to the board.

Martin, who has been with Optimus since 2007 had focused on the fiduciary side of the business until 2013 where he took a prominent role in establishing the pension business.

‘Martin is a great addition to the board of OPAL’ said Mark Schofield, director of Optimus.

‘He has demonstrated his leadership qualities, desire to succeed and strategic planning throughout the creation of our pension business’.

Martin is a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners and commenced his career in 1993 with the Isle of Man Company Registry before moving into the private sector.

He now leads an ever growing team who administer a range of pension schemes including QROPS, QNUPS, SIPPs and international pensions.

‘The way our business has grown over the past 12 months has been significant’ said Martin.

‘With over 20 staff just on the pension side of the business, it is an exciting time to be part of Optimus.

‘I am looking forward to progressing new avenues this year which is enabling us to develop business across the Middle East and Africa.’

Optimus Pension Administrators Limited offer a wide range of ‘solutions’ to meet specific needs, from a one stop shop ‘solution’ through to open architecture fully flexible offerings.

Proposed new powers making it easier for the council to deal with dilapidated properties have been welcomed by the chairman of the committee responsible for unsightly buildings.

Councillor Ritchie McNicholl, speaking at the most recent meeting of Douglas Borough Council, said proposals being considered by Tynwald would give the council greater power to address problems and encourage property owners to co-operate without having to take repeated court action.

‘One advantage is it would give us the power to issue a daily penalty. It would be a big advantage because sometimes people take a long time before they actually take any action to improve their property,’ Councillor McNicholl said.

Councillor McNicholl reported several properties which had been a source of concern in Douglas were making progress.

Braddan Lodge on Quarterbridge Road has been the subject of several notices issued by the council and has also been at the centre of court action. Building work which was started without planning permission was left incomplete for a long period despite attempts by the council to have the situation resolved.

‘The court has now ruled in the council’s favour and an appeal by the property owner was not upheld,’ he said.

‘He now has to do something with it.’

Other properties currently targeted by the council include one in Derby Square which requires tidying up. Councillor McNicholl said a notice had been issued to the owner. He said a request had also been made for the boundary wall of the old Park Road School site to be painted. The site was subject to a proposal to build a sheltered housing complex but is currently being used by builders to store materials and machinery for the nearby Salisbury Street development where a carehome is being built.

The council is also requesting suitable fencing be used to screen a site on South Quay as well as an empty plot on Peel Road near to the Brown Bobby fuel station.

Councillor McNicholl said that he hoped the site of the former Athol Hotel opposite the post office building on Regent Street would soon be improved and that he believed work was to be completed soon to render the gable end of the remaining building on the site.

Dispelling some common myths about foster care will be the main focus of a drop-in session organised by Fostering First next week.

The session is on Monday, January 25, from 5pm to 7pm at Bourne House, 97 Woodbourne Road, Douglas, and anyone interested in fostering is welcome to attend without an appointment.

Anita Traynor, of Fostering First, says that many individuals or couples who could make great foster carers are sometimes deterred by myths about eligibility.

She said: ‘It’s quite common to hear people say that they are too old or too young to be a foster carer, or that they can’t foster because they don’t own their own home, or because of a host of other reasons.

‘The fact is that fostering is open to people from a wide variety of backgrounds.

‘For example, carers must be over 21 but there is no upper age limit – and it doesn’t matter to us whether a carer owns their own home or is a tenant in rented accommodation.

‘What we do need to know is that they can provide a safe and stable environment for a child.

‘Some potential foster carers think that they simply can’t afford the extra expense of caring for a child or children – but they may not be aware that we provide financial remuneration to cover these expenses, and a fee for the foster carer.

‘Dispelling myths about fostering will be the main theme of the drop-in session. It’s all very informal and we welcome anyone who has an interest in caring for children – and many people who attend thinking that there might be a barrier to them becoming a foster carer could find out that there’s no reason why they can’t provide a loving home for a child who has had a tough start in life. ‘

Fostering First has a ‘Mythbusters’ leaflet which will be available at the drop-in session – it includes a range of details about eligibility criteria for carers.

Leaflets are also available detailing the comprehensive range of support which Fostering First providers for carers during their training and right through their careers as foster carers.

Some carers already have children of their own, and some don’t – but in either scenario what matters most is that they are caring and understanding, and possess the ability and desire to develop the skills needed to help a child develop and reach their full potential.

Marital status is not a barrier to becoming a foster carer – it does not matter whether carers are single, married, divorced or co-habiting.

Sexual orientation and gender identity has no bearing on a person’s ability to provide a loving home for a child, so it’s not a barrier to becoming a foster carer.

Some potential foster carers believe that they won’t be allowed to foster a child from a different ethnic or religious background. That too is a myth.

Fostering First’s aim is to find loving foster families for every child in need of a happy future, even if there is not a perfect match.

Ethnicity and religious beliefs are relevant, however, and a foster carer must have an understanding of the challenges which could arise from fostering a child from a different background. Being disabled does not automatically exclude anyone from becoming a foster carer.

Disability is only one of the many issues that will be considered during the assessment process to determine anyone’s suitability as a foster carer.

To find out more about fostering just attend the drop-in session, phone 631947, or email fosteringfirst@thechildrenscentre.org.im

You can also find more information at {http://www.thechildrenscentre.org.im/|this site

Palace Cinema

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

• The Danish Girl, (15). Nightly at 7.30pm.

• The Good Dinosaur, Saturday and Sunday at 2.30pm.

Broadway Cinema

• Creed, (12A). Friday at 7.30pm, Saturday at 4.30pm and 7.30pm, Sunday-Tuesday at 7.30pm, Wednesday at 2pm and 7.30pm.

• Daddy’s Home, (12A). Saturday at 2pm and Sunday at 12.30pm.

• Snoopy and Charlie Brown: The Peanuts Movie, 2D, Saturday at 11.30am.

• Live/recorded event. Bolshoi Ballet: The Taming of the Shrew at 3pm.

Dalby Schoolrooms

• Strictly Ballroom, (PG). Tuesday at 2.30pm.

Thursday, January 21

• 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, Yoga 11am-12.15pm, £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.

• Meditation: The Practice of Stillness and Silence, Dalby Schoolrooms, 7.30pm-9pm. Call Cheryl on 843471.

• 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 22

• 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.

• Sulby and Lezayre Heritage Trust meeting. Professor Edwards Forbes (1815-1854), ‘The man who should not be forgotten’, talk by Paul Wetherall about this 19th century marine biologist and naturalist, Sulby Community hall, Clenagh Road, Sulby, 7.30pm. Everyone welcome.

• St John’s School PTA quiz night in the school hall, 7.30pm. Tickets £3/person. Bring your own drinks and refreshments. Over 18s only. Call 801282.

Saturday, January 23

• Jon Joughin, MHK for East Douglas is holding a surgery at Loch Prom church from 9.30am to 2pm. He will also have the electoral roll with him. Contact 413546. Email jon.joughin@gov.im

• 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.

• Sulby Methodist Church coffee morning at Ramsey Town Hall from 10am. Raffle, instant prize stall, cakes and savouries and a ‘Leap Year Link Word’ quiz, £1. Proceeds to church funds.

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

• IoM Antiquarian and Natural History Society lecture. ‘Stained glass in the Isle of Man’, by Dr Patricia Tutt, Manx Museum lecture theatre, 2.30pm.

• Messy Church, Dalby Schoolrooms, 3.30pm-5.30pm. Crafts and messy things for dads, mums, kids and grannies, storytime and food time. For more information call Pauline, 843494.

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

• Onchan Methodist Church annual Burns Night, 7.30pm in the church hall. Tickets £8 adults and £5 children, call Gordon Wilson, 490804.

Sunday, January 24

• Indoor car boot sale, St Paul’s Hall, Ramsey, noon-2.30pm. Call Margaret 816608. Donations to St Paul’s Tower Fund.

• 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 25

• 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 26

• 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.

Wednesday, January 27

• Dalby Ducklings: Mums, tots, grannies, dads and toddlers, Dalby Schoolrooms, 10am-11.30am.

• 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.

• Art Reached, Isle Gallery, Tynwald Mills, 2pm. Exhibition runs until January 31.

• Unseen Faces, Tom Kowalski, an exhibition of photography. Sayle Gallery. Until 31.

• Abstract - Fine Art Painting by Andrew Mackellar, Sir James Mellon Gallery, Erin Arts Centre, Port Erin. Until February 29.

Thursday, January 21

• 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.

• Advanced Ballet/pointe work for ages 12-18years, 5pm at Youth Arts Centre, Douglas. TAP MOB for ages 8-18 years 6pm-7.30pm at Youth Arts Centre, Douglas. Also Saturday: Ballet and Tap for ages 3-7, various sessions. Irish and Modern for ages 4-12, various sessions. Theatre Club 1-4pm. Trinity Church hall, Douglas. Monday: Intermediate Ballet and Tap for ages 12 upwards 5-6.30pm. Tap Dance for Adults 6.30-7.15pm. Tuesday: Ballet and Tap for ages 5-10 years, various sessions. Irish for Adults 6.15pm. Wednesday: Modern Jazz for ages 10-15 years 4pm; Ballet and Tap for ages 10-15 years 4.45pm-6.15pm. Contemporary Dance for ages 8-18 years 7.30-9pm Youth Arts Centre, Douglas. Contact Susannah Maybury 431380 or theatrix@manx.net for further details.

• 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 22

• 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 23

• 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.

• 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 24

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

Monday, January 25

• 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 26

• 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 27

• 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.

Thursday, January 21

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

• Manx Retirement Association, stretch and flex at Onchan Methodist hall at 10am. Tuesday, Douglas/Onchan coffee morning at the Cat with No Tail, Douglas at 10.30am. Friday, monthly walk meeting at the north end of Peel Promenade near the old swimming pool at 1.30pm.

• Northern Ladies Luncheon Club, (gentlemen guests welcome) Jude Dicken, curator of History in Heels 2015 (Manx National Heritage, ‘From Civil War Countess to the fastest woman round the TT, Ramsey Golf Club, 12.15pm for 12.45pm. Call Mrs Sheila Williams, 897728.

• 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.

Monday, January 25

• 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.

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

Tuesday, January 26

• 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.

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

Wednesday, January 27

• 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, January 21

• Keep Fit, Colby Football Club, 10am, £5, suitable for beginners/over 50s. Also, kettlecardio 6.30pm, £5. A mix between kettlebells/cardio and toning. All levels welcome. Saturday, kettlecardio, Colby Football Club, 10am, £5. A mix between Kettlebells/Cardio and Toning. All levels welcome. Wednesday, aerobics, Ballabeg Hall, 6pm £5 per class. Call 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; 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.

• 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.

• Step into Sport, reception-Year 3, fun athletics, 4pm-5pm, £1. Friday, fun badminton, 4pm-5pm, £1. Monday, fun cricket, 4pm-4.50pm, £1. Tuesday, fun tag rugby, 4pm-5pm, £1. Wednesday, fun hockey, 4pm-5pm, £1. All at St Ninian’s Upper School sports hall.

• Thursday, multi-sport, 4.15pm-5pm, 4-18 years, £1, St Ninian’s Upper School Gym. Friday, gym session 4pm-5-pm, year 10 and 11, £2, NSC Fitness Zone. Also, multi-sport, 4.15pm-5pm, 4-18 years, £1, Rhumsaa (Ree Goree) Sport Hall. Monday, football, 4.15pm-5.30pm, 4-18 years, £1, Glencrutchery gym. Also, gym session, 4pm-5pm, year 10 and 11, £2, NSC fitness zone. Tuesday, ‘no strings’ badminton, 5pm-6pm, 8 years plus, £1, St Ninian’s Upper School Sports Hall. Wednesdays, gym session, 4pm-5pm, year 10 and 11, £2, NSC fitness zone.

• 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 22

• RUN IOM - Begin to Run - Just for fun! Running group for all abilities with UKA qualified coach. Meet TT Grandstand Noble’s Park 12.10pm-12.45pm. Check Facebook page for details or email 4t8@manx.net

Also, Monday. Meet Douglas Seafront Jubilee Kiosk 12.10pm-12.45pm. Check Facebook page for details or email 4t8@manx.net

• 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 23

• 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.

Sunday, January 24

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

Monday, January 25

• 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 26

• 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.

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

• 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 27

• 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.

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

• MYG junior cricket training at Ashley Hill School, 6pm-7pm for u9s and 7pm-9pm for u11s.

• 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 21

• 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 22

• Karaoke FM at the Union, Castletown.

• Brown Sugar at the Sidings, Castletown.

• 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.

• Kiaull as Gaelg at the Albert, Port St Mary, 9pm. LAST FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH.

• Open Mic Night at Café Laare, Douglas, 7pm-9.30pm. LAST FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH

Saturday, January 23

• Karaoke FM at the Commercial, Ramsey.

• Ian Thompson at the Station, Port St Mary.

• Symbollix at Jaks, Douglas.

• Brown Sugar at the Railway, Douglas.

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

• Manx Youth Band and Manx Concert Brass present, Movie Magic, Villa Marina Royal Hall, 7pm, £10, children £2.50.

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

• Karaoke at the Central Hotel, Ramsey.

Sunday, January 24

• One Wo/Man One Guitar at The Mitre, Ramsey featuring Susan Coyle and Eddie Rough, 8pm.

• Ray Sloane Karaoke at Jaks, Douglas.

• Joshua T Whalebone’s Live Music Revival, featuring Stax of Sax and support with Peter Dunn at Nexus, Douglas from 5pm.

• 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 26

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

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

Wednesday, January 27

• Karaoke at the British, Douglas.

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

Thursday, January 21

• 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.

• Family Library: Teddy time, 2pm-2.45pm, £2. Also, Friday, storybox, 10.30am followed by craft at 11am, £1. Jolly music, 4.15pm-4.45pm. Saturday, sticky fingers, 10.30am-noon. Tuesday, number fun, 4pm-4.30pm, £2.

• 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, January 22

• 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 23

• 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, January 24

• 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 25

• 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 26

• 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 27

• 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.

Marown Commissioners are reducing the parish rates for the forthcoming financial year 2016/17 from 155p in the pound to 150p in the pound.

Chairman of the commissioners, Alison Lynch, said: ‘Despite taking on responsibilities for street cleaning, gulley emptying and maintaining hedges, we are confident that we have, with careful management of finances, upheld the services of the parish in the interests of all who reside therein, without additional costs to the parishioners.

‘Representatives from local authorities across the island have also recently worked with the government regarding charges incurred from the energy from waste plant and can take the credit for stopping an extra £3 million being put on to island-wide rates.’

Ramsey’s rates for 2016/17 have been held at £348 in the pound for the fourth consecutive year.

Making the announcement at the monthly commissioners meeting, lead member for finance Lawrie Hooper thanked town hall staff for their hard work in making it possible to peg the rates at the same level as previous years.

A detailed report on the revenue estimates will be presented at the February board meeting.

The inquest into the death of artist Simon Buttimore will be opened tomorrow.

Mr Buttimore, who lived in Sulby, died after he was involved in a motorcycle accident on the Everlasting Bends on the Laxey to Dhoon coast road on Friday night.

Since then many tributes have been paid to him.

{http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/tributes-paid-to-talented-artist-1-7682282|Click here to read one of our stories}.

In today’s Manx Independent, his family appeal for help in producing a showcase of his work.

They want to collect his artworks for the event.

Meanwhile, Damian Ciappelli, the chairman of the Sayle Gallery, has announced that there are plans to establish an annual lecture on an art-related topic to be held in Mr Buttimore’s memory.