It was no surprise to learn recently that 2015 was the hottest year on record – ever, bar none.

But it cracked the previous hottest-year record (set in 2014) by quite a stretch.

The figures were compiled by NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). These two bodies performed their measurements and calculations independently of one another, so as to ensure there was a measure of validation (or challenge) to one another’s results, but came to strikingly similar conclusions.

The margin by which 2015’s average global temperature outstripped 2014’s was significant – and there was evidence of other, local climate anomalies around the world too, say the agencies. On average, the 2015 temperature record exceeded that of 2014 by a whole 10th of a degree Celsius (or not far off of 1/5th of a degree Fahrenheit). That’s unusual in itself – new records tend to be broken by just a couple of hundredths of a degree. The pace of change is hotting up (pun intended). Indeed, the 2014 record exceeded the average for all of the 20th century by an average temperature 0.78C higher (1.4F). And now, the 2015 record has been reset by an even bigger margin, 0.9C (1.62F).

On a month-by-month basis records broke, too – the two agencies announced that 10 of the 12 months also broke or tied with existing global heat records, too.

Does this just sound like the same’ol-same’ol? Do you feel you’ve heard this news lots of times before? That’s because you have. In the past 15 years, temperature records, regional and global, have fallen like ninepins. All the world’s hottest years on record have happened since 1997, making for a clear trend. Our planet is warming, and it’s no distant threat. It’s right now.

So much for figures. The effects are also being seen, starkly in many places. Extreme weather events are on the rise, changing patterns of agriculture, disease (human and other), flood-prone areas, and other impacts are making themselves felt. Perhaps they won’t all be bad – it’s true to say that some crops can now be successfully grown in colder climates such as Canada’s, which weren’t viable before. But the IPCC, the UN’s climate science panel, warned in its latest report that climate change is already cutting into food production, causing dramatic rises in prices.

‘All aspects of food security are potentially affected by climate change,’ the report says, going on to confirm that this extends to marine food systems as well as land-based ones.

So it’s good to know our government is working on action plans to help the island remain resilient as we enter this time of rapid change, supporting 2015’s commitment to cutting greenhouse gases. Let’s wish them – and us – luck!

James Longden Rydeard, of Apartment 81, Spectrum Apartments, Douglas, bought Dorville, 78 King Edward Road, Onchan, for £595,000.

It was bought from Patrick Miller.

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

Patricia Margaret Beaney, of Whitstable, Kent, and Elaine Lane, of Warwick, sold 2 Ballaughton Manor Hill, Douglas, for £288,000 to Beverley Jane Dentith, of 44 Meadow Crescent, Saddlestone, Douglas.

James Donald McDonald, of Ballaquane Farm Cottage, Andreas, sold Ballaquane, Andreas, for £250,000 to Fraser William McQueen and Marsha Ann McQueen, of Close Vark Cottage, Kerroo Garroo Road, Regaby.

Steven Woods and Siobhan Danielle Cain, sold 24 Ashbourne Avenue, Douglas, for £205,000, to Pauline Anne Pescodd, of 56 St Catherine’s Drive, Douglas.

William Crebbin Costain, by trustees, William John Howarth Corlett, of Close Jairg, Old Church Road, Crosby, as trustee, Jane Mylchreest, as trustee, of Glentraugh, Main Road, Colby, Matthew Herschell Crebbin Costain, of Ballachrink Farm, Colby, Richard Christian Taggart Costain, of Liverpool, Juan William James Costain, of 30 Eskdale Road, Onchan, Jennifer Eileen Costain, care of 33/37 Athol Street, Douglas, sold parcels of land abutting Glen Road, Colby, for £150,000 to Daphne Main, of Bay View Cottage, Glen Road, Colby.

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

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

A family Danceathon scheduled to take place at the Villa Marina on Sunday afternoon has been postponed.

Parent2Parent, the charity organising the event, said it was being postponed due to reasons beyond its control and that a new date would be announced soon.

Anyone who has already bought a ticket will be contacted by the venue to arrange a refund.

The charity was set up in August last year by parents to help parents and teenagers dealing with anxiety, depression and various mental health issues.

They are fundraising to set up a crisis centre.

People in Braddan are to pay less is rates in the forthcoming financial year.

The rate is dropping rom 215p in the pound to 205p.

The commissioners made the decision this week.

Last year, rates were frozen in the parish {http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/rates-go-up-for-some-down-for-others-and-stay-the-same-for-many-1-7068557|as we reported here.}

But the fell in 2014-15 {http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/braddan-rates-to-fall-by-6p-in-the-pound-1-6401351|click here to read the story.}

And the year before {http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/braddan-rates-cut-1-5311840|Click here}

Douglas’s rates have been {http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/rates-in-the-capital-frozen-for-the-year-1-7699392|frozen,} at 402p in the pound, while Onchan’s rose by less than 1 per cent to 310p.

The commissioners said the move had been made possible through ‘sound financial management which also ensured they can continue to provide a high quality service to ratepayers’.

Among other things the ability to lower the rate has been assisted by income from a number of new properties, but also a reduction in administration costs.

Furthermore, the running costs for one of the authority’s largest expenditures, waste disposal and recycling, have not increased for next year and the chairman Andrew Jessopp stressed that with a greater participation in the kerbside recycling service there would be further opportunities to reduce the rate again in coming years.

Mr Jessopp said: ‘We have adopted a similar policy to last year in that we have only budgeted to spend what we collect, but I have to reiterate that if operating costs increase in the future - whether this is through imposed costs by outside agencies or internal decisions - this may be reflected by the rates having to increase again.’

He added: “While this reduction in the rate is not a response to counteract the increased sewerage tax it will lessen the blow for our ratepayers.’’We have been able to take over services transferred from Central

Government within budget allowance and would welcome further discussions on services from central government that we feel we are better placed to provide; although we will not take on additional responsibilities just for the sake of it. There will have to be a good reason why we should provide the service rather than central government.’

In addition to the general running of the Authority their budgeted projects for the forthcoming year are:

o An extension to the skate park at Grianagh Park

o Repainting lighting columns

o Repairs to the surface of their three playground areas

o Funding set aside for continuation of cycling strategy

o Improvements to pathways, greenways and roadways in partnership with the Department of Infrastructure

o Partnership arrangements with the DEFA for byelaw control within Millennium Oakwood, glens and plantations in the parish

The commissioners are still pressing on with their plans to build a community centre at Strang Corner Field, but any early costs will be met from their reserves. A planning application is to be submitted soon.

Mr Jessopp said that the commissioners would not be hosting a Parish Day this year, owing to the workload on their staff who will be preparing for the election.

However, he said the authority would still like some community events to be held around the parish during the year. Therefore, to help facilitate these events they are prepared to offer some financial support if any parishioners would like to organise something in their area.

The board also resolved to find ways of working more closely with its immediate neighbours, and fellow authorities in the new constituency of Middle - Santon and Marown - to see if there are any shared services and economies of scale from which they could all benefit.

There will be a longer story about rates in Douglas in Tuesday’s Isle of Man Examiner.

Tim Crookall will stay on as Education Minister despite his elevation to the Legislative Council.

Chief Minister Allan Bell told the House of Keys that it was his preference to choose MHKs as Ministers wherever possible.

Replying to a question from Lib Van leader Kate Beecroft (Douglas South), he said: ‘At the moment I can’t see any situation that needs rectifying. The current situation, while not ideal, in this particular instance an exception can be made.’

Mr Bell said Mr Crookall was doing an ‘excellent job’ and it was relatively close to a general election.

Arguably, Mr Crookall still had a public mandate, he claimed. Mrs Beecroft pointed out MHKs elevated to LegCo relinquish their public mandate and the people of Peel now had a new MHK, Ray Harmer.

Mr Bell said the Education Minister was not someone appointed from outside with no public mandate.

KPMG has appointed Jenny Trimble to the position of senior manager, audit.

It is a warm welcome back for Jenny who previously spent more than 10 years in management roles at the company prior to moving into the life assurance sector as a financial controller.

Jenny’s new responsibilities at KPMG will include managing a varied portfolio of audit and assurance clients, and steering them through the recent changes to UK financial reporting standards. She will also oversee staff training in the company’s Isle of Man and Gibraltar operations.

A graduate in Business Studies from Lancaster University, Jenny gained her chartered accountant qualifications in 2006. She is currently publicity officer for the Isle of Man Society of Chartered Accountants. In her spare time, Jenny is a marshal for the TT and Manx Grand Prix and enjoys travelling and regular home improvement work.

After 19 months away from audit, Jenny returns with a refreshed approach to providing professional services as well as useful experience gained from the client perspective. She is keen to develop the audit process at KPMG to ensure maximum added value with minimal disruption for the company’s clients.

‘I am looking forward to working again with previous clients as well as meeting new clients and staff members,’ says Jenny.

‘There is a great sense of achievement from providing a high quality service and meeting the challenges of managing a varied portfolio.

‘I am also passionate about developing the accountants of the future. The opportunity to help provide a structured training programme for our trainees alongside their professional ACA studies is enormously exciting.’

Mike Fayle, managing director of KPMG, said: ‘I am delighted to welcome Jenny back to KPMG.

‘We are proud of our reputation for nurturing talent and building strong teams where our people can grow both professionally and personally. It is particularly rewarding when we see someone with that high level of expertise and dedication return.

‘Jenny brings with her some invaluable external experience from the life assurance sector that will be very relevant to her new role. Her wider knowledge and skills will benefit her team and help them continue to develop the outstanding level of service we provide to our clients.’

The Steam Packet is warning that its services might be disrupted or cancelled because of forecast bad weather.

At risk are tonight’s sailing from Douglas to Heysham and the return early tomorrow morning.

To keep up with the latest directly from the Steam Packet {https://www.steam-packet.com/LatestSailings|click here}

Thursday, January 28

• 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 29

• AM Frequency at Jaks, Douglas.

• Ian Thompson at the Commercial, Ramsey.

• Brown Sugar at the Union, Castletown.

• Mraane ayns Arrane - The Isle of Man WI Choir in concert at Glen Maye Chapel and Community Centre. Tickets £5 including refreshments. Call Julia, 840801.

• Karaoke FM at the Queen’s, Douglas.

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

• Karaoke at the Albert, Douglas, 9pm.

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

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

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

Saturday, January 30

• Little Miss Dynamite at the Commercial, Ramsey.

• Skeet at the Mitre, Ramsey.

• Ian Thompson at the Rosemount, Douglas.

• Karaoke FM at the Pinewood, Pulrose.

• Jarrod Dickenson, The Institute, Laxey.

• Brown Sugar at the Manx Legion, Douglas.

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

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

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

• Karaoke at the Central Hotel, Ramsey.

Sunday, January 31

• One Wo/Man One Guitar acoustic singaround at the Mitre, Kirk Michael, 8pm.

• Ray Sloane Karaoke at Jaks, Douglas.

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

• 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, February 2

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

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

Wednesday, February 3

• Karaoke at the British, Douglas.

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

Thursday, January 28

• 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. Friday, storybox at 10.30am followed by craft, £1. Saturday, science and craft, 10.30am-noon, 7 ears plus, also, animation taster session, 1.30pm-3pm, 7 years plus. Tuesday, letter patterns, 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 29

• 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 30

• 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 31

• 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, February 1

• 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, February 2

• 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, February 3

• 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.

Thursday, January 28

• 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, February 1

• Isle of Man Ladies’ Luncheon Club, Palace Hotel at 1pm. Speaker Dr Jeremy Paul ‘Travels of a Wildlife Artist’.

• 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, February 2

• 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, February 3

• 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.

• The Isle of Man Literary Society meeting at Archibald Knox, Onchan, 7.15pm. The Deputy Clerk of Tynwald Jonathan King will give a talk called ‘Campaigning in poetry and governing in prose:rhyme and reason in the world’s oldest parliament’. Membership £10, guests, £2.

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

Thursday, January 28

• 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 29

• 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 30

• 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 31

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

Monday, February 1

• 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, February 2

• 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, February 3

• 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 28

• Walk and talk sessions: The Promenade, Peel, 10am-11.30am. Friday, NSC, Douglas, 9.30am-11.30am. Monday, Pulsom Park, Castletown, 10am-noon, NSC, Douglas, 5.30pm-7.30pm. Tuesday, NSC, Douglas, 9.30am-11.30am. Wednesday, Mooragh Park, Ramsey, 10am-11.30am. Call Lesley Patterson for more details, 686852.

• 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.

• Thursday 9.30am and 10.45am. Pilates, 1pm, LeBarre, 6.30pm Beginners Hot Yoga. Friday 10am Yoga, 6.30pm Hot Yoga. Saturday 9.30am and 10.45am Pilates, Noon, LeBarre. Sunday 10am Hot Yoga. Monday 10am Iyengar Yoga, 5.15pm Pilates, 6.30pm LeBarre. Tuesday 1pm LeBarre, 6.3-0pm Hot Yoga. Wednesday 8.30am Yin Yoga, 4pm Junior Fencing, 6.30pm Pilates. The Gym, Ramsey. All bookable on line www.thegym.co.im or call 812100.

• 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.

• 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 29

• 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.

• 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 30

• 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 31

• Girls Football: Come and play matches, for ages six-twelve, Tommy Clucas Hall, Peel, 11am-midday.

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

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

Monday, February 1

• Beginners yoga, 10am, Karma, 2nd Floor, 8 Victoria Street, Douglas. Also at 10am (over 60s half price, £5).

• Exercise Boot Camp, Corrin Hall, Peel, 6.15pm. Also Wednesday, Philip Christian Centre, Peel, 6pm; Thursday, Glen Vine Church hall, 9.15am.

• Finch Hill cricket training, 7pm-8pm, seniors and juniors under 15 and 13.

• 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, February 2

• 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.

• 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, February 3

• 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.

Palace Cinema

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

• The Big Short, (15). Nightly at 7.30pm.

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

Broadway Cinema

• The Revenant, (15). Friday at 7.30pm, Saturday and Sunday at 4pm and 7.30pm, Monday and Tuesday at 7.30pm, Wednesday at 2.30pm and 7.30pm.

• Daddy’s Home, (12A). Saturday and Sunday at 1.30pm.

• Snoopy and Charlie Brown: The Peanuts Movie, (U). 2D, Saturday and Sunday at 11am.

• Art Reached, Isle Gallery, Tynwald Mills. Exhibition runs until Sunday.

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

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

Thursday, January 28

• 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.

• 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 29

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

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

• 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.

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

• Bingo night for Isle of Man District of Oddfellows, Morton Hall, Castletown, 8pm. Everyone welcome.

Saturday, January 30

• 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 31

• Messy Church, Sulby community hall, Clenagh Road. Activities for children, themed crafts, action songs. We ask that an adult stays with their child.

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

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

Monday, February 1

• 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, February 2

• 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.

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

Wednesday, February 3

• Independent Living Centre, Open Day, Ballakermeen Road, 9.30am-3.30pm. Call 642511.

• MS Society coffee morning, Harbour Lights, St Paul’s Square, Ramsey, 10.30am-noon.

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

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

• Bereavement support group, friendly get together for anyone feeling isolated or lonely after a bereavement, however or whenever it occurred, tea, coffee and a chat, Scholl Centre, Hospice Isle of Man, 5pm-7pm. Call 647443.

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

• Bingo Quiz, Archibald Knox Onchan, 8pm.

The rate in Port Erin will remain the same, at 288p in the pound.

The authority said the transfer of services such as street cleaning from the Department of Infrastructure, means the authority has ‘closer control over the cleanliness of Port Erin, which … (has) been a very positive step,’ The abandonment of the waste escalator charge, which was to be introduced at the incinerator (charges would have risen to £170 a tonne by 2018/19), was also welcomed.

An unemployed man from Douglas has today appeared in court charged with robbing Newby’s convenience store on Glen Falcon Road on November 3.

Jamie Christopher Hall, aged 25, of Victoria Road, is also charged with burglary at Billown Quarry in Malew in 2013.

The robbery occurred on November 3 and involved in the region of £1,000.

The case against Mr Hall was adjourned until next Thursday, February 4.

No plea has been entered yet.

Tonight’s Steam Packet sailing from Douglas to Heysham has been cancelled because of the stormy weather.

Its return tomorrow morning will obviously be cancelled too.

To keep up with the latest from the Steam Packet, {https://www.steam-packet.com/LatestSailings|click here.}

Tributes have been paid to the head of the Isle of Man special constabulary, who has retired after a career spanning four decades.

A presentation was held at police headquarters to honour John Higginbotham, who rose through the ranks to become commandant of the volunteer section of the police force.

John, a senior manager with the Post Office, joined the special constabulary in September 1981, working in Douglas.

He was promoted in January 1987 to section officer, equivalent to the rank of sergeant in the full-time police force, and in January 1994 to divisional officer, similar to inspector, in Peel.

John became commandant in May 2001 following the retirement of Lieutenant Colonel Roy Leeder.

During his 34-year service, John has been commended on several occasions for his skill, hard work and courage.

Chief Constable Gary Roberts said: ‘John Higginbotham has served the constabulary and the community in an exemplary fashion for more than 34 years. He led the special constabulary with distinction for well over a decade and he was instrumental in helping to integrate the special constabulary into the wider organisation.

‘His level-headed common sense made him a particularly good special constable and a practical and pragmatic commandant.

‘I am really grateful to him for all that he has done.’

Home Affairs Minister Juan Watterson MHK said: ‘The commitment and dedication shown by John Higginbotham, and indeed all the volunteers involved in the organisation, is testament to the great community spirit in the Isle of Man.’

Mr Higginbotham will be succeeded by Dean Johnson, a commercial airline pilot, who will have the title of chief officer, Isle of Man special constabulary.

The long-standing licensees of the Trafalgar pub in Ramsey are retiring after 23 years in charge.

Jimmy Kneen and Gill Kinrade, from Bride, will call last orders for the final time on Sunday night and hand over the reins to new landlord Ben Sowrey.

The couple took over the pub back in 1993. Jimmy said: ‘We bought it when it was derelict and refurbished it – and I ended up as the landlord.

‘It’s been really good to us, we’ve had some brilliant times.

‘Most of all I’ll miss the customers, the banter, TT and Grand Prix week. We’ve always had a good following locally and with visitors for the races. We’ve never had any serious trouble.’

Before taking over at the Trafalgar, Jimmy was a docker working for Mezeron Limited.

He says that running a pub has become harder in recent years. Jimmy said: ‘It has got harder with the supermarkets reducing prices. You need to produce something that they can’t offer – good traditional ales at reasonable prices.

‘We’ve had some really good fun over the years. We’ve had a good relationship with the police and the licensing courts.

He added: ‘But the time has come to move on and take some time out – I’ve worked since I left school.’

The couple have a farm in Bride and will now have more time to concentrate on that.

The Trafalgar will be open for business as usual on Monday, when former broadcast journalist Ben, who was head of news at 3FM, will be behind the bar to welcome customers.

Ben said: ‘It’s always been a pipedream of mine and when the opportunity came up to take on my favourite pub in the world I had to take it.

‘Jimmy and Gill have worked very hard to make The Trafalgar one of the best pubs in the island and I look forward to carrying on their good work’.