A walk-through colon was one of the star attractions at this week’s Isle of Man College annual health fair.

The theme for this year’s event was ‘looking after the whole you’ and the fair gave students and the visiting public a chance to find out more about good health and the various health support organisations in the island.

More than 30 organisations, both charitable and funded ones, attended with a wide range of colourful displays. Topics covered ranged from fitness tips from the NSC; guidance on managing stress from the Psychological Therapies Service; and information about eating disorders with the Manx Eating Disorders Awareness Group. Charities including Cruse Bereavement Care, Samaritans amd Crossroads Young Carers, were also there to discuss their various support services.

The giant colon arrived courtesy of Bowel Cancer Isle of Man to publicise bowel cancer and other diseases of the large intestine.

The Macmillan Cancer Information Centre was offering support for anyone affected by cancer.

AN outdoor adventure park at South Barrule plantation is taking shape, and is due to open to the public in the first week of May.

It will feature a low ropes course, a big stand-alone zipwire, and Monkeys Climbing Hardware – which turns any tree into a climbing wall.

Towards the end of the summer, attention will then turn into the high ropes area, which it is hoped will be completed by the end of the year.

The brainchild of the project is Steve Salter, who stepped down from his role as Unite regional industrial organiser last year.

He said: ‘It is looking like it is coming together nicely.

‘We just need a bit of luck and the weather to stay nice and we should get the first part of the project done so we can open in the first week of May.’

A lot of the cables needed for the low ropes course are in place and some of the obstacles have been installed. A raised decking area has been completed, while woodchip paths are being laid. A log cabin is soon to be built.

Mr Salter said following high demand from parents, he planned to run a summer scheme for children. Meanwhile, it is hoped that the climbing will appeal to adults looking for a team-building exercise.

He praised the three youngsters, previously not in education, employment or training, who had worked hard in all weathers on the project, and have been promised full-time jobs in May.

A POLICE investigation is being carried out at King William’s College in Castletown.

The college has released a statement to say that on Wednesday a digital camera was discovered in a pupil toilet area in college.

The device was not capable of any onward transmission.

The school’s authorities told the police and the incident is now being investigated by the force.

An 18-year-old male pupil of the college was arrested on Thursday, and subsequently released on bail pending further enquiries.

The school has notified all parents of the incident.

Sergeant Paul Kemp said: ‘I can confirm that there is no allegation or suggestion of physical harm to any person. The school is about to enter a period of examinations and the police are working closely with the staff to investigate the matter quickly and thoroughly to minimise any disruption whilst offering reassurance to the pupils.’

A spokesman for the college said: ‘This is a very serious matter. The college has conducted its own investigation and the pupil involved has been excluded from the school.

‘Our priority now is to reassure the children and their guardians that all the proper steps have been taken.

‘Pending the completion of the police investigation it would not be appropriate for me to comment further.’

MORE people could have to pay for medical prescriptions if government plans get the go-ahead.

The Department of Health wants to change the age-related exemptions for the charges and is to ask Tynwald to change the rules next week.

Currently, nobody over 60 has to pay for prescriptions. Under the proposals, the exemption will be brought into line with the old age pension, so only old age pensioners will not have to pay for them.

That means that only women over 61 and men over 65 will be exempt.

The age-related exemption from dental charges is currently set at 65 and, under the plans, that is to change to the pension age too, so that is good news for women between the ages of 61 and 65.

The regulations bring the charges in line with the pension age.

Since 2010 the state pension age for women has been gradually increasing from 60, and will reach 65 by 2018, with an increase for both men and women to age 66 between 2018 and 2020.

A Department of Health spokesman said: ‘The regulations, if approved by Tynwald, would streamline the existing system so that future changes to state pension age are automatically mirrored, ensuring that the exemption from charges is in line with other benefits and therefore more equitable.

‘This means that those who are still of working age and who are therefore more likely to be able to afford the island’s modest subsidised prescription and dental charges pay, whilst ensuring that those of state pension age, who are more likely to struggle to meet the costs associated with dental care and prescriptions are exempt from paying them.

‘There could also be future changes as government considers taking into account people’s ability to pay via methods such as means testing.

As the state pension age increases for women over the next five years, the exemption ages will align by 2018 to 65 for both men and women and then 66 by 2020.

The changes would see an increase in income for the department from prescription charges, but for a period of five years there would be a decrease in income for dental charges.

The department said that in the short term the changes would likely be cost-neutral, with one offsetting the other.

In the longer term, while these changes would reduce the future overall burden on the department’s budget for dental treatments and prescriptions for those of working age, changes to state pension age as a result of longer life expectancies, and as such any savings would likely be utilised to help fund exemptions which are lasting longer and costing more as people live longer into old age.

The regulations will also lower the exemption age from those aged under 18 to those aged under 16, however those in full-time education aged under 19 will still be exempt from dental charges.

Health Minister David Anderson said: ‘If approved, in the long term these changes will provide a much fairer and equitable system, bringing these key age-related benefits into line with state pension age and therefore with other state benefits. As the state pension age increases for women over the next five years to 65, we can bring equilibrium to the system with clear measures ensuring that exemption is solely focussed at those of state pension age where ability to pay may become more difficult.

‘There are, of course, other exemption criteria to support those who are below state pension age but who are in a vulnerable group or who may struggle to pay.

‘It’s also important to remember that both prescription and dental charges are heavily subsidised, remain relatively low cost, and are less in the Isle of Man than in England.’

Prescriptions in the Isle of Man are charged at £3.85 per item compared to £7.65 per item in England, with pre-payment certificates available for four months at £19 and 12 months at £54, which cover an unlimited number of prescriptions. Dental charges in the Isle of Man are between £16.50 and £198, whereas in England they range from between £17.50 and £209.

If approved, the regulations will come into force on June 1.

AN island-based couple were left distraught and out of pocket when they were denied boarding a flight to the Canary Islands because of a passport mix-up.

Retired chartered accountant Chris Hobdell and his wife Mary, an Indian national who has lived in the British Isles for 35 years, the last 25 in the Isle of Man, had been looking forward to the three-week holiday in their Tenerife timeshare.

Having flown over from the island the night before, they arrived to check in at Manchester Airport at 5.30am last Friday for their easyJet flight, only to be told that the ‘Right of Abode’ certificate that Mary carried, which is supposed to allow her free access to travel within the EU, was not be acceptable in Tenerife – and she would not be allowed to fly.

‘It came as a bolt out of the blue. It just beggars belief, it’s just bureaucratic nonsense,’ said Chris, of Alexander Drive, Douglas.

His wife, who has lived with her husband in the Isle of Man for 25 years, having previously lived in the Channel Islands for five years and London for five years, added: ‘It was like someone hitting you over the head. I was completely gobsmacked.’

Chris said the couple have had precious little sleep since the incident.

He said: ‘Mary, my wife of 35 years and mother of our two children, is Indian with an Indian passport. However, she used to have a “Certificate of Patriality” which means free access to the UK as she is my wife. Now she has a certificate of “The Right of Abode”.

‘She would normally need a Shengen visa in her passport but the visa requirements are not required if she is travelling with an EU member of the family.

‘On checking in at Manchester for the flight we were told that Tenerife would not let her in because the “Right of Abode” does not say that she is a family member. This is despite the fact that we have been married for 35 years – we produced our marriage certificate and showed that Mary’s passport officially states that I am her husband and my passport officially states that she is my wife.

‘When we were told the news we were obviously very distraught. We seem to have just hit a wall of bureaucracy that made absolutely no sense whatsoever. There was no redress, no higher authority, nobody to turn to.’

To compound their nightmare, when Chris threw a pen on to the check-in desk in frustration he was accused of throwing it at the agent and he too was told he could not fly even though all his papers were in order – not that he would have travelled without his wife anyway.

‘This was to be a three-week holiday having not spent our timeshare points for two years, and the cost runs into £2,00 to £3,000. This is a totally idiotic situation, he added.

Mr Hobdell has now written to the Border Agency to find out if new rules have been enacted and why the Right of Abode does not have the precise wording required by the handling agent at Manchester Airport. He has also written to the airline asking for some explanation and refuting the allegation that he threw a pen at somebody.

The Isle of Man Passport and Immigration Office said it cannot discuss individual cases.

A spokesman for easyJet said: ‘easyJet is legally required to ensure all passengers have valid travel documents prior to boarding. During check-in it became apparent the customer did not possess all required documents to enter Tenerife. Our staff therefore made the difficult but necessary decision to deny boarding. We would like to apologise to the customer for any inconvenience caused and urge all passengers to ensure they have the correct visas and paperwork prior to travel.’

THE Mountain Road, Tholt-e-Will and Beinney Phott roads have now all reopened after being closed earlier following overnight snowfall on high ground in the Isle of Man.

Police are, however, urging motorists to take care when using the routes.

MOTORBIKES and quad bikes could be banned permanently from some green lanes under suggestions being considered to prevent further damage to the upland tracks.

But Infrastructure Minister David Cretney told MHKs that if such bans were introduced, alternative places would have to be found for those who legitimately use off-road areas for motorised sport.

The minister was quizzed in the House of Keys by Bill Henderson (Douglas North) about the ‘destruction’ of public footpaths by motorised vehicles.

And Alfred Cannan (Michael) suggested a ban on the use of motor vehicles on the green lanes over the winter months until the end of March.

Mr Cretney said he and had other ministers had met that morning with a range of representatives from environmental groups who were concerned about damage to the ancient green lanes.

‘One of the suggestions is a permanent ban on the use of motorised vehicles on green lanes. The damage is so great that some areas may have to be taken out from vehicle use. That is a decision in the time ahead.

‘If that is the case, alternative areas would need to be made available. We do have to take into consideration the views of those who legitimately use off-road areas.’

Mr Henderson cited the example of the Dalby Lhag Road which runs south of Niarbyl to the Eairy Cushlin car park and suggested there were some simple common sense measures that could be taken to prevent damage.

Mr Cretney insisted the Dalby Lhag Road was not a footpath but the D60 road which would require Tynwald approval if it was to be closed.

He said: ‘Over the years it has been slowly eroded by vehicular traffic but recently has also suffered badly from water erosion. It is clear from inspection that the track has suffered from water damage over the winter months, as the lower section, which is maintained by the farmer, has a large rut scoured out of the loose surface. Further damage has been caused by water erosion in ruts lefts by motorised vehicles.’

The minister said his department has ‘significant’ budget pressures but in partnership with the local farmer it was expected that some repair work would be carried out in the coming financial year.

He insisted there was very little damage caused to public footpaths by motorised vehicles – although what was becoming an issue was the use of mountain bikes on the public footpath network. ‘While by and large the damage caused by mountain bikes is not too severe at the moment, the damage is starting to become more noticeable,’ he told MHKs.

Mr Henderson suggested that Mr Cretney should ‘stop moaning about resources’. He said closing certain green lanes to traffic would help to regenerate them and reduce damage.

A FANTASY novel published as a children’s hospice fundraiser has been withdrawn from sale – after it was discovered that some copies were accidentally printed with extracts of hard core pornography.

The hunt is now on to find any outstanding copies of Otherworld containing the offending 20 pages of adult material.

Horrified author Adrian Bailey is asking anyone who has bought or been given a hardback copy of his debut novel to contact him – for fear that children could read the explicit passages.

Physiotherapist Adrian, aged 46, of Derby Square, Douglas, personally paid for the printing of 2,500 hardback copies of Otherworld, and a similar number of paperback versions – with all proceeds to go to Rebecca House.

Some 800 copies were bought at the book launch at Hospice Isle of Man’s Christmas fair in 2011. Since then, some 2,500 books, which had been stocked in Shoprite stores, have been sold in the island with a further 500 books sold off-island.

It quickly become clear, however, that the books had not been proof-read before printing and they were full of typographical errors.

But worse was to come. At the end of January 2012, the author was contacted by a woman in Ballaugh who had read up to p472 of Otherworld to find that the action had got somewhat steamier.

Instead of a fantasy tale set in the Isle of Mist, based on Manx folklore and legend and aimed at both children and adults, she discovered 20 pages of smut in extracts from two short stories entitled ‘From the Halls of Montezuma’ and ‘Tasting Chantal’.

Adrian said: ‘I just could not believe it. It was like the feeling you get when you’re about to have a crash. My first thought was how many more are there out there?’

He said he had jumped in his car and set off to Ballaugh where he found the book’s bemused owner was more bothered that she could not find out what had happened in his story.

Adrian took the book to the Douglas-based publisher who he said reacted with ‘shock and horror’ and promised to contact the printers in America and seek legal advice.

In February last year, the US printer wrote to him ‘apologising sincerely’ for the ‘unintentional error’, and explaining that a mistake on the press had resulted in ‘no more than six’ copies of the hardback edition being printed containing an erroneous insert from a book targeted for the adult fiction market.

But then last month another copy containing the 20 pages of porn turned up – prompting Adrian to go public. ‘I feel I can no longer stand by while more copies are potentially out there,’ he said.

Of the 2,500 hardback copies printed, some 500 have been sold.

All copies, both hardback and paperback, have now been withdrawn from sale, although it is only the hardback edition that contains the adult material.

Adrian said: ‘My reason for moving so fast on this is that it’s a children’s book written for adults. One parent told me his daughter was half-way through reading the book and she loved it.’

Mary Doyle, PR and marketing manager for Hospice Isle of Man, said: ‘We are very grateful for Adrian for writing his book in aid of the children’s hospice. It’s been a labour of love.

‘It’s obviously sad to learn a number of copies may contain offending extracts that are not suitable for children. We are pragmatic enough to realise these things happen and the best thing to do now is to retrieve the books if there are any more out there.’

Adrian said he has taken legal advice. He said it is his aim to republish Otherworld without any errors, with proceeds once again going to Rebecca House. Three other books in the series are planned.

He said it took him about 18 months to write the first novel. ‘I’ve lived in the Isle of Man for 18 years and the island has been good to me. I wanted to give something back so I decided to write a book, pay to have it published with all money going to the Hospice.

‘It was never meant to be published – but someone who knows me talked to a publisher who contacted me.

‘As a first time author, it was a wonderful opportunity to get your book out there.’

It has cost Adrian £12,000 in total to have the book published. The hardback copies were priced at £12 with £7.99 for the paperback edition.

Otherworld tells the story of Wally Gobbit who is working in the British Library when he discovers a secret Chronicles of the Isle of Mist which details the local folklore and legends.

He decides to visit the island and finds out that all these fantastic tales are true.

Anyone who has a hardback copy of the book with the offending material can contact the author on 615363.

MARKS & Spencer (M&S) is calling on its customers and employees to don their wellies again and volunteer to help their local community by cleaning Douglas Beach next month.

With the support of the Marine Conservation Society (MCS) and the Canal & River Trust (CRT), M&S Big Beach Clean-up in taking place across the UK, as well as in the Isle of Man, April 22-18 and it is hoped around 8,000 people will get involved.

The beach at Douglas will be cleaned as part of this campaign on Wednesday, April 24.

The aim behind the cleans is to remove more than 15 tonnes of litter – more than the weight of a double decker bus.

Customers that register to take part in advance at {http://www.mcsuk.org/foreverfish|www.mcsuk.org/foreverfish} will receive a money-off at M&S voucher on the day of the beach clean.

A BALLASALLA woman and her boxer proved every dog does have its day after walking away with a top prize at Crufts.

Co-owner Gemma Stockton, aged 26, and Asbo (show name Roamaro Read All About It with Kiztok) claimed the prestigious Best of Breed award in the working group on Sunday.

More than 25,000 dogs took part in the dog show, presented by the Kennel Club, which took place at the NEC in Birmingham last weekend.

Miss Stockton was left beaming with pride at her and Asbo’s performance at the world-famous show.

‘I have been coming to Crufts for the last 10 years and have qualified for the last five,’ she said.

‘It’s amazing to get Best of Breed.’

She said that she had been keen to keep the success going after Asbo’s co-owner took the reserve dog ticket with another boxer, Emjaycee Country Yokel at Kiztok.

Miss Stockton added: ‘I love coming to Crufts, it’s the biggest dog show in the world.’

POLICE are appealing for information after a 25-year-old man was allegedly assaulted in Ramsey.

Three men have been arrested, interviewed and released on police bail in connection with the incident.

Police and ambulance attended following the report of an assault outside the Commercial Hotel on West Quay at 12.10am on Saturday.

They found the victim had suffered cuts and bruises to his face, and it also appeared that the man had been knocked out.

He was taken to hospital, where he was detained overnight for observations, but was later released.

Sergeant Andy Kneen said: ‘Officers were on the scene almost immediately and arrested another man nearby.

‘Enquiries led to two further men being arrested several hours later.

‘All three have been interviewed and released on police bail.

‘Despite there being early arrests I would ask anyone who witnessed this incident, and who has not yet spoken to the police, to come forward.’

A reward may be payable as a result of your information.

If you can help, contact police headquarters on 631212.

Alternatively, call Isle of Man Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

THE TT marshals’ association is urging as many marshals as possible to sign up on-line this year so they can save the the cost of posting out the forms.

But anyone thinking about it should act without delay – ideally before March 26 – because after that time forms will be posted out.

‘They can still do it after that time online but then the forms will have been sent anyway,’ said sector five marshal Robert Crane, who has worked long hours with former travelling marshal Keith Trubshaw to get the new system set up.

‘We’ve been working on it since last October and it’s working well. So far we have about 300 signed up which is better than this time last year,’ he said.

Nonetheless, he added it would be unwise to be complacent and assume the minimum manning level of just over 500 would be met easily.

‘It’s misleading to say we are nearly there at 300 because a number of those people may only be doing one or two days. To be confident we need well over that 500 figure signed up. I think last year the total over the fortnight was something around 1,700,’ he said.

The new system has already been trialled by the sector marshals and went live about two weeks ago. It can be accessed by logging on to the TT marshals’ web site at {http://www.iomttma.com|iomttma.com} and following the relevant links.

‘Even if people who have marshalled before are not intending to marshal for the TT this year we would still like them to log on and use the link to tell us, then we can save costs and avoid posting a form to them,’ he said.

For those marshalling on the mountain a convoy system will again operate, starting in opposite directions from both Ramsey and the Creg - ny- Baa to get people in place when the road closes.

At the end of racing or practising to get marshals home quicker two convoys will operate - one starting in Ramsey and the other from the Bungalow, both heading towards Douglas after the last travelling marshal has passed.

The last of the marshals’ social events is at 7pm on March 27 at the Tynwald Inn, St John’s. Anyone wanting to go should call the marshals’ office before hand so catering requirements can be assessed.

In the build up to this year’s TT the marshals’ recruitment caravan will be in place around the island out side Tesco and, on April 20, at the Sure shop in Strand Street, Douglas.

Ramsey police are investigating the theft of a white Cannondale Super Six road cycle and a turbo trainer.

The bike is fitted with a set of tri-handle bars and is valued at £2,500.

It was taken from a property in the Baldrine area overnight on Thursday (March 14).

Taken at the same time was an Elite-brand remote turbo trainer.It is grey and blue in colour, like Team Sky colours.

The trainer is slightly damaged and can easily be identified.

If you have been offered the bike, trainer or parts, or have any information, contact Constable Rob Midghall on 631650. Alternatively, contact the Crimestoppers line anonymously on 0800 555 111.

THE month-long trial of bendy buses – which ended last week – has gone well, the minister in charge insists.

But Community, Culture and Leisure Minister Graham Cregeen said he is still keeping an open mind about the merits of operating the articulated vehicles here.

The exercise was aimed at testing the bendy buses’ suitability for use on island roads and not about checking their reliability.

Vote on this issue using the web poll panel at right of this story

Mr Cregeen admitted Bus Vannin could have done without a series of breakdown problems – and he confirmed that the vehicles’ reliability would be taken into account in any decision on whether or not to purchase them.

The breakdowns have caused embarrassment for public transport bosses.

A replacement bus was shipped over after one bendy developed a fault on the first day of the trial. The same week a second one broke down north of Fairy Bridge, Santon.

Then in the last week of the trial, there were two breakdowns in two days.

Last Tuesday, one of the articulated vehicles broke down in Ballaugh and then the following day, a bendy conked out at Rhencullen, Kirk Michael. In both cases, the faults were minor and rectified at the roadside.

The trial came to an end on Thursday.

Mr Cregeen said: ‘I think it’s gone well. We’ve had positive feedback.

‘There were reliability issues with some of them. But when you leave vehicles in storage you do tend to get reliability issues once you put it back on the road. The reliability problems we could have done without. It will be taken into account if we went to purchase.’

He said some schools had raised issues about students having to stand on the bendy buses for a certain amount of time but other schools had not reported problems.

The minister said the buses had operated without any difficulties on those routes which had been identified as suitable for their use on services.

Results of the trial have now gone to an independent body which includes representatives from TravelWatch, the Department of Infrastructure and the Department of Education.

They are expected to report back to the DCCL in the next three or four weeks.

Bus Vannin bosses say bendy buses, if introduced, will save £300,000 in staffing and fuel costs, plus £3m of capital costs saved in replacing older buses – and if they do not prove suitable, the savings will have to be found elsewhere.

WORK is due to start in July on a 38-unit sheltered accommodation complex in Upper Pulrose.

The £5.61m project is expected to take 18 months to complete and constitutes phase 10 of Douglas Council’s scheme to redevelop Lower and Upper Pulrose.

It will provide 31 one-bedroom flats, six two-bedroom flats and one one-bedroom disabled flat.

At last week’s Douglas Council meeting, members supported an additional £128,624 being spent to install an automatic sprinkler system at the development.

While the installation of sprinklers was in line with council policy, and their inclusion had been ‘strongly recommended’ by the Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service, they had been ‘designed out’ due to high installation and maintenance costs.

Council leader David Christian said it was ‘short-sighted’ not to support its installation.

He was one of a number of members who referred to a Fire and Rescue Service demonstration of the effectiveness of sprinkler systems in October 2009, when two Douglas Corporation houses scheduled for demolition in Hazel Crescent, Pulrose, were set alight.

{http://youtu.be/fWjjAS7zyUc|Click here to see our youtube video report on the fire test}

Mr Christian said he had been frightened to watch the speed at which the fire developed in the unprotected house. The charred remains of the living room highlighted the devastation left behind.

At the neighbouring property, the sprinkler in the living room was activated when the temperature reached 71C, reducing it to 20C.

Mr Christian suggested the cost, £3,384 per unit, could be passed on to the tenants through increased rent.

A number of councillors, including John Faragher (Derby), Bill Malarkey (Murrays) and John Skinner (Murrays) insisted the extra money be spent.

Mr Farargher said that while the initial cost may be expensive you can’t put a cost on life, adding: ‘The type of person who would reside in this type of unit may not be able to leave as quickly as able-bodied or younger people.’

Mr Skinner said he wouldn’t want the coroner to point the finger at the council if there was a fatal fire at the complex and it was found it had ignored the Fire and Rescue Service’s recommendation.

The complex will also feature a communal lounge, laundry, manager’s office and interview room, guest room, multi-purpose room, assisted shower room and storage.

The £4.1m redevelopment of Lower Pulrose was completed in October.

Some 252 properties were replaced with 240 and 28 first-time buyer homes were built.

Monday, March 18

Aries

(March 21 - April 20)

Try to relax more this week. Living in the ‘here and now’ and not worrying about every little thing really works! The little surprise that is around the corner will be even sweeter. Having your finger on the pulse of family matters means taking the time to sit down and chat in a lighter manner. From this position, you understand why someone has been acting in an awkward way.

Taurus

(April 21 - May 21)

If you are hoping for a romantic week, then you could be pleasantly surprised. All you have to do is arrange to be near the right person and in a relaxed mood. Midweek sees you sifting through paperwork and wanting to get things straight. New technology brings a surprise boost to your knowledge. It really pays to be open-minded in this area! Be ready to listen on finances.

Gemini

(May 22 - June 21)

Keep communications going if a plan seems to be stalling. Keep your chin up and appear to be optimistic. This gives others confidence in your abilities, even if you don’t feel so sure yourself! Remember that nothing worth having is likely to come easily. Be prepared to have an open mind when it comes to romance. Someone who seems unsuitable may just need a little help.

Cancer

(June 22 - July 23)

Part of the success of this week lies in picking the right time to make a move. Talk of travel fires the imagination and it could be time to consider something quite different. Of course, the success of any journey can depend on your companions. In this area, choose carefully with the longer term in view. Finances should be looking better but do keep a good system running.

Leo

(July 24 - August 23)

Favour meeting people who can add to your knowledge. To be your sparkling self, it is necessary to keep well informed. Why do people come to you for advice? Maybe it is because they feel that your interest in them is genuine. This week will be no exception. However, when it comes to talking money, have a care. Be sure that you are being told all the facts before giving advice.

Virgo

(August 24 - September 23)Tempted as you may be, avoid cutting corners this week. This is especially important if you are due to help someone out. Promises should be kept if possible. Midweek brings the chance to start something new. This will bring the kind of knowledge that is really useful. Relaxation is more likely at the weekend when you don’t have to organise anything.

Libra

(September 24 - October 23)

Just met someone who is a bit of a mystery? Although you may be busy, it could be worth taking a closer look. It is amazing how the wheels of success can be oiled by just a smile. It may be the time to take on board the fact that someone has to move on. Be your own best friend at the weekend by taking time out to do what you really want to - and don’t feel guilty!

Scorpio

(October 24 - November 22)

You don’t often rely on intuition and dreams and yet, this week, there is a message. Something that you don’t want to admit is trying to get your attention. See it. Accept it. Deal with it. By the time that the weekend arrives, life should be feeling much lighter. Give some time for a little flirtation and you could be surprised at the outcome!

Sagittarius

(November 23 - December 21)

Look ever forward this week and be optimistic. The winter takes its toll on all of us, but what is happening all around you? Yes, signs of spring and renewal. Why shouldn’t you also make a fresh start? No excuses. Practical solutions are all around you. Small changes to your surroundings can build into a picture of future fun. Find a friend to relax with as the weekend arrives.

Capricorn

(December 22 - January 20)

Looking for something fresh and exciting in your world? It could be right under your nose. Take a new look at close friends and family. Herein lies a problem to be solved and a challenge to be met. How are you able to use technology to make someone’s life easier? Hold back from planning a holiday if it means that you can include someone important.

Aquarius

(January 21 - February 19)

When it comes to showing your feelings at the moment, maybe you are unsure. Taking the advice of someone close could tip the balance one way or the other. Whatever happens, you don’t have to act right now. Intuition should play a part in deciding when the time is right. Be honest about what is holding you back. Decisions may be easier next week.

Pisces

(February 20 - March 20)

You really do want to get things moving, don’t you? Steady on there! Do you have a plan? Get one and keep your aims in view. The thing with enthusiasm is that it can lead you off course if not guided. Something that you do not consider important could become so at the weekend. Is a romance cooling? You may need to take some action in this direction. A romantic dinner, perhaps?

BUS cleaners have been earning up to £52,000 a year.

The Examiner reveals the figure today on the front page.

Inside, the paper reveals that local politicians – councillors in Douglas and commissioners elsewhere - have been asked to consider a massive rise in their expenses.

The paper also looks at a plan to extract fuel from the seaweed on Douglas beach.

The big education story this week was the potential loss of 11 education jobs. {http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/education/eleven-jobs-at-risk-in-dept-of-education-1-5500902|We revealed the news online here} and have more in the paper today.

After the hotel scheme for Lord Street in Douglas bit the dust, we look at a call for the government and Douglas Council to look again at the whole area.

The centre pages include some fascinating pictures from the past of transport and we have a picture spread on the Comic Relief events throughout the island.

The back page’s main story is another win for Gumns, while we also report on Mark Cavendish’s efforts in Italy.

The Examiner also includes three letters pages this week.

The paper is in the shops now.

Permanent Bank International Ltd has moved into the ground-floor banking hall of Hillary House in Prospect Hill, Douglas.

The floorspace was rented by the government until recently.

Bank managing director Carlton Freegard said: ‘We selected new premises right in the heart of Douglas to make it easy and convenient for our customers to call in.

‘Hillary House is the perfect environment for our business and it represents a statement of our long-term intentions.

‘We are extremely grateful to Chrystals Commercial for their assistance in moving to such an ideal location.’

Chrystals acted as letting agent for Rose Estates Ltd and the bank moved into its new premises last week after relocating from Britannia House, Athol Street.

The banking hall at Hillary House, which is on the corner of Prospect Hill and Finch Road, covers 2,500 square feet.

David Watson, director of Chrystals Commercial, said he was pleased to see the relocation of the bank to the high profile building which has a prominent high street frontage.

He said: ‘The relocation highlights the tenant’s vision regarding the island’s significance in enhancing its international profile and we were delighted to assist with the move to Hillary House.’

Chrystals Commercial also acted recently as letting agents for Quay Properties Plc in the new purpose-built Quay House office building situated on South Quay, Douglas.

The four-storey office block overlooks the marina and was only completed last August and fully let before Christmas.

Lettings included NFU Mutual Insurance and two expanding e-commerce businesses – Intelligence Ltd and Digital Blue – which occupy the upper floors. Each floor covers around 2,500 square feet.

Mr Watson said: ‘The fact that we have secured such early lettings for what was a speculative office scheme amplifies the confidence that businesses have in the Isle of Man.

‘The island desperately needs office space and we hope that this example leads to more being created.’

A SPECIAL sitting of the House of Keys will vote today to fill the four vacancies in the Legislative Council.

It is by no means certain that all four seats will be filled at the first ballot.

But Chief Minister Allan Bell has already indicated the LegCo elections could spark a cabinet reshuffle and he is reviewing the membership of all government departments including ministers.

The seven candidates who have been nominated for the vacant seats in the upper house were each invited to the Barool suite in the government offices to give a thee-minute presentation to Tynwald members outlining their reasons for standing, giving a broad overview of policies and answering any questions.

Nominees include two MLCs who are seeking re-election – Juan Turner (nominated by Education Minister and Peel MHK Tim Crookall) and Tony Wild (nominated by Douglas North MHK John Houghton).

Douglas West MHK Geoff Corkish has been nominated by Juan Watterson, the Home Affairs Minister and an MHK for Rushen.

The other nominees are Linda Bowers-Kasch, nominated by Liberal Vannin leader Peter Karran MHK (Onchan); Michael Coleman, nominated by Infrastructure Minister and Manx Labour Party MHK for Douglas South David Cretney; former police officer Peter Hill, nominated by Mr Karran and Nigel Malpass, nominated by Chief Minister Allan Bell (Ramsey).

Mrs Bowers-Kasch stood unsuccessfully for Liberal Vannin in Ramsey in the 2011 general election. Mr Hill was the party’s candidate in Douglas North. Nigel Malpass is the chairman of Ramsey Commissioners.

He stood unsuccessfully as a candidate for Liberal Vannin in 2006. Mr Coleman stood unsuccessfully for the Manx Labour Party in Douglas North in 2006.

Island shipping consultant Mr Malpass hit the headlines in 2010 when he was named in a New York Times article about an Iranian shipping line accused of circumventing US sanctions.

Captain Malpass, of Clifton Drive, Ramsey, was appointed director of a number of Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines-owned companies incorporated in the Isle of Man. Irisl, blacklisted by the US in 2008, has repeatedly denied improperly aiding Iran’s military and nuclear programs. And the Manx government insisted there had been no breach of current sanctions. Mr Malpass, too, strenuously denied the allegations.

Mr Bell told the Examiner that the the companies involved had never been involved in sanctions busting and the story had been more about political considerations in the US. He said Mr Malpass had served three terms as chairman of Ramsey Town Commissioners and after three years had ‘so much more to offer’ than a return to the local authority backbench. ‘We need people with a good understanding of the economy,’ he said.

Candidates have to secure 13 votes to be elected. A series of ballots can be held until all vacancies have been filled. MHKs can nominate from the floor after the first ballot. If all vacancies are not filled at the end of the sitting, the Speaker can call for fresh nominations.

THE top civil servant in the Department of Education and Children is to retire at the end of August.

Chief executive officer Stuart Dobson, who will be 61, has headed the department since January 2011, when he succeeded the then Director of Education and Children.

He has worked for the DEC for eight years and, before his appointment as chief executive, was senior adviser and then deputy director of education.

Stuart has worked in education for 40 years as a teacher, headteacher, trainer, adviser and inspector. He has worked for a number of local authorities in the UK and has worked in both Germany and Saudi Arabia.

He took over as the full effects of the cash shortfall caused by the VAT renegotiation took hold.

He has had to deal with some of the most contentious issues in government over the last couple of years, including the privatisation of pre-school nurseries, the introduction of student tuition fees and the possible loss of jobs in the nurturing service.

He has worked with four ministers – Anne Craine, Eddie Teare, Peter Karran and Tim Crookall.

As CEO, he has responsibility for the island’s 39 schools, the Isle of Man College of Further and Higher Education and the education improvement, services for children, corporate services, finance, youth and estates divisions.

He says he has enjoyed heading a busy and diverse department, which has a workforce of some 2183 staff deployed across 72 centres, plus more than 500 supply and relief staff.

He said: ‘I have really enjoyed working with schools and the college and feel that, together, over the past eight years, we have achieved a lot to be proud of.

I am so impressed now when I go to schools and the college. I genuinely believe that learning and the wellbeing of children and young people are at their core. Our provision is richer and more vibrant than many places elsewhere.’

Stuart and his wife Eileen live in Kirk Michael. They have two sons, one an actuary who is just about to move from London to Canada to work and the other an accountant in Douglas.

Following his retirement, Stuart plans to ‘sleep more, do a lot of work with bricks and mortar’ and travel more frequently.

His job will be advertised shortly.