THE eighth series of popular BBC TV show Coast begins at 8pm tomorrow (Wednesday) evening - and the first episode will feature the Isle of Man.
Presenter Ruth Goodman will focus on how the island established the TT Races - and discovers that the answer lies with the introduction of speed limits on British roads more than a century ago.
Coast will broadcast on BBC2 at 8pm but will also be available via the online iPlayer facility for seven days following its original screening.
TOMORROW’S bus strike has been called off.
The government department that runs Bus Vannin, the Department of Community, Culture and Leisure, has released a press statement.
It reads: ‘The department has received formal notification from the Unite the Union’s regional officer that the strike scheduled for Wednesday has been postponed.
‘Bus services will therefore operate normally and the department welcomes the chance to continue negotiations to an amicable settlement.’
iomtoday.co.im is currently trying to contact the union for its views.
{http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/bus-drivers-to-strike-tomorrow-1-5541531|Our story earlier today}
{http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/bus-strike-is-going-ahead-1-5235707|Our story about the first strikes, in December}
{http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/bus-drivers-to-be-balloted-for-strike-1-5166790|What it’s all about}
ELEVEN days after what the Met Office described as the ‘worst snow event’ in Manx history since 1963, a number of roads remain closed.
They include the Mountain Road from Ramsey Hairpin to Creg-ny-Baa.
A Department of Infrastructure spokesman said: ‘Good progress has been made today and, although the carriageway has been cleared to a sufficient width to allow for two-way traffic, difficulties have been encountered whereby the snow drifts in places have buried the fences. This is allowing livestock to access or roam freely in the road.
‘It has therefore been decided on the grounds of safety to keep the road closed overnight.
‘It is envisaged that the road will be opened to traffic later tomorrow (Wednesday) once free standing signage has been erected to advise motorists that they may encounter livestock in the road.’
Other closed roads include:
B22 from its junction with Ard Whallin to its junction with B10 Beinn-y-Phott – access for residents, no though road.
A27 from its junction with the Ballacallin to Roundtable – access for residents no through road.
A36 Roundtable to Ballamodha junction.
A36 to its junction with B44 Linague, access to properties, no through road.
A27 Roundtable to Ronague access to properties, no through road.
B10 Beinn-y-Phott.
Mount Murray Back Road, access from the A5 New Castletown Road to Ballacutchal farm, no through road.
A14 Sulby Glen Road from its junction with A18 Mountain Road to Tholt-e-Will pub.
The DoI spokesman said: ‘The department has continued today (Tuesday) in an effort to open the remainder of roads which are currently closed to the travelling public as quickly as possible. Heavy plant and equipment has once again been deployed.
‘Continuous assessments of current road conditions will take place, and roads will be re-opened to the travelling public once the department is satisfied that they are in a suitable condition, further updates will be issued as necessary.
‘The department would like to thank the travelling public for their continued patience.’
PDMS has been awarded the Intellect Business Professional Certificate (BPC).
The certificate has been established by Intellect (www.intellectuk.org), the UK trade association for the IT, telecoms and electronics industries, to identify companies with professional and thorough business processes in place and a commitment to higher standards.
This is a significant achievement for PDMS who are believed to be the first company in the island to receive this prestigious award, and one of only 25 companies in total to receive the BPC accreditation.
In order to become BPC certified, the software application development and IT services company, have undergone a rigorous process that covers their entire business operations.
They were required to provide evidence of their procedures in each of 10 performance areas: professional indemnity, information security policy, business continuity, project management, proposal review, customer care, corporate and social responsibility, human resources, customer references and optional escrow, and in a large number of performance criteria under each of these areas.
The project to achieve BPC status was overseen by PDMS’ quality and standards manager, Simon Edwards who said: ‘The Business Professional Certificate complements our existing ISO Quality Standard accreditations by highlighting not only the fact that we adhere to best practice, but also the professionalism of our organisation and people’.
Managing director of PDMS UK, Giles Milner was officially presented with the certificate at Intellect’s board meeting where he said: ‘We have been very impressed with how easy the scheme has been to engage with and it is really positive to get further external endorsement of the processes we use to run our business.’
The BPC was created to provide SMEs in particular a relevant and fit for purpose ‘stamp’ of professionalism. Professional organisations create confidence and trust in their customers, suppliers, staff and other stakeholders, which results in reduced costs, increased profits and an enhanced reputation for themselves and the industry as a whole.
TWO candidates have so far announced their intention of standing in the Douglas by-election on May 23.
The Douglas West seat is the one vacated by current MHK Geoff Corkish following his recent elevation to Legislative Council.
Taxi driver and business man Martin Moore, who is 34 and lives in Douglas, said his work was an asset as it put him in touch with the views and concerns of the public.
‘We need more people in the House of Keys who are willing to speak out against the more senior politicians when they feel they are doing wrong.
‘My work gives me contact with people from all elements of society from people on building sites struggling to make ends meet to the wealthiest residents.’ he said. Mr Moore announced an intention to stand in the 2011 election but said ‘technical issues’ with his nomination papers prevented this.
He favours a publicly-elected Legislative Council and is opposed to tuition fees. On the bendy bus issue he added: ‘I’ve yet to meet anyone with a good word for them, They seem bent on putting them into service.’
The other candidate, Chris Thomas, is the current councillor for St George’s ward in Douglas which he says already encompasses a significant area of the Douglas West constituency.
Councillor Thomas, who lives in Douglas and is a financial analyst, believes in greater co-operation between the government and local councils on matters like planning as well as to ‘join up’ provision of facilities like parking, libraries, leisure and transport. He said if elected he would still attend council meetings in the public gallery, and would try to engage the public in the council’s policy agenda, through a residents’ and ratepayers’ association.
He recently gave a presentation to the Positive Action Group called Legislative Council: What Next?
More candidates might yet come forward before nominations close on April 23.
THE retreating snow cover is good news for the island’s wild animal population, according to the Manx Wildlife Trust.
While hundreds – potentially thousands – of domestic and livestock animals perished in the Arctic conditions, there were also casualties in the wild.
Despite this, a MWT spokesperson said populations on the whole would pull through intact, and only be seriously affected if the snowy ground conditions were to continue for an extended period.
‘Most of the species are fairly resilient,’ said the spokesman. ‘A lot of animals are quite well adapted, things like rabbits and mountain hares will get by. Over thousands of years native animals adapt to cope with the best and the worst. They tend to bounce back.’
Last year’s unseasonably wet summer had a potentially worse impact than the recent snow falls, as the unusual conditions were drawn out over several months.
The spokesman explained: ‘Local species of bird like sparrows – ground feeding birds – will start to suffer eventually if it didn’t thaw.’
Councillor Carol Malarkey will be the next mayor of Douglas.
Her selection was agreed at a private meeting of Douglas Council held last week, at which she indicated her intention to accept the office if confirmed at the annual council meeting to be held on May 8.
Cllr David Ashford will stand down from the position.
Douglas’s mayor is a largely ceremonial role, although he or she also chairs the council meetings.
IT’S time to start decorating your bras and planning your costumes for this year’s annual bra dashes.
Everyone from schools, sports teams, clubs, pubs, Women’s Institutes and Young Farmers are encouraged to get involved in the event, in aid of Breakthrough Breast Cancer Isle of Man.
Since its launch in 2005, the event has raised more than £135,000 for the charity.
The four dashes – in Douglas, Castletown, Ramsey and Peel – take place on April 26 and April 27, and the aim is to raise awareness of the disease and fund research into a cure and prevention.
The first dash will start from the Marks and Spencer car park entrance, in Drumgold Street, Douglas, from 1.15pm on Friday, April 26.
Call Angie on 498864 or email {mailto:bradash@manx.net|bradash(at)manx.net}
Fifteen minutes later, the Castletown dash will start from the Market Square. Call Tracy on 450217.
On Saturday, April 27, Ramsey dashers will leave from Shoprite at 12.30pm. Call Rosy on 472548.
And finally, Peel bra dash will take place on the Saturday from Market Place at 2pm. Contact Lindsay on 422853.
At each of the four dashes, those who take part dressed up in teams of four or more could win £50 sponsored by Lloyds TSB Bank.
It is also sponsoring prizes for the fastest dasher (£25), best dressed dasher (£25), and best dressed child (£10).
The charity’s chairman, Angie Aire, said: ‘Following the success of yet another four fabulous dashes last year we are raring to go again covering the north, east, south and western corners of our island.
‘The dates are set and the event is good to go.’
She urged people to get involved, saying: ‘Remember you don’t have to run or dash, you can walk, stroll or roll.
‘We were delighted to welcome the Sunnydale Residential Home folk who came and joined us last year, in wheelchairs, zimmer frames and walking sticks and they are preparing their pink fancy bras for this year as we speak.’
Hundreds of dashers took part in the 2012 dashes, raising more than £12,500 for Breakthrough.
Fancy dress costumes included a Grand National team, super scooter lady, pink cowgirls, and Olympians complete with five rings and a torch.
Castle Rushen High School sixth form students took part in their local dash, with the males going topless.
While in Douglas, Leo Phillips played her harp all the way round the Douglas course, and Isle of Man College students Chloe Bell and Sophie Lord carried a huge filled bra.
Mrs Aire thanked sponsors Lloyds TSB Bank, 3FM, Shoprite and Coca Cola for their support.
For more information and to download a sponsorship form go to {http://www.bradash.im.bradash.im}
AN ISLAND agricultural charity has had donations totalling £20,000 thanks to the generosity of the Manx public, moved by the plight of farmers hit by the recent snow.
The island’s Agricultural Benevolent Trust, which was founded in 1995, gives financial help to people hit by an accident, illness or some other form of hardship.
Trust chairman Graham Crowe, who was one of the trust’s founders, said they had been delighted by the response they had received.
‘We hope to raise our profile so people know we can offer help, and also to invite donations as well,’ he said.
‘The hardship caused by the bad weather will hit people further down the line in the summer when people are faced with bills to pay and no lambs to sell. We have some reserves and we have had some excellent donations. We are keen for people to stay in the industry and not leave it as a result of this,’ he said.
‘We are extremely grateful to all those individuals and organisations who have supported us in the past, and those who have expressed a wish to do so now in response to the extreme weather of last weekend.’
The island’s Young Farmers recently donated £15,000 to the trust, which Mr Crowe said was much appreciated, and money has been offered from other supporters too.
A free download of the topical new album track Kirree Fo Naightey - which translates as Sheep Under The Snow - is being offered by island band Barrule in return for a donation to the trust. This has so far raised £5,000.
Details and a link to the web page are available on their website at {http://www.barruletrio.com/|www.barruletrio.com/}
Mr Crowe, who was also the trust’s founding chairman in 1995, said all donations to the trust remained on the island to help those involved with the farming community here.
In addition, because the trust is run by volunteers there are no administrative costs incurred so all money donated goes to help good causes.
Mr Crowe said: ‘All referrals will be dealt with in the strictest confidence, and the small board that runs the trust has a very good track record of discretion and professionalism when assessing need.’
The trust may make one-off payments to people or help could take the form of an interest-free loan. The trust’s financial and legal advisors assess the applications and make recommendations to the directors.
However there is a mechanism to offer urgent help if the situation demands.
Anyone wanting to be considered for assistance, or who wants to recommend anyone for support should contact Mr Crowe on 405479 or by email at {mailto:gcrowe@mcb.net|gcrowe(at)mcb.net}. Alternatively contact the trust secretary, Jonathan Corlett on 410154 or email {mailto:jonathan.corlett@manx.net|jonathan.corlett(at)manx.net}. Write to IOM Agricultural Benevolent Trust, c/o Mr JC Fargher, Ballafreer House, Union Mills, IM4 4AB or see the trust’s Facebook page, which also has a donations facility.
UNION leaders have been blasted after they pulled out of joint talks over major scope of government reforms.
Chief Minister Allan Bell insisted reforms would not be delayed, even if that meant sidelining unions that didn’t engage in a constructive way.
The Unite union has told the Department of Infrastructure that it has pulled out of joint negotiations with rival Prospect over proposed changes to staff terms and conditions and the way services are delivered at the airport and operations division.
It is understood it has also walked out of a joint platform with Prospect in talks with the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture and with the Public Sector Pensions Authority’s working group looking at cutting rates of redundancy pay.
As part of scope of government reforms, departments have been given a deadline until the end of this year to review services to see how they can be delivered in a more efficient and cost-effective way.
This could included contracting out or part-privatisation of some services.
Infrastructure Minister David Cretney said: ‘Unfortunately we have been notified that Unite will sit down with the department but they won’t sit down with Prospect. This will make negotiations more protracted and difficult.’
Chief Minister Allan Bell admitted: ‘It’s a matter of concern.’
He added: ‘I would have expected a more mature approach given the issues affecting the island at the moment. I would have thought they would grab this opportunity to work closely with government departments to find an achievable way forward.
‘Instead, Unite’s leadership seems rooted in the 1970s and fails to recognise the difficulties currently facing the Isle of Man.’
He added: ‘These changes are going to be brought in – they have to be brought in, in a relatively short time. There is a danger if the unions don’t engage in a constructive manner many decisions will be made without their involvement.’
Mr Bell said he would not want to pre-empt what the final recommendations of the departments’ scope reviews might be.
But he said the employment structures needed to be streamlined and modernised. ‘It needs to be more relevant to the Isle of Man – not rooted in the past,’ he said.
Mr Bell has announced that consultation will begin after Easter on proposals to establish a Public Services Commission which will replace the Civil Service Commission and the Whitley Council pay negotiating body for manual workers
Unite regional industrial organiser Eric Holmes insisted the union wasn’t dragging its feet on reform. ‘Absolutely not,’ he said.
‘Whitley Council has sole signatory rights to a lot of the departments’ work. We did think we could share a joint platform with Prospect but unfortunately Prospect’s aims and protections don’t coincide with those of the manual workers so we’ve now pulled out.
‘What Prospect is happy to give away is not what the manual workers are happy to give away. We’ve met with the chief officers of all the areas and they understand what the problems are. It’s disappointing they are having to do things twice.’
Mr Holmes said the proposal for the single employing authority was ideal for the civil service but did not suit the manual workers.
He added: ‘The Chief Minister’s aim is to get rid of Whitley Council - this is what this is all about.’
Angela Moffatt, negotiations officer for the Prospect union, said: ‘We have about 70-plus Whitley Council members in Prospect. We have members all over the public sector.
‘We have not agreed or discussed any proposal to “give away” anything. I’m astonished at what Eric Holmes has to say.
‘We will always work with other unions to be able to achieve the best for employees. We are committed to that – and that won’t change. At no point has Unite raised an issue with Prospect other than to say that civil servants can’t negotiate for Whitley Council.
‘However, we have never negotiated for Whitley Council – so Mr Holmes’ remarks are obtuse. We can’t negotiate for Whitley Council – although we do speak for our Whitley Council members. It’s almost as if they are seeing problems that don’t exist.’
It is understood that Unite is still participating in a number of formal joint negotiating bodies including at the MEA, port services and education.
THE Mountain Road is open again.
It has been closed for 13 days because of the snow.
The Beinn-y-Phott and Sulby Glen roads are still closed.
A Department of Infrastructure spokesman said: ‘Drivers are asked to take extra care as animals could be on the Mountain Road due to the height of the snow.
‘Please also be aware of the potential for falling snow from hedges.’
{http://www.gov.im/tourism/webcam/webcam.aspx?webcam=8|Click here to see a picture from the webcam at the Bungalow}
CLAIRE Collister, an associate at legal and fiduciary services firm, Appleby (Isle of Man) LLC, has been appointed as chairman of the Isle of Man Young Lawyers’ Association (YLA).
The YLA has for numerous years represented the interests of trainee and newly qualified members of the Manx Bar.
It provides its 40 plus associate members, which includes trainees, newly qualified solicitors and paralegals, with support, advice, information and social networking opportunities, while also interacting with the Isle of Man Law Society.
Speaking of her achievement, Claire said: ‘I am proud to have been appointed and would like to thank my peers for their support in electing me.
‘As a recent trainee myself I fully appreciate the challenges facing young lawyers during the early stages of their career and I am pleased to be able to offer support and guidance based on my own experiences.’
She added: ‘The YLA is the perfect forum for young lawyers to have their voices heard in a fun and social environment.
‘We organise social and educational events including “lunch and learns”, buddy schemes for those taking their Manx Bar Exams, and forums for interaction between young lawyers. I would encourage all aspiring lawyers in the island to get involved.’
For further information on becoming a member or to keep updated on the latest YLA developments, events, awards, and other issues affecting young lawyers on the Isle of Man, contact Claire, ccollister@applebyglobal.com, or become a friend of “IOM YLA” on Facebook.
AFTER setting himself the momentous 12-month challenge of climbing one million vertical steps last May, Douglas personal trainer Roger Davies has crossed the finish line a whole month ahead of schedule.
The early finish was necessary though, as super-fit Davies flies out to Morocco this morning (Thursday) ready to take part in one of the world’s toughest foot races.
Within a week of completing his millionth step – the equivalent of ascending and descending Mount Everest an impressive 24 times – Roger will compete in the Marathon Des Sables, a gruelling six marathons in seven days across the Sahara desert.
He speculatively applied for the desert race two years ago, and had still heard nothing back when he conceived the million steps challenge last May to raise money for Manx Cancer Help.
Halfway into the challenge, the ominous news came that he had been accepted, meaning his already-tight million steps deadline moved forward by four weeks.
Reflecting on eleven months of climbing stairs, at all hours and in all weather, Roger said: ‘The first third was easy. The middle third I actually began to feel a bit desolate. I had two holidays, and found out about the Marathon des Sables. I went from being quite far ahead to suddenly having a mountain to climb.’
He chose to see the bright side of having a punishing schedule as a run up to the desert race, using the big finish as training to hit Morocco in good shape, even taking to running without socks and with sand in his shoes to prepare for the inevitable discomfort of the Sahara.
The memorable year has seen him raise more than £28,000 and counting for Manx Cancer Help, through standard sponsorship as well as a series of inventive events, including having hundreds of staff from Standard Bank, and then Barclays join him inside for sessions on their office staircases.
Roger also raced up and down the Legislative Buildings, joined by members of the Department of Health Dudley Butt MLC, and minister David Anderson MHK, as well as at Scoill Vallajeelt, attended by his son Jasper.
Notable names from the world of sport have joined him including Dame Kelly Holmes, snowboarder Zoe Gillings, cross country runner Keith Gerrard, TT star Guy Martin, and last month cycling sensation Mark Cavendish paid him a visit at the Gas Works steps in Douglas that have become so familiar to the personal trainer.
Many more joined Roger in a year that also saw him compete in the Tough Mudder UK cross country obstacle racing series, ranking highly enough to travel to New Jersey in the USA in October, for the 24 hour World Championships involving laps of an eight-mile circuit peppered with freezing water and electric shock obstacles.
Davies completed his million steps on Easter Sunday in front of a crowd of supporters at the Gas Works steps.
FIRE walking will be one of the attractions on offer in Douglas later this month as part of a fundraising drive for the Isle of Man Hospice.
For the aspiring circus performer the event will see activities in the town centre and at North Quay.
Anyone not so keen on the idea of walking on embers can instead test their mettle with the alternative attraction of walking on ice – actually broken glass.
The activities are being laid on by UK company UK Firewalk and organisers are keen to stress it is entirely safe.
Described by the organisers as ‘the most inspirational journey you will ever undertake’, the fire walk is done bare-foot over red-hot wood embers with a temperature of about 800 degrees.
Both events are to take place on Saturday April 13.
The ice walk will be on Regent Street in Douglas town centre near the main post office and runs from midday to 5pm.
Mary Doyle of the hospice said: ‘It is a chance for people to try something different. They can walk on ice and raise funds for hospice or alternatively they can take part in the firewalking extravaganza which is taking place over on North Quay.’
Firewalking has been practised by different cultures around the world and is thought to date back to Iron Age India around 1200 BC. It has been used in the past as a rite of passage or a test of strength and courage, or in religion as a test of faith.
At one time it was believed the walker was protected by supernatural forces but physics can now provide an explanation. The embers are poor heat conductors and the transfer of heat to the walker’s foot is also restricted by a layer of insulating ash which coats them.
The fire walking takes place from 7.30pm on the same day on North Quay. There will also be live music and a fire display as well as the fire walk itself.
A payment of £50 will secure the opportunity to try out either or both of the experiences. In additiion participants must raise a minimum of £50 in sponsorship in favour of the hospice to do one activity or £100 for those doing both ice walking and fire walking. Anyone interested must sign up in advance by calling 647434 or emailing {mailto:terricook@hospice.org.im|terricook(at)hospice.org.im}. It is not possible to sign up at the event.
THE Laxey Wheel isn’t, in the words of the famous song, ‘turning, turning, turning’ at the moment.
Visitors were disappointed this week when the attraction opened at the start of the season to see that the largest working wheel in the world wasn’t actually working.
Manx National Heritage says it is currently undertaking a project to repair the T-rocker.
A spokesman said: ‘The main timber beams of the T-rocker are some of the last remaining original timber elements at the mine complex but their structural strength is diminishing with age.
‘Interim strengthening work is necessary pending permanent replacement of the timbers.
‘Unfortunately the wheel will not turn until works are completed in the summer.
‘The complex remains open, however, for the enjoyment of visitors who can continue to climb to the top of the waterwheel and enjoy the mine complex.’
A FARMING business might have to cull its hens after the snowfall almost two weeks ago.
Today’s Manx Independent includes an interview with the farmers affected and others who are counting the cost of the severe weather.
The lead story on page one is about a teenager who sadly died in a car accident but whose organs helped others to live.
The paper includes the latest on the bus dispute, a court case in which a man was jailed for 16 weeks after going on a rampage and details of reality television stars from Made in Chelsea and Geordie Shore visiting the island.
Our What’s Where When section includes a preview of the Dublin City Ramblers and your usual two pages of What’s On.
Sport includes a report from the FA Cup Final on the back page and looks forward to hockey, golf and football over the weekend.
The Manx Independent is in the shops now.
THE Isle of Man Natural History and Antiquarian Society is to hold extra drop-in sessions for its initiative Traditional Buildings of Mann.
The society is providing them as many people were unable to go to the previous ones because of the snow.
The sessions will take place at at the iMuseum, Kingswood Grove, Douglas, tomorrow (Friday) and Saturday from 10am till 2pm.
Anyone with an interest in the island’s traditional buildings is welcome to go for a chat about how to get involved.
A spokesman said: ‘If you have an idea for a project, or are looking for some inspiration, please come along for a chat and some advice about how to get started.
‘Additionally if you would like to join a group of people in measuring and recording buildings on site please visit our website, email {mailto:tbm@manx.net|tbm(at)manx.net} and record your interest or phone Pat Newton on 366269.’
SIX members of the same family have all become freemen of the city of Oxford in a ceremony which took place in the university city.
Tom Hanks, an accountant based in Douglas, was the latest to follow in a family tradition which started when his great great great grandfather James Gardiner received the honour in the early 19th century.
‘I believe it gives us the right to graze cattle and horses on a 300-acre plot of land known as Port Meadow just outside Oxford next to the Thames,’ he said. ‘I can’t ever see myself or any other members of the family taking advantage of that directly to be honest but it is a great honour.
‘And it’s important, of course, to maintain the green areas like this and the public rights of way across it.’
Also taking part in the ceremony were Mr Hanks’ Manx wife Kirsty, also an accountant, his older brother Nick, 39, Nick’s wife Lucy, his sister Liz and their mother Margaret,
Mr Hanks’ father Martin, who was born and brought up in Oxford and ran a bookshop there for many years, became a Freeman in 1973, as did his uncle Tim Hanks who now also lives in the Isle of Man. Both were following in the footsteps of their father Charles, also a Freeman.
Though Mr Hanks and his siblings were all born in Oxford, he and other family members travelled from around the British Isles to be there for the ceremony – he had his wife from the Isle of Man, his sister Liz from Sheffield and his parents from Bude in Cornwall where they now live.
The ceremony took place last week – 40 years on from his father’s. The right to become Freemen is passed on through family members and was recently extended to wives, which is why Mr Hanks’ mother Margaret took the plunge 40 years on from her husband.
‘We all wanted to do it but it has taken a while to find a time when everyone was available at the same time,’ Mr Hanks said.
A formal application is made along with proof that other family members were Freemen and the formal ceremonies are then held a few times a year.
At the ceremony, each applicant makes and individual declaration, then in unison all read out a lengthy oath.
‘It’s a bit of a challenge because it last about 15 minutes and contains a lot of archaic language,’ he said.
Freemen then get a large certificate showing the oath and valideated by the signature of the Lord Mayor.
Mr Hanks came to the island to work after university and now lives in Saddlestone. His uncle lives in Marathon Road.
James Gardiner, Mr Hanks’ great great great grandfather, was born in early 1800s was apprenticed to Oxford builder John Hudson. He was admitted as a Freeman on February 25, 1820.
His great great grandfather became a Freeman in 1868 and his great-grandfather in 1901.
THE Mountain Road has now reopened after being closed for 90 minutes this afternoon to allow snow clearance.
An update received from the Department of Infrastructure at 4pm today outlined the current situation.
A substantial amount of snow has been removed from the Mountain Road at the Sulby Glen junction in order to improve visibility.
The Sulby Glen Road, from its junction with the Mountain Road to Tholt-e-Will is open but is narrow in places and drivers are urged to drive with caution.
The Mount Murray Back Road, West Baldwin Road from its junction with Ard Whallin to its junction with the Beinn-y-Phott, and the Roundtable road to the Ballamodha junction are now all open.
The following roads remain closed but the DoI is hopeful they will all be reopened tomorrow (Friday):
A27 from its junction with the Ballacallin to Roundtable (access remains in place for residents but it is a no through road).
A36 to its junction with B44 Linague (access to properties, no through road).
A27 Roundtable to Ronague access to properties (no through road).
B10 Beinn-y-Phott.
The Department of Infrastructure thanked the travelling public, particularly residents in the affected areas, for their patience.
A DOG was killed in a house fire in St Patrick’s View, Peel, this afternoon.
Upon arrival, leading firefighter Alan Quayle and his crew were faced with a house that was heavily smoke-logged.
He immediately deployed two firefighters wearing breathing apparatus and, using thermal image cameras, they were able to identify the cause of the smoke, which was items left on top of the hob setting fire to the units and microwave resulting in the kitchen having severe fire and smoke damage.
There was also considerable amount of heat and smoke damage to the remainder of the property.
Fire crews carrying out a search of the upstairs of the property found the family dog in the bedroom.
The dog died due to the effects of smoke.
Fire crews buried the dog for the occupant of the property.
The fire was extinguished using a high-pressure hose.
A portable ventilation fan was used to extract the smoke and heat from the house allowing fire crews to gain access to the kitchen then remove kitchen units which had been involved in the fire.
The last fire appliance left the scene at 3.53pm.
A fire service spokesman said: ‘It is very important that at least one smoke detector is fitted in a property to give early warning in the event of a fire breaking out.
‘All domestic smoke detectors should be tested regularly at least once per week and the battery should be replaced once a year. We cannot emphasise strongly enough the importance of having a working smoke alarm fitted in the home.
‘The Community Fire Safety Team can carry out home fire risk assessments free of charge and give advice on where to fit detectors.’