Musical group Musicalé has organised a charity quiz night to raise money for Hospice and Project 21.

The event, on Saturday, September 28, will take place at The Masonic Hall, Woodbourne Road, Douglas, and will be compèred by theatre and radio celebrities Howard and Chris Caine.

Tickets are £20, which includes a hot pot supper. There will be also be a raffle.

Over the last 25 years Musicalé has made acclaimed stage appearances alongside classical chart-toppers The Priests and Russell Watson, as well as performing with Rick Wakeman, Chris de Burgh, Vince Hill and flamboyant American organ virtuoso , the late Carlo Curley.

Under musical director John Riley and with accompanist Jennifer Bird the ensemble has also enjoyed great success at the Manx Music Festival and in the Isle of Man Festival of Choirs, and has delighted many brides and grooms with music on their wedding day.

Teams of four to six are encouraged. Contact Linda Corkish on 419332 to get your tickets or email fundraising@hospice.org.im

Manx trading watchdogs are warning that warranties might be rip-offs.

The Office of Fair Trading says people should think twice before paying for them.

A spokesman said: ‘Making your money go further is important, so if you are thinking about buying an electrical item, make sure you know the true cost of extended warranties.

‘From MP3 players to games consoles, TVs, cameras and laptops, extended warranties are often offered to give you “peace of mind”.

‘The OFT is advising consumers to think carefully about the value for money offered by an extended warranty as it is likely to be expensive compared with the amount you would normally pay out in repair costs.

‘Some people forget that the goods they buy new often have a manufacturer’s guarantee that usually lasts for one year, so there may well be no need to buy an extended warranty when you buy the goods.’

The OFT suggested that before consumers buy a warranty, they should think carefully about a number of points.

l If you do decide to buy a warranty, remember you don’t have to buy one in store. Take time and shop around using www.compareextendedwarranties.co.uk.

l Some providers offer warranties included in the price of the electrical goods.

l Although warranties generally do offer additional rights, you may also be covered by your household insurance.

l You have statutory rights if something goes wrong: consumers are protected by the Supply of Goods and Services Act 1996 which states that goods must be as described, of satisfactory quality and fit for the purpose.

l It is certainly a good idea to shop around for some quotations before signing up to a warranty. You should also check that the warranty company has an agent here to carry out any repairs otherwise you might have to send it away and pay the postage.

Defiant Steam Packet bosses insist they will fight off any new threat of competition on the island’s sea services.

Chairman Robert Quayle vowed: ‘We will meet competition with competition.’

He admitted it was no coincidence the Steam Packet was announcing it has significantly cut its debt just hours before Ellan Vannin Line held a public meeting to outline its plans for the new daily cargo service to Heysham. A passenger service could follow by TT next year.

Ellan Vannin Line’s Captain Kurt Buchholz told the packed meeting at Noble’s Park Pavilion: ‘For me competition is always healthy - that’s what I believe in.’

He said it wasn’t his aim to ‘shed any blood’ but to co-exist alongside the Steam Packet, taking 25 per cent of the market share. Captain Buchholz said the company had secured berths at Douglas and Heysham and would launch a daily freight service from October using a ro-ro (roll on, rolloff) container vessel that could carry up to 40 trailers.

It could also carry containers, vans, cars, livestock, oversized goods, dangerous cargo and scrap. The boat would sail at 10am from Douglas, arriving at Heysham at 2pm, departing again at 7pm and arriving in Douglas at 11pm.

Announcing the SPC’s financial restructure, Mr Quayle said debts of about £200m had been ‘unsustainable’ and ‘totally disproportionate’. He said this had been ‘significantly’ reduced and was now at a level that is ‘manageable, sustainable and serviceable’. Mr Quayle declined to reveal the new level of debt, saying he didn’t believe that information was ‘relevant’. ‘It’s a private company that operates without any government subsidy – there’s no government bail-out here!’ he said.

{http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/steam-packet-cuts-its-debt-1-5893705|Click here to see our video interview}

He said one of the reasons the Steam Packet had wanted to make sure this information was in the public domain that day was because a potential competitor was suggesting the company’s financial situation was not secure. ‘That is patently untrue – we have a very robust financial situation,’ he said.

Mr Quayle said the concern was that if any competitor established any kind of ‘traction’ it would hit freight revenues which cross-support less economic services.

In turn, this could impact on passenger fares in the short term and investment plans for the future.

The majority of the Steam Packet’s passengers services are supported by freight.

The SPC chairman said the level of business on these routes ‘does not sustain sensible competition’ and he did not think it was in the best interests of the Isle of Man for the Ellan Vannin Line to start up its service.

But he vowed: ‘This won’t put us out of business. We’ll meet competition with competition. We are not going to sit back and lose business to a competitor.’

The Steam Packet last faced competition in 2010 when Mezeron launched a rival daily container cargo service to Liverpool. It lost 15 per cent of its freight service to Mezeron Estonian-registered chartered vessels, the Kalana and the Kurkse, but competition lasted less than five months.

At Friday’s public meeting in the Noble’s Park Pavilion, Captain Buchholz said the affect of competition would be to provide a ‘spark for the island’s economic engine’ leading to new ventures and boosting tourism.

It would lead to affordable prices and provide a back-up service in the event of a Steam Packet vessel breaking down.

He said he wanted to provide a career plan for seafaring staff but his comments that crew members would be paid international rates prompted exchanges with some in the audience who pointed out that Steam Packet staff are paid higher Manx rates.

There were also concerns expressed that price comparison figures he had supplied for the presentation may not be fair or accurate.

Captain Mike Brew bows out this week after more than 30 years in charge of the island’s ports.

The director of harbours took up his present post in 1998, having started out at harbour master in Ramsey in February 1982 before moving to Douglas as operations manager in 1995.

Brought up in Peel, he joined the Merchant Navy for 12 years. He said: ‘I always wanted to join the Merchant Navy. There were a lot fishermen in my family and some went away “deep sea”.’

Not long after he was appointed harbour master in Ramsey, there were seamens’ strikes on the Steam Packet lasting 10 weeks altogether, bringing disruption to ferry and freight services - an event that had a lasting effect on the island’s lifeline sea services.

Captain Brew said: ‘It highlighted the need to have a reliable and regular ferry service. The debate from those strikes led in 1995 to the user agreement.’

The merits of that agreement, which gives the Steam Packet sole use of the linkspan at Douglas harbour in return for guarantees on fares and service frequency, continue to this day. Mr Brew said: ‘It has its shortcoming, it isn’t perfect but it has delivered what it set out to do.’

He is retiring at a time when another attempt is made at introducing competition on the island’s sea services. He said: ‘Sea services for the island are absolutely vital. Competition works when there is sufficient room in the market.’

Mr Brew said another major change had been the creation of marinas at Peel and Douglas, whose popularity have exceeded all expectations. ‘I grew up in Peel and have to pinch myself. It’s a smashing place.’

Airport director Ann Reynolds is to take on harbours as well on an interim basis.

Creechurch Capital has been awarded ‘Best in Class for Boutique Wealth Management Services’ in the prestigious Professional Adviser International Fund and Product Awards 2013.

Now in their 14th year, the Awards are in honour of firms in the financial services industry offering the best products and services across borders.

Creechurch Capital was up against more than 70 entries to this year’s awards from a wide range of companies in the offshore sector, impressing judges with a range of attributes including transparency and ease of use, as well as appropriateness and flexibility of products and services.

Despite being established less than three years ago, Creechurch Capital has already developed a reputation for its excellent customer service and expertise. Fifteen people work at the offices in Knox House, Finch Road, Douglas.

The business has also achieved impressive growth while successfully integrating into key international markets and remaining loyal to its clients in the Isle of Man.

John Greenwood, chief executive officer at Creechurch Capital said: ‘Creechurch Capital was formed as a boutique wealth manager so we are extremely proud to win Best in Class for this award.

‘The amazing hard work of our staff has really paid off and the award is further proof that we are able to provide the very best advice to investors across the globe.’

Deborah Benn, chairman of the judging panel said: ‘Regulatory change has had a big impact on providers this year.

‘The need to comply with a range of different regulatory requirements has required providers to change and adapt accordingly.

‘While this has not been easy from a commercial or operational viewpoint, it’s clear from judging that there is no lack of determination and willingness to ensure products and services meet current high expectations.

‘Our winners as well as those achieving Highly Commended and Best in Class have all impressed with their ability to keep their finger on the pulse of consumer needs and market changes.’

Some motorists last night helped the police during what the force has described only as ‘an incident’.

At about 9.20pm on Monday an ‘incident’ took place Cow Hill, Santon.

Police detained people, although they haven’t said how many, from a blue Nissan Micra.

Some police officers ended up in the middle of the road while detaining these people.

A number of motorists drove past and some assisted the police.

The police would like to speak to any witnesses who passed the officers during this incident and also thank the members of public who stopped and helped.

All information will be treated in the strictest confidence, officers said.

Ramsey’s RNLI lifeboat, the RNLB Ann and James Ritchie, was launched at at 11.56am yesterday (Monday) to help a fishing vessel eight miles north-west of the Point of Ayre.

The Jersey-registered fishing vessel had fouled its propeller and rudder and was unable to make any headway.

Ramsey lifeboat arrived on scene at 1:04pm and took the vessel safely in tow to Ramsey Harbour, arriving at 3:35pm after encountering a swiftly incoming tide.

nce at Ramsey Harbour entrance the lifeboat was joined by a Ramsey registered fishing vessel which acted as a brake to the casualty’s stern, enabling the casualty vessel to be towed safely through the harbour entrance into the harbour basin.

The casualty vessel was moored alongside in Ramsey Harbour at 3:47pm and Ramsey lifeboat returned to station.

The photograph shows the casualty vessel being towed into Ramsey Harbour and was taken by Pete Brady, a volunteer crew member of Ramsey RNLI lifeboat.

A vandal smashed a van window overnight on Friday/Saturday.

A yellow Ford Transit van’s passenger window was attached between 8pm on Friday and 9am the next day on Hilary Road, Douglas.

Any person with information should contact Constable Loader at Lord Street police station on 631324.

Firefighters were called after smoke was seen coming out of a cooker in Lakeside Road, Governor’s Hill, Douglas, this morning.

When they arrived they found that the fire had burnt itself out inside the cooker.

The source of smoke was the grill that had been left unattended, with residue fat igniting for a short period of time.

Leading Firefighter Paul Hunt, who was the officer in charge of the first appliance, said: ‘The occupier did the right thing by evacuating the property and calling the fire service out.’

Crews remained in attendance for about 20 minutes to ensure that the property had been well ventilated.

A fire service spokesman advised the public: ‘Don’t let food remains build up – keep cookers, toasters and grills clean.

‘When you’ve finished cooking, double-check the cooker or oven is turned off.’

The island’s private schools, King William’s College and The Buchan, have published their blueprint for the future.

A strategy document outlines the results of a re-evaluation of the schools’ core values, aims and priorities and establishes a five-year development plan.

The schools say the development marks a new stage in capital investment in faculty and pupil facilities, and includes plans to further modernise and enhance offerings in performance and visual arts, sports and academia.

Proposals for the construction of premier indoor sports facilities for use by both College and Buchan students, an IT upgrade, refurbishment of the sixth form centre, landscaping and groundwork and upgraded teaching facilities are included, while an increased emphasis has been placed upon further diversifying the school’s extracurricular offerings.

In order to support, oversee and guide this programme, Ellen Epstein has been appointed to the position of development director and the board of governors has established a development committee , which will work in with the Barrovian Foundation.

Martin Humphreys, principal, said: ‘We are committed to providing a first-class independent education on the island, for those who live here and for those who travel here from all over the world. We offer choice, individuality, breadth and an outstanding preparation for the next step on the educational journey.

‘We focus on the individual and our small class sizes mean that we can stretch the strong and support those who need that little extra focus. This strategy is about matching excellent teaching with excellent facilities and about raising funds for bursaries to allow wider access. Our key capital project is to invest in new indoor sports facilities. We have planning permission for a new sports hall and pool and I am looking forward to working with the Development Committee to raise the funds we need.’

Sammy Leahy, governor and chairman of the development committee, said: ‘This strategy document marks the launch of our new communication initiative.

‘We will re-energise our development programme by creating an on-going culture of giving by alumni, parents, former parents and friends.

‘We now have the vision, priorities and structures to achieve our aims. Success will depend on the support of the whole school community and I am delighted to have the opportunity to work with parents, alumni and all stakeholders to realise these exciting plans.’

Nigel Wood, chairman of governors. said: ‘This is a first for us. We may have 180 years of history, but this is the first time we have published our long-term strategy and invited support and comment.

‘The school has also enjoyed and had the benefit of immense philanthropy over the years from individuals, Trusts and many organisations. We are deeply grateful to them for their support and one of the things we wish to do is to get better at recognising and celebrating generosity. We feel that there is a passionate and unique “heartbeat” that runs through this delightful school. We now want to build upon our core values, to take the school even further towards our academic, sporting and artistic goals. Our vision is ambitious but realistic.’

The identities of the two men who died while on a fishing trip on Friday or Saturday have been released.

The two men have been formally identified as Harold Clive Faragher, aged 66, from Bride, and Stewart Curphey, aged 66, from Andreas.

The men went fishing off the north of the island on Friday but did not return home.

The alarm was raised in the early hours of Saturday after friends and family failed to make any contact with them.

A massive search operation was co-ordinated by Liverpool Coastguard.

Three hundred and sixty square miles were searched by lifeboats from Ramsey, Peel and Portpatrick in Scotland, a helicopter from both RAF Valley in Anglesey and Prestwick Royal Navy Air Station, and a fixed-wing aircraft from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.

Just after 6am on Saturday, an unturned flat-bottomed dinghy was found. One body was found at 1.30pm, with the other a few hours later.

Investigations continue as to the cause of the deaths and the matter has been referred to the coroner of inquests.

Equipment which could help reduce the risk of brain damage in newborn babies has been donated to the Neonatal Unit at Noble’s Hospital by the Henry Bloom Noble Healthcare Trust.

The potentially life-saving machinery includes a device which helps reduce the temperature of infants and a monitor which traces brain activity.

The Tecotherm Neo, an automated cooling mattress with circulating fluid to cool the baby, and Infant Cerebral Function Monitor, which records the child’s brain electrical activity using four sensors applied to the scalp, will help medics reduce the severity of brain damage caused by asphyxia suffered during birth, which can lead to severe disabilities and even death.

Consultant general and neonatal paediatrician Dr Prakash Thiagarajan said: ‘Every year two to three infants per 1,000 births get into difficulty during the birthing process, suffering asphyxia, when they are deprived of oxygen and/or blood supply, resulting in damage to the brain.

‘Not all damage to the brain occurs at the time of the initial incident. A majority of asphyxia brain damage is secondary and occurs in the first 48 to 72 hours after birth.”

‘There is good evidence that cooling an infant who has sustained asphyxia helps minimise the secondary damage to the brain. This therapy is also supported by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE).”

‘The earlier the cooling process is started, the better the chances of preventing secondary brain damage in asphyxiated infants.’

‘He added: ‘Cooling infants who have suffered asphyxia, thereby reducing the severity of their brain damage, will reduce mortality and the incidence and severity of consequences of asphyxia. Current data indicates that of every eight infants treated, one death or severe disability will be prevented.

‘The benefits of preventing or minimising brain damage after asphyxia to the child, their family, society and the NHS are immeasurable.

‘We are extremely grateful to the trust for purchasing the equipment that will enable us to help newborn infants with asphyxia minimise the brain damage.’

The Henry Bloom Noble Healthcare Trust, which celebrates its 125th anniversary this year, funds equipment, training, research, education and health promotion to help improve the standard of healthcare in the Isle of Man and the quality of life for sick, infirm and disabled people in hospital, care-settings or their own homes.

The Trust, which was founded by the island’s greatest benefactor in memory of his wife, continues the original intentions of Henry Bloom Noble thanks to the ongoing generosity of donors and benefactors.

Trustee Malcolm Clague said: Although the number of newborns who suffer asphyxia during birth is thankfully small, it is a time of great distress for their family and staff at the Neonatal Unit. Sadly, 10% will not survive and one third will suffer severe disabilities.

‘This application, led by Dr Prakash, detailed how this equipment will improve the outcome for some of these newborns, and the Trust was impressed by his enthusiasm and wanted to ensure the necessary equipment is available to try to achieve the best possible outcome for the patient and their family.’

Author Chris Ewan’s latest novel goes on sale tomorrow (Tuesday).

Deadline is a standalone thriller which follows on from the hugely successful Safe House.

Unlike Safe House, which was set in the Isle of Man, Dead Line is set in Marseilles.

It tells the story of Daniel Trent, an expert in hostage negotiation.

He must negotiate the release from kidnapping of the man he believes is responsible for the disappearance of his fiancée.

Chris, who lives in Douglas, visited Marseilles twice while he was in the process of writing the book.

He said: ‘It’s always a slightly strange feeling when a new novel is published, but I can’t wait to see copies of Dead Line out in the wild.

‘I’m really pleased with the way the novel has turned out and I really hope that fans of Safe House will enjoy the read.’

Dead Line will be published in the British Isles by Faber and Faber in ebook tomorrow and then in hardback (with a RRP of £12.99) on Wednesday.

The novel will also be published in the USA by St Martin’s Press in spring 2014.

Details of the launch event are still being finalised.

It will take place at the Embassy Room in the British on North Quay, Douglas, on Thursday, September 5.

During the launch party, he will be joined in conversation with Stav Sherez, a best-selling crime writer who was shortlisted alongside Chris for this year’s Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year Award, as well as Jake Kerridge, crime fiction reviewer for The Telegraph.

Tickets for the launch party will be on sale soon.

Award-winning crime writer Ann Cleeves is one of a number of leading crime and thriller authors to have endorsed Dead Line.

She described it as a ‘terrific novel, wonderfully sophisticated and assured and skilfully plotted’

She added: ‘It’s refreshing to come across a thriller that has pace and tension, but which doesn’t depend on the torture of women to provide drama.

‘It’s one of the few books this year that I stayed up late at night to finish.

‘Ewan has become a master storyteller and I look forward to reading his next book.’

Safe House was published last year to critical acclaim.

It was shortlisted for the Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year Award.

And it has sold more than 500,000 copies in the UK alone.

For more details go to www.chrisewan.com

The Manx SPCA plans to be using its new multi-purpose building at Ard Jerkyll in a month’s time.

It is hoped the indoor training and play barn will lead to more dogs being rehomed, as well as enabling training and fundraisers to take place whatever the weather.

The building work was completed earlier this month and it is now being decorated – and the charity is looking for donations of office and living room furniture to help kit it out.

ManxSPCA chairman Bill Cubbon said the building would enable a ‘fundamental change’ in how the charity rehomes its dogs. Instead of meeting dogs for the first time in the kennels, which can be noisy and stressful for the animals, people interested in adopting a dog will do so in a quiet meet and greet room, with a homely feel.

He said: ‘The dogs aren’t being seen in the best light if they are barking at strangers walking past the place. People can’t get a proper judgement of the dog’s temperament.’

A large area, with a viewing gallery above, will be used by staff to train and play with the dogs in a quiet, controlled environment. It will also accommodate fundraising events and trips from schools and organisations interested in finding out more about the charity’s work.

There is also a multi-purpose room which Mr Cubbon said would be perfect for staff to be able to assess dogs when they arrive at Ard Jerkyll, to see what sort of training programme they would need.

Mr Cubbon said: ‘In a month or so we should be at the stage to start using the building while the opening will be a month later.’

He added: ‘We’re very grateful to the Manx public for their support with this project and others. If anyone has any office or living room furniture they don’t need we would be interested in hearing from them.’

The project has been funded by an anonymous £150,000 donation, a £22,000 grant from the Scholl Foundation and money raised by the Friends of the ManxSPCA and staff.

There are currently 18 dogs waiting to be rehomed.

Plans have been submitted for a ‘botanical garden of global standing and worthy recognition’ in Santon.

They have been submitted to government planners by Richmond Square Design Ltd on behalf of Mark Shuttleworth, the first South African in Space.

It would be built within about 71 acres of land he owns in Ballavale Road, Santon.

In the design statement submitted with the applications (13/00830/B), (13/00831/B), (13/00832/B) and (13/00834/B) it states: ‘The intention is to create an estate, and associated buildings, that will contribute significantly to the island’s heritage, creating a botanical garden of global standing and worthy recognition.’

When open to the public, the plan is for the gardens to be presented ‘in a manner to inform and educate visitors in a relaxed environment’.

Wildlife and biodiversity are considered to be ‘intrinsic elements of the masterplan.

As much of the existing mature vegetation as possible will be retained, and will be enhanced by additional planting schemes specifically designed to conserve and encourage the growth of local planting species, attract wildlife and encourage biodiversity.

There would be wetlands, a glen, a meadow orchard, Japanese garden, gardeners’ compound, sensory garden, water cascade and a walled garden.

A large production house would enable a ‘substantial and constant seasonal supply of plants and flowers’ to be grown.

A sensory garden would be developed in close collaboration with a number of charities including the Manx Blind Welfare Society and Rebecca House children’s hospice.

And an ampitheatre would provide an outdoor stage for theatrical performances and educational presentations.

A three-year contract to carry out fitness to work tests on long-term incapacity benefit claimants should be awarded at the end of August.

Social Care Minister Chris Robertshaw told a social affairs policy review committee that a pilot scheme using UK consultancy Atos had been a success.

The committee heard there have been six expressions of interest in taking on the role when that pilot ends.

Tender documents are to go out to all six and it is expected that the contract will be awarded at the end of next month.

The expressions of interest have come from both on and off-island.

Ross Stephens, acting director of social security and finance, said Atos ‘may or may not be’ among the six. He said the contract would be awarded first and foremost on quality of service and then in terms of which bidder offered best value for money.

‘The process will be open and transparent,’ he insisted.

There has been widespread criticism in the UK about the tick-box assessments carried out by Atos Healthcare which has a £100 million a year contract with the Department of Work and Pensions.

Last week, the DWP announced it will be contracting new providers to carry out work capability checks alongside Atos, after a recent review found the assessments to be ‘of unacceptably poor quality’.

Social Care bosses in the island say personal capability assessments are likely to be a permanent element of the incapacity benefit claim process and that they have received ‘considerable positive feedback’ from claimants.

Giving evidence to the social affairs committee, Mr Robertshaw revealed that following the Atos pilot, a third of long-term incapacity claimants had gone back to work, a third were found to be on the right benefits and the final third were found to need further state assistance.

Committee chairman Brenda Cannell MHK said that in the UK £60 million had been spent on the appeal process, a sum she claimed was initially overlooked. ‘Have you budgeted for appeals?’ she asked.

Acting chief executive of the Department of Social Care Yvette Mellor said there had always been an appeals process and this had been budgeted for.

Following on from a successful first year, Appleby and Junior Achievement have teamed up once again to launch the Appleby Academy 2013.

Pupils from Cronk-y-Berry primary school were among the first to test drive the orienteering course installed in Noble’s Park, Douglas.

The park was mapped by Markus Puusepp (Trans Atlantic Mapping Company) for Peo (Per-Olof) Bengtsson, a renowned promoter and international orienteering competitor of World Wide Orienteering Promotion.

The map was used for a successful Scandinavian international orienteering event in late October 2012 as part of a series of orienteering events undertaken by the company during a European tour.

The base map was then donated to Isle of Man orienteers William Higgins and Sandor Talas to help develop orienteering in the island.

In collaboration with Douglas Council, Mr Higgins developed a permanent orienteering course in Noble’s Park with 48 control points which was installed in early July.

Pupils from Cronk-y-Berry primary school then launched the course and map in the company of Mr Higgins and the Council’s deputy regeneration and community advisory committee chairman Councillor John Faragher.

Archallagan plantation is also being set up for a permanent orienteering course.

The Chief Minister told Tynwald this month that he hopes a Freedom of Information Bill will be published before the end of this year.

In that case I have a question to ask when it becomes law.

What have we got in the Manx Government’s wine cellar?

We, the Good Citizens of Mann, will have paid for it so we are entitled to know what’s in it, what it cost, what kind of fine vintages are there, and how much is drunk annually.

I am prompted to ask the question by a story in the Mail on Sunday about the British Government’s wine cellar and its contents which are maintained to offer excellent hospitality at official functions in the national interest.

It is currently loaded (ho ho ho) by wines which have cost as much as £450 a bottle and government ministers, officials and their guests downed 3,900 of them last year.

The Mail on Sunday gained this information under Britain’s Freedom of Information Act.

I hope to do the same thing on behalf of the Examiner under ours. After all, the Isle of Man is an increasingly grown-up government, on the world stage. It has to welcome VIP guests with sophisticated tastes in proper fashion.

I mean to say, surely we had a snifter or two to offer Scotland’s President-in-Waiting Mr Alex Salmond when he was over. It wouldn’t have looked right if Mr Bell has taken him down to the Saddle on North Quay and expected him to stand his round.

Of course, I am unable tell my readers where the Manx Government wine cellar is. Under Government Office on Prospect Hill seems to be the sensible place.

We must also consider which Manx Government minister will be responsible for keeping it well-stocked. The Mail on Sunday was able to reveal that this is done at Whitehall by Foreign Secretary William Hague.

We in the Isle of Man don’t have a foreign secretary so in the absence of any other information I would suggest that the best man for the job has to be the Treasury Minister, Mr Teare. Certainly he’s the man with our money. But if this is one of his manifold duties, how does he go about it?

For instance, when stocks are running low and some world heavyweights are expected to pitch up, does he get the Treasury’s MasterCard out of his wallet and go down to Winerite with a shopping list signed by Allan Bell? I rather hope not.

People might look askance at Mr Teare pushing full trolleys out into the car park on a regular basis.

It would be even worse if the trolleys are loaded (ho ho ho again) with screwing wine. You know, that cheap stuff with the screw tops.

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Manx Radio was sent a story by Sky News about Westminster MP’s getting a 12 per cent pay rise.

It said: ‘The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority is expected to say their basic salaries should rise to 75-pounds pounds a year after the next election.’

Is that at compound interest?

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The Examiner carried a story about bowel surgery at Noble’s Hospital with Health Minister David Anderson quoted as saying: ‘Our investigations included an internal review.’

Is there another way?

Manx businesses are being given helping hand to comply with new legislation to combat bribery.

Guidance information has been prepared to assist companies to do business competitively and fairly, and to put procedures in place to avoid committing an offence under the Bribery Act 2013.

The views of the business community and public are being invited as part of a consultation process on the draft guidance, in preparation for the Bribery Act being brought into operation later this year. Responses will be considered by the Department of Home Affairs and, where appropriate, reflected in the final guidance document.

Home Affairs Minister Juan Watterson MHK said: ‘The Isle of Man is a responsible and cooperative nation that remains at the forefront of international standards. In promoting the Bribery Act, we are striving to further enhance this positive reputation, while supporting economic growth by not being overbearing in the bureaucracy for business.’

He added: ‘The guidance materials will help businesses of all sizes and from all sectors to understand their responsibilities under the Act and the measures they can put in place to prevent bribery. Commentary and case study examples provide practical assistance to businesses, and I look forward to receiving feedback on the document via the public consultation.’

The DHA intends to publish the guidance material at the same time as the Bribery Act comes into effect.

The Act itself largely mirrors the UK legislation and, the department says, demonstrates the Isle of Man’s commitment to stamping out corruption and supporting fair trade and international development.

Mr Watterson added: ‘Addressing bribery is obviously good for business because it creates the conditions for free markets to flourish. In implementing this Act, the island is striking a blow for the rule of law, international standards and the growth of trade. Our guidance document is intended as a helping hand to conduct business competitively and fairly both on and off the island.’

The guidance document is available on the government website {https://cf.gov.im/dha/ConsultationDetail.gov?id=396|here} and responses to the consultation can be emailed to dhaconsultation@gov.im or posted to Tom Bateman, Legislation Manager, Department of Home Affairs, Homefield, 88 Woodbourne Road, Douglas, IM2 3AP.