The Steam Packet and government tourism officials are trying to lure more motorcyclists to the island this autumn.

The company has launched a campaign targeting bikers throughout September.

Bikers usually visit most during the TT, the Southern 100 and Manx Grand Prix, which was changed and rebranded this year to become the Festival of Motorcycling.

Steam Packet chief executive Mark Woodward said: ‘The Isle of Man is already being highlighted as a destination of choice for specialist interests, such as mountain biking, heritage transport, hiking and cycling. It makes perfect sense to highlight to our many thousands of visitors who come here during events like the TT that there is much more to the Isle of Man than they have seen.

‘During race periods, the Isle of Man is busy, there are special events island-wide and visitors have a tough time fitting everything into their hectic schedules, never mind trying to explore more of the island.

‘For those that have been before to enjoy the racing, visiting this autumn is an opportunity to see parts of the Isle of Man they may never have had the chance to visit before. For those who have never been able to get to the TT, this is a great chance to finally see for themselves the legendary mountain course and take in the famous landmarks, and perhaps do some research as they plan a trip to the TT, Southern 100 or Isle of Man Festival of Motorcycling.

‘It is a chance to experience the island’s unique motorsport heritage away from the crowds, get a “taste of the action” with off-road riding, quad bikes and go-karting, take in the stunning scenery, ride the course at their own pace and see much more of the Isle of Man.

‘We hope our competition receives lots of entries, and look forward to greeting true motorcycle fans when they visit the Isle of Man this autumn.’

The government’s head of tourism Angela Byrne added: ‘More than 100 years of motorcycling heritage already brings tens of thousands of visitors to the Isle of Man every year for our road racing events.

‘We are keen to build on that relationship with our friends in the biking community to promote the attractions the island has to offer and continue developing the Isle of Man as a year-round holiday destination.

‘I’m delighted to be working closely with the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company on this campaign, which I’m sure will raise the profile of the island as an autumn destination for motorcycle enthusiasts.’

The campaign includes a prize draw offering the winner a two-night stay in a Sleepwell hotel, with free return ferry travel courtesy of the Steam Packet and a tour of the TT course with Isle of Man Trike Tours.

Five new magistrates are to take up positions after being officially sworn in during a ceremony at Government House.

Maria Boncza-Tomaszewska, Geoff Collier, Ken Crellin, Julie Maddrell and Mike Murley took the oath of allegiance and oath of Justice of the Peace before receiving their warrants of appointment from Lieutenant Governor Adam Wood.

The swearing-in was conducted by First Deemster David Doyle.

He said: ‘I wish to thank the new justices for giving up their valuable time and for their willingness to provide a real and meaningful contribution to the local community in the form of judicial service.

‘They all bring with them their individual strengths, experiences of life and their sense of justice and fairness.

‘The justice system will be stronger for that.’

Deemster Doyle added: ‘The justices play a vital role at the sharp end of the administration of justice in this wonderful island.

‘It is very healthy that members of the community are willing to actively engage in the administration of justice within the community.’

Students’ success over the last year in all areas of school life was celebrated at Castle Rushen High School at its annual Awards Evening.

Head teacher Andrew Cole told parents, students, staff and guests that his fifth annual address represented a ‘very positive period in the life and history of Castle Rushen High School’.

He shared the school’s vision for its students, which he said was not about examination results, ensuring each student can tick boxes for our 6R dispositions, or even about students being happy and safe in school.

‘All of these things are important and they all contribute to success,’ he said.

But our students are individuals with unique needs, who need to make for themselves a path to success that is right for them.

‘So the vision for our students, which we all share, is that through their experiences in and beyond Castle Rushen High School they are enabled and empowered to be our future.’

For the third year running, CRHS A-level students were in the top two Department of Education and Children secondary schools for number of UCAS points achieved per student.

‘It was good to see so many happy and smiling faces on results day,’ he said.

Speaking about GCSE results, he said: ‘We were optimistic that school priority actions to support achievement in English and mathematics would have had the desired effect.

‘We were not disappointed, gaining for the second year running the best results in an Isle of Man high school for 5-plus A*-C grades (including English and mathematics).

Former student Angie Aire, chairman of the island branch of Breakthrough Breast Cancer, was invited back to present the prizes.

She said that despite not gaining top A-levels or a degree her life so far has been very fulfilling – and that good exam results are not the only path to success.

‘I have always tried to live my life to the fullest, and it has been incredibly fulfilling.

‘My reward has been the love of my family, the respect of friends and colleagues, and the knowledge that I have made a difference through my charitable work.’

Among the numerous prizes awarded on the night were:

The Sir Joseph and Lady Qualtrough Memorial Prize for best A-level certificates: Heather Allen and Kelly Firth.

The Sir Joseph and Lady Qualtrough Memorial Prize for Achievement at A-level and Senior Sportswoman of the Year: Laura Beggs.

Achievement at A-level, The Canada Life English Literature Prize, The Canada Life Senior Mathematics Prize, The A-Level History Prize: Jade Booth.

Achievement at A-level, The Nationwide Award for Business Studies: Matthew Gardner.

Achievement at A-level: Katie Gudgeon and Liam Dixon.

The Royal British Legion Trophy for Outstanding Certificates at AS Level, The Heather and David Bellinger Year 12 Maths Award: Sophie Waters.

Outstanding Certificates at AS Level, The PDMS Award for Outstanding Performance in Design Technology at AS Level: Jake Hewins.

Outstanding Certificates at AS Level: Eleanor Matthews, Alex Corlett, Seline Ismail-Sutton.

The Class of 59 Anniversary Award for Outstanding Achievement at GCSE, The Mr and Mrs J. P. Qualtrough Prize for Maths at GCSE, The John Holgate Eaton Memorial Prize for Chemistry, The Year 11 Student of the Year: Clare Harris.

The Head teacher’s Prize for Service to the School: Bethany Hall and Aaron Metcalfe.

Mrs Davis Prize for Continued Progress throughout their school career: Alice Briggs and Megan Quirk.

The Mr and Mrs W. O. Clague Prize for Service to the School, The Brian Garvey Memorial Prize for Outstanding Rugby Player of the Year, The Moore Cup for Sportsmanship, The Senior Sportsman of the Year: Fraser Veale.

The island’s chief nurse, Bev Critchlow, has welcomed the announcement of plans by the UK’s Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) – the professions’ regulating body – to introduce revalidation for all nurses and midwives every three years.

She said: ‘Nurses here in the island are already regulated by the NMC and supported within the department with continuous professional development to ensure that practice is current and effective.

‘I broadly welcome and I am encouraged by these plans from the NMC and believe they will strengthen the confidence patients and the public can have in nurses and midwives.

DRIVE

‘Anything that supports our continuing drive for excellence and ensures quality of care for patients can only be a good thing. It is increasingly accepted that professional revalidation for doctors, nurses and midwives is necessary to ensure that patients receive the highest standard of care through proactively monitoring a clinician’s commitment to professional development and assessing their fitness to practise.

‘The NMC’s proposals are in an early stage and have yet to be approved, with three options up for discussion; but formal revalidation involving feedback from patients, colleagues and the employer could be in place by the end of 2015. This would see the UK’s 670,000 nurses and midwives – including those here in the Isle of Man – subject to a more robust and rigorous form of review.

‘Obviously we’ll need to see the full details and the outcome of discussions at the NMC, but I’m sure the plans – if taken forward – will mark a very positive development for patient care and for the island’s health service.”

If the NMC proceeds with the introduction of revalidation, there is likely to be period of a consultation early in 2014.

The move by the NMC follows a similar scheme by the General Medical Council which introduced a five-yearly revalidation process for doctors in December 2012.

Dudley Butt MLC, a political member of the Department of Health, said: ‘As the health services both here in the Isle of Man and in the UK look to learn lessons from the Mid-Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust public inquiry and the recommendations of the Francis Report, it is encouraging to see that professional bodies and regulators are playing their part in looking at how the governance of professionals can adapt to the challenge of not only ensuring high quality and consistent care, but also that of restoring public confidence in the NHS.

‘The Department of Health broadly welcomes the move by the NMC and will be watching developments closely.’

An expert from the BBC is to give a talk about freedom of information legislation at a public meeting.

The Positive Action Group (PAG) has been campaigning for a Freedom of Information Act since the group started in 2006.

Is next public meeting will be entitled ‘Freedom of Information - What the Isle of Man is Missing!’

The BBC’s Martin Rosenbaum will speak on Monday, September 30, 7.30pm at the Manx Legion Club, Douglas.

Mr Rosenbaum is a BBC news specialist in using the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act.

He trains and advises BBC journalists on FoI, and has addressed international conferences on journalism and Freedom of Information.

He is an executive producer in the BBC political programmes department, overseeing a variety of radio programming. He produces radio documentaries on topics ranging from the inside story of Gordon Brown’s premiership to the politics of The Simpsons.

Mr Rosenbaum will present his thoughts on FoI, the issues it raises, the changes it is causing, the stories that resultant what it could mean for the Isle of Man.

PAG spokesman Roger Tomlinson said: ‘The PAG has campaigned long and hard for FoI and we are delighted that the Manx government is introducing a Draft FoI Bill at the end of this year.

‘Martin Rosenbaum has many years experience of using FoI legislation as a journalist and is acknowledged as the BBC’s expert.

‘We are indeed very fortunate that Martin has agreed to come to the Isle of Man - he follows in the footsteps of other distinguished FoI speakers the PAG has brought across - Heather Brooke and Maurice Frankel.

‘There is no doubt that since 2006 government has opened up a lot, so the final significant step will be for the public to have the statutory right to ask for information. An FoI Act will provide that.’

Admission is free and the audience will be able to join in the discussion.

{http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/politics/freedom-of-information-legislation-on-way-1-1771736|We were promised FoI in the Isle of Man back in 2008. Click here for a reminder of that story.}

{http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/allan-bell-s-freedom-of-information-pledge-1-5837696|Chief Minister’s Freedom of Information pledge}

{http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/manx-government-has-no-money-for-freedom-of-information-legislation-1-5888708|Government minister’s fears over the cost to the taxpayer of FoI}

One of Tony Blair’s biggest regrets as prime minister of the UK was the introduction of the Freedom of Information Act under his premiership.

In his memoirs, he berated himself about its introduction, saying: ‘You idiot. You naive, foolish, irresponsible nincompoop. There is really no description of stupidity, no matter how vivid, that is adequate. I quake at the imbecility of it.’

{http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2010/sep/01/tony-blair-memoirs-anger-unions|Click here for a reminder of that story}

Douglas Council is reminding householders to avoid obstructing roads and paths with their bins.

The move follows a marked increase in incidences of wheely bins and recycling containers being left on pavements, roads, alleyways and access lanes after emptying and collection.

The council points out this hinders street cleaning operations and can also prevent deliveries to some addresses in the borough.

Failure to return bins to within the boundaries of a property as soon as practicable after collection is a breach of the law and householders who persist in the practice will be prosecuted.

Byelaw 24 of the Douglas General Byelaws 2013 states: ‘The occupier of any premises from which controlled waste is collected commits an offence if he or she fails to remove any bin from the highway as soon as practicable after the bin has been emptied by the local authority or any contractor.’

The byelaw does, however, provide an exemption when it states that the above ‘does not apply to a bin that is placed on the highway with the consent of the Department of Infrastructure and is in compliance with any conditions associated with that consent’.

Householders who believe they may be exempt should contact the department for clarification but are advised that any breaches will be dealt with using the provisions of the byelaw.

Council leader Councillor David Christian said: ‘Our recently updated byelaws are practical measures aimed at tackling antisocial behaviour.

‘Bins left out long after collection is indefensible. Legislating for the responsible storage of bins, away from the public highway, is just one example of our commitment to promoting modern-day civic responsibility and creating a better environmental quality for the whole community of Douglas.’

Successful Bronze and Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme participants received their certificates in an annual presentation at the Gaiety Theatre, Douglas, last week.

Pictured are Ramsey Grammar School students Ellen Quane, Luke Wilson, Patrick Crellin, Edward Dunn and Voirrey Baker with their Silver awards.

The Department of Education and Children’s Youth Service is registered as an operating authority with 15 award units, including schools, youth groups and uniformed organisations.

The annual presentation service is sponsored by Isle of Man Bank and managing director Bill Shimmins presented the certificates.

Isle of Man Airport director Ann Reynolds is hopeful that daily flights to Scotland could return next year.

She confirmed that she is currently in talks with an air operator over the launch of a twice-daily service to Glasgow for the start of the 2014 summer season - and hoped to make an announcement soon.

Flybe franchise partner Loganair withdrew direct services between Ronaldsway and both Glasgow and Edinburgh from June 30.

It said its single daily services on both routes had become ‘unsustainable’ – and blamed rising operational costs and falling demand.

Scotland’s First Minister Alex Salmond, on a visit to the island in July to deliver the Chief Minister’s international lecture, pledged to restore direct airlinks between the Isle of Man and Scotland - saying they are ‘far too important’ to lose.

Airport director Ms Reynolds said: ‘I hope that current talks will result in an announcement for daily flights to Scotland for the start of the summer season 2014.’

Head teachers are seeing the benefits of secondary school teachers being exempt from work permit regulations.

The change was introduced in February to make it easier to fill vacancies.

Queen Elizabeth II High School head teacher Sue Moore said: ‘It has been a huge relief to us, partly as it has made the recruitment process quicker so we are able to make a firm offer of a job and have not lost candidates who need to be sure they have a post and cannot afford to wait for work permits to be processed. This happened in the past.

‘Last term we had a vacancy which arose due to promotion at half term and we needed to be able to advertise and recruit ready for September.

‘Competition for the best newly qualified teachers is at its peak then so any delay can be critical. We were able to appoint an excellent teacher.

‘We are also able to offer any vacant post to the best candidate and I am sure that parents would want their children taught by the best possible teachers.

‘It is still the case that most applicants have some Manx connection.

Ramsey Grammar School head teacher David Trace said the amount of paperwork it used to send out to potential applicants concerning the work permit legislation and requirements was ‘daunting’.

He said: ‘For UK and Irish applicants, from countries where nationals do not need or have not even heard of work permits, large numbers of expressions of interest simply melted away with the implication that if they were not Manx they stood little chance of being appointed.

‘This was particularly problematic in the shortage subjects of English, mathematics, the sciences and history and often led to the need to re-advertise.’

St Ninian’s High School head teacher Andy Fox said the new system was ‘much more advantageous than the old’.

This year, eight staff have been replaced in English, science, maths, modern foreign languages and PE, four of which were new to the island.

‘This, of course, is vital for the general teaching workforce on the Isle of Man as it will help bring in new ideas as well as new individuals to add to the teaching force,’ he said.

‘The new system has enabled us to work quickly and efficiently in ensuring the students of the island have the teachers needed to help them succeed.’

In further work permit changes announced this month, applications for engineering and ICT professionals are to be fast-tracked.

The island’s highly successful Island Games team was honoured at a special reception hosted by the Lieutenant Governor Adam Wood.

A team of around 100 made the trip out to Bermuda for the games in July and came away with an impressive medal haul of 36 gold, 36 silver and 25 bronze, topping the medal table by a significant margin.

General team manager Jill Gillings said around 100 athletes had made the trip to Bermuda and of those about 60 had been able to attend the reception.

‘It was a good turn-out and some of the medal winners took their medals along with them too,’ she said.

‘There was a buffet provided and it was lovely to see the team honoured in that way.’

Mr Wood made a short speech at the reception and congratulted the athletes on their success and on the medals they had won.

Certificates from the International Island Games Association were awarded to those athletes who had achieved a new games record during this year’s event, though only swimmer Laura Kinley was able to attend the evening to collect hers in person.

Picture: MW130917 (33)

The second annual Manx Litfest kicks off on Thursday this week (September 26), a four-day celebration of books, poetry, storytelling and writing.

The line-up includes authors Adele Parks, Andrew Taylor, Barbara Erskine, Victoria Lamb, Matt Haig, Holly Webb and Curtis Jobling, poets Craig Bradley and Paul Harris and performance storyteller Ben Haggarty.

Events will take place in venues around the island, including the Villa Marina’s Promenade Suite, The Studio Theatre at Ballakermeen, King William’s College, Sefton Hotel, Erin Arts Centre, St German’s Cathedral, Ramsey Library, the Family Library and Henry Bloom Noble Library.

Following the success of last year’s Gruffalo Hunt, it’s the turn of Winnie the Pooh and friends to entertain on the Litfest family day, which takes place at the arboretum in St John’s, from 10.30am-4.30pm on Saturday, September 28.

Printed programmes with a full details of the weekend’s events have been distributed to libraries, bookshops, the Villa Marina, the Welcome Centre, and the programme is also available to download from.manxlitfest.com

The programme also includes details of where to get tickets to each of the events. If anyone has any questions, please email manxlitfest@gmail.com

Festival director John Quirk said: ‘We had some great feedback from last year’s inaugural festival and we’ve tried to build on that to deliver a festival which we hope has something for all literature fans to enjoy.

‘Thursday night sees the return of our Book Fanatics’ Quiz Night at the Promenade Suite, which was great fun last year. Friday night sees two main events – a Ladies Night In’ with Adele Parks, also at the Promenade Suite, and Andrew Taylor and Barbara Erskine talking historical fiction with a supernatural twist at Peel Cathedral.

‘Saturday sees our Writers’ Day event at King William’s College, which has a series of four talks and pitch sessions to an agent and publisher. Saturday also sees Victoria Lamb talk at the Promenade Suite at 1.30pm, and Matt Haig will be at the Embassy Room in the British in Douglas Quay at 4pm. Saturday night offers the choice between Killing People for Pleasure and Profit at the Promenade Suite, with crime authors Andrew Taylor and Alan Bradley, and storyteller Ben Haggarty – who was such a big hit last year – performing Gilgamesh at the Studio Theatre.

‘Our final day, Sunday, sees our Isle of Man Writers Showcase, a series of short talks by local authors, starting at 2pm in the Cowell Suite at the Sefton. Ben Haggarty will be back on stage at the Studio Theatre at 4pm for his family performance, the Russian fairytale Maria Morevna, and the curtain comes down on the weekend with a double-header at Erin Arts Centre on Sunday night – IoM performers Voices with reading of “poetry for the modern man/woman”, and UK poet Paul Harris, with his People Watching People-Watching show.’

A registered charity, Manx Litfest is supported by Isle of Man Arts Council and Culture Vannin, in addition to many businesses and individuals .

People who normally sign on every two weeks to claim jobseeker’s allowance in Douglas have been told they don’t have to sign on again till January.

Today’s Examiner reveals why.

Inside, we also reveal that a former UK government minister is attempting to change the law in the UK and force it on the Isle of Man, over the head of Tynwald.

We also report on a carers’ group’s criticism of cuts being made by the Department of Social Care. It calls the government’s five-year strategy for adults with learning difficulties ‘a work of fantasy’.

In health news, we reveal plans for a £930,000 clinical skills centre at the hospital and report about a Peel woman’s book about asthma.

As the island prepares for Breast Cancer Awareness Month we have two pages about the issue andtalk to one woman who says she had a mastectomy for the sake of her children.

The Examiner this week reports on two significant court rulings. In the first, an appeal against a tough sentence drugs has been dismissed. It has been confirmed that the Isle of Man has the right to pass tougher sentences than England and Wales.

The second concerns a case whose origins date back to 1974. A woman who alleged she was kicked at school by a teacher has been told that if she carries on trying to pursue her claim, she could be sent to jail.

We were also in court when a man who has around 25 driving convictions was jailed for eight months having driven while disqualified, with no insurance and over the limit.

This week’s Examiner has two extras: Business Word, our monthly look at business news and a 16-page property news special.

And the back page celebrates the Isle of Man’s 5-0 victory over Cumberland.

The island’s favourite paper is in the shops now

Ambitious entrepreneurs in the UK are increasingly looking to the Isle of Man for business ‘angels’ who are seeking to not only invest in fledgling companies but to play key advisory and guidance roles.

London-based entrepreneur Patrick Ashworth said: ‘I think the Isle of Man has a wealth of high quality investors who can add value to new businesses based on their own experience, it’s not just about writing a cheque.’

He was speaking after attending an Entrepreneur Event in Douglas hosted by Siliconiom Ltd with sponsorship coming from specialist data centre provider Continent 8 Technologies and leading accountants and tax advisors PwC.

Since their inception two years ago more than 150 entrepreneurs have attended the 18 events which have taken place and around one-third have been successful in gaining their required funding, the average figure in the region of £250,000.

Mr Ashworth, an entrepreneur for 15 years who has previously launched two successful companies, is now looking for investment in a third company which he has founded.

He was one of seven entrepreneurs who, in ‘Dragons’ Den’ style, pitched to potential investors at the event, each giving a six-minute presentation in a bid to gain equity backing for their respective ventures.

He added: ‘A highly successful event, it was my first visit to the Isle of Man but I plan to be back as it is now high up on the list as to where we could possibly locate, grow and develop the business.

‘I liked the feel, the culture and was impressed by what we heard from the Government in terms of the opportunities here.

‘It is all important that a new business finds the right investors and the Isle of Man has a significant number of successful businessmen and entrepreneurs who can bring both finance and business expertise to promising new businesses.’

Chris Hall, a potential investor at the event, has played a major role in establishing the Isle of Man as an e-business centre.

He has built up a portfolio of non-executive directorships and ‘angel’ investments and is currently looking at investment opportunities in the technology software areas.

He said: ‘What has impressed me is the high calibre of the entrepreneurs who have come to the island, coupled with the broad range of businesses and different backgrounds. Future events will be a key contributor to supporting the growth of the island’s technology sectors.’

Entrepreneur and event organiser Steve Hawkins said an increasing number of entrepreneurs were becoming aware that the island offers a unique opportunity to start-up and early stage businesses.

He said: ‘The latest event again attracted an eclectic mix of companies, bringing diversity in terms of both the business proposition and global presence.’

Continent 8 account director Roberta Castle said: ‘We are delighted to be a sponsor of these extremely successful events.

‘Over the past two years they have proved to be a catalyst in a number of start-up companies looking to move to the island. Each event is a tremendous showcase for the island and feedback from this one is already very positive.’

Ian Clague, senior partner at PwC said: ‘The results from these events make impressive reading and a number of entrepreneurs who only came here looking for investment were so impressed with the island’s can-do approach, commercially aware government and sophisticated business infrastructure that they are now looking to relocate their business here.’

Steven Taylor, Steve Pickett and Peter Whittaker are set to strengthen Heron and Brearley’s leadership for future growth strategy.

The appointments to the board are all from within Heron and Brearley’s existing leadership team.

Mr Pickett, Mr Taylor and Mr Whittaker will be continuing to work under the group’s managing director, Ian Lennox.

Steven Taylor joined Heron and Brearley in 1995 and was later appointed to lead and transform the group’s on-trade division in 2010, at just 32 years old.

As retail director, Mr Taylor was a key player in the group’s acquisition of the Market Town Taverns chain in the UK.

He has successfully applied a fresh approach to developing Heron and Brearley’s estate of Manx pubs, with its noticeable impact on the wider rejuvenation of the North Quay in Douglas.

Group chairman, Jonathan Clague said: ‘The recent Carnival Live Lounge venue is the latest example of the contemporary fit and service levels offered by Heron and Brearley venues thanks, in great part, to Steven’s ambitious and youthful vision.’

Steven Taylor now progresses to the main board as overall estates director.

Having been with Heron and Brearley for more than 10 years Steve Pickett spent much of that time providing the excellent stewardship of the group’s successful expansion into logistics through Trade Distribution.

This business has achieved significant account wins in the UK and employs more than 120 people within a group, which is now understood to be the Isle of Man’s largest private sector employer at more than 1,000 staff.

Mr Pickett’s appointment to head the wholesale and logistics divisions allowed the group to consolidate several divisions, adding the existing wholesale operation, Island Automatics and Okell’s, to his portfolio of overall responsibility.

Mr Clague added: ‘Steve Pickett’s motivational and entrepreneurial leadership has already steered Okell’s to a confident future with an exciting re-branding of its entire product portfolio, helping to generate outstanding export growth. These qualities will be an asset to the main board in joining us as wholesale and logistics director.’

He continued: ‘We were very fortunate to have Peter Whittaker join us in 2008 from the Manx Co-operative Society.

‘Rapidly taking the reins of our convenience retail division, Peter has been responsible for the exponential growth of our Spar chain of convenience retail stores all over the island’s towns and villages, transforming the quality of this sector in the Isle of Man, to provide a true alternative to the supermarkets.

‘Peter’s acumen both in retail and property are a further valuable asset he will bring to the main board as retail stores director.’

Heron and Brearley sees the appointments as very much a drive for the future.

Group managing director Ian Lennox said: ‘These are anything but “time-served” appointments, but are driven by our understanding that we operate in a relentlessly competitive world.

‘I am delighted that Heron and Brearley has the internal “bench strength” to make these important appointments from within our leadership team. It demonstrates that our long-term strategy of nurturing talent and propagating loyalty will secure the future success of the group.’

About £108,000-worth of cannabis resin and £62,000-worth of cocaine was seized by the police in Douglas this morning.

Over the last week officers from the police force’s ‘pro-active team’ and dog unit have worked with Customs and Excise on ‘Operation Ring of Steel’.

At 6.30am today (Monday), officers from the pro-active team detained two women at a hotel on Douglas Promenade.

Following inquiries and a search of the women’s vehicle, they found the drugs.

The women, aged 24 and 27, are from the Liverpool area are currently at police headquarters helping with inquiries.

Detective Sergeant Paul Holland said: ‘Seizing approximately £170,000 of controlled drugs destined for the Isle of Man is a significant seizure.

‘I would like to thank the dog unit and Customs and Excise for their continued support. This highlights the need for the continued partnership work, to remove controlled drugs from the streets of the Isle of Man.

‘This further reinforces the message to these individuals intent on importing and supplying controlled drugs to the Isle of Man that a robust stance will be taken.’

Provisional figures released by the RNLI charity reveal lifeboat launches across the Isle of Man between June to August rose by nearly 50 per cent compared with the same time last year.

Of the five RNLI lifeboat stations on the island, Douglas, Peel and Ramsey all reported a marked increase in call-outs.

The most notable rise has been in services by the island’s all-weather lifeboats which have increased from 13 incidents in 2012 to 26 in 2013.

The busiest stations were Peel and Ramsey, with the all-weather lifeboats launching nine times each and Ramsey seeing the biggest increase on the same period in 2012.

The summer was the busiest since 2008, when Manx lifeboats launched 36 times.

Overall, Manx RNLI lifeboats launched 31 times during the summer of 2013, compared with 21 the previous summer.

Douglas’s all-weather lifeboat launched seven times, Port Erin’s lifeboat attended four emergency call outs and the volunteer crew at Port St Mary were called out twice.

In the UK, the charity’s lifeboats launched 4,300 times – the most in 24 years – and lifeguards attended 14,814 Incidents.

While most were enjoying the prolonged sunshine and the hottest summer for seven years on the beaches and around the coast, RNLI lifeboat crews and lifeguards were out helping those in trouble.

Rescues have included Port St Mary’s launching to a yacht with its propeller caught in a lobster pot, and Peel RNLI lifeboat launching to a powerboat with engine failure.

{http://www.rnlivideolibrary.org.uk/getvideo.aspx?vid=XBZ7Hmug|Click here to see video of the Port St Mary incident}

{http://www.rnlivideolibrary.org.uk/getvideo.aspx?vid=rViXXM3o|Click here to see video of the Peel incident}

In addition, RNLI crews have been busy training to ensure they are in a constant state of readiness to answer the call for help when the pager sounds.

This summer saw three RNLI lifeboats from the Isle of Man take part in a major maritime exercise 15 miles off the coast of Northern Ireland along with three RNLI lifeboats from Northern Ireland.

The scenario involved the rapid sinking of a small passenger vessel with 30 people onboard.

The role of the casualties were played by lifeboat crew, search and rescue mannequins and numbered oranges. The oranges added an extra challenge for the lifeboat crews as they can be quite difficult to locate in large open seas and really test the search techniques of the volunteer lifeboat crews.

{http://www.rnlivideolibrary.org.uk/getvideo.aspx?vid=AoOwdfNW|Watch the video here}

Gareth Morrison, RNLI divisional operations manager for the Isle of Man, said: ‘The fine weather has seen people flock to the coast to enjoy the fine weather, which has meant an increase in call outs for our volunteers. More than half the stations on the island have seen an increase in services during the summer which shows their true dedication of our lifeboat crews to saving lives at sea.

‘Not only has it been busy at the sharp end, but our crews also spent a very busy summer training to ensure they are well prepared for a variety of rescue scenarios.’

The Department of Home Affairs has applied for planning permission to build a custody block at police headquarters in Douglas.

The proposed development would replace the existing facilities, which the department said had reached the end of their operational life after more than 40 years of service.

The project will involve a capital investment of nearly £3m and work would get under way next spring, with an estimated completion date of December 2014.

The new custody block would then be operational by early 2015.

The plans are part of the department’s strategy to consolidate all Douglas detention facilities into one location. This will help to improve efficiency and allow the police to vacate the Lord Street site – freeing it up for potential development.

Home Affairs Minister Juan Watterson MHK said: ‘The new block has become necessary to meet the ever more stringent demands of safer detention. In the modern custody setting, the current facilities have become increasingly unfit for purpose.’

He added: ‘The proposed development will be designed and constructed to the latest specifications for police custody units and provide enhanced facilities for healthcare and legal advisers.

‘This will enable better working practices and remove the need for overflow units to be opened at times of peak demand, reducing staffing costs in terms of overtime requirements.’

Some of the highlights from recent One World Centre’s initiatives will be on show at the charity’s annual general meeting tomorrow (Wednesday).

The evening’s entertainment will begin with pupils aged 14 and 15 at Castle Rushen performing a selection of poems they have written on development issues.

This will be followed by a chance to view six short films (none longer than four minutes) created by primary school students on the theme It’s Not Fair!

Vicky Harrop will round up the night with an illustrated talk featuring some of her stunning photographs on the work of ASK (Action Saves Kids) in Bangalore. She currently has an exhibition of these pictures on show at the One World Centre Pop Up shop in Duke Street, Douglas.

The evening will also see a group of local schoolteachers receiving their Global Teacher Award certificates after completing the Global Teacher training through the One World Centre.

The One World Centre exists to educate about global issues such as poverty, injustice and sustainability and to encourage a positive response. We work with young people and community groups across the Island. New members are very welcome and anyone interested in the Centre’s work is warmly invited to attend.

The AGM takes place at Green’s Café in St John’s. Doors open at 6pm. A short formal meeting will get under way 7pm with the entertainment starting around 7.20pm.

For more information email info@owciom.org or call 800464.

These are the first prize winners in Douglas in Bloom 2013:

Hotels and guesthouses without gardens – St Helier’s

Hotels and guesthouses with gardens – Trevelyan Hotel

Private houses with gardens – Mr Davies, Westminster Drive

Business premises – The Strand shopping centre

Pub/restaurant/café – Savoy Hotel

Public/community garden – Ballacottier Primary School

Best Douglas Council property – Mrs Lee, Hillside Avenue

Conservation, wildlife and biodiversity – Mr Cooke, Murray House, Lord Street

Secret Garden – Mr Harrison, Victoria Crescent

Most improved allotment – Mr Cleverley

Judges’ special merit – Mrs Craine, Groves Road

Most imaginative floral display and winner of the Douglas in Bloom trophy – Mr Harrison, Victoria Crescent.

Sark will have its first full-time senior administrator from next month – following a recommendation from Manx civil servant Colin Kniveton.

Mr Kniveton went on a four month secondment from his post as chief executive of the Department of Economic Development in November last year to help create a civil service in the tiny Channel Island.

Sark was Europe’s last feudal state until a fully democratic government was elected in 2006.

Mr Kniveton recommended the Chief Pleas adopt a full-time senior civil servant to oversee the administrative support team and to work with the conseillers to ensure the proposals approved by the government are moved forward.

Kath Jones will take up that post next month.

She was chosen from among 47 candidates from Sark, the UK, Jersey and Guernsey and will move from the UK to the island to take up the new post next month.

The decision to create the post at a cost of £35,000 was made in May, reversing an earlier decision to reject the proposal on cost grounds.

A Tynwald scrutiny committee raised concerns about Mr Kniveton’s secondment to Sark.

The move meant Chris Corlett was switched to head up DED from his post as chief executive in Social Care, a department which is steering through major reforms.

When he returned from the Channel Island, Mr Kniveton was given a new role in the Chief Secretary’s Office, reviewing the range of services provided by government as part of the Scope of Government exercise.

He was subsequently appointed chief executive of the Department of Community, Culture and Leisure.