SAMANTHA Barks has begun filming on the set of the new Les Miserables film, in which she is starring as Eponine.

The 21-year-old former St Ninian’s High School student, who comes from Laxey, took to Twitter to say: ‘My first day of filming today for Les Miserables and I can barely contain my excitement!!Xxx’

The following day she Tweeted: ‘Had such a great day of filming yesterday!!’

The Tom Hooper-directed production, being made at Pinewood Studios in the UK, stars Hugh Jackman as Jean Valjean and Russell Crowe as Inspector Javert, along with other huge stars such as Amanda Seyfried (Cosette), Helena Bonham Carter (Madame Thenardier), Sacha Baron Cohen (Monsieur Thenardier), Anne Hathaway (Fantine) and Eddie Redmayne, who will play Eponine’s love interest Marius.

It is being produced by Working Title.

Samantha has recently finished her role as Nancy in the touring production of Oliver! It was while she was on stage in that role that Sir Cameron Mackintosh delivered the news that Samantha had won the role of Eponine.

THE government is drawing up a plan to ensure any wind farms built in Manx waters would not affect ferry routes.

Work on the Isle of Man Marine Plan is under way and the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture’s director of environment Martin Hall said it was important it was completed in a ‘timely manner’.

One of the plan’s objectives would be to identify current activities in Manx waters and safeguard their ongoing use. Mapping the location of navigation corridors, important natural areas and pipelines/cables will enable the island to identify potential wind farm sites that will not adversely affect current uses of the Manx marine environment, including ferry routes and fishing.

The comments come following criticism from the Steam Packet over Centrica’s plans for a wind farm in the Irish Sea, outside Manx waters.

The company says that Centrica plans to develop in the path of both the Isle of Man to Liverpool and Isle of Man to Heysham routes, in spite of complaints from the Steam Packet.

Steam Packet chief executive Mark Woodward has called the situation ‘unworkable’ and ‘unacceptable’, saying it could have an adverse impact on future services.

Environment Minister Phil Gawne MHK, a supporter of wind technology, is keen to propound the benefits of wind power to the island, but will be conscious of the ill-will that could be generated should the Steam Packet’s concerns come to fruition.

Mr Gawne is looking north for wind farm inspiration as the Scottish Government has given consent for a 127 turbine 370MW development to be constructed in Shetland, with an interconnector to mainland Scotland.

The Viking Wind Farm will provide electricity for more than 16 times the number of homes in Shetland and will bring in around £30 million to the community, as well as creating other economic benefits such as jobs.

The interconnector will mean the Shetlands will be able to further develop renewable technologies, including marine.

Mr Gawne said: ‘While I know there is some scepticism among the Manx public about wind farms the Shetland Viking project demonstrates the considerable economic value that can be generated for small island economies from such projects.

‘This wind farm in Shetland, if mirrored here, would half our current deficit and realise other economic benefits including service industry jobs.’

Likely as a reassurance, Mr Hall’s comments on the importance of the Isle of Man Marine Plan are included in the same statement.

Mr Hall says it is ‘critical’ for the island, should it wish to pursue a similar route to that of Shetland and export Manx renewable energy to the UK and beyond, that work now being done on a Marine Spatial Plan is done quickly. Mr Hall said, unlike Shetland, the island’s wind farm potential is largely marine based.

As part of the Isle of Man Marine Plan, a ‘stakeholder led’ Manx Marine Environmental Assessment is being carried out to bring together the information currently available for Manx territorial waters, which covers an area of 4,000-square km, with the final report expected to be available for public viewing during this summer.

A GROUP which has been campaigning for 25 years to prevent farmland from being turned into a residential development has voiced its concerns on the government’s radical plans to reform the planning system.

The Save Camlork Committee, whose aim is to keep Camlork Farm in Braddan as a ‘viable farming unit’, have submitted amendments they want to see to the draft planning policy, which is out for public consultation until May 4.

The draft policy from government sets out how development will take place in future – and at its heart is a greater presumption in favour of development, in an attempt to stimulate economic growth.

The committee believes house building and construction play a valuable role in the economy ‘but not at the cost of the island’s natural beauty and farming needs’.

The draft planning policy states, in developments proposed outside areas zoned for development, it must be demonstrated by the applicant that alternatives sites, including available land zoned for that purpose, are inappropriate.

The committee has submitted that the applicant must also show ‘there is a definite national need to override the existing “not zoned for development” status’.

In addition, it believes applications which fall outside land use classes contained in the government’s Strategic and Local Area plans should require Tynwald approval.

The government wants to ensure the planning system doesn’t constrain the island through a shortage of land for economic uses.

The Save Camlork Committee wants the planning system to take into account the existing supply of relevant property that is available at the date of the application for the activities/use that is proposed when working to facilitate the use of land in appropriate locations that the market requires,

Meanwhile, the committee wants an assurance the guidance ‘will not in any way fetter the independence of the planning committee and planning inspectors in determining an application for economic development’.

View the draft policy at www.gov.im/consultations

COUNTRYSIDE chiefs are urging the public to be careful of nesting birds this spring.

The Forestry, Amenity and Lands Directorate has issued a reminder and asked the public to avoid disturbing nesting birds during the breeding season, which runs from early April through to late July.

Most bird species found in the uplands nest on the ground, although some some use ledges, cliffs or quarries. All species are easily disturbed while incubating or feeding young and some species are either in decline or endangered. So the public should take care when venturing away from footpaths. Dogs should be kept under control, ideally on a short lead.

The plea also applies to users of motorbikes, 4x4s and even mountain bikes as, if they stray from designated routes, they can cause a ‘significant threat’.

There can also be nests on beaches, sometimes highly camouflaged. At the Ayres National Reserve, dogs should be on leads as it is the only place in the island where little terns nest.

Chairman of the Forestry, Amenity and Lands Directorate Brenda Cannell MHK said: ‘The Manx uplands and Ayres are beautiful semi-natural habitats.

‘These areas belong to the people of the Isle of Man and I urge everyone to visit, explore and enjoy the uplands in a responsible and sustainable manner. However, we all need to appreciate that even unintentional disturbance of wild birds’ nests can lead to failure which, in turn, can have a significant impact on species that are already threatened.’

Anyone who intentionally or recklessly disturbs a nest can be prosecuted.

TRAVELLERS are being reminded that the Ben-my-Chree will be entering dry dock for its biennial statutory overhaul from Monday until May 5.

A large capacity freighter has been chartered from Northlink Ferries for the dry dock period, while Manannan will cover all passenger and car services, as she did during the Ben’s last overhaul in 2010.

Chief executive Mark Woodward said: ‘We were pleased to be able to confirm the Ben dry-dock dates and replacement freight service in January this year to allow our customers plenty of time to plan. The freighter we have booked is well-suited to the island’s needs and will offer one return sailing each day from Heysham

‘After the busy Easter period, the Ben will enter dry-dock on Monday, April 16, and come out on Saturday, May 5, for post-dock sea trials. Her first scheduled sailing will be on Sunday, May 6.’

Manannan will cover Heysham, Liverpool and Irish passenger services.

Connecting coaches will also be provided for foot passengers in Heysham to transport them to Lancaster station.

MUSIC festivals aren’t just about strummin’, they’re about spinnin’ too.

Electronic music will once again make up the rhythmical backbone of August’s Mannifest festival, and dance music headquarters will be the newly-conceived Manntronica tent.

Manntronica, the Mannifest Dance Community 2012, aims to bring the all the dance elements of the festival together under one roof, and the DJ line-up promises the best of Manx talent, sprinkled with some big visiting names, playing styles from house to hip hop, drum and bass to techno.

With all that in mind, the prize of a prime Manntronica slot in the soon to be staged DJ competition should be a particularly juicy carrot to aspiring DJs.

Potential entrants should see Brian Rooney at HMV, or contact him or co-competition organiser Christian Clague through Facebook. Or, better yet, post a recent mix on the Manntronica Facebook page with the tag ‘DJ comp entry mix’.

There will be a string of heats (depending on the number of enteries) starting at Jabberwocky on May 4, followed by a final; winners will score a support slot for the Manntronica headliners on either Friday or Saturday night, depending on which best matches their style.

The headline DJs have been arranged, but for now the Manntronica guys are keeping names close to their chest.

For DJs new to the scene, the competition is a chance to break through and play a prime festival slot, a journey that often takes much longer than the few months the competition is held over.

‘It’s a fast-track from the bedroom to be doing a warm-up set for a big DJ,’ said Christian. ‘Anyone can enter, whether they’ve been playing two years or two weeks. We’ll welcome people who are confident enough to show us their skills.’

A judging panel will scrutinise each show. The Facebook group stipulates that ‘the competition winner will have to show a high technical understanding of “spinning the wheels of steel”, but also create a suitable set that will complement what Mannifest and Manntronica represent both to festival-goers and other acts, so bear that in mind!’. Does Christian have any further advice on the judging criteria?

‘We’re looking for ability, but also creativity in mixing’ he said. ‘Someone who isn’t following others and sounds a bit different.’

Christian added: ‘All genres, from hardcore to hip-hop are welcome. Everyone will have an equal chance as the judges are all from a range of styles, and we’ll swap them around so it’s fair.’

He acknowledged that ‘breaking through’ isn’t easy for young DJs, so even if DJs don’t progress past the heats, the experience will be valuable. He said: ‘Established nights use established DJs, so the competition heats are a chance to get in front of a crowd who are up for a party.’

Entries will be accepted until April 27, and the competition is only open to over 18s.

l Elsewhere, hats off to young rock’n’roll upstarts The Cosmos, who put in a solid set at The Crescent on Easter Sunday, even if it did get a little lively for some tastes. They stuck mostly to covers, but original track Take Off Your Mask sounded great. Keep it up lads.

A YOUNGSTER from Kirk Michael has cycled 150 miles during the Easter holidays to raise money for three charities.

Cameron Hawes, who is just seven, is still collecting the sponsorship money but expects to have reached his £900 target.

He was raising money for St John Ambulance (Isle of Man) Cadets and Badgers, Kirk Michael School and Ghamrang School in Nepal, and the Vagabonds youth rugby team.

In order to clock up the miles, Cameron used both his road bike and his mountain bike in a series of rides in various locations around the island.

He cycled two laps of Archallagan, laps of the National Sports Centre, and finished on Tuesday with the Royal London 360 cycling races.

As well as being a member of the Team Royal London 360 cycling league, the Manx Mountain bike club and BMX Isle of Man, Cameron has also been a member of the Vagabonds Rugby Club since he was four.

Cameron was sponsored by estate agents Black Grace Cowley, who supplied cycling tops.

His mother Rosie Hawes said Cameron wanted to thank everybody for their support during the rides, particularly his cycling friends who accompanied him on some of his rides and everyone who sponsored him.

Last year Cameron rode 100 miles during his Easter holidays and raised £1,140 for three local charities.

TUVALU is a remote archipelago of nine islands 9,500 miles away from the Isle of Man in the South Pacific and for the past six months it has been home to a teenager from Port St Mary who is their Scouting ambassador.

The nearest land mass to Tuvalu is Fiji, but even that is a two-hour flight away so living there has been both an adventure and a culture shock to 18-year-old Jay Thompson, who arrived in October with one other ambassador from the UK to help organise a scouting movement for the young people there.

At its highest point Tuvalu is just two metres above sea level and has a population of only 10,000, with nearly half of them in Funafuti, the capital. The whole of Tuvalu covers a total area of around six or seven square miles.

Explaining how he had the good fortune to spend winter in a tropical climate – typically 28°C to 38°C – Jay said Scouting had died out in Tuvalu about 30 years ago and islanders had asked the UK Scouting Association for help to re-establish a troupe.

‘I applied for the role and went to a selection weekend and was lucky enough to get selected,’ he said.

Since then much time has been devoted to organisation and training but the role has taken off since Tuvalu’s young people have become involved.

‘In February we had our first meetings with the young people, which have been a great success. We have about 30 to 40 young people at each meeting. The aim is to create sustainable Scouting, so we train a training manager to train the leaders to run meetings. We want Scouting to be here for a long time,’ he said. ‘It is likely that at some point in the remaining months that I will visit the outer islands. The island of Niutao has 50-plus Scouts who have been running activities. Young people in the Isle of Man are always complaining there is nothing to do. They should see Tuvalu! Young people have materialistically nothing but they make their fun by going fishing, swimming and playing for hours on the runway (which sees just two weekly flights).’

Jay, who returns in August to the Isle of Man added: ‘It is an opportunity of a lifetime to be able to live and work in a country like Tuvalu.’

You can pick up a free cup of coffee and get £1 off a breakfast bap with tomorrow’s Isle of Man Examiner.

The special offer comes as we team up with Hanly’s Convenience Store in Westmoreland Road, Douglas.

Also in tomorrow’s Examiner, we look ahead to the official launch of the TT and there’s a picture special from the real ale festival in Douglas.

You can get a free coffee and £1 off any breakfast bap with the Isle of Man Examiner, in shops this morning.

In today’s Examiner, read about the alternative scheme put forward by opponents of the government’s credit scheme and privatisation of nurseries plan.

As the debate on providing free fitness equipment in Douglas continues, we decide to team up with qualified instructors and put the machines to the test.

Members of a bowling club vent their fury at council plans to knock down their clubhouse.

And a self-referral scheme for patients needing physiotherapy is launched.

Sport has all the weekend action, including from football’s Junior Cup.

There are eight pages of Business News with this week’s Examiner.

South News has the latest on the dispute over development of land at the Poacher’s Pocket site in Ballasalla.

The rejuvenation of Ramsey town centre continues apace, North News reports.

Peel Commissioners are set to oppose changes to the layout of St German’s Cathedral, West News reveals.

The Isle of Man Examiner is in shops from first thing this morning.

HERITAGE Homes’ new proposal to build 95 homes on land at the rear of Michael School will go on public display at Michael Commissioners’ offices this Thursday, April 19, from 4pm-7pm.

Representatives of the company, managing director Joe McLoughlin and planning director David Humphrey will both be present to answer queries.

The application is for five fewer houses than shown in the scheme turned down on appeal in February this year.

Mr McLoughlin said the new application addressed the concerns voiced by the independent planning appeal inspector.

‘We just want to give the public a chance to see the plans before we submit them,’ he added.

Heritage Homes original plan (11/01250/B) to build 100 homes in the village was turned down after the Council of Ministers agreed with the planning inspector’s recommendation that the proposal be refused. In his report, the inspector Alan Langton said: ‘I recommend against this scheme, both on its own merits and because the road access should be determined only following a firm decision one way or the other regarding a bypass.’

A land swap deal, relating to development of the site at the rear of the school, between the developer, landowner and the Department of Education and Children – signed off by Tynwald in August – is still valid. But Heritage Homes has until April 27 to submit its new planning application.

A Tynwald select committee investigation has been launched into the land swap deal, which would see the Department of Education and Children convey 0.63 acres of Michael School’s corner field to the landowner, to afford access to a new housing development – and in return receive 2.01 acres of land to the north and east (rear) of the school site from the landowner.

RESURFACING work on the Mountain Road has been postponed after Ramsey Chamber of Commerce raised its concern that the date clashed with the Ramsey Charity Fun Day.

The road was due to be closed on Saturday and Sunday so that Ramsey hairpin and other repairs could be carried out ahead of the TT.

Full resurfacing of this section of road is now planned for after TT.

The Mountain Road will be closed tomorrow (Tuesday) and Friday from 9.15am to 4pm for TT preparatory works.

A DoI spokesman said that in all cases the duration of the closure will be kept to a minimum and the road will be reopened as soon as it is safe to do so on completion of the work, and apologised for any inconvenience.

TEAM spirit helped Manx trekkers complete a gruelling Arctic challenge.

The 10 adventurers have now returned to the island from Lapland after completing a 250km expedition which raised more than £10,000 for The Children’s Centre.

It began in Tromso, Norway, as teams of huskies pulled them and their sleds across Lapland, over the border from Norway into Sweden, and through spectacular Arctic scenery.

One of the team – Microgaming accountant Kirsty Hanks, 33, of Saddlestone – said the trip was one of the most challenging experiences of her life, but also one of the most rewarding. She had never even been skiing before she signed up for the Arctic Adventure, but made it all the way to the finish at the world famous Ice Hotel in Jukkasjarvi.

Kirsty said: ‘It was really hard work, every day from the moment we woke up to the moment we went to sleep there was something to do, and it was physically demanding.

‘But the whole experience was absolutely amazing. There was a real sense of achievement when, on the last day, we saw the Ice Hotel for the first time and realised that we would complete the challenge.

‘The best thing about the trip was the people in the team. We developed a real team spirit and everyone helped each other to get through every day.’

Incredible

Kirsty, like all of the team, did regular fitness training to prepare for the challenge and received help and advice from The Children’s Centre to make sure she was ready for the trip.

Mark Eastham, Fundraising Co-ordinator for The Children’s Centre, said: ‘The team did incredibly well. It was a demanding challenge but they all came back with a genuine and deserved sense of achievement and memories that will last a lifetime. We would like to thank all of the team – and those who have supported their training and fundraising efforts – for their hard work. The funds raised are greatly appreciated and will go to support our charitable projects across the island.’

The charity manages, and pioneers a variety of community initiatives and services aimed at enabling children, young people, and families to realise their full potential.

This is the fourth year that The Children’s Centre has organised overseas adventure challenges – and there are still places available on the next adventure challenge, a walk along the original Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in November.

For details go tothechildrenscentre.org.im/adventure-events/

Monday, April 16

Aries

(March 21 - April 20)

In a quieter week there is time to think over the last few days. Maybe there are more questions in your mind than answers. Enjoy the better weather and let time sort out smaller matters. Neighbours and friends want to involve you in a long-term project that you are not keen on. What harm is there in giving it a chance? Nice surprises can come from small beginnings.

Taurus (April 21 - May 21)

In the run-up to your birthday, Mars brings you energy and Neptune inspiration. Plans that have been on the back boiler can now come to the fore. Finances are more promising but beware of investments that will not pay off and loans to others that will bring no return. Personal and intimate communications run smoothly, especially if you have something important to ask.

Gemini (May 22 - June 21)

Kick-start the week by letting others know what you expect of them. This is especially important when dealing with younger people. Although rules need reinforcing, using humour takes the sting out of it. Laughter oils communications. The New Moon at the weekend gives the chance to relax and, at the same time, increase your finances. Sell anything that you no longer need.

Cancer (June 22 - July 23)

The coming weekend is a great time to get together with friends and relatives. If you want your favourite people to be there, start planning now. With a little more leisure time, you may decide to have a sort-out and spring clean. Getting children involved makes it fun. Workmates need your input more than usual and it may be beneficial to combine business with pleasure.

Leo (July 24 - August 23)

Combining business with pleasure can really pay dividends this week. Someone who admires your work could offer promotion or a more varied routine. This goes well with your need to use imagination and inspiration in your everyday life. Yes, the creative juices are really flowing! The New Moon at the weekend brings you attention but could also trigger jealousy in one area.

Virgo (August 24 - September 23)

With the desire for a change of scenery and the inspiration to start something new, travel beckons. Success is all in the planning, especially when it comes to getting a good deal! On a romantic level, there are also changes in the pipeline. Something that is not working very well may be worked on but beware of giving time to something that has long been a lost cause.

Libra (September 24 - October 23)

In a successful period, that very success could make someone jealous. A friend who appears understanding may be getting entirely the wrong message. Mixing business with pleasure can iron out any wrinkles at work. When a new project gets the wobbles it may be necessary to start at the beginning. Finances perk up but it is not a signal to overspend.

Scorpio (October 24 - November 22)

Both Mercury and Mars bring a sparkle to your social life. Some trips that are still in the planning stage can be expanded to include a new friend. In love you are looking for something more adventurous. The stimulation must come from you if a partner is unsure. Tread carefully yourself, however, if someone approaches you for money. Not all ‘sure’ things are that sure!

Sagittarius (November 23 - December 21)

Well behind you now are the awkward matters of a few weeks ago. In their place, however, is a new set of questions. Everything revolves around doing something at the right time. An old flame looks for sympathy. Just be sure that is all that they want. The New Moon at the weekend spurs you into action on the work front. Take what is on offer as it could improve.

Capricorn (December 22 - January 20)

Travel and romance seem to go hand in hand this week as Mercury helps communications and Mars brings you energy. Family matters dominate, although if you are single, venturing into new territory may prove exciting. The time is right to meet someone special. If you are already suited, a break away somewhere fresh brightens the relationship. Be brave!

Aquarius (January 21 - February 19)

Grab a duster, a few friends or family and a bottle of wine. Now that is the way to spring clean! Freshly invigorated and inspired, you attract dynamic people. Could one of those people turn out to be a soul mate? Look to enlarge friendships with both sexes. In a highly spirited mood, you are certainly attractive to the opposite sex. Not interested? Then be careful what you say!

Pisces (February 20 - March 20)

Keep ahead of things to avoid delays and dithering. A travel plan may have to be delayed due to last-minute changes so always have plan B ready! A new friend may want to be much more but the feeling is that time needs to pass. Getting to know someone new is fun if it is not rushed. Stick to your own agenda to avoid being blocked by someone else’s and stay sharp in your mind.

FIREFIGHTERS tackled a large blaze at Stoney Mountain Road near Foxdale on Friday evening after receiving a call about a bin fire at 9.40pm.

Station officer Nigel Cain said: ‘On arrival, the Douglas crew discovered that the fire was in fact much larger and was in a pile of rubbish about 15 metres by 20 metres that was due to be processed and appeared to have been burning for some time.’

After seeking expert advice from the Manx Electricity Authority, due to the close proximity of high voltage overhead power lines, the fire was carefully hosed with several thousand gallons of water.

The burning material was then covered with earth and rubble using a 25-tonne excavator.

The fire continues to burn under the supervision of the site operator and has been reviewed by the fire service.

‘It may burn for some time but, as it is being managed, it is unlikely to pose any serious ongoing hazard,’ said Mr Cain. ‘CCTV recordings are being reviewed in an attempt to establish a cause.’

WITH less than 50 days to go, the countdown to this year’s TT has now begun in earnest.

Many of the leading contenders for the 2012 Isle of Man TT Races, fuelled by Monster Energy, will be heading to the island for the official launch of this year’s event at 7pm on Wednesday at the Villa Marina.

All of the solo race winners from the 2011 TT meeting are confirmed to attend including 17-time champion John McGuinness, Michael Dunlop, Gary Johnson and Bruce Anstey, while sidecar race winners John Holden and Andy Winkle will share their thoughts on defending their 2011 title.

The Birchall brothers, who will be racing for former champion, Klaus Klaffenbock’s new team and 14-time champion Dave Molyneux, who returns this year, will also be appearing. Other race winners from previous years include Ryan Farquhar, who will be hoping for victory in the new Lightweight Race, veteran Ian Lougher, competing in his 28th TT and 2008 double winner Australian Cameron Donald. Ian Hutchinson will update fans on his recovery from injury and last year’s fastest newcomer Simon Andrews will answer questions about his new factory Honda ride with Honda TT Legends.

High profile Tyco Suzuki teammates Guy Martin and Conor Cummins, who both enjoyed starring roles in the highly successful TT film TT3D Closer to the Edge, will be discussing their ambitions to finally be standing on the top step this year. A number of the TT’s newcomers will also be introduced for the first time, including Northern Ireland racer Lee Johnson, Ryan Farquhar’s protégé Jamie Hamilton, Scotland’s Jimmy Storrar and BSB star Karl Harris.

The free open-to-all event, which is rapidly growing in popularity, will see the headline acts and high profile newcomers appear at the Villa Marina in an informal chat show style evening hosted by Manx Radio TT’s Chris Kinley and Tim Glover. It will be broadcast live by Manx Radio and will be available worldwide on-line at www.manxradio.com

The event is part of a two-day launch that also sees many of the leading UK and European journalists visiting the Isle of Man and interviewing the contenders for this year’s race. Titles confirmed to attend include PS Magazine (Germany), Superbike (Italy), Motociclismo (Spain) and Moto et Motards (France). All of the leading UK and Irish bike magazines and best-selling newspaper MCN will also attend while UK-based national newspapers include the Daily Telegraph and Ireland’s Belfast Telegraph and Newsletter have also confirmed. And ITV4’s The Motorbike Show will be filming material. Journalists are scheduled to visit many of the island’s leading attractions and experience guided laps of the course on the Mountain Course.

Political member for Isle of Man Tourism Geoff Corkish MHK said: ‘The official TT launch has really grown in popularity and is now part of the annual calendar with fans and journalists looking out for the date. It plays an important role in promoting the event and the Isle of Man returning huge editorial coverage and also adds significant value for our commercial partners.’

ISLE of Man Newspapers is considering cutting the number of staff it employs.

In a statement, managing director Helen Byrne said: ‘The board of Isle of Man Newspapers has undertaken a detailed review of its organisational structure.

‘As a result it proposes to flatten its structure and align the staff resources to provide expert content gathering, provide administrative support and maximise revenue opportunities.

‘As a result of this proposal the following roles are at risk of redundancy: senior advertising manager, business development manager, training manager and one field sales advertising representative.

‘Additionally voluntary redundancy has been requested from within the editorial team to assist with the finalisation of the organisational structure required to continue to deliver the best in-paper and online digital experience for our readers.

‘We are currently in consultation with the affected staff and further announcements will be made in due course.’

Isle of Man Newspapers publishes the Isle of Man Examiner, Isle of Man Courier, Manx Independent and iomtoday.co.im

RBS International has made significant investment in to its specialist online banking platform, eQ.

Recent investments in the foreign exchange (FX) and money market deposit capabilities have created a ‘one-stop-shop’ service unique to eQ users in the offshore marketplace.

The new features offer eQ customers a single platform from which they can conduct payments and handle their cash management needs as well as more sophisticated banking requirements such as FX and money market deposits.

The improvements provide increased control for clients, allowing them to personalise dealing levels for firms or individual users.

Bill Shimmins, island director, RBS International, said: ‘The addition of FX and money market deposit enhancements to the eQ system brings greater efficiency for customers conducting online banking and is the only such system in the offshore arena.

‘These changes have been implemented in response to feedback from clients who indicated they would prefer to manage the various aspects of their money on one dedicated platform. eQ has been continuously upgraded since its launch 12 years ago enabling it to remain an innovative technology and further investment in eQ is already planned for 2012.’

THE money charities receive could be mistakenly spent on domestic rates.

Rate demands are currently being issued to property-owning businesses, individuals – and charities.

Now the Isle of Man Council of Voluntary Organisations is urging charities to re-evaluate what rates they are currently being asked to pay.

Although they are liable to pay water rates, the council reminds charities that they are not, generally speaking, liable to pay domestic rates on any property they own or occupy.

The council is hoping to raise awareness of this issue among charities in order for their money to be put to better use.

A council spokesman said: ‘We are aware that on occasions charitable organisations have paid rates for which they are not liable, generally through a lack of awareness.’

Invoices will be sent to charities by local authorities that will, on occasion, be asking for incorrect rates. The issuing authority may not be aware of the organisation’s charitable status or the fact that a building, or a part of a building, is being occupied for charitable purposes.

It is usual for the authority to require an exemption form to be completed on an annual basis, to confirm the status of the occupant.

The council is urging charitable organisations – with the inclusion of faith organisations – that receive a rate demand, to contact their local authority.

• Do you think charities should be liable to pay domestic rates? Email your view to {mailto:opinions@newsiom.co.im|opinions(at)newsiom.co.im} or sign in to add your comment below.

IN the Pride in Mann awards, the wording of the nominations are often as touching as the stories behind them.

This was the case when Katie Lawrence, herself a respected musician in these parts, put Katherine Crowe forward for performer of the year.

Her nomination form read: ‘Kath is one of the most talented musicians I have ever had the pleasure of performing music with. Her incredible positivity and constant enthusiastic approach to music and life never ceases to amaze me, particularly when you consider she is once again dealing with breast cancer.

‘She has a beautiful, soulful voice and when you hear Kath sing, you just know that she is singing right from the heart, that she means every single word.

‘Quite simply, Kath is unique, and her attitude and approach to life is a total inspiration to myself and those that know her. She is a hero.’

As Katie alludes to, Katherine was diagnosed with terminal breast cancer in December. However, rather than a sense of accepting fate, a conversation with the musical mother-of-two leaves you with an overriding sense of optimism.

As Katherine puts it: ‘It’s been a great year in an odd sort of way.’

A highlight of both Katie and Kath’s ventures together was an ambitious show at the Gaiety Theatre nearly three years ago.

‘That was incredible because of the enormity of it,’ recalled Katherine. ‘To pull off a gig with an orchestra and 800 bums on seats. I’ve always tried to include other musicians in what I do, and the best part of it is we’ve become pretty incredible friends.’

Katie agreed: ‘It was totally ace. Having an orchestra there, it showed you what can be done. That’s what she is like, she gets everyone together, she organises everything. It was a great thing to be a part of.’

For Katherine though, all the shows are enjoyable, even on slightly smaller scales. ‘The Centenary Centre in February was amazing, because it was with friends,’ she reveals.

On the face of things, her medical issues look to have galvanized Katherine in many aspects of her life.

She said: ‘To be diagnosed with breast cancer six years down the line from beating it first time is pushing me to try things, bark up different trees, like alternative therapies. They aren’t all airy-fairy, it’s still science.’

She added: ‘I have good days and bad, but most of them are good. When I got the prognosis that the cancer was terminal, I decided to enter the End to End mountain bike race. I probably ride 150-200 miles a week. Hopefully my health is as good in September as it is now. If I’m fit enough to do the End to End, I won’t be dropping off the edge any time soon! But it’s not about doing the race itself, it’s about the challenge of getting there.’

The gruelling 75km off-road mounevent on September 9 will precede a special show at the Gaiety on the 21st.

Gaiety show

Playing alongside Katherine will be visiting songstress Beverley Craven, with whom Katherine had morbidly jested they should play together on her next visit to the island if she was still around.

‘But then I just picked up the phone and arranged the show for September,’ said Katherine. ‘I realised we should all be living our lives like this all the time. No “what ifs” or worrying people won’t turn up. It would be better playing a great gig to three people at the Gaiety than not trying.’

Katherine is planning a much more subtle approach than her last Gaiety outing. ‘The general vibe at my gigs is electric but this will be more acoustic,’ she said. ‘It will get lots of friends together to share something.’

Her music also received a spot of prime air time last month, when her version of Another Day in Paradise was used to round off the BBC’s coverage of Sport Relief.

She said: ‘They wrote me a lovely letter to say why they chose the track and to say thank you.

‘I’d gone to bed by the time it was on but I’d recorded it!’

But for all the attention and praise, friend Katie says she knows the real reason Katherine defies her cancer to keep performing and sharing her music: ‘She doesn’t do for accolades, she does it because she’s a musician.’

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Pride in Mann is an awards scheme from Isle of Man Newspapers and Flybe which aims to recognise unsung heroes in the Manx community.

The competition sees the public invited to nominate people they feel are worthy recipients of an award across 10 categories. Each person nominated will be recognised in one of our newspapers and later there will be a public vote to find the categories’ winners.

The categories for this year’s Pride in Mann awards are: Promotion of Manx Culture, Performer of the Year, Teacher of the Year, Sporting Acheivement, Young Person of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Linking with Schools, Customer Service and Family Business.

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Who will you nominate?

You can find a downloadable nomination form by clicking {http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/pride_in_mann_1_4040786|this link.}