Pupils from Willaston Primary School, Douglas, offered a new and different slant on the Isle of Man when they entered a photography competition as part of the school’s support of Island of Culture 2014.

They were challenged to capture in a photograph what the Isle of Man meant to them, with the winning entry qualifying for the prize of a digital camera, provided by the school.

Teacher Helen Moyer said: ‘The competition was just one of a number of projects the school is undertaking in support of Island of Culture.

‘As well as taking a photograph of a person, place or object that had a special meaning to them, the children were asked to explain in no more than 50 words why they had chosen their particular image.

‘The responses we received were eye opening. Some were very moving - poignant even - and the quality of photography extremely accomplished.

‘We were delighted that Andrew Barton, one of the island’s leading professional photographers, agreed to judge the entries and we were most encouraged by his comments.

‘Island of Culture is not only is a way of celebrating the island’s diverse cultural life but also of nurturing fledgling artistic talent among our young people, so we are pleased to be make our contribution to the year-long celebrations.’

Andrew Barton said: ‘I was delighted to be asked to judge the competition which revealed some truly outstanding photographic skills.

‘From the very high standard of entries it was clear the children - and the school – had risen to the challenge of Island of Culture’s strap line: “Be Inspired. Get Involved”. Every one is to be congratulated on their efforts and for offering such a refreshingly different perspective on the Isle of Man.’

The competition winner was James Leece, nine, for his photograph of his sister Tori and father at the top of Snaefell.

The runners-up were Molly Preston and Lucy Callow, both aged nine.

Police are appealing for information in relation to a number of building materials taken from a site in the area of the Dreemskerry Road, Maughold, between 6.30pm on Thursday (May 22) and 6.30am on Friday (May 23 )

If any person has been offered any brown drainage piping and scaffolding grips, seen or heard anything regarding this incident,please contact PC Hawkes at Ramsey Police Station on 812234 or telephone Police Headquarters on 631212

Bus Vannin has issued the following statement, Re: The inbound Douglas Route 3 to Douglas – Please note with immediate effect this route is being diverted from Whitebridge Road (Junction of Royal Avenue) to Royal Avenue to Port Jack – Promenades to Douglas due to increased traffic congestion on Summerhill Road.

The return routes are not affected and will be routed up Summerhill Road to the Manx Arms.

The Isle of Man Bank, Onchan and Summerhill Road in Easterly direction will not be served by RT3 for the remaining TT Period.

PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS ONLY IN FORCE WHEN THE TT CIRCUIT IS CLOSED!

Police are appealing for witnesses and searching for a motorcyclist responsible for a road traffic collision on the Snaefell Mountain Road last night.

It happened on the 33rd Milestone and as a result, another motorcyclist sustained serious hand injuries.

Police are looking to identify a dark coloured motorcycle, which is believed to be responsible for causing the collision.

It’s possible the bike will have nearside damage as a result.

If anyone was present and witnessed what happened, they are asked to contact the Road Policing Unit on 631212.

Free dental examinations and hygiene appointments are being offered by Tracey Bell during TT week – in return for donations to the campaign for a new breast cancer unit at Noble’s Hospital.

The clinics will be open Monday to Thursday, from 2pm to 6pm.

It’s part of National Smile Month which runs until June 22 across the British Isles.

Dr Tracey Bell said: ‘Oral health and maintenance of a good smile is an essential necessity for general health”.

‘This week will be a great opportunity to provide our time to educate and provide dentistry to those unable to access dental services, or for those whom simply need a dental health check up.

‘A small donation to the Manx Breast Cancer Support Group is all we ask for, and a smile is always appreciated.’

Carole Male of the Manx Breast Cancer Support Group said: ‘I am delighted that Tracey Bell and her team have offered their services free as a means to promote good oral health and in turn raise money for improving detection, diagnosis and the treatment of breast cancer.’

To book an appointment at the clinic in Kensington Road, Douglas, call 613323.

A watercolour painting by renowned Manx artist David Byrne was won by one lucky visitor to the Isle of Man Art Society’s Easter exhibition at the Villa Marina Arcade.

Mr Byrne donated his painting of Old Kirk Braddan Church as a raffle prize to raise funds for the Art Society, of which he is vice-president.

The winner was Aaron Holden, from Douglas, whose family has relatives buried in the churchyard depicted in the watercolour.

Damian Ciapelli, from Douglas, won the runners-up raffle prize of £50.

Mr Ciapelli is a member of the Art Society and chairman of the Sayle Gallery.

Both raffle winners were presented with their prizes by David Sayle, the Isle of Man Art Society’s chairman, and Marg McGee, Manx Telecom’s marketing executive.

The exhibition featured more than 400 paintings by more than 100 artists. Most of the artworks were available to buy and, for the first time at the event, there was a craft section featuring 3D artworks such as wood carving, ceramics, jewellery and gift cards.

Mr Sayle said: ‘We were very pleased with the public response to this year’s exhibition and would like to everyone who contributed to its success, especially Manx Telecom for their sponsorship. Thanks to the generous donation by David Byrne the raffle raised almost £1,400 for the Art Society. The addition of the craft section this year proved to be very popular and is something we will look to continue and expand as part of the Easter Art Exhibition next year.’

Four schools were transformed into pop-up cinemas last week.

Pupils at Castle Rushen High School and Michael, Arbory and Dhoon primaries were all visited by Into Film’s Film on the Road.

The programme, part of the Paul Hamlyn Foundation Rural Inclusion Project, introduces young people in remote rural communities to new ideas and cultures through film.

Film on the Road co-ordinator Luke Simpson said: ‘They are getting to see these great films from around the world and throughout cinema history. It opens the world up a little bit to students.’

It has included everything from a documentary about disabled musicians in Africa to popular blockbusters such as Monsters University, with its message about accepting who you are and others.

Last week, Castle Rushen students watched Super 8, The Muppets was screened at Michael, while Arbory and Dhoon watched Frozen.

Eighteen schools on the island are also running Into Film – a fun and education club scheme which seeks to educate, engage and develop young people through films.

‘Film is a great way to get people together and it’s an easy way to squeeze in a bit of education without students realising,’ Luke said.

‘At every school we go to we encourage students to think about the films they have seen and use creative language when they talk about it.’

They are encouraged to post a review of films they watch – in school or at home or the cinema – on the Into Film website.

Anglers at West Baldwin, Cringle, Ballure, Clypse and Kerrowdhoo Reservoirs will soon have the chance to test their skills and be one of a select few to catch a monster trout.

By the end of May, 10 trout, each weighing at least 10 lbs, and some a lot more, will have been released in the reservoirs.

The fish have been supplied by Troutlodge, the company which leases the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture’s fish hatchery at Cornaa and which supplies rainbow trout to the island’s reservoirs. Most of the trout released each year weigh two to three pounds so one of these 10 will be quite a catch for any lucky angler.

Agriculture Minister Phil Gawne MHK said: ‘I’m very pleased with the feedback my department has received from anglers regarding the quality of rainbow trout supplied by Troutlodge.

‘If you’re lucky enough to catch one of these supersize fish, we’d really like to hear from you.

‘Either telephone 685857, email fisheries@gov.im or you post to the DEFA Fisheries Facebook page.’

Gary Charsley, managing director of Glen Wyllin Trout Farm (Troutlodge), said: ‘We remain committed to providing the islands’ anglers with a variety of good quality trout – and these large fish should provide an exciting and excellent challenge’.

The Isle of Man has been named ‘Best Coach Destination of the Year’ at the National Coach Tourism Awards held in Blackpool.

Department of Economic Development’s head of tourism Angela Byrne collected the award on behalf of both the department and the island’s tourism industry.

In 2013 the Isle of Man attracted 306 individual coach groups, equating to 10,710 passengers from a variety of locations across Britain and Ireland.

Edmund Southworth, director of Manx National Heritage, said: ‘We were delighted to hear that the partnership working between Isle of Man Tourism, accommodation providers, Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, Heritage Railways, the island’s visitor attractions and ourselves has succeeded in delivering what the coach operators and their customers want from their holiday destination, and that this has been acknowledged and endorsed with this award.

‘Working together to extend the season to meet the needs of the groups’ market and responding to feedback from the coach operators and group organisers about their particular needs in respect of group travel, visits and accommodation has clearly paid off for the island.

‘Most of the groups visiting the island visit one or more MNH sites during their stay.

‘MNH has helped facilitate new initiatives to bring group travel organisers to the Isle of Man and helped maintain a relationship with them through attendance at travel trade events in the UK. Many of the coach companies now visiting the island are delivering new business for the Manx “visitor economy”.’

David Cretney MHK, the political member with responsibility for tourism, said: ‘I am thrilled that the island has won this award which recognises the efforts that Angela, the tourism team and our wonderful local partners in the visitor economy have put in to make the Isle of Man a high quality destination for coach parties.

‘The Steam Packet, Manx National Heritage, our accommodation providers and those who operate our many attractions are key as to why the island has won this award.

‘The Isle of Man is an ideal destination for visiting coach groups due to the variety of attractions on offer along with an abundance of quality accommodation suitable for groups.

‘Groups travel is one of the priority segments we target as part of our current visitor economy strategy and we are continuing to build relationships with coach travel operators to increase this market further.’

l Would you recommend the island for a coach holiday? Email opinions@newsiom.co.im

Ramsey Commissioners are to consult the public on whether or not to reduce the number of candidates from 12 to nine.

The board was split on the issue when it was discussed at its monthly meeting.

Chairman Nigel Malpass was strongly in favour of slimming-down the number because he believed more could be achieved. He was also in favour of merging the town’s two wards.

Tony Harmer agreed, saying that, historically, 12 members were needed to deal with all the responsibilities they had, but little by little, Government had taken those responsibilities off them and, therefore, fewer members were required.

Laurie Hooper disagreed, saying that 12 members would be needed if government kept its promise to give responsibilities back.

Alex Allinson was in favour of retaining the status quo. ‘If you reduce the number of members, you will end up with an executive committee of greying men making decisions for the town,’ he said. ‘We want to keep it alive and vibrant – and we want to encourage more women to stand. Reduced numbers would result in apathy among the voters’.

Graham Jones and Steven Bevan both remarked that, when they joined the board some two years ago, they had been in favour of a smaller board. They had now changed their minds, because experience had shown them that 12 members were needed to share the workload.

‘We have got a jolly good board this time, with a wealth of experience and I would hate to see that lost’, said Mr Jones.

Richard Radcliffe was totally opposed to ‘slimming down’ numbers: ‘If you cut your members you risk losing collective knowledge’, he said. He was also against merging the wards. ‘Leave well alone’, he advised.

Geoff Quayle agreed with Mr Radcliffe.

It was agreed that the people of the town should be given the opportunity to express their views on both matters and a consultation document is to be drawn up.

Five people were arrested on suspicion of drink driving overnight.

All but one lives in the Isle of Man, police say.

Anagh Coar and Sulby primary schools were joint winners of the ‘It’s Not Fair!’ short film competition at the Manx Museum, Douglas.

Seven schools had films in the finals on issues around development and justice such as a child’s right to education, fair trade, poverty and cyberbullying.

The competition was run by the One World Centre and supported by Mannin Shorts and Sure.

One World director Rosemary Clarke, said: ‘So many of them really thought about what isn’t fair and brought it to life, illustrating the challenges that face people around the world.’

The competition judges described the films as ‘inspiring’, ‘insightful’ and ‘excellently researched’.

Anagh Coar’s winning entry concentrated on the right to education, while Sulby looked at a range of global issues and were praised for comparing their own lives with those of children in less developed countries.

Lieutenant Governor and One World Centre patron Adam Wood was guest of honour at the event and opened the golden envelope to announce the winners.

Sarah Jarvis, marketing manager of Sure, said: ‘It is so uplifting to see young children tackle such big issues and come away with positive ideas on how we can help others in less privileged circumstances. ‘

Some of the UK’s finest stunt riders will be in Port Erin on Monday, displaying the remarkable, gravity-defying feats that can be achieved on two wheels.

The TT day, organised by the local authority, has been held in the village for several years and this year has a new format. There will be no fireworks and no appearance by The Purple Helmets, as in the past, but plenty of other attractions.

There will be Flatland BMX shows and workshops with Lee Musselwhite, who is twice UK champion and Guinness world record holder. A ‘Monster Energy road show’ with the Splitter Ball of Steel with motor trials by Fred Crosset. A trials display by Steve Colley plus freestyle stunt shows and Lee Bowers, who is UK and Ireland stunt champion.

Displays will take place on the lower promenade, which will be closed to traffic from midday to 11pm.

‘The performers are all highly skilled individuals and for some their first performances on the Isle of Man, so it will be a real treat to watch,’ said commissioners’ clerk Jason Roberts.

From 1pm there are also sandcastle competitions on the beach and free rides throughout the afternoon.

Later on there will also be live music on the Bushy’s stage, opposite The Bay hotel.

The police are to lead a tribute lap for Simon Andrews today.

It is now due to leave the Grandstand in Douglas at 3pm.

The police say they are going to lead the parade ‘for safety reasons and so that onlookers can enjoy the spectacle, and show their respect to a young talented rider who left us too early’.

Sergeant Allan Thompson said: ‘We ask that all riders remain behind the police escort for the whole lap, including The Mountain Road.

‘The rules of the road must be followed at all times and we ask that riders enjoy the occasion and ride within their limits and be aware of other road users around them.’

Andrews, who was 29 and lived in Evesham in Gloucestershire, crashed approaching Metropole corner on the fourth lap of the Superstock race on Saturday. May 17, but died two days later in the intensive care unit of Belfast’s Royal Victoria hospital.

{http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/1-000-bikers-set-to-join-simon-andrews-tt-tribute-lap-1-6645543|Click here to read a previous story about this.}

Police are investigating the theft of a personal excercise bike, which was delivered to and left outside an address in Tynwald Road, Willaston, as the recipient was not home at the time of the delivery.

This occured on May 12 between 9am and 2pm.

Police have appealed for anyone who has any information about this crime, or who has been offered the machine for sale to contact police headquarters on 631212.

A number of TT riders are recovering from injuries sustained so far in the festival.

Laurent Hoffman has been transferred back to Belgium.

He was injured in poor weather brought the third TT practice session to a premature end on Wednesday.

The session was red-flagged after Hoffman came off his machine near Barregarrow and he was airlifted to hospital with reported leg injuries.

Ewan Walker transferred back to the UK.

He and passenger Dicky Gale from Colby came off at Milntown on Thursday. Both were airlifted to Noble’s Hospital, Walker suffering a broken pelvis. Gale was discharged from hospital later that night.

Neal Champion, who came off at Greeba Castle, is said to be ‘comfortable’.

Frank Lelias is expected to be discharged later today.

Paul Knapton waiting to be transferred to the UK.

Dave Moffit could possibly be discharged later today.

Some good news: James Cowton has been passed fit to race again.

A new Manx language guide has been produced which focuses on words and phrases relating to the Isle of Man TT Races.

Produced by Culture Vannin, the guide offers a way to impress our visitors as well as a fun introduction to Manx Gaelic.

It includes phrases such as Jedoonee Keoi (Mad Sunday) and Kay er Giat y Clieau (Mist on the Mountain Road) and will be available in Sure IoM branches in Douglas, Ramsey and Port Erin as well as at the company’s pop-up shop at the TT Grandstand.

You can also download by clicking this link.

Manx Language Officer for Culture Vannin Adrian Cain said: ‘We hope people will enjoy these TT guides and use them as a light-hearted introduction to the language’.

Adrian will be tweeting the phrases (@greinneyder) during the TT period and they will also be used as part of his 1000 Manx words challenge for this year’s Island of Culture celebrations.

Culture Vannin is also running a series of short videos during the festival which include Manx phrases spoken by some of the stars of the races such as John McGuinness, Dan Kneen and others. These can be found on the Learn Manx Facebook page, on YouTube or by following Adrian on Twitter.

Sure Isle of Man’s support for the language over the last few years has included financial assistance with the popular Learn Manx app, which has been downloaded more than 4,000 times.

For further information about the cards, the videos or to find out about the 1000 words challenge then contact Adrian by calling 451098 or email adrian@culturevannin.im

A Royal Navy ship will be in Manx waters during the Queenie Festival.

HMS Severn will be coming into Baie ny Carrickey from June 27 to 29 and the crew will be taking part in the festival in Port St Mary, which celebrates the island’s fishing heritage and the queen scallop or ‘Queenie’ in particular.

The ship is in the Royal Navy’s fishery protection squadron. HMS Severn spends up to 300 days per year at sea safeguarding the fishery area around the British Isles.

Using Port St Mary as the basis of operations for the weekend, representatives of the ship are also hoping to take part in the island’s Armed Forces Day on the Sunday (June 29).

Lt Commander Tim Berry, commanding officer of HMS Severn, said: ‘I’m absolutely delighted to be taking part in this celebration of the sea; having very close links with both the Manx fishing industry and this diverse and beautiful island steeped in maritime history, it will be an interesting and fun time for my sailors to enjoy some of your finest “queenies”, washed down with a pint of local ale.’

The Manx government’s ‘armed forces champion’ and one of Rushen’s MHKs, Juan Watterson, said: ‘It will be great to cement Port St Mary’s connection with the Royal Navy, as it has been some years since a Royal Navy vessel has been able to join in a festival in the port.’

Ramsey Cottage Hospital will be holding a bowel cancer fundraising and awareness morning on Saturday, June 28.

The event will take placefrom 10am to midday at Ramsey Town Hall.

Bowel Cancer Isle of Man charity will be involved and are providing a large inflatable colon.

Tea, coffee and cakes will be provided and there will be some generous raffle prizes, many of which have been donated by Ramsey businesses.

Georgina Shelley has been shortlisted for a British Isles-wide award for her dedication to help people overcome their eating disorders.

Georgina, who co-founded the Manx Eating Disorders Support Group, has been shortlisted for the Beat charity’s Volunteer Services for the Community Award.

And she will travel to London to attend the Volunteer Recognition Awards at the House of Commons on Wednesday next week.

Georgina, aged 42, of Santon, said: ‘This nomination is fantastic for all four volunteer facilitators at the group who contribute so much time and effort.

‘Co-founder Donna Whalley has been instrumental in setting up the group, and without her it would not be what it is today.’

At the Awards, Minister for Civil Society Nick Hurd MP will be speaking.

Georgina said: ‘It feels very special to be going to such an important and historic venue.’

The Manx Eating Disorders Support Group was set up in 2011 by Georgina and Donna Whalley. It was applauded by mental health services as a valuable resource.

Nominated anonymously, Georgina was described as ‘totally inspirational in her determination to offer direct support, raise awareness and work with service providers’ as well as being reliable and providing consistent support.

There are two support groups a month.

Individuals with eating disorders or eating issues, including anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorder are invited to Next Step, in Derby Square, Douglas on the first Wednesday of the month, from 6.30pm to 8pm.

And there is a carers group for parents, partners and family members, which meets at Keyll Darree Education and Training Centre, opposite Noble’s Hospital, on the third Wednesday of the month, from 6.30pm to 8pm.

Guest speakers will be invited on a regular basis from health services and private practitioners.

Following on from a stall at the Isle of Man College Health Fair in March and group open day in April, the group will have a stall at the Tynwald fair, on Tynwald Day, where there will be information displays and leaflets.

Georgina said: ‘This nomination is a milestone in my own personal journey, having had experience of an eating disorder in my late teens and 20s.

‘It was always an ambition of mine to give something back after the treatment and help I received, and to start a group one day on the Isle of Man.

‘I attended support groups myself when in the UK and found them very helpful.’

She added: ‘I hope this nomination raises further awareness and understanding of the impact and consequences of eating disorders, which unfortunately seem to be on the increase.

Contact the Manx Eating Disorders Support Group at manxeds@hotmail.co.uk or call 330922 (evenings).