Craig’s Heartstrong Foundation (CHF) is set to complete its 5,000th screening at the charity’s session over the weekend of September 27 and 28.

The charity, which, alongside Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY), tests people between the ages of 14 and 35 for heart defects, recently donated four defibrillators to the island’s amenity sites in a presentation at Noble’s Hospital.

The Foundation was established following the death of 25-year-old Craig Lunt, who died suddenly in 2005, and has given out 115 defibrillators around the island.

Craig’s mum, Paula Lunt, who is the charity’s secretary, said: ‘In Craig’s memory we will continue to provide free heart screenings and donate as many defibrillators as possible to make our island a safer place.

‘Craig was never given this chance to find out if there was anything wrong but now all people between 14 and 35 have the chance to get checked out. Hitting the 5,000 mark at our next screening weekend is a credit to everyone who has ever supported us – but there are still so many more hearts out there for us to check.’

Dr Steven Cox, director of Screening at CRY, said: ‘Craig’s Heartstrong Foundation and Cardiac Risk in the Young have now screened almost 5,000 young people between the age of 14 and 35 in the Isle of Man.

‘Of those screened, 16 “fit and healthy” young people will have been diagnosed with cardiac conditions that could have killed them at any time.

‘Fifty “fit and healthy” young people will have been diagnosed with cardiac conditions that may not have been immediately life-threatening, but can now be monitored to avoid major complications. This is an incredible achievement.’

Barbara Scott, hospital manager, said: ‘We would like to take this opportunity in congratulating CHF and CRY on reaching such a wonderful achievement of 5,000 people screened, as well as providing essential defibrillation equipment to organisations across the Isle of Man.’

Paul Healey, CHF chairman said: ‘We are very grateful for the assistance that Noble’s Hospital have given us by allowing us to use their cardiac unit for the screenings, the venue is fantastic and some of the technicians from CRY were amazed by the facilities. We stress to everyone within the age bracket to sign up and get yourself checked’. To book a place at the next screening visit www.craigsheartstrongfoundation.co.uk

Tynwald has voted to spend £1.362m for the second phase of the Douglas promenades improvement scheme.

Member for Infrastructure John Houghton MHK told the court phase two involved the reconstruction of the road, footways and drainage on a short section between Peveril Square and just before the junction with Regent Street.

It will pave the way for the next phase of the scheme which will see the horse tram track moved from the centre of the road to the seaward side of the carriageway.

This will mean that horse tram operations will not be affected this year but they will be suspended altogether for the whole of the 2015 season.

Mr Houghton said a dedicated corridor would be set aside on the seaward side of carriageway ready for a relocated tram track and an area by the Bottleneck car park would also be set aside for a tram terminus and shelter.

He told the court: ‘It is regarded by many as a gateway to the island.’

He said its neglected state was perceived as a block on investment.

But Peter Karran (Lib Van, Onchan) tabled a motion, calling for a delay pending an assessment of flood risk. He argued all the ‘superficial work’ would be in danger if the issue of flooding was not addressed first.

David Quirk MHK (Onchan) said he wanted an assurance that Douglas Corporation, as owner of the horse trams, was committed to the scheme.

‘If we touch those rails are we committed to a £3m expenditure?’ he asked.

Chief Minister Allan Bell said he felt ‘totally demoralised by the negativity’ which he branded ‘appalling localism at its worst’.

He said government was also about to go public on proposals for the redevelopment of Lord Street and central Douglas.

Mr Houghton said the sea wall had a lifespan of well in excess of 30 years with an ongoing programme of maintenance.

And former Infrastructure Minister David Cretney MHK (Douglas South): ‘We should get on with this.’

Alex Downie MLC said the state of the island’s ‘shop window’ was a ‘disgrace’.

Geoff Corkish MLC said the work was long overdue and praised the work completed in phase one as ‘remarkable’.

Dudley Butt MLC said he wished the revamp had started at the Queen’s Promenade end.

The scheme was ‘largely cosmetic’, he suggested, and safety should take a priority.

Mr Karran’s amendment was rejected and phase two of the Douglas Promenade improvement scheme subsequently approved, with just Mr Karran and Mr Quirk voting against.

Police are searching for a missing 14-year-old girl.

Anyone who can help police to find 14-year-old Shannon Bateson should contact police headquarters on 631212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Ramsey’s improved Courtyard Gardens proved a focal point during the town’s recent National Week.

Among the entertainments which took place there were a food fair, a music and dance group and a zumba session from Ramsey schools, performances by classical musicians from Bayreuth and Andreas School’s Flashmob.

Ramsey commissioners’ chairman Nigel Malpass said: ‘The regeneration works have reinvigorated the area which is not only drawing praise from local businesses but now also provides a vibrant social meeting place offering an ideal setting for performance artists and community groups.’

He added the gardens had been designed specifically for use by the public and they welcomed enquiries from anyone wanting to use the area.

Students from the island’s high schools took on the role of politicians on Monday for the annual Junior Tynwald sitting.

Year 12 pupils from Ballakermeen, St Ninian’s, Ramsey Grammar, Castle Rushen and Queen Elizabeth II schools all got stuck into some controversial subjects.

Organised by the Isle of Man branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) in association with the Department of Education and Children, the court brings together 16 and 17-year-olds from the island’s five state secondary schools who serve as elected politicians for the sitting.

Among the topics debated were the legalisation of marijuana and assisted suicide.

The whole process was carried out in accordance with standard Tynwald conventions, order papers were circulated and the would-be politicians discussed genuine contemporary issues affecting the Isle of Man.

Students also took on the role of the press and reports from three of the students – Jordanne Ken from Castle Rushen, Tom O’Connor from St Ninian’s and Abigail Harris from Ballakermeen –will appear in Tuesday’s Examiner.

Politicians including Tim Crookall, Phil Gawne, Kate Beecroft and Juan Watterson were also grilled by the students asking questions about the toilet tax, same sex marriages, MHK pay increases, the Legislative Council and driving safety among young people.

The sitting was overseen by President of Tynwald Clare Christian, who had taken the group on a tour of the legislative buildings that morning.

See how the students got on and more pictures in Tuesday’s Examiner.

Police are advising motorists to take care after a diesel spiil.

The spill happened today (Saturday) on the Eyreton road at Crosby. Workers from the Department of Infrastructure are taking steps to deal with it but police have warned drivers that the road surface is very slippery.

A giant loaghtan sheep looks out over the grounds of Marown School, thanks to the creative efforts of pupils taking part in an Island of Culture 2014-inspired project during National Week.

The project was the idea of teacher Emma Huxham, who was inspired by the art installation on the Mountain Road created by local artists Stephanie Quayle and Darren Jackson.

Their imposing Loaghtan has been standing guard over the Bungalow on the Mountain Road since just before this year’s TT racing began.

To begin the project, the whole school visited The Grove Museum of Victorian Life in Ramsey, touring the house and learning about bee-keeping and butter-making.

Jim Middleton, who manages the livestock at The Grove, encouraged the children to understand more about loaghtan sheep on the island.

He demonstrated shearing a sheep, and told them about the uses of wool and some of the history of the wool trade on the Island. Being a farmer and private wool trader, when Jim heard about the project he arranged to donate all the wool required including some from his sheep at The Grove.

Emma built the frame of the sheep and each class made hundreds of woollen felt shapes, during National Week, to create the fleece.

Ian Longshaw, headteacher at Marown School, said: ‘The project has been a creative learning experience for all involved. The sheep looks striking outside school.’

Emma said: ‘Having seen the huge loaghtan sheep on the Mountain Road, I knew we could create one at school. I am grateful to The Grove Museum for the donation of loaghtan wool. The finished sheep is better than I had imagined. Well done to all the pupils who took part.’

Health Minister Howard Quayle said he could not hide his disappointment, in Tynwald this week, that no money had been set aside to cover a staff pay award.

Mr Quayle said the Treasury had agreed additional funding of £2.08m to help cover the cost of a binding pay award made after a local pay claim was referred to independent arbitration.

The cost of the award to the former Department of Health was £400,000 a year with back pay estimated at £2.25m.

He said: ‘I will not attempt to hide my disappointment that although the department was aware some form of payment was likely to arise it didn’t create a sufficient reserve to meet any such liability.’

Weather forecasters’ predictions proved correct and the first Douglas carnival for years went ahead in fine weather.

The steady rain from earlier in the day fizzled out in time for the 6.30pm start and people lined the edges of the promenades for the parade which took around an hour to pass.

A variety of organisations were represented from Hospice Isle of Man to Douglas Town Band, Ellan Vannin Gymnastics, Vagabonds’ rugby club and the Green Centre.

Robinsons was giving away oranges and the Filipino Association put on an impressive display of marching and dancing. There were people on stilts, people on bicycles and a miniature penny farthing, not to mention old folk fighting in slow motion on Segways. A number of classic car owner had clearly spent hours polishing their pride and joy to a mirror finish specially to join the parade and these were joined by a number of vintage buses, some from Jurby transport museum, the oldest being a 1928 former Douglas Corporation single decker.

Supporters of Hospice ended their parade with a technicolour powder paint fight by the Jubilee Clock.

Tynwald voted overwhelmingly to spend £720,000 on renewing trackwork on the Snaefell Mountain Railway.

Member for Infrastructure Kate Beecroft (Lib Van, Douglas South) explained this was the third phase of a project to replace trackwork that was in critically poor condition.

The third phase will replace all of the points on the running line and renew the last section of poor condition plain track.

Tynwald voted in October 2010 to spend £1.5m on replacing the worst affected areas of life expired track to allow the railway to operate safely during 2011. Further works were carried out in 2012.

Bobbies in the south are feeling the power of the pedal and cycling on patrol thanks to sponsorship from Shoprite.

The store bought one bicycle and lights for two others already owned by the police, which will be used in patrols of Castletown, Port Erin, Port St Mary and the surrounding areas.

The scheme has already been launched, with Shoprite’s support, and is operating successfully in the police’s western region of the island.

Andrew Thomas, Shoprite chief executive, contacted police inspector Darrill Pearson saying they would like to donate money to the team with a view to replicating the bike scheme in the west.

Last year, bobbies in the south had long-term use of two bikes from Port Erin business The Bike Hut. With the Shoprite donation they bought one of those and new lights for two bikes they already owned, giving them a fleet of three.

Inspector Darrill Pearson of the southern neighbourhood police team said: ‘Shoprite’s support has enabled us to upgrade our existing equipment to ensure that we are able to provide a local service. The cycles increase the accessibility of my team, allowing them to engage more freely with the community so they can better understand and respond to their needs, whilst affording the officers the opportunity to patrol their beats effectively.

‘My team are keen to get out in the southern region on the cycles, which will be liveried so they are identifiable and used across the entire neighbourhood. Officers will transport the cycles to villages and other remote areas in vans, which they will park up and then patrol on the cycles.’

Andrew Thomas, Shoprite chief executive said: ‘This is a great community initiative and one that Shoprite is proud to support both from an environmental as well as a social point of view.

‘We have close links with the south of the island with our stores in Port Erin and Castletown and everyone in the local area will benefit from this excellent scheme.’

A new generation of ‘forest parks’ is planned as a way of encouraging more use of government-owned green spaces for recreation.

Things are already going with a swing at South Barrule Forest Park, where visitors are flocking to popular Segway, Laser Mayhem and the recently extended Ape Mann attractions.

The car park has been extended and there are plans to redevelop the former forestry depot, with ideas under consideration include camping pods, a café and a shop and offering cycles for hire.

The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture, which manages 7,000 acres of plantations, alongside 18 national glens, is working with the Manx Mountain Bike Club to construct a mountain bike ‘skills loop’ at South Barrule to complement the existing 1km and 5km bike trails.

South Barrule’s ponds will be improved for the benefit of wildlife and visitors.

Archallagan, the island’s largest continuous woodland, has been christened the Forest of A Thousand Trails. While most of the routes are via unmarked paths, Archallagan boasts a newly created junior mountain bike track, an exercise trail and a play area thanks to volunteers from the End to End Legacy project and Zurich International.

The recently opened orienteering course at Archallagan is already attracting visitors of all ages.

Conrhenny, on the outskirts of Onchan, is a community woodland project where the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture has created two new ponds, picnic areas and a way-marked exercise trail. There is a series of mountain bike trails created by a local volunteer group called Loaghtan Loaded.

It is also home to the Children’s Wood, where primary school children have grown and planted 3,000 broad leaf trees over the past six years in the Trees for Life initiative.

Improved road signage will soon point the way to South Barrule Forest Park, Archallagan Forest Park and Conrhenny Community Woodland.

New Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture Richard Ronan said: ‘With all the recent improvements, it may really be a case of “if you go down to the woods today,you are sure of a big surprise!”.’

The Manx Educational Foundation has raised the external finance it needs to proceed with plans to create an IT centre of excellence at the Nunnery.

And in Tynwald, Chief Minister Allan Bell defended the decision by the Council of Ministers to grant MEF an exclusivity deal on the sale of the government-owned building.

He said with the external funding secured, the Foundation would be coming back to CoMin in October to firm up its proposals.

But former Economic Development Minister John Shimmin, who quit the cabinet over the Sefton loans affair, warned the plan could be jeopardised if left to October as there could be an issue over how long the money would be available for the project.

Mr Bell said the October date was suggested by MEF itself. ‘At some point we have to get off the roundabout and make a decision,’ he added.

Peter Karran (Lib Van, Onchan) questioned the merits of an exclusivity deal, pointing out the time period had been extended a number of times. He said during his time as Education Minister there had been approaches for the use of the Nunnery as an ideal headquarters for a boutique hotel.

Mr Bell said: ‘I accept that, by not putting the Nunnery out for expressions of interest, there will always be a small amount of doubt in the minds of some that there might have been another offer which could possibly have been better.

‘What we do know is that the MEF has indicated it required the exclusivity agreement in order to secure the private finance necessary for this project.

‘The MEF presented to Council of Ministers last week, confirming that they have raised the necessary finance – millions of pounds which they are seeking to invest in our community. The MEF indicated that the exclusivity agreement was key in helping to secure this funding.

‘If we now were to choose to seek other expressions of interest, the MEF has informed us that this would jeopardise the funding commitments they have worked so hard to achieve. So we could lose that project while pursuing the slim possibility of gaining better value.’

Mr Bell insisted government is not simply focused on a ‘quick buck’ and was trying to make decisions in the island’s long-term strategic interests. He said: ‘CoMin was satisfied that the decision last year to enter into the exclusivity agreement with the MEF was the right one.’

MEF had to raise £12.5m in external funding as a condition to be met before it could buy the Nunnery for £5m.

A missing teenage schoolgirl has been found.

Shannon Bateson, who is 14 has now been found safe and well after going missing last night, police have confirmed.

Douglas RUFC claimed victory at the Citywing Plane Pull event, held at its hangar at Ronaldsway, with teams raising money for Citywing’s 2014 charity of the year, Manx Cancer Help.

The entrants flexing their muscles were Triumph Group, southern police, Robinson’s Fresh Foods, Southern Nomads RUFC, Western Vikings RUFC, Douglas RUFC, SMP Partners, Sleepwell Hotels, Barclays, Isle of Man Prison and Hansard, as well as a children’s team.

Almost all of the teams managed to beat last year’s record time of 16.52 seconds, but Douglas RUFC ultimately triumphed.

After enjoying sausage and bacon baps, tea and coffee provided free of charge by Sleepwell Hotels, the Douglas rugby union team completed the 34-yard course in an impressive 13.12 seconds, just pipping Southern Nomads RUFC who recorded a time of 13.13 seconds, with last year’s winners Robinson’s Fresh Foods coming in third at 13.46 seconds.

Citywing managing director David Buck said: ‘The event was fantastic fun, and congratulations must go to all of the teams that took part, but especially to Douglas RUFC who took home the cup this year. Anyone interested in challenging them and trying to break the record for 2015, or just looking to get involved with this unique fundraising event, please do get in touch – there aren’t many people who can claim to have pulled an aircraft!

‘We would also like to thank Sleepwell Hotels for contributing refreshments for all the competitors, the St John Ambulance crew, and Matt Mosur for his excellent photography of the event.’

Chief executive officer of Manx Cancer Help Andrea Chambers added: ‘We have really enjoyed being a part of such a fantastic event, and it was wonderful to see all of the competitors and spectators have so much fun on the day. We are delighted to be Citywing’s Charity of the Year for 2014 and all of their fundraising efforts, and of course the efforts of the Plane Pull teams, are hugely appreciated.’

The plight of the Isle of Man’s deaf ambassador – who was not allowed to travel in a taxi with his assistance dog – highlight the need for the island to have an Equality Bill, Tynwald heard.

Revelations that existing regulations do not exempt assistance dogs from a ban on bringing any animal into a taxi was described as an ‘embarrassment and humiliation’ by one backbench MHK.

The Manx Independent reported last week how Gareth Foulkes, who suffers from hearing loss, was left stranded at the Sea Terminal after a ply for hire taxi driver refused to allow his black Labrador assistance dog Derfel to travel with him back to his base on Somerset Road.

Phil Braidwood MLC told Tynwald that in protest at his treatment, Mr Foulkes had resigned as chairman of the multi-agency forum looking at disability discrimination.

Member for Infrastructure John Houghton MHK (Douglas North) told the court that the Public Passenger Vehicle (Conduct of Passengers) regulations 2002 forbid passengers from bringing any animal into a taxi without the prior consent of the driver or the licensed taxi operator.

He said the regulations have been in place for a number of years and the complaint received at the end of June was the first time the department had been made aware of an instance where a taxi driver has refused access for a passenger accompanied by an assistance dog.

‘Tynwald members should be aware that the proposed Equality Bill will deal explicitly with this issue,’ he said.

But Mr Braidwood said: ‘I know this has happened on numerous other occasions.’

He said those other occasions involved blind passengers whose disability meant they couldn’t inspect the type of taxi or licence plate to make a complaint.

Brenda Cannell MHK (Douglas East) said: ‘We are all highly humiliated and embarrassed by this situation.’

She suggested that rather than waiting for the new Equality Bill, the regulations could be amended to give an exemption on the animal ban for assistance dogs. ‘I could not agree more,’ replied Mr Houghton.

Chief Minister Allan Bell MHK confirmed that a comprehensive new Equality Bill would be going out to public consultation shortly after it was presented to the Council of Ministers at the end of this month.

He said he believed passionately in the legislation, which he would personally take through the House of Keys and which would send out a powerful statement that the Isle of Man is an equal society.

Mr Bell said the development of comprehensive legislation of such importance as the Equality Bill needed to be undertaken with care and attention – and he conceded this had taken ‘a little longer’ than anticipated.

But he added: ‘However, the draft Bill is now substantially complete and I am pleased to inform this court that a presentation to the Council of Ministers concerning the Bill has been scheduled for the 31st of this month. I envisage that the Bill will be made available for full public consultation shortly afterwards.’

Mr Bell said he was ‘very disappointed’ by the decision of Mr Foulkes to resign and hoped he would hold back on that resignation.

He described the case as ‘another example of the type of prejudice and problems that the disabled community have to face on a regular basis’.

Chris Thomas (Douglas West) said the timetable for the legislation had already slipped. He suggested the island needed a Trevor Phillips, equality and human rights commissioner, to drive the Bill through. Mr Bell insisted the legislation had not slipped: ‘I believe passionately this Bill is important. It’s a powerful statement.’

The steam railway service has been disrupted by an engine failure.

The service scheduled for 9.50am from Port Erin to Douglas had to be cancelled this (Sunday) morning.

The afternoon service at 12.50pm from Douglas to Port Erin has also been cancelled.

Apologies for any inconvenience have been offered by the railway service. A spokesman said the failure was caused by a breakdown in one of their steam locomotives.

The Isle of Man has been awarded the National Poppy Appeal Trophy for the 39th time at the Royal British Legion National Conference in Torquay.

It was awarded for the highest collection per head of population in 2012-13 for the Poppy Appeal.

The total raised by island residents was £108,366.90.

The Isle of Man branch thanked people for their ‘loyal and continued support’ for the charity, which spends £1.5 million every week in welfare support on ex-service personnel and their dependants, some of whom are Manx.

Poppy organisers and collectors were also thanked for their hard word in raising funds each year.

The 2013-14 Poppy Appeal ends on September 30.

Audrey Brown MBE, Poppy Appeal co-ordinator for the Isle of Man, said: ‘We are still raising money, as we do all the year round, as well as contributing towards helping those who have served or are serving in the Armed Forces, also in the hope of winning the National Trophy again next year and keeping up the island’s wonderful reputation for being a generous nation.’

Donations can be made at RBL branches or to Mrs Brown, Poppy Appeal co-ordinator for the Isle of Man, Casa Mia, Main Road, Glen Vine, IM4 4AZ.

If anyone spots someone with a large quantity of £2 coins the Isle of Man police would like to hear about it.

Anyone able to help police with their enquiries should contact Douglas police headquarters on 631212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Fifteen drivers have achieved certificates from St John’s Ambulance in emergency first aid and assisting disabled passengers.

Two one-day courses this month, part-funded by the Road Transport Licensing Committee (RTLC) and run by St John Ambulance, offered emergency training to public passenger vehicle operators such as taxi drivers.

As well as issuing a certificate in basic first aid, emergency procedures and health and safety, St John Ambulance adapted their training to offer a certificate in the care of disabled passengers, showing the correct use of ramps and tail lifts for wheelchair-bound passengers and how to improve their journeys through communication and consideration.

TRAINING

Liz McMahon, administrative officer for the RTLC, an independent government body, said: ‘We’d previously used a UK provider and we wanted to offer the training with an island-based organisation.

‘St John Ambulance did a great job, even designing a bespoke course in the care and handling of disabled passengers.’

Mrs McMahon continued: ‘The feedback we have received so far has been really positive. The attendees appreciated both the first aid and care and handling parts of the course.

‘The RTLC is always keen to raise standards of customer service and training of this kind is an important part of that.

Phil Bennett, superintendent at St John Ambulance, said: ‘It’s reassuring for the public to know that there are taxi operators out there who have taken the time to train their staff in the care for disabled passengers, as they can be frequent users of their services.’

The RTLC may be able to offer future courses for drivers of public vehicles such as taxis, care home minibuses or other organisations that carry passengers, explained Mrs McMahon:

‘There could be many other drivers out there who would benefit from this training. We hope we can offer more courses in future, subject to demand.’

For more information, or to express interest in future courses, email rtlc@gov.im