The Isle of Man could be a popular and convenient but costly destination for caravanners wanting a taste of foreign travel without having to cross the channel.

Although witnesses at the first select committee meeting looking into the pros and cons of encouraging towed caravans in the island thought there were benefits, enquiries by the Manx Independent suggest costs to bring a caravan to the island could be prohibitive.

A standard saloon car towing a 23-foot caravan arriving in the isle of Man on Saturday July 25 and returning to the UK a week later, with two adults and two children would cost £706. No comparable cost was available for a channel crossing.

However, a crossing from Hull to Rotterdam in November, taking between nine and 11 hours, again with a standard saloon car and 23-foot caravan, two adults and two children would cost £414.

An equivalent November crossing from Birkenhead to the Isle of Man, with a caravan, taking three and a half hours, would be £567

No caravan option is available for on-line booking using the Steam Packet web site, but it is available by telephone.

David Cretney was minister for tourism between 1996 and 2006 and is again a government member responsible for tourism.

He told the committee despite an unsuccessful private member’s bill to exclude caravans completely from the island, it was a myth that caravans were banned from the Isle of Man. But he said previously there was a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ - an informal understanding - between the Steam Packet ferry company and the government that a so-called ‘letter of comfort’ was obtained before passengers with caravans were carried.

However he said that agreement seemed not to operate any longer.

‘I believe a letter was obtained by the person wanting to travel, possibly from the old tourist board or some other government agency, and this was then presented by the traveller to the Steam Packet Company who would then make the booking,’ he said.

Mr Cretney said proposals were discussed when he was Tourism Minister, to use Glen Loch camp site for caravans, He said the rationale was that there was a main road running directy to the site from the ferry terminal and once set up a caravan would remain there for the duration of the stay, returning by the same route.

Currently he said the situation seemed to be unregulated and he estimated there were about 150 caravans already in the island owned by residents.

Head of tourism for the Department of Economic Development Angela Byrne said they were currently working with other government departments to establish a common standard for sites which would cover caravans, log cabins, camping pods and other forms of alternative camping. She said work was being done behind the scenes on planning, health and safety and other matters to ensure any sites were lawful.

‘It’s not that we discourage caravans and motor homes, it’s that we don’t actively encourage them,’ she said.

Jersey does allow caravans on the island but some restrictions operate. The island has three caravan sites but a permit system operates for people travelling there with caravans and there are limits on the length and width of caravans and also on the duration of the stay. Bookings also have to be completed through an approved camp site.

A system of voluntary regulation is to be adopted to monitor gas prices in the island.

Economic Development Minister Laurence Skelly said consideration had been given to a ‘light touch’ form of regulation following investigations by the Office of Fair Trading in 2008 and 2011. The investigations had found profits were within an acceptable range but suggested some form of formal regulation.

As the likely cost of formal regulation was estimated to be around £250,000 per year, this was likely to have an impact on charges to Manx Gas customers. As a result, Mr Skelly said this idea had been dropped and is to be replaced with a voluntary regulation scheme.

The voluntary scheme is to be put into a written agreement between Manx Gas and the Office of Fair Trading and aproved by Treasury and the Council of Ministers and it will allow for regular review. Basic principles for the agreement will be to provide a fair pricing structure easily understood by customers. The company must also be transparent in its dealings and it must provide a reliable service in return for a fair profit.

Mr Skelly said Manx Gas had voluntarily agreed a return of 10.6 per cent since 2011 however the new voluntary agreement would see the return set by the Council of Ministers at just below 10 per cent.

‘The key measure that the OFT will use to ensure that Manx Gas’s prices are fair is the return on capital employed by Manx Gas,’ Mr Skelly said.

Mr Skelly said details of the agreement were to be set and it may be reviewed annually.

A request for verification that Tesco is once more considering opening an Express store in Castletown has been made by the town’s authority.

As iomtoday revealed last week, Callow’s Yard owner Roy Tilleard emailed commissioners’ chairman Richard McAleer asking for the board’s support of another alcohol license application by Tesco at 17/19 Malew Street.

He wrote Tesco ‘still wish to open the store at Callow’s Yard but that it is still dependent on the grant of an alcohol licence.’

He added if Tesco opened an Express store, Poundland would follow with a Dealz Store, bringing ‘substantial footfall to Castletown’.

Tesco had applied for an alcohol licence in Callow’s Yard three times, the last time in October 2013. The store has argued that, without an alcohol licence, a store would not be viable. But the plan was turned down because of the number of premises already selling alcohol in the town.

The authority had expressed concern in the past that a store would have a ‘detrimental’ impact on the town, but after a meeting with the store in June 2013, the authority shifted its stance, by a narrow majority, from opposition to ‘neutral’ over Tesco’s application for an alcohol licence.

When the authority discussed the matter on Monday night, commissioners Andrew Thomas, who is chief executive with Shoprite, declared an interest and left the room.

Kevin Weir said: ‘Have we had official notification from Tesco? Are Tesco requesting a meeting with us, as in the past? Has an application [for an alcohol licence] been placed in the licensing court? If none of this has happened, I suggest we note it until it has happened.’

He was seconded by Dorothy Faragher.

Colin Leather proposed they discuss the matter regardless and he was seconded by James Quine. However, the majority supported the original proposal and chairman Richard McAleer asked the clerk to contact Mr Tilleard and request the authority meet Tesco.

David Parnell pointed out: ‘It’s important it’s not a vote of for or against.’

Mr McAleer appealed to the public and said: ‘We have been elected by the town to make decisions on behalf of the town. We do not need to be swayed, or bullied.’

Homeless charity Graih celebrated the opening of a new room last week which will provide a private and confidential space to interview clients.

The Reverend Michael Manning said the room had been named Mandy’s room in honour of Mandy Davies, a health visitor for vulnerable adults who, he said, had pioneered access to health services for those on the edges of society.

‘Mandy has been heavily involved with Graih for some time and is held in very high esteem by the people she deals with and it is very hard to win their trust,’ he said. ‘It’s a key thing for people who are on the edge of society.’

Mr Manning said the charity, which is based at the Baptist church on Broadway in Douglas, provides a range of services for the homeless, including hot food, showers, a safe social area and somewhere to sit and chat.

‘We spend time visiting people in boarding houses, prison and hospital and we also do a work programme,’ he said.

The charity is proud of its work programme to support clients. As well as an allotment at Braaid which is being developed, there is a workshop which runs in conjunction with the Salvation Army’s David Grey House. The workshop deals with bicycle repairs.

‘We want to encourage people to come along and have some positive participation,’ Mr Manning said.

The charity can also provide temporary accommodation for people but cannot do so on a permanent basis. Last year it had contact with 130 who received assistance.

A five-year deal for the lease of the government-owned fish hatchery at Cornaa has been hailed as good news for the island’s leisure market.

Troutlodge will continue to run the hatchery, which breeds and supplies rainbow trout for the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture’s reservoirs, DEFA has announced.

The American company has operated the hatchery since the government sought a tenant in 2010 and has signed a deal with DEFA that will continue the arrangement.

The reservoir fishing season runs from March to January and Troutlodge releases up to 20,000 rainbow trout into the Clypse, Kerrowdhoo, Ballure, Sulby, Cringle and West Baldwin reservoirs.

This year, anglers have enjoyed the challenge of fishing for some extra-large trophy fish that were added to reservoirs during the season, including several weighing more than 20lb. In June, a 21lb 3oz rainbow trout caught at Cringle reservoir set a new Manx rainbow trout record.

Richard Ronan MHK, Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture, said: ‘Making the island attractive to visitors is a key aim of the Isle of Man Government’s blueprint for economic growth, Vision 2020.

‘Local and visiting anglers alike enjoy some fantastic fishing opportunities here, with a selection of reservoirs to choose from, all stocked with top-quality fish.

‘Troutlodge produces a reliable supply of high-quality fish throughout the season and I am delighted that the dfepartment and the company are to continue this favourable deal.’

The Troutlodge-owned Glen Wyllin Trout Farm in the west of the island produces exports 40 million rainbow trout eggs each year, mainly to Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

Gary Charsley, managing director of Glen Wyllin Trout Farm, said: ‘I am pleased to be able to confirm this new agreement with DEFA. We have built up a positive working relationship and I look forward to developing this partnership.’

For information on freshwater fishing or to buy a licence online, visit www.gov.im/categories/leisure-and-entertainment/recreational-fishing/freshwater-fishing/

A thrilling experience is on offer for walkers venturing into Summerhill glen at the end of this week.

A proposal has been approved to run a weekend Hop-tu-Naa event in the glen between October 31 and November 2.

Councillors considered a report from PSS Services which outlined various proposals for the event. Chris Mooney from the company told councillors the plan was to use a loop path in the glen which members of the public would have the option to enter for a small fee.

The path is to be set up with light and sound effects to create an impression of it being haunted. Actors in costume will be positioned along the path, at intervals, to ‘interact’ with visitors.

Current plans are to charge a nominal entry fee of around £1 or £2 and for the event to go on no later than 10pm. The glen has extensive decorative flood lighting and the plan is to use this to reflect the eerie Hop-tu-Naa theme.

Mr Mooney told councillors the event should not affect other members of the public and the glen would remain open to general visitors. Though Summerhill itself is narrow, councillors were told car parking and toilets would both be available for use at the nearby Old Boys football club. He also suggested the glen could be used in the future for other activities such as storytelling.

In addition to supporting the PSS Hop tu Naa proposal, councillors also suggested an additional attraction be held there at the same time.

The plan is also to hold a traditional turnip-carving competition in the glen with the council supporting prizes for all entrants. A maximum sum of £200 is to be provided to fund this.

Hop-tu-Naa is said to be a Celtic festival predating the better known Halloween celebrated in the UK. It is also said to be a celebration of the original Celtic new year’s eve, marking the end of summer.

A soup day will be held to celebrate the Festival of St Jude.

The event takes place at the Thie-ny-Gaelgey Manx school house in St Jude’s on Saturday November 1, from 11am to 3pm.

Homemade soup with a roll or bonnag costs £3.50 and there will be various stalls selling cake, jam and other produce.

For more details, contact Dee Allen on 880816.

A group of brave drummers are putting the final touches to preparations for a 48-hour musical endurance event to raise money for Hospice Isle of Man over the Hop-tu-Naa weekend.

The Big Beat for Hospice will see the group playing in unison to songs of all styles for over 48 hours.

The challenge begins at 1pm on Friday, October 31 and finishes at 4pm on Sunday, November 2, at the Villa Marina’s Promenade Suite.

At least three drummers will be playing along at all times while a number of other events take place.

A Hop-tu-Naa party on Friday will feature a fancy dress competition and a burlesque performance from Sanguine Shee;

Ballagroove DJs will play a range of funk, ska and soul from 8pm on Saturday, followed by a dance mix from Audiowok DJs.

On Sunday the Big Beat raffle at 2pm, with the star prize of a full drum kit, will lead in to the all-important ‘Final Hour’ for the long-suffering musicians. Tickets will be available at the event or from any of the Big Beat drummers..

The event orgainsers have teamed up with Manx Timing Solutions, who will provide their professional timing clock to monitor the challenge.

Committee member Martin Rigby said: “We are happy to announce our technical partnership with Manx Timing Solutions which will help keep the drummers informed and motivated whilst we play, and also to inform the general public of just how long we’ve been playing for.’

A charity has joined forces with the Department of Health to produce an updated information pack on the importance of foot care for those with diabetes.

The information packs, created with financial support from the Friends of the Manx Diabetic, are given to diagnosed diabetic patients when they are assessed by a podiatrist.

The pack focuses on advice relating to foot care, footwear and first aid for feet as well as foot and leg exercises. The Podiatry Service’s emergency access details and useful phone numbers are provided.

Julie Maddrell, clinical lead podiatrist for diabetes, said: ‘Having these information packs for diabetic patients helps promote consistent information and advice on how to look after their feet. We are very grateful to the Friends of the Manx Diabetic for their continued support in the production of the packs.’

It is estimated that people with diabetes are 30 times more likely to require an amputation compared to the general public, according to figures recorded by Diabetes UK.

Up to 80 per cent of diabetes-related amputations in England could be preventable through providing information to people with diabetes.

Photographer and artist Hazel Walsh relaunched her alternative portrait photography business with a one-night only exhibition.

The exhibition took place at New Social Studios in Church Street, Douglas, following her return to the island after a year travelling abroad.

Her previous projects have included Mann, Abandoned’, a year long photographic study of derelict and abandoned sites around the island, which resulted in an exhibition, book and website.

It was followed by Scenes of Mann’, which showcased a mix of photographs capturing some of the natural beauty of the countryside and landmarks that were taken while she compiled ‘Mann, Abandoned’.

A number of people have rung 999 to ask the police to give them a lift home.

Sergeant Paul Kemp said that the force had had several 999s overnight on Saturday/Sunday from people asking for the police to provide lifts home.

One person even rang back and asked for another service when unsuccessful with the police.

In a separate 999 call, one person tried to tell the operator that a patrol officer had advised him to call the Police for a lift for his drunk friend.

Sergeant Kemp said no officer would do this.

A couple of officers also reported that they had been approached for lifts by different members of the public.

Sergeant Kemp said: ‘Unbelievable as it is, we are going to have to reiterate that the emergency services are not there to provide taxis and 999 is for emergency calls only.’

He added: ‘Throughout our service we receive banter from people asking for a lift home.

‘However, this evening there appeared to be an actual expectation that officers would comply with these requests.

‘999 lines were also being taken up with the same requests and unrealistic expectations and each call can often take minutes to assess the situation. This doesn’t sound much but can be an eternity if it delays a genuine emergency being reported and could potentially threaten a life. Please don’t call for a taxi on 999.

‘It is vitally important though, that anything that is believed to be a genuine emergency is reported via 999 so that an immediate response can be given.’

Staff at Barclays in the Isle of Man raised £1,844.56 at their Macmillan Coffee Morning event which was matched pound for pound by Barclays to give a total of £3,689.12 for the charity.

Coffee mornings with tea, coffee, cakes and savoury treats on offer were held on every floor of the bank’s Eagle Court office and Barclays House Banking Hall and staff took part in a raffle and various competitions with all proceeds going to the charity.

There are two more Manx-made films to be shown at the Erin Arts Centre in Port Erin during its current season.

Wild Target will be on tomorrow (Wednesday) from 7.30pm.

It’s a comedy about having fun on the run.

A hitman tries to retire but a beautiful thief may change his plans.

Victor is a lonely, uptight middle-aged mummy’s boy, who also happens to be a lethally efficient professional hitman. His last assignment before he retires is to take out con artist Rose for gangster client, Ferguson.

Finding himself increasingly attracted to the bold and beautiful Rose, Victor is unable to complete the job, and instead ends up trying to save her from the murderous intentions of his client.

Filming locations include St John’s, Douglas and Ramsey. It stars Bill Nighy, Emily Blunt and Rupert Grint.

Admission on the door: Adults £5, Under 18s £1.

The Erin Arts Centre’s final Manx film screening this year is animated film Chico and Rita on Wednesday, November 26, 2.30pm.

The Scottish independence referendum may have ended in a resounding ‘no’ vote.

But the Manx government says its important to continue to build good relations with our closest neighbour.

Chief Minister played host to Scottish Minister for Energy, Enterprise and Tourism Fergus Ewing MSP. He is the son of an icon of Scottish nationalism, Winnie Ewing, whose 1967 victory in the Hamilton by-election launched the modern SNP.

The police are investigating a number domestic burglaries which occurred within the Douglas area since July.

Many of the properties had been left unlocked.

Crime prevention officer Mike Radcliffe said: ‘It is vitally important that householders remember to take basic precautions to protect their property.

‘I don’t want to create “fortress mentality” but our records show that in many cases of domestic burglary, the offender has been able to gain entry through an unlocked door or window.

‘Criminals are opportunists and ensuring that your house is left secure could significantly reduce the risk of you becoming the victim of a similar offence.’

He added that householders should think about locking doors even when they are at home.

He asked: ‘Would you hear if someone opened your front door and came into the house when you were upstairs?’

He added: ‘How good is your home security? Imagine for a moment that you have lost your house keys - how would you get in?

‘Could you do it without causing any significant damage? If so then so could a burglar!’

His top tips include:

l Do your door and window locks work properly? Are they in good condition? Insurance companies normally require that door locks meet the appropriate British Standard - BS3621.

If you’re not sure – take advice from a reputable locksmith.

l Don’t leave keys in hiding places (for example, under a flowerpot). If you’ve thought of it, the burglar probably will as well. Remember to take the keys out of window locks and keep them somewhere safe.

l Keep garages, sheds and outhouses locked. If your garage has a door leading into the house, treat it like an exterior door - fit it with a good quality BS 3621 lock.

l Use good quality clasps and locks on garden sheds. Just think of the cost of replacing your bicycles or lawnmower.

l Don’t leave ladders or garden implements lying around.

They can be used by the burglar to break in to your house.

l Chain ladders up. Keep implements in your shed or out of sight.

l Remember to close your curtains when you go out at night and leave a downstairs light on (not the hall light) but don’t leave them closed during the day as they attract attention to your home.

l Do you have outside lights?

When did you last check that they work? Do you use them? Burglars hate the light.

If your property isn’t fitted with external lights you should consider installing some controlled by ‘Dusk till Dawn’ sensors.

That way you don’t have to remember to switch them on when it gets dark.

l Don’t leave windows open for your pets to get into the house. It doesn’t matter what size the window. You’d be surprised how small a gap someone can get through. If you leave it open for ventilation use the catch to lock it in that position.

l Ensure that your premises and contents are suitably insured.

Speak to the insurance company or your broker to check that you meet their security requirements.

advice

The force has a number of crime reduction officers who are available to give security advice regarding both domestic and commercial premises and this service is free.

Further information can be obtained by contacting Constable Radcliffe on 631473.

The annual Fairtrade sale celebrating One World Week will be held at Cooill Methodist Hall this week from Thursday to Saturday, 10am to 6.30pm.

Christmas cards, beautiful gifts created by artisans in the developing world and fairtrade foods will be on sale. Lunches will also be available from noon to 2pm in aid of two charities working with orphans and their schooling in Uganda. For details, ring 628995/436182.

In the week that the government announced a raft of charges to previously-free services, the first sitting of Tynwald since the summer and the replacement of the toilet tax, a different story was the most-read on our site.

Our report about a householder who pinned up posters on his house and car addressed to historian Peter Kelly and the people he guides around places of interest seemed to intrigue our readers most.

Around 150 items are uploaded to iomtoday.co.im every week. They include news and sport reports, business features, readers’ letters and the island’s What’s On guide.

The top 10 most-read from last week were:

1. {http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/historians-told-you-re-not-welcome-1-6901578|Historians told: You’re not welcome} 8,098

2. {http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/government-to-charge-charge-and-charge-again-1-6910476|Government to charge, charge and charge again} 7,685

3. {http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/toilet-tax-to-be-scrapped-and-replaced-by-sewerage-rate-1-6908305|Toilet tax to be scrapped and replaced by sewerage rate} 3,734

4. {http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/lucky-escape-after-sleeping-through-landslide-1-6899048|Lucky escape after sleeping through landslide} 3,574

5. {http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/parents-forced-to-watch-their-kids-play-football-from-behind-a-fence-1-6906612|Parents forced to watch their kids play football from behind a fence} 3,057

6. {http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/steam-packet-expects-high-winds-to-disrupt-sailing-schedule-1-6905331|Steam Packet expects high winds to disrupt sailing schedule} 2,899

7. {http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/officials-regret-at-having-to-ban-all-parents-from-touchline-1-6907376|Officials regret having to ban all parents from touchline} 2,584

8. {http://www.iomtoday.co.im/what-s-on/manx-entertainment-news/want-you-back-jackson-s-show-made-a-big-loss-1-6912091|Want you back? Jacksons show made a big loss} 2,271

9. {http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/investors-keen-on-the-capital-s-masterplan-1-6907359|Investors keen on capital’s masterplan} 2,136

10. {http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/keys-candidate-in-court-on-cannabis-charge-1-6910798|Keys candidate in court on cannabis charge} 1,985

An amateur local historian wants to hear from anyone in the island who has an interest in King Richard III.

Brenda Cubbon is hoping to create an informal society to discuss the history and legacy of one of the most controversial monarchs in British history.

After only two years on the throne, he became the last English king to die in battle, falling at the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485 aged 32.

The battle effectively ended the Wars of the Roses and paved the way for the Tudor dynasty.

Thanks to his depiction in Shakespeare’s play, Richard has gone down in history as a hunchbacked villain who killed anyone who stood between him and the throne, including his young nephews who were supposedly killed in the Tower of London on Richard’s instructions.

But with the history written by the victorious Tudors, his controversial legacy has been the subject of much debate and many groups have arisen to reclaim his memory.

Mrs Cubbon said: ‘I think he’s been mistreated by history because if you read the Chronicles that were written at that time, there was nothing to say that he was a bad king and there’s nothing to prove that he killed the princes in the Tower.

‘He was a good lord of the North, and he brought in laws during his Parliament that are still in use today. It was propaganda that turned him into a controversial figure.’

To register your interest, contact Brenda Cubbon by phone on 437649 or email brenda51252@hotmail.co.uk

Eight ducklings that were rescued after being targeted by seagulls will be released next week back into Silverdale boating lake.

Jake Callow, aged 16, who worked over the summer at Silverdale cafe, prompted the rescues in August when he became concerned about the risks posed to them by seagulls.

Paddle boats were used to reach the ducklings and Jake even ended up in the water during the first of two rescue missions.

The ducklings were just a couple of days old when they were rescued.

And since then they have received VIP treatment from Jake and Sandy Huyton of Dolittle’s Animal Centre at Cregg Mill in Silverdale.

In that time they have moved on to solid foods, and increased in both size and weight.

The ducklings’ rescue and subsequent progress sparked interest online with more than 1,300 people following their progress on the Dolittle’s Facebook page.

Sandy said everyone was invited to watch the ducklings return to the boating lake.

They will be released at 1pm on Wednesday next week.

The government wants to recruit a new prison governor and head of probation.

Alison Gomme, the current head of the prison and probation service, is set to retire at the end of March 2015 after a 34-year career.

Her successor will play a prominent role in delivering the department’s criminal justice strategy, which, the Department of Home Affairs says sets out ‘a clear direction of travel for the criminal justice system in line with government’s national priorities’.

The job includes responsibility for the management of the Isle of Man Prison and 140 members of staff across the combined Prison and Probation Service. There is also a requirement to deliver ‘a high standard of public service within the government’s current budgetary constraints’.

Applications are being sought from qualified professionals who have experience of leading significant organisational and cultural change, sound financial management skills and the ability to motivate and develop a multi-disciplinary team.

Home Affairs Minister Juan Watterson MHK said: ‘Alison Gomme has made an outstanding contribution to the island’s the Prison and Probation Service during her time in the post. The department is looking for an exceptional candidate to continue that positive work.’

Michael Coleman MLC, Member of the Department of Home Affairs with responsibility for the Prison and Probation Service, said: ‘Strong leadership will be essential to drive forward what is a diverse and complex organisation. The years ahead will be particularly challenging as we continue to place a greater focus on prevention, rehabilitation and alternative forms of justice, so that custody is reserved for more serious and persistent offenders.’

DHA chief executive officer Mark Kelly added: ‘The DHA is committed to protecting vulnerable people and the Prison and Probation Service has a fundamental part to play in that. We are seeking to recruit a highly motivated individual to lead the further modernisation of the criminal justice system and achieve meaningful results for offenders, victims and the general public.

‘This is an important role that contributes to the Isle of Man’s reputation as one of the safest places to live in the British Isles.’

Applications should be made online via {https://www.jobtrain.co.uk/iomgovjobs/displayjob.aspx?jobid=1025|here} and the deadline for submissions is Tuesday, November 18. Further information about the post may be obtained from the recruitment manager on 694305.

The successful candidate will replace Alison Gomme who was appointed as the Isle of Man’s Prison Governor in 2008 after serving in a wide range of establishments in the UK.

One of Mrs Gomme’s first duties in the island was to oversee the transfer of the entire prison population from the old Victoria Road site to the new facility in Jurby.

In April 2010, she took on additional responsibility for the strategic leadership of the Probation Service, following the creation of a merged Prison and Probation Service.

Having worked in prisons for more than 34 years, including 6½ years in the Isle of Man, Mrs Gomme is looking forward to spending more time with her family and pursuing her creative interests.