THE success of a scheme to train young instructors to work in what’s described as ‘adventure education’ means it is being repeated for a second year.

Josh Rowlands was the first trainee instructor, on a pilot programme supported by the Golden Jubilee Trust and Ardwhallan Jubilee Trust.

Josh got involved with the Department of Education and Children’s outdoor work when he was among the first intake of part-time assistant trainee instructors – ‘adventure education’ recruits these each November – and he progressed to become the first full trainee instructor in September 2011.

The 19-year-old from Ballasalla has now headed off to the University of Cumbria to study outdoor leadership.

Jenny Lantry, outdoor worker with adventure education, said: ‘Two trainee instructors have been taken on, with the two trusts kindly continuing their sponsorship.’

This year’s trainee instructors are Scott Christian and Lucy Connors, who have both been on the part-time assistant instructor course.

Scott has been with adventure education for two years. He joined the kayak club, which is run at Ardwhallan on Wednesday evenings during the summer, as part of his gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. He was selected for the assistant instructors’ programme last November and this has given him a great grounding for the trainee instructor programme.

Scott will finish his A-levels, studying in the evenings at the Isle of Man College of Further and Higher Education, and so is free to take up the full-time position at Ardwhallan. He plans to go to Chichester University to continue his studies in outdoor education in September 2013.

Scott said: ‘This is a tremendous opportunity for me, undergoing a year in the industry, teaching me what I will need to know to get ahead at university, and I can finish my A-levels at the same time. It’s my dream job.’

Lucy joined the kayak club six years ago and attended courses at Ardwhallan ‘just for fun’ until she was chosen as an assistant instructor in November 2010.

After completing her year in that role, Lucy stayed on to help out at the centre while studying for a level 3 diploma in hospitality and catering at the College.

That qualification under her belt, she is thrilled to gain a full-time trainee instructor post and said: ‘I am looking forward to the year ahead and want to make the most of this opportunity to work in adventure education. I hope to find out if I want to pursue a career in outdoor education, which has always been a hobby for me in the past, or if I should continue with my other passion, cooking. I would love to pair the two up and this year gives me some chances to do this. It is going to be a great year.’

Recruits are sought for the part-time assistant instructor programme, running again from next month. Volunteers aged 16 and over are invited to the weekend at Ardwhallan on November 10 and 11. Phone Jenny on 375213 or Paul Melling, head of outdoor centres, on 407549 to book a place.

The assistant instructor programme is sponsored by Britannia International and assistant instructors study for a qualification in understanding outdoor education.

Ardwhallan hosts tailor-made sessions for primary and secondary school groups and runs on and off-island courses.

A CAMPAIGN has been launched in honour of a brave young boy whose mother grew up in the island.

Three-year-old Joseph Michael Kendrick has the extremely rare genetic disorder – Non-Ketotic Hyperglycinemia (NKH) – and their local paper, the Wigan Evening Post, hopes to raise money to fund much-needed research into the condition.

Joe’s mother, Emma, aged 35, was born in Preston before the family moved to the island when she was six.

She attended Rushen Infants and Juniors and Castle Rushen High School and her parents, Bob and Loreto, live in Port Erin, where they own the Falcon’s Nest Hotel. His father, Paul, also 35, is the Evening Post and Observer’s Wigan Athletic correspondent.

The couple had to endure the heartache of being told their son would not make it home from hospital, and then that Joe may struggle to live beyond six months. But, three years on, Joe is now in a stable condition with medication helping to keep his disorder in check.

Paul said: ‘He has shown us he wants to fight all the way, and we are determined to fight on his behalf to help create awareness of this devastating condition, find a better treatment for him and others, and one day find a cure.

‘As parents, we are very proud of our strong and resilient young boy. He has done so well, and exceeded all expectations.’

Emma, a teacher, said: ‘I think the first and foremost goal for us is to create awareness, as this is such a little-known disease with only about 20 to 30 families in the UK affected.

‘No-one has been prepared in the past to put any money towards trying to find a cure or better treatment, so first of all we need to raise awareness and then secondly to help find better treatment or a cure.’

Joseph’s Goal, launched on Monday, received £25,000 after television presenter Alex Brooker – a friend of Paul – won £100,000 on the Million Pound Drop, with comedian Josh Widdicombe.

Wigan Athletic has also shown its support. Squad members met Joe and his brother Sam, aged 18 months, at their Christopher Park training ground.

To show your support, follow @josephsgoal on Twitter, or visit {http://www.josephsgoal.org|www.josephsgoal.org}.

To make a donation visit {http://www.everyclick.com/josephsgoal|www.everyclick.com/josephsgoal}.

• Non-Ketotic Hyperglycinemia affects one in 60,000 infants born. Children with the condition have problems breaking down the amino acid glycine, an important molecule in the brain with functions such as transmitting signals from one brain cell to another.

Excessive glycine disrupts brain function. Typical symptoms include seizures, low muscle tone and severe problems with learning and development.

EDUCATION chiefs have announce that Karen Riordan has been appointed headteacher of Ashley Hill Primary School with effect from January 2013.

Mrs Riordan has been deputy headteacher at the 316-pupil school, which is celebrating its 40th birthday this year, since 2007.

She succeeds Linda Smith, who has headed the school for seven years and who retires at Christmas after 39 years in teaching.

Mrs Riordan said: ‘I am delighted to be taking over as headteacher of Ashley Hill and continuing to develop opportunities so that our children enjoy their time at school. Ashley Hill is a fantastic school with great children, committed colleagues and supportive parents and governors.’

Born and educated in Cheshire, Mrs Riordan gained a B.Ed degree with music at St Martin’s College in Lancaster.

She moved to the Isle of Man in 1988 after marrying and worked in the finance sector before starting her teaching career at Murray’s Road Junior School in 1991.

She has worked at Dhoon and Arbory primary schools, Fairfield Junior School and Ballaquayle Infants’ School, gaining experience teaching primary children of all ages.

During the last two years, she has been involved with developing the Manx Quality Award in schools and early years settings.

Mrs Riordan is married to Lindsay, also a primary school teacher, and they have a daughter, Hannah, who is studying sport and exercise science at the University of Cumbria, and sons, Joshua and Juan, aged 16, and Samuel, aged 12, who go to St Ninian’s High School.

She is a member of Broadway Baptist Church and enjoys music and drama. She will be a familiar face to Gaiety Theatre-goers.

DOUGLAS-BASED Event Lighting Services and UK sound equipment firm Fuzion have donated a portable PA system to Braddan Primary School after hearing of their plight when their old PA system stopped working and the children were left without a facility for their school stage shows.

ELS company owner Justin McMullin heard of their misfortune from a friend who has children at the school and immediately offered them help.

He said: ‘I made a call to long time friend Tony Torlini at Fuzion who supply us with specialist sound equipment and explained what had happened and that we would really like to help the school out by means of a donation

‘Tony loved the idea and arranged for a Mi-Pro portable PA system to be sent to us at no cost.’

The PA system includes a wireless handheld microphone and built in CD player as well as the ability to use it purely on battery power making it ideal for use in classrooms etc for music lessons or in the hall for shows.

Justin added: ‘It can also be pulled along on the built in wheels just like a suitcase making it easy to transport around the school.

‘It’s a great pleasure for us to be able to donate the PA system to the school at no cost and thus ensure that the children can still play music and have the use of a microphone etc for their shows.’

Headmistress of Braddan School Louise Oates said: ‘I can’t thank Justin and the team at ELS and also Tony from Fuzion enough for their very kind generosity.

‘It’s a lovely gesture that the children will be very grateful to them for and will hopefully get lots of benefit from.

‘It’s very rare for firms to donate much needed equipment free of charge especially given the current financial climate.’

THE island’s 100 bus drivers have been served their notice by management.

It’s the latest development in a dispute in which the government department that runs the island’s nationalised bus service wants to redraw the drivers’ terms and conditions.

The Department of Community, Culture and Leisure sent letters to the drivers yesterday.

Among a number of changed the DCCL wants to make is that drivers should lose their paid lunch breaks.

The department says it has made contingency plans but cannot reveal what they are now because a Tynwald question will be asked about the issue on Tuesday.

Howard Quayle (Middle) has put down the question for the DCCL Minister, Graham Cregeen MHK.

{http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/bus-drivers-vote-no-again-1-5020765|Our report on the issue from Friday}

A MAN has been charged with assault after a woman was allegedly assaulted in busy Parliament Square, Ramsey, yesterday afternoon.

Police said the alleged incident happened at about 1.30pm. A 57-year-old local woman suffered facial injuries.

A number of passers-by stopped and gave her first aid.

She was subsequently treated by paramedics and then taken to Noble’s Hospital, where she was admitted overnight for further treatment. Her injuries are not considered to be life-threatening.

Sergeant Andy Kneen said: ‘We would like to hear from anyone who was in Parliament Square at this time, or immediately before, who can provide any information about what has occurred.

‘This was a busy lunchtime with very many people in the area. Although we have already spoken to a number of witnesses I would ask that anyone that hasn’t be spoken to already, comes forward.

‘Part of the pavement outside the Town hall was cordoned off for a time to facilitate forensic examination of the scene of this incident.’

The charged man will appear in court on Tuesday.

SURE, the phone company, is entering the television market tomorrow (Tuesday).

Its TV set top box will let viewers watch UK and global TV channels on their set, including ITV3 and ITV4, which are not available on Manx Telecom’s rival YouView service or on the Freeview service available from Manx transmitters.

If you have Sure’s mobile, broadband and home phone service, the service is free.

The company says that local content will be available. Viewers will be able to see the weekly TVIM news programme, which is currenly online only, for example.

Mike Philips, head of ‘product’ at Sure, said: ‘Users will find that Sure TV fills a lot of gaps that exist with today’s Freeview programming in the island.’

The launch coincides with a new landline service, which the company says will be at least 50 per cent less than Manx Telecom’s fixed line charges.

Home phone users can keep their telephone number, and don’t have any installation costs. Calls to Sure mobiles will be free.

The company is also launching a service for businesses, offering similar savings.

Manx National Heritage will open a major exhibition on The Forgotten Kingdom? The Kingdom of Man and the Isles (1000 – 1300 AD), next month.

The exhibition will mark the temporary return to the Isle of Man of the Chronicles of the Kings of Man and the Isles which will be displayed alongside six of the magnificent Lewis Chessmen.

It will be the first time the Lewis Chessmen have been displayed in the Isle of Man.

A thousand years ago, a powerful sea kingdom was formed encompassing the Outer Hebrides, Skye, the Inner Hebrides, Argyll and the Irish Sea.

The seat of power was the Isle of Man.

From this small island, the Kings of Man and the Isles ruled both the lands and the vital sea route that ran through the heart of what we now know as the British Isles.

This trade route brought riches to and from the kingdom.

The Chronicles of the Kings of Man and the Isles is the Isle of Man’s first story-book.

The manuscript tells tales of battles fought, indulgent kings and queens; of haunted chieftains, political skulduggery and brutal revenge.

Exquisitely carved rare chess pieces, silver coins with images of kings and precious symbols of wealth and religious power were left behind after the kingdom ended and some of these will be on display in this special exhibition.

Tony Pass, chairman of Manx National Heritage, said: ‘This will be a major exhibition for Manx National Heritage, made possible through close collaboration between Manx National Heritage, the British Museum, the British Library and National Museums Scotland who have worked closely to secure extremely generous loans of precious objects from their collections, some that have not previously been seen in the Isle of Man.

‘We have received an overwhelming amount of support for the exhibition and I am particularly delighted to welcome Lloyds TSB as supporters of this important exhibition at the Manx Museum.’

Peter Reid, island director of Lloyds Bank said: ‘It is a privilege to be partnering with Manx National Heritage for this incredibly exciting exhibition, which offers a fascinating insight into medieval life on the Isle of Man.

‘We recognise the importance of supporting the Isle of Man’s cultural heritage and we are delighted to offer our support to help bring this unique experience to the island.’

The exhibition opens at the Manx Museum on November 10 until March 9 and will be accompanied by a programme of events.

THREE local authorities – Douglas Council and Malew and Peel Commissioners – believe cavity wall insulation installed in their properties under a central government scheme could be to blame for damp problems.

Social Care Minister Chris Robertshaw MHK has sought to alleviate residents’ fears, saying that the problems in Willaston are nothing to do with the installation of cavity wall insulation but because the external fabric has reached the end of its effective life.

Carol Malarkey, lead member of Douglas Council’s housing and property advisory committee, told councillors that if a scheme to remedy the problems wasn’t successful 130 houses in Willaston may have to be demolished.

A pilot scheme, financed by the DSC, to refurbish the external fabric of six houses to find out the best way forward is due to start next month.

Peel Commissioners’ town clerk Peter Leadley said there had been an increase in condensation in a number of its houses since cavity wall insulation was installed in 2009.

Tenants have been advised to ventilate their property regularly to try and deal with the problem.

Mr Leadley said: ‘If the problems become more significant we will have to deal with it.’

Meanwhile Malew commissioner Eddie Power said the authority was waiting for the results of a survey on its eight houses to see whether cavity wall insulation in its properties was to blame for damp.

‘It appears to be the same problem as Willaston but until we receive the full report we’re not 100 per cent sure.’

Mr Power, of Barrule Drive, Ballasalla, himself a social housing tenant, said he had to clean and repaint some parts of his house last year after they were covered in a black mould.

Mr Robertshaw said: ‘My department has consistently supported Douglas Council in identifying the most appropriate and sustainable way of addressing the deterioration in the fabric of the housing in Willaston.

‘It is unfortunate that recent public statements have not reflected the significant progress that has been made.

‘This refurbishment project has not been brought about because of the installation of cavity wall insulation but because the external fabric has reached the end of its effective life.’

The work will involve renewal of the roof coverings, fascias, soffits and rainwater goods as well as rebuilding the outer leaf of the external walls.

A DSC spokesman said Douglas Council had raised concerns about the deteriorating external fabric of many of the properties within the estate for a number of years. Condition surveys in 2008 and 2009 identified significant and extensive defects including extensive cracks on the external render, rubble within the base of some external wall cavities causing dampness to the inner leaf.

The department supports the council’s view that a major programme of refurbishment of the roofs and external walls is required.

Monday, October 15

Aries (March 21 - April 20)

This week begins with a New Moon in Libra - good news for lovers and those wanting to advance an existing partnership. Think most carefully about where you want to go and with whom. Really look at your relationships now and be honest with yourself and others. It is such a romantic time that even those who are unattached feel an air of optimism about the future.

Taurus (April 21 - May 21)

Beneficial Libra shines a New glowing Moon on your work and finances this week. The influence lingers, so look for and take all opportunities that come your way. Be ready to spring into action at a moment’s notice if necessary. That means being super-organised and full of enthusiasm. Relationships also grow under this delightful aspect. Bring out your romantic side.

Gemini (May 22 - June 21)

Family life and creativity go hand in hand this week. The New Moon in Libra encourages you to spend more time with both older and new members of your group. This is true of both home and work, where a new colleague appreciates your input. When it comes to money, plan for the longer term and be prepared to negotiate for better conditions or wages where necessary.

Cancer (June 22 - July 23)

Bring extra sparkle and colour to your home. Be creative and get rooms in a cosy and comfortable condition. This time is more about getting the input of friends and family than splashing the cash. Indeed, money needs to be handled carefully, if not to say frugally, through the month. The time to spend comes nearer the winter holiday. Plan for happy times ahead.

Leo (July 24 - August 23)

Short distance travel and romantic liaisons abound under the Libra New Moon on Monday. Planning can get under way for a special occasion later in the year that will bring delight to the whole family. Finances seem to be bound up also in the family and older relatives may need continued help. Still, make the most of a week that can be both a delight and a revelation.

Virgo (August 24 - September 23)

Finances should be showing more promise with the New Moon in Libra this week. Avoid spending and look for long-term growth. Getting down to business means also considering how the family fit into your plans and perhaps discussing it with them. Not only is a plan shared one that is easier to get going but it is also a situation that throws up great ideas.

Libra (September 24 - October 23)

Bask in the bright light of the Libra New Moon this week. Let your ideas flow, especially when thinking of the future. Travel is highlighted as a rich source of new contacts. This can be a trip to the shops or a boat down the Amazon. The opportunities are still there. Material wealth brings you comforts but it not as important as being with the right person.

Scorpio (October 24 - November 22)

In a smoothly running week, it is possible to look back over the last month and take stock of progress. It may not have been as fast as expected, but it is worthwhile to be patient. Although your business life seems settled, there are still opportunities to be had if you keep your eyes and ears open. Extra time to spend on your social life is welcomed by friends and family.

Sagittarius (November 23 - December 21)

Laughter and togetherness run right through this week. Somehow you feel very much in tune with the people in your life, be they friends or partners. Work seems to be taking a back seat as your social life demands attention. Where there are opportunities to learn, take them. Where there are chances to progress relationships, take them.

Capricorn (December 22 - January 20)

The wonderful New Moon in Venus gives you the incentive and energy that you need. Get your ideas over at work and your feelings over in relationships. People who matter are in a listening mood, so keep the conversations going. Given the chance to learn something new, you should embrace it with gusto. Your talents are growing all the time.

Aquarius (January 21 - February 19)

Watch out for offers and promises that seem too good to be true. They probably are. Even so, keep an open mind and ask lots of questions. Promotion is likely so negotiate the terms carefully to get the best deal. Life is not all serious and the funny side of situations really hits home at the weekend. Why were you so worried about a situation? Best to forget.

Pisces (February 20 - March 20)

With Venus on your side it is truly a time for love and romance. All relationships will become smoother, especially those that have been a bit spiky. Thinking of taking some kind of course or training? This is really the time to gather your talents and use them. Consider what would put you ahead for a better job or promotion and make a move.

THE Liberal Vannin party says its committed to building a transparent independently scrutinised government.

An analytical report into the island’s IRIS sewerage network, posted on the Lib Van website, appears to offer that independent scrutiny – and its highly critical findings could make for uncomfortable reading for the government.

The un-named author concludes that the regional sewage treatment strategy has been adopted by virtue of ‘flawed and misleading information’ - and it would be cheaper to link Peel to the main IRIS network served by the sewage works at Meary Veg, Santon.

But now Lib Van leader Peter Karran has confirmed the man behind the report is David Jones, who stood as the party’s candidate in Rushen at the last general election and owns land next door to the site being earmarked for Peel’s proposed regional sewage treatment plant.

In fact, Mr Jones secured planning consent on appeal in July 2008 to build 21 homes on the plot adjacent to the brickworks entrance on Glenfaba Road.

Related article: {http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/plans-for-regional-sewage-plants-flawed-1-5015813|Plans for regional sewage plants ‘flawed’}.

In his report he suggests the location of a proposed sewage works at Peel ‘is flawed as the effluent discharge is directly into the bay where bathing regularly takes place and carries the risk to health which the European Clean Bathing Water Directive was designed to prevent’.

He said if the works had been correctly costed, linking Peel by pipeline to Meary Veg rather than building a separate regional treatment plant in the town, would have been shown to be the economic option by more than £4 million.

Party leader Mr Karran insisted there was no secret about the author’s identity. He claimed it was the Water and Sewerage Authority who had the vested interest and urged people to read the report to read the ‘facts’.

He told iomtoday: ‘Everybody knows he’s the author. He owns a bit of land in Glenfaba. There’s nothing secretive about it – we have not hidden it.

‘We are not looking at some shady individual with an ulterior motive.

‘We thought it was an excellent report. It’s the facts that people need to look at. If the figures don’t stack up then that what’s people should be worried about.

‘The government with their PR spin have a vested interest. There’s a total imbalance in the system, We can’t spend hundreds of thousands of pounds on taxpayers’ money on feasibility studies into IRIS - that’s a vested interest, that’s more of a vested interest.

‘David had put in about 2,00 hours of work into this. He said to us he would never have looked at IRIS but for the fact that he is affected.

‘But he was so shocked – he could not believe what was allowed to go through.’

Graham Cregeen MHK, chairman of the Water and Sewerage Authority, said the report was portrayed as being independent when it was not. ‘They should make it clear who the author of the report is.

‘His figures are all wrong. At the moment we are getting really good prices for bring in regional sewage treatment and making significant savings.

‘Peter Karran was always greatly critical of sewage being pumped around the island and now he is saying we should be. Has he changed his mind?’

Mr Karran is asking two questions for oral answer about sewerage in this week’s Tynwald. He wants to know answers to a series of questions about Meary Veg, the sewage plant in Santon.

He is also asking about the proposed regional sewage treatment works in Peel, the number who will use it and the cost of developing it.

WHILE civil servants have been offered a 20p an hour pay rise, public sector manual workers have been offered only 15p an hour, the Isle of Man Examiner reveals today.

That’s a fact that has got the union angry. Industrial turmoil is predicted.

Talking of which, the bus dispute took another turn over the weekend when bus drivers received their notice.

We talk to the management and the unions in this week’s Examiner.

There’s some good news for the Department of Community, Culture and Leisure, though. They’ve put the order in for their diesel locomotive.

Elsewhere, there’s more uncertainty for two groups of workers.

GE Aviation, based on School Road, Onchan, is up for sale, the American parent company has told the Examiner.

And Friends Provident International, based in Castletown, is reviewing its operation. That could have an impact on jobs.

Tomorrow (Tuesday) Tynwald resumes after the summer break. We look ahead to the question paper.

Peter Karran is asking about sewage. We reveal that the author of an anonymous report on the Lib Van website is a former Lib Van candidate.

Further inside, we have a picture special of last week’s flooding.

Our top business story is an exclusive interview with John Spellman, the island’s new director of financial services, who talks about his role.

The top story on the back page is the thrilling Peel/Rushen game, which had plenty of goals.

This week’s Examiner is probably the first Manx newspaper to feature a man at a urinal and a late Victorian or Edwardian topless woman on a rock in Douglas Bay. It might sound odd, but it’s all done in the best possible taste.

The Examiner is in the shops now.

KPMG is preparing to hold its third annual e-Gaming summit, once again bringing the sector’s major players together to discuss the island’s role in this fast-paced international marketplace.

The summit will be held on Thursday, November 22 at the Mount Murray Hotel and key stakeholders and decision makers from the Government, e-Gaming operators, service providers and industry bodies will attend to discuss trends and developments in the online gaming sector.

Russell Kelly, director responsible for e-Gaming services at KPMG, said: ‘I am very pleased to once again be running this event, which has seen great support from the local and international e-Gaming community, for the third year running.

‘As a fast moving industry, it is extremely beneficial to meet annually, particularly given the many challenges and opportunities we face currently.’

The summit is expected to be as well attended as last year’s event, which stretched the venue’s capacity with almost 180 delegates present on the day.

Previous summits have featured presentations and panels on topics such as tax and regulation, security and fraud prevention, online payment processing, hosting and infrastructure and key market trends, among many others.

This year KPMG have chosen to make an addition to the format of the day, with ‘break out’ sessions running in parallel with the speakers in the main room.

These smaller sessions will be in a more interactive, workshop style, with short presentations followed by periods of open discussion, and will focus on technical aspects of interest to operators and case studies designed to educate and advise those starting out in the sector.

Micky Swindale, the associate director responsible for organising the summits, said: ‘The increasing interest in our annual summit is evidenced by the fact that we have all our sponsors in place three months before the event, with our major sponsors this year being Continent 8 Technologies, PokerStars and Experian, but a host of operators and service providers also involved as sponsors – all of whom are featured on the event website which can be found through www.kpmg.co.im .

Another new element to this year’s summit will take place the night before, and features the support of a regular sponsor of previous summits, Celton Manx. They will host an invitation-only dinner at the Regency Hotel, which will bring together the Chief Minister, the Gaming Regulator and other key representatives from Department of Economic Development to meet and debate with key summit delegates from both on and off the island.

Archie Watt, head of e-Gaming for KPMG in the Isle of Man and Gibraltar, welcomed the addition of the pre-summit dinner: ‘The Department of Economic Development had signalled their desire to work more closely with us this year to attract to the summit operators and potential start-ups who might be keen to learn more about the Isle of Man’s approach and strategy from those who already flourish in our business-friendly, vibrant environment. The dinner will provide a great opportunity for such individuals to meet with our key influencers and decision-makers, and the discussions which take place will be re-aired the next day in one of our panel sessions.’

MORE finance sectors jobs could be lost as Friends Provident International announced it is conducting a global strategic review of its operation.

There are more than 260 staff at Friends Provident International’s Royal Court offices in Castletown.

Friends Provident International said its global strategic review of operations would lead to a ‘gradual realignment of some staffing needs’ closer to its key markets in Hong Kong, Singapore and Dubai, where the company already has established bases.

These changes will result in ‘some reduction in total employment’ in both the Isle of Man and Salisbury offices, it added in a statement.

So far, six people have left the company, from the learning and development department, with a further two redeployed to other roles within the organisation. Some areas of the marketing department are currently under review.

At this stage, no decisions have been taken on any further changes to employment needs.

Jonathan Hall, Isle of Man general manager and director, said: ‘Like all companies in the financial services industry, FPI competes in a challenging global climate. We are proactively realigning our internal operations to meet the needs of business partners and customers. Though the review will result in some new roles being created, it has also identified the need to change and in certain cases reduce the number of positions, as we seek synergies across the group.

‘As an Isle of Man regulated-entity and a major international life assurance company, we are confident this reconfiguration will ensure the future growth of FPI within the international division of the Friends Life Group.’ He added: ‘There are over 260 employees in the Isle of Man office and we genuinely care about their welfare and development. We are working closely with the affected individuals to actively support them at this time.’

MANX Radio should be given a level of government subsidy sufficient to allow it to deliver public service broadcasting over the next three years,

That’s the call being made by Speaker Steve Rodan in a motion to this week’s Tynwald.

A Treasury report into the public broadcasting subvention which will be presented to the October Tynwald concludes that cuts in government subvention would start to impact upon the quality of Manx Radio’s output.

The government subsidy to the station was reduced in this year’s Budget from £927,000 to £850,000 – made up of a Treasury subvention of about £710,000 plus £140,000 from the refund of BBC licence fee money.

Manx Radio bosses say the cuts leaves the station around £300,000 short of where it would be, had government adhered to the funding formula approved by Tynwald in 2006.

Presenters have been placed on freelance contracts and the number of news staff will have been cut from nine to seven this year.

In a motion to this week’s Tynwald, the Speaker calls on the court to reaffirms its commitment to public service broadcasting in the island and to endorse Manx Radio as the island’s national broadcaster.

He will argue that the station should receive a level of government support necessary to allow it to continue to deliver public service broadcasting over the next three years and that independent advice is obtained to allow Tynwald to decide the service it requires from its public broadcasting service and to assess the cost of the options available.

The report, which was jointly commissioned by the Treasury and Manx Radio, says it is ‘clear that Manx Radio is operating at its lowest possible cost to maintain its current level of output’.

‘In summary this review has found no evidence that would go against the view that Manx Radio is operating efficiently and at a low cost given its output.

‘It is apparent that further reductions in government subvention would start to impact upon the quality of Manx Radio’s output and its ability to deliver against its promise of performance.’

The Treasury report says Manx Radio’s subvention works out at £11 per head of population, compared to £111 per head for public transport and £48 per head for Manx National Heritage.

It finds that while Manx Radio has done much to cut costs, it is becoming increasingly reliant upon commercial income and is needing to introduce new streams of activity to balance its budget.

• Is it fair that taxpayer-backed Manx Radio competes with private sector media? Email {mailto:opinions@newsiom.co.im|opinions(at)newsiom.co.im} or sign in to add your comment below.

A CONFERENCE has been held aimed at boosting young people’s opportunities in the workplace.

The event, organised by the Department of Education and Children and the Department of Economic Development, took place at the Mount Murray Hotel in Santon, on Wednesday.

In his opening address to the Employability, Productivity and Leadership conference, Economic Development Minister John Shimmin MHK said: ‘How we prepare our young people for the world of work in a more competitive labour market is of vital importance, particularly in the current economic climate.

‘It is not just about specific qualifications or school subjects, but transferrable skills, personal attributes, understanding and knowledge of the world of work and an awareness of what society expects of young people.’

Related article: {http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/full-house-for-young-in-the-workplace-conference-1-5005049|Full house for young in the workplace conference}.

Chamber of Commerce chief executive Mike Hennessy provided the employers’ perspective, dispelling myths and outlining areas for growth and future opportunities.

DEC co-ordinating adviser for secondary education Paul Craine gave feedback from the consultation on how well the education system prepares young people to take up these opportunities.

Kieran Gordon, chief executive of Merseyside Connexions, spoke to the 160 delegates about the challenges for the 21st century and the kind of approaches emerging to meet these new needs. They include developing strategies, tools and techniques to deal with the ability of people to adjust and develop.

AQR managing director Doug Strycharczyk said that preparing people with a good attitude towards work and employment was as important as developing skills and knowledge.

The employer’s role in leadership and coaching was outlined by Institute of Leadership and Management business development director Gaynor Lewis.

DEC political member Tony Wild MLC said the conference was ‘critical to the ongoing well being of the island’s economy, adding: ‘The island still maintains a strong economy which is demonstrating a remarkable resilience to the economic difficulties impacting the communities of other jurisdictions. The island has an unemployment rate of 2.2 per cent, which contrasts against the Eurozone figure of 11 per cent.

‘But we cannot be complacent as an economic team of Government, educationalists and employers.’

Of the Isle of Man’s 1,014 unemployed, 396 are young people aged 24 and under.

FOLLOWING the recent weather conditions, a landslip has caused temporary amendments of the Manx Electric Railway services, between Baldrine and Laxey.

From tomorrow (Tuesday) all northbound trams will terminate at Baldrine, there, passengers can board the waiting shuttle bus to continue their journey onto Laxey, where they can then connect with the Snaefell Mountain Railway or tram service onto Ramsey.

All southbound trams will run from Ramsey to Laxey as normal, there passengers can board the waiting shuttle bus to continue their journey south. The shuttle bus will stop at the Liverpool Arms, where passengers can continue their journey via tram, or choose to stay aboard the bus that will continue onto Derby Castle.

Tram services will run as normal from Laxey to Ramsey.

The shuttle bus service is free to valid tram ticket holders.

Tram departures from Derby Castle and Ramsey will run as scheduled on the 2012 Railway timetable, as will north bound departures from Laxey.

The Manx Electric Railway timetables can be found online at: www.iombusandrail.info/mer-manxelectricrailway.html

LEAD member of Douglas Council’s regeneration and community advisory committee Stephen Pitts has dismissed calls from two councillors to set aside more of its allotments for school or charity use.

Isle of Man College’s special needs unit already has an allotment at Johnny Watterson’s Lane.

At Wednesday’s Douglas Council meeting Edward Joyce (Hills) and Sara Hackman (St George’s) asked whether the committee would consider making some of the next phase of allotments available.

Mrs Hackman said: ‘Schools tend to have so many concrete areas. They have no access to grow things, other than in pots.’

Mr Pitts said the plots had been advertised so people could apply for one, and there were currently 120 people on the waiting list.

‘I don’t see why we should step over asking people in favour of people who haven’t bothered writing in,’ he said.

The second allotment phase is due to be completed in the 2012/13 financial year.

THERE are 37 questions on Tynwald’s agenda, when the court sits again later today (Tuesday, October 16) for the first time since the summer break.

Fourteen are for oral answer, with the remainder for written answer.

The secondment of the chief executive of the Department of Economic Development, Colin Kniveton, is questioned by Howard Quayle (Middle). He will ask the Chief Minister if he was in favour of the move.

Allan Bell will also be questioned by Zac Hall (Onchan) about the extent of the financial reserves and debt of the island.

As the bus dispute escalates, Mr Quayle is asking Graham Cregeen MHK, the Minister for Community, Culture and Leisure, about contingency plans if there is a strike.

Richard Ronan (Castletown) is interested in the growth of tourism. He is asking Economic Development Minister John Shimmin MHK about plans to grow the industry.

John Houghton (Douglas North) has a detailed question about the proposed Classic Manx Grand Prix in 2013. He is to ask Mr Shimmin about appearance and prize money.

The proposal to have 15 per cent of energy from renewable sources by 2015 is on David Quirk’s (Onchan) agenda. He is asking Mr Shimmin for a statement on the issue.

Mr Quayle’s third question is directed at Tim Crookall, the Education Minister. He wants to know about the financial cost of segregating pre-school children from mainstream children at primary schools. This has apparently been done in a number of schools after nurseries were privatised.

Alfred Cannan (Michael) is to ask Health Minister David Anderson about initiatives to cut bureaucracy and speed up delivery of ‘frontline services’.

Kate Beecroft (Lib Van, Douglas South) is to ask Mr Anderson about safeguards for the Liverpool Care Pathyway, which is concerned with caring for dying people.

Mr Hall’s second question is for Infrastructure Minister David Cretney MHK. He wants to know if the department has sought any advice about the termination or extension of the user agreeement with the Steam Packet for its use of the linkspans in Douglas harbour.

Mr Houghton’s second question is for Chris Robertshaw MHK, the Minister for Social Care. He wants to know about a shortfall affecting disability allowance claims which were involved in the motability scheme.

Peter Karran MHK (Lib Van, Onchan) is asking Mr Cregeen, the chairman of the Water and Sewerage Authority, a series of questions about Meary Veg, the sewage plant in Santon, and the proposed Peel sewage works.

There are 24 questions for written answer.

THOUSANDS of pounds of Douglas ratepayers’ money has being spent building and maintaining the BMX track in Noble’s Park.

There was therefore a considerable degree of alarm along Douglas councillors when BMX track experts Clark & Kent recommended another £60,000 was spent upgrading the track to a ‘top specification’ national track.

The starting gate alone would cost £20,000.

No significant safety concerns with the track were raised.

The report received short shrift from Douglas Council’s regeneration and community advisory committee, which had commissioned it after BMX Isle of Man raised some concerns about the track’s suitability.

Instead, it agreed that help should be sought from the British Cycling Association, on what works were essential – and not just desirable.

At last week’s Douglas Council meeting, a number of councillors agreed that the track should be of a usable standard but that the level of spending suggested was unrealistic.

Councillor John Faragher (Derby) said: ‘We want it to be of a standard that enables it to be used for races. But it doesn’t need to be the best track in the world.’

Council leader David Christian (Hills) said thousands of pounds had been spent developing the track, adding: ‘It needs to be made to work as it is now.’

Lead member of the regeneration and community advisory committee Stephen Pitts described the situation with the BMX track as ‘a fair mess’.

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