The astronaut wife of Manx ManSat founder Chris Stott has retired from NASA after 27 years with the space agency.

Nicole Stott flew two spaceflight missions including a long stint on the International Space Station.

She now plans to pursue a career as a full-time artist and advocate for science, technology, engineering, maths and art education.

Brian Kelly, director for the Flight Operations Directorate at Johnson Space Center, said: ‘NASA’s Flight Operations team wishes Nicole the very best in her new endeavours. Her positive approach, knowledge, experience and fun style will serve her very well in her future pursuits.’

Born in Albany, New York, and brought up in Clearwater, Florida, Nicole joined NASA after university as an operations engineer at Kennedy Space Center. During her time at Kennedy, she helped prepared Space Shuttles for their next mission.

In 1998, she moved to the Johnson Space Center in Houston to work as a flight simulation engineer helping train astronaut pilots to land the space shuttle.

She was selected as a NASA astronaut in 2000.

She was a crew member on an undersea mission, for which she still holds the women’s world record for the longest saturation dive of 18 days, before being assigned to her first spaceflight.

In 2009, Stott flew aboard space shuttle Discovery STS-128 to the space station for a long-duration mission.

As part of her 91 days supporting scientific research in space, Stott conducted a seven-hour-long space walk.

During that mission, she flew the Manx flag and conducted a live video link from orbit with a group of island high school students.

She flew again in 2011, as a mission specialist on STS-133, the 39th and final mission for space shuttle Discovery. During the 13-day flight, the crew delivered a sophisticated robot to the International Space Station.

On that mission she carried a piece of Tynwald Hill into orbit and took a photograph of the Isle of Man from space which she shared with more than 46,000 of her followers on Twitter.

Nicole and her five fellow astronauts were guests of honour at that year’s Tynwald Day ceremony and during her visit, she officially opened the i-Museum in Douglas.

Astronomer Howard Parkin, of Astromanx, said: ‘Nicole Stott is an amazing lady.

‘She sacrificed a family teleconference so she could talk to some schoolchildren at the Manx museum, when she first went into space on STS-129 back in 2009,

‘When she then came to the island in 2011 with the crew of her second and final flight on STS-133, she and Chris wanted to meet up with Davy Knowles, who had played for her and Chris via mission control in Houston.

surprised

‘I took the crew up to the garden party in Onchan in which Davy was the headline act.

‘When she and the crew surprised Davy he was speechless, but Nicole took the mike in front of the huge crowd and spoke like the consummate professional she was.

‘A couple of months ago she and Chris spoke at a WI meeting celebrating women’s role in exploring and again she was a great speaker.

‘A great lady, an inspiration to many, and I am know she will make a great success in her new career as an artist.

‘Hopefully we will get to see more of her on the Isle of Man now she has hung up her space suit and swapped it for brushes and an easel.’

Kitchen company In-toto is holding a ‘Blooming Great Tea Party’ in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care at its showroom on Saturday, June 27.

People who go to the showrooms, at the Isle of Man Business Park, Cooil Road, Braddan, from 1pm to 4pm, can enjoy a Earl Grey muffins created by Great British Bake Off finalist, Luis Troyano, in return for a donation to Marie Curie. Muffins will also be available to buy and take home on the day.

There will also be specialist teas, a prize quiz, bake sale and a raffle .

Barry Somers, owner of In-toto Isle of Man, said: ‘We are delighted to be involved with this event,

‘Marie Curie Care is a wonderful cause and one that is close to our hearts. We hope you’ll be able to join us for our tea party and have a fun afternoon while supporting this great charity.’

One lucky primary school class in the Isle of Man is set to scoop a fantastic prize if they can come up with a new ice cream flavour.

The hunt is on to find the right combination for the official ice cream of Douglas Carnival in July.

For the second year running, event organisers Douglas Development Partnership and Douglas Borough Council have teamed up with Davison’s Ice Cream for the challenge.

The ‘cone-ival’ competition will be judged by the Mayor of Douglas, Councillor Sara Hackman, and every child in the class from the winning school will receive a free ice cream when the ice cream van comes to call.

Director Ian Davison said: ‘Davison’s Manx Ice Cream is pleased to be working again this year with Douglas Development Partnership and the island’s primary schools for the ‘Design a Douglas Carnival Ice Cream’ competition.

‘With more than 1,000 entries last year’s challenge was a great success, so we’re looking forward to seeing - and tasting - the imaginative flavours and designs this year has in store.’

Town centre manager Michelle O’Malley said: ‘Thanks to Davison’s Ice Cream we’re really licking this year’s carnival into shape.’

Returning for the second year, the carnival promises entertainment through the evening of Saturday, July 18.

From 7pm throngs of floats, bands, dance groups, decorated vehicles, along with many other participants and performers, will be bringing the sights and sounds of the carnival to town as they take part in a parade from the north end of Queens Promenade to the end of Loch Promenade.

A recent charity golf day raised nearly £6,000 for good causes that support local families.

Organised by the Children’s Centre and hosted by Douglas Golf Club, 64 players took part to raise money for charitable projects including Mobex, Out2Play, the Child Contact Centre, Thriving Families and the Community Farm.

Police have issued an appeal over damage caused to Summerhill Glen.

A statement said: ‘Between 4.45pm and 5pm on Thursday 11th June 2015 damage was caused to the illuminations at Summerhill Glen.

‘A section of overhead lighting was pulled down and bulbs smashed, resulting in a costly repair bill for ratepayers, as well as the potential for electrocution to the many families who use this beautiful amenity.

‘Three young males were seen causing the damage and fled the scene.

‘The Police would like to hear from anyone who has any information in regards to the criminal damage that has taken place.

‘Police Constable GORRY would like to hear from anyone who may have information on this crime and can be contacted at Lord Street Police Station on 631212, alternatively Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555111.’

Ramsey RNLI lifeboat was launched on Saturday to assist a broken down jet ski.

A RNLI statement said: ‘Ramsey RNLI all-weather lifeboat was launched at 11:15 on Saturday, June 13 at the request of Liverpool Coastguard to go to the assistance of a broken down jet ski estimated to be 5 miles south of the Isle of Whithorn.

‘Kirkcudbright RNLI inshore lifeboat and a helicopter, Royal Navy Rescue 177 HMS Gannet, were also tasked.

‘The rescue helicopter located the jet ski and, having established that the occupants were unharmed and not in need of medical assistance, directed Kirkcubright lifeboat to the scene.

‘Kirkcudbright RNLI was on scene at 11:54 and took the jet ski with its two occupants safely to the Isle of Whithorn.

‘Ramsey RNLI lifeboat was stood down at 11:58 and returned to station.’

Police are appealing for information regarding a fail to stop road traffic collision at Ashberry Avenue in Braddan.

A police statement said: ‘Officers are currently investigating a report of a fail to stop road traffic collision which occurred on Ashberry Avenue, Braddan.

‘Between 6pm on Friday 12th June 2015 and 12pm on Saturday 13th June 2015, a vehicle parked on Ashberry Avenue was struck by another vehicle causing damage to the driver’s side of the front bumper.

‘Police would request that anyone who witnessed this incident or has any information in relation to it, contact PC 295 CUBBON at Lord Street Police Station (631212) or via email at david.cubbon@gov.im.’

Police are appealing for witnesses after an assault in which a man was knocked unconscious in Ramsey in the early hours of Saturday.

A police statement said: ‘Police are appealing for witnesses after a 26-year-old man from Somerset was assaulted and knocked unconscious in Ramsey at the weekend.

‘The assault, which occurred around 3am on Saturday morning (13th June) on Market Hill in Ramsey, involved a number of people and resulted in the man being punched and knocked to the ground.

‘Owing to his injuries he was taken to Nobles Hospital by ambulance, where he is currently receiving treatment for a non-life threatening head injury.

‘As a result of this assault a 27-year-old local man was arrested shortly afterwards. He was subsequently charged with an offence of causing Grievous Bodily Harm and is due to appear in court on Monday morning.

‘Investigations are still very much ongoing, and as such Police are interested in speaking to anyone who was either in the area at the time or who may have heard the disturbance; in particular, the occupants of a small red coloured car which is known to have driven by at the time of the incident.’

Anyone with any information, or anyone who feels they may be able to assist us further, is asked to please contact Ramsey Police Station on 812234.

Orry Mitchell was shocked to see a sign closing off the war memorial in Ballasalla because it ‘may be’ unsafe and a danger to the public.

‘It’s an overreaction,’ he said. ‘I do not see big chunks of concrete falling on the ground. It adds weight to the argument, get rid of it or move it. Let’s see the report and see what’s safe and whether remedial work can be done to preserve it.’

Late last year it emerged Malew Commissioners were concerned the memorial – a Celtic cross near the Poacher’s Pocket development – was eroding.

Moving it from its current location is unlikely, so if a replacement is required, they decided to investigate alternative locations.

This was reported in the Isle of Man Examiner in November, but Mr Mitchell said he didn’t want to read about it in the newspaper.

He said there should be discussions with Malew residents, whose predecessors erected the memorial in 1923 ‘to honour those who gave their lives for us and we would remember them in a prominent position.’

His father, Cecil, and the late David Allsebrook, with others, ‘fought off an attempt to have the war memorial moved so a developer could build or improve sight lines at this location’. He added: ‘There’s got to be some respect for that.’

Mr Mitchell emailed the authority to ask for ‘a copy of the document that states that this historic monument “may be unsafe”’.

Commissioners’ clerk Barry Powell said the authority had received an email from the Preservation of the War Memorials Committee on June 2 saying the committee ‘having received professional advice, asks the commissioners to please note the concern . . . that the Malew Parish War Memorial is unsafe and therefore a danger to the public. Immediate action needs to be taken’.

Mr Powell added: ‘The commissioners have, of course, requested sight of this professional advice and are quite willing to let you see it once received.

‘However, until this is received we had no option but to restrict access to the memorial.’

The board hopes this is a temporary measure,

Police are appealing for witnesses after a 29-year-old local man was assaulted in Douglas on Friday night.

The assault, which involved the man being punched to the head, occurred around 9.30pm (June 12) in the area outside Tahiko nightclub on Central Promenade, Douglas.

Owing to his injuries, the man had to attend Nobles Hospital and receive treatment to his jaw, which was found to have been broken.

As a result of this assault, two local men, aged 18 and 19 years, were later arrested on suspicion of causing Grievous Bodily Harm, and detained at Police Headquarters.

Both men have subsequently been bailed while further police enquiries are made.

Detective Sergeant Neil Craig said: ‘This happened at a time in the evening when we know that there were quite a lot of people in and around the area, and was an assault which resulted in the man concerned sustaining a serious and significant injury.

‘Our investigations are continuing, and it is as part of these that we are really interested in speaking to anyone who was either in the area at the time, or who may have heard or seen what happened, no matter how insignificant they feel their information may be.

‘I would therefore like to appeal to anyone with any information, or indeed anyone who feels they may be able to assist us, to please make contact with the CID Department at Douglas Police Headquarters on 631212.’

The man who was assaulted, has since been discharged from Nobles Hospital.

A reward may be payable as a result of your information.

Anyone with information may also contact Isle of Man Crimestoppers on 0800 555111. Crimestoppers is an independent Manx charity established to enable callers to pass information regarding criminal activity anonymously. Crimestoppers is not an agency of the Police. Crimestoppers will never ask callers for any personal details.

TT organisers have issued a further update on the condition of injured riders.

There is no change in Jamie Hamilton’s condition. He remains critical.

Michael Sweeney is described as comfortable.

Roy Richardson is described as stable.

Graham English is now receiving treatment in a hospital closer to his home.

Work carried out at the prison is helping to safeguard the environment.

Morsbags, reusable shopping bags made from recycled material, are distributed free to encourage people to stop using plastic carrier bags, which are prolific killers of marine wildlife.

Manx charity Zero Waste Mann is celebrating the fact that 4,445 morsbags have now been created in the Isle of Man, the vast majority by prisoners at Jurby.

Muriel Garland, chairman of Zero Waste Mann, recently took delivery of the latest batch of 140 morsbags made at the prison.

She said: ‘The quality of the workmanship is always first class and as usual the bags were neatly ironed and well presented.

‘Some of the bags will go to Crossroads Care charity shop on Prospect Terrace in Douglas where suitable old duvet covers and curtain materials are kept aside for the prison.

‘The rest will be distributed through the Green Centre in Chester Street during the month of June.’

Muriel added: ‘I would encourage people in the island to start using morsbags instead of the plastic variety.

‘It is a small lifestyle change, but can have a significant impact on the environment.’

The creation of morsbags is part of a focus on identifying work that keeps prisoners occupied in a meaningful way while also supporting local organisations. Jobs for prisoners in the kitchens, laundry or gardens are supplemented wherever practical by suitable work provided in conjunction with community partners.

Bob McColm, head of the prison and probation service, said: ‘The partnership with Zero Waste Mann continues to be a big success.

‘The prisoner currently involved in the creation of the morsbags takes a great deal of pride and care in his work, which is reflected in the comments about the high standard of craftsmanship.

‘Work projects not only provide purpose and structure to prison life, they can also encourage the development of new skills and strengthen our efforts to reduce the risk of re-offending among prisoners.’

Health chiefs say they are trying to improve NHS dental services to patients in the Isle of Man.

They will be holding talks with dentists later this month to discuss how to improve things.

The Department of Health and Social Care was responding to criticism from the Liberal Vannin party.

A LibVan spokesman said: ‘The lack of NHS dentists together with the lack of real preventative care is causing a major problem on the island.

‘Not only is time spent on the waiting list to join an NHS practice an impossible wait but, when finally on a list, getting an appointment within a reasonable period of time is again impossible as there is a minimum two- to three-month wait for a check-up after an emergency appointment.

‘The government needs to address the lack of NHS dentists currently available and needs to do so with urgency.’

The party says that more people are no longer having adequate dental care because they cannot afford a private dentist and have lost hope waiting either getting registered with a NHS dentist or waiting to get an appointment for a basic check up.

A DHSC spokeman said that the department recognised that there were long standing issues with the capacity of NHS Dental services and was taking steps to increase the number of dental providers, with new practices opening.

A statement reads: ‘Achieving our aim of effectively eliminating the waiting list for allocation to general dental practitioners has been slowed by problems with staffing in one of the new providers, but we are assured that the service is now performing to specification.’

The department says that among the NHS dental practices, check-up waiting times are currently an average of eight days.

If patients are requesting specific times or days then the waiting time could be longer.

Discussions with all local dental providers later this month will include consideration of how to further improve matters and update the oral health strategy.

The current waiting list stands at 2,795 patients, with 920 to be allocated over the next two months.

The statement continues: ‘Last month 200 patients were allocated to an NHS dentist and 30 per cent of those patients did not make contact with the practice.

‘This may mean that 30 per cent do not wish to have a NHS dentist or have made other arrangements.

‘Family Practitioner Services are currently in the process of writing to all patients on the dental waiting list to ensure they still wish to be allocated to an NHS dentist. Other options for the allocation of patients are currently being explored.

‘It is important that people who are not registered with a dentist, should not wait for an emergency, but seek to be added to the NHS list in the meantime.’

The Lib Van spokesman added: ‘Another area that needs to be addressed urgently is the Emergency Dental Service.

‘Why is it you can get help from the MEDS service yet dental pain can only be treated between 9 and 11am on Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays?

‘There are a lot of people who cannot afford the private fee for emergency care and therefore suffer in silence.’

The department says that LibVan is wrong regarding dental emergencies.

The statement reads: ‘A comprehensive emergency service is provided, and the Emergency Dental Service, which is an out of hours service, is simply a component of it.

‘Anyone who is registered with a dentist should first contact their practice, who will arrange for emergency treatment. Those with an emergency who are not registered may seek assistance from the Salaried Dental Service at Central Community Health Centre, Westmoreland Road, Douglas by telephoning 642785.

‘The department is confident that the Emergency Dental Service is fully compliant with the National Clinical Guidelines.’

The Manx Bat Group will lead an evening bat spotting walk from Marown School.

The walk along the old railway line in Glen Vine takes place from 9.30pm on Saturday, June 27.

There will be an introductory talk and bat detectors will be available to borrow.

Participants should wear sturdy shoes and warm clothes, and bring a torch.

Bat spotting walks are taking place during the summer months.

Other locations include Ballasalla village and river on July 25 from 9.10pm and Andreas village on August 29.

For any last minute changes see the Manx Bat Group website or Facebook page.

The Mountain Road will return to two-way traffic this afternoon (Monday).

The route has been one-way for the dutration of the two-week TT festival, but closes this morning at 9.30pm to allow cones and signage to be removed.

When it is reopened at 4.30pm it will be for two-way traffic.

The hidden gardens of Castletown will open their gates to the public this weekend, June 20-21, to raise funds for Castletown Heritage.

Entry is by programme, at £2 an adult, available from a stall in the square on the weekend from midday or from shops in town in advance.

The programme includes a map of the 19 gardens included which will be open from 1pm to 5pm.

The event is sponsored by Friends Provident International

The fourth form (ages 11-13) at King William’s College has raised more than £2,000 for the Wish upon a Dream charity, after students took part in a sponsored triathlon.

The event consisted of a 10-length swim, 2000m bike ride and 1200m run.

Prizes were awarded for the winners of each age group category, while there were also awards for the top fundraisers and those displaying outstanding endeavour.

Money raised will go towards building a rooftop garden for Finley Canipa (aged four) who has a severe form of dwarfism.

IWish Upon a Dream Founder Lesley Turnbull attended a special assembly, along with Finley and his mother, where they were presented with a cheque from King William’s College pupils.

The pupils in the picture each raised over £100 each.

The Stenning Triathlon will now become an annual event, following on from the success of the Buchan triathlon over the last few years.

Staff at law firm Simcocks swapped their suits for jeans to raise money for the Manx Stroke Foundation.

The Douglas-based company held a series of dress-down Fridays to collect more than £400 and present it to the vice chairman of the group, Les Quayle and the secretary, Maureen Redmayne.

Mrs Redmayne said: ‘The overall aim of the foundation is to help and support people after stroke and to improve stroke services on the Isle of Man.

‘We are delighted with this donation because it will help us provide items such as laptops for speech and language therapy, walking aids or even furniture suitable for someone affected by stroke.

‘We also run the Stroke Club, which provides a vital social setting for carers as well as the person affected by stroke.

‘Many people who have had a stroke become isolated because of communication problems or difficulty moving about and the club is an ideal place to meet other understanding people in a similar situation.’

Chief executive of Simcocks Phil Games said: ‘Everyone in the company has been involved in raising this money and they all wanted to help an Island-based charity. We hope our contribution helps such a worthwhile group.’

The Stroke Club meets every other Thursday at Corrin Court, Heyward Avenue, Onchan.

This is an informal get-together with speakers, entertainers, slideshows, video nights and trips out. For more details visit www.manxstrokefoundation.org or contact Jane Bridge on 853676.

Pictured from left is Phil Games, Maureen Redmayne and Les Quayle.

The Provincial Grand Lodge of the Freemasons in the Isle of Man has raised money for Isle of Man Motorsport Medical Services to provide equipment for the two ‘airmed’ helicopters used at the TT and MGP races and the Southern 100.

This year the Provincial Grand Master handed over a cheque for £4,000 to Dr David Stevens, the medical director of IoM Motorsport Medical Services from the Grand Charity.

This will be used to partly fund the purchase of two monitored defibrillators, one for each of the helicopters.

Pictured: medics Mark Corlett, Jean Cragg and Neil Slabbert, ‘airmed’ pilots, Captains Dougie Reid and Tony Grey, Dr David Stevens, the Provincial Grand Master, Keith Dalrymple, The Provincial Grand Secretary, Martin Blackburn, the Provincial Grand Charity Steward, Kevin Adams and Dr Sally Simmons.

An accidental death verdict was recorded on a plasterer from Ramsey who was thrown from his car when it crashed near Alpine Cottage just three days after Christmas.

Jamie Joseph Cowhig, aged 27, of Quayside Flats in the town, died principally from head injuries in the accident, which happened in the early hours of the morning on December 28 last year.

The court heard Mr Cowhig had been on a night out with friends in Ramsey when he received a call from another friend asking for a lift from Douglas to Kirk Michael. Mr Cowhig’s friend Gary Crowe told the court he had tried to persuade him not to drive.

Firemen were called to extinguish Mr Cowhig’s blazing car. Mr Cowhig was found lying in a ditch nearby but all attempts to resuscitate him at the scene failed.

Coroner John Needham offered his condolences to Mr Cowhig’s family.