New rules coming into force next year will not affect a large number of the island’s migrant workers, the Chief Minister has told Keys.

The revised regulations will mean from 2016 migrant workers will no longer acquire a right to settle in the island based simply on the amount of time they have spent working here.

‘The impact this will have on the island’s economy and public services is being looked into by the immigration office, however, the numbers affected are not expected to be high,’ Chief Minister Allan Bell told the House of Keys.

A decision made in 2011 to abolish automatic rights to settlement for general migrants takes effect on April 6 next year.

Since 2012 any such migrant workers get an initial three-year visa at the end of which they can apply to stay for a further three years. At the end of the six year period, however, next year’s rule change means they must then return to their home country for a minimum one-year period before they can reapply for a general visa.

From April 2016, general migrants, such as those working as nurses, will only be eligible to apply to settle in the Isle of Man if they are earning more than £35,000. Those earning less than that have to return to their home country once their visa has expired.

Certain workers will, however, be exempt from this minimum earnings rule. These people include ministers of religion, people who are doing PhD-level jobs or people who are employed in shortage occupations.

A rehearsal for Tynwald Day tomorrow is taking place today (Sunday) until 2pm

This means the main road through St John’s village will be shut for this period and traffic will need to find an alternative route. Bus services to and from Peel, numbers five and six, will be diverted via the Hope.

The traditional Tynwald Day ceremony and fair takes place at St John’s on Monday July 6.

Fire up your smartphone’s camera and prepare to go live on Monday as part of a world record attempt.

A host of Manx technology companies have joined forces to showcase the best of the Isle of Man on our national day - and they need your help to do it.

Using a smartphone app called Periscope, which lets users broadcast live video to the world using the popular social network Twitter, they’re aiming to have the most number of users broadcasting from one country in a single day.

Whether you’re taking part in the Tynwald celebrations at St John’s, hiking on South Barrule or relaxing with friends, broadcast a video any time between 10am and 1pm on Tynwald Day (Monday, July 6) to take part.

The world record bid is being organised by the Manx ICT Association (MICTA) and is supported by SES, Manx Telecom, Sure, Bluewave Communications, and the Department of Economic Development.

Just download the Periscope app for free using your Twitter account, hit the red button and you’re live on air. If you don’t have the app it’s available for iPhone and Android from the App Store and Google, and there are dozens of videos online that will help users get started.

Kurt Roosen, Chief Executive of MICTA, commented: ‘This is a fun event using a fantastic app which opens up the possibility of live streaming video to anyone with an iOS [iPhone] or Android smartphone.

‘It’s also an ideal opportunity for the Isle of Man to demonstrate to the world our commitment to digital technology which plays a vital role in all sectors of the economy,’ he said.

The Code Club bus will be stationed at Bunscoill Ghaelgagh in St John’s on Monday to act as a wifi hotspot and command centre for the record attempt.

Streaming video using Periscope could incur data charges if the app is used when not connected to a wifi network. If in doubt, check with your network provider.

A few brave souls had their first taste of cured jellyfish during an educational workshop last week.

Families were treated to an entertaining and highly informative afternoon, featuring a mixture of jellyfish specimens, video displays, craft sessions and interactive quizzes, and even the chance to try and eat some cooked jellyfish.

The workshop was hosted by the Manx Society for Marine Conservation.

Expert information was provided by PHD marine student Grai Hardinge, who introduced kids and adults alike to the types of jellyfish found in Manx waters such as the Moon, Lion’s Mane and mauve stinger jellyfish, while also giving fascinating facts about other species.

‘I introduced what exactly a jellyfish is,’ said Grai. ‘Sometimes it can be a bit confusing.

‘It’s a general term given to something that looks like a blob of jelly.

‘We went through the different species that you get around the Manx coastline, the six main species and the two rarer kinds, such as the By-The-Wind Sailor and the Portuguese Man O’War.’

She added: ‘I’m pleased that there are quite a few kids here. I know that kids like to poke them a lot on the beach, so I thought that this might be quite a good way of actually telling them what they are looking at.’

The crowd were even keen for the jellyfish tasting , even though the enthusiasm didn’t really last long past the first mouthful. The jellyfish on offer were similar to species found in Manx waters.

‘I don’t think it will be rivalling the Queenie to the title of supreme Manx delicacy,’ said Grai.

‘It was hard, chewy and gristly, with not much of a taste at all, and not many went back for seconds. We had mixed reviews about the jellyfish tasting. It doesn’t taste like much, but it’s got quite an offensive texture. I don’t think it’ll catch on, no. It’s not as nice as calamari.’

Police are dealing with a road accident on the Poortown Road near its junction with Glen Mooar Road in St John’s

Though the road is not blocked, police have asked motorists to take extra care as they pass the scene.

Manx Grand Prix organisers are offering fans the chance to get more involved in this year’s races by backing a newcomer.

The Manx Grand Prix Back a Newcomer scheme was piloted last year with the aim of getting some financial support for the riders as well as offering a unique extra dimension to the races for some of the fans.

Travelling marshal Jim Hunter, who also recruits new riders to the event and runs information weekends said: ‘We have an amazing entry this year of more than 70 riders for the Manx Grand Prix Newcomers’ Race so it would be really good to see some of the supporters get involved with the scheme.’

Anyone who wishes can simply make a donation of any amount, or, for £200 they can choose a specific rider to back. In return they get their name on the bike and they can visit the paddock to meet the rider and their team. In addition, they get lunch at the Jurby Festival of Speed, which takes place on the middle Sunday at the end of practice week, and they also get admission to the Newcomers’ prize presentation.

Another perk of the scheme allows backers a seat in the grandstand for the Senior Manx Grand Prix race and they also get a signed photograph of their rider competing in their race.

For £250, those benefits also extend to the backer’s guest.

The scheme was launched last year. One of the backers told the organisers: ‘Our rider and his family were super and we liked having this extra interest in the event. The lunch, party and presentation evening were all wonderful and we would be very pleased to join the scheme again next year. Thank you so much for a treasured memento.’

To find out more about the scheme check the Facebook page which has details of all the Newcomers in this year’s event who would be delighted to receive some backing from anyone generous enough to offer. All money received goes directly to help riders and support their efforts either in visiting and learning the course beforehand or supporting them during the event itself. For more information contact Jim via the Facebook page.

Think of the Jungle Book and you can be forgiven for thinking of the Disney cartoon or the musical version with its plethora of catchy songs.

But Stuart Paterson’s version of Rudyard Kipling’s novel, originally staged by the Birmingham Stage Company in 2004, is anything but Disneyesque.

Parker and Snell Company will be using Paterson’s stage adaptation, closer to the spirit and language of the original, in their youth production at the Gaiety Theatre next week.

Kipling’s Jungle Book stories were moral tales when they first appeared towards the end of the 19th century and the animals with human characteristics very much reflect this.

Mowgli is a young boy who is raised in the jungle by a family of wolves.

When Shere Khan the tiger swears to kill the child, Baloo and Bagheera agree to take the boy to the man village for his safety.

But the jungle holds danger and surprises for them all and Mowgli’s amazing adventure has just begun!

Director Colin Snell said: ‘If people come along expecting “I Wanna Be Like You” or the “Bare Necessities” they may very well go away disappointed, but if they come along wanting to see Kipling’s original story unfold on stage they are in for a treat!’

There is a large cast of 25. The principal characters are: Ryan Coates as Mowgli, Shere Khan (Joseph Long), Raksha (Rebecca Salmon), Akela (Christian Cooper), Baloo (James Craig), Bagheera (Joshua Moore), Tabaqui (Harry Harrison), Kaa (Robyn-Mae Lawler).

Colin said: ‘It’s very much an ensemble piece and that is the way I like to work.

‘Everyone has a role to play and a contribution to make to the overall impact and success of the production.’

He added: ‘It is also a fantastic opportunity for the island’s young people to be able to take to the Gaiety stage in a full-length straight play. After our success with “The Edelweiss Pirates”, as part of the National Theatre’s Connections programme, and the number of young people in our acting classes and summer film-making workshop, there is clear support for straight acting opportunities.

‘This production will showcase the island’s young talent.’ Jungle Book is suitable for all the family and will take to the Gaiety stage from Friday to Sunday next week (July 10 to 12).

Evening performances are on the Friday (7.30pm start) and Saturday (7pm).

Matinees are on the Saturday (2pm) and Sunday (4.30pm.

Tickets cost from £16 (concessions available).

All roads lead to St John’s today (Monday) as the island celebrates its national day.

Thousands are expected to make the trip to visit the Tynwald Day celebrations, with the official proceedings taking place on the hill from around 10am alongside the fair behind the grandstand.

Reporters Adrian Darbyshire, Jackie Turley and John Turner, and photographer Mike Wade will all be at the event to ensure tomorrow’s Isle of Man Examiner will feature full coverage of the event, including in-depth reports and lots of pictures.

>> Tynwald Day celebrations to attract thousands
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A minute’s silence will be held in the Isle of Man at 11.30am tomorrow (Tuesday) to mark the 10-year anniversary of the London bombings.

The bombings, often referred to as 7/7, were a series of co-ordinated suicide bomb attacks in central London, which claimed the lives of 52 people.

It was the United Kingdom’s worst terrorist incident since the 1988 Lockerbie bombing as well as the country’s first ever suicide attack.

Douglas Lifeboat and Douglas Coastguard took part in a search at 9.45pm last night (Sunday) after human remains were found in the sea off Douglas.

A small craft had made the discovery and reported it to the coastguard.

Searches were carried out by the lifeboat and coastguard teams but nothing further relating to the incident was found.

The search was ended at around midnight.

A total of six petitions for redress of grievance were presented at Tynwald Hill today.

Two petitions were submitted by Reverend Canon Dr Jules Gomes, vicar of the parish of Arbory and Castletown.

One calls for a select committee to examine employment rights of clergy arguing there is ‘insufficient’ protection against bullying and harassment in the workplace and the other calls for an investigation into how legal protection against ‘racial harassment and acts of racial hatred’ can be improved.

Charles Guard, of Culture Vannin, presented a petition concerning what he believes is a lack of protection for the island’s historic buildings.

Mr Guard, of Onchan, said: ‘There is currently no conservation officer and the number of buildings waiting to be registered stands at 275. Some have been on the list for years and years.’

Neighbours Yvonne Grogan and Les McMurdo’s petition on problems with a shared equity scheme has already been taken up by their constituency MHK, Bill Malarkey.

The two say the scheme has left them with homes on Harcroft Meadow, Douglas, that they may never own completely.

Ffylno Craine and Annie Hommet, of Mwyllin Squeen in Ballaugh, are calling for amendments to Land Registry rules so that applications for the first registration of a property are advertised in the same way as planning applications.

Home Affairs Minister and Rushen MHK Juan Watterson presented a petition on behalf of Port St Mary resident Craig Morris who is campaigning for the introduction of a ‘no fault’ divorce.

Ramsey Rotary Club’s annual Sunday Funday returns to the Mooragh Park on Sunday afternoon (July 12).

From midday until 4pm the park will be buzzing with activities for all ages including donkey rides, go-karts, live music, sporting activities, park rides and an obstacle course.

There’s also the chance to see a Shelterbox, which are used to provide emergency food and shelter in disaster zones around the world. The club recently donated two Shelterboxes to the relief effort following the earthquakes in Nepal.

A Port St Mary-based charity that provides support to people in their later years will be celebrating their 10th anniversary with afternoon tea and a fete at the weekend.

Taking place in Port St Mary Town Hall between 2pm and 4pm on Saturday, the event is open to all with tickets costing £4 per person.

Southern Befrienders offers support to older people who may suffer with feelings of loneliness or social isolation.

Manager Lorna Trevethan said: ‘Southern Befrienders wants to celebrate all that it has achieved in the 10 years since it was established by bringing the southern community together.

‘We think that it is important to mark this milestone and thank the people in the south of the island for all their support,’ she added.

Saturday’s event is being supported by 20 volunteers from Zurich International Life, Living Hope Community Church and Men in Sheds.

Merita Taylor, marketing manager at Zurich, said: ‘The charity does a very valuable job supporting elderly people living in the south of the island and we know that this event will provide a great deal of enjoyment for them, as well as raise much-needed funds.’

Visit www.southernbefrienders.im or find the charity on Facebook. For tickets, call 833025 or email southernbefrienders@manx.net or sbevents@manx.net

While the long-term future of Kirk Christ, Lezayre has yet to be announced, a Thanksgiving Service to mark the official closure of the church is to be held on Sunday, July 19, at 3pm. The Bishop and Archdeacon will attend and refreshments will be served afterwards.

The organisers hope that everyone with connections to the church will attend and that it will be a happy occasion, not a sombre one.

‘It will bring back a lot of memories for people – and will bring all the people of the parish together again’, said churchwarden Vivien Quane.

The landmark church with its tall spire was built in 1835. The thanksgiving service has been timed to coincide with its 180th anniversary.

The church has not been in use since November 2013 when it was put on the market by the Church Commissioners with an asking price of £175,000. Estate agents described the building as ‘most imposing and spacious with a potential for a number of uses subject to planning consent’.

An air cadet from the Isle of Man is preparing for a potentially life-changing experience having won a national award.

Douglas-based Stephen Isherwood of 440 (1st Manx) Squadron Air Training Corps was presented last week with the outstanding acheivement award at the prestigious CVQO Duke of Westminster Awards.

The awards recognise the best and most deserving cadets from around the UK and British Isles based on their community, voluntary and personal achievements.

Stephen was selected as the winner from a group of nine national finalists, all of whom will take part in a two-week educational expedition to South Africa in July where they will work with local communities and learn about the country’s history.

Stephen competed with 24 others to be chosen as one of the final nine at a challenging four-day selection event at an outdoor pursuits centre in Somerset last April.

This involved physical team-building tasks, group debates, strategy tests and interviews.

The candidates also worked to achieve the Institute of Leadership and Management’s (ILM)Level 3 qualification.

Stephen was crowned the winner at a celebratory lunch at the House of Lords last week, attended by the finalists’ friends, families, military personnel and cadet force volunteers.

The CVQO Duke of Westminster Award has been running since 2004 and seeks to reward those cadets who go beyond the cadet experience, becoming valuable members of their communities and showing a willingness selflessly to help others.

Guy Horridge, CVQO chief executive said: ‘Stephen worked extremely hard on his submission in order to achieve an ILM Level 3 in Leadership and Management following the selection event and is a worthy winner of the award.

‘He should be justifiably proud of his achievements.’

Campers during TT practice week might disagree but June was the driest for 20 years, according to official figures.

Only 25.8mm of rain was recorded at Ronaldsway, less than half the average for June.

Unsurprisingly nearly 10mm of it fell on the first day of the month, when an unseasonal storm caused chaos at campsites full of TT visitors and brought widespread travel disruption.

The severe gales included the strongest winds ever recorded for the month, with one gust measured at 63mph.

The Met Office described the wind as ‘closer to the peak we would expect in December than June’.

But skies soon cleared and gave way to a month that featured 20 per cent more sunshine than normal at 240.5 hours. On the sunniest day, June 11, Ronaldsway enjoyed 15.6 hours of continuous sunshine.

And with only 25.8mm of rainfall compared to the long term average of 58.5mm, 2015 was officially declared the driest June since 1995.

Meanwhile the average wind speed of 11.7mph was marginally above the long term mean of 11.2mph.

Temperatures were cooler than average throughout most of the month but June ended on a high with a maximum of 22.7 degrees centigrade at Ronaldsway last Tuesday (June 20). It was the first time this year that they had topped 20 degrees.

There were no frosts and the lowest ground temperature of 1.4 degrees was measured on June 8.

A woman had to be cut from her car after crashing at the Gooseneck, on the Mountain Road, yesterday (Monday) afternoon.

Firefighters were called to the single-vehicle incident at around 3pm.

The driver had lost control, leading to the car hitting the bank and rolling on to its side.

Crews firstly stabilised the vehicle before removing part of the roof to allow paramedics to assess any injuries.

A woman was removed from the vehicle using a long board and taken to Noble’s Hospital by ambulance. Her injuries are not thought to be serious.

The road remained closed for a spell while the vehicle was recovered and the road swept.

SMP Accounting & Tax is sponsoring a presentation organised by the JCC IOM (Junior Chamber of Commerce Isle of Man).

Sue Gee, managing director of TLC Business Solutions, will discuss the importance of effective communication at Douglas Yacht Club on Wednesday, July 15.

Registration for The Power of Communication presentation opens at 5.30pm, with Sue’s talk scheduled for 6.15pm.

Rachael Hooper, SMP accounting and tax manager and vice-chairman of the JCC, said: ‘Anyone in business spends most of their time communicating with people, whether it is clients, customers or colleagues, and good communication is a key to success. When it goes wrong it can be costly and damaging. This presentation will give the audience an insight into getting communication right, and enjoying the benefits.

‘We are very pleased to once again be sponsoring a JCC IOM event. They not only offer an opportunity to learn, such as this presentation, but are also a great forum for members of the island business community to come together and discuss issues of mutual interest.’

Kate Parrish, chairman of the JCC, said: ‘TLC is one of the island’s leading training providers and Sue is a powerhouse of enthusiasm and energy, so members and guests can look forward to an hour of motivational and inspirational learning. Anyone that has attended a TLC event before will know that Sue always delivers interesting, useful and

relevant sessions with lots of opportunity to participate and to get involved in activities that help drive home the key learning points.

‘The session will cover the role of communication in achieving objectives efficiently and effectively, where it can go wrong, and the effect of our own individual communication style on other people in a very participative and fun way. Ultimately, how can communication be used to help achieve the result that you want.’

She added: ‘We are very grateful to SMP Accounting & Tax for agreeing to sponsor this event and I’m sure that everyone attending will find it fascinating and useful.

‘If anyone would like further information in respect of this event, visit our website: www.jcc.im or connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook or follow us on Twitter @JCCIOM.’

This was the scene at Laxey this morning after a Manx Electric Railway tram overturned.

Services between Laxey and Ramsey remain suspended following the incident by the road crossing outside Laxey station.

The vintage trailer car overturned while being shunted and there were no passengers on board at the time.

MER services between Douglas and Laxey and the Snaefell Mountain Railway are running as usual.

A spokesman for Isle of Man Railways apologised to customers for any inconvenience.

She said: ‘MER services remain suspended between Laxey and Ramsey today following an incident that occurred around 10.10am this morning.

‘During a standard operational manoeuvre, tram no. 58 derailed and toppled onto its side just north of Laxey station. The incident occurred between the main road crossing and Mines Road crossing.

‘No. 58, a winter trailer that dates from 1904, was not in public service at the time and no passengers were on board during what was a routine shunt.

‘A full investigation into the incident is underway to establish the cause of the derailment.’

Tram services will not resume between Laxey and Ramsey until the line is cleared, which is likely to be midday tomorrow (Wednesday).

A road closure will be required later today to enable engineers to recover the trailer.

There’s still plenty of parking in Castletown while work is going on in Market Square.

That’s the message from Richard Ronan, chairman of the town’s regeneration committee, after criticism from a local trader.

The latest phase of the regeneration work, focusing on Market Square, began two weeks ago as the pavement on the Isle of Man Bank side of the square was torn up and parking was restricted to keep the site clear for machinery.

But an underground electrical issue stopped any work proceeding for the whole of last week.

Chris Lennon of Radcliffe’s Butchers said that trade had dropped by 20 per cent since the work began due to a lack of parking, and expressed frustration at the timing of the works. ‘It’s like a ghost town now,’ he said. ‘It seems ludicrous to be starting in the middle of summer when it’s busy. After all, it’s the Southern 100 this week.’

The Examiner understands that work will continue from today (Tuesday).

The scheme includes an overhaul of paving, seating and lighting in the square and will create more space for pedestrians by adopting a new parking system.

The works are scheduled for completion by spring 2016 according to regeneration manager Steven Stanley, with the new-look Market Square accomodating four fewer parking spaces than before.

Mr Ronan told iomtoday that the project was now proceeding ‘full steam ahead’ after an ‘unfortunate but minor delay.’

‘Sometimes when you dig up surfaces you find these things. It’s unfortunate but it does happen,’ he said.

He added that they have ‘more than made up’ for the loss of the parking spaces in the square by freeing up extra spaces around the centre of the town. The spaces can be found by following the temporary white signs.

Mr Ronan added: ‘There will always be some disruption when work is going on but everything has been carefully planned and there are plenty of parking spaces.

‘I invite the public to come to Castletown and see for themselves,’ he said.