BRANDED ‘cumbersome machines’ by London Mayor Boris Johnson, they were banished from the English capital for clogging up narrow streets.

Now it seems that bendy-buses could be coming to the Isle of Man – but the plan could get a rough ride from the travelling public.

Community Culture and Leisure Minister Graham Cregeen MHK has confirmed his department is investigating the use of controversial articulated buses on a limited number of suitable routes following approval by Council of Ministers.

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One of the Arriva bendy-buses from London was trialled in the island in 2009. That trial was deemed successful although the Minister at the time David Cretney MHK said he recognised that members of the public were not keen on them and this would be taken into account when any decision was made.

Mr Cregeen said that of 10 people who had answered a question about bendy-buses in a public consultation on HGVs, none had been supportive of the articulated vehicles.

But he said that with his department facing severe financial pressures, savings had to be made – and bendy-buses could offer value for money.

He said: ‘It has got to be right for the public. It’s got to be safe and appropriate for the roads. But we’ve got to make savings. We have to investigate how we protect services. If we don’t have these buses, where else are we going to make savings?’

He explained a new double decker costs £214,000 and a new bendy-bus under £200,000. But he said the department could secure a second hand articulated bus for £40,000. For each one brought into service, two older double deckers could be sold, fetching between £20,000 to £25,000 each.

The minister said bendy-buses could achieve double the fuel mileage than a traditional bus.

He suggested Boris Johnson had got rid of them from London for ‘political reasons’ but these vehicles were still used in Liverpool, Manchester and elsewhere – while a number have been sold to Malta, prompting Mayor Boris to jibe that the ‘jack-knifed diplodocus’ buses were now ‘clogging up the streets’ of Valletta.

Mr Cregeen said they could be suitable for 10 to 12 routes in the island, including the one from Douglas to the south and they could be used for the school runs. He said there would have to be change in legislation to allow the use of longer vehicles before any bendy-buses can be ordered.

The Minister said that his department was also considering acquiring minibuses to use on skipper services in areas of less frequent demand.

In a written reply to a House of Keys question from David Quirk (Onchan), Mr Cregeen said: ‘I have instructed my officers to investigate all possible efficiencies before the department considers reducing services or increasing prices.’

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THIRTEEN aspiring young men, desperate to be employed, have ‘graduated’ with honours from an intensive four week preparation for work in the service sector programme.

That’s the honour bestowed on them by training expert Angelena Boden, for their hard work, determination to succeed and above all a measurable change in mindset and behaviour.

They are categorised as NEETs (not in employment, education or training). Angelena said these young people find themselves labelled, categorised and stigmatised because they made some mistakes and didn’t fit in with traditional education. She claimed some are paying for these mistakes and feel that they have no future. As a result, depression and anxiety are becoming more common among young unemployed.

She said: ‘These young men came for the taster day five weeks ago and I believe saw it as just another course.

‘As I am a motivational trainer, not a process trainer, with a strong background in self esteem and confidence building, I knew it was important to build them up from the inside rather than just immerse them solely in skills training. We had almost 100 per cent attendance and punctuality, even from those travelling in from Ramsey and the south.’

The programme, which developed skills in customer service, communication, managing emotions and behaviour, culminated in an ‘Opportunity Knocks’ style show at The Rutland Hotel, Douglas, where they presented their group business ideas to a discerning panel.

This comprised Howard Parkin, Manx National Heritage and Sharon Kissack of Ambitions and chaired by Ann Clayton, chartered director.

The young entrepreneurs, many of whom are overcoming personal and emotional challenges, impressed the judges with their professional pitches and work ethic.

These included ‘Refurb’, an environmentally-friendly business taking cast- off furniture and remodelling it for sale.

Another was ‘Edible Cookbooks’ which received warm expressions of interest by the invited audience and ‘Classic Football Programmes’, an exclusive business selling a range of football programmes, including signed ones, for fans who can’t get to

matches. ‘Suitable Suits’ was the brainchild of a group who were sent out on an assignment and became passionate about the need to supply rental suits for the unemployed so they could present themselves well at interview.

The group appealed to members of the audience for donations as part of their corporate social responsibility.

The youngest entrepreneurs, aged 16, put forward their business called ‘It Catches the Eye’; an online personal artwork service, to demonstrate their special talents in drawing.

In summing up the presentations, Ann Clayton said: ‘I felt really privileged to be on the panel at the Opportunity Knocks presentation.

‘I had seen these young men, some of whom classed themselves as “losers” at the beginning of their journey, not sure what they were committing to. At this final event they stood before an audience of strangers and presented themselves and some very interesting business ideas.

‘Some were terrified but faced their fears with courage and maturity and were a real credit to their trainer. I sincerely hope that local employers will think hard about how they can provide supportive opportunities to these admirable young people.’

All of the group commented they had grown in confidence, had done tasks they would have refused to do at school and felt they had been treated with respect by the training team.

‘It’s time to grow up and be responsible,’ said Daniel Taylor.

Anisa Haghdadi, Birmingham Young Professional of Year (Aspiring Talent) winner 2012 and an entrepreneur since the age of 15 was the guest speaker. She stressed the need for young people to believe in themselves and to go looking for opportunities rather than waiting for them to come knocking.

Andrew McKinley, employment services manager, said: ‘The Department of Economic Development is keen to support a range of training courses, especially those which will give the best start to young people of the island and improve their future prospects.’

The group will move on into suitable work placements with the help of Geoff Le Page, industry liaison manager with Transforming Training and Emma Cain of the Department of Economic Development.

l If you are an employer keen to give young people a helping hand, contact emma.cain@gov.im

A RECORD number of entries have been submitted to this year’s One World Charity Challenge.

The challenge invites year 12 students (ages 16-17) from across the island to speak out for people living in the developing world, by creating a presentation examining the work of a Manx-registered charity.

More than 140 students in 28 teams have signed up to take part in the project, with each team representing a charity working overseas and receiving funding from the Overseas Aid Committee.

One World Charity Challenge is sponsored by the H&S Davidson Trust and coordinated by the One World Centre.

A One World Centre spokesman explained: ‘The challenge sets out to give year 12 students a greater understanding of the developing world through researching the work of a charity working overseas.

‘Students working in teams are challenged to choose a charity working overseas, which is either Manx registered or supported by the Overseas Aid Committee, students then research the work of the charity and interview representatives from the charity.

‘They must put together a 12 minute multi-media presentation which examines the effectiveness of their charity, shows cultural understanding and looks at the impact the charity has had on the life of a young person.’

One team from each school will be selected to take part in the final at the Manx Museum, Douglas on March 11, 2013.

The H&S Davidson Trust offers a grant of £500 for every team completing the challenge.

The funds go into an overall grant pool which is shared between the five charities reaching the final.

In previous years the Overseas Aid Committee has provided match funding meaning that all charities represented by the teams have received an award of between £200 and £700.

Since 2008, more than £60,000 has been donated to charities working overseas as a direct result of this project.

THE former Onchan Police Station is up for sale at a price tag of £295,000.

The detached property on Elm Drive, was originally constructed as two semi-detached houses with a small linking police station.

In later years it was fully converted to its last use as Onchan police station.

It maybe suitable as a large single house, however, it is more likely that it may appeal to a developer looking to split it back into two separate houses.

Black Grace Cowley is the estate agent.

THE Southern Area Plan will be brought to Tynwald very soon, the Minister in charge assured MHKs.

Infrastructure Minister David Cretney, replying to a question from David Quirk (Onchan), told the House of Keys that his department was currently reviewing representations received following a public consultation, which ran from June 7 to 29, on the proposed modifications to the area plan for the South.

‘Once they have been reviewed and assessed, any required final changes will be made. Following this, the plan will be adopted by the department and then move via Council of Ministers to Tynwald for approval. At this stage I am not able to specify when this final stage will take place but I am hopeful that it will be undertaken very soon.’

Mr Quirk asked: ‘Does he think the process has taken much too long?’

Mr Cretney replied: ‘A number of elements of planning do take a long time. I understand the frustration of honourable members and it is my clear intention to try and speed up that process in order to facilitate and work with all sectors for the benefit of the Isle of Man and its economy.’

He ruled out having special planning orders brought forward ahead of the Southern Area Plan being adopted.

A MAJOR shake up of the Home Care service is planned.

Social Care Minister Chris Robertshaw said his department was working to rebalance home care and was looking to transfer the service to a new provider next year.

He said to this end, it is working with voluntary sector and non profit making partners.

His department announced a restructuring programme for government-run adult care services in February this year.

This was intended to ensure vulnerable adults, those with learning disabilities and the elderly received the help they needed to remain living at home as long as possible rather than in residential care homes.

Until recently, around 80 per cent of resources had been spent on residential care, with the remaining 20 per cent on home care. Social Care intend to shift that balance.

Earlier this year the announcement was made to close the Glenside old people’s home in Douglas. Since then most of the residents have been moved to other accommodation and staff redeployed to other services or offered support to find other jobs.

The home is now expected to close in Easter 2013. Only 22 of the 57 residents there when the closure was first announced last February remain. Of those, 16 are in the EMI unit and will transfer to Thie Maenagh in the near future. Most staff had secured other employment despite initial fears there could be as many as 10 or 12 redundancies.

Mr Robertshaw MHK said his aim was to ensure services were viable despite the challenges of a growing and ageing population as well as financial constraints.

He said rebalancing domiciliary care would secure the future of home care services in the island and ensure a ‘more flexible, responsive and cost effective service’ is delivered.

The Minister said: ‘I am pleased with the work my department has been taking forward in order to address a number of fundamental issues in the delivery of adult care services. The work to reduce residential capacity is now drawing to a close and we will now be focusing on rebalancing home care.

‘We are determined to ensure that any changes are open and transparent and we will continue to work with partners to make sure there is good information available to service users and their families and carers as well as our own staff.’

In August, staff shortages forced the temporary closure of the Gansey unit at Southlands in Port St Mary. Eight residents had to be moved to the unit at Thie Meanagh in Farmhill. Giving evidence to a Tynwald scrutiny committee, chief executive Chris Corlett said his department had faced a ‘perfect storm’.

But following a successful recruitment drive, the Gansey unit reopened last month.

Southlands’s Surby unit was opened at the beginning of October and five residents have moved in. The remaining beds in the 12 bed unit will be occupied by the end of December.

Reayrt Skyal, the new resource centre for elderly people in the north of the island, is currently recruiting to posts and will open as soon as staff are in place.

Mr Robertshaw said his department had been developing proposals to create a more consistent, fair and transparent process for accessing care services and support for carers.

A public consultation is to take place on the new process in early 2013.

THE Port Erin Commissioners bye-election was won by Barbara Guy.

She beat Jolinda de Beer in last night’s poll.

Barbara Guy won 399 votes while Ms de Beer attracted 266.

The turnout was 24.68 per cent.

TONIGHT’S lecture at the Manx Museum has sold out.

Dr David Caldwell will present on the Kingdom of the Isles 1079 to 1266.

Using archaeological evidence and historical sources, he is to show that there was more to the Kingdom of the Isles than previously thought, and discover more about a heritage lost in Manx history.

Dr Caldwell is an archaeologist, former Keeper at National Museums Scotland and co-writer of the ‘The Lewis Chessmen: Unmasked’. His visit to the island coincides with ‘The Forgotten Kingdom Exhibition, which is currently on display at the Manx Museum.

ALMOST 70 per cent of long-term incapacity benefit claimants have had their payments stopped following the introduction of fitness to work assessments.

Social Care Minister Chris Robertshaw was quizzed in the House of Keys about the Atos Healthcare consultancy which has been brought in to carry out medical assessments on benefit claimants as part of a six month trial.

Mr Robertshaw revealed that of 106 assessment cases that have been completed so far, 33 had signed themselves off before the assessment even took place, 33 had their benefits confirmed and 40 were found to be capable of work.

John Houghton (Douglas North) described the figures as ‘rather staggering’. He said Atos in the UK had got a reputation for ‘bullying people who are unable to go to work’ and asked why the Department of Social Care hadn’t carried out its own checks if it believed some were claiming when they should not have done.

Mr Robertshaw replied: ‘This is a very sensitive and specialist area.’ He said the island was not in the business of jumping into using specialist services until it was absolutely satisfied they were appropriate.

The Examiner revealed in September Atos had been brought in to carry out face-to-face personal capability assessments of long-term claimants on incapacity benefit.

It is currently two thirds of the way through the six-month pilot.

Campaigners in the UK have called for it to be stripped of its £100m a year contract with the Department of Work and Pensions in protest at its ‘flawed’ approach which they claim has left thousands denied the right benefits.

Kate Beecroft (Lib Van, Douglas South) asked the Minister if he was satisfied with Atos’s performance and questioned whether suitably qualified medical professionals in the island could have undertaken this work.

Mr Robertshaw said: ‘No, there was no suitable local specialist, because this is very much a specialist area. Yes, I am satisfied with the performance.’

The Minister declined to give the Keys details about how much Atos Healthcare was being paid for its services. He said to do so would prejudice the department’s future dealings with Atos or other service providers and would compromise any tender process Social Care may be required to undertake in the future.

But he added: ‘I can advise the department is being charged by Atos Healthcare the same, on a pro rata basis, as is charged to the Department of Work and Pensions and that I am satisfied we are getting excellent value for money.’

Mrs Beecroft asked how many complaints had been received from those who had been assessed.

Mr Robertshaw replied that every person who goes through the assessment process is entitled to appeal but there had not been one single appeal so far.

Brenda Cannell (Douglas East) questioned whether, bearing in mind the ‘extensive criticism of this organisation’, the Minister is seriously considering going into a contractual arrangement with Atos at the end of the trial.

Mr Robertshaw said he would not pre-judge a decision.

A FORMER minister who blew the whistle on a costly TT sponsorship deal said he had been ‘shocked and appalled’ by the terms of the contract.

And the Public Accounts Committee investigating the Signature Sponsorship deal revealed that they had still not found a copy of the signed contract.

The lucrative deal with Signature, which aimed at transforming the TT into a more viable commercial prospect, saw the company paid a basic £70,000 a year, plus £15,000 in expenses and 22.5 per cent in commission.

It left government with a £750,000 liability – on top of the £900,000 the company had already been paid – as it couldn’t afford to break the contract.

Martyn Quayle, who was Minister for Tourism and Leisure between August 2008 until the restructuring of government departments in April 2010, told the committee that he had instigated an internal Treasury audit of the Signature deal because he ‘wanted to ensure no department or entity of government could end up in similar circumstances again’.

He said Signature had secured a deal where they had effectively been able ‘to write their own cheques’.

‘I was shocked and appalled that the department had somehow ended up in a position where they paid 22.5 per cent commission on gross income rather than take into account various costs in achieving increased revenue.’

Committee chairman Alfred Cannan asked: ‘Did you see the contract?’

Mr Quayle replied: ‘A signed copy could not be found.’ He said there had been 50 versions of the contract with 100 additions or amendments.

Committee member Leonard Singer questioned how the signed contract had ‘mysteriously disappeared’. He said: ‘I find it unbelievable that a signed copy of the contract could not be found in the department.’

Mr Quayle said he had been shocked when he was appointed DTL Minister to find a department which was ‘not fit for purpose’, with no full-time chief executive, a director of tourism on sick leave, and staff moved around from ‘pillar to post’.

He said the Council of Ministers had discussed in March 2009 how the deal could be terminated but the DTL did not have the £605,100 to pay Signature a one-off exit fee. Instead, the contract had been allowed to run out at a cost of £250,000 a year.

The former minister, who was ousted as Middle MHK in the last general election, claimed an opportunity had been missed to terminate the contract after 18 months, which was a clause contained in the deal Treasury allowed to progress without a tendering process in December 2005.

Also giving evidence to the committee was Mr Quayle’s predecessor as minister, Adrian Earnshaw, who said he had been in the post for about three months when he discovered the Signature contract had not been signed.

He said he didn’t know a contract had not been signed until about Easter 2007.

Mr Earnshaw, who was MHK for Onchan until he lost his seat at the last election, recalled the then chief executive Carol Glover had produced the contract and said they were ready for it to be signed. ‘I was astonished at getting this news.’

He added: ‘I think there was a degree of panic when I said I wasn’t signing the contract. I wasn’t happy and not prepared to sign the contract that had been operating so far retrospectively.’

He said subsequently the contract was split, with him signing one covering the period from May 2007 and Mrs Glover signing the one covering the period before.

Mr Earnshaw said: ‘I don’t know what happened to the contracts. Have you seen them?’

Committee chairman Mr Cannan said: ‘No we have not seen the contracts at all.’

Mr Earnshaw was asked about £330,000 that was owed to the department which was kept by Signature in the company’s private account.

The ex-minister said while there had not been massive figures involved at Easter 2007, he had ‘serious concerns’ by the end of that year.

Mr Cannan asked: ‘When you signed that contract do you recall the clause giving Signature 22.5 per cent commission on television revenue?’

The witness replied: ‘There was confusion as to whether it was net or gross. I can’t recall the detail of that. I was aware of the 22.5 per cent.’

VOLUNTEER beach cleaning moves to Douglas Promenade this weekend for the latest in the series of ‘Big Team’ beach cleaning sessions organised by volunteer group Beach Buddies.

Douglas Corporation is giving its backing to the first ever visit to Douglas by Beach Buddies and its squad of volunteers who have made a big difference to a number of beaches all over the island in the last two months.

So far, more than 200 bags of rubbish have been collected in eight weeks - covering the north, south and north west of the island.

Anyone wishing to join in should meet at the slipway opposite the Palace Hotel at 10.30am on Sunday. Beach Buddies provides litterpickers, gloves and bin bags, and Douglas Corporation is arranging for the disposal and recycling of items afterwards.

Children are welcome, but must be supervised by an adult. All volunteers are advised to wear decent walking boots or wellies.

Last weekend 37 volunteers from the north carried out a ‘Big Team’ beach clean at Ramsey North beach, collecting 18 bags of rubbish. The volunteers included a large team from 2nd Ramsey Guides who are the first group in the Isle of Man to officially ‘adopt’ a beach in the island.

There’s no need for volunteers to register, even if you’ve never been to a Beach Buddies cleaning session before. To receive further information on Beach Buddies volunteer sessions go to Beach Buddies on Facebook or by e-mail: beachbuddies@manx.net

THE swimming pool at the National Sports Centre in Douglas will close on Monday (November 19) for up to five weeks for planned maintenance and improvement work.

It is anticipated that the pool will reopen around the weekend of December 22.

All other NSC facilities are fully open.

Centre manager Carl Glover said: ‘To keep the facilities at a high standard, periodic maintenance is essential. We are also taking the chance to improve the flumes and when the pool reopens swimmers will enjoy faster and more exhilarating rides. It’s not just adults and older children that will benefit from the improvements though. The small “toddler” slide in the leisure pool will be replaced with an exciting new slide and play equipment will be fitted to the beach pool area.’

To keep up with the latest information visit the NSC Facebook page (facebook.com/NSCIsleofMan), contact NSC reception by calling 688588 or email nsc@gov.im

A RATE rise in Douglas next year is not inevitable despite the proposed investment in a £12 million library and multi-storey development, council leader David Christian has insisted.

He said it was his aim to keep any rates increase, if there was to be one at all, to the bare minimum.

Councillor Christian said the authority’s advisory committees had been set a target to keep increased expenditure to no more than 2 per cent.

But he said this did not translate to a 2 per cent increase in rates.

‘It’s not a fait accompli, it’s not necessarily the case at all,’ he said. ‘We’ve had three good years where we’ve had no increase in rates or just 0.5 per cent.

‘Times are still difficult and we still maintain our intention to keep Douglas rates as low as possible.’

Mr Christian said that with inflation at 3.1 per cent and the corporation looking to have to fund wage increases for both white collar and manual staff, the pressure on budgets would be intense.

But he said the committees had been instructed to come forward with schemes that were realistic and affordable.

‘In the past, we have schemes proposed costing a couple of million pounds. That sort of money is not available now,’ he said.

How, then, can the Corporation justify proceeding with a £12 million scheme to build a new library and multi-storey car park at Cambrian Place, opposite the bus station on Lord Street?

The borough is petitioning the Department of Infrastructure to approve the purchase of a parcel of land at Cambrian Place for £2.5 million and to borrow £12,072,000 for the development.

Mr Christian said: ‘People will ask why we are going ahead with a £12 million scheme in the current climate. But we can’t stay still.

‘That site has been crying out for development for the last 30 years. We believe it will kickstart the regeneration of that area.’

He explained that the project would result in the Corporation owning an asset rather than having to rent library and office premises. The authority will also get income from the car parking in the new 447-space multi-storey.

The council leader said the scheme would add 1.8 per cent on to the rates overall but this had already been built into last years’ budget and allowed in the level of rates set.

Cumbrian-based Time & Tide submitted a detailed planning application (12/0831) in June for the development at Cambrian Place, presently a car park between Fort Street and Lord Street.

Following some amendments to the original plans, it was readvertised.

Once it is considered by a planning inspector, recommendations could go before the Council of Ministers in December or early in the new year.

If planning consent is given, the project could be completed by the end of 2013.

Time & Tide is also the preferred developer for the Sefton’s Middlemarch site next door to Cambrian Place.

Outline planning consent for a 190-bed hotel and casino on the Middlemarch site was approved in 2006 but the consent has since lapsed.

Across the road, there are long-standing plans for a 120-bedroom four-star quayside hotel, serviced flats and restaurants on the former bus station site.

Tynwald approved changes in the summer to the agreed terms with developer Askett Hawk to reduce the amount of retail and leisure space from 72,000 sq ft to 40,000 sq ft.

In recent weeks, we’ve seen some debate – in the Isle of Man Examiner letters columns and in the wider press – over whether global warming (as climate change used to be referred to) has ceased.

In particular, I mentioned that the UK’s Meteorological Office had to berate the Daily Mail (again) for printing false allegations that it had published a study concluding that global warming stopped 16 years ago.

With admirable timing (it’s as if they were reading this column!), on November 5 international accountancy and consulting firm PriceWaterhouse Coopers published the results of its annual Low Carbon Economy Index.

Rather startlingly, the report states that if global warming is to remain contained at no more than 2C, we would need to cut world carbon intensity by an average of 5.1 per cent a year – for the next 39 years.

Given that we’ve not managed cuts of that level for a single year yet, this seems laughably unlikely without some big, and prompt, changes in the way we do things.

The financial crisis hasn’t helped, despite the fact that lower growth can sometimes help contain carbon emissions – carbon intensity has fallen by less than 1 per cent a year in each of the four years since the financial crisis began.

So what? What if we don’t make these changes?

PwC had something to say on this matter too – echoing predictions being made by a number of climate scientists in the last year or so, but less easily dismissable by the climate change denial camp because of PwC’s standing as a ‘friend of the business community’, rather than an environmentally concerned group of academics.

PwC’s Jonathan Grant says: ‘Even doubling our current annual rates of decarbonisation globally every year to 2050 would still lead to 6°C, making governments’ ambitions to limit warming to 2°C appear highly unrealistic.’

6°C, said quickly, it doesn’t sound too scary, does it? Nice hot summers, less chilly winters. But these images are not what the reality would be.

Remember, 6°C is the global average increase that would result from our continuing on the current path. But with most of the planet’s surface being ocean, an average global temperature rise of 6° actually means land temperature rises of considerably more – well into double digits for continental Europe, and edging into them for the US.

Recall the heatwaves we saw in Europe in 2003, which resulted in 15,000 ‘excess deaths’ and undertakers in Paris having to open warehouses to cope with the large numbers of (particularly elderly) people succumbing to heatstroke, in temperatures of 36 to 38°C. Add another 10°C to that scenario and you have something truly frightening.

Another PwC spokesman, Leo Johnson, weighed into the debate, saying: ‘While we’ve reversed the increase in emissions intensity reported last year, we’re still seeing results that are simply too little, too late. This isn’t about shock tactics, it’s simple maths.

‘We’re heading into uncharted territory for the scale of transformation and technical innovations required. Whatever the scenario, or the response, “business as usual” is not an option.

‘Business leaders have been asking for clarity in political ambition on climate change. Now one thing is clear: businesses, governments and communities across the world need to plan for a warming world – not just 2°C, but 4°C, or even 6°C.’

It’s hard to see this as anything other than a global emergency – unless you’re amongst those who like to trust that technology will ‘find a way to save us’. Good luck with that, as it’s clearly not done much so far.

The trend is still inexorably upwards, despite the efforts of denialists to seize on short-run variations in the trends.

So against that backdrop, and the pleas not just of the mainstream scientific community but, increasingly, business interests, it’s surprising that governments (including our own in the island) aren’t doing more to engage openly and courageously with the public on the matter, and find more effective ways of working towards solutions.

There are some beacons of positive news though, and one in particular not too far from our shores.

Next week, we’ll look at the inspiring work being done by Manchester City Council, which is doing great work in ‘decoupling growth from carbon emissions, driving economic success, creating jobs – and the plans have stayed on course despite the recession’. It’s an example of forward-thinking, inspiring and searingly honest leadership – something we should be demanding ourselves from Tynwald. Check the Green Column next week to read about Manchester’s journey to a lower-emission future, through carbon reductions and an entire programme of cultural/behavioural change.

Wouldn’t it be great for us, here at home, also to feel we lived somewhere which was a part of the solution?

• If you’d like to learn more about IoMFoE’s campaigning on this and other issues, contact us on {mailto:iomfoe@manx.net|iomfoe(at)manx.net}.

WE caught up with this year’s winners backstage at the Villa Marina on Thursday night for short video interviews.

After the winner in each of the 16 categories was announced and had given their speeches, they were whisked backstage to dressing room 1 for a short interview on camera.

You can see the videos on youtube here:

{http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pTFqmZ09mhw|www.youtube.com/watch?v=pTFqmZ09mhw} - Part one

and here:

{http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mnpZlIeJ58Q|www.youtube.com/watch?v=mnpZlIeJ58Q} - Part two

FASHION Face Off returns to the Villa Marina in Douglas on Saturday (November 24) following the success of last year’s event.

Crossroads Care’s Formal Wear Shop will be on the catwalk defending its title as ‘Queen of Charity Shops’ against British Red Cross, Hospice Isle of Man and ManxSPCA.

The event showcases the island’s charity shop clothing, with guests voting for their favourite collection.

Wendy Campbell will see whether people can spot the difference between high street and designer outfits and give tips on dressing for your body shape/ colouring and how to give clothing a new lease of life.

And there will be a vintage catwalk, wearable art, and entertainment from Gena’s Dance Academy.

The Beauty Playground and champagne reception sponsored by Barclays opens at 6pm. For £5 guests can enjoy a 15 minute treatment such as manicures and make-up ahead of the show at 8pm.

Guests who donate a new/used handbag at the show will receive £100 of vouchers from Crossroads Care.

Buy tickets from the Villa box office, 600555 or www.villagaiety.com. For the Beauty Playground menu and treatment vouchers go to www.imagematters.im and buy in advance or on the door subject to availability.

THREE-times World Enduro motorcycle champion David Knight MBE features on a new Isle of Man 50p coin.

The coin was launched at Postal Headquarters in Spring Valley Industrial Estate with a visit from David Knight and his enduro motorcycle.

The legal tender 50p coin is presented in a special pack featuring a genuine piece of ‘knobbly’ tyre supplied to Isle of Man Post Office by David himself – both items are displayed in a clear case.

David, who was born and raised in Sulby and now lives in Ballaugh, has been World Enduro champion three times and the coin shows him on his KTM bike.

The main objective of the sport is to arrive at different check points at a designated time over courses that are, typically, over thick wooded terrain including large obstacles such as logs, ditches and perilous sudden drops. To win the world championship title requires instinctive bike handling skills, courage and years of dedication.

Reacting to seeing himself on the coin, David said: ‘I feel very proud to be on a Manx coin and have my motorcycle achievements recognised – it’s a big honour.

‘I will be carrying a few of these coins in my pocket to the [championship] rounds next year in the hope they will bring me some luck!’

The collectable coin pack contains the story of David’s career to date, along with images of the motorcycling star.

It is priced just £15 and is expected to make the perfect Christmas present for Manx sports fans. The pack is available to buy online at www.iomstamps.com or b visiting Regent Street Post Office in Douglas.

l David Knight’s dash across London with celebrity passenger – back page

A FORMER slave buried in Kirk Braddan church yard is to be honoured in a special ceremony later this year.

House of Keys speaker and Garff MHK Steve Rodan told the story of Samuel Ally, born in St Helena in 1804, to Councillor Mervyn Yon of the St Helena Legislative Council.

Both men were at the British Island and Mediterranean regional annual conference which was hosted in June this year in Edinburgh by the Scotland branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.

Mr Rodan told the story of how Samuel Ally was born into slavery working for Kirk Michael born Colonel Mark Wilks, who was governor of St Helena at the time of Napoleon’s exile there. Colonel Wilks granted Samuel Ally his freedom and was accompanied by him when he returned to the Isle of Man in 1816.

When Samuel Ally died in 1822 aged just 18, he was buried at old Kirk Braddan church, complete with a headstone paid for by Colonel Wilks.

Work has already taken place to clear the site and tidy up the grave ahead of the wreath laying ceremony later this year.

With help from Clerk of Tynwald Roger Phillips, Mr Rodan has cleared the grave of weeds and Manx National Heritage conservator Christopher Weeks has cleaned the headstone.

Most of the inscription is legible. It reads: ‘An African and native of St Helena. Died the 28th of May 1822 aged 18 years.

‘Born a slave, and exposed to the corrupt influences of that unhappy state, he became a model of TRUTH and PROBITY for the more fortunate of any country or condition.

‘This stone is erected by a grateful master to the memory of a faithful servant who repaid the boon of Liberty with unbounded attachment.’

Councillor Yon has agreed to send a wreath to lay on the grave at the ceremony later this year,

Mr Rodan said: ‘This story is a moving one that highlights the loyalty of Samuel Ally and the humanity of Colonel Mark Wilks, a former Speaker of the House of Keys.

‘From a parliamentary perspective this account is yet further demonstration of the many opportunities the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association affords member nations – even those some 5,000 miles apart - not only to forge new but also preserve valuable links from the past.’

On his return Colonel Wilks was elected to the House of Keys and in 1826. His second wife was Dorothy Taubman, daughter of the Speaker of the House of Keys. After the death of his father-in-law, he became speaker of the house. A portrait of Mark Wilks still hangs in the Tynwald buildings. He died in 1831 in Berwickshire, aged 72.

A COUPLE from Ballabeg celebrated their golden wedding anniversary with a knees up at the Manx Legion club recently.

Alma and Dave Parry who were married in Liverpool 50 years ago invited 150 friends and family to share their celebration.

Mrs Parry said: ‘There were a lot of people who over the years have done something for us so it was a little thank you for some of them.

‘We invited the team from the Ballasalla medical centre there who have been very good to my husband over the years.’

The couple got married in Liverpool but have lived in the island for 30 years.

‘My mum and dad came over here first and then when dad died we came over to join the rest of the family,’ Mrs Parry said.

The couple are both retired now but Mr Parry is a retired PSV inspector who worked on the island’s buses and Mrs Parry was a desk top publishing manager with the government.

For their wedding anniversary entertainment, they decided to put their experience at organising and running dances to good use.

‘We run dances so we decided to do it there. We had line, sequence... there was something for everyone,’ said Mrs Parry.

‘Since the evening we’ve had lots and lots of thank you notes from everyone who was there saying how much they enjoyed it all.

‘So now we are all looking forward to celebrating our 60th wedding anniversary and we hope then our 70th.’

The couple, who are both 71 and live at Friary Park had their bash at the Douglas Legion.

They married at Garston in 1962.

Fire crews were called to a house fire in Carrick Park, Sulby, last night.

The went from the stations in Ramsey and Kirk Michael and found a well-established fire in the roof space of a bungalow.

Crews wearing breathing apparatus quickly extinguished the fire using two hose reel jets.

They removed roof tiles to deal with it.

Firefighters then spent two hours cooling hot spots and removing items stored in the loft which had been affected by the fire.

A liquid petroleum gas cylinder was also discovered, in the loft, but luckily had not been involved in the fire.

Extensive damage was done to the roof space of the property and the hallway below due to the ceiling collapsing.

The cause of the fire was traced to the flue of a wood-burning stove.

With all of the appliances committed at the incident a crew from Laxey provided fire cover for the north of the island.

A fire service spokesman said that people should ensure that any fire or boiler in their property (log-burning, coal, oil or gas) was installed correctly.