The Noble’s Park bandstand has been renamed in honour of Ian Clague, who recently retired from Douglas Council after 37 years’ service.

The borough engineer and surveyor was instrumental in having the bandstand placed in the Villa Marina Gardens to mark the Council’s Centenary in 1996. And since its move to Noble’s Park it has been regularly used by a number of local brass bands.

Douglas Mayor Sara Hackman said Mr Clague served the Council diligently throughout his career, adding: ‘He has been in that post longer than I and most of my colleagues have been members of the Council, and it is with sadness that we see him go, because we have lost a reliable point of reference.

‘His advice has always been readily given, and based on the sound precept that whatever the Council does should be for the benefit of the people of Douglas and the Isle of Man.’

She added: ‘Ian has always made time for his interest in the promotion of music for young people, particularly in the sphere of brass bands.

‘His enthusiastic pursuit of excellence in this field, as a very early member of the Manx Youth Band and Manx Concert Brass, later as musical director, led to him being awarded the MBE in 2000.’

Plans to charge government staff and politicians to park at work in central Douglas will go before Tynwald this month.

If approved, charges will be introduced from April next year, starting at £192.50 a year but rising in phases to £770 a year by 2019.

Infrastructure Minister Phil Gawne said the current system of allocating parking spaces was neither ‘fair nor defensible’.

Plans to end free parking appeared to have stalled after senior civil servants expressed concern about ‘complex’ issues.

The original plan had been to charge £275 a year from April this year.

Under the detailed proposals to be put before this month’s Tynwald, charges for spaces in central Douglas will apply to all public servants including Tynwald members, the judiciary and Crown officers. Essential users, volunteers, those working night shifts and staff at executive office grade or below will be exempt.

Tynwald is scheduled to sit over October 20-22.

Four people escaped uninjured following a crash on the road between Peel and St John’s this morning (Monday).

The road was closed and led to disruption for many commuters during the morning rush hour.

The Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service were called to the single-vehicle incident just after 7am.

At the time of the call it was thought that a family of four were trapped inside the vehicle, a Land Rover, which was pulling a trailer and had left the road near Ballaharra sand quarry.

However, once the crew from Peel fire station arrived, they found all four of the vehicle’s occupants had managed to escape uninjured.

They were checked over by an ambulance crew but did not need to go to hospital for treatment.

An update from police at 10am said the road was due to open at midday after the scene was cleared.

Changes have been made to plans for a new £50m Enterprise Development Scheme to ensure clear accountability.

The scheme, announced by Chief Minister Allan Bell in July, will go before October’s Tynwald for approval. It’s aim is provide grant, loan and equity investment to eligible businesses creating jobs in the island.

Support will be available to a wide range of businesses including new start-ups, expanding Manx firms and businesses wishing to relocate here.

Economic Development Minister Laurence Skelly MHK said: ‘I am now more confident than ever that the proposed Enterprise Development Scheme will help to create valuable new jobs in local companies.

‘The responses we received to the consultation showed overwhelming support from the island’s business community for the proposed scheme.

‘Some responses highlighted the need for clear accountability, transparency and reporting given we are seeking substantial public funds. I completely agree. Therefore amendments have been made to the original scheme design to address these points.’

The performance of the scheme will be reported annually to Tynwald specifying the names of businesses which have been awarded support.

Information on the economic benefits of financial assistance given and the value of assistance invested through the Scheme will be included in the report. Performance will be measured on factors including jobs created, number of businesses supported and investment performance.

Should the scheme be approved by Tynwald, a tender process will begin shortly afterwards to appoint a scheme manager. It is anticipated the scheme will be launched by the end of January 2016.

A fourth candidate has come forward to stand in the Douglas East by-election which will be held on Thursday November 12.

Manx-born Matthew Robinson, 24, of Post St Mary, is a drop-in co-ordinator for homeless charity Graih.

He said that working in Douglas East with its high proportion of flats and boarding houses, he has a big interest in the quality of housing provision and wants to raise the profile of this issue.

‘The quality of housing on our island, particularly for people who are renting is disgraceful. Too many people are living in accommodation that is below even the most basic standards,’ he said.

The other candidates who have also announced their intention to stand are St Ninian’s High School teacher Geraldine O’Neill, former Douglas councillor Jon Joughin and Noble’s nurse Clare Bettison.

Nomination day – the date when candidates confirm their intention to stand – will be Tuesday, October 20.

The vacancy in one of the constituency’s two seats has arisen following the retirement of long-serving MHK Brenda Cannell, ending a 20-year career in Tynwald. It followed the sudden death of her husband Charlie in April.

The operator originally appointed to run Ramsey post office has got the job after all.

Earlier this year there was a protest in the town at a plan to move post officer services to a Spar shop.

A plan was hatched for a local community enterprise to take over the post office and keep it in its current location.

But that plan {http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/ramsey-post-office-takeover-talks-fail-1-7409016|flopped}.

This afternoon it was announced that Mannin Retail Ltd had been appointed to run Ramsey post office following an open tender exercise.

Mannin Retail Ltd is part of Heron and Brearley, which employs about 1,000 people on the island.

The post office will continue to provide services from its current location in the Courthouse building operated by Mannin Retail Ltd, until operations transfer to their convenience store (Spar) in Parliament Street in the spring of 2016.

A statement from the Isle of Man Post Office reads: ‘Ramsey post office customers can be assured that their concerns, previously raised about the new location of the post office, have been considered and addressed in Mannin Retail Ltd’s tender submission, with easy access from the street and throughout the shop.

‘Currently customers are unable to see the size of the space the new post office will occupy, until extensive building work has been completed. However, there will be an opportunity for the public to see the new area before the relocation takes place.

‘Customers will also benefit from longer opening hours, to be extended by 15 minutes at either end of the working day.

‘Mannin Retail Ltd is currently trialling additional hours on a Saturday afternoon at its new central Douglas post office, which currently remains in Regent Street and consideration will be given to extending opening times further in Ramsey if the trial proves successful.’

Mannin Retail’s managing director Peter Whittaker said: ‘We are pleased that our proven track record of delivering consistently high standards of customer service has been recognised once again by Isle of Man Post Office. We take our commitment to local communities very seriously and look forward to bringing that same excellent range of postal services and convenience to the people of Ramsey.’

The transfer is set to take place by the end of November, however the busy Christmas period may prevent this from happening until the New Year.

Out of the eight affected staff working at Ramsey post office, four have already accepted redeployment roles in other areas of Isle of Man Post Office, which they will start once the transition plan is agreed and implemented with Mannin Retail Ltd. All affected staff will have the opportunity to work at the new post office.

Isle of Man Post Office has operated from a number of locations over the years. Currently it is a tenant of the Courthouse building and the lease with the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) ends in July 2016.

Graham Cregeen MHK, chairman of Isle of Man Post Office, said: ‘The transfer of the Regent Street post office at the beginning of September went very smoothly and we are confident the Ramsey Post Office transfer will be the same. Isle of Man Post Office is a changing business but remains very committed to providing retail postal services in Ramsey and across the island.

‘We must continue to develop new products and services to meet the changing needs of our customers however, like every part of government, we must look at cost effective ways to deliver services into the community. The Post Office conversion project will generate a saving of £360k per annum from both Ramsey and Douglas Crown Post Offices, helping to protect and sustain the future of the business.

‘We look forward to maintaining retail postal services for our customers in Ramsey with our new partner Mannin Retail Ltd.’

Tony Wild MLC, vice chairman of Isle of Man Post Office, said: ‘Isle of Man Post Office recognises the prolonged uncertainty this project has placed on its affected employees and loyal customers, which the business sought to avoid from the outset.

‘Ramsey post office staff have continued to deliver excellent customer service during what has been a difficult time for them all. As this project now comes to a conclusion, on behalf of Isle of Man Post Office I would like to wish them every success in their future endeavours.’

Facts and figures:

Isle of Man Post Office (IOMPO) announced on November 17 it would be converting the two Crown Post Offices in Ramsey and Douglas to sub agencies operated by Mannin Retail. This plan had been approved by the Council of Ministers.

On December 2, the House of Keys supported a motion to postpone the planned conversion of the two crown offices for up to three months. Following political guidance and House of Keys instruction, IOMPO looked at alternative ways to deliver this project with affected staff and local authorities given the opportunity to submit proposals for achieving the objectives of these conversions.

IOMPO agreed in principle to appoint Ramsey Courthouse Limited (RCL) to run Ramsey Post Office and Mannin Retail to operate Douglas Post Office on 16th April 2015 subject to the agreement of all relevant terms and the signing of the draft contract provided.

On August 14, IOMPO announced it had been unable to reach a positive conclusion to negotiations with RCL.

Following this, an open tender exercise to seek interested parties to operate Ramsey Post Office commenced on 17th August 2015 and officially closed on 24th September 2015. The tender exercise complied fully with Financial Directives.

The Post Office Conversion project generates a total saving of £360,000 for both Ramsey and Douglas Crown Post Offices

Four of the affected staff from Regent Street have commenced redeployment roles within IOMPO while four of the Ramsey staff have accepted redeployment positions within IOMPO

The transfer of Douglas Post Office to Mannin Retail took place on September 7 with no interruption to service for customers

IOMPO provides a £2million dividend to the Treasury each year

The government has granted a survey licence to a local company so it can explore potential for offshore tidal energy.

Manx Tidal Energy Limited has been approved to carry out preliminary work looking into the possibility of installing turbines on an area of the seabed off the Point of Ayre.

The seven year agreement will enable the company to determine the practicality and commercial viability of offshore electricity production.

If the surveys prove that a tidal array is viable, the government would look to agree a lease for development.

In addition to the area off the Point of Ayre there is potential for survey licences to be granted for three further sites off the southern end of the Manx coast.

Tidal arrays involve anchoring turbines to the seabed, well below the surface of the water, in locations where there is a reliably fast tidal current.

This helps to generate a constant supply of renewable energy, some of which could be exported to the United Kingdom.

More details in Thursday’s Manx Independent.

Island motorists will have the opportunity to put their cars through a free winter motor check and enhance their safety skills.

Drivers of all ages are being encouraged to attend the Manx Motor Meet event this Friday (October 16), which aims to improve motorists’ practical skills, knowledge and safety.

The overall aim is to encourage safer driving and support efforts to reduce the number of fatalities and serious incidents that take place on Manx roads.

The meet will be held at the Bowl car park in Pulrose from 7pm to 9.30pm and hopes to build on the success of similar events that have taken place across the island over the past year.

Road safety manager Gordon Edwards said: ‘The regional Motor Meets have been well supported and I hope the latest event in Douglas attracts another strong turnout. This is an opportunity for drivers to learn skills that will stand them in good stead for the rest of their lives.’

As well as learning how to prepare vehicles for the winter months, participants will be able to pick up useful tips and guidance on car maintenance and safe winter driving from experienced drivers, mechanics and road safety officers.

A vehicle rescue demonstration will be performed by the Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service and there will be the opportunity to sit in the passenger seat of a sports car while it completes a special auto test.

In addition, participants will have the chance to enter competitions and food and drink will be available.

Home Affairs Minister, Juan Watterson MHK, said: ‘The Chief Constable’s annual report for 2014-15 highlights a number of issues about road safety and driving standards in the Isle of Man. Driver education is an important part of our efforts to safeguard the community and the Motor Meets encourage different agencies to get together to offer practical advice and support in a fun way.’

Road safety advice can be found at www.gov.im/categories/travel-traffic-and-motoring/road-safety/ or for more information about the Isle of Man Road Safety Team services call 686671.

The Isle of Man Victorian Society is celebrating the 150th anniversary of a renowned architect who was based in the Isle of Man.

Mackay Hugh Baillie Scott, who set up practice in Athol Street in Douglas, designed houses and interiors in the UK and for Royal families in Europe.

Architect and author Diane Haigh from the UK will give a free illustrated talk at the Manx Museum Theatre in Douglas at 2pm on Saturday, October 24, the day after what would have been Baillie Scott’s 150th birthday.

A table top sale will be held at Marown Church hall on Saturday, October 17, to boost the hall fund.

Tables are £5 each, and a £1 admission fee includes refreshments.

For further details or to book a table contact Ann Williams on 852721.

The Curraghs Wildlife Park will host its annual Halloween Spooktacular on Saturday, October 31.

The event, at the start of schools’ autumn half term, promises creepy crafts, gory games and freaky face-painting plus many more attractions.

Children wearing fancy dress will be admitted free.

All the park’s attractions will be open and the miniature railway, run by the Manx Steam and Model Engineering Club, will have regular departures.

The park is running the event with charity Crossroads Care, which will benefit from the proceeds of a treasure hunt and crafts.

Admission is £9 for adults and £6 for children not wearing fancy dress (£2.20 for children aged two and under).

Tickets can be booked via the website www.curraghswildlifepark.im or purchased at the gate.

The park’s summer opening hours – 10am until 5pm daily (last admission 4pm) – will continue throughout half term.

From November 9, the park reverts to its winter opening hours – 10am until 4pm (last entry 3pm) on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and school holidays.

A public meeting was held last week to discuss a proposal to amalgamate Laxey, Lonan and Maughold Commissioners into a single Garff Authority operating across the sheading.

The meeting, last Wednesday, was chaired by Steven Rodan MHK, and attended by more than 80 people.

Proposals were presented jointly by Laxey Commissioners vice chairman Roz Bate, Lonan Commissioners vice chairman Nigel Dobson and Maughold Commissioners chairman John Quayle.

Following the presentation, the floor was opened up to questions with the Minister for Infrastructure Phil Gawne MHK and Roy Corlett from the Departments Legislation and Policy Unit.

At the end of the meeting a show of hands indicated the majority of residents in attendance were in support of the formation of Garff Parish Commissioners.

Mr Gawne will take the Garff (Local Government District) Order 2015 to the December sitting of Tynwald and to do this it will need to be placed on the order paper by November 4.

The commissioners would like to give residents a final opportunity to put forward any views on the proposals.

The deadline for comments is Friday, October 23. Write to the Commissioners’ office, 35 New Road, Laxey IM4 7BG, or via email to laxeycommissioners@manx.net

The public is being consulted over plans to further limit the size and/or number of sea bass that can be caught off the Isle of Man.

Changing laws governing the catch would aid the conservation of the species and make the Island more attractive to anglers, potentially increasing visitor numbers, says the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture.

A survey carried out for the Department of Economic Development in 2014 highlighted angling as one of three activities most suitable to target new visitors.

There is no known commercial fishing for sea bass in the island’s territorial waters and there is already a ban on pair trawling for the species, where a large net is towed between two boats. However, commercial fishing is permissible by other means.

Recreational fishermen can currently catch and keep an unlimited number of sea bass provided they reach the minimum landing size of 43cm.

The DEFA is consulting on proposals to designate sea bass solely as a recreational species, banning any form of commercial exploitation and bringing in tighter restrictions for non-commercial fishermen, including a daily bag limit and an increase in the size of fish that can be retained.

Such a strategy has been employed by the Republic of Ireland since 1990, with substantial benefits for its economy.

‘Sea bass are recognised internationally as susceptible to over-exploitation, so much so that the EU has recently introduced a raft of management measures intended to reverse their decline in numbers,’ said Richard Ronan MHK, Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture.

‘In the Isle of Man, as elsewhere, anglers mainly fish for sea bass for sport rather than food,’ said the Minister.

‘Sea angling already plays an important part in the economy, both through locals spending money on their hobby and visitors attracted here by the excellent fishing opportunities.

‘Increasing protection for sea bass would not only aid their conservation but would raise the profile of the Island as a venue for recreational fishing, through increasing the size and abundance of fish available.’

The consultation can be viewed {www.gov.im/consultations.gov|here}.

Copies can be requested from Dr Karen Galtress, Inland Fisheries Manager at DEFA, via karen.galtress@gov.im or 651544

The deadline to submit views is November 23.

Manx X Factor contestant Simon Lynch has wowed the judges and made it through to the ‘judges’ houses’ round of the ITV talent show.

The 23-year-old from Greeba impressed the judges with his rendition of Jess Glynne’s number one hit ‘Hold My Hand’ in the six-chair challenge and is now one of just six boys through to the next round of the competition.

The cut-throat six chair challenge saw the last 16 hopefuls in the boys’ category perform for mentor Nick Grimshaw at Wembley Arena in the hope of winning a seat. A contestant can be given a chair but it can also be taken away by the judge if another contestant sings better.

Talking about his song choice on the show, Simon said: ‘The song is a massive massive risk. If you’re not taking a risk at this point you shouldn’t be here.’

After his show-stopping performance judge Simon Cowell said: ‘This is the first time in the boys’ category where I have actually gone “Here is somebody who can really sing well” – if you don’t get a seat I will eat myself.’

Mentor and Radio One DJ Grimshaw said Simon’s audition was ‘great’, adding: ‘You sang it beautifully and you made it your own. That’s when you go from just being a regular singer into a star.’

The marketing assistant will now compete against contestants Ben Clark, Che Chesterman, Josh Daniel, Seann Miley Moore and Tom Bleasby in the ‘judges’ houses’ round of the competition.

The latest vessel operated by the Sailing for the Disabled charity was officially named at a ceremony in Douglas.

The Pride of Mann III was officially named by Sir Miles and Lady Mary Walker who performed a deft double act with her making a short speech while he cracked open the champagne.

Charity members and guests then took tea in the Douglas Bay Yacht Club.

The new yacht, which has been with the charity for a year now is the third since the organisation started up in the island. For the occasion, the boat was decorated with bunting and a commemorative plaque in the saloon marks the occasion. A special cake modelled in the shape of the boat itself marked the event and the vessel was open to visitors to look around.

The charity’s new chairman Arne Dahn said: ‘We are very much reliant on the support of individuals, companies, donors and those who drop money into our collection boxes. Without them, we would not be abe to make the significant differenc that we do to their lives.

‘We are also very conscious of the amazing amount of time and energy that our volunteers donate to achieving our aims and are incredibly grateful for their contributions.’

The new boat has allowed the charity to accommodate a number of people in wheel chairs who could not have used the old vessel and it is also able to take larger school groups.

Cains Advocates, the legal arm of professional services group Cains, has announced today the recruitment of Scott Leonard-Morgan as a divisional director with the firm’s commercial department.

Scott has 20 years of experience, including extensive experience advising on mergers and acquisitions and IPOs, particularly in the start up and technology field.

He was previously a partner in a large American law firm, as well as working for many years in the City of London.

Scott said: ‘I am delighted to be joining Cains at an exciting time for the business and indeed the Isle of Man.

‘The Isle of Man is very well placed with regard to the international transparency and tax policy changes effecting cross border business and Cains has the breadth and depth of resource to take advantage of this positioning.’

Richard Vanderplank, head of the commercial department, said: ‘The extensive experience that Scott has gained in both international private practice and in-house roles will enhance the existing strength of Cains’ commercial department.

‘With activity levels within our mergers and acquisitions group having been very high for some time, I am delighted to welcome Scott to the team. I am confident that he will make a valuable contribution to Cains and to the Isle of Man professional services sector generally.’ Scott moved to the Isle of Man 18 months ago as general counsel for an international mining services firm.

He said: ‘I think the experience I have gained as an in-house lawyer enables me to better understand the rhythms and needs of a business and thereby assist in giving clients focused and practical commercial advice.’

Scott is married and his hobbies include skiing, travel and cycling.

The merged Manx Utilities Authority has turned a combined trading deficit of £4.8m into a surplus of £2.1m.

And the board’s latest annual report shows its huge net debts, dating back to the MEA loans scandal, has fallen by £11m – from £508m to £497m.

MUA chairman Alfred Cannan MHK said the results show the merged authority is progressing towards a ‘sound financial footing’.

The MUA was formed in April last year following the merger of the Manx Electricity Authority and the Water and Sewerage Authority, creating a business with a £100m turnover and a workforce of more than 360.

An overall surplus of £2.1m for the year 2014-15 compares with a combined deficit for the WSA and MEA of £4.8m for 2013-14.

Mr Cannan said: ‘It’s to the credit of our staff that we are ahead of the long term financial plan approved by Tynwald. The board remains acutely aware the cost of living challenges facing our customers remain. We must do all we can to deliver our services as cost effectively as possible.’

The operating surplus before interest charges was £18.5m, up from £11.8m the previous year. Some £3m of the inprovement in the finances was due to favourable global energy and foreign exchange markets.

There was also a £1.4m increase in income and a £2.2m reduction in operating costs.

The increase in income was mainly the result of inflationary increases in both water rates and electricity unit charges, together with the introduction of the sewerage charge. And it was despite a reduction in electricity volume sales of 1.3 per cent, mainly due to last year’s milder winter.

The bond repayment fund – which is in place to repay the Manx Utilities bonds totalling £260m and specifically the £75m bond in 2030 - has increased to £33m from £30m in the previous year, thanks to returns on investments and a cash transfer of £1.8m into the fund.

Net debt - borrowing less bank balances and investmests reduced by £11m, from £508m to £497m.

Mr Cannan sauid the high levels of historical debt had to be serviced and the inflationary increases were applied to water rates and tariffs as part of the plan to repay all debt as it falls due.

During the year, the board replaced the unpopular sewerage charge with a more equitable sewerage rate as from April 1. Mr Cannan said the charge, which part of the merger plan, remained ‘contentious and difficult’.

There were one-off merger costs of about £0.3m but these were kept to a minimum by a phased rebranding programme and by all staff working together to find ways to combine the operations in the most cost effective way.

Net liabilities were £7.6m, down from £9.7m the previous year.

Capital expenditure was within budget and totalled £12.5m including further expenditure on the Regional Sewerage Treatment Scheme and the overhaul of one of the combined cycle gas turbines at Pulrose power station.

The MUA will have to start paying interest charges to government on borrowings from this year which will have an impact on its profit and loss account.

The report notes: ‘Manx Utilities has significant borrowings with varying interest rates and repayment terms, and is at risk of being unable to make payments as and when these fall due.’

It says this risk has been addressed through financial support and grants from government and income from the water rate and sewerage charge, energy sales and a reduction in operating costs. It says its 20-year financial plan aims to ensure sufficient working capital is provided and long-term debt is managed and remains sustainable.

Douglas Council will be seeking approval from members to phase in a new central street lighting management system.

Currently switching the lights on and off is done either with a time clock or photo-electric cell which detects darkness falling.

The new system will control the borough’s 4,300 street lights.

The Isle of Man Lions Club with the assistance of St John Ambulance Cadets held a bucket collection at Tesco in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support where £912 was raised.

The attached picture shows, from left to right: Lion Dennis Kneale, Carl Fisher of Macmillan, Lion president Eric Callister, Macmillan nurse Lisa Wild (fund raising manager of Macmillan) and Lion Peter Dunn outside the Macmillan Cancer Information Centre at Noble’s Hospital.

Island software giant Microgaming has created another instant millionaire, but this time it’s larger than before.

The Circular Road, Douglas company is gaining a reputation for its massive pay-outs, and life-changing wins.

Now Microgaming’s Mega Moolah game has reported a mega jackpot winner worth more than £13 million.

Last Wednesday, just after midnight, Betway player Jonathon Heywood, hit the mega jackpot, winning £13,213,838.68.

Using the exchange rate on the day of the win, this is the equivalent of €17,879,645.12, making it the largest ever online slot win. As with all Microgaming’s progressive jackpot wins, the astonishing amount will be paid out to the player in a lump sum.

Jonathon, a 26-year-old soldier from Cheshire, couldn’t believe his luck when the life-changing figure splashed up on his screen.

But he still managed to make it in to work just hours later!

The lucky winner, Jonathon Heywood, said: ‘It’s all so surreal, and I can’t come to terms with it just yet.

‘I just kept staring at my screen and seeing this huge number in my Betway account’.

Betway’s spokesman, Alan Alger, said: ‘We are delighted for Jonathon and having met him the day after his win we can honestly say that it couldn’t happen to a nicer young man.

‘We hope he really enjoys the World Record win.’

Isle of Man based Roger Raatgever, chief executive officer of Microgaming, said: ‘We have the longest-standing progressive jackpot network, having launched the first internet progressive jackpot in 1998, as well as the biggest, having paid out over half a billion euros to date.

‘Our progressive jackpot network has set many records since its inception, but I’m absolutely overjoyed to say that our software has generated the world’s largest ever online jackpot win.

‘Congratulations to Jonathon on this life-changing and historic win’

l Using the exchange rate as at 7th October 2015, the GBP 13,213,838.68 win converts to EUR 17,879,645.12 (source: Oanda).