SCORES of students protested outside Tynwald against the proposed introduction of tuition fees.

The island’s polticians had been due to vote on the proposal at this month’s sitting {http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/education/vote-on-tuition-fees-delayed-1-5204761|but that has been put back a month.}

The Council of Ministers is understood to have been worried it would lose the vote.

The {http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/manx-students-might-have-to-pay-tuition-fees-1-5163909|proposal} would mean that most undergraduates would have to pay a minimum of £2,500 a year towards their higher education.

English students have to pay a maximum of £9,000.

More on this story in tomorrow’s Manx Independent.

{http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/education/keep-your-promises-students-tell-mhks-1-5214647|Castle Rushen students tell us why they believe they shouldn’t pay tuition fees}

{http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/education/faqs-about-the-tuition-fees-proposal-1-5193831|FAQs about the proposal}

GOVERNOR’S Hill Spar could well see a rush of business after two of its customers left the premises considerably wealthier than when they went in.

It seems owner Ernie Russell is the man with the Midas touch when it comes to selling lottery tickets after a customer scooped £50,000 on a scratch card last April.

But this proved simply to be a warm up for the spectcular tour de force which saw a Pulrose plasterer net £1m, shared with a friend, on a ticket bought at the shop last month.

‘The only problem is people think I get a share of it,’ said Mr Russell.

‘But sadly that’s not true! I think people think I’ve got about £100,000 spirited away as a result. I do the lottery with my sister and brother-in-law and now my staff have started too so I have to go in with them – otherwise they might all win and walk out leaving me alone here. I’m not sure if this has brought more people in, but you do notice more if it’s a roll-over week.’

I had been paying a social call at the house of friends. I left the car at the kerbside.

When I left the house I climbed into the front passenger seat.I sat there, puzzled by the amazing circumstance that somebody had managed to turn my car around through 180 degrees after I had left it.

Why would anybody want to do such a thing? And how? In time it came to me that nobody had done anything of the sort. It had been my own idea to jump into the passenger seat instead of the driver’s seat.

There was only one answer to this. Senile disintegration was tightening its remorseless grip. It was worse than the day when I wrote a cheque and dated it a week in advance because I hadn’t properly grasped what day it was.

Fortunately last week I read a story in the Daily Telegraph saying that British scientists are preparing to test a new pill which will stop early stage Alzheimer’s Disease in its tracks. They told the Daily Telegraph that this wonder drug is called MK-8931. Now this is all very well. But, when I go to my pharmacist with early stage Alzheimer’s, how am I supposed to remember a name the likes of that?

All right, I could write it down on a bit of paper. But I’d have to remember to do that as well.

The story was in a page of the Telegraph with two others in which the boys in white coats were announcing other research results relating to health care. One of them told me that scientists from Japan and China – they’re at it all over the world – have found that eating tomatoes helps to ward off depression.

This rang a bell with me. Some years ago – very likely in the Telegraph – I learned that tomatoes can prevent prostate cancer. I was already eating lots of tomatoes. But when it came to preventing prostate cancer I wasn’t sure exactly what I had to do with them.

The third story related to drink. Nearly every day we read different versions of what amount of drinking is good and/or bad for you.

This time I learned that a medical conference in Denmark – I told you – had decided that drinking red wine can prevent cancer, heart disease and diabetes. The headline said: ‘Two glasses of red wine a day could save your life.’

I don’t drink red wine during the day. But I do in the evening. Does the story mean that I can save my two day-time glasses and add them to those I hose down at night?

This would make sure the medicine was working.But I follow this kind of medical story devotedly and I will continue to do so until some clever fellow in Azerbaijan or the like announces that he has found a way of curing people afflicted by the belief that they can drive their cars sitting in the passenger seat.

PHIL – that’s all – directs attention to a story in the Examiner saying: ‘A memorial to the 35 passengers and crew who lost their lives when the SS Ellan Vannin sank more than a century ago will be held by the ManxAid charity at the quayside in Ramsey . . .

Let’s hope they didn’t drop it.

I DIDN’T get to see the Rolling Stones on stage in London. I have to make do with the other Antiques Road Show on BBC television.

THIS week’s Manx crossword clue is: It shows who one is on an island in a manner of speaking (5) – IDIOM (The Times)

ISLAND-based investors fear they will never see their money again after a fund promoted as ‘low risk’ was suspended, unable to pay its multi-million pound debts.

Regulator the Financial Supervision Commission is being urged to wind up the Louis Group Structured Fund in the interests of investors and the Manx public.

Liquidators from PricewaterhouseCoopers say investors were left in the dark about the financial affairs of the company and its various linked entities.

Louis Group investors gathered in the high court last week to hear that the date for the winding up hearing has been set for January 21.

Among them was Richard Griffiths, aged 62, of Douglas, who invested a significant proportion of his life savings in the Louis Group in July 2009.

He was introduced to the Louis Group by a friend who had a successful earlier investment.

‘It appeared very low risk. My investment was for a one year term at a rate of 5.3 per cent, to be paid on maturity. At the time banks were going bust and paying very little interest.’

He said the product was sold with the promise that it would be secured by property owned by the Louis Group in the island and in Europe, with its operation in South Africa being the ultimate lender of last resort.

First indication that all was not well came a year later when Mr Griffiths received a letter from the Louis Group informing him that as the property market had not performed as well as expected it would not be able to pay out on the due date.

Interest would continue to accrue at 5 per cent and the pay out would be made the following year instead.

Then earlier this year came another letter saying that the fund would not be able to pay any interest on the capital in the future.

‘I still thought I was going to get my money back,’ he said.

But then he read our article in the Examiner about the liquidator’s report findings.

‘I was horrified,’ he said. ‘I’ve come to the conclusion that I’m unlikely to see my money again – it doesn’t look hopeful.

‘I would like to know where my money has gone. I would like to see someone brought to book for this.’

Retired Manx Airlines pilot Peter Green, 74, who lived in the island for 25 years before moving to Cheshire, invested £100,000 - his whole life savings - in Louis Group.

He, too, fears he will never get his money back.

‘I understood it was a company with Christian ethics that conducted its business with that very much to the fore.’

Another island-based investor who attended last week’s court hearing was a 61-year-old who had invested her inheritance in a Louis Group Secured Loan Note in April 2009.

Her mother, who is now 90, also invested in LG SLN and Louis Group Structured Fund.

They have written to the Financial Services Ombudsman asking them to investigate their allegations they had been mis-sold products as ‘low risk’.

And they say it is difficult to understand how Louis Group employees could be unaware of concerns about the viability of both companies at the time of the sale.

The daughter, who did not wish to be named or give details about the size of her investment, told the Examiner: ‘We were assured it was a low-risk product. It was promoted as an ethical company run on Christian values. We would never ever get into anything that appeared risky.’

Liquidators believe there could be more than 100 investors in LG SLN which is likely to be insolvent and unable to pay its debts.

In their report, made public following a court ruling, they say the Isle of Man-incorporated Louis Group Structured Fund plc, based at Louis Buildings on Bucks Road, Douglas, ‘probably suffered an almost total loss of investor capital’ due to its exposure to LG SP Investments Ltd, an allied company registered in the British Virgin Islands, which they say appears to have been engaged in unlicensed deposit-taking.

The FSC first had concerns in the autumn of 2010 following information received from the company’s board.

Liquidators were appointed by the High Court in May this year to investigate the affairs of the structure of linked companies and to trace the whereabouts of sums totalling more than £5 million.

The company rejects the liquidators’ findings, with director Alan Louis saying they weren’t given the opportunity to comment in advance and that they will oppose the winding up hearing.

Meanwhile, Mr Griffiths believes a support group for Louis Group investors should be formed. You can contact him via our newsdesk on 695693.

THE decision to hold a Continental Christmas market in Douglas was defended in Tynwald.

Onchan MHK Peter Karran (Lib Van) asked a series of questions about the revenue generated by the market, whether it contravened bye-laws and whether work permits had been issued to the stall holders.

Economic Development Minister John Shimmin replied that while there was not detailed information on the direct benefit to the Exchequer, the venture had resulted in an estimated 320 bed nights for those traders visiting the island and associated expenditure totalling about £25,000.

A further £7,400 was paid direct to the Office of Fair Trading for the non-resident trader licences issued. Additionally, goods and services were purchased from local businesses including food, event security, insurance and fuel for generators.

Mr Shimmin said no work permits were issued as an administrative exemption was granted which he said was properly dealt before the fair arrived, with the names and addresses of all traders provided to his department and spot checks carried out.

He told the court: ‘While my department was not responsible for attracting this event, I am supportive of it as a means of trying to stimulate interest and bring additional business into the town centre, which hopefully has brought benefits to both retailers and the public.

‘Initial feedback showed the event has been a great success, with good feedback from both the public and retailers.’

Brenda Cannell (Douglas East) described the market as ‘splendid initiative and a wonderful event’.

Her only gripe was that Villiers Square might have been a better location rather than along the town’s main shopping thoroughfare.

The Minister replied: ‘It’s nice to see some Christmas cheer!’

He said the Town Square/Villiers Square site had not been made available by its owners.

There was less festive cheer from Richard Ronan (Castletown) who asked how much money had stayed on the island. He suggested that before ‘inviting foreign markets’ over we should be promoting Manx produce with a ‘street fair of our own’.

Mr Shimmin replied: ‘Would I prefer everybody to buy local? Of course I would.’

He said there had been more spaces available for local traders in the market but there were not all taken up.

‘I’m not really sure why there is so much opposition,’ he added.

He said the decision on whether or not to allow the fair to go ahead was a matter for Douglas Council. All traders were issued with a street trading licence under the terms of the Pedlars and Street Traders Act 1906. Mr Shimmin said VAT will be payable by any island-registered trader taking part in the Christmas market, he added.

THE Office of Fair Trading (OFT) is considering whether to launch a new inquiry into fuel prices.

OFT chairman David Quirk MHK made the announcement in Tynwald after revealing that the average price gap between the island and UK over the last eight weeks had risen to 8.13p per litre for petrol and 6.54p per litre for diesel.

This is far in excess of the differential of 5p per litre that was identified as a trigger for concern in the OFT’s last investigation into liquid fuel prices, which was published in April 2010.

But Mr Quirk said it the OFT had concluded it would be ‘premature’ to launch another Manx investigation until it sees the results of a major review launched by its counterpart in the UK.

Vote on this issue using the web poll panel at the right of this story.

Speaker Steve Rodan told Tynwald it was ‘totally unacceptable’ for price differential to go up to 8.13p per litre and suggested this was actually an under-estimate.

He said figures for average fuel prices in the UK showed the lowest to be in Preston at 129p per litre to the highest in Northern Ireland at 138p per litre, with most garages selling around the 132-133p a litre mark.

‘This shows a stark contrast with the Isle of Man having the highest petrol prices in the British Isles,’ he told the court.

Eddie Lowey MLC suggested the price gap was nearer 10p per litre. ‘The amount of money we are talking about is huge. The laissez faire attitude of the OFT is not acceptable,’ he said.

The OFT’s last fuel price report found no evidence of profiteering by local fuel suppliers.

It has been monitoring prices since the report was published and has found that on more than 75 per cent of occasions, the gap between average Manx and UK prices for the independent retail sectors had exceeded the 5p per litre mark.

The average gap over that period was 5.98p per litre for petrol and 6.16p pet litre for diesel, said Mr Quirk.

He said the OFT had also noted a ‘worrying trend for prices to rise with the crude oil market price but fall more slowly. This trend was identified and appears to be continuing,’ he said.

Mr Quirk said the OFT was particularly concerned about the failure of the suppliers to react to falling crude oil prices in November this year.

He said his officers had written to both fuel importers to seek an explanation. In both cases, the importers said they had needed to restock when the price was at its near peak and that prices would fall with new deliveries that were imminent.

Shortly afterwards, prices did indeed fall – by 2p per litre for petrol and 1p a litre for diesel.

Mr Quirk said there were two significant influences on the increase in the price gap over the last two years – fuel transportation costs have risen and prices and margins at UK retailers are suspected to be artificially depressed by a supermarket price war.

It’s impossible to say at this stage whether these factors justified the price gap, he said.

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LAXEY Pavillion, in the village’s Glen Gardens, became an unlikely rock venue courtesy of the Isle of Man Rock Choir.

Members of the choir raised the rafters with a medley of popular numbers from the worlds of showbiz, popular music and the charts.

All proceeds from the concert were donated to support the Laxey and Lonan Live at Home Scheme.

Conductor Christine Barton said they started out with their first major concert at Laxey pavilion a year ago.

‘It was our first main concert after forming and we raised money for Hospice,’ she said.

‘This year we’ve performed seven concerts including one at Bushy’s on Mad Sunday night. In addition to that we did the Hospice Christmas fair and the Villa Marina as well as the Tower House and Ramsey Trinity Church. Then at Easter we were back at the Laxey pavillion.’

Mrs Barton said they sang for around one and a half hours performing such numbers as Bonnie Tyler’s Total Eclipse of the Heart as well as hits by artists as diverse as the Kings of Leon and Cher. Soloist was Carey Chung.

‘We also did Rock Around the Clock, Bohemian Rhapsody and Status Quo’s Rocking all Over the World as well as some community singing of Christmas carols with the audience.

‘We did warm up exercises with the audience and in the second half we also sang a round with them.

‘There are some good singers in Laxey!’ she said.

Mrs Barton said thanks were due to her husband Stan who acted as their roadie and sound technician, and also to Mike Swain, their accompanist for some of the numbers.

AGRICULTURE Minister Phil Gawne has ruled out testing the area around BSE pits to check whether they still pose a health risk.

The call came in Tynwald from Peter Karran (Lib Van, Onchan) who suggested tests be carried out on a 400-metre radius around domestic properties built over sites where BSE-infected cattle had been buried.

Mr Gawne said his department had commissioned an independent report in 1999 after identifying a potential issue with buried carcases.

The report concluded that the best practice was for the burial to remain in place with the housing development designed so the area is covered by permanent drained hardstanding.

It advised against excavation of the carcasses as this could potentially risk exposure for humans.

Mr Gawne told Tynwald: ‘I think if we did what member is suggesting, then there would be a health risk. However, if we leave the animals where they had been buried several decades ago, then there is no health risk.

‘Indeed, the advice that I have been given is that if you start digging these sites up, that is when you are going to start introducing the potential of risk because the contaminant is associated with or attaches to the soil.

‘There is a very realistic chance you would have to eat all the soil associated with the carcasses, and even then your risk of actually contracting anything is fairly slim.

‘So I think far better leaving the stuff under the ground and not disturbing it. That is certainly the very strong scientific advice that has been given to me and I am more than happy to follow that advice.’

Mr Gawne said there was absolutely no evidence at all that there is any risk to humans from animals that have been buried for years.

David Callister MLC asked the location of sites designated for future outbreaks. Mr Gawne replied the preferred site was Jurby airfield.

THE support of Lucy O’Toole, Anne Murray and managing director Sally Burman has been proven to help businesses to offer professional and independent support to those affected by redundancy.

It’s a common term in today’s difficult economic climate.

Lucy, of Douglas firm Search and Select, said: ‘Being made redundant is something we all hope will never happen.

‘Likewise, businesses making downsizing decisions, do so regrettably and look for assistance with supporting those they have to outplace/make redundant.

Search and Select have helped a number of local businesses this way over the years; offering one to one coaching and counselling for those experiencing redundancy.

Lucy added: ‘It is undoubtedly a difficult time installing a cocktail of unpleasant feelings; failure, fear, rejection, loss, humiliation and even injustice.

‘It is a time for change - what was a big part of your life, has been taken away.

‘It can be worrying if you’re not sure what to do next or have financial concerns.’

Businesses engaging the services of a professionally and expertly managed Outplacement programme, such as Search and Select’s, can take comfort in ‘doing the right thing’. Those troubled with redundancy need extra support, advice, market information and time to refresh employment tools such as perfecting a CV and interview techniques.

She added that the message going out to people facing redundancy is: ‘Remember It’s the job, not the employee that’s made redundant. Many people who lose a job go on to find bigger and better things.’

A positive outlook is essential. Those prepped to feel confident, with an understanding of the market place will handle the process positively and go about their job search or retraining, as the case might be, in the right way.

Victoria Logan, of Saddlestone, Douglas, spoke about her initial feelings when redundancy recently struck her banking role:

‘When first faced with redundancy it was quite shocking as it came about without any indication.

‘Once I realised that it wasn’t my fault and that there was nothing I could do about it, I was able to gain acceptance.

‘I started looking at the situation as an ‘‘open door’’ to bring about new experiences and opportunities.’

Victoria, fortunate enough to have been offered outplacement support by her employer, added: ‘Lucy at Search and Select has been a wonderful support during this time.

‘From assisting with CV writing, interview preparation, career evaluation and guidance, she really listened and took on board my concerns and needs with re-entering the job market.’

The benefits of programmes offering one to one support, tailored to an individual’s personal circumstances, emotional response to redundancy, skills and aspirations are endless.

Victoria, a busy mum, gives thanks to her previous employer for engaging the services of Search and Select,

‘Losing one’s job is one of the most stressful experiences a person can face, it was very favourable to have this service offered,’ she explained.

‘I found it a real benefit to have a support network within Search and Select, who took the time to get to know me and were there to speak to whenever I required some assistance or encouragement.’

Since experiencing redundancy in early October, and with the help of Search and Select, based in Upper Church Street, Douglas, Victoria is currently enjoying temporary admin work, working with the mentally unwell ; an area of social care Victoria has longed to experience; to accompany her recently completed studies in psychology and coaching.

The job market isn’t at its best, but Victoria, like many, strives for success and with temporary work such as this available; the future looks promising; even making a career change possible.

lucy@searchandselect.com

LOCAL singer Katherine Crowe is appealing to the public to make her record the No1 single this Christmas.

Kathy, who has cancer, wants to raise money for cancer research.

The Manx Independent has more on the story.

The big news in the island over the last few days has been the island’s decision to give more tax information to the UK.

We ask a number of experts what they think about the situation and whether the Channel Islands might now steal a march on the Isle of Man.

Inside, we reveal there’s been a big outbreak of mumps. It might be mistletoe season but maybe we should be wary of kissing strangers.

Karting arrives in Douglas on Sunday. We have a big picture of the track near the Grandstand on page three of the paper.

We also report on the Tynwald debate that could lead to another investigation into the amount of money we pay for petrol and diesel in the island.

Our features section includes a preview of the panto plus the Isle of Man’s what’s on guide.

The Manx Independent, which includes its usual great sports coverage, is in the shops now.

THIS week, the RNLI has been rolling out helmet cameras to its lifeboat stations on the Isle of Man and Ramsey’s new piece of kit came at exactly the right moment.

Hours after the volunteer crew had had training in using the new equipment, they were called to action to assist a broken down fishing vessel. The incident, eight miles east of the lifeboat station was captured on film.

After delivering Ramsey’s camera and training package on Tuesday, the station’s crew was called out in its all-weather lifeboat at 6.24am on Wednesday, following a request by Liverpool Coastguard.

The volunteer crew were called out to assist a lone sailor on board a 10m fishing vessel. The vessel, which was heading for Whitehaven, had broken down and had suffered total power loss.

Ramsey RNLI lifeboat took the vessel in tow and passed it over to Workington RNLI lifeboat at around 8.20am.

Ali Clague, RNLI mechanic at Ramsey, said: ‘Just hours after we’d taken delivery of the camera and had a really useful training session in how to edit footage, we got to use it for real.

‘It was really good experience for us to have a go at editing a real piece of footage, as we’d been given plenty of exercises to practice with but this morning we had the real thing. The camera has already been very well received at Ramsey, it will give viewers a rare insight into the day to day work of RNLI volunteers.’

Once edited, the footage will be used in rescue films and will be available to view online, with the aim of supporting the RNLI in fundraising efforts and raising the charity’s profile and enhance its reputation.

To view RNLI videos go to: {http://www.rnli.org.uk/newscentre|www.rnli.org.uk/newscentre}.

Karting at the TT Grandstand in Douglas will open to the public for the first time on Sunday, December 16, after proposals for the new leisure facility were given the go-ahead by Government planners.

Duke Track Days, which has operated karting at Jurby for the past 10 years, applied for permission to create a temporary track behind the Grandstand for the winter.

Earlier this week, the planning committee agreed the project could go ahead.

Duke staff have been busy creating the karting track, which involves water-filled barriers, a portable cabin reception area, low level flood lighting and security fencing similar to that seen around the area during the TT.

A few test sessions are planned ahead of the public launch, which takes place on Sunday. Grandstand Karting is open to all, with an ‘arrive and drive’ offer which means you can just turn up and have a go for as little as £10 for a 10-minute session.

There are junior karts available, so budding racing drivers as young as eight years old can have a go (minimum height restriction 1.25 metres).

The track can also be reserved for group bookings, and already companies have been in touch about booking Christmas staff outings with a difference.

Duke managing director Peter Duke said he was delighted with the outcome of the planning application.

‘When this idea was first suggested, our primary concern was to ensure we would be good neighbours, which is why we carried out a series of noise tests at the Grandstand and at our existing kart circuit in Jurby,’ he said.

‘We were confident this facility would not inconvenience nearby homes, and were very pleased the government’s environmental protection unit conducted independent investigations before concluding “this facility is unlikely to cause any noise nuisance to local residential premises”.

Mr Duke added: ‘We have already received a number of inquiries about “arrive and drive” and group bookings, both from companies and party organisers.

‘In bringing this new leisure activity to Douglas we are in a small way extending the tradition of motorsport at the TT Grandstand. It will be pleasing to see the area busier in the winter and I hope the park restaurant and café benefit from the extra visitors.”

‘I wish the idea of making use of the Grandstand during the winter months had been explored earlier. There has been significant investment in the surface, access and facilities like the toilet block, but for most of the year it lies unused.’

Grandstand Karting will replace the Jurby facility until Easter 2013, when the operation will move north again for the summer, with plans to return to the Grandstand for the 2013/14 winter season.

‘We have some extremely exciting plans for Grandstand Karting, including special promotions, work with youth and charity groups and a karting league,’ Mr Duke said.

The track will be known as Manx Telecom Grandstand Karting and will operate throughout the winter months and into early spring.

The phone company will give its mobile customers loyalty discounts.

74: White stuff

Well into December now. In past years this has been a time of anxiety; daily scanning long-range forecasts in the hope of dipping temperatures. Last season it went down to the wire with the first flurries just beating the first guests to the door, but no such worries this year – we’re buried! Last week the boss jetted back to Ellan Vannin to catch up with friends and family and drum up some trade with an open-day in Regency Travel. This left yours truly in sole command with freedom & leisure to indulge in private passions but no such luck – the skies opened and we were treated to four days unrelenting snowfall. Now this is good news, and was rapidly communicated to an eager public. There’s nothing like early dumps to encourage the punters, so facebook, twitter, linked-in and every other social media outlet to hand were pressed into service to spread the glad tidings. There has been a noticeable trend over our five seasons in operation for the wily snow-tourist to delay booking accommodation until the last possible minute – good for him, maybe, but spare a thought for the blood-pressure of a hard-working chalet host. Anyway suffice to say enquiries have now picked up very nicely, thank you, and gaps on the wall planner are shrinking at a pleasing rate.

So the downside of the snow? Clearing the stuff. The Departmental highways team (yellow wagons) do a sterling job ploughing the main roads. Our munificent commune hire a digger man to clear the byways, but your own driveway is down to you. So the morning after an overnight fall sees everyone out digging with whatever tools they have to hand. These range from the trusty long handled shovel via green plastic mini ploughs to the acme of snow-kit – the petrol snow-blower. You know that comforting suburban summer-Sunday-afternoon drone of lawn-mowers – well here’s it’s the same, but each machine is biting into the white mantle and sending it arcing into the sky. Operation calls for some thought; you clear from one side so as not to spray where you’ve already cleared, but it’s all great fun.

So the open road now beckons, but driving brings its own problems, and it’s surprising how techniques need to be re-learnt each year. Both vehicles, minibus & 4x4 have a set of spare wheels fitted with snow-tyres. This year we managed to get them mounted just before the big snowfall; much tooth-sucking in the garage, debating which needed replacing – hurrah, just 2 on each. Minibus operation is reinforced with spike-spider snow chains, but they saw little use last year – the trouble is they require a good snow depth to be of any use, and as soon as you hit a cleared section of road have to be dismounted to avoid tyre damage. Clear roads in any case are not good for snow tyres, high-speed driving on the motorway dramatically shortens tyre life, although they can be re-used in the summer once they’ve lost their winter grip. In any case to try to counter an increasing air pollution problem the local authority has imposed a 20kph speed reduction in the Cluses Basin for the whole winter. The idea of smog doesn’t sit well with the image of crystal-clear alpine air, but although we’re above the problem it’s a very real issue for the valley-dwellers and often gives a sepia tint to our views down towards Bonneville.

Snow assails the senses in so many ways; sounds are deadened, cars creep past noiselessly. Morning walks are punctuated by sharp detonations as the pisteurs set off dynamite charges to clear dangerous accumulations and reduce avalanche risk. Nostrils freeze and deprived of scents the sense of smell is heightened; a sudden whiff of woodsmoke is strongly evocative, the spices in a glass of vin chaud are sharp and pungent. Today a bitter wind has sprung up flinging ice crystals into unprotected faces. I stamp up the drive to help unload the wine-delivery; bang on schedule, first guests arrive Saturday....

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THE island’s bus drivers have voted overwhelmingly to take strike action in the run up to Christmas.

Unite union members voted 90 per cent to take strike action over increased driving time and the reduction of contractual hours from 42 to 37.

The strike action by Unite members will consist of a three-day stoppage on Thursday, December 20, Friday, December 21 and Saturday, December 22.

Unite national officer for passenger transport, Bobby Morton said: ‘This is a serious step for our members to take – strike action is a last resort.

‘Unite members are prepared to match any cuts in terms and conditions that civil servants at the government’s Department of Community Culture and Leisure would make to cut the deficit - yet they have not been asked to contribute - this is totally unfair.

‘DCCL needs to stop burying its head in the sand and get back around the table to avoid causing massive disruption to shoppers and local businesses on the island in the run up to Christmas.

‘Unless DCCL see sense and take part in meaningful negotiations, this action will go ahead next week.’

The bus drivers have been involved in a long-running dispute over Manx government’s attempts to change terms and conditions, including the loss of paid lunch breaks . The union says the changes will result in drivers’ wages being cut by up to £3,000-a-year.

Bus Vannin issued contractual notice of up to a maximum 90-days notice of termination of employment and a minimum of two weeks for employees of one or two years service - which ran out on October 25- to sign the new contract or have their jobs terminated.

Unite says the basic salary of the drivers is about £24,300, but can be boosted by overtime. DCCL Minister Graham Cregeen has said the basic salary is £28,000 and drivers are paid an average of £30,000 to £45,000, including overtime.

{http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/isle-of-man-s-bus-drivers-to-hold-a-strike-ballot-1-5053151|One of our previous stories about the issue}

The Department of Education and Children said schools would remain open until the last day of term – Friday, December 21.

It has been making contingency plans, including the building of a temporary train station for Castle Rushen High School in Castletown.

The strike is bound to cause the police some concern on Friday night, called ‘Black-eye Friday’ by some. The last Friday before Christmas is one of the busiest of the year as people finish work and go out with friends and colleagues from work.

If there are no buses, the taxis are likely to be overwhelmed.

Shoppers, who’d planned to travel by bus for the last Saturday before Christmas will also have their plans disrupted.

Fire crews from Douglas and Peel stations dealt with a serious road accident in Marown this afternoon.

It took place near St Patrick’s Chair, Garth.

A car overturned and had come to rest on its roof in a river.

The single male occupant got out and scrambled to safety. He suffered minor injuries.

He then telephoned the emergency services and told them he had freed himself.

Douglas fire crews made safe the vehicle by the isolation of electrical systems, thus preventing any fires within the vehicle.

The growth in interest and support for the Manx language has received another boost with the launch of a free app for Android phones, iPhones and iPads.

The lessons for the app have been produced by Adrian Cain, the Manx language development officer for the Manx Heritage Foundation.

The ‘Learn Manx’ app is based on the successful adult language course ran by the Manx Heritage Foundation.

‘Learn Manx’ consists of 10 units, each consisting of a variety of activities, while two additional revision lessons feature the TT Races as learning tools.

The app will eventually cover 30 units in total, providing an introduction to the language to those unfamiliar with it, as well as a great revision course for those who already know some Manx.

Mr Cain said: ‘The app is really a superb addition to the increasing number of resources available for those wanting to learn some Gaelg.

‘The app is a serious learning tool for the student of Manx and should be something that everyone can use and enjoy.’

The course has been made possible due to substantial financial support from telecommunications firm Sure.

Mr Cain thanked Andy Bridson from Sure for their financial support and added: ‘Their support illustrates a positive dynamic between both the language and local business and that given such support the language clearly has a vibrant and exciting future’

Mr Bridson said: ‘It was a pleasure and a privilege to be able to support the Manx Heritage Foundation in a merger between 21st Century technology and our Manx Gaelic language with origins dating back to the 4th Century.

‘I would also like to thank Adrian who has personally injected a massive amount of dedication and hard work to bring this to life. Whether we use the Manx Language App for fun or serious learning it keeps our language very much alive.’

The app is now free to download on iStore and Google Play.

THE island has been hit by an outbreak of mumps.

The viral disease has taken hold among a generation of people who weren’t vaccinated after the MMR autism scare in the 1990s.

Until the end of November, the island had seen 196 cases so far this year. More have been reported since the beginning of this month.

Usually, the figures would be measured in dozens.

Dr Paul Emerson, consultant in public health medicine , said: ‘It is down to a combination of things.

‘In the 1990s, uptake of the MMR vaccine [among children] fell because of the Wakefield fiasco which linked MMR to autism and which was proven to be unfounded.’

That generation, now adolescents and in their 20s, have been hit in the latest outbreak.

Those born before 1970, before vaccination, were more likely to have natural lifelong immunity.

The MMR vaccine drops off in effectiveness 10 to 15 years after it’s given. So anyone who had the jab when they were younger should see their GP again to get a booster.

‘Mumps is more serious in men,’ said Dr Emerson. ‘It can lead to sterility. It can lead to a nasty fever and pain in the groin area.’

Women are also more likely to miscarry if they get mumps in the first trimester of a pregnancy.

Dr Emerson stressed there was no evidence it could lead to foetal abnormalities.

The virus is not as infectious as measels or chicken pox. However, it is spread the same way as flu, though direct contact with saliva, coughing, sneezing and kissing.

So encounters under the mistletoe during the festive season might be best avoided.

Dr Emerson advised anyone with mumps to treat the symptoms.

Earlier this year, St George’s football team was hit by the virus as five players contracted the virus.

Anecdotal reports received at Isle of Man Newspapers suggest a number of school classes and workplaces have been affected.

Mumps is a serious infection which can cause the following symptoms:

•Painful inflammation and swelling of the salivary glands under one or both sides of the jaw

•Fever and headache

Complications can include:

•Inflammation of the pancreas

•Viral meningitis (inflammation of the brain)

•Inflamed and swollen testicles in men and ovaries in women

•Mumps can also cause deafness.

The MMR vaccine is the best way to prevent mumps. It should be routinely given when children are 12 months old, and a second dose should be given when they are three years and four months old.

The father of PC Fiona Bone spoke publicly for the first time yesterday at the opening of a memorial garden and ‘a wonderful lasting tribute’ to his daughter.

Mr Bone and his wife June live in Port St Mary.

Fiona had been a sixth-former at Castle Rushen High School.

Paul Bone spoke during a service to officially open the garden which is at the front of Hyde Police Station in Greater Manchester where PC Bone, aged 32, and PC Nicola Hughes, aged 23, worked.

A statement was also read out on behalf of the family of PC Hughes who died alongside PC Bone in a gun and grenade attack in nearby Hattersley on September 18.

Mr Bone thanked police for their support following the tragedy which he described as ‘the club that nobody wants to join’.

He added: ‘We as a family are tremendously grateful for the support we have had from the community.

‘Fiona and Nicola died doing their jobs, serving their local community and it’s fitting and proper that we dedicate to them a part of the place where they spent much of their time doing that work.

‘I hope this garden serves as a reminder to the people of Manchester of the work done and the sacrifices made by the police on their behalf.’

Mr Bone said the promise to ‘look after each other and protect each other’ would ensure the police officers had not died in vain.

PC Bone’s father spoke before the many colleagues and members of the public who had gathered to pay their respects.

Prayers were said, a minutes silence was observed and white doves were also released.

Greater Manchester’s Chief Constable Peter Fahy who opened the garden said: ‘I think it’s really fitting that the garden has been created outside the walls of the police station so ordinary members of the public can come here and use it as a place of remembrance and reflection.

‘We cannot imagine what Fiona and Nicola’s family are going through particularly at this time of year.

‘All we can do is stand with them and share in their grief and say through this memorial we will never forget.’

The first TT Triathlon will take place on June 30, 2013, and two local charities are looking for competitors to raise money for them.

The triathlon’s official charities are Hospice Isle of Man and The Children’s Centre.

The event will be organised by a local board that will work in partnership with one of the UK’s leading sports event administrators to deliver it.

As well as generating visitors to the island, Manx sporting organisations will also benefit from funds raised by the TT Triathlon.

The Isle of Man’s first ever long-course endurance triathlon will feature a 2.4-mile open water swim in Douglas bay followed by a 112-mile cycle around the island and will end with the small matte of a a full 26.2-mile marathon.

Part of the race route will include a section of the TT Mountain Course and the TT Grandstand.

Respected long distance triathlon race director and course designer Richard Wallace will lead the organising team that also features a number of representatives from the local sporting community including experienced Manx Triathlon organisers and competitors, Clive and June Collister.

Those interested in participating can now visit {http://www.TTTri.com.TTTri.com} to register their interest now.

Early entry will cost £275.

That might seem expensive but entry to a similar ‘Ironman’ event in Bolton costs between £375 and £425.

That event has 1,750 participants and has sold out.

Travel and accommodation packages will be available starting at £130 per person for those wishing to visit the island to take part.

Sponsorship forms for both charities are also available to download.

Charity representatives John Knight and Mary Doyle added their thanks to the organising committee for organising such a terrific event and for giving back to the community in such an innovative way.

A TEAM from Ballakermeen High School has shown it can make a good account of itself after scooping the regional heat of a national business competition.

Students from St Ninian’s High School came a close second in the contest at the Villa Marina, Douglas.

The Business Accounting and Skills Education (BASE) competition, now in its fifth year, offers participants an insight into a career as a chartered accountant.

Ballakermeen will now go on to compete in the national final, which takes place in Birmingham on Thursday June 27, 2013.

The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) is running the competition.

Aimed at 16-18 year olds BASE links schools, students and employers together in a bid to, increase awareness of the profession and to develop desirable skills in the future workforce.

Assuming the role of chartered accountants, the students had just two hours to analyse, discuss and decide on the next steps of fictional organisations, before presenting their ideas to a panel of businesses professionals.

Nick Quayle, student officer for the Isle of Man Society of Chartered Accountants (IOMSCA), said: ‘The calibre of entrants was extremely high this year.

‘The judges were especially impressed with the level of business acumen the students showed, which if applied to careers in accountancy, will bode incredibly well for the future of the profession.

‘The team from Ballakermeen High School were very worthy winners and I’m sure they will do the Isle of Man proud in the national final.’

Ballakermeen beat off competition from five other local teams.

The winners of the national BASE competition will each receive £500 in addition to being invited to a winners’ day and lunch at Chartered Accountants Hall in London where they will participate in a professional employability skills workshop.

The national runners-up will each receive £100 and a professional employability skills workshop for their school.

For further information about BASE visit www.icaew.com/base. www.facebook.com/icaewbase