The island’s fifth real ale festival, which kicks off in a week’s time on April 7, will feature more than 100 real ales, ciders and fruit wines.

This year’s event will have no fewer than four offerings from the newly-established Hooded Ram brewery, including the popular Mosaic.

Offerings will also come from all four corners of Britain, including the memorably named Alphabetti Forghetti, from Abbeydale Brewery in Sheffield.

The popular pale and golden ales are generally the first to sell out and so a good selection is included in this year’s menu, including Castle Rock pale ale and Thornbridge’s popular Jaipur, alongside a good array of bitters, stouts and milds. There will also be a wide selection of real ciders and fruit wines on offer and a tasty food offering.

Organisers say the bar has this year been relocated in the main Royal Hall in the Villa Marina which should avoid last year’s peak period congestion.

The Royal Hall is also the venue for various bands and live performers who will be playing every night, including the opening Thursday evening session, then the guest artistes will be Brown Sugar.

Friday will see performances from Donna Colligan and the Wanderers, followed by the Shedmen, 3 Million and Mae Challis. Saturday sees performances from James Gillespie, Nicki Naden, In the Blood, Pigs on the Wing and Little Bit o’ Rosie.

Of late, I’m sometimes being accused of being unkind to Manx Radio. It’s as if the station is a doddery old auntie who, even if you don’t warm to them, you shouldn’t be unkind to or poke fun at.

In fact, it’s quite the opposite. When I was director of information with the Celtic League (I finished last week) I was always going on about how all the money we collect in licence fees should be retained here and used to fund media services – radio, TV and print media services in the island. And a good whack of that could have gone to ‘the folks on the head’.

I mean what’s the point of giving £5 million plus to the United Kingdom when no one can even say when the so-called law that kicked this off was introduced. That’s true – the Manx government don’t even know how when or why they started paying the licence fees.

Some people say: ‘But we get the programmes, so we should pay.’ But I get programmes from Ireland and I don’t pop down the post office and put a cheque in the post to RTE. Similarly, I bet there’s a few of you footie fans watching soccer on TV from all over Europe and you don’t think ‘how do you spell Bundesbank or Banca d’Italia’!

Someone also suggested that I was implying Manx Radio was a government mouthpiece – perish the thought! In fact it was the station’s former chairman who likened it to a government radio station run by a totalitarian regime when he was giving evidence about three years ago to a Tynwald Committee.

David North – who is no George Clooney – definitely had a ‘Syriana’ moment when he likened the station he ran to the media in Assad’s Syria.

He told them: ‘The question is a quite simple one – is Manx Radio a public service broadcaster or are we are state broadcaster?

‘In other words are we like the BBC or are we like Syrian radio, no more than a government mouthpiece? Editorially we’ve always thought of ourselves as a public service broadcaster but in my opinion, against all the intentions of Tynwald, regrettably we have become a state broadcaster incapable of determining our own future by virtue of our structure.’

David and the managing director of Manx Radio went on to outline a scenario where the station was given BBC funding similar to the arrangement which operates for S4C.

So there you go. They were not far off my idea, except they didn’t say ‘let’s keep the licence’ and I didn’t say ‘government mouthpiece’.

Just before they gave their evidence, Manx Radio had its subvention from the Manx government cut, but later on it was given a new ‘ring-fenced budget’ and everyone thought that was a good thing. I didn’t mind them getting the cash but I still couldn’t get my head round why we pay a licence fee and then pay again for a radio station (I nearly said how stupid is that!)

Recently it emerged in Tynwald that Manx Radio had been saving up! They had the equivalent of one of those tins you had in the kitchen in the old days when we didn’t use words like ‘austerity’, we were just skint. Each week they put a few bob in the tin for a rainy day from the ‘ring-fenced’ monies. The elderly auntie analogy I recounted seems appropriate because that’s the sort of thing they did.

Tynwald members didn’t seem impressed with that. Eddie Teare – who is quick at gauging which way the political wind is blowing – wasn’t impressed either, so ‘ring fencing’ which was a good thing is not so good after all, now.

But the station has ‘grand designs’ for the head. They want ‘green rooms’ and things.

Maybe it is time to grasp the nettle, tell the UK: ‘Sorry, no more blank cheques. Take your TV licence enforcement crew and ride off into the sunset.’

Just like in those old western movies the BBC recycle!

One of the Isle of Man’s leading nature conservation charities has spoken out against proposals to introduce the red squirrel to the island.

The Manx Wildlife Trust said the popular endangered rodent was never native to the Isle of Man and our energies should be devoted to preserving what we have instead of supporting a species that was never here in the first place.

The comments were made in the wake of a public consultation launched by the government’s Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture, asking for people to submit their views on offering a habitat in the island for the squirrels whose numbers in the UK have diminished to a few disparate colonies in remoter regions.

A statement from the Manx Wildlife Trust said: ‘The Isle of Man has several iconic species which we should preserve before thinking of introducing new species onto the island and tying up our limited budgets.

‘Introducing red squirrels, that have not lived on the Isle of Man sends out a false message and could have a devastating impact on our Manx wildlife.

‘The trust is against introducing the species and impacting on our habitats that are already battling with other environmental pressures.’

Currently the trust is working to conserve the island’s puffins and ensure they do not become extinct in the Isle of Man and will be working this spring with the Manx Ornithological Society and Manx National Heritage to help puffin colonies recover in the Calf of Man. The trust spokesman said food sources could prove to be limited for them which might have the counter productive effect of encouraging them to feed on birds’ eggs.

Dr Tim Graham of the trust said: ‘They are an alien species and we just don’t know what havoc they may unleash when the island’s wildlife has never had to live with them before.

‘We are preparing for some great work on the Calf of Man which helps highlight the kind of work and responsibility we should be taking seriously in the Isle of Man.’

He added: ‘We need to look at our other species that need help to recover - and people would clearly love to come and see.

‘We are working to protect Manx wildlife so that future generations can enjoy the return of spectacular Manx sights and species such as large numbers of the Manx shearwaters and puffins on the Calf of Man,’ he said.

Launching the red squirrel consultation, DEFA minister Richard Ronan said currently legislation means squirrels can only be brought to the island under licence and cannot be released.

‘There is strong affection for red squirrels. With numbers declining in the UK, they could be an added draw for visitors and show the island plays its part in international conservation,’ he said.

After a six month search for a new home a local riding charity is preparing to get back in the saddle with a brand new venue in the north.

Riding for the Disabled Isle of Man has teamed up with Guilcagh Stables Riding School near Andreas to build a specially designed indoor arena and stables.

It’s the end of nearly a year of uncertainty for Riding for the Disabled, which has given hundreds of adults and children with disablities the chance to enjoy horse riding.

Last year the charity found itself without a riding venue and has been searching for a new home that can accommodate so many participants: up to 100 school children with a range of disabilities regularly ride in twice-weekly sessions during term time.

Joan Waters, chairman of Riding for the Disabled Isle of Man, said: ‘We’ll be celebrating our 40th year in 2016 and it feels like we’re starting a whole new era for the charity.

‘For the last nine months we haven’t been able to ride and the children have been missing out, but once this is up and running we’ll have a fantastic facility,’ she continued.

‘We’ve started from scratch and designed it together from the ground up.’

Once completed, the venue will boast kitchen facilities, a common room, 10 stables and an indoor arena.

The steel frame for the 60 metre-long building has sprung up in the last three weeks and it’s hoped that the facility will be officially opened in June.

Rose Crellin, owner of Guilcagh Stables Riding School, said: ‘We’re both thrilled that it’s all finally coming together and we hope it’s the start of a long and happy partnership.

‘Riding for the Disabled will have a venue built specifically for their needs and we will have an indoor school to run our business all year round.’

Joan said that the work of the charity can have a huge impact on children’s lives: ‘The difference that riding can make in the young people’s lives can be amazing. It goes far beyond just enjoyment, they gain coordination, control and confidence.

‘One of the students said that when they’re sitting on the horse, they’re no different to anybody else.

‘We’re also hoping to be able to expand as we settle in, perhaps offering evening rides for people who can’t attend during term time.’

The boss of a series of gaming websites based in the Isle of Man spoke out today [Saturday] to Isle of Man Newspapers after gamblers claimed their accounts had been closed and funds withheld.

It was reported yesterday (Friday) that 138.com, 12Bet, Fun88.co.uk and TLC Bet have sent emails to customers suggesting they have abused the sites’ promotions systems in relation to deals offered during the Cheltenham Festival.

The news was widespread on Twitter and the UK’s Mirror website ran a story including details of a punter who is being denied access to £2,600 from accounts with all four companies.

Today [Saturday] Garth Kimber , chief executive officer of TGP Holdings Ltd said: ‘In response to speculation and comments on forums and in the press about certain brands TGP Europe Ltd would like to clarify our actions.

‘Following unprecedented volumes and unusual activities during the Cheltenham racing festival the company has followed our regulator approved procedures and terms and conditions and reviewed activity deemed suspicious.

‘All payments were processed for accounts not deemed to be under investigation and additionally all payments have now been processed for those accounts reviewed and found not to have been in breach of our terms and conditions.

‘For those accounts where the terms and conditions have been breached, account holders have been informed, the company has processed a refund of deposits, voided all bets (winning and losing) and closed the accounts.

‘The relevant authorities were informed of our concerns and subsequent investigation and we are in the process of sharing full details of the activities found to have taken place.

‘The company regrets the time taken and effects on genuine players but is committed to upholding both our own and the industry’s integrity.’

Mr Kimber said he could not comment further at this stage.

The Isle of Man’s Gambling Supervision Commission issued a short statement at 5pm yesterday (Friday).

It read: ‘I can confirm that the Gambling Supervision Commission is aware of the matter, however it is standard policy for the Gambling Supervision Commission not to comment on regulatory or compliance matters relating to its licensed operators.’

It is also understood gambling authorities in the UK have been made aware of the situation.

Last month it was reported the bookies racked up Cheltenham losses of millions as punters backed winners in unprecedented numbers all week.

It has been reported as being the ‘worst Cheltenham results in recent history’ for bookmakers’.

Mr Kimber is a previous head of eGaming for the Isle of Man government before moving over to the private sector.

eGaming is a thriving success story in the island accounting for more than 16 per cent of the island’s economy.

Do you recognise any of these Manxmen?

The Manx Aviation and Military Museum is seeking help from the public to identify photographs of 38 Manx First World War soldiers.

The 38 postcard-sized portraits are now on display at the museum at Ronaldsway airport and were previously on display at the Oddfellows’ Hall in Malew Street, Castletown.

Ivor Ramsden, director of the museum, said the portraits are of a high quality and are of soldiers from all branches of the army.

‘We know that they date from the 1914-18 war by their uniform and badges and some are from the very early days of the war, but only one picture has a name on the back. The rest of them are unknown and it’s such a shame because we would very much like to know who they are and incorporate them into our First World War exhibition, which will be opening this summer.

‘They might all be southside men, they might be casualties of the war, we just don’t know. I have compared them with other identified photographs of WW1 soldiers in our collections and those of the Manx Museum, but only one has been identified that way and even then we weren’t absolutely certain.’

‘We are hoping that people will give us some names and maybe, with luck, some additional information about the men.’

Ivor said the museum would be very pleased to give copies of the photographs to members of the soldiers’ families.

The series of 100-year-old photographs are now available to view at the museum and can also be seen on ‘The Manx Aviation and Military Museum’ Facebook page. If you recognise any of the men call 822695 or 454596 or email airmuseum@manx.net.

Admission is free and the museum is open daily from 10am to 4pm over the Easter holidays.

After the holidays, it will open on weekends from 10am to 4pm until TT practice week when it will open every day over summer.

Margaret Collins, a Registered Nurse at Noble’s Hospital, has been awarded the 2016 Dr Mary Partington Award.

The award was established in the early 1990s in memory of Dr Mary Partington, wife of Dr Cyril Partington.

Each year it aims to recognise the work of a healthcare professional from the medical wards at Noble’s Hospital who has contributed to the improvement of care for patients or their relatives, or who has improved staff working conditions.

The award also takes account of good attendance.

Senior Sisters from each ward make the nominations and a senior nurse and doctor select a winner.

Nurse Collins, who has worked at Noble’s Hospital for 41 years, is based in the Day Assessment and Treatment Unit (DATU) and won the award in recognition of her efforts with venesection.

This is a procedure used to treat a condition called polycythaemia, where there are too many red blood cells in the body.

Margaret’s efforts to establish a patient support group particularly attracted the judges attention.

Runners up were, Garry Graham, Senior Healthcare Assistant in Ward 5, Kate McKellar, Registered Nurse in Ward 6, Louise Zuc, Registered Nurse in Ward 7, Jacqueline Raby, Healthcare Assistant in Ward 8, Cheryl Gatfield, Registered Nurse in Ward 9 and Michelle Hardy, Registered Nurse in the Coronary Care Unit.

Judges for Ramsey Town Commissioners’ children’s bulb-growing challenge have visited Bunscoill Rhumsaa to select this year’s winning entries.

Now in its 36th year the competition sees the commissioners provide the town’s primary school with daffodil bulbs, planting compost, a pot and growing instructions. The bulbs are grown by the pupils at home, then brought to school for judging. Judges this year were the Commission’s head gardener Bobby Cunningham and the parks department’s Ian Holland.

Mr Cunningham said: ‘The children always go to great trouble to look after their bulbs throughout the growing process and also come up with some really imaginative ideas for decorating their pots, so Ian and I found judging quite a challenge.

‘The competition’s popularity is as strong as ever, thanks to the support of parents and teachers, and it’s also a practical way of teaching children about nature and taking responsibility.

‘In a changing world it’s comforting that some traditions continue to flourish; all of us at Ramsey Town Commissioners are delighted to be involved and congratulate every pupil for taking part so enthusiastically.’

Pictured, Mr Cunningham and Mr Holland cast their eyes over the entries.

Two Manx breweries are facing combined losses of over £9,000 after the collapse of a company that offered catering at a major Celtic festival.

Bushy’s Brewery and the Manx Cider Company supplied thousands of litres of ales and cider for the showcase pavilion at Festival Interceltique Lorient.

Cornwall and the Isle of Man shared ‘featured nation’ status for the 2015 event which took place in August.

The Cornish catering company in charge of food and drink in the pavilion, Downright Delicious Limited, went into liquidation in February leaving tens of thousands of pounds in unpaid debts.

Bushy’s boss Martin Brunnschweiler estimates the brewery’s losses to be at least £8,000. He said: ‘What’s really frustrating is that all of that beer and cider was sold. Somebody, somewhere has taken this money over the counter and I’d love to know where it all went.’

The Manx Cider Company supplied 1,000 litres of cider to Downright Delicious and is still owed more than £1,500.

Owner Benn Quirk said: ‘It was the biggest sale we’d ever had. It might not seem like much money to some, but it’s a big hit for a small business.’

Culture Vannin, who acted as organisers for the Manx elements of the pavillion, said: ‘We were very sorry and surprised to hear that Downright Delicious had gone into liquidation after we’d had such a successful festival.

‘This has left us all in a difficult situation as creditors – we have to monitor the situation and seek to recover as much as possible.’

Richard Musgrave, owner of Downright Delicious, declined to make any comment.

Following the sell-out success at the Centenary Centre, Pullyman and Friends will bring their show of comedy, poetry and tall tales to the Erin Arts Centre on May 20.

The November gig was Island Life columnist Michael Cowin’s first stand up style comedy show, delivered with help from talented, like-minded friends.

Proceeds will be split between two local charities, Alzheimers and Parkinson’s Disease.

Tickets (£5) go on sale from tomorrow (Friday) from the EAC, The Lexicon Bookshop or call Pullyman on 490997.

The island’s bee population will need to be checked again for disease this year after reports of illicit importation of foreign bees.

Despite a plea for the person responsible to identify themselves, no one has come forward.

In 2015, the island received EU recognition as being free of the pernicious varroa mite, which has decimated bee populations in the UK. The certification was only granted after a long and rigorous checking process and is rigorously guarded by a strict prohibition on importing bees to the island. Virtually any alien bees brought here are likely to carry the varroa disease which would then spread through the island’s bee population.

Harry Owens, the government’s bee inspector, said even if the matter had been a false alarm, it was important to check colonies were still disease free.

‘We are asking everyone with bees to co-operate this spring, starting towards the end of April when the drones appear,’ he said.

‘Our bees have a reputation here because they are isolated. and that needs to be jealously guarded.’

Mr Owens said he had heard the rumours of alien bees in the island from two separate sources.

‘I am really perturbed by it because if it’s a fact it will change bee keeping in the Isle of Man for ever,’ he said.

The law imposes a maximum fine of £5,000 on anyone illegally importing foreign bees to the island.

Over a five year period Mr Owens inspected around 800 hives on 300 different sites across the island checking for varroa and foulbrood infections as part of the official disease-free certification.

It is said that change is the only constant, and it’s true. All things change.

Your soft boiled egg, for example is only perfect for a second. Any sooner is too soon, and as we all know, if you turn your back on the hot milk for your Horlicks for one second, it will boil over.

Politically, this year is a year of change for the Isle of Man. In September, we will have a House of Keys general election, and in April we have local commissioners elections.

The term of office for the Lieutenant Governor ends and begins in April, and although we are not directly involved in the UK referendum in June we will most certainly be affected by the result.

Add into the mix the electoral boundaries changes that will result in 12, two-seat constituencies, and I think we can guarantee there will be a fair amount of head scratching going on.

I have said this before and I stand by what I said. In my opinion, regardless of their ability, all candidates who stand for the House of Keys, genuinely and honestly believe they have something to offer their fellow citizens if they are elected. I don’t think any candidate wants the job just for the money.

But then reality kicks in. The first blow is when the newly elected member realises that he or she is never going to get through the razor wire that protects the establishment, and the second shock is when their one time friends who had wished them well before the election now think they are trough feeding parasites.

The main problem we will have to face up to is continuity, or more to the point, the lack of continuity. Taking into account the recent by­ elections to replace the members who were elevated to the Legislative Council, and Brenda Cannell who retired, the Keys have lost a lot of experience.

Factor in the number of sitting members who will not be standing again and the number of sitting members who will be standing but will not be re­elected, there is a reasonable chance that more than half of the new House of Keys will be new boys or girls, in at the deep end on the first day. I sincerely hope they all can swim.

I have no idea if the group I would call senior members, for no other reason than for the importance of the departments they have responsibility for, will stand again.

I will not mention any names, but if the view of the wider electorate is anything like that of the vociferous few, it’s very likely there could an alarming scarcity of experience in the Council of Ministers.

As things stand, all ministers are appointed from the Keys. At present, the Minister for Education is a Council member, who was in post at the time of his (promotion?).

Given the relatively short time left before the general election it made sense to leave him to work his notice, as they say.

But when you think about it, where is the logic in not using the experience and knowledge of the Council members.

The popular response is that a LegCo member could be in his job, elected only by the Keys, and not by the public.

My answer is that WE elect the Keys to get on with their job.

The Chief Minister is then elected to get on with his job, which includes appointing the department ministers.

So if there are no official or legal barriers to LegCo members being ministers, and they have the required skills, why not use them?

There are several unfinished, or in some instances unstarted projects on the island.

For example, the Castletown Golf links hotel, Castle Mona Hotel and Summerland. We musn’t forget the Lord Street bus station, the resurfacing of Douglas Promenade, and the continued suspension of H.M Attorney General.

Our newly elected Parliament will have five years in which to make their mark and clear the backlog.

Good luck to them, they’ll need it.

Here’a welcome sight in the Isle of Man today [Sunday] - the Steam Packet fast craft Manannan.

She resumed her normal spot berthed beside Victoria Pier at 10.30 am today (Sunday).

The vessel had been in dry dock at Cammell Laird shipyard in Birkenhead since Tuesday, for extensive repairs to her central hull.

It was damaged when the craft hit Victoria Pier on approach to Douglas harbour on the night of March 23.

The Manannan left Cammell Laird at around 7.45am today.

The Steam Packet said the work was completed on Thursday, but Manannan has had to wait until today (Sunday) to sail out on the first available ‘undocking’ tide.

It promises to be a busy day in service today for the vessel.

She’s set to depart Douglas for Belfast at midday. Then she is expected to return from Northern Ireland at 4pm

This afternoon’s sailing to Liverpool has been put back from 3pm to 8pm, with the return is now scheduled for 11.30pm tonight.

A team of four young linguists from island secondary schools will represent the Isle of Man on the world stage this summer.

Rosalie Kavan and Harriet Godby from Ramsey Grammar School, Seth Aycock from King William’s College and Alex Hind from Queen Elizabeth II High School will join contestants from 40 different countries at the International Linguistics Olympiad in Mysore, India, taking place from July 25 to 29.

The skilled linguists will compete against teams from secondary schools from across the globe, testing their minds in the world’s toughest language and linguistics puzzles.

The Isle of Man contestants were chosen after scoring the highest marks of 63 participants in the fourth annual Isle of Man Linguistics Olympiad, held last week.

Rob Teare, head of the Department of Education and Children’s Manx Language Unit, organised the event for pupils at all six high schools in the island. He said the challenges were set by an international jury and marked by Professor Max Wheeler and Professor Emeritus of Linguistics at the University of Sussex.

‘To solve the challenges, students had to use code-breaking skills to spot patterns, think logically and maintain concentration over two and a half hours.

‘This year’s scores were higher than ever and, in recording the top scores, Rosalie, Harriet, Seth and Alex all achieved maximum points in two of the problems they were set. Rosalie scored a remarkable 94.02 points out of 100.

‘It’s the third year the island has sent a team to the International Linguistics Olympiad and although our students will be up against teams from such huge countries as the USA, China and Australia, I am sure they will fly the flag for the Isle of Man with pride.’

The Woodland Trust visited Milntown to assist with the rejuvenation of the property’s woodland.

Vivienne Barnett and Graham Lamb-Shine from the Woodland Trust and the Milntown garden team were joined by some enthusiastic helpers from the Bunscoill Rhumsaa S.T.A.R. Centre.

Between them they planted approximately 70 native trees and shrubs including Hazel, Spindle Tree, Bird Cherry, Gelder Rose, Hawthorn, Wild Plum, Sweet Chestnut, Field Maple, Rowan and Oak.

With the poor weather and high winds the woodland at Milntown had been badly damaged and a number of trees and shrubs had to be removed.

The woodland redevelopment will continue year on year and all the staff at Milntown thanked the Woodland Trust for their continued support of the estate.

The Milntown gardens and woods are open for the 2016 season. Entrance to the gardens costs £3.50 per adult (£3 concessions, £1 child). Season tickets are available for £14 per person.

For more information regarding events at please visit www.milntown.org or E-mail Vicky Crellin milntownevents@manx.net

Also find Milntown on Facebook and follow them on Twitter (Milntown Estate)

Join Parker & Snell Company as they fly to Neverland for their production of Peter Pan.

Their magical version of JM Barrie’s classic children’s tale of the boy who would never grow up is being performed six times at the Gaiety Theatre from Thursday to Saturday (April 7 to 9).

Artistic director Colin Snell said: ‘If audiences are expecting flying, swashbuckling adventures, a crocodile, Nana the dog and much more - it is all there for them!’

There are matinee and evening performances each day (starting at 2.30pm and 7pm) and the show is suitable for all the family.

Tickets are available from the box office on 600555, from the Welcome Centre at the Sea Terminal or online at www.villagaiety.com

The MSPCA’S clinical animal behaviourist Carrie Evans has spoken out about the society’s decision to put down a dog in February and the work they are doing with ‘difficult’ dogs.

Registered animal behaviourist Carrie, who lives in Stockton-on-Tees, has been working with the society in Foxdale since October, visiting every month to help staff work with dogs with behavioural issues.

She said: ‘Several of the dogs had issues but what was much more evident was that there’s an amazing team here. They were really passionate about the dogs but they were struggling because they didn’t have the skill set to be able to work with the dogs.’

When Carrie arrived she used a ‘traffic-light system’ to separate the dogs with major issues, dogs that needed some help and others that could go straight up for adoption. Of around 20 dogs, at least half were placed in the red or amber category with one of these dogs being four-year-old Staffordshire cross Hughie who was put down in February.

Hughie had been with the MSPCA since he was around nine months old and a committee of five made the decision to put him down.

Carrie said that Hughie had been unable to express ‘normal canine behaviour’ and was consistently jumping from the floor to the walls. ‘It’s no different to animals consistently pacing or head-shaking and that is a consequence of long-term restriction in an environment where they’re unable to cope.

‘If an animal is suffering, its welfare needs are not being met and no matter what we’ve tried isn’t working you have to decide what’s best for them. I stand up and say it was a hard decision but I stand by that decision.’

Carrie and the MSPCA staff have been training the dogs by teaching them manners, developing their confidence with humans, training dogs with aggressive tendencies with muzzles and working on enrichment. Now only two dogs are in the red category and 30 dogs have been rehomed since January. Last year 15 dogs had been rehomed in the same time period.

‘Seeing those dogs move forward is just amazing! This team are now enjoying what they are doing and their passion is coming back, they want to move forward and as a result these dogs are coming on.’

Island children will have the opportunity to learn more about birds and their habitats in the Isle of Man as part of a new project.

Manx BirdLife will visit primary schools across the island over the year to teach children about various birds in the island and how to conserve their habitats.

The project aims to develop a range of materials to support schools in getting children interested in nature and to also increase participation from the community in schemes such as the Manx Garden Birdwatch and the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch.

Nicky Howard, newly appointed field education officer at Manx BirdLife, said: ‘Local children will be introduced to the fantastic diversity of bird life that we have on the island. We will help them understand the need to look after the various bird habitats and to appreciate that it will have an effect on their surroundings.

‘Using songs, stories and various indoor and outdoor activities the children will hopefully have enjoyed their experience, find a new interest in their lives and continue to appreciate our birds as they grow up.’

The Isle of Man bird community will also have the chance to take part in a bird watching identification course, beginning on Thursday, and a one-day conference later this year which will give residents the chance to talk about new projects and exchange their experiences.

Dora Querido, chief operating officer at Manx BirdLife, said: ‘We believe that through birds we can teach both children and adults to value and protect Manx natural heritage as well as becoming part of the solution by becoming informed citizens who can actively participate and help to collect data that informs science and governments on the conservation status of birds.’

Visit www.manxbirdlife.im for more information.

An Onchan man has been fined £800 and disqualified from driving for a year after pleading guilty in court to drink driving.

Mun Tong Wei, of Windermere Drive, failed a breathalyser test when he was stopped in Ramsey on March 21 and admitted to police he had been to the casino and drank two pints.

The court heard how, at 5.40am, police were on patrol on the Mountain Mile when a Nissan passed them heading towards Ramsey.

The vehicle was crossing into the wrong carriageway and braking for no reason so the police followed the car.

They followed Wei’s vehicle until he pulled into a car park at Parsonage Road in Ramsey.

Wei, who is 44, got out of the car with the keys and was said to be smelling of alcohol.

He told officers that he had been to the casino and consumed two pints.

He was arrested on suspicion of drink-driving and taken to police headquarters.

At police headquarters an interpreter was used to explain the procedure to Wei.

A breath test recorded 45 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres - the legal limit is 35.

Wei was offered a blood test to verify the results but declined.

Defending Wei in court, advocate Paul Rodgers said that his client had no previous convictions.

‘He lives a lonely existence on the island, his wife and daughter are in Malaysia,’ said the advocate.

‘He speaks no English despite being here for 10 years and doesn’t understand the culture.

‘Mr Wei admitted his guilt straight away. He doesn’t recall exactly what was said but accepted he was in the wrong.

‘He spent time at the casino and came across a friend. He was filled with joy and shared a drink, though he ought not to have done.

‘At the time he was driving, there was not much traffic, possibly none.’

Mr Rodgers went on to say that Wei worked as a chef, sending £600 a month back to his family and was saving to visit his home.

While passing sentence, Deputy High Bailiff Jayne Hughes gave Wei credit for his early guilty plea and his co-operation with the police at the scene and at the police station.

‘The level of reading was relatively low, just 10 points above the drink-drive limit but I am told you crossed the centre line and braked inappropriately.

‘The fact remains you shouldn’t have had that second drink at the casino.’

Wei was also ordered to pay £125 court costs. At the end of his 12 month disqualification he must take an extended driving test.

He will pay the fine at a rate of £50 per month and there are 60 days in jail in default of payment.

Island businesswoman Tracey Leahy, managing director of refreshment specialists Mannvend has joined the board of Associated Vending Services Ltd (AVS), the largest buying group for the vending sector in the British Isles.

AVS was founded in 1980, by a group of forward thinking individuals who forged a partnership of vending companies focused on improving the market and growing their business together.

Today they can boast 28 member companies with a combined turnover of over £100 million.

In addition to joining the board Tracey Leahy leads the marketing and operations committee for the group.

Tracey said: ‘Joining the board of AVS is a great honour for me and I am proud to take on the role.’

Tracey has been managing director of Mannvend since 2008 and in March 2017 this family-owned business will celebrate 50 years operating in the Isle of Man.

It is an exciting time for the company, which continues to grow and develop since their humble beginnings as tea planters in Kenya to having a local workforce of 32 people.

The company is based at Ailsa House on the Spring Valley Industrial Estate.