The public are being asked for their views on grant support for the fishing and farming industry.

According to figures released by government, the ‘agri-food’ and fisheries industry is worth £75 million to the island’s economy and supports 1,400 jobs.

At present, four separate grants schemes fund capital investment and training and the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture is seeking public views on simplifying these to a single agriculture and fisheries grant scheme.

The new scheme would support food business development, information-gathering/business research, capital investment in farms and horticulture, and sustainable and diversified fisheries with improved productivity.

DEFA minister Richard Ronan MHK said: ‘The department wishes to align its grant schemes with its strategies, simplifying processes, improving the customer experience and ensuring funding is awarded on merit.

‘The new scheme would incentivise investment in innovation, efficiency and change to help the food and fishing industry become more sustainable and less reliant on ongoing support. The application and assessment process would mirror that used by the Department of Economic Development for its grants schemes.’

The consultation document can be found at www.gov.im/consultations.

Responses should be sent by May 13, to John Harrison, DEFA, Thie Slieau Whallian, Foxdale Road, St John’s or via john.harrison@gov.im

Scouting is more popular then ever in the Isle of Man according to the latest information released by the association.

The last year saw a growth of well over 10 per cent and this follows hot on the heels of an increase the previous year of well over eight per cent.

The island’s scout commissioner, Guy Thompson, said this equated to an increase of 99 members bringing the current total to 1,047.

‘This is due mainly to the dedication of our volunteers, as well as the island’s Scout Association investing in leadership training and equipment, and the exciting outdoor adventurous activities,’ he said.

One group has reopened in Castletown, another in Ramsey and a completely new group has opened in Port Erin. The island now has 13 scout groups and five explorer units for 14 to 17-and-a-half-year-olds.

At least 50 per cent of activities are out doors and the most popular include hill walking, climbing, abseiling, axe throwing, kayaking and camping, often using the scouts’ own riverside camp site in Malew.

The association is always looking for more volunteers.

A Tynwald Day petitioner claims he has been failed miserably by the system which he says has been found wanting.

It’s been nearly five years since Rae Hamilton lodged his petition for redress of grievance and three and a half years since a Tynwald select committee recommended legislation requiring all local authorities members declare their interests.

Yet no such legislation has ever been implemented.

Mr Hamilton, whose petition following an alleged case of conflict of interest with Onchan Commissioners over the closure of the village squash club, said: ‘What exactly is the point in a select committee making recommendations, which are not then followed and implemented in a timely manner?’

The former Onchan squash club tenant presented his petition for redress of grievance on Tynwald Hill in July 2011.

A select committee was appointed and reported in October 2012 with the recommendation that the Department of Infrastructure should introduce legislation to require all local authority members to register any interest reasonably regarded as having a bearing on the way they carry out their duties. It also recommended that the register of declared interests be open to public inspection.

Mr Hamilton said: ‘Whatever the reasons or whatever the excuse this situation is woefully inadequate.

‘Tynwald describes itself as the oldest continuous Parliament in the world and prides itself on its petition for redress of grievance, which is supposed to be an action of last resort for unresolved grievances.

‘In this case I have been failed miserably as the recommendations following my petition have not been implemented, come to absolutely nothing and caused even further frustration.’

He said that to ‘add insult to injury’ the Tynwald Policy Decision Report in September 2014 records that the recommendations had been implemented. ‘This is blatantly untrue, as to date the legislation has not even begun its passage through Tynwald,’ he said.

The DoI said in a statement that it has responded to the recommendations of the Tynwald select committee and has drafted legislation which would deal with local authority members’ interests. ‘This Bill is ready to be progressed – but does not currently appear on the Council of Ministers list of main legislative priorities,’ a spokesman said.

Mr Hamilton said: ‘Tynwald’s petition for redress of grievance process has been found extremely wanting with the perception of a couldn’t care less attitude. There is a powerful argument that recommendations must be made binding and a time limit for implementation imposed not exceeding 12 months.’

The Manx government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce in China.

Economic Development Minister Laurence Skelly MHK has led an Isle of Man business delegation in Shanghai to foster co-operation on economic, trade and investment matters.

On Friday, the Minister and the chairman of the Shanghai Commission, Ms Yuying Shang met to sign the agreement.

Mr Skelly said: ‘This is an important step forward in solidifying our relationship with China and its regions. Shanghai is the leading financial centre in China and its Free Trade Zone is integral in China’s endeavour to liberalise conditions for trade with the rest of the world.

‘Signing the MOU has been one of the benefits of a successful week promoting the Isle of Man in China to business and political leaders. The MOU gives us the opportunity to work together for the long term to benefit both regions and provide wider commercial opportunities to engage with the Shanghai region.’

Under the terms of the MOU, the authorities in Shanghai will promote the Isle of Man as a base for companies seeking to expand into UK and EU markets as well as assist any Isle of Man companies looking to establish themselves in Shanghai or its Free Trade Zone.

In return, the Manx government will assist companies from Shanghai wishing to locate to the island, promote the city as a potential destination for island businesses seeking a base in China and facilitate introductions to the Isle of Man’s experienced professional services companies.

Fans of Many Clouds were left disappointed after the horse, owned by island businessman Trevor Hemmings, failed in his bid to emulate Red Rum’s back to back victories 42 years ago.

The popular nine-year-old gelding started the race eight to one co-favourite with The Last Samuri.

He had been heavily backed by punters including many in the island who had latched on to the Manx connection.

The ground was described as soft, heavy in places, making it the softest Grand National since 2001.

Earlier in the afternoon there had been an outbreak of heavy rain and some commentators said there were even hailstones.

The result was a race with frequent drama among a field that was soon strung right out.

Many Clouds, the 2015 winner, with top weight of 11st 10lb, gave jockey Leighton Aspell another fine spin over the fences as far as the fifth-last, where he made an uncharacteristic mistake that was to signal the end of his challenge.

He came last of the 16 finishers, crossing the line at a virtual walk.

Leighton Aspell looked after his tiring mount and walked home from the Elbow, eventually crossing the line as the last of 16 finishers.

‘It was possibly the ground that found us out’, said the jockey, who had hoped to become the first to ride three consecutive National winners. ‘It was quite tough out there.’

Oliver Sherwood said: ‘I’m very proud of him.

‘We’ll be back here next year.’

All 39 horses and jockeys that took part in this year’s Crabbie’s Grand National were reported to have returned home safely.

Just four horses officially fell, while seven unseated their riders and 12 were pulled up.

RESULT:

First: Rule The World 33/1

Second: The Last Samuri 8/1 co favourite

Third: Vics Canvas 100/1

Fourth: Gilgamboa 28/1

When we get into the ‘I remember the days’ mode, we usually slide into a list of places or shops that stir up our memories.

We tend to concentrate on the buildings, or on the business conducted in the buildings.

For a change, I thought we would remember the people who owned or managed the business.

The idea came to me in Shoprite. You always bump into someone you know, which for me is a double pleasure.

Not only can you stop and have a chat, but it gives you the chance to get in everyone’s way and get your own back.

The two ladies I bumped into were mother and daughter. I presume the daughter had taken her mother shopping but there was no doubt the senior of the two ladies was in full control of the expedition.

Her name will be well remembered, Mrs Bea Quirk. For many years, Bea and her late husband Jack, were the well known and well respected mine hosts at the Crescent on Douglas Promenade.

Her shopping companion was her daughter Louise.

Some of the most prominent and well known of the business owners in the island were in the licensing trade. They came into their own during the summer season.

They ran the hotels, pubs and boarding houses that was the backbone of the holiday industry.

Most of the hospitality sector, as it is now called, was in private ownership, and if the premises was owned by the brewery or a private owner, it was usual for the operator of the business to be a tenant, and not a manager.

In simple terms, the business belonged to the person or family who ran it. I think the terms of the tenancy decreed that if the property was owned by a brewery, the tenant was obliged to buy all of his supplies, wherever possible from his landlord.

This meant there was lively competition in the trade. Although, to be fair, then and now are poles apart. Then we had a holiday industry. Now, the pub scene has evolved into more of a pub grub era.

My memories of the licensing trade start from when I went to work in Strand Street. My boss, the late George Ridgway, and his wife Roma, had two jewellery shops in Douglas. The shop in the Villa Marina Arcade catered for the seasonal trade and the Strand Street shop was an all year round operation.

The Ridgways taught me many skills and over the years I was to meet and come to know many of the hoteliers and shop owners.

George was a popular and well known man, and as such, enjoyed the company of many business friends for a coffee and a chat. I was to get to know men such as Jack Quirk, from the Crescent, Ted Drain, from the Metropole, and Hilary Guard from the Hydro. Others included Alex O’Brien, who I think was at one time the manager of the Palace Hotel, Donald Slee from the Villiers, and John Redpath from the Central Hotel on Broadway.

John went everywhere with his brace of German shepherd dogs. I doubt he had much trouble with awkward customers in his hotel.

The upstairs room at 33 Strand Street was the birth place of more than a few new ventures. The Manx Youth Band was the dream of the late Jim Crosbie. Supported by Doug Quirk, Jack Whitmore, from Walton’s Television, and, of course, George Ridgway, sadly all long gone, the dream became a reality.

The Andreas Racing Association, the Isle of Man branch of The Lions Club, and who remembers kart racing in the streets of Douglas and Peel?

All conceived and brought into being in George’s office. Ideas that came from the brains and imagination of men such as Dr Bill Pycraft, Jack Quayle, and many more. Men who were able to get things done.

But people come and go and life will carry on. Just remember one thing, you only have one crack at it. Enjoy.

The TT Marshals’ Association has issued its penultimate newsletter before the TT gets under way in around six weeks’ time.

A series of marshals’ social evenings have been taking place at venues around the island over recent weeks.

Marshals are being asked where possible to make use of the online signing on procedure, accessed via the TT marshals’ web site, as this cuts down on administration costs for the organisation, meaning the money can instead be spent on extra training and other essential expenses.

Marshals’ chairman Robert Crane said around 500 marshals had used the on-line signing on system but that still left around 4,000 active marshals who had not yet indicated availability.

‘Each postal form costs us around £1 so please consider using the online system, even if it’s only to tell us that you are not coming,’ he said.

A reminder has also been given that marshals are always needed in the remoter sections of the course. More than 520 marshals are needed around the course but even if that number is met, racing or practising still can’t take place if the numbers are unevenly distributed, with some areas left undermanned.

Calling all bonnag makers, it’s time to get out your mixing bowls and dig out your grandmother’s recipe book.

The popular World Championship Bonnag Bake Off takes place on Friday, April 15, at Dalby Schoolrooms at 7.30pm, and will be compered by Peter Qualtrough.

The championships now have three trophies for men, women and children’s classes, as well as the Shoprite trophy for professional bakers, caterers and catering establishments.

The Isle of Man Creamery Trophy will be presented to the overall winner and world champion.

There will also be a new gluten-free category this year.

Bring your bonnag on a paper plate with your name and category printed on the base of the plate.

Admission is £7.50 including supper, to book call Gilly on 844031. Proceeds go to Dalby Church Restoration Fund, Craig’s Heartstrong, and Excellent Development. For further information about the evening call Ann on 842817.

After six months of growing his hair and beard, Andreas man Ian Macaulay has gone under the razor for the Manx Blind Welfare Society.

The 62-year-old grandfather had his beard, hair and eyebrows shaved off at the Executive Barber Shop in Douglas to raise funds for the island charity.

Ian, who is an accounts administrator at Target Tools in Braddan, has raised more than £900, smashing his initial £200 target with more donations still to be counted.

Ian decided to undertake the challenge in memory of his late father, Donald, who was supported by the charity after losing his eyesight in the later years of his life.

‘I have to admit I was a bit nervous ahead of the big day, but after the amazing amount of public support I couldn’t back out!’ Ian said. ‘I just wanted to show my appreciation for the work of the society, especially for the help it gave dad, by raising a bit of money. I thought £200 was an ambitious target, but people have been so generous that we’re already past the £900 mark and there’s still money to be counted.

‘I’d like to thank everyone who has donated, including Target Tools and Corkill’s Garage, and especially Alison at the Executive Barber Shop for looking after me. I didn’t need to be nervous at all and she has, as ever, done a great job.

‘I’m starting to get used to my new look, although I’m having to wear a hat to keep my head warm now.’

Debbie Thomson, volunteers co-ordinator and events organiser at Manx Blind Welfare Society, said: ‘Ian has done really well and was very brave to have his head completely shaved. It was a brilliant and selfless thing to do and has raised an incredible amount to support the society’s work.

‘Ian has been working hard to bring in donations and it has paid off with so much raised. Whatever the total is, Ian should be proud of what he’s done, raising money to support our work as well as helping raise awareness of the society and what it does.’

The TT Marshals’ Association training team is currently offering Incident Management training courses at venues both in the UK and Isle of Man in the lead up to this year’s TT.

The first available dates for anyone in the island who needs to renew or obtain their Incident Management Course certification are on Saturday and Sunday May 14 and 15.

The courses take place at the St John Ambulance headquarters on Glencrutchery Road in Douglas.

Three further courses are running on May 29 and June 2 and 3, during the TT period, but preference on these will be given to visiting marshals.

Following the TT more courses will be run on July 9 and August 21, prior to the start of the Manx Grand Prix and Classic TT events.

The courses cover subjects including personal safety, operating the two-way radio and using the flags to warn approaching riders. It also covers basic emergency first aid as well as helmet removal.

Training officer Brett Hammonds said ultimately the association would like to see all of its marshals IMC trained but this should not put off first timers who benefit from completing some marshalling sessions before doing the course.

A special event focussing on recycling will take place on Saturday, April 16.

‘Recyclefest 2016’ will kick off with a one-hour tour, at 10am, of Douglas Borough Council’s recycling facility with a presentation and the chance to see what happens to your recycled waste here in the island.

At 11.30am the group will assemble outside Braddan Commissioners’ office and proceed along the Heritage Trail and into Cronk Grianagh Park to collect disgarded rubbish.

The event is being organised by Manx Geocaching to mark International Cache In Trash Out weekend and anyone can attend.

Cache In Trash Out is an ongoing environmental initiative supported by the worldwide geocaching community.

Geocaching is an outdoor recreational activity, in which participants use a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver or mobile device and other navigational techniques to hide and seek containers, called ‘geocaches’ or ‘caches’, anywhere in the world.

More details can be found on www.manxgeocaching.com where you can also book a place.

People aged over 50 who develop a hearing problem can now refer themselves for hearing assessments and hearing aids at Noble’s Hospital.

The new self-referral service was made available last week and gives residents a direct route to assessments at the audiology service.

Previously, anyone with a hearing problem had to first make an appointment with their GP who, following a consultation and examination, could refer a patient to the audiology service, if deemed appropriate.

Minister for Health and Social Care Howard Quayle MHK said the change in the service is more convenient for Isle of Man residents.

‘An important component for our new health and social care strategy is encouraging and empowering individuals to take responsibility for their own health and wellbeing through healthy lifestyle choices and “self-care” when it’s appropriate.

‘Building on this, we want to speed up access to services when patients need them. GPs have a vital role to play when any of us become unwell or develop a medical problem. Sometimes however, where there are very specific symptoms and it is obvious what tests or treatment will be necessary, it makes sense to ensure there is timely access to specialist care such as when people experience hearing problems as they age.

‘By giving those aged 50 and over with a hearing problem the option to self-refer, we hope to increase choice and convenience for patients whilst potentially reducing the number of GP appointments.’

Hearing related problems become more common with age, which is why only patients over 50 will be able to self-refer, although they can still see their GP in the first instance, should they wish.

In order to self refer, people must be over the age of 50 and must not have any pain in the ears, hearing loss affecting only one ear, tinnitus (noises such as ringing or buzzing) affecting only one ear, episodes of dizziness where you feel you are spinning and you feel sick or hearing loss that has come on within three months.

Anyone experiencing these symptoms should visit their GP.

Those under 50 will still need to see their GP for any hearing related problems to discuss symptoms and eliminate any other potential causes and health issues.

Self-referral forms are available from all the island’s GP practices, the audiology department at Noble’s Hospital and also on the ‘audiology (hearing)’ page on www.gov.im

Patients are usually seen within eight weeks.

The Department of Health and Social Care introduced self-referral for physiotherapy treatment in 2012 which helped to reduce waiting times and the number of GP appointments.

A ‘Festival’s Finest’ concert has been added to the Manx Music Festival’s schedule for this year.

The Guild is teaming up with Stage Door Entertainment to present a concert showcasing some of the most enjoyable performances at the event on Saturday, April 30.

Festival chairman Sarah Kelly said: ‘For those who struggle to get to all the classes they would like to see this is a real chance to enjoy the cream of the crop and relish the variety and quality which the Guild represents.

‘We are delighted to be including some of our dancers from the new ballet and modern dance classes alongside the piano, poetry and singing winners.’

Tickets (£8 for adults; £4 for under 18s) are available from the Villa/Gaiety box office.

The government is examining whether ‘zoning’ Manx coastal waters for fisheries and conservation to enable better management and sustainable development.

The island’s territorial sea extends for 22km (or 12 nautical miles) and covers some 4,000 square km.

The Department of the Environment, Food and Agriculure says it wants to ensure that the economically-important fishing industry, and the marine environment that supports it, are protected for the long term.

It is also recognised that other recreational coastal activities, including charter fishing, wildlife tourism and diving, which also contribute to our economy and way of life, would benefit from a better quality marine environment.

The public is being asked whether activities between the shoreline and three miles out to sea should be zoned; if so, how should this be done to maximise the benefit for everyone.

Richard Ronan MHK, Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture, said:‘One of the methods of balancing the needs of users is via a zoning plan which ensures separation of activities, where suitable. This means that each activity can be managed around developing its full potential, but also in a sustainable way.’

The consultation also seeks views on the establishment of a second Manx marine nature reserve within the 0-1 mile area. A zoned reserve exists in Ramsey Bay which allows for a range of activities including potting for lobsters and whelk, preservation zones for eel grass and horse mussel reefs, and an increasingly valuable scallop fishery which has recovered and developed since 2009.

Briefings will be held in Ramsey, St John’s, Peel and Port St Mary during the weeks beginning April 18 and 25.

The Isle of Man Business Network (IOMBN) will be supporting the Institute of Directors’ (IOD) annual spring Lunch on Friday, April 15, at The Sefton Hotel with guest speaker Ruchir Rodrigues, managing director of digital banking at Barclays.

Ruchir Rodrigues is responsible for developing the business and commercial strategy, managing the ‘roadmap’ and defining customer experience for digital work across personal and corporate banking.

‘It’s great to have the IOMBN on board for this year’s spring lunch,’ said Clive Parrish, chairman of the IOD.

‘We believe that our members share common goals and aspirations, it’s an ideal event to bring both the IOD and the IOMBN together.

‘I’d like to thank the IOMBN committee for supporting this event and to Barclays for kindly sponsoring the lunch once again.’ The lunch will also host the IOD’s inaugural Director of the Year Awards ceremony, sponsored by Appleby, which will see the judges announce and present the awards to some of the island’s most exceptional and inspirational business leaders.

‘We are very pleased to be supporting the IOD’s spring lunch,’ said Rachael Hooper, chairman of the IOMBN, which used to be known as the Junior Chamber of Commerce up until a few months ago.

‘As the lunch will also host the first year of the IOD’s Director of the Year Awards ceremony, it will be an ideal event to bring the two organisations together to celebrate excellence in leadership on the Isle of Man.’

The University of the Third Age (U3A) has nothing to do with universities or exams!

The island branch, one of more than 900 U3As in the British Isles, started in 2012 as a small group of people interested in learning and making new friends.

It took about a year to establish affiliation with the national and international U3A, ensuring the island’s group had a firm foundation for the future.

The organisation has grown rapidly and members enjoy a monthly network meeting with a speaker and optional afternoon tea.

There are now 26 special interest groups ranging from walking, creative writing, racquetball, philosophy, art, natural history and geology and lots more.

The social aspect is also enjoyed with two trips to the Calf of Man and guided talks. July will see their first pop-up summer school, entitled ‘An Introduction to Italy by Loredana Antonazzi a member of Turin U3A’, running for three weeks.

Also new for this year is a visual arts competition.

Chairman Ravina Talbot said: ‘Our motto is “Learn, Laugh and Live” and we’re delighted to say we do all three at most meetings and have made many new friends on the journey – there is certainly no need to be bored on the Isle of Man!’

The name is a residue of the history of the U3A which started in France.

When it came to Britain the model evolved into a ‘learning co-operative’ and this is how it remains today.

Ravina says the best way to find out what the U3A has to offer is to come along to their next network meeting, taking place at St John’s Mill on April 21.

Beach Buddies founder Bill Dale will be speaking on the topic ‘You can change the world!’. Anyone interested can go along for a free taster session. The event runs from 2pm to 4.30pm, participants should arrive by 1.45pm.

Everyone, including the executive committee, are volunteers so membership fees are kept low at £15 per year.

This entitles members to attend monthly meetings and as many special interest groups as they wish.

For more information, visit isleofman.com/u3a or call 801032 and leave your contact details.

The Manannan required the assistance of a tug boat as it docked in Douglas last night.

Passengers were delayed by around an hour on the evening sailing from Liverpool which was due to dock at 10pm

In a statement issued this morning, Isle of Man Steam Packet Company chief executive Mark Woodward said: ‘Manannan suffered a failure of a hydraulic fitting when approaching Douglas Harbour last night. This meant that one of her engines could not be used for manoeuvring purposes although the engine itself was fully functional.

‘Because of the strong gusting winds, coupled with a French warship moored on the adjacent berth, the duty captain decided to ask for the assistance of a tug.

‘Unfortunately it took some time for the tug crew to arrive, but once in there, Manannan was able to quickly and safely berth. The Steam Packet Company has apologised to its passengers for the resulting delay in arrival.

‘The failed part was swapped for a replacement overnight and Manannan left ahead of schedule this morning.’

The Ben-my-Chree’s statutory biennial overhaul is scheduled to start tomorrow with the MV Arrow looking after freight duties while it is out of action for three weeks.

An expert is to give a lecture about the routes by which livestock used to be moved from individual farms to common summer pasturage in the hills.

Andrew Johnson, the field archaeologist and inspector of ancient monuments at Manx National Heritage will discuss the remains of more than 50 medieval seasonal settlements, or ‘shielings’, in upland locations, which are evidence of the heavy exploitation of the island’s uplands for common grazing.

The creation of routes along which these animals could be moved without damaging crops played a significant part in the delineation of traditional landholdings through or past which livestock had to be driven.

Effective boundaries were a preoccupation for Manx lawmakers from at least the early 15th century and the legal requirement for such stockproof barriers has played a major part in the creation of the Manx landscape we see today.

By combining evidence from historical maps, surviving public rights of way, field observation and map-regression, a clearer picture is beginning to emerge of these old trackways leading from farm to upland.

Andrew’s lecture, ‘The Way to the Hills: moving from farm to common without treading on others’ toes’, take place in the lecture theatre at Elmwood House at the Isle of Man College in Douglas at 6pm on Wednesday, April 20. All are welcome, and no booking is required. Parking for the lecture is at Thie Ushtey (off Greenfield Road).

The event is part of a series of lectures organised by the Isle of Man College of Further and Higher Education.

The island’s fifth CAMRA real ale festival came to an end on Saturday with no repeat of the Friday night log jam that hit the event at peak time last year.

Moving the main beer festival bar to the Royal Hall this year ensured there was plenty of space for customers to spread out and enjoy sampling the array of real ales on offer.

Organisers reported the wave of customers that had hit the 2015 event on Friday teatime and been ‘more of a ripple’ this year with much more space to accommodate them.

The festival represents a huge effort by CAMRA members who volunteer to organise, set up, man and then dismantle everything.

New for this year was the Young(er) Persons’ Bar which featured a range of the quirkier flavoured ales, such as coffee, along with some of the lighter coloured beers which it was thought younger people tend to favour.

There was also a bar devoted specifically to the beers of Surrey and Sussex this year, promoting beers from the counties which islanders may have visited less often and therefore not have tasted. Other far-flung counties may be featured in future festivals.

This year there were 200 real ales and 50 ciders and perries as well as a large selection of fruit wines.

This compares with the 2015 festival which had 150 real ales. The inaugural event held at the Masonic hall in Douglas boasted around 65 real ales, which clearly shows how it has grown in size and popularity since it started out.

A variety of bands played in the adjacent Promenade suite for those who cared to leave the bar to listen. A range of hot food was also on offer in the Colonnade suite.

The event was opened by Lord Mayor of Douglas, Sara Hackman and Bushy’s Brewery provided a speciality Beach Buddies’ Bitter in support of the beach cleaning charity.

Running in parallel on Thursday afternoon, CAMRA members were invited to discussion groups taking place to debate the future aims and objectives of the CAMRA organisation.

A 12-year-old boy from the island is to help a big fundraising event in London.

Mackenzie Brown will sing in St Paul’s Cathedral at a celebration service as ‘Friends of Cathedral Music’ celebrate 60 years and also the launch their ‘diamond fund’ for choristers.

The aim of the fund is to raise £10 million to secure the future of choral music in cathedrals around the British Isles.

The service is being held at St Paul’s on Wednesday, April 27.

Each cathedral has been invited to send one chorister to join with the St Paul’s Cathedral Choir for the occasion. No fewer than 62 cathedrals, abbeys and collegiate foundations will be represented.

Cathedral Isle of Man’s director of music, Dr Peter Litman, chose Mackenzie to represent the island.

Mackenzie joined the cathedral choristers in 2012 and attends Queen Elizabeth II High School in Peel. He was awarded the ‘Kirkpatrick choristership’ at Cathedral Isle of Man in 2012.

Dr Litman said: ‘The opportunity is both exciting and unique for Mackenzie, who will, for one day, have the opportunity to join and sing alongside both the St Paul’s Cathedral Choir and other professional choristers from large UK cathedrals.’

Mackenzie will be writing a live video blog during his rehearsals and service, which will be available on the cathedral website.

The 19 cathedral choristers sing every week at the cathedral in Peel, and further details can be found at www.cathedral.im.