Castle Rushen High School’s year eight students were challenged to be enterprising by five organisations.

The Apple Orphanage, One World Centre, Adventurous Experiences, Manx Sport and Recreation and Heritage Railways tasked groups with promoting a product or event.

They then had about five hours to create a logo, a radio advert, a press release and plan a launch event before presenting their ideas.

The challenge followed a half-day experience by Junior Achievement which saw students working in groups with a business mentor to promote a fictional concert.

Laura Williams, who is in charge of curriculum innovation at CRHS, said: ‘The students very much enjoyed the challenge of the days and the feedback from the organisations and Junior Achievement was very positive.

‘Putting skills-based learning into a more vocational setting is a key focus of curriculum innovation at CRHS and the school hopes to repeat the process next year with even more of its young people.’

MHKs will be asked next month to support a move to avoid a potential £4,000 cut in their pay.

Changed terms and conditions for government new starters, introduced this year, could lead to first-time MHKs who wins seats in the general election being paid a basic salary which is 10 per cent less than re-elected members and MLCs.

Now Tynwald’s emoluments committee is seeking a Treasury order to ensure that all members get paid the same and no MHK gets a pay cut.

The issue was raised in the House of Keys last week by LibVan MHK Peter Karran (Onchan).

Policy and Reform Minister John Shimmin explained that the emoluments committee had approached Treasury with a view to proposing an order to put in place a new formula for determining members’ annual pay.

Its aim would be to ensure that all members will get the same basic salary, which is currently £39,542.

That figure is currently based on the civil service pay scale and is set at a rate half way between an executive officer and a higher executive officer.

Mr Shimmin explained that the main purpose of the order was to deal with a ‘potential discrepancy’ between existing MHKs, those new elected in September who will be new starters and MLCs who would have continuous employment.

‘It would seem inappropriate to have potentially three different sets of salaries,’ he said,

The formula will aim to arrive at a figure which is similar to the current salary, explained Mr Shimmin, and the order would give members the opportunity to ‘clarify the situation’.

It could be argued that the 10 per cent cut should apply to all MHKs after the September general election as they are effectively on a new five-year contract.

If approved at the June sitting, the order will come into operation on July 1.

Mr Karran claimed current pay rates disbarred professionals who could not afford to become MHKs.

Infrastructure Minister Phil Gawne spearheaded the move to introduce the new starters’ scheme which reduces the salary scale for new government employees by about 10 per cent together with restrictions on sick pay and holiday pay.

It has saved government between £500,000-700,000 this year and is projected to save £1.5m next year and almost £2m the year after.

Mr Gawne said it was his view that the pay cut should apply to all Tynwald members. He said: ‘The terms for new starters will save substantial amounts of money for government. If MHKs are to show proper and true leadership then obviously it should apply to us as it should apply to any new starters.’

He said what the emoluments committee was proposing did seem ‘very much contrary to what we should be doing’.

Police have defended the decision to close the Mountain Road after every crash, insisting: ‘We can’t operate and have cars and bikes bowling towards us at over 150mph.’

On the Constabulary’s Facebook page, the roads police unit explained that safety was paramount.

This morning, the Mountain Road was closed between Ramsey Hairpin and the Bungalow after a biker came off at Joey’s. There were no serious injuries.

But a short time later, a further collision at Brandywell resulted in the entire mountain section from Ramsey to Creg-ny-Baa being shut.

The roads policing unit posted: ‘There seems to have been quite a bit of background chatter about why we seem to close the Mountain Road at the drop of a hat. Let’s try and explain a bit more.

‘Firstly, when a crash or incident is called in to us, we don’t know what we have got. The road may be blocked already, and there will be other vehicles bowling towards the crash at speeds in excess of twice that on a UK motorway. We have to stop that risk.

‘When we get there, we need everyone to be safe. That means the public, officers and other responders. We haven’t the luxury of building a contraflow, or closing lanes one and two as on a motorway - we have to shut it down to make it safe. We can’t operate and have cars and bikes bowling towards us at over 150mph.

‘And then, we need to clear the scene – to make it safe. That can often involve an hour with a sweeper and a lot of detergent, to get the oil and other debris off the road, and make sure that the next person that comes up there at speed has a better than evens chance of staying on it.

‘So, it’s all about safety. Simple as that.’

The comments prompted a lot of responses from posters who praised the police for their actions.

One posted: ‘Been going since 1985 and I have no problem at all with roads closed after an accident, it makes sense. The police there do a great job, carry on boys.’ Another said: ‘Maybe the people too dumb enough to have worked this out for themselves shouldn’t be riding up there in the first place.’

Fire crews spent five hours tackling a large gorse fire in Agneash, Laxey yesterday afternoon.

The gorse fire is believed to have been caused by increasing wind strength reigniting an area of previously controlled burning from two days earlier, which rapidly spread due to the current dry spell.

Initial crews arrived at the scene at around 3.20pm and discovered the fire spreading quickly.

They prevented the fire from spreading to a nearby property and once additional resources arrived from Douglas Station, efforts were made to prevent the fire spreading to neighbouring fields.

The Agneash road was closed to allow crews to work safely and relay water to the fire ground from an open water source some distance away.

Crews were hampered by the prevailing wind conditions, access to the area involved and limited water supplies.

The blaze was put out by 8.15pm but fire crews stayed for another hour to check the area.

Three major pumps, an off-road vehicle and a water tanker were used to tackle the large fire.

All of the equipment was returned to both Laxey and Douglas Stations by 9.18pm.

Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service station officer Brian Quirk said if anybody was considering carrying out a controlled burn to ensure that the Emergency Services Joint Control Room (ESJCR) was contacted beforehand by calling 697327.

Also, he urged people to consider the weather and look for any forecasted changes which may have an impact such as increasing wind strength or change of direction.

For further information about fire safety go to the ‘Fire and Rescue Service’ page at www.gov.im

A 62-year-old man who walked onto the Billown circuit from an adjacent property during the pre-TT classic races on Monday has been fined £500.

Police said that the man had been drinking and marshals at the scene had to enter the course in order to remove him and take him to safety.

A police statement said: ‘The man appeared at court today (Wednesday), having been summonsed for being on closed roads.

‘He admitted the matter and was fined £500.

‘We would like to remind the public of the dangers of entering closed roads, not only to themselves, but to the riders taking part in motorsport events, and the officials who volunteer their own time in order to ensure that these events can run.

‘It is unlawful to enter onto roads closed for racing without authority, and anyone found entering onto closed roads will be dealt with robustly.’

Inspector Andy Kneen added: ‘Marshals exercise powers and have the same authority as constables when conducting their duties in relation to road racing. ‘The Constabulary will deal swiftly with offenders and generally this will mean a court appearance within a very short time after any incident, while officers may not appear at points on the course any more, we have staff deployed specifically in relation to road racing in order to be able offer support to marshals.’

The Court commended the actions of the marshal who removed the man from the course, saying he had to put himself at risk in order to deal with the individual.

The chairman of Onchan Commissioners has expressed disappointment over newspaper headlines about a newly-elected member – and says he has every confidence in him.

And one commissioner said board members deserved more respect.

Former police constable Chris Quirk was elected uncontested to Onchan District Commissioners in April.

But he was soon making the headlines when a fellow commissioner Rob Callister called for him to be suspended after it emerged he had been sacked from the local authority for an incident involving a knife.

Minutes of a meeting of the Commissioners note that a member ‘expressed disappointment regarding the press headlines that week.

‘Although the information is in the public arena, it was not made public and felt it may do a lot of damage to those new members coming forward. As the board comes to the end of its term of office more respect needs to be shown.’

Another member said there should be a period of adjustments for employees and management and felt there were flaws in the legislation.

Chairman Robin Turton also expressed disappointment over the headlines and ‘wished to state that he had every confidence in the staff of the authority’.

Isle of Man Newspapers reported that Mr Quirk was sacked from the authority in October 2014 following an incident in which he produced a knife during a row with the head boatman at Onchan Park. An employment tribunal last month upheld the Commissioners’ decision to dismiss him on grounds of gross misconduct from his job as by-law enforcement officer.

Mr Quirk, who had been employed by Onchan Commissioners as a community warden since January 2006, became angry when he returned from a period of leave in May 2014 to find his long outdoor coat issued as part of his job was being used by the head boatman at Onchan Park, John Mullins.

On June 1, Mr Quirk approached Mr Mullins in the park. ‘There followed a verbal exchange which involved the claimant producing a knife from his pocket, the claimant maintains to show Mr Mullins, the respondent maintains in an intimidating manner,’ records the tribunal.

In his statement of witness, Mr Quirk insisted at no time was Mr Mullins threatened or intimidated. He insisted he had shown him the knife when he was accused of taking his screwdriver.

But dismissing his case, the tribunal unanimously agreed that ‘producing a knife, exposing its blade and tapping Mr Mullins on the back with it in an atmosphere of animosity between the two men could reasonably be considered as intimidating, constituting gross misconduct’.

Manx Telecom says it is the first Isle of Man operator to launch 4G roaming, with in-bound roaming now available for some visitors to the island including TT fans.

The company claims it is one of three big ‘firsts,’ all a result of its continued investment in its mobile telecoms infrastructure, and particularly in 4G.

Additionally, the company announced the first Isle of Man trial of 4G+ – the next step in the evolution of mobile technology (sometimes referred to as LTE-A) – as well as the launch of a new ‘Roam’ package, offering ‘significantly better value’ data roaming for its customers.

The roll-out of 4G roaming began on May 24.

Customers from Vodafone UK, Vodafone Germany and Jersey Telecom can now enjoy the full benefits of Manx Telecom’s 4G network during their stay on the island, with more UK and international networks being added over the coming days and weeks.

Out-bound roaming has been launched too – Manx Telecom customers can now enjoy 4G services by connecting to Vodafone Germany and Jersey Telecom networks while roaming in those locations, with UK and more international destinations becoming available in the very near future.

Kevin Paige, Manx Telecom customer services and technology director, says the 4G roaming news, 4G+ trial and ‘Roam’ package are all a result of the company’s continued investment in infrastructure.

All of these projects, said Mr Paige, were technically challenging, and once again demonstrate the skills and expertise of Manx Telecom staff, and the company’s commitment to investing in technology which helps the Isle of Man maintain its status as a world class international business centre.

He said: ‘This year we anticipate investing up to £10million in network and operations, to continue to provide the best possible experience for customers.

‘We were the first Isle of Man operator to launch a 4G network, and we’re delighted to be the first to launch a 4G roaming service which benefits our own customers travelling to popular off-island destinations, as well as visitors to the island.

‘Not only is the launch perfect timing for the many TT fans who want to use superfast mobile broadband, but because our 4G network has 99 per cent population coverage – which we believe is a higher percentage coverage than any other 4G network anywhere in the world – it will also demonstrate to visitors, the world class communications technology available to consumers and businesses here.’

Demonstrations of 4G+, the next evolution in mobile technology, started in Manx Telecom’s Strand Street store on May 24 and will subsequently be made available at the Grandstand.

Manx Telecom says this is another first in the Isle of Man and will allow customers to experience the ‘fantastic speeds’ of 4G+, which could typically be up to 40 per cent faster than 4G depending on network traffic. 4G+ is in its trial phase and customers will need a compatible handset to experience the new speeds, details of which can be found on the Manx Telecom website.

4G+ is provided free of charge to all Manx Telecom 4G customers and the company aims to deliver 4G+ to a number of additional locations by the end of the year.

Al Lugton, Manx Telecom mobile product manager, said: ‘Our new ‘‘Roam’’ package offering a daily data bundle is a first for the Isle of Man.

‘Once activated by a simple text message, customers will have access to an allowance of roaming data for a full 24 hours and will only be charged on the days they use data.

‘Roam will be available initially to pay monthly customers on a Smartphone or SmartData plan and will benefit travellers to UK, Ireland and Channel Islands.

‘This innovation has been made possible following investment in a major upgrade of our billing platform which enables the introduction of a number of new and enhanced services, all designed to provide even better value, and to make it easier for customers to purchase products and manage their accounts.’

To find the latest information on all Manx Telecom’s new mobile services, visit www.manxtelecom.com/mobile

A warm and colourful welcome in words and images is what visitors to Douglas can expect thanks to a new set of lamp post adornments.

The new set of ‘Welcome to Douglas’ banners are being positioned on 80 of the capital’s lamp posts lining the west side of the promenades.

Douglas graphic designer Emma Cooke of EJC Design is the artist behind the creations. The new banners feature ‘Welcome to Douglas’ messages in a variety of colours. They are also decorated with a range of well known sites, picturesque locations and visitor attractions from different locations around the island.

Commenting on the new feature, council leader, David Christian, said: ‘Douglas has an important role to play as the gateway to the rest of the Isle of Man.

‘It is therefore essential that the capital projects a positive and welcoming image: much progress in this is already being made through town centre regeneration schemes.

‘These banners complement those projects while the images provide visitors with a glimpse of the diversity of the island’s magnificent scenery and its rich heritage, which we hope will ignite their curiosity and inspire them to discover more about the Isle of Man.’

One of the banners features the Jubilee clock in its new position at the end of Victoria Street and another shows the Tower of Refuge in Douglas Bay beneath a large rainbow.

A motorcycle fan is flying the TT flag for the Isle of Man with a bar and rental business in Cyprus named after the races.

Costas Iacovou runs the Isle of Man TT Bike Club and Bar in Paphos on the south west of the island.

The Cypriot man has been a TT and motorbike fan since he was a child and said it was a dream come true to set up a TT-related bar.

Costas set up the bar in Geroskipou village in Paphos in 2013 and also runs a rentals and tours business, hiring vehicles and giving tours of the region, named after the TT.

Costas’s son Dimitris runs the online side of the business and said: ‘The idea was derived by my father as he has been a follower of the legendary races for years.

‘He has been a biker since the 1980s, since he was 10-years-old, and that passion led him to becoming a known specialised engineer of motorcycles.

‘He started working with BSAs and Matchless bikes. He has also helped others enter the engineering profession.

‘After years of running a garage servicing motorcycles for almost for everybody in the town, my father decided to enter the rentals industry so he could share his passion of riding bikes.

‘Of the first bikes he was hiring out were popular 1980s models such as Suzuki DT’s and Honda Kinetic.

‘This was at a time when biking was still at an early stage in our closed city so it was quite innovative.’

Dimitris said that his father initially traded under his own name and the work enabled him to meet lots of visitors from various countries, including the Isle of Man.

Costas came up with the idea of the TT shop and bar after being given a lot of TT memorabilia by visiting Manx people that he met.

Dimitris said: ‘It is a bar for everyone, offering local prices and a welcoming atmosphere.

‘Entering the bar you can see TT memorabilia, from worn out knee pads of TT racers, T-shirts, magazines and a television playing DVDs from the earliest TT up to the modern.

‘If you also come at the time when the races are going on you can watch the related TT programmes which usually show on ITV4.

‘We already have enthusiasts here waiting for TT 2016.’

Dimitris said that his father’s dream is to come to the island to watch the races live.

He said: ‘An unfulfilled dream of my father is to see the races from close up since, with running the business, he hasn’t been able to so far.’

Read more about Costas’s bar on the Isle of Man TT Bike Club and Bar Facebook page.

The island’s insurance regulator was first made aware of potential problems with a ScottishPower cashback warranty as far back as 2003.

An all-party group of MPs has accused the Insurance and Pensions Authority of ‘regulatory failure’ in a damning report into a major consumer mis-selling scandal which involved companies set up in the Isle of Man.

The All-Party Parliamentary Group investigation into alleged mis-selling by energy giant ScottishPower looked into how 625,000 consumers across the UK – many of them pensioners – lost out collectively on more than £75m in unpaid consumer goods guarantees to which they were entitled.

Its report concluded that ‘despite having full knowledge of the facts, the IPA appears to have done nothing to protect the interests of the insured despite having a legal obligation to do just that.’

Questions about the scandal were raised in the House of Keys last week by LibVan leader Kate Beecroft.

In his written reply, Treasury Minister Eddie Teare said the IPA’s role was one of ‘oversight, rather than micromanagement’.

He revealed that the IPA became aware of a potential problem in 2003.

‘At this juncture we are unable to ascertain from records when Treasury became aware that there was a potential problem. However, concerns were raised during 2002-2003 when the national press highlighted problems,’ he said. ‘On searching Council of Ministers’ records, no reference can be found of this matter having been discussed.’

PowerPlan Company Ltd was set up in the Isle of Man by ScottishPower to issue warranties on white goods such as TVs, fridges and cookers in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Cashback warranties were sold on the promise that if you didn’t claim within five years you would get your cash deposit back.

But the scheme went under in 2004, following its sale to another retailer PowerHouse. Thousands of people started calling in their cashback but the warranties were never paid.

The report concludes ScottishPower deliberately used an opaque offshore structure to avoid paying tax, and then used that structure to evade their liabilities to cashback customers.

A second Manx incorporated company, Domestic Appliance Insurance Ltd (DAIL), had been set up by ScottishPower as its insurance arm. This was later renamed Powerhouse Insurance Ltd (PIL) following the sale to Powerhouse, and was authorised by the IPA to undertake insurance business.

Mr Teare said the IPA was first contacted by the liquidator of PIL in January 2013 and has ‘endeavoured to assist him in his inquiries’.

He added: ‘The IPA has met with the liquidator of PIL in relation to the serious issues and concerns raised by him and have provided to him copies of all written correspondence between PIL and the IPA over the period under review.

‘The IPA and latterly the FSA have actively engaged with the liquidator and this has resulted in an exchange of correspondence and discussion by both parties to seek additional information to assist with the respective reviews.’

The Financial Services Authority, which superseded the IPA, declined invitations to appear before the APPG.

The APPG report has been passed to the Serious Fraud Office and the National Crime Agency.

ScottishPower deny allegations of mis-selling.

Manx Wildlife Trust had concerns over the organisation and profile of this year’s Queenie festival – called Festival of the Sea – so was not surprised it was cancelled.

MWT was involved in previous festivals running touch tanks and as a beneficiary.

The news of the cancellation prompted many comments from disappointed people.

Graham Hall, who with Island Seafare’s Tim Croft dreamt up the idea for the festival first held in 2009, said its importance is so great it should be revived.

After Mr Hall and Mr Croft stepped back from its organisation in 2013, Rushen MHKs Phil Gawne, Laurence Skelly and Juan Watterson took over; James Gale from Switched On Events joined the team in 2014 and became the organiser.

Mr Gale told Isle of Man Newspapers this year’s festival, scheduled for July 2 and 3, was cancelled because of ‘funding issues’.

The report about the cancellation led to comments being made online. One was from Mr Gale who said: ‘The reason for cancelling the event was not exactly “funding issues” as there was funding in place to run the event. The issue was a demand for a fee of £4,000 to go on paying for the touch tanks to be provided by the Manx Wildlife Trust. We tried to negotiate a lower fee but they stood firm with their demands.’

MWT did not want to reply directly to Mr Gale’s comment, but they issued a statement and said: ‘We have watched as the event simply did not start to shape up and get planned with the significance it deserved.

‘Our part in the festivals over the many previous years is a major undertaking for us as an organisation and requires considerable commitment and support from our volunteers and staff.

‘Historical concerns before this year because of date changes in 2015 due to double bookings by organisers meant that the Wildlife Trust had questions about how far elements of the festival had been organised and support secured.

‘This has been our most significant event for many years and as such we expect the organisation of it to be of an excellent standard.’

MWT’s Tim Graham said: ‘The festival should celebrate the significance internationally of our marine environment. The importance of all the links that Manx culture and conservation holds with our seas means that we need an event delivered in keeping with this significance.’

The event is too big for one organiser, said Mr Graham, who added MWT is happy to work with others on reviving the festival next year.

A bogus claimant who pocketed thousands of pounds in benefits despite receiving an undeclared pension and having a bank account with more than £40,000 in it, has been sent to prison.

The full story is covered on the front page of this week’s Manx Independent, which also features a picture of Manx TT rider Conor Cummin and a review of practice week.

Elsewhere in the paper, which is in shops now:

The redevelopment of Port Erin’s historic railway station is firmly under way - despite concerns the work is unnecessary and that the money could be better spent elsewhere.

A 29-year-old man from Douglas has admitted having 2,000 10mg diazepam tablets and 900 5mg tablets sent to him in a package from Cameroon in Africa.

An attempt by MHKs to exempt themselves from a new pay scales agreement has been branded ‘despicable’ by one union leader.

Independent reporter, TT marshal and MGP rider John Turner describes a session held at the weekend which aimed to make volunteer TT and MGP marshals more skilled and confident to handle a race or practice incident.

Nikki Allan reports on an art exhibition being held by retired NASA astronaut Nicole Stott, who has tried to recreate the stunning views from the International Space Station.

A 32-year-old Ramsey man has been fined £1,000 after admitting crashing his car on the Mountain Road while almost twice the drink-drive limit.

TravelWatch says there needs to be full public scrutiny of Steam Packet proposals before any decision is made on the future of ferry services.

A Douglas gym is celebrating after claiming success in a high-profile competition in Soutport.

There’s a full rundown of the events and gigs taking place around the island during TT Week, plus music and film reviews.

And sport looks back on a hugely successful practice week, while looking ahead to what is shaping up to be a tremendous first day of racing on Saturday.

Your Manx Independent is in shops now.

And don’t forget the second issue of TT News will be in shops from Sunday, with reports and pictures from the opening day’s race action hot off the press.

An attempt by MHKs to exempt themselves from a new pay scales agreement has been branded ‘despicable’ by one union leader.

iomtoday reported this week that MHKs are manoeuvring to avoid a potential £4,000 cut in their basic salary.

Changed terms and conditions for government new starters, introduced this year, could lead to first-time MHKs who win seats in the general election being paid a basic salary which is 10 per cent less than re-elected members and MLCs.

Now Tynwald’s emoluments committee is seeking a Treasury order to put in place a new formula for determining members’ pay - and ensure that all get paid the same and no MHK gets a pay cut.

But Eric Holmes, regional officer for the Unite union, described the move as ‘despicable’ and said MHKs should lead by example.

He said: ‘As a trade union we took no pleasure in having to re-look at rates of pays and T&Cs for new starters to government positions within the New Terms for New Starters agreement, but to see that the MHKs are attempting to negotiate their future pay terms, outside of the agreement, is sickening to see.

‘Minister Phil Gawne worked upon this initiative to safeguard current employees’ pay terms and conditions and throughout the negotiations it was accepted that it would apply to all new starters unless market demands dictated that it needed to be left as was.

‘As this is to be a new election, all MHKs will be new starters and should lead by example by removing 10 per cent from current pay scales.’

In the House of Keys, Policy and Reform Minister John Shimmin explained that the emoluments committee had approached Treasury with a view to proposing an order to put in place the new formula for determining members’ annual pay.

Its aim would be to ensure that all members will get the same basic salary, which is currently £39,542. That figure is currently based on the civil service pay scale and is set at a rate halfway between an executive officer and a higher executive officer.

Mr Shimmin explained that the main purpose of the order was to deal with a ‘potential discrepancy’ between existing MHKs, those newly elected in September who will be new starters and MLCs who would have continuous employment. ‘It would seem inappropriate to have potentially three different sets of salaries,’ he said,

But Mr Holmes said talk of three separate pay scales was ‘nonsense’. ‘Tynwald will comprise new starters from September including those re-elected to serve their constituencies,’ he said. In a message to MHKs, he said: ‘Lead by example and accept you are to be new starters post-election.’

Angela Moffatt, negotiations officer for Prospect, said it’s a case of ‘double standards’. She said: ‘Prospect led on this issue and our members voted through millions of pounds of savings on an on-going basis – and now MHKs want to be exempted from this?

‘It’s bad enough they won’t lead on these issues – but now they won’t even follow. New entrants to the public service in civil service and manual worker roles have a new salary and conditions package which will see substantial cuts to pay, sickness and holidays. Prospect say it’s a double standard that cannot continue.

‘They already get preferential treatment over pensions and if reform goes through will get to pay more to keep their ludicrously OTT Pension. Everyone else will just pay more, get less and work longer. We are reaching a point where this could start to erode good industrial relations.’

Isle of Man Friends of the Earth’s Cat Turner gave advice and information about pesticides and fertilisers at the Community Farm recent open day...

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It was a treat to be asked to join up with the Children’s Centre’s Community Farm last weekend .

It was an opportunity to mix with all sorts of like-minded people, and to let the Manx public know what issues are vexing or enthusing us ‘greenies’.

The farm’s open day ran from 10.30am until around 3.30pm and was chockablock with people either wanting to share their ideas for more sustainable living – or wanting to find out more.

From the Green Centre, we had master composter Phil Corlett, who was able to show people how they could ensure their food and gardening ‘waste’ could feed the soil and help produce more food.

On the Isle of Man Friends of the Earth / Ecovannin stand, organic enthusiast Margaret Kneen and I told people about why it’s really important that people think carefully about the types of pesticides and fertilisers they use.

The reasoning behind this is that several such chemical products are known to affect wild bees and other important pollinators, so that not only do they die off – they also can’t provide humankind with the important help they give us in delivering food to our tables.

But why is this happening? Well, last year the UK government allowed two currently banned neonicotinoid pesticides (known for short as ‘neonics’) to be used on oilseed rape crops in parts of England, despite the objection from over half a million people.

And yet, the National Farmers’ Union’s predictions of widespread crop losses without the use of neonics, which were a big part of the UK government’s decision, have proved completely unfounded. In fact, average oil seed rape crop yields were up last year and that’s beside the fact that a whole range of alternative, cost-effective and bee-friendly ways of controlling pests are available.

The science of the threat to bees and other pollinators from pesticides containing dangerous neonicotinoids is now overwhelming.

If you’re into reading up on such things, you can find out more at: https://www.foe.co.uk/sites/default/files/downloads/threat-bees-from-neonicotinoid-pesticides-93919.pdf.

So we were really glad to take part in such an environmentally-friendly day, and one which was full of so much fun.

There were animals, home-made veggie soup, great music, facepainting and much, much more. But the very best part of it was being involved with a group who want to live life in a way that supports others, and fosters sustainable lifestyles.

THERE are commercials on television for a company called Irish Ferries. These are accompanied by a map of the British Isles.

There is no sign of the Isle of Man on this.

Irish Ferries are based in Dublin and they were founded in 1992. The mind Googles and we are told that they carry passengers and freight between Ireland, the United Kingdom and Continental Europe.

It is almost certain that to do this they must cross the Irish Sea.

You would think that, after a quarter of a century, they would have noticed the Isle of Man getting in their way, especially at night when we put the lights on.

Mind you, if their ferry captains had espied the Isle of Man at any time they would have taken good care not to hit it.

But if the company’s map is anything to go by Irish Ferries’ management themselves do not know that the Isle of Man is in the middle of the Irish Sea.

This must be a worry for their potential passengers and freight companies thinking about booking.

The map, l think, is what I can only call Miss Isle of Man, examples of which there used to be many in illustrations of the British Isles worldwide at one time.

It might also be best for their customers to Miss Irish Ferries.

I HAVE a deep and abiding interest in English usage and as a result I have been wondering, if a man chases women he is known as a womaniser, what is a woman who chases men known as?

I have been conducting research into this matter with some of my fellow denizens of Broadcasting House, especially the women, and the first answer I got was ‘maneater’ which is pretty good.

Then I got ‘cougar’ and, for those of a classical turn of mind, ‘succubus’.

The latter is a female demon believed to have sexual intercourse with sleeping men, which is enough to give you sleepless nights. There is also, believe it or not, ‘maniser’ according to the urban dictionary.com.

If any readers have alternatives to offer please let me know.

THIS week’s crossword clue has come in from Sylvia Lawrinson. It was in the Times quick cryptic as follows: ‘Man, for example, first to vacate gangway (4)’

UKIP has issued an election leaflet saying: ‘UKIP wants top management fat cats on huge salaries to be cut in half.’

Does this mean giving them the chop?

BUSHY’S Brewery, presided over by the ever-resourceful Martin Brunnschweller, has joined in the battle to keep the Douglas horse trams running with a ‘Tram Tastic’ theme in its TT merchandising.

Licensed horse trams as well Martin?

CROSSWORD: Isle.

WE are being told often enough that the Treasury Minister is concerned about the increasing physical health and longevity of old people in the Isle of Man and a serious long-term effect on the Manx economy.

Wrongevity is it Eddie?

FUNNIES File: Manx Radio once reported: ‘A process worker at the Sellafield nuclear plant in Cumbria has been exposed to more than twice the permitted annual level of inflation.’

A blown up story do you think?

SIGNS: One over a gynaecologist’s office said: ‘Dr. Jones at your cervix.’

Ian James Martin, of 4 Kensington Place Apartments, Imperial Terrace, Onchan, bought Ballavartyn, Newtown, Santon, for £1,300,000.

It was bought from Elizabeth Catherine Forbes.

Other recent transactions lodged at the General Registry in Douglas are as follows:

Angela Jean Corkish sold Baldromma, Jurby Road, Lezayre, for £690,000, to Zipaddress Limited, whose registered office is situated at Lough House, Approach Road, Ramsey.

Brian Cresswell and Sandra Anne Cresswell sold 5 Alpine Close, Onchan, for £294,500, to Paul Neil Mackie and Rebecca Mackie, both of 14 Nursery Avenue, Onchan.

Vera Olive Norton, of Rhynefield, West Baldwin, sold 113 Wybourn Drive, Onchan, for £290,000, to Peta Jane Warren, of 30 Hillberry Heights, Governor’s Hill, Douglas.

Joseph Andrews sold 18 Briarfield Avenue, Onchan, fo £274,333, to Katherine Anne Cain, of 74 Birch Hill Crescent, Birch Hill, Onchan.

Hermitage Securities Limited, whose registered office is situated at Bank Chambers, 15-19 Athol Street, Douglas, sold Bridge House, 6 Bridge Road, Douglas, for £235,000 to Kirindolam 3 Limited, whose registered office is situated at European House, Peel Road, Douglas.

Joseph Edward Berry and Marie Berry sold Abbeyville Cottage, Kerrowmoar, Sulby, Lezayre, for £230,000, to Robert James Dunn and Lyndsey Helen Dunn, both of 3 Somerset Road, Douglas.

John Peter Maddrell and Jennifer Mary Maddrell, both of Kerroogarroo Farm, Andreas, sold land at Blue Point, Ballawhane, Andreas, for £190,000, to Dalmatian Limited whose registered office is situated at 1st Floor, Jubilee Buildings, Victoria Street, Douglas.

David Bennett and Angela Bennett sold 15 Farmhill Mews, Braddan, for £178,500, to David Gerrard, of 24 Glen Vine Park, Glen Vine.

Kenneth Wright, by administrators, Margaret Joyce George, of 9 Queens Avenue, Douglas, as administrator, and Kathryn Rebecca Radcliffe, of 18 Hawarden Avenue, Douglas, as administrator, sold a parcel of land, part of the Woodbourne Estate, Douglas, for £27,500 to Twelve Limited, whose registered office is situated at The Garage Workshop, 2 Falcon Street Lane, Douglas.

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We publish details of all house sales unless we receive a written request from the police or probation services.

Tomorrow (Friday) is the last day that organisations which help improve green spaces in the island can apply to receive funding of up to £12,000.

The Bags of Help grant scheme, managed by charity Groundwork and funded by Tesco, uses money raised from the 5p charge for plastic bags in the UK to help fund projects.

The Isle of Man does not have a plastic bag charge but benefits from the scheme as it is part of the Tesco UK programme.

Examples of projects likely to be successful include community gardens, woodland walks and outdoor recreation facilities.

Three shortlisted applications will go forward to an in-store vote where Tesco customers will decide who will receive grants of either £12,000, £10,000 or £8,000.

The deadline for applications is at midday tomorrow.

To apply go to www.groundwork.org.uk/Sites/tescocommunityscheme

A 55-year-old visiting biker has died following a crash on the Mountain Road this morning.

The incident happend at around 6.45am at Hailwaood’s Rise and involved a BMW motorcycle which collided with the back of a Citroen C4 car driven by a local man.

The biker, who was from Bolton, Lancashire, was treated for his injuries by the public, police and paramedics at the scene, but was pronounced dead on his arrival at Noble’s Hospital.

The road was closed for several hours while collision investigation was carried out.

Senior investigating officer Inspector Dave Dobbie said: ‘This is a very sad outcome. I would like to appeal to anyone that has not been spoken to that may have witnessed the incident to get in touch with Roads Policing at Headquarters on 01624 631212.’

Police are appealing for witnesses and the rider of a black sports bike to come forward after it was involved in a serious collision on the Mountain Road this morning.

The black sports bike clipped a navy blue Suzuki VZ800 motor cycle just after the 33rd Milestone at about 11.45am, resulting in the Suzuki rider crashing his machine and sustaining a serious injury.

Anybody with information is asked to contact the roads policing unit on 631212.

With TT now very much under way and at the time of writing, the weather holding beautifully, here’s a round up of some of the gigs taking place over the next week.

Manx Pink Floyd tribute band Pigs On The Wing have announced a return to the Villa Marina Royal Hall for a show on Tuesday, June 7.

For those that aren’t familiar with the band, if the likes of classics Shine On You Crazy Diamond, Another Brick In The Wall, Comfortably Numb and Wish You Were Here amongst many others are favourites from the extensive Pink Floyd back catalogue, then this event is an absolute must see.

Support comes from progressive rock/country blues band, In The Blood.

Tickets are £15 from the Villa Marina box office or online at www.villagaiety.com

For more information on the band visit facebook.com/pages/Pigs-On-The-Wing

Tuesday also sees Post War Stories heading to Sam Webbs in Douglas. The trip hop, heavy psychedelia rock outfit show a smattering of Dark Star, Massive Attack, Oceansize, iLikeTrains, The Cooper Temple Clause and Amplifier in their sound.

They are taking The Clown Calls For War along in support. Well worth a look at if you’re in the area.

Amber Bar in Douglas kick off their round of TT gigs tomorrow night (Friday) with Metallica tribute band, Ironclad who will also be bringing metal covers band Fugue State with them.

Over the next week or so you’ll be able to catch Switch, 9 Bar Gypsies, Penthouse Dive, 995, local Ska/two tone favourites Buncha Skankers, Iron Maiden Tribute Ed Force One and AC/DC tribute A Little Bitta’ Rosie in action on the stage.

For further information and their TT event schedule, visit the Amber Bar Facebook page.

You can also catch the action down at the Bushy’s Beer tent next to the Sea Terminal each night from 7pm.

You’ll see the likes of Tender Rage, Ed Force One, 9 Bar Gypsies, Penthouse Dive, Nick Barlow and The Bad Noise and Penthouse Dive amongst others treading the boards.

Whilst we’re on the subject of the Bushy’s Beer tent, the drummers from The Big Beat will be making their first appearance on stage at the tent on Mad Sunday between 1pm and 5pm.

They’ll be playing drums in unison to a whole host of songs from classic rock through to pop and are raising money for Craig’s Heartstrong Foundation ahead of their next main event The Big Beat in February 2017. Clubnight, Kitsch ‘n’ Sync takes place on Mad Sunday at Artisan in Douglas. Headed up by DJs Christian Clague, Kym Holland and Al Stacey, this club night plays the best in house, funk, soul and beyond. It all kicks off from 4pm.

Finally and heading north to Bar Logo in Ramsey where over the next week you’ll be able to catch the likes of Symbollix, The Barefoot Revolution, The Tides, AM Frequency and 3 Million.

And that is just about it and just scratching the surface. Have a safe and enjoyable TT!

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Steve Leach brings the latest rumblings, murmurings, news and views on forthcoming events in and around the island’s music scene. Help support the scene by emailing leachsteve@hotmail.com