The volunteer crew of Douglas’s RNLI lifeboat was called into action twice yesterday (Saturday).

On the first occasion, it was launched at just after 5pm at the request of Holyhead Coastguard to help in the search for a missing yacht.

Sir William Hillary was launched under the command of emergency coxswain Graeme Cushnie to join Lytham St Annes, Fleetwood and Barrow RNLI lifeboats in their search for an overdue 21ft yacht sailing from the Isle of Man.

The yacht was successfully located by RNLI Lytham St Anne’s all-weather lifeboat Her Majesty The Queen and taken under tow, when Douglas lifeboat was stood down to return to station.

The lifeboat was re-housed and ready again for service at 6.50pm.

The second callout took place at just before 11pm when it was required go to the aid of a broken down motor cruiser.

The 10m vessel with two people on board had suffered engine failure just off Onchan Head, from where it was taken under tow by the lifeboat to a berth on the King Edward Pier in Douglas.

Leaving the vessel and its crew with Douglas Coastguard, the lifeboat returned to station where the lifeboat was re-housed and ready again for service at 11.45pm.

The Big Beat group will be returning for another marathon feat, this time in aid of Craig’s Heartstrong Foundation.

It follows on from the success of their three-day drumming marathon, Big Beat For Hospice event in November 2014.

On February 24, 2017, the team of six drummers – Andy James, Steve Leach, Noah Egelnick, Jonny Peacock, Ben O’Hare and Martin Rigby – will return to the Villa Marina’s Promenade Suite to play along to music, in unison, for more than 50 hours.

But you don’t have to wait until February to see them in action. They will be at Bushy’s on Mad Sunday from 1pm to 5pm.

Martin said: ‘We can’t wait to get started with another drumming marathon but before we can think about getting our drums down to the Villa Marina again we’ve got a lot of work to do to raise as much money as we can for this fantastic charity which is doing so much for the Isle of Man in raising awareness of heart issues, providing free heart checks and installing portable defibrillators around the island.

‘This voluntary work costs huge amounts of money and we couldn’t be happier to help raise as much as we can for the team at Craig’s Heartstrong Foundation.

‘Whilst we will be focused on raising money at our own gigs, and at appearances over the next few months, we need all the help we can get.

‘Putting on a Big Beat event costs a considerable amount of money and we are asking the local business community to once again show its generosity and community spirit in helping us meet these costs.’

Paul Healey, from Craig’s Heartstrong Foundation, said: ‘We are absolutely delighted that The Big Beat 2017 is going to be for Craig’s Heartstrong Foundation.

‘I saw this happen a couple of years ago and thought it was a great idea to raise money for charity.

‘All money raised will help us continue with our public defibrillator campaign to help keep the island a safer place.’

Donations can be made via www.justgiving.com/thebigbeat.

Any businesses interested in partnering with the Big Beat or making a donation can contact them through The Big Beat IOM Facebook page or email thebigbeatiom@gmail.com

A local gym has been named the best bodybuilding gym in the north west by the National Amateur Body Builders Association (NABBA) at a competition in Southport.

Bodyworx Gym, which is based in Kingswood Grove in Douglas, beat gyms in Liverpool, Manchester, Bolton, Warrington, Southport, the Lakes, Blackburn, Blackpool, Stockport, Chester, Oldham and Preston.

On top of that, one of the gym’s bodybuilders, Nuno Figueira, took third place in NABBA British Final in his novice division and will compete in an international event in November.

Nuno qualified for the final by finishing second out of 19 north west bodybuilders, then took third place in the final of 16 athletes from all over Britain.

Bodyworx is run by 37-year-old Douglas man Steven Peel, who said: ‘NABBA north west is notoriously tough and has some of the highest level bodybuilders in the UK.

‘The gym picked up what’s become a legendary prize in British bodybuilding each year for such a hardcore bodybuilding region.

‘I have been a window cleaner for 22 years, running my own successful window cleaning company for 19 years, but for as long as I can remember I have always been passionate about keeping fit and weight training and first started going to local gyms aged 18.’

He added: ‘In 2007 I decided to turn my hobby into a business so along with a business partner we first opened the doors of Bodyworx Gym, formerly known as Body Shack Fitness Centre. In 2013 I became the sole owner of the gym.

‘Nuno is our gym manager and is the first point of contact at the gym as I am still busy running and working the window cleaning business as well as having three young children.’

Other athletes from Steve’s gym who competed at the event were Derek Cain, who finished fourth in his category, Mark Hutton and Lena Ruoff.

NABBA formed in 1950 and its first Mr Universe contest was won by Steve Reeves who went on to make over 30 Hercules movies.

Arnold Schwarzenegger is also a four times winner of the NABBA Mr Universe title.

St German’s Cathedral in Peel is holding a National Service of Thanksgiving for Queen Elizabeth II in her 90th year.

The service will be held on Sunday, June 12, from 3.30pm until 5pm.

For more information contact Dr Peter Litman on 226356 or email music@cathedral.im

Keep up to date with events at the cathedral via their website at www.cathedral.im

Would-be Tynwald Day petitioners are being advised that they have to follow the rules.

Anyone wishing to present petitions for redress of grievance at the Tynwald ceremony on July 5 are being reminded that petitions must comply with the standing orders of Tynwald.

Petitioners are advised to prepare a first draft and send it to the Clerk of Tynwald to check it’s in order.

The maximum number of people who can present a petition for redress at Tynwald Hill is three and you cannot submit it before or after the ceremony.

Shortly before the ceremony the Clerk of Tynwald meets petitioners by the Lych Gate outside the Royal Chapel of St John and briefs them on the procedure to be followed when they are called upon to come forward.

Advice notes are available from the Tynwald Library or http://www.tynwald.org.im/business/petitions/ and guidance is also available from the Clerk of Tynwald on 685500.

A Ramsey Grammar sixth form student will head to Malawi this summer to help orphaned children who have lost their parents to HIV.

Emily Stephens, aged 18, will spend four weeks in rural areas of the country volunteering with local youth groups helping to improve livelihoods for families in the greatest need, building new homes and facilities and assisting in feeding centres.

The A-Level student, who is finishing her studies in world development, politics and business studies, was chosen to take part in the volunteer scheme by the One World Centre, which organises the initiative on behalf of island charity, The Karsons Family Foundation.

She was selected from a number of young Manx applicants, impressing interviewers with her perseverance, knowledge and enthusiasm along with her thirst for volunteering locally in her spare time for the Northern Live at Home Scheme and Leonard Cheshire Disability.

Emily said: ‘I had learned a lot about Malawi in my studies and it sparked an interest in visiting Africa. When I heard that a trip was being organised, I wanted to be a part of it. I am really looking forward to visiting Malawi and developing friendships along the way, whilst also helping the community.’

The volunteer programme is run by Quest Overseas which organises various volunteering and adventure trips in South America and Africa.

Emily said: ‘I am extremely thankful to have been given such an incredible opportunity. I am looking forward to working with Quest alongside the local community in Malawi and taking part in such an amazing project which will have a positive contribution to the country’s development.’

Rosemary Clarke, director of the One World Centre, said this was the second year The Karsons Family Foundation have provided funding for a young person to take part in the volunteer scheme.

Last year Lucy Johnson, from Ramsey, spent a month in Malawi working with orphaned children.

Rosemary said: ‘Following a very successful placement in 2015, we are grateful to The Karsons Family Foundation for providing sponsorship for a second year to give another Manx youngster such a wonderful chance for personal development through an exciting volunteering scheme.

Emily is sure to get as much out of the trip as those she is going to help. The experience of working hands-on with other young people in such a different community and culture can be enormously rewarding and will give her valuable insights that she can bring back and share in the Isle of Man.’

To find more about the volunteer schemes go to www.questoverseas.com

A drug user who had cannabis and cocaine stashed in a cupboard, wardrobe and tupperware container has been sent to prison for five years.

Kris Anthony Dowling, 25, committed his second offences while still on bail for the first, the Court of General Gaol Delivery was told.

Police acting on a tip-off searched an address in Peveril Terrace, Douglas, on March 13, where they found just over 61 grammes of cocaine and 160 grammes of cannabis.

Enquiries led police to the defendant, Dowling. When he was arrested, Dowling had with him an iPhone, a cannabis grinder and £280 in cash, which he said was partly to pay debts and partly his daughter’s nursery fees.

He told police he had a drugs habit that cost him thousands of pounds a year and the drugs were all his, for personal use. However, examination of messages on the defendant’s phone suggested he was also supplying drugs.

Rachel Braidwood, for the prosecution, said the value of the cocaine was £50 to £70 per gramme.

Dowling told police he thought the cocaine was a legal high. He offered no comment on the phone messages.

Less than a month later, on April 7, police searched his flat in Murray’s Road. There, they seized a wrap of white powder from his wardrobe, a grinder, a tin containing cannabis, some scales and mobile phones. This time, there was just over 32 grammes of cannabis worth £660 and four grammes of cocaine worth £250 to £300. The grinder contained a small amount of cannabis worth £40, the court heard.

Dowling’s advocate, Louise Cooil said he now wanted to leave his past behind him. She said he had accepted responsibility for his offending and regretted it.

‘He is going to have some considerable time in prison to reflect on what has happened and how to improve his life in the future,’ she said.

The court heard Dowling had suffered bereavement in 2012 and had also lost his job.

‘His life fell apart,’ said Ms Cooil. ‘He was not using his time productively and he was using drugs heavily. He was not able to fund it himself and he was now buying ‘‘on tick’’. He had a debt he had no hope of paying so he accepted an offer in order to pay his debt.’

Passing sentence, Deemster Alastair Montgomerie said the offences were aggravated by the quantity of drugs, his previous offences and the second offences being committed while he was on bail.

But he noted that, during his time on remand, Dowling took education courses and worked in the prison kitchens.

Dowling admitted possessing cannabis and cocaine with intent to supply on March 13, possessing cannabis with intent to supply and simple possession of cannabis and cocaine on April 7. He received five and a half years’ custody and the drugs are to be forfeited and destroyed.

‘Drug dealers use people; they are only concerned about making a profit,’ Deemster Montgomerie told him.

A crash involving two vehicles driven by local residents led to the death of one of the occupants yesterday afternoon (Sunday).

The incident happened at around 3.15pm between Quarter Bridge and Braddan oak tree.

The vehicles involved were a white Peugeot van and a red Suzuki Jimmy.

Police have not released any further information.

Detective Inspector Mark Newey said: ‘A number of witness details were obtained at the time, but I would ask that if you witnessed the incident and have not already supplied your details to the police, then please come forward and help us to establish what happened.

‘The road remained closedfor several hours, requiring the attendance of ambulance and fire crews as well as specialist Police resources. Our thoughts are with the families of all involved.’

The death was the fifth on Manx roads since Thursday.

Bikers were killed on both Thursday and Friday on open roads while sidecar driver Dwight Beare and solo racer Paul Shoesmith were kiled on closed roads on Saturday.

A man suffered facial injuries after being assaulted in Douglas on yesterday (Sunday) morning.

The incident took place at around 10.30am outside Newsbeat on Buck’s Road, and involved three men.

An ambulance was called to the area after the victim sought help by entering the newsagent’s.

Two men have been arrested in connection with the incident and are helping police with their enquiries.

Anyone with information to should contact CID at police headquarters on 631212.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

The TT visitor who died after crashing in St John’s on Friday was a well-respected figure in the motorcycle industry for more than 35 years.

Frank Robinson, who was 67 and from Hull, was riding his Triumph bike when he was involved in a crash with a Suzuki motorcycle carrying two people at around 4.50pm between Tynwald Hill and Ballaleece Bridge.

The investigation is ongoing and the other people involved remain in hospital.

Mr Robinson’s family released the following statement through the police: ‘Frank was a dearly loved and devoted husband, father and grandpa.

‘In 1980 he and wife Lesley, opened 5-WAYS Motorcycle Centre in Hull, East Yorkshire, and Frank has been a well-respected figure in the motorcycle industry for over 35 years.

‘Frank first visited the Isle of Man TT at the age of 16 and continued to attend for over 50 years. He truly loved the island and it became a place very close to his heart.

‘His family are devastated at losing him so suddenly and unexpectedly and would appreciate if their privacy could be respected at this very sad time.

‘The family would sincerely like to thank all members of the public that kindly stopped to help and provide first aid, also to all the medical staff and emergency services that attended the scene.’

A buffet celebration to mark the end of a three-year building programme at Grest Care Home, Lezayre, saw the unveiling of a commemorative plaque by Treasury Minister Eddie Teare.

The completion of the project means that residents and visitors can now relax in a delightful new sun room with views to the northern hills, and gain easier entry to the building thanks to a new entrance porch with wheelchair access.

Offering residential care for up to 16 residents, the facility is administered by the Grest Trust, one of the oldest Manx-registered charities, whose current trustees are Dr Andrew Kelsey (chairman), William Christian CP and former director of education, John Cain, with hon. secretary John Strickett. The manager is Mrs Linda Bowker-Howe.

The celebration on May 6 gave the trustees an opportunity to acknowledge the generosity of three main donors whose combined gifts of £135,000 enabled the work to be carried out. Dr Kelsey expressed special thanks to the donors - the former directors of the now closed Park Crest Home, trustees of the Eric and Marion Scott Trust and the trustees of the Gough Ritchie Trust.

He then introduced the treasury minister who began with a reminder of the origins of Grest Home, which dates back to the 1880s when two sisters, Margaret and Esther Clucas, responding to the needs of the poor and elderly of the rural north, donated the land on which it now stands. The services the home provided have steadily adapted as social and medical changes evolve, but the focus on providing the best possible care for the elderly remains central to the home’s philosophy.

‘Life has changed enormously since those early times and each generation of trustees has responded to the changing needs of society by adapting and improving the home,’ he said.

‘I am impressed by the major improvements which you and your colleagues have made in recent times. It seems a happy environment with well motivated and committed staff which is a tribute to the manager and the team’.

The dog ban on Port St Mary’s Chapel Beach should be reconsidered, said commissioner Michelle Haywood last week.

At present, dogs are banned from the beach during certain hours in the summer months.

She said dog owners should be able to use ‘common sense’ and if there are people on the beach, keep their dogs off it.

She said this flexible approach would demonstrate that the village is ‘dog friendly’.

Richard Ashcroft supported the idea and suggested they could do a trial run, ‘it says if you respect it, we will give back. It would be nice to have the beach used.’

Ian Skelly asked whether they could ‘ban irresponsible users’.

Ms Haywood said it is ‘frustrating’ to be unable to walk dogs on the beach when it is ‘a wet afternoon and no one is down there.’

The Steam Packet Company has published full details of its offer to the government to continue providing lifeline sea services to the island.

Late last month the Company presented its vision for the future of sea services to Tynwald, and published a four-page summary leaflet outlining the highlights.

Today it has made available the full ‘offer’ document which explains in detail the business case, including the promise to invest £170m in new vessels, port facilities and fare reductions, increase year-round passenger capacity, guarantee more special offers and introduce a new frequent traveller scheme.

The offer was made following the announcement late last year that the government was considering the future of strategic sea services beyond the end of the current user agreement in 2026.

Last week, passenger watchdog TravelWatch called for the full text of the offer to be made public. It said the offer has attractive features but the devil is in the detail.

Steam Packet Company chief executive Mark Woodward said: ‘After many months of careful consideration, we presented a plan for the future of sea services. If agreed, this will deliver new vessels before the end of the current agreement in 2026, greater capacity for passengers, a generous frequent traveller scheme and a permanent third vessel for the fleet.

‘These lifeline services are so important we believe it is absolutely vital that the public are fully engaged in discussing the future, which is why we have ensured as much information as possible has been shared.’

Among the promises made in the offer are replacements for Ben-my-Chree and Manannan between 2019 and 2023, with the retention of the Ben as a back-up vessel.

To read the offer document visit http://bit.ly/1VHkBag

This biker had a lucky escape when he came off his machine at Round Table this afternoon.

Sergeant Barry Hand said: Sometimes the margin between serious injury and a bruised ego, is just that –luck!’

Owners of pets and animals are being urged to be vigilant during the TT period after a number of stray dogs had to be collected during practice week.

The police and the ManxSPCA issued a statement at the weekend reminding people to make sure animals are kept securely.

The statement read: ‘The ManxSPCA and the Isle of Man Constabulary would like to urge all dog owners and owners of any domestic pets or agricultural livestock, adjoining the TT Course to be extra vigilant in securing their animals during the TT period.

‘The dog warden service of the ManxSPCA has dealt with 11 stray dogs at varying points on the course during practice week since May 28, all during the road closed period.

‘In total 19 dogs island-wide have been collected, some having been missing for several hours.

‘Owners are reminded that if prosecuted they are liable to a fine not exceeding £2,500, and their animal seized under the Road Races Act 1982.

‘Not only are owners putting their beloved animals at risk but the lives of motorists using the roads at this extremely busy period.

‘If you do not have a secure outside area for your animals please ensure they are housed inside, with adequate access to food and water and exercised under strict control.’

For further advice or help, or if you have any concerns contact the ManxSPCA on 851672.

The public is being invited to take part and honour service personnel at this year’s Armed Forces Day.

Local men and women serving in the armed forces will join veterans in a parade along Douglas’s promenades on Sunday, June 26, at 3pm and at a church service at the Villa Marina at 3.45pm.

Serving personnel returning to the island for the occasion will be welcomed into the Royal Hall with a standing ovation. The day will culminate with an afternoon tea and an evening of entertainment at the Villa Marina.

This year’s event has particular significance as the island marks the 100th anniversary of the Battles of the Somme and Jutland in World War One, the 75th anniversary of America, Japan and Russia’s entry into World War Two and the sinking of the Bismark during the Battle of the Atlantic.

Brigadier Norman Butler CBE, who chairs the Armed Forces’ Day organising committee, said: ‘The parade and service are always deeply moving occasions. To see veterans of past conflicts, some now a great age, walking alongside serving personnel is particularly poignant.

‘We hope anyone with a connection with the armed forces, past or present, will apply for tickets for the event, which are free of charge, and join us as we give thanks for all the armed forces have done and continue to do, to protect our freedom.’

Veterans of World War Two and students from five island secondary schools will take part.

Juan Watterson MHK, the Government’s Armed Forces Champion, said: ‘The link between the Isle of Man and the armed forces has never been stronger. The island now boasts 48 reservists and a thriving army, air and sea cadet movement. This is a good time to combine as a community to commemorate our past and present and remember those who have paid the ultimate price for the freedom of our island.’

Application forms for tickets can be obtained from the Villa Marina, the Welcome Centre at the Sea Terminal, the Manx Legion Club in Douglas, public libraries in Onchan and Ramsey and Commissioners’ offices, or by returning the form that appears in last week’s Isle of Man Courier.

All forms should be returned to Ann Wilson at 1 Kensington Avenue, Douglas, IM1 3ET.

The island’s first a cappella singing festival will be held in September.

And organisers are now calling for both soloists and groups, from established choirs to brand new ensembles, and singing both classical and modern styles, to enter.

Volunteers are needed to help out behind the scenes and the festival is looking for sponsors for the community event.

Creative director Louisa Thomas said: ‘The festival has a simple premise – to become an annual event which encourages choirs, ensembles and solo singers to get on stage and create something brand new that reflects their passion.

‘We encourage diversity in style and genre, so anything from folk and barbershop through to more modern beatboxing and pop/rock mash-ups are welcome.

‘By taking the focus off classical perfection, we’re able to encourage passion, creativity and exciting stage presence in performances.’

The festival takes place at the King’s Court Theatre at King William’s College on Sunday, September 18 – with rehearsal time at the venue scheduled for the previous day.

The programme will see a vocal workshop in the morning aimed at breaking the ice and trying some new techniques.

There will be a mixer open to participants and the audience, including the first performance of the Exhibition Choir. The competition is in the afternoon, with six trophies up for grabs.

Louisa said: ‘The only rule is: no instruments allowed.

‘We’re asking entrants to let us know how many people are singing, what style they’re performing and a little history in their application.

‘We’d like to know what songs they’re working on so we can ensure a smooth run on the day, but we’re open to surprises and definitely wouldn’t discourage anyone from throwing in a change to their set at the last minute to keep us on our toes!’

Entry is £15 for soloists, £25 for groups up to 10 singers and £35 for larger groups.

For more details visit IOMAcaFest.wordpress.com or visit the IOMAcapellaFestival Facebook page.

Contact Louisa at louisa@manx.net

A multiple sclerosis awareness event will be held on Saturday, June 18, at the Palace Hotel in Douglas.

Beginning at 10am, the day opens with a review of the last 40 years by chairman of the island branch of the MS Society, Derek Patience.

Patricia Gordon, director of the MS Society in Northern Ireland will give an update on MS.

There are talks by three health professionals who specialise in the disease, nurse Heidi Morris, physiotherapist Christine Wright and occupational therapist Ruth Lea.

After lunch (which is from 12.45pm to 2.15pm) Dave Downie, medical technologist at the hyperbaric chamber, will talk about the benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on the disease.

This is followed by presentations by social worker Victoria Reay and urology professional Karen Trowbridge. Lizzy Main, neurological Pilates instructor, is the final speaker.

Closing remarks are by Mr Patience at 3.45pm.

This is followed by tea/coffee and birthday cake.

‘We held a similar event in 2013 when the MS Society in the UK celebrated its 60th anniversary,’ said Mr Patience. ‘That successful event was well attended and very well received. Attendees will be able to learn about this complex, variable and sometimes baffling, condition. The event is an opportunity for anyone who has an interest in MS to find out the latest information from the experts. The branch has also been very fortunate to have received generous corporate and personal donations over the years, most notably from the Peel Dip which has made a donation every year since 1983.’

To attend (free for those with MS; £10 for others), contact Derek Patience, 3 Cronk Drean, Douglas, IM2 6AY or email derekpatience@hotmail.com. Places are limited, so book early.

Motorists can stay up to date with road closures and driving conditionsthis TT by using the readthesigns mobile phone app.

The app, developed by the Department of Infrastructure, allows users to check information being displayed on 13 electronic traffic signs situated at the Villa Marina, Liverpool Arms, Richmond Hill, Bath Place, Albert Road, Barrule Park, Ramsey-Mountain, Hillberry-Mountain, Hillberry-Douglas, Sulby-Mountain, Sulby Main Road, Barregarrow-Mountain and Barregarrow Main Road.

The signs, which highlight important messages such as weather warnings and temporary or emergency road closures, are updated 24 hours a day and details on the app are refreshed every five minutes.

readthesigns is available free of charge from app stores.

Recorded crime is at its lowest level since 1970.

In 2014-15 the crime rate increased following an unprecedented spate of domestic burglaries but now the trend is down again.

The overall level of crime fell by 14 per cent during 2015-16. A total of 1,968 crimes were recorded for the 12 months, representing a 10 per cent drop against the average for the past three years and a substantial decrease since the year 2000 when more than 6,000 crimes were reported.

In 1994 there were almost as many offences of theft (1,700) as there were total crimes (1,968) in 2015-16.

The 2015-16 statistics also highlight an overall detection rate of 49.6 per cent, up by 6 per cent from the previous year.

Home Affairs Minister Juan Watterson MHK praised the Constabulary’s success in combatting crime against a backdrop of budget constraint and evolving demand.

He said: ‘Driving down recorded crime to a level last witnessed in 1970 is a remarkable achievement.’

‘The Constabulary is to be commended for maintaining such high levels of public service during a time of significant change within the organisation.’

There were 67 domestic burglaries in 2015-16, down 53 per cent on the previous year.

Offences of criminal damage, public order and theft all fell.

Drug crime showed an increase of 30 per cent, and there was an increase in the reporting of historical sexual offences and domestic assaults, which demonstrates a strong degree of trust in the police and a belief among victims that they will be listened to.

Chief Constable Gary Roberts said: ‘A considerable part of last year’s reduction was achieved through active and effective policing. Officers are targeting the right people, building prosecution cases against prolific offenders and then seeing those sent to prison.’