The third leg of the Raad Ny Foillan Challenge, from Peel to Kirk Michael, takes place on Sunday.

Participants will meet at the castle end of the Peel promendae, next to the pedestrian bridge that connects to the Fenella beach car park. The “off” is at 10:30am.

The Raad Ny Foillan Challenge is being organised by Hospice at Home, Isle of Man, as a charity walk circumnavigating the Isle of Man along the popular coastal footpath in easily manageable legs over 14 months.

The full programme for the Raad Ny Foillan Challenge is ) http://www2.hospiceathome.im/|here.}

People who re not already a member of the Raad Ny Foillan Challenge and would like to join, will be welcome.

There is a £10 per adult registration charge and each of the 14 legs will cost £10 per person. There is no charge for children and controlled dogs are welcome, too.

For those who want to stop for lunch, the Mitre Pub in Kirk Michael is at the end of the walk.

The organisers expect to arrive around 2pm but the chef goes home at 3pm, so participants will need to order quickly.

A transport buddy system should ensure that nobody is left at the end.

To join the Raad Ny Foillan Challenge and walk the third leg contact Johnny Kipps on JohnnyK@Manx.net.

He will give you Hospice at Home banking details for your registration and third leg payments.

Affinity Management Services presented a cheque for £300 to The Children’s Centre’s ‘£50K in 50 Days Appeal’, following a fundraising day supported by members of staff.

Several team members were put in a set of medieval style stocks at the company’s Athol Street premises while their colleagues donated to aim wet sponges at them.

The day also involved a cake sale and second hand sale.

David Kelly, Client Accounts Manager at Affinity said: ‘We’re a company that cares a lot about the local community and our team are always prepared to rise to a challenge to support a good cause.

‘We know the money we have raised will be spent locally to help children and that motivated us to get involved.’

Lucy Chapman, deputy fundraising manager at The Children’s Centre, said: ‘We run 14 charitable projects that literally change lives for some of the local children we work with.

‘We couldn’t do it without the support of our business community. It takes a lot of work to organise fundraising events and we know how busy our friends in the business sector are. We’re here to support them and make sure they get the most out of their event.

‘Affinity really went the extra mile in this event and we can’t thank them enough for that.

Pictured from left: Marion Griffiths, Patrick McMullan, Patricia Slavin, Rachael Cubbon, Andrew Morgan, Lucy Chapman (The Children’s Centre), David Kelly, Alex Gardner, Sarah Teare, Jackie Carroll and Kate Shaw

Standard Bank has provided funding to two sixth form students to help them achieve their dream to pursue a career in midwifery.

Anna Munro and Charlotte Driver, who both attend Castle Rushen High School, plan to travel to Tanzania to volunteer in a busy maternity ward and work at a nearby orphanage this month.

Both are considering careers in midwifery so, as well as helping out in these busy centres, they will be gaining valuable work experience.

The trip is organised by Gap Medics, which secures student work experience placements in medical facilities around the world. Having already raised £1,100 each to fund the trip, Standard Bank, located on Circular Road in Douglas, donated £500 to boost their funds.

The head of corporate and business banking Isle of Man, Ian Hamilton, said: ‘We are thrilled to be able to support Anna and Charlotte in this fantastic endeavour.

‘They will gain some fantastic experience as well as helping the local community in Morogoro in Tanzania.

‘As a bank with roots in Africa we thought that this funding was the perfect fit as it means that we can help people in Africa and the Isle of Man. We hope that Anna and Charlotte really enjoy their time in Tanzania and wish them all the best in their future as they follow their ambition to become midwives.’

John Danielson, Castle Rushen’s School business manager, added: ‘This is a really fantastic opportunity for these two students and we are extremely proud of their efforts to raise the funds as well as their desire to help this community. We are all grateful to Standard Bank for providing this extra funding and helping their ambitions to become possible.’

There is still time to get applications in to study for a degree in history and heritage in the island.

University College Isle of Man’s BA (Hons) history and heritage degree begins on September 29 and the deadline for applications is September 26.

The degree covers different aspects from ancient times to the late 20th century encompassing the Isle of Man, the UK, Europe, and the wider world.

Students will also have the chance to undertake a five week work placement in their second year, either abroad or in the Isle of Man.

The University of Chester degree, which is taught entirely at UCM, can be completed full-time in three years or part-time in six years.

Programme leader Dr Catriona Mackie said: ‘Students at UCM are much more likely to find relevant employment when they graduate than their UK counterparts, and they’re also more likely to graduate with a higher class of degree.

‘This is partly due to our excellent teaching staff and resources, but it’s also because of our small class sizes, which means that each student gets a high level of academic support throughout their degree.

‘It’s also really good value and studying at UCM means that school leavers don’t have to pay the fee-contribution that is required when studying in the UK.’

In addition to the degree, there are two evening courses in Manx history and heritage. Both courses can be taken for credit or for interest only.

‘Introduction to the Isle of Man’ is a 24-week course that offers a broad introduction to Manx archaeology, history, and culture through a combination of taught classes and site visits. Topics include geology, political history, music, and folklore.

‘A History of the Isle of Man: AD 979 to the Present’ provides a detailed overview of Manx history over the last 1,000 years. It covers all of the main periods and events, and introduces students to the key figures from different eras.

Applications are welcomed from both school-leavers and mature students.

Visit www.ucm.ac.im for more information about the degree and evening classes.

For all other enquiries regarding UCM courses email HE@ucm.ac.im or phone 648278.

An Onchan man has become the first person in the Isle of Man to pass an advanced driving test which requires drivers to be aware of the possible motivations of others around them as well as their own.

Mike Dunn is the first motorist to pass IAM Road Smart’s recently introduced Masters driving test.

Mike, who has been part of Isle of Man Advanced Motorists and Motorcyclists branch for many years and has assisted others in passing their Advanced Driving Test, travelled to Blackpool and the Fylde to take the two and half hour test, which saw him drive approximately 50 miles.

The Onchan man said driving through the Peak District was ‘much more pleasurable’ than other parts of the route but said 100 per cent concentration was needed in order to make good progress with maximum safety.

He added that road positioning, choice of gears and driving to a planned system were essential to meeting the requirements.

The Masters test is a step up from the Institute of Advanced Motorists’ Advanced Driving Test, which around 200 island drivers and motorcyclists have passed.

It requires the application of ‘emotional intelligence’ to all driving decisions, meaning that drivers must be aware of the possible motivations and mistakes made by others as well as their own.

It builds upon existing skills especially regarding cornering principles, safe overtaking, recognising opportunities to make safe progress within speed limits and applying sound judgment of speed and distance.

Mike is now hoping to be able to mentor others in the island who are seeking to take the Masters test. It is also hoped that an examiner will visit the Isle of Man to conduct the tests in the future.

More information about the advanced driving courses can be found by visiting www.iamroadsmart.com. The Isle of Man group can be contacted by emailing secretary@iomam.im or visiting at www.iomam.im

University College Isle of Man is to work closely with Forth Valley College in Falkirk, Scotland.

A memorandum of understanding was signed by FVC’s Principal Dr Ken Thomson and Tim Crookall MLC, Minister for Education and Children, at Forth Valley College’s campus.

Also visiting the college as part of a cultural exchange event in Scotland were Professor Ronald Barr, chief executive at the island’s Department of Education and Children, Emma Callin, arts development mnager from community arts and Jo Pretty, the newly appointed principal of University College Isle of Man.

The link-up will allow staff and students to engage in reciprocal visits to share ‘best practice’ between the two educational establishments. It is also hoped that the agreement will develop through the year to allow the newly formed partnership to identify areas of work which will truly enhance the educational experience of students.

FVC principal Dr Ken Thomson said: ‘We have been working closely with the University College Isle of Man over the last few months.

‘They have built up an excellent reputation for providing high quality teaching and offering a very high standard of education to their students.

‘We are delighted and excited to sign this Memorandum of Understanding to further strengthen our links with them. Our students and staff are definitely going to benefit from working closely with University College Isle of Man over the coming years.’

Mr Crookall said: ‘In creating the new University College Isle of Man we were keen to identify a college in Scotland which had demonstrated outstanding links with both secondary schools and higher education, as well as business. The recent Education Scotland Review of Forth Valley College published in May this year confirmed our impression that FVC was a quality institution and we are very much looking forward to working in true partnership, to the benefit of both staff and students in both the Isle of Man and Scotland.’

The Scottish college says it has strong links with the University of Stirling and Scotland’s Historic Environment initiative.

A Castletown man jumped out of a second floor window breaking his ankle and damaging his pelvis after taking the legal high ‘black mamba’.

A court this week heard that Robert Emlyn Stevens, of Northcroft Apartments, experienced hallucinations after taking the drug, saying he saw a baby with a gun and was convinced paramedics and police were trying to murder him.

Paramedics were called to 36-year-old Stevens’ flat on July 14 at 7.30am after a caller reported an injury then hung up.

When the ambulance arrived Stevens appeared at a top floor window brandishing a large kitchen knife and appearing agitated.

The paramedics were so concerned by Stevens’ behaviour they locked themselves in the ambulance and called the police.

When police arrived someone from inside the building shouted ‘he’s coming down’ and officers went in to try to intercept Stevens.

However he jumped through a second floor window and was wrestled to the ground.

Despite having a broken ankle Stevens was scratching and biting police in a drug frenzy until they managed to handcuff him and put him in a police van. However, in the van Stevens began biting the plastic part of the handcuffs and managed to get one hand free.

He then began trying to use the cuffs as a weapon swinging them around the van.

Stevens then bit through more of the handcuffs and managed to get both hands free.

It took four officers to get him out of the van. He was taken to hospital and as the drug wore off began to feel the pain of his injuries.

He suffered a broken ankle in two places, pulled his achilles tendon, and damaged his pelvis and shin.

interviews

Stevens was interviewed by police and said that he had taken ‘black mamba’ the previous evening.

He said he woke at 6am and saw a baby pointing a gun at him and ‘freaked out’.

Regarding the knife he said that he used this to open the window normally as the catch did not work.

Stevens said that after he had jumped out of the window he was convinced paramedics were going to kill him so he said he hit the side of the van to attract attention and try to get help.

He said he was scratching police because he thought he would be murdered and said that he wanted to leave DNA under his fingernails.

Stevens was sentenced to 80 hours community service for provoking behaviour and destroying property in the Deputy High Bailiff’s court on Tuesday where he appeared in a wheelchair.

A third charge of resisting arrest was withdrawn.

Just last month Stevens was sentenced to 80 hours community service for an incident in December 2015 for possessing cocaine and driving without due care and attention.

The latest sentence will run consecutively meaning that he must perform 160 hours in total.

He was also ordered to pay £125 prosecution costs, £155 doctor’s costs, and £25 compensation for the police handcuffs.

The Manx public are being asked to support visually impaired and blind people.

Manx Blind Welfare Society is once again organising a special day as part of a series of events aimed at raising awareness of visual impairment and the need for good eye health.

On Friday, September 16, the community is invited to join in the fun by dressing in bright, as well as decorating workplaces and schools in bright colours.

Society volunteers’ coordinator and events organiser Debbie Thomson said: ‘Bright for Sight day is a fun way of raising awareness of how we can, as a community, better understand what it means to be blind or visually impaired, and ensure everyone has the opportunity and independence to live their life as they choose.

‘It was great to see so many people get involved last year, with some even baking very colourful cakes to share at work, and we’ve already had many schools, business and other organisations pledge their support for 2016.

‘We hope it not only improves awareness of the issues faced by the visually impaired in the island, but also helps people understand the importance of looking after their own eye health, a central theme of Vision Awareness Week this year.’

She added: ‘Bright for Sight day is also an opportunity to raise funds so the society can continue its vital work with more than 600 seriously visually impaired people in the Isle of Man.

‘There are many ways you could help raise funds, perhaps making September 16 a dress down day in your workplace and asking for donations or holding a cake sale. It’s up to you how you get involved; just make sure it’s bright!

‘And don’t forget, if you need some truly bright clothes to wear you can pop into our shop, The VIP Store, in Strand Street, Douglas, to brose the rails.’

Anyone taking part in Bright for Sight day is encouraged to share what they are up to by posting on the Manx Blind Welfare Society Facebook page or Tweeting @MBWS.

Also on September 16 the Isle of Man Fund for the Blind is hosting a coffee morning at the society’s headquarters, Corrin Court in Onchan. The event starts at 10.30am and tickets are £1.50.

Bright for Sight day and the coffee morning are among a series of events being held as part of Vision Awareness Week 2016, which runs from September 12 to 18.

There is an open day at Corrin Court on September 12, RNIB’s Eye Pod sight loss simulator will be touring the island and Walk My Way, the island’s biggest guided walk, returns on September 18, starting from the Jubilee Kiosk, Loch Promenade, Douglas.

During the week society staff and volunteers will also be delivering a series of talks to schools, businesses and local organisations, as well as training on how to assist visually impaired people.

For more details about Bright for Sight day and other Vision Awareness Week events, call 674727 or email enquiries@mbws.org.im.

To find out more about MBWS visit www.mbws.og.im

Author Bobbie Lamming will be guest speaker at the Isle of Man Literary Society’s next meeting.

The talk, entitled ‘Glorious Limits: How Anglo-Saxon Flies - even now’, will take place on Wednesday, September 7, in the meeting room of the Archibald Knox in Onchan. It will begin at 7.30pm.

Organisers say the talk will look at the ‘sophistication and beauty of early English and how its influence is still detectable in some of our most powerful literature’.

Bobbie has published three novels; The Notebook of Gismondo Cavaletti, which won the David Higham Prize in 1983, In the Dark and As in Eden.

She has also contributed short stories to a number of anthologies, sometimes under the name Robin Douglas.

Bobbie, who lives in London but is a frequent visitor to the Isle of Man, is the daughter of the Isle of Man Literary Society’s founder Dr Olive Lamming and younger sister of society president Dr Alison MacDonald.

Her father Bob Lamming was also a fondly-remembered consultant at Noble’s Hospital. However when she left school she turned in the opposite direction of her all-medical family and went to read English at University of Oxford.

Guests are welcome to attend the meeting on September 7 for £2 or they can join the society for a year.

A treasure hunt organised by MBL Financial was won by Caitlin Dancox alongside her niece Lottie who bagged £500 and £500 for her chosen charity of Hospice Isle of Man.

The competition was launched at the Southern District Agricultural Show.

Following a series of clues unveiled on the company’s website and on radio station 3FM, the treasure was found at Kerroogarroo Fort in Andreas.

Competition winner Caitlin found it hidden within some over grown grass.

She said: ‘From the clues we had narrowed our hunt down to a few places – we had searched Derby Fort a few days earlier where we bumped into some other families out searching, so we knew the hunt was on! We had been searching around Kerroogarroo Fort for about 10 minutes when we spotted something glistening in the grass.’

Caitlin lives in Peel with her partner Dave and three-month-old daughter Sylvie.

The family plans to use the prize money towards funding their first holiday with Sylvie in October half term where they will also be joined by Caitlin’s mum and sister.

Matty Evans, sales director at MBL Financial said: ‘The competition has been a great success. The overwhelming feedback we have been receiving is that it has been a fantastic excuse to get out and about with the kids over the summer holidays and visit some of the Island’s most beautiful places.’

Hospice Isle of Man has received a brand new slide for its Eva Rose Sensory Garden.

A team of 12, from Douglas company Swagelok, took part in the Three Peaks Challenge where they climbed Snowdon, Scafell Pike and Ben Nevis in just 24 hours.

The team took on the challenge in aid of Hospice and also Manx charity SKILS.

Hospice thanked everyone for their fundraising efforts.

The Co-op in Christian Street, Ramsey, has received a £780,000 make over.

The shop says it now has a particular focus on fresh, healthy foods and essentials, and offers an improved in-store bakery and hot food range. It is also one of the first stores in the island to feature the new blue clover-leaf Co-op branding.

In addition, the shop says a member of the team will work to increase the shop’s involvement in the community.

A donation of £200 has been made to the council to help fund community planting activities.

John Slevin, manager of Christian Street’s Co-op, said: ‘We are thrilled to have made such a significant investment in Ramsey and delighted that we have a fantastic new food store with which to serve the community – it is an exciting time for the whole team.’

A man who lives in Ramsey has beaten hundreds of other entries from across three continents to reach the finals of the International Forklift Operator of the Year 2016 award.

Simon Bottomley, who works at Nasaleze in the town, will be demonstrating his knowledge, skill and understanding of safe forklift truck operation when he takes part in the live competition finals in front of 20,000 people at IMHX (International Materials Handling Exhibition) 2016 at the NEC, Birmingham from September 13 to 16.

Simon, aged 37, has beaten competitors from as far away as India and the US in order to reach the finals and is one of only 40 contestants left in the running to be crowned International Forklift Operator of the Year 2016.

The competition is hosted by UK-based RTITB, the preferred regulatory body for workplace transport training, and aims to find, recognise and reward the best forklift operator in the world.

Laura Nelson, managing director of RTITB, congratulated Simon on his getting as far as he has.

He said: ‘To qualify for the next round of the competition Simon scored highly in the initial online tests and thoroughly deserves to be competing in the finals against his peers.’

Competitors will be put through their paces with four tests – two driving tests and a theory test and a pre-use inspection test.

Douglas Judo Club has received a new crash mat thanks to generous donations.

The vital piece of safety equipment was funded by donations from Appleby Charitable Foundation and resident Mr Aidan Phelan. Island Express Ltd also delivered the mat to the Isle of Man free of charge.

The club, which provides training for children and adults, thanked everyone for their support.

Douglas Judo Club members are pictured with the new crash mat.

New kitchen facilities have been donated to Riding for the Disabled’s (RDA) clubhouse by an island business.

Snugborough company DLP Limited, which manufactures products to enable people with mobility issues to live independently in their own homes, has donated a complete set of units, worktops, fridge and a sink for the clubhouse at Guilcagh Farm in Andreas.

It is hoped the new facility will be up and running this month.

DLP is also looking at sourcing a toilet, sink and other items for RDA’s disabled access rest room.

Andrea Warrilow, from the charity, said: ‘The generosity of island businesses to charity always amazes me but DLP have really gone above and beyond this time. No more making coffee on a rickety paste table for our volunteers.

‘Being able to store much of our equipment in dust free units within our clubhouse will make such a difference to our efficiency and will mean our riders can spend more time riding and less time getting ready - what a great result!’

DLP sales and surveying manager Tom Maynard said the facilities will be enjoyed by many in years to come. ‘It’s great to be able to help such a worthwhile charity, also one that is so closely related to our own core business.’

Riding for the Disabled provides horse riding lessons for children with disabilities.

A 41-year-old woman from Castletown has pleaded guilty in court to a provoking behaviour charge.

Rachel Louise Traynor, of Malew Street, admitted the offence after smashing crockery at her mother’s house during a row.

The court heard how, on Sunday (August 28), police were called to Westhill Avenue in Castletown after reports of a disturbance.

It was said that Traynor had entered her mother’s house after a row and thrown items around the kitchen smashing crockery.

Her mother had left the house after seeing Traynor coming and a neighbour reported seeing Traynor leaving the property after the incident, ‘staggering’ to her own address.

She told police she had been drinking constantly since August 26 and couldn’t remember the incident.

But when quizzed about it she said those were likely to have been her actions.

Deputy High Bailiff Jayne Hughes adjourned the case to allow time for the preparation of a probation report before sentencing.

Bail was granted in the sum of £500 with conditions that Traynor reside at her home address, attend probation meetings and not leave the island without court permission.

A Port Erin plumber has pleaded guilty in court to being more than four times over the drink-drive limit.

Joe Alan Murro, of Victoria Square, will be sentenced on October 11 after the preparation of a probation report.

Prosecutor Hazel Carroon told the court how, on Sunday (August 28), police were called to Victoria Square after a report of an accident involving one vehicle.

When officers arrived they found that Murro had crashed his BMW into a gas meter cupboard on a wall. He was still sat in the vehicle with the ignition on.

He was said to be smelling of alcohol and slurring his words, with dilated pupils.

Murro was asked if he had been drinking and replied ‘Yes I’ve had a beer’. When asked when he had been drinking he answered ‘five minutes ago’.

In the passenger’s seat footwell two empty cans of lager were found.

He was cautioned and said ‘I’ve only had one beer’.

At police headquarters breathalyser test recorded 145 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres - the legal limit is 35.

In a police interview Murro said he had been playing golf and had then drunk nine pints at the Haven pub before going home.

He said he had then decided to move his car as it would be blocking the bin lorry which was due the next morning.

Murro admitted that he had then crashed into the gas meter. He said he then stopped the car and drunk a can of lager.

Deputy High Bailiff Jayne Hughes asked the prosecutor if there was evidence of any other driving.

Ms Carroon said that there was no further evidence to put forward as a witness had not been willing to make a statement.

Mrs Hughes said that the probation report should consider all options, including custody, given the very high reading.

Bail was granted in the sum of £500 with conditions not to drive, that Murro reside at his home address, attend probation meetings, and not leave the island with permission from the court.

It might sound glib to say that all the animals we have at Ard Jerkyll are special, but it’s true.

Some of them have had a tough time in life, and have been neglected and abused, and some have simply been unlucky – but all of them have a tale to tell and have needed to be cared for by the society.

Which is why the ‘Rescue Dog of the Year and Fun Dog Show’ on Sunday, September 4, is such a difficult, but memorable, occasion.

The kennels staff want to give an award to all the rescue dogs that have been rehomed since the last show, but there are just eight awards to hand out including Puppy of the Year, Foster Dog of the Year, Veteran Dog of the Year and Pedigree Dog of the Year.

We would love as many of you as possible to come along to Ard Jerkyll on Sunday to applaud the award winners and celebrate all the wonderful dogs we have rehomed.

The awards ceremony starts at 1.30pm and should last for about 45 minutes and then, after a short break, we will commence the Fun Dog Show.

Classes include Waggiest Tail and Golden Oldie and there’s something for every dog. Entries cost just £1 per class and there is no pre-registration – simply turn up on the day with your special canine companion and have some fun!

Chrissy Moss, a talented local artist, will also be at the show accepting commissions to sketch or paint dogs and other animals.

Her work is beautiful and captures a subject’s true character and uniqueness, and we’re lucky to be able to showcase her skills.

The ManxSPCA is probably best known for its rehoming of dogs and cats, but it cares for more unusual species too and this week’s ‘special guest’ is none other than a turkey.

He was found wandering the streets of Peel (literally) and is clearly used to human company because he is so tame, but as yet no-one has reported a missing turkey and so we are at a loss as to where he came from.

He is such an amusing bird, and actively ‘talks’ (well, gobbles) to anyone who will listen!

He’s very thin, and needs some TLC in our aviary, and so he definitely isn’t a candidate for someone’s Christmas dinner table.

In fact, once we have established that our turkey does not have an owner, we have a supporter who is keen to give him a loving home for the rest of his life – after all, to coin a phrase, a ‘turkey is for life, not just for Christmas’.

There’s more to the turkey species than one might think: they originated from Mexico not Turkey; they have been around for 10 million years (there are fossils to prove it); Edward VII made eating turkey fashionable at Christmas, and it replaced peacocks on the table in royal courts.

Another favourite at royal dining tables was rabbit, which was first introduced as a food by the Romans.

By the 19th century things started to look up for the rabbits as the Victorians began dabbling in breeding them for shows and competitions.

Since then we have more or less stopped eating rabbits in the UK although in many other countries they are still a regular part of the diet.

We have more than 20 rabbits of all shapes, colours and sizes in our small animals unit at the moment, and they are very definitely not for eating!

For example, we have Aniseed, who is a one-year-old, black Flemish Giant.

She is a very friendly girl who is always standing on her back legs looking for a stroke. She will need a lot of space to stretch out and to run about in as she is a large breed of rabbit, and she’s now fully grown. We also have Sally, who has come on a very long way since coming into the ManxSPCA.

She did not enjoy human contact when she first arrived, but now she will happily sit beside you for a bit of parsley. She is very cheeky and quite feisty, and she loves playing hide and seek by tunnelling under the hay and just popping her head out.

Please come and meet Aniseed and Sally, and all of our other animals.

You can do this every day, from 1pm to 4pm, except for Thursdays.

The Manx public are being invited to take part in sport in a wheelchair.

The taster session being held to coincide with the Paralympic Games.

That is the invitation from the island’s Wooden Spoon Wheelchair Sports Club, which is getting behind British Wheelchair Basketball’s #RioReady campaign.

The club is so named because it received funds from the Wooden Spoon charity to buy 18 sport-specific wheelchairs.

With the support of the government’s Manx Sport and Recreation (MSR) organistion, it holds sessions at the National Sports Centre on Wednesdays from 7pm to 9pm.

The club is inviting adults and children over eight to try out basketball, handball and rugby at the taster session on Wednesday, September 14, 7pm to 9pm.

Zoe Crowe, disability Sports Development Officer with MSR, said: ‘After the Olympic Games, the media spotlight is turning towards the Paralympic Games, taking place in Rio from 7th to 18th September.

‘Through #RioReady, British Wheelchair Basketball is increasing awareness of its sport and para-sports in general.

‘By holding the taster day, the Wooden Spoon Wheelchair Sports Club will join in the campaign.

‘The taster session will be free of charge, open to all and the emphasis is on fun.

‘Those who enjoy taking part will be welcome at the club’s regular sessions.’

A giant pilates class is set to take place at Knockaloe on September 10 with the Crosby Silver Band performing at the event.

‘Pilates 1020’ aims to get 1,020 people taking part in the exercise at the same time at the former site of the internment camp.

Pilates is thought to have its roots at Knockaloe where its creator, Joseph Pilates, was interned for three and a half years from September 1915.

The number of 1,020 has been chosen because this was the number of internees each camp compound held.

Alison Jones from The Knockaloe and Patrick Visitor Centre charity said: ‘We now have the Crosby silver band performing before the event as people arrive, and afterwards as people leave.

‘There are a couple of aspects of this which are rather historic too - they are one of the oldest bands on the island and were in existence when Knockaloe was an internment camp, while internees were setting up bands at Knockaloe.

‘There were some amazing musicians at Knockaloe. It is very likely that the last time a band performed on camp four of Knockaloe, where the event will take place, was 100 years ago when internees were performing.’

You can still register to take part in the event. Visit www.knockaloe.im