If you couldn’t make the Royal Albert Hall for the spectacular culmination of the 2016 BBC Proms season, then fear not!

There are two chances to enjoy world-famous Last Night celebrations in the island this weekend.

The Manx Youth Band and Manx Concert Brass will be bringing pomp, pageantry and a whole load of fun to the Gaiety Theatre on Saturday (September 24).

And the following evening (Sunday) Rushen Silver Band will be doing the same with a concert at the Erin Arts Centre.

This year’s Cleveland Medal winner, Paul Costain, will be teaming up with both the bands as soloist.

Conducted by Ian Clague, the Manx Last Night of the Proms at the Gaiety Theatre includes a mix of contemporary and traditional repertoire, with classics interspersed by party pieces and party poppers!

Band chairman Ian Mansell said: ‘This really is an evening for all the family, whether the more serious music lovers or those who enjoy the patriotic flag waiving finale.

‘There will be everything you expect from the Last Night of the Proms, plus a few local extras thrown in for good measure.

‘It will be an enjoyable evening for all ages.’

With classics such as Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance, Land of Hope and Glory and Hubert Parry’s Jerusalem - a piece considered England’s unofficial national anthem and celebrating its 100th birthday this year - look out also for the standardised finale of Fantasia on British Sea-Songs.

Saturday’s concert starts at 7.30pm. Tickets cost from £12.75 for adults, £10.20 for seniors and £5.10 for under 16s.

They are available from the box office on 600555, the Welcome Centre and the Sea Terminal and at www.villagaiety.com

Meanwhile, Rushen Silver Band’s annual Last Night of the Proms concert will be conducted by John Kinley and John Bethell.

It starts at 7.30pm on Sunday.

Tickets cost £10 for adults and £2 for under 18s. To book call 832662 or go to the box office, open Monday to Friday 10.30am to 4.30pm and 30 minutes before events start.

A 37-year-old Foxdale man has been given a suspended sentence for assault after punching a pub licensee twice.

Richard John Melia, of Brookfield Terrace, was this week sentenced to 16 weeks custody, suspended for two years, and also ordered to pay £1,000 compensation to the licensee.

The court heard how, on April 22 at 11.30pm, police were called to the Rovers Return in Church Street in Douglas and found Melia being restrained on the ground outside the pub.

Witnesses said that he had assaulted the licensee, Guy Armstrong-Rossiter, who had visible facial injuries.

Earlier in the evening Melia was said to have been refused entry by Mr Armstrong-Rossiter, who said that he was heavily intoxicated.

Melia was abusive but left, only to return 10 minutes later, confronting the licensee again, saying: ‘I’m gonna have you. I’m gonna smack you.’

Melia pressed his forehead against the publican’s before punching him on the jaw.

The licensee fell to the floor before getting up, but Melia then punched him again in the left eye.

Melia’s rage continued and as he was restrained he said: ‘I’m going to kill you.’

Mr Armstrong-Rossiter suffered a broken tooth and contusion of the left eye.

In court on Tuesday, Melia’s advocate Peter Russell handed in several glowing letters of reference for his client.

Mr Russell said: ‘My client is still unable to explain why he acted in the manner he did. We know from CCTV footage he was refused entry to the Outback.

‘We aren’t sure why, but at that stage he was bleeding from the head. It’s only speculation but at some stage he may have fallen and had a blow to the head.

‘He doesn’t remember the incident. Yes he was drunk, but he has never acted in such a manner before. Perhaps a combination of drink and a blow to the head caused him to misinterpret the situation and lash out.

‘This has had something of a devastating impact on his life to the level he self-referred to Motiv8 (the alcohol advisory service).

‘He didn’t have a drink for three months after this and now only has the occasional glass of wine. Since the day of his arrest this has hung over him like a dark cloud.’

Deputy High Bailiff Jayne Hughes said while passing sentence: ‘You are aware of the vulnerable position Mr Armstrong-Rossiter was in.

‘The courts will always protect designated officials on licensed premises. But your remorse and shame has been evident from your demeanour.

‘It is probably the best set of references I’ve had the opportunity to read when dealing with sentencings.’

A mother has paid a touching tribute to her son who has died following a sudden asthma attack a month before his 15th birthday.

Jake Watson collapsed outside his home on Sunday night with a severe asthma attack that left him with no heart beat and without oxygen for an hour and a half.

Paramedics tried to resuscitate him but it took nearly two hours for doctors in A&E to get his heart started again.

However, his brain had been starved of oxygen for too long. He was pronounced dead in Noble’s Hospital at just after midday on Monday.

Mum Leanna said the ‘one little ray of hope’ was that Jake is donating his organs so others could continue to live.

Jake’s stepdad Mark is fighting in the Thriller in the Villa boxing event tomorrow night, with proceeds going to Hospice Isle of Man. A JustGiving page has also been set up in Jake’s memory to raise extra money for island’s hospice.

Leanna said from the family’s home in Westmoreland Road, Douglas: ‘Jake lost his life after an asthma attack. It was sudden and very fast with no warning.

‘Ambulance and hospital staff were absolutely fantastic but unfortunately he was starved of oxygen for just under two hours leaving him brain damaged.

‘He was on a ventilator as he couldn’t breathe for himself. After a long night of antibiotics there was no change in his condition. The doctors did two final tests that confirmed the worst – that our son was brain dead from a lack of oxygen to his brain.

‘Jake will be an organ donor as we as a family think the world needs a little Jake in their lives. He was always the life and clown, a little sod, but our little sod. People have been amazing with messages and statuses on Facebook. He was a very loved young man.’

St Ninian’s High School student Jake was an Everton fan and his family’s Facebook appeal for fans in the match against Crystal Palace on September 30 to clap on the 14th minute has gone viral. Everton Way’s Facebook page has dedicated a post to Jake and the hashtag ‘#ApplauseForJakeWatson’ is also being shared.

Jake was diagnosed with asthma early in life as a result of numerous hospital journeys.

He struggled taking his inhalers and was often forgetting to take them.

Leanna said: ‘Although this is a hard time for us we have decided that Mark will participate in Thriller in the Villa as Jake loved to wind his stepdad up about getting hit. They have asked if they can dedicate their night to him and we are thrilled.

‘If Jake’s tragic end gets one parent to check inhalers in the house and to check their child is using them correctly then that would make a small difference.’

Jake leaves two brothers Jamie and Jonjo, step siblings Kyle and Chelsea and two half siblings Bethany and Sam.

Funeral details are to follow but the service will be open to all.

Julie Blackburn popped to Tynwald Mills to look at what young professionals might wear to work

Not so long ago, you knew what you had to wear at work.

For a man it was a suit, navy or grey non-negotiable, and for a woman it was some sort of female equivalent that implied that she was just as much of a contender.

But things have changed - and in a most confusing manner.

Because, while it is no longer de rigeur for male professionals to wear a traditional suit and tie combo to work these days, a number of large UK high street retailers are reporting that sales of suits are on the rise.

So clearly people are still wearing suits because they want to, not just because they have to.

So, is life simpler with a less rigid dress code or does adding a little choice make it a bit scarier, a bit more – dare we say it – like the sartorial minefield women have always had to negotiate?

Basically you want to look smart but not as though you have tried too hard, so how is this apparently effortless ideal achieved?

We went to visit Tynwald Mills to take a look at what young professionals might be wearing to work these days.

We took with us Ali Champion Clark, who has recently qualified as an accountant, and his wife, Claire, who is an HR manager.

For Ali’s outfits we teamed Hackett suits and casual jackets with one of Tynwald Mills’ new arrivals, Thomas Pink shirts and ties.

When it came to dressing Claire we went to another new range, Warehouse, a big UK brand new to the island which launched at Tynwald Mills last weekend.

The results are smart, but relaxed, with a look that will take you happily through your day at work and even onwards for a cheeky cocktail afterwards.

First picture, Ali wears: Casual jacket in charcoal, £450, Hackett; blue shirt Thomas Pink, £79; trousers, £120, Tommy Hilfiger; belt, £45; shoes, £120, Jones Bootmaker

Claire wears: sparkle tweed dress, £55, with soft faux leather jacket, £55, and semi-precious pendant necklace. £20, all Warehouse; black patent shoes, £65.95, Moda in Pelle

Second picture, Ali wears: Blazer and trousers, £545, Hackett; shirt, 3115, tie, £69, pocket square, £35; shoes, £89, Jones Bootmaker

Claire wears: Black faux leather skirt, £39; blush pink top, £42, both Warehouse; shoes as before.

Third picture, Left, Ali wears: Trousers, £120, Tommy Hilfiger, shirt, £115, Thomas Pink; shoes, £120, Jones Bootmaker

Claire wears: Sparkle tweed skirt, £39; cream jersey top with chiffon sleeves, £9; handbag, £25; black jet bracelet, £12; rose gold colour necklace, £16, all Warehouse

Last picture Right, Ali wears: Jacket, £400, Hackett; trousers, £120, and belt, £42, both Tommy Hilfiger; shirt, £115, and tie £69, both Thomas Pink; shoes £120, Jones Bootmaker

Claire wears: Jacquard dress, £55, with navy coat, £85, both Warehouse; shoes, £65.95, Moda in Pelle

The next in the series – and number 13 overall – of the Songs From The Sofa acoustic nights taking place at Amber on Saturday.

These nights run by singer-songwriter Chris Gray have been held at the Douglas-based venue for a good two years now, showcasing a lot of the acoustic talent that the island has to offer – and this weekend is no exception.

Appearing on the bill on Saturday will be In The Blood showing a stripped down acoustic version of themselves, Tiger T, aka Teresa McNulty, Lee Brooks and Eugene Wilson.

The doors for this free event open at 8pm and In The Blood will open proceedings just after 9pm.

For further information on the event, visit www.facebook.com/events/1804944319745652/

Across town on Saturday you’ll find Mae Challis and band in action at The Railway.

Mae Challis is a name that has been very much in the spotlight in the past year or so.

At the age of just 15, Mae won the ‘Next Big Thing’ competition that took place at the Gaiety Theatre.

Born in Sittingbourne, Kent, in May 1998, Mae moved to the island at the age of seven.

As a singer and guitarist she lists her influences as Queen, Oasis, KT Tunstall and Joni Mitchell to more contemporary performers like Hurts, Coldplay, Train, James Morrison, Skrillex, Bruno Mars and Emeli Sande.

‘Winning the Next Big Thing’was a dream start to 2014,’ she said at the time.

‘It’s definitely given me the motivation to develop and grow as a musician and a singer/songwriter.’

Now with a full band behind her, featuring Mark Brabbs on drums, Nell Kneale on guitar and Robbie Sampson on bass, she has supported the likes of UK pop and soul troubadour John Newman at the Villa Marina and earlier this year released her first single and video in the shape of the Gnarls Barkley track ‘Crazy’.

Asked why she chose ‘Crazy’ for a first release, Mae stated: ‘It’s such a groovy and inspirational song that I couldn’t resist the opportunity to record it and try to make it my own.’ You can see the video here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZG9mPNH0Dxs

Ignite The Sky have released their first video!

Lifted from the track Norsefire, which is taken from their debut EP entitled ‘Rain’, released earlier this year, the conceptual video can be viewed at www.youtube.com/watch?v=2CIfRs50PPc

The Rain EP can be downloaded for free at http://ignitethesky.bandcamp.com/

That’s it – more next week!

Val Antrobus of Glen Vine is back on track after winning a set of tyres from Quickfit tyres for her Ford Focus after entering a competition in the Isle of Man Examiner.

Pictured are Ellie Harrison, a promotions executive with Isle of Man Newspapers, the winner Val, Andy Malone of Quickfit and David Skillicorn, a media sales consultant with Isle of Man Newspapers.

Keep an eye out for more competitions in the Isle of Man Examiner and Manx Independent.

Public sector workers are to get a pay rise.

Those working for the Public Services Commission (PSC) will get 2.2 per cent.

The PCS has been negotiating with union representatives over recent months for them for the year 2016-17.

The PSC and the unions were unable to reach agreement and the matter was referred for independent binding arbitration in accordance with the PSC Arbitration Agreement.

The new rates of pay taking effect from April 1, 2016, so will be backdated.

PSC chairman John Shimmin said: ‘Government offered a 1 per cent pay increase, while the unions sought 4.4 per cent on behalf of their members.

‘Extensive negotiations failed to find an agreement.

‘The independent arbitrator has set the pay award at 2.2 per cent, which amounts to an increase in salary costs of circa £2.95 million.’

He added: ‘Expenditure projections within the Treasury’s Medium Term Financial Strategy are based on any increase in pay costs being capped at 1 per cent.

‘This means that the unbudgeted portion of the current pay award, approximately £1.6 million, will have to be funded by departments from within their existing budgets.’

Although Mr Shimmin has retired from the Keys, he retains his government jobs until the new government is formed and positions filled with the new members of the house.

Read more about the PSC here

Motorcycle trials icon Dougie Lampkin is set to take on one of the toughest challenges of his long and illustrious career this Saturday.

The former island resident is to attempt to wheelie continuously round the entire TT Course in a stunt that is likely to take up to two hours to complete.

It will be screened as it happens on Red Bull TV, offering viewers around the globe the opportunity to watch action from the Snaefell Mountain Course live for the first time.

The 12-time world champion is not taking the challenge lightly and will be watching the weather forecast closely over the next couple of days as he puts the finishing touches to what is a very tough bid.

‘I’ve had to make some modifcations to my Vertigo trials bike to make it a little easier to ride on one wheel for such a sustained period of time,’ said the 40-year-old Yorkshireman, who lived in the island for about a decade at the peak of his illustrious career.

The attempt will start at 5pm from the TT Grandstand and will offer Dougie a challenge from the word go when attempting to wheelie down Bray Hill.

The bike has a larger fuel tank and footrests on the ends of the rear spindle, while a small electric motor will keep the front wheel spinning at all times to assist the gyroscopic effect.

‘Strong winds are my biggest fear. I know how bad it can get on the mountain, so if it’s a windy day it could cause major issues for me,’ he added.

Lampkin’s unique challenge will take place under a rolling road closure order (left-hand lane only - course direction) between 5pm and 8.30pm at the very latest.

Safety and warning vehicles will be positioned to the front and rear of the short convoy to protect Dougie’s position in the middle of what will be a slow-moving cavalcade.

Lampkin’s own team of advance motorcycle riders will keep him advised of forward conditions via a mobile communication centre, while Police outriders will hopefully ensure his uninterrupted passage through all the major junctions on the course.

The live coverage will be captured by the pursuit motorcycle and helicopter, then beamed back to our screens.

Viewers will have the opportunity to play along via a free smartphone simulator game released this week for download on dougie.redbull.tv

The Manx Dialect Group is holding an open meeting at the harbourside Sailors’ Shelter in Peel tomorrow (Saturday).

The group was established earlier this year with the aim of preserving and recording existing dialectal Manx, to make sure phrases, sayings, idioms and words are not lost for future generations.

Committee member John ‘Dog’ Callister said: ‘If anyone has words that they remember from the past, please write them down as it is said.’

Arrive by 7pm for 7.30pm start.

With strong winds forecast tomorrow (Saturday) morning, the Steam Packet Company is warning passengers of potential delays.

The Manannan is set to depart for Liverpool at 10am, but the firm will monitor the situation and issue an update at 8am.

A statement released this afternoon indicates the sailing may be subject to a two-hour delay.

Yesterday (Thursday) changes were announced in timings for the weekend’s services to Heysham.

A combination of tidal conditions and a lack of agreed dredging at the port, which means there will be insufficient under-keel clearance, led to the schedule being revised.

Click here for the full story: Frustrated Steam Packet has to reschedule services because of dredging problems in Heysham

An accountant embezzled money from his employer to create a nest egg for his family, a court was told.

Daniel Fitzpatrick, aged 29, was employed by OCRA between 2009 and 2014 when he diverted work away from his employer, posing as another practitioner approved by them and pocketing the fees.

When he was arrested, Fitzpatrick, of Ballalough Estate, Andreas, admitted he had deceived people into thinking he was carrying out work on behalf of OCRA. He admitted obtaining money totalling around £13,000 by deception over a period of about five years.

Defending him, Jim Travers pointed out his client had been much younger when he had embarked on his course of action, and was working hard to support a partner and children.

‘He accepts that his professional life as it was is now over,’ he said. ‘It was an illogical decision, to build up a nest egg for his family because ironically he feared for his future. He made no attempt to justify himself, blame others or minimise his behaviour, saying, ‘‘what I did was wrong’’,’ Mr Travers added.

He said the money was not spent or used frivolously to fund an extravagant lifestyle. In fact, the full amount remained available in the defendant’s accounts and could easily be restored to OCRA.

A favourable pre-sentence report on Fitzpatrick described him as ‘an insecure, unassertive individual who genuinely feared for the financal security of his family’.

He provided the court with a number of references which were described as ‘helpful and heartfelt’, and the court was told he had managed to secure new employment to support his family, despite the legal proceedings.

He admitted five offences of obtaining money by deception and two offences of attempting to do so.

Sentencing him, Deemster Alastair Montgomerie described it as a tragic case which was aggravated by the amount of money involved, the timescale over which the offending took place, the sophisticated nature of the offence, and the breach of his employer’s trust. You and your family have paid a high price and will continue to do so I regret I have no alternative but to impose immediate custody,’ he said.

He was jailed for six months.

The RNIB’s Eye Pod visited the island as part of Vision Awareness Week 2016.

The kiosk travelled to a variety of locations around the island to highlight the effect of the four most common causes of sight loss in Britain.

A spokesman for the island’s RNIB said the week had gone well and provided an effective means of demonstrating what people suffering from different eye conditions were able to see.

‘It all went really well,’ she said.

‘The college was particularly busy with students coming in to see the display. It’s amazing how many youngsters don’t get their eyes tested. There were a few people in the different locations who had queries for us and the children who visited certainly had great fun.’

The pod featured an external periscope, similar to the Camera Obscura, giving a view of the surroundings outside and it could be swivelled around to show different areas. The operator could then change the image shown to reproduce the view as it would be seen by someone suffering from any of the four main eye complaints causing sight loss in the British Isles. They are glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration.

The pod visited the Manx Blind Welfare Society’s headquarters at Corrin Court in Onchan, Shoprite in Ramsey, the Isle of Man College, Shoprite in Port Erin and Granville Street in Douglas. A scheduled visit to Peel was not able to take place on Friday and the pod instead returned to Corrin Court.

Advice was also given on the importance of having a regular eye test, recommended every two years, which is free in the Isle of Man. Apart from long or short sightedness, an eye check can reveal a number of other potentially serious health complaints. Advice was given on eye health to help to prevent some of the conditions or reduce their impact with early detection and prompt treatment.

The spokesman added: ‘There were a few people who dropped in because they had queries for us and people were advised on how to spot the different signs for each of the different eye conditions.’

The Eye Pod was sent over by the UK Royal National Institute for the Blind. One of the advantages is it allows carers and other family members of people with an eye condition to get a first hand view of the problems faced by the person affected.

At least two organisations are bidding for money from Tesco funded by its 5p levy on plastic bags.

The Laxey and Lonan Heritage Trust wants the money to repaint the Lady Evelyn water wheel in Laxey’s valley gardens.

Manx Wildlife Trust wants help in the construction of Ramsey Eco-Active, a 60-acre nature play trail, as part of the Ramsey Forest project.

Claughbane Plantation, which is near Ramsey Hairpin, will be the home of the island’s largest eco-playground. Over the next three years, the site will be converted from a conifer plantation into native woodland.

Voting is open in stores from September 26 to October 9.

Customers will cast their vote using a token given to them at the check-out in store each time they shop.

The Laxey and Lonan Trust’s application to the Tesco Bags for Help initiative will help to enhance the public spaces around both the Wheel and the Great Laxey Mine Railway, which was constructed in the 19th century to transport ore from the Great Laxey Mine to be processed in the area which forms the Valley Gardens.

The 5p levy on bags in Tesco does not apply in the Douglas shop because the island has different legislation.

So any money sent here will be provided by Tesco customers elsewhere.

Dr Peter Litman organist and director of music at Peel’s St German’s Cathedral received outstanding reviews when he played a concert in Germany.

An accomplished organist with a growing reputation within the European music community, he was invited to play at Peter and Paul Church in Goenningen, in south-west Germany, on one of the few remaining early Romantic organs that still exist in Germany.

Susanne Eckstein of Reutlinger Nachrichten said: ‘Peter Litman had obviously embraced the instrument, his extrovert joy displayed in quick tempi, an almost irreverent attack and a surprising variety of tone.’

Meanwhile Dagmar Varady of Reutlinger General-Anzeiger asked: ‘Would the Goenningen organ cope?

‘Peter Litman pushed it to its limits, the prescribed dynamic layering having to be omitted – but a colourful and contrasting treat was ensured.’

In her review she also said that she was amazed at what Dr Litman got out of the ‘historic treasure’, and how he had no worries about the ‘potentially sticky mechanics or noisy stop changes’.

The Goenningen organ was made in 1844 and restored in 1970, which could explain Varady’s opinion of ‘Litman’s virtuosic hands that one would almost not have believed this organ capable of.’

Concert organiser Torsten Wille, who is the organist at the Reutlingen Marienkirke, invited Dr Litman to perform.

The repertoire included Ralph Vaughan William’s arrangement of ‘Greensleeves’, ‘The Question’ and ‘The Answer’ by William Wolstenholme, an arrangement of a Handel overture and a Voluntary by William Walond.

Dr Litman did not forget the Isle of Man during his visit, as one of his pieces was written by local composer John Edward Quayle, also showcasing Welsh and Irish composers during the set.

He said the German newspapers picked up on the 50 listed organs we have in the island with an envious tone.

‘The opportunity to explore a historic German organ and to introduce the 200 strong audience to a programme of English and Manx organ music could not be missed,’ Dr Litman said.

‘The whole experience was a joy and an education which will no doubt play an important part in the tapestry of my career.’

Marc Hundleby, the first Manxman to complete a circumnavigation in the Clipper Round The World Yacht Race, raised £1,300 for the Isle of Man Live At Home Schemes charity.

He recently completed the world’s longest ocean race after spending almost a year at sea on board the Da Nang – Vietnam yacht.

Divided into eight legs, the race comprises 14 individual races for a fleet of 12 identical 70-foot ocean racing yachts, each with a fully qualified skipper.

All crew members, many of whom were sailing novices like Marc, completed a rigorous training course before being allowed to take up the challenge.

The race is an extreme test of physical and mental endurance, and Marc experienced many highs and lows along the way – from the Da Nang - Viet Nam crew winning their division in the Sydney to Hobart race, to being knocked down by an 80-foot wave in the North Pacific Ocean.

Marc, originally from Onchan, said: ‘I wanted to select an organisation based in the Isle of Man and to help the Manx community. As I am passionate about people’s independence, and also feel strongly about how isolated older adults can become, the Live At Home Schemes charity was the perfect choice.

‘There were times during the race when I felt like giving up and going home, but I knew that if I did that I would be letting down the charity and sponsors, and that really helped me to find the extra motivation I needed to stay in the race all way to the finish. It has certainly been an experience I will never forget.”

After leaving the Isle of Man in 1996. Marc worked in Hong Kong, Sydney and Dubai. He currently lives in Sydney.

Not many students can say they spent their summer holidays helping Nasa plan a trip to Mars.

But that is just what Rose ten Donkelaar from Ramsey Grammar School, Laurence Couch from Castle Rushen High School and Julius Herzig from King William’s College did during their time off from school.

The students spent two weeks working with astronauts, engineers and scientists in Houston after winning the annual scholarships to the Nasa United Space School in Houston, provided by Manx satellite firm, ManSat.

They planned a simulated mission to Mars alongside peers from 21 other countries around the world.

Rose, who is studying maths, computer science and drama at A-level and hopes to study computer science at university, described the experience as ‘awe inspiring’ and ‘life-changing’

‘Nasa is pretty much unimaginable, TV shows just don’t do it justice,’ she said.

‘My favourite part was meeting everybody and getting to interact with people from different cultures, and making new friends.’

She added: ‘Working together in teams was quite difficult because I was in charge of the budget and everyone wanted more money than I could actually give them.

‘The graduation was the most enjoyable part, as that was when I realised we now had an international family and community that I can call on whenever I need them.’

Julius is studying for the International Baccalaureate, including maths, physics and chemistry at higher level.

‘It was an easy decision to apply for the scholarship,’ he said. ‘I heard about it and thought: I have to go for this! I’ve always been interested space.

‘It was really impressive to meet all these people from around the world, it was also really nice to stay with my host family.’

He added: ‘Everyone was really nice and so many people put so much work in so we could go there and enjoy it.

‘I’ve always wanted to do something in the space science field and this experience has made me more aware that this is something I really want to do. Sometime in my life I want to work in Houston.

‘It will be a memory for a lifetime. I have many new friends, and we are already planning a reunion next year.’

Laurence, who is studying chemistry, history and physics at A-Level, said his team was in charge of designing the mission control, and handling the budget of the mission.

‘I worked with some amazing people from the US, Germany, Bolivia, Colombia, New Zealand and Russia, who I know I’ll stay in touch with for a long time to come. What has stuck in my mind is the quality of the relationships I formed during the fortnight – I became friends with so many incredible people.’

He added: ‘Other particular highlights were visiting the Johnson Space Center, where we were awarded special priority guest status, and allowed to enter the mission control room from which they send astronauts to the moon, and sit where the mission controllers sat. It really was an awesome experience.

‘I think I have grown greatly as a person and have gained an opportunity which most people could only dream of. I have had the time of my life, and would encourage anybody to apply for the programme – it’s terrific!’

Each student stayed in a host family’s house for the two weeks, along with other students, and had the chance to take part in out-of-school activities, including a pool party, a Tex-Mex night, and going to see a Houston Dynamo’s football match, where they had the opportunity to take the American flag out into the pitch.

There was also a culture fair in which Rose donned a beard and a Manx flag as a cape, while Laurence read out the story of the Three Legs for other students from across the globe.

Their efforts were recognised at a presentation at the Department of Education and Children offices in Hamilton House, Douglas, when they received certificates from Education Minister Tim Crookall MLC.

This year’s trip means that 30 island students have now won ManSat scholarships to the Nasa United Space School since the company started the competition in 2002. In 2007 the number of scholarships increased from one to two, and this year was the first for which three students were chosen.

ManSat chairman Chris Stott said: ‘For them it’s an opportunity to meet people from different cultures and different backgrounds that have a common focus on space.

‘They’re learning self-reliance and gaining more confidence, they’re learning STEM education [science, technology, engineering and maths] and how to work in teams.

‘We have students who have an engineering, science and arts background and they’re all working with a common mission with the very best engineers, astronauts and scientists that NASA has to offer. They’re learning about the international Space Center programme from the people who fly it, they’re learning about the moon and Mars programmes from the people who are building them, and they really take them into the fold.’

Mr Stott added: ‘You have the opportunity of a lifetime to have a unique glimpse of the space industry, even if you don’t want to work on the space industry. It gives you the opportunity to travel to the United States, make lifelong friends and throw yourself into a passion project. You can see practical work first-hand and the cutting edge of technology.’

ManSat chief financial officer Ian Sanders said the scholarship opens up ‘tremendous windows of opportunities for future careers’.

He said: ‘Five of our students have pursued careers in the space industry and in related areas, and we’re really proud to see our students going down those paths. It informs and inspires different options for university studies, it really supports university applications and helps you stand out from the crowd.’

Mr Sanders will be soon be visiting each secondary school and King William’s College to speak to Year 12 students, aged 16 and 17, about the competition.

He said: ‘The standard of entries was incredibly high so it was a really difficult job deciding which of the students to award the scholarships to. We were very impressed with the entries, so credit goes to the students and to the schools and their teaching. We look forward to repeating it again this year.’

To find out more, visit mansat.org

Visit www.unitedspacesschool.org for more information about the Space School.

It might be called ‘Ramsey Grammar School’ but the north’s secondary school has been a comprehensive for 70 years.

Now celebrations to mark 70 years of comprehensive education in the Isle of Man has begun with an exhibition of memorabilia.

Former town MHK and RGS pupil Anne Craine declared open the display, being staged at Ramsey Heritage Centre until November.

The island led the way in introducing comprehensive education, inclusive to all students regardless of academic ability or income.

In England Theresa May seems to be in favour of the return of selective schools, which critics say reject more pupils than they select. But the Isle of Man is maintaining its support of compehensive education.

The opening of Ramsey Grammar School and fellow comprehensive school Ballakermeen High on October 25, 1946, by UK Home Secretary James (later Lord) Chuter Ede was a red letter day in the island’s history.

It is thought the schools were the first truly comprehensive schools in the British Isles. In England, comprehensive education wasn’t widely introduced until 1965.

The exhibition is among a number of events planned to celebrate the milestone.

It was compiled after Ramsey Grammar School appealed to former staff, pupils and the public for the loan of items of uniform, reports, photos and newspaper cuttings.

Curator John Cannan said: ‘At Ramsey Heritage Centre we are always looking at ways to encourage people to investigate the history of the town.

‘This exhibition to commemorate the 70 years since Ramsey Grammar School led the way, with Ballakermeen, as possibly the first true comprehensive schools in the whole of the British Isles has sparked a great deal of interest.

‘We have received a good selection of old photos and memorabilia from numerous former staff and pupils and we plan to use as much as possible to create a display reflecting the evolution of the school over the past 70 years.’

Among the most prized items on show will be a tablecloth bearing the embroidered signatures of hundreds of former staff, which has been gifted to the school by Sheila Waiting, widow of biology teacher Brian Waiting.

In the 1960s, Mr Waiting began a tradition of getting those leaving the staff to sign the cloth and the names were then embroidered over.

Ramsey Grammar now plans to re-start the tradition.

Friday’s opening also saw the launch of a limited edition first day cover commemorating the anniversary, produced by Ramsey Philatelic Services.

It depicts the front view of Ramsey Grammar School East building from a photograph by Peter Enright, a recent student.

It carries a stamp featuring Lezayre Church and a special one-day postmark bearing the school’s badge and Latin motto Nil Amanti Difficile (Nothing is difficult to an enthusiast).

The opening also featured the first screening of a film, ‘Tell Me About Ramsey Grammar School’, recorded by history teacher Andrew Wilkinson and featuring past pupils.

He explained: ‘The intergenerational Tell Me Project ran for many years in schools and I have retained the format in filming the anecdotes of many former pupils, among them Mrs Craine. The film can be seen as part of the exhibition.’

Ramsey Heritage Centre is in Quayle’s Hall, next to the Manx Electric Railway station.

It is open from 10am to 4pm, Monday to Saturday.

Manx National Heritage is hosting a selection of free to explore heritage days.

In its seventh year, the programme features 53 different places and tours with a focus on architecture and conservation.

Events are taking place on two weekends; September 30 to October 2 and October 7 to 9.

Organisers Katie King and Suzanne Walker said: ‘We hope you enjoy the weekends as much as we do.

‘We are visiting new places and being inspired by what we have on our doorstep.

‘Come and get involved, and see something new, we look forward to meeting you out and about!’

On Friday, September 30 the Public Records Office is holding tours, focusing on the specific history of the Ballamona Hospital, 10.30am, midday and 2pm. To book email public.records@gov.im

The first Saturday (October 1) includes mining history at the Agneash Methodist Chapel, 10am to 4pm, tours around the Freemason HQ in Douglas 2pm to 5pm, and a meeting with a campanologist in the bell tower at St George’s Church, Douglas, 10am to 4pm.

There will also be tours of the Manx Museum’s social history gallery and a hands on guide to the Manx Folk Life Survey, comprising memories of Manx traditional life compiled from the 1940s to 1980s by the Manx Museum and National Trust, 10.15am and 11.30am. Email heritageopendays@gov.im to book.

Saturday, October 8 opens the curtains to the backstage of the Peel Centenary Centre for the first time. It will be open from 2pm until 5pm.

Douglas Borough Council’s waste services will show you what happens to your kerbside recycling during their hourly tours on Saturdays October 1 and 8. To book email heritageopendays@gov.im

The full programme of events is available from the MNH website.

It’s also available from MNH sites and the Welcome Centre at the Sea Terminal.

The Isle of Man will feature on Blue Peter next week.

The children’s BBC programme will include a feature about loaghtan sheep. on Thursday, September 29.

A crew was invited along to film at The Community Farm in Kewaigue, where they learned about the ancient breed of sheep and had an introduction to the art of shearing.

The Community Farm, part of The Children’s Centre, works to teach children and young people with food production, the countryside and the wider environment through fun group activities.

The feature was filmed some time ago while the Blue Peter team visited in July.

The team had taken part in the World Tin Bath Championships for a segment that has already been broadcast.

They were also looking for a second ‘distinctly Manx’ experience.

Out of the suggestions made by the Community Farm’s team leader, Lee Brooks, a close encounter with the farm’s loaghtan sheep was the one which captured their imagination.

Lee, formerly a reporter with Isle of Man Newspapers, said: ‘As they were keen on the sheep, we held off shearing them until the film crew’s arrival.

‘The cool weather in early July meant this was OK for the animals.

‘We invited one of our star helpers, Jess Clague, to teach presenter Barney Harwood how to shear the sheep.

‘Nigel Revill, our farm activity worker, was on hand to talk about the breed, and Sue Quilliam, master crafter, gave a demonstration of carding and spinning loaghtan wool.’

He added: ‘It was a fantastic day on the farm.

‘The whole TV crew were great sports and took plenty of interest in the work we’re doing here.

‘They even dished out a few coveted Blue Peter badges!’

Passengers on Steam Packet sailings during the Festival of Motorcycling set a new record for donations to the Manx Grand Prix Supporters’ Club.

Crew on both Manannan and Ben-my-Chree co-ordinated collections throughout the festival and kind-hearted passengers donated £12,975.91 – the highest total ever.

The money will support the club, which makes a large contribution towards the cost of hiring in the two rescue helicopters required for the Festival of Motorcycling, as well as assisting injured riders and families of those who die while competing.

Club chairman Allan Brew said: ‘On behalf of the Manx Grand Prix Supporters’ Club could I thank the management and crews of the Steam Packet Company for the fantastic total collected this year, as well as all the passengers who kindly donated.

‘The club celebrated its 40th anniversary last year and over this time has donated almost £800,000 to the Manx Motor Cycle Club to help with the costs of the rescue helicopters, helping injured MGP riders and providing essential medical equipment.

‘The Steam Packet Company’s efforts really do have a direct impact on our ability to support these causes and we thank everyone involved.’

Isle of Man Steam Packet chief executive Mark Woodward said: ‘Once again our passengers have shown just how much support there is for the MGPSC and the work it does.

‘We’re delighted to be able to play our part by coordinating these collections every year and I would like to thank all members of crew and staff involved, as well as everyone who generously donated.’