Donation appeal as horse charity saddled with £10,000 bill

An Island charity is appealing for urgent donations as it faces a £10,000 bill. The Home of Rest for Old Horses on Richmond Hill says many older horses it looks after can’t chew hay and need fresh grass - but fertiliser and lime for fields is extremely expensive. It’s now asking the public to help with donations so it can make sure it has enough grazing for the animals.

Today on the island

Rainy, 12°C (53°F), wind 13 mph

The local news that matters this morning

Here's all the news from our island from the past 24 hours, made easy to digest.

3FM · Business07:55 Chief Minister says government not involved in Manx Telecom sale Chief Minister Alf Cannan says the government didn't do due diligence checks during the sale of Manx Telecom - because the government's not involved. In Tynwald this week he faced a question on the topic from Arbory, Castletown and Malew MHK Jason Moorhouse. On Friday, the company announced the deal to sell it to Jersey Telecom and an investment firm had been finalized.

Manx Radio · Health10:12 Manx Care chair to step down Wendy Reid has been in the role since February 2024. Manx Care’s chair has announced her intention to step down from the role. Wendy Reid’s been in the position since February 2024.

3FM · Health06:55 Manx Care sorry for mixed messages over Noble’s service suspensions Manx Care has apologised for confusion over which services had to be suspended last week, when Noble's Hospital faced huge pressure. In Tynwald this week, Health Minister Claire Christian faced questions over the announcement that many inpatient and day-case procedures had been suspended. She said only adult services were affected amid a huge surge in demand at the hospital.

IoM Today · Health14:18 Isle of Man's health service went more than £20m over budget This reflects the very real pressures being experienced across our health and care system. The practical point for households is who is eligible, when services are available, and what people need to do next.

3FM · Island News08:25 Sew much support for RNLI and GNAAS from Mannin Quilters Specially-made RNLI quilts have been donated to emergency service charities by Mannin Quilters. The group also handed over £1,000 to the five lifeboat stations, as well as £1,000 to Great North Air Ambulance Service. The handmade quilts were presented alongside the donations during a cheque presentation attended by Port Erin volunteers.

Manx Radio · Health18:12 Health funding: "It's a moral question, do you stop some services to come within budget?" Minister Christian explains why department needs additional £20.8m. The health minister says her department was reluctant to cut services in order to come in on budget during the last financial year. The Department of Health and Social Care is seeking an additional £20.8m by way of a supplementary vote in next month’s sitting of Tynwald.

Manx Radio · Politics06:20 Garff by-election: Candidate standing wants to give back to the community Richard Taylor is standing for one of the two available seats. A candidate standing in the upcoming Garff Commissioners by-election says he would use his professional experience to support the authority if elected. Richard Taylor, a retiree from the finance sector, believes the main issue facing residents is the Mooir Vannin offshore windfarm, which he is opposed to, as well as a lack of community spaces.

IoM Today · Transport17:58 Isle of Man TT 2026: Road safety campaign launched after 32 crashes last year We will deploy both marked and unmarked units around the course and across the island...’. It also gives a quick marker of how Island teams and competitors are faring when they travel into regional competition.

Manx Radio · Politics16:13 Island's current approach to illegal drug use 'harming people', says MHK Alex Allinson's attempt to set up citizens' jury into recreational cannabis rebuffed. Tynwald has reaffirmed its support for a report into reducing the harm caused by drugs and has rebuffed an attempt to set up a citizens’ jury. Ramsey MHK Alex Allinson had brought a motion to Tynwald asking for the panel to be set up to look into options for the regulated sale of recreational cannabis on the Isle of Man.

Manx Radio · Island News12:18 'Part and parcel': Isle of Man Post Office comments on Evri rumours Reports courier service to withdraw from Island and handover operations. The Isle of Man Post Office has responded to reports that courier company Evri is to leave the Island and hand over its operations to the business. It is claimed Evri is in "advanced negotiations" to withdraw from the Island, a move consumer watchdog Courier Checker says could put jobs at risk.

Manx Radio · Island News06:15 Klaus Krumpl receives 'everlasting Manx welcome' at Gruseleck Corner Regular TT visitor hopes to bring his grandchildren to the races. A German TT visitor has been given a special ’everlasting Manx welcome’ ahead of what will be his 46th event. Klaus Krumpl, who famously camps at Gruseleck Corner, has been recognised by Garff Commissioners. (Picture credit: Manx Radio) A plaque has been installed in honour of Klaus, Michael Peiffer and all the Gruseleck Collective.

Manx Radio · Island News06:13 Manx BirdLife launches outdoor education programme New shelter installed at national reserve to mark occasion. An initiative aimed at nurturing a new generation of conservationists on the Island has been launched. Manx Birdlife’s Outdoor Education Programme will provide people of all ages with the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to monitor and protect nature into the future.

3FM · Weather14:58 Firefighters issue TT wildfire warning as hot, dry weather approaches The Island's Fire & Rescue Service has issued a wildfire warning for the TT period with warm, dry weather expected. On Facebook, firefighters says the conditions will increase the risk of countryside fires starting. They’re urging people to act responsibly - don’t light barbecues, camp stoves, or campfires, don’t throw cigarette ends away and avoid parking anywhere dry vegetation could be set alight by hot exhausts.

3FM · Island News14:35 New TT 2026 coin will immortalise Sarah's Cottage The Island is getting a new £2 coin celebrating a TT landmark! The new coin carries the face of King Charles on one side - and racers negotiating Sarah’s cottage on the other. The cottage sits on Creg Willey’s Hill in German, and is a popular vantage point for race spectators.

3FM · Island News13:05 MNH opens new Castletown shop and offices Manx National Heritage has opened a new outlet in Castletown. The shop and visitor centre is inside the former bank building in Market Square after the organisation spent around six months refurbishing it. The facility will open from 9.30am to 4.30pm seven days a week.

3FM · Island News11:35 Biker and machine needed to be in TT film! An Island casting agency says it's looking for a biker to be in the Channing Tatum TT movie. Ex-Isle Casting and Film Agency took to Facebook to issue an appeal. It says it’s looking for a man with a qualifying TT bike to be in Isle of Man, which is filming during this year’s festival.

3FM · Island News09:52 Bird charity gets boost from Manx Lottery Trust A local nature charity has been awarded more than £28,000 so it can recruit a new warden. Meanwhile the new warden will let the charity host more events at its nature reserve and better manage habitats. The charity adds this will play a key part in expanding its programme of conservation work across the Island.

IoM Today · Sport14:42 Cycling Club Isle of Man begin Rás Tailteann title defence With this strong roster, we’re confident that we can be at the sharp end of the action throughout the five days of racing. It also gives a quick marker of how Island teams and competitors are faring when they travel into regional competition.

IoM Today · Business13:43 Evri in talks’ to hand Isle of Man deliveries to Post Office Up to 40 couriers could be affected by the firm’s reported exit. Claims published by online trade publication Courier Checker allege Evri is in advanced negotiations’ with Isle of Man Post Office over a deal that would see the company leave the Island by September 2026. According to the report, the proposed agreement would hand responsibility for last-mile parcel deliveries to the Post Office, effectively ending Evri’s direct presence on the Isle of Man.

IoM Today · Health13:04 Vikings triumph in annual hockey memorial tournament The event raised an impressive £1,250 on the day for Hospice Isle of Man. Despite the mixed weather, it was a fantastic day of matches and hockey community spirit. Eight teams lined up for the over-35s action, featuring a mix of club regulars and some familiar faces who dusted off their sticks to make their return to the pitch for the first time since last year’s event.

IoM Today · Island News13:02 Isle of Man TT 2026: Pictures show preparations at Grandstand as organisers gear up for event Head of Motorsport Paul Phillips described the final week of preparations as the busiest period of the year. It also gives a quick marker of how Island teams and competitors are faring when they travel into regional competition.

IoM Today · Sport13:00 Isle of Man judo clubs shine at Richard Lloyd Memorial Competition We are really pleased with how everyone acquitted themselves on the mat. Before the main competition, youngsters Oscar Knight and Zakk Tomlinson took part in an under-eights’ festival, which gave them their first taste of unfamiliar opponents in a competitive environment. In the junior grades (Mon) categories, Daniel Tickle claimed gold after competing against experienced opponents in a heavier weight category.

IoM Today · Island News12:55 Office of Fair Trading to launch review of Isle of Man funeral directors It will involve funeral directors being contacted and visited. That’s according to the chair of the OFT Tim Glover, who responded to a question from Ramsey MHK Dr Alex Allinson during Tuesday’s Tynwald sitting regarding the possibility of new regulation in the sector. Mr Glover confirmed that the OFT plans to carry out a regulatory compliance consultation with the island’s funeral directors later this year.

IoM Today · Island News12:31 Three digital ID apps approved for age verification in the Isle of Man We are working with retailers to enable them to accept electronic verification. Responding to a question from Ramsey MHK Dr Alex Allinson during Tuesday’s Tynwald sitting, Jane Poole-Wilson said the Department of Home Affairs has powers under Regulation 64 of the Liquor Licensing and Public Entertainment Regulations 2022 to approve digital identity systems for alcohol purchases.

IoM Today · Weather11:46 Isle of Man TT 2026: Organisers confirm 60-minute window to test electronic red flag system We’ve selected an early morning window to minimise any disruption. The test will take place between 6.30am and 7.30am on Friday, May 22, around the TT Mountain Course. The electronic flag system forms part of the TT’s wider Safety Management System and acts as an additional layer alongside the existing marshal-operated red flag system.

IoM Today · Sport11:41 Josh Brookes joins UGGLY & CO Racing for Isle of Man TT's Supersport races Having made my own debut on a Suzuki back in 2013, I have high hopes for the GSX750 on the Mountain Course. It also gives a quick marker of how Island teams and competitors are faring when they travel into regional competition.

IoM Today · Island News11:02 Men admit role in smuggling thousands worth of criminal cash off the Isle of Man Prosecutor says defendants were part of wider conspiracy investigation. Mark Robert Jones, aged 47, and Reece Roy Coley, who is 32, appeared before magistrates pleading guilty to conspiring to remove criminal property between September and December in 2024. Prosecuting advocate Hazel Carroon said the two defendants were part of a greater conspiracy, and that the case should be sentenced at the Court of General Gaol Delivery, as one amount involved had been £14,860.

IoM Today (Sport) · Sport09:00 Jets edge Wolves to seal back-to-back Isle of Man basketball championships The victory marks the completion of a perfect season for Jets. This was the fourth time in as many years that the two teams had met in the Championship final, with Jets ending Wolves’ hopes of a three-peat last year with a dramatic overtime victory. Both teams worked hard to deny on the opening offences and it wasn’t until late in the second minute that the game’s first basket was scored, Jake Glover running the lane for Jets.

IoM Today (Sport) · Sport08:00 Isle of Man footballer helps Welsh outfit Bangor claim treble The 25-year-old centre-back started the campaign with Northern Irish top-flight outfit Coleraine. It also gives a quick marker of how Island teams and competitors are faring when they travel into regional competition.

Manx Radio · Law19:56 Bid to reverse fresh Summerland inquests rejection Appeal begins at Douglas Courthouse. Report by BBC Isle of Man: An appeal against the rejection of a bid for fresh inquests into the deaths of 50 people in the Summerland fire has begun. The entertainment complex on the Isle of Man was destroyed when fire ripped through the building on the evening of 2 August 1973 while there were about 3,000 people inside.

3FM · Culture17:41 School steps planned to stop muddy bank scrambles The Department of Education, Sport and Culture says it wants to install a flight of steps at a school to stop youngsters slipping on a steep bank. It’s lodged a planning application for Ashley Hill Primary School in Onchan. It says children have to climb a slope to get to the playing fields from its tennis courts, which gets trickier in wet weather.

Manx Radio · Politics06:20 Minister rules out follow-up checks on education grants DESC presents progress update on student awards. The education minister says she’s hopeful that higher education options will become more accessible to people on the Isle of Man. But some MHKs have questioned whether government should be keeping tabs on how taxpayer backed financial support is used and what benefits it brings back to the Island.

Manx Radio · Island News06:20 Clerk of the Course 'very mindful' around costs of TT But Gary Thompson says budget to run meeting has never been cut. The clerk of the course for the Isle of Man TT Races says organisers remain ’very mindful’ of rising costs associated with running the event. Gary Thompson agrees certain costs are ’spiraling’ in areas but says his allocated budget to run the racing fortnight remains in place and has never had to be cut.

3FM · Transport14:07 Evening closure for Mountain Road TT work The Mountain Road will close again later as TT preparations continue. The Department of Infrastructure is trimming verges and hedges on the route before the festival gets underway next week. The road will shut from 6.30pm until 10.30pm.

3FM · Island News08:55 Calling all bin-fluencers! Commissioners need help with dog bin duty Michael Commissioners say they're looking for someone to empty the area's dog waste bins. On its Facebook page, the local authority says tendering has now opened on a contract to empty rubbish and dog waste bins in the district. If you’d like to bid, you have until Thursday, May 28 to contact the board.

3FM · Culture07:25 Date announced for final ever Heartstopper! Netflix has revealed when the final ever Heartstopper will reach our screens. Heartstopper Forever is a feature-length movie that rounds off the previous three seasons of the hit drama featuring Manx star Joe Locke. The streaming giant said it would release the movie after the last book in Alice Oseman’s series.

IoM Today · Island News12:37 Families of Summerland victims begin legal challenge to reopen inquests The verdict of misadventure has caused and continues to cause significant offence. For readers, the useful next step is to open the original report for the full detail, timing and any follow-up action that affects residents or businesses.

IoM Today · Island News10:44 Man fined for threatening behaviour after drunken outburst Two men were approached during a confrontation. Stephen John Harrison must also pay £125 prosecution costs. Magistrates heard that Harrison approached two men on Castlemona Avenue in Douglas on March 30, at 6.15pm.

IoM Today · Business10:00 MyBiosphere: The link between the finance sector and our biosphere To me, biosphere means community, collaboration, and conserving our connection to nature. That makes it worth tracking beyond the headline, because it links local people, natural resources and practical environmental work around the Island.

IoM Today · Sport09:37 RYCOB promoted as Marown lose at Castletown The northerners’ return to the Premier League was confirmed on Tuesday evening – without even stepping onto the pitch. For readers, the useful next step is to open the original report for the full detail, timing and any follow-up action that affects residents or businesses.

What's on: next 14 days

Villa Marina and Gaiety Theatre first, then all 125 fetched events in the next 14 days.

Today · Villa Marina Prom SuiteEd Force One Live

Tomorrow · 22 - 23 May · Gaiety TheatreCirque De Danse

Tomorrow · 22 May · Villa Marina Prom SuiteEd Force One Live

Sat 23 May · 23 May · Villa MarinaIOM DTA Ballroom Dancing Competition

Public tenders & procurement

A compact supplier watch: deadlines first, then newly posted In-Tend opportunities. Use the portal for registration, documents and final deadlines.

Closing in the next week

Newly posted

Source: Isle of Man Government In-Tendhttps://in-tendhost.co.uk/iomg/aspx/Tenders/Current

Resident pulse

Questions from today’s Tynwald updates and next-meeting calendar, with enough context to make each vote useful. Pick the answer you most want followed up in plain English.

Three Island Amazon finds

Rotating Isle of Man and Manx book/product searches.

Island Amazon pick 1

Celtic folklore Welsh and Manx book

Folklore, fairies and Island legends.

View on Amazon UK →

Island Amazon pick 2

Isle of Man railways book

Railway heritage reading for Island transport fans.

View on Amazon UK →

Island Amazon pick 3

Isle of Man railway book

Steam railway and transport heritage picks.

View on Amazon UK →

From the Manx oral tradition

A small Manx fact

The Calf of Man: The bird observatory is internationally known among naturalists. It carries a layer of Viking, Gaelic, Victorian or maritime influence.

The shape of the day ahead

Rainy, 12°C (53°F), wind 13 mph. Highs of 13°C. Check A18 Mountain Road status before travelling.