1. pets
2. cats

The FREE magazine for ALL Families on the Isle of Man
Sept – Oct 2014
Issue 44
FM
a
ily
ANX
It’s that time
of year ....
Christmas approaches; the nights are darker; the wind and rain
returns in a more earnest fashion; but the magazine is filled with
wonderful ways to fill your days and evenings; to inspire and to
learn .... all on this wonderful island of ours. In this issue - we
have a our first pull-out ‘Health Supplement’ brought to you by
the Dept of Health and Social Care. They wanted to tell you about
various services on the island but to also impart information in a
non-leaflet form. Take a look - and let me know how you feel about it.
We have Musings from our Manx Mum; more on Speech and Language
development in our young ones .... and with the VAST
What’s On guide, I hope that you will sit, have a cuppa
and a good read remembering that this magazine is for
YOU!!! Hee’moo.
FAMILY MANX t. 01624 877909 e. [email protected] w. www.familymanx.co.im
FM News
FM News
Seasons Greetings
to you. It’s been
a blustery and
cold end to 2014
(it’s the end of
October) as I write
and the ‘Indian
Summer’ we
enjoyed recently
has definitely been blown away. 2015 is soon to
be upon us and as always I am going to ask you
to let me know what you would like to see within
the magazine. Don’t be shy!! Oooo and do let
me know what you think of the pull-out in this
issue. We thought it would be an effective way of
reaching families of all ages on the island - so your
feedback would be invaluable.
Nollick Ghennal as Blein Vie Noa .... and don’t
forget to write if you have ideas! You can reach
me at [email protected] Amy x
Come along to the Laxey Christmas Market
An Annual Fabulous Festive Fayre at The Institute, Laxey.
With something for everyone: gifts, crafts, jewellery,
cakes, cards, soft furnishings, a raffle and
refreshments; Santa will be there to
welcome children of all ages.
Do come and join in the festivities.
The Laxey Institute Christmas Fayre is
to be held on Saturday 29th & Sunday
30th November 10am – 4pm. Entrance
50p (kids go free!)
Contents Nov – Dec 2014
FM News
FM News from Manx Telecom
FM The Editor Within - Fitness Blog
FM What’s On - All Ages
FM Health Pull-Out Supplement
FM What’s On - All Ages continued
FM Speech and Language - Part 2
FM News from Boots
FM Musings of a Manx Mum
2-4
5
6
8
S1 - S4
9 - 14
12
15
15
FM
First we had the Polar Express ... and now
you can actually make your own ‘Chocolate
competition
Express’ this Christmas to be a wonderful
centre piece for your table .... or simply a great
party piece for friends and family. Lakeland Ltd
have very kindly given Family Manx 3 sets
of molds to make this fabulous train.
To win - just answer the following question:
Which year was there freak snow in the west of the
island, that left Kirk Michael and other areas around
it cut off for several days.
Was it a) 2011, b) 2012 or c) 2013.
Think hard and email at [email protected] to be in with a chance of winning a set. Good Luck.
(Closing Date: 30th November 2014) Usual T&C’s apply.
Go to website for info.
Further information on 421641 or
email [email protected]
Willow & Rush Decorations
Saturday 22nd / 29th November
Saturday 6th December
10am - 4pm
in Kirk Michael Methodist Church Hall
(Opp The Bank)
Learn how to make bumbee cages, wreaths, stars
and St Bridget's Crosses.
Weaving Materials Supplied
Bring Sharp Secateurs if you have them
For details Contact John 'Dog' on 878509
or [email protected]
www.willowmann.im
02

web: www.familymanx.co.im
Find us online at www.familymanx.co.im
or on facebook at Family Manx Magazine Isle of Man
email: [email protected]
Family Manx Nov – Dec 2014
Your Health Your Way,
Self care Supplement
We are always being advised to be mindful of
what we do and how we can improve our lives.
However, in reality, looking after ourselves,
otherwise known as ‘Self Care’ is often difficult,
as we don’t always know where to go for help.
The aim of the pull out self-care supplement
in the middle of the magazine is to provide
useful information on different topics and
has been developed by the Department
of Health and Social Care with input from
Sports Development (NSC), Youth Workers,
Crossroads Care and The Hospice.
National Self Care week runs from 17th – 24th
November 2014. This year we are launching
the week with ‘Bowling and Boccia for Better
Health’ which is taking place at the Indoor
Bowling Centre at the NSC on the 17th
November from 10.00am – 12.00pm. Everyone
is welcome to come and have a go at indoor
bowls and boccia for free, as well as visit some
of the stands promoting self-care support.
Live Well – Stay Well Courses are designed
to improve the quality of life for people
living with long term health conditions.
The next course is due to start on the 5th
November at Ramsey and District Cottage
Hospital. If you would like any further
information about any of the above events,
please contact Ann Corkill, Senior Nurse for
Self-Care on 486641 or [email protected]
Go to the centre pages to have a look!
Family Manx Nov – Dec 2014
TravelWatch ISLE OF MAN
The Island’s Passenger Watchdog, will be holding its
next Public Meeting at the Villa Marina on the morning
of Saturday 8th November. We hope to welcome Ian
Longworth, the Island’s Director of Public Transport, and
we will be reviewing the effect of the big changes in air
services since April 2014. We will also be looking at future
prospects for ferry services, now that the threat posed by
the Celtic Array wind farms has been lifted, and that the
IOM Government is mindful to review the Island’s needs,
before agreeing to any User Agreement extension.
Time is allowed for questions, feedback and general
discussion over coffee - one of the most important parts
of these meetings.
Admission is free and all are welcome. Doors are open at
9.30 for a 10.00 start and the meeting is usually over by
13.00. Please see our website
www.travelwatch-isleofman.org
for any updates nearer to the meeting.
email: [email protected]
web: www.familymanx.co.im
03
Piano - Keyboard Tuition
Free 1st Lesson
All ages welcome
Friendly, patient teacher
Competitive Rates
Call Clive today to book your free lesson
Clive Davenport, LLCM
[email protected]
“Victoria House has successfully completed the
first year of the Manx Quality Award and are now
nearing the completion of our second year. Our
Baby Wing has now been open for 8 years and is
now offering sessions, with a minimum booking
of three per week, for babies from 3 months to
2 years. The sessions available are mornings,
afternoons, short or long days according to a
family’s needs.
The Baby Wing is a self-contained unit with an
outside play area where your child will be cared
for by superior, highly trained and qualified staff.
If parents are looking for a homely atmosphere
where their child’s needs will be met and catered
for by warm and caring staff, then please contact
us for a “show around”. We offer excellent
learning and play opportunities for each child,
who is treated as a unique child with their
individual needs being met”.
Family Manx Magazine
51 Broogh Wyllin, Kirk Michael, Isle of Man IM6 1HU
n Tel: 01624 877909 Mob: 07624 225577
n Email: [email protected]
n Editor: Amy Maguire
n Designed by GagenGraphics:
editorfamilymanx.co.im
n Printed by Bridson & Horrox, Douglas, Isle of Man
n Tel: 01624 663311
n Web: www.bridson-horrox.com
04
web: www.familymanx.co.im
Open some Manx Telecom
magic this Christmas!
MNDA Christmas Craft Fair
St Johns Methodist Hall
Saturday 15th November, 11 o’clock until 4 o’clock
Entrance £1 which includes refreshments.
Looking for locally-made Christmas presents and cards?
The Isle of Man Motor Neurone Disease Association will
be hosting a Christmas Craft Fair to tick both boxes and
give you a pleasant afternoon out! Find beautiful and
imaginative gifts; original designs on stunning hand-made
Christmas cards, plus tempting home-made cakes!
MNDA IOM is a small local charity, run by volunteers,
which aims to help people living with Motor Neurone
Disease with swift and practical support. Assistance
can take many forms: maybe a riser recliner chair; an
iPad for easier communication; help with the cost of
homecare; or even an air ticket for a friend to visit. If
asked, we will help if we can!
The MND Association will also be holding its’ traditional
Christmas Fair at the Masonic Hall, Douglas on
Saturday 8th November.
Tel: 481980
Manx Telecom’s Strand Street store is the place to visit for
all your Christmas present ideas this year! It’s packed full of
gifts to suit those ever demanding family members and here
are just a few of the fantastic offers which could make the
perfect present for your nearest and dearest.
FREE 4G ready smartphones
4G superfast mobile broadband is great for anyone who
loves using their smartphone to stream live HD TV on the
move or wants the fastest on-Island mobile download
speeds to get the latest album, movie or app. This
Christmas there’s a fantastic range of FREE 4G ready
smartphones for pay monthly customers, with tariffs starting
at just £25 per month.
4G is coming to pay as you go
In early 2015, we will also be bringing 4G to our pay as
you go customers. With 4G smartphones starting at just
£139 when you purchase a £20 top-up in-store, a 4G
ready smartphone will light up Christmas morning for that
someone special, plus you can be sure they’ll be 4G ready
when the time comes!
Pay as you go smartphones
Pay as you go handsets are a great way to manage mobile
phone costs, especially for young children. Technology has
moved on so much that you can now get smartphones
packed with the latest features without breaking the bank,
as they start from just £69 for the fantastic Samsung Galaxy
Young 2, when you purchase a £20 top-up in-store. If your
budget can stretch a little further, there’s the Nokia Lumia
530 (£89) and LG L7 II (£119) all of which will make great
gifts. All of these smartphones boast minimum specs of at
least a 4-inch screen, 4MP camera and 4GB storage, so
there’s no need to compromise on quality.
Ultima broadband – more fun for all the family
With so many families using smartphones, games
consoles, laptops and internet-enabled TVs, the demand
on broadband capacity in the home is increasing all the
time. To make the most of all of these devices at home
requires very, very, very, fast broadband – and that’s why
Manx Telecom’s Ultima service can make an ideal gift for the
entire household. With its superfast upload and download
speeds, Ultima is the best way to the get the most out of
home broadband, whether it’s for entertainment, mum or
dad working from home, or youngsters using the internet for
school work or during leisure time. Ultima is available in four
data packages, and there are no up-front costs as each one
comes with a free router and free installation*.
Get a FREE tablet worth £149!
We’re giving away a fantastic LG tablet to every customer
who renews or signs-up to both Ultima broadband AND a
4G smartphone tariff ** this Christmas. The LG GPAD 7-inch
tablet is WiFi enabled – ideal for using at home yourself, or
giving as a Christmas gift!
These are just some of the great deals we have on offer
this Christmas, so why not call in to our Strand Street
store where you’ll also find lots of great stocking filler
ideas from top-up vouchers to accessories, plus our new
‘wearables’ range.
Introducing the very new Poagey son Mummig
as Babban, manx for Mother and Baby bag
This fantastic new resource for all pregnant mums was
originally to be given out to mums-to-be at their booking-in
appointment at Nobles Hospital, but proved so popular that
mums who had passed this milestone before the bags arrived
clamoured to get hold of one with the happy result that they are
now also available at any appointment
in the Womens outpatients area. The
bags are filled with great information
about local products and services from
pregnancy to early childhood. With
great offers and special discounts this
is the new must-have accessory for
every bump!
So if you are expecting, then please
grab a bag the next time you’re in for
an appointment, have a browse and
enjoy the diversity that comes from
supporting Manx.
Stop by and see us at
www.isleofmanbumpbabyandtoddler.com or find us on facebook
under Isle of Man Bump, Baby & Toddler with Poagey son
Mummig as Babban, we’d love to hear from you.
Disclaimer: “While every effort and care has been made to ensure the accuracy
of the information contained in our publication, the publisher cannot accept
responsibility for any errors, inaccuracies or omissions it may contain. The
editorial and advertising content of this publication does not imply endorsement
of them by Family Manx Magazine nor can Family Manx Magazine be held
responsible for any actions or consequences arising from contact between
reader and advertiser. Readers are therefore advised to check, carefully, any
references, professional qualifications and stated membership of professional
bodies before entering into contracts or making arrangements to use a service
featured herein”. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted
in any form, or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocoping, recording
or otherwise, or stored in any retrival system, without prior written permission
of the publisher. All photos istock.com unless stated.
email: [email protected]
Family Manx Nov – Dec 2014
News from Manx Telecom
Alternatively visit our website
www.manxtelecom.com/
christmas
Wishing you all a very Happy
Christmas from everyone here
at Manx Telecom.
Family Manx Nov – Dec 2014
email: [email protected]
web: www.familymanx.co.im
*Free Installation applicable to Manx Telecom Pay Monthly and Pay As You Go mobile customers registered with our My Account Loyalty Scheme. Otherwise, £78.00 including VAT. ** LG GPAD 7.0 WiFi (worth £149) when you sign up to a smartphone plan for 24 months and
renew/sign-up for Ultima broadband for 12/18 months respectively. Offer not available with smartphone 150 or Ultima 15GB plans. Redemption in-store only. All prices inclusive of VAT. Other terms apply, see mt.im/terms
FM News
05
The Editor Within - A Fitness Blog
When I started this blog for the magazine – my
idea was to give an account of the journey that
I have taken to get me where I am now; and to
get me where I wish to go. In this last blog of the
series, I thought I would give an idea of my ‘ideal’
week and what I try to do each week.
My ‘plan’ is individual to me and because I have a
fairly flexible working timetable, I am able to do what
I do each day. Others may find the level of ‘gym’ time
impractical in their routine – but with everything else;
and as Mike is ALWAYS saying to me; it’s a question
of being ‘organised’ and planning each day and meal
carefully.
Exercise:
My routine now consists of 5 ‘exercise sessions’
during the week. The timing each day can vary, but
generally, on a Monday and Thursday I work out
at the gym doing purely ‘interval’ training. For me
this consists of a variety of cardio
exercises, varying the level of intensity
on each machine or exercise in order
to keep my body ‘guessing’ and
therefore working hard. Then, on a
Friday, I train with Mike, working mainly
on ‘Resistance’ training but with some
cardio thrown in for good measure.
Tuesdays I ‘copy’ the resistance training
I did with Mike on the previous Friday
(twice a week for this form of training
works well for me); and then on a
Sunday, I try to get out for a good brisk
walk for a minimum of an hour, adding
hills and a bit of jogging to keep the intensity up.
On Wednesdays and Saturdays I have ‘rest’ days.
Always take time to rest and recuperate.
Weeks vary and if plans change then I
just try to stay as relaxed about this as
I can; but this is my ‘ideal’ plan and it
works for me.
Food:
Food has always been my nemesis. I have always
found it hard to deal with and so I asked Mike to
give me a somewhat ‘set’ plan of meals. This is quite
restrictive (in detail) but it works for me and keeps my
sugar levels ‘calm’, whilst giving me enough of the
sustenance that my body needs to ‘work’.
06
I have various problems with different types of foods;
wheat, dairy and some meat and fish – but the
general ‘plan’ that I have is easy to stick to as long as
I organise myself well. Even eating out isn’t as scary
as it once was, as I now know what to ask for i.e.
gluten free foods; wraps without the wrap and so on.
(I love eating the tuna wrap filling at a restaurant in
Tynwald Mills. It’s tasty and everything I need without
the wheat!!).
web: www.familymanx.co.im
My food plan works as follows:
7.30 Breakfast of Proteins (Eggs).
9am A snack (an hour prior to exercise)
12pm Post-exercise Lunch consisting of Protein,
A Green Veg and Sweet Potato. (For me the protein
can be tuna or chicken; and the veg will be Broccoli)
3pm Another small lunch of the same type of food.
5pm A small snack (normally a handful of nuts).
7.30pm A protein (fish or chicken for me) and a lovely
big salad – with a drizzle of cold pressed oil and
seasoning.
Before bed: some 0% Plain Greek Yoghurt.
With all of this I try to drink at least 6-8 glasses of
water a day and I allow myself a couple decent cups
of good quality coffee each day.
As I have said, this meal plan is quite restrictive but
it works for me at the moment and gives me all the
basic ‘elements’ that a body needs. It’s the sort of
food I enjoy and gives me a fixed plan to go back to if I
have a ‘cheat’ meal or, sometimes, day.
Cheat ‘Meals’ are actually a good
thing to do once a week . They
give the body a kind of ‘boost’
to the metabolism and keeps it
guessing with regards energy
input. In actual fact, my calories
are quite substantial (for me) so
my body is not ‘starved’ but
the food I eat is ‘clean’ (ie not
processed) and my body seems
to like what I do. One warning
tho’ regarding the word ‘cheat’.
This does not mean ‘cram
every naughty thing you can’t
normally eat into one meal’; it
means to perhaps increase the
August 2014
calories for that meal with a ‘bit’
of naughtiness. Don’t go overboard and undo what
you have done all week  My ‘cheat’ is often to have
some rice with my main meal. Daring eh?; or to have
some Rachel’s Cherry Yoghurt which I am intolerant to
…but I love it!!! It’s nothing outrageous but it suits me.
You’ll soon discover what works for you!.
The right foods, the right exercise and the right plan
for you are all key! As I have always said ‘ set goals’
and adjust them as you go; but have an overall aim in
mind. Plan your weeks; plan your food and what you
wish to do physically. Get out there and laugh, plan,
laugh, exercise, laugh, enjoy food by eating ‘clean’,
laugh …… and be the person whom you want to be!!
I hope you have enjoyed reading about the journey
that I have been on. I am happy to discuss it with
people and I know that Mike will be happy to help
and advise anyone who wishes to start and/or
continue with their journey, including those who may
need a bit of a helping ‘shove’ into this healthier and
happier way of life. My words are written always
with the back-up of Mike Tomaszewski, my trainer,
who is Gym Manager at Nautilus Gym, Peel Rd,
Douglas. I do not pretend to be qualified, so have
always asked his advice. I do know, however, what
it is like to be on this continuing journey, and I hope
that this has encouraged others as, quite simply; if I
can do it, anyone can!!!
email: [email protected]
Family Manx Nov – Dec 2014
What’s On For All Ages
CASTLETOWN
Dancetime and
Madhatters Theatre
Academy Market Square,
Ballet, Tap, Theatre Craft
& Musical Theatre
From Age 3 up
Saturdays 2 – 7pm,
Mondays 4 – 6.30pm
And Thursdays 4 – 6pm
Contact: Helen Terry
472732 or email
[email protected]
Castletown Methodist
Church, Arbory St
Daniel’s Den
Day: Mondays and
Wednesdays
(with Fridays also running
from Oct14-Mar15)
Time: 9.30 – 11am
Cost: £1 Contact:
Stephanie 240958
Below is a guide to what is going on – on the Island
(mostly during term time unless otherwise stated).
Where possible the information is verified but
things DO change so please ring to verify details.
If you know of other groups or clubs that would like
to be listed – just email at [email protected]
ANAGH – COAR
Anagh-Coar School
Mini Club – Parents
and Tots
Weds 9.30 – 11.15am
Ages: 0 – 4 and their
Parents/Carers
Cost: £1 per Family inc
refreshments
Contact: Caroline 851782
ANDREAS
Andreas School Mobile
Classroom
Parent and Toddler
Group
Tuesdays 9.15 – 11.30am
Contact: Andreas School
880375
BALLABEG
Arbory Parish Hall,
Arbory Tots – Parent
and Toddler Group
Thursdays 2 - 3.15pm
Age: Birth upwards
Contact: Louise 832394
Ballabeg Busy Bugs
Creative Play for Busy
Minds
Wednesdays 10 - 11am
Age: Under 5s
Contact: Jo Clague:
837455/429676
08
BALLASALLA
Ballasalla Primary
School
Action Songs and
Rhymes
Thursdays - 10 – 11 am
(Term-Time only)
Cost: FREE (courtesy of
the The Children’s Centre)
Donations Welcome
Contact: 479452
BALLAUGH
Ballaugh Village Hall
Parents and Tots
Thursdays 10 - 12 pm
Cost: £1 per family
(inc drinks)
Contact: Dawn 428359 or
Kellie 439993
BRADDAN
Braddan Church Hall,
Mini Club – Parents
and Tots.
Weds 1.30 – 3.30pm
Ages: 0 – 4yrs and their
parents/carers
£1.50 per family inc.
refreshments
Contact: Elizabeth
675091
web: www.familymanx.co.im
COLBY
Colby Methodist Hall.
ROCK Sunday Club
10:30am (Term-time)
Music, stories, crafts,
puzzles and challenges.
PEBBLES – 10:30am
Sunday (Term time)
Friendly club for
preschoolers with parents/
carers.
CONTACT Jane 492010
or Pam 832070
DOUGLAS
Tregellis House,
Westmoreland Rd
Move It Dance Classes
Classes every night of the
week plus weekends.
All Ages and Abilities
(Ages 2 up)
Call 615989 or email
[email protected] www.
moveit.im
St Thomas’ Church
Vestry, Finch Rd.
Edward Bears Toddler
Group,
Wednesdays 1.30 – 3pm –
All Yr Round
Contact: Karen 479512
Age: 0 – Pre-school
Cost £1 per family with
drink and snack included.
St Georges Church Hall,
Upper Church St
Little Angels Tots Group
Thursdays 1.30 – 3pm
(Term-time only)
Ages: 0 – 4 and their
parents/carers
Cost £1 per Family
Contact: Laura 675430
email: [email protected]
Dragons Castle, Villa
Marina, Douglas
IOM Twins/Multiple
Births Club
2nd Weds of each Month
10.30am – 12pm
Cost £3 per Famil
Contact: Rachel 474535.
Broadway Cinema,
Villa Marina
Parent and Baby Cinema.
Enjoy the latest releases
in a baby-friendly
atmosphere.
Contact LLL Leader
Siobhan 487334 or
parentandbabycinema@
manx.net
Parentcraft Room,
Nobles Hospital
La Leche League
Mother-to-mother
support for breastfeeding:
for pregnant women
interested in learning more
about breastfeeding and
all breastfeeding mothers.
LLL Leaders Katie
Davies 619836 / 316950
or Siobhan Molloy
625158 / 487334 or
lllbreastfeeding@manx.
com
Manx Youth Band Hall
(Old Red Cross Building)
Park Road
Action Songs
and Rhymes
Age: Birth upwards
Mondays 10.15 – 11.15am
& 1.15 – 2.15pm
Cost: Free (courtesy of
The Children’s Centre).
Donations Welcome
Contact: 479452
Jim Crosbie Memorial
Bandroom,
Derby Road, Douglas
Manx Youth BandThurs
7pm – 9pm and
Sats 10 – 12pm
Learners: Saturdays
12pm – 1pm
Manx Concert Brass
Mon & Weds 7.30pm –
9.30pm
Call Ian 622030 or
e-mail the Secretary
at secretary@
manxyouthband.org
➤ What’s on listings
continue on page 09
Family Manx Nov – Dec 2014
Plan to have a
stress-free Christmas!
At this time of the year many of us are racing around
the shops clutching our ‘to do’ lists, searching for
presents (often frantically trying to find the must have
present for a son or daughter!) in between putting
up decorations, writing Christmas cards, planning the
Christmas day menu and discussions with relatives
over who’s going where for the seasonal celebrations.
But do we all put too much pressure on ourselves in
the process of ensuring we have a good time and the
perfect family Christmas?
Christmas can be a time of the year which is full
of happiness and merrymaking, but it can have its
pressures too. It’s a time when many people try to fit
too many things into their time, spend more than they
can afford, and find the whole experience stressful.
There is evidence that Christmas can put a strain on
families. But with a bit of planning you can take the
stress out of Christmas.
Follow our tips for a stress free Christmas:
• To do lists: The lead up to Christmas involves a lot
of things, buying and writing cards, choosing presents
and so on,and with so much to do it can feel a bit
overwhelming. Don’t underestimate the positive
benefits of a ‘to do’ list. Writing down everything that
needs to be done can help you to prioritise your time,
and more importantly share the tasks. Make sure that all
members of the family are involved in allocating tasks,
no matter how small; this will ensure that everyone is
involved in contributing to your family Christmas and
you don’t feel that you are doing everything. It’s all
too easy for children to feel left out as the adults rush
around focusing on getting everything ready on time.
Involving them in the ‘to do’ list, gives them a sense of
responsibility and involvement in the festivities. Make
it something enjoyable, such as designing Christmas
cards or making their own special decoration.
• Managing Families: Families, who are separated or
divorced, who are step families or have recently lost a
loved one, can have more pressures associated with the
arrangements around Christmas. However, all families
can find it difficult to negotiate the arrangements with
all the family and in-laws. What is key to keeping stress
to a minimum, is good communication between all
family members about expectations, presents, food,
and related costs. Plan to have these conversations as
part of your ‘to do’ list.
• Family disputes: Christmas can be a dreaded time,
especially if there are unresolved family issues. If there
have been any family disagreements during the year,
take steps to resolve them. If it was you who had a
disagreement, contact the person and ask if you can
get together before Christmas to talk about whatever
problem you had. If it was other family members,
encourage them to talk about the disagreement before
the Christmas family get together.
• A day for everyone: Especially if you are hosting the
day’s festivities, you may feel the success of the day and
everyone’s happiness rests with you……..it doesn’t!
Plan Christmas day with others, including any children
who will be there. This will enable you to listen and
incorporate everyone’s ideas and wishes for the day.
Then you can all agree on a family celebration which
includes things that please everyone.
• Everything in moderation: Don’t over indulge in
alcohol or food!
• Get active: High expectations of a perfect Christmas,
over indulgence or all being together inside for a long
period of time can cause tension. Children can get
over excited, adults can get irritable. Make sure there’s
some physical activity planned for the day. Everyone
will benefit from it! Get a change of scenery and some
fresh air. Everybody will feel better as exercise promotes
the release of feel-good hormones and helps relieve
stress and tension. Find out more about the benefits
of physical activity and what is available by going to
the GoDoActive website, www.gov.im/godoactive
s1
Isle of Man Youth Service
80% of children and young people’s live are spent outside
school, yet there is a lot of pressure placed on schools to
turn out educated, resilient and resourceful young people.
This is not a job they can do alone and the impact of
parents, friends and the wider community has a huge role
to play.
The Youth Service is another service within Education and
Children that supports young people in their free time
outside school. This service runs 90 sessions per week,
works with over 3000 young people aged 8-19, all around
the Island. There are a range of traditional youth clubs, in
addition to specialist music, performance and art projects.
Youth Work sits well within Education as young people
continue to learn, albeit informally. They have the
opportunity to mix socially with their peers in a safe and
secure environment. Some will be people they may not
choose to be with, but with whom they need to learn
tolerance, understanding and kindness.
They learn to share equipment, resources, space and
workers’ time. They start to make choices; a choice of
activities-games, art and craft, chat with friends or workers,
engage in new opportunities and face new challenges.
There are rules and boundaries at youth clubs, some of
which are decided by the members through negotiation
and compromise. Young people gain life skills in decision
making which in turn, helps to promote a good self image.
The ‘activities’ are the tools Youth Workers use to engage
with young people and build positive relationships.
Through these trusting, positive relationships, young
people are challenged when appropriate and offered
information, advice and guidance on a range of issues
affecting them personally. One young person said: “My
youth worker helped me stay on the level to get through
school, I was always angry!”
Youth workers are trained in a range of issues that can
impact on young peoples’ lives in these current times,
such as safeguarding, e-safety, self-harm, and emotional
wellbeing and they work closely with the strategies aimed
at bettering the lives of children and young people on the
Isle of Man. Working
together we can
build resilience.
For more
information contact
the Youth Service
on 686057 or
www.iomyouth.com
s2
Crossroads Care is a Manx
registered charity which
provides high quality
services for carers and
individuals with care needs.
Through a diverse range
of both adult and children’s
services, Crossroads Care
aims to ensure all carers receive
support appropriate to their needs.
Above is a photo of some of the
staff and children at Crossroads
Nursery taking part in sponsored
The Children’s Services Schemes
activity days to raise money for
Crossroads Care.
offer varying types of respite services
for parents and carers, as well as for
children and young people who may be carers themselves.
Crossroads Nursery
The inclusive nursery provides day care for children
with and without additional needs, although places are
prioritised for children who are part of a family with a care
need. Crossroads Nursery hosts an environment in which
children can thrive and flourish alongside one another
irrespective of their diverse circumstances, whilst also
providing vital respite for carers of children with a disability
or illness.
Nursery Outreach
The Nursery Outreach Team provides additional support
in mainstream nurseries throughout the Island for children
with a disability or illness, in a bid to fully integrate them
with their peers.
Holiday Scheme
The Holiday Scheme provides respite for carers during the
school holidays. It is for children aged 5 years and above
who attend a Special Needs Unit at school and the scheme
provides fun and meaningful activities for the children and
young people.
Building Bridges
This scheme is for young people with a disability who
are aged 14 years and above and who will benefit from
sessions focussed on gaining independent life skills.
Building Bridges aids young people through the transition
to adulthood and hosts a safe environment in which they
can socialise and make new friends.
Young Carers’ Project
The Young Carers’ Project is for children and young people
who are primary carers for, or who are impacted by, a
member of their family who has a care need. The project
hosts fortnightly sessions for young carers and provides a
safe environment in which they can enjoy respite from their
caring responsibilities and socialise with others in similar
circumstances.
Anyone can refer families to these schemes by making
a phone call or sending an email to the Children’s
Services Team.
Contact: 673103
[email protected]
www.crossroadsiom.org
Bedwetting
(Nocturnal Enuresis)
Not again, I thought, as I heard the footsteps.
I glanced at the neon lights on my clock - 4.00am.
I heard the sad quiet voice of my 8 year old son
crying “mummy I’m sorry, it’s happened again, I’m
wet and cold”. Inside I wanted to scream and ask
him “why didn’t you wake up and go to the toilet?”
……… but I didn’t.
I turned on the light - he was shivering, his pyjamas
were soaked with urine and stuck to him; even his
hair was wet! I told him “it’s ok”, cleaned him up, and
then went to assess the damage. My heart sank; even
the pillow and the duvet were drenched. I made the
bed, settled him down, dried his tears, then lay awake
for ages wondering if this was ever going to stop. He
wanted a sleep over party, how could I say yes, what if
all his friends found out he was still wet at night?
Six months later……How my life has changed for
the better
I told a friend about the problem and she said her son
was wet at night until he was 10 and it happens a lot.
I thought we were alone in having this problem! My
friend advised me to speak to the school nurse. The
school nurse was really helpful and talked to me about
fluid intake, constipation and practial advice, such as
a reward chart for dry nights. the nurse also directed
me to ERIC’s website (www.Eric.org.uk) which is an
organisation dedicated to incontinence problems in
children. We went on to have a bedwetting alarm, a
small device that was pinned to my sons pyjamas at
night. It detected moisture, which then triggered an
alarm waking my son up. To start with, he was a little
bit wet when the alarm sounded, but over time, he
started to wake up before he was wet.
Now, we are both sleeping better; he is much
happier; his school work has improved and we are
now planning a sleepover party!
For further advice and support please contact the
school nurses on 642605
Another
Cold!!
Did you know…… that
women are more likely to
get colds than men? This is
thought to be because they
are more likely to be in contact
with children. It is suggested that on average, adults
have somewhere between two and four colds per year,
whereas children have between three and eight colds.
Colds are caused by viruses which target the lining of
the nose and throat which then become inflamed and
then produce more mucus, which usually results in a
runny nose or sneezing.
Colds can be quickly spread and after a sneeze or
cough, small droplets of fluid containing the virus
escape into the air and are breathed in by others. If you
have coughed or sneezed onto a surface and someone
else comes along and touches the surface, and then
puts their hand to their mouth or nose they may catch
the cold virus.
How can I prevent a cold from spreading?
• Good hand washing, especially before handling food
and after touching your mouth and nose
• Sneeze and cough into tissues to prevent the infected
droplets from becoming airborne, then dispose of the
tissue and wash your hands. It has been suggested that
if you don’t have a tissue, sneeze into the crook of your
elbow rather than your hand
• Clean surfaces regularly to stop germs from building up
Treating colds for adults and older children:
In older children and adults colds usually last a week.
There is no cure for the common cold and cold
symptoms can usually be relieved by taking ‘over the
counter’, medications such paracetamol, and drinking
plenty of fluid. Your local pharmacist will be able to give
you more advice on appropriate medication for colds.
When to see your doctor:
• Symptoms last for more than 3 weeks
• Temperature of or over 39°C or 102.2°F
• Cough up blood stained mucus
• Chest pain
• Breathing difficulties
• Severe swelling of the glands in your neck and or
armpits
For further information or advice on when to see
your doctor for younger children or babies please
see www.nhs.uk/conditions/Cold-common
s3
What’s On For All Ages
➤ What’s on listings
continued from page 08
Vagabonds Rugby Club,
Ballafletcher Rd
Youth Rugby
Sundays 1.45 – 3.30pm
(Sept – May)
Ages: 4yrs and up.
Girls & Boys
Qualified Instructors,
great new pitches and
clubhouse. Monthly
Tournaments.
Contact: vagabonds
[email protected]
Rebecca House
Rebecca House is a 4-bedded unit within Hospice
and was established to provide palliative care,
respite care and terminal care for children from birth
to 18 years. The staff consist mainly of Registered
Children’s Nurses and Nursery Nurses as well as the
Hospice Counsellor, Young Person’s Support Worker,
Chaplain, Complementary Therapists, Doctors and
Social Worker all of whom are part of the clinical
team supporting our children and families.
Rebecca House also has a multisensory room (full
of fibre-optic lights, music and colours) specifically
designed bathrooms and a Day Room with toys,
electronic games, musical equipment, plus a specially
adapted outdoor play area.
Its aim is to ensure that our children enjoy the best
quality of life possible, and this includes supporting
their parents and siblings.
There is a sibling group, running approximately 4
times a year, to support siblings and to give them
the opportunity to have fun. The parent support
group enables parents to have some much needed
relaxation in a supportive environment.
We also provide nursing care at home for children
at the end of life who wish to remain at home. Sadly
some of our children do die and so we can continue
our care and support for the family we have our
Rainbow room, where the child can stay until the
funeral. This allows the family to have time to come
to terms with what has happened with the support
of our staff. The facility is available for any other child
who dies on the island.
Rebecca House costs approximately £430,000 a year
to run and receives £80,000 from the Department of
Health and Social Care. The remainder is made up
from donations, without which we would not be able
to continue our service and so we are very grateful to
the Isle of Man Public for their generosity.
We also hold a special awareness and fundraising
week every year, so you could be a superhero
and support Rebecca
House. Follow us on
Twitter hospiceiom or
like us on Facebook
hospiceiom for all the
exciting details. Gift
tokens are another
way of supporting
our work. Visit
www.hospice.org.im
for all the details.
s4
Manx Sport and Recreation
Not many communities boast the level of sporting
opportunity and variety offered throughout the Isle of Man
all year round and this is largely down to a small team of
dedicated souls at Manx Sport and Recreation (MSR). And
that is not just a passing comment: As a result of external
verification for continuous improvement, both the
Sports Development Unit and National Sports Centre
have been awarded a status that ranks them in the top
5% of organisations throughout the British Isles for the
delivery of sports and recreation services. In addition
to this, Manx Sport and Recreation were awarded
the European Community Sports Award (2011). This
prestigious award recognised the excellent partnership
work of MSR throughout the community and their
strong philosophy to improve the outcomes for people
who reside on the Isle of Man.
This Christmas, MSR will once again be delivering a
varied programme of their sports and physical activity
opportunities throughout the festive period. The sports
on offer range from Tri-Golf to Racquet sports but also
include the staples of any sports programme. Every
session is delivered by qualified and experienced coaches
and all age groups and abilities are catered for. Whether
it is the 3 day soccer schools, Sports hall Athletics or a
Multi Sport session for those who prefer to sample several
sports in a fun and engaging environment; MSR can offer
something for everyone.
The sports programme on offer from MSR is not just
exclusive to the holiday season. The “Step into Sport”
Programme runs throughout the term and includes a
variety of afterschool clubs at the NSC covering several
sports and delivered by a team of experienced coaches.
At a cost of £1 per session for each activity, Step into Sport
offers outstanding value for such variety. For the older age
groups, gym sessions in the NSC fitness zone are available.
If you have any children who are interested in
becoming involved in sports or physical activity, or if
you would like some further information about our
Christmas holiday programme, then please contact
us: [email protected] with the subject Line “Family
Manx” or give us a call on 01624 688592.
NSC Astro Pitch,
Douglas
Bacchanalians
Hockey Club
Beginners welcome!
Thursday evenings
Juniors 8 and up from 6pm
(term time)
Seniors from 7.30pm
Contact bacchashc@
hotmail.com
Eastcliffe in Victoria Ave,
Douglas
Manx Saxophone
Ensemble
Mondays from 7pm
More info: Call Jem
Cotton 842874
[email protected]
All Saints Church Vestry
Alexandra Drive
SuperSaints
Music, Movement, Stories,
Rhymes + Prayers
Tuesdays 10 -11.15am
(Term-time only)
Ages 0-4 £1 per child
Contact: Kristene 427185
Ballacottier Sports Hall
3 Lions Football
Coaching Club IOM FA
Reception – Yr 2
(Term Time Only)
Advanced bookings only
on 613750
www.isleofmanfa.com
Family Library
Noble’s Hall,
Westmoreland Road
Origami Club
Saturday 11:00-11:45
Age: Primary School
Y1-Y6
Cost: £2.50 (to be paid
termly)
Contact: Family Library
or Yukie, ishish846@
yahoo.co.uk
Storybox
Friday 10.30 - 11.00
Free Contact 640650
Busy Bee Time for
Pre-schoolers
Wednesday 1.45 - 2.45
Cost: £5.00
Contact 640650
Sticky Finger Craft
6 years olds and over
Saturdays 10.30 - 11.15 &
11.15 – 12.30pm
Book to avoid
disappointment
Cost: £1.50
Contact 640650
Henry Bloom Noble
Library,
10-12 Victoria Street
Storytime for
Preschoolers
Thursdays 10 -10-30am
Contact: Jan Macartney
696461
Monthly Adult Readers
Group
3rd Tuesday of each
month
7.30pm
Contact: Jan Macartney
696461
Kittens @ St Ninian’s
Church
For Parents, Carers and
children
from babies up to
pre-school
(term time only)
Mondays 10.30 - 11.30 am
£1 per family
Contact: Christine
Roberts 629683
St Ninian’s Church
Parish Centre
Manx Music Bus,
Music Club for
preschoolers
Thursdays 9.30 – 10.30am
Contact Rosie 437386 for
details
Cronk –y-Berry School
Side Entrance (Term
Time only)
Parents and Tots Group
Tues 9.30 – 11.15am
Thurs 1.30 – 3.15pm
Cost: £1 per family
Contact: Kelly 393844
Various Venues
The Mothers’ Union
is a Christian mission
organisation working
with people of all faiths
and none in 83 countries
to promote stable
Family Manx Nov – Dec 2014
marriage, family life and
the protection of children
through praying, enabling
and campaigning. We
have over 4 million
members worldwide.
Our members are not
all mothers, or even all
women. They are single,
married, parents, or
grandparents.
If you wish to know more
and find the nearest
Branch to you please
email the Secretary on
[email protected]
or telephone 851060.
We have branches across
the Island in Arbory,
Braddan, Bride, Dalby,
Dhoon, Douglas (5
branches), Foxdale, Kirk
Michael, Malew, Marown,
Maughold, Onchan,
Patrick, Peel, and Rushen.
IOM Sling Meet
Discuss and try a range of
baby carriers
Dates/times – Monthly Varying
Contact - Sam 498547
www.iomslingmeet.com
Douglas Youth Arts
Centre, Kensington Rd
MNYT Junior Youth
Theatre
Wednesdays 6 – 7.30pm
Age: 8 – 11yrs
All Sessions £2 at the door
Call Fiona 615946
email: [email protected]
Living Hope Community
Church
The Studio, Opp the
Palace Cinema Car Park.
Toddle Inn, Douglas
Parking in the Cinema car
park. Weds + Fri 9.30am 11.30am..
Cuppa, toast and chat!
Contact: Annette 485744
(for Weds) or Steph
430665 (for Fri)
Trinity Church, Buck’s Rd
Sporty Church for 7 to 11
year olds
Fridays 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Football, Hockey etc. with
5 minute fun God slot
Price 50p inc. drink and
biscuit
Contact Jean Faragher
628374
Salvation Army Citedal,
Lord St. Douglas
“Parents and Tots”
Wednesday: 9.30 –
11.30am (term time only)
Age: birth upwards
Cost: £1
Contact: Carolyn 627742.
St.George’s Church Hall
Upper Church St,
Douglas
Little Angels Tots Group
Thursdays 1.30 – 3pm
Ages 0-4
£1 per family
Contact Laura 675430
➤ What’s on listings
continue on page 10
web: www.familymanx.co.im
09
What’s On All Ages
What’s On All Ages
GLEN VINE
Broadway Baptist
Church
Broadway, Douglas
“First Steps”
Tuesdays: 9.45 – 11.45a.m
(term time only)
Age: from baby – school
age Cost: £1
Contact: Rosie 437386
Scoill yn Jubilee –
Infants, Stoney Rd
Jubilee Tots Preschool
Toddler Group
(For those in the
catchment area only)
Weds 1.45 – 3pm
(New Time)
Cost: £1 (includes
refreshments)
Contact Jill 482483
FOXDALE
Foxdale Primary School
Community Hall
Parents and Tot’s
Wednesdays 2 – 3.15pm
(term-time only)
Contact: Emma 801946
Cost: £1.50 per Family
Based in Foxdale
Isle of Man Cloth nappy
network & library
10
Library of nappies
available to try as well as
advice.
Various dates/locations
monthly
Contact Nicky 249504
Email [email protected]
St Pauls Church, Foxdale
Foxdale Panda Club
Some Thursdays 2 –
3.20pm
July 17th
Contact Nancy 497747 or
[email protected]
for full details.
GLEN MAYE
Glen Maye Chapel &
Community Centre
Baby and Toddler Group
Fridays 9.30 – 11.30am
Cost: Free All Welcome
Contact: Debbie 845681
GLEN MONA
Dhoon Church Hall,
Parents and Tots Group
Mons 9.30 – 11am
Cost: £1.50 per family.
Contact: Dawn 863064
web: www.familymanx.co.im
Marown School
Isle of Man Wind
Orchestra Rehearsals
Every Thursday night in
school term 7.45 pm
to 9.40 pm. For brass,
woodwind and percussion
players. New and returning
faces always welcome.
Visit our site at www.
iomwo.com for more info
or call 457157.
Marown School, Marown
Marown Junior
Badminton Club
Mons and Weds 6.30 –
7.30pm (Term time only)
Call Roy on 629879
Email roycorlett@manx.
net
Marown Hall, Peel Road,
Crosby
Marown Moms and Tots
(NEW TIME)
Weds 1.30 – 3pm
£2 per family (inc
refreshments)
Janice ward 851378.
Marown Playing Fields
Marown Association
Football Club
Boys Football 5 – 13yrs
Girls Football U7 upward
Beginners Welcome
Sunday 10am – 1130am
(11am for U7’s)
Cost: £50 for the Season
(less if you start late)
Contact for boys
sessions Dave 323649
Contact for girls
sessions Helen 497888 or
[email protected]
KIRK MICHAEL
Ebenezer Hall
Parents and Tots
Weds 1.45 – 3.15pm
Cost: £1.50 per family
Contact: Carrie 321074
Fencing for Age 7 and up
Tuesdays 6.30 – 7.30pm
Call Mr De Silva 880863
Park View Hall, Kirk
Michael
Kirk Michael Badminton
Club
Tues and Weds: 8pm
Cost: Annual Membership
Fee
Call: Ann Brew for details
on 878536.

JURBY
Jurby Health and
Community Centre
Parents and Tots
Thursday 9.30 – 11am
(Health Visitor Attending –
10 – 11am)
FREE Donations Welcome
Contact: Julie 355360
LAXEY AND LONAN
Laxey Working Mens
Institute
Laxey Mums and Tots
Fridays 10 – 12pm
Cost: £2.50 per family inc.
refreshments
Contact: Louise Gribble
432442
Or find us on Facebook.
Actions Songs and
Rhymes (NEW)
Wednesdays 1.30 – 2.30
pm (Term-Time only)
(downstairs entrance –
turn off by Co-Op)
Cost: FREE (courtesy of
the The Children’s Centre)
Donations Welcome
Contact: 479452
Laxey Christ Church
“Sunday Club”
Every 4th Sunday at
11.10am FREE
Ages 4 to 11 (pre school
welcome if accompanied
by parent/carer)
Contact: Rev Jo on
861989
Laxey Christ Church
“All Age Worship”
Every 2nd Sunday at
11.15am A shorter fun
church service with
children as its focus
Contact: Rev Jo on
861989
All Saints Lonan Church
Edward Bear Club
(for pre-school Children)
Tuesdays 2-3pm
Contact: Rev Jo 861989
MAUGHOLD
Kirk Maughold Parish
Church
“Family Service” with
Treasure Seekers
1st and 3rd Sunday of
each month at 9.30am
Coffee and Juice
afterwards
Contact: Lilly 810958
Find us online at www.familymanx.co.im
or on facebook at Family Manx Magazine Isle of Man
email: [email protected]
Family Manx Nov – Dec 2014

Find us online at www.familymanx.co.im
or on facebook at Family Manx Magazine Isle of Man
ONCHAN
Rear of Onchan
Commissioners Offices
Onchan Silver Band
Rehearsals
Every Monday and Friday
evening, Juniors/beginners
from 6.15pm, Full band
rehearsal 7.30-9.30pm.
The band room is located
at the rear of Onchan
Commissioners’ offices
on the Main Road, new
and returning faces always
welcome.
Contact: karen_karran@
hotmail.com for details
Onchan Library
“Storytime for Toddlers”
Tuesdays 2.30 – 3pm
Contact 621228
Cost: Free but space
limited so book early
Onchan Book Group
1st Thursday of each
month at 6.p.m.
Craft n’ Chat
Monthly Craft Club
Every 2nd Thursday 5-7pm
Age: Adults
Come with your current Art
or Craft project, whatever
it is. Meet up with other
enthusiasts, learn new
skills, or find some
inspiration. No charge, and
refreshments are served
Contact 621228 or
onchan.library@onchan.
org.im
Onchan Clinic, Village
Walk.
Breastfeeding Buddies
Time: 11am – 12.30pm
All antenatal and
breastfeeding mums
welcome.
Contact Nicole 656030
Onchan Elim Church,
Elim Family Centre,
Second Ave, Onchan.
“Tiddlers” Parent & Tots
group.
Fridays 10:00am 11:45am (Term-time only)
0-4 yrs
£1 per family
Contact Anne: 434933
or Church Office 665186
Singing, crafts and much
more.
Onchan Parish Hall,
Royal Ave
“Carers and Tots”
Fridays 1.15 – 3.15pm
Age: birth upwards
Price: £1 per child
Contact: Jill Dugdale
625328
“Peter Bear Club”
Day: Some Mondays – call
to find out which.
Time: 10.15 – 11.15am
Price: Free
Contact: Jackie 451988.
PEEL
House of Manannan,
Kid’s Craft Club
First Saturday of each
month 1pm - 3pm
Cost: £2 per child
We will be doing a different
craft each month so come
join us to make something
wonderful! For children
age 11 and under.
Philip Christian Centre,
Peel Play Group
Day: Every Weekday (Term
Time only)
Age: Preschool from 2 up.
Time: 9am – 12pm & 1pm
– 4pm daily
Contact 842043 or
436981 or during open
hours 439136
Parents and Tots Group
inc Krafty Kids
Age: Birth – 4.
Fridays 10 – 11.30am
(Term-Time only)
Contact: 355360
Roll’n’play (Soft play
sessions)
Age: Birth to 4.
Mondays 10 -11.30am
(Term-Time only)
Contact: 355360
Action Songs and
Rhymes
Age: Birth to 4.
Tuesdays 12.30 – 1.30pm
(Term-Time only)
And 2 – 3pm
Contact: 479452
All the above are Free
(courtesy of The Children’s
Centre) Donations
Welcome.
Peel Clothworkers
School, Main Hall
Parent and Toddler
Group
Thursdays 2 – 3.15pm
Cost £1
Contact Bernie 259890
Family Manx Nov – Dec 2014
St German’s Cathedral
Caterpillar Club - For
Pre-school Children
1st & 3rd Weds of every
month.
Starts at 10.30 am
Craft activities, songs,
story, refreshments.
Contact 844830
Grace Baptist Church,
Market St
Good News Club
Mondays 4:30pm-5:30pm
Age: School Yrs 1 – 6
Games and craft; free
entry and refreshments;
Contact Pauline 335890
Grace Tinies
Weds 9:15am-11am
Ages: 0-4 yr olds
Free entry and
refreshments
Contact Louise 300258
QE2 Astro Pitch, Peel
Valkyrs Hockey
Beginners Welcome!
Juniors 8 and up
Weds 6 – 7.30pm
(Term-time )
Senior 13yrs and up
7.30 – 9pm
Call Cath 801802
email: [email protected]
PORT ERIN
Royal British Legion
Club, Station Rd
(use Car Pk entrance)
Parents and Tots with
Action Songs & Rhymes
(you are welcome to
attend both)
Age: Birth to 4.
Fridays 10am to 11
(Parents + Tots)
Fridays 11am – 12 (Action
Songs & Rhymes).
Cost: Free (courtesy of
The Children’s Centre)
Donations welcome.
Contact: 479452
PORT ST MARY
Living Hope Community
Church Building,
Bayview Rd,
“Good News Club”
Thursdays 6 – 7pm
Age: Primary School
Children
Bible Stories/Singing/
Quizzes and Games
Email: weirfamily55@
hotmail.co.uk
➤ What’s on listings
continue on page 13
web: www.familymanx.co.im
11
Speech and Language by Robin Simpson-Green
Robin Simpson-Green is an independent Speech and
Language Therapist based on the Island. His practice
includes working with parents of young children, to
help them support their child’s speech and language
development. The children may have a difficulty with
understanding language which is spoken to them,
problems forming sentences or saying words clearly.
Following on from last edition’s feature on speech and
language development in infants – Robin Simpson-Green,
independent Speech and Language Therapist, has some
advice for parents of children aged 18 – 36 months..
18 to 24 months
Children become increasingly exploratory and may not
always want to do what parents want them to! Their
concentration is also developing and they are beginning to
actively listen to short stories, so it is important for parents
and carers to make their voices sound interesting. Flip
books and rhymes are great ways to captivate a child who
finds it difficult to sit still. By 24 months they will be starting
to enjoy ‘pretend play’, such as feeding a teddy or doll.
Children must understand words before they can begin to
use them. They generally understand somewhere between
200 and 500 words at this age. To help your child learn
new words, talk about what you are doing. This will help
them to make connections between the concepts and the
words. Talk about what an object is used for, what it looks
like, what it goes with and what sound it begins with.
24 months
Typically a child of this age can say 50 or more single words.
Speech is likely to be becoming clearer to listeners, some
sounds will have not yet developed and the ends of words
may be missed off. Always say the word back to them as
it should sound rather than correct them. They may have
started to put 2 or 3 words together in short sentences.
You can help them to expand the number of words they
use by adding words to their requests. For example, if they
ask for ‘milk’ you can say ‘more milk’, or ‘milk please’. Over
12
web: www.familymanx.co.im
24 to 36 months
time they will begin to
extend what they say too.
Children can become
frustrated when they are
not understood and it is
sometimes possible for
adults to interpret their
wishes, however, try not
to guess what they want
too much of the time. It
will help if you ask them to
show you what they want
or give them a choice,
e.g. ‘ Would you like teddy
or dolly?’. Giving them
easy options and plenty
of time will cut down on
frustration on both sides.
At this age a child can usually understand longer sentences,
such as ‘Where’s nanna’s hat?’ or ‘Make dolly run’. They
will play more with other children and begin to understand
the concept of ‘sharing’.
Usually a child of 3 years will be able to re-tell the main
points of a familiar story and will understand simple ‘who’,
‘what’ and ‘where’ questions. Their vocabulary may have
up to 300 words and they will join 4 or 5 words together to
make short sentences such as ‘She took my train’ or ‘Me
want more biscuits’. Action words such as ‘go’, ‘sleep’
and ‘play’ will begin to feature. Adding words to children’s
sentences can show them how words fit together. For
example, if a child says ‘Mummy sandwich’ you can say
‘Mummy’s eating her sandwich’.
Children of this age will begin to ask lots of questions. This
is their way of understanding the world around them and
also a way of learning new words. Speech will become
increasingly clear to familiar listeners but sometimes parts
of longer words are missed out. For example, ‘nana’ for
banana and ‘bider’ for spider. It is not recommended to
correct a child and make them say it again. This can make
a child anxious, so simply repeat what they have said using
the right words and sounds and in time they will be able to
do it themselves.
It is not uncommon for children of this age to stutter. This
happens more at this age, because they have so much to
say and their language skills are not yet fully developed. You
can help by showing that you are listening, reassuring them
and giving them plenty of time. It is best to acknowledge
that sometimes it can be hard to get words out, rather than
pretend it is not happening.
Professional advice should be sought if your child is doing
any of the following at 3 years of age:
■ Saying only single words.
■ Being slow to respond to instructions.
■ Being reliant on being shown, rather than being told
what to do.
■ Having extremely unclear speech.
It is important to remember that all children
develop at different rates, but if you have any
concerns, you should speak to your health visitor,
GP or paediatrician. Alternatively, for Speech
Therapy advice, please feel free to contact Robin [email protected] or 07624 495344
email: [email protected]
Family Manx Nov – Dec 2014
“Toddle Inn Parent and
Toddler Group”
Tuesdays: 9.30 – 11.30a.m
(term time only)
Age: babies - preschool
Cost: £1
Contact: Annette
Millward 822032
Scoill Phurt Le Moirrey
Parents and Toddler
Group
Thursday 9:30 - 11:30am
(Term time)
Soft play, crafts, music
and refreshments
Contact 835531 or
email: enquiries@
phurtlemoirrey.sch.im
PULROSE
Pulrose Youth Centre,
Heather Crescent
Youth Service
-Time Club
Mon and Thurs 3.45 –
5.15pm
Ages: School Yrs 2 + 3
Pulrose Football Fields
St Marys AFC
Football for Under 11’s –
Mixed.
Sats 10-30 – 11.45am.
Call Jim 405859
RAMSEY
St Pauls Church Hall,
(Main Hall)
Action Songs and
Rhymes
Wednesdays
Session 1: 9.30 – 10.30
Session 2: 10.40 – 11.40
(Term Time Only)
Contact: Jo 479452
Cost: FREE
(Donations Welcome, The
Children’s Centre)
SureStrike Café, Ramsey
Manx ASC Support
Group (North)
For Parents/carers of
children and young adults
with an Autistic spectrum
condition Time: Second
Wednesday of every
month during term time
1pm till 3pm
For info please contact
Estelle on 211400
Lezayre Church Hall,
Ramsey
Living Hope Ramsay
Toddle Inn,
Thursdays 9.30-11am
Age: 0-4’s
Cost £1 inc craft activity,
tea and toast.
Auldyn Sports Hall
IOM FA 3 Lions Football
Club
For Further info and to
book Contact: 613750 or
go to www.isleofmanfa.
com
Church on the Rock
(Behind Ramsey bus
station)
Noah’s Ark Tots Group
Monday mornings
9:30 - 11:30
£1 per child. Refreshments
are provided.
Contact: Kate 223669.
Ramsey Grammar
School (East Field)
Lezayre Rd.
Northern (IOM)
Athletics Club
(For 4yrs and up)
U11, U9 and U7 – Every
other Weds
For full details contact:
clubsecretary@iomnac.
co.uk
St Olave’s Church,
Bowring Road
Tiddlers
Tuesdays 9.30 – 11.30am
(term time only)
£1.50 per child (inc
refreshments)
Contact: Anne 451896 or
813033
Audlyn Infant School
Community Room
Parents and Tots
Thursdays 1.30 – 3pm
(term time only)
£1 per family. Contact the
school for details
Mooragh Park Pavilion,
Ramsey
Ramsey Rugby Club
Sundays 2 – 3.15 (weather
permitting)
Year 2 – Year 11 school
age.
Contact: 473087
www.ramseyrugby.com
Ramsey Grammar
School
Netball Sessions
(Term-Time only)
Tuesdays 8-9pm Seniors
(Yr10 – Adult)
Wednesdays 6 – 7pm
Juniors (Yrs 5 – 9)
Contact: Colette 452718
Family Manx Nov – Dec 2014
SANTON
The Old Brewery behind
The Hop Garden, Mount
Murray, Santan.
Bowderyn Vannin Field
Archery Club
Tuesdays on 7pm
First Lesson Free then
£1 per session after that.
Membership of NFAS
needed to join – but have
a taster session to find out
more.
* During the Winter months
– the sessions only occur
on the 1st and 3rd Sunday
of the month at 1pm,
depending on the weather
Call Roger 835674 for
further details.
ST JOHNS
St Johns Football Club astro pitch
Girls Football age 6+
Beginners welcome
Tuesdays 5-6
Contact Wendy Corkill
420491.
ST MARKS
Ballagarey Methodist
Church Hall
Ballagarey Babies
Parent and Toddler Group
Age: 0 – 5yrs
Wednesdays 1.30 – 3pm
(All year Round)
Tea, toast and chat – toys
and crafts, stories and
songs. All Welcome.
Contact: Clare 471545

SULBY
Sulby School, Sulby
Action Songs and
Rhymes
Tuesdays 9.15 – 10.15am
Cost: FREE(courtesy of
the The Children’s Centre)
Donations Welcome
Contact: 479452
Sulby Methodist Church,
Upper Room
“Parents and Tots”
Fridays 10.30 – 12pm
Cost: £0.50 (incl drinks)
Contact: Ruth 897364
Sulby Methodist Church
Sunday School (during
term time)
10.30am onwards.
Contact Kathryn - 450104
UNION MILLS
Union Mills Methodist
Church
Sunday School
(during term-time)
10.15am onwards
Contact: Chris 851813
WILLASTON
Willaston School Main
Hall
Willaston School Happy
Tots
Thurs 10 til 11.15am (term
time only)
£1 per family - including
refreshments
Contact School
Secretary on 621577
Find us online at www.familymanx.co.im
or on facebook at Family Manx Magazine Isle of Man
email: [email protected]
web: www.familymanx.co.im
13
FM News from Boots
Vintage Jumble Sale
Date: Sunday 30 November, 2PM
Kirk Michael Village Hall
Tombola and refreshments
Come along and grab a bargain!
Admission £ 1.50 Kids free
In aid of Arthritis Care Ellan Vannin
(provides support and information to people, friends
and family with arthritis or related illnesses)
ST JOHN
AMBULANCE
Building skills that will be
VERY useful in life.
BADGERS
Here is a list of the places
for Cadets and Badgers
meeting more details can
be obtained by calling
674387.
Badgers (Aged 5 – 10) all
groups mixed
(see Teen listing for 10 –
18yrs groups)
Monday 6pm to 7pm
Douglas HQ
Monday 5.30pm – 6.30pm
Kirk Michael Primary
School
Tuesday 6.30 – 7.30pm
Laxey Methodist Church
Thursday 5.30 – 6.30pm
Peel Age Concern
Friday 6pm – 7pm
Ramsey ATC Unit, Auldyn
School
Saturday 10:30am 11:30am Douglas HQ
There are also adult
groups who meet at the
Douglas HQ on Mon/Tues
& Thurs and Ramsey, St
Olaves Church Hall on
Fridays.
St John
Ambulance
Cadets
Bulding skills that will be
VERY useful in life.
Specifics/Venues can be
gotten by calling 674387.
Cadets (Age 10-18 years)
Weds 7pm – 9pm
`Douglas HQ Girls only
Thurs 6.30pm – 8pm
Peel Age Concern Boys
and Girls
Thurs 6:30 pm – 8pm
Douglas HQ Boys & Girls
Fri 7pm – 8pm Ramsey
Piano & Music
Theory Lessons
Adults and Children
All Abilities Welcome
1/2, 3/4 and 1 hour Lessons.
Sibling Rates Available
Call Amy on
225577 for a chat
DipEd. CT ABRSM.
14
web: www.familymanx.co.im
ATC Unit, Auldyn School
- Boys and Girls
Fri 7pm – 9pm Douglas
HQ - Boys only
Isle of Man
Constabulary
Police Cadets,
Ages 16 – 18yrs
Contact: Cadet Liaison
Office
PC 245 Mike Griffiths on
631291
Email Michael.griffiths@
gov.im
Air Cadets:
Contact: 677240.
(Manned Mon/Weds
Eve’s; Answering
machine other times)
Email: [email protected]
The Air Cadets Squadron’s
meet weekly in Douglas,
Castletown, Ramsey and
Peel (Monday nights) and
then at HQ (Douglas) on
Wednesdays.
To Join you need to be
aged: 13 – 17yrs
Army Cadets:
Contact: 671210
Email: ceo@
isleofmanarmycadets.
com
The Army Cadets meet
weekly on a Monday in
Port Erin & Castletown;
on a Tuesday at Douglas
HQ, Ramsey and Onchan
and on a Wednesday in
Peel.
All Detachments meet on
a Thursday at Douglas HQ
– transport provided from
each detachment.
Sea Cadets:
Contact: 611527
The Sea Cadets meet
weekly on a Monday and
Thursday – in Douglas.
To join you need to be
aged: 10 – 18yrs
SCOUTS/CUBS/
BEAVERS
The Scout Association
Website: manxscout.com
Email: manxscouts@
gmail.com

There are Scout Groups
all over the island for girls
and boys aged 6-25. Just
contact us through our
website or email to find
a Group nearest to you.
Come join the adventure.
GUIDES/
BROWNIES/
RAINBOWS
Email: ggiommembers@
gmail.com
www.girlguidingiom.
co.uk
IOM YOUTH
SERVICES
For the Youth Groups go
to www.iomyouth.com
or call 686057 for further
details and to confirm
information. We have put
the days for each area
and Year group for ease of
information.
SWIMMING POOLS
NSC Swimming Pool
688588
Western Swimming Pool
Tel: 842525
Southern Swimming Pool
Tel: 823930
Ramsey Swimming Pool:
Tel: 812852
FENCING
To find out about all the
Fencing Clubs on the
island – for adults too
– call Mr De Silva on
880863
IOM Badminton
Clubs
To find out about ALL to
do with Badminton Clubs
on the island – just go
to www.iombadminton.
com.
TravelWatch
Isle of Man is
the Island’s Passenger
Watchdog.
www.travelwatchisleofman.org.
On our website, readers
will find a useful collection
of information to aid the
challenges of being a
passenger!
Find us online at www.familymanx.co.im
or on facebook at Family Manx Magazine Isle of Man
email: [email protected]
Musings of a Manx Mum
Family Manx Nov – Dec 2014
Breast feeding or Bottle?
If you have had a new addition to your family recently,
the question of breast feeding or bottle feeding is likely
to have been considered. Your health visitor or midwife
will be able to give you expert advice, to help you make
a decision that’s right for you and your baby. Once that
decision has been made however, the retail market, with
lots of different products from breast pumps to sterilisers
to bottles and teats, can present you with the challenge
of which products to buy. Thankfully your pharmacy will
have a large range of products, and staff on hand to
assist with these decision making processes.
If you have decided to breast feed but are looking to
return to work or simply escaping for a short period of
relaxation, a breast pump may be of benefit. A breast
pump allows mum to express milk at a convenient time,
which can then be fed to baby via a bottle at a later
time. There are lots of different breast pumps available
and advice is on hand at Boots, to help you choose
the product which is right for you. It is advised never to
share or to buy a second hand breast pump as there is
a small risk of spreading viral infections.
Mums who breastfeed, occasionally develop soreness
or cracking around the nipple. Lansinoh is the safest and
purest nipple cream to help combat any soreness or
cracking during breastfeeding. Lansinoh can be applied
regularly and does not need to be washed off before the
next feed. It’s a market leader and firm favourite among
breast feeding mums (check out the user reviews on
www.boots.com). It’s available from most pharmacies,
where the usual expert advice will be on hand.
If you have opted to bottle feed your baby, or if you have
decided to express breast milk to feed to your baby on
a regular basis, you will need to purchase bottles, teats
and a steriliser.
A steriliser is necessary to ensure all the equipment you
are using throughout the process of feeding your baby is
free from bacterial infections, which can grow quickly in
milk. There are three sterilising methods available on the
retail market: cold water sterilisers, microwave sterilisers
and steam sterilisers. Dummies, bottles, teats, breast
pump components and spoons should all be sterilised
to reduce the risk of infection. Certain matierials used in
these different pieces of equipment may not be suitable
for steam or microwave sterilisers. Staff at your local
pharmacy will be able to offer expert advice regarding
the use of the different types of sterilisers and the
compatability of the sterilisers with the equipment you
need to sterilise.
Buying the correct teats and bottles can also be a
challenge, as there are so many styles and brands.
There are different styles of teats to offer varying flow
speed, reduced reflux, and attempts to reduce air
ingestion; in addition to the bottle / teat compatabilty.
Expect advice on bottles and teats is available from your
local community pharmacy.
Family Manx Nov – Dec 2014
Middle son is tired. Very tired. We know this,
because when we ask him if he’s tired, he tells
us he’s not. VERY LOUDLY. The source of
his fatigue can be traced directly back to his
starting Reception year at primary school. It
seems that his fun-packed days of craft, reading
and learning new swear words are taking their
toll. So much so, that by bedtime, he has
forgotten he is able to speak or behave in a
rational manner. Every night for the past week,
bedtime has ended in a spectacular display of
bad temper. Sometimes not just mine!
The situation is not helped by eldest son, who has
just discovered an ability to wind up middle son,
needling him, until he is in a rage of epic proportions.
This is making for tricky parenting. I inevitably
come in at the end of some incident or other. Both
children are crying, both claiming it was the other’s
fault. Yesterday I walked in to find middle son raising
one of my husband’s spanners in a threatening
manner in an attempt to resolve an argument about
a Spiderman figure.
My Husband, having also rushed in
upon hearing the appalling noise
coming from the lounge is surprised
when, instead of telling off the
children, I turn on him.
“Spanners? In the lounge? And what’s that bike
doing there?”
“Erm.” He replies. “I was fixing the brakes. They
haven’t worked since Ben had his crash, so I figured
I’d try and fix them.”
The children, showing an uncanny ability to read
adult situations for which I had not given them
credit previously, are suddenly united again and
make a break for it. Eldest son pausing only to
drop his father in it further by pointing out an oil
stain on the carpet.
My husband explains that he thought
I would be pleased he is tackling one
of the jobs on ‘the list.’ I point out that
fixing bikes was not on ‘the list.’ But
there is now a new job added to the
list. Cleaning the lounge carpet. And
putting away the spanners.
email: [email protected]
web: www.familymanx.co.im
15