Gef’s Daily Roundup

Ben Out of Action

The Steam Packet has announced changes to its schedule for later this month to allow for repair works to the Ben-my-Chree’ mooring equipment.

To facilitate the absence of Ben-my-Chree, Manannan will remain in service until November 7 to undertake the Ben-my-Chree’s daytime Heysham sailings, whilst the MV Arrow will return to cover the overnight freight sailings.

Company MD Brian Thomson, who took the surprising step of commenting on a lady’s age, said: ‘We’d like to apologise for the disruption to the sailing schedules, but safety must come first. Unfortunately Ben is no longer a young vessel and things like this may crop up more often as a result.’

Relief

The gov has donated £300,000 from its international development budget to support the humanitarian work by the Disaster Emergency Committee (DEC) in both Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Following the launch of the DEC Pakistan Floods Appeal, the government pledged £150,000 to support the frontline charities providing life-saving aid to the six million affected by the extreme flooding.  

An additional £150,000 has also been donated to the DEC Afghanistan Appeal to further the work of charities helping those facing acute hunger, cold, and lack of medical care as a result of the ongoing humanitarian crisis.  

Cabinet Office Minister Kate Lord-Brennan said: ‘It is important that we, as a Government, play our part in supporting countries suffering extreme events that are devastating millions of lives. Donations to the Disaster Emergency Committee are supported by the government’s International Development budget and support worthwhile humanitarian efforts that we should stand by and which contribute towards our international aid and development commitments.’

Art

The Creative Network has received a grant of £25,000 from the Manx Lottery Trust to support the continuation of its Silverburn Art Trail.

The Creative Network, a not-for-profit collective of over 70 Isle of Man based artists, was founded in 2012, with the aim of establishing an inclusive community for local artists to raise the profile of the Isle of Man’s art scene, both nationally and internationally.

The organisation’s Silverburn Art Trail which was first established three years ago, features locally created permanent and temporary public art and follows the Silverburn river and the established Herring Way from Castletown to Ballasalla. The trail, which is partially formed across various sites, looks to celebrate the Island’s unique biosphere environment. It features a range of art works from street art in Castletown, to sculptural pieces in the countryside, and ephemeral pieces made from natural materials which will disappear over time.