Friday, February 24

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• Karl Garrett art exhibition, Nobles Hospital.

• Our Sporting Life exhibition, Manx Museum, Monday-Saturday, 10am-5pm. Until September 1.

• Friends Exhibition, Garretts Gallery, Unit 11, Kirby Farm Industrial Estate, Vicarage Road, Braddan, Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday, 10am-6pm. Until February 29.

• Over The Rainbow by Lorraine Cleasby, textile art exhibition, Erin Arts Centre, Port Erin. Until March 2.

• ‘Forms, Movement and Flow’, Jelena Benson exhibition, Sayle Gallery, Douglas. Monday, 1-5pm, Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-5pm, Sunday, 1.30-4pm. Until March 4. • REVEAL: Andi Howland photos exhibition, Villa Marina Gallery Space. Until March 19.

• Past Times in the Parish of Patrick , photographic exhibition, Patrick Church, 10am-4pm daily. Until March 31.

• Isle of Man Photographic Society exhibition, Hodgson Loom Gallery, Laxey Woollen Mills, 9am-5pm, Monday-Saturday. Until March 10.

Friday, February 24:

• Step in Time, Ballroom Dance, Youth Art Centre, Kensington Road, Douglas, 4-6pm; Also Saturday 10am-1pm, Tuesday 4-6pm, Wednesday 4-6pm, Thursday 4-6pm. Also Dynamix 7-9pm; Also Dance Exchange 4-6pm.

• Sequence dancing, Onchan Pensioner’s Social Club, Morton Hall, Onchan, 2pm.

• Acrobatics, Dance Factory, Onchan Park, 4.30pm.

• Modern Dance, Dance Factory, Onchan Park, 5.45pm. Also Thursday at 4.30pm.

• Tap Jnr, Dance Factory, Onchan Park, 6.45pm. Also Tap Adv at 7.30pm. Also Beginners Tap, Tuesday at 4.30pm.

• Argentinian Tango beginners class, St Paul’s Hall, Ramsey, 7pm. Call 880650 or 324110.

• Line Dancing, Ebenezer Hall, Kirk Michael, 7pm. Beginners welcome, adults £3.50, children £1.50 including tea and biscuits. Call 878687.

Saturday, February 25:

• Dance Time for children, Port Erin Methodist Hall, sessions from 9.30am. £2.50 per half hour session. Call 835696.

• Ballroom dancing for children of all ages, Royal British Legion Hall, Port Erin, sessions from 10am.

• Irish Dance Mixed, Dance Factory, Onchan Park, 3pm. Also Prim/Int on Monday at 4.30pm and Tuesday at 6.15pm. Beginners on Tuesday at 5.15.

• Stage Snr, Dance Factory, Onchan Park, 4pm. Also Stage Int at 5pm.

• Social sequence dancing, Onchan Methodist Church hall, Onchan, 8pm-10.30pm. Call 829669.

• Social sequence dancing, Pulrose Methodist Church hall, Douglas, 8pm. Also Monday; Sunday, sequence dancing with latest dances only; Wednesday, sequence dancing. Call 842878.

Sunday, February 26:

• Perree Bane Manx folk dancing, Ballasalla village hall, 7pm.

Monday, February 27:

• Ballet, Viking Works, Riverside, Peel, 5.45pm. Also Thursday at 4.30pm.

• Irish Dance Prim/Int, Viking Works, Riverside, Peel, 6.30pm. Also Wednesday at 5.45pm. Beginners, Wednesday at 5pm.

• Modern, street and stage dance classes at Rinkey Studios, Mill Road, Peel from 6pm - www.rinkey.co.uk

• Country dancing, Willaston Hall, 7pm-9pm. Contact 628521.

• Ceroc Dance night, Masonic Hall, Woodbourne Road, Douglas, 7.30pm until 10.30pm.

• Line dancing, Port Erin Methodist Church hall, 8.15pm. Call 436219.

• Modern line dancing, Legion Hall, Onchan. Also Wednesday and Thursday, Call 670308.

Tuesday, February 28:

• Oriental Dance Exercise. 10am Peel, Genas Dance Academy. Also Wednesdays 10am Ramsey , The Gym

Call Petra on 300020.

• Adrenalyn, Youth Arts Centre, Kensington Road, Douglas 6-8pm. Also MNYT Junior, 6-7.30pm; Young Magicians 7.30-9pm, Johnny & the Dead 7.30-9.

• Sequence dancing and social, South Douglas Old Friends Assoc, 7.30pm. Admission £1.50.

• Beginners Line Dance, St John’s Football Club, 7.30pm-9pm. Call 462104.

• Sequence dancing with Port Erin Dancing Club, Port Erin Methodist Church hall, 8pm. Admission £1.50.

Wednesday , February 29:

• Sequence dancing, Morton Hall, Castletown, 2pm. Admission £1.

• Ballroom dancing for children, Centenary Centre, Peel, 4pm. Call 450688.

• Ballet, Dance Factory, Onchan Park, 4.30pm.

• Modern Line Dance-exercise class for beginners, Legion Hall, Onchan, 7.15pm. £3.50 Ballroom dancing, Villa Marina, Douglas, 8pm. Call Ellis Killey 623414.

• Rhythmic dance, St Ninian’s Dance Studio, Douglas, 8pm.

Thursday, March 1:

• Tea dance, South Douglas Old Friends Association, Finch Road, Douglas, 2pm.

• Dance classes for children, Centenary Hall, Peel, 4pm. Call 450688.

• Shake It classes, combines Latin moves with karate, tango and hip hop moves 7pm to 8.15pm.

• Strictly Come Dancing for beginners, Royal British Legion, Port Erin, 8pm. £3.50 per person.

• Irish set dancing Douglas Old Friends’ Club, Douglas, 8pm. Call David on 457268.

Friday, February 24:

• MS Society Southern Coffee social afternoon. Cherry Orchard, Port Erin, from 1.30pm.

• Freetime, Youth Arts Centre, 2-4pm, Also Monday 2-4pm; Tuesday 2-4pm Wednesday 2-4pm; Thursday 2-4pm; Art Club 4-6pm, Tuesday 4-6pm; Youth Arts 6.30-9pm: Fame 7.30-9; Glee 6-7.30pm.

• Parent and toddler group, Ballasalla Primary School, 1.45pm.

• Peel Youth Club, girls club, Shore Road, Peel, 4-6pm. Also school years 9 upwards, 7-10pm; Saturday, Drop In, 7-10pm; Monday, Manx speakers, 7-9pm; Tuesday, school years 7-9, 6.30-8.30pm; Soundcheck, 6.30-9.30pm; Thursday, Homework Club, 4-6pm; Monday and Wednesday, school years 4-6, Peel Clothworkers School, 6.30-8pm.

• Youth Club, school years 9 and upwards, Cafe Laare, Lord Street, Douglas, 4-11pm. Also, Saturday, 1-11pm; Sunday, 2-5pm; Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 3.30-5.30pm.

• Castletown Youth Club, school years 4-6, Youth Centre, Arbory Street, Castletown, 6-7.15pm. Also school years 7-9, Friday, 7.30-9.30pm; Wednesday, 6.45-8.45pm; school years 9 and upwards, Saturday and Tuesday, 7.30-10pm; soundcheck, Monday, 6-9pm; girls club, school years 9 and upwards, 7-9.30pm.

• Ramsey Youth Club, school years 4-6, Auldyn School, Ramsey, 6.30-8pm. Also Monday and Thursday, school years 7-9, 7-9pm; school years 9 upwards at Ramsey Youth Centre, Waterloo Road, Monday, 7-9pm; Tuesday and Thursday, 7-9.30pm; Wednesday, 4-6pm.

• Willaston Youth Club, school years 4-6, Willaston School, 6.30-8pm. Also Thursday, school years 7-9, 7-9pm.

• Onchan Youth Club, school years 4-6, Onchan Community Centre, 6.30-8pm. Also school years 9 upwards, Kenyon’s Cafe, 7-9.30pm; Tuesday, school years 9 upwards, Kenyon’s Cafe, 7-9pm; Wednesday, school years 7-9, Onchan Community Centre, 7-9pm.

• Youth Club, school years 4-6, Ballacottier School, Douglas, 7-8.30pm. Also Tuesday, school years 9 and upwards, 7.30-9.30pm; Wednesday, school years 7-9, 7-9pm.

• St John’s Youth Club, school years 9 up, St John’s School, 7-9pm. Also Monday, school years 7-9, 6.30-8.30pm; school years 4-6, 6.30-8pm.

• Rushen Youth Club drop in, Rushen Youth Centre, Bay View Road, Port Erin, 7-9.30pm. Also school years 7-9, Monday and Thursday, 7-9pm; Tuesday, school years 4-6 art club, 4.30-6pm; Wednesday, school years 9 upwards, 7-9.30pm.

• Pulrose Youth Club, school years 7-9, Pulrose Youth Centre, Heather Crescent, Douglas, 7-9pm. Also Monday, T-Time Club, 3.30-8pm; Monday and Wednesday, school years 4-6, 6.30-8pm; Tuesday, school years 9 upwards, 8-10pm; Thursday, T-Time Club, 3.30-5pm; school years 9 up, 7-9pm.

• Youth Club, school years 7-9, Douglas Youth Centre, Kensington Road, 7-10pm. Also Saturday, school years 9 and upwards.

• Laxey Youth Club, school years 4-6, Laxey School, 7.30-9pm. Also school years 9 upwards, Laxey Youth Centre, New Road, 7-10pm; school years 7 and 8, Wednesday and Thursday, Laxey Youth Centre, New Road, 7-9pm.

• Youth Club, school years 9 and upwards, Cronk-y-Berry School, Douglas, 7.30-9.30pm. Also, Wednesday, school years 4-6, 7-8.30pm; Thursday, school years 7-9, 7-9pm.

Sunday, February 26: Task and DFC children’s club, Abbey Church, Ballasalla, 10.45am.

Monday, February 27: Gym time active play for pre-school children, Manx Gymnastics Centre, Glencrutchery Road, Douglas, 9.30am. Call 625636. Also Wednesday and Thursday

• Daniel’s Den, Methodist Church, Arbory Street, Castletown, 10am. Admission £1, Call 822374.

• Mannin Art Group, St Paul’s Hall, Ramsey, 10am. Details email mailbox@manninart.org

• Onchan Ladies’ Choir, Methodist Hall, 1.30pm. Call 673453.

• Onchan Pensioners Club, bridge, 2pm; bingo 7pm, Morton Hall, Onchan. Also Tuesday, coffee morning, 10.30am-midday; Wednesday, Onchan Ladies Club, 2pm, whist, 7pm; Thursday, coffee morning, 10.30am-midday; bingo, 7pm; Friday, sequence dancing, 2pm.

• Peel Craft Club, the family room, Peel Methodist Chapel, 2pm-4pm.

• Sulby Youth Club, school years 4-9, Sulby School, 6-8pm.

• Onchan Rainbows, 5.30pm. Also 1st Onchan Brownies, 6.30pm.

• Onchan Rotary Club, The Max Restaurant, Groudle Road, Onchan, 6.30pm.

• Brownies, Corrin Hall, Peel, 6.30pm.

• Onchan Silver Band practice, The Band Room, off Main Road, Onchan, beginners 6.30pm and Seniors 7.30pm.

• Youth Club, years 4-9, Jurby School, 6.30-9pm.

• Manannan Cubs, Scout HQ, Onchan, 7pm.

• Do Drop Inn Drama Club, children aged 10 and above, St Paul’s Hall, Ramsey, 7pm.

• Andreas Youth Club, school years 7-9, Andreas Parish Hall, 7-9pm. Also Thursday, school years 4-6, 6.30-8pm.

• Michael Youth Club, school years 7-9, Michael School, 7-9pm. Also Tuesday, school years 9 upwards; Thursday, school years 4-6, 6.30-8pm.

• Ayre WI, Grosvenor Hotel, Andreas, 7.30pm. Call 818194.

Tuesday, February 28: St John’s Art and Craft Group, Methodist Hall, St John’s, 9.40am. Bring your own art and craft with you. Call 851364.

• Onchan Pensioners’ Social Club, Morton Hall, 10.30am. Also Thursday.

• Peel City WI, Guild Room, Athol Street, Peel, 10.30am. Call 818194

• The Tuesday Group, flexible learning room to try your hand at basic crafts, have a chat, coffee and fun, Peel Clothworkers’ School 1.15pm. Pre-school children catered for. Call 614180.

• Computers for Beginners. One to one sessions at Onchan Library. 10a.m. - 12 Call 621228 or e-mail onchan.library@onchan.org.im to book.

• Braddan WI, Methodist Church Hall, Union Mills, 2pm. Call 818194.

• Peel Footlights Youth Theatre for ages eight-16, Philip Christian Centre, Peel, 4pm. Contact 843819. Also Thursday.

• MRA Whist afternoon at the Cat with No Tail, Douglas at 2pm. AlsoThursday Stretch & Flex at the NSC at 10am and Indoor flat green bowling at the NSC Douglas from 2pm to 3.30pm.

• Cheerleading, All Saints Church Hall, 4.30pm. Call 254499 or email gengym@manx.net

• 2nd Onchan Beavers, Scout HQ, Onchan, 5pm.

• Youth Club, school years 4-6, Ballaugh Village Hall, 6-7.30pm. Also school years 7-9, 7.30-9pm.

• Isle of Man Chess Club, Belsfield Hotel, Church Road Marina, Douglas, 7.30pm. Call 495097 or email Zahed.miah@gov.im

• Army Cadets, Scout Hall, Peel, 7pm. Also Thursday.

• Youth Club, school years 9 and upwards, Memorial Hall, Union Mills, 7-9pm. Also, Wednesday, school years 4-9, Braddan School, 6-45-8.45pm.

• Youth Club, school years 9 and upwards, Foxdale School, 7-9.30pm. Also Thursday, school years 7-9, 7-9pm.

• PHAB youth Club, years 7, 8 and 9, Masham Court, Victoria Avenue, Douglas, 7.30pm.

• Castletown Metropolitan Silver Band rehearsals, Queen Street Mission Hall, 7.30pm.

• Rotary Club of Rushen and Western Mann meet, Falcons’ Nest Hotel, Port Erin, 7.30pm.

• Mannin Quilters, Ballabeg Methodist Hall, 7.30pm. Call 628921 or 628655.

• Ballacottier Senior Youth Project for school years 10+, Ballacottier School Youth Room, 7.30-9.30pm.

Wednesday, February 29: Busy Bees parents and tots, Beehive Kindergarten, Onchan, 1.30pm. Also Thursday. Call 674655.

• Ballaquayle Bears Toddler Group, Ballaquayle School Hall, 1.45-3pm.

• Homework Club for year 7s, Youth Centre, Arbory Street, Castletown, 4pm. Call 822490.

• Snaefell Cubs, Scout HQ, Onchan, 7pm.

• Youth Group Computer Club, Commissioners Office, Close Corran, Braddan, 7pm. Call 686057.

• Youth Club, school years 4-9, Ballasalla Community House, 7-9pm.

• Jurby & District WI, Jurby Parish Hall, 7.15pm.

• Peel Belles Wi, St Patrick’s Hall, Patrick Street, Peel, 7.30pm.

• Isle of Man Photographic Society Presentation – Dr Jeremy Paul, Thie Ellyn, off Withington Road, Douglas. 7.30pm.

• Peel Pensioners Club, Philip Christian Centre, Peel, 7.30pm. Call Elaine on 844972.

Thursday, March 1: Port Erin WI, Port Erin Methodist Church Hall, 9.30am. Call 818194.

• Krafty Kids (pre-school age) Philip Chrsitian Centre, Peel, 10am.

• Harbourside WI, St. Paul’s Church Hall, Ramsey, 10am Call 818194.

• Dalby Art Group, St James’ schoolrooms, Dalby, 2pm. Bring equipment. Call Cheryl 843471.

• Avondale WI, Onchan Community Centre, 2.15pm. Call 818194.

• 2nd Onchan Beavers, Scout HQ, Onchan, 5pm.

• Guitar Lessons, Meeting Rooms, Archibald Knox, 5.45-6.45pm.

• Santon Beavers, Kewaigue School, 5pm. Also Cubs at 6.30pm. Call 623244.

• Good News Club for primary school children, Living Hope Community Church, Bayview Road, Port St Mary, 6pm. weirfamily55@hotmail.co.uk

• Arbory Youth Club, school years 7-9, Ballabeg Village Hall, 7-9pm.

• The Isle of Man Children’s Centre Parent Support Group, informal chat with family support workers, at Douglas Family Centre, Woodbourn Road, 7pm-9pm.

• Onchan District Explorers, Scout HQ, Onchan, 7.30pm.

• Arbory WI, Colby Methodist Hall, 7.15pm.

Friday, February 24:

• Parents and Tots, upper room, Sulby Methodist Church, 10.30am. Call 897364.

• Coffee and browse, Erin Arts Centre, Port Erin, 10.30am-12.30pm.

• Out2Play with The Children’s Centre, Abbotswood Playing Fields, Ballasalla, 10am-noon. Also St Mary’s School playing field, Douglas, 2-4pm.

• Age Concern Isle of Man free computer sessions, Ramsey Town Hall, upstairs, 10am-12.30pm and 1.30pm-3.30pm, also Tuesday 10am-12.30pm, Also Wednesday and Thursday Southlands Port St Mary, 2pm-4.30pm, Also Monday 10am-12.30pm, Wednesday and Thursday new iMuseum, Douglas, 10am-12.30pm.

• Community coffee morning, Willaston Methodist Church, Barrule Road, 10am-midday.

• Drop in for coffee and a chat, Sulby Methodist Church, 10am-midday.

• Mums and Tots, Laxey Working Men’s Institute, 10am-midday. Call 479839.

• Tiddlers, parents and tots, Elim Church, Second Avenue, Onchan, 10am. Call 434933.

• Prayers with Bears Tots group, All Saints Church Vestry, Alexandra Drive, Douglas, 10am. Contact 483248.

• Parents and tots, Philip Christian Centre, Peel, 10am.

• Storybox, Family Library, Westmoreland Road, Douglas, 10.30am. Also Saturday, Sticky Finger Craft for 6 years and over, 10.30am; Wednesday, Busy Bee Time for pre-schoolers, 1.45pm. Call 673123.

• Coffee and chat, Onchan Methodist Church lounge, opposite commissioners’ office, 10.30am-midday.

• Learn Manx with Adrian Cain, beginners midday-1pm, intermediates 1pm-2pm, Manx Museum, Douglas. Admission free, Email greinneyder@mhf.org.im 838527 or 451098.

• Friday Lunchtime Choir, Salvation Army Citadel, Lord Street, Douglas. 1.15pm.

• Onchan carers and tots, Parish Hall, Onchan, 1.15pm. Call 625328.

• Tiny Tunes, music time for 0-3s, Family Library, Westmoreland Road, Douglas, 1.30pm. Cost £2.50. Call 673123.

• Meditation at The Refinery, Duke Street, Douglas, 7pm. Call 467818.

• The Manx Aviation and Military Museum, 10am-4.30pm. Also Saturday and Sunday. 10-4.30pm. Free admission. Donations welcome.

• Introduction to Raw Magic with Kate Magic, raw food and superfood expert, Noble’s Park Pavilion, Douglas, 7pm. Tickets £12 in advance, £15 on the door. Also Raw Magic Food Prep class, Saturday at noon. £90 or £99 for both. Call 461461.

Saturday, February 25:

• The Art Market, Strand Shopping Centre, Douglas, 9am-5pm.

• Theatre Tours, Gaiety Theatre, Douglas, 10am. Tickets for adults £7.50, children £4, family £20. Call 600555.

• Laxey Woollen Mills, Glen Road Laxey, 10am-5pm. Also open weekdays.

• Coffee and chat, St Mary’s on the Harbour, Castletown, 11am.

• Isle of Man Farmers Market, at Northern Lights Community Centre, Ramsey, 10am-1pm.

• Isle of Man Farmers Market, at Villa Marina, Douglas 10am-2pm.

• Illustrated talk by John Hellowell on his recent trip to the Falkland Islands, St James’ Schoolroom, Dalby, 7.30pm. Admission £6.50 including hotpot supper. Call 844031.

Sunday, February 26:

• Sunday School, Sulby Methodist Church, 10.30am. Also youth group for school years 7 and up at 7pm. Call 450104.

• Fishing workshops for beginners, includes both river and sea, bait, spinning and fly fishing, at Adventurous Experiences lecture room, Patrick Road, St John’s, by Kelvin Tastagh, owner of Kelvin’s Tackle, 2pm. Entry £3 donation to RNLI. Call Kelvin, 478224.

• Cathedral Church of St. German, Peel. BCP Eucharist 8.30 Corrin Hall, Eucharist 10.30 Corrin Hall, Evensong 6.30pm Corrin Hall. ALSO, Wednesday BCP Eucharist 9.30 Corrin Hall, Lent Lunch 12.15 Corrin Hall.

• RAMSEY Car boot St.Pauls Hall, Ramsey. Sunday 26th, February. 1.00pm-3.30pm. To book call or text Phillippa 338636

• Isle of Man Farmers Market, at S.100 Clubhouse, Castletown. 1.30-3.30pm.

• Castletown Metropolitan Silver Band rehearsals, Queen Street Mission Hall, 7pm.

• Car Boot Sale, British Legion, Port Erin. 2-4pm.

• Car Boot Sale, Morton Hall, Castletown. 2pm. Call 673320/481532.

Monday, February 27:

• Noah’s Ark Tots Group, Church on the Rock, behind Ramsey Bus Station, 9.30am. Call 459890.

• Rotary Heart Save, two hour free course in CPR, Red Cross Headquarters, Isle of Man Business Park, Braddan, 10am and 2pm. Call 639310.

• Parents and tots, Dhoon Church Hall, 9.30am. Call 426395.

• Breastfeeding Buddies, The Salvation Army Citadel, Ridgeway Street, Douglas. 10.30am. Call 656030.

• Roll’n’Play for preschoolers, Philip Christian Centre, Peel, 10.30am.

• Free Coffee morning and chat, St George’s Church Hall, Upper Church Street, Douglas, 10.30am-12.30pm.

• Kittens tots and carers group, St Ninian’s Church, Douglas, 10.30am. £1 per family. Call 629683.

• Manx Cancer Help drop-in day, Lisa Lowe Centre, Woodbourne Road, Douglas, 11am-4pm.

• Parents and tots, St Olave’s Church, Ramsey, 1pm.

• Peel Toddler Group, Corrin Hall, Peel, 1.30pm.

• Action Songs and Rhymes, from birth upwards, The Children’s Centre, Woodbourne Road, Douglas, 1.30pm. Also Tuesday, Sulby School, 9.30am; Philip Christian Centre, Peel, 2pm; Wednesday, Auldyn School Community Room, 9.15am and 10.30am.

• Michael Miniatures’ parents and tots, Ebenezer Hall, Kirk Michael, 2pm. £1.50 per family, Call 491592.

• Onchan Silver Band practice, The Band Room, off Main Road, Onchan, beginners, 6.30pm and seniors 7.30pm.

• MS Society coffee morning, Cherry Orchard, Port Erin, 1.30pm.

• Vannin Bridge, Onchan Pensioners Hall, 2pm. Also Thursday.

• Launch of Fairtrade Fortnight, St John’s Mill, 6pm. Fairtrade themed meal followed by screening of Black Gold. Tickets £12.50, call 802900.

• Isle of Man Cancer services User Forum is holding an Evening with Mr Stephen Upsdell, Consultant Urologist and Medical Director at Nobles Hospital. Empress Hotel, at 7.30.

Tuesday, February 28:

• Parents and tots group, Cronk-y-Berry School side entrance, 9.30am. Admission £1, Call 469756. Also Thursday, 1.30pm.

• Toddle Inn, mums and tots group, Port St Mary Baptist Church, 9.30am. Also Wednesday, Living Hope Community Church, Lancashire House, Santon, 9.30am. Call 835091.

• MRA Onchan Coffee morning at the Cat with No Tail, Douglas. 10.30am.

• Parkinson’s Disease Society (IOM) drop-in and meeting, Palace Hotel, Douglas, 10am-3pm.

• Autumn Break, lunch, tea and cakes, St Mary’s on the Harbour, Castletown, midday-1pm. Free admission but donations welcome.

• Laxey mums and tots, Laxey Pavilion, 1pm. Call 438408.

• Manx Gaelic conversational class with Adrian Cain, The Rovers, Douglas, 1pm. Also Manx Gaelic class with Brian Stowell at Isle of Man College, Douglas, 7pm. Call 623821.

• Whist for Hospice, Michael Methodist Church, 7.30pm. £2.

• Foxdale mums and tots, community hall, Foxdale School, 2pm. Call 420234.

• Abbey Acorns, ages four and above, the Abbey Church, Ballasalla, 3.30pm.

• Peel Footlights Youth Theatre, children aged eight-16, Philip Christian Centre, Peel, 4pm. Also Thursday. Call 843819.

• EFT group for therapists, looking after the healers by Bill Tucker, Healing of Mann, Ramsey, 7.30pm. Email www.healingofmann.com £6 per session.

Wednesday, February 29:

• Parents and tots, Salvation Army Citadel, Lord Street, Douglas, 9.30am. Call 627742.

• Mini Club for parents and tots, Anagh Coar School, Douglas, 10am. Also 2pm at Kirk Braddan Church. Call 675523.

• Ballabeg Busy Bugs for under fives, Arbory Parish Hall, Ballabeg, 10am. Call 429676 or email BusyBugs2009@manx.net

• Mums and tots, Marown Hall, Peel Road, Crosby, 10.15am. £1.50 per family.

• Carers and tots, St James’ Schoolrooms, Dalby, 10.30am-noon. Call 843471 or cherylcousins@manx.net -

• MS Society coffee morning, Harbour Lights, St Paul’s Square, Ramsey, 10.30am-midday.

• Independent Living Centre, Open Day, Ballakermeen Rd. 9.30-3.30. Call 642511.

• Table Top Sale Laxey School Sports Hall 1-3 p.m. 50p admission

• Busy Bees parents and tots, Beehive Kindergarten, Onchan, 1.30pm. Also Thursday. Call 674655.

• Parent and toddler group, Castletown Youth Centre, Arbory Street, Castletown, 2pm.

• Bereavement support group, friendly get together for anybody feeling isolated or lonely after a bereavement, however or whenever it occurred, tea, coffee and a chat, Scholl Centre, Hospice Isle of Man, 5pm-7pm. Call 647443, 668192 or 647449.

• Samba percussion workshop, no previous musical experience necessary, Onchan Silver Bandroom, off Onchan Commissioners car park, 7pm. Cost £3, contact sambamann@manx.net

• Crosby & District Silver Band AGM, Millennium Hall, Crosby, 7.30pm.

• Manx Gaelic class with James O’Meara, St John’s House, 7.30pm. Call 843436.

• Bingo, South Douglas Old Friends Association, Finch Road, Douglas, 8pm.

• Bingo Quiz, Archibald Knox, Onchan, 9pm.

Thursday, March 1:

• Quiz Night at The Railway, Douglas from 8.30pm. Call 670773.

• Happy Tots, Main Hall, Willaston School, 9.45am £1 per family including refreshments. Call 621577.

• Storytime for pre-schoolers, Henry Bloom Noble Library, Victoria Street, Douglas, 10am. Call 696461.

• Step-In for tea, coffee, chat and music, Onchan Baptist Church, 10.30am.

• Isle of Man Farmers Market, at Tynwald Mills, St John’s, 11am-3pm.

• Parents and tots, Auldyn Infants School Community Room, Ramsey, 1.30pm.

• Arbory Tots, from birth upwards, Parish Hall, Ballabeg, 2pm. Cost £1 per family. Call 832394.

• Toddler Tunes, Community Room, Michael School, 2pm. Call 878090.

• The Children’s Centre Parent Support Group, informal chat with family support workers, at Douglas Family Centre, Woodbourne Road, 7-9pm.

• Manx Gaelic class with Cathy Clucas, Arbory Commissioners’ Hall, 7.30pm. Call 838527.

• Bingo Quiz, Manor Hotel, Willaston, 9pm.

Friday, February 24

Palace Cinema:

• The Gray (15). Nightly 7.30pm.

• The Muppets (U). Nightly 7pm also 2.30pm

• A Monster in Paris (U) 12noon

Broadway Cinema:

• The Best Exotic Marigold Hoyel (12A). Nightly 7.30pm. Wednesday 10.30am and 2.30pm

• Journey 2: The Mysterious Island 3DFriday 2.30pm and 4.30pm. Saturday and Sunday 3pm.

• The Secret of Nimh (U) Saturday and Sunday 1pm

Centenary Centre, Peel:

• February 28 – Jane Eyre (PG-13), 7.15pm.

Friday, February 24:

• Pilates, St John’s Methodist Church Hall, 9.30am. Call Liz on 427401. Also Wednesday 6.15pm,Thursday, 6.15pm and Friday 9.30am.

• Walk and talk, NSC, Douglas, 10am. Also Monday, Pulsom Park, Castletown, 10.30am and Noble’s Park, Douglas, 5.30pm; Tuesday, NSC, Douglas, 10am; Wednesday, Ramsey Rugby Club, 10am; Thursday, Harbour Lights Cafe, Peel, 10am. Call 688592.

• Walk and talk, Earroo Nane House, 1 Snaefell View, Threshold Estate, Jurby, 10am.

• Chair based exercise sessions, Port Erin Methodist Church hall, 2pm; Monday, Ramsey Town Hall, 10.30am; Tuesday, Castletown Sandfield residents lounge, 2pm; Wednesday, Westland’s Residents Lounge, Peel, 10.30am; Thursday, Onchan Youth and Community Centre, 1.30pm. Call 642668.

• Manx ABC Boxing, Palace Terrace, Douglas. Juniors, 6pm. Seniors (age 16+), 7pm. Beginners welcome. Also Monday and Wednesday.

• Tai chi chuan, Murrays Road School, 7.30pm. Call 612305.

• Indoor bowls, Legion Hall, Port St Mary, 7.30pm. No experience necessary.

• Yoga, Morton Hall, Onchan, 6.30pm. Call 494489.

Saturday, February 25:

• Pregnancy yoga, All Saints Hall, Douglas, 10am. Call 461461.

• Yoga, Laxey Working Men’s Institute, 10.15am. Also Monday.

• Yoga, Arbory Parish Hall, 10.30am. Call 494489.

• St Mary’s AFC mixed under 11s training, Pulrose Football Fields, 10.30am. Call 405859.

• Tae Kwondo beginners, Pinewood Complex, Pulrose, 10.45am. Also 6-7yrs, Wednesdays at 5.30pm and Monday and Wednesday, 8-13yrs at 6pm, all ages at 7.15pm. Text 432152.

• Gentle Circuits, NSC, Douglas, 11am. Also Thursday. Call 688588.

• Gymnastics and dance, St Ninian’s School, Douglas, 2pm. Also Wednesday, Call 254499.

Sunday, February 26:

• Yoga & Nutrition. Karma Yoga Studio, Douglas 6-7.30pm.

Monday, February 27:

• Disability Swimming Sessions, NSC 3-4pm £1.55. Also Tuesday 6-7pm.

• Yoga, Rushen United FC Clubhouse, Port Erin, beginners 6-7.15pm. Intermediates 7.30-8.45pm. Also Wednesday morning 9.30-10.30am.

• Ladies’ activity morning, NSC, Douglas, 9.30am. Call 688556.

• Pilates, St. John’s Methodist Church Hall, 9.30am Call 427401.

• Aquafit, NSC, Douglas, midday. Also Tuesday midday and Wednesday at 6pm. Call 688556.

• Arthritis exercise, NSC, Douglas, 1pm. Call 688588.

• Fencing for ages 7 and up, Andreas Parish Hall, 4.30pm. Also Tuesday, Arbory Parish Hall, 4pm and Ebenezer Hall, Kirk Michael, 6.30pm; Wednesdays, Scoill Ree Gorree Sports Hall, Ramsey, 5pm; Thursdays, Onchan Community Hall, 7.30pm. Call 880863.

• Circuit Training, NSC, Douglas, 6pm. Also Wednesday at 7pm. Call 688588.

• Beginners Pilates, Rushen Primary School, Port Erin, 6.15pm. Improvers at 7.30pm; Beginners Wednesday at Victoria Road Primary School, Castletown, 7.30pm. Call 491963.

• Zumba, NSC, Douglas, 6pm. Call 688588.

• Exercise Boot Camp, Corrin Hall, Peel, 6.15pm. Also Wednesday, Philip Christian Centre, Peel, 6pm; Thursday, Glen Vine Church Hall, 9.15am.

• Zumba Fitness, Morton Hall, Castletown, 3.30pm. Also Tuesday, Glen Helen Inn, 7pm; Wednesday, Corrin Hall, Peel, 6.30pm; Thursday, Jurby Parish Hall, 6.30pm. Call 230369.

• Cardiotone, Laxey Working Men’s Institute, 7pm. Also Thursday. Call 452729.

• Aerobics and body toning, bring your own mat, Park View Hall, Kirk Michael, 7pm. Also Thursday, Philip Christian Centre, Peel, 7pm. Call 455924.

• Deep Water Aquafit, NSC, Douglas, 7.15pm. Call 688588.

• Women’s self-defence classes, British Legion Hall, Port Erin, 7.30pm.

• Zumba Toning, Morton Hall, Castletown, 7.40pm. Also Wednesday, Corrin Hall, Peel; Thursday, Jurby Parish Hall. Call 230369.

• Kirk Michael Badminton Club, Park View Hall, Kirk Michael, 8pm. Call 878536.

• Zumba, Carrefour Health Club, Douglas, 8pm. Aso Wednesday at 9.45am; Thursday at 6.30pm.

Tuesday, February 28:

• Fit2Go walking sessions, Car Park, Station Road, St John’s, 9am. For ladies looking to improve their fitness. Cost £3 per session.

• Thighs, Bums and Tums, Laxey Working Men’s Institute, 9.30am. Also Thursday. Call 335635.

• Aquafit, Western Swimming Pool, Peel, 1.15pm. Also Thursday, 7pm.

• Southern Gymnastics Club, Castle Rushen High School, from 5pm. Also Thursday, Ballasalla School, from 4pm. Call 473741.

• Pilates for Horse Riders, Ballaugh, 5.15pm and 6.30pm, Call 465115.

• Pilates, The Hall at Church on The Rock, Ramsey, 6.15pm. Call 491449.

• Zumba, Fiesta Havana, Douglas, 7pm. Email sjh@manx.net

• Tai Chi Chuan, Lezayre Parish Community Hall, 7pm.

• Badminton club, Arbory School, Ballabeg, 8pm. Call Liz on 832904.

• Zumba, The Dance Factory, Onchan Park, 7.30pm. Call 425270. Also Thursday.

• Qigong, Community Hall, Clenagh Road, Sulby, 7pm. £5 per session, Call 878607.

• Body Toning, NSC, Douglas, 7pm. Also Wednesday at 11am. Call 688588.

• IOM Karate Federation, Murrays Road School, Juniors 7pm, Seniors, 7.30pm. Call 612305.

• Arbory Badminton Club, Arbory School Hall, 8pm. Call 832094.

Wednesday, February 29:

• Gentle yoga, ladies class, Gena’s Dance Academy, Peel, 9.30am. Call 456782.

• Pilates, NSC, Douglas, 12.10pm. Call 688588.

• Pilates, Braddan Church Hall, 5.30pm and 6.45pm. Call Suzanne 465115.

• Thompson Travel Netball Club junior training, Braddan School, 6pm. For ages 10-14.

• Yoga (Iyengar inspired) Every Wednesday 6pm to 7.30pm.

• Valkyrs Hockey Club training, QEII Astro pitch, Peel. Juniors (8 and up), 6pm; Seniors (13 and up), 7.30pm. Call 801802 or cathkilley@manx.net

• Bowling club night, Port Erin Bowling Club, Breagle Glen, 6.30pm.

• Beginners’ yoga, St Ninians Dance Studio, Douglas, 6.30pm.

Thursday, March 1

• Fitness league exercise class, Ballafesson Church hall, Port Erin, 10.30am. Call 832759.

• Tai Chi Chuan, Lezayre Parish Hall, 2pm. Call 813222.

• Northern Gymnastics Club, Ramsey Grammar School, 5pm.

• Braaid Fencing Club, Foxdale School, 5.45pm. Call 801832.

• Aqua Zumba, NSC, Douglas, 6pm. Call 688588.

• Western Athletics Club, QEII High School, 6.30pm.

• Peel Badminton Club, Corrin Hall, Peel, 7pm.

• Yoga, Cooil Methodist Hall, 7.15pm. Call 494489.

Friday, February 24:

• Calamity Jane – The Panto by Marown Youth and Community Players, Marown School, 7.30pm. Tickets £6, call 851397 or 851783. Also Saturday.

Wednesday, February 29:

• The Great Gatsby, Centenary Centre, Peel, 7.30pm. Tickets £20, concessions available. Until March 3.

Friday, February 24:

• Little Miss Dynamite, at The Union, Castletown.

• Brown Sugar, at The Sidings, Castletown.

• AM Frequency at The Creek, Peel.

• Karaoke, The Albert, Douglas. 9pm.

• Thai Night, authentic food and music, The Railway, Douglas, 6pm. Also Wednesday.

• Manx Music session, Tynwald Inn, St John’s, 8.30pm.

• Irish Traditional Music session, The Mitre, Ramsey, 9pm.

• Kiaull as Gaelg, The Albert, Port St Mary, 9pm.

• Full On Fridays, Fiesta Havana, Douglas. Also ‘Alternative Havana’ on Thursday.

Saturday, February 25:

• Dead Wolf Club at The Clarendon on Saturday.

• Rainbow Magic, at The Ginger Hall Hotel, Sulby.

• Little Miss Dynamite, at The Commie in Ramsey.

• Ed Force One and Geddy Up at The Institute in Laxey.

• Brown Sugar, at The Manx Legion, Douglas.

• White Elephant at The Creek, Peel.

• The Johnny Cash Story, at the Centenary Centre, Peel, 8pm. Tickets £10.

• Ed Force One and Geddy Up, Laxey Working Mens Institute, 7.30pm.

• Penthouse Dive, at Jaks, Douglas.

• Manx Music session, The White House, Peel, 10pm.

• Karaoke with Dobbo at the Decks Liverpool Arms, Baldrine.

• Karaoke at the Central Hotel, Ramsey.

• Sounds of the ’60s with Steve at The Manx Arms.

Sunday, February 26:

• Ray Sloan Karaoke, at Jaks, Douglas.

• Grass Roots & The Brill Creem Teens Gadget Band, at Tynwald Inn St Johns.

• Karaoke at the British, Douglas.

• DJ Karaoke & Disco at Jaks, Douglas.

• Karaoke at the Crescent, 8pm-midnight, Queen’s Promenade, Douglas.

Monday, February 27:

• Karim Said, Pianist, Ramsey Grammar School, West Hall, 7.45pm.

Tuesday, February 28:

• Acoustic Sing -a- Round, The Manor, Willaston.

• Soundcheck, live bands, Basement Youth Arts Centre, Kensington Road, Douglas, 6.30pm. Also Rock Choir. Singing 6pm-7pm. Also Thursday and Saturday.

• The What You Want Acoustic Music Club, The Manor, Willaston, 8.30pm.

Wednesday, February 29:

• Karaoke at The British, Douglas.

• 29: Jonathan King, Jo Kinley and Mycheilley - organ, cello and choral music at Arbory Parish Church.

Thursday, March 1:

• Karaoke at Guys and Dolls, Douglas

• Ramsey Folk Club at The George Hotel, Ramsey, 8pm. - 31/1/12

• Karaoke with Ray Sloane at The Saddle Inn, Douglas.

• 1hr session of Guitar Practise on thursdays 5.45-6.45. Held in the Archibald Knox Meeting Rooms. Free for all levels.

Beautiful Belle – who can forget Lesley Pearse’s feisty young courtesan snatched from the streets of London and sold into prostitution?

Belle was the charismatic star of the best-selling book of the same name which captured the hearts and imaginations of Pearse’s army of avid fans last year.

And now Belle is back in this gripping follow-up which sees her heading off to the battlefields of First World War France and a haunting collision with her colourful past.

Pearse is one of the UK’s most popular authors of women’s fiction and it’s easy to see why. The Promise is her 20th novel and confirms her reputation for impeccably researched and beautifully written stories full of romance, humanity and high drama.

Whether she is portraying everyday life or extraordinary events, she has the power to get under the skin of her characters and pull tightly on our heartstrings.

In London, 1914, Belle Reilly has escaped the horrors of her virtual imprisonment in New Orleans and finally found the life she dreamed of. It’s all thanks to her devoted husband Jimmy who has given her love, stability and the hat shop she had wanted to own since she was a child.

Life is good at the home they share over the Railway pub with Belle’s aunt and surrogate mother Mog but sometimes events that took place in America and France affect her relationship with Jimmy. For Belle, it’s ‘like having a splinter in your finger which you can’t get out, yet you can’t help but prod it.’

As the storm clouds of war begin to gather, Belle’s already turbulent life is set to change in ways she never imagined possible.

When Jimmy enlists in the army and leaves for Ypres, her world is shattered and she realises she can no longer stand by and watch. Belle volunteers to help the wounded but her work as a Red Cross ambulance driver in France throws her into the path of Etienne, the enigmatic man who played a significant role in her childhood.

Soon she finds herself torn agonisingly between forbidden passion and loyalty to a good man. And as the past returns to haunt her present in other, more unpleasant ways, Belle’s character is put to the test like never before...

Belle is a gutsy and gregarious heroine, a born survivor who looks life in the face and never shrinks from the sorrows and disappointments it throws up. Her rollercoaster story is played out here with Pearse’s usual empathy, pace and pathos.

So who said romance was dead? Certainly not when it’s in the capable hands of Lesley Pearse!

(Michael Joseph, hardback, £18.99)

Age has not entirely wearied Brother Aelric of Jarrow and the years have not yet condemned him to a sedate and sedentary lifestyle.

He’s well over 90 and should be taking it easy ... but the year is 686 AD and the former Lord Alaric, Legate Extraordinary to the Roman Emperor, is heading off to Damascus to face siege, kidnapping, a terrifying chase and a confrontation that will settle the future of mankind.

Aelric, Richard Blake’s duplicitous and deadly 7th century antihero, returns for his fourth adventure and this time he must use all his wile and wit to help combat the triumphant Muslim caliphate which is sweeping up from Arabia to threaten Constantinople itself.

Only his natural cunning and courage – death holds little fear for a man already ‘far over its threshold’ – have kept Aelric alive in the dangerous and fast-crumbling Roman Empire.

Aelric is currently teaching Greek and Latin in an old monastery in the wastes of Jarrow where he writes his memoirs and waits for death.

Well that’s the theory... in practice, he’s all set for another amazing mission in the so-called civilized world far from the shores of Britannia.

No sooner has he escaped a siege by northern barbarians on the monastery than he is setting sail for the ravages of the Mediterranean.

In faraway Damascus, Aelric could be very useful to Constantinople’s defenders as he knows the secrets behind Greek Fire, the flame-throwers that have kept what is left of the once-mighty Roman empire safe until now.

But as well as those who seek Aelric’s help, there are other dangerous factions who want to prevent him sharing his knowledge.

Fortunately, Aelric has a ruthless streak, unwithered by the passage of years, but has he met his match this time?

Aelric is a marvellously imagined and wildly eclectic character – when he is not bemoaning his loss of teeth and hearing, his nosebleeds, shivering attacks and other symptoms of old age, he is either harking back to his glorious youth or dispassionately dispatching those who get in his way.

Blake surrounds him with an entertaining mixed bag of characters from the ‘God-bothering’ Brother Cuthbert and Aelric’s put-upon serving boy Wilfred to the psychopathic teenager Edward and the Saracen leader Meekal.

We travel into the heart of a fascinating period of history which saw the survival and resurgence of the Byzantine Empire in the first century of Islamic expansion.

As always, Blake’s plotting is as brilliantly devious as the mind of his sardonic and very earthy hero. This is a story of villainy that reels you in from its prosaic opening through a series of death-defying thrills and spills.

It’s to be hoped that the ageing Aelric will live long enough to take us on another of his remarkable adventures!

(Hodder, paperback, £7.99)

LATEST property transactions to be recorded at the General Registry in Douglas, are as follows:

Dermot Martin Hamill and Valerie Anne Hamill sold 11 Manor Drive, Farmhill, Douglas, for £475,000 to Marian Sarah Kenny, of Linden Cottage, Linden Avenue, Port St Mary.

Tracey Bell sold 111 Woodbourne Road, Douglas, for £270,000 to Paul John Devo, of 2 The Hollows, Victoria Road, Douglas.

Barry John Hay and Rachel Mary Hay sold 21 Falkland Drive, Onchan, for £233,000 to James Duncan Hammall and Caitlin Marie Hammall, of 27 Cronk-y-Berry, Douglas, who in turn sold 27 Cronk-y-Berry for £214,000 to Luke Jay Samuels and Nola Frances Fairbairn, of 23 Bray Hill, Douglas.

Anthony and Trudi Elaine Sewell sold 12 Wallberry Mews, Farmhill, Douglas, for £193,000 to David Neil Morrison, 17a Berrywoods Grove, Douglas.

Mona Developments Ltd, of 32 FInch Road, Douglas, sold 1 and 2 St Georges Terrace, Douglas, for £30,000 to Howstrake Commercial Ltd, of Rosemount, Phildraw Road, Ballasalla.

• We publish details of all house sales in the island unless we receive a written request from the police or probation service.

Sponsored by Cowley Groves. Follow them on {http://twitter.com/#!/CowleyGrovesiom|Twitter} and {http://www.facebook.com/CowleyGrovesiom|Facebook}.

Take an enthralling story about an ex-cop who falls victim to a robbery in London, widen the scope to include a dangerous trail of ‘lost money’ in Baghdad and you have one of the best British crime novels currently on the market.

The Wreckage, a superb, fast-paced ‘what-if’ conspiracy thriller, comes from the pen of the talented Michael Robotham whose stories feature reckless, fast-talking Vincent Ruiz, a 60-something former policeman who doesn’t know when to stop living life on the edge.

Ruiz has made several outings now, the most famous being his dangerous escapades in the scorching best-seller Bleed for Me. Thousands of readers have fallen under the spell of our hero’s world-weary cynicism which has made his missions impossible unmissable.

Robotham’s latest offering moves into ambitious and truly international territory with a complex and compelling plot that takes in the world of banking, investigative journalism, foreign politics, terrorism and intelligence.

Set in the turbulent aftermath of the global financial crisis, the intrepid Ruiz finds himself up against powerful agents who will stop at nothing to bury secrets.

It all starts in London where Ruiz rescues a young woman from a violent boyfriend but wakes the next morning to find that he’s been set up and robbed.

As he tracks down the thieves, he discovers the boyfriend’s tortured body and learns that powerful men are looking for the girl. But what did Holly Knight steal that is so important to them?

Meanwhile in Baghdad, the bank robbery capital of the world, billions of dollars in reconstruction funds have gone missing and Pulitzer prize-winning journalist Luca Terracini is living outside the wire and trying to ‘follow the money.’

The perilous trail will lead him to London where he teams up with Ruiz and together they investigate the disappearance of an international banker and a mysterious ‘black hole’ in the bank’s accounts.

It seems powerful nations are prepared to manipulate the truth whatever the human cost...

Robotham’s writing gets better and better – his spare prose and amazingly authentic dialogue are coupled with vivid characterisation and a politically astute and convincingly real plot that positively bristles with menace.

A top-class thriller...

(Sphere, paperback, £6.99)

They say that love makes the world go round – and maybe it does.

But it can also bring pain, disappointment, heartbreak ... and danger.

Jessica Ruston departs from standard chick-lit here in a gripping tale of love in its many guises, a fascinating slant on the age-old concept of ‘romance.’

She takes four seemingly ordinary couples – all friends, all very modern and successful, all seemingly happy with their lives and loves – but beneath their shiny exteriors lurk dark shadows, frustrations, secrets and lies.

And it’s this hint of foiled ambitions, broken dreams and a burgeoning sub-plot of growing menace that makes The Darker Side of Love so refreshingly different and rewarding.

It’s the late ‘noughties’ and a global recession is looming. The four thirty-something friends – Stella, Izzy, Caroline and Harriet – are bound together through school, marriage and a tightly woven web of memories.

Caroline and her new husband Bart are a ‘grown-up’ sort of couple. They like exhibitions, smart shops and talks by eminent speakers.

It took Caroline a long time to find Mr Right and now she’s desperate for a baby before her body clock starts its countdown. But there’s no sign of pregnancy and she’s getting desperate...

Harriet and Will have been dating for seven years so why won’t he pop the question? His lack of enthusiasm for marriage is becoming an embarrassment for poor Harriet.

Izzy and James are married with two beautiful children but such perfection makes glamorous, ambitious Izzy feel bored and trapped. She’s even looked into flights that would whisk her far away from home.

And then there’s party girl Stella who has a very bohemian marriage to wild musician Johnny and is mother of their baby son Viking. Recently Johnny has changed the ‘rules’ and suddenly they are like strangers to each other.

They are all telling lies to those closest to them and they are all about to discover that the truth won’t stay buried forever...

Ruston carefully crafts her characters and then allows their present and past to unfold. Hidden worries, jealousies and desires rise to the surface as each of the women is forced to face her demons and, ultimately, a violent showdown.

A clever and thoughtful story from an author with her eyes fixed firmly on the game of life.

(Headline Review, paperback, £6.99)

Thursday, March 1

• Karl Garrett Art Exhibition, Nobles Hospital.

• Our Sporting Life exhibition, Manx Museum, Monday-Saturday, 10am-5pm. Until September 1.

• REVEAL: Andi Howland photography exhibition, Villa Marina Gallery Space. Until March 19.

• Past Times in the Parish of Patrick, photographic exhibition, Patrick Church, 10am-4pm daily. Until March 31.

• Isle of Man Photographic Society exhibition, Hodgson Loom Gallery, Laxey Woollen Mills, 9am-5pm, Monday-Saturday. Until March 10.

What’s On listings will now run from Thursday to Wednesday. New events should be submitted to Bev Moore on 695638 or emailed to {mailto:bev.moore@newsiom.co.im|bev.moore(at)newsiom.co.im} by Tuesday lunchtime each week.

Thursday, March 1

• Karaoke at Guys and Dolls, Douglas

• Soundcheck, live bands, Basement Youth Arts Centre, Kensington Road, Douglas, 6.30pm. Also Saturday and Tuesday.

• Ramsey Folk Club at The George Hotel, Ramsey, 8pm.

• Karaoke with Ray Sloane at The Saddle Inn, Douglas.

• Guitar practise sessions, Archibald Knox Meeting Rooms, Onchan, 5.45pm.

Friday, March 2

• AM Frequency at Jaks, Douglas.

• Isle of Man Symphony Orchestra Spring Concert, a programme of music by Elgar, St Ninian’s Church, Douglas, 8pm. Also Saturday at Scoill Ree Gorree, Ramsey. Tickets £12 for adults, children £1. Call 490529.

• Brown Sugar at The Railway Hotel. Douglas.

• Folk at the Club, Peel Golf Club, 8pm.

• Alex Bernstein, Erin Arts Centre, Port Erin, 8pm. Part of EAC Piano Series. Tickets £10, concessions available.

• Karaoke, The Albert, Douglas. 9pm,

• Thai Night, authentic food and music, The Railway, Douglas, 6pm. Also Wednesday.

• Manx Music session, Tynwald Inn, St John’s, 8.30pm.

• Irish Traditional Music session, The Mitre, Ramsey, 9pm.

• Kiaull as Gaelg, The Albert, Port St Mary, 9pm.

• Full On Fridays, Fiesta Havana, Douglas. Also, ‘Alternative Havana’ on Thursday.

Saturday, March 3

• Dickie at The Manor Willaston.

• Little Miss Dynamite at The Mitre, Ramsey.

• Power Cut at Jaks, Douglas.

• Brown Sugar atThe Manx Arms, Onchan.

• Age of Steam, at The Britannia, Ramsey.

• Manx Music session, The White House, Peel, 10pm.

• Karaoke with Dobbo at the Decks Liverpool Arms, Baldrine.

• Karaoke at the Central Hotel, Ramsey.

• Adele Tribute Night, Palace Hotel, Douglas, 7.30pm. Tickets £25 in aid of Parkinson’s Disease Society. Call 682716.

Sunday, March 4

• One Wo/Man, one guitar with Beastie Dovey and Paul Cringle, Mitre Hotel, Kirk Michael, 8pm.

• Young Singer of Mann first stage, Erin Arts Centre, Port Erin, 2pm. Tickets £4, concessions available.

• Karaoke at the British, Douglas.

• DJ Karaoke & Disco at Jaks, Douglas.

• Karaoke at the Crescent, Queen’s Promenade, Douglas, 8pm.

Tuesday, March 6

• Acoustic Sing -a- Round, The Manor, Willaston.

• Rock Choir. Youth Arts Centre, Kensington Road, Douglas, 6pm.

• The What You Want Acoustic Music Club, The Manor, Willaston, 8.30pm.

Wednesday, March 7

• Karaoke at The British, Douglas.

What’s On listings will now run from Thursday to Wednesday. New events should be submitted to Bev Moore on 695638 or emailed to {mailto:bev.moore@newsiom.co.im|bev.moore(at)newsiom.co.im} by Tuesday lunchtime each week.

Thursday, March 1

Palace Cinema

• The Vow (12A). Nightly from 7pm.

• This Means War (12A) Nightly from 7.30pm. Saturday and Sunday 4.30pm.

• The Muppets (U) Saturday and Sunday 2.30pm.

• Star Wars - The Phantom Menace (U) 2pm.

Broadway Cinema

• The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (12A) Friday-Thursday 7.30pm. Wednesday 2.30pm. Saturday and Sunday 4.30pm.

• Journey 2: The Mysterious Island (PG) Saturday and Sunday 2.30pm.

• Alvin and The Chipmunks: Chipwrecked (U) Saturday and Sunday at noon.

Millennium Hall, Crosby

• The Adventures of Tin Tin – The Secret of the Unicorn. Saturday, 4.30pm.

Thursday, March 1

• Gym time active play for pre-school children, Manx Gymnastics Centre, Glencrutchery Road, Douglas, 9.30am. Call 625636. Also Friday and Wednesday.

• Krafty Kids (pre-school age) Philip Chrsitian Centre, Peel, 10am.

• Onchan Pensioners Club, coffee morning, Morton Hall, Onchan, 10am-noon. Also bingo, 7pm. Friday, sequence dancing, 2pm; Monday, bridge, 2pm; bingo 7pm; Tuesday, coffee morning, 10.30am-midday; Wednesday, Onchan Ladies Club, 2pm, whist, 7pm.

• MRA Stretch & Flex, NSC, Douglas at 10am. Indoor Flat Green Bowling NSC 2-3.30pm. Also Tuesdays Whist Afternoon at The Cat with No Tail. 2pm.

• ‘A Way With Flowers’ with Margaret Parr for Manx Floral Art Luncheon Club, Wentworth Suite, Mount Murray Hotel, Santon, 11am. Followed by luncheon at 1pm. Call 827265.

• The Dalby Art Group, St James’ schoolrooms, Dalby, 2pm. Bring your own equipment. Call Cheryl on 843471.

• Freetime, Youth Arts Centre, 2-4pm, Also Friday and Monday-Wednesday.

• Youth Club, school years 7-9, Foxdale School, 7-9pm. Also Tuesday, school years 9 and upwards, 7-9.30pm.

• Laxey Youth Club, school years 7 and 8, Laxey Youth Centre, New Road, 7-9pm. Also Wednesday. Friday, school years 4-6, Laxey School, 7.30-9pm and school years 9 upwards, Laxey Youth Centre, New Road, 7-10pm.

• Youth Club, school years 7-9, Cronk-y-Berry School, Douglas, 7-9pm. Also Friday, school years 9 and upwards, 7.30-9.30pm; Wednesday, school years 4-6, 7-8.30pm.

• Onchan District Explorers, Scout Headquarters, Onchan, 7.30pm.

Friday, March 2

• Parent and toddler group, Ballasalla Primary School, 1.45pm.

• Castletown Youth Club, school years 4-6, Youth Centre, Arbory Street, Castletown, 6-7.15pm. Also school years 7-9, Friday, 7.30-9.30pm; Wednesday, 6.45-8.45pm; school years 9 and upwards, Saturday and Tuesday, 7.30-10pm; soundcheck, Monday, 6-9pm; girls club, school years 9 and upwards, 7-9.30pm.

• Onchan Youth Club, school years 4-6, Onchan Community Centre, 6.30-8pm. Also school years 9 upwards, Kenyon’s Cafe, 7-9.30pm; Tuesday, school years 9 upwards, Kenyon’s Cafe, 7-9pm; Wednesday, school years 7-9, Onchan Community Centre, 7-9pm.

• Youth Club, school years 4-6, Ballacottier School, Douglas, 7-8.30pm. Also Tuesday, school years 9 and upwards, 7.30-9.30pm; Wednesday, school years 7-9, 7-9pm.

• St John’s Youth Club, school years 9 upwards, St John’s School, 7-9pm. Also Monday, school years 7-9, 6.30-8.30pm; school years 4-6, 6.30-8pm.

• Youth Club, school years 7-9, Douglas Youth Centre, Kensington Road, 7-10pm. Also Saturday, school years 9 and upwards.

• ‘Cruising the World Part 2’ with Roy Cripps for the World Ship Society Isle of Man Branch, Christian Spiritualist Church Hall, Lower Dukes Road, Douglas, 7.45pm.

Sunday, March 4

• Task and DFC children’s club, Abbey Church, Ballasalla, 10.45am.

Monday, March 5

• Daniel’s Den, Methodist Church, Arbory Street, Castletown, 10am. Admission £1, Call 822374.

• Mannin Art Group, St Paul’s Hall, Ramsey, 10am. Email mailbox@manninart.org

• Onchan Ladies’ Choir, Methodist Hall, 1.30pm. Call 673453.

• Peel Craft Club, the family room, Peel Methodist Chapel, 2pm-4pm.

• ‘A Woman In A Man’s World’ with Catherine Divers for EAC Monday Luncheon Club, Erin Arts Centre, Port Erin, 12.30pm. Members £13.50, visitors £14.50.

• Sulby Youth Club, school years 4-9, Sulby School, 6-8pm.

• Onchan Rainbows, 5.30pm. Also 1st Onchan Brownies, 6.30pm.

• Onchan Rotary Club, The Max Restaurant, Groudle Road, Onchan, 6.30pm.

• Brownies, Corrin Hall, Peel, 6.30pm.

• Manannan Cubs, Scout Headquarters, Onchan, 7pm.

• Do Drop Inn Drama Club, children aged 10 and above, St Paul’s Hall, Ramsey, 7pm.

• Santon WI, The Church Centre, Santon, 7.30pm. Call 818194.

• ‘No Dig Veg Gardening’ with June Nicholls for Ramsey Gardening Club, Quayles Hall, Albert Road, Ramsey, 7.30pm. Admission £2, bring a mug for your tea or coffee.

Tuesday, March 6

• Twins/Multiple Births Club, Philip Christian Centre, Peel, 10am. Call

426395.

• St John’s Art and Craft Group, Methodist Hall, St John’s, 9.40am. Bring your own art and craft with you. Call 851364.

• Peel City WI, Guild Room, Athol Street, Peel, 10.30am. Call 818194.

• ‘Wild Life on the Ayres’ with Erica Spencer for MRA, Royal George, Market Square, Ramsey, 10.30am.

• Rotary Club of Rushen and Western Mann meet, Falcons’ Nest Hotel, Port Erin, 7.30pm.

• Glen Maye WI, St James’ Church Hall, Dalby, 7.30pm. Call 818194.

• Glen Maye WI, Dalby Church Hall, 7.30pm. Call 818194.

• Santon WI, The Church Centre, Church Road, Santon 7.30pm. Call 818194.

• Mannin Quilters, Ballabeg Methodist Hall, 7.30pm. Call 628921 or 628655.

• Ballacottier Senior Youth Project for school years 10+, Ballacottier School Youth Room, 7.30-9.30pm.

Wednesday, March 7

• MS Society coffee morning, Harbour Lights, St Paul’s Square, Ramsey, 10.30-midday.

• Busy Bees parents and tots, Beehive Kindergarten, Onchan, 1.30pm. Also Thursday. Call 674655.

• ‘Gilead’ by Marilyn Robinson with EAC Book Circle, Erin Arts Centre, Port Erin, 1.30pm.

• Ballaquayle Bears Toddler Group, Ballaquayle School Hall, 1.45-3pm.

• Homework Club for year 7, Youth Centre, Arbory Street, Castletown, 4pm. Call 822490.

• Snaefell Cubs, Scout Headquarters, Onchan, 7pm.

• Youth Group Computer Club, Commissioners Office, Close Corran, Braddan, 7pm. Call 686057.

• Youth Club, school years 4-9, Ballasalla Community House, 7-9pm.

• Jurby & District WI, Jurby Parish Hall, 7.15pm.

• St. Mark’s WI, St. Mark’s School room, 7.30pm. Call 818194.

• Isle of Man Photographic Society, Practical Evening. Thie Ellyn, off Withington Road, Douglas, 7.30pm.

• Peel Pensioners Club, Philip Christian Centre, Peel, 7.30pm. Call 844972.

What’s On listings will now run from Thursday to Wednesday. New events should be submitted to Bev Moore on 695638 or emailed to {mailto:bev.moore@newsiom.co.im|bev.moore(at)newsiom.co.im} by Tuesday lunchtime each week.

Thursday, March 1

• Quiz Night at The Railway, Douglas from 8.30pm. Call 670773.

• Toddler Tunes, Community Room, Michael School, 2pm. Call 878090.

• The Children’s Centre Parent Support Group, informal chat with family support workers, at Douglas Family Centre, Woodbourne Road, 7-9pm.

• Manx Gaelic class with Cathy Clucas, Arbory Commissioners’ Hall, 7.30pm. Call 838527.

• Bingo Quiz, Manor Hotel, Willaston, 9pm.

Friday, March 2

• Community coffee morning, Willaston Methodist Church, Barrule Road, 10am-midday.

• Drop in for coffee and a chat, Sulby Methodist Church, 10am-midday.

• Coffee morning in aid of IOM Fund for the Blind, Corrin Court, Onchan, 10am-noon.

• Mums and Tots, Laxey Working Men’s Institute, 10am-midday. Call 479839.

• The Manx Aviation and Military Museum, 10am-4.30pm. Also Saturday and Sunday. 10-4.30pm. Free admission. Donations welcome.

• Coffee and chat, Onchan Methodist Church lounge, opposite commissioners’ office, 10.30am-midday.

• Learn Manx with Adrian Cain, beginners midday-1pm, intermediates 1pm-2pm, Manx Museum, Douglas. Admission free, Email greinneyder@mhf.org.im 838527 or 451098.

• Friday Lunchtime Choir, Salvation Army Citadel, Lord Street, Douglas. 1.15pm.

• Womens’ World Day of Prayer, Corrin Hall, Peel, 2pm. Also Saturday, Annual Gift Day, 10-4pm; Sunday BCP Euharist, 8.30am; Wednesday, BCP Eucharist 9.30am, Caterpillar Club, 10.30am, Lent Lunch, noon and The Voice Youth Group, 6pm.

• Coffee and chat with Arthritis Care Ellan Vannin, Industrial Unit 7a, Union Mills, 1pm-4pm. Call 852664

• Meditation at The Refinery, Duke Street, Douglas, 7pm. Call 467818.

• ‘Wild West In The South’ with Ballabeg WI, Arbory Parish Hall, 7.30pm. Tickets £7 including supper. Call 823325 or 822731.

• Isle of Man Anti Cancer Association AGM, Keyll Darree, Nobles Hospital, 7.30pm. With guest speaker Professor Simon Rogers.

Saturday, March 3

• The Art Market, Strand Shopping Centre, Douglas, 9am-5pm.

• Theatre Tours, Gaiety Theatre, Douglas, 10am. Tickets for adults £7.50, children £4, family £20. Call 600555.

• Laxey Woollen Mills, Glen Road Laxey, 10am-5pm. Also open weekdays.

• Fairtrade coffee morning, St Stephen’s Church hall, Sulby, 10am-noon.

• ‘Devil’s Island: The Island in the Great War’ with Dr Jennifer Kewley Draskau, Centre for Manx Studies, Stable Building Teaching Room, Douglas, 10am-5pm.

• Coffee and chat, St Mary’s on the Harbour, Castletown, 11am.

• Isle of Man Farmers Market, Northern Lights Community Centre, Ramsey, 10am-1pm.

• Isle of Man Farmers Market, Villa Marina, Douglas 10am-2pm.

• ‘The Symbolism of Conversion in the Isle of Man’ with Sir David Wilson, Manx Museum, Douglas, 2.30pm.

• Cronk-y-Voddy horse ploughing match, Ballagyr Farm, Peel, 10.30am-3.15pm. Also presentation night and supper at Tynwald Hill Inn, St John’s, 7.45pm

• Train to an Old Time Music Hall Evening, Douglas Railway Station, 6pm. Tickets £20, includes return bus and rail journey and entertainment at the Erin Arts Centre. Call 832662.

Sunday, March 4

• Sunday School, Sulby Methodist Church, 10.30am. Also youth group for school years 7 and up at 7pm. Call 450104.

• Car Boot Sale, Onchan Community Centre, 12-3pm, call 623704

• Spring Chicks WI car boot sale, Corrin Court, Douglas, 1-4pm.

• Collectors Fair, Morton Hall, Castletown 2-5pm

• Civic service, Malew Parish Church, 3pm. Refreshments served after service in Ballasalla Village Hall.

• Castletown Metropolitan Silver Band rehearsals, Queen Street Mission Hall, 7pm.

Monday, March 5

• Kittens tots and carers group, St Ninian’s Church, Douglas, 10.30am. £1 per family. Call 629683.

• Parents and tots, Dhoon Church Hall, 9.30am. Call 426395.

• Noah’s Ark Tots Group, Church on the Rock, behind Ramsey Bus Station, 9.30am. Call 459890.

• Breastfeeding Buddies, The Salvation Army Citadel, Ridgeway Street, Douglas. 10.30am. Call 656030.

• Roll’n’Play for preschoolers, Philip Christian Centre, Peel, 10.30am.

• Parents and tots, St Olave’s Church, Ramsey, 1pm.

• Coffee and chat with Arthritis Care Ellan Vannin, Industrial Unit 7a, Union Mills, 1pm-4pm. Call 852664

• Peel Toddler Group, Corrin Hall, Peel, 1.30pm.

• Action Songs and Rhymes, from birth upwards, The Children’s Centre, Woodbourne Road, Douglas, 1.30pm. Also Tuesday, Sulby School, 9.30am; Philip Christian Centre, Peel, 2pm; Wednesday, Auldyn School Community Room, 9.15am and 10.30am.

• Michael Miniatures’ parents and tots, Ebenezer Hall, Kirk Michael, 2pm. £1.50 per family, Call 491592.

• Vannin Bridge, Onchan Pensioners Hall, 2pm. Also Thursday.

• Onchan Silver Band practice, The Band Room, off Main Road, Onchan, beginners, 6.30pm and seniors 7.30pm.

Tuesday, March 6

• Manx Cancer Help drop-in day, Lisa Lowe Centre, Woodbourne Road, Douglas, 11am-4pm.

• Parents and tots group, Cronk-y-Berry School side entrance, 9.30am. Admission £1, Call 469756. Also Thursday, 1.30pm.

• Toddle Inn, mums and tots group, Port St Mary Baptist Church, 9.30am. Also Wednesday, Living Hope Community Church, Lancashire House, Santon, 9.30am. Call 835091.

• Autumn Break, lunch, tea and cakes, St Mary’s on the Harbour, Castletown, midday-1pm. Free admission but donations welcome.

• Laxey mums and tots, Laxey Pavilion, 1pm. Call 438408.

• Manx Gaelic conversational class with Adrian Cain, The Rovers, Douglas, 1pm. Also Manx Gaelic class with Brian Stowell at Isle of Man College, Douglas, 7pm. Call 623821.

• Whist for Hospice, Michael Methodist Church, 7.30pm. £2.

• Foxdale mums and tots, community hall, Foxdale School, 2pm. Call 420234.

• Abbey Acorns, ages four and above, the Abbey Church, Ballasalla, 3.30pm.

• Peel Footlights Youth Theatre, children aged eight-16, Philip Christian Centre, Peel, 4pm. Also Thursday. Call 843819.

• EFT group for therapists, looking after the healers by Bill Tucker, Healing of Mann, Ramsey, 7.30pm. Email www.healingofmann.com £6 per session.

Wednesday, March 7

• Parents and tots, Salvation Army Citadel, Lord Street, Douglas, 9.30am. Call 627742.

• Mini Club for parents and tots, Anagh Coar School, Douglas, 10am. Also 2pm at Kirk Braddan Church. Call 675523.

• Ballabeg Busy Bugs for under fives, Arbory Parish Hall, Ballabeg, 10am. Call 429676 or email BusyBugs2009@manx.net

• Mums and tots, Marown Hall, Peel Road, Crosby, 10.15am. £1.50 per family.

• MS Society coffee morning, Harbour Lights, St Paul’s Square, Ramsey, 10.30am-midday.

• Textile workshop with Lorraine Cleasby, Erin Arts Centre, Port Erin, 10.30am. EAC members £5, visitors £8.

• Independent Living Centre, Open Day, Ballakermeen Rd. 9.30-3.30. Call 642511.

• Busy Bees parents and tots, Beehive Kindergarten, Onchan, 1.30pm. Also Thursday. Call 674655.

• Parent and toddler group, Castletown Youth Centre, Arbory Street, Castletown, 2pm.

• Bereavement support group, friendly get together for anybody feeling isolated or lonely after a bereavement, however or whenever it occurred, tea, coffee and a chat, Scholl Centre, Hospice Isle of Man, 5pm-7pm. Call 647443, 668192 or 647449.

• Samba percussion workshop, no previous musical experience necessary, Onchan Silver Bandroom, off Onchan Commissioners car park, 7pm. Cost £3, contact sambamann@manx.net

• Gregor Lersch, master florist demonstration, Broadway Baptist Church, Douglas, 7pm. Tickets £45 in aid of Hands of Hope. Also workshop on Saturday. Call 800061.

• Manx Gaelic class with James O’Meara, St John’s House, 7.30pm. Call 843436.

• An evening of films, a fairy tale and chocolate cake, St James’ School Room, Dalby, 7.30pm. Including screening of documentary by Lauralee Farrer, part of Fairtrade Fortnight. Free admission.

• Bingo, South Douglas Old Friends Association, Finch Road, Douglas, 8pm.

• Bingo Quiz, Archibald Knox, Onchan, 9pm.

What’s On listings will now run from Thursday to Wednesday. New events should be submitted to Bev Moore on 695638 or emailed to {mailto:bev.moore@newsiom.co.im|bev.moore(at)newsiom.co.im} by Tuesday lunchtime each week.

Young Lucy Morgan is just one of the many singers and entertainers whose job it is to help while away the hours for England’s magnificent but restless Tudor queen...

But Lucy is no ordinary teenager – in the court of Elizabeth I, her black African skin and eyes mark her out as strange and different, a cursed motherless girl who could well be the bringer of bad luck.

What few know is that as well as being able to sing ‘like a skylark,’ Lucy has been raised in London by Master Goodluck, an expert in the art of espionage and a trusted agent for the realm’s famous spymaster, Sir Francis Walsingham.

And in the long, hot summer of 1575, when treachery abounds and the queen is on the move, a seemingly innocent young girl is perfectly placed to be the court’s ‘listening ear.’

Welcome to the excitement and drama of Elizabethan England care of debut novelist Victoria Lamb whose daring and deliciously different heroine transports us to the heart of the scheming and dangerous world of the Virgin Queen.

The Queen’s Secret is set during the monarch’s real-life stay at Kenilworth Castle in Warwickshire where the wealthy Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester and a royal ‘favourite, famously laid on a 19-day extravaganza in a last-ditch attempt to persuade Elizabeth to marry him.

Using this memorable occasion as the background for her novel, Lamb weaves a fascinating and gripping story of romance, betrayal, intrigue and deadly danger around the character of Lucy, a woman, we learn, who actually existed and may well have been one of Elizabeth’s army of attendants.

When the queen arrives at Kenilworth amid pomp, fanfare and a wealth of lavish festivities, Dudley knows this is his very last chance to win her hand.

To woo the reluctant queen, he has stopped all the clocks and turned the castle into Camelot but, despite his driving ambition to be king, Leicester is unable to resist the seductive charms of Lettice Knollys, Elizabeth’s cousin and wife of the Earl of Essex.

And soon whispers of their relationship start spreading through the court...

At 42, the queen is starting to feel her age and enraged by the growing intimacy of Dudley and Lettice, she employs Lucy to spy on the couple.

Lucy, who has found her own romantic interest in Tom Black, a stableman to the Earl and also of African origin, knows all the tricks of the espionage trade but her investigations uncover far more than she had bargained for.

Someone at Kenilworth is plotting to kill the queen and no longer able to tell friend from foe, Lucy soon finds herself in as much peril as her queen...

Lamb’s clever and compelling story opens a window onto an uncertain queen who constantly faced plots to assassinate her and whose outward bravery concealed a beguiling mental fragility.

With a guest appearance by the young William Shakespeare and a cast of other famous faces, Tudor fans will be delighted to learn that Lamb is already working on her next Lucy Morgan novel!

(Bantam, hardback, £12.99)

Fresh-faced teenager Cassius Corbulo never wanted to be a soldier – and certainly not a hero – but the Roman army has quite literally left him holding the fort.

It’s 270 AD and Syria is one of the most volatile outposts of Marcus Aurelius’s weakened empire which is facing the constant threat of invasion and revolt.

Into this cauldron of simmering rebellion steps the noble-born Cassius, a callow nineteen-year-old and the leading player in a superbly crafted, all-action debut novel from scriptwriter turned author Nick Brown.

Roman fiction is becoming a crowded market but Brown’s intelligent and exhilarating story excels in its perfect pace, vivid combat sequences and superb characterisation.

He brings to life Roman warfare in all its raw intensity and excitement... the fear, the tension, the physical endurance and the sheer blood-soaked brutality.

After an ill-advised dalliance with one of his aunt’s handmaidens, Cassius’s father dispatched him from Rome to join the army and learn a bit of ‘discipline.’

He was supposed to be an intelligence agent for the Imperial Security Service, an elite group which acts as the ‘eyes and ears’ of the emperor, but his arrival in Syria coincided with a rebellion unleashed by Queen Zenobia of Palmyra.

The ambitious and charismatic ruler has turned her Roman-trained army against her former masters and the once invincible legions have been crushed. Arabia, Palestine and Egypt have fallen and now Antioch, Syria’s capital city, stands exposed.

Cassius has been assigned the menial task of rounding up wounded legionaries but then urgent new orders arrive.

He is the only ranking Roman officer left in the line of the Palmyran advance and must take command of the fort of Alauran, the last stronghold still in Roman hands, and hold it against the enemy until reinforcements arrive.

What Cassius finds at Alauran would daunt the most seasoned veteran, let alone a teenager with no experience of war. A mere scattering of divided and demoralised legionaries remain, backed up by some fractious Syrian auxiliaries and a drunken Praetorian Guardsman.

Ranged against him is a formidable Palmyran army led by the seemingly invincible Azaf, a highly skilled swordsman who has the god-given talent of weighing up his opponents and his battle options in the blink of an eye.

With the enemy just days away, Cassius must somehow find the discipline, resourcefulness and courage to organise the garrison, save Alauran and secure Rome’s eastern frontier...

The first of a new series, The Siege delivers a thrilling coming-of-age adventure with an unlikely but likeable hero whose exploits are set to win an army of fans.

(Hodder, paperback, £7.99)