As part of its ongoing commitment to supporting the local community, Conister Bank has provided over 12,500 Manx children with ACE cards over the last two years. The Arts, Culture and Education scheme (ACE) cards are a joint partnership between Conister Bank, Manx National Heritage and the Isle of Man Department of Education and Children. The card allows free admission to all Manx National Heritage sites for children and young people in full time education on the Isle of Man up to the ages of 18. To date, the scheme has saved local families over ?32,734 – with over 15,000 young children making use of their cards since they were introduced in January 2010. Entertain your children this half term by taking them to visit one of the many sites, where they can learn more about the Island’s history. By making full use of your ACE card you are guaranteed to have a fun-filled and very busy week! Half-term runs from the 22-30 October and, as ACE cards can be used every day of the week, this is the perfect opportunity to explore the Manx National Heritage sites. From 24-28 October Cregneash Folk Village are running a ‘Turn up for Turnips’ event from 11am-4pm; where every visitor to Cregneash will receive a free turnip to carve for Hop Tu Naa. Children showing their ACE cards will also receive free entry to two special events at Cregneash over half term including a day of storytelling with ‘Jinny the Witch’ and friends, Manx fairytales, craft activities, potions and remedies on 29th October and a traditional ‘Hop tu Naa’ celebration on 30th October from 10am to 5pm. The event includes turnip carving, craft activities, music, dance and a farmers market selling local Manx produce. Half term is also a great chance to make a visit to the Grove Museum in Ramsey, Castle Rushen, The Old House of Keys, The Great Laxey Wheel, Peel Castle or Rushen Abbey before they close for the winter season. All of the sites are open daily until Sunday 30 October 2011, with Castle Rushen and the Great Laxey Wheel remaining open until Sunday 6th November. The ACE cards can also be used at the very popular House of Manannan in Peel, or the Manx Museum in Douglas. Entrance is free for all ACE card holders. Juan (Fred) Kelly, the new Managing Director of Conister Bank, commented on the ACE card scheme: “Conister is an independent, community focused Manx bank, and we want to support the heritage of this beautiful Island wherever possible. The Manx National Heritage sites are a fantastic way for children to learn more about the history of the Isle of Man and we are thrilled that so many people have already made use of the scheme.” Edmund Southworth, Director of Manx National Heritage said: “The Isle of Man is a great place to live and there are many wonderful places for children to explore. The ACE cards present a fantastic opportunity for children and teenagers to enjoy the Island’s heritage sites for free and offer a great opportunity to educate our children through days out with families and friends. We are extremely grateful to Conister Bank for their ongoing support of this important scheme, which provides families with exceptional value for money when planning days out”. Conister Bank is an independent bank founded in 1935, domiciled on the Isle of Man and is a part of Manx Financial Group PLC. ACE cards can be obtained from IOM Department of Education and Children or by contacting Lynsey Radcliffe at Manx National Heritage on 648032. -ENDS-