A Christmas message for isleofman.com readers from Community, Culture and Leisure Minister Tim Crookall MHK.
"2011 has been a memorable year from the perspective of a department charged with looking after its community, culture and leisure.
"Highlights have included opening the new Bowl and Ballafletcher sports ground and hosting over 2,000 international visitors to September's Commonwealth Youth Games.
"Indeed the Island's record of sports management and development over the past decade has been recognised with the designation of European Community of the Year 2012, and I was honoured to accept the award on behalf of the Isle of Man in the European Parliament in Brussels a few weeks ago.
"Meanwhile, Public Transport is overseeing a £3million investment re-building the Snaefell Mountain Railway and the division enjoyed considerable success with a hectic calendar of special events throughout the year, including a Victorian Extravaganza to mark the opening of the Snaefell Summit Restaurant following a £300,000 refurbishment.
"The last of our railway specials will be the Blow Away The Cobwebs trains, operating between Douglas and Castletown on Friday 30 December. A great opportunity for winter visitors to experience our heritage transport during the Christmas holiday.
"Investment in Public Transport included the delivery in July of 12 Mercedes single deck buses that reduce fuel consumption and provide a comfortable travel experience for passengers. Additional Night Owl buses have been laid on and I would urge people to stay safe this festive season and take the low cost option of a Night Owl rather than risk drinking and driving.
"Providing entertainment is also within the department's responsibility. Whether your choice is enjoying the National Sports Centre facilities, visiting the new elk at the Wildlife Park or catching show or film at the Villa Marina or Gaiety Theatre, there is plenty on offer, not least this year's pantomime, the Adventures of Dick Whittington, which continues until December 31 at the Gaiety.
"As for the future, I look forward to building on the achievements of my predecessor at DCCL. Highlights for me will include the HSBC Manx Youth Games, going from strength to strength since celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2011.
"Also, the Isle of Man welcoming the Olympic Flame on its journey around the British Isles en route to London 2012, promises to be a once in a lifetime opportunity for us to shine a light on the achievements of the torchbearers selected from our community.
"Whatever 2012 brings, I wish everyone a healthy, active and entertaining year.
"Nollick Ghennal as Blein Vie Noa
Hon Tim Crookall MHK"
