Friends 0f the Manx Diabetes Centre

He personally thanked her for her invaluable advice, guidance, and for keeping him sane when sheer insanity ruled the day all around them.

In inviting Mr Houghton to make the presentation, the Chairman concluded by saying that all diabetics on the Isle of Man owed an enormous debt to this remarkable Manx Lady.

In his presentation address Mr Houghton commended Alison for her work in the field of diabetic care and said that he had followed with interest the progress of the acquisition of the Manx Diabetes Centre and the invaluable work she had contributed to its development.

Mr Houghton MHK

He explained that since he had been elected to the House his interest in diabetes had not waned and that he had taken over the baton from Mr Phil Braidwood and was very pleased to have done so.

From a personal point of view he was aware of Alison's dedication to diabetes care on the Isle of Man, and hoped she would be able to expand her diabetic care in the South of the Island .

He welcomed a very well deserved presentation.

Dr Alison Blackman

Alison in her acceptance reply said that she was suitably embarrassed by all that had been said, as she had not been aware that the presentation was going to be made.

Alison said that the years leading up to the establishment of the Centre were exceptional years. Years that were important in her life, and that she would not have changed one minute of a totally embracing experience and an exhilarating journey.

She thanked the Group for a presentation that she would always treasure.

Alison was given a standing ovation.

New parking restrictions for the disabled.

We do not know if those of you who are disabled know that there have been some changes to parking facilities for the disabled in Douglas , without any notice having been given. They have just appeared.

So keep a sharp look out, because some of the disabled parking spaces are now down to 30 minutes instead of the previous 2 hours .

This gives those of you who have wheelchairs or unable to walk fast, very little or no time at all for doing your shopping in Douglas after having parked your cars.