This week’s Manx Independent features the 250th column by Pullyman in the Island Life section.

Pullyman, real name Michael Cowin, began writing his column five years ago after he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease and he says: ’It has kept me alive.’

He adds that’s he’s amazed at ’the number of people who come up to me in the street and say; "I liked your column this week", or "I always turn straight to your column".’

His wife, Irene, who often features in the columns as ’Brown Eyes’, has also become well known with people frequently asking Michael: ’How’s Brown Eyes?’

Michael says: ’I can’t believe where it’s gone.’

To mark the Pullyman milestone Island Life will be featuring two of Michael’s favourite columns, chosen by him from the archives, in upcoming issues.

As well as writing his column Michael is also a poet of note and is fully involved with raising funds for the Parkinson’s Disease Society Isle of Man. His latest projects, working in collaboration with fellow poet, Hazel Teare are just coming to fruition.

On October 5, he and Hazel will launch a calendar and a book to raise funds for Parkinson’s Disease Isle of Man and the Alzheimer’s Society Isle of Man. The calendar features a number of well known local personalities, including Governor Sir Richard Gozney and Chief Minister Howard Quayle, posing on Michael’s mobility scooter.

There’s even a shot featuring John McGuinness and Milky Quayle on mobility scooters on the TT start line.

The book features a number of Pullyman columns along with Michael’s poems and short stories. It has been edited by Hazel, with the cover artwork by Des Clague.

They were assisted by a grant from Celton Manx which went to upgrading Michael’s website to allow them to sell the book and calendar online.

Michael says: ’Every penny we make is going to the two charities and it all stays in the island.’

The book and calendar will have their official launch on October 5. They will be available after that from the Lexicon and Bridge Bookshops, Green’s jewellers in Peel and Karson’s Pharmacy at Corkill’s Garage in Onchan. They can also be purchased online. See www.pullyman.im

The Manx Independent is in the shops now.

You can also read the digital version online.

To find out how to buy that, go to the "Digital Editions" section of the website on the grey line near the top of the site.