A decade ago Pullyman - aka Michael Cowin - was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease, a condition that affects people in different ways. Michael discovered writing and Island Life is featuring some of his musings. Sometimes topical, sometimes nostalgic, read about life as seen through the eyes of Pullyman

If my memory serves me right, I think that we’ve already had a chat about this week’s subject.

Data Protection.

At least I think that is what the department used to be called but, as we know, all things change, as do the names of departments of Government.

Of course, I am just an old man with a chronic degenerative brain disorder which could affect my memory function. Having said that, I try to be as accurate as possible, and I did say that my illness ’could’ affect my memory.

The name that I was looking for is the information commissioner.

As far as I can understand, the role of the information commission is straight forward. It operates under the Data Protection Act and requires that any holder or user of any personal information regarding any individual keeps that information secure and does not divulge it to anyone else.

To be absolutely clear, I have no reason whatsoever to moan, groan or complain about our information commissioner, his or her staff, or anything to do with the department.

They are helpful, polite and speak in ordinary language. I have had reason to call in for a chat and some advice on a couple of occasions and I can honestly say that they are very nice people.

But sometimes, I think that there can be more than one way of interpreting the information that you are given, with the result that the end user, in this case me, who needs to ask a simple question to solve a simple problem, is faced with a brick wall. I offer you two examples.

Story one. The other day, my wife had dropped me off at my chiropractor in Douglas and continued on her way to an appointment with her GP.

We had arranged that if I had finished my treatment in good time, I would let her know where she could pick me up.

I was done and dusted in good time so I dialled her mobile.

Her battery was flat.

No problem, I said to myself, and phoned the surgery number which was promptly answered by a receptionist.

I explained that I couldn’t contact my wife, but I knew that she had an appointment with the practice nurse at a certain time.

I asked the receptionist if she would pass on a message to my wife, who I assumed would be still at the surgery, to collect me at Lake Road.

She replied that she could not give out that information.

I explained my problem and to be fair, she must have had a rethink and realised that I presented no threat to herself, her group practice or my wife. She arrived in 10 minutes.

Story two. The other day I decided to call and spend an hour with a friend who is a resident in the Corrin Home in Peel.

I phoned ahead to confirm both was he at home that afternoon and, if so, was he receiving visitors.

Not, as you must agree, very contentious questions. The reply was not open to debate. ’I’m sorry, I can’t give out that information.’

I carefully explained that I lived in Onchan, was 77 years old, suffering from Parkinsons Disease, walked (slowly) with two sticks, and didn’t drive. I had to use two buses, and walk some distance.

Fortunately, common sense prevailed and my friend was pleased to see me.

And finally, I scootered into town to visit the Registrar of companies and business names. ’Pullyman’ was reserved in my name and the ownership had to be regularly renewed.

I had decided that for the sake of a few quid, I would make it permanent. ’Pullyman’ would be mine.

Three days later a letter arrived from a local firm of accountants offering their professional services.

It was correctly addressed to the owner of Pullyman at 26 Groudle Road, Onchan

As the saying goes, I have no further comment.