The Rock Magazine edition 7

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About the cover Thanks to reality shows like Strictly Come Dancing, ballroom is big news once again – but in Guernsey, its popularity never really went away. In a retro tribute we preview the forthcoming Dance Floor Challenge – and in a stunning selection of precious black and white images, two ballroom veterans talk to us about why they stay passionate about dance – and how they really feel about Strictly.

As a fan of The Rock it was, as editor of Glamour magazine, they say, a no brainer when the ahead of her trip to Guernsey. chance came to sit in the editor’s She is being brought over by seat. To me The Rock epitomised the Women at One lunch group island life at its best - matt that has been fund raising for varnished and stylishly classy! the Operation Smile charity for The result has been a fast and children with facial deformities. furious few weeks developing new Our special Rock report shows the ideas to add to the established difference the group’s fund raising Rock stable of quality lifestyle, has made to children worldwide. fashion, food, beauty, the arts, But I would struggle to pick technology and community reads. out my favourite feature this We have also secured a string month, though as a “Strictly come of new contributors to add their Dancing’ fan I was delighted to writing talents to the Rock pot. meet two of Guernsey’s veteran We welcome our new resident ballroom aficionados in the run poet, Stephen Roberts, Dr Jason up to the popular Dance Floor Monaghan The Rock’s ‘History Challenge taking place in April.

Man’ and Mike Allisette, a selfThe images of those 50’s and Everything confessed app-a-holic who 60’s ballroom fashions were featured in the catches up with the latest Apps. incredible and we hope you pages of this The Rock also found a green enjoy our retro look back in time. thumbed gardening guru, Poppy So many happy moments and magazine is Johnson who promises to give memories available and we hope you enjoy us some inspirational ideas for sharing locallythem. outdoor living, while travel writer Claire Hendy plans to tempt us away to foreign shores.

Famous names often head our way and we were delighted to talk to Jo Elvin, the feisty and beautiful

Jill

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Contents

Everything GLAMOUR GIRL JILL CHADWICK MEETS JO ELVIN PRETTY IN PINK ROCK BEAUTY WHAT IF? THE MANDARIN WIND SWEPT ACROSS GUERNSEY FOOD EASTER RECIPES featured in theWELCOME TO LONDON MORA HAS A REFIT OPERATION SMILE HOW ONE LOCAL BUSINESS IS WINNING SMILES OVERSEAS pages of this OOH LA LA JOHN CURREN EXPLAINS HOW TO ACHIEVE A FRENCH GLOW MUSINGS GUERNSEY’S magazine is NEW SOCIAL ARBITER CONFESSIONS OF AN APP-A-HOLIC MIKE ALLISETTE AND HIS STRANGE ADDICTIONS AND THE WINNER IS GUERNSEY GOES TO THE AWARDS available TAKE YOUR PARTNER THE HISTORY OF BALLROOM DANCING N GUERNSEY STRIKE UP THE BAND GUERNSEY’S SCOUT BAND locally ON YOUR DOORSTEP THE ALTERNATIVE HUB WIN A MOTHER AND DAUGHTER MAKEOVER Contributors: DR JASON MONAGHAN, DR JOHN CURRAN, STEPHEN ROBERTS, MIKE ALLISETTE, LYNDA SIMS, CLAIRE HENDY, POPPY JOHNSON. Dr JONAS HOINN

“I dropped out of university, much to the horror of my parents, and I did a brief stint as a publicist for Neighbours, the Australian soap. It made me even more determined that my future lay in publishing.”

JO ELVIN

Jo Elvin with Strictly presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman

GLAMOURGIRL Glamour magazine is one of the UK’s fastest growing titles and its very glamorous editor, Jo Elvin has been secured to talk at the Women at One lunch group later this year. She talks to The Rock about being successful – and not always doing what you are told!

J

o Elvin is clear about how you get on in life. The Australian born editor of the award winning Glamour magazine headed to London in 1992 with little money, bags of ambition and a will to be the best she could be.

“I see a lot of work experience girls who are shocked when they’re not immediately asked to go and interview Catherine Zeta Jones, but you have to be prepared to do whatever it takes – and do so with a smile on your face.”

Jo is an inspirational speaker – but

admits that when she arrived in London she worked as a waitress until she got her first big break.

“I dropped out of university, much to the horror of my parents, and I did a brief stint as a publicist for Neighbours, the Australian soap. It made me even more determined that my future lay in publishing.”

After months of working in London as a waitress she landed a job as deputy editor on TV Hits magazine. In 1997 she launched the young women’s title B, followed by New Woman in 1999.

“It was all very exciting and aside from getting my first job, being made editor of Sugar kicked off everything that’s happened for me since. I was quite young, 23 or 24, so that was a big vote of confidence.”

But Glamour has put her on the global publishing map and Jo says she has never been happier.

“I first got interested in journalism when I was a teenager. I was staring up at the posters on my bedroom wall and thinking it would be a good way to meet pop

“I first got interested in journalism when I was a teenager. I was staring up at the posters on my bedroom wall and thinking it would be a good way to meet pop stars”

stars.

My first job was for the Australian magazine ‘Dolly’, which is a bit like Sugar and it’s really big out there. I started out as a work experience girl as I thought it was a young magazine there might be more opportunities for writing. I remember they were looking for a feature on a country girl and all the other journalists turned up their noses at it. After about three days of ringing around the outback I found someone and after that they invited me back whenever there was a job that no one else wanted to do. Then there was a dramatic scene one day when the whole features department was sacked so, partly out of necessity, they offered me the job.”

“I have been lucky to interview so many celebrities. A favourite for me was interviewing Tony Blair on his RAF jet over a vodka and tonic when I was editor at New Woman. And the whole of the last year on Glamour has been brilliant. I’ve been doing all the things that I imagined it would be fun for an editor to do, like going to premieres and parties. “ But she is full of praise for the people who have helped her along her glittering career path – and it has made her passionate about helping empower other women too.

“I learned a lot from Kath Brown, who’s now associate editor of Marie Claire and was editor in chief when I was editor of Sugar. She’s a real taskmaster and very direct and very focused in what she wants. In a lot of ways she can be tricky to please but I learned an awful lot from her and I think she influenced my style of editing. As far as heroes while I was growing up, there was no one journalistically apart from the Smash Hits writers but I suppose Madonna was a hero.”

Jo is also a supporter of women’s charities which help women who have been out of the work environment and who lack the funds to dress for interviews to get into jobs.

“You have to look good to feel it”, she says.

“My parents freaked out when I dropped out of university so I suppose if I’d listened to them I wouldn’t be here now so never underestimate the power of your gut instincts and being brave enough to follow them”

Jo Elvin at Glamour’s tenth birthday party

A typical working day at Glamour magazine.

Clockwise from top: Breakfast with Dannii Minogue and the fashion team, lunch with Cheryl Cole and signing off the magazine.

Jo’s recipe for success is simple.

“Just to go for it really. You get breaks along the way but it takes persistence.

My parents freaked out when I dropped out of university so I suppose if I’d listened to them I wouldn’t be here now so never underestimate the power of your gut instincts and being brave enough to follow them There are many facets to being an Editor: creating ground-breaking ideas, managing a team, building relationships with celebrities. I’ve interviewed prime ministers and appeared on TV shows like the recent Great British Hairdresser. Be broadminded about what you could do on a magazine - it’s not just features and fashion, there’s sub editing, art... so many different roads that can all lead up the ladder. Don’t expect to do it all in day one - but learn and absorb from those around you and you never know where you could end up.”

Jo Elvin will be in the island to talk at the new series of Women at One the local corporate and charity networking lunch group. For more information log on to: www.womenatone.com

Alisha Dixon, model David Gandy and Jo

‘Women starting up their own businesses also did much to boost the numbers, with a third of the 1.4m businesses that started up since 2007 having one or more female directors.’

What if...

It’s 2045 and Guernsey is being swept along by a Mandarin wind. The world’s number one super power is now part of our furniture but across the water, just like today, there are rumblings from UK government.

Prime Minister Sir Boris Johnson has taken a dislike to our practices but Guernsey’s cultural attaché believes it has more to do with ping-pong than our financial gong.

“

According to the Organisation There is absolutely no way for Economic Co-Operation andI’m watching that,” exclaimed the and Development (OECD), China, India groom as his best man whipped the rest of the developing world will out the stag nights pre-dinner entertainment. eclipse the west in a dramatic shift in The withpower his best the groom, balancefrustrated of economic over mates enthusing for a film including four the next 50 years. weddings and a funeral, had a The next five decadesthankfully will see major back up plan entitled shares The Hangover changes in country in globalII. The stag had OECD’s started so well. output.

Theweekend Paris-based Ten friends, one brother and two fathers, ‘Looking to 2060: Long-Term Global one to beProspects’ in-law andreport one parental, had Growth uses a new checked into the Fermain Valley forthat what economic model which forecasts they thought would be a Eurozone weekend of China will overtake the in bonding over fewwithin jars, a round cards, 2013 and theaUS the next of four exquisite and the a night on the town to years to food become largest economy follow. best manis however, had other in the The world.

India in the process of ideas.

Tom, aJapan school friend, colleague overtaking and is forecast to pass and round annoyance some twenty the all Eurozone in about 20foryears. year’s had decided that I’m a quiet Surprising statistics sureweekend you’ll atagree. the Fermain Valleyfor was the bestour place Fortunately Guernsey, has been building relations tolittle hostisland a stag weekend for his long with sections of the andbest Indian suffering but soon to Chinese be married economies mate Mat. since the turn of the century and such weinto have ridden the wave On as checking their rooms the boys, of prosperity withanywhere our far eastern albeit some aged between 30 cousins. and 72, were soon taking a leisurely walk By to 2045, already adopted down the we’ve Fermain Bay café for the start as ourRocquettes, second language, it’s ofMandarin a day drinking reminiscing compulsory for all from Year about Mat’s past andchildren generally ridiculing onegroom to be for taught Mandarin as part of The the everyone’s amusement. the curriculum. best man however, had other ideas.

Our own has been Arriving at population a sun-drenched Fermain Bay swelled by apparently an influx ofTom workers from last August, organized Shanghai and Beijing. first crosseven the weather, and aThe man in a wetsuit pollinated birth arriving soon afterthe the and a handful of lifejackets greeted Shanghai Financial Services Authority party. Before the groom could say “if you representative visited in 2016 and fell think I’m...” he was debagged, shoved the charms a ladyover named infor a wetsuit and of carried headLisa by the fromand L’Islet. party dispatched into lapping waters The burgeoning population of as the tide rose towards the Fermain bay Guernsey in Ford 2045 Parker therefore is provided now sea wall. Ant then second generation Guernsey/ the necessary equipment for the rest of Mandarin.

The advances the island the party to try a session offor coasteering. have been dramatic. In four of the last For those of you unfamiliar with the past five Island Games we have wiped the time it’s essentially jumping and scrabbling floor at table tennis. Beating all-comers across the cliff face. As it turned out it including new Island Gamers entries proved to be a huge hit a great way to Australia, Hong Kong and Holland who bond with your fellow stags. After an hour broke away from the rest of Europe. or so jumping, swimming and screaming Yes! Literally broke away from Europe

due to rising sea levels in 2035.

The changing landscape has also matured and where once arable land was farmed for potatoes and other western vegetables now the warmer climate allows islanders to grow rice, beansprouts and Okra. Feng Falla from the Guernsey Pak Choi Marketing Board is a regular visitor to the continent, in particular France, who have finally accepted their fare isn’t as good as they thought it was .

They are now avid fans of Chow Mein and Dim Sum. ‘It’s taken them fifty years to realise it but eating snails and frogs legs without having some kind of medieval medicinal property isn’t the done thing anymore,’ said Feng.

While our micro agricultural community thrives, so too does our finance industry, remaining at the top of its game.

Unfortunately for Jersey they continued to chase the dollar and pound signs in the twenty10’s, whereas Guernsey was establishing itself as the finance centre of choice for the wealthy Far Eastern business. A shrine to the great pioneer of his age, stands proud at the former St James concert hall which was demolished as the Island’s taste for cultural pursuits changed from classical music concerts to endurance themed Banzai style reality entertainment. The thirty-foot tall granite statue of Sir Peter Niven, the forefather of our great relationship with the Far East, is celebrated as much as our ancestors did the courage of Brock, Le Lacheur and Hugo. We even celebrate ‘Sir Peter Niven’ day on August 7th. A day in 2011 when Guernsey signed its first Tax Information Exchange Agreement with China.

By 2045 Guernsey’s population is made up of 120,000 financial services employees, 2700 open market residents, 10 Deputy’s, 20 civil servants and 11,000 indigenous people of Guernsey (the last remaining pure breeds who are treated like royalty amd treasured as much as the

20 or so remaining Guernsey cattle).

The Island’s housing stock has changed dramatically. Our town centre is now only thriving because the highly regarded Chief Minister, Lin Din Trott, passed a law that permitted property owners in town to change retail units into residential accommodation. The centre of St Peter Port from the Old Quarter to Le Pollet is now a thriving and bustling community.

The market buildings are full of local artisans and traders selling fish, live poultry (The States of Guernsey resigning the health and safety electorate soon after 2018), parts for scooters, tattoo removal services (tattoos were popular in the early part of the century. It soon became socially unacceptable to tattoo the length of your arm unless of course you are a Triad gang member and punishment in Guernsey for association with that particular group is beheading), a large spice market and a Chinese medicine market. Town is also now a car free zone so the only way to travel is by bicycle, tut tut or tram (which runs from the top of Val de Terres down to the Bridge.) The sea front has maintained its charm albeit with a thousand acres of land designated to cinema and Retail Park being re-classed by the Island’s environment department for residential use. High rises are seen as a necessary evil to accommodate the 20,000 fund accountants that are required on essential licenses. All our waste is barged across to Jersey, which is now essentially one large incinerator, the population having returned to the North of England and Scotland. All that remain are a handful of taxi drivers and a politician called Syvret who deemed it safe to return to his Island home.

Guernsey isn’t just one large fortune cookie, over the last decade 2035-2045, the island has suffered under the burden of years of enhancements. Chinese efficiency means Guernsey roads are

closed for repairs and then re-opened in a matter of minutes. However, decades of main drain and utility servicing mean most roads are simply a patchwork of aged tarmac. No change there I hear you cry but following the collapse of the seafront along the Esplanade leaving M&S shoppers without a collection service for three days, the States announced a state of emergency and opened up the High Street for M&S collections to be made directly outside the store. The move was soon cancelled after a nasty incident involving a Range Rover Sport Mark 33 and the lottery ticket seller who was standing outside the store at the time.

Guernsey in 2045, is still an ambitious society, one that has welcomed a new community to its shores and adapted to the changing global circumstances.

There are worrying times ahead however, as rumblings from the UK government and an increasing concern from the octogenarian English Prime Minister Sir Boris Johnson regarding the role China plays in offshore finance in UK territories.

Sir Boris, into his fifth term of office, declared war against the advantages Guernsey gained through their loyal and long-standing association with the Superpower. Guernsey came out fighting claiming the rhetoric had more to do with Prime Minister Johnson’s concern over the brilliance of the Guernsey table tennis team and their participation at the forthcoming London Olympics. ‘Sir Boris’s pressure on Guernsey has nothing to do with offshore finance but everything to do with his love of ping-pong. He’s afraid our excellent table tennis team would ‘turn over’ his lot at the forthcoming Olympic games in London. He should also be mindful that the games key sponsor, Bank of China (Guernsey) Limited, is keen to stage the games in the Bailiwick in 2054,” said Cultural and Endurance Pursuits Minister, Deputy Mi-Ke Hawa.

Ricardo works his magic

“Sir Boris’s pressure on Guernsey has nothing to do with offshore finance but everything to do with his love of ping-pong. He’s afraid our excellent table tennis team would ‘turn over’ his lot at the forthcoming Olympic Games in London. He should also be mindful that the games key sponsor, Bank of China (Guernsey) Limited, is keen to stage the Olympics in the Bailiwick come 2054,” said Cultural and Endurance Pursuits Minister, Deputy Mi-Ke Hawa.

APPS are not exactly taking over the world, but you can pretty much find one to cover all aspects of your life. They put a wealth of knowledge, expertise– and funat your fingertips – and many are free.

The newer, discerning contenders have adopted a ‘freemium’ model, with no charges for the basic package but payment is required for premium content.

But be warned. They can be a bit like big brother. Errant husbands have found to their costs that wives have effectively tracked their extra marital activities. And other relationships have come under strain when users have become App crazy. Apple recently reported that iPads and iPhones are selling like global hot cakes - in fact in the last quarter of 2012 100 were sold every second of every day.

We talk to a self-confessed App-a-holic about becoming App obsessed and having to go cold turkey when his phone could no longer take the strain.

“I was without a doubt an app-o-holic.

Being self-employed and continually on the road got me started as certain Apps allowed me to synchronise appointments, documents and photographs to my computer at home via my iPhone.

But increasingly more and more Apps caught my eye and clogged up by iPhone.

Eventually I had to delete the lot because my phone got slow and cumbersome. I made the decision to clear them all off and download Apps as I needed them.

Today I have a simple list of Apps which make my working day easier – with just a couple of my favourites like the podcast App and the plane spotter which tells me where aircrafts overhead are destined for.

I do use a GPS which tells me how long I have worked at certain location – and it sends the details to my computer at the office, but the rest are pretty standard – Skype, a weather App, Facebook, Twitter, and email. I do have one fun one though, which is hard to resist. I talk into my phone posing all manner of stupid questions, and it talks right back – a bit like my other half, but without the moods that follow!”

Mike’s top APPs

You could spend months looking at useful, fun and downright weird APPS but here are a few freebies that caughtMike’s eye DRAGON DICTATION This is ideal for a busy corporate who is on the move. Dragon Dictation converts spoken words to text which can be exported to email, Twitter, Facebook or text messaging.

NIGELLISSIMA A foodie feast of all things fattening. The app gives you all 13 of Nigella Lawson’s latest recipes from her new Italian cook book, and features an ingredients guide and sumptuous and utterly mouthwatering photography.

URBANSPOON Packed with features this app shows restaurants based on price, location and types of cuisine – or simply shake your phone for a random suggestion.

WAITROSE This is so much more than a tool to push products. Look no further for recipes, images of food, and technical clips on how to prepare everything from French onion soup to scallops and everything in between We also love the wine advice and match to food function. And best of all its free!

TUMBLR This is for arty teen types and provides a blogging platform allowing you to post, update text, photos links, audio clips and videos from your phone. A really fun time waster.

IMDB This internet movie data base puts pay to those annoying times when you can’t place an actor or actress. Simply type in the name and bingo, up pops a full film history.

ACCUWEATHER This handy little App gives you a 15 day weather forecast complete with warnings of UV danger and conditions likely to provoke asthma or allergies GOTYA! This is designed to track down phone thieves and springs into action if someone enters an incorrect password. The App takes a photograph of the suspected phone snatcher and emails it to the owner, together with a location map of the phone.

Police advise that this information is sent to them.

VEGMAN Vital for well-travelled vegetarians on the move, the ultimate guide to vegetarian and vegan restaurants around the world.

SNAP FASHION Take a photograph of any item of clothing and Snap Fashion will source a similar piece for you to buy or save to view later. More than 100 retailers from New Look to Saks Fifth Avenue in New York are signed up to this one!

COOL GUY Are you a man worried that you have not got your fashion look bang on? It not only allows you to shop in style on line but will tell you if shoes or a shirt you already own will complete a fashion look.

Confessions of an

APP-A-HOLIC

APPS are not exactly taking over the world, but you can pretty much find one to cover all aspects of your life. They put a wealth of knowledge, expertise– and fun- at your fingertips – and many are free. Mike Allisette from the Small IT Company reports for The Rock.

As the glittering Dance Floor Challenge approaches Jill Chadwick catches up with Wilf Cochrane, Guernsey’s home grown Len Goodman, and Brian Staples who has enjoyed ballroom dancing success since he was 11

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Brian Staples and Maureen Ferbrache

“My parents freaked out when I dropped out of university so I suppose if I’d listened to them I wouldn’t be here now so never underestimate the power of your gut instincts and being brave enough to follow them”

‘The year is 1955 and a very shy Brian Staples, aged just 11 decided to take his mother’s advice and join Billy Hooker’s ballroom dance school in Market Square. That same year Wilf Cochrane, an accomplished and talented young dancer and a member of the same school, decided he had to head off to London to expand his skills. He wanted to work with some of the biggest names in ballroom dance and Wilf quickly established himself on the UK dancing scene.”

“My parents freaked out when I dropped out of university so I suppose if I’d listened to them I wouldn’t be here now so never underestimate the power of your gut instincts and being brave enough to follow them”

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The famous Billy Hooker school of dance

Wilf Chochrane’s top dance students bsck in the 70’s

S

trictly Come Dancing has helped bring the world of ballroom back in vogue, but in Guernsey, the passion for all things sequinned has never really gone away. In the run up to the hugely popular Dance Floor Challenge which takes place in April, The Rock caught up with two local dance enthusiasts – Wilf Cochrane and Brian Staples, to discover why their passion for dance is as strong as ever.

The year is 1955 and a very shy Brian Staples, aged just 11 decided to take his mother’s advice and join Billy Hooker’s ballroom dance school in Market Square. That same year Wilf Cochrane, an accomplished and talented young dancer and a member of the same school, decided he had to head off to London to expand his skills. He wanted to work with some of the biggest names in ballroom dance and Wilf quickly established himself on the UK dancing scene.

“I remember when I first left the island I thought I knew a thing or two. But it became very clear to me that I was as green as grass.”

He married wife Pat, a beautiful dance teacher and after a few years working in the UK they brought their skills and expertise back and became Mr and Mrs Ballroom.

Meanwhile back in Guernsey, Brian continued to dance locally and in Jersey throughout his teens, winning the junior CI championships. Today both men remain as passionate about dancing as they did back then.

Says Brian “I didn’t know how to talk to girls back then and I had a cousin who went to classes and it sounded like you actually got to hold a girl tight on the first lesson”, says Brian.

Five decades on he is still a frequent ballroom dancer.

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Wilf Cochrane far left during a Channel Island competition

“These days we are just social dancers as my wife Pam is not keen on competing, but, for many years I went to the Billy Hooker School of dancing and with my two different partners, we won the annual CI Championships for many years in the 1950’s. I first got paired with a girl called Millie Le Galloudec, and later I danced with Maureen Ferbrache. We danced together until she went off to get engaged to the famous singer Billy J Kramer – but before the partnership broke up we did become the novice senior CI champions

and I won’t ever forget the thrill of dancing at West Park Pavilion in Jersey.”

Brian has kept a large collection of black and white photographs which catalogue his dancing days from aged 11 to when he met and married his wife and stopped dancing competitively.

“But we always carried on dancing at The Hermitage and the Channel Islands Hotel – and today we still enjoy attending regular tea dances and social dances – there are up to 20 couples at any given time and it is quite a work out.” Brian aims

to be in the audience for The Dancefloor Challenge, and is devotee of Strictly Come Dancing, though he is sceptical that the steps we see are as technical as they should be.

“In our day it was much stricter. We would dance in competitions at St George’s Hall and our teacher Billy would warn us to stick to the basic steps – it was strict tempo ballroom dancing then, - but we would add in a few variations. I remember when we went to Jersey we swept the opposition away so we did get away with

adding those variations at times.”

Wilf was also a devotee of the Billy Hooker School of dancing but he decided to make a career out of dancing and knew he had to leave the island to gain more experience.

“I went to quite a few high profile dance studios and eventually I was asked to take classes myself” says Wilf. He became a manager of a top dance school in Harrow and admits that he lived and breathed dance often spending 16 hours dancing each day.

“Eventually we came to Guernsey with the idea of having a break and enjoying more family time, but we just couldn’t let it go and ended up opening our dance centre in the Charroterie. Disco was really big in those days and we organised annual competitions, but we also did ballroom, Latin and rock and roll. Our passion has never gone away and I don’t think it ever will. There is something timeless about ballroom dancing, which the Strictly Come Dancing show has proved – though don’t get me started on some of their moves.

At times they do push it – and as for the winner this year – he was a gymnast and I didn’t approve of those holds – the other dancer was better in my book, but it’s great that a new generation is becoming as hooked on dancing as we were. There is nothing better than being able to dance.

It gives you confidence and poise and above all, it’s a sociable thing where you all have a good time.”

Wilf Cochrane and his wife Pat

The Dance Floor Challenge 2013, Guernsey’s very home grown Strictly Come Dancing is set to sparkle over two nights at Beau Sejour in aid of the charity - Male Uprising Guernsey (MUG).

MUG has three main aims. To increase awareness and promote education but it also hopes to raise £250,000 over the next three years to be used in ground breaking research into testing, cures and treatments in the areas of prostate, bowel and testicular cancer.

The event, which is organised by GADA is being sponsored by Sarnia Estate Agents who say they are looking forward to the night and would like wish all of the dancers the best of luck!

Over recent months the competitors have been training up at GADA HQ and in just a few weeks they will be strutting their stuff in front of a capacity sell out audience on both nights of the competition.

Here is a run down of the dancers and their partners – and the dance challenges they have been set.

Police Chief Patrick Rice and Celena Tabel featured dance Tango and Group Latin Chief Executive of Standard Charter, Trevor Kelham and Bonnie Lehr featured dance Pasa Doble and Group Ballroom BBC Guernsey’s Euan Mahy and Alice Seager – featured dance Rumba and Group Ballroom Island’s FM’s Claire Brouard and Ant FordParker of Outdoor Guernsey and Chloe Dyke – featured dance Foxtrot and Group Latin Event manager Nikki Symons and Alex Rowe featured dance Jive and Group Ballroom Adam Burrows and Maxine Le Page featured dance Cha Cha Cha and Group Ballroom Company director Karen Michel and Joe Michel featured dance Viennese waltz and Group Ballroom Specsavers’s Audiologist Julie Chammings and John Garrit, featured dance Samba and Group Ballroom Collas Crill’s Zoe Cousens and James Greening featured dance Waltz and Group Latin

HALLMARKS OF QUALITY

Physical gold, silver, platinum and palladium bars and coins from the Guernsey Mint, all sold at VATfree prices. Collect, store or have delivered to your door. Deal in unallocated ounces and exchangetraded commodities.

GUERNSEY MINT BULLION IS REGISTERED WITH THE GUERNSEY FINANCIAL SERVICES COMMISSION. GUERNSEY MINT REFINED IS REGULATED BY AND REGISTERED WITH THE GUERNSEY FINANCIAL SERVICES COMMISSION.

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Precious metal & commodity investment portfolios for individuals, intermediaries and institutions.

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ROCKBEAUTY

The less is more guide to being naturally beautiful this spring

Blourjouis 3D effect Volume and shine gloss £7.69

Rim

k et Loo mel’s W

Rimmel Scandal Eyes Mascara £6.99

liner £

3.99

Spring beauty 2013 keeps it simple.

Glossy lips, subtle eyes with sooty lashes and blushed cheeks is the way to acheive the ultimate look in natural beauty. Think all things pink and you can’t go far wrong! The Rock went crazy in the aisles at Boots The Chemist and scooped up a few top brand favourites which will update your beauty routine – and have you looking naturally beautiful this Spring. The new fresh new looks are more blush than red. Pinks are the big news this season with shimmering lip glosses, sheer lip stains and statement pink matte lipsticks to make your lips look ultra-kissable. And finally….lash on the mascara and finish with a fifties style liquid liner for that big night in or out. .

Soap & Glory A Great Kisser lip balm £9.00

Max Factor Natural Minerals Foundation £3.99

Bourjois Blush £4.99

Revlon’s Colour burst Lip Butter, lollipop £8.00

Rimmel Glam’Eyes Trio Eye Shadow - Orion £6.49

Max Factor Lipfinity Lasting Lip Tint £6.99

Body beautiful

OOH

In association with Aesthetic Skin Clinic

LALA If there is a secret to aging well, then the French must know it.

Actresses like Juliette Binoche 48 or Catherine Deneuve 66, clearly have great insight into maturation process. They defy the notion that growing older gracefully doesn’t need a disguise of surgical facelift.

The fact is, the French prefer a natural approach as Dr John Curran reports...

‘By contrast, French women prefer results that look as natural as possible which is why so many are now turning to resurfacing technology. ‘

I

f there is a secret to aging well, then the French must know it.

Actresses like Juliette Binoche 48 or Catherine Deneuve 66, clearly have great insight into maturation process. They defy the notion that growing older gracefully doesn’t need a disguise of surgical facelift. The fact is, the French prefer a natural approach to beauty, good diet, sun protection and natural beatuy treatments. These include dermatologies but the approach is different. The objective of plastic surgery in France, according to Dr. Michel Soussaline, a Paris surgeon with more than 30 years of experience, is ‘to keep the natural beauty and charm of each individual woman, not to fit some current ideal of beauty.’

After all, trends change. In the United States, he says, women who spend a lot of money on face-lifts want to show off their investments, pumped up lips and smooth cheeks. By contrast, Frenchwomen prefer results that look as natural as possible which is why so many are now turning to resurfacing technology.

Cosmetic medicine has seen a number of really exciting developments over the past years, but few inventions have been as exciting as Intracel according to Dr Soussaline. ‘I had been searching for something that would

Juliette Binoche

really make a difference to my practice of medicine, something fresh, exciting and effective to offer my patients.’

So what is INTRAcel and why I am so excited?

Intracel is a revolutionary skin resurfacing technology that delivers heat energy below the surface of the skin. Traditional resurfacing lasers work by burning the surface of the skin, which means downtime and discomfort. Intracel Fractional Radio Frequency (RF) microneedles directs the RF energy just below the skin providing a comfortable, efficient treatment with minimal downtime.

Intracel combines three effective treatments: radio frequency, microneedling and fractional treatment.

It uses insulated needles to puncture the skin and deliver RF energy below the skin. The spacing of the needles means that healthy skin is preserved which facilitates rapid healing and growth of new tissue. What this means for you is that Intracel causes a tightening and plumping of the skin without causing excess damage to the skin - and who over the age of 40 wouldn’t appreciate that?

Intracel is a fantastic treatment for skin rejuvenation as it can lift and tighten sagging skin, treat wrinkles, large pores, and small spider veins.

body beautiful In association with ASC

‘If there is a secret to aging well, then the French must know it.

Actresses like Catherine Deneuve 66, clearly have great insight into the maturation process.’

What can I expect during my INTRAcel treatment?

A topical anaesthetic is applied about 60 minutes prior to treatment to make the procedure more comfortable. The Doctor will then apply the device to the skin surface releasing the needles and delivering radiofrequency energy in short bursts as the head is moved across the area to be treated.

Immediately after treatment a cool pack is applied to the area for 10 - 15 minutes to minimize inflammation.

What precautions are necessary after my INTRAcel treatment?

Aftercare plays an important role in reducing the recovery time so we apply a soothing serum immediately after Intracel and then over the area with a cool pack for 10 - 15 minutes.

Use a sunscreen to avoid pigmentation from sun exposure. We recommend a factor 30-50 for the first two weeks.

How often do I need an INTRAcel treatment?

Generally a course of 3 treatments about 4 - 6 weeks apart. It is possible to achieve positive results after only one INTRAcel treatment, but most people respond better after - 3 treatments.

For more information please call Aesthetic Skin Clinic. Tel 736699. www.askclinic.co.uk

BODY TALK

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14 Le Bordage, St Peter Port c o n t a c t S t a c e y o n 0 7 7 8 1 4 6 1 6 0 3 o r v i s i t w w w. s t a c e y u p s o n . c o m

ACTIVE BEAUTY’S

MOTHER&

DAUGHTER MAKEOVER COMPETITION Manicure + Facial + Blowdry for two Total Value £250 Simply answer the following question and send to us at The Rock Guernsey Herald Limited Braye Road Industrial Estate Vale Guernsey GY2 4WX or email your answer to info@welovetherock.com closing date for entries Thur 4th April THE QUESTION Which famous American President said: “All that I am and ever hope to be, I owe to my angel mother”

Body beautiful In association with THE DAY SALON

FIVE YEARS IN THE MAKING Jill Chadwick tries out the new Tri Active facial from the Day Salon and ponders why it was five years in the making.

TriActive facials now available at The Day Salon Each treatment finishes with a full hands and feet massage to complete this unique well-being experience. All TriActive facials take 75 mins and cost £63.00 The Youth Activator Intensive replenishment reactivates the plump, peachy-smooth luminosity of youthful looking skin while contouring and detoxifying massage de-puffs to restore definition to features. The ultimate wakeup call for mature skin. This treatment takes 1hr 20mins and costs £63.

The Lifting Line Smoother As skin is retextured and its youth-giving renewal process intensively energised, it instantly becomes smoother, firmer, even lifted and looks refreshed and rested. Just like a week away. This treatment takes 1hr 20mins and costs £63.

The Radiance Reviver Dull, tired, stressed skin is intensively detoxified and recharged with a cocktail of antioxidants and super revitalising plant extracts which restore health and radiance. Think multi-vitamin for the skin. This treatment takes 1hr 20mins and costs £63.

The Moisture Replenisher Intensively replenishes depleted moisture levels in dry, dehydrated skin which immediately restores softness, suppleness, comfort and radiance.

An oasis in the desert that is parched skin. This treatment takes 1hr 20mins and costs £63.

The Skin Healer Sensitive skin is immediately and intensively soothed, calmed and repaired to restore softness, suppleness, comfort and radiance. A cooling, healing hand. This treatment takes 1hr 20mins and costs £63.

The detox & shine stopper Intensively purifies skin, rebalances oil production, tightens and refines pores so oily, combination and even shiny complexions become clearer, smoother, softer and more matte. A fresh start with a shinefree finish. This treatment takes 1hr 20mins and costs £63.

Aromatic Balancer Oily, congested, dry and dull, dehydrated, sensitive... Whatever your skin condition, this customised treatment will rebalance and coax it back to blooming. This treatment takes 1hr and costs £47.

‘This is the first facial that skincare superbrand Clarins has launched in seven years and they’ve gone all out to make it worth the wait. It lasts for 75 minutes and involves more steps, techniques and supplements than you can imagine, with some pretty impressive results stats to match.’

When the beauty therapist told me it took Clarin’s laboratories five years to create the facial treatment she was about to give me, I couldn’t help wondering what they’d been doing for all that time. Five years sounds about right for inventing a high-tech electrical gadget or perfecting a new model of car. But a facial? How complicated can it be?

These supplements are the reason the scientists have been tied to their test tubes for the last five years. They have a high concentration of active ingredients – typically 100 per cent rather than the five to 10 per cent you would find in the retail version. I was about to find out at the Day Salon in Collings Road.

This is the first facial that skincare superbrand Clarins has launched in seven years and they’ve gone all out to make it worth the wait. All TriActive facials last 75 minutes and involves more steps, techniques and supplements than you can imagine, with some pretty impressive results stats to match. It starts with a skin consultation to determine which of the six variations of the facial will suit your specific needs. It’s quite an intense experience – the therapist wants to really get to know your skin, quizzing you on your concerns then checking it by touch to determine the texture, circulation, firmness, puffiness and hydration. She’ll then recommend one of the six TriActive treatments: the Youth Activator, the Lifting Line Smoother, the Radiance Reviver, the Moisture Replenisher, the Skin Healer, and the Detox and Shine Stopper. The consultation doesn’t end there though – it’s called a TriActive facial because

it includes three stages and intensive CLARINSPRO supplements, which are each chosen to address your particular concerns and are only available in the salon.

These supplements are the reason the scientists have been tied to their test tubes for the last five years. They have a high concentration of active ingredients – typically 100 per cent rather than the five to 10 per cent you would find in the retail version. These ingredients include exotic plants, extracts and roots – sea lily, ginseng, passion flower, and so on.

It sounds delightful but unless you’re a dermatologist or a skin care geek, it probably doesn’t mean much to you. The results are easier to understand – in tests, skin hydration was proven to increase by 46.2 per cent and skin firmness by 10.3 per cent after just one of these facials.

Consultation done, it was time to settle back into the massage chair for the treatment. Although it’s called a ‘facial’, this is actually a top-to-toe experience including hand and foot treatments, plus arm, shoulder and neck massages. With the lights lowered and soothing music playing in the background, you’d have to be a very tough cookie not to submit to a state of serene relaxation.

Meanwhile, the therapist is working hard to take your skin through the three stages of the facial: preparation, absorption and optimisation. Preperation involves preparing the skin with a combination of cleansing, double exfoliation and detoxifying lymphatic drainage massage.

The absorption stage is the most personalised and focusses on the skins

absorption of active ingredients with a combination of deaper circulation and absorption boosting massage, supplements and a mask. But the real test is in whether you look and feel any better afterwards. I can’t give you any scientifically proven statistics but I can say that my formerly dry, oily and irritated skin was softer and much more balanced.

It was matte, smooth and had a healthy glow about it – not something I can often say about my complexion.

Combination skin is notoriously hard to treat as what works for one area will react badly on another area. This facial was precise enough to target different parts of the face with different supplements and products. It’s a sign that the therapist wasn’t just pretending to offer a ‘personalised’ facial that it worked so well – all that examining and questioning in the consultation was for a reason. This effect lasted for about a week. But as I’d come away with the therapist’s recommended Clarins products, including Eye Contour Gel to reduce dark circles, and a Pure and Radiant face mask, I have the tools, if not the will power, to get back on track.

TriActive Facials cost £63 and are available at the Day Salon in Collings Road.

Call Racheal and her team on 727191.

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IF YOU THOUGHT A LUXURY BATHROOM WAS JUST A PIPE DREAM...

THEN THINK AGAIN In the fashionable and competitive world of home design, can a traditional DIY retailer really deliver an affordable luxury bathroom experience?

W

e are going mad about bathrooms. Let me give you an insight into the world of washroom insanity. Let’s start with Hong Kong Jeweller Lam Sai-wing who spent £2.4 million on one in his shop made entirely out of gold and precious jewels. The toilet bowls, wash basins, toilet brushes, toilet paper holders, mirror frames, wall mounted chandeliers, wall tiles and doors are all made out of solid 24-carat gold. The ceiling is decorated with ruby, sapphire, emerald and amber and even the floor to the washroom is embedded with gold bars.

The world has gone stark raving mad for luxury bathrooms. Fiscal cliffs might be the concern for most well healed Americans but apparently this doesn’t stop Hotel Victor, on Miami Beach, offering customers the chance to bath in Natural Evian Spring Water.

Closer to home, none of us are prepared to throw money down the pan but at Waitrose you can find Cashmere toilet paper on the shelves. They promise the softest and most prized material, has been used to add an extra layer of extravagance to the sheets of paper, ensuring consumers enjoy the bottom line in comfort. Bottom line my ....

All this talk of extravagance has much to do with our freedom to travel. Us hard working Guernsey types like to get off the rock and as such we seek shelter in some very fine hotels around the world. Whether it’s a weekend at the Royal Yacht in Jersey or a fortnight at a Sandals in the Carribean, our expectations when it comes to bathrooms have heightened ten fold. We’re demanding of luxury because we’ve become used to it. Our own bathrooms must now mirror those we enjoy at the last 5 star hotel we frequented. However, exquisite bathrooms come at a price.

According to Which magazine we spend, on average, £5000 on a bathroom. A further 3000 or so Brits spent over £12,000 on a bathroom. Whereas those figures were the budgets assigned to kitchens, if the research is anything to go by, the bathroom is catching up. Now we expect power showers, underfloor heating, electric mirrors, whirlpool baths, stunning designer tiles and taps that look more like modern sculptures than... well taps.

This new found expectation for bathroom luxury has come at a price but no necessarily any more. Just as they have taken the kitchen world by storm so too the wet and wild world of luxury bathrooms is now available from our local DIY Superstore. B&Q can still do you a ‘bathroom in a box’ for around £100 but they can also deliver luxury for around £1000. Not 12 - as the research might suggest but one thousand pounds.

The Cooke & Lewis range of bathrooms is a quite majestic selection of style and comfort. The shower

cubicles are all stainless steel and low profile shower trays while the baths are sleek, free standing if you like and deep enough to satisfy even the most dedicated bubble bath dweller. Think boutique hotel at B&Q prices and you’re well on your way to a value for money way of realising the dream of a luxury bathroom. ‘Our bathrooms have moved on light years. We combine ergonomics, functionality with style. Their is an extensive range and when you add to this our sanitary ware and tiles the possibilities to create that unique bathroom environment are endless,’ said B&Q general manager Mike Penney.

Strength and durability are also a key component to a Cooke & Lewis bathroom that feature statement pieces such as the Antonio free standing bath (pictured below).

Celebrity architect George Clarke is a big fan of the new ranges available from B&Q and

he believes the quality and design on offer is second to none. ‘I would expect to pay a lot more for these standards. Cooke & Lewis have some really interesting design touches such as cascade taps and the feminine curves of the range of free standing baths,’ said George.

B&Q can also design your bathroom at no extra costs so you can maximise every last inch of space. This may prove invaluable if you’re working in tight spaces such as ensuite facilities in an eves or simply limited to a smaller space.

‘It’s amazing what we can pack into your average bathroom,’ confirms Mike.

B&Q can also supply wet room kits and advise on whether your existing bathroom is compatible. Mike recommends mosaic tiles for wet rooms and says they’re great systems as long as you have the floor void

to fit one.

George Clarke goes on to explain why he likes the attention to detail one can expect from a Cooke & Lewis bathroom.

‘What I really like is how each range is not only distinctive but carries its style through all aspects of the bathroom from sanitary ware through to cup holders, taps and soap dispensers. Pardon the pun, but it ‘flows’ seamlessly.’

Travel has broadened our appetite for finer interiors and the bathroom as arguably the quintessential 5 star hotel bathroom experience is what we to replicate in our own homes. Fortunately, B&Q can now supply that luxury bathroom without you needing to sacrifice the five star holiday to finance it.

“It’s amazing what we can pack into the average family bathroom”

‘I would expect to pay a lot more for these standards.

Cooke & Lewis have some really interesting design touches such as cascade taps and the feminine curves of the range of free standing baths’

George Clarke

Store Address: Admiral Park St Peter Port GY1 2AS www.diy.com www.cookeandlewis.co.uk Tel: 01481 713005

Spring GARDENING The Rock’s new gardening guru Poppy Johnson gets to grips with the first signs of life in the garden.

L

ast year I lost a cherry tree and gained a wonderful new decked area outside my conservatory and, with spring in the air, I am starting to plan how my new outdoor space is going to look.

In February, the garden is beginning to wake up after the cold, winter months.

The first green shoots are taking a sneaky peek through the soil and buds are appearing on the branches, letting you know that spring is on the way! But for me, I am thinking containers – huge trendy statement ones – and lots of quirky pots to fill with early scarlet tulips and daffodils. So each weekend finds me trawling around the garden centres

looking for inspiration – and bargain pots to make my new decked terrace come to life in a colourful display of all things spring-like.

But there are borders and lawns to be addressed too, so if like me, you have neglected your garden over the winter months, it’s time to weed and mulch. If you have any old containers which you have left clogged up with tatty old soil it’s time to throw it away and replace with fresh compost. Nothing is more satisfying than clean empty pots and freshly dug borders ready to be planted.

Frosts can still be a hazard, so keep vulnerable plants protected at night if overnight temperatures are set to

plummet. March winds are on the way too and they are also notorious for their ferocity so check exposed plants are well supported.

But the best part of the pre spring makeover plan is getting out there, getting rid of the winter debris, and looking at your garden afresh.

Wrap up warm and head out on a bright day to carry out a thorough spring clean. Weed and dig over your borders incorporating as much organic matter as you can as those chilly winds will dry out the soil. Remember too, to move moss and weeds from paths, terraces and driveways. They may be boring tasks but if you don’t get on top of the garden

March winds are on the way too and they are also notorious for their ferocity so check exposed plants are well supported.

‘But for me, I am thinking containers – huge trendy statement ones – and lots of quirky pots to fill with early scarlet tulips and daffodils.’ now (especially the weeds!) it will be a nightmare for the rest of the season You don’t have to have a huge garden to make it look inviting this spring – layering statement terracotta pots or funky metal or concrete planters can give you a great outdoors look without breaking your back – or the bank.

For those with a larger garden – which incorporates a vegetable patch, now is the time to dig it over and plant some hardy varieties which can cope with cold weather.

Broad beans (cultivars such as ‘Express’ or ‘Imperial Green Longpod’ are suited to cold weather), but it’s also the right time to plant spinach, early carrots

and shallots. And kind gardeners will always remember to keep putting out bird food in the cold weather and provide access to water. It’s also a good idea, if you have the space, to make a log pile in your garden and help insects and the odd hedgehog thrive.

Clean and repair your garden tools, book the lawn mower in for a service and check your garden furniture for any rot.

Now hit the garden Centre’s for bulbs and ideas on how to fill those borders…..look to see if you have space for some fruit trees perhaps, and get digging!

And the quickest way to make a statement in your garden space is to do what I have done – treat yourself to an

Oxford Planters, the Rolls Royce of garden pots available at www.oxfordplanters.co.uk

amazing new patio set . I opted for a black wicker sofa and chairs ! But what the hell, my deck was crying out for one and I had a L’Oreal ‘because I am worth it’ moment and blew my whole spring budget in one fell swoop.

If you have any questions relatng to your garden then please email Poppy at poppy@welovetherock.com.

In association with

GARDEN TASKS MARCH - APRIL

Prepare, tidy and get your garden looking good and ready for the rewards of spring with Poppy’s guide to this March and April’s jobs.

Pruning roses Remove any dead, diseased or damaged stems from roses this month. On bush varieties, cut stems back to an outwardfacing bud, shortening them by about a third or half.

Pruning shrubs Prune away one or perhaps two flowering shoots from large mahonias each year, after flowering. This will encourage a succession of new replacement shoots to grow up from the base. Old, leggy shoots can be cut right down to ground level or you can stagger the length of stems to create a more interesting shape.

Divide perennials Lift and divide congested clumps of perennials or plant new ones. People gardening on light soils may have completed this task last autumn, but those of us on heavy clay soils benefit from waiting until spring when conditions are warmer and drier.

Pruning clematis Summer-flowering clematis varieties that blossom on the current season’s growth, such as Clematis ‘Etoile Violette’, need to have last year’s growth pruned out now.

Cut any tangled old stems down to a pair of new shoots near ground level as soon as possible.

Fertilising Sprinkle general-purpose fertiliser along the base of hedges and around trees and shrubs, followed by a generous mulch of rotted compost.

Sow tender plants Seed sowing plans should now be in full swing to raise the summer’s bedding plants and tender vegetable crops, such as peppers, cucumbers and aubergines.

By keeping a diary of when all the different varieties should be sown, you will be able to ensure everything stays on schedule.

Most of the bedding plants that need early sowing, such as busy lizzies, lobelias and petunias, will also require extra heat to encourage speedy germination, so you might consider investing in an electric propagator.

Houseplant care Pot on houseplants and ferns into slightly larger pots. Large-leaved plants, including rubber plants and Swiss cheese plants, will benefit from a thorough clean. Wash off dust and grime with a proprietary leafshine product or with cotton wool soaked in milk and water.

Plant summer-flowering bulbs In warm greenhouses, plant pots of summer-flowering bulbs and corms, such as begonias, eucomis, achimenes and gloriosa.

Damping off Protect your trays of seedlings from damping off by watering them with Cheshnut compound or a copper fungicide solution. Keep your seedlings growing strongly in good light.

Fuchsias As conditions start to warm up during March and into April, keep the compost just moist and mist over stems with a light spray of water. Dead stems can be pruned back hard. If you are not sure how far to prune, wait until you see signs of new shoots emerging near the base of the stems and prune back to just above these. Once they start to grow strongly, increase watering, feed weekly and pot up if required.

Crops

Crops to sow outdoors or under cloches include broad beans, beetroots, Brussels sprouts, summer cabbages, leeks, lettuces, hardy peas and radishes.

Tomatoes Tomatoes are one vegetable no selfrespecting Guernsey gardener should be without. Many varieties can be grown outside in summer, with some even thriving in patio pots or hanging baskets.

The earliest crops will develop on plants grown under glass, ideally in a heated greenhouse, but an unheated one will do. Tomatoes are easy to grow from seed, so start sowing now to raise indoor varieties. Sow in a heated propagator to encourage quick germination or grow on a windowsill.

Early blossom Protect flowers on trained or compact fruit trees on frosty nights. Remove covers in the day for insects to reach the blooms.

Hand-pollinate the flowers of peaches and nectarines with a soft brush. Outdoor trees will also benefit from a fortnightly spray against peach-leaf curl.

Transplant evergreens The soil starts to warm up in March, so this is an ideal time to transplant evergreen shrubs and conifers or to plant new ones, including hedges. Planting early means new roots start to grow almost immediately, helping the plants to establish quickly.

Clean greenhouses and frames Wash frames and cloches inside and out with soapy water to clean away any build-up of dirt. This ensures maximum light passes through the glass of plastic to reach seedlings and crops at this dull time of year.

The Cavallo pale-blonde wooden garden coffee-table set comprises one wooden coffee table with plenty of built-in storage space, plus a wooden sofa and armchair – with sky-blue cushions included. Blooma garden and conservatory furniture sets are the perfect way to make your outdoor spaces as beautiful as your indoors.

Blooma Cavallo Wooden Coffee Table, Armchair & Sofa Garden Set £699.00 at B&Q, Admiral Park

Mia Ribbed Glazed Pot 34cm glazed pot with ribbed texture and neutral coloured glaze.

Frost resistant for a longer lasting product.

B&Q £15.00

Large Motif Bowl 31Cm Large 31cm terracotta bowl with organic floral motif. Hand made and frost resistant for a longer lasting product. B&Q £15.OO.

Revive our decking in time for summer. Roneal produce a range of propucts to put the life back into your deck.

Moroccan Planter Natural 43cm terraccina planter with textured finish. Create interest by displaying different textural pots in natural colours together.

B&Q £20.00.

THE GARDEN SHOP B&Q has all you need when it comes to the garden. If you’re looking to revive your deck, garden furniture or lawn then pop down to Admiral Park.

Miracle Gro Organic All Purpose Plant Food 1.5kg bag of plant food for growing organically as it’s 100% chemical free! For use between March and September, the resealable pouch keeps it fresh. From B&Q £4.98

Evergreen Complete For Large Lawns Triple action: Feeds Lawns, kills weeds & kills moss. £24.98 from B&Q

Ronseal Furniture Reviver has been developed to bring old or greyed wood back to a natural colour with minimum fuss or effort. £12.98 B&Q

Ronseal Decking & Reviver is specially formulated to clean and revive timber decking. It will remove unsightly dirt, grease, fungus, stains, algae and mildew, whilst restoring the beauty of weathered wood. £9.98 from B&Q

Ronseal Perfect Finish Decking Stain is the quickest and easiest way to coat your decking. £29.00;

“We wanted to create an intimate dining space in the downstairs restaurant and bring the bar to the front of house so that you can enjoy the views and get involved in the real buzz of the place.

We are proud of what we have managed to create here. If you popped in for a cocktail or dinner at the weekend you could be in any top London bar restaurant�

WELCOME TOLONDON

Along St Peter Port’s seafront, overlooking the marina, a restaurant with a reputation for French/British cuisine has been transformed into a stylish bar and bistro. Born out of London with a thoroughly mediterranean twist.

Welcome to the all new Mora.

Photography by Stacey Upson The sun is just slipping behind the rooftops of St Peter Port and there is the soft sound of jazz coming from Mora’s a stylishly refurbished eatery which would not look at all out of place in London’s Kings Road. But this is a two tier restaurant and bar offering something for everyone. There is no better location as it enjoys a prime spot right on the harbour - and you can almost feel the sea spray from the tide which is only a few metres away!

But rather than rest on his laurels, Mora’s founder and one of the island’s most popular and well respected restaurateur, Nello and Della Ciotti decided that their new restaurant deserved a pre-season revamp and the result is an amazing new place to go and enjoy lunch, dinner or simply a drink at the bar with a difference.

Nello realised that the combination of great food and a stylish and trendy ambiance was what was lacking along the

prime seafront location and he has dished it up in spades in what is fast becoming the liveliest place to eat out in Town. “...we wanted to create an intimate dining space in the downstairs restaurant and bring the bar to the front of house so that you can enjoy the views and get involved in the real buzz of the place. We are proud of what we have managed to create here. If you popped in for a cocktail or dinner at the weekend you could be in any top London bar restaurant. We have created a fun lively establishment but not at the cost of great food and wine. It’s just the most amazing atmosphere and we are very happy to have achieved this,” says Nello.

The staff is ever smiling and with good reason as everyone is enjoying the vibe of being part of something very new for Guernsey’s eating and drinking culture.

Mora could not be more centrally placed in town and offers every sort of wining

and dining experience.

It is aimed at those who fancy a quick after work drink – with tapas nibbles available at the bar. You can adjourn to one of the private booths in on the ground floor to feel part of the action – or head upstairs to dine from the a la carte menu and take in those amazing harbour views.

Arrive for a morning cappuccino at 10 and find yourself still reading papers and chilling out at noon in time for one of Mora’s wooden platters filled with continental cured meat, cheeses and pickled combos. Opt for the chef’s amazing array of specials, tapas or steaks or seafood – and we guarantee that this is a menu that will have to going back time and time again.

There is a fabulous ‘from the grill’ menu and the Rock could not resist the Guernsey diver caught scallops with gin, cream and herbs which are brought to your table to be cooked!

Hams and cured meats hang from the bar and Andre skillfully prepares taster tapas to accompany your cocktails while you prepare for a night of food indulgance in a cosmopilitan ambiance. You become lost in the atmosphere as if the night was taking place along the streets in Barcelona.

Ricardo works his magic

From pastas and burgers to risottos and steak baguettes, the chef dares you to resist.

Head chef Trevor Baines is delighted to be heading up the team – and has embraced the opportunity and risen to the challenge of creating an amazingly comprehensive menu which goes the extra mile on so many fronts.

But it is not just the food which will entice you into Mora.

Ambiance is everything and Nello and his wife Della have worked hard to create a mood board to suit whatever you are look-

ing for from your night out. The chic décor invites you to linger and great thought has gone into the redesign of the interiors – both down in the bar and upstairs in the contemporary and spacious dining room.

Beautiful handmade glass panels create intimate eating booths, while the walls are adorned with flamboyant paintings and beautiful lighting.

Upstairs the island’s rich fishing heritage is embraced by the use of fantastic original photographs of Guernsey fishermen captured through the ages.

But your eyes won’t stay on the walls

for long for outside the harbour literally sits alongside you on your table. By day the marina provides an hour by hour vista of boating activity, while at night the yachts and illuminated castle give you a breath taking backdrop in which to enjoy your meal.

And don’t expect to head home too early. The buzz at the bar invites you to linger that bit later to enjoy a nightcap, listen to the music – or people watch because there is no doubt this is the place to see and be seen.

Mora’s new brasserie menu TAPAS

Head Chef Trevor Baines

Basket of breads, olive oil & Balsamic dips £2.75 Spiced salted Almonds,Marinated Olives (v) £3.75 Trio of Fritters -Parma Ham & Wild Mushroom, Crab,Smoked Haddock & Prawns with paprika mayo £4.50 Rocquaine Oysters (6) £7.75 (12) £16.50 with a glass of Premier Cru Champagne add £6.95 Melted Goat’s cheese with crispy Parma ham & Rocket £5 Pan fried Calamari with Chilli flakes & Chorizo £4.95 Piquillo peppers with Guernsey crab & pancetta £5.25 Chargrilled Chorizo & Rocket Bruschetta £4.75

WOODEN PLATTERS

Prosciutto San Daniele for one £7.90 to share £15.50 Pate, served with pickles & chargrilled vegetables for one £6.95 to share £13.50 Guernsey & Continental cheeses with quince jelly for one £6.50 to share £12.50 Chef ’s tasting platter – A selection from the platters for one £9.00 to share £17.00

SALADS Starter/Mains

Goat’s cheese – Chicory & Walnut, orange dressing (v) £6.00 £12.00 Scallops - Apple & Pancetta, Hazelnut dressing £7.70 £15.00 Tomato & Bufala Mozzarella, San Danielle Parma Ham £7.50 £13.50 Chorizo, Spinach & Pepper Frittata £6.75 £11.75 Handpicked Guernsey Crab & King Prawnswith Marie Rose £7.50 £15.00 Guernsey Lobster Salad Half £12.50 Whole £19.90

PASTAS & RISOTTO Starter/Mains

Mora’s Seafood linguini £8.75 £15.75 Tagliatelle Carbonara, creamy parmesan & pancetta £6.50 £10.50 Gnocchi, roast Tomato sauce,Basil & Mozzarella (v) £6.50 £10.50 Guernsey crab & lemon zest risotto £7.50 £12.50 Aubergine Parmigiana bake, Garlic bread(v) £5.75 £10.50

COOKED AT YOUR TABLE (Flambè)

Guernsey diver caught Scallops, Flavoured with Gin, cream & herbs £15.25 Tiger prawns flamed with Brandy, Garlic, herbs and chilli mayonnaise dip £14.25

FROM THE GRILL

Fillet of local Seabass - Pink peppercorns & Chive butter Herbs, new potatoes & salad £17.00 6oz Fillet steak - Tomatoes, mushrooms & French Fries £17.75 8oz Sirloin steak – Tomatoes, mushrooms & French Fries £18.50 Prime aged Rib of Scottish beef carved at your table (for two), Buttered spinach, French fries £42.00 Choice of sauces – Béarnaise, Pepper or Diane Mora Big Burger - Melted Mozarella, Bacon & Jalapeno peppers £10.75 Escalope of corn fed chicken - Chilli & lime butter, Dauphinoise potatoes & Spinach or salad £14.75 Rump of Lamb - Dauphinoise potatoes, peas and mint Béarnaise sauce £15.75 Meadowcroft Farm Pork & Apple sausages Mashed potatoes & red wine onion gravy £10.00

To make a reservation call Mora on 715053 www.mora.gg

Manager Andre Moreira and assistant manager Francesco Cotza ham it up for the camera

FOODNEWS

Easter is almost upon us so The Rock selects some seasonal recipes including Spring Lamb and a fish dish for Good Friday that yout kids will love. Oh and we have some rather luxurious chocolate eggs.

Minty lamb burgers with gooey Fort Grey cheese

Serves: 4 Preparation time: 5 minutes Cooking time: Approximately 12 minutes Ingredients • 450g/1lb lean lamb mince • 30ml/2tbsp freshly chopped mint or mint jelly • Salt and freshly milled black pepper • 25g/1oz Fort Grey cheese For the Minty Yogurt: 45ml/3tbsp low-fat natural yogurt 15ml/1tbsp freshly chopped mint

Method In a bowl mix together the lamb with 30ml/2tbsp of the mint.

Divide into 4 and shape into burgers. Cook on preheated grill or barbecue for 4-6 minutes on each side until cooked through.

During the last 1-2 minutes of cooking time top each burger with 25g/1oz Fort Grey cheese and allow to melt. For the minty yogurt mix together the yogurt and the remaining fresh mint. Serve the burgers on toasted ciabatta with roasted or barbecued peppers, drizzled with the minty yogurt.

The Rock can now be downloaded digitally so visit www.welovetherock.com and get these recipes onto your iPad!

Bubble and Squeek Lamb brunch Ingredients • 225g/8oz lean lamb mince • 1kg/2.2lb potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks • 450g/1lb green cabbage, chopped • 1 onion, peeled and finely chopped • 30ml/2tbsp tomato ketchup • 5ml/1tsp Worcestershire sauce • 1 egg, beaten • 25g/1oz plain flour • 15ml/1tbsp oil • extra flour, for dusting hands

Method

Place the potatoes, in a large pan, cover with water and cook covered for 10 minutes.

Add the cabbage and cook for a further 10 minutes until the vegetables are tender. In a non-stick frying pan dry fry the minced lamb with the onion, until the mince is browned, stir in the tomato ketchup and the Worcestershire sauce. Drain the potatoes and cabbage thoroughly. Mash with a potato masher and then transfer to a bowl. Add the cooked mince to the mixture with the seasoning, egg and flour, mix thoroughly.

Heat the oil in a large non-stick frying pan, make into individual cakes by dividing the mixture into 8 and using floured hands shape into patties. Cook in batches over a medium heat for 3-4 minutes each side or press the mixture into the frying pan. Cook over a medium heat for 5-10 minutes until golden in colour then invert gently onto a baking sheet and slide carefully back into the pan. Cook for a further 5-10 minutes until golden brown.

Cut into wedges and serve topped with a poached or fried egg and wilted spinach.

Luxury fish pie with Rosti Caper topping This is a wonderful recipe and has proved extremely popular. The base of the fish pie can be made couple of weeks ahead – with one exception and that is the frozen prawns. So plan to defrost it in the fridge for 24 hours while you make the rösti topping. Defrost the prawns, spreading them out on kitchen paper for an hour or so, then push them into the rest, top with rösti and bake. Serves 4-6

Ingredients

For the fish mixture: 700g halibut, monkfish or even Icelandic cod 225g scallops, including the coral, cut in half 110g uncooked tiger prawns, thoroughly defrosted if frozen and peeled 150ml dry white wine 275ml fish stock 1 bay leaf 50g butter 50g plain flour 2 level tablespoons crème fraîche 6 cornichons (Continental gherkins), drained, rinsed and chopped 1 heaped tablespoon chopped fresh parsley 1 level dessertspoon chopped fresh dill Salt and freshly milled black pepper For the rösti caper topping: 1 level tablespoon salted capers or capers in brine, drained, rinsed and dried 900g Desiree or Mozart potatoes, evenly sized if possible 50g butter, melted 50g strong Cheddar cheese, finely grated

Method 1. 1. Pre-heat the oven to 220°C, gas mark

7. Prepare the potatoes by scrubbing them, but leaving the skins on. As they all have to cook at the same time, if there are any larger ones cut them in half. Then place them in a saucepan with enough boiling, salted water to barely cover them and cook them for 12 minutes after they have come back to the boil, covered with the lid. Strain off the water and cover them with a clean tea cloth to absorb the steam. 2. Meanwhile, heat the wine and fish stock in a medium saucepan, add the bay leaf and some seasoning, then cut the halibut in half if it’s a large piece,

add it to the saucepan and poach the fish gently for 5 minutes. It should be slightly undercooked. Then remove the fish to a plate, using a draining spoon, and strain the liquid through a sieve into a bowl.

Now rinse the pan you cooked the fish in, melt the butter in it, whisk in the flour and gently cook for 2 minutes. Then gradually add the strained fish stock little by little, whisking all the time. When you have a smooth sauce, turn the heat to its lowest setting and let the sauce gently cook for 5 minutes. Then, whisk in the crème fraîche, followed by the cornichons, parsley and dill. Give it all a good seasoning and remove it from the heat. 3. To make the rösti, peel the potatoes and, using the coarse side of a grater, grate them into long shreds into a bowl. Then add the capers and the melted butter and, using two forks, lightly toss everything together so that the potatoes get a good coating of butter. Now remove the skin from the white fish and divide it into chunks, quite large if possible, and combine the fish with the sauce.

4. Next, if you’re going to cook the fish pie more or less immediately, all you do is add the raw scallops and prawns to the fish mixture then spoon it into a well-buttered baking dish. Sprinkle the rösti on top, spreading it out as evenly as possible and not pressing it down too firmly.

5. Then, finally scatter the cheese over the surface and bake on a high shelf of the oven for 35-40 minutes. If you want to make the fish pie in advance, this is possible as long as you remember to let the sauce get completely cold before adding the cooled white fish and raw scallops and prawns. When the topping is on, cover the dish loosely with clingfilm and refrigerate it until you’re ready to cook it. Then give it an extra 5-10 minutes’ cooking time.

FOODNEWS continued Guide to becoming a small holder lesson one: LET IT BEE If you feeling like you need to get in touch with your inner ‘Hugh’ then take a leaf outt of Mr Fernley Wintingstall book at try your hand at smallholding. The guide to becoming a Guernsey small holder Bee keeping is the new buzz-word in small holding circles, and an increasing number of islanders are looking into acquiring their own hives. The Guernsey Bee Keeping Association gives us a few basic ground rules to get you started.

Safety first - obviously a bee suit is essential. There are a number of different types of bee suits available, ranging from the simple veil and overall, to two-piece suits with a veil attached. Hive and bees are the next essentials, together with a few necessary pieces of equipment. A hive tool and smoker are the most important.

Before you obtain a colony of bees (possibly a swarm) you would be wise to seek advice about where to place your hive. If your garden is unsuitable, you may need to think about siting your hive in a field or out-apiary. You also need to think about security of the hive, and proximity to any neighbours. Not everyone sees bees in the same light as the beekeeper!.

Swarms

A swarm, in May or June, may be how you obtain your first bees. In a way this is an ideal way to start, as you begin with a

Make it a quick and easy Good Friday with these new Quick to Cook ranges from M&S

Quick to Cook Salmon Lochmuir Salmon Fillet with fresh watrecress sauce

manageable number of bees and grow in experience as the number of bees grows.

There is the consolation of knowing that your new colony is unlikely to swarm again in that season. An early swarm can be very hard working, and, given good weather conditions, may give you a honey crop in your first year.

Handling the bees.

As you grow in confidence, you will want to find the queen (and possibly mark her), and you will be opening the hive to add new frames of foundation and to watch the rapidly expanding brood nest. Here the smoker and hive tool will be essential pieces of equipment. The new beekeeper will quickly learn the importance of patience and preparation: handle the bees with care, do not try to rush and always have necessary (and spare) equipment at hand.

The crop

Later in the season, if you are lucky, you will need to think about extracting honey, about dealing with beeswax. You will need to think about cleaning and bottling the honey, cleaning and storing the wax.

Quick to Cook Cod Fillet with fresh parsley sauce

Have an ‘egg-cellent’ Easter This Easter it’s all about quality not quanity for a touch of luxury this Easter? From traditional milk chocolate to sumptuous dark or white, Waitrose has the perfect egg for you.

Medium Milk Chocolate Hollow Bunny £5.00 from M&S.

Luxury chocolate egg nest, deliciously smooth milk chocolate hollow egg, delicately encased in a decorated milk chocolate wrap £15.00 from M&S

Perfect for hunter-gatherers, M&S 30 pack of hollowed chocolate eggs £10.00

Waitrose Woodland friends spike hedgehog 200g £5.00

The Waitrose Hand Decorated Belgian White Chocolate Egg (£6.99) is perfect for someone wishing for a white egg, which stands out from the crowd with its unique strawberry flavoured chocolate star. The deliciously rich Belgian Milk Chocolate Egg with Caramel Pieces (£6.99) is decorated with white chocolate. The creamy texture of the chocolate is a brilliant contrast to its crunchy caramel pieces. If you are looking for something richer, why not try Waitrose Belgian Dark Chocolate Egg with its zesty orange pieces, and decoration of orange flavoured swirl. (£6.99)

- ON THE ROCKS -

YOUR COCKTAIL FOR LIFE In a new series of interviews, Jill Chadwick talks to our most respected residents about which ingredients make their life a rewarding experience, while challenging the Duke of Richmond’s own resident mixologist, Orlando, to dream up a fund raising cocktail that reflects their unique character. The cocktail will feature on the Leopard Bar menu for a month and will help raise money for various charities.

In the first of the series we talk to Alex Jenner, about why she is so passionate about supporting The Guernsey Cheshire Home – and her love of champagne cocktails.

Alex Jenner works as the fund raising and events co-ordinator at the Guernsey Cheshire Home. She says that the job literally found her – and she loves it.

“I was made redundant a couple of years ago so my kitchen became my office.

I got involved with a few joint MS and Cheshire home charity events, got to know the residents and the job just happened from there. No two days are the same and I enjoy the buzz of working with fantastic people.

heard about a book on Radio Guernsey the other day and got hooked. It’s called Daggers and Men’s Smiles and I would urge you girls to read it too.

What key three ingredients have guided you through life?

Having respect for others – a lesson I learned from my parents; go by your gut instinct, sounds strange I know, but it has always worked for me, and determination. You can’t get anywhere without that. My chosen cocktail ingredients were champagne and fruits……I could not wait to find out my personal cocktail – and what name they found for it!

If I could change one aspect of my role it would be?

Absolutely nothing.

My favourite part of the island is?...

Home, it’s that simple What was the last book you read?...

I am usually hopeless when it comes to reading, my friends will tell you that, but I

I was left speechless in admiration when I met?...

Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson. She came to tea at The Home and I was supposed to take her around and introduce her to people. I was awestruck and really struggled to move her on… she was amazing, and so chatty.

Growing up in Guernsey has meant?

Being safe and community life at its best.

And finally…..Best advice to pass on? Take each day as it comes and be grateful for the life you have.

“I got involved with a few joint MS and Cheshire home charity events, got to know the residents and the job just happened from there”

About Guernsey’s Cheshire Home This is a self-funding charity that provides individual care and support for adults living with severe physical disabilities. All residents have their own specially-adapted and equipped room. Guernsey Cheshire Homes also offers support in the form of respite services and day visitor facilities.

There is an on-going programme of fund raising events.The latest and most innovative project to date is Guernsey’s first lottery draw for a furnished two bedroom town flat.which will raise around £140,000.

Sarnia Estate Agents is behind the idea which will give one lucky ticket holder a flat in a brand new development, Herald Court, in Victoria Road, St Peter Port. The prize will include all legal fees. ‘We wanted to come up with a ground-breaking first for the Guernsey property market, while still raising a lot of money for an important charity,’ said Sarnia Estate Agents managing director Alex Ford. Only 3,000 tickets were available, priced at £150 each and the organisers were amazed at the speed in which they sold. The winning ticket will be picked on 13 April.

Alex’s Blue Leopard cocktail is now available at the Duke of Richmond Leopard Bar. If you order Alex’s cocktail proceeds will be donated to Guernsey Cheshire Home Orlando Abreu is the

Bar Manager at the Leopard Bar and an experienced mixologist. He says he was delighted to take up the challenge of creating a fresh fruity, yet sophisticated cocktail based on Alex’s individual tastes.

Orlando says

“I was told that Alex loves champagne and prefers cocktails with a subtle hint of fresh fruits. I used fine French Champagne as the base for the cocktail, and then added fresh orange and a dash of blue Curacao. I decorated the glass with a rim of blue sugar and a fine strand of orange zest. I think Alex enjoyed her Blue Leopard experience and agreed that it captured her love of life. It now has pride of place on our cocktail list at the Leopard Bar and we are delighted that it will help raise funds for The Guernsey Cheshire Home.

“Furthermore, one observant young lady strongly believed that although local business personalities can get a little pompous from time to time, we mortals shouldn’t use the giving of awards as a chance to prick their ego bubbles with a few choice barbs”

U

I

G

FROM MUSE

Our man at Muse observes islanders going about their business from the comfort of a cappuccino. Some say he’s a retired finance industry arbiter, others say he’s dabbled in local politics and there’s even a rumour he bares the scars of a failed attempt on his life following an incident at a local meat draw.

All we know is, he’s writng about us... all.

Matters ceremonial are the topics of the day The previous evening’s Awards for Achievement is causing much debate amongst the early morning throng of café society. Regular pre-work Musers take up their normal positions, iPads at the ready for the daily updates of SkySports, FT and local news. A local Minister is making use of his government Blackberry while his coffee buddy explains the new proceedings at last night’s awards. He informs his Ministerial friend how he doesn’t beleive the new format is as good as before and would have liked to have seen more ‘alternative’ busineses recognised. He proceeds to then conjure up a list of companies who should be recognised. Everybody from Aurigny and an innovation award for their new Egnos system and Outdoor Guernsey for providing a welcome, younger addition to our tourist industry. He then suggested Guernsey Festival organisers should receive the business galentry award for getting little if any support from government for an event that captured the youth of the Island’s imagination “plough thousands into cultural pursuits but don’t listen to the youth of the island telling you the festival is a really good thing and the brothers who put their houses on the line to do it should have been given some financial support.

The minister in question then changes the subject before he’s asked a direct question about black holes or educaton

standards. My Espresso Macchiato arrives and as I’m nursing a woolly head after staying until the bitter end of the Awards, I treat myself to an Egg Benedict and my fellow Musers also appear to be suffering the ill affects of client hospitality as they too tuck into various forms of breakfast.

One prominent local Jersey businessman arrives swelled by the glow of awards success from the previous evening. Guernsey colleagues greet him with a pat on the back and a rub of the tummy which clearly isn’t welcomed if the table full of empty wine bottles at last night’s awards was anything go by.

The group settled down for coffee and chat through the people they met, the incestuous nature of local business and how bitterly cold Guernsey wind is compared to Jersey. The debate moves on to weather in general and in particular Jersey’s confident claim of being the warmest place in Britain. One of the group points out that ‘when the weather gauge was positioned at L’Ancresse we always beat Jersey temperatures’ and before the Jerseyman could offer up a retort, the bacon sandwiches arrived.

Observing the corner table I spy some banking professionals debating the format of local awards. One suggested a corporate musical chairs whereby five guests from each table move to another table to maximize the ‘networking’

opportunity. Another believes there should be more time at the end for celebration and the ringleader of the group lamented the passing of Peter Rose’s pre-dinner address.

The consensus it would appear, studying all those Musers who are debating the awards during my hour in café society, is an overwhelming pride in Guernsey’s successful businesses and their leaders. `Furthermore, one observant young lady strongly believed that although local business personalities can get a little pompous from time to time, we mortals shouldn’t use the giving of awards as a chance to prick their ego bubbles with a few choice barbs – Business personalities like to be seen to have a sense of humour about themselves but walking to the stage with ‘Sexy and I know’ by LMFO ringing in your ear hardly smacks of respect for one’s achievements for the good of Guernsey.

The throng is now subsiding as most of us go on to the daily grind but I imagine I’ll be back in the morning and the debate would have moved on to Oscar Pistorius or the state of Guernsey’s road closures.

This particular Muser will be back next issue to keep you updated on the hot topics of daily life in Guernsey’s café society.

Food

MY FANTASY DINNER PARTY

Call this a perk of the job but as new editor of The Rock Jill Chadwick has decided to host her own fantasy dinner party.

Venue?

An amazing trattoria in Venice or on some scenic terrace n Tuscany would be top of my list. My dining room at home would be a more relaxed option maybe, but my OCD would kick in big time and I would be bleaching for weeks!

How do you host a celebrity dinner at home? So, I am up in the Italian hills with a massive rustic table set high on a beautiful terrace surrounded by hundreds of lit candles and trailing Bougainvillea.

Wine list?

I love chilled champagne. It kick starts any party – being handed a glass full of cold crisp bubbly is always a treat, so there will be ice buckets full of Franciacorta (Italy’s finest bubbly) to greet my guests. We are in Italy after all, so wine will be flowing!

I have never yet asked for an Italian house wine, red or white and been disappointed. So I will ask the local farmer, there is always one close by, to bring up a wheelbarrow with a couple of crates of each.

Food?

I love Italian food and like the way the Italians keep things simple – and delicious.

The starter will be a selection of Tuscan cold meats, cheeses, juicy olives and vine tomatoes served with the regions golden olive oil and balsamic vinegar dip. Baskets of freshly baked bread to dip into the oil mix will help mop up those first few glasses.

The main course will be a selection of meat and vegetarian lasagnes. My current favourite veggie option is a ricotta and spinach concoction with pine nuts and lots of fresh parmesan...

Bowls of fresh figs and Parma ham and mixed leafy salads will also be served.

For dessert there will be bowls of fresh red berry fruit salads and crème fraiche which helps cleanse the palette. This wll be followed by a killer cheese board.

Dress code will not be casual. Sorry, but

jeans are a no no. For the women Floaty skirts and beautiful dresses…..black tie for the boys please. I think all men look super sexy in black tie.

Guest list

My number one guest has got to be Frank Sinatra. There will be a piano so hopefully Frank will have a couple of bourbon’s and feel compelled to give us a few bars of My Way at least.

Not only was he my late Dad’s favourite crooner, but I know Frank was a legendary story teller – he was on good terms with the ‘mob’ married some beautiful women, and never lost his ability to charm every woman who set eyes on his baby blues.

Bette Davis Is my next star guest. As a little girl my mum would sit with me on Sunday afternoons and we would watch her black and white romantic movies. I still love all things glamorous and that’s down to Bette.

She epitomised style and glamour and she had this steely air which no man ever broke. Tips please Bette.

Adele is my next guest. Fresh from her Oscar win she will be in good form and as a fellow crooner will no doubt hit it off with Frank. There would never be a lull in conversation and everyone would go home happy.

But more boys are needed and I have to indulge my current fantasy and include Bradley Cooper. Apparently he is a nice boy who only likes nice girls.

Finally the guest of honour – and because I can time travel, I would ask my Dad, George to pop by. He won’t enjoy the Italian food, or the wine for that matter, but he will love to sit with his hero Frank. I can get the chance to ask him about all those heroic war stories I was too young and too distracted to be curious about while I was growing up and hear his lovely infectious laugh once again.

The menu Cook’s award winning statement dishes are perfect for the most distinguished guest list. Jill picks her dinner party favourites from over 100 dishes.

Lasgne al Forno Minced beef braised in red wine layered with white pasta and bechamel sauce, with red pesto, basil and a hint of nutmeg.

It’s everything a lasagne should be: rich, creamy, meaty, comforting.

Chicken & Mushroom Lasagne Layers of chicken and mushroom between pasta with a sauce packed with Italian flavours sun-dried tomatoes, basil and garlic - beneath a crisp topping of cheddar cheese and red pesto.

Braised beef in Brandy sauce A grown-up casserole, with tender strips of beef and an intensely flavoured, creamy sauce. Bradley isn’t the only beef on my menu! It’s also my Dad’s favourite.

Glazed fruit tart Ripe mixed fruits with orangescented custard on a shortbread pastry base.

Chocolate and salted caramel tart Decadent chocolate ganache on top of soft, salted caramel in a chocolate pastry case.

To view the full menu visit Cook’s kitchen in The Pollet www.cookfood.net BAILIWICK WIDE DELIVERY

IDO Mat had every faith in Tom’s organisational skills - so let the stag do commence...

“

There is absolutely no way I’m watching that,” exclaimed the groom as his best man whipped out the stag nights pre-dinner entertainment.

The groom, frustrated with his best mates enthusing for a film including four weddings and a funeral, thankfully had a back up plan entitled The Hangover II. The stag weekend had started so well.

Ten friends, one brother and two fathers, one to be in-law and one parental, had checked into the Fermain Valley for what they thought would be a weekend of bonding over a few jars, a round of cards, exquisite food and a night on the town to follow. The best man however, had other ideas. Tom, a school friend, colleague and all round annoyance for some twenty year’s had decided that a quiet weekend at the Fermain Valley was the best place to host a stag weekend for his long suffering but soon to be married best mate Mat. On checking into their rooms the boys, albeit some aged anywhere between 30 and 72, were soon taking a leisurely walk down to the Fermain Beach Cafe for the start of a day drinking Rocquettes, reminiscing about Mat’s past and generally ridiculing the groom for everyone’s amusement. The best man however, had other ideas.

Arriving at a sun-drenched Fermain Bay last August, apparently Tom even organised beautiful weather, and a man in a wetsuit and a handful of lifejackets greeted the party. Before the groom could say “if you think I’m...” he was debagged, shoved in a wetsuit and carried over head by the party and dispatched into lapping waters as the tide rose towards the Fermain bay sea wall. Ant Ford Parker then provided the necessary equipment for the rest of the party to try a session of coasteering. For those of you unfamiliar with the past time it’s essentially jumping and scrabbling across the cliff face. As it turned out it proved to be a huge hit a great way to bond with your fellow stags.

After an hour or so jumping, swimming and screaming like an eight-year-old girl, Mat returned to the shore thoroughly exhausted. Before he could say “I haven’t had that much fun in rubber since…” he was thrown in a kayak and thrust into the water for a quick exploration around the west of Fermain. Best man and groom shared a kayak and argued about who was more useless at rowing that the other, the two fathers set off a pace demonstrating that 70 year olds are fitter than most thirty something’s and our guides from Outdoor Guernsey provided a history and geography lesson as we made our way past caves and unusual shaped outcrops.

Back on dry land the party headed back up the hill in the Fermain Valley courtesy bus and were soon relaxing in the hotel’s heated pool, thoroughly relaxed and unified by their collective coastal adventures, the group prepared for the evening ahead.

First stop was the Rock Garden and a lesson in making cocktails from the bar’s resident mixologist. After the group had proceeded to conjure a whole manner of concoctions involving most of the bar’s exotic contents, they made the short walk up to the Venue for the pre-dinner film. Pearl & Dean has nothing on our best man Tom, who had composed a pre-film presentation of Mat’s first thirty odd years. Odd it proved to be as early photos of young Mat showcased the grooms early years as a cub scout and winning junior prizes for his miniature garden at the North show. Once the

laughter had subsided the boys settled in for the film. Within ten minutes the sumptuous seating and general relaxed ambiance of the intimate cinema had sent most of the party to sleep. That is apart from the two 70 something fathers who decided to leave the rest of the stages to their dreams and head back to the Rock Garden for a pre-dinner drink.

The film over and the boys revived after their nap, the group headed off for dinner at The Rock Garden. Tapas, Sushi and hot plates covered the table as Tom’s pre-film masterpiece was shown on the screens behind Mat as he devoured another seared scallop unaware of the embarrassment being presented out of view. Food and cocktails consumed the boys boarded the courtesy bus in preparation for town. On second thoughts, they soon realised a few night caps around the comfy sofas in the hotel’s welcoming sitting rooms, was more appealing than a night queuing to get into a decibel defying nightclub.

A good nights sleep, a fantastic weekend with friends and memories to cherish, meant Tom was the toast at breakfast the following morning. As the party checked out and returned to the reality of work and Monday mornings our groom was asked if he’d had an enjoyable time by the reception staff “yes indeed” was the reply. The response, “well I hope your fiancé has as much fun as you did next weekend”. “But we’re not getting married for another six,” replied a confused groom. “Sorry sir, I didn’t realise you weren’t aware? Your wife is doing exactly the same next week for her hen night. Although, when she phoned this morning to check how you were, she did say her party might be slightly less….

I think the word she used sir was... lightweight.”

If you would like to arrange your stag party, hen night or wedding at The Fermain Valley then please call 235666.

ROCKFASHION

Pick a season, any season. Chester Barrie will compliment it with their traditional craftmanship with a range of contemporary classics. This tweed affair is perfect for an autumn or winter’s wedding day.

family and her annoying friends might get an invite, but grooming mishaps most defiantly do not.

When preparing to walk down the aisle, the fundamental grooming rules still apply. But there are specific fashion items that can make the big day go without any unexpected hitches. So without further ado, let us explore the necessities...

Suited and booted.

THESUIT

It’s widely accepted that her wedding day is the most important event in a women’s life. But let’s not kid ourselves, it’s pretty important for us guys too. With all eyes on the happy couple, this is probably the one day where you have to look absolutely impeccable – even if you spend the next 40 years with an ever expanding waste line, ageing skin and greying hair. This means no last minute dodgy spray tans, no stubble or shaving rashes, and definitely no body odour. The extended

Well groomed

This classic cut comes from the Chester Barrie stable, and is inspired by the sophistication and craftsmanship of its Savile Row base; a classic shape, beautiful fabrics and great performance combine to deliver a range of highly desirable suits, shirts and ties. Available from Samuel Pepys

A classic pin stripe is business territory but it can also bring a level of sophistication and uniformity to your big day.

Chester Barrie suits from £250 available at Samuel Pepys. What girl wouldn’t say ‘I Do’ to this!

The classic black suit. If it’s good enough for Jude Law then it should be just about OK for you. Jude Law teamed up with Sherlock Holmes Director Guy Ritchie to shoot his latest Dior campaign. He wears the classic skinny fit Black suit and tie. Available from Creasey’s Menswear in the High Street.

If you really want something extra special then a custom or tailored suit will certainly make it a day to remember. Samuel Pepys offer a fitting service through Zegna and Chester Barrie. You can select the style, fabric and even the lining of your choice.

Afordable Savile Row. Suit £349 Jumper £49.50 Shirt £49.50 Tie £29.50 Pocket Squares £9.50 all from M&S.

Summer wedding on the beach?

This Savile Row inspired blazer combo is perfect for hotter climbs.

Blaze £199, Shirt £49.50 and Trousers £99. From M&S

THESHOE

Ted Baker Epipheny toe cap hishine oxford shoes polish up a treat. A formal oxford shoe featuring closed seam toe cap detailing, lace up closure and checked lining. complete a formal look for your wedding day for only ÂŁ120... Ted Baker is available through Beghins.

Well groomed

Barker Shoes Gretna Black Cervo Hi-Shine Toecap Stylish Derby design from Barker.

Available from Beghins priced £194.99

MEN’S JEFFERY-WEST DASHWOOD SUEDE DERBY SHOES Expertly crafted in the heart of the renowned English shoemaking town of Northampton, the Dashwood shoes from JefferyWest are an ideal choice to take up the aisle. The soft suede uppers offer a versatile aesthetic, whilst the signature red laces and lining exude a devilishly stylish finishing touch. Pair with simple suiting suiting and let the shoes do the talking. £284.99. Jeffery West shoes are availabl from Samuel Pepys

Sticking with the understated, the Holman is a simple, elegant, understated formal shoe made from suede for improved durability and Blake stitched enabling the leather sole to be easily replaced when the time comes.

An Oliver Sweeney favourite, the Holman is the ideal choice for a chic look without extravagant trimmings.

Avialble from oliversweeney.com priced £275.00

Red CARPET

TREATMENT Celebrate your wedding day in luxury and style and let the professional wedding team at Fermain Valley take all the strain.

Getting married is an exciting time – or it should be if you have done your homework right and researched the best place to celebrate your special day in comfort, secure in the knowledge that all you have to do is turn up looking fabulous!.

Nobody understands more than we do about how competitive the wedding marketplace is, and we invite those you love to join you for a day we guarantee will be filled with happy moment.

In the run up to your big day our Wedding Co-ordinator will tailor a wedding

experience that will surpass all your expectations. The Venue staff pledge to go the extra mile and offer you a day full of lavish food and wines, beautifully decorated entertaining spaces and smiling happy faces.

Fermain Valley is fast gaining the reputation for being THE place to enjoy a relaxing, stylish and totally memorable wedding day for all the right reasons. And the news gets better and better for this wedding day experience does not need to cost a king’s ransom. We offer a luxury

wedding Venue with the best in contemporary furnishings to suit all budgets and tastes.

And in 2013 you can achieve all this for a promotional £2,013 deal which gives you all the usual wedding day features – and then some.

This is a one stop shop red carpet experience at value for money prices not matched anywhere else.

We offer a choice of three course wedding breakfast menus and the use of The Venue for both day and evening parties.

‘And in 2013 you can achieve all this for a promotional £2,013 deal which gives you all the usual wedding day features – and then some.’

Photography by Nick Despres

The Venue enjoys a stunning outdoor space as its stylish glass balcony enjoys views over the valley and out to sea and is the perfect place to sip champagne and mingle with your guests.

Our professional on site master of ceremonies also promises to keep the event on track and the wine – and the fun flowing throughout the day.

From stunning reception dinners to traditional buffets and simple wedding breakfasts, there is a wide choice of menus and wine options to suit every taste and requirement.

As well as complimentary welcome drinks, half a bottle of wine for each guest and a sumptuous three course wedding breakfast, we also offer the newlyweds a complimentary luxury petal turndown, overnight stay, complete with breakfast. And to show that our commitment to the couple does not end at the end of their wedding day, on their first anniversary we invite them back for a free night to enjoy one of our wonderful garden room experiences.

Whatever wedding day vision you have, we make sure that The Venue at Fermain Valley Hotel to help make it happen.

‘we also offer the newlyweds a complimentary luxury petal turndown, overnight stay, complete with breakfast. And to show that our commitment to the couple does not end at the end of their wedding day, on their first anniversary we invite them back for a free night to enjoy one of our wonderful garden room experiences.’

e g n Cha

TERMINAL

The Rock’s resident travel writer Claire Hendy, has grown tired of Gatwick and is now looking to Europe for her international gateway but do the costs and travel times make it a worthwhile exercise?

Why, why, why do we all feel the need to book flights at the most ridiculous times in the morning? Quite often I find myself getting up at 5am, 4am (even 3am!) to catch a flight from Gatwick.

It’s in-humane, most of these times it’s because I’ve had an overnight stay travelling the evening before from Guernsey and just go for the cheapest option.

Over the last few years (since the invention of the ‘no-frills’ flight) I have found myself booking these ridiculously early flights. What kind of sadist am I? I mean, who wants to start a holiday by getting up at 3.30am? With bad breath and a headache, an expensive taxi ride to the airport, a gross, flabby egg sandwich instead of a proper breakfast?

Who wants to arrive at their ‘fun times’ destination completely and utterly exhausted, and, instead of heading to the beach, be forced to collapse under the air conditioning, awakening at 9.30pm to feel depressed about the wasted day?

And why, I ask you, do we book these early stupid flights? I’ll tell you – to save money!

I regard Gatwick as a necessary evil, an airport so utterly soulless that it would make an excellent set for a Zombie movie. Don’t tell me you like the hustle and bustle and excitement of all those exotic destinations you can check yourself in to. Fundamentally it’s a cattle market where trolley rage is at its most dangerous. ‘Surely’, there must be an

alternative to the horror of the London airport hub (and for those fans of airport themed cinema, don’t call me Shirley)?

My dog has her very own Gatwick. It takes the form of a wire that runs around the perimeter of our home to stop her from wondering off around the parish.

On occasions, temptation gets the better of her and she’ll suffer the shock to get at the juicy rabbits in a neighouring field, she accepts that a mild inconvenience is worth the prize ahead. Now before you animal lovers question the legitimacy of a mild electric canine perimeter wire, the dog is happy to respect the rules not to cross it but when temptation gets too much, the pain before the prize is worth it. She rarely get’s close enough to trouble bright eyes but the lust for the

The calm of the Charles de Gaulle passenger lounge

chase is worth the initial discomfort. So you see, as my dog accepts that to get to the prize it must suffer the pain, so I suffer the pain of Gatwick to enjoy the fun that takes place thereafter.

Thankfully Guernsey residents can avoid the discomfort that is Gatwick.

To be more precise they now have two new options Paris and Amsterdam.

Both of these fine airports fly to the very destinations we’re seeking abroad. But are they another hub of pain or can they save you money and your state of mind.

The first question I would ask is would it be more cost effective to fly away from Gatwick. I put this to the test by comparing flights, times and costs via a number of online travel companies. I’ve always fancied New York so lets consider

the Big Apple through alternative routes.

I’ve picked my dates flying on Feb 27th and returning 5th March - a nice long weekend.

If I fly via Gatwick I’ll pay £621.00 for two adults with FlyBe, leaving Guernsey on the evening of the 26 th to Gatwick.

My night in the Sofitel will set us back £130.80 and the flight out to New York leaves at 13.00 hrs arriving 19.30 hrs. The return flight to Gatwick then leaves JFK in New York at 17.50 hrs US and arrives back on Blighty at 7.30am on the 5th March. Cost of flights £425 each. Total cost for trip £1,601.80.

Now consider the alternatives. Two of us fly to Amsterdam with Blue Islands at 9.45am of the morning of the 26th arriving 14.05 in the afternoon so plenty

of time to enjoy the fun on offer at Schiphol. The flight to New York leaves Amsterdam at 9.15am arriving 11.45am.

The return flights leave JFK on the 4th at 17.50pm and arrive next morning at 7.15am. Then your short hop back to Guernsey leaves Amsterdam at 14.50hrs arriving in Guernsey at 16.40hrs. Cost of Guernsey flights £516.00, one night’s accommodation at CitizenM four star airport hotel £67.00 and return flights to New York through ebookers.com £385 each. A total of £1,353.00. Cheaper than travelling through Gatwick, less time flying and more time holidaying.

Finally can Paris offer a further cost and time effective alternative? Once again I’m travelling between the 27th February and 5th March. My flights to Paris from Blue

Those flying to Amsterdam or Paris from Guernsey (via Jersey) will enjoy a complimentary lunch and full complimentary bar service. There are also no baggage charges (or excess baggage charges), no charges for booking with a credit card of debit card and free ticket changes.

Islands leave Guernsey at 9.25am on the 26th arriving Paris at 13.35hrs. A night at the Pullman airport hotel at Charles De Gaulle, Paris is £82.00. We then leave Paris at 6.25am the following morning and arrive at JFK 12.40pm. After five full days we return to Paris 18.30hrs on the 4th March arriving 5.00am for a Guernsey flight at 15.15hrs landing 16.40hrs. Blue Islands flights £516, hotel £82.00 and New York flights times two 320.88. Total for Paris route £1,239.76.

Therefore, not only can you avoid the perils of Gatwick but you also get more holiday time and it costs less as well.

Let’s also not forget the hotels are both four star, within walking distance of the terminals and better value than Gatwick.

Alternative travel options could also become even better value for money as charges at Gatwick continue to soar, penalising smaller, regional airlines with untenable operating costs. Gatwick airport has recently announced that they intend to develop a second runway, which will inevitably result in the airlines and their customers footing the bill.

Rob Veron, managing director of Blue Islands, says passengers are already starting to explore other options to avoid travelling through the UK when connecting for international travel.

“Initial sales on our Amsterdam and Paris routes surpassed every expectation since announcing them last month and our Zurich route continues to grow as passengers realise the benefits of exploring better options for European and international travel without having to connect via Gatwick or Heathrow.”

“The changes at Gatwick are presumably going to be funded by further increases in charges that ultimately will be

paid for by the travelling public. Gatwick is seemingly less interested in smaller regional carriers who operate the smaller aircraft types. To think that smaller regional operators have the ability to lobby Gatwick is fanciful. The saving grace is that there are other ways to access the capital and European hub airports for international travel, which is key to the economic development of our islands.

For worldwide travel, connecting through Zurich, Amsterdam and Paris, Charles de Gaulle airports not only provides a far wider choice of destinations for passengers, there are no APD charges and shorter travel times than connecting through Gatwick and the subsequent land transfer to Heathrow. “ APD tax was increased by 8% last April with further increases planned this year.

APD charges of up to £184 are levied on international flights departing the UK. Gatwick may not be winning awards for popularity but Paris has had its own challenges in recent years. “In years gone by Charles de Gaulle had always been very much focused on Parisian passengers, when the priority should have been on appealing to foreign visitors,” said Alexandre de Juniac, who took over last year as chief executive of Air France, having a state-of-the-art hub in Paris is more than a matter of competitiveness: it is a question of survival. “The structural and commercial success or failure of Charles de Gaulle is the success or failure of Air France; we are in the same ship,” Mr. Juniac said. “If there is a problem of reputation, we will tackle it together.”

The first step has been a substantial upgrade, which includes roughly 2.4 billion euros ($3.2 billion) in new infrastructure investments by 2015. Amsterdam’s

Schiphol airport has also been upgraded.

For example, the airport opened an “innovative gate” last year – an experiment with technology giant Philips to make the gate experience more inviting and fun.

The seating area looks more like a funky bar area than a holding room. If you have time to contemplate the beauty of period art, Amsterdam Schiphol has also recently built an annexe of Amsterdam’s renowned Rijksmuseum in the departures area.

Here there’s an impressive collection of drawings and paintings from the Golden Age: a period in Dutch history dating back to the 17th Century.

Holidays are always a good excuse to indulge yourself in a luxury or two, and sipping a cocktail is not something you would associate with your average airport terminal experience. “The Bols Genever Cocktail Experience” at Holland Boulevard in the departures lounge is a place where you can order your favourite cocktail by touch-screen. Your virtual bartender will show you how to make one yourself, then take your printed receipt to the Dutch bar where your drink will be created with pizzazz.

It would appear both Paris and Amsterdam have a great deal to offer us. Cost effective travel, convenience and airports that don’t leave us feeling shocked.

Flo Brasserie at Charles de Gaulle ranked as one of the top ten airport dining experiences in the world

Fly direct to the global gateways Amsterdam, Paris and Zurich with Blue Islands

Schiphol

Schiphol

The spa at the Pullman hotel at Paris airport

FAMILY SUMMER HOLIDAY

OFF YOUR ROCK

on a budget If you thought a family holiday was out of your budget this summer then think again. With the help of our friends at Condor we bring you some value for money holiday ideas for those looking for a convenient and inexpensive break for a family of four.

EDEN PROJECT

LE MONT SAINT MICHEL

We chose three destinations and compiled a holiday on a budget. Consider it a fully inclusive programme that will keep you and your children entertained for the duration of your holiday.

So pack up the car, head down to the harbour and prepare for some great family fund days out in Jersey, Cornwall and mainland France. Each destination offers a wealth of places to go, things to do, affordable eating out experiences and quaranteed quality time with the family.

You can camp out under the stars in a safe environment, enjoy four star pampering and quaint holiday cottages. Who needs long hall when the gateways to the UK and Europe are on your doorstep. Set off from the comfort and conveninece of your car and from the minute you step onboard your holiday begins!

CAMPING ST AUSTEL

LA VILLAGE GAULOIS

FLAMBARDS THEME PARK DURRELL WILDLIFE CAMP

ST MALO BEST WESTERN ST MALO AQUARIUM

RIVER COTTAGE, PENZANCE

CORNWALL

TRAVEL

£1500

Car, two adults/two children (return) WHERE TO STAY The Waterwheel appartments St Austel WHAT TO DO Eden Project x family ticket Farmnouth Family theme park family ticket EATING OUT Lunch at River Cottage Penzance 6 x evening meals for family of four FUEL 400 mile on avg family saloon

£345

£464 £62 £44 £50 £200

AMAIZIN MAZE

JERSEY

BRITANNY

£972

£1160

TRAVEL Car, two adults/two children (return)

£217

TRAVEL

WHERE TO STAY (4 nights) Durrell Wildlife camp

£395

WHERE TO STAY Best Western St Malo WHAT TO DO St Malo Aquarium Le Village Gaulois in Brittany

WHAT TO DO Durrel x family ticket free with camping Amaizin Maze family ticket £40 Creeply Valley fun day family ticket £65 EATING OUT Lunch at Crab Cabin (St Brelade) £50 3 x evening meals for family of four £120

£85

FUEL 60 mile avg family saloon

£35

SPENDING MONEY

£250

SPENDING MONEY

£100

TOTAL:

£1500

TOTAL:

£972

Car two adults/two children (return)

£265 £260 £65 £35

EATING OUT Four x evening meals and lunches

£200

FUEL 400 mile avg family saloon

£85

SPENDING MONEY

£250

TOTAL:

£1160

Guernsey Gas are offering Vaillant ‘A’ energy rated condensing boilers installed from just £27 per month with 5 years Interest Free Credit.† We’ll also give you a Free CombiSave Energy and Water Saving Valve, worth £129, when you buy your boiler.

Call 724 811 or visit The Energy Centre, Admiral Park. www.gsygas.com † Subject to survey and status, conditions apply.

PLUS 5 years warranty

A SMILE CHANGES EVERYTHING Charity begins at home but when you can help transform the lives of chidren throughout the world, one local finance institution were only to pleased to help ...

Elvis has a cotton chum to hold close to his cheek. It helps distract nosey eyes from taking sneaky peeks.

Because sneaky peeks if left to roam - will stop below his nose, from there they turn to pity stares and Elvis cant stand those.

Francisco’s story Francisco from Brazil was born into poverty with a cleft lip and cleft palate. His family struggled to understand their child’s condition. They simply couldn’t fathom why he had to endure so much suffering while they were powerless to help.

When they learned about Operation Smile, the family travelled five hours to the medical mission in Brazil with the hope that Francisco would be able to have surgery. Thankfully, he did. Returning home with a smile, Francisco’s life has been changed forever.

T

he film clip lasts a bare three minutes but nobody who sees the reaction of the little girl seeing herself smile for the first time, will ever forget it.

The child is one of the thousands to benefit from the work of the Operation Smile charity which works in 60 countries world-wide carrying out life changing cleft lip and palette correction procedures. And women in Guernsey have been doing their bit this year to help bring dozens of smiles to children whose lives have been blighted by cruel deformities.

Operation Smile is the chosen charity of this year’s Women at One lunch group, which is sponsored by ABN Amro, and the organisers report that the charity has proved a very popular one with its membership.

“At the time we proposed Operation Smile we did wonder if it being an off island charity might not be well received, but we need not have been worried,” explains Justine Mallett who is one of the co organisers of the group.

Since September 2012 the charity lunches – which have attracted a diverse and well respected list of women motivational speakers - has raised over £5,000 for the charity and hopes to raise much more.

The Christmas fund raiser was attended

by Alex Talbot, the CEO of Operation Smile who chose to simply introduce a brief film clip showing how a quick and inexpensive surgical procedure, carried out by medical volunteers, changed the life of one child.

The image is so much more powerful than any speech I could have given, “she says.

“The work carried out by our volunteers is very humbling and I don’t think anyone can fail to be impressed by the impact on the lives of the children and their families”, explains Alex.

She joined the charity from a high ranking corporate post with Virgin – and found herself hooked.

Pintor from Columbia received an Operation Smile procedure which took as little as 45 minutes and costs just £150, with doctors and nursing staff from all over the globe volunteering their time and expertise to make those all-important life changing operations happen.

The objectives of the company are to protect the physical, mental and emotional health of children with facial and functional deformities around the world

‘So far the ABN AMRO Women at One lunch series has funded just over 33 operations.’

Alex Talbot

“I was never supposed to work in the marketing department of the charity for longer than a few months, but I came and never managed to walk away.”

She is humbled by the support given by the women of Guernsey and can’t quite believe how much a relatively small group has managed to raise.

“We are able to send’ before and after’ pictures showing members the children who have benefitted from the Guernsey lunch meetings. At HQ from the start of the year last September, we all said, wow this is amazing, this group is really making things happen….I just had to fly over and see for myself what this vibrant

group was all about. We have huge corporate events in the City of London and they don’t raise the level of funds you do here.”

So far the ABN AMRO Women at One lunch series has funded just over 33 operations. Each procedure can take as little as 45 minutes and costs just £150, with doctors and nursing staff from all over the globe volunteering their time and expertise to make those all-important life changing operations happen.

“Our goal for the year was to raise 25 smiles”, explains Justine. “We have amazed ourselves by smashing that

target in just 3 months! The charity had made a poster just for Women at One with all the “before” photos of 30 children and, as and when we raised funds, they would send us the “after” photo so that we could really show just the impact our money was having. Well now we are having to ask for another poster! It’s just brilliant, and the ladies of Guernsey have been fantastic.”

About Operation Smile Alex Talbot tells the story.

“Operation Smile is an international children’s medical charity that provides free surgical care to children born with cleft lip, cleft palate and other facial deformities in more than 50 countries throughout the developing world. We were founded over 30 years ago, on the belief that no child should suffer or die because of a facial deformity and that every patient treated by Operation Smile should benefit from the same sophisticated equipment, procedures and highly trained medical professionals as children in the developed world receive.

Our commitment to training local doctors, strengthening sustainable healthcare infrastructures and fostering a spirit of volunteerism is paramount.

Since 1982 our network of communitybased volunteers has grown to over 5,000 medical professionals worldwide.

We have provided more than 200,000 free surgeries and over 2 million comprehensive medical evaluations.

Every 3 minutes a child is born with a cleft lip and/or cleft palate making clefts the 3rd most common birth defect worldwide. In the UK a cleft will be corrected by the NHS within months of birth; in less developed countries, children are not so lucky. An estimated 70% of clefts worldwide go untreated.

One in 10 babies born with a cleft will die before their first birthday.

The rest face a lifetime of severe social isolation and medical complications to simply breathe, eat and speak properly. Aside from financial barriers to corrective surgery, many developing countries have fewer than three specialised surgeons while their backlog of untreated patients is in the tens of thousands.Yet surprisingly, reconstructive surgery can take just 45 minutes and cost as little as £150.” www.operationsmile.org.uk, tel: 0844 581 1110 .

‘One in 10 babies born with a cleft will die before their first birthday. ‘

STRIKE W UP THE BAND On a balmy summers day at any one of the island ‘s key events it is almost a given that there will be the sounds of Guernsey’s Scout band playing tunefully and with gusto somewhere not too far away.

hether it is the Liberation Day celebrations or the North Show, the band can be relied upon to put on a show – and they also have a full concert diary at home and further afield too. But what sort of commitment is required to ensure that they continue to provide the top quality entertainment which is now expected of them.

The band cuts through all ages and walks of life – members all simply share a love of music and the ability to perform as a group.

The Rock joined bandmaster Ian Gaudion as he put the band members through their paces at one of their regular practise sessions at the Rue Mainguy Headquarters.

Ian Gaudion joined the scout band back in 1984 with no formal musical training, just a will to learn how to play a musical instrument.

Decades later he is the band master in charge of bringing the 30 plus group together on a weekly basis, and providing them with musical challenges to delight the many audiences they entertain during the year He sees the Scout Band as an important musical opportunity for those who may not have had the chance to learn an instrument at school.

“I don’t remember my parents ever telling me that the school had sent a letter offering me the chance to play an instrument – but the chance came to join the scout band and I took it. The band really does allow anyone who may

have fallen through the net on the music front, to come along and be taught to play an instrument of their choice”. He says.

But while they play at regular events locally, the band also likes to stretch itself and perform in the Uk whenever possible.

“The band has now travelled to Manchester for four years to take part in the Greater Manchester Marching Band competition, and it is one of the highlights of the year.“ There are three elements, the concert section, the parade section and the arena display section where you have to march and play at the same time. Last year was the first time we had taken part in this and we won all seven trophies.

It was amazing and a real triumph for the band and shows their commitment.

I did wonder how we would get on and I had watched other bands to enable me to get a bench mark of where we were on the performing scale, but it was great to win. We do fund some of our travel ourselves, but we are also grateful to the Arts Commission who helped us too.”

The band meets on Monday evenings for general band practise with an extra meeting on Thursday for an hour in the run up to Eisteddfod and competition events.

“We try not to overwhelm the band as I have seen other bands do too much and implode. We work hard to keep our band together and the emphasis is very much on having fun. We are serious about what we do but you have to make

“In the band I play the clarinet but I can also play the saxophone. It’s a fun thing to be part of and I really look forward to playing.”

Bethan Batiste

“I joined as a youngster and ended up as bandmaster and without a doubt have come to be one of the most important things in my life.”

sure you have a good time too.”

The Guernsey scout band has forged links with the 3rd Davey Hulme Scout and Guide Band who run the Manchester competition, and they make it a weekend of fun for both bands.

“Locally though we perform at around 20 events throughout the year including the North and West Shows, the Battle of Britain church parade and last year we were asked by the local British Legion to lead the remembrance service which we felt was a real honour as it is a high profile event. We also like to feel that our young members are getting involved and are encouraged to think about conflicts that have happened decades ago – and are still happening today.

At present we have 32 playing members of the band and four support members who help train novice musicians. You don’t have to be skilled or experienced to join and we are always looking for new people to join us. There are certain pieces of music which need a full band so you have to allow for people being away or ill so we are always happy to have new members join. There is no age limit you just have to want to play in the band and give a commitment to come along regularly. It’s a great atmosphere and we all get along in

many ways the band acts as a PR machine for scouting as it is very visible and also is seen to support so many areas of community lifeAt Christmas one of our favourite places to play carols is the King Edward Hospital. As we were playing this year I looked around and there were so many of the patients smiling and tapping their feet. The atmosphere was amazing and I was proud to be a part of it.

I joined as a youngster and ended up as bandmaster and without a doubt the bad has come to be one of the most important things in my life.”

To find out more about joining the Guernsey scout band you can email ijgaudion@cwgsy.net or call him on 07781 153 131

Profiles Kerry Pollard “I represent part of the drum section and you could describe me as one of the band originals. I first joined the band in 1984. I really love playing and have come into it and out of it over the years, but throughout my time I have always enjoyed performing and perhaps the most rewarding part of it all is helping the younger members and being around to see when suddenly it clicks and they to grips with their chosen instrument. The band plays at so many local events but I think my highlights are Liberation Day and the shows.

Bethan Batiste (14) I started playing a musical instrument with the Schools Music Service and moved on to the scout band more than four years ago.

It’s amazing to be a part of the band and I really enjoy playing. In the band I play the clarinet but I can also play the saxophone.

I come to the main practise every Monday and on Thursdays we have extra sessions for Eisteddfod and concert work. It’s a fun thing to be part of and I really look forward to playing.”

Will Dodd (15) I joined the band about three years ago and enjoy the Monday night practises. I like meeting up with my friends and it also helps with music GCSE studies at La Grande Mare High. I play the drums and side drums, and I would say for me, the highlight of our year is playing in the arena at the North Show.

ARTSROCK

Are you uplifted by the talents of the gifted?

The professional dilettante The Rock’s new resident poet Stephen Roberts started writing song lyrics in the late seventies/early eighties for bands he played bass in.

Here he talks about why he is a Jack of all trades literary‌.and master of none

I am a poet. There I said it, you made me confess; but what does it mean to me, or anyone for that matter? I can’t say I’m a proper poet, a classically trained poet, that I spend my time writing sonnets and villanelles. I never really read much poetry either, though I did use to pore over the deep and meaningful lyrics that usually graced gatefold albums.

My one memory of poetry class at school perhaps explains my half-hearted attitude to the art form. Our English teacher introduced us to Robert Browning’s “The Pied Piper of Hamelin” and decided it would be a good idea for his students to read out the poem in class, two lines each, starting on his right.

I am second up, and when my turn comes, I begin to deliver lines three and four;

The river Weser, deep and wide, Washes its wall on the southern side; “No, no, stop, stop!” he cries as I finish line three.

“It’s the river Weser, pronounced “Vazer”, not “Weezer”” he scolded “the W is pronounced as a V. Start again.”

It seems I have failed a basic test of German - in an English lesson.

So I go again. Eyes down, concentrate, W is a V, W is a V...

The river Vazer, deep and Vide, Vashes its Vall on the southern side...

“Get out”

‘Now and again the poetic form did make a fleeting appearance on my radar, in the shape of punk-poet John Cooper-Clark and some of John Lydon’s work, though of course it must be mentioned that you wouldn’t invite either of these chaps to a sedate poetry reading with tea and cake.’

So that was that; I forgot about poetry, who needs it when punk is exploding into your parents’ beige living room? Do you need a classical poetry education to bang out three chords and rhyme “alienation” with “frustration”?

New Wave followed punk and I just carried on and wrote down anything that sprung into my mind, as long as it was to do with lost love and distant horizons.

The doomy material went into song lyrics instead, which suited the post-punk Joy Division landscape that had now emerged.

Now and again the poetic form did make a fleeting appearance on my radar, in the shape of punk-poet John CooperClark and some of John Lydon’s work, though of course it must be mentioned that you wouldn’t invite either of these chaps to a sedate poetry reading with tea and cake.

A light bulb moment came in 1982 courtesy of goth rock band Bauhaus with their single “Kick In The Eye”. They were ‘searching for Satori’ – the ‘kick in the eye’, a moment of enlightenment, and as far as I could work out, it was all to do with Buddhist philosophy and the Japanese Haiku poetic form. So I carried on scribbling away, searching for that enlightenment whilst keeping hold of my romantic idea of the poet, the writer who crafts achingly beautiful verse, preferably in an attic, which will lie undiscovered until after his tragic early demise.

Gradually though, my artistic leanings

fell by the wayside for a few years as I knuckled down and joined in with the rat race, selling out to consumerism, Thatcherism and whatever other -isms there were during the 80s and 90s to describe the selfish pursuit of material wealth.

But there were artistic stirrings...

In 2005 the Guernsey Press called for submissions to mark the 60th anniversary of the Liberation, the subject being “Freedom”. I decided to contrast the freedom of 1945 with the perceived freedoms of our modern day financeled economy against a backdrop of increased binge-drinking and lewd and louche behaviour on the streets. Amazingly I was name-checked in the Press and some printable parts of my “spirited rant” were reproduced in print. Am I (partially) published poet now then?

Every few years the poet within resurfaced and in 2010 inspired me to send a poem off to the “Poems On The Buses” competition run by the Guernsey Arts Council. It was one of the 33 poems selected and so I became a published poet (again?) when my art spent a couple of years travelling round the Island on bus number 700034.

On New Year’s Eve 2012, my wife’s sister got married and they asked me – commissioned me if you will – to write a poem to be read out at the ceremony.

I know, on paper it doesn’t sound much, but being asked was nice, and then suddenly it became quite daunting, because I started thinking is this what it’s like to be the Poet Laureate, suddenly expected to produce a work for some

State occasion or Royal baby announcement?

The pressure’s on, but it’s made easier by knowing some essential facts about the wedding couple. Nothing rude or controversial though, leave that to the Best Man. The poem even had to be vetted by the wedding Registrar, presumably for the same reasons, to see that the holy act of marriage wasn’t going to be belittled by some tawdry verse chock full of sexual innuendo.

Then the big day comes, and I find I’ve no idea when I’m scheduled to read the poem out, as there is no printed order of service! Then suddenly I’m on and after a shaky start, deliver the meisterwerk to the captive audience of about 100 people. It seems to go well and at the end there’s a big round of applause – feel the love in the room - I am on a poetry high!

Then it’s over, back to my seat, my hands are not raised in the air, I am not shouting “Thank You!” Depeche Mode or Muse-like to the audience, and I resist the urge to crank out another rhyme.

Afterwards I am congratulated on a job well done by a good cross section of the audience, even in the gents, where I am prepared to relax my “never talk to someone in the toilet” rule to graciously accept their praise.

So maybe I’ve found out what poetry is – something shared, not hidden away for posterity in an attic, something that touches the listener or reader.

Maybe it’s not quite as high minded as Satori, but it comes pretty close.

‘The poem even had to be vetted by the wedding Registrar, presumably for the same reasons, to see that the holy act of marriage wasn’t going to be belittled by some tawdry verse chock full of sexual innuendo.’

The Carpenter by Stephen A Roberts The bent nail stares at me accusingly,

About the poet

Useless

Stephen Roberts lives in Guernsey and started writing song lyrics in the

The Carpenter says nothing as

late seventies/early eighties for bands he played bass in. He works in IT

I place another and drive it in

in the finance industry and his interests include music, snow-boarding,

Hoping to miss the tendons this time

reading and having a few beers with friends.

Sponsored by

Some of His blood touches me But I don’t feel blessed

JN4026.indd 2

26/11/2010 08:43

Guernsey Symphony Orchestra Basically Beethoven Saturday 16th March 2013, St James Concert Hall Conductor: Nicholas Cleobury Violin soloist: Ruth Palmer Programme: Overture Die Wiehe des Hauses Op. 124 Violin concerto in D Major, Op. 61 Symphony No. 7 in A Major, Op. 92

Tickets £15, £12.50 and £10, students half price, £6 restricted view Ticket Hotline: 711361 or www.guernseytickets.gg www.gso.org.gg

WHAT’S ON

A round up of events taking place on the museum, arts and entertainment front

Copyright: Martin Parr / Magnum Photos

Brian White Gallery 25 May to 3 November

Brian White Gallery

The Sixties are Back!

Marking the 50th anniversary of the Beatles performing at the Candie Auditorium, the Museum will be celebrating the music, clothes, lifestyle and local stories from the swinging sixties.

22 March- 12 May Martin Parr - Liberation The world premiere of a new exhibition by Magnum photographer Martin Parr, who carried out a commission in Guernsey during the 2012 Liberation celebrations.

Mounted in association with the Guernsey Photography Festival. Plus Foyer display of the Shaw watch collection.

St James

St James Saturday 9 March Guernsey Winds present ‘A Spring Concert’ with special guests Guernsey Bel Canto conducted by Christine Anthony. The Guernsey Symphonic Winds return with an exciting programme to please all. This vibrant ensemble now has a large following both young and older so get your tickets early.

Phillip Spark A Timeside Overture Percy Granger The Immovable Do Jean Sibelius Finlandia Barry Gray Thunderbirds Schonberg Music from Les Misérables The second half of the concert opens with a selection

of swing numbers from the GSW Big Band. Adding a vocal contrast is Guernsey Bel Canto, all ex-members of The Guernsey Girls Choir and very popular with local concert goers. They perform Five Hebrew Love Songs by Eric Whitacre accompanied by Stephen Le Prevost on piano and Sarah Van Vlymen on violin and then join forces with GSW in a choral version of Finlandia by Sibelius.

Tickets £10, £8 senior citizens and students, schoolchildren free, £8 restricted view.

Mon Mar 4 and Tue Mar 5 8.00pm Oddsocks Productions The cheeky chappies and lovely ladies of the renowned R.O.G.E.R RADIO company are back to transport you from the comfort of your seat to the centre of the earth with this evening of live radio interpretations of Jules Verne’s JOURNEY TO THE CENTRE OF THE EARTH and Bram Stoker’s THE LAIR OF THE WHITE WORM. Oddsocks are back to create an evening of hilarious homage to the heyday of radio.

Tickets £16 (£14 FOSJ), students £12.

Pre-show suppers in Jimmy’s. For information, menus and reservations Tel. 714175.

St James Saturday 16 March 2013 Credit Suisse Series GUERNSEY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA ‘Basically Beethoven’ Guest Conductor Nicholas Cleobury Guest Soloist Ruth Palmer (Violin) Beethoven Overture: Die Weihe des Hauses, Op. 124 Beethoven Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 61 Beethoven Symphony No. 7 in A Major, Op. 92 Described by Anna Picard from the Independent on Sunday as “the most distinctive violinist of her generation” and winner of a Classical BRIT award for her debut recording with the Philharmonia, Ruth Palmer performs Beethoven’s Violin Concerto

in D Major, one of the most important works in the violin repertoire. She has performed across Europe, Asia and Australia with leading orchestras and conductors and held scholarships at Wells Cathedral School, Purcell School, Royal Academy of Music and the Royal College of Music, later holding the RCM Mills Williams and Ritterman Junior Fellowships. The Orchestra welcomes back esteemed conductor Nicholas Cleobury who has conducted all the major UK orchestras in Europe, Hong Kong, Scandinavia, Singapore, South Africa and beyond and works regularly for the BBC and Classic FM. Tickets £15, £12.50, £10, students half price, £6 restricted view

The Greenhouse Gallery Thursday 14th February – Wednesday 3rd April Etched in memory ‘A discovery of past photographs taken by Grut’s photographers; a chance to trigger some memories…’

The Greenhouse Gallery Opens Thursday 11th April Living Positive ‘A unique project, which explores living with or being affected by HIV through photography’

Guernsey museum

Jan 26 - May 12 THE PROFESSOR SHAW COLLECTION The public debut of this stunning collection of antique watches generously gifted to the Museum by the late Honorary Professor J L Shaw. Each watch is a miniature work of art.

Death of a Language?

In this our first History Man focus, Jason Monaghan examines the demise of the Norman languages of the Channel Islands.

Of the 6,500 languages on the planet, over half are in danger of vanishing in this century. Each year, we hear that some have been lost, or that the final speakers have no-one to talk to. So can a dying language be saved? Language is part of our heritage, like historic buildings or works of art. A building or a painting can be preserved by careful conservation and the expenditure of cash. We want them to stay unchanged for future generations to enjoy, but the same cannot be said of language. I never say “gadzooks” in regular conversation and Shakespeare never “skyped”.

Several minority languages are found in the British Isles. Welsh and Gaelic still survive the tyranny of English, Cornish and Manx had all but died out before being

revived. The Norman languages of the Channel Islands are however stuttering towards extinction. The language of Alderney has been lost and only a handful of people now speak Serquais. In Jersey there is a rearguard action against the loss of Jerrais, and in Guernsey there is a narrowing window in which to ‘save’ Guernesais.

Broadly these are versions of Norman French which pre-date the standard French we know today. Guernesais was not a written language, so there is no formal grammar or spelling and there are even differences in pronunciation across the island. As a largely ‘country’ language it was frowned upon in schools and as the twentieth century wore on, some people became ashamed to speak it. The War

dealt a heavy blow to the language with half the islanders evacuated, deported or joining the forces, even if the others used their language to spite the Nazi.

Perhaps 200 to 250 native speakers remain, most aged over sixty, so it is plain that Guernesais could die with their generation. The effort is on to save the language, but how? There are evening classes for English speakers like me, a few books, spots in the media and cultural events such as the Eisteddfod. We have started putting up signs in Guernesais and tourists can buy t-shirts, mugs and so forth printed with stock phrases. It will not be enough though, because a language is learned in the kitchen and the playground.

It has to be used in the shop and at work. Yes, I can learn to say “J’m’en vais

Jason Monaghan was born in Yorkshire but took his degree at the London Institute of Archaeology, staying on to do a Doctorate in Roman pottery.

After marrying a Guernsey girl he came to work on St Peter Port’s Roman ship. Later he spent five years working on York’s Roman pottery, writing several archaeology

au cabaret”, but when I arrive at the Rockmount and request “énne verraïe d’rouge vin” I’m likely to just receive a worried look from the barmaid.

Then we must ask what language are we learning? When Marie de Garis’ Dictionnaire Anglais-Guernesais was published there was no local word for mobile phone, texting and other features of the modern world.

Languages change with surprising velocity. They merge and diverge, borrow and invent new words, abbreviate or discard old words. The very idea of ‘preserving’ a language becomes nonsensical because it is not a like a classic car which can be repaired and polished to keep it in pristine state. It is not even like preserving a breed of animals such as the Guernsey cow, where we can control the inputs and eliminate the

outputs we don’t like.

It would be a straightforward academic exercise to preserve the language as it was and entomb writings and voice recordings in an archive. If this is all that was done, it might become a dead language, such as Latin, never spoken in the High Street. One step beyond this is that it can be perpetuated as a ‘folkloric’ language, remembered in poems and plays to be performed at cultural events and signs greeting tourists with “Bian v’nu”.

Anything more ambitious becomes really challenging, and the challenge is called ‘revitalisation’. There are proven methods from across the world, but it is hard to bring a local language back to the mainstream at a time when English is all around. Both Hindi and Hebrew were modernised

textbooks. He also published five thrillers and joined the Crime Writers Association. In between times he has worked in insurance, been a regulator at the GFSC, an anti-money laundering consultant and the director of a local merchant bank. He has two daughters and what is probably the island’s largest collection of toy soldiers. He has been the Director of Guernsey Museums & Galleries since the end of 2006 and amongst his current projects is leading the Alderney Society’s excavations on the Roman fort at the Nunnery, a well as working towards the return of the Roman ship.

to become national languages on the independence of India and Israel, respectively. New words need to be either invented (which can cause resistance) or borrowed (which in our case starts the creep towards English or The Good French). With my “p’tit téléphaone” in hand I can “textotaï” my friends, but my very choice of words could prove controversial.

“Who cares?” Some might say. For a small community, language is part of its identity that sets it apart from the global monoculture. We feel the loss when a great building is demolished or an old master is lost in a fire. Losing a language is just as painful.

À la perchoine

THE

In a new series of articles, one of Guernsey’s leading recruitment and HR advisers reports on the burning issues facing you and your career.

CAREERIST In this first episode, Lynda Sims explains why there are more cracks appearing in the so-called glass ceiling.

Lynda Sims managing director Placing People 1st Recruitment

‘Women starting up their own businesses also did much to boost the numbers, with a third of the 1.4m businesses that started up since 2007 having one or more female directors.’

A recent study by Experian of 2.7m businesses found that the overall number of directors rose by 700,000 between 2007 and 2012, with the increase in female directors outstripping that of men by 24pc compared to 15pc.

Experian reported that taking into account business failures and new-start-ups during the period, as well as changes to the directorships of surviving businesses, 240,000 more female directors have been appointed overall.

While small companies are still more likely than large firms to have female directors, Experian found that the gap between the two is narrowing. In 2007, 48pc of small companies had at least one female director compared to 33pc of large companies. In 2012, 50pc of small companies had female directors compared to 40pc of large companies.

Women starting up their own businesses also did much to boost the numbers, with a third of the 1.4m businesses that started up since 2007 having one or more female directors. However, Experian found little change over the last five years in the types of profession dominated by females.

Five years ago, hairdressing, primary education and social work were the industries with the biggest percentage of all female boards and Experian said this trend has accelerated according to data for this year.

‘Smaller companies are clearly the driving force for female directors, but our research shows that larger companies’ efforts to increase the number of female directors has made a significant difference over the past five years,’ said Max Firth, a managing director at Experian.

Therefore, more cracks are appearing in the glass ceiling, the unseen barrier that has supposedly holds back talented women from rising up the corporate lad-

der. These days, a woman is now almost as likely as a man to be appointed a nonexecutive director of a big UK company, according to data from the Professional Boards Forum. Since early March, 48 per cent of non-executive appointments to FTSE 100 boards – 30 out of 62 – have been women. This is the highest ratio since such figures were first compiled in 1999.

Women are starting to break through the glass ceiling and we have made a lot of progress locally too. Women are found on numerous board positions in both islands. We have a woman running the promotion for Guernsey Finance, managing partners of successful law firms in Guernsey are women and CityWealth’s Women in Wealth award was won by Alison Parry, a director at Legis Group.

Dame Mary Perkins, Tamara Menteshvili, the IoD’s Ann Ewing are living proof that women can make it to the very top.

And recent 2012 Awards for Achievement winners Morgan Sharpe, is a success story run by Serena Tremlett and Mel Torode. However, there is still potential to do better. Of the FTSE 100 companies, only 6.3 per cent of executive directors are women, marginally up from 5.5 per cent at the time of the Davies Report.

According to the Professional Boards Forum’s figures, only one out of 21 executive appointments to FTSE 100 companies since March 1 was a woman, which is 4.8 per cent. Overall, 37 per cent of board appointments to FTSE 100 companies in the period have been women – 31 out of 83. Jane Scott, UK director of the forum, which helps to find female non-executives, said: ‘There has been good progress on the non-executive director front, but there does need to be improvement in finding more women in executive roles. This is a big problem. We’re still trying to address

this.’

The other issue for many women in the UK is that they have fewer networks than men, such as golf clubs and private members’ clubs, which often help in gaining promotion and higher pay. Research recently published by the University of Bristol, found that the golf club was more useful than attending a top university in helping someone gain a boardroom position.

Applicants were found to be about four times more likely to be made directors if they were a member of the same golf club as someone else on the board. Their chances roughly doubled if they shared membership of the same private club.

Going to the same Oxford college could also more than double an applicant’s chances of a directorship, although going to the same Cambridge college provided only a slight boost, the research suggested.

The Bristol study analysed data from 1,700 UK listed companies, all of which made new appointments to their boards over the period from 1998 to 2008. It looked at who was chosen for each board position among a set of potential candidates comprising about 2,600 directors.

One leading businesswoman who sits on four boards said: “Networks are important. If you play golf, it clearly helps you progress, and golf clubs are predominately male, as are private members’ clubs.

‘But it is more than just that. A lot of men tend to go out drinking together, while women are more inclined to go home to look after their children. Men have bigger networks and that is very important in gaining a top job or more money.’

The reaction to this limitation was the expansion of networking options opening up for women. One such initiative will enable leading and aspiring businesswomen to meet chairmen of top FTSE companies

at a networking session to help them improve City connections. In Guernsey, the number of women attending Chamber of Commerce and IoD functions has doubled, indeed the key note speakers at Chamber’s annual small business seminar was jewellry designer Catherine Best, so women are starting to shape the business landscape locally. Forums such as the Women at One networking lunch, Women in Professions organisation and the Women’s Development Forum are proof that women are competing for the top roles in finance and business.

I’ll leave the last few paragraphs to a woman who did more than break the ceiling...

Ellen Kullmann quite literally smashed her way through to the very very top of international business. Ellen Kullman is a member of a very exclusive club, only a dozen or so women who are CEOs on the Fortune 500, she is the leader of one of America’s oldest, and bestknown industrial companies: DuPont.

DuPont’s story began in 1802, in Delaware where they made gun powder.

Ellen Kullman took over at the height of the recession in 2009. It is her job to take DuPont, which was once a household name known for innovation, back to the success and profitability that the company enjoyed for decades. Kullman has increased DuPont’s revenues by 21 percent last year, up to nearly $32 billion but she doesn’t believe in glass ceilings.

‘Just about every working woman I know struggles to find a balance between their career and their family and there is this perception in America that women do not make strong leaders in big companies. There’s supposedly this glass ceiling but it hasn’t been my experience. I certainly found there were barriers along the way and , having three kids, I could’ve chosen a different route. But I love what I do and I love the company. I found great acceptance from the men that preceded me because I had passion and determination but I also respected those who worked for me and with me in the boardroom.

‘Just about every working woman I know struggles to find a balance between their career and their family’ Ellen Kullmann

Lynda Sims managing director Placing People 1st Lynda was born in the UK and has a history of turning underperforming businesses into highly successful organisations with her entrepreneurial flair.

She invested in her first UK business at the age of 23 and moved to Jersey in 2000. After spotting a gap in the market for a quality recruitment agency she launched 1st Recruitment in Jersey in 2002 and after much success and client demand for the same high quality service in Guernsey she opened Placing People 1st in Guernsey in

2005. In 2007 1st Recruitment in Sydney was born and the company is now a global brand.

Lynda has been recognised by the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) UK, as UK Business Manager of the Year 2003 and she was also recognised in the Jersey Young Manager of the Year in 2002. She loves her work and maintains long-term relationships with both clients and candidates.

GUERNSEY

JERSEY

SINGAPORE

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA

‘Everywhere I went I was called a candidate, just another finance worker who ticks a box. Thankfully this recruitment agency thinks outside the box and my career is now flying because they went that extra mile to help’

Placing you 1st Identifying your talent and understanding your technical skills is what we do best. At Placing People 1st we have the breadth of knowledge and experience to find you the position that maximise your talents, whether that’s here, across the water or as far afield as Australia and Singaore.

Call us today on 736444 1st Floor, 24 Commercial Arcade St Peter Port, Guernsey GY1 1JX email: jobs@placingpeople1st.co.uk

www.placingpeople1st.co.uk

MIDDLE EAST

TALENT SCOUTS At the heart of Guernsey’s success as an international finance centre are talented people. Their skills and experience have been the driving force behind the Island’s success in a global marketplace.

As the next generation pick up the baton, what goes into achieving a world-class workforce in the modern age of international finance? The Rock caught up with a leading firm committed to recruiting and empowering the new generation of financial expertise.

“W

hen your prime aim is to be There is no way I’m theabsolutely professional services watching that,” exclaimed the firm in the Channel Islands groomwant as histobest whipped that clients workman with, that out the stag nights pre-dinner entertainment. people want to work for and be the The groom, with it’s his vital bestyou envy of theirfrustrated competitors, mates enthusing for a film including have the necessary talent to deliverfour weddings and aAhead funeral, had a this promise. of thankfully its open day back up planevent entitled Hangover II. recruitment at The Christies, KPMG’s TheExecutive stag weekend started well.

HR Debbiehad Smith wasso keen Ten friends, one brother and two fathers, to explain how they get their young one to beon in-law and one parental, trainees the career fast track. had checked into the Fermain for what “We pride ourselves onValley creating a they would Culture be a weekend of Highthought Performance with a focus bonding over that a few jars, a round of cards, on ensuring everyone has the exquisite food and a night theneeded town to access to knowledge andon skills follow.

Thea best man however, had other to make difference to our clients and ideas.

Tom, a school colleague the community everyfriend, day,” says Debbie. andShe all round annoyance forhigh some twenty explains that these year’s had decided that a quiet weekend expectations attract high performing atpeople the Fermain Valley the best who can cut was through the place tocomplexity host a stag foreconomic his long of weekend the current suffering but soon to be married bestthat climate and provide clear solutions clients and stakeholders value. mate Mat. “Our brand attributes are based on On checking into their rooms the boys, clients expectations of us, who we are albeit some aged anywhere between 30 and72, how we soon do things. underpin and were takingThey a leisurely walk our goals values,” says down to theand Fermain Bay caféDebbie. for the start is underpinned by reminiscing five core of aThe dayfirm drinking Rocquettes, attributes about Mat’sincluding: past and generally ridiculing the Expertise groom for everyone’s amusement.

The – providing deeper best man however, had other ideas. insights Arriving at a sun-drenched Fermain Bay Collaborating and applying deep last August, apparently Tom organized market knowledge and professional even the weather, and a man in a wetsuit judgment to distinguish the relevant and a handful of lifejackets greeted the and important from the complex and party. Before the groom could say “if you unnecessary. Taking pride in delivering think I’m...” he was debagged, shoved commercial, practical and high quality insolutions a wetsuittoand by the ourcarried clients’over mosthead complex party and dispatched into lapping waters issues. as the tide rose towards Fermain bay As specialists, strivingthe to be the best sea wall. we Antdo.

Ford Parker then provided at what the necessary equipment for the rest of A Global Mindset – the party to try a session of coasteering. thinking borders For those of beyond you unfamiliar with the past our globaljumping network, diverse timeUsing it’s essentially and scrabbling talent, the scale reach access the across cliffand face.

As ittoturned out it latest trends, proved to be alegislation, huge hit a regulations, great way to technology andfellow thought leadership bond with your stags.

After an hour the world.

Seeingand thescreaming bigger oraround so jumping, swimming picture, collaborating effectively, and

“Our dedication to the community goes beyond the office, apart from monthly sport and social activities ranging from casino nights and quizzes, we are also involved in a wide variety of causes and community projects including the Amherst reading project and other corporate citizenship activities.”

providing a different perspective to our clients’ issues.

Seizing business opportunities together.

Forward Thinking – Anticipating Change

Having curiosity to understand trends and identify the potential impact to our clients. Innovating, adapting to fluid environments and seeking our new insights and perspectives.

Thinking ahead and working with our clients to identify and address short and long-term needs.

Value Adding – striving to enhance performance

Creating and protecting value for our clients. Listening and asking the right

questions. Continuously innovating and adapting to offer new approaches that respond to our clients’ changing needs.

Providing recommendations that make an impact because they are straightforward and clear.

Using clarity to help our clients save valuable time and build competitive advantage.

Passionate – going further

Showing a deep commitment to improvement and excellence in everything we do, from concept to delivery. Having a passion for making a real impact to cut through complexity and identify clear practical solutions that set us apart.

Applying a can-do approach and confidence to deliver the highest quality

in everything that we do to make the difference for clients.

A business committed to the community and training

Although the KPMG brand is international, the Jersey and Guernsey businesses are locally owned and this makes for a strong community commitment and a certain sense of security knowing autonomy remains at home. On the flip side of this there is potential to travel abroad within the group and experience a working life outside the island.

“Our dedication to the community goes beyond the office, apart from monthly sports and social activities ranging from casino nights to quizzes. We are also

Ricardo works his magic

involved in a wide variety of causes and community projects including the Amherst reading project and other corporate citizenship activities.

New trainees are progressed through the MyCareer initiative that the firm has adopted in association with the Institute of Chartered and Certified Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), Association for Certified and Chartered Accountants (ACCA) or Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS).

Accredited training provider for all three. MyCareer combines professional knowledge with technical experience and exposure to challenging work to guarantee students meet professional body expectations. Students get a

mentor and have access to an HR Exec Director for 6 monthly catch ups.

KPMG are clearly a firm at the forefront of training the next generation of talent so if you would like to find out more about the opportunities they provide, why not attend their open day on 11th April at Christies Private Room 4.00pm 6.30pm.

If you would like to attend then contact Dominique Aylett by emailing her on daylett@kpmg. guernsey.gg tel 755715 Twitterwww.twitter.com/kpmgci Facebook – www.facebook.com/ kpmgci

AT THE TOP OF THEIR GAME

Sarah Mercier, Ben Creasey and Tom Hollingsworth are three top athletes who have identified KPMG as the place where their dedication – and career expectations - will be appreciated and rewarded.

The trio are elite athletes, currently working towards their professional qualifications at the firm and they demonstrate how excellence and commitment go hand-in-hand with training at KPMG. Sarah, Ben and Tom are dedicated and at the top of their sport – all three with high expectations of heading off to compete at national levels in their chosen

Sarah Mercier, Ben Creasey and Tom Hollingsworth are three top athletes who have identified KPMG as the place where their dedication – and career expectations - will be appreciated and rewarded.

The trio are elite athletes, currently working towards their professional qualifications at the firm and they demonstrate how excellence and commitment go handin-hand with training at KPMG.

sport, but they also find time to study towards their career in accountancy.

Due to the huge support the firm provides they also manage to fit in challenging and time consuming training schedules.

“There has to be give and take in all work partnerships and we are able to offer flexible hours, financial support and having extended time off to study, compete or train,”, says HR Executive Debbie Smith.

The three trainee accountants are dedicated to giving the time needed to gain their professional qualifications – and marry in fun – and training along the way.

“KPMG is a very sociable firm too so there

Ricardo works his magic “I’m able to leave early to train and I’ve previously spent a few months in Sydney participating in intensive training when I needed to.”

is always some community event or a social gathering being organised, “ says Tom Hollingsworth.

“I’m able to leave early to train and I’ve previously spent a few months in Sydney participating in intensive training when I needed to.”

Tom, now 25, joined the firm having obtained a first class degree in Meteorology and Oceanography at UEA and is training for his Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) qualifications.

Tom spends the majority of his time with clients “I enjoy getting out and about meeting different people and going to different offices – its one of the best parts of the job.”

Sarah Mercier joined KPMG in September 2009 immediately after completing her A levels at Ladies’ College. KPMG appealed to her due to the opportunities it offered for further development.

Currently 1500m island record holder, her sights are set on the Island Games in Bermuda 2013 and ultimately to achieve a qualifying time for the athletics at the next Commonwealth Games.

“I am now in my fifth year at KPMG working as an audit assistant and I am training towards my Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) qualification. I hope to achieve this later this year.

Balancing her study with a tough six-day training programme, KPMG’s financial support allows Sarah to compete in more off-island competitions too.

“The firm has been so supportive.

As far as my future is concerned, I would like to take advantage of the opportunities that KPMG offers for travel to gain experience outside Guernsey,” she said.

24-year-old triathlete Ben Creasey has worked for KPMG since September 2010 having completed a degree in Applied Marine Sports Science and then a Master’s in Business and Management.

Now in his fourth year as an audit assistant Ben is working towards his ACA qualification. But he is a committed Triathlete and his ultimate aim is to represent the Commonwealth in 2014.

“The work is tough and you’ve got to put in the hours especially during exam time and therefore you need to become pretty good at time management and prioritising.

“My ultimate aim is to travel and work abroad and KPMG is ideal for this.

But one step at a time – I still need to qualify,” he says.

For further information about a career at KPMG, visit www.kpmg.com/ channelislands.

The Annual Awards for Achievement – often dubbed Guernsey’s business Oscars - once again demonstrated how local businesses are ahead of the game on innovation, energy and enterprise despite the challenging financial climate.

This is THE night for companies to be recognised for their efforts and staff commitment and positivity to be rewarded. Sentiments reflected in the words of this year’s keynote speaker, Charles Leadbeater, a widely respected authority on innovation, strategy and education.

A former adviser to Tony Blair, Mr. Leadbeater has worked extensively and globally as a senior adviser to governments, advising the 10 Downing Street policy unit, the Department for Trade and Industry and the European Commission on the rise of the knowledge driven economy and the Internet.

He talked of the importance – and advantages – of keeping it small. “The island is small, which in business can be the best thing,” he said. Innovation is the other key to success and he showed the 770 strong audience examples of how tight and forward thinking units have

managed to make their mark on the world map and provide quirky but successful business models – among them Florette salad farmers in the US – and Barcelona football Club.

Mr Leadbeater is also an acclaimed author; one of his most prominent books being ‘We Think’ that charts the rise of mass participative approaches to innovation.

He was brought to the island by the NP Group. Its Chief Executive, Tony Gallienne, said it was perfect timing for Guernsey as Mr Leadbeater was a prominent thinker on a number of the key issues that Guernsey was currently debating.

Said Mr Gallienne: “Guernsey is facing a number of challenges in a variety of key areas and we need to consider strategies that are best to deal with those issues.

Charles Leadbeater has world renowned expertise and interest in areas such as education, the impact of the web and

ways in which we do business and live together in society.” he said.

It was a memorable night for all those shortlisted, but there was no doubt about who were the overall winners of the night.

Living Room Estate Agents scooped three top honours. An overwhelmed Simon Torode admitted that the night was the stuff dreams are made of.

But it was an evening of emotion and elation for many.

Condor Ferries Employer of the Year Award went to the Channel Islands CoOperqtive society Limited.

Judges commented: ‘The Co-Op’s investment in their people shines through to customers every day, every time they visit a store.’

The Natwest Best New Business Award was won by Morgan Sharpe Administration Limited Judges commented ‘Morgan Sharpe’s passion shone throughout

Flo Brasserie at Chales de Gaulle ranked as one of the top ten airport dining experiences in the world

‘A former adviser to Tony Blair, Mr. Leadbeater has worked extensively and globally as a senior adviser to governments, advising the 10 Downing Street policy unit, the Department for Trade and Industry and the European Commission on the rise of the knowledge driven economy and the Internet.’

The spa at the Pullman hotel at Paris airport

Schiphol

The Ikea lounge at Charles de Gaulle

their presentation and their success in challenging economic conditions is to be commended.

But as well as local business enterprise and excellence, the night also honours Guernsey men and women who have made their mark in the community.

The popular Specsavers Unsung Hero was won by Roy Trustum who has been a committed member of Age Concern for 10 years, standing as vice chairman for eight of these years. He manages the Vale social centre, organising social events, lunches and outings for members, including an annual Christmas lunch for 160 members.

One of his annual tasks is to organise attendees for the Specsavers Liberation Tea Dance and this is no mean feat, with a huge amount of people wanting to attend and having to co-ordinate each person’s requirements and transport.

He is selfless, energetic and full of enthusiasm for these tasks.

Despite being of advancing years himself, he proves that this doesn’t mean you have to be a burden on society, in fact quite the opposite; he relieves the burden for others. Age Concern offers a lifeline to many of its members, some of whom would not enjoy a social life without it.

Guiton’s Ambassador of the Year Award went to GB dressage Olympian Carl Hester.

Carl was part of the GB dressage team which won Team Gold at London 2012 and was instrumental in training Charlotte Dujardin (a fellow member of the gold medal-winning team) who also went on to win individual dressage gold.

Raised in Sark, Carl is very proud of his roots and spoke passionately about the Island in the extensive national and international media coverage following his Olympian achievement. Interest in Sark rose by 15% following the Olympics and Carl returned to the Island with a group of around 60 people to share his success with islanders and visit his gold post-box.

And finally...

Thanks to the generosity of the guests of the 2012 Guernsey Awards for Achievement Gala Evening, and sponsor Specsavers, the five short-listed nominees for the Specsavers Unsung Hero Award will each receive a cheque for £1,000 to give to the charity of their choice.

A total of £4,335.40 was raised from donations on the tables and Specsavers, the sponsor of the Unsung Hero Award, has kindly increased this to £5,000 so that each of the nominees receives an extra £1,000 for their chosen charity or charities.

‘After a fantastic evening where we found out the winner of the Specsavers Unsung Hero Award, we’re delighted to recognise all the work the nominees do in the island for local causes,’ said Dame Mary Perkins. ‘We are pleased to round up the money collected on the evening so that each of the nominees will receive £1,000 to their chosen charity.’

The charities, nominated by the shortlisted nominees were: Age Concern, Help a Guernsey Child, Guernsey Marlins Special Swimmers, St John Ambulance Guernsey, CI Air Search and Guernsey Cheshire Home.

A total of £4,335.40 was raised from donations on the tables and Specsavers, the sponsor of the Unsung Hero Award, has kindly increased this to £5,000 so that each of the nominees receives an extra £1,000 for their chosen charity or charities.

Colin McLeod and the HR team at Co-op CI

Dame Mary Perkins

Flo Brasserie at Chales de Gaulle ranked as one of the top ten airport dining experiences in the world

Unsung hero Roy Trustum

The popular Specsavers Unsung Hero was won by Roy Trustum who has been a committed member of Age Concern for 10 years, standing as vice chairman for eight of these years.

Charles Ledbeater

Schiphol

The spa at the Pullman hotel at Paris airport

James Fulford the new Chief Executive Officer of Condor

The Ikea lounge at Charles de Gaulle

The shortlists for the 2012 Guernsey Awards for Achievement are as follows:

Compere for the night Jim Cathcart with Derek Coates

Commerce & Employment Guernsey Business of the Year Award Guernsey Post Limited Livingroom Estate Agents (WINNER) Legis Group

NatWest Best New Business Award Bumblebee Marine Limited Henderson Green Partnership Limited Morgan Sharpe Administration Limited (WINNER)

Condor Ferries Employer of the Year Award Channel Islands Co-operative Society Limited (WINNER) Deutsche Bank International Limited Schroders (C.I.) Limited

Healthspan Excellence in Marketing Award Fusion Leisure Limited J T Group Livingroom Estate Agents (WINNER) BWCI Innovation Award Bumblebee Marine Limite Guernsey Mint Refined Limited Livingroom Estate Agents

BWCI Innovation Award

Bumblebee Marine Limite Guernsey Mint Refined Limited Livingroom Estate Agents (WINNER)

Mel Torode and Serena Tremlett of Morgan Sharpe with Gary O’Neil from Natwest.

Commerce and employment minister Deputy Kevin Stewart

Flo Brasserie at Chales de Gaulle ranked as one of the top ten airport dining experiences in the world

Richard Hardie and Simon Torode from Living Room receive their award from Lieutenant Governor Air Marshall Peter Walker

Schiphol

The Ikea lounge at Charles de Gaulle

REALLY?

Did you know that the average male is full of useful information. However, he tends to keep most of it well hidden. Therefore, here’s some facts we prepared earlier.

Doh!

Hey Mickey

Your brain comes out to play at night: You’d think that your brain is more active during the day, when the rest of your body is. But it’s not.

Your brain is more active when you sleep.

Walt Disney, the creator of Mickey Mouse, was afraid of... mice.

Guernsey Thom

Thomas, a Guernsey tortoise aged 130 is Britains oldest resident.

It was pulled from the rubble of a bomb hit house in Essex in 1945 and years later in 1978 it was rehomed with a family inGuernsey. it was then that a Vet discovered the Tortoise was 96 years old and was born when Queen Victoria was still on the thrown.

Guernsey FC coach Tony Vance, was a Manchester United trialist in his youth.

St James

Guernsey FC’s Ryan Zico Black became Paul Gascoigne’s first signing when he was manager of for Kettering Town.

Rumour has it, Len Duquemin, the Guernsyman and former Spurs player hid in a Catholic monastery. during the occupation.

Guernsey cow in Oxfordshire pub incident A west Oxfordshire pub has embraced a new idea which a farmer hopes will revolutionise Britain’s beleaguered milk industry.

The Kingham Plough has installed a vending machine which dispenses milk outside its premises near Chipping norton. It sells a bottle of Guernsey milk for £2 produced at nearby Nell’s Dairy, of Stow-on-theWold, Gloucestershire.

Dairy owner Adam Fleming hopes the facility will revolutionise the milk industry.

Kingham Plough owner and chef Emily Watkins said customers and residents loved the vending machine and the unique milk which it vends.

She said: “It’s going really well and it’s really picking up. It’s totally different from your usual bogstandard milk. It’s really sweet.

“We use about 20 litres of it a week.

We use it to make all of our desserts and ice cream, and I’ve just made my own clotted cream from it too.”

She said she hoped the use of milk vending machines caught on, to cut out the middle men and give farmers more for their product.

She said: “The farmers have been caught out so badly over the years.”

Milk farmers last month protested outside large milk distributors over falling payments to suppliers.

Flying donkeys!

Donkeys kill more people annually than plane crashes according to our milkman.

Batting for the other side

Male bats have the highest rate of homosexuality of any mammal.

Almost...

Is the longest commonly used word in the English language with all the letters in alphabetical order.

Rats...

One pair of rats has the potential for 15,000 descendants in a year. A female can produce up to twelve litters of twenty rats a year.

Male and female rats may have sex twenty times a day.

The rat has been called the world’s most destructive mammal - other than man. The rat is responsible for 25 percent of all unknown fires, 26% of electric cable breaks and 18% of all phone cable disruptions. They also destroy an estimated third of the world’s food supply order.

Bright sparks

In 1951 only 10,000 of Guernsey’s 45,000 residnts had mains electricity.

Runway Back in 1959 Guernsey was more concerned about re-seeding its runway than reconstructing it. It wasn’t until the following year that the island finally got it’s first tarmac runway. prior to that we were used to four grass versions ranging from 622 metres.

Maureen, an Aurigny flight attendant, preapres for takeoff

Famous Guernsey actor Roy Dotrice served with the Royal Air Force from 1940 to 1945 during World War II, and was imprisoned in a German POW camp from 1942 to 1945

B

efore the latest Renault boss Carlos Ghosn took over, Renault, which is 113 years old this year and still partly state-owned, was a spendthrift manufacturer of questionable quality and eclectic style.

Old Renault had a sense of entitlement as one of the grandee car makers. As the French wine industry became victim to the new world so too Renault was finding it tough to match the new breed of Korean and Japanese marques along with the revitalised Ford. However, under Ghosn’s leadership, the horizons have become more focused, but smaller and greyer. Out went the world-beating Espace MPV, the weird but charming Vel Satis, the utterly bonkers Avantime, the inspired original Twingo and the left-field Modus. “There’s nothing wrong with any car company that good cars won’t fix,” Ghosn said recently. At Renault, this is certainly true. With a stunning new Clio now on the roads of Guernsey and a veritable sweet shop of delights available from Freelance Motors, it’s no wonder Rob Cornelius is excited about 2013 and in particular the arrival of the latest generation Clio.

“The fourth generation Clio can trace its supermini lineage back to the 1990 original but the new model is very exciting. It’s a sleek, chic design and the styling suggests coupé, but in fact all new Clios have five doors, even the RenaultSport edition,” said Rob. The latest version Clio supermini boasts an all-new, sensual look on the outside, with a more upmarket feel on the inside. And combined with attractive pricing, plenty of new technology, a wide array of new options and state-of-the-art engines, the French marque is aiming for the top of the hotly contested supermini class. Breaking with tradition, the new Clio will be available solely in five-door guise, but with a coupé-like silhouette incorporating hidden rear door handles and a sportier profile. To back up its contemporary look, UK models will also be priced to tackle its rivals head on,

Carlos Ghosn

Ricardo works his magic

PAPA Carlos Ghosn is putting the Va Va Voom back into Renault as a new generation of cars arrive in Guernsey.

New generation Clio

including an eye-catching entry price of £10,595.

Kicking off the initial four trim level line-up is a new Expression trim level, available with the 1.2 16V 75 engine. Far from being a stripped-out base version though, and in keeping with Renault’s reputation for providing well-equipped models versus the competition, it benefits from a 4x20W radio with Bluetooth and USB connection, Bass Reflex system (enhanced speaker sound quality), driver/ passenger/side and curtain airbags, 60/40 split-folding rear seat, cruise control, daytime running lights, ESC, Hill Start Assist, height and reach adjustable steering wheel, electric front windows and door mirrors, keyless entry and ignition, plus speed limiter.

The Clio is a key componenet in Renault’s revitalization but new models are also in the, the Twingo city car,

Megane, Scenic, Twizy, Zoe and the stunning concept car turned reality Captur.

The Twizy the first-ever fully electric urban compact two-seater, combining bold design and bright styling while being incredibly fun and easy to drive – especially in a busy St Peter Port, where it can nip around and squeeze into the tightest of parking spaces.

The Renault Zoe is the flagship vehicle of the French brand’s four-strong 100 per cent electric vehicle range is stylish, affordable and incredibly versatile – perfect for commuting, supermarket and school runs, and for households who want to downsize their engine and carbon footprint. With a range of up to 130 miles and an on-the-road price from just £13,650, ZOE is the first affordable car for everyday use to have been designed from the ground up as an

electric vehicle.

The Scenic XMOD: Sporty and elegant, the new Scenic combines the outdoor cues of a crossover with the refined world of an MPV. With raised ground clearance and special alloy wheels, the car features an expressive crossover-inspired design: special front and rear bumpers, sill guards and chrome-finish roof bars across the range. The new front end is also more expressive, incorporating Renault’s new design identity and signature LED daytime running lights.

The Captur The new Renault Captur will have an equipment specification worthy of that of the next segment up as standard, including hands-free entry, hill start assist and rear parking sensors. Also available will be the new, connected, in-dash Renault R-Link touchscreen multimedia tablet, plus a system that comprises

Megane

Ricardo works his magic

The new Captur

Twizy

six loudspeakers, Bluetooth® connectivity, audio-streaming and Arkamys® hi-fi sound.

Renault have also launched a value brand, Dacia, starting with the Duster and all-new Sandero models but Ghosn is most excited by Renault’s electric revolution. He believes what he calls the ‘oil challenge and the environment’ will push car technology.

“Our zero-emissions cars have not been made at the expense of our conventional cars. We have a very competitive range, with new petrol and diesel engines on the way in 2013. The International Energy Authority says that we need to restrict global warming down to just two degrees by 2035, but we are currently on trend for six degrees. If we want to keep it down

to two degrees, the fine tuning of existing technology is not going to be enough.” Ghosn claims that in surveys, “about 10 per cent of car owners say they want an electric vehicle, yet they have never driven one. When they drive ours they are going to say, ‘Whoa!’ There is a specific driving pleasure in an electric vehicle, the comfort, no noise, no vibration and the fuel station is your house.”

Papa Ghosn now believes Renault have the range to attract the most discerning drivers and with a focus on future technologies he no doubt hopes generations of Nicole’s will be enjoying the fun and distinct French flavour of this reinvigorated marque.

2013 ZOE

Open Day

Be part of the winning team We are holding a trainee open day and you are invited to come along

to Christies (Upstairs) in Le Pollet from 4.00-6.30pm Thursday 11 April Interested? Contact Dominique Aylett on 01481 755715 or email daylett@kpmg.guernsey.gg www.kpmg.com/channelislands Follow us on facebook.com/KPMGCI twitter.com/KPMGCI

©2013 KPMG Channel Islands Limited, a Jersey Company and a member firm of the KPMG network of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. All rights reserved.

The KPMG name, logo and “cutting through complexity” are registered trademarks or trademarks of KPMG International.

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