May/June 2024

Looking to transform your bedroom into a personalised oasis of style and functionality?

Look no further than our German wardrobe systems. Renowned for quality, craftsmanship and innovative designs, our wardrobe studio offers a bespoke range of wardrobes tailored to suit your unique preferences. Available at an affordable starting price of just £475, with complimentary assembly and delivery, achieving your dream bedroom has never been easier!

You’ll love our furniture. You’ll love our prices.

Women Who Mean Business.

‘I’m a firm believer that if you want to do something hard enough, you will!’ You may not have met her or even heard of her but this inspirational nugget sums up the ethos of Ruth Meade – founder of Ballaugh livestock farm Red Mie. Ruth has had no farming history and yet here she is (on page 35) telling us how she built and continues to develop her successful business on the island. It’s no secret that women have often struggled to be recognised or adequately represented in the world of business but things are changing and the goal to, ‘build a future where opportunity knows no gender,’ is one that Fiona Fayad discusses in her women in business article on page 30. Her article, ‘explores the journey of women in business across decades, highlighting their achievements, struggles, and the evolving landscape, while also contemplating the future and the strides yet to be made.’

Perhpas one of the main takeaways from this article and all the amazing local female entrepreneurs who are featured, is that women so often manage to dig deep and find the strength to be absolutely and uncompromisingly true to themselves along their path to carving out a career, no matter what obstacles they face along the way. As Fiona says, ‘Despite facing discrimination and prejudice, these trailblazers demonstrated resilience and tenacity, proving that women could thrive in the world of commerce,’ and no one has shown more tenacity than our cover start Roisin Quinn – design genius, doyenne of colour and vibrancy, and deserving winner of BBC Interior Design Master 2024. Despite having no formal design training, Roisin stayed true to her gut feeling that interior design was, ‘more me,’ and her self belief has propelled her to a place where, she says, ‘I don’t want to dilute my brand, my style,’ and we certainly don’t want her to either quite frankly! Massive congratulations Roisin.

Talking of struggles, we all know how exhausting it can be to watch our glorious TT races if you don’t have access to the Mercury Club Hospitality Suite! Do yourself a favour (it’s a necessity to be fair) and flick to page 44 to furnish yourself with the details of how Gallery is once again offering you the chance to win Mercury Club Hospitality tickets for the Isle of Man TT Races on Superbike Sunday. You’ll get to revel in all the atmosphere of the RST Superbike Race whilst taking full advantage of everything the TT Mercury Club has to offer. Be quick – this competition closes on 23rd May.

You’re welcome!

SR

/ ISLAND LIFE & STYLE

Disclaimer.

All rights reserved. Any form of reproduction of Gallery Magazine, in part or whole is strictly prohibited without the written consent of the publisher. Any views expressed by advertisers or contributors may not be those of the publisher. Unsolicited artwork, manuscripts and copy are accepted by Gallery Magazine, but the publisher cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage. All material, copy and artwork supplied is assumed to be copyright free unless otherwise advised. Contributions for Gallery should be emailed to editorial@gallery.co.im. Names have been changed to protect the innocent and no penguins were harmed in the manufacture of this magazine, although the new cover colour is called ’penguin white’. Tag us in your pictures at @galleryisleofman and #gallerysmallprint and we’ll give you something..... Recycle.

Gallery recycles all its storage and packing materials, boxes and any old magazines that are returned. We don’t get that many fortunately. We love to know our readers hang on to previous copies but when you move or find that they’re taking up too much space, put them out in the recycling bins. If you want to find out more about recycling, call 01628 686540. We put this in a green font. It’s not made out of leaves, honest.

THE W.I.B EDITION #112

PUBLISHER STEVE REDFORD steve@gallery.co.im 01624 619540

ADVERTISING & SALES 01624 619540 07624 249249 sales@gallery.co.im

DESIGN 221 MEDIA design@gallery.co.im

EDITORIAL PRODUCTION FIONA FAYAD fiona@gallery.co.im 01624 619540 07624 296308

ENQUIRIES/SUBMISSION info@gallery.co.im DISTRIBUTION everyone@gallery.co.im ACCOUNTS laura@gallery.co.im

GALLERY IS PUBLISHED BY 221 Media PO BOx 52 Douglas, Isle of Man IM99 1GY

REGISTERED IN THE ISLE OF MAN NO. 125981C

In the May/June 2023 edition, Expedition Limitless 2023 was featured as a team of complete Arctic novices successfully completed a gruelling 110km unsupported Expedition above the Arctic Circle.

The BBC’s latest Interior Design Master, despite no formal art or design training, but with an obvious eye for colour and interior style.

Women in Business 29

From breaking glass ceilings to revolutionsing industries, women have defied stereotypes and societal norms to make their mark in the business world.

Places to Eat on The TT Course 42

The best place to eat a good meal right on the TT course in order of appearance around the track.

Harry & Emily Brindle Wedding Day

WHAT’S ON

11-18.05.24

AN EXHIBITION OF SILK ART

Spring into summer on silk, an exhitbtion of Silk Art with free admission at Quayles Hall in Ramsey. Open from 10am-5pm.

Quayles Hall, Albert Road, Ramsey www.ramseyheritagecentre.im/

Now - 12.05.24

Gaia, the iconic giant illuminated globe installation by UK artist Luke Jerram will be floating inside St Thomas’ Church, accompanied by a specially made surround sound composition by BAFTA award winning Composer Dan Jones is played alongside the sculpture.

St Thomas Church, Douglas 01624 648090

www.manxnationalheritage.im | www.netzero.im/gaia

Now - 23.06.24

WILD MANN PHOTOGRAPHIC COMP

Inspired by Wildlife Photographer of the Year, enjoy a photographic showcase of the Isle of Man’s wildlife and natural environment captured by photography enthusiasts. Judges selected over fifty of the best images to be put on display. Come and wonder at the incredible shots that these talented photographers have taken on our beautiful Island.

Manx Museum, Douglas www.manxnationalheritage.im

If you would like events added to the What’s On section, email events@gallery.co.im

Now - 05.01.25

All AT SEA RNLI ANNIVERSARY EXHIBITION

The imposing figurehead from the wrecked Norwegian ship ‘St George’ has been a familiar feature at Peel Lifeboat station since 1889, and is now the centre piece of this exhibition alongside what is thought to be the oldest figurehead in the MNH collections, possibly from the Barque Ohio, which washed up at Gansey point in 1865

House of Manannan, Peel

Now - 18.05.24

NORTH SHORE

Popular local sculptor Rob Jones is the new Artist in Residence at this Deli/Art/Plant place in Bourne Place, Ramsey with his new exhibition, workshops and the chance to meet and talk about his work, as he works.

Studio Umami, 2 Bourne Place, Ramsey www.facebook.com/StudioUmamiRamsey

18-19.05.24

ONCHAN SECRET GARDENS

12 gardens open across the village and Parish of Onchan between 11am and 4pm on both days, raising funds for Sight Matters and Live at Home, two exceptional charities which do so much for communities across the Island. During the weekend you will also be able to visit the Freedom Garden at Sight Matters –Garden.

Various / Onchan www.sightmatters.im

Now - 11.05.24

ANDREW MACKELLAR – SAFE HARBOURS & OTHER THINGS

A collection of studies of ink on paper by local artist Andrew Mackellar. On the surface, these paintings show the Island as we know it now, but also delve into the cultures of those who lived here before, their lives, like ours by the sea, or looking at it from the hills.

Studio 42, Port St Mary www.facebook.com/Studio42

Now - 18.05.24

SUN

This year’s open art competition on the theme of ‘Sun’ has attracted entries from professional and amateur arts, students and younger children, making and creating in a wide range of media. The prize presentation takes place on 11th May, with the winners posted in the gallery for the final week.

Hodgson Loom Gallery, Laxey www.facebook.com/hodgsonloomgallery

18.05.24

THE SONGS OF JAKE THACKRAY

John Watterson, originally from the Isle of Man, has built a successful career singing the humorous songs of Jake Thackray. He has kindly offered to play free of charge to raise money for our wonderful Hospice. Centenary Centre, Peel www.eticketsim.cc | www.centenarycentre.com

GAIA BY LUKE JERRAM

25.05 - 13.07.24

METICULOUSLY ABSTRACT

A collection of paintings by Leanne Higgins, also featuring work by Bryony Barron, is described by curator Julia Ashby-Smyth as “an unapologetic outburst of intense colour to lift the spirits and delight the eye.” Bryony’s sublime decorative arts are inspired by plants, nature and geometry.

Hodgson Loom Gallery, Laxey www.facebook.com/hodgsonloomgallery

Villa Marina, Douglas 01624 600555 www.villagaiety.com

22.06.24

IAN PROWSE & HIS FIDDLE OF FIRE

The EAC is delighted to welcome Ian Prowse back to the Isle of Man as part of his Mersey Hymns acoustic tour. In 2022 a huge contingent travelled to the Island from his hometown of Liverpool and if you’ve seen him play you’ll know why: his shows are electric.

Erin Arts Centre, Port Erin www.facebook.com/butfirstpromotions

art school in Paris and later earned a degree in sculpture from Edinburgh College of Art. She lived in the Isle of Man for 20 years.

Pink Seaweed Gallery, Ramsey www.facebook.com/PinkSeaweedGallery

24-29.06.24

MANANAN FESTIVAL

With a line up including Eliza Carthy, Kitterland, Help I Think I’m a Nationalist, The Brodsky Quartet, Martin Roscoe, Robin Nolan Trio this festival really does offer something for everyone!

Erin Arts Centre, Port Erin www.erinartscentre.com

out show for your sleuthing pleasure.

Villa Marina, Douglas 01624 600555 www.villagaiety.com

28-30.06.24

FULL MOON FESTIVAL

Five music areas, at least one international act and showcasing as much home-grown talent as possible, the Full Moon Festival is back for a second year as the Island’s very own Glastonbury (with some of the best bits from that festival on the big screen). There will be an improved layout outside, extra Camping Space, extra Motorhome space.

Rosehill Farm, Richmood Hill, Douglas www.facebook.com/thefullmoonfestival

TEVIR GROUP SUPPORT THE BRITISH HEART FOUNDATION (ISLE OF MAN GROUP) TO HELP FUND LIFESAVING RESEARCH

Tevir Group is an Isle of Man based privately held investment management company committed to making investments that generate a return, and which provide a positive economic and social impact in the locations they operate. On behalf of The Keith Jones Foundation Tevir Group recently donated £5,000 to help to fund lifesaving research into heart and circulatory diseases. They made the generous donation after learning more about BHF research projects from BHF, IOM group lead, Jill Pugh.

Tevir Group also recently participated in a CPR training session provided by Jill and her husband Brian, using the British Heart Foundation’s new online training tool RevivR.

RevivR teaches you in just 15 minutes how to recognise a cardiac arrest, gives feedback on chest compressions and outlines the correct steps of defibrillator use, giving anyone the confidence to step in and save a life in the event of the ultimate medical emergency.

The money donated by Tevir Group on behalf of the Keith Jones Foundation will help the BHF fund vital research into heart and circulatory diseases like heart attacks, stroke and vascular dementia, and the risk factors that can cause them, such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

Since forming in 1961, the charity has funded research that has contributed to lifesaving breakthroughs such as heart transplants, pacemakers, portable defibrillators, and valve replacements.

Despite the huge progress made, heart and circulatory conditions are still the world’s biggest killers - and every three minutes in the UK, a family loses a loved one to a heart or circulatory disease. Almost 30% of all deaths on the Isle of Man are caused by heart and circulatory diseases.

Ciaran Doherty, Managing Director at Tevir Group, said: “We are delighted to provide the donation to the British Heart Foundation (Isle of Man Group) and it was a pleasure for Jill and Brian to visit our office and provide CPR and defibrillator training to the team. We know that the funds contributed are going towards a very worthwhile cause, carrying out important research and raising awareness around heart health.”

Jill and Brian Pugh, Jan Tinsley, Sophie Cowley-Hardy, Claire Parsons, Nikkie Lesley and Laura Stewart of the BHF IOM Group said: “We are so very grateful to companies like Tevir who are supporting this life saving initiative. We are also enjoying seeing the motivation created with the new Revivr App.  It’s a fun tool, engaging, informative and employees tell us, enlightening!  We are witnessing how, armed with just a cushion and a smart phone, every employee can learn the exact techniques to act confidently, give CPR and use a defibrillator.’’

If any other company would be interested in choosing to support the British Heart Foundation, please do get in touch with Jill Pugh 429721. As the BeeGees song says, this really is about ‘Staying Alive!’

Who doesn’t want PERFECT glasses?

Choosing the right glasses can be a lengthy, tiring process. At Holmes & Davidson Opticians, we aim to provide a seamless and simple approach using these 3 steps…

1. Unique and individual eyewear

We search world-wide for the most unique, high quality and fashion forward eyewear. You’ll discover new eyewear that won’t be found in another Opticians.

2. Professional & Expertise

1. Professional & Expertise

A styling consultation with our Qualified Dispensing Optician’s will make the quest for new glasses effortless! Finding the frames that suit your style and fit perfectly.

3. Personalised to YOU

A styling consultation with our Qualified Dispensing Optician’s will make the quest for new glasses effortless! Finding the frames that suit your style and fit perfectly.

3.

2. Personalised to YOU

‘One size fit’s all’ does not apply for glasses. We take the time to get to know YOU! This allows us to give effective advice and honest opinions that are tailored to you and your needs!

‘One size fit’s all’ does not apply for glasses. We take the time to get to know YOU! This allows us to give effective advice and honest opinions that are tailored to you and your needs!

Expedition Limitless 2024

Canoeing the Yukon River

Words by: Martin Malone

In the May/June 2023 edition, Expedition Limitless 2023 was featured as a team of complete Arctic novices successfully completed a gruelling 110km unsupported Expedition above the Arctic Circle in temperatures as low as -25 degrees. For all involved the expedition was a once in a lifetime experience but for some it was life changing. 2023 was proof of concept and it certainly proved, that given the right opportunity, the innate resilience in all of us is revealed and we can make the impossible, possible. Not only did the whole team successfully complete the challenge, we rose a staggering £63k for the chosen charity Isle Listen.

For Expedition Limitless 2024, and new team of explorers are heading to Arctic Canada to canoe 715km along the might Yukon River. This year, the chosen Charity is Manx Mencap but before I explain more about the 2024 Expedition and Manx Mencap, I’ll recap on what Expedition Limitless is all about.

What is Expedition Limitless?

Expedition Limitless is a succession of resiliencebased expeditions designed to raise a significant amount of money for Isle of Man charities, while also demonstrating the innate resilience that resides in all of us when given the right opportunity. Added to this, Expedition Limitless aims to raise the profile of each chosen charity and better connect the charity sector with the business sector, while at the same time creating a blueprint of resilience, or succinctly “create

a resilience revolution” on the Isle of Man that can be replicated anywhere.

About Manx Mencap

Manx Mencap is the chose charity for 2024 where the team aims to raise up to £100k to support them. Manx Mencap isn’t as well-known as other IOM charities but the work they do is as equally important. There are an estimated 1,700 children and adults on the IOM with learning difficulties. Manx Mencap help them get a job or take a college course, or find a place of their own to live independently; they offer advice about things like respite care, transport services; they run residential/ day care services and leisure groups that are so important to those with a learning disability, and their families and supporters; they support people with learning disabilities to be part of their local communities and most importantly the give them a ‘voice’, as they are often unheard. Manx Mencap don’t receive any government funding, so they rely on initiatives such as Expedition Limitless and the charitable kindness of the Manx public to support them.

Expedition Limitless 2024

Expedition Limitless 2024 is taking a new team of Manx adventurers to Arctic Canada to canoe 715km unsupported down the mighty Yukon River from Whitehorse to Dawson City, close to the Alaskan border. Once the team leaves Whitehorse, they will be venturing into the wilderness of the Yukon territory. They will take on the many challenges of the Yukon River from Lake Laberge (50km long and 5km wide) to the Five Finger Rapids, passing the abandoned gold seeker settlements of the Klondike gold rush.

The team will carry all the food and equipment they need in their 2-person canoes and will camp on the river bank each night where they will cook and pitch tents for the night and attend to any aches, pains and blisters. For the first few days, the team will be eating fresh food but when that runs out, they will switch to dried rations for the remainder of the Expedition. Drinking water will be taken from surrounding tributaries where the water is less silty and will be sanitised by boiling it and using water purification tablets.

As the team will be in complete wilderness, the only communication with the outside world will be via satellite phone. The team will be sharing the river

bank at night with bears, moose and other wild animals, so great care needs to be taken throughout the Expedition.

Even in June, when the Expedition takes place, the water of the Yukon, which is fed by glacier-fed streams and rivers is extremely cold. The last of the winter ice clears the Yukon in May, so the river will still be cold at around 7 degrees Celsius (equivalent to the Irish Sea in winter). The temperature at night can still drop as low as zero in June and over the 12 days of the expedition, they team will need to be prepared for all weather conditions.

Given the enormity of the challenge, and the risks involved, the team of 12 will be lead by an experienced team of 4 expedition leaders. There is meticulous planning and preparation to ensure the safety of the team. The larger canoeing equipment such as the canoes, paddles, tents and cooking equipment, will be provided by a professional Canadian Expedition outfitter. The team’s specialist Expedition clothing is sponsored by Palm Equipment, one of Europe’s biggest paddlesport equipment and clothing providers.

Prior to the Expedition, the team will undertake a day of canoe safety training provided by the Venture Centre where they will be taught various self-rescue techniques, how to use throw lines and the essential canoe strokes they will need for the trip down the Yukon River. As each day goes by on the Yukon, the team will become more confident and by the end of the expedition they should all be proficient paddlers.

Expedition Limitless 2024 will be a trip of a lifetime and as with the 2023 expedition, for some it will be life-changing.

The team will leave for Canada on 31st May but in the meantime, they are busy raising funds for Manx Mencap through person fundraising activities and the planned team fundraisers. Why not follow us on FaceBook – Expedition Limitless, where you can keep up to date with our fundraising activities and our amazing adventure. If you would like to make a donation to support Manx Mencap, you will find us on JustGiving by searching for Expedition Limitless 2024.

With special thanks to our Expedition Partners – Anthony Guy-Travel Counsellors and Palm Equipment.

Roisin Quinn: Roisin Quinn:

MASTER OF DESIGN

I’m sure that the announcement of Roisin Quinn as the BBC’s Interior Design Master 2024 just last week won’t have escaped your notice. In case you did miss it, here goes: Roisin Quinn, adopted Manxwoman – now living on the Wirral - is the BBC’s latest Interior Design Master, despite no formal art or design training, but with an obvious eye for colour and interior style.

Interior Design Masters began as a bit of a slow burner on BBC2 back in 2019 but, with current presenter Alan Carr, Head Judge Michelle Ogundehin (also seen on Grand Designs: House of the Year) and a whole selection of guest judges from the worlds of design, interiors, architecture and popular culture it transferred to BBC1 in 2022 and went from strength to strength. I’m not shy about my love of contemporary art and architecture but secretly I’m also a reality TV geek so this mix of the two could have been designed (pun intended) just for me. So you can imagine my excitement when Gallery was offered the exclusive images you see here and I was given the opportunity to talk to winner Roisin weeks before her success was made public. Keeping my mouth shut hasn’t been easy - I couldn’t even tell my children! –but an embargo is an embargo.

If you watched the programme (all eight episodes are available on iPlayer) you’ll know that Roisin’s use of colour popped off the screen from the beginning. I didn’t actually have her down as winner back then – I thought that she might be a bit too in-yourface for the judges – but she took on board the advice she was given, toned it down where necessary, but never lost her design sense of joy.

I asked Roisin where this all came from. “When I lived on the Island I went to Albert Road and Ramsey Grammar School but no-one who remembers me from then would say I was good at art,” she laughs. “In fact

I hid my creativity pretty well, although I always thought it might be something I could develop later on.”

Like many, Roisin left the Island to go to University, was rejected by her first few design-related choices but was accepted for a Drama degree at Liverpool John Moores. As a student, Roisin started to develop interior design skills on a budget, which would become extremely useful – flea market and second-hand purchases to add personality to her university rooms, and yet easy to take with her when she moved on. And move on she did. Realising that she was unlikely to make it big as an actor, she then worked as a travel consultant to pay the bills, went travelling, met her husband Ollie, returned home to Ramsey during the pandemic and then jacked it all in (apart from Ollie) to apply for Interior Design Masters.

I asked what on earth, with no art or design training, made her to do it. Roisin laughed again – she laughs a lot.

“It was a case of now or never,” she said. “I’d begun posting photographs of the rooms I’d designed for my parent’s house on a new Instagram page (@roisinquinn) and also of our wedding, which I’d planned, designed and organised myself. Friends were suggesting I go into event planning but the interior design side felt more ‘me’ and then my boss at the travel consultancy sat me down and said she was going to sack me if I didn’t apply! So I plucked up the courage but also began to

Words Suzy Holland Photos: Catt Devine and BBC

investigate technical design degrees to help translate the designs in my head into designs fit for a client pitch as a back-up.”

And the rest is now history

When Roisin and Ollie moved back to Ramsey at the beginning of Covid, Roisin found that her parents had remodelled their home so it was basically a new-build. And those flat walls - with no decorative cornices, covings, architraves or anything else - were catnip to this budding interior designer. “I didn’t have to work too hard on my Mum as she’d always experimented with colour,” says Roisin, “but my Dad was a little harder to persuade. I think the word ‘scared’ best describes his first reactions but he did come round, even admitting to being surprised how easy it is to live there!” I didn’t want to take Roisin’s word for it so I asked her Mum, Michelle Quinn who said:

“I have to admit, when we let Roisin loose on our house, it was a little bit overwhelming but in fact her skill in putting the colours and designs together has turned out to make the overall effect incredibly calming.”

You can decided for yourself – most of the images here are of Roisin’s designs for her parents’ house - but the Interior Design Masters selection panel obviously saw her potential. I won’t go through every build, every design in the programme, but although I hadn’t picked Roisin out as the eventual winner it was obvious from Episode 4 that she was listening to the feedback from the judges

“The judges’ enthusiasm for my design was amazing”

to scale it back a bit, listen to the client, provide what they don’t even know they want, and collaborate! That episode featured cafes on the Welsh coast when she and ‘bathroom designer with a love of architectural brutalism’ Matt (he was my initial pick for winner – shows how much I know!) were teamed together and, cue screams from Roisin, won ‘stand out space’ (which, for nonviewers, is that week’s best design).

The rental properties in the following programme should have been right up Roisin’s street – all that experience in her own student accommodation and furnishing her and Ollie’s house in the Wirral almost entirely from Facebook Marketplace – but it didn’t quite go to plan. Suffice it to say that despite guest judge Shane Brady saying that Roisin’s love of ‘vibrant colour’ had been scaled back in the bedroom, it was all too much – too much colour, too much furniture. Be that as it may, Roisin was saved with Michelle’s final comment: ‘you already know what you need to do’.

Next came the quarter finals – and for this

one, Roisin was teamed with Anthony, already a practicing Interior Designer with a ‘colourful traditional aesthete’, to redesign a dress and accessories shop in the Georgian high street of East Grinstead. It was a difficult one, but ultimately Anthony’s drenching the walls and ceiling in dark green was considered by guest judge Mary Portas to make it too closed in, and he was eliminated leaving Roisin, Matt and Ben to reach the semi-finals. And this, dear reader, is where I’ll have to leave you as copy deadlines and print schedules mean I’ve not seen further episodes. But Roisin’s design obviously wowed guest judge Sophie Ellis-Bexter as Roisin was straight through to the final.

Understandably, even months after filming, Roisin is still quite giddy about this. In all previous series, the three semi-finalists are lined up on Michelle’s sofa to endure criticism from her and the guest judges before one is sent home. “The judges’ enthusiasm for my design, which of course I didn’t see or hear until afterwards, were pretty overwhelming, and to be put straight through to the final was amazing!”

Now I really know nothing about the final except that she was up against Matt. And she won.

And the prize was to create a homewares collection for the French home décor and fashion retailer La Redoute which was launched last week immediately after the Interior Design Masters final. For Roisin, who’s been working with La Redoute on this collection since last September it’s almost ‘old news’. But obviously the buzz around the programme, the surge in numbers of Instagram followers and the almost overwhelmingly positive messages she’s received during the series and now this collection have gone some way to convince Roisin that she has that creative ‘something’.

“During filming I was a bit intimidated by the technical skills of some of the other designers,” she says. “I’ve never used Sketchup (an online 3D imaging tool) and carry all my designs in my head.” It was Jess (eliminated in Episode 3) who told Roisin during the competition that that really wouldn’t matter – “once you’re established you’ll be able to buy that skill in or contract it out to technicians who can’t carry your designs in their heads.” That moment could now be closer than she thinks. Her Mum agrees and who told me, “We are incredibly proud of Roisin as you’d expect and just know that winning IDM is just the beginning of her success.”

I asked Roisin who her favourite designer is and she didn’t even blink: “Martin Brudnizki, the go-to designer and interior architect of high-end, yet house-hold name clients like the Soho House Group, the Dorchester and Four Seasons Hotels.” Is this where Roisin sees herself?

“My dream is to design boutique hotels, restaurants, and commercial spaces, so yes, to be my own Martin Brudnizki,” she answered. So what happens next? “I’ve been approached by a number of people and companies suggesting we work together but I’ve also been given some excellent advice from the judges, established designers and the IDM production team and for now I’m being quite selective. There are so many opportunities out there but I don’t want to dilute ‘my’ brand, my style. It’s quite a balancing act, but I’m so glad to be here, balancing!”

MBCSG - PATRON SHEILA DEAN LADIES LUNCH

Our Patron Sheila Dean Ladies Luncheon, sponsored by Adorn Domiciliary Care.

Our annual Spring Patrons Ladies Lunch sponsored by Lesley and David Murray from Adorn Domiciliary Care was a sell out on Saturday 20th April. Around 90 ladies enjoyed sunshine and a fabulous afternoon of Champagne and Canapés and then onto a 2 course lunch. The event raised £17,825!! Our host for afternoon was Ron Berry and we had new and preloved designer wear by Aries Fashion Agency from Port St Mary. Special thanks to Erin and Tracey from Aries and our models Cath, Karen, Becky, Lorna, Neve, Mel and Den. Massive thanks to RHS Jewellers who sponsored the jewellery for our auction. Tickets are now on sale for our September Fashion Lunch at the Abbey Restaurant on 8th September.

Photography: Serena Wood Photography

MBCSG - PATRON SHEILA DEAN LADIES LUNCH

K BEAUTY C

Introducing KCbeautyiom, your ultimate destination for perfect brows and lashes in Onchan. I am very passionate about helping my customers look and feel their best, providing a wide range of services to enhance natural beauty.

My services include brow laminations, brow wax and tint, brow shaping, highly defined brows, lash lift and tints and more services to be added in the near future! I have sampled many different products and brands to see what works best and stay up-to-date with the latest trends and techniques to ensure your experience with KCbeauty is the best possible experience!

Whether you're preparing for a special occasion or simply need a little self-care, don't wait any longer, book an appointment with kcbeautyiom.

Brow Tint

Brow wax & shape

Brow wax & tint

Brow lamination

Highly defined brows

Lash lift & tint

Before &After

Gallery presents the wedding of Mr and Mrs Brindle

The Wedding Day of Harry & Emily Brindle on the 29 July 2023.

Ceremony: St Thomas Chapel, King William's College & The Buchan School

Reception: The Bradda Glen

Photography: Amoré du Plessis Photography

Videographer: Thomas Walmsley

Gallery presents the wedding of

Gallery presents the wedding of

Mr and Mrs

Mr and Mrs Green

The wedding day of on at The

Photography: L

The Wedding Day Wedding of Will & Breesha Green on the 22 September 2023. Ceremony: St Peter’s Church, Onchan Photography: Callum Staley (CJS Photography)

Have you ever wondered if winemaking is an art or a science?

Words by: Anne Berry - Wine Down

Until relatively recently, there was very little science involved and winemaking could only be described as an art.

Modern winemaking began in the 1950s and 60s with the introduction of temperature-controlled fermentation and has developed rapidly since then. Understanding the science has no doubt improved the quality of wine, but the creative side of the winemaker also makes the difference and is where art takes over.

Blending is a subject that divides the opinion of many wine drinkers. There are those who insist that blends are not as good as single varietal wines and those who swear that blends have more complexity and a deeper flavour profile.

There is no doubt that blending grape varieties allows winemakers to harmonise different flavour profiles and to show their skill and creativity, but it is not always possible. In regions such as Burgundy, winemakers are restricted to single varieties. According to the laws of the region, white wines can only be produced from Chardonnay and red wines from Pinot Noir. Winemakers use their skill to add complexity by blending grapes from different plots or blending wines fermented and aged in different vessels.

“There is no doubt that blending grape varieties allows winemakers to harmonise different flavour profiles and to show their skill and creativity”

In Bordeaux, almost all wines are blends. Red wines are made up predominantly of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot and the blend depends partly on where the property is located. Cabernet Sauvignon has high tannins and acidity so adding the softer Merlot

to the blend makes it ready for drinking sooner and gives a more approachable style of wine.

Likewise, wines grown in the southern Rhone are usually blends. In the Cotes du Rhone region, winemakers have the choice of no less than 21 grape varieties to include in their blend. Historically these were field blends, where several varieties were planted in one vineyard and co-fermented. Nowadays, they are more likely to be vinified separately and then crafted together to make the desired wine.

The artistry in blending can be described as a combination of science and intuition, where winemakers use their expertise to create wines that are not only technically sound but also captivatingly complex. Each creative choice adds an extra dimension, resulting in a wine that tells its own story.

Chateau Boutisse St Emilion Grand Cru: St Emilion is a pretty town on the right bank of the River Gironde in Bordeaux and is a blend of Merlot with Cabernet Sauvignon. The soft plum fruit flavours of the Merlot are in complete harmony with the blackcurrant and cassis from the Cabernet Sauvignon and a period in French oak has softened the tannins giving a very smooth and complex wine.

Cotes du Rhone Reserve de Fleur: An organic Cotes du Rhone from Syrah and Grenache grapes farmed organically in the southern Rhone. Ripe red fruits and herby notes, reminiscent of thyme and rosemary.

Vondeling Babiana: South Africa has become known for making complex and flavourful blends, both red and white. This is a blend of Chenin, Viognier, Chardonnay, Grenache Blanc and Roussanne and has a rich and rounded texture. Each variety brings a different layer of flavour, all married together during the period of maturation in oak barrels, which in turn adds another

Champagne Bernard Remy Carte Blanche: Most Champagne is a blend of the three permitted varieties, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier. Each Champagne house has its own blend, and the job of the highly skilled blender is to make it taste consistent from year to year. This is possible by using the three varieties to ensure the same flavour profile is achieved each year. Bernard Remy Carte Blanche is a superb, multiple award-winning Champagne from a small family producer with a soft creamy palate.

Debut Sauvignon Blanc Semillon: This is a Western Australian blend in the style of a white Bordeaux. The high acidity of the Sauvignon Blanc is balanced by the ripe flavours of the Semillon giving a mouthwateringly fresh wine with flavours of kiwi fruit, citrus and green apple.

Pioneers, Progress, and the Path Forward Women in Business:

Words by: Fiona Fayad

Throughout history, women have been instrumental in shaping the landscape of business, yet their contributions and challenges have often been overlooked or marginalised. From breaking glass ceilings to revolutionising industries, women have defied stereotypes and societal norms to make their mark in the business world. This article explores the journey of women in business across decades, highlighting their achievements, struggles, and the evolving landscape, while also contemplating the future and the strides yet to be made.

In the early decades of the 20th century, women faced significant barriers to entry into the business world. Traditional gender roles confined them to domestic spheres, with limited opportunities for professional advancement. In 1973, for example, there was only one female CEO of a Fortune 500 company, Katharine Graham. During this time, only 38% of the workforce in the US was women. In 2019, that number had increased to 46.2%.

However, pioneering women such as Madam C.J. Walker, the first female self-made millionaire in America, and Helena Rubinstein, a cosmetics entrepreneur, defied societal expectations and paved the way for future generations. Despite facing discrimination and prejudice, these trailblazers demonstrated resilience and tenacity, proving that women could thrive in the world of commerce. Now, for the first time ever, female CEOs run more than 10% of Fortune 500 companies – that’s 53 women in total. This progress is certainly a good thing, though one could argue that 53 out of 500 is still a shockingly small proportion.

Business:

The mid-20th century witnessed a gradual shift in attitudes towards women in business, fueled by social movements advocating for gender equality. The post-World War II era saw an increase in women entering the workforce, albeit predominantly in clerical and support roles. However, a handful of women, such as Estée Lauder and Mary Kay Ash, seized entrepreneurial opportunities and founded successful beauty empires, challenging the notion that business was solely a man's domain. The passage of landmark legislation for U.S women, like the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Equal Pay Act of 1963 marked significant milestones in the fight for gender equality, albeit with lingering disparities in pay and representation. Closer to home women in the UK and the Isle of Man have made significant strides in recent decades, bolstered by legislative reforms and grassroots activism. The UK's Equal Pay Act of 1970 and the Isle of Man's Employment Act 2006 represent pivotal milestones in the fight for gender equality, although persistent gaps in pay and representation underscore the work that remains to be done.

The feminist movement of the late 20th century brought women's issues to the forefront, catalysing discussions around workplace discrimination, sexual harassment, and the glass ceiling. Women like Indra Nooyi, former CEO of PepsiCo, and Ursula Burns, former CEO of Xerox, shattered glass ceilings in corporate boardrooms, challenging entrenched norms and advocating for diversity and inclusion. However, despite these strides, women remained underrepresented in leadership roles, facing systemic barriers and biases that hindered their advancement.

The dawn of the 21st century ushered in a new era of possibilities for women in business, driven by technological advancements and shifting cultural attitudes. Women entrepreneurs, fueled by access to online platforms and venture capital, launched innovative startups and disrupted traditional industries. Icons like Oprah Winfrey and Sheryl Sandberg became symbols of female empowerment and leadership, inspiring countless women to pursue their entrepreneurial ambitions. Corporate initiatives promoting gender diversity and inclusion gained traction, albeit with varying degrees of success, as organisations recognised the business imperative of harnessing diverse perspectives.

As we look ahead, the future of women in business holds both promise and challenges. While progress has undeniably been made, disparities persist in terms of pay equity, representation in leadership roles, and access to funding for women-led ventures. Addressing these systemic issues requires a multifaceted approach, encompassing legislative reforms, corporate policies, and cultural shifts. Empowering women through mentorship programs, leadership development initiatives, and networking opportunities is essential for cultivating the next generation of female leaders. Moreover, fostering a culture of inclusivity and breaking down institutional barriers is imperative for realising the full potential of women in business.

Women have long been at the forefront of innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership in the business world, defying expectations and challenging conventions. From the pioneers of the past to the trailblazers of today, their contributions have been instrumental in shaping the trajectory of commerce and society at large. As we navigate the complexities of the modern economy, it is incumbent upon us to champion gender equality, dismantle systemic barriers, and create a more inclusive and equitable business landscape for all. Only then can we harness the full potential of women in business and build a future where opportunity knows no gender.

Empowered to lead and thrive

When a passion for maths was ignited at the age of six, it led to a rewarding career in accounting that went beyond day-to-day number crunching for Juliet Gomes, Audit Director at KPMG in the Crown Dependencies.

How would you describe the regular duties and responsibilities of your position and what aspects of it do you find most enjoyable?

My primary responsibility as a Director in Audit involves overseeing a diverse portfolio of engagements across various sectors including investment management, real estate, corporate services, technology, and e-gaming. I am accountable for signing off on both statutory and non-statutory

audits, as well as other assurance work, and my day-to-day tasks include portfolio management, implementing quality enhancement initiatives, cultivating client relationships, and providing strategic direction and oversight to my team.

I appreciate the dynamic and varied nature of my work, which constantly presents new challenges and learning opportunities. Leading multiple engagements across different sectors allows me to stay updated on technical and regulatory developments, providing the necessary opportunities for problem-solving. I also find it rewarding to collaborate with clients in navigating complex accounting issues and supporting their efforts to meet established quality standards and directives. This blend of continuous learning, technical challenges, and client interaction makes my role both fulfilling and stimulating.

What initially sparked your interest in pursuing accounting as a career?

My interest in accounting was sparked at a young age, around six years old, when my father incorporated math exercises into my discipline routine. Through this experience, I discovered a passion for numbers and problemsolving. Over time, I found myself drawn to working with spreadsheets and organising financial information. The pivotal moment that solidified my interest in accounting occurred when I volunteered at a family-run business. There, I was involved in creating inventory records, developing pricing strategies, and reconciling sales and customer transactions. These experiences ignited my passion for accounting and led me to pursue it as a career.

What achievement in your career do you consider to be the most impactful or meaningful?

During my tenure at KPMG, I had the opportunity to take on the role as the People Lead Manager for the Isle of Man audit function, an area that aligns with my passion for people management. In this capacity, I have been able to contribute to employee retention by implementing recognition initiatives such as monthly 'thanks badges' and newsletters that celebrated and rewarded high performers. Additionally, I played a pivotal role in coaching and mentoring team members to enhance their performance and foster professional growth. This involved assessing team capabilities, conducting performance appraisals with constructive feedback, identifying training needs, and developing tailored solutions to bridge skills gaps. Through initiatives like development assessment centres, I was able to empower individuals to reach their full potential.

From your perspective, what advantages or opportunities do you believe women can leverage in your industry?

From my perspective, women have distinct advantages and opportunities to leverage in the audit industry. For instance, KPMG has set a global ambition of achieving a 50/50 gender balance in leadership positions. Women bring diverse perspectives and dynamics that enrich team collaboration and problem-solving and they possess valuable skill sets, crucial for audit work, where accuracy and precision are paramount. Moreover, the audit industry presents ample opportunities for women to cultivate leadership capabilities and ascend to higher roles, thereby fostering diversity and inclusion within organisational leadership.

What activities or hobbies do you enjoy outside of your professional life?

In my free time, I love taking scenic coastal walks around the island, listening to music, and exploring new destinations through travel.

Chiropractics forlifehealth, and happiness

Dr Mary Phillips DC CACCP is the founder of Ellan Vannin Family Chiropractic Clinic in Douglas, and is a Chiropractor, Mentor and Coach. Brought up in Guernsey, Mary studied chiropractic in Bournemouth at the Anglo-European College of Chiropractic, practiced widely and then moved to the Island in 2007.

What made you choose chiropractic as a career?

I have had chiropractic care intermittently since an infant and it was probably when, as last resort and after many medical interventions, my parents took me to a chiropractor to try and help my severe menstrual cramps. For someone for whom every cycle was a painful and debilitating nightmare, the effect was astonishing –and I realised that chiropractic wasn’t just a question of aligning bones but aligning the whole body. I wanted to help other people in the same way.

How long is the training?

The initial degree is five years, but over the years I have continued to study not just academically, but with long-term professional development in my practice. I became a Doctor of Chiropractic in 2005. It is a continual learning experience and I also mentor other chiropractors.

Is there a woman in your field who inspires you?

Sukie Davies. She was my chiropractor before she retired recently but her

approach to philanthropy, holistic ways and her joie de vivre inspires me every day.

Is there something in your professional life you are most proud of?

Ellan Vannin Chiropractic has supported local people wishing to train as chiropractors for many years, recently with full sponsorships. With an aging population often with health issues to do with age, and yet who want or need to continue to work, there are more potential clients than chiropractors. I am incredibly proud that we are in a position to help redress this.

You are not only a chiropractor, but a coach and mentor. Do these two businesses overlap?

In the beginning yes, but not so much now. Because my approach to chiropractic is to treat the whole body, many of my clients begin to realise that the problem they originally come to see me about isn’t actually the underlying issue. I don’t just work with the nervous system but can offer help and advice to align the whole life, to get life in balance. It is so important to consider your general health and often solutions

to physical problems are right in front of you – my mantra is ‘look after yourself’. My coaching and mentoring business has grown alongside the clinic and I now receive local referrals and from off Island too.

Your new book, ‘The Power of Coaching: Nurturing Leadership & Personal Development’ has been very well received.

Yes! I was approached to contribute to this book some time ago, along with nine other recognised personal and business coaches, including two others who also practice in the Isle of Man: Dr Morten Isnes DC, and career fulfilment coach Helen Schoeb who was brought up here. The book considers coaching in a number of environments, offers different approaches including diversity and demonstrates the huge impact coaching can have on individuals and teams.

Outside work, what do you like to do? Travel and, when I’m on my own, read. That’s not always possible with a young family!

Do you have a favourite restaurant? Kizuna in Castletown. I love Asian food.

A dream holiday?

Exploring Japan in cherry blossom season, with my loved ones.

You can find out more about Mary and the Ellan Vannin Family Chiropractic Clinic, 44 Westmoreland Road, Douglas IM1 4AN at www. evchiropractic.co.uk. ‘The Power of Coaching: Nurturing Leadership & Personal Development’ is widely available.

Photo: Steve Babb

Red Mie: From Chickens To Chillis

Ruth Meade is founder of Ballaugh livestock farm Red Mie and alongside her husband Stuart, also runs chilli farm Fire Island and Pet Poultry, which supplies chickens to families, small-holdings and other farms around the Island.

Ruth, with no farming history, started out with a small flock of rare breed Loaghtan sheep in 2007. Over the years the Red Mie flock has grown to between 75 and 100, depending on the lambs, and now also houses chickens, ducks and geese and as well as supplying lamb, eggs and ‘live’ chickens via Pet Poultry, also runs farm visits throughout the year.

What started as a small crop of chillis for their personal culinary adventures (Stuart is an accomplished cook) developed into Fire Island, and its first chilli sauce launched in 2021 to assess the Island’s appetite for the ‘hot stuff’. Fire Island now sells fresh and dried chillis direct to customers, retailers and restaurants and produces a range of hot sauces, including hot honey, all made to Stuart’s own recipes.

With no farming experience why did you decide to start the Red Mie venture?

It was something I’d just always wanted to do, and I’m a firm believer that if you want to do something hard enough, you will!

When did Stuart get involved? When he married me! Marry me, marry my farm…

Fire Island has really gone from strength to strength. How have you managed that?

Is it fair to say with a bit of luck, Stuart’s culinary knowhow and massive support of the Island, including not just customers but also the IOM Government? We’re about to launch a TT Chilli Sauce which we hope will be popular with locals and visitors alike, and our fresh chillis won ‘New Product of the Year’ at this year’s Manx Menu awards. Local eateries who also support and promote our products have been amazing. Do you know Black Dog Oven in Peel even uses our Hot Honey on its pizzas!

Have you any other plans for Fire Island?

Lots. More poly tunnels for more varieties of chillis leading to a wider range of sauces, more stockists across, and our own wind turbine.

As a farmer, how do you use the little spare time you might have?

Training my dogs - they are part of the Good Citizen Dog Training Scheme and of the Crufts Gold Display Team. And Stuart and I like to go sea swimming, maybe about three times a year? I can’t actually remember when the last time was.

If you do get the chance to eat out, what’s your favourite restaurant? We like 14 North for special occasions, but less formally, it’s got to be Black Dog Oven down the road in Peel.

Are holidays out of the question?

Although we got married in 2021, Stuart and I didn’t have a honeymoon so this year we’ve actually booked a foodie road trip between London and Edinburgh. I expect we might take a suitcase full of Fire Island sauces with us to tickle our UK neighbours’ taste-buds.

You can find out more about Red Mie and Fire Island on their Facebook pages – new website coming soon! - www.facebook.com/redmieiom and www.facebook.com/fireislandim

Photos: Steve Babb

Smooth Operator

Brooke Cafearo set up Skin Clinic in 2022 with a desire to create a welcoming and inclusive space for women of all shapes and sizes to have a safe place to go for treatment of a wide variety of conditions. Her clinic offers a full range of treatments including pain free laser hair removal & skin rejuvenation, tattoo removal, treatment of fine lines, wrinkles and thread veins, pigmentation issues, skin tag removal and even treatment of verrucae and warts.

Brooke choose the location in Howard Street, Douglas carefully to be close to parking and bus routes, and included a fully accessible treatment room. She is a fully qualified Skin Clinician, and trained in the UK and at various world leading facilities.

Do you think there are benefits to being a woman in this industry?

Yes. As a woman, you have always either experienced a skin condition requiring treatment yourself, or know someone who has. I find myself being hugely empathetic towards my clients, their concerns, needs and emotions and am very invested in their well-being. I always endeavour to find the best solution to their problems so that they leave Skin Clinic happy with the outcome. In this industry, I think this is unique to women: the feeling of sisterhood runs deep.

How many female therapists does the Clinic have?

As well as myself, we have a fantastic clinical team that specialise in a wide variety of treatments. It’s an all-female team.

How important is continual professional development?

Training is never over! Continual professional development is essential as new advancements are made all the time, not just in new treatments, but also new techniques. I have recently completed my qualifications in advanced electrolysis and am currently completing my level 5 in laser and I am about to embark on a qualification on podiatry. I prioritise time spent on furthering my education and qualifications and encourage my team to do the same. If my clients, or potential clients, would like more reassurance then my certificates are all proudly available to view and I am happy to talk to them about them.

Who or what inspired you to become a cosmetic clinician?

I have always wanted a vocation that challenged me, with a continued need for learning and development. I’d watched friends struggle with conditions and being slow to receive or unable to access treatment on the NHS, and I recognised the need for somewhere affordable for non-surgical treatments to both help those in need and also alleviate the burden on the NHS.

Which treatments are most popular?

Laser treatments have come along in leaps and bounds in recent years so that it can treat a multitude of conditions from hair and tattoo removal to skin conditions. With being highly qualified in electrolysis, I am also finding that I am treating more and more clients with medical conditions such as PCOS and hirsutism. These conditions can be severely debilitating and electrolysis can give people their confidence back, which has a hugely positive impact on their lives.

At Skin Clinic, what are you most proud of?

Either the wide range of treatments we are able to offer, or that we are able to help clients cover the costs, which for some treatments might include many return visits, with either 0% Finance or in-house payment plans. The costs of each treatment are available in the Clinic and on our website, and are discussed with every client before they commit to any procedure.

What do you enjoy most about your job? Which do you enjoy least?

The thing I enjoy most is seeing people for a follow up whether that is following a short or long term treatment plan. To see the joy and often relief on their faces is what keeps me going. And the least enjoyable is that there aren’t enough hours in the day for everything I’d like to achieve!

And outside work – what do you do?

I have three wonderful children, a dog, cats and a bearded dragon that keep me pretty busy! Outside of family life, my partner, friends and I love to get out walking, going for brunch/dinner or indulge in a bit of kitchen karaoke!

Skin Clinic is at 3 Howard Street, Douglas (opposite TK MAXX), 01624 622226 and a full list of treatments and costs can be found at www.skinclinic.im

I have recently completed my qualifications in advanced electrolysis and am currently completing my level 5 in laser and I am about to embark on a qualification on podiatry.

Kirsty Talbot-Wilson: Keeping it all in the family

Talbot & Son is a family business supplying and fitting bespoke curtains and blinds, which started out nearly 50 years ago from Grandad Bob Talbot’s garage. Kirsty Talbot-Wilson and her brother Simon Talbot represent the third generation and are 50/50 shareholders in the business which after 32 years in Derby Square has relocated to bigger, brighter and newly refurbished premises on the Snugborough Trading Estate.

Photo: Liam Gilman

Kirsty, when did you get involved?

I’ve always had one foot in the door and helped out in the school holidays; but I joined the family business on a permanent basis in 2013 after I’d had my first child.

What do you do day-to-day?

My job is really varied as being a small business owner I wear many hats. A normal day will consist of serving customers in the showroom, building relationships with suppliers, accounts work and marketing.

Have you had any specific training?

I’ve had the privilege of having my Grandad, Dad, Uncle, Auntie and Mum train me and pass on their many years of knowledge. I’m also a fully qualified accounting technician, which helps when it comes to keeping the books in order!

Do you find being a woman is an advantage?

A large proportion of our customers are women, often buying on behalf of their whole family. I use my perspective and insights to understand what they are looking for, and then make sure everyone at Talbot & Son helps to meet those expectations. I think having a variety of perspectives at work, female and male, is a benefit to our customers.

Has any woman particularly inspired you?

I know it’s a cliché but my Mum! She’s my inspiration and always has been - her endless encouragement, strength and outlook on life is inspirational and she’ll always be someone I look up to. She’s my work colleague, mentor, best friend and Mum.

What's your career highlight?

Our new showroom which opened just a couple of weeks ago at Snugborough Trading Estate is my career highlight so far. It’s taken a lot of dedication and hard work by the family and staff to get here after 32 years at our Derby Square premises; but it’s been so worth it, and I’m incredibly proud of it. I’m

super excited about this brand new chapter at Talbots.

What's the best part of your job? And the worst?

Doing a job I love and being confident about my ability to do it well. I love meeting people and being able to offer help and advice, seeing the transformations in their homes, and the feel-good factor of great customer feedback is always unbeatable! The hardest part of the job is juggling all the aspects of being a business owner with my home life.

You’re a busy woman, so what does your home life look like?

I have two children, Holly 12 and Louis 9, who have a lot of extracurricular activities so being their taxi and fan club at various events means evenings and weekends are super busy. I also have two big daft loveable labs so dog walking is also on the agenda!

The new Talbot & Son showroom is at Unit 32K, Snugborough Trading Estate, Union Mills, IM4 4LH 01624 629940, www.talbots.im.

MUSCLE MUSCLE

Muscle and strength are typically associated with sports performance. Fit, strong and healthy muscle is the foundation for all physical based activity and sport, from Olympic weightlifting to Yoga. However, maintaining sufficient muscle mass and strength also plays a critical role in maintaining your overall health throughout your life. Muscle loss increases as we get older. This is called Sarcopenia, or age-related muscle loss. For inactive people, Sarcopenia can begin as early and age 20 with a muscle loss of as much as 3 to 5% per decade.

Inactivity, or chronic sedentary behaviour is becoming more prevalent worldwide. Many tasks that, in the past, required physical effort, are now mechanised. While progress is fantastic, this means that a large percentage of the population does no load bearing physical activity anymore, so we are using our muscles less and less. And as the saying goes “use it or lose it”. Chronic sedentary behaviour is a key mechanistic driver of Sarcopenia. It can prematurely accelerate the loss of muscle mass and strength leading to even earlier impaired mobility, higher risk of falls and fractures and increased mortality.

Let’s look at some of the most important ways that muscle supports your health and how declining muscle mass can negatively impact your health.

Loss of muscle mass increases the risk of fractures, physical disability and mobility disorders.

Increased muscle mass decreases your risk of type 2 diabetes

Muscle is active metabolic tissue.

Muscles are often described as the “engine” of your body's fat and calorie burning mechanisms. Muscle is the largest contributor to our resting energy expenditure, burning calories even while we rest. Skeletal muscle mass is therefore an important factor in glucose (blood sugar) regulation as it increases skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity. Increased muscle insulin sensitivity is usually associated with better health outcomes whereas, low skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity, leading to high levels of body fat, is a key contributor to type 2 diabetes.

Increased muscle mass may help support your immune system

There is a growing body of evidence that indicates muscle mass plays an important role in maintaining an effective immune system during severe chronic illnesses.

More generally speaking, loss of muscle mass and strength may also detrimentally affect the fitness of the

innate immune system to fight off day to day infections. Indeed, Sarcopenia is a predictor of the risk of several infections as well as the risk of increased mortality as a result of not being able to fight those infections. This clearly supports an association between a loss of muscle mass/strength and immune dysfunction (Nakanishi et al., 2018).

Muscle Mass and Physical & Mental Health

Loss of muscle mass increases the risk of fractures, physical disability and mobility disorders. Load bearing exercise such as weight training, increases muscle mass but it also maintains bone density as we age and protects them from fractures caused by falling or collision with objects. Strong healthy muscles also promote a good posture and reduce your risk of posture related ailments, such as back, neck, hip and knee pain, which are a major cause of inactivity, which then further accelerates the negative health outcomes of physical inactivity.

Depression and anxiety are the leading mental health problems worldwide. There is an increasing recognition of the importance of physical fitness and muscle mass as protective factors for the occurrence of mental health disorders. Studies have shown that any form of strength training a couple times per week was effective at improving mental health. Whether lifting weights for musclegrowth or using them in a class setting, studies demonstrated an overwhelmingly positive effect on those who suffer from depression, for some, almost immediately.

How to build and maintain a healthy level of muscle mass

If done at the right intensity, any form of load inducing physical exercise will help increase and maintain muscle mass such as weight training, Pilates, cycling, swimming, CrossFit, circuits and so on. Muscle growth and strength is a response to physical stress and the body’s way of adapting to that stress so it can better cope with it next time. Remember though, the body is adaptive so if you stop, you will lose all the hard-earned muscle. Therefore, find forms of load-bearing exercises you enjoy and then make them part of your life. Remember, age is not a barrier and you can keep exercising into old age.

A healthy nutritious diet and in particular, sufficient amounts of protein is central to the maintenance of muscle mass throughout our lives. As we get older our protein needs increase due to the effects of Sarcopenia. Protein is essential for making and maintaining muscle since it forms the building blocks of muscle tissue. Eating adequate amounts helps us maintain muscle and promotes muscle growth and repair, especially after resistance exercise. Muscle growth is optimised when repetitive bouts of resistance training are combined with adequate intakes of dietary protein.

Both the quantity and quality (composition of amino acids) of the protein you eat influences the muscle your body makes. Plant and animal proteins help build muscle but animal protein is better as it contains all the essential amino acids present in your muscle tissue.

How much protein do you need?

In the UK, the Reference Nutrient Intake (RNI) is 0.75g of protein per kg of body weight. However, this is the minimum amount required to prevent the loss of lean body mass and is based on an average, sedentary adult. These guideline figures are often misrepresented as being recommended optimal intakes, so if you’re an adult looking to build muscle, you will need 1.6 to 2.2g of quality protein per kg of body weight per day.

It's simple really, stay strong and live a long, happy, healthy and independent life.

TOP PLACES TO EAT

ON THE TT COURSE

Racing is the main attraction at the Isle of Man TT Races; however, the Island has much more to offer than just its thrilling circuit. The Isle of Man is known for its delicious cuisine, including freshly sourced seafood and exceptional farm food. There’s also an exciting brewing and distilling scene, with brands such as Bushys and Okells beer, and Fynoderee Distillery.

So, we thought we would make it easier for you to find the best place to eat a good meal right on the TT course in order of appearance around the track.

1. THE GRANDSTAND –DOUGLAS

The world famous Grandstand transforms over TT week into an exciting headquarters for the world’s best racers, alive and buzzing with live events, shops and more.

The Grandstand has a variety fast-food outlets, as well as providing a behindthe-scenes look at the start line, pit lane and paddocks. The Grandstand allows you to get up close and personal with all the racers, their teams and their bikes.

2. THE CROSBY –CROSBY

The Crosby is a Heron and Brearley brewery-owned pub, just a few miles from the start line. Right on the fourth milestone of the TT course, its large beer garden is a fabulous place to sit, offering a wide range of drinks, as well as great food in a welcoming atmosphere. The only “downside” is that the Crosby pub is inside the Course, so once the roads are closed you’re in for the duration.

3. THE HAWTHORN –GLEN

VINE

The Hawthorn is firmly established as a food destination offering fresh, homemade traditional pub grub and international dishes to suit a wide range of tastes. The Hawthorn offers an upstairs terrace in the sun overlooking the sixth mile of the course, as well as plenty of parking.

4. THE LODGE AT GLEN HELEN – GLEN HELEN

The Lodge is a family owned café nestled away in the trees on the ninth mile. The café is known for providing a warm welcome, delicious menu and has plenty of places to park your bike.

A great place to relax, eat and watch the bikes as they wind their way up to the Cronk Y Voddy Straight, one of the fastest parts of the course.

5. THE MITRE PUB –KIRK MICHAEL

The Mitre is the oldest pub in the Isle of Man. Its beer garden overlooks the fifteenth milestone on the TT course, and is a welcoming and friendly place to sit and watch the races. This pub is in the quaint village of Kirk Michael, which comes alive at TT with its large campsite, Glen Wyllin, being a popular choice for campers.

6. THE RAVEN –BALLAUGH

The Raven offers one of the most spectacular vantage points for TT spectators on the mountain course. This iconic pub is sat in a prime location on the Ballaugh Bridge, the seventeenth mile, a popular and exciting position on the TT course, where you can watch as the bikes take flight over the famous humpbacked bridge. Enjoy a good meal and a pint of Ravens Claw (a beer brewed exclusively for this pub) in cosy surroundings.

7. THE SULBY GLEN –SULBY

The Sulby Glen Hotel is possibly the only pub in the world with a Honda 4 motor converted into a beer pump. Sulby Straight is where the bikes race flat-out with speeds approaching 200mph. The Sulby Glen Hotel offers visitors a prime view of the fastest part of the course and you are also assured of good food and drink.

8. GINGER HALL HOTEL – SULBY

The Ginger Hall Hotel is a cracking spot on the 20th mile of the course. Not only does this hotel offer a place to rest your head at night, but during the day it comes alive, offering a warm welcome, live music, good food and plenty of parking for all guests to pitch their tent for the day.

9. THE HUTCH –RAMSEY

Ramsey has many great places to eat and drink. A new place on the course is The Hutch. They offer a wide variety of burgers, wraps, salads and more, all in

Places to eat

10. VICTORY CAFÉ –MOUNTAIN

Located at the Bungalow on the mountain section of the course, Victory Café offers a warm welcome, serving delicious pies and traditional hearty food. The Victory Café operates from an old Cold War era Rotor Radar Station, overlooking the 31st Milestone of the TT racecourse. This cafe has its own cinema room with airplane seating and a range of TT film favourites on repeat, as well as a souvenir shop and bar. This is ‘must visit’ for food and bike lovers alike.

11. CREG NY BAA –MOUNTAIN

The “Creg” is one of the most famous pub in motorsport, situated in a fabulous viewing spot on the world famous TT course. The Creg provides an unparalleled view as the motorbikes come down off the mountain, as well as a phenomenal view across the hills. This pub is close to the action, and a timeless classic.

KICK YOUR 2024 ISLE OF MAN TT RACES EXPERIENCE UP A GEAR

As the 2024 Isle of Man TT Races rapidly approach, Gallery Magazine are once again offering you the chance to win Mercury Club Hospitality tickets for the Isle of Man TT Races on Superbike Sunday. You’ll get to revel in all the atmosphere of the RST Superbike Race whilst taking full advantage of everything the TT Mercury Club has to offer.

Answer the following question for your chance to win this incredible experience.

Who was the 2023 winner of the RST Superbike Race?

• Michael Dunlop

• Dean Harrison

• Peter Hickman

Email your answer to: ttvipcomp@gallery.co.im

Closing date: 23 May 2024.

The 2024 Isle of Man TT Races are now so close they are flying past Signpost Corner and are rapidly approaching Glencrutchery Road. And, if you don’t want to leave being able to experience the TT Mercury Club to chance, why not take this opportunity and book yourself a ticket.

Tickets still available for Saturday 1st June and Sunday 2nd June and as a Mercury Club ticket holder you can expect to enjoy the breath-taking day of racing from the luxurious comfort of the Official TT Mercury Club hospitality suite, located in the centre of the action in Nobles Park. Situated adjacent to the course, and in between the paddock and the Monster Energy Fan Park, you can look forward to watching the Glencrutchery Road speeds from the private Mercury Club Grandstand.

You’ll get even closer to the action as the TT Mercury Club offers you unrivalled access to the event’s biggest stars. You’ll also be able to catch all the jaw-dropping action from the private Mercury Club Grandstand before rubbing shoulders with the race winners who hot-foot it from the TT podium still dripping in celebratory fizz and with trophies in hand, to share a drink with you while recounting their story of the race. Such access and informality is what makes the TT Mercury Club so appealing.

From the moment you arrive at the TT Mercury Club you’ll be taken care of by our dedicated hospitality team, on hand all day to ensure you have a truly unforgettable day at the races. Between all the thrills, you’ll be able to relax in the TT Mercury Club and feast upon a freshly cooked Manx breakfast, a gourmet lunch, and an extravagant afternoon tea, as well as enjoy a complimentary bar made-up of premium spirits, wines, Manx and international beers as well as hot drinks and soft drinks.

When the racers are tackling the Mountain Course, the Mercury Club guests can take in all the action from the large LED screens in the hospitality suite, showing the racing live as it happens from TT+.

Your entire experience will be hosted by a TT racer of yesteryear, and there will be ample chance and opportunity to rub shoulders with some of the greatest TT

legends there’s been. You won’t walk away empty handed either, with each Mercury Club guest receiving a gift pack including the official TT 2024 Programme, and an ear piece radio for live race commentary.

Although some dates are sold-out during race week, there’s still time to get your weekend tickets and enjoy the first races of the week. Tickets can be purchased from the Official Isle of Man TT Races website – iomttraces.com or by contacting a

member of our hospitality team –hospitality@iomttraces.com

steve colley & Trial bike riding

1979 was the year Steve Colley threw his leg over a Trials bike for the first time joining his father in the sport. It started off as just a bit of fun to keep him busy and use up his energy. However, the seed was sown and the passion for Trials has grown and grown ever since.

Growing up and living on the Island gave Steve the almost perfect playground to hone his skills, with such a varied landscape and different places available to him to train and practice. It allowed him to build on the foundations he had to become successful in his career no matter the terrain.

It hasn’t always been plain sailing as even though the sport originated in the UK, it isn’t as well supported the same way it is in other areas of Europe. This brings its difficulties with finding sponsorship, new people taking up the sport and coverage of the discipline. That said, Steve has had a number of successful years on a Trials bike and has come out on top in most of the events he’s entered.

Steve stepped away from the trials world stage after two massive accidents during indoor competitions. But he didn’t let that take him away from a trials bike. 15 years on and Steve has performed all over the world, staring in his own stunt shows, showcasing the art of bike control and inspired many people to give the sport a try.

Away from his own shows, Steve supports local events and helps up and coming local young riders train and progress along their own path

in the sport. This has helped aid a number of young locals compete on and off island at a high level.

Trials became a way of life, a happy place. When the helmet goes on everything going on in that day snoozes momentarily and it becomes just Steve and the bike.

You can see from the list below a lot has been achieved in Steve’s career and he has become synonymous with the world of trials. It hasn’t been easy but like everything with a lot of practice, persistence and a bit of luck all has come good in the end.

Who knows what the future holds for the sport and the new young riders coming through, but the Island definitely has the ingredients to help aid another local rider to the world stage and with support from the likes of Mr Colley hopefully the future is bright.

STEVE’S CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

• 3x British Solo Trials Champion

• 3x World Champion (TDN)

• 4x Scottish Six Day Winner

• 11x Manx National 2 Day Winner

• 2x Scott Time & Observational Winner

• 3x Paris Bercy Trials Master Winner

• 2x Val De Isere Mountain Pursuit Winner

Words & Photos by: Lucas Croydon

At Watches of Mann every timepiece in our collection is thoroughly inspected and certified by our experienced team to ensure it meets the highest standards of craftsmanship and originality.

7 Baltic House, Station Road, Ballasalla, Isle of Man IM9 2AE By appointment only