Isle of Man Premier Magazine | no. 92 | February 2020 | the [VISION] issue
the VISION issue
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(The Isle of Man has an area of 221 Sq miles)
Gallery is published eleven times a year as a fresh yet discerning guide to all that happens on the Island and beyond. Not too arty farty superior or too serious, written by you and enjoyed by people everywhere.
edito
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Vision – is it over-rated?
T
here are basically two types of people in the world: the dreamers and the do-ers; the ones who read their emails instantly or the ones with 379 unread messages in their inboxes. Some people have “vision,” they love the big picture and have the imagination to step back from the details to see clearly, while the majority of people get bogged down in those very details and concentrate on getting stuff done in the here and now. Of course, we always need both, the ying never works well without the yang but what if we all relaxed the rules a little. No one really needs to be a perfect visionary, sometimes the big picture is over-rated and why do those people get all the praise when it’s the delegates who actually get the stuff done? Why bother giving every project the full 100% when 80% would probably suffice?
GALLERY MAGAZINE
PO Box 52, Douglas, Isle of Man
CONTRIBUTORS EDITORIAL
Clare Bowie Leroy Hudson Alex Bell Suzy Holland Robert Shrimsley Markus Boyd Jamie Lawrence Les Able DESIGN STUDIO
Russ Atikinson Alex Preist
PHOTOGRAPHY
Peter Kwiecinski Matt Mosur Shan Fisher Liam Gilman
Adele Priest Sarah Jewell Lee Notman
According to Dutch researchers, there is no huge benefit from going the extra mile in life, no real advantage to always being present for every school concert, no extra bonus points for scheduling in regular date-nights with your partner or attending every single birthday celebration for your friends. The main thing, they say, is to be “good enough,” because perfection plays no positive role in real people’s lives. So, just as long as you are good enough and avoid negative or neglectful behaviour towards yourself or others then everyone should be happy! Go on, let yourself off the hook this month, we won’t tell a soul. Obviously, these rules do not apply to our slick editorial content. We do actually possess enormous amounts of vision and execute it with 100% at all times, but we don’t mind if that’s too much for you. This is a safe place where it’s ok to be good-enough. Throw the rulebook out this month, the 29th even makes an appearance so treat yourself to a more relaxed version of you, perhaps you could kick back with a classic at The Sound of Music in the Gaiety Theatre or liven things up with “Swing Lover” a Valentine’s celebration of swing dance at the British, North Quay. Or, do absolutely nothing and that will do just fine! SR
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, you can’t prove nuffing. Why are you still reading the small print? How about researching what really makes the best paper aeroplane? Test them with your friends or colleagues, add a picture to our Facebook and we’ll send you some doughnuts.
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CONTENTS
CONTENTS PICKS
THE REST UPFRONT
3 Edito 6 What’s on 14 Feature - 10 Years of Loving 12 Feature - The Sound Of Music 14 Me & My Pet - Vanity Fur 18 Give 20 Live At Home 22 Getaways 2020 24 The Samaritans 26 T op 10 Ways to Transform Your Finances in
APPETITIE
56 The Regency Hotel & Restaurant 60 A Winery in Skane, Sweden 62 Seven Kingdom - Bar | Restaurant | Distillery 65 Recipe by Steve @Ocean Restaurant TRAVEL
66 Where To Go in 2020 FASHION/BEAUTY
68 Twisted Fairytale 70 Graphic Eyes 71 Body Chains
2020
28 Rob Beckett LIVE at The Villa Marina EVENTS
30 T he Wedding Day of Annaliza & Jospeh Andrews
32 T he Wedding Day of Vanisha Patel & Nicholas Braide
CULTURE
34 Interview with Alice Smith & Lois Mooney 38 UPLOAD 42 Caught on Camera With Phil Kneen 46 In The News 48 30 Voices on 2030 49 Appointments
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HARDWARE
72 Gadgets - Vision 2020 NIGHTLIFE
74 Aeons - Celtic Inspired Music
PROPERTY
PAPARAZZI
52 Feature Properties
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WHAT’S ON 02.02 and 01.03.2020
now – 01.03.2020
//PORT ERIN and PEEL// It might be too late to take your youngsters to the Port Erin showing of this interactive musical event, staged by Stage Door Productions, but you can still book for the Peel showings, at 1pm and 3pm at the Peel Centenary Centre on 1 March.
//HOUSE OF MANANNAN, PEEL// Following the success of the 2017 exhibition, “This Is Summer”, this is a look back through the photographs taken by Bill Peters and his team at Manx Press Pictures exploring Island life during the winter months and offering an insight into Manx Culture from the 1950’s to the 1980’s.
M IS FOR MANX CAT – THE MUSICAL
This musical version of best-selling children’s picture book ‘M is for Manx Cat: An Isle of Man ABC’ by local author Gemma Hjerth and illustrator Kim Gee has been touring the Island since January to rave reviews from children and their parents alike. M is for Manx Cat: an Isle of Man ABC is available around the Island and online – see www.facebook.com/isleofmanabc Tickets for M is for Manx Cat – The Musical can be bought via the event links on the same page. Supported by IOM Arts Council, Culture Vannin and Theatrefest
now – 08.02.2020
‘UNDER’ – THE OPEN ART COMPETITION EXHIBITION
//HODGSON LOOM GALLERY, LAXEY// The ever-popular and always surprising art competition, expertly curated by Julia Ashby Smyth, always attracts a wide range of entries from professional and amateur artists of all ages and working in all mediums. This year’s theme is ‘Under’ – so expect the unexpected. It’s too late to cast your own votes for your favourite artwork, but you’ll be able to see all the winners in the exhibition. www.facebook.com/hodgsonloom
now – 29.02.2020
CHAOTIC CREATING
//MOTHER T’S, NEW ROAD, LAXEY// A fascinating, somewhat chaotic exhibition of work from a local artist who prefers his work to speak for itself: ‘It’s a fun thing to do and if it motivates other people to create their own art, then I’ll be happy.’ If you’re intrigued by this ‘artist’s statement’ then Mother T’s is open on Wednesdays 12 – 4pm and Thursday-Saturday 10am – 4pm. www.facebook.com/MotherTeas
THIS IS WINTER
This is a free exhibition, donations to Manx National Heritage welcome. www.manxnationalheritage.im
04.02 and 09.02.2020
KINKY BOOTS, THE MUSICAL
//BROADWAY CINEMA, DOUGLAS// Kinky Boots, The Musical, filmed live at the Adelphi Theatre in the heart of London’s West End, is strutting onto the big screen. Inspired by true events, this huge-hearted hit tells the story of two people with nothing in common – or so they think. This unmissable musical theatre event celebrates a joyous story of British grit transforming into a high-heeled hit as it takes you from the factory floor of Northampton to the glamorous catwalks of Milan. Two showings, Tuesday 4th February 7pm & Sunday 9th February 3pm – certificate 12A Tickets : Adult £14 - Senior Concessions £11.50 www.villagaiety.com Kinky Boots, The Musical is also being shown at the Northern Theatre Experience, Ramsey Gramma School, on 13 February.
12.02 and 26.02.2020
FILMS IN PEEL
//PEEL CENTENARY CENTRE// The 2020 schedule for Films in Peel has been announced and this month the fascinating crime story Can you Ever Forgive Me? (Cert 15) and British feel-good film Fisherman’s Friends (cert 12a) will be shown. More information about these films, and those scheduled for the coming months can be found at www.facebook. com/filmsinpeel where you can also book tickets.
14.02 – 22.02.2020
THE SOUND OF MUSIC
//GAIETY THEATRE, DOUGLAS// The Douglas Choral Union is proud to present The Sound of Music – one of the greatest musicals of all time and one to enchant the young and the young at heart with its heartwarming story of Maria and her transformation of the Von Trapp family with song, laughter and joy. Tickets from £20 for U16s to £90 for a box – one free ticket for every 10 purchased. www.villagaiety.com
15.02 – 10.05.2020
THE LUXURY OF TIME: CLOCKS FROM 1550 TO 1750
//MANX MUSEUM, DOUGLAS// A special display of rare and significant historical timepieces telling the story of the golden age of innovation in British watch and clock making. The Luxury of Time will feature 25 objects from the private collection of Island resident Dr. John C Taylor OBE, an engineer, entrepreneur and one of the UK’s most prolific inventors. Developed as a collaboration between the Dr John C Taylor OBE Clock Collection and the National Museum of Scotland, and curated by Dr Tacye Phillipson, Senior Curator of Science at NMS. Free exhibition, donations welcome www.manxnationalheritage.im
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FEBRUARY 15.02.2020
SWING LOVER: A VALENTINE’S CELEBRATION OF SWING DANCE
//THE BRITISH, NORTH QUAY, DOUGLAS// A workshop from 10am – 2pm for dancers with some experience, looking at jazz steps and improvisation. No partner necessaryPrice - £15 per person – or just £5 if you buy a party ticket in advance. The Swing Lover Dance Party party (from 8.30pm) is open to everyone, and celebrates all partnered dance styles (including swing, jazz, ceroc, tango, ballrrom and salsa) with a musical emphasis on swing, blues and jazz. Live band ‘Another Shade of Blue’ featuring Rachel Wild. £25 per p erson on the door £20 in advance. There will be a FREE introductory class on the Lindy Hop for the first 30 party guests to sign up, and Places for all these events are limited so sign up at www.swingintheisle.net now.
16.20 – 23.02.2020
21.02.2020
//THE NUNNERY, OLD CASTLETOWN ROAD, DOUGLAS// 60 minutes of educating, entertaining and escapist experiences. Content will change regularly and will range from Astronomy, Adventure and Allosauraus [Dinosaurs] to virtual aquariums and zoos with a few Manx locations, locamotions and bikes thrown in for good measure.
//VILLA MARINA, DOUGLAS// COLDPLACE is the world’s leading tribute to Coldplay and in 12 years has over 600 gigs under its belt, playing to rapturous audiences across the length and breadth of the UK and in over twenty different countries worldwide. And now it’s the Isle of Man’s turn….
HALF TERM AT THE DOME
Tickets cost from £0 (for under 3s) to £15 for adults – see www.facebook.com/ ManxDome for more information and to book.
20.02.2020
VALENTINE – ISH
//THE EATERY, DUKE ST, DOUGLAS// The next evening of live comedy, stories, poetry and more from local writers and performers with a very loose Valentine’s theme. Doors 7pm, Show 7.30pm until about 9.30pm – free entry and food and drink available.
COLDPLACE – THE WORLD’S LEADING TRIBUTE TO COLPLAY
Local support from Alex Harris. Tickets £24.50 include FLASHING WRISTBANDS which will be issued to ticketholders on entry. Brought to you by RS Promotions (unsuitable for u14s) www.villagaiety.com
More details from www.facebook.com/ shortstoriesandludicrous
ROB BECKETT Wallop 19 MAR / VILLA MARINA
01624 600555 villagaiety
@villagaiety
villagaiety
villagaiety.com BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS
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26.02.2020
29.02.2002
//GAIETY THEATRE, DOUGLAS// Thrilling tales from a modern-day explorer. Ben has climbed Everest, been swimming with crocodiles, saved elephants, dodged pirates, been marooned for a year on an uninhabited island, walked to the South Pole, crossed the empty quarter with camels, rowed across the Atlantic Ocean, tracked the Migration of the Wildebeest, swum from Alcatraz, had a flesh-eating disease and messed around with ferrets!
//GAIETY THEATRE, DOUGLAS// This breathtaking show has rock ’n’ rolled audiences across the globe and is guaranteed to have everyone singing along to the music and dancing in the aisles. It stars some of the finest actor-musicians in the UK whose combined West End credits include Buddy, Lennon, Forbidden Planet and the hits just keep on coming - That’ll Be The Day, Peggy Sue, Heartbeat, It Doesn’t Matter Anymore, Raining In My Heart, Oh Boy! – and much, much more.
BEN FOGLE – TALES FROM THE WILDERNESS
If you love Ben’s TV shows or been captivated by his books, you’ll love this personal and intimate evening of stories from around the world. Tickets from £27.50 www.villagaiety.com
28.02 - 01.03.2020
BUDDY HOLLY & THE CRICKETERS
NETBALL EUROPE U17 CHALLENGE
Tickets £20.50 or a box (for four) is £82.
The Manx U17 team will compete against teams from Gibraltar, Ireland and Malta in this world class event. Five of the Manx team have competed at this level before, so the team coaches and managers are hopeful that they can emulate the success of the senior team.
Suitable for all the family. www.villagaiety.com
//NATIONAL SPORTS CENTRE, DOUGLAS// This annual challenge takes place on Manx soil for the first time after the Manx Rams senior team won the Netball Europe Open Challenge last year.
More information from www.netball.im – where you can also find details of how to buy tickets (£5) for the competition matches and any exhibition matches.
28.02.2020
FAST LOVE – THE EVERYTHING SHE WANTS TOUR
//VILLA MARINA, DOUGLAS// The World’s largest George Michael celebration FASTLOVE is back with a brand new show for 2020 with a brand new set list featuring songs including Older, Somebody to Love, Spinning the Wheel and AS. And all the classics you want - I’m your Man, Freedom 90, Careless Whisper, Club Tropicana and many many more. Tickets £26.50 - unsuitable for Under 16s. www.villagaiety.com
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S AT I R E
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LIFE & ST YLE IN JERSEY
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Everybody needs somebody to love, but the search for romance has changed enormously in the last 100 years. I too am out there looking for action and I find myself asking many questions. I promise they are unconnected to me being turned down for Tinder dates because I’ve got more crows’ feet than a Game of Thrones box set. Have standards changed? Are today’s lovers prepared to look harder for the perfect partner? Is it worth going to Jurby to meet a man with a new tractor? I don’t have all the answers (or any answers), but if you read on you’ll see that it’s not only embittered journalists who have seen their options change in the last century. THE FARMER Finding love in 1920: you tie your wallet to your belt and prepare to make the long journey to Douglas in search of a woman with broad hips and strong ankles. After winning her at auction you turn right round and head back to the farm, as you are superstitious of being blinded by the devil’s bauble - town’s new electric light bulb. After five years of heavy ploughing you have nine children and can often remember your wife’s name. Finding love in 2020: you spend most of your time in Douglas, because the bits of the farm that you haven’t turned into luxury apartments are managed by solar-powered hemp-picking robots. Imagine a Roomba but instead of body hair tumbleweeds it collects premium wacky baccy for the Dutch market. Who wouldn’t want to marry into this lifestyle? You only have one child, because for some mysterious reason your swimmers don’t head in a straight line. THE WIDOW Finding love in 1920: your dear love died in the Great War after four years of marriage, he was but 19, a strapping young lad as strong as a drayhorse. You cherish his memory in your heart and his hair in a locket around your neck. After 25 years you will stop wearing black every day and consent to attend bridge club with a gentleman who lost his own wife to scurvy. Perhaps after another five years of dating you will abandon the need for a chaperone and scandalise the parish gossips by moving into a house where you will sleep in separate bedrooms until 1975. Finding love in 2020: Bae died in a planking accident, although it did biiiiig numbers on TikTok. Not to be outdone you are filmed twerking on his coffin and tongue-kissing mourners of all genders. People often say “it’s what they would have wanted” but in this case it is impossible to argue because you had already uploaded video wills to social media and chosen fave emoji for your tombstones. THE HEALTH ENTHUSIAST Finding love in 1920: Each day you rise before dawn to take a bracing swim at Port Erin beach. Whilst returning vigour to your lungs with an unfiltered cigarette you strike up conversation with a handsome stranger who claims that drinking their own urine cured them of the pox. Within six months you are married, and spend your honeymoon inhaling sulphur in an Austrian resort town where every dish contains pickled herring. Finding love in 2020: Each day you rise at dawn to do either Crossfit or hot yoga. Whilst huffing the steam from a turmeric water you strike up conversation with a handsome stranger who claims that gluten gave them PTSD. Within six months you have a joint Instagram account, and are pitching your honeymoon to whoever will sponsor the most hashtags. THE HEDONIST Finding love in 1920: life is a gaudy merry-go-round of ginsoaked parties and all-night jazz-dancing sessions - now that the Great War is over the economy is booming and mankind will undoubtedly march forward to peace and prosperity for all. Your perfect match is drunk, scandalous and beautifully dressed; you dance all night and vow to never be apart. Your wedding party goes on for three days, fuelled by champagne and a suitcase of “diet pills” you bought from a Swiss doctor. BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS
Finding love in 2020: you spend summer in Ibiza, winter in Thailand and Spring in detox. You are surrounded by beautiful people at nightclubs and pool parties, but also in the hospital clinic you visit for that “persistent burning sensation.” Eventually you are organised enough to have the same partner stay at your house three weekends in a row. After ten years of partying together you are still very much in love, but look like you are in your 70s. You sober up and bond further by incessantly lecturing young people about the dangers of having too much fun. THE INTELLECTUAL Finding love in 1920: after graduating from Oxford, you join a pharmaceutical company that secretly tests brain medicine on factory workers. In your spare time you play chess by mail and read books in latin. Despite thick glasses you can barely see, so when you bang heads with an attractive lab assistant your world lights up. Once you are satisfied this isn’t another side effect from the latest batch of chemicals you begin a lengthy courtship that involves lots of arguing about “ethical experimentation.” You continue working for the pharmaceutical company, but your children are confiscated by the US government when they begin lifting things with just the power of their giant swollen brains. Finding love in 2020: after graduating from Wikihow to Ted Talks, you join a company that is trying to disrupt the market for adult nappies by delivering them with drones. In your spare time you are recreating ancient Rome inside Minecraft and trading in Bitcoin. Whilst laundering your money through a company that tests brain medicine on people in North Korea you strike up conversation with another user. After two years you trust each other enough to reveal your names, genders and approximate physical locations. You exchange DNA by post; your children will be born in a laboratory in Pyongyang, where they will be feared and admired for the power of their giant swollen brains. Your descendants will rule the Mars colony. THE CELEBRITY Finding love in 1920: you are famous either as a stage magician or for being part of a comedy act in which the only joke is that you (badly) pretend to be Chinese. Despite great wealth (you own a motor-car) you are shunned by polite society for your humble origins as the child of a hat-maker, and must find your match from the musicians and gin vendors who orbit your shameful trade. You will have two children, but both are driven insane by the mercury deposits in your stage makeup. In grief you and your partner are defrauded of your fortune by a psychic medium called “Madame Spooksovitch” and join the British Union of Fascists. After ten years of goose-stepping you are “cancelled” in Berlin in 1945. Finding love in 2020: you are famous for playing video games, owning a weird-looking cat or starring in a naughty video that may have been leaked by members of your own family. Despite great wealth you are shunned by polite society for being very annoying, and must find your match amongst other mindless narcissists. This is easy enough, but as a celeb couple you receive “sick burns” in a squeaky monologue from Ricky Gervaise. In grief, you and your partner go on a racist tweeting rampage about British teeth and lobby the US President to nuke Reading. You are both cancelled ten minutes later.
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DOUGLAS CHORAL UNION PROUDLY PRESENTS
“The hills are alive with the…” Even if you have never seen the film (what?!) this song is instantly recognisable – the Douglas Choral Union brings us The Sound of Music, the world’s best-loved musical. Set in Salzburg, Austria in the late 30s, it tells the uplifting true story of Maria, the fun-loving governess who changes the lives of the widowed Captain Von Trapp and his seven children by re-introducing them to music, culminating in the family’s escape across the mountains. The original 1959 Broadway production of THE SOUND OF MUSIC won six Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and was Rodgers and Hammerstein’s biggest success. The 1965 movie starring Julie Andrews as Maria won five Oscars, including Best Picture, and remains one of the most popular movies of all time. Director Tony Finnegan is warmly welcomed back for his sixth show with the society, most recently directing last year’s hilarious Spamalot! Tony is “thrilled to be back on the island with the fabulous DCU directing a show that I am very familiar with. The show is well cast – both adults and children – and I am delighted with the progress that is being made. I’m really excited about this one” The Society is also excited to welcome back Wilson Shields as Musical Director, who also worked with the society on Spamalot. DCU Chairman, Tony Jones, said:
“The Douglas Choral Union performed the Sound of Music in 1972 and 2005 and we are delighted to bring this traditional and well loved musical back to the Gaiety Theatre in February 2020. The level of talent we have on the island is reflected in the Von Trapp and ensemble children as well as our excellent line up of principals supported by a strong ensemble. This will be a great show that all the family will enjoy.” Thank you to our sponsors. The DCU is extremely grateful for the ongoing generous support provided by our
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sponsors DQ Advocates, Thomas Miller Investment, Isle of Man Steam Packet, and Paradise & Gell which is very much valued and appreciated. THE SOUND OF MUSIC brims over with some of the most memorable songs ever performed on the musical theatre stage, including My Favorite Things, Do-ReMi, Climb Ev’ry Mountain, Edelweiss, The Lonely Goatherd, Sixteen Going on Seventeen, and of course the glorious title song The Sound of Music.
This iconic show touches the hearts of all ages – Don’t miss it! TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW Showing at the Gaiety Theatre from 14th to 22nd February 2020. Tickets are available from www.villagaiety.com or at the Box Office on 600555 or call in at the Villa Marina or the Welcome Centre at the Sea Terminal. Children’s Teams: Team Raindrops performances: Fri 14th Feb, Sat 15th Feb, Tue 18th Feb, Thu 20th Feb, Sat 22nd Feb (Matinee) Team Roses performances: Fri 21st Feb, Sat 22nd Feb
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SHARON KENNY AND HER THREE PAPILLONS TINO, CODY AND VANITY
“My three Papillons are part of my family,” says Sharon Kenny, proprietor of Vanity Fur on Queen’s Promenade, Douglas, “but I like to think of all my clients, animal and human, as being members of a wider family too. I treat every pet the same way as I treat Tino, Cody and Vanity – with love and care.” And the success of this pet styling salon is proof of that. Sharon set up Vanity Fur in June 2010 after three months training in the UK and experiencing her first visit to Crufts. “I’ve always loved animals,” she says, “and that visit to Crufts confirmed to me that my vision of a grooming salon, offering a high level of care and expertise, was what pet owners in the Isle of Man would value.” It was a huge leap for this ex-lawyer who says that when she opened Vanity Fur she wanted to make sure that every dog or cat who crosses the threshold looks forward to the experience. “The specialist service I offer takes time,” she says, “particularly with nervous animals, so it’s not just a question of dropping your pet off, dashing around the supermarket and returning an hour later to a happy, perfectly groomed animal. We’ll talk about what’s involved, what you expect and what I can do. But front and centre of the Vanity Fur experience is a comfortable, relaxed pet.” Tino, Cody and Vanity are certainly relaxed little dogs with their own distinct personalities. Apart from size – Vanity is the smallest – there is one other very obvious difference. Like the 2019 Crufts ‘Best In Show’ Dylan, Vanity is a Papillon but a rarer variation of the breed in that she is a drop-eared version known as a
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Phalene (like Marie Antoinette’s famous Coco). “This happened suddenly following her first season and although it came as a surprise, I’m pretty sure she likes being different,” laughs Sharon, “and when she’s perched in her favourite spot on the salon counter surveying ‘her’ kingdom she’s definitely very regal!” But Vanity Fur doesn’t just cater for small dogs: Sharon’s clients have included Newfoundlands, Bull Mastiffs, English Bulldogs, Afghan Hounds and even cats. “I draw the line at bathing cats,” she laughs, “but long haired ones in particular like being groomed and pampered.” And it’s not just the obvious removal of matted hair: she is particularly fond of a Persian cat who comes in for what is known as Lion Styling, with the fur shaved on the body but hair left as a lion’s mane around the head and the tail left long. “Every pet I groom leaves Vanity Fur with a spritz of cologne and a bow on his or her collar, including themed ones like this month’s Valentine’s Day,” says Sharon, “but even if you don’t want your pet groomed it’s worth calling in – even with the work on the prom you can usually park right outside the salon – for other pet products including Nutriment, an award winning frozen raw pet food you can’t buy anywhere else on the Island and other unique products. I’m a great believer in ‘shop local’ and like Tino, Cody and Vanity, your pets will thank you!”
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HUMAN QUESTIONS: Sharon Breed: Human Age? 68 Likes? The moon, music, flowers, oceans, playing Blackjack Dislikes? Self-centered people, badly behaved children, getting up early If animal what would you be? Definitely Vanity – she lives a life of luxury Favourite food? Vietnamese Pho or toro sashimi Where do you live? Ballabeg Where are you originally from? Vancouver, Canada Where do you work? Owner of Vanity Fur Limited Do you have any more pets? Apart from the three papillons I have two cats named Vegas and Koa Would you have any more pets? Probably but I better not The best and worst thing about having a pet is? Best- Their unconditional love Worst- Losing them Interesting fact: I practiced law for almost 30 years before becoming a pet stylist
“Every pet I groom leaves Vanity Fur with a spritz of cologne and a bow on his or her collar, including themed ones like this month’s Valentine’s Day”
PET QUESTIONS: Tino, Cody (the boys) and Vanity (the Diva) Breed? Papillons Age? 16, 12 and 10 Likes? Lots of cuddles and birthdays when we get steak and prawns Dislikes? Sharing food, toys, space or Mummy’s attention If human what would you be? Tino: Actor, Cody: Magician, Vanity: Model Favourite food? Raw steak and prawns
Vanity Fur is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00am to 6:00pm. More details of the services and products Sharon offers can be found on www.facebook.com/vanity.furiom or just call Sharon on 667000 or 355000 to arrange an appointment.
Why do you love your human? She makes us the centre of her life If you had one wish what would you wish for? That we could all live forever with each other Interesting fact: We all come from the same top UK breeder and are from the same bloodline
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GIVE RL360 ANNOUNCE SPONSORSHIP OF YOUNG SAILING STAR PETER COPE RL360 is delighted to announce they are sponsoring Peter Cope, a talented member of The Manx Youth Sailing Squad. Peter Cope started sailing aged 6 with the Isle of Man Yacht Club in Port St Mary. Having discovered a love and a talent for the sport, he soon moved on to racing RS Tera dinghies with the Manx Youth Sailing Squad aged 9. Since then, the 13-year-old sailor from Castletown has gone from strength-tostrength, racing in the UK RS Tera circuit for the past few years, and achieving several top 5 finishes. He also gained success competing in 2 RS Tera World Championships and, during the 2019 Worlds in Sweden, Peter’s exceptional performance saw him win second place overall. Commenting on the sponsorship, Peter thanked RL360 for their generosity and
said he was looking forward to repaying them with top-class performances in the forthcoming Aero circuit - in both the UK and Europe. Likewise, Tim Cope, Peter’s father who works for RL360, said he was delighted with the support. The sponsorship agreement with RL360 will see Peter retire his old RS Tera boat (which he has now outgrown), and enable him to advance to an RS Aero dinghy. The RS Aero is a high-performance vessel, and popular with championships around the world; making its capabilities the perfect match for Peter’s ambitions.
£15,000 RAISED FOR MCH PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES (FORMERLY MANX CANCER HELP) A long- established local charity has thanked Lloyds Bank and its staff for their support over the last 12 months, which saw the charity rebrand and launch an important new project. The Lloyds Charity Community, with help from Lloyds colleagues, worked tirelessly throughout 2019 to raise over £15,000 for MCH Psychological Services (formerly Manx Cancer Help) and its Isle Listen project. The Isle Listen team works within schools, highlighting to young people that taking care of mental health is just
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as important as physical health through a series of assemblies and PSHE lessons. They also provide listeners in 2 secondary schools and plan to expand services across the island, subject to funding. Hardworking Lloyds colleagues held in house events, tackled the Parish Walk, carried out bag packs, took part in the Tour de Branch cycling challenge and planned a fantastic Flag Day in Douglas Town Centre, raising lots of funds and awareness for the charity along the way. www.thecentre.im
IOM SAMARITANS NAMED MANX CO-OP’S CHARITY OF THE YEAR The local branch of Samaritans has been selected as the Manx Co-op Charity of the Year for 2020. As part of the partnership, all 10 Co-op food stores in the Island will have Samaritans collection boxes on display in-store to raise funds for the charity, which has been providing a 24/7 listening service in the Isle of Man for 40 years, offering emotional support to those in need. In addition, staff from local Co-op branches will offer further support by organising fundraising events such as raffles and quizzes to coincide with key dates in the Samaritans’ 2020 calendar. There is also the opportunity for the charity to apply for ‘The Big Co-op Payout’, an initiative where one per cent of what Co-op members spend on selected branded products and services goes to local causes through its Local Community Fund. ’ Stefanie Faragher from the Manx Co-op added: ‘Supporting the local communities that we work in is so important to us, so we’re delighted to partner with Isle of Man Samaritans in 2020. We admire the dedication and commitment of their volunteers and the 24/7 lifeline they offer to those in need of emotional support. Samaritans offers confidential judgement-free emotional support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The number is 116 123 and it is free to call. Alternatively, you can email jo@ samaritans.org. ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE
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UPFRONT
Angela Beresford from Dandara (front right) with Anni Pearsall, Kerry Palmer from Live at Home and some of the members at the charitys cinema club.
IN THE COMMUNITY Live at Home works to improve the lives of older people by providing support and social interaction for those who want to maintain their independence, and continue living in their own home.
Its dedicated team of staff and volunteers provide a wide range of services and activities for older people, including oneto-one befriending, lunch clubs and other social activities.
The charity’s two minibuses are an essential part of the service it provides; transporting members, who often don’t have access to any other form of transport, to and from activities, important visits and appointments and on assisted shopping trips. Since 2016, local homebuilder Dandara has funded the annual running costs of the minibuses, including fuel, insurance and maintenance costs. Without this invaluable support, the charity would struggle to afford these ongoing expenses. We chat with Keith Watterson, a Live at Home volunteer minibus driver, about his
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important role with the charity and why he is passionate about the work it does in the local community. How long have you been a volunteer of Live at Home? For more than three years now, I started in early in 2016.
How did you get involved with the charity? A friend of mine asked me if I was busy at work when we met one day. I told her that I had just retired. ‘Oh’, she said, ‘how do you fancy driving a minibus for Live at Home? They are short of drivers.’ And that’s how it all started… What does your role entail? As a volunteer driver, I’m responsible for driving Live at Home members to and from ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE
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lunch clubs, social events, appointments and shopping trips. When on duty I start my day with a check of the minibus, both inside and outside, to make sure all is safe and in working order. Then I will look at my schedule and decide on the best route to pick the passengers up before setting off. A key part of my role is assisting the members in getting safely on board, keeping them warm and comfortable while travelling and the same on the return journey home. At the end of the day, the minibus is parked up and checked over ensuring it is ready for the next outing. I am also responsible for arranging the safety checks and routine servicing of both minibuses and putting the vehicles through their annual road worthiness tests. How often do you volunteer with the charity? As and when required depending on how many other volunteer drivers are available, normally three or four times a month. What do you do outside of the volunteer work? I retired in 2015 and with my increased spare time I became involved in more charities and organisations. I am Property Steward at Abbeylands Chapel, Chairman of The Friends of Onchan Heritage, a counsellor at Citizens Advice Service and a member of The Royal Manx Agricultural Show. From time to time I give illustrated talks to local groups about subjects I have studied, the history of telephone kiosks in particular is a favourite topic of mine. In retirement I also took up crown green bowls for Marown at Crosby. I also like to do as much DIY as I can but the list of jobs at home is getting longer rather than shorter! How has volunteering for the charity benefitted you? Being involved with Live at Home has brought me into contact with many people, those whom I work alongside and those who we take out. Everyone is great and it is rewarding to see the older folk getting out every now and then and doing something different. Some of the people I transport I have known in the past so it is good to help them now when they need a helping hand and for them to see a familiar face again. What’s your favourite aspect about your volunteering role? My favourite aspect is knowing that
Keith Watterson with Live at Home member Jessie Fayle.
my small contribution helps to make a big difference to the local folk we look after. Transporting the members is such an important part of what we do; most no longer drive and feel anxious or uncomfortable using public transport, so without the minibuses it is unlikely they’d be able to get out and about. Have you made any new friends? Definitely. You often get the opportunity to meet new people, many of whom are interesting to talk to as they have a lifetime of history and stories to tell. Some of them I have met previously through work or elsewhere while others have family who are known to me. The office staff have become friends too, we work as a team and help each other out as much as possible. What do you think about the great work that Live at Home does in the community? With the support of the local community and businesses such as Dandara, which funds the running costs of the two Live at Home minibuses, the charity is thriving
and now recognised as a lifeline for older people in the Isle of Man. It is such a fantastic feeling to take somebody out for lunch, a social activity, shopping or to a film when they haven’t been able to get out of the house for weeks. It is truly satisfying work and a wonderful charity to volunteer with. What would you say to anyone thinking about volunteering? A volunteer could be like me, a driver, or assist in many other ways. If you have some spare time, even just a few hours every now and then, you will be welcomed and valued as a team member. Seeing the pleasure it brings to people is a reward in itself. There are lots of roles that volunteers undertake, and we all work together like a well-oiled machine - come and join us!
To find out more or volunteer with Live at Home Isle of Man, email enquiries@liveathome.im or call 01624 616571/01624 627778 BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS
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START PLANNING YOUR NEXT GETAWAY AT THIS TIME OF YEAR IT’S EASY TO FIND YOURSELF LOOKING AHEAD AND DAYDREAMING ABOUT FUTURE TRAVEL PLANS, SO WHY NOT MAKE THE MOST OF 2020 AND START PLANNING YOUR NEXT GETAWAY WITH THE ISLE OF MAN STEAM PACKET COMPANY. With a choice of four convenient ports in the UK and Ireland, a great range of facilities on board both vessels and room to stretch your legs as you sail, travelling by ferry offers the perfect start to any getaway. It also gives you the option to bring the car and take everything you need for whatever you have planned on your break. With no luggage fees you can indulge in some retail therapy on your travels too, with no need to worry about how it will fit in your case or the additional weight.
Plus, with more than 900,000 Offer Seats available during the year, now is a great time to plan ahead and take advantage of these. With a spring 5-Day Short Break Offer for a car and two passengers from £98 each way, giving you the freedom to explore as far and wide as you choose, the ever-popular Kids Go Free Summer Special for the whole family, in addition to other great car and foot passenger offers, there’s something to suit every trip.
The Lake District and Peak District are home to some of Britain’s finest scenery, with countless walking, cycling and driving routes to be discovered. Both destinations are easy to get to when you take the car and are great for outdoor water activities too, with canoeing, kayaking, water rafting and more to make a splash with.
If a cultural getaway sounds tempting, Liverpool is steeped in history. Discover fascinating museums and galleries, cuttingedge art, inspiring architecture and an iconic musical past. With sailings into the heart of the bustling city resuming on Friday 27th March with the return of fast craft Manannan, now is a great time to book. Or, hop on the ferry to either Belfast or Dublin to enjoy an adventure-filled road trip, soaking up the stunning sights, sounds and smells of the Emerald Isle on four or two wheels. Regular sailings are scheduled to Ireland between 28th March and 8th September.
If you are in need of some of R&R, why not treat you and your loved one to a luxury spa break? Indulge in delicious dining, luxurious treatments and time to truly relax. There are plenty of quality spas to choose from, from Thermae Bath Spa in the city of Bath to Edinburgh’s One Spa, which offers a truly urban thermal spa experience.
Thermae Bath Spa, Bath. Credit: Visit Britain/Simon Winnall
However you envisage your travel plans for 2020, book your next adventure by ferry today at www.steam-packet.com
There is an amazing array of attractions, things to do and events happening in cities, towns and villages around the UK and Ireland throughout the year. With so much choice there’s plenty to pack into your travels.
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Northern Ireland. Credit: Visit Britain/Ben Selway
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*Minimum contract terms of 24 months. The offer must be purchased in store. Example includes SML Pay Monthly mobile plan with Unlimited Broadband Standard (speeds up to 16 Mbps) and Sure Home Phone Line. New router available - £29. Connection fees may apply, where required: VDSL connection £55, Fibre £91. Sure Home landline required for non-fibre broadband. Ts&Cs apply. Prices include VAT. †Source: Systemics Group - tests undertaken September 2017.
UPFRONT
2019 was a big year for Isle of Man Samaritans… January - Brew Monday
We offer
emotional support
24
hours a day
7
days a week
We spread joy by turning ‘Blue Monday’ into ‘Brew Monday’
July - Samarathon Volunteers were sponsored to walk the equivalent of a marathon over the course of July raising vital funds
24 July - Samaritans Day 24/7, just like our service
10 September World Suicide Prevention Day
There are
201 branches
We marked the event by laying 40 pairs of shoes on Douglas Promenade, each representing a life
29 September - 40 Years of Isle of Man Samaritans
across the UK
On a global basis, every 40 seconds someone chooses
to take their own life
In the UK there were
Isle of Man Samaritans marked its 40th birthday in 2019
We raised awareness of our service with bus, radio, digital and online advertising
6,507 suicides in 2018 c. 18 per day All this was made possible thanks to a grant from Manx Lottery Trust! Samaritans is available 24/7 for confidential emotional support. You can reach them on 116123
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ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE
Bath, England
Where will 2020 take you?
5-Day Short Break
Car & 2 Adults
Pack more in - sail by ferry.
Book now at STEAM-PACKET.COM Take your vehicle
No luggage fees
Convenient ports
from
* £79 each way
Start planning your next getaway today… Will it be a road trip through the Scottish countryside, a rural retreat in Ireland, a picturesque escape in the Lake District or a romantic city break in Bath? Enjoy the freedom to explore as far and wide as you choose when you bring your car on the ferry, plus with no luggage fees, you can bring everything you need for the perfect trip. What are you waiting for? There’s plenty to be discovered!
Stretch your legs
Terms and conditions apply. Subject to availability. A combination of ports should be considered. *Valid for travel between 07/01/20 - 29/02/20. Journeys must be completed within five days – day of outward sailing counts as day one. Return sailing must commence on or before day five. Photo credit: © Visit Britain: Simon Winnal
UPFRONT
TOP 10 WAYS TO TRANSFORM YOUR FINANCES IN 2020
One of the most common New Year’s resolutions made every year is to save more money – sound familiar? If you’re getting a sense of déjà vu you’re not alone, but if you’ve found your resolutions have once again fallen by the wayside come February, then its likely time for something to change. To help you out, we’ve assembled a list of top tips that will kick-start your financial planning and help turn your financial life around for 2020 and beyond *:
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1. Calculate your net worth It’s hard to know where you’re going if you don’t know where you’re starting out from. Consequently, one of the first things you should do is calculate your net worth. Your net worth is a useful snapshot of your current financial situation and you can use it to determine what actions you need take in order to reach your goals. 2. Keep track of your expenses If you don’t know where your money is going you won’t know what habits you need to change to make your money work for you. Keep track of your expenses for a period of at least 3 months (though preferably longer) and this will help you to pinpoint your bad habits and cut unnecessary spending.
4. Regular savings - make it a habit Saving money is fundamental to sensible financial management, but your savings habits can be more sophisticated than simply having a rainy day fund. Consider optimising your savings plan so that you automatically put money aside every month. There saving plans to complement a range of goals; for example, RL360’s Regular Savings Plan is a long-term plan, tailored to those who want to save for retirement or for their children’s education.** If you do your research well and consult a financial adviser, you will likely find there is a plan well-suited to your needs.
5. Optimise your debt payment plan It should come as no surprise that paying off debt is one of the most common New Year’s resolutions. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the most broken. To ensure that you stick to this goal, set yourself realistic expectations – for example, if you have a considerable build-up of debt, don’t attempt to pay it all off in one go. Instead, take some time to create a debt payment plan that matches your capabilities. You might have to make some sacrifices, but the effort will pay dividends when you’re no longer saddled with debt.
3.Create a budget and stick to it Once you’ve established your financial goals, you should create a budget to make them happen. Monitoring your expenses will lend you a broad overview of your spending habits. Once you have this, it’s time to assess your outgoings – whether that’s household, commuting, entertainment or childcare – and determine where you can set money aside. With the right budget, you will ensure you always have the funds for the things you need.
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6.Improve your financial literacy Financial literacy is fundamental to your ability to understand financial analysis reports, market trends and to spot investment opportunities. A great place to brush-up on your financial literacy is using our Jargon Buster – a useful tool that’s designed to further your understanding of finance. Financial literacy is truly a life-long investment and if you want to make wiser and more confident financial decisions, you should continually strive to broaden your knowledge.
7.Schedule meetings with your financial adviser Life happens and it’s possible your financial situation will alter somewhat throughout the coming year. Plan for this and schedule in some meetings with your financial adviser for 2020. These meetings will help streamline your financial goals and help keep you on track to achieve them. 8. Track your investment portfolio If you want to optimise your investments, then it’s important to understand what you own and how it’s performing - there are now a wealth of apps and online
tracking tools available to assist you. You should monitor your investments to check if they are working for you and, if you find they’re not, this research can prompt you to make changes sooner rather than later. 9. Diversify your investment portfolio in 2020 It’s commonly said you should never put all of your eggs in one basket. This is sound advice and something you should apply also to your investment strategy. Markets can be volatile and unpredictable, and therefore it’s sensible to spread the risk across different types of investment. A variety of investments could lead to higher returns, but it’s important to consult a financial adviser before making any decisions on your investments. 10. Save for retirement Your retirement is now one year closer but are you making sufficient preparations? Studies suggest that a significant number of people are concerned about not having enough money for retirement and if this sounds like you then you need to take action now and increase your savings. Retirement should be something you’re looking forward to, but you’ll need to do the groundwork to ensure you have financial security for when you finally decide to stop working. *This article is intended for general information purposes only. You must consult your financial adviser before you make any financial decisions. **Please consult your financial adviser if you are interested in the Regular Savings Plan or any other RL360 products.
BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS
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UPFRONT
“I want to do stand-up forever; I’d love to fill my local, the O2. It would be a dream of mine to have that many people in one place coming to see me. That would be amazing.”
R OB BECKETT: WALLOP! TOUR IS COMING TO THE ISLE OF MAN
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ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE
UPFRONT
It would be a dream of mine to have that many people in one place coming to see me. That would be amazing.”
By Brian Donaldson
Rob Beckett’s comedy has long been packing a solid punch, so he’s found the ideal title for his new touring show in Wallop! The London comic is a regular face on TV, having been a team captain on 8 Out Of 10 Cats, hooked up with Mr Ranganathan on Rob And Romesh Vs., narrated Celebs Go Dating and made numerous appearances on The Jonathan Ross Show, A League Of Their Own and The Graham Norton Show. Meanwhile, he’s recently been announced as the host of two upcoming programmes: an E4 show which commentates on the week’s social media activity, and Head Hunters, a daytime quiz show for the BBC. As he prepares to hit the road for the first time since his wildly successful 2015 tour, Mouth Of The South, he’s making a few promises.
His natural flair for shooting the breeze with anyone who comes into his orbit means that one day he can see himself fronting his own talk show. “I love hosting and presenting TV, and I’d really love to have a chat show later on in my career when I’ve calmed down a bit. I don’t think I’d get that much out of the guests at this point, but later on when I’m a bit more tired, I think I’d be a good chat-show host.” In terms of the ideal TV show he’d loved to have appeared on, Rob mentions Game Of Thrones (“I saw Ed Sheeran and I think I would have ruined it as well”), and namechecks Match Of The Day (“to get on that, I would suddenly have to have a full career as a footballer”). While a big fan of football, he has recently got heavily into boxing. “It’s the comedy equivalent of sport, though obviously boxing is way harder. In performance terms, a singer has a band and an actor has a crew, but in stand-up comedy and boxing you’re out there on your own. To do all that and then get punched in the face? I’m in awe of them.”
“As a word, ‘wallop’ just isn’t used enough but I use it quite a lot. I think it sums up me and my show. ‘Here it is, have a bit of that’, we’ll enjoy ourselves and then go home. I’m very much in it for the audience and to do whatever it takes to be as funny as possible for an hour and a half as opposed to delivering a message or narrative or life-changing view of the world. My show isn’t going to sort out Brexit, but it will take your mind off it for an hour and a half. Essentially, the show is all about the funniest things that have happened to me or I’ve thought of since the last tour.” As a father now of two toddlers, the temptation for Beckett might have been to make Wallop! his ‘new-dad’ show. He’s more or less resisted that. “Though I have kids, it’s not my ‘I’m gonna talk about my kids for 90mins tour’. I love the kids and that’s going to be the hardest thing about going on tour. It’s not really about the things my kids have said, it’s more about my new relationship with my in-laws and my own parents. The show is about family. I’ve always wanted a whole family to sit down and laugh at my stuff; before it was more of a happy accident because my comedy is quite accessible, but now, all ages can get a lot from it.” Coming from a very large family (“everyone’s my cousin in south-east London”), where Rob is the second youngest of five brothers, he’s noticed an over-compensating tendency for those siblings to stop him from getting ideas way above his station. “The level they go to in order to keep my feet on the ground is actually quite rude. It’s really odd how
much they don’t talk about my job. If I worked at Sainsbury’s they’d ask me more about my work. They almost go out of their way to not turn me into some sort of showbusiness dick, and it’s not spoken about. They’re all proud, though, don’t get me wrong.” His mum is also no doubt very proud of her lad’s achievements, but in Rob’s eyes has a funny way of showing it: “My mum always likes to have a go: ‘if you could get a degree in annoying . . . you’d have a degree in annoying.’ Thanks mum. If she could get a degree in analogies . . . I don’t think she’d get one.” While his feet might be planted solidly on terra firma, that doesn’t mean that Rob Beckett won’t have ideas and nurture dreams about where his career might be headed in the future. “I want to do stand-up forever; I’d love to fill my local, the O2.
It’s been ten years since Rob Beckett first launched his career in the stand-up game, and nine years since he took third spot (“I prefer to call it runner-up!”) in the prestigious So You Think You’re Funny competition which culminates each year at the Edinburgh Fringe. So, what would he say to his younger self, a decade on, now that he has a wealth of experience in standup comedy and the wider entertainment world in general? “There are loads of things I would have told him not to do, but he wouldn’t have listened. I was just enjoying it and ploughing on, and obviously you make mistakes. But through throwing yourself into stuff and making mistakes you learn invaluable lessons. I had come from a working-class background and had no idea about the industry and I didn’t even know the Edinburgh Fringe existed, so I went in not giving a shit. Both parents were so supportive and there was no pressure, but maybe if you had been to Oxbridge or Durham and your parents had funded your education, they’d be saying ‘why are you going to the Edinburgh Fringe? You should be off being a barrister!’ So there was no expectation on me . . . But mainly I’d say to him, ‘cut your hair because it’s an absolute disgrace!’”
The Mouth of the South is coming to the Villa Marina’s Royal Hall on Thursday 19th March 2020. Tickets are available online at www.villagaiety.com or by calling 01624 600555.
BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS
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EVENTS
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THE WEDDING OF ANNALIZA & JOSEPH ANDREWS ON THE 13TH JULY 2019
ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE
Ceremony: St Mary’s Catholic Church, Douglas Reception: Milntown, Ramsey Photographer: Matt Mosur - www.mattmosur.com
BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS
EVENTS
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EVENTS
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THE WEDDING OF VANISHA PATEL & NICHOLAS BRAIDE
ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE
Location: Married on 10th August 2019 Ceremony & Reception: Ballamoar Castletwon Photographer: Shan Fisher - www.shansphoto.com
BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS
EVENTS
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TALENT THRIVING IN THE ‘WEST END’ UPFRONT
Lois Mooney, Stuart Colligon and Alice Smith in London.
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UPFRONT
AN INTERVIEW WITH ISLAND PERFORMERS ALICE SMITH & LOIS MOONEY Two talented Island performers have completed drama and musical theatre courses with the support of Island-based consultancy Auxesia.
Throughout their year-long courses at the International School of Screen Acting in London and Arts Educational theatre school respectively, 23 year-old Alice Smith from Kirk Michael and 19 year-old Lois Mooney from Peel received ongoing mentoring and pastoral support, as well as financial assistance to help meet the costs of the course and living in London. As part of the process, Managing Director Stuart Colligon interviewed both young talents to review their progress and hear about their hopes for the future. He said:
‘Alice and Lois are two young women with a wealth of talent in all the performing disciplines. This sponsorship is about far more than just handing over a cheque and wishing them all the best. Just as we do with our clients, Auxesia provides more than just a one-off interaction, but instead we like to work with them throughout their journey.’ Where have you lived in your life? Alice: I was born in Wolverhampton but grew up on the Island, in Kirk Michael, from the age of four. Lois: I was born here and lived in Peel. Like Alice, over the past year I’ve been in London. BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS
What’s the furthest place from home you have visited? Alice: Thailand on holiday – I loved it. Lois: America, I would say Miami. My cousins lived there and I’ve been lucky enough to visit them. What’s your pet peeve? Alice: Difficult question… Untidiness. My brother leaves mugs everywhere, it’s really annoying. Lois: Oh, there’s a few. I think my main one is when people can’t say sorry, or just appreciate that actions have consequences. That’s a pretty deep pet peeve! What’s your worst habit? Alice: My worst habit is saying sorry when there’s no need. Lois: Probably the same; I say sorry for everything. And I talk too much. When and why did you start performing? Alice: I started performing when I was three. My mum was a dancer and took me to ballet classes. Lois: I was also three and began singing and musical theatre when I was four. Lois, out of all the areas of performance, what is your favourite or are you a ‘triple threat’? I’d like to say I’m a triple threat. There are definitely aspects where I’m stronger and that’s going to happen with anyone. I enjoy dancing the most because it’s something that comes quite naturally. Do you play any instruments? Alice: I’ve always really wanted to play one so six months ago I bought a ukulele. Lois: I played violin for three years and guitar for a while but with so many other commitments it’s difficult to find time to practice. Alice, what was the first song you sang in public? Ellan Vannin. It was a solo in Yn Chruinnaght. What about the first dancing or acting that you did, Alice? I’ve been dancing all my life so I was in lots of small shows from a very young age. My Mum had her own dance school too, it’s in my DNA! The first public performance I remember was at the Gaiety. And Lois, what was the first performance you gave in public? I think it was a Pippa Salter dance show at King William’s College, I must have been about five.
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acting, quite brilliantly. I really admire Margot Robbie too. As well as being an amazing actor, she is so down to earth. Lois: There are so many. I look up to Sam Barks a lot; coming from here and going across to make it in the industry. My friends are a great source of inspiration as I see their determination. Michael Phelps is incredible; he used what was classified as a negative issue to his advantage Who is your celebrity crush? Alice: Jake Gyllenhaal and Tom Holland. Lois: Zac Efron – I was so disappointed not to have met him when he came to the Island. Who are your role models? Alice: My mum and dad, of course, but professionally it has to be Meryl Streep.
Belinda Watson, Lois Mooney and Stuart Colligon
Lois: Definitely my Mum. She’s had a tough year with her health but she’s been selfless in making me stay at ArtsEd rather than coming home to see her more often. Alice, who was your first singing/ dancing/drama teacher? My Mum for the dancing! I went to Gena’s too. Sonia Callin was my first singing teacher, as well as Kristine Sutcliffe. For drama it was Jacqui Hawkes and Olivia Landells. And Lois, who was your first singing teacher? Like Alice, it was Sonia Callin – a fabulous woman! Alice. what’s your favourite song of all time? Mr Brightside by The Killers is my party song and Adele’s Greatest Hits would be my album choice. Lois, what is your favourite song at the moment? Movies by Circa Waves – I’m a big Indie fan.
Stuart Colligon (left) and Belinda Watson (right) from Auxesia with Alice Smith (centre)
Is the rest of your family musical? Alice: Yes, my brother is really good on the drums and bass guitar, and my mum plays clarinet. Lois: My Mum is, she plays saxophone, and my Granny on her side used to be in choirs. What are the three things that you can’t live without? Alice: I hate saying it but if I’m honest it’s my phone. Then Netflix and my dog. I adore him! He’s a King Charles Spaniel called Jasper.
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Lois: I know it’s the 21st century but I don’t want my phone to be in the top three (although it probably is) so I’d go for a very thick, heavy duvet as I’m always cold, my grey hoodie, probably past it’s best but is sentimental (I bought it before my first A-level exam), and maybe a Chinese takeaway. Which performers do you admire? Alice: My favourite musical theatre performer is Sutton Foster, I’m a massive fan. She’s incredible and can perform all three disciplines, singing, dancing and
You’ve both performed in lots of shows. Which were your favourites? Alice: CATS - hands down; it was a dream role. I remember watching it when I was younger and I just loved it. The rehearsals were intense as we had to dance in pretty much every number but learning to be a cat was a lot of fun and the team were lovely. I learned so much. Lois: I really enjoyed CATS too. The cast in Sunset Boulevard were brilliant, I made some great memories. Annie was also a favourite; it was my first musical which I’ve since repeated. How do you handle mistakes during a performance? Alice: I improvise and pretend it was meant ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE
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to happen! The audience doesn’t usually notice. Lois: The same for me, you’ve just got to carry on and laugh it off. Do you get nervous before performing? Alice: Absolutely. I think it is always the build-up to the first performance that is worst, but once you get over that it’s easier to cope. Lois: Oddly, I don’t for the big shows, probably because there’s a massive cast so you’ve got everybody behind you and they’re all feeling the same. I feel more nervous during The Guild as there is no place to hide. It’s also easier when the audience is mainly strangers. Alice, do you think it’s good to be nervous? Do you worry when you’re not nervous? Yes, I definitely think it is. I think it’s because I care, I want to do a good job and that makes me nervous. What advice would you give to beginners who are nervous? Alice: I had to do work through the nerves. Learning to be positive and think that this is what I want to do. I constantly remind myself that if it goes wrong, it’s not the end ‘of the world’. Just enjoy it. Lois: I’m going to give the cliché that they should take a deep breath, because that is so true. During my whole year at ArtsEd, everything that I’ve been taught is somehow connected to this idea of just breathing. As soon as you get your breathing correct, you’ll be fine. Alice, you’ve been away for the last year at ISSA. What things have you missed about the Isle of Man? I’ve really missed the beach. The greenery, the views, the fresh air, and of course walking my dog. I’ve missed him so much. Lois, You’ve been away for the last year at ArtsEd – what have you missed about the Island? Cows - the fluffy ones near Gansey, I think they are Highland cows. They’re beautiful and really tame. Also, the Jade Harbour Chinese in Peel. Nowhere does prawn wantons quite like it. How did Auxesia’s sponsorship help you in the last year? Alice: The pastoral care’s been helpful and the visits so welcome. This always put a spring in my step. I wouldn’t have been able to do it without your sponsorship and ongoing support. Lois: It provided financial and emotional BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS
support. London’s a very expensive city but the sponsorship allowed me to concentrate on the course. I always knew I could contact Auxesia for a measured view if there was anything to talk through. What are the key things that you learned on your course Alice? My confidence has grown. I’ve learned not to doubt myself but trust my choices and be bold. Technically, I’ve learned so much, met amazing people and worked with incredible tutors who are working in the industry. I’ve learned how the industry works and what I need to be doing; it has been a truly amazing experience. What new tricks and skills did you learn at ArtsEd Lois? So, so many, but lots of small things that build up to the bigger picture. Things that seem simple, such as correct arm placement, but make the difference between good and great. I learned that I am a mezzo soprano, which is slightly lower than soprano and has a ‘beltier’ voice. I also learned how to cry on cue! What have you learned about yourself? Alice:
I’ve learned more than I ever imagined. I’ve realised there is so much out there to experience and if I really want to do something, then I can at least give it a good go! Lois:
I learned I’m a lot stronger than I thought I was, both mentally and physically, but that it’s fine to ask for help when I need it. How will what you’ve learned in the last year help you, practically, in your career? Alice: I can just see a different picture now. It’s been an eye-opening journey where I’ve been given the opportunity to learn and train at the same time. Not just the acting training that I was given, but also learning about all the different elements of the industry, like the role of the Casting Director, the way auditions work, and the way everything is processed. Lois: I think the Foundation year sets you up to discipline yourself. We were taken back to strict basics and built up from there. It made me open-minded and ready to learn which has made me a more
versatile performer. What advice would you give to people considering spending some time in a major city to further their career? Alice: It’s very different to home but if you’re nervous just turn it to excitement. There is so much to do, so much enjoyment. Look after yourself, but make the most of every minute, because being in London is just a brilliant opportunity. I’ve loved it! Lois: Explore! London was brilliant for me, because I could go out and find 10 things I’d never seen before each weekend. London’s a very big city so finding good friends to surround yourself with is essential. Be careful with money but broadening your experience can be valuable. If you knew a year ago the things you know now, what would you change about what you did, or what you thought, or how you behaved? Alice: I definitely wouldn’t have been so nervous and may have put myself out there more to begin with. I tried to stay very focused on what I was there to do and perhaps didn’t meet as many people as I could have initially. Since the New Year though, I’ve been making a real effort to meet people from the industry, especially performers, and doing that quickly expands your network. Lois: It’s hard to say because I loved my time in London, so I wouldn’t want to change my experience. Where do you want to be and what do you want to be doing 10 years from now? Alice: My dream’s to be involved in a Netflix series, TV commercials or soap opera. Perhaps a bit on stage too. I love Killing Eve and Fleabag so to be a part of an incredible series would be amazing. Lois: I’d like to have an established career, not necessarily a ‘safe’ one, just an established one. Is there anything else you’d like to add? Alice: Just to say how thankful I am for your support. Honestly, I really, really wouldn’t have been able to do this without you. Lois: I’m the same; a big thank you to Auxesia and all the other people, whether they know it or not, who’ve supported me.
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ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE
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CAUGHT ON CAMERA You’ll know Phil Kneen. Or at the very least know his name and probably his work. As he says on his website, he ‘shoots people’… And since 2015 he’s been shooting fish – or more particularly, shooting the people who fish.
Words: Suzy Holland Images: Phil Kneen
This very personal project started in a small, local way – with trips on local scallop dredgers documenting life on board and battling not just the elements but his own seasickness (which he describes in full technicolour detail in his blogs). Fishing, whether it be for scallops, North Atlantic cod, haddock or monkfish is of course an incredibly political subject. What about the seabed? What about overfishing? Do we need to eat fish at all? And if not, what happens to the fishing industry? But Phil steers away from all this controversy in his photographs: “My photos are about the lifestyle of the men – and it is men – who fish for a living,” he says, “not about the politics of the industry or any environmental damage it might cause. I concentrate on the day to day, often monotonous, ebb and flow and how I can document that in my work.” Back in 2017 Phil showed a selection of images shot on the Port St Mary scallop dredger Sarah Lena, in a group exhibition at the Sayle Gallery in Douglas. Until then he’d concentrated on putting the images – at that point shot exclusively on film – online, with blogs which have attracted the attention of other photographers across the world, as well as a growing number of people who simply admire his work. Since then he’s headed further north – much further north. The images which illustrate this feature were taken over a number of extended trips, some around the Island but more recently on North Atlantic trawlers. “It’s not just a question of turning up with a set of oilskins and a bag full of camera equipment,” Phil says. “Even in Peel, where I live, there is a fishing sub-culture to navigate before you’re lucky enough to be invited on board. And the sheer logistics of getting to the very north of the Shetland before even setting foot on a fishing boat isn’t for the faint-hearted.” But that couldn’t describe Phil, who’s keen
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to thank everyone who made these trips possible and give credit to the people who helped and are still helping, with this project. “The old adage ‘I’ve never met a fisherman I didn’t like’ stands true for me, but I realised very early on that it wouldn’t be reciprocated if I didn’t learn my place! I’m not a member of the crew,” he continues, “and they don’t need me leaning in with my camera just as they are pulling in a catch, and definitely not when something goes wrong. When there’s shouting and swearing – in whatever language - I found it was best to stay in my bunk or just hide out of sight of the skipper.” In fact some of Phil’s most intriguing images are those contemplative shots of the crew just going about their daily business. “There is a routine, but it’s mostly sleep, coffee, food and social media interposed with the undeniably hard work of hauling in a catch,” Phil says, “and it isn’t driven by the clock. Night or day, the crew sleep when they can.
“As I said, I’m very definitely not ‘crew’, but it’s impossible not to feel part of it, if only on the periphery. Fishing is hard work for variable reward and it takes a very special kind of person to put themselves out there not knowing what the end result will be,” he continues. “Each crew is its own family, and I hope this comes over in the photographs – not just the exciting stormy stuff but the mind numbing boredom too.” But hands up, who looked at the ‘exciting stormy stuff’ here first? We all like to see dramatic images of boats at unfeasible angles battling the elements but of course the knock-on effect is that boats and equipment get damaged. Phil has witnessed this a number of times, and some of his less ‘stormy’ images illustrate the disappointments and hardship when lucrative weeks at sea have to be curtailed. Quieter yes, but there’s no soft-focus here: the images are just as hard-hitting. Despite some pretty extreme weather conditions, Phil has managed to hang on to all his cameras. But it has had an impact
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on how he takes his photographs: “Under normal circumstances, I like to shoot on film. But being on a fishing trawler in the North Atlantic can’t be described as ‘normal circumstances’ and I’m using my digital cameras more and more. It’s not just the cost of film and the processing, but the immediacy, simplicity and convenience of digital which makes it ideal for taking photographs in rain, wind and force nine gales. And there really is no point trying to load film and compose a perfect shot when you can’t even stand upright.” But what’s next? Phil is scaling back his commercial work and plans to head out back to sea more in 2020. “For a whole load of reasons I’m going back to my local fishing roots,” he says, “but there’s only so much you can say and show about scallop fishing and I feel I’m in danger of repeating myself. So for 2020 I’m going to try and get out on different types of boats, fishing for crabs or lobster in what I hope will be better weather and for a longer season!” If you’d like to see more of Phil’s fishing project photographs, and read his very entertaining blogs, then go to www. philkneen.com and subscribe. You’ll also find images from other projects including those from his trips to the refugee camps in Calais and what he describes as ‘a career highlight’ documenting the white squatter camps in Johannesburg and Pretoria in 2018. And there are lots of technical details about his cameras, his decisions of when to shoot on film and when not, and everything else we’ve not got room for here. This feature includes a very select few of the photographs Phil has taken for his – so far – five year ‘Fishing’ project. This project is entirely self-funded and although Phil has investigated the possibility of publishing the photographs and commentary in a book, the cost of reproducing his images to the standard he demands has meant this remains a dream.
If you, or your company, would like to help make this dream a reality – please contact Phil at mail@philkneen.com.
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Business news
A glimpse into the future as Lieutenant Governor tours Manx Telecom
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ieutenant Governor Sir Richard Gozney was given a glimpse into the future of telecommunications on the Isle of Man recently when he toured Manx Telecom’s Headquarters and Douglas North data centre as guest of CEO Gary Lamb. Sir Richard, who later attended Manx Telecom’s It’s Our Community awards evening, where over £8,100 was donated to twelve local charities and good causes, first met with a number of staff in the Customer Experience team, where he was shown around by Head of Department Anita
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Barnard. Manx Telecom has over 300 employees based on the Island and runs a Centre of Excellence to provide training, skills, experience and opportunities across its workforce. He then accompanied Gary to one of Manx Telecom’s two data centres, where he met with Head of Enterprise Solutions James Kirby and learned about the company’s ongoing roll out of FTTP (Fibre to the Premises) and the company’s investment in a state-of-the-art fibre network for the Isle of Man.
Sir Richard was also informed about Manx Telecom’s off-Island business, including a mobile SIM technology offered through its Global Solutions team that is used by more than half a million people in India and China, its technology start-up incubator Vannin Ventures and the UK launch of Audacious, a pioneering mobile service for hearing loss sufferers. Speaking after the visit, Gary Lamb said the Lieutenant Governor had been keen to learn about the company’s role in the development of the Island’s telecommunications over its 130-year history and was also interested in its community initiatives such as the Parish Walk and MTTV. ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE
Business news
Manx NFU Presidents response to government receiving Professor Currans ‘Impact’ report
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n response to government receiving Professor Currans Climate Change ‘Impact’ report, Tim Johnston, President of the Manx NFU said; “The Manx National Farmers Union has been clear with its position on Manx farming’s role in tackling climate change. Manx farmers are part of the solution, not part of the problem. The Manx NFU do support the higher ambition pathway of reaching net zero by 2050. As part of our commitments to the climate change ‘impact’ report the Manx NFU have commissioned 10 carbon footprint reports which are currently being carried out by an independent consultant on a selection of farms across the Isle of Man. This is in line with the higher ambition time line to improve emissions data for the agricultural sector. This is work that has never been carried out before on island and will give us our first set of figures not based on assumptions. These reports will show the actual carbon footprint of a diverse range of farm units. They will also show the current level of carbon sequestration taking place on each farm, both a carbon sink and a source of greenhouse gasses. Manx agriculture is uniquely placed to be a key part of the solution to the climate challenge. Our unique landscape and predominantly grass based farming systems enable us to produce high quality local produce, efficiently and sustainably. The Manx NFU are very clear in our ambition to build on this further and lead the way in climate-friendly food production.
BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS
10 years of RL360 dress down Fridays raises £50,000
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decade of RL360 dress down Fridays has raised £50,000 for charity. Over the years, the money has been donated to a total of 99 different charities, 80% of which have been Isle of Man based. Staff nominate the charities to receive the funds, which is collected via a £2 per person monthly salary donation. As RL360 has grown over the last 10 years, the amount raised has steadily grown and has now reached more than £500 per month. RL360’s dress down money coordinator Shahzaadee Goolam Madaree said: “RL360 is hugely proud to have hit the £50,000 mark. This fantastic milestone has been achieved in addition
to the support RL360 provides charities across the Isle of Man. “The organisations we donate our dress down funds to are very close to the hearts of our staff, who have often had direct involvement with them or have benefited from their support in the past. It’s a great way of saying thank you and acknowledging the work they do.” Although the large majority of charities supported are from the Isle of Man, we sometimes support international relief organisations providing help during disasters overseas. So, January’s dress down money will go to help with the fire disaster recovery efforts in Australia.
Greenlight TV named TV Production Company of the year at the 2019 Motorsport Awards
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romode based television company, Greenlight TV, have been awarded 1st place in the TV Production Company category at this year’s Motorsport Awards. The awards aim to recognize unsung heroes, stand-out engineering achievements, exceptional marshals, exciting commentators, companies, racetracks, teams, riders and drivers that make motorsport as great as it is. Other prestigious production companies nominated in this category included Hayfisher and Formula One production company, Whisper Films. Greenlight TV, responsible for the production of the Isle of Man TT, have production offices in the Isle of Man, Manchester and Tampa, Florida where they produce and distribute of over 45 international motorsport championships and events, producing over 300 hours of programming each year. Their 3
weekly motorsport news and highlights programmes; Motorsport Mundial, Max Power and Planet Speed, now reach over 1.2 billion homes worldwide. Rob Hurdman of Greenlight TV commented “It’s very exciting to have our young, talented team at Greenlight recognized for their hard work, expertise and knowledge. We’re looking forward to another hectic year in 2020.”
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Business news
30 Voices on 2030: What does the Isle of Man future hold?
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PMG in the Isle of Man has captured 30 predictions for 2030, gathering the thoughts of key thinkers and local voices of change. KPMG’s 30 Voices on 2030: What does the future hold convenes different perspectives from across the island on what the future will look like in 2030 – and what local businesses need to anticipate, today. The firm approached 30 local ‘voices’ to include CEOs and business leaders of Isle of Man businesses, spanning the private and public sector. The premise for each voice is the same, being asked to imagine they are in 2030, speaking with a CEO who is in 2020, sharing their thoughts about the changes and giving them advice on how
to prepare for what’s to come. No one has a crystal ball on what it will be like – but all the voices have considered trends and things happening now, that will provide a foundation for how things will be in 10 years. Simon Nicholas, Clients and Markets Partner at KPMG Isle of Man, commented, “The rate of development over the past decade has been staggering and makes predictions for 2030 even more difficult. KPMG can offer their own view but there are many others and that’s why this initiative was so interesting. To capture the thoughts of local leaders in one place has been enlightening”. The initiative has created 30 short written interviews from the chosen
commentators and is intended to offer local business leaders an opportunity to consider the island’s future and challenge the status quo, resulting in some surprising predictions thrown into the mix. Russell Kelly, Managing Partner at KPMG Isle of Man, commented, “We’ve greatly enjoyed working with the local commentators and their respective businesses and value their thoughtprovoking, and sometimes entertaining, input. The 30 statements have undoubtedly demonstrated the forward-thinking nature of the Manx business community and, if nothing else, will leave readers with a sense of comfort knowing that the island’s future is in the safe hands of the local business leadership”.
The campaign will run during January and February on the KPMG Isle of Man social media channels and can also be accessed via kpmg.co.im/30voices.
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movers & Shakers
Momentum Pensions leads the way on women in management with new appointment
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omentum Pensions Group has appointed Susan Brooks as Managing Director of its international businesses incorporating Malta, Gibraltar and its Isle of Man operations. Susan brings a wealth of technical and operational experience to the new role, having demonstrated excellent capabilities and leadership skills as the Group’s Head of Administration and Investments during the previous five years. Commenting on the appointment, Group CEO Stewart Davies said: “This new appointment recognises Susan’s talent, hard work and leadership in the sector, where she until recently chaired MARSP’s
Tax and Technical committee.” Susan Brooks commented: “Momentum is growing rapidly and the creation of the role of Managing Director is a clear indication of the continued strength of the international pensions sector. I’m delighted to be leading the international team and taking Momentum into its next phase of growth. It’s taken five years of hard work to qualify as a Chartered Tax Adviser with the Irish Tax Institute. I’m looking forward to bringing the knowledge and skills I have learnt to Momentum and I would like to take the opportunity to thank the team for their support and encouragement along the way.”
MM&C appoints digital marketing professional
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lare Collins has joined Douglas-based communications agency MM&C in a digital marketing role to enhance clients’ social media profile. Craig Wolstencroft, MM&C’s Founding Managing Director, commented: “It’s exciting to ring in the New Year by welcoming Clare to the business. Her appointment as our Digital Marketing Assistant is an important element in our growth plans off-Island, especially in eGaming and financial services. 2020 will see significant growth in these sectors for MM&C, and we will continue to expand our already diverse portfolio of Isle of Man clients which spans a broad cross-section of the Island’s economy. Prior to joining MM&C, Clare was Assistant Corporate Communications Executive at Equiom Group. In 2018 she graduated from Northumbria University with a first class BA Honours Degree in Business with Marketing Management. At the end of her first year of studies she was awarded the NBS Global Scholarship Prize. Clare is a former Castle Rushen High School pupil, and also studied at Isle of Man College. Clare commented: “I’m delighted to have joined MM&C at a very exciting time in the growth of the business and am looking forward to working with the company’s varied client portfolio, which includes global and local brands, on their digital marketing strategies.
www.mmc.co.im
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New Year, new promotions at plan.com
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usiness communications provider, plan.com, is pleased to announce the promotion of two of its senior team as it gears up for an exciting 2020. Nicola Patterson, one of the founding members of plan.com, has been promoted to Director of People Operations, responsible for attracting, developing and retaining talent. During her career with plan. com, Nicola has seen the team grow from five to over 90 in just five years. Within this time, the Douglas-based company has been awarded numerous accolades, including recently being named the fastest growing UK tech company by The Sunday Times Hiscox Tech Track 100 and being ranked 7th on the Sunday Times Best Small Companies to Work For list. Key to this success is the business’s focus on
technology and innovation, driven by its team of Developers, which includes Alex Deveaux, who has been promoted to the position of Chief Software Architect. Alex will be responsible for shaping the direction of plan.com’s software and development strategy, including the creation of new business telecommunication solutions to serve its extensive partner and customer base. plan.com CEO, Dan Craddock, said, “We love to celebrate success at plan.com, especially when it comes to our people. Nicola and Alex are core members of our team and demonstrate all of the behaviours that we value most at plan. com. Their hard work, passion and commitment is second to none and I wish them every success in their new roles.” This growth is set to continue, and they are always looking for exceptional people to join the team. Visit plan.com/ careers or email jobs@plan.com for more information.
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movers & Shakers
TISE announces new Chairman of regulatory arm
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he International Stock Exchange (TISE) has announced Charlie Geffen as the new Chairman of its regulatory arm, The International Stock Exchange Authority Limited (TISEA). Mr Geffen was appointed to the Board of TISEA on 1 January 2020 and he will combine this role with his existing business interests. He was previously at the law firm Ashurst for 32 years and latterly, at the US law firm Gibson, Dunn & Cutcher. Jon Moulton, Chairman of TISEA’s parent company, The International Stock Exchange Group Limited (TISEG), said: “I am delighted to announce Charlie as the Chairman of TISEA. He has significant legal experience across a range of different facets of the corporate environment and he has demonstrated strong leadership during his time in senior positions at two major international law firms. We are looking forward to Charlie bringing this expertise to the Board of TISEA.” After a law degree at Leicester, Mr Geffen joined Ashurst and spent 32 years there, the last five as the firm’s Senior Partner. This period included the merger with an Australian law firm and growth across continental Europe, Asia and the US. He then joined Gibson, Dunn & Cutcher and, as Chair of the Corporate Practice in London, led the growth of its Transactional
Practice there which secured a number of high-profile M&A mandates. Mr Geffen has now stepped back from partnership to a senior adviser role at Gibson Dunn. He is also a trustee of the Institute of Cancer Research and a member of Council at Surrey University. Mr Geffen said: “I am extremely pleased to be taking up the position of Chairman of TISEA. The company has a hugely important regulatory role to play in ensuring an appropriate environment for listing and trading on the Exchange. I am looking forward to leading the team and
working with my fellow Board members, our executive, our members and all our other stakeholders.” Mr Geffen replaces Mark Tubby who has stepped down as Chairman of TISEA after six years in the role. Mr Moulton added: “I would like to thank Mark for his work as Chairman of TISEA. He has played an important part in the establishment and development of the regulatory arm of the Exchange during his last six years in the role and we wish him well for the future.”
Boston appoints Nigel Vooght as Non-Executive Chairman
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oston Multi Family Office has welcomed Nigel Vooght as its new Non-Executive Chairman, the first appointment to its board since a management buy-out late last year. Nigel brings with him over 40 years of experience in financial services. He has spent many years in senior roles at PwC, where he was leading partner in the Business Recovery practice and most latterly Head of Global Financial Services until his retirement in 2017. He is a Chartered Accountant. Announcing the appointment, Boston Chief Executive Officer Katherine Ellis said Nigel would play an important role in the governance of the Group Board, providing support and challenge to the directors: “Nigel’s wide-ranging experience and expertise in the global financial services sector makes him extremely wellqualified to take on the role of our Non-Executive Chairman. “As we move into a new phase for Boston Multi Family Office under the new management structure, he will provide strategic oversight of our activities. We will also benefit from his valuable insight as we progress with our plans for organic and acquisition growth both here in the Isle of Man, in Europe through our Malta office and in the Middle East through our office in the Dubai International Financial Centre. “I am extremely pleased to welcome Nigel to the Board as we begin to implement our plans for 2020 and beyond.”
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HOME
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FAIR HAVEN
4 BEDROOMED DETACHED EXECUTIVE FAMILY HOME THIS STYLISH HOME OCCUPIES A PRIVATE POSITION IN THIS HIGHLY SOUGHT-AFTER LOCATION ONLY A FEW MINUTES’ DRIVE FROM THE CENTRE OF DOUGLAS.
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AN EXCITING YEAR AHEAD FOR GUESTS AT THE REGENCY HOTEL AND RESTAURANT, WITH A NEW HEAD CHEF AND A RESTAURANT RELAUNCH Located on Queens Promenade in Douglas, the Regency Hotel and Restaurant has been situated in the heart of Douglas for more than 25 successful years, and over its lengthy history has established an enviable reputation for superior accommodation, exquisite dining, ethereal décor, and above all excellent service.
I bring a lot of experience to the role and there is already so much knowledge within the business which supports my passion for cooking and for great service, allowing me to truly showcase what I can do.” RICHARD JOHNSON HEAD CHEF AT THE REGENCY RESTAURANT.
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We look forward to expanding the reach of the Regency Restaurant and welcoming guests both old and new to try our new look, new taste and new approach.” TIM BAGGALEY DIRECTOR OF THE REGENCY HOTEL.
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elcoming international visitors for both business and leisure to the Isle of Man, the clientele is varied and the Regency prides itself on continually meeting the individual requirements of its guests. “The key to the hotels continued success is ensuring that every decision we make puts the customer first. We use an intelligent hotel management system that enables us to keep a record of our guests dining and room requirements; meaning that we can tailor their visit each and every time.” – Tim Baggaley, Director of the Regency Hotel. As a result of this unique approach and management style, a high majority of its clientele are repeat visitors, returning time and time again over years and building lasting relationships with the hotels staff. This year the Regency continues to evolve and relaunches the Regency Restaurant. 2020 is a new era for the Regency Restaurant Continuing to find new ways to surpass expectations and keep the Regency at the forefront of choice for both visitors and locals, 2020 brings a new year of renewed vision for the Regency Restaurant with a new Head Chef and a fresh approach to contemporary French cuisine.
The Regency Restaurant as it is now known since the relaunch in January is an extension of the hotel’s core offering; so you can expect the same standard of service the hotel is renowned for. The Regency Restaurant has long been the heart of the Regency Hotel, and so any refurbishments that were made had to be approached in a way that respected the history and traditional décor of the building. Last year the hotel made refurbishments that complimented the existing features, whilst also keeping the overall unique style as its focus. The final look can be summed up as both relaxing and stylish. The Regency Restaurant combines fine dining for couples or groups, a relaxed lounge area for guests who’d like to have a drink or bar snack, and a private dining room which provides you with the option to host your own function or meeting in a private area that can comfortably seat up to 12 people. Throughout the year the Hotel and Restaurant also hosts weddings with a capacity for up to 60 guests, making your day stylish, unique and intimate. The maximum capacity of the restaurant is 64, yet it’s still small enough for the maître d’ to offer a highly personal service that’s nearly all but lost – James Mason knows most of the guests by name.
Formerly known as Haworth’s, the restaurant is now following a new direction under the mantle of Richard Johnson.
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Welcoming new Head Chef Richard Johnson Continuing in the spirit of change, this year the Regency Restaurant welcomes Richard Johnson as its new Head chef and looks forward to the abundance of passion and experience that he brings to the table. Richard’s international experience as a professional chef spans over 30 years, and seven years ago fate brought him to the Isle of Man. He now looks forward to championing the way forward for the Regency Restaurant. “I bring a lot of experience to the role and there is already so much knowledge within the business which supports my passion for cooking and for great service, allowing me to truly showcase what I can do.” Richard Johnson, Head Chef at the Regency Restaurant. Richard has had a burning passion for cooking since he was 11 years old and focused his career on learning as much
as he possibly could about every single skill he can; from working in a butcher’s, a bakery, a Thai takeaway, and even Michelin starred restaurant, Aubergine, where he worked for two years. “We have so many great local ingredients on the island and I’m excited to showcase that in my recipes. I like to work seasonally with ingredients, and so I change the menu on a regular basis and ensure choices are always infused with passion. I want our guests to taste every single flavour of a dish and have a memorable experience in our restaurant”. - Richard Johnson. Richard joins the team at an exciting time in the Regency’s history, and he looks forward to taking the restaurant into a new era. What can locals look forward to at the Regency Hotel and Restaurant this year? As well has hosting corporate functions and wedding receptions, this year the
Regency plans to host many different events and packages to celebrate special occasions; one of these very occasions will be Valentine’s weekend. On Valentines’ weekend couples can treat each other to an overnight stay at the Regency. Stay the night in one of the hotels luxury rooms, enjoy an evening together in the Restaurant with £80 credit towards your bill, before coming downstairs to a freshly cooked breakfast the following morning – all for just £165 per couple. Valentine’s weekend is the first of many special events we plan to introduce over the course of the year. “We look forward to expanding the reach of the Regency Restaurant and welcoming guests both old and new to try our new look, new taste and new approach.” - Tim Baggaley, Director of the Regency Hotel.
To book a table in the Regency Restaurant, call maitre d’, James Mason on 680680. To book for Valentine’s Weekend at the offer rate of £165 per couple including dinner, bed and breakfast, contact us on 676000, email mail@regency.im or book online via www.regency.im. To stay up to date with our latest offers and special events, please follow the Regency Hotel and Restaurant on Facebook @RegencyHotelIsleofMan. BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS
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You may never have heard of it, but solaris - fresh and acidic, developed from five different grapes including riesling and pinot gris - is the main white produced here, and a variety they can always count on for harvest. “It’s suited to the climate and resists a lot of things when it’s damp,” says Mick. “We have to concentrate on wines that suit the region.” Joanna adds: “The more classic grape varieties don’t always suit us.”
LAUREN TAYLOR VISITS A WINERY IN SKANE TO TRY A SWEDISH TIPPLE. When you think of wine-producing countries; Italy, France, Spain, the US, Argentina - with their warm climates and rolling hills of grapevines - Sweden probably doesn’t fit that image. Overall, the Scandinavian country has a relatively mild climate. In the north of the country, temperatures can drop to -30C, and there are periods of continual darkness. In the south though, it might be a surprise to hear that you will find some winemakers - and the produce is benefiting from milder winters and longer summers, thanks ironically - to climate change. I’m in Europe’s most northerly wine region, Skane County in southern Sweden, looking out over rows of young south-facing vines and enjoying a pinot noir - yes, a Scandinavian pinot noir. Here at the Hallakra Vineyard (hallakra. com), a stunning rural setting a short drive from the country’s third city Malmo, Hakan Hansson and his family have been growing grapes since 2003. Mick Daly and his wife Joanna, who run the on-site restaurant, explain we’re in the youngest wine region in Scandinavia, and that Hallakra is one of the biggest wineries in the south of Sweden, with 22,000 vines over six and a half hectares, with over 11 different grape varieties.
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One classic does though: pinot noir. Hallakra produced a natural wine called Vilde - Swedish for ‘wild’ and the tipple I’m tasting - last year. “When we get a harvest of the more classic grapes, we want to create something different from our standard wines,” Joanna says. The challenge here is the unpredictability of the weather. “Some years are good, some not so good, 2018 was a fantastic pinot noir year. 2017 was a catastrophe for wine producers,” Mick says. 2019 was another good year, so Swedish wine is on the up.
“We don’t get the same heat, but we have more sun hours than southern Europe,” he adds. The soil is different too - “a lot of rock and a lot of minerals” - and the industry is in its infancy, so there’s still a lot to learn about wine growing in this type of climate, with this type of soil. But what they’re keen to emphasise, is that they aren’t trying to produce an Argentinian or New Zealand pinot noir, so it’s important not to compare the Swedish version. As a pinor noir drinker, I can confirm it’s delicious, and yet different to the grape from more famous pinot noir regions. There’s an exclusive feel to it too - only 1,000 bottles were produced last year and it’s sold in a local Michelin-star restaurant. Solaris, meanwhile, is only produced in these sorts of climates. “We’re not trying to recreate wine from somewhere else; it’s a Scandinavian product created to handle colder climates, but it’s fresh and has a lot of character,” Mick says. It’s fermented naturally, too. “More and more, we are taking the step toward being a bio-dynamic production,” says Joanna. ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE
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It follows the trend in Sweden for ‘natural’ wines - i.e. wine that hasn’t had anything (or much) added or removed during the production process. “There are restaurants that won’t even buy non-natural wines,” she adds.
“Hakan always ferments his wines completely dry and doesn’t add anything, to let the season speak for itself. Hence, you can taste and smell the difference in each vintage.” As well as other reds (like rondo) and whites, the vineyard also produces a sparkling (smallglim), orange, rose and sweet wine (cervi). But the varying weather means it’s not always possible to produce them all. There has been another small obstacle though, namely that not all Swedish people
are fully on board with Swedish wine yet (much of the wine is exported). But the couple say the the tide is changing, as the quality of the local products can now compete with international ones. “It was never a problem for people to drink one glass, but they wouldn’t get a second,” says Joanna. “Now people are buying a bottle.” In addition, Sweden’s strict alcohol laws mean vineyards aren’t actually allowed to sell bottles of their wine to take away from
site (but you can sample the wine alongside the excellent food at Hallakra) and instead, have to supply restaurants, the national alcohol retail monopoly Systembolaget, or export it. At the moment, Swedish wine isn’t stocked in UK supermarkets or major wine shops (or at least, it’s not easy to find) but that may not be the case for long. In the meantime, there’s always a trip to the beautiful Skane.
New Year...
Experience our cuisine Like mamma used to make…
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BOOKINGS@LAPIAZZA.CO.IM BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS
TEL 672136 LOCH PROMENADE, DOUGLAS
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BAR RESTAURANT DISTILLERY January can be a glum time of year for many people. Christmas is over, spring is yet to appear, and the cold days and long nights can feel interminable. But here at Seven Kingdom Distillery, January was a very busy month. We have recently completed a major refurbishment, which has included opening up the kitchen so that our guests can now enjoy the sights, aromas and theatre of a busy kitchen. We are delighted to introduce head chef Tom Robinson- Parsons who has extensive hospitality experience, including founding a very successful restaurant in the UK. Tom’s ethos is to deliver consistent quality and affordability, while showcasing the wealth of local producers we have on the island. He has been busy creating mouthwatering new seasonal menus for both the restaurant and the bar.
Our work didn’t stop at the restaurant, we have overhauled the whole bar area with fabulous new lighting, artwork, and a redesign of the back bar spirit display. We also installed a gorgeous log burner which kicks out some incredible heat and is guaranteed to keep us all toasty whatever the Manx weather throws at us. It truly is a thing of beauty. Mike and his team at The Snug in Ramsey have gone above and beyond to ensure we are all going to be very cosy throughout the coldest months! Curtains have gone up, allowing us to keep in the warm, and maximise the laid back, living room vibes. Window boxes have been hand-crafted complete with greenery and in built lighting. Decorator Martin Theaker, a man supremely skilled with his brushes, has worked tirelessly, refreshing the walls and ceiling to complement the new look. We also joined up with Conor Cummins and his team at CoffeeMann; they have installed a beautiful, traditional Royal Synchro machine which will deliver consistent, smooth coffee to all Mann.
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Our ethos at Seven Kingdom Distillery is very straightforward, we pride ourselves on excellence, and on delivering quality service. Our fully stocked bar has everything you could wish for, from draught lagers and craft beer, and an extensive wine menu, to our vast array of spirits, including our own products. The SKD classic cocktail list exclusively showcases our own ingredients, including our core spirits, vodka, gin and rum through to the freshly squeezed juices and hand crafted purees. These have been developed over the last few months by head distiller Dillon. His latest venture is a brand new Brambled at Seven Kingdom list #letsgetbrambled. Dillon has over 10 years hospitality experience, and has developed his skill set over various positions within the industry, both here and in the UK. This includes training in molecular fractional distilling with two professors from Cambridge Dillon has been hard at work not only designing and managing the entire refurbishment, but also completing the redesign and rebrand of the distillery and all of our products. He introduced a shop front within the distillery from where you can browse and purchase not only our products and merchandise, but also an array of other local products from the likes Bottle Monkey, Foraging Vintners, Conrod’s and many others. #collaborationscomingsoon Here at Seven Kingdom Distillery, we pride ourselves on delivering the finest service and looking after our guests, be that enjoying a drink in the bar, dining on Tom’s delicious food, viewing Dillon working away in the distillery or a combination of all three. Gift vouchers are always available for purchase, alongside seasonal extras such as our very popular ‘Boozy Balls’, perfect for hanging on your Christmas tree. We can also create bespoke products tailored specifically to your requirements, be that corporate, personal or anything in between. We are open 12-12 Monday through to Saturday, along with Sunday roasts now being served from 12-7. However Monday is Tom’s day out, you will instead find him with Dillon downstairs at the bar, spinning vinyl, enjoying craft beer paired with cheeses.
We have recently completed a major refurbishment, which has included opening up the kitchen so that our guests can now enjoy the sights, aromas and theatre of a busy kitchen.
SEVEN KINGDOM Bar | Restaurant | Distillery Banks Circus, Douglas, Isle of Man IM1 4LN T: 01624 620232 E: contact@sevenkingdomdistillery.com BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS
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WEDDINGS & EVENTS 2020
ARE YOU OR IS SOMEONE YOU KNOW GETTING MARRIED THIS YEAR? WE LOVE WEDDINGS AND HAVE ALMOST 30 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN ADVISING COUPLES FOR THEIR SPECIAL DAY!
We believe that choosing the wine for your wedding should be an enjoyable experience. All of our advice ahead of your day is completely free, so why not arrange a no obligation chat in our store to meet one of our team and see what we can do for you. Frequently Asked Questions: I don’t know how much wine I will need? All we need to know is the number of guests and your plan for the day and we can advise on how many bottles you will need. Better still, we can be sure that you have plenty and as we offer sale or return on unopened bottles you will not be charged for anything you don’t drink and you won’t be left with anything that you have over ordered! I am only having a small wedding, do you have a minimum purchase? We cater for weddings and events of all sizes, from small intimate parties, to very large, multi-day celebrations. Whatever you are planning, we will be sure to help. I do not know much about wine, how do I choose the right one for my day? That is exactly what we are here for and what we love to do. We will advise you on wines that are typical crowd pleasers and we will also pair to your food menus and budget. We stock over 850 wines from as little as £5 per bottle upwards and with access to many more we are sure to find the perfect wines for you. We don’t only want wine, what else do you offer? We have a huge range of spirits, liqueurs, beers and soft drinks that we will also supply on a sale or return basis. We have picked our venue – will they let me bring my own wine? Most venues on the Island will allow you to bring your own wine subject to a corkage charge. By speaking to your venue you can find out what this is and we will factor the cost into any of our calculations. Alternatively, we know most of the venues on the Island and are happy to discuss this with them on your behalf. Do you have glasses we can hire? We can do better than that, we will loan glasses to you for free and will only charge a nominal cleaning fee if you bring them back dirty. If they come back clean there is no charge at all!
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ribbons. Turn the cucumber over when you reach the seeds and peel the other side. Set aside. ● Put all the other ingredients into a pan and simmer for 10 minutes. ● Remove from the heat and allow to cool. ● Remove the bay leaves and coriander seeds. ● Add the cucumber ribbons to the liquid and leave to pickle for 2 hours. For the Avocado Puree ● Blitz the avocado and lemon juice in a food processor and add salt to taste. ● Push through a fine sieve for a smoother puree. ● Store in a disposable piping bag until needed.
To Assemble ● Lay down 2 Smoked Salmon ribbons, overlapping the long edges by 2mm. Lightly salt and leave for 2 minutes. ● Place 1 tablespoon of the crab mix at one of the short ends of the salmon and roll to make cannelloni. Do not roll too tightly or the crab will come out of the sides. ● Repeat the process until you have 8 cannelloni. ● Place 2 in the centre of each plate. ● Remove the cucumber from the pickle and place onto kitchen paper to remove any excess liquid. ● Roll each piece of cucumber around a thick handled wooden spoon or similar to form cylinders and place at equal spaces around the plate. ● Gently squeeze 2 pea-sized dots of avocado purèe between each cylinder of cucumber and 2 on top of each cannelloni roll. Garnish with small pieces of watercress. - Enjoy.
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TUESDAY TO FRIDAY
12-2PM | 5.45-9PM
MAINS
A starter from steve @Ocean Restaurant, North Quay, Douglas.
Method For the Pickled Cucumber ● Peel the cucumber lengthways into
PURCHASE 9 FIRE SALES AND GET THE 10TH FREE
Crab Filling ● 200g Cushlin seafood’s white crab meat (check carefully to ensure all pieces of shell have been removed) ● 80g crème fraiche ● ½ tsp each of finely chopped chives, parsley and dill ● Juice of ½ a lemon ● Maldon sea salt
To Serve ● Watercress to garnish
Avocado Purèe n 2 avocados n juice of ½ a lemon n Maldon sea salt
TWO COURSES FOR £14.00
STARTER
Recipe to try at home
(Serves 4) Ingredients n Pickled Cucumber n ½ cucumber n 50g white wine vinegar n 50g water n 100g caster sugar n 2 bay leaves n 5 coriander seeds
THE NEW ‘OCEAN’ FIRE SALE REWARD CARD
For the Crab Filling ● Mix the crab meat, crème fraiche, herbs and lemon juice together and add salt to taste. Set aside for later.
Smoked Salmon for Cannelloni ● 24 x 1mm ribbons of Paddy’s Smoked Salmon
Crab and Smoked Salmon Cannelloni
RELAXED COASTAL DINNING
n Potage Du Jour n Soup of the day/freshly baked focaccia n ALMOST FAMOUS FISH & CHIPS Battered fish of the day, crunchy Ocean chips, pea purée n STEAK & CHIPS 8oz Manx ribeye steak, crunchy Ocean chips, Okell’s beer battered onion rings, peppery pepper sauce T&C’s APPLY, AVAILABILITY LIMITED
JOIN US FOR A FAMILY SUNDAY LUNCH SHARING PLATTERS SERVES 4 PEOPLE n WHOLE ROAST CHICKEN Roast potatoes, seasonal veg, sausage stuffing, yorkie puds, Jus £48.00 n SLOW COOKED BEEF Roast potatoes, seasonal veg, sausage stuffing, yorkie puds, Jus £55.00 n DESERTS Sunday Filo Apple Strudel, Almond, sultana, calvados, lashings of custard £16.00 n STICKY TOFFEE PUDDING Ocean’s toffee sauce, lashing of custards £16.00 Book now to avoid disappointment T: 01624 622000 W: www.oceanrestaurant.im
TRAVEL
WHERE TO GO IN 2020 Make the next decade your most meaningful by planning adventures and getaways for the year ahead, says Sarah Marshall.
If the start of a new year stimulates reflection, the dawn of a fresh decade demands some serious thought - specifically when it comes to allimportant travel plans. New flight routes, anniversary celebrations and exciting hotel openings plunge destinations into the spotlight. Some other places are simply having their moment, right now. So, whether you want to adventure far and wide, or clear your environmental conscience by staying reassuringly close to home, these are a few of the contenders vying for your annual leave.
Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt
Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt Best for: Beach, diving and snorkelling
How: TUI offers four nights all inclusive at the TUI Magic Life resort from £493pp
Promising good weather, calm sea conditions and an abundance of marine wildlife, Egypt’s premier Red Sea resort was once favoured by divers of all abilities. All that came to a halt after a terrorist attack, however, compelling many countries including the UK - to suspend flights. Four years later, the ban has finally been lifted, shining the green light for direct air access from the UK. Red Sea Holidays already have charters underway and TUI launch operations in February.
The Lake District, UK Best for: Contemplative hikes and pub lunches
A drop in visitor numbers over the past few years has given the reef a chance to flourish and attract new species, such as whale sharks. According to experts, the Red Sea has never looked better.
The Lake District, UK
Wander lonely as a cloud o’er vales and hills in honour of poet William Wordsworth’s 250th birthday, celebrated on April 7. Inspired by the beauty of the Lake District, his writings were the foundation for an early conservation movement, and the 1820 publication of his Guide Through The District Of The Lakes is regarded as the beginning of mass tourism to the area. A major project, Reimagining Wordsworth, is currently underway to transform his former family home, Dove Cottage, in Grasmere, into an interactive attraction. The Wordsworth Museum is also being expanded and modernised, and new trails will be launched to showcase the landscapes described in his poems. How: The Landmark Trust offers stays at Howthwaite, a four-bedroom property sharing the same views as Dove Cottage. From £560 for four nights (sleeps eight). Svalbard, Norway Best for: Wildlife watching and chasing northern lights There aren’t many places where you can travel without a visa, but Svalbard’s unusual
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status could become even more appealing in a post-Brexit world. A mountainous, glacier-laced archipelago dangling from the top of the globe, this European slice of the Arctic was placed under Norwegian sovereignty a century ago. In that time, a seemingly uninhabitable and hostile destination has become a booming tourist attraction. Visit in summer to search for polar bears, walruses and flocks of migrating birds; in winter there’s the chance to take snowmobile safaris across frozen terrain and hunt for the northern lights. But if you really like it and you’re British, why not stay? As a signatory of the Treaty, Brits have to right to fish, hunt and set up a home here.
Contemporary Art Al Maaden (MACAAL) in 2018 solidified the city’s status as Africa’s home of modern art, and and it’s been crowned the continent’s first Capital Of Culture for 2020. Svalbard, Norway
The Azores, Portugal Best for: Whales and volcanoes
Marrakech, Morocco
How: Discover The World (discover-theworld.com) offers a three-night Northern Lights break in Longyearbyen from £958pp (two sharing) including B&B accommodation, one evening meal, an aurora hunt using eco-friendly electronic eSleds, and flights from London Heathrow. Available December to February. Belize Best for: Archaeological ruins and sustainable stays A mass of uninterrupted jungle lapped by sparkling Caribbean Sea and fringed by coral reefs, this Central American country has developed slowly but surely, managing to keep its natural treasures intact. Although popular with American retirees, it’s still reassuringly off the radar; Mayan ruins such as Caracol attract a fraction of the crowds heading to Mexico’s Chichen Itza, and an ancient cave system is still largely a mystery. In 2019, single-use plastics and Styrofoam were banned - part of a move to make the destination a leading force for sustainability. Actor-turned-conservationist Leonardo DiCaprio opens his highly anticipated solar-powered Blackadore Caye eco-resort (which will also feature a research station focused on climate change) in 2020, and inland, in San Antonio, Mariposa Jungle Lodge will launch as the country’s first vegan resort.
Georgia
The Azores, Portugal
Belize
Marrakech, Morocco Best for: Art and culture Lured by a boho spirit and attitudes as
The opening of the Museum Of African
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Whichever ocean they emerge from and whatever climate they enjoy, there’s something alluringly exotic about islands. Cut off from our seven continents, they support a plethora of unique and often fragile species. Visiting them often feels like discovering a place lost in time. Next year, Portugal’s far flung Atlantic island chain will become that bit easier to reach with the introduction of two new direct flight routes from the UK. Ryanair will extend their current weekly Saturday offering by launching a seasonal weekly Tuesday flight from London Stansted to the largest island, Sao Miguel (June 2-August 18), making long weekends possible. A route between London Stansted and Terceira (a gateway to several of the nine islands, including Pico - home to the Ponta do Pico volcano) will start from April 1. How: Sunvil offers the seven-night Whale And Dolphin Watching Holiday on Sao Miguel (27 species have been cited from the Azores) from £1,220pp (two sharing), including self-catering accommodation and direct flights. Georgia Best for: Wine and value
loose and wafty as a silk kaftan, rock ‘n’ rollers descended on Morocco’s charismatic city in the Sixties. An artistic vibe flourished in the Medina’s labyrinthine souks, which became a favourite haunt for fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, whose legacy lives on in the vibrant Jardin Majorelle and an elegant museum dedicated to his work.
How: Mariposa Jungle Lodge (mariposajunglelodge.com) offers a threenight stay from £855pp (two sharing) including all meals, airport transfers and some tours. International flights extra.
How: Abercrombie & Kent (abercrombiekent.co.uk) offers a threenight tailor-made Marrakech City Break from £560pp, including flights.
In an age of rising prices, it’s rare to find a destination where the cost of living is still cheap. But Georgia, formerly part of the USSR, is one of the few places where you can parade like a prince with the earnings of a pleb. A glass of decent wine in capital Tblisi, for example, costs only a couple of pounds. In a post-Soviet era, European wine-making techniques are experiencing a renaissance - although the country’s traditional amber wine (made for 8,000 years) also deserves attention. And the word is already out: G Adventures reports a 44% increase in travellers to the destination in the past three years. How: G Adventures (gadventures.com) offers an eight-day Best Of Georgia & Armenia trip from £1,299pp. Flights extra.
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FASHION
By Izzy Forbes @film.iz at The Creative Collective Models: Fiona Dyrhauge, Julia Nikonova, Wanda Mountain, Jessica Richardson
By Liam Westpfel @liamwestpfel_ at the Turner Contemporary Models: Erin Hayhow & Lelde Viono
By Liam Westpfel @liamwestpfel_ at the Turner Contemporary Models: Erin Hayhow & Lelde Viono
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By Liam Westpfel @liamwestpfel_ at the Turner Contemporary Models: Erin Hayhow & Lelde Viono
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Raised in the Isle of Man - Shannen Maria Samuel is ‘small-town’ sustainable designer based in South London. Shannen’s concepts are inspired by reminiscent throwbacks of islander life & superstitions. With her “Throwbacks & Throwaways” ethos - she combines waste materials and disregarded clothing into playful one off garments with an eerie twist, each piece with a powerful & sentimental story to tell. Shannen’s most recent collection “Twisted Fairytale” is 100% sustainable, made from waste materials and eco friendly practices. It’s concept is heavily influenced by Manx heritage and folklore using real leafs embalmed in a vegan glycerin bath & lino printed Manx dialect in a style inspired by Archibald Knox. This collection tells a playful yet cynical story on today’s unruly society and the state of current political affairs:
“Once upon a time, in a land built on porkie pies & fairy lies... A notion shook the earth & 6 words prevailed”: Grooish - Volley (Deceit), Treigeilys (Betrayal), Breagyn (Lies), Moalys (Delay), Mhill - Yms (Corrupt), Neuyeerrys (Injustice). The “Twisted Fairytale” collection made its debut appearance at the BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS
by Felicia Buena @feliciabuenavisuals at the Turner Contemporary Models: Erin Hayhow & Lelde Viono
renowned Turner Contemporary museum at the beginning of December, followed by a runway show with the Creative Collective in South London. The collection is due to feature in a documentary and short film in 2020. Aside from this, Shannen Maria Samuel has also showcased her work at numerious other events this year; Soho House (Berlin) alongside the
Wastefree Collective, Gillet Cubed (Zero London, Dalston), Dellirous Dwelling (with Violet Vega, Clapton) and the Circus of Excess takeover with XR (Oxford Circus). Shannen is also founder of events and merchandise brand BeMerge, and the Fero Arts Collective - both of which she curates one-off, unorthodox shows in the name of art activism.
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BEAUTY
BOLD AND BEAUTIFUL: 3 WAYS TO TRY THE GRAPHIC EYES CATWALK TREND Katie Wright gets the backstage lowdown from the autumn/winter shows. Eyeliners at the ready, because it was all about razor-sharp flicks and striking shadow play on the autumn/winter catwalks.
2. THE SEXY SMUDGE At Molly Goddard, MAC make-up artist Hiromi Ueda said she was “inspired by Thomas Hardy’s novel Tess of the d’Urbervilles [and] the voluminous dresses worn by the characters”. The look focuses on ‘morning after’ eyeliner, the ring of black pencil blended out to a short, blunt wing - it helps to add a little bit of mixing medium on top of the liner, to slightly dilute the pigment. Ueda also gave models a ruddy-cheeked glow by applying pink toned blusher high on the cheeks. n MAC Kohl Power Eye Pencil in Feline, £15, LookFantastic n MAC Mixing Medium Shine, £16.50 n MAC Powder Blush in Fleur Power, £19.50
Black is, well, the new black this season, as the darkest of hues was employed by makeup artists to create unapologetically bold eye looks, set against a canvas of clean, flawless skin.
Here are three ways to try the graphic eyes trend...
3. THE BIG SMOKE Taking the smoky-eye trend to a whole new level, make-up artist Kabuki created a soft-edged allblack look to match the monochrome clothing at Jeremy Scott AW19. Leaving lashes and brows bare (some models even had their arches bleached), this look is all about the shadow. Taking a small eyeshadow brush and a cream shadow, start close to the lash line and gradually build up the pigment, working towards the inner corner, and out to form a blurred wing shape.
1. THE REGAL WING “Royal meets The Vatican” was how make-up legend Val Garland described the futuristic flick at Erdem, which she said was inspired by the films of Fellini and Hitchcock.
Use a larger blending brush (or your fingers) to create an airbrushed finish, then complete the look with black kohl liner on the upper and lower lash lines. n MAC Chromaline in Black Black, £17.50 n MAC Technakohl Liner in Graphblack, £15
Garland created the look with Nars products, using kohl liner to trace the wing shape, then filling it in with black eyeshadow to give a velvety finish, neatening the edges with a cotton bud dipped in eye make-up remover. n Nars Minorque Kohliner, £20 n Nars Pandora Duo Eyeshadow, £25
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FASHION
BODY CHAINS ARE HAVING A MOMENT: HOW TO STYLE THE EDGY TREND LIKE THE A-LIST Katie Wright shows you where to shop the best body jewellery. Considering that all her Golden Globes outfit entailed was a black jacket and maxi skirt, you might be surprised to learn that actor Kerry Washington was one of the big fashion hits of the night. But this was no regular skirt. Slit to the thigh, the Altuzarra number was embellished with a thick diamante body chain that peeked from beneath the actor’s blazer, with three sparkling knots resting on her bare midriff. Teamed with glittering Jimmy Choo sandals, a matte red lip and presumably, several inches of ‘boob tape’, it was a daring ensemble but the 42-year-old pulled it off. The next day, over in London, fashion icon Alexa Chung was spotted at a GQ dinner wearing a long, sparkly necklace looped around her white Basic Rights shirt and it was official: body chains are having a celebrity style moment.
Here are five of our favourite body chains on the high street... n Topshop Mega Cup Chain Body Chain, £17.50 (was £35)
n ASOS Design Body Chain in Hardware Chain and Open Rings in Silver Tone, £15
Feeling inspired by these stylish stars? Well, there’s no shortage of body jewellery to choose from at the moment. n House Thirteen Fan Bodychain, £110, Notonthehighstreet
On the one hand, you’ve got delicate chains with tiny charms and beads for adding a hint of glamour to your outfits.
n MagysFashionRoom 14K Gold Filled Body Chain, £52, Etsy
On the other, you’ve got body harnesses, diamante bralets and even crystal leg garters, if you’re so inclined. What’s great about this trend is that you can make it as sexy or as subtle as you like. Take the Washington route and layer your blingy body necklace under a fitted blazer with high-waisted trousers or a skirt. Or follow Chung’s lead and wear a loose chain over a mannish shirt - flashing your flesh is not compulsory. Plus, with so many bargain buys you can try the trend with costume jewellery before deciding whether to invest in a statement piece. BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS
n River Island Black Diamante Mesh Harness Top, £18
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HARDWARE
VISION Words: Rebecca Evans
And just like that, in the blink of an eye, we're 20 years into the 'new' millennium and embarking on another decade. According to predictions made by the scientific experts of the past we should have men (or women, there's no gender bias here at Gallery) on Mars by now, be travelling by teleportation, have replaced the need to eat solid food with nanobots that live within our bodies, and been phased out at work by an army of animal employees. I'm not sure what is more ridiculous, the idea that we would have given up one of life's greatest pleasures in favour of robot parasites, or that the earliest of the above predictions was made in 1994, which in my head was about 8 years ago?
In fact it was as recently as 2014 when Michael J O'Farrell, founder of The Mobile Institute, predicted that 2020 would see the dawn of telepathy and teleportation. A bold statement, to put it lightly. But whilst there doesn't seem to be any flying cars, x-ray glasses or holiday homes on the moon in our immediate future, there is some exciting tech tabled to be released this year (or this decade, at least). For the Vision issue I've taken a look at some of the coolest gadgets to come out of the 2020 Consumer Electronics Show.
SEGWAY S-POD
CHARMIN ROLLBOT
Have you ever zipped around a tourist destination on a Segway and thought 'yeah this is fun, but I wish there was a way to look less cool'. Well hang on to your knee-pads; it's coming!
Finally, the tech giants have turned their hands to a REAL problem. At CES 2020 toilet paper brand Charmin unveiled their rollbot; a bear-faced self-balancing robot that when summoned with your phone will scoot straight in your direction bearing a fresh roll.
Part mobility scooter, part super-villain worthy egg chair, the S-Pod harnesses the same self-balancing gyroscopic technology as the original, but with the addition of a comfy seat and the removal of any requirement to stabilise yourself. Controlled by a joystick so simple even Dr. Evil could use it, the S-Pod is surprisingly graceful and agile for something that looks so cumbersome, turning on a sixpence and providing far less risk of being flung inelegantly off than a traditional Segway.
Unarguably a more useful invention than many, unfortunately a number of questions remain unanswered at this prototype stage, most importantly ‘how does this armless robot wrangle the paper from the cupboard under the stairs and unlock the bathroom door?’ and ‘why do you have your phone in your hand in the bathroom?’
Following the style of earlier models, features are kept to a minimum, aside from a snazzy tablet in the armrest that allows you to tailor the colour of the indicator lights and a horn to warn meandering pedestrians of your imminent arrival. The S-Pod will no doubt prove a boon to airports, theme parks and tourist destinations where less able visitors will be able to whisk across long distances unaided, but it's unlikely we'll see them whizzing down King Street just yet (and with a slated top speed of 24mph that's probably just as well).
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HARDWARE
FORWARDX ROBOTICS OVIS SUITCASE Now it's all very well zipping through Heathrow on your borrowed S-Pod, but how are you going to carry your carry-on? Although launched on a crowd-funding site a number of years ago, 2020 will apparently be the year that Ovis Robotic suitcases hit the ground rolling. Equipped with GPS, speckled with cameras and complete with obstacle avoidance technology, the ForwardX carry-on sized case will follow you faithfully through the airport like a rather ugly and angular dog. If your case loses sight of you across a crowded terminal, the accompanying smart band will alert you immediately, and can also communicate battery life, its own weight in real time, and other potential tech issues that may require human intervention. Waterproof & durable, the case comes with integral device chargers and an airline friendly removable battery, which lasts for up to 4 hours of rolling at up to 6.7mph. If the desire to go retro and wheel the case yourself ever strikes, grabbing the handle will switch immediately back into manual mode.
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SAMSUNG SERO Ever watched a viral video on your phone and silently screamed ‘landscape mode, you idiot’ at the anonymous filmmaker? Well for 2020, Samsung have answered your cry in a way that can only be described in the language of the time as ‘extra AF’. The 43 inch Sero TV will, at the touch of a button, rotate 90 degrees from the standard TV landscape aspect to portrait mode. This USP (Unique/Useless Selling Point) means that all those Youtube videos of cute cats, chatty babies and teens fighting in McDonalds can be watched in their full widescreen glory, rather than us having to squint at a midscreen strip. What a time to be alive.
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Words by: Suzy Holland Photographs: Martin Rigby
The Isle of Man. Home to gentle Celticinspired music, raucous Manx language folk, harmonious guitar strumming singer-songwriters. And what has been described on worshipmetal.com as a ‘topclass, A grade, progressive, technical metal’ band - Aeons. Yes, you read that right – progressive, technical metal. You probably won’t book them to play at your wedding, you definitely won’t see them playing plinky plonky dinner music at one of the Island’s hotels – but Aeons is out there, and getting international attention. Aeons debut album, ‘A Tragic End’, launched at the tail end of last year with two packed-out gigs at Compton Vaults and The Rovers, and was included in the Worship Metal list of the top 10 progressive metal albums of 2019. They received a great review from progressive metal bloggers at The Progressive Subway (‘Aeons (has) grabbed the progressive metalcore formula, added layers of melody, made the clean vocals mature, the harsh vocals more death metal oriented .… resulting in a very original album’) and then rounded off the year by being named
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the second best Breakthrough UK Metal Band followers of Global Metal Apocalypse. Resisting the temptation to point out that the Isle of Man is not in the UK, Gallery thought it should catch up with Skippy, Simon, Scott, Justin and Joe from the band before they become too big to talk to us.
Gallery: 2019 was a big year for Aeons with its long-awaited debut album and some incredible feedback from fans. Were you expecting that? Skippy: I wouldn’t say we were expecting it, but we know that ‘A Tragic End’ is a pretty good album so it’s nice to know other ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE
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people agree! The gigs in Castletown and Douglas were packed with people who’d obviously heard and enjoyed the album – we had no idea how it would be received and were stunned by the positive response. Gallery: You’re not one of those bands we see playing live every weekend – why not? Joe: We’ve spent the last two years rehearsing and recording ‘A Tragic End’ so apart from an early gig at the late, and very much lamented, Amber, we didn’t want to inflict not-quite-ready tracks on people we hoped would become fans. And, to be honest, there aren’t that many local venues which want to play our sound – it’s not exactly easy listening background music – so we’re really grateful that Juan at Compton Vaults and Guy from The Rovers took a risk with us. Gallery: Your own publicity describes ‘A Tragic End’ as ‘over an hour of all the metal’. But can you describe your sound to our readers? Si: I’d say our songs have all the themes and narratives you can find elsewhere in all music – loss, hope, fear, sorrow, rebirth. But the platform on which we describe these emotions and concepts is one truly unique to metal. Heavier music has a broader palette to paint these scenes as it is unafraid of using darker tones: there’s melody in the cacophony, and a framework
more like a novel than a pop song. The longer format gives us more time to reflect and allows us to visit other avenues of storytelling. Skippy: I think we are a band that appeals to people who don’t particularly like or are unfamiliar with metal. There are a couple of songs on ‘Tragic’ that you could play to your gran. We like the interplay between light and dark. Pull the people in with a lovely acoustic melody before exploding their brains with brutal dark riffs, that’s my motto! Gallery: I’m interested to know more about your backgrounds. How long have you been playing together? Skippy: We got together in around 2016. Justin, Scott and I were in The Water is Rising and Simon has been around in Island bands for a long time, and has his own music studio. Joe joined us later; after years of playing guitar, banjo and mandolin, Justin persuaded him to pick up the bass and the rest, as they say, is history. Gallery: So what’s next? The Global Metal Apocalypse nomination and the inclusion of ‘A Tragic End’ in the Worship Metal top 10 albums of 2019 suggests there’s an appetite for your music beyond these shores so - excuse the obvious pun - ‘A
Tragic End’is obviously not the end for Aeons. A teaser on your Facebook page www.facebook. com/Aeons.IOM suggests you’ve got big news for 2020, so can you tell us more? Justin: We will definitely be playing more locally this year, but we do have our sights set on the UK in 2020. We are speaking to venues and promoters over there and it looks like we may be able to secure some shows which will be great. We also have material for a new album written which I think is even better than the stuff on ‘Tragic’, so we can’t wait to get it recorded and released. Hopefully it won’t take another two years, ha ha! Gallery: Finally, the theme of this issue of Gallery is Vision, so would you like to share the Aeons vision for 2020? Scott: WORLD DOMINATION! But failing that it would be nice to play to more people and possibly get picked up for a tour or festival slot. But whatever happens we will continue to smash out some top quality metal.
‘A Tragic End’ is available for download from the usual sources via aeons.online and https://aeonsiom.bandcamp/releases, and for anyone who likes their music in their hands as well as their ears there is also a CD and a very poetic (and downloadable) lyric booklet and you can even buy a band T shirt. Up to date Aeons news is available from www.facebook.com/Aeons.IOM. All lyrics and music are a collaborative band effort, and the album is mixed and produced by Si at http://skatandahstudios.com/
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