February 2021 | the SPRING issue by Gallery Magazine

Isle of Man Premier Magazine | no. 97 | Spring 2021 | the [LOVE] issue

£ priceless

CLIMATE ACTION

A NEW WAY

A BRIEF HISTORY OF TIME GETS A NEW CHAPTER “I have wondered about time all my life.” - Professor Stephen Hawking

Professor Hawking did more than wonder about time. He spent most of his life probing into the beginnings of our universe, and discovered the very origins of time itself. And then, this theoretical physicist, whose legacy stands alongside those of Galileo, Newton and Einstein, made his discoveries accessible to everyone. The fact that he did all of this whilst battling debilitating motor neurone disease was all the more remarkable, showing Hawking’s courage, insatiable curiosity, and ambition. The Hawking limited series watches are a fitting tribute to this titan of science, and Bremont is proud to present them alongside Professor Hawking’s family.

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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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CONTRIBUTORS EDITORIAL

Clare Bowie

Suzy Holland Les Able DESIGN STUDIO

Russ Atkinson Alex Preist

PHOTOGRAPHY

Julia Simmonds Lucas Croydon Peter Kwiecinski Jewell Photography Just Lee Photograhpy Steve Babb Photography

Isle Photo

Have you been feeling the love?

et’s be honest here, we would forgive you if the word love has not been the first thing to pop into your head lately. That warm fuzzy feeling you associate with love is not exactly synonymous with cold weather, closed borders, face masks and global mayhem is it? I mean, we know your hearts aren’t made of stone and you’re basically all good people but love and all its flamboyance, well that’s for another time isn’t it? And yet, it’s happened again, human nature has gone right ahead and laughed in the face of chaos and love has slipped out in the most unusual places. Suzy Holland was bowled over with the love for wild swimming that she found existed among an, ‘inclusive community of friendly folk,’ who listed mental health benefits and its connection to nature as calming and almost magical. Singletons, on the other hand have maybe not felt so invigorated of late. Grace Ryan definitely has not experienced the glow from wild swimming or anything wild at all in her redundant love life. Have a flick through her article, ‘Love in the time of coronavirus,’. Others, of course, will also be desperate to get back out there, if only to escape the proximity of their loved ones. Perhaps that need for solitude or distraction helped to inspire Tanya Anderson to write her book, ‘A Woman’s Garden.’ Tanya believes that the ‘big issues we are dealing with from climate change to this global pandemic have seen people looking at their garden space in a new way.’ Whether its getting your kit off for swimming, tending to your garden or lovingly restoring a Mazda (see Dan & Becky’s story on page 53), you have to make room for that love, those things or those people that make your heart beat harder. After all, what is life without love? 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.

Recycle.

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CONTENTS

CONTENTS PICKS

THE REST

APPETITIE

48 Recipes 50 Wine & Romance

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3 Edito 4 Contents 6 What’s On 10 The Love of open water swimming 14 Wild swimmer - Carole Laporte 16 Martyn Riley ,50 years service 18 GIVE - our community 20 Love in the time of Coronavirus 22 Romantic traditions around the world 24 Love is? EVENTS

26 Dan & Julia Bell’s Wedding 28 Your Wedding Checklist 30 Ryan & Hayley Tasker’s Wedding Day CULTURE

32 A Woman’s Garden 34 UPLOAD comp AGENDA Lite

36 A new creative agency 38 Appointments PROPERTY

40-48 Feature Properties

HARDWEAR

52 Labour of Love 58 Gadget of the month PAPARAZZI

60-68 4

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

THE HISTORY OF CASTLETOWN…

Distilled to perfection.

The Isle of Man is rich in romantic fables, yet none of them capture the imagination quite like The Peggy of Castletown. An 18th - century schooner boat, her apocryphal ties to rum runs is what prompted us to embark on our own adventure of distilling a libation that captured the vivid legend behind one of the Isle of Man’s most captivating tales. Rich chocolate and coffee infused with oak, baked apple, and a hint of liquorice gives Peggy Dark Rum a palate as unique as her story.

Rich in flavour. Rich in heritage.

W W W . P E G G Y S R U M . C O M P LEA SE

D RI N K

R E S P O N S I B LY

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WHAT’S ON now – 14.03.2021

STORY FROM STONE – THE STRANGERS OF BALLURE CHAPEL

//MANX MUSEUM, DOUGLAS// In a secluded little spot beneath the slopes of Lhergy Frissell, is Ramsey’s ‘graveyard for strangers’ in the grounds of Ballure Chapel on the outskirts of Ramsey – the final resting place of over one thousand people. From the 18th century it became known as the ‘graveyard for strangers’, being predominantly used as burial place for people without Island connections or for unknown and unclaimed people. This new exhibition is based on the book ‘Story from Stone’ by Kim Kneen and Vicky Lloyd-West which blends historical fact and creative fiction with original illustrations by Jo Davies – and it is lifesize interpretations of eleven of these illustrations which appear in the exhibition. ‘Story from Stone’ was published with support from Culture Vannin and is available in the Manx Museum shops, local bookshops and The Snug in Ramsey. www.manxnationalheritage.co.im

06.03.2021

THE GREATEST VARIETY SHOW 3 – TIME TO SAY GOODBYE

//GAIETY THEATRE, DOUGLAS// Back by popular demand following the sell-out shows in 2018 and 2019, the Young Ambassador of Hospice Isle of Man, Alexandra Slater has once again invited some of her very talented friends to join her in bringing to you the most spectacular evening of song and dance Showcasing the Islands finest talent, the audience will be treated to breath-taking performances of song and dance covering all genres of music including songs from the musicals, films and legendary performers. All proceeds will go to www.hospice.org.im www.villagaiety.com

13.03 – 09.05.2021

KEVIN ATHERTON – THE WORKS

//MANX MUSEUM, DOUGLAS// Manx international artist Kevin Atherton returns to the Isle of Man with a retrospective exhibition at the Manx Museum. Covering a career that stretches into six decades and which has involved pioneering work in film, video, performance art, and public sculpture,

the exhibition brings together Atherton’s significant achievements in these cutting edge fields into a building he has been familiar with since childhood. Kevin says: “There were two places that saved me when I was a kid growing up in the Isle of Man, one was the Manx Museum that showed me where I came from and the other was the public library in Ridgeway Street which showed me who I could become. I regularly visited both buildings after school and remember engaging with fiction in one and art in the other.” In association with Antonio Pasqualino Museo. www.manxnationalheritage.im

13.03.2021

NORTHERN MEN IN SHEDS – SPRING OPEN DAY

//CUMBERLAND ROAD, RAMSEY// A wonderful display of goods for sale from bird feeders and boxes to flower planters, and environmentally friendly bug boxes and an opportunity to find out how you can get involved. Entry just £1 to include light refreshments at the Men in Sheds Northern HQ behind Ramsey Cottage Hospital. 10am – 3pm.

20.03 – 24.04.2021

‘EYE’ - OPEN ART COMPETITION AND EXHIBITION

//HODGSON LOOM GALLERY, LAXEY// This annual art exhibition had to be postponed last year but has now been rescheduled with the theme of ‘Eye’. As always, Julie Ashby Smyth anticipates that the Island’s artists, whether professional, amateur, student or child, will interpret this theme literally, laterally and widely and the resulting exhibition promises to be very exciting. The competition is judged by a number of people with connections to the arts (as well as a public winner, chosen by visitors to the exhibition) and prizes will be awarded at a special event on 17 April. www.facebook.com/hodgsonloom

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

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SPRING 2021 25.03.2021

26.03.2021

//VILLA MARINA, DOUGLAS// The 2020 Isle of Man Sports Awards will celebrate and recognise the fantastic sporting achievements of the Island’s sporting community from young and not-soyoung sportsmen and women, to veterans, with teams and coaches being recognised.

//VILLA MARINA, DOUGLAS// Made In Mann is back at the Promenade Suite at the Villa Marina for 2021 with four new gigs from local bands, starting with the eclectic-electric-psychedelic-drone-pop three-piece that’s Baad Acid.

ISLE OF MAN SPORTS AWARDS

Upstairs seating for the general public available for just £3 – book now via www. villagaiety.com or the Welcome Centre at the Sea Terminal.

MADE IN MAN – BAAD ACID

Doors open at 7.30pm. Over 16s only. Free to attend, numbers limited strictly to 250. www.villagaiety.com

28.03.2021

IOMCS – BEETHOVEN’S CHORAL FANTASIA & ORFF’S CARMINA BURANA

//VILLA MARINA, DOUGLAS// Isle of Man Choral Society under the direction of Julian Power BEM, supported by Isle of Man Symphony Orchestra leader Tom Field, presents the following works in a concert to be held at the Royal Hall Villa Marina Douglas. Beethoven’s Choral Fantasia featuring pianist Judith Christian and Orff’s Carmina Burana with Mannin Youth Choir and Ellan Vannin Gymnastics Club and the following soloists: Helen Power and Linda Watterson (sopranos), Mandy Griffin and Angela Stewart (mezzo sopranos), John Riley (tenor) and Graham Crowe (baritone). This performance was originally due to take place in 2020 and all tickets remain valid. If you are now unable a full refund is available. www.villagaiety.com

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WHAT’S ON

SPRING 2021 15.04 – 17.04.2021

A NIGHT AT THE MUSICALS

//GAIETY THEATRE, DOUGLAS// The Manx Operatic Society is thrilled to invite you to ‘A Night at the Musicals’, an evening celebrating some of the best songs from their productions from 1950 to 2020.

29.03 – 04.04.2021

WIZARD OF OZ

//GAIETY THEATRE, DOUGLAS// The rescheduled trip down the Yellow Brick Road by performers from the Christine Wild Theatre School and Rachel Wild’s Performers Studio promises to be a lavish production with impressive scenery, timeless music and a cast of over 200! In these difficult times what better escapism than the beloved “Wizard of Oz”. Join Dorothy on her captivating adventure to discover there really is “no place like home!” All original tickets will be honoured or refunded. See www.villagaiety.com. Please note that there are TWO new matinee performances.

01.04 – 30.09.2021

BOUNDARIES

//HOUSE OF MANANNAN, PEEL// A curated open art exhibition on the theme ‘Boundaries’ will take place in the temporary exhibition gallery at the House of Manannan over the summer. Organised by the Island’s creative, the call for submissions late last year was answered, resulting in this exhibition of work by 27 local artists, selected by curators Keith McIntyre, Ian Coulson and Helen Fox from the 87 entries.

Work includes installation pieces, video, ceramics, photography, painting, sculpture and mixed media.

Be prepared for an evening of glitz, glamour and toe-tapping tunes from the world of musical theatre, revisiting old favourites and recent treasures. Brought to you by a first-class talented all Manx cast and locally directed by Sonia Callin with Musical Director David Holland.

Open submission, themed, selected shows are common place in the UK but few of this nature have taken place on the Isle of Man. The Creative Network hopes to make the open show a regular feature and aims to create strong, curated bodies of work, with a view to touring off-Island in due course.

Includes songs from ‘Westside Story’, ‘Oklahoma’, ‘42nd Street’, ‘Vagabond King’, ‘Legally Blonde’, ‘Hairspray’, ‘Chicago’, ‘Les Miserables’ and plenty more!

The exhibition is free to attend.

23.04 – 01.05.2021

www.manxnationalheritage.im

SHREK – THE MUSICAL

09.04-11.04.2021

THE TWITS

//GAIETY THEATRE, DOUGLAS// Following the success of ‘Juan and the Beanstalk,’ Hello Little People is ready to wow the Island again with this innovative production of THE TWITS, one of Roald Dahl’s best loved books, adapted for stage by David Wood. With original music, terrific tricks and joyous jokes, this epic show will have you laughing out loud and wanting more. Great for the whole family. Best suited to children 5+ but younger children welcome at the parent’s/guardian’s discretion. www.roalddahl.com | www.davidwood.org. uk | www.villagaiety.com

www.villagaiety.com

//GAIETY THEATRE, DOUGLAS// Douglas Choral Union is proud to present ‘Shrek – the Musical’ for its 125 year celebration, postponed from the original February dates. Based on the story and characters from the Oscar®-winning DreamWorks Animation film, this hilarious and spectacular production turns the world of fairy tales upside down in an all-singing, all-dancing, must-see musical comedy - an irresistible mix of adventure, laughter and romance, guaranteed to delight audiences of all ages! Tickets for the original dates are being honoured, or refunded where necessary. See www.villagaiety.com for details, or to buy new ones.

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

KEVIN ATHERTON

THE WORKS 13 March – 9 May 2021 Manx Museum, Douglas FREE EXHIBITION

SEAS THE UPFRONT

DAY The love of open water Words: Suzy Holland Images: Julia Simmonds, Janelle Quayle, Richard MacNee, Debbie Wignall

Hands up who’s ever thought of doing one of the New Year’s Day charity dips? I did it once and cold though it was, my immediate thought was to take up regular open water swimming. Hours later, I was still frozen, the exhilaration had worn off and I had a rethink.

So when Gallery asked me to pen a feature on ‘wild swimming’ - and more specifically the love of wild swimming - I thought I

could churn out a couple of paragraphs about the brave but fool-hardy few whose heads can be seen bobbing up and down like seals in the Irish Sea, but more than that? I wasn’t sure. How little did I know! It didn’t take me long to find a very inclusive community of friendly folk, all willing to chat about the whys, hows and wheres of taking to the water, whatever the weather, all around the Island.

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

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20.2.2021 So first of all – why? The reasons why not are probably easier to list: cold, seaweed, jellyfish … but none of those put these open water, wild, swimmers off. “There is nothing like the smell and taste of the sea,” says Pilates instructor Lizzie Main whose childhood love of sailing and the sea drew her to the Island in the first place. “The cold is bracing and takes your breath away, but it makes the body glow.” The benefits of open water swimming for mental health and general well-being came up time and time again: “I always feel happy after a swim,” says triathlete and open water swimming coach Silla Parnell, “regardless of my mood when I got in!” and ‘Hello Little People’ producer and actor Michelle James agrees - “It instantly washes all stresses away and I feel completely refreshed and renewed.” “I love the feeling of being alive, and the mental health clear-out most of all,” says Adrian Beale, who only starting swimming during last year’s lockdown. For poet Janet Lees, who swims alone, open water swimming “is akin to a religion.” Many swimmers find being around nature calming and even magical. Janelle Quayle loves the variations of the weather and the tide, and says that taking in the view from the sea takes all your fears and worries away - “you feel at one with Mother Nature”. Although Janelle usually swims BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

in Laxey, her most breath-taking swim was at Niarbyl last September. “The coastline was stunningly beautiful with caves for the brave to explore.” And there’s the fitness aspect. Richard MacNee started open water swimming about 4 years ago to relieve the monotony of swimming lengths in the pool and as practice for triathlons which include an open water leg. Local stunt performer Christopher Whitlow, who began sea swimming for fun also uses the Irish Sea for

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muscle recovery after training: “We’re all familiar with the use of icepacks on injured and painful muscles and ice baths are just an extension of this – how lucky we are to be surrounded by our very own, free, ice bath!” Silla, who has completed a relay swim across the English Channel and a 10km marathon swim in Lake Windermere says, “Open water swimming is many things to many people, an endurance swim, an adventure swim, training for an Ironman or a ‘swim and talk’ session with friends.” You’ll find more about the Isle of man’s best known open water swimmer, Carole Laporte, who in 2020 smashed the round Island swim record elsewhere in this issue of Gallery but for all her competitiveness, Carole’s comments about open water swimming echo those of so many others: “The feeling you get is amazing, especially in the winter time. It’s the freedom and it’s the best way to forget your worries, you leave them in the sea.” Swim alone or in a group? The obvious advantage of being in a group is the safety aspect (see the ‘dos and don’ts’ column) but most of the people I spoke to also mentioned the sociability, particularly now social distancing is a thing of the past (we hope). “During lockdowns I swam on my own in shallow water at Port Grenaugh,” says Richard MacNee, “but now we can swim safely together again I’m back in Port Erin, Laxey and Gansey”. Like Janet Lees, Lizzie Main prefers to dip alone, when the mood takes her, “but it’s not always practical and it’s important to have the camping stove ready ashore and someone to put the kettle on for a post-swim warm up.” Although Michelle James usually swims in a group, she has been known to be so desperate to get in the water she just goes for it: “I like to join my Dad on his dog walk to the beach and leave him on shorewatch while I swim myself into utter joy!”

“Swim at your own risk and blame no-one for the decisions you make” Sian Richardson founder of The Bluetits

Whatever you do, as a beginner don’t leap in on your own with no backup, but if you’d like to have a go at open water swimming, where’s the best place to find like-minded people? Café ‘Roots by the Sea’ in Peel (www.facebook.com/rootsbythesea) facilitates group swims there (tides and weather conditions allowing) and there’s the added advantage of a Roots hot drink and breakfast. The Manx Tits group, which is the local flock of the worldwide open swimming community The Bluetits, also has a Facebook group (www.facebook.com/ groups/428107511904280) to advise when they’re next in the water (usual in Laxey but ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

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OPEN WATER SWIMMING Dos and Don’ts

sometimes at Port Lewaigue). “Anyone can come along,” says Manx Tit founder Caroline Helks, “complete beginners or seasoned swimmers. You’ll certainly find friends and there might even be cake!” And my extensive research even turned up another Bluetit, an old school friend and new open water swimming enthusiast Mary Freer, so I asked her what made her join her local flock on the Scottish Isle of Seil. Her answer? “I’ve always been a water baby but with my local Bluetits, and almost by accident, I’ve finally found a physical activity I can do at my own pace!” And if you choose to swim with a group, you don’t have to turn up by yourself. Christopher Whitlow even takes his horse Elysium in - “it’s like aquafit for his joints!” - or why not do what Adrian Beale did, and get the whole family involved? “I have been known to swim alone with the family watching from the beach,” he says, “but both my 8 year old daughter Bethany and my wife Ellie have since taken the plunge. If you’re tempted, then just go for it!” And what about equipment? Most people start off in a wetsuit (did I mention the cold?) but many swimmers eventually choose to strip off to a cossie – or ‘skins’ as I now know it’s called. Janelle Quayle again: “dipping in just a costume at this time of year gives you a huge endorphin boost and makes you tingle all over,” but Silla issues a word of caution, “the sea is not a place to learn to swim. A mile in the pool equates roughly to half a mile in open water and you need to be aware of the signs of hypothermia. Where a brightly coloured hat both for warmth and so you can be seen!” And many BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

swimmers use floats and, for both fun and safety in the waves, body boards. Manx Tits swimmer Lynne Merriman adds, “you are always responsible for your own safety but it’s about fun and enjoyment. Whether you want to dip your toes, sit in the shallows or go for a full on swim is entirely up to you. There’s no pressure!” If you’d like to know more about the ethos behind the worldwide wild swimming community The Bluetits, the website is www. thebluetits.co or you can find them on Facebook at www.facebook. com/TheBluetits or follow @ TheBlueTitsCS on social media. Thanks to everyone who has been so helpful and enthusiastic about this feature, and who’ve provided quotes and photographs. If you’ve been inspired then you can find local open water swimmers on the various Facebook pages and at www.iomswim.im and you can find more of Janet Lees poetry, some of which is inspired by her solitary swims, at www.facebook.com/ janetlees2001. There is also her poetry film of ‘Liminal’ available here www.vimeo.com/313343270 Thanks particularly to all the Manx Tits who braved the freezing conditions for a Gallery photoshoot in mid-February.

n You are responsible for your own safety. Respect the safety of others and swim responsibly at all times. n Always remember: conditions change. n What is safe to one swimmer can be fatal to the next: do your own research and be honest about your abilities and understand your limitations. n Summer or winter, start with short dips and build up your swim time. n Plan ahead. n Be visible: wear a bright hat or tow float to make sure other water users can see you. n Check the weather and tides don’t be afraid to abandon your swim if conditions change. n Let someone know where you are going and when you’ll be back. n Swimming with someone else increases your personal safety.

And you should be aware of the dangers of hypothermia - some signs that you could be becoming hypothermic include:

nU ncontrollable shivering and numbness n Loss of simple coordination – swimming stroke changes, swimming position may become more vertical n Weakness in arms and legs – may feel sluggish n Clenched jaw and some difficulty speaking freely n Hands becoming claw-like and being less able to control them NB you are colder 10-40 minutes after you get out than you are when you first exit, and on days with wind chill, or when you are tired, hungry, stressed or hungover (be warned New Year’s Day dippers!) you are likely to get cold faster. And, it might sound obvious, but if you have any underlying health conditions, talk to your GP before you start your wild swimming journey.

More safety information from www.facebook.com/ CoolWaterSwimming www.outdoorswimmingsociety.com and www.thebluetits.co/swim-adviceand from any of the swimmers in this feature.

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WILD SWIMMER CAROLE LAPORTE: THE ISLAND’S OPEN WATER SWIMMING CHAMPION Words: Suzy Holland Images: Debbie Wignall

Anyone with any interest at all in open water swimming in the Isle of Man will know the name Carole Laporte, who last August smashed the ‘round Island’ swimming record by over 6 hours. It is this achievement – 122 km, in 29 hours, 25 minutes and 53 seconds over 17 days, including swimming two gruelling legs on two days, that has led to Carole’s nomination for Veteran Sportsperson of the Year at the IOM Sports Awards later this month. “In term-time I’m known to my students as their French and Spanish teacher at St Ninians,” Carole says, “but I usually spend my summers “I kind of fancy travelling and swimming swimming over in warmer seas. Last to Scotland year, of course, Covid travel restrictions meant with few other I stayed home, unable to sea swimmers” go anywhere.” Most of us would have sat around moaning – I know I did – but Carole set herself a challenge, to swim around the Island. But Carole was no open water swimming novice. She started over 20 years ago and competed in her first race in Portrush, before moving to Dublin where she took part in all year round swims without a wetsuit. When she moved to the Island in 2004, she and fellow wild swimmer Mark Gorry started meeting for swims every weekend, gradually attracting the interest of more and more people – the beginnings of a sport and pastime which has really caught on not just with those who swim for fitness and competition, but also those who swim in the Irish sea regularly for fun.

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

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It’s certainly fair to say that Carole is competitive. In 2017 she set herself a challenge – to complete an ‘ice mile’ swim. If you think the Isle of Man’s waters are cold (in the summer, an average 12°C plummeting to half that in the winter) then imagine swimming a mile in water that is no more than 5°C. To make Carole’s ‘ice mile’ official, she had to adhere to the strict rules about swimming in a costume, not wetsuit, with just one swimming cap and pair of goggles. Then the water temperature in the Cringle Reservoir was measured at three different locations by two members of the International Ice Swimming Association before Carole could even set off to swim the 12 laps. But swim it she did – finishing with a controlled warm up before enjoying her 40th birthday celebrations. “I’m thrilled to have been nominated in the IOM Sports Awards but I’d also like to say that competitive open water swimming is really a team sport,” says Carole. “I might have been the swimmer but there were so many other people involved, particularly chief kayaker Steve Watt and the team from Manx Paddlesports who not only provided valuable support out on the water, but were also instrumental in helping me plan each leg and keeping watch on tide and weather warnings. And there was a whole group of supporters who sorted out the ‘pick-ups’ at the beginning and end of each leg – and I can’t forget Nigel Hendy, France Heckel and Debbie Wignall and my training Buddy Gaby Cooper as well as the people who turned out to cheer me on. I knew I was physically fit enough to get round the Island but I wasn’t ready for the psychological challenge – that support was invaluable and I can’t thank everyone enough.” More of Carole’s challenges have been cold water swim championships in Finland and Ireland, and she’s also been part of a relay team that swam from the Isle of Man to Ireland, completed an end-2-end relay challenge along the West coast from the Point of Ayre to the Sound and a 2 way swim of Lake Windermere in 2015. So what’s next for this intrepid open water swimmer? Most of us are dreaming of a post-Covid world where we can jump on the Ben to go and visit family and friends, but Carole, of course, has other ideas: “I kind of fancy swimming over to Scotland with few other sea swimmers,” she says, “and there’s still the swim across Lake Geneva, a 13km swim from Switzerland to France which I was supposed to have done last July. Maybe this year I can tick that box too!”

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

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MARTYN RILEY CELEBRATING

YEARS IN THE FAMILY BUSINESS 16

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

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The idea of a purpose built Garden Centre came about as Rileys business had outgrown the building at Quines Comer, Douglas. The Riley family had operated the business since 1882 from Quines Comer but this was becoming less viable in terms of the layout of the building, operating over 6 floors, loading and unloading of vehicles, also parking was proving more and more difficult for customers. After leaving school Martyn was accepted to study agriculture at Nottingham Agricultural College. After 2 weeks his father was diagnosed with a serious heart problem. Martyn was asked if he would return to the Isle of Man and run the business otherwise his father would have to sell. There was no hesitation by Martyn to return so the business could continue. There was good staff who guided the young man through the rigours and demands of the farming industry.

In 2002 planning permission was granted to build a purpose built Garden Centre. The construction began in summer 2004. The main body was erected 8 weeks later. The internal work took longer and opened for business by Martyn’s father John Raymond Riley on the 24th March 2005.

Once settled Martyn saw the opportunity to expand. He introduced saddlery, ironmongery, garden equipment, power tools and plants.

Martyn counts himself lucky to have brought valued and loyal staff with him, Brian, Louise and Rennie who between them have nearly 100 years service.

Family is very important to Martyn. Established in 1882, through five generations the business is still run by the Riley family, Brenda, Thomas and for a short time Hannah. Asked about his proudest achievement Martyn has no hesitation “My Children Hannah and Thomas.”

The company was then split over 5 different locations and the need to develop the business further was imperative, working from one main location. With a view to expanding, Martyn and staff visited various garden centres in the UK collating ideas.

Riley’s Garden Centre Cooil Road, Braddan

Open Monday - Saturday 8-530pm. Sunday 10-5pm. T: 01624 616116 W: www.rileys.co.im BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

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GIVE DOUBLE BOOST FOR NORTHERN CHARITY The Island’s northern community will benefit from a botanical boost thanks to a grant from Manx Lottery Trust. The Trust has awarded £3,500 to Jurby and Northern Community Initiatives for local herbology and creative writing for wellbeing workshops, which aim to improve the physical, emotional, intellectual and social wellbeing of the people who live and work in Jurby and the surrounding area. Hosted by Jane Prescott, landscape architect and founder of The Manx Herbalist, and Janet Lees, a local artist, poet, workshop facilitator and freelance writer, the workshops will educate people on the healing powers of local herbs and empower them to use plants to improve health and treat minor ailments. Through the diverse range of activities, Janet and Jane will provide guests with the opportunity to take inspiration from Manx folklore and tap into self-exploration and self-expression. Janet said: ‘Mindful interaction with

nature has been shown to help people feel more alive, boost self-esteem, increase creativity, reduce stress, improve memory and enhance a sense of tranquillity – the benefits are quite simply endless. There is also increasing evidence around the healing

power of the creative arts, with creative selfexpression shown to reduce symptoms of stress, depression and anxiety and increase feelings of wellbeing. These workshops will tap into this and encourage wellbeing through nature and creativity.

MAKE A NEW CUDDLY WUDDLY FRIEND FOR CHARITY An Island charity is giving pre-loved toys a new lease of life and the chance to find a new forever home. Manx Blind Welfare Society, which runs the VIP Store in Strand Street, has introduced a loveable new initiative in a bid spread a little joy and hopefully raise some funds to support the vital services provided by the Island’s blind and visually impaired charity. The charity hopes that the introduction of the ‘Cuddly Wuddly Adoption Club’ will inspire people to send a little love around the Island and even further afield. As part of the initiative, the charity gives any cuddly toys donated to The VIP Store, from teddy bears to pandas, friendly dragons to little lambs, a spa day to ensure they are looking their very best for their new owners. They are then given a new name and an official adoption certificate, ready for their new family. There is a small fee to adopt a Cuddly Wuddly friend, with all monies received staying on Island to support the work of Manx Blind Welfare Society. Manx Blind Welfare Society Office Manager Kerry Healey explained: ‘The Cuddly

Wuddly Adoption Club gives pre-loved toys a new lease of life and a chance to find a new home. All of the toys have taken the Cuddly Wuddly Club pledge to be kind, protective, loving and faithful; and to adopt one of the club members you must promise to do the same. ‘You can check out what toys are currently up for adoption on our website or Facebook page, where new additions will be added regularly. Of course, if you have any Cuddly Wuddly’s that you would like to donate so they can be recycled into another happy friendship, please drop them off to us at the VIP Store or at our Corrin Court headquarters in Onchan.’ Manx Blind Welfare Society looks after the interests of more than 500 people with serious sight loss in the Isle of Man. A friendly team of staff, supported by more than 200 volunteers, provide a comprehensive range of services and support. Find out more about the Cuddly Wuddly Club at: www.mbws.org.im or www. facebook.com/theVIPStoreIOM

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I COULD’VE SWORN THE ISLE OF MAN WAS THIS WAY

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UPFRONT

MUTE PARTICIPANT: THE PERILS OF ZOOM DATING

It wasn’t that long ago that a computer window full of webcams was something you’d urgently need to close down whilst trying to locate a dodgy stream of the latest Marvel movie. Now YOU are that dodgy stream, both all day in “the office” and well into the evening if you’re trying to maintain some human contact outside glaring at the neighbours because one of them coughed on you through the hedge. It’s difficult enough trying to conduct a conversation about spreadsheets when people keep freezing up but it puts a serious dampener on any attempts to negotiate a romance. The effect is like trying to make flirtatious chit-chat with a malfunctioning robot, as you can never tell whether somebody is not laughing at your lockdown jokes because they’re too morbid, or because their connection has died. There’s also that issue of the potential outcome of any erotic connection over the webcam - even in speed dating it’s broadly acceptable that somebody might impress you enough in ten minutes for you to take them home. After a Zoom date? I’m not sure they can print the answer in a family magazine, but I will say that I really hope you aren’t using a connection provided by your employer.

FREE RANGE ROMANCE: LOVE AMONGST THE GREAT OUTDOORS

For lovers of a more adventurous disposition, it simply might not be possible to forswear all physical contact for the indefinite duration of this pandemic. Despite best intentions, they will feel powerful urges coming upon them as they gaze out upon the full moon from their empty bedrooms. There’s nothing mystical about it though - some people are so irredeemably horny that even in a zombie apocalypse they’d be out in the fields and car parks, howling like unfixed house cats in heat. If you are reading this and think that the sordid rustles of a home counties layby could never occur in a tiny island, you’ve clearly never gone rambling through some of our secluded car parks at night. I would certainly never imply that people would do anything illegal in pursuit of pleasure, so I’m going to assume that the IoM pandemic doggers were all puffed up in plastic hazmat suits like a bunch of kinky nocturnal Telletubbies, and that everybody’s post-watershed content was fully protected behind the kind of plastic seal that is impossible to remove from a badly-packaged supermarket ready meal.

“I’m going to assume that the IoM pandemic doggers were all puffed up in plastic hazmat EXILE ON LOVE ISLAND: SEARCHING suits like a bunch of kinky nocturnal FOR EROTIC QUARANTINE Tellytubbies, and that everybody’s post- The solutions I have listed so far will be acceptable for some, watershed content was fully protected behind but are really just different forms of compromise. For some compromise is impossible - they must live alive and the kind of plastic seal that is impossible to lovers as humans, blood pumping through their veins as they remove from a badly-packaged supermarket inhale the pheromone-rich sweat of other mammals. If this then the only solution is to leave lockdown and head ready meal.” isto you, a place where humans are free to get it on in whatever way MY COLLAR IS AS STIFF AS MY UPPER LIP: LOVE, VICTORIAN-STYLE

If you have a much higher tolerance for frustration, or perhaps a religious belief that normalises chaste encounters with the opposite sex, then you could always try courting in the fashion of a couple from the late 1800s. You can arrange to meet somebody in a rose garden with the stipulation that you will stay two yards away from each other at all times. This condition will be enforced by an embittered maiden aunt who will regulate proceedings like a tennis umpire, armed with a riding crop or perhaps a fire extinguisher full of cold water. Now that I think about it, a riding crop might actually make matters worse if the temperatures rise, which they will undoubtedly do as you’ll both be wearing multiple layers of uncomfortable linen undergarments. In order to preclude the remote possibility of innuendo the only acceptable topics of conversation are the progress of the virus in the colonies, and whether it is better to cure yourself by drinking mercury or to take an ice bath followed by flogging. Do bear in mind that this was a generation so repressed that they scratched the nude bits out of Egyptian temples and could be sexually provoked by an especially curvaceous table leg. Personally I’m more of a Prince Albert than a Queen Victoria, if you catch my drift.

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that comes naturally to them. This does present a further problem in that these places are either those that think the virus is not real, or those who have maintained a hermetic border control. The first are places like the Southern States of the USA, where spitting tobacco and kissing cousins are viewed by many as a patriotic duty. Coincidentally they now have more virus than my Nan’s laptop, which leaves you the option of claiming erotic asylum in New Zealand or, perhaps more realistically, become a modernday horny hero like our recent visitor and risk life and limb jet-skiing across the Irish Sea, then walking miles to the house of your inamorata and finally - get it on.

UPFRONT

TOP 10 ROMANTIC TRADITIONS AROUND THE WORLD

Are you guilty of forgetting all about Valentine’s Day this year? Whether you have a long-term partner or are in the midst of a whirlwind romance, with spring in the air it’s the perfect opportunity to show that special someone just how much you love them. Here are 10 romantic traditions from across the world throughout the year.

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UPFRONT UPFRONT

France

It would be remiss to talk about romantic traditions without at least mentioning France. Valentine’s Day on February 14th has long played a role in the love lives of the French and it’s believed the first Valentine’s Day card originated here, when the Duke of Orleans sent a love poem to his wife from prison in 1415. And of course there’s the older matchmaking tradition of ‘une loterie d’amour’, now banned by the French government. This saw single women build large bonfires to burn images of men who had rejected them whilst shouting curses into the sky. Today a less dramatic – and more familiar - celebration of Valentine’s Day takes place where couples send one another gifts.

Slovenia

According to the old Slovenian calendar, March 12 is the first day of spring and the day Slovenians celebrate love. There is even a popular Slovenian saying that Gregorjevo is the day ‘when birds get married’, and it’s believed the first bird a girl sees in the sky on this day can tell her what her future husband will be like. Amongst many romantic gestures, one of the longest-standing traditions is to gift heart-shaped honey cookies to loved ones – often featuring ‘love birds’ decorations. And on the eve of Gregorjevo, a special tradition takes place where miniature houses and boats with lighted candles are set afloat on the rivers.

Romania

The Romanian equivalent to Valentine’s Day is Dragobete, a holiday held on February 24 in honour of the Romanian god of love. On Dragobete, it’s custom for unmarried men to wear festive clothes and go into the forest to gather the first flowers of Spring for the woman they love. The women then run to the centre of their village to await the return of the men, where a game of chase ensues. If she allows herself to be caught, she receives both the flowers and a proposal of marriage. Tradition states that those who participate in this practice will be blessed with future health and happiness.

Spain

China

The Qixi Festival is an ancient festival dating back over 2000 years to the Han dynasty, but today it’s still celebrated by people who live outside of the major cities. The legend behind the festival centres on the Chinese folk tale ‘The Weaver Girl and the Cowherd’, which tells of a pair of star-crossed lovers who are kept apart but eventually allowed to reunite once a year on the seventh day of the seventh month of the lunar calendar. Traditional celebrations taking place throughout the festival include needlework competitions to show domestic skills, dressing in Hanfu – traditional Chinese dress – and preparing offerings of tea, wine and flowers to pray for a happy marriage. BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

Saint Jordi’s day is a popular celebration held on April 23, in Barcelona and the Catalonia region. On this day, women buy books for the special men in their lives and receive a red rose in return. The origins of the day are rooted in the legend of St George; who slayed the dragon to save his princess. The practice of the gift giving however has two separate origins: the giving of red roses is believed to have started sometime in the middle ages, whilst the giving of books only began following the death of William Shakespeare, which coincided with April 23.

Wales

On January 25, Welsh people celebrate Saint Dwynwen’s Day in honour of the Welsh patron saint of love. Saint Dwynwen herself was unlucky in love so she instead prayed for others to find the happiness she never could. Similar to Valentine’s Day, St. Dwynwen’s Day is regarded as a day to celebrate romantic love and is a time when couples give each other cards and gifts. One of the oldest surviving traditions however dates back to the seventeenth century, and sees couples exchange intricately carved wooden spoons – also known as love spoons - as a token of their affection.

Brazil

Dia dos Namorados – or Lover’s Day – is considered the Brazilian Valentine’s Day although it actually takes place on June 12. To celebrate Dia dos Namorados, couples exchange greetings, gifts and enjoy a grand dinner together. The following day is Saint Anthony’s Day and traditionally this was when single women were expected to pray to the Brazilian patron saint of marriage. Some would also complete a ritual, drowning an image of the saint upside down in water in the hopes that her future husband would suddenly appear.

Israel

Tu B’Av is an ancient Hebrew celebration of love with roots in post-biblical times. Traditionally, Tu B’av is held on the 15th day of the summer month of the Jewish calendar and is considered a time for joy and matchmaking. The oldest customs saw unmarried women wear white and dance in the vineyards in the hope of catching the eye of a potential suitor. In its modern incarnation, Tu B’Av is celebrated as a Day of Love and is increasingly marked by festivals of singing and dancing.

South Korea

The South Korean Valentine’s Day is celebrated on February 14, but with one stark difference: it’s only the women who give gifts. On Valentine’s Day, Korean women also buy chocolates for male friends and colleagues with the quality indicating whether the gift is a courtesy or a ‘chocolate of pure love.’ They then have to wait until March 14 for an answer because this is White Day. On White Day it’s payback time and men are expected to reciprocate with a gift worth three times the value of what they received in February.

Finland

In Finland they have the ultimate test of strength and love with the annual Wife Carrying World Championships in early July! The rule is simply not to drop your wife and for the competing couples there’s a lot at stake: make it to the end of the 278yard obstacle course and the victorious pair will win the wife’s weight in beer! The sport is said to have originated in the nineteenth century, when the appropriately named Ronkainen the Robber and his band of thieves stole wives in the wilderness. The championships have become increasingly popular in recent years and have drawn in thousands of visitors from all over the world.

UPFRONT

WORDS Lucy Amelina

“If it’s true that there are as many minds as there are heads, then there are as many kinds of love as there are hearts.” Lucy Amelina goes all ‘Anna Karenina’… Inspired by Tolstoy’s words and asking the question, ‘what is love?’ It’s 2021, the world has turned trillions of times and we still find ourselves pondering what love is; what it means and why can’t some societies just be cool about it? Love is so sacred, so innate that it’s almost beyond fathom. But for the purpose of addressing the question of what it is, I think it’s important to open up the floor… I’m not going to sit here and tell you what love is, as it could very well be different for you than it is for me. One thing’s for darn sure though, when you get love right, it feels amazing. This is the reason that I personally feel that love should never be judged, and furthermore, all kinds of love should be recognised. Like we say, ‘Love is Love’… It kind of reminds me of the sweet old comic book strip, ‘Love is…’ by Kim Casali - she summed it up in a pertinently never-ending stream of little illustrations and different captions displaying an array of ‘loves’. Love is… just for you. Love is… counting your blessings. Love is… a turning point in your life. Love is… the ultimate gift. Love is… day-dreaming together. Love is… you get the picture… So, when it comes to who we love; boys who kiss girls who kiss girls who kiss boys who kiss boys who kiss more boys… Really, what does it matter? If those boys and/or girls wanna kiss, let’em. (*Social distancing rules needn’t apply as this is very much hypothetical and that last bit is also a vandalised sentence rendition of a really cool Blur song - sorry about that). But in the remit of love, real love, there’s emotion and feeling and wonder and experience that is utterly personal to the people concerned. Relationships can ebb and flow and shrink and grow and frankly, that’s the course of love, right? It’s an inspiring thought though, when you’re young; to fall in love and be happy with another human being. For some, figuring out their views on love can take a hundred sharp turns and a whole heap of baggage and confusion before their courage

and character is allowed to step forward into their truth on how and who they love. Massive salute to those people. Love is ever-changing on our personal quest in the pursuit of happiness. Albeit some of us may link up and stay beside ‘the one’ from the very start and indeed, marry their puppylove high-school sweet-heart and go on to make beautiful babies and have a house and a dog and a white picket fence… No, really though, that does actually happen. Massive high fives to those lovers… But for the most part, love presents a journey of discovery; it can flood our whole soul with everything light and bright and beautiful and it can also feel like the darkest, most fraught tide of feelings, weighing its heavy worth on shoulders that just wanna pair of arms ‘round them.

“I bought some tea and biscuits, we drank and chatted, dropping crumbs and steering through a pigeon English natter with hand signals… and he cried, and I did too…” Love isn’t straight, or gay, or bi, or this or that or whatever. Love is a beautiful element of being human (or if you’re an elephant, chimpanzee, dolphin or other mammal reading this, it applies to you too, hunnies)… Love is a physical feeling; an energy and a privilege. Imagine not being able to feel it? Imagine having never experienced love? It beggars belief and my heart breaks for people who omit it or cant grasp it or fail to share it with another. From the moment we are born its the first thing we intrinsically need and search for. At that very moment we burst into the world, we don’t understand what judgement is, or even what food is (and sure, we need that too), but the first thing we do is cry and then feel reassured by the love we feel as we’re wrapped up warm and held in someone’s arms. From this point in time, us little humans look for love everyday. We can almost always recall our very first love. For me, that’s a night at Youth Club, when a friend asked a friend if they’d ask me if I’d ‘go out with’ a surf god who was (as far as I was concerned) way too handsome for me… as the soundtrack of Madness (the band, not the malady) rung through my ears, there it was - ‘it must be love, love, luvvvvv…’ Boom, I was in love. Cue rose tinted glasses and that doe-eyed, Mowgli moment from Jungle Book where he scoops up the water jug and follows the wiggling bottom of the woman

he loves… First loves hit hard and hopefully the experience leaves a lifelong positive foundation for more of the same - I’m so thankful that mine did. Maybe it’s not what love is and moreover, what love means. I don’t mean to say that we all need a partner to have love… nah. In fact, that couldn’t be further from my truth. I believe that love derives from all manner of relationships and experiences we have. Oh my days, I’ve felt love for people I’ve barely known. For instance, I felt insurmountable love for an old man I met briefly on Brighton Pier five years ago, he was literally on his knees, begging and looking defeated. I bought some tea and biscuits, we drank and chatted, dropping crumbs and steering through a pigeon English natter with hand signals… and he cried, and I did too… I felt so much love in my heart for that half an hour and have thought about that gentleman almost every day since, because my inherent love for another human being was true. Love resonates in all its wonderful ways with all kinds of people all throughout our life; it’s an important thing to recognise it in all its assorted awesomeness. In the arena of partnerships, love has meant the world to me and also veered down the abyss of ‘ick’ (*girls, you know what I mean)… In terms of relationships, some of my most favourite memories come from sharing love with another person. I have also left love behind, missed out on it, disregarded it, aimed it at the wrong people and so on… But one thing’s for sure, in my remit of love, I aim to do it wholeheartedly, unashamedly and completely honestly. My daughter, my parents, my friends, my work, my creativity - they mean love for me. So, maybe it’s time to simply stop defining love, sack the labels and the need to make it fit… because basically, there are as many kinds of love as there are hearts… With love,

Lucy Amelina

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WEDDINGS

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Plan your engagement party. Discuss your budget with your parents or look up tips on saving for a wedding. Think about themes and colours for your wedding. Start your guest list. Choose wedding rings. Meet with and book your wedding officiant or clergyman. Select a date and reserve your ceremony and reception site. Check availability of places to stay for guests. Hire a wedding consultant if you’re using one. Choose bridesmaids, groomsmen and ushers. Meet photographers, florists, caterers and entertainment.

10 months to go

Order your wedding dress and accessories. Get a Pinterest account and search for lots of inspiration. Plan your honeymoon (book any jabs you need and check passport dates!) Arrange wedding transport. If you’re planning on making anything start doing it now. Order your invitations and plan your order of service. Buy bridesmaid dresses. Book wedding night hotel. Arrange venue decor.

6 months to go

Organise a hen party / stag do. Finalise all details with your photographers, florists, caterers and entertainment. Send out your invites. Purchase any presents for your parents and attendees. Select groom’s tuxedo and book your hire or buy attire for groomsmen. Write your vows. Order wedding favours for your guests. Choose outfits for Mother of the Bride and Mother of the Groom. Check marriage licence requirements. Start thinking about your favourite music for the party. Purchase wedding lingerie.

1 month to go

Plan a surprise, present or note for your partner for when they are getting ready without you on the morning of your wedding. Meet with your hairdresser and make up artist for a consultation. Book manicure, pedicure and spa treatment to relax. Break in your shoes. Buy a guest book.

1 week to go

Give final guest count to reception venue and caterer. Start packing for your honeymoon. Make sure everything fits! Send you wedding announcement out. Write any cheques required for the wedding day. Arrange for wedding gifts to be transported to your home.

1 day to go

As Frankie says... RELAX. Have fun with your friends and family who have come over early. Start getting snap happy. Ensure your overnight bag is packed and delivered to your hotel. Speak to your attendants - check everyone knows what they need to do and when.

After the wedding Make a gift list and send out your thank you notes. Make sure everything is sorted out for your name change. Send wedding cake to anyone who couldn’t make the wedding.

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WEDDINGS

Location: The Abbey Restaurant, Ballasalla Photography: Zane Corlett Photography

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CULTURE

A WOMAN’S GARDEN: ‘A LIVING EXPRESSION OF CREATIVITY’ words: Suzy Holland images: Tanya Anderson

Local organic gardener, soap maker, bee keeper and beauty producer Tanya Anderson has published her first book ‘A Woman’s Garden’ but she’s the first to say that it’s not just a gardening manual – although there’s lots of helpful advice and guidance, it’s really an introduction to the possibilities of plants.

Tanya is perhaps best known for her website and YouTube channel Lovely Greens and now with this book she’s sharing inspiring ways to use the power of plants for home and health. Not just to admire or eat, but also to use in skin care, in crafts, for medicinal purposes or even for all those reasons. “During lockdown last year I became even more aware of how my garden, and working

there, healed my soul,” says Tanya, “and I knew I was not alone. Women in particular were realising that our gardens, however big or small, are a living expression of creativity, filled with plants that can improve our lives.” So Tanya sat down, and with the help of friends and family far and wide, wrote ‘A Woman’s Garden’. With chapters ranging from ‘the kitchen garden’ to ‘herbal medicine’, ‘edible flowers’, and ‘the crafty garden’ it features not just Tanya’s own garden and her hints and advice but seven other female gardeners from around the world who have shared their experiences, their expertise and their ideas: even as a non-gardener, I’ve been inspired. “Whether you’re growing herbs on a windowsill or vegetables in an allotment, in my experience the big issues we are dealing with from climate change to this global pandemic have seen people looking at their garden space in a new way,” says Tanya. “It’s not about competitive ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

CULTURE

allotment and garden, she has also covered growing vegetables in pots, decorating cocktails with edible flowers, and making herb-embedded pasta (using flour from Laxey Flour Mills of course), and her own speciality, using plants for skincare with recipes for soaps, face creams, balms and ‘herbal bath fizzes’, for that long soak in the bath to ease sore gardening muscles. And even armchair gardeners like me will appreciate ‘A Woman’s Garden’. The full colour photographs, easy to read and easy to understand instructions about how to grow and how to use the plants she suggests – whatever size your plot or pot – and the friendly, approachable and positive style for which she is known make it very readable and very followable. I’m even tempted to scrape the mud off my own gardening gloves to try some of her suggestions myself, but the last word should go to Tanya:

gardening – the biggest neap or the tallest sunflower - but using plants in a natural way to nurture your own well-being, and then, if you choose, sharing your plants and gardens physically, creatively or emotionally with friends and family. Although I had many years of no garden, no plants, no pots, and lots of stress to deal with, I always knew there was a continuity, a sisterhood, in nurturing plants.” Tanya traces her own interest in plants back to childhood and working with her grandmother in her garden, and now sees this same nurturing continuing in her friendships in both real life and on social media, “and to be honest,” she laughs, “without those friends to call on even during lockdown, this book would never have been finished!”

Tanya moved to the Island just over ten years ago on a whim. “I was looking for a way out of my stress-filled life in London,” she says, “so when I saw a tourist ad for the Isle of Man I was convinced, and I’ve never looked back!” During her time on the Island she has moved several times – each time for a bigger plot of land to garden – and become secretary of the Laxey & Lonan Allotment Association. She also organises the annual ‘Seed and Plant Swap’ just before the growing season starts (this year’s is on Saturday 20 March at Laxey Sailing Club), monthly soap making workshops and is planning more holiday- and garden-themed willow workshops – with willow-maestro John ‘Dog’ Callister – over the winter. It’s safe to say – in the words of estate agents the world over – that in the Isle of Man Tanya Anderson really has found her ‘forever home’.

“A woman’s garden is a living expression of creativity filled with plants that can improve our lives … it’s a place to nurture, grow and make.”

But back to the book: although it’s called ‘A Woman’s Garden’, I’d argue that it really isn’t just for women. It’s for anyone who cares about making a difference, however small, to the world, and making a difference in their own lives. Tanya doesn’t shy away from the big stuff – after all, she did write this during the first months of Covid and what she describes as ‘the great pause’ - and also considers the effects of intensive farming, commercial production of plants and, one of her first gardening loves, the importance of bees. But as well as describing her own

‘A Woman’s Garden’ is published by Cool Springs Press, ISBN 9780760368404, out on 23 March but available to preorder now, and soon to be found at the Manx Museum and Bridge Bookshops.

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gets creative to thrive! There’s a new creative agency in town: some ‘new kids on the block’, three in fact!

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ON THE AGENDA

et unlike the 1980s and 90s pop group of the same name, this talented collective is displaying and sharing their entrepreneurial spirit in the midst of a global pandemic. Step forward three Manx graduates who form Bunch Creative, an initiative spearheaded by the Isle of Man Family Library and launched to kickstart the careers of the next generation of creatives, while supporting an invaluable Island charity at the same time. From graphic design to creative writing, the team is already making its mark on a number of communications projects for a range of organisations, in both the private and voluntary sectors, providing tailored services including graphic design, publishing, marketing, communications, branding and public relations. Unsurprisingly, the trio of new graduates - publishing editor Emma Ames, graphic designer Phoebe Roosenand illustrator Teo Atzori – are full of exciting ideas that form the forefront of the agency. Phoebe, 23, who lives in Ballasalla, explained: ‘Obviously 2020 was a year like no other and every single one of us had to adapt to and learn from Covid-19. As a result, many returning graduates were left facing unemployment and an uncertain future, certainly opportunities in our chosen fields were restricted if not closed down completely. ‘With it being a difficult time to be a newly qualified graduate and find jobs in niche areas, the initiative of the Family Library to set up Bunch Creative has been a massive head-start, allowing us to work in areas relating to our studies. ‘We will all emerge from this period of uncertainty across the globe with a stronger set of skills than we could have ever imagined. I know we are all very grateful for this opportunity.’ As a wholly owned subsidiary, the initiative also aims to generate income with 100 per cent of Bunch Creative’s profits donated to the Family Library charity which relies on donations to keep The Family Library and its associated Mobile, Home and Schools Services operating running, Yet that only tells half the story. As a creative venture run entirely by graduates, it also provides young adults stepping into the world of work an opportunity to build skills and gain much needed experience, while providing professional creative services to businesses and individuals. Emma, 21, of Ramsey, who manages the Bunch PR, proofreading and copyediting, especially for the upcoming crowdfunded publishing addition, Bunch Books, added: ‘There literally is no better way for graduates to learn than by working on

‘We all have different skillsets which complement each other well and have become firm friends but we hope this is just the beginning and that, in time, other young people will be able to hone their skills by working across the scope of the agency.’

real-life projects and gaining hands-on experience. ‘With Bunch Creative, we have a platform upon which to build relationships with businesses and individuals, acquiring and developing a host of other skills as we move from students to becoming working professionals. What’s more, we can enhance our clients’ marketing efforts and hopefully help local businesses, charities and individuals reach their full potential. ‘There are so many unemployed

graduates who, by necessity, are going into directions away from their degrees or needing to take on more unpaid work than is ideal. My qualifications have matched up with this initiative which is wonderful and I am very grateful.’ Effectively a social enterprise which allows Manx graduates to begin their career while generating much-needed income for the library, it is the potential opportunities which excite the team most of all. Phoebe, who specialises in professional branding and design projects, said: ‘There will always be creatives coming through, those people with creative skills, multicultural awareness and a myriad of other talents which are required in an industry that is constantly developing. ‘We all have different skillsets which complement each other well and have become firm friends but we hope this is just the beginning and that, in time, other young people will be able to hone their skills by working across the scope of the agency.’ ‘Ultimately, we would like to be a in position where we can expand the venture to offer year-long placements and opportunities for future generations to develop and sustain successful and rewarding professional freelancing and entrepreneurial careers,’ added Emma. Teo, 22, who is from Douglas, appreciates more than most the importance of taking on various roles to get your name out into the public domain. He has already had his work exhibited at Island venues, including Mother Ts in Laxey, and is the talented illustrator responsible for the impressive mural on the Bay in Port Erin. ‘I was one of those graduates who just kept working and putting my work out there,’ he said. ‘The idea of a group, or should I say, a bunch of us joining together is beneficial all round. It provides a base which allows us to grow and work on projects for Bunch Creative, while also supporting the Family Library which is such an invaluable part of the Island’s community. We all take turns there helping out and carrying out any time-consuming jobs which need doing and gives the creative brains a rest!’ From copywriting and content writing/ editing to graphic design, illustration and branding, Bunch Creative welcomes the chance to hear from new and established businesses and individuals who may wish to take advantage of its publishing and design knowledge. The team also offers free consultations for anyone seeking fresh insight.

Based next door to the Family Library on Westmoreland Road in Douglas, to find out more, visit bunchcreative.im e-mail: talk2us@bunchcreative.im or call 640650.

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

agenda

appointments

Manxman plays key role as changes announced at IFGL

nternational Financial Group Limited (IFGL) – owner of RL360, Friends Provident International Limited (FPIL) and Ardan International Limited – has made some important changes to its management structure. On 1 January 2021, Manxman Mike Crellin, formerly Finance and Commercial Director, became Managing Director of IFGL’s Insurance Division. Mike has assumed overall responsibility for the day to day operations of the Insurance Division and oversight of the key corporate projects. He continues to report to David Kneeshaw who has taken the role of Group Chief Executive IFGL. David will concentrate on IFG Group matters and he remains Chair of the IFGL Executive Committee. He will also retain overall responsibility for group strategy and market facing activities. Mike has also become Chair of the Insurance Division Executive, the FPIL Management Committee and the Ardan

Board. David remains on these Boards and Committees. Alistair Brogden has been appointed IFGL’s Finance Director and Donald Macleod takes on Alistair’s former role as RL360 Appointed Actuary. IFGL has grown significantly in recent years - and in particular following the acquisition of FPIL in July. It is important that the strength, experience and structure of the management team is reviewed periodically to reflect this growth and ensure it remains appropriate to the needs of the organisation. While we have enhanced the Group governance processes and significantly strengthened the skill set and breadth of the management team over the last 5 years, completion of the FPIL acquisition has been the catalyst for a wider review of the management team structure. The role changes give the management team more strength and depth, a greater resilience and enhance the Isle of Man as

central to IFGL and the location where key decisions are made. They are designed to consolidate and accelerate IFGL’s position as a leading provider in the International Life market. Group CEO David Kneeshaw said: ‘The changes announced today give us greater resilience and strength and depth in our management team and more succession planning options. ‘IFGL has always prided itself on its independent nature, both in structure and culture. Our Isle of Man roots are important and these changes, in particular the new role taken on by Mike, will cement our Island based operating model.’ IFGL Managing Director Mike Crellin said: ‘IFGL has grown very quickly since 2013, both organically and through acquisition. This new senior management structure provides a strong and appropriate platform for us to continue this exciting trajectory in the years to come.’

Mike Crellin

agenda

ON THE AGENDA

David Kneeshaw

Santander International appoints new Relationship Director for Isle of Man Branch Corporate Banking Team

antander International has appointed Chris Corkill as Relationship Director for the Isle of Man Branch Corporate Banking Team. Chris has over 30 years’ experience in banking, working with financial institutions in the Isle of Man, notably in Corporate Banking and Real Estate Finance. Since entering banking in the late 1980s as a Customer Advisor, Chris has built a career looking after customers, growing businesses, and leading teams, latterly as Head of Corporate and Commercial Banking, RBS International, and as a Business Development Manager with Sancus Isle of Man. James Geldart, Managing Director, Santander International Isle of Man Branch, said: “Chris brings a wealth of experience across banking, and a fantastic rapport with clients, colleagues, and the wider community to this role. We are delighted to welcome him to Santander International and look forward to working with him as we continue to develop our services in the Isle of Man.” Chris said: “Santander International is at an exciting stage of its growth and development and I look forward to working with the Corporate Banking team, nurturing and developing relationships with businesses and industry professionals across the Island.”

Mark A Hagan joins Equiom Tax Services Limited as VAT Director

quiom is pleased to announce the appointment of Mark A Hagan to VAT Director within its tax business, Equiom Tax Services Limited (ETSL). Mark will play a key role in VAT and Customs compliance for all of Equiom’s clients, in addition to leading on business development initiatives. Mark joins the business from a Big Four accountancy firm and brings more than 20 years’ experience in VAT, tax advisory and compliance, having specialised in VAT in relation to retail, pension funds, property, compliance, and Customs. Monica Dixie, Managing Director of Equiom Tax Services Limited said of the news: ‘I am pleased to welcome Mark - he will be a fantastic addition to the team and has a wealth of experience advising clients on VAT obligations. His diverse knowledge is highly complementary to our team and I wish him all the best in his new role.’ Mark added: ‘I’m thrilled to be joining Equiom at this exciting time in its journey. Equiom Tax Services Limited has a highly reputable team and the business is extremely well established. I look forward to applying my experiences to my new role, drawing on my specialist advisory knowledge.’ BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

agenda

HOME

Tynewydd, Mill Road, Ballafesson, Port Erin

£875,000

Tynewydd is an executive modern detached family home situated in a highly soughtafter and quiet residential location. This delightful and desirable home enjoys extensive family accommodation. The property is fronted by a landscaped garden area and a block paved driveway providing off road parking in front of the integral double garage. At the rear of the property is a magnificent private and sheltered lawned garden enjoying a high degree of privacy with mature hedging to the borders. Key Features n Large modern Georgian style family home with high ceilings offered for sale with no onward chain n Set on a large private plot n Spacious light and airy accommodation n Welcoming reception hall and a ground floor cloakroom (WC) n Large living room with conservatory; family room and dining room n Dining kitchen and a utility room n 5 Bedrooms, Master with en-suite and dressing room, Guest Bedroom with en-suite; 3 further bedrooms and family bathroom n Extensive driveway providing off road parking and access to the integral double garage n Magnificent private gardens enjoying a high degree of privacy

To arrange a viewing call Garforth Gray Estate Agents T: 01624 667788 www.garforthgray.im

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

Waltons - home of the biggest choice and the latest models from Samsung

Great service Fair price Stock to go

Samsung WW90TA046AH/EU WW5000 Washing Machine With Ecobubble™ 9kg 1400rpm White

£499.00

Samsung RS50N3513SL/EU No Frost American Fridge Freezer, Stainless Steel

£899.00

Samsung VS15T7036R5 Jet 70 Complete Cordless Vacuum Cleaner

£399.00

Call 614536 or visit our showroom at 14 Cooil Smithy, Isle of Man Business Park, Braddan IM2 2QA

www.waltons.im

HOME

4 2 2

88, Royal Park, Ramsey This luxury detached Cambridge style family home is beautifully appointed and will be available at the end of October/November 2021.

£422,999

Externally at the front of the property there is a driveway providing off road parking and access to the integral garage. To

the rear is a lawned level garden area with patio all of which is bounded by timber fencing.

Key Features n Located within a select development on Ramseys rural fringe n Exceptionally well appointed accommodation with gas central heating and uPVC double glazing n Entrance hall with cloakroom (wc) n Beautiful living room n Open plan fully fitted dining kitchen n Four bedrooms with ensuite to main bedroom n Family bathroom with underfloor heating n Single garage and generous front and rear gardens

aBsolute aBode entertainment & technology

for your home

www.absolute-abode.im Telephone 240 408

AUDIO & HOME CINEMA LIGHTING & BLINDS HOME AUTOMATION & SMART CONTROL NETWORKS & WIFI

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HOME

To arrange a viewing call Garforth Gray Estate Agents T: 01624 667788 www.garforthgray.im

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HOME

10, Knock Rushen, Scarlett Road, Castletown

Modern Georgian styled luxury semidetached house which has been recently extended to the ground floor with the creation of an additional living room complemented by a partly glazed roof providing a high degree of natural light. This fine family home is situated in a sought after development in Castletown, within easy reach of beaches and walks on your doorstep. There are some views over the surrounding countryside, bay and the southern coastline. The spacious family living is arranged over three floors comprising of a welcoming entrance hall with a cloakroom (WC) off, lounge, newly built stunning living room with partly glazed roof and floor to ceiling

£540,000

bi-folding doors opening to the landscaped courtyard, modern dining kitchen and a utility room. On the first floor are three bedrooms and a luxury family bathroom with underfloor heating. To the second floor is the master bedroom enjoying the beautiful views, luxury en-suite with underfloor heating and the fifth bedroom/nursery which could also be used as a dressing room for the master bedroom. The rear courtyard style garden has been recently landscaped with the addition of a feature sheltered seating area. The two parking spaces and garage can be accessed via the rear garden.

Continued on page 46...

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

HOME

Key Features n Modern Georgian styled luxury semidetached house n Recently extended to the ground floor with the creation of a stunning living room n Views over the surrounding countryside, Castletown bay and the southern coastline n Historic town and beautiful walks on your doorstep n Sought after development n Easy reach to schools, shops, restaurants, swimming pool and beaches n Luxury fixtures and fittings throughout n 2 Reception rooms, modern dining kitchen, utility room and a ground floor cloakroom (WC) n 5 Bedrooms, one en-suite and family bathroom both with underfloor heating n Landscaped rear garden with sheltered seating area, two parking spaces and a garage

...Continued from page 44

To arrange a viewing call Garforth Gray Estate Agents T: 01624 667788 www.garforthgray.im ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

Tel: 830069 www.5DL.im

The Showroom I Marina Lane I Port Erin I Isle of Man Opening Hours: Monday 12:00 - 17:00 I Tuesday-Friday 10:00 - 17:00 I Weekends and Evenings by Appointment ONLY

HOME

Get Curried Away TANDOORI LAMB CHOPS By Dipna Anand

(Makes 12 pieces) n 10 lean lamb chops n 3 green finger chillies, made into a paste n 1tbsp ginger/garlic paste n 7 5g raw papaya (or unripe pineapple), made into a paste n 11/2tbsp white vinegar n 1tsp salt or to taste n 3 tbsp chopped fresh coriander for garnish Spices: n 1tsp cumin powder n 3/4tsp turmeric powder n 3/4tsp red chilli powder n 1/2tsp white pepper powder n 1/4tsp nutmeg powder n 1 /4tsp green cardamom powder (ground cardamom seeds)

Lightly slit the lamb chops on either side (three gashes on each side, not too deep). Mix all the other ingredients together into a bowl thoroughly using a whisk. Once the ingredients are completely combined together, add the lamb chops to the marinade and coat, using your hands to mix.

When the lamb chops are coated, leave in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight for the meat to soak up the flavour better. To cook the lamb chops, lightly grease an oven tray, lay the lamb chops flat on the tray and cook for about 25 minutes at 180C. Turn the chops over half way through cooking to cook evenly on the other side. Serve and get stuck in. ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

APPETITE

Words By: Matthew Kinnin

WINE & ROMANCE WINE AND ROMANCE HAVE LONG SHARED AN INTIMATE LINK. FROM THE ANCIENT GREEK PLAYRIGHT EURIPIDES CLAIMING ‘WHERE THERE IS NO WINE, THERE IS NO LOVE’, TO MORE RECENT EFFORTS SUCH AS UB40’S HIT SONG ‘RED RED WINE’, THE ARCHETYPAL LOVER WILL FOREVER HAVE A DECENT BOTTLE CLOSE TO HAND.

There is also some science behind it. Researchers from ‘Neuroscience and Behavioural Reviews’ found that the hormone released when we are in love (oxytocin) is also summoned when we raise a glass to our lips. It is also known to enhance beauty, with the antioxidant effects of red wine now well known, while recent studies suggest that white wine consumption is associated with anti-aging effects and weight-loss. Perhaps Marilyn Monroe was on to something when she reportedly took a bath in 350 bottles of Champagne. Food deserves to be part of the conversation too. Whether it is a steak paired with a nice Malbec, or a prawn linguine matched with a classy Chenin Blanc, the average date night with your partner can be elevated to legendary status with the right pairing. It is useful to try and be aware of what food and wine combinations work. It could be the difference between wincing slightly as you sip your Pinot Grigio and partake of some chocolate profiteroles (dry whites aren’t great with sweet food), or gushing about the Sauternes you just had with a slice of strawberry cheesecake.

But why wine, and not, say, beer? Well, there seems to be something intangibly elegant about sharing a quality wine with your significant other. The bottle itself, the glass, the liquid therein, can all contribute to that feeling of being in the right place at the right time. Even the grape names themselves (Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon etc.) have a certain allure.

One benefit of buying a wine that is less commercial and more small production, is that the romance can be found throughout the wine’s story, its journey into your hands. In these times where so much is massproduced, a delicate Pinot Noir from a small family-owned vineyard in Burgundy appeals to our sense of the romantic. Every decision has been informed by the winemaker’s love of the craft, from when to pick the grapes, to how long to age the wine, to what label to put on the bottle. People value wine that has been loved from start to finish and are then rewarded with the some of the most intriguing, intoxicating flavours in the world. This does not mean there is no room for other drinks in the domain of romance. There is a plethora of cocktails which can assist you in your labour of love with perfect competence. There’s even the added hilarity of completely muddling the cocktail recipe, but still coming out with something interestingly drinkable. So, there is a lot to consider when choosing your tipple and it can seem a little bit daunting when you are concerned if you will make a good decision. But we have been giving this kind of advice at The Wine Cellar for almost 30 years so if you’re looking for the perfect match to your signature lasagne, or even if you’re planning the wines for your wedding (no obligation chat, sale or return, glass hire available), we would love to see you in the shop soon.

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

RESTAURANT

RELAXED COASTAL DINING

At OCEAN we use the best local produce from queenies and scallops sourced from Devereau’s, and Niarbyl bay lobsters and crabs, from Alan at Cushlin Seafoods. However, OCEAN is not just all about seafood, we also serve the finest meat dishes from cuts of meat sourced

from Harrison & Garrett butcher. Such as our duck breast, with sweet potato purée, red cabbage, asparagus and plum sauce. Or the American breakfast dish with fillet mignon, slow cooked egg, black pudding crumb and fries. Vegan? Don’t worry we’ve got you; we serve delicious vegan dishes too and an extensive gluten-free menu.

Visit soon and enjoy 2 courses for £27 3 courses £33 or try our QUICK lunch menu OCEAN QUICK LUNCH MENU SPEACIAL OFFER

20% off

Tuesday-Saturday 4.45pm - 6.45pm.

2 courses £16 Starters Salmon dill gravlax, pickled cucumber, lemon gel. Chicken liver pate, house chutney, toast. Mains Lentil dahl, roast veg, vegetable samosa, (slow cooked egg optional) vegan dish chefs bao bun, spicy fries, wasabi mayo, kimchi. Dinning out @ocean is inexpensive, we serve quality product at affordable prices.

T: 01624 622000 | www.oceanrestaurant.im Ocean Restaurant | North Quay | Douglas

HARDWARE

LABOUR OF LOVE LABOUR Over 30 years supplying the Island with GREAT VALUE pre-owned cars, Low Rate Finance, Part Exchange Welcome. Cars from £2,000 all supplied with Swift Motors Warranty.

All Makes and models serviced. Fixed Price Servicing. Courtesy Cars Available, Latest Diagnostic Scanner. Friendly and reliable service from a team dedicated to providing great value.

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

HARDWARE

Words & Photos by Lucas Croydon

Everybody wants to plan a road trip. Well in 2016 that’s what Dan & Becky did. They set out to drive from the Isle of Man around Europe down to Pisa, Italy, in just seven weeks. However, they wanted a car which would be fun to drive on all those European roads, such as the Stelvio Pass - all while ensuring that if needed they could work on the car themselves, should they have any mechanical issues. Keeping in mind that they had very minimal mechanical know how. So the little Eunos Roadster (Japanese import Mazda mx5) was bought. The trip was planned for 2017, so after a small overhaul to make sure the Mazda wouldn’t let them down, they achieved their dream European road trip.

Continue page 54 

Open 6 days a week closed on Sunday. Unit 4C, Middle River Industrial Estate, Douglas, Isle Of Man IM2 1AL T: 671199 / 495959 www.swiftmotors.net BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

HARDWARE

Continued from page 53

Once they arrived home the original plan was to sell the little white Mazda, but over the course of the trip they both fell in love with the roadster and decided they’d want to keep it after all. The journey didn’t end there, after a few dinner time debates the decision was made to carry on transforming the roadster so that they could both attend track days with the car, whilst maintaining its ability to ferry them off on another adventure in the future. After a few blasts around Jurby on track day events, it was reversed into their home garage in late 2019, and with the help a few close friends, the learning curve of completely stripping the old white Mazda and transforming it into their dream track toy/grand tourer on a budget began. Once bare shelled, the roadster was sent away to be sand blasted down to just metal, so that any rust could be cut out and repaired. Since it would be tracked in the future it was seam welded around structural areas to add chassis rigidity. It wasn’t just the chassis that was having an overhaul, the engine was also built up and gained a Cooper Works supercharger for those extra thrills. Once the chassis returned from paint, they began upgrading the Mx5 with more modernised parts, no bolt was left unturned. Then came the detail, this little Mazda had carried them around Europe, so it was no longer just a little Japanese Roaster to them, it meant more and since they were giving it an overhaul no minor detail was left unexplored. The spec includes custom works wheels made in Japan and custom trimmed Mazda RS limited edition carbon kevlar seats, which are rarer than your nan’s prised tea pot collection. Don’t forget though, this was a learning experience for Dan & Becky and apart from the painting they were doing all of this themselves, so they even went to the effort of making their own custom door cards. Of course, the two lockdowns helped them to delve deeper and expand further on what they wanted the humble little roadster to turn out to be, with countless hours spent in the garage. It truly was a labour of love. Now in 2021 the little roadster has finally rolled out the garage for the first time as completed car. Yeah, theres a few niggles here and there but of course there will be, it’s a project after all. Hopefully though, as the odd issue is ironed out and with the warmer months just around the corner, the roof can be taken off and another road trip can unfold, all be it on island.

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

Latest arrivals include…

MASSIVE SAVING ON NEW!

2019 Honda Jazz 1.3 i-VTEC (102) SE ‘Navigation’ **AUTOMATIC** 5-door Seen in Shining grey metallic with contrasting charcoal upholstery. Immaculate example features front & rear park assist, 15in alloy wheels, Bluetooth hands free telephone connection, connect navigation with 7inch touch screen , digital radio, automatic headlights, led daytime lights and more. 109g/km means only 48 road tax, Only 10,000 miles from new, £12,495 or £495 deposit then £255 per month over 60 months

IF YOU FANCY A VOLKSWAGEN HATCH THAT’S SMALLER THAN THE GOLF – BUT ONLY SLIGHTLY, SO HERE WE HAVE THE POLO... 2019 Volkswagen Polo 1.0 SE EVO 80 5-door One owner from new seen in Limestone grey metallic. Extras include upgraded alloy wheels, front and rear park assistance, Android Auto/Apple car play media, Only 13,000 miles, only £48 road tax £13,250 or £750 deposit then £265 per month over 60 months 2018 Ford Fiesta 1.0 125ps ST-LINE One owner car with just 12,000 miles, absolutely immaculate, extras include upgraded 18in diamond cut wheels, £12,750 or Zero deposit finance 2013 Kia Carens 1.7 CRDI 7 Seater Sparkling silver metallic with a contrasting charcoal upholstery, features air-conditioning, CD, radio, remote locking, 54,000 miles 2016 (Late) Ford Fiesta 1.25 Zetec 5-door Frozen white, 25,000 miles, £8,495

2018 Kia Picanto 1.0 2 5-door Breeze blue with just 12,000 miles, features inc air-con, alloys, remote locking, full electrics, low tax, balance of Kia warranty, £8,495 2013 Kia Sportage 1.6 GDI 5-door White, air-con, park assist, alloys, Led lights, low mileage suv, Value at £Due 2012 Hyundai i10 1.2 Active 5-dr Ice blue, 9,000 miles, immaculate, £5,150 2014 Citroen C1 1.0 VTI feel 3-door New shape with just 10,000 miles! £Now in 2013 Peugeot 107 1.0 Active 5-door Silver metallic with just 35,000 miles, perfect first car, low tax, low insurance, £DUE 2016 Hyundai Tucson 2.0 CRDi SE Navigation 4WD Automatic Seen in Polar white with just 14,000 miles. Features include heated seats, touch screen infotainment with integrated Bluetooth connectivity and satellite navigation. £14,750

2017 (Late) Hyundai Tucson 1.7 CRDi Blue Drive S One owner, Ara blue with just 15,000 miles, £12,495 2018 Toyota Yaris 1.5 VVT-I Hybrid Icon-E 5dr Automatic Blue metallic with just 17,000 miles, high specification Hybrid - £Call

CHOICE OF TWO 2018 Hyundai I10 1.2 Premium Automatic 5dr Stardust grey metallic with contrasting charcoal upholstery. Features Inc air conditioning, alloy wheels, led daytime running lights, and more, from £8,995

AUTOMATICS 2019 Honda Jazz 1.3 SE Navigation 5-door Auto, Shining grey, 10,000 miles, £12,495 2018 Hyundai i10 1.2 SE 5-door Stardust silver metallic with 21,000 miles, £8,995 2014 Nissan Note 1.2 DIG-S Acenta Premium Auto 26,000 miles, £DUE 2015 Citroen C1 1.0 Flair Open Top Auto French blue, 17,000 miles, electric roof Spring is here! £Due 2014 Vauxhall Astra 1.6 Design Auto Ink Blue, 55,000 miles £5,950 CHOICE OF TWO 2018 Hyundai I10 1.2 Premium Automatic 5dr Passion red metallic with contrasting charcoal upholstery. Features Inc air conditioning, alloy wheels, led daytime running lights, and more, from £8,995

DRIVE YOUR PASSION

GADGETS

DELL’S ALIENWARE AURORA A NEW DAWN FOR GAMERS? This month’s gadget is definitely one for the gamers out there – and particularly those who are looking for great performance and style to boot. Dell’s Alienware Aurora range has long become a benchmark for gaming PCs and the Aurora, launched in 2020, is the latest in the series with some awesome specifications as well an awesome appearance. Housed within its futuristic Dark Side of the Moon chassis, the Aurora includes a 10th Gen Intel Core i5 10400F with 8GB Single Channel HyperX (FM) FURY DDR4 XMP at 2933MHz giving massive memory capability and impressive capacity for multitasking. Graphics are provided by a NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 SUPER 4GB GDDR6 which comes with built in GeForce Experience for easy driver updates, game setting optimisations and handy in-game recording tools. A sturdy 256GB SSD is also included. We’ve paired the Aurora with Dell’s Alienware 27-inch IPS gaming monitor which not only gives rich colours but provides improved viewing at any angle. With a blazing 240Hz refresh rate (10x faster than movies) and true 1ms response time, this monitor supports fast responsive gameplay. As with the desktop, the monitor also has aesthetic credentials with the introduction of Dell’s Legend Industrial Design. Billed as a bolder, sculpted expression of the Alienware brand, the new stand slides under the edges of a gaming keyboard for extra space saving and is engineered for cable management, with quick-access ports. With height adjustable tilt, pivot and swivel features, it is easy to create the perfect personal viewing experience. The Dell brand means quality components are assured with this bundle and it also has multiple upgrade opportunities, including liquid-cooled graphics, to ensure this PC stands the test of time.

Available now from the Manx Telecom shop at just £61 per month with £0 upfront, this is a deal that will be hard for gamers to ignore.

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

NIGHTLIFE

PAPARAZZI OSCAR’S

ARE YOU IN? /GALLERYIOM

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

One plan Five sharing

Share your unlimited plan

From just £12 extra per month* Share with up to 4 members per household All on just one bill

With our Unlimited Standard or Max Plan you can share your unlimited data, text and call allowances with up to 4 other users in the same household. So you can all use whatever you want. Find out more in store, call our sales hotline 01624 692230 or visit sure.com

*£12 per Sharer Plan. Main plan, starting from £25 per month, also required. Sharer Plans are available on Unlimited Standard or Unlimited Max. Speed limited on Sharer Plans to 10 Mbps. All Sharer Plans have unlimited SMS & calls to fixed and mobile numbers within the IoM, UK, Channel Islands and Republic of Ireland excluding premium rate and nongeographic numbers. Sharer Plans are for use in a personal mobile telephone only. Tethering not permitted. Limit of 4 Sharer Plans per main tariff. Ts&Cs apply. Prices include VAT. †Source: Systemics Group - tests undertaken September 2017.

NIGHTLIFE

PAPARAZZI THE FRONT PORCH

ARE YOU IN? /GALLERYIOM

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

ARE YOU IN? /GALLERYIOM

PAPARAZZI THE FRONT PORCH

NIGHTLIFE

Established 1880

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

NIGHTLIFE

PAPARAZZI 1886

ARE YOU IN? /GALLERYIOM

VillaGaiety & Hello Little People Present

Adapted for the stage by David Wood

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

ARE YOU IN? /GALLERYIOM

PAPARAZZI 1886

NIGHTLIFE

villagaiety.com

9-11 APR / VILLA MARINA www.roalddahl.com

villagaiety

@villagaiety

villagaiety

01624 600555

www.davidwood.org.uk

Photos by: Dollsfactory.net BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

NIGHTLIFE

PAPARAZZI 1886

ARE YOU IN? /GALLERYIOM

Photos by: Dollsfactory.net

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

A powerful way to explore, create and learn.

Students love learning with iPad because it’s portable, powerful and easy to use. Discover iPad at iQ Victory House today from £329.

iQ Victory House | Prospect Hill | Douglas iQ.APR

iQApplePremiumReseller

iQiOM.com

Gaming PC Bundle Alienware Aurora R11 PC & 27” Gaming Monitor

£61 per month Terms & Conditions apply, see manxtelecom.com/bundles for more information.

Save £48 when purchased together!

manxtelecom.com/bundles

February 2021 | the SPRING issue

Articles inside

Romantic traditions around the world

Recipes

Gadget of the month

Appointments

Love in the time of Coronavirus

A Woman’s Garden

What’s On