Gallery Isle of Man : issue 1

Isle of Man Life & Style Magazine | Vol 1 No 1 | August 2011 | the pirate issue

£ priceless

www.gallery.co.im Because Piracy Matters

#1 ‘pirates’ featuring:

captain of the ship Isle of Man Minister Elections

pirate myths

Yo ho ho and a few misconceptions

meet the commodores Think boats, not Lionel Ritchie

ship shape

Nautical fashion - making waves

4 easy ways to be automatically entered into our weekly prize draws: TOP UP Top up your Manx Telecom mobile with ÂŁ10 or more.

ROAMING ABROAD Use your Manx Telecom mobile, to text, call or access the internet while off island.

SWITCH TO MANX TELECOM Switch your Pay As You Go or Pay Monthly service to Manx Telecom.

NEW and RENEW Take out a new Pay As You Go service, Pay Monthly contract or simply renew your existing Manx Telecom Pay Monthly service for an entry.

Prize partners:

Visit www.summeroflove.im or call in store for more details Terms and conditions apply

WELCOME

INTRO

intr 249249

hi@gallery.co.im { full contacts over on page 4 }

H

ello and welcome. You are about to board the special introductory issue of Gallery magazine Isle of Man. Welcome to a change in media and a breath of fresh sea air. This issue covers the months of August and September, and thereafter you can expect to see Gallery every month. Distribution will be island-wide, if you would like to know where you could pick up a copy in your local area have a look at our website for a list of locations. The magazine will also be available to read online.

You will find every issue of Gallery is based on a theme. We challenge local writers, photographers and illustrators, amateurs or professional with the task of producing solid feature articles. If you have an idea for a feature or even a new section please get in touch with us as we would love to hear from you.

In this first issue we have feature articles on a variety of forthcoming major events.

We get a marshal’s perspective of the Manx GP; ask who will be at the helm in the General Elections; and we look forward to the Commonwealth Youth Games in September. With this being the launch of our flagship, we thought, ‘what could be better than a nautical theme?’... and therefore we’ve included a bit of Piracy.

Gallery 1 pirate

We also look at common pirate myths, chat with the commodores of the Isle of Man yacht clubs, find the perfect pirate cottage for sale and take a look at your last chance to buy this summer’s nautical wardrobe.

So What is a Pirate? Modern pirates might be found safely at home in a Hawaiian shirt and boxer shorts in front of some Eastern European fileshare site, ripping off albums and films. Or perhaps more traditionally, cruising the seas off the coast of Somalia waiting for the next container ship or tourist yacht to pass through.

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 the people of the Isle of Man for people everywhere.

www.gallery.co.im

In general, piracy these days is a romanticised concept, elevated to more than reality; the modern vision of a pirate is pure fantasy; larger than life characters that are full of charisma and appeal with outlandish names like Blackbeard or even Bluetooth.

We hope you can find more than enough herein to Swash any Buckle!

SR

ISLE OF MAN LIFE & STYLE MAGAZINE

cut through the media clutter

1

sections What’s available in Gallery Magazine?

upfront

upfront@gallery.co.im The collective space for people profiles, miscellaneous news, funny stories, creative editorial & our regular contributors to vent their spleens and entertain. If you think you’d make a good profile, have a funny story or have a candidate for pet of the month get in touch.

features

features@gallery.co.im We set our writers the task of producing solid features around our theme each month. We also try and cover any timely and engaging subject matter that falls across our screens. If you have an idea for a feature, either around a future theme or just that you feel would be suited to Gallery we’d love to hear from you.

community

community@gallery.co.im If you’re doing good things for the Isle of Man, the least we can do is help you let people know. Our community pages promote charity achievements and CSR activity.

events

events@gallery.co.im We’re ‘people’ people at Gallery and so are our readers. If you’re having a party or celebration and would like to promote your achievements, this is the place to do it in style. Gallery can send one of our paparazzi down to cover your event and write it up and take some photos. If you have something coming up let us know.

Paparazzi online soon

culture

culture@gallery.co.im Supporting the arts is one of our raison d’etres.

Each month we now feature artist profiles, exhibition coverage, music, interviews as well as reader generated ‘upload’ and ‘contributing writer of the month’. We welcome submissions from all artists, performers, musicians and creatives.

Gallery is here for you to showcase your work, email samples and biogs over to us.

travel

ISLE OF MAN LIFE & STYLE MAGAZINE

travel@gallery.co.im We will include a travel section every month with local writers reporting on their global experiences and profiles of getaways. If you’re involved in the travel industry and would like trips you arrange promoted we’d love to hear from you.

2

2point4

2point4@gallery.co.im This section is dedicated to the finer, smaller, living things in life. Catering to our stylish families and yummy mummies. The pages of 2point4 will focus on the people that are making big waves for little people in the Isle of Man. We’ll be looking at the best items and places to shop, places to play and family activities in addition to things that make being a parent more, hmm, relaxing....

beauty

business

business@gallery.co.im Business editorial doesn’t have to be boring.

As Gallery is read by the business community it makes sense to include some Gallery style coverage. We feature entrepreneurs, movers and shakers,recruitment and engaging business news each month. If you’re a small business that would like to promote your new business or a firm looking to announce who’s going places within your organisation, let us know.

active

beauty@gallery.co.im If you look good, chances are you feel good.

Therefore, if Gallery helps people look good, we’ll make people feel good. Excellent. Each month we feature beauty reviews, treatment and more. If you are a beauty brand, therapist or practitioner who would be interested in having products or services featured let us know.

active@gallery.co.im We’re keen to add local sport each month.

Profiles, try-outs and sporting gadgets for your amusement. Get active! If you’d like to see a sporting event or activity covered why not call us and we’ll come and check it out and give you some coverage.

fashion

hardware@gallery.co.im Motoring, Gadgets & Technology. Each month we work with local dealers and our intrepid motoring writers test drive the latest cars on our Island’s roads. If you’d like to feature a new model, whether four wheeled, two wheeled or high tech, mail us.

fashion@gallery.co.im No one does fashion in the Isle of Man like Gallery. Utilising the skills of our amazing fashion photographer, stylists and models, Gallery present the hottest shoots and fashion editorial each month. We feature products from leading brands in fashion and product shoots each month. We also offer an exclusive shoot each month to one client and additional editorial coverage for all clients.

appetite

foodies@gallery.co.im Our food and drink section has been named ’appetite’. Each month our intrepid foodies check out the latest restaurant openings and compile stimulating and scrumptious editorial. Yummy. If you’d like us to sing your culinary praises, share your secret recipes or let people know about your new menu, drop us a line.

places

places@gallery.co.im Do you know your Corbusier from your Conran?

Our home and interiors section showcases outstanding Isle of Man homes and highlights the latest in contemporary and classic furniture in addition to the latest properties for sale and property advice. If you’re an interior designer, architect, estate agent or property professional we have the perfect place for you.

Places online soon

hardware

nightlife

nightlife@gallery.co.im Whether local nightlife events, recommended cocktails or our ‘snapper’ photos. We list nocturnal goings-on and highlight the best after dark options. If you’re a venue or promoter with a big night or event coming up get it featured. snapper.im online soon

directory

directory@gallery.co.im The definitive monthly reference for the Isle of Man, the directory allows small businesses the ability to feature their products or services each month in Gallery at a very competitive rate. We’re extending the directory online shortly to include maps too. If you’d like to be included in the directory call us on 249249.

UPFRONT

CONTENTS

249249

hi@gallery.co.im

contents 10 Meet the Commodores

28 We went to Belfast

47 Recipe for Success

40 Fashion shoot - Ship Shape

24 Commonwealth Youth Games

62 Elliot Baxter - Manx Cyclist

Upfront News in Numbers Things to Do Meet the Commodores Shiver Me Timbers Me & My Pet 5 Pirate Myths

Fashion 8 9 10 12 13 14

Events Children’s Centre Happy Feet Port Erin Regatta Queenie Festival - Sure Beach Party World Tin Bath Championships MGP - A High-Viz Perspective Captain of the Ship Commonwealth Youth Games

18 18 19 19 20 22 24

27 28

ISLE OF MAN LIFE & STYLE MAGAZINE

Culture My name is... Hazel Event of the Month Exhibitions and Reviews Upload Writer of the Month

4

Appetite Recipe for Success Food News Fresh and Home Grown Cocktail of the Month

47 48 49 50

Home Pirate Cottage Interior News Property News

32 33 34 35 36

Entrepreneur on the Sofa Business News Movers & Shakers Profit from Piracy

52 53 54

56 57 58 59

Active Yoga - Pose of the Month Sport Profile - Elliot Baxter

61 62

Hardware Gadgets Phone Home

www.gallery.je

The End 38 39 40

Business

Travel Weekenders We Went to Belfast

Brand News Beauty News Fashion Shoot

66 67

Paparazzi Boardom

68 70

For the best prices on all types of kitchen appliances from the major brands, contact

Contract Kitchen Supplies 496221 DEVELOPERS - whether you are building an individual house or a block of apartments, we can cater for all your appliance needs

ISLE OF MAN LIFE & STYLE MAGAZINE

INTRO

Contract Kitchen Supplies is a part of JS Contractors Ltd (established 1999) email: julian@contractkitchensupplies.com

5

UPFRONT

CREDITS

credits

get

involved

Sales & Business Enquiries publisher

Steve Redford DD : 249249 steve@gallery.co.im Sections sections editor

Feature

If you are an artist with work to exhibit, an event or entertainment organiser with an event coming up or a business with some exciting news or a new product to feature, get in touch. We’re keen to feature anything of interest that will entertain our readers.

features@gallery.co.im

Simon Barron DD : 491241 simon@gallery.co.im Studio creative director

Mark Scrimshaw DD : 461107 mark@gallery.co.im

Advertise

We understand that the medium is the message.

The quality of a magazine reflects on the business that advertise within it. If you have a business or strategy to promote to Island’s forward thinking consumer, get in touch.

We’re don’t have pushy sales people and won’t try and badger, coerce, harass or try to sell you something you don’t want. Call us on 249249 or drop us an email...

ad@gallery.co.im

Photography photographer

Julian Simmonds julian@gallery.co.im contributing photographers Sophie Risker

Contribute

rip it, scrap it, comment, critique, research, report. Opinions wanted on politics, business, news, home, property, music, gadgets, sports and culture. Something annoyed you and you want to tell the island? We’re here for you baby. If you’d like to see your name in... er... print, get in touch.

contribute@gallery.co.im

(& friends)

and the uploaders contributing writers Leon Fleming Paul Lawrence Sophie Risker Lisa Wescott Simon Barron Nicholas R Cooper Mary Rose illustrations Neil Morgan

jokes, ideas, youtube clips etc

everyone@gallery.co.im cakes and letterbombs

Gallery Salesbury House Victoria St Douglas Isle of Man online learning the internet, it’s like the world made of 0s and 1s.

Keep abreast of everything Gallery at

ISLE OF MAN LIFE & STYLE MAGAZINE

Accounts Enquiries Laura Macgregor laura@gallery.co.im DD : 249249

6

www.gallery.co.im

Recycle.

Gallery recycles all its storage and packing materials, boxes and any old magazines that are returned. We love to know our readers hang on to previous copies but when you move or find that they’re taking up too much space, drop them down to the recycling bins. If you want to find out more about recycling, call 01624 686540

social networking shizzle be our friend and we’ll tell you secrets Disclaimer.

www.facebook.com/ gallery.im

www.twitter.com/ GalleryIOM

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. Why are you still reading the small print? Search for people with the same name as you on Facebook and start random conversations with them.....

upfront events

travel culture fashion appetite home business active hardware

UPFRONT

New Old News in Numbers

226

Sightings of Basking Sharks this year so far...

it’s a

Basking Shark

10

fig.1.1 Basking Shark recognition process

Isle of Man Government provisionally agrees to spend £10M over next 4 years to improve Douglas Promenade

75

Million pounds is the annual hit to the Manx economy as a result of the last forced revision of the VAT deal with the UK

12,442

8

Extended weeks of screening for critically acclaimed TT3D film Closer to the Edge – by popular demand! (and still counting!)

ISLE OF MAN LIFE & STYLE MAGAZINE

Downloads of the Cherished Vehicle Numbers Availability List.

The top number of downloads from IOM Gov websites.

Seriously?

8

4!

68

Emma Harris claimed her fourth consecutive Isle of Man ladies’ golf title.

Total number of medals Team IOM won at the recent Island Games – giving us second place.

LISTINGS

UPFRONT FEATURE

Do things....

August

september

OctOber

Friday 12th – Saturday 13th royal Manx agricultural Show – KnocKaloe FarM the annual event iS More than juSt Sheep Shearing and Saying ‘oo’ at really big tractorS. it’S actually a FantaStic day out For the whole FaMily, with craFt diSplayS, Manx Food StandS, vintage vehicleS and variouS exciting diSplayS to pleaSe everyone. well worth a looK. Free adMiSSion / KnocKaloe FarM, patricK / 801850 royalManx@Manx.net www.royalManx.coM

Saturday 10th – Sunday 11th FeStival oF youth douglaS will hoSt a FeStival oF youth to celebrate the iSle oF Man’S

thurSday 6th buddy holly & FriendS Featuring eddie cochrane and the everly brotherS, bacKed by the counterFeit cricKetS. Fronted by Marc robinSon, the no.1 buddy holly looK and Sound-a-liKe in europe, he haS played at Such venueS aS glaStonbury, the brit awardS and Sir cliFF richard’S 50th birthday.

Sunday 14th Falconry diSplay phillip gibbonS, renowned Falconer, will be giving a ‘bird oF prey’ diSplay at the wildliFe parK. diSplayS 13:00 & 15:00/£8.40 adultS, £4.20 under 16, £5.80 aop/£50-vip curraghS wildliFe parK / 693574

wealth oF young talent during the

coMMonwealth youth gaMeS. there will be a Stage and perForMance Space For young people to utiliSe near the SunKen gardenS oF douglaS proMenade. the event iS being organiSed by the douglaS developMent partnerShip and Supported by britannia international. douglaS proMenade / 612022 ganderSon@douglaS.org.iM

19:00 / £19.50 / villa Marina / 600555

Friday 16th Steve beaStall the Man with the evidence King arthur proMotionS preSentS the Steve beaStall MediuM Show. Steve iS the up and coMing MediuM on the circuit and iS Fondly Known aS the Man with the evidence. thiS new Style oF MediuM Show will alSo Feature Soul

Saturday 20th viKing longboat raceS theSe are alwayS a good laugh, whether you Know a MeMber oF a teaM in the raceS or juSt enjoy Seeing out-

and Spiritual Singer Michael King.

Micheal will be perForMing a nuMber oF SongS throughout the Show.

19:30 / £15 / gaiety / 600555

Saturday 20th – Sunday 21St ioM dance FeStival ballrooM, latin aMerican and old tiMe dance! FabulouS dancing, a Full prograMMe oF coMpetitionS, deMonStrationS & worKShopS; SpectatorS oF all ageS welcoMe. 10:00 onwardS / £8(£6 For children) royal hall, villa Marina elliSKilley@hotMail.coM Sunday 28th auguSt teddy bear’S picnic there will be entertainMent in the abbey groundS and iF you don’t want to MaKe your own picnic you can booK one FroM the abbey reStaurant.

bring your Favourite teddy! any FaMily

group carrying a teddy bear getS Free

adMiSSion to ruShen abbey (2 adultS + upto 6 children). all day / ruShen abbey, ballaSalla / 662525

Saturday 24th – Sunday 25th ioM Food & drinK FeStival a celebration oF the very beSt Manx produce. taStingS, deMonStrationS, coMpetitionS and Much More. bbc MaStercheF SeMi-FinaliSt Stacie Stewart and tv celebrity cheF jaMeS Martin are alSo on the bill.

10:00 – 16:00 / Free / the nunnery gardenS, douglaS

ISLE OF MAN LIFE & STYLE MAGAZINE

oF-Shape people FrolicKing in the water.

12 noon onwardS / Free to Spectate peel Quay and harbour area

9

JERSEY’S STYLE MAGAZINE

UPFRONT

16

FEATURE

Meet the Commodores….

The island boasts six sailing clubs with more than 1100 members. Gallery caught up with the Commodores of the two biggest clubs, Michael Kneale of the Isle of Man Yacht Club in Port St Mary and Mike McMahon from the Douglas Bay Yacht Club, to find out a little more about life on the Irish Sea.

Michael Kneale: To have any position in the Club, you have to really believe in the project. The amount of work people do is fantastic.

What attracts you to sailing?

MMcM: Sailing is a very exciting sport and pastime. When you are racing at close quarters with other boats, thrashing along with the spray flying, it is a real adrenaline rush! Using your skill and that of your crew to make the boat perform at its best is both a challenge and a great satisfaction.

MK: It’s like golf; you can’t win. You can win races but you can never beat the sea. The person who wins a race makes the least mistakes. And the sport itself covers a broad spectrum.

Sailing involves every age group and every income group. Both Mike and I are interested in racing; bordering on obsessed really. We can’t get enough of it!

MMcM: You don’t have to race. For cruising sailors there is great satisfaction in using your navigation skills together with your knowledge of winds, weather, tides and seamanship to complete a safe passage across the sea to your destination.

Sailing gets you away from all the stresses of the land: traffic, computers, phones, etc., and puts you in a situation where you are using just the forces of nature - wind and water - to get you where you want to go.

What is your first seafaring memory?

MMcM: I started off with Arthur Ransome books which gave me a bit of inspiration and then a holiday in the Broads, sailing a dinghy at the age of 15. My dad and I built it in the garage.

It was back in the 50s and kit boats were cheap enough. We lived in the country, miles from the sea, so I did a lot of river and lake sailing which teaches you to be quick – apart from ducking under branches and trees, there’s not a lot of room to tack before you’re on the other side.

MK: I was at sea since the day I could walk. I’ve been on the sea or under it all my life, as I’ve done a lot of diving too. The very first time I raced my father nearly killed us! All of us ended up bailing as fast as we could. I thought racing was always going to be like that and I was never going to do it again.

What’s special about sailing on Manx waters?

MMcM: It’s very challenging because of the tidal situation.

You have to work with the tide, make it work for you.

MK: You can charter boats in Croatia or the Greek Islands and the tide only goes up and down by a foot. The Irish Sea fills at both ends and meets in the middle. It’s very challenging and it tends to weed out the ones who are not up to it. With my lifeboat hat on, we do see a few idiots!

Why join a yacht club?

MMcM: There is the social element but if you want to race, the best way is to join a club. And you don’t have to sail. If you look at the Marina, it’s mostly motorboats.

MK: We have 400 members and less than 20% do any boating.

Mostly it’s the social element, although you are required to be a member to be on any of our boats. And if you go to another port, it’s nice to be able to go to a club with a reciprocal agreement.

Is it an elite sport?

MK: At a certain level it is an elite sport, but you can race anything from karts to formula one. If you look at a lot of these cruisers they’re like campervans with a mast on! An average, decent quality boat costs no more than a decent car. And you can go sailing for nothing. If you’ve got a generous skipper, he might even buy you clothes!

MMcM: It is elitist at the top end, like most sports, but most people who come here as new members are amazed at how easy going the sport is. The subs are a fifth of the cost of a golf membership and after that you can sail for nothing, as every boat needs crew.

What is the history of yacht clubs in the Isle of Man? MK: The Isle of Man Yacht Club was the first on the island. It was set up in 1910 by a group of gents from the Wirral who wanted to race around the Irish Sea. Liverpool is a nightmare to sail out of with a lot of traffic; a hell of a lot of boats. In those days it was mainly the wealthy that sailed, most of the small boats here were fishing boats and those guys used to crew the sailing boats in the summer.

MMcM: There are six clubs on the island. Clubs have developed over the years in every harbour and they developed their own style depending on the topography of the harbour.

Peel was the last one, about 20 years ago. Until then, it was a working harbour and pleasure boats were not treated seriously.

Now they’ve built a marina and it’s stuffed full of pleasure boats and they outnumber the fishing vessels.

What events have you got coming up?

MK: We’ve got the Isle of Man dinghy championships August 27 and 28 and the Pico Match Races on September 3.

MMcM: During the August bank holiday weekend we’ve got an offshore race from here to Whitehaven, and then the Autumn series starts September 1st. Every fortnight at Sunday lunch time the fleet will be out in the Bay, then it’s back to the club for a bite and a drink. By the second week in November the weather is getting too miserable and we generally lift the boats out of the water until April. Then the social season begins!

For more information: Isle of Man Yacht Club, Port St Mary T: 832088 W: http://www.iomyc.com/

ISLE OF MAN LIFE & STYLE MAGAZINE

What does a Commodore do?

Mike McMahon: It’s a lot of hard work! We’ve both been recycled, as in we’ve done it twice. It’s like being the CEO of the Club and it can be quite challenging. You have to be very positive and quite a diplomat. You organise in-house events, make sure the bar is well supplied, work with the sailing committee to organise events, twist people’s arms to do things.

You need a load of volunteers to make things happen.

Douglas Bay Yacht Club, Douglas T: 673965 W: http://www.douglasbayyachtclub.com/

11

FEATURE

Pirate Facts Today, the words “Pirate” or “Piracy” are spelled with an “i”. In the Golden Age of Piracy, spelling was a haphazard kind of thing, and the word was often spelled with a “y”. So there was a time when the word Pirate was spelled Pyrate, Pyrat, or Pirat.

Talk Like a Pirate International Talk Like a Pirate Day is a prodic holiday created in 1995 by John Baur and Mark Summers, from Oregon in the U.S.A. who proclaimed the19th of September each year as the day when everyone in the world should talk like a pirate. For example, an observer of this holiday would greet friends not with “Hello,” but with “Ahoy, matey!” The holiday, and its observance, springs from a romanticized view of the Golden Age of Piracy.

Pirates spoke a language so full of technical jargon as to be nearly incomprehensible to a landlubber (a land lover) for example, few could follow these instructions: Lift the skin up, and put into the bunt the slack of the clews (not too taut), the leech and foot-rope, and body of the sail; being careful not to let it get forward under or hang down abaft. Then haul your bunt well up on the yard, smoothing the skin and bringing it down well abaft, and make fast the bunt gasket round the mast, and the jigger, if there be one, to the tie.

Although pirate lingo is rich and complicated here are some basic words anyone can master, try them out on the 19th September!

Ahoy!

“Hello!”

Avast!

Stop and give attention!

Aye! “Why yes, I agree most heartily with everything you just said or did.”

Aye aye!

“I’ll get right to it, as soon as my break is over.”

Pirate Stories

ISLE OF MAN LIFE & STYLE MAGAZINE

“Red Legs” Greaves was a Scottish buccaneer active in the Caribbean and the West Indies during the 1670s. His nickname came from the term Redlegs used to refer to the class of poor whites that lived on colonial Barbados.

12

Red Legs Greaves’ greatest success was his capture of the Island of Margarita.

After capturing the Spanish Fleet, he turned the guns of their warships against the forts which he then stormed and was rewarded with a huge booty of pearls and gold. He didn’t sack the town or rape and torture the Spaniards. Greaves then retired to the life of a planter in the island of Nevis. One of his former victims turned him in for the bounty on his head.

He was quickly tried and sentenced to be hanged. When the great earthquake came that destroyed the town in 1680 he was one of the few survivors. Greaves then turned pirate hunter, retired to a plantation and died of old age.

Shiver Me Timbers Back in the 17th and 18th centuries it was widely known that the ingenious inhabitants of our fair isle were not afraid to take advantage of our situation. It is no secret that brewers on the island would purchase malt barley from the UK in order to brew strong ales and beers, ostensibly for export to the New World. No surprise though that a good amount of this strong beer found its way back to the UK, the Manx breweries evading the malting duty as they had purchased raw barley. Nor did they pay import duty on the beer they brewed.

It was suggested at the time that almost half of all British beer was brewed in the Isle of Man! Even back then they loathed the advantages of our situation, and wanted nothing more than to get their grubby tax-collector hands on our hard-earned cash.

Apparently the British Customs vessels of the time were not subtle or discerning in their dealings with honest Manx merchants, sooner than accuse the workers of their own ports, regardless of the need for evidence. The word harassment has been mooted in reference to their conduct.

Pirates believed that wearing pierced earrings would improve their eyesight.

Pirates believed that having women on board their ship was bad luck.

They also believed that whistling on a ship would cause the weather to turn stormy (as in ‘to whistle up a storm’).

Pirates would take over island ports and make them a safe haven for pirates.

Almost all pirates stole their ships because they couldn’t buy ships in case they got caught and sent to jail. Once they had taken over a ship they had to convert it for pirate life, this usually meant making more room for sailors to live on board and strengthening the decks to hold the weight of the heavy cannons.

Ships sailing on their own often sailed close to warships or joined other convoys of ships to protect themselves from pirates. Pirates could only attack one ship at a time, so if the sailors traveled in groups there was less chance of their boat being the one that was attacked.

Pirate Captains would change out of their expensive, flashy clothes if there was a chance they might be captured.

This way they could pretend they were only one of the crew, and not somebody important and hopefully escape.

Pirates probably didn’t have talking parrots.

Although pirates have been around since the 15th century, most pirating happened between 1690 and 1720.

On the Caribbean island of St Thomas you will find a place called ‘Black Beard’s Castle’. It is believed that this is where the famous pirate spent many hours looking out for approaching ships.

They drank bombo or bumboo, a mixture of rum, water, sugar, and nutmeg. Rumfustian was another popular drink that blended raw eggs with sugar, sherry, gin, and beer.

Pirates also enjoyed beer, sherry, brandy, and port.

me&mypet

Leo&Loki

Breed:

UPFRONT

Simon: Human Leo : Burmese Loki : Burmese

Age : Simon: Indeed Leo & Loki: 5 months – Brothers Likes: Simon: Sitting, PS3, Writing, sitting again, screaming at the football Leo: Climbing the curtains, my owner’s legs, pretty much anything Loki: Scrapping...endlessly scrapping. And chicken...

Hates: Simon: Bullies and bad drivers Leo: Not having all of the attention all of the time Loki: Leo looking at his chicken...

If animal / human: Simon: I’m pretty much half cat already – apparently I move as silently as one...

Leo: Ron Burgundy Loki: Chuck Norris

Wants: Simon: a holiday Leo: to see what you’re cooking – all the time Loki: to flay the skin from Simon’s arms until he’s nothing but a gory shell of a man

Interesting facts: Simon: Listen, ‘interesting’ is a very subjective word...erm... I’m a published author (self-publishing counts, right?)

Leo & Loki: Burmese cats are a young breed, and are more like dogs than cats in lots of ways. We’re only 5 months old and we already play fetch. And the Burmese tend to create less of a reaction in those who are allergic to cats.

With their scavenging ways seagulls are the pirates of the bird world. They are successful because they are opportunistic and adaptable, just as happy on isolated cliffs or in the middle of towns and cities.

If you look up the index of a bird book you are unlikely to find seagull listed – there is no such species. We tend to use it as a blanket term for any one of several species of gull. The gull we commonly see in The Isle of Man is the herring gull – a large white and grey bird with pink legs and pale beady eyes which give it a rather evil look.

The name is misleading because although they do eat herrings, they will eat almost anything, including prawns, crabs, the chicks of other birds and the rubbish left out by humans.

Mussels and other shellfish are dropped from great heights to break their shells and allow the gulls to reach the fleshy insides.

They will chase other birds in order to steal their food and many a visitor has been unfortunate to lose an ice cream to a dive-bombing gull.

They usually live in large colonies, nesting on cliffs, although some have moved inland to roost on flat roofs, where their noise and mess can be a nuisance.

Usually three eggs are laid. The chicks peck at the red spot on their parents’ bills to solicit regurgitated food. The young birds are speckled brown and take several years to develop adult plumage.

Because they are large and so have few predators they are very long-lived – living to 30 years is not unusual and one bird was recorded at 49 years.

ISLE OF MAN LIFE & STYLE MAGAZINE

Seagulls

13

ISLE OF MAN LIFE & STYLE MAGAZINE

UPFRONT

14

five myths about

pirates..

UPFRONT

Pirate myth #1: Pirates are jolly

Pirates spend months at sea, so try and work out how long it would be before you got bored with climbing up and down rigging and shouting “yo ho ho!” at passing seabirds. Unless you’re the captain or his cabin boy, you’re also sleeping in a crowded deck with a bunch of unwashed, lonely sailors who exist on a diet of salted beef, stale biscuits and rum. At best the life of a pirate is like being on a very cheap cruise holiday, a decidedly un-jolly (and probably very smelly) cross between the Big Brother house, an American prison and a backpackers hostel in Eastern Europe.

Pirate Myth #2: Pirate captains are lovable rogues Imagine living with your boss for months at a time, then imagine that your boss got to be the boss because he’s the best at stealing from the government, battling other pirates and making sure that you don’t cut his throat whilst he’s asleep. Picture an episode of The Apprentice where Alan Sugar is allowed to keelhaul people for weeks on end because he can’t find any booty to steal, and then tell me that you wouldn’t be slipping poison into his grog after it was your turn to get barnacle bottom.

Whilst it is possible that your cap’n might have a silly accent like a Hollywood pirate, the appeal of this would probably wear thin after a few days and the first time you were tied to the mast and whipped for trying to do his accent yourself.

Pirate Myth #3: Swashbuckling If murdering and robbing was in my job description, I don’t know if I’d despatch my enemies by prancing about in the middle of a sea battle like Dogtanian. I also don’t expect there’s a washing machine on that galleon, so even if you wanted to look the part you’d spend a lot of your time scrubbing blood, brains and parrot droppings from those ruffly shirts that always look so stylish on Johnny Depp.

Somalian pirates don’t waste time twirling their moustaches and waving swords at people, because it’s easier just to shoot at them with an AK-47 or a rocket launcher. Your opponents might not hear your bloodthirsty oaths over the gunfire, but you also don’t have to worry about getting tangled up in the rigging.

Pirate Myth #4: X marks the spot

Furthermore, it won’t just be timbers that are shivering if Captain Pugwash loses the treasure map after a few too many flagons of rum.

Even the dirtiest deck-swabber deserves his share of the plunder, and any pirate who can’t recall where the wages are buried is going to end up with a mutiny on his hands quicker than you can say “Dead Man’s Pension Plan.”

Pirate Myth #5: Pirates have a moral code I don’t even know where this one comes from, but I’d wager that it’s somewhere in the second Pirates of The Caribbean movie – probably one of the bits I slept through whilst I was waiting for Orlando Bloom to get gruesomely eaten by the Kraken.

If there’s one person you can safely assume doesn’t have a moral code or some kind of silly “pirate council”, it’s a filthy, rum-drinking sailor running from the law because he steals gold for a living. No, pirates are amoral, vicious scoundrels, and if you want to be a pirate that should be part of the appeal. If you want to be in a gang that larks around on boats and has a moral code, I suggest you join the Sea Scouts.

ISLE OF MAN LIFE & STYLE MAGAZINE

The life of a pirate is like a clumsy midget: bloody and short. Ever aware of this, it’s unlikely that a hardworking sea-bandit would leave his gold to gather interest under a remote pile of sand. Pirates don’t need long-term financial management, because there’s not much chance of retiring to the Algarve when you’re a wanted man from here to the Caribbean. Even taking into account the difficulty of carving a decent treasure map with a rusted hook, it’s more than likely that a pirate would gamble away anything he couldn’t immediately convert into eyepatches, ship repairs or parrot food.

15

Cut through the media clutter.

Gallery publish specialist titles for the foodie, style and property markets. Don’t throw away your marketing budget on budget media, present your business in the right way in award winning print and online with Gallery, Places and Appetite. www.gallery.co.im

upfront

events travel culture fashion appetite home business active hardware

EVENTS

Children’s Centre - Happy Feet

A troop of brave adults and children braved the typical Manx summer rain to tap their Happy Feet, and remind people that a healthy adult should be taking 10,000 steps a day as

part of a healthy lifestyle. Despite the rain, the participants enjoyed a day of trying to set painted footsteps on the paving of Douglas Promenade, raising money for The Children’s

Centre many services. By demonstrating various forms of exercise the organisers reminded us that keeping fit and healthy can (and should) be fun.

dancing, family games and plenty of local music and bands. We were informed this could be the last time the event is held. Well we hope

not and offer to help with promotion for future events in any way we can.

ISLE OF MAN LIFE & STYLE MAGAZINE

Port Erin Regatta

16th July saw the annual Port Erin Regatta, with lots of music and various festivities on and around the seafront and beach; with traditional

Get paparazzi at your events. paparazzi@gallery.co.im

18

EVENTS

Queenie Festival - Sure Beach Party

This year saw a good turnout at Port Erin in the first weekend of July, for the 2011 Queenie Festival. Not just a celebration of all things

Queen Scallop – but a celebration of Manx Tradition itself. With everything from live music at the Sure Beach Party, to traditional

Scallop Dancing and much more besides, it was another success for the annual event.

Hundreds plunged into the icy waters of Castletown Harbour on Saturday 23rd July for the 40th annual World Championship Tin Bath Races. The event organised by Dave Collister, didn’t disappoint as competitors arrived in all shapes and sizes - from The Simpsons to Captain Jack

Sparrow, each with customised tin baths ready to take in the harbour. Competitors splashed their way over the finish line in different events including the ‘Snake race’ in which teams linked in rubber rings frantically paddled hoping to stay afloat entertaining the thousands of spectators

who came to enjoy this great Manx tradition.

Film crews from Japan attended as did CBBC presenters Ed Petrie and Chris Johnson who took the plunge with proceeds going towards helping the Castletown Ale Drinkers’ Society raise money for local charities.

ISLE OF MAN LIFE & STYLE MAGAZINE

World Tin Bath Championships

Get paparazzi at your events. paparazzi@gallery.co.im

19

FEATURE

W

ith the approach of another MGP, apart from feeling another year older, I start to get a little more wistful (it’s an age thing). My earliest memories of TT week and the MGP are of days spent as a boy sitting on the hedge at Crosby helping my dad to marshal; an FM radio and set of flags our only equipment. (I’m that old, yes; thank you!) But things have changed since then. In order to learn more about these men and women who are so vital to the races, I figured I had to speak to them.

ISLE OF MAN LIFE & STYLE MAGAZINE

I started by asking what was different now in marshalling, compared to when I used to help my dad. They told me about the wider problems of communication (an issue that seems to cause great concern in many walks of life, truth be told!); with the improvements in technology in the world, especially in mobile telecoms, it’s often the case that the chap on the hedge next to the marshal learns more about who is winning and what’s happening than the marshals do.

20

But, ironically, if they had one problem with this proliferation of information around them; a marshal isn’t interested in who is winning the race, he’s interested in what’s going on with the race: and there’s a huge difference. They need information down their Tetra radio kits, not news and speculation from Twitter. They worry that, in this maelstrom of information, the message might be lost.

The marshal on the course is often the races’ first point of contact for those people on the hedges and in gardens around the course; the Hi-viz clad official is the PR face of TT and MGP. Yes, being a marshal involves watching the people round the course and the roadway itself

just as much as the riders. They have to be vigilant and focused, even though a lot of time might be spent just sitting. That’s part of the job, I’m told. And throughout the year the Marshals Association work hard to ensure they have enough marshals to safely man the course, and that these men and women are trained properly.

In conjunction with St John Ambulance, they organise Incident Management Courses (IMCs) to ensure the level of first aid and incident control knowledge is high amongst the volunteers. They currently have more than 1,500 volunteers on their books, from all over the world. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that there are more than 50 marshals who travel to the island from as far away as New Zealand, and that number is growing.

Can just anyone be a Marshal? Yes and no, I’m told. You need common sense, and that can’t be taught. You have to be calm under pressure and

and the provision of adequate safety equipment. When asked what they would want as improvements, they speak about the helicopter funding, the Recticel equipment, greater organisation.

So what challenges does the future hold for marshalling and the Marshals Association? They’re all too aware of the challenges posed by an inevitable development in racing technology – and other challenges besides.

While eco-campaigners might be cheering the successes of pioneering electric race events (and good on ‘em), it’s up to someone else to ensure they consider the safety of riders and spectators alike. Yet still, their biggest challenge remains as it has always; numbers of volunteers.

The simple, unalienable fact remains; but for the brave men and women who volunteer to provide the protection that these marshals afford every year, neither the MGP nor the TT would go ahead – simple as that.

“For those people on the hedges and in gardens around the course, the Hi-viz clad official is the PR face of TT and MGP” have strength of character, so when an incident occurs, you don’t go to pieces. Unfortunately this can’t be known or tested until something does go wrong. And you have to be willing to learn, because there are great guys in senior positions in the association, and their experience is vital. Moreover, the things you learn as a marshal can be taken back to your everyday life and help you improve.

The simplest trait at the core of these volunteers is care. They care about the safety of the riders, the spectators and the residents.

They do it, not because they crave responsibility or even power (give me a break), but because they bloody care. Those men I spoke to care about the issues at hand, they speak about the bigger issues regarding funding of both events

Do you know what I’ve learned?

I’ve learned something new about my dad. Sitting around that table, I heard a story I’d never heard before. One of the other marshals told me about a crash on the course at my father’s sector. He told me that the warning flags were out and the riders slowed. He told me that my father ran out into the road to tend to the wounded rider; his only thought for the stricken man.

He told me of other riders, pulling up and flagging down those flying machines behind them – and one who missed that call. He told me of the moment a motorbike came so close to my father that it almost

seemed to pass through him. He told me he had no idea how it missed him. The stricken rider, who my father was trying to help, died that day. And despite the fact that I’d never heard that story, I learned that my father carries those memories with him his whole life, as clear as yesterday. He’ll never forget that moment, and yet he never speaks about it. Ever.

“Yes, Marshals in this season’s MGP – and at every event hereafter – deserve our respect (and the respect of the riders) above all else, because they’re volunteers for an often unforgiving job...and a damn vital job at that.”

The TT Marshal If you want to become a TT marshal, you don’t have to be tough or mean.

Just the belief when you’re out and about, you’ll look good in tangerine.

Some marshal the mountain peaks, way up in the cloudy heights.

Others choose the leafy glens and are immune to insect bites.

You’ll find them in remote parts, where their sanity is hard to keep.

The isolation from others is clear, when they begin to talk to sheep.

Marshals are just ordinary folk, and road racing is their thing.

When their skills are needed, they react like a coiled spring.

A hardier bunch you will not find, and you’ll never hear them fret.

Not even during rainy delays, they don’t mind getting wet.

Some marshals get left on the mountain, with no road-open car in sight.

They don’t mind being forgotten, they’d willingly stay there all night.

So if this ode has inspired you, and orange you wish to don.

Fill the form and send it in and get yourself signed on find out more online

www.iomttma.com

> All sorts enter the track during quiet moments on race days. One afternoon a radio call declared, ‘We’ve got a duck on the track, what should I do?’ The Marshal then failed to clear down his radio, and the rest of his section could hear his urgent ‘Shoo! Shoo!’ noises – closely followed by the shrill whoosh of a superbike. ‘It’s ok,’ the Marshal declared, ‘it flew away...’ > 5am Morning Practice is difficult to get up for, but harder to stay awake for. One lonely Flag Marshal was quite rudely awoken by Trubby the Travelling Marshal on his first outing (he’s not quiet). > Some time ago, one Morning Practice, a panic ensued on the course when a herd of cows was spotted on the course. Luckily by the time the Chief Sector Marshal reached the herd it had already been led back to a field. But when cows get scared, they defecate. And to this day the CSM is convinced that the first rider through that section, before he could get out of the way, aimed for the pile that covered the CSM from head to toe... > A Baby Rook was seen flying on to the track. The advice the concerned Marshal received over the radio ran something like, ‘Shoot it’, ‘Baseball bat it’, and ‘Put it on a pizza’. > A CSM, keen on ensuring his whole sector was prep’d properly before every session, liked to walk the section of course before the races. On one occasion an overzealous Flag Marshal held the Yellow out when he spotted the CSM approaching, only lowering it when he stepped into a garden or road.

What ensued was a 5 minute game of chicken akin to that Youtube Ninja Cat clip (and if you’ve not seen that watch it now). > An empty Coke can was seen rolling down the track during a race session.

The concerned Marshal, whilst waiting for advice on what they should do, proceeded to provide a running commentary on the can’s progress down the track. Must have been a quiet race.

21

UPFRONT FEATURE

Who's going to captain our ship?

B

elieve or not, there’s evidence to suggest that pirates in history operated democratically, and were amongst the first communities to instate a system of checks & balances and democratic constitutions before many 17th Century governments – so why oh why would it be me who would walk the plank?

ISLE OF MAN LIFE & STYLE MAGAZINE

Tynwald is the oldest continuous parliamentary body in the world.

This single, solitary fact rattles around the ‘what do I know about Manx Government’ section of my brain like an angry wasp in a jam jar; and it’s lonely. I’m Manx born and bred, why don’t I know more about my Government? I have a vague memory of voting once, but that’s lost forever on the distant side of my University years. No, there’s nothing else in there.

According to the internet, I’m right: it is the oldest continuous blah-deblah; although ever-reliable Wiki seems to be a little vague on this, like a prosecution lawyer trying to avoid contempt; “It is claimed to be” indeed!

Do you know an older one, Wiki? No? Thought not. But other than that, the vast majority of information to first come to my fingertips seems to be mainly historical stuff; stuff in the past; stuff I don’t need. The General Election of MHKs is every five years... ah, didn’t know that. Between them is a Bi-election; makes sense I guess.

There are four constituencies in Douglas, named for the four Cardinal Directions. I figure I’m in Douglas West – I’ve always felt a little “West Side”.

Wrong! I’m Douglas North.

Why don’t I know more? Is all the information being hidden from me?

Am I a danger?

22

The British Government; now there’s an institution that’s been put through the mangle recently and perhaps rightly so! Yes, it’s a fact that the bailout of the banks hurt the British Government, and this new coalition (headed by our generation’s own Statler & Waldorf) seems something of a laughing stock, and since that General Election there have been a litany of issues that have threatened to undermine them.

When I look at the British electoral system, it confuses me. There are heavily populated constituencies electing MPs in a party political environment, through the muchmaligned ‘First Past the Post’ system.

I look at Britain and see political echelons that seem so far removed from the person on the street and their single, solitary vote; and this gives me a reason to be proud of Manx Government.. The constituencies are of such a size that your vote really is likely to make a difference. There’s no real party political system to muddy the waters either.

“Our elected politicians have to listen; it’s their job. If you don’t vote, you silence yourself. In a nation with an open and free Government, it’s a travesty not to vote.”

And there’s more! Did you know that the Isle of Man was the first nation in Europe to afford 16 year olds the vote? It’s not all about history: we’re a progressive government! Forward thinking, innovative, close to the voters: what a parliament should be.

The Government website www.gov. im/cso/election has a whole bunch of information; go figure! The House of Keys is the lower branch of Tynwald, with 24 Members – and we elect them; we choose who gets to be the captain of our ship. Nomination Day is 30th August, and Polling Day is 29th September.

So there it is! I’ve got the dates, come the end of August I’ll know the candidates; I could be the danger I envisioned earlier! But I’m not – and there’s a damb good reason. There’s no conspiracy hiding the voting process from me. The Isle of Man Government would love nothing more than for me to vote – although reading this they might not trust me to cross a road.

“What’s the Point?”

First year Media students at the Isle of Man College have produced a video campaign for schools to reach those youngsters that have been afforded this innovative right to vote, and it’s called “What’s the Point?”: and that’s the crux of the matter, isn’t it? The fact is, I’m not a danger, and I can’t make a difference, because I’ve clipped my own wings. That Electoral Registration Form that I put in the recycling every year...that’s my ticket. That’s the way I can retain the vote that is rightfully mine, and I throw it away every time.

What a fool, right? Well, I’ve learned that my dearth of knowledge on the subject is a symptom of my own ignorance and laziness, and I’ll bet my piece of eight that I’m not alone.

I’ve learned that the Isle of Man Parliamentary System is something we should be proud of. The older I get, the stronger I feel about things, and I’ve spent years ranting at the radio, or at a piece of chicken I’m cooking, or something else as equally inane, but I’ve never voiced my opinion where it could count.

I might be worried about safety in the community, I might be furious about the reticence to erect Wind-farms on the island, I could hold a strong opinion on jobs, housing, education, tax, things to do, but it’s for nought if I don’t vote! Our elected politicians have to listen; it’s their job.

If you don’t vote, you silence yourself. In a nation with an open and free Government, it’s a travesty not to vote.

Elections 2011 30th August Nomination Day > 29th September Polling Day

So how do I qualify to register?

Your name must appear on the current electoral register.

Registration is not for life, and you should register every year.

On relevant registration date your usual place of abode must be in the electoral area.

Your usual place of abode must have been on the Island for the preceding 12 months.

Reach the age of 16 before the next relevant registration date.

Only register in one Polling District.

“The constituencies are of such a size that your vote really is likely to make a difference...“ Need a Registration Form?

Electoral Registration Unit 685754 / economics@gov.im (Check www.gov.im/cso/election to see if you qualify to register)

UPFRONT

Back when I was a boy, we had nothing like the Commonwealth Youth Games visit the Island.

The nearest we had was a sports day at school. Still, I used to look forward to those with a building sense of anticipation that nothing else came close to. And with the approach of CYG2011, I feel that same build of electric excitement. Whether you have the chance to take part as a competitor, to view the spectacle from the stands, or to actually help out in the organisation and delivery of such an event; you can feel the buzz on the Island.

HUMANITY EQUALITY DESTINY This September sees the Commonwealth Youth Games come to our beautiful – if small – island; and yes people, this absolutely is something to get excited about.

Very soon hundreds of young competitors from each of the other 70 Commonwealth nations are due to land on our shores, The Isle of Man is the first small nation to host the event, but I reckon we’re all set to make a big noise, and we’ve got the lungs to do it! Generally held every four years, this fourth youth event has been brought forward a year so as not to clash with the Olympics in London next year.

JERSEY’S STYLE MAGAZINE

The Height of Anticipation The Opening Ceremony promises to be quite something all on its own, inspired by Manx Folklore and History – giving way to the spirit of youth and performing dances of the world, in a carnival of the Commonwealth Style. As Liz Pugh, Producer and Co-founder of organisers Walk the Plank explains.

16

“The 2011 Commonwealth Youth Games Opening Ceremony will be a vibrant and inclusive event that will be huge fun to be part of.

It’s important that the people of the Island are part of this occasion and have the opportunity to celebrate the games, and Manx culture, on the global stage”.

Getting Involved The Games themselves don’t just happen by chance, and there is a large committee working hard at the moment to ensure that the event itself goes according to plan – and this is where you can play your part, people of the Island! In particular, the mascot of the Games – Tosha – will have to be in many places at once on the lead up to the Games, and volunteers are needed. If you’re interested (18 or over, in good physical condition and willing dress like a Manx Cat to bring Tosha to life), please contact the Organising Committee on 662011 or sail over to www.cyg2011.com and fill out an online form.

Destiny Within Their Reach As the weeks roll by and the Games themselves draw near, I am sure that – like us – you are really looking forward to the important part of an event like this: cheering on the

locals! We have 33 athletes with representatives in all 7 sports; and Team Manager Trevor Taubman believes we have athletes in each of the sports capable of producing a medal winning performance.

In the spirit of the Commonwealth Games Federation’s own Core Values; Humanity (unifying); Equality (promoting); Destiny (giving all the athletes a chance to realise their destiny); we say a big welcome and good luck to all competing nations...but most importantly... Go Team Isle of Man!

FEATURE

Isle of Man: 7th – 13th September 2011

Athletics | Badminton | Boxing | Cyclin

g | Gymnastics | Rugby | Swimming

.....Giving all athletes a chance to realise their destiny..... partners

ISLE OF MAN LIFE & STYLE MAGAZINE

Good luck!

17

upfront events

travel culture fashion appetite home business active hardware

Weekenders

TRAVEL

Songs of the Sea

The Magical Railway

Food Fight Festival

Every two years a massive 130,000 festival goers and musicians set sail to the French harbour of Paimpol for the ‘Festival des Chants de Marins’.

Combine travelling by train with epic views of the Scottish Highlands with the West Highlands Railway this summer. Heading from the centre of Glasgow with its bold Victorian buildings you’ll float into a different world, breezing along the gleaming Clyde estuary up the wooded loch shores of Agryll across the rugged bogs of Rannoch Moor and down into the depths of the Scottish glens.

If you were one of those school children who couldn’t resist flicking a pea across the canteen then this festival is your dream come true! Every year, on the fourth Wednesday in August, throngs of people crowd into the little town of Buñol in the Valencia region to begin pummeling one another with overly ripe tomatoes.

The theme for 2011’s festival is ‘Celtic Calls’ with music from all of the Celtic regions from Irish and Gallic, to Cornish, Welsh and Scottish tunes all performing across the stages set up around the harbour.

Check out www.paimpol-2011.com to see this year’s line-up.

Flybe fly direct from Ronaldsway to Brest, Brittany which is only a short journey to Paimpol. www.flybe.com

Pulling towards Fort William set at the mist enveloped foot of Britain’s highest peak, Ben Nevis, you’ll slowly glide into the Hebrides. The scenery here is so magical, just like the Hogwarts Express you’ll even glide over the magnificent 21-arch viaduct famous for appearing in the Harry Potter films.

Flybe fly direct to Glasgow from Ronaldsway so visit www.flybe. com for more information. Or travel with the Isle of Man Steam Packet to Heysham and hop on a train to Glasgow. For ferry bookings visit www.steam-packet.com and check out www.thetrainline.com for train details.

The whole festival lasts for an entire week, with music, parades, and fireworks and to build up your tomato launching strength, on the night before the fight, a huge paella-cooking contest takes place. The tomato throwing aspect of La Tomatina only dates back to the mid-1940s, but it remains one of the most popular annual events in the region, drawing tourists from throughout Spain as well as many other countries.

Just make sure you don’t linger after the festival as no one likes cleaning a normally white walled town covered in tomato juice.

Easyjet fly from destinations all over the UK to Valencia so for more information visit their website at www.easyjet.com.

ISLE OF MAN LIFE & STYLE MAGAZINE

This Sea Shanty festival takes place during the 12 -14th August as the whole of Paimpol’s quayside is transformed into a sea of life. The harbour is packed with traditional boats, brass bands, exhibitions, food tasting and maritime crafts and ‘songs of the sea’ can be heard until the early hours.

27

FEATURE

We’ve just been to... Belfast S tanding on the west side of Peel Castle, you can see the coastline running south towards Niarbyl and then the wild rock formations in the shadows directly west of the castle. However, staring out to sea on a clear day, you might see hints of an inspirational place. For somewhere, out across that tumultuous sea, is Belfast in Northern Ireland.

Belfast is the closest Capital City to the Isle of Man, and perhaps one of the least visited on the British Isles, and yet the city of Belfast does have plenty to brag about, and a long, ambitious, entrepreneurial and proud history. It was the world’s largest linen producer at the turn of the century; the home of the first aircraft manufacturing company in the world; it was the city that built the Titanic; and (ironically considering the climate) the birthplace of Air Conditioning. So we took a visit, to see what the city could offer.

A strong industrial past is evident in the city, now fused with the pioneering modernist architecture. Although the great Viewing Wheel that had once overlooked the Edwardian City Hall has now gone, one can still find spectacular vantage points in the city, like that found at the top of one of Belfast’s newest developments, the shopping centre Victoria Square.

We stayed at the Europa Hotel which is conveniently located opposite The Crown Bar, one of the most characterful pubs I’ve ever seen, complete with private booths that once used a bell system to order drinks anonymously from the bar. The Crown Bar also serves as the start of the Historic Pub Walking Tour, one not to miss, surely? Our hostess Judy guided us round, pointed out the history and entertained us as we necked a drink in each pub. It’s a civilised affair (Judy doesn’t drink herself) but it certainly works up either a: an appetite or b: a hangover, depending on your level of dedication.

Belfast’s pub scene is complemented by a broad range of quality eateries. We sampled a cross section, taking in the seafood delights of the Ginger Bistro, a buzzy and lively little place with a real personal feel and I also subjected myself to food envy watching Kirsty cook her steak on the hot stone at McHughs, which overlooks the Bronze statue of ‘The Speaker’ in Custom House Square, once the site of Belfast’s ‘speaker’s corner’.

Mixing Transport & Tourism.

If you’d like to take a less stationary view of the city then one of the finest ways to explore is by utilising the unique World Famous Belfast Black Taxi Tours of Belfast. Our driver, Billy, was a Wikipedia of city information who guided us everywhere, offering historical commentary, a political education and a few entertaining anecdotes - not only about the city and the nation but also a few jokes.

The Cathedral Quarter proved to be our main stomping ground. Formerly a trade and warehouse district, the area has become a main proponent of Belfast’s progressive new identity; a melting pot of Quirky pubs, low-key stylish eateries; and also the location of The Merchant - one of Belfast’s most impressive hotels. It’s not overly expensive but even if you don’t choose to stay on your first trip, William, the concierge, is happy to show you around. Everything in the hotel is antique but the building somehow manages to maintain an air of contemporary cool (the cocktail bar is a must for all visitors). If you don’t fancy cocktails the lively Spaniard pub is just around the corner. Pubs are something Belfast does well!

Belfast Cityscape

We checked out: Attractions -----------Titanic Tours Belfast +44 7852 716655 The World Famous Black Taxi Tours (+44) 2890 642264 www.belfasttours.com Quirky Pubs -----------The Spaniard www.thespaniardbar.com The Crown Bar www.crownbar.com

Places to Stay -----------The Europa www.hastingshotels.comeuropa +44 (0) 28 9027 1066 The Merchant www.themerchanthotel.com/ +44 (0) 28 9023 4888 Places to eat -----------The Ginger Bistro +44 (0) 28 9024 4421 http://www.gingerbistro.com McHughs +44 (0) 28 9050 9999 www.mchughsbar.com

FEATURE

Shopping and Entertainment

We went shopping...

Although Belfast isn’t the biggest city in the world it definitely has the entertainment and shopping facilities that us islanders hanker after. All the brand names are there; Urban Outfitters, G Star, Zara, H&M, Apple Store and the amazing Lisburn Road, dubbed the ‘Bond Street of Belfast’. I always worry about descriptions like that but it is a great walk, full of boutique style independents.

Finally, Belfast has broad entertainment facilities such as the Opera House (which used to be a circus).

k taxi tour!

ac Had to do a bl

Belfast Attractions

w scoops...

We had a fe

Examine Belfast’s shipbuilding history around the Titanic Dock and Pump House and a visit to SS Nomadic, the former tender to the Titanic that is currently being renovated after life on the Seine as a floating restaurant.

In addition to the attractions of Belfast, it was the natural beauty of Northern Ireland that drew me to the trip and no short break would be complete without a trip to the Giant’s Causeway which you can visit on a bus tour direct from your hotel (although we’d recommend hiring a car to get the most out of it). It’s been voted Northern Ireland’s top attraction and for anyone with a bit of interest in Geography, it’s not to be missed.

Giants Causeway...awesome

Getting to Belfast That’s easy, manx2.com fly to Belfast every day, so it’s up to you how long you stay..

Checked out some arty stuff

Book now www.manx2.com

We took

in a show

...

manx2.com

Belfast

£20.00

from

Exclusive fare only available by booking with promo code ‘Gallery’ Limited number of seats available.

...single fare including taxes and charges...

Arts & Entertainment | Family Attractions | Shopping | Fine Dining | Museums & Galleries Pubs & Clubs | Health & Beauty | Adventure Activities

...and much, much more!

above & beyond 22

book online: www.manx2.com

upfront events travel

culture fashion appetite home business active hardware

MY NAME IS... HAZEL WALSH

ISLE OF MAN LIFE & STYLE MAGAZINE

CULTURE

32

Events

CULTURE

MANN, ABANDONED Exhibition and book launch by Sayle Gallery artist-in-residence Hazel Walsh

Alongside the large selection of visually intriguing and evocative photographs, Hazel has created mixed media works using a variety of methods and materials including image transfer techniques. Viewers are also invited to share Hazel’s explorative experiences and enter into a derelict room within the gallery, equipped with only a head torch to illuminate the gloomy interior.

Audiences will also be able to purchase a copy of the book ‘Mann, Abandoned’ which will be launched at the exhibition preview and showcases a selection of Hazel’s best photographs from the project. www.mannabandoned.co.uk www.saylegallery.com Admission: FREE 01624 674557 Opening times: 10am – 5pm Tue – Sat, 1.30 – 4.30pm Sundays, 1pm – 5pm Mondays

‘Mann, Abandoned’ has been kindly supported by the Isle of Man Arts Council.

Manx Last Night at The Proms Saturday 3rd September Manx Last Night at The Proms Featuring Manx Youth Band & Manx Concert Brass with guest soloist Alan Wilcocks, performing many popular favourites, including Rule Britannia, Land of Hope & Glory and Jerusalem.

In music there is nothing quite like The Last Night of the Proms – with those epic, soaring notes and tingling atmosphere; voices bellowing in unison. It’s great. So why not see how the Manxies can belt a tune out, and have a good evening as part of the deal!

20:00/£12.50-£15.00 (concessions available)/Gaiety Theatre/T: 600555

GuitarFest IV 26th – 28th August JonnoPromotions, supported by IOM Arts Council and with the Manx Radio Music Club, proudly presents the fourth Isle of Man Guitar Festival. There will be free music throughout the day time on the Peter Norris Music ‘Local Stage’ and three evening gigs, all in the Promenade Suite of the Villa Marina across the weekend: Friday 26th – The Return of the Acoustic Troubadours Jon Gomm & Angelo Palladino.

Saturday 27th – Classical Guitar Classics Classic FM’s ‘The Guitarist’ Craig Ogden alongside Gary Ryan, performing a series of solos and duets.

Sunday 28th – Australian Night Featuring Singer-songwriters and guitarists Jeff Lang and Derrin Nauendorf; awesome Blues virtuosos.

Concert tickets are £18 each (or 6 for the price of 5) Promenade Suite, Villa Marina: 600555 www.iomguitarfest.com

ISLE OF MAN LIFE & STYLE MAGAZINE

Experience the desolation of some of Mann’s forgotten homes and industrial buildings in this haunting exhibition of photographs and mixed media work. During the past 12 months Sayle Gallery artistin-residence Hazel Walsh has travelled the island photographing ‘Mann, Abandoned.’ Derelict and ruined buildings, long forgotten and left to crumble to dust have provided the inspiration for the exhibition and accompanying book and website www.mannabandoned.co.uk.

33

CULTURE

Film Reviews Transformers: Dark of the Moon 3D Currently showing at the Palace Cinema Michael Bay returns with the third instalment of this Boys-Toys epic series. Shia LeBeouf reprises his role, but Ms Fox is missing (Don’t say Mr Bay is like ‘Hitler’, when Spielberg is listening is the lesson here). Instead, England’s own Rosie Huntington-Whitely stars in this visuallyimpressive spectacle that is, at least, better than the second.

Juan Moore - Fresh, Diverse... Different.

This fresh, diverse exhibition shows the compilation of 180 pieces of Manx artist Juan Moore’s latest project. Juan who is a painter and professional illustrator, drawing for the likes of The Guardian newspaper has had exhibitions across the globe and in his latest exhibition has returned to the welcoming arms of the Isle of Man.

ISLE OF MAN LIFE & STYLE MAGAZINE

Taking an amazing nine months to complete, this exhibition is the final jigsaw piece to his year long ‘Welcome to the Neighbourhood’ project. In this project Juan captivated audiences by displaying five different exhibitions in unexpected venues ranging from fish restaurants, disused offices and even bars to coincide with the theme of his paintings. For example Juan’s ‘Relationships’ themed exhibition was displayed in a bar as this is where many romances begin.

34

Juan’s surreal acrylics are simply inspired by life and the rollercoaster of emotions we face. From heartbreak to bliss, Juan explores them all translating each into a contemporary painting displayed in a way in which we can all relate. Juan explores local bands and singers such as Planes over Paris and Anna Goldsmith, interpreting their emotive lyrics and displaying them through art.

To conclude Juan’s Welcome to the Neighbourhood journey, he has brought his exhibition back to the reposing walls of an art gallery. So for your chance to view Juan’s latest project his work will be displayed at the Manx Museum, Kingswood Grove, Douglas until mid August.

Hall Pass Out to rent soon on Blue-Ray and DVD Typically absurd and mildly tawdry effort from the Farrelly Brothers. There are moments that will make you cry with laughter, and Wilson brings a charismatic undertone to an uncharismatic role, but for the most part a typically-American cringe-worthy watch.

Steve Merchant’s stereotypical English performance is worthy of note though, as is the bathroom scene....

Pirates of the Caribbean 4: On Stranger Tides Out to buy on BluRay and DVD from 12th September The fourth – and I doubt the last – instalment of the swashbuckling Disney franchise sees another female lead replaced. Both Knightley and Bloom are missing, and that might be no bad thing. The fantastic Geoffery Rush and the inimitable Johnny Depp thankfully reprise their brilliant roles, joined by Penelope Croz and Ian McShane as Blackbeard. Let the race for the Fountain of Youth begin!

The Monthly Upload Want to win £100? All you have to do is email your entry with the subject ‘upload’ to : upload@gallery.co.im Make the files nice and big though, about 4MB is a good size to aim for as a guide. We print every photo but we can’t get them ALL on the page full size unfortunately - they just wouldn’t fit!

£100

Winner

Congratulations!

Photographer | Diane McCudden

APPETITE

Contributing writer of the month

First Class Idioms words | Leon Fleming

Oh we peoples of the British Isles, how we love our language with its myriad of words that nobody but us can pronounce, its overflowing catalogue of adjectives, and all those odd little phrases made up of just two or three words that we can set down all shining and fluorescing in our sentences; mini metaphors that can be absolutely nothing at all to do with our subject, but which can, with just a single sentence, describe with all its many flavours and aromas, exactly what it is we are talking about.

“Many are class related, be it of domestic or military and naval extraction” We describe our world in these perfect, compact little stories, and we instinctively know what each of these phrases means; which must be immensely annoying for a person coming to our lingo from abroad, for there is not just one tongue for them to learn, but two.

ISLE OF MAN LIFE & STYLE MAGAZINE

What is more obscure, and often not given even the slightest thought, is where they came from, what their derivation is, and what it was in the evolution of our beautiful verbal and written expression that gave first breath to these creatures. So here I have taken on the task to bring enlightenment and describe the birth of some of our favourite and most used English idioms.

36

Many are class related, be it of domestic or military and naval extraction, and with almost all of them comes the often unintentional but seemingly always present spectre of English snobbery.

Let’s look at the first of our idioms to be placed under the microscope, and the one that has inspired this little piece about them; ‘First Class’. And here’s the thing, it is the idiom I don’t seem to be able to find an explanation of, even though it is a term used on the railways, in education, and in the postal services. I am unable to find a reason for it ever coming into being.

From this I will conclude, rightly or wrongly, that it has emerged from the hierarchy within the British system of social class. After all, what self respecting gentleman would want to sully himself in the presence of a man who must by necessity of his existence toil for a living with his own hands, vigour and sweat? No, no, there must be some way of making distinction, of dividing, of creating levels between the two. There is, and it is class; the first class carriage on a train, the more expensive, prioritised, first class post.

Another in the same vein is ‘Top Drawer’. It is obvious to anyone who imagines a set of drawers what this idiom stands for. But it’s an odd sounding thing to say, so just where does it come from? It is first known to appear as a quote in a novel from 1905 by Horace Vachell. The term makes a simile out of the idea that the best kind of people, those from the higher echelons of British society, are to be found in the highest compartment of a bedroom chest of drawers; which is the place where Victorian gentry kept their jewellery and most valuable possessions.

Associated with that oh so English of character traits, Englishness itself even, is a phrase that rings the bells of memories of empire and greatness, the thing we are both admired and ridiculed for in equal portion; a ‘stiff upper lip’ is something said to always be inherent in the greatest of our clan.

It is what is meant to mark us out; that desire to do one’s duty, no matter what the cost, never complaining and never alluding to any negative feeling about it whatsoever. What a coup then by those comical Americans that it should be one of their number that originally penned the phrase.

“I don’t like the cut of your jib young sir.”

It was in a publication called the ‘Massachusetts Spy’ in 1815, that a stiff upper lip was first notated in context describing this noble stoicism.

How about a naval one for us now. “I don’t like the cut of your jib young sir” is something that any one of us might say on any given day. “I don’t like the look of you” might be a more frank way of expressing the same feeling. A jib is the triangular sail which is strung between the head of the foretop mast at the bow of the ship and the jib boom which protrudes from it. In naval tradition every country had a different style of jib sail, and so the nationality of the sailors aboard could be read by the shape. The triangular shape also has the appearance of a nose, which is the most prominent feature of the face and one of the visual markers we humans use to make an instant opinion about another of our race.

I shall end our little foray into the idiosyncrasies of the English metaphor with what I suppose is actually a proverb, and one that I hope one day can be said of the system of inequality which exists in our society, and which has given rise to so many of the idioms used in our speech and our literature; ‘the writing is on the wall’.

This warning of impending doom and demise is taken unequivocally and literally from the Bible: Daniel 5:5, in a story where a king finds words of an unknown language scrawled upon his wall. Daniel, a slave with unearthly powers, is summoned to translate and finds it is a foretelling of the downfall of the kingdom. That night the king is killed, and the kingdom is sacked.

With that parting shot, my colours nailed ast, I grit my teeth, batten down the hatches, cross my fingers and hope to keep the wolves from the door.

But please remember, never look a gift horse in the mouth or wait with baited breath killing time while others chew the cud; instead seize the day, keep your nose clean, keep your pecker up, but always mind your p’s and q’s my old china, and walk tall through your salad days.

upfront events travel culture

fashion appetite home business active hardware

FASHION

BRAND NEWS

Brand News Douglas Shopping Amara Just approaching their 1st anniversary, Amara women’s and men’s fashion store has finally granted us islanders the chance to get our hands on Pepe Jeans. Previously not available on the island Pepe Jeans with their heritage of 35 years are the most popular British jeans around, even the glamorous Miss Moss strutted her first catwalk for the brand. Both men’s and women’s Pepe Jeans are available at Amara with only a few of each item so you know you’re buying something unique.

The latest range from Pepe Jeans is the Andy Warhol inspired collection. Think Marylyn Monroe and Campbell’s soup amongst just some of his amazing 60’s pop art prints, all of which have been stylishly translated into clothes for this collection. And if you’re looking for something a little dressier then Amara also stock classic Italian menswear brands such as Antony Morato and Claudio Lugli, with a host of exquisitely designed shirts and finely detailed tailoring.

Enfin Now in its 17th year in business Enfin prides itself on being one of the islands premier Men’s and Ladies Clothes Shop. In the ladies wear section it is introducing a casual touch from Franklin, Marshall and Firetrap. On eveningwear they are introducing Rare and Pink, these new brands will sit nicely alongside its core brands offering of French Connection, Superdry, Henleys, Diesel and Catwalk.

The 1st floor Men’s department will also be introducing new brands this season, you can expect to see Fly53, Humor, Gio, to sit along side Ted Baker, Duck and Cover, G-Star, Henleys and Superdry.

ISLE OF MAN LIFE & STYLE MAGAZINE

Peter Luis

38

Peter Luis has been trading on the Island 38 years, and during that time have become integrated with the community we call home. Longstanding consistency and a loyal customer base are built on three key principals: Quality of Product and High Standard of Service, both underpinned by Knowledge.

And as any Pirate Captain worth his salt might tell you, one should be ready to ‘change tack with the seasons’. While we always hold a steady rudder as the exclusive GANT outlet on the Island for both men’s and ladies wear, we never stop looking to the future and exploring the foreign shores for inspiration.

This autumn will see the introduction of new lines from German Fashion House Roy Robson and a very exciting brand from State of Art of Holland – continuing our belief in bringing quality clothing into the store.

FASHION

Beauty News Eyes like a baby The eye may be the window of the soul, but the delicate skin around it also serves as a great record-keeper of the passing years. The skin around the eye is the thinnest on the body and has fewer oil glands than the rest of the face, making the area more susceptible to environmental factors, eg UV exposure which, combined with mechanical movements such as smiling and squinting, lead to fine lines and wrinkles. Dermalogica’s new AGE Reversal Eye Complex offers protection against the multiple factors which contribute to the visible signs of ageing.

By speeding up the cell turnover process, stimulating collagen production and thickening the cell layers in this area, skin appears plumper, fuller and smoother with fewer wrinkles and consistent pigmentation distribution. The complex delivers a highly active blend of retinol, peptides, vitamins and botanicals which fortify the supporting underlying tissues and refresh the resilience of surface skin, resulting in a smoother, more responsive skin condition in this fragile area.

Available at ‘For your eyes only’ on Victoria Street, Douglas.

Sisley triumph in InStyle Best Beauty Buys 2011 InStyle Best Beauty Buys is the definitive guide to the best products on the market, as voted for by a panel of 180 top beauty experts including make up artists, therapists and hair stylists.

Sisley received the most amount of awards for any single brand.

Sisley Express Flower Gel Mask won Best Hydrating Mask.

www.harrods.com

Spring Clean your make up bag!

Bare Escentuals Flawless Mascara - www.feelunique.com // Shiseido Shimmering Rouge Lip Stick www.shiseido.co.uk // TheBalm Boy’s Blush with light reflecting particles www.feelunique.com

ISLE OF MAN LIFE & STYLE MAGAZINE

Beauty products do go out of date. They normally start to smell slightly funny, or their texture changes. Mascaras are especially bad for this as they are in and out the whole time, and start to go clumpy. This just won’t do. Stop scraping the dregs out, and head to feelunique and treat yourself to lots of new lovely products. New make-up makes you happy, lovely glossy packaging is exciting and just opened make-up feels so good! (One of our guilty pleasures is the joy we get from dipping our finger into a new lip gloss or eyeshadow!) As if you lot really needed an excuse anyway... New favourites which are now in store:

Feature your beauty products with gallery email: beauty@gallery.co.im

39

FEATURE

Gallery Fashion August 2011

ShipShape

ISLE OF MAN LIFE & STYLE MAGAZINE

Photography & Styling: Julian A Simmonds Hair & Make Up: Julia Simmonds Model: Julia

54

Pirate Bandana £2.99 Belt £12.99 Red Shawl £8.99 All from Rainbow’s End - Douglas.

ISLE OF MAN LIFE & STYLE MAGAZINE

FEATURE

55

FEATURE

ISLE OF MAN LIFE & STYLE MAGAZINE

White Navy Cap by Gant - £25 Striped Rugger Tunic by Gant - £98

Gant clothing kindly supplied by Peter Luis of Douglas Nautical props kindly supplied by Tony at Manx Marine

56

Navy Nautical Print Scarf by Gant £75 Navy Moccasin Shoes by Gant £99

FEATURE

ISLE OF MAN LIFE & STYLE MAGAZINE

Striped Rugger Tunic by Gant - £98

White Oxford shirt by Gant £73 Canvas Nautical Weekend Bag by Gant £85

Voile Striped Dress by Gant £125

57

FEATURE

Striped Scarf - £16 Top Shop Red Trousers - £14 Peacocks Shoes - £16.99 River Island

Back pack £24.99 / Ne cklace £3.99 Wristband £1.99 - Ra inbow’s End Red Scarf £7.99 - Intern acionale

ISLE OF MAN LIFE & STYLE MAGAZINE

Red/White Striped Top - £9 Top Shop Skirt - £20 Peacock’s Blue/White Bandana - £6 Peacock’s

58

Miss Selfridge Blue/White Bandana - £14 fridge Denim Trousers - £35 Miss Sel p Sho Striped Top - £18 Top Shoes - £16.99 River Island

Nautical props kindly supplied by Tony at Manx Marine

FEATURE

ISLE OF MAN LIFE & STYLE MAGAZINE

Blue Pirate Shawl - £8.99 Rainbow’s End Denim Trousers - £35 Miss Selfridge

59

upfront events travel fashion

appetite home business active hardware

APPETITE

A Recipe for Success - The Individual Cake Company

T

he proof is definitely in the pudding for this year’s favourite Manx Brand, ‘The Individual Cake Company.’

Since switching on their ovens last September, The Individual Cake Company have whisked up a frenzy in the Manx baking scene. Voted as the favourite Manx Brand at the Food Hero Awards this summer, they’re not doing too bad considering partner, Lynda Maney came to the island to retire. Little did she know she’d be swapping her hectic London life to find herself covered in eggs and flour.

“We only wanted a Teashop by the Sea, not a new business!” explains Lynda brushing icing sugar from her apron.

But her peaceful retirement plan all changed when persuaded to help a friend at a food market last year. Lynda along with son, Matt, whipped together some cupcakes to help fill one of the stalls completely unaware of the interest their cakes would generate. Their handcrafted cakes left the public with a mouthful of tantalised taste buds and a demand for more, and so was born, ‘The Individual Cake Company’.

From here The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture invited The Individual Cake Company to the Food & Drinks Festival, which led to a whirlwind of success with their cupcakes finding a home on the shelves of Shoprite, Tynwald Mills and the recently opened ‘Chocolate Fairy’ on Strand Street. But this is by no means the height of their success.

“I won’t be happy until our cakes are on Waitrose shelves in the UK,” laughs Lynda who often bakes until 4am to ensure her cupcakes are as fresh as possible.

With topping’s like popcorn, banana and Eaton Mess piled high with fresh strawberries, blueberries and meringue this topping ratio is exactly how we like it. Lynda and Matt are even venturing into the savoury side of cupcakes with

Pancake Day specials of sponge topped with butter cream, maple syrup, crumbled bacon and biscuit crumb. “Our cakes are getting crazier every day; I’ll just look at something and wonder if I can put it on a cake?” So thanks to plenty of product testing Lynda happily confesses, “If the flavours taste good together on a plate, you can put it on top of a cake.”

However, with all this product testing you’d think there’d be plenty of waste, well not for The Individual Cake Company, it seems they’ll transform anything into something delicious. “With the large wedding and birthday cakes we receive orders for there’s lots of trimming to be done, so we mix all the sponge trimmings with flavoured syrups to make, what we call, Chumpy, which we put on a lolly stick to make Cake-pops.” Well who knew a recession could sound so appetising!

Matt and Lynda are heading to this year’s Food and Drink Festival on 24th and 25th September. If you can’t wait until then, they serve mouth-watering cakes throughout the week at their base, The Nobles Park Café, Douglas.

www.theindividualcakecompany.com

ISLE OF MAN LIFE & STYLE MAGAZINE

“I won’t be happy until our cakes are on Waitrose shelves in the UK!”

47

APPETITE

Food News

Food News A Caribbean twist for The Creamery

Tastes from the top

The Isle Man Creameries launched a new fruity fusion of cheeses this summer. The range uses a crumbly Druidale as a base, originally created in 1922 by Gladys Davies, the first commercial cheese maker on the island.

There’s only one place where you can lap up views of Scotland, Ireland, Wales and Mann whilst tucking into a Sunday lunch, and that’s the ‘Snaefell Summit restaurant’. The only place in the British Isles where you have the privilege of such a backdrop has, thanks to the Department of Community, Culture and Leisure been given a new lease of life.

The building has undergone a £230,000 complete refurbishment, including reroofing, new windows and doors and the installation of a new toilet block and kitchen. So take a tram trip to the highest point on the island and enjoy a sunset dinner while you take in the breath-taking views that surround our island.

The new cheeses feature a Caribbean twist of Mango and Pineapple which proved a taste sensation at this year’s National Cheese Awards held in Somerset. Out of a massive 851 entries from all over the world, the delicious Manx cheese won the silver award for dairy innovation.

The new zesty range also includes Druidale blended with sweet apricots and another blended with tangy Cranberries.

ISLE OF MAN LIFE & STYLE MAGAZINE

The perfect way to get your five a day.

48

Yo ho ho and some Basking Shark Rum

Why rum?

A careful blending of pot-distilled rums from Fijian and Caribbean islands forms Ballarock’s new premium, caskaged rum ideal for sipping.

Rum itself was chosen this time because of the long history the island has with the sea; fishermen, smugglers, pirates and the like. Yo ho ho and all that.

We wanted to find out a little more about this new Pirate Grog called Basking Shark Rum, the Ballarock Ltd company and their plans for the future; we managed to catch up with company co-founder Garry Gray.

What is it about the Basking Shark that brought about their use in the marketing of this product?

How did the company Ballarock come about?

Ballarock Ltd itself came about after a visit to the island in the summer of 2008. The dream is to one day establish an ‘Artisan Distillery’ on the island, and both Celtic Mist and Basking Shark Rum have the Isle of Man at their heart – as will everything the company produces.

The Basking Shark is pretty much representative of the variety of islands from which the pot-distilled rums come from originally, before being blended. And the majestic Basking Shark is very popular on the island. In fact, for every bottle of Basking Shark Rum sold, a contribution is made to the Manx Basking Shark Watch – and we’re very proud of this.

Fresh & Home Grown When asked to think about Manx food, one might be forgiven for settling on Kippers, Queenies and Bonnag...but there’s so much more...

Let’s be honest words | Simon

Let’s be honest, it’s actually been a pretty decent summer, weatherwise. Yet every time there is a heavy rain shower, you always hear the same sage words, ‘well, the garden sure needs it.’ This August and September I suggest you take advantage of this ‘good for the garden’ mentality and look to see the best of Manx Horticultural labour, and sample the best of what the island has to offer in the way of fresh food & drink.

When asked to think about Manx food, one might be forgiven for settling on Kippers, Queenies and Bonnag...but there’s so much more The farms of the island endeavour to produce quality vegetables year-round, and this current season boasts salads, carrots, courgettes, shallots, broccoli, tomatoes, mushrooms and spuds to mention a choice few. Fruits in season are perfect for fruit salads or pies & crumbles – and don’t forget a nice crème anglaise made with Isle of Man Cream. And of course, there’s never a shortage of seafood here!

And after the Shows, as the year rolls on, why not get out to the restaurants around the Island and have a look at what they’re doing with Manx produce. Awesome, clean, tasty and original, using traditional ingredients – that’s what Manx cuisine should be all about.

Horticultural Shows: Sulby Horticultural Show, Sulby Community Hall, 6th Aug Kirk Michael Horticultural Show, Kirk Michael School, 18th Aug Ramsey Horticultural Show, Methodist Centre Waterloo Rd, 27th Aug 1:30pm Southern Gardeners Association Show, Morton Hall, 27-28 Aug 2pm-5pm St John’s Supporters Produce Show, Methodist Hall, 3rd Sept Peel Gardeners Association Show, Corrin Hall, 9th Sept Onchan Horticultural Society Show, Onchan Youth & Comm. Centre, 10th Sept Ballaugh Horticultural Show, Ballaugh Parish Hall, 17th Sept 2pm Cronk-y-Voddy Annual Produce Show, Ballakaighen Farm, 22nd Sept 3pm Isle of Man Food and Drink Festival, IOM Business School Gardens, 24-25 Sept

ISLE OF MAN LIFE & STYLE MAGAZINE

APPETITE

49

APPETITE

Yo ho ho and a bottle of rum A’right me beauty? When you be finished with all that there grog-guzzlin’, and before you’re three sheets to the wind, get yerself trying out some of th’ideas from this rum lot.

Chefspeak

Piratecocktails

“What to do with that there leftover bottle o’rum”

Pirate’s Pain Killer 2oz dark rum 1oz cream of coconut 4oz pineapple juice 1oz orange juice “It’s our favourite”

…create a flambéd caramel & coconut dessert Melt brown sugar and butter to make a caramel, add some slices of pineapple and a decent splash of Bacardi, flambé it and serve it with coconut icecream. Delicious. ...marinate some rum n’chilli pork marinate pork loin in some rum and then bake it in the oven with a little chilli, sugar, garlic & orange juice. …make rum rice pudding Make rice pudding using Asian sticky black rice and coconut milk - use palm sugar if you can. Finish the rice pudding with a big dollop of vanilla ice cream and a grilled banana, then pour a good splash of dark rum over the dish. Yum yum yum and a bottle of rum... … make a stew fit for a pirate Chop up a chicken (not a parrot, or Jack Sparrow) into pieces (of eight), season and brown in a pan with a little oil. Add a good glass of dark rum, some honey over the chicken pieces, dust with garlic and your favourite spices (cinnamon, ground coriander and nutmeg are nice). Add some chopped pineapple and chopped chillies, or chilli powder and roast until the chicken is cooked and the sauce is sticky (about 35 mins).

Serve on deck with rice. There you go – a pirate stew that’ll keep the scurvy away.

ISLE OF MAN LIFE & STYLE MAGAZINE

…tart up a pineapple tarte tatin Cook the pineapples in caramel, and add a good splash of Bacardi. It really helps keep that pineapple flavour alive.

50

… bake bbq bananas Wrap bananas in foil with butter, brown sugar and dark rum, place on the side of the BBQ while you’re cooking the rest of the food and then just before serving, open the foil, pour in more rum and flambé, then serve with vanilla icecream.

Chocolate Pirate 1 ½ shots of rum 1 shot of Kahlua coffee liqueur 1 shot of milk 2 scoops chocolate ice cream “This is a fun boozy cocktail which uses the pairing of chocolate and rum to its best” Dark & Stormy 2 Shots Havana Club Rum 1 shot freshly squeezed lime juice ½ shot sugar syrup Fever-Tree Ginger Beer Lime wedges, for garnishing Shake the first 3 ingredients with ice, strain into an ice-filled tall glass. add ginger beer, stir and garnish.

“Lime and ginger beer add a refreshing element to this cocktail” Mariner’s Mojito Place sprigs of mint in a Collins (highball) glass and mix with 2 tsps sugar 3cl limejuice 4cl Havana Club Rum top up with soda water then garnish with a sprig of mint.

“Drinking water turned green and slimy on long voyage. Rum was sometimes added to make it acceptable, along with sugar and limejuice to mask the foul tasting water. Was this the forerunner of the cocktail Mojito?”

Canecutter 30 ml Bundaberg dark rum 30 ml Kahlua coffee liqueur Coca-Cola and ice.

Ice first, then add Bundaberg Rum, Kahlua and fill with Coca Cola.

Caribbean Smuggler 3/4 oz dark rum 1/2 oz triple sec 1 oz orange juice 1 oz margarita mix 1/2 oz simple syrup 3 oz lemon-lime soda Pour the dark rum, triple sec, orange juice, margarita mix and simple syrup into a cocktail shaker half-filled with ice cubes.

Shake well, and strain into a hurricane glass almost filled with ice cubes. Top with lemonlime soda, and stir briefly. Garnish with a lime wheel and an orange flag, and serve. ”It’ll put a pucker on yer face, ready fer the kissin’!”

For dozens more pirate cocktails, get yerself onto www.talklikeapirate.com.

upfront events travel fashion appetite

home business active hardware

HOME

Rock Cottage Every Pirate needs a break from sailing the seven seas now and again, and for this months nautical theme we found the perfect retreat down by the harbour in Port St Mary.

W

ISLE OF MAN LIFE & STYLE MAGAZINE

ith the sea just the walk of a plank away, Rock Cottage is the perfect hideaway from the pitching waters of everyday life. This newly constructed annex to an existing property is built to an exacting specification, and is now available to those seeking a seaside retreat.

52

The use of space is maximized through meticulous design, and the created ambience is complimented by the stunning sea views; so the lucky pirate who snares this enclave for themselves will never feel far from their beloved sea. The accommodation also has the potential of being a superb lock it up and leave purchase. A true lifestyle purchase for your pieces of eight, me hearties.

The flexible accommodation arranged over 3 floors comprises Lounge/Bedroom 4, Shower Room and Kitchen on the Ground Floor (this floor could also be used as a self contained living area if desired), Bedroom 1 with En Suite Shower Room, Lounge, Dining Kitchen and Utility on the First Floor, 2 further Bedrooms, Shower/wet Room and Bathroom on the Second Floor. Large decked rear patio. Integral Garage. Driveway parking for 2 cars.

Location Traveling through Port St Mary along Bay View Road, turn right into the one-way system along Park Road, and take second left into Queens Road. Take the first turning on the left, then left again and bear right to the lower harbour. Continue along The Underway and Rock Cottage is located on the left hand side to the far end just before a large turning area for cars. By sea me hearties its approximately 70 nautical miles from the UK.

Tel: 01624 645555 info@blackgracecowley.com

Interiornews We take a look at the latest interior trends and what is available to buy locally. This month we feature products with a nautical theme.

Lamp La Marina by Eichholtz This aluminium pendant lamp is detailed with a nautical theme that would look perfect in any number of interior settings including over a graceful hallway, in a luxurious and relaxing lounge or – dare I say it – over the Captain’s Dining Table.

Americas Cup Desk

Kanagawa wall covering from the Foulard collection by Elitis

‘Boat’ Style bookcase by Gautier This original and well constructed book case is made of Finition Yew and boasts ample shelf space and drawers, making it both a practical and fun addition to any young pirate buccaneer’s bedroom – perfect for keeping his or her spoils in!

From the chic and fashionable Foulard collection by Elitis, this wall covering is in a Japanese printed art style, depicting ‘foam dancing as waves break’. Called Kanagawa, the covering is quality embossed vinyl on a non-woven base, which is washable and boasts good light-fastness.

ISLE OF MAN LIFE & STYLE MAGAZINE

Made from cherry-wood , this large desk is - as you would expect, given the name - very much in keeping with the American style very much in vogue on the east coast of the states during the latter portion of the 19th Century. At almost two meters wide, there’s plenty of room to spread your maps out.

All available from Cubbin & Bregazzi.

53

HOME

Property market news Challenges The Isle of Man property market is facing a number of challenges. The market is fed by the first time buyer and whilst there are very low levels of first time buyers purchasing, the entry level market is quiet. The good news is however investors are still seeking a safe home for their lump sums. Yields of 4% and no corporate risk make housing up to £250,000 quite an attractive proposition. Few other sales have been registered in this price band at present.

Motivation to purchase

As a result to no or few grass root sales there is no knock on effect throughout the rest of the market. The middle market (from £250,000 to £500,000) has as a consequence is equally being starved of new buyers.

This sector needs to be fed sales in order to cascade some positive impetus upwards. Indeed the further up the pricing sector you go, from the middle to the upper market (from£500,000 to £1,000,000) the more erratic and difficult to predict the market gets. Even the upper echelons of the market rely on substantial loans and the buyers do not have the benefit of sufficient collateral to buy without selling their existing residence. Only when we break into the £1,000,000 plus market is this collateral released in sufficient amounts in order to make a purchase possible. In this sector however there appears to be a lack of confidence or motivation to purchase due partly to the reverberations felt from the lower sectors of the market place.

Injection of funds

ISLE OF MAN LIFE & STYLE MAGAZINE

What is necessary now is for an external injection of funds in order to kick start the market again. The recent good news that there has been a unanimous approval from Tynwald to amend the popular house purchasing assistance scheme is very welcome and is designed to address this problem at the grass roots level. With immediate effect the department has raised the eligible income for those seeking to purchase a property on the open market from £25,000 to £35,000 and the minimum grant for eligible applicants will be raised from £3,000 to £5,000. My question is does this go far enough, could there be more done through the public sector or failing that the private sector?

We are as an industry exploring these avenues currently so watch this space for further breaking news and updates.

Speculation

Other areas of speculation surround the availability of finance. In my opinion lenders are seeing the need to charge high arrangement fees and apply very strict lending multiples (i.e. the amount you are allowed to borrow in terms of a percentage of the overall value of your home) to all mortgage applications for a reason.

This policy sends a clear notice of intent that lenders currently are not wishing to lend money to any great extent. This is not to say that it is right that people should be allowed to borrow more than they can afford too but it is as a direct consequence this lending stance says to all comers that the Banks are concerned about the market and they are fearful of the future. To this extent it could become a self fulfilling prophecy.

Accept realistic prices

Houses are still selling of course but it is certainly the case that the number of sales is greatly reduced and those which are selling have had to accept realistic prices. People will always need housing and the supply and demand of housing goes in cycles, the current cycle is of a slow nature, but the need to move will always be there. Classed simply this is the social need to move house. In conclusion the market is slow and confidence stretched but I have the benefit of over twenty five years of property experience under my belt and I see no reason why anyone who wants to move, should not move at present.

Home first, investment second

Your house is a home first and an investment second. As long as you take a medium term view I see absolutely no reason why you should not survive a house purchase unscathed. In fact quite the opposite you should do quite well in the long run. Property goes in cycles, life carries on regardless.

For more property comment read our twitter feed and Facebook page or read our regular blogs. Failing that you can always come and ask me in person !!

Question the valuer

Our ongoing is advice is simple and consistent to potential sellers ..... be realistic. Taking an unrealistic view on the asking price of your home is a sure way of ensuring a house sale will not be forthcoming. Question the valuer and seek a number of market appraisals when preparing your property for marketing is crucial at present. Ask the valuer to produce recent market evidence of sales to back up their recommended asking price, common sense should prevail at this stage therefore do not go with the highest asking price, go with the realistic asking price.

Nicholas R Cooper

Residential Director | Black Grace Cowley

54

Be realistic.

Taking an unrealistic view on the asking price of your home is a sure way of ensuring a house sale will not be forthcoming.

upfront events travel fashion appetite home

business active hardware

BUSINESS

Isle of Man Entrepreneurs on the sofa

Evolution > Chris Quayle Chris Quayle Born

18/06/80 Isle of Man

School

Murrays Road/ Ballakermeen

Uni

Loughborough

First job

Hush Puppies Shop

Car

VW GTi Turbo

Book

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Complete Sherlock Holmes, as the short stories are great to rattle through.

Music

Anna Calvi and Mona (who are supporting KoL at the moment) but always go back to Primal Scream or Stone Roses.

Film

Scarface

Gadget

Endomondo iPhone app GPS tracking for cycling.

Last holiday

USA Road Trip

Enjoy

Travelling – explored SE Asia over the last few years; and am heading back out at Christmas too.

Marital Status

Long-term GF

What lead to the creation of Evolution?

ISLE OF MAN LIFE & STYLE MAGAZINE

Spotting an opportunity. The Island’s recruitment market proved to be a well serviced field, but we felt there was room for a more tailored approach using our knowledge of IOM businesses. When at KPMG, we felt the recruitment service we were receiving from some of the providers was a pretty poor, blanket approach of sending us every possible CV to sift through. It was a very sales-focused environment looking for quick wins and we wanted to flip that on its head.

We’re into the long-game, and the recommendations that come from looking after people. It’s far more enjoyable that way.

56

What did you do prior to starting this business?

Trained as an ACA Chartered Accountant at KPMG which progressed into a Manager role in Transaction Services. It gave me a fantastic exposure to a wide variety of business environments and detailed knowledge of how they work.

What’s the hardest lesson you’ve learned?

Putting the work down! I’m sure my girlfriend is sick of being an iPhone widow. But I’m always thinking about

my work and new ideas.

What do you put your success down to?

Taking the time to look after people – pure and simple.

What are the future plans?

Leigh Kennaugh joined 12 months ago to launch Evolution Accounting, so we are looking to grow that with the same ethos, looking after them and helping their business grow.

About the business Chris established Evolution Recruitment in October 2008 with his business partner Toby Smith. They are both qualified accountants (Chris ACA, Toby ACCA) so are well equipped to consider the intricacies of businesses around the island and further afield.

They are keen to stress the quality, targeted, solution-driven approach they have to recruiting on behalf of a variety of clients. And now through striving to provide the same approach in Evolution Accounting, the future looks to be an exciting one for the Evolution Team.

BUSINESS

BusinessNews Fairbairn Private Bank awarded Gold status by Investors in People This is the highest level of accreditation possible and places the bank in the top 1% of IIP recognised organisations. Fairbairn Private Bank is the first financial services company on the Island to receive this accolade and...marks a journey of continuous improvement and on-going business development. Greg Horton, Managing Director of Fairbairn Private Bank, commented: “We are delighted to achieve the IIP Gold standard as it provides an independent, strong endorsement that a continued focus on the needs of our staff directly results in a top performing business for our clients.’

The IIP report stated: ‘Fairbairn Private Bank has demonstrated a passion for creating a high performance culture. The tremendous achievement of Gold which is highlighted in this report is testament to this desire alongside other achievements, such as the Best 100 Small Companies listing and a UK National Training Award.’

Manx Telecom Life in the Fast Lane - The Mailbox-Circular Rd-Douglas

Top of the agenda came news that Manx Telecom has upgraded its connections between the Island and the rest of the world to provide higher capacity and even more resilient connectivity for customers.

The new network will offer up to 10 Gbps (Giga bits per second) capacity for multi-media, voice, and data communications... A key feature of the upgraded network is an increased number of Points of Presence – in the Isle of Man, Manchester, London, Dublin and Belfast – offering customers a greater choice of locations from which to take global services to and from.

‘We don’t hold these events often – and only do so when we believe we have something significant to say,’ said Manx Telecom Managing Director, Mike Dee. ‘However, we felt that the news about our new network was something worth shouting about, especially as connectivity is at the core of most businesses, as more and more

commerce moves online. We also wanted to give our customers better options for high speed European, Transatlantic, and Asian connectivity, so alongside the new circuitry, we have revised our pricing structure for connectivity products to offer more choice and even better value for money.

Finally, thinking of ‘Isle of Man plc’ we know the announcements we are making today will play a major role in helping the Island win its share of global business and inward investment, both now and in the future.

‘At Manx Telecom, we know that the key to success lies in investment – and over the years our capital expenditure has been of a nature and on such a scale that I’m proud to say the Island has a communications infrastructure which many larger countries would envy. We also know that technology alone won’t bring success, our customers want choice and value from joined up solutions, and we know they value Manx-based customer service – while the technology may change, these aspects of our operation never will.’

Boston Group Going Places With a team of over 50, headquartered in the IOM, Boston Group specialises in Family, Corporate and Fiduciary services for high net worth clients worldwide. Boston made a statement of intent earlier this year hiring Greg Ellison as CEO from Barclays Wealth.

ISLE OF MAN LIFE & STYLE MAGAZINE

B

usiness leaders from across the Island gathered recently at “Life in the Fast Lane – Managed & Delivered” a business briefing at which Manx Telecom unveiled its latest technology.

A few months into his role, Greg explains “It’s a very exciting time for Boston. We’ve just completed a strategic review and are about to commence a large scale investment programme. Being privately owned we focus on the long term and this investment in our business is centred on our clients. In addition, we’ve had some fantastic talent join us recently. Clearly, people have noticed that we’re going places!’

57

BUSINESS

Richard Hall, Craig Cregeen, Paul Krief and Martin Kinrade

Skanco announces the appointment of four new technical staff

IOMA Group announces appointment of 2 new managing directors

Local corporate IT supplier Skanco Business Systems Ltd has announced the appointment of four new technical personnel to its growing staff. Paul Krief, Richard Hall and Craig Cregeen have joined the team as Technical Engineers and Martin Kinrade has joined as a Technical Apprentice.

Craig Brown and Alex McNee have been appointed as Managing Directors of IOMA Fiduciary and IOMA Solutions respectively.

The appointments are part of a large expansion in Skanco’s business.

Technical Manager Andrew Kermode commented: ‘The new appointments are partly motivated by our having recently acquired a significant contract for...the Isle of Man Government. However, the new technical staff will be available to all of our private clients, so we will be able to offer even better service across the board.’

In keeping with Skanco’s philosophy of supporting the local community, all four are Manx workers. Skanco are continuing to expand their team and posts are still being advertised.

The appointments are part of a strategic move to focus on the development of these two areas of the business.

Craig commented: ‘I feel privileged to have been trusted with the Group’s fiduciary business and relish the challenges ahead.’ Alex also commented: ‘The past year has been a period of development for the IOMA Solutions concept, and we are very pleased with the positive response from clients.’

Managing Director of the Group, Nigel Wood, said, ‘In Alex and Craig we have two very able, experienced senior managers, with proven expertise, client focus and who engender the IOMA ethos.

Our aim is to grow the business and dazzle our clients, but have fun doing it; these appointments have been made with that aim in mind.’

The Claremont Hotel welcomes new General Manager

ISLE OF MAN LIFE & STYLE MAGAZINE

The Claremont Hotel has appointed Ian Stephenson as General Manager. Ian has over 25 years hotel industry experience. Ian started his training with Forte Hotels in the Northwest of England, and has since held a number of key positions at high quality hotels, including managing the famous Prince’s Gate boutique hotel in Rotorua, New Zealand.

58

Ian said, ‘The interview was the first time I had visited the Isle of Man, but I have long been a fan of Island life... The Claremont first attracted me because of the excellent reputation enjoyed by the owners, Sleepwell Hotels, and this was confirmed when I came to visit.’ The Claremont has also recently celebrated being awarded a fourth star by Isle of Man Tourism.

Lloyds Banking Group confirms senior appointments in the Islands for International Wealth business Wendy Leedham has been confirmed as Head of Islands Retail and Simon Prescott as Head of Islands Corporate Banking.

Wendy‘s role covers Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man. She retains responsibility for leading International Wealth’s retail business in the islands.

Simon will continue to lead the Group’s offshore business for corporate clients operating in the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man whilst additionally taking responsibility for the Bank’s interface with the regulator and community affairs.

Russell Galley, recently appointed Managing Director of Lloyds Banking Group’s International Wealth business, said: “The Channel Islands and Isle of Man remain one of our traditionally strong markets. We are proud of our heritage and history in the islands and see the market as having continued key significance for Lloyds Banking Group.”

BUSINESS

The Profits of Piracy

Of

course, it’s easy to look at the past with a sense of nostalgia, even if it is for murderous, thieving villains, but the truth is that even today’s pirates have their fans.

Take Somalia, home to this century’s most notorious pirates. As a country with no functioning government, billions of dollars of cargo floating past its beaches every day en route to the Suez Canal and an economy that almost completely operates in the shadows, Somalians were bound to develop an interest in the buccaneer’s trade. Yes, the pirates are ruthless and understandably vilified in the West but you can be pretty sure that the $30 million they bring into the Somali economy every year is welcomed with open arms by the villagers and townspeople who do benefit.

No longer was piracy restricted to spotty teenagers getting excited about the latest Paula Abdul single, it was taking place on an enormous scale, at a rate that couldn’t be ignored.

The music industry estimates that annually, $12.5 billion is lost through piracy whilst the guys in the software industry have managed to work out that an unbelievable $51 billion is lost annually through piracy. Of course, industry estimates are bound to sound scary but even with some moderation factored in, the economic costs of digital piracy dwarf those of the traditional maritime kind.

What’s interesting about digital piracy is the fact that virtually anyone with online access has probably knowingly taken part in it, which brings us back to that same point - whilst pirates are vilified by some, they are loved by others.

But piracy is not all about adventure on the high seas, In the 21st century, perhaps the most common form of piracy is the ‘sharing’ of movies, software and music on the Net.

Henry Morgan was an excellent example of this, the man who terrified Panama in the late 17th century was a privateer for the King of England – one man’s pirate is another man’s privateer.

By the end of his pirating days, Morgan held significant political influence in the Caribbean as Lieutenant Governor of the West Indies and even had a knighthood to his name. It doesn’t take much to imagine that to Somalis, the pirates on their beaches, scourge of the world’s transport infrastructure, are also local heroes, bringing cash into an economic desert. One man’s pirate is another’s hero, it really does depend on your point of view.

Much to the frustration of the industries concerned, there’s hardly an online individual who hasn’t benefited in some way from the purchase of unlicensed digital goods. Those of us who remember copying music onto tapes as kids won’t have seen much difference between that and downloading a track using file sharing software. For publishers though, the difference was clear – the magnitude of the situation.

Finally, after many years of wailing and kicking about, this message might just be getting through to the entertainment industry. If nothing on earth is going to stop people downloading free music and films, then why bother trying?

Instead of raging on about piracy and making us all out to be miniBlackbeards, the little piece of joy that is Spotify has helped the industry see through its anger to the possibility of

What they don’t understand or care about is the full cost of piracy to the world. Although Somalia is the most high profile pirating country, it isn’t the most prolific, that accolade falls to Indonesia, with Nigeria not far behind.

Together, according to the Australian government, piracy costs the world between $13 billion and $16 billion every year.

a new world where music can be free and publishers can still make their money. All it has taken is a different view of things, a different take on the way economics works.

Of course, Somalia is deeply riddled with problems that will take decades to solve but if governments and industries want to bring an end to piracy off the country’s shores, then they’ll have to look at things a bit differently. Whilst there’s crushing poverty in the country, piracy will seem like a well-paid, even glamorous way to make a living which no number of warships will stop.

Instead of focusing on stopping the pirates at sea, the only way to beat them and put those billions of dollars back into the pockets of industry will be to beat them on shore by providing alternative opportunities.

At the end of the day few of us want to be pirates but whether we like it or not, all of us are.

ISLE OF MAN LIFE & STYLE MAGAZINE

There’s something about pirates. Whether it’s stories of Blackbeard’s revelry or Henry Morgan’s rise through society, pirates are, at least in the public imagination, not all bad.

59

upfront events travel culture fashion appetite home business

active hardware

Pose of the month

ACTIVE

Free your body from resistance or struggle, bring your mind to a state of harmony... and breath the way you were born to.

I would like to challenge the perception that Yoga is simply for ‘old ladies’ or sandal-wearing tree-huggers or that it is just relaxation with a bit of breathing.

The Inverted ‘V’ – (Downward Dog) This is an invigorating fundamental pose in Yoga.

Benefits Increases Upper Body Strength Gives length to the spine and hamstrings Can unblock congested sinuses Prepares you for arm balances, inversions and ‘salutes to the sun’.

How it works Slight inversion stimulates the heart and upper glands of the body – enhancing metabolism.

Blood flows to the head and increases strength in the neck.

Wrists arms and shoulders become stronger.

Expect to tremble through the muscles if this is your first time – but don’t stay in the pose and become stressed through the breathing. Instead, rest and try again to build up strength slowly Sammie Walker, Karma karma@manx.net 663300 / 470522

www.karma-iom.co.uk

ISLE OF MAN LIFE & STYLE MAGAZINE

What to do Distance from hands to feet should be one leg length apart and hands shoulder width apart.

Don’t try to send the heels all the way to the floor to begin with.

Move the hips back as far away from the hands as possible to stretch the spine and take the body weight away from the wrists.

Tuck in the ribs and make the neck long.

Calm and steady breathing, in and out through the nose.

61

UPFRONT

T

he Isle of Man has a long standing relationship with sporting success, believe it or not. The much lauded slow-paced life on the Island doesn’t make us sedentary – in fact we’re far from it!

Having just returned from the Island Games on the Isle of Wight, I took the opportunity to speak with Isle of Man Cyclist Elliot Baxter to see how he got on, gauge his thoughts on where Manx cycling is at the moment, and to see how he feels about the forthcoming CYG2011.

When Elliot was of an age to be eligible to represent the Island at a Commonwealth Youth Games, there was no such thing. Speaking about his enthusiasm for the sport back then, I can tell it’s a shame. ‘Attending a large meet like the Island Games gives you good experience to prepare for the likes of the Senior Commonwealth Games,’ he tells me. Having the CYG can only have a similar impact. ‘The Island Games are pretty relaxed, when compared to the Senior Commonwealth, and these youngsters should find the CYG equally as relaxed.’

“That pressure to perform kind of comes

JERSEY’S STYLE MAGAZINE

from within”

16

‘These CYG won’t have the same high security levels and restrictions the senior event does,’ he says. ‘In Manchester 2002 there was really high security, and that was a bit of a shock when you’re used to the Island Games.

And the pressure was higher too...the level of expectation. That pressure to perform kind of comes from within, when I think about it. Mountain Biking is more about the individual, whereas the strategy and tactics of the road racing events makes that more of a team game. But I remember approaching the stadium back in 2002, with all those people there to watch, and the pressure

inside building with almost every mile of the approach – I hadn’t even sat on the bike at that point.’

When I asked Elliot about the recent increase in success in Manx Cycling, and the subsequent surge in interest, he nodded enthusiastically. ‘Figures like Mark Cavendish help,’ he said. ‘Cav’s got a worldwide profile now, but he’s still a good lad. For youngsters joining the cycling teams, it must be a great thrill to ride with a big personality like him, so of course that’s going to help increase interest in the sport. Not just his success, but the fact that these youngsters will get to practice and ride out with him, it’s great.’

“Youngsters get to ride alongside hero figures like Cav you can’t buy that kind of development opportunity” But it’s clear that there is a global interest in cycling. Look at the Tour de France; all those people don’t go every summer for the baguettes. Once a bit of a laughing stock in the world of cycling, Great Britain are now a force; and the Manx are at the cutting edge of that.

‘The Island’s unique,’ Elliot told me (and I can’t argue!), ‘and not just in terms of the terrain. Sure, the sheer variation of terrain we have is unique, but the fact that the Island is not part of the British Cycling Federation itself really helps too.’ According to the BCF, riders as young as 16 can ride with seniors, and often in quite largely populated clubs.

The Isle of Man is part of another separate Cycling Federation; one that allows riders from 14 upwards to ride with the seniors. ‘This gives them earlier exposure to the tactical intricacies of the road events, as well as just the general experience itself at such a young age.

And with the size of the clubs over here, those youngsters get to ride alongside hero figures like Cav – you can’t buy that kind of development opportunity.’

It’s this kind of unique arrangement that will put us in good stead come the CYG2011. Already Elliot has identified young riders coming through that have more than the enthusiasm and zest of youth. ‘Just to mention one, Jake Kelly is already being watched as one for the future. I’d say he has that something special about him that marks him as such.’ And with other riders like Tom Mazzone (A quick sprinter) and John Cregeen (Strong hill climber) amongst Manx numbers, it doesn’t look like we’ll struggle for success on man-powered two wheels in the future.

“When it comes to cycling there are so many opportunities now to give youth the chance to succeed.”

So in anticipation of the coming CYG, I asked what advice Elliot could afford young, budding cyclists or any of the other bright hopes featuring this summer. ‘When it comes to cycling there are so many opportunities now to give youth the chance to succeed.

With Lottery funding and the BCF the best coaches in the world are working in British Cycling at the minute, and that can only ever lead to more stars being developed. But there’s no substitute for hard work. When I was a youngster these opportunities weren’t there and it was so much harder to get spotted, but kids don’t have that excuse these days.

‘But this summer the young people just need to learn from the experience too.

There’ll be a pressure to perform, for sure. A lot of the time that pressure and expectation will come from within – it’s part of being a competitive athlete. With every step up in level there is a step up in expectation and pressure; and the stresses involved in that. I think the important thing is to try and remember to enjoy it too.’

FEATURE

“Once a bit of a laughing stock in the world of cycling, Great Britain are now a force; and the Manx are at the cutting edge of that.”

Elliot Baxter

ISLE OF MAN LIFE & STYLE MAGAZINE

Manx Cyclist.

17

upfront events travel culture fashion appetite home business active

hardware

HARDWARE

Phonehome The LG Optimus 3D

Nokia X7

In store now from Sure

In store now from Manx Telecom

The first ever mobile phone with 3D display, whilst other manufacturers are still thinking on the idea LG is taking the lead.

It has everything to become a best seller even without the 3D tricks - starting with the dual-core processor and dual memory access. The LG Optimus 3D P920 can receive data along two channels, processing it on separate cores and accessing memory quicker. That all makes for a sleeker, faster and more reactive device.

Dedicated digital snappers will love the X7 with its 8 megapixel fixed focus camera which features a dual LED flash and face detection. It has an AMOLED 4-inch touchscreen fashioned from Gorilla Glass - despite the name we don’t suggest dropping it in the Ape House at your local zoo, but it’s tough enough to offer excellent protection for all of those neat camera features. Video recording in 720p HD will give your mini movies a touch of real professionalism and ensure that those magic moments will look every bit as good as you remember them. Four external speakers mean it boasts rich sound quality too.

Free on Smart 800 £45pcm 800 minutes, unlimited texts, free high-speed mobile internet Pay As You Go price £499

Handset Only / Pay As You Go price £405 FREE on Flex 1200 24 month - £195 on Flex 300 24 month

ISLE OF MAN LIFE & STYLE MAGAZINE

4.3 inches 3D capacitive Touchscreen.

66

Dual 5MP cameras record 720p video in 3D and 1080p 2D video simultaneously. 8GB memory expandable with microSD up to 32GB and 512MB RAM. You can have the video or photo you shoot in either viewing format. And once you have shot your film you can play it back on the 4.3-inch display or upload straight to You Tube. Use it on any number of apps, or even Bluetooth it to your PC.

www.surecw.com

Other features include an expandable memory via microSD to allow you to boost storage by up to 32GB, a free 8GB microSD card in the box, support for Quickoffice document viewer (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, PDF) and a media player.

The phone is powered by Nokia’s Symbian Anna operating system, which features brand new, clearer icons on the homescreen to make it easy to find the functions you’re after.

A-GPS is also on board and teams with an improved version of the Nokia Maps mapping software for easy route-finding.

www.manx-telecom.com

HARDWARE

Bluetooth gadgets of the month

B

luetooth is rumoured to be named for a Danish Viking King – Vikings: pretty much Scandinavian Pirates, right?

– Ok, that’s a bit of a reach, but we’re running with it.

In this month’s Gadget’s section, we take a glance at a handful of Bluetooth gadgets on the market.

Bluetooth gadgets don’t tend to be much use on their own.

It’s a method of connectivity, so what really matters is what use is it? My car has built in Bluetooth – brilliant.

But, how far can we go with this? We’ve even heard that there is now a device that can record your heart rate and send it to your smartphone via...yep...Bluetooth!

Gadgets ZAGGmate iPad Case with Keyboard The Multi-award winning ZAGGmate iPad Case with Keyboard, crafted in light (less than 400g) but durable Aluminium (Aircraft Grade Aluminium we are told, not Coke can stuff), incorporates an internal QWERTY keyboard and various shortcut keys to boot. The case can be used to orientate the iPad to landscape OR profile using the hinge, and the Bluetooth technology affords seamless integration with the iPad. Available from firebox.com for £89.99

Creative Labs 2.1 Speakers 18W RMS Sound System

We remember when the Sony Walkman came out. It was ground breaking. Since then, Music-on-the-go technology hasn’t stood still. The latest way to annoy the people sitting near you who are trying to enjoy a quiet afternoon in the park is by way of portable speakers. The Creative Labs 2.1 uses Bluetooth connectivity to connect to your music system. Weighing in at 1.65kg, this might not be the best solution for holidays, but it is a big step in the direction of a wireless living room!

Available to pre-order from scan.co.uk for £75.37

Huge phone screens are all well and good, but there’s nothing like having a proper photo to hand. Gone are the days of taking a Polaroid and waving it around for eight minutes – now we have the GL10 Printer, designed to print from digital cameras or smartphones via Bluetooth in under 45 seconds! Using Zero Ink Thermal technology, the GL10 prints dry – no shaky shaky! This rechargeable pocket-sized printer, by Creative Director LADY GAGA. Available from firebox.com for £119.99

JERSEY’S STYLE MAGAZINE

Polaroid GL10 Instant Mobile Printer

117 67

NIGHTLIFE

did you get shot?

ISLE OF MAN LIFE & STYLE MAGAZINE

Get paparazzi at your events. paparazzi@gallery.co.im

68

did you get shot?

NIGHTLIFE

ISLE OF MAN LIFE & STYLE MAGAZINE

Get paparazzi at your events. paparazzi@gallery.co.im

69

BACKPAGE

BOARDOM

boardom

If you stumbled across a treasure chest of gold what would you buy?

*

THE PERFECT WOMAN Chicken, lots and lots of chicken.

Kyle / Account Manager

Whatever it take s to become a lazy...

MY OWN TROPICAL ISLAND

THE PERFECT WOMAN

Matthew / Office Administrator

Sandra/ Residential Care Worker

THE PERFECT Mick Jagger WOMAN MANSIONS FOR EVERYONE IN MY FAMILY

Kerry / Student sful Create a succes the music festival on Island

Nancy / Jeweller

Brandon / Sales Assistant

AnTHE Audi Q7 PERFECT WOMAN

Whatever my wife wants...

Maggie / English Teacher

Keith / Deputy Head Teacher

I would buy my friends!

Marie /Student

70