Gallery | February 2014 | The PASSION Issue by Gallery Magazine

Isle of Man Premier Magazine | no. 27 | February 2014 | the [PASSION] issue

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Gallery is published eleven times a year as a fresh yet discerning guide to all that happens on the Island and beyond. Not too arty farty superior or too serious, written by the people of the Isle of Man for people everywhere.

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Publisher/Editor STEVE REDFORD DD : 07624 249249 steve@gallery.co.im Sales & Client Relations RACHEL MORRIS DD: 07624 209726 rachel@gallery.co.im Accounts LAURA MACGREGOR laura@gallery.co.im Design Studio design@gallery.co.im

YOU PICK US UP, WE PICK YOU UP, THAT’S THE DEAL. SURE, YOU CAN FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK IF THAT’S YOU PASSION, YOU CAN EVEN COMMUNICATE WITH US IF YOU FANCY.

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Tanya Humbles Hannah Goodby Michelle Tonnesen Linda Huxley Anne Berry Jennifer Parkes Lauren Clarke Grant Runyon Les Able Suzy Holland Rebecca Lawrence Rachel Green Theo Leworthy Liz Corlett Anne Moorhouse Leon Flemming Bonzo Slater Ella Pritchard Phil Taylor Bill Carden

Illustrations

Distribution www.gallery.co.im/distribution distro@gallery.co.im CAREERS jobs@gallery.co.im

Russ Atkinson Jon Moore

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Gallery recycles all its storage and packing materials, boxes and any old magazines that are returned. We don’t get that many fortunately. We love to know our readers hang on to previous copies but when you move or find that they’re taking up too much space, drop them down to the recycling bins. If you want to find out more about recycling, call: 01624 686540. We put this on the green strip to look eco innit... That’s smart!

Disclaimer. All rights reserved. Any form of reproduction of Gallery Magazine, in part or whole is strictly prohibited without the written consent of the publisher. Any views expressed by advertisers or contributors may not be those of the publisher. Unsolicited artwork, manuscripts and copy are accepted by Gallery Magazine, but the publisher cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage. All material, copy and artwork supplied is assumed to be copyright free unless otherwise advised. Contributions for Gallery should be emailed to editorial@gallery.co.im. Names have been changed to protect the innocent and no penguins were harmed in the manufacture of this magazine, you can’t prove nuffing. Why are you still reading the small print? How about researching what really makes the best paper aeroplane? Test them with your colleagues and if you send us a picture of yours we’ll send you a Mars bar..

INTRO

#27

[PASSION] Isle of Man Premier Magazine | no. 27 | February 2014 | the [PASSION] issue

£ priceless

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

WWW.GALLERY.CO.IM

CONTRIBUTE contribute@gallery.co.im 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. If you’d like to see your name in... er... print, get in touch.

ADVERTISE ad@gallery.co.im We understand that the medium is the message. The quality of a magazine reflects on the businesses that advertise within it. Gallery is the Isle of Man highest quality magazine and premium print media option for stylish and progressive brands. If you have a business or strategy to promote get in touch. We 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 07624 249249 or drop us an email...

FEATURE features@gallery.co.im 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.

Gallery Magazine, Quay House, South Quay, Douglas Isle of Man, IM1 5AR T: 07624 249249 E: info@gallery.co.im www.gallery.co.im

edito

he first edition of 2014, where did January go? Before we know it the TT build up will begin. Love it or hate it, there’s a day smack-bang in the middle of this month that is widely and commonly spent devoting time to that one special person you love (or people, if your religion and/or social circles allow), and that’s what our passion issue is all about. We explore the fine line between passion and obsession on pages 10 & 11, dip our toes (if that’s your thing) into the world of alternative dating on pages 18 & 19 and have a guide to the top 10 most romantic cities in the world thanks to RL360 on pages 16 & 17. You can win a romantic stay for two at the Claremont Hotel with dinner at Coast by visiting The Strand this month and filling out a Valentines card then popping it into the prize draw box, see pages 20 & 21 for details. We also look at the word PASSION on page 24, interestingly a word to be banished from the Queen’s English for mis-use, over-use and general uselessness. If culture is your passion our culture section is packed with all things Island of Culture 2014 this month, starting on page 37, be inspired and get involved. The highlight this month has to be a passion for all things equestrian with the official opening of the Ballavartyn equestrian centre in Santon by HRH the Princess Royal, take a look at page 29 / 86 & 87. When you’ve finished reading this issue hopefully you’ve made that restaurant reservation and written a pseudo-anonymous card already, right? Valentines - it’s Friday 14th by the way. Don’t say we didn’t warn you. SR

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Published with gusto in the Isle of Man by

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Illustrated Gallery logo above by Abi Overland

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INTRO

HIGHLIGHTS FEATURE

FEATURE

UPFRONT

I may be boring, but I don’t think I care about anything enough to count as being truly obsessed. There are countless things I like, many things I love, but no one of them is so important to me that it fills me with the desire to devote my life to its worship. I love jazz music and cheese, but you won’t find me fighting people who don’t like gruyere, or getting a tattoo of Miles Davis’s trumpet on my face. I simply don’t care about any one thing enough to revolve the rest of my life around it.

WORDS Grant Runyon ILLUSTRATION Aoife Le Galle

Not everybody shares this viewpoint, and there are armies of people out there who are willing to devote an amount of their time that is unreasonable - probably unhealthy - to the all-consuming pursuit of one specific interest. Traditionally this type of obsession is the preserve of ultra-religious nutters, like the Taliban or their Fox Newswatching American cousins, but these days you’ll also find this kind of pathological devotion in people who worship Robbie Williams or Manchester United. For the benefit of irony-challenged people who write angry letters to the editor - yes, I am absolutely saying that Robbie Williams fans are as bad as the Taliban. Please enjoy the rest of my article whilst you’re composing your fatwa.

S P O RTS PASS I O N

It’s easy to mock little girls for wetting themselves over One Direction, but in their defence I can say that it’s very unusual that I get trapped in an interminable conversation in the pub about whether Zayn or Liam is sexiest. If only this were true about football, which allows men to unashamedly demonstrate a level of obsession that you would hope the Directioners would at least grow out of eventually. When teenage females shriek themselves unconscious at a boyband they at least have the excuse of a raging cocktail of novel hormones, whereas grown men who go on about 1966 and cry when England predictably lose the World Cup deserve no such sympathy. Perhaps this obsession begins in childhood when boys need something trivial to get excited about with their cold, emotionally distant fathers, but I don’t think that’s a good enough excuse for hooliganism, the existence of football music or paying thick racists millions of pounds to kick a ball about and poke each other’s wives.

POSH PEOPLE?

WORDS Grace Ryan ILLUSTRATIONS Ben Robertson

CO M P E T I T I V E V I D E O GAMERS

ONE DIRECTIONERS Forget Twilight, if you want real, old-school, unreconstructed nerds the place you Reasonable adults might assume that the need to start looking is at a video games most dangerous thing about obsessive championship. Video games themselves are boyband fans is the potential for eardrum now playable on anything with a microchip, damage from their pre-pubescent shrieking. and are no longer especially nerdy, although You might also think that a core audience titles like Call of Duty manage of young girls and middleaged gay men might not be For the benefit of irony-challenged people to still be quite unpleasant due to the participation of a core the most dangerous fanbase who write angry letters to the editor audience of horrid teenage to upset. Well, you’d be wrong yes, I am absolutely saying that Robbie boys. The real neckbeards on both counts, as anybody who has tangled with the One Williams fans are as bad as the Taliban. have scorned the likes of C.O.D. Direction fan army can testify. Please enjoy the rest of my article whilst and Halo and moved onto an unwashed dark world of games Parents, journalists and proper you’re composing your fatwa so complex that a normal musicians alike have come to human’s fingers would explode fear the wrath of this online if they tried to play them at any competitive mob of oestrogen-fuelled aggressors, alert level. Titles like Starcraft and League of to any perceived slight to the Burton ownA D U LTS O B S E SS E D W I T H Legends demand fearsome reflexes and brand Backstreet Boys. Woe betide the fool C H I L D R E N ’ S L I T E R AT U R E cult-like commitment to develop even who thinks he can enjoy the idle mockery Saddus adultium pottarius! I just cast passable skill, and so star players can win of Harry Styles’ barnet on the safety of his a spell that I hope will make it socially cash prizes that will keep them in Pot own Twitter account, as within minutes he’ll unacceptable for any non-virgin to talk to Noodles and Lynx Africa for the rest of be buried under a badly-spelled landslide another adult for longer than five minutes their lives. Championships, particularly in of death threats from these foul harpies about Harry Potter, Twilight or The Hobbit. Korea, are played out in stadiums bizarrely the electronic equivalent of burning bags The Harry Potter books are okay, and The packed with thousands of cheering girls, of dog poo left on your doorstep. If only Hobbit is a lot less tedious than Lord of The creating a level of intensity that somehow we could parachute them into Syria with a Rings, but there’s something inescapably percolates downward to the level of what mission briefing that President Assad said sad about finance workers in their thirties passes for a casual player in this world. The Louis was a bender on Tumblr, but the only getting all excited because Harry farted consequences? Reclusive obsessives, carpal thing that will call the rowdy virgins off is on a horcrux and Hermione put potion on tunnel syndrome at an all-time high and a the opportunity to put the boot into the real her broomstick. As a collector of board popularity of crass mother insults not seen enemy: Justin Bieber. games I have some very nerdy interests, since White Men Can’t Jump. but I suppose the difference is that I’m

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

We all know it’s tough to meet a partner on this island, at least if you’re as squeamish as I am about dating somebody who’s been shared around your peer group like that picture of Skeletor riding a kitten, but the sad fact is that our dating market often has a smaller choice than Spar’s DVD

We all dream of meeting our perfect partner, but none of us should ever forget that we live in a tiny place with a distinct shortage of hot babes, despite what those deceitful internet popups will tell you. Your ambition to marry a left-handed Indonesian gymnast who shares your passion for

military memorabilia might never be realised unless you lure them here with bribery and burn their passport. The truth is that if you want to get lucky, you’ll need to stop being so picky, which is why I’ve kindly prepared this guide to some of the more unusual single people out there. No need to thank me, but if you bump into the man who wrote my phone number in the bus stop make sure you tell him that I was lying, size does matter, and it definitely wasn’t just a rash.

WHY NOT DATE …

A BUNNY BOILER?

Most adults have a story about that hot ex they have who turned out to be a complete psycho, but let’s face it, we’re not getting any younger and there’s something maybe a bit charming about the idea of somebody who loves you so much that they accompany you to the toilet and have secretly installed a GPS in your underpants. They obviously know you better than anybody else, which explains why they can turn up absolutely anywhere and will smash your car windscreen with a sledgehammer if you don’t put enough cute emoji in your texts. Statistically, there’s a pretty good chance they’ll end up murdering you, but even if they look like Adrian Chiles and/or the lady from Misery the sex is guaranteed to be fantastic.

Island of Culture financial partners’ representatives from Zurich International Life, SES Satellite, the Empress Hotel and Manx Radio with their selection from the Isle of Man Arts Council loan collection together with Island of Culture 2014 director Michael Lees, extreme left, Isle of Man Arts Council chairman Geoff Corkish MBE MLC, and the president of Tynwald, the Hon Clare Christian MLC with a framed set of Island of Culture 2014 stamps presented to her by the Isle of Man Post Office

WHY NOT DATE …

A FURRY?

The internet is not a destination for the easily shocked, as my grandmother told me the first time I showed her 2 girls, 1 cup. The ever-curious nature of human sexuality means that if you can think about doing it, somebody has already been there, done it and registered the domain name. Some of the more unusual of these people are furries, a subculture who get their kicks by dressing up as giant cartoon animals and pretending that life is a kinkier version of Sylvanian families. Yes, it’s hard to imagine at first that your true love will turn out to be an erotic badger you met on tumblr, but if you give furrydom a chance you might find a warm, sensitive soul who also fulfils a previously-unknown fetish of being touched up by one of the mascots from Alton Towers.

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A GEEK?

When I was at school, being described as a geek was certainly not anything to be proud of, so I’m puzzled by people who bullied me for owning a Star Trek communicator now wearing chunky glasses and banging on about how much they like Doctor Who. Nonetheless, it appears our cultural stock is up, and so there’s never been a better time for normals to find themselves a partner who reads comics in Japanese and never, ever talks about romantic comedies or football. Sometimes you’ll wish you had a handbook to explain the constant references to 80s Nintendo games and Philip K. Dick novels, but as long as you make room for our obsessions you’ll find nerds are kind and loving, if occasionally angry at the internet for reasons that don’t make sense. On no account ever mention that you like The Big Bang Theory, as this is a bit like telling a French person you learned about their culture from Allo Allo.

WHY NOT DATE …

Small islands tend not to encourage alternative lifestyles, and you’re unlikely to meet one of these people on a dating website because there isn’t enough room on the advert to explain what they will and won’t eat if you meet them at a restaurant. This is a shame, because somebody this committed to their diet is likely to be disciplined, an expert at yoga and a cheap date because you’re going to have to prepare an almond and kale smoothie for them at home. Just make sure you hide all your Pepperami, leave Morrissey’s autobiography on your coffee table and remove any hunting souvenirs you might have knocking about. Even if you do manage to offend them, it’s no big deal as somebody who survives predominately on bananas and lettuce will tire themselves out with the effort of raising their voice for ten minutes, and you can make yourself a bacon sandwich whilst they’re asleep.

The ultimate in internet dating involves hooking up with a mysterious, shadowy figure in a Guy Fawkes mask who will lead you down a rabbit hole of conspiracy, paranoia and illegally-downloaded episodes of Breaking Bad. Your romantic adventure will be thrilling and confusing in equal measure, as after six months of erotic subterfuge and dates on Snapchat you’ll work out that you’ve been exchanging encrypted emails with somebody who earns sixty grand a year working in IT and still lives with their parents. Of course, there are advantages to having a partner who lives in the matrix, even if they do insist on paying for everything in bitcoin and forwarding your personal emails to The Guardian. If you ever need a few days off to go to Ibiza with your mates, just tell them the NSA are tracking your movements via satellite and so you urgently need to visit Julian Assange.

A RAW-FOOD VEGAN?

10 Passion/Obsession

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18 Sexy Singles Waiting to Meet You FASHION TRENDS

FASHION TRENDS

FASHION

ACTIVE

Juan Moore, artist who created the Island of Culture 2014 stamp designs

Mr Lees also paid tribute to local artist Juan Moore who had designed a set of commemorative stamps ‘which so inspirationally depict the spirit of Island of Culture 2014.’ Isle of Man Post Office chairman Geoff Corkish MLC said Island of Culture would contribute to promoting national identity and serve as a ‘vibrant celebration’ marking

Ballakermeen High School choir Otto

Geoff Corkish MBE MLC, Isle of Man Arts Council chairman

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

the culmination of the Isle of Man Arts Council’s 10-year strategy. 2014 would be an ‘inclusive’ celebration of culture that would not only acknowledge the valuable contribution made by the many groups, organisations and individuals involved in the Island’s cultural life but also create a lasting legacy for the Island’s cultural future. Mr Corkish also praised the work of Juan Moore for creating the stamps that depicted various aspects of Manx culture and were ‘totally Manx’. Island of Culture patron the Hon Clare Christian MLC congratulated the Arts Council on its work in bringing Island of Culture to fruition and said that her involvement as patron had served to heighten her awareness of the wealth of outstanding artistic talent in the Isle of Man. Observing that the Island of Culture youth ambassadors were, in the main, recognised more by other nations than by

the Island community she said she hoped Island of Culture would serve to heighten their recognition locally and encourage other young people to engage in the Island’s artistic life. In closing she urged the people of the Isle of Man to exercise their creativity and stretch their artistic boundaries in the spirit of Island of Culture 2014’s strap line: ‘Be Inspired. Get Involved.’ The launch also provided the opportunity for Manx language officer Adrian Cain to encourage the audience learn a few words of Manx and for Ballakermeen High School choir Otto, who received standing ovations when they performed last summer in Bayreuth, Bavaria, to entertain guests with three numbers. The event concluded with Mr Corkish presenting the Hon Clare Christian with a framed set of the commemorative stamps

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and Mr Lees presenting representatives from Island of Culture financial partners the Empress Hotel, Manx Radio, SES Satellite Limited and Zurich International Life each with a work from the Arts Council’s loan collection for the duration of 2014, a gesture made, said Mr Lees, ‘in recognition of our financial partners’ investment and shared vision in Island of Culture 2014.’ For more information about Island of Culture 2014 visit

www.islandofculture.im

or email islandofculture.gov.im Photographer: Steve Babb

www.babbphotography.com Keep up to date on our facebook /islandofculture page

37 Island of Culture 2014 ACTIVE

ACTIVE

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Early morning on the 21st. Sadly, as I look outside, it appears the weather report was right. It’s very wet outside and it doesn’t look like the sun will be making an appearance today. I head to Ballavartyn for 10.30am, it’s a team effort as Andrew mucks out Monty, Mum plaits his mane, and I fill the haynets. Lunchtime

On our return security are now at the front gate and I proudly hand over the invitations. There is now a strong Police presence and it’s starting to feel like I’m in an episode of CSI as I walk back to the stable block.

Manannan’s cloak over us, jumping outside looks unlikely. The decision is made. No jumping unfortunately, it’s disappointing but inevitable. Instead I join the parade in the indoor arena.

CLAY PIGEON SHOOTING

We’ve been lined up for an hour, but all our horses and ponies are behaving well. They clearly know it is a special occasion. Silence falls as HRH appears in the judge’s box and we all salute in unison. She enters the arena and takes the time to chat to each and every one of us. She asks me if I still jump Monty at 21, I say absolutely! HRH then says, “... sometimes they don’t want to stop!” How true.

IN THE ISLE OF MAN We take a trip down a long winding road to Meary Veg, the home of the Isle of Man Clay Pigeon Shooting Club. Clay Pigeon Shooting is very popular on the Island and the Club grounds have recently seen a major modification in the layout of ranges that now enables competitors to access all shooting positions via concrete paths. We meet with the Chairman, Peter Kelly to find out more about the Club history, competitions and how to get involved…

Evening With Monty tucked-up in the stable for the night, it’s time to relax at the champagne reception. A delightful buffet awaits us in the Arena restaurant and I have my eye on the salmon and white chocolate roulade!

HISTORY OF THE CLUB The club was formed in the late sixties with the amalgamation of the Southern Game Preservation society and the Douglas Gun club. Their home was in Santon until the early nineties when they had to find another ground.

Monty is in final preparation. The brushes are out and his best attire is ready. News starts to filter through that HRH has been delayed, putting us back 2 hours. With time an issue, the rain still heavy and

The club tried without success to find another ground at several locations until early 2000 when the present ground was rented from the government. Peter Kelly tells us ‘It took us nearly two years to get planning permission before the clubhouse was started. It was built by club members with financial help from the Lottery trust and sports council. The range was opened by the then Lieutenant governor of the Island Air Marshall Ian David Macfadyen CB OBE in 2005, this was one of his last appointments before he left office. We have just upgraded the range in the last year with concrete paths and shooting stand giving better access for wheel chairs.’

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The oldest member of the club is patron Mr. George Costain who has been a member since its formation and still competes every week, the youngest member is twelve year old Michael Cross who this year represented the Island at the English skeet International along with another youngster Jack Kneen. The President is Mr. David Morgan who was the driving force behind the development of the club as it is now

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ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

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GALLERY_GUERNSEY_FEBRUARY_2014.indd 59

IN THE ISLE OF MAN

Mid afternoon

Early afternoon

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HERE’S MY VERSION OF EVENTS: Evening of 20th January I’m out in the tack room until late cleaning my riding boots, saddle and bridle. I don’t believe my tack has ever been this clean!

My rumbling stomach indicates the need for lunch. A quick McDonald’s food stop is in order. I’m now hoping that Manx Radio don’t interview me on the diet of a showjumper.

MEN MEN

CLAY PIGEON SHOOTING

A ROYAL EXPERIENCE

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WOMEN WOMEN

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Central to the celebrations would be nurturing young artistic talent. Mr Lees said: ‘Our programme for the year will

see the return to their home shores of our youth cultural ambassadors; blues guitarist Davy Knowles, currently working in America, principal trumpet with the London Philharmonia Jason Evans and ballet dancer Lloyd Mayor, now performing with New York’s Martha Graham Dance Company.’

We asked our Equestrian friend, Hannah Goody, from HG Equestrian to share her experience of the day with us.

I learnt of the visit back in November when Ken and Saskia, of Ballavartyn Equestrian Centre, asked me if I would like to perform a show jumping display as part of their official opening ceremony in front of HRH. An honour I was delighted to accept.

Michael Lees

He went on to say that

We are open for practice most Saturdays for club members. Non-members are of course more than welcome.

Princess Anne last visited the island in July 2008, but has previously visited the island on a number occasions for royal engagements dating back to the 1970s.

STYLE TIP TIP STYLE Teamaapatterned patterned Team shirtunder underaacosy cosy shirt cableknit. knit. cable

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2014 WOULD BE A YEAR TO CELEBRATE THE ISLAND’S CULTURAL PAST AND FUTURE POTENTIAL.

THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE BALLAVARTYN EQUESTRIAN CENTRE

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who are challenging and creative, noted for independent thinking, receptive to the new and respectful of the traditional.’

Guests, including the Mayor of Douglas Councillor Carol Malarkey, Island of Culture patron and president of Tynwald, the Hon Clare Christian MLC, chairman of the Arts Council Geoff Corkish MBE MLC and members of the legislature and the Isle of Man Arts Council, along with financial partners and sponsors, heard Mr Lees say that Island of Culture would ‘showcase the Isle of Man as a nation embracing culture and the arts in all its diversity; a people

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Island of Culture 2014 was officially launched on Monday January 6th at the Villa Marina where director Michael Lees told an invited audience: ‘This is the year we tell our story to the world.’

The Hon Clare Christian MLC, president of Tynwald and Island of Culture 2014 patron ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

2014 WOULD BE AN ‘INCLUSIVE’ CELEBRATION OF CULTURE THAT WOULD NOT ONLY ACKNOWLEDGE THE VALUABLE CONTRIBUTION MADE BY THE MANY GROUPS, ORGANISATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS INVOLVED IN THE ISLAND’S CULTURAL LIFE BUT ALSO CREATE A LASTING LEGACY FOR THE ISLAND’S CULTURAL FUTURE

Michael Lees Island of Culture 2014 director

ISLAND OF CULTURE 2014: ‘THE YEAR WE TELL OUR STORY TO THE WORLD’

A MEMBER OF ANONYMOUS

24/01/2014 12:10

FASHION

CULTURE

Amongst the beautiful people I often feel like a mongrel surrounded by pedigree chums, although at least most pedigree dogs are capable of learning tricks in exchange for bits of horsemeat, whereas the only tricks posh people can do involve skiing or dodging inheritance tax. Well, you don’t date Bentley-driving millionaires for the conversation, you date them so they will look after you like one of their horses or a retired wetnurse. You’ll develop a taste for caviar, expensive holidays and jewellery, but beware the roving eye of your upper-class beau, as unless you get something on paper the ruling class have a tendency to replace their partner like they would a Land Rover with a broken headlight.

used to a certain level of polite mockery for mine, whereas it seems that nobody bats an eyelid when people approaching forty plan on booking holidays to the Hogwarts theme park. If I started talking to strangers at parties about my collection of rare Magic The Gathering cards, I’d expect to be shunned like a medeival leper, but somehow it’s not as sad when people with mortgages have earnest discussions about which film makes Orlando Bloom’s hair look the most lovely. As for Twilight, the only supernatural thing about it is how it somehow manages to make the idea of warring vampires and werewolves so incredibly dull.

feature_one.indd All Pages

CULTURE

WHY NOT DATE …

49 24/01/2014 13:11

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HRH PRINCESS ANNE OFFICIALLY OPENED THE BALLAVARTYN EQUESTRIAN CENTRE IN SANTON ON TUESDAY 21ST FEBRUARY.

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ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

86 Ballavartyn Equestrian Centre

We also host a charity shoot in aid of Hospice IOM and to date we have raised over eight thousand pounds! In the summer months each discipline has is own league with a presentation dinner at the end to distribute the prizes won. All are leagues this year were sponsored and we would like to thank all of our sponsors for that. We also run winter leagues for DTL Sporting and English Skeet, which is also sponsored. We will shoot in most weathers from bright sunshine to cold wet and windy days. PRACTICE SESSIONS AND BOOKING We are open for practice most Saturdays for club members. Nonmembers are of course more than welcome. If any ladies or gents wish to come and try their hand at clay shooting they must contact the club first. They can arrange a time and date when one of are senior members will be on hand to help them with gun safety, gun handling and couching.

COMPETITIONS

Guns, ammunition, ear defenders, glass’s etc are provided.

The club holds shoots most Sundays with the exception of Remembrance Sunday. The disciplines held are:

The shooting is done on one to one basis as safety is of the most importance.

• DTL • ABT • English and Olympic skeet and sporting • Island Championships

Email us: iomcpsc@manx.net

‘There are opportunities further afield where we hold selection shoots for shooters to compete at the Commonwealth Games,

WWW.BVEQUESTRIAN.COM

Island Games, CSFED Championship and the English Skeet Home international events. We have had over a dozen club members representing the Island at the commonwealth and many more at other events. They have brought back a host of medals between them from Commonwealth to Home internationals.

Visit our website: www.iomclays.com The minimum age is twelve but a parent or guardian must accompany anyone under the age of sixteen.

COME AND GIVE IT A GO!

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Pull-Clay Pigeon Shooting

CONTENTS UPFRONT Edito.........................................................................................................................................5 Wilkins Watch Of The Month.............................................6 Listings...............................................................................................................................8 Passion/Obsession..................................................................10 What’s On...............................................................................................12 Our Community...........................................................................14 RL360 Top 10 Romantic Cities............................16 Singles Waiting To Meet You................................18 The Love Wall At The Strand...............................20 Current Affairs................................................................................................22 Passion...........................................................................................................................24 News In Numbers......................................................................25 Me & My Pet.......................................................................................26 EVENTS CGWN Clients...........................................................................................28 Ballavartyn Equestrian Centre.................................................29 Katie & Lyndon’s Wedding Day...................................30 CULTURE Upload...........................................................................................................................32 My Name Is.........................................................................................34 Culture Vulture..........................................................................................36 Island Of Culture 2014 ..............................................................37 Lloyd Mayor Wins Clive Barnes Award.......41 Richard III & Last King Of Man .........................42 My Passion - Space...........................................................................43

FASHION & BEAUTY Fat Busting At No 52..................................................................46 Fashion.....................................................................................................................48 Beauty Products....................................................................................50 Utopia New Salon Opening........................................52 Beauty Bulletin........................................................................................53 Is Your Skin...................................................................................................54

PAPARAZZI Artisan......................................................................................................................98 The Crescent................................................................................................99 Tahiko...................................................................................................................100 Jar....................................................................................................................................102 The Crescent.............................................................................................102 The Outback..............................................................................................103 .

APPETITE Recipes.....................................................................................................................56 Chef Speak.......................................................................................................59 Passion.......................................................................................................................60 TRAVEL Glasgow City Break...........................................................................62 Top Ten Locations For 2014..............................................62 BUSINESS Business News............................................................................................80 Movers & Shakers.................................................................................82 ACTIVE HRH Princess Royal At Ballavartyn.........86 Clay Pigeon Shooting...............................................................88 Athlete Profile..............................................................................................90

Isle of Man | Home & Interiors | February 2014

The best place to find a new place in the Isle of Man

THE BEST PLACE TO FIND A NEW PLACE IN THE ISLE OF MAN 67

HARDWARE Motoring News........................................................................................92 Gadgets.................................................................................................94 Phone Home..............................................................................................96

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Make it a year to remember Helpful banking, making things easier Need a hand keeping your New Year resolutions? Well, here’s one that you’ll want to keep! Our free Personal Reviews could really help you make 2014 a year to remember, and they’re really easy to set up. Just ask any member of staff, and we’ll do the rest!

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FEATURE

WORDS Grant Runyon ILLUSTRATION Aoife Le Galle

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

FEATURE

ONE DIRECTIONERS

SPORTS PASSION

COMPETITIVE VIDEO GAMERS

Forget Twilight, if you want real, old-school, unreconstructed nerds the place you Reasonable adults might assume that the need to start looking is at a video games most dangerous thing about obsessive championship. Video games themselves are boyband fans is the potential for eardrum now playable on anything with a microchip, damage from their pre-pubescent shrieking. and are no longer especially nerdy, although You might also think that a core audience titles like Call of Duty manage of young girls and middleaged gay men might not be For the benefit of irony-challenged people to still be quite unpleasant due to the participation of a core the most dangerous fanbase who write angry letters to the editor audience of horrid teenage to upset. Well, you’d be wrong yes, I am absolutely saying that Robbie boys. The real neckbeards on both counts, as anybody who has tangled with the One Williams fans are as bad as the Taliban. have scorned the likes of C.O.D. Direction fan army can testify. Please enjoy the rest of my article whilst and Halo and moved onto an unwashed dark world of games Parents, journalists and proper you’re composing your fatwa so complex that a normal musicians alike have come to human’s fingers would explode fear the wrath of this online if they tried to play them at any competitive mob of oestrogen-fuelled aggressors, alert level. Titles like Starcraft and League of to any perceived slight to the Burton ownADULTS OBSESSED WITH Legends demand fearsome reflexes and brand Backstreet Boys. Woe betide the fool CHILDREN’S LITERATURE cult-like commitment to develop even who thinks he can enjoy the idle mockery Saddus adultium pottarius! I just cast passable skill, and so star players can win of Harry Styles’ barnet on the safety of his a spell that I hope will make it socially cash prizes that will keep them in Pot own Twitter account, as within minutes he’ll unacceptable for any non-virgin to talk to Noodles and Lynx Africa for the rest of be buried under a badly-spelled landslide another adult for longer than five minutes their lives. Championships, particularly in of death threats from these foul harpies about Harry Potter, Twilight or The Hobbit. Korea, are played out in stadiums bizarrely the electronic equivalent of burning bags The Harry Potter books are okay, and The packed with thousands of cheering girls, of dog poo left on your doorstep. If only Hobbit is a lot less tedious than Lord of The creating a level of intensity that somehow we could parachute them into Syria with a Rings, but there’s something inescapably percolates downward to the level of what mission briefing that President Assad said sad about finance workers in their thirties passes for a casual player in this world. The Louis was a bender on Tumblr, but the only getting all excited because Harry farted consequences? Reclusive obsessives, carpal thing that will call the rowdy virgins off is on a horcrux and Hermione put potion on tunnel syndrome at an all-time high and a the opportunity to put the boot into the real her broomstick. As a collector of board popularity of crass mother insults not seen enemy: Justin Bieber. games I have some very nerdy interests, since White Men Can’t Jump. but I suppose the difference is that I’m

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

UPFRONT

WHAT’S ON

WHAT’S ON FEBRUARY 2014

02.02.14

THE EMBASSY JAZZ CLUB

THE EMBASSY ROOM, THE BRITISH HOTEL The inaugural event for The Embassy Jazz Club. Bringing together some of the islands well known and very talented musicians to create an intimate evening of Live Jazz in a lovely venue. Over 18’s unless pre arranged through the Jazz Club. Tickets are limited to 75 due to the intimate venue so be quick to avoid disappointment £5.00 Entry.

22.02.14

FASCINATING AIDA GAIETY THEATRE

Following a sold-out 2012 tour, three Olivier Award nominations and over 10 million YouTube hits for Cheap Flights (their infamous anthem to budget air travel), Dillie Keane, Adele Anderson and Liza Pulman celebrate 30 years of Fascinating Aïda with a brand new show. Expect topical new songs hot off the press, plus some outrageous old favourites, as Fascinating Aïda continues to grow old disgracefully! Tickets from £21 (inclusive of 2% booking charge)

theembassyjazzclub@hotmail.com

Tel: 600555 www.villagaiety.com

01-15.02.14

22.02.14

For further information email:

VALENTINES LOVE WALL

THE STRAND SHOPPING CENTRE Love is in the air once more at The Strand Shopping Centre this Valentines with the return of the famous love wall for everyone to write that romantic message to their loved ones! SEE PAGES 20 & 21 www.thetrand.co.im

21-22.02.14

SHENANIGANS AND CURRY NIGHT FOR THE BREAST UNIT APPEAL TOWER HOUSE - DOUGLAS

The first fundraiser of the year Tower House are lucky to have the “Shinnanigans” playing at the Curry night. It’s BYO wine/ beer tickets are £20. It’s going to be a great night. All money raised for the Breast Cancer Unit at Nobles Hospital. Organisation: Manx Breast Cancer Support Group Breast Unit Appeal. For further information telephone: 484950.

‘JUST THE TICKET’ BY PETER QUILTER CENTENERY CENTRE, PEEL

Susan is an eccentric, chatty, untidy and accident prone woman who tells the story of a trip she had in her early 20’s. Proceed’s from this production are going to ‘Western Live at Home’ Scheme and ‘Riding for the Disabled’. Starts at 8pm. Tickets £7 available at www.etickets.im/cc/ For further information call Lindsay Quayle on: 07624 422853. www.centenarycentre.com

01.03.14

MURDER MYSTERY NIGHT ASCOT HOTEL - DOUGLAS

In aid of the Rob Vine Fund the Ascot Hotel is performing a Murder Mystery Night on the 1st March 2014. The performance is by Dai Laughing Productions who are an amateur dramatic group based in South Wales. The groups organiser is a Mr Donald Balkwill who also writes all the material. Tickets: £49 per person for a three course dinner and a Fancy Dress Theme of 1920’s Gangster. Tables of 8-10 people and stay overnight for £40 per couple including breakfast the following morning. For further information: Tel: 01624 675081 www.ascothotel.im/dining

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UPFRONT

OUR COMMUNITY

BIG 50 RAFFLE

GIVE

COMMUNITY AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Margaret and Michelle are walking the Great Wall of China in April 2014 and have spent the year holding various events raising money for two local charities The Children’s Centre and Hospice Isle of Man. Both celebrated turning 50 last year which is where the idea of the 50 prize raffle came from. The pair wrote to local individuals, businesses and companies asking if they would be willing to donate a prize to their raffle. They had a great response and would like to thank individuals and businesses for their generosity and support. Prizes were donated by Averil Davies, Dave Hogg, Kit Nelson, Curphey’s leather shop, Haldane Fisher, Expol, Serene Spa, Isle of Man Post, Isle of Man Constabulary, Gary Wright, Phil Smith Driving School, The Hawthorn Pub, Taste of India, The Music Room, Mylchreest Motors, Sue Moore, Nu Hair, Up and Running, Heron and Brearley, Sue Fargher, A. Skillicorn, Euphoria, Scott Taylor, Great Laxey Mine Railways, Interior Rehab, Voirrey Quirk, Nicky Davison, Jean Green, Manx Inspirations, Bridson and Horrox, Lexicon Bookshop, Des Brooks, The Vineyard, Eurocars, John Gill, Talbot Blinds, Robinsons on the Terrace, Newsons on the Quay, Zoe Guildford, Shoprite, Suzzanne Graham, Jenny Brown and Linda Swift.

COAST TO COAST CYCLISTS RAISE FUNDS FOR CHILDREN’S CHARITY

They would also like to thank Roger Watterson at The Copy Shop for his support in designing and printing their tickets but mostly to everyone who bought a ticket, a total of 974 tickets were sold for £1 per ticket. The raffle is the latest of their very successful fundraising events and to date their total raised so far is just over £7,000! This is an amazing amount which will be equally split between the 2 charities.

CITYWING NAMES MANX CANCER HELP AS 2014 NOMINATED CHARITY Citywing is delighted to announce that they have chosen Manx Cancer Help as their nominated charity for 2014. The Isle of Man based charity recently celebrated its 30th anniversary, and Citywing has provided them with 24 return tickets to use for fundraising during the year on their routes from the Island to Blackpool, Belfast, Gloucester (M5) and Newcastle. Managing Director, David Buck said: ‘We are very pleased to name Manx Cancer Help as our chosen charity for 2014 and to be able to support them in a number of ways throughout the year. This is a very dedicated and worthwhile local charity, and one that we are honoured to work alongside to raise money for, and awareness of, the life-changing services they provide. In addition to 24 return tickets we’ll also be calling on our partners for help with some fund raising favourite, the famous sponsored plane pull event.’

A team of five charity cyclists raised £3,800 for The Children’s Centre by completing a 170-mile ride from Morecambe to Bridlington in two days. The fundraisers completed the ‘Way of the Roses Coast To Coast Cycling Challenge’ which passes through the Lune Valley and Yorkshire Dales, and goes through the historic cities of Lancaster and York. Chris Martin, Facilities Manager at The Children’s Centre, was joined by his wife Joanne and their friend Glenn Charnock. Three members of the charity’s Facilities Team completed the line-up with Curtis Gizzi and David Keenan cycling, and Mark Earl driving a support vehicle for the team. Chris Martin said: it was a great adventure for a group of ‘non-cyclists’ and added:

Ally Martin, Fundraising Events Co-ordinator at Manx Cancer Help, said: ‘We are so pleased to be working with Citywing as their nominated charity for 2014. Funds raised help to provide support and specialist psychological services for anybody whose life has been affected by cancer, as well as a safe haven for patients and their loved ones at our drop-in centre in Cronkbourne. ‘Manx Cancer Help’s services are increasingly relied upon and we are always aiming to provide as much as care as we can, and in as many ways as possible. Fundraising is vital for any charity, and Citywing’s generous support will be a fantastic help in ensuring that we can continue to provide our services to those in need.’

“We slightly underestimated the task in hand, and took a few wrong turns when we departed Morecambe quite nervously. The terrain was flat and easy going on tow path and cycle way to start with, but it wasn’t long before our first drama at the one mile mark when David got a puncture. Like all the dramas that happened the team rallied round to sort them, whether it was lost pedals, accidents, fears, or fatigue. The hills were daunting on paper and they lived up to their reputation. The route was awesome and included every sort of terrain from cobbles to corn fields.

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LLOYDS BANKING GROUP -‘DAY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE’ During December 2013 two teams visited Peel Cathedral from Lloyds Banking Group. They spent two days scraping, digging, painting and basically working really hard to give something back to the community as their ‘Day to make a Difference’. Thirty colleagues from the Premier and Lending team tirelessly tackled painting the Corrin Hall, sanding and cleaning the outside railings and digging a pathway for access at the back of the Cathedral. On arriving at the Cathedral the teams were taken for a whistle stop tour; not to be converted before they started their work; but to see the vision the ‘Cathedral Quarter Trust’ has in their minds. The project splits the Cathedral grounds into 12 gardens where children from the islands schools can come and learn about their heritage by interacting with the environment – so digging a pathway for access and painting the railings formed part of this project. The second project Lloyds Banking Group assisted with was the painting of the Corrin Hall, which included the entrance lobby. The hall is used for exhibitions, playing badminton, evening prayers, and zumba classes to car boot sales community events. So you can imagine how much more this will be used once the surrounding gardens are completed and coaches packed with school children and visitors start arriving; hence the need to have conducive surroundings.

make a Difference’ made a difference not only to the community but to the lives of those who got involved!

Now you may think this all sounds a bit twee, and the two teams were just doing this to have a ‘jolly’ outside the office or in biblical terms ‘a day of rest’; well I can certainly tell you that was not the case! On returning to the office they exhibited their blisters, moaned prolifically about their poor backs and sore arms. They did also say how they had enjoyed ‘making a difference’, ‘giving some time, back to the community’ and ‘how the whole experience had been so enlightening’. Many said they had seen a different side to the clergy – meaning they were very down to earth – even human! Many said they would like to go back again and help with another project with the overall consensus being, the ‘Day to

Darren Whyman, Senior Manager, stated: ‘Helping our communities is a key priority for the Group. We know that many charities and community organisations rely heavily on volunteers and funding to keep them running. Our Day to Make a Difference programme gives every colleague within the Group the opportunity to volunteer at least one day a year in their local community. The combined efforts equate to millions of pounds of in-kind giving for communities. This is why our Group target is to achieve one million volunteering hours by 2015’.

THE PARKER FAMILY FUNDRAISE FOR THE HOSPICE

The Parker family were very saddened to lose a very much loved member of their immediate family at the Hospice but had been very touched by the workings of the local charity. So the family decided to take part in lots of endurance and challenging fundraising events; Diane competed in the TT Triathlon and the Olympic Distance Triathlon, both held on the Isle of Man. Robert completed those events plus Lake Placid Ironman and the Ramsey Marathon. He also climbed Ben Nevis with his brother James and dad, Andrew. Diane’s nephew Stephen Quinn also completed the Ramsey Bakery End to End walk. The family presented a cheque for the amazing amount of £605 to Mary Doyle of Hospice. BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

The following statement was received from The Very Reverend Nigel Godfrey, Dean of St German’s Cathedral. “On behalf of everyone connected with St German’s Cathedral I would like to say a very sincere thank you to all of the members of Lloyds Banking Group staff who worked in the grounds of the Cathedral and in the Corrin Hall on 3rd and 4th December.

A CYCLE ACROSS BRITAIN FOR REBECCA HOUSE

Matty completed a mountain bike endurance event across the width of Britain (approx 195 miles) in July 2013. The event started in Whitehaven, he travel between 65 and 75 miles per day for three days using off road trails through the Lake district, Yorkshire Dales and the North Yorkshire Moors before completing the challenge in Scarborough. Matty was delighted to be presenting a donation for £2,520 to the ladies from Rebecca House, the Children’s Hospice. Mary and Terri thanked Matty for all his endeavours and for rasing the amazing amount for the children’s Hospice.

UPFRONT

THE TOP 10 MOST

IN THE WORLD

As a business operating on a global scale, here at RL360° we think we are a pretty good judge of what makes an exciting city in which to do business. But with Valentine’s Day on the horizon we thought we’d take a step back and put some thought into what makes a city perfect for romance. Here are our top 10.

PARIS Is it a cliché? Perhaps, but clichés are clichés for a reason. Romance is all around thanks to the breathtakingly beautiful sights and sounds of the city. Stroll along the banks of the Seine, visit the imposing Montmartre or just sit and take in the atmosphere at one of the numerous cafés dotted along the boulevards.

VENICE Wandering through Venice’s narrow streets, crossing the many bridges over the canals, and taking a trip on one of the famous gondolas you truly feel you could be on a film set. There are any number of romantic restaurants and bars in which to sit and watch the world go by.

PRAGUE Fairytale architecture and a stunning old town make Prague a clear leader in the romantic stakes. It’s impossible not to be won over by the Charles Bridge, the 600-year old astronomical clock and the cobblestones and spires.

FLORENCE Visiting Florence is like entering a whole new world – there’s a stillness in the air. The stunning Duomo and the Vecchio Bridge dominate the cityscape and what could be more romantic than some of the most beautiful art in the world? It’s the home of Michaelangelo’s David after all.

ROME Do you gaze up at the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel first? Or do you find one of the city’s many fountains and make a romantic wish? There are the beautiful piazzas, not to mention the imposing Colosseum. And if you’re that way inclined, turn up at St Peter’s Square in your wedding outfits on a Wednesday and have your marriage blessed by the Pope.

NEW YORK There’s the top of the Empire State Building at night, a trip around Central Park in a horse drawn carriage and, at Christmas, the ice rink at the Rockefeller Plaza. Any show at Radio City Music Hall also evokes memories of a romantic bygone era. And, again, a wander down most streets feels like a walk across a film set.

VIENNA It’s all about the soundtrack in regal Vienna and it’s usually provided by Mozart. Horse drawn carriages, palaces and museums abound and the city’s avenues and pedestrian streets are made for romantic meandering. Vienna really is a byword for splendour.

DUBROVNIK Dubrovnik’s dramatic coastal setting alone provides it with the credentials to sit on any top 10 city list. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and climbing to the top of the ancient city walls or spending time in the winding streets of the old town will leave you with no doubts as to why.

BUENOS AIRES More passionate than sedately romantic, Buenos Aires is a heady mix of Latin American flamboyance and European elegance. Imposing architecture, leafy boulevards and some fine outdoor dining make soaking up the atmosphere an unforgettably exciting experience. MARRAKECH Aromatic spices mingle with the busy chatter in the markets, which boast snake charmers and fantastic treasures to buy for your loved one. There are camel rides on offer but if you’re a little more traditional, Marrakech is home to some of the most romantic boutique hotels (Riads) in the world.

DO YOU AGREE WITH OUR CHOICES? Email your alternative top 10 most romantic cities to top10@rl360.com by 11 February 2014 and the best one will win a £50 Post-a-Rose voucher for Valentine’s Day.

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A bit neglected? Not really getting a satisfactory service? Make a date with us, and soon everything will be rosy. www.rl360.com Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got our number.

RL360 Insurance Company Limited. Registered Offi ce: RL360 House, Cooil Road, Douglas, Isle of Man IM2 2SP, British Isles. RL360 Insurance Company Limited is authorised by the Isle of Man Government Insurance and Pensions Authority. Registered in the Isle of Man Number 053002C. A Member of the Association of International Life Offi ces.

UPFRONT

WORDS Grace Ryan ILLUSTRATIONS Ben Robertson

Single ladies, lonely gentlemen, optimistic eunuchs - Valentine’s day is almost here and unless you want to spend the 14th watching Redtube it’s time to wipe off your lucky pulling pants and put yourself out there. We all know it’s tough to meet a partner on this island, at least if you’re as squeamish as I am about dating somebody who’s been shared around your peer group like that picture of Skeletor riding a kitten, but the sad fact is that our dating market often has a smaller choice than Spar’s DVD

section. Not everybody on the rock will be lucky enough to meet another human who doesn’t work in the same building or have a grandparent in common, and I’ve been at weddings where the happy couple have bumped uglies with half of the guests at one time or another. We all dream of meeting our perfect partner, but none of us should ever forget that we live in a tiny place with a distinct shortage of hot babes, despite what those deceitful internet popups will tell you. Your ambition to marry a left-handed Indonesian gymnast who shares your passion for

WHY NOT DATE …

A FURRY?

WHY NOT DATE …

A BUNNY BOILER?

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WHY NOT DATE …

POSH PEOPLE?

WHY NOT DATE …

A GEEK?

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

A RAW-FOOD VEGAN?

A MEMBER OF ANONYMOUS

Wear your heart on your sleeve

WIN a romantic nightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

stay for two at the Claremont with a dinner at Coast To enter the competition, simply visit The Strand Shopping Centre, fill out your Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s card and place it in our draw box at The Strand Shopping

COMPETITION

Centre. The most romantic message will be selected by 3FM and announced live on air on Monday 17th February! Love Shopping. Love The Strand.

Closing date - 16th February. Prize must be used by the end of April 2014. Competition entrants must be aged 18 or over.

/claremontiom

/thestrandshoppingcentre

/3FMradio

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Have your Valentines pictures taken in the Boxed Off photo booth

Love Valentines, S.W. A.L. K . Love The Strand. Love Wall Love is in the air once more at The Strand Shopping Centre this Valentines with the return of our famous love wall for everyone to write that romantic message to their loved ones! The wall will be available for messaging from

Saturday 1st February until Sunday 16th February The Strand also has great ideas for all your Valentines presents - The Card Factory has probably the largest display of Valentines cards on the Island with some great gift ideas at reasonable prices, Miss Selfridge and Peacocks have some great fashion and lingerie ideas for the ladies, HMV have some great boxed sets on offer at the moment and all the latest CDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s including MR Bubble!

My heart is perfect because you are

Also this year on

Friday 14th and Saturday 15th February We will be joined by Boxed Off Events Photo Booths who will be setting up in the unit next to the Message Wall. Why not come down and join in the fun whilst capturing some personalised and entertaining photographic memories, with donations going to the Manx Charity Wish Upon A Dream.

For all the latest updates and information check out our Facebook page

Boxed Off Events Photo Booths is an Isle of Man based company. They bring a unique, personalised and innovative way of entertaining your guests while providing everlasting memories through high-resolution videos and photographs. Packages available for all special occasions, whether it is your Wedding reception, Party celebration, Prom or Corporate event.

Love Shopping. Love The Strand. BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

/thestrandshoppingcentre

TEL: 01624 662411 /strandshopping www.thestrand.co.im

UPFRONT

CURRENT AFFAIRS Welcome, dear reader, to Current Affairs; your chance to pose any number of questions to the Islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s business community.

ALEX MCNEE,

Director, Boston Limited

MARK WILSON,

Managing Director, Sleepwell Hotels

SANDRA TAYLOR,

Personal Insurances Manager, Rossborough Insurance

HARLEY RICHARDS, Tax Manager, KPMG

BOSTON

Why do business people spend so much time travelling when we have things like Skype?

Why indeed. I am sure this is a question that many Financial Directors ask of their business colleagues every time an expenses claim hits their inbox. It is easy for people to assume that a free, and very good, VC system is a natural way to cut down on travel costs without adversely affecting their business. In some respects this is exactly what Skype does in that it is an initial way of making contact with a potential client who lives anywhere other than the Isle of Man - and letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s be honest, getting off the Island alone is not cheap! However, once the initial pleasantries have been exchanged most clients will expect a follow-up meeting. For some, it is about looking at you across the table and asking probing and sometimes difficult questions. For others, it is about your commitment to them and their business. The world is a smaller place now with competition in virtually every sector and in nearly every country. If you want to compete, you need to know your market well and being there in person cannot be bettered. For those that travel frequently, I am sure they would love to see the early morning flights and long airport queues replaced by Skype calls. However, I for one do not think that many will achieve this. In fact, I will go as far as saying we should expect even more travel in the years to come as we explore wider opportunities for business growth.

Next month, we invite you to ask our experts on the topics that matter to you. Simply send your questions to editorial@gallery.co.im.

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THE CURRENT AFFAIRS PANEL

ROSSBOROUGH INSURANCE

What is contents insurance and why do I need it?

Contents insurance covers the cost of replacing your possessions if they are damaged, destroyed or stolen. It includes everything you would take with you if you moved home, including furniture, kitchen appliances, curtains, bedding, clothing, television, computing equipment and jewellery. It can also cover: • Personal possessions away from the home • Loss of money/misuse of credit cards • Food in your freezer • Your pedal cycles(s) • Personal/third party liability • Rent and alternative accommodation Most policies are issued on a ‘new for old’ basis, which means in the event of a claim contents are replaced based on the current retail price. You need home contents insurance whether you rent or own your own house or flat, or share with other people. The only time you don’t need it is if you are living in someone else’s house and they have insured your things too. For example, if you live with your family, then their home contents insurance will cover your possessions. The best way to calculate the value of your home’s contents is to make an inventory. You will need to go through each room, including items in attics, basements, sheds and garages. Then add up the new replacement cost of everything. You should tell your insurer about any expensive items you own to make sure they are covered by your policy. If you buy anything valuable after taking out your policy, contact your insurer to make sure your new purchases are covered. Don’t be tempted to under insure to save money, as the insurer may not pay the full amount in the event of a claim.

www.rossborough.co.uk

3. Q.

Past budgets characterised by a public sector pay freeze and all round spending cuts leave the Island better positioned to be able to respond to changes in the overall economic situation and the current government should be applauded for reviewing an historical structure of bureaucracy in times of such necessary austerity.

From a Tourism & Hospitality perspective, there is a pressing need to retain the core facilities and services which are the bedrock of the Island’s appeal. Any cuts to transport, TT delivery or the heritage infrastructure, for example, would risk damaging the experiences of our loyal visitors whose allocation of the time and expenditure required to visit us may already be stretched. I would also hope that a retained and appropriate long term allocation of Government marketing and development funds to showcase the Island internationally, will encourage others within the tourism private sector to invest in kind.

The Island is involved in all of the above processes and there can be no doubt that there is both scope and appetite for growth here. However, shipping today is a global industry and growth on the island can only be achieved by competing with other jurisdictions. So, how does the island compare on the world stage?

THE CLAREMONT HOTEL

What are some things you would like to see in this year’s budget?

With plans to again increase the minimum wage in the UK in the pipe-line, business on the Island could also be affected if the IoM Government follows suit. At Sleepwell, we have always believed in fair wages for our employees, the majority of whom already fall way above the minimum wage criteria. Whilst we would therefore have no particular concerns, compulsory increases in minimum wage rates are always going to be a factor that has to be allowed for due to the natural knock on effect to costs within the extended supply chain. As such, a planned and co-ordinated approach to such potential government legislation would be an important factor to consider for every business on the Island.

KPMG

Is shipping a growth industry on the Isle of Man?

An accurate, if not necessarily helpful, response might be: “It depends what is meant by shipping”. Shipping, in its widest sense, can involve the construction of vessels (whether super tankers or super yachts), the associated financial requirements, the management of vessels, the logistics of cargo and the insurance market necessary to mitigate industry risks.

On the positive side; our shipping register is of enviable quality. The island has long standing stability where government and legislation is concerned, there is a pool of expertise in areas such as ship/ crew management and finance/ insurance and, having taken great strides to distance itself from the murky world of off-shore tax avoidance, the island boasts levels of transparency that have yet to be reached by, for instance, the UK. However, obstacles exist in respect of reliable long-term air links to the island, the unwillingness (whether actual or perceived) of certain financial institutions to deal with businesses registered in the Isle of Man and, certainly where crews are concerned, the island’s direct link to the UK’s National insurance Contributions regime and our lack of Double Tax Agreements. Hence, a more accurate answer to the headline question might be: “There is no realistic reason why it shouldn’t be.”

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WORDS | Suzy Holland

[PASSION] : one of 2013’s ‘Words to be banished from the Queen’s English for mis-use, over-use and general uselessness’ (Lake Superior State University, Michigan USA). Dictionary definitions of ‘passion’ almost always refer to powerful emotions: love, joy, hatred, anger, sexual desire, lust (actually lust is the watered down version – passion is general considered deeper, more encompassing, more dangerous) but no definition I could find includes basic enthusiasm. How has that one word ‘passion’ come to be so abused?

You only have to watch one episode of ‘The Apprentice’ to see how ‘passion’ (and its sister, passionate) has crept out of the bedroom and into our consciousness. Really, you’re ‘passionate’ about packaging? You have a ‘passion for’ pomegranates? You are ‘passionate about improving the daily lives of millions’ (an actual job ad for Microsoft)? My personal favourite (and I’m in good company here – see almost every issue of Private Eye) is recruitment advertising which states that the successful candidate

will be ‘passionate’ about customer service. Oh, please. That grumpy waitress, the bloke who grunts as he swipes your groceries, a cold-caller who ‘will just take a minute of your time’ to find out your favourite energy supplier – all of those people will have applied for a job requiring an overwhelming desire to provide an amazing quality of customer service. They will be ‘passionate’ about improving your day just by doing their jobs. Or at least they managed to convince the employer that they are, and when necessary (in that job interview) drummed up some sort of enthusiasm (genuine or faked) for something that pays the bills but doesn’t actually make anyone go weak at the knees. As part of my extensive research for this piece, I googled ‘What are you passionate about’ to check out what some people would actually say (or say they’d say) in response to this question in a job interview. Apart from the inevitable ‘my faith’, ‘my children’ etc some of the less clichéd answers caught my attention: ‘snakes’ (what?), ‘my motorbike’ (is that one from the Isle of Man?), ‘the internet’ (hmmm I wonder exactly which sites he - or she – is particularly passionate about?), ‘wearing gold and diamond jewellery’ (well, yeah …), ‘making my parents happy’ (aww, sweet), but this answer deserves a paragraph of its own:

and a downfall at times: it means I give 110% to everything I do, whether it’s watching paint dry, stuffing envelopes, writing an article or running a company’. I’m sorry, nobody can possibly be passionate about watching paint dry. You might be keen to get on with the next bit of decorating, but watching the paint dry? Absolutely not. If you insist on doing everything ‘110%’ (and don’t get me started on that mathematical impossibility …) then why not leave the paint to dry on its own and use the time to ‘passionately’ stuff envelopes? The English language is full of alternatives – ‘enthusiastic’, obviously, but also why not sneak in an ‘I like …’ or ‘I have a talent for ..’ or, even, ‘I enjoy …’. At a push you could ‘quite like’ pomegranates, ‘admire’ packaging or even (possibly) be ‘obsessed with’ your motorbike. But please, save your passion for someone who might actually reciprocate. And leave the snakes out of it. Disclaimer: I don’t think anyone on ‘The Apprentice’ ever said that they had a passion for pomegranates, but it sounds so good I’m sure they will one day.

‘I’m passionate about everything in the way most people are only passionate about their ‘pet’ subjects. This is both an advantage

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in NUMBERS NEWS

600,000 The new breast cancer unit within Noble’s Hospital are appealing for big donors to come forward. The project needs £600,000 for completion. As it stands there are 3,000 breast patients on Island routinely attending the hospital for appointments.

Speakers Corner for Douglas. A Speakers Corner for Douglas town centre is under consideration. Speakers Corners projects have been launched in towns and cities across England to serve as a forum for public debate, exchange of ideas and expression of free speech.

2014 2014 is set to be the year Douglas sees the biggest improvements made in recent memory. Works were ongoing throughout last year on the outskirts of the main shopping areas - however this year will see Douglas town centre rejuvenated.

The 2014 Tower of Refuge escorted walk in aid of the RNLI is to take place on Tuesday April 1st. Last years walk attracted around 2,800 participants and raised in the region of £2,500. As in previous years the walk is being organised by Douglas Development Partnership. Subject to weather and tidal conditions the walk is expected to begin at approximately 6pm.

8.5

A higher than expected jump in inflation in December will impact the pockets of each average working person in the street. Food saw the biggest jump of 8.5 per cent, sparked by a worldwide grain and wheat shortage that pushed up prices in 2013.

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300,000

5 Come Dine With Me are back and looking for 5 contestants to take part in the new series. Do you love cooking and having people over to your house for dinner? They are looking for anyone over 18 years old, from any walk of life, who feels they have what it takes to throw a great dinner party! The best host at the end of the competition wins £1000 cash! Email: cdwm@itv.com Tel: 0871 244 4142.

The recent flooding and bad weather cost government around £300,000. Severe gales and a tidal storm surge meant parts of the Island were particularly badly affected. The figure doesn’t include the cost to local authorities, householders or the business community.

UPFRONT

me& mypet

names PET: LOLA THE DOG & PEBBLES THE CAT HUMANS: ALANA McCAUGHAN & PETER FARAGHER

species LOLA: BOXER PEBBLES: CAT

WHERE ARE YOU ORIGINALLY FROM? Alana & Peter: I’m from Northern Ireland originally having moved to the island to complete my degree at the Marine labs in Port Erin back in 2005, Pete was born here. WHAT DO YOU DO FOR A LIVING? Alana & Peter: I’m an accountant and Pete is a network consultant. DO YOU HAVE ANY MORE PETS? Alana & Peter: We have Lola and a kitten called Pebbles. WOULD YOU HAVE ANY MORE PETS? Alana & Peter: Pete is trying to convince me we need to get another dog to keep Lola company but I’m not so sure! THE BEST AND WORST THING ABOUT HAVING A PET IS…?

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF… AGE: Alana: 28 Lola: 1 year 1 month WHERE DO YOU LIVE ON THE ISLAND? Alana & Peter: We live in Foxdale, having just bought our first house here last November.

Alana & Peter: The unconditional love, but we end up with the cat and dog in bed with us most Saturday mornings, reducing somewhat the chances of a sleep in! Also Lola and Pebbles are definitely higher on Pete’s priority list than I am! IF HUMAN/ANIMAL WHAT WOULD YOU BE:

LIKES: Alana: A big bar of chocolate, cuddles, winning a rugby game. Lola: Saturday morning cuddles in bed. Mum and dad getting home from work, and my sister Pebbles the cat. DISLIKES: Alana: Losing a rugby game, people who can’t be honest about stuff and waking up in the winter when its pitch black outside – neither me nor Lola want to go out for a walk but its gotta be done! Lola: Rain, mud, wind and any sort of strange noises that could be a monster coming to get me! INTERESTING FACT: Alana: Coconut is a fruit and not a nut as the name suggests! As someone with a nut allergy when I order things with coconut in them people often get concerned I’m trying to top myself! Lola: Other dogs find boxers faces really hard to read so can be confused as to my intentions when they first meet me! My dad has taught me to lie down though when I meet other dogs so that my mad running and jumping doesn’t scare them!

Alana: Lola or Pebbles – they are both spoilt rotten and everyone is constantly telling them how pretty they are! Lola: My dad – he gets to sit and play computer games all the time and that stuff on his plate at tea time always looks so much better than what’s in my bowl!

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

EVENTS

CGWM CLIENTS SAMPLING THE SEASON’S BEAUJOLAIS

Portofino Restaurant - Douglas

paparazzi@gallery.co.im

PHOTOGRAPHER - MATT MOSUR - WWW.MATTMOSUR.COM

30 28

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OFFICIAL OPENING OF BALLAVARTYN EQUESTRIAN CENTRE Ballavartyn Equestrian Centre - Santon BY HRH THE PRINCESS ROYAL

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PHOTOGRAPHER - PETER KWIECINSKI - WWW.DOLLSFACTORY.NET BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

EVENTS

Photographer | Peter Kwiecinski

MORE PHOTOS ON PAGES 88/89

EVENTS

KATIE THORNHILL & LYNDON CHEETHAM WEDDING DAY Ceremony - Lonan Church | Reception - The Corn Mill, Laxey | 7th December 2013

paparazzi@gallery.co.im

PHOTOGRAPHER - JULIE LAWTON -FACEBOOK/FOCUSPHOTOSIOM

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PHOTO UPLOAD

THE MONTHLY UPLOAD Want to win £50? All you have to do is email your entry with the subject ‘upload’ to: upload@gallery.co.im. Try to follow a time of the year theme, make the files nice and big though, about

2MB is a good size to aim for. We do try to print every photo following the guide but we can’t get them ALL on the page full size unfortunately - they just wouldn’t fit!

£50 r

winne

Michael Wallraf Prashanth Kallakuri

David Garrett Cara Wilkinson

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Gerry

Robert Tomlinson Yony Edwards

Pauline Guest

Jane & Emma Mayhew

Bryn & Jane Mayhew

Janette Phair

Jessica Ward Janette Phair

Eve Aycock John Kelly

Andrew John Mackellar

Emma Mayhew

Andrew Shona Sultana

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Christian Hall

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ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

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S RATOR ILLUST D ork N w A r T e you ARTIS e to se gazine? k li u o y a Would in Gallery M us d t with c feature a in cont o.im t e g Simply is@gallery.c e mynam

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To s e of C e the fu ll ran ultu re colle g ctab 2014 st e of Isla amp nd les v s isit i oms and tam ps.c om

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WHAT’S ON

CULTURE VULTURE What’s on...

01.02.14

10.02.14

20.02.14

PHOTO COMPETITION

ANNABEL & MATTHEW TWAIT CONCERT

SILK PAINTING WORKSHOP

//ONLINE// Capture an aspect of the Islands cultural life in a photo and simply submit them. Prizes donated by Waterstones bookstore. For further information visit www.library. douglas.im

//RAMSEY GRAMMAR SCHOOL//

//HENRY BLOOM NOBLE LIBRARY, VICTORIA STREET, DOUGLAS//

Ramsey Music Society present Annabel and Matthew Twait Concert.

Silk painting workshop with Jean Buck for children five and over.

All the concerts are held at Ramsey Grammar School, West Building, Ramsey and start at 7.45pm.

Tickets £5 available from the ground floor counter.

For more information:

05.02.14

www.islandofculture.im

February

‘WATCHING PAINT DRY’ //HENRY BLOOM NOBLE LIBRARY, VICTORIA STREET, DOUGLAS //

For more information call: 01624 696461

14.02.14

ERIN ARTS CENTRE

Local artist Juan Moore hosts a live painting event.

ANNUAL WIND AND BRASS WEEKEND WITH ROB WIFFIN

Coming up in February:

Tickets free but must be collected in advance from the ground floor counter.

//ST NINANS LOWER SCHOOL, ONCHAN//

5th – 28th – Art Exhibition – Peter Davies “A Sense of Place”

For more information call: 01624 696461.

Isle of Man Wind Orchestra presents the Wind & Brass Weekend with Rob Wiffin.

08.02.14 ISLE OF MAN PHOTOGRAPHY SOCIETY MEMBERS EXHIBITION //LAXEY HODGSON LOOM GALLERY// Exhibition of Isle of Man Photographic Society members work will be held at Laxey Hodgson Loom Gallery from the 8th February to the 8th March. For more information see: www.iomps.com

For more information please see: www.iomwo.com/whatson.html

19.02.14 ‘THE ADVANTAGES OF BEING AN INTERNET ARTIST’

//PORT ERIN//

3rd – Monday Lunch with Guest Speaker: Les Shires – “Walk to Everest Base Camp” 5th – Book Circle discussing “Hard Times” by Charles Dickens 12th – Film Series – “The Great Gatsby” – Sponsored by Chrystals 12th – Piano Series – Eliza Puchianu – Playing music by Beethoven, Schumann & Chopin – Supported by Mrs Nan Riley

//HENRY BLOOM NOBLE LIBRARY, VICTORIA STREET, DOUGLAS//

16th – EAC Chamber Orchestra Concert – Soloist: John Riley, Playing music by Bach, Grieg, Mozart & Stanley

Tickets free but must be collected in advance from the ground floor counter.

22nd – Concert – Unplugged: A Celebration of the acoustic guitar and other instruments

For more information call: 01624 696461.

26th – Isle of Film, I Love Film Series – “Me Without You” 26th Feb – 1st March – The MADF One Act Play Festival – 14 Plays across 4 nights and one afternoon To book tickets please: Call: 01624 832662 Email: information@erinartscentre.com or visit the centre. www.erinartscentre.com

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

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Illustration reproduced with the kind permission of Isle of Man Post Office and Juan Moore ÂŠ 2014.

The Isle of Man, with its compelling mix of heritage, history and natural beauty, has long provided a rich source of artistic inspiration. It is against this background that in 2014 we are celebrating our Islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cultural past and future potential. Island of Culture 2014 will showcase the Isle of Man as a nation embracing culture and the arts in all its diversity; people who are challenging and creative, noted for independent thinking, receptive to the new and respectful of the traditional. This year we will salute not only the many and varied cultural activities that take place year-round in town and villages across the Island but also welcome artists and performers from the UK and beyond to our shores to share in our celebrations.

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Michael Lees Island of Culture 2014 director

ISLAND OF CULTURE 2014: ‘THE YEAR WE TELL OUR STORY TO THE WORLD’ Island of Culture 2014 was officially launched on Monday January 6th at the Villa Marina where director Michael Lees told an invited audience: ‘This is the year we tell our story to the world.’

are challenging and creative, noted for independent thinking, receptive to the new and respectful of the traditional.’

2014 WOULD BE A YEAR TO CELEBRATE THE ISLAND’S CULTURAL PAST AND FUTURE POTENTIAL.

The Hon Clare Christian MLC, president of Tynwald and Island of Culture 2014 patron

Michael Lees

He went on to say:

Central to the celebrations would be nurturing young artistic talent. Mr Lees

Juan Moore, artist who created the Island of Culture 2014 stamp designs

said: ‘Our programme for the year will see the return to their home shores of our youth cultural ambassadors; blues guitarist Davy Knowles, currently working in America, principal trumpet with the London Philharmonia Jason Evans and ballet dancer Lloyd Mayor, now performing with New York’s Martha Graham Dance Company.’ Mr Lees also paid tribute to local artist Juan Moore who had designed a set of commemorative stamps ‘which so inspirationally depict the spirit of Island of Culture 2014.’ Isle of Man Post Office chairman Geoff Corkish MLC said: ‘Island of Culture would contribute to promoting national identity

Ballakermeen High School choir, Otto

Geoff Corkish MBE MLC, Isle of Man Arts Council chairman

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and serve as a ‘vibrant celebration’ marking the culmination of the Isle of Man Arts Council’s 10-year strategy. 2014 would be an ‘inclusive’ celebration of culture that would not only acknowledge the valuable contribution made by the many groups, organisations and individuals involved in the Island’s cultural life but also create a lasting legacy for the Island’s cultural future.’ Mr Corkish also praised the work of Juan Moore for creating the stamps that depicted various aspects of Manx culture and were ‘totally Manx.’ Island of Culture patron the Hon Clare Christian MLC congratulated the Arts Council on its work in bringing Island of Culture to fruition and said that her involvement as patron had served to heighten her awareness of the wealth of outstanding artistic talent in the Isle of Man. Observing that the Island of Culture youth ambassadors were, in the main,

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recognised more by other nations than by the Island community she said she hoped Island of Culture would serve to heighten their recognition locally and encourage other young people to engage in the Island’s artistic life. In closing she urged the people of the Isle of Man to exercise their creativity and stretch their artistic boundaries in the spirit of Island of Culture 2014’s strap line: ‘Be Inspired Get Involved.’ The launch also provided the opportunity for Manx language officer Adrian Cain to encourage the audience to learn a few words of Manx and for Ballakermeen High School choir Otto, who received standing ovations when they performed last summer in Bayreuth, Bavaria, to entertain guests with three numbers. The event concluded with Mr Corkish presenting the Hon Clare Christian with a

framed set of the commemorative stamps and Mr Lees presenting representatives from Island of Culture financial partners the Empress Hotel, Manx Radio, SES Satellite Limited and Zurich International Life each with a work from the Arts Council’s loan collection for the duration of 2014, a gesture made, said Mr Lees, ‘in recognition of our financial partners investment and shared vision in Island of Culture 2014.’ For more information about Island of Culture 2014 visit:

www.islandofculture.im or email: islandofculture.gov.im Photographer: Steve Babb

www.babbphotography.com Keep up to date on facebook /islandofculture

CULTURE

For more information about Island of Culture 2014 visit: www.islandofculture.im or email: islandofculture.gov.im /islandofculture Photographer: Steve Babb www.babbphotography.com Keep up to date on facebook

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YOUTH CULTURAL AMBASSADOR LLOYD MAYOR WINS CLIVE BARNES AWARD

sland of Culture 2014 youth cultural ambassador Lloyd Mayor, 20, has won the Clive Barnes 2013 dance award. The former Young Dancer of Man, now performing with the Martha Graham Dance Company in New York, received the award on January 6th at the city’s Walter Reade theatre.

defying’ contemporary dance work FAR by British choreographer Wayne McGregor.

Now in their fourth year the awards recognise the work of young actors and dancers in New York City and are presented by the Clive Barnes Foundation, named in honour of the late theatre and dance critic.

‘Right from when Lloyd was very young I knew he might one day become a dancer but I always held back, never wanting to influence him in any way. And to this day, now his dance career is taking off so spectacularly and he’s just won the Clive Barnes award, I will only ever offer advice should it be asked of me.’

The company’s artistic director Janet Eilber said: ‘Lloyd’s progress as a dancer and an artist since he first arrived at the Graham school has been remarkable. His eagerness to commit to the depth and breadth of the Graham physicality and to fill it with dramatic expression has quickly made him a stand-out. He is lucky to be tall, handsome and have natural ability, but it is his willingness to work extraordinarily hard and to put his whole heart into the work that has brought him so far so fast. It is a joy to watch Lloyd dance because you can see his passion for dance in every step he takes.’ FAR BEYOND: THE RISE AND RISE OF LLOYD MAYOR On a wet and miserable afternoon one late November a 15-year-old boy comes home from Ballakermeen High School to his grandparents’ house. He’s cold and fed up, with a broken left hand from performing a back flip that went wrong in gymnastics and disheartened that his drama studies are not going as he would like. Five years on and that same young man is attracting rave reviews as a dancer with the Martha Graham Dance company in New York. That former aspiring actor is Lloyd Mayor, winner of the Clive Barnes 2013 dance award and a youth cultural ambassador for Island of Culture 2014. Lloyd, who is from Switzerland, came to live with his grandparents Pauline and Edward Edge in the Isle of Man at the age of 14 to further his drama studies after his school in Geneva failed to offer suitable opportunities to further his acting career. He started school at Ballakermeen High School in September 2008 and by November that year, and despite extra drama classes, wasn’t progressing as he’d hoped so at the suggestion of his grandmother took up gymnastics. One broken left hand later (Lloyd is lefthanded) on that wet November afternoon his grandmother, a former professional dancer with the Royal Ballet, showed him a video she had recorded of the ‘anatomy BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

‘Absolutely mesmerised Lloyd turned to me and said: “I want to do that”, and then, after a dear friend and artist gave him a precious video tape of the innovative choreographer Martha Graham - often referred to as “the mother of modern dance” - demonstrating her work, he was totally inspired,’ she explained.

19th century ‘traditional’ dance failed to connect emotionally with Lloyd, but seeing Wayne McGregor’s ground-breaking and inspirational contemporary dance struck a chord in him. ‘This is dance at its most challenging and physically demanding, requiring tremendous flexibility and precision which, being the perfectionist he is, resonates completely with Lloyd,’ said Mrs Edge. ‘Encouraged by the inspirational Adrienne Burnett of Ballakermeen High School with which he still has close links and where he has lectured, Lloyd worked with Pippa Salter at the Academy of Dance in Ballasalla where together they researched what he wanted to achieve.’ In 2009 he entered and won Young Dancer of Man and in 2010 Frenchspeaking Lloyd auditioned and was selected for the Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance. ‘Lloyd spent an unhappy year - artistically and emotionally - with Rambert, but during his first Christmas break he flew to New York to do a workshop with the Martha Graham School in New York, followed by another session in the Easter holidays. He was then offered a place at the school and, with Rambert agreeing to release him from his contract, he joined Martha Graham in September 2011. ‘The following September he was offered an apprentice professional contract and was instructed to return for the auditions for The Show (Achilles Heels), a new work by acclaimed choreographer Richard Move. ‘Lloyd was chosen by Richard for the lead role in Achilles Heels, produced during the Martha Graham season in New York early in 2013, and it was this performance - which attracted not one bad review - that led to his winning the 2013 Clive Barnes dance award.’ Described by one critic as ‘one of the newer gods in the Martha Graham Company’ Lloyd, who celebrates his 21st birthday in September 2014, has earned the praise of

Martha Graham Company’s artistic director Janet Eilber who said: ‘Lloyd’s progress as a dancer and an artist since he first arrived at the Graham school has been remarkable. His eagerness to commit to the depth and breadth of the Graham physicality and to fill it with dramatic expression has quickly made him a stand-out. He is lucky to be tall, handsome and have natural ability, but it is his willingness to work extraordinarily hard and to put his whole heart into the work that has brought him so far so fast. It is a joy to watch Lloyd dance because you can see his passion for dance in every step he takes.’ Lloyd, who is busy in New York preparing for a tour in the US then will be rehearsing a new work by Spanish choreographer Nacho Duato, said of his role as Isle of Culture 2014 youth ambassador: ‘My personal experience of arts in the Isle of Man has been fantastic. The Isle of Man Arts Council gave me the opportunity and the initial finances which began the four-year journey that I have made so far. I hope that the Arts Council feels that I have fulfilled their faith in me.’ Island of Culture 2014 director Michael Lees said: ‘We have watched Lloyd’s stellar rise in New York as a leading interpreter of contemporary dance. We are delighted that the Isle of Man has helped nurture his career, which is very much in the spirit of Island of Culture 2014. As an inspirational and talented young artist Lloyd is an exemplary youth cultural ambassador for Island of Culture 2014 and we wish him continued success.’

CULTURE

WORDS | Megan Quirk

RICHARD III AND THE LAST KING OF MANN

Stanley in the centre (Wearing the Manx arms) offering the crown to Henry Tudor.

In the last years headlines, the turbulent War of the Roses shot across the nations newspapers. With the discovery of Richard III and the air of the BBC’s adaption of Phillipa Gregory’s “The White Queen”, its no surprise its become a hot topic. The Isle of Man’s link to the war is little known, but nonetheless holds vast importance. The King of Mann at the time, Thomas Stanley II was a loyal yorkist. That is till remarrying to Lady Margaret Beaufort. Stanley, known as the most politically astute and strategic powerbroker of his time became stepfather to the future Henry VII with this marriage and unwittingly his allegiances began to shift. As a loyal subject he acted as Commander of the Army under Edward VI and upon Richard seizing the throne, equally supported him and was given, for his loyalty, the title “Constable of England.” With this position came great power, and with it came control of the Tower of London and all those residing within. Stanley was thus in the perfect positioning to rid the two princeses kept in the tower, as they were as much a burden to his power climb as to Richards. Many now question the murderous nature of Richard and have

suggested the blame lies elsewhere in their vanishing, as their disappearance wasn’t only advantageous to Stanley it also left Richard’s once golden reputation in tatters as suspicion and rumours flocked. The mystery however remains to this day. The Stanley’s involvement in the Plantagents fall from power is infinite, as in the deciding Battle of Bosworth (1485) he commanded five thousand soldiers and much of the wealth of the army. On the day of battle Stanley was nowhere to be seen, having made a feeble excuse. Instantly suspicious, Richard ordered Stanley’s son, Lord Savage to be held hostage if he was to swap sides. Torn by his wife’s close claim to the throne and his own heir, Stanley nonetheless raised his banners for house Tudor; claiming “I have other sons”. Luckily, his son survived as orders ceased to be obeyed. Legend tells that Stanley himself discovered the crown, found hidden underneath a hawthorn bush, most likely by a looter. The crown was offered, upon the battlefield, by Stanley to Henry VII as a token of loyalty. The hawthorn bush later featured on the Tudor rose emblem.

The medieval taspestries within Castle Rushen, The Battle of Bosworth 1485. On the white horse: Henry Tudor, on the black horse: Richard III. As such, the King of Mann was a major contender within the War of the Roses. Without his calculated manoeuvring, the kings of Britain as we know it would be rewritten. Stanley was the root of the last Plantagent king’s downfall; as Richard, the last king to fall in battle, final words were “treason!” With his downfall, saw Margaret’s long awaited return of her son Henry, and with him the Tudor dynasty was born. Stanley was later granted the title Earl of Derby and became Constable of England once more. Margaret, having achieved what she saw as her “God-sending” duty died two weeks after her sons own death in 1509; her task seemingly complete. Photos courtesy of Manx National Heritage.

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CULTURE

My Passion –‘space’ MY NAME IS: Howard Parkin BSc, FRAS MY JOB IS: Astronomy lecturer and consultant, I have been chairman of the Isle of Man Astronomical Society since 2004. In 2011 I started lecturing on cruise ships then following the listing of the IoM’s first 7 dark sky sites in 2012 I set up my own Company, Astromanx, to promote astronomy on the IoM and further afield. HAVE YOU ALWAYS BEEN STAR-STRUCK? Not quite star struck, but fascinated with the whole subject since childhood. WHAT SPARKED YOUR INTEREST? I recall vividly when Yuri Gagarin went into space in 1961, when I was 7. That got me hooked, and Patrick Moore’s ‘Sky at Night’ became compulsory viewing so those two have joint responsibility! WHO’S YOUR FAVOURITE PHYSICIST/COSMOLOGIST/ ASTRONOMER? There are three: Issac Newton, Albert Einstein and Stephen Hawking, who I was honoured to meet in 2012. I also greatly admire Brian May. WHAT MAKES THE ISLE OF MAN SO GREAT, ASTRONOMICALLY? Fantastic dark sky sites everywhere make our Island almost unique! WHICH IS YOUR FAVOURITE ISLE OF MAN ‘DARK SKY’ SITE? Tholt y Will reservoir, because you are sheltered inland, with fantastic views in every direction and no lights to be seen anywhere. Other great spots are anywhere on the west coast, but the Sound and Nairbyl are also special. WHAT SHOULD AMATEURS IN THE IOM BE LOOKING OUT FOR IN THE NIGHT SKY THIS YEAR? There is a real possibility of a great meteor shower in late May. THERE’S BEEN A LOT OF LOCAL INTEREST IN SEEING THE AURORA (NORTHERN LIGHTS) BUT WHERE’S THE BEST PLACE IN THE IOM TO SEE THEM? Anywhere with

a decent view of the northern horizon so any western coast, or on the mountain road north from the Veranda. HAS ANYTHING YOU’VE SEEN IN THE NIGHT SKY TAKEN YOUR BREATH AWAY? Three things spring to mind: the total solar eclipse I saw in Turkey in 2006, also the transit of Venus I saw from our observatory in 2004. Most recently I saw the Aurora from on board a ship in March 2013. But if I had to name one, the eclipse wins the prize. WHY? The eclipse was so perfect, I was speechless for once! WHAT’S BEEN THE PROUDEST MOMENT IN YOUR CAREER (SO FAR)? Hosting the live link with astronaut Nicole Stott on board the ISS, held at the Manx Museum in October 2011. WHICH EVENT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING? Sharing a view of a total eclipse of the sun in the USA in 2017 with my wife. IF MONEY WAS NO OBJECT, WOULD YOU RESERVE A SEAT ON THE VIRGIN GALACTIC FIRST COMMERCIAL SPACE FLIGHT? Absolutely, but if I had enough cash I would go up to the International Space Station and stay for a few days. AND FINALLY, WHAT STAR SIGN ARE YOU? I am a Leo, one of the few star signs which looks like the stars it represents. Incidentally, on my birthday (August 18th) this year there will be a great conjunction of Jupiter and Venus (where the two planets appear to merge) just before sunrise at 6am.

The Isle of Man Astronomical Society’s website is www.iomastronomy.org and you can follow it on twitter @IoM_AS. The Society hosts group visits to their observatory: if you are interested see the website for details. ‘Pie In the Sky’ stargazing events will be held on Snaefell on 25/26 April, 26/27 September and 25/26 October – these go ahead whatever the weather but places must be booked in advance and the cost includes the tram journey and a ‘pie’ dinner in the Summit restaurant. There is also Solstice Stargazing on Snaefell on 21 June. To see when the ISS is visible from Manx skies, the orbit details are available from www.heavens-above.com.

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CULTURE

WORDS | Michelle P. Tonnesen

It all started with that jumper. Or so most improve the image of the Danes, but he in Scandinavia. In fact, both camps people may think – and may be forgiven did manage to put the city of Elsinore on probably have an element of truth to their for thinking. Admittedly, Sara Lund of the world map for generations to come. arguments. A small, northern country has the incredibly popular TV series “The Industrious farmers followed and did what to make do with what they’ve got: creative Killing” has contributed to an impressive they could with the flat heaths of Denmark. brains, good looks, ironic humour – and an worldwide surge in the interest in all things Eventually, small and medium-sized inherent love of all things beautiful. Toss Danish. It figures on the Top TV Shows businesses grew up, and the Danish welfare in a strong feeling of national identity and list of Stephen King himself, joined by the state was built on agriculture and trade. pride – they will find any excuse to wave following two hits: “Borgen” their red-white flag around – – the Danish twist on “West it is not hard to understand Wing” with a strong female why the Danes carry a certain front figure; and “The Bridge” smugness about them. In a – now running in its second cool way, of course. Somehow season – another example of they have managed to channel THERE IS SOMETHING DISTINCTLY SPECIAL New Nordic Noir, but a joint this into everything from ABOUT DENMARK AND THE DANES – AND Swedish-Danish effort, which sleek furniture to chic fashion; some might say are of one from pioneer restaurants to IT BEGAN LONG BEFORE THE FIRST YARN piece.. Po-ta-to, po-tar-to, I experimental entertainment. WAS HOOKED ON THE KNITTING NEEDLES hear you mutter? No, there is All wrapped in just the right FOR THE INFAMOUS FAIR ISLE JUMPER something distinctly special balance between weltschmerz about Denmark and the Danes and “hygge” – the – and it began long before quintessential Danish notion the first yarn was hooked on of having a cosy time. the knitting needles for the Sound attractive to you? infamous Fair Isle jumper – of All you have to do is start which even the Duchess of But how did the Danes get to be so cool? knitting, buy a designer chair, or perhaps Cornwall now owns a cherished specimen! The cynics might argue that it is all even eat living ants crawling on an First, there were the Vikings, of course, with down to the fact that they have bugger exclusive plate in one of the world’s top their longboats, travel urge and pillaging. all to show for – no significant amounts Michelin-starred restaurants, hoping that In their horned helmets and sheepskin they of natural resources to line the pockets indigenous coolness will rub off on you. Or had an avid appetite for life. The troubled of the Treasury. The comedians might you could just turn on your TV and let the Danish prince Hamlet did not do much to joke that it’s because it’s always so cold Danishness radiate into your living room...

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

FASHION & BEAUTY

BEAUTY

WORDS | Dr. Jeff Lunt

FAT BUSTING AND BODY RESCULPTURING AFTER THE EXCESSES OF THE FESTIVE SEASON IT IS PROBABLY THE OPPORTUNE TIME TO DISCUSS WHAT IS NEAR AND DEAR TO MOST OF US, ALTHOUGH WE ARE LOATHE TO ADMIT IT- FAT. So many of us pile the pounds on, that weight loss and how to shed those excess inches, is at the forefront of many discussions between individuals.

Weight loss in itself is an industry and there are so many ways to lose weight that it would take a whole issue of this magazine. However, what I am going to discuss now is what happens when you have lost those extra pounds and are almost at your ideal weight. Often there are particular areas of the body which defy reduction no matter how much weight is lost. The fatty belly, the bingo wings, the love-handles, the saddle-bag buttocks , the cellulite thighs, the sagging jowls - all names for areas that can be notoriously difficult to get rid of even after a successful diet and a punishing exercise regime. The number of adipocytes or fat cells that one has is decided in childhood by whether you are overweight or not. Those youngsters who are obese will have more fat cells than those who aren’t. In adults, the number of fat cells is fairly constant, with those people gaining weight in adulthood having the same number of fat cells as their lean friends. The difference is that if you are obese your fat cells are stuffed full of fat. Those adults with a larger number of fat cells, (IE those who have been overweight in childhood, ) find it harder to lose weight and keep it off than those adults who have become obese in adulthood and who actually have less fat cells. So then, we are left after a weight loss and training programme, with body areas that are resistant to further dieting but still

appear fat and unsightly to the beholder. What to do now? Because this problem is so common, everyone wanting a bit shaved off here and there, techniques have evolved for removing this excess fat, so I will discuss two useful methods to help: LIPOSUCTION This is the gold standard method for reshaping those areas you don’t like. It is a technique which was pioneered in Rome in 1975, and further developed until 1987 when the current use of injecting large amounts of local anaesthetic into the area to be treated was first described. Nowadays what essentially happens is the area to have the fat removed is defined and well- marked. Small needles are inserted into the area and a solution containing local anaesthetic is gently pumped into the site. Once the whole field has become numb, usually after about an hour, small incisions are made and blunt narrow metal tubes-cannulae - are inserted under the skin and into the fatty tissue. The fat cells are then gently sucked away. The cells which have been removed can actually then be injected into areas in the body needing volume - this can be the abdomen to create a “six pack”, the chest to create “pecs” or the face and neck to restore volume loss occurring as part of the ageing process. This is true body sculpting.

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BEAUTY

The advantages of this technique are that it is permanent, but the disadvantages are that it takes several hours to perform, there is a lot of uncomfortable post-operative care over a number of weeks, and that it is expensive, at least £3,500 for one area. LIPOFIRMPLUS® This technique does not require any preparation prior to the procedure, is painless and does not need a sterile operating theatre. It involves little down time and as it is office - based can easily be fitted into a busy schedule or a lunch break. It employs two differing but complementary techniques, namely cavitational ultrasound followed by radio frequency. The cavitational ultrasound probe is applied to the areas to be treated, and the emitted ultrasonic waves cause microscopic bubbles to form, which then burst at the cellular level, damaging the walls of the fat cells leading to their destruction. This releases the contents of the cells, namely fat, to be absorbed by the lymphatic and venous drainage of the area. This released fat is then disposed of by the body’s natural excretion system. The radio frequency probe is then applied which generates heat deep under the skin, causing increased blood and lymph flow helping to disperse the released fat. An

immediate effect is the tightening of the collagen fibres which cause a taughtening of the surrounding tissues and skin. A later effect is the generation of new collagen production by the stimulation of fibroblasts, essential for the structural integrity of the tissues. The net result after this combination treatment is fat cell destruction resulting in inch loss, tissue tightening as a result of the immediate thermal effect, and skin and tissue rejuvenation as a result of the later stimulatory effect on the cells producing collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid, all of which are depleted in the sagging and ageing skin. LipofirmPlus® has a unique place in the treatment of cellulite as this condition is notoriously difficult, even impossible, to treat with liposuction. This is because the bands of collagen tethering the skin and producing that orange peel effect are more difficult to break internally with the liposuction probe. Because the cavitational ultrasound probe is on the skin surface, the destructive effect upon the fat cells is still achieved even if they are bound up by collagen strands. LASTLY, AND THIS IS THE BONUS, THIS TYPE OF TREATMENT COSTS ABOUT ONE QUARTER OF THE PRICE OF LIPOSUCTION, AND AS

DISCUSSED EARLIER DOES NOT INVOLVE NEEDLES, ANAESTHETICS OR METAL TUBES. You are more than welcome to come to see us for a consultation or demonstration, we are No 52@ 52 Duke Street. Many thanks for reading this article and I hope it has helped to increase your knowledge of these treatments.

Duke Street Medical Aesthetics Beauty Hair

01624 617452

52 Duke Street, Douglas, IM1 2AR

www.52dukestreet.co.uk 52dukestreet@gmail.co.uk BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

FASHION TRENDS

FASHION

WOMEN

STYLE TIP Matching two pieces are super hot right now! Grab yours in saucy red jacquard.

For a night of romance indulge your feminine side in pretty colours of pinks and reds topping delicate fabrics of lace and jacquard, whilst keeping warm layered under a cocoon fitted coat. If dresses aren’t your thing, heart patterned fashions are popular on the high street, so there’s no excuse not to get your tender-loving print on! 1. Miss Selfridge - £79, 2. Miss Selfridge - £12, 3. Asos - £5, 4. Asos - £39, 5. Asos - £8, 6. Asos - £20, 7. Cath Kidston @ Asos - £60, 8. House of Holland @ Asos - £8, 9. River Island - £20, 10. New Look - £1.99, 11. New Look £17.99, 12. Asos - £25, 13. Miss Selfridge £22, 14. Miss Selfridge - £22.

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STYLE TIP For a less extrovert way to wear the trend, slip on a pair of fiery heels.

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FASHION TRENDS

FASHION

WORDS && LAYOUT LAYOUT :: JORJA JORJA HELMOT HELMOT WORDS

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STYLE TIP TIP STYLE Team a patterned Team a patterned shirtunder underaacosy cosy shirt cableknit. knit. cable

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Seduceyour yourlady ladyin inrosy rosypatterns patterns Seduce andheartfelt heartfeltprints printsthis thisValentines, Valentines, and inred redand andburgundy burgundytones. tones. Make Makeaasmart smart in effortin instaple stapleblack blackskinny skinnyjeans jeanswith withaa effort fittedblazer blazerto toimmediately immediatelyface facelift liftyour your fitted look. For Foraasmart smartcasual casualday daylook, look,swap swap look. yourshirt shirtfor foraaromantically romanticallypatterned patternedtee teeand and your trustychelsea chelseaboots. boots. trusty Next--£18, £18,2.2.Burton Burton--£4, £4,3.3.Burton Burton--£3, £3,4.4.River River 1.1.Next Island--£30, £30,5.5.Barbour Barbour@ @Asos Asos--£139, £139,6.6.Burton Burton--£6, £6, Island NewLook Look--£17.99, £17.99,8.8.New NewLook Look--£17.99, £17.99,9.9.New New 7.7.New Look--£29, £29,10. 10.River RiverIsland Island--£40, £40,11. 11. Look Burton--£70, £70,12. 12.Asos Asos--£6, £6,13. 13.Asos Asos-Burton £8,14. 14.Burton Burton--£25. £25. £8,

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BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

BEAUTY

BEAUTY PRODUCTS

Jo Malone Red Rose Bath Oil

A selection of delectable products which are pink to make the boys wink

Origins Hydrating Lip Balm

Good Things Bright Eye Cream

Caudalie Matifying Fluid

£38

£16

£5.99

£20.70

With a gorgeous aroma of roses, this oil adds that little bit of romance to any bath, leaving your skin glowing with scents of honeycomb, clove and musk.

Drench lips with quenching moisture and a glossy tinted finish. This balm will hydrate and soothe chapped lips, leaving them soft and smooth in seconds!

Gentle yet effective, this eye cream will tackles puffiness and dark circles, leaving your eyes bright.

This oil-banishing fluid provides an instant matifying effect, whilst combating dehydrated skin and restoring it to a rejuvenated glow.

Sampar Skin Quenching Mist

Vita Liberata Illuminating Skin Finish in Rose

Weleda Wild Rose Smoothing Facial Lotion

£12.10

Sisley Phyto Lip Twist Tinted Balm

Reclaim soft and supple skin with this light impurity-free mist. Its barely there texture even refreshes and soothes whilst locking in make up and protecting the skin against harsh outside irritants.

£28

£29.95

£15.95

Treat your lips to comfort, colour and shine all in one tinted balm. This pencilprecise product from Sisley will nourish and hydrate whilst perfecting that pout!

Let your skin capture the light with this luminescent smoothing cream, guaranteed to give a glow to tired winter skin.

A lightweight and soothing moisturiser, this formula counteracts fine lines, dryness and dull skin. It even helps prevent the premature appearance of ageing, leaving your skin soft and glowing.

Darphin Perfecting Body Scrub

Tom Ford Nail Lacquer in Fever Pink

Champney’s Distant Shores Shower Mousse

Guerlain Long-lasting Lip Colour

£8.00

The height of perfection, transform any look into chic and fashionable with this “it lipstick”. It combines the radiance of crystal pigment with a nourishing formula and glides colour over the lips like a second skin.

£28

£19.55

Not only does this exfoliating scrub leave your skin silky smooth, its scent is simply heavenly. With notes of apricot seed flakes, peach leaf and shea butter, this is spring in a bottle.

Turn up the sex appeal this Valentine’s with this extraamplified Fever Pink Nail Laquer. With a bendable formula, high coverage and brilliant shine, this polish will stay true to its colour from the moment it’s painted to when you decide to change it up a little.

Travelling the world to pick up wonderful therapies inspired by ancient rituals, Champney’s has created this simply gorgeous shower mousse infused with passion fruit, citrus oils and mango - the perfect way to end a stressfilled day.

£24.50

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KAR MA

Charles Alexander Ltd, 24 Strand Street, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM1 2EG Tel: 01624 621527 www.charlesalexanderltd.com

BEADS

BEAUTY

UTOPIA OPENS SECOND SALON A GLITTERING EVENING OF GLAMOUR AND SPARKLING TOASTS GOT UNDERWAY ON FRIDAY 10TH JANUARY AS THE TEAM FROM MARCO LEONETTI’S UTOPIA CELEBRATED THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF ITS SECOND HAIR SALON IN WALPOLE AVENUE, DOUGLAS.

lso named Utopia, the salon will be managed by Giulio Fabrizio, with Alex Clarke managing Purité beauty. Both offer an intimate and luxurious setting closer to the town centre in which to experience a full range of services and beauty treatments. The opening comes as part of a series of large-scale investments from Marco which, in June last year, saw the salon’s 17 year old Castlemona Colonnade premises transformed to an ultra-modern space at a cost of £85,000. The refurbishment marked the salon’s commitment to reinvesting in what Marco then termed ‘a promising and constantly maturing economy’, a sentiment which is reflected again in the opening of the Walpole Avenue quarters.

Marco moved to the Isle of Man aged two and, having studied locally, went on to win UK Student of the Year Award in 1978, along with a range of other industry accolades. He has also competed in two European and one World Championship and was nominated for the prestigious Global Salon Business Awards. Marco first went in to business aged just 18 and together with his daughter Daniella, Managing Director of Purité Beauty Salons, has been at the forefront of luxury beauty treatment and hair care on the Isle of Man for over 35 years. Commenting on the grand opening, Marco enthused: “At Utopia, we’ve always aimed to be the best at what we do and this comes from developing our staff and from listening to our customers with real intent. It is they who have contributed to our success so far

and it is they who will continue to support us throughout this expansion. We on the Island need to have the confidence to invest in ourselves and invest in our customers, but none of this is possible if we don’t have the confidence in our team. I would like to thank every single person who attended our launch and for getting us to this point. It was a lovely evening in stunning surroundings with stunning people, and I have no doubt that 2014 will be a fantastic year for all!”

IF YOU NEED ADVICE YOU CAN CALL IN TO THE SALON AT ANY TIME, OR IF YOU PREFER YOU CAN CALL US ON 616516 OR EMAIL: ADVICE@UTOPIAHAIRCARE.COM

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BEAUTY BULLETIN

BEAUTY

LIP SERVICE Think before you pout. People make instant judgments about a woman’s personality from the shade of lipstick they are wearing, new research by Avon reveals. More than 80% of women surveyed perceived those who wear a bright lipstick as confident, yet less than 6% said that they would choose to wear a bright colour themselves for a job interview. Avoid gothic-style lips if you’re meeting new people; 70% admitted they judge women who wear dark lip shades as unfriendly.

RAZOR SHARP Wet shaving is enjoying a retro renaissance, with a 50% rise in British cut-throat shaving barbers in the past 12 months. As the search for Britain’s Best Wet Shaving Barber begins, new research reveals that there’s an estimated 14,100 barbershops in Britain, with 5,076 (36%) now offering cut-throat shaving to their male clients, up from just 3,384 in August 2012, according to the survey by the British Barbers’ Association and The Bluebeards Revenge shaving brand.

BEARD BRIGADE Gary Barlow certainly has the X Factor when it comes to facial fuzz. The Take That singer has topped a poll of the UK’s most sought-after facial hair, followed by David Beckham, George Clooney and Brad Pitt. The Institute of Trichologists has noticed a six-fold increase in requests for beard transplants, as more men follow in the footsteps of Jeremy Paxman et al and sport a full beard. Dr Bessam Farjo, founder of Farjo Hair Institute, says: “For the last 12 to 18 months, there has been a noticeable rise in the number of men coming to my practice wanting to fill in bald patches or thicken wisps of hair.”

KEEPING UP APPEARANCES Staying groomed and gorgeous comes at a price; £80,000 over a lifetime, to be precise. Wahanda have done their sums to discover just how much the average person spends on treatment upkeep. On average, 20% of people in the UK have 2.5 beauty treatments every four weeks, which totals an overall spend of approximately £140 per month, or almost £1,681 a year. Over the course of a grooming lifetime, that’s £80,000 per person. Ouch! Almost 70% of respondents to the beauty website’s survey revealed that they visit their hairdressers every eight weeks, spending an average of £38.31 each time.

BEAUTY BULLETIN NAKED TRUTH British women are the happiest in the nude at an average age of 34. When it comes to checking out full-length mirrors, 40% of women admit to looking at themselves naked in the mirror every day, 25% sneak a peak at least once a week and 16% revealed they never look at themselves naked, according to a survey by Sanctuary Spa to mark the launch of the Active Reverse Body range. When it comes to bikini idols, over-40 Elle McPherson cemented her supermodel credentials by securing the most votes (50%) in the Best Bikini Body category.

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

SHELL OUT Slathering snail slime all over your body may not sound very appealing, but thanks to its anti-ageing properties, Holland & Barratt have seen the sales of their Snail Gel increase by a whopping 189%. Following in the footsteps of Japan, where you can fork out the equivalent of £160 for a live snail facial (eww!), you can now buy the slimy substance in the UK. A 50ml pot is £19.99 online at www.hollandandbarrett.com.

BEAUTY

WORDS | Clare Bowie

Is your skin thick enough? MY MIRROR, MIRROR, ON THE WALL, HAS BEEN RECENTLY, AND NOT SO SUBTLY, SUGGESTING THAT I MAY HAVE THE GREYEST FACE OF THEM ALL.

t’s not surprising really after all the kerfuffle and indulgence of last month but when even a spritz of self tanning face mist, a few decent nights sleeps and a prohibitional state couldn’t permeate the elephant texture that I was rocking, I took matters into my own hands and booked a “luxury” facial. I say luxury but the truth is that I pretty much knew it was going to be uncomfortable and a little embarrassing. I have no idea why we all buy into the idea that these experiences are somehow synonymous with pampering. When I think of pampering it does not involve a trip to a salon where you have to expose your overgrown hairy pins and have said hair viciously ripped out by a stranger, or have your face squeezed mercilessly by someone you’ve just met, under a light so bright that it must be standard issue wattage in Guantanamo Bay. All this is conducted by a therapist who must be silently tutting at the cavernous nature of your pores or haunted by images of teen wolf as she strips the fur from your legs. So far, so embarrassing; you then have to limp from the salon; relieved, lighter of wallet, hair and dignity and shuffle home in a walk of shame fashion with your clothes pulled hurriedly on and mascara smudged down your red face. What’s not to like?

So far, so embarrassing; you then have to limp from the salon; relieved, lighter of wallet, hair and dignity and shuffle home in a walk of shame fashion with your clothes pulled hurriedly on and mascara smudged down your red face. What’s not to like?

Anyway, it all went well, blackheads were squeezed until my eyes watered and my back was pummelled and massaged making me

both giggle and grimace as I stared at the floor through the face hole thingy, contemplating the bizarre nature of the experience. I lay on the heated bed with only my pants on, feeling vulnerable and of course pampered and made the mandatory noises as the therapist assessed my skin tone etc. All the while I consoled myself that it would be ok because the salon was on the other side of town and I would never have to see her again and the luxurious pampering would soon be over. However, it was when I left the salon with my shiny red face armed with my “face prescription” that the real pain began. Now, I know I’m getting on a bit (39, if you really want to know) but the prognosis was very bad. All the recommended products were for prematurely aging skin. I thought she liked me! We had a lovely chat about absolutely nothing at all and she massaged my craggy neck for crying out loud! And now I realised that while we were chatting about absolutely nothing at all she was drawing sharp intakes of breath and caustically judging at the state of my haggard skin for a woman not yet 40.

Next time I feel a bit ropey I think I will just post a selfie on Facebook and read the “looking good girl”, “gorgeous pic”, “stunning” and any other disingenuous comments that my so called friends come up with, because, although my skin may be grey, it’s not quite thick enough for further pampering.

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

APPETITE

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

APPETITE

SMELLY, EXPENSIVE, BONY... FISH DOESN’T ALWAYS HAVE THE BEST REPUTATION, BUT IT’S PACKED FULL OF NUTRIENTS AND THERE’S A WHOLE OCEAN OF FLAVOURS TO EXPLORE. Whether it was a whiffy, overcooked piece of haddock as a child that’s put you off, or a plate plagued with bones, many people simply won’t touch fish, no matter how many delicious-looking seafood dishes grace our TV screens on MasterChef. As an island nation, though, we have a fabulous array of flavours swimming locally on our doorstep. It’s high in protein, low in fat and needn’t be too expensive or tricky to cook. And with so many different varieties, it’s impossible to get bored. So it’s a wonder why, compared to our Mediterranean friends, we’re a bit unenthusiastic about fish. I have several friends who won’t touch it unless it’s covered in breadcrumbs, chopped into familiar rectangle shapes and deepfried within an inch of its life. If eating for health is your goal in 2014, looking to the seas for inspiration is a great place to start. HERE ARE THREE FIN-TASTIC RECIPES FOR YOU TO TRY AT HOME.

SEABASS WITH BOMBAY POTATOES AND FRIED EGG (Serves 2) 2 seabass fillets 2 large potatoes peeled and diced into 1cm chunks 1 clove garlic crushed ½ chilli, sliced 1tbsp curry powder ½tsp mustard seeds 1tsp grated ginger (optional) 3 spring onions, sliced 2 eggs

Boil the potatoes in salted water until just tender but retaining a slight bite, then drain. Slash the skin of the seabass three of four times, then brush the fillets with oil and season. Cook under a preheated grill, skin side up, until the skin is crispy and then turn over and cook the flesh side for one minute. Heat a little oil in a non-stick pan, add the mustard seeds and allow

to pop. Next add the ginger, garlic, chilli and curry powder, cook for one minute, then add the potatoes. Continue to cook, turning gently until they are brown and crispy. Remove from heat. Fry the eggs. Spoon some potatoes onto a plate and top with a seabass fillet, then a fried egg.

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APPETITE

POLLOCK WITH A CRUSTY TOPPING (Serves 4) 70g breadcrumbs

Mix the breadcrumbs with the grated parmesan cheese and then rub through some of the olive oil to moisten the breadcrumb mix.

2tbsp pesto

Grease a tray, lay the pollock fillets on it side by side and lightly brush them with oil.

2 x 200g pollock fillets

20g parmesan cheese 2 sun-dried tomatoes, chopped 50ml olive oil

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

Spread the pesto on top of the fillets, then scatter the sun-dried tomatoes on top of the pesto. Now top each fillet with the breadcrumb mix. Place under a preheated grill and cook until the breadcrumbs just start to colour, then place in an oven at 180C for five minutes, or until the fish is just cooked.

APPETITE

CRAB RISOTTO WITH SMOKED FISH (Serves 4)

Heat the stock in a pan.

2 fillets smoked trout, or other smoked fish

Dice the onion into small pieces and add to another pot with the oil and stir. Then add the rice and stir everything together, and cook gently for a further two minutes.

3 cups of stock - you can use fish, chicken or vegetable

Next add the heated stock, a cupful at a time, stirring constantly - wait until the stock is absorbed before adding more.

125g crab meat

170g arborio rice ½ onion, diced 50g frozen peas 2 spring onions, sliced 1tbsp olive oil Zest and juice of 1 lemon

Once all the stock has been added and absorbed, add the crab meat, peas and spring onions, along with the lemon juice and zest, and continue to cook for one to two minutes. Optional: At this point the risotto can be enriched by adding butter and a spoonful of creme fraiche or yogurt, along with grated parmesan.

Knob of butter (optional) Spoonful of creme fraiche or yogurt (optional) Grated parmesan (optional)

ALTERNATIVELY YOU COULD ‘SPLASH-OUT’ AND POP DOWN TO TANROAGAN SEAFOOD RESTAURANT IN DOUGLAS AND LET THEM COOK FOR YOU. www.tanroagan.co.uk

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APPETITE

CHEF SPEAK WITH VALENTINES DAY BEING JUST AROUND THE CORNER, WE WANTED TO ASK OUR FOODIE FRIENDS WHAT PASSION FOOD THEY WILL BE COOKING ON THE 14TH.

Allan Durairaj

Ricard Birch

Portofino

I shall be cooking a tantalizing three course meal. Starting with smoked salmon and halibut rose, sat in a nest of crispy leaks and baby spinach, drizzled with a lemon olive oil and topped with caviar. Served with Gavi di Gavi. For the main dish, a North Sea Halibut lightly grilled served with asparagus wrapped in bacon, garlic and chive butter and a smoked deep fried oyster. This will be accompanied with Pouilly Fuisse Louis Latour. The meal will be complete with Dark chocolate torte covered in crunchy amaretto biscuit, drizzled in white chocolate sauce.

Tanroagan

In our enchantment under the sea, I shall be cooking up a sharing platter of seafood, half a Manx lobster with garlic butter and a sharing platter of deserts.

Dariusz Sparza

SALT Bar & Kitchen My passion dish will be - to start, the Carpaccio of local beef served on rocket salad with caprini dressing, following with a roast Gressingham duck breast in black cherry sauce served with crushed potato and to satisfy a sweet tooth I shall finish with shortbread, vanilla mascarpone & raspberries.

Andrew Colson

Noel Breaks

The Claremont Hotel

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll keep things simple but tasty, Roast chicken with mushroom risotto and Kale followed by a chocolate mouse with honeycomb ice cream.

The Passion food I shall be cooking for Valentines will be traditional, local Manx Lamb Chops served with gratin potatoes & red currant jus, followed by a mille-feuille of filo pastry, white chocolate mousse and cherries.

JAR

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

APPETITE

WORDS | Anne Berry | The Wine Cellar Passionate does not mean overpriced! Many top producers will take as much care making their basic wines as these still carry their name on the label and will reach more people. Look out for these names: DOMAINE GAYDA IN LANGUEDOC

here are numerous different styles of wine produced around the world. At one extreme is the wine that is manufactured to meet the specification of the supermarket wine buyer. Made to a price point, the wine has to be clinically clean, almost stripped clear of any character so that it will have wide general appeal and be inoffensive. It will have gone through all the processes possible in the winery to ensure that it is squeaky clean and that no sediment can form in the bottle. Unfortunately this also takes away all the interesting elements of the wine.

At the other end of the scale are the wines that are produced with passion. These are produced by a dedicated and talented winemaker whose name will feature on the label and whose livelihood depends on the success of the wine. His or her aim is to produce a wine that is complex, interesting, full of character and well balanced for wine drinkers the world over to enjoy. It does not have to be terribly expensive, but it does need to have character, and it is the winemaker and his grapes that dictate the character, not a person with a calculator. This passion begins in the vineyard. When a wine is harvested by machine, the machine straddles the vine and shakes

it until the grapes have all fallen off. Everything goes in with it including leaves, birds, insects etc. This is clearly a quick way to bring grapes in, but pays no attention to the removal of any unripe or rotten fruit. The passionate producer will go into the vineyard and taste the grapes. Using his vast experience, he will decide when picking should commence. The grapes are carefully selected on the vine before being hand picked. Any under or overripe fruit will be left or discarded. Picking often takes place at night when it is cooler and there will be less risk of fermentation beginning during transportation. This is not to say that passionate winemakers are not prepared to embrace technology and, increasingly, satellite technology is being used in the vineyards. This can be used to help determine which soils are most suited to each grape variety, but more importantly it can give an indication of the water levels in the soil, the presence of minerals and can even give an idea of the weight of the bunches of grapes! A winemaker can now double check and then harvest the grapes that are ready and send them to a specific vat. Precision winemaking! It helps reduce the risk and, some would say, takes away some of the romance of winemaking, but allows even better wines to be produced…… that can only be a good thing! Once made, the wine will be subjected to as few processes as possible and often moved around using gravity rather than pumps. This is far gentler and the wine retains more natural character. The winemaker will still make a perfectly clean wine, but may not filter it. Over the months, sediment will form in the bottle and sink to the bottom, so it is always worth taking extra care when pouring the last glass out of the bottle as that mouthful of sediment can spoil the overall experience of drinking the wine.

As well as their flagship wine, the superb, wonderfully complex Chemin de Moscou (£21.45), a fabulous red blend, they also produce the Tair D’Oc Sauvignon Blanc and Syrah, which, at £8.25, are tremendous value for money. Well made every day wines, organic, well balanced and immensely drinkable. ETNA VINEYARDS Tenuta della Terre Nere – Marco di Grazia is known to have one of the best palates in Italy and makes superb wines from grapes grown in the highest vineyards in Italy on the slopes of Mount Etna. At £14.25, this is a serious wine, full of mineral character that comes through from the

volcanic soil. Again produced from very healthy organically grown grapes, this is a wine to savour and to enjoy with food. Mediterranean roasted vegetables, red meat or pasta dishes. CHATEAU MUSAR FROM LEBANON – probably the best known of all Lebanese wineries, the Hochar family have made wines under extreme and, often adverse, conditions for many years. They have even had to abandon harvesting some years because of the fighting and lost a year’s worth of vines. Fortunately they remain determined to produce a great range of wines and, while the older vintages of Chateau Musar can be £80 or more a bottle, the Musar Jeune, or ‘young’ Musar, is fruity and smooth and at £11.25, gives a great wine to enjoy by itself, with a plate of cheese or with a heartier meal.

THE WINE CELLAR • TENNIS ROAD • DOUGLAS • IM2 3QW TELEPHONE: 01624 611793 • EMAIL: anne@thewinecellar.im

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TRAVEL

PHOT0S COURTESY OF PEOPLE MAKE GLASGOW

lasgow is one of Europe’s most vibrant, dynamic and stylish cities. And there’s never been a better time to visit, as the city gears up to host the XX Commonwealth Games this summer. Over a million visitors from across 70 nations around the world are set to descend on Glasgow for the greatest ever showcasing of the city’s sporting and cultural credentials to a global audience. Amazing new world class venues, including the Emirates Arena, Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome and Tollcross International Swimming Pool, are already being put to great use by locals and visitors alike ahead of the Games. And the Commonwealth Games is just one of a number of major international events heading to Glasgow this year, with the MTV European Music Awards and the Ryder Cup Opening Ceremony both taking place at the stunning new SSE Hydro Arena. And that’s not including the fantastic year round programme of events and festivals, covering everything from film and comedy to jazz and piping – there really is something for everyone! With so much going on, it’s no wonder that leading newspapers, travel publications & websites, such as Rough Guides, The Guardian, The Telegraph and Wonderlust, have named Glasgow as a must-visit destination for 2014. Scotland’s largest city is home to more than 20 world class museums and art

galleries – most of which are free of charge! The internationally renowned Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum, remains one of the most popular museums in the UK, whilst the Zaha Hadid designed Riverside Museum provides a fitting home for the city’s world-class transport collection. No visit to Glasgow is complete without experiencing the Art Nouveau genius of Glasgow born artist, architect and designer, Charles Rennie Mackintosh. His innovative style is complemented by an internationally acclaimed movement in contemporary art and design. Furthermore, the stylish city is a shopper’s paradise, recognised as the top place to shop in the UK outside of London’s West End; home to some of Scotland’s chicest hotels and restaurants; and worldrenowned for its friendly and welcoming people. Add to this, Scotland’s spectacular scenery, castles, distilleries, lochs and golf courses being located on the city’s doorstep, and it’s easy to see just why Glasgow is appearing on so many travel publications’ lists of top places to visit this year. Citywing will begin nine weekly return flights between the Isle of Man and Glasgow on the 31st of March 2014, with prices starting from £49.95. For more information go to www.citywing.com.

TRANSPORT AROUND THE CITY: BY BUS: Glasgow Shuttle 500 Glasgow Shuttle service, operated by First Bus, incorporates stops in close proximity to several accommodation locations. This direct journey into the City Centre departs every 10 minutes from the front of the terminal building. BY TAXI: Glasgow Taxis On arrival at the airport you can call and book a taxi with Glasgow Taxis on +44 (0) 141 429 7070. Glasgow Airport Taxis Glasgow Airport Taxis are always located immediately outside the terminal building or can also be booked by calling +44 (0) 141 848 6363. ON FOOT: Glasgow is a compact and walkable city. Built on a grid system, it is easy to navigate on foot or by public transport and is home to Scotland’s only Subway system.

For more information about what to do and see in Glasgow, visit: www. peoplemakeglasgow.com

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Now you can fly direct to Glasgow

see www.citywing.com for details

TRAVEL

TRAVEL TRENDS 2014 PANAMA

RWANDA

TOLEDO SPAIN

Connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, the Panama Canal was an epic feat of engineering which dramatically changed maritime trade when it opened on August 15, 1914. This year’s centenary is a good excuse to visit the central American country, which is now serviced by Air France flights via Paris. With less tourist resorts than neighbouring Costa Rica but sharing a similar biodiversity, the country is begging to be explored now rather than later.

Twenty years ago, in 1994, Rwanda hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons. But two decades on, this small progressive country in the heart of Africa has become a conservation success story. Tracking a fragile but slowly increasing population of mountain gorillas on the slopes of the mist-shrouded Volcanoes National Park is on every wildlife lover’s bucket list, while further south, chimpanzees can also be spotted in the Nyungwe National Park. But equally as fascinating are the people; peace and calm now reigns in the beautiful rural countryside, a world far removed from the horrors sensitively documented in Kigali’s Genocide Memorial Centre.

Nicknamed “the Greek” after his Cretian origins, 17th century artist El Greco spent most of his life working in Spanish city Toledo. Hailed as paving the way for the Expressionism and Cubism movements, he is best known for his tortured, elongated figures. To commemorate the 400th anniversary of his death, the whole country is gearing up for a series of events, including major exhibitions of his works in both Toledo (from March to June) and Madrid’s Prado Museum (from June to October).

01. 02. 03. 64

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PLACES

WHERE TO GO IN 2014 It’s already February, time to start planning that 2014 holiday. Sarah Morris provides some inspiration with a look at this year’s top ten trending destinations.

CHENGDU CHINA

According to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation, China is set to become the most popular tourist destination in the next seven years. One of the big attractions is an opportunity to see the country’s native bamboomunching Giant Pandas. While it’s extremely difficult to spot these passive creatures in the wild, breeding and research centres in Chengdu allow close encounters with the black and white bears. Launched last September, new direct flights with British Airways have increased accessibility.

EASTERN YORKSHIRE SICILY, ITALY UK

Tourism has been bubbling away in eastern Sicily for some years, but it’s popularity is set to explode - especially since Mount Etna, Europe’s largest active volcano, was added to Unesco’s World Heritage List last year. New twice-weekly Ryan Air flights from London to Comiso airport and additional Alitalia services from London to Catania are opening up the eastern part of the Italian island, while TV’s Inspector Montalbano is bringing the wild landscapes and ebullient local life to a wider audience.

With the Tour de France 2014 starting in Yorkshire on July 5 and 6 this year, thousands of visitors are set to descend on the regions rolling Dales and historic market towns. So it’s no wonder Lonely Planet has named David Hockney’s favourite stomping ground as a place to go in 2014. This year’s race will pass through the Swinton Estate, which is also home to a luxury castle hotel. The hotel can arrange a private roadside area for anyone wanting to watch the race, or can loan bikes to those who want to have a spin along the winding roads themselves. Their Tour de Yorkshire package costs from £190 per person, per night, full board and includes free use of bikes and a cyclist’s massage. Visit www. swintonpark.com

04. 05. 06. BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

TRAVEL

TRAVEL TRENDS 2014

ZIMBABWE

AUSTIN TEXAS

SOUTH AMERICA

Economic improvements and a safer environment have enticed visitors to return to the wildlife-rich parks of Zimbabwe. Guiding here is excellent, with certification requiring a four-year study, and guests are able to observe a wide variety of game at close hand. With very competitive rates and a number of new lodge openings, numbers of visitors are steadily increasing. The completion of the Victoria Falls airport has also opened up opportunities for more flights, with Emirates and Etihad set to launch new routes this year.

Famous for it’s live music scene, with bands playing nightly along Sixth Street and festivals such as South By Southwest and Austin City Limits taking place every year, this hip Texan city is buzzing with excitement. From March, British Airways will operate its new 787 Dreamliner from London to Austin, and predicts a healthy rise in passengers. Spend days scouring quirky shops and hanging out in cafes, or exploring the State Capitol building - apparently bigger than the one in Washington State.

With the spotlight on Brazil for the year’s World Cup (June 12 to July 13), South America will be on everyone’s radar. Travel Agents are reporting a 30% increase in bookings to the region, with most people choosing a multi-country trip to make the most of their visit. Stay in Rio de Janeiro, where city, beach and jungle overlap, soak up the thunderous Iguazu waterfalls and admire the elegance of Buenos Aires .

07. 08. 09. ICELAND When the weather is good, driving around Iceland is simple: one 832-mile ring road loops around the volcanic island. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the completion of Route One, making a self-drive trip this summer particularly timely. Fly into the capital Reykjavik, where highlights include the Skogafoss waterfall and Blue Lagoon thermal baths, then head north to second city Akureyri and the stunning Westfjords. Stopping off at fishing villages along the way, the trip should take a week. Make a detour to new visitor attraction Pompeii Of The North, where houses destroyed by a 1973 volcanic eruption on the southern Vestmannaeyjar islands have been reconstructed.

10.

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Isle of Man | Home & Interiors | February 2014

The best place to find a new place in the Isle of Man

REAYRT NY GLIONNEY FAMILY HOMES IN LONAN

Reayrt ny Glionney from Heritage Homes is a superb collection of four and five bedroom detached homes in the charming hamlet of Lonan, just 15 minutes’ drive from Douglas. Enjoying an enviable elevated position and offering beautiful coastal views towards Laxey and Cumbria, Reayrt ny Glionney is conveniently located within walking distance of Laxey village and all local amenities. Designed and constructed to Heritage Homes’ awardwinning standards, every property comes with a 10 year NHBC warranty and benefits from exceptional levels of insulation, high quality double-glazing and central heating systems powered by the latest generation in energyefficient boilers to help you save money on your energy bills. Premium quality fittings, superior levels of craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail ensure the highest levels of finish inside and out, and every home features many luxurious ‘extras’ as standard including:

• • • • • 68

Superb kitchen by top German manufac- turer featuring a full range of high quality, integrated appliances Luxurious fully tiled bathrooms and en suites Stylish fitted wardrobes Floor coverings Landscaped gardens

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SH NO OW W H OP OM EN E

Prices start at £451,950. For full details call Heritage Homes on 615000 or visit the stunning 5 bedroom ‘Silverdale’ show home at Reayrt ny Glionney, which is open from 11am to 4pm Saturday and Sunday or by appointment at all other times. BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

PLACES

WALL to WALL

wi�h s�yle

IF YOU WANT TO LIVEN UP YOUR WALLS, LOOK NO FURTHER THAN A ROLL OR TWO OF WALLPAPER. ONCE SEEN AS A LITTLE OLD-FASHIONED, WALLPAPER IS WELL AND TRULY BACK ON THE STYLE AGENDA.

tyle doesn’t have to mean money though, and there are fantastic wallpaper designs for all budgets – Cubbin & Bregazzi have some great designer selections. You can also save money because these days many of us prefer to paper one feature wall rather than opting for wall-to-wall papering. Wallpaper is always a great way to inject colour, pattern and texture into a room but with a feature wall, you can really go to town on your wallpaper choice without it overpowering the room. It’s generally obvious which wall is most suitable for the feature wall - the wall behind your bed or sofa, for example, or it could be part of a wall, such as an alcove or chimney breast. You can create another ‘feature’ with wallpaper by placing it horizontally between a picture rail and coving, between a picture rail and dado rail or, more traditionally, below a dado rail. If you like the idea of breaking up the space visually in this way but don’t have these original features, you can always add them. Remember wallpaper has more than just a decorative function though. If you don’t want the hassle and cost of replastering, the right wallpaper will improve the appearance of uneven or otherwise imperfect walls. Thick wallpapers, especially textured ones, and

lining papers are ideal for covering up such imperfections, and many are designed to be painted. Wallpapers with a shiny or reflective surface will highlight lumps and bumps, so avoid these unless you have perfect walls.

Wallpaper is always a great way to inject colour, pattern and texture into a room but with a feature wall, you can really go to town on your wallpaper choice without it overpowering the room.

choose a pattern that won’t look too bad (straight-across patterns should be avoided with wonky ceilings, and vertical ones with wonky walls) or simply accept that it won’t look perfect. Wallpaper can be used in pretty much any room, including kitchens and bathrooms, apart from full wet rooms. There are special vinyl wallpapers designed for kitchens and bathrooms and you can also use conventional wallpaper, although it’s advisable to protect it from damage and damp with a clear varnish designed for paper, or a glass or Perspex panel. Hanging wallpaper can be a bit tricky for novices and takes some getting used to the easiest option is to use a paste-the-wall wallpaper. As the name says, you apply wallpaper paste directly to the wall using a roller or brush and then stick the dry lengths of wallpaper onto the wall. Unlike conventional wallpaper, you don’t have to wait for the paste to soak in and you don’t have to handle soggy lengths of wallpaper, which are tricky to deal with but easy to damage.

Walls in period properties often aren’t perfect and if they’re not straight, this will be accentuated by patterned wallpaper. You can therefore either avoid it altogether,

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

HOME MONTH OF THE

SPRINGFIELD RISE, FOXDALE The Oak - FULLY FURNISHED 4 bedroom Show Home with garage

ÂŁ479,950 READY TO MOVE INTO - PRICE INCLUDES: P Luxury German kitchen P Stone worktops P Integrated appliances P Fully tiled bathroom and en-suites P Fitted wardrobes

P P P P P

ALL Furniture ALL Carpets and flooring ALL Curtains ALL Fixtures and fittings ALL Accessories

Call 01624 615000 Visit dandara.com

Call into our Sales Suite, 22-24 Victoria Street, Douglas - OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK.

To scan the code, download a QR code reader app. Full details available on request. Price and details correct at time of going to print.

PLACES

PLANNING, PREPARATION and a little bit of guidance... When Tom and Leanda Richardson first approached Kate Davies at Lloyds Bank’s to apply for a first time buyer’s mortgage, planning their long-term budget was a central concern. Two years later, and just one year after their wedding, they’re both ready to move in to a new home. We find out how planning, preparation and a little guidance from Kate, helped them to accomplish their ambitions. “We initially approached Lloyds for mortgage advice quite a while ago; perhaps a couple of years before we came in and went through the initial process with Kate,” Leanda explained. “We came for the early advice simply to know what to do with our accounts. We realised that we needed to take a step-by-step approach to get our affairs in order which, for us, meant setting up and transferring to various savings and current accounts. Overall, it was a surprisingly easy transition from renting a property to a mortgage. Of course there’s a slight adjustment, and you’re still budgeting to

Kate was on-hand to help us all the way, which was great during the planning process and, of course, our peace of mind.” “Tom and Leanda had also been making regular savings with us each month. This demonstrated affordability, which is obviously the main focus from our perspective,” explained Kate, Mortgage Arranger at Lloyds Bank’s Victory House branch in Douglas. “We want to make sure that our customers are confident that they can meet the requirements of their mortgage well in advance of approval and Tom and Leanda were able to demonstrate this through making those savings as well

make your monthly payments, but it’s not too dissimilar from a normal monthly schedule and we now feel like we’re investing in something.” “What also came in handy at this early stage was we were advised to move on to a Gold Account*, which really benefitted us when it came to actually going through the mortgage approval process,” added Tom. “Not only was it easier to manage our personal finances in the short term but we were also awarded certain discounts and packages when it eventually came to getting the house itself.

OVERALL, IT WAS A SURPRISINGLY EASY TRANSITION FROM RENTING A PROPERTY TO A MORTGAGE.

as proving their ability to budget and pay rent on their previous property every month. All of this put them in good stead for the application itself.”

Leanda explained that she and Tom were always conscious of the difficulties many first time buyers face when organising an initial mortgage down payment, and the importance of planning ahead for when the time came. “We were very lucky that we had some help from my parents and put together a large portion of the down payment from our own savings. It was a big undertaking that was made a lot simpler and more manageable with some professional guidance from someone who appreciated our position as first-timebuyers. We ended up getting the mortgage in the end, and the whole process took just three months, so it worked out perfectly.” ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

PLACES

As long-term customers of Lloyds Bank, the decision to approach Kate at the point of applying seemed only natural, Tom explained: “In a sense, when it came to researching the mortgage and assessing our options we just went with the flow. There was more of a reason to come to Lloyds because it was just so much easier for us. We already hold all our banking requirements here and then there was the educational side of things. As you can imagine, planning a commitment like this is quite daunting, even at times quite scary. You can’t help but think ‘what if they come back and say you haven’t been approved?’, but Kate explained everything to us as we went along. It was nice to be able to speak to someone face-to-face and it was so easy to arrange a meeting if we felt we needed one.” I remember they were both quite nervous when they first came”, Kate recalls, “but we soon got over that once everything has been put into perspective and we had a plan in place. This is a problem that many first time buyers face but it’s something we’re all experienced in and, after all, that’s what I’m here for.” “Overall, my best advice would be to come

OVERALL, MY BEST ADVICE WOULD BE TO COME INTO THE BANK AND TALK WITH THEM...

into the bank and talk with them”, Tom explained in closing. “They’re the ones who award the loan and they’re the ones who’re the experts. It’s people like Kate who are also able to help you with some of the hidden costs that we hadn’t even considered. Costs for things like lawyer’s fees, building and life insurance and, of course, furnishing and decorations for an entire house can all add up. It’s important to factor them into your financial ambitions early if you don’t want to be met with any unpleasant surprises when you move in.” “Whether you’re eager to get on the property

ladder as soon as possible or just want to know your options years in advance, my advice would be to approach the experts as soon as you can” Leanda added. “Having gone through the process ourselves, I would always recommend that anyone thinking of applying for a mortgage for the first time just goes to the bank to see what they can do to help. It’s about having the confidence to go in, to make a plan, and to plan well ahead.” “Coming here gives you more drive to do it and having a plan in place and knowing what to do makes all the difference. They’ve been so helpful here at Lloyds; we’ve been made to feel like they really want to help us, that they’re working with us. You need to feel that when you’re new to such a massive commitment.” The Island Gold account is a current account with a range of benefits for a monthly fee of £9. Please also remember: YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE.

For full details of Lloyds Bank mortgages please visit our website http://islands.lloydsbank.com/mortgages/ island-mortgages/ or contact one of our Mortgage Arrangers on 01624 697118. Our lines are open 9am to 5pm excluding bank holidays. Telephone calls may be recorded and monitored.

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Make it happen this year. Our personal loans can give your finances a boost. Visit lloydsbank.com/islands

Lending is at the Bank’s discretion. How much we lend, the rate available to you and the issue of a loan is subject to our assessment of your circumstances. You must be 18 or over and resident in the Channel Islands or Isle of Man to apply. Issued by Lloyds Bank International Limited trading as Lloyds Bank. Registered Office: PO Box 160, 25 New Street, St. Helier, Jersey JE4 8RG. Registered in Jersey, number 4029. The Isle of Man branch of Lloyds Bank International Limited is licensed by the Isle of Man Financial Supervision Commission and registered with the Insurance and Pensions Authority in respect of General Business. Business Address: PO Box 111, Peveril Buildings, Peveril Square, Douglas, Isle of Man IM99 1JJ. Copies of our terms and conditions and latest report and accounts are available from the above registered office. Date of issue: 03 February 2014

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RURAL VIEWS This stunning property located on the border between St Judes and East Jurby, has recently been reduced by over £100,000 to the new market price of £710,000. ‘Ballafletcher’ is a spacious detached bungalow, situated in 15 acres of land in a beautiful secluded location, approached via a long private tarmac driveway. Upon approaching the property the spectacular panoramic rural views are instantly noticeable. To the south there are views of the various hills including Snaefell,

North Barrule and Sky Hill which all add to the joy of living in this location. The accommodation is flexible and well designed, briefly comprising of an open plan dining hall, formal living room, conservatory, breakfast kitchen, utility/ laundry room, four double bedrooms, and a family bathroom.

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The overall construction easily lends itself to internal remodelling and extension, should the new owner wish to do so. There really is fantastic potential to create a truly magnificent and highly prestigious property. A further benefit to this property is the large modern outbuilding which would be suitable for a variety of purposes. The property can be found by driving

through Andreas Village, proceeding past the Grosvenor Public House and after a short distance, taking the next road on the right, signposted ‘Jurby East’. Proceeding for 3/4 mile along this road, the entrance to ‘Ballafletcher’ can be found on the left hand side, shortly after crossing a small stone bridge. Given this £100,000 price reduction, this property is a true bargain, but don’t take our word for it book a viewing today.

Viewings are highly recommended on this comprehensive and impressive family home. CALL OUR RAMSEY OFFICE 0N 835252.

This space seen by the Island’s househunters and homebuyers from £265 per month Find out more on 07624 209726 or email places@gallery.co.im

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PLACES

The best place to find a new place in the Isle of Man PARK CLOSE - GLEN VINE

£499,950

This superbly presented detached house is a beautiful example of ‘Potton’ design, featuring exposed beams throughout. The property comprises of a large airy lounge with feature floor to ceiling rustic brick Ingelnook open fire and French doors opening to a paved sun patio. There is also a dining room, study, cloakroom, conservatory and breakfast kitchen. On the first floor there is a bathroom and four bedrooms, the master having a recently fitted en-suite bathroom with separate tiled shower cubicle. Many of the rooms in the property benefit from being wired for ‘Bang & Olufsen’ integrated music and television systems. Outside is a detached double garage with a hobbies/ storage room above and a generous driveway for several cars. The front garden is laid to lawn with a crescent flowerbed, whilst the rear is laid out for ease of maintenance and faces in a westerly direction, thus enhancing on the maximum sunshine hour.

01624 616200

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FAAIE NY CABBAL - KIRK MICHAEL

£340,000

A spacious detached bungalow on a corner plot situated in a quiet and secluded location in Kirk Michael. The bungalow consists of a large lounge/dining room with a feature fireplace and good sized conservatory which enjoy distant rural views. There is a generously sized kitchen and breakfast room , three bedrooms, master en-suite and family bathroom. There is also an open plan mainly laid to lawn front garden with a driveway for parking up to 2 cars. The fantastic corner plot enjoys a private large rear garden which is laid to lawn with a patio area and garage with utility area.

01624 818222

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The best place to find a new place in the Isle of Man WOODBOURNE ROAD - DOUGLAS

ÂŁ395,000

NO ONWARD CHAIN

A large imposing semi detached town house situated in a convenient town location near schools, bus route and amenities. The property consists of a large lounge with a decorative marble fireplace and large bay window with original sash windows, there is a separate dining room which also has a feature fireplace and an alcove which is ideal for a dresser. From the dining room there is an open archway into the kitchen which has a glazed door to a decked balcony. The lower ground floor has a large room which is ideal as a games/party room or occasional guest room, with a built-in bar and door to shower room and utility room. There are six bedrooms (one en-suite) which are situated on the first and second floors and a family bathroom. Outside there is a large detached garage, a lovely front garden and rear garden which is mainly laid to lawn with a vegetable patch.

01624 616200

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THE MEADOWS - KIRK MICHAEL

ÂŁ264,500

A lovely detached dormer bungalow situated in a quiet location in easy walking distance to Kirk Michael Village. The property is set on a large corner plot with a delightful surrounding garden, comprising of two reception rooms, conservatory, kitchen, three bedrooms (one en-suite) and a family bathroom. Outside there is an integral garage, mainly laid to lawn gardens with good privacy and a separate tranquil seating area with water feature.

01624 818222

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If you are marketing your mortgage offers, this full page, seen by the Isle of Man househunters and homebuyers is available from ÂŁ427 per month. Find out more on 07624 209726 or email places@gallery.co.im

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BUSINESS

IN THE NEWS

BUSINESS NEWS AKG eyes RL360° buyout positively AKG has reacted favourably to the recent management-led buyout of RL360°. In November last year, the Royal London Group (RLG) entered into an agreement with funds advised by independent private equity firm Vitruvian Partners to support a management-led buyout of Royal London 360° for an undisclosed sum. As a result, the company was rebranded RL360°. In a note issued following the ownership change, AKG referred to RL360° as “a financially strong standalone operation with very strong operational characteristics and positive development potential”. AKG’s note also made reference to the fact that notable in the change in RL360°’s ownership has been the retention of existing senior management, led by Chief Executive David Kneeshaw, all of whom have significant experience and time within the operation. Indeed the final buy-in of the senior management is an important

element of the new ownership persona. The sale saw RL360° further strengthened through support from the global reinsurance group Munich Re, as well as an element of long term financing from RLG, and in addition to capital from Vitruvian. AKG noted that the Munich Re arrangement provided “certainty that new business can be supported for a time horizon of several years”. It also pointed out that such a deal demonstrated MunichRe’s confidence in and commitment to RL360°. In its note, AKG said: “Operationally the change is positive with the existing infrastructure and organisation maintained together with the close alignment of ownership to business objective and culture.” “The financing composition of the deal is interesting given the investment of all the senior management and the retained consideration of RLG and is innovative

in terms of the arrangement made with “Munich Re to provide new business support via a quota share arrangement” It continued: “Financial strength remains good and the presence of the quota share agreement with Munich Re supports liquidity and should mitigate any question over the ability of RL360° to support new business at or even excess of plan.” In addition, AKG note also that there exists access to additional capital to enable RL360° to seek additional acquisitions and development opportunities. AKG Actuaries and Consultants Ltd specialise in the provision of ratings, information and market assistance to the financial services industry. The company’s reports are designed to provide advisers the information they need to assess the relative strengths of offshore long term insurers.

Manx Businesses join forces for local charity Warehouse Fitness Ladies Only Gym organised the event which was hosted at Warehouse Fitness on the 7th December 2013. The event was supported by over 30 Manx businesses who had stalls at the event. Laura Faulds commented, “we were absolutely thrilled to see local companies coming together at Christmas to offer not only an amazing event aimed at celebrating Manx products and businesses, but an event to support a charity close to home. The team at the Manx Eating Disorder Support Group work effortlessly and being a relatively new charity, they are delighted to receive the support that enables them to continue their services on the Island”.

Laura Faulds, Karen Hanly, Liz Partridge and Georgie Shelley

Female business owners came together in December to host a Christmas fayre event to fundraise for the Isle of Man Eating Disorder Support Group. Laura Faulds, Managing Director of online dress shop Love My Figure, Love My Fashion and Karen Hanly, Managing Director of

Karen Hanly, added, “A little goes a long way in our community and we were delighted to have raised a much needed £150.00 for the charity through our raffle sales. A big thank you goes out to all the companies that donated prizes to the raffle to make our efforts possible”. If you would like more information about The Manx Eating Disorder Support Group, please contact the Group Facilitators Georgie, Donna and Liz at: manxeds@hotmail.co.uk or tel. 330922.

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BUSINESS

2013 proves a success for the Isle of Man Ship Registry Register grows at twice the rate of the world’s fleet

THE ISLE OF MAN-REGISTERED BULK CARRIER ‘MIKA MANX

The Isle of Man Ship Registry has delivered another very good year, securing more ships from new owners with a corresponding increase in gross registered tonnage of more than twice the growth rate of the world’s fleet during 2013.

for the first time in its history. The Isle of Man register has grown by 7.4% in tonnage terms, which is more than twice the rate of growth of the world fleet at 3.6%. This is a significant increase not only in tonnage terms but also in the increasing global influence of the Isle of Man’s register.

Recently released statistics by Clarkson’s, Its commercial yacht register also continues which monitors world shipping fleets, show to perform very well with over 100 of the that the Isle of Man has now moved into world’s most prestigious yachts registered 14th place in the table of world registers by inAthe IsleDT of Man. tonnage, which places it ahead of Germany 41049_NPW_Dots_Agenda_190x137_Focus/Castles TYPE 27/08/2013 11:37 Page 1

As recently as 2010, the Isle of Man did not feature in the World’s top twenty registers, but this current position shows the significant growth of the fleet over the last few years as word spreads of the benefits of registering vessels in the Isle of Man and the high quality associated with the Registry and local industry. The maritime sector has become very important to the Isle of Man and now employs around 600 people.

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BUSINESS

IN THE NEWS

G4S expand service range G4S Secure Solutions (Isle of Man) has announced the incorporation of G4S Fire Security (Isle of Man) into their service range on the island.

Spotlights on bursary students at Canaccord Genuity Wealth Management

Fire Security Isle of Man was previously managed out of their head office in Belfast but since being acquired by G4S, there has been a progressive transition to the company on the Isle of Man and with effect from the 1.st January all administrative and management responsibility transferred to the Isle of Man company. G4S Fire Security install, maintain and monitor fire detection and suppression systems. Managing Director, Stuart McCudden commented: “The inclusion of fire security into our service range is a logical extension of our security and fire capability and we now offer a full suite of alarm, access, CCTV and fire protection services. We will also be incorporating our fire extinguisher and fire training business into this new division, allowing all of our customers, large or small, a one stop shop for all their security, fire and safety requirements. “Our 12 strong team of engineers and admin staff offer a comprehensive 24/7 service, either as stand-alone services or part of a comprehensive facilities solution. “G4S is a major employer on the island and this additional engineering capability will drive our continued growth here taking our staff complement to over 220 employees.”

Isle of Man to be well represented at ICE A delegation from the Isle of Man’s e-Gaming sector is preparing to attend the ICE Totally Gaming event in London from the 4th-6th February to promote the Isle of Man as a world-class location for e-Gaming business. This year 14 private sector companies will accompany representatives from the Department of Economic Development and the Gambling Supervision Commission which will enable visitors to discuss legal, financial, data hosting, consultancy and corporate services. Howard Quayle MHK Political Member for e-Gaming, Isle of Man Government Department of Economic Development commented: ‘Our attendance at ICE is an important part of the Department’s ongoing strategy to continue expansion of this fast growing sector, which now employs around 800 people directly and represents 9% of our economy. ICE is the largest and most comprehensive gaming event globally. In 2013 it attracted more than 22,000 people, nine out of ten of whom were involved in the purchasing and decision making process within their company, and the event is expected to be even bigger this year.

Kyle Withington, Dermot Hamill and Joseph Hillard

Local students Kyle Withington and Joseph Hillard have each been awarded a three year bursary by Canaccord Genuity Wealth Management in the Isle of Man to support them through their time at university. The bursary scheme aims to help two students by offering financial support for three years along with the opportunity to undertake work experience at the wealth management firm. Mr Withington attended Ramsey Grammar School and Mr Hillard attended Ballakermeen High School and both started their university courses in September. Mr Withington is studying cinema and photography at the University of Leeds. In 2010 Mr Withington was chosen to showcase his films at a London exhibition and was subsequently sponsored to take part in Apple’s ‘Final Cut Pro Editing’ course in Manchester where he achieved full marks for the course. He has won eight ‘Young Filmmaker of Mann’ awards with his own videos and has earned a part-time income filming stage shows and other local events for DVD. Mr Hillard was offered one of only 50 places to study musical theatre at the Arts Educational School in London. He achieved a distinction in Performing Arts at both AS and A Level and won the title of ‘Young Actor of Mann’ in 2012. His interests include performing in musicals and plays, singing and playing instruments and his involvement locally led him to receive the Heroes in the Community Award for ‘Dedication to the Arts’ in 2012. Dermot Hamill, head of Canaccord Genuity Wealth Management in the Isle of Man, said, “Kyle and Joseph’s applications were extremely impressive. It’s great that they have both been so involved in the local community through their love of the arts and as the film industry continues to grow in the island it’s extremely fitting to support these two future contributors to the sector through their degree courses. “It’s so important to help local students achieve a high level of education and encourage them to return to the island so I’m pleased to be able to support Kyle and Joseph through their degrees.”

71% of exhibitors attending are from outside the UK, and 54% of all attendees are from outside the host nation.

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

NEW ADVOCATES AND EXAM SUCCESS AT APPLEBY

NEW CEO FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT The Civil Service Commission has appointed Chris Corlett as Chief Executive for the Department of Economic Development. He has been the Department’s Acting Chief Executive since October 2012.

Chris Corlett

Chris Corlett has been a Chief Executive in Government since March 2003, first for the Department of Trade and Industry and then for the Department of Social Care from April 2010. The Minister for Economic Development John Shimmin MHK said: ‘I am very pleased to be able to announce this appointment. It is vital that Government works hard to grow our economy, particularly as we seek to balance Government’s budget while protecting the vulnerable in our community. ‘Economic growth can help us to minimise tax increases and reductions in services. It is therefore vital that my Department has the skilled team necessary to maximise our Island’s growth. ‘We had an excellent field of candidates from both on and off the Island and the public and private sectors. The panel agreed that Chris is the right person for this job. I look forward to working closely with him.’ Chris Corlett said: ‘May I thank the Minister, the Chair of the Civil Service Commission Mr Cannan and the Chief Secretary Will Greenhow for this opportunity. I love the team in the Department and the work that we do. ‘I believe the Isle of Man is one of the most dynamic and entrepreneurial places in the world. As a result I am very confident the Isle of Man has an exciting and prosperous future ahead of us. ‘I am very excited about working with the Minister and his political team, the Department’s staff, the private sector and colleagues in Government to deliver real growth that benefits all in our community. ‘May I also thank the team in the Department of Social Care. My time in that Department has left me with a deep respect for the many dedicated individuals who provide care to those in need in our community. I wish them every success for the future.’

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BUSINESS

Andrew Newton (Trainee Advocate), Katherine Johnson (Associate), Alexandra Watterson (Associate) and Sophia Wong (Trainee Advocate)

Appleby Isle of Man is celebrating the addition of two new advocates and the exam success of two trainees as it continues to strengthen its 126 strong team, which now includes more than 30 lawyers and 36 fiduciary staff. Katherine Johnson joined Appleby as a trainee advocate in 2011 after success at the University of York and the College of Law, York. She was called to the Manx Bar in November 2013 following a two year Period of Articles and achieving a commendation in the Manx Bar exams. Katherine will be based in Appleby’s Corporate & Commercial team and has experience in a broad range of corporate matters, including insurance and regulatory advice, legal due diligence, and corporate restructuring. She has recently returned from a four month secondment in Appleby’s Guernsey office where she strengthened her multi-jurisdictional expertise and worked on a number of banking and asset finance transactions. Appleby’s Corporate & Commercial practice has also welcomed Alexandra Watterson as an associate after she was called to the Manx Bar in November 2013. Alexandra also joined Appleby as a trainee in 2011 after successfully completing her studies at the University of Leicester and the College of Law, Chester. During her Articles, Alexandra gained experience in a broad range of corporate matters including mergers and acquisitions, fund and financial services, legal due diligence, banking and asset finance transactions and multi-jurisdictional corporate restructuring. “On behalf of all at Appleby I would like to congratulate both Alexandra and Katherine on their admission to the Isle of Man Bar,” commented Nick Verardi, partner and corporate & commercial practice group head in Appleby (Isle of Man) LLC. He continued: “They have worked extremely hard during their time with the firm and displayed great skills and knowledge. I have no doubt that they will be an excellent addition to our expanding team and I wish them every success during their careers with us.” Trainee advocates Sophia Wong and Andrew Newton are also celebrating after passing the Manx Bar exams. Both joined Appleby in September 2012 as trainees and are currently completing their Period of Articles. Appleby (Isle of Man) LLC managing partner Sean Dowling said: “Andrew and Sophia should be very proud of their success, which they have both worked hard for. We are delighted to have such talent in our team.”

BUSINESS

MOVERS & SHAKERS

SCHOLARSHIP WINNER ANNOUNCED A FORMER Castle Rushen High School and Isle of Man College of Further and Higher Education student will fulfil an ambition to study in America after being selected for the 2014 Ella Olesen scholarship. Lorrae Fox will follow a long line of local students in spending nine months among hundreds of international students at the University of Idaho in the USA from August. Lorrae Fox

The scholarship is named after the late Miss Ella Olesen, a former registrar of the university who died in 1985. Her Manx ancestry – her mother Margaret Teare was born in Ballaugh and emigrated to America in 1890 – led her to gift the scholarship in 1971. It is awarded annually to a female degree student who has been supported through her studies by the Department of Education and Children. Forming the interview panel for this year’s scholarship were Tim Crookall MHK, Minister for Education and Children, and John Gill, Head of Legal and Administrative Services. They short-listed and interviewed six applicants before selecting Lorrae. Prior to their interviews, candidates also chatted with 2010 Ella Olesen scholar Katie Taylor, from Ramsey, who has returned to Idaho to study for a PhD and who was home for Christmas. Lorrae, from Port Erin, is working towards a BA in English language and linguistics at Lancaster University and will graduate this summer. Lorrae is an academic writing mentor for both undergraduate and postgraduate students and this has sparked in her an interest in returning to the Island to teach. From this term, she’ll be supporting a university language exchange scheme, liaising with speakers of languages from Lancaster’s partner institutions.

She’s an active member of the university’s Linguistic and English Language Society and was on the executive of its Baking Society, which volunteers in schools and raises money for charities. Lorrae introduced three-legs and Manx cat-shaped cookies to the society’s biscuit repertoire. Away from her studies, Lorrae works for the student union and enjoys hiking. She is looking forward to experiencing the natural beauty that Idaho has to offer. Lorrae suffered from ME in her mid-teens and missed two years of education, returning to her studies only part-time at first, so her achievement is all the more remarkable. The 22-year-old had a ‘longing to study in live in America’ but the cost of a degree course that would have seen her spend a year there proved prohibitive. She said of the opportunity the scholarship offers her: ‘To represent and champion the Isle of Man while studying in a place I’ve aspired to experience for many years, is an opportunity I’m utterly thrilled and honoured to have been chosen to undertake. ‘I will be making the most of every experience on offer and I’m excited to fully embrace the Idahoan and American culture while teaching others about our wonderful Island.’

JULIE OWEN JOINS THORNTON ASSOCIATES AS PART OF ONGOING EXPANSION Local firm of Chartered Financial Planners, Thornton Associates has appointed Julie Owen to its core advisory team as part of its continued growth. In addition to bringing two decades of industry experience to the company, Julie is also one of only five advisors on the Isle of Man to have achieved the status of Fellow of the Personal Finance Society and is a Chartered Financial Planner in her own right by examination. Previously, Julie has spent 16 years at Royal Skandia, working in a variety of client facing roles, the last four and a half years of which were spent working as a Business Consultant to Manx financial advisory firms. This has given her significant insight into the local marketplace, which she intends to put to good use. She commented: “My new role will involve lifestyle (proper) financial planning for clients, something which I consider a really rewarding endeavour. Helping people plan for their future in terms they set really engages me - helping them plan their lives; holidays, homes, children, family weddings and a host of other dreams which I get to help make a reality. It is a privilege and a challenge that I really appreciate.” Julie continued: “One of the biggest challenges for me in my new role will be getting to grips with all of the company’s analytical systems. Thornton Associates have invested heavily in technology over the last few years - to great effect - and I am really excited at the value I will be able to add to help clients understand the truth about money using their sophisticated financial planning software.”

Managing Director Sharon Sutton also commented on the appointment: “Whilst we remain a small and client focussed firm, we have grown substantially over the last few years to meet the needs of our steadily increasing portfolio of clients. Recently this has seen us move to larger offices on Athol Street, and now Julie has joined us as a very welcome Julie Owen addition to the team. I am extremely confident that existing and new clients alike will immediately appreciate her truly significant skill set and positive ambition to help them identify, achieve and maintain their chosen lifestyle, whatever happens.” Julie lives with her partner Chris, her twelve year old daughter Alice and their dog Bella. She also studies traditional Chinese acupuncture.

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

ACTIVE

THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE BALLAVARTYN EQUESTRIAN CENTRE

“

HRH PRINCESS ANNE OFFICIALLY OPENED THE BALLAVARTYN EQUESTRIAN CENTRE IN SANTON ON TUESDAY 21ST FEBRUARY.

”

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he Princess Royal had a number of official engagements to carry out during her trip to the island, including a visit to the prison in Jurby, the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture headquarters and the St German’s Cathedral where she was briefed on the Cathedral Development Campaign, which is expected to be completed by 2018. Princess Anne last visited the island in July 2008, but has previously visited the island on a number occasions for royal engagements dating back to the 1970s. We asked our Equestrian friend, Hannah Goodby, from HG Equestrian to share her experience of the day with us. A ROYAL EXPERIENCE I learnt of the visit back in November when Ken and Saskia, of Ballavartyn Equestrian Centre, asked me if I would like to perform a show jumping display as part of their official opening ceremony in front of HRH. An honour I was delighted to accept.

HERE’S MY VERSION OF EVENTS: Evening of 20th January I’m out in the tack room until late cleaning my riding boots, saddle and bridle. I don’t believe my tack has ever been this clean! Early morning on the 21st. Sadly, as I look outside, it appears the weather report was right. It’s very wet outside and it doesn’t look like the sun will be making an appearance today. I head to Ballavartyn for 10.30am, it’s a team effort as Andrew mucks out Monty, Mum plaits his mane, and I fill the haynets. Lunchtime My rumbling stomach indicates the need for lunch. A quick McDonald’s food stop is in order. I’m now hoping that Manx Radio don’t interview me on the diet of a showjumper. On our return security are now at the front gate and I proudly hand over the invitations. There is now a strong Police presence and it’s starting to feel like I’m in an episode of CSI as I walk back to the stable block.

Manannan’s cloak over us, jumping outside looks unlikely. Mid afternoon The decision is made. No jumping unfortunately, it’s disappointing but inevitable. Instead I join the parade in the indoor arena. We’ve been lined up for an hour, but all our horses and ponies are behaving well. They clearly know it is a special occasion. Silence falls as HRH appears in the judge’s box and we all salute in unison. She enters the arena and takes the time to chat to each and every one of us. She asks me if I still jump Monty at 21, I say absolutely! HRH then says, “... sometimes they don’t want to stop!” How true. Evening With Monty tucked-up in the stable for the night, it’s time to relax at the champagne reception. A delightful buffet awaits us in the Arena restaurant and I have my eye on the salmon and white chocolate roulade!

Early afternoon Monty is in final preparation. The brushes are out and his best attire is ready. News starts to filter through that HRH has been delayed, putting us back 2 hours. With time an issue, the rain still heavy and

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We are open for practice most Saturdays for club members. Non-members are of course more than welcome.

CLAY PIGEON SHOOTING IN THE ISLE OF MAN We take a trip down a long winding road to Meary Veg, the home of the Isle of Man Clay Pigeon Shooting Club. Clay Pigeon Shooting is very popular on the Island and the Club grounds have recently seen a major modification in the layout of ranges that now enables competitors to access all shooting positions via concrete paths. We meet with the Chairman, Peter Kelly to find out more about the Club history, competitions and how to get involved. HISTORY OF THE CLUB The club was formed in the late sixties with the amalgamation of the Southern Game Preservation society and the Douglas Gun club. Their home was in Santon until the early nineties when they had to find another ground. The club tried without success to find another ground at several locations until early 2000 when the present ground was rented from the government. Peter Kelly tells us ‘It took us nearly two years to get planning permission before the clubhouse was started. It was built by club members with financial help from the Lottery trust and sports council. The range was opened by the then Lieutenant Governor of the Island Air Marshall Ian David Macfadyen CB OBE in 2005, this was one of his last appointments before he left office. We have just upgraded the range in the last year with concrete paths and shooting stand giving better access for wheel chairs.’ The oldest member of the club is patron Mr. George Costain who has been a member since its formation and still competes every week, the youngest member is twelve year old Michael Cross who this year represented the Island at the English skeet International along with another youngster Jack Kneen. The President is Mr. David Morgan who was the driving force behind the development of the club as it is now.

We also host a charity shoot in aid of Hospice IoM and to date we have raised over eight thousand pounds! In the summer months each discipline has is own league with a presentation dinner at the end to distribute the prizes won. All are leagues this year were sponsored and we would like to thank all of our sponsors for that. We also run winter leagues for DTL Sporting and English Skeet, which is also sponsored. We will shoot in most weathers from bright sunshine to cold wet and windy days. PRACTICE SESSIONS AND BOOKING We are open for practice most Saturdays for club members. Nonmembers are of course more than welcome. If any ladies or gents wish to come and try their hand at clay shooting they must contact the club first. They can arrange a time and date when one of are senior members will be on hand to help them with gun safety, gun handling and couching.

COMPETITIONS

Guns, ammunition, ear defenders, glass’s etc are provided.

The club holds shoots most Sundays with the exception of Remembrance Sunday. The disciplines held are:

The shooting is done on one to one basis as safety is of the most importance.

• DTL • ABT • English and Olympic skeet and sporting • Island Championships

Email us: iomcpsc@manx.net

‘There are opportunities further afield where we hold selection shoots for shooters to compete at the Commonwealth Games,

Visit our website: www.iomclays.com The minimum age is twelve but a parent or guardian must accompany anyone under the age of sixteen.

COME AND GIVE IT A GO!

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CLAY PIGEON SHOOTING ISLE OF MAN

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COULD GLASGOW 2014 BE HARRY’S GAMES?

ATHLETE PROFILE: HARRY CREEVY

Shooter Harry Creevy is aiming to gain selection for this eighth Commonwealth Games. If he is chosen to represent Team Isle of Man at Glasgow 2014 it will be a poignant moment as he made his Games debut in Edinburgh in 1986. With seven Games under his belt he has already competed at the Commonwealth Games more times than any other Isle of Man competitor, but is determined to have one last crack at winning a medal. AGE: 58 HOME TOWN: Douglas JOB: Landlord at The Albert Hotel, Douglas SPORT: Target Rifle (50metres men’s prone) SPORTS CLUBS: Isle of Man Shooting Club based at St Johns, Laxey Rifle Club based at Laxey Glen Gardens and Appleton Rifle Club, Warrington. SPORTING ACHIEVEMENTS Harry has represented the Island since 1979 to date at the Commonwealth Shooting Federation Championships (European division), the Commonwealth Shooting Federation Championships, Island Games, and seven consecutive Commonwealth Games, starting with Edinburgh in 1986. He has made the finals at several games and in 1994 Commonwealth Games in Canada he came away with a British record. In addition, Harry has represented Great Britain since 1995, competing in the Men's 50metres Prone event at numerous World Cups including Munich, Milan, Atlanta, Sydney, Fort Benning in the USA, Bordeaux and Zagreb, as well as European Championships and World Championships up to 2004. At this point Harry changed direction and started competing in the Men's 300metres Prone event in 2005. During the 1980s he became Island Champion for the first time at both outdoor 50metres and indoor 15yards and has won many more since. Whilst representing Great Britain, Harry won the World Championship 300metres (team 3) gold at the 2010 World Championships held in Munich and holds European Cup medals at 300metres. He has also been the British Short Range Champion as well as winning the British 50metres and 300metres Championships.

TARGET EVENTS FOR GLASGOW 2014 COMMONWEALTH GAMES Harry's target event is the Men's 50metres Prone event which is the main event he has concentrated on for the last 18 years. AIMS FOR 2014 Harry is looking forward to attending the European 300metres Cup events being held in Finland, Denmark and Croatia. Also the World Championships being held in Granada, Spain, where he'll defend the World Championship team gold he won with his two teammates back in 2010. In the build up to the Commonwealth Games his intentions are to attend the British Free Rifle club event in March, the 50metres English Championship in May, and the British 50metre Championship in June, in addition to the 300m events. Harry says: “It’s going to be like completing a jigsaw trying to fit in training and competition time for both 50metres and 300metres events. At the Commonwealth Games I am hoping to get into the final top eight, this would give me the opportunity of a possible medal finish at the Games which would be a perfect end to my last year competing at international level. I hope to make the European 300metres Cup Final, the top 20 competitor’s from the European Cup series October 2014. In the future I would like to continue to assist and coach up and coming shooting talent, having worked with Gemma Kermode for the last four years I have really enjoyed it and found it very rewarding seeing her steady improvement.” WHAT DO THE COMMONWEALTH GAMES MEAN TO YOU? Harry says: “I feel as though I have been very lucky. It all began locally with Tony Osborn who laid the foundations for my shooting career, and Stuart Earle whose advice I still seek. I started shooting at club level initially, indoor at 15yds moving onto 50metres outdoors and gradually building up to off-Island competitions where I met and made friends with people who helped me with my shooting. All of a sudden I was at international level representing the Island, and then Great Britain. I feel honoured to have taken part in the Commonwealth Games over the years. The Glasgow Games were not in my plans for 2014 until Trevor Taubman, Team Isle of Man General Manager for the 2014 Games, reminded me that having begun my Commonwealth Games journey in Scotland in 1986 it seems fitting that I should try to attend what would be my final Commonwealth Games again in Scotland in 2014. After some thought I decided, why not!”

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FIRST DRIVE: PORSCHE MACAN PORSCHE STILL WON’T LET THE MEDIA ACTUALLY DRIVE ITS NEW MACAN, BUT WE’RE ONE OF THE FIRST TO EXPERIENCE WHAT IT CAN DO IN THE HANDS OF A PRO TEST DRIVER.

OFF-ROAD The location is the ADAC Fahrsicherheitszentrum test facility a short motorway drive from Dusseldorf’s international airport.

THE CARS HAVE BEEN WARMED, OUR TECHNOLOGICAL BRIEFINGS HAVE COME AND GONE, AND THE TIME HAS COME FOR A FIRST TASTE OF THE MACAN (IN THE PASSENGER SEAT, OF COURSE). First up is some off-roading, for which I climb into the Macan Diesel alongside a long, curly-haired German engineer who’s quite keen to tell the ‘assembled’ journalists in three of the four passenger seats all about how the four-wheel drive system works. It electronically shuffles power to the wheels that can best use it, while simultaneously killing wheelspin at those that can’t, absolutely maximising the potential traction and dragging the compact but rather tubby (at nearly two tonnes) Macan up challenging slopes with gusto. It’s only on standard road tyres, too.

The diesel engine, a very familiar singleturbo unit with 254bhp, will eventually be put in the shade by the excellent Bi-Turbo lump, which packs more than 300bhp. But for now, the lower-powered 3.0-litre V6 does an impressive all-round job.

TURBO ON TRACK But now it’s time for the track. I make a bee-line for the Macan Turbo, the fastest and most expensive model in the range. A newly-developed 3.6-litre V6 provides the grunt, while turbo charging helps boost power up to 400 metric horses. That’s enough to push you back into your seat, hard, as our new not-so-long-haired German driver kindly demonstrates to the sound of a muted woofle from the exhausts, turning into a muffled bark at high revs. Its brakes are devastatingly effective too, hauling the German beefcake down to corner-appropriate speeds as though someone has thrown an anchor out of the window. That a Porsche of any shape or size would be anything other than rapid at both going and stopping is unthinkable. But the jury is out as to the dynamic merits of the Macan’s gargantuan Cayenne big brother, so as the driver launches the smaller car

over a corner-exit crest, the chassis snaking sideways across the tarmac as much of the weight leaves the wheels, I realise I don’t know how this is going to end. Very well, as it turns out. When the car’s bulk lands back on its adaptive air springs it simply settles itself with a hint of electronic intervention at the back end, and carries on its way. It doesn’t feel lightweight, but as a passenger, it feels astonishingly capable. Helpfully, Herr Driver seems to sense my positive leanings and decides to demonstrate how well the Macan can power-slide. It does, if only with a dedicated boot-full of the go-go pedal, but as I gaze

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I CAN’T HELP BUT NOTICE THAT, ACTUALLY, THIS BIG, HEAVY MACAN HAS A MIGHTY BALANCE AND STABILITY ABOUT IT. EVEN WHEN SIDEWAYS.

blankly at the approaching scenery through the side window I can’t help but notice that, actually, this big, heavy Macan has a mighty balance and stability about it. Even when sideways.

THE FUN FACTOR

MINI ROLLS OUT HOT CONCEPT AHEAD OF DETROIT MOTOR SHOW

The electronics make a big difference to the overall experience. Softly-sprung suspension gets much firmer at the push of a button, and the gearbox can be set up to hang onto each ratio for as long as it can. Arguably most fun, though, are the parps and gargles that come from the exhaust. Porsche calls its non-sports cars, the Panamera and Cayenne, the sports cars within their sectors. The truth of that is, frankly, subjective, but after this preview it looks like the Macan might genuinely put the Sports into SUV.

STUNNING ‘MCRAE’ FORD ESCORT RALLY CAR FOR SALE After that it continued to race, taking the championship win after several first place finishes in the ‘pre-1981’ category of the 2007 British Historic Championship. The following year, Alister McRae drove the car to victory in its category as part of the Colin McRae Memorial Rally. Colin, the 1995 World Rally Champion who inspired a generation of car enthusiasts, tested the car during its development and set-up, before his untimely death in a helicopter crash in 2007.

A stunning classic rally car with connections to three members of the McRae family is set for auction this month. The 1977 Ford Escort MK2 RS1800 Gp4 is, to many people, an icon of the golden age of rallying. Prepared by specialists Prepfab Motorsport Engineering, the car was driven to victory by Jimmy McRae in the 2006 Roger Albert Clark rally.

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In 2009 the car was treated to a show condition rebuild and has since competed in the 2010 and 2011 Rally Clasico Isla Mallorca. LSV 171 comes with MSA stage rally logbook and Historic Rally Vehicle Identity Form, and it even has an MoT and tax until May 2014. It is to be sold by Silverstone Auctions on Saturday February 22 at Silverstone racing circuit, during the Race Retro segment of the overall sale.

Ahead of the influential Detroit Motor Show next month, Mini is stepping up its new product offensive with the unveiling of a new concept. The John Cooper Works Concept is, in reality, closer to production-ready status than you think. Aimed at showcasing the hot version of the firm’s latest generation three-door hatch, itself treated to a global reveal in November, at this stage the focus is on cosmetic changes. There’s no official word on performance yet, so we’ll have to make do with what we can see, and the John Cooper Works Concept sports a bespoke front and rear bumper complete with purposeful air intakes at the front. Black grilles fore and aft are decorated with Mini’s trademark red flashes, while a sizeable roof spoiler, chunky 18-inch alloy wheels plus centre exit tailpipes complete the look. You can expect more details, specifically regarding the production car’s performance credentials, any time now.

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GADGETS

NEEDLESS TO SAY (FOR OUR OLDER READERS), THE RESEARCH FOR THIS MONTH’S THEME OF “PASSION GADGETS” LED ME TO SOME VERY DARK PLACES ON THE INTERNET.

Regardless of the Google search, anything with the word “Passion” in the title only went one way, and whilst an article on “those” types of electronics would indeed write itself from my perspective, I was told by the powers that be that although the immature adolescent readers like myself may find it hilarious, advertisers, and anyone with a mental age above 10, would

not be amused. Thus, I was forced to get a little more creative with my ideas. I toyed for a long time with numerous ideas, however once again the internet was determined to shepherd me into its dirtiest places. So finally I decided that, in a fight between myself and the world wide web, I was not going to win. Passion is a

PHILLIPS BEARDTRIMMER 9000 This is one for the men (or women. Once again, no judgments). All men know that selfgrooming is one of, if not the, most important factors in attraction. Nobody can deny that a face of well-controlled, level-trimmed and symmetrical facial hair increases the chance of a night of passion by 400% (I haven’t tested this, but I’m told). Thus, Phillips, with their years of experience in the technology game, have created the BeardTrimmer 9000. The name of the product cannot be simply passed over. Phillips clearly know how to make their products appeal to men. Who else could make something as simple as an electric razor sound like an evolved robot, designed specifically to make your beard look its best. The connotations of an advanced, beard-trimming robot don’t stop in the name. The BeardTrimmer 9000 is one of the few electric razors on the market which uses a laser guiding system. That’s right, as if you didn’t feel cool enough owning something with “9000” in the name already, now you can shave and trim with the precision of a system that literally guides military weapons. If that’s not a pick-up line, I don’t know what is.

feeling that none of us will escape forever. However, I have decided to help those that wait too long to feel it. That’s right, there’s a whole market out there for gadgets that help us in that ancient art of attracting the opposite sex. Passion is right around the corner when you’re using gadgets like The S Ring, the Phillips Beardtrimmer 9000 and the Slendertone belt.

THE S RING Anybody that has studied the science of attraction between males and females knows about pheromones. They’re the Poison Ivy’s kiss of the scientific world, creating an irresistible (not factually correct) attraction to whoever is producing them. The S Ring is the newest piece of technology to take advantage of these magic molecules, meaning that now, it’s not only over-weight millionaires that can get supermodels*. That’s right, The S Ring is the common man’s answer to a six-pack and arms the size of tree trunks. Once the vile that is attached to the ring is filled with a specially designed liquid, the simple press of a button releases the pheromones into the air, averting everyone’s attention away from the beer belly or thunder thighs, making them see the attractive, sexy guy/girl you really are (although this will only last until the pheromone smell goes). *Disclaimer: It is still unlikely you will find a supermodel. Laws of averages, sorry guys/girls.

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SLENDERTONE Everyone has seen the adverts. Horribly good-looking people stand doing their daily activities whilst wearing what seems to be a stylish back support that, after a short while, through some kind of dark wizardry, gives you a flat stomach and abs. The idea, to most, seems preposterous, but who can blame people for giving it a go? Everybody knows that abs and a flat stomach are practically free passes for anyone you want,

and rather than sweating like a maniac in the gym and suffering from crippling muscle pain the day after, does it not seem easier, and more practical, to simply wear a silly belt for 20 minutes a day? From what I can gather from rifling through pages of scientific jargon, the Slendertone basically gets rid of fat and works your abs by vibrating... A lot. So, when youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re in the bar/ club/pub/wherever it is you go to find

people of the opposite sex (no judgments) and people are throwing themselves at you and your overly tight, muscle-gripping clothes, thank the brainiacs behind Slendertone, who were brave enough to say no to the gym and intense dieting, and instead created a vibrating belt.

Everybody knows that abs and a flat stomach are practically free passes for anyone you want, and rather than sweating like a maniac in the gym and suffering from crippling muscle pain the day after, does it not seem easier, and more practical, to simply wear a silly belt for 20 minutes a day?

Say no to gyms, then note the casual hand-in-pocket stance that this Slendertone user has adopted. Not a big deal.

CONDUCTIVE MAKE-UP Men are simple creatures. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re easy to please, easily impressed and we love electronics. Years ago, a nice mobile phone or an iPod would grab out attention, however this meant that the fancy gadgets distracted us from how much effort had been put into clothes and especially makeup. It seemed that no matter how good you looked, our attention was always dragged away. Today, the answer to this problem is out there. Conductive makeup is one of the newest amalgamations of fashion and technology, allowing the person who wears it control small electronic objects like drones. I have absolutely no idea how this stuff works, and as it is not technically in mass production yet it is pretty difficult to find any considerable amount of information on it, but all I know for certain is that any woman that can control drones just by blinking will get more attention than one that just wears common old eyeliner.

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PHONE HOME

Nokia Lumia 1020 Have you ever been torn between choosing an ultra-cool smartphone or a sleek and sophisticated SLR camera? Or have you ever been unconvinced that a smartphone camera will be enough to get the quality photos that you need? Well, thanks to the Nokia Lumia 1020, you can have the best of both worlds! Boasting a staggering 41MP camera, the 1020 comes with an incredibly handy ‘camera grip’ that is perfectly designed to clip onto the phone, not only turning the handset into a fully-fledged SLR camera, but also enabling it to be attached to any standard camera tripod, making it easier than ever to set up a perfect long-exposure shot.

specs are impressive, including a 1.5GHz dual core processor, 4.5 inch display screen with16 million colours, up to 32GB of internal memory and 12.4 hours talk time. The Nokia Lumia 1020 is the best Windows phone yet and the best bit? The Camera Grip comes completely free when you buy the phone from Sure, so hurry down while stocks last. You can even get the phone for free on the £46 per month Smart Ultimate plan.

And if you’re worried about battery life drainage from all the photos and shoots that you’ll be taking, think again! The camera grip provides a built-in, rechargeable battery, which gives the handset extra battery life, providing with up to 55 minutes more shoot time. The Nokia Lumia 1020 comes with a never-ending array of delights as it allows you to both store and share all your fullresolution photos, videos, and documents in one convenient place using Microsoft’s Skydrive. Of course, being a Windows phone, it also comes with Microsoft Excel, Word, Powerpoint and OneNote, making it the ideal business companion.

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Cat B15 The Cat B15 is everything you would expect from a company that makes industrial equipment, it’s solid and sturdy. Its aluminium body, toughened casing, and Corning Gorilla glass screen make the Cat B15 provide excellent protection against impact, scratching, dust damage and water damage. The Cat B15 runs on Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) and contains all the modern smart features you’d expect to see such as Wi-Fi, GPS, 3G internet and access to the Google Play Store for apps.

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for those of you that work outside, or in workshop conditions, the Cat B15 is dust proof. All these features add up to create a phone that you don’t have to worry about; no need to be delicate, you can use this phone anywhere and at anytime. Despite the work that has gone into creating this sturdy and well protected smart phone, it does not suffer elsewhere and still boasts a sizeable 5MP camera, along with a battery life capable of sustaining 16 hours of talk time. It has a decent sized 4 inch touchscreen, protected by chemically strengthened Corning Gorilla glass, which works even when wet! The Cat B15 is a wonderful balance of reassuring ruggedness and modern smartphone tech. So, if you’ve dropped your phone more than a couple of times in the last 6 months or work/socialise in robust environments then the Cat B15 is definitely a phone worth considering. It costs just £269 on Pay As You Go and from free at £35 per month over 24 months with 300 minutes, unlimited* texts and 3GB of data. * Terms and conditions apply KEY FEATURES: • • • •

This, near-indestructible, phone is a great option for the clumsy amongst you or for those that often operate in active environments. The rugged Cat B15 is drop-proof, to military standards and is waterproof up to a metre for 30 minutes, making it an any weather phone – perfect for Manx floods! Furthermore,

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16 hours talk-time Can survive a fall from 1.8 meters (5’11”) Screen is operable even when wet 4” Touch-screen 5MP Camera FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO: WWW.MANXTELECOM.COM/SHOP, CALL 624 624, OR POP INTO THE STORE IN STRAND STREET. ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

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...but NEW Sure Pay As You Go is BIGGER! Talk to and text any Isle of Man mobile and landline for FREE plus unlimited FREE data. Call in store or visit www.sure.com

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MISC

THE RANDOMNESS OF

MISC

THE PAGE WHERE WE SHARE ALL OF THE THINGS THAT WE’VE FOUND THIS MONTH THAT JUST DON’T HAVE A HOME ANYWHERE ELSE IN THE MAGAZINE.

MASS-TER IN CRIME

Katarzyna Pawlak, 41, from Lowicza, Poland, was taken to hospital with concussion after being run over after attending Mass. However, it wasn’t just any dangerous driver – it was the priest who led the church service! After one too many, the 66 year old priest hit Miss Pawlak and is now facing 12 years in prison charged with drink driving and has had his licence taken away. A spokesman for the priest's diocese said: "With great regret and deep sorrow we received the news about the accident in which the victim was a woman hit by a car being driven by a priest after drinking alcohol. This situation deserves condemnation and never should have happened. Priests have to follow the same laws as everyone else. He should not drive a car after drinking." A hospital spokesperson said: "The woman has been lucky. She is being kept in hospital for observation but will make a full recovery."

BARBIE GIRL

Wearing special contact lenses and fake eyelashes, 21 year old Lhouraii Li spends up to four hours every day making herself look like a real life Barbie doll. She is so attached to her look that she never leaves her home without applying a full face of contouring make-up and also states that she has no plans to tone down her look as she gets older but plans to mature gracefully into a middle-aged doll. She said: "It's not a chore to do. People get up and watch television, I get up and do my make-up and I find it just as entertaining." Miss Li, who says her look is influenced by unicorns, fairies, Japanese fashion and Disney princesses as well as Barbie, even has a Youtube channel, with the amount subscribers growing Feb 14th - women purchase 85% fast and around 20,000 views per video. She added: "Obviously some people say bad things of all valentines . (Men, if you’re but I kind of switch off from it a lot - I'll look around and everyone will just be staring at me. reading, we hope you’re sorted!) People sing 'I'm a Barbie girl' and I'll finish it."

SNAPPY TRADE-OFF

With no money and wanting some beer, a Florida man of course tried to trade in his 4ft alligator for the 12-pack of his choice. The man, Fernando Aguilera, told Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission spokesman Jorge Pino he trapped the reptile at a nearby park before proposing the bizarre trade. "I think that anybody who would conceive this scheme is not thinking properly,'' Mr Pino said and that Aguilera now ‘faces a penalty of up to six months in jail and a fine up to $500’. Though Aguilera’s tale doesn’t have a happy ending, the alligator’s does as it was unharmed and was released back into the wild.

A DREAM CAR?

An Australian entrepreneur has taken the meaning of ‘crowd funded project’ to a whole new level after a car built from 500,000 pieces of Lego and powered by air hit the roads in Melbourne. With four air-powered engines and 256 pistons, the car can reach up to 20mph and was the brainchild of the Australian entrepreneur, Steve Sammartino and "this crazy Romanian teenager on the web’, Raul Oaida. Knowing that they ‘couldn't afford to fund it.", Sammartino sent out a tweet which read: "Anyone interested in investing $500 - $1,000 in a project which is awesome and a world first tweet me. Need about 20 participants.". 18 months later, and a lot more money spent, the car was able to be crafted in Romania by Sammartino and Oaida, before being shipped to Australia where large parts of it needed to be rebuilt. Sammartino added: "We drove it in a suburb of Melbourne. The engine is fragile and the biggest fear was a giant Lego explosion impaling passers-by."

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