New creative shelter celebrates Biosphere

‘Working together for a sustainable future’ is the message of UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man, so what better than a collaborative project to create something that everyone can enjoy!

The Conrhenny Shelter - Kemmyrk Choan Rhennee – can be found within Conrhenny Community Woodland, and provides a space to connect with the biodiversity all around us whilst celebrating the value of arts and culture within the natural environment.

The shelter started with an invitation in 2019 to celebrate arts and culture as fundamental to our wellbeing and sense of place within our Biosphere. The stunning winning design, chosen by a panel of judges, comes from architects Betty Laurincova and Michal Kotvan, and boasts spectacular views out over Douglas.

Betty Laurincova, said: “The environment was in focus during the design and construction phase. We used locally and sustainably sourced timber cut to exact measurements by DEFA’s St. Johns Sawmill, and ground screws to preserve the existing terrain as much as possible. Pioneer Carpentry and Construction did an outstanding job putting together the puzzle pieces of this unique structure.”

The open-front design of the shelter echoes the forest that surrounds it, providing the perfect place to pause and contemplate your surroundings. Conrhenny is popular not only with visitors including walkers and cyclists, but with families, too, so the design incorporates a viewing platform and a bench to sit on, and a game for younger visitors to play. Search for the North Star on the dome, and for five wooden creatures and their houses hidden in the forest around! The wonderful animal and star sculptures have been made by Henry Neville Wood.

Short film: https://culturevannin.im/watchlisten/videos/celebrating-creativity-theunesco-biosphere-isle-of-man-conrhenny-shelter-777401/

Isle of Man Swimming Team Makes a Splash with Exciting New Sponsorship from Synapse360 & Utmost International Ahead of Island Games!

Synapse360 an Isle of Man-based IT Managed Services Company and Utmost International are proud to announce their collaborative sponsorship of the Isle of Man Swimming Team at the upcoming 2023 Island Games.

As part of its sponsorship, Synapse360 and Utmost International, will provide the Isle of Man Swimming Team with financial support to cover the costs of their travel and accommodation expenses, as well as team uniforms. The companies’ combined contribution and support will also help ensure that the Isle of Man Swimming Team can compete at the highest level possible and showcase their skills to a global audience.

The NatWest International Island Games will be held in Guernsey from July 8th to 14th, 2023, and will bring together athletes from 24 small island communities around the world to compete in a variety of sports. The Isle of Man Swimming Team has a strong tradition of success at the games and Synapse360 and Utmost International are thrilled to be supporting them in their pursuit of further victories at this highly anticipated event.