Gallery | Winter Edition 2013 | The DECADENT Issue

Isle of Man Premier Magazine | no. 26 | Winter Edition 2013 | the [DECADENT] issue

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JONES BOOTMAKER NOW AVAILABLE AT THE MILL SHOP, TYNWALD MILLS

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!

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INTRO

#26

[DECADENCE] Isle of Man Premier Magazine | no. 26 | Winter Edition 2013 | the [DECADENT] issue

£ priceless

edito D

ecadence: Hate it, but you know you want to bathe in it. The most primal of human instincts; it’s the need to have more, a wish to appear formidable by flaunting ‘things’ that inspire you to feel present and priceless.

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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?

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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.

It’s meaning has ebbed and flowed over the years, becoming whatever the media deems it to blame for. However – it is presented positively at Christmas time, isn’t it?

Decadence - in its literal and historically referenced sense - describes the nosedive ‘of moral, ethical or sexual traditions’. Sounding like a pretty bad thing, where embraced, it frequently results in superb periods of creativity and fun.

Real decadence was stolen in the 30s – disappearing in the smoke of a 50 - motorcar midnight treasure hunt - a living, breathing dream of grandeur following the hardship of war. Those party pros were damn good at it too.

Yep, Bright Young People of the 20s would turn in their dusty graves to know a word frequently used to reference their excessively indulgent lifestyles is now being used to describe a very average low fat yogurt.

I blame interior designers-turned-TV hosts. If you hear about someone being decadent nowadays, it’s more likely to be your local Mrs Bucket buying a thick duvet for the spare bedroom – or some horrible decorative pillow.

Anyway, I digress… But if you like an angry monologue, check out our Rant article. We have some great pieces in this month - naturally, it’s nearly Christmas - and we’re enthusiastically going at full-speed on the subject.

December is our most decadent time of year, a time for excess, time for a little extravagance, time to abandon inhibitions and set your ‘Id’ free.

As we enter the Christmas party season, there’s a strong chance you’ll be spending your time eating, drinking and being gleeful – even if you don’t intend to.

Exactly how decadent you choose to be is up to you…

SR

. .. y a w e h t l l a Jingle Merry Christmas from all at 3FM BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

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WILKINS WATCH of the MONTH

“The intelligence... from you (Bletchley Park)... has been of priceless value. It has saved thousands of British and American lives and, in no small way, contributed to the speed with which the enemy was routed and eventually forced to surrender... (It was a) very decisive contribution to the Allied war effort.�

General Dwight D. Eisenhower

www.wilkinsthejeweller.co.uk

THE ‘CODEBREAKER’ A HISTORICALLY AND MECHANICALLY IMPORTANT LIMITED EDITION WATCH

Bremont Watch Company and the Bletchley Park Trust are pleased to announce the release of the new Bremont Limited Edition watch. Only 240 steel ‘Codebreaker’ watches will be created and 50 rose gold watches, incorporating historical artefacts from Bletchley Park.

The watch is unlike any other watch ever created. And in addition, a percentage of the proceeds will be used towards the ongoing restoration Of Bletchley Park.

supporting staff are said to have helped shorten the war by at least two years and saved countless lives.

Bletchley Park played an extremely important role in British history.

During WWII it was converted into a codebreaking factory and became the site of the United Kingdom’s main decryption establishment, the Government Code and Cipher School (GC&CS,) where ciphers and codes were decrypted, most famously the ciphers generated by the German Enigma and Lorenz machines. By inventing and using ingenious machines and novel manual techniques to crack German ciphers, the 9,000 scientists, mathematicians and other crucial

TECHNICAL FEATURES MADE IN ENGLAND | Stainless Steel and Rose Gold MOVEMENT | BE-83AR Flyback chronograph. Diameter 13 1/4”, height 7.90mm, 39 jewels, three-legged Glucydur balance with Nivarox 1 mainspring 28,800 bph. Incabloc shock protection and 46-hour power reserve. Perlage and blued screwed decoration with hand crafted stainless steel and Bombe rotor.

FUNCTIONS | Sweep hours, minutes, sweep Flyback chronograph seconds, 30-minute chronograph

counter and 60-second hand counter, GMT second time zone, date.

CASE | Hardened stainless steel or 18-carat rose gold Bremont Trip Tick case construction with treated inner barrel with punch card limited edition number (material from Bletchley park). Case diameter 43mm, lug width 22mm and case thickness 15mm.

CROWN | Crown engraved with pinewood from Hut 6, Bletchley Park.

CASE BACK | Hardened stainless steel or 18-carat rose gold case back with integrated hand etched sapphire

76 Strand Street, Douglas, Isle of Man IM1 2EW Tel: 01624 690450 | Email: enquiries@wilkinsthejeweller.co.uk www.facebook.com/Wilkinsjewellers

Inspired by a classic 40s officer’s watch, the ‘Codebreaker’ is made with a beautiful and unique Flyback chronograph GMT automatic movement and will incorporate some relevant historical artefacts from Bletchley Park; pine from the iconic Hut 6 (the centre of the operations to decrypt the German Wehrmacht and Luftwaffe Engima ciphers) and paper from one of the few remaining punch cards (used to analyse the vast amount of coded data created from the daily Enigma communications). Part of the Rotor of the watch is also made from the wheel of an original Enigma machine. crystal. Automatic rotor inspired by the Bombe machine incorporating parts of an original German Enigma rotor.

DIAL | Etched metal dial and treated brass hands, London on the dial.

CRYSTAL | Domed anti-reflective, scratch resistant sapphire crystal.

WATER RESISTANCE | Water resistant to 10ATM, 100 metres STRAP | Classic style leather strap.

INTRO

HIGHLIGHTS UPFRONT

PHOTGRAPHY Peter Kwiecinski | STYLING Rachel Morris | MAKE-UP Heather Maddrell | MODEL Liz Colley | CLOTHING The Mill Shop, Tynwald Mills

UPFRONT

APPETITE

WORDS | Nadia Alkahzrajie PHOTOS | Nurey Alkahzrajie

NADIA ALKAHZRAJIE GOES IN SEARCH OF WHAT’S RIGHT ON HER DOORSTEP THIS CHRISTMAS. A look inside my refrigerator currently reveals a nice little hoard from my recent travels, there’s some lean chorizo, dense with smoky paprika, which I’ll use to give warmth and depth to a luscious bean stew, there are Sicilian cheeses flavoured with citrus, and a rich pistachio pesto from a little town called Bronte where they fatten the nuts in the nutrient rich soil around the foothills of Etna. From the supermarket, there are some handy pre-cooked Irish mussels for hassle-free snacking when you can’t be bothered chiseling barnacles off the real McCoy, some sweet and creamy Saint Agur cheese, and a box of salted Bretton caramels that I refrigerate in order to suck and save my teeth. All well and good, but as the weeks pull us towards Christmas and the darkest depths of winter, I want food that comforts the soul as well as the stomach, a seasonal plateful that tastes of the sea and soil of home.

Food connects us to a place like nothing else, and with the current emphasis on provenance and regional specialisation, Manx produce is enjoying a rising profile.

On a recent visit to the Island, Channel 4’s Baker Brothers (aka Tom and Henry Herbert) enthused about Manx Loaghtan lamb, a rare breed reared on the Island’s heather covered hills so that the meat acquires a matured, gamey flavour. “Food is part of the identity and the unique culture of a place,” commented Henry. “Many areas have regional specialities but they’re not necessarily celebrated or easy to buy in the shops.” The Bakers relish unearthing these local delicacies, championing diversity as the way forward; Tom added, “People think it’s brilliant if they get a new supermarket so they can have the same food as everywhere else, but that inevitably leads to a monoculture that’s flat and mundane. We should celebrate and feel proud of regional differences – you feel like you’re really living in a place if you eat the food that’s produced there.”

WORDS GRANT RUNYON AND HIS ELVES

What do you get the person who has everything? If you live in the Isle of Man and are reading this in December, the answer will probably include mega-premium next day delivery.

Needless to say, get out and about and try to buy it locally first. If you don’t want to be doing next year’s Christmas shopping in a high street that only has bookies and coffee shops you are obliged to splurge inside the Island.

Even if we did have a healthier high street, presents have always been a challenge in the Isle of Man because we are an Island of compulsive spenders. The money tied up in our store card accounts, furniture loans and car repayments outstrips the Greek national debt, so your main challenge in treating somebody is getting there before they manically treat themselves after one too many espressos. Like Inspector Gadget I intend to stay one step ahead of my loved ones at all times, so gathered the following tips from Candace Massengil, VIP personal shopper and executive concierge at Dubai’s exclusive Shif’ti Shif’ti private banking service.

WHAT TO GET … PRECIOUS LITTLE YOUNGSTERS

don’t return to the playground in January with at least a thousand dead prostitutes to their name in Grand Theft Auto V, the latest blockbuster smash from the people who brought you the video game hits Syrian War Criminal, Downtown Strangler 3 and The Sims: Basement Hostage Edition. I assume you’ve already got them PS4s and Xbox Ones, so if you want to make the other parents jealous, your youngest child will be the talk of the PTA with their real life, genetically-engineered teacup Peppa Piglet. These loyal, surprisingly aggressive mutants are available from a “doctor” in Bangkok who won’t tell you his postal address. They are tiny, adorable, and can be used to grow a replacement pancreas or about three very expensive hot dogs.

WHAT TO GET … HARD TO PLEASE TWEENS Older boys will be thrilled with the Bugatti Cameron, a carbonfibre road scooter with a £300,000 price tag and wheels made from crushed up iPhone 5s taken from poorer children’s Christmas stockings. Each scooter comes with unlimited legal cover for you to bully anybody who scratches the paintwork when your child runs them over. Girls who’ve outgrown their Barbie styling heads

will fall head over heels in love with the Lil’ Miss Percoset Yummy Mummy Beauty Therapy Centre, which comes with scalpels, botulinum toxin and a licence to practice issued by a University in Ukraine that you can’t locate on the internet. When (and if) Mummy wakes up, she’ll be as beautiful as the day Daddy first told HR to hire her over a better-qualified older candidate!

WHAT TO GET … YOUR UNIVERSITY FLYAWAY Time away from the Island in your early 20s is the perfect opportunity to spread your wings, travel the world and earnestly pretend that your parents don’t own a granite farmhouse with its own stables and uniformed maids. Why not engage the services of Instant Karma life makeover, who will guarantee that your child arrives in Liverpool with a brand new identity. Perhaps the ‘Krishna Juggler’ - battered acoustic guitar, compendium of anecdotes about Indian railways and clip on dreadlocks with bits of coloured glass in them? Maybe your offspring is more the ‘Pete Docherty Brown Sugar’ and will bloom into a grave-like pallor with mockney elocution lessons and a flat in Camden shared with emaciated supermodels and a pile of greasy trilbies. Don’t worry Tarquin, your secrets (and trust fund) are safe with us!

WHAT TO GET … THE EXECUTIVE BOSSMAN Only the best will do for the workaholic corporate overseer of your home, and you’ll need to find something he hasn’t already invested in as a vehicle to avoid the tax on some ethically questionable stock options. We recommend the Porsche Cayenne Shopping Trolley: modelled on the 6-litre scourge of small roads everywhere, this gleaming chrome beast comes with twin bluetooth headsets and has the ability to block an entire aisle in Marks & Spencer. It has super powerful infra-red sensors that positively encourage you to crush a cyclist in the car park.

The food that we share with our families at Christmas should be special, but this needn’t mean food that’s extravagantly rich or expensive. Local producers take extra time and care over their products, often producing small, handmade batches to order. It’s this attention to detail that makes the rich-blend coffee from the Manx Tea & Coffee Company so deliciously nutty and toasty. Producer Paul Wagstaff puts the exceptional flavour down to the small Victorian furnace he uses to roast the beans: “It suits my purpose,” he says, “I can make up just the right amount for each order, ensuring that the oils in the coffee stay fresh and full of flavour.” Like many local producers, Paul’s products are available to buy direct, and through Shoprite, who

If dad can’t go to the supermarket in case he gets arrested by car park officials, you could also get him a yacht with a smaller yacht and a boat inside, a moon-rock nanofibre squash racquet or some aftershave made from the tears of an extinct rhino.

Not Your Daughters Jeans (NYDJ) - £129.95 French Connection Grey Sequin Jumper - £115.00 Radley Handbag - £179.00 Moda in Pelle Boots - £169.95

Ted Baker Boot Cut Jeans - £79.00 Ted Baker Lace Ivory Top - £89.00 Ted Baker Cowell Coat - £299.00 Ted Baker Handbag - £199.00 Jones The Bootmaker Nude Shoes - £79.00

It goes without saying that your child will be a social pariah if they

Little Mistress evening Dress - £75.00 L K Bennett Bracelet - £195.00 Moda in Pelle Glitz Bag - £89.95 Moda in Pelle Shoes - £95.00

Little Mistress Dress - £55.00 Moda in Pelle Diamanté Shoes - £109.95 Karen Millen Bracelet - £95.00 Karen Millen Necklace - £145.00 Black Sazzy bag - £69.95

appear to be doing a commendable job of giving customers access to an inspiring variety of local foods.

Food is part of the cultural renaissance that’s been happening in the Island over the past decade or so, with renewed interest in food heritage and traditional methods of production.

One of my favourite finds this year has been the smoked pollock or ‘callig’ from Kallow Point Seafoods in Port St Mary; firm with a delicate flavour and texture, I use it in fishcakes with diced bacon and shallots, or added to creamy seafood chowder. Fans of smoked fish might also like to try the range available from Paddy’s, including hot and cold smoked salmon, queenies and crevettes; these would make fantastic canapés or a light selection of starters for the Christmas table, perhaps alongside some of the beautiful marbled quail eggs produced by Scotts of Glen Mona, specialising in additive-free quail, and an organic mixed-leaf salad grown by Stephen and Jenny Devereau at Staarvey Farm.

Based in the West of the Island, Staarvey Farm is a powerhouse producer of superfoods, including their handmade pickles and preserves that come stylishly packaged in fat jars with labels that read like a foodie’s dream: Rosehip Jelly, Damson Jam, ExtraHot Homemade Harissa and Sweet Lime

Pickle. Products from the vast range would make perfect gifts, and there’s also a special Christmas selection with specialities such as Cranberry, Port and Orange Sauce, especially good with game, and Normandy Apple Sauce with butter and Calvados, good with anything I’d imagine, including a spoon from the jar! The mouth-watering Green Tomato Chutney always finds its way into my shopping basket –try it with the Cracked Black Peppercorn Mature Cheddar from Isle of Man Creamery; moreish and fudgy, the fragrant oil from the peppercorns seeps into the cheese giving it a zingy citrus tang that reminds me of oranges.

For the sweet-toothed, there are a whole range of sumptuous homemade puddings, cakes and sweets lovingly crafted on the Isle of Man. Made with fine Champagne Cognac and aged for nine months to develop the flavour, Berries Christmas Puddings produce their tantalising puds at Aaron House in Port St Mary, while sister company Cocoa Red sell multi award-winning chocolates from the same premises. My final food find has to be the gorgeous Ginger Fudge from The Original Manx Fudge Factory, a venture that’s grown quickly by reputation. Using Isle of Man Creamery butter and cream, the company supplies its flavoured fudges to Shoprite as part of their Manx Food Heroes promotion, an initiative that recognises exceptional local quality, taste and craftsmanship.

Tasting this food it makes perfect sense why we should share it with our families this Christmas. These producers might be small-scale, but make no mistake, they’re professionals who are serious about what they do. It’s the care and pride that goes into these products that makes them special, and that care - as we should know by now - is the secret ingredient in beautiful food.

OPENING HOURS: MONDAY - SATURDAY 10AM TO 5.30PM SUNDAY 1PM - 5.30PM

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BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

12 Christmas Shoppers Guide TRAVEL

TRAVEL

VAGABONDS RUFC LADIES XV AT CHRISTMAS

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

APPETITE

APPETITE

WORDS | Hannah Goodby – H.G. Equestrian

ALL THINGS EQUESTRIAN

CALIFORNIA’S Few people can boast they’ve skied down a volcano, but it’s just one of the treats in store on a trip to California’s finest slopes.

Skiing? In California? It doesn’t really fit with the archetypal picture of sun-kissed beaches frequented by A-list Hollywood starlets.

But an hour’s flight from Los Angeles is Lake Tahoe, the largest freshwater lake in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, a world away the image of California I’d always imagined. And this rather surreal proximity means you can surf in the morning and ski the afternoon - if you really want an action-packed day.

I’LL ADMIT, I WAS CURIOUS AS TO WHY ANYONE WOULD TRAVEL SO FAR FROM EUROPE, HOME TO A PLETHORA OF PERFECTLY GOOD MOUNTAIN RANGES, FLY STRAIGHT PAST CANADA AND OVER WORLD FAMOUS RESORTS IN COLORADO, TO SKI IN CALIFORNIA.

But the moment I first ski down Heavenly Mountain, with the huge expanse of sapphire blue Lake Tahoe outstretched in front, I understood why.

“It’s where God lives,” Mike, our guide for the day, tells me and my fellow skiers, as we make our way along

pine tree-lined runs towards the largest alpine lake on the continent. With powdery, pure white snow beneath our skis and the Californian sun beating down from above, I can hardly disagree with him. This is skiing with a view either created by God, or CGI. There are 15 skiable mountains around this 22mile long lake, bordering the state line of Nevada.

Heavenly is the largest, boasting the best views, and straddles both states - while one side of the mountain overlooks luscious Lake Tahoe, the other surveys the vast, dry Nevada desert.

With everything from heart-pumping, steep, vertical drops, to long, meandering trails that allow you to really take in the majestic surroundings, there’s a great range for different abilities. Each slope is pristinely cared for and groomed, and trees are naturally well spaced, making it a great place to go off piste and feel completely alone with the world.

And, as we keep getting told, two years ago there was so much snow that the slopes were packed until July.

The temperature was even high enough for some to ski in bikinis!

Our resort base is South Lake Tahoe, which operates like a fully functioning town, complete with supermarket and cinema. It’s less idyllic than other purpose-built ski villages, but it’s buzzing with life.

Beginning the quest of owning your first horse – part 3

MAMMOTH MOUNTAIN IS DEFINITELY WORTH A VISIT IF ONLY TO BOAST YOU’VE SKIED ON A VOLCANO. TECHNICALLY IT’S STILL ACTIVE WITH MINOR ERUPTIONS - THE LAST WAS 700 YEARS AGO, SO I’M PRETTY SURE WE’RE SAFE BUT THERE HAVE BEEN REPORTS OF VOLCANIC GASES KILLING TREES IN MORE RECENT YEARS.

out of the skis for someone else to deal with, felt like true Hollywood A-list treatment. In the morning, my skis would be lined up in the snow waiting for me to step back into them.

North Star has been cruelly nicknamed ‘Flat Star’ by some Southern Tahoe residents, thanks to a few horizontal spots. The runs are certainly longer than at Heavenly, but it’s true that North Star is better suited to intermediate skiers and boarders than advanced. Even the most difficult runs here only equate to reds in the French Alps.

But before you go anywhere you really must try and remain practical and unemotional when looking at prospective purchases.

That night, I purposely leave the curtains of the huge window stretching the length of my room open so I can wake up to view of the mountain.

Just a 30 minute drive from North Star is Squaw Valley, where we stay at PlumpJack Hotel for the night. Here we find warm, cosy, low-key luxury, an ice rink at the top of a mountain and even a ski-through Starbucks.

What does feel special about North Star is the sense of space and quiet on the slopes.

Several times I made it to the bottom of a run without even seeing another skier. Affluent Americans from LA or San Francisco come for long weekends, so it’s not unusual for the slopes to be this empty on weekdays. Quite often, I felt completely alone in the peaceful wilderness, and I don’t remember queuing for a ski lift all week.

There can’t be a better way to enjoy apres ski than around a roaring open fire at a five star hotel. Our group slouch down into the sofas, gin and tonics in hand, stomachs groaning after three wonderful courses at the hotel’s elegant Manzanita restaurant.

Left Wing / Compliance

Apart from playing and training for Vagabonds, I work, have 2 children, coach tag rugby, and I’m also studying towards Chartered Accountancy.

Denise Gimbert

Jo McCabe Centre Scrum Half & Vice Captain / Teacher

Rugby and work takes a lot of my time, I am also the Club Social Secretary, which means any other time I have is taken socialising or arranging it!

A much more glamorous reception awaits me at North Star, another resort 90 minutes away at the top of the lake.

My memories of childhood family skiing include a lot of trudging back to a hotel with heavy skis awkwardly balanced over my shoulder, for what felt like miles. So gliding right up to the doorway of the Ritz-Carlton, where I’m staying, and simply stepping

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o recap, over the last two months I’ve been covering some of the many issues you’ll want to consider when buying your first horse.

Gail Smalley

Jackie Daly

Victoria Cowin Second Row or Prop or whatever required / Compliance Officer

I enjoy cross stitching, reading and generally hanging out with friends and family.

Erica Stephenson ‘Floor Magnet’ Wing & Full Back / Make up artist & FT Mum

Sorrelle Williams

Rebecca Quayle Hooker / Customer Services

Looking after Rugby takes a lot my two year old of my spare time twin boys and up, but I always I’m also a Make manage to Up Artist. squeeze in some socialising.

Following the photoshot we asked the Ladies what position they play, what they do for a day job and what they do in their spare time? Here’s what they said...

Corrina Daly Gillian Crebbin Second Row / Trust Administrator

I love to travel.

I’ve only just returned back on Island following a year travelling Southeast Asia and Aus. I’m always looking for a new adventure!

Marie Ellison Fiona Gavin

Natalie Bush Tight Head Prop / Financial Planning Technician

My spare time is spent studying a lot towards Financial Planning. Work and Rugby also take up a lot of my time.

Alana McCaughan Captain & Second Row Flanker / Accountant

Walking my dog, lots of bits and pieces including horse riding and the gym.

Victoria Cartwright Forward / Compliance

Spending time with my friends and family. This is my first year of Rugby so I put a lot of my time into research of the sport.

Full Back / GP

I don’t have much time for anything other than Rugby and visiting the gym, so I make the most of my holidays, I love travelling, especially when it involves skiing and snowboarding.

Wing & Waterboy / Work for the Treasury

I play basketball on Thursdays for the local league/ Fella’s. I love to swim and go to the gym. And make bacon butty’s for the coach.

Loose Head Prop / Manager at William Hill

I play and love Rugby, I seem to work most of the time and I also enjoy playing Darts.

Inside Centre / Life Assurance

Having a three year old girl takes up a lot of my spare time, teaching her how to ride her bike and recently taught her how to tackle!

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Second Row / Premier Relationship Bank Manager

Rugby takes a lot of my spare time up, we train twice a week and generally have a game every week. I also have 2 jobs!

Winger / Dohle

I’ve looked at the emotional and financial commitments, handling experience, rider ability, and the questions you should be asking the seller. So, in this the final part of three, I’ll finish by looking at what to watch out for when viewing a horse, the vet check and the final purchase.

Along with playing Rugby, I also have a passion for hockey, I coach and umpire for all ages and train single system elite kids. I attend KUTA training too.

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BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

112 Vagabonds RUFC Ladies XV

GETTING YOUR HEAD IN THE GAME

It is so very easy to be led by your heart.

A great photo, brilliantly written advert, or simply the desire to believe that ‘this is the horse for me can lead you to ignore questions you might otherwise ask. You can’t help feeling excited, I know, I’ve been there! But before you go anywhere, you really must try and remain practical and unemotional when looking at prospective purchases. The perfect partnership is based on so much more than a pretty face.

VIEWING THE HORSE 1. It is always worth bringing an experienced person with you that is aware of your ability and requirements.

Make sure you know when they are available to come with you prior to arranging viewings.

2. When arranging a viewing, ensure you make it clear what you would like to see; for instance, the horse initially within the stable block, getting tacked-up, being ridden, lunged, jumped, or being brought in from the field.

3. On arrival, check the horse is happy;

VAGABONDS ARE KINDLY SPONSORED BY SURE

VAGABONDS ARE KINDLY SPONSORED BY SURE

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Making the decision

This is my last article of 2013, but that means we are beginning the lead up to Christmas, and what better present could you have than owning your first horse?

WORDS | Liz Morris

A STAR TURN FOR

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does it look over the stable door at you and appear relaxed. Make sure it isn’t sweaty from being worked for a period before your arrival! You’ll want to be in the stable with the horse to check its temperament/vices and assess any obvious lumps and bumps. Do not be worried to ask what things are; it is better to ask extra questions than too few.

4. Observe the horse being tacked up to see how well behaved it is and watch it being mounted - will it stand? Will you be able to mount it safely on your own?

Make sure there are no signs of it being head shy.

5. Remember, don’t get on the horse first – once the horse is tacked up, the seller or a representative should ride the horse while you watch. Allow them to show you the horse in walk, trot, canter and over a jump.

6. If you are happy it is safe to ride the horse thereafter, you can then put it through its paces. Do not be over ambitious; you should be safe and comfortable at all times.

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

Horses for sale...

VET CHECK You’ve decided. This is the one!

When you have found the horse which you feel is right for you, you should arrange for a vet to carry out a pre-purchase examination. This can seem like a costly extra expense, but it could save you a lot of money in the future. An examination will reduce the chance of you buying a horse that is carrying an underlying health problem.

I recommend a five stage vet examination.

This should cover most things from taking blood tests, examining muscle flexion, to a dental inspection. The process takes approximately 2-3 hours and will likely cost around £250. A five stage examination may be a requirement for some insurers, especially if your horse will be insured for an amount in excess of £5,000.

Overall, the five stage vet check should help ensure that nothing has been hidden from you – for example, any sedation the horse was administered or any anti-inflammatory medication to

mask lameness. Additional tests, such as x-rays of the feet, may be recommended depending on how you will be using the horse.

FINALLY THE PURCHASE You are so nearly there, the horse is almost yours, but perhaps it’s worth including one last safety net – a trial period.

A trial period offers you the opportunity to make 100% sure the horse is right for you before money changes hands. There are some tricky aspects to navigate; such as who will be responsible for the horse if it is injured during the trail and who pays for insurance, but those aside it’s worth it in the long run.

When you come to sign on the dotted line, remember to do all those things you’d usually do with any other purchase:

passport and certificate together in a safe place, and in these days of computers, scan a copy that you can quickly access and reprint if necessary.

THE PERFECT PRESENT UNWRAPPED Now it’s time to enjoy and start building a relationship, a partnership, a true bond. I can think of nothing better for Christmas.

So until next time, I wish you a merry Christmas and a happy, prosperous New Year. Here’s looking forward to hoof prints in the snow on Christmas day.

See you in 2014.

• Obtain a receipt.

• Read and retain a copy of the terms and conditions of the sale; making sure you are happy with terms before signing.

• Keep all the related documentation,

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

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106 All Things Equestrian

CONTENTS Edito.....................................................................................................................................3 Wilkins Watch Of The Month.............................................4 Listings...............................................................................................................................6 Upfront........................................................................................................................9 The Decadent Christmas Guide........................12 Tis The Season...............................................................................................15 What’s On...............................................................................................16 The Christmas Addict........................................................18 Give..................................................................................................................20 News In Numbers......................................................................21 Me & My Pet.......................................................................................24 Rant...................................................................................................................25 Current Affairs................................................................................................26 Misc......................................................................................................................................28 Events...........................................................................................................................29 Autumn Wine Tasting................................................................30 Lloyds Bank Quiz.................................................................................................32 Douglas Ladies Lifeboat Guide...................................33 Henry Bloom Noble Healthcare Trust............34 Alice & Gary Oaks Wedding Day.............................36 Sabre Private Wealth..........................................................................37 Heroes in the Community.......................................................38 Alistair & Jillian’s Wedding Day................................40 Culture.......................................................................................................................41 Culture Vulture...........................................................................................42 Upload...........................................................................................................................44 Student Art Awards...............................................................46 Christmas Church Services.....................................48

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Fashion & Beauty.....................................................................49 Male Beauty..................................................................................................50 Fashion....................................................................................................................52 Wilkins Gift Guide.......................................................................54 The Mill Shop Fashion..................................................58 Beauty Products......................................................................60 Appetite.............................................................................................................61 Decadent Dinning..........................................................................62 The NEW JAR Restaurant.................................................64 Let’s Talk Turkey.....................................................................66 Salt Bar & Kitchen..................................................................68 Isle of Plenty....................................................................................70 The NEW Tanarogan........................................................74 Indulgence..........................................................................................78

Hardware......................................................................................................117 Sure Gift Guide.......................................................................................118 BMW X5 Test Drive......................................................................120 Nick Corlett Profile...........................................................123 Phone Home.............................................................................................126 Paparazzi.....................................................................................................127 Tahiko......................................................................................................................128 Nexus..........................................................................................................................129 Artisan......................................................................................................................129 Villa Marina...............................................................................................130 The Outback................................................................................................134 The Crescent...............................................................................................135 The GRILL in the PARK.................................................136

Travel..........................................................................................................................79 Ski California.................................................................................................80 Christmas Markets.............................................................................82 All Day & All Of The Night...................................86 Business..............................................................................................................97 In The News....................................................................................................98 Chreechurch Capital..............................................................100 Movers & Shakers..............................................................................101 Active.....................................................................................................................105 All Things Equestrian..............................................................106 Riding for the Disabled....................................................108 Polo Isle of Man.....................................................................................110 Vagabonds Ladies RUFC XV.....................................112

Isle of Man | Home & Interiors | The WInter Edition 2013

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 87

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

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It’s easy to get carried away with Christmas, only to find out that you’ve spent a little too much over the festive period – we’ve all done it. But now, with our Mobile and Online Banking, you can stay in control of your finances any time of day or night. You’ll be amazed how easy it is!

n . ar ll i ils ss ca ta ece or r de e n ok fo has bo sk rc ce d a pu Fa an . No on ch 014 us ran ry 2 a ke b Li ny Janu a to te 3

It’s so easy with our Mobile and Online Banking.

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Stay in touch with your festive finances

Call in to any branch iombank.com/helpfulbanking Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter @iombank

Isle of Man Bank Limited (IOMB). Registered Company Number: 1 Isle of Man. Registered Office: 2 Athol Street, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM99 1AN. Licensed by the Financial Supervision Commission of the Isle of Man and registered with the Insurance and Pensions Authority in respect of general business. Calls may be recorded. Network charges may apply. Please see entry form or our Facebook page for competition Terms and Conditions.

BUDDY ROCK’S DINER We have created a place where everyone is welcome and the food and drinks are equally delicious if you are 6 or 90!

American diner inspired menu, with loads of gorgeous food for vegetarians and gluten intolerant people too.

Perfect for large parties and groups, at weekends you can go down to the club after!

Ideal for lunches with sandwiches from only £4!!!!! Why trudge into town, come and sit in our toasty warm bar area!

At Buddy Rock’s we treat kids as little grownups, hence all dishes marked with a star can be served at half price for half portions. * If you’re not a kid but have a small appetite, help yourself too!

YOU HAVE TO TRY...

Buddy’s homemade gourmet burgers All our burgers are lovingly crafted in our kitchen from local steak mince and we make up each burger individually i.e. our bacon cheeseburger has chunks of crispy bacon and honey roasted ham added to the mince and mixed into each burger then cooked, hence all the flavour and juices stay in the burgers.

Here is a small selection of our dishes off Buddy’s menu to give you an idea of what we are about:

Classic clam chowder served with salt crackers - £6 Buddy’s spankingly hot fire wings, served with a blue cheese dip- £6 Chicken quesadillas – Pan fried flour tortilla stuffed with Cajun chicken,

FOOD SERVED Mon – Fri - Midday till 2pm then 5.30pm till 9.30pm Sat – Midday till 9.30pm Sun – 1pm till 9pm OPEN Mon to Fri midday till midnight Sat – midday till 3am Sun – 1pm till 10pm Give us a bell on 672555 or email info@buddyrocks.co.uk CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE AT

www.buddyrocks.co.uk JOIN OUR 2500 FANS ON FACEBOOK ON BUDDYROCKSIOM

onions, peppers and cheese - £6

Corn Dog – the American favourite, a hotdog on a stick dipped in corn batter and deep fried, mental but crazy popular over the pond - £6

Ain’t got no meat fool, herbivore Burgaaahhh! (v)

Crispy sage & onion patty with roasted sweet red peppers and Mozzarella and served in a soft bun with crunchy cos lettuce and our lemon & mayo house dressing - £6

Loads of classic hot dogs all served with fries like our Crispy Pancetta, chilli and cheesedog – WOOF! - £8

28 day aged New York Strip – 8oz

onion strips and garlic mushrooms

- £18 served with homemade fries,

Baby back pork ribs – Home roasted and fall off the bone perfect,

slathered in luscious homemade Buddy’s BBQ sauce. Full rack - £14

Pan seared Salmon steak with sweet chilli sauce glaze on Buddy’s famous salad with herby dough balls - £9

Check out a few of our luscious homemade puddings Warm and gooey chocolate brownies served with vanilla ice cream - £6 Cookie dough cheesecake - New York cheesecake with mouth-watering

layers of cookie dough and toffee sauce on a chocolate biscuit base - £7

Warm American pancakes with ice cream and fudge sauce - £6

BUDDY ROCK’S BAR KICKASS PLAYLIST OF ANTHEMS FROM 1960 TO PRESENT. DELICIOUS FOOD AVAILABLE ALL DAY AND NIGHT IN OUR COMFY NEW BOOTHS TRY OUR NEW ALCOHOLIC MILKSHAKES, SLUSHY’S AND SODA FLOATS STUNNING COCKTAILS AND BEERS ITALIAN PROSECCO ON DRAFT £4 A GLASS, ALWAYS FRESH AND FIZZY! DRAFT COORS LITE, BUDWEISER, OKELL’S AND GUINNESS

5ptm ill 7pm

FROM 1 MUSIC 0PM THE GOES UP .

..the lig hts go d o we are all abou wn and t good times a nd indu lgence, come s hake w hat you Mum ga r ve you at Budd every F y’s rid till 2am ay and Saturd , Buddy a ’s bar is y always free to get in t oo!

BUDDY’S SSION E S S E IM T GOOD LE DAY! EVERY SING 2.50 Pint Coors £ s £2.50 Bottle Beck a £2.50 Bottle Coron

I / SAT DJ’S EVERY FR FROM 9PM

S £10

CKTAIL JUGS OF CO

OM: CHOOSE FR OSS CANDY FL GIRL L IA MATER OSMO C S BUDDIE A MARGARIT I RY DAIQUIR R E B W STRA ZE PURPLE HA SS ITE £3 GLA HOUSE WH S S A L £3 G HOUSE RED OM MENU £2 R F S R SHOOTE

LIKE OUR PAGE TO KEEP UP TO DATE WITH WHAT’S HAPPENING AT BUDDY ROCKS

...playing all the R& B Hip Hop, chart and , anthems, all the st uff to bump and grind too!

IN OUR SHORT HISTORY WE ARE ONE OF THE FEW PLACES ON THE ISLAND TO HAVE BROUGHT OVER VARIED AND CREDIBLE EVENTS, TO DATE SOME OF OUR FAVOURITES HAVE BEEN:

BEARDYMAN / SEB FONTAINE / JUDGE JULES / KISSY SELL OUT / KRAFTY KUTZ / DJ YODA / SCRATCH PERVERTS / FLUX PAVILION / PENDULUM DJ’S / KUTSKI / LISA LASHES / PLUMP DJ’S, NORMAN JAY / DARREN EMERSON / JAMES LAVELLE / FREESTYLERS / A-SKILLZ / TIDY BOYS / UTAH SAINTS / RENNIE PILGRIM / RATPACK / SLIPMATT / SHADES OF RHYTHM …

WE ARE TOTALLY SERIOUS ABOUT PROVIDING THE BEST NIGHTS OUT, DRINKS, SERVICE, SOUND SYSTEM AND ENTERTAINMENT TO THE PEOPLE OF THIS LUSCIOUS ISLAND, COME AND CHECK OUT OUR NEXT CHAPTER.

Come and check out our awesome... £80k sound system £20k lighting rig Improved layout and bigger dance floor

Private hires always available, all entertainment needs, food and drink can be fully sorted by us for you.

WEEKENDS AT BUDDY’S BRINGS YOU CLUB NIGHT ‘HOOCHIE MOMMA’S’ FREE ADMISSION FOR LADIES… USUAL ADMISSION IS £3 (EXCEPT SPECIAL EVENTS)

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE LADIES, THESE ARE THE TUNES YOU LOVE TO SHAKE IT TOO... THINK:

BEYONCE / RIHANNA / GAGA / JAY-Z / 50 CENT / CALVIN HARRIS / CHRIS BROWN / WILL.I.AM / KATY PERRY / RUDIMENTAL / LIL WAYNE / NICKY MINAJ / DRAKE / JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE / KANYE WEST / R-KELLY / BRITNEY / SNOOP DOGG / RITA ORA / USHER / SEAN PAUL / DAVID GUETTA / BLACK EYED PEAS / JESSIE J / LL COOL J / LMFAO / DE LA SOUL / DJ FRESH / GIRLS ALOUD / KE$HA / LITTLE MIX / MADONNA / MICHAEL JACKSON / SHAKIRA…

IT’S ALL ABOUT SEXY R&B, HIP HOP, CHART BELTERS AND CLASSIC DANCE MUSIC, THE TUNES YOU KNOW AND LOVE AND CAN GET YOUR FREAK ON TOO!

Give us a bell on 672555 or email info@buddyrocks.co.uk Check out our website at www.buddyrocks.co.uk Join our 2500 fans on facebook on buddyrocksiom

UPFRONT

WORDS GRANT RUNYON AND HIS ELVES

What do you get the person who has everything? If you live in the Isle of Man and are reading this in December, the answer will probably include mega-premium next day delivery.

Needless to say, get out and about and try to buy it locally first. If you don’t want to be doing next year’s Christmas shopping in a high street that only has bookies and coffee shops you are obliged to splurge inside the Island.

Even if we did have a healthier high street, presents have always been a challenge in the Isle of Man because we are an Island of compulsive spenders. The money tied up in our store card accounts, furniture loans and car repayments outstrips the Greek national debt, so your main challenge in treating somebody is getting there before they manically treat themselves after one too many espressos. Like Inspector Gadget I intend to stay one step ahead of my loved ones at all times, so gathered the following tips from Candace Massengil, VIP personal shopper and executive concierge at Dubai’s exclusive Shif’ti Shif’ti private banking service.

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WHAT TO GET … PRECIOUS LITTLE YOUNGSTERS It goes without saying that your child will be a social pariah if they don’t return to the playground in January with at least a thousand dead prostitutes to their name in Grand Theft Auto V, the latest blockbuster smash from the people who brought you the video game hits Syrian War Criminal, Downtown Strangler 3 and The Sims: Basement Hostage Edition. I assume you’ve already got them PS4s and Xbox Ones, so if you want to make the other parents jealous, your youngest child will be the talk of the PTA with their real life, genetically-engineered teacup Peppa Piglet. These loyal, surprisingly aggressive mutants are available from a “doctor” in Bangkok who won’t tell you his postal address. They are tiny, adorable, and can be used to grow a replacement pancreas or about three very expensive hot dogs.

WHAT TO GET … HARD TO PLEASE TWEENS Older boys will be thrilled with the Bugatti Cameron, a carbonfibre road scooter with a £300,000 price tag and wheels made from crushed up iPhone 5s taken from poorer children’s Christmas stockings. Each scooter comes with unlimited legal cover for you to bully anybody who scratches the paintwork when your child runs them over. Girls who’ve outgrown their Barbie styling heads

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

UPFRONT

will fall head over heels in love with the Lil’ Miss Percoset Yummy Mummy Beauty Therapy Centre, which comes with scalpels, botulinum toxin and a licence to practice issued by a University in Ukraine that you can’t locate on the internet. When (and if) Mummy wakes up, she’ll be as beautiful as the day Daddy first told HR to hire her over a better-qualified older candidate!

WHAT TO GET … YOUR UNIVERSITY FLYAWAY Time away from the Island in your early 20s is the perfect opportunity to spread your wings, travel the world and earnestly pretend that your parents don’t own a granite farmhouse with its own stables and uniformed maids. Why not engage the services of Instant Karma life makeover, who will guarantee that your child arrives in Liverpool with a brand new identity. Perhaps the ‘Krishna Juggler’ - battered acoustic guitar, compendium of anecdotes about Indian railways and clip on dreadlocks with bits of coloured glass in them? Maybe your offspring is more the ‘Pete Docherty Brown Sugar’ and will bloom into a grave-like pallor with mockney elocution lessons and a flat in Camden shared with emaciated supermodels and a pile of greasy trilbies. Don’t worry Tarquin, your secrets (and trust fund) are safe with us!

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

WHAT TO GET … THE EXECUTIVE BOSSMAN Only the best will do for the workaholic corporate overseer of your home, and you’ll need to find something he hasn’t already invested in as a vehicle to avoid the tax on some ethically questionable stock options. We recommend the Porsche Cayenne Shopping Trolley: modelled on the 6-litre scourge of small roads everywhere, this gleaming chrome beast comes with twin bluetooth headsets and has the ability to block an entire aisle in Marks & Spencer. It has super powerful infra-red sensors that positively encourage you to crush a cyclist in the car park.

If dad can’t go to the supermarket in case he gets arrested by car park officials, you could also get him a yacht with a smaller yacht and a boat inside, a moon-rock nanofibre squash racquet or some aftershave made from the tears of an extinct rhino.

13

INTRO

14

WHAT TO GET … WORK SECRET SANTA

WHAT TO GET … THE OLDER GENERATION

At this time of year HR will be sending out email reminders not to buy secret santa gifts at the “erotic gift shop”, which can make it tough to strike the right balance of tawdry, annoying and useless, that characterises the secret santa ritual. We say avoid a disciplinary hearing and get them something work-related, which in the Isle of Man means a home Document Management System, a massive lawyer leather briefcase or an executive toy to count down the billable hours whilst your office junior does some photocopying.

Why not pick up a copy of Guess Who?: Know Your Client Edition, in which the childhood classic is spiced up with a heavy dose of regulatory compliance. “Is he a disgraced Conservative MP? No. The frontman for some Congolese diamond merchants? No. Fleeing Siberia with a snowmobile full of roubles and Faberge eggs? You guessed it!”

Christmas gets harder every year for the Isle of Man retired generation, frustrated by the inexplicable good timing that lead them to purchase property in the 70s, earning both a gigantic wodge of cash and the right to sermonise about how today’s young people need to work harder. That’s right granddad, we’ll work harder to build a time machine, travel back to a post-war economic boom and stop your generation from greasing the housing ladder with your poor planning decisions and buy-to-let property bubble.

Thanks for not doing anything about climate change whilst you had the chance, I hope you enjoy being in a nursing home built on an old Emeraude ferry and staffed by terminators.

As our retired parents appear to spend most of their time posting bitter comments on newspaper websites or playing golf, I suggest sneaking into their bedrooms at night and hooking them up to a hyper-realistic virtual reality simulation from Total Brainwash Incorporated. Unaware that reality is an illusion (is reality), they must aim to get a hole in one whilst avoiding the music of Skrillex, “political correctness” and Miley Cyrus’s gyrating buttocks. The only way to make these modern horrors disappear and return to a reality spent watching the Grand Prix in salmon chinos is to defeat a boss (high blood pressure), who triggers an affidavit signing over your entire property portfolio to your children. Merry Christmas everybody!

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

TO BE IN DOUGLAS

For the ultimate Christmas experience it has to be Douglas…And we’re not just talking retail, we’re talking street performers, craft fairs, carols and an ice sculpture in the making.

All that plus shops in the town dressed up to the festive nines as they compete in the Best Dressed Business competition. The local independents’ category is being sponsored

by Gallery Magazine and Manx Radio, the chain stores’ by Douglas Development Partnership in the form of a donation to the winning multiple’s nominated charity.

AND THE COMPETITION JUDGES ARE…YOU! Cast your vote for the Best Dressed Business on Douglas Town Centre Management’s Facebook page. Voting closes at 5pm on Friday December 20th.

So after Christmas in the capital officially kicked off on Thursday November 21st when the Christmas lights were switched on and late-night Thursday shopping evenings began, the whole festive scene has shifted up a gear or two for December. This month every Thursday evening (5 to 9pm) and

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

Saturday (10am to 5pm) in the run-up to Christmas there’s a Christmas craft fair in Castle Street offering all kinds of unique gift ideas; ‘Santa’s Winter Wonderland’ in The Strand Centre complete with ‘The Man Himself’ in his log cabin (check out thestrand.co.im for details) and on December 21st an opportunity to see an ice sculpture in the making in Regent Street, sponsored by Sure and created by Darren Jackson and Stephanie Quayle, the same pair who are also exhibiting at ‘The Magical Ice Kingdom’ in London’s Hyde Park Winter Wonderland.

Importantly, to ensure everyone has not only a happy but also a safe Christmas, the Road Safety team will be in Regent Street on Thursday 12th and Saturday 14th promoting this year’s anti-drink drive campaign.

And throughout this month there’s more than just the sounds of tills ringing in the town; there’s a whole cast of street

performers including solo acts, local singer/ songwriters, brass bands, school choirs and many others all doing their festive best to ensure Douglas delivers this Christmas.

As town centre manager Michelle O’Malley says: ‘There’s a fantastic programme of events and street entertainment for all the family planned this month. And when it comes to Christmas shopping, there’s only one place to be, Douglas, not in front of a computer screen tapping out online orders. Our Christmas message this year’s a simple one: “Douglas not digital.”

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UPFRONT

WHAT’S ON The Best of

DECEMBER 2013

07.12.13-06.1.14 ICE RINK

TYNWALD MILLS This years Ice Skate Isle of Man is at the fabulous setting of Tynwald Mills, St Johns. As with previous years, the ice rink will of course be real, with a huge range of skate sizes available for hire.

This year there will be a few noticiable changes. As well as the obvious change of venue, they will also be bringing over a new rink!

It will be smaller, safer and more intimate than the previous rink, meaning skating won’t be as hectic or as fast paced as last time.

Phew!

For further information visit: www.iceskate.im

09.12.13

DAVY KNOWLES LIVE & ELECTRIC GAIETY THEATRE

Davy Knowles makes a long-awaited return to the Island, fresh with a “bunch of new songs”. Davy has a firm fan base of music lovers who have been following his rise amongst the Blues rock fraternity in the States for sometime now. The Gaiety Theatre has always been a magical place for his shows, he really shines when he steps onto the stage. With a full band comprising of Jony McMillan on Bass, Steve Dymond on keys and Chris Bussey providing the drums, this is a rhythm section bar none! Support on the night comes from Nick Barlow’s Bad Noise.

Tickets: £22.00

13/14.12.13

SEAN LOCK - PURPLE VAN MAN GAIETY THEATRE

We all know what a white van man thinks about the world we live in, but its time to hear a different voice; purple van man’s voice. Filled with gags, opinions, observations and some silly voices this is Sean Lock doing what he does best, spouting inspired jibber jabber as he crosses the country in his purple van.

Tel: 600555 www.villagaiety.com

20.12.13

SOUNDS OF THE CAVE CHRISTMAS PARTY VILLA MARINA

Tickets from £22.95 Tel: 600555 www.villagaiety.com

Don’t miss the ultimate Christmas Party with DJs Dave Cretney and Chris Williams. Featuring classic tracks from the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s, dance the night away with the Sounds of the Cave. In association with Manx Radio.

21-31.12.13

Tickets from £22.95 Tel: 600555 www.villagaiety.com

GAIETY THEATRE

25.01.14

ROBIN HOOD & THE BABES IN THE WOOD Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood follows Robin Hood as the hero who rescues the Babes from the evil clutches of The Sheriff of Nottingham. The romantic interest is provided by Maid Marian who is the Sheriff’s ward and becomes the link between the life in Nottingham Castle and the Merry Men’s lair in the Greenwood.

THE NEXT BIG THING

Again, this year’s pantomime promises to be full of fun suitable for all the family.

‘The Next Big Thing’ is an island-wide talent competition for young people aged 10-17. More than 100 young people have entered this competition and the judges have had the difficult task of selecting the top 15 acts who will be performing live in the Grand Final at the Gaiety Theatre on 25th January. This year’s celebrity judge is Christopher Maloney, who came third in the live finals of X Factor 2012.

Tickets: See website Tel: 600555 www.villagaiety.com

GAIETY THEATRE

Junior Achievement presents its annual talent competition ‘The Next Big Thing 2014’.

Tickets from £10.20 Tel: 600555 www.villagaiety.com Sponsored by Paragon Recruitment, Manx Telecom and Energy FM.

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ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

Dash for cash!

UPFRONT

So, what are you doing Wednesday the 18th December? Can you spare your lunch hour just for one day of the year? Fit enough to drag yourself around the short Douglas Town Centre course? Then why not get involved with the annual Charity Santa Dash and help make it the biggest year ever!

Anyone can enter, and you don’t have to race – leave that to the amazing athletes that complete the course in under 5 minutes! All you have to do is dress up in a Santa outfit, raise a little money for your chosen charity and have a load of fun with all the other fun runners.

We’ll have TV and radio there, the roads will be closed and we always get a great crowd to roar the runners on – it’ll be the best 5 minutes of your year!

Isle of Man Bank also put up nearly £3,000 for cash prizes which you can donate to your charity – from the winners in different classes to spot prizes for best Santa outfits.

In 2012, 131 Santa’s started the Charity Dash and helped raise an estimated £14,000 for charities of their choice.

This year, we want over 150! So, whether an individual or entering a corporate team, come along and make it a year to

remember, you’ll even get a goody bag and a festive warm down reception after the race.

Entering is easier than ever.

Pop in to any branch of Isle of Man Bank to pick up a form, call John Lindon on 637473 or go to the Santa Dash website at www.iombank.com/santadash.

2012 RESULTS 20 people awarded spot prizes of £100 for their chosen charity 131 Santa Dashers started - £14,000 raised Winner: Ryan Fairclough - 4 mins 26 seconds 2nd Jamie Newton 3rd Andrew Newton Fastest Lady Santa: Rachael Franklin - 5 mins 5 seconds (New Record) Best Dressed Santas: Paul Warburton and Adelle Priest

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

17

UPFRONT

EYE SPY

The Christmas Addict

Y

ou’ve got to feel sorry for everyone in Customer Services. Since mid-July, Carol’s been counting down the days to Christmas, and breezes into work every morning with a cheery ‘Only 29 days to go!’.

Carol really does wish it could be Christmas every day, and in her corner of the office, it is. From Santa screensavers to Jingle Bells ring tones, it’s all about Christmas at Carol’s desk.

There’s been tinsel draped around her monitor since September and Carol’s supervisor had to have a word with her about wearing her Santa hat to client meetings. The bank likes its staff to be festive after all, but not in early October…

Carol’s an Xmas-aholic - a ‘fool for yule!’, as she cheerily likes to refer to herself. You can’t miss it really, especially when she talks about her two cats – named Donner and Blitzen after reindeers – and starts humming ‘Winter Wonderland’ to herself. And if you live anywhere in Laxey, you’ll know exactly which one Carol’s house is.

It’s the one glowing on the horizon, covered in flashing Christmas lights with an inflatable Santa ho-ho-ho-ing on the front lawn. She can’t understand why the neighbours complain that it’s difficult to get to sleep with all her lights on. She tells them to ‘lighten up’ - chuckling at her own joke.

‘It’s just a bit of festive fun,’ she thinks to herself - ‘after all, it is Christmas’. Carol thinks some people just don’t get into the Christmas spirit; Like the manager of Rileys Garden Centre who escorted her off the premises last year. She didn’t see why she couldn’t go into Santa’s grotto with the kids and sit on Santa’s lap too.

That’s what he’s there for isn’t it? She’s sure the real Father Christmas wouldn’t have accused her of stalking him…

But now, it’s less than a month until the big day, Carol’s in her element. She loves everything about Christmas, the gingerbread lattes, Nigella, and even the straight-to-DVD Christmas classics on TV. Carol’s got the whole collection at home, Elf, Home Alone 2, The Grinch, and even National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.

Carol’s longsuffering husband Brian has always put up with her Christmas obsession, getting all the decorations down from the loft every year and not complaining about having to wear his ‘Mr Santa’ slippers. But after spending most of last January in plaster when he broke his ankle, tripping over the plate of carrots she’d left out for Rudolph, he just can’t face another Christmas with Carol. Thankfully her family and work colleagues feel the same.

It didn’t take much persuasion to talk them all into a whipround to send Carol off to Lapland for Christmas. It’ll be bliss, he thinks to himself. No more mulled wine and cheap advent calendar chocolate. And if he stays away from Poundland, he might even get through the whole of Christmas without having to listen to ‘Fairytale of New York’…

Editor’s Disclaimer: The characters, incidents and names portrayed in this article are entirely fictitious, and any similarity to the name, character and history of any person, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. Some of the characters may have certain traits and/or mannerisms that may seem to suggest actual persons you know or have seen down the pub, but Gallery Magazine makes no claims that these traits exist at all or in this combination in any actual person.

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ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

A refreshing approach to dentistry Not only do we provide an excellent dental service, our patients say we make excellent cups of tea and coffee too.

Why not relax at your next dental appointment at Abbey Dental.

As a special introductory offer, we’re running a TWO for the price of ONE deal on all lunches between the 16th December and 20th December.

Find us on the top floor of the old Peter Luis building (9-11 Duke Street, Douglas) LIKE US ON FACEBOOK TO RECEIVE UPDATES ON FURTHER OFFERS

FIND US ON FACEBOOK. 9 - 11 DUKE STREET - DOUGLAS

WE ARE PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THE OPENING OF OUR SECOND CAFÉ DELIGHT

o l l e d r o B

rdello’s, o B t e g r fo ’t n o D e Island th n o b lu c t s e b e still th

Something else to smile about...

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UPFRONT

OUR COMMUNITY

GIVE COMMUNITY AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

MANN LINK TRAVEL SUPPORTS MANX JUNIOR REFEREE ACADEMY SCOTTISH WIDOWS RAISES £5,000 FOR SCBU Cake bakes, karaoke and a host of other fundraising activities by Scottish Widows have raised £5000 for the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) at Noble’s Hospital.

CHILDREN’S CENTRE FUNDRAISERS COMPLETE MOUNT KILIMANJARO CHALLENGE

The newly-formed Isle of Man Junior Referees Academy will be sponsored by Mann Link Travel.

A team of charity trekkers climbed to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro to raise £5,000 for The Children’s Centre.

The sum was boosted by matched funding from Lloyds, the parent company to Scottish Nathaniel Harper, Stephen Trimble, Ann Widows.

Campbell, and Lesley Joyce set out on the challenge to reach the summit at 5,895 Juan Clarke, managing director of Scottish metres above sea level in northern Tanzania Widows, said: ‘Colleagues came up with near the border with Kenya. Three of the some great ideas for a whole range of four completed the full challenge, but imaginative fundraising initiatives for this unfortunately Ann was unable to make it to worthy cause. I’m so pleased that we have the summit due to ill health. been able to support SCBU for a second time in the past few years. It is a cause that .The 12 day trip started with a flight to has touched a number of my colleagues Nairobi, Kenya, and a transfer to Arusha at Scottish Widows, including myself, who across the border into Tanzania the have had babies cared for in the unit. It’s a following day. The walking began with a great facility that we have in the Isle of Man trek through the rain forest from Londorossi and the support that it gives not only to Gate to Mti Mkubw (Big Tree) Campsite the vulnerable newborn babies themselves at an altitude of 2,800 metres. There was but also to the often distressed parents another 700 metres of climbing the next day, is something that the Island should be and just 300 metres the following day to proud of. The equipment that is required allow the trekkers to acclimatise gradually is expensive and they rely on charitable to the thinner air. The trip culminated donations to ensure that they are continually with an early start for the final push to the at the forefront of neonatal care. It’s great summit from Barafu Hut to Uhuru Peak - the that we have been able to help them in highest point in Africa. After ascending just this way and my thanks go out to all my over 1,200 metres in one day the reward for colleagues at Scottish Widows for their the effort was with the chance to watch a fundraising efforts.’ spectacular sunrise. www.thechildrenscentre.org.im/adventure-events/

The Isle of Man Junior Referees Academy was formed to increase the amount of qualified referees on the Island, ensuring there is a healthy number to officiate over games in the future, as well as provide an environment where teenagers are able to undergo specialist training at home.

Eleven juniors, aged between 14 and 18, will participate in a two-year training programme which includes monthly training sessions and attendance at the Isle of Man Referees Society meetings. After being assigned a mentor, they will officiate over junior football matches for their first year, supported by a senior official. They will also be required to attend training at the Liverpool County Academy and other specialist development centres when necessary, and will be given a new kit by Mann Link Travel.

If any of the older juniors go to University during the programme, they will be assigned to their closest UK development centre in order to continue their learning.

Mann Link Travel has also committed its support to the Isle of Man FA by sponsoring one of the advertising boards at The Bowl in Douglas. Sponsorship money will be used by the FA to further develop grass roots football on the Island.

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20

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

UPFRONT

in NUMBERS NEWS

45

The highest recorded number of seal pups (45) have been born on the Calf of Man this year, according to the Manx Wildlife Trust (MWT). Wildlife experts had predicted the “bumper year” for seal births after the first six were born a week earlier than expected in September.

119

As part of the Christmas decorations in Douglas, there is a total of 119 Christmas trees decorated with 24,000 lamps! In addition, is the 6.5 miles of ‘festoo’ hung above the streets with 8,000 lamps.

49 49 jobs to go following a decision by airline Flybe to shut its base in the Island. The base - which has three aircraft - will close as the airline aims to save £85m over the next few years.

Interestingly, the company reported pretax profits of £13.8m for the six months to 30 September, compared with a loss of £1.6m a year earlier.

6

2014

There will be 6 new double decker buses arriving in the Island as part of the bus replacement programme. They will provide a better service for peak routes, and with the use of the newly arrived minibuses, Bus Vannin will efficiently operate services for rural communities.

In April 2014, Davy Knowles will return to the Island to attend the second employability conference held by the Island of Culture 2014. Davy will be cultural ambassador for the year-long celebration of the Islands talent and creativity.

600

Hospice will receive a £600k grant for the next 5 years from the Department of Health. The Department is also giving £100,000 support to help with drugs, dressings, oxygen and replacement costs.

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

Horse tram driver Robert Maddrell has retired after 33 years of service. As a souvenir for the years, the Mayor of Douglas, Councillor Carol Malarkey, presented Robert with 2-framed photographs and a tramway photo album.

33 21

CULTURE

Take the hassle out of Christmas, don’t stress about that present not arriving in the post, come to The Strand and speak to real people who offer great customer service and who can offer you the best advice and after sales service.

Merry Christmas from The Strand Shopping Centre The Strand presents 12 great gift ideas & best sellers for Christmas…

GIFT ONE

Christmas Cards boxset £1.99

GIFT FOUR Now 86 CD £14.99

TEL: 01624 662411

2

GIFT TWO

Big City Garage Was £55.00 Now £45.00

GIFT FIVE

HPI SavageX 4.6 £399.00

/thestrandshoppingcentre

GIFT THREE

Girls Red Tartan Dress £16.00

GIFT SIX

Luxury Hot Chocolate £2.80

/strandshopping ISLEwww.thestrand.co.im OF MAN STYLE MAGAZINE

CULTURE

GIFT SEVEN

GIFT EIGHT

GIFT NINE

Regatta Fleece 3 for £20.00

Wooden Advent Calendar

by Woody What Knows £35.00

Group photography sitting £25

GIFT TEN

GIFT ELEVEN

GIFT TWELVE

Evening Cocktail dress £89.00

Onesie £18

SANTA’S WINTER WONDERLAND OPENING TIMES ARE AS FOLLOWS

Thursdays 5.00pm until 8.00pm Saturdays 11. 30a m until 4. 30pm Sundays 1.00pm until 4.00pm Monday 23rd December 11. 30a m until 4. 30pm Tuesday 24th December 11. 30a m until 3.00pm

Love Christmas. Love the Strand.

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

Christmas experience all for £5

SHOP FOR LONGER AT THE STRAND WITH OUR EXTENDED OPENING HOURS

Monday 9th - Friday 13th Dec, 9a m - 6. 30pm Monday 16th - Friday 20th Dec, 9a m - 7pm Sunday 22nd Dec, 10a m - 5pm Monday 23rd Dec, 9a m - 9pm Tuesday 24th Dec, 9a m - 4pm Thursday 26th Dec, 11a m - 5pm Tuesday 31st Dec, 9a m - 4pm New Y ears Day: CLOSED Thursday 2 Jan: Return to normal 3

me& mypet

UPFRONT

names HUMAN/S: JANE AND IAN PERRY, CHILDREN OF THE HOUSE: JOE, LUKE AND AMY PET: DEXTER

species DEXTER: JACK RUSSELL AGE: Jane: Never ask a lady her age.

Dexter: two.

WHERE DO YOU LIVE ON THE ISLAND? Jane: Douglas.

WHERE ARE YOU ORIGINALLY FROM AND WHERE HAVE YOU LIVED? Jane: I was born in the IoM, I moved to London in my late teens, then spent some time in Jersey, I returned home to the Isle of Man 15 years ago.

WHAT DO YOU DO FOR A LIVING? Jane: Relationship Manager for a Securities Services division of a Bank.

24

DO YOU HAVE ANY MORE PETS?

DISLIKES:

Jane: No, just three children and a husband.

Jane: The after effects of the nice chilled white wine. People who never have a good word to say about anyone and everything.

WOULD YOU HAVE ANY MORE PETS? Jane: Yes most definitely, but nothing rodent like. We are looking to breed Dexter as he has such a lovely nature for a Jack Russell and we would love to keep one of his pups. The kids said they would walk more than one dog, I won’t hold my breath.

THE BEST AND WORST THING ABOUT HAVING A PET IS? Jane: The best thing about Dexter is he is always happy to see you, he doesn’t answer back and he is great company.

The worst thing is leaving him in kennels when we go on holiday, although when we picked him up last time he was getting extremely amorous with some lady and I don’t think he missed us a bit. I now have to share my sausages as no one else in the house will give Dexter theirs.

IF HUMAN/ANIMAL WHAT WOULD YOU BE? Jane: Dexter as he is spoilt rotten.

Dexter: Definitely one of the younger male species in this house, they seem to spend a lot of time lying around which would suit me fine.

Dexter: Fireworks, Big Brother, being left out of things, I love to be involved in everything. Four legged friends that don’t warm to my personality.

INTERESTING FACT: Jane: In 1938 Time Magazine announced Adolf Hitler man of the year. Something Interesting about myself, erm in 1991 after a few too many San Miguels in Marbella, I decided to get on stage and sing Karaoke with Lionel Blair, it seemed a good idea at the time.

Dexter: The Beatles song “A day in the Life” has an extra high-pitched whistle, audible only to Dogs. It was recorded by Paul McCartney for the enjoyment of his Shetland sheepdog.

ANYTHING SPECIAL PLANNED FOR CHRISTMAS THIS YEAR? Jane: Christmas will be spent with family and good friends, I have three brothers, four nieces and three nephews, one of my older twin brothers also has two granddaughters, so Christmas is very hectic time, but good fun.

LIKES: Jane: Relaxing with my husband and friends over a nice meal, with a chilled glass of white wine (well maybe I should say a bottle).

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

UPFRONT

rant Words: Mean Kitten Illustration: Will Davies

D

ear God, it’s another Saturday night ruined.

Another dinner party fiasco to be filed away in the part of your brain that deals with other disasters; like bankruptcy and burglary. Isn’t it odd how people metamorphose from amusing, charming guests into scary, unrecognisable hosts?

Oh yes, in your home they laughed, joked, flirted and knocked back the cocktails with abandon. So, how come now you’re at their dinner table, you feel as comfortable as a sniper crossing a minefield? Obviously, the stress involved gets too much for some hosts, and many a relationship has unravelled in the time it takes to roast a chicken. Then there’s the who-eats-what dilemma. There’s always some bloody vegan, allergy-prone, fish-hating attention seeker who has to be pandered to first, by which time the rest of us have the pleasure of chowing through a barely tepid main course.

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

I especially resent the hosts who think that one bottle of wine is sufficient for four people for an entire evening.

They weren’t quite so restrained when it came to guzzling your champagne and fine brandy, were they? If you’re lucky though, you might be treated to a thimbleful of their special Latvian sherry before you go, but don’t count on it.

The food usually veers between something the Roux brothers wouldn’t have attempted and some grey sludge you’ve been told is risotto. That’s the worst thing really - being presented with some inedible toxic mess - which even the cutlery shies away from. I once had to “accidentally” tip a plate of slime into my lap, figuring a ruined skirt would be easier to deal with than a bout of gastroenteritis.

Then your hosts start making barbed comments to each other across the table, and before you know it, we’re having sarcastic put-downs for pudding with a helping of whipped ego and crushed pride on the side.

Can it get any worse? Well, yes it can, because then the host will start throwing lascivious looks and lewd remarks at your cleavage, and his furious spouse will hitch up her dress and practically leap into your partner’s lap, purring her revenge. You will then be subjected to three hours of your hosts’ favourite CDs which will include some fabulous Gospel Rock and caterwauling Jazz Greats.

Mercifully, you will then be released back into the wild until next time...

Unfortunately, without the anaesthetic of excess alcohol, you can hear all the hissing and spitting in the kitchen and it’s not coming from the stove.

25

UPFRONT

CURRENT AFFAIRS Welcome, dear reader, to Current Affairs; your chance to pose any number of questions to the Island’s business community.

1.

ANDREW ASH,

Director, Boston Limited

2.

SANDRA TAYLOR,

Personal Insurances Manager, Rossborough Insurance

BOSTON

Q.

1.

I heard the Isle of Man was ranked in top 10 economies by the World Bank, what does this mean?

A.

The Island has been placed in the top 10 out of 214 international economies by the World Bank, ahead of the UK and US and beaten only by top-placed Monaco, Liechtenstein, Bermuda, Norway, Switzerland, Qatar and Luxembourg.

Figures for Gross Domestic Product show the Manx economy has outgrown that of Jersey for the first time and that 2013 was the 29th successive year of growth for us.

This strong economic performance has been underpinned by continued growth in a number of business sectors such as eGaming.

Chief Minister Allan Bell said people didn’t appreciate the astonishing success of the Manx economy over the last 30 years, our national income having been half that of the UK’s in the early 1980s.

He said: “This is extremely positive news and reflects the efforts made over many years to develop the Isle of Man economy.

The success of our established industries and diversification into high-value emerging sectors has provided the resilience to weather the worst of the recent downturn.”

3.

MARK WILSON,

Managing Director, Sleepwell Hotels

4.

CHRIS SHIMMIN,

Audit Manager, KPMG

“Where the Isle of Man was once considered the poor relation of the three Crown Dependencies, it has continued to grow steadily to outperform both Jersey and Guernsey.”

The Island is looking to build on these solid foundations by winning more business and jobs from countries across the globe, including China and the Middle East.

The Chief Minister did caution though: “Against this positive backdrop is recognition that key parts of the domestic economy such as construction and retailing are still struggling.”

Next edition, we invite you to ask our experts on the topics that matter to you.

Simply send your questions to editorial@gallery.co.im.

26

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

UPFRONT

THE CURRENT AFFAIRS PANEL

ROSSBOROUGH INSURANCE

Q.

2.

I was involved in a minor accident and had to pay out a large excess. Is there anything I can do to protect myself from these costs?

A.

Yes, some insurance companies offer excess protection, which kicks in when the value of a claim is equal to or more than your excess.

Excess protection works alongside your normal car insurance policy and will cover the cost of your excess if you have to make a claim, up to a pre-agreed limit.

Policyholders can choose what proportion of their excess they want to cover, but, of course, the higher the amount of excess you want to cover, the higher your premiums will be.

In the event of an accident, the policyholder will have to pay their excess as normal but can then claim it back through their excess insurance provider.

The downside is that you end up having to make two claims rather than one. But, once you have successfully made your claims, the savings are often worth the extra effort.

And while the excess protection does not pay out if the cost of the damage is below the value of the excess, this is unlikely to be a concern when you bear in mind that the average claim value is around £1,300.

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

Q.

3.

Q.

As a hotel, what steps do you take to prepare for the influx of customers over the festive party season?

In your opinion, which topic discussed at the recent eGaming Summit has the most local impact?

A.

A.

THE CLAREMONT HOTEL

Although it might sound decidedly unfestive, Christmas for a hotel the size of the Claremont begins long before even the most opportunistic of shops begin to hang their decorations. The reason for this is quality of the experience, and guaranteeing quality means care and preparation at every stage.

Our first concern, months before the big day, is additional staffing. With a huge rise in the number of guests and visitors to the hotel over just a few weeks we want to guarantee consistency in every aspect of our service. Luckily, we have a robust training programme in place and a very welcoming permanent team to help new arrivals, but the process itself can be necessarily time-consuming, although it’s always rewarding in the end.

Only then can we really begin to focus on the guest experience. Because the Claremont caters for private and commercial guests and functions we take a multi-tiered approach to our planning, which gives us the flexibility to create an intimate and cozy party, a stylish and extravagant Christmas ball, or anything in between. This means organising a whole raft of decorations and entertainment facilities to suit any situation, planning with various events organisers for entertainment bookings, as well as ensuring that the team at Coast is prepared to cater for thousands of visitors over the course of the season. All this takes time and careful planning, but there are definitely a few highlights. Taking delivery of over 2,000 crackers at the beginning of December is a sight to behold while sampling the mince pies and turkey is hardly a chore. Then, of course, we have our meetings with Old Saint Nick himself, but that’s a secret best kept to ourselves.

KPMG

4.

The topic which raised the most interest amongst the audience was the economic analysis of the proposed point of consumption tax (POCT) in the United Kingdom. The POCT is due to be implemented by the UK Treasury from 1 December 2014 to levy a tax of 15% on the gross profits of UK based customers regardless of where the gaming company is based, resulting in a new tax charge for some local companies.

The current system taxes companies at the point of supply, with any Isle of Man based company currently incurring tax at the local rate of 0%. As such, a majority of UK facing eGaming companies currently take advantage of being based in well regulated offshore jurisdictions such as the Isle of Man. The Remote Gambling Association (RGA) recently engaged KPMG to undertake an analysis of the impact of the POCT on the UK market and we were lucky enough to have an RGA Director speak in conjunction with the KPMG team at the Summit. The report suggested that the proposed 15% tax rate may lead to British consumers utilising companies based in unregulated jurisdictions. This could in turn result in decreased revenues passing through the Isle of Man and a loss to the local economy.

More worryingly, players would receive less protection within these unregulated jurisdictions.

The RGA is currently lobbying the UK Treasury to lower the tax rate, but all we know for sure is that there will be an impact to certain local eGaming entities.

27

MISC

THE RANDOMNESS OF

MISC

FIVE FESTIVE FACTS

1.

YOUNG OUTLAWS

Two little girls aged 7 and 9 who left their toy Barbie car on the roadside overnight were shocked to wake up to find they had been given a parking ticket. Police officers in Utah issued an 'abandoned vehicle' ticket, reports KUTV. The girls’ father spotted the parking ticket attached to the windscreen of the 2ft high pink car which has 'Barbie' printed on its side. Thankfully, closer examination revealed there was no fine or summons - just a friendly reminder about the laws of the road. Phew!

LETTERS GALORE

A Harry Potter fan suffering from leukaemia had her sixth birthday wish of receiving a letter from abroad come true - when she received more than a million birthday cards.

Oliwia Gandecka, from Zielona Gora, Poland, was diagnosed with the disease last year and in a bid to keep her spirits up, her family asked her what she would want for her birthday.

She said it would be magic if she could get a card from abroad, because Harry Potter's start to a better life had begun when he was sent hundreds of letters on his birthday inviting him to attend Hogwarts.

A campaign was started on Facebook and on Harry Potter forums as "Her big dream was to get a very large number of birthday cards.” “Just one card would have been enough to see her smile, but she was grinning from ear to ear when she saw all the well wishes she received from all over the world."

Oliwia's mum Natasza added: "We had a problem keeping this a secret from her because there were so many. You can imagine her delight when she saw them all on her birthday."

US scientists calculated that Santa would have to visit 822 homes a second to deliver all the world's presents on Christmas Eve, travelling at 650 miles a second.

2.

The chances of a white Christmas are just 1 in 10 for England and Wales, and 1 in 6 for Scotland and Northern Ireland.

3. In 1999, residents of the

state of Maine in America built the world’s biggest ever snowman. He stood at 113ft tall.

4. The Greeks celebrate

Christmas on January 7, according to the old Julian calendar, while Xmas presents are opened on New Year’s Day.

5. In the Czech Republic

they enjoy dinners of fish soup, eggs and carp. The number of people at the table must be even, or the one without a partner will die next year.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!

UPFRONT

FROZEN PINTS...

A New York firm believes it is the first in the world to create and sell alcoholic beer-flavoured ice cream.

The ice cream, called Frozen Pints, comes in seven different flavours and the strongest tub (Pumpkin Ale) has a alcohol level of 3.2 per cent. Ari Fleischer, 29, founder of Frozen Pints from New York, said how the quirky concept actually started by accident. He said: "We were having a party and a friend brought over an ice cream maker to make homemade ice cream. "But another friend spilled a beer nearby, and I watched it happen and thought: 'This is a great idea!' Ari added: "You must be of legal drinking age to purchase and consume this ice cream!”

Amazing phrases we don’t have in English...

TOUJOURS TINGO

‘Tis the season to go to parties....

Partigangare (Swedish) - a fanatical party goer Binasohan (Bikol, Philippines) - A dance in which three partially filled glasses are balanced, one on the head and one on each hand

Laumaelain (Finnish) - a gregarious party animal Nijikai (Japanese) - an after-party Kanariom (Yoene, USA and Mexico) - the first tune played or danced

Go to your happy place..

You’ve heard about people seeing Jesus on their toast, well the funny phenomenon of finding faces on everyday objects is called pareidolia.

This month we bring you a friendly one...

‘The Chicken Church’ Church by the Sea, Madeira Beach, Florida.

Have you seen one in the Isle of Man? Send a photo in to us! editorial@gallery.co.im

Paglaguma (Tagalog, Philippines) - the act of joining others in a party

though uninvited

28

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

29

EVENTS

AUTUMN WINE TASTING EVENING -

paparazzi@gallery.co.im

30

The Wine Cellar, Douglas

Photographer | Peter Kwiecinski

PHOTOGRAPHER - PETER KWIECINSKI - WWW.DOLLSFACTORY.NET ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

DRESS UP & DASH...

FOR C HARITY C ASH! Every year, over 100 people take part in our annual Santa Dash through the streets of Douglas Town Centre, raising valuable money for their chosen charities. This year, we’re hoping to do even better! So, if you can sprint, jog or even just walk the course, we would love to see you there.

WEDNESDAY 18th DECEMBER 2013

LOADS OF PRIZES & LOADS OF FUN

How to enter: Pick up an entry form from any Isle of Man Bank branch Call John Lindon on 637473 and we can email you a form Visit our website and download the form www.iombank.com/santadash

EVENTS

LLOYDS BANK COMMERCIAL BANKING CHARITY QUIZ IN AID OF THE DIANA PRINCESS Bar George - Douglas OF WALES CARE AT HOME TRUST

paparazzi@gallery.co.im

PHOTOGRAPHER - PETER KWIECINSKI - WWW.DOLLSFACTORY.NET

32

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

THE DOUGLAS LADIES LIFEBOAT GUILD SILVER THEMED DINNER DANCE Mount Murray Golf Club - Santon

PHOTOGRAPHER - PETER KWIECINSKI - WWW.DOLLSFACTORY.NET

paparazzi@gallery.co.im

Photographer | Peter Kwiecinski

paparazzi@gallery.co.im

Photographer | Peter Kwiecinski

The Douglas Ladies Lifeboat Guild were joined by over 110 guests at a silver themed dinner dance celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the, Sir William Hillary lifeboat serving Douglas. This event was particularly poignant as, Sir William will be going out of service in 2016, to be replaced with a new Shannon-class lifeboat.

The event was held at Mount Murray Golf Club, in the company of RNLI Coxswain BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

EVENTS

Neal Corran and some of the station’s volunteer crew, with a sparkling reception, three course dinner, and an auction and raffle featuring some fabulous prizes. The event raised over £7000 which will assist us to continue to provide a first class service to the residents of Douglas.

The evening was a wonderful way of marking the 25th birthday of our lifeboat Sir William Hillary who along with our

volunteer crew has helped save so many lives over the last quarter century.

The RNLI in Douglas has had 11 callouts in the last 11 months with incidents as diverse as engine failures, casualty retrieval and assisting the Police and Coastguard in Search and Rescue missions. In a coastal town such as Douglas the work of the lifeboat is a key part of community life and one which we must work together to preserve.

33

EVENTS

HENRY BLOOM NOBLE HEALTHCARE TRUST TRIBUTE TO LONG-SERVING MEMBERS Government House, Douglas

paparazzi@gallery.co.im

Photographer | Peter Kwiecinski

The Henry Bloom Noble Healthcare Trust has recognised five men who have dedicated almost 100 years of service.

During an event at Government House commemorating the Trust’s 125th anniversary, Lieutenant Governor Adam Wood presented certificates to former Trustees Harley Corkill and Bob Dowty, who each served for more than 15 years, and current Trustee Lawrence Kearns, who has served more than 20 years. The family of Bill Kelly, who passed away earlier this year, accepted a certificate marking

34

his more than 30 years as Trust secretary. Former Trustee Thomas Osborne, who served for more than 15 years, was unable to attend, but received his certificate later.

Trust Chairman Larry Keenan said: “It was an honour to recognise the long and loyal service of these men. With on-going commitment of people like them and the support of the public, the Trust will continue to help enhance healthcare in the Island.”

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

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EVENTS

ALICE & GARY OAKES WEDDING DAY Ceremony - St Bridgets Church, Bride | Reception - Amisfield House, St Judes

paparazzi@gallery.co.im

Photographer | Peter Kwiecinski

Photographer | Peter Kwiecinski

PHOTOGRAPHER | SHAN FISHER | WWW.SHANSPHOTO.COM

36

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

EVENTS

SABRE PRIVATE WEALTH CELEBRATES THE DYNAMIC GROWTH FUND The Henley - Ballanard Woods

paparazzi@gallery.co.im

Photographer | Peter Kwiecinski

paparazzi@gallery.co.im

Photographer | Peter Kwiecinski

Celebrating a successful first year for the Sabre Dynamic Growth Fund, Sabre Private Wealth wishes to thank investors and the professional team that helped with the launch.

With the global economy slowly recovering, many investors are looking for a way of participating in investment markets without significant capital risk. Economic policy

decisions have had a significant effect on markets over the past two years and the resulting distortions have demanded a fresh look at risk management tools.

Drawing from its experience in managing risk for wealthy families, Sabre conducted an extensive risk management review in 2011 and as a result of that review made the decision to launch the Sabre Dynamic

Growth Fund to enhance risk management alternatives available to clients.

Sabre Private Wealth, as Investment Manager to the Sabre Dynamic Growth Fund, is licensed by the Isle of Man Financial Supervision Commission.

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

37

EVENTS

HEROES IN THE COMMUNITY The Empress Hotel, Douglas

paparazzi@gallery.co.im

Photographer | Peter Kwiecinski

paparazzi@gallery.co.im

Photographer | Peter Kwiecinski

Some of the Isle of Man’s ‘everyday’ heroes were recognised at a sparkling ceremony for this year’s Heroes in the Community Awards in November (1st). Members of the Island’s business community joined the winners and their families for an evening of celebration at the Empress Hotel.

Some of the categories this year included

Dedication to the Community, Parent of the Year, Dedication to the Arts and Dedication to Sport. The Child of Courage award was presented to ten-year-old Mark Lalor Smith, who received a standing ovation as he collected his trophy.

more than £12,000 for the Manx Radio Dream Catcher Appeal. The charity provides goods and services to local charities, individuals and organisations and is unique in the fact that all donations are given in the form of a gift and not a cash donation.

The evening, which was supported by Friends Provident International, raised PHOTOGRAPHER - PETER KWIECINSKI - WWW.DOLLSFACTORY.NET

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ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

CHRONIC PAIN MANAGEMENT CLINIC Dr Adrian Dashfield MB ChB MD MSc FRCA FFPMRCA

For the treatment of chronic pain caused by: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Back Pain Chest Pain (non cardiac) Chronic Abdominal Pain Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Elbow Pain Facial Pain Fibromyalgia Groin Pain Headache Hip and Knee Pain Musculoskeletal Pain Syndromes Neck Pain Nerve Damage Pain Osteoarthritis Osteoporosis Pelvic Pain Post Amputation Pain Post Herpetic Neuralgia Post Surgery Scar Pain Post Stroke Pain Sciatica Shoulder Pain

Chronic Pain Management Clinic Service delivered by a Consultant in Pain Management and Anaesthesia with 12 years experience as a Consultant in a large teaching hospital in the NHS in England and Nuffield Health who is a Fellow of the Royal College of Anaesthetists and a Royal College examiner.

• Dr Dashfield is the only medically qualified Pain Management Consultant on Island.

• He provides evidence based chronic pain management in accordance with the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidance.

• He is a registered provider with health insurers.

• A GP referral is not necessary for a private consultation but GPs will be informed of the outcome and recommendations of the consultation.

• The Pain Clinic provides a multi disciplinary approach including physiotherapy and spinal surgery if required.

• Based in the Private Wing at Noble’s Hospital.

FOR A PRIVATE CONSULTATION CALL 335657 e-mail manxpainclinic@manx.net • website www. manxpainclinic.com

EVENTS

THE WEDDING OF ALISTAIR HAMILTON & JILLIAN CLAGUE Ceremony & Reception - Ballacregga Cornmill, Laxey

40

paparazzi@gallery.co.im

Photographer | Peter Kwiecinski

paparazzi@gallery.co.im

Photographer | Peter Kwiecinski

PHOTOGRAPHER - BRIAN MITCHELL - WWW.BRIANMITCHELLPHOTOGRAPHER.COM ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

45

CULTURE

CULTURE VULTURE What’s on...

07.12.13 MANX YOUTH BAND & MANX CONCERT BRASS

12.12.13

14/15.12.13

STUDIO THEATRE - THE NUTCRAKER (LIVE STREAM)

SANTA HORSE TRAM

//VILLA MARINA //

//BALLAKERMEEN STUDIO THEATRE//

Kick start your Christmas Season with the Manx Youth Band & Manx Concert Brass. The evening will feature many of your Christmas favourites with plenty of opportunities to join in and sing along.

From the very first notes of Tchaikovsky’s overture to The Nutcracker, a sense of mystery and magic pervades the theatre and is being screened live at the Studio Theatre.

Tickets £12.50 Starts 19.30

Tel: 600555 www.villagaiety.com

Tel: 600555 www.villagaiety.com

7/8.12.13 CHRISTMAS AT THE CASTLE //CASTLE RUSHEN// Definitely one of the best Christmas attractions in the Island on offer this December; head over to enjoy Christmas at Castle Rushen who are hosting fun for all the family.

Tel: 648000 www.manxnationalheritage.im

08.12.13 CHRISTMAS WITH THE SALVATION ARMY //GAIETY THEATRE// The Salvation Army’s Annual Christmas Concert features the Salvation Army band, including its songsters and junior musicians. The special guests this year are the Castle Rushen High School Big Band, under the direction of John Kinley and vocal soloist Mrs Nicola O’Connor.

//STRATHALLAN CRESENT // Fancy a return journey on Santa’s illuminated horse tram, feeding ‘Rudolph’ carrots and visiting Santa in his grotto?

As an adult, you may be disenchanted with the idea, but it’s an experience followed by refreshments in the Strathallan Suite!

Tel: 696344 www.visaitiom.com/whatson

21-31.12.13

14.12.13

ROBIN HOOD & THE BABES IN THE WOOD

MANX YOUTH ORCHESTRA CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL CONCERT

//GAIETY THEATRE// Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood follows Robin Hood as the hero who rescues the Babes from the evil clutches of The Sheriff of Nottingham. The romantic interest is provided by Maid Marian who is the Sheriff’s ward and becomes the link between the life in Nottingham Castle and the Merry Men’s lair in the Greenwood.

Again, this year’s pantomime promises to be full of fun suitable for all the family.

Tickets: See website.

Tel: 600555 www.villagaiety.com

//VILLA MARINA// A programme of festive music featuring the young musicians of the Manx Youth Orchestra, Guitar Ensemble, Swing Band and the Manx Youth String Orchestra.

Tel: 600555 www.villagaiety.com

15.12.13 GROUDLE GLEN SANTA TRAINS //GROUDLE GLEN// Why not catch the train this year to see Santa and his elves.

Nothing could be more exciting for kids as the experience comes with presents and refreshments included in the price! Trains are running from 11am until 3.30pm. www.ggr.org.uk

Tickets: Only £1.50 Tel: 600555 www.villagaiety.com

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ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

INTRODUCING

LET US INSPIRE YOU‌ with a stunning collection of Limited Editions and Original Paintings from award winning artists including the phenomenal Doug sensation Fabian

Hyde, South American

Perez and the face of modern British impressionism Sherree Valentine Daines.

39 Victoria Street, Douglas, Isle of Man IM1 2LF 01624 622070 info@genesisgallery.im

www.genesisgallery.im

CULTURE

PHOTO UPLOAD

THE MONTHLY UPLOAD Want to win £50? All you have to do is email your entry before the 15th January 2014 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

Rachel Franklin

Milan Stankov

Barry Murphy Jannette Phair

Cara Wilkinson

44

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

Eve Aycock

Alan Clague

James Sowrey

Isobel Jagus

Gerry

Jonathan Crossley

Sam

Jessica Ward

Prashanth Maggie |Anne Marie

Pauline Guest

Tosca RIP Peter & Christine Quayle Janette Phair Luke Phair

Andrew

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

45

CULTURE

T H E G A L L E R Y S T U D E N T A R T AWA R D S RET URNING 2014

All aboard the Santa Trains for a magical trip to Santa’s Grotto, Santa and his friends will be waiting for you in their Christmas Grotto at Castletown Station. Please choose your departure time when booking:

www.iombusandrail.info 46

For bookings call:

01624 600555 ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

CULTURE

W H AT WO U L D YO U C R E AT E I N S I D E

ONE METRE?

THE GALLERY STUDENT ART AWARDS NEW FOR 2014

Santa Trains Timetable - Leaving Douglas Station Saturday 14 & Sunday 15 December

I NTickets C Ofor Nthe J USanta N CTrains T I Ocost N WITH

Saturday 21 & £12 for adults and £8 per child Sunday 22 DecemberCCAjust GALLERIES INTERNATIONAL

09:30

09:30

10:20

10:20

12:40

12:40

and this child ticket includes meeting Father Christmas and a free gift from him at his Grotto.

13:30

13:30

14:50

14:50

(Price includes booking fee)

Tickets available from the Isle of Man Welcome Centre and Villa Marina Reception pop in, or call 600555 BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

isleofmanrailways

@IOMRailways 47

CULTURE

FEELING CHRISTMASSY? ATTEND ONE OF THE MANY CHRISTMAS SERVICES AT CHURCHES ACROSS THE ISLAND

ST PAUL’S CHURCH FOXDALE

ST MARKS CHURCH

ST MARY’S, PORT ST MARY

//SUNDAY 1ST DECEMBER AT 4PM//

//CHRISTMAS DAY AT 8AM//

//SATURDAY 21ST DECEMBER AT 2PM//

Christingle service

BCP Holy Communion

Christmas Tree and Sale of Work

//SUNDAY 5TH JANUARY AT 6.30PM//

CHRISTMAS EVE AT 4PM

Epiphany Celebration Service

Family Crib Service

KIRK SANTAN

ST. CATHERINE’S, PORT ERIN

//SUNDAY 22ND DECEMBER AT 6.30PM//

//SUNDAY 8 DECEMBER AT 4PM//

ST LUKE’S CHURCH BALDWIN //TUESDAY 22 DECEMBER AT 4.30PM// Parish family Carol Service

MAROWN //CHRISTMAS EVE AT 11.30PM// Parish Midnight Communion

Carol Service

Christingle Service

SUNDAY 5TH JANUARY AT 11AM Christingle

ST. PETER’S, CREGNEASH //WEDNESDAY 18 DECEMBER 7.30PM//

ST GERMAN’S CATHEDRAL, PEEL //SUNDAY 15TH DECEMBER AT 3PM// Nine Lessons and Carols //CHRISTMAS EVE AT 11.30PM// Midnight Mass with the Bishop

ST PETER’S CHURCH, ONCHAN //SUNDAY 22ND DECEMBER AT 6.30PM// Nine Lessons & Carols

//CHRISTMAS EVE AT 11.30PM// Midnight Communion by Candlelight

Midnight Service

KIRK CHRIST, PORT ERIN

Crib Service

//SUNDAY 22ND DECEMBER AT 6:30PM//

Midnight Holy Communion

Parish Carol Service //CHRISTMAS DAY AT 10AM// Christmas Day Service

//CHRISTMAS EVE AT 4PM// Crib Service (children dress-up)

//CHRISTMAS EVE AT 11.30PM//

CHRISTMAS EVE AT 5PM CHRISTMAS EVE AT 11.30PM

ST GEORGE’S DOUGLAS

Carols, Candles and Cake

ST THOMAS’ CHURCH DOUGLAS

//SUNDAY 29TH DECEMBER AT 11AM// Joint Service

//SUNDAY 22ND DECEMBER AT 6:30PM// Traditional Carol Service

KIRK MALEW

//CHRISTMAS EVE AT 4:45PM//

//SUNDAY 15TH DECEMBER AT 6.30PM//

Crib Service

Candlelit 9 Lessons & Carols with Choirs

ABBEY CHURCH BALLASALLA //SUNDAY 1ST DECEMBER AT 4PM// Christingle Service //CHRISTMAS EVE AT 4PM// Crib and Nativity Service written and presented by The Abbey Sunday Kids

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ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

Butlers Choice & Butlers Choice Too Make Christmas preparation easy this year and visit Butlers Choice and the new Butlers Choice Too!

half price deals

was £49.99

£24

was £59.99

£29.99

Stocking everything you need to make your Christmas now baking simple .99 now Of Marley and your gift buying effortless. Come and visit us at 14 House & 25 Castle Street! Gear4 Xorb

home of entertainment 14 & 25 Castle Street, Douglas, IM1 2EX • Tel: 614805 Email: butlerschoice@manx.net Soul Rebel Midnight Headphones

/hmv

@hmvtweets

Speaker

was £59.99 now

£29.99

Hesh Denim Headphones hmv exclusive

Subject to availability, while stocks last.

BEAUTY

MALE BEAUTY

Dermalogica Daily Clean Scrub £20.67 If you need a quick daily scrub then this is the one for you. Calms skin before shaving and soothes the skin afterwards too!

Lancome Men Rénergy 3D Yeux Lifting, anti wrinkle firming eye cream £29.20

Aveda Hydrating Lotion

50

Some gift ideas for the MAN in your life this Christmas. Products available at stores in the high street or at local hair salons.

Go find...

Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions Spot Treatment Gel

Benefit Boiing

£40

If you have a blazing red blemish ruining your look then simply cover it up! This concealer blends into skin perfectly so noone will know.

Reduce discolourations caused by sun damage and erase blemish scars with this radiance achieving wonder-product.

£17.50

Clarins Men L'Occitane Fatigue fighter After Shave Balm Clarins Men’s products are non greasy and The light and fluid texture melts into the don’t smell funny. You’re left feeling clean and skin without leaving greasy residue. awake .We like. £25 £16.66

Benefit The Porefessional

£34

£24.50

Fight against the skin-drying Winter cold this November with an easy solution – a simple hydrating lotion! For all skin types, this gentle moisturizer quenches dehydrated skin and leaves skin feeling moisture-refreshed.

Quickly minimize the appearance of pores and fine lines for smoother-than-smooth skin! This silky, lightweight balm will give you glowing youthful skin. Its oil free formula and added Vitamin E will help protect skin from free radicals.

Aveda Dual Action Aftershave £25

This 2-in-1 moisturiser and aftershave helps shave minutes off your morning. This product improves skin-barrier strength by 47%, makes your skin tone and texture more even and miraculously reduces razor burns and ingrown hairs.

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

you are the power.

SPORTURA. Thanks to a rotor that spins at up to 100,000 rpm, Seiko Kinetic converts your every movement into power, so no battery change is ever required. The new Sportura Kinetic GMT also offers a see-through case back, 10 bar water resistance and a sapphire crystal. The perfect watch for sport at the highest level. seikowatches.com Charles Alexander Ltd, 24 Strand Street, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM1 2EG Tel: 01624 621527

FASHION

5 1

7

3 STYLE TIP Embellish any outfit with dazzling statement cocktail rings and earrings.

6

2 8

4

4 9

WOMEN

Bury and bejewel yourselves this Christmas with all of the glitter and gems. It’s the party season so get ready to sparkle with embellished tops, crops and dresses. Opulent jacquard patterns in silver and gold are the prints of choice, whilst fur trims complete any outfit.

16

1. Monsoon - £49, 2. Miss Selfridge - £27, 3. Asos - £12.50, 4. Accessorize - £15, 5. Asos - £12, 6. Miss Selfridge - £39, 7. New Look - £59.99, 8. Asos - £35, 9. New Look - £24, 10. Asos - £20, 11. Accessorize - £17, 12. Miss Selfridge - £29, 13. Warehouse - £40, 14. New Look - £54.99, 15. Asos - £7, 16.

Miss Selfridge - £103.50

10

13

11 STYLE TIP Wrap up elegantly under thick faux furs in rich brown hues.

15 12 52

Alexander McQueen Winter 2013/14

14

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

FASHION

1

3

5 8

6 2

7

4

STYLE TIP You cannot go wrong with a crisp white shirt as a fall back for any occasion.

15

Berluti Winter 2013/14

MEN

Deep blues and burgundies shriek luxury and are bang on trend this Christmas, with tweed, wool and velvet being the textures of choice. For a party staple outfit wear a sharply cut blazer over a fresh white shirt, black skinnes and buffed up brogues. A pattered pocket square and tie adds suave to the scruffiest of dressers!

14

13

1. Asos - £75, Next - £20, 3. River Island - £8, 4. Next - £20, 5. New Look - £4.99, 6. Burton - £8, 7. New Look - £19.99, 8. New Look - £49, 9. Next - £30 (for the pair), 10. Burton - £8, 11. Next - £120, 12. Asos - £10, 13. Burton - £28, 14. Burton £48, 15. Next - £25

9

12

11

11

Alexander Wang Winter 2013/14 BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

STYLE TIP Keep warm in style this winter by investing in a structured grey, wool rich coat.

10

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GORGEOUS

RAYMOND WEIL

Gents Tango In Steel & Rose Gold £1,095

GIFTS

OMEGA

Seamaster Diver 300m, Co-Axial Calibre 2500.

Stainless Steel With Black Ceramic Unidirectional Rotating Bezel £2,770

OMEGA

Ladies Constellation With Omega Calibre 1376. Quartz.

Stainless Steel With 18K Yellow Gold Claws & Diamond Dot £2,500

TAG Heuer

Men’s Carrera Calibre 16 Chronograph, 41mm Black Dial With Day-Date Feature £3,295

TAG Heuer

Ladies Aquaracer Steel & Rose Gold Watch, 27mm White Mother Of Pearl, 11 Diamond Set Dial £2,995

MONT BLANC

Time Walker Automatic, 42mm Black AlligatorSkin Strap Watch With Black Dial And Red GoldPlated Numerals £2,260

ALL GIFTS AVAILABLE FROM

WILKINS JEWELLERS

76 Strand Street, Douglas, Isle of Man IM1 2EW | Tel: 01624 690450 | www.wilkinsthejeweller.co.uk

GORGEOUS

GIFTS

RUBY & DIAMOND ‘MULTI-DROP’

AMETHYST & DIAMOND

Pendant And Chain

3 Stone Ring £795 Drop Earrings - £550 Pendant & Chain - £550

£5,750

EMERALD & DIAMOND Fancy Pendant And Chain £4,850

DEAKIN & FRANCIS

Guitar Cufflinks £255

DEAKIN & FRANCIS

MONT BLANC CLASSIC PLATINUM

Golf Bag Cufflinks

Ballpoint Pen

£259

£280

ALL GIFTS AVAILABLE FROM

WILKINS JEWELLERS

76 Strand Street, Douglas, Isle of Man IM1 2EW | Tel: 01624 690450 | www.wilkinsthejeweller.co.uk

GORGEOUS

GIFTS

BREMONT

RAYMOND WEIL

Tango Watch With Blue Dial

World Timer Watch With Blue Dial £3,895

£750

BERING

Ladies White Steel & Ceramic Watch £199

TISSOT

RAYMOND WEIL

Ladies Tango In Steel & Yellow Gold £875

TISSOT

Ladies ‘PR100’ Watch

Gents Watch With Black Dial And Leather Strap £195

£160

ALL GIFTS AVAILABLE FROM

WILKINS JEWELLERS

76 Strand Street, Douglas, Isle of Man IM1 2EW | Tel: 01624 690450 | www.wilkinsthejeweller.co.uk

GORGEOUS

GIFTS

FOPE FLEX’IT OLLY

Diamond Pave Set Bracelet £3,765 18ct Yellow Gold Bracelet £2,345 ROBERTO COIN FIFTH SEASON LONG NECKLACE

With 7 Beads £295

ROBERTO COIN FIFTH SEASON WOVEN STERLING SILVER THREADS CREATING INTRICATE MESH DESIGNS WITH GOLD OR GALVANIC PLATING’S Brown Magnetic Clasp Bracelet £295 Silver Magnetic Clasp Bracelet £305 Yellow Slave Bangle £220 Yellow & White Torgue Bangle £230

SIRENA BRILLIANT-CUT DIAMOND ‘TWIST’

Pendant & Chain 0.20ct. £750 0.33ct. £1,450

FOPE FLEX’IT OLLY

ROBERTO COIN FIFTH SEASON

£6,465

£125

Diamond Pave Set Necklace

Drop Earrings

ALL GIFTS AVAILABLE FROM

WILKINS JEWELLERS

76 Strand Street, Douglas, Isle of Man IM1 2EW | Tel: 01624 690450 | www.wilkinsthejeweller.co.uk

PHOTGRAPHY Peter Kwiecinski | STYLING Rachel Morris | MAKE-UP Heather Maddrell | MODEL Liz Colley | CLOTHING The Mill Shop, Tynwald Mills

Ted Baker Boot Cut Jeans - £79.00 Ted Baker Lace Ivory Top - £89.00 Ted Baker Cowell Coat - £299.00 Ted Baker Handbag - £199.00 Jones The Bootmaker Nude Shoes - £79.00

Not Your Daughters Jeans (NYDJ) - £129.95 French Connection Grey Sequin Jumper - £115.00 Radley Handbag - £179.00 Moda in Pelle Boots - £169.95

Little Mistress evening Dress - £75.00 L K Bennett Bracelet - £195.00 Moda in Pelle Glitz Bag - £89.95 Moda in Pelle Shoes - £95.00

Little Mistress Dress - £55.00 Moda in Pelle Diamanté Shoes - £109.95 Karen Millen Bracelet - £95.00 Karen Millen Necklace - £145.00 Black Sazzy bag - £69.95

OPENING HOURS: MONDAY - SATURDAY 10AM TO 5.30PM SUNDAY 1PM - 5.30PM

BEAUTY

BEAUTY PRODUCTS

BEAUTY PRODUCTS

M.A.C Nocturnals Lip Glosses In Pink

Clinique Aromatics Elixir Embossed Perfume Spray

Aveda Stress Fix Bath Salts £29

£25.50

£64

Sugar and mineral rich, these salts also have a gorgeous stress relieving aroma, including essences lavender, lavandin and clary sage from organic farms. Ideal for melting away Christmas stresses.

Nocturnals Lip Gloss provides high-impact colour in four sumptuous shades. Includes Dazzleglass in Dressed to Dazzle and Cremesheen Glass in Fashion Scoop, Colour Saturation and Petite Indulgence – our favourite wintry pink hues. The perfect stocking filler!

Dermalogica Body Therapy Favourites £14.90 If you’re wanting smoother, softer skin over the winter, this is your personal pamper kit. Containing cleansing and hydrating aromatherapy favourites, your skin will never have felt so good!

Thalgo Ultimate Exception Christmas Collection £236.65 This Christmas collection is the faultless combination of three wonder-products, guaranteed to smooth and plump the skin as well as reduce wrinkles, leaving your skin radiant over the festive season.

Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Wild Ginger Shine Spray £16.95 Over the winter, hair can be attacked by the cold, leaving it dry and frizzy. However, this shine spray will give your hair its bounce back, taming frizz and giving your hair a soft silky feel with its lightweight formula of natural dry oils.

Sisley Eau Du Soir Christmas 2013 Limited Edition £178.00 A rich scent, Eau du Soir is the culmination of the harmony between the freshness of citrus, the sensuality of floral and chypre notes and the intensity of amber and musk.

With sensuous notes of rose, jasmine, ylang ylang and vetiver, this fragrance will touch your senses and is any woman’s ideal Christmas present.

Zoya Nail Polish In Payton £4.97

Galactic cranberry with holographic glitter, this full coverage glossy hue is the perfect party polish.

Creme De La Mer The Ageless Collection £380.00 For the skincare devotee in your life, The Ageless Collection offers a complete antiageing regime to instantly renew, rejuvenate and revitalise the look of skin. Skin is immersed in moisture and the appearance of lines and wrinkles is diminished to restore a youthful complexion.

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Here are some decedent treats to spoil yourself or loved ones with this festive season

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

H AV E YO U R A D S PAC E A N D E AT I T

Book this space and if you spill over a little, we won’t tell anybody.

APPETITE

CHRISTMAS GOODNESS

Decacent

DINING W

orking on a magazine is a varied lifestyle.

In the Isle of Man the areas of interest and interaction are usually defined by our coastline as we strive to maintain a local standpoint, inward looking but with a global philosophy.

Occasionally we get to engage in subject matter that is not only relevant to you lot, our beloved readers, on a local level but also take in elements of the real world. Earlier this year we were invited to see what Waitrose has in store for us this Christmas. But the event wasn’t in a local Shoprite store... Waitrose flew a gaggle of local journalists to London and transferred us to the beautiful buildings of the Royal Academy of Engineering to learn about their fantabulous Christmas goodness, straight from Heston’s mouth.

62

Normally there’s opposition to UK brands and companies moving in to our beloved Islands as some perceive that they negatively impact on our local producers. However, Waitrose/ Shoprite have done it the right way. Shopping at Shoprite is a combination of picking up your locally grown produce whilst still being able to grab a jar of something you’ve only heard on cooking programmes. Many such things were evident as we were ushered through the entrance by Waitrose partners (it’s a co-op, so I guess that’s appropriate rather than ‘staff’) and guided us into the event’s press room. Tables with multiple tiers of delicious food were in every direction. We’d heard a rumour that he of liquid-nitrogen-inthe-kitchen fame would be making a guest appearance to tell us about his relationship with Waitrose and their premium ‘Heston from Waitrose’ (HFW) Range.

My mince pies will be THIS big. Heston tells us about his plans for Christmas.

When Heston first turned his attention to Waitrose’s Christmas product range in 2010 it resulted in the ‘Hidden Orange’ Christmas Pudding selling for 15 times its ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

APPETITE

Top row Sampling Desserts, White Forest Star and Christmas table that will require some post meal exercise Waitrose Easy Carve Turkey, deboned, with a Rich Winter Fruit Stuffing £19.99/kg (Some of these products will unfortunately not be available in the Island); Waitrose Salted Caramel Parsnips £2.49/350g; Waitrose Baby Sprouts with Bacon & Silverskin Onions £2.69/300g; Waitrose Ready to Roast Goose Fat Potatoes £2.39/650g. Waitrose Christmas Tree Cupcake £1/each; Waitrose Christmas Pudding Cupcake £1/each; Waitrose Snowman Cupcake £1.20/each; Waitrose Fairy Cupcake £1.20/each

face value on eBay. It was clear that this union was a happy one. The application of Heston’s unique approach to Waitrose’s premuim product is a match made in culinary heaven. We eagerly sampled a smorgasbord of delicious morcels. The HFW ham hock & piccalilli terrine was a particular favourite. We talked about the traditional turkey and alternatives to consider. Waitrose have a variety of options that make for an alternative selection of afternoon sandwiches this year. Perhaps an Oak-soaked, Stout and Molasses Matured Gammon? or a Highland Forerib of Beef? Heston was quick to point out that potatoes are an important constituent.

Waitrose Ready to Roast Goose Fat Potatoes will do nicely!

Christmas is all about the salted caramel, an ingredient of choice for an self respecting premium sweet snack food. Millionaire shortbread squares with salted caramel anyone? To further engage with the younger shopper or recipient of such items, a ‘build your own cupcake’ station was set up allowing us to experiment with a myriad of products that can be used to build and decorate your own perfect Christmas cake.

By the time we’d passed through the beauty area and sampled some cocktails we were a little overwhelmed as we entered a room full of flowers... The extent of the Christmas range products from Waitrose is incredible and if your Christmas is to be a decedant one, I’d suggest you make some room in your larder and home for the wonders on offer. Have a merry one.

The event spanned several rooms. The second allowed us to meet the Waitrose producers, the men that rear the best of the best in terms of walking Christmas dinners, and also trial the sweet stuff. This

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

Chocolate coated popping candy anyone?

We all had a go, and I even managed to get my cupcake efforts back to the Island. There are certainly a myriad of choices for those with a sweet tooth. I mentioned the fabled ‘Hidden Orange’ Christmas pudding earlier.

This year the range will include a ‘hidden chocolate’ variety of Christmas pudding, inspired by a trip Heston took to Italy.

Oh yes.

don’t mind if we do....

63

APPETITE

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ISLE OF MAN STYLE MAGAZINE

APPETITE

R

efurbished to offer a more relaxed style where you can choose from their decadent ‘grazing’ menu or the more traditional three course dine. Whichever you decide you will be spoilt for choice with the varied cuisine from all around the globe; from oysters to sushi, Osso Buco to premium steak, and tasty meats from the Robata Grill.

Jar has created a venue that is not only about the food but one that invites you to enjoy a drink or few before dining and then a few more. When you book a table at Jar it’s yours for the evening. Jar brings a new concept to eating, enjoy, relax, take your time, and have your evening brought to you in a great venue with attentive staff at your beckoning call and a mixologist to wow you whilst making that cocktail you desire.

Along with the dining, the drinking brings choice with a difference; you can choose your tipple from a vast selection of wines, Japanese whiskeys and an endless list of cocktails that include the Italian Spritz and the Va Va Voom.

Jar brings you European style with Global touches; brought to life using the very best Manx produce whereever possible.

Come and visit us at Admiral House Hotel, 12 Loch Promenade.

A NEW DINING EXPERIENCE

JAR RESTAURANT WELCOMES YOU TO A NEW DINING EXPERIENCE

Tel: 01624 663553 | Enquiries@admiralhouse.com

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

65

APPETITE

LETS TALK TURKEY IT’S THE UNRIVALLED KING OF THE CHRISTMAS FEAST, BUT IT’S NOT ALWAYS THE EASIEST BIRD TO HANDLE. These days, few meats would look out of place as the centrepiece of your Christmas dinner.

one and I’ll use every single bit of it. Last year, we had a bronze turkey - it’s lovely and moist.”

Some people swear by a traditional goose, others are game for venison, while supermarkets predict chicken to be big this festive season. But the vast majority of us still gobble up turkey on December 25.

Size is also important to consider, in terms of how many people you’re feeding and how big your oven is.

With a variety of types, retailers and prices available, it can be tricky knowing which bird go for.

Shoprite get delicious free range Wirral Bronze turkeys from the Bailey family farm in Cheshire. Personally, I believe in paying the extra to getting a really good quality

“A 2.5KG TURKEY, FOR EXAMPLE, WOULD FEED A FAMILY OF FOUR AND YOU COULD HAVE TURKEY SANDWICHES IN THE EVENING. A 4KG TURKEY WOULD FEED SEVEN TO EIGHT PEOPLE AGAIN WITH PLENTY OF LEFTOVERS, SO DECIDE WHAT YOU WANT TO DO WITH THE BIRD FIRST.”

HERE ARE A FEW RECIPES TO ACCOMPANY YOUR CENTERPIECE THIS CHRISTMAS. CLASSIC SAGE AND ONION STUFFING (Serves 4) 25g butter

Preheat the oven to 200°C.

1 large onion, finely chopped

Melt the butter in a frying pan and fry the onion and sage for 5 minutes. Add the breadcrumbs and pepper and cook for 2-3 minutes. Stir in the stock and season to taste.

10 chopped fresh sage leaves, from a pot of living sage 200g fresh while breadcrumbs ½tsp coarse ground black pepper 150ml chicken stock

Press into an ovenproof serving dish and bake for 20 minutes until golden on top. Alternatively roll into 8 balls and place on a baking tray and cook for 10-15 minutes.

Tip: Add plenty of fresh lemon zest and try brioche crumbs instead of bread, to give a lovely light stuffing.

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ROAST POTATOES, PARSNIPS AND SHALLOTS WITH PANCETTA AND BAY LEAVES (Serves 6-8) 1.5kg potatoes, medium sized, peeled 900g parsnips, medium sized, peeled 2tbsp plain flour 1tbsp fresh thyme, chopped, plus a few sprigs 6-8 tbsp rapeseed oil 12 shallots, peeled 200g pancetta, roughly chopped 6 whole bay leaves Sea salt and black pepper

Preheat oven to 200°C. Cut large potatoes in half, and all off the parsnips in half lengthways. Cook the potatoes in boiling salted water for 8 minutes or until par-boiled.

Meanwhile, cook the parsnips in the

same way in another pan for 4 minutes.

Drain the potatoes well then return to the pan and cover, shake the pan to roughen the edges of the potatoes.

Drain the parsnips and toss them in the flour, chopped thyme and seasoning.

Pour the rapeseed oil into a large roasting tin and heat in the oven. You need around 1cm of oil in the tin. Add the potatoes and turn them over in the oil using a slotted spoon. Roast uncovered for 15-20 minutes, remove the tin from the oven and turn the potatoes, add the parsnips and shallots and turn them in the oil too. Roast for a further 35-40 minutes then turn all of the vegetables again, add the pancetta.

Increase the heat to 220°C for a further 15-20 minutes, adding the thyme sprigs and bay leaves for the final 10 minutes.

Sprinkle with a little sea salt and black pepper and serve immediately.

SPICED CRANBERRY, APPLE AND SAGE STUFFING CAKE (Serves 10) 50g butter

Preheat oven to 230°C.

1tbsp rapeseed oil

To prepare the stuffing, heat the butter and rapeseed oil until the butter has melted. Add the onion and mixed spice, fry gently until well softened but not browned. Stir in the garlic and breadcrumbs and season well with sea salt and black pepper. Remove from the heat and place in a bowl, leave to cool.

1 large onion, peeled and finely chopped ½tsp mixed spice 1 clove garlic, peeled and finely chopped 200g fresh breadcrumbs 2 eating apples 250g cranberries 50g dried apple, cut into small pieces 2tbsp fresh sage leaves, chopped 750g sausage meat 2tbsp chopped parsley Grated zest of a small orange 1 large egg, beaten 8 rashers rindless streaky bacon Sea salt and black pepper

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

Peel the apples, cut into quarters, remove the core and cut into small cubes. Mix the cubed apples, cranberries, dried apple, sage, sausage meat, parsley and orange zest with the onion mixture, season well with sea salt and black pepper using clean hands and then mix in the beaten egg. The mixture should be quite firm.

To make the stuffing cake, take a 1820cm spring form cake tin and grease with a little rapeseed oil. Arrange the bacon slices in the tin, leaving a 5cm strip on the base, then lay them up around the sides, let the excess hang over the edge. Carefully fill the tin with the stuffing mixture, making sure it is level on top. Fold the bacon over the top of the stuffing, gathering and twisting the ends loosely over the centre. Place the tin on a baking sheet to catch any juices that escape, then bake for 40-45 minutes until the top is golden. Cool in the tin for 10 minutes before you remove onto a serving plate.

Place some poached cranberries on top for decoration, cut into wedges and serve.

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With so much on offer, and the festive party season just around the corner, SALT is well worth a visit!

SALT has recently re-launched its sunny menu with a selection of exquisite new dishes; including a few vegetarian options – like the goat cheese and sweet potato burger – which is even proving popular with local carnivores.

Food can be enjoyed sat down in the restaurant, at the bar or in one of the new booths; perfect for after work drinks, or on a night out with friends - where you can enjoy a superb range of wines and a remarkable selection of different beers from around the world.

The sought after BrewDog brand is sold alongside a great selection of other world beers and stunning – if not a little unusual - spirits.

Owners, Gareth and Heath Craig, also own The Vineyard - which has recently relocated its main outlet to Prospect Terrace in Douglas.

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They have chosen an extensive wine and drinks list making it the largest of any bar or restaurant in the Island, with over 25 extraordinary wines available by the glass.

Showcasing the owners’ innovative interests in sustaining the quality of a good wine, SALT boasts the Island’s only ‘by the glass’ machine - keeping wines normally offered by the bottle preserved at the perfect temperature; allowing guests to sample a single glass of something really special.

Its cocktail menu includes the classics and a variety of others that are a little out of the ordinary, allowing them to make the most out of the bar’s speciality liquors.

The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner serving food until 10pm Monday to Friday, and from 5pm on Saturdays, with the bar staying open until late each night (SALT is closed on Sundays).

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Adjacent to the restaurant is the deli@SALT, serving from 8am till 3pm Monday - Friday for breakfast, lunch and outside catering.

Soups, Panini - chicken, chorizo, mozzarella and sundried tomato being a clear favourite - wraps and bagels, as well as freshly made sandwiches and salads all retail at astonishingly reasonable prices.

There are plenty of vegetarian options available too; like the halloumi, olive, hummus and roasted vegetable bagel. illy coffee is served alongside a range of homemade cakes to eat-in or take-away.

Keep up to date on all offers and news by following SALT on facebook and twitter at:

/SaltBarIoM

CONTACT MANAGER SIĂ‚N ROSE WITH ALL ENQUIRIES: Salt Bar & Kitchen Circular Road | Douglas | IM1 1AG T: 614000 | E: salt@manx.net www.saltbar.im

APPETITE

WORDS | Nadia Alkahzrajie PHOTOS | Nurey Alkahzrajie

NADIA ALKAHZRAJIE GOES IN SEARCH OF WHAT’S RIGHT ON HER DOORSTEP THIS CHRISTMAS. A look inside my refrigerator currently reveals a nice little hoard from my recent travels, there’s some lean chorizo, dense with smoky paprika, which I’ll use to give warmth and depth to a luscious bean stew, there are Sicilian cheeses flavoured with citrus, and a rich pistachio pesto from a little town called Bronte where they fatten the nuts in the nutrient rich soil around the foothills of Etna. From the supermarket, there are some handy pre-cooked Irish mussels for hassle-free snacking when you can’t be bothered chiseling barnacles off the real McCoy, some sweet and creamy Saint Agur cheese, and a box of salted Bretton caramels that I refrigerate in order to suck and save my teeth. All well and good, but as the weeks pull us towards Christmas and the darkest depths of winter, I want food that comforts the soul as well as the stomach, a seasonal plateful that tastes of the sea and soil of home.

Food connects us to a place like nothing else, and with the current emphasis on provenance and regional specialisation, Manx produce is enjoying a rising profile.

On a recent visit to the Island, Channel 4’s Baker Brothers (aka Tom and Henry Herbert) enthused about Manx Loaghtan lamb, a rare breed reared on the Island’s heather covered hills so that the meat acquires a matured, gamey flavour. “Food is part of the identity and the unique culture of a place,” commented Henry. “Many areas have regional specialities but they’re not necessarily celebrated or easy to buy in the shops.” The Bakers relish unearthing these local delicacies, championing diversity as the way forward; Tom added, “People think it’s brilliant if they get a new supermarket so they can have the same food as everywhere else, but that inevitably leads to a monoculture that’s flat and mundane. We should celebrate and feel proud of regional differences – you feel like you’re really living in a place if you eat the food that’s produced there.”

The food that we share with our families at Christmas should be special, but this needn’t mean food that’s extravagantly rich or expensive. Local producers take extra time and care over their products, often producing small, handmade batches to order. It’s this attention to detail that makes the rich-blend coffee from the Manx Tea & Coffee Company so deliciously nutty and toasty. Producer Paul Wagstaff puts the exceptional flavour down to the small Victorian furnace he uses to roast the beans: “It suits my purpose,” he says, “I can make up just the right amount for each order, ensuring that the oils in the coffee stay fresh and full of flavour.” Like many local producers, Paul’s products are available to buy direct, and through Shoprite, who

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appear to be doing a commendable job of giving customers access to an inspiring variety of local foods.

Food is part of the cultural renaissance that’s been happening in the Island over the past decade or so, with renewed interest in food heritage and traditional methods of production.

One of my favourite finds this year has been the smoked pollock or ‘callig’ from Kallow Point Seafoods in Port St Mary; firm with a delicate flavour and texture, I use it in fishcakes with diced bacon and shallots, or added to creamy seafood chowder. Fans of smoked fish might also like to try the range available from Paddy’s, including hot and cold smoked salmon, queenies and crevettes; these would make fantastic canapés or a light selection of starters for the Christmas table, perhaps alongside some of the beautiful marbled quail eggs produced by Scotts of Glen Mona, specialising in additive-free quail, and an organic mixed-leaf salad grown by Stephen and Jenny Devereau at Staarvey Farm.

Based in the West of the Island, Staarvey Farm is a powerhouse producer of superfoods, including their handmade pickles and preserves that come stylishly packaged in fat jars with labels that read like a foodie’s dream: Rosehip Jelly, Damson Jam, ExtraHot Homemade Harissa and Sweet Lime

Pickle. Products from the vast range would make perfect gifts, and there’s also a special Christmas selection with specialities such as Cranberry, Port and Orange Sauce, especially good with game, and Normandy Apple Sauce with butter and Calvados, good with anything I’d imagine, including a spoon from the jar! The mouth-watering Green Tomato Chutney always finds its way into my shopping basket –try it with the Cracked Black Peppercorn Mature Cheddar from Isle of Man Creamery; moreish and fudgy, the fragrant oil from the peppercorns seeps into the cheese giving it a zingy citrus tang that reminds me of oranges.

For the sweet-toothed, there are a whole range of sumptuous homemade puddings, cakes and sweets lovingly crafted on the Isle of Man. Made with fine Champagne Cognac and aged for nine months to develop the flavour, Berries Christmas Puddings produce their tantalising puds at Aaron House in Port St Mary, while sister company Cocoa Red sell multi award-winning chocolates from the same premises. My final food find has to be the gorgeous Ginger Fudge from The Original Manx Fudge Factory, a venture that’s grown quickly by reputation. Using Isle of Man Creamery butter and cream, the company supplies its flavoured fudges to Shoprite as part of their Manx Food Heroes promotion, an initiative that recognises exceptional local quality, taste and craftsmanship.

Tasting this food it makes perfect sense why we should share it with our families this Christmas. These producers might be small-scale, but make no mistake, they’re professionals who are serious about what they do. It’s the care and pride that goes into these products that makes them special, and that care - as we should know by now - is the secret ingredient in beautiful food.

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COllECT AND COOK MEAT, POUlTRY AND FISH ORDER FORM BROCHURE IS NOW AvAIlABlE IN-STORE!

Christmas The Taste of Tradition... It’s C

Last date for ordering

Sunday 15th December Adlington products 8th December

The Taste of Tradition...

hristmas at Shoprite

f ence every day the differ th

THE DIFFERENCE IS KNOWING YOU CAN TRUST OUR MEAT Manx beef, pork and lamb is raised by families that have been part of the Island’s farming community for generations.

In that time they’ve stayed faithful to the rules of good animal husbandry and produce meat that tastes as nature intended.

As the local butcher for communities Island-wide we’ve worked closely with them for many years.

Ballacushag Farms is the brand that distinguishes Manx meat on our shelves and counters. It’s your assurance of perfect provenance, exceptional quality and complete traceability.

Ask, and we’ll prepare any joint and cut for you and advise how to get the best from the meat of your choice - and your budget.

Shaun Dean, Bayview Farm, Ballamodha

Ballacushag Farms - only at Shoprite.

It’s everything you need to know to be 100% sure of the meat you buy.

Ean Parsons, Baljean Farm, Laxey

Get a £10 shopping voucher in the post for every £100 you spend* on Ballacushag Manx Meat when using your ClubMANN Card David Cooil, Ballacreggan Farm, Port St. Mary

It’s Christmas at *TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY. LIMITED TIME ONLY. SEE IN-STORE FOR DETAILS.

Restaurant design, there's

food fo� thought

Specialists in seafood and champions of superb locally sourced fish and lobsters, Tanroagan has long been a well-known and much loved eating out destination on the Isle of Man. ‘I love Manx’ Chef of year winner 2013, Joan Mowat Front of House Director Laura Mowat Managing Director Robin Mowat Family mascots Alfie and Monty Mowat.

Fresh, Fish and simple…

Tanroagan, and now the Boatyard in Peel, are the only restaurants in the Island that specialise in fresh fish and seafood with produce coming directly from the fishing boats in Peel and Port St Mary. Licensed by the fisheries department, our restaurants whole-heartedly support responsible fishing in our local waters and also the local producers and suppliers of Manx Produce.

Tanroagan has recently been awarded the Taste of Man ‘Gold’ award for the sixth consecutive year, as well as receiving the Harvest award for use of fresh local produce and ingredients. For the second year running, the restaurant also features a mention in the Michelin Guide.

With just 35 seats and an intimate dining room, the focus has always been on creating a fantastic eating experience with diners able to view the Chefs at work. However, since the opening of sister establishments The Swiss House restaurant in Glen Helen, and the Boatyard restaurant in Peel, both sporting beautiful interior designed spaces, the Mowat family (and staff) felt the time was right for Tanroagan to have a much needed refresh.

More so now than before, delicious food and great design go hand-in-hand in creating an overall dining experience appealing to the ‘eat out’ crowd. But with a restaurant set so firmly in the hearts of both customers and staff alike, the prospect of delivering a new restaurant design gave us food for thought.

Like with sister restaurants, The Swiss House and The Boatyard, the Mowat family brought interior designer Rumana Swinton on board to harness the many thoughts, ideas and quirky suggestions thrown about when embarking on a refurbishment to come up with an interior design that embraced the heritage of Tanroagan with a new look wow factor.

The result has been a complete transformation of the dining room; including an all new frontage with fully-glazed floor to ceiling windows and doors, beautiful Spanish designed tile floor, refreshed walls, and the popular - but dated - glass ceiling feature was replaced with a contemporary array of soft glowing lights. Everything but the kitchen sink is an apt phrase; with new drift wood dining tables and wooden wall cladding sourced from a wood recycling project in Kent, England, who made bespoke furniture from reclaimed wood rather than have it go to waste. A new bar and kitchen counter have been created from zinc covered materials to give a complementary mix of textures and materials in the overall design.

Apart from looking beautiful, the design had to be functional; with the new windows and doors double glazed to retain warmth and bring extra light into the restaurant. The tiled flooring has under-floor heating installed to ensure diners enjoy a comfortable and consistent temperature, and the new lighting and WiFi sound system enables us to deliver a high-quality atmosphere and ambiance that can be adjusted to suit the time and mood of the restaurant.

Not only has the interior been refreshed, but the logo and signage has been designed to showcase our core principles of fresh local seafood. Look out for us on 9 Ridgeway Street and pop in to see what we have done.

All fresh fish and lobsters feature daily on the specials board along with a full à la carte and our great value set lunch menu. Don’t worry if you’re not a fish eater, Tanroagan and the Boatyard also have meat and vegetarian dishes too, but if you are more meat lover then the Swiss House and its flavoursome Josper Charcoal Oven is a must for outstanding Manx and Irish Streaks and seasonal meats, as well as fish and vegetarian choices.

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CHEF PROFILE Name: Richard Birch, 37 Occupation: Head Chef at Tanroagan.

How long have you been head chef at Tanroagan? six years.

Best part of your job: Having a job that I love.

What is your style of cooking: Rustic, fresh & very tasty.

Where did your passion for food & cooking come from? My Mum. She had an outside catering company for which she was the chef and prepared all of the food at home. I used to wake up to the smell of the food being cooked and from then on I was hooked!

Why do you think Tanroagan is so well loved? We source quality fresh food from around the Island and then simply cook it. We believe in providing an all-round meal experience with friendly, professional service served with passion and pride.

Have you won any awards for cooking?

As a team, Tanroagan has achieved the Gold and Harvest awards for the past 6 years and a mention in the Michelin guide - which we are very proud of.

What advice would you give someone who has never cooked fish before?

Don’t overcook it! Or, come to Tanroagan and just let me do it for you!

What celebrities have you cooked for in Tanroagan? Russell Grant, Kelly Holmes, Zac Efron, Claire Danes, Renée Zellweger, Charley Boorman, Patricia Arquette, the Hairy bikers, to name a few!

What do you do in your spare time?

Kite surfing and being a Dad.

OPENING TIMES L u n c h : 1 2 p m - 2 p m f r o m

M o n day - Fr i day S et M e n u : O n e co u r s e £ 9. 5 0 Tw o c o u r s e £ 1 5 . 0 0 Three co u r se £18.50

D i n n e r : 6 . 3 0 p m - 9 . 3 0 p m

M o n d a y - S at u r d a y

Tanroagans Christmas menu is now available, where bookings are still being taken for parties.

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

The Restaurant is available all year round for private hire and exclusive use.

Please contact us to discuss your requirements:

Tanroagan Seafood Restaurant 9 Ridgeway Street | Off North Quay | Douglas | Isle of Man | IM1 1EW T: (0) 1624 612355 | E: fish@tanroagan.co.uk | W: www.tanroagan.co.uk

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Specialising in Mediterranean and International Cuisine

Consistently high standards and all dishes satisfy immensely

The food and wine served at this restaurant is absolutely top notch and worth every penny

Email portofino@qualityservice.com or call 01624 617755 to make a reservation

Merry Christmas from all at Portofino

Call 01624 617755 to make a reservation

A good selection of food, well served, very good quality, overall an excellent experience

The dĂŠcor is superb and the staff friendly and attentive

www.portofino.im

APPETITE

INDULGENCE WORDS | Anne Berry | The Wine Cellar

B

y the time you are reading this, the cold weather will have really set in and you may well be sitting in front of a roaring fire. Christmas is just around the corner, your cards are all posted, the presents are wrapped under the tree and you are possibly considering what you will be eating and drinking over the festive period.

Most of the leading supermarkets have recently been accused of offering false deals. ‘Buy one, get one free’ is not always as it seems. Independents don’t inflate prices in order to offer a BOGOF deal.

We work with our suppliers throughout the year to come up with the best offers possible, especially at Christmas and The Wine Cellar is able to offer a selection of unbeatable genuine deals on stunning wines with savings of up to 30%. The biggest difference, of course, is that your independent wine merchant has knowledgeable staff, interested in helping you to find a wine that you will enjoy. At The Wine Cellar, everyone has Wine and Spirit Trust qualifications, with the newest member of our team, Chris, recently passed

his intermediate exam with a distinction and only two marks short of 100%!

Bordeaux wines. There is something for everyone!

Whether you want to organise a drinks party, buy some everyday drinking wine or to indulge in something extra special for Christmas Day, there is always someone on hand to advise on the style and taste of each wine.

At £60 a case of six, the Louis Jadot Morgon from the Chateau des Jacques estate is exceptionally good value and is well suited to enjoy with roast turkey.

Normally £14.00, this is a massive saving but stocks are limited; when it’s gone, it’s gone!

Start your party off with some Prosecco at £9.00 a bottle. This is very easy drinking you’ll be coming back for more! If you wish to indulge in Champagne instead, there are special deals on Taittinger and Billecart Salmon, and if you purchase six bottles of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label we will, until we run out of stock, give you six branded Veuve Clicquot flutes.

If it’s simple party wines you want, look no further than our South African Shiraz and Chenin or Chilean Sauvignon Blanc at six for £30.00, or for £3.00 more a case and you can get the full and fruity southern French Les Oliviers Merlot Mourvedre and a deliciously light and delicate Italian Pinot Grigio-Chardonnay. It will be a challenge to find better value than these in the Island this Christmas.

For those decadent moments, you could always treat yourself to a bottle of the Errazuriz Don Maximiano Cabernet Sauvignon; one of the finest wines to be exported from Chile. We have secured a very limited number of bottles at an exceptionally good price and are able to offer 30% off the normal retail price of £49.95, but hurry, because these won’t hang around for long!

Don’t miss out! For a full list of Christmas offers, call in to our store on Tennis Road in Douglas or visit our website at: www.thewinecellar.im

We have Rioja and Pinot Grigio at £42 for six, Aussie Chardonnay and Shiraz, Chilean Viognier and Pinot Noir at £45 for 6. At £48 for six we have a best selling Cotes du Rhone along with a Macon and two

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

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WORDS | Liz Morris

A STAR TURN FOR

CALIFORNIA’S Few people can boast they’ve skied down a volcano, but it’s just one of the treats in store on a trip to California’s finest slopes.

Skiing? In California? It doesn’t really fit with the archetypal picture of sun-kissed beaches frequented by A-list Hollywood starlets.

But an hour’s flight from Los Angeles is Lake Tahoe, the largest freshwater lake in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, a world away the image of California I’d always imagined. And this rather surreal proximity means you can surf in the morning and ski the afternoon - if you really want an action-packed day.

I’LL ADMIT, I WAS CURIOUS AS TO WHY ANYONE WOULD TRAVEL SO FAR FROM EUROPE, HOME TO A PLETHORA OF PERFECTLY GOOD MOUNTAIN RANGES, FLY STRAIGHT PAST CANADA AND OVER WORLD FAMOUS RESORTS IN COLORADO, TO SKI IN CALIFORNIA.

But the moment I first ski down Heavenly Mountain, with the huge expanse of sapphire blue Lake Tahoe outstretched in front, I understood why.

“It’s where God lives,” Mike, our guide for the day, tells me and my fellow skiers, as we make our way along

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pine tree-lined runs towards the largest alpine lake on the continent. With powdery, pure white snow beneath our skis and the Californian sun beating down from above, I can hardly disagree with him. This is skiing with a view either created by God, or CGI. There are 15 skiable mountains around this 22mile long lake, bordering the state line of Nevada.

Heavenly is the largest, boasting the best views, and straddles both states - while one side of the mountain overlooks luscious Lake Tahoe, the other surveys the vast, dry Nevada desert.

With everything from heart-pumping, steep, vertical drops, to long, meandering trails that allow you to really take in the majestic surroundings, there’s a great range for different abilities. Each slope is pristinely cared for and groomed, and trees are naturally well spaced, making it a great place to go off piste and feel completely alone with the world.

And, as we keep getting told, two years ago there was so much snow that the slopes were packed until July.

The temperature was even high enough for some to ski in bikinis!

Our resort base is South Lake Tahoe, which operates like a fully functioning town, complete with supermarket and cinema. It’s less idyllic than other purpose-built ski villages, but it’s buzzing with life.

A much more glamorous reception awaits me at North Star, another resort 90 minutes away at the top of the lake.

My memories of childhood family skiing include a lot of trudging back to a hotel with heavy skis awkwardly balanced over my shoulder, for what felt like miles. So gliding right up to the doorway of the Ritz-Carlton, where I’m staying, and simply stepping

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MAMMOTH MOUNTAIN IS DEFINITELY WORTH A VISIT IF ONLY TO BOAST YOU’VE SKIED ON A VOLCANO. TECHNICALLY IT’S STILL ACTIVE WITH MINOR ERUPTIONS - THE LAST WAS 700 YEARS AGO, SO I’M PRETTY SURE WE’RE SAFE BUT THERE HAVE BEEN REPORTS OF VOLCANIC GASES KILLING TREES IN MORE RECENT YEARS.

out of the skis for someone else to deal with, felt like true Hollywood A-list treatment. In the morning, my skis would be lined up in the snow waiting for me to step back into them.

North Star has been cruelly nicknamed ‘Flat Star’ by some Southern Tahoe residents, thanks to a few horizontal spots. The runs are certainly longer than at Heavenly, but it’s true that North Star is better suited to intermediate skiers and boarders than advanced. Even the most difficult runs here only equate to reds in the French Alps.

What does feel special about North Star is the sense of space and quiet on the slopes.

Several times I made it to the bottom of a run without even seeing another skier. Affluent Americans from LA or San Francisco come for long weekends, so it’s not unusual for the slopes to be this empty on weekdays. Quite often, I felt completely alone in the peaceful wilderness, and I don’t remember queuing for a ski lift all week.

There can’t be a better way to enjoy apres ski than around a roaring open fire at a five star hotel. Our group slouch down into the sofas, gin and tonics in hand, stomachs groaning after three wonderful courses at the hotel’s elegant Manzanita restaurant.

That night, I purposely leave the curtains of the huge window stretching the length of my room open so I can wake up to view of the mountain.

Just a 30 minute drive from North Star is Squaw Valley, where we stay at PlumpJack Hotel for the night. Here we find warm, cosy, low-key luxury, an ice rink at the top of a mountain and even a ski-through Starbucks.

TRAVEL

A STAR TURN FOR

CALIFORNIA’S And after a day on the more serious Squaw Valley slopes (a boarder’s paradise with half pipes and jumps) I head for the outdoor hot tub.

“Vital for soothing muscles after skiing,” someone says. To be honest, I just want to sit in a steaming hot tub surrounded by snow, a glass of champagne in my hand, pretending I’m rich.

Three hundred miles south of Lake Tahoe is Mammoth Mountain. It’s possible to fly but many Americans choose to do the scenic four-hour drive, with rolling mountains, roadside rivers and little towns along the way.

WHEN THE SNOW MELTS IN THE SUMMER, THE MOUNTAINS ARE POPULAR FOR HIKING AND MOUNTAIN BIKING, AND I’M TOLD THE LANDSCAPE IS EVEN MORE BEAUTIFUL.

We pass Bodie, a ghost town since the 1940s, which is inaccessible in winter. It was once a gold mining town attracting getrich-quick single men, but with too many bars came violence, guns and murder. It sounds like the stuff of Wild West movies!

Mammoth Mountain is definitely worth a visit if only to boast you’ve skied on a volcano. Technically it’s still active with minor eruptions - the last was 700 years ago, so I’m pretty sure we’re safe, but there have been reports of volcanic gases killing trees in more recent years.

The night we arrive at The Westin Monache hotel, we gather for some local Napa Valley wine while Black Tie ski rental come to our

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hotel with our equipment measured out and ready to fit. As I take a sip of velvety smooth pinot noir, the hazy memories of queuing at 9am for an hour in a bustling shop in the Alps, gathering skis, boots and poles, blur into infinity.

The resort is the highest in California, and Mammoth is renowned for reliable snowfall.

I experience the sheer scale of the mountain firsthand when I misguidedly tackle a tough black run, just to see the view from the mountain top. The strong wind had swept most of the snow away so we found ourselves inching down an icy drop, with varying degrees of finesse.

When the snow melts in the summer, the mountains are popular for hiking and mountain biking, and I’m told the landscape is even more beautiful.

During our week in snowy California, locals kept proudly telling us: “People come here for the winter and stay for the summer.”

But I think, somehow, they’ve got it wrong.

Anyone coming here for a summer break would be well advised to stick around for the first flecks of snow to fall. Like me, they’d no doubt discover that California has plenty of surprises in store.

ISLAND TRAVEL WINTER WONDERS

TRAVEL VOUCHERS - With Christmas just around the corner, what better way to spoil your loved ones than to purchase an Island Travel gift voucher? We have them in denominations from £10 - £100, so contact us today for more information.

CONCERT AND THEATRE BREAKS - Struggling for gift Ideas?

Why not let Island Travel organise a trip to see the likes of Taylor Swift or Ellie Goulding at the O2 Arena? Maybe a trip to the West End to see Jersey Boys or Billy Elliot? We have lots of offers and deals for many events.

LATE WINTER DEALS – We have a wide range of late deals available just after the Christmas and New Year period. A relaxing sunny break could be the ultimate present idea! Check our website for a small selection of what we have to offer or call us for a competitive quote.

For more information email enquiries@islandtravel.co.im or call 01624 626299

www.islandtravel.co.im

TRAVEL

Enjoy a Seasonal CITY BREAK T

here’s nothing like a Christmas market to really muster the magic of the season - and the UK is home to some fantastic festive fayres. Whether it’s an unforgettable family weekend away or a Yuletide minibreak you’re after, Sarah McCudden rounds-up some of the best.

LUXURY AND ROMANCE IN BATH With its goldenstoned Georgian architecture, Roman Baths and Royal Crescent, Bath is one of the UK’s prettiest cities and the ideal setting for a weekend of relaxation and romance.

In the run-up to Christmas, it becomes especially charming, lit up with twinkling lights, carol singers and brass bands adding to the festive magic. For 18 days, Bath Abbey provides a stunning backdrop to the Christmas Market, which sees more than 150 traditional wooden chalets fill the square and surrounding streets. Whether you want to shop or simply soak up the atmosphere, it’s sure to warm the cockles.

Centre’s Christmas Market has borrowed some of the best ideas from its German counterparts and concentrated them into one easy-to-navigate riverside strip of traditional huts.

But while the smell of sizzling Bratwurst and spicy Gluhwein conjures up a distinctly German flavour, there’s a global feel to the colourful stalls, selling goods ranging from knitted finger puppets made in Peru, to sugar-coated churros from Spain.

LINCOLN CHRISTMAS MARKET

There’s also an ice rink (November 22-January 5) in Royal Victoria Park impress your partner with some fancy spins, or just hold hands and have some fun.

European Market taking place around The Mound, a Scottish Market in St Andrew’s Square, as well as a new Children’s Market, each bursting with gifts and edible delights.

Special attractions and fairground rides will be set up across the city, including the 60m-high Star Flyer and 36-pod Big Wheel, so you can take in the sights from the sky. Kids can explore the Christmas Tree Maze where - if they find the centre - elves will be waiting with gifts, before hopping onboard the Santa Train. What Christmas dreams are made of...

ST NICHOLAS FAYRE, YORK

FUN WITH THE IRISH IN BELFAST Belfast one of Europe’s biggest tourist destinations will welcome back its wonderful Christmas Continental Market this year.

The fabulous City Hall gardens are transformed into a bustling Continental village providing a great shop around Europe opportunity in the heart of this famous City Centre. The Belfast Christmas Market also guarantees a real Irish welcome for all its visitors.

STYLE AND CULTURE IN LONDON Designer stores and high street heroes may line London’s West End streets, but it’s still possible to enjoy an old-fashioned Christmas shopping experience in the capital.

Set beneath trees decorated with twinkling fairy lights, the Southbank

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The biggest of its type in Europe, with over 300 stalls, Lincoln’s market draws visitors from far and wide. In the heart of the historic action, the Cathedral Quarter, the looming Cathedral spires and castle walls provide a truly magical setting, with costumed carol singers and brass bands adding to the atmosphere. Soak it all up, mulled wine in hand, as you browse the craft and gift stalls, sample fresh, local food and enjoy this stunning city at its best. While the market only runs for four days, festive fun continues throughout the month, including an ice rink (until December 31) and a reindeer parade (on Thursday, December 12).

EDINBURGH CHRISTMAS MARKETS Soulful and vibrant all year round, the streets of Edinburgh are an extra special treat when Christmas comes to town. In various locations across the city, there’s something for everyone, with a traditional

Another picturesque and historic city - and another which looks more striking than ever when illuminated with Christmas lights. You’ll find stalls aplenty lining the city centre selling a range of wares. Pick up ‘Made in Yorkshire’ gifts in the medieval Guild Hall and head to the living museum Barley Hall to catch crafting in action. With many of the traders in costume, and carol singers and street performers never far from earshot, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped into the pages of a Dickens novel.

Another highlight is the local farm produce and delicious street food on offer - a hearty steaming pie will keep you warm and fuelled for a full day’s strolling.

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

Fly away to the fantastic Christmas Market in Belfast this year!

TRAVEL

Fares start from just ÂŁ29.95 one way

Low cost frequent flights to the Isle of Man from Gloucester, Blackpool, Belfast and Newcastle

Book early at www.citywing.com for special offers and rates

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TRAVEL

TRAVEL FEATURE

ALL DAY, AND ALL OF THE NIGHT WORDS | LAUREN CLARKE

YOU CAN’T DENY THAT EVERYONE GETS A BIT EXCITED WHEN THOSE WHITE FLAKES START TO FALL FROM THE SKY, IT MAKES CHRISTMAS THAT EXTRA BIT SPECIAL. SO, IT IS UNDENIABLE THAT MANY OF US WILL BE TAKING A TRIP TO ONE OF THE SNOWIER PARTS OF THE WORLD THIS MONTH, BUT WHEN YOU THINK OF A SNOW HOLIDAY YOU THINK OF SKIING, RIGHT? WELL, IF YOU’RE LIKE ME AND YOU CAN’T SKI TO SAVE YOUR LIFE BUT WANT TO EXPERIENCE THE WINTER WONDERLAND NONETHELESS THEN HERE ARE SOME IDEAS FOR YOU TO MAKE ALTERNATIVE HOLIDAY PLANS...

Visit Kittila’s Snow Village, you wont be able to get enough of the snow as each November around one thousand truckloads of snow are used to create the village itself. They don’t just chuck this snow anywhere either, they use it to create an ice hotel with lobbies, hotel rooms and suites, an ice bar and even an ice chapel.

Take a magical trip to the home of the one and only Santa Claus in Rovaniemi’s Santa Park, where Santa and his elves spend their days making toys and getting ready for Christmas. The huge underground grotto is made up of fairy-lit walkways, colourful workshops and festive shopping stalls. It’s not just for kids - at the end of your trip you get a certificate to mark your crossing of the Arctic Circle!

Go on a Snowmobile Safari in Lapland where you can hop aboard a snowmobile and just go for a drive around the snow and the forest.

Not only is that your only source of transport but you are also able to visit a Husky farm and go on a sled journey and if that isn’t enough there’s also the opportunity to ride in a sleigh and be pulled by reindeer.

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Pick either one of these countries; Iceland, Sweden, Finland, Norway or Canada, and go to see the Northern Lights. As all of these are in the area known as the Auroral Oval it provides an amazing snow location to see an amazing sight and as we are currently in the period known as ‘Solar Max’. This means that sunspot activity which produces the Aurora Borealis is heightened, offering more chances to see the Northern Lights.

Get a three-in-one holiday by staying at Lake Tahoe in the winter and take to the peaks situated between Nevada and California.

Only thirty minutes from South Lake Tahoe there are the Grover Hot Springs in the town of Markleeville in California and more hot springs in Walley’s resort on the Nevada side. So, whilst your friends or family are skiing in Lake Tahoe you can be relaxing in either California or Nevada.

Go on an Antarctic cruise and visit an 800 mile long range of mountains that offers unparalleled scenery and many opportunities to see a wide range of Antarctic wildlife. The Antarctica cruises allow you to make shore landings to view Antarctic wildlife and, when possible, visiting research facilities, historic sites, and abandoned whaling and sealing stations.

Isle of Man | Home & Interiors | The WInter Edition 2013

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

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BALLARAGH ROAD, LAXEY £725,000

‘Nyumbani’ at Ballaragh Road, Laxey is an impressive detached executive residence set in a beautiful rural and popular location.

Enjoying stunning sea and coastal views across Laxey bay, the property is finished to the highest of standards and offers first class accommodation which includes an impressively spacious reception hallway, complete with contemporary spiral staircase to the first floor and quality ‘Pergo’ wood flooring.

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ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

PLACES

www.harmonyhomes.co.im

This attractive property also offers two spacious reception rooms on the ground floor comprising a generously sized lounge with sea views, plus a well proportioned family room. In addition, there is a study, a modern superbly fitted quality dining kitchen and a separate utility room.

The ground floor area of the house also has an impressively sized master bedroom with en-suite plus an additional 3/4 double bedrooms, one of which also enjoys en-suite facilities. A newly

FEATURE PROPERTY FEATURE PROPERTY

fitted family bathroom suite and separate cloakroom finished both with ‘Villeroy & Boch’ quality fittings complete the ground floor rooms.

On the first floor is a double bedroom with a walk-in wardrobe and separate shower room. This part of the property also has its own private television room with access to an extensive loft storage area.

“Enjoying stunning sea and coastal views across Laxey bay, the property is finished to the highest of standards and offers first class accommodation”

At the rear of the property is a generously sized lawned garden with a raised decking patio area ideal for ‘El Fresco’ dining and with stunning sea and coastal views.

The sweeping block paved driveway to the front of the property offers parking for up to four cars and leads onto a double garage with double automatic up and over entrance doors.

Viewings on this desirable property are highly recommended.

Tel: 01624 616200

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

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The best place to find a new place in the Isle of Man GLEN AULDYN - LEZAYRE

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ÂŁ265,000

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A stunning 18th century chapel located in a lovely glen setting. The property comprises a spacious farmhouse style kitchen with beamed ceiling and Rangemaster gas stove, two light and airy double bedrooms (one enjoying a balcony), a luxury bathroom with walk in shower and Jacuzzi and a stunning upstairs lounge. The property benefits from having beautiful views over glen and hills. Viewings are highly recommended.

01624 818222

www.harmonyhomes.co.im

KING EDWARDS ROAD, ONCHAN

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ÂŁ2,590,000

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A beautiful penthouse apartment which occupies the entire top floor, having uninterrupted panoramic south facing sea views. The apartment has a south facing double aspect living room along with a bespoke panelled library/ cinema room, a study, utility room and a kitchen/family/dining room. There are four en-suite bedrooms, with the master suite having a sauna and Jacuzzi bath. There are also two conservatories and two cloakrooms. The apartment benefits from the luxury of under floor heating throughout. For added security there is an audio/visual CCTV security system in place as well as lift access which also has CCTV and a private lift key. There is extensive loft storage and secure garaging for three cars.

01624 616200

www.harmonyhomes.co.im

Oh, Christmas Tree!

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eck the halls by all means, but it’s the tree which is a key focal point during the Christmas season.

Decorating the tree is an enjoyable ritual, but that doesn’t mean this seasonal focal point has to look the same every year.

It could be time to shake up your style and choose from one of the fresh new decor trends for trees so that yours is star of the show this December.

Dressing the tree is one of the Christmas highlights, and a great chance to get the whole family involved.

By all means rely on that cherished collection of Christmas decorations, there’s no need to rush out and buy a complete new set - but add a few pieces to bring a new look to life.

Bring character to a tree by varying the style and texture of baubles and ornaments when decorating, There’s no reason why classic gold decorations can’t be mixed with a brilliant red berry garland and red hearts, or a sleek snow-white scheme can’t have rustic, white wooden decorations, such as a flock of white birds, for a more Scandi feel.

It’s all about experimenting and not relying on the same set of decorations year after year. Remember to create height and depth with the placement of your decorations, and vary hanging positions.

Decorations can be tied to the tips of trees or sit on top of branches, as well as hanging from them. Experiment with colour and, most importantly, have fun with your tree.

Choose from one of our four favourite themes for dressing your Christmas tree this year.

CLASSIC KITSCH COCKTAIL For a witty take, mix traditional decorations with retro-style or kitsch additions perhaps.

Accentuate the traditional red, green and white decorations that are so popular at this time of year with colourful character pieces for a retro, playful look.

Start at the base of your tree and spread out your traditional decorations evenly. Finish by adding your character pieces on the ends of branches in the central section of the tree, to ensure they catch the eye.

This is a fun, tongue-in-cheek approach and a retro-style Santa works perfectly as a character piece to complete the look.

WINTER PALACE This look plays on the romance and glamour of winter, with ice tones and plenty of glitter.

Picture a luxurious ice palace for inspiration, with crisp, clean snowflakes on the windows.

Place any larger decorations (and those with glitter) aside, as your star items, and position your base decorations first, selecting those in silver, white and neutral tones.

Once happy with the spread of your base items, add the finishing touches with glitter and larger snowflakes.

COUNTRY CHIC Woodland charm is a strong trend in interiors, and this look picks up on that theme by evoking fond memories of white Christmases and walks in the countryside.

Stick to a natural colour scheme for your base, using green and wood hues - pine cones suit this perfectly. Use animal decorations, such as frosted bristle animals, to conjure a truly rural effect. Fill in any gaps with fresh holly and ivy for a traditional and natural touch.

Finish the tree with fruit-shaped gilded ornaments, vintage pearls and splashes of red, to create a feeling of a timeless vintage Yuletide.

GOLDEN GRANDEUR Muted metallics lend an aura of faded grandeur, and old gold mixes well with copper and bronze touches too.

The first and most important rule when dressing your Christmas tree with gold is don’t skimp on lights, and always put them on first so you hang the baubles around them.

The metallic shimmer of the gold baubles will complement the lights perfectly and create a magical sparkle effect. To fill in gaps, and make the tree look beautifully festive, use groups of three gold baubles, rather than just one on the end of each branch. Tie these baubles together with silver or white cotton ribbon to keep them perfectly in place.

Frame a treetop angel or star with a cluster of gold-sprayed leaves or gold ribbons to accentuate it, and encircle with lights.

Happy Christmas.

If needed, Rileys of Eden Park have a large selection of quality decorations.

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The best place to find a new place in the Isle of Man SOUTH QUAY - DOUGLAS

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£256,000

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A superb first floor purpose built apartment situated on a beautiful harbour location with sea and bay views. The apartment has been completely refurbished to a very high standard throughout and consists of a light and spacious open plan lounge with dining kitchen having two large glazed picture windows providing lovely sea and harbour views, utility room, two double bedrooms one with luxury en-suite and a ‘Villeroy and Boch’ bathroom. The apartment has modern underfloor electric heating and also includes two secure allocated parking spaces. There is an active management company in place and an internal inspection is highly recommended.

01624 616200

www.harmonyhomes.co.im

SURBY - PORT ERIN

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01624 845252

www.harmonyhomes.co.im

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£595,000

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A deceptively spacious detached true bungalow situated in a sought after rural location. The bungalow has been modernised and tastefully decorated having a generously sized sitting room with conservatory extension overlooking open fields. There is also a recently refitted dining kitchen which includes appliances and a dining area with views to the hills, four good sized bedrooms, an en-suite shower room and en-suite bathroom, a family bathroom and cloakroom. There is a study and store with planning for a dining room. The property has well maintained front, side and rear gardens with a large summerhouse and greenhouse, there is also a detached double garage.

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Waltons Digital World & Appliance Centre Peel Road, Douglas Tel: 614536

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ask in store for more details AMAZING SPIDER-MAN © 2012 Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Marvel, and the names and distinctive likenesses of Spider-Man and all other Marvel characters: ™ and © 2013 Marvel Entertainment, LLC & its subsidiaries. All Rights Reserved.

ANGELS & DEMONS © 2009 Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc. All Rights Reserved. BATTLE: LOS ANGELES © 2011 Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc. and Beverly Blvd LLC. All Rights Reserved. GHOSTBUSTERS © 1984 Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

GLORY © 1989 TriStar Pictures, Inc. All Rights Reserved. SPIDER-MAN © 2002 Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc. Spider-Man character ® & © 2013 Marvel Characters, Inc. All Rights Reserved. TAXI DRIVER © 1976, renewed 2004 Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc. All Rights Reserved. TOTAL RECALL © 2012 Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc. All Rights Reserved. ‘Sony’, ‘make.believe’, ‘BRAVIA’ and their logos are registered trademarks or trademarks of Sony Corporation. All other logos and trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

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The best place to find a new place in the Isle of Man 7 KENSINGTON ROAD - DOUGLAS

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4/5

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OFFERS AROUND £365,000

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Elegant & Beautifully Refurbished Period Town House in Central Location Convenient for Shops, Schools, the Business Centre & Other Amenities Porch, Entrance Hall, Open Plan Sitting Room & Dining Room Breakfast Kitchen, Utility Room & Large Basement

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4/5 Bedrooms (2 En Suite), Bedroom 5/Study, Family Bathroom & Attic Oil Fired Central Heating and uPVC Double Glazing Front Garden (with Sun Deck) & Back Yard

Tel: 01624 616717

www.primerealestate4u.com

The best place to find a new place in the Isle of Man GULL COTTAGE - FACTORY LANE, PEEL

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Charming End of Terrace Manx Fisherman’s Cottage Tastefully Modernised and Retaining Lots of Character Living Room, Fully Fitted Kitchen, Double Bedroom & Bathroom Small Rear Yard with Flower Bed & Outside

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£169,950

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Water Tap Gas Fired Central Heating & Timber Framed Windows Very Convenient Central Location with Parking Nearby Ideal Holiday Home or ‘Buy to Let’, Fully Furnished, if Required

Tel: 01624 616717

www.primerealestate4u.com POA

MULLEN RHENASS HOUSE, CRONK Y VODDY

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Desirable Country Residence in Secluded Setting with Approximately 1 Acre of Gardens & 25 Acres of Land

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Double Glazing, Solar Panels, 2 Multi-Fuel Stoves & Oil Fired

Tel: 01624 616717

www.primerealestate4u.com

River Frontage (with Trout), Garden Pond (with Bridge), Gazebo & Range of Additional Outbuildings

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5 Bedrooms (4 Doubles, 2 En Suite Shower Rooms) plus Dressing Room, Nursery & Downstairs Family Bathroom

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Garaging for 5 Cars (one with Studio/Gym above), as well as Ample Off Road Parking Areas

Vestibule, Reception Hall, Lounge, Dining Room, Snooker Room, Conservatory, Breakfast Kitchen, Utility & Pantry

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Centrally Located (6 Minute Drive to St Johns, 9 Minutes to Peel, 15 Minutes to Douglas & 20 Minutes to Airport)

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Central Heating (which can be controlled via the internet)

Planning Permission Granted for Creation of ‘Granny Flat’ (footings already in place up to DPC)

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Unique Opportunity to Acquire a Modern Country House with Land, Offering Rural Lifestyle & Equestrian Potential

The best place to find a new place in the Isle of Man 1 KERROWCOAR CLOSE - ONCHAN

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£254,950

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Beautifully Presented Modern Semi-Detached House Secluded Cul de Sac Location, Close to Bus Route, Shops & School Storm Porch, Entrance Hall, Lounge & Kitchen/ Diner 3 Bedrooms (2 Doubles) & Shower Room

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Gas Fired Central Heating & uPVC Double Glazing Off Road Parking for 3 Cars Low Maintenance Front & Back Gardens Available Immediately with No Onward Chain

Tel: 01624 616717

www.primerealestate4u.com

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BUSINESS

IN THE NEWS

HENRY BLOOM NOBLE HEALTHCARE TRUST PAYS TRIBUTE TO LONG-SERVING MEMBERS

RENDEZVOUS TO GIVE THE ISLAND A NEW ALTERNATIVE TO BUSINESS AND LEISURE FLIGHTS Rendezvous Sky, which was launched on November 25th 2013, is set to offer an alternative to scheduled services, since the most recent announcement that will affect Business Routes to and from the Island.

With the down turn of scheduled services, especially on the London Route from March onwards, Rendezvous felt it could offer an alternative.

In the current climate and with so much uncertainty surrounding scheduled flight frequencies and route viability, Rendezvous have stepped in, working tirelessly with the business community to try and find a solution, and finally came up with this fresh new and exciting concept, which will offer great benefits and flexibility to travelling from and to the Island.

Rendezvous Sky will be offering the opportunity to charter aircraft flying to anywhere in the world from the Isle of Man, but with the added benefit that they can choose to reduce the hire cost by using Rendezvous sky’s live data base to link up with other Company and individuals needs and requirements.

Brett Turner CEO and mastermind of Rendezvous said: “having discussed in depth with a number of business leaders due to the growing concerns of frequency reductions in scheduled air services that new alternatives would be welcome. I am very excited by the launch of Rendezvous sky and hope that the business community embraces it.”

Rendezvous Sky have teamed up with a European corporate airline operating Executive Aircraft who will base aircraft at Ronaldsway from March 2014. The airline’s Managing Director, Jonathan Gordon, said: teaming up with Rendezvous is a perfect fit. “Rendezvous will book the aircraft and escort the passengers through their lounges and we then take over.

From March 2014 we will base a luxury B200 Super King Air at Ronaldsway and progressively add to this as demand grows.

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ROYAL LONDON GROUP ANNOUNCES MANAGEMENTLED BUYOUT OF ROYAL LONDON 360° The Royal London Group (‘RLG’) has entered in to an agreement with funds advised by independent private equity firm Vitruvian Partners (‘Vitruvian’) to support a management-led buyout of Royal London 360° (‘RL360°’ or “the Company”) and its subsidiaries for an undisclosed sum.

The Henry Bloom Noble Healthcare Trust has recognised the long and loyal commitment of five men who have dedicated almost 100 years of service to the charity.

More than 80 guests attended a special event commemorating the Trust’s 125th anniversary at Government House, including Health Minister David Anderson and Lieutenant Governor Adam Wood, who presented framed certificates acknowledging decades of devotion to the Trust and its work.

Trust Chairman Larry Keenan introduced each of the recipients, paying tribute to their valued service.

Certificates were handed to former Trustees Harley Corkill and Bob Dowty, who each served for more than 15 years, and current Trustee Lawrence Kearns, who has spent more than 20 years with the Trust. The family of Bill Kelly, who passed away earlier this year, were on hand to accept a certificate marking his more than 30 years as Trust secretary.

Former Trustee Thomas Osborne, who served for more than 15 years, was unable to attend, but had his certificate presented at his home.

Mr Keenan said: “It was an honour in our 125th anniversary year to be able to recognise the long and loyal service of these five men who dedicated so much time and energy to the Trust. We rely entirely on public donations to conduct the Trust’s work, but that work is only possible because of the commitment and skills of people like Harley, Bob, Bill, Tom and Lawrence.”

“The event at Government House was a wonderful celebration of our anniversary, and a chance to look back on 125 years of the Trust as well as looking to the future.

I’d like to thank His Excellency for kindly agreeing to allow us to use his home, and everyone who attended to help us celebrate.”

“We have marked 125 years and with the on-going commitment of people like those recognised at Government House and the continued support of the public, the Trust will continue to help enhance and improve healthcare provision in the Island.”

RLG is confident that the transfer of ownership will enable RL360° to achieve its strategic vision through a further acceleration of the growth that RL360° has experienced in recent years. The RL360° executive management team, led by Chief Executive David Kneeshaw, will remain unchanged. Following completion, the company will be re-branded “RL360°”.

RL360° will be 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.

RL360° was established in 2009 through the merger of Scottish Life International and Scottish Provident International. The Company offers a broad range of offshore investment, savings and tax planning products to investors based around the world. The Company has combined industry experience of over 35 years, and manages funds in excess of £2 billion.

There will be no job losses as part of the sale.

Phil Loney, Chief Executive of the Royal London Group, said: “RLG has been approached on several occasions with proposals for the purchase of RL360° and we had a duty to our members to explore any potential financial benefits from these transactions. None of these previous approaches were capable of being fulfilled.

However, the RLG board has concluded that the proposal put forward by the RL360° management team does make compelling financial and strategic sense for all parties.

“It allows the RLG to focus on the development of our core businesses in the UK and Ireland. For RL360° it gives access to additional long-term investment that will allow them to fulfil their ambitions in both the UK and international markets.

“A management-led buyout at this point in the development of RL360° reflects the strength of the mutual model and our ability to take a long-term approach in developing thriving businesses. The time is now right to realise a return on our investment for RLG and its members.”

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

Hot Desking Have a presence in the heart of the business centre at a fraction of the cost of a conventional leased office.

Hot Desking enables you to have a presence in the heart of a business centre at a fraction of the cost of a conventional leased office. This can either be on an ad-hoc, temporary or permanent basis. You can be ready to start immediately with no upfront capital expenses.

Why tie yourself up with a property lease stretching for many years ahead when your needs for office space can fluctuate as time goes by? Hot Desking provides you with the option to grow, downsize or relocate.

Whether you are an established business located out of town or a new start-up, Hot Desking is the new way of in maximising your presence at minimal expense.

Looking for a flexible office/training or consulting room in North Quay, Douglas?

Whether you require a place to work for a day, a week, or more frequently, we have a Hot Desking Solution for you: • Access to Hot Desk within a business office • Instant WiFi Internet access • Boardroom included in price - booked online • Fully-fitted kitchen • Shower room • Private rear yard area

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DOUGLAS

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THREE IS THE MAGIC NUMBER FOR CREECHURCH CAPITAL

in three Creechurch Capital THE BOUTIQUE DISCRETIONARY FUND MANAGER has grown its assets under management in excess of ÂŁ300million as it celebrates its third birthday.

BUSINESS

Despite our significant growth, we will safeguard our boutique principles and provide the exceptional level of service that has become the Creechurch hallmark

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aunched in 2010, the firm will be toasting the fact it has added more than £150million of private client assets in the past 12 months.

The award-winning business has achieved this growth internationally and on the Island, remaining dedicated to its Manx roots.

Meeting its targets with six months to spare, the firm is now over half way through its initial five-year-plan and has exceeded all expectations against an unparalleled challenging economic backdrop.

Creechurch is committed to developing its team and has made a number of key appointments in 2013 to support this growth and is actively recruiting for another five roles so it is perfectly placed for further expansion in 2014.

This year has already seen the firm crowned as winners of the Professional Adviser ‘Best in Class boutique DFM’ and shortlisted for a Citywealth ‘Investment Management Company of the Year’ award.

John Greenwood, CEO at Creechurch Capital said: “To have reached our £300m target ahead of this week’s third birthday is absolutely down to the unwavering work ethic and excellent client service from every member of the Creechurch team. We’ve grown our team of five to 17 and through investment in training and development; we’re committed to retaining this talent in the Isle of Man and improving the talent pool.

Isle of Man across the globe. Despite the fact it is now a business with a truly global footprint; the firm continues to make its mark on the Island, through initiatives, such as sponsoring equestrian star Yasmin Ingham, the airport lounge or its annual KHG Funds golf tournament.

That’s looking back at three years of business for Creechurch, but what about the investment management that lies at the heart of what the firm does. Creechurch’s Arthur Molloy looks at what a £1million investment might look like in a variety of asset classes if you’d have invested it three years ago…

THREE YEARS OF INVESTMENT Creechurch’s flagship discretionary management service delivers a highly responsive approach to asset management.

It is suited to investors who wish to take full advantage of the team’s experience and expertise.

The approach is agile, making it highlyefficient and effective. Creechurch has an outstanding risk-weighted performance record, regularly ranking as one of the best performing managers on the Isle of Man and beyond.

The team gains an understanding of each client’s situation and future aspirations.

This involves regular and on-going client contact, including face-to-face meetings or communication through the most convenient channel for the client. The commitment to active asset allocation means investment decisions are based upon experience and qualitative interpretation ensuring portfolios are never left to languish.

Arthur Molloy, head of private wealth at Creechurch Capital said: “We are constantly evaluating options for clients so they can see the best possible returns from their investment through our proactive asset allocation. In reality we recommend a long-term, diversified portfolio that seeks to deliver against the individual client’s position and future goals.

“To mark our third birthday, we’ve taken a look at some of the most popular asset classes in this period and looked at what a £1million investment would currently be worth if you’d have allocated it on day one of Creechurch.”

“Despite our significant growth, we will safeguard our boutique principles and provide the exceptional level of service that has become the Creechurch hallmark. None of this would have been possible without the initial support from the Isle of Man Government and private investment we received. I’m hugely grateful to those who recognised the potential in those early days.

“There’s certainly cause for celebration and have a number of internal events, as well as the launch of our new market-leading website.”

The majority of the growth has been achieved off-island, bringing business back to the Island and flying the flag for the

Source (Bloomberg and Nationwide)

Creechurch Capital Limited is licensed by the Isle of Man Financial Supervision Commission.

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BUSINESS

NICK QUAYLE PROMOTED TO DIRECTOR AT KPMG

EXAM SUCCESSES FOR MOORE STEPHENS ISLE OF MAN

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT APPOINTMENT FOR AFRICA

Clients, staff, family and friends of KPMG gathered for drinks at the British Embassy on 23rd October to celebrate Nick Quayle’s appointment to Director at the firm. The promotion is the latest step for Nick in a career that Managing Director David McGarry said reflected the Firm’s priority to recruit and develop “home grown” talent.

Moore Stephens Isle of Man, is pleased to announce that two key staff members have achieved exam success. Mike Buffini, director in Moore Stephens Financial Services Limited and Ben Akrigg, audit supervisor in Moore Stephens Chartered Accountants both passed exams gaining new qualifications.

The ongoing success of Standard Bank’s Isle of Man IFA distribution team has led to the appointment of Ben Watson as Business Development Manager, Africa. The Standard Bank IFA team manage the relationship between Standard Bank and independent financial advisers around the world, by providing products tailor made for the IFA market.

Nick, who was educated at Ramsey Grammar School, joined KPMG as a graduate in 1997. Since then, he has juggled secondments to the Isle of Man Financial Supervision Commission and KPMG Ireland with a steadily increasing portfolio of responsibilities, which saw him reach Manager in 2002, Senior Manager in 2006 and Associate Director in 2010.

Speaking at the drinks reception, Managing Director David McGarry commented: “Nick is a perfect example of the value to be found in cultivating home grown talent. He has been with the firm for 16 years and has contributed an enormous amount in that time, leading audit and advisory engagements with great success since his last promotion. We welcome him onto the Board as a Director, and stand here today to thank him for his service so far and the great things we will continue to expect from him in the future.”

Nick has experience across a number of sectors, but with a particular strength in banking. He commented on the challenges and opportunities of his new role: “The Island is likely to continue to face some significant external challenges over the next few years and my aim will be to continue helping clients meet and overcome those challenges. On a more personal basis, I’m obviously very eager to continue broadening my local network here on the Island, which has been such a good home to me.”

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“The whole firm joins me in congratulating Mike and Ben,” said Clive Dixon, senior partner in Moore Stephens Isle of Man. “For both, passing their respective exams is a great achievement – we are proud of them.”

Mike studied for the Private Client Investment Advice and Management qualification which has been designed to enable existing Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) authorised practitioners to demonstrate their broad understanding of the principles of private client investment advice, within the context of the current regulatory environment. He is now a Chartered Wealth Manager.

“You’re never too old to learn - I’ve been a qualified investment adviser for over 20 years and this was the next step in my professional development,” said Mike. “I joined Moore Stephens in 2010 and am very grateful for their support.”

Ben studied for three years for the Associated Chartered Accountants (“ACA”) qualification. The ACA qualification is one of the most advanced learning and professional development programmes available and took 15 exams in total to gain his qualification.

Ben will be reporting to John Hall, Head of IFA distribution: ‘Ben’s appointment comes at an interesting time for us as we continue expanding our network of independent financial advisers in Africa. Ben brings with him a wealth of experience in dealing with African IFAs and we feel sure he will continue the team’s work in this exciting and economically dynamic continent.’

Ben will be based in the Isle of Man office. He joins Standard Bank from Royal Skandia where he was Sales Consultant Middle East & Africa. Ben is looking forward to joining the IFA distribution team: ‘Africa is an incredibly exciting continent at the moment with huge economic growth and rising personal wealth. I am looking forward to concentrating on this area of the world and continuing the success of the team at Standard Bank.’

Ben is married and has lived in the Isle of Man for 14 years. He enjoys travelling and is a keen golfer, but is kept busy at home with his two young children.

“I joined the firm in 2009 and started taking my ACA exams in October 2010 – after 3 years of hard work it’s a great feeling to be able to call myself a Chartered Accountant, and the firm has been instrumental in helping me achieve this,” said Ben.

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

BUSINESS

IMGOLD APPOINTS HEAD OF OPERATIONS

FOUR MANAGEMENT APPOINTMENTS FOR KPMG

IMGold, the Douglas-based gold bullion depository and trading company, has appointed Sara Findlay as Head of Operations. Responsibilities in her new role include vault management, office security, customer services, key partnership relationships, and operational finance.

KPMG Isle of Man has added to a raft of new appointments with the promotion of four team members to management positions. Chris Shimmin, Sarah Brunswick, Clare Kelly and Sarah Wilton, each long standing members of the KPMG Isle of Man team, are the most recent beneficiaries of a series of expansions as part of the audit, tax and advisory firm’s renowned learning and development programmes.

Sara grew up in the Isle of Man and has spent the majority of her career in the offshore financial services industry.

This includes 10 years working for the fund administration business of one of the world’s largest banks in supervisory and management roles. Sara also has extensive experience dealing with corporate and high net worth clients and has worked in the UK and Europe in business development roles.

Commenting on her appointment, Sara said: “The fact that IMGold is the first business of its type in the Isle of Man was a major factor in my decision to join the company. It’s exciting to be part of a brand new venture, and to play a key role in developing a unique business concept here on the Island.”

Ed Pearce, IMGold Managing Director, said: “With a small but dedicated team at IMGold the role of Head of Operations is a critical one in our business model.

We’re delighted to have recruited someone with Sara’s experience and skillset and she will make a significant contribution to the growth of the business.”

A graduate of Leeds University and member of the Association of Chartered Accountants (ACA) via the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, Chris Shimmin began his career in accountancy with another Island based ‘Big Four’ firm before joining KPMG as an Audit Senior in 2010. His new role will see Chris increase his involvement in KPMG’s internal finance function as well as assume additional responsibility for the team portfolio of clients. As well as exploring opportunities for diversification, Chris fosters a keen interest in the Island’s growing eGaming industry, an avenue he hopes to pursue as part of the firm’s continual development programme.

Sarah Brunswick first joined KPMG as part of its world renowned graduate intake programme where she gained her ACA qualification having graduated from Durham University with a Master’s Degree in theoretical physics. Sarah’s new role as Manager will see her build upon significant experience in client liaison gained through a variety of secondments to manage a varied portfolio. Sarah will also assume additional responsibility for team members and enjoy more direct interaction with KPMG’s management and partner function.

which she also gained her Chartered Tax Advisor qualification in 2013. A graduate of the IOM Business School with a First Class Honours degree in Business Studies, Clare’s new role as Manager will provide her with the opportunity to become more involved in strategy implementation and work with junior members of the department to develop their careers.

Sarah Wilton joined KPMG Isle of Man in 2010 as an Audit Senior on a two year secondment from Port Elizabeth, South Africa. A graduate of Accounting, Auditing, Taxation and Management Accounting from Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Sarah completed her chartered accountancy qualifications with the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants and Independent Regulatory Board for Auditors. Her new role as Audit Manager will see Sarah assume additional responsibility for the management grouping of client relationships and the performance management of junior staff.

David McGarry, Managing Director of KPMG Isle of Man, commented: “I am delighted that the continued growth and development of our business in the Isle of Man has enabled these promotions.

The calibre and professionalism of the individuals who have been promoted reflects the very high quality of our training and development programmes in the Isle of Man, which are closely integrated with our international firm. I am sure that each of the new members of our management group will make an important contribution to the future quality of the work that we carry out on behalf of our clients, both here and internationally.”

Clare Kelly joined KPMG as an audit assistant in 2004 and completed her ACA qualifications whilst working within the audit department. In 2008 Clare transferred to the tax department with

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APPETITE

WORDS | Hannah Goodby – H.G. Equestrian

ALL THINGS EQUESTRIAN This is my last article of 2013, but that means we are beginning the lead up to Christmas, and what better present could you have than owning your first horse?

But before you go anywhere you really must try and remain practical and unemotional when looking at prospective purchases.

T

o recap, over the last two months I’ve been covering some of the many issues you’ll want to consider when buying your first horse.

I’ve looked at the emotional and financial commitments, handling experience, rider ability, and the questions you should be asking the seller. So, in this the final part of three, I’ll finish by looking at what to watch out for when viewing a horse, the vet check and the final purchase.

GETTING YOUR HEAD IN THE GAME

It is so very easy to be led by your heart.

A great photo, brilliantly written advert, or simply the desire to believe that ‘this is the horse for me can lead you to ignore questions you might otherwise ask. You can’t help feeling excited, I know, I’ve been there! But before you go anywhere, you really must try and remain practical and unemotional when looking at prospective purchases. The perfect partnership is based on so much more than a pretty face.

VIEWING THE HORSE 1. It is always worth bringing an experienced person with you that is aware of your ability and requirements.

Make sure you know when they are available to come with you prior to arranging viewings.

2. When arranging a viewing, ensure you make it clear what you would like to see; for instance, the horse initially within the stable block, getting tacked-up, being ridden, lunged, jumped, or being brought in from the field.

3. On arrival, check the horse is happy;

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does it look over the stable door at you and appear relaxed. Make sure it isn’t sweaty from being worked for a period before your arrival! You’ll want to be in the stable with the horse to check its temperament/vices and assess any obvious lumps and bumps. Do not be worried to ask what things are; it is better to ask extra questions than too few.

4. Observe the horse being tacked up to see how well behaved it is and watch it being mounted - will it stand? Will you be able to mount it safely on your own?

Make sure there are no signs of it being head shy.

5. Remember, don’t get on the horse first – once the horse is tacked up, the seller or a representative should ride the horse while you watch. Allow them to show you the horse in walk, trot, canter and over a jump.

6. If you are happy it is safe to ride the horse thereafter, you can then put it through its paces. Do not be over ambitious; you should be safe and comfortable at all times.

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

APPETITE

Making the decision

Beginning the quest of owning your first horse – part 3

Horses for sale...

VET CHECK You’ve decided. This is the one!

When you have found the horse which you feel is right for you, you should arrange for a vet to carry out a pre-purchase examination. This can seem like a costly extra expense, but it could save you a lot of money in the future. An examination will reduce the chance of you buying a horse that is carrying an underlying health problem.

I recommend a five stage vet examination.

This should cover most things from taking blood tests, examining muscle flexion, to a dental inspection. The process takes approximately 2-3 hours and will likely cost around £250. A five stage examination may be a requirement for some insurers, especially if your horse will be insured for an amount in excess of £5,000.

Overall, the five stage vet check should help ensure that nothing has been hidden from you – for example, any sedation the horse was administered or any anti-inflammatory medication to

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

mask lameness. Additional tests, such as x-rays of the feet, may be recommended depending on how you will be using the horse.

FINALLY THE PURCHASE You are so nearly there, the horse is almost yours, but perhaps it’s worth including one last safety net – a trial period.

A trial period offers you the opportunity to make 100% sure the horse is right for you before money changes hands. There are some tricky aspects to navigate; such as who will be responsible for the horse if it is injured during the trail and who pays for insurance, but those aside it’s worth it in the long run.

When you come to sign on the dotted line, remember to do all those things you’d usually do with any other purchase:

passport and certificate together in a safe place, and in these days of computers, scan a copy that you can quickly access and reprint if necessary.

THE PERFECT PRESENT UNWRAPPED Now it’s time to enjoy and start building a relationship, a partnership, a true bond. I can think of nothing better for Christmas.

So until next time, I wish you a merry Christmas and a happy, prosperous New Year. Here’s looking forward to hoof prints in the snow on Christmas day.

See you in 2014.

• Obtain a receipt.

• Read and retain a copy of the terms and conditions of the sale; making sure you are happy with terms before signing.

• Keep all the related documentation,

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APPETITE

RIDING FOR THE DISABLED ASSOCIATION ISLE OF MAN

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ISLE OF MAN STYLE MAGAZINE

APPETITE

“There is something magical about the connection between our children and the horses and we love to see that grow each week.

The wonderful volunteers make their experience so positive each week, they are fantastic.�

Bethany Parry & Cathy Asbridge HELP MAKE A DIFFERENCE TO THE LIVES OF MANY CHILDREN...

R

iding for the Disabled Association (RDA) Isle of Man Group has been established for over thirty years. It is governed by the RDA National Office in the UK, however it is responsible for its own finances and management. The group is funded solely by its own fundraising efforts and the donations it receives.

RDA offers riding to children in the Island who have learning and physical disabilities.

As well as having fun, riding has many benefits for the children, including improving balance, muscle tone, strength and co-ordination. It also assists in building confidence and self-esteem, in learning how to follow instructions and how to care for and be considerate towards their ponies.

The children ride in the indoor arena at Pennybridge Stables and - when the weather allows - they hack out along the old railway line.

This year, we had our first group holiday for many years when we took three riders and their carers to Clwyd Special Riding Centre in North Wales.

Most years, our advanced riders travel across and successfully compete in the North West RDA Regional Qualifier; success at the Regionals means qualification for the RDA National Championships in Hartpury, Gloucestershire. This year all three riders gained qualification to the National Championships and were successful in their respective classes - which was a great achievement considering they have to ride unfamiliar ponies in unfamiliar venues!

We are looking for volunteers to join our friendly group on Tuesdays. Everybody has a skill we can use. If you have experience with horses - why not become a leader? If you enjoy working with children why not become a side walker to give assistance and confidence to our disabled riders?

The group also needs help with other areas such as fundraising, publicity and accounts.

A warm welcome and training will be provided to all new helpers.

There are riding sessions in the morning from 10:00am to 12:30pm, and in the afternoon from 1:40pm to 3:00pm. Why not come along, watch us in action and then you can decide if you would like to become involved?

Riding takes place at Pennybridge Stables, Kirk Michael and the ponies and facilities are hired on a daily basis. The Group operates 30 weeks of the year during the school terms and offers riding to over 80 Island children annually. The Group consists of Instructors, a Physiotherapist and a willing Team who all give their time voluntarily.

The Group funds on and off-island training for the instructors to ensure that the children can gain maximum benefit from their riding.

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

There are many benefits for you as a volunteer; you will learn new skills, make new friends, be part of a friendly team, keep fit and boost your CV if you are currently looking for a job. Most importantly, you will help make a difference to the lives of many children.

Charitable donations are always very much appreciated and will help contribute towards our considerable financial commitments; such as hire of ponies and the Riding School, electricity, special equipment, insurance, training, competition fees and travel.

If you would like to find out more about volunteering opportunities, please contact Priscilla Mayall on 843539.

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ACTIVE

A POLO LESSON WITH CAMERON HOUSTON THE WORLD’S OLDEST TEAM SPORT COMES TO THE ISLE OF MAN

Hannah: When did you start riding?

Cameron: I’ve been riding since I was 4 years old.

Hannah: How did you get into riding?

Cameron: My Dad and brother, Fraser, were National Hunt Jockeys. Fraser had his first ride when I was about 8. We were a very horsey family really. Mum was a National Hunt Groom – it was how Mum met Dad. Hannah: Were you involved with the Pony Club?

Cameron: Yes I was, it provides great opportunities for young riders to try a range of equestrian activities.

Hannah: What did you enjoy about riding when you were younger?

Cameron: Hunting was my bag. I still love to get a day’s hunting in when I can.

Hannah: Did you do any jumping?

Cameron: A little to a low level; I was into hunting and then obviously Polo came along.

We weren’t a family of great means so we put everything into Polo really – it’s my profession now so it all paid off.

THE EXACT ORIGIN OF POLO - THE WORLD’S OLDEST TEAM SPORT - IS UNKNOWN. IT IS BELIEVED THAT POLO WAS FIRST PLAYED BY NOMADIC WARRIORS OVER TWO THOUSAND YEARS AGO FOR THE PURPOSE OF TRAINING CAVALRY. The first recorded polo tournament was in 600 BC when the Turkomans beat the Persians in a public match. The object of the game is to move the polo ball downfield, hitting the ball through the goal posts for a score. Polo teams then change direction after each goal in order to compensate for field and wind conditions.

A team is made up of four polo players.

Polo is usually played outdoors and the field size is the largest in organised sport 300 x 160 yards.

Having ridden and taught most disciplines, I’m always interested in something new, so when I heard that a Polo Club was starting up on the Island, naturally I wanted to give it a go. So I galloped down to Ballavartyn Equestrian Centre for a lesson with resident coach, Cameron Houston.

I wasn’t sure what to expect; riding with reins in one hand whilst wielding a big stick and galloping towards a small ball isn’t a showjumper’s usual bag, but it sounded like fun! It was.

My lesson was at 8pm on a Wednesday evening. I started out by saying hello to our Polo ponies for the evening; Rosita and Whiskey. You couldn’t help but notice how quiet and placid they were, standing patiently whilst I had a skeet at their very different tack. At 14.3 hands in size, I almost felt tall for once, in comparison to Monty’s

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Star towering over me.

Cameron immediately put me at ease and showed me how to hold the reins correctly for a Polo novice. I held them in one hand as I learnt how to steer and control the pony. It’s very different from my normal riding position and the opposite to what I am now instinctively programmed to do.

Resisting the urge to just sit pretty and gently squeeze the horse, I realised that holding the reins high up Rosita’s neck while leaning forward was like hitting the accelerator! This was fun, and now I wanted to hold the stick. This was just another alien feeling for me. Cameron showed me how to hold the stick correctly and how to hit a few shots! At first I was worried that I would hit Rosita and knock the poor girl out, but once I relaxed and focussed, I managed to give the polo ball a good few whacks!

We then swopped ponies, and I hopped on-board Whiskey - the speedier of the two!

As soon as I sat on the little pocket rocket, a smile spread across my face, she clearly loves her job as much as me, and I was soon flying around the arena like I was 10 years old again! What a great experience, and well worth trying for yourself.

After all that I got to learn a little more about Cameron, his Polo exploits, how the Ballavartyn opportunity arose and some of his plans.

As soon as I sat on the little pocket rocket, a smile spread across my face, she clearly loves her job as much as me, and I was soon flying around the arena like I was 10 years old again!

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What a great experience, and well worth trying for yourself.

Hannah: How did you get into the Polo?

Hannah: Did you work whilst at university?

Cameron: Fraser was the first. He used to hack about 6 miles just to play, he’d borrow a stick and bandages when he got there, would play for an hour and then hack back!

He must have been around 12 years old at the time.

Cameron: I did. When I’d come home I’d work for Ranksboro Polo Club as a groom.

They had loads of horses, more than they could make use of, so they used to let me take Polo ponies for games at the weekend and practice. I’d be putting in 14 or 15 hour days but I really enjoyed it. It’s a really nice family Polo Club.

I was about 6 when I started, and my sister was involved too. We got started through the Pony Club; they had a really good system of bringing people in from other disciplines.

Hannah: When did you think about coaching?

Cameron: Kirsty (sister) had a lot of fun playing Polo along with Fraser, but it was probably me and my other brother Alec that were more competitive. We could have progressed to being professional players but we both went down an education route.

The guys I used to play with are probably a couple of handicaps higher than me now, so the professional player ship has probably sailed for me - but I have my degree.

For the lower handicap player like me, coaching is a great way to go and I really enjoy it too. One of my favourite things is just grabbing someone and throwing them on a horse, many from other disciplines probably feel you can’t do that but with the Polo ponies I can.

Hannah: Did you play Polo at university?

Cameron: Not so much in the first year, but then I got heavily involved in the second and third years. In my first year I remember the president considered the polo club as an extension of the wine society, so it wasn’t until the 2nd and 3rd years when things got more interesting.

We won: •

The Arena Championship at Onley Grounds

•

We soundly beat the Royal Agricultural College and Bristol; we were massive underdogs in those games

•

The Outdoor Championship at Offchurch Polo Club

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They also helped me get my coaching qualification through the HPA governing body. I’m a Club Instructor which acknowledges that I know how to coach someone within the HPA guidelines, and they keep me up-to-date with new teaching methods and best practice.

Hannah: What did you do when you finished university?

Cameron: A friend who worked at Leadenham Polo Club knew I was looking for some work and wondered if I fancied some tractor driving! I said yes, but then the club manager took up a new opportunity shortly after. So I took up the reins with coaching, then after a week, the owner – James, asked if I’d like to become the manager. That was Summer 2012.

Unfortunately though, the weather was awful, it was just raining all the time. I think for the first month I did a handful of lessons.

It was so frustrating because we had an amazing string of Polo ponies, about 20 of them. The outdoor field is just amazing, it’s cut out of a sloping hill and the size of six football pitches. 90 tonnes of earth were moved just to get it flat! It’s an amazing club, and of course there is me getting rained on!

Hannah: How did the Ballavartyn opportunity come about?

Cameron: Fraser introduced me to Ken and Saskia, and I came over when the centre was still under construction. Ken and Saskia were interested in the idea of a Polo club and from my perspective, with a project like setting up a new club, you really want the backing of those around you and for them to be comfortable investing.

It needs to be about much more than just a commercial venture. Sure there are the pressures of making money, but if that’s the only thing the club is about then it isn’t conducive to running a great family club. I want to build a club that is open to everyone and fun to boot.

I put together a plan for Ken and Saskia and we are gradually going about implementing it. The great thing is I have some brilliant friends with access to Polo ponies that need worked, so at the moment, although we don’t have any Ballavartyn owned ponies, the ones we do have all been hired whilst we get up and running and test the market.

Hannah: Are there any particular areas you are looking at?

Cameron: Well the corporate side is attractive for team building days etc. We are looking at the possibility of preparing a full day, so that would incorporate breakfast in the Arena restaurant, a theory lesson about the horses, some work on foot, then jumping on the ponies and riding. We’d then look to build in some work with the stick and ball before a break for lunch. After lunch, we’d do a bit more work with the ball, some tackling, learn some game tactics and hopefully then have a mini tournament at the end of the day.

Hannah: Any last words?

Cameron: Just try it, the sport sells itself.

Lessons are available all week. I promise that once you’ve given it a go, you’ll be back for more!

Hannah: Agreed!

POLO LESSONS: Available any weekday plus Monday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings.

Weekend lessons are subject to Ballavartyn’s schedule.

Sessions last for one hour and cost £45, or £35 for students and under 18’s.

To book, contact Cameron via email at cam01houston@gmail.com

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ACTIVE

VAGABONDS RU ON THE

VAGABONDS ARE KINDLY SPONSORED BY SURE

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Following on from a successful sponsorship relationship with the Vagabonds First XV, Sure is absolutely delighted to be supporting the Vagabonds Women’s Team.

Having spent some time with the girls – both on match days and socially at the clubhouse – I am blown away by their commitment to their club and their team, said: Sarah Jarvis, Marketing Manager at

Sure. When we presented the team with their new kit, the girls were thrilled.

The design is modern and funky, and the fit allows for some padding and body armour if they wear it.

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

ACTIVE

UFC LADIES XV E PITCH

They look really smart and the Vagas colours stand out on a grey winter’s day.

In a sport which is traditionally seen as the preserve of tough guys, the ladies are striking a blow for girl power on the pitch – they get out there and get stuck in, but still

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

retain their femininity. A lot of the team are balancing motherhood, work and their sport – and they do it brilliantly. Watching the photo shoot, at the Vagabonds Club house, it was great to see them going from their Sure kit into their Christmas party clothes.

I watched them change from scrum to scrummy..!

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VAGABONDS R AT CHR

ACTIVE

Gail Smalley Left Wing / Compliance

Apart from playing and training for Vagabonds, I work, have 2 children, coach tag rugby, and I’m also studying towards Chartered Accountancy.

Jo McCabe Centre Scrum Half & Vice Captain / Teacher

Rugby and work takes a lot of my time, I am also the Club Social Secretary, which means any other time I have is taken socialising or arranging it!

Victoria Cowin Second Row or Prop or whatever required / Compliance Officer

I enjoy cross stitching, reading and generally hanging out with friends and family.

Erica Stephenson ‘Floor Magnet’ Wing & Full Back / Make up artist & FT Mum

Rebecca Quayle Hooker / Customer Services

Looking after Rugby takes a lot my two year old of my spare time twin boys and up, but I always I’m also a Make manage to Up Artist. squeeze in some socialising.

Following the photoshoot we asked the Ladies what position they play, what they do for a day job and what they do in their spare time? Here’s what they said...

Gillian Crebbin Second Row / Trust Administrator

I love to travel.

I’ve only just returned back on Island following a year travelling Southeast Asia and Aus. I’m always looking for a new adventure!

Natalie Bush Tight Head Prop / Financial Planning Technician

My spare time is spent studying a lot towards Financial Planning. Work and Rugby also take up a lot of my time.

Alana McCaughan Captain & Second Row Flanker / Accountant

Walking my dog, lots of bits and pieces including horse riding and the gym.

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ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

RUFC LADIES XV RISTMAS

ACTIVE

Denise Gimbert Jackie Daly

Corrina Daly Marie Ellison Fiona Gavin Victoria Cartwright

Full Back / GP

I don’t have much time for anything other than Rugby and visiting Spending time the gym, so I with my friends make the most and family. This of my holidays, is my first year of I love travelling, Rugby so I put a lot of my time into especially when it involves research of the skiing and sport. snowboarding.

Forward / Compliance

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Wing & Waterboy / Work for the Treasury

I play basketball on Thursdays for the local league/ Fella’s. I love to swim and go to the gym. And make bacon butty’s for the coach.

Loose Head Prop / Manager at William Hill

I play and love Rugby, I seem to work most of the time and I also enjoy playing Darts.

Sorrelle Williams Inside Centre / Life Assurance

Having a three year old girl takes up a lot of my spare time, teaching her how to ride her bike and recently taught her how to tackle!

Second Row / Premier Relationship Bank Manager

Rugby takes a lot of my spare time up, we train twice a week and generally have a game every week. I also have 2 jobs!

Winger / Dohle

Along with playing Rugby, I also have a passion for hockey, I coach and umpire for all ages and train single system elite kids. I attend KUTA training too.

VAGABONDS ARE KINDLY SPONSORED BY SURE

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THE ALL-NEW BMW X5 An SUV that drove like a car might have seemed like a fancy idea back in the nineties, but the BMW X5 changed the rules.

Here was a car that had the tough (but stylish) looks of a proper 4x4, and as much off-road ability as all but the hardcore could require. And yet, it was comfortable, fast and handled well; chiefly because its underpinnings owed nothing to Victorian engineering.

I

n 2013, the landscape is totally different. All the major premium players offer luxury SUVs that put on-road comfort and handling at the top of the priority list, but also offer varying degrees of mud-plugging ability. But the X5 is back in its third iteration and takes on the challenge easily.

There’s no doubt that the new model follows the visual path set by the previous one; there are - however - detail changes that have enhanced what was already a good-looking machine. There are more scoops and air intakes at the front and even down the side - the X5 is the first X model to get the ‘air breathers’ on the front wings that improve air flow around the wheels for reduced drag.

As before, the X5 looks best on bigger wheels, The M Sport trim will therefore have the most kerb appeal; with 19-inch wheels as standard plus an M Sport bodykit it has more presence than the SE model as well as a few other welcome goodies.

BMW have made a subtle evolution of the interior into something of a specialist subject. The instruments are crystal-clear and understated, with a small display in the lower quarter to offer a range of information.

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The main display screen would put some laptops to shame, while the latest version of i-Drive is even easier than before.

And that’s before you factor in the feelgood factor that you get from the cabin.

There’s leather even on the entry-level SE model, so whichever version you plump for you can expect luxury, comfort and space. The quality of the materials remains first-rate, and with such refinement from the drivetrain, comfortable seats and an impressively-smooth ride, your brows will remain distinctly unfurrowed from behind the wheel.

From launch the xDrive 30d SE kicks off the range, and that six-cylinder diesel unit has been tweaked for even better results.

There’s an extra 13bhp and 15lb.ft of torque which is good news all round because better efficiency pays at the pumps too; fuel consumption is reduced by 7.4mpg and emissions are down 33g/km to 45.6mpg combined and 162g/km respectively.

From behind the wheel, you’ll simply notice that the engine and gearbox are a wonderful pairing. It’s easy to forget that the six-cylinder unit is actually a diesel, as it’s impressively quiet when cruising and yet supplies a pleasing thrum when you demand acceleration. There’s plenty of it too - 0-62mph is despatched in less than seven seconds and with the super-sick eight-speed

gearbox juggling ratios seamlessly, it’s easy to access the performance.

It still drives with the genuine BMW spirit too. The steering is keen and, when pressed, it corners with a level of assurance that should be beyond a car of this size and shape. But more importantly, the rest of the time the X5 is as comfortable as you could wish for. There are four different suspension options over and above the standard set up including M Sport for keener driving and even greater off-road ability, but the xDrive 30d SE doesn’t feel like a poor relation.

The New BMW X5 is a car that can do pretty much anything and go anywhere you’d consider taking it, and provides plenty of feel-good factor into the bargain.

TAKE A LOOK AT STEVE COLLEY’S TEST DRIVE REVIEW ON PAGE 122.

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

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BUCHANAN.

FACTS AT A GLANCE BMW XDrive30d SE Range from £42,590 BMW XDrive30d M Sport Rage from £52,595 (Test Drive) Engine: 3.0-litre diesel engine producing 258bhp and 560lb.ft of torque Transmission: Eight-speed automatic transmission driving all four wheels Performance: Top speed 142mph, 0-62mph in 6.9 seconds Economy: 45.6mpg combined Emissions: 162g/km of CO2

TO ARRANGE A TEST DRIVE VISIT BUCHANAN BMW. Isle of Man Business Park, Cooil Road, Braddan, Isle of Man, IM2 2QZ T: 01624 616161 www.buchananbmw.co.uk

WILL BE AVAILABLE TO TEST DRIVE FROM THE 18TH NOVEMBER AT BUCHANAN BMW PHOTOS | Peter Kwiecinski

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TEST DRIVE | Steve Colley

BUCHANAN.

www.stevecolley.co.uk

MODEL: BMW X5 XDRIVE 30D SE TEST DRIVE Who better to test drive the BMW X5 than three times British Solo Trials Champion, three times TDN World Champion and four times winner at the Scottish Six Day? It’s Mr Showtime, Steve Colley!

Read on and find out how Steve found the ALL NEW-BMW X5...

So Steve, where did you go on your test drive?

I set off and drove through Baldwin and up the mountain road to Creg Ny Baa. This gave me the chance to test out the sports mode and put my foot down on the accelerator. I then decided to go via the back roads down to Laxey and test out the corner ability and general reliability. I then toke the coast road to Ramsey and finally back over the mountain to the Big Apple, in sports mode again of course.

How was the drive?

The drive was varied. We tested the comfort

PHOTOS | Peter Kwiecinski

ride around town and along the promenade that made the suspension nice and soft and a very comfortable drive, even along our Manx roads! With a flick of a switch we were into Sports mode. Taking the back roads to the Creg it felt like a sports car.

My past experience of driving 4x4s is that they generally follow the road really badly, they follow the camber and tend to pull to one side, but this drives fantastic, like no other 4x4, which is noticeable immediately.

It has a good torque engine, feels safe and provides clean handling.

The design has changed from its previous models. How did it feel? was it spacious?

It’s huge inside, can easily fit seven people, spacious with typical BMW quality. All the seats are electronic, Sat Nav is top of the range, and the BMW efficiency dynamics can change anything you want.

It has all the latest gadgets you could ever wish to use, its like an office in there, all bells and whistles!

For a big vehicle it drives really well.

Almost like having two separate cars, the comfort setting with your family, then go for a blast over the mountain on your own

with the sports mode.

It’s an all rounder; providing comfort, power, plenty of torque and hit the sports mode button and you’re away.

You will need to take one for a test drive yourself to experience all the BMW X5 has to offer.

So, what about you Steve? what are you up to these days?

Well I don’t compete anymore, as many will know, I haven’t competed in any World Championships in the last six years. Now I tour around the UK doing stunt shows.

I’ve had 34 weekend shows away this year which takes a lot of planning!

Any particular plans for 2014?

I’m having a big push with the IoM Rally for 2014, being sponsored by (SGS), Specialised Glazing Services.

And outside of work / race life?

I’m going to try and chill for the rest of the year because it’s been such a crazy rush.

It will be nice to actually stop, spend time with my wife and try and eat some good food after all the rubbish. It’s difficult to eat well when you’re on the move all the time.

TO ARRANGE YOUR OWN TEST DRIVE CONTACT BUCHANAN BMW. T: 01624 616161 WWW.BUCHANANBMW.CO.UK

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ISLE OF MAN MOUNTAIN BIKER

NICK CORLETT

RIDER PROFILE

Nick Corlett and Joseph Haddock completed an energetic season of national mountain bike races with exceptional results in the End-2-End Challenge this year.

The competition was rigorous, but Nick finished a spirited 4th overall in the juniors, beating diligent professional riders, whilst Joseph took a superb win for the youth upto-16s halfway event.

The British Cycling XC Mountain Bike Series made for a great start to the year.

Racing for Conister Bank - Nick didn’t place outside of the top 10, finishing 9th overall.

Joseph unflinchingly tackled his strenuous second year as a youth rider, placing 14th.

The Northern UK championships are notoriously laborious. They were held in Richmond, Yorkshire, on 2013’s six-kilometer course: Both riders skillfully won outright in their respective classes.

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Not long after that success, the new Common Wealth Games course hosted its UK National race in Glasgow where Nick had a fantastic ride, finishing 4th overall, and Joseph placed 12th in his class.

Nick polished off the season ranking 9th

by British Cycling in the UK as Joseph was categorised 20th in the youth class.

This wasn’t an end to Joseph’s 2013 CV; he went on to represent the North West team at the UK Regional races, taking his team of eight riders to 2nd place.

Nick is always on the look out for sponsorship. If you would like to help this young Manx sportsman by providing funds to help his travel to and from competitions; as well as a specialised equipment needed, please get in contact with him directly.

T: 07624 359860 E: nickciom@hotmail.com W: www.nickcorlett.co.uk

The duo will continue racing in the sixround Manx Mountain Bike Club Winter Series, beginning their UK racing again in March 2014.

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PHONE HOME

LG Nexus 5 Capitalising on the hands-free experience the Nexus 5’s use of KitKat 4.4 truly makes that a possibility by allowing voice activation services from the home screen without even having to push a button – play music, send a text, or get directions without having to even lift a finger! To also help enhance your smartphone experience, KitKat 4.4 brings with it the ability to use “immersive mode” which hides everything but the screen your watching (movies, games, and TV) or text your reading (books etc.) Simply swipe at the edge of the screen to bring back your status bar and navigation buttons.

Furthermore, the Nexus 5 is helping to make life on the move a real possibility by allowing you to print photos, documents, and web pages from your phone or tablet. You can print to any printer connected to Google Cloud Print, HP ePrint printers, or to other printers that have apps in the Google Play Store.

BEST PRICES GUARANTEED BY MANX TELECOM’S PRICE MATCH PROMISE.

their smartphone, allowing them to truly manage their lives on the go, with minimum effort or distractions. Available for FREE on Pay Monthly at £45 per month. For more information go to www. manxtelecom.com/shop, call 624 624, or pop into the store in Strand Street.

KEY FEATURES:

• First phone with Android KitKat 4.4 • 5” full HD display • Wireless Charging • Gorilla Glass 3 • 17 hours of talk time (battery)

And for the super-popular out there, the new phone app automatically prioritises your contacts based on the people you talk to the most so you waste no time trawling through contacts – everything on the Nexus 5 is designed to make everything you do on it quicker and more convenient. As a result, the smartphone is 4G ready and has ultra fast Wi-Fi capabilities.

The 13 megapixel camera with image stabilisation, enhancing low light shots, also provides users with a solid camera option for the snap-happy amongst you and with 16GB of internal memory there’s plenty of room to store them all!

LG’s focus for this phone is all about speed, convenience, and immersion. With the Nexus 5 users can do more than ever with

FROM FREE AT £45 PER MOTH. FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO: WWW.MANXTELECOM.COM OR CALL 624 624, OR POP INTO THE STORE IN STRAND STREET.

Rugged Good Looks!

Finally, a smartphone you can use anywhere, even in the swimming pool! The Sony Xperia Z1 is not only a gorgeous looking phone, it’s completely waterproof!

To get your hands on the stunning yet rugged Sony Xperia Z1 in time for Christmas, just head to the Sure store in either Douglas, Ramsey or Port Erin where you can get it for £99 on the £46 per month Smart Ultimate plan.

The Z1’s incredible camera boasts a staggering 20.7 megapixels, making your photos sharper and brighter than the average phone and what’s truly amazing, is that you can take superb shots underwater.

Add to this the fact that the Xperia Z1 features a 2000mAh battery that lasts an age and comes complete with an intuitive stamina mode, that enables the handset to maximise functionality while minimising drain, and you’ve got a phone that real is ready for any occasion.

4G ready and with an ultra powerful 2.2 Ghz quad-core processor, the Z1 is perfect for streaming content faster than you’ve ever experienced. Once downloaded, those videos will look amazing on the 5-inch full HD Triluminos display.

As well as being waterproof, the Z1 is also dust resistant which means it will take a lot to put this phone out of action.

Available in black and white, the Z1 comes installed with £65 worth of entertainment content from the Sony Entertainment Network. This means that you can download five films straight away and can also enjoy a 60-day trial of Music Unlimited from a choice of millions of tracks!

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Jack Divers became the twelfth winner of Manx Stars in Their Eyes on Saturday as he thrilled a capacity audience in the Villa Marina’s Royal Hall with his stunning performance as Bobby Darrin singing Mack the Knife. Second was Ray Sloane, wearing a classic Elvis Presley red jumpsuit singing American Trilogy and it was joint third for Shez Mathieson who performed Don’t Cry for me Argentina as Madonna and Lyndsey Smart performing Skyfall as Adele.

Judging this year’s acts were singer and songwriter Anna Goldsmith, Former Radio 1 breakfast show co-host Dave Vitty and Dot Tilbury.

The judges had their work cut out as the singers upped their game

for 2013 as they were backed by a thirty four piece brass band, Manx Concert Brass.

The team had chosen to support Craig’s Heartstrong Foundation, to help with their campaign to provide a Defibrillator into every Primary School on the Island, and the Manx Youth Band as they continue to provide the Island’s children with musical tuition. Early indications are that this year’s event has raised £15,500. This will take the grand total raised by Manx Stars in Their Eyes to over £200,000 since the event began 2000.

PHOTOGRAPHER - MATT MOSUR- WWW.MATTMOSUR.COM BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

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PHOTOGRAPHER - PETER KWIECINSKI - WWW.DOLLSFACTORY.NET

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s a m t is r h C y r r e M K R A P e h t in L L I from all at GR r a B & t n a r u a t s e R

The GRILL in the PARK | Nobles Park Pavillion | Nobles Park | Douglas T: 01624 674433 | E: contact@thegrillinthepark.co.im | w: www.thegrillinthepark.co.im

PHOTOGRAPHER - PETER KWIECINSKI - WWW.DOLLSFACTORY.NET

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call 624 624 see in-store visit manxtelecom.com/christmas

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