September 2015 | the Rivals issue by Gallery Magazine

Isle of Man Premier Magazine | no 46 | September 2015 | the [RIVALS] issue

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

BY GA

DE IN THE ISLE S MA OF MA LEN N

Y ER LL

WHO WE ARE

CONTRIBUTORS

PUBLISHER

EDITORIAL

Steve Redford T: 07624 249249 steve@gallery.co.im ADVERTISING SALES

Bev Lawley T: 07624 415096 bev@gallery.co.im ACCOUNTS

accs@gallery.co.im T: 01624 619540 laura@gallery.co.im DESIGN STUDIO

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ILLUSTRATIONS

Russ Atkinson Jon Moore Adam Berry Gary Barker

PAPARAZZI

T: 01624 619540 paparazzi@gallery.co.im

DESIGN STUDIO

DISTRIBUTION

If you would like a professional photographer to cover your event or party, get in touch. Gallery’s paparazzi can attend your event, provide you with all images on CD for your use and also promote your event online and in print, all for a small £ charge. Tel : 249249 or email: paparazzi@gallery.co.im

Les Able Clare Bowie Hannah Goodby Michelle Tonnesen Linda Huxley Anne Berry Ben Brooker Jennifer Parkes Jessica Ledger Grant Runyon Suzy Holland Rebecca Lawrence Rachel Green Theo Leworthy Anne Moorhouse Leon Flemming

T: 01624 619540 www.gallery.co.im/distribution distro@gallery.co.im GALLERY MAGAZINE

Quay House, South Quay, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM1 5AR Tel: 01624 619540 www.gallery.co.im

Emma Cooke Steve Redford Russ Atikinson

PHOTOGRAPHY

Peter Kwiecinski Julian Simmonds Brian Mitchell Phil Kneen Simon Harris

Recycle.

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 they take up too much space, drop them down to the recycling bins. If you want to find out more about recycling - call: 01624 686540. Don’t forget you cn view all previous issues on our website.

from

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

EDITO

UPFRONT

#46 [RIVALS] Isle of Man Premier Magazine | no 46 | September 2015 | the [RIVALS] issue

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Isle of Man | Home & Interiors | September 2015

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

t amazes me how many people head away from the Isle of Man in the months of July & August. But this year I haven’t been anywhere, long evenings, beaches, barbies... this August we even got some sun. What’s not to like about time-out on the Island? OK, so maybe it’s not as busy and bustling as it was for yuppies in the 80’s, but it’s still in good shape. Family beach holidays in the sun are but a 10 minute car ride away, much to the envy of any urban landlocked town in the UK. But as summer 2015 comes to an end, that was then, and this is now. As I type the wind is howling, the rain is lashing and despite promises of a singular sunny day before the months out, I don’t have much hope. I’ve lined up winter coats. I walked to work in the lashing rain. Yes, it’s the time of year that the Isle of Man goes under cover. Waking up in the morning means staying under the covers in the coming months. But look at the bright side; you can wrap up in cosy winter coats and scarves and feel winter tech by wearing gloves that work with your phone screen. So fill up, wrap up, fill in that holiday request for next year, get it booked, pick up Gallery and get back under the covers. SR

ARE YOU IN?

FACEBOOK.COM/ GALLERYIOM PUBLISHED WITH GUSTO IN THE ISLE OF MAN BY

Gallery, Agenda, Places, and Paparazzi are trading styles of 221 Media. Registered in the Isle of Man no. 125981C.

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WILKINS JEWELLERY of the MONTH Wilkins the Jeweller of Strand Street, Douglas are proud to present their newest jewellery collection; Italian jewellery brand, Chimento.

Since 1964 the Chimento family has been associated with unique and exclusive creations using the finest 18ct yellow, white and rose golds. Showcasing a unique mix of creativity, craftsmanship and attention to detail, Chimentoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s creations have become synonymous with top quality 18ct gold designed jewellery and the brand is now enjoying worldwide recognition and success.

Exclusive to Wilkins on the Isle of Man Chimento compliments our stunning jewellery collections beautifully. The 18ct gold and diamond collections feature bangles, necklaces, earrings and rings that range from everyday luxury to statement evening glamour. All Chimento collections are a perfect blend of tradition and design, setting the new classic benchmarks of Italian jewelry with their elegant, refined and contemporary style. The Italians have been long known for their jewellery, crafting pieces that are timeless, elegant and beautifully hand finished and Chimento is a perfect example of this timeless style. The intricate designs and exquisitely finished pieces exude sophistication and elegance, allowing the wearer to feel truly beautiful.

www.wilkinsthejeweller.co.uk

CHIMENTO JEWELLERY

The tradition of quality and Italian design remains a top priority for the Chimento family and today the company is led by the second generation who are very actively involved in the company. This family ethos, coupled with their stunning designs is what attracted us to this collection. This stunning new range is exclusive to Wilkins on the Isle of Man and for more information or to view the collection in full please call in to our Strand Street store or email our team at enquiries@wilkinsthejeweller.co.uk.

76 Strand Street, Douglas Isle of Man IM1 2EW T: 01624 690450 E: enquiries@wilkinsthejeweller.co.uk www.wilkinsthejeweller.co.uk

/Wilkinsjewellers

UPFRONT

CONTENTS CULTURE UPFRONT

CULTURE

UPFRONT

WORDS | Suzy Holland IMAGES | Steve Babbs, Seen & Hird

FILM FESTIVAL FOUR:

IT’S BACK AND BIGGER THAN EVER

WORDS | Clare Bowie

HOLIDAYS

:The Rivals Day 1: You keep forgetting that you are no longer connected to the outside world and subcon-sciously check your phone on an hourly basis. A small sliver of panic shoots through your body, when you realise that no emails will be passing through that day; not even those annoying ones from Holland & Barrett (despite the fact you have gone through the “unsubscribe me” rigmaroll at least twice now).

Day 2: Your brain really takes a while to catch up cos your dependency is so strong. You still do things like try to check the weather, read your daily horoscope or do a quick Google. Your goldfish tendencies are not something the apple head hunters will be tracking you down for anytime soon.

So, it seems we can happily cope without our own TV, coffee machine, comfy sofa or bed (why does it always feel like a 20 stone sumo wrestler has pre-dented the middle of the bed for your arrival?) but we simply can’t cope without our internet connection. So what happens if you do de-cide to give it all up for a week or two, throw caution to the wind and Google to the wayside?

Day 3: Well look at that, your phone is only a mere time giver to you now. You still keep it close though, it still lives in your back pocket. You’re not ready to give up on your marsupial bond just yet. Day 4: Oops it ran out of charge and you didn’t even notice. You’ve never seen it fade to black be-fore and a little bit of guilt rushes through you as you hasten to revive your lifeline to the outside world.

To WiFi or NOT to WiFi?

Day 5: You enter a WiFi zone and the reunion is magnificent. Once again you can read your emails. Look how important you are! Your tax disc is due for renewal and your old boss from 4 years ago has updated his LinkedIn profile. Hallelujah for mobile technology, the internet and news of the B&Q outdoor garden furniture sale. Equilibrium is restored as you drink in the precious moments that you missed over the five day hiatus.

It starts well; you smugly hark back to those halcyon pre WiFi days. Ahh, the freedom to go about your daily business, no longer a prisoner to the beep of an email or a text message alert. Let the conversing begin, there will be so much communication, all through the power of actual speech, eye contact and everything. You are a true, honest to God communicator now.

Day 6: You start to forget what day it is and start leaving your phone by your sunken bed so you can go and drink more wine. You are freed from the shackles of technology. Gone is the responsi-bility of keeping it alive; no more scrambling for emergency resuscitation points (sockets) and wringing your hands as you realise that it’s down to its last 8%, no more worrying if it’ll make it through the night. The burden is oh so intense.

Day 8: Same as day 7, you never want to go home again and you hardly even notice the dip in the bed now that your alcohol tolerance has improved so much. Win-win situ! Day 10: Relax. Day 11: Rinse and repeat. Day 12: You start to wonder if you may have missed any important correspondence and go back to the WiFi location, just in case. Turns out Twitter is a bit cross with you and Facebook has turned very passive aggressive in your absence.

“You’ve missed 67 messages, 2 friend requests and 6 new tags” where have you been and why wasn’t I informed? Not even a photo post or a check in FFS!! (it seemed to say).

Day 13: You start to get a bit annoyed that you can’t Google things, important things like when the new series of Suits starts or how bad the weather is back home. You also have a vague memory of trying to connect via data roaming one night after a few too many and the thought of the bill is making you a little anxious.

And if that’s not enough, long-time supporter of the IOM Film Festival, Observer and BBC film critic Mark Kermode, who grew up on the Island, will be back to host the International Short Film Awards – including his own ‘Best of the Fest’ award - on Sunday as well as bringing his own wit and movie wisdom to the Broadway Cinema the night before in ‘Mark Kermode introduces …’.

Day 14: Ok, enough is enough! Your thumb feels redundant and you want to show off those pho-tos on FB while the tan is fresh. It’s time to get back to civilisation, tech neck and a Starbucks flat white.

SKINNY SCARF ASOS £12

GREEN HOODY £18 MID WASH DENIM SHIRT£25 BOTH @ ASOS

V-NECK TUNIC WAREHOUSE

This autumn’s ‘Festival in a Bottle’ gets underway on Friday September 25, with the return to the Isle of Man, after a five year break, of The Unthanks – the acclaimed Northumbrian modern folk group. Fronted by sisters Rachel and Becky Unthank, this ten piece festival line-up will be playing a special one-off concert at the Gaiety, as part of their tenth anniversary tour, which has also featured high profile appearances on the main stage at Cambridge Folk Festival and as part of the BBC’s Glastonbury coverage.

FASHION

TRAVEL

Fittingly, The Unthanks’ 10th anniversary coincides with JonnoPromotions’ 10th year as an Isle of Man event creator and music promoter. Tickets for The Unthanks’ show are on sale at £23 each from the Villa Marina and Gaiety box offices, www. villagaiety.com, hot-line (01624 600555) and from the Welcome Centre.

STOP PRESS:

Organiser Christy De Haven is looking forward to a very busy few days. “We’ve got guests coming from all over the world, the standard of films in the short film competition is extremely high and,” she says, “we’re also really excited to be holding our first ‘Pitch Fest’, an opportunity for filmmakers to pitch their idea to industry professionals, with the chance of winning finance for their project from Isle of Man Film. Although this is open to applicants from anywhere – and we’ve had a high number of entries – the winning project will be shot on the Island, making use of local crew.” The Isle of Man Film Festival, which began in 2012 as a local festival celebrating locally made short films, has made a mark both with film fans and filmmakers. Last

year’s guest director, BAFTA winner Amma Asante (‘Belle’) was fulsome in her praise for the Island and what it offers for filmmakers and this year Jim Gillespie (director of ‘Take Down’ as well as teen horror success ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’) will introduce his film and talk about his experience of working here. Keirron Tastagh of Adventurous Experiences, who ran a ‘Take Down’ boot camp for stars and crew alike ahead of production – and looked after health and safety on the film - will be sharing his own experiences on Saturday, when he takes a small group of VIP guests, film makers and students who are considering a career in the film industry on a special Coasteering session taking in the Island’s beautiful scenery and some of the film’s locations. ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

IOM FILM FESTIVAL, OBSERVER AND BBC FILM CRITIC MARK KERMODE, WHO GREW UP ON THE ISLAND, WILL BE BACK TO HOST THE INTERNATIONAL SHORT FILM AWARDS – INCLUDING HIS OWN ‘BEST OF THE FEST’ AWARD

ONCE AGAIN THE ISLE OF MAN FILM FESTIVAL HAS ORGANISED A PROGRAMME OF EVENTS TO SUIT EVERYONE – YOUNG OR OLD, HARDENED MOVIE GEEK OR CASUAL FILM-GOER – AND FOR FIVE DAYS IN SEPTEMBER THE IOMFF ORGANISERS REALLY HAVE TURNED THE ISLE OF MAN INTO THE ‘ISLE OF FILM’.

But back to the opening night. A cult classic family friendly film is to be shown at the Douglas Head amphitheatre as the moon rises above Douglas Bay. ‘Silent disco’ headsets mean you won’t miss a word so you can relive your childhood - and even bring your own kids – to this extra special event.

‘An Audience with artist Roger Deane’ has been confirmed as a pre-Festival event on Tuesday 8 September at Noa Bakehouse. Roger will talk about his art and how film has influenced his life and work. He will also touch on his work with Rick Wakeman and his high profile court case against the makers of ‘Avatar’, which heavily referenced his work in this blockbuster film.

SUEDETTE WOVEN PLIMSOLES NEW LOOK £24

Unthanks by Sarah Mason

This landmark event sets the scene nicely for GuitarFest, the Isle of Man’s celebration of all things guitar, which returns to the Villa Marina Arcade on October 2nd and 3rd.

www.jonnopromotions.com www.facebook.com/pages/ Jonnopromotionscom/6573100686 click “Events” @jonnopromotions

GuitarFest also welcomes the consistently acclaimed and inspirational British underground writer, songwriter and music maker, Chris T-T who will be performing at the Laxey Institute on October 1st. (Tickets £10 from www.eTickets.im/jp, Laxey Chemist and Laxey Post Office).

Nick’s deserved reputation as a great showman has been hard-earned by many years on the road, including with Squeeze in the late 90s. His playing style became a major influence on a younger generation of artists who have gone on to great prominence, including Jon Gomm, a regular IOM visitor.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION Hotline No: 01624 600555 Email: gigs@jonnopromotions.com Direct link for The Unthanks tickets: www.tinyurl.com/The-UnthanksDouglas Direct link for Workshop tickets: www.eventbrite.co.uk/d/local/ jonnopromotions/

ARTIST SITES

The Isle of Man Film Festival 2015 is supported by the Isle of Man Arts Council, Isle of Man Film, Pinewood Pictures Group, SMP Partners, Pokerstars, Future Shorts, Claremont Hotel, Chrystals Estate Agents, DAM Productions and 3FM.

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TRAVEL

WANDERLUST

Nick Harper

FULL DETAILS OF ALL ARTISTS AND EVENTS CAN BE FOUND AT, ARTISTS SITES, AND SPONSOR WEBSITES.

Simon’s guest support act is the Islandbased guitarist and fellow Scotsman, Malcolm Stitt, playing some of his unique instrumental compositions.

FULL PROGRAMME DETAILS AND HOW TO GET TICKETS CAN BE FOUND ON www isleofmanfilmfesti al com, ON www faceboo com I M AND YOU CAN FOLLOW I M on Twitter

Meanwhile, Culture Vannin are sponsoring an additional guitar workshop with the acclaimed folk player, Jenn Butterworth of the Rachel Hair Trio. All workshop details are at: www.jonnopromotions.com or on Chris T-T

JonnoPromotions’ Facebook page and participation costs between £5 and £10. GuitarFest is supported by Isle of Man Arts Council, Aston International Limited, Swagelok Limited, Creative Industries (Department of Economic Development), Culture Vannin, Steam Packet Company, eTickets.im, Peter Norris Music, Roja Marketing and MrsQ Virtual Assistant. Tickets for the main performances on the evenings of Friday October 2nd and Saturday October 3rd are £15 each and available from www. villagaiety.com and other outlets.

www.the-unthanks.com www.harperspace.com www.simonthacker.com www.christt.com www.justynacello.co.uk www.jennbutterworth.co.uk www.manxmusic.com/ performer_144376

SPONSOR WEBSITES www.iomarts.com www.aston.co.im www.swagelok.com www.facebook.com/groups/ isleofmancreative www.culturevannin.im www.steam-packet.com www.eTickets.im www.peternorrismusic.co.im

Simon Thacker

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

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HOME

Six of the Best Travel Rivals

BOMBER JACKET NEW LOOK £29

£36

If you love great roots and guitar music, then the coming weeks should definitely strike a chord with you, thanks to a mouthwatering menu of outstanding musical talent assembled by JonnoPromotions.

It all starts with a family-friendly movie under the milky way at the Douglas Head amphitheatre on Wednesday 9 September, continues with an exclusive showing of the yet-to-be-released Pinewood film ‘Take Down’ on Friday 11 September and goes out with a bang on Sunday 13 September with an all-day extravaganza of the short films nominated for awards in the Isle of Man Film Festival International Short Film competition followed in the evening by the awards ceremony itself.

Day 9: Ditto.

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FASHION

10th anniversary musical events will brighten your Island Autumn

Five days of film fun comes to the Island in September with the 4th annual Isle of Man Film Festival.

Day 7: You come across another WiFi location but you’ve left the phone at home. The umbilical cord has loosened and you are actually ok about it. Well, mostly ok.

Justyna Jablonska

JonnoPromotions’

MARK KERMODE PRESENTS THE IOMFF 2014 AWARD FOR BEST COMEDY TO SEBASTIAN SOLBERG FOR HIS SHORT FILM ‘MODERN MAN’

The Balladoole Estate, Balladoole, Castletown | £6,250,000

51 Victoria Street, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM1 2LD

01624 645555

WORDS Tamarin Marriott-Wilkinson SUEDE A-LINE SKIRT AUTOGRAPH £199

SUEDE STITCH DETAIL DRESS MISS SELFRIDGE £28

MEN Think understated and effortless this month in soft tan and camel hues. Style yourself comfortably with slouchy outerwear and jumpers in green and grey tones. Finish your look off with fitted jeans or chinos, still baring a little ankle in suede loafers while the summer holds out!

ROLL NECK JUMPER NEXT £14

As I write this, I’m surrounded by individuals wondering around the Mediterranean market on the promenade in Douglas wearing nothing but shorts, hot-hued Havaianas and smiles. The sun is beating down on the Island, beer gardens are bursting at the seams and restaurants are running low on summer specialities – The Isle of Man is blissfully Mediterranean-esque. Yet, with the mention of tropical beaches and azure waters, our minds are instantly transported to faraway lands, sultry palm-lined sands and uninterrupted coastlines. But is the predictably long winded flight really a necessity when it comes to experiencing such travel expectations?

WOMEN Slip into this slow paced season with understated cool in neutral palettes and the softest suede. Tone-on-tone layering create the ultimate relaxed outfit with dainty crocheted, zipped, and pussy bow details to compliment.

NAVY SUEDE AND LEATHER BIKER JACKET ASOS £130

SUEDETTE T-SHIRT NEW LOOK £17.99

CANVAS BACKPACK ASOS £18

NAVY LINEN SHIRT BURTON £25

JERSEY VERSUS THE BAHAMAS

MULTISQUARE SHIRT NEW LOOK

Countless beaches, a fusion of Anglo-Norman culture and some of the best seafood in the world make Jersey an ideal holiday destination. Here, seawaters sparkle with an azure blue transparency that wouldn’t go a miss in the Bahamas and perfect skies glimmer without a hint of high-rise graffiti. If it’s seclusion you’re after, then Plemont is your oyster. Nestled within Jurassic scenery, this sandy cove, tucked away on the North Coast, gives St. Barts a run for its money! From rock pools to sea caves, this picture-perfect bay is both wild and pure. Where to stay: With an array of top-notch hotels to choose from, you’re truly spoilt for choice. Stay at the luxurious Atlantic Hotel for beautiful sunset views, the Longueville Manor for country-style glamour or the Undercliff Guesthouse for character and charm. Visit www.theatlantichotel.com, www.longuevillmanor.com or www.undercliffjersey.com for rates and availability. Getting there: Citywing fly to Jersey with a short stop at Gloucester, www.citywing.com. Blue Islands from London City.

‘MINI GIANT’ WATCH MONDAINE @ ASOS £28

FLOPPY WIDE BRIM HAT WAREHOUSE £25

TEXTURED BUTTON NECK NEXT £24

SKINNY CHINOS BURTON £19

SUEDETTE ZIP FRONT SKIRT NEW LOOK £12.99

PUSSY BOW TOP

SUEDE ANKLE BOOTS ASOS £55

CROCHET LACE DRESS ASOS £40 SUEDE TRENCH COAT AUTOGRAPH £299

CREW NECK T-SHIRT NEXT £6

MINERAL CHINO SHORTS NEXT £15

NEW LOOK £17.99

To book, visit www.mrandmrssmith.com/luxury-hotels/emelisse-hotel Getting there: Fly to Kefalonia and catch a ferry to Ithaca.

Jersey, Channel Islands

£17.99

CORNWALL VERSUS THE IONIAN ISLANDS Kefalonia & Ithaca, Ionian Islands Home to a sea of lush green valleys and rugged countryside, Ithaca is a hiker’s paradise. From the many ruins to the stunning sea views and cobbled tracks, there’s plenty to explore, including the two famous crumbling villages of ‘Exogi’ and ‘Anogi’, which sit close to the northern twin capes and offer astounding views across the archipelago. Despite housing just two harbour villages, you’ll find a high concentration of tavernas – all are renowned for their local seafood dishes. Stay at the Mod Med Resort Village at the Emelisse Hotel – an establishment with notable sea views, a delightful country feel and sophisticated rooms. Decorated in nature-style neutrals, clad with chunky teak furniture and brandishing a slight nautical edge, the décor is perfectly in tune with the surrounding sea vista.

St. Barts, The Bahamas

With its pink-tinged sands, private bays and sweeping views – St Barts is the first choice for the champagne, caviar, jet-setting connoisseur! Named ‘one of the world’s 20 enduring Edens’ by Condé Nast Traveller Magazine it’s little wonder this idyllic corner of the globe is frequently acquainted by the rich and famous. Today it’s described as a sophisticated haven of relaxation, and one that has successfully preserved its many natural wonders, which include the island’s highest peak (930ft), a handful of picture-perfect valleys, an array of unspoilt beaches and a variety of moreish restaurants. Where to stay: With an abundance of hotels available, there’s something to suit all. Choose the lavish Cheval Blanc St-Barth Isle de France for its lush gardens and panoramic views, Eden Rock for its rural location or Le Nikki Beach for its mod con, jet set vibe. Visit www.stbarthisledefrance.chevalblanc.com, www. edenrockhotel.com or www.nikkibeach.com for more information on rates and availability. Getting there: Virgin Atlantic Fly direct from all major airports.

BALLADOOLE

Cornwall, England For many, coastal scenery is high on the agenda when holidays come calling. Cue Cornwall – a stunning county strewn with beautiful bays and charming coves – many of which rival those of the Greek archipelagos. Our top pick? The Edge, a flawless summer’s sanctuary perched on a cliff top location boasting a bird’s eye view of the enviable Whitsand Bay. Of course there’s more to Cornwall than this eco-friendly, cedar-clad creation, including an array of must-visit, seaside towns. The fishing village of Looe is brimming with cobbled streets, glorious gift shops and quaint cafes, whilst Polperro is home to a natural marvel in the shape of a swimming pool carved into the rocks. For more information or to book an idyllic few days at The Edge, visit www. uniquehomestays.com or call +44 (0) 1637 881183 Getting there: The Steam Packet to Liverpool, then drive. www.steampacket.com. Flybe also fly to Newquay.

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

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ACTIVE

Balladoole is one of the largest and most historic estates on the Island still in private ownership. Standing in a commanding position with parkland views from the front, back towards Castletown and from the upper floors at the rear directly south-west towards Port St Mary and the Calf of Man.

* Imposing Queen Anne Mansion House set in private parkland * Entrance porch, impressive Reception Hall, panelled Study * grandiose Drawing Room, elegant Dining Room * Morning Room, Kitchen, Laundry Room, upstairs Sitting Room * Master Bedroom, Dressing Room and Bathroom

60 60

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

The immediate parkland setting including a walled garden and the impressive Balladoole Granary has grounds extending to approximately 18 acres.

* 6 further Bedrooms, Bathroom, En-Suite and Dressing Room * Lift to first floor level, Integral garage * 2 Bedroom Staff Flat * Walled gardens

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ACTIVE

Father & Son - Paul Franklin & Steve Franklin

Male testosterone is all apparent when in the company of father and son Paul and Steve Franklin. While Paul at the age of 66 may describe himself as being “retired” there is little doubt he still enjoys the adrenalin surge of selling cars in a company created by his son who is very definitely in the driving seat of Franklin’s Cars.

Consummate salesman and businessman, Paul and wife Carol moved to the Isle of Man from London in 1973. Paul helped set up Whitestone Garage Ltd and was there for the next 25 years until he retired, something which lasted all of 18 months. “We came to the island as a bit of a trial but liked it so much we stayed and both our two children were born here,” says Paul, whose interest in motor bikes saw him become chief marshal for the Manx Two Day Trial and also a senior representative for the Isle of Man. While he and Steve, 32, are both directors of Port Erin-based Franklin’s Cars Ltd, it’s Steve who has the slightly higher stake in the company. “Everything you see here is all down to Steve,” says Paul of a business which has always prided itself on supplying rare and unusual, previously owned high performance cars. Paul admits that retirement wasn’t and isn’t for him and he now runs the cars and commercial vehicles side of the business while Steve, ever the ambitious entrepreneur, has moved over into selling bikes, push bikes that is, under the banner of Erin Bike Hut, a soaraway success story and which is based at the rear of Franklin’s Cars. Steve alone owns that side of the business with no involvement from Dad. Steve, however, is overall supremo but above all else it is a family business. There is a genuine rapport between father and son along with a healthy sense of humour, each one looking at any opportunity to poke fun at the other. Between them they would make something of a comedy duo. Steve was 23 when he set up his own online business working from home. “It was just me, dad gave me a loan, selling cars, trucks, and vans over the internet,” says Steve. Then came the time when the business had grown so much that Steve leased a 1,000 sq ft building at Balthane... “I just went ahead and did it without telling dad,” he didn’t speak to me for a week, laughs Steve while Paul, only minutes earlier, declared that any differences they had were minor and few and far between. “He said that, in fact he hit the roof when I told him about Balthane,” exclaimed Steve, while Paul looked on with a grin. Nor it seems was Paul much involved when Steve decided to go ahead with

ON THE AGENDA

DO BUSINESS IN STYLE

memorably trampling over English centre Mike Catt on the way to his first try. Though injury blighted his career, Lomu is still the RWC leading try scorer with 15 scores.

WORDS: Les Able

3. WILKINSON’S LAST MINUTE DROP GOAL BREAKS AUSSIE HEARTS 2003

Rugby World Cup

Steve, a keen mountain biker and road racer, goes on: “When I set up Erin Bike Hut I never told him about it until I had everything in place, his reaction was then similar to what I got when I told him about Balthane... Yes, of course, we have our moments. Dad is 100 per cent honest, perhaps too honest.

TOP 10

Since the inaugural RWC in New Zealand in 1987, the tournament has become the third largest sporting event worldwide, only behind the football World Cup and Olympics, with an anticipated TV audience of 4 billion for the 2015 tournament.

The 2015 Rugby World Cup (RWC), the third to be hosted in Britain, kicks o on 1 September.

RL360° looks back over the previous 7 RWC tournaments and picks out the 10 most memorable moments. 1. MANDELA UNITES A NATION, 1995 Nelson Mandela saw the 1995 RWC as a way of uniting his still raciallydivided people as South Afri-ca came to terms with it’s postapartheid future. Mandela wore the Springbok green jersey to the final – at that time a potent symbol of white South Africa – and danced with delight as South Africa edged out the All Blacks to win a tight final. It was a significant landmark for the “rainbow nation”, and was turned into a Hollywood film with Clint Eastwood’s movie “Invictus”.

2. JONAH LOMU SMASHES ENGLAND, 1995

Man-mountain Jonah Lomu became the game’s first global superstar with a – literally – unstoppable performance against England in the 1995 semi final. At 6ft 5in and 19 stone and described as “a freak” by England captain Will Carling, Lomu simply ran through the England defence,

Laughing, he declares: “You could say I’m a mushroom. Kept in the dark and fed lots of s**t.” When there is a rift between them then caught up in the middle of it is Carol who has to endeavour to deal with the egos of both men in her life without being seen to take sides.

England were locked at 17 all in the 2003 RWC final in Sydney against hosts Australia with just 20 seconds of extra time remaining. Scrum half Matt Dawson fired a pass to the ice cool Johnny Wil-kinson who calmly slotted over a winning drop goal, with his weaker right foot! Wilkinson, the all time RWC record points scorer, became an instant legend and England remain the only northern hemi-sphere team to have won the RWC.

4. FRENCH BRILLIANCE INSPIRES GREATEST COMEBACK 1999 Everything was going to script as tournament favourites the All Blacks built up a 24-10 lead against France at Twickenham in the 1999 RWC semi-final. In the greatest turnaround in RWC history, the French went on an inspired scoring spree with 3 tries and 33 unanswered points to blow the stunned All Blacks away. Les Bleus made another – though less dramatic – comeback against the All Blacks in the 2007 RWC quarterfinal.

pulled off a shock victory over the Welsh in their own back yard at the group stages of the 1991 tournament. As one Welsh observer drily commented: “Thank God we didn’t play the whole of Samoa”. The Samoans proved it was no fluke 8 years later when they defeated the Welsh again.

6. LYNAGH BREAK IRISH HEARTS WITH LAST MINUTE TRY 1991 No one gave Ireland a chance as they lined up in Dublin against tournament favourites Australia in the RWC quarter final. With 5 minutes to go in a tight match, Irish flanker Gordon Hamilton galloped over the line from 40 metres to put Ireland ahead, and the “green and golds” on the verge of elimina-tion. With virtually the last play of the game, the Australians spurned a penalty chance that would have levelled the match, instead opting to run the ball. The decision paid off when fly-half Michael Lynagh dived over for the match winning score.

7. KIRWIN SCORES GREATEST RWC TRY 1987 In the first match in the very first RWC, John Kirwin scored a stunning solo try for tournament hosts New Zealand against Italy. Receiving the ball in his own 22, right winger Kirwin evaded 7 tackles be-fore diving over the line at the end of a mesmerising 80 metre run. The try, which helped propel the All Blacks to the inaugural RWC victory, helped to establish the tournament around the world.

5. WESTERN SAMOA STUN WALES AT THE ARMS PARK 1991

8. ARGENTINA JOIN RUGBY’S TOP TABLE 2007

Wales, and the rest of the world of rugby, were stunned when huge underdogs Western Samoa

Rugby has often struggled to extend its appeal beyond its traditional heartlands of western Europe, Australasia and South Africa. So it was with some relief that 2007 saw the emergence of a new pow-erhouse in the game. Argentina’s elevation to the top tier of rugby playing nations was

SQUARED CIRCLE RIVALS

9. HASTINGS MISSES SITTER TO LET IN THE ‘AULD ENEMY 1991

ISLE OF MAN WRESTLING INTRODUCES

A tight semi final between rugby’s oldest of enemies was locked at 6-6 in Edinburgh in front of a parti-san Scottish crowd. With the match in the final quarter, Scotland won a penalty right in front of the posts. Experienced Scottish full back Gavin Hastings took the kick but inexplicably sent the ball wide of the posts. England’s Rob Andrew struck a late drop-goal to earn England a narrow 9-6 victory.

MARCUS OF THE ISLE OF MAN On Wednesday 16th September 2015 the Megaslam Wrestling company is coming to the Villa Marina to put on their first ever show on the Island A Manx professional wrestler, Marcus of Man, will be making his return to the Isle of Man to y the ag proudly and do his best to win the Megaslam Wrestling championship Megaslam Wrestling is all action, family entertainment spectacular. You can witness live what the rest of the world watches on TV as the superstars of Megaslam Wrestling slam down for one night only.

10. WARBURTON SEES RED AS BRAVE WALES BOW OUT TO FRANCE 2011

CULTURE Monthly Upload...........................................................................................22 Film Festival 2015.....................................................................................24 Litfest 2015..............................................................................................................26 Calendar Photo Competition..........................................28 Jonno Promotions - GuitarFest 2015..............30 Element...........................................................................................................................32 Culture Vulture..............................................................................................34 Culture News......................................................................................................35 FASHION & BEAUTY Fashion Trends..................................................................................38 Get The Look.......................................................................................40 Beauty Products Rivals.................................................................42 APPETITE Recipes............................................................................................................................44 Food Trends...........................................................................................................47

SO WHEN DID IT ALL BEGIN?

Wales were the surprise package of the 2011 tournament held in New Zealand, and appeared to have momentum with them when they lined up for their semi-final against a lack lustre France. 18 minutes into the game, with Wales leading 3-0, Irish referee Alain Rolland controversially awarded Warburton a straight red card for a spear tackle. The decision, viewed by many as extremely harsh, changed the balance of the game and a brave Wales lost by one point 9-8.

We caught up with Marcus of Man to find out how he got into wrestling, here’s what he said. WHY AND HOW DID YOU GET INTO WRESTLING?

There is something for everyone in the show, with the emphasis being total family entertainment, its a one of a kind

To get my fill of weekly wrestling I would often rely of friends to video record one of the WWF events so I could watch later. Despite having limited access my desire for wrestling burned strongly and I knew that I wanted to make an attempt to see if I could also become a wrestler, as far fetched as that idea was.

But where do you turn to if you want to become a wrestler on the Isle of Man? The island had a great history of the psuedosport from the 1950´s and 60´s when the tourist business was booming but those days were long behind us and the local

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I have always been interested in I got the opportunity to wrestle for event, all the lights and action of Big wrestling, or maybe more than the All Star company when they Time Wrestling. Stars on view include interested, obsessed would be the made a trip over to the Isle of Man some of the biggest names from home right way to describe it. To see two in the summer of 2005 and this was individuals settle their differences and abroad, including stars from the my first experience in front of a live inside of a squared circle (wrestling crowd. I entered a Battle Royal as SA, Australia, Mexico and the K. vernacular for the ring) in this the character “The ManxMan” a choreographed yet quite violent Manx patriot underdog. It was an manner was fascinating to me from a young amazing night and even though I didn´t win age. Growing up in the early nineties there I learned so much from having that chance was not so much wrestling on regular in the ring with established wrestlers. terrestrial television and the live touring WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? shows from England were not over so often.

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confirmed, when the Pumas defeated hosts France twice, Scotland and Ireland on the way to a third place finish.

“They can both have their moods, one more so than the other, but I’ll say no more than that,” is her diplomatic and enigmatic response.

UPFRONT Edito..............................................................................................................................................5 Wilkins Watch of The Month...................................................6 Holiday - The Rivals..................................................................10 What’s On...................................................................................................12 Me & My Pet............................................................................................14 Give...........................................................................................................................................16 News in Numbers..........................................................................19 MISC....................................................................................................................20

forms a central showpiece to the property.

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Relative Values Franklins Cars Ltd & Erin Bike Hut

he origins of the name Balladoole date back to the fourteenth century, when it was owned by a Galloway Chieftain named Lord Duncan MacDowell.

The present Balladoole House was built in the region of Queen Anne (1714) by Mr John Stevenson, the first recorded speaker of the House of Keys. Since then the property has been carefully restored by successive owners and a fine feature of this period house is the beautiful pitch pine woodwork panelling, skirting, architraves, coving and exquisite 4’ staircase which

Above left: Longueville Manor Above right: Cheval Blanc St Barts

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wrestlers were retired too. One wrestler who lived close by (Port Erin), the late Ted Betley, who told us tales of training the British Bulldogs and revealed himself as the original Doctor Death. He met with my family at Bradda Glen sometimes on Sunday afternoons. I had always had an interest in sports and competed in athletics and rugby at Castle Rushen High School and knew that this was important for a future in wrestling.

I moved to Sweden in mid-2006 for a girl, who would become my wife. We started a new life together in Stockholm and still live here today. Wrestling was never popular in Sweden and only periodically shown on television. A few small organisations had started putting on small underground shows on but there was nothing in Stockholm. After a few years a company, STHLM Wrestling, started gaining momentum and drawing a large number of fans to their shows. I contacted them and started training with their wrestlers a couple of times a week, learning their style of wrestling and getting to know the people within that ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

Appetite News...............................................................................................48 Wine Talk.....................................................................................................................51 Salt & Pepper......................................................................................................52

HOW DID YOU GET THE NAME MARCUS OF MAN? My debut for STHLM Wrestling came about in February 2014 on a show called Winter is Coming and I was christened with the name Marcus of Man. The people running the show thought that it would be beneficial to embrace my Manx background and to build a character around that. It was very successful and I have been wrestling on the shows ever since and now have an established wrestling persona. I have also had matches in Gothenburg and the town of Nyköping. SO WHAT’S IN STORE FOR WRESTLING FANS THIS SEPTEMBER? This September the Megaslam Wrestling company is coming to the Villa Marina to put on their first ever show on the Island! I managed to get in contact with the promotor and they were very interested in having a Manx wrestler on the show. To my surprise they wanted me to have a match against their champion; Bully Boy Carter. My expectations for this match are high and I know that everyone who comes along to watch will have a great time. The Megaslam company is quite new in England but they have some of the best up and coming talent mixed in with some true veterans like James Mason.

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

Isle of Man | Home & Interiors | September 2015

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

TRAVEL Blackpool With Citywing............................................................54 Travel Rivals...........................................................................................................56 Ibiza Rocks................................................................................................................58

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

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HARDWARE Motoring News............................................................................................104 Mercedes-Benz Isle of Man...........................................106 Gadgets......................................................................................................................108 Phone Home...................................................................................................110 PAPARAZZI Are you in?..........................................................................................112-118

company.

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ENTREPRENEURS - Manx Startisan Food Heroes with Shoprite BUSINESS NEWS - In the press FEATURES - Skanco Business Systems Ltd - David Butterworth, Department of Economic Development - John Spellman, Franklins Cars Ltd - Paul & Steve Franklin PLUS - Sure Mobile Fixed Line Services and Movers & Shakers

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iombank.com/online Search for the Isle of Man Bank app 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. Network charges may apply.

The ManxSPCA invites you to a September Soirée An early evening of elegance and entertainment in the gracious surroundings of Government House on Thursday, 17th September 2015, 6.30-8.00pm by kind permission of the Lieutenant Governor, Mr Adam Wood. The evening is sponsored by Ramsey Crookall

Tickets £15.00

Wine & Canapés

Raffle

Auction

RSVP Margaret Mansfield Ard Jerkyll, East Foxdale, IM4 3HL or margaret@manxspca.com

UPFRONT

WORDS | Clare Bowie

HOLIDAYS

s l a v i R e :Th

RIVAL HOLIDAY IDEAS USED TO BOIL DOWN TO THINGS LIKE; BEACH OR POOL, RELAXING OR ADVENTURE, HOME OR ABROAD. IT MAY HAVE BEEN ACCEPTABLE IN THE 80’S AND 90’S BUT A “NO WIFI” LOCATION IS FAST BECOMING THE NEW HOLIDAY DEAL BREAKER. PARENTS WILL HAVE TO WARN THEIR CHILDREN IN ADVANCE WHEN THEY ENTER THESE TOXIC ZONES, “KIDS, THIS IS A NO WIFI, CODE RED SITUATION. I REPEAT, NO WIFI. BRACE FOR IMPACT”. So, it seems we can happily cope without our own TV, coffee machine, comfy sofa or bed (why does it always feel like a 20 stone sumo wrestler has pre-dented the middle of the bed for your arrival?) but we simply can’t cope without our internet connection. So what happens if you do decide to give it all up for a week or two, throw caution to the wind and Google to the wayside?

To WiFi or NOT to WiFi? It starts well; you smugly hark back to those halcyon pre WiFi days. Ahh, the freedom to go about your daily business, no longer a prisoner to the beep of an email or a text message alert. Let the conversing begin, there will be so much communication, all through the power of actual speech, eye contact and everything. You are a true, honest to God communicator now.

Day 1: You keep forgetting that you are no longer connected to the outside world and subconsciously check your phone on an hourly basis. A small sliver of panic shoots through your body, when you realise that no emails will be passing through that day; not even those annoying ones from Holland & Barrett (despite the fact you have gone through the “unsubscribe me” rigmaroll at least twice now). Day 2: Your brain really takes a while to catch up cos your dependency is so strong. You still do things like try to check the weather, read your daily horoscope or do a quick Google. Your goldfish tendencies are not something the apple head hunters will be tracking you down for anytime soon. Day 3: Well look at that, your phone is only a mere time giver to you now. You still keep it close though, it still lives in your back pocket. You’re not ready to give up on your marsupial bond just yet. Day 4: Oops it ran out of charge and you didn’t even notice. You’ve never seen it fade to black be-fore and a little bit of guilt rushes through you as you hasten to revive your lifeline to the outside world. Day 5: You enter a WiFi zone and the reunion is magnificent. Once again you can read your emails. Look how important you are! Your tax disc is due for renewal and your old boss from 4 years ago has updated his LinkedIn profile. Hallelujah for mobile technology, the internet and news of the B&Q outdoor garden furniture sale. Equilibrium is restored as you drink in the precious moments that you missed over the five day hiatus. Day 6: You start to forget what day it is and start leaving your phone by your sunken bed so you can go and drink more wine. You are freed from the shackles of technology. Gone is the responsibility of keeping it alive; no more scrambling for emergency resuscitation points (sockets) and wringing your hands as you realise that it’s down to its last 8%, no more worrying if it’ll make it through the night. The burden is oh so intense.

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

Day 7: You come across another WiFi location but you’ve left the phone at home. The umbilical cord has loosened and you are actually ok about it. Well, mostly ok. Day 8: Same as day 7, you never want to go home again and you hardly even notice the dip in the bed now that your alcohol tolerance has improved so much. Win-win situ! Day 9: Ditto. Day 10: Relax. Day 11: Rinse and repeat. Day 12: You start to wonder if you may have missed any important correspondence and go back to the WiFi location, just in case. Turns out Twitter is a bit cross with you and Facebook has turned very passive aggressive in your absence.

“You’ve missed 67 messages, 2 friend requests and 6 new tags” where have you been and why wasn’t I informed? Not even a photo post or a check in FFS!! (It seemed to say). Day 13: You start to get a bit annoyed that you can’t Google things, important things like when the new series of Suits starts or how bad the weather is back home. You also have a vague memory of trying to connect via data roaming one night after a few too many and the thought of the bill is making you a little anxious. Day 14: Ok, enough is enough! Your thumb feels redundant and you want to show off those photos on FB while the tan is fresh. It’s time to get back to civilisation, tech neck and a Starbucks flat white.

UPFRONT

WHAT’S ON

LOCAL WHAT’S ON Now – 06.09.2015

ULSTER’S TT HEROES

//HOUSE OF MANANNAN, PEEL// An exhibition celebrating the achievements of riders who grew up in the Northern Irish road racing scene, many of whom went on to obtain podium positions in the TT. Admission free. www.manxnationalheritage.im

Now – 06.09.2015

MANX INTERNATIONAL CLASSIC TRIAL

//ISLAND-WIDE// Attracts the cream of pre-1965 twin-shock trials competitors. The routes take in some of the Island's most spectacular scenery. There are premier sections for the experts and clubman sections for those wanting an enjoyable weekends sport. Various venues around the Island. www.manxtrialsclub.com

07-11.09.2015 CROWN GREEN BOWLING FESTIVAL

//NOBLE’S PARK, DOUGLAS// A packed week of top Crown Green Bowls taking place in Douglas and Onchan with the finals on the Friday at the Noble's Park greens. Over £16,000 to be won. www.visitisleofman.com

09-13.09.2015 ISLE OF MAN FILM FESTIVAL

//VARIOUS LOCATIONS// The 4th annual Isle of Man Film Festival includes an outdoor screening of ‘ET’ at the Douglas Head amphitheatre, an exclusive of new Pinewood film ‘Take Down’, which was filmed here last year, Future Shorts presentations around the Island, the International Short Film Awards (presented by IOMFF supporter and Observer film critic Mark Kermode) and lots more. www.isleofmanfilmfestival.com

13.09.2015 END2END MOUNTAIN BIKE CHALLENGE

//ISLAND WIDE// A mountain bike challenge from one end of the Island to the other, taking in a variety of terrains and requiring different skills to complete the event. 75km in total, riders require a certain level of fitness to complete the event and a high level of skill to compete for honours. The race is now one of

SEPTEMBER the biggest in the mountain bike calendar and attracts over 800 competitors to the Isle of Man. www.manxe2e.org

16.09.2015 MEGASLAM WRESTLING

//VILLA MARINA, DOUGLAS// Megaslam Wrestling - Live and Loaded 2015. Local man Marcus of Man is back from his new home in Sweden to take on Bully Boy Carter alongside bouts featuring wrestlers from across the World. www.villagaiety.com

19-20.09.2015 ISLE OF MAN FOOD AND DRINK FESTIVAL //VILLA MARINA GARDENS, DOUGLAS// Isle of Man Food and Drink Festival with a variety of local food and drink producers, competitions and special events. www.visitisleofman.com

20.09.2015

END2END WALK

//ISLAND WIDE// An endurance walking race through stunning countryside starting at the Point of Ayre at 8am and finishing at The Sound. www.iomvac.co.uk

22-27.09.2015 MANX LITERARY FESTIVAL (LITFEST)

//VARIOUS SITES// The fourth Manx Litfest once again brings together readers, best selling authors, renowned poets and brilliant illustrators from around the British Isles. It’s going to be a colourful celebration of the written word – six days of readings, Q&A panels, talks, library events, schools’ involvement, workshops and performance pieces. www.manxlitfest.com

26-27.09.2015

ISLE OF MAN CYCLING CHALLENGE

//GRANDSTAND, DOUGLAS// Cyclists start and finish in the pit lane at the iconic TT Grandstand, and register in the TT press office - a thrill for any TT fans! There are course marshals, two refreshment stops en route and support vehicles circulating around the course. Cyclists can

either ride solo or can enter as a relay team (one lap each). There is also a post-ride party in Douglas in the evening to which everyone (including friends and family) is welcome. www.isleofmancc.com

27.09.2015 CYCLE FOR LIFE

//PROMENADE, DOUGLAS// Charity cycle event for family and corporate teams. For entry forms please contact Kim Makin, telephone 683334. www.manxshoprite.com/community/cyclefor-life.html

19.09.2015 – 10.01.2016 DUSTY SEES IT THROUGH

//HOUSE OF MANNANAN, PEEL// To mark the 70th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, Manx National Heritage will present a number of Dusty’s wartime cartoons, in a new temporary exhibition. These cartoons offer a unique perspective on the Second World War, as it was seen from the Isle of Man. Dusty was sometimes scathing in his portrayal of incompetent local authorities, but his pen ranged far and wide – Hitler and Mussolini were also frequent targets of his wit. Each cartoon will be shown alongside a commentary, explaining the background events from which Dusty drew his inspiration. www.manxnationalheritage.im

07.11.2015 NARROPERA – THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO

//PEEL CENTENARY CENTRE// Narropera – narrated opera - was enthusiastically welcomed to the Isle of Man in May, this year, more than fulfilling its promise to entertain and enchant with its radical approach to Mozart's evergreen opera, The Marriage of Figaro. Narropera makes opera accessible, comprehensible and entertaining. The secret lies in a great story powerfully told, part in word, part in song. The Mozart Narropera Festival trio, led by international German soprano, Dorothee Jansen, consists also of violin and piano. The pianist doubles as narrator. Chambermusic focus vividly condenses the opera's essence to an overall length of 85 minutes. No interval. www.centenarycentre.com Culture Vulture See p34 ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

UPFRONT

WORDS Grey Goose Girl

‘TODAY IS YOUR DAY! YOUR MOUNTAIN IS WAITING, SO GET ON YOUR WAY.’ DR SEUSS We’ve all been on that holiday with a group of mates when some bright spark decides that it would be a fantastic idea to go skinny dipping. Usually fuelled by a litre of San Miguel and a few hundred shots of a fluorescent orange spirit that shall remain nameless.

but they have at times held me back from throwing caution (or knickers) to the wind. The boys of course were very gung ho about getting their kit off, quite happy to have their bits and pieces jiggling around on the now not so warm evening, but as I watched them, a feeling of panic really did fill me. As they abandoned their clothes, I couldn’t help but stare. No, not at their white bits but more with intrigue at the carefree way in which they could get naked in front of virtual strangers. The girls all decided to follow suit and I quickly realised I was the only one still fully clothed.

As a grown up, I’ve listened to so many excruciating stories of stolen clothes and never being able to look friends in the eye again afterwards. I’ve realised that there are some ‘rules’ around skinny dipping. If I was ever to tick this one off, there are things that need to be considered. The list goes a little like this.

It had been a fairly tame holiday up until that point, even though we were four young girls on our first escapade requiring Where on our little Isle is okay to get a passport. We’d made the fundamental naked? Peel on a sunny Saturday afternoon school girl error of booking a family resort may not do anything to increase the slan that was more bingo round the pool than visitor numbers. Think out of the box, tequila slamming off belly buttons. If fun somewhere more secluded is a much better was to be had, we really did have to create option. our own. So when our ‘neighbours’ appeared on their balcony, we made the appropriate Every horrendous possibility flashed through sounds of admiration and said we hoped my mind, much more quickly than the shots What’s the best way to extricate yourself to see them later on (preferably wearing I had knocked back earlier but leaving the from your Summer best, without falling flat less clothes). We stalked said lads by the same sickening taste in my mouth. As I on your face? As you know I have had a little pool and when we they disappeared to play watched the girls trying to elegantly extract Burlesque success, but I still think sitting some sort of boy sport we decided they may themselves from skimpy knickers, I firmly down quietly removing outer clothes and just be the fun we were looking for. Upon decided I was not about get seaweed in the quickly removing your underwear as close their return, I embarrassed myself just a tad very place it should never be. No-one was to the shore is the best policy. Then just leg by asking how their game of football had going to see my full moon, no that night it! Or submerge first and then remove said gone. They couldn’t undies with rather loud have been more Welsh ‘ta da.’ (Obviously don’t ‘As a grown up, I’ve listened to so many excruciating expect to put them on if they had tried and made it very clear real stories of stolen clothes and never being able to look again at the end!!). men played rugby. friends in the eye again afterwards. I’ve realised that With friends or without? Welsh boys 1: Girls: 0. A solitary naked splash there are some ‘rules’ around skinny dipping.’ The evenings were around means that pretty much what most the embarrassment teenage holidays in the 90s were about, anyway. Hold that thought. of entering and exiting the water in front tiny dresses, wedges tall enough to make Not sure if it’s a craze of the noughties, but of those who know you well is removed, walking almost impossible and enough lip find me a person who doesn’t have a bucket however is there safety in numbers? What gloss that made kissing anyone something list. It might be written down in a tatty happens if you are alone and someone kind of a sport in its very own category. Throw old journal stuffed at the back of a drawer, 10 year old comes and nabs your clothes? in boys, some dodgy tasting alcohol and or just stashed somewhere in the darkest At least in a group of all of your clothes get the occasional pole to dance around, we recesses of your mind, only to have a light knicked there’s a chance it won’t be you who thought we had hit gold. shone on it when sleep is elusive at 3am. has to go for help. After accidentally on purpose bumping into the Welsh neighbours that night, spending an hour pretending to be coy, we finally managed to make some sort of’ adult conversation’. Which really consisted of us all making eyes at one another in a bid to work out who really was going to snog when the music stopped. It had all seemed so simple until someone decided that a swim in the Mediterranean on the way home would be the perfect end to the evening. If my memory serves me correctly it was actually one of the girls, which at the time horrifi ed me even more. Not that I’m a prude but I’ve never been able to get so wrecked by alcohol that I; A) Don’t really care what I do or B) Forget my actions the next morning, so as not to be embarrassed by them. I’ve always been rather proud of myself for these two things

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

It’s only as I’ve become more ‘mature’ that I started to analyse mine, is it full of things I think I should do because they are things most people would like to in their lifetime? Or are they things I really want to do for me, to make me happy, to fulfil my deepest desires? Watching the sun rise on the Serengeti always features pretty near to the top for me as does spending a year in Japan. Most of them I suppose are easily achievable if I found my dot.com millionaire and little forward planning. However lots of my bucket list are also totally childish and could be ticked off in the blink of an eye if I had the brass cheek to do them. In my heart I have never really got over the fact that I didn’t have the nerve to strip off and frolic in the Mediterranean that night.

A million more reasons not to even bother appeared in my mind the afternoon I finally got around to my first (and last) little bit of alfresco nakedness. But, it had come to a bit of a now or never moment. Yes, I found a quiet little spot. No, I didn’t take friends. Yes, I stripped on the beach and then ran like a woman possessed into the freezing cold water. It was exhilarating however the whole experience was overshadowed by the worry of being caught getting out of the water afterwards by a toddler group accompanied by yummy Mummies. I don’t regret it but I can’t imagine it ever becoming my secret hobby. Oh and if you see a seagull making a nest out of a rather expensive pair of red lacy knickers – you know where they came from!

UPFRONT

ME & MY PET

Human Questions Name: Leanne & Robert Urwin Age: Guess! Likes: Walking with Mollie, playing in the sea and eating ice cream

Dislikes: Washing up If an animal what would you be: A dog Where do you live on the Island? Ballasalla Where are you originally from? Douglas What do you do for a living? Mechanic Why did you choose a rescue pet? Love at first sight Do you have any more pets?

Would you have any more pets? No, Mollie is the missing piece in our jigsaw

The best & worst thing about having a pet is? The best is the companionship, the worst is having to walk in the rain!

Pet Questions Name: Mollie Breed: Patterdale Terrier cross Age: 4-5 Likes: Sleeping, walking, snuggles and ice cream Dislikes: Walking when itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s raining and having my teeth brushed If human what would you be? Explorer, so I could travel the world having my doggie passport stamped

Why do you love your human: Because mummy and daddy , love me and treat me like a princess

If you had one wish what would you wish for: To be able to talk human

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

UPFRONT

Give an animal a home gt

Tigger: A wonderful thing is a Tigger according to the song but our Tigger has lost his bounce and he needs someone to bring the fun back into his life. He’s not happy in Cattery and really needs to find a new home where he can relax and be loved again. He’s nine, a little shy until you get to know him but he’s just waiting for the right person to come along and help him get his bounce back Can you make our sad Tigger into a bouncing mini-tiger again? He’s goodlooking, enjoys his food and all he needs is lots of love and understanding so he can enjoy his life again.

Tigger

Sir Hopsalot – a great name for a great bunny. He’s a bit of an adventurer as he was found wandering in the north of the Island and this is not good for domesticated rabbits as they don’t survive for long in the wild. Sir Hopsalot is safe now but he’d like a home of his own. He loves people, enjoys his parsley and hay and he’s a bit of a cheeky chappie so, if you would like a rabbit in your life, Sir Hopsalot could be your knight without the shining armour, just glossy white fur! The staff in the Small Animal Unit love him, he’s handsome and will fit seamlessly into your life as an indoor or outdoor bunny – he’s adaptable and ready to start his new adventure.

Sir Hopsalot

The Manx SPCA invite you to a September Soirée on Thursday 17th September. See invite on page 9.

ManxSPCA • Ard Jerkyll, East Foxdale • Tel: 851672

www.manxspca.com

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Isle of Man Steam Packet Company supports Manx team in Three Peaks challenge The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company is supporting a local team which will attempt to climb three of the highest peaks in the British Isles in just 24 hours. The 12-strong team, all colleagues at Swagelok in Tromode, will head to the UK in September to take on the highest mountains in Scotland, England and Wales. The Steam Packet Company is supporting the effort by assisting with travel. On 12th September the team will bid to ascend Snowdon, Scafell

KPMG Prom Relay raises over £13,000 for Alzheimer’s Society The third annual KPMG Promenade Relay has raised more than £13,000 for the Alzheimer’s Society Isle of Man. More than 80 teams took part in the four-stage relay run along Douglas Promenade on the 26th June, which was set up and is run by the leading accountancy firm. The winning team was Kuta Fitness, comprising Neil Brogan, Campbell Guy, Ben Corkill, and Jon McGowan, who completed the 10 kilometre run in an impressive 33:15, winning £300 for a charity of their choice, £120 Up and Running vouchers, shirts donated by Up and Running, shirts and the Promenade Relay winners shield. The second and third place teams, both of which also went home with money for their chosen charity and Up and Running vouchers, went to CoinCorner and The Parish Walkers and Talkers respectively. CoinCorner’s Michael Garrett had the fastest leg, covering 2.5km in just 7:37. The best dressed award went to ‘Team Gramparts!’ who completed the run dressed as ‘80s rockers Kiss who chose the Alzheimer’s Society as the recipients of their £300. All funds rasied are spent locally on the Isle of Man, where more than 1,300 people live with the impacts of dementia, and it allows us to support carers and encourage early detection.”

Pike and Ben Nevis, and will be raising money for two Island charities through sponsorship as they climb. Team member Andy Quirk said: ‘We are raising money for two local charities; Eva Rose’s Garden, a multi-sensory garden set up to help the residents and visitors at Rebecca House children’s hospice, and Skils, a charity set up to promote independence and education for disabled residents of the Isle of Man. To find out more about the Three Peaks Challenge and to sponsor the team, visit www.justgiving.com/ThreePeaksChellengeIOM/

Take part in Manx Cancer help’s Lisa Lowe appeal walk 2015 Manx Cancer Help is excited to announce that it is bringing back the Lisa Lowe Appeal Walk for 2015, which will take place on Sunday 27th September, the first time that it will have taken place since 2007. The charity hopes to get as many people as possible involved in the walk, sponsored by Barclays, which will see participants take on the famous Millennium Way and walk 28 miles from Sky Hill to Castletown. For those aged 18 and under, and anyone who would prefer a shorter walk, there is the option of joining the event at The Crosby Hotel at 1pm for a 10-mile walk. Both walks will end at Castle Rushen, where finishers will receive a medal. There will also be awards for categories such as Fastest Man, Fastest Woman, Youngest Walker, Oldest Walker and Best Fancy Dress. The Lisa Lowe Appeal Walk first took place in 1997, the year that Lisa lost her life to cancer, and raised £70,000 for Manx Cancer Help. Lisa was diagnosed aged just 38 and after a major operation and initially making a good recovery, Lisa’s cancer returned and sadly she died in November 1997. Despite her illness, Lisa organised and was the public face of many events, which raised over £80,000 for Manx Cancer Help. This enabled the charity’s founder, Eve Berridge, to take the lease out on the charity’s first dedicated premises in Cronkbourne – named The Lisa Lowe Centre – so Lisa was hugely instrumental in laying the foundations of the service provided today. You can sign up for the Lisa Lowe Appeal Walk 2015 at www.manxcancerhelp. orglisa – registration closes 14th September 2015, so please do get your entries in as soon as possible to avoid missing out. For more information, please get in touch with Ally Martin, Fundraising Events Co-Ordinator at Manx Cancer Help, at ally@ manxcancerhelp.org or call 679544. ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

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A busy time for The team at 1Dental Clinic are excited to announce that their second surgery will be opening in September. Located on the second floor of the building the new surgery is bright and airy with a bay window that provides a view towards the promenade and the Tower of Refuge. Clean and new with the latest equipment and technology, the surgery will enable us to increase our capacity for new patients.

The 1Dental team is now well established; dentists Nick and Natalie Maybin have great support from their reception and nursing staff Lindsay, Christine, Tracie and Stacey who like to make patients feel welcome and at ease. 1Dental has strong ties to the Isle of Man Festival of Motorcycling with Lindsay’s son, Richard Waterfall, competing in the Newcomers B (race no. 48) and SuperTwin (race no. 35) races on his Suzuki SV650. It has been a lifelong dream for Richard to compete in ‘the Manx’ and after being made redundant in 2011, Richard decided to put his redundancy payment towards racing and he has been working towards his racing license since. With mechanical support from his Dad, Mark and emotional support from Lindsay, it is very much a family affair.

Natalie’s dad, also a Richard (Bairstow), is a more seasoned rider and will be in the Classic TT 350 (race no. 66) on a BSA Goldstar and the Lightweight (race no. 72) on an ex-motorcycle city 1992 Steve Hislop Yamaha (from the same year Hislop won the Senior on the Norton).

1Dental Clinic would like to wish both Richards the best of luck and safe racing. 1Dental Clinic provides high quality dentistry in modern comfortable surroundings conveniently located in the heart of Douglas. We are currently accepting new patients. If you would like to make an appointment we can be contacted via phone, email, website or facebook:

T: 01624 623001 E: info@1dentalclinic.com www.1dentalclinic.com 1dentalclinic 1DENTAL CLINIC, 1 GRANVILLE STREET, DOUGLAS (NEXT TO STRAND CENTRE)

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WORDS Alex Farnham

Unhealthy Rivalry I’ve taken up a new hobby. It’s called ‘shout and scream at the idiot cat that keeps beating up my cats and even sometimes sneaking into the flat through an open window and taking a wee under the bed.’ This ongoing battle between me and to a half arsed article from The Guardian of ‘Residents Furious with Snoop Dogg in my feline foe got me thinking about this that we only read enough of to check it West Sussex Festival!’ Poor Snoop can’t month’s theme of ‘rivals’, and how easily supports the point we’re trying to make in have seen that coming, he loves the UK I get wound up by this purring bastard. the first place. apparently – and I hear he even has a bit of a Honestly, I like to think of myself as a lover soft spot for horticulture. You’d think West of all animals (not like that, grow up), but Something that’s on the news at the time Sussex would welcome him! The way it was this guy is the opposite of Batman. He’s my that I’m writing this is that ‘Nazi Queen depicted though, again, was this ‘versus least favourite guy in the world and I want salute’ thing. I’m sure the majority of people mode’ story. There has to be two opposing him to go away. The other day I saw him are making sense of it and realising that it sides, each defending their corner – a victim hassling one of my cats, so I grabbed the was just a kid copying a grown up, and that and a suspect. As we all know, confl ict water spray bottle and squirted him from it happened before there were the good drives the story forward, so you can’t blame my living room window. I hate him. It’s like guys and bad guys of WWII, but the way it’s the tabloids for doing this… ‘if it bleeds it he’s doing it on purpose… trying to grind being depicted in the media is like the plot leads’. me down. It’s definitely not normal to show of a bloody Marvel movie. Like there’s this Healthy rivalry exists, of course – in sports, such preoccupying animosity to an animal secret royal Nazi organisation resurfacing games, work, relationships. My girlfriend who probably doesn’t even know my name after all these years. Next they’ll be looking and I challenge each other on a daily basis, (it’s Alex, by the way, you stupid fluffy idiot). for buried treasure with Nicholas Cage, and compete with each other even I think I go into ‘super-protector if it’s as simple as guessing how mode’ because I know he fights “The way it’s being depicted in the much the total cost of our weekly my two cats, and the rivalry between us and him is only media is like the plot of a bloody Marvel shop will be (romantic, huh?), and think we need competition in our growing stronger. I could just movie. Like there’s this secret royal Nazi Ilives to make us strive to be better. ignore him and just not open my organisation resurfacing after all these window wide enough for him to years. Next they’ll be looking for buried Why though, do we self-sabotage sneak though, but he’s trying to by tapping into the darker side of invade our territory. He marches treasure with Nicholas Cage” rivalry? Why do we post one-sided around like he owns the place, articles on Facebook and argue but then when I see him and with anyone who doesn’t share the altruistic we lock eyes he runs away like he’s done using a £2 coin as a map and revealing the point of view of a white, middle-class man nothing wrong, like a little anxious Putin. secret agenda of the illuminati by dabbing living in the first world? Why do I spray a teabag on the Conservative flipping water from my window at an invading cat This sort of rivalry is not healthy, and I Manifesto or something. instead of closing the window and moving understand that actively hating a cat is not on? Maybe it’s because conflict really does good for me, but I’m not the only one guilty There was a festival in West Sussex recently, drive our stories forward and the deeper the of it. On a wider scale we seem to have quite near where I use to live, and some of conflict, the faster we go. As a species we’re phases of communal hatred during which the residents were complaining that it was renowned for wanting to go faster, and life we work out a black and white of who’s going to be noisy, which I guess is fair can get pretty boring sometimes, so why the good guy and who’s the bad guy. We enough, because that’s where they live. not put our foot to the floor by making a few focus all our energy on posting long and Anyway, the Daily Mail sensationalised enemies along the way? rambling opinions on Facebook with a link matters as per their duty as a Tabloid, and came up with a hea line alon the lines

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NEWS

NUMBERS

stunning natural wonders from around Britain have been identified by the Daily Mail, and birders’ paradise the Calf of Man is amongst them. We already knew that.

people contesting by-elections in Peel and Glenfaba on 10 September after MHKs Tim Crookhall (Peel) and David Anderson (Glenfaba) were elevated to the Legislative Council earlier this year.

Isle of Man bank holidays have been announced for 2016 by the Treasury. This includes Tynwald Day (Tuesday 5 July) and TT bank holiday (Friday 10 June)

-1.5%

the rate of inflation for the year to July according to the Consumer Price Index – but the Retail Price Index, which includes mortgage interest payments, stands at 1.8 per cent suggesting that prices are still rising.

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1,670

hours of coaching carried out by 34 teenage volunteers with 2014/15 Sure Sports Leaders’ Programme. Over nine months they took part in coaching at school, community clubs Manx Sport and Recreation activities and primary schools’ sports festivities and worked towards their National Governing Body Level 1 coaching award.

2.8

billion letters of cat DNA are to be searched for mutations that the Manx cat unique. The project is being crowdfunded by Manx scientist Rachel Glover who needs £10,000 to start decoding the Manx cat genome.

100

www.manxcatgenome.com

over 100 dog-friendly locations have been added to the www.dogfriendly.im directory since the government lifted restrictions on dogs being admitted to pubs, restaurants and other venues serving food earlier this summer. Entry for dogs is at the proprietors’ discretion but many see it as a positive move.

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MISC Coca Cola vs Pepsi We’re all familiar with this famous rivalry, but which is your favourite? Historically Coke managed to dominate the market by buying out their competition, like an old-timey corporate Jason Bourne. Between 1922 and 1933 Coke was given three separate opportunities to purchase the bankrupt Pepsi Cola company, but they declined on all three occasions, since Pepsi was so small it didn’t pose a threat to Coke’s business. Possibly three of the biggest mistakes Coca Cola would ever make.

glass bottles, meaning they could offer twice the amount of cola for the same price as a bottle of Coke (they used 12oz bottles and Coke was sold in 6 oz. bottles). The gamble paid off with poor consumers who were delighted to take home twice as much cola to their filthy, depression-era kids! But whilst they may have won this battle, they’ll never be able to beat the Diet Coke ads...

So how did Pepsi survive? In America ‘soda pop’ sales plummeted during the Great Depression, and any company that hadn’t been swallowed up by the Coca Cola behemoth was destined to fold under its own weight. That was until Pepsi struck gold with the ingenious idea of using recycled

WORDS OF WISDOM FROM GALLERY’S ANONYMOUS CORPORATE KINGPIN:

‘I nearly finished my book on anger management, but then I lost it.’

Toujours Tingo Our favourite book went missing recently, but we’re happy to report we finally opened the draw it was hiding in (amazing what you find when you look) and are now able to bring you more fascinating new words! Iwa manyanga (Zambia) to fight one another crawling along on all fours. Munasat (Persian) taking hold of another’s forelock when fighting. KleinKlein (German) passing a ball from player to player without a plan. Verlieren (Yiddish) to lose a customer to a fellow salesman. Dymoprodukt (Russian) an advertised product that is not yet being produced (literally, smoke product). Borona (Madagascar) having nothing with which to pay money lost in betting.

Cats vs Dogs

Although they are not predator and prey, dogs and cats could nevertheless be considered the most famous “natural enemies” on the planet. Since the dawn of civilization, both canines and felines have held a place of privilege within the cities and homes of mankind; and as such, they have inevitably come to face each other in an ultimate battle for man’s fondness. This rivalry becomes more intense when we consider that they have seemingly opposing traits (even if this is true mostly as a stereotype): one is sly and cunning, while the other is brawny and brash; one acts like a loner who demands man’s attentions, and the other glows with friendliness towards its master. Whatever your predilection, dogs and cats will continue to resent each other as long as there are human homes to contest and back alleys to claim.

Proverb:

“Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.”

Ned vs Homer Ned Flanders is a completely selfless, moral, upstanding citizen to every fellow human he meets, free of anger and vulgarity and incapable of any action other than compassion, and yet, Homer Simpson’s unbridled hatred for Old Painty Can Ned is completely and utterly believable. No matter how many times Homer forgets the name of his third child or gets pulled over for a DUI or makes his daughter’s suitors tar his roof, every child in the world would choose his love over Ned Flanders’ locked-out satellite dish and unflavored ice milk. It’s the most unique, humorous, and impossibly relatable rivalry in contemporary history, and I would compare it to the readers’ inherent fascination with Othello’s rival Iago, but I’m just not sure Shakespeare’s quite on that level.

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JonnoPromotions living for live music

THE UNTHANKS 10 PIECE FESTIVAL BAND GAIETY THEATRE, DOUGLAS FRIDAY 25TH SEPTEMBER 2015

1 OCT - CHRIS T-T 2 OCT - NICK HARPER 3 OCT - SIMON THACKER'S KARMANA PLUS WORKSHOPS, MASTERCLASSES AND MORE Tickets £23 (inc booking fee) Hotline 600555 www.villagaiety.com Doors 7:00pm Show 8:00pm

JonnoPromotions living for live music

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

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

£50

Winner

Janette Phair

Sean O’Moore

Steve Sieling

Breeshey Cain

Andy Traviss

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Stuart Green

Chris Arrowsmith

Lee Notman

William Galbraith

Pauline Guest

Annie Donnelly

Graham Wilkinson

William Galbraith

Lydia Kermode

Emma Neilson

Audrey Guniava

Charlotte Tomlinson

Bill Dale

Lisa Tomlinson

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WORDS | Suzy Holland IMAGES | Steve Babbs, Seen & Hird

FILM FESTIVAL FOUR:

IT’S BACK AND BIGGER THAN EVER

Five days of film fun comes to the Island in September with the 4th annual Isle of Man Film Festival. It all starts with a family-friendly movie under the milky way at the Douglas Head amphitheatre on Wednesday 9 September, continues with an exclusive showing of the yet-to-be-released Pinewood film ‘Take Down’ on Friday 11 September and goes out with a bang on Sunday 13 September with an all-day extravaganza of the short films nominated for awards in the Isle of Man Film Festival International Short Film competition followed in the evening by the awards ceremony itself.

But that’s not all, Manxman-inexile Fabian Riggall’s Future Shorts programme of internationally acclaimed short films will be shown in Laxey (Mother T’s), Port St Mary (Patchwork Café) and Douglas (Bath & Bottle Speakeasy Cinema) on the Thursday night – all intimate venues where film lovers can see these films, enjoy discussion and feast on ‘movie night’ refreshments. And if that’s not enough, long-time supporter of the IOM Film Festival, Observer and BBC film critic Mark Kermode, who grew up on the Island, will be back to host the International Short Film Awards – including his own ‘Best of the Fest’ award - on Sunday as well as bringing his own wit and movie wisdom to the Broadway Cinema the night before in ‘Mark Kermode introduces…’.

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MARK KERMODE PRESENTS THE IOMFF 2014 AWARD FOR BEST COMEDY TO SEBASTIAN SOLBERG FOR HIS SHORT FILM ‘MODERN MAN’

STOP PRESS:

IOM FILM FESTIVAL, OBSERVER AND BBC FILM CRITIC MARK KERMODE, WHO GREW UP ON THE ISLAND, WILL BE BACK TO HOST THE INTERNATIONAL SHORT FILM AWARDS – INCLUDING HIS OWN ‘BEST OF THE FEST’ AWARD

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“Fancy dress is encouraged, and there will be food vans, ice cream and snacks available,” says Christy. “And although we are hopeful it won’t rain, we have stocks of ponchos on standby just in case and won’t be deterred by a bit of drizzle. Of course, if there’s a massive thunderstorm and gale force winds we might have to rethink, but after such a damp and miserable summer so far, fingers crossed September will be kind to us!” ONCE AGAIN THE ISLE OF MAN FILM FESTIVAL HAS ORGANISED A PROGRAMME OF EVENTS TO SUIT EVERYONE – YOUNG OR OLD, HARDENED MOVIE GEEK OR CASUAL FILM-GOER – AND FOR FIVE DAYS IN SEPTEMBER THE IOMFF ORGANISERS REALLY HAVE TURNED THE ISLE OF MAN INTO THE ‘ISLE OF FILM’.

‘An Audience with artist Roger Dean’ has been confirmed as a pre-Festival event on Tuesday 8 September at Noa Bakehouse. Roger will talk about his art and how film has influenced his life and work. He will also touch on his work with Rick Wakeman and his high profile court case against the makers of ‘Avatar’, which heavily referenced his work in this blockbuster film. FULL PROGRAMME DETAILS AND HOW TO GET TICKETS CAN BE FOUND ON www isleofmanfilmfesti al com, ON www.facebook.com/IOMFF AND YOU CAN FOLLOW @IOMFF on Twitter. The Isle of Man Film Festival 2015 is supported by the Isle of Man Arts Council, Isle of Man Film, Pinewood Pictures Group, SMP Partners, Pokerstars, Future Shorts, Claremont Hotel, Chrystals Estate Agents, DAM Productions and 3FM.

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MANX LITFEST 2015 THE LINE-UP OF VISITING AUTHORS AND ILLUSTRATORS: ALAN JOHNSON MP Former Home Secretary and Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer has written two memoirs – This Boy and Please, Mister Postman JOANNE HARRIS MBE

Author of 17 novels, including Chocolat. The movie adaptation, starring Johnny Depp, was nominated for five scars and eight BAFTAs

Science writer, whose books include Build Your Own Time Machine and A Brief History of Infinity. Brian is a regular contributor to radio and TV programmes, and publications including the Wall Street Journal MARTIN IMPEY

Author of English Passengers, which won the Whitbread Prize and was shortlisted for the Booker Prize DARREN SHAN

Prolific author of horror novels, mainly aimed at young adults. His series include The Saga of Darren Shan and his latest, Zom-B

JASON LEWIS Adventurer, explorer, sustainability campaigner, author - Jason specialises in human-powered expeditions and is recognised by Guinness World Records as the first person to circumnavigate the Earth without using motors or sails

An illustrator, whose previous books have included War Horse (with Michael Morpurgo), Martin teamed up with author Hilary Robinson for a series of children’s books about World War I

VIVIANE SCHWARZ

IAN BUXTON

Author of The Year of Reading Dangerously: How Fifty Great Books Saved My Life; an account of a reading odyssey that transformed his life

MATTHEW KNEALE

2015

BRIAN CLEGG

Children’s author and illustrator, whose books include Welcome to Your Awesome Robot and Shark and Lobster’s Amazing Undersea Adventure ANDY MILLER

KATHERINE WOODFINE

An authority on whisky and gin, his books include 101 Whiskies to Try Before You Die and 101 Gins to Try Before You Die. In 1991, Ian was elected a Keeper of the Quaich, the highest honour of the Scotch Whisky industry

Katherine’s debut novel The Mystery of the Clockwork Sparrow was published in June and named Waterstones Children’s Book of the Month JAMIE MOLLART Author of debut novel The Zoo, the story of a successful advertising director whose life disintegrates around him

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Famous Five and Secret Seven team up AS JOANNE HARRIS HEADLINES MANX LITFEST 2015 THERE WILL BE PUZZLES AND MYSTERIES GALORE AS FANS OF ENID BLYTON - YOUNG AND OLD - CONVERGE ON MOORAGH PARK LATER THIS MONTH FOR A FAMILY ADVENTURE, AS MANX LITFEST 2015 SERVES UP A FAMOUS FIVE AND SECRET SEVEN TREAT. The fourth annual Litfest runs from Tuesday, September 22nd until Sunday, September 27th, with the Sure-sponsored family day, based on Blyton’s young super sleuths, held from 1pm-5pm on Saturday, September 26th.

Alan Johnson

The festival serves up six days of treats for literature lovers at venues across the Island, with Joanne Harris, author of the bestselling Chocolat, and Labour MP Alan Johnson among the headliners.

‘We think this is our most diverse festival yet, in terms of the range of genres and events,’ said Festival Director John Quirk. ‘Joanne Harris will speak about her latest book, The Gospel of Loki, we have a “whisky vs gin showdown” with author Ian Buxton, and we’re thrilled to welcome Matthew Kneale back to the Island. Matthew was shortlisted for the Booker

Prize for English Passengers, and he is the son of the late screenwriter Nigel Kneale, whose most famous creation was The Quatermass Experiment. Nigel’s family was Manx and he was educated here, and on the Friday (September 25th), Matthew will host a celebration of his father’s work, including a screening of Quatermass, at the Manx Museum.’ The full schedule for Litfest 2015 can be found at www.manxlitfest.com along with details of how to obtain tickets, while printed programmes will be distributed via various outlets. John said: ‘We also have a number of Island-based writers involved with the festival, some of whom will take part in National Story Day around Manx schools, while others will be involved with Writers’ Day (September 26th), at King William’s College. As a charity, we are indebted to our sponsors and supporters, such as Sure, Isle of Man Bank (Schools Day) and Pokerstars (Writer’s Day), and Isle of Man Arts Council and Culture Vannin are longstanding supporters of what we’re trying to do.’

A TASTE OF WHAT’S IN STORE: TUESDAY 22 SEPTEMBER • An Evening with Alan Johnson MP - Gaiety Theatre - 7.30pm

WEDNESDAY 24 SEPTEMBER • Open Mic Poetry Slam - Noa Bakehouse, Douglas - 8pm

THURSDAY 25 SEPTEMBER • Book Fanatics’ Quiz Night - Noa Bakehouse - 8pm

FRIDAY 26 SEPTEMBER • National Story Day - authors & poets visiting Manx schools • The Day My Grandmother Exploded: the right ingredients for a classic book - St Bridget’s Chapel, The Nunnery - 5.30pm • The Quatermass Experiment, with Matthew Kneale - Manx Museum, Douglas - 7pm • Darren Shan’s Zom-B Mayhem Youth Arts Centre, Douglas - 7pm

SATURDAY 27 SEPTEMBER • Famous Five and Secret Seven Family Day - Mooragh Park, Ramsey - 1pm-5pm • Writers’ Day - King William’s College - 9am-4pm • Build Your Own Time Machine, with Brian Clegg - Youth Arts Centre - 3pm • The Gospel of Loki, with Joanne Harris - Noa Bakehouse - 5pm The Whisky vs Gin Face o , with author Ian Buxton - Noa Bakehouse - 7.30pm

SUNDAY 28 SEPTEMBER • Myth Makers: Usha Kishore and the IOM Poetry Society - Noa Bakehouse - 4pm • Short Fiction Slam - Noa Bakehouse - 7pm

For the full schedule and ticket details, visit www.manxlitfest.com 2015

Manx Litfest is a registered charity (number 1100). BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

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PHOTO COMPETITION

YOUNG PHOTOGRAPHERS WANTED FOR CHARITY CALENDAR WINNER

Elle Kirkham Age 8

You could win up to ÂŁ200

to buy photographic equipment every month in 2015 Sonja Shaw Age 12

How to enter

Open to anyone aged 18 or under. Email your photographs by the 15th of each month to calendarcomp@gallery.co.im Photographs will be displayed monthly in Gallery Magazine during 2015. Photographs must be HIGH RES, 300DPI AND AT LEAST 4MB IN SIZE.

For full details go to: www.gallery.co.im/young-photographers-wanted For more information about the Society for the Preservation of the Manx Countryside & Environment (Charity No. 391) and to join, email: manxfaragher@yahoo.com or phone: John on 07624 417119. There is also a facebook group www.facebook.com/groups/iomspmce

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SEPT 2015 FINALIST

View photos at www.gallery.co.im. Deadline for the October entries is the 15th September

Ben Birdsall Age 17

Ryan Woodsworth Age 8

Reuben Allan Age 12

Rachel Pearson Age 16

Kathryn McNally Age 13 BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

Katie Birdsall Age ?

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JonnoPromotions’

10th anniversary musical events will brighten your Island Autumn If you love great roots and guitar music, then the coming weeks should definitely strike a chord with you, thanks to a mouthwatering menu of outstanding musical talent assembled by JonnoPromotions. This autumn’s ‘Festival in a Bottle’ gets underway on Friday September 25, with the return to the Isle of Man, after a five year break, of The Unthanks – the acclaimed Northumbrian modern folk group. Fronted by sisters Rachel and Becky Unthank, this ten piece festival line-up will be playing a special one-off concert at the Gaiety, as part of their tenth anniversary tour, which has also featured high profile appearances on the main stage at Cambridge Folk Festival and as part of the BBC’s Glastonbury coverage. Fittingly, The Unthanks’ 10th anniversary coincides with JonnoPromotions’ 10th year as an Isle of Man event creator and music promoter. Tickets for The Unthanks’ show are on sale at £23 each from the Villa Marina and Gaiety box offices, www. villagaiety.com, hot-line (01624 600555) and from the Welcome Centre.

This landmark event sets the scene nicely for GuitarFest, the Isle of Man’s celebration of all things guitar, which returns to the Villa Marina Arcade on October 2nd and 3rd.

The two-day spectacle will this year be headlined by the talented and prolific Nick Harper, back on the Island for JonnoPromotions after a four year gap. A tireless performer, who’s released a string of virtuoso albums over the years, Nick recently played shows at the Edinburgh Fringe and “Avebury Rocks”, a one day walk/festival in Wiltshire, inspired by Nick’s treks with the Love Hope Strength Foundation. Nick’s deserved reputation as a great showman has been hard-earned by many years on the road, including with Squeeze in the late 90s. His playing style became a major influence on a younger generation of artists who have gone on to great prominence, including Jon Gomm, a regular IOM visitor.

Chris T-T

Unthanks by Sarah Mason

The guitarist-singer-songwriter, who will perform on Friday October 2nd, has the brilliant Manx multi-instrumental duo, Strengyn, as his guest supporting act. With its mix of live performances and workshops, on Saturday October 3rd, GuitarFest also features virtuoso classical guitarist, intercultural pioneer and composer, Simon Thacker. His “Karmana” Trio is completed by outstanding Polish cellist, Justyna Jablonska and Delhi-born tabla master, Sarvar Sabri. The word “Karmana” is Sanskrit for “performing anything by means of magic” and draws upon Thacker’s unique cultural inspirations, exploring the divergence of Indian and Western music. An entrancing evening is guaranteed! Simon’s guest support act is the Islandbased guitarist and fellow Scotsman, Malcolm Stitt, playing some of his unique instrumental compositions. GuitarFest also welcomes the consistently acclaimed and inspirational British underground writer, songwriter and music maker, Chris T-T who will be performing at the Laxey Institute on October 1st. (Tickets £10 from www.eTickets.im/jp, Laxey Chemist and Laxey Post Office).

Simon Thacker

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Justyna Jablonska

Nick Harper

FULL DETAILS OF ALL ARTISTS AND EVENTS CAN BE FOUND AT, ARTISTS SITES, AND SPONSOR WEBSITES. www.jonnopromotions.com www.facebook.com/pages/ Jonnopromotionscom/6573100686 click “Events” @jonnopromotions

ARTIST SITES

In addition to their public performance at GuitarFest, Simon and Justyna will each be leading Classical Masterclasses with their respective instruments – the guitar and cello. “I’d encourage anyone who has a guitar or cello to come along and have a play. If Justyna and I can help anyone broaden their artistry then that would be great,” said Simon. Meanwhile, Culture Vannin are sponsoring an additional guitar workshop with the acclaimed folk player, Jenn Butterworth of the Rachel Hair Trio. All workshop details are at: www.jonnopromotions.com or on BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

www.the-unthanks.com www.harperspace.com www.simonthacker.com www.christt.com www.justynacello.co.uk www.jennbutterworth.co.uk www.manxmusic.com/ performer_144376

SPONSOR WEBSITES www.iomarts.com www.aston.co.im www.swagelok.com www.facebook.com/groups/ isleofmancreative www.culturevannin.im www.steam-packet.com www.eTickets.im www.peternorrismusic.co.im

CULTURE

‘ELEMENT’ WORDS | Suzy Holland IMAGES | Henry Uniake

A new exhibition from Sayle Gallery photographer-in-residence Henry Uniacke

WHEN HENRY MOVED TO THE ISLE OF MAN A YEAR AGO, HE’D ALREADY DECIDED THAT HE WANTED HIS WORK TO TAKE INSPIRATION FROM THE LANDSCAPE, AND THIS NEW EXHIBITION REFLECTS HIS LOVE OF THE COAST AND THE UNIQUE SHAPES AND FORMS HE HAS DISCOVERED.

In 2014 Henry left a secure job in the UK where he was teaching at Oxford Brookes University (he has an MSc in Physics and a PhD in Solar Energy) when he applied to become artist-in-residence at the Sayle Gallery.

cient of friction

‘Element’ is his photographic homage to his new home.

Self portrait

Glen Maye

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

CULTURE

Evening light

In his work for ‘Element’ Henry has developed his art further – here even the familiar landscapes become abstracts and the sharp focus closeups of the rocks and coastal formations pull the viewer in to the photograph to see beyond and inside the image.

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

It wasn’t a complete change of direction: in addition to his obvious scientific credentials, he is well known and well respected photographer in the UK and further afield and although his application was unsuccessful, the lure of the Island was too much so having already given up his teaching job, Henry decided to move here anyway to continue his artistic journey.

In his work for ‘Element’ Henry has developed his art further – here even the familiar landscapes become abstracts and the sharp focus close-ups of the rocks and coastal formations pull the viewer in to the photograph to see beyond and inside the image. This exhibition demands, and deserves, a closer look.

One year later the Sayle Gallery has repaid Henry for his support as co-ordinator of the Gallery with his own solo exhibition: ‘Element’ is his photographic homage to his new home.

Although Element is enry s first exhibition in the Isle of Man, he has had his photographs shown in galleries in the UK, including Oxford, Whitstable and Folkestone (with artist Stephen Thompson), and in Prague. He studied at the OVADA Warehouse Art School in Oxford.

Man of the photographs in ‘Element’ owe a great deal to the work of American photographer Edward Weston, who in the late 1920’s and early 30’s produced the work for which he is famous: natural forms, landscapes and monumental close-ups of shells, peppers and cabbages. Henry’s work for ‘Element’ follows similar lines – particularly in his emphasis on fine detail and rich textures in his photographs of rock formations.

‘ELEMENT’ TAKES PLACE AT THE SAYLE GALLERY, DOUGLAS FROM 1 – 27 SEPTEMBER. www.facebook.com/saylegallery www.stephenrthompsonartist.co.uk www.facebook.com/jelenabensonart

With his passion for solar energy, it is not surprising that light is something Henry is obsessed with – particularly the quality of the light and its effect on materials and the subjects of his photographs. ‘Element’ includes a range of some softfocus landscapes, some smaller detailed almost abstract images and intriguingly some ‘Turner-esque’ interpretations of wind, waves and the sea. And equally intriguingly, Henry has turned to two artists – Stephen Thompson, a British artist whom he met when they were both working in the Czech Republic, and local abstract and portrait artist Jelena Benson to reinterpret his images into paintings of their own, which are shown here alongside the photographs that inspired them.

CULTURE

CULTURE VULTURE

CULTURE NEWS

What’s on Now - 05.09.2015

13.09 – 04.10.2015

//STUDIO 42, PORT ST MARY// Work from painter and printmaker Daniel Price, currently studying for his BA (Hons) Fine Art at Isle of Man College.

//ISLE GALLERY, TYNWALD MILLS// A welcome return to the Island for this popular Manx artist who is now living and working in Switzerland. A stunning selection of cutting edge conceptual glass works.

DANIEL PRICE

www.studio42gallery.co.uk

Now – 06.09.2015

ABSTRACTS AND PORTRAITS //THE ISLE GALLERY, TYNWALD MILLS// Vivid, highly coloured abstract work from Jelena Benson, shown with her genre portraits which are painted realistically, in a semi abstract style. www.theislegallery.com www.facebook.com/theislegallery

now – 27.09.2015 * ELEMENT

//THE SAYLE GALLERY, DOUGLAS// An exhibition of new work from Sayle Gallery photographer-in-residence Henry Uniacke inspired by the land, sea and rock-scapes of the Isle of Man. www.sayle.gallery www.facebook.com/saylegallery

now – 03.10.2015 ARTICULATE

//MANX MUSEUM, DOUGLAS// A collaboration between Isle of Man College, Manx National Heritage and Isle of Man Arts Council, this exhibition presents the work of five IOM College HND art students inspired by the Arts Council Loan Collection. The Loan Collection, consisting of contemporary paintings, photographs and prints, is one of the foremost collections in the British Isles and this exhibition showcases selected pieces from the collection in digital form, alongside original works from the students using painting, photography, sculpture, installation, digital and mixed media. www.manxnationalheritage.im

12.09 – 03.10.2015

CONTEMPORARY ART

//HODGSON LOOM GALLERY, LAXEY// A three way contemporary exhibition featuring landscapes and portraits from local artists Max Aitken, Howard Shimmin and Pauline Quaye. www.facebook.com/ HodgsonLoomGallery

JULIE ANNE DENTON

www.theislegallery.com www.facebook.com/theislegallery

10.10.2015

AN EVENING OF BURLESQUE //CENTENARY CENTRE, PEEL// Tickets are now on sale for this live show full of feathers, fun, froufrou and fabulous ladies. Compered by Madame Zuri Arrosa and introducing burlesque dancer Miss Dee Dee and the Ladies of Burlesque dance troupe. As a special treat, the Peel City WI (Peel Belles) will also be making an appearance. Tickets: £12.50 www.centenerycentre.com www.facebook.com/burlesqueIOM

Now – 8.11.2015

HISTORY IN HEELS

//NATIONAL HERITAGE SITES, ISLAND-WIDE// History in Heels takes a fresh and surprising approach to some of the remarkable Island women and their stories – not as an exhibition but as teasing interventions and events taking place at seven of our sites during 2015.

POST OFFICE DONATES MARK CAVENDISH STAMP & COIN PACKS FOR 2015 SPECIAL OLYMPIC WORLD GAMES Isle of Man Post Office Sponsorship Committee donated 20 Mark Cavendish stamp and coin packs for this year’s Special Olympic World Games which were held from 24 July until 2 August in Los Angeles. The Committee were approached by Special Olympics Isle of Man sports director Adrian Mooney who accompanied cyclist Christopher Hattersley to the Games, where Christopher competed in three cycle events - the 10 kilometre time trial, 15 kilometre road race and 25 kilometre road race. Christopher shared the stamp and coin packs with other athletes from the 7,000 at the games from across the world. The 2015 Los Angeles Games are the largest sports and humanitarian event anywhere in the world this year. www.specialolympicsiom.org | www.la2015.org

www.manxnationalheritage.im LIVE STREAMING/ENCORE //events// There is a full programme of live and encore streaming of significant theatre, ballet and opera from the National Theatre, the Royal Ballet and the Royal Opera House this autumn. Full details can be found on www. villagaiety.com (for screenings at The Studio Theatre, Ballakermeen High School, Douglas) and at www.kwc.im/ kings-court-theatre-live-streaming for screenings at the new Kings Court Theatre at King Williams College. September’s theatre offerings include The Beaux Stratagem, Everyman, Coriolanus and Othello, Romeo and Juliet (ballet) and opera La Nozze De Figaro. And you can book now for Benedict Cumberbatch as Hamlet on 15 October.

ISLE OF MAN CHORAL SOCIETY Members of the Society recently took part with other singers at a Grand Choral Concert organised and directed by John Riley at St Matthew’s Church Douglas where the magnificent sum of £1,830 was raised for The Nepal Earthquake Appeal; with subsequent gifts the amount raised has already topped £3,000. During the evening the Society presented to John a cheque for £1,000 for the Gurkha Welfare Trust which is working hard to relieve those hardest hit by the tragedy. The Society is starting rehearsals on 10th September for next year’s concert featuring music by Puccini & Rutter. ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

CULTURE

THEATREFEST15 TO PROMOTE PUPPETRY POPULARITY TheatreFest15 is to promote the resurgence of interest in puppetry with a workshop to be led by professional puppeteer Corina Bona. Corina, who says she is ‘passionate about puppetry and its power to entertain, educate and mystify’ will be sharing her love and knowledge of the art with young people when she holds two workshops at the Youth Arts Centre in Kensington Road, Douglas on Sunday October 4. Outlining the morning session for children aged 5 to 12 Corina said: ‘With this introduction to puppetry children will learn how to model puppets from junk and newspaper.’ And describing the afternoon workshop, aimed at 13 to 18-year-olds, she said: ‘I’ll be using a variety of puppets to teach everything from table-top puppetry to lip-synching with “Muppet-like” glove puppets.’ TheatreFest15 is a five-year project aimed at encouraging new work for the theatre and is a partnership between the Isle of Man Arts Council and the National Operatic and Dramatic Association (NODA). NODA’s chief executive Tony Gibbs said: ‘Puppetry’s enjoying a renaissance and is now very much part of mainstream theatre. At its heart TheatreFest15 is about promoting theatre at its most diverse, relevant and universally accessible. It’s also about encouraging active participation and inspiring creativity, aims perfectly complemented by Corina’s workshops.’ Workshops are priced £10 each per person and must be pre-booked. To book contact Kieran Moore, T: 697420, E: Kieran.Moore@gov.im

FAMOUS FIVE: DOUGLAS SCOOPS FIVE GREEN FLAG AWARDS Douglas Borough Council will be flying the flag five times over after being awarded five Green Flags. 2015 is the third year in succession that Douglas has been successful in the scheme, run by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, which recognises excellence in parks and green spaces and judges them against eight criteria including horticultural standards, cleanliness, sustainability and community involvement. For the third year in a row Green Flags have been awarded to Noble’s Park and the sunken gardens and for two successive years to Douglas Golf Course and Douglas Head. Newcomer for 2015 is Hutchinson Square which receives a Green Flag on its first application, following a major refurbishment by the Council which has restored it to the elegant garden square it once was and includes displays reflecting its role as an internment camp during the Second World War. The Green Flag award scheme, which takes into account environmental, management and future planning policies along with community involvement, is judged by more than 700 experts and is the benchmark national standard for parks and green spaces across the British Isles, Europe, Australia and New Zealand, awarded by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy.

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

IOM RAILWAYS 2016 CALENDAR NOW ON SALE Isle of Man Railways has unveiled its scenic calendar for 2016. Featuring previously unpublished images and key dates in next year’s heritage railways’ season, the calendar is on sale, priced £5, from main bus and rail stations plus the Welcome Centre in Douglas Sea Terminal and the Steam Railway Museum shop at Port Erin. Selected images include a dramatic cover shot of steam loco No. 10 G H Wood passing a crashed Spitfire from the Island at War event. The photograph by John Turton also features as August, highlighting that Island at War will be staged 20-21 August in 2016 (it’s was over the weekend of 22-23 August this year).

CULTURE

CULTURE NEWS

RUSHEN SILVER BAND ATTEND INTER-CELTIC FESTIVAL 2015, LORIENT, FRANCE

From 7th-12th August, Rushen Silver Band performed at the Inter-Celtic Festival in Lorient, France. The band were part of over 100 musicians and performers from the island attending the festival this year. The band arrived in Lorient on the afternoon of Saturday 8th August, and immediately held a practice before an evening performance in the Manx/Cornish Pavilion. The performance, including three new pieces arranged by band MD John Kinley, was extremely well received with around 400 people in attendance. On the morning of Sunday 9th August the band took part in the festival’s Grand Parade; a two mile procession from the outskirts of the town in to the main stadium. An estimated total of 70,000 spectators were watching on the streets and in the stadium. The band again played music arranged by their MD John Kinley, and an extremely enthusiastic response was received along the route. A short afternoon performance in an arena called Breizh Stade to an audience of around 200 people

concluded the band’s efforts for the day. Monday 10th August saw the band perform two further engagements. The first of which was entitled an Inter-Celtic Riding Day, and involved the band parading through the town’s streets together with Camborne Town Band from Cornwall and around 50 classic motorbikes and scooters. The band’s final engagement of the festival was to take part in the Manx and Cornish Showpiece Night in the Espace Marine Arena. The Manx part of the evening took the form of a carefully coria graphed performance featuring all of the various artists and designed to tell the story of the various different Manx cultures on show. The band’s contribution saw them enter from the rear of the arena unseen, march through the audience whilst playing a specially commissioned piece entitled Mona’s Delight, then perform Hunt the Wren in front of the stage. After the Cornish half of the show, the evening concluded with a joint finale featuring a joint performance from the band together

with Camborne Town Band. Another newly commissioned piece by John Kinley called From Newlyn to Niarbyl was used in this performance. The show finished shortly before 1.15am, and was again very well received by the estimated 1,500 strong audience. Huge credit should go to Chloe Woolley and Breesha Maddrell from Culture Vannin for their work in co-ordinating the Manx elements of the performance. The band departed Lorient on Tuesday 11th August, having performed five engagements in two and a half days. All of the performances were met with extremely enthusiastic and positive reactions from the large crowds. The band are proud to have been asked to represent brass banding on the Isle of Man, as well as the musical culture of the island and the south of the island in particular. Rushen Silver Band would like to put on record their thanks to Culture Vannin and the Festival Interceltique de Lorient for their support with the trip.

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA’S ISLE OF MAN DEBUT DELIGHTS GUESTS OF SPONSOR SMP PARTNERS SMP Partners’ staff and guests enjoyed a spectacular night at the theatre for a performance of world-famous musical The Phantom of the Opera. The company celebrated its sponsorship of the Taylorian Productions show with a corporate evening on 11th August, inviting 50 people to experience the stunning performance. At the end of the evening a collection on behalf of Finley’s Tracks, SMP’s Charity of the Year for 2015, raised more than £500 for the cause. www.taylorianproductions.net.

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

FASHION

FASHION & BEAUTY

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SKINNY SCARF ASOS £12

FASHION

V-NECK TUNIC WAREHOUSE £36

SUEDE A-LINE SKIRT AUTOGRAPH £199

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NAVY SUEDE AND LEATHER BIKER JACKET ASOS £130

SUEDETTE T-SHIRT NEW LOOK £17.99

‘MINI GIANT’ WATCH MONDAINE @ ASOS £28

FLOPPY WIDE BRIM HAT WAREHOUSE £25

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SUEDE ANKLE BOOTS ASOS £55 PUSSY BOW TOP NEW LOOK £17.99

CROCHET LACE DRESS ASOS £40 SUEDE TRENCH COAT AUTOGRAPH £299

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

GREEN HOODY £18 MID WASH DENIM SHIRT£25 BOTH @ ASOS

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BOMBER JACKET NEW LOOK £29 SUEDETTE WOVEN PLIMSOLES NEW LOOK £24

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MULTISQUARE SHIRT NEW LOOK £17.99

TEXTURED BUTTON NECK NEXT £24

SKINNY CHINOS BURTON £19

MINERAL CHINO SHORTS NEXT £15 BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

CREW NECK T-SHIRT NEXT £6

FASHION

GET THE LOOK LETON

KATE MIDD

U.N.C.L.E

ASH FASHION FL SOCKS APPEAL

If there's one thing that cements the status on a new trend it's a hashtag, as evidenced by #sockgame on Instagram, the place where men show off their snazzy ankle accessories. Indeed, luxury sock label HJ Hall reports sales of their technicoloured Generation V range have risen 75% this year, as a result of guys wearing more ankle-baring trousers.

NET GAINS To celebrate the forthcoming The Man From U.N.C.L.E. film (based on the classic TV series), Hawes & Curtis have released a capsule collection inspired by the movie’s stylish Sixties costumes. That means sharp suits for the boys and cool monochrome blouses for the girls (www.hawesandcurtis. com). If you fancy following in Kate Middleton’s footsteps, you can literally step into them, by snapping up the Sebago shoes she was sporting at the recent America’s Cup World Series. As with most items the Duchess of Cambridge gets photographed in, these are currently out of stock, but visit the website and you can be notified the second they’re back in and available. Sebago Bala shoes in Taupe Suede/White, £89.99 (www.sebago. com).

HOUSE SUKI WATER

ERS

METRO VS VETRO

DIANA VICK

Singer Diana Vickers was bang on trend in seaside stripes at the Closet London summer party recently, wearing the label’s pretty Stripe Button Back Dress, £52 (www. closetlondon.com).

Hold on to your hats, hair nets are back. House of Bath has experienced a sales increase of 43% in the last year, with hair nets ranking in their top 10 bestselling products. The surge has been pointed at a new army of younger hair net fans, who wear them over rollers to perfect their curls. Almost two-thirds (64%) of all deliveries have been made to the Liverpool region, aka the city of big rollers.

Move over metrosexuals, there's a new style-conscious man in town. 'Vetrosexuals' are 25 to 34 years old, usually single and more likely to still live at home than their older metrosexual counterpart, as identified by research from Nottingham Trent University. With more disposable income to spend on himself, this super-consumer is set to boost the men's fashion market in the coming years.

What’s the celeb-approved accessory of the summer? The black studded Western belt is up there, as cinched around the waists of Kendall Jenner, Selena Gomez and Suki Waterhouse (pictured) recently. Unleash your inner cowgirl with Bonprix’s Rhinestone Encrusted Belt, £19.99 (www. bonprix.co.uk).

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

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BEAUTY

BEAUTY PRODUCTS

BEAUTY RIVALS: Nudes vs. Brights It’s a big decision as to whether you go out looking natural and sweet or choose to rock a fab bright look. The summer and holidays are a great time to experiment with colour. You do need to muster up a certain amount of courage to pull off a lilac lip or vivid blue eye liner, but we’ve never regretted playing with bright colours, they can make your eyes pop and the attention that a bright lipstick draws to your mouth is only a good thing! But then, good old faithful nudes are perfect for understated prettiness... Ohhhhh decisions decisions...

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ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

APPETITE

RECIPES

Celebrity Chef Rivalry WE ALL KNOW HOW CELEBRITY CHEFS CAN BE LET’S SAY - BITTER SWEET TOWARDS EACH OTHER FROM TIME TO TIME, ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO HAVE MADE IT AND HAVE A NUMBER OF RECIPE BOOKS UNDER THEIR HAT. CELEBRITY CHEFDOM IS RIFE WITH CONFLICT THESE DAYS, FROM VEGANS VS THE WORLD, TO GORDON

RAMSEY VS EVERYBODY ELSE. YOU COULD ALSO SAY CHEFS AREN’T KNOWN FOR THEIR POLITE MANNERS, CELEBRITY OR NOT. BUT SURELY RICK STEIN, MARY BERRY AND RAYMOND BLANC ARE OLD PROS WHO CAN STILL TEACH THE YOUNG GUNS A THING OR TWO.

Here are three delicious recipes from them to try at home.

RICK STEIN MESUT'S BLUE FISH STEW WITH CHILLI CORNBREAD (Serves 4) 4 small mackerel or herring, scaled and gutted 1tsp salt 100ml olive oil 1 onion, halved and sliced 6 green finger chillies, split open but kept whole Large handful flat-leaf parsley 12 turns/grinds of the black pepper 3 tomatoes, peeled and chopped 6 cloves garlic, sliced 1 lemon, skin and pith removed, sliced For the Chilli Cornbread: 200g plain flour 70g yellow cornmeal 1tbsp baking powder Pinch salt 4tbsp chopped coriander 2-3 jalapeno chillies, deseeded and finely chopped 50g feta cheese, crumbled To make the cornbread, first heat the oven to 180C/gas 4 and warm a baking sheet. Place paper cases in a 12 hole muffin tin. Sift the flour, cornmeal, baking powder and salt into a large bowl. Stir in the coriander, chillies, feta and sugar. In a jug, mix together the water, eggs and oil. Add to the dry ingredients and mix together until just combined. Fill each paper case about two-thirds full, then sit the tin on the warmed baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until a sharp knife inserted into the centre comes out clean. Allow the cornbread buns to cool in the tin for five minutes. While the cornbread is baking, sprinkle the fish with the salt inside and out. Pour two tablespoons of the olive oil into a large pan with a lid, scatter the onions in the base and lay the fish on top. Tuck the chillies and sprigs of parsley in around the fish and sprinkle with the pepper. Add the tomatoes, garlic and slices of lemon, and pour the remaining olive oil over the top. Cover the pan with the lid, bring to a simmer and cook on a medium heat for about 25 minutes. Serve with warm cornbread.

If you fancy exploring some of Stein's recipes from Venice to Istanbul by Rick Stein is published by BBC Books in hardback, priced £25.

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

RECIPES

APPETITE

MARY BERRY MALTED CHOCOLATE CAKE (Serves 8-10) Prepare ahead: The filling will remain soft and ready to use in a bowl covered with cling film for two to three days. The finished cake can be kept in an airtight container for up to a day. Freeze: Freeze the cake and icing separately, then defrost at room temperature and assemble when ready to serve. Berry says: “This cake is the perfect family treat, and a real crowd-pleaser. The malt extract gives a lovely creaminess to the sponge, while the malted chocolate flavour is echoed in the cake’s topping.” 30g malted chocolate drink powder 30g cocoa powder 225g butter, softened, plus extra for greasing 225g caster sugar 225g self-raising flour 1 tsp baking powder 4 eggs For the icing: 3tbsp malted chocolate drink powder 11/2tbsp hot milk 125g butter, softened 250g icing sugar, plus extra for dusting 50g dark chocolate (at least 50% cocoa solids), melted 1tbsp boiling water About 20 Maltesers, to decorate Icing sugar, to dust You will need two 20cm round sandwich tins. Preheat the oven to 180C/160C fan/Gas 4 and grease the tins with butter and line the bases with baking paper. Measure the malted chocolate drink powder and cocoa powder into a large bowl, pour over two tablespoons of water and mix to a paste. Add the remaining cake ingredients and beat until smooth. Divide evenly between the prepared tins and bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes. Set aside in the tins to cool for five minutes, then turn out on to a wire rack to cool completely. To make the icing, measure the malted chocolate drink powder into a bowl, add the hot milk and mix until smooth. Add the butter, icing sugar and melted chocolate and mix again until smooth, then add the boiling water to give a gloss to the icing. Place one cake on a plate and spread over half the icing. Sandwich with the other cake and spread (or pipe) the remaining icing on top, using the tip of a rounded palette knife to create a swirled effect from the centre to the edge of the cake. Arrange the Maltesers over the top and dust with icing sugar before serving.

Try some of Mary Berry’s favourite recipes for yourself at home. Absolute Favourites by Mary Berry is published in hardback by BBC Books, priced £25

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

APPETITE

RECIPES

Want to get fresh in the kitchen?

RAYMOND BLANC NEW POTATO AND CHORIZO TORTILLA (Serves 4 -6) 400g Jersey Royal potatoes, quartered 1 onion, diced 1 garlic clove, finely chopped 3tbsp olive oil 2 bay leaves 1 thyme sprig 1 rosemary sprig Pinch of Espelette pepper or smoked paprika

Preheat the oven to 170C/Gas 3.5. In a medium saute pan with a lid, over a medium heat, sweat the potatoes, onion and garlic in the oil with the bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, Espelette pepper or smoked paprika and salt for 13-15 minutes. Stir regularly to avoid any colouring. Add the chorizo and continue to sweat for five minutes with the lid on so the flavours mingle. Finally, add the parsley and spinach and stir them into the vegetables for 30 seconds, then remove from the heat, add the eggs and stir everything together until evenly mixed. Pour the egg mixture into a 20cm non-stick ovenproof frying pan and place in the oven for 15 minutes. Once cooked, remove from the oven and leave to rest for five minutes before turning out on to a board or a large serving dish. Using a serrated knife, cut the omelette into four to six wedge-shaped slices and serve warm.

Pinch of sea salt 120g chorizo, cut into small dice 15g flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped 80g spinach, chopped 8 eggs, whisked

Kew On A Plate With Raymond Blanc: Recipes, Horticulture And Heritage is published in hardback by Headline Books, priced ÂŁ25

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

FOODIE FEATURE

APPETITE

WORDS Freya Richardson

FERMENTATION Not just a savvy way to increase shelf life, apparently great for the gut too. Theoretically it is possible to ferment any food but if you want to give it a go start by pickling your favourite veggies.

CAULIFLOWER The bland white floret’s you pushed around your plate as a child are popping up as an alternative for rice, couscous and even pizza bases. Some even think kales crown may be stolen as top healthy vegetable.

BUGS Edible insects are traditional food in Asia and Latin America. Despite their high protein-content and superfood status I think someone will have to pay me to eat a bag of cricket crisps.

MUSTARD As New York City acquires its first mustard sommelier the little jar of condiment is being produced in small batches as if it were craft beer.

MATCHA A bright green powder which is made of green tea, thought to be a superfood and a popular flavour for snacks this year. Leave our flapjacks, ice cream and noodles alone please.

FLAVOURED SALT Why not try garlic or chilli salt to spice up a dish; Pink Himalayan is meant to be the purest of salts, or if you are feeling adventurous Persian blue salt is a sweet tasting luxury.

COCONUT YOGHURT This new addition to the dairy- and soy-free world is a refreshing treat predicted to take over the coconut water trend of 2014. Enjoy with your morning granola or on top of your favourite curry.

CHARCOAL One day we are juicing our greens and the next we are drinking charcoal and colouring our burger buns with it. But please don’t try this one at home, coals off the BBQ, don’t quite have the same effect.

TEFF Move over quinoa, this ancient grain from Ethiopia is packed full of amino acids and an added bonus it’s naturally gluten-free too.

BONE BROTH Thanks to celebrity chefs the Hemsley sisters we should be “boiling our bones” (not literally). The new elixir of youth may as well be worth a try.

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

SHAVEN ICE Exactly as it sounds, shaven shards of flavour ice are being served up as culinary genius; however with Jersey being about 5 years behind foodie fashions I don’t think it will be sorely missed this year. Clockwise spiral from top left; mustard seeds, pickled vegetables, coconut yoghurt, flavoured salt, fried silkworm larvae, coconut, matcha, teff, bone broth, fried crickets, charcoal, shaved ice.

APPETITE

APPETITE NEWS ‘Tomorrow’s Farmer’ award presented Farmers who are focusing on the future were recognised recently. The winners of the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture’s ‘Tomorrow’s Farmer’ award, sponsored by Shoprite, were announced at a ceremony at the Royal Manx Agricultural Show.

Shoprite announced as main supporter of Isle of Man Food & Drink Festival

Tim and Maria Johnston, of Ballavarry Farm, Andreas, captivated judges with their enthusiasm to improve and expand their business by focusing on the requirements of the market.

Shoprite, the Island’s largest retailer, will be the main supporter of this year’s Isle of Man Food & Drink Festival, the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture is pleased to announce. The festival – the sixth – takes place in the Villa Marina Gardens on Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th September.

The couple farm 396 acres and have 205 Holstein Friesian dairy cows supplying milk to Isle of Man Creamery.

The Manx food retailer will have a stand the Exhibitors’ Marquee as well a presentation slot in the Manx Food Theatre.

Maria recently gave up an 18-year career in administration and consultancy to focus on the farm, while Tim is on the board of Isle of Man Creamery, having previously been dairy sector chairman with the Manx National Farmers’ Union.

Andrew Thomas, Chief Executive of Shoprite, said: ‘Local food production is hugely important as it can make a significant contribution to the local economy. As a local food retailer that has been active on the Isle of Man for over 40 years, we understand the potential and quality that exists among local food producers. ‘We are delighted to be the main supporter of this event, showcasing all that is good about Isle of Man food and drink.’ The festival will be run in association with Manx Radio, which will broadcast live from the event and will run competitions to win weekend admission tickets. The Deacan Partnership Ltd, an Isle of Man-based sales and retail consultancy firm, will be the silver sponsor of the Festival. The festival last year attracted 5,600 visitors who spent £110,000 at the event alone, not to mention the valuable knock-on boost to the businesses that took part. Getting involved in this flagship event is a wonderful opportunity to contribute to a culture where local food and drink is regarded as an integral part of the Island’s economy and national identity.

The couple secured a farm tenancy against the odds while young and were awarded a Prince’s Trust scholarship to help start their business.

Judges noted: ‘Tim and Maria are clearly focusing on the future and are well-placed to meet any challenges that come their way.’ The Judges’ Special Award for a Young Farmer went to David Collister, of Southampton Farm, Port Soderick, who impressed the judges with his focused and positive approach to farming and belief in its future. David farms 340 acres and has improved the business considerably since acquiring it in 2004. He has 190 dairy cows and maximises his efficiency with well-managed grass, reducing his reliance on the purchase of fertiliser. Evidence of his expertise in this area came last year when he won the British Grassland Farmer of the Year competition. John Speakman, senior buyer with Shoprite and a judge, presented the winners with Shoprite vouchers worth £200, glass trophies and certificates. The other finalists – Bryan Radcliffe of Rye Hill Farm, Regaby and Carl Huxham, Cronk Aalin Dairy, Sulby – were each presented with £50 in Shoprite vouchers and certificates and congratulated for making it to the shortlist. Mr Speakman’s fellow judges were David Brew, Vice President of the Manx National Farmers’ Union, Dr Peter McEvoy, Director of Agriculture with DEFA, and Ean Parsons, last year’s Tomorrow’s Farmer winner.

Tickets for the festival are on sale at the Manx Welcome Centre at the Sea Terminal and from the Villa Marina and Gaiety Theatre – www.villagaiety.com or 01624 600555. For more information about the festival, visit www.gov. im/food, like Isle of Man Food and Drink on facebook or follow @iomfoodanddrink on Twitter.

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

APPETITE

Fun and games at Laxey Pavilion The Children’s Centre recently took over the lease of Laxey Pavilion, and an open day allowed families to find out more about the charity’s latest project. It’s being run as a social enterprise, which means all of the profits from Laxey Pavilion go to support The Children’s Centre. A host of fun events were held on the open day – including a chance for children to follow a trail and find the mysterious Rumplethump which, legend has it, stalks Laxey Glen! Laxey Pavilion, which is owned by DEFA, has been transformed into a welcoming location for children and families, with adaptable facilities to be enjoyed by the whole community. Work has been going on for the last few months and a new café opened recently . Susie Cox, Laxey Pavilion’s Venue and Events Manager, said: “The open day was great fun, and we were delighted to see so many families attending to see the results of months of hard work. There are so many possibilities for things to hold here at Laxey Pavilion. It’s got huge potential. We see Laxey Pavilion becoming a location for all kinds of events, from corporate gatherings to weddings. Everyone who supports this facility will also have the satisfaction of knowing that they are helping The Children’s Centre to run projects for children and families here on the island.” The café is open 10.30am to 3pm, Thursday to Sunday. www.laxeypavilion.im

Local produce provides recipe for success Tasty fresh local produce proved the recipe for success in the prestigious Chef of the Year and Student Chef of the Year competitions, sponsored by Robinson’s. James Stubbs from The Courthouse and Jean-Pierre Giuliani from Jean-Pierre’s Bistro won through to the Chef of the Year final from the heats, held at the Isle of Man Queenie Festival in August. Chris Franklin, Chef Lecturer at the Isle of Man College of Further and Higher Education, Janna Horsthuis, a Director of Robinson’s and Audrey Fowler, Marketing Officer with the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA), were the judges for the Chef of the Year competition. They selected James’ dish of Manx lamb’s liver, sautéed kale, beetroot croquette and vegetable crisps and Jean-Pierre’s dish of roast Manx tenderloin of pork filled with apple stuffing, drizzled with cider cream sauce with runner beans a la Francaise to make the final.

Both are NVQ level 3 students at the College and work part-time at Barbary Coast. Pipped to a place in the final were Maria Eduardo (fillet steak with crab fritter and creamed potato) and Tyler Livesey (queenie tortellini with asparagus and Manx Spirit sauce). Roy Macfarlane, from Macfarlane’s restaurant in Douglas, replaced Mr Franklin on the judging panel for the student competition. All seven chefs had 35 minutes to create their culinary masterpieces, with the pressure of a live audience. The dishes were judged on local content, taste and presentation. ‘All the chefs showed what can be achieved with high quality local produce, skill and imagination.’ The finals of the competitions on Sunday 20th September at 11am and 1pm are among the highlights of the two-day Isle of Man Food and Drink Festival.

Narrowly missing out was Cye Maddocks from Haworth’s Restaurant, who created a lobster and salmon ravioli with a queenie chowder.

The judges putting finalists to the taste test will be the Minister, top international chef Colin Clague, who is the guest chef at the festival, and Janna Horsthuis.

The line-up for the final of the first Student Chef of the Year Award is also known after yesterday’s semi-finals.

The Chef of the Year will receive £500 cash and an engraved plaque, plus £500 for their establishment to spend on advertising. The Student Chef of the Year will win £250 and a trophy.

Nicole Crawley, with her unique take on Manx lamb broth, and Dominik Woloszyk, with a zesty grilled trout with potato and egg ravioli, will go head to head for the title.

The finalists’ recipes will feature on www.gov.im/food ahead of the festival.

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

APPETITE

GARNISHING GIN WORDS Freya Richardson

We may sound like alcoholics but the botanical smell of juniper unleashed when the top pops from the gin bottle is extremely comforting. Gin is a trendy choice but in the hands of a novice it is merely a semi-cold offering made from a tipple of Gordonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and a shot of Schweppes.

Just because ginger starts with the same three letters does not mean it is an appropriate accompaniment to take your favourite cocktail up a notch. Here are some unexpected garnishes to spice up your happy hour.

LIME

LEMON

CUCUMBER

Historically the accustomed garnish around the world; whether you choose a slice or wedge it is a traditionally foolproof choice, as long as it is fresh.

It may come as a surprise that the UK exclusively has been using this as an alternative to lime since 1930s. If you are lucky enough to have half hiding under a banana in the fruit bowl, a peel the zest gives you best results.

Paired with Hendricks this is a triumphantly classic combination. Rule Britannia.

OLIVE

GRAPEFRUIT

HERBS

This should only chosen when straight gin is (shaken not stirred) with dry vermouthmartini style.

Stir-up the citrus fruits. A large pink wedge will not only look great and impress guest, your gin supply may be drunk dry quicker than expected.

Rosemary, coriander and basil all add an extra herbal flavour, maximising the botanicals already in the gin.

MANGO

BLACK PEPPER

CHILLI

New research suggests contrasting the botanicals flavour with the sweetness of mango creates taste fireworks in your mouth.

Normally kept for the food courses to follow your cocktail, it gives a subtle spice kick to the gin. Best for those who donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have a sweet tooth.

Variety is the spice of life, choose either red or green to create a savoury gin and tonic sensation that energises your taste buds.

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

WORDS | Anne Berry | The Wine Cellar

APPETITE

Colombo 2015 IS PROVING TO BE A DIFFICULT YEAR FOR VINES IN SOME AREAS OF EUROPE, AS THEY BATTLE WITH OTHER PLANTS FOR THE LIMITED AMOUNT OF WATER AVAILABLE IN WHAT HAS BEEN ONE OF THE DRIEST VINTAGES ON RECORD. We were very fortunate to have recently visited the Colombo family winery in the northern Rhone where Laure Colombo showed us around her property and saw for ourselves how dry conditions are. When Laure’s parents arrived in the small village of Cornas in the northern Rhone more than 30 years ago, their intention was to produce excellent quality wines. Jean-Luc and his wife, Anne, had moved from Provence where Jean-Luc’s mother was a talented restaurateur in Marseille. His aim was to produce wines good enough to match his mother’s cuisine and, after qualifying as an oenologist, he sought out Les Ruchets, a vineyard of old Syrah vines planted in granite soil, and he had no doubt that this village in the northern Rhone would be where he could fulfil that ambition. At that time, wines from Cornas were not highly regarded, and certainly not considered to be in the same league as Hermitage or Cote Rotie. Not all the locals were supportive, some sceptical, not understanding how these newcomers would succeed in producing wines any different or better than theirs. However, Jean-Luc’s first vintage of Les Ruchets in 1987 was a great success, taking the French wine world by storm. Following vintages were equally as successful, putting Colombo Cornas firmly on the map and allowing Jean-Luc and Anne to expand their business. They now own 20 hectares out of the 110 hectares planted in Cornas as well as owning land in the southern Rhone and by the Mediterranean coastline, and produce a wide range of wines. Cornas is the most northerly village in the Rhone to benefit from Mediterranean influences and there is a touch of ‘garrigue’ in the wines, the slightly herbal and earthy character often associated with wines from the southern Rhone and Languedoc. The soil in Cornas is all granite and only Syrah grapes are permitted so all wines labelled Cornas are 100% Syrah. In the other northern Rhone appellations the soil is a mixture of granite and limestone and, as a result, Viognier, Marsanne and Roussanne can be used. These other

appellations are also larger, each including a number of villages, e.g. six in the St Joseph appellation to the north of Cornas and three in Cote Rotie. Cornas wines only come from vines grown in vineyards in the village of Cornas.

in the vineyards (to preserve the natural microorganisms and humidity in the soil, and to slow the growth of plants which compete with the vines for precious water supplies) and they actively encourage the natural biodiversity of the vineyard by planting trees and allowing wildflowers to grow. Horsepower is used to plough the less steep slopes, as this is gentler than a tractor, and removes the grass that competes for minerals and water without the use of herbicides. As we jolted our way back to the winery for the tasting, Laure stopped twice to have a chat with other winemakers we met along the narrow roads. The first, a jolly ruddy faced man with a cheery smile, who we learned had been one of her father’s biggest supporters in the early days, and who she sees almost as her ‘godfather’, someone with whom to discuss day to day vineyard or winery dilemmas. The second had the weathered face of a man who has worked the land for the last 50 years. Laure told us that he knows everything there is to know about the appellation and is the person to go to if for information about anything that has ever happened in Cornas! Then it was back to the winery for a tasting and here are a few recommendations!

Laure proudly showing us the area in which she grew up and developed her passion for wine and food. Laure joined the family business in 2010, bringing life and extra energy. Qualified as an oenologist and viticulturist, she is now involved in all aspects of the business. When we called to visit last month, she invited us to take a tour to see the vines in her 4WD vehicle. As we bumped along the dry, stony, deeply rutted roads (thankful not to be in our own car!), climbing up to the top of the Cornas vineyards, she explained how 2015 has been a challenging year, with it being so hot and dry. She pointed out vines that were incredibly stressed and those that had died in the heat. We eventually reached the Les Ruchets vineyard, where the vines are 60 years old with roots that dig deep down to 40 metres. These are much better prepared to deal with the drought than the younger vines lower down the slopes (Terres Brulees vineyards) with roots that cannot reach down to the water. The Colombo family philosophy is to show respect to nature and to the unique quality of each terroir. They use organic practices in the vineyards and have begun the official conversion process. Already the use of pesticides is banned, bark mulch is used

Cotes du Rhone Blanc Les Abeilles £10.75 Les Abeilles means The Bees and it originates from vines grown in the Southern Rhone’s ancient terraced vineyards. Medium in body, it has floral and fruity aromas and a harmonious palate. Produced from Clairette and Roussanne grapes, it is a wine to be enjoyed as an aperitif or with salads, fish or chicken dishes. Les Collines de Laure Syrah £14.00 This elegant and sensual wine is produced from younger Syrah vines. In the Colombos’ opinion, the vines are too young to use for a true Cornas wine but are perfect for this delicate seductive red with its soft tannins. Aromas of strawberry, blackberry, and violet lead to a palate of coffee, spice and dark fruits. Not too heavy, it is also delicious served slightly chilled. Recommended with hearty pasta dishes, or with a plate of charcuterie. Cornas Terres Brulees – this takes its name from the red (roasted) soils and is from a mixture of 20 to 60 year old vines. The tannins are powerful yet elegant and softened by two years maturation in oak. It has delicious aromas of raspberry, liquorice and coffee and a long spicy finish. £37.75 Laure recommends lingering over this with a rib of beef and dauphinoise potatoes!

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

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

APPETITE

FOODIE FEATURE

WORDS Freya Richardson

A crunch of salt and a crack of black pepper- Yin and Yang of the seasoning world. But are they as much of a pair as your knife and fork or are they rivals competing for attention? Well they do say opposites attract. As well as added to cooking, the pair are placed in separate, traditional or trendily shaped shakers, centre of the dining table, ready for you to season your supper to your own personal taste. The blind association advise Pepper should be placed on the left hand side of the salt and in polite society these should always be passed round together, and cleared alongside the main course.

Food without seasoning is as bland as a grey day, mainly true for European cuisine. The French consider pepper the only spice that doesn’t mask flavour but rather enhances it. I use pepper without thinking many times a day and yet there are so many facts I didn’t know about it. Dried black peppercorns last forever without losing flavour. Pepper is actually a fruit grown on a flowering plant whose woody vines can grow up to four meters in height - I wonder if it could pass as one of our five-a-day?

adding salt to the water when boiling eggs makes them easier to peel. It is the difference between taste and flavour that make salt and pepper a gold medal winning combination and not a rival pair. Salt is one of four main elements that our taste buds can pick up (along with sweet, sour, and bitter). But flavour is a bundle of different sensations and pepper, along with other spices, are partly smelled to create it.

Historically both have been a high value commoditydestroying Kingdoms, monopolising Governments and enriching Monarchies. Large I use pepper without thinking many taxation on valuable goods led to countless smugglers being hanged times a day and yet there are so many for importation- a high price to pay facts I didn’t know about it. Dried for our kitchen staples.

black peppercorns last forever without losing flavour. Pepper is actually a fruit grown on a flowering plant whose woody vines can grow up to four meters in height - I wonder if it could pass as one of our five-a-day?

At one point you could pay rent in salt, and the Romans were given it as part payment of their wagesleading to todays word ‘salary’. It was the Egyptians discovery that salt draws out water that lead to the ground-breaking process of preserving meat and fish. This discovery arguably changed the course of history for the sale and transportation of food throughout the world. But back in the day, this type of preservation wasn’t restricted to food: Mummies were covered in salt too. In fact, when mummies were shipped down the Nile as cargo, they were taxed in the “salted meat” bracket. Pepper was an equally valuable commodity, native to South East Asia. Popular for both its taste and medical value, it was a luxury item afforded only by the super-rich to liven up meals. Like salt it was used in lieu of money and demanded for ransom- no wonder it was nicknamed “black gold”.

NaCl, sodium chloride, or to us: salt, is a mineral and like pepper lasts forever. Found in the deep dark water surrounding our Island- salt has had bad press in the past few years but recently health experts are having to eat their words as it is not as bad for us as originally thought (in small doses). Unlike sugar, salt is needed by the body to survive. For this reason the body craves salt, but it is also useful in cooking to adapt flavours as it decreases bitterness and increases sweetness. It is used to help raise cakes, frost a margarita glass, as a preservative and a disinfectant, even for tanning leather. And I bet you didn’t know

Herbs, spices, sugar or citrus fruits all come under the seasoning umbrella. Salt and pepper manufactures are taking this into consideration, creating a runway to launch our food to new heights of flavour. Not as simple as black and white, gourmet flavours and colours range from: Tellicherry Black Pepper, Muntok White Pepper and Kerala Green Pepper, to Hawaiian Salt Hot Black Lava, Ravida Fennel Pollen Salt and Amabito No Moshio. All available online at: www.salthouseonline.com

This ‘cracking’ Scottish company which has combined the specialised ‘Salthouse’ and ‘Pepper Mongers’ collections, has over 140 years experience and is offering us the full salt and pepper monty. The names may flummox the most knowledgeable of food experts but I assure you they are a necessity to both the amateur and experienced kitchen.

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TRAVEL Above & Beyond with

TRAVEL

Hop over to

BLACKPOOL this Autumn

IT’S SEPTEMBER, AND THAT MEANS IT’S TIME FOR THE BIG SWITCH-ON THE WORLD-FAMOUS BLACKPOOL ILLUMINATIONS ARE BACK! FOR ALMOST 70 NIGHTS A SPECTACULAR SIX-MILE STRETCH OF TWINKLING LIGHTS WILL GLITTER ACROSS THE SEASIDE RESORT, MAKING IT ONE OF THE MUST-GO DESTINATIONS THIS AUTUMN.

Tower with a stunning 3D projection show – it’s one not to miss! Of course, no trip to Blackpool is complete without a visit to the legendary Blackpool Pleasure Beach, so make sure that’s on your to-do list, and don’t forget the resort is also home to the UK’s largest indoor waterpark, Sandcastle Waterpark, so pack your swimming stuff. Blackpool is just a short flight away with Citywing’s Hopper offer, starting from just £23.95 each way, so there’s nothing to stop you experiencing the illuminations, and much more, for yourself. The Blackpool Illuminations are a phenomenon, bringing millions of visitors from all over the world, and its starts not just with a simple switch-on ceremony, but a three-day festival of entertainment; from 4th to 6th September acts like The Vamps, Lawson, Professor Green, Bananarama and comedian Al Murray, ‘The Pub Landlord’, will perform for the crowds. Don’t worry if you can’t make the opening weekend, there’s plenty going on in Blackpool all autumn. New-for-2015 ‘Lightpool’ is set to revolutionise the Illuminations by decorating Blackpool

If you can’t be at the Blackpool Illumination Switch-On Weekend don’t worry, you can still do some celeb-spotting at Madame Tussauds, the legendary waxworks where you can rub shoulders with the stars of film, TV, music and sport. A visit to Blackpool isn’t all about the glitz and glamour of the seafront. One of the most popular attractions is Blackpool Zoo and Sea Life, and it is no wonder. The multi award-winning zoo is home to hundreds of species including elephants, giraffes, big cats, gorillas and orang-utans, while Sea Life gives you the chance to discover more than 1,000 amazing aquatic creatures from tiny reef fish to impressive tropical sharks. They say one visit is never enough – and they’re right. So, you’ve seen the illuminations, had fish and chips on the prom, ridden the rides at

with

the Pleasure Beach and said hello to the animals at the zoo, how about a bit of culture next? The Grundy Art Gallery is well worth a visit, as is the magnificent Winter Gardens and its legendary Opera House. There’s a huge choice of theatre, cinema, musicals and concerts to choose from throughout autumn, with something to suit every taste. Fresh from its record-breaking run in London’s West End, Thriller Live comes to the Grand Theatre between 5th and 10th October; fans of pop legend Michael Jackson need to get tickets for this one! And rock fans won’t want to miss The Who’s classic rock opera TOMMY at the Winter Gardens from 11th to 26th September. Of course, Blackpool is famous for its close links to the world of dance, and if you’re a fan of the Tango and Pasodoble you can enjoy some of the finest moves during November’s National Dance championships, in the spectacular setting of the famous Empress Ballroom. Experience the Blackpool Illuminations, and much more of what this terrific destination has to o er, by book your direct flights with Citywing today. For more information go to www.citywing. com, and discover even more to see and do in Blackpool this autumn at www.visitblackpool.com ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

Hop over to Blackpool

TRAVEL

Fares start from just ÂŁ23.95 one way Flying twice a day everyday

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

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WANDERLUST

Six of the Best Travel Rivals WORDS Tamarin Marriott-Wilkinson

JERSEY VERSUS THE BAHAMAS Jersey, Channel Islands Countless beaches, a fusion of Anglo-Norman culture and some of the best seafood in the world make Jersey an ideal holiday destination. Here, seawaters sparkle with an azure blue transparency that wouldn’t go a miss in the Bahamas and perfect skies glimmer without a hint of high-rise graffiti. If it’s seclusion you’re after, then Plemont is your oyster. Nestled within Jurassic scenery, this sandy cove, tucked away on the North Coast, gives St. Barts a run for its money! From rock pools to sea caves, this picture-perfect bay is both wild and pure. Where to stay: With an array of top-notch hotels to choose from, you’re truly spoilt for choice. Stay at the luxurious Atlantic Hotel for beautiful sunset views, the Longueville Manor for country-style glamour or the Undercliff Guesthouse for character and charm. Visit www.theatlantichotel.com, www.longuevillmanor.com or www.undercliffjersey.com for rates and availability. Getting there: Citywing fly to Jersey with a short stop at Gloucester, www.citywing.com. Blue Islands from London City.

St. Barts, The Bahamas

Above left: Longueville Manor Above right: Cheval Blanc St Barts

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BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

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IBIZA

GES ALL A R O F OCKS

OW TO STRIKE A BALANCE BETWEEN HEDONISM AND FAMILY TIME IN IBIZA? THE NEW GRAND PALLADIUM WHITE ISLAND RESORT & SPA IS A HAPPY MIX - LIKE A BEACH CLUB MIXED WITH A KIDS CLUB. Opened earlier this summer, with over 400 rooms, this gleaming white five-star has a fresh and modern feel with white tile wet rooms and flashes of magenta and mosaic prints in bedrooms. Master suites with private roof terrace and Jacuzzi overlooking the sea are a wish-you-werehere highlight. Positioned next to its older sister hotel Grand Palladium Palace, and joined by a wooden bridge, the double act allows for more choice when it comes to picking a pool or one of the four themed all-inclusive restaurants. The union makes the hotel complex the largest resort in Ibiza complete with minigolf, spa, tennis courts and vast outdoor entertainment theatre to keep families, groups and couples entertained. It’s possible to dip into all three large pools in the same afternoon (we know, we tried). Kick back on Balinese-style loungers around White Island’s lively pool with DJspun tunes; relax in cabanas at the wooden decked Bossa pool; or take little ones to the large family pool to splash in shallow waters. Huge sunken mosaic pool loungers at White Island prove especially popular in the searing midday sun. The resort’s Playa d’en Bossa location puts it in prime position for guests to enjoy the white sand beach, set just behind the hotel. A quick stroll through the gate and you hit exclusive beach club restaurants like Nassau, but DJ beats are barely audible from the hotel grounds and there’s a strict

Words: Jane Green

midnight shutdown policy. For parents who fancy a chilled daytime sangria minus distractions, the hotel’s Kids Club is on hand. There’s plenty to keep all ages occupied with shady indoor and outdoor spaces and different room ‘zones’ catering for toddlers, juniors and teens, with countless Wiis and PlayStations. The Zentropia spa is a must, minus kids (access approx. £14.50 for hotel guests) with treatments like aromatic balance body massages and Biologique Recherge oxygen facials. Apply a waterproof SPF and do a spa circuit of the sunny open-air thermal water pool with water jets, sensations shower and Jacuzzi beds, or relax at the dreamy indoor pool with overhead floating cloud lights, where you’ll find Hamman, Finnish sauna, hydro massage points and a cold plunge pool. :: Double rooms from £168 (two sharing) on an all-inclusive basis. Visit www. palladiumhotelgroup.com. USHIAIA IBIZA BEACH HOTEL, PLAYA D’EN BOSSA When your only wish is to roll back into your bed after a night at a club, Ushuaia is your Ibiza nirvana. This is the hotel for guests who live, eat and breathe music. There are two accommodation options: Club rooms with balconies and gardens that give you a bird’s eye view of the openair main stage, or the newer neighbouring Tower Hotel for some respite from the decibels. Clad in gargantuan bright flowers, the Tower is like a VIP area of a club. Think gourmet multi-coloured jelly shots served on check-in, bonkers art installations of giant ants climbing the ceilings and mini private pools overlooking the main pool (by reservation only). VIP options continue with swish suites

like ‘The Fashion Victim’, ‘The Anything Can Happen - With Stage View and ‘The I’m On Top of the World’ penthouse suite, where Leonardo DiCaprio once checked in to party. Not for traditionalists, the Fashion Victim Suite is decked out with a circular space bed, club size vodka bottles at the not-somini bar, and see-through shower next to the bedside table. There are club nights virtually every day in peak-season with crowd-pullers like David Guetta playing on Mondays and Avicii on Sundays. The hotel starts the party early with music gradually cranking up throughout the afternoon until the magic hour of 5pm, when the main DJ takes to the booth and you can feel the vibrations from your balcony. At midnight - and not a minute beyond - the lights and sound are pulled, leaving guests to after-party elsewhere... or sleep. Find further serenity at breakfast time, when hangovers are soothed with chill-out tunes, tai chi moves and scrambled eggs laced with truffle shavings. Dinner options are just as luxurious with the Montauk steakhouse, or glass-front Minami Japanese restaurant, where you can overlook the main stage action as you’re eating luxury sushi rolls. :: Doubles from £152 (two sharing) with breakfast. Visit www.ushuaiabeachhotel. com/en/ TRAVEL FACTS British Airways www.ba.com o ers over 20 summer departures to Ibiza from London City each week, with flights starting from one way, including complimentary food and drinks on board.

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

Isle of Man | Home & Interiors | September 2015

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

HOME

The Balladoole Estate, Balladoole, Castletown | £6,250,000

BALLADOOLE

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HOME

51 Victoria Street, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM1 2LD

01624 645555

he origins of the name Balladoole date back to the fourteenth century, when it was owned by a Galloway Chieftain named Lord Duncan MacDowell.

coving and exquisite 4â&#x20AC;&#x2122; staircase which forms a central show piece to the property. Balladoole is one of the largest and most historic estates on the Island still in private ownership. Standing in a commanding position with parkland views from the front, back towards Castletown and from the

Imposing Queen Anne Mansion House set in private parkland Entrance porch, impressive Reception Hall, panelled Study Grandiose Drawing Room, elegant Dining Room Morning Room, Kitchen, Laundry Room, upstairs Sitting Room Master Bedroom, Dressing Room and Bathroom

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

* * * *

upper floors at the rear directly south-west towards Port St Mary and the Calf of Man. The immediate parkland setting including a walled garden and the impressive Balladoole Granary has grounds extending to approximately 18 acres.

6 further Bedrooms, Bathroom, En-Suite and Dressing Room Lift to first floor level, Integral garage 2 Bedroom Staff Flat Walled Gardens

unit 18 tromode estate, douglas, isle of man, im4 4qb

C U B B I N F I N E

H I G H

F U R N I T U R E

S T Y L E

B R E G A Z Z I &

A C C E S S O R I E S

G R E A T

C O M F O R T

CARRERA CORNER GROUP BY MICHAEL TYLER AVAILABLE IN A WIDE RANGE OF LAYOUTS AND FABRICS ‐ NOW IN OUR SHOWROOM

Te l + 4 4 ( 1 6 2 4 ) 6 1 7 7 8 8 . T r o m o d e E s t a t e , D o u g l a s , I s l e o f M a n c u b b i n a n d b r e g a z z i . c o m

115 Ballaquark, Douglas Harbour View, Port St Mary Sunnycrest, Poplar Road, Douglas The Milestone, Main Road, Glen Vine

ocal properties at your fingertips www.blackgracecowley.com Harbour View, Port St Mary

115 Ballaquark, Douglas

£299,950

£204,950

• • • • • •

Modern split level semi detached house 2 Bedrooms, Shower Room Contemporary luxuriously fitted Kitchen Open plan Reception Room Front and rear Gardens Driveway parking for 2 cars

• • • • • • • •

Superb spacious period family home in excellent condition Enviable village location 2 Reception Rooms, 6 Bedrooms and 3 Bathrooms (1 En Suite) Oil fired central heating and uPVC double glazing Enclosed rear courtyard Breathtaking views over the harbour to the sea Competitively priced for quick sale Internal inspection recommended

The Milestone, Main Road, Glen Vine

Sunnycrest, Poplar Road, Douglas

£395,000

£499,950

• • • • • • •

• • • • • • • • •

Charming detached property sat in mature private plot Centrally located in the heart of Douglas 3 Bedrooms, 1 Reception Room, 1 Bathroom 2 additional Storage Rooms Detached double Garage Off road parking Well established Gardens and surrounds

51 Victoria Street, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM1 2LD

01624 645555 BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

Detached dormer bungalow situated on a generous plot Renovated to a high standard throughout Lounge with rural views, generous kitchen with dining area 4 Bedrooms, Family bathroom, Shower Room, WC and Utility 2 single Garages and self-contained Studio above Electric front entrance gates with remote control Driveway parking and turning area, rear garden and large patio Fully double glazed and oil fired central heating Situated across the road from Marown Primary School

5 Reayrt Ny Glionney, Lonan, Laxey

£485,000

• • • • • •

Outstanding, modern, detached family house Pleasantly located at the head of this quiet cul-de-sac Enjoying sea views to the front and rural aspect to the rear Immaculate accommodation throughout Entrance Hall, Cloakroom, Lounge, Family Room Superbly fitted 26ft Dining Kitchen, Utility and Conservatory

• • • • • •

Master Bedroom with En Suite, 3 further Bedrooms Well-appointed Family Bathroom Gas fired central heating and double glazing Lawned front and rear gardens with stunning views Block paved drive with space for 4 cars plus single Garage Inspection highly recommended

9 Athol Street, Peel, Isle of Man, IM5 1HE

01624 845696

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WORDS | Ben Brooker

PRESERVING OUR

Manx Roots WE KNOW TREES ARE AN IMPORTANT PART OF OUR LOCAL LANDSCAPE AND A VITAL PART OF THE LOCAL ECOLOGY, BUT NOW MORE THAN EVER MUST WE BE PRESERVING THE ISLAND’S TREES.

The Island has less than 6% total tree cover, compared to 12% in UK and 35% in Europe, and with the estimated removal of approximately 20% of our plantations as a result of larch disease, our tree numbers will hit a major low. Ok, so why are they important?

•

Wildlife - wether or not a creature relies directly upon a tree for food or shelter, it’s survival will most likely depend on trees. For example, a fungus will break down wood which then becomes food for insects, which are then preyed upon by birds, which themselves may spread the seeds of other trees. This is biodiversity and by removing the tree we can loose all the other elements.

•

Wind speed - we all know it can get a bit blustery on the Island, and trees play a huge part in reducing wind speed.

•

Cooling - this is probably not the summer to talk about localised cooling, but leaves evaporate away heat energy and help maintain steady temperatures, especially in urban areas.

•

Flooding - wether it’s by direct rainfall interception or by the absorbing effects of the soil around trees, they are the best way to stop heavy surface water which can wash land based chemicals into the rivers and sea.

•

Psychology - they look good and respectable studies have shown they calm us and improve our wellbeing.

•

The wider environment - wether or not you believe that the 0.04% of our atmosphere made of CO2 will actually lead to the end of life as we know it, tree’s do have the ability to lock away carbon and more importantly, in my opinion, intercept rain and airborne pollutants like sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide which are created from our vehicles and heavy industry. ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

riculture

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How can we help preserve them? •

First there must be a shift in thinking. Trees do block out light, leaves do become a nuisance and bits do sometimes fall off, but correctly managed trees are good for all of the reasons mentioned above. Also, they were quite often there before you, and may be there long after.

•

Hire a professional to manage your trees. NPTC certification will indicate that someone is safe to operate a chainsaw but won't necessarily mean they know what’s best for your tree. A formal qualification, such as level 2,3 or 4 diploma will indicate a sound knowledge of trees. By ensuring your trees are correctly pruned, such as avoiding “topping”, you’ll ensure their health and safety into the future, ultimately meaning they will survive and not add to the Island’s declining numbers.

•

When building or carrying out major ground work you should have a proper tree survey carried out, in the same way that you would employ an architect or chartered surveyor. A survey will provide an arboricultural impact assessment and tree protection plan which will help to avoid root damage, soil compaction, changes in soil level and any other factor which may result in sick trees. Tree surveys, regardless of building, will also cover your duty of care against damage or injury to others.

•

...wether or not a creature relies directly upon a tree for food or shelter, it’s survival will most likely depend on trees.

Replace lost or removed trees. It is a fact that some trees outgrow their location, but by replacing that tree with a smaller and more suitable tree, either in the same spot or nearby, you can mitigate the loss and complete the cycle.

Manx

Roots

Ben Brooker is a Manx arborist providing a full tree surgery and arboricultural consultancy service called Manx Roots. He holds a level 4 Professional Diploma in Arboriculture, is a director of the Isle of Man Woodland Trust and is involved in woodland habitat projects with the Isle of Man Government. For further advice relating to the subject please visit www.trees.im or email ben@trees.im

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

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PROPERTY NEWS

PROPERTY NEWS FIVE TOP HOME IMPROVEMENTS

If you want to add value to your home, which improvements will make it nicer to live in and more attractive to buyers when you come to sell? 1. Adding space is one of the best ways to improve your home and increase its value. If you’ve outgrown your home, but can make it bigger by building an extension or converting the loft, cellar or garage, doing the work is often more economical than moving to a larger property, and gives you a chance to create living space tailored to your needs. However, be careful not to extend your home in the wrong way. For example, if you’re converting the loft to create an extra bedroom and there isn’t enough living space downstairs for the total number of bedrooms, you’ll be making the house too top heavy. If you’re concerned about resale, ask a local estate agent whether the work you’re considering is advisable. 2. Modernising a home stuck in a different decade is always going to add value, and make it more sellable and nicer to live in. Central heating is vital because most of us want it, but installing it is expensive anddisruptive - it’s something to do at an early stage of renovating. The same applies to rewiring - old wiring isn’t always obvious, but can be dangerous. Having a property rewired is also expensive and disruptive and can create more work and expense because you often have to replaster afterwards.

PROPERTY AGENTS AGREE TO LIMIT BOARD SIZES Commercial property agents in Douglas have agreed to a voluntary code of practice drawn up by Douglas Development Partnership to limit the size of their signboards according to where they are sited in the town centre. Under the agreement agents will limit large-format 5’ x 4’ (1.5 x 1.2m) projecting ‘For Sale’ and ‘To Let’ boards to wider streets such as Victoria Street, Lord Street, Loch Promenade, Ridgeway Street and Prospect Hill. In narrower streets, such as Nelson Street, Duke Street, Market Hill, Wellington Street, Strand Street, Regent Street, Howard Street, Granville Street and Marina Road, protruding boards will be limited to 2’6 x 1’9 (0.8 x 0.6m). The agreement does, however, allow for large-format boards to be used in narrower streets if they are positioned on the inside of premises’ windows or used as window vinyls. Development manager Chris Pycroft explained: ‘This voluntary code practice is born out the Douglas Marketing Initiative which

3. It’s said the rooms that sell homes most are the kitchen and bathroom. Again, this is because updating them is costly and it’s not easy being without either while the work’s being done. Day to day, replacing a dated kitchen or bathroom with a modern one will make a big difference to your life, and you can fit a new one inexpensively, although it’s not hard to spend a lot. If you can create one, an open-plan kitchen-diner/family room is the most popular type of kitchen these days, as it’s ideal for family life and entertaining. 4. En-suite bathrooms are another good way to add value and make your home life easier, especially if you have kids. You should have at least one bathroom for every three bedrooms, but when everyone’s getting ready in the morning, there can be a lot of pressure on that one bathroom. This is when another bathroom comes in very handy. It’s also useful to have a bathroom on every floor where there are bedrooms, so, for example, loft-conversion bedrooms with a bathroom are usually more valuable and useful than those without. 5. In areas where parking space is limited, off-street parking is a big plus, although it’s most likely to add value in expensive urban areas. You may need planning permission from your local council for both the off-street parking and a dropped kerb so you can access it easily. .

is looking at ways to attract new business and investment to Douglas. We drew up this agreement in response to concerns about the proliferation of agents’ large signboards protruding into narrow streets, which are not only out of scale with the surroundings, but also, and more importantly, give the impression of a high level of vacant units, which could deter potential investors and have an adverse effect on commercial property values. That impression, however, is misleading as vacant unit rates in the town centre are relatively low, with figures for December 2014 showing that the vacancy rate in Douglas was 7.66 per cent, while the UK average for that period was 10.3 per cent and the North West 13.1 per cent. Agents who have agreed to abide by the code of practice are Black Grace Cowley, Chapman & Co, Chrystals and Dean Wood.

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

ISLAND’S LONGEST ESTABLISHED TILE & BATHROOM CENTRES EST 40 YRS SHOWERS & WET ROOMS PORCELAIN MOSAIC STONE LAMINATE

ISLAND’S LARGEST SELECTION OF WALL & FLOOR TILES www.pacesetter-ltd.com • Email: pacesetter@manx.net Harris Terrace • Douglas • Isle of Man • Tel 622045

Local RIBA chartered practice, Hugh Logan Architects, can help to provide a unique solution in order to realise your needs, desires and aspirations for your property. H U G H L O G A N A R C H I T E C T S

HUGH LOGAN

RIBA

MANAGING DIRECTOR PRINCIPAL ARCHITECT

“Good design can and will

add value to your property.

”

— Hugh Logan

H U G H LO G A N A R C H I T E C T S BRIDGE COURT 10 BRIDGE STREET C A S T L E TOW N I S L E O F M A N I M 9 1 A X

Principal & Founder, Hugh Logan Architects

PHONE 01624 825872 EMAIL HUGH.LOGAN@HLA-IM.COM WEB WWW.HLA-IM.COM

A one hour initial consultation is free of charge. Solutions vary and can include — • Property Extension • Property Replacement • Remodelling to improve functionality • Remodelling to improve appearance

BRIDGE COURT 10 BRIDGE STREET CASTLETOWN ISLE OF MAN IM9 1AX

Services and advice are also provided for — • Development potential • Energy Conservation • Planning Consent • Building Regulations

PHONE 01624 825872 EMAIL MAIL@HLA.IM WEB WWW.HLA.IM

FEATURED PROPERTY

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Ellenbrook Close, Douglas 2

* * * * * * * * *

£335,000

Detached True Bungalow Close to Douglas & Countryside Walking Distance to Well Regarded Primary School Spacious & Bright Newly Fitted Kitchen with Sun Room Lounge, Utility Room 3 Bedrooms, Family Bathroom Detached Garage with Storage Above, Parking for 4 Vehicles Front and Rear Gardens uPVC Double Glazed, Oil Fired Central Heating Owner Would Consider Part Exchange HARMONY HOMES, DOUGLAS T: 616200 www.harmonyhomes.co.im

Links View, Onchan 1

* * * * * * * *

£550,000

Deceptively Spacious, Split-Level Residence Enjoying Some Fabulous Sea & Coastal Views 2 Generous Reception Rooms, Balcony with Views Modern Fitted Breakfast Kitchen 4 Good Sized Bedrooms (2 En-Suite) Family Bathroom & 2 En-Suite Bathrooms Integral Double Garage & Off Road Parking Delightful Landscaped Rear Garden

HARMONY HOMES, DOUGLAS T: 616200 www.harmonyhomes.co.im

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

Stunning new homes in Peel

S H HO O W M E

READY TO MOVE IN THE OAK

THE SILVERDALE

THE CEDAR

A stunning 4 bed detached home with sunroom and study. Bedrooms 1 & 2 are en-suite and all bedrooms include fitted wardrobes.

A substantial 5 bed detached home with sunroom and double garage. Bedrooms 1 & 2 are en-suite and four of the bedrooms include fitted wardrobes.

An impressive 4 bed detached home with study, family room and double garage. Bedrooms 1 & 2 are en-suite. Bedrooms feature a walk in dressing room or fitted wardrobes.

£474,950

£569,950

£544,950

To find out more please contact our Sales Team:

01624 615000

iomsales@dandara.com or visit dandara.com Specification may vary subject to house type and build stage. Full details available on request. Prices and details correct at time of going to print. Images indicative only.

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FEATURED PROPERTY

SUPERB QUALITY AND STYLE IN PICTURESQUE PEEL The Executive Collection at Reayrt ny Cronk is a superb range of four and five bedroom detached homes less than a mile from the centre of Peel on the island’s west coast.

Featuring award-winning design and a superb level of specification, these homes provide the ultimate in modern living within easy reach of local schools, shops, the beach and all local amenities. Constructed to the highest standard, each home benefits from excellent levels of insulation, high quality double glazing, central heating and hot water systems powered by the latest generation in energy efficient boilers.

Priced from £474,950 these homes are all ready to move into and come complete with many luxurious ‘extras’ as standard including: * Superb kitchen by top German manufacturer featuring a full range of high quality, integrated appliances * Luxurious fully tiled bathrooms and en suites * Stylish fitted wardrobes * Floor coverings * Landscaped gardens * Integral garage For full details contact Heritage Homes on: 615000 email: iomsales@dandara.com or visit the show home 11am to 4pm Saturday and Sunday or by appointment at all other times.

With a 10 year NHBC warranty, these stunning home benefits from a contemporary open-plan layout which complements today’s modern lifestyles perfectly, and are finished to the highest standards – inside and out.

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

The German Kitchen Centre

“Why settle for one when you can have both”

Traditional Looks with German Engineering

Directions: Take the 2nd right after the Falcons Nest Hotel

5ifth Dimension Ltd, Marina Lane, Port Erin - Tel: 830069 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE IN DESIGN - INSTALLATION - PROJECT MANAGEMENT

Opening Hours: Tues-Friday 10:00 - 17:00 Saturday’s & Evenings By Appointment Only

Our lowest ever fixed rate mortgage 1.75%

fixed until 29.09.2017

4.0%

variable after that

4.1%

APR is the overall cost for comparison

£0

no product fee

2 year fixed rate. Up to 60% LTV. Early repayment charge applies until 29.09.2017. Limited availability. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE Visit your local branch

iombank.com/mortgages

Call us today 01624 637000

Like Isle of Man Bank 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. APR stands for Annual Percentage Rate and is an interest rate which takes account of the full amount of interest on any money borrowed plus the timing of repayments and any other charges that you have to pay. It may not take into account any reduction in interest rate following the maturity of the initial product. The frequency of the interest payments, for example monthly or quarterly, affects the calculation. Rates correct as at (12.06.2015). Over 18’s only. Security required. Calls may be recorded.

FEATURED PROPERTY

HOME

Baldrine Hill, Baldrine 1

* * * * * *

£199,950

Detached Characterful Manx Stone Cottage Charming Lounge with Wood Burning Stove Kitchen, 2 Double Bedrooms Family Bathroom Delightful Large Tiered Mature Garden Off Street Parking Space HARMONY HOMES, DOUGLAS www.harmonyhomes.co.im

Sydney Street, Douglas 2

* * * *

£239,950

Mid Terraced Town House with Many Original Features Offering Spacious Family Sized Accommodation Set Over 3 Floors Open Plan Lounge/Diner, Breakfast Kitchen Family Bathroom, Second Toilet

* 4 Double Bedrooms * Gas Fired Central Heating (18 Month Old Combi Boiler)

* uPVC Double Glazed * Block Paved Front Garden & Rear Courtyard with Parking Space HARMONY HOMES, DOUGLAS www.harmonyhomes.co.im

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

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VARSITY STATIONERY RANGE FROM £1 With a preppy attitude, bold colours and an American edge, you’ll love our funky new Varsity collection. SELFIE STATIONERY RANGE FROM £1 Selfie inspired in purples and pinks, this collection is the perfect addition to any school bag or student office.

FILING Get your work space organised and keep things in one place with our handy filing ideas.

OFFICE FURNITURE

This simple yet stunning Scandinavianinspired desk brings contemporary style to your home and the smart slim folding design and sturdy steel frame of the chair make them ideal for home or office use.

RINGBINDERS, FILES, WALLETS AND POCKETS FROM 60P

Oslo Oak Effect Desk £49 Rio White / Black Steel Folding Chair £10

OFFICE TECHNOLOGY From printer supplies and shredders to keyboards and memory cards, check out our handy range of office essentials. Texet Cordless Keyboard £12 Fellowes Powershred Cross-Cut Paper Shredder H-6C £29 Texet Personal Laminator A4 LMA4-V £10

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

PRODUCTS AVAILABLE FROM SHOPRITE LIVING, CHESTER STREET, DOUGLAS AND MARINA LANE, PORT ERIN

Save with Sure. Hang up on MT! Save on your home phone with cheaper line rental and call charges plus one convenient monthly bill. Switching your landline to Sure Home Phone is free. Ask in store for details or visit www.sure.com

FROM

ÂŁPE1R3M.O5NT0H

Price includes VAT. Connection charges will apply where no current phone line is active. See www.sure.com for more details and T&Cs.

ON THE AGENDA

NO.14

SEPTEMBER 2015

ON THE AGENDA THIS EDITION: ENTREPRENEURS - Manx Startisan Food Heroes with Shoprite BUSINESS NEWS - In the press FEATURES - Skanco Business Systems Ltd - David Butterworth, Department of Economic Development - John Spellman, Franklins Cars Ltd - Paul & Steve Franklin PLUS - Sure Mobile Fixed Line Services and Movers & Shakers

Orville Wright taking first flight with brother Wilbur running alongside at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, 17 December 1903. Image credit: WSU/planepix.com

A FEW SELECT PEOPLE HAVE BEEN GIVEN PART OF THE WORLD’S FIRST AIRCRAFT. PRESIDENTS, ASTRONAUTS AND ANYONE WITH A BREMONT WRIGHT FLYER. The Bremont Wright Flyer is a tribute to the Wright Brothers’ famous aircraft. It’s remarkable to look at. But what makes it even more remarkable is that it features actual material from that very first aircraft. The watch also features another first: our first proprietary movement, the BWC/01. The Wright Flyer is available now in a limited edition. But it’s unlikely to be available for long.

76 Strand Street, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM1 2EW T: 01624 690450 · wilkinsthejeweller.co.uk

Contents: Business News Sure - fixed line services IoD - DED, John Spellman

RELATIVE VALUES

Relative Values Franklins Cars Ltd & Erin Bike Hut

WORDS: Les Able

Father & Son - Paul Franklin & Steve Franklin

Steve was 23 when he set up his own online business working from home. “It was just me, dad gave me a loan, selling cars, trucks, and vans over the internet,” says Steve. Then came the time when the business had grown so much that Steve leased a 1,000 sq ft building at Balthane...

“I just went ahead and did it without telling dad,” he didn’t speak to me for a week, laughs Steve while Paul, only minutes earlier, declared that any differences they had were minor and few and far between. “He said that, in fact he hit the roof when I told him about Balthane,” exclaimed Steve, while Paul looked on with a grin. Nor it seems was Paul much involved when Steve decided to go ahead with

ON THE AGENDA

leasing the Port Erin site, previously carpet showrooms. “Dad will always look at the negatives, I just go ahead and do it,” declares Steve. “I always wanted to do my own thing and have set up the business from scratch, yes dad has helped financially, but from the word ‘go’ everything has been my idea. As for dad coming to work in the business, it just evolved, he looks after the cars and I look after the bikes.” Steve, a keen mountain biker and road racer, goes on: “When I set up Erin Bike Hut I never told him about it until I had everything in place, his reaction was then similar to what I got when I told him about Balthane... Yes, of course, we have our moments. Dad is 100 per cent honest, perhaps too honest.

Paul is clearly proud of what his son has achieved. “Steve has get up and go, he always wants to do the best. I consider him to be a good business man, even perhaps slightly harder than what I was, he certainly doesn’t suffer fools gladly and a few years ago I was like him.” Laughing, he declares: “You could say I’m a mushroom. Kept in the dark and fed lots of s**t.” When there is a rift between them then caught up in the middle of it is Carol who has to endeavour to deal with the egos of both men in her life without being seen to take sides. “They can both have their moods, one more so than the other, but I’ll say no more than that,” is her diplomatic and enigmatic response.

DO BUSINESS IN STYLE

MANX STARTISAN

Manx Startisan with Shoprite Relative Values David Butterworth -Skanco Systems Ltd Movers & Shakers

90 92

The entrants that we have had so far are at different stages of de elopment some ha e already established a product that they sell on sland while others are still at the drawing board, fuelled by passion, entrepreneur spirit and a determination to ma e their own mar on the sle of an’s food industry ge isn’t pro ing a barrier either with raduates fresh from ni ersity and e perienced professionals loo ing for a ‘late stage’ career change hoprite has already helped a number of local producers to de elop their proposition to a stage where a ma or food retailer can stoc it he company’s team wor s with local producers to help them with branding, pac aging, mar eting, pricing any of the companies that started out as home based operations ha e now gone on to reach the stage where they can now be e ported to and international mar ets

CAN YOU BECOME A MANX STARTISAN AND JOIN THE LOCAL FOOD REVOLUTION? he sle of an has a large number of well established local food producers, particularly in ol ed with meat and dairy industries, that allow large food retailers li e hoprite to operate ‘import substitution’ where they can support local producers by offering local alternati es

“We experiment with traditional childhood favourites and locally grown produce to create revolutionary, natural soft drinks with a fruity Manx twist.”

owe er, the sland can always support more niche pro iders which not only benefit the local economy but also pro ide premium uality, healthy alternati es to well nown brands with pro enance that can be trac ed bac directly to local sources

APPLE ORPHANAGE

ew businesses are being set up by local people who are passionate about food and drin who are creating products that re ect those premium uality alues with delicious, home spun products that are far superior to the mass produced, well established alternati es

he latest hoprite an tartisan pple rphanage is already well nown on the sle of an for their fruit e change ser ice which swaps your fresh fruit for a share of the drin s that they ma e

This month we turn our focus onto two local drinks producers who are both producing a range of healthy drinks using local ingredients.

ill aulds and harlotte raynor are passionate about eeping things natural and free from chemicals and ha e now e tended their offering with a new line of drin s ‘ an ruit ress s’

The winning entrepreneur will receive a guaranteed listing in Shoprite’s stores for six months as well as receiving start-up operations marketing support, packaging, product development and presentation advice including one to one sessions from the panel of experts. The retailer’s parent company Isle of Man Enterprises will also make available free of charge one of its retail units in Village Walk, Onchan for a six month period. The winning entrant will be revealed at the 2015 Isle of Man Food and Drink Festival at the Villa Marina which takes place on the 19th and 20th September. The winning entrant will also be given a free stand at the exhibition to promote their product.

ON THE AGENDA

heir new ‘ an ruit ress s ange’ range includes an hubarb ress and an ooseberry emonade as well as seasonal press s including herry, an lderberry cinnamon edcurrant, an elder ower rosehip an spiced lac currant an ear inger an rape an lum asparilla and an inny i a wild nettle cola s harlotte e plains, the inspiration for the range is in uenced by ingredients found on the sle of an “We experiment with traditional childhood favourites and locally grown produce to create revolutionary, natural soft drinks with a fruity Manx twist. To make our Manx Fruit Pressés we combine freshly pressed Manx fruit with the finest, local, Green Mann Spring water. The mineral rich waters of Green Mann Spring in Ballabrooie near St John’s have been renowned for centuries as the purest, most natural waters known to Mann, which we are very proud to use in our Manx Fruit Pressés.”

he continued “We have relished the challenge of using unused, Manx fruit to create our drinks and look forward to creating new beverages using more fantastic local produce. We know buying local is not only healthy but important for our Island’s future and we are thrilled to be developing relationships with local farmers to grow more fruits and vegetables for us to press so we can keep making delicious, natural drinks out of the freshest, Manx-grown ingredients.”

GROOVIE SMOOTHIES

roo ie moothies, a company set up by husband and wife team igel and awn aymes, ha e also been inspired to create a drin s company by the uality of local ingredients

awn aymes o ercame serious illness eight years ago which dro e her to de elop a greater understanding of nutrition and healthy food ow she’s put what she learnt to good practice with her range of nutritious drin s including a ‘ uper reen’ smoothie with ale that gi es you all fi e of your traditional ‘fi e a day’ riginally awn ust blended for herself but after ad ice from friends and family including her sister ngela she was encouraged to de elop them for some of the sland’s healthy outlets and they will shortly be appearing in the li es of oa a ehouse so many of the sland’s residents can benefit from the healthy ingredients that grow naturally on our island

DO BUSINESS IN STYLE

TELECOMS NEWS

Sure offers fixed line services As of 1st September the final barrier to true competition within the island’s telecommunications sector has been removed by the Communications Commission as the fixed line market is now fully open. This decision means that the island has a fully competitive telecoms marketplace for the first time; a decision that benefits all consumers. Sarah Jarvis, Marketing Manager of Sure in the Isle of Man, explores Sure’s history in the island and what this latest development means for islanders.

SARAH JARVIS MARKETING MANAGER

It’s been a long time coming but this

he effect of opening the fi ed line telecoms mar et to competition could be e ual to that which followed the introduction of competition to the mobile mar et when ure arri ed in o ernment statistics show that call charges dropped by up to in the months following the commencement of mobile competition fantastic news for customers

hen ure first arri ed in the sland in its aim was to pro ide a iable choice to the island’s consumers in the pre iously monopolised telecommunications mar et ince that time ure has gone from strength to strength and now pro ides oice, broadband and mobile ser ices to the island hese established ser ices will now be oined by fi ed line connections to complete a full set of consumer products

What this means in practice is that customers can now have Sure broadband provided through a Sure landline, a combination of services that will yield savings in the form of bundles. Obtaining mobile, broadband and fixed line services from one provider in a bundle can save money, time and effort. A bundle means that there is no need to have three separate bills and customers can take advantage of great savings in the process.

owe er, the impact of an open, competiti e mar etplace e tends far beyond prices pen mar ets help to impro e the ser ice customers recei e and enable businesses to compete with each other to pro ide the best alue and latest products for consumers he dynamic nature of the sector means that inno ation is ne er far away and no company, no matter how established, is able to rest on their laurels ompetition dri es businesses li e ure to eep e ploring new products and ser ices and staying ahead of the cur e is always a priority he roll out of ure’s mobile networ earlier this year was an e ample of a significant in estment in infrastructure that enabled the company and the sland to eep pace with industry standards ontinued in estment in the telecommunications infrastructure in the sle of an is absolutely essential to maintain the island’s status as an attracti e centre for international business n estment also benefits the e eryday telecoms consumer as

they get to benefit from state of the art technological impro ements represents a ma or pro ect but ure is also ma ing smaller impro ements all the time to pro ide the best ser ice it possibly can he newly opened fi ed line mar et will see the spirit of competition e tended to the final realm of telecommunications on the island and should lead to similar le els of inno ation to those witnessed in the mobile and broadband mar ets in recent times ure has always aimed to pro ide customers with choice and alue in the sle of an and the fact that we can now include landline products in our offering means that customers can ta e ad antage of more choice than e er before undled telecoms ser ices are a growing industry trend which sle of an consumers can now ta e ad antage of than s to competition in the fi ed line mar et and ure is e cited to be able to offer these great alue bundles to our customers T

Sure has always aimed to provide customers with choice and value in the Isle of Man and the fact that we can now include landline products in our offering means that customers can take advantage of more choice than ever before.

ON THE AGENDA

DO BUSINESS IN STYLE

What is the purpose of your visit? Business

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BUSINESS NEWS

GRANT THORNTON REPORT REVEALS BOARDROOMS NEED 21ST CENTURY UPGRADE TO MEET TODAY’S CHALLENGES A report released by Grant Thornton reveals that the composition of company boardrooms needs upgrading to re ect today’s digital economy and di erse business community. he report, orporate o ernance he one from the op, highlights significant opportunities for performance and growth improvements for those who meet the challenge, and warns that without revision boards will struggle to meet the diversity of thin ing and s ills re uired to effecti ely ad ise management teams artin neale, a director at rant hornton in the sle of an, said the findings are rele ant to sland businesses as they must ensure they are eeping pace with firms in other countries to maintain a competitive edge. The Grant Thornton report explores three major aspects of corporate governance – the role of culture, board composition and strategic planning and how they are affecting businesses around the world. It draws on interviews with business leaders and board members from more than 1,800 businesses across 36 economies and 82 in-depth discussions with board directors. It found 62% of those surveyed believe it is important for board members to have current industry knowledge, and discovered 86% think board members should challenge management with new ideas. However, the report revealed the lack of technology e perience among boards today is a significant concern for board directors. www.grantthornton.global/en/insights/articles/corporate-governance-2015.

NEW WORK PERMIT EXEMPTIONS TO ASSIST RECRUITMENT OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL WORKERS The recent changes to the Isle of Man’s work permit system agreed at July’s sitting of Tynwald will exempt nurses, midwives and social workers who are not Isle of Man workers from the need to have work permits under Control of Employment legislation from 1st October. Minister for Economic Development Laurence Skelly MHK said: ‘We recognise the importance of these particular occupations; ensuring we can recruit the staff we need is ital if we are to achieve our aims of providing high quality health and social services and protecting the most vulnerable of our citizens. ‘The Department of Health and Social Care submitted e idence to us of the significant di culties they were e periencing in recruiting nursing, midwifery and social worker posts. After careful consideration we agreed to exempt these occupations from requiring a work permit. ‘ hese changes will also benefit organisations in the private and third sectors to attract the skilled health professionals they re uire to deli er effecti e care services on the Island.’

MIQUANDO IN STYLE AT A CUT ABOVE Popular hairdressing salon A Cut Above is now accepting online bookings after partnering with MiQuando. The long-established business has signed up to MiQuando.com’s online booking and calendar service, allowing customers to make appointments when it is convenient for them – not just when the salon is open. Just one month in, owner Sharon Gelling is delighted with the response so far. She said: ‘It is very new for us and we’re still getting used to it, but it has been simple so far and the support from the guys at MiQuando has been tremendous. We know they are always there on the phone, and happy to come down if we are having any problems, and that personal service is really valuable. ‘Basically, online booking is the way forward. More people want to do it and by using i uando we can offer another ser ice to our customers People are using it, which shows it works and there is a demand, and everyone has been happy. www.acutabove.im | www.miquando.com

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MANX TELECOM WINS BIG HOSTING CONTRACT WITH POKERSTARS

GLOBAL TAX ENFORCEMENT CONFERENCE Friday, 11 September 2015, Villa Marina The Global Tax Enforcement Conference will bring guests and speakers from across the world to discuss some of the biggest topics in the financial ser ices industry The goal of this conference is to provide delegates with an understanding of how international governments pursue tax investigations, what best practices you can implement on a “going forward” basis and the implications of various strategies for handling and meeting the challenges of an investigation. The ultimate purpose is to demystify tax investigations and arm the delegate so that when an enforcement proceeding begins, a feeling of rational calmness will replace what otherwise would have been anxiety and a creeping sense of panic. ost financial ser ices industry e ecuti es would li e to focus on one goal: expanding their business. That ambition usually contemplates offering new ser ices and or enlarging the business’ footprint across new borders. Executives are not expected to be steeped in the know-how and complexities of confronting an international tax investigation, and for the most part would prefer to avoid such matters. However, the reality is that the likelihood of having to encounter a global tax investigation is on the rise. We are standing at the foot of an inexorable upward curve in global tax enforcement. With compliance with US and UK FATCA becoming ‘business as usual’ and a commitment to implementing the Common Reporting Standard, the number of global tax and criminal cross border investigations is going to rise significantly re iously confidential information is now at the fingertips of most ta authorities and if you ha en’t already received a TIEA request for disclosure or been involved in a tax investigation, then it is only a matter of time. A business can no longer choose the path of passive ignorance. With the increase in exchange of information and transparency comes an increased risk that clients or potential clients may seek to engage in activities which would contravene tax transparency laws. The conference will, therefore, include an important focus on steps that businesses can take to mitigate against the risk of becoming involved in criminality and fraud at client level. The conference will serve as a stimulating discussion in an open environment which will encourage delegates to think, learn, exchange views and network. Steered by pan-industry e perts, the conference will offer aluable insights through panel discussions at which your questions can be answered, as well as at lunch and networking breaks, and a reception at the conclusion of the day’s panels. www.dq.im

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PokerStars, operators of the world’s largest poker site, has agreed a three year hosting contract with Manx Telecom. A total of 48 data hosting racks and associated equipment will be relocated from their current location in Dublin to the world class Tier 3 Greenhill Data Centre (GDC) which opened last year. The contract has enabled Manx Telecom to proceed with building phase two of the GDC project. PokerStars has been one of the company’s hosting clients since 2005, and this new agreement is in addition to the hosting services already provided by Manx Telecom. Contracts for construction, mechanical and electrical works for phase two of GDC ha e been awarded to sle of an firm SCS (Stewart Clague Services Ltd) which will mean that it will be delivered using approximately 95% local labour. Manx Telecom CEO Gary Lamb commented: “This contract extends and expands the very successful relationship we have with PokerStars, and represents another endorsement of our commitment to invest a total of £10million in the GDC project. Phase one is already home to a variety of hosting and managed services customers across several sectors, and we’re delighted that we can now progress with phase two. This new PokerStars contract is excellent news for Manx Telecom and enhances our global reputation as a world class hosting provider – but it’s also great news for the Isle of Man’s eGaming sector and the local economy.” Gary Hill, Director of IT Operations at PokerStars, said: eing o ine costs money, that’s why we rely on a world class hosting provider who can provide hosting which meets the highest standards of quality, security and resilience. We’re delighted to award this new contract to Manx Telecom and to extend our association with a trusted business partner.” www.manxtelecom.com/hosting – for information about eGaming solutions go to www.manxtelecom.com/business/ egaming.aspx

BUSINESS NEWS

BARCLAYS BRINGS GLOBAL FESTIVAL OF CODE TO THE ISLE OF MAN

Young islanders had the opportunity to take part in a global coding event ‘Festival of Code’ thanks to support from Barclays. The annual event, which is organised by Young Rewired State, took place across the UK from Monday 27 to Friday 31 July. The Isle of Man event was held at the Barclays Victoria Street branch in Douglas and was supported by the Barclays Digital Eagles. The Festival of Code is the largest hack event for young people in the world. It sees over 1200 young coders come together each year for a week of digital prototyping in centres across the UK and internationally. The free Festival gives budding developers a rare opportunity to progress and apply their skills to real world challenges using open data. A number of local young people, with the assistance of expert mentors, applied their digital s ills to specific coding pro ects to create a website, app, game, algorithm or hardware hack to help improve the local community. Gerard Feeney and Stephen James of Hansard Global PLC mentored the young coders throughout the week, sharing their ideas and business experience. The festival concluded with a presentation where the participants could showcase their work. Shaun Phillips, managing director for Personal and Corporate Banking at Barclays, presented prizes for the best pro ect, the best o erall effort and the most technical pro ect at the event. Head of local markets at Barclays, Colette Johnston, said: “We were very excited to host the Festival of Code event in the Isle of an for the first time he ideas the young people came up with for their projects were very creative and we were so impressed with their work-ethic during the event. amples of the pro ects include the creation of an o ce tool which comprised of a calculator and a text talk translation tool as well as games such as “Hangman” and a sandbox game called andybo where the player can mo e and interact with different objects in a sandbox. Another pupil put together a project on picking up litter to make for a cleaner and healthier environment.

WINNERS OF 2015 ENERGY AWARDS

The winners of the 2015 Energy Awards were announced recently with strong competition from a number of private sector companies and the public sector. The awards recognise the achievements of local private and public sector organisations in making improvements to their energy e ciency and reducing their energy consumption and associated costs. Tony Wild MLC, the Department’s Political Member with responsibility for Energy commented: ‘I would like to congratulate this year’s winners who have all demonstrated significant energy savings over the course of the past year. These organisations are helping to support the Government’s energy policy for the Isle of Man which aims to secure the e cient use of affordable energy and to minimise the impact of our energy use on the environment.’ This year, awards were presented for Best Innovation, Best Practice and Biggest Savings with public sector and private sector organisations each having their own category in respect of these. The organisation demonstrating the biggest saving in the private sector was SNX Ltd for Bay View Farm, with an estimated £80,000 saving after installing two wind turbines.

“We hope the young people enjoyed taking part in the festival and are able to apply their new digital s ills to benefit the local community.”

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TELECOMS NEWS

Sure offers fixed line services SARAH JARVIS MARKETING MANAGER

It’s been a long time coming but this I

S products but it is the consumers on the

hen ure first arri ed in the sland in 2007 its aim was to provide a viable choice to the island’s consumers in the previously monopolised telecommunications market. Since that time Sure has gone from strength to strength and now provides voice, broadband and mobile services to the island. These established services will now be oined by fi ed line connections to complete a full set of consumer products.

As of 1st September the final barrier to true competition within the island’s telecommunications sector has been removed by the Communications Commission as the fixed line market is now fully open. This decision means that the island has a fully competitive telecoms marketplace for the first time; a decision that benefits all consumers. Sarah Jarvis, Marketing Manager of Sure in the Isle of Man, explores Sure’s history in the island and what this latest development means for islanders.

he effect of opening the fi ed line telecoms market to competition could be equal to that which followed the introduction of competition to the mobile market when Sure arrived in 2007. Government statistics show that call charges dropped by up to 33% in the 12 months following the commencement of mobile competition; fantastic news for customers. However, the impact of an open, competitive marketplace extends far beyond prices. Open markets help to improve the service customers receive and enable businesses to compete with each other to provide the best value and latest products for consumers. The dynamic nature of the sector means that innovation is never far away and no company, no matter how established, is able to rest on their laurels. Competition drives businesses like Sure to keep exploring new products and services and staying ahead of the curve is always a priority. The roll out of Sure’s 4G mobile network earlier this year was an example of a significant in estment in infrastructure that enabled the company and the Island to keep pace with industry standards. Continued investment in the telecommunications infrastructure in the Isle of Man is absolutely essential to maintain the island’s status as an attractive centre for international business n estment also benefits the everyday telecoms consumer as

they get to benefit from state of the art technological improvements. 4G represents a major project but Sure is also making smaller improvements all the time to provide the best service it possibly can. he newly opened fi ed line mar et will see the spirit of competition extended to the final realm of telecommunications on the island and should lead to similar levels of innovation to those witnessed in the mobile and broadband markets in recent times. Sure has always aimed to provide customers with choice and value in the Isle of Man and the fact that we can now include landline products in our offering means that customers can take advantage of more choice than ever before. Bundled telecoms services are a growing industry trend which Isle of Man consumers can now take advantage of than s to competition in the fi ed line market and Sure is excited to be able to offer these great alue bundles to our customers. T

shops or check out our website at I

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IoD - IoM SUPPER CLUB

Island Must Target Emerging Sectors When Looking At Its Skills Base, says John Spellman WORDS: Les Able

There is a pressing need for the Isle of Man to move to a different sectorial footprint, according to John Spellman, director of finance within the Government’s Department of Economic Development. His unequivocal message was delivered to some major names in the business community at a Supper Club gathering hosted by the Isle of Man branch of the Institute of Directors. Mr Spellman is one of the principal architects behind the Government’s plans to bring new businesses and jobs to the island as part of its ambitious Enterprise Isle Initiative. A total of £50m of reserves will be allocated to a new Enterprise e elopment und o er the ne t fi e years. Funding will be made available as loans, grants or equity investment. Mr Spellman makes it clear he believes that planning for the future - which means the island’s population will have to expand over the next decade to protect public finances, pensions and frontline services - should have started a “long time ago”. He adds: “That is why a concerted effort is re uired now, with the island’s workforce increasing by between 500 and 1,000 per annum over the next 10 years t is a challenging figure and while I’m not saying it should happen every year, on average these are the long-term numbers we need to be targeting.” The island, he emphasises, needs an in u of people who will enhance the economy but at the same time he recognises it is an issue which has to be handled sensitively. He makes it clear that financial ser ices still remain the cornerstone of the Isle of Man economy. On taking up his appointment three years ago Mr Spellman then said: “My ambition

is to meet the future head on by focusing on promotional opportunities, helping to shape a competitive, regulative and legislative environment while working across Government and regulators to create the right business opportunities for the Isle of Man. The Department will nurture the inherent entrepreneurial spirit and assist in creating the new business needed in a post Euro Crisis world.” Today, he is making it abundantly clear that the foundations are laid and the overall strategy is in place. At the same time he believes the decision making process can be too slow.

“It needs to be much faster, the gestation period takes too long but at the same time there is always the need to protect the consumer. We must always recognise that the consumer is champion.” Mr Spellman, who previously worked in the corporate sector, running large financial ser ices groups, stresses the importance of examining where the island is in terms of its skills base. “There is a need to target emerging sectors which deal in cross border activities and are of an international nature. These sectors take in the digital based industries, international financial services, biotech etc and we must identify whether we can compete in those sectors.

“My role is to develop strategy for the Government while balancing the interests of all the stakeholders involved can be a challenge. I take the view I am there to represent the interests of the business community but also the needs of go ernment and public n effect, find out what works for the Isle of Man.” He emphasises that the island has a “healthy dialogue” with the UK government, adding that it has improved over the last few years. Looking ahead to 2016 and the UK referendum on Yes or No to remaining within the EC he goes on: “In its membership of the EC the island is inextricably linked to the UK so this is a di cult one for the sle of an If the UK was to leave it would clearly change the island’s relationship with Europe so we are watching this closely. It’s outside our power but we can express our views to the UK and interested parties but we are an observer in this matter.” He adds: “The rules for the referendum have already been issued and those rules are pretty clear. We won’t play any part. What has to be remembered is that business thrives in times of certainty, particularly political certainty, for that reason alone we are closely watching the situation. We can express a view but remain an observer.”

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Sure. The islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fastest growing supplier of business telecoms. From 1st September you can have your fixed lines provided by Sure. From the smallest business to the largest enterprise, you can now enjoy the convenience of one provider, one relationship, one bill - and access to Sureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s state of the art business solutions portfolio including Mitel and Red Box products.

Sure is a Platinum Partner for Mitel and Red Box

For further information, please contact one of our account directors at business@sure.com who will be delighted to help you. You can also call the team on (01624) 692222.

international.sure.com

MANX STARTISAN

Follow in the footsteps of some great MANX STARTISANS A ‘Startisan’ movement is clearly developing on the Isle of Man. Shoprite’s Manx ‘Startisans’ programme, looking to identify the potential in a local food entrepreneur who wants to get their idea off the ground, has already received a number of ideas and it’s not too late to submit your own before the closing deadline of Thursday 10th September. The entrants that we have had so far are at different stages of de elopment some have already established a product that they sell on Island while others are still at the drawing board, fuelled by passion, entrepreneur spirit and a determination to make their own mark on the Isle of Man’s food industry. Age isn’t proving a barrier either with Graduates fresh from University and experienced professionals looking for a ‘late stage’ career change. Shoprite has already helped a number of local producers to develop their proposition to a stage where a major food retailer can stock it. The company’s team works with local producers to help them with branding, packaging, marketing, pricing. Many of the companies that started out as home based operations have now gone on to reach the stage where they can now be exported to UK and international markets.

CAN YOU BECOME A MANX STARTISAN AND JOIN THE LOCAL FOOD REVOLUTION? The Isle of Man has a large number of well established local food producers, particularly involved with meat and dairy industries, that allow large food retailers like Shoprite to operate ‘import substitution’ where they can support local producers by offering local alternatives. owe er, the sland can always support more niche pro iders which not only benefit the local economy but also provide premium quality, healthy alternatives to well known brands with provenance that can be tracked back directly to local sources. New businesses are being set up by local people who are passionate about food and drink who are creating products that re ect those premium uality alues with delicious, home spun products that are far superior to the mass produced, well established alternatives.

This month we turn our focus onto two local drinks producers who are both producing a range of healthy drinks using local ingredients.

ON THE AGENDA

“We experiment with traditional childhood favourites and locally grown produce to create revolutionary, natural soft drinks with a fruity Manx twist.”

APPLE ORPHANAGE

he latest Shoprite Manx Startisan – Apple Orphanage – is already well known on the Isle of Man for their fruit exchange service which swaps your fresh fruit for a share of the drinks that they make. Will Faulds and Charlotte Traynor are passionate about keeping things natural and free from chemicals and have now extended their offering with a new line of drin s ‘ an Fruit Pressés’. Their new ‘Manx Fruit Pressés Range’ range includes Manx Rhubarb Pressé and Manx Gooseberry Lemonade as well as seasonal pressés including Cherry, Manx Elderberry & cinnamon edcurrant, an elder ower rosehip; Manx spiced Blackcurrant; Manx Pear & Ginger; Manx Grape; Manx Plum Sasparilla and Manx Ginny Fizz (a wild nettle cola!). As Charlotte explains, the inspiration for the range is in uenced by ingredients found on the Isle of Man: “We experiment with traditional childhood favourites and locally grown produce to create revolutionary, natural soft drinks with a fruity Manx twist. To make our Manx Fruit Pressés we combine freshly pressed Manx fruit with the finest, local, Green Mann Spring water. The mineral rich waters of Green Mann Spring in Ballabrooie near St John’s have been renowned for centuries as the purest, most natural waters known to Mann, which we are very proud to use in our Manx Fruit Pressés.”

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She continued: “We have relished the challenge of using unused, Manx fruit to create our drinks and look forward to creating new beverages using more fantastic local produce. We know buying local is not only healthy but important for our Island’s future and we are thrilled to be developing relationships with local farmers to grow more fruits and vegetables for us to press so we can keep making delicious, natural drinks out of the freshest, Manx-grown ingredients.”

GROOVIE SMOOTHIES

roovie Smoothies, a company set up by husband and wife team Nigel and Dawn Haymes, have also been inspired to create a drinks company by the quality of local ingredients.

Dawn Haymes overcame serious illness eight years ago which drove her to develop a greater understanding of nutrition and healthy food. Now she’s put what she learnt to good practice with her range of nutritious drinks including a ‘Super Green’ smoothie with ale that gi es you all fi e of your traditional ‘fi e a day’ riginally Dawn just blended for herself but after advice from friends and family including her sister Angela she was encouraged to develop them for some of the Island’s healthy outlets and they will shortly be appearing in the likes of Noa Bakehouse so many of the Island’s residents can benefit from the healthy ingredients that grow naturally on our island.

RELATIVE VALUES

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Relative Values Franklins Cars Ltd & Erin Bike Hut Father & Son - Paul Franklin & Steve Franklin

WORDS: Les Able

when Steve decided to go ahead with leasing the Port Erin site, previously carpet showrooms. “Dad will always look at the negatives, I just go ahead and do it,” declares Steve. “I always wanted to do my own thing and have set up the business from scratch, yes dad has helped financially, but from the word ‘go’ everything has been my idea. As for dad coming to work in the business, it just evolved, he looks after the cars and I look after the bikes.” Steve, a keen mountain biker and road racer, goes on: “When I set up Erin Bike Hut I never told him about it until I had everything in place, his reaction was then similar to what I got when I told him about Balthane... Yes, of course, we have our moments. Dad is 100 per cent honest, perhaps too honest.

“He’s hard working and just can’t keep still. Age has mellowed him a bit, he’s more relaxed then he used to be. When I was a child he was certainly very strict, I was not so much naughty as cheeky and could expect a bollicking from him when I did something he thought I shouldn’t have done. I still expect that from him, even though I’m 32.” Paul is clearly proud of what his son has achieved. “Steve has get up and go, he always wants to do the best. I consider him to be a good business man, even perhaps slightly harder than what I was, he certainly doesn’t suffer fools gladly and a few years ago I was like him.” Laughing, he declares: “You could say I’m a mushroom. Kept in the dark and fed lots of s**t.” When there is a rift between them then caught up in the middle of it is Carol who has to endeavour to deal with the egos of both men in her life without being seen to take sides. “They can both have their moods, one more so than the other, but I’ll say no more than that,” is her diplomatic and enigmatic response.

Nor it seems was Paul much involved

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DAVID BUTTERWORTH

Ambition and Challenge Sets the Pace of Life for David Butterworth

WORDS: Les Able

David Butterworth is a man who enjoys a challenge. As a 20-year-old he was challenged by ambition, helping to found the Manx grown professional IT services company Skanco Business Systems Ltd. So, what better way to celebrate the company’s 30th anniversary in October than climbing one of the world’s highest mountains, Mt Kilimanjaro in Africa. “It’s a walk, not so much a climb, albeit a steep wal that will ta e fi e days from bottom to top,” says someone whose ambition and entrepreneurial approach to business over three decades has seen Skanco enjoy unparalleled growth in a sector where many of its rivals have fallen by the wayside. “The most challenging thing will be the likelihood of altitude sickness, the slower you do it then you acclimatise on the way up and while we are taking the shortest route to the top, it’s also the toughest.” The climb is also something of a team building exercise for David Butterworth and his 14 companions. All of them, who are self-funded, have been directly involved in the setting up and organisation of the Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) university at The Nunnery in Douglas which opens its doors to the first students this month (September). The role played by Mr Butterworth saw him again take up a challenge with the setting up of the Manx Education

Foundation to raise the money to establish the university on the island. “My primary role was fund raising and we successfully raised the money we needed which saw us purchase The Nunnery.” In doing the climb he is also looking to raise £6,500 for Skanco’s chosen charity, Housing Matters.

“This is a fantastic charity which helps the homeless on the island and the money raised will be used to launch Night Stop Isle of Man, a new initiative aimed at providing supervised accommodation for four weeks or longer for 16 to 19-year-olds who are coming out of care and have to fare for themselves.” Looking back over the past 30 years as one of the island’s leading businessmen he says: “Early in my career I was lucky enough to meet some good people and have always heeded their advice to surround myself with good counsellors, hence the fact that the management team at Skanco is made up of diverse experience and talents.

“What has changed over that period is the amount of regulation, red tape and conformity that any business now has to adhere to all this ma es it more di cult and challenging for new businesses wanting to start up, something I didn’t have to consider 30 years ago. “Skanco has achieved all the relevant independent standards and recently was awarded the certification f you don’t provide good service then customers will go elsewhere and there now have to be standards to verify a company and show it to be capable of providing those services. That’s something I’m very proud of.” Turning to the challenges facing the island over the next three decades years he adds: “We have no choice but to grow the working population. We have an ageing workforce and there is recognition by the Government that what we take for granted is at risk, without the dynamics of a growing, tax-paying, working population.” As for taking early retirement, the response is swift: “And do what? I’m now just looking forward to climbing Mt Kilimanjaro.”

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APPOINTMENTS

BEST WESTERN PALACE HOTEL’S GARETH CAPPER PROMOTED TO GENERAL MANAGER

MANX TELECOM APPOINTS SENIOR GRAPHIC AND MULTIMEDIA DESIGNER

, is a familiar face at the hotel, having started work there aged as a barman e later left, first to travel then to follow other career paths, including time spent working in the sland’s finance sector, before returning to the hotel in 2007 where he progressed his career, rising to the position of senior operations manager before his latest promotion.

Manx Telecom has appointed T Hewlett as Senior Graphic and Multimedia Designer. She has almost 30 years’ experience as a graphic designer and joins the Island’s leading communications provider from Isle of Man Advertising where she worked for 17 years – initially as a Senior Graphic Designer, and for the past 11 years as Design Manager.continued success.

He said: This is an exciting challenge and gives me the opportunity to apply the wide-ranging skills I’ve gained after serving in a variety of roles at the hotel. For me, being general manager is all about being on the shop oor as much as possible, connecting with your colleagues and, importantly, your guests.

Her role at Manx Telecom involves overseeing and producing a wide range of visual marketing communications for both B2B and B2C creative projects, while maintaining the integrity of the Manx Telecom brand.

PWC ISLE OF MAN MANAGEMENT PROMOTIONS RESPOND TO MARKET DEMANDS

PANACEA APPOINTS BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

N and S have been promoted to Senior Manager in the assurance department. Neil takes a leading role in deli ering the firm’s technical expertise in the application of complex UK and International accounting principles. Steven’s promotion comes at a time when his focus has shifted significantly towards delivering PwC’s data enabled audits. P and Nuala Fox have been promoted to anager within the firm’s risk and compliance function.

Pharmacovigilance business Panacea Pharma Projects has appointed Sam Tipper as Business Development Manager. Since joining Panacea in 2010 as a Pharmacovigilance Administrator, Sam has gained experience in many aspects of the business including administration, technical vigilance tasks, staff training, client relations, sales and marketing. His main duties as Business Development Manager will be to identify potential clients and their needs, and maintain and build relationships with existing clients. He will also present new products and services to clients, attend industry expos, and manage the company’s marketing strategy.

SEFTON GROUP APPOINTS EXECUTIVE HEAD CHEF

The appointment marks a welcome return to the group for S 39, who has worked at the former Hilton, now BEST WESTERN Palace Hotel, and as head chef at the Sefton Hotel during which time the hotel’s then Gallery Restaurant achieved AA 2-rosette status. He said: ‘After a break of some three and a half years working in catering management elsewhere, I’m pleased to be returning to the Group and applying both my new-found skills and those I have developed over a good number of years while heading kitchen teams in the Island’s leading hotels. I’m now looking forward to working with the teams to develop new dishes.

NEW FINANCIAL ADVISER FOR MOORE STEPHENS FINANCIAL SERVICES

Isle of Man-based Online Regional Travel Group (“ORTG”) announces that Simon Goddard, previously IT Director, has been appointed Chief Executive of the Group. Simon joined the Company in 1999 originally as Technical Director of Wayfarers World Travel Limited before becoming Director of Technology for the Group as a whole in 2007. He later became IT Director in September 2011 with a responsibility for the companywide technology and communications strategy including budgets and implementation. Simon Goddard, Chief Executive of ORTG said: “I look forward to working with Brian in driving the business forward. ON THE AGENDA

UPFRONT

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well done to everyone who took part in our 2015 events...

...and good luck if you are taking part in the manx telecom End2End mountain bike challenge

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ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

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Rugby World Cup

TOP 10

The 2015 Rugby World Cup (RWC), the third to be hosted in Britain, kicks o on 1 September. Since the inaugural RWC in New Zealand in 1987, the tournament has become the third largest sporting event worldwide, only behind the football World Cup and Olympics, with an anticipated TV audience of 4 billion for the 2015 tournament.

2. JONAH LOMU SMASHES ENGLAND, 1995 Man-mountain Jonah Lomu became the game’s first global superstar with a – literally – unstoppable performance against England in the 1995 semi final. At 6ft 5in and 19 stone and described as “a freak” by England captain Will Carling, Lomu simply ran through the England defence,

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

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memorably trampling over English centre Mike Catt on the way to his first try. Though injury blighted his career, Lomu is still the RWC leading try scorer with 15 scores.

3. WILKINSON’S LAST MINUTE DROP GOAL BREAKS AUSSIE HEARTS 2003 England were locked at 17 all in the 2003 RWC final in Sydney against hosts Australia with just 20 seconds of extra time remaining. Scrum half Matt Dawson fired a pass to the ice cool Johnny Wil-kinson who calmly slotted over a winning drop goal, with his weaker right foot! Wilkinson, the all time RWC record points scorer, became an instant legend and England remain the only northern hemi-sphere team to have won the RWC.

5. WESTERN SAMOA STUN WALES AT THE ARMS PARK 1991 Wales, and the rest of the world of rugby, were stunned when huge underdogs Western Samoa

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8. ARGENTINA JOIN RUGBY’S TOP TABLE 2007

confirmed, when the Pumas defeated hosts France twice, Scotland and Ireland on the way to a third place finish.

9. HASTINGS MISSES SITTER TO LET IN THE ‘AULD ENEMY 1991 A tight semi final between rugby’s oldest of enemies was locked at 6-6 in Edinburgh in front of a parti-san Scottish crowd. With the match in the final quarter, Scotland won a penalty right in front of the posts. Experienced Scottish full back Gavin Hastings took the kick but inexplicably sent the ball wide of the posts. England’s Rob Andrew struck a late drop-goal to earn England a narrow 9-6 victory.

10. WARBURTON SEES RED AS BRAVE WALES BOW OUT TO FRANCE 2011 Wales were the surprise package of the 2011 tournament held in New Zealand, and appeared to have momentum with them when they lined up for their semi-final against a lack lustre France. 18 minutes into the game, with Wales leading 3-0, Irish referee Alain Rolland controversially awarded Warburton a straight red card for a spear tackle. The decision, viewed by many as extremely harsh, changed the balance of the game and a brave Wales lost by one point 9-8.

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SQUARED CIRCLE RIVALS ISLE OF MAN WRESTLING INTRODUCES

SO WHEN DID IT ALL BEGIN?

There is something for everyone in the show, with the emphasis being total family entertainment, its a one of a kind event, all the lights and action of Big Time Wrestling. Stars on view include some of the biggest names from home and abroad, including stars from the USA, Australia, Mexico and the UK. We caught up with Marcus of Man to find out how he got into wrestling, here’s what he said. WHY AND HOW DID YOU GET INTO WRESTLING?

“There is something for everyone in the show, with the emphasis being total family entertainment, its a one of a kind event, all the lights and action of Big Time Wrestling. Stars on view include some of the biggest names from home and abroad, including stars from the USA, Australia, Mexico and the UK.”

I have always been interested in wrestling, or maybe more than interested, obsessed would be the right way to describe it. To see two individuals settle their differences inside of a squared circle (wrestling vernacular for the ring) in this choreographed yet quite violent manner was fascinating to me from a young age. Growing up in the early nineties there was not so much wrestling on regular terrestrial television and the live touring shows from England were not over so often. To get my fill of weekly wrestling I would often rely of friends to video record one of the WWF events so I could watch later. Despite having limited access my desire for wrestling burned strongly and I knew that I wanted to make an attempt to see if I could also become a wrestler, as far fetched as that idea was.

By the early 2000´s I was a teenager and the internet was a prevalent source of information for a prospective wrestler to learn from. I had found books by different authors who were former wrestlers and learned about the hardships before the glory, how they trained and the routes they had taken to make it. I found a training school in Portsmouth, England who regularly had weekend training camps that prospective wrestlers could apply for. In early 2003 I attended my first camp and enjoyed the experience a lot, even though by the last day my body was in agony because it had been through a workout unlike anything I´d experienced before. The pain in wrestling is real. I got the opportunity to wrestle for the All Star company when they made a trip over to the Isle of Man in the summer of 2005 and this was my first experience in front of a live crowd. I entered a Battle Royal as the character “The ManxMan” a Manx patriot underdog. It was an amazing night and even though I didn´t win I learned so much from having that chance in the ring with established wrestlers. WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

were retired too. One wrestler who lived close by (Port Erin), the late Ted Betley, who told us tales of training the British Bulldogs and revealed himself as the original Doctor Death. He met with my family at Bradda Glen sometimes on Sunday afternoons. I had always had an interest in sports and competed in athletics and rugby at Castle Rushen High School and knew that this was important for a future in wrestling.

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HOW DID YOU GET THE NAME MARCUS OF MAN? My debut for STHLM Wrestling came about in February 2014 on a show called Winter is Coming and I was christened with the name Marcus of Man. The people running the show thought that it would be beneficial to embrace my Manx background and to build a character around that. It was very successful and I have been wrestling on the shows ever since and now have an established wrestling persona. I have also had matches in Gothenburg and the town of NykĂśping. SO WHATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S IN STORE FOR WRESTLING FANS THIS SEPTEMBER? This September the Megaslam Wrestling company is coming to the Villa Marina to put on their first ever show on the Island! I managed to get in contact with the promoter and they were very interested in having a Manx wrestler on the show. To my surprise they wanted me to have a match against their champion; Bully Boy Carter. My expectations for this match are high and I know that everyone who comes along to watch will have a great time. The Megaslam company is quite new in England but they have some of the best up and coming talent mixed in with some true veterans like James Mason.

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ACTIVE NEWS Mud, sweat and cheers! Hundreds brave Tough Mann Challenge

Deniese Smith & Elissa Morris

More than 660 competitors battled it out over a 10km assault course in the Tough Mann Adventure Challenge on Saturday August 1. The event – sponsored by Manx Telecom – featured 25 obstacles including muddy bogs, rope scrambles and monkey bars and took place at Ballamoar Farm, Ballaugh. Nick Colburn won in 1h 03m 12s ahead of Louis Morris (1h 03m 53s) and Graham Furner (1h 04m 25s) who were second and third respectively. First woman was Elissa Morris in 1h 15m 22s. Second was Deniese Smith in 1h 24m 50s, and third Anna Kenny in 1h 29m 12s. Manx Telecom presented Sony smartphones and fitness bands to the fastest man and fastest woman in the under 21, 21-40, and over 40s categories. The winners were: MEN: Under-21: Nick Colburn | 21-40: Louis Morris | Over 40: Russell Sansom

WOMEN: Under-21: Kirree Quayle | 21-40: Elissa Morris | Over 40: Anna Kenny There were also two special King and Queen of the Mountain prizes for the fastest male and female competitors to reach the top of ‘Killer Hill’ which ascended 1,000 feet in the first two kilometres of the course. Graham Furner was the fastest man to the top, and Elissa Morris the fastest woman. They were presented with distinctive polka-dot design jerseys inspired by the Tour de France King of the Mountains jersey. Team KUTA Fitness (Roger Davies, Stephen Kelly, and Rob Brockbanks) won the team prize decided on the fastest combined time for all three team members. They each won a Sony smartphone and fitness band from Manx Telecom. For more information go to www.toughmann.com and for event photos and videos search for ‘Tough Mann’ on Facebook.

Manx Telecom End2End MTB Challenge 2015 The 20th anniversary edition of this year’s Manx Telecom End2End Mountain Bike Challenge will take place on Sunday September 13, starting at the Point of Ayre and finishing in Port Erin for the first time in its recent history. The final section of the race route this year will go via Fleswick and Bradda, out to Milner’s Tower, and then down over the new bridge in Port Erin with the finish line on the lower promenade. www.manxe2e.org

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The Island’s only off-road triathlon is back for 2015 after a fantastic inaugural event last year. The GraniteMann Off-Raod Triathlon raises funds for The Children’s Centre and is sponsored again this year by PwC. After plunging into Cringle Reservoir for a 400metre swim the triathletes will head into the plantation for a 10km off-road bike ride, followed by a 5km run along the plantation’s fire tracks. The event is on Sunday September 27, but the deadline for entries is Friday September 11. All entrants must be aged 15 or over on September 1, 2015. The triathlon is open to all abilities and you can take part as a solo competitor completing the swim, bike and run – or as part of a team of up to three. Each member of a team of three will complete one of the three legs of the triathlon – for teams of two, one competitor will have to complete two of the three legs. The event is restricted to a maximum of 40 teams, so places will be given on a first come, first served, basis. All entries must be made at www.thechildrenscentre.org.im/adventureevents/ – it’s £40 per person or £70 per team. Each competitor will receive a running vest and a swim cap, and there will also be electronic timing. Prizes will be awarded to the first male and female competitors in the individual event; and there are also prizes for the winning teams in the male, female and mixed team categories. All funds raised go to The Children’s Centre’s projects which help families and children across the Island.

Cyclists tackle Tour de France climbs to raise funds for children’s charity A team of nine Island cyclists recently completed the gruelling Raid Alpine cycle challenge in France and raised more than £8,000 for The Children’s Centre. The route, which is one of the most famous and toughest in Europe, starts from Thonon Les Bains on the shores of Lake Geneva and finishes in Antibes on the Mediterranean coast. The 480 mile route saw them climb more than 30 cols, many of which are synonymous with the Tour de France such as the Iseran, Telegraph, Galibier, and the highest paved road in Europe, the Bonnette de Restefond. In total, the group climbed 17,000 metres over six days.

Powerchair football receives major boost The generosity of an Isle of Man company’s charitable trust is enabling disabled adults and children to play an exciting form of football. Manx Sport and Recreation (MSR) has set up the Island’s first powerchair football club and hosts taster sessions in the sport, which sees teams of four use powered wheelchairs fitted with bumpers to move a ball around an indoor court.

The team comprised The Children’s Centre’s Chair of Trustees Mike Gardner, Mike Clough, Rob Quane, Paul Warburton, Phil King, Jason Malone, Bill Shimmins, Gary Quirk, Steve Kelly, and support driver Harry Eastham. They raised a total of £8,600.34.

The Microgaming Health & Care Trust has already supported the sport, purchasing bumpers, footballs and coaching equipment. Now it has donated a further £1,500 for the purchase of a football powerchair. Sessions are open to people of all abilities. T: 01624 688560. BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

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Team-mates remember Mark Madsen-Mygdal as they win Isle of Man Business League Victory for the RBS International football team in the Isle of Man Business League was filled with poignancy as the winning players remembered a former team-mate. As they celebrated their triumph at finals night, the team members displayed a T-shirt with 27 MMM written on it, in memory of Mark Madsen-Mygdal.

Governors Athletic and are currently entering our 2nd season in the Manx 2nd Division. Governors Athletic went in to their first season as the first newly established side in Manx Football for nearly 20 years. Their pre-season targets were pragmatic and reasonably low, with founder and first team manager Karl Hunter stating that “we’d be happy with a corner. A point will do.” True to their word, their one point in the 2014/15 season came in a 2-2 draw with then neighbours Douglas and District, with plenty of ‘almost’ along the way. A win proved elusive, but their hunger for their first three points remains unabated. Governors Athletic are approaching their second season with fresh flair and enthusiasm, and with everything they’ve secured over the summer it’s easy to see why. Leaving behind their previous home pitch they lovingly called ‘the Cabbage Patch’ due to its less than flat properties, they now call Bemahague 3G home. Part of the newly build Bemahague High School sports facilities, it is perhaps fitting that the newest club on the Island will be playing on the newest football pitch too. There is another first this season in the formation of a Combi side joining the JCK Division 2 Combination League, which will be under the management of Alessandro Mazzotta. Ahead of his first season in charge of the new side, ‘Mazz’ was full of optimism; “We have assembled a very good group of lads over a very busy summer period. Hopefully our fusion of older and new players will help the team to gel on the pitch and play the way they all do in training ”

Mark, 23, was a colleague and team member who tragically lost his life after a crash when he was leading the 600cc race at the Southern 100 in July 2013. He race number was 27. A team spokesman said: ‘Mark was a muchloved friend and colleague at the bank. ‘Mark played in every tournament we entered from 2011 up until he died. His enthusiasm for the business league means he is never far from our thoughts when we play in the tournament.’ The business league featured two groups, with the top four in each proceeding to a knockout competition. The RBS International team won its group before emerging victorious from the finals night, beating Newfield A 4-3 on penalties in the final, after a 0-0 deadlock after extra time. Island’s biggest guided walk returns

Over the summer the club achieved charter status, a feat considering it was done in their first season as a club. New sponsors for the club include 'Quirk Bros Paints' who have sponsored the brand new combination home shirt. The away shirts are sponsored by 'Victoria Grill'. The deal with the chicken based outlet has created a great support base for the club from all round the world. Other sponsors include 'Perpetial Therapy' 'Pizza King' and 'Wildstyle Hairdressers'. The real big news has come from the 'Grow the game' grant, a scheme run by Sky Sports' Ben Shephard. The scheme helps new clubs get off the ground and getting people into football. In the 14 months the club has been alive they have managed to bring around 30 players back into the Manx football league. A target that was set from day one and one of the main driving forces of why the team exists. It remains to be seen how the new pitch, the new side and a flurry of new and impressive signings will bolster the fortunes of Governors Athletic, but if the drive and determination demonstrated in pre-season is anything to go by, the ‘Guvs’ will surely have more than a point to look forward to.

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There’s a chance for you to get involved in the Island’s biggest guided walk as Vision Awareness Week returns for 2015. Individuals and teams are invited to sign up now for the guided walk from the War Memorial on Harris Promenade towards the former Summerland site and back. Walkers will be paired up, with one person blindfolded and the other guiding, and can walk as much of the route as they feel comfortable with. Entry for Walk My Way is free, tel 674727 or email enquiries@mbws.org.im. www.facebook.com/manxblindwelfaresociety ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

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MOTORING NEWS NEWS MOTORING

RENOWNED MOTORING ARTIST TIM LAYZELL HAS CREATED A ONE-OFF PIECE TO CELEBRATE THE FIRST CLASSIC AND SPORTS CAR LONDON SHOW, TAKING PLACE THIS AUTUMN. SILVERSTONE AUCTIONS’ EFFICIENT CAR HANDLING WAS TESTED TO THE LIMIT RECENTLY WHEN RACING DRIVER JUSTIN MAEERS, THE PROUD NEW OWNER OF A 1959 COOPER MONACO, DECLARED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO RACE THE CAR IN THE STIRLING MOSS TROPHY, THE MORNING AFTER HE BOUGHT THE CAR.

The artwork features the iconic Alexandra Palace, the location for the show itself, and three legendary British cars that are amongst the contenders in the poll for the Best British Car Ever: the Jaguar E-Type, Bentley Speed Six and McLaren F1, all depicted in Layzell’s distinctive style.

The auction staff had to complete paperwork and physically move the car to the circuit’s scrutineering area all in under 10 minutes - just in time for the deadline for the class the buyer chose to race in.

“It’s a real honour to be asked to produce a oneoff piece for this amazing new event,” said Layzell. “With such an incredible line-up of icons on the shortlist for the Best British Car Ever, and such a stunning location as Alexandra Palace, this commission has been a motoring artist’s dream.”

The 1959 Cooper Monaco headlined the inaugural Competition Car Sale on Thursday, July 23 and sold for £219,375. Unfortunately, when it came to the race, Maeers reportedly only managed just two laps of the circuit and was forced to retire, admitting the gearbox had been damaged due to his unfamiliarity with the car.

THE FIRST PRODUCTION MODELS OF HONDA’S HOT CIVIC TYPE-R HAVE ROLLED OFF ITS SWINDON PRODUCTION LINE IN A SPECIAL CEREMONY CELEBRATING THE EVENT. Appropriately finished in red, white and blue, the first three cars began their long journey to dealerships across Europe, and were joined by production staff, management and current Honda Yuasa BTCC driver Matt Neal. These latest Civics follow millions of others that have been built at the UK plant over the last 20 years. The facility will be the only one in the world producing the 167mph hot hatch.

The show runs from October 30 to November 1. www.classicandsportscarshow.com

THE LARGEST EVER CARAVAN MODEL MADE FROM LEGO BRICKS WILL BE UNVEILED AT THE NATIONAL MOTORHOME AND CARAVAN SHOW IN OCTOBER. It will be made up from more than 150,000 individual LEGO pieces. It will take a full-time team of eight professional LEGO builders more than 1,000 hours to create the caravan. The shape is based on the ‘teardrop’ design of the T@B 320RS caravan. As part of the build process, every stage will be photographed and recorded so the finished caravan can qualify for a Guinness World Record. www.motorhomeandcaravanshow.co.uk

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BUCHANAN. DRIVERS OF CARS FITTED WITH DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS (DRLS) ARE BEING URGED TO REMEMBER TO ALSO SWITCH ON THEIR REAR LIGHTS WHEN IT'S DARK. The call comes as more cars are fitted with DRLs that can illuminate the road ahead without the driver realising they do not have the car's rear lights on to cause a potential hazard. If a car has DRLs fitted, the driver should still switch on headlights when it gets dark or the weather is poor. This will illuminate the rear lights automatically.

THE ROLLITT FAMILY WERE DELIGHTED WINNERS OF THE BUCHANAN BMW/GALLERY COMPETITION TO TAKE HOME THE NEW BMW 2 SERIES GRAN TOURER FOR A LONG WEEKEND, AND MUM JO ROLLITT REALLY ENJOYED THE EXPERIENCE. “As we both currently drive Audi TTs, driving the BMW 2GT was very different, but very easy,” says Jo, “and it’s certainly made me think about buying a practical family car in the future.” Duncan and Jo, who is the owner of Douglas salon The Nail Emporium, have one daughter, Chloe, who is just 5. As a busy working Mum, Jo is very conscious that Chloe is growing up fast and, as all parents know has an increasing amount of ‘stuff’ – much of which has to fit in the car whether it’s the school-run, friends home for tea or for out of school activities. “I’ve loved every car I’ve owned,” says Jo, “but I think it’s time I grew up and accepted that family life doesn’t always fit into a sports car. Driving the BMW 2GT has shown me that practical doesn’t have to mean dull.”

SALES OF 'BANGER' CARS ARE RISING FAST, WHILE PRICES ARE EVEN INCREASING FOR CARS AGED 10.5 YEARS OLD AND OVER. Even though there are now more bangers coming on to the market, the average price paid at auction for this type of car has risen from £725 in 2013 to £875 in June 2015. The availability of cheap PCP (personal contract plan) deals for new cars has encouraged many drivers to give up their bangers. However, even with more bangers coming on to the market, there has been a substantial rise in demand that means there are more buyers than cars available, so prices have firmed up. “The banger is dead. Long live the banger'." BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

Much to her surprise Jo found the 2GT really sporty to drive and loved the gadgets. “As I’m always working, the Bluetooth enabled hands free kit was invaluable and, being only 4’11 you can’t believe how excited I was with the electrically operated tailgate – I’d have needed a trampoline to close it otherwise!” She also loved the driving position. “It was really easy to adjust both the steering wheel and seat for my height,” Jo says, “and as well as both front- and rear-parking sensors there’s a rear camera which I got used to really quickly.” The prize also included a family pass to Curraghs Wildlife Park but this had to be put off for another weekend as the Rollitts were in the process of moving house when they took home the BMW 2GT. “Although we were sorry not to have used the pass the same weekend,” says Jo, “it actually turned out to be an advantage. It was really simple to fold down the rear seats and we managed fit in quite a lot of boxes – something we definitely wouldn’t have been able to do in my current car!” And Jo’s finally verdict on the BMW 2GT? “I didn’t really want to give it back!”

BUCHANAN BMW & MINI Isle of Man Business Park, Cooil Road, Braddan, Isle of Man, IM2 2QZ T: 01624 616161 www.buchananbmw.co.uk

/buchananbmw

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A NEW MERCEDES-BENZ FOR LESS PER MONTH THAN AN ORDINARY CAR… THE LASTING VALUE OF A MERCEDES-BENZ MAKES THE DIFFERENCE. YOU COULD BE PAYING MORE TO DRIVE A LESS DISTINGUISHED CAR. With the widest ever range of models and finance to suit your personal requirements there’s no need to settle for less than a new or Approved Used Mercedes-Benz. Simply tell us how much - or how little - you’d like your monthly payment to be and we’ll demonstrate with pleasure.

£319 from only

per month

REPRESENTATIVE EXAMPLE: : C 200 Sport Saloon with optional metallic paint : 36 Monthly payments of £319.00 : On-the-road price £30,305.00 : Customer deposit £3,999.00 : Retailer deposit contribution £3,396.21 : Duration of agreement 36 months : Optional purchase payment £14,125.00

: Purchase activation fee £10.00 : Amount of credit £22,909.79 : Total amount payable £33,014.21 : Representative APR 4.9% APR : Fixed interest rate 4.80% Whilst these offers are only available with Mercedes-Benz Finance, our Mercedes-Benz Retailers do arrange finance on behalf of other finance companies as well.

** Based on a Mercedes-Benz Agility agreement and 10,000 miles per annum. Vehicle condition, excess mileage and other charges may be payable. Payable if you exercise the option to purchase the car. Includes optional purchase payment, purchase activation fee and regular deposit contribution. Order/credit approval on selected C-Class Saloon, Estate and Coupe models, excluding C350 e and AMG models between 1 July 2015 and 30 September 2015, registered by the 31 December 2015. Some combinations of features/options may not be available. Guarantees and indemnities may be required. Credit provided subject to status from Mercedes-Benz Financial Services UK LTD, MK15 8BA

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...AND MERCEDES-BENZ SERVICING FOR LESS PER DAY THAN A COFFEE

£1 less than

per day

And why settle for less than Mercedes-Benz servicing? If the price of your new car doesn t come with servicing included, we o er Mercedes Benz Service Care for new examples of any age. Pay upfront or spread the cost of up to 4 annual services from less than £1 per day including parts and labour depending on your model.*

Mercedes-Benz of Mann | Whitestone | Douglas Road | Isle of Man | IM9 2LB Tel: 01624 820000 | sales@whitestone.co.im www.mercedes-benzofmann.co.uk www.facebook.com/pages/Mercedes-Benz-of-Mann * Mercedes-Benz Service Care Plan based on Mercedes-Benz A Class - 24 month payment term, 2 services, monthly cost £24. Applies to all new Mercedes A Class vehicles (exc. AMG models) up to 12 months old and before first service. Terms and Conditions apply. E&OE. BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

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Gadget Rivalry:

The Least Violent Battle for Dominance

Rivalry plays an important and central role in the lives of every single one of us. Don’t be fooled by the messages of peace, love and brotherhood that seem to pop up on all social media daily from middle-class kids who are “experiencing the culture of togetherness” in tourist-friendly and developed destinations across the globe, we need to be pushed and prodded constantly by the challenge to be better than the ones that are so often called a nemesis, but truly serve the purpose of being our greatest ally. What would the American governmental system be without the famous rivalry of the presidential race? Hell, what would any democratic system be without rivalry? Damned Communism that’s what, and that always does wonders (not quite sure how I turned that into an anticommunist rant, thanks Obama). Only competition forces progress, even the very nature of evolution and the survival of the fittest show that at the basest level of humanity. However, humanity has, ironically, evolved past the need for violent competition and have become a more intellectual and, in many ways, cowardly species, and today our most powerful leaders and businessmen belong to a group that grew up predominantly indoors. One that, rather than getting into scrapes and raucously violent situations in order to assert their dominance, sat behind a computer screen and subtly mocked and degraded their enemies using photoshop software and facebook page hacking. Thankfully for us, these wouldbe Neanderthal hunters have grown into men and

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women that have dedicated their lives to making our search for supremacy over both the elements and our enemies easier. Nevertheless, even in a day when two great superpowers can put forward giant robot champions for a battle royale (look up U.S. vs China Robot Fight. The future is happening, look around you), these figurative tech giants still face a constant battle to provide us with new and innovative ways to not only outsell their competitors and become the new trend amongst the world’s teens, but to give us the power to become what they were in another life…cold-blooded bullies. Either that or they just want the money of every parent on earth gullible enough to believe that their child “needs” a new iPhone, still creating a rivalry over profit margins and, in this world where validation comes from individuality, charitable donations to massive corporations (sweet irony).

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The gaming industry is one that I don’t often cover on these pages, or at least one that I don’t often research in any kind of depth and choose to insult childishly. Thus, in the true vein of the Gadgets section, I intend to report on this rivalry with such minimal actual knowledge on the subject that I will use immature humour to cover up my ignorance. It’s the perfect crime. In terms of what this rivalry has done for mankind in the race for evolutionary dominance it’s difficult to comprehend the long term effects of the advances in gaming other than making selfproclaimed “gamers” feel that their hobby makes them some kind of religion that is mightier than the rest of the human race. With games like Call of Duty becoming so popular today, and first person shooters being a more common sight in supermarkets than actual food, the only positive that can surely be taken is that the reaction times of these players will probably be increased, unfortunately it’s difficult to capitalize on this when you struggle to move your body due to a diet consisting of chocolate fingers and coke (I’m going to get such a scathing backlash from this).

For anyone that has ever been near a games console, Activision and EA are two of the big names that you will know. With titles like FIFA and….well, all the FIFAs, under their belt, EA (who get my vote simply for some of the Online Team glitches you can see online) have secured the sports game market. Activision, who have made some classics such as Tony Hawks’ (kids from the 90s assemble) and most of the movie franchise games that get released in conjunction with large movie releases, have been a big game player (too easy) since what seems like the beginning of games themselves. Judging from the online reviews of both companies, the production of these classics that have grown with us through the years doesn’t matter at all to avid gamers. In fact, the most telling sign that this so-called rivalry is simply just a competition to be hated the least is that every single Google result when you search “Activision vs. EA” is a poll that asks “Which is Worse?”. It seems that both of these companies are, in the words of a certain reviewer named FreedomforLife, “money-grabbing corporate vampires”. Welcome to the wonderful world of modern capitalism my friend, and don’t expect your gaming experience to get any better without it.

I’ve been writing this section for the magazine for several years now, and it seems that not a month has passed in which I haven’t mentioned an Apple product, and subsequently its lesser Microsoft counterpart. This month, however, is a little different. Instead of slating the great Bill Gates and his magnificent company, I’ll be using the rivalry between Apple and another tech giant in order to devastate and crush the tech giants of today. Actually I might not, this is very much improvised as I go and I have an enormous amount of respect for both of these companies. You never know I might end up praising somebody here. Or not. Probably not.

joking these are tech experts, less likely to actually use physical violence than Tibetan monks. However, at every single meeting and conference that these two attend, endless lists of similarities can be found within what they’re presenting, and each time one narrowly outperforms the other. Admittedly, not quite as thrilling as arguably two of the finest boxers ever to step into the ring coming to blows at the MGM, but still, if you’re into this whole business quite entertaining.

“It seems that both of these companies are, in the words of a certain reviewer named FreedomforLife, “money-grabbing corporate vampires”. Welcome to the wonderful world of modern capitalism my friend, and don’t expect your gaming experience to get any better without it”

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Perhaps the best way to describe the rivalry between Google and Apple comes directly from an article written by Om Malik (what a name). He says that “Apple and Google are like Vitali and Wladimir Klitshcko, the Ukrainian brothers who have, for the past decade, made the heavyweight boxing championship a very boring family affair”. This is an incredibly apt comparison, as not only are these two tech heavyweights quite literally stealing the very stage that they set so many years ago, but every time they come anywhere near each other there are literal punches thrown…Of course I’m

What people don’t realize is that this may be the most important modern rivalry that will grace these pages (mostly because it’s only these two. Give me a break they’re long pieces on each and it’s late). In terms of pushing each other to perform and progress, there aren’t really two more important companies in the tech market at the moment. Sure, people will throw the Micorsoft name into the hat, and some may even stand up for little old Sony, but realistically they’re simply bare knuckle gypsy boxing compared to what these giants can do with the money, resources and complete control of the market that they have. For us, it’s a dream come true. We all get top of the range technology like iPhones, tablets and operating systems that could make most developers cry to mummy for little to no money compared to what they could charge, all in the name of rivalry. Sure, it’s rivalry for profits and market monopoly, but if you can’t beat it, why fight it?

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PHONE HOME Power in Your Pocket Excellent value and superb power can be difficult to find in a smartphone but if they’re the qualities you’re after, then you’ll find both embodied within Microsoft’s Nokia Lumia 635, now part of Sure’s fantastic back to school deal. The Lumia 635 is a powerful tool on its own - packing a Quad core processor, 5MP camera and a 4.5” screen – but because it is driven by the easy-touse Windows operating system you can also combine your phone with any number of Microsoft-powered tablets and laptops to give you a total multimedia package. OneDrive constantly synchronises all of your devices to ensure whether you’re doing homework on your laptop or sharing quality photos and videos with friends from your phone, the file you need is always just a click away. If your classroom days are far behind you, then at work you’ll find you have a new personal assistant in the shape of Cortana who will make sure you are never late for an appointment or forget anyone’s birthday. As you use the phone, she will learn more about your specific interests, giving you the information you need to stay on top of the job and living your life to the full. As for the value? It’s incredible to know that you can get a complete package including this phone, a HP laptop and 7” table all for free on the £33/month back to school package at the Sure stores in Douglas, Ramsey and Port Erin.

COME AND VISIT US IN ONE OF THE ISLAND’S SURE STORES 35 STRAND STREET, DOUGLAS 4 ORCHARD WALK, PORT ERIN 10 PARLIAMENT STREET, RAMSEY

LG G Flex 2 The premium aesthetic of this handset is incredibly luxe and considerably more comfortable to manage and manoeuvre vertically during calls and horizontally while watching videos- in which it offers an immersive viewing experience! Although not a rugged device by any means, the new curved screen technology draws you in closer to the screen whilst it also shields from minor accidental damage. Key Features * 5.5 inch curved touchscreen * 13 megapixel camera with a 2.1 megapixel front camera * 16GB internal memory * Android OS The result of an impressive 1080p screen resolution is a noticeably sharper display. Images, videos and text are bright and rich in detail. The screen is easily viewable in sunlight with the brightness turned all the way up, it has a wide viewing angle, and it’s responsive as well. LG has stuck with established design on the G Flex 2, so it’s very much like the G3, with rear controls and a similar rear plastic casing coated with LG’s self-healing finish, meaning that minor surface scratches flatten themselves out to preserve the look. If you want a handset that looks unique, feels great in the hand and has power and battery life to spare, there really is no better option than the G Flex 2. Available from Manx Telecom for £99 @ £45 per month over 24 months on the Smartphone 600 contract, which comes with 600 minutes to IOM, UK and Channel Islands, unlimited texts and 6 GB (gigabytes) of 4G data per month. FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO: WWW.MANXTELECOM.COM/SHOP CALL: 624624 OR POP INTO THE STORE IN STRAND ST. BEST PRICES GUARANTEED BY MANX TELECOM PRICE MATCH PROMISE

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THE UNTHANKS 10 PIECE FESTIVAL BAND GAIETY THEATRE, DOUGLAS FRIDAY 25TH SEPTEMBER 2015

1 OCT - CHRIS T-T 2 OCT - NICK HARPER 3 OCT - SIMON THACKER'S KARMANA PLUS WORKSHOPS, MASTERCLASSES AND MORE Tickets £23 (inc booking fee) Hotline 600555 www.villagaiety.com Doors 7:00pm Show 8:00pm

JonnoPromotions living for live music

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