November 2015 | the ALTERNATIVE issue by Gallery Magazine

Isle of Man Premier Magazine | no. 48 | November 2015 | the [ALTERNATIVE] issue

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DE IN THE ISLE S MA OF MA LEN N

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.

WHO WE ARE

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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.

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Isle of Man Premier Magazine | no. 48 | October 2015 | the [ALTERNATIVE] issue

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Isle of Man | Home & Interiors | November 2015

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

very generation wants to present a hallmark of rebellion in some way, brandish a sense of non-conformity, to provide an alternative to what has gone before. OK, so re-reading that sentence it sounds like the start of Star Trek, but you get my point. Every human is looking to take things in their own direction in order to be, in their own way, alternative.

Applying this desire to fashion, style and music is quite easy. As many headed to university recently, it provides a jumping off point to re-style themselves as whatever they see fit. You often see people return home after a first term with new clothes, attitudes and even accents. Looking for an alternative, to find themselves, to find a tribe. I guess it’s natural to seek an alternative, particularly to the overwhelming conservative overtones in the Isle of Man. The trouble is it’s getting harder and harder to be different. You can be tattooed neck to toe, pierced, gender neutral and slack line between skyscrapers in your spare time but thanks to the breadth of media and knowledge... it’s sort of been... done. We have so many iterations of individuality presenting in the thousands of things we look at each day that the mainstream is so wide it’s trickier and trickier to break out. Even choosing to go ‘normcore’ and rebel against individual trends became a trend in its own right, as synonymous with the 2010s as hipsters and snapchat. Emo, goth, indie, chav, preppy, hipster, punk. There’s just nothing different.

On the Agenda: [WEALTH & INVESTMENT] | no. 15 | November 2015

ON THE AGENDA THIS EDITION:

WEALTH & INVESTMENT

We speak to key ﬁgures locally, celebrate with Creechurch Capital and help explain alternative investments and alternative income sources. Plus all of the movers, shakers and business news brought to you in Gallery every month...

When we started to discuss what was ‘alternative’ this month we therefore had trouble getting a visual theme for our fashion shoot. What’s alternative to the range of alternatives that have become the norm? A dog, that’s what. When was the last time you saw a dog in our fashion shoot. That’s right - never. It’s the alternative issue so you get a dog on the cover. And inside. And in clothes. Take that. There’s loads of other content around our alternative theme too, including a great Agenda edition feature alternative income sources and a great article on body recomposition as an alternative to dieting. You can always seek alternatives, even if it’s hard to be alternative. Unless you’re a dog in clothes. Woof.

ARE YOU IN?

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JEWELLERY

www.wilkinsthejeweller.co.uk

THIS YEAR WILKINS THE JEWELLER’S AIM HAS BEEN TO BRING YOU THE VERY BEST IN DIAMOND AND GOLD JEWELLERY BY SOURCING THE MOST EXCITING NEW AND EMERGING JEWELLERY BRANDS AND DESIGNERS. ALONG WITH THE RECENT ADDITION OF CHIMENTO JEWELLERY W E H AV E A D D E D T H E S T U N N I N G M E S S I K A TO OUR COLLECTIONS.

Founded in 2005 by Valérie Messika, the Messika brand encompasses everything about the founder – her youthful spirit, impeccable taste and fast-paced life. Her designs are imbued with absolute minimalism; nothing is solid and cumbersome, everything is light as air and delicate. Valérie Messika did not choose the diamond industry by chance. Since childhood, she has listened to the fascinating stories told by her father André, a key player in the diamond trade. From this passion emerged her desire to create. The house of Messika cultivates a creativity that rejects boredom; ever since its origin, Messika has dared all from innovation to transgression and experience. The distinction is present in a detail, a curve or an unexpected movement. The Messika woman is familiar with the conventions of classical jewellery, but has always broken free from these traditions and followed her own style, full of character. A subtle balance between strength and tenderness, elegance and determination, Messika jewellery evolves and resonates to the rhythm of feminine emotions. Designed by a woman for women, the Messika creations feel like a second skin. Light, airy and detached from all mannerism, they accompany the woman in her freedom of movement.

DNA of the house of Messika. Using modern techniques Messika create stunning pieces using gold frames with diamonds suspended, giving the illusion that they are floating. Each diamond is handpicked for quality and brilliance, something Valérie personally ensures. Her wealth of knowledge and attention to details is testament to the stunning creations Messika produce and why Wilkins is so excited to present their collections to you.

T H I S S T U N N I N G N E W R A N G E I S E X C L U S I V E TO W I L K I N S T H E J E W E L L E R , D O U G L A S , F R O M N OV E M B E R . F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N O R TO V I E W T H E C O L L E C T I O N I N F U L L P L E A S E C A L L I N TO O U R S T R A N D S T R E E T S TO R E O R E M A I L O U R T E A M AT E N Q U I R I E S @ W I L K I N S T H E J E W E L L E R . C O . U K

Perfectionism sought in the harmony of volumes, attention to detail and a taste for imaginative elegance are all engraved in the

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

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UPFRONT

HIGHLIGHTS UPFRONT UPFRONT

FASHION

UPFRONT

FASHION

MAY CONTAIN SATIRE!

WORDS | Kate Bright

The healing world of

alternative medicine It’s too often that alternative medicine is dismissed by the mainstream media, which is pedantically obsessed with things like “proof”, when in reality we can offer something that science, logic and conventional medicine cannot. I don’t mean the ability to survive on lentils without getting diarrhoea, but the possibility of healing not just your body, but your eternal soul. You won’t get that from your fancy paracetamol, whooping cough vaccines and kidney dialysis.

art depicting recipes for brown rice. Even without written history, and despite the efforts of “big pharma” to suppress it, nutritional wisdom is still available to us all - I attended an (online) university for an entire month, learned all about superfoods, and can now call myself a Dr. in China, Nigeria and twelve US states. Did you know that a kale enema every morning can reverse heart disease and make you look twenty years younger? I bet you weren’t aware that no society with a gluten-free diet has ever launched a nuclear weapon, or that artificial sweeteners were invented by Nazi Germany. The first step to immortality is to put down that hamburger and pick up a handful of organic wheatgrass - you can get this a lot of places now but the variety sold by my clinic is also guaranteed to have 200% of your daily serving of antioxidants. Only £8 a box.

disruptive technology like petrol engines or pacemakers. They are all friends together, singing the beautiful song of the universe. Except when they fight each other, go extinct, or are grizzly bears who tried to eat me even though I had only joined their community to teach them yoga. I should have stayed with the dolphins, but their possessiveness was stifling and a barrier to my personal growth.

THE LOOK: The laser-cut show invite was the first clue to the fabric that would dominate at Burberry. From outerwear to dresses and even shirts for the boys, ornate lace and macrame bound this beautiful collection together. But, save for a handful of candy-coloured minidresses and creamy floorlengthers, this was a decidedly gothic array, complete with the chicest hoodies you’ve ever seen, a black velvet cape and a moody berry lip. Add to that low-slung backpacks alongside lots of regimental gold braiding on the house’s signature trenches and it makes sense that the show was titled ‘Function Regalia’.

So what does SS16 have in store for us, according to Britain’s most trend-setting brands? From blackest black at Burberry to brightest neon at Christopher Kane, Giles’ regal gowns to David Koma’s skimpy skirts, the shows were diverse and inventive, but presented plenty of wearable trends too.

THESE ARE THE LOOKS WE’LL BE LUSTING AFTER NEXT SPRING...

‘A SELECTION OF OVER 200 DIFFERENT WINES WHICH ARE AVAILABLE TO TAKE HOME OR DRINK IN’

Throughout November, Vino will be running free tastings every Friday from 5-8pm at the shop where they will be showcasing some of their favourites alongside some new wines.

THE LONG AND SHORT OF IT THE SHOW: Topshop Unique THE LOOK: Bringing together the saucy and the sweet - baby blue feminine frocks slashed almost to the hip, long jackets over short skirts - every ensemble on the Topshop catwalk had an element of what the French call ‘deshabille’. This undressed quality extended to coats belted, but falling off the shoulders, pyjama-esque two-piece sets, and tux jackets and shirts so big they look borrowed from a City boy the morning after the night before. It was toned down with the addition of librarian tank knits and cardigans, and a smattering of bold spots.

THE PLAN FOR THE TASTINGS IS AS FOLLOWS:

surgical solutions that it ignores how easy it

the hospital for homeopathy and is to stop the majority of diseases with just a solar rays it is also true that sunbeds past life regression therapy as there and fluorescent office lights cause few (hundred) changes to your daily diet. is for MRI scans and stitches. Until our DNA to go mouldy. This is why that happy day, you’re welcome to wireless internet is a health hazard, come to me instead of your GP. This even though you can’t actually first bit of advice is free, but my general Mother nature is our wisest teacher see it without a special pendant (available rates are a very reasonable £80 for a half The great miracle of Gaia is that the planet from my website for £39.99). Luckily, I can hour. Om! produces so much healing that we could all train you not just to see this energy, but to live in disease-free harmony if our bodies harness it for the power of your own health. Nutrition is the foundation of all were’t corrupted by negative thoughts A great tribal elder by the name of Yoda healthy lives and selfish behaviours. I am sad to say once said “luminous beings we are, not this One of the biggest weaknesses of that this definitely applies to the people crude matter” - these are words I live by conventional medicine is that it is so who reported my mail-order supplement every day. obsessed with pushing pharmaceutical business to the Trading Standards Bureau and surgical solutions that it ignores how - your bitterness is your own burden, and This article has been too brief, but I hope it easy it is to stop the majority of diseases it will accompany you to an early grave, has opened your third eye to some divine with just a few (hundred) changes to before you will be reborn very low down and powerful truths. These words come your daily diet. In olden days, before food the karmic cycle, probably as slugs or to you with love, and they are so full of was full of chemicals, people didn’t need beetles. You’ll never be happy. Anyway, I positive energy that you’ll be able to cure orthopaedic surgery or Prozac because they don’t have the time to dwell on negativity minor illnesses simply by standing out had lifestyles that flowed in harmony with - because I am nourished by the love I in the beautiful sunshine and rubbing nature. Our tribal ancestors regularly lived feel from all the plants and animals that the magazine hard against your face for to 200 years old, never got flu, and could surround me, even stinging nettles and twenty minutes. If you’re still feeling out of speak with the whales. This was all lost as and the one-legged pigeons that live in St cosmic balance, then call my clinic for an soon as modern society developed, which Helier. The birds of the air and the beasts appointment. Just check with the girl on the is why there aren’t any written records of of the field show us that it is possible to desk that I’m not snowboarding or in Ibiza this golden age, just folk songs and cave live a healthy, harmonious life without that week. Namaste!

THE SHOW: Burberry Prorsum

SS16

FAST-FORWARD

A NEW AND UNIQUE EXPERIENCE

Namaste! Om! Guten abend! Shabba! Whatever language you speak I’d like to give you a loving welcome to this gateway to alternative medicine, opened by me, Mary Mulabandha - qualified massage therapist, ordained Wiccan priestess and fifth plateau angel healer. I’ve dedicated my life (at least in this incarnation) to spreading the word about good health for the body and the mind, and through the medium of interpretative dance I was able to persuade the wonderful people who publish this magazine to devote a few pages to sharing my wisdom with you, the lovely readers.

A LACY AFFAIR

WINE has been a part of civilized life for some 7,000 years and there are those who would say it is the most beloved beverage in the world. It’s the only one that feeds the body, soul and spirit and at the same time stimulates the mind.

ino, on North Quay in Douglas, with its stunning panoramic views over the marina, is not only benefiting from wine’s growing popularity but offering a whole new experience when it comes to enjoying it by the glass or the bottle.

WORDS Dr Mary Mulabandha PhD ILLUSTRATION Will Bertram

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

It was Ollie, who has spent much of his working life in the wine business, and who most certainly knows his wines, who came up with the concept after looking at how it was offered in wine bars and shops in both London and Manchester. While both Heath and Ollie’s backgrounds are more associated to wine, Lauren’s specialty is bespoke spirits as well as providing hospitality training. In addition to the wines, Vino also has a small but eclectic range or gins, vodkas, whiskies, brandies, rums and liqueurs.

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

6th November

CHAMPAGNE & FIZZ

13th November

WHITES

20th November

REDS

27th November

SPIRITS & LIQUEURS

In addition to the Friday tastings, Vino are constantly in demand to host wine tasting evenings for corporate and personal events. Recently, they have carried out a Prosecco master class at the shop in addition to a number of gin and wine tastings in the Embassy function room at the British. Ollie adds, “We can run any type of event that our customers want whether it’s in the shop or at an external venue.” With Christmas looming, Vino will be offering both corporate and personal gifts, as well as several pre-selected cases and gift vouchers, all of which can be gift wrapped and delivered across the island. For all enquiries please contact Lauren or Heath on 610968 or at info@vino.co.im.

GOING TO WAIST THE SHOW: David Koma

Vino is open Tuesday to Saturday from mid-day (Also open Mondays throughout December)

Website for opening hours is www.vino.co.im facebook.com/iomvino

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

THE LOOK: There was nothing subtle about the sex appeal David Koma was selling for SS16. Thighskimming A-line hems, flesh-toned mesh, the skimpiest of racer back straps - for the pop stars and actresses who love his work (Beyonce, Rihanna and Gwyneth Paltrow, to name a few), there were plenty of monochrome frocks to choose from. For mere mortals, it’s a tougher sell, as even the trouser and top combinations were corseted or bound tightly on the waist. Aesthetically, the collection was just as tight, and underscored the focus on the midriff that’s emerging for spring.

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

THE FUTURE’S BRIGHT

THE SHOW: Christopher Kane THE LOOK: The must-have accessory of SS16? Cable ties, according to Christopher Kane. They were used as hair bands and bracelets, fashioned into chokers and used to gather silk on a slinky black halter dress, just one of the nifty tricks employed by the crown prince of creativity in his latest show. What else was new? Dresses pieced together from shards of fabric, spray-painted with dye; leather printed with cell-like splodges; scrawly embroidery - the collection was packed to the rafters with ideas. But there was nostalgia too, in the neon lace shirting that recalled Kane’s debut. Using black as a conduit for saturated hues has become something of a Kane signature and once again, it didn’t disappoint.

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

GET RICH OR DIE TRYING ACTIVE

ACTIVE

PHOTOS BY | ajnphotography

Times are undoubtedly hard. Costs are rising all around, and wages are notoriously slow to follow suit. But have no fear, because we’re in the middle of the connection revolution and developing a side-hustle (or several) has never been easier... you probably just haven’t realised it yet. So, ever the public service provider, here’s the Gallery Guide to getting those alternative income streams flowing.

OLD DOG NEW TRICKS

1. Selling yourself; You.Inc

PHOTOGRAPHY AND STYLING Danny Evans MODEL Plato

Here’s the thing, to develop a sideincome, you need to spend some time thinking about what makes you, well, you. There’s bound to be something – an ability, an interest, some kind of seemingly irrelevant knowledge that you’ve amassed or critically; a passion – that is ‘yours’. The more seemingly niche ‘your thing’ is, the better; and here’s why: you aren’t alone. Thanks to the internet, you’ll be able to find a crowd that share your interest or passion, and there is where you’ll find the audience and the marketplace for You.Inc.

BODY DOUBLE Ben DOG WRANGLER Russ

OVERCOAT by Paul Smith £445, SHIRT by River Island £28, TIE by Tiger of Sweden £65, BAG by Paul Smith £485, SQUEAKY CHICKEN model’s own

2. What YOU can offer

So you don’t think that you have an ultra-developed skill, or a talent? Well, guess what? A) You’re probably wrong, and even if you aren’t B) it really doesn’t matter.

Alternative Income Sources

102 100

Words Rick Jones Illustration Abbie Morton

ON THE AGENDA:

Perhaps you unwind by digitally doodling on photos, creating caricatures or you have an talent for mimicking mannerisms. Maybe you like dressing up (we aren’t asking). Perhaps you just have a strong set of opinions, or know when you feel something is just ‘right’. There’s a market for all of these things, and with about 3003000000 internet users globally, the chances of you knowing any of your eventual audience ‘knowing you’ are slim indeed – so drop the shyness and get yourself out there.

Get on a site like fiverr.com and offer your services (we won’t waste space explaining how it works). Your doodles, drawings, logo or slogan skills, penchant for dressing up or anything else are all wanted, by someone, somewhere, and you can charge for it. We mentioned opinions for a good reason; you can write reviews. So you don’t have good grammar, or even English? To some marketers browsing the likes of fiverr.com, that’s even better; your reviews will read like a real person’s (because you are one – we hope) and that’s what they want.

3. ‘Say it’,

whatever it is

It doesn’t cost the customer anything and you get a cool kick back – just be transparent about it – tell people “this is an affiliate link, using it gets me paid”. If your audience is like you, they won’t mind helping you make some cash.

Shoprite Cycle4Life sees record breaking 2015 race

5. Offer a service

Can you read a ten-page ebook on formatting writing for Kindle? If so, you could offer the service to a busy or technologically-challenged author afterwards. Can you convert movie or

“The more seemingly niche ‘your thing’ is, the better; and here’s why: you aren’t alone. Thanks to the internet, you’ll be able to find a crowd that share your interest or passion, and there is where you’ll find the audience and the marketplace for You.Inc.”

Again, your opinions and passions can be monetised, and not just with reviews. Get blogging and/or vlogging – you have our permission. To make money blogging, you first need to build your audience, and encourage people to spend time on your site. It may take time, but once you have an audience for your free writing, then you know you have a market for an e-book or similar. In the case of vlogging (especially via YouTube), the more views your videos get, the more advertisers will pay you to appear on your channel.

4. Be the middle-man (or woman)

If there’s a product that you use, tell people – and tell them why on your blog. Shopping sites like Amazon will give you a small commission if you sign up as an ‘affiliate’ and someone reading your site clicks through a link in your text, and purchases said product. This could be a book, a blender or a type of boot polish.

A record breaking Shoprite Cycle4Life 2015 saw cyclists of all ages and abilities picking up the cycling challenge and raising funds for two local charities in the process.

the Veterans Prize with all of their riders over 40 years old and Ernst & Young claimed the hugely competitive Winerite Spirit of Cycle4Life Fun Prize.

Other notable rides included Phillip Williams who was runner up in 1:35.10. Gianni Epifani, the 2012 race winner, was the fastest veteran in a time of 1:39.38 with Laura Morgan (1:59.40) the first ladies competitor home. Team RL360 rider Owen Dudley clocked the fastest Youths time (1:43.51) while fellow Team RL360 rider Max Walker (1:52.04) was the first Junior to finish.

The individual honours went to Adam Scarffe (RL360) who achieved the fastest Mountain Climb leg, from Ramsey to Guthries, in the team relay event, clocking 14.43 for the sector while teammate Harry Cain clocked a mere 8.52 between the Highlander and Glen Helen, which was the fastest individual leg in the race, claiming the Microgaming Speed Merchant award. Ed Perry showed the form that won him the outright solo trophy in 2014 for the Aon Schuss downhill prize for the last leg, from the Bungalow to the Grandstand, competing the section in a time of 13.45.

In the relay Mountain Course time trial, which features companies, organisations, charities and social groups each riding one of 7 legs of the Mountain Course, RL360 were the overall winners completing the course in a collective time of 1:43.14 narrowly beating Manx Viking Wheelers (1:44.13) by less than a minute with the Arden & Druggen ‘Sparks are Flying’ outfit (1:59.04) in the final podium position. Isle of Man Bank’s ‘Belles’ team took the prize for the first all women’s outfit while Old Mutual’s Mixed outfit, for teams with at least two men or women, claimed the mixed prize. The Diabetic Group (2:49.31 claimed

audio files into another format (there are loads of free online converters you can use)? If so, people will pay you for it – not everyone has the knowledge or time to look for themselves. These are just a few examples. Use your imagination and you’ll find that anything you can do has value to someone. The world is literally your lobster!

Once the Mountain Course action was over attention switched to the back of the grandstand where over 150 children in Under 6’s Under 8’s and Under 10’s categories competing in a new course around Nobles Park under the watchful eye of new Mountain Course record holder Peter Kennaugh, who started the race. All funds raised including race entries were donated to the Manx Diabetic Group and Port St Mary based Discover Diving’s Youth training facility. Next year’s event will be the 25th anniversary of Cycle4Life that has already raised over £200,000 for Isle of Man charities with details of the 2016 event being released before Christmas.

So get up, get online and (responsibly) get hustling... in this day and age, there’s plenty of scope for alternative income generation!

DO BUSINESS IN STYLE

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BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

CONTENTS UPFRONT Edito..............................................................................................................................................5 Wilkins Watch of The Month...................................................6 Alternative Medicine...............................................................10 What’s On...................................................................................................12 Me & My Pet...........................................................................................16 Your Big Day..........................................................................................................20 Give..........................................................................................................................................18 Soapbox............................................................................................................................22 News in Numbers..........................................................................23 MISC.....................................................................................................................................26 EVENTS Manx Cancer Help Ball.....................................................................28 Thomas Miller Event.............................................................................30 The Wine Cellar Tastings.............................................................32 Manx Telecom Annual Staff Ball...................................34 Masquerade Ball.............................................................................................36 Martin & Bryony Radcliffe Wedding Day.....38 CULTURE Monthly Upload...........................................................................................40 My Name is............................................................................................................42 Calendar Photo Competition..........................................44 Culture Vulture..............................................................................................46 Culture News......................................................................................................48 FASHION & BEAUTY Get The Look.......................................................................................50 Discover TIBI.......................................................................................53 Inopia Investment Jewellery............................................55 Fashion Shoot.....................................................................................................56

APPETITE Recipes...........................................................................................................................64 Food Trends.........................................................................................................66 Wine Talk...................................................................................................................68 TRAVEL Glasgow With Citywing................................................................60 Travel Adventures......................................................................................72 ACTIVE Shoprite Cycle4Life.............................................................................116 Body Recomposition.........................................................................118 Active News.......................................................................................................120

Isle of Man | Home & Interiors | November 2015

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

THE BEST PLACE TO FIND A NEW PLACE IN THE ISLE OF MAN 75

HARDWARE Motoring News............................................................................................124 Gadgets......................................................................................................................126 Phone Home..................................................................................................130 PAPARAZZI Are you in?..........................................................................................131-137

On the Agenda: [WEALTH & INVESTMENT] | no. 15 | November 2015

BUSINESS NEWS, VIEWS AND COMMENTS ON THE AGENDA THIS EDITION:

WEALTH & INVESTMENT

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

Could we save you over £170 a month on your mortgage? Savings for 2 years, based on a mortgage of £150k, with a remaining term of 17 years. Comparison based on a typical competitor’s standard variable rate of 3.99%, against our 2 year Fixed Rate. Up to 60% LTV. Product fee of £999, additional fees may be payable. Early repayment charge applies until 31.01.2018.

Visit your local branch iombank.com/mortgages

1.55%

fixed until 31.01.2018

4.0%

variable after that

3.8%

APR is the overall cost for comparison

YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE

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 (28.10.2015). Subject to availability. Over 18’s only. Security required. Calls may be recorded.

Call: 01624 833110 info@islandkitchens.im www.islandkitchens.im OPENING TIMES: Monday - Friday 10:00 to 16:00 Saturday 10:00 to 14:00 Closed Sunday 2 Orchard Walk • Bridson Street Port Erin • Isle of Man • IM9 6AL FREE PARKING AVAILABLE

Island Kitchens holds an enviable reputation for creating modern and traditional kitchen furniture with outstanding style, functionality and exceptional quality. We would like to invite you to come in and let us help you design your dream kitchen at our showroom.

UPFRONT

MAY CONTAIN SATIRE!

The healing world of

alternative medicine Namaste! Om! Guten abend! Shabba! Whatever language you speak I’d like to give you a loving welcome to this gateway to alternative medicine, opened by me, Mary Mulabandha - qualified massage therapist, ordained Wiccan priestess and fifth plateau angel healer. I’ve dedicated my life (at least in this incarnation) to spreading the word about good health for the body and the mind, and through the medium of interpretative dance I was able to persuade the wonderful people who publish this magazine to devote a few pages to sharing my wisdom with you, the lovely readers. It’s too often that alternative medicine is dismissed by the mainstream media, which is pedantically obsessed with things like “proof”, when in reality we can offer something that science, logic and conventional medicine cannot. I don’t mean the ability to survive on lentils without getting diarrhoea, but the possibility of healing not just your body, but your eternal soul. You won’t get that from your fancy paracetamol, whooping cough vaccines and kidney dialysis.

We are bound by hidden currents of powerful energy Yes, the biased media would like to Any person who studies the subject will dismiss people who don’t use conventional come to understand the universal truth that medicine as cult members who worship the ancient peoples of the earth possessed tofu and have sexual feelings for dolphins. great wisdom that modern societies simply Although this is true of me, there are plenty do not. It wasn’t just that they avoided the of more “normal” people who also put their dangers of gluten and dairy - they were wise faith in alternative medicine, like Prince enough to understand how hidden currents Charles and David Bellamy. The likes of of energy connect all things. This energy Gwyneth Paltrow and Madonna are just really does power everything, from the as cynical as I am about what the moon angels that cause women’s doctor tells them, so crystal healing monthly cycle to the spirit vortex One of the biggest weaknesses of is for normal people too, not just that lets me speak with Cecil the for those of us who live in a yurt Lion. Yet we must be cautious - if conventional medicine is that it is so and sleep standing up. I hope that used with proper training, it can obsessed with pushing pharmaceutical and not eventually the world will see sense be deadly, so just as advanced yogis surgical solutions that it ignores how easy it can nourish themselves from pure and there will be as much room at the hospital for homeopathy and is to stop the majority of diseases with just a solar rays it is also true that sunbeds past life regression therapy as there and fluorescent office lights cause few (hundred) changes to your daily diet. is for MRI scans and stitches. Until our DNA to go mouldy. This is why that happy day, you’re welcome to wireless internet is a health hazard, come to me instead of your GP. This even though you can’t actually first bit of advice is free, but my general Mother nature is our wisest teacher see it without a special pendant (available rates are a very reasonable £80 for a half The great miracle of Gaia is that the planet from my website for £39.99). Luckily, I can hour. Om! produces so much healing that we could all train you not just to see this energy, but to live in disease-free harmony if our bodies harness it for the power of your own health. Nutrition is the foundation of all were’t corrupted by negative thoughts A great tribal elder by the name of Yoda healthy lives and selfish behaviours. I am sad to say once said “luminous beings we are, not this One of the biggest weaknesses of that this definitely applies to the people crude matter” - these are words I live by conventional medicine is that it is so who reported my mail-order supplement every day. obsessed with pushing pharmaceutical business to the Trading Standards Bureau and surgical solutions that it ignores how - your bitterness is your own burden, and This article has been too brief, but I hope it easy it is to stop the majority of diseases it will accompany you to an early grave, has opened your third eye to some divine with just a few (hundred) changes to before you will be reborn very low down and powerful truths. These words come your daily diet. In olden days, before food the karmic cycle, probably as slugs or to you with love, and they are so full of was full of chemicals, people didn’t need beetles. You’ll never be happy. Anyway, I positive energy that you’ll be able to cure orthopaedic surgery or Prozac because they don’t have the time to dwell on negativity minor illnesses simply by standing out had lifestyles that flowed in harmony with - because I am nourished by the love I in the beautiful sunshine and rubbing nature. Our tribal ancestors regularly lived feel from all the plants and animals that the magazine hard against your face for to 200 years old, never got flu, and could surround me, even stinging nettles and twenty minutes. If you’re still feeling out of speak with the whales. This was all lost as and the one-legged pigeons that live in St cosmic balance, then call my clinic for an soon as modern society developed, which Helier. The birds of the air and the beasts appointment. Just check with the girl on the is why there aren’t any written records of of the field show us that it is possible to desk that I’m not snowboarding or in Ibiza this golden age, just folk songs and cave live a healthy, harmonious life without that week. Namaste!

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

WORDS Dr Mary Mulabandha PhD ILLUSTRATION Will Bertram

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WHAT’S ON

LOCAL WHAT’S ON

ELSEWHERE 15-22 NOVEMBER 2015

05.11.2015 FRONT COUNTRY

//PEEL CENTENARY CENTRE// A young and exciting American country/blue grass band making their first visit to the Island. www.centenarycentre.com

06.11.2015 FIREWORKS DISPLAY

//DOUGLAS// Thie years event starts at 7.30pm with a Best Guy Competition with prizes of £100, £50 and £25 for first, second and third places respectively. At 7.45pm the fireworks display will be fired from a barge moored close by Douglas war memorial. Manx Radio will be broadcasting the event live and streaming it at manxradio.com. The event is sponsored for the fifth consecutive year by Celton Manx.

07-08.11.2015 THE BIG BREE WORKSHOP WEEKEND

//KENSINGTON YOUTH CENTRE, DOUGLAS// Open to young musicians and dancers aged 10-18, this weekend gives them the opportunity to work with expert tutors. No knowledge of manx music, dance or the gaelic language is necessary but students should be fairly competent on their chosen instrument. www.manxmusic.com

07.11.2015 THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO NARROPERA

//PEEL CENTENARY CENTRE// Narropera is a radical, condensed, new format for bringing opera to wider audiences, relating the essence of an opera in word and song. Accessible, comprehensible and entertaining. Part of the

Mozart Narropera Festival 2015/16. www.centenarycentre.com www.narropera.com

15.11.2015 COMPETING IN DANCE

//VILLA MARINA ARCADE, DOUGLAS// A workshop with international choreographer, dancer and teacher Jill Baldock at the Villa Marina Arcade from 1pm until 4pm. This is for dance teachers and students who wish to enter the new dance classes in next year’s Manx Music Festival (the ‘Guild’). The presentation will include tips on how to prepare for competition and how to impress the judges. www.manxmusicfestival.org

ATP WORLD TOUR FINALS

02 ARENA, LONDON, ENGLAND The world tour finals taking place in the O2 arena in London features only the top 8 players in the world in the final showdown of the year. Each player participating has been fighting for their place over the year in ATP 1000 and with only the best players qualifying, there won’t be a match not worth watching. Who can take the title? Is it a ressurgent Nadal, or dominant Djokovic, or maybe even crowd favoutrite Andy Murray. This tournament is not worth missing WWW.ATPWORLDTOUR.COM

26 NOVEMBER 2015

THANKSGIVING

NEW YORK, USA Thanksgiving is the biggest event in the US calendar, Christmas aside. However, before the nation sits down to watch the traditional NFL game taking place, another hallowed tradition takes place in New York, The Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade, which is a pageant of giant balloons, floats, cheerleaders and dancers in this iconic New York event. SOCIAL.MACYS.COM/PARADE/

19-22 NOVEMBER 2015

THE AUSTRALIAN MASTERS 26.11.2015 THE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS CEREMONY

//DOUGLAS TOWN HALL, DOUGLAS// The Christmas Lights Ceremony will take place outside Douglas Town Hall in Ridgeway Street on Thursday, 26th November, 2015, starting at 6.15pm. The event will open with a taster of this year’s Pantomime Little Red Riding Hood and the Big Bad Wolf, followed by Christmas Carols performed by Douglas Town Band. Grace Lee will then take the stage to sing a few songs and choir Voiceworks will perform before the lights are switched on by the Mayor at 7.00pm. Santa’s Grotto will be open on the evening.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA The annual Australian Masters is one of the biggest golfing events in Australasia, with a prize pool of A$1,000,000, the tournament attracts a large variety of players from around the world, showing off a high level of quality golf. The tournament rotates between several courses around the Melbourne area, and this year the Masters will take place at the Huntingdale Golf Club, which has hosted the event several times before AUSTRALIANMASTERS.COM.AU

12-22 NOVEMBER 2015

PIRATE WEEK FESTIVAL

GEORGE TOWN, CAYMAN ISLANDS Every November, the Cayman Islands play host to an onslaught of scallywags and rapscallions at the annual Pirates Week Festival. Though the festival is known as Pirates Week, celebrations actually last for 11 days.This fun-filled event comes complete with a simulated pirate invasion and plenty of fancy dress. Prepare to be transported into a world that has gained notoriety due to Disney’s popular film series the Pirates of the Caribbean. There are plenty of Jack Sparrow look-a-likes marauding the streets of George Town so best be on the look out or you might end up in Davy Jones’ Locker. WWW.PIRATESWEEKFESTIVAL.COM

11 NOVEMBER 2015

DIWALI

INDIA Diwali, or the “Festival of Light” is celebrated each year around November time. Many people will decorate their homes with lights and oil lamps. Gifts are given and fireworks are set off giving this celebration the party atmosphere. WWW.DEEPVALI.NET Culture Vulture See p46

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Immerse yourself in nature and culture for your 2016 getaway

Port Eliot Festival – The stunning setting for the Port Eliot Festival which takes place each summer

A cycling escape in Queen Elizabeth Forest Park in Strathyre, Scotland

WHETHER YOU ARE HOPING TO GET LOST IN NATURE, IMMERSE YOURSELF IN CULTURE, OR JUST TAKE A FEW DAYS OUT TO RELAX FROM THE CUT AND THRUST OF EVERYDAY LIFE, YOU DON’T HAVE TO FOLLOW THE CROWDS ALONG WELL-TRODDEN PATHS WHEN PLANNING YOUR 2016 GETAWAY. Do a little digging, and you’ll find all manner of alternative destinations. And with the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company’s car offers, all you need to do is drive on and off a ferry – you can get to pretty much anywhere within the British Isles via one of four ports; Heysham, Liverpool, and – from late March 2016 – Belfast and Dublin. Forest breaks are all the rage today, with the ever-popular Centerparcs leading the way – it has five locations around England; Whinfell Forest (Cumbria), Sherwood Forest (Nottinghamshire), Elveden Forest (Suffolk), Woburn Forest (Bedfordshire – the newest addition), and Longleat Forest (Wiltshire). But it’s not the only company offering breaks that allow you get back to nature. Forest Holidays has nine locations to choose from around the UK, all set in Forestry Commission-owned woodland. In Scotland there is Ardgartan Argyll, with log cabins on the shore of the breath-taking Loch Long, or Strathyre, where the cabins in Queen Elizabeth Forest Park have red squirrels, buzzards and wild deer as neighbours. South of the border, Forest Holidays offers breaks in the Forest of Dean (Gloucestershire), Deerpark (Cornwall), Blackwood Forest (Hampshire), Thorpe Forest (Norfolk), Sherwood Forest, and Keldy and Cropton forests (both in North Yorkshire). Forest Holidays offers a more secluded, offthe-beaten track alternative to Centerparcs, with everything from luxury treehouses to ‘hideaway cabins’; but it also caters for family holidays, fishing holidays,

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walking holidays, and even ‘babymoons’ – that’s right, a little getaway before the pitter-patter of tiny feet can be heard. If you’re searching for culture, why not steer clear of the huge crowds at Hay, Edinburgh or Glastonbury, and sample some of the smaller, more intimate festivals. Taking the car on the ferry allows you to pack everything you need – including tent, sleeping bags and cooking gear if you’re camping. For music, how about 2000 Trees, set over three days (July 7th-9th) in the rolling Cotswold Hills, or Wickerman (July 22nd & 23rd)in Dumfries and Galloway (yes, based on the cult movie, and complete with the burning of a giant wicker mascot), or Green Man, held each summer (August 18th-21st) in the beautiful Brecon Beacons. If you like to mix literature with your music, there’s the Port Eliot Festival in Cornwall, set against the backdrop of the historic seat of the Earl and Countess of St Germans – the place Napoleon reportedly described as ‘the most beautiful place in England’. The festival promises ‘an annual celebration of words, music, imagination, ideas, nature, food, fashion, flowers, laughter, exploration and fun’. In other words, something for everyone. Dates for Port Eliot 2016 dates haven’t yet been announced, but it usually takes place in late July/early August. Returning to the subject of forests, Sherwood Forest’s most famous son has his own celebration each August – the Robin Hood Festival takes place in Sherwood Forest Country Park (August 1st-7th), with jousting tournaments, story tellers, comedy acts and of course, Robin Hood

The beautiful Forest Holidays cabins at Ardgartan Argyll, Scotland

The Robin Hood Festival, held in August, is a favourite summer getaway for families (photograph by Michael Bowles)

and the Sheriff of Nottingham. Hosted by Nottinghamshire County Council, the festival is a favourite with families in the summer holidays, particularly because it offers free entertainment, with education and entertainment for all ages each day. Prices for a 5 Day Short Break with the Steam Packet Company during 2016 start from just £65 each way for a car plus two people. Visit www.steam-packet.com for details on all the Company’s offers. Visit these websites for more information: www.centerparcs.co.uk www.forestholidays.co.uk www.twothousandtreesfestival.co.uk www.thewickermanfestival.co.uk www.greenman.net www.porteliotfestival.com www.experiencenottinghamshire.com

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ME & MY PET

Peter Archer Breed: Human Age: 66 Likes: Women Dislikes: Dark nights If an animal what would you be: A bird Where do you live on the Island: Eairy Foxdale Where are you originally from: Coventry What do you do for a living: Retired Why did you choose a rescue pet: Little faces Do you have any more pets: No Would you have any more pets: N0 The best & worst thing about having a pet is: The best is company, the worst is losing them

Elliott Breed: Cat Age: 8 months Likes: Food, food and more food Dislikes: No food If human what would you be: A Woman! Why do you love your human: He feeds me If you had one wish what would you wish for: More toys

Sunday 22nd November 2015 Noon - 5pm at Tynwald Mills Marquee

For more information call 647432 or email fundraising@hospice.org.im

/hospice.iom

/hospiceiom

A R T S C R A F T S M U S I C E N T E R TA I N M E N T C H R I S T M A S G I F T S FA M I LY F U N

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Give an animal a home

Tigger

Tigger and Tootsie will bring some sparkle into your life! They’re a great pair of ginger cats, eight years old, who came to Ard Jerkyll because their family was moving

house and couldn’t take them. They’re really fond of each other and snuggle up together although Tootsie is a bit of a chatterbox and she will talk to you while her brother snoozes in his comfy bed. They’re stunning cats and they’ll certainly light up your life! They love their food, especially Dreamies cat treats and they are particularly fond of Gourmet cat sachets – they’re not fussy but they like the best! Give our little gingernuts a happy home.

Tootsie

Eric is special – he’s had a rough time as he was found in Peel with a broken leg – we don’t know how this happened. Sadly, by the time he came to us it was too late to save the leg so Eric became a Manx cat with three legs. He’s a stunning cat who reclines in his bed and watches the world go by with a very regal expression on his face. He can be defensive when you first meet him – understandably after what he’s been through – but Eric is just looking for someone who will love and cherish him so he can give them all the love and devotion that shines out of those gorgeous golden eyes. Eric deserves a great life and perhaps you could be the person to give this wonderful cat the home he deserves. We love Eric and we hope you do too!

ERIC

Greenfly WORDS Deirdre Shirreffs

Greenfly, that most hated of garden pests, have a very alternative lifestyle, managing to reproduce without males at all for much of the year! The females give birth to minute live greenfly which are identical to their mother, in fact they are clones of her. One female can give birth to 50 female offspring which mature and breed in little over a week in warm weather. In a month over a million greenfly can be produced from one mother and her descendants. Sometimes the unborn aphid, to give it its correct name, is itself already pregnant with more babies. It is no wonder that they multiply so quickly on your roses! Sometimes winged young are produced to fly to infest new plants. As winter approaches, the females produce male offspring. After mating with these males, the females lay eggs on trees which will overwinter and hatch out in the spring. Some adults also hibernate and survive the winter. The reason that aphids are such pests is that they suck the sugary sap from young shoots using sharp mouthparts like a straw which pierces the plant stem or leaf. This weakens the plant and leaves it vulnerable to attack from viruses. The aphid exudes a sugary liquid called honeydew from its bottom which can coat the stem or leaves of the plant - this often becomes infected with a fungus which is black and sooty and prevents the plant photosynthesising, which further weakens it. Ants love this honeydew and will often stroke the aphids with their antennae to make them produce more so that they can collect it, like milking a cow. Some ants even “farm” the greenfly, herding them and protecting them from predators. Some ant species collect the eggs and keep them safe in their underground nests through the winter, carrying the newly hatched aphids back to their food plants in the spring. Greenfly have many predators, including lacewings and birds but the most voracious of these are ladybirds and their larvae which munch their way through many of these pests and are truly the gardeners’ friend.

ManxSPCA • Ard Jerkyll, East Foxdale • Tel: 851672

www.manxspca.com

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OUR COMMUNITY

GIVE CONOR DONATES TRIATHLON SPONSORSHIP CASH TO MANX BLIND WELFARE SOCIETY

A Tromode teenager has donated £660 to Manx Blind Welfare Society as a ‘thank you’ for the charity’s support of his cousin. Conor Till raised the money through sponsorship when he took on his first-ever triathlon. He entered the demanding Sprint event in Ramsey alongside his stepdad and uncles, and decided it was a good way to raise money for the charity. The 17-year-old’s cousin, Imogen Christian, had to start wearing glasses aged just three. Her condition required very strong prescription lenses, and the Society provided support and advice to Imogen’s family as she adapted to her new glasses. Conor, who finished 4th in his group of 13, explained: ‘This was my first triathlon, so it was quite a personal challenge, but it also seemed like a perfect opportunity to raise some money to donate to the Society to help it continue its important work.’ www.facebook.com/manxblindwelfaresociety

ALZHEIMER’S SOCIETY COMMUNITY ROADSHOW MAKES A STOP IN ISLE OF MAN Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Community Roadshow vehicle travelled to a number of different venues on the Isle of Man each day last month including Douglas (twice), Ramsey, Peel and Port Erin to help raise awareness of dementia within the local community. The roadshow has attended a number of community events across the country with a combined audience of over 2.5 million people over the summer months. Having launched in 2011, the Dementia Community Roadshow has already made a big difference to the lives of people across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, reaching almost 150,000 people in the four years it has been on the road. At its stop in Douglas, Isle of Man, Susan Walker and Dominic Gordon, both dementia support workers, provided information and answered questions about dementia. www. alzheimers.org.uk

MANTONS CARDS THANK YOU CUSTOMERS DAY

Congratulations to Linda Kneale and Claudia Konig, who were both winners on the Mantons Cards Thank You Customers Day, held to celebrate Mantons being named as one of the UK’s 100 most influential small businesses by the Daily Telegraph. Linda was the winner of a giant Yoohoo worth £100 donated by Mantons to a raffle to raise funds for local charity Crossroads. All Mantons customers on the day were offered a free cup cake and raffle ticket and Claudia was delighted to be the winner of the Mantons Gift Hamper. After being named as a Small Business 100 company every chosen business is given a day to organise something special and be promoted across social media by Small Business Saturday. This led to Mantons being congratulated by Westminster MP Chuka Umunna.

SURE KEEPS DUKE OF EDINBURGH STUDENTS CONNECTED WITH PHONES Sure has provided mobile phones to The Foundry’s Duke of Edinburgh Award Group for use in emergency situations. The handsets have been given to students to take on expeditions in case they need to make contact with their supervisor or the emergency services. Bronze, Silver and Gold level Duke of Edinburgh students will have use of the handsets which have been equipped with the Memory Map app. Memory Map works with a phone’s inbuilt GPS capabilities to pinpoint locations which can be shared with other users – in this case the location can be shared with the supervisor. The first group to take the handsets on an expedition was a Gold level expedition to the Mourne Mountains in Northern Ireland. The four day expedition saw eight young people walking from Rostrevor to Newcastle in County Down with three nights of camping on the mountains. ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

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GET YOUR ‘TACHE ON FOR MANX MOVEMBER! Manx Cancer Help has launched its new Manx Movember campaign, sponsored by professional accountancy services firm PwC, asking men to wear their facial fuzz with pride throughout November and raise vital funds for the charity. Inspired by Movember, which seeks to make a global contribution to men’s health, Manx Movember aims to raise local awareness of male cancer and encourage men to make use of the services provided by Manx Cancer Help. When it comes to health and emotional wellbeing, too many men are reluctant to talk about their problems, and Manx Cancer

Help wants to change that. Established in 1983, the charity provides specialist psychological therapies for people with cancer and their loved ones. It offers a series of free, confidential sessions, face-toface and over the phone, to anyone affected by cancer. The campaign also has support from Manx National Heritage, who have provided images of magnificently moustachioed men to be used in the campaign, and the Department of Home Affairs (DHA), who will be assisting with fundraising throughout November. The main event will be held on 15th November at Onchan Raceway, where teams will have the chance

to flex their muscles and take part in challenges such as a monster truck pull and a tug of war. Not forgetting Movember’s origins, Manx Cancer Help is eager to see picture proof of people’s efforts during the hairiest month of the year, and is inviting everyone to share photos of their cookie dusters on its Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages, accompanied by the hashtag #ManxMovember. Participants are welcome to raise funds via a JustGiving page, sponsorship forms that can be requested from Manx Cancer Help, or to donate directly at www.manxcancerhelp.org

ISLE OF MAN STEAM PACKET COMPANY CHARITY COLLECTION SMASHES RECORD A record-breaking amount has been raised for the Manx Grand Prix Supporters’ Club thanks to donations from Isle of Man Steam Packet Company passengers. As usual, crew members on Ben-my-Chree and Manannan conducted on-board collections on all sailings during the Isle of Man Festival of Motorcycling, with hopes last year’s record-breaking total could be topped. With counting now complete it has been confirmed the record hasn’t just been broken – it has been smashed! The total of £10,532.36 is almost £3,000 higher than collected in 2014, a wonderful celebration of the Club’s 40th anniversary. The donations help fund the rescue helicopters, support injured riders and fund vital medical equipment during the road racing event. Over the past 40 years, the MGPSC has donated more than £750,000 to the cause and in 2015 made a £45,000 donation towards the £100,000 cost of hiring in the two helicopters required for the festival. A cheque for the record-breaking collection total was presented to MGPSC Chairman Andrew Kneale by Ben-my-Chree and Manannan crew. www.manxgrandprix.org/MGP-Info/Supporters-Club BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

New weddings website

LAUNCHED FOR LOCAL COUPLES!

Local husband and wife team Laura and John have just launched ‘Your Big Day’ - the Isle of Man’s brand new one stop weddings website, directory and forum for couples getting married on the Isle of Man (www.yourbigday.im). Created out of a moment of inspiration when planning their own wedding, Laura and John founded Your Big Day to help others plan and research their special celebrations. Commenting on the announcement Laura said, “In the midst of planning our own wedding, we realised that there was no one place to go to or to visit that would provide us with all the useful information, support and inspiration we needed to organise our dream wedding on the Isle of Man. We found ourselves trawling through various Facebook pages, or stumbling across websites that were out of date and simply not providing us with what we needed to plan a wedding from start to finish. So we decided to create our own one stop weddings website to help other couples on the Isle of Man research and enjoy planning their own wedding, and to help connect them with local wedding suppliers and businesses. There’s a hidden pool of wonderful and unique local weddings businesses on the island and we have aimed to bring them all together to showcase what they have to offer in our weddings directory. We’ve also made sure that Your Big Day includes everything from where to get

married, to useful wedding planning blogs, with ideas and competitions, a weddings forum for members to connect and seek advice, free downloadable wedding planning checklists and even home DIY wedding tutorials for those on a budget or looking to get creative”. John added, “The great thing about the website is that it’s also a valuable resource to other parties involved in the wedding planning process – whether you’re a best man, bridesmaid, father of the bride, other family member or friend, Your Big Day can help you with everything from organising parties, to writing wedding speeches, finding out about wedding traditions, or sourcing wedding gifts and attire. Our favourite part is featuring local real weddings too. We’ve had an amazing response to the website from couples asking to share their wedding experiences and it’s wonderful to read every love story and wedding planning adventure. We’ve spoken to so many couples and newlyweds and they think that having a dedicated weddings website for the Isle of Man is a marvellous idea and something that’s been missing from the Manx wedding scene. Every couple is unique and every couple has their own wedding aspirations, ideas, budgets and dreams. Your Big Day is the

perfect home for any bride and groom planning their wedding on the Isle of Man and we are thrilled

to be bringing the local wedding community together at last”. To mark their launch, Your Big Day recently teamed up with Euphoria Beautique to give away The Ultimate Bride and Groom Pre-Wedding Beauty Package, worth over £250. To find out about Your Big Day’s next wedding competition and future giveaways, visit Your Big Day’s Facebook page (‘Your Big Day – Isle of Man Weddings’). If you would like to enquire about featuring your wedding, engagement story or local business with Your Big Day, please get in touch by emailing: laura@yourbigday.im or by visiting: www.yourbigday.im.

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New patient consultation £50

The team at 1Dental Clinic can’t believe that over 6 months have flown-by since they first opened the doors in March. Patients are now returning for their six month check-ups and bringing their family and friends with them. They say there is no better advertisement than word-of-mouth.

However, if you still don’t know about 1Dental Clinic, it is located in the heart of Douglas on Granville Street, between Jaks Bar and the Strand Shopping Centre. The building has been completely refurbished and now boasts two modern surgeries (surgery 2 was fitted in September). The dentists are Natalie Maybin (from the island) and husband, Nick Maybin (from Northern Ireland).

“The staff are lovely and put you at ease, would rate more than 5 stars if I could.” (FACEBOOK REVIEW)

As Christmas is fast approaching, now might be the time to consider whitening your teeth in time for the Christmas party, or having your teeth checked to prevent dental pain during the holidays. If you would like to book an appointment, the practice can be contacted by phone, email or through the website:

Tel: 01624 623001 info@1dentalclinic.com www.1dentalclinic.com Like us on Facebook or find us in the Best Business Guide!

1dentalclinic

1DENTAL CLINIC, 1 GRANVILLE STREET, DOUGLAS (NEXT TO STRAND CENTRE) BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

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SOAPBOX

Quick, can someone pass me a tissue?!

WORDS Alex Farnham

Being alternative, or ‘taking part in activities that depart from or challenge traditional norms’ is, I think, important to everyone. We are all a bunch of unique, strange, ugly looking creatures - and I can prove it by telling you all to put your phones to the front camera whilst you’re lying down. Well, truth be told I can’t speak for anyone else, but when I open my camera and it’s in ‘selfie mode’ it makes me wish I’d never been born. It looks like somebody ran over a fart in a tractor. I’m not showing you a photo, you’ll just have to trust me, we are an odd bunch. The subject of being alternative interests me, because it implies the existence of ‘normality’. I don’t really care for the word ‘weird’ as an adjective, because I don’t think it means anything. For example when people see a movie and come out saying ‘that was so weird’, I just don’t understand what they mean? Weird compared to what? A normal movie? What’s a normal movie and in what way does that sound like something anyone would want to watch? I guess there are social norms that we all adhere to, like getting dressed, eating, covering our mouth when we cough, sighing and talking about how bad your life is just because it’s Wednesday… you know, that sort of thing. I’ve noticed that there are certain ‘rituals of normality’ that we follow that, when looked at out of context, seem extremely bizarre: Shaking hands What the hell’s this all about? “Lovely to meet you, Sir… Let’s hold hands and move them up and down, together.” Scaring people when they get hiccups ‘BOO!’ Jesus… leave these people alone, they’ve got enough on their plate without you making them jump then taking the credit for curing their ailment. Kissing “I like you. Before we have sex, let’s put our lips together and exchange mouth juice.”

Yawning “I’m tired, look down my throat.” Applauding A lot of hand stuff goes on in the world of social normality. “I appreciate your talent; let me slap some of my skin together to show it.” Smiling “These are my teeth. Don’t worry, it’s a good thing.” Everything that we take for granted as normal can be construed as ‘weird’ if you look at it from a different angle. I

– which I really like. It’s pretty similar to alternative I think. For us it means, don’t just do what’s expected, look at things from another point of view and find its uniqueness. I’ve been here a year now and the ability to be unconventional is one of the main reasons I love it so much. It doesn’t mean ‘be weird’ or ‘do things in an odd way just for the sake of it’, but rather it’s more of a focus on how to think outside the box and see everything slightly differently. I think it works for life in general as well. I guess it’s a more evolved ‘glass is half full’ thing. If you don’t confine your judgement to yin and yang, normal and weird, you can

“Everything that we take for granted as normal can be construed as ‘weird’ if you look at it from a different angle. I think that’s my problem with it – if you think of the world in terms of normal and weird, usual and unusual, you first have to establish the former – but what if you treat everything you do as unusual?” think that’s my problem with it – if you think of the world in terms of normal and weird, usual and unusual, you first have to establish the former – but what if you treat everything you do as unusual? I think a big part of opening one’s mind is learning to see things from a different angle (hopefully not the lying down selfie angle) and appreciating the oddities in normality. Do you ever get that thing where you say a certain word lots of times and it ends up sounding like it doesn’t make sense? I love it when that happens. I love it when that happens. I had it with yoghurt the other day. Yoghurt. Yoghurt yoghurt yoghurt. Cool. At my place of work we have a set of ‘core values’, and one of them is ‘unconventional’

appreciate the unconventional and, like I did previously, appreciate and love how bloody ridiculous we all are. Think about this magazine for example… who’s idea was it to gather a bunch of people to gather a bunch of words in a specifi c order to tell you all about things and stuff? How weird is it that fl‘icking through magazines’ is just a normal thing to do. All other animals just seem to be happy with eating and sleeping, but for us it’s different… well, I guess these things are pretty crucial, but where has all this other nonsense come from? Why don’t we see horses shaking hands, and why don’t giraffes cover their mouths when they cough*? Also, I don’t know about any of you, but I’ve never received a round of applause from a goose.

*I just worked this one out: it’s because they have really, really long necks.

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

UPFRONT

NEWS in NUMBERS £1.2 million – the cost of rebuilding Ballure Bridge on the Manx Electric Railway, an engineering project which has won ‘Project of the Year under 50m Euros’ in the 2015 Light Rail Awards. It was also nominated in two other categories – Technical Innovation of the Year and Outstanding Engineering Achievement of the Year.

2 loaghtan sheep were rescued by Port Erin’s lifeboat when they fell into the sea from the Calf of Man. Lifeboat man Jason Fleming said they were very well behaved on the lifeboat, and happy to be released back at Cow Harbour.

2.9% 2.9%

years – Microgaming has entered into a tenth year of sponsorship of Ramsey Youth Centre and Old Boys (RYCOB) Football Club, affectionately known as ‘the Youthie’. Promoted at the end of last season to the Canada Life Premier League, the Youthie has over 90 active players on its books – two thirds in their youth section of 6-14 year olds.

30 BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

newly recruited Army Reservists took part in their first parade as flag was raised over the new Army Reserve Centre in Douglas in October almost fifty years after the last Isle of Man TA unit closed. Two of the recruits were brother and sister Liam and Caitlin Dunn.

increase in tariffs announced by Manx Gas which will result in an increase of 6.53p per day for domestic users. However, if we get a mild winter, costs should come down in 2016. This is despite a worldwide reduction in the cost of gas.

£163,000 stolen in 68 burglaries in the ﬁrst part of this year (according to IOM Newspapers), 194 offences recorded during 12 months to end of March representing a 9% increase in recorded crime (Chief Constable’s annual report) – but Island remains the safest place to live in the British Isles.

UPFRONT

A NEW AND UNIQUE EXPERIENCE

“We have the only Enomatic wine dispensing machine on the island which offers a selection of eight wines by the glass that change on a weekly basis”, says Heath Craig, one of the three wine aficionados running Vino alongside Ollie Neale and Lauren Ferris. As a result customers are given the chance to taste many different wines from around the world and enable them to have access to better quality wines that wouldn’t normally be available by the glass. “It is a brand new way of enjoying wine and one that is available across Europe. To say it’s popular would be an understatement!” Vino, with its unique ambience offers customers a selection of over 200 different wines which are available to take home or drink in, all of which were selected by Heath and Ollie. It was Ollie, who has spent much of his working life in the wine business, and who most certainly knows his wines, who came up with the concept after looking at how it was offered in wine bars and shops in both London and Manchester. While both Heath and Ollie’s backgrounds are more associated to wine, Lauren’s specialty is bespoke spirits as well as providing hospitality training. In addition to the wines, Vino also has a small but eclectic range or gins, vodkas, whiskies, brandies, rums and liqueurs.

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

UPFRONT

‘A SELECTION OF OVER 200 DIFFERENT WINES WHICH ARE AVAILABLE TO TAKE HOME OR DRINK IN’

Throughout November, Vino will be running free tastings every Friday from 5-8pm at the shop where they will be showcasing some of their favourites alongside some new wines. THE PLAN FOR THE TASTINGS IS AS FOLLOWS: 6th November

CHAMPAGNE & FIZZ

13th November

WHITES

20th November

REDS

27th November

SPIRITS & LIQUEURS

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

Vino is open Tuesday to Saturday from mid-day (Also open Mondays throughout December) Website for opening hours is www.vino.co.im facebook.com/iomvino

UPFRONT

MISC

WORDS Anna Ossenkopp

Alternative... … energy

Have you been thinking about alternatives to fossil fuels like wind, solar, hydro and other renewable energy? That might be what most of people think when they think of alternative energy and of course these alternatives are both sustainable and good. But there are other, maybe bizarre or unusual ways of how one can use energy alternatively. Have you ever thought of the option to use the heat from the subway tunnels and electric substations to heat someone’s house? That is what Mayor Boris Johnson said in London. Or could you imagine that dog waste could be converted into methane which could power lights?

Or that body heat of people standing in a crowded subway can heat water running through pipes that will be pumped through the building’s ventilation system? That is what happens in Stockholm’s Central Station. At least there were so many options one can not even think of. Light shows in the Club Watt in Rotterdam were caused by the fact that people were dancing. Floor vibrations were captured by so called “piezoelectric” materials and can be converted into a light show. Even bacteria could one day provide fuel for transportation. Or Sugar. It might provide a drive that is pollutant-free and odourless.

… Sport

Have you ever heard of Bossaball? No?! It is a ball game that combines volleyball, football, gymnastics AND capoeira. You play in a team with two to five players against another team on a big air cushion. Sounds like a child’s birthday? Even if it does, the most important thing is to exercise and have fun doing it! And to rectify it,

Even if some of these options seem to be far away, there are many people doing research on them to help the environment. Some already succeeded like the projects in Stockholm or Rotterdam. Winning energy from actions that were so usual, that one did not even think about them to be an option. Or sourcing it from things that were so unusual that one needs to go on researching on them.

it is an “inflatable court featuring a trampoline on each side of the net”. Filip Eyckmans thought of this great way to unite these disciplines and create that new kind of sport in Spain in 2004.

Quote:

“Ageing’s alright, better than the alternative, which is not being here.” George H. W. Bush

Alternative CV Laura Dekker likes the alternative. Instead of going to school Laura started her circumnavigation of the globe at 14 – singlehanded! This made her become famous because she is the youngest sailor to sail solo around the globe. She started her maiden voyage from Gibraltar, reached Sint Maarten for the first time on January 2011 and came back about one year later after sailing 27,000 miles alone.

Toujours Tingo ad-hoc-Bildungen (German)

making up a new word on the spot in a moment of need

Saying yes or no?

The alternative: Say Mhm mmm it can mean both! > mhm (Lithuanian) = yes > mmm (Pulawat (Micronesia)) = no

During that year she lived on her boat Guppy and it became the only place in the world where she really felt at home. Not a country, a house or a city but a boat called Guppy. She was born in New Zealand, spent her first five years at the sea on a sailing trip of her parents, then moved to Holland and lived there until her voyage. After completing her circumnavigation of the globe in 2012 she moved to New Zealand. Now 20-years old Laura still lives aboard Guppy in the Whangarei harbour doing yacht deliveries and preparing for her Yachtmaster Ocean certificate. She still sails on her boat and lives her dream of her own life; regardless of the opinion of other people. www.lauradekker.nl/English/About_Laura.html

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

EVENTS

THE MASQUERADE BALL

Venue - The Empress Hotel | Photography - dollsfactory.net

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

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EVENTS

MANX CANCER HELP ANNUAL BALL

Manx Cancer Help’s Indian Summer-themed Annual Ball, sponsored by Celton Manx, took place on 3rd October at the Ballannette Estate and raised an outstanding £34,000 for the charity. Hosted by Manx Cancer Help’s patrons, Katie Melua and James Toseland, guests enjoyed entertainment from magician and illusionist David Penn, and music from local musicians Coral Amphlett, Joey Wilde & The Divided Opinions, and Maffa Bruce featuring saxophonist Sammy-J.

when Jason Cubbon took to the dancefloor to propose to his bride-to-be Laura Monk – luckily, she said yes!

Guests also had the opportunity to bid on a variety of fantastic auction prizes, including a lap of the TT course with James Toseland – this was such a popular auction lot that James offered to do it twice, for two successful bidders!

‘This year’s event was particularly special as we said goodbye to our Fundraising Co-Ordinator, Ally Martin. She has been a key member of the team and has done such fantastic work during her time with us – I’m sure she will go on to great things and, on behalf of everyone at Manx Cancer Help, wish her the best of luck for the future.

There was also a surprise in store for one lady, and the rest of the guests,

Andrea Chambers, CEO at Manx Cancer help, said: ‘Our Annual Ball was a great success for 2015, and we are so grateful to Celton Manx for supporting this event once again. We had a brilliant time, and are delighted that our guests enjoyed themselves too.

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

EVENTS

Venue - Ballannette Estate | Photography - dollsfactory.net

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

EVENTS

THOMAS MILLER INVESTMENT ANNUAL DRINKS PARTY - 30TH SEPTEMBER

Thomas Miller Investment recently held their annual drinks party at The Tickethall, and as is customary for the Group – it was once again a party with a difference. In honour of our American colleagues, a toast to ‘National Vodka Day’, which is celebrated on the 4th October, seemed as good an excuse as any for a party. The Tickethall manager, Steve Quirke, was on hand to provide helpful tasting notes as well as a few interesting ‘titbits’ about the world’s most consumed spirit. The 80 plus guests were treated to several different Vodka cocktails, including the ‘Vesper Martini’ made famous by James Bond in the 1953 novel Casino Royale and a specially constructed “Thomas Miller Investment” cocktail. It was not all play however, as guests palettes were put to

the test as they were asked to distinguish between Russian, French and Polish Vodka’s. Also on offer was a taste of the locally distilled Manx Vodka, Bifrost which was only launched in September this year and attracted much interest. Bruce Kesterton, Thomas Miller Group CEO, welcomed the guests and thanked them for their continued support. He also presented Chris Allix of Intercontinental Management Limited, the lucky winner of the prize draw, with a Rolling Stones 50th Anniversary, Limited Edition, Crystal Head Vodka Gift Pack. The award winning quadruple-distilled vodka is the brain child of actor Dan Aykroyd. Location - The Tickethall Photography - Liam Gilman ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

EVENTS

101 DONATIONS BALL IN AID OF MSPCA

Location - Palace Hotel | Photography - dollsfactory.net BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

EVENTS

THE WINE CELLAR AUTUMN TASTING

Photography - dollsfactory.net

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

Hunt for unique artisan gifts and homemade treats

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* EACH WAY

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Shop ‘til you drop – no luggage fees!

Enjoy a Ferry Merry Christmas break! Set sail for a festive adventure with the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company. Avoid the weekend crowds when you book a 3 day midweek break, and make festive shopping a truly enjoyable experience. Get into the spirit of things with a visit to some of the UK’s most magical Christmas markets and, with no luggage fees, you can bring back all the gifts you need for family and friends. For our ferry best fares, book now at

STEAM-PACKET.COM For the latest offers and news, follow us on

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E ST 1830 *Terms and conditions apply. Subject to availability. Valid for travel between 08.09.15 and 08.01.16. Journeys must be completed within 3 days - day of outward sailing counts as day 1. Return sailing must commence on or before day 3. For payment by credit card a fee of £3 applies per transaction, not per person.

EVENTS

MANX TELECOM ANNUAL STAFF BALL

Fire and ice were the themes of the Manx Telecom staff ball held in the spectacular setting of a marquee at Tynwald Mills. Staff and their partners arrived in style stepping onto a red carpet lined with fire jugglers. Inside the marquee were stilt walkers and music from The Waltons. Prior to sitting down for dinner, the 180 guests had the chance to enjoy an aperitif from an ice luge in the form of a firebreathing dragon. John McChesney, Human Resources Director at

Manx Telecom, said the evening was organised as a thank you to staff for their loyalty and hard work during the year. The evening also helped to support Hospice Isle of Man which will be hosting its annual dinner at the same venue on October 24th. Manx Telecom contributed the majority of the fee for hiring the marquee which has helped Hospice to reduce the cost of organising its â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Snow Ballâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; event. ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

EVENTS

Location - Tynwald Mills | Photography - dollsfactory.net

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

EVENTS

THE WEDDING DAY OF MARTIN & BRYONY RADCLIFFE Location - Empress Hotel | Photography - Dollsfactory.net

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

UPFRONT

CULTURE

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

CULTURE

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

David Skillicorn

Bill Dale

Chris

Linda Quayle

Calum Staley

David Houghton

Nick Shimmin

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

CULTURE

William Galbraith

Charlotte Tomlnson

Alan Donnelly

Alan Clague

Dia Still

Audrey Guniava

Janet Phair

Brian Carr

Christopher Compston

William Whitlow

Auline Porter

Christine Botha

Alison Watterson

Damian Bird

Pauline Guest

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

Linsey Naylor

Andrew Taylor

CULTURE

... S I E AM Gem Lloyd-Jones MY N

MY JOB IS… A photographer at the weekend and in the week I am a Nursery Practitioner, working with babies aged birth to 18 months. THE BEST JOB IN THE WORLD WOULD BE… Full time photographer! MY WORST HABIT IS … Being rubbish at filling in questionnaires!! IF I COULD CHANGE ONE THING IN MY LIFE IT WOULD BE… Be more ambitious and I wish I had pursued photography earlier. IF I HAD TO ONLY EAT ONE KIND OF FOOD FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE IT WOULD BE… Chocolate! I have such a sweet tooth. THIS IS A BIT MORE ABOUT MYSELF… I have a degree in Sociology, which I achieved two years ago. I also love dancing, I am a member of Onchan Entertainers. I’ve been doing that for nearly 20 years now. THE BEST TIME OF YEAR IS… Autumn. I love the leaves and wrapping up in warm jumpers. THE BEST ADVICE I’VE EVER BEEN GIVEN IS… Don’t let anyone put you down, pursue what you want to do. THE 3 MOST IMPORTANT THINGS IN LIFE ARE… Family, Friends and my camera! MY DREAM HOUSE WOULD BE… A house with lots of room to have my own indoor studio! WHAT PLANS DO YOU HAVE FOR 2015/16… Continuing with my photography and hopefully doing some more weddings!

ARTIST AND ILLUSTRATORS - would you like to see your work featured in Gallery Magazine? Simply get in contact with us mynameis@gallery.co.im

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

CULTURE

GENESIS GALLERY - DOUG HYDE - EVENT

Gemma and Rachel were delighted to welcome award winning artist Doug Hyde to Genesis Gallery on Thursday 15th October. Doug who has been described as the most popular living artist in the UK by the BBC was thrilled to visit the Isle of Man where he had an opportunity to meet many of his collectors and sign personal dedications to them. Dougâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s popularity in the art world has rapidly grown over the last 12 years and Manx fans have previously had to travel to the UK to BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

Location - Genesis Gallery, Douglas Photography - brianmitchellphotographer.com

visit his exhibitions. Genesis Gallery were delighted when Doug accepted their invitation to visit the Isle of Man and look forward to welcoming more artists in the future. The next event planned by Genesis Gallery, 39 Victoria Street, Douglas will be on Friday 27th and Saturday 28th November where there will be a spectacular display of original artwork by a variety of internationally acclaimed artists. Please contact the gallery on 622070 or, info@genesisgallery.im for details. www.genesisgallery.im

CULTURE

PHOTO COMPETITION

YOUNG PHOTOGRAPHERS WANTED FOR CHARITY CALENDAR WINNER

Alexander Turnball Age 11

You could win up to £200

to buy photographic equipment every month in 2015

Laura Cowley Age 16

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

CULTURE

NOVEMBER 2015 FINALIST

Deadline for the December entries is the 18th November

Ben Birdsall Age 17

Sonja Shaw Age 11

Ciara McNally Age 9

Amy Lawton Age 9

How to enter

Katie Birdsall Age 14

Open to anyone aged 18 or under. Email your photographs to calendarcomp@gallery.co.im Photographs will be displayed monthly in Gallery Magazine during 2015. Photographs must be HIGH RES, 300DPI AND 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. BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS There is also a facebook group www.facebook.com/groups/iomspmce

45 45

CULTURE

CULTURE VULTURE

CULTURE VULTURE What’s on

NOW - 28.11.2015

SECRET TREASURES: MODERN BRITISH AND IRISH ART ON THE ISLE OF MAN //MANX MUSEUM, DOUGLAS//

An exhibition of works by leading British and Irish artists drawn from private collections in the Isle of Man. Curated by international auction house, Christies and hosted by the Isle of Man Arts Council and Manx National Heritage this is a unique opportunity for a wider audience to see these usually hidden treasures. www.manxnationalheritage.im

NOW – 10.01.2016

DUSTY SEES IT THROUGH

//HOUSE OF MANANNAN, PEEL//

To mark the 70th anniversary of the end of World War Two, Manx National Heritage presents a number of popular illustrator and cartoonist Harold ‘Dusty’ Miller’s wartime cartoons which offer a unique perspective on the war. Each cartoon in the exhibition is shown alongside a commentary explaining the background events from which he drew his inspiration. Admission is free. www.manxnationalheritage.im

NOW – 20.12.2015

WILDLIFE - AN ARTIST VIEW

07-28.11.2015 PAUL PARKER

//HODGSON LOOM GALLERY, LAXEY//

New work from this popular local artist.

www.facebook.com/HodgsonLoomGallery

08-29.11.2015 HORIZON

//THE SAYLE GALLERY, DOUGLAS//

An exhibition of new work from popular award-winning wildlife artist Jeremy Paul. Paintings of endangered Bornean Orang-Utans and Wolves which have recently been reintroduced to Yellowstone National Park share gallery space with new paintings of his ever popular Manx birds. Original paintings and limited edition prints for sale. www.sayle.gallery www.facebook.com/saylegallery www.jeremypaulwildlifeartist.co.uk

//ISLE GALLERY, TYNWALD MILLS/

Artists - and friends - Kate Jerry and Colette Gambell’s artistic interests often coincide, and yet in this exhibition their different approaches and styles make each artist’s work unique and undeniably their own. For both Kate and Colette abstraction is mystical and the only way to release the deepest intangible thought from within. www.theislegallery.com www.facebook.com/theislegallery

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

CULTURE NEWS

CULTURE

BALLURE BRIDGE WINS IN LIGHT RAIL AWARDS

PITCH UP: STREET ENTERTAINERS SOUGHT FOR DOUGLAS TOWN CENTRE THIS CHRISTMAS Town centre manager Michelle O’Malley is hoping the sound of tills ringing will be matched by the sound of music this Christmas in Douglas. She’s calling for street performers to register now for their pitch in the town centre and entertain shoppers this Christmas. Street entertainment makes for a great atmosphere in the town centre, especially at Christmas. ‘We’re looking for a good mix of street performers: singers and musicians - be they soloists or groups - brass bands, community choirs - anyone who can create a great sound, entertain the public and add to the general buzz, said Michelle.

Rebuilding Ballure Bridge on the Manx Electric Railway has been recognised by the industry as a remarkable feat of engineering. The £1.2million project was nominated in three categories of the 2015 Light Rail Awards: Project of the year under 50m Euro, Technical innovation of the year, and Outstanding engineering achievement of the year The awards ceremony was held in London during October and Ballure Bridge won.

DOWNWARD MEMORIAL LECTURE

Contact Michelle O’Malley no later than the 22nd October. T: 696304, E: MOMalley@douglas.gov.im.

SUCCESS FOR IRISH LANGUAGE DOCUMENTARY ON MANX LANGUAGE A BBC NI documentary about Manx Gaelic won at the prestigious Phonographic Performance Ireland (PPI) Awards in Galway recently. These are effectively the Irish Radio Awards and features work from RTE, BBC and TG4. The documentary called ‘Muidne agus na Manannaigh’ (Us and the Manx) was produced by Jenny Goggin and Treasa Bhreathnach from the Irish language department at BBC Ulster. It was recorded on the Island in May 2014 and won in the ‘Best Irish Language’ category. The documentary looks at the history of Manx Gaelic and its recent revival. There are contributions from Brian Stowell, Adrian Cain, Phil Gawne and others many of whom are interviewed in Irish as well as Manx for the programme. The documentary received a positive reaction in the Irish-speaking world whilst it was judged the best documentary because - the judges learned so much which brought them on a journey. A well produced insight, valuable documented piece.' www.culturevannin.im BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

On 21st September, Professor Julian Downward, a member of the Francis Crick Institute and renowned biochemist, gave a lecture which marked the beginning of a series of lectures in his father’s honour. Major General Sir Peter Downward was a student at College in the 1940s and went on to have a distinguished career in military service. On his passing, he generously bequeathed a sum of money to the school. His family have made an additional donation to fund an annual lecture which will allow us to hear from leading speakers, primarily from the sciences and international relations, two of Sir Peter's primary interests. A marble bust, a plaque in chapel and a bench have also been erected in his memory. As a former Cambridge and MIT student, and scientist for the Imperial Cancer Research Fund in London, Professor Downward was eminently qualified to deliver a talk on cancer biochemistry, entitled ‘Will we ever cure cancer? How science is finally winning the war on mankind’s most feared disease’. The answer was not straight forward. When a therapy is created, the trials and testing that must be undertaken to ensure the public’s safety are substantial and extensive; this makes the process of medical innovation slow but secure. In addition, the human body, made up of three trillion cells, has many different ways to malfunction: faulty genes and risk factors such as smoking can provoke these malfunctions and may lead to cancer. Cancer is not one disease - there are a plethora of varieties. For some, such as colon cancer, there is a high success rate with cures, but for others there are less favourable odds. Fighting cancer is a war on many fronts. Professor Downward dispelled the claims that we will be free from the disease imminently, yet with frequent scientific breakthroughs there is a bright future in store further down the line. This lecture series was a fantastic gift to the Sixth Form, for which we are all very grateful. We are very much looking forward to future Downward Memorial Lectures. Words by: Catherine Woolley - L6 Student

CULTURE

CULTURE NEWS

CULTURE VULTURE What’s on

VALUE OF ARTS TO THE ECONOMY OUTLINED IN SURVEY The value of the arts to the economy has been underlined in an evaluation of Island of Culture 2014. The Isle of Man Arts Council assessed the impact of the year-long cultural celebration, surveying the general public, schoolchildren and people on its mailing list. It found that, on average over a year, attending cultural events leads to a spend of £110 per person in addition to admission charges.

THEATREFEST15 STRIKES ALL THE RIGHT NOTES The inaugural TheatreFest15 weekend has been hailed a success. Described by the Isle of Man Arts Council chairman Geoff Corkish MBE MLC as ‘an historic occasion’ and ‘a great collaboration’ of amateur and professional artists, TheatreFest15 offered audiences a uniquely compelling mix of new works over two electrifying evenings at the Gaiety Theatre.

Based on the population at the last Census, that means the arts has the potential to generate £6.4 million a year for the economy. The evaluation also showed residents are highly engaged with the arts, revealing 96% of those surveyed attended at least one event in 2014. The most recent Arts Council England survey put the engagement figure there as 69%.

TheatreFest15, a partnership between the Isle of Man Arts Council and the National Operatic and Dramatic Association (NODA), is a five-year project to encourage and promote new work for the theatre and a legacy outcome from the successful Island of Culture 2014 celebrations when the idea was first mooted during the National Drama Festivals Association’s (NDFA) 41st British All-Winners Festival of Plays.

Half of those surveyed said they had specifically heard of Island of Culture 2014, with awareness higher among older generations.

The weekend saw a world première of the musical comedy Jimmy Mac, the raw passion of the thought-provoking piece of devised theatre Invisible Chains and the engaging love story For Tonight. Together these productions made up a programme which entertained and challenged in equal measure and which, in the words of NODA chief executive Tony Gibbs, was ‘an excellent springboard for the future.’

The most engaging activities were the Loaghtan sheep sculpture erected at the Bungalow, Christmas lantern workshops, film events hosted by TV critic Mark Kermode and An Audience with Patricia Routledge, which formed part of the Mananan Festival at the Erin Arts Centre. The events were all funded or supported by the Arts Council.

www.theatrefest15.com

NED MADDRELL LECTURE

www.islandofculture.im

This year's Ned Maddrell Lecture will take place on Saturday, 7th November at St John's Mill starting at 2pm. The annual lecture, which is free, is jointly is hosted by Culture Vannin and yn Çheshaght Ghailckagh and features a guest speaker discussing a minority language situation that has a relevance to Manx Gaelic.

FIVE FESTIVE STAMPS

Recent discussions have covered language issues in Nova Scotia, Norfolk Island and Aboriginal languages in Australia but this year's will focus on language revitalisation in Guernsey and Jersey and will draw comparisons with the process in the Isle of Man.

On the 250th anniversary of the first prayer book to be published in Manx Gaelic the Isle of Man Post Office is pleased to present a set of five Manx Christmas Prayer Book stamps. The stamps have been specially commissioned by local artist Julia Ashby-Smyth.

The lecture and discussion will be lead Julia Sallabank, who is a Senior Lecturer in Language Support and Revitalisation in the Department of Linguistics at SOAS, University of London.

Each of the five stamps feature a Manx word and a religious emblem closely associated with the spiritual aspects of Christmas and winter festival. The words and images themselves draw upon an extensive history of the Manx Prayer Book.

The lecture is free and places can be booked by contacting Adrian.T: 451098 E:adrian@culturevannin.im General ‘What’s On’ See p12

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

FASHION & BEAUTY

FASHION

WORDS | Kate Bright

FAST-FORWARD SS16

TWICE A YEAR, THE GLOBAL FASHION INDUSTRY DESCENDS UPON THE UK TO PREVIEW NEXT SEASON’S COLLECTIONS, AND THE LATEST LONDON FASHION WEEK HAS SEEN US HALT OUR WINTER WARDROBE PLANNING TO DAY-DREAM ABOUT MORE SUMMERY OUTFITS. So what does SS16 have in store for us, according to Britain’s most trend-setting brands? From blackest black at Burberry to brightest neon at Christopher Kane, Giles’ regal gowns to David Koma’s skimpy skirts, the shows were diverse and inventive, but presented plenty of wearable trends too.

THESE ARE THE LOOKS WE’LL BE LUSTING AFTER NEXT SPRING... THE LONG AND SHORT OF IT THE SHOW: Topshop Unique THE LOOK: Bringing together the saucy and the sweet - baby blue feminine frocks slashed almost to the hip, long jackets over short skirts - every ensemble on the Topshop catwalk had an element of what the French call ‘deshabille’. This undressed quality extended to coats belted, but falling off the shoulders, pyjama-esque two-piece sets, and tux jackets and shirts so big they look borrowed from a City boy the morning after the night before. It was toned down with the addition of librarian tank knits and cardigans, and a smattering of bold spots.

GOING TO WAIST THE SHOW: David Koma THE LOOK: There was nothing subtle about the sex appeal David Koma was selling for SS16. Thighskimming A-line hems, flesh-toned mesh, the skimpiest of racer back straps - for the pop stars and actresses who love his work (Beyonce, Rihanna and Gwyneth Paltrow, to name a few), there were plenty of monochrome frocks to choose from. For mere mortals, it’s a tougher sell, as even the trouser and top combinations were corseted or bound tightly on the waist. Aesthetically, the collection was just as tight, and underscored the focus on the midriff that’s emerging for spring.

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FASHION

A LACY AFFAIR THE SHOW: Burberry Prorsum THE LOOK: The laser-cut show invite was the first clue to the fabric that would dominate at Burberry. From outerwear to dresses and even shirts for the boys, ornate lace and macrame bound this beautiful collection together. But, save for a handful of candy-coloured minidresses and creamy floorlengthers, this was a decidedly gothic array, complete with the chicest hoodies you’ve ever seen, a black velvet cape and a moody berry lip. Add to that low-slung backpacks alongside lots of regimental gold braiding on the house’s signature trenches and it makes sense that the show was titled ‘Function Regalia’.

THE FUTURE’S BRIGHT

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

FASHION

HISTORY REPEATING THE SHOW: Giles THE LOOK: After his hugely influential autumn/winter collection, no wonder Giles took the ‘don’t reinvent the wheel’ approach, with another historically-inclined outing. So there were more Elizabethan ruffles on collars and sleeves, but spring’s colour palette was, on the whole, paler - the ivory satin and dusky pink columns were a highlight, as was a delicate recurring foxglove print. Add to that some grand, feathered headpieces and Karen Elson (a dead ringer for a young Elizabeth I) closing in a regal, cobwebbed organza gown, and the show felt at once opulent and ethereal.

A ROARING SUCCESS THE SHOW: Daks THE LOOK: From the Art Deco backdrop to the jazzy soundtrack, it was clear exactly where we were heading for summer with British heritage brand Daks. Sure enough, the collection quickly ticked off most of the major signposts to Twenties and Thirties fashion: dropwaist dresses with pleated skirts; capacious marbled gowns; a nifty deco print and sweet spectator shoes. There was a hint of the Sixties, too, in the brown suede jackets and wide-belted skirts. A historical mish-mash? Far from it, this was a retro mix that really worked.

BEAUTY BULLETIN EYE TRY Are you tempted by false eyelashes but worried they’ll look unnatural? Lash brand Eyelure understands, which is why they’ve launched the TRYlash app for Apple and Android phones. By uploading and positioning a photo, you can virtually test a range of lashes to find out what suits - or share a photo to get the verdict from your friends. Download the app from iTunes or Google Play.

READ OUR LIPS While designers may be plumping for the ‘no make-up’ look on the catwalks, back in the real world, new research reveals we’re actually a nation of lipstick lovers. A survey to mark the launch of the new Dior Addict range reveals that 76% of women believe having a good lipstick is important or very important, while 75% of those surveyed feel confident, attractive and sexier after applying lippy. So keep slicking it on, girls.

MEET YOUR MATCH Do you abandon foundation after a summer escape, because your newly bronzed skin no longer matches your usual shade? No7 understands, which is why they sent advi-sors to help passengers find their perfect match on a flight back from Dubai last month. The brand’s ‘Match Made’ service is available in 900 Boots stores nationwide, so drop in to discover your postholiday hue.

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BEAUTY

discover the

TIBI EXPERIENCE

TIBI, ONE OF THE ISLAND’S PREMIER HAIR AND BEAUTY SALONS, IS AN OASIS OF RELAXATION AND TRANQUILITY OFFERING A RANGE OF LUXURIOUS TREATMENTS BY ACCLAIMED BRANDS FOR WOMEN AND MEN. Located in the Old Market House, Balthane, Ballasalla and decorated in an understated palette with accents of cornflower blue, TIBI provides a soothing and welcoming respite from the everyday, thanks to the calm and caring professionalism of owner Pat Blake and her team.

we’ve expanded our range of treatments, so now both gentlemen and ladies can enjoy pampering sessions with manicures, pedicures, facials, massages and tanning. We also offer a gentlemen’s wet shave service by appointment and will always try to accommodate walk-ins for haircuts.’

‘Brand TIBI’ has flourished since Pat established her business in 2003, clients returning time and time again to immerse themselves in the unique TIBI experience. Pat explained: ‘We chose the name “TIBI” because in Latin it means “To You”…and you, the client, is what the salon is all about. The client is the focus of everything we do and we are committed to providing consistently high standards.

The service at TIBI is as inspirational as the products. The salon uses only premium quality brands, including La Biosthétique, which combine natural ingredients and state-of-the-art research, and world-class nailcare brand Jessica.

‘Repeat custom has been the key to our success,’ said Pat who has been in the hair and beauty profession for more than 30 years. ‘I’m thrilled that clients appreciate the very special atmosphere we provide here. It’s not just about offering great treatments and fantastic products, it’s about listening and responding to the client and giving them an exclusive pampering experience.’

TIBI has Christmas all wrapped up, as Pat explained: ‘Christmas will soon be here, so for that special man or women in your life a TIBI gift voucher is the perfect solution; that way they can choose their own TIBI pampering session. Our fantastic product ranges would also make wonderful Christmas presents; just brief us on who’s to be the lucky recipient and we’ll put together a uniquely personal gift collection. Of course, a TIBI experience isn’t just for Christmas, though; it makes a fabulous

And the ‘TIBI effect’ applies as much to men as it does to women. Pat said: ‘Since we relocated to the Old Market House BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

‘Every TIBI client is a valued client so we try to be as flexible as possible in our approach to appointments, especially for occasions such as pamper parties and weddings,’ said Pat.

present any time of the year.’ Pat and the team will be working right up to the last minute at Christmas and New Year but would like to invite clients to join in the festive atmosphere and call in to the salon on Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve to raise a glass with them and look forward to 2016 and another memorable year of hair and beauty at TIBI. And there’s more. Ahead of the festive season TIBI has a special offer for November only: a relaxing half-hour back and neck message for just £15. To find out more follow TIBI Hair and Beauty Salon on Facebook and read the many rave reviews from clients who have taken time out to enjoy the ultimate pampering experience. TIBI Hair and Beauty Salon, The Old Market House, Balthane Road, Ballasalla. Call 825309 or Pat Blake on 431026 or email pat@tibi.im. Open Monday to Saturday 9.30am to 5.30pm. (Out-of-hours appointments by prior arrangement). Late night Thursday.

OLD DOG NEW TRICKS PHOTOGRAPHY AND STYLING Danny Evans MODEL Plato BODY DOUBLE Ben DOG WRANGLER Russ

OVERCOAT by Paul Smith £445, SHIRT by River Island £28, TIE by Tiger of Sweden £65, BAG by Paul Smith £485, SQUEAKY CHICKEN model’s own

OVERCOAT by River Island £95

JACKET £90 and JUMPER £26 from River Island

OVERCOAT by Selected £185, SHIRT by River Island £35 & HAT by River Island £35

LEATHER JACKET by River Island £70, T-SHIRT by River Island £15, SQUEAKY CHICKEN model’s own

BEAUTY

BEAUTY PRODUCTS

BEAUTY PRODUCTS: Serum Special All parts are not created equal when it comes to skincare; areas of your routine require more of your time, effort and investment. Serums should be right up there as a priority. These super charged products allow for key ingredients to penetrate deeper and target specific concerns and conditions.

BEST FOR SCARRING:

S5 Skincare Replenish Serum

This hi tech serum is great for treating scarring or dry patches. Add a few drops to your moisturiser during winter months. Oils of Sea Buckthorn, Pomegranate and Rosehip mean that this product is packed full of omegas and antioxidants - yes, get excited! £44 - www.s5skincare.com

BEST FOR HYDRATION:

Perricone MD Chia Serum

You’re probably use to sprinkling this in your smoothie but why stop there!? Jumping on the chia bandwagon this serum uses the beneficial fatty acids found in chia and infuses it with a cocktail of vitamins. This is a lightweight serum that your skin will just drink up and quickly absorb delivering lots of hydration to your skin.

BEST FOR ANTI AGEING:

Skin Ceuticals C E Ferulic

A respected, potent serum that will help defend your skin during the day against free radicals. This serum combines 15% vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), vitamin E and Ferulic acid. Avoid if your skin is sensitive or you suffer from rosacea as this product does pack a punch! does pack a punch! £104 - www.skinceuticals.com

£62 - www.perriconemd.co.uk

BEST FOR SENSITIVE SKIN:

BEST FOR CONGESTED SKIN:

If you are a fan of this brand then this serum looks to sculpt and contour the face and neck. The refreshing gel gives an instant tightening feel and awakens a more youthful definition. Strong jawline selfie alert!

For skin that is prone to irritation and redness, this thin water based serum could offer the calming solution you need with several anti-inflammatory ingredients. It also has a gorgeous, delicate, subtle smell.

A cooling and calming gel that has antibacterial properties and aims to reduce angry, inflamed skin. Great for treating existing blemishes and to prevent future breakouts on skin types prone to congestion.

£240 - www.cremedelamer.co.uk

£55 - www.darphin.com

£16 - www.balanceme.co.uk

BEST FOR REPAIR:

BEST FOR MATURE SKIN:

Prep your skin ahead of seasonal changes with this enriched serum to repair and strengthen your skin. If your skin becomes temperamental and dry during the harsh winter months, with bitter winds and central heating, your skin needs lots of TLC. This one is for you!

One half of the range Origins has designed for the over 50s to quench dried out skin and brings back luminosity. This oil infused serum delivers a creamy moisture deep in to the skin. It absorbs quickly leaving a dewy complexion.

£52 - www.thalgo.co.uk

£60 - www.origins.com

BEST FOR LIFTING & SCULPTING:

Creme de la Mer The Lifting Contour Serum

THE ALL ROUND WINNER:

Sisley Sisleya Radiance Anti-Ageing Concentrate

A real splurge product for those that want true indulgence and luxury. This does contain the wonder product retinol (Vitamin A) which will boost cellular renewal and it will also help diminish brown spots due to hyperpigmentation. Dreamy, velvety application on the skin.

Darphin Intral Redness Relief Soothing Serum

Thalgo Bio-Repair Serum

Balance Me Congested Skin Serum

Origins Three Part Harmony Serum

£339 - www.sisley-paris.com

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APPETITE

RECIPES

APPETITE

BEEF WELLINGTON YOU WILL NEED (Serves 4-6)

HOW TO Rub the beef with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and pepper.

For the filling: 1kg good-quality beef fillet 2tbsp olive oil Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper 2tbsp vegetable oil 2 shallots, finely chopped 25g unsalted butter 225g button mushrooms 75ml white wine 1tsp thyme leaves 150g Parma ham

Heat the oil in a large frying pan to just smoking, then put the beef in; it will spit, but keep the beef moving so it doesn't stick to the pan. Sear the beef on all sides until a rich brown colour forms: you really want to get some colour on here, so about 15 minutes spent in the frying pan is perfectly acceptable. Reduce the heat to low and set the beef aside to cool.

For the pastry: 1 quantity puff pastry - or buy ready-made Plain flour, to dust 1 large egg, lightly beaten

Lay two large sheets of cling film on a work surface, overlapping each other by about 5cm, to make a large square. Lay out the Parma ham in a rectangle about 35 x 30cm, overlapping the slices. Using a small palette knife or a table knife, spread the reduced mus rooms over the ham, covering it totally.

Put the shallots in the pan with the butter and half a teaspoon more each of salt and pepper, and cook until they're translucent. Put the mushrooms in a food processor with the wine and blitz until smooth. Scrape into the frying pan. Cook for five to 10 minutes to expel some of the moisture, stirring the whole time. Once the mushrooms resemble a fine paste, stir in the thyme, take off the heat and set aside to cool.

Lay the beef in the middle of the mushroom and Parma ham rectangle and gently lift two corners of the cling film up, to roll half the ham over the meat. Flatten the ham down with your hands and peel the cling film away to lie back down on the work surface. Roll the other half of Parma ham over the beef in the same way. You should now have the beef totally wrapped in mushrooms and ham. Fold the ends of the Parma ham neatly and roll up the cling film tightly so that it looks like a massive shiny sausage. Twist the ends of the cling film to seal the wellington together and put in the fridge to cool while you make the puff. (If you're using packet puff, you still need to chill the beef for one hour.) Make the puff pastry now. Lay a sheet of baking parchment on a baking tray and take the wrapped beef and chilled puff pastry out of the fridge. Roll the pastry out to 35 x 30cm and peel the cling film off the beef. Gently lay the beef in the centre of the pastry. Put the beef on upside down: it should have a flattish surface that formed while it was in the fridge - this needs to be facing up. Fold the pastry over the beef and stick together by liberally painting with beaten egg. Fold the loose ends over, too, and stick down with beaten egg. Roll the wellington over on to the baking tray, so the seams of pastry are now on the bottom and the top surface is smooth. Paint the remaining beaten egg over the pastry, then slash the pastry quite deeply (but not all the way through) with a sharp knife. Put in the fridge to chill for 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 200C/fan 180C/gas 6. Take out of the fridge. Bake for 25 minutes until golden brown, then take out and allow to rest for 10 minutes before serving. This will give you a mediumrare wellington, so if you like it cooked more or less, adjust the time to your taste. Carve to serve and fight over who gets the last slice! Recipe - ‘Bake It Yourself’ by Richard Burr, priced £20.

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

APPETITE

FOODIE FEATURE

EATING THE SEASONS WORDS Freya Richardson

Traditionally, meal planning revolved around seasonal fruit and veg, but does this delicious structure to the cook’s calendar still exist? A variety of recent UK surveys would suggest not. It seems more than one in ten Brits are oblivious about what foods are in season. This means the majority of us don’t know what crops are grown in the UK and when, let alone the schedule of imported produce produced around the rest of the world.

But whose fault is it and does it matter anymore?

Any respectable cookbook, food magazine or blog uses seasons to shape its content. We have all seen the charts and tables that give us a monthly guide of what is at its peak. Eating local seasonal food is tastier, reduces food-miles and supports

the local economy, but then most of us shop at supermarkets that have grown to be obsessed with stocking every fruit and vegetable on the planet, every day of the year. Instead of being presented with an ever-changing array of harvest it seems the selection is the same 365 days a year- not only that, we have grown to complain when something out of season is not available.

Strawberries for Christmas dinner, asparagus from Peru and Dutch tomatoes.

Of 2000 people polled only 5% could say when blackberries are juiciest and yet 78% claim to shop seasonally - this doesn’t quite add up. Apples, celeriac and leeks are all

plentiful this time of year but unless you shop at farm shops, markets or stop at an honesty box on your way home from work, how would you know? Even if you do choose to shop seasonally you have to keep your wits about you. Supermarkets’ sly marketing is constantly at work to increase their profit margins. In May, many stores will promote asparagus as seasonal with a delightful display of Peruvian asparagus at the end of the aisle, while tucking a few bunches of local crop in the back corner. To be fair there are other forces of nature at work. Our unpredictable weather has shifted our seasons over the past few years

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ALTERNATIVE INGREDIENTS

making the lives of farmers harder and harder. Milder winters means crop starts to grow earlier and are further prone to mould and pests due to not having the protective cold barrier.

Cow’s Milk? Try Almond milk

In order to prevent this, many growers have been pushed to cultivate crops under protection. This modern method uses hi-tech glasshouses with controlled environments. As well as protecting the farmer’s income, it extends seasons because of the ability to manipulate the growing conditions. Is this man made method progress? Obviously we do have to move with modern times, it is a joy to eat late summer strawberries in autumn but growing asparagus under plastic just so we can enjoy it a few weeks earlier? I think I would rather wait.

Fruit Juice? Try Infused Water

“Even if you do choose to shop seasonally you have to keep your wits about you. Supermarkets’ sly marketing is constantly at work to increase their profit margins. In May, many stores will promote asparagus as seasonal with a delightful display of Peruvian asparagus at the end of the aisle, while tucking a few bunches of local crop in the back corner.” We should know that eating seasonally does pay off - both in taste and support for the local economy, and contrary to common opinion it doesn’t necessarily mean frugal. Unless you are after blood oranges or pineapple, buying seasonally is a sure way to get the ripest, freshest and tastiest pick of the crop. This guiding principle is as relevant as it has ever been. Yes it may also be harder than ever to make the distinction, but it is definitely worth the effort.

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

APPETITE

With its naturally low fat content and rich source of antioxidants it should not be saved for vegans and those avoiding lactose. Made by blending roasted almonds with water it has a subtly nutty taste and makes a tasty replacement in cereal, coffee and smoothies.

You may think freshly squeeze juice is a healthier alternative to fizzy drinks however is incredibly high in sugar. Sugar has been hitting the headlines in recent months as a high factor in the rising levels of obesity, diabetes and tooth decay, especially in children. Infuse water with herbs and citrus fruits to create different flavour combinations high in vitamins.

Processed Cereal? Try Oats

It doesn’t take a genius to know chocolate pops are not the healthiest start to your day but even granola and muesli that is branded as ‘healthy’ is high in sugar, fat and additives. As well as being 100% natural, plain old-fashioned oats are filling and energising. Make porridge in the morning and add a topping of your choice to make it more exciting.

Pasta? Try Courgetti

The biggest food revolution this century- if you don’t have a spiralizer use a peeler to create thicker strips of ‘pasta’. This swap will half the calories of your dish and no cooking required, just top with a hot sauce of your choice and you will barely notice a difference.

Potato? Try Sweet potato or butternut squash

These can both be used in all the same ways as normal spuds- tasty roasted, mashed, baked or topping your Sheppard’s pie. Don’t be put off by the orange colour!

Bread? Try Lettuce

Definitely not as satisfying as a big white roll but crunchy iceberg lettuce is a refreshingly healthy alternative. Works well wrapped round chicken breast or burgers.

Butter? Try Avocado or banana

Depending if you are after a sweet or savoury snack, mash or puree these alternatives and spread on sandwiches, toast or even substitute in baking.

Red meat? Try Lean poultry or fish

It is recommended we eat just one portion of red meat a week. Try making your midweek favourites such as bolognaise or chilli con carnie with turkey mince. Some vegetables such as aubergine or mushrooms have a meaty texture to bulk out stews and if you can cope with the mockery even replace a juicy steak.

Biscuits? Try Oatcakes

Low sugar, high in fibre and less additives- oatcakes are an energising mid-afternoon pick-me-up. Different flavours are available but black pepper is great with cheese, or top plain ones with nut butter and jam.

Crisps? Try Seaweed

No this is not a joke.. satisfyingly salty, crispy and pretty much zero calories.

APPETITE

WORDS | Anne Berry | The Wine Cellar

IT MAY SURPRISE YOU TO LEARN THAT THERE ARE AT LEAST 1368 GRAPE VARIETIES IN THE WORLD, ALL OF WHICH ARE EITHER CURRENTLY GROWN OR HAVE BEEN USED TO PRODUCE WINE IN THE PAST. Many regular wine drinkers stick to their favourite and are unwilling to try others, through fear of disappointment. There are plenty of alternatives though and it is worth exploring to widen your knowledge and enjoyment of wines, both on their own and with food.

f you are a Pinot Grigio drinker, it is worth trying wines produced from other Italian varieties such as Fiano, Grillo or Verdicchio. These also produce light, dry wines, good to drink by themselves or as an accompaniment to fish, chicken, pasta and vegetable dishes. Look out for Fiano Mandrarossa from Sicily. This is crisp and dry with a zesty freshness, lovely tropical and citrus fruit flavours and a refreshingly lively finish. With so many flavours it makes you keep wanting another taste, and another….. until the bottle is empty! At just over £9 a bottle, this is exceptionally good value. If your preference is for more aromatic and fuller flavoured white wines such as Gewurztraminer or Riesling, a good alternative would be a Torrontes from Argentina. Torrontes originated in north west Spain, but has been adopted by Argentina as their white equivalent to Malbec. Perfumed and

aromatic, it is very distinctive and as a style to accompany Indian or Thai food, there are few to beat it. Quara Estate Torrontes is one of the best examples we have come across. The vineyards are situated at high altitude in the Andes, in a valley surrounded by mountains. The microclimate of cool nights and warm days gives a longer slower growing season, which increases the wines intensity. Unoaked and pale in colour with great aromatic intensity it has aromas of tropical fruit with citrus and floral notes. On the palate it is deliciously fresh with lively acidity and a long finish. Give it a go next time you are having something spicy for dinner. At £9.45, it is another great value wine. For Beaujolais drinkers, it would be worth considering a South American Pinot Noir. These are usually lighter than a European Pinot and have a hint of sweetness to them, often with aromas and flavours of strawberry and cherry. The Santa Alba Pinot Noir Reserva (£7.95) from Chile would be a good alternative to

try first. A really juicy style of wine, it has bags of red cherry fruit along with a touch of spice. The wine is light in tannin, is super smooth on the palate and is an ideal match to poultry dishes and salads. When a big, bold Shiraz is more your style, look out for a Touriga Nacional from Portugal. Often blended with other varieties, this has spicy, grippy black fruit and is great with food. Duas Pedras (£11.95) from Alentejo in Southern Portugal is predominantly Touriga Nacional with Shiraz and a tiny amount of Viognier. Dense and deep in colour, it has hints of smoky bacon on the nose. Rich in spicy brambly fruit and blackcurrant flavours on the palate it has delicate floral characteristics from the Viognier and just a hint of pepper. It is a superb wine to enjoy with your Sunday roast or with a plate of cheese. Wine is a giant network of flavours, and there are numerous points at which the characteristics of certain wines intersect. Learning about grape varieties and the similarities as well as differences will help you explore new wines and ensure you discover new treats. Learn more at The Wine Cellar’s next Wine Appreciation Course, which starts 13th January 2016. Call the shop on 611793 for more information.

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

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TRAVEL Above & Beyond with

TRAVEL

Join the festivities in

GLASGOW with

IMAGE COPYRIGHT CHRIS CLOSE

ith stylish shopping, superb eating and drinking, and a jam-packed events programme on offer between November and January, there’s no better time to visit the place named ‘the friendliest city in the world’ by Conde Nast Traveller magazine and Rough Guides publishing.

THERE IS SO MUCH GOING ON IN GLASGOW OVER THE NEXT FEW MONTHS, AS THE CITY GETS READY TO CELEBRATE ST. ANDREW’S DAY, CHRISTMAS, HOGMANAY AND BURNS NIGHT – AND YOU CAN SEE IT FOR YOURSELF WHEN YOU FLY DIRECT WITH CITYWING.

If you fancy spending a little more time shopping after walking around the markets, check out Glasgow’s Style Mile, home to more than 1,500 shops. Browse the malls, independent boutiques, designer stores and one-off speciality shops to find your perfect presents. If you stop by on the 22nd November, you can catch the annual Style Mile Christmas Carnival between 12pm and 4pm; prepare to be dazzled as the procession brings the streets and precincts alive with festive cheer!

30th November marks the celebration of Scotland’s patron saint and, for 2015, Glasgow will once again host a special St. Andrew’s Day extravaganza on 28th and 29th November. Head to the city centre and you will find a traditional Scottish-themed programme of live ceilidh bands, dancing and children’s activities with a daytime and Welcome in the New Year and join in the early evening celebration. And that’s not city’s Hogmanay celebrations, and don’t all – visit the city at this time of year and you forget to sing a verse or two of Auld Lang can also enjoy the Glasgow Loves Christmas festivities, starting on “STYLISH SHOPPING, SUPERB EATING 23rd November.

AND DRINKING, AND A JAM-PACKED

The run-up to Christmas will EVENTS PROGRAMME” see George Square transformed into a sparkling hub of festive Syne; a tune now synonymous with New fun and activity, with free family-friendly Year celebrations around the world, but did entertainment on offer every day. As well as you know that it was originally penned by the ever-popular Christmas lights, tree and Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns, in festive displays, there will be concerts, films, the 1700s? The country celebrates Robert live music and fairground rides to enjoy, Burns on 25th January each year, uniting for including the much-loved carousel. Plus, a night of revelry and feasting on traditional between 27th November and 31st December, Scottish foods. Don your best tartan and wrap up in your favourite winter woollies sample a plate of haggis, neeps and tatties, and visit the Square to try your hand at icebefore rounding off the night with a tumbler skating under the sparkling Christmas lights of whisky and an authentic ceilidh jig. at Scotland’s largest outdoor rink. After an afternoon on ice, warm up and treat yourself to some festive food and drink in the comfort of the double-deck pavilion, or head to the Glasgow Christmas Markets in St. Enoch Square to sample a variety of global cuisine. The charming village of rustic cabins and colourful stalls will be in the city from 13th November to 20th December, offering a selection of artisan

products – whether you’re shopping for a special gift or looking for a bite to eat, there’s something for everyone.

Flights between the Isle of Man and Glasgow are available to book now with Citywing, with prices starting from £49.95. For more information go to www.citywing. com, and see more about spending Christmas in Glasgow at www. glasgowloveschristmas.com ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

Glasgow is the perfect place to visit this Christmas - stylish shopping, superb eating and drinking with a jam-packed events programme against a city centre backdrop of glittering festive lights!

fares start from just

one way

Day returns available. Lowest fare guaranteed.*

Book early at www.citywing.com for special offers and rates *See website for details

TRAVEL

WANDERLUST

Life’s Too Short

For Ordinary Adventures WORDS Tamarin Marriott-Wilkinson

The modern jetsetter is succumbed to a dazzling array of choice when it comes to alternative travel ideas. From exploring the wild and wonderful cultures of Nihiwatu, to tempting your tastebuds with offerings from an urban mixologist to finding yourself amidst a ‘spur-of-the-moment street fiesta – in today’s frenzied world, we crave a place that is out of the ordinary, immersed in ethnicity and most importantly…oodles of fun! CUBA: HAVANA GOOD TIME

With its vibrant buildings, impromptu street fiestas and vintage cars, the delightfully quaint Cuba is the alternative traveller’s perfect match. And with a number of dramatic changes set to take place in the very near future, now is the time to visit! During the days, top up your tan against If you’re wishing to venture to a world a backdrop of azure blue waters and devoid of the fast food chain’s famous idyllic white sands, head to one of the golden arches, contemporary cars and local markets, explore the Cuban capital US exports, then Havana will be right up (havanatourcompany.com offer full or your street! In fact, Cuba is a paradise for half day tours from just £25) or escape ‘pedant’ travellers. With fiestas galore, it’s incredibly atmospheric, upbeat and yet still, positively If you’re wishing to venture behind the times. However, to a world devoid of the fast with the floodgates set to open food chain’s famous golden to American trading, Havana’s cobbled streets, boutique hotels arches, contemporary cars and one-off eateries may soon and US exports, then Havana become a thing of the past. will be right up your street! From learning to salsa (you’ll the crowds with a trip to Las Terrazas discover venues playing live music every (an area renowned for its beauty and day of week) to tantalising your tastebuds sustainable eco-community, situated just with rum cocktails, burgers big enough 90 minutes from Havana). It’s here you’ll to split between two, ginger cookies and discover crystal clear lagoons, zip lines and the famous Malta mocktail – Havana is enchanting forest trails. Visit now and you’ll renowned for its food and drink (the latter discover a culture as invigorating as the being a little more popular!) rum it’s notorious for!

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TRAVEL TIPS

Getting there: Flights from London Heathrow start from £485pp. Stay: You have two accommodation options – live like an A-lister or a local. Rooms in one of the local hotels start at £45 per night. Living it up? Stay at the luxury Saratoga, where Habana suites start from £450 per night! Pack: Your dancing shoes – Cubans enjoy a fiesta at any time of the day or night! Fact: You can’t buy currency outside of Cuba; Pounds and Euros can be exchanged at one of the bigger hotels. Whatever you do, don’t take US Dollars! Brush shoulders with: Beyoncé (she’s a fan of this part of the world) and a number of local party people. Visit: The Romeo Y Julieta cigar factory. High season: November to April.

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

TRAVEL

MARRAKESH: ROCK THE KASBAH If you’re a fan of epic scenery, look no further than the deserts’ of Marrakesh and the historic town of Ait Benhaddou. The backdrop is so impressive, it’s set the scene for many a blockbuster movie, including Babel, The Mummy and Gladiator. Travel to a luxe camp in true Moroccan style by camel before venturing further a field to the spectacular Atlas Mountains where you’ll be welcomed into a luxury Kasbah retreat in the perfectly peaceful Berber village of Imlil. Activities include learning to cook with fresh, local ingredients in the traditional Moroccan way, guided hikes in the mountains and massage treatments at any one of the native relaxing Hammam spas. Whilst in the area, explore the Medina’s bustling souks brimming with colourful spices, more mint tea than you can ask for and trinkets galore, whet your whistle at one of the city’s hidden cocktail joints and sample the best street food Morocco has to offer.

Venturing to the world’s most original, remote and extravangant places often means we’re to bend our bank balances a little. However, as the saying goes ‘travel is the only thing you can buy guaranteed to make you richer!’ So what are you waiting for...

TRAVEL TIPS Getting there: fly direct to London City, cutting out the hustle and bustle of other major airports. You can catch a flight to Agadir from there. Alternative accommodation: Forget the hotel and stay in a boutique B&B Riad in the UNESCO town of Ait Benhaddou, a Sahara Desert camp or a luxury mountain sanctuary in the Kasbah! Don’t miss: A puff on a shisha pipe – there are more shisha cafes in morocco than you can shake a stick at! Fact: Morocco is only 8 miles from Europe, across the strait of Gibralter. Brush shoulders with: A number of famous surfers, Taghazout, north of Agadir is renowned for its epic waves.

The backdrop is so impressive, it’s set the scene for many a blockbuster movie, including Babel, The Mummy and Gladiator. Travel to a luxe camp in true Moroccan style by camel before venturing further a field to the spectacular Atlas Mountains where you’ll be welcomed into a luxury Kasbah retreat in the perfectly peaceful Berber village of Imlil.

CONTINUED... BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

TRAVEL

...CONTINUED

NIHIWATU: ON THE EDGE OF WILDNESS

Just a short hop from Nihiwatu is the Indonesian island of Sumba, where grandiose hotel pillow menus’ and Michelin Star eateries are simply out of the question. This tiny expanse of land, home to some 650,000 people and over 200 species of bird, boasts a world immersed in forgotten cultures and legendary games of past. Headhunting has not entirely died out, megalithic burials occur on a regular basis and the mythical game of Pasola is still in existence.

Nihiwatu on the other hand possesses a certain untainted luxury. The hobbyhorse of consummate hotel expert James McBride and American fi nancier Chris Burch, it’s here you’ll find an impeccable resort with the wildest backdrop imaginable – stunning accommodation, exquisite culinary delights and service that is second to none. Unlike the majority of world-class resorts, every penny made is reinvested back into the community through the resort’s non-profi t arm – the Sumba Foundation. The concept is quite simple. By taking advantage of one of the most celebrated surf spots, the founders are able to massively improve the local’s lifestyles. Aside from generating better living conditions, they’ve even created 200 job opportunities. If it’s an unstructured escape you’re after, then add Nihiwatu to your bucket list. Interested in a little scuba diving? Just ask, a fi ve star dive boat will appear out of nowhere, eager to take you to the Magic Mountain – a colossal limestone pinnacle, hidden by the ocean and located just a mile from shore. If surfi ng is more your kettle of fish, meander down to the boathouse where an instructor will be only too happy to give you a lesson in riding the waves. And if you’re here to relax, a morning yoga session is a must. Perform twists and Bandha techniques against a backdrop of waterfalls, exotic flowers and a five-mile private beach, before riding back to the resort bareback.

CITYWING COMPETITION WINNER

TRAVEL TIPS Getting there: Qatar Airways fly direct to Bali from London Heathrow, where you can catch an internal flight to Sumba. Price: Seven nights (including flights, airport transfers and all meals) is £4,394 in peak season. Don’t miss: A guided mini expedition around the island to see the incredible work of the Sumba Foundation, you’ll even help serve up lunch in a local school! Fact: Nihiwatu is home to world-class photographer Suki, who has a number of National Geographic cover shots to his credit. Brush shoulders with: A number of A-list celebrities, a uent travellers, captains of industry and of course, a variety of enthralling individuals from the local ‘Guru Village.

WINNER

Citywing teamed up with Gallery magazine in o o er re er e e o fantastic trip to Gloucester. The lucky winner, r r re ere v Managing Director at Citywing.

Sarah correctly answered the question ‘Where is Beatrix Potter’s famous story “The Tailor of Gloucester” set?’, and her brilliant prize includes 2 return Citywing flights to Gloucester, 2 nights’ bed and breakfast accommodation at the Hatton Court Hotel, a restaurant voucher for a meal for 2 people, and a museum pass for 2 people to four of the city’s best museums. David said: ‘Citywing offers direct daily flights to and from Gloucester, and we know just how much there is to do in this beautiful city. We hope that Sarah and her husband thoroughly enjoy their visit, and would like to thank Gallery for their help in running such a great competition.’

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

Isle of Man | Home & Interiors | November 2015

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

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Kennaa, Kennaa Road, St Johns

ÂŁ5,700,000

ennaa set in 90 acres may be described as one of the most outstanding modern houses on the Island enjoying a private, sheltered, woodland setting in the valley of the River Neb.

The house enjoys a fine outlook to surrounding wooded hills and the elegant spire of St Johns Church. Douglas, Peel, Ronaldsway Airport and schools are all close by, together with good sporting amenities of golf, sailing and tennis. Kennaa, was designed by a leading Manx architect, Nick Cook, and has been built to a high standard. The house is rendered and painted white under a pitched roof. The current family accommodation has been much enhanced over recent years to fulfil the needs of a growing family.

www.blackgracecowley.com

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

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he sale o ennaa offers a superb opportunity to purchase an outstanding modern house in a spectacular position, benefitting from good buildings and extensive well drained grassland paddocks.

The accommodation comprises: • 4 reception rooms, kitchen, breakfast room, 6 bedrooms, 3 en- suite bathrooms and family bathroom • Outstanding swimming pool complex with Sauna, Spa and Bar area • 2 double garages, lawned gardens • Three attractive 2 bedroom Chalets, detached lakeside 2 bed Lodge, three 1 bedroom stone faced cottages • Superb range of modern buildings comprising: 53 loose boxes, indoor arena 20m x 40m surfaced with Martin Collins waxed Ecotrack surface. Floodlit outdoor arena 60m x 40m surfaced with Martin Collins Clopf/sand surface with adjacent warm up Arena • Monarch covered 5 horse walker • Staff flat and office, general purpose barns, office block and film studio • Post and electric rail grassland paddocks and woodland • In all approximutly 90 acres (36.42 hectares) • Further income can be derived from an existing livery facility, successful Riding Club and Film Studio

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

BECAUSE BECAUSE QUALITY QUALITY MATTERS MATTERS

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Apartment 22, Douglas Head Apartments, Douglas

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Dramatically situated duplex penthouse extending to some 2,620 sq ft Offering unrivalled panoramic sea, town and country views over 2 floors Elegantly proportioned accommodation in faultless decorative order Landmark castellated building overlooking Douglas Bay

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01624 645555 BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

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HOT PROPERTY

A blinding architectural faux pas WORDS Russ Atkinson

Embracing innovative, vibrant and off-the-wall design cues when it comes to architecture to contrast and complement the existing constructed history of a capital city can enable it to reap vast and valuable social and economic benefits from the resulting trade and tourism. But despite being advanced enough as a race to have a constant presence in space with humans occupying the International Space Station it seems that our mathematical abilities are still not quite up to scratch when it comes to engineering down here on terra firma. If you’re reading this from the ISS I’d like to apologise for any panic that I may have just induced. As if it wasn’t already mortifying enough that the general public had likened Rafael Viñoly’s architectural masterpiece at 20 Fenchurch Street to a ‘Walkie Talkie’, its mass of concave glass just had to take things one step further and add to its notoriety by coming together to form what has been commonly referred to as a death ray, capable of melting Jaguars* with ease come midafternoon during the summer. Was that not on the blueprints? I swear I had pencilled in a solar energy farm somewhere... Visually striking, the 20 Fenchurch Street building is a stunning expanse of airy glazed dining, relaxation and that allimportant office floorspace spread over 34 floors. It even incorporates a garden on the uppermost floor filled with lush greenery, presumably so that when it’s

finished burning the rest of London down using the harnessed solar energy of even a typical gloomy London day akin to some sort of skyscraper equivalent of a crazed Decepticon bursting with malevolence for reasons that nobody even remembers, the remainder of London’s upper-middle class population can thrive comfortably behind

PICTURED Death Ray 1 - 0 Jaguar XF

Viñoly has allegedly since created plans for a building in China that uses a shape reminiscent of a bowl to focus rays of light harnessed from the sun directly onto an obelisk light energy receptor which currently remains unbuilt. I’m unsure as to whether the film Stargate was widely acclaimed in China but there’s a chance that

“SUN LOUVRES REMOVED FROM THE ORIGINAL DESIGN DURING A ROUND OF COST-CUTTING MEASURES BY THE DEVELOPERS WERE INTENDED TO PREVENT THE SKYSCRAPER FROM TORCHING TOUPÉS AND SCALDING THE SCALPS OF PASSERS-BY” its glazed frontage for years to come. Sun louvres removed from the original design during a round of cost-cutting measures by the developers were intended to prevent the skyscraper from torching toupés and scalding the scalps of passersby following a previous design penned by Viñoly four years prior in Las Vegas where he managed to inadvertendly create a hotel that projected the sun directly toward the outside area housing the swimming pool. The cost advantage of solar pool water heating compared to conventional methods must have been phenomenal though.

a popular translated version exists and the people of the People’s Republic aren’t willing to take the risk. Either that or Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey really resonated with them and they’re scared of obelisks. Either way, third time lucky, maybe? *To my knowledge, no large cats were harmed following the construction of the building, only an executive saloon car produced by an ailing British vehicle manufacturer.

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

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

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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

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

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PROPERTY NEWS

DANDARA GROUP WINS 5 STAR RATINGS FOR ISLE OF MAN DEVELOPMENTS

The Dandara Group has received the highest accolades for developments in the Isle of Man at the prestigious UK Property Awards. At a gala presentation held in London, three Island projects were awarded 5 Star ratings – the highest level possible – and a further two Isle of Man developments were Highly Commended.

Dandara won a total of 14 categories, more than any other UK developer in this year’s Property Awards, recognising the Group’s high standards on projects across the British Isles. The winners were announced in September, but Dandara had to wait until this month’s presentation to discover what level it had attained in each category.

Seamus Nugent, Managing Director Dandara, added: ‘When we discovered we had triumphed in 14 categories, the highest number of any UK developer in this year’s Property Awards, we were absolutely delighted. To then discover eight of our projects, including three in the Isle of Man, had achieved 5 Star status was overwhelming.

The 5 Star ratings went to Port Erin developments Ballakilley and Maine Court, which had both won awards for architecture, and Slieau Whallian View in Peel, winner of Best Isle of Man Residential Development. The new Canada Life building at Isle of Man Business Park, which won the UK Office Development award, and The Cedar at Ballakilley were Highly Commended.

‘The UK Property Awards are keenly-contested and the submission process is extremely rigorous, with every development subject to detailed scrutiny by a panel of international industry experts, so every award has been thoroughly earned. To win even just one award is a significant recognition of the high standard of a developer’s work, and to then attain a 5 Star rating is an outstanding accolade.’

During the presentation Dandara’s awardwinning developments in Aberdeen and Bedfordshire were handed another five 5 Star ratings and four more were Highly Commended. The Group also learned its Stoneywood and Hazelwood developments in Aberdeen have been nominated for the International Property Awards, where they will compete against leading projects from around the world in architecture and marketing categories. The winners will be announced in December.

The UK Property Awards were judged by a 70-strong expert panel which included respected professionals from throughout the industry, representing construction, architecture, planning and interior design. The panel applies a strict set of criteria when assessing each entrant and arriving at their conclusions.

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

£559,950

£589,950

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.

FEATURED PROPERTY

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BALLACOSNEY, MAIN ROAD, GLEN VINE 1

* * * * * * * * * *

£549,995

Unique Bungalow with Extra Accommodation Spacious Lounge with Dining Area Modern Kitchen, Utility Room 3 Bedrooms, Modern Bathroom Lawned Front & Rear Gardens Pavioured Driveway with Parking for Several Vehicles Extra Large Garage for Approx 5 Cars Lounge/Cinema/Games Room/Bar Above Garage Planning Approval to Create Ancillary Living Accommodation Above Garage Planning Approval for Alterations, Erection of Extension to Main Dwelling HARMONY HOMES, DOUGLAS T: 616200 www.harmonyhomes.co.im

FIR TREES, CLAY HEAD ROAD, BALDRINE 2

* * * * * * *

£1,100,000

Luxury Detached Coastal Residence Set in Approx 4 Acres of Landscaped Gardens & Separate Field Secluded Coastal Setting, Stunning Panoramic Sea & Coastal Views 2 Receptions Rooms Plus Study/Bedroom 5 Conservatory & Superbly Fitted Dining Kitchen 4/5 Double Bedrooms (Master En-Suite & Dressing Area) Double Garage & Off Road Parking for up to 6 Cars

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

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

Visit your local branch iombank.com/mortgages

1.55%

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APR is the overall cost for comparison

YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE

BALLACOYNE, DOUGLAS ROAD, KIRK MICHAEL * Spacious detached family home situated in a picturesque rural location * The property enjoys magnificent countryside views from all elevations * Generously appointed Reception Rooms, 4 double Bedrooms * 3 of which have luxuriously appointed En Suite Bathrooms * Study, Sun Room, Games Room, Wine Cellar, Farmhouse

£1,150,000

* Pond fed from a mountain stream which flows through the beautiful Glen setting * Greenhouse and Summerhouse in an elevated position with countryside views * Detached double garage with storage accommodation above and generous parking * Viewing is highly recommended

Kitchen and Utility * Set within 12 ½ acres of land, including well-fenced fields and mature woodland

BLACK GRACE COWLEY T: 645555 www.blackgracecowley.com

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Dove Men+Care Shave Care Essentials £8 Gizmo Voice Changer £3.25 Gizmo Photo Booth £5.50 Gizmo USB Bulb Lamp £5.50

It won’t be long until Santa’s on his way, meaning it’s most definitely time to stock up on gifts for the people who’ve made it onto your nice list this Christmas!

Brut Shower Gel and Deodorant Set £7 Lynx Sport Blast Gift Pack £5.50

Nivea Men Impact Gift Set £4.50 David Beckham Instinct Gift Set £5.50

See the full range at Shoprite Living at Chester Street, Douglas and Marina Lane, Port Erin. 88

Minions Bubble Bath & Squirter Set £3.25

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Impulse Unique Mini Tin Gift Set £3.25 Nivea Relaxing Gift Set £4.50 Lynx Attract for Her Duo Gift Pack £4

Peppa Pig Piggy Bank Bubble Bath 200ml £5.50 Disney Frozen Sparkling Elegance Party Set £5.50

Botanica Bath Confetti £1

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Skin Therapy Leatherette Bag Set £5.50

Avengers 4 Piece Bath Set

Fruits Luxury Bathing Set £5.50

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

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

FEATURED PROPERTY

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REAYRT SHELGEYR, SPALDRICK AVENUE, PORT 2

* * * * * * * * *

£549,000

Spacious Detached Home Golf Course, Coastal & Headland Views Lounge & Balcony Large Dining Room, Utility Room Breakfast Kitchen 3 Bedrooms (1 En-Suite) 2 Shower Rooms Good Size Garage, Driveway Small, Well Maintained Gardens

HARMONY HOMES, PORT ERIN T: 835252 www.harmonyhomes.co.im

CREGGAN AASHEN, GLEN MAYE PARK GLEN MAYE 3

* * * * * * * *

£450,000

Extremely Well Presented Detached Family Home Lounge & 2 Good Sized Conservatories Superb Modern Kitchen/Breakfast Area Master Bedroom With En-Suite & Dressing Room 4 Further Bedrooms, 1 En-Suite Family Bathroom Large garden with Beautifully Landscaped Bank, Sun Deck Double Garage HARMONY HOMES, PEEL T: 845252 www.harmonyhomes.co.im

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

On the Agenda: [WEALTH & INVESTMENT] | no. 15 | November 2015

ON THE AGENDA THIS EDITION:

WEALTH & INVESTMENT

We speak to key ďŹ gures locally, celebrate with Creechurch Capital and help explain alternative investments and alternative income sources. Plus all of the movers, shakers and business news brought to you in Gallery every month...

RELATIVE VALUES

Brothers Gareth and Glyn (holding the Manx Cup) and their father Peter Hooson-Owen

ON THE AGENDA

Relative Values The Family That Plays Rugby Together Stays Together! The Hooson-Owen family

Father and grandfather Peter Hooson-Owen, whose name will be forever linked to rugby on the Isle of Man, makes no secret of the fact that he is a proud patriarchal figure within his family. At the age of 71 he is held in the highest esteem by his three sons who readily admit that he has been the inspiration for all their major sporting successes. Eldest son Gareth, 40, who was still playing 1st XV rugby until last season and is often ‘persuaded’ to come out of retirement to play in an occasional match be it on the back row, is now the youngest president in the history of Douglas Rugby Club; the very Club where Peter was 1st XV captain when Gareth was born. Youngest son Glyn, 30, is in his third year as 1st XV captain at the same club after a playing career at professional level which took him to clubs in New Zealand, Portugal and Hong Kong. Their introduction to rugby came at the ages of 11 when they became pupils at Ramsey Grammar School where their father was initially a PE teacher and later Deputy Head. Peter’s name is indeed synonymous with rugby across the island and beyond as it was this staunch rugby playing Welshman and Welsh language speaker, who founded Ramsey Rugby Club. While the sporting lives of Gareth and

DO BUSINESS IN STYLE

WORDS: Les Able

Glyn were taken over by rugby, middle brother Gwilym , 37, a member of the Ramsey lifeboat crew, became a star swimmer with the Island Swimming Club at the age of 10 when he was “snapped up”, says his Dad, by the Isle of Man National Swimming Club. What all three brothers have in common is that they played rugby for Isle of Man Schools.

“Yes, of course I’m proud of what all my sons have achieved in sport,” says Peter. “Rugby was part and parcel of my life and I introduced them all to it and both Gareth and Glyn stayed with it and rugby has become part of their lives as well.”

It was in 1972 when he started teaching at Ramsey Grammar School and two years later he introduced rugby to the school. “There was no club at that time,” he recalls. When it comes to his sons’ achievements and, more by accident than design, he has seen the creation of what can only be regarded as a rugby playing dynasty. It now now has a relatively new member, this is Harry, the 16-months-old son of Gareth and wife Kate while 11-year-old daughter Sian is showing some prowess on the hockey field. “She is playing left back, the same position as I did,” says proud Dad Gareth. Peter says: “We are a family unit and that is the most important thing. My wife Jane and I always brought up the boys to believe in that. A rugby club, be it Douglas, Ramsey, wherever, is a family as far its members are concerned. It’s all the camaraderie that comes with it.” He adds: “Yes, I will be on the touchline at Douglas Rugby Club with friends who perhaps I once played rugby with but are now around my age and all have a loyalty to the Club.” Gareth, whose playing has been confined to club rugby, continued with playing when he was in the Household Cavalry, the ‘Blues & Royals’, for more than four

years. “I played for the regiment and also for Windsor and Eton Rugby Club,” adds Gareth, business relationship manager with Manx Independent Carriers. “As a boy I used to be on the touchline watching Dad play rugby, I grew up with rugby and ad had the biggest in uence, possible” he adds. “We were a rugby household. ugby had a big in uence on all our lives and both I and my brothers looked to my father so as to emulate him and what he had achieved. There is little doubt that Dad has had a massive in uence on our lives and the lives of so many pupils when he was teaching at the Grammar School.” Gareth, when talking about Glyn, refers to him as his ‘little brother’ but there is some irony as Glyn is close to being 6ft 6ins tall and weighs 22st compared and Gwilym who 6ft 3ins tall and both described by their Dad as “big lads” compared with Gareth, the eldest, standing at a mere 6ft. Glyn, who unlike Gareth wasn’t able to see his father in action during his playing days Glyn, has played at both professional and international levels. “Not sure if missing Dad playing was good or bad,” laughs Glyn, an estate agent with Chrystals in Douglas. He admits that being captain of the 1st XV can make demands on his time which is why he has to ensure that rugby doesn’t take over his life as fianc e Voirrey might not be too impressed . ad definitely keeps me up to speed with what is happening and if there’s anything I’ve missed and should know about, he’s done that wherever I’ve been playing.” He went on: “Dad has had a massive impact on our lives but what is important is that he has been responsible for the family that we are.” When it comes to where their loyalties lie in the international world of rugby father and sons leave no doubts on that. “Wales,” is the unequivocal response but that’s not surprising with a family that has its roots in North Wales. Even young Harry now has his Welsh rugby shirt and Kate, while normally a supporter of the England rugby team, was last seen at Twickenham waving the Welsh ag. Peter Hooson-Owen has every reason to be a happy man.

MANX STARTISAN

Follow in the footsteps of some great MANX STARTISANS Manx Startisans are continuing to emerge in the local market with many fledgling local entrepreneurs looking to put their passion into practice and create innovative new food and drink companies that can provide healthy, premium alternatives to mass-produced off island goods, for the island’s residents. Many of the people behind these companies have switched careers, retrained, researched and put their knowledge into creating their own businesses. All of them are driven by the desire to do something different, to take the kernel of an idea and grow it into a tangible product that appears on the shelves of the island’s supportive retailers. And now is your chance to join them. Shoprite’s Manx ‘Startisans’ programme is looking to identify the potential in a local food entrepreneur who wants to get their idea off the ground, or take their edgling idea to the next level. 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. However, the Island can always support more niche providers 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 quality values with delicious, home spun products that are far superior to the mass produced, well established alternatives.

This month we turn the spotlight onto an unlikely Manx Startisan who has nevertheless shown all of the passion and creativity required to join the Manx Food movement.

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 as well as a free stand at the 2016 Isle of Man Food and Drink Show. Shoprite’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.

Are you a ‘Manx Startisan’? To register your interest and receive an entry form or for help and advice on creating your proposal please email: simon@redpointpr. co.uk

ON THE AGENDA

LEELA’S KITCHEN

eela’s Kitchen is committed to producing vibrant healthy and exotic Indian food and is educating and inspiring the Isle of Man’s residents to pick up the mantle and create their own dishes by bringing ingredients and dishes to the Island’s shores from India. Kumar Menon, who moved to the Island from Kerala thirteen years ago, created the company initially by providing Indian cookery classes and dinner parties. Dishes were made using family recipes passed down from his mother and grandmother, who was the original Leela and the inspiration for his company. He also runs his very popular cookery workshops where customers can learn how to cook, and then enjoy, authentic Indian cuisine all in the comfort of their home. Its like hiring your very own personal chef without the premium price tag, and all dishes are tailor made to clients requirements. However, having two family members as inspiration wasn’t enough and as Kumar re ects, his grandfather and father’s passion for spices has inspired another side to the business – his Leela’s Kitchen range of six freshly ground and whole spices. The range features black mustard seed, black peppercorn, chilli powder, coriander powder, garam masala and tumeric powder. Each of the six has been specially selected as an iconic and integral part of most traditional Indian dishes and can trace their origins as

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In what is surely the ultimate in traceability, a staple part of artisan producers, he gets his ingredients from a London based importer who buys direct from Kumar’s father in India.

cooking ingredients back hundreds of years. Every one is ground fresh before being packaged and shipped, which adds to the great taste and avour.

Kumar believes it is ironic that it is only on settling on the Isle of Man that he has actually become involved in what is a family industry as his grandfather began trading spices in India in the 1950’s. In what is surely the ultimate in traceability, a staple part of artisan producers, he gets his ingredients from a London based importer who buys direct from Kumar’s father in India. The ingredients are then packaged on the Isle of Man and, highlighting the company’s base, every spice container carries the Manx triskelion. However, like all successful entrepreneurs, Kumar isn’t resting on his laurels. He’s already looking to create an export market after receiving enquiries from America and is grateful for the advise and support that he has received from Peter McEvoy at the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture as he looks to build his business and grow his market. His ingredients are already used by many of the Island’s leading restaurants and he’s stocked on the shelves of some of the leading specialist retailers including Robinsons and some of the Independent health shops but is always keen to hear from more. He’s also developing new lines and is looking to

develop a ready to cook Onion Bhaji mix in time for next year’s British Taste Awards. And when he eventually decides to hang up his ladel, he’s already identified his successor – his own daughter Leela, the next generation of the family to bring spice into people’s lives.

Creechurch Capital takes five

as it reaches latest landmark Celebrating its fifth birthday this month, boutique wealth manager, Creechurch Capital has made its mark on the industry for its unconventional and alternative approach. Remaining committed to its Manx roots, the firm has grown a truly global footprint – seeing its business develop in places as far ung as Africa and the ar East – and will remain true to its boutique approach refusing to allow the original business to grow any bigger than the industry standard of a boutique. This is to safeguard the principles and service that are the Creechurch hallmark.

Service with a smile With access to senior portfolio managers who provide plenty of opportunities to personal discussion, the firm prides itself on old-fashioned values and a commitment to service that goes above and beyond. But, it’s not just Creechurch Capital and its clients that pay testament to this. The team was recognised at the highest level at this year’s Investment Week Investment Marketing and Innovation Awards to clinch not only the best DFM proposition, but also the judges Grand Prix Award for a client service campaign. The judges praised the team for placing such an importance on service in a ‘product-obsessed’ industry and

Creechurch Capital beat financial services giants, such as Allianz and Morningstar to take the top gong.

The top and bottom of it The team at Creechurch Capital is institutional in its pedigree so also brings the very best practice to its operations and investment approach. With an active asset allocation philosophy, the asset allocation is ‘top-down’ which means the most senior of investment team are keeping a watchful eye on the markets to assess the potential opportunities for clients. Of course, there’s no magic bullet when it comes to this; simply, thorough research, attending industry events and keeping one step ahead of market trends by looking at long-term patterns and the boarder economic backdrop. Since the launch five years ago, the business’ leaders – CEO, John Greenwood and COO, Mary Brady - have recruited, developed and supported a fast-growing team with experience, training and access to ualifications. With international in uence, this has enhanced the overall

talent pool on the Island and allows for the continued evolution of the team around its senior leads. And when it comes to due diligence, this is something that is engrained in every process and procedure carried out from the bottom up. As well as being somewhat quirky in the fact the business chose to be international from day one, doesn’t want to grow beyond being a boutique and rates service akin to that of a luxury hotel above everything else, the investment team has also consistently allocated clients’ funds to asset classes considered alternative. So from property to commodities, Creechurch Capital is committed to this space.

The future Bringing an impressive track record from a number of roles in the City, Joseph Samuel has just launched Creechurch Private Wealth Limited – a separate UK entity. The intention here is that the UK operation will seek to clone the Creechurch Capital effect with a second office in a different market that takes the best of the business’ culture, service, systems and operations, but is nurtured as a standalone operation that itself will grow into a thriving boutique.

ON THE AGENDA

C A P I T A L

Creechurch Capital is five

500,000

air miles travelled

Six

international industry awards Investment Week x 2 - Citywealth Professional Adviser x 2 - Finance International

Five

years old

One

Peacock hatched

countries visited (but only one home)

156,000

cups of coffee drunk

One huge thank you

to our team and clients for helping us get to five years

1,000s

of trades made on the desk

Eight

Sports Academy stars sponsored

For more information visit: www.creechurchcapital.com Creechurch Capital Limited is licensed by the Isle of Man Financial Supervision Commission and registered in the Isle of Man, number 5267V. Registered Address: Knox House , 16-18 Finch Road, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM1 2PT.

MAY CONTAIN SATIRE

Cash under the mattress: a guide to alternative investments

Words Marcus Halberstam Illustration Josh Bale

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ONTHE THEAGENDA: AGENDA ON

If you have the capital, there are many reasons why alternative investments might offer something to your portfolio that publicly-traded stocks, bonds and mutual funds do not. As an experienced investment manager you may have the key ability to precisely assess increased risk against potentially higher returns, or perhaps you have a greater sensitivity to the market and can afford to place significant funds in vehicles attached to less regulated investments, such as real estate or venture capital. Alternatively, you might just be a normal member of the public with a financial advisor like me, who wears cowboy boots to client meetings and likes to treat every investment like a high-stakes roll at the craps table in Vegas. Yes, I’ve been bankrupt five times, but I’ve also made so much money that I own several African governments and have Rupert Murdoch on speed dial. I haven’t got this far by sticking to vanilla stocks that even your grandmother knows will bring in 8.5%. I like to live life on the edge - the edge of being investigated by the Financial Services Authority. If you’ve got what it takes to join me at the poker table, then why not up the ante by chucking a few million into some of these riskier investments? They might not offer a guaranteed return, but they do guarantee 00 financial adventure.

Californian startups the new gold rush Much like the original old west, there’s a crazy panic right now to invest in a new kind of frontiersman: the silicon valley lifestyle startup. For those of you too old to comprehend the point of an app that pays somebody to pick up your dry cleaning, it’s important to understand that entrepreneurs in San Francisco are so busy coming up with bold new ideas that there’s money to be made both funding those bold ideas and the mundane services these brainboxes need just to keep up with the idea having. Too busy to date because you’re at meetings all night? Use Tinder. Can’t be bothered to call a cab to get home? There’s Uber for that. Too young to understand that washing machines and laundrettes exist? Introducing Washio. As soon as a service takes off with this in uential demographic, normal people start using it too - countless investors have already made millions off these simple ideas, and I’ve only listed the halfway good ones, missing out on apps that arrange for people to Skype your neglected pets or send a clown to your business rival. The important thing is that money is buzzing around like ies in a festival toilet, and if you’re lucky you can invest in something that might smell bad, but that sticks to the wall long enough to bring in a return. The risk? By investing in a startup you’re essentially handing your pension fund to people who may be geniuses but haven’t yet developed the life skills to avoid running out of toilet paper.

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Precious metals and rare earths the ultimate non-ethical investment Companies like Apple, Google and Microsoft are safe investment bets - they deliver innovative products, treat their key people well and give reasonable proportions of their income to noble causes in their communities. Of course, what the sharp investor knows is that building mobile phones and server farms also relies on a chain of physical production that doesn’t necessarily require the same moral scruples as your office in Washington, with its fruit buffets and breastfeeding rooms. If you can hold your nose you might find a greater return on your capital by linking up with the corporations in China who build those iPhones using dubious labour, or who are partners with the African dictators that control the supply of the rare earth minerals that are essential to your shiny new laptop. You can even cut out the entire manufacturing chain and follow the investment advice of people who think Obama is a lizard - stockpile gold and ammo in your personal bunker to ensure big returns when society collapses. The risk? Microsoft might be boring, but they are probably less likely to run away with your money than an African warlord, the Chinese communist party or somebody who thinks the moon landings were faked by John F Kennedy

Virtual currencies for those times when breaking the law in dollars just won’t do There’s been a lot of talk in the financial press recently about cryptocurrencies, although with proportionately less explanation of how they work and what their intended use is. In a nutshell, Bitcoin and its more obscure competitors are digital currencies backed by unique strings of data. These are generated by an open source computer network, but are finite and therefore subject to most of the usual rules of investment and exchange. In a smaller nutshell, Bitcoins don’t physically exist, but there’s guaranteed to be a limited number of them and so their “value” is likely to increase. What the financial press then need to pussyfoot around is what many users actually spend them on - they aren’t taxable, or traceable, so in any unmonitored space with internet access they’ve become the default mechanism of

exchange for services you might not want the government to know about. This might just be because your government is corrupt and keeps stealing your money, but might equally be because you don’t want people to know you’re buying drugs, pirated software, pornography or the services of an assassin. All of those things represent a fairly consistent spending pattern, so there’s always likely to be a percentage return on enabling the means to buy them. The risk? A non-physical currency designed by advanced computer hackers to circumvent the law - what could possibly go wrong?

Political capital profiting from global uncertainty If the underlying principle of traditional investments is to place your capital in areas that offer predictable growth, then the more exciting ipside to this idea is the principle that savvy investors can capitalise on political uncertainty and destabilised markets. For example, capital generally moves away from places like Russia or Iraq, and towards the blue chip bedrock of the London property market. Some of us might like to swim against the tide to feast on neglected riches upstream, and the only thing to worry about is whether Vladimir Putin is also waiting at the mouth of the river, fishing with an assault ri e. Assets in areas bordering Russia are currently going for bargain prices, and there are a number of “wobbly” Middle Eastern countries just crying out for investment right now. If you’re bothered by the possibility that this is illegal as well as immoral, you could also chance big profits by investing in areas that capitalise on extreme national moods - solid investments would be those that profit from Greek misery (ouzo production), Germanic smugness (red ink for final loan demands) or whatever crazy-juice people are drinking to consider voting for Donald Trump (guns, wigs, cousin marriage). The risk? A small amount of instability is good for brave investors, but beyond a certain point it becomes uite difficult to do business beyond selling cooked dog and running a black market in stolen cabbages. If Donald Trump really is elected president, the only safe investments will be in nuclear bunkers and rockets used to run away from planet Earth and colonise the moon.

Award winning investment management team building your wealth over the medium and long term

Investment Management and Stockbroking Services International - Independent Family firm Ramsey Crookall & Co. combines traditional values and modern professionalism to deliver an efficient, personal service built on an established track record of experience and results. Find out what we could do for you. Securities House 38/42 Athol Street Douglas Isle of Man IM1 1QH t +44 (0) 1624 673171 f +44 (0) 1624 677258 dealers@ramseycrookall.com

Licenced by the Isle of Man Financial Supervision Commission

www.ramseycrookall.com

ALTERNATIVE INVESTMENT

Investment research doesn’t always have to be a chore, a constant, occasionally tiresome slog comprising little more than nose-to-thegrindstone effort. Admittedly, poring through price-earnings ratios or fund manager ratings is, for a large number of investors, an essential – and often enjoyably revealing – part of making confident, long term investment commitments, but some investment decisions re uire an entirely different skill set and an alternative form of homework. The alternative investment landscape has always offered bolder investors opportunities to achieve higherthan-average returns, although the correspondingly greater levels of risk and volatility associated with them has ensured that such investments rarely, if ever, find their way into a conservatively managed widows and orphans fund. It’s long been possible to invest in forestry, rare stamps, art and coins, as well as precious metals, but nowadays there’s a considerably broader range of alternatives on offer to investors, from car parking spaces to containers, peer-to-peer lending opportunities to hotel rooms. Yet while many people are aware of alternative investments, it’s been difficult to establish how their performance compares with what might be called ‘mainstream’ forms of investment, such as equities and property. Ramsey Crookall’s Wealth Index gauges the performance of six different asset classes (equities, cash, property, commodities, classic cars and fine wines), providing investors with a snapshot of comparative performance. The index, rebased to 100 in January 2010, has been adjusted to measure returns in pounds sterling over one, three and five years. While investors may expect a respected wealth management and stockbroking firm to provide details of share price performance relative to say, cash, real estate or commodities, it’s unusual to see these asset classes compared to two others that fall squarely into the ‘alternative’ category. Ramsey Crookall points out that although fine wines and classic cars might be expensive to store, maintain or sell, these costs are offset by what it refers to as “the hard-to-measure economic utility factor, or satisfaction, one derives from… consuming art or being able to drive your classic car”. It is also true that while the return on investment from classic DO BUSINESS IN STYLE

cars or fine wines has, over the past five years, been impressive – they’ve risen respectively by 148% and almost 70% - the performance of both assets can be extraordinarily volatile.

For instance, the classic car market last enjoyed a prolonged bull run and peaked in 1988, although by 1991-92, prices had fallen by around 40%. According to Coutts, however, the values of a select band of classic cars rose by an unprecedented 257% between 00 - 3. The bank confirms the view of many industry observers who note that unlike the late 1980s, the market is currently being driven not by borrowed funds, but real, investible cash. Investing in fine wines holds significant appeal for those of us who enjoy a tipple and, as the fine wine element of amsey Crookall’s Wealth Index shows, returns from selected wines has been impressive, but it’s important that investors buy through respected merchants and, initially at least, limit their exposure, particularly if their investment is considered a bit of fun. Between 2003-11, prices of the most sought-after wines rose by more than 250%, yet over the following two years, they fell by a third. Moreover, the Metropolitan Police estimate that as the wine market boomed, in the four years to 2012, investors lost £100 million in wine scams. Classic cars and fine wines remain peripheral to most investor’s principal holdings, providing not just an alternative source of occasionally impressive returns, but perhaps most importantly, pleasure. Investors considering exposure to alternative asset classes such as property, currencies and commodities in order to broaden their holdings are likely to

be motivated less by self-indulgence and more by a desire to manage their portfolio’s risk/return balance. The reasons are straight forward enough: conventional portfolios have a high correlation to stock markets. By contrast, alternative assets, such as a commodity exchange traded funds (ET s), tend to have much lower stock market correlations and, as a consequence, offer more compelling opportunities to diversify than, say, buying a few cases of claret or a classic car which you intend to renovate. Historically, the majority of investors have found it difficult to gain access to alternative asset classes, primarily because of the requirement to tie up large amounts of capital for long periods of time. However, the advent of ETFs and tracker funds has enabled investors to circumvent these restrictions. Most UK-facing tracker funds track the performance of the FTSE100 or FTSE All-Share index, whereas an ETFs, mutual funds listed and traded on a stock exchange, are created with the aim of matching the performance of a sector, for example, commodities or precious metals. Since they’re listed products, investors may buy and sell ETFs using a stockbroker. The word ‘alternative’ is defined as ‘mutually exclusive’, but from an investment perspective, it may be better described as ‘supplementary’ because alternative investments offer the investor an opportunity to choose from a wider selection of assets which provide an element of built-in diversification to most portfolios. Their value is not widely appreciated, but their impact upon an investment portfolio can be significant. For further details please contact the Investment Management Department at Ramsey Crookall. www.ramseycrookall.com/wealth-index/

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ALTERNATIVE GET RICH OR DIE TRYING INCOME

Alternative Income Sources Words Rick Jones Illustration Abbie Morton

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ON THE AGENDA:

Charlie Munger – a US business magnate and friend and confidant of billionaire Warren Buffet – advises would be entrepreneurs to “work for (yourself) for an hour every day”, even if you have a full-time occupation. But where do you start? Here’s the thing, to develop a sideincome, you need to spend some time thinking about what makes you, well, you. There’s bound to be something – an ability, an interest, some kind of seemingly irrelevant knowledge that you’ve amassed or critically; a passion – that is ‘yours’. The more seemingly niche ‘your thing’ is, the better; and here’s why: you aren’t alone. Thanks to the internet, you’ll be able to find a crowd that share your interest or passion, and there is where you’ll find the audience and the marketplace for You.Inc.

2. What YOU can offer

So you don’t think that you have an ultra-developed skill, or a talent? Well, guess what? A) You’re probably wrong, and even if you aren’t B) it really doesn’t matter. Perhaps you unwind by digitally doodling on photos, creating caricatures or you have an talent for mimicking mannerisms. Maybe you like dressing up (we aren’t asking). Perhaps you just have a strong set of opinions, or know when you feel something is just ‘right’. There’s a market for all of these things, and with about 3003000000 internet users globally, the chances of you knowing any of your eventual audience ‘knowing you’ are slim indeed – so drop the shyness and get yourself out there.

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3. ‘Say it’,

whatever it is

5. Offer a service

Can you read a ten-page ebook on formatting writing for Kindle? If so, you could offer the service to a busy or technologically-challenged author afterwards. Can you convert movie or

4. Be the middle-man (or woman)

So get up, get online and (responsibly) get hustling... in this day and age, there’s plenty of scope for alternative income generation!

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ACTIVE V PASSIVE

Steve Locking, managing director at Lasenby Knox looks at why investors may want to consider the best of both worlds. Words: Steve Locking Managing Director at Lasenby Knox

Active v Passive – a pick and mix - There’s an ongoing difference of opinion and popularity as to whether investors plump for an active or passive approach from fund managers. What’s the difference? Passive funds such as index trackers continue to increase in popularity primarily down to the annual cost of running the fund, often less than 0.2%pa. Opinion, however, is still divided, with plenty of support still being given to active fund managers, despite the fact that costs can be nearer 1%pa. These supporters have been quick to point out the recent performance of trackers, which have fully re ected the fall in global markets in recent weeks. Yet, active managers, although still in negative territory, have delivered smaller losses. Anyone betting on the FTSE between April 13 and August 24 will have seen their tracker investment fall by at least 13.6% but the average UK active fund fell by 8.4%. So who is right? This isn’t to be mistaken for sitting on the fence, but the answer is both. It is probably sensible to have a combination of both strategies. iversification as ever is the key, not just in asset allocation but in investment style. Taking this a step further, the Vanguard LifeStrategy range of funds, for example, use a range of index trackers and then actively manage the asset allocation. The result is a multi-asset approach achieving a broad diversification to suit your level of risk at a competitive price. If you were to ask the average investor if they were happy putting more than a third of their money in banks and

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commodities the majority would be quite alarmed at the prospect. Yet for anyone investing in a FTSE100 tracker fund that is exactly what they are doing because it is oil companies, miners and banks that dominate the top 100 stocks. The top 10 biggest companies in the FTSE100 actually account for over 40% of the index by value. Both these statistics demonstrate that a FTSE 100 tracker might be a cheap fund, and everyone recognises the FTSE100. What you probably don’t realise however, is just how much risk you are taking and

and taking global positions where interest rate policy is on a different part of the cycle. What’s the top and bottom of it? The industry is recognising that there is an increasing awareness of fund manager costs and the long-term impact on investment performance. The big fund managers such as Prudential, Aviva, Standard Life and M&G have all embraced the changes, offering funds that mix and match the two approaches. They will use passive trackers to obtain exposure to sectors of the market where

“ Both these statistics demonstrate that a FTSE 100 tracker might be a cheap fund, and everyone recognises the FTSE100. What you probably don’t realise however, is just how much risk you are taking ” how poor the diversification is. This is evidenced by the better performance of the UK active funds over trackers during the recent volatility, which was driven mainly by falling commodity prices, a sector that will have been largely avoided by active managers. Passive investing in the fixed interest sector might also not be without its problems. It is accepted that interest rates must go up at some point in the near future, although the timing of these increases is still very uncertain. When interest rates rise, the value of fixed interest assets will fall and so tracker funds replicating fixed interest indices will feel the full force of the losses. An active manager can limit their exposure by carefully choosing short dated bonds

they feel there is little value in taking an active approach, but use active funds where they require specialist risk management or sector knowledge. The result of which is a range of risk rated, multi asset funds costing between 0.6% - 0.8% which is arguably the best of both worlds. Lasenby Knox, is a trading name of Knox Financial Services Limited. Knox Financial Services Limited is licensed by the Isle of Man Financial Supervision Commission and registered in the Isle of Man, number 031375C. Registered Address: Knox House, 16-18 Finch Road, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM1 2PT.

ON THE AGENDA

Now recruiting:

NEW CLIENTS Due to a series of key hires, Lasenby Knox is now accepting new clients. We are delighted to welcome Chartered Financial Planner Christina Skelly as the latest member of the team. Our approach is as unique to each client as their own signature as we provide robust financial guidance and high levels of service. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s our signature style. To sit down with one of our advisers and discuss how we can make a difference to you and achieve your financial objectives, please contact Steve Locking, Kathy Mitchell or Christina Skelly on 01624 640590 or info@lasenbyknox.im Wealth Management, SIPPs & Retirement Planning, Estate Planning, Personal & Business Protection.

Knox House, 16-18 Finch Road, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM1 2PT. Lasenby Knox Isle of Man is a trading name of Knox Financial Services Limited. Knox Financial Services Limited is licensed by the Isle of Man Financial Supervision Commission and registered in the Isle of Man, number 031375C. Registered Address: Knox House, 16-18 Finch Road, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM1 2PT.

TELECOMS

Apple and Android battle for the future Words: Mike Fawkner-Corbett, head of product at Sure

In a globalised world companies have the power to dominate more than ever before and this influence means that consumers can be divided along tribal lines as they argue for the brands that they’re passionate about. In the mobile handset world this battle is being fought between two tech giants and their respective mobile operating systems: Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android platform. Mike Fawkner-Corbett, head of product at Sure, explores where the battle lines have been drawn. Each May the US-based business magazine Forbes publishes its list of the world’s most valuable brands and technology companies have risen to the upper echelons of the list in recent years. The 0 list places Apple in first, Microsoft second and Google in third signalling a tech domination and demonstrating the esteem in which these companies are held by consumers. Unsurprisingly, they’re also three of the world’s premier mobile phone operating system ( S) developers. The three companies are fighting an ongoing battle to be the dominant OS in an increasingly busy smartphone market and it’s fair to say that Windows is playing catch up to the big two of Apple and Android. We’ll soon find out if the launch of a new suite of Windows’ products running the company’s latest OS – Windows 10 – and promising seamless performance can help them break into the big league but, for now, Apple and Android are the market leaders. So where have the battle lines been drawn between the two systems? The first, and most visually obvious, is design. The iPhone is an iconic piece of twenty first century design and is undoubtedly the gold standard in smartphone appearance. So much so that many Android-powered devices are beginning to resemble iPhones more and more. Take a look at the Samsung Galaxy S6 and it doesn’t take a genius to work out where they got the inspiration for its look. ne of the principal differences between the two operating systems is accessibility of the platforms; which is actually indicative of the different approaches Apple and Google have

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taken to development. Apple’s is a ‘closed’ system which means it is able to control every aspect of the iPhones from the hardware to approving apps available in the App Store. Google’s approach is pretty much the exact opposite. Android is an ‘open source’ platform, meaning that it is open to developers worldwide to modify the system and develop apps to run on it. This also relates to Android running on multiple devices through Google’s hardware partners; Android is found on phones by HTC, Samsung and Motorola as well as tablets, cars and TVs. The freedom to develop has seen the Android OS spread far and wide. The ongoing battle for OS supremacy is not just about selling the most handsets and is in fact far more important than that; the eventual victor (assuming there is one) could shape the long-term future of computing. With increasing numbers of people switching from traditional desktops and laptops to mobiles and tablets the two tech giants are battling to dictate how we’ll all use computer systems in the future; this will affect us all and how we work and play in the digital world. At Sure we can tell you all about processing power, background apps, bloatware, camera quality, app management and everything else you might want to know about the two systems; but we generally find that it simply comes down to personal preference. To find out more about Apple and Android devices pop into one of our shops or check out our website at www.sure.com

ON THE AGENDA

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

BUSINESS NEWS

IoD Announces Its First Director of the Year Awards for Isle of Man

Words: Les Able

Annual awards celebrating outstanding business leadership on the Isle of Man are bein launched or the fir t ti e by the i land’ branch o the n titute o Directors. “The aim is to raise awareness among the business community of the significant contribution business leaders can make to society and the economic prosperity of the island,” said IoD branch chairman Clive Parrish. “The IoD remains focused on its aims to improve corporate governance and embed high values as a matter of course. The winners of the four categories we are seeking nominations for will be entered into the UK National Awards, which take place in London, as national winners in the Isle of Man.”. Mr Parrish added: “I hope that the business community takes the opportunity to nominate candidates as this will be a great opportunity for the IOM branch to showcase the quality of directors that operate on the island.” The Awards are being sponsored by law firm Appleby and are open to Io members and non-members from the public, private and third sector. The closing date for entries is February 5,

2016 and the names of the judges will be announced later. The Award winners will be announced at the IoDs’ Spring Lunch on Friday, April 15, 2016. “Leaders in the Isle of Man business community will gather on that date to celebrate excellence, innovation and best practice,” said Mr Parrish. The categories are: * SME Company Director of the Year – open to directors of companies with an annual turnover of under £10 million. * International Director of the Year – open to all directors in Isle of Man based companies with overseas sales. The entrant must be able to show that a minimum of 25 per cent of the company’s turnover comes from overseas sales and must be successful in exporting and committed to continual growth in the international arena.

under the age of 42 and able to point to outstanding achievements at work in the previous 12 months. * Non-executive Director – this seeks to recognise the important role that non-executive directors can play on the board of a company, regardless of its size. The entrants will hold a non-executive director position within a company, public or third sector organisation and be able to highlight the role that they have played in its overall success and growth. For further information visit: www. iod.com/connecting/local-networks/ isle-of-man or contact Claire Veale at admin@iod.im for an application form.

* Young Director – directors must be

NEDBANK PRIVATE WEALTH WINS INTERNATIONAL BANKING SERVICE AWARD Nedbank Private Wealth recently celebrated a successful evening at this year’s Professional Adviser International Fund and Product Awards in London. The company was named winner of the award for Best International Banking Service and was also highly commended for its wealth management services in the Best International Wealth Management Provider category. Colin Campbell from Nedbank Private Wealth’s ondon office collected the award from comedian Chris Turner on the night. The Best International Banking Service award recognises banks that provide services to expatriates and considers the range of services available, the choice of currencies and the related financial services offered. The category for Best International Wealth Management Provider recognises the level of service and support offered to international clients. Greg Horton, managing director of Nedbank Private Wealth, said: “I am delighted that our established Focus service still stands out from the pack and the judging panel selected us against such strong competition from many of the large international banking groups. Focus is our integrated banking and investment service, and to be acknowledged in both the banking and wealth management categories re ects the exibility and wide range of services available within ocus. “These latest accolades mark the 15th consecutive year

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that we have been recognised in these prestigious awards. They provide a powerful independent endorsement of our products and services, and help us to reinforce our message of consistency and service excellence when talking to both private clients and intermediaries.” Nedbank Private Wealth’s Focus is a fully integrated banking and investment service that offers a exible way to manage both banking and wealth management needs. It combines a whole range of banking and investment services into one seamless cost-effective package, which can save time and simplify administration. www.nedbankprivatewealth.com ON THE AGENDA

WE CAN HAVE WHATEVER COLOUR WE LIKE.

Ah, the joys of independence. With no interfering parent helping us make decisions, we’re free to concentrate 100% on making RL360° a vivid presence in the global market. Which means bringing a fresh approach to everything we do, from the way we design our products to the fast and responsive service we offer our IFAs. So if you’d like to smarten up your wealth and protection offering, why not put us to the test? Visit www.rl360.com/landing.

It’s our degree of commitment

www.rl360.com

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

BUSINESS NEWS

ICSA ANNUAL DINNER WELCOMED GUEST SPEAKER CHRIS MOON

CITYWING TOP FOR PUNCTUALITY!

Citywing is celebrating successfully delivering on its promise to give customers a punctual schedule, with 99.9% regularity achieved in the last three months. During the last quarter, 92% of all Citywing ights have departed on time and . of ights have departed or arrived within 15 minutes of their expected times. Citywing Managing Director David Buck said: ‘We are delighted with the excellent levels of punctuality achieved across Citywing’s routes. Being based on-Island is a real advantage for Citywing, as we can respond and act quickly in situations where factors such as bad weather might affect our schedules.

Chris Moon was the after-dinner guest speaker at this year’s ICSA Isle of Man Annual Dinner, sponsored by RBS International, at the Best Western Palace Hotel & Casino, Douglas, on Friday 9th October 2015. www.icsaiom.org

Sure sponsors winter eClub event on 26th November

‘We are committed to delivering a safe, reliable and punctual service for our passengers, maximising customer satisfaction and exceeding expectations. We are confident that our ight schedules will remain reliable throughout the remainder of 2015 and beyond, and we will continue to strive to keep our customers happy and deliver the best possible service for them.’ www.citywing.com

Telecommunications company, Sure, will host the winter eClub event at Bar George on Thursday 26th November, coinciding with Thanksgiving. In line with the national holiday celebrated primarily in the United States (and earlier in the year in Canada), Thanksgiving themed food, drink and general merriment will be on offer to get the event off to a lively start. Sure’s decision to sponsor the event re ects their commitment to delivering solutions to support communications now and in the future, and their enthusiasm for the eGaming sector. As the final eClub event of 0 , Sarah arvis, Marketing Manager at Sure, commented: “Sure are proud to bring the 2015 eClub events to a close with our Thanksgiving themed evening. As a communications company, we truly see the value of networking and consider this to be a vital opportunity for anybody involved in the eGaming industry to get together and discuss ideas and trends prevalent to the Isle of Man. Many key representatives from the eGaming sector attend these events, so it’s the perfect forum to confer and share expertise, as well as forge friendships with other members in the industry. We hope the event will be enjoyed by all who attend.” The winter eClub event opens from 5:30pm on Thursday 26th November at Bar George.

A YOUTH worker on a mission has launched a charity aiming to improve the lives of young people living in the Island. The newly launched charity, Youth Trust, will develop and support projects for the benefit of young people that are otherwise unavailable through government or the third sector. Its founder Martin Macfarlane, 27, is an experienced youth worker with a diverse background ranging from centre based, street youth work and theory analysis. For more information about the charity or to help by supporting projects visit: www.youthtrust.im.

www.facebook.com/IsleofManeClub

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BIG BOOST FOR LOCAL ENTREPRENEURS The changes to the Micro and Small Business Grant Schemes, which were ratified by Tynwald this week, are a welcome boost to new and emerging businesses on the Island, says local communications consultant Chris Holland. Chris, Director of Coburg Communications, is particularly pleased to see that the DED now recognises that new and emerging businesses do not just need grants to purchase equipment, but also need help to buy in the marketing skills they might not have themselves. As he says. “The previous grant schemes allowed you to buy equipment such as office furniture, vehicles and laptops, all of which are necessary and practical, but there was no grant assistance towards what can be the most vital element of any new business – marketing.” Chris, who prior to setting up his own business worked for international organisations with large marketing budgets, has seen first-hand how effective carefully targeted marketing can be. And it doesn’t have to cost the earth. “This is particularly important for new start-ups where every penny counts,” says Chris. “The government’s own Small Business Start Up Scheme includes a module on marketing, but it is only now that they have extended the grant scheme to cover this essential component of any business strategy.”

“Marketing is a very broad church,” says Chris, “but the common perception is that it is just advertising. Not so. Advertising can be part of the mix, but there is a lot more to it than that. It all comes down to communication. If you get the message right, at the right time to the right people, then not only will you have saved yourself a lot of time and money but you’ll be spending that time and money in the most effective way you can.” “And there is no shame in admitting you don’t have the skills to do this yourself,” says Chris. “You wouldn’t pay a plasterer to fix your car so why not employ an expert to help with your marketing?” www.coburgcommunications.com

Our clients said: “I must congratulate your team on how brilliant they are at customer service. A wonderful thing today!”*

We always put our clients’ unique needs first - which is why they say our service is a wonderful thing. To find out how our banking, investment and fiduciary solutions can meet your specific wealth management needs, visit our website at www.nedbankprivatewealth.com or call us on 01624 645000. * Client quote - April 2015.

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Nedbank Private Wealth is a registered trade name of Nedbank Private Wealth Limited. Nedbank Private Wealth Limited is licensed by the Isle of Man Financial Supervision Commission. Registered office: St Mary’s Court 20 Hill Street Douglas Isle of Man. Nedgroup Trust (Jersey) Limited is regulated by the Jersey Financial Services Commission.

ALTERNATIVE OPINIONS

I have an opinion! Do you? Words: Paul Stephenson

We all live in a world where access to knowledge has never been easier – and yet in my opinion people have never been so unaware of what is really happening in the world – events that matter – events that are going to affect them, their children, their families – their lives. Celebrities and sports dominate – keeping the attention of the people away from the seriousness of what is unfolding – because heaven forbid they start asking questions! Today, everything is taken for granted, from turning on the electricity, to food in the stores and expecting the ATM to just keep producing the paper that allows one to consume! It’s a throwaway society, where nothing has any true value anymore – everything is based on consumption – buying more and more stuff that is not truly needed – what has happened to us? The Western World in my opinion is bankrupt – for example, debt is now accepted as the norm – I ask – how can a country or an individual get out of debt by creating more debt? Well the answer is you cannot and as the saying goes – How did you go bankrupt? – at first slowly then all of a sudden This is our fate in my opinion and very soon, unless we use the technology that is available to educate ourselves in how we should live our lives – to live within our means and not to accept debt as a way of life, to learn about what is real money ? – to understand where electricity comes from – where does our food come from – to actually discuss and debate things that matter – not the nonsense that is constantly being fed to us all – to rediscover ourselves and the amazing potential we all have, if it was only channelled into productive areas and not meaningless so called entertainment. I wondered if there was hope – but I am pleased to say that I have met more than I dared imagine recently – especially our aspirational younger generation who actually wish to hear an alternative opinion – who are hungry to learn of what is truly happening in the world – so that they may form their own

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opinions – so that they can say – I am aware, I am prepared – I have an opinion! Nobody reads anything anymore – it’s all pictures – articles are scanned not properly read – Books what are they? Knowledge is true power and yet compared to ancient times we are so very ignorant in comparison because we are not using the potential of our minds and the access to information that we have at our fingertips properly – to increase our understanding – of why things happen – the opportunities to improve our lives and of those around us. I thought about what I was to do with this article long and hard – we all have to live with ourselves and try to be beyond reproach – to try and achieve the rarest commodity of all – peace of mind. How fortunate we are to live on this beautiful Isle of Man – it is truly a sanctuary from the madness of the world outside – a fragile world – an unforgiving world – let us start putting our minds to things that matter for the benefit of this community – be an example of what can happen when true knowledge is pursued – there is nothing we cannot achieve here – lets think for ourselves and set the example for other like – minded people to follow. Do you agree? What’s your opinion? Let’s have a debate! Email me your opinion: pm.s@inopia.im

ON THE AGENDA

Exceptional craftsmanship is woven through the rich heritage of Diamond and jewellery expertise, stretching over a century.

Allow us, at Inopia, to introduce you to the unique range of high quality distinctive, jewellery pieces. Bespoke, commissions undertaken and sourced to your specific requirements.

Contact Mr Paul Stephenson to arrange for a private discussion about pieces that are available and any designs you may wish to see brought to reality! 07624 210266 | pm.s@inopia.im

APPOINTMENTS

SENIOR MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS LAWYER JOINS CAINS

NEW DIRECTOR APPOINTED AT MANNBENHAM ADVOCATES The directors at MannBenham are delighted to advise that experienced advocate Christopher Webb has joined the board. Christopher is an experienced and robust litigator with over 12 years Manx experience and specialises in the areas of commercial, common law, employment and family litigation. Carly Stratton, director, commenting on this appointment “Christopher is an excellent addition to our board. MannBenham are recognized as being a provider of high quality legal advice and assistance and we achieve that by having a team of highly experienced and ualified lawyers. Christopher fits this description exactly. Christopher is well respect by his peers and has a wealth of experience in litigation matters.” Christopher is married with two children and prior to moving to the Isle of Man 14 years ago was a director of a London market insurance broking house. Christopher is also an English Solicitor ( on Practising), a otary Public, Commissioner for Oaths and an Associate of the Charted institute of Arbitrators. Christopher commented “I am delighted at being appointed to the board of MannBenham. MannBenham is a thriving full service legal practice with a great team which continues to go from strength to strength. I look forward to moving forward with this exciting opportunity.”

MANX TELECOM APPOINTS GLOBAL SOLUTIONS BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Cains Advocates, the legal arm of professional services group Cains, announced today the recruitment of Scott LeonardMorgan as a divisional director with the firm’s commercial department. Scott has some 20 years of experience, including extensive experience advising on mergers and acquisitions and IPOs, particularly in the start up and technology field. He was previously a partner in a large American law firm, as well as working for many years in the City of London. Scott moved to the Isle of Man some 18 months ago as General Counsel for an international mining services firm. He commented “I think the experience I have gained as an in-house lawyer enables me to better understand the rhythms and needs of a business and thereby assist in giving clients focused and practical commercial advice.” Scott is married and his hobbies include skiing, travel and cycling.

KEY STAFF REWARDED WITH PROMOTIONS AT CASTLETOWN FIRM OPTIMUS

Manx Telecom has appointed Simon Taylor as Business Development Manager for its Global Solutions Division. Simon has more than 20 years’ experience in the technology sector and extensive B2B experience selling infrastructure, software and managed services in the UK and globally. Since beginning his career with British Telecom he has held senior business development roles with Coherent Communications Inc, Tellabs, Fujitsu Telecommunications Europe Limited, Colibria AS and Ordnance Survey. He was also co-founder of Accendo Technologies in Ireland, pioneers of innovative Quality of Service solutions for mobile network operators that measured actual customer experience from the mobile device. Simon has also held senior mergers and acquisitions roles with Colibria AS and Synchronica plc that led to the successful acquisitions of Neustar Next Generation Messaging and Nokia Operator Branded Messaging businesses. Since 2012 he has been a Director of Strategum Ltd, a consultancy which provides sales transformation services. Simon commented: I am very pleased to be joining the Global Solutions offisland team at such an exciting time to continue to explore new markets and establish strategic partnerships that connect customers anywhere, anytime with our innovative Smart SIM solutions – especially in the critical connections, M2M [machine to machine] and ‘internet of things’ markets.”

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Optimus Fiduciaries Limited are pleased to announce the promotions of Ali Poole, Wayne Mears, Nikki Creer and James Bailey. “These promotions are rewarding their continued hard work and high standards set by us as a firm.” said Maureen uayle, Director in Optimus, “All four thoroughly deserve their promotions and will enable us to continue providing our clients with the best possible service”.

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PHOTOS BY | ajnphotography

A Shoprite Cycle4Life sees record breaking 2015 race A record breaking Shoprite Cycle4Life 2015 saw cyclists of all ages and abilities picking up the cycling challenge and raising funds for two local charities in the process.

t the elite end of the field Peter Kennaugh broke Chris Boardman’s 22 year old TT Mountain Course record, setting a new time of 1:23.48 seconds for the 37 ¾ mile course in the Shoprite/ Nelson Trophy Mountain Time Trial. The Team Sky rider receives a cheque for £3000 from Shoprite in the process. Other notable rides included Phillip Williams who was runner up in 1:35.10. Gianni Epifani, the 2012 race winner, was the fastest veteran in a time of 1:39.38 with Laura Morgan (1:59.40) the first ladies competitor home. Team RL360 rider Owen Dudley clocked the fastest Youths time (1:43.51) while fellow Team RL360 rider Max Walker (1:52.04) was the first Junior to finish. In the relay Mountain Course time trial, which features companies, organisations, charities and social groups each riding one of 7 legs of the Mountain Course, RL360 were the overall winners completing the course in a collective time of 1:43.14 narrowly beating Manx Viking Wheelers (1:44.13) by less than a minute with the Arden & Druggen ‘Sparks are Flying’ outfit (1:59.04) in the final podium position. Isle of Man Bank’s ‘Belles’ team took the prize for the first all women’s outfit while Old Mutual’s Mixed outfit, for teams with at least two men or women, claimed the mixed prize. The Diabetic Group (2:49.31 claimed

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the Veterans Prize with all of their riders over 40 years old and Ernst & Young claimed the hugely competitive Winerite Spirit of Cycle4Life Fun Prize. The individual honours went to Adam Scarffe (RL360) who achieved the fastest Mountain Climb leg, from Ramsey to Guthries, in the team relay event, clocking 14.43 for the sector while teammate Harry Cain clocked a mere 8.52 between the Highlander and Glen Helen, which was the fastest individual leg in the race, claiming the Microgaming Speed Merchant award. Ed Perry showed the form that won him the outright solo trophy in 2014 for the Aon Schuss downhill prize for the last leg, from the Bungalow to the Grandstand, competing the section in a time of 13.45. Once the Mountain Course action was over attention switched to the back of the grandstand where over 150 children in Under 6’s Under 8’s and Under 10’s categories competing in a new course around Nobles Park under the watchful eye of new Mountain Course record holder Peter Kennaugh, who started the race. All funds raised including race entries were donated to the Manx Diabetic Group and Port St Mary based Discover Diving’s Youth training facility. Next year’s event will be the 25th anniversary of Cycle4Life that has already raised over £200,000 for Isle of Man charities with details of the 2016 event being released before Christmas.

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Body recomposition; an alternative to weight-loss WORDS Rick Jones

These days you can barely log onto social media without a sponsored ad from one of the ever-growing number of personal training (PT) providers popping up on your timeline and offering you a total transformation in X amount of time. Many of these ads contain a ‘before and after’ picture of an existing client, complete with testimonial and many focus on the amount of weight lost, and the (usually short) amount of time it took to achieve this reduced poundage. Striving for weight loss is commendable, especially in this age of convenient calories and ‘walk-deprivation’, but often, removing the excess intake (usually starting with sugar) and furiously stepping up the activity for a prescribed amount of time doesn’t really constitute a transformation; rather it’s a temporary period of calorie deficit that can’t fail to show on the scales, but hasn’t addressed the opportunity for long-term life-improvements that the arrival of a ready and willing client presents.

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You see, in biological terms we humans are generalist animals – survival machines – that have populated almost every part of our world. We’re so successful as a species partly because we have amazing bodies honed (by evolution) for homeostasis – the inbuilt mechanism to control internal variables and keep our systems stable. Let’s explain it this way; when you’ve held a certain bodyweight for a constant period – particularly 12 weeks or longer – this weight has become your ‘set point’. You’ve had time to grow all the extra nerves, lymph and capillaries (blood supply) to carry this new tissue (fat or otherwise). On the average weight-loss program, you’ll restrict calories in (less food, less calorie-dense food such as carbs and fats) and increase calories out (via exercise).

This cannot fail to force your survivalmachine (body) to use your stored fat and glycogen (an energy source held in muscles and the liver) to preserve your criticallyimportant and energy-costly functions, such as breathing and digestion, and you’ll lose weight. However, your ‘set point’ is your previous weight. This explains why so many people who undergo rapid weight-loss simply rebound when they revert from a the intensive, PT-guided programme to what they hope will be an easier maintenance routine. But, there’s an alternative – body recomposition – and it offers not only an improved appearance but health, longevity and lifestyle benefits far beyond fitting into a wedding or holiday outfit for a while.

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Non-injured human tissue is mostly regenerative – for example; every cell in any one of your bones will be totally replaced over a decade, and your skin cells over two weeks. This incredible capability comes with a caveat though... it’s truly ‘use it or lose it’. Sedentary lifestyles and sitting-down jobs offer little opportunity to use the body as it was evolved to be used. We all know that muscles grow when (reasonably and consistently) over-used, and shrink when under-utilised. The same is true for tendons, ligaments, our lymph and blood delivery

and conditioning programme, particularly one that involves compound resistance exercises involving the prime movers of your body; your hips, your thighs and your back and shoulder musculature. You won’t ‘bulk up’ (unless you really try to), but you’ll change. You probably won’t see dramatic weight loss on the scales, as the increases in muscle and bone (which weigh more than the equivalent volume of fatty tissue) will level this out. What you will see will definitely ‘outweigh’ this, however. Having more muscle, and the

“Sedentary lifestyles and sitting-down jobs offer little opportunity to use the body as it was evolved to be used. We all know that muscles grow when (reasonably and consistently) over-used, and shrink when nde utilised. The same is true for tendons, ligaments, our lymph and blood delivery networks and even the parts of our brain and nervous system that ‘tell’ the muscles to move. Losing this tissue is known as atrophy, and atrophy is a characteristic of ageing” networks and even the parts of our brain and nervous system that ‘tell’ the muscles to move. Losing this tissue is known as atrophy, and atrophy is a characteristic of ag ing. So, in this age of MRI scans and scientific research, we know that exercise causes the above tissues and functions to increase, and that when they begin to decrease, we age. What’s more, bone and especially muscle (and to a lesser extent ligaments and tendons) are metabolically active – that is, they require energy to maintain – and our energy comes from the food we eat; calories in. So, by regularly demanding slightly more of our muscles, bones, ligaments, tendons, brains and nervous systems, we can force them to up-regulate and thus upgrade ourselves. The best way to do this – regardless of who you may be, or what you may do – is to begin a strength

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

support systems for it, can allow you to burn more calories ‘at rest’, meaning less restrictions in your diet. You’ll also find that your ‘set point’ changes. Reawakening the need to produce collagen (to build stronger tendons and ligaments) in your body will improve the function across the board – skin usually improves on well-designed strength programmes. Mental function and balance improve as your body learns new movements and responds accordingly. Last but not least, the movement of blood around the body improves health generally, mood and heart function. So if you want to make a true transformation, don’t think ‘weight loss’, think ‘body recomposition’, and go and become the strongest version of yourself. You’ll find it’s the healthiest, best ‘you’ you’ve ever known, we guarantee it.

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SURE CONTINUES VAGABONDS SPONSORSHIP IN 50TH ANNIVERSARY

Sure has pledged to continue its support of Isle of Man Vagabonds Rugby Club for the upcoming season. The club is celebrating its 50th anniversary this sporting year and Sure will support its celebratory activities as well as continuing to act as principal sponsor for the Vagabonds’ men’s and women’s teams. As part of the celebrations Sure’s PR and Marketing Manager, Sarah Jarvis, joined the men’s first XV team for their first game of the season to present them with a special commemorative kit in the style of the original playing strip to mark the club’s 50th anniversary. Vagabonds will be celebrating their anniversary throughout the season and planned events include the annual Christmas Dinner on 19 December which this year will include a number of the more memorable cabaret acts which Club members have put on over the years as well as a gala dinner on 30 April 2016.

Leigh Kennaugh, captain of the men’s first XV at Vagabonds Rugby Club, said: “This is a really exciting year for the club and we’ve got loads of activities planned to celebrate its big birthday. “Everyone at Vagabonds Rugby Club is incredibly grateful for Sure’s ongoing support and we think the logo fits perfectly with our special anniversary kits.” Sarah Jarvis, PR and marketing manager at Sure, said: “Sure is proud to be involved with Vagabonds once again for the upcoming season, especially as it’s such an important year for the club. “Clubs like Vagas are pivotal to the Isle of Man in terms of raising our sporting profile, as well as other benefits such as health and wellbeing and a sense of social belonging and camaraderie; supporting the club really feels like giving something back to an entire community. We at Sure wish both the men’s and women’s teams the very best of luck for the 2015/16 season.”

ISLE OF MAN SPORT ACADEMY FIRST WORKSHOP Commitment to excellence was the focus of the first workshop of the newly-launched Isle of Man Sport Aid Academy.

given the support and knowledge needed to work towards becoming high performance athletes in the future.

Attended by many of the Island’s most promising young athletes, their parents and coaches, the workshop was the start of a major initiative to help young sportspeople develop their skills.

During the first year the Academy, which is being funded by sponsors SMP Partners and Newfield in partnership with Isle of Man Sport, is hosting four workshops aimed at young athletes from the tier below those currently supported by Isle of Man Sport Aid.

The Isle of Man Sport Aid Academy is delivering a programme of education and training with the aim of enhancing the skills needed to shine on the world stage. Athletes aged between 13 and 17 from 11 different sports, as well as six students from Queen Elizabeth II High School, will be

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The first workshop, at Bemahague School, Onchan, was led by former professional footballer Paul Jones, who now runs Move to Perform. Paul, a qualified physiotherapist who has worked with football clubs

including Norwich City and Glasgow Rangers, is experienced in providing training in improving performance and pursuing excellence for clients from both the sporting and business worlds. He was joined by nine fellow facilitators to deliver the first workshop, including former world-class trials rider Steve Colley, Josh Green, the Under 15 and Under 19 English Badminton Champion and last year’s Isle of Man Sport Coach of the Year Lee Holland. The second Isle of Man Sport Aid Academy workshop, focused on resilience and coping with challenges, takes place on January 15, 2016. www.sportsaid.im ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

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ISLE OF MAN BANK MEDAL PRIZE PRESENTATION The Isle of Man Bank sponsored medal final took centre stage at Mount Murray Golf Club on Sunday 2oth September with those who had qualified over the summer battling it out for the medal trophy. A rather overcast sky greeted the players but fortunately the rain never materialised and everyone stayed dry for the duration. Leading the way home and taking the trophy was Dave Dancox with his return of 73-6=67 to secure a two shot victory over Marcus Avery 73-4=69, who in turn was one ahead of third placed Jono Evans 75-5=70. Robert Noon claimed fourth with his score of 70+1=71 which was also best gross on the day. In the ‘non qualifiers’ section, Alex Carine came out on top with 89-20=69, from Brian Williams 85-14=71 in second. Sunday was also the seventh and final round of the Isle of Man Bank

summer eclectic. This proved to be incredibly tight at the top with just one shot between the top five. Coming out on top was Charlie Garside on 61.5, a score matched by Captain Bob Love but Garside’s stronger showing over the closing holes saw him get the nod on a countback. Marcus Avery claimed third on 62, with Niall Keenan and Dave Dancox fourth and fifth respectively on 62.5. Isle of Man Bank also provided prizes for nearest the pins on all par 3’s and a longest drive to go along with the fantastic array of prizes on offer. A huge thanks to the Isle of Man Bank, and in particular Ian Perry, for their support of the club throughout the year and not just this occasion, a point that was made by the captain at the presentation afterwards and echoed by the members.

www.mountmurraygolfclub.com

MANX TELECOM EXTENDS END2END MTB RACE SPONSORSHIP Manx Telecom has extended its sponsorship of the End2End Mountain Bike Challenge for another two years. One of the Island’s biggest and most popular mass participation sports events, the End2End attracts riders of all abilities including an increasing number from overseas. Manx Telecom became title sponsor in 2013 as part of a three year deal, and this has now been extended until 2017. The 2016 race will be on Sunday September 11 2016. Entries for the 2016 event will open before Christmas on a date yet to be fixed - but all the details will be posted on www.manxe2e.org in due course. BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

The leaders in the 2015 Manx Telecom End2End Mountain Bike Challenge. Winner Ben Thomas (number 1) leads Elliot Baxter (number 9) who went on to finish third; Nick Corlett (number 2) who was second, and Daniel Curtis (number 3) who finished fourth.

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MISSED OUT ON LONDON MARATHON?

POKERSTARS SPONSORS TOP BRITISH SNOWBOARDER ZOE GILLINGS-BRIER

Runners who have missed out on an entry for the 2016 Virgin Money London Marathon can still put their training to good use by taking part in the Manchester Marathon instead. Because so many runners apply to enter the London Marathon, many have to rely on their name being selected in a ballot held in early October. For those that miss out, the Asics Greater Manchester Marathon is an ideal alternative as it takes place on Sunday April 10 which is just two weeks before London.

Zoe has seven World Cup podiums, three Winter Olympic Games, among many other multinational titles to her name; resulting in her being Great Britain’s most successful Snowboard Cross athlete ever. Zoe is currently Isle of Man Sports Woman of the Year, an accolade she has now won five times. PokerStars is playing a significant part in Zoe’s Olympic programme by supporting her to train and compete towards the biggest competition of her career to date – the 2018 Winter Olympic Games, which is being held in Pyeongchang; South Korea. Zoe brought her skills to the poker table during the UK & Ireland Poker Tour Isle of Man Festival recently. She competed in the Main Event and the Charity Tournament. This year’s charity tournament helped to raise funds for local charity, Craig’s Heartstrong Foundation.

The Children’s Centre has up to 11 places available for runners willing to raise funds for their charitable projects which help families and children across the Island. The Greater Manchester Marathon starts and finishes near to Manchester United’s Old Trafford stadium with a spectacular final stretch along Sir Matt Busby Way. It’s regularly listed as one of the UK’s most highly-rated events in running magazine surveys and will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2016. A field of 7,000, ranging from charity fundraisers to elite athletes, took part in this year’s event. By raising funds for The Children’s Centre runners will get the very best advice and support, and a comprehensive, hassle free package which leaves runners to just concentrate on running on the big day. The Children’s Centre package includes travel, marathon entry fee, accommodation and costs just £135, including a commitment to raise a minimum of £300 in sponsorship. Runners will take the morning ferry on Saturday April 9 from Douglas to Liverpool and be driven to Manchester where they will stay in a hotel overnight. The race starts at 9am on the following day. After the race, they will return to Liverpool by minibus to catch the evening ferry. For more information about the Asics Greater Manchester Marathon go to: www.greatermanchestermarathon.com To book your place with The Children’s Centre go to: www.thechildrenscentre. org.im/adventure-events/ or contact Lisa Motley by emailing LisaMotley@ thechildrenscentre.org.im or phoning 676076.

ISLAND GAMES TEAM PRAISED BY LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR Members of the Isle of Man team which finished second in the medals table at this summer’s Island Games were honoured at a reception hosted by His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor Mr Adam Wood. The Isle of Man team took part in 14 sports and faced stiff competition from teams representing 24 islands – but our national squad did us proud by returning with a magnificent haul of 90 medals (34 gold, 27 silver and 29 bronze). Only the home team from Jersey did better. Many of the Isle of Man competitors, and team officials, attended the reception at Government House on Thursday evening [September 24]. His Excellency, whose five year term of office as Lieutenant Governor ends in April 2016, gave a speech at the reception and said: “What you have all achieved in securing such an incredible medal tally this summer was so uplifting for all of us who live on this island. One of the things I will take away from the Island when I leave will be the extraordinary over-performance from such a small community in many fields, but especially in sport. It’s been a privilege to welcome so many of you here this evening. The Island is proud of you all – thank you for all that you have done this summer.” Also in attendance at the reception was Manx Telecom CEO Gary Lamb and Marketing Director David Smith – the Island’s leading communications company was the team’s official sponsor this year.

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MOTORING NEWS MOTORING NEWS

A CLASSIC 1957 MORRIS MINOR IS COMING UP FOR SALE FOR ONLY THE SECOND TIME IN ITS LIFE AND WILL BE AUCTIONED BY THE SAME COMPANY THAT SOLD IT IN 1980. Due for sale on October 14, the two-door Minor will be auctioned off by BCA after the same auction firm sold the car to its second owner in 1980 for £680. It’s expected to fetch around £3,000 when it goes under the hammer. The car comes with a genuine mileage of 48,000 and also includes theoriginal registration number. Also included with the car on sale is a large stock of original spare parts such as “as new” Lucas semaphore indicators, Morris badges, carpets, floor panels and chrome over-riders. Although in good general order, BCA says the car would benefit from some gentle restoration.

CONSUMERS WILL BE ABLE TO LEGALLY REJECT AND RETURN A CAR WITHIN THE FIRST 30 DAYS AFTER THEY BUY IT, IF THERE IS A FAULT. A new Consumer Rights Act 2015 comes into power on October 1 and replaces the Sale of Goods Act, giving buyers the right to reject and return faulty products in the first 30 days - including cars. Called the "early right to reject", this new legislation replaces the outgoing law that says a retailer only has to repair or replace a faulty part or item. The older law will still apply to goods between 30 days and six months from the date of sale. If the seller then fails to remedy the problem, the buyer still has the right to reject and ask for a replacement or refund.

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UNIQUE BRITISH SPORTS CAR MAKER CATERHAM HAS COMPETED FOR THE FIRST TIME IN AN EVENT NOT NORMALLY ASSOCIATED WITH ITS HIGH-OCTANE CARS - THE MPG MARATHON. The firm submitted its entry-level car, the Seven 160, to the competition in the hands of motor journalist John Mahoney, who achieved an average of 59.03mpg in the strictly-controlled test. The figure beat the official combined average by almost 1.5mpg, or 2.5%. All participants had to cover a roughly 370-mile real-world route over two days, but could vary their approach as long as they passed certain checkpoints. Powered by a mere 660cc turbocharged Suzuki engine, the 160 is Caterham’s most affordable car, but still hits 62mph from rest in just 6.5 seconds. Buyers can pay £18,995 for a fully-built version or £15,995 if they want to build it themselves.

MORE THAN TWO THIRDS (70.3%) OF UK DRIVERS SAY THEY ARE NOT WILLING TO MAKE THE SWITCH TO A DRIVERLESS CAR. A FURTHER QUARTER (24%) SAY THEY ARE UNDECIDED, LEAVING ONLY 5% OF DRIVERS INTERESTED IN MAKING THE CHANGE. A survey by insurer Adrian Flux found the majority of drivers in the UK are unwilling to consider using a driverless car even though many car companies and others such as Google are developing this type of vehicle. In the UK, 45% of drivers said they would not be happy to hand over control of driving to the car, while 36% said they enjoy driving too much to let the car do the work. Five percent of drivers also said they had serious concerns about hacking that could potentially make the car dangerous to drive, while 2.9% think driverless cars will be too expensive to become a reality.

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GADGETS

Alternative Gadgets For anyone that has read this section of the magazine before, I know exactly what you’ll be thinking right about now. You’ll have seen the theme for this month and instantly assumed that I would take this opportunity to, once again, vent my frustrations at the modern world of alternative fashion and behaviour. Usually, my friends, you’d be right. I’d love nothing more than to use these pages to spread my usual messages of conformity and conservatism, utilizing this monthly epigram of mine to make sure you all learn the dangers of the “hipster” life. But this month, in this strangely sunny (I know it’s when you’re reading this, but kids one day you’ll learn that nearly everything is either written or recorded long in advance *shakes fist in a distinct rage at Big Brother for shattering childhood dreams of live comedy*), I am going to change the often satirical, but more often juvenile, pages of the Gadgets section. That’s right you alternative types, you can rest easy for the next 30-odd days, safe in the knowledge that I will not be attempting (unsuccessfully) to convert all of my readers to the life of the herd-following sheep. This is not to say I’ll be advocating your lifestyle, oh no far from it, however I will not be taking every liberty I can in a family magazine and completely ignoring the implication of serious technological reporting given by the title of this article. That said, please don’t assume that you will actually learn anything whilst reading the next 1500 words, no matter how hard I try I will never have the patience to actually research these products properly. A fact that I’m oddly proud of. Take from that what you will.

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This month, I have chosen to actually earn my wage and try to bring you gadgets that stick to the theme of the magazine. We’ll be celebrating, still in an unmistakably sarcastic tone, the gadgets out there that seemingly offer us absolutely nothing but an alternative to the norm. That’s right, these products, including Lord Alan Sugar’s Amstrad E-m@ailer and the once-fabled TV Remote Gun, are symbols of the efforts made by those who truly have no sense of originality. Those who simply see a well-established gadget that has changed the world around them, and have the astounding selfbelief (more accurately, Lear’s hubris) to think that they can change them for the better, providing the adoring public with, in an ideal world, a new design that will not only change the market, but the lives of the masses. In reality, as you’ll see here, on the whole we end up with pretty useless s .

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YourBell USB Doorbell

I’m going to assume here that, because we live on an island of culture and at least relative class, we’ve all seen Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. Given this fact, I will also assume that we all remember the scene in which Ferris cleverly uses a system of tape recorders and technology that a high-school teen simply wouldn’t have been able to master in the short time his parents were out the house to fool Ed Rooney into believing that the hero (or if your beliefs align with mine the antagonist) is indeed sick in bed. Now, don’t try and tell me that the first time you saw that movie, you didn’t see the potential behind this trick. Pah! Fooling your head teacher into believing you’re ill is nothing compared to what could be accomplished. Try to imagine the look of intense joy on the faces of all when they ring your bell, expecting the sultry old “dingdong” that has become such a quintessential sign of the British household, only to have your voice bellow out, shouting words of your choosing at them (what they are very much depends on what kind of person you are, no judgments here). Now, the novelty bell has been around for some time, but it is only now that we are able to load our own MP3 files to a USB drive and upload whatever kind of sound we choose to be the first greeting that guests receive at your home. I kind of ran out of things to say about this after the Ferris Bueller reference, simply because I can only question what you can say? A not so subtly sarcastic congratulations to those who, in their infantile mind, decide to upload themselves telling people to “F@!k off!” loudly down the receiver (would you look at that, judgment after all), and I dread the day I turn up at someone’s house only to be instantly disgusted enough to turn and leave the moment I hear the latest House music song being blasted at me (I understand the “irony” you buffoon, and I hate you for it…lots of judgment, what else did you expect?). All in all then, as with most of the products here, I struggle to find the point in this. Nobody gains much other than a few cheap laughs and an awkward entrance into your house, and the thing costs $90.00. If you must subject your “friends” to this, try the YourBell (come on) website www. bcsideas.com/yourbell.php.

TV Remote Control Gun

Gun crime is not funny. Pretending to lay prone behind your sofa fighting the enemy using your TV remote as a gun is. Don’t look at the page (and subsequently me) like that, we’ve all done it. At least all the guys reading have, gender stereotypes aside it just happens when you’re young. The biggest problem facing our youth today is not obesity, human trafficking or poverty, it’s that remote controls do not provide an adequate grip for situations which require immediate evasive action in your own

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living room. We’ve all seen the pictures of controls that have gone through screens or smashed light bulbs (you haven’t? You don’t spend enough time on the internet my friend), and only the manufacturers of meager controllers that cannot handle an extreme warzone can be blamed for these damages, not a child’s imagination. Luckily we don’t live in the U.S.A, and it’s actually pretty difficult for a child to get their hands on a gun, however the country’s death toll’s gain is often our imagination’s loss (please don’t read into that, I’m not advocating anything untoward), Thank god, then, for the Sharp Shootin’ Remote Control Gun. Whilst I’m not entirely sure whether that is an ingenious marketing ploy by Sharp the electronics company, the product itself is one that, although useless and offering an alternative to changing channels that is actually a step backwards from the standard remote (it can only change one channel up or down), the technical details of this

the BBC’s Young Apprentice, actual children can accomplish, all whilst he sits in a glass office gently petting and polishing his God complex whilst getting rid of the only man that the nation has collectively loved on a competitive television show, Nick Hewer (however the new and improved Countdown with him as host is perhaps some of the finest programming ever seen on Channel 4). Anyway, enough about my incredibly confusing feelings towards Lord Sugar, it’s time to focus on one of the unmitigated disasters that he has successfully managed to sweep under the carpet when it comes to our generation, that dastardly genius. As we all know, email is a relatively modern method of communication in the grand scheme of things. Yes, it started early, but it didn’t really kick off outside of businesses for a number of years, and really since the introduction of the system onto smartphones it wasn’t used to its full potential. So, as with

“Gun crime is not funny. Pretending to lay prone behind your sofa fighting the enemy using your TV remote as a gun is. Don’t look at the page (and subsequently me) like that, we’ve all done it.” gadget matter not when it allows us to realize our greatest and most animalistic childhood dreams. That’s right, our generation’s memories revolve around TV, have fun with that psychology students. This must have item is available in a few places online, but I’d try Firebox. I can only find the Euro price, but with the market how it is, 20 can’t translate to anything too scary.

Amstrad E-m@iler

There once was a very deep schism within my soul that tore at me daily. I lost hair, sleep and, at times, complete control over my body because of it. The crux of the problem was one man (this isn’t me coming out in Gallery), one symbol of the wealth and entrepreneurial talent that every part of me wants, and yet one incomprehensible clown that constantly, and seemingly purposefully, made me hate him to his very core. This man, this legend, this intolerable thorn in my side is the one and only Alan Sugar. The man who, using a business acumen that is the envy of all who believe in the foundations of capitalism and, minus the negative connotations produced by almost every Hollywood film in the last century, the American Dream, built an empire on the back of his first company Amstrad, and somehow managed to turn economic success (he’s still worth £1.04 billion) into a television show that pits complete wastes of oxygen against each other in business tasks that, as proven by

any relatively low-key application or method of communication, it seems logical that it should be initiated into larger systems like the computer first, allowing its popularity to build until it became a widespread phenomenon and required its own products to perform all the necessary functions that it could (this is the days of early computers, so slow processing speeds meant that if you were sending anything larger than an RSVP you were better offwriting and delivering it by hand). However, Sir Alan and the good men at Amstrad saw this as an opportunity to cash in on the market early, and thus the Amstrad E-m@ailer was born. It’s not enough that typing that name is one of the most infuriating things on earth (the number of times I’ve seen E-m iler in the last 10 minutes could turn a good man turn bad, to borrow a phrase from Morrisey), but the design of this monstrosity was so unappealing to the eye it made the earsplitting tintinnabulation of the fax machine seem like a warm hug. All in all, to use a phrase that the Cockney Prince of London would understand, Sugar really cocked up. This wasn’t a machine offering an alternative to something great, it was a mediocre effort to join a race that had already started. You can still get these on the Amstrad website, so just google it. I can’t see a price but if it’s anything more than £15 it should be considered a hate crime. And I bet you were expecting a “You’re Fired” joke. You should know me better.

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KNOW YOUR ONION

It’s a small world, and getting smaller by the day. There are currently 7.4 billion (and rising) human beings occupying this watery blue-and-green rock we call Earth, and we’re undoubtedly running out of room. However, these days at least 42.9% of the population (according to internetworldstats. com) are spending larger and larger amounts of time in an alternative world, where time and space appear to present no obstacles or boundaries. We’re talking, of course, about the virtual world; the internet. But here’s the interesting part; the internet is a) a far, far bigger ‘place’ than you possibly realise, and b) has an almost entirely hidden alternative ‘world’ accessible through a back door that’s confusingly named after a root-vegetable. Firstly, let’s get the less-interesting stuff out of the way, and address the beginning of

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the above statement. When most of us log on to the internet, unless we’re checking our social media, shopping or going to a frequently visited site (we aren’t asking any questions, btw), we probably rely on Google or another popular search engine to tell us where to find what we’re looking for. Websites that are indexed by the search engines form the ‘surface web’ that we all know and love. Below this we find the ‘deep web’ – sometimes known as the undernet – and it’s truly massive.

indexing dynamic pages (filled-in forms, information caches, libraries of images used in pages and websites never intended to be available to everyone) would be a massively complex – and for the most part, fruitless – task. This kind of content is thought occupy a virtual area thousands of times larger than the surface web. Picture the internet as an iceberg; what you see sticking out above the surface has been pared down by external forces, whereas the truly Titanicbothering tonnage lies hidden below.

All of those pages that we pass through on our virtual journeys have a url or address, but search engines are set up to (hopefully) deliver relevant content to users, and so

For the most part, diving into the deep-web is the domain of statistic-collectors, and more interestingly, the current crop of spies, private detectives and perhaps borderline

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criminal types who realise that if you can find what the search engines can’t, you have information that no-one else does. However, although there is an entire ‘open-source intelligence’ training industry based around the deep web, there’s so much ‘noise’ that striking even a speck of germane gold means sifting through monstrous piles of meaningless muck. But, here’s where it really does get (perhaps morbidly) fascinating; for those willing to dive into the murkier depths, deeper yet than the deep web, there’s an entirely alternative internet yet, and one that’s probably the underpinnings of the biggest news stories that we hear after-the-fact; The Dark Web – the home of .onion urls. (For you conspiracy theorists out there, when George ‘Dubya’ Bush spoke of “rumours on the internets” back in the year 2000, maybe he knew something we didn’t? We doubt it too!) The Dark Web is where users deliberately remain in the shadows and bury information beyond the reach of prying search-bots and even the authorities. Usually utilising a piece of software known as The Onion Router (TOR), users and websites can maintain a surprising level of anonymity, and make sure that they are only found by those who are already aware of them. TOR was originally developed for the US intelligence community, but was soon co-opted by private individuals wishing to remain, well, private. It works (and derives it’s onion moniker) from the way that it ‘layers’ the source of user and website IP addresses; routing them hundreds of times through other points on the network until observers can’t tell where the information starts or ends.

to evade detection. By utilising the online currency known as Bitcoin, even payments can be anonymous, and where there’s muck there’s money, as you are likely aware. But, all of this said, it’s not just a hang-out for human garbage; a growing number of privacy-concerned individuals, including those hacked-off with invasive market research and activity-analysing algorithms watching their every move on social media et al are beginning to utilise TOR and similar software, to go online without giving away their life and lifestyle choices. Facebook and YouTube have even launched .onion sites for those concerned with freedom and censorship.

So, how do you find that which is hidden? We’ll tell you, but first, please note that you are entirely responsible for your own actions from here on out, and in the unlikely event that a black van full of men in SWAT gear arrive at your house, then you didn’t hear this from us. Most of the information required to access The Dark Web can be discovered by going to thehiddenwiki.org. If you fancy a glimpse without the risk of accessing something you’d rather avoid, then have a look at this video: https://youtu.be/wMgqTWdk3tw. So if you do decide to step into the onion patch, be careful how you tread, and good luck on your alternative internet journey.

Predictably, it’s become a haven for nefarious activities and those who enjoy them; indeed the recently busted ‘Silk Road’ was a dark-web marketplace where visitors could buy guns, drugs and even order ‘a hit’ on someone, mafioso style, almost as simply as shopping on a well known online auction site. Even more predictably (given the popularity of pornography on ‘the surface’), it’s where the worst kind of perverts attempt

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HARDWARE

PHONE HOME

iPhone 6 s The only thing that’s changed is everything. Since it set the smartphone world alight back in 2007, the iPhone has maintained its position as the handset that other manufacturers aspire to beat. Given the strength and depth of competition, this is an incredible record and amazingly, it is one that Apple has been able to extend with the iPhone 6S. If you thought iPhones couldn’t get any better, then you were mistaken. The 6S takes the new iOS 9 operating system, adds the faster and smaller A9 and M9 chipsets, strengthens the body with aviation grade aluminium and improves an already impressive camera to give the market a truly superb phone that will have iPhone aficionados buzzing for months and, most importantly for Apple, will likely attract new customers in their droves. The 3D touch introduces a completely new way of interacting with your iPhone. Allowing you to ‘peek’ at the likes of emails, photos, and websites with a light press of the screen, and ‘pop’ into it by simply applying a little

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more pressure. Only when you are sure that is what you want to look at, that is. The 6S is available as a standard size or in a ‘Plus’ version with similar dimensions to the iPhone 6 and it comes in four colours, with the gold and rose gold looking particularly stylish. Its 12Mp camera is outstanding and integrates brilliantly with the multimedia functions that have made iPhones so popular. You can take, edit and share images and video more quickly and easily than ever before. You can get your hands on the iPhone 6S today from Manx Telecom and Sure stores.

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