With this summer stop-starting, stopping and now (possibly) starting again, lots of us are desperate for some uninterrupted sunshine. But none of us are immune to those guilty ‘what about the planet?’ thoughts that go with travel and holidays so Rebecca Evans has some hints and tips to remind us how we can be mindful when we travel, from something as simple as remembering to take your own water bottles and bags-for-life in the packing, to walking or cycling instead of taking taxis on your city-break. And taking trains instead of internal flights.
But this is our regular Green issue, so we’re also bringing you an A-Z of Climate Change, not to overwhelm readers with feelings of powerlessness, but to bring it closer to home and remind us all that it’s not too late to, as author Imogen Malpas says, get off our collective a**es and take action. Our children will thank us for it, but if it all becomes too much then Martin Malone of Simply Nutrition is here to help you navigate your way around the stresses of life. Whether you talk to friends or family about how you’re feeling, or seek help from a professional, remember, you are not alone.
One of Martin’s suggestions to help relieve stress is to get out in the open air so there’s more good news: Douglas City Council has once again been awarded nine – yes 9! –prestigious Gold Flags from UK environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy for the parks and green spaces it manages.
As ever Gallery is promoting the Island’s creative excellence, and what could be more excellent than Ella Magee’s exhibition Smitten at the Hodgson Loom Gallery in Laxey. Michael Sandle RA has picked out Ella as an artist to watch. She is, he says, ‘seriously talented’ and you can read about her work in this issue, and visit the exhibition until 14 September.
Enjoy the rest of the summer!
SR
/ ISLAND LIFE & STYLE
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, although the new cover colour is called ’penguin white’. Tag us in your pictures at @galleryisleofman and #gallerysmallprint and we’ll give you something..... Recycle.
Gallery recycles all its storage and packing materials, boxes and any old magazines that are returned. We don’t get that many fortunately. We love to know our readers hang on to previous copies but when you move or find that they’re taking up too much space, put them out in the recycling bins. If you want to find out more about recycling, call 01628 686540. We put this in a green font. It’s not made out of leaves, honest.
THE GREEN EDITION #113
PUBLISHER STEVE REDFORD steve@gallery.co.im 01624 619540
EDITORIAL PRODUCTION FIONA FAYAD fiona@gallery.co.im 01624 619540 07624 296308
ENQUIRIES/SUBMISSION info@gallery.co.im DISTRIBUTION everyone@gallery.co.im ACCOUNTS laura@gallery.co.im
GALLERY IS PUBLISHED BY 221 Media PO BOx 52 Douglas, Isle of Man IM99 1GY
REGISTERED IN THE ISLE OF MAN NO. 125981C
#113 HIGHLIGHTS
Jersey Boys 8
In a dazzling celebration of 1960s music, the Isle of Man’s Gaiety Theatre was recently home to the amateur premiere of the Tony, Grammy, and Olivier award-winning musical, JERSEY BOYS.
Mount Everest Base Camp Trek 18
Read about how Sally and John Barton will be trekking to Mount Everest South Base Camp in October 2024, and hope to raise enough money for Wish upon a Dream to grant more wishes, AND raise money for specialist medical equipment for Sophie.
SMITTEN 20
Smitten, by Ella Magee, is her first solo exhibition in the Isle of Man after returned to the Island in 2022 following years of studying, living and working abroad.
Andreas Racing Association 46
Anreas Racing Association (ARA) proudly hosted its inaugural “This is Where it All Begins” event on May 16th at the SkillanNaylor Car Showroom in Douglas with Bluepoint Events providing all the lighting and sound.
Ella Magee - SMITTEN
Katy & Dan Webb’s Wedding Day
YOUNG DANCE CHAMPIONS: Evan O’Dea and Lula-Belle Findlay Shine Bright at Blackpool
Evan and Lula-Belle, two names that are making waves in the world of dance, have returned triumphant from the prestigious Blackpool Junior Dance Festival. At just 14 years old, this dynamic duo clinched not one, but two championships: the British Classical Sequence and British Modern Sequence Championships. What’s even more remarkable is that they won every dance in every competition they entered throughout the festival week, a feat that speaks volumes about their talent and dedication.
But their achievements don’t stop there, Evan and LulaBelle, representing the Isle of Man, were selected as team captains in a thrilling competition against England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, leading the Isle of Man team to an impressive second-place finish.
Adding to their list of accolades that week Evan and Lula-Belle were lucky to have the opportunity to assist Amy Dowden, a celebrity dancer from "Strictly Come Dancing," during a TV special where she was reporting from the iconic Blackpool Winter Gardens for ITV's "Lorraine" show.
Upon returning home, Evan and Lula-Belle wasted no time in giving back to their community as they performed a special demonstration at a tea dance held on behalf of the charity DECAF, dedicated to supporting dementia patients and their carer’s. Despite their busy schedules, they gave up their lunch hour during their school day to make it happen.
Under the guidance of their dedicated teacher, Jayne Hill, who has nurtured their talents since the tender age of four, Evan and Lula-Belle have not only mastered the art of dance but have also absorbed valuable life lessons along the way such as commitment, resilience, and support for others, they attribute much of their success to her unwavering dedication and mentorship.
Their achievements have not gone unnoticed, as Evan and Lulabelle have been nominated for the
prestigious Classique De Danse Awards which is a National Awards ceremony where nominations for every type of dance style such as ballet, tap, theatre and many more are accoladed. This is scheduled to take place once again at the Blackpool Winter Gardens in August.
In winning the double championship for the second consecutive year, Evan and Lula-Belle have etched their names in history as the first couple from the Isle of Man to achieve this remarkable feat.
TWO FEATHERS PRODUCTIONS JERSEY BOYS WOW ISLE OF MAN AUDIENCES: A Retrospective on the Smash-Hit Musical
In a dazzling celebration of 1960s music, the Isle of Man's Gaiety Theatre was recently home to the amateur premiere of the Tony, Grammy, and Olivier award-winning musical, JERSEY BOYS. From 12th to 20th July, audiences were transported back in time to experience the rise of Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Nick Massi, and Tommy DeVito – the four young men from New Jersey who became global sensations as The Four Seasons.
A Journey Through Music History
Jersey Boys brought the iconic sound of The Four Seasons to life with hit songs like “Sherry,” "Big Girls Don't Cry," and "Walk Like a Man." The musical's compelling narrative highlighted the group's personal and professional challenges, from gambling debts and Mafia threats to family disasters, all while showcasing their ultimate triumphs.
Stellar Local Talent
The Isle of Man production featured a stellar cast, with Joe Hillard leading as Frankie Valli. Joe, a native of the Isle, delivered a captivating performance that resonated with audiences. Charlie Williams portrayed Tommy DeVito, the charismatic founder of The Four Seasons, with enthusiasm and flair. Jack Divers took on the role of Bob Gaudio, the band's musical prodigy, while Thomas Iain Dixon played the steady and talented Nick Massi. The production also featured Nick Cain as the flamboyant genius music producer Bob Crewe.
Joe Hillard, as Frankie Valli: Joe, an Isle of Man native, brought a wealth of experience from his performances in London and prestigious events such as BBC Radio 2’s Friday Night is Music Night and the Olivier Awards. His portrayal of Frankie Valli was captivating and resonated deeply with audiences.
Charlie Williams, as Tommy DeVito: Known for his performances in The Mousetrap and The Importance of Being Earnest, Charlie brought charisma and flair to the role of Tommy DeVito, the smooth-talking founder of The Four Seasons.
Jack Divers, as Bob Gaudio: Jack's previous roles include Danny Zuko in Grease and Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar. His portrayal of Bob Gaudio, the band's musical prodigy, showcased his versatility and passion for musical theatre.
Thomas Iain Dixon, as Nick Massi: With performances in Evita, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and Miss Saigon under his belt, Thomas brought depth and emotion to the character of Nick Massi, known for his steady presence and musical genius.
Nick Cain, as Bob Crewe: The flamboyant genius music producer, played by Nick, added a touch of astrological insight and creativity to the production. Nick's past roles include Cogsworth in Beauty and the Beast and Enjolras in Les Misérables.
Kathryn Toohey, as Frankie Valli’s tough, Italian, Jersey-girl wife Mary Delgado. Kathryn studied Music at the University of Salford, graduating with a First-Class Honours Degree in Vocal Performance. Her previous roles include Florence Vassy in Chess, Maria in The Sound of Music, Cosette in Les Misérables and Nancy in Oliver.
The show also featured Grace Hoodless, Eve Puzzar, and Dandi Dancox as ‘The Angels’, the talented girl group that often opened for The Four Seasons and topped the charts with "My Boyfriend’s Back".
Grace Hoodless: Known for her roles in DCU’s production of Evita, Grease, Sister
Act, and Sunset Boulevard, Grace brought powerful vocals and vibrant energy to her performance as an Angel.
Eve Puzzar: Winner of the 2023 Young Singer of Mann and 2024 Young Actor of Mann runner-up, Eve’s previous roles include Elsa in Frozen Jr, Anna of Cleves in Six the Musical, and Gramma Tala in Moana Jr. Her dynamic stage presence and vocal prowess were highlights of the show.
Dandi Dancox: Returning to the stage after a three-year break, Dandi’s past performances include Fiona in Shrek the Musical, Eponine in Les Misérables, and Ariel in The Little Mermaid Jr. Her portrayal of an Angel was both charming and powerful.
Community Support and Charity
Throughout the run, Two Feathers Productions demonstrated their commitment to the local community by organising charity bucket collections at each performance. The charities supported included:
Mannin Cancers Support, RNLI Douglas, Breast Cancer Now Volunteering in Isle of Man, Cruse Bereavement Support Isle of Man, Manx Children’s Art Therapy, Arlo’s Adventure, Anthony Nolan, Isle Stand up to Suicide, The Children’s Centre. Over the course of the show run raising just over £6,000.
Sponsors and Supporters
The production was made possible with thanks to the generous support of sponsors, including Canaccord Genuity Wealth Management (UK, Channel Islands, and Isle of Man), KPMG in the Crown Dependencies, Alitude Leadership and Coaching and Atla Group. Additionally, the show received support from the media.
A Record-Breaking Run & Glowing Reviews
Alex Toohey (Two Feathers Productions, Founder and Producer) confirmed the whole cast had been lifted by the overwhelmingly positive, glowing reviews from number of attendees. The production saw approximately 6,000 audience members through the Gaiety Theatre’s doors with the final show landing a sell out with all 862 seats within the stalls, circle, boxes, amphitheatre and gallery all sold out.
“Left the theatre and immediately booked to come again.”
“The vocals are outstanding.”
“Excellent performances from everyone; probably the best show I’ve seen, certainly at the Gaiety if not the West End. Definitely worth a visit.”
One audience member remarked, “The Four Seasons' faultless tight vocals topped it all for me, with superb blend and balance.” Another review highlighted, “It has totally made my weekend, and your life will be made better for seeing this show.”
A Dream Team: dkphotography and Kelly Firth
The success of Jersey Boys was not just due to the performances and to all those backstage, but also the incredible promotional material. Dave Bell of dkphotography, captured the essence of the production through a stunning set of promotional photos that highlighted the vibrant performances and conveyed the emotion and energy of the musical. These photos, complemented by the exceptional
Productions very own Kelly Firth, whose work brought everything together for promotional adverts in the lead up to the show and another outstanding program. Together, Dave and Kelly are the dream team collaboration that played a crucial role in advertising and marketing the show's success.
A Heartfelt Conclusion
Reflecting on the journey, the Jersey Boys' run at the Gaiety Theatre was more than just a series of performances; it was a celebration of music, community, and talent that surely left a lasting impression on everyone who experienced it, both on and off the stage.
What’s next
Following up with Alex, we asked what was on the cards next for the Two Feathers Productions team. He confirmed that once the team had fully recovered, they would look at a couple of options that were being considered.
For more information, you can follow them on our Facebook/Instagram account: @twofeathersproductions. Two Feathers Productions.
//ISLAND WIDE//
Welcome to the Wildlife Expert Training Academy!
Put your headphones on and join Ali from the Manx Wildlife Trust in a wonderful world of wildlife, as you train to become Wildlife Experts yourselves. But, watch out for Professor WhizBang, the wacky inventor - he has yet another invention up his sleeve. And this time, it’s hurting the Wonderful Wishing Tree! What are you waiting for? Let’s get you trained up so we can stop him, together. Let’s Get Wild! is an audio-immersive theatre show for young people aged 5-9. Participants will join the adventure through silent disco style headphones. Be ready to move, shake and participate!
Best suited to ages 5 – 9 (and their guardians), the show lasts approximately 30 mins. Commissioned by Manx Wildlife Trust, cocreated by Hello Little People, David Kilgallon, youth collaborators and year 2 and 3 students from Laxey & Kewaigue Primary schools.
Summer tour dates: Peel Carnival - Sunday 4th August, Strand Street, Douglas - Tuesday 6th August, Mooragh Park, RamseyWednesday 28th August, Market Square, Castletown - Thursday 29th August.
More details and tickets from www.mwt.im/letsgetwild
//TT COURSE//
The 2024 Manx Grand Prix will take place from Sunday, August 18th when practices start until Monday 26th with the final Senior and Classic Superbike race bringing the event to a close.
Local road closures will apply.
www.manxgrandprix.co.uk
//GAIETY THEATRE, DOUGLAS//
Get ready for ‘the start of something new!’ All Island Theatre company have gathered together some of the Island’s leading youth talent and promise a show to give you a ‘feeling like no other.’ So bring the family along to this dazzling production which does anything but ‘stick to the ‘status quo’.
High School Musical is centred around the blossoming relationship between star athlete Troy Bolton and academic beauty Gabriella Montez when, after a chance meeting at a karaoke competition, they return to school after the holidays to find that Gabriella has transferred to East High, where they both audition for the upcoming school musical. Full of catchy songs and exciting dance routines, the musical explores issues of friendship, first love and acceptance.
Tickets from www.villagaiety.com
07.09.2024 OTHER WORLDS, UNDERWORLDS, WONDERWORLDS
3.09.24
IOM ARTS COUNCIL ANNUAL LECTURE –DAME JOANNA LUMLEY
24.09 – 29.09.2024 MANX LIT FEST
Wanting to treat yourself after lockdown? We have a wide range of cars and commercial vehicles and can source a particular vehicle on request.
//ERIN ARTS CENTRE, PORT ERIN//
A Penny Production where all kinds of alchemy converge to create a unique and poetical world. Featuring first, from Australia, award winning spoken word poets Sarah Temporal and Damien Becker. Then from the Isle of Man, ‘Aristeia’ – rhythmic poetics, gongs, songs and drums from triple IOM Poetry Slam champ, Jackie Morrey Grace with Sonic Artist, Amy Howse and Jazz Vocalist, Lauren Gray.
And finally, and not to be missed, Jackie Morrey Grace’s first poetic epic On Ravensdale Hill as you’ve never seen or heard it before.
Tickets for all events www.ticketsource.com/ErinArtsCentre
//GAIETY THEATRE, DOUGLAS//
Dame Joanna Lumley is the guest for the Isle of Man Arts Council Annual Lecture 2024 which is an “in conversation” style event, with audience members also having the opportunity to ask questions.
This event is sold out, but contact the Villa Gaiety on 01624 600555 for any returns.
Tickets from www.villagaiety.com
//ISLAND WIDE//
Novelist, playwright, stand-up comedian and actress Sukh Ojla heads a star-studded lineup for this year’s LitFest, and attendees will be entertained by a whole host of visiting and local authors, illustrators, poets and storytellers. Events include poetry nights, a writers’ day and book fanatics’ quiz night, as well as events held by visiting and local authors, illustrators and poets.
There is also a crime and rhyme night, which has two crime writers talking about their books followed by a performance by The Bookshop Band, who have a repertoire of book-themed songs, and a number of school visits and library events with children’s authors and illustrators.
For more details, including how to book for the various events, see www.manxlitfest.com
Our Vehicles are updated regularly on our facebook page and recommendations include:
“The service I have received from Vehicles.im has been first class from start to finish”
“If you need a new/second hand car/van then go to vehicles.im”
“Outstanding customer service. Absolutely love my new car bought from vehicles.im no pushy salesman or gimmicks, wouldn’t hesitate to return for future purchases” facebook.com/vehicles.im
Relationships
Words: Anne Berry – Wine Down
They say time flies when you’re having fun, and it’s hard to believe that we have been open for 6 years.
In those 6 years we have built numerous great relationships, both with our fantastic, loyal customers and with our suppliers.
Where possible, we source our ingredients locally, especially our meat and fish. We use only local butcher, Harrison and Garrett, for our meat and Devereaus supply the majority of our fish. Daily deliveries ensure a fresh selection of specials is available on the menu each day. Robinsons, of course, bring our fresh fruit and vegetables every day.
We are passionate about food and wine and choose to work with others whose ethos is the same. Our belief is that good quality starts with the raw materials and that working with people with similar values is the key to success.
Most of our wines come from 7 UK suppliers as this give us the ability to offer an amazing range from countries such as Japan, Hungary and Bulgaria as well as the traditional wine producing nations.
We do, however, ship our own from Sancerre, Chablis and the Mosel Valley in Germany.
Lynne and Philippe Raimbault in Sancerre –a story of love at first sight! Lynne is English and moved to France looking for a new start in life. A lover of Loire wines, she found herself in Sancerre, where she opened up an Internet Café (yes, this was a fair few years ago!). During her first week open, Philippe came in and the rest is history.
We met them two weeks before opening Wine Down and have stocked their wines ever since. They hosted a dinner with us in 2019 and we
are thrilled to be welcoming them again in November. This event is filling up fast so, if you’re looking for a special night out, make sure you book your table.
The Philippon siblings in Chablis –a story of fate! On a trip to Chablis, a couple of weeks before Wine Down opened, sitting in a little wine bar, we asked for recommendations of good Chablis. On a tiny orange post-it note was written ‘Chateau de Fleys Incontournable’. The next morning while driving to our next destination, we turned off the main road to take photos of the vineyards bathed in sunshine. We had turned into the car park of Chateau de Fleys! Beatrice and Olivier made us very welcome, despite them speaking very little English and us with our ‘O’ level French. We loved their wine and have now shipped 7 pallets with another on the way. Google translate and dictionaries make the communication fun, but more importantly, we love to work with a family producer who put quality and passion above anything else.
The Stein brothers in Alf, Germany –a story of friendship. Aged 17, I spent a year working with the brothers and their parents with the purpose of learning German. Not only did I learn the language but this was where my real passion for wine began. Days spent working in the vineyards or the cellar, picking grapes, bottling, labelling and packing wines were interspersed with wine tastings with visitors from Berlin, Hamburg, Cologne and Munich. At the end of the year, I was able to say (tasting blind) which vineyard and vintage each wine was from. There was no turning back! I knew this was what I wanted to do!
43 years later it is a real pleasure to be able to share these excellent wines with our customers on the Island.
Three families, three regions, three different grape varieties, but they have one thing in common – three honest, hardworking families, with a common aim to produce the best wines possible for others to enjoy.
Lynne and Philippe Raimbault in Sancerre
Chateau de Fleys, Beatrice and Olivier
The Stein brothers in Alf, Germany
BRITISH HEART FOUNDATION
On the 27th April 24 Claire Parsons and Sophie CowleyHardy - pictured on the left - of the British Heart Foundation Isle of Man Branch, organised a lovely coffee morning at Ballaugh village hall. People very generously made and donated beautiful cakes. It was a lovely morning to sit and chat...and of course, eat delicious cake! With the generosity of the public we made an incredible amount of £488 with funds still trickling in!
All these funds will go to pay for vital research into heart and cardiovascular diseases. The British Heart Foundation also provide CPR manikins and training materials for Manx Care Resuscitation team to perform cpr training in schools. This invaluable skill, once taught, can help save lives forever.
A hugh thank you to all involved. Everyone's generosity is so appreciated. If anyone is interested in doing something similar, or would like to be part of our team, please do contact Jill of the BHF IOM group on 429721. You just never know when you'll be needing the expertise of procedures or operations that all stemmed from research. Research continues to be needed to help to find a cure for heart failure and other cardiovascular diseases.
ARTS AID COLLABORATES WITH SOVEREIGN ARTS FOUNDATION TO FOSTER CREATIVITY
ARTS AID, the Manx charity that offers financial assistance to Island students seeking to further their education and development in the arts, has joined forces with the Sovereign Arts Foundation (SAF) to strengthen its offering to young people.
The partnership will allow the Manx charity to take an even closer look at all aspects of the arts as it continues to support talented locals hoping to pursue a career in their chosen field.
While Arts Aid awards annual scholarships, the SAF holds a student art competition in the Island each year with cash prizes for students and worldwide exhibitions which raise thousands of pounds for charities.
Director at Sovereign Trust Ltd, Anna Lowey, says the alliance is ‘testament’ to its commitment to foster creativity and advance education.
“The collaboration between Sovereign and Arts Aid makes me feel exceptionally proud and fulfilled, knowing we’re contributing to our local community by supporting these students in pursuing their artistic passions.”
Chairman of Arts Aid, Mark Denton, added: “Our first criterion is always exceptional talent. After that, it’s about levelling the playing field in terms of opportunity with awards intended to ease the financial burden on young people and, in some cases, make the difference as to whether a student can take up a course or not.
“We look forward to partnering with the Sovereign Trust who match our own ambitions.”
Further application information is available from the website: www.arts-aid.im/
Meet Sally and Sophie,
Nannan and Granddaughter
Sophie has recently turned three years old and is little sister to Theo, 11, and Lucas, 6. She is a very happy, sensory seeking, sassy young lady, who finds joy in even the smallest of things, and loves water, lights, and exploring.
But at just 4 months old, Sophie was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition called Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC), which causes noncancerous tumours to develop in different parts of her body, most often affecting the Brain, skin, kidneys, heart, lungs, and eyes.
Sophie currently has tumours in her brain, heart, kidneys, and on her skin. The tumours in her brain cause her to have medication resistant epilepsy, which means that although she takes multiple anti-epileptic drugs per day, she still continues to have several seizures every day. Some of the seizures have only just been controlled when the next seizure type starts. One of Sophie’s brain tumours is growing, and it is likely that she will need surgery in the next few years to remove it. As Sophie gets older, there is a high possibility of further tumours growing in her lungs, eyes, nerves, and spinal cord. Sophie’s family have
no idea what her life will be like, and they take each day as it comes.
You might of heard of Wish upon a Dream, an independent charity, ran by an incredible lady called Lesley, who grants wishes to very sick children here on the Isle of Man. Lesley set up Wish Upon a Dream in memory of her daughter, Lauren, who died as a baby. There have been a huge number of wishes granted so far, including Sophie’s wish of the things she loves most - water and lights. Two years ago, Sophie was gifted some amazing sensory equipment from Wish Upon a Dream that she still plays with and uses daily, and it has helped her development tremendously, and more recently she received a specialist pushchair. But without the sponsorship, annual pledging, and donations received by Wish Upon a Dream, granting these wishes would not be possible. Since then, Sophie’s family has helped raise funds for Wish Upon a Dream not just as a
way of saying thank you but also to help this incredible charity grant wishes for other children who have life changing conditions or are terminally ill.
And this is where Sophie’s Nannan, Sally comes in. In October Sally and John Barton, will be trekking to the Mount Everest South Base Camp, and hope to raise enough money for Wish upon a Dream to grant more children’s wishes, AND to raise money for specialist medical equipment for Sophie. The Everest Base Camp has an impressive altitude of 17,598 feet (5,364m),over 8 times the height of Snaefell - and it takes around 12-14 days of trekking up to 8 hours a day to reach, with the total trekking distance at approximately 80 miles (130km). This Trek is no walk in the park, and Sally will need to overcome the constant physical and mental battles that comes with tackling this section of the world’s highest peak. So please support her on this incredible mission by donating via the Just Giving fund-raising page.
Your donation will help grant more children’s wishes from Wish Upon a Dream and provide specialist medical equipment for Sophie.
www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/TSC-and-Everest
Ella SmittenMagee:
Ella Magee returned to the Island in 2022 after years studying, living and working abroad. In 2006 she completed her MA at Nanyang Academy of Fine Art Singapore, which explored rituals in South East Asia, and then more recently has completed a course in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. I tell you this not just as an introduction to Ella, but because of the influence of these studies thousands of miles away have made on the artworks in Smitten, her first solo exhibition in the Isle of Man.
So what exactly does the title Smitten come from? The word itself comes from the Old English smite, meaning a spot, a smear or (in Scottish), a stain.
“Smit marks are the colourful symbols and marks daubed by farmers on their sheep,” explains Ella from her home in the South of the Island. “For research purposes smit is the sheep markings, but I also consider how we can be smitten by a place, or a person, and that place, or person can make a mark on us. Smits aren’t just marks of
“Studying
rituals and patterns of behaviour in society also made me consider the parallels between neurodiversity and modern farming practices, and the need of both to define and mark, to divide and order”
identification but also, in some cases, a set of symbols and colours that can be used for information about the age, health condition and when the ewes are bred and further research has given me more of an insight into what is actually a fascinating secret language.”
Ella was born and brought up on the Island, with Manx roots that go back over 400 years. Many of her family were, and are, farmers, but her grandfather was a historian who
Words Suzy Holland Images: Ella Magee
“Although categorisations can be helpful, even sometimes necessary, it can be extremely unhelpful, unkind and unnecessary to put people into silos, into pens like sheep, based on neurological differences.”
shared his knowledge and stories of Manx history and heritage with Ella, inspiring her to explore rituals and cultures in her adult life. Ella studied art at Ballakermeen, and then, like many 18 year olds left the Island to continue her art education both across and further afield. “My MA research developed the idea of artist as ethnographer,” she says, “and once I moved back to the Island I applied the same research methodology to gain a deeper understanding of the ways of this land.” Smitten is the result: drawings and paintings reflecting her love of the landscape, and delving further into the ethnographic meanings, both visible - the smitsand hidden.
“Studying rituals and patterns of behaviour in society also made me consider the parallels between neurodiversity and modern farming practices, and the need of both to define and mark, to divide and order,” Ella explains. “Although categorisations can be helpful, even sometimes necessary, it can be extremely unhelpful, unkind and unnecessary to put people into silos, into pens like sheep, based on neurological differences.”
Since arriving back on the Island Ella has created ‘Removing Barriers’, an organisation which supports people and institutions as they learn about neurological differences, and helps them to find gain knowledge, awareness and strategies which enable connections, and belonging. And of course, this flows seamlessly into her art - drawings and paintings which apply her investigations of rules and regulations, and a sense of fitting in or, in some cases, being excluded.
So what can you expect to see in Smitten? Ella’s exhibition includes a collection of mostly large Chinese ink drawing and washes, an oil painting, an etch and some mixed media work. “I like to work outside, not just to record ideas, thoughts and observations and to make initial sketches, but also to create what I hope are finished works,” she says, “but it doesn’t always go to plan. Using permanent Chinese ink means I have to work quickly but also means that the Island’s wind and rain play a part.” Ella often incorporates these unexpected and unplanned smears and blurs – the Island’s own weather smits – into the completed work and also includes marks made by using blades of grass and twigs, and by making her own tools to reproduce
nature’s own pattern and texture in her work.
“I spend a lot of time walking in the Manx countryside and what I see first, before shape and space, is pattern and texture,” Ella continues, “and then the smit marks on the sheep dotted around the hillsides, those little smears of colour punctuating the green rolling hills, really jump out at me. I paint them quickly and roughly on my artwork with my fingers, just as I have seen busy farmers do with penned-in sheep”.
You may have seen three of Ella’s works in the Home exhibition at the Manx Museum last winter and she explained to me why that title, the idea of home, is so important to her:
“It’s not just because the Isle of Man is my home, but because that sense of belonging is so prevalent in my work and my life,” she says. “Moving from Singapore to the Island was my children’s idea – despite never having lived here in their short lives, when we asked them where they’d like to move to, they immediately said ‘home’ which they said was the Isle of Man. We didn’t really have much choice, home we came. And, for now, we belong here.”
If this feature and the images reproduced ono these pages aren’t enough to make you rush to Laxey to see Smitten perhaps a ringing endorsement from renowned sculptor and artist Michael Sandle RA, who has a deep love for the Island, will:
“Ella Magee is an artist to watch,” Sandle says, “she is seriously talented and she can draw. Ella has something to say through her art,” he continues, “which is bloody marvellous as so much contemporary ‘art’ is ether meaningless, shallow or just decorative.”
But the last word should go to Ella herself:
“I am incredibly nervous about sharing two years’ worth of work, my field notes and the stories in my artwork,” she says, “but I hope it can be viewed on two levels – as an ethnographical record of the practices and rituals I’ve observed, but also as art that brings these stories to life.”
Smitten is on at the Hodgson Loom Gallery, Laxey until 14 September.
A MosaicCommunity for the
Words Suzy Holland Images: Debra Tracey and schools, students and RNLI volunteers
Debra Tracey is the first to admit that she often opens her mouth without engaging her brain, and this new community mosaic is a good example of that. She was thinking about a new project late last year when one of her students, Amanda Cooper, mentioned that 2024 marks the 200th anniversary of the RNLI. When she then met David Hill of Port St Mary RNLI wearing his RNLI fleece at a Christmas Fair, she thought out loud that this would make a fabulous community mosaic. Suddenly, meetings were held and funding arranged (from the Isle of Man Arts Council, with a contribution from IFGL) and all at once Debra had to come up with both a design and a plan to make it a reality.
“I’m not new to community arts projects,” Debra laughs, “and sometimes they take months if not years to come to fruition. This one? Well there was a looming deadline – to be installed before
the end of 2024 - but even so it came together quite quickly! There was the initial eight by four foot design, divided into 2’x 4’ sections, and the practicalities of trying to find a new supplier of panels which can survive extreme weather conditions for the backing. And if that doesn’t seem complicated enough,” Debra continues, “as a true community project much of the work is being done by people from just 2 years old to elderly dementia patients, many of whom have never been involved in a project like this before. So there is lots of preparation too.”
As most people know by now, the RNLI was founded on the Island, and is famously a volunteer led organisation, so it seems appropriate that Debra has recruited volunteer mosaicists from groups such as Southern Befrienders, Sight Matters, Hear to Hear, Manx Mencap and dementia groups, as well as going into schools and working with pupils from reception classes up to A level students. She has also roped in RNLI volunteers young and old, and the Arts Council is funding workshops open to anyone to do their bit, however small. Imagine being able to claim a few tesserae of this permanent mosaic as your own!
The site for the finished mosaic, which will be unveiled on Sunday 29th September by His Excellency Sir John and Lady Lorimer at 11am, is near to the Port St Mary RNLI station, where the inspiration for this project originated.
“Input from the RNLI was vital as this mosaic is all about them,” says Debra. “They asked for both the original lifeboat and the new one to be featured, so those formed the basis of the design. The old one, a rowing boat would you believe?, is in grey-scale and the new, all-singing, all-dancing offshore lifeboat is in vibrant colour,” Debra continues, “and then I’ve chosen familiar images to surround the boats – chicken rock, the drinking dragon, seals, puffins, gulls, sea thrift and starfish, even my favourite, the sea slug or nudibranch.”
If you’ve ever met Debra, or attended one of her fused glass or mosaic workshops, you’ll know she is brimming with ideas and enthusiasm. So it’ll probably come as no surprise to learn that from the initial plan for just one large mosaic in Port St Mary, there will now also be smaller ones for the other four RNLI stations. “It seemed only fair that the other stations have their own commemorative mosaic,” laughs Debra, “so I have designed a 12” x 12” plaque for each of them with images dear to the hearts of RNLI volunteers - the iconic yellow wellies, the 200th anniversary RNLI logo, a life ring (featuring the 3 Legs of Mann wearing wellies of course) and an anchor.”
The formation of the RNLI in the Isle of Man is something Debra wants everyone to be proud of:
“I really hope that these community mosaics will become an RNLI station mosaic trail, much like the Creative Network Silverburn Art Trail in Castletown, and that people will be tempted to hunt them out, take photos and maybe post on social media. Anything to promote the excellent work done by RNLI, often in very difficult conditions, and to remind everyone that it all started here, in the Isle of Man.”
And if you’d like to get involved in the RNLI community mosaic, there’s still time. There are free* workshops at Debra’s Grenaby Studio workshop in Ballabeg on 27 July (over 12s only, no experience necessary) and more to come in August. See Debra’s Isle Be Creative page on Facebook www.facebook. com/islebecreative for more information and details of how to book. But be quick, spaces are limited.
*Although Debra isn’t charging for her workshops, she suggestsyou make a donation to the RNLI instead, so why not go down to your local RNLI station or shop (Port St Mary, Port Erin, Douglas, Peel and Ramsey) and pop some change into their collection tins? Or you could go to the mosaic unveiling on 29th September where there will plenty of RNLI volunteers happy to take your donation!
MANNIN CANCERS RUMOURS OF FLEETWOOD MAC
Mannin Cancers Support Group were really pleased to be able to bring Rumours of Fleetwood Mac over to the Island. It was another sell out event for the Charity who are currently raising funds to build their Mannin Cancers Macmillan Support Centre at Nobles Hospital. Work started in February and should be completed Spring 2025. Mannin Cancers would like to thank Contractor Services Group for sponsoring this great event. Also our host for the night Matt Fletcher and Rebecca Forrest. Thanks to Isle Cook for the canapés and the team at the Villa for all their help.
Mannin Cancers Rumours of Fleetwood Mac
Photography: Stephen Corran (@PicsByCorraste)
Gallery
presents
the wedding of Mr and Mrs Webb
The Wedding Day off Katy & Dan Webb on the 18 May 2024
Ceremony: Villa Marina
Reception: Comis Hotel & Golf Resort
Bride Dress by Loulou Bridal; Bridesmaids: Bridal House
Hair: Bride - Hair by Karyn; Bridesmaids and mother of the brideSuki Beauty
Videographer: TOM Media (Ed Leeming)
Photography: Amore du Plessisamoresphotos.com
AAVOCADOS
Could avocados soon be toast?
Excuse the pun, but the reality is that climate change might be digging the delicacy an early grave. Freak weather patterns in California and Australia have been putting crops of the slowgrowing, temperature-sensitive fruit under stress. Soon, milder winters and water shortages could prove fatal to reliable global avocado production, leaving us potentially brunchless in the next fifty years. PS, importing avocados from overseas is also pretty bad for the planet: try to shop locally wherever possible.
BBEES
We’ve all heard it – the bees are disappearing – but here’s why we should care. From almonds and vanilla and apples to squashes, bees are crucial for the successful production of innumerable foods, pollinating one third of our global food supply. But in 2018, US beekeepers reported an astonishing 33% increase in death rate of their honeybees, coinciding with a year of abnormal temperature patterns and freak storms. Scientists who tested bee survival rates in temperatures projected for the second half of the century found exactly the same thing: a 35% death rate, compared with 2% in the control group, as the bees struggled to cope with warmer temperatures. Learn how to help our furry friends at sos-bees.org.
Climate change is big. So big, in fact, that sometimes it can be hard to grasp. Hearing stories of floods and heatwaves far removed from our little island inspire feelings of pity and powerlessness against a problem too large to be handled in the abstract. It’s time to bring it home, and take a closer look at the everyday things that climate change is threatening. This A-Z is a wakeup call of what we and our children stand to lose if we don’t get off our collective a**es and take action.
Words: Imogen Malpas
Illustrations: Gabriella Street
C COFFEE
Chances are you’re reading this article in a coffee shop, so if you want to keep sitting there in years to come, listen up: over 60% of coffee is at risk of extinction, and it’s mostly climate change that’s causing it. Changes in rainfall, beanloving fungi and spreading pest problems are threatening coffee crops and pushing many small coffee producers out of business. Experts predict that, at the current rates of climate change, the time isn’t far off when a daily cup of good-quality coffee will be an unaffordable luxury for the majority of consumers. Help keep coffee alive by supporting FairTrade: fairtrade.org.uk.
D
DEEP SEA CREATURES
They might seem like outer space to us, but even the deepest realms of the oceans are growing warmer and more acidic, threatening their under-studied and vitally important biodiversity. The combined effects of fishing, mining and drilling, and our persistent habit of littering the oceans will leave less than half of the current food supply available to denizens of the deep sea by 2100. And horrifyingly, a recent expedition to the Mariana Trench, ten kilometres below the ocean’s surface, found microplastics in the digestive system of every single creature sampled. Check what you’re putting into the ocean at beatthemicrobead.org.
EECONOMY
Don’t switch off: climate change is likely to wreak havoc on global economies and threaten over a billion jobs. Stanford economists calculate that if the world warms by 4 degrees over the next 80 years – a fate it’s currently on track for, if human behavior doesn’t change –then global GDP will drop by over 30%, beating records set by the Great Depression. Except this time, it’ll be permanent. Even if we only keep warming to 1.5 degrees C, the resultant extreme weather will still cost us 54 trillion dollars in global damages, so it’s more vital than ever that we keep warming below this limit. Find out which banks are doing their bit against global warming at ran.org/ bankingonclimatechange2019.
F FLOWERS
The most important relationship in a flower’s life is that with its pollinator: so what happens when that relationship falls out of sync? Research analysing flower bloom-times all the way back to 1848 reveals that rising temperatures are prompting bees to start their search for flowers to pollinate before the flowers have had a chance to bloom, reducing the chances of the flower’s reproduction. Not only might this mean fewer flowers to brighten our environment but could also spell seriously bad news for crops, three-quarters of which rely on creatures to pollinate them. Learn more at bee-safe.eu.
G GARDENING
It’s more doom and gloom for plants, as climate change comes to a back yard near you! Gardens that used to have to wait until the spring to see the sunshine of blooming daffodils are now seeing the flowers rear their heads as early as November; warming temperatures mean that brightly coloured flowers can now be grown in many parts of the UK throughout winter. As nice as this sounds, warmer temperatures also allow pests and fungi that would usually have been killed off by frosts to thrive, which is particularly bad news for those who like to grow edible plants and crops. Combat climate change at myclimatechangegarden.com.
HHALLOWEEN
Sorry kids (and adults) – Halloween as we know it may soon be a thing of the past. We might have to get used to trick or treating without some of the treats, as climate change seriously threatens the areas of West Africa that produce the world’s cacao, putting chocolate production at risk. In 2019, record-breaking rains in America’s pumpkin heartland (Illinois) cut pumpkin yields in half. And bats, not only a cherished symbol of Halloween but also one of the most effective pest-controlling species out there, are losing their lives and homes thanks to climate change-related disease and habitat destruction. Support them by visiting manxbatgroup.org.
ITHE INTERNET
If this one doesn’t strike dread into your heart, nothing will – indeed, the very Internet is at risk. A large amount of Internet infrastructure like cables and power stations was built decades ago near coastlines, by planners unaware of the threat posed by rapid sea level rise, and much of it was never designed to be permanently underwater. Major US cities like New York are projected to see up to 12 inches of extra water within 10 years, landing 20% of infrastructure straight in the drink. Better get Tweeting now while you still can. Get more info at climateforesight.eu.
JJOBS
LLANGUAGES
Only half of the 7,000 languages spoken around the world today are expected to make it out of this century – and climate change will take part of the blame. Many of the most endangered tongues, like the dozens of Sulawesi languages in Indonesia, are spoken by communities on the shorelines of the planet, whose livelihoods and homes are at this point more likely than not to be lost to encroaching sea levels over the next one hundred years. As climate change refugees, these peoples will have to assimilate for survival, in the process leaving much of the rich diversity of their native languages behind them. You can learn endangered languages like Hawaiian and Navajo on the free Duolingo app.
N NILE RIVER
The famous Egyptian river we all learned about in primary school is in trouble. The annual flooding of the Nile, studied by humans since Biblical times, has been the key to successful farming of the region’s crops for thousands of years. But thanks to climate change, it looks like the river’s becoming unpredictable, delivering more years of serious drought even as its floods become more devastating. With almost a billion local residents expected by 2050, this will have an untold impact on food security and safety. Visit climatetracker.org to learn more.
OORCHARDS
It’s hard to expect people to keep working as usual when they’re under threat of flood or famine. The more frequent extreme weather events become, the less job security there is for those in their line of fire: in 2013, when Typhoon Haidan hit the Philippines, 800,000 workers’ sources of financial security were damaged or destroyed overnight. By supporting renewable energy, public transport, and other local climate-friendly initatives, we are helping to save the jobs of those in lower-income countries whose livelihoods are most defenseless. Check out what’s happening locally at gov.im
KKELP
This one might cause you to raise an eyebrow or two…but kelp does more than give your feet a slimy welcome to the sea. As a whole, marine plants produce up to 80% of the world’s oxygen. And kelp forests, vital parts of underwater ecosystems across the world, absorb an enormous amount of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere in order to grow, making them key to combating global warming. But the warmer our oceans become, the more kelp forests begin to wilt and disappear. Without the protection of the forests, other vulnerable creatures in the local ecosystem die out as well, until these watery forests become deserts. Lend your voice to the Scottish project @SaveKelp on Twitter.
M MIGRATION
Climate change is pushing both animals and people out of their homes in search of better living conditions. As intense storms and declining food supplies threaten the safe journeys of migrating birds, climate change has been shown to influence mass migration of humans too. It’s possible that, by 2050, 200 million ‘environmental migrants’ who have been forced away from their homeland by weather changes and their consequences will be stuck seeking new places to live. Get to grips with the situation at environmentalmigration. iom.int.
Fruit trees, with their delicate blossoms and vulnerability to cold, are among those most threatened by changing weather. From Japan to Tunisia, warmer winters are bringing forth fruits and nuts earlier and often stunting their growth. As pests multiply and pollinators decrease, the idyllic apple orchards of our childhoods could be nothing more than a fairy tale for our greatgrandchildren. Visit ptes.org to find out how to protect your local land.
P PEACE
In this country we’re lucky enough to be living through one of the longest periods of peacetime that our society has ever seen: yet elsewhere the likelihood of violent conflict is being steadily pushed higher by the effects of climate change. As underlying stresses like lack of food and water or safe housing are made worse by ever more unpredictable weather, tensions within and between countries push them towards war: a fate that’s not beyond the realms of possibility for us. Get the lowdown at newclimateforpeace.org.
QQUARTER-POUNDERS
Unlike the other things on this list, the humble quarter-pounder – and red meat in general –is something that we probably want to be losing. The astonishing truth is that meat production worldwide creates the same amount of greenhouse gas emissions as do the whole world’s fleet of planes, trucks and cars. In fact, science suggests that the single most impactful thing that a person can do by themselves to fight climate change is to give up red meat. Give it a go with chooseveg.org.
RREINDEER
Imagine a Christmas without Donner and Blitzen: it’s what the world might have to face, as Arctic reindeer populations continue to crash. As atmospheric warming turns snow to rain, reindeers’ food becomes frozen under layers of water, leaving the animals hungry, weak and vulnerable to disease. Their next challenge is the insects; encouraged by the warmer weather, they swarm reindeer, who waste their precious energy trying to hide. This increasingly inhospitable environment has slashed reindeer numbers in half in the last twenty years. Make a kid’s (or an adult’s) Christmas: search “adopt a reindeer” online.
S STARS
Two years ago, when Inuit elders living in the Arctic tried to tell the world that the moon and the stars had changed position, most dismissed the claims as nonsense. But scientists studying the Arctic’s atmosphere made a startling discovery verifying what the Inuit had seen. Although the stars in reality were in the same place, rapidly warming air above the surface of the Inuit’s homeland was causing an optical illusion so strong that light from the sun, moon and stars was being refracted, making it seem as if the celestial bodies had shifted. Even though we’re not at risk of losing the stars any time soon, more proof is hardly needed of how drastically we are now changing our world. Read more perspectives like this at skepticalscience.com.
T TEA
First coffee now this… sorry to break it to you, but the nation’s two favourite hot beverages (probably) are at risk. Tea is another seriously sensitive plant, and flash flooding mixed with ferocious droughts aren’t helping. Not only does this decrease yields, it also compromises taste: too much water means diluted flavor, fewer antioxidants and less caffeine. Look for the FairTrade symbol on your tea.
U UNIVERSITY
More than a few students fantasise about dropping out of their university courses to pursue an (even) more hedonistic lifestyle, but maybe their refrains of “there’s no point” … have a point. Will we be able to continue our current life cycle of studying, working and raising a family in peace if the climate is disrupted? Many students think not – just look at the current wave of teenage climate protestors out in force in the streets of the world every Friday, led by Greta Thunberg. In the absence of a stable climate the logic runs -social structures won’t take long to unravel, so why study for a future you won’t be able to enjoy? Visit greenmetric.ui.ac.id to see the world’s universities ranked by sustainability.
VVINEYARDS
At this point you might well be wondering what will be left for us to drink in fifty years’ time. The good news is that wine will still be around; the not-so-good news is that it’ll probably taste very different. Grapes in vineyards across the wine-producing regions of the world are starting to swell with sugar (aka future alcohol post-fermentation) much earlier than they used to, thanks to record-breaking heat. This means that in order to keep making wines that won’t knock drinkers out with their alcoholic force, grapes have to be harvested earlier too, sacrificing quality and complexity. As the Californian wine producer Randall Grahm eloquently puts it, “It’s f***ed.” Winefolly.com has more details… if you really want to know.
W WATER
The sea levels might be rising, but clean water (uncontaminated by salt or groundwater) is getting harder to find. In the words of the CEO of the UK-based organization Water Disclosure Project, Paul Dickinson: “If climate change is the shark, then water is its teeth”. With human lives depending on it, a lack of drinkable water in an area hit by droughts or flooding is often the first catalyst for an
outbreak of civil unrest or even war, as well as potentially creating thousands of refugees. On top of that, less water means fewer crops, fewer sanitation services and more outbreaks of disease. Visit charitywater.org to support clean water worldwide.
XAXOLOTLS (!)
Okay, it’s an alphabetical stretch, but these bizarre and delightful amphibious creatures, known for their incredible ability to regenerate limbs and even brains, are on their last legs. Despite being known as ‘the water monster’ in their native Mexico, axolotls might in fact be saviours for scientific research. Studying how they are able to regrow parts of their bodies that have been lost to injury could one day prove life-changing for the millions of amputees across the world: yet climate change is driving the loss of axolotls’ habitats in the rivers and lakes of Mexico. Familiarise yourself with these fascinating beings at axolotl.org and support conservation efforts at worldlandtrust.org.
Y YOSEMITE
Yosemite National Park in California is high on most nature-loving travellers’ bucket lists, but even its thousand-year-old sequoia trees, perhaps the largest living things on the planet, aren’t being spared by the changing climate. Rising temperatures have triggered catastrophic fires along America’s West Coast in recent years and are pushing small plants and mammals out of their normal environments and into unfamiliar, cooler territory. At this rate –specifically, an increase in temperature of up to 9oC in the most vulnerable national parks by 2100 – we could be seeing mass extinctions of creatures who just can’t cope with such rapid change. Scope out eco-friendly travel options at verdemode.com.
Z ZOOS
Few among us wouldn’t count visits to the zoo as among the highlights of our childhood (and adulthood, for that matter): but as our world enters a sixth mass extinction in full force, we leave fewer and fewer creatures to conserve. Many zoos cause little else but harm to the animals they are supposed to protect, cruelly damaging the future of their species perhaps permanently, while places like Durrell Wildlife –who seek to do the best for endangered animals – are feeling the pressure as ever more species face oblivion. Visit durrell.org to find out how you can support effective conservation.
GREEN FLAGS TO FLY HIGH AS DOUGLAS RECEIVES COVETED ACCOLADE
Nine outdoor sites in the Island’s capital are among the best in Britain – it’s official! That’s after Douglas City Council received a ringing endorsement from the organisation which assesses the benchmark international standard for parks, recreational spaces and venues across the British Isles.
UK environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy has awarded the local authority nine prestigious Green Flags for parks and green spaces it manages.
They are:
• Noble’s Park
• Loch Promenade
• Douglas Golf Course
• Douglas Head
• Derby Square
• Kaye Memorial Garden
• Summerhill Glen
• Douglas Borough Cemetery
• Hutchinson Square
The Green Flag Award scheme sees an independent panel of judges consider eight core criteria including safe and secure sites, well maintained and clean venues, environmental management, biodiversity, landscape and heritage, and community Involvement.
Since entering the scheme for the first time in 2013 (when it received two flags), the local authority has been consistently successful and seen its tally regularly increase.
The sites are not automatically renewed, meaning the Council has to continually come up with new schemes and maintain high standards to retain their status.
Regeneration and Community Committee Chair, Councillor Andrew Bentley, says such recognition is testament to a team effort.
‘Our parks are quality, open green spaces which contribute significantly to quality of life and play a vital role for people to relax, exercise and meet friends and family in a safe environment.
‘To be awarded nine flags by such a respected independent body is truly an impressive achievement and shows that high standards of management, maintenance and development have been reached.
‘It is also encouraging that the continued hard work and dedication of Parks Services, with assistance from Cleansing and the support of the Council, has been publicly recognised and demonstrates the Council’s commitment to investing in green spaces in the capital.’
Council Leader Claire Wells added: ‘In the year we have officially received city status from Queen Camilla, this is a fitting honour and an example of how the Council invests in all its community spaces and works hard to maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag initiative.
‘We are all trustees of the Island’s future environmental wellbeing and accolades such as this again underline the commitment to make the City a desirable place to live, work and visit.’
Hutchinson Square
Douglas Head
Summerhill Glen
Words Rebecca Evans
'Every day we experience on earth is a gift, that is why it's called the present' - unknown
Forget the bottles of aftershave, the jewellery, and even the selection boxes; the biggest gift we will ever experience as humans is this beautiful, fascinating, crazy lump of spinning rock that we call home, and all the wonderful marvels of nature that it’s crowded with.
One of the greatest pleasures in life is exploring a new part of this world; gazing at the sun as it slips behind a tropical horizon, feeling the spray from a tumbling waterfall, or standing at the feet of vast mountains dusted with snow.
So it’s a sad kind of irony that the more we travel, the more damage we do to our one and only abode. Globally, tourism accounts for around 5-8% of all carbon emissions, and you’d have to have been hiding under a discarded carrier bag not to realise that many travel hotspots are now struggling to stand the strain of mass-tourism.
Startling examples are easy to find; after the release of Hollywood hit ‘The Beach’ back in 2000, Thailand’s Maya Beach went from an idyllic and often deserted beauty spot, to receiving up to 5000 visitors per day, most arriving by motor boat. Damage to coral, depleted marine life and jettisoned litter eventually caused
the local authorities to close this breath-taking bay to visitors indefinitely in order to allow for ecological recovery.
Now it seems there’s not a beauty spot left on the planet that hasn’t been invaded by thousands of us queuing up for that ‘unique’ experience. For each destination that becomes the next big thing, additional visitors demand additional infrastructures, and each of those brings their own environmental challenges. From tour buses pumping out exhaust fumes to hotels splashing through millions of gallons of precious water, and sewage systems failing to cope with a suddenly boosted population, every element of the travel industry plays a role in the damage we cause.
But we’re not about to stop travelling, neither am I suggesting that we do. Discovering all corners of our exquisite globe is one of the most joyous and fulfilling things I can think of, but we could all be a little bit more mindful when we travel. Just as most of us are slowly becoming more eco-aware at home, we must take that regard for our environment on holiday with us; considering it as important a thing to pack as our passports and wallets. Perhaps if we were all to make a few small changes now, then we’d still be able to offer this world as our gift to future generations.
“We’re not about to stop travelling, neither am I suggesting that we do. Discovering all corners of our exquisite globe is one of the most joyous and fulfilling things I can think of, but we could all be a little bit more mindful when we travel.”
MOVE
As islanders it’s admittedly difficult for us to cut back on our carbon footprint; if we want to go anywhere further than Plemont then we MUST fly or sail, but once we’re off the rock we can afford to be choosier.
Ask yourself if that taxi journey could be done on foot, or by bike? Can the internal flight be swapped for a train? And would you rather admire your resort coastline from a noisy fuel-burning speed boat, or under sail? If all else fails then try to find room in your holiday budget for a carbon offset contribution, or seek out a tree-planting scheme at your destination that would be grateful for a donation.
STAY
Whilst it’s very easy not to, and I’m certainly guilty of the same, try to treat your hotel room as if it was you paying the utility bills. Switch off lights, TV and air-con when you leave the room, don’t leave the taps running whilst you brush your teeth, and decline changes of towels and bedding until actually necessary. Most of us don’t change our sheets every day at home, so why do we expect to have them changed daily when we’re on holiday?
If you’re weighing up a choice of accommodation, ask for their green credentials before you book and choose the one that’s working hardest to offset their energy use.
SHOP
In 2019 most of us are used to toting around a canvas shopping bag and a reusable water bottle on the daily at home - it’s just what we do now - so don’t forget to pack these items when you head off and cut down on the singleuse plastics you need to use abroad.
Keep your food miles to a minimum by sticking to local produce prepared by local chefs where possible (it’s usually tastier too, after all) and when it comes to souvenirs and gifts for the folks back home avoid the mass-produced fridge magnets and pick up something unique from a street vendor or local artist. Not only will you be taking home an individual piece, you’ll also be directly benefitting the community with your money.
RESEARCH
It’s all too easy to grab a guidebook and hit the well-worn tourist trail, taking in the same sights and scenery as those thousands who have gone before. Instead, put in a little time and research before you go and chat to locals when you arrive, to track down the hidden gems and off-map secrets.
Depending on where you’re going, it’s also worth researching the environmental impact and reputation of any tours or trips you plan to book, particularly when it comes to observing wildlife. Sadly there are many, many shady operators the world over who will gladly take your money at the expense of the animals and habitats around them. I’ve fallen into that trap myself and it’s a mistake I won’t make again.
RESPECT
Above all, no matter where you travel or why, respect the locals, the environment and yourself, and you won’t go far wrong. Happy Travels!
Working together to make a difference
KPMG in the Crown Dependencies and Recycle Collect are working together to encourage and increase recycling on the Isle of Man, with a KPMG sponsored and branded recycling collection vehicle.
Social enterprise Recycle Collect Limited has provided a kerbside recycling service to areas outside of Douglas for over two years, collecting cans, paper, glass, cardboard, plastic and cartons. Considerable support has been shown by the public for the enterprise, with a growing private customer base, leading to the team now working together with three local authorities to provide a more sustainable waste disposal option to their residents.
Clara Isaac from Recycle Collect says, “Working with like minded
businesses on the island, such as KPMG, plays an important part in raising awareness of the need for more sustainable and accessible waste disposal solutions here on the Isle of Man. Recycle Collect’s kerbside collections make recycling easy and convenient for everyone and in the last 12 months we have collected 165 tonnes of recyclables! We are delighted to announce our collaboration with KPMG to help create a more sustainable island.”
Nick Quayle, Partner at KPMG in the Crown Dependencies comments, “Working with Recycle Collect is one way in which we’re taking proactive steps towards sustainability. We want to practice what we preach and lead by example, by investing in initiatives that make a positive impact on both local and global levels. Collaborative efforts like these are crucial for promoting environmental responsibility and creating a cleaner, greener future for our communities.”
Pictured left to right: Justine Howard, KPMG in the Crown Dependencies, Clara Isaac, Recycle Collect and Nick Quayle, KPMG in the Crown Dependencies.
How to choose the right University for you
Choosing which University to study at is a big decision, so University College Isle of Man’s (UCM) Higher Education Manager, Gail Corrin has shared her tips to help future graduates select the right choice for them.
Spending more than 20 years working in education I have witness many students deliberate over the right course for them. It’s a big decision and with so many options to choose from, it can be quite a daunting process. In this 5-minute read, I am highlighting my 4 top tips to help select the right path for you.
1) Listen to the experiences of others
Take your time and talk to lots of different people about their experience, whether they went to university to study a degree or chose another path. Your tutors might be a good source of information. Although friends might be applying too, it is important to remember to make a decision that’s best for YOU, and that may mean not following your friends.
2) Ask yourself what you want to achieve
Think about why you want to do a degree. By understanding your motivation, you can find the right course and the right university for you. Also remember that having a degree is not the only way to enter into a successful career, have a look at the pathways to get into the industry, because not all career paths require a degree. People study degree-level qualifications for a wide range of reasons for example; do you want to improve your career prospects after you finish your course, are you most interested in studying a subject that you love; perhaps you want to experience living away from your family; or are you wanting to enjoy the ‘university experience’ and get involved with societies and sports which you haven’t tried before?
Some students might have their sights set on leaving the Island, whilst others might wish to pursue a degree, degree level or postgraduate qualification at UCM, remaining on Island for personal or professional reasons, and that’s perfectly fine.
3) Do your research
There are useful websites like Unifrog which provide you with lots of information about the courses available, as well as hearing from other student’s experiences via platforms such as Reddit and YouTube. Attending Open Days, whether that be at one of UCM’s specific degree level events at The Nunnery, or traveling off Island, it’s good to get a feel for where you might be studying.
Looking at each of those areas, if you’re choosing higher education in order to improve your future career prospects, then subject choice is really important. Research is key to finding a career path that meets your future aspirations and has plenty of opportunities to join the industry. Also, check out the quality of different courses for example looking at statistics about student grades.
Not only is the subject important but also the institution and course; you want to select one that provides good industry experience so you make good connections and gain meaningful work placement opportunities. This is something we do really well at UCM and we see students going straight into their chosen career because of the connections and experience they’ve gained during their studies. 91% of our students gain graduate level employment, upon or before graduation.
4) Reflect on your passions, personal circumstances and career aspirations
If you’re going to university to pursue a subject you love: it’s great that you’ve found a subject you’re really excited and passionate about, and if it’s something that has good career outcomes then that’s good, but a subject that you love and a subject that leads you to a career you want isn’t always the same thing. That’s not to say that you shouldn’t do it but it’s important to be realistic and balance whether it’s feasible for you to choose, bearing in mind all the other factors such as time and cost. After exploring career options that come from that subject, costs of university and which institutions offer the area you’re interested in, you might also want to consider the work placements and employability skills they offer.
What about the people who are choosing university because they want to experience living away from home or want the traditional ‘university experience’? For some, it’s a bit of a rite of passage, and leaving the Island is right for them, but you’ll also need to balance this desire against the cost, your future aspirations and the long-term benefit. Gaining a good qualification at university takes a lot of hard work and studying so if you’re not willing to do this, the reality is that you’ll either end up with a bad grade or a failed degree but still with the financial cost.
While money is often hard to talk about, it is a really important consideration when it comes to choosing your university. We’re fortunate on the Island that the Isle of Man Government provides support in the form of grants for tuition fees and maintenance, however it’s worth bearing in mind that if you choose to study offIsland, it’s estimated that the cost is around £8,000 - £10,000 a year, plus travel, so you might also want to consider this.
For many people on the Island, coming home to visit family and friends is important and if they decide to study away from the Island then they often choose a university that has good travel links home.
Choosing the right University for you is no easy task, but doing the research, asking plenty of questions, visiting open days where possible, selecting a course which interests you and considering your employability prospects upon graduation, are some key steps that can help you to feel as prepared as possible. If you’re still uncertain about taking on a degree at this stage, don’t panic, you can pursue employment or a gap year and reconsider degree level study at a later date.
You may be eligible for financial support through student awards, visit gov.im/student-grants for further details.
STRESS
The Silent Killer!
STRESS
Stress is our body's natural reaction to feeling threatened or under pressure and is an evolutionary survival response to protect us from danger. Stress can be defined as a state of worry, concern or mental tension usually caused by a difficult or dangerous situation. It is often triggered when we experience something that threatens our sense of physical or mental wellbeing but it can also be positive such as the short-lived stress you feel when doing something exhilarating such as a riding on a roller-coaster. However, prolonged periods of chronic stress can be damaging to our physical and mental wellbeing. Chronic stress is often described as ‘The Silent Killer’.
Everyone experiences stress to some degree and that’s normal but it’s very individual and your ability to cope with stress is determined by your life experiences, your personality, your surroundings, your mental and physical health, your financial circumstances and to some extent, your genetics. What might feel stressful to you may feel completely normal to someone else. Unfortunately, our lives are getting more stressful and it’s having a negative impact on our health.
It's good to understand the different types of stress before looking at how they might impact your health. There are actually 4 categories of stress:
Acute stress: This is usually a very shortterm stress that is immediately upsetting or traumatic such as being chased by a dog. This stress usually passes quickly. The acute stress response can help protect you in a dangerous situation by making you more alert and increasing your energy output so you can fight, or run away from danger. This is called the ‘Fight or Flight’ response.
Chronic stress: Chronic stress is what we most often encounter in our day-to-day life. Chronic stress can feel like there’s no light at the end of the tunnel such as the stress of trouble at work, money problems, or relationship problems. Any type of stress that goes on for weeks or months is chronic stress.
Episodic acute stress: This is a type of chronic stress that happens over and over again, often in quick succession. It can be things like recurring illness, domestic violence, abuse, conflict or war.
Eustress: This is usually a positive and short-lived type of stress when something is fun and exciting and makes you feel euphoric and full of life. It's typically associated with the large surges of adrenaline you feel when doing something a little dangerous such as skiing down a steep slope, climbing a steep mountain or canoeing down some white water.
So, what happens to your body when you get stressed?
Your body reacts to stress by releasing stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. This is your sympathetic nervous system or your ‘fight or flight’ response. These hormones make your brain more alert,
increase your heart rate, desensitise your skin so you don’t feel pain and give you a surge of energy. They push more blood to your extremities to help you run away or fight, and they shut down unessential parts of your brain and reduce blood to your digestive system, things that are not required if you are in a life-threatening situation. In the short-term, these reactions are good because they can help you handle the dangerous situation and protect your life.
When the threat has gone, your nervous system is designed to return to normal function and a state of relaxation. This is called your parasympathetic nervous system, or your ‘rest and digest’ state where you feel calm and relaxed. However, in cases of chronic or episodic stress, the relaxation response doesn't occur often enough. Being in an almost constant ‘fight or flight’ state can, over time, cause serious damage to your physical and mental health.
How stress affects your health
Stress can have several negative effects on your well-being. It can make it more challenging to simply deal with everyday life. It can contribute to and worsen, high blood pressure, heart problems, diabetes, depression, anxiety, skin conditions, menstrual problems and it can cause severe digestive problems.
Some of the signs of chronic or episodic stress are diarrhoea, constipation, bloating, memory problems, neck and back pain, headaches, lack of focus, sexual problems, fatigue, trouble sleeping, reliance on alcohol or drugs to cope, weight loss or weight gain and a constant feeling that you can’t cope - the list goes on. If left unchecked, chronic stress will damage your health, which is why it’s known as The Silent Killer.
Dealing with chronic stress
Once you accept you are chronically stressed, then it’s important to take steps to deal with it. It’s not always simple to do, so here are some steps to help you:
Step 1 - Recognise that you are chronically stressed and then take steps to address it. Think about what’s causing your stress and what the practical solutions might be. Take control of your stress, make a plan and set some realistic expectations. If you feel overwhelmed don’t be afraid to ask for help. Maybe you’re taking
on too much? Could you hand some things over to someone else?
Step 2 - You’re not alone. Find close friends or family members who care and can help and offer you some practical advice. A good chinwag with a friend can often be the best medicine and they might even help your come up with some solutions.
Step 3 – Plan some exercise and time out to relax. This could be exercising with friends or something as simple as a walk in the countryside or some breathing exercises. Exercise can really boost your mood and give you some relief from your stress. Maybe you need a relaxing holiday or weekend break to get away from it all.
Step 4 – Audit your lifestyle. Are you eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, getting enough exercise, drinking enough water, drinking too much alcohol, eating too much, not eating enough? All these things can have a big impact on your mood and overall health and therefore impact your ability to cope with chronic stress. Simple changes like an extra hour of sleep each night and drinking more water can make a big difference.
Step 5 – Do your best to put everything in perspective. It’s so easy to be selfcritical when stressed, so don’t be too hard on yourself. Look for the positive things in your life and be grateful for them. Gratitude can be really powerful and can help you counteract the affects chronic stress.
And remember, if you continue to feel completely overwhelmed by chronic stress, don’t be afraid to seek professional help. It doesn’t mean you’re a failure. Getting help as soon as possible is important so you can start feeling better and can start enjoying life again.
TOP 10 MEMORABLE MOMENTS
of the RL360 Youth Cycling League
Since 1994, RL360 (previously known as Scottish Provident International) has sponsored the Isle of Man Youth Cycling League. It’s been an amazing journey which has seen the League grow extensively and inspire thousands of children to take up the sport of cycling. We asked Dot Tilbury, the RL360 Youth Cycling League organiser to share her Top 10 memorable moments of the League from the past 30 years. Here are Dot’s choices:
How it began
When the club was struggling for money, Sandra Millar, who brought her two children to race at the NSC, said she would ask her employer, Scottish Provident International if they would consider sponsoring our fledgling Youth Cycling Club. They did, to the tune of £500, a massive amount over 25 years ago and a pivotal moment in the development of the club. Team Scottish Provident Isle of Man was ready to race!
Great excitement
It was the first Isle of Man Youth Tour and we desperately needed matching cycling kit for our team. Des Clague, a local artist and also committee member of Manx International Cycling week ‘set to’ and produced just the most perfect design with Manx colours (red and yellow) and Three Legs of Mann in abundance. The new kit made its debut at the Youth Tour and it was a very proud moment for us all when the team rode down from Marown School to the start at the Ellerslie climb. We still have the same design for our kit today!
Great Recognition
2012 was the magnificent London Olympics and, prior to the games, press from all over the world came to the Isle of Man to find out about how this small island in the middle of the Irish Sea produced not one but two world class cyclists - sprinter, Mark Cavendish and Track Team Time Trial member Peter Kennaugh, who represented Great Britain in the London Olympics!
In my day job as Philatelic Manager for the IOM Post Office I visited the Olympic HQ in London to apply for permission to do an Olympic stamp issue. They asked: ‘What is the Island’s connection with the Olympics?’ I pointed to two large photographs on their office wall of Mark Cavendish and Peter Kennaugh. We were honoured to produce the issue and Paul Smith, the famous fashion designer and himself a super keen cyclist, agreed to design the stamps. Just the perfect combination and a huge success.
Pre-Olympic occasion
The RL360 cyclists were at the Club’s Thursday night indoor training at the Braaid Hall on one of the worst Manx nights you can imagine - outside it was ‘blowing a hoolie’ and very spooky as the clouds scooted across the sky. The London Times (yes the posh paper) reporters were coming up to see the Manx team in winter action and they were late! It turned out they were lost and didn’t know how to find the Famous Braaid Hall! Eventually they arrived and to the sound of whirling dervishes in a crescendo of spinning wheels and music.
They stepped into the Hall and their jaws dropped at the sight of riders as young as five cycling as if their life depended on it, riding their socks off and creating an atmosphere of sheer joy and excitement. Needless to say the Times article is one of my prized possessions!
Awards
Generally I’m not really known for being a ‘shy, retiring’ type of girl. But, when it comes to awards, I’m really not one for being the centre of attention. There was never a big plan with charts and mission statements so when I took over the NSC cycling from the founders, the late John Purvis and Alex Forrest, I did it
Irish Youth Tour
Great Recognition
How it began
Pre-Olympic occasion
because no one else was showing any interest. I said to myself ‘there’s only 14 riders it can’t be that difficult’!
I have been truly honoured with some wonderful accolades - MBE, British Cycling Hall of Fame, IOM Awards for Excellence Lifetime achievement, Cycling Weekly Local Hero, etc.
It was not just about me but a team of wonderful helpers, and now friends, who have ‘mucked in’ to support this IOM Cycling success along the way.
Fundraising
In order to bolster funds in the early days I organised a concert at Marown School in aid of the young cyclists. It was so successful we have had the January concert at the school every year since - apart from during lockdown. Artists appearing at Marown for the young cyclists have included local star, the now hugely famous Samatha Barks - Frozen and Les Miserables! Another super star treading the boards was World Superbike racer, James Toseland, who is also a very talented piano player and singer. TT rider Milky Quayle brought the house down with his performance as George Shuttleworth whilst being backed by The World Famous Purple Helmets.
Fun Ride
Nearing Christmas time we had an idea to hold a fun ride on the railway line from Douglas to St John’s so the kids could try out their new Christmas bikes. We asked our friends from the Cronk yYVoddy ploughing match to serve hot dogs and tea to the families. This tradition has continued to this day but now we stop at Marown playing fields. The money raised from the ride goes towards the St John’s Ambulance (SJA) who help out every Tuesday night at the NSC. The SJA is not only a wonderful organisation but the gang we have at the NSC have become friends and great fans of the young riders.
Prize presentation
Our first Prize Presentation for the Cycling League was held in the NSC in a very small room. We had no money to buy trophies and medals so John Purvis donated some of his old cycling medals and trophies after removing his name plate. I made some Smartie cakes and some parents brought yummy bits and pieces to eat. Today, in order to cope with the numbers of cyclists and families, we have to hire the Royal Hall at the Villa Marina and have the best party ever! Everyone gets a prize and hopefully goes home with a smile on their face!
Irish Youth Tour
In the early days we were invited to the Irish Youth Tour. Set in Killorglan, County Kerry, in the South West of Ireland, it was a beautiful area with scenery capturing the very bones of the country. Following this it moved to various towns, ending up Errigal in Donegal. We stayed at Garton Outdoor Centre in a beautiful lakeside setting and every day after the racing the riders would swim in the lake. I don’t know what was in the water but every year the Manx crew were ‘cooking on gas’ and winning some brilliant stages. The climb at Kellogs Hill was worthy of the Tour de France and the atmosphere was magical. One day on the finish line a wedding party arrived and made their way on the course to the pub for the wedding reception! Every visit to Ireland was a humdinger and after winning the under 16 race, Matty Bostock flew straight from Errigal to Manchester to win two British Championship Track medals, which set his professional career on its way.
Just have fun
Finally – we are not all about super stars and the NSC cycling night has time for all young cyclists who just want to have a go at cycling at their own pace. Of course, we are bursting with pride at all our super talented famous riders, but we also take time to nurture less competitive riders who are happy to pootle around!
I remember a mum sending me a picture of three little girls who were playing on the bank after their one lap race!
She said underneath the photo - Racing over now, so let’s have fun! They were doing handstands and head over heels on the grass! Sounded like a great night out to me!
ANDREAS RACING ASSOCIATION - THIS IS WHERE IT ALL BEGINS
A
ndreas Racing Association (ARA) proudly hosted its inaugural "This is Where it All Begins" event on May 16th at the SkillanNaylor Car Showroom in Douglas with Bluepoint Events providing all the lighting and sound. This celebration showcased ARA’s incredible progress over the past five years and honoured the exceptional local racing talent we have on the Isle of Man. The event also aimed to send these talented individuals off with best wishes for the TT, Southern 100 and Manx Grand Prix.
Photographs by: Mark Corlett & Hannah McHugh
In 2019, Neal Champion took on the role of Chairman during a dire period for the club, which was teetering on the edge of collapse. A passionate competitor in the TT, Manx Grand Prix, and Jurby races himself, Neal had recently moved to the Isle of Man, driven by his deep love for the island. Determined to provide ARA with a chance of survival, Neal sought a partner who shared his commitment and vision. He found that in Linda AltonHeath who was well known in racing circles on the Island with local teams and further afield with Honda and Klaus Klaffenbock from RP Events. Together, they embarked on a mission to revitalise the club, driven by their dedication and passion for the local racing community.
Five years later, ARA is thriving both financially and operationally. The club boasts an outstanding committee and continues to professionalise its operations with streamlined processes, procedures, and a growing social media presence. In 2021 Linda was awarded the prestigious IOM Sports Administrator of the Year award in recognition of her commitment to motorsport on the island. Increased sponsorship and spectator numbers further propel the club forward. Additionally, ARA runs a highly successful ACU approved race school for aspiring racers, led by Manx Grand Prix winner and renowned TT competitor of the 1980s and 1990s, Gary Radcliffe.
ARA is immensely proud of the remarkable talent it nurtures. The club has undergone a significant transformation over the past five years, culminating in impressive successes
in 2023. One notable achievement was a 1-2 finish for 2 of our race school graduates Joe Yeardsley and Marcus Simpson in the 2023 Senior Manx Grand Prix, both newcomers to the event. Joe set a new Senior Manx Grand Prix Lap Record of 122.05 mph, while Marcus also exceeded 120 mph, earning a place in the prestigious Tommy Club. In 2024, ARA had 12 solo competitors in the Isle of Man TT and two sidecar teams, featuring names such as Ryan & Callum Crowe, Dave Molyneux & Jake Roberts, Michael Evans, Ryan & Jamie Cringle, Paul Cassidy, Joe Yeardsley, Marcus Simpson, Marc Colvin, Dave Rigby, Anthony Redmond, Dave Madsen-Mygdal and Gareth Arnold. The Crowes went on to win both 2024 Sidecar TT Races so are now Double Sidecar TT Winners and lapped at over 120mph, and Moly and Jake finished on the Podium in race 2. This reinforces ARA’s role as the launching pad for aspiring motorcycle and sidecar racers on the Isle of Man - this truly is where it all begins.
In 2024, Linda Alton-Heath was voted in as Chairman, with Neal transitioning to Linda’s previous position as Club Secretary.
To continue its growth and support local competitors in achieving their ambitions, ARA seeks support, investment, and sponsorship. If you would like to get involved, please contact us at media@ andreasracing.im.
World Championship Viking Longboat Races
International Financial Group Limited (IFGL) is proud to have once again supported the Viking Longboat Races in Peel.
Each year, IFGL provides the prize money and it is then donated to the nominated charities of the winning teams.
The 2024 races saw over 60 teams rowing to complete the 400m long timed lap across Peel Harbour - in an authentic Viking longboat.
IFGL’s partnership with the event started more than 25 years ago.
Simon Barwell, Group Marketing Director at IFGL said: ‘We are happy to support
an event that celebrates Manx history and also helps out local Manx charities. Congratulations to all the winners!’
Event organiser, Nigel Rawlinson said: ‘All the rowers have shown proper Viking spirit finishing the race despite the adverse weather. We are happy to continue our relationship with IFGL and are grateful for the prize money to the local charities. I think throughout our relationship, IFGL have donated over £60 000 and we are already looking forward to organising the race for next year.’
Paparqazzi Are you in?
Below is a list of the top teams and their nominated charity:
IFGL Team - Barbarians
IFGL Men Team
10% student discount on MacBook. Plus £10 off a MacBook sleeve with your Back to School purchases.
