Gallery | March 2012 | Organic

Isle of Man Style Magazine | No 6 | March 2012 | the Organic issue

ÂŁ priceless

IOM

Because Quality Matters

#6

the Organic issue FEATURING

La Vie Bonne A Maya Celebration Organic Garden Spring Fashion A Small IFC Fruits of the Loom Kayak Expedition |

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welcome

Isle of Man Style Magazine | No 6 | March 2012 | the Organic issue

EDITO

£ priceless

IOM

www.gallery.co.im

Because Quality Matters

#6

the Organic issue FEATURING

La Vie Bonne A Maya Celebration Organic Garden Spring Fashion A Small IFC Fruits of the Loom Kayak Expedition |

edito Gallery # 6 Organic

cut through the media clutter

A

s Hollywood producers would have us believe that the world is going to ostentatiously end in 2012, the prophetic ancient Maya’s laugh from their venerable graves at generations of the ignorant; wanting to save the planet, but conducting our heroic brainpower along the most insensible of paths.

The Mayan’s believed in the purity of crops; understanding harvesting predictability in our seasons and the importance of cosmic phenomenon effecting both. Is that where we should be wholloping the planetary particulars piñata?

Fairtrade Fortnight is here. So forgive me for sounding like some yurt dwelling fantasist, but with it being our ‘Organic’ issue, we’re considering things of consequential planetary importance here…

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 the people of the Isle of Man for people everywhere.

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So, with Scotland fluently bellowing out ‘Earth Song’ ditties with their Kinnaird Fairtrade bagpipes; the organic obsessives regurgitating news of our inhumane and unworldly eating habits to a hungry media, and various corporate exhibitionists fallaciously gushing their most relative CSR, we are faced with a dilemma. Do we read up on the bohemian storm? Or, do we blissfully ignore it?

This edition puts you eyeball to page with the erudite Maya; gives you Manx fair trade fever; philanthropic organic fulminations; organic artistry; organic fashion and organic events. It delivers on the Tuscan good life; anabolic organic recipes and simplifies a how-to on ‘grow your own’.

We will take you back-to-basics with the Isle of Man as a transparent offshore jurisdiction; prescribe business events; bestow award news and impart recruitment communiqué.

Make of it what you will, but I hope you make the best of it.

SR

We get to put this little logo on because we love the Earth, save the whales and all that Disco.

Learn more >

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1Earth,

intro

#6

contributors

Organic This isn’t a private party and there’s no VIP area (there is a jacuzzi though...). Entertain us with jokes, ideas, YouTube clips, etc

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Writers Rebecca Uren Tanya Hanson Ells Prichard Mimi Bishop Theo Leworthy Simon Barron Ally Kirby Louise Bralsford Jodie Sheppard Liz Corlett Anne Berry Leon Flemming Kate Bertram

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Design Studio

Makeup Artist Heather Maddrell

Russ Atkinson Steve Redford Emma Cooke Grant Corlett

Photography

Suzanna Clauge

Hairstylist Emma MacDonald Nellie Georgieva

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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 colleagues and if you send us a picture of yours we’ll send you a Mars bar..

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published in the Isle of Man by 221 Limited

Isle of Man style magazine

GALLERY .......................... .......................... .......................... .......................... ..........................

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Black & white & read all over (The Isle of Man*) Man) (The

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contents

highlights EDITO

Words | Louise Bralsford

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OK people - it’s official.

Organic is cool. Without a doubt many of our discerning readers will have flirted with the idea of organic, but failed to fully commit. For those of you who have been on the (battery-powered) bandwagon for a while now, well done! For the doubtful majority who have failed to be seduced by the shenanigans of the Good Life, read on. It’s time to take the plunge, get with the programme, and devote yourselves to a new, better, way of life.

There are three main Phases of conversion.

Along the way, it’s important to remember that there is no point in being organic unless people know you are organic, so it might be worth preparing some anecdotes to demonstrate your extreme organicity. This has the added perk of making you feel very good about yourself and also becoming a beacon, nay, a pillar of goodness in your community for others to aspire to. By simply jazzing up your conversational gambits you can really promote your moral high ground. One effective way is to insist on pronouncing ‘organic’ with a French accent. Emphasise the ‘eekh’. People will not only be impressed that you know French, but it will stick in their minds better. For a more subtle approach, consider the following: ‘Oh yes, I was thinking exactly the same thing when I popped out to dig up some homegrown cabbage in our vegetable patch. I was just adding some all-natural fertiliser produced from our compost heap to the carrots and I realised that the weather has been chilly lately.’ You see? It may seem like nothing, but you can guarantee that your interlocutor will be struck by your

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intimations of organicity and walk away an awed and inspired potential convert.

Phase One concerns food. It is essential that your kitchen shelves are stocked with tomes authored by types such as Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and Valentine Warner. Any chocolate drawers must be emptied of their Kitkats and Wispas and filled to the brim with Green & Blacks.

By simply jazzing up your conversational gambits you can really promote your moral high ground. One effective way is to insist on pronouncing ‘organic’ with a French accent.

You will also need to up your supermarket visits as you now only eat food that is the freshest of the fresh and a lot of the organic lifestyle is about visibility - more visits = wider audience. It is desirable to purchase the most anatomical-looking fruit and veg available and brandish it at fellow shoppers to demonstrate your new superb organicity.

Luckily, most supermarkets have aisles packed with all sorts, emblazoned with the organic label, so it’s very easy to spot where you should station yourself. This is an optimum time to strike up conversations with strangers about the benefits of organic (as can be found using a quick Google search) and wow them with your knowledge and commitment.

Phase Two revolves around your appearance. No one will take you seriously as une personne organique unless you look the part. Barbours and Hunters are ideal

and, even better, they are in fashion and easily available. At weekends, you should ensure people see you engaged in outdoor activities. If you are a Facebooker, cement your Supreme Organic Status by plastering your profile page with photos of you posing with a spade, hoe or similar (preferably in the garden), or creating your own homemade muesli. For added impact, get lots of props for your kitchen which are both minimalist and rustic to get the message across. Stickers in the back window of your car proclaiming the greatness of your choices are also excellent advertisements.

Phase Three (Added Extras) is slightly more vague, because it’s about things which go hand in hand with the organic lifestyle and promote eco-warrior values. Examples of these Added Extras include travel and children. When it comes to transport, it is highly recommended you buy an electric powered car, like the Leaf. This should be parked prominently outside your house, no matter how awkward it makes things for visitors/other road users. With regard to children, they are excellent channels for promulgating your organicity as you can deck them out with Captain Planet lunchboxes filled with organic snacks and the like. Your television should be constantly switching between River Cottage, Countryfile and the Good Life (to be honest, the Good Life should be compulsory regular viewing for all households anyway). A further idea for the more domestically inclined among our readership is to clean your house with various mixtures of bicarbonate of soda and lemon juice or vinegar. And obviously it’s another thing to tell people about when you are doing your weekly shop.

With these three simple Phases, the pursuit of organicity is completely achievable and you will find it both rewarding and probably beneficial in other ways too. Everyone, from your nearest and dearest to unwitting passersby will esteem you more highly than you could imagine. So why not try it? Get an allotment! Buy some wellies! Purge your kitchen! Embrace La Vie Bonne!

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30 A Fortnight of Fairtrade

LA VIE BONNE

TRAVEL

TRAVEL

Belize is the heartland of the Maya people.

The Mayas have occupied present day Belize since 1,500 BC, living amongst the remnants from their extraordinary pre-classic, classic, post classic cities and haunting religious centres.

BUSINESS

52 Ballerina Dreamer

BusinessFeature

BusinessFeature

BUSINESS

BUSINESS

MUSIC

MUSIC

BUSINESS

Words | Liz Corlett

The physical contact between the record and the

Truly a sanctuary of Maya culture and history, Belize is home to the sprawling city of Caracol, the formidable pyramid at Xunantunich, the sacred Caves of Actun Tunichil Muknal, the royal palace of Cahal Pech and many other sites, all within hours of one another.

needle, the turning over the side, even the smell of a vinyl record. Those rituals make listening to an album something you do, rather than something that happens

The majestic ancient city of Tikal neighbours them in Guatemala, only a short drive from the western Belizean border.

in the background whilst you do something else.

Rediscovering the joys of putting needle to record

The Maya view of 2012 is a far cry from the doom and gloom scenarios favoured by Hollywood filmmakers, negligent researchers and Internet conspiracy sites.

2012

A Maya Celebration The Maya “darkly prophetic” calendric system is based upon a complex structure dating back to at least the 5th century BCE. Although the Mesoamerican calendar didn’t originate with the Maya, their subsequent refinements of it were the most avant-garde of their time.

Within this article, I will endeavour to dispense the truth behind a ‘Mayan apocalyptic’ farce, bestowing you with reasons to

celebrate the coming of 2012.

Alike the Isle of Man, Belize is an offshore tax and privacy haven with a rich, ancient history and sensational landscape. The country prides itself on a Utopian Maya infused culture, submerged in its antecedents and rootstock.

Belize has a quintessential palette of diversions, blue ribbon meteorological conditions, assorted subcultures of people and inspired traditions, introduced by centuries of invasion, immigration and ex-patriotic protraction.

In spite of being rich in diversity, Belizean custom and heritage remains thick with the once trailblazing Maya subculture. In their golden age, the Maya were the world’s genius in art, architecture,

and reputed mathematical and astronomical systems.

The Belizean nation prepares for a celebration of inimitable importance, integral to their exuberant ethnic and cultural makeup. The lionised date has been set on the august Mayan Calendar for millennia.

E. C. Krupp, Director of Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles said on the NASA website: “In all of the Maya Long Count texts discovered, transcribed, and translated, only one mentions the key date in 2012: Monument 6 at Tortuguero, a Maya site in the Mexican state of Tabasco. The text is damaged, but what remains does not imply the end of time.”

There is such a plethora of ancient intelligence to acquire from this aesthetic, ancient and wise civilisation, whose early astronomers, physicians and philosophers have been referred to as “the ancient Greeks of the Americas”.

Indeed, their remarkable and unique knowledge of astronomy, planetary cycles and mathematical calculations are accurate to this day, and continue to stupefy scientists.

On December 21st 2012, the winter solstice begins and a great and timely cycle ends, a period of almost 52,000 years (the 13th B’ak’tun). For the Mayas, this unique solitary occurrence is a time of great celebration. A new age unfolds, both celebrated and honoured by every man, woman and child throughout Belize.

For the Mayas, 2012 represents centuries of waiting for this pivotal and nonpareil time for rebirth, reflection and renewal, a cosmic cycle heading for completion as another breaths it’s first breath of life.

During 2012, unique Maya activities such as visits to the distinctive archaeological sites, edifying workshops, sporting events and tours will mark the occasion, bringing this unique and profound world of the Maya alive to visitors and students.

For Belizeans, it draws beliefs that the Earth’s axis has moved to far less than a slight degree, altering harvests and birthing the ‘dawn of a new era’.

We may expect to see profound discoveries into the earliest pre-Maya habitations of Belize in a future beyond 2012.

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A Small IFC ISLE OF MAN This year, thousands will flock to Belize to celebrate the 13th B’ak’tun, and will discover an ancient profuse and erudite cultural wealth.

£2215.12 pp £870.38 pp

£1280.08 pp

Adolescents (AGES 12-18) own room £1620.15 pp

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Roxanne Oldham LLB, BSc, ACIB, CeFA, CeMAP, Director of Policy & Legal at Island regulator, the FSC, believes that the UK’s access to offshore finance will be “useful” but not indispensible.

The Isle of Man is on the regulator (OECD) ‘white list’ of countries complying with Global standards of tax transparency, and on 1st July 2011, decided to commit to an auto exchange of information with the European Union.

It is clear that changes to banking regulation and sovereign debt concerns in Europe will increase the focus on liquidity in 2012 and beyond, offshore finance will be a key source of liquidity to the UK financial system.

Adolescents (AGES 12-18) sharing parents room £1152.01 pp Children (AGES 6-11) own room

The most lambasted of them all are the small financial offshore jurisdictions, whose supposed diligent regulation by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) implies near saintliness.

The Isle of Man has had its fair share of the media criticism. As an institution, they should be keeping their economic and developmental nose clean. So is the speculation warranted?

RATES: Adults

With the decline of a delicate Eurozone in play, many anticipate a second credit crunch in the dawn of 2012. The UK’s access to offshore finance in the years to come may become fundamental to Government budgetary plans.

Nicholas Shaxson’s comprehensive book: Treasure Islands (2011), describes the small offshore financial centre as a tax haven for avaricious bankers and a secrecy jurisdiction for shady figures of the business community.

Maya Winter Solstice 2012 package rates, 7 nights allinclusive at Chaa Creek Hotel and Spa from December 15th to December 22nd 2012.

Children (AGES 6-11) sharing parents room

ISLE OF MAN – As a world of financial theorists and commentators make every effort to envisage the cause of a financial crisis, international financial centres have found themselves in the line of condemnation.

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In the second quarter of a hard-hitting 2009, Guernsey, Jersey and the Isle of Man contributed £209bn of liquidity to the UK market.

James Davies, Campaigns Officer at the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) disagrees. He believes there to be no less than a UK loss of up to £18billion a year in potential tax revenue as a result of an offshore jurisdictional lack of transparency.

James said: “Money should instead be used to invest in jobs to employ staff to collect these missing billions and to enforce effective legislation, ensuring transparency around accounting practices of big firms using tax havens.”

The Island is required by law to keep a budget surplus, allowing expert advisers to address pressures on public finances from a position of strength. Promoted as a responsible member of the international community, the Isle of Man prides itself on being a competitive player in the global economy.

ISLE OF MAN STYLE MAGAZINE

Politician Anne Craine JP MHK said in a speech last year:

“There is tax neutrality, something not to be confused with tax evasion. This enables investors from multiple jurisdictions to ensure they don’t meet multiple layers of taxation as funds pass through the global financial system.”

Anne went on to say:

“Investment channeled into small IFCs provides much needed liquidity, further investment opportunities, and access to capital markets in both developed and emerging economies.”

The Island is located in the Irish Sea, beteen England, Ireland and Wales, an early twentieth century tourist resort, reinvented as a modern International Business Centre.

With the world’s oldest continuous parliament, the Isle of Man is a self-

governing British Crown Dependency with its own Government, laws and currency. Although part of the British Isles and linked to the UK through a shared history and economic partnerships, the Isle of Man is not a part of the United Kingdom.

Neither is the Isle of Man a member of the European Union. Notwithstanding, Island goods can still be moved freely within the EU, with the exclusion of capital and services.

Developing secure links with emerging markets from India, China, Brazil and South Africa, amongst many others, the Isle of Man earns its international prominence with cautious co-operation at this fragile time in the Island’s macroeconomy.

According to Hon John Shimmin, MHK to the Department of Economic Development: “the financial sector make up 36% of the Island’s GDP”.

Whilst attempting to keep a strong and balanced economy, focus has shifted in the Island’s narrowly based economy to cope with recession. The Isle of Man now also houses high tech manufacturing, e-gaming, space tourism and 15 other economic sectors of business. The Isle of Man also continues to harbor a strong agricultural base, gaining a global reputation for its domestic produce.

Globalisation is arguably the most powerful buzzword of modern times; defining growth in worldwide cultural

exchange and the elimination of barriers between countries and ethnic lines.

Traditionalists, breathe easy; the report of vinyl’s death was, as with Mark Twain, an exaggeration.

In an economic context, globalisation relates to the development of an increasingly integrated global economy, characterised by free trade and a free flow of capital in promotion of the inherent wealth of nations, which Hon John Shimmin MHK insists is united with any IFC development.

Just a few years after we thought that downloads had sounded the death knell for independent music stores, comes news that vinyl sales are in good health.

The format whose glory days lie in the 1970’s appears to be reclaiming its place in people’s homes and affections.

Advances in communication and information technology has been an integral driver, technological endeavours aid those within high growth emerging economies to reap the benefits of globalisation. The Isle of Man is host to businesses who have shown diligence in promoting such pursuits, such as Cable and Wireless Communications (CWC).

In the US, according to Nielson Soundscan, vinyl sales climbed 36 per cent between 2010 and 2011 when 3.9 million records were sold, the highest figure in two decades. Meanwhile, in the UK, the Official Chart Company reported a total of 240,000 vinyl albums sold in 2011, compared to 234,000 in 2010.

In the last two years, the Island has also initiated and run a very successful ‘Small Countries Financial Management Programme’ for capacity building at senior level in small developing countries.

It’s important to maintain a little perspective; vinyl sales are still Goliath to David’s CD and downloads, (in 2010, 119.9 million and 21 million respectively) and are unlikely to repeat a peak performance in 1975, when 91.6 million vinyl records were sold in the UK.

The Isle of Man also supports larger centres, like the City of London with listing, upstreaming, asset management, insurance and shipping.

Nonetheless, the figures clearly point to a resurgence of interest in vinyl. But who’s buying, and why? Is it simply recessioninduced nostalgia? The stereotype of the modern vinyl devotee is a three-into-one hybrid of the main male characters in Nick Hornby’s High Fidelity; intense creatures with indoor complexions whose

On the surface, it appears that the speculation surrounding the Isle of Man’s integrity has little foundation, but without the continuous examination of probity confining every IFC, the common man may prove unable to endorse tax leniency on such a grand and organised scale.

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rarified lives are devoted to the pursuit of limited edition gatefolds and mythical white labels. These are the faithful, for whom vinyl is trendless and always first choice.

You might actually have spotted one in the flesh, handling vinyl with more adoration than a newborn baby, more awe than the Holy Grail.

In real life, the vinyl fan is not so easily pigeonholed. For every baby boomer who grew up with vinyl, there are younger consumers exploring the medium via their parents’ record collection. As for gender, my personal observation has been that vinyl-heavy record stores are more the haunt of men than women, but it’s unwise to draw conclusions from this alone.

The field of Taking Music Seriously (and loving vinyl is a serious business) has always been male-dominated but that’s not to say that men are the more the visible, demonstrative critics and collectors and women aren’t furiously stashing away vinyl.

Vinyl sales are also influenced by whether or not your favourite music happens to be available in that format.

From the record company’s point of view, a format immune to the impact of illegal downloads is a boon, but where lies the value for the consumer?

The received wisdom runs that vinyl gives an incomparable sound: Warm and authentic where CDs and MP3s are tinny and flat. The debate (which often neglects to factor in the calibre of the turntable/stereo and speakers) will run until hell freezes, but I have yet to meet a music lover who wouldn’t choose an album that was recorded on analog equipment in vinyl format over a re-mastered CD. It’s questionable whether the modern, digitally recorded releases have any advantage in sound quality, and as new vinyl often incorporates a download code, there’s no tangible benefit to owning the album apart from, well, owning the album.

This may be the heart of the matter. My very first music purchase was a vinyl album (A-ha’s Hunting High and Low, if you must know, from the lower floor of Colebourn’s) and I can picture it clearly, partly because I played it relentlessly, pouring over every detail of the sleeve, partly because it’s still right there on the shelf.

It’s the ‘presence’ of vinyl which makes it endure; music that you can handle, taking up physical space in your life and giving rise to an emotional commitment lacking in music which lives invisibly inside a PC or iPod.

Vinyl is displayed and shared - as a way of bonding and nailing one’s colours to the mast. Aesthetically, vinyl beats the CD by an embarrassingly long chalk.

If it didn’t exist, some would argue, what would you do with that empty shelf space anyway?

There’s a parallel between the loyalty to vinyl and the way people still cleave to books in the face of the Kindle and film photography in a digital world. An understanding that certain things aren’t broke and don’t need fixing, that convenience isn’t necessarily as satisfying as a little of labour of love.

The last words go to Stephen Kerrison, a Bristol-based guitarist from the Isle of Man who is a veteran of several acclaimed Indie bands: “Personally, the biggest reason I like vinyl over any other format is that it turns listening to music from something passive into something you are actively involved in. The physical contact between the record and the needle, the turning over the side, even the smell of a vinyl record. Those rituals make listening to an album something you do, rather than something that happens in the background whilst you do something else. To me, it’s the most respectful way to listen to music, and most music - regardless of whether I like it or not - deserves that respect”.

In the last few years, there has been a rise in the number of mainstream artists choosing to release their output on vinyl.

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contents Intro

LA VIE BONNE Organics

Upfront

Things to do 10 Community 14 News in Numbers 20 Me & My Pet 22

Events

IOM Sports & Dinning Club Motorsports Mundial Sefton Wedding Fair Bank Of Ireland IQE Limited

24 24 26 27 27

Culture

A Fairtrade Fortnight 30 CWOM 32 Upload 34 Organic Art 36 My name is 38 Faye Halsall 34 Arts & Culture Events Sefton Wedding Fair

Fashion

Organic & Fashion Organic Shopping Ballerina Dreamer Make up trends Spring 2012

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Music

Travel 06 08

40 41 44 50 52 60

A Maya Celebration Tuscan Farm

62 64

Appetite Chinese New Year at Ballappadeg Farm 59 Organic Recipe 70 Organic Wine 71 Places

Property Review Home Organics Garden Organics

74 76 77

Business

Entrepreneur On the Sofa Manx Executive Challenge Transparency (Feature) Business News A Small IFC (Feature) Making That Change (Feature) Movers & Shakers Ramsey Crookall

Gallery Gadgets Phone Home Kayak Adventure Tai Chi

106 104 108

Paparazzi Courthouse Bar George Jar Bar The Crescent

107 108 108 109

Boardom

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80 82 83 84 86 88 91 93

Hardware

Active

Vinyl Revival Fry’s Guitarist Delight Dreamer Queen

96 98

100 102

Isle of Man style magazine

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ISLE OF MAN STYLE MAGAZINE

Intro

Words | Louise Bralsford

OK people - it’s official.

Organic is cool. Without a doubt many of our discerning readers will have flirted with the idea of organic, but failed to fully commit. For those of you who have been on the (battery-powered) bandwagon for a while now, well done! For the doubtful majority who have failed to be seduced by the shenanigans of the Good Life, read on. It’s time to take the plunge, get with the programme, and devote yourselves to a new, better, way of life.

There are three main Phases of conversion.

Along the way, it’s important to remember that there is no point in being organic unless people know you are organic, so it might be worth preparing some anecdotes to demonstrate your extreme organicity. This has the added perk of making you feel very good about yourself and also becoming a beacon, nay, a pillar of goodness in your community for others to aspire to. By simply jazzing up your conversational gambits you can really promote your moral high ground. One effective way is to insist on pronouncing ‘organic’ with a French accent. Emphasise the ‘eekh’. People will not only be impressed that you know French, but it will stick in their minds better. For a more subtle approach, consider the following: ‘Oh yes, I was thinking exactly the same thing when I popped out to dig up some homegrown cabbage in our vegetable patch. I was just adding some all-natural fertiliser produced from our compost heap to the carrots and I realised that the weather has been chilly lately.’ You see? It may seem like nothing, but you can guarantee that your interlocutor will be struck by your

because quality matters

intimations of organicity and walk away an awed and inspired potential convert.

Phase One concerns food. It is essential that your kitchen shelves are stocked with tomes authored by types such as Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and Valentine Warner. Any chocolate drawers must be emptied of their Kitkats and Wispas and filled to the brim with Green & Blacks.

By simply jazzing up your conversational gambits you can really promote your moral high ground. One effective way is to insist on pronouncing ‘organic’ with a French accent.

You will also need to up your supermarket visits as you now only eat food that is the freshest of the fresh and a lot of the organic lifestyle is about visibility - more visits = wider audience. It is desirable to purchase the most anatomical-looking fruit and veg available and brandish it at fellow shoppers to demonstrate your new superb organicity.

Luckily, most supermarkets have aisles packed with all sorts, emblazoned with the organic label, so it’s very easy to spot where you should station yourself. This is an optimum time to strike up conversations with strangers about the benefits of organic (as can be found using a quick Google search) and wow them with your knowledge and commitment.

Phase Two revolves around your appearance. No one will take you seriously as une personne organique unless you look the part. Barbours and Hunters are ideal

and, even better, they are in fashion and easily available. At weekends, you should ensure people see you engaged in outdoor activities. If you are a Facebooker, cement your Supreme Organic Status by plastering your profile page with photos of you posing with a spade, hoe or similar (preferably in the garden), or creating your own homemade muesli. For added impact, get lots of props for your kitchen which are both minimalist and rustic to get the message across. Stickers in the back window of your car proclaiming the greatness of your choices are also excellent advertisements.

Phase Three (Added Extras) is slightly more vague, because it’s about things which go hand in hand with the organic lifestyle and promote eco-warrior values. Examples of these Added Extras include travel and children. When it comes to transport, it is highly recommended you buy an electric powered car, like the Leaf. This should be parked prominently outside your house, no matter how awkward it makes things for visitors/other road users. With regard to children, they are excellent channels for promulgating your organicity as you can deck them out with Captain Planet lunchboxes filled with organic snacks and the like. Your television should be constantly switching between River Cottage, Countryfile and the Good Life (to be honest, the Good Life should be compulsory regular viewing for all households anyway). A further idea for the more domestically inclined among our readership is to clean your house with various mixtures of bicarbonate of soda and lemon juice or vinegar. And obviously it’s another thing to tell people about when you are doing your weekly shop.

With these three simple Phases, the pursuit of organicity is completely achievable and you will find it both rewarding and probably beneficial in other ways too. Everyone, from your nearest and dearest to unwitting passersby will esteem you more highly than you could imagine. So why not try it? Get an allotment! Buy some wellies! Purge your kitchen! Embrace La Vie Bonne!

7

upfront

Organics When I began thinking about organic and conventional farming, I had fairly clear ideas on who was doing what. Behind every conventionally grown turnip, the spectre of an Armani suited villain loomed, twirling his moustache and cackling sinisterly, a cold dead glint in his eye, his goal of global decimation brought ever nearer by my out of season craving for root vegetables.

But somewhere in the distance his nemesis, a noble farmer probably called John McSproutheart, calls to me “just wait until January, Theo.”

A single manly tear rolls down his cheek and he removes his flat cap in mourning for the planet he loves so tenderly.

So, case closed, organic farming is awesome and conventional farming is the bubbling evil from Satan’s nether-regions made incarnate. Right?

Well, obviously not, otherwise this would be a laughably short article.

Before I go any further, I’d like to state that I’m not coming down against organic farming here.

Some practises used in organic farms are brilliant. Specifically, the effort to move away from monocultures (where crops are farmed in single species plots) rocks. Crop rotation and mixed planting are much better for the soil and the environment. What I am coming down against, though, is false information and sloppy thinking.

When people are asked why they buy organic produce, they tend to respond with the following reasons (in my experience): the food tastes better, it’s healthier and more nutritious, and that organic farming is better for the environment.

These opinions are often trotted out as fact, so the idiotic passer by (like myself) may just assume that the case is closed. It’s definitely not closed.

Despite the protestations by converts, there is no evidence that organic food tastes better.

The evidence (in double blind taste tests and the like) is inconclusive, but it doesn’t look as

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though there’s much difference. Fresh food, however, most certainly tastes better, and many smaller organic farms rush food to stores much more quickly than conventional farms, so that may well be an issue.

As to health and nutrition, we have a similar situation. There is no scientific evidence, after 50 years of tests, that organic food is more nutritious than conventional food. Part of the health debate around organic foods centres on the use of pesticides, the assertion being that conventionally farmed produce uses loads and they’re really bad for you. The truth is that both organic and conventional farms use pesticides, but conventional farms use synthetic pesticides and organic farms use naturally occurring pesticides. If you’re thinking that natural pesticides are obviously not as harmful to your health as synthetic pesticides, I’m afraid science is going to contradict you again.

Finally, we hit the issue that really concerns me, which is the environmental issue. I’ve already noted that organic farming uses certain methods that are much better for the environment, such as crop rotation. However, on the other side of the debate we have the fact that conventional farming produces much more food from the amount of land it takes up than organic farming could. If we converted to all organic methods, we would produce significantly less food than we currently do, sending global starvation (there are already 16 million people starving on the planet) into overdrive. The only solution would be to convert more land into agricultural land, destroying god knows how much natural habitat for god knows how many species. Agriculture has already done a vast amount of damage to the planet.

Well, I say that the only solution would be to convert more land into agricultural land, but of course, that’s not really true. One alternative would be to stop wasting food on the inexcusable level that we do in the developed world. If we stopped throwing away such huge amounts of food, it could be re-distributed to some of those starving 16 million.

In fact, the whole debate between organic and conventionally farmed goods could benefit from being put in context. The fact that people buy organic food because they (mistakenly) believe its healthier and more nutritious seems laughable when faced with the issues of obesity and malnourishment that dominate the world today. The prevalence of fast food chains and world hunger kind of makes the organic versus conventional argument look ridiculous. While we’re arguing over what trace of what pesticide may contain harmful toxins over a 60 year period, world nutrition is in its death throes. Can we fix it? Of course we can, very simply in fact: don’t eat shit. There you go. However your food is farmed, make sure you’re eating correctly. And don’t throw food away. It’s wasteful, and there are people starving. Simple, but difficult.

There’s no question that organic food is safe (after all, your ancestors simply called it ‘food’ and they were fine) but there’s no evidence to prove it’s any better than conventionally farmed produce. There are differences, plusses and minuses, but to assume that one or the other is superior in every way is naïve. A question that I would like to ask is why do we have to choose between one type of farming and another? As informed consumers, we should be pushing for the best farming methods to be used, regardless of whether they’re organic or conventional.

We’re lucky in the Isle of Man, because we can inspect the farms that produce our produce. For everything that’s said above, I’d like to point out that in relation to organic food as it’s grown here, I have no doubts that the highest level of care is taken and that the food is of the highest standard possible. But in relation to the bigger picture, the focus on organic and conventional food is a distraction from far more pressing issues, such as factory farming (which is detrimental whether conventional or organic), world hunger, malnutrition and obesity, and global warming.

Words | Theo Leworthy Illustration | Helina Mathews

Isle of Man style magazine

upfront

UPFRONT

LISTINGS: WHAT TO DO IN MARCH

listings

THINGS TO DO MARCH 2012

WEDNESDAY 7TH TO THURSDAY 8TH GREGOR LERSCH GRACES US WITH FLORAL FANCY

FRIDAY 9TH TO SUNDAY 1ST APRIL COAST-TO-COAST EXHIBITION BY TRACEY DEAN

If you love flower art design, you will want to take this opportunity to meet the pioneer of unique floral design. On the 7th - 8th March, Gregor Lersch will be holding an evening demonstration and a full day workshop held in association

Recently, the Isle of Man Post Office commissioned local artist Tracey Dean to prepare paintings that truly captured the elegance of our familiar landmarks for stamps that will be issued on 2nd April. The Coast-to-Coast exhibition of

with Hands of Hope Charity at the Broadway Baptist Church, Douglas. For further information and ticket sales contact: Heidi Baker Tel: 800061 or Trudi Hudson Tel: 424155. Baker or Trudi Hudson.

FRIDAY 09TH MARCH 2012 TO SATURDAY 10TH MARCH 2012 BEATING BERLUSCONI

SATURDAY10TH MARCH 2012 ALICE IN WONDERLAND ANIMATED TEA PARTY

Beating Berlusconi is based upon the true story of a Liverpool fan travelling through Istanbul in 2005. He ends up sitting next to Silvio Berlusconi. This one-man show is a theatrical masterpiece to behold for everyone. Beating

Join Alice, The Mad Hatter and March Hare for an afternoon tea party. Win prizes for the Maddest Hat at Riley’s

Berlusconi is the hilarious story of one mans belief in his club, his city and himself.

For further information contact: Palace Hotel, Central Promenade, Douglas.

Alternatively, Tel: 01624667661.

Sunday 18th THANKS MUM We all find it hard to discover that original way to say thank you to our Mothers on Mothering Sunday. Perhaps it’s that dusty routine of applying the Hallmark formula to ceremonial custom, packing our feelings into a wearisome

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oil paintings by Tracey Dean is the manifest elegance of our Island. The exhibition of Manx coastal art is put on free public view at the Sayle Gallery, 1-3 Harris Promenade, Douglas.

For more information: Tel: 01624 674557.

regimen; the card and the flowers that she expects, or chocolates she would rather not eat. This Mother’s Day, why not treat her to afternoon tea on the Steam Railway? Book in the ticket hall or Tel: 662525.

Eden Park Cafe, Cooil Road, Douglas. For more information, Tel: 453308. email: mail@ crossroadsiom.org

Sunday 18th CELEBRATION OF THE QUEEN’S DIAMOND JUBILEE This year, the Lord of Mann celebrates her Diamond Jubilee. To mark the occasion, the Isle of Man Choral Society and the Isle of Man Symphony Orchestra will be performing at the

Royal Hall, Villa Marina.

For further information, or to book tickets, Tel: 01624600555. www.villagaiety.com

SATURDAY 24TH ON YOUR DOORSTEP EXHIBITION

THURSDAY 8TH YOUNG HEARTS RUN FREE

Isle of Man Tourism’s On Your Doorstep Exhibition, in association with 3FM, is a free way to discover what your Island has to offer from historic sites, heritage transport, award-

Young Hearts Run Free (cert 12A) is Andy Mark Simpton’s first feature, a heartfelt romantic drama, set against a heated backdrop of the 1974 miners’ strike. Films in Peel will

winning museums, adventure activities and specialist sport.

The event will commence from 11am-4pm at the Royal Hall, Villa Marina. Tel: 01624600555. www.villagaiety.com.com

present the film at 7.45pm with a subsequent Q & A session at the Centenery Centre, Athol Place, Peel. For more information, visit: www.centenarycentre.com

ISLE OF MAN STYLE MAGAZINE

COMING SOON

TICKET HOTLINE 600555

www.villagaiety.com

Op

en

s1

6 th Ma rc h

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Bradda Glen is a haven of tranquillity and

Visit for delicious home cooked traditional

airy goodness with fabulous views of Port

meals, healthy options or guilty pleasures;

Erin and the coastline down to the Calf

mouth-watering cakes, and the joys of

of Man.

classic afternoon teas!

The floor to ceiling panoramic windows

All dishes and cakes are made using the

let you soak up the natural beauty whilst

finest locally sourced products. Bradda

enjoying the comfort of the relaxed interior.

Glen is the perfect base for a day out with

There is also a large sun deck perfect for

the family, a peaceful moment reading the

taking in the views on warmer days.

paper or just surfing the net with a coffee.

www.braddaglen.com

Open 10am - 5:30pm every day Isle of Man style magazine

upfront

Functions Bradda Glen can also host functions of up to 250 people in the gorgeous and newly refurbished venue which is perfect for weddings, birthdays and gatherings. The layout is flexible enough to accommodate most group sizes and requirements.

Family Friendly Bradda Glen is 100% family friendly with a wide selection of healthy and nutritional children’s meals.

Sunday Roasts The famous traditional Sunday roasts will be served all day for those who like to rise a little later than most.

Meeting Space There is also a light and airy space that is perfect for meetings, clubs and groups.

T. 01624 837713 / 07624 469559 bookings@braddaglen.com Bradda Lane, Port Erin Isle of Man IM9 6PJ

because quality matters

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upfront

community

community

Gymnastics troupe lift Next Big Thing trophy ‘Cry Me a River’

brought tears of celebration to a group of young gymnasts when they performed a display to Michael Bublé’s version of the number and went on to win the final of The Next Big Thing 2012.

An audience of more than 800 at the Gaiety Theatre on Saturday January 28 watched 15 finalists compete in the contest organised

by Junior Achievement Isle of Man to showcase the talent of young people aged between 11 and 17 and which had attracted more than 150 entries to auditions held across the Island through November and December last year.

Asteria, a troupe of 15 gymnasts from around the Island who train together at the Ellan Vannin Gymnastics Club, devised a breathtaking display combining graceful athleticism with daring lifts to win the trophy, £500 sponsored by IFG and the opportunity to be the opening act when The Gleek Club, the UK’s number one Glee tribute band, appears at the Gaiety Theatre on March 24. The troupe was inspired to enter the contest by the success of Spellbound, the Kent-based gymnastics squad that won Britain’s Got Talent in 2010.

Another Britain’s Got Talent success, Steven Hall, the 53-year-old telecoms engineer from Kendal who wowed the BGT panel last year with his geography-teacher looks combined with hilariously accurate miming to numbers by artists ranging from Britney Spears to Freddie Mercury, opened the show with a wonderfully manic and crowd-pleasing performance. He also served on the judging panel, alongside Stuart Nelson from Barclays Wealth, Dean Helm from Paragon Recruitment and singer songwriter Anna Goldsmith.

Panicland, a band made up of friends Chris Blackburn from St Ninian’s High School and Ffinlo Colley from Ballakermeen High School, both aged 17 and Lily Wolter, 15, from King William’s College came second with a performance of one of their own numbers to win £250 sponsored by the Manx Educational Foundation.

Third place, and a cheque for £150 sponsored by Presence of Mann, went to 13-year-old Hamish Faragher whose combination of accomplished drumming and sharp-witted responses to compère James Turpin’s questions delighted the audience and the judges.

Junior Achievement chief executive Sue Cook thanked sponsors Barclays Wealth, Paragon Recruitment and 3FM.

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All the money raised will go to support Junior Achievement Isle of Man’s work with more than 5000 students in the Isle of Man.

To find out more, visit www.jaiom.im or call 666266.

Tickets for The Gleek Club at the Gaiety Theatre on March 24 are available from the Villa Marina box office, 600555 or visit www. villagaiety.com. Adults £15, children, £10.

The Next Big Thing 2013 final will take place in February 2013 at the Villa Marina.

Isle of Man style magazine

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community

BARCLAYS WEALTH STAFF RAISE OVER £46,000 FOR CHARITY OF THE YEAR Staff at Barclays Wealth in the Isle of Man have helped raise over £46,000 for their Charity of the Year 2011, Hospice Isle of Man. Throughout the year staff have been taking part in fundraising initiatives including, cake bakes, raffles, a marathon railway journey, dress-down days, the Parish Walk and even having the Easter Bunny delivering eggs! They have also supported events such as the Hospice Christmas Fair and Annual Dinner.

All in all, through their efforts and the Barclays Wealth £ for £ fund matching, they have raised in excess of £46,000.

Chair of the Charity Committee Stuart Nelson said: ‘I am delighted to be handing over a cheque for £46,000 to Hospice Isle of Man. It is great to see so many of our staff getting involved in fundraising activities and helping to build on the amounts raised for our chosen charities each year. I hope that the money we have presented to the charity will help them with the important work they carry out in our local community.’

Mary Doyle, PR and Marketing Manager for Hospice Isle of Man said: ‘A massive thank you to the whole team at Barclays Wealth – we definitely had fun in fundraising and working with them during 2011. The money will make a huge difference to Hospice’s ongoing work.’

Street performers wanted!

‘All the world’s a stage’…including Douglas town centre ‘Douglas is yours to perform in,’ says town centre manager Gill Anderson who is looking for all kinds of street entertainers – amateurs, professionals, solo artists, groups, bands, living statues, magicians – looking to share their talent in the heart of the town.

She explains: ‘You don’t have to be the next “Gaga” or “Robbie”, just be willing to give it a go and join our register of street performers. For TT, for Christmas…for the sheer fun of it.’

To find out more telephone Gill Anderson, Douglas town centre manager, on 612022, email ganderson@douglas.gov.im or call in to Douglas Development Partnership, 7-13 Victoria Street, Douglas.

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We

Douglas

Love was in the air…and in Do ug las town centre on the Satu rday before St Valentin Day when a pair of e’s cupids made their winged way through the town ‘sharing the love’ and handing out ro ses.

Town centre man ager Gill Anderso n said: ‘Retailing these days is all ab culture out putting the he art back into town centres, so what be tter way in the runup to St Valentine’s Day than to enlist the help, he arts and bows and arrows of our two modern-day cu pids.’

Isle of Man style magazine

community

upfront

sure Playtime at the Garden Party Sure have announced their leading sponsorship of The Garden Party, the islands favorite family music festival.

This year’s event will take place on the 6th and 7th July to coincide with Tynwald celebrations and the Queens Diamond Jubilee.

Conrad Roberts, one of the organisers of the Garden Party said: “We’re very happy to have Sure onboard, they have great ideas to enhance the event and widen its appeal. It all helps towards our long-term ambition of building a sustainable and credible music festival for the Isle of Man” A key party of Sure’s sponsorship will be providing a huge range of activities and entertainment for families to enjoy for free. The Sure family fun area will feature a fringe theatre, circus skills workshops, stilt walkers, bouncy castles, face painting and a zorb pool.

Kate Hegarty, Marketing Manager of Sure said; “The Isle of Man deserves a quality music festival, we are very happy to have the opportunity to support the event. We love the family aspect of the festival and are pleased to be providing free entertainment and activities in the Sure family fun area. The event is timed with our 5th birthday so we’re inviting the whole Island to help us celebrate at the Garden Party!”

Leddra Chapman, Turin Brakes, Yashin, The Minutes, Chris Gray and Panicland are a few names adding to plenty of dazzling acts signed up to play at the festival.

Further acts and event information will be announced at the official Garden Party launch on Friday 2nd March from 7pm at Jabberwocky. www.thegardenparty.im

Nationwide QE2 PRIZE A UNIVERSITY future at Oxford is the aim of Queen Elizabeth High School student Kirsty Pierce who has won the annual mathematics award presented

by Nationwide International.

Kirsty, 16, was the top performer at GSCE level in last year’s examinations, gaining a highly coveted A-star in mathematics.

“Kirsty was outstanding amongst a number of very good mathematics students,” said Head of Mathematics Beverly Hewson.

The school has consistently produced high quality mathematics students and Kirsty Pierce is the latest in a long line to win the Nationwide International award which because quality matters

has been presented since 1999. She follows in the footsteps of her father Peter who is an accountant. Mum Sharon has a career in teaching.

The annual winner holds the Nationwide International trophy for a year and also receives a gift of an Instant Access savings account which was handed over by the company’s marketing executive Amanda Park.

Kirsty - who lives in Foxdale and is a former pupil at St John‘s primary school - is now in her first year of A level study where she is concentrating on Mathematics, French, German, History and English Literature. She now has her further education hopes set on being accepted at Oxford.

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places

1986 Eden Park Garden Centre was originally established in 1882. Traditional family business practices and values have helped grow and develop the company over 130 years.

1882 ~ 2012

Eden Park Garden Centre

Five generations later the underlying concept of Riley’s Garden & Lifestyle Centre is quality products that inspire a modern, fresh and unique impression on Manx homes, gardens and lifestyles.

During the month of March and throughout 2012, we will be celebrating our 130 year history with a whole series of promotions and events.

On Saturday the 10th March everyone is welcome to join us and enjoy the Weber Experience BBQ roadshow.

Also on Saturday between 2.30pm4.30pm we will be hosting an Alice in Wonderland Animated Tea Party. A prize will be up for grabs for the ‘MADDEST HAT’ on the day; JR RILEY Is born at adults enter free of charge the Jane Crookall and children get a great Maternity Home afternoon of fun including a meal bag for only £7.50. All proceeds will go to the Manx Charity Crossroads Caring for Careers.

Tickets are selling fast, to reserve your seat Tel 453308, or email mail@crossroadsiom.org

1914

www.rileys.co.im or edenparkgc.com for special offers and Take a look at

promotions during the month of March, alternately visit the store and

have a look around.

Fantastic offers in-store and online throughout 2012 2

Isle of Man style magazine

places

MAR

CH

10 &11

2012 2005

1978 1972

1946

1952

1925

JR RILEY returns from the Second World War to take over the running of the Business. He continued with the original business and diversified into Auctioneering and Insurance.

Th e We breire n c e Ex p e

BBQ ROADSHOW WEEKEND

Come along to Riley’s Eden Park on the 10th & 11th March and enjoy the Weber Experience BBQ Roadshow. Be inspired and learn how to grill, bake and roast all on the BBQ. The day promises to be a great event for all the family. A host of local suppliers including Radcliffe Butchers will be providing a great selection of Manx produce to sample.

Don’t miss out, check online or instore for key BBQ demonstration times.

est

1882

JT Faragher sets up the business as an Agricultural Merchant at Quines Corner.

He was also a Travel Agent and owned the Cattle Market where Lord Street is now.

an Isle of M

South

we are here

Cooil Road

Douglas

On

to the the wa y

Deliciou

s recipe

Cooil Road

s

Spring Valley Industrial Estate IOM Post Office

Eden Park Garden Centre • Cooil Road Braddan • Isle of Man • IM4 2AF Tel: 01624 616116 • Email: info@edenparkgc.com because quality matters

Cooking up a storm!

3

in NUMBERS NEWS

upfront

2

of the Islands libraries to close due to economic climate, the family library in Douglas and the mobile library

5

th place for Manx Snowboarder Zoe Gillings at the fourth round of the World Cup in Canada

3000

TV programmes produced in the Isle of Man since 1995

by Motorsport Mundial Ltd reaching more than 710 millions homes every week

18,000

mile around the world cycling endurance by Paul Ashley-Unett begins. An attempt to beat the world record and raise ÂŁ30,000 for charity

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We understand that, when it comes to getting the most from your creative marketing, the medium is the message.

We produce our titles with that in mind.

Our goal is simple; to offer the best platform and engaging editorial environment for your brand communcation through Gallery, Places, Appetite and our contract publishing titles.

We don’t pile high and sell ‘cheap ad space’ as other magazines do. We’re marketing centric and work through the line to give you the most for your budget. If you’d like to talk about what we can add to your 2012 plans, just give us a call on 249249

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me&mypet

upfront

Christy & Milo Species:

Wants:

Christy Human, ginger creative type

Christy To get my album out by April and to get all my family back together on the Island some time this year

Milo Labrador

Age: Christy 35 (Ouch!)

Milo 2 this month (aww)

Likes: Christy Long walks with Milo & Dave (Armstrong – Milo’s other human), music, film, good food and good company Milo Playing football, running alongside humans’ mountain bikes, good food and good company. But most of all TOAST!

Dislikes: Christy Not being able to spend more time with family and friends due to crazy workload. And, Tea… to the point of phobia! Even though I’ve never actually tried it… I have my own mugs and everything! (Shhh don’t tell anyone.)

Milo Being left in the kitchen by myself while my humans go off on non-pet-friendly adventures. And, being made to go out at night for one last ‘garden trip’, I often pretend to be asleep but it never works.

If Human/Animal you would be: Christy Human Milo Pet

10

Milo To PLAY all day, every day! And to EAT all day, every day! And to PLAY all day...! (You get the idea)

Interesting Facts: Christy I actually have a US Passport because my father is from Tennessee. My Uncle is legendary DJ Bernie Quayle and my grandfather is artist EC Quayle; who painted the only known portrait of Archie Knox.

My voice has been ‘played’ in space (on Truman Falls and Davy Knowles songs); I sang around a microphone with Peter Frampton and Christine Collister for Davy’s album ‘Coming Up For Air’.

I have never, ever had a cup of tea (did I say that already?).

Milo I keep eating things I shouldn’t and spend a lot of time visiting my friends at Arg Beiyn as a result... I also like to find interesting creatures and objects on the beach – I have found enormous jellies; lots of strange fish; seals; herons; a glowing octopus and even something that looked like a bomb and the Coastguard had to be called out too! It was actually a very old pump from a boat...

Isle of Man style magazine

EVENTS

QUALITY REACH...

events

IOM Sporting & Dining Club with Hilary Devey, sponsored by HSBC The Mount Murray Hotel Santon

Hilary Devey visited the IOM last week as the latest guest speaker of IOM Sporting & Dining Club, sponsored by HSBC. An award winning Entrepreneur and Business Speaker Hilary Devey is the founder, Chief Executive and Chairman of The Pall-Ex Group. By launching Pall-Ex, Bolton-born Hilary Devey not only created a business network that now commands revenues of £100 million per annum, but revolutionised

the pallet distribution industry in the UK. Her shrewd business acumen has seen her picked to star in the latest series of BBC 2’s hit show Dragons’ Den which returned to our screens with record ratings in August 2011.

became one of the UK’s most successful rags to riches entrepreneurs.

A charity raffle on the evening raised over £1200 for the HSBC nominated charity – RNLI .

Hilary addressed a sellout audience and told her hugely inspirational story, including overcoming huge hurdles in both her personal and business life and how she

The Club will be presenting best-selling novelist Jeffrey Archer to its membership on 26 April 2012. Call 495749 for details.

Motorsport Mundial Ltd celebrates its 3,000th television programme The Mailbox Douglas

Ministers, MHKs, senior government officers and business leaders joined the celebrations as Isle of Man company Motorsport Mundial Ltd marked the production of its 3,000th television programme for international broadcast. The event, at the Mailbox, Douglas, on February 16, commemorated the landmark for the business, formed more than 16 years

ago between Manx firms Duke Marketing and Greenlight Television. Motorsport Mundial produces four weekly series covering 45 international motorsport championships and events, plus major car shows in Detroit, Frankfurt and Tokyo. The programmes are broadcast to more than 160 countries, reaching more than 710 millions homes every

week. Among 45 international broadcast partners are ESPN (multi-national), Sky Sports (UK), Al Jazeera (Middle East), Speed (USA), Auto Plus (Russia), Channel 5 (UK) and Phoenix (China).

Get paparazzi at your events. paparazzi@gallery.co.im 24

Isle of Man style magazine

Demand more from your bank...

Welcome to Premium Banking In today’s economic climate, managing and protecting your wealth is essential. Equally important is the trust and confidence you have in your bankers.

Premium Banking is an enhanced, highly personalised relationship managed banking service that starts with one simple and fundamental question: “What do you want from us, how can we help?” Understanding this enables us to tailor the service to meet your own very unique and personal requirements.

Quite simply, if you expect and demand more from your banking and wealth management, Premium Banking delivers. Asset or income qualifications apply.

Your gateway to our expertise.

If you demand more from your bank, contact Premium Banking on 01624 637674 or call in to any branch for details.

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. Premium Banking service is offered subject to status, Terms and Conditions apply. Calls may be recorded.

events

the Sefton Hotel Wedding Fair The Sefton Hotel Douglas

On 18th February, a Bridal Fair graced The Sefton Hotel with floral eruptions, sprays of trailblazing photography and a collection of other polished nuptial maestros.

There are so many details to make sense of before a wedding day, the rings; colour scheme; locations; dresses; invitations; flowers;

food and decorations make for an intimidating and waxing lyrical list.

The Sefton’s bridal organisers provided the locale for a congregation of Island companies, yielding a fusion of the enchanting, the celestial and the meticulous to a profusion of eager guests.

Intermingling a matrimonial feast of information with a millpond of tranquil notions, coordinators joined osteopaths to assemble a harmonious event balance.

Get paparazzi at your events. paparazzi@gallery.co.im 26

Isle of Man style magazine

events

your wedding timeline tickchart!

12 months+ before your wedding

Plan your engagement party.

Discuss your budget with your parents or look up tips on saving for a wedding.

Think about themes and colours for your wedding.

Start your guest list.

Choose wedding rings.

Meet with and book your wedding officiant or clergyman.

Select a date and reserve your ceremony and reception site.

Check availablity of places to stay for guests.

Hire a wedding consultant, if you’re using one.

Choose bridesmaids, groomsmen and ushers.

Meet photographers, florists, caterers and entertainment.

10 months before your wedding

Marriage is more than sharing a life together; it’s building a life together.

Order your wedding dress and accessories.

Plan your honeymoon (book any jabs you need and check passport dates!)

Arrange wedding transport.

If you’re planning on making anything start doing it now.

Order your invitations and any other stationery.

Buy bridesmaid dresses.

Book wedding night.

Arrange venue decor.

6 months to go

Organise a hen party / stag do.

Finalise all details with your photographers, florists, caterers and entertainment.

Send out your invites.

Purchase any presents for your parents and attendees.

Select groom’s tuxedo and hire or buy attire for groomsmen.

Write your vows.

Order wedding favours for your guests.

Choose outfits for mother of the bride and mother of the groom.

Check marriage licence requirement.

Start thinking about your favourite music for the party.

Purchase wedding lingerie.

1 month to go

Meet with your hairdresser and make-up artist for consultation.

Book a manicure, pedicure and spa treatment to relax.

Break in your shoes.

Buy a guest book.

1 week to go

Give final guest count to reception venue and caterer.

Start packing for honeymoon.

Make sure everything fits!

Send your wedding announcement to the GOV. Write any cheques required for the wedding day.

Arrange for wedding gifts to be transported to your home

1 day to go

As Frankie says.... Relax...

Have fun with anyone who has come over early.

Start getting snap happy.

Ensure your overnight bag is packed and delivered to your hotel.

Speak to your attendants – check everyone knows what they need to do and when.

After the wedding

Make a gift list and send out your thank-you notes.

Make sure everything is sorted out for your name change.

Send wedding cake to anyone who couldn’t make the wedding.

Brought to you by Shan Fisher www.shansphoto.com because quality matters

27

events

Bank of Ireland Launch new High Interest Return Account The Mailbox Douglas

Bank of Ireland Offshore held a reception at the Mailbox in Douglas on January 20th. The gathering coincided with the launch of the Bank’s new High Interest Return Account.

Bank of Ireland Offshore has been in the Isle of Man for more than 30 years and is based on Christian Road in Douglas. Customers are looked after by the Bank’s Relationship

Management team, headed by Directors Niall Carey and Simon Jones (both pictured above) who have been with the bank over 20 years.

IQE Limited City launch celebrates a new brand and new opportunities London City

IQE Limited, a leading Isle of Man provider of international fiduciary services hosted a champagne reception in the City of London’s Coq d’Argent to celebrate a new name and brand.

said;“It reinforces our confidence in the Isle of Man as an international business centre and it is appropriate that the launch event took place in the City of London, our key market for financial services.”

John Shimmin MHK, Minister for the Isle of Man Department of Economic Development

IQE’s guests included representatives from the top London legal and accountancy firms,

alongside tax advisers; private bankers; real estate advisers; capital markets and clients.

Get paparazzi at your events. paparazzi@gallery.co.im

28

Isle of Man style magazine

CULTURE

culture

A fortnight of

Words | Tanya Hanson

What have people said about the Islands fair trade shop?

“I love its fair trade ethos. The stock is exciting, interesting & constantly changing. I’m happy in Shakti Man.” “It’s an adventure! Bold and unusual things to enjoy without fear that the world is threatened or the craftsmen exploited.“ “I am greeted with a smile and leave with a smile, knowing my purchases are ethically produced and fabulous!”

As Fairtrade fortnight dawns, a ‘peopleled’ industry enlightens the masses with ‘Shakti’ – a Hindi word meaning the divine force that manifests to restore balance.

The failings of capitalism are never more obvious than when society is perforated by recession. On Monday 27th February, the Fairtrade Foundation issued their 2011 figures for Fairtrade Fortnight after a 40% jump in 2010.

The term ‘responsible capitalism’ was coined to accentuate consumers, buyers and traders who pay constitutional and morally correct prices for crops, guaranteeing premium payments for community projects.

In the ‘90s, Manx resident Leni Lewis travelled South East Asia, through India; Nepal; Thailand; Indonesia; Malaysia and Sri Lanka.

By 2002, Leni had established Shakti Nepal, an altruistic charity aimed at giving Nepalese slum children an education.

Leni purchased traditional Nepalese and Indian crafts to sell at home in order to fund the project.

Shakti Man is a business, not a charity.

Where possible, the company shares profit with local and global projects, supporting those in need or working with schools, orphanages, women’s centres and communities experiencing natural disaster around the world.

Currently in India, Leni is visiting and researching new producer groups and developing contacts to work with environmentally led marginalised producers, women’s co-operatives and small NGOs. Leni works with producers to stock clothing ranges, accessories and home ware using natural dyes; the up-cycling of fabrics and reclaimed wool re-invented and crafted into stunning, unique pieces.

Leni is a also a patron of batik printing (a hand written wax-resist dyeing technique); hand weaving and hand block printing in support of artists with traditional skills unique to rural based communities.

One such producer is Kumbeshwar Technical School (KTS), an educational and vocational training centre, supporting low-income families throughout Nepal.

In 2004, she went on to found Shakti Man in Ramsey. Proving to be a bona fide success, the company now holds its own as one of the largest Fairtrade shops in Britain.

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Isle of Man style magazine

culture

Organic Fair Trade Chocolate Tasting Chocolate Tasting at Shakti Man KTS started to assist the ‘untouchables’, the local Pode community of street sweepers who were denied education and employment. KTS have both opened and continue to fund a primary school for 400 children.

They also offer welfare and education to 50 children at the KTS Orphanage.

The company provides vocational training for women and young men in carpet weaving; hand knitting and carpentry, whilst running a daycare centre for their trainees, producers and employees.

Shakti Man’s other suppliers each have similar ‘upside-down’ business plans. They are peopledriven companies, delivering a fertile and socially healthy product.

Shakti Man is bursting with creative gifts, furniture and homeware often made from the recycled waste of

affluent societies. Inviting clothing lines grace the walls with high fashion garments.

They stock designer labels; handblock prints from Chandni Chowk; up-cycled saris from Nomads; beautiful hand weaves and hand embroidery from People Tree and bamboo, hemp and organic cotton from Braintree and Komodo.

Every brand available at Shakti Man trades with an aim to improve the social, economic and environmental well being of marginalised small producers and artisans.

The incorruptible moral and ethical code inherent in Shakti Man’s organisational culture is meritorious. May they long provide our Island with their dignified amalgamation of worldly and noble commodities.

march

this rkable d a rema assatoma re o s n o p s M s rch.

Fortnight. dation ha ade Foun an for Fair Trade n Monday 5th Ma tr ir a F e o th M s r, f e o a iv e r ar e Isle This y from Mali ome to th iologique guest to c , a cotton farmer vement B ompetence. u o ro (M o k m C io Moun Centre of l er of MoB s Manag co-operative and n internal contro a s k r o w a a g . g m s in in to rd m g a r a a nd an ic fa Mass Trade sta ing and m an organ Malien), cludes establish pliance with Fair f March, His role inCS) to ensure com ginning o a Co-op e b e th t a t system (I eaking a of events ay a variety . He will also be sp unity on Thursd d n e tt a l m s il r m w e o e a m C r th m s s fa from Massato a visit to local and the Busine available includingd lunch for MHKs ts for the event are sponsore at Tynwald. Ticke 8 March of Commerce.

Chamber

because quality matters

Zot ter: Organically produced and fairly traded Chocolate flavour

taste

score

For Angels

It almost tastes like a soft Toblerone, only much better. The flavours work really well together. The hardness of the shell and the soft nutty middle makes for a great collaboration in texture. Honestly one of the best chocolate bars I have ever tasted.

9/10

Strawberry

It tastes a little like a strawberry Cornetto! It’s much too rich to eat a whole bar, but my-my it tastes good. It is very inventive, I feel like Charlie in his chocolate factory.

7/10

Conscious Chocolate: Organic Raw Handmade Chocolate The Nutty One

It tastes a little grainy but it has a lovely flavour. It is rich and sumptuous, harbouring a hint of coconut and a brilliant mixture of deep dark chocolate with almonds, hazelnuts and cashews.

7/10

Goji and Coconut

It doesn’t melt in the mouth but it is silky smooth. You can really taste the flavours; they aren’t hidden in the mix.

Lovely.

7/10

31

culture

Co ntribut ing writer of t he m onth

Generation Smart Words|Rebecca Uren

As a child of the 1990’s, I have experienced the journey from board game, to mobile phone, to the world of internet explorer. We were witness to the revolution of the desktop computer, and I remember the first computer to ever be installed in my house as a large, intimidating, mechanical box with an equally bulky monitor. Dial up was the only gateway to accessing the internet, wireless was nothing but a future distant discovery lurking to be immersed by technology sponges, whose developments have guided us a long distance away from this memory into the technological wonderland we live in today.

reminisce always being outside playing and actively socialising with others, there were no social networks attracting my attention elsewhere to sit bog-eyed at a computer screen inside my house. As the world of technology has grown, so have children’s expectations. Rewind just over 10 years ago and I call to mind playing original childhood games like Kerplunk, Monopoly and Cluedo with my family and friends. Games which not only offered fun but also invaluable face to face social interaction with one another. Long gone are those days now, and captivating the younger audience instead are Nintendo DS Guitar Hero, Facebook and Twitter.

Do you remember the time when you couldn’t be on the internet as well as the telephone? Now internet is available on the move for us to access anywhere thanks to the invention of Wi-Fi and 3G. Equally, we remember when paper maps were used to navigate our way around but now we think no different but to reach for our Sat-Nav’s and enter the street name and postcode of our desired destination. Most young drivers now would likely admit to their rustiness of how to operate the big road book of A-Z. The truth is, we are all becoming more and more familiar and accustomed with the paper free option as the 21st century rapidly develops before our own eyes.

When I was 11 I was given my first mobile phone, it was a hand down from my dad and I remember it quite clearly; it was a Nokia 3210. It was black and white and offered a handful of games, including the ever popular chase game ‘snake’.

Aside from this it was limited to making phone calls and sending text messages, but it fulfilled everything a girl of my age could have wanted in 2001. Forwarding on 11 years to today and we can see that these devices have really changed and shaped the way we go about life and communication altogether. We now have apps, cameras, internet access 24/7, access to social networks and shopping sites all within one device. And with the amount of phone owners owning a smartphone on the rise, this list of features can otherwise be commonly known as the average list of what consumers of 2012 expect from their mobile phone.

I consider myself part of the lucky generation that has witnessed it all: vinyl records, cassettes, cd’s, mp3’s and the many generation of iPods that never seem to stop improving upon the last model, offering us more and constantly becoming more technologically developed. As a child, I

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Isle of Man style magazine

culture

£50 CONTRIBUTING WRITER OF THE MONTH

The video player and recorder was a staple fixture in my home when I was younger. I’m not sure anybody could have comprehended the revolutionised world of the DVD, BlueRay and Sky+ that soon arrived to overcome us. Gone are the days where we would turn the house around looking to find a spare video tape to record a film on. And extinct are the minutes we would sit and wait for the film to start before we could press record, or patiently wait whilst the tape fast forwarded to the scene you last finished watching. The blessed arrival of the DVD and sky+ now offers us the relaxation and convenience through the option to skip scenes hassle free and record, not just one, but as many programmes at once, and save them all within one virtual library. And who would have predicted we could pause the TV whilst we answered the phone!

The conundrum is when exactly did our lives become so technological and digitalised? When did we start living by these technology changes or were they forced upon us? Looking back and reflecting on my parents and grandparents generations, the remarkably fast pace in which technology has developed and changed lifestyles has left a fair few bamboozled by this new age. Yes, technology has undoubtedly enabled our lives to become easier to function, but to my generation, that is merely only through our youth and flexibility to adapt and embrace these changes, for the older generations a fair few have been left baffled.

As technology has enabled us to work, play and communicate on the move, I think I can speak on behalf of most of the younger generation today when I say now that we have accepted and relished in

because quality matters

these developments, we couldn’t imagine what we would do without it all! If there ever became a time now where we couldn’t check our friend’s status’, or upload a photo we’ve just taken to Facebook via our smartphones, we would be left puzzled and suddenly everything would become a lot more complicated. Dwelling on this change and indulgent of the new generation I am, I admit that this makes me feel quite sad that I am one of many who is heavily reliant upon technology in my life, whilst 10 years ago I was happily going about my ways without anything I own today.

Touching on my own personal opinion, I can certainly say that I miss and treasure the simpler things; a BBM message isn’t quite the same as a phone call and an e-mail doesn’t, and will never, have the same personal touch as a hand-written letter. With new developments happening constantly, so the further away we move from the lifestyle we once lived as children.

With new developments happening constantly, so the further away we move from the lifestyle we once lived as children.

Desktops to i-Pads, house phones to smartphones, dial-up to wireless; technology has progressed quicker and further than we could ever imagine, surprising us all the time. With new developments happening constantly, so the further away we move from the lifestyle we once lived as children. Millennium babies, now 11-12, have been the generation to taste it all, they know no different as to how we live today as from birth they have grown up with this technological wonderland playing a part in their lives each day. I can’t help but to daydream back on my childhood memories in comparison and think they’ve missed out a little. I never thought I would hear myself use the catchphrase ‘the old days’ so soon in my life (I’m 21 years old), but although our lives are a lot easier, quicker and convenient today, there will always be something very nostalgic and special about doing things as we did in ‘the old days’.

Have you got something to say?

A short story, a rant, a profile, a statement? Every month we dedicate a whole page to you, Mr or Mrs Amateur Writer. We want you to shoot from the hip with a 400 word article that you think our readers should take note of. In return we’ll reward you with £50. Just Email your piece to: writerofmonth@gallery.co.im

no experience? how to be a writer in ten simple steps go to >> www.gallery.co.im/cwotm

33

culture

photo upload

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 Next month any theme you like, 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!

n

Photographer: Gary Heaton

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Isle of Man style magazine

culture

because quality matters

35

culture

Fruits of the Loom Introducing the arts and crafts hub in Laxey which is far from run of the mill

F

ounded as a centre for traditional spinning and weaving, Laxey Woollen Mills has been part of Laxey’s riverside landscape since 1881.

The home of traditional Manx tartan, it's a thriving business exports tweeds and fabrics worldwide, keeping Managing Director John Wood, the only commercial pattern weaver in the Isle of Man, busy from morning 'til evening.

In recent years, the Mills have also become significant to the Isle of Man's many fine artists and craftspeople: since its set-up, the Hodgson Loom Gallery on the upper floor has hosted a series of exhibitions showcasing the diversity of talent in the Island.

Fittingly, the Gallery's curator and the subject of this month's Gallery questionnaire is one of the Island's most renowned artists, Julia Ashby Smyth.

Best known for her finely-wrought work in a fantasy and folklore vein, Julia has been in demand as a freelance illustrator for 20 years, producing everything from technical drawings of longhouses for the Manx Museum, to cartoons of mermaids and pirates for children's books.

Julia is currently working on illustrations for Lily Publications' reprint of Dora Broome's children's classic: Fairy Tales from the Isle of Man, and new beer labels for Okells (fans of the local ale may recognise Julia's work from the pump clips of Old Skipper, Spring Ram and Aile Beer!).

Julia, who works from a studio in her garden at the foot of Glen Elfin (a space she shares with her "mad" Manx cat, Slim), finds the Isle of Man a never-ending source of inspiration.

Julia said: "I collect Manx folklore, old wives' tales and snippets, which I find fascinating.

Living in the Isle of Man means you are never stuck for inspiration; whether it be the way ivy twists around a tree or the heavy purple of a storm cloud, there is beauty in the grizzliest of days. Not a day goes by when I don't see something spectacular that I will catalogue for later use in some or other form".

Creative immersion is equally familiar to the Woollen Mills' John Wood. A professional weaver for 37 years, John has followed in the footsteps of his Father Robert, a weaver and designer from Galashiels who introduced handlooms to Laxey and took on the running of the Mills in the 1950s.

John divides his energies between the Griffith rapier handloom (the only one in existence outside the Isle of Lewis), on which he produces woollen rugs and scarves, and the George Hattersley pedal loom, which has been brought back into service to cope with a surging demand for tweeds.

John, who typically makes up to 50 yards of tweed per day, explains that most of the material is exported to buyers everywhere from London to Japan. One unlikely celebrity fan is Lily Allen, who purchased a chaise longue upholstered with Manx tweed from a highend London outlet!

The marriage of traditional skills, handed down through generations, and modern commercial enterprise makes Laxey Woollen Mills a fascinating place to visit. And soon there will be an added incentive, as the 'CrafTea Weaver' tearoom opens its doors on Good Friday.

The tearoom will have an unusual twist in that "everything you see is for sale, including the tables, cups, artwork, crafts and produce" says Julia. "It will give people an opportunity to sell their work - in any medium - without having to produce a whole exhibition's worth of pictures. We want to fill the walls". www.facebook.com/HodgsonLoomGallery www.juliaashbysmyth.com www.laxeywoollenmills.com

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Words | Liz Corlett

Isle of Man style magazine

culture

because quality matters

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culture

My Name Is

38

Julia Ashby Smyth

Isle of Man style magazine

French Fine cast bronze of Horse and Foal on a marble base Circa 1850 unsigned In the style of Christophe Fritan POA

J U L I A N & S A R A B R I N D L E | G R E Y N E Y M O O A R F I N E A R T S LT D B A L L A GAW N E | B A L L A B E G | C A S T L E T O W N | I S L E O F M A N | I M 9 4 H L

Tel: 462925 or 461966 enquiries @greyneymooar.co.uk

culture

Faye Halsall S

he calls it CasaBlanca. It has a kaleidoscopic, rich, spirited and vivacious quality reading full of vim and vigor that wildly records a dreamy and abstract reality.

Faye Halsall is a dynamic Manx Artist, born and bred in Douglas.

Faye’s talent lies safely in watercolours, but her work with oil pastels has created pieces of art beyond the barriers of colour vibrancy and vivacity.

Her striking images on canvas are fiery and effervescent. The beautiful, bold imperfect perfections in her artistic style host a captivating and lively energy. The demanding exuberance in her work would stop the most traditional art lover in his accustomed tracks.

Faye’s playful and spirited pieces are true visually buoyant conceptualisations of her zestful and passionate personality.

This artist seems to have a love of visually rewriting the laws of physics and biology in her visualisations of people, flowers and cityscapes. Changing Mother Nature’s pallet on a whim to support still frame snippets of her harlequin mind.

In her recently sold ‘Flutterbys’, Faye shows her skills at their most brilliant and bold. ‘Flutterbys’ depicts vividly arresting colours, patterns and fiery shapes in greens, gold, reds, blues, creams and pinks, swirling, launching and flowering across the canvas with purposeful collusion.

‘Flutterbys’ looks like a metaphysical dream, with what seems to be the shape of a human in awe or shock at a surrounding pandemonium of colour.

Faye’s ‘Fuchsia’ offers something different, a remarkable flower and

40

bud, showering the page with a fiercely hot red against tranquil greens and blues.

Uncharacteristically, Faye’s hyperbolical understanding of this natural juxtaposition harmonises to create a bewitching and beguiling piece of art.

Faye is currently a member of the Isle of Man Arts Society and a contributor to joint & group exhibitions both on and off Island. Her unique artistic style is a treasure to behold, I look forward to seeing her solo show toward the end of the year.

Here, on the Isle of Man, we have artists waiting to be heard and ideas waiting for a chance to ignite. We have talented, experienced amateur and professional avant-garde artists with the passion and creative genius to produce inspirational work.

Check out Faye Halsall’s full collection at: http://www.artworkxofmann.com/prod_cat/category_517_faye_halsall.html Words | Liz Corlett

Isle OF Man style magazine

culture

because quality matters

41

CULTURE

Misc page

The page where we share all of the things that we’ve found this month that don’t have a home anywhere else in the magazine

At one with Nature

Caught Ice Cold Handed Police in Chile have arrested a man on suspicion of stealing ice from the Jorge Montt Glacier. Officials in the town of Cochrane found five tonnes of ice in the back of his truck, reports the BBC. Scientists say the glacier, in the Patagonia region, is retreating faster than any other in Chile. Funny that... Police suspect the ice was destined for the capital, Santiago, to make gourmet ice cubes for use in upmarket bars and restaurants. Tourists

in Chile are often served whisky chilled with glacial ice - which has an extra kudos because it comes directly from the glaciers.

According to El Mercurio, the driver is accused of theft, but prosecutors are also considering bringing charges under the national monuments act. The paper says the ice found in the back of the vehicle was worth nearly £4,000. The shrinking glacier is in the Bernardo O’Higgins national park, the largest protected area in Chile.

A bizarre new range of flip-flops gives people the chance to experience the feeling of walking bare-footed on grass.

Australian footwear company KUSA has reported ‘amazing’ sales after launching flip-flops featuring fake turf stitched onto the soles. The company’s website says: ‘Love the feeling of bare feet on freshly mowed grass? Why not have that feeling anywhere, anytime? KUSA flip flops give you the opportunity to do just that... Close your eyes and you are there!’ The bizarre footwear seems to have been a hit with customers across the globe, appearing on various trendsetting and fashion websites.

The KUSA flip-flops are currently available online from around £20.

Video of the Month Vimeo - Earth Time lapse view from space Take a look at this stunning time lapse sequence from the crew of Expeditions 28 & 29 onboard the International Space Station from August to October, 2011, who shot these pictures at an altitude of around 350 km above the earth.

This video doesn’t tell us what organic is, but what we are being organic for. Planet Earth, home to over 7 million people, is under threat from global warming and this is a breathtaking look at what we stand to lose. It’s stunning and worth a watch - plus if you can work out exactly what the long lit up line is at 3.46 without turning this page upside down* you can have ten Gallery Points.

Pretty Shallow

In the Flathead Lake in Montana, USAthe water is so transparent that it seems shallow, but in reality it is 370 feet deep!

http://vimeo.com/32001208 *It’s the border between India and Pakistan

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ISLE OF MAN STYLE MAGAZINE

FASHION

YOUR ADVERTISING SHOULD GIVE A

POSITIVE REFLECTION OUR FASHION BANNER IS NOW AVAILABLE Quality brands need quality media placement. Our divider banners align you with a relevant Gallery section and offers a creative design opportunity.

Call us on 249249 and ask about the fashion divider sponsorship

Organic Photographer & Styling: Shan Fisher - Shan’s Photography (www.shansphoto.com) Model: Charissa Kelch Makeup Artist: Heather Maddrell Hairstylist: Emma MacDonald Salon - Nellie Georgieva Clothing: En-Fin (www.en-fins.com) Location: Milntown (with thanks)

Colette Top £55 / Adelina Skirt £55 – En-Fin

Rhian Dress Tie Waist ÂŁ60 - En Fin

Rhian Dress Tie Waist ÂŁ60 - En Fin

French Connection 14 DSY Dress ÂŁ130 -En Fin

French Connection Off White/Rich Red Dress ÂŁ47 - En Fin

Ash Grey Poppi Dress £65 - En Fin

FASHION

YOUR CLEAR CONSCIENCE GUIDE TO SHOPPING

Your Clear Conscience Guide to Shopping

HERE ARE A FEW ETHICAL FASHION

LABELS FOR YOUR NOTEBOOK:

words | Ella Pritchard

THE JOURNEY OF THE LITTLE WHITE T-SHIRT. The little white t-shirt hung on the rail with hundreds of other little white t-shirts. There were so many of them that the store had to put them up for sale. Their labels read ‘Made in China’ and they had traveled so far to reach us that they left massive carbon footprints everywhere.

‘I may be dirt cheap’ thought the t-shirt , ‘but at least I’m not dirty’. With 74 baths of water being used to wash and create this one little t-shirt, it shouldn’t be dirty. It had also forgotten the toxic pesticides used on the cotton crop, and the chemicals used to bleach it that beautiful white.

The more we impulse buy cheap fashion, the more demand there is for it and, in turn, the more the factories churn out for us. The moral of the little white t-shirt is that if we stopped buying them, they would stop being made.

When you’re deliberating over which dress to buy or which shoe fits the best do you wonder where these products began their lives? Do you think about how and where the fabric was created or how the piece was sewn together? Being the consumer we only see one amount on the price tag of clothes but not the cost behind it.

‘Organic’ as a fashion term appears hand in hand with ‘ethical’ and ‘fair trade’, Ethical Fashion is an umbrella phrase to describe ethical fashion design, production, retail, and purchasing. It covers a range of issues such as working conditions, exploitation, fair trade, sustainable production, the environment, and animal welfare (V&A)

IZZY LANE

Izzy Lane’s vegetarian shoe and boot collection is handmade by a cobbler in the East End of London from faux leathers, croc and snakeskins and organic cotton. The fibres which they use for their knits are from their own flocks of rare breed Shetlands and Wensleydales and are woven in the UK.

TOM’S SHOES

For every pair of men’s, women’s or child’s shoes that you buy, another pair is given to a child in need.

There has been a huge shift away from the hippy hemp and scratchy wool clothing of the past. Ethical products are slowly becoming the new luxury purchases that are created without compromising design or quality.

One of the top dogs in ethical fashionista circles is Katharine Hamnett who paved the way in the late 90’s with her approach to organic cotton. ‘It seems like a very small thing to us, choosing a t-shirt or a dress made of organic rather than conventional cotton. But it can make a big difference at the other end of the chain.’

There are many brands that make ethical fashion their brand concept. Another big name is Stella McCartney whose brand is certified Carbon Neutral. Her eco-line does not use animal products but opts for primarily organic cotton or recycled fabrics.

The British designer, William Tempest believes that natural, ethically sourced fabrics should come as standard and that the emphasis should be on the design. ‘All of the fabrics are natural and biodegradable and I also work with factories and fabric suppliers that have ethical conditions’

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BEULAH LONDON

This charity label have set up production in India to save women from the sex trade, as well as standing against child labour and advocating for fair treatment of workers.

GUERNSEY’S Isle of ManSTYLE styleMAGAZINE magazine

YOUR CLEAR CONSCIENCE GUIDE TO SHOPPING

FASHION

FASHION-CONSCIENCE.COM

This site only stock designs which have an ethical and eco dimension - be it recycled, organic cotton, non-toxic, fair trade, sustainable, vegan or non-exploitative.

ASOS MARKETPLACE

An online Global Fashion Democracy where you can buy and sell vintage and handmade or customised pieces.

Amelia’s Wardrobe is the bricks and mortar vintage version for selected one off items.

IOU PROJECT

The IOU Project is fighting against the machines (machines of the weaving variety) to help hand weavers in India prosper. They use organic cotton and are 100% sustainable. They have a brilliant concept where you are also able to track your garment from the European designer to the weavers in India.

Ultimately, we as the consumer dictate where fashion is heading.

Sustainable methods are gradually being established as a standard for the future of fashion. Viva l’organic!

PEOPLE TREE

Creators of fair trade & organic clothing and accessories, this brand form lasting partnerships with Fair Trade, organic producers in developing countries. A local clothing outlet with a global conscience is Little Ginger where People Tree holds court. They also stock Lowie, Orla Kiely and Earth Squared accessories and Komodo garments, amongst others.

TO DO: • Look out for the swirly Fair Trade symbol on labels.

• Clean your clothes at 30°C • Try to find garments produced closer to home and look for the Made in Britain label. Less transport reduces air pollution and helps to combat climate change.

• Make do and mend - until it’s literally falling to shreds, fix your hems or sew the holes before you throw it.

• Swap – swap with friends and family and borrow or lend.

• Remember that March 22nd is World Water Day. ALL IMAGERY IS FROM ETHICAL FASHION LABELS AND STORES.

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

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Ballerina Dreamer Photographer & Styling: Shan Fisher - Shan’s Photography (www.shansphoto.com) Model: Suzanna Clauge Makeup Artist: Heather Maddrell Hairstylist: Emma MacDonald Salon Clothing: En Fin, Bridal House, Sarah Lennon Hat, Boutigue Mesmerize Location: Milntown (with thanks)

Disney Bridesmaid Dress £185 – Bridal House Pheasant Flumes & Rose Petite Creation £175 - Sarah Lennon Hat Coral Beaded Bag £85 - Sarah Lennon Hat Necklace & Bracelet £118 - Bridal House

Tali Fuchsia Little Mistress £45 – Boutique Mesmerize Pink Rose & Feather Petite Creation £125 - Sarah Lennon Hat

French Connection - Nocturnal Sequin Dress Was £185 Now £55 – En-Fin Lipsy – Blue Ostrich Feather Waistcoat - £65 Hairpiece £190 – Bridal House

Jolaby Dress Was £155 Now £77.50 – En-Fin Grey Feather & Rose Petite Creation £ 175 - Petite Creations - Sarah Lennon Hat

TRAVEL

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2012

A Maya Celebration The Maya “darkly prophetic” calendric system is based upon a complex structure dating back to at least the 5th century BCE.

Although the Mesoamerican calendar didn’t originate with the Maya, their subsequent refinements of it were the most avant-garde of their time.

Within this article, I will endeavour to dispense the truth behind a ‘Mayan apocalyptic’ farce, bestowing you with reasons to celebrate the coming of 2012.

Alike the Isle of Man, Belize is an offshore tax and privacy haven with a

rich, ancient history and sensational landscape. The country prides itself on a Utopian Maya infused culture, submerged in its antecedents and rootstock.

Belize has a quintessential palette of diversions, blue ribbon meteorological conditions, assorted subcultures of people and inspired traditions, introduced by centuries of invasion, immigration and ex-patriotic protraction.

In spite of being rich in diversity, Belizean custom and heritage remains thick with the once trailblazing Maya subculture. In their golden age, the Maya were the world’s genius in art, architecture, and reputed mathematical and astronomical systems.

The Belizean nation prepares for a celebration of inimitable importance, integral to their exuberant ethnic and cultural makeup. The lionised date has been set on the august Mayan Calendar for millennia.

For the Mayas, 2012 represents centuries of waiting for this pivotal and nonpareil time for rebirth, reflection and renewal, a cosmic cycle heading for completion as another breaths it’s first breath of life.

For Belizeans, it draws beliefs that the Earth’s axis has moved to far less than a slight degree, altering harvests and birthing the ‘dawn of a new era’.

Words | Tanya Hanson Photographer | Susannah Singh 62

Isle of Man style magazine

travel

Belize is the heartland of the Maya people.

The Mayas have occupied present day Belize since 1,500 BC, living amongst the remnants from their extraordinary pre-classic, classic, post classic cities and haunting religious centres.

Truly a sanctuary of Maya culture and history, Belize is home to the sprawling city of Caracol, the formidable pyramid at Xunantunich, the sacred Caves of Actun Tunichil Muknal, the royal palace of Cahal Pech and many other sites, all within hours of one another.

The majestic ancient city of Tikal neighbours them in Guatemala, only a short drive from the western Belizean border.

The Maya view of 2012 is a far cry from the doom and gloom scenarios favoured by Hollywood filmmakers, negligent researchers and Internet conspiracy sites.

E. C. Krupp, Director of Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles said on the NASA website: “In all of the Maya Long Count texts discovered, transcribed, and translated, only one mentions the key date in 2012: Monument 6 at Tortuguero, a Maya site in the Mexican state of Tabasco. The text is damaged, but what remains does not imply the end of time.”

There is such a plethora of ancient intelligence to acquire from this aesthetic, ancient and wise civilisation, whose early astronomers, physicians and philosophers have been referred to as “the ancient Greeks of the Americas”.

Indeed, their remarkable and unique knowledge of astronomy, planetary cycles and mathematical calculations are accurate to this day, and continue to stupefy scientists.

On December 21st 2012, the winter solstice begins and a great and timely cycle ends, a period of almost 52,000 years (the 13th B’ak’tun). For the Mayas, this unique solitary occurrence is a time of great celebration. A new age unfolds, both celebrated and honoured by every man, woman and child throughout Belize.

During 2012, unique Maya activities such as visits to the distinctive archaeological sites, edifying workshops, sporting events and tours will mark the occasion, bringing this unique and profound world of the Maya alive to visitors and students.

We may expect to see profound discoveries into the earliest pre-Maya habitations of Belize in a future beyond 2012.

This year, thousands will flock to Belize to celebrate the 13th B’ak’tun, and will discover an ancient profuse and erudite cultural wealth.

Maya Winter Solstice 2012 package rates, 7 nights allinclusive at Chaa Creek Hotel and Spa from December 15th to December 22nd 2012.

Rates: Adults

£2215.12 pp

Children (Ages 6-11) sharing parents room

£870.38 pp

Adolescents (Ages 12-18) sharing parents room £1152.01 pp Children (Ages 6-11) own room

£1280.08 pp

Adolescents (Ages 12-18) own room £1620.15 pp

because quality matters

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TRAVEL

HOLIDAY ON A TUSCAN FARM

H O L I D AY O N A

TUSCAN FARM NESTLED IN THE PISAN HILLS, PODERE IL FORNACINO OFFERS ELEGANT ACCOMODATION FOR AN ALTERNATIVE GET AWAY

by Mimi Bishop

P

odere Il Fornacino is a beautiful farmhouse on a nature reserve in the parish of Santa Luce, a small medieval hilltop village. It’s the perfect retreat for experiencing authentic rural Tuscany, surrounded by rolling hills, animals, wildlife and awesome skies.

Two years ago Marco (from Italy) and Lora (from England) decided to leave the city and, fuelled by a love of nature, the countryside, wildlife and Italian cuisine, decided to establish their own agriturismo. If you’ve ever been tempted to leave the rat race behind and become self-sufficient then spending some time here is an opportunity to learn more about what it really means and how they manage to do it.

From the 1950s onwards, small scale farms

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started to become less profitable and farmers abandoned their smallholdings to go to the big cities to find work. A change in law in 1985 saw the the word agriturismo defined in legal terms and allowed the farmer to augment the income from the farm. Today there are many agriturismi scattered over the Italian

countryside offering visitors a taste of rural life and small scale food production; a way of life highly valued in Italian culture.

The farmhouse is kitted out with solar panels on the roof which contribute massively to the daily energy consumption of the farm.

There are various double suites available, each with delightful views of the village and surrounding hills. Particular attention is paid to detail and in my suite there were lots of a interesting paintings and furniture and the bed linen was hand printed.

During your stay with Marco and Lora you can decide at what pace to spend your days.

If you want an adventurous outing you could go with Marco for a trek, ramble through the glorious landscapes, visit the surrounding villages or even pop in to the world famous GUERNSEY’S STYLE magazine MAGAZINE Isle of Man style

HOLIDAY ON A TUSCAN FARM

TRAVEL

‘Our two boys were thrilled to sit on the tractors and help milk the goats, pick vegetables in the allotment and swim in the gorgeous pool overlooking the olive groves.’

Guest book

What’s on offer?

A working farm Organic produce Restaurant Horse riding Guided rambles Sheepdog lessons Visiting the surrounding villages Bird and wildlife watching Boat rides and fishing trips Bicycle renting Panoramic swimming pool Barbeque Outdoor wood fire oven Sauna Picnics Airport / train station pick up And lots more...

Where they are By car they are: 25 mins from Pisa 25 mins from Livorno 45 mins from Lucca 1 hour from Florence 15 mins from the sea Buddhist monastery nearby. If however you want to do the tourist thing, it’s easy, as the main cities are short distances from the agriturismo, or you can just potter around the villa, swimming in the pool, reading on verandas or discovering the whole menagerie of animals on your doorstep. The farm is home to horses, donkeys, working dogs, goats, sheep, chickens, rabbits, a couple of Jersey cows, geese, turkeys and a few very inquisitive cats.

Another big highlight is the food. Marco cooks tasting menus, usually with at least four courses, either for lunch or dinner, whatever best suits you. He uses primarily organic ingredients produced on the farm or sourced from surrounding smallholds. They raise their own meat, press their own olives BECAUSE quality QUALITY matters MATTERS because

to make IGP certified organic extra virgin olive oil, turn milk into cheese, make jam and grow all sorts of organic fruit and vegetables.

Whilst I was there my favourite dishes were butternut squash and amaretto ravioli and an amazing pasta dish made with their very own pigeon meat. Of course all these delicacies are accompanied by delicious desserts (thanks for the tirimisu recipe!) and lovely Italian wines.

Staying at Podere Il Fornacino is much like staying with friends. Marco and Lora are happy to suggest activities, show you around, answer questions and will generally make you feel so comfortable you won’t want to leave.

Rates From €80 - €160 per suite for 2 people (€15 per extra bed) with hot and cold buffet breakfast with the farm’s fresh produce and a welcome aperitivo.

Contact www.podereilfornacino.org podereilfornacino@yahoo.com Facebook Agriturismo Podere Il Fornacino

Pictures by Pete Root, www.twoonfourwheels.com

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Advertising media pack 2012 an integral part of your marketing framework

you

We put

in the frame

Gallery Magazine is a premier periodical to showcase your products, services or venue and a powerful tool to convey your marketing message to the Isle of Man public. We try our hardest to build a quality relationship with clients and assist in the formulation of your integrated marketing campaign. If you‘d like to talk about what we can add to your 2012 plans, just give us a call on 249249.

don’t throw away budget on throw away media

Because Quality Matters

We work through-the-line to give you the most for your budget.

APPETITE

appetite

Organic Vs Conventional?

T

here are plenty of myths talked around ‘organic wine’, probably the most popular being ‘it doesn’t give you a hangover!’

The truth is that until 9th February this year, there was no such thing in the EU as an ‘organic wine’. Until last month, wines could only be labelled as ‘produced from organically grown grapes’ as the organic status referred only to practices in the vineyards and not in the winery.

Within the winery, the majority of winemakers, organic or not, use and will continue to use sulphur, which acts as an antioxidant in the wine. The new EU regulations mean that for a wine to be labelled as ‘organic’, its sulphur levels have to be lower than non organic wines.

However, this is not necessarily going to make the wine better than a non-organic wine, as any producer of quality wines will already use low levels of sulphur. Smaller producers, whose name appears on the label and whose livelihood depends on the wine, have always

strived to make their wine better, and to give a point of difference from the mass produced commercial brands.

The ultimate test is in the taste of the wine. A good wine can only be made from healthy, well tended grapes. These come from vineyards which are managed by people who understand and care for the environment, whether using organic practices or not. Many now use very few pesticides, choosing instead to introduce predators such as ladybirds, into the vineyards, which feed on the pests that damage the vines.

In conclusion, the new ruling means that we now know that ‘organic wines’ have to contain less sulphur that ‘conventional wines’. What it doesn’t tell us is that many conventional wines contain the same amount or less than organic wines, without putting the word organic on the label!

The only way to decide for yourself whether organic is necessarily better is to try a few good quality, popular examples of each!

Words | Anne Berry | The Wine Cellar

Gavi la Battistina

Organic

£8.65

Cotes du Rhone Les Coteaux

£8.95

Conventional

vs Sepp Moser GrunerVeltliner from Austria

£8.95 68

Cuma Cabernet Sauvignon from Michel Torino in Argentina.

£8.75

Isle of Man style magazine

APPETITE

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

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appetite

Chinese New Year at Ballapaddag Farm

R

Farm.

obinson’s celebrated the Year of the Dragon on the 23rd January, firing up taste buds with a live cooking demonstration and tasting event at Ballapaddag

Robinson’s stock so many ingredients from around the world, including English; Chinese; Filipino; Indian; Thai; South African, Polish and not forgetting our glorious Manx produce.

Local Chef, Roy Duggan was cooking with fresh Ballapaddag ingredients and products sourced from Robinson’s.

The free food tasting was both cooked and served by John Kinley, Matty Nelson, Neil Reay and Liz Brenna with a variety of ingredients stocked within the Oriental Supermarket at Ballapaddag Farm, many of which customers wouldn’t find anywhere else on the Island.

Recipes and cooking directions were at hand for; Manx queenies with spring onions and ginger, skewered satay chicken breasts with satay sauce, butterfly king prawns in Japanese breadcrumbs served with sweet chili sauce and lemon chicken.

Free Face painting for the Children was on offer whilst their parents relished in each intercontinental mouthful.

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Isle of Man style magazine

appetite

because quality matters

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APPETITE

IN PRAISE OF PROCESSED FOODS

IN PRAISE of PROCESSED FOODS

by Grant “Foodie” Runyon

We all know that food is best for our bodies when it’s fresh, locally-grown and as low in salt and saturated fat as possible. Unfortunately, we also know that it’s a bad idea to drink tequila and take off our pants in public, but that doesn’t stop us wanting to do it. Healthy food makes us look better, helps us concentrate and often tastes better too, but the fact remains that greasy, salty junk food is peculiarly delicious, and actually gets tastier the worse it is for you. Only the foolish would deny the powerful allure of the culinary dark side, that fatal attraction to fat and sugar that keeps Creme Eggs rolling off the production line and Ronald McDonald in more clown shoes than his closet can hold.

**************************** THE PROCESSED FOOD PYRAMID **************************** PREMIERSHIP: e-numbers **************************** CHAMPIONSHIP: salt, fat, sugar **************************** FIRST DIVISION: f lavouring’, preservatives, palm oil, MSG, food colouring, caffeine, **************************** SECOND DIVISION: cheese, bacon f lavour, citric acid, pork gelatine, soya, aspartame, pop rocks, aspartame, lard

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Q

uit waving that carrot at me; there’s no point pretending you don’t like a bit of grease. I wouldn’t feed a baby crisps, and leafy vegetables are just marvellous, but show me anybody who claims to live their life fuelled only by steamed broccoli and I’ll show you somebody who sneaks down at night to eat fried cheese sandwiches whilst everybody else is asleep. They probably wash them down with a glass of cherryade and a packet of Nik-Naks.

RIVER DEEP, MOUNTAIN FRY

CHIPS AND CHEESE

Junk food is nasty and shameful, and that’s maybe why it continues to be so irresistible even when you reach an age where you really should know better. I was raised by hippies and will happily eat cold tofu with bean sprouts for dinner most nights, but hidden inside my spinach-munching Dr Jekyll is a ravenous Mr Hyde who is nourished only by chemical food additives, saturated fats and sugary, caffeinated beverages.

Perhaps I lack a certain amount of selfcontrol. Despite wanting to lose weight, I’ve often gone out of my way to eat the least healthy things the world of food can offer. A holiday to Scotland offered the opportunity to deep fry Mars Bars, pizza and even an entire fried breakfast (in a battered pie case) and I’ve also lived out my Elvis fantasies with many of The King’s trademark fried peanut butter and banana sandwiches. I may not be dead on a toilet (yet), but before I go I aspire to sample the legendary Luther Burger, a treat designed by soul legend Luther Vandross.

Correctly reasoning that a regular bacon cheeseburger was not quite greasy enough, Vandross hit upon the genius notion of replacing the bun with two Krispy Kreme donuts. Needless to say, he is no longer with us, but his spirit lives on in my arteries, which at this point are probably furrier than a borehole water pipe. Diabetes?

Gallstones? Bring it on, I’m too tired to run away.

If I wake up with a hangover, have a bad day at work or need a boost midway through eight hours on the Xbox, I can promise you I’m not reaching for a handful of quinoa and a stick of celery. WW2 bomber pilots and long-distance truckers alike have stayed alert for days with a precarious combination of coffee and amphetamines; I myself find that extended sessions of Geometry Wars can be fuelled with coke floats, potato waffles and tinned macaroni. I may wake up in a bad mood, greasy-faced and covered in crumbs, but I savoured every moment of that 3am bowl of Rice Krispies made with Banana Yazoo.

Isle of ManSTYLE styleMAGAZINE magazine JERSEY’S

appetite

CHILDREN’S BREAKFAST CEREALS.

Tony The Tiger and his sugary pals have their place, and that place is after midnight, or the diets of people who’ve just left university and still sleep til noon.

If you expect actual children to learn anything beyond arson technique and how to trade Pokemon cards, don’t send them to school on a Nesquik sugar high. Feed them porridge, and save the Ricycles and Krave for yourself.

DAIRYLEA LUNCHABLES.

These are fine for an adult to eat, perhaps because they’re living in their car following a messy divorce, but are not suitable for anybody who still has growing to do. You have to admire Kraft’s ability to infuse so many tasty chemicals into what is clearly pretend food from a child’s playset - I only wish they’d go the whole way and offer British fatties the chance to enjoy the aerosol cheese spray they make in America.

INSTANT NOODLES.

From cup noodles to the crumbly ramen you get from the pound shop, the realm of the instant noodle is filled with a mind-boggling array of artificial, sodiumrich flavours. Traditionalists stick to Pot Noodle and Super Noodles; the adventurous will seek out shrimp and pork varieties from Thailand or the Philippines.

I personally prefer Korean Nong Shim noodle bowl, which contains your entire salt intake in one third of a container.

It’s like drinking the Dead Sea, but with the flavour of spicy cabbage and little dehydrated peas.

HYPERACTIVE LUNCHBOX:

delicious snacks you probably shouldn’t feed your kids 6

WACKY CRISPS

Regular crisps are bad enough, laden with fat and enough salt to dry up a child’s tiny brain, but they’re practically health food compared to some of the things you can get for around 10p a bag at the corner shop. The likes of Tangy Toms, Oinks and 80s legend Space Raiders appear to be constructed out of MSG-infused packing foam and have all the nutritional value of a used plaster. Of course, this means they taste wonderful, much like pork scratchings, which are basically deep-fried, hairy pig scabs.

because quality matters

FROZEN DINNERS. Obviously, the nastiness of a frozen dinner depends on where you buy it. The convenience foods from the posh shops are almost very nearly healthy, but the same does not apply to vacuum-packed chicken curry for 99p or doner kebab pizza - food so full of e-numbers that mould doesn’t even notice it’s there. Still, it tastes nice, and if you want to know what you’ll be eating after a nuclear war, it’s not a bad place to start.

MR FREEZE ICE POPS

Don’t trust any snack that comes in all the colours of the rainbow, unless you want your kids swimming with so many artificial chemicals they may as well be at a dubstep rave in Essex. These lurid, sugary lightsabers of dental apocalypse all taste nearly identical anyway, so play it safe and stick to brown, which is supposed to be either cola or car wax. See also Slush Puppie, which has the added bonus of giving you brain damage before you’ve even swallowed it.

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PLACES

www.places.im (Coming soon) Search for property in the Isle of Man & beyond...

upfront

because quality matters

33

F

airwinds is a unique, architect designed, split level house set in an elevated position providing stunning panoramic views over Port Mooar beach, Maughold Head and out to sea. This wonderful house is ideal for entertaining family and friends and has been designed to embrace family life whilst the positioning of the large, airy rooms also afford privacy.

The living space is light and spacious - large open plan picture windows and patio doors open onto the extensive sun terrace overlooking one of the Islands most beautiful coastlines. The house has 4 double bedrooms, 2 of which have en-suite facilities with the addition of a dressing room in the Master Suite.

Enjoy the delights of the 36' ft heated swimming pool and relaxation area incorporating a Jacuzzi and solarium positioned to enjoy the stunning views whilst relaxing.

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ÂŁ1.695 million A great entertaining room on the lower level can also double up as a games room for teenagers and adults alike.

In addition to the integral double garage a large driveway gives parking for up to ten vehicles. This spectacular house is set in 1.4 acres of landscaped gardens with both decked and paved terraces all with outstanding views. A private pathway gives direct access to the secluded Port Mooar beach, ideal for summer picnics.

This wonderful property is on the market with Manxmove estate agents for ÂŁ1.695 million, Please call Ian Lloyd or Graham Wilson on 01624 61 99 66 or email info@manxmove.co.im Website address: www.manxmove.co.im

ISle of Man style magazine

upfront

Location Heading south out of Ramsey on the A2 take the left turn onto the A15 signposted to Maughold. Continue into Maughold Village, bear right, continue past the turn to Port Mooar beach and the entrance to Booilushag can be found a little further beyond on the left. Turn left into the development then left again and the property is to be found at the very end of the road.

because quality matters

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places

It’s Only Natural around her. Her speciality is hand-made felt The Isle of Man’s coloured with dyes sourced from the roots, berries and leaves Pat finds in her garden. unspoilt landscape Find her artwork and accessories at www.mostlymanx.com and wildlife have Creatures of Land and Sea yielded valuable and Amanda Douglas, who, along with beautiful natural partner Daniel Aziz, is the force behind Jabberwocky and The Drawing Room resources for (Duke Street, Douglas), is also an accomplished artist. You can view samples centuries. Bring the of her striking shell-based collages (pictured) in The Drawing Room. great outdoors into www.jabberwockyiom.com your home with our When the Isle of Man Beekeepers Federation exhibits at the annual pick of the Island’s agricultural shows, you can pick up beeswax natural arts, crafts and products and pure Manx honey – utterly delicious and as homeware… organic as it gets. www.iombeekeepers.com

The Rocks and Trees Quarried since at least as long ago as the 14th Century, granite, marble, black limestone and quartz from Pooil Vaaish are still widely used today. From paving and fireplaces to decorative items for the home, products from www.pooilvaaish.com carry serious weight.

Cluig Vanninagh: Clocks produced by the Manx Workshop for the Disabled are no ordinary timepieces: each one is cased in a unique piece of carved, polished Manx timber. All timber used – be it Sweet Chestnut, Larch, Elm and Ash – is sourced from trees which have reached the end of their natural life. www.mwfd.co.im

Against the Tide by Amanda Douglas

Rush Hour by Amanda Douglas

The shop also sells Loaghtan yarn, obtained from the sheep at Cregneash, so you can create your very own cosy garments. www.thesnugunlimited.com www.presenceofmann.com www.manxheritageshop.com

As with Pat Kelly, the work of textile artist Heather DeBacker can be found at Mostly Manx. Heather, a member of the Manx Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers, weaves delicate tapestries made from the naturally dyed wool of local sheep.

And finally, speaking of sheep, no true Manx home is complete without a touch of our native breed, the Loaghtan. You can pick up sheepskin rugs and cushions from The Snug in Ramsey and Presence of Mann in Laxey Woollen Mills respectively, and even wool fat soap from the Manx Museum Shop.

Textile artist Pat Kelly draws continual inspiration from the natural environment

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Isle of Man style magazine

Business

business

Isle of Man Entrepreneurs

Dave Armstrong Born: Consett, Co Durham (lived in 2-up-2 down, 100 yards from perimeter of Consett Steel Works) Schooled: Durham School (Public school)

First Job: Temp in a Travel Company, worked in an all female environment

Favourite car: Would love a Merc, but have to settle for my trusty, battered VW Sharran. Carries all our gear and our dog Favourite book: French Lieutenant’s Woman by John Fowles

Music of the moment: My partner, Christy’s forthcoming album

Last holiday: Ambleside, Lake District Happiest when: Out walking our Labrador, Milo, with Christy

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About The business: Dave Armstrong has over 25 years experience performing, writing and producing music, and around 15 years experience of delivering high quality video productions both on and off the Isle of Man. His company, DAM Productions, has established itself as one of the most versatile and capable production houses in the North West.

Dave is accomplished in all aspects of filmmaking and music production, from script to screen and from demo recording to finished master. His background includes a skill and understanding of still photography, so the transition to moving images was an obvious one. Dave is now recognised as one of the most skilled camera operators on the Isle of Man, he has filmed and produced many documentaries; corporate and promotional films; pop promos and cinema ads, but above all loves working in drama.

He was a long-established consultant for the Manx Multimedia Centre, training film students in all aspects of camera work, lighting and sound recording. This experience enabled Dave to realise the value of developing local talent both in front and behind the camera. His aim is to help develop a viable and vibrant indigenous film making community in the Isle of Man which he and Christy are now well on the way to achieving with their filmmaking scheme ‘MannIN Shorts’ (launched in 2010).

Current projects include a series of popular cinema and viral ads for Isle of Man-based businesses, a documentary; ‘The Watchmaker’s Apprentice’ about the late Master Horologist George Daniels and his young colleague Roger Smith, and a 30-minute film drama “Ghostgirl”, which received an “official selection” laurel from the prestigious New York United film Festival.

On the music front he is currently producing two new albums in his Douglas studio for Truman Falls and his partner Christy DeHaven, and is enjoying the critical praise heaped on ‘Roll Away’, the debut album by ‘Back Door Slam’, which he both recorded and produced.

Isle of Man style magazine

Isle of Man Entrepreneurs

What led to the creation of your business?

What has been your biggest challenge?

I have been in bands and playing music (piano, bass, drums, a bit of guitar) for as long as I can remember. My dream was always to have my own recording studio. Since I was about 12, I have had the usual lovehate relationship with writing and have always loved watching movies.

Think if you combine all of these ingredients, shake in a bit of “doing the job you love”, a pinch of hating working nine-to-five in an office (and paperwork!), you end up right here!

In Film: Directing my first fiction, Ghostgirl. In music: scoring a full string arrangement for the London Metropolitan Orchestra, for an atmospheric version of ‘Night Fever’ (sung by Anna Goldsmith). That pushed me to my limits, but worth it to hear the piece performed by an orchestra in the Villa Marina Royal Hall, rather than my beloved samples in the studio.

What did you do before?

Lots of things: worked in Building Society in the days where the staff would smoke like chimneys (cigarettes only!) in the open plan, customer-facing office. I worked at Heathrow Airport, in a travel company, in a printing company and a million other things before playing keyboards for an East End geezer who impersonated Elvis Presley.

Do you have any funny filming stories?

Animals are designed to make us smile. ‘Numpty’, the (really) deaf bulldog that played ‘Atticus’ in our short film Ghostgirl, had an unsurpassed flatulence problem, which led to a lot of giggles (and pinched noses) on set. It was a serious film and a tense moment; they say never work with children and animals. Just don’t work with dogs that pride themselves in letting rip.

Otherwise, there have been many hilarious moments, as they say, though you really HAD to be there. It’s a fun business.

because quality matters

business

What has been your greatest achievement in the last year?

Filming in Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore, London and the Isle of Man for a client, all in the space of 2 weeks last September.

What are your plans for the future?

My first full-length feature. I had a new year’s resolution to make it this year and I am a good way into the synopsis for a great story.

What advice would you give to would-be entrepreneurs in the film industry?

Don’t just talk about it! Do it! Don’t plan on making a fortune, though.

Do it because you love it and enjoy it. Financial reward would be a rare and hard chased bonus, but the satisfaction of writing, directing and realising your vision, you can’t put a value on that.

Photography by Christy DeHaven

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business

Isle of Man Entrepreneurs

MANX EXECUTIVE CHALLENGE 2011/12 Manx Executive Challenge GREEN TEAM seeks views on education In an attempt to discover how our Island education system encourages entrepreneurialism in Manx youth, parents and students within Manx schools are being asked to contribute to an online survey.

The survey has been prepared by The Green Team from this years Manx Executive Challenge. The project is to create an environment encouraging Manx lead ‘Entrepreneurism and Innovation’.

Part of this vision is to introduce the necessary business and entrepreneurial skills to the education system. This may enable future generations to pursue their own business ambitions, generating a pool of Island enterprise to encourage, capture and harness free thought and innovative idea generation.

The Green Team are a group of go-getters, selected and formed into teams from public and private sector backgrounds.

A number of economic sectors and industries have been represented, including manufacturing; international finance; public services; teachers and retail based trades.

Each Team is judged on a written report and a presentation, made to judges and an audience, including politicians, business and professionals, including: •

Andrew Dudgeon – Product & Investment Marketing Manager at Royal London 360°

• • • • •

Bryony Jennings – Business Development at Boston Limited Kelly Lean – Team Leader, New Business at Royal London 360° Hannah Leighton – Executive Support and Research Officer, Human Resources at IoM Government Julie Moore – Marketing Executive at Fairbairn Private Bank Dan Williams – Assistant Vice President, Banking Operations at Barclays Wealth

Keen to gather opinion on both current and future education requirements, The Green Team wish to establish whether or not the education system can equip students in developing important modern day business skills. Educating students in achieving a finer accomplished business expertise may prepare students for their own future ventures.

To stand out from the crowd, Isle of Man needs to lead and become a Centre of Excellence in its chosen markets. The current economic conditions will determine new consumer wants and needs, this means that ideas need to be identified quickly and developed into new sustainable opportunities.

The results of the survey and the Green Team’s project findings will be available after the project presentation to Manx Executive Challenge Judges in May 2012.

The online survey is available at www.envyiom.com and through the Green Team’s LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook pages.

Twitter – MEC GreenTeam Facebook – MEC Green Team 2011 LinkedIn – MEC Green Team 2011

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Isle of Man style magazine

BusinessFeature

business

Transparency

in an International Financial Centre

OFFSHORE TRANSPARENCY: This year, there has already been an influx of published articles concerning the integrity of International Financial Centres (IFCs).

‘Offshore transparency’ covers a vast array of subjects, spotlighting mainstays of international finance conglomerates and their trustworthiness.

Adversative offshore news has been in the glare of recent press publicity, such as; secrecy in offshore banking; threats to the banker; Government plans for further regulation; ethical practices; business risk and individual offshore asset management.

The Isle of Man Treasury can’t budget for a deficit, a constraint that encourages good financial rigour and transparency. Having no debt to service or army to maintain, the Government is able to charge a reasonable rate of tax that funds services for citizens.

James Davies, Campaigns Officer at the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) said: “Tax havens are places or countries that create legislation designed to assist persons or companies to avoid regulations that would ensure they pay their fair share in tax from the profits they make.”

James added: “Using an environment of secrecy, up to half a million companies in the UK alone are allowed to avoid scrutiny and operate in an anonymous way.”

because quality matters

However, it is well-established fact that the Isle of Man’s lower tax rate comes from the application of a higher rate of VAT, taxing at an inflated rate indirectly, for the purposes of taxing directly at a deflated rate.

With plunging share prices, it is assumed by many that some businessmen will resort to less than savoury practices to attain wealth. Though, with the current regulations in place, it appears to be arduous for businesses to use offshore finance in a less than moralistically sound way to achieve financial gain.

On the Isle of Man, we have a financial crimes unit and regular reviews from the International Monetary Fund, similarly to a great many other IFCs. The IOM Department of Economic Development insists that we are compliant with regulators.

Furthermore, the International Pensions Authority (IPA) and FSC are emphatic about defending their mechanisms for tackling underhand dealing.

Transparency International is soon to publish the Bribe Payers Index (BPI) 2012. The Economist called attention to the survey; which canvasses 3,000 businessmen in 28 countries. Last year, the BPI sought to focus attention on the uses of offshore finance in big business.

Richard Murphy’s ‘Tax havens report’ is frequently used by Action Aid and PCS as a means to give credence to their opinions on offshore jurisdictional activity.

One commonly used quote cites

Words | Tanya Hanson the nature of confidentiality in finance as a hindrance to the prevention of offshore financial abuses: “because these networks have their foundations in banking their dedication to secrecy and client confidentiality appears to be paramount and as such it has proved very difficult for tax authorities such as HM Revenue & Customs to secure data on the beneficial ownership of cards to prevent abuse occurring.”

It is little known established bribes offshore financial the illegal use of provision.

how common are and how centres battle their offshore

On Island, we have over 25 tax information arrangements that confirm our transparency with other nations. We will respond to any tax authority that has specific evidence of suspected underhand dealings by any individual or corporation.

The pro-offshore comments made

by MP Mark Field on the Isle of Man’s 2011 contribution to the UK has stirred the opposition, he said:

The Isle of Man brings into a British sphere of influence some very important strategic global business.

There are many affairs currently affecting offshore financial transparency. No doubt, offshore stakeholders are apprehensive to see what new regulation the next few years may present them with.

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business

BusinessNews

BusinessNews Parliament of Gibraltar turns to Tynwald The Parliament of Gibraltar has adopted Tynwald’s transcription expertise, employing a world-class knowledge pool of voice recognition technology.

On 19th January, Gibraltar parliament proceedings were the first to have been transcribed using the technology.

The Tynwald Hansard Team’s specialist skills in converting diverse audio material into text are now facilitating the Parliament of Gibraltar’s transcription operation.

Chief Minister of Gibraltar, DR Joseph Garcia was reported to have said: “The system in place in the Isle of Man uses the latest voice recognition technology for the production of Hansard. This means that the text is produced from data files and presumably does not need to be audio-typed, as happens at present.”

The move comes after a demonstration of the pioneering technology at a conference held in the Isle of Man in 2010 to delegates from the Channel Islands, Cyprus, the Falkland Islands and Gibraltar; each members of the British Islands and Mediterranean Region (BMIR) of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA).

Hon Steve Rodan MHK said; ‘It was a proud moment in March 2008; the parliament of the Isle of Man became the first in the world to begin using voice recognition technology.

At its launch in October 2008, the Tynwald system for the automatic recording of parliamentary proceedings represented a world first for the Isle of Man, employing bespoke speech recognition software to accommodate some 40 different voice profiles into a single-channel feed.

Dr Ken Milne, Senior Manager for Energy Policy within the Isle of Man Government said: ‘With its business networks, flexible assistance schemes and world-leading cluster of professional advisors, the Isle of Man intends to be at the forefront of this development by attracting and supporting dynamic, innovative businesses and entrepreneurs from around the globe.’

The event featured various speakers from the Isle of Man including Hon John Shimmin MHK, Minister for the DED, who discussed an ‘All Islands Approach’ to offshore renewable energy to meet the needs of the British Isles and aid export into Europe.

Hon John Shimmin MHK said: ‘We are fortunate that our Island has a proven track record of trialling new technology. A manufacturing sector, including businesses with over 50 years experience, who can assist with developing new technology and we have the opportunity to develop offshore renewable energy in an area which is greater than 87% of the Islands territory.’

Clean Tech Business Breakfast Success The Isle of Man Department of Economic Development (DED) hosted a clean tech business breakfast at the Rushlight Clean Technologies show in London on 1st February 2012.

Also in attendance were Dr Emma Rowan, the Island’s Marine Spatial Planning Officer; Dr Alan Hisscot, former Senior Meteorological Officer at the Isle of Man Meteorological Office; and John Harper, Commercial Manager, Manx Electricity Authority.

Attended by over 140 registered guests, the show is the only event in the UK and Ireland that showcases the best new energy, waste, water and environmental solutions for future low resource societies; bringing together investors, customers and advisers with clean technology companies.

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Isle of Man style magazine

BusinessNews

business

The Claremont Hotel ‘Highly Commended’ The Claremont Hotels’ new bedroom design has landed them with a ‘Highly Commended’ Hotel Interior UK accolade in the 2011 Bloomberg International Hotel Awards.

As part of an on-going £2 million décor design upgrade to the reception, lounge areas and bedrooms, Sleepwell Hotels’ owners enlisted the services of an international design team.

The International Hotel Awards are an evolution of the long standing International Property Awards. The award winners’ logo is recognised globally as a symbol of excellence in the industry.

The judging panel consisted of twenty leading business representatives from companies such as Google and Royal Bank of Scotland.

Mark Wilson, Managing Director of Sleepwell Hotels expressed his delight at the award: “Not only have we been awarded this exclusive ‘Highly Commended’ International Hotel recognition, but our new Luxury Rooms were also shortlisted for the ‘’Best Design Award 2011’ for the renowned UK Caterer and Hotelkeeper publication. We are extremely pleased that the innovative vision we have for The Claremont Hotel has received such immense praise from experts within the hospitality industry.’’

The final plans for The Claremont Hotel redevelopments are currently in design. The owners are planning to complete a refurbishment of the reception and ground floor lounge areas by the end of 2012.

APPLEBY UNVEIL ISLAND’S FIRST FOUNDATION

Alan Crowe MLC, Political Member for the DED Companies Registry said: ‘The introduction of the Foundations Act is a good example of what can be achieved when Government and the private sector work together. The Foundations Act is a new product for the Island, offering an opportunity for local businesses to generate new business.’

A foundation is an incorporated self-owning legal entity, elements of the change share much in common with a trust. The Appleby Charitable Foundation now has a distinct legal personality more commonly associated with a company.

John Rimmer, Local Group Head of Private Client & Trusts and Partner of Appleby Isle of Man said: ‘By offering a flexible alternative to that of the traditionally used trust, we can retain our position at the forefront of the offshore wealth management industry.’

The Isle of Man Department of Economic Development (DED) has announced Appleby’s launch of the Appleby Charitable Foundation.

The Island’s first foundation will be both approved and established under the new Foundations Act 2011, which came into effect on 1st January 2012.

because quality matters

The process of establishing the foundation will not affect any of the charities Appleby currently support. The foundation will assume the responsibilities of the existing Appleby Fund for the Community; a charitable scheme created to issue donations across a range of local charities and causes.

There will be a record of all foundations established under the Foundations Act in the Companies Registry.

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business

BusinessFeature

business

A Small IFC ISLE OF MAN

Words | Tanya Hanson

ISLE OF MAN – As a world of financial theorists and commentators make every effort to envisage the cause of a financial crisis, international financial centres have found themselves in the line of condemnation.

With the decline of a delicate Eurozone in play, many anticipate a second credit crunch in 2012. The UK’s access to offshore finance in the years to come may become fundamental to Government budgetary plans.

The most lambasted of them all are the small financial offshore jurisdictions, whose supposed diligent regulation by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) implies near saintliness.

Roxanne Oldham LLB, BSc, ACIB, CeFA, CeMAP, Director of Policy & Legal at Island regulator; the Financial Supervision Commission (FSC), believes that the UK’s access to offshore finance will be “useful” but not indispensible.

Nicholas Shaxson’s comprehensive book: Treasure Islands (2011), describes the small offshore financial centre as a tax haven for avaricious bankers and a secrecy jurisdiction for shady figures of the business community.

In the second quarter of a hard-hitting 2009, Guernsey, Jersey and the Isle of Man contributed £209bn of liquidity to the UK market.

The Isle of Man has had its fair share of the media criticism. As an institution, we should be keeping our economic and developmental nose clean. So is the speculation warranted?

The Isle of Man is on the regulator (OECD) ‘white list’ of countries complying with Global standards of tax transparency, and on 1st July 2011, decided to commit to an auto exchange of information with the European Union (EU).

It is clear that changes to banking regulation and sovereign debt concerns in Europe will increase the focus on liquidity in 2012 and beyond, offshore finance will be a key source of liquidity to the UK financial system.

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James Davies, Campaigns Officer at the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) disagrees. He believes there to be no less than a UK loss of up to £18billion a year in potential tax revenue as a result of offshore jurisdictional lack in transparency.

James said: “Money should instead be used to invest in jobs to employ staff to collect these missing billions and to enforce effective legislation, ensuring transparency around accounting practices of big firms using tax havens.”

The Island is required by law to keep a budget surplus, allowing expert advisers to address pressures on public finances from a position of strength. Promoted as a responsible member of the international community, the Isle of Man prides itself on being a competitive player in the global economy.

Isle of Man style magazine

BusinessFeature

business

business

Politician Anne Craine; IOM Minister for the Treasury between 2010 and 2011 said in a speech last year:

“There is tax neutrality, something not to be confused with tax evasion. This enables investors from multiple jurisdictions to ensure they don’t meet multiple layers of taxation as funds pass through the global financial system.”

Anne went on to say:

“Investment channeled into small IFCs provides much needed liquidity, further investment opportunities, and access to capital markets in both developed and emerging economies.”

The Island is located in the Irish Sea, between England, Ireland and Wales, an early twentieth century tourist resort, reinvented as a modern International Business Centre.

because quality matters

Although part of the British Isles and linked to the UK through a shared history and economic partnerships, the Isle of Man is neither a part of the UK, nor part of the EU. However, Island goods can still be moved freely in the UK and EU, with the exclusion of capital and services.

Developing secure links with emerging markets from India, China, Brazil and South Africa, amongst many others, the Isle of Man earns its international prominence with cautious co-operation at this fragile time in the Island’s macroeconomy.

Whilst attempting to keep a strong and balanced economy, focus has shifted in the Island’s narrowly based economy to cope with recession. The Isle of Man now also houses high tech manufacturing, e-gaming, space tourism and 15 other economic sectors of business. The Island also continues to harbor a strong agricultural base, gaining a global reputation for Manx domestic produce.

Advances in communication and information technology has been an integral driver, technological endeavours aid those within high growth emerging economies to reap the benefits of globalisation. The Isle of Man is host to businesses who have shown diligence in promoting such pursuits, such as Cable and Wireless Communications (CWC).

In the last two years, the Island has also initiated and run a very successful ‘Small Countries Financial Management Programme’ for capacity building at senior level in small developing countries.

The Isle of Man also supports larger centres, like the City of London with listing, upstreaming, asset management, insurance and shipping.

On the surface, it appears that the speculation surrounding the Isle of Man’s integrity has little or no foundation.

Globalisation is arguably the most powerful buzzword of modern times; defining growth in worldwide cultural exchange and the elimination of barriers between countries and ethnic lines.

In an economic context, globalisation relates to the development of an increasingly integrated global economy, characterised by free trade and a free flow of capital in promotion of the inherent wealth of nations.

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Recruitment

Singer Fireman

Actor

Making That Change!

Words | Ann Marie

I’m sure I’m not the only person who has found themselves in a job they despise; being slowly driven to the depths of despair by the monotony of micromanagement and a boss who doesn’t seem to understand that your mobile phone should not be used to contact you on your days off! I spent years justifying my own wretchedness with the excuse of “Its money and we’ve all gotta make a living”. This would probably still be my attitude if I hadn’t burst into tears when walking home from work one day. It was at that point I realised enough was enough.

But what should I do instead? That was the big question.

Everyone has childhood dreams of growing up to be a fireman, singer, actor or dancer; but somewhere along the line these dreams get lost under a pile of bills, or down the cracks of the sofa. So, after my public display of grief, I dragged my bottom home, opened a bottle of wine and had a good long think about what was important to me and what I wanted out of life. For me, that childhood dream was to be a writer and so I made the decision to quit my well-paid job and enrol in a creative writing course. I have to admit, the decision was not an easy one. We are told from an early age that we must persevere with things we hate - school, ballet, the clarinet - but at some point we need to stop and think, what benefit is this really going to be in the long run and is the current misery worth the end result? I made a personal promise to change this mentality and swore that I would never again force myself to continue with something which did not leave me feeling fulfilled. I committed myself to making this

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change in attitude in the belief that it would take me one step closer to securing my dream job.

I knew that there would be sacrifices and I knew that being a mature student would not be without its challenges. I found myself swapping Waitrose for Iceland, lunches in trendy wine bars for Wetherspoons and a purpose-built, comfortably furnished apartment for the damp, dirty dishes and overflowing bins which comprise student accommodation. However, I found that applying this philosophy to all areas of my life, professional and personal yielded more benefits than just a career change.

Now I am in my third year of university and reflecting on my experiences I have to say that yes, I have learned a lot about writing! However, it is what I have learned about myself and the relationships I have developed which have helped me grow as an individual. I have met such an interesting variety of

Isle of Man style magazine

Recruitment

business

Writer Lawyer

Chef

Making That Change! people, who have become friends and who would never have been in my life had I not made this commitment.

It is this experience that has been invaluable. It has taught me what’s important in life, that my self-worth does not stem from how “good” my job is, or how healthy my bank balance is. I began to understand how little money we actually need to live off. I quickly realised my need to spend money on that new top or appliance, in the vain hope of cheering myself up, was no longer there, it had been replaced with fulfilment.

I’m not going to lie to you, the prospect of turning thirty and being a jobless graduate is a daunting one, and the career prospects in my chosen field are narrow.

It’s a scary time, but also an incredibly exciting one.

It’s the possibility I could end up doing a job I love

because quality matters

which keeps me motivated. So, if you are in a situation where you are miserable with your job and your life, my advice would be this: when you look back on your life in thirty years-time how will you feel about the time that you’ve spent in a life you are unhappy with?

Remember that...

The average Briton spends 97,464 hours at work in their life time - this is a long time to be unhappy.

Dedicate yourself to making that change. In the words of the late great Franklin D. Roosevelt the “only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”

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business

Movers&Shakers

Manx Telecom appoint new Sales Director Manx Telecom’s new Sales Director, Fergal McKenna says the company’s world-class reputation for excellence makes it ideally positioned to attract more global clients to the Island.

Fergal said; “We need to move away from the traditional sales approach of saying to clients; ‘Here are our products, which ones would you like to buy?’ and move towards a closer relationship with clients which enables us to appreciate the challenges they face and, therefore, enable us to demonstrate precisely how technology can help them.”

Graduating from Trinity College, Dublin with a BSc in

Management, Fergal has spent his career working in IT and telecommunications.

Fergal added; “Manx Telecom is in strong and unique position with many of the products and services we offer. I’m looking forward to working with my colleagues to maximise the company’s potential.”

Mike Dee, Manx Telecom CEO, congratulated Fergal on his appointment, he said; “Fergal has a proven track record in the telecoms industry and will bring a wealth of experience to the role of Sales Director. I wish him every success in his new role.”

IFG continues the expansion of its specialist Fund Administration Team

IFG Fund Administration has strengthened its Specialist Fund Administration Team with a reputable new recruit.

Stephen Edmonds has joined the Isle of Man office to work closely with new Director of Business Development, Colin Stott.

Declan Kenny, CEO International Division, commented ‘This appointment is a clear demonstration of our ongoing commitment to growing our specialist fund administration business in both the Isle of Man and Jersey.’

Gallery IOM wishes Steven the best of luck in his illustrious new post.

Working in financial services for over 30 years, Stephen is well known and respected in both the Manx and London marketplaces.

Stephen said; “I’m delighted to be joining IFG Fund Administration.

Their expanding operation reflects not only a commitment to this sector, but an excellent reputation in client servicing which I look forward to being part of.”

Parent company, IFG Group plc. is listed on Irish and London stock exchanges, fully committed to longterm investment in the provision of specialist administration services to the alternative fund management industry.

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Isle of Man style magazine

Movers&Shakers

business

Barclays Wealth Strenthens Isle of Man Treasury Team Barclays Wealth Isle of Man has recently strengthened its team of treasury professionals with two appointments.

Karen Kong was employed by Hang Seng Bank for over two years in Shanghai and Hong Kong before joining Barclays Wealth, where she will be working with intermediary clients across various jurisdictions.

Peter Downey has recently joined the Treasury team as Vice President of Treasury and FX. Peter has worked over 10 years’ Treasury experience.

become one of the biggest dealing rooms outside of London.

Peter Sutton continued: ‘Les’s dedication and commitment over the years has no doubt played a major part in the expansion and success of the business and I would personally like to thank him for this. He will be missed by the team and we wish him a long and happy retirement.’

Head of Treasury, Peter Sutton said: ‘I am delighted to welcome Karen and Peter to the Isle of Man Treasury team. Their wealth of experience will complement the existing team and enhance our capabilities. These are integral hires for our business which will help us to continue to work closely with our clients to help deliver first class service.”

Les Williamson, the team’s longest serving member of staff has recently retired. Having joined Barclays in 1978, he moved to the Isle of Man Treasury Team in 1994, since when he has seen the team expand to

Senior appointment at Nedgroup Investments Nedgroup Investments has announced another senior appointment with Sarah Kelly taking the new role of Operational Due Diligence Officer.

The appointment follows closely after Andrew Yeadon was named as Head of Investments in the company’s London office.

Sarah has extensive experience in funds management, having worked for 28 years in the industry in a variety of roles, including six years with the Isle of Man Financial Supervision Commission where she was Supervisor for Collective Investment Schemes. The role also led to a connection with Nedgroup as the company’s FSC relationship manager.

because quality matters

Sarah joins Nedgroup Investments from Credit Suisse where she was latterly compliance officer.

Sarah’s career in the Isle of Man finance sector began at GAM Administration and she has held numerous senior roles within the funds industry ever since.

“It’s a very positive time to be joining Nedgroup Investments,” she said. “The company has achieved excellent results in the last financial year and has shown itself to be adaptable and proactive. There is a clear focus on clients and service levels and it’s been a pleasure to join the team.”

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APPLEBY IOM ANNOUNCE SEVEN STRONG BVI LEGAL SERVICES TEAM Appleby (Isle of Man) LLC is pleased to announce that it now has seven British Virgin Islands (“BVI”) qualified lawyers within its Isle of Man legal team, five of which are partners.

Focusing largely on Appleby’s corporate offering, the team comprises six corporate lawyers and one private client lawyer who specialises in trusts work. Together with the full support of Appleby’s well established practice in Tortola, BVI, the Isle of Man team is able to provide a range of legal, corporate, trust, administration and management services in a GMT time zone.

Nick Verardi, local group head of corporate and commercial and partner of Appleby said: “This is a significant addition to our service offering to both international and domestic clients.

Appleby is already unique in its ability to provide clients with advice in all three Crown Dependencies, now with the added expertise of our BVI qualified legal team we can offer BVI legal advice in a European time zone,” he continued, “Importantly, with the expertise of our knowledge management team and our physical presence in the BVI, we are able to ensure our advice is

up to date and consistent with current BVI practice.”

The widespread use of BVI companies, either as holding or trading companies, has led to an increasing requirement for BVI legal advice and services around the globe. Appleby (Isle of Man) LLC is the only Isle of Man based law firm with the in-house corporate expertise specialising in this area, with the added benefit of a local BVI office to provide support when required.

Working across eight jurisdictions, Appleby’s 30 strong BVI legal team is routinely involved in the most high profile and complex matters, providing easy access to BVI legal advice for clients including banks and other financial institutions; governments; lessors and lessees; joint venture and other project developers; ship owners and high net worth individuals. Appleby also facilitates the provision of legal advice in Bermuda; the Cayman Islands; Guernsey; Jersey; Mauritius and the Seychelles from its Isle of Man office.

TWO NEW PARTNERS AT MOORE STEPHENS ISLE OF MAN Ayuk Ntuiabane and Dawn Webb Moore Stephens Isle of Man, leading providers of multi-sector accountancy, consultancy and wealth management services, and reaccredited members of Investors in People, is pleased to announce the appointment of Ayuk Ntuiabane and Dawn Webb as partners.

“Both Ayuk and Dawn have made huge contributions to business and are respected members of our team” said Clive Dixon, senior partner of Moore Stephens Isle of Man, “We are privileged to have them on board.”

acknowledged expert on the EU VAT system on yachts and aircraft, contributes articles to leading industry journals and publishes a topical monthly Yachting VAT Note.

Dawn has been appointed partner in charge of audit and assurance at Moore Stephens Chartered Accountants. She also heads up the local business services at Moore Stephens Consulting Limited. She joined Moore Stephens Isle of Man after training with an international firm in Birmingham.

Ayuk joined the firm in 1999 and works across the Fiduciary and Consultancy departments. Speaking fluent French, he is a globally 92

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InvestmentNews

business

Should you take a risk in search of better returns?

Words | Michael Deering

Rock-bottom interest rates and high inflation mean that savers who keep their money in the bank will see its true value eroded.

Any investment that offers the chance of better returns exposes your capital to risk.

It is three years since the Bank of England took the drastic decision to cut the official cost of borrowing to 0.5%. Given the severity of the economic crisis at the time, few savers would have expected rates to rise again shortly afterwards, but few would also have expected the Bank Rate to remain at its 300-year record for so long.

Economists believe that the Bank of England Monetary Policy Committee who set interest rates will leave the base rate at current levels for the foreseeable future and in fact provide a further stimulus of £50 billion for the nation’s struggling economy as it flirts with recession.

As the rate of inflation falls towards the predetermined target of 2% so the argument for higher interest rates weakens further.

However with returns on traditional Bank deposits only reaching around 3% and inflation still running at 4.2%, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to work out the purchasing power of your pound will weaken significantly over time after you have paid income tax on your savings.

in excess of 5% with the added potential for an increase in capital value over the longer term.

Bearing in mind most of us will have worked long and hard to establish our savings, an equity strategy may be considered high risk.

However, the reality is that savers rarely touch their capital and whilst share prices will rise and fall over time, you can expect a company’s profits to grow resulting in enhanced income and capital returns. Global stocks will survive in the long term despite the toughest of economic environments.

You should consider at least talking to a stockbroker to discuss the strategy that most suits your circumstances and you may be pleasantly surprised at the options that are available.

Michael Deering Director Ramsey Crookall & Co Ltd 38-42 Athol Street Douglas Isle of Man IM1 1QH Tel: 01624 673171 www.ramseycrookall.com Licensed by the Isle of Man Financial Supervision Commission

Not surprisingly therefore many savers are having to consider taking on more risk to receive a meaningful income and this is the biggest dilemma for savers who , not unreasonably, do not want to lose a penny of their hard-earned cash.

It is really a case of risk management and significantly higher returns are available to investors if risk is properly controlled and managed. A well balanced portfolio of top quality stocks and bonds could give a return

|Statements made herein represent the views of the writer and are given in good faith but without legal responsibility and are subject to change without notice|

because quality matters

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Still Life of Summer Flowers signed by Cecil Kennedy Oil on canvas 62cm x 76cm - POA

J u l i a n & S a r a B r i n d l e | G r e y n e y M o o a r F i n e a r t S lt d B a l l a Gaw n e | B a l l a B e G | C a S t l e t o w n | i S l e o F M a n | i M 9 4 H l

Tel: 462925 or 461966 enquiries @greyneymooar.co.uk

HARDWARE

hardware

Gallery gadgets We’re saving the planet one gadget at a time...

Re-usable plastic bags Not the 5p kind that you are scowled at by the droves of pseudo-environmentalists in the supermarket for purchasing, but a range of rucksacks and messenger bags made entirely out of recycled drinks bottles.

The green one here is called a ‘Baringo’, which is named after an endangered species of giraffe, which is in turn named after a lake in Kenya. Why do you need to know this? Because they make a donation to help save endangered animals following each purchase from their website so by buying you’re not only getting a great looking product but you’re also saving the earth by recycling, and saving animals too. Sleeping at night has never been so easy. Even if you do eat babies.

GreenSmart recycled plastic products Available from greensmart.biz

Lift your foot, in fifty metres Not content with merely giving you directions in order to aid you to ‘arrive at your destination’, this newfangled satellite navigation system also tells you when to change up or down a gear and provides gentle reminders about when to lift your foot from the throttle pedal too.

That’s not the only polar bear-friendly trick it has up its sleeve either. Input a few important details about your car, the fuel you’re using and how many people you’re transporting as well as where you’d like to go, of course, and it’ll calculate the most efficient route for you to take based on how much of a gasguzzling machine you’re wafting along in. Or not. For example, keeping a constant speed on a motorway might be more economical than a more direct route if you’re carrying more weight around.

The manufacturer alleges that within six months the average user will have managed to save £200 in fuel from using the Econav which will more than cover the cost of buying it in the first place.

The Vexia Econav will be available to buy from around mid-March for approximately £159.99

Avoid prune feet An ingeniously simple device, the Water Pebble is a small and fairly discreet device that you simply place in your shower, and as you wash it will let you know how long you’ve been steaming yourself for.

Red lights are a bad sign, you must cease showering immediately and stand outside in the cold naked as a punishment. If you’re a masochist, that is. An amber light? Not so bad, but the one you’re looking for is the green LED, which means you’ve just beaten your previous record for water conservation. Pat yourself on the back and have a nice warm Horlicks by the fire.

Push the button Just make sure that you’re using one of these for that Horlicks. If you’re not quite sure what I’m banging on about and are about to email in to get our proof reader fired, you evidently haven’t read the snippet above.

The Tefal QuickCup range of ‘kettles’ heat water in 3 seconds at the touch of a button without boiling it all, which in turn saves a shedload of energy. We’ve had one in the office for years and can’t fault it come tea-break or deadlines, when caffeine is essential.

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Isle of Man style magazine

hardware

A spot of light recycling With the convenience of Amazon’s Kindle e-reader aiding its popularity, as much as it could be a catalyst for the death of print there’s no denying that less books printed means less trees destroyed.

When it gets dark or your Kindle runs out of juice, though, you’ll be cursing this new wonder of technology.

Not if you’ve got a solar-powered cover with a reserve battery and LED reading light though, oh no... Go trees!

SolarKindle case (www.solarmio.com)

Recycled glass?

No need!

Don’t stand so close to me...

If you’ve ever had an iPhone then you’ll no doubt be as bored as I am of either being constantly paranoid and overly protective of its slick, glass exterior or scratching / smashing it to pieces on a regular basis. No case seems to offer the protection that a phone constructed of glass truly requires.

Packing an impressive 2000mAH lithiumion battery, this backpack from Infinit has a solar panel on the back, possibly making it the ideal way to transport your booze and other necessary belongings around a festival site whilst also being able to keep your smartphone fully charged so you’ll never miss capturing a moment in crisp, full high definition, uploading it to YouTube or Vimeo and then tweeting about it. And posting it on Facebook. Ever again. I’m more of a disposable camera kind of guy in all honesty, but I’m sure the more inventive of you could find a suitable alternative use for such a product.

I, for one, keep my Ming vase in a toughened glass display case attached to a solid steel pedestal, not a threemicron thick rubber buffer or leather pouch.

Fear not for much longer though, because Nissan (of vehicle manufacturing fame) are testing a selfhealing iPhone case. Gorilla glass isn’t looking quite so hot anymore.

It uses a special paint finish developed for use on their range of 370Z, Murano and X-Trail models in conjunction with the University of Tokyo and Advanced Soft materials Inc. which offers a tactile, gel-like feeling that provides better grip as well as that ground breaking scratch resistance.

The magic happens in the paint itself, whose chemical structure can react to scratches and ‘heal’ itself whilst also remaining flexible, so dropping their tight fitting iPhone case made of ABS won’t crack the paint, or your phone.

This process can take less than an hour, although larger scratches could take a day or two to get better, so don’t forget to take a pack of plasters with you if you’re particularly clumsy.

Here comes the science bit; Polyrotaxane - that’s how they do it.

And that’s all we know.

They’re being Beta tested now and will be available for general sale later this year.

because quality matters

You had just better make sure you don’t lie down, let anyone stand too close to you, tilt your sun-defeating umbrella backward, sit under any trees, or do anything else to shelter it from the sun if you’re going to finish watching that episode of Grand Designs on 4OD any time soon...

A stake through the heart of your energy consumption According to iGo, your electronic devices sap power through the sockets they’re plugged into even when you think they’re lying dormant. Plug one of these in between the outlet and your laptop though, for example, and it will only let power through when the device really needs it, saving you a fortune in wasted electricity. Eventually.

Oh, and the planet too. It’ll save the planet.

iGo universal laptop charger Available from MyMemory.com for £62.99 (So you can now think twice, and buy local, twice, by ordering online from a Jersey company and then have it delivered by our struggling postal service.

Double win!)

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hardware

Phonehome

Big is beautiful

HTC Titan It’s hard to miss the HTC Titan. With a 4.7 inch screen it pretty much tops the list of smartphone displays, bringing the Mango operating system, otherwise known as Windows Phone 7.5 (WP7.5), to life in a big way.

Now, a lot has been said about Mango and not all of it good. The Titan, however, does the operating system justice. As the guys at Tech blog, Engadget, put it “The Windows Phone OS is an amazing experience at this screen size.”

As well as bringing out the best of your photos and videos, the screen size makes typing easy as well as helping to simplify the process of switching between applications when you’re multitasking.

The Titan comes packed with features including an 8 megapixel camera with an effective panoramic function which brings landscapes to life and HD video that catches the crispness of the real thing. Unusually for WP handsets, the Titan has a front facing camera and 16Gb of memory so you can store your pics, tracks and download plenty of apps.

Importantly for a larger handset, the Titan is rugged and comes with an aluminium back cover that protects the phone whilst looking impressively stylish and in spite of its size, it still fits comfortably in your pocket.

You can get your hands on a Titan for free on the Smart 1200 at the Sure store, so pop in and try it out.

Pay as you go £549 www.surecw.com

Samsung Galaxy Ace Plus This is a great choice for anyone looking for their first smartphone.

The large 3.5 inch touch screen makes it easy to use if you are switching for the first time from a phone with a key pad. But the Galaxy Ace Plus also has the power to please established smartphone users looking for all the latest features at the right price - and it’s becoming increasingly popular for small business To see for yourself what the Samsung Galaxy Ace Plus has to offer, visit Manx Telecom’s customers too.

store in Strand Street, Douglas, or call 624 624 for more information.

This Ace Plus is perfect for using internet and email on the move via Manx Telecom’s fastest 3G networkwww.manxtelecom.com or Wi-Fi hotspots, and it boasts a 5 megapixel camera with face detection, 30fps VGA video recording, and 3GB built-in memory which is expandable up to 32GB with a microSD card. Thousands of useful and fun Android compatible Apps are available to customise the handset to suit personal tastes. With all this at a mid-range price, the Galaxy Ace Plus is bringing the very latest smartphone technology within the Key Features: reach of everyone’s budget.

• 3.5 inch touch screen • 5 megapixel camera • 3GB internal memory • HSPA internet access Available exclusively at Manx Telecom from 5th March and • Android OS, v2.3 (Gingerbread) FREE on the Flex 300 tariff with Large Data bolt on at £25.99 per • 1GHz processor month (based on a 24 month contract.)

Available for £250 on Pay As You Go Best prices guaranteed by Manx Telecom’s Price Match Promise

To see for yourself what the Samsung Galaxy Ace Plus has to offer, visit Manx Telecom’s store in Strand Street, Douglas, or call 624 624 for more information. www.manxtelecom.com

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sport

The definition of a sportsman Keirron Tastagh

Keirron runs Adventurous Experiences at ‘The Shack’ in St Johns, an adventure sports centre where Keirron is a lead coach, specialising in sea kayaking.

Island resident born and bred, Keirron has coached in Scotland; Norway; Canada; the United States; Spain; Portugal; Israel and Finland, led groups on extended expeditions in sea kayaks and canoes and been at the helm in mountain-walking expeditions in British Columbia; Norway; Ontario; the UK and the Isle of Man.

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I n t e rv i e w: Gallery: What do you do?

Keirron: I’ve set up Adventures Experience on the Isle of Man. It’s a lifestyle that I love, turns out its a successful business too.

Gallery: What’s the big story?

Keirron: We (Keirron and team mate George Shaw) have decided to do an extended expedition along the Alaskan Aleutian Islands… Using sea kayaks. We arrive in Alaska in early May and are there until mid July.

I was invited to go on an expedition in the Alaskan Aleutian Islands over 10 years ago; unfortunately it hadn’t turned out because I was the leader on a Manx expedition that year. So, it has been on the cards for a while.

We’ve trained for the elements we can train for, like; challenging crossings; being able to perform in advanced environments and making sure we are physically and mentally fit to go.

In this sport, an expedition like this is the top end of everything that you put the work in for.

Gallery: So what do you want to get out of it?

Keirron: On a personal level, it’s a very longterm goal.

The other thing is; it’s very good for PR. We did Vancouver Island, breaking a World Record in 2007; we’re still getting a lot of great PR from that.

A lot of people would say that kayaking came from the Inuit’s in Greenland, but there is a lot of evidence to say that the tradition, design and the craft came from the Aleutian’s. Their history and the wildlife is unbelievable, that place is teaming with wildlife, so we know that we are going to see things that you wouldn’t see anywhere else and we plan on learning a huge amount about the culture and heritage of the sport, which we enjoy and introduce others to!

which the Aleutian’s are renowned for; combined with challenging sea conditions or an open crossing; a large tidal range and the possibility of high winds, which can increase dramatically in a short space of time… You have what we can potentially be faced with in the Aleutian’s. I’ve been in situations like that on a much smaller level here. It’s all about decision making really.

Gallery: Are you a water baby?

Keirron: I do enjoy being in and out of the sea! I find that it teaches you a lot; it shows you your own importance and where you sit in the scheme of things (laughs).

Gallery: Humbling then?

Keirron: Very, yeah!

Gallery: Do you socialise with others that partake in the sport?

Keirron: Without-a-doubt. On the Isle of Man and worldwide, we have a brilliant social network. When we go out to the Aleutian’s, George and myself may be alone on the expedition at the time, but we are getting a huge amount of help and support from a worldwide kayaking network.

Gallery: What are you looking forward to the most?

Keirron: Personally? Some exceptional conditions and observing wildlife that we wouldn’t see over here. It is the whales’ migratory path, including killer whales; I’ve wanted to see them for a really long time!

There are a lot of sea lions and sea otters there too!

Gallery: What is the most dangerous situation that you have found yourself in?

Keirron: In a sea kayak? Mentally, that would be when I was in an open crossing, in thick fog in the middle of the night for an extended period of time in the Irish Sea 7 or 8 years ago. That would be the most challenged I’ve been. It challenges your mental state of mind; you wonder whether you can hold it together or not.

Gallery: What’s the next step?

Keirron: I honestly don’t know. From all of the research I’ve done, this is the highest level in our sport.

I am expecting this to be my pinnacle in sea kayaking as regards to personal exploration. This is a real adventure!

The things that we’ve done before have been really good training for this.

I’ll very likely continue with my coaching, leading in the sport, enjoying it myself and introducing other people to it. I’ll probably look at winter mountaineering as my next big long-term challenge.

Gallery: You’re just into the extreme really aren’t you?

Keirron: (Laughs) Well you have to keep reminding yourself of what people feel like when they come to you as a novice! This is a proven method of doing that…

Gallery: Will you be in your comfort zone?

Gallery: We are in awe…

Keirron: I am in my comfort zone at all times when I’m delivering sessions, but this, really, is about taking what our personal limits are to very highest level we can.

Keirron: Well… You can be in awe when we come back safely and the expedition has ended! (Laughs).

Gallery: Are you quite sensitive about the heritage, culture and wildlife that you will encounter on this expedition?

Keirron: I think that the more of it you do, the more important you understand learning about it is. The more you learn about it, the more you realise you know so little. It’s a big learning process, and yes, you have to be sensitive about it. They are in their natural environment; you might be outside of yours.

Gallery: What’s the worst that can happen?

Keirron: Difficult to say whether that will be mental or physical… If we get thick fog,

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sport

Tai Chi for body & mind words | Peter Silvester

The ancient Chinese art of Tai Chi has been used in China for centuries to improve health and fitness. It is a series of gentle movements that improve balance, suppleness and well being.

Medical experts have been looking into the benefits of Tai Chi for years and some studies have found it could improve balance control, flexibility and even the health of their heart, including some instances of helping to reduce blood pressure. Some other benefits are to help reduce levels of stress, improve overall well being and create a calm centered mind.

Suppleness and balance help to elevate falls which are one of the common causes of injury in the older person. Tai Chi can even be practiced if you have problems walking, there are many beneficial Tai Chi movement which can be carried out whilst sitting or even lying down.

Deep breathing Breath is life and to breath deeply is calming to the body, mind and nervous system. Tai Chi is breathing, posture and movement, you could say moving meditation. Tai Chi is being in this moment in time, getting the mind and body to work together, moving as one, to a point where the mind switches off but is totally aware of what is going on around. A good example is to go for a walk in the country, look around and listen to nature, the sound of the sea and wind and imagine breathing this in, try this for a few deep breathes and see how you feel.

Tai Chi and the flow of energy (Qi) According to Chinese traditional medicine to ensure good health you must first correct the energy flow by ensuring a balance of yin and yang. Techniques such as acupuncture, acupressure, chi kung (Qi Gong) exercises, chi breathing, 102

chi meditation and chi diet are all designed to balance and harmonise the flow of chi energy.

Why Tai Chi Most people like the idea of practicing Tai Chi for its health benefits and stress relief, but many do not know Tai Chi is a powerful martial art. A good teacher who teaches the classics will also teach the martial art side of Tai Chi. It is important to know these to truly understand the power of moving slowly with total body control. If you practices correctly, using total slow body control you will soon be working up a sweat, similar to working out in a gym.

Tai Chi in all weathers Many students complain of lack of practice space or that it is too cold outside to practice Tai Chi. I would say you can practice Tai Chi in a two metres square area and if it is cold wear a warm jumper, coat, hat and gloves. The parks in China are full of people practicing Tai Chi in all weathers. I myself would practice in the ice and snow and found

moving slowly on a slippery surface actually improves your Tai Chi form and balance, although this is probably better left to the more experienced teacher.

Learning TaiChi If you decide you would like to try Tai Chi it is important to find an instructor who you can engage with, this may sound silly but it took me many years. My last instructor was not called Master Ying or Master Yang not even Mr Miyagi, his name was Steve or Tai Chi Steve as he became known. I learned the Yang style short form, Long form, balanced yang and the Tai Chi straight sword form from Tai Chi Steve, over many years. He was the one who suggested that I should became a teacher to further improve my own Tai Chi. After moving I took Tai Chi Steve’s advice and started a class of my own, it ran successfully for over five years. Even though I practice as often as I can, I stopped teaching, as I had taken my class as far as I could.

Saying that maybe it is time to start another beginners class.

Isle of Man style magazine

MUSIC

music

Visit www. om jongomm.c him, for more on usic, including m d tour pictures an dates.

S

ometimes a musician’s big break only takes one word from the right place at the right time. For Jon Gomm that was in January and the word was simply “WOW”.

And given it was said on Twitter by none other than national treasure Stephen Fry, everything suddenly changed. With 1.3 million views and counting on YouTube of his single “Passionflower”, Jon has found himself catapulted from the musical underground to the overground faster that you can say Womble, happily bewildered that after 10 years of continuous touring and recording he is now an overnight success.

YouVisit Jon’s el at tube chann .youtube. http://www ngomm com/user/jo for a listen

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FRY’S GUITARIST DELIGHT

music

Words: Bonzo Slater

Jon “plays” guitar..well..like Jon. He plays drums on it.

He plays bass on it. He plays complex lines and soundscapes on it. All at the same time, the quickness of his hands delightfully deceiving the ear. But Jon isn’t just a fretdancing pyrotechnician. As befits a Blackpool boy, on stage he is a consummate raconteur who could probably make a living in stand-up comedy if he chose. A soulful singer/songwriter with both heart and humour, he can as easily make you laugh with the comic romance of doomed love betwixt Emo & Chav in “Gloria” as make you cry with the plight of teenage runaway girls in his home town in “Hey Child”.

Oh, and do not dare call his guitar ”it”. For she is his best beloved equal artistic partner Wilma, a lady of unique sonic and aesthetic beauty despite appearing as if she’s been mauled by tigers (an unfortunate consequence of Jon’s necessarily superglue strengthened fingernails).

She is the only guitar you’ll see on stage for, unusually amongst performers, Jon is a “guitar monogamist”.

Such fidelity has resulted in the most productive of musical marriages as his spellbinding performances bear testament.

Since his first strummings at the tender age of two with his little ukelele in his hands, Jon has been a fellow to plough his own furrow. Turning down a place at Oxford, he instead studied Jazz at Leeds College of Music, thereafter embarking on a career based on a principled refusal to compromise. He neither courts a recording contract nor will accept one, preferring to remain an artist in control of his work rather than an industry commodity.

With his home recorded first album “Hypertension” selling over 10,000 copies so far and his second “Don’t Panic” selling out on Amazon within five days, that stand is paying him all the dividends.

Thanks to the far sightedness of local promoter Jonno Gallow (he of Jonno Promotions) Manxies have been able to enjoy Jon’s music long before Mr. Fry tweeted his famous one-worder. Very much an honorary Manxman, Jon has been a frequent visitor since his first appearance at the Peel Centenary Centre in 2005, both playing gigs and sharing his technical secrets with local guitarists at workshops. With any luck and lots of letters at Fairy Bridge he may return to the Island this year to garner a new generation of fans but with his diary now filling up for 2013 let’s hope the little people let us celebrate his success in style very soon.

because quality matters

Picture (left) Taken by Danny North. Website:

www.dannynorh.co.uk Screen Cap (Below) on Jon playing Possion Flower on Youtube

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music

Words | Liz Corlett

Rediscovering the joys of putting needle to record Traditionalists, breathe easy; the report of vinyl’s death was, as with Mark Twain, an exaggeration.

Just a few years after we thought that downloads had sounded the death knell for independent music stores, comes news that vinyl sales are in good health.

The format whose glory days lie in the 1970’s appears to be reclaiming its place in people’s homes and affections.

In the US, according to Nielson Soundscan, vinyl sales climbed 36 per cent between 2010 and 2011 when 3.9 million records were sold, the highest figure in two decades. Meanwhile, in the UK, the Official Chart Company reported a total of 240,000 vinyl albums sold in 2011, compared to 234,000 in 2010.

It’s important to maintain a little perspective; vinyl sales are still Goliath to David’s CD and downloads, (in 2010, 119.9 million and 21 million respectively) and are unlikely to repeat a peak performance in 1975, when 91.6 million vinyl records were sold in the UK. Nonetheless, the figures clearly point to a resurgence of interest in vinyl. But who’s buying, and why? Is it simply recessioninduced nostalgia? The stereotype of the modern vinyl devotee is a three-into-one hybrid of the main male characters in Nick Hornby’s High Fidelity; intense creatures with indoor complexions whose

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rarified lives are devoted to the pursuit of limited edition gatefolds and mythical white labels. These are the faithful, for whom vinyl is trendless and always first choice.

You might actually have spotted one in the flesh, handling vinyl with more adoration than a newborn baby, more awe than the Holy Grail.

In real life, the vinyl fan is not so easily pigeonholed. For every baby boomer who grew up with vinyl, there are younger consumers exploring the medium via their parents’ record collection. As for gender, my personal observation has been that vinyl-heavy record stores are more the haunt of men than women, but it’s unwise to draw conclusions from this alone.

The field of Taking Music Seriously (and loving vinyl is a serious business) has always been male-dominated but that’s not to say that men are the more the visible, demonstrative critics and collectors and women aren’t furiously stashing away vinyl.

Vinyl sales are also influenced by whether or not your favourite music happens to be available in that format.

In the last few years, there has been a rise in the number of mainstream artists choosing to release their output on vinyl.

Isle of Man style magazine

music

The physical contact between the record and the needle, the turning over the side, even the smell of a vinyl record. Those rituals make listening to an album something you do, rather than something that happens in the background whilst you do something else.

From the record company’s point of view, a format immune to the impact of illegal downloads is a boon, but where lies the value for the consumer?

The received wisdom runs that vinyl gives an incomparable sound: Warm and authentic where CDs and MP3s are tinny and flat. The debate (which often neglects to factor in the calibre of the turntable/stereo and speakers) will run until hell freezes, but I have yet to meet a music lover who wouldn’t choose an album that was recorded on analog equipment in vinyl format over a re-mastered CD. It’s questionable whether the modern, digitally recorded releases have any advantage in sound quality, and as new vinyl often incorporates a download code, there’s no tangible benefit to owning the album apart from, well, owning the album.

This may be the heart of the matter. My very first music purchase was a vinyl album (A-ha’s Hunting High and Low, if you must know, from the lower floor of Colebourn’s) and I can picture it clearly, partly because I played it relentlessly, pouring over every detail of the sleeve, partly because it’s still right there on the shelf.

It’s the ‘presence’ of vinyl which makes it endure; music that you can handle, taking up physical space in your life and giving rise to an emotional commitment lacking in music which lives invisibly inside a PC or iPod.

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Vinyl is displayed and shared - as a way of bonding and nailing one’s colours to the mast. Aesthetically, vinyl beats the CD by an embarrassingly long chalk.

If it didn’t exist, some would argue, what would you do with that empty shelf space anyway?

There’s a parallel between the loyalty to vinyl and the way people still cleave to books in the face of the Kindle and film photography in a digital world. An understanding that certain things aren’t broke and don’t need fixing, that convenience isn’t necessarily as satisfying as a little of labour of love.

The last words go to Stephen Kerrison, a Bristol-based guitarist from the Isle of Man who is a veteran of several acclaimed Indie bands: “Personally, the biggest reason I like vinyl over any other format is that it turns listening to music from something passive into something you are actively involved in. The physical contact between the record and the needle, the turning over the side, even the smell of a vinyl record. Those rituals make listening to an album something you do, rather than something that happens in the background whilst you do something else. To me, it’s the most respectful way to listen to music, and most music - regardless of whether I like it or not - deserves that respect”.

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DREAMER QUEEN Words | Bonzo Slater

B

ishops Stortford. A chocolate box commuter town nestling in the shadow of the Stanstead flightpath not previously noted for its contribution to music. Until now that is, for here folkadelic songstress Mary Epworth walks in the woods amongst the shug monkeys and other mythical beasts where thoughts of Syd Barrett and Shirley Collins surround her in glades of splendid noises. The fruit of such contemplation is her debut album “Dream Life”, given its global radio debut in January on our very own Manx Radio and now picking up serious airplay in the UK, with the BBC's Rob Da Bank and Radcliffe & Maconie stalwart champions.

Mary has come far since when as an indie kid she would hang around nearby Harlow hoping to meet Radio 1's Steve Lamacq (who years later provided her first BBC airplay) in his local. She began singing backing and lead vocals for several bands whilst supporting herself with shop and waitressing jobs as well as film work (the eagle eyed will spot her in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Parts 1 & 2) all the while marking out her own musical roadmap. Her first breakthrough came in 2008 with “The Saddle Song”..a pub shanty which would fit well into the soundtrack of Witchfinder General but circumstances have meant that the album has taken a fair while to follow it up.

Recorded in a number of unconventional locations including an art deco apartment above a brothel in East Berlin and produced by her multi-instrumental partner Will Twynham on their own Hand Of Glory label, “Dream Life” employs influences that very much bestride the Big Pond but still don't make the delicious product easy to describe. Imagine the early Pink Floyd going down to the pub with the Pet Sounds era Beach Boys and being drunk under the table by folk legends Fairport Convention. If they then went to the studio with 70s glam rock casualty Jobriath and sonic pioneer Delia Derbyshire you might get the slightest idea of where Mary is musically coming from. She certainly isn't yet another female singer/songwriter, for she is possessed of a voice that haunts as well as beguiles, entraps as well as entreats. An autoharpist long before P.J. Harvey made it hip,

Top and bottom photo by Phil Kneen.

Website : http:// philkneen.photoshelter.com/ Left and right photo’s by John Chase.

Website : http:// www.johnchasephotography. com/

she uses its melancholy to full effect on the slowburning “Six Kisses” and the quietly stirring “Two For Joy”. “Heal This Dirty Soul” is a Lennonesque gem, whilst the spine tingling “Those Nights” lets John Martyn's “Small Hours” meet shades of 10CC's “I'm Not in Love” in a hymn to the nocturnal.

But the festival anthem for 2012 must surely be the current single “Black Doe”, where Bagpuss banjo meets a fuzzed up guitar wall muscling it out with Pikachu on disco strings. All that backed by a thumping beat John Bonham would be proud of and having the best ever drum break this side of the Who's “Baba O'Riley”. Small wonder it's taking over the BBC Radio playlist.

Efforts are being made to bring her to the Island sometime this year but if you can venture Across upon the boat or aircraft she plays The Continental in Preston on 20th March. If you've any sense you'll dream along with her.

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Isle of Man style magazine

Did you get shot?

nightlife

paparazzi at the Mailbox

Get paparazzi at your events. paparazzi@gallery.co.im

pap website coming soon

paparazzi at The cresent

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nightlife

Did you get shot?

paparazzi at The JAR Bar

Get paparazzi at your events. paparazzi@gallery.co.im

paparazzi at bar George

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isle of man style magazine

Did you get shot?

nightlife

paparazzi at Colours

Get paparazzi at your events. paparazzi@gallery.co.im

paparazzi at Bordello

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boardom

boardom

What do you like about our Society?

?

THE PERFECT WOMAN Manners of our locals

Same good friends all your life

Elizabeth / Hairstylist

*

People care about people THE PERFECT WOMAN

Isabella / Student

Ewan / Teacher

theTHE folklore PERFECT WOMAN polite people

Jana / Masseuse Organic Food

Maggie / Restaurant Supevisor

John / Cook

THEage PERFECT herit WOMAN

Peter / Chef

our own language

good SME business support

Tracey / Customer Assistant

Semma / Life Couch

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Isle of Man style magazine

“ For a limited period only, you really can save at least £999 off the cost of arranging your new mortgage with Isle of Man Bank.”

For local mortgages, we’re open for business – just like we’ve always been. But now it’s even better…

For a limited time only, we are waiving our Product Fee for new mortgages which will save you a minimum of £999, or 0.1% of the loan amount whichever is greater. Plus, our dedicated Personal Mortgage Advisers can discuss flexible terms to suit you and help you every step of the way. So, if you’re looking to buy a new home or remortgage an existing one, pop in to any of our branches or call our Personal Mortgage Advisers on 697764. This offer is valid for all new mortgages but excludes Equity Release loans, Foundations mortgage and may be withdrawn without notice.

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

Community Banking 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. Over 18’s only. Security required. Calls may be recorded. N5022 02/12

iPhone 4

On the island’s only unlimited data plan Just £99 on our £35 Smart 400.

So you can email, surf, download apps and Facebook for as long as you want with no worries.

Come in store or visit www.surecw.com

Based on 8Gb iPhone 4 on Smart400 (£35 per month).

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