Isle of Man Premier Magazine | no 35 | November 2014 | the [XY] issue
BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS
ÂŁ priceless
agenda [BUSINESS SUPPLEMENT] inside
ÂŁ49
Huawei Y330
ÂŁ59 Samsung Galaxy Young 2
While stocks last. Offer available on 24 month contracts. For full terms and conditions go to www.sure.com
Be Smart this Christmas. Top up by just £20 and get a 3G Smartphone from only £49, or a 4G Smartphone from only £99. Ask in store for details or online at www.sure.com
£99
Huawei Y550
£109 Nokia Lumia 635
v
Gallery is published eleven times a year as a fresh yet discerning guide to all that happens on the Island and beyond. Not too arty farty superior or too serious, written by you and enjoyed by people everywhere.
CONTRIBUTORS
WHO WE ARE PUBLISHER
EDITORIAL
Lisa Jones Anthony Brand Clare Bowie Hannah Goodby Michelle Tonnesen Linda Huxley Anne Berry Jennifer Parkes Jessica Ledger Grant Runyon Les Able Suzy Holland Rebecca Lawrence Rachel Green Theo Leworthy Anne Moorhouse Leon Flemming
Steve Redford T: 07624 249249 steve@gallery.co.im
6
5
Now 10 % discount on any wedding package. Save money. Sign wedding contract to the end of December 2014 Free pre-wedding photo session. Extra canvas prints.
NEW 2014/15 WEDDING OFFERS*
ADVERTISING SALES
Bev Lawley T: 07624 415096 bev@gallery.co.im ACCOUNTS
accs@gallery.co.im T: 01624 619540 laura@gallery.co.im DESIGN STUDIO
design@gallery.co.im
ILLUSTRATIONS
Russ Atkinson Jon Moore
PAPARAZZI
T: 01624 619540 paparazzi@gallery.co.im
DESIGN STUDIO
DISTRIBUTION
T: 01624 619540 www.gallery.co.im/distribution distro@gallery.co.im
Emma Cooke Steve Redford Russ Atikinson Katherine Mather
PHOTOGRAPHY
GALLERY MAGAZINE
Peter Kwiecinski Leo Fosdal Matt Mosur
Quay House, South Quay, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM1 5AR Tel: 01624 619540 www.gallery.co.im
Recycle.
Gallery recycles all its storage and packing materials, boxes and any old magazines that are returned. We don’t get that many fortunately. We love to know our readers hang on to previous copies but when they take up too much space, drop them down to the recycling bins. If you want to find out more about recycling - call: 01624 686540. Don’t forget you cn view all previous issues on our website.
www.dollsfactory.net *10% discount on any wedding package when you book before the end of December 2014. Plus a free pre-wedding photo session and a free canvas print.
Disclaimer. All rights reserved. Any form of reproduction of Gallery Magazine, in part or whole is strictly prohibited without the written consent of the publisher. Any views expressed by advertisers or contributors may not be those of the publisher. Unsolicited artwork, manuscripts and copy are accepted by Gallery Magazine, but the publisher cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage. All material, copy and artwork supplied is assumed to be copyright free unless otherwise advised. Contributions for Gallery should be emailed to editorial@gallery.co.im. Names have been changed to protect the innocent and no penguins were harmed in the manufacture of this magazine, you can’t prove nuffing. Why are you still reading the small print? How about researching what really makes the best paper aeroplane? Test them with your friends or colleagues, add a picture to our Facebook and we’ll send you some doughnuts.
EDITO
UPFRONT
#37 [XY] Isle of Man Premier Magazine | no 35 | November 2014 | the [XY] issue
£ priceless
BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS
edito
agenda [BUSINESS SUPPLEMENT] inside
Isle of Man | Home & Interiors | November 2014
The best place to find a new place in the Isle of Man
W
hat makes a man? Is it the amount of hair on his chin, the car he drives, the size of his arms or the strength of his convictions? This months XY edition of Gallery Magazine takes a look at all these things with interviews and stories from locals, enough to keep you entertained for hours.
ISLE OF MAN BUSINESS NEWS
EVENTS
COMMENTS
November 2014
Issue 9
ON THE AGENDA THIS EDITION:
With the sales of razors and other shaving products plummeting in the face of more men growing beards, stubble and moustaches, we take a look at the rise of the hipster beard on pages 108-109. A beard being the collection of hair that grows on the chin, upper lip, cheeks and neck. In Homer, the beard was almost sacred - a common form of entreaty: to touch the beard of the king. In many ancient cultures a shaved face was a sign of dishonour. The Spartans used to partially shave condemned cowards, cowardliness being a crime in Spartan-society. Facial hair can radically alter the way a man looks, that’s for sure, whether it’s a little stubble or a full-on beard. It’s also said men are more attractive with beards. What do you think?
Island Entrepreneurs Life After A business Sale, Bearded Men, Movember, The Evolution of Man Plus - Rising Equestrian star, In the news, A-list events, Appointments, Dross Boss
COVER CREDIT PHOTOGRAPHY
Dollsfactory.net MODEL
Allan Fair
If you’re doing your bit to raise awareness for men’s health this month and growing a moustache for Movember. You’re about to suffer weeks of ridicule from your colleagues, friends and family, not to mention an itchy upper lip, so Gallery wants to reward you for your efforts. We want you to show us your Movember selfies so everyone can see your Mo in all it’s glory. See page 110 for more details. Add to that hair follicle goodness the usual high standard of community coverage, Gallery humour and business news in our Bi-monthly Agenda supplement, and we’re pleased to present a rounded package for you this month. So loosen your tie, scratch your beard and enjoy reading the XY edition.
ARE YOU IN? You can also view paparazzi photos on our facebook page.
SR
FACEBOOK.COM/ GALLERYIOM
PUBLISHED WITH GUSTO IN THE ISLE OF MAN BY
Gallery, Agenda, Places, and Paparazzi are trading styles of 221 Media. Registered in the Isle of Man no. 125981C.
BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS
3
WILKINS WATCH of the MONTH An open book on decades of deepwater adventures, stepped in the mysterious aura of a hidden bay that gradually reveals its secrets to those who venture there, the TUDOR heritage Black Bay is a long-lost treasure, returning to the light of day. First presented in 2012 in an appealing version with warm colours, the following year it was awarded the “Revival” category prize by the jury of the 2013 Grand Prix d’ Horlogerie de Genève. The TUDOR Heritage Black Bay returns in 2014 icy and sharp. This new version exalts the original purpose of the TUDOR Submariner toolwatches and their use on the wrist of divers serving in some of the world’s greatest navies.
www.wilkinsthejeweller.co.uk
TUDOR HERITAGE BLACK BAY The Heritage line by TUDOR is distinguished by the unique creative process of the brand’s Style Workshop as well as an exceptional attention to detail. The very opposite of a mere re-edition, a Heritage product is the powerful result of a true temporal and stylistic encounter of past, present and future. The aesthetic codes that contributed to the renown of the historic models are preserved and injected with modern touches to update its iconic status. The TUDOR Heritage Black Bay embodies the pinnacle of this creative approach, since its inspiration is anchored, not in a historic model, but rather in the nearly 60 years of the brand’s emblematic divers’ watches. The TUDOR Heritage Black Bay derives its overall lines and its domed crystal from the brand’s first divers’ watch, the TUDOR Submariner reference 7922, launched in 1954. It also owes to its ancestor its domed dial, a feature shared by the first TUDOR Submariner models, but which had since vanished. Its imposing winding crown is a nod to a model presented in 1958 under reference 7924 and dubbed “Big Crown” by collectors. Its characteristic angular hands, known by connoisseurs as “Snowflakes”, were seen from 1969 to the early 1980s. These multiple references to the brand’s aesthetic heritage, combined with contemporary design elements such as the robust 41 mm steel case with a refined finish, a coloured, anodized
aluminium crown tube, as well as superbly crafted interchangeable bracelets make the TUDOR Heritage Black Bay a watch with a powerful identity that vividly embodies the brand’s renewal process. The 2012 TUDOR Heritage Black Bay, with its black-chocolate dial, its pink-gold hands and hour markers, its creamy luminescent material and its burgundy bezel, is reminiscent of the gentle warm patina of an antique watch. It tells of the nostalgia for objects whose appeal increases over time and plays on the charm of its attractive aura. For this second version, TUDOR’s Style Workshop sought to convey through design details the intention governing the creation of the brand’s first divers’ watch: namely, to produce a technical and reliable divers’ tool-watch. The result is an antithetic and yet complementary TUDOR Heritage Black Bay, presented in cool colours accentuating this model’s inherent virtues of fine workmanship, finishing and precision. While the first version radiated gentle, soft warmth, the face of the second is icy with sharp lines infusing it with a decidedly tech allure. Its deep-black dial strikes a cold, marked
contrast with the silvery hour markers and their white luminescent material. The silver-coloured, luminescent hands feature the same contrast as they cut across the dial with surgical precision. Finally, the bezel in midnight-blue, matching the colour of the crown tube, tempers the vibrancy of the steel case, while lending an aquatic and highly functional dimension that echoes the military past of certain brand references. During the second half of the 20th century, the Marine nationale française was equipped with TUDOR divers’ watches, which were generally blue. Like all models in the Heritage line, the TUDOR Heritage Black Bay comes with two bracelets or straps: an adjustable blue fabric strap with a sophisticated weave; and the other a choice of either a midnightblue distressed leather strap matching the bezel, or a satin-finished and polished steel bracelet. Both come with a folding clasp. FEATURES • 41mm steel case with polished and satin finish • Unidirectional rotatable steel bezel, matt midnight-blue disc • Self-winding mechanical movement, TUDOR caliber 2824 • Power reserve of approximately 38 hours • Screw-down winding crown in steel with blue insert and engraved with the TUDOR rose • Domed sapphire crystal • Waterproof to 200 m (660ft) • Aged leather strap with folding clasp and safety catch
76 Strand Street, Douglas, Isle of Man IM1 2EW Tel: 01624 690450 Email: enquiries@wilkinsthejeweller.co.uk www.facebook.com/Wilkinsjewellers
www.wilkinsthejeweller.co.uk
UPFRONT
CONTENTS Rachel Miles
CULTURE
FEATURE
MUSIC HOME
HOME
CULTURE
It’s a man’s world - manly men around the globe
rescue
WORDS Grant Runyon ILLUSTRATION Pod Hughes
Godfather of Soul James Brown famously sang that “It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World,” and who are we to disagree? I’m certainly not going to argue with a man in a cape who looks like a gargoyle and can scream loud enough to shatter a breezeblock. What JB says goes, whether it’s down to his flagrant disregard for the importance of commas or a rather simplistic understanding of gender politics. The Hardest Working Man in Showbusiness did not deal in subtlety, and James Brown’s world was so manly that he wrote it three times just to make sure you got the message. Our ideas about gender have progressed from those expressed by shouting, sequinned soul singers of the seventies, but that’s not to say that the world has become dramatically less a man’s one overnight. If anything, the uncomplicated machismo of the real man’s man has become even more symbolic as men around the world gradually understand that they don’t really deserve to get paid more for doing the same job as a woman, or that the ability to reach the top shelves and
take out the bin bag shouldn’t confer any special social privileges. Gender inequality is a complicated thing, especially for men who achieve the terrifying realisation that women work harder, live longer and only need our input for a couple of minutes to get on with the baby making business. It keeps me up at night, which is why there’s something reassuring about the cultural presence of completely exaggerated manly men. When I start worrying about having to compete with
#1: AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK MAN
America is a nation where ideas of manliness are strongly connected to taming the wilderness, with a firearm if necessary. Unlike Russia, this is hard for their leaders to pull off. George W Bush tried very hard to translate his natural lack of sophistication into a Reaganlike cowboy ruggedness, but America has a free media and so most people were well aware that his only connection to the land comes from the amount of it he inherited prior to ever doing a day’s work. American manly men aren’t born into power, but rather hard-bitten individuals who master the landscape and themselves on their own terms. Thanks to the US entertainment industry there’s a great many professionally grizzled male role models to choose from, but I like to ignore Clint Eastwood and Vin Diesel in favour of John Wayne, if only because his real name was Marion.
8
8
#4: SCANDINAVIAN WOODCUTTER MAN
#2: MEDITERRANEAN SEXY MAN
#3: RUSSIAN RUGGED MAN
particular, to avoid ruining things you’ve already done. Getting the order of works right is key Because it’s hard to - get it wrong and START AT THE TOP AND WORK DOWN, WITH BOTH manage without a you’ll waste time, shower and loo, but THE PROPERTY IN GENERAL AND EACH ROOM IN effort and, most perhaps you can PARTICULAR, TO AVOID RUINING THINGS YOU’VE importantly, money. shower at work or ALREADY DONE THAT SAID, the gym and hire a HOWEVER portable loo? Life WELL YOU PLAN without a kitchen is . YOUR PROJECT, also bearable - for a RENOVATIONS while. You can rustle TEND TO COST up all sorts of meals It often makes sense to get the new A LOT MORE MONEY - AND TAKE A with a microwave and George Foreman Fat bathroom and kitchen in early on, although LOT LONGER - THAN YOU EXPECT, Reducing Grill (www.georgeforeman.co.uk they’re not the cheapest rooms to fit out, or SO IF YOU’RE ON A BUDGET, - the new range is excellent), or if you don’t you may want to concentrate on finishing YOU’LL NEED TO PRIORITISE mind buying an appliance you probably one room or storey so you can live there. YOUR SPENDING, ESPECIALLY IF won’t use after the renovation, a mini Start at the top and work down, with both UNFORESEEN PROBLEMS ARISE. multifunction oven with hotplates - Russell the property in general and each room in Hobbs (uk.russellhobbs.com) does one. this will make living conditions worse, but it also causes unnecessary delays.
Whilst Batman is universal, every culture around the world has its own version of the manliest man. A man that we can all look up to, who doesn’t fuss about pain or discomfort, doesn’t talk about his feelings and is better than anybody else at taking the bin bag out. Join me in saluting them, because I fear they might be a dying breed.
Archaeologists have discovered the surprising fact that up to 50% of buried viking warriors were actually female. This certainly complicates our historical understanding of the swarthy, bearded pillagers of legend, but luckily the aura of manliness in the region is so intense that revelations about lady vikings just seem to confirm the Scandinavian belief that there is no contradiction between being both socially progressive and as hard as a frozen reindeer. Like his Russian cousin, Scandinavian man has been shaped by a challenging environment, although in this case it produces the unusual stereotype of a strapping, bearded lumberjack who can spend months alone in sub-arctic darkness without complaint, but nonetheless emerges at the start of summer to provide for his family by constructing a lovely sauna and some minimalist flatpack furniture.
For once, the media can hardly be blamed for peddling exaggerated notions of Russian masculinity because so little exaggeration is required when you are talking about a country ruled by a man who hunts bears with his shirt off and does judo with Steven Seagal. Vladimir Putin is on a one-man crusade, both to expand his borders and to ensure that the world sees Russian man as a cross between Ivan Drago and Zangief from StreetFighter 2. It’s true that the whole “human rights and honest government” thing tends to get sidelined in favour of another press shot of the President putting out forest fires with a helicopter, but nonetheless there is a part of me that wishes that David Cameron would appeal to the voters by stripping to his pants and going Rambo in Middlesex.
FOR MANX WOMAN RACHEL MILES
women on equal terms, I just think about Batman or Ray Mears and everything is okay.
It’s fair to say that Australia is a nation of manly men. Some people say this is a result of accelerated natural selection due to all the poisonous animals, some argue it’s the genetic legacy of British convicts, others will claim that the government adds special hormones to their terrible beer. What most people can agree on is that Aussie man generally doesn’t struggle with complex notions of masculinity - being a man’s man is about watching sports, drinking a lot and cooking meat outdoors. If you can survive a hostile environment and kill dingoes and kangaroos with your bare hands, all the better. Aussie expats often get annoyed with these narrow stereotypes about their nation, but it is an indisputable fact that, if the Queen ever comes off their banknotes, the Australian government has a secret contingency plan to issue currency with pictures of Crocodile Dundee, Alf from Home and Away and Mad Max.
Europe doesn’t have an outback, and the only dangerous animal in the region is Silvio Berlusconi. Therefore, regional images of alpha masculinity are less about mastering a hostile environment than they are about looking good, living well and pursuing the deadliest game of all: woman. This is why when we come to imagine the stereotypical man of the Mediterranean we think of the tanned, moustachioed casanova and the sexual magnetism he generates by sleeping during the day and consuming a seafood, olive oil and tomato-based diet. The countless artists, scientists and philosophers produced by this part of the world might bridle at being thought of as people who only drink vino and arrange ‘bunga bunga’ parties, but speaking as an Englishman I would say that you should stop complaining if women world-wide are happy to assume you are an amazing lover who cooks a mean lasagne.
Words: Suzy Holland
ADVERTISING CAREER TAKES OFF
WHEN RACHEL MILES AND HER CREATIVE PARTNER MICHAEL TSIM STARTED A WORK PLACEMENT AT PRESTIGIOUS LONDON AD AGENCY BMB, THEY DIDN’T EXPECT THAT THEIR FIRST PITCH WOULD BE PICKED UP BY HOLIDAY COMPANY THOMSON WITH THE RESULTING ADVERT BEING SEEN ON PRIME TIME TELEVISION.
#5: AMERICAN COWBOY MAN
You may have already seen it: family off to Jamaica with a one-eyed, raggedy, but utterly loveable bear who rediscovers his smile on a Thomson holiday. Rachel came back to the Island – with her very own Thomson teddy ‘Edward’ - to view the TV launch of the finished advertisement with her very proud, close-knit family, and also found time to talk to Gallery.
#6: BRITISH SECRET AGENT SURVIVAL MAN
“I love my job!” says Rachel, who went from St Ninian’s to the Isle of Man College and then on to Central St Martins in London where she studied graphic design, with a particular emphasis on advertising.
British men like to imagine that the world sees us as a nation of James Bonds (charming, sophisticated, womanising alcoholics), when the reality is that the more often foreign nations encounter British people on holiday the more they come to regard us simply as alcoholics with as much charm as a busload of football hooligans. Deep down we know this, which is why we keep electing hopeless posh blokes to lead us whilst gradually shifting our cultural icons from smooth-talking sophisticates of the Sean Connery persuasion to witless pint-sinking bantermeisters like Danny Dyer. If there’s a ray of hope for the concept of a uniquely British manhood, it’s Ray Mears, who combines the uncomplicated masculinity of a grumpy PE teacher with the ability to hand-carve camping equipment using a blunt spoon. He may not be the equal of Vladimir Putin wrestling a tiger, but if society ever collapses, British man will be the best equipped to reconstruct it, one garden shed at a time.
“I’ve always been interested in film, and working in the creative department of such a big ad agency has given me the opportunity to pursue this and see the whole process from every angle,” Rachel continues. “Michael and I are a real team, sharing the creative and copywriting roles,
34
ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE
34
which gives us such an advantage when cracking the client’s brief. And what’s more, we’ve now been taken on as permanent BMB employees.” The Thomson film, ‘Bear’ – directed by Tom Tagholm – was shot in Jamaica in July but Rachel would like to point out that it wasn’t all glamour, with 5am wake-up calls and plagues of biting sandflies which really gave a whole new meaning to suffering for one’s art. A tongue-in-cheek rendition of
Rachel is certainly enjoying life in London – in a single day recently she saw La Roux performing at the BBC Maida Vale studios and met the stars of surfing film ‘Stephanie in the Water’ – but loves coming home when she can. “It’s the drinking water, the county side and the fresh air at home that I miss the most,” she says, “and of course my family. I’m really looking forward to Christmas when I’ll be back for a couple of weeks.”
“FROM THE ISLE OF MAN TO JAMAICA - I JUST LOVE ISLANDS OF CULTURE” ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ narrated by William Shatner provides the soundtrack, but if you listen carefully you’ll hear another familiar voice at the end of the ad.
W
hether you’re renovating a rundown property because you love a challenge, you love DIY, or simple because it’s all you could afford, one thing remains the same: it will be enormously disruptive.
But before that there’s more travel. Just as we finished this interview Rachel heard that her next project is filming the First Choice weather idents for Channel 5 – in Tenerife.
“I really wanted more ‘Manx’ in the finished ad,” says Rachel, “so who better to choose than my fellow ex-St Ninian’s student, Samantha Barks. Fortunately she was available but when she arrived at the studio, she was really surprised to see me as we’d last crossed tracks a year or so ago working on a film in Belfast.”
The Thomson film, ‘Bear’ – directed by Tom Tagholm – was shot in Jamaica in July.
ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE
DOING THE WORK AS AND WHEN YOU CAN OFTEN MAKES LIFE EASIER.
And first thing to consider if you’ve bought or are buying a property that needs a lot of work, is whether you can live in it while the work’s being done. Major work, especially if it’s disruptive, may make this impossible, at least for a while, but if you don’t have anywhere else to stay, it’s amazing what you can put up with if you have to! That said, living on site is often difficult, dirty and stressful, so it’s not for
Scan with your smart phone to see the advert
68
35
BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS
everyone and if you haven’t done it before, you may find that you can’t cope. Doing the work as and when you can often makes life easier. However, some jobs often the dirtiest and most disruptive, such as rewiring, reroofing, repiping and damp treatment - shouldn’t be delayed, because you need to get the basics right before improving the property in more cosmetic
68
feature_two-a.indd All Pages
ways. It’s no good replastering and then rewiring later, for example, because rewiring involves making channels in the plaster for the cables.
If you’re not sure about the order of works, a good builder will be able to advise you. However, your builder and other contractors may not thank you for living on site, as they’ll have to work around you and your stuff. Hiring a storage unit or garage for unnecessary furniture and possessions can be money very well spent. Living in the property can also make it hard to objectively decide on the order of works. You might delay ripping out the bathroom and kitchen for as long as possible, as
ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE
CREATE YOUR WORLD
@
Isle of Man Business Park, Cooil Road, Douglas
Call today on: 01624 625229 philipcharles.im 69
BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS
24/10/2014 15:12
ENTREPRENEURS BOO’S LITTLE KITCHEN
APPETITE
FASHION
FASHION
WORDS & LAYOUT | JORJA HELMOT
3
ADA + NIK
MATTHEW MILLER
WINTER WARMERS
A SAUVAGE
Autumn recipes by Jessica Ledger
Recipes for the Autumnal season, ideal to keep you warm and cosy this autumn and winter. There’s a delicious Thai inspired soup
Island Entrepreneurs
STYLE TIP Big, boxy bags and biker jackets are a trendy investment.
14
2
16
STYLE TIP Dress joggers up with a boxy biker jacket, opposite, or unbuttoned shirt.
The Isle of Man is lucky enough to have its fair share of entrepreneurs who have been prepared to take risks and demonstrate both passion and determination in achieving their goals.
KENT & CURWEN
APPETITE
TOPMAN A/W 14/15
5 WORDS
using butternut squash that’s very in season, a comforting BBQ baked bean dish and sweet treats to nibble by the bonfire. Enjoy.
MEN
ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE
44
EDITO
Beards
T
A new report from retail specialists IRI shows that sales of shaving products are down a staggering 90.6m Euros across Europe to the year March 2014. Campaigners say that the report is interesting, not just for the scale of decline in shaving products that it reveals but the fact that this is not just a UK phenomenon but a European wide one.
108 108
Keith, who not surprisingly boasts a full beard, believes that while the rise of the hipster beard may be having an impact on the sale of shaving products there is in fact a general rise in hirsuteness.
ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE
“I tried the recipe and decided I could create my own version. Adding other flavours the result is 13 different recipes, all of them created by ‘Mr Root’ himself with some local restaurants already showing interest in placing orders.” He adds: “I am lucky to have developed high standards of customer service skills as a result of working in the likes of 14 North and I plan to use those in RootBevCo. I have a passion for small businesses and launching my own has always been my ambition so this venture is particularly exciting for me. Success means I will go on to invest in other ideas I have. I’m highly motivated, very much a people person and hard work is not a problem.”
Heavy footwear is back for winter and these lace up brogues are a fave!
21 BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS
20
19
45
MOVEMBER 2014
98
“BLF of course welcomes a decline in the sales of shaving products and it is particularly interesting that this is a Europe wide thing,” declares Keith. “At the same time, and there are increasing numbers of products on the market, beards need care and maintenance too, so it is really a question of how agile this section of the market really is.”
plug in, look good RAZORPIT RAZOR BLADE SHARPENER
I weep (manly tears) every time I see the newest fashions, wondering what happened to the days when a man was judged not by the boldness and brightness of his new leather and polyester suit, but by how many bear husks he could carry whilst drinking a home-brewed beer. Our instincts tell us every day that we should be out in the open, lumberjack shirt just open enough to display the magnificent plumes of chest hair that you grew at the age of 12. So this
Marc Redhead, now 25, hasn’t wet shaved for seven years. “When I was 18 I thought I looked baby faced so grew the beard,” he admits.
THE AGENDA SUPPLEMENT
FEATHER ARTIST CLUB DX STRAIGHT SHAVETTE
This product does however force the alpha male into a bit of a quandary. As the legendary band The Beards once said; “if your Dad doesn’t have a beard, you’ve got two mums”, so should a man really even own a ‘Shavette’? Well, in this instance we must once again look to the most traditional laws of man. Although yes, facial hair is a must, maintenance of said hair is of paramount importance. It’s also only right that every man should carry out this maintenance with tools that are not only practically fantastic, but ones that show to the world that he is not afraid of anything, even a deadly knife to the neck.
• Don’t let itching deter you, it’s only temporary, use a daily shampoo or conditioner.
DO BUSINESS IN STYLE
Allan Fair, 36, a familiar face on the catering scene and a front of house leader at NOA
LOCALLY GROWN MOUSTACHES
THE LEADING GLOBAL ORGANISATION COMMITTED TO CHANGING THE FACE OF MEN’S HEALTH.
• After four weeks start shaping the beard, define a neckline, probably best done by a barber or stylist.
Keith points out that while beards are common place in areas such as the creative industries beard phobia still exists in the likes of financial services which might hamper
Style and danger, however, are not cheap. Looking online, the best price I could find for these was £295.95 on eBay. Nevertheless, if the need calls for such fine equipment, all men can call on their inherent aptitude for woodwork and make one of these themselves.
MADE IN MOVEMBER
• Once six weeks growth has been reached you can then decide whether you want to continue with it or get rid of it.
CALLING ALL MO BROS!
• Invest in a beard trimmer. • Wash your beard regularly and pat gently with a towel. • If you decide to get rid of it use a beard trimmer or clippers and follow with a regular shave. Grooming Guide – see pages 48-49 Les Able is PR director at Home Strategic
109
110
110
So you’re doing your bit to raise awareness for men’s health and growing a moustache for Movember. You’re about to suffer weeks of ridicule from your colleague, friends and family, not to mention an itchy upper lip, so Gallery wants to reward you for your efforts.
Movember is about bringing back the moustache (Mo), having fun and doing good to change the face of men’s health. Mo Bros take action by changing their appearance through the growth of a new moustache for the 30 days of Movember, and in doing so become walking, talking billboards for men’s health. Mo Sistas sign up and commit to supporting the men in their lives while helping to promote men’s health at home, in the workplace and within their community.
We want you to show us your Movember selfies so everyone can see your Mo in all its glory. The three best efforts will receive a manly prize. Simply email us or post your moustache selfie (no old photos and no film stills of Burt Reynolds, please) to our paparazzi facebook page for a chance to win. The three photos with the most likes win. Entries must be posted by the end of November. Follow at: Facebook/galleryiom
THE AGENDA SUPPLEMENT
DO BUSINESS IN STYLE
UPFRONT Edito..............................................................................................................................................3 Wilkins Watch of The Month...................................................4 It’s a Man’s World..............................................................................8 What’s On..................................................................................................10 News in Numbers...........................................................................12 Fitness For Manly Men......................................................................16 Give...........................................................................................................................................18 Me & My Pet...........................................................................................20 Celeb Beards - With or Without...........................22 EVENTS Equiom Charity Lunch...................................................................24 Wilkins Jewellers Rolex & FOPE Event..................26 Wine Cellar Autumn Tastings............................................28 CULTURE Culture Vulture..............................................................................................30 Live Screening.................................................................................................32 Rachel Miles & Edward The Teddy............................34 My Name Is - Amy-Beth Clark...........................................36 Monthly Upload............................................................................................38 Culture News.....................................................................................................40 Theatre Tour........................................................................................................42 FASHION & BEAUTY Fashion Trends.................................................................................44 Claire Christian Couture Fashion.......................46 Grooming Guide...........................................................................48 Beauty Products..........................................................................................50
NITESITE SPOTTER EXTREME
BANG! DESK LAMP
Lamps do not carry connotations of manliness, they are nothing more than a practical decoration. However, what would happen if you were to add the feeling of power that can only come from holding a gun? Well, the new BANG! Desk Lamp lets you find out, and it’s honestly as thrilling as it sounds (according to reviews). It’s as simple as it looks really. The gun itself acts as a wireless controller for the lamp, which you shoot to turn off. Just in case shooting your household items isn’t enough to make you feel manly, the gun has an inbuilt noise similar to that of the ones used by one of the quintessential men of the silver screen, Clint Eastwood. At this point, it feels fitting to try and make a joke about the lamp feeling lucky, however I’ll let you recreate the scene yourself when you inevitably buy one of these, just as an excuse to don the poncho and cowboy hat at the back of your closet that you bought “for a fancy dress party”. As with most things, the best place to get these is online, and after a look around it seems that www.red5.co.uk is the best place. Unfortunately, it’s not cheap to become an old Western hero. This lamp, bulb not included, costs £199.99
ARE YOU HOSTING A MO PARTY AT THE END OF THE MONTH? TELL US WHEN AND WHERE AND WE WILL SEND A PAP PHOTOGRAPHER ALONG.
111
116 116
hardware_gadgets-1.indd All Pages
6
month, I’ve taken it upon myself to provide you with a list of gadgets that will rekindle that love of everything retrosexual. It’s time to forget about keeping the house spotless, forget that your wife/girlfriend/ child will not be safe in a vintage sports car and ignore the trappings of a society that encourages freedom of expression and emotional outbursts. Pint in hand, moustache comb at the ready, let’s delve in and remember what it means to be “man”.
If there’s one thing the man of the past had, as well as excessive physical strength, it was class, and nothing screams class like a gleaming wooden finish on a straight razor. There’s something extremely masculine about using something that strongly resembles a hunting knife to cut hair on possibly the most deadly area on the body. The element of danger is elegantly mixed with the manly class of old in the Feather Artist Club DX Straight Shavette.
• Do not shave at all for at least the first four weeks of growth, even if you are just planning a goatee or Van Dyke.
“If you want to read the news on the BBC then definitely don’t grow a beard,” he adds. “When it comes to Royalty, Prince Charles in his youth grew a beard and both his sons have done the same but the experiment has been short lived.”
HARDWARE
The celebration of the Y chromosome is something that, I feel, doesn’t happen enough. We’ve developed into a society of metrosexuals and house-husbands, ignoring our inherent desire to hunt and kill our every meal whilst maintaining a moustache that would bring Tom Selleck to his knees.
Tips on how to grow a beard
promotion in a bank or building society environment.
99
GADGETS
uk.movember.com
He adds: “If someone chooses to look older than they are that is their choice. My thoughts are that those men who keep their beards neatly groomed will not face beardism – I’m not so sure if they are not kept clean and tidy. I would add that men should not hide behind their beards.”
The organisation has been synonymous with campaigns in support of beards and against discrimination in the workplace.
miles@noabakehouse.com • www.facebook.com/pages/Noa-Bakehouse/122767861208340
DO BUSINESS IN STYLE
Want to get involved? Visit uk.movember.com for all the information you need and advice on how to raise funds.
THE MOVEMBER FOUNDATION
So what about beards in the workplace? “I have a very relaxed approach to beards,” says Clive Parrish, chair of the Isle of Man branch of the Institute of Directors and a former banker.
Photographer | Leo Fosdal
“We have I think proved beyond doubt that there is a place for NOA Bakehouse and what it offers and we are grateful for all the customer support we get,” adds Miles.
GROOMING GADGETS…
Paul McCourt, 29, admits he got tired of shaving and started growing his beard last Christmas and has no plans to shave it off. “Girls like a man with a beard and my girlfriend certainly doesn’t mind it.”
He points outs that the shaving industry has reacted to the decline in shaving products by launching a range of beard care products although, he adds, many organic beard wearers prefer to maintain their follicles by briefly marinating them in a glass of imperial stout!
jamie@rootsbevco.im • twitter.com/rootsbevco
THE AGENDA SUPPLEMENT
Do they miss London and the life they left behind? Both are unequivocal in saying a very definite ‘No’.
“Everything we do is an extension of something we believe in and I don’t know how any business can survive without a passion. We rely on customers and in the first six months were panicking that people would not turn up. Everything we planned to do we are doing and sometimes it’s been easier than we expected”, says Miles.
Movember is also a fantastic way to unite a workplace, from small businesses to global corporations. Movember guarantees that you will have some fun while doing good - raising funds and awareness for men’s health, specifically prostate cancer, testicular cancer and mental health.
Copy writer Richard Falk first started growing a beard in 1985 when he was 18 and over the years it has ranged from a full beard to stubble and then again a beard. “I just happen to think I look better with it,” says Richard, currently sporting a strong growth of stubble.
Photographer | Piotr Kwiecinski – Dollsfactory.net
MILES PETTIT
“It has been a risk, we put everything we had into it and it’s still evolving, both as a business and a concept, but it would be naive to say we have ‘made it’, we are still establishing ourselves and certainly aim to be here in the next 10 years. We want to expand and there are the opportunities to do so and we see 2015 as being an exciting year for us and the business.
PUTTING THE MOUSTACHE BACK IN BUSINESS.
“There was no particular reason for growing a beard but I will certainly keep it for the foreseeable future and it has certainly saved me money in shaving products,” he says. “I wash it every day and regularly comb it. As for women, there are those who absolutely love beards and want to stroke it, those who think it’s cool and trendy and a small percentage who absolutely hate beards.”
Photographer | Leo Fosdal
It has all evolved from the initial belief and purpose that Pippa and I wanted to achieve by working and living here on the Isle of Man, where people are straight talking, you know where you stand and it’s easy to get on.
JAMIE BLAIR
98
HARDWARE
Bakehouse in Douglas, started growing his beard a year ago and now proudly sports an impressive full ginger beard. As seen on the front cover this month.
Sales of razors and other shaving products are plummeting in the face of more men growing beards, stubble and moustaches and with charity fundraising Movember now with us things are set to get even hairier. A man who knows a thing or two about beards is Keith Flett, of the Beard Liberation Front, the informal network of beard wearers that campaigns against beardism and irrational prejudice against the hirsute which was founded in 1995. The organisation currently hosts the annual Beard of the Year Award. Michael Eavis, who organises the Glastonbury Festival, was awarded Beard of the Noughties.
7
8
The bakery supplies bread to many of the restaurants on the Island and Miles’ passion for making bread remains undiminished. He also takes great pride in the fact that some 90 per cent of the ingredients used in NOA Bakehouse are Manx.
“The journey started when for my birthday I received ‘The Bar Book – Elements of Cocktail Technique’ and there was a recipe for my favourite soft drink, Ginger Beer,” says Jamie, who lives in Douglas.
18
STYLE TIP
44
On 18 January, 2013 the couple, now with a baby daughter in tow, opened the NOA Bakehouse in Fort Street, Douglas. Today, not only is it a phenomenally successful artisan bakery with a workforce of 20, but one of the most popular coffee, tea, sandwiches, cakes and brunch emporiums on the Island.
He makes no secret, however, of his determination to succeed with the launch of his own company and over the coming months Gallery will be following him as he faces the inevitable challenges in his quest to become a successful entrepreneur.
RICHARD JAMES
10
55
BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS
LES ABLE
ake a walk through Douglas during peak lunchtimes on any weekday and hairy hipsters and bearded blokes are very definitely in abundance. So, is the pursuit of hirsute looks just a passing fad or will it ultimately see the demise of the razor and with it a rise in beard care products?
GIEVES & HAWKES
3. Meanwhile, crack lots of pepper onto a plate. Oil your pork and roll into the pepper on the sides of the pork. Season with salt. Heat up a pan and cook the pork for 5-7 minutes on each side or until cooked through. Set aside to rest for 5 minutes.
BEARDED MEN
WORDS
Orange is the new black! So brighten up dull days to come with this sunny hue.
9
22
2. Pour the beans into a casserole dish and put on the lid. Bake at 160c for 35-45 minutes until your house smells delicious. Stir the beans half way through cooking and to check it has enough liquid still. You want them to be saucy but not too wet.
Serve the beans and pork together and enjoy in front of the fire.
4. Take off the heat and blitz with a hand blender or in a liquidiser. Return to the heat and then add the lime juice, palm sugar, plenty of seasoning and then tear in the basil leaves. Serve with some more ripped basil leaves on top and for an extra kick some more chopped chilli.
STYLE TIP Go green and opt for a leafy shade to coat your outerwear this autumn.
It was in 2012 that Miles, with heavily pregnant wife Pippa, returned to the island so he could concentrate on being a baker. In doing so they left behind the bright lights of London where Miles was a visual effects producer and Pippa a corporate executive in the City.
Jamie, who graduated from university with a law degree, launched his company last month (October) while continuing to work as a waiter at 14 North restaurant and mixing and shaking cocktails of an evening behind the bar at Bath & Bottle.
TOM FORD
Sixtiesesque cropped cigarette trousers are in! Look to The Beatles circa 1964 for inspo!
YMC
3. When the squash is cooked, remove the skin with a spoon and then add to the pan. Stir well. Add the chicken stock and coconut milk then bring to a boil and cook for 10 minutes or so.
he self-confessed unbridled passion of Miles Pettit for making bread the sour dough way has proved to be one of the major success stories of the past two years.
R
oots Beverage Company producing a “fiery, flavoursome ginger juice” in hand-crafted bottles is the creation of 21-year-old Jamie Blair.
STYLE TIP
OLIVER SPENCER
2. As the squash roasts, chop the onion and celery and fry in a large pan in the coconut oil until soft. Add the chopped chilli, grated ginger and crushed garlic and cook for another 2 minutes.
23
STYLE TIP
11 12
HARDY AMIES
54
WHAT TO DO: 1. Preheat oven to 200c. Wedge the butternut squash and lay onto a baking tray. Cover with the olive oil and season well. Roast for 40 minutes until soft and charred at the edges.
Opposite: 1. Solid @ Asos - £30, 2. Next - £22, 3. New Look - £29.99, 4. Burton - £20, 5. New Look - £12.99, 6. Asos - £6, 7. Asos - £25, 8. Next - £10, 9. New Look - £12.99, 10. Next - £6, 11. New Look - £4.99, 12. Burton - £4, THE BEATLES 13. Adidas @ Asos - £55. This page: 14. Asos - £125, 15. Selected @ Asos - £220, 16. Next - £45, 17. Burton - £10, 18. Asos (trousers)17 £25, 19. Jack & Jones @ Asos - £35, 20. Base London @ Asos - £75, 21. Native Youth @ Asos - £65, 22. Asos - £100, 23. New Look £19.99
4
6
WHAT TO DO: 1. Fry the chopped onion in 1 tbsp. of olive oil until brown. Add the crushed garlic, the chopped bacon and chopped chilli and fry until the bacon is cooked and crispy. Add the beans, paprika, cumin, chopped tomatoes, passata, tomato puree, brown sugar, treacle, Worcestershire sauce and salt and pepper. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
CHRISTOPHER SHANNON
54
WHAT YOU’LL NEED: 1 large butternut squash 2 tbsp. olive oil 2 tbsp. coconut oil 1 onion 2 sticks celery 1 red chilli (deseeded) 1 inch fresh root ginger 1 clove garlic 1 litre chicken stock 1 can coconut milk 1 lime (juice) 2 tbsp. palm sugar handful of basil leaves salt and pepper.
With autumn officially upon us, so are the season’s trends and it’s time to embrace them as they are hitting our high street hard. A round up of the styles to wear range from cosy knit polo necks to skinny, ankle grazing trousers. Joggers get a make-over and are no longer just for the sofa but smartened up with bulky leather jackets for a cool streetwear look. Reflecting the time of year are tones of orange and green, so add a burst of colour to your wardrobe.
13
TOPMAN DESIGN
THAI STYLE BUTTERNUT SQUASH & COCONUT SOUP
NOA BAKEHOUSE
T
ROOTS BEVERAGE COMPANY
1
WHAT YOU’LL NEED: 2 tbsp. olive oil 1 onion 2 clove garlic 2 rashers smoked bacon or pancetta 1 de-seeded red chilli 1 tsp. ground cumin 1 can chopped tomatoes 500g passata 1 tbsp. tomato puree 2 tbsp. brown sugar 1 tbsp. black treacle dash of Worcestershire sauce 2 Pork loin cutlets (or pork chops) 2 cans of white beans (Haricot beans) drained and rinsed well 1 heaped tsp. paprika (I used sweet paprika but smoked is fine) salt and pepper
There is the landscape gardener who left school without GCSE’s and now runs his own successful business, the solo quilt maker whose hobby has become a business in the wake of a divorce, the duo who brought the fun of the Segway experience to the island two years ago and the City slicker who made the life-changing decision to leave London and follow a passion for making bread. We also feature the 21-year-old law graduate as he sets about proving that he’s got what it takes to succeed in the harsh and competitive world of business.
LES ABLE
15
RAKE
BBQ BAKED BEANS WITH PEPPERED PORK CUTLETS
Gallery this month highlights the diverse initiatives which four such entrepreneurs have taken and in doing so have shown the ability to ‘look outside the box’ and benefit from a variety of market opportunities.
APPETITE Salt Bar & Restaurant.......................................................................52 Boo’s Little Kitchen Recipes............................................54 The Railway Station Hotel.........................................................57 Bordello Wine Bar & Nightclub..............................58 Wine Talk...................................................................................................................60 PLACES Property For Sale..........................................................................................66 Renovation Rescue...................................................................................68 Property For Sale.......................................................................................72 Finishing Touches......................................................................................76 Property For Sale.....................................................................................78
The thrill of the hunt. It’s no coincidence that all real men of old survived solely on a diet made up of freshly caught animals. A certain sense of achievement is lost when meat is bought in plastic packets, and yet that seems to be the norm in our society. With the ban on fox hunting, man’s right to hunt was all but abolished, however some companies have refused to be crushed by the metrosexual wave. NiteSite are one of these companies, and they have continued to make gear for the Y-chromosomed beasts that are not concerned at all with falling animal population rates. The Spotter Express allows the huntsman to conquer one of the obstacles that has haunted man for centuries…darkness. With a range of 500m, the Spotter Extreme allows even the most untrained eye to seek out their prey in the pitch black. With the power of NiteSite, you can be safe in the knowledge that each trip into the woods will be a roaring success (apologies), and you can even get a good catch for breakfast. Given the complete lack of hunting ground and/or large game on the island, it’s highly unlikely you’ll find many of these available, so I would advise heading to www.nitesite.com, where you can get one for just £56.00
This clever little tool works with all razors and promises to make your blade last for 150 shaves – that’s good for your bank balance and the environment. £14.00. Amazon.co.uk.
SHOWER AND SHAVE TOGETHER
Philips AquaTouch AT887/16 Wet & Dry electric shaver is fully waterproof so you can shave and shower at the same time – good for time-pressed mornings (top). £119.00. Boots.
AHEAD BY A NOSE
According to Amazon, the best-selling grooming gadget is an ear and nose hair trimmer. So much for there being any glamour in the world of men’s grooming. If you’ve got unruly hair protruding from where it shouldn’t, the Remington NE3350 Duo Nose & Ear Trimmer is only £6.99. Boots.
BEER THROWING FRIDGE
Science. It’s a wonderful thing. It’s given us penicillin, the car and pretty much everything else we take for granted today. However, at certain points in history, scientists have created something that really pushes up the bar by astronomical levels. They make something that changes lives and revolutionises the world, changing the very fabric of our existence. Step up Mister John W. Cornwell, graduate of the Duke University Pratt School of Engineering, class of 2006. Somehow, not a recipient of the Nobel Prize. He’s a man that had a dream, a dream to make the life of every man easier, and slightly more inebriated, without having to lift a finger. The clue is really in the name with this one, and whatever images your mind is conjuring right now, it’s better. With a wireless remote to control where the beer is thrown, this gadget that will inevitably end many relationships through excessive alcohol consumption is the perfect man’s toy. Unfortunately, the Beer Throwing Fridge is not available commercially, so it’s time to start working on your engineering degree.
LASER-GUIDED TRIMMER
Philips has launched a beard trimmer with a feature aimed at helping users trim their beards with ease, making it so they won’t have to imagine where the lines of a properly trimmed and stylised beard will be. £87.00 Amazon/Boots.
Forget dogs, John W. Cornwell is man’s new best friend.
ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE
BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS
117 24/10/2014 15:13
HARDWARE The New Lexus NX 300h..........................................................114 Gadgets...........................................................................................................................116 Phone Home......................................................................................................118 PAPARAZZI The Courthouse............................................................................................120 Plan.com....................................................................................................................122 Bradda Glen......................................................................................................124 Bordello Wine Bar & Nightclub.....................................125 Tahiko..............................................................................................................................126 Bar George............................................................................................................127
AGENDA Business News.................................................................................................86 Jo Haigh - Entrepreneur...............................................................88 Movers & Shakers.......................................................................................90 Dross Boss..............................................................................................................91 Sure International - Carrier Pre-Select...92 Agenda A List Events....................................................................94 Rising Equestrian Star.................................................................96 Island Entrepreneurs.......................................................................98 Coutts - Life After A Business Sale..............104 RL360 - To Mark A Birthday.......................................106 Beards............................................................................................................................108 Movember............................................................................................................110 The Evolution of Man.................................................................112
ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE
w e n r u o g n i Introduc t n u o c c A r e v First Sa fun for kids g in v a s g in k Ma and get r under 16’s
gs account fo more... at new savin re g r u o n s and much e p tip O s g n vi sa n ank, fu a free Pigbyb branch Call in to any ng /helpfulbanki iombank.com cebook Like us on Fa bank Twitter @iom Follow us on
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. IOMB is a member of the Isle of Man Depositors’ Compensation Scheme (DCS) as set out in the Depositors’ Compensation Scheme Regulations 2010. Further details of the scheme are available on request. IOMB is a member of The Royal Bank of Scotland Group. The Royal Bank of Scotland plc - Registered in Scotland No 90312. Registered office: 36 St Andrew Square, Edinburgh EH2 2YB. The Royal Bank of Scotland plc is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. The latest report and accounts are available at www.investors.rbs.com IOMB places funds with other parts of its Group and thus its financial standing is linked to the Group. Depositors may wish to form their own view on the financial standing of IOMB and the Group based on publicly available information. The latest report and accounts are available at www.iombank.com/financial-results.
FEATURE
It’s a man’s world - manly men around the globe WORDS Grant Runyon ILLUSTRATION Pod Hughes
Godfather of Soul James Brown famously sang that “It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World,” and who are we to disagree? I’m certainly not going to argue with a man in a cape who looks like a gargoyle and can scream loud enough to shatter a breezeblock. What JB says goes, whether it’s down to his flagrant disregard for the importance of commas or a rather simplistic understanding of gender politics. The Hardest Working Man in Showbusiness did not deal in subtlety, and James Brown’s world was so manly that he wrote it three times just to make sure you got the message. Our ideas about gender have progressed from those expressed by shouting, sequinned soul singers of the seventies, but that’s not to say that the world has become dramatically less a man’s one overnight. If anything, the uncomplicated machismo of the real man’s man has become even more symbolic as men around the world gradually understand that they don’t really deserve to get paid more for doing the same job as a woman, or that the ability to reach the top shelves and
take out the bin bag shouldn’t confer any special social privileges. Gender inequality is a complicated thing, especially for men who achieve the terrifying realisation that women work harder, live longer and only need our input for a couple of minutes to get on with the baby making business. It keeps me up at night, which is why there’s something reassuring about the cultural presence of completely exaggerated manly men. When I start worrying about having to compete with
#1: AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK MAN
It’s fair to say that Australia is a nation of manly men. Some people say this is a result of accelerated natural selection due to all the poisonous animals, some argue it’s the genetic legacy of British convicts, others will claim that the government adds special hormones to their terrible beer. What most people can agree on is that Aussie man generally doesn’t struggle with complex notions of masculinity - being a man’s man is about watching sports, drinking a lot and cooking meat outdoors. If you can survive a hostile environment and kill dingoes and kangaroos with your bare hands, all the better. Aussie expats often get annoyed with these narrow stereotypes about their nation, but it is an indisputable fact that, if the Queen ever comes off their banknotes, the Australian government has a secret contingency plan to issue currency with pictures of Crocodile Dundee, Alf from Home and Away and Mad Max.
#2: MEDITERRANEAN SEXY MAN
Europe doesn’t have an outback, and the only dangerous animal in the region is Silvio Berlusconi. Therefore, regional images of alpha masculinity are less about mastering a hostile environment than they are about looking good, living well and pursuing the deadliest game of all: woman. This is why when we come to imagine the stereotypical man of the Mediterranean we think of the tanned, moustachioed casanova and the sexual magnetism he generates by sleeping during the day and consuming a seafood, olive oil and tomato-based diet. The countless artists, scientists and philosophers produced by this part of the world might bridle at being thought of as people who only drink vino and arrange ‘bunga bunga’ parties, but speaking as an Englishman I would say that you should stop complaining if women world-wide are happy to assume you are an amazing lover who cooks a mean lasagne.
#3: RUSSIAN RUGGED MAN
For once, the media can hardly be blamed for peddling exaggerated notions of Russian masculinity because so little exaggeration is required when you are talking about a country ruled by a man who hunts bears with his shirt off and does judo with Steven Seagal. Vladimir Putin is on a one-man crusade, both to expand his borders and to ensure that the world sees Russian man as a cross between Ivan Drago and Zangief from StreetFighter 2. It’s true that the whole “human rights and honest government” thing tends to get sidelined in favour of another press shot of the President putting out forest fires with a helicopter, but nonetheless there is a part of me that wishes that David Cameron would appeal to the voters by stripping to his pants and going Rambo in Middlesex.
8 feature_two-a.indd All Pages
women on equal terms, I just think about Batman or Ray Mears and everything is okay. Whilst Batman is universal, every culture around the world has its own version of the manliest man. A man that we can all look up to, who doesn’t fuss about pain or discomfort, doesn’t talk about his feelings and is better than anybody else at taking the bin bag out. Join me in saluting them, because I fear they might be a dying breed.
#4: SCANDINAVIAN WOODCUTTER MAN
Archaeologists have discovered the surprising fact that up to 50% of buried viking warriors were actually female. This certainly complicates our historical understanding of the swarthy, bearded pillagers of legend, but luckily the aura of manliness in the region is so intense that revelations about lady vikings just seem to confirm the Scandinavian belief that there is no contradiction between being both socially progressive and as hard as a frozen reindeer. Like his Russian cousin, Scandinavian man has been shaped by a challenging environment, although in this case it produces the unusual stereotype of a strapping, bearded lumberjack who can spend months alone in sub-arctic darkness without complaint, but nonetheless emerges at the start of summer to provide for his family by constructing a lovely sauna and some minimalist flatpack furniture.
#5: AMERICAN COWBOY MAN
America is a nation where ideas of manliness are strongly connected to taming the wilderness, with a firearm if necessary. Unlike Russia, this is hard for their leaders to pull off. George W Bush tried very hard to translate his natural lack of sophistication into a Reaganlike cowboy ruggedness, but America has a free media and so most people were well aware that his only connection to the land comes from the amount of it he inherited prior to ever doing a day’s work. American manly men aren’t born into power, but rather hard-bitten individuals who master the landscape and themselves on their own terms. Thanks to the US entertainment industry there’s a great many professionally grizzled male role models to choose from, but I like to ignore Clint Eastwood and Vin Diesel in favour of John Wayne, if only because his real name was Marion.
#6: BRITISH SECRET AGENT SURVIVAL MAN
British men like to imagine that the world sees us as a nation of James Bonds (charming, sophisticated, womanising alcoholics), when the reality is that the more often foreign nations encounter British people on holiday the more they come to regard us simply as alcoholics with as much charm as a busload of football hooligans. Deep down we know this, which is why we keep electing hopeless posh blokes to lead us whilst gradually shifting our cultural icons from smooth-talking sophisticates of the Sean Connery persuasion to witless pint-sinking bantermeisters like Danny Dyer. If there’s a ray of hope for the concept of a uniquely British manhood, it’s Ray Mears, who combines the uncomplicated masculinity of a grumpy PE teacher with the ability to hand-carve camping equipment using a blunt spoon. He may not be the equal of Vladimir Putin wrestling a tiger, but if society ever collapses, British man will be the best equipped to reconstruct it, one garden shed at a time. ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE
24/10/2014 15:12
UPFRONT
WHAT’S ON
WHAT’S ON
NOVEMBER 2014
07.11.14
FIREWORK DISPLAY //DOUGLAS BEACH// The Douglas Borough Council firework display will take place on Douglas beach. Time to be confirmed. See website for more info and addtional locations around the Island. www.visitisleofman.com
13-15.11.14
THE LADY KILLERS //ERIN ARTS CENTRE, PORT ERIN// Rushen Players. The Lady Killers. Stage adaptation of classic comedy by Graham Linehan. Time: 7.30pm and Tickets: £10.00. t: 01624 832662 www.erinartscentre.com
15.11.14
MANX STARS IN THEIR EYES //VILLA GAIETY, DOUGLAS// Singing contest modelled on the well known TV show to raise money for Manx Blind Welfare Society and Manx Miracles. Tickets £15 t: 01624 600555 www.villagaiety.com
20-22.11.14
A CHRISTMAS CAROL //GAIETY THEATRE, DOUGLAS// The Christmas Lights Switch on will take place outside Douglas Service Players - The Farndale Avenue Dramatic Society’s ‘A Christmas Carol’ as you’ve never seen it before. Suitable for the all the family. Gaiety Theatre at 19.30. All tickets £12.25. t: 01624 696330 www.villagaiety.com
27-29.11.14
THE HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES //GAIETY THEATRE, DOUGLAS// The Hound of the Baskervilles - by Sir Arthur Connan Doyle. Tickets £16.50 t: 01624 600555 www.villagaiety.com
30.11.14
HOSPICE CHRISTMAS FAIR //VILLA MARINA, DOUGLAS// Noon until 5pm at the Villa Marina - come and enjoy an afternoon of entertainment, meet Santa and do your shopping for Christmas. t: 01624 647434 www.hospice.org.im
10
08.11.14
THE MAGIC OF DISNEY //ERIN ARTS CENTRE, PORT ERIN// Stage Door Entertainment. The Magic of Disney In Concert. Featuring - Kristene Sutcliffe, Kathryn Power, Lisa Kreisky, Michelle Jamieson, Michael Bonner, Liam Kaneen and Alex Toohey. Times: 3pm and 7.30pm. Tickets £12.50. www.erinartscentre.com
14-16.11.14
LABYRINTH - THE GREAT WAR UNLOCKED //MANX MUSEUM, DOUGLAS// An immersive journey through passageways of the Manx Museum, experiencing the life of the Manx people during the First World War. Friday at 7.30pm, Saturday at 6pm and 8pm and Sunday at 2pm, 4pm, 6pm and 8pm. Adults £12, students/children £6. t: 01624 648000 | www.manxnationalheritage.im
20.11.14
DOUGLAS CHRISTMAS SWITCH ON //TOWN HALL, RIDGEWAY ST. DOUGLAS// The Christmas lights switch on will take place outside Douglas Town Hall Ridgeway Street. Time: 6.30pm. t: 01624 696330
26.11.14
L’ELISIR D’AMOUR //BALLAKERMEEN HIGH SCHOOL, DOUGLAS// Donizettis romantic comedy of rural life shines brilliantly in Laurent Pellys hilarious staging, which matches the pieces perfect blend of sentiment and tomfoolery. Start time: 19.00, doors open 18.30. www.thestudiotheatre.im
29.11.14
CHRISTMAS LANTERN WORKSHOP & PEEL TOWN PARADE //HOUSE OF MANANNAN, PEEL// Make a colourful lantern for Peel Town Lantern Parade competition. Judging takes place on the House of Manannan forecourt at 4pm, followed by the parade to Atholl Place for the Christmas light switch on ceremony. Children £2, adults free. t: 01624 648000 www.manxnationalheritage.im
ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE
FestiveSeason AT THE MOUNT MURRAY HOTEL
Festive Party Nights £32.45 per person Mulled wine reception, mouth watering three course carvery and disco (Available on selected weekend dates during November & December)
MallardsRestaurantFestiveLunches £12.00 per person Traditional Christmas three courses with tea, coffee and mince pies. (Monday to Friday from the 1st of December)
Christmas Day Lunch £65.00 per adult, £32.50 per child (2 to 12 years) under 2’s dine free Sumptuous festive buffet and carvery, finish with tea, coffee and mince pies. Father Christmas will be stopping by to see us during the afternoon.
Boxing Day Lunch £27.50 per adult , £14.00 per child (2 to 12 years) under 2’s dine free Time to let us take over the cooking, relax and enjoy our St. Stephens Day buffet and carvery.
Make your Reservation by calling 661111 or email conference@mountmurray.com Visit our website www.mountmurray.com to download our festive brochure and booking form.
Terms and conditions apply.
UPFRONT
in NUMBERS NEWS
1
A £1M engineering centre is said to ‘enhance’ the islands reputation. According to government figures, about 3,500 people on the island are employed in the engineering and aerospace industries.
5
The final commercial flight departed for the Isle of Man at 17:00 BST from the now-closed Blackpool International Airport.
50
2,500
50 teams helped Relay for Life - Isle of Man raise £85,300 for Cancer Research. More than £250,000 has been raised over the last three years.
The overwhelming popularity of an exhibition encouraging feedback on plans to relocate the Douglas horse tram track has led to its extension. More than 2,500 people have visited the display which highlights two options for where the 140-year-old track will be moved during a promenade revamp.
25
A programme to fell diseased trees has claimed around 25 per cent of the island’s larch trees, which is between five and seven per cent of the island’s tree population.
12
1.1
1.3
Building work has began on the Isle of Man’s first dedicated breast cancer clinic. The Manx Breast Cancer Support Group has raised nearly £1.1m in 12 months - enough to build the centre.
The Manx Electric Railway track repairs are to cost £1.3m. Work is required at the Ballure Bridge after an inspection identified corroded sections and “ineffective” rivets.
ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE
The Patient Practice
Gifts worth smiling about Helping you get the brighter, healthier smile you’ve been wanting Zoom tooth whitening
Removable,comfortable and nearly invisible orthodontics
Welcoming new patients for general and cosmetic dentistry
The big
promotion
Abbey Dental are pleased to announce a special Invisalign event.
Thursday 27th November 2014 5.00pm - 7.30pm* Start your Invisalign treatment on the night and qualify for:
*
FREE tooth whitening FREE retainers ÂŁ1000 cashback draw * Terms & Conditions apply
Abbey Dental, 4 Silverburn Drive, Ballasalla, IM9 2DR
Tel: 823040 Email: abbeydental@manx.net AbbeyDentalIOM
Ring
823040
for an Invisalign consultation www.abbeydental.info
UPFRONT
GIVEN THAT WAREHOUSE FITNESS IS LOCATED IN DIAMOND HOUSE ON WESTMORELAND ROAD, IT IS QUITE FITTING THAT DESPITE BEING OPEN ALMOST 2 YEARS IT IS STILL SEEN AS THE HIDDEN GEM OF HEALTH AND FITNESS ON THE ISLE OF MAN.
F
rom the outside Warehouse Fitness is a simple entrance next door to Hanly’s Convenience Store. However, once you climb the staircase and enter the gym it is impossible not to be amazed. When the smell of fresh flowers greets you in reception you know you are somewhere different. And, with its exclusive women only membership, Warehouse Fitness is definitely different from the rest. There is a wide range of cardio equipment including interactive treadmills that can take you running through the streets of Chicago or the Swiss Alps, and Krank cycles which provide an entirely different kind of cardio workout whilst providing excellent toning for your upper body. In addition to the top of the range cardio equipment Warehouse Fitness also has a full range of strength training equipment with weights machines, barbells and dumbbells, and a separate spin studio.
Also included in your membership is access to all of the classes. Depending on the time of year, the number of classes available ranges from 34 to 40 per week. Classes cater for all abilities and along with spin, boxercise and plenty of other fat burning sessions; yoga is also available at no extra charge. And when you are exhausted after your workout - or if it’s just been one of those days – you can relax in the spa area with its sauna, aromatherapy steam room, and jacuzzi. But it’s not just the quality of the equipment, the range of classes, and the cleanliness of the gym that strikes you when you enter Warehouse Fitness – there is also an overwhelming feeling of happiness. It is simply a lovely place to be.
14
ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE
UPFRONT
Warehouse Fitness offers members an experience not available elsewhere on the Isle of Man and owner Karen, along with her amazing team, believe the level of service provided is second to none. The team are energetic and committed to ensuring every member gains the maximum benefits from their membership to achieve their personal goals. And above all Karen and her husband Pete listen - once they have you as a member they don’t want to lose you - and in their opinion the best way to keep you is by listening and acting on the feedback they receive. Their philosophy is not “here is the gym, enjoy it” – it is “here is the gym, how can we help you enjoy it more?”.
Warehouse Fitness has membership options that range from a single class to a full year, at prices which will suit all budgets and all ages from 16 to 90! And if you’re still not sure then why not arrange a free trial? In conjunction with the beautician’s and hair stylists at Salon Rouge, Warehouse Fitness also offers pamper parties which are ideal for hen nights, birthdays, or simply to give you a chance to catch up with friends. Packages start at £49 per person and can be tailored to include a variety of hair and beauty treatments, delicious food, and even some bubbly! If you prefer to simply have some ‘me’ time you can visit Catrina who owns Elemental Holistic Body Work which is based at Warehouse Fitness. Catrina’s treatments include The Rossiter Treatment, which offers an alternative approach to dealing with soft tissue injuries and chronic structural pain, Swedish Massage, and an incredibly relaxing and cleansing Seaweed Bath. AND FINALLY, JUST SO THE MEN DON’T FEEL COMPLETELY LEFT OUT – WAREHOUSE FITNESS IS ALSO THE APPOINTED ISLE OF MAN AGENT FOR NUTRITION TO GO AND NOW OFFER A FOOD INTOLERANCE TEST FOR BOTH MEN AND WOMEN AT JUST £49. FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT WAREHOUSE FITNESS PLEASE CALL 679419, OR EMAIL INFO@WAREHOUSEFITNESS.CO.UK. www.warehousefitness.co.uk BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS
/warehousefitnessiom
15
FEATURE
WORDS Grant Runyon ILLUSTRATION Luke Moss
Back in the era of communal showers and professional sportsmen who smoked on the pitch, the relationship between fitness and masculinity was quite straightforward. Real man’s men spent an hour or two fighting over a ball and swearing at each other, and then another three hours in the bar drinking approved manly drinks and eating Big D peanuts. Everybody involved was hairy, wore Old Spice and modelled themselves on either George Best or Charlton Heston in Planet of the Apes. They looked great, charmed the ladies and usually dropped dead at 52 from a heart attack. These were the days when darts was considered exercise because it was technically a sport. Runners and cyclists did exist (mostly in Africa or France), but if you’d asked a man what yoga was he would have guessed it was a side dish that came with poppadoms. Pre Bruce Lee, the western world’s experience of martial arts
16 feature_one.indd All Pages
involved being punched in the head by an off-duty bouncer in gym shorts, and the only concept of extreme fitness understood by most blokes was those massive bodybuilders who ate thirty raw eggs for breakfast and had competitions to see who could drag a truck across Newcastle using only their wedding tackle.
Male identity is both more comfortable and more complicated than the dark ages of the 1960s, and so men’s relationship to fitness has evolved. Traditional bastions of masculinity like rugby clubs and truck testicle dragging competitions still exist, but blokes who want to cultivate the appearance of being the manliest of manly man’s men are going to need to work a little bit harder than that to stand out. If you want to project an aura of extreme masculinity you’ll need to think of something unique, especially given that you live in a safe, comfortable island that is only marginally tougher than a chihuahua wearing a leotard. You could just do regular exercise, and let the results speak for themselves, or you could adopt a fitness lifestyle and try your hardest to get noticed. If you’re leaning towards the latter, we’ve picked out some places for you to start.
ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE
FEATURE
MAN VERSUS NATURE
If you want to get one up on your triathlon mates, and possibly even the mud runners, make sure you tell everybody who’ll listen that you only do these vanilla events as training for an extreme marathon held in a dangerous foreign location. You might look butch running around a muddy field in Essex, but it’s even more manly to sign up to do a similar distance in the Amazon jungle, up a Peruvian mountain or in Death Valley (the clue’s in the name). By surviving these races you can present yourself as some kind of grizzled post-apocalyptic survivor who eats rattlesnakes and sleeps in a pile of rocks, which is a look guaranteed to knock the ladies off their feet. You might even think that just running is too easy, even if it does involve surviving jungles of poisonous plants, hostile natives and deadly snakes. In this case, you should consider challenging nature more directly by climbing up things (mountains, rocks, skyscrapers), ideally without ropes, oxygen or shoes. There’s also “The Running of the Bulls” in Spain, which is less about actual fitness (or even running) but makes you look manly even if you risk proving Darwin’s point by getting gored to death by a tonne of enraged chilli con carne. Manliness rating: 8/10 (Bear Grylls has run out of toilet paper)
VIOLENT FITNESS
Have you seen Fight Club one too many times? Have you never recovered from discovering that WWF wrestling isn’t real? Do you have a signed poster of Chuck Norris under your bed? If all of these are true and you aren’t currently serving time at Her Majesty’s Pleasure then perhaps you can become super-uber-mega-manly by joining a dojo, learning some real life Streetfighter combos and getting proper hench by savagely battering a sandbag for three hours a day. Even the softest of martial arts will build core strength and make you at least stand in a hard way, and anything involving sparring or arm bars will cause enough facial bruising to make Philip Schofield look like Tyler Durden after a matter of weeks. Stick at it and eventually you will be tough enough to adopt a daft nickname (Grant ‘the chinchilla’ Runyon) and step into the octagon to test yourself against a 16 stone psychopath who looks like a fairground mechanic and has tattoos on his face. The only downside to all of this is, that despite all the progress achieved under globalisation it has not become any cooler or even socially acceptable for a white man to own a pair of nunchuks.
EXTREME RUNNING
Triathlon (also known as swimming for a bit, then cycling, then running) has a long and noble history that allegedly stretches back to the ancient Greeks. However, it came into its own once cunning marketers worked out they could sell participants a special bike, special shoes and a special wetsuit in order to take part. Once you added in a special bracelet that connects to your iPhone and automatically brags about your transition times to your peer group, triathlon was ready to go big time in the world of workplace fitness oneupmanship. On the other hand, lots of women do it now, so if you want something more ostentatiously rugged you’ll need to sign up for an extreme endurance race instead. If you aren’t familiar with the likes of Tough Mudder or Nuclear Races, try and imagine a school cross country organised by the drill instructor from Full Metal Jacket, populated by anxious white collar workers in their early 30s but carried out in an environment designed to slightly inconvenience a soldier. You’ll run through mud, navigate treacherous (albeit insurance risk assessed) obstacle courses and occasionally carry heavy objects. If that doesn’t sound enough like punishment, you can also do them in the winter, at night, with no underpants on. The reward is a profile photo of you covered in slime and looking like you’re desperately holding in a rectal prolapse. Manliness rating: 7/10 (Forrest Gump carrying Lieutenant Dan)
HASHTAG GYM CULTS
Prior to the 1990s, gyms were something most people simply used to lose weight or to get fit for other sports. The only people who visited more regularly were competitive bodybuilders, who were manly to the extent that waxing your chest and being so muscled you need help to use the toilet is manly. Today, chest waxing has spread to the general population, and it’s no longer unusual to eat protein bars whilst commenting totally objectively on another straight guy’s tight glutes and rippling, oily six pack. It’s okay to take pictures of yourself flexing your muscles, as long as you put them on Facebook with a cheesy motivational caption about giving 110%. As a lazy vegetable those certainly motivate me every time I see a friend showing off his pecs I get one step closer to getting off the couch, putting down the Doritos and buying some steroids off the internet. If you ever find your gym commitment wavering in favour of more interesting activities, then you might get better results by signing up for something like CrossFit, a.k.a. the fitness equivalent of Scientology. Yes, it works, but you lose manliness points for being obliged to constantly talk about CrossFit, tweet about CrossFit, get married to CrossFit and shun friends and family members who aren’t quite as enthusiastic about CrossFit as you are. Manliness rating: 6/10 (Dolph Lundgren in a mankini)
Manliness rating: 9/10 (Giant Haystacks has got you in a sleeper hold)
BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS
17 24/10/2014 15:11
UPFRONT
OUR COMMUNITY
GIVE the campaign as they believe it is vital to do anything we can to support research into breast cancer. Local haulage company Highway Express is also helping the cause by taking all of the bras collected on the Island and delivering them free of charge to the main collection centre in England.
BIN YOUR BRA CAMPAIGN Warehouse Fitness Ladies Only Gym and Salon Rouge on Westmoreland Road in Douglas are working with ITV’s Lorraine Show in appealing to the women of the Isle of Man to donate their unwanted bras as part of their ‘Bin Your Bra’ campaign. Owners Karen Hanly & Peter Halpin contacted Lorraine Kelly from This Morning offering their premises and assistance to help with
CREECHURCH CAPITAL CHIPS IN WITH £2,000 FOR HOSPICE
For the campaign women will be asked to take their unwanted bras along to special “Lorraine Bins” which will be located in Warehouse Fitness and Salon Rouge. From there they will be collected and sent to developing countries in Africa. Against Breast Cancer will receive £1,000 for every tonne collected. This campaign not only keeps textiles out of landfill, it helps small businesses in Africa and raises vital funds for ground breaking research. The final amount raised is based on the weight of bras collected so more bras mean more funds and every £1 raised moves us closer to our ultimate goal, a future free from breast cancer. Karen, from Warehouse Fitness said “l’m donating my bra for the Lorraine campaign. This is an amazing concept, raising money and awareness for a cause which is close to my heart. Ladies, bin your bra and help make a difference.”
NEDBANK PRIVATE WEALTH PRESENTS CHEQUE TO THE MANX BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP
Staff at Nedbank Private Wealth raised £817 with a raffle for the Manx Breast Cancer Support Group. Treasurer Anne Dowds received a cheque on behalf of the charity from Tom Smart. The funds will go towards building a dedicated breast cancer unit at Noble’s Hospital.
APOLOGY IF OFFENCE WAS CASUED...
The prestigious KHG Funds Senior Open – sponsored by MBL Financial – raised a magnificent total of £2,000 for Hospice Isle of Man. The Island’s premier seniors event consisted of three rounds held at Douglas, Rowany and Ramsey during July, August and September. Each round featured a ‘beat the pro’ competition on a par three hole chosen by the club professional. Creechurch Capital – KHG Funds investment manager – agreed to donate £100 to Hospice for every player whose tee shot finished nearer the pin than that of the club pro. A total of £700 was raised, and the company generously topped-up this sum to a total of £1,000. But the fundraising efforts continued at the celebration dinner and presentation evening held after the final round at Ramsey. One of KHG Funds’ non-executive Directors challenged Creechurch Capital Chief Executive John Greenwood to take an ice bucket challenge. He duly accepted, and his challenger agreed to donate £100 per bucket. Ten icy drenchings later and the final fundraising total for Hospice had reached a total of £2,000.
18
TT GRANDSTAND ABSEIL A chairty awbseil was recently taken on by Pauline Guest in aid of Multiple Sclerosis Isle of Man. Pauline raised £100 for the society by going over the edge. Well done Pauline.
We published an article in our Misc page in the September issue entitled Dwarf? Midget? Porg? We have since been contacted by a local charity - Finley's Footsteps who have expressed concerns with the randomness and terminology of the Article. Please accept our apology and be assured that it’s not our intention to offend some of our readers. Finley's Footsteps main aim is to raise positive awareness of dwarfism in the Isle of Man. The charity strives to improve community awareness through education and public awareness programs. They provide resources, support and information for people with dwarfism and their families. ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE
UPFRONT
BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS
19
UPFRONT
ME & MY PET
me& mypet
PEDRO & PETE PETE Breed:
Scientifically proven 30% Polish 70% Manx. - after years of drinking tap water on the Isle of Man.
Age:
34 years old.
Likes:
Taking pictures - especially of people, fishing on a kayak around Port Erin and the Calf of Man, playing a Gothic series on the PC and World of Tanks, dogs, horses, dolphins and tropical fish.
Would you have any more pets? More tropical fish.
The best and worst thing about having a pet is..?
If you want a Husky, buy a hoover immediately. Hairs everywhere, all-year round, but they are great partners for life with extraordinary character.
Dislikes:
When Pedro ignores everything I ask him to do.
PEDRO
If you were an animal what would you be?
Breed:
Where do you live on the Island?
Age:
Anything on four legs. I love horses, just like Peter. They look like a huge steak.
Where are you originally from?
Likes:
If you had one wish what would you wish for?
Lizard on Formentera island. Douglas.
Poznan - Poland.
Do you have any more pets?
With my partner Rachel we have two more dogs Peyote (Siberian Husky) and Obi 2 Kenobi (Border Collie). Plenty of tropical fish. I’m breading Sword Tail, Angel Fish, Fighting Fish and more.
Siberian / Manx Husky.
8
Eating anything really (apart from humans).
Dislikes: Cats.
If human what would you be? A Butcher.
20
Favourite food:
A sheep farm.
Interesting fact:
I have a half brown and half blue eye. I’m a great model as you can see by my pictures (don’t tell Peter that I use his camera sometimes for a “selfie” please).
ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE
GET INTO THE FESTIVE SPIRIT!
No luggage fees
Magical markets
U DROP !
SO YOU CAN SHOP ‘TIL YO
HUNT FOR UNIQUE GIF
t n e s e r p t c e f r e p e h T
TS AND ARTISAN GOOD
CAR + 2 ADULT S FROM £6 * 3
IES!
Enjoy the atmosphere
EACH WA Y
BRANDS! ITE HIGH STREET
IT’S THE MOST W
VOUR
BROWSE THEIR FA
ONDERFUL TIME
OF THE YEAR!
Set sail on a Christmas shopping adventure with the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company. Book a three-day midweek break from just £63* each way for a car and two people, and avoid the inevitable crowds of weekend shoppers during the busy festive period. Explore the high streets of Manchester or Leeds, find top brands at Cheshire Oaks and Liverpool One, or enjoy the festive atmosphere of some of the UK’s magical Christmas Markets. There are no luggage fees, so you can fill the car with all the gifts you need for your friends and family! BOOK NOW, VISIT
STEAM-PACKET.COM EST 1830 * Terms and conditions apply. Subject to availability. Valid for travel from 09.09.14 – 10.01.15. Via English ports journeys must be completed within 3 days on Mon, Tue, Wed or Thurs. Day of outward sailing counts as day 1. Return sailing must commence on or before day 3. For payment by credit card, a fee of £3 applies per transaction, not per person.
MANLY MEN - BEARDS UPFRONT MISC -BEARDS UPFRONT
C
THE RANDOMNESS OF
MISC
5’9 Average UK male
4ft Average dwarf
SHORT OF FAMOUS words | Phoebe Johnson
BEARDS... BEARDS...
One of our staff thought that Pharrell Williams could have been in the category FUN FACTS PETER THE GREAT, to the left. It turns out he is 5”9’, not THAT MIDGET? DWARF? PORG? short but short enough to warrantenamored a crazy of Western CELEBRITY BEARDS - WITHhat, OR WITHOUT? ways, It’s our compact edition and we thought all the time. So the question is... whoencouraged clean shavenness we’d address the issue of compact people are the shortest celebrities? To make it fair, I among Russians by imposing a THEY SAY THAT THE EYES ARE THE WINDOW TO THE SOUL, and correct classification. So, what makes only looked at celebrities under 5”5’. Starting tax on beards. Noblemen aBUT midget a midget and a dwarf dwarf? IT’S ACTUALLY THEaBEARD! with the shortest of the short females, it appears paid is 100 rubles Well... ‘Pitch Perfect’ star Anna Kendrick first at a year for THEY SAY THAT THE EYES ARE THEthat WINDOW TO THE a medallion that served as only 5’0” along with Kourtney Kardashian and Facial hair can radically alter the way a man looks, whether it’s a little stubble or a SOUL, BUT IT’S ACTUALLY THE BEARD! a beard license and carried Afull-on dwarf beard. is an extremely short adult who Jada Pinkett Smith. Sure, caressing a clean-shaven face is appealing to some women, but isatless than 58 inches tall. Dwarfism is a show off what those follicles can do andthe inscription: "The beard a certain point in your life, you Facial hair can radically alter the want way ato man looks, whether it’s a little is adidn’t useless burden." condition of short stature. It is defined Personally face I thought Anna Kendrick give her something she can really stroke. stubble or a full-on beard. Sure, caressing a clean-shaven is appealing by the advocacy group Little People of lookyou thatwant small Pitch then again to some women, but at a certain point in your life, to in show offPerfect what butTALK America (LPA) as an adult height of 4ft 10 stubble maybe all ofMcGregor’s her co-starsimpressive were small too. ABOUT Next BEING "IN But dofollicles you go for barely-there or those canZac do Efron’s and give her something she canEwan really stroke. THE CROSS HAIRS." In the inches or under, as a result of a medical up attractive on the female are Ellen Page, Kristen Bell ‘stache/beard combo? It’s also said men are more with list beards. early '60s, the CIA plotted or genetic condition. The word midget and.. Lady Gaga?! All three of these stars are only But do you go for Zac Efron’s barely-there stubble or Ewan McGregor’s to ruin Cuban isWhat considered derogatory and offensive. just above the height of Kendrick and measure dictator do you‘stache/beard think? impressive combo? Fidel Both words describe a short person, but to be 5”1’. So yes, while you thought thatCastro's Lady public image by making his beard fall refer to different physical characteristics Gaga looked tall think? in her iconic meat dress, when It’s also said men are more attractive with beards. What do you out. One and genetic conditions. "Midget" refers to put next to Cher in that same evening, she idea was to grab Castro's a person who is very short, but normally looks way smaller. To be fair, Cher’s hair shoes when they were put out to be shined, proportioned. The term midget is now adds a few inches to her height. At my height, and to insert thallium salts, rarely used. But its usage was very common 5”2’ are Kim Kardashian, Sharon Osbourne, a chemical until the end of the twentieth century. It Reese Witherspoon and Eva Longoria. It’s used by women a depilatory. has given way to "short person" or "little nice to know that being 5”2’ meansasthat you’re But the plot was never person". With reference to legends or the same height as some of the most iconic carried out.
WITH OR WITHOUT?
folklore, a dwarf is considered a legendary creature resembling a tiny old man, who lives in the depths of the earth and guards buried treasure. Quite a responsibility.
celebrities of the modern day.
MEMBERS OF THE ROCK
TWO WELL-KNOWN BEARDS were Linda Lee
Thomas and Phyllis Gates. They were married, respectively, to gay celebrities Cole Porter and Rock Hudson. The term "beard" describes someone who poses as the lover of a closeted homosexual. But it's also slang for someone who places a bet for a horse trainer. Among other beard-related slang: a "crimea" is a small beard; a "doorknocker" is a beard running just below the jawline. And if people say you have "a crumb in your beard," it might mean they think you're drunk. BEFORE SIR THOMAS MORE was beheaded in
1535, he moved his lengthy beard aside, saying it "had never committed any treason."
TRIO ZZ TOP are known Coming first for the shortest male celebrity, for their facial hair, but only known for his part in ‘Matilda’ and ‘Deck the two of the three main band ABRAHAM LINCOLN Halls’, is Danny Devito Jr who is just out of the members sport beards. The GREW A BEARD in late Dwarf stakes at 5ft. I don’t want this to seem third, who is mustachioed, 1860 after getting advice as though I find short people funny for their is Frank Beard. from an 11-year-old New OMPACT JOKE height, I’m short too, but this comical actor’s height adds to York girl named Grace What do you call a psychic dwarf who has the comedy of the parts he plays. Shooting straight up to 5”4’ are POGONOTOMY IS A Bedell, who wrote, "You ped from prison? Seth Green, Michael J. Fox and Emilio Estevez. This means that WORD FOR SHAVING. would look a great deal small medium at large. in reality, some of the greatest celebrities are short, which gives us (The other side of that better, for your face is so short people hope. razor is: pogonotrophy, the thin." After Lincoln became growing of a beard.) the first bearded U.S. president, the Illustrated THE ANCIENT EGYPTIANS News of New York made wore fake metallic beards in a bogus claim that the front of their faces to mark president had used a hairspecial occasions, such growing product called as solar eclipses. These Bellingham's Stimulating hairpieces, called postiches, Onguent, and "with this adorned the faces of men extraordinary paste he have to catch boat there, you also have tosoon started the manly andawomen. SMALLEST ISLAND BUILDING be small enough to fit through the door. adornment." Bellingham's This towering structure in the middle of ds | Shona o’Sullivan ACCORDING TO LEGEND, the sea is listed in the Guinness Book of just happened to be an theREPTILE Christian daughter SMALLEST Records as the world’s smallest island with Illustrated News advertiser. ALLEST PRISON of themicra king chameleon of Portugalis so small The Brookesia a building on it, Bishop Rock, Isles of Scilly, Channel Islands is home to the was to marry it can perch oncommanded the tip of a matchstick THE AVERAGE NUMBER only has room for its lighthouse. We’re llest prison in the World! Sark Prison the pagan king of Sicily. (David Attenborough voice). The world’s OF WISKERS on a man’s guessing they don’t have Gallery Magazine eve it or not, in Sark) was built in 1856 Instead, shegreat prayed to tiniest reptile reaches lengths of up face is 30,000. there, and that’s enough to make anyone only has one room fit for two prisoners God to disfigure so thethese to half an inch! Don’t panic her though, want to stay away. time. With only 600 people living on plans wouldare beonly scuttled compact chameleons found in and no cars, we’re guessing it isn’t and she could remain a Madagascar. SMALLEST WORKING POLICE STATION too often. Ideal for when somebody is virgin. Those prayers were Don’t let the phone booth-y appearance fool ght drink riding their horse home from she grew COMPACTanswered TABLE &—DOG BEDa you into thinking this isn’t a crime busting pub. beard and lost fiance. is a This multi-functional dogabed/table institute. This Police station in Carrabelle, Her angry father hadwith herboth a great invention for somebody Florida keeps the world a much safer place crucified. bearded love of animals and aThe small living space. ALLEST TEDDY BEAR (apparently). became knownfor asyour dog Providing virgin comfort (admittedly miniscule fur ball is in fact the World’s Wilgefortis, patron of style. and not you) as well asthe an element lest teddy bear. Created by German art- SMALLEST FUNCTIONAL CHURCH saint of unhappily married ettina Kaminski, this teddy bear is only Blink and you’ll miss it. This is the World’s women. m tall. We wouldn’t recommend falling smallest functioning church. Oneida, New ep with this little guy, he’ll have left you York is home to the church that is situated one by the morning. in the middle of a pond. Not only do you
HE SMALLEST....
22 22
• ISLE ISLEOF OFMAN MANPREMIER PREMIERMAGAZINE MAGAZINE
EVENTS
Corporate Airport Transfers Island Tours Weddings Proms
Travel in comfort & style in one of our Mercedes S Class LWB Cars
www.theexecutiveschoice.co.uk 07624 429977 • enquiries@theexecutiveschoice.co.uk
EVENTS
24
EQUIOM CHARITY LUNCH RAISING FUNDS FOR THE MANX BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP
ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE
EVENTS
Location - Portofino Restaurant | Photography - dollsfactory.net
BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS
25
EVENTS
WILKINS - ROLEX WATCHES & FOPE JEWELLERY EVENT Location - Portofino Restaurant | Photography - dollsfactory.net
26
ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE
EVENTS
BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS
27
UPFRONT
THE WINE CELLAR AUTUMN TASTINGS Location - The Wine Cellar | Photography - dollsfactory.net
28
ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE
CULTURE
CULTURE
WHAT’S ON
CULTURE VULTURE
What’s on... NOVEMBER 2014
13.11.2014 – 15.11.2014
* Now – 22.11.2014
07.11.2014
TO AN ISLANDER
FRIDAY ART CINEMA
POP-UP EXHIBITION
HODGSON LOOM GALLERY, LAXEY
SAYLE GALLERY, DOUGLAS
An evocative exhibition of woven tapestries, paintings and embroideries by tapestry artist Louise Martin, who takes inspiration from her intrepid travels.
A chance to see works by directors which changed the way films were made. Details of each film will be on the Sayle Gallery’s facebook page earlier in the week.
NEW SOCIAL STUDIOS, CHURCH LANE COURTYARD, DOUGLAS
www.facebook/hodgsonloomgallery
Free entry - doors open 7pm. www.facebook.com/SayleGallery
* 01.11.2014 AN EVENING WITH HARRY MANX
07.11.2014 – 06.02.2015 CHRISTMAS EXHIBITION
PEEL CENTENARY CENTRE
STUDIO 42, PORT ST MARY
As his debut concert in his mother country this is a landmark event; having spent the early years of his life here, Harry Manx returns to his birthplace to perform as a ground-breaking, internationally acclaimed, world musician.
An opportunity to see and buy a varied range of work by local artists.
Tickets £15 from Peel Centenary Centre and www.eTickets.im/jp. www.jonnopromotions.com
05.11.2014 – 29.11.2014 LITTLE ISLAND ERIN ARTS CENTRE, PORT ERIN A solo exhibition of weird and wonderful mixed media and 3D illustrations from Port Erin’s own Hollie Mills. Also items by local craftsman Mark Thomas Woodcraft available in the gift shop. The James Mellon Gallery at the EAC is open Wed-Friday, 10.30am-4.3pm and during evening and weekend events. www.erinartscentre.com
* 05.11.2014 – 29.11.2014 FOR THE FALLEN – GARY BENNETT THE ISLE GALLERY, ST JOHNS After touring the UK, the Isle Gallery is delighted to welcome this exhibition of contemporary war art by local artist Gary Bennett. This is particularly relevant this year, the centenary of the outbreak of WW1. www.facebook/theislegallery www.contemporarywarart.co.uk
www.studio42gallery.co.uk
07.11.2014 SOPHIA DEE ERIN ARTS CENTRE, PORT ERIN EAC Piano Series. Young pianist Sophia Dee regularly performs around the UK and has won many prizes, including, most recently the piano setion of the Royal Overseas League Music Competition and the Manchester International Piano Concerto Competition for Young Pianists. Tickets £10 (adults - £9 for club members) £1 (under 18s) www.erinartscentre.com
Photography by John Byrne and assemblages from Hazel Walsh in this new and exciting night club/art gallery in central Douglas. www.facebook/NewSocialStudios www.hazelwalsh.co.uk
* 14.11.2014 – 25.11.2014 KNOX: PEWTERWARE AND PAINTINGS SAYLE GALLERY, DOUGLAS An exhibition of Arts and Crafts work by Archibald Knox alongside a selection of his watercolours, commemorating the 150th Anniversary of his birth. www.facebook.com/SayleGallery
* 21.11.2014 and 29.11.2014 MARRY ME/ZENITH OF THE SUN RAMSEY AND ANDREAS The national tour of MADF 2014 Award winner Preposterous Theatre’s two new comedies by Shawn Sturnick reaches Ramsey (21 November) and Andreas (29 November) . Suitable for over 16s.
TRACKS
Tickets £10 on the door, or from Shakti Man (Ramsey), Celtic Gold (Peel), or the Welcome Centre in Douglas.
ERIN ARTS CENTRE, PORT ERIN
www.facebook.com/PreposterousTheatre
12.11.2014
The latest in the Erin Arts Centre Film Series, Tracks (cert. 12A) is the story of a young woman who embarks on a 1,700 mile trek across Australia from Alice Springs to the Indian Ocean, accompanied by four camels and her faithful dog. Based on a true story and starring Mia Wasikowska. Tickets £5, Under 18’s £1 available on the door. www.erinartscentre.com
13.11.2014 – 15.11.2014 POP-UP EXHIBITION NEW SOCIAL STUDIOS, CHURCH LANE COURTYARD, DOUGLAS Photography by John Byrne and assemblages from Hazel Walsh in this new and exciting night club/art gallery in central Douglas. www.facebook/NewSocialStudios www.hazelwalsh.co.uk
* 26.11.2014 L’ELISIR D’AMORE STUDIO THEATRE, BALLAKERMEEN HIGH SCHOOL, DOUGLAS Live stream from the Royal Opera House. Donizetti’s romantic comedy of rural life shines brilliantly in Laurent Pelly’s hilarious staging, which matches the piece’s perfect blend of sentiment and tomfoolery. Italian conductor and former Jette Parker Young Artist Daniele Rustioni conducts a starry cast. Tickets £15.30 (£12.75 concessions) from the Welcome Centre. www.villagaiety.com
*Supported by the Isle of Man Arts
Council and Island of Culture 2014.
30
ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE
CULTURE
BARRY HILTON GENESIS GALLERY The dramatic landscapes of Barry Hilton express emotion and atmosphere with the use of intense colours and bold textural contrasts. His smooth, finely painted skies contrast with the heavy impasto techniques of the land as it appears in his highly coloured foreground. Barry builds up each composition in layers to give a remarkable, almost ethereal feeling of depth and intensity and that connects with the emotions of the viewer. Effective juxtaposition of differing shades defines each scene to stunning effect, especially when the light falls on to the heavy layer of paint which in turn scatters the light in many directions. The work
does not duplicate the actual colours of the landscape, but rather conveys the creative imagination of a genuine and artistic talent. Barry was born in Manchester in 1941, Although painting and drawing always played a crucial role in his life, his formal training was in design - he achieved a first class B.A.(hons) degree in Ceramics and Tableware Design. It was not until he moved to Cornwall in 1979 that he first thought of painting as a possible profession. Here he entered a period of his life that had a profound influence on the remainder of his artistic career, meeting and working alongside a group of extremely active artists which led to considerable
14 - 16 November 2014 Manx Museum
Manx Museum Gallery Shop and online
development of his artistic abilities. Barry continues to develop his style and technique, and has become one of the UK’s most enduringly successful artists. “I consider my current work of landscapes and seascapes to be deceptively minimal and hope that the more one looks and analyses the picture the more one will see.” Barry’s latest collection of limited edition work can be viewed at Genesis Gallery, 39 Victoria Street, Douglas or on line at: www.genesisgallery.im
CULTURE
LIVE SCREENING:
A ‘CULTURAL REVOLUTION’ TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA, SWAN LAKE, FRANKENSTEIN, ALICE’S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND, TREASURE ISLAND; THESE AND MANY MORE TOPCLASS PRODUCTIONS FROM THE ROYAL SHAKESPEARE COMPANY, ROYAL BALLET COMPANY, NATIONAL THEATRE AND THE ROYAL OPERA HOUSE ARE COMING TO A SCREEN VERY NEAR YOU DURING 2014 AND 2015 FOLLOWING ONE OF THE MOST EXCITING DEVELOPMENTS IN THE PERFORMING ARTS OVER THE LAST DECADE – LIVE SCREENING. Thanks to Ballakermeen High School and its Studio Theatre, which screens the productions, the Isle of Man Arts Council and the trade union Prospect, sponsor of the 2014 programme, live screenings have become important fixtures on the Island’s entertainment scene. Live screenings from three content providers - National Theatre Live, Royal Shakespeare Company Live from Stratfordupon-Avon and Royal Opera House Live – began at the Studio Theatre in January 2013. The programme launched with pilot screenings of the Royal Opera House’s La Bohème and Eugene Onegin, both filling the Studio Theatre to 50 per cent capacity. Extending the trial saw additional ballet and theatre productions, along with art exhibitions. The pilot finished with an encore screening on June 13th of the National Theatre’s production of The Audience with Helen Mirren, which proved to be a near sell-out success. After agreements were formalised with the three content providers the first complete season of 26 screenings, including Coriolanus, War Horse and King Lear saw audience numbers – and favourable comments – grow. People were saying*: • ‘Wonderful – thank you, here’s to the next time’; • ‘A wonderful opportunity to see first class theatre’; • ‘Looking forward to more’; • ‘Blown away by the live screening of Coriolanus and delighted by the wonderful way you made your audience so welcome’. *(Extracts from audience questionnaires)
32
More recently Sue Temple from Castletown was moved to say: ‘Live screening’s absolutely wonderful and really fills a gap. The quality and variety of productions we’re lucky enough to see is truly wonderful. People in the Isle of Man can’t keep going over to England to go to the opera or the theatre, so to have the likes of War Horse, Sleeping Beauty and The Nutcracker come to us is fantastic. And to have something as good as this during the winter months is especially welcome. It’s not just the quality of the productions, though, it’s the way the whole thing is so well organised; the seats are comfortable, there’s disabled access and the people at the Studio Theatre are very generous with their hospitality. ‘I’VE BEEN SIX TIMES SO FAR AND CAN’T WAIT TO GO AGAIN. THESE SCREENINGS OFFER SOMETHING FOR ALL AGES AND TASTES…AND FOR PEOPLE OF SLENDER MEANS I THINK THE PRICES ARE EXTREMELY REASONABLE.’ Earlier this year, when Prospect agreed to sponsor the 2014 live screening programme as its contribution to the Island of Culture celebrations, the trade union’s negotiations officer Angela Moffat said: ‘There is a strong emphasis in these year-long cultural celebrations to engage with a broad cross section of the community and we fully support Island of Culture’s aim to make culture more mainstream and accessible to a wider audience. This resonates very much with our work to advance equal opportunities and support Isle of Man projects that can bring benefit to the local community.’ Ballakermeen High School’s head teacher Adrienne Burnett said: ‘As a result of our close working relationship with the Isle of Man Arts Council, Ballakermeen High School is delighted to be at the forefront of live screening in the Isle of Man. ‘Acclaimed theatrical, opera and ballet performances from the world’s premier companies have been broadcast at a fraction of the cost of travelling to the actual venues. We have contracts with the National Theatre, the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Royal Opera House, to name but a few. ‘The Studio Theatre has state-of-the-art technical and large-screen equipment, and audience members experience a show as if they have the best seat in the house.
‘With very little publicity, live screening has built up a loyal following and many shows sell out quickly. An additional benefit is that we can record performances and provide “encores” at dates to suit the audience. We have, for example, screened the National Theatre’s award-winning War Horse on at least 10 occasions. This season, we are repeating Danny Boyle’s National Theatre production of Frankenstein – which features tour de force performances from Benedict Cumberbatch and Jonny Lee Miller, who alternate the two lead roles of Frankenstein and the Creature. ‘We also believe our loyal following has been built up because of our pre-show hospitality – cheese and nibbles, wine and soft drinks are available and are as much part of the experience as watching the performances.’ Live screening: the RSC perspective In November 2013 the Royal Shakespeare Company staged their first ever live screening to cinemas around the UK. More than 103,000 people in UK cinemas saw David Tennant play Richard II live on the stage of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, the start of the RSC’s Live From Stratford-uponAvon series. At the same time the company began streaming productions free of charge to schools across the country, followed by a live Q&A with actors and directors involved in the production. (National Theatre Live’s production of Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island, in a new adaptation by Bryony Lavery directed by Polly Findlay will be screened at the Studio Theatre on January 22nd 2015 at 7pm). …AND THE LAST WORD MUST GO TO DEVOTED FAN SUE TEMPLE: ‘LIVE SCREENING IS ONE OF THE BEST THINGS TO HAPPEN IN THE ISLE OF MAN FOR YEARS.’ For details of the Studio Theatre’s 2014-2015 live screening programme visit ballakermeen.com
ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE
CULTURE
‘Wonderful – thank you, here’s to the next time’ ‘Looking forward to more’ ‘A wonderful opportunity to see first class theatre’ ‘Blown away by the live screening of Coriolanus and delighted by the wonderful way you made your audience so welcome’
BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS
33
CULTURE
RACHEL MILES
ADVERTISING CAREER TAKES OFF
WORDS: Suzy Holland
FOR MANX WOMAN RACHEL MILES
WHEN RACHEL MILES AND HER CREATIVE PARTNER MICHAEL TSIM STARTED A WORK PLACEMENT AT PRESTIGIOUS LONDON AD AGENCY BMB, THEY DIDN’T EXPECT THAT THEIR FIRST PITCH WOULD BE PICKED UP BY HOLIDAY COMPANY THOMSON WITH THE RESULTING ADVERT BEING SEEN ON PRIME TIME TELEVISION. You may have already seen it: family off to Jamaica with a one-eyed, raggedy, but utterly loveable bear who rediscovers his smile on a Thomson holiday. Rachel came back to the Island – with her very own Thomson teddy ‘Edward’ - to view the TV launch of the finished advertisement with her very proud, close-knit family, and also found time to talk to Gallery. “I love my job!” says Rachel, who went from St Ninian’s to the Isle of Man College and then on to Central St Martins in London where she studied graphic design, with a particular emphasis on advertising. “I’ve always been interested in film, and working in the creative department of such a big ad agency has given me the opportunity to pursue this and see the whole process from every angle,” Rachel continues. “Michael and I are a real team, sharing the creative and copywriting roles,
34
which gives us such an advantage when cracking the client’s brief. And what’s more, we’ve now been taken on as permanent BMB employees.” The Thomson film, ‘Bear’ – directed by Tom Tagholm – was shot in Jamaica in July but Rachel would like to point out that it wasn’t all glamour, with 5am wake-up calls and plagues of biting sandflies which really gave a whole new meaning to suffering for one’s art. A tongue-in-cheek rendition of
Rachel is certainly enjoying life in London – in a single day recently she saw La Roux performing at the BBC Maida Vale studios and met the stars of surfing film ‘Stephanie in the Water’ – but loves coming home when she can. “It’s the drinking water, the county side and the fresh air at home that I miss the most,” she says, “and of course my family. I’m really looking forward to Christmas when I’ll be back for a couple of weeks.”
“FROM THE ISLE OF MAN TO JAMAICA - I JUST LOVE ISLANDS OF CULTURE” ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ narrated by William Shatner provides the soundtrack, but if you listen carefully you’ll hear another familiar voice at the end of the ad. “I really wanted more ‘Manx’ in the finished ad,” says Rachel, “so who better to choose than my fellow ex-St Ninian’s student, Samantha Barks. Fortunately she was available but when she arrived at the studio, she was really surprised to see me as we’d last crossed tracks a year or so ago working on a film in Belfast.”
But before that there’s more travel. Just as we finished this interview Rachel heard that her next project is filming the First Choice weather idents for Channel 5 – in Tenerife.
ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE
CULTURE
The Thomson film, ‘Bear’ – directed by Tom Tagholm – was shot in Jamaica in July.
BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS
Scan with your smart phone to see the advert
35
CULTURE
MY NAME IS ...
MY NAM E
IS...
Amy-BethClark MY JOB IS… I am a full time Art student but in my spare time I work as a kitchen porter. THE BEST JOB IN THE WORLD WOULD BE… A successful artist selling my work. Doing a job that I love and I’m very passionate about. MY WORST HABIT IS… I have so many habits it’s unbelievable! I say my two worst are biteing my nails and twirling my hair. IF I COULD CHANGE ONE THING IN MY LIFE IT WOULD BE… I wouldn’t like to make a single change in my life, I would not be the person I am today without the mistakes I have made throughout my life so far. Yes, I have some regrets but that doesn’t mean I would change anything I have done. I have met and made friends with amazing people and have a wonderful family. IF I HAD TO ONLY EAT ONE KIND OF FOOD FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE IT WOULD BE… Pasta, I can eat it everyday. IF I COULD BE A CELEBRITY FOR A DAY, IT WOULD BE… I wouldn’t want to be a celebrity. I don’t find it appealing, there is no room to make mistakes when you are a celebrity. But if I could meet any celebrity it would have to be Leonardo Dicaprio and Tom Hanks. THE BEST TIME OF YEAR IS… I think the best time of year is summer, this is purely because it’s when I celebrate my birthday. It’s also really nice to see everyone out and about in the nice weather. THE BEST ADVICE I’VE EVER BEEN GIVEN IS… The best advice I’ve ever been given is Hakuna Matata (means no worries) enjoy life as it is, don’t think about the bad stuff.
IF I COULD HAVE ONE QUESTION ANSWERED IN THE WORLD IT WOULD BE… Is the government hiding Alien evidence that prove they exist?? THE 3 MOST IMPORTANT THINGS IN LIFE ARE… My top important thing in my life is Family. They mean everything to me and without them I would not be here now. And of course my friends who I can always rely on and have a good time with. Lastly MONEY!!! MY DREAM HOUSE WOULD BE… I would love to have a very homely house in the wildness surrounded by nature and animals with a very gothic medieval theme but also contemporary design to the house. I would love a studio room inside for my artwork as well as a cinema room to watch big screen movies. My house will be filled with a lot of artwork as well as movie memorabilia especially ‘Back To The Future’ and Lord Of The Rings. WHAT PLANS DO YOU HAVE FOR 2014… This year I am doing a degree at the Isle of Man College studying Fine Art down at the all-new Market Hall in Douglas. I have also won the Archibald Knox award which has giving me a travel scholarship to go to other countries for my educational purpose, so I will be traveling, visiting art galleries and other artist. A place I am definitely thinking of going to is New York; where I would love to visit the Museum of Contemporary Art, and because it’s one place in the world I’ve always wanted to visit. THIS IS A BIT MORE ABOUT MYSELF: I haven’t had the easiest life but I have got through it all so far. I like spending my time drawing, listening to music, and also watching the latest new movies. Art is a huge thing in my life and is
definitely something I want to do as a career. My favourite artists are Van Gogh, I find his work interesting and inspiring. He made me want to be able to express everything I have through my art as he expresses himself, and the way he see’s the world. Also Salvador Dali, who has had a big part in my creativity as a child as I grew up. I have one of his works hanging on my living room wall at home which has inspired me to explore further in my imagination and to experiment with everything to create some kind of art. I have a lot of favourite movies that I could watch again and again, my top 10 are: Stand By Me, My Own Private Idaho, Catch Me If You Can, Taxi Driver, Lion King, Back to The Future Part 2, High Society 1956, Howl, Rebel without a Cause 1955 and The Lost Boys. I also love music. I’m not a huge fan of contemporary music but I do listen to bands such as McFly, Steel Panther, The Vamps, Falling in Reverse and 69 eyes. I prefer to listen to a lot of old music from 50s to 80s music. I especially love to listen to: Bruce Springsteen, Frank Sinatra, Frankie Valli, Johnny Cash, Elvis, Eddie Cochran, Ray Charles, Fat Domino, Buddy Holly, The Cure, Aleka’s Attic, Fleetwood Mac, Guns N Roses, Hanoi Rocks, Men at Work, Ritchie Valens, Del Vikings, Roy Oribson, Everly Brothers, Elmore James and the Runaways. I wish to live my life with just enough money to get by. I would want to live my life happy and traveling the world-experiencing and seeing new things the world has to offer me.
Peel Castle Opposite - monster inside extreme
ARTIST AND ILLUSTRATORS - would you like to see your work featured in Gallery Magazine? Simply get in contact with us mynameis@gallery.co.im
Dream a nightmare
36
ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE
CULTURE
r been e v e e v I’ e ic v d a t s The be atata M a n u k a H is n e iv g
Firefly
BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS
37
CULTURE
THE MONTHLY UPLOAD Want to win £50? All you have to do is email your entry with the subject ‘upload’ to: upload@gallery.co.im. Try to follow a time of the year theme, make the files nice and big though, about
2MB is a good size to aim for. We do try to print every photo following the guide but we can’t get them ALL on the page fullsize unfortunately - they just wouldn’t fit!
£50
Winner
Steve Sieling
Paul Smyth
Rory Grainger
38
Tom Brew
Robert Thomson
ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE
CULTURE
Chris Hunt
William Galbraith
Amy Senogles
Craig gelling
Alan Clague
Damian Bird
Paul Smyth Brendan Beeken
Pauline Guest
Maureen Torolano
Lynn Mather
Nick Shimmin
Steve Sieling
Simon Jones
Lottie Morris
BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS
Janette Phair
Paige Openshaw
Paul Smyth
Felix Galbraith
Peter Quayle
Steve Sieling
39
CULTURE
NEWS
CULTURE NEWS ERIKA KELLY – NEW EP AND SINGLE “TALKING THIS OVER” Manx singer and harpist Erika Kelly is delighted to announce the release of her eagerly-anticipated debut EP “Talking This Over”. Available on iTunes now.
NEW NOVELLA PUBLISHED IN MANX
Erika released her first single “Better I Try” earlier this year and it quickly reached number 5 in the iTunes singer/songwriter charts.The accompanying music video, which was filmed in the stunning Gaiety Theatre, has gained 8000 hits so far . Erika’s new single “Talking this Over” is about a “being in a new relationship, when it’s all new and exciting as you first get to know each other”. An intricate harp intro makes way to a feel-good song which shows off Erika’s pure and warm vocals.
PICTURE PERFECT FOR PETER AS HE IS NAMED WINNER OF ISLE OF MAN FLOWER FESTIVAL PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION Peter Tucker of Ramsey was feeling blooming marvellous after being named as the winner of the Isle of Man Flower Festival photographic competition. Photographers were invited to submit entries of pictures taken of displays in the many venues that took part in this year’s Isle of Man Flower Festival in July. The judging panel voted for Peter’s closeup photograph of a display at St German’s Cathedral in Peel to win the top prize, a framed set of winter flora stamps, by the Island-based artist Catherine James, which were donated by Isle of Man Post Office.
Runner up was David Kinley, with his photograph taken at the Old Grammar School, while visitor Marion Healey, of Kent, was placed third with her picture of Waterloo Road Methodist Church in Ramsey. There was also a special prize of a book token for four-year-old Katie Jacobs, of Douglas, as the judges were so impressed by her photograph of the display at St Thomas’s Church in Douglas. The prizes were presented at the Douglas offices of sponsor Connect2Charity, which was also celebrating the relaunch of its website connect2charity.im
The Manx Gaelic version of an Alan Guthrie novella, Bye By Baby which was described by Ian Rankin as 'a quick, taut thriller ... not a word is wasted." and which was an Amazon top ten bestseller with sales of over 50,000 copies, has just been published by Culture Vannin, under the title Slane Lhiat, Vabban. Originally from Kirkwall in the Orkney Islands Alan Guthrie is Scottish literary agent, author and editor of crime fiction and he has won many plaudits for his crime writing. This novella which was originally published by Barrington Stokes has been translated into Manx by Dr. Brian Stowell. The story tells of a seven-year-old boy who disappears after school; the case is handed to Detective Frank Collins who has been looking to lead a highprofile case for a while and sets out determined to prove his worth. But the missing schoolboy is only a trigger for another crime. Someone is intent on exploiting the boy's grief-stricken mother. And they have plans for Frank Collins too. For more information about the book, which is available in bookshops and retails for £10, it's translation and also the work of Culture Vannin in supporting the language then contact Adrian at: adrian@culturevannin.im T: 451098 www.learnmanx.com
40
ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE
CULTURE
SMP PARTNERS PROUD TO SUPPORT FIRST MAJOR ISLAND EXHIBITION BY ACCLAIMED ARTIST SVETLANA CAMERON The first major solo exhibition in the Isle of Man by renowned artist Svetlana Cameron will open to the public on November 5. The three-week exhibition at the Sayle Gallery in Douglas, sponsored by SMP Partners, will be an opportunity to see largest collection of Svetlana’s work ever gathered together in the Island. It will showcase private and official portraits which Svetlana has created in the last three years, ranging from small, simple head studies to very large and elaborate group portraits. Most works will be borrowed from private collections especially for the event. Russian-born Svetlana, whose studio is in Braddan, explained: ‘My upcoming exhibition is my contribution to the Island of Culture celebrations in the Isle of Man in 2014. The exhibition at the Sayle Gallery opens to the public from 5 to 30 November.
I LOVE CULTURE SHOW REDEFINES ‘SPECTACLE’ It had colour, music, fire, drama, surprises and sensational special effects. The I Love Culture Show at the Villa Marina on Saturday September 20th was a unique occasion…a celebration of some of the finest Manx talent in a spectacular three-hour show. A show like no other: from the awakening of Manannan though the mists to excerpts from Les Misérables, dance – from traditional to ‘street’, the massed voices of Cleveland medallists and a guest appearance by Davy Knowles, the I Love Culture Show delivered what it had always promised: in the words of Island of Culture events director Michael Lees, ‘A joyous celebration that everyone across the Manx nation would love.’ The show, an Island of Culture event in association with Manx Telecom, was put together by Stage Door Entertainment. The show provided an opportunity to welcome back to the Island not only Davy Knowles, an Island of Culture youth cultural ambassador, but also Manxman Stephen Palfreman, now enjoying success in London’s West End, who joined the local cast of Les Misérables as Javert. A bucket collection at the end of the show, organised by Trinity Methodist Church, raised £768.63, to be divided between Isle of Man Hospice’s Rebecca House, Manx Breast Cancer Support Group for the new dedicated breast care unit at Noble's Hospital and the Disasters Emergency Committee Gaza Appeal. www.islandofculture.im
BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS
41
CULTURE
THEATRE TOUR
WORDS: Suzy Holland
NATIONAL TOUR?
WHAT A PREPOSTEROUS IDEA!
W
ITH TAXIS TO DOUGLAS COSTING UPWARDS OF £30, BUSES INFREQUENT OR NON-EXISTENT, AND PARKING AT A PREMIUM, IT’S NOT SURPRISING THAT PEOPLE IN THE NORTH MOAN ABOUT HAVING TO GRIT THEIR TEETH AND TRAVEL SOUTH TO ENJOY SO MANY EVENTS IN THIS YEAR OF CULTURE. SO IT IS TO PREPOSTEROUS THEATRE’S CREDIT THAT IT HAS BITTEN THE BULLET AND EMBARKED ON A NATIONAL TOUR OF ITS TWO ONE-ACT PLAYS ‘MARRY ME’ AND ‘ZENITH OF THE SUN’.
Writer, director and actor Shawn Sturnick has a puppy-like energy and a phenomenal talent: only he could have dared to do this, and make it work. Ohio-born Shawn, whose background is in theatre and film, moved to the Island just a couple of years ago and immediately threw himself into drama and acting opportunities here. It was his involvement with the Service Players in 2012 – directing Alan Ayckbourn’s ‘Relatively Speaking’ at the Gaiety Theatre - which made him realise there was a gap for a small company putting on new plays: a gap now filled by his own Preposterous Theatre. “After winning the Best New Play award for ‘Marry Me’ at the Manx Amateur Dramatic Federation Festival of One Act Plays in March it all went a bit quiet,” says Shawn. “Although we’d had a great audience reaction, I knew that there were lots of people who hadn’t seen it, but might like to, but I really didn’t know where to take it next. When we began to read through another very short play I’d written - which eventually became ‘Zenith of the Sun’ - I realised that putting it together with ‘Marry Me’ could be the answer. And so began the idea of a national tour!” The Preposterous Theatre tour of these two one-act plays began in Port Erin in September and finally reaches Ramsey and Andreas at the end of November and, from all accounts, you should book tickets now. MADF prize winner ‘Marry Me’ – starring Service Player regulars Lisa Creighton and Tom Cain - started life some years ago as a birthday present from Shawn to a friend who was desperate to meet someone to marry. ‘Zenith of the Sun’ – originally another birthday present - is a reworking of an ancient myth: without wanting to give too much away, it is another two-hander - a sculptor (Shawn) falls in love with his statue (Lisa), which comes to life but doesn’t really behave quite as expected.
Putting on any sort of touring production involves more than just actors and director and Shawn is quick to thank local businessman Andrew Williamson at IOM Kitchens who built the transportable sets with hardware supplied by Ramsey DIY store Splinters. “We couldn’t have done it without their help,” says Shawn. “We’ve performed in proper theatres, youth centres, and town and parish halls so the fact that the sets have even survived being pushed and pulled around over the past few months is pretty incredible!” But what about the plays? What can audiences expect to see? With reviewers commenting on the polished performances, the laugh out loud dialogue and Tom Cain’s ‘master class in comic reaction’, Preposterous Theatre’s final tour dates, 21 November at Ramsey Freemasons’ Lodge and Andreas Parish Hall on 29 November, are bound to be a sell out – but if you’re quick, tickets are available from Shakti Man in Ramsey, Celtic Gold in Peel and from the Welcome Centre in Douglas. Supported by the Isle of Man Arts Council and the Island of Culture 2014
42
ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE
CULTURE
UPFRONT
FASHION & BEAUTY
42
BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS
ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE
43
FASHION
WORDS & LAYOUT | JORJA HELMOT
3 2
STYLE TIP Dress joggers up with a boxy biker jacket, opposite, or unbuttoned shirt.
TOPMAN A/W 14/15
5
RAKE
1
MEN With autumn officially upon us, so are the season’s trends and it’s time to embrace them as they are hitting our high street hard. A round up of the styles to wear range from cosy knit polo necks to skinny, ankle grazing trousers. Joggers get a make-over and are no longer just for the sofa but smartened up with bulky leather jackets for a cool streetwear look. Reflecting the time of year are tones of orange and green, so add a burst of colour to your wardrobe.
13
4
6 STYLE TIP
11
Orange is the new black! So brighten up dull days to come with this sunny hue.
9
12
7
8
ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE
OLIVER SPENCER
HARDY AMIES
TOPMAN DESIGN
44
CHRISTOPHER SHANNON
10
FASHION
STYLE TIP
A SAUVAGE
ADA + NIK
MATTHEW MILLER
KENT & CURWEN
Big, boxy bags and biker jackets are a trendy investment.
14
16
/15
23
Opposite: 1. Solid @ Asos - £30, 2. Next - £22, 3. New Look - £29.99, 4. Burton - £20, 5. New Look - £12.99, 6. Asos - £6, 7. Asos - £25, 8. Next - £10, 9. New Look - £12.99, 10. Next - £6, 11. New Look - £4.99, 12. Burton - £4, THE BEATLES 13. Adidas @ Asos - £55. This page: 14. Asos - £125, 15. Selected @ Asos - £220, 16. Next - £45, 17. Burton - £10, 18. Asos (trousers)17 £25, 19. Jack & Jones @ Asos - £35, 20. Base London @ Asos - £75, 21. Native Youth @ Asos - £65, 22. Asos - £100, 23. New Look £19.99
TOM FORD
STYLE TIP Sixtiesesque cropped cigarette trousers are in! Look to The Beatles circa 1964 for inspo!
STYLE TIP
18
RICHARD JAMES
22
GIEVES & HAWKES
Go green and opt for a leafy shade to coat your outerwear this autumn.
YMC
w en
15
STYLE TIP Heavy footwear is back for winter and these lace up brogues are a fave!
21 BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS
20
19
45
FASHION
CLAIRE CHRISTIAN COUTURE FASHION SHOW Location - King William’s College | Photography - dollsfactory.net
Guest were treated to a champagne reception and delicious dinner at the fist Claire Christian Couture fashion show. The luxury brand exhibited it’s AW2014 Womenswear Collection and bespoke children’s wear using local models whilst supported by Local business such as Utopia and Purite for hair and makeup., Sarah Lennon Accessories, Charles Alexander and Garrey Corneil Menswear.
46
ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE
BEAUTY
GROOMING GUIDE
BEAUTY
A beast of trimming...The Wahl
GALLERY GALLERY GROOMING GUIDE GROOMING GUIDE
9818-800Y Stainless Steel Grooming A beast of trimming...The Wahl Station. Yes, it’s Grooming a ‘station’ 9818-800Y Stainless Steel Station. Yes, it’s a ‘station’
This month Gallery’s had a bit of a brush-up and a shave. We’re looking at beards, the essential grooming gadgets yes, something for the weekend asat well. This month Gallery’s had a bit ofand, a brush-up and a shave. We’re looking beards, Welcome to the moderngadgets man’s guide to grooming. the essential grooming and, yes, something for the weekend as well. Welcome to the modern man’s guide to grooming. words | Nichole Sweetsur
words | Nichole Sweetsur
Beards are back Beards are back
More and more men are opting out of shaving. sporting a beard, More andThey’re more men are opting outbushy of or well-trimmed, and eschewing smooth shaving. They’re sporting a beard, bushy cheeks and moisturised skin for asmooth more or well-trimmed, and eschewing macho look. Male celebsskin fromfor Jake cheeks and moisturised a more Gyllenhaal Hugh Jackman macho look.toMale celebs from and JakeGeorge Clooney have cemented the trend the Gyllenhaal to Hugh Jackman and and George beard is definitely on the up this Autumn. Clooney have cemented the trend and the But if you want to look less Adams beard is definitely on the upGrizzly this Autumn. and ifmore you’ll need to invest in a But you groomed want to look less Grizzly Adams few well-chosen products. and more groomed you’ll need to invest in a few well-chosen products. Firstly, you need to keep that beard clean and freeyou of bits Firstly, needoftostray keepfood. that Step beardtwo clean is to moisturise the beard and the skin and free of bits of stray food. Step two underneath so itthe looks luxuriant healthy is to moisturise beard and theand skin and, thirdly, so remember the beardand willhealthy need a underneath it looks luxuriant regular trim. and, thirdly, remember the beard will need a regular trim. OK, so you don’t need a specific beard wash; a regular facial wash is moisturising OK, so you don’t needthat a specific beard wash; and not too harsh will do the job. But if you a regular facial wash that is moisturising really want get on with beard and not tooto harsh willboard do the job.your But if you try thewant BillytoJealousy Beardwith Wash (£16.00. really get on board your beard LookFantastic.com) (right). is sulphatetry the Billy Jealousy BeardThis Wash (£16.00. free so it won’t irritate or dry the skin – LookFantastic.com) (right). This is sulphatehence flaky skin, theorbeard equivalent free sono it won’t irritate dry the skin – of
dandruff. Bulldog Sensitive Face Wash (£4.49. Sensitive Boots) is dandruff. Bulldog also free of sulphates and is Face Wash (£4.49. Boots) easier on the wallet. also free of sulphates and easier on the wallet. Next up, beard oil. Yes, you do need Apply a small Next up, this. beard oil. Yes, you amount washing, every do need after this. Apply a small day. Thisafter littlewashing, bit of oilevery is amount going to soothe the skin day. This little bit of oil is going to soothe the skin
and make your beard feel soft, which will scoremake moreyour points from your Dr K’s and beard feel soft,partner. which will Beard Tonic is a winner (£14.99. Amazon). score more points from your partner. Dr K’s It’s gotTonic apricot and(£14.99. jojoba Amazon). seed oils Beard is kernel a winner andgot some otherkernel essential thatseed will oils leave It’s apricot andoils jojoba a fresh, clean scent behind. Nothing and some other essential oils that willtoo leave I promise. Keeping thetoo beard aoverpowering, fresh, clean scent behind. Nothing nice and tidy requires an electric beard overpowering, I promise. Keeping the beard trimmer, which makes an it easy to get an even nice and tidy requires electric beard gradient of growth down to the trimmer, which makes it easy toAdam’s get an even apple. The Lithium Ion gradient ofWahl growth down to the9818-800Y Adam’s Stainless Steel Grooming Station (£59.99. apple. The Wahl Lithium Ion 9818-800Y Boots) (top) is, as the nameStation suggests, no Stainless Steel Grooming (£59.99. mere beard would be a good Boots) (top)trimmer. is, as theItname suggests, no buy ifbeard you also shave It your head has an mere trimmer. would beand a good impressive four-hour battery life. A more buy if you also shave your head and has an basic model,four-hour the Bootsbattery Grooming impressive life. ASolutions more Stubble Control, is onlyGrooming £14.99 andSolutions is a good basic model, the Boots entry-level gadget the newlyand bearded. Stubble Control, is for only £14.99 is a good entry-level gadget for the newly bearded.
hence no flaky skin, the beard equivalent of
48
ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE
BEAUTY
BEAUTY
Man vs. Beard Man vs. Beard For the men out there who doout want For the men a clean-shaven look there who do want (and let’s face it, a clean-shaven look that never goesit,out (and let’s face of fashion) then out the that never goes daily lather then can be of fashion) thea real chore. There is a daily lather can be also chore. a bewildering real There is amount of choice also a bewildering out there, we’ve amount ofso choice taken the guesswork out there, so we’ve out of the choosing taken guesswork the right shaving out of choosing product you. the rightfor shaving product for you.
Best for sensitive skin
Best for dry skin
Best for everyday
Best for natural
Best for traditional
Best for sensitive skin Molton Brown Men’s Calming Molton Brown Shaving Cream Men’s Calming for Sensitive Skin Shaving Cream
Best for dry skin Dove Men+Care Shaving Foam Dove Men+Care promises Hydrate Shaving Foam
Best for everyday Clinique for Men Aloe Shave Clinique forGel Men
Best for natural Dr Bronner’s Organic Dr Bronner’s Lemongrass Organic Shaving Gel is Lemongrass
Best for traditional
contains barleySkin for Sensitive
extract, containswhich barleyis very calming extract, whichand is soothing for skin. very calming and If shavingfor usually soothing skin. leaves yourusually skin If shaving inflamed, this one is leaves your skin definitely this worth a is inflamed, one £22.00worth Boots. try. definitely a
to moisturise skin – promises Hydrate ideal for the winter to moisturise skin – months your ideal forwhen the winter cheeks can feelyour dry. months when £3.49. . dry. cheeksBoots can feel
£3.49. Boots.
is soothing oilAloe Shaveyet Gel free, this oneyet always is soothing oildelivers smooth free, thisaone always shave. £15.00. delivers a smooth
Boots. £15.00. shave. Boots.
100% natural is Shaving Geland smellsnatural fresh. £7.29. 100% and FeelUnique.com. smells fresh. £7.29.
FeelUnique.com.
We love this
Moisture-Rich We love this Shaving Soap Moisture-Rich
from Molton Brown. Shaving Soap The is fromcoconut Molton oil Brown. ultra moisturising The coconut oil is and for a ultramakes moisturising rich lather. £10.00. and makes for a Amazon . £10.00. rich lather.
Amazon.
try. £22.00 Boots.
Grooming Gadgets - go to page 116
MENSWEAR
Menswear
FOR Men We cater for the over 35’s… Menswear FOR Men so no skinny fit in our place
Menswear for men 51 Strand Street, Douglas, IM1 2LF • T: 01624 623730 BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS
49
BEAUTY
MEN’S SPECIAL Guys, you’ve got to stop ‘borrowing’ our products and take the manly plunge into the ever growing world of men’s cosmetics. Men’s skin is very different from womens and therefore requires a whole different set of tools. Here is our round up of the latest and greatest.
50
Clarisonic Deep Pore Cleansing Brush £99-£155 Boys and their toys…what can we say? This brush is the sure fire way to say goodbye to dirt and hello to clean skin! If you’re a guy who loves his gadgets, this is the accessory for you!
Clinique Anti-Age Eye Cream £26.00 This product not only corrects fine lines around the eyes, but also diminishes dark circles and puffiness – the one stop wonder to turning back the clock!
Dermalogica Close Shave Oil £21.90 For the ultimate close shave, this oil will create an instant cushion between your skin and razor, providing a smooth glide and sharp finish to your look.
Guerlain Paris L’Homme Ideal eau de toilette £43.20 ‘Smart, handsome, strong’, with woody undertones and citrus notes, this fragrance is simply ‘ideal’.
Dermalogica Invigorating Shave Gel £15.95 If you’re after a barber-close, pain-free shave, this cooling, lightweight gel is for you. Made without artificial colours or fragrances, your skin will thank you for this soothing product that is guaranteed to improve your skin’s natural protective barrier.
Bobbi Brown Hydrating Face Tonic £21.00 Cucumber and chamomile infused, this product is applied immediately after cleansing, leaving your skin smooth, soft and soothed.
Kiehl’s 24-Hour Anti-Shine Moisturizer for Men £21.50 To develop this Kiehl’s use Aerolite Technology which is traditionally used in space exploration. It is able to absorb 4 times its own weight in oil, providing efficient sebum absorption capabilities and it will also disperse and vaporize sweat away from the skin because it’s super hydrophobic. This is essential for any man who does sport and still wants great skin. It will reduce pore size and hydrate the skin.
The Refinery Face Wash £18.00 With an invigorating formula bursting with citrus and spearmint, this face wash is sure to freshen and stimulate your skin. Impurities are washed away, leaving your skin revitalised and renewed.
ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE
APPETITE
APPETITE
Welcome to
Established in 2013, SALT has already expanded its repertoire into further areas. Heath & Gareth Craig had a vision to create informal dining encompassing an American Style bar. With a wealth of experience within the wine & nightclub industry – SALT was born.
T
oday, SALT is run by Heath & his wife Aly along with managers Gareth Nicholson & Dawn Herbert, serving lunch and dinner within contemporary and elegant surroundings in the heart of Douglas, complimented by the bar they craved. The Wine List is second to none! Within a short space of time they have realised the potential of the restaurant, and its setting and space lends itself to a popular venue for events. Already proving to be popular for business lunches & dinners, birthday and wedding celebrations, SALT can seat up to 150 people and can accommodate 250 people in a less formal setting. Recently teaming up with Optimal Events to further enhance this service, SALT can offer room dressing, bespoke menus & a wealth of entertainment options.
52
ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE
APPETITE
SALT’S EXTENSIVE MENU IS ALWAYS SERVED WITH EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SERVICE AND A SMILE.
The “private” Snug can seat up to 50 people (or 80 standing) making an intimate gathering a very special experience. It can also lend itself as a conferencing facility, & proven to be popular for client and corporate hospitality, with Wine Tasting evenings that have certainly appealed to both corporate & charities alike.
Heath stated, “whatever your requirements, we will bring that and more, to make your event a success. We work as team to ensure everyone involved follows the same criteria – to make our customers happy!” FOR MORE INFORMATION OR FOR BOOKINGS, PLEASE CONTACT DAWN OR ALY: T: 614000 | E: salt@manx.net www.saltbar.im /SaltBarIOM
BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS
53
APPETITE
BOO’S LITTLE KITCHEN
Autumn recipes by Jessica Ledger
WINTER WARMERS Recipes for the Autumnal season, ideal to keep you warm and cosy this autumn and winter. There’s a delicious Thai inspired soup
using butternut squash that’s very in season, a comforting BBQ baked bean dish and sweet treats to nibble by the bonfire. Enjoy.
THAI STYLE BUTTERNUT SQUASH & COCONUT SOUP WHAT YOU’LL NEED: 1 large butternut squash 2 tbsp. olive oil 2 tbsp. coconut oil 1 onion 2 sticks celery 1 red chilli (deseeded) 1 inch fresh root ginger 1 clove garlic 1 litre chicken stock 1 can coconut milk 1 lime (juice) 2 tbsp. palm sugar handful of basil leaves salt and pepper.
54
WHAT TO DO: 1. Preheat oven to 200c. Wedge the butternut squash and lay onto a baking tray. Cover with the olive oil and season well. Roast for 40 minutes until soft and charred at the edges. 2. As the squash roasts, chop the onion and celery and fry in a large pan in the coconut oil until soft. Add the chopped chilli, grated ginger and crushed garlic and cook for another 2 minutes. 3. When the squash is cooked, remove the skin with a spoon and then add to the pan. Stir well. Add the chicken stock and coconut milk then bring to a boil and cook for 10 minutes or so. 4. Take off the heat and blitz with a hand blender or in a liquidiser. Return to the heat and then add the lime juice, palm sugar, plenty of seasoning and then tear in the basil leaves. Serve with some more ripped basil leaves on top and for an extra kick some more chopped chilli.
ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE
APPETITE
BBQ BAKED BEANS WITH PEPPERED PORK CUTLETS WHAT YOU’LL NEED: 2 tbsp. olive oil 1 onion 2 clove garlic 2 rashers smoked bacon or pancetta 1 de-seeded red chilli 1 tsp. ground cumin 1 can chopped tomatoes 500g passata 1 tbsp. tomato puree 2 tbsp. brown sugar 1 tbsp. black treacle dash of Worcestershire sauce 2 Pork loin cutlets (or pork chops) 2 cans of white beans (Haricot beans) drained and rinsed well 1 heaped tsp. paprika (I used sweet paprika but smoked is fine) salt and pepper
WHAT TO DO: 1. Fry the chopped onion in 1 tbsp. of olive oil until brown. Add the crushed garlic, the chopped bacon and chopped chilli and fry until the bacon is cooked and crispy. Add the beans, paprika, cumin, chopped tomatoes, passata, tomato puree, brown sugar, treacle, Worcestershire sauce and salt and pepper. Stir well and bring to a simmer. 2. Pour the beans into a casserole dish and put on the lid. Bake at 160c for 35-45 minutes until your house smells delicious. Stir the beans half way through cooking and to check it has enough liquid still. You want them to be saucy but not too wet. 3. Meanwhile, crack lots of pepper onto a plate. Oil your pork and roll into the pepper on the sides of the pork. Season with salt. Heat up a pan and cook the pork for 5-7 minutes on each side or until cooked through. Set aside to rest for 5 minutes. Serve the beans and pork together and enjoy in front of the fire.
BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS
55
APPETITE
BOO’S LITTLE KITCHEN
TOFFEE APPLES AND CHOCOLATE COVERED CINDER TOFFEE WHAT YOU’LL NEED: 300g soft brown sugar 150ml water 40g butter ½ tsp. vinegar 2 tbsp. golden syrup 4 apples 1 tsp bicarbonate soda 100g chocolate
WHAT TO DO: 1. Dissolve the sugar and water together in a pan over a medium heat. Add the butter, vinegar and syrup and bring to a boil. Boil until the ‘cracking’ stage, about 138c. To test this put some of the caramel into some cold water and if it instantly hardens its ready, if it’s still soft then carry on boiling. It should take about 10 minutes. 2. While the sugar is boiling, prep the apples by twisting off the stalks and put in a skewer or lolly stick through the bottom core. Get a piece of baking parchment ready on a board to put the apples on. Also, put some parchment in a tin for the cinder toffee. 3. When the caramel is ready, remove immediately from the heat and dip in the apples, coating it all over. Put onto the parchment and leave to harden. 4. With the rest of the caramel, quickly put in the bicarbonate of soda and stand back as it will foam and bubble up, creating the honeycomb. Pour into the parchment lined tin and leave to harden. 5. Temper the chocolate buy melting two thirds of the chocolate in a bowl over a pan of hot water. When melted, remove the bowl from the pan and put in the rest of the chocolate. Stir until melted. 6.Break the cinder toffee into chunks. Dip the chunks into the chocolate and pop onto a plate. Leave to set in the fridge. Enjoy by the bonfire, wrap in cellophane to give as a gift or just eat it in front of the telly, whatever you do, enjoy it!
56
ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE
44 SEATER RESTAURANT AVAILABLE FOR PRIVATE FUNCTIONS
EN SUITE ACCREDITED FOUR STAR ROOMS
The Railway Station Hotel is a traditional yet stylish 18th Century country pub located in the beautiful village of Port St Mary and is situated alongside the Train Station. The Railway Station Hotel re-opened in June 2013 after being acquired, and has since been extensively re furbished. It offers great food in a Traditional yet contemporary setting. The pub has a main bar with a stylish yet intimate restaurant. Both the Lounge Bar and Restaurant have wood burning fires which provide character and warmth during the chilly winter months. There is a sunny garden to the rear of the pub which is perfect for summer dining plus a children’s playground for our younger customers to enjoy.
You are assured to receive a warm welcome from our Team who willingly offer from our menu a range of Traditional country favourites we know and love, freshly prepared using locally sourced ingredients. Our Head Chef Marcus Sutton, specialises in Oriental Cuisine including Sushi, which is available at the Weekends and is advisable to pre book.
It goes without saying that we have a great selection of wines and ales to compliment the food. The 44 seater restaurant is also available for private functions from birthday parties to corporate functions and is a perfect setting for your Christmas Parties. Dinner Bed and Breakfast packages are available as the Hotel has En Suite accredited Four star rooms.
CHRISTMAS AT THE RAILWAY STATION HOTEL Our Christmas Menu is now available for your perusal. Prices starting from ÂŁ14.95 for One Course up to a tailored Seven Course. For Christmas Bookings please contact the Restaurant Manager Matt Cheetham on 832494 who will be happy to discuss your requirements.
A CHARMING CONTEMPORARY EXPERIENCE
FOOD SERVED 7 DAYS A WEEK
The Railway Station Hotel - Station Road - Port St Mary - IM9 5LF
01624 832494 - E mail stationpsm@manx.net - www.therailwaystationhotel.com
o l l e d r o B mas t s i r h C o l l e d r o B
NEW YEAR PARTY CELEBRATION tickets available to purchase now
ing for r te a c , y il a d d e v Bar foodteseorr corporate parties priva
AVAILABLE DECEMBER 1ST-30TH 3 COURSE MEAL AT £15.95 PER PERSON STARTERS Homemade soup of the day Caprese salad tomato and mozzarella sliced topped with basil leaves and olive oil Chicken liver pâté accomplice with toast and cranberry sauce Mini vol au vent filled with white sauce and mushrooms Prawn cocktail traditional prawns cocktail served with crusty bread
MAIN COURSE Vegetarian pasta Traditional turkey served with chipolata sausages, stuffing, roast potatoes, vegetable and gravy Marinate salmon Cajun and mint served with chop tomato sauce, vegetable and roast potatoes Beef stroganoff served with rice Risotto alle zucchini prawns, courgettes and cream risotto
SWEETS Christmas pudding and brandy sauce Mixed berry panna cotta Traditional tiramisu
To book call or email
Tel 01624 610209 Email bordello@manxnet.com
www.bordellowinebar.co.uk
Bordello Wine Bar & Nightclub OFFERS & PROMOTIONS • House Spirits (vodka - rum - gin) double it for an extra £1 all day until 11pm • Cocktails £4.50, jug of cocktail £12.00 • Bottle of house champagne at only £25 • A huge 40% of your food bill between 5-9 PM • Lunch specials – call for details • We cater for all occasions including (wedding, christening, birthdays & leaving parties). Get 40% discount on any buffet for large parties • Private function room with no hire charge for groups of 20+ • Maximum capability 150 person • Gift vouchers available All offers exclude December
OPENING HOURS MON - TUE • 12-2PM WED - THUR • 12-2PM 5-10PM FRI - SAT • 12PM-3AM SUNDAY CLOSED
(OPEN FOR PRIVATE FUNCTIONS ONLY)
BORDELLO WINE BAR & NIGHTCLUB 6/7 Peveril Buildings, Loch Promenade, Douglas, IM1 2BT T: 01624 610209 E: bordello@manx.net www.bordellowinebar.co.uk
58
ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE
AT LA PIAZZA RESTAURANT AVAILABLE DECEMBER 1ST-30TH 3 COURSE MEAL AT £21.50 PER PERSON Complimentary Plain Garlic Bread
STARTERS Crema di Zucca Rossa Roast pumpkin and sweet potato soup served with paprika and oregano garlic croutons Soufflé Agli Spinaci Spinach and cauliflower soufflé topped with parmesan cheese and roast walnut sauce Rotolini Di Salmone Salmon and prawn mousse wrapped with smoked salmon and dill drizzled with citronette Polpette Gratinate Meatballs cooked in tomato sauce topped with gorgonzola cheese and bread crumb gratinate
MAIN COURSE
OFFERS & PROMOTIONS • Lunch special - £6 to include a soft drink, available from January 2015 • Take away service available • 3 course meal set menu at £17.95 • Check daily promotions on our website or facebook page • All customers who dine at La piazza on New Years Eve will receive a free entry pass for Bordello Wine Bar & Nightclub New Years celebrations • We also provide catering for events • Vegetarian choice menu available • Gluten free pasta and pizza
OPENING HOURS MON - FRI • 12-2PM & 6-10PM SAT - SUN • 5-10PM
WE ARE TAKING CHRISTMAS BOOKINGS NOW, call to discuss your requirements
LA PIAZZA RESTAURANT
Pasta Vegetariana Pasta cooked in a tomato sauce with carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, peas, green beans and onion Ravioli D’Aragosta Lobster filled pasta pan fried with cherry tomatoes, basil, garlic flambé with cognac in a tomato & cream sauce Rolatine Di Tacchino Stuffed turkey breast with sage and onion stuffing served with chestnuts, Porto gravy reduction, vegetables and roast potatoes Salmone Glassato Allo Zucchero Di Canna e Ananas Pan fried caramelized salmon topped with a marinated pineapple ring with brown sugar and cinnamon served with pineapple sauce and sauté spinach, vegetables and roast potatoes Petto D’Anatra Agli Asparagi Female duck breast cooked pink, lined on asparagus, topped with melted French brie drizzled with balsamic reduction and pomegranates served with vegetables and roast potatoes
SWEETS Choose from Chocolate Profiteroles, Tiramisu Chocolate Fudge Cake or Coppa Amaretto
TEA OR COFFEE
Grand View Hotel, Loch Promenade, Douglas, IM1 2BT
TO BOOK CALL OR EMAIL
T: 01624 672136 E: lapiazzarestaurant@yahoo.com www.lapiazza.co.im
E: lapiazzarestaurant@yahoo.com
BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS
T: 01624 672136
59
APPETITE
WORDS | Anne Berry | The Wine Cellar
masculine red T
here are hundreds of grape varieties used to produce wines around the world, each with its own distinctive characteristics. The delicate, floral and aromatic varieties, such as Muscat or Treixadura, are described as feminine, while those that produce wines strong in flavour, tannin and body are thought of as masculine. Arguably the most masculine of all the red varieties is Cabernet Sauvignon, with its powerful structure, firm tannins and classic blackcurrant and cedar character. It was discovered as recently as 1997, that Cabernet Sauvignon originates from the spontaneous crossing of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc. This is thought to have occurred in Bordeaux many years ago, when vineyards were planted with a mixture of different vines. Depending on where Cabernet Sauvignon is grown, it can show the varietal character of both or either of its parents. Cabernet Franc is softer than Cabernet Sauvignon and has violet and raspberry aromas, while Sauvignon Blanc, when young, can show hints of blackcurrant on both the nose and palate. The berries of the Cabernet Sauvignon have a thick skin, are very small and dark blue in colour. Tannins are found in the skins of grapes, so the smaller the berry and the thicker the skin, the higher the proportion of tannin to juice. It is tannin that allows a red wine to age well which is why wines made from Cabernet Sauvignon can be among the longest lasting wines in the world. As the tannin can be very high, Cabernet is often blended with Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec which not only soften it slightly, but can also add complexity, especially when aged in oak barrels.
Historically, Cabernet Sauvignon was grown predominantly in Bordeaux in France and remains the most important variety in the first growth Clarets. However, it is in the New World where it has seen the most growth in the last three decades and where it is producing some stunning wines in all price brackets, sometimes as a single varietal but often as part of a blend. In Chile, Cabernet Sauvignon is now the most widely planted red variety. Here, the fruit is exceptionally healthy and the wines show wonderful varietal character. Vina Leyda Cabernet Sauvignon at £10.75 is elegant, smooth and full flavoured with soft tannins. After fermentation it was left on its lees to add structure and then aged in oak for 10 months to give additional texture. It is an excellent example of new world Cabernet Sauvignon. Cabernet Sauvignon was widely planted in New Zealand in the early days of international exports, but was soon superceded by Pinot Noir. However, in recent years, Gimblett Gravels, a sub area of Hawkes Bay on the North Island, has been recognised as having soil ideal for growing Bordeaux varieties. Some exceptional value and long lived wines, such as Esk Valley Merlot, Cab, Malbec Gimblett Gravels £15.65, are now being produced from here. It is a full bodied and rich wine, densely coloured with aromas of plums, red fruits, dried herbs and hints
of oak. Soft on the palate, it is easy to enjoy as a young wine, however well ripened tannins suggest it has the potential to age exceptionally well. Argentina is another country where Cabernet Sauvignon flourishes. Although Malbec is still regarded as Argentina’s most important variety, some of the Cabernets can give fabulous value for money. Don David Cabernet Sauvignon £11.25, produced from organically grown grapes high up in the Calchaqui Valley in the Andes is a fine example. The winemaker aims to produce an elegant and complex wine, using only the first press juice. A large proportion of the wine is aged in oak to add complexity and it has flavours of blackcurrant, cedar, coffee and chocolate. Easy to enjoy by itself, but equally at home with a good steak or a plate of hard cheeses. Another good example is Unamine £16.95. This is a blend from Argentina made up of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Malbec and 15% Cabernet Franc. The grapes come from 50 year old vines growing in deep and stony soil, giving naturally low yields. The wine is aged in new French oak for 20 months, which contributes spice and complexity to the wine. It is rich and rounded with long lasting black fruit, tobacco and spicy flavours. You can drink it now, best to decant, or, if you can be patient, allow it to age for a further 2-3 years and allow those flavours to develop further. A great value bottle of wine!
THE WINE CELLAR • TENNIS ROAD • DOUGLAS • IM2 3QW TELEPHONE: 01624 611793 • EMAIL: anne@thewinecellar.im
60
ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE
Isle of Man | Home & Interiors | November 2014
The best place to find a new place in the Isle of Man
Free Calls! Get free calls to all Sure mobiles, and to local, UK and Ireland landlines, with NEW Sure Home Phone.
No monthly rental, and international calls from only 6p per minute. For more information, call into a Sure store in Douglas, Ramsey or Port Erin, or visit www.sure.com.
Terms and Conditions apply. See website for details.
HOME
ISLE OF MAN HOME & INTERIORS Isle of Man | Home & Interiors | November 2014
The best place to find a new place in the Isle of Man
72
74
78
66
66
82
68
76
INVOLVED IN PROPERTY? PLACES IS THE PLACE FOR YOU Places is the Isle of Man’s only publication dedicated to multi-agent, highquality property related listings and features. Places offers ultra competitive rates for high-impact premium property goods and services marketing. If you’re an agent, developer, or supply products and services to the home-owner, get in touch. Places is published monthly in Gallery magazine and online at: www.gallery.co.im
GET INCLUDED IN THE NEXT EDITION T: 07624 249249 A
78 PROPERTY & FEATURES
Featured Property....................................................................................................66
Renovation Rescue.............................................................................................68 Featured Property...............................................................................................72
72 Finishing Touches..............................................................................................76 Featured Property...............................................................................................82
PUBLICATION
BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS
63
The Island’s most advanced estate agency, website and 24/7 platform GarforthGray simply set out to create an easy and hassle free Estate Agency experience, and by considering every function each step has become more efficient. It all adds up to create a great experience. Over the years, estate agency has changed in many ways. But the principles that define it haven’t: great communication, successful negotiation and powerful marketing. So when we set out to create the 24/7 platform, we wanted to create a powerful and easy to use interface, while maintaining the elements that people are used to. It’s the next natural step in the evolution of estate agency. Not just because of its functionality and ease, but because of what it empowers you to do. We are changing the way property is LET & SOLD. This is the biggest change that the Isle of Man property market has seen, and we are very excited to be the first to provide a number of great features: Viewings 7 days a week Live Chat ‘BUY ME’ and ‘RENT ME’ boards Transparent fee options 24/7 access Fully interactive platform Enhanced photography Online payments Live web statistics Longer opening hours Powerful marketing
01624 667788 / www.garforthgray.im
SELLING
24/7 Selling Power GarforthGray is simply the best way to sell your property in the Isle of Man. You are empowered with a 24/7 platform that complements the 24/7 nature of the internet. 93% of buyers start their search online. By registering with us you unlock 24/7 Selling Power. You can track web hits, viewings and feedback, receive offers online, analyse the data and achieve the best possible price. So while the High Street is asleep we are ensuring your property is receiving the best service available. 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
Complete Transparency Update Property Details View Live Web Stats See Your Viewings & Feedback Great Photography Messaging System Unique Pricing Structure
LETTING
Letting Made Easy For only £399.00 + Vat you could let your property with the Island’s first and only property platform, empowering you to track our progress 24 hours a day. Your future tenant is reference checked and you have the peace of mind that the initial rent and deposit is paid before the keys are handed over. Get more from your investment.
Complete Online Systems Rent and Deposit Collection Professional References More From Your Investment From £399 +VAT
BU YING
Buy The Property You Always Wanted Buyers who register with GarforthGray immediately gain the advantage. Not only are we great at marketing property but we have also developed great features when you are hunting for your Dream Home. Our portal saves your favourite properties and also cleverly makes suggestions about listings you may have missed but might like to view.
Powerful Search Favouriting System Request Viewings Online Leave Feedback Online Make Offers Online
R ENTING
Rent A Property Fast Using GarforthGray means you get an Isle of Man Estate Agent with a difference. A fully interactive database creates the Island’s leading property hub bringing Landlords and Tenants together quickly. Our team works longer hours to ensure we find you the most suitable property to rent.
Great Search Features Request Viewings Online 8 till Late Instant Viewings Full Photography Ask Questions Online
HOME
FEATURED PROPERTY
Delightful private garden -
5
6
5
4
Lovely six bedroom characterful and spacious residence which has been extended, situated close to schools, the airport and village amenities. The property comprises of two reception rooms, a sun room, study, games room, modern fitted kitchen, two utility rooms and a cloakroom. Two of the bedrooms have en-suites, there is a family bathroom and also a toilet. The property includes a storeroom and barbecue which is housed indoors. There is a detached two story stone building which is currently being used as a store, a long driveway with ample parking and also pavioured parking for two vehicles. Natural gardens and wood surround the property along with a delightful private garden. Oil fired central heating and UPVC double glazed throughout. HARMONY HOMES, PORT ERIN T: 835252 www.harmonyhomes.co.im
LINKS CLOSE, PEEL ÂŁ495,000 Spacious detached bungalow 5
6
5
4
A spacious detached bungalow adjacent to a prestigious golf club which established in 1895. The property is situated within walking distance to all village amenities, comprising a good sized lounge, dining room and conservatory enjoying views over the golf course. The kitchen which includes appliances has a pleasant outlook on the front garden and there is also a utility room. There are four bedrooms, two of which have en-suites and a family bathroom. The property comes with two garages (one currently used as a store room) and a boiler room. Externally there are delightful well maintained gardens, a greenhouse, timber shed and barbecue area. HARMONY HOMES, PEEL T:845252 www.harmonyhomes.co.im
66
ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE
HANDCRAFTED EXCELLENCE
Associated with Quality buildings on the d4
Isle of Man since 1968 d7
From inception to completion and all points in between!
Hand-crafted bespoke Kitchens • Bedrooms • Panelling • Libraries From concept through to completion, we are with you all the way to help create your custom-built home you call your own.
Glen Road, Laxey, Isle of Man IM4 7AR Telephone: +44 1624 861094 Email: enquiries@paulbloom.im Website: www.paulbloom.im
PROJECT MANAGEMENT • ARCHITECTURE • SURVEYING • SITE INSPECTORATE
Dalrymple Associates Court Row Chambers, Ramsey, Isle of Man, IM8 1JS
email:
enquiries@dal.co.im |
tel:
01624 818188
Are you thinking of replacing your windows? Then think about it no more, give use a call today. Bi-fold doors Aluminium & PVC windows Soffits Fascia boards Triple glazing Replacement double glazed units made on the Island, also repairs
Call now for a free quotation 620254 Regal Aluminium | Unit 17 | Snugborough Trading Estate | Braddan | Isle of Man. M: 370393 | Email: enquiries@regalaluminium.co.uk
www.regalaluminium.co.uk
HOME
rescue
W
hether you’re renovating a rundown property because you love a challenge, you love DIY, or simple because it’s all you could afford, one thing remains the same: it will be enormously disruptive.
DOING THE WORK AS AND WHEN YOU CAN OFTEN MAKES LIFE EASIER.
And first thing to consider if you’ve bought or are buying a property that needs a lot of work, is whether you can live in it while the work’s being done. Major work, especially if it’s disruptive, may make this impossible, at least for a while, but if you don’t have anywhere else to stay, it’s amazing what you can put up with if you have to! That said, living on site is often difficult, dirty and stressful, so it’s not for
68
everyone and if you haven’t done it before, you may find that you can’t cope. Doing the work as and when you can often makes life easier. However, some jobs often the dirtiest and most disruptive, such as rewiring, reroofing, repiping and damp treatment - shouldn’t be delayed, because you need to get the basics right before improving the property in more cosmetic
ways. It’s no good replastering and then rewiring later, for example, because rewiring involves making channels in the plaster for the cables.
If you’re not sure about the order of works, a good builder will be able to advise you. However, your builder and other contractors may not thank you for living on site, as they’ll have to work around you and your stuff. Hiring a storage unit or garage for unnecessary furniture and possessions can be money very well spent. Living in the property can also make it hard to objectively decide on the order of works. You might delay ripping out the bathroom and kitchen for as long as possible, as
ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE
HOME
particular, to avoid ruining things you’ve already done. Getting the order of works right is key - get it wrong and you’ll waste time, effort and, most importantly, money.
this will make living conditions worse, but it also causes unnecessary delays.
Because it’s hard to START AT THE TOP AND WORK DOWN, WITH BOTH manage without a shower and loo, but THE PROPERTY IN GENERAL AND EACH ROOM IN perhaps you can PARTICULAR, TO AVOID RUINING THINGS YOU’VE shower at work or ALREADY DONE THAT SAID, the gym and hire a HOWEVER portable loo? Life WELL YOU PLAN without a kitchen is . YOUR PROJECT, also bearable - for a RENOVATIONS while. You can rustle TEND TO COST up all sorts of meals It often makes sense to get the new A LOT MORE MONEY - AND TAKE A with a microwave and George Foreman Fat bathroom and kitchen in early on, although LOT LONGER - THAN YOU EXPECT, Reducing Grill (www.georgeforeman.co.uk they’re not the cheapest rooms to fit out, or SO IF YOU’RE ON A BUDGET, - the new range is excellent), or if you don’t you may want to concentrate on finishing YOU’LL NEED TO PRIORITISE mind buying an appliance you probably one room or storey so you can live there. YOUR SPENDING, ESPECIALLY IF won’t use after the renovation, a mini Start at the top and work down, with both UNFORESEEN PROBLEMS ARISE. multifunction oven with hotplates - Russell the property in general and each room in Hobbs (uk.russellhobbs.com) does one.
CREATE YOUR WORLD BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS
@
Isle of Man Business Park, Cooil Road, Douglas
Call today on: 01624 625229 philipcharles.im 69
HOME
The Elms, Ramsey 27 Western Avenue, Douglas 34 St Catherines Drive, Douglas Maughold Vicarage, Maughold Lucerne Lodge, Lucerne Court, Douglas Local properties at your fingertips www.blackgracecowley.com
The Elms, Ramsey
£127,500 £127,500 - £240,000
• Excellently located, purpose built self-contained apartments • Open plan Lounge/Kitchen/Diner, modern fitted Kitchen • Secure gated entrance into the grounds • Communal gardens and allocated parking • All local amenities nearby • GFCH and uPVC double glazing
27 Western Avenue, Douglas
£215,000 £215,000
• Modern semi-detached house in cul-de-sac location • Ideal Buy to Let or First Time Buyer project • Requiring modernisation and cosmetic updating • Lounge, Kitchen Diner, 3 good sized Bedrooms & Bathroom • Generous off road parking for 2-3 cars • GFCH and uPVC double glazing
34 St Catherines Drive, Douglas
£253,000 £253,000
Maughold Vicarage, Maughold
£399,950 £399,950
• Attractive traditional semi-detached house on the outskirts of Douglas
• Exceptional opportunity to acquire a former vicarage situated in the heart of Maughold
• Entrance Hall, WC, Lounge, Dining/Sitting Room, 18 ft Breakfast Kitchen
• Uninterrupted coastal views set in private landscaped mature gardens
• 3 Bedrooms, Bathroom and useful converted Loft area with ladder access
• Entrance Hall, Cloakroom, Study, Lounge, Dining Room, Kitchen, Utility Room
• Lawned front and rear gardens with driveway parking
• 4 Bedrooms, Family Bathroom and WC
• GFCH with replacement boiler and uPVC double glazing
• Integral single Garage and off street parking
51 Victoria Street, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM1 2LD
01624 645555
Lucerne Lodge, Lucerne Court, Douglas
£1,300,000
• Executive detached residence built to the highest specification
• Ultra-modern bespoke Family Dining Kitchen, Utility
• Situated in an exclusive residential area
• 6 generous double Bedrooms all with luxuriously appointed fully tiled En Suite facilities
• Superior fixtures and fittings throughout
• Solid oak wood and marble floors to the ground floor
• Approximately 6,400 sq ft of contemporary accommodation
• Oak wood grain effect uPVC double glazed windows and doors
• Elegant Reception Hall with a stunning custom built wooden, chrome and glass staircase
• Internal double Garage with 10 car block paved driveway
• 3 generous principal Reception Rooms along with a Home Cinema and Games Room/Study
9 Athol Place, Peel, Isle of Man, IM5 1HE
01624 845696
HOME
FEATURED PROPERTY
BALLAUGHTON MEADOWS, DOUGLAS £625,000 Superb mature gardens-
3
5
3
4
An attractive detached property situated in Ballaughton Meadows which comes with a separate one bedroom annexe. The property comprises of a spacious reception hall with a lovely feature arched uPVC window to the rear, a lounge, dining room and modern fitted kitchen, along with a large conservatory, study, utility room and cloakroom. On the ground floor there is a master suite with a double bedroom and bathroom. There are three further double bedrooms and a family bathroom. The annexe has an en-suite bedroom, kitchen and lounge. The property comes with a double garage and ample parking which is accessed via a gated driveway. There are superb mature gardens with a sweeping lawn and decked patio areas, raised vegetable beds, a large greenhouse and two timber stores. Oil fired central heating, cavity wall insulation and uPVC double glazed. HARMONY HOMES, DOUGLAS Tel: 818222 www.harmoneyhomes.co.im
QUEENS PROMENADE, RAMSEY
£499,000
4 5 5 4 Tailored to ‘multi-generation’ living Balmoral is a fine Victorian period town house, situated in the heart of Ramsey, whilst enjoying breath-taking views over Ramsey Bay, Ramsey Harbour and Queens Pier. Rare to the market, this beautifully maintained and completely refurbished property has been tailored to ‘multi-generational living’ over four floors with two self-contained one bedroom apartments. The property has three reception rooms, a breakfast kitchen, cloaks, study, boot room, utility and a private rear garden. The extensive accommodation retains much of the character and original features of this superb property. An internal inspection is highly recommended.
HARMONY HOMES, RAMSEY Tel: 818222 www.harmoneyhomes.co.im
72
ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE
01624 667788 / www.garforthgray.im
Ballamaria, Bay View Road, Port St Mary
ÂŁ895,000
5 bed / 3 bath / 2 reception
A beautifully restored period house situated in one of the most sought after coastal locations in the south of the Island. Generous living accommodation is provided over 5 floors, complemented by original architectural features. An enchanting coastline animates all living room and bedroom windows. Head to the sun terrace, pour a glass of wine and unwind to the sound of waves lapping onto the shore.
F EAT U R ES
Large double fronted period house Refurbished throughout to a high standard Spectacular views over Port St Mary Bay, harbour & southern coastline 2 magnificent reception rooms Stunning 31ft dining kitchen
For more information on this property:
Utility room & cloakroom 5 double bedrooms (1 en-suite)
Call: 01624 667788 Email: hello@garforthgray.im Visit: www.garforthgray.im
2 family bathrooms Large decked terrace & separate patio garden area
HOME
PROPERTY NEWS THE BLACK GRACE COWLEY RE-BRAND
Words by Tim Groves, Black Grace Cowley
THE RECENT RE-LAUNCH OF OUR BUSINESS HAS EXCEEDED OUR OWN EXPECTATIONS. WE ARE VERY PLEASED WITH HOW OUR BUSINESS IS NOW PORTRAYED IN THE MARKET, FEATURING PROMINENTLY OUTSIDE OUR CLIENTS’ PROPERTIES, ON THE ROADSIDE VIA OUR BRAND NEW REFLECTIVE ‘FOR SALE’ AND ‘TO LET’ BOARDS, IN THE LOCAL PRESS, GALLERY MAGAZINE AND, OF COURSE, ON OUR STATE OF THE ART WEBSITE WWW.BLACKGRACECOWLEY.COM.
74
We started the journey in May 2014 with the aim of modernising our well loved and respected brand to broaden our appeal across the Island’s residential property market. And we think we’ve succeeded! Indeed, a number of our clients (old and new) have told me personally that every time they go out they see one of our new signs and are constantly impressed by them. This is so encouraging for us and goes to show that the effort going into the design, look and appearance of the brand was well worth it. The re-launch has given us the opportunity to take our business back to basics for all our clients and customers, whether they are prospective or existing buyers and sellers. We’re a simple, cost-effective estate agency – no gimmicks. We’re not trying to reinvent the wheel in the hope that it’ll increase our business – we just want to sell and let property. Our updated brand was conceived with this in mind. Since the re-launch, our listings team has seen an 18% increase in new properties coming onto our register. Crucially, sales are also up against the previous year. We also have a very active lettings and management business that is thriving under this new brand, letting 16 new properties in September alone! This is great news for all our clients. That said; the Island’s property market is still very challenging. We all hope that the work we’re doing brings in the anticipated new business. I know it is early days, but you will see results soon, if not immediately.
ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE
HOME
BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS
75
HOME
Fintoisuhcihnegs...
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS Glass Bauble Lights 30 pack £10 Coloured Star Lights 20 pack £10 Battery operated Heart Lights 20 pack £6 Clear Fairy Lights 100 pack £7 Pre-lit Holly Garland £8
PIXIE DECORATIONS Flocked Standing Reindeer £4 Felt Santa Ornament £6
Get into the spirit of the Christmas season and find everything you need at Shoprite Living.
76
Felt Snowflakes 12 pack £2 Merry Christmas Sign £2 Baubles 50 pack £5
ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE
HOME
WILD WOOD DECORATIONS Wonderful Time Cushion £8 Hessian Stocking £4 Bark Heart Candle Holder £3 Fur Deer £4 Rattan Heart with Berries £5
ODYSSEY DECORATIONS Silver Beadchain 5m 75p Pearl Star Tree Topper £5 Snow Wreath £5 Pumpkin Bauble £1 6ft Frosted Slim Green Tree £30
PRODUCTS AVAILABLE FROM SHOPRITE LIVING, CHESTER STREET, DOUGLAS AND MARINA LANE, PORT ERIN
BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS
77
FEATURED PROPERTY
HOME
26 DEVONSHIRE CRESCENT, DOUGLAS - £625,000 Executive Property
BLACK GRACE COWLEY, DOUGLAS TEL: 01624 645555 www.blackgracecowley.com
• Stunning executive detached family home situated in a most desirable residential area • Entrance hallway, 29 ft formal lounge/dining area, family room, office/5th bedroom • 22 ft breakfast kitchen, utility, cloakroom, 4 double bedrooms (2 Luxury ensuite) & bathroom • OFCH & uPVC double glazed throughout • Integral automated double garage • Block paved driveway with parking for 3/4 cars • Mature front and rear gardens • Internal inspection highly recommended
WEST HOUSE, GLEN TRAMMAN, LEZAYRE £525,000 Manx Cottage • •
Well presented and extended Manx cottage situated in a stunning location Flexible accommodation which could be used as large family home or has provision to provide a separate living area • 23 ft living room, sizeable dining room with multi-fuel stove and good sized kitchen diner • First floor master bedroom with balcony, En-Suite wet room, 2nd bedroom and shower room • Second floor en-suite bedroom, family bathroom & 4th bedroom • Tree lined shared driveway with off street parking for multiple cars • Lawned garden and detached double garage • OFCH & uPVC double glazed windows • Viewing highly recommended • No forward chain
BLACK GRACE COWLEY, PEEL TEL: 01624 845696 www.blackgracecowley.com
78
• ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE
HOME
3
Kitchen by top German manufacturer
3
Integrated oven and microwave
3
Integrated fridge freezer and dishwasher
3
Stone worktops, steel extractor hood & ceramic hob
3
Luxurious tiled bathrooms
3
Floor coverings throughout
3
Stylish fitted wardrobes
3
Balcony with sea view
HOME
When it comes to combining practicality with style, we are second to none.
80
ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE
HOME
A NEW KITCHEN OR BEDROOM CAN REVITALISE A HOME
A
utumn is well and truly upon us bringing with it the beauty of nature’s changing colours but also the thought of another long cold dark winter. It is at this time we turn our thoughts to homely things like log fires, warm kitchens, with the smell of home cooking, and cosy bedrooms making us feel safe and content. These two rooms are where we spend a great deal of time when indoors and more and more people are looking to stamp their own persona on them portraying and reflecting individual characteristics and identity. For many households the kitchen is the centre of the home and the hub of activity. However, remodelling the kitchen can be a major undertaking. Where do you start? What must you consider? Storage, lighting, power sources, space and surface, new appliances, safety, ventilation, disposing of rubbish, and you thought it was just picking out the shape and colour of the furniture. Bespoke Solutions will assist you every step along the journey with full project management together with the design, supply, installation and finishing of your perfect kitchen. With over 100 different styles of kitchens and a vast range of worktops, including Corian and quartz, we have kitchens to suit all budgets and styles. We can create bespoke kitchen designs together with a full range of accessories, sinks, taps, doors, flooring
and a wide variety of Bosch appliances. Bespoke Solutions offers a free kitchen design and planning service so you can get the very best results from your available space.
Bedrooms come in all shapes and sizes and often with distinguishing features. Chimney breasts, sloping ceilings and uneven walls; all add character, but they can also cost you valuable storage space. With Bespoke Solutions, space is not an issue because we specialise in making the best use of even the most unusually shaped rooms, providing a range of ingenious fitted furniture solutions to give you maximum storage capacity. We will help redefine the living space for you, working with the room’s features to realise its true potential and our individually designed fitted bedroom furniture will transform even the most irregular shaped bedroom. We want to make sure that you enjoy the process of designing your dream fitted bedroom almost as much as the final result.
understated classics that will not date. And if you love grandeur and opulence, our intricately finished veneer ranges are the perfect choice. When it comes to combining practicality with style, we are second to none. Enhance and personalise your fitted bedroom furniture from many carefully chosen options and accessories. Designed to fit, traditional hinged wardrobes or sliding doors...the choice is yours! Bespoke Solutions is an independent Manx owned and registered company. The company is lead by Managing Director Jonathan Kneen, who is an experienced and highly-qualified Carpenter and Joiner. He will work with you every step of the way in creating your dream room.
All images are from our new showroom in Peel. Come and visit us. OPENING TIMES: Tuesday - Friday • 10am-4.30pm Saturday • 9.30am-1pm All other times by appointment.
Our latest and most contemporary furniture provides dramatic, clean-line styling heavily influenced by continental trends. If you prefer subtle, timeless fitted furniture designs, we offer a range of
Bespoke Solutions • Unit 2 • Close Beg • Ballawattleworth • Peel • Isle of Man • IM5 4 FX
Tel: (01624) 803040 • Email: info@bespokesolutions.im • www.bespokesolutions.im BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS
81
HOME
FEATURED PROPERTY
NEW BUILD 3 BEDROOM MEWS, REAYRT NY CRONK, PEEL - £235,000 Superb value for money
VIEWING HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. PRICE INCLUDES: • Luxury kitchen by top German manufacturer with stone worktops and appliances • Superb tiled bathroom • Stylish fitted wardrobes • ALL carpets, flooring • ALL window treatments • ALL light fittings
Completed in 2014, this brand new 3 bedroom family home is situated in a quiet cul-de-sac within this popular development on the outskirts of Peel, close to all local amenities. Offering superb value for money, the property comes complete with all light fittings, curtains, blinds, floor and wall coverings, a superb fitted kitchen with stone worktops and quality appliances, tiled bathrooms, fitted wardrobes and the highest levels of finish throughout. On the ground floor, the kitchen-dining room is situated at the front of the property, with the living room at the rear, from which double doors provide access to a patio and the garden. Upstairs there are two double bedrooms, one with fitted wardrobes, a single bedroom and a fantastic family bathroom. HERITAGE HOMES, DOUGLAS TEL: 615000 www.dandara.com
DEANSGATE, LUCERNE COURT, DOUGLAS
£1.495m
Sought after location This superb 5 bedroomed detached executive family home occupies a very private position in this highly sought-after location only a few minutes’ drive from the centre of Douglas. Offering an excellent level of accommodation throughout, Deansgate has a generous number of reception rooms perfect for entertaining and relaxing including a lounge, family room, dining room, large conservatory, dining-kitchen and spacious double-height entrance hall with feature galleried landing. This home also includes a study home office, separate utility room and entrance porch with cloakroom and downstairs W.C. to complete this generous ground floor space. VIEWING HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. PRICE INCLUDES: • Spacious double height entrance hall with galleried landing • Formal lounge • Family room • Formal dining room • Dining-kitchen
• • • •
5 double bedrooms – all en-suite Study/home office Conservatory Landscaped front and rear gardens • Triple garage • Sea views
HERITAGE HOMES, DOUGLAS TEL: 615000 www.dandara.com
82
ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE
ISLE OF MAN BUSINESS NEWS
November 2014
EVENTS
COMMENTS
Issue 9
ON THE AGENDA THIS EDITION:
Island Entrepreneurs Life After A business Sale, Bearded Men, Movember, The Evolution of Man Plus - Rising Equestrian star, In the news, A-list events, Appointments, Dross Boss
Good things come to those who click
Invest and switch your bond portfolio assets online
Another reason to sign up for our online services. Find our more at www.rl360adviser.com/goodthings
RL360 Insurance Company Limited. Registered Offi ce: RL360 House, Cooil Road, Douglas, Isle of Man IM2 2SP, British Isles. RL360 Insurance Company Limited is authorised by the Isle of Man Government Insurance and Pensions Authority. Registered in the Isle of Man Number 053002C. A Member of the Association of International Life Offi ces.
On the Agenda... 86
87 KEY CONTACTS
EDITORIAL Steve Redford T: 01624 619540 DD: 07624 249249 steve@gallery.co.im
99 CONTENTS
ADVERTISING SALES Bev Lawley DD: 07624 415096 Bev@gallery.co.im Disclaimer: All rights reserved. Any form of reproduction of Agenda Isle of Man 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 Agenda 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.
In The News .................................................... 86
Island Entrepreneurs ................................ 98
Movers & Shakers ........................................ . 90
Coutts - Life After A business Sale ..104
Dross Boss ........................................................ 91
RL360 - To Mark A Birthday .......................106
Sure - Carrier Pre-Select........................................92
Beards .........................................................................................108
A List Event ..................................................... . 94
Movember .............................................................................110
Rising Equestrian Star ............................. 96
The Evolution of Man ..........................................112
88
108
104
96 90
86 92
96
800 TALENTED PEOPLE
VISION Bermuda
British Virgin Islands
DO BUSINESS IN STYLE
Cayman Islands
Guernsey
Hong Kong
Isle of Man
Jersey
London
Offshore Legal, Fiduciary and Administration Services applebyglobal.com Mauritius
Seychelles
Shanghai
Zurich
85
BUSINESS NEWS
IN THE NEWS PARK HOUSE NURSERY INVESTS IN ITS FUTURE AS APPROVED LENDING SCHEMES INCREASE AT ISLE OF MAN BANK
KPMG ANNOUNCES INTERNATIONAL SPEAKER LINE-UP FOR 2014 IOM EGAMING SUMMIT
apid
orld vate oup r bit er
KPMG Isle of Man has announced the speaker line-up for its fifth annual eGaming Summit, which includes major international industry experts as well as key representatives of the local eGaming cluster.
m order well tle an, es in cks s, wer,
This year’s Summit features something of a departure from the usual structure, as it commences with a smaller, invite only International Masters of Gaming Law (IMGL) Master Class at the Claremont Hotel on Monday 10th November. This introductory programme will see moderator Joerg Hofmann, Senior Partner at Melchers and President of IMGL,Germany, join panelists Steve Brennan of the IOM Gambling Supervision Commission, Birgitte Sand of the Danish Gambling Authority, Guido Schluetz, of the Gambling Regulation and Supervision in Schleswig-Holstein, Commissioner of the California Gaming Control Commission, Richard Schuetz and Jenny Williams, Commissioner of the UK Gambling Commission, discuss the topic of cross-border cooperation by regulators.
ous hat food ms ate,
The main Summit programme will commence on Tuesday 11th November at the Villa Marina and will incorporate two additional IMGL master-classes. The day’s events will once again open with a welcome address, this time kindly provided by Chief Minister Allan Bell, which will provide an overview of the Isle of Man Government’s approach to supporting and growing the Island’s globally renowned sector. Quirino Mancini, Partner at SCM Lawyers will then discuss the controversial image of gaming in the face of the media and public opinion and what, if anything, the industry is doing to redress it. A sector specific update will follow, during which the Department of Economic Development’s Director for e-business Peter Greenhill and Chief Executive of the Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission will address the challenges and opportunities facing today’s local sector.
86
Isle of Man Bank has experienced a year-on-year increase in the value of lending it is providing to the small and medium sized business community in the Isle of Man; Managing Director of Isle of Man Bank Bill Shimmins is encouraged by the positive signs in the local economy. Mr Shimmins believes that there is significant evidence of successful businesses safeguarding their future against the challenging market conditions that the local economy has experienced in recent times. Isle of Man Bank remains committed to supporting local enterprise with their lending requirements and growth ambitions, from an initial great idea through to expansion and beyond. Most recently, Isle of Man Bank has supported the long established Park House Nursery childcare centre which caters for up to 120 children a week from the ages of two to 11. Owners Dawn Wilders and her husband, David, have operated the popular nursery since 1999, while Dawn has been a customer of Isle of Man Bank since she was 16. When the opportunity arose to buy the nursery premises at the end of the current lease period, Dawn approached her Isle of Man Bank relationship manager Juan Quayle for funding to make the purchase. The purchase gives Dawn and David far greater control over the future of their business since they will own the premises outright when the loan
is repaid. Dawn commented: ‘I have a brilliant long standing team of hardworking staff and special thanks should go to Natasha Gregson (Nursery Manager) who has been with us since day one and has always ensured the smooth running of the Nursery and supported us in getting to where we are today. I have rented the premises since we opened and I have saved for many years hoping that we would eventually have sufficient capital to put forward as a deposit to ensure we can remain in the same business location providing stability for our clients and their children. The Bank has been really helpful throughout and by talking through our financial needs with Juan, we were able to agree a loan for the required funding.’ Bill Shimmins added: ‘We were delighted to support Dawn’s aspirations and Park House Nursery is just one recent example of where the bank has been able to offer its expertise to help customers with their lending objectives. Lending agreements are up 10% year on year among small and medium sized businesses, a sign that confidence is returning within the economy and an illustration of our commitment to supporting the local community.’ THE AGENDA SUPPLEMENT
GOUGH LAW REPRESENTED AT PRESTIGIOUS GLOBAL CONFERENCE Charles Coleman, Director at Gough Law, has been invited to present at one of the financial intelligence industry’s most prestigious events, the OffshoreAlert 3rd Annual European Financial Intelligence & Investigations Conference. Taking place in London’s Bloomsbury Hotel on 10th and 11th November, the OffshoreAlert Conference enables attendees to establish new contacts and exchange financial intelligence on offshore finance including the very latest on tax initiatives, political issues, beneficial ownership registries, financial transparency, and compliance requirements. This year’s programme will encompass the full spectrum of issues affecting high-value international finance, including the latest legal, political, regulatory, compliance and tax issues, the detection and prevention of fraud and money laundering, and asset recovery, all with an emphasis on offshore financial centres. Mr Coleman joins a number of prestigious speakers presenting on a series of fascinating titles, including “The Magnitsky Murder: A Window into Russian Money Laundering”, “Bitcoin:
Its Role in Financial Crime & How to Trace Transactions Back to Individuals”, and “How I Caught the Wolf of Wall Street”. Mr Coleman will himself discuss “Offshore Liquidations & Asset Recovery: Tips for Success”, during which he will demonstrate that offshore jurisdictions are ‘different creatures’ in comparison to their onshore counterparts. Mr Coleman draws upon extensive experience acting in complex and high value financial services and company disputes, with specialties in quasifraud, investment and fund failures and high court injunctions, including asset tracing and freezing, to provide expert insight into the peculiarities of offshore liquidations and asset recovery and offer a list of ‘do’s and don’ts’ for creditors and victims of fraud who are seeking to recover assets.
APPLEBY EXCELS IN LEGAL 500 RANKINGS FOR 2014 Appleby (Isle of Man) LLC has achieved tier 1 ranking across eight categories in 2014 according to The Legal 500, the world’s leading independent authority on legal services providers. There was also individual recognition for 15 Appleby lawyers in the Isle of Man when the updated UK guide was published on Wednesday. Appleby achieved a total of 11 tier 1 rankings, with the Isle of Man office receiving eight, an improvement on last year’s seven categories, and the Jersey office receiving three. Appleby Isle of Man office received tier 1 ranking in banking and finance, commercial, dispute resolution, employment, insurance and pensions, investment funds and capital markets, e-gaming, and shipping and aviation. Among the Isle of Man lawyers to receive individual recognition were Partner Claire Milne, who was described as ‘exceptional in her field’, and Partner Simon Harding for leading a team that has ‘a strong knowledge of local insurance regulation and legislation’ and ‘can also provide a more global outlook’. Faye Moffett, Partner and Corporate and Commercial Practice Group Head, was praised as giving ‘commercially astute’ advice which is ‘always given in a timely fashion’, and was recommended for her ‘willingness to assist and help to achieve completions when timescales are tight’. Also acknowledged were Partner Simon Cain and Associate Tom Brook, for advising a communications company on the refinancing of its senior debt facilities, and Counsel Michelle Brook for being ‘very responsive’. The Legal 500 UK 2014 guide also notes that Associate Eleanor Dangerfield ‘goes above and beyond to ensure that transactions run as smoothly and efficiently as possible’.
DO BUSINESS IN STYLE
YOU CAN! THIRD EDITION LAUNCHED October 2014 marked the much anticipated launch of the third edition of You Can!; the eGaming industry’s start to finish guide on forming, licensing and running an eGaming company on the Isle of Man. You Can! combines the expertise of numerous individuals and organisations from across the Island’s world renowned eGaming cluster, ranging from representatives of government and the private sector, to regulatory and legislative bodies, and incumbent operators. At more than 200 pages over 5 chapters, it forms a complete elaboration of the Isle of Man’s eGaming proposition to potential investors and acts as a trusted industry resource and guide for anyone wishing to enter into or consolidate within the global market. Chapters encompass the practicalities of licensing and operating on the Isle of Man, including business modeling, infrastructure, player and data protection and assistance, as well as the ‘softer issues’ such as recruitment, education, access to ancillary and non-licensed sectors, and Island life. You Can! will be available for download in electronic format via the government website.
87
ENTREPRENEURS WORDS
LES ABLE
likes to nurture talent in inexperienced young people and believes culture to be more important than qualifications; while anyone, at any level of business, who displays arrogance is likely to get a frosty response. Her personal and business values are, “be kind, stay positive, have fun and work hard”.
AWARD WINNING SERIAL ENTREPRENEUR JO HAIGH WHOSE WHOLE LIFE HAS BEEN ‘ABOUT BUSINESS’ BUSINESS, with all its peaks and troughs, has been the adrenalin of daily life for Jo Haigh since she was a 16-year-old teenager and in the year that has seen her take over the reins as non-executive chair of Isle of Man-based ICM Group of companies she is also celebrating 25 years of running her own business. Introducing her as the guest speaker at the Institute of Directors autumn lunch at the Sefton Hotel IoD chairman of the Isle of Man branch Clive Parrish said: “An experienced dealmaker, Jo specialises in putting together the right deal at the right time and in the right format for growing businesses throughout the country.” He added: “Jo has bought and sold over 300 companies in the last 20 years specialising in owner managed companies worth between £2m and £20m.” Jo, who describes herself as a ‘straight talking Yorkshire lass, and proud of it’, told guests who included Lieutenant Governor Adam Wood: “My whole life has been about business.” From a working class background, education was Huddersfield Secondary School and her first job was as a wages clerk. When she was 16 her father died and her mother had to take over the running of the family sheet metal business in Huddersfield. She recalls how the conversation around the kitchen table was inevitably about the family business and money, sometimes even the lack of it. Today Jo, a serial entrepreneur whose
88
first board directorship was at the age of 26, is the force behind fds Corporate Finance, a boutique corporate finance house with offices in Wakefield, London and Birmingham. She has notched up a quarter of a century in buying and selling businesses and raising finance for owner managed companies. During those 25 years she has held more than 40 nonexecutive roles in companies across the UK and sold three of her own companies along with undertaking two personal MBOs. Stressing the importance of nonexecutive directors and asked what qualities they should bring to the role she replied: “The ability to listen and know when it’s appropriate to intervene.” She is the author of five best selling books and her latest, ‘The Keys to the Boardroom, how to get there and how to stay there’ was released in 2013. She is now in the throes of writing a sixth book, ‘Doing Business Right, The Wrong Way’, while also finding the time to run an art gallery in Wakefield. Awards for her myriad of business activities and successes are numerous as are the plaudits from the great and the good of industry and commerce. But ask Jo, a vivacious 56-yearold mother of four grown up and successful children and more recently a grandmother, who she most admires as a business achiever and her reply without any hesitation is her mother. “She had to take over a nasty, grimy business in a Yorkshire town in the late 1970s where women then got married and had babies. She has to be my hero.” She employs 15 people in a business that sells around 25 companies a year. She
“I never go to a gym and am lucky to be blessed with good health but my one regular indulgence is having my nails done,” said Jo, a self-confessed ‘Thatcherite child’, in an interview before the lunch. “My most recent guilty pleasure is a bright red Porsche Boxster, I call it my MenoPorsche, but then I’m sometimes too embarrassed to be seen driving it.” She admits that when her children were young she had a full-time nanny. “I was never going to be a stay at home mum but like any working mum there were always those occasions when you have pangs of guilt but I had and still have a very supportive husband. We did work together for a time but I’m a massive control freak and risk taker and very, very organised and he is the opposite to me and very quiet. I happened to be this crazy, driven woman whose children went on to become massively career orientated. “I never felt disadvantaged by being a woman and I think that sometimes a woman can herself create any challenges there might be. I do, however, go along with the philosophy of former US Secretary of State Madeline Albright when she said there would be a special place in hell for a woman who didn’t help and give advice to another woman. I also follow the advice of Coco Chanel, who said dress well and notice the woman, dress badly and notice the dress. “I always told my children they ‘could’, never ‘can’t’. Every ‘failure’ is moving nearer to a goal and in business it was only after many, many setbacks that Sir James Dyson succeeded in setting up his own factory. It’s also important to remember that it’s not a sin to be successful.” Her final advice: “No matter how you feel get up, dress up, show up and never give up.”
THE AGENDA SUPPLEMENT
“Nedbank Private Wealth is a first class bank”* OUR BANKING, INVESTMENT AND FIDUCIARY SOLUTIONS ARE TAILORED TO CLIENT NEEDS
We always put our clients first, which is why we have held, for the past five years, the highest ever client satisfaction score for our speed of response* - and it’s why our clients say we’re a first class bank. To find out how our holistic approach and comprehensive product range can meet your wealth management needs, visit our website at www.nedbankprivatewealth.com or call us on 01624 645000.
U N I T E D
K I N G D O M
|
I S L E
O F
M A N
|
J E R S E Y
|
U N I T E D
A R A B
E M I R A T E S
|
S O U T H
A F R I C A
Nedbank Private Wealth is a registered trade name of Nedbank Private Wealth Limited. Nedbank Private Wealth Limited is licensed by the Isle of Man Financial Supervision Commission. Registered office: St Mary’s Court 20 Hill Street Douglas Isle of Man. Nedgroup Trust (Jersey) Limited is regulated by the Jersey Financial Services Commission. * Client quote and results from a client satisfaction survey undertaken in 2013 by The Leadership Factor, the UK’s leading customer survey specialist.
APPOINTMENTS
BARCLAYS GROWS BUSINESS BANKING TEAM
HASEEB QURESHI JOINS CAINS ACCOUNTING SERVICES
MANX TELECOM STRENGTHENS OFF-ISLAND BUSINESS TEAM
Barclays has appointed Gareth Rowlands as head of business banking in the Isle of Man and has made seven other appointments to the business banking team.
Cains Advocates is expanding its Accounting Services team in the face of increased demand from clients with the appointment of Haseeb Qureshi who has a background in both internal and external audit procedures.
Manx Telecom has appointed Ian Liddle as a Senior Account Manager for the company’s Chameleon portfolio of products.
Mr. Rowlands will manage the team of relationship managers that look after a diverse portfolio of local and international businesses. The team offer a range of business products from traditional business accounts to lending, cash management, foreign exchange and treasury solutions. Before joining Barclays, Mr. Rowlands was area director of Lombard Manx Leasing Limited with offices in the Isle of Man and Gibraltar.
Haseeb, 26, who joins from KPMG (Isle of Man) where he qualified as a Chartered Certified Accountant, will be responsible for managing a portfolio of corporate clients, focusing on commercial and private investment structures. EQUIOM GROUP APPOINTS FATCA SPECIALIST
Chameleon is the brand name for the company’s UK/EU focused smart SIM solutions. It is designed for strategic partners and resellers who provide connection critical, M2M (machine to machine), and MVNO solutions to their clients. This latest appointment is part of the continued drive to grow the company’s off-Island business. FIRST NAMES GROUP APPOINT MATT HAYNES AS GROUP BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
KEVIN O’RIORDAN JOINS KELLY LUFT STANLEY & ASHTON
Leading international trust and corporate services provider, Equiom, has announced the appointment of Andrew Halsall as FATCA and Regulatory Reporting Manager. Kevin O’Riordan has joined established local advocates, Kelly Luft Stanley & Ashton. Mr O’Riordan comes to Kelly Luft after 18 years with Simcocks where he was a litigation director. Acknowledged as one of the island’s leading contentious trust and family law practitioners he is also a trained and active mediator in family and civil matters and current president of the Isle of Man Law Society.
90
The new position has been created in response to the increasing complexity of requirements around FATCA and the Common Reporting Standard and is intended to ensure the highest standards of compliance and client care in relation to automatic exchange of information. Andy will be responsible for proactively offering guidance directly to Equiom’s clients in order to deal with the new regime. In addition to this he will provide advice and support to Equiom’s staff in managing any FATCA related queries.
First Names Group is delighted to announce the appointment of Matt Haynes as Group Business Development Director. Matt’s appointment will significantly strengthen the Business Development team, as the international Group continues its ambitious organic growth strategy. In this new role, Matt will be based in the Jersey office and responsible for supporting the organic growth of the Group. He will develop key client and intermediary initiatives in addition to new business opportunities across the Group’s 14 locations. Matt will also oversee the Group Business Development team, reporting to Group Commercial Director Kevin O’Connell. THE AGENDA SUPPLEMENT
DROSS BOSS
Breathe down your neck boss Everyone hates the micro manager; they trust no-one and undermine everyone. Least likely to say; “that’s a great idea, can you set that up?” Most likely to say; “this is clearly a Calibri (Body) bold print heading, I have no idea why you would even think of using Arial!” They’re always there, splitting hairs, hovering in doorways or hassling you through ubiquitous post it notes that obnoxiously greet you when you arrive in next morning; “I’ve re-spaced your paragraphs! You’re welcome!”
Fun Boss WORDS
CLARE BOWIE
dross boss anyone?
Like a sad clown, fun boss is never really fun. All the novelty socks and ties for Mr Fun Boss or crazy print dresses and mad hair for Mrs Fun Boss and the OTT gregarious laughing are just their way of trying to be your friend. Unpopular at school or unlucky in love their fun side soon gives way to the fragile mess beneath. They follow you to the pub where they thrive on red wine and bitter memories. All the while, you have to listen, maintain your tolerant work persona and resist the urge to shout, “move on for crying out loud”, because they are still your boss and you are the hostage and you have to pretend that you’re interested or they’ll turn on you and steal more of your ideas.
Jurassic boss This ol’ fella has somehow managed to reach the top of the management pile but has not quite caught up with the latest century. He dreams of the good old days when he had an office wife to type up notes and pick up his sarnies. He thinks LinkedIn is a dating website, #HeForShe is code for cross dressing and he’s still not convinced that doing away with the fax machine was a smart move. It’s difficult to know exactly what he does and bizarre that so many of his mysterious afternoon meetings require a school tie and a nine iron.
Scary boss Scary boss is of course a lonely boss. Intimidation, screaming and “friendly nicknames” seem to work best on their watch; it’s more a slamming-door than open-door policy in this office. They prey on shy and introverted “weak” people to inflate their lofty sense of power and hide their incompetence. They are oblivious to their unpopularity and social awkwardness and often turn up (uninvited) to after work drinks trying to be “pals” with everyone. This usually includes them talking loudly about themselves; telling everyone how wonderfully well they did in their A levels, 15 years ago, or dropping intriguing hints about classified work stuff in a “I know something that you don’t know” tone.
Company boss
8 of the worst
Company boss is seriously lacking in charisma. They’ve worked here FOREVER and are the ultimate company man/woman, insisting that things be done the way they always were. Carpe diem is something on their to-do list, to tackle at a later date, when work has calmed down a bit and the forecasts, financial planning and monthly figures have been analysed. Their job is their life and they think that living with their parents is NBD. It never occurs to them to use up their full holiday quota, or eat in restaurants that don’t have buffets and they’ve absolutely no time for Strictly, now that Brucie has left.
Keen boss Keen boss is glossy and polished and has been seconded from head office to shake things up a bit (translation: make everyone feel a little anxious). They seem to speak tweet; every sentence is short, sharp and snappy with waaay too much enthusiasm. When they’re not excruciatingly breaking ice or talking strategy they adore a lunch time “lunch n learn” session. They think that throwing in a pizza or a few sandwiches is going to cover up the fact that it’s actually your lunch hour and here you are discussing sales projections and how you can all tap up all your Facebook friends for new networking opportunities. Slick!
Still there but don’t care boss They are so fed up with their lot that they suck the life out of everyone around them. They started the job straight from school, married their childhood sweetheart and Groundhog fever has long since set in. They are so tired from doing nothing, barring cradling their head in their hands all day, that they barely notice how many holidays you take or if reports have been written until eventually you don’t care either. They are a great boss if you have wedding invitations to make, new boots to buy or a holiday to book but not so great if you have any career ambition or a desire to avoid Prozac. DO BUSINESS IN STYLE
91
CARRIER PRE-SELECT
At last!
The path to full-blown competition in Isle of Man telecoms Here’s a scenario for you. A researcher stops you in the street and asks the multiple choice question: ‘What is Carrier Pre-Select?’ Is it: a) A rare breed of homing pigeon, b) A new seating scheme for a low budget airline, or c) the first steps towards genuinely, fair competition in the Isle of Man telecoms market.
MIKE PHILLIPS CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
So what exactly is Carrier Pre-Select or CPS for short? CPS will, for the first time, enable customers right across the Island – at work or at home - to select Sure to carry all their fixed line calls. No need for any prefix dialling or installation of special equipment, with billing handled directly. As Mike Phillips, Sure’s Chief Operating Officer, explains: “This is the start of momentous change in telecommunications. The market is now opening up to unprecedented competition in the fixed line arena which will have a lasting and beneficial impact for homes and businesses across the Isle of Man.” The catalyst for change was a detailed market review consultation in 2012, led by the Communications Commission – the Isle of Man’s telecoms regulator – and involving all the phone operators. This proposed how best to open up the island’s fixed telecommunications market to fair and effective competition. An outcome of the Commission’s work has been to establish a framework allowing other suitably licensed operators, like Sure, to access Manx Telecom’s infrastructure, via new wholesale
92
There’s a case for all three, but the correct answer is actually c). Congratulations, if you guessed correctly!
products, with the ultimate aim of offering consumers wider choice. The Commission gave the green light to CPS at the start of October but this is just the pre-cursor to towards full-blown telecoms competition in the Isle of Man. Around the turn of the year, the telecoms landscape will open up further still, with the arrival of wholesale line rental (WLR). WLR will enable Sure and other licensed communications providers to offer bundled packages with services such as calls, broadband and mobile over the local network – a service currently monopolised by Manx Telecom. Mike comments: “Carrier Pre- Select is the first step on the road to exciting and momentous change in the Island’s telecoms sector. CPS and WLR is something we’ve advocated right from the start of the consultation process. Once WLR is established, customers will no longer need to have any relationship with MT, as services will be provided from end to end by Sure.” Mike continues: “For us at Sure, this is a transformational time and something we have been advocating for a number of years; the ability for other operators, like ourselves, to be able to compete fairly with Manx Telecom so as to drive more
value for customers. We firmly believe that competition is good for consumers on the island, and we are now on the cusp of having this in respect of traditional telephony services. “Up until this point, the customer benefits associated with true competition in fixed line services, such as enhanced choice, reduced pricing and product differentiation to name a few, have been materially lacking. But now we know we will have the opportunity to work from a level playing field, I am confident that this will open up the floodgates for greater choice and innovative customer products and solutions, providing significant advantages for both domestic consumers and business customers,” he predicts. Mike, who was appointed COO earlier this year after joining Sure in 2009, believes the changes will bring certainty and clarity to the regulatory environment. “Sure is proud to have served the island and our customers over the last seven years. We look forward to the future with great excitement. For us and for consumers across the Isle of Man we are at the dawn of a whole new era in telecommunications.”
THE AGENDA SUPPLEMENT
FREE calls when you switch to new Sure Business Phone!
Take advantage of free calls with new Sure Business Phone, priced at just £5 per ISDN channel per month. New Sure Business Phone enables you to make significant savings on your telephone bills. Using your existing line, Sure Business Phone re-routes calls over our network. • FREE calls to all Sure mobiles • FREE calls to UK and Ireland fixed lines • FREE calls to local fixed lines • Calls to MT mobiles at just 5p per minute • International calls from just 5p per minute • No change to your existing telephone numbers Please contact business@sure.com for more information.
international.sure.com
For full terms and conditions, please see www.sure.com
A - LIST EVENTS
CALLCREDIT AUTUMN ECLUB A SUCCESS Some 50 guests from all sectors of the Island’s eGaming community joined Callcredit Information Group at Bar George on Thursday 1st October for the autumn eClub. The evening provided an ideal opportunity for guest to connect with fellow eGaming professionals and enthusiasts and to enjoy a laid-back atmosphere, drinks, food and, once again, a specially branded Callcredit cake. The party marked the third Callcredit sponsored eClub event. Commenting on the evening, Mike Howarth, E-Business – Risk Solutions at Callcredit, said: “This is my first visit to the Isle of Man with CallCredit and this event has provided an excellent opportunity to meet members of the eGaming community.” The eClub is a social meeting place for anyone involved in eGaming on the Isle of Man or those with an interest in the sector. The initiative was started by KPMG and Continent 8 Technologies to bring the growing number of people working in the sector together in one place and start building lasting relationships. As well as providing a social venue, the eClub party also gives colleagues and friends the opportunity to chat informally about ideas and issues within eGaming on the Island. For regular updates and to get involved in the eClub, visit: www.facebook.com/ IsleofManeClub or join the group ‘Isle of Man eClub’ on LinkedIn.
94
THE AGENDA SUPPLEMENT
Isle of Man Tax Services
Your dream yesterday, is your reality today
It’s understanding the importance of protecting the dream that sets us apart from the rest. In addition to excellent service and first class credentials the highly experienced team at Equiom Solutions can provide efficient and professional help with tax and estate planning.
Our services include: Estate Planning:
advising on the most effective way to hold and pass on wealth
Tax Planning:
organising your affairs effectively
Tax Returns:
ensuring tax obligations are dealt with smoothly
Immigration and Emigration:
advice on moving to and from the Isle of Man
Tax Investigations:
managing enquiries from the tax office
“…The proactive approach taken by Equiom ensures that their innovative ‘added value’ client proposition distinguishes them from their peers, and we thoroughly enjoy working with their professional and dedicated team...” Professional Advisor
For further information or an initial consultation contact Phillip Dearden: Tel: +44 (0) 1624 652014 | Email: phillipdearden@equiomgroup.com | www.equiomgroup.im A partnership built on trust
EQUESTRIAN STAR
Rising equestrian star
tops off season
Isle of Man sportswoman of the year, Yasmin Ingham, rounded off her season in style at the Weston Park International Horse Trails in Shropshire, winning the international One Star section ahead of more than 40 competitors. Riding the Olympic medal winning horse, Imperial Cavalier, she finished her dressage competition with a score of 46, posting one of only three double clears around the cross-country and show jumping phases. Previously ridden by Olympic equestrian sportswoman, Mary King, Imperial Cavalier is an experienced eventing horse and the pair have quickly formed a strong partnership. On their fourth competition together, Yasmin and Imperial Cavalier won the International One Star section at Somerford Park in Cheshire. In their past five events, they have not dropped out of the top five on the leader board.
96
Speaking of the win, Yasmin said: “This was a fantastic way to round off the season. The event course was definitely a challenge, and a test for both myself and Imperial Cavalier but I’m delighted with the result. “It’s great to have come so far and I’m grateful for all the support from my friends, family and sponsors.” John Greenwood, CEO at Creechurch Capital, one of Yasmin’s primary sponsors commented: “Yet again Yasmin is showing she can compete at the highest level. I am sure in years to come the Island will have another Olympic champion and it’s a pleasure to watch her going from strengthto-strength.” In 2015, Yasmin will be going all out in the hope she’ll be selected for a place on the British team to go forward to the European Championships which will be held in Poland in August.
THE AGENDA SUPPLEMENT
An award-winning boutique
ENTREPRENEURS
Island Entrepreneurs The Isle of Man is lucky enough to have its fair share of entrepreneurs who have been prepared to take risks and demonstrate both passion and determination in achieving their goals.
WORDS
Gallery this month highlights the diverse initiatives which four such entrepreneurs have taken and in doing so have shown the ability to ‘look outside the box’ and benefit from a variety of market opportunities. There is the landscape gardener who left school without GCSE’s and now runs his own successful business, the solo quilt maker whose hobby has become a business in the wake of a divorce, the duo who brought the fun of the Segway experience to the island two years ago and the City slicker who made the life-changing decision to leave London and follow a passion for making bread. We also feature the 21-year-old law graduate as he sets about proving that he’s got what it takes to succeed in the harsh and competitive world of business.
LES ABLE
ROOTS BEVERAGE COMPANY
R
oots Beverage Company producing a “fiery, flavoursome ginger juice” in hand-crafted bottles is the creation of 21-year-old Jamie Blair. Jamie, who graduated from university with a law degree, launched his company last month (October) while continuing to work as a waiter at 14 North restaurant and mixing and shaking cocktails of an evening behind the bar at Bath & Bottle. He makes no secret, however, of his determination to succeed with the launch of his own company and over the coming months Gallery will be following him as he faces the inevitable challenges in his quest to become a successful entrepreneur. “The journey started when for my birthday I received ‘The Bar Book – Elements of Cocktail Technique’ and there was a recipe for my favourite soft drink, Ginger Beer,” says Jamie, who lives in Douglas. “I tried the recipe and decided I could create my own version. Adding other flavours the result is 13 different recipes, all of them created by ‘Mr Root’ himself with some local restaurants already showing interest in placing orders.” He adds: “I am lucky to have developed high standards of customer service skills as a result of working in the likes of 14 North and I plan to use those in RootBevCo. I have a passion for small businesses and launching my own has always been my ambition so this venture is particularly exciting for me. Success means I will go on to invest in other ideas I have. I’m highly motivated, very much a people person and hard work is not a problem.”
JAMIE BLAIR
jamie@rootsbevco.im • twitter.com/rootsbevco
98
THE AGENDA SUPPLEMENT
NOA BAKEHOUSE
T
he self-confessed unbridled passion of Miles Pettit for making bread the sour dough way has proved to be one of the major success stories of the past two years. It was in 2012 that Miles, with heavily pregnant wife Pippa, returned to the island so he could concentrate on being a baker. In doing so they left behind the bright lights of London where Miles was a visual effects producer and Pippa a corporate executive in the City. On 18 January, 2013 the couple, now with a baby daughter in tow, opened the NOA Bakehouse in Fort Street, Douglas. Today, not only is it a phenomenally successful artisan bakery with a workforce of 20, but one of the most popular coffee, tea, sandwiches, cakes and brunch emporiums on the Island. The bakery supplies bread to many of the restaurants on the Island and Miles’ passion for making bread remains undiminished. He also takes great pride in the fact that some 90 per cent of the ingredients used in NOA Bakehouse are Manx.
It has all evolved from the initial belief and purpose that Pippa and I wanted to achieve by working and living here on the Isle of Man, where people are straight talking, you know where you stand and it’s easy to get on.
MILES PETTIT
“It has been a risk, we put everything we had into it and it’s still evolving, both as a business and a concept, but it would be naive to say we have ‘made it’, we are still establishing ourselves and certainly aim to be here in the next 10 years. We want to expand and there are the opportunities to do so and we see 2015 as being an exciting year for us and the business.
Do they miss London and the life they left behind? Both are unequivocal in saying a very definite ‘No’. “We have I think proved beyond doubt that there is a place for NOA Bakehouse and what it offers and we are grateful for all the customer support we get,” adds Miles.
“Everything we do is an extension of something we believe in and I don’t know how any business can survive without a passion. We rely on customers and in the first six months were panicking that people would not turn up. Everything we planned to do we are doing and sometimes it’s been easier than we expected”, says Miles.
miles@noabakehouse.com • www.facebook.com/pages/Noa-Bakehouse/122767861208340
DO BUSINESS IN STYLE
99
SEGWAY ISLE OF MAN
R
esourcefulness! A word which sums up the thinking and determination of Jason Larrosa and Mark Davison who two years ago introduced the Segway experience to the Isle of Man. To describe it as a success would be an understatement when there are close on 4,000 ‘likes’ on the Segway Isle of Man Facebook page. “The demand for what the whole experience offers which is fun and adventure has been overwhelming and as of last month (October) we increased the number of machines from eight to ten,” says Jason, who gave up his management role with Skandia in the first few months of the operation being launched so as to focus all his attention on Segway Isle of Man.
The feedback that we constantly receive, both verbal and written on Facebook and Trip Advisor has been superb, we could not have wished for more,” he adds. “Our customers appreciate the personal touch and the time and patience we take to explain the operation of the Segways and to train everyone to be confident in the operation of the machines. The investment in setting up the business was “substantial” but, says Jason, he and Mark established their objectives and used demographics available from the 2011 ‘Digest of Economic & Social Statistics’ to identify the potential visitor market which they discovered was quite significant. He goes on: “We realised we could make great use of social media to market the business. At the same time we had to approach and negotiate with several government departments and local commissioners in order to gain the relevant permissions to use the beaches and forests around the island.”
JASON LARROSA & MARK DAVISON
Most customers book through the Segway Isle of Man website. The business encourages customers to call any time of the day and there are no set opening and closing times. The aim is to respond to all emailed enquiries on the day they are received. This year the company achieved the coveted Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence 2014 based on the volume and calibre of reviews left. “In the two years we have been operating we have managed to gain 160 Trip Advisor Reviews, 150 of those are five stars and the other 10 are four stars which we think is a phenomenal response,” declares Mark who is still working in the IT sector. “One overriding comment from all our Trip Advisor reviews is that we are very patient
and reassuring from the outset, giving people the confidence to try something they’ve never done before which is what we specialise in. Everyone returns from their tour on a real high. There is no maximum age and one of our latest customers was a lady aged 87, it’s all about stepping outside your comfort zone, all you need to be able to do is stand up for an hour. “We have achieved what we set out to achieve, including expanding the fleet, employing as our chief driver Simon Leach plus introducing new tours, but that doesn’t mean we are complacent as we are constantly looking for new ideas and opportunities. There are some positive signs that in due course Segways will be made road legal which will allow new revenue opportunities to emerge.” tours@segway.im • www.segway.im
100
THE AGENDA SUPPLEMENT
Island Entrepreneurs QUILTING MATTERS
D
ivorce six years ago saw a hobby in patchwork quilt making become a profession for Jackie O’Halloran and today her quilts can be found adorning the beds of some of the rich and famous names on both sides of the Atlantic and in Europe.
The quilts are invariably lavish works of art in silk or cotton, designed by Jackie in her studio in Peel in what was once the Manx Media Centre. While the quilts are what her name is synonymous with she also designs and produces exotic wall hangings. Quilt making was born out of her early love of needlework tapestry and needlepoint.
husband was actor Jack O’Halloran to whom she was married for nearly 20 years and who starred in the Superman films and in ‘Farewell My Lovely’. Entertaining some of the Hollywood stars of yesteryear was part of their everyday life and the legendary tough guy actor Robert Mitchum was a drinking companion. Jackie, who happily admits to being 66 and has a 25-year-old daughter who lives in Edinburgh, says that once she learned the art of making the three-layer quilts it was a hobby which soon became a passion. Another passion is horse racing and bloodstock, which frequently takes
her to Ireland where she once lived. “I was born in Oxford but have been something of a wandering Jew, and I can say that because I am Jewish,” she laughingly declares. “Most of my work comes from commissions as a result of word of mouth. For me, quilt making is both creative and relaxing. I will have my ipod going, possibly with some old soul music playing, while dancing to that coupled with the movement of the machine.”
Jackie, who is vice chair of Peel Commissioners, has been making quilts since 1996 but forget the image of some nimble fingered old lady sewing madly away in a rocking chair. The process is computerised and the quilt is made on a massive masterpiece of engineering achievement called a Statler Gammill, named after the two men who created it. “It represents a terrific investment of 30,000 dollars, made possible by grants from the Government and support from the bank. It was made by two old boys in Missouri and shipped over here from the United States and is the only one on the Isle of Man, the one thing it doesn’t do is the all important hand finishing which is done by me, ” says Jackie. . “Baby quilts, which I regard as my bread and butter, can take close on six to eight hours to make if the design isn’t too complex and are £130 upwards. Prices for larger quilts start from around £800, again depending on the complexity of the design.”
JACKIE O’HALLORAN
For some years Jackie lived in the US, much of it amid what she describes as the madness of Hollywood, as her second info@quilting-matters.com • www.quilting-matters.com
DO BUSINESS IN STYLE
101
GROUNDCARE
T
he teenage rebel who left school at 16 without any GCSE’s saw his life change nine years ago when he bought a van, trailer and lawn mower and started doing garden maintenance work. James Graham, 35, now owns Ramseybased landscaping and grounds maintenance company Groundcare which employs a team of eight people. Last year the company had a turnover of just under £500,000 and is now on a growth spiral as it expands into manufacturing sheds, summer houses, outdoor offices and other timber buildings.
Island Entrepreneurs “I was too much of a rebel at school so failed all my exams but my Mum insisted I got a job, she made it clear that if I couldn’t pay my rent I couldn’t live there so I joined the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company working in reservations,” recalls James, who now employs his mother in a clerical role in his business.. Other office jobs followed but having grown up on a farm James decided outdoors work was more for him and this decision saw him working for a tree surgery company followed by a gardening job with the DHSS for two years.
By then I knew what I wanted to do and that was to run my own business,” says James. “I had built up some important contacts, was lucky enough to have some contracts from government departments and with the all important backing of my wife Alison that’s what I did and definitely have no regrets. Looking back to his earlier years James, whose outgoing personality and sense of self-deprecating humour plays a major part in the success of his business, adds: “I liked that time of my life, it was certainly easier to get a job then than it is now, it was often the case of just sitting down and having a chat with a potential employer. “I’m still ambitious, it’s important to keep moving the business forward. We now have three young children and while It’s important I provide for my family so we can enjoy life and not worry about money, but I also have to make sure there is work and security for the people I employ.” He goes on: “In any business it’s important not to be complacent and I certainly have to keep up with new ideas. We are now reaping the rewards of having invested in a business which looks after both commercial and domestic customers along with contracts with the Government.” Having worked continuously since he left school James has little time for youngsters who shirk hard work and admits he is “riled” by poor punctuality and untidiness. “I want people working for me who are enthusiastic and keen. I don’t expect to clean up after my employees but I’ve also come to realise you can’t make slow people do things quickly, slow people are slow.
JAMES GRAHAM
“I try to get it across to my employees that I’m also an employee of the business, my role is to be out there networking and meeting both existing and potential customers to ensure the work keeps coming in.”
info@groundcare.com • www.groundcare.com
102
THE AGENDA SUPPLEMENT
BUSINESS
HOW DO YOU LIKE THEM APPLES? There are myriad of options to fulfil your business communication objectives. Gallery’s is not a business magazine but our progressive readership is the business for people who know about more than just business. If you’d like to communicate with them give Bev a call on 07624 415096
BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS
99
IN-BUSINESS
Life after a business sale: why you need to start planning now Investing time in planning, building a strong network and talking to those who have sold up are key to a happy and fulfilled life after selling a business.
104
THE AGENDA SUPPLEMENT
The Isle of Man is a hub of entrepreneurial activity and I regularly discuss plans for the exit process for their business with our clients. Such is the interest in this process that we recently held a dinner where local entrepreneurs shared their own experiences and heard more about Coutts’ experience in this area. For every entrepreneur who embarks on the journey of building a business of their own, a successful business exit represents a high point in their career. While this is rightly a cause for celebration, it also represents a step into the unknown. Although there is plenty written about the growth stories of entrepreneurs who build up new businesses and great fanfare for those who successfully sell up and exit, very little is written about life after they leave their businesses. So just what do entrepreneurs do when they have sold a business? Is it easy to build a new career? And is life after exit as satisfying as many would imagine? To throw light on this important matter, these are the questions we asked over 180 entrepreneurs for our report “Life After Exit – What Happens Next?”. What we learned is that although many entrepreneurs find the transition into this new phase in their lives a straightforward one, others find the combination of wealth and long-awaited freedom far harder than they imagined. Most tellingly of all, both groups find it harder and that it takes substantially longer than they expect to find activities which put their time and wealth into play in a way which keeps them fulfilled.
Looking at our research, three important lessons emerge for any entrepreneur contemplating life after a business sale. • The first of these is the importance of planning. Many argue that in the quest for growth, success and ultimately a business sale, there is little time to think about life after the business is sold. But the experience of those who have sold up is the opposite. Their advice is to plan for exit before you sell so you have the right options open to you when the time comes. This includes financial planning. It will have the biggest bearing on your ability to achieve the lifestyle you want yet many choose to ignore this until after the sale.
There is no doubt that those who see a business exit as the opportunity to exercise choice and freedom are right. But even with money and time on your hands, successfully carving out a new career requires planning and no small amount of hard work.
To discuss life after your business sale and for more information about becoming a Coutts client, contact David Batey, Director, Coutts on 01624 646410 or david.batey@coutts.com
• The second lesson is to invest in your network. The unanimous view of entrepreneurs we spoke to was that once out of their business, the quality of people you know are as important as the time and money you have available. Your network is the place you will find opportunities to advise, invest and get involved with new ventures – the common interests for entrepreneurs who have sold a business.
David Batey Director, Coutts
• The last lesson is to accept the need to experiment. The majority of entrepreneurs build up portfolio careers after exit but part of that is understanding that experimentation will not always lead to success or satisfaction. It takes time and patience to find the right opportunities which will work for you and your new lifestyle. Entrepreneurs may even experience more failure in their new career than when they were running their first business.
Most tellingly of all, both groups find it harder and that it takes substantially longer than they expect to find activities which put their time and wealth into play in a way which keeps them fulfilled. coutts.com
DO BUSINESS IN STYLE
105
TO MARK A BIRTHDAY
The top 10 unusual ways TO MARK A BIRTHDAY A year ago Royal London 360° became RL360° in a management-led buyout.
Here are the top 10 most unusual ways we found to mark a birthday: 1. SMASH CAKES
It was a bold move, a first for the international life industry, and one that has proven a huge success. In the first half of this year we recorded an impressive 14% growth in new business and have retained our coveted B+ Financial Strength rating from independent actuaries AKG. The last year has also seen us expand into the Latin American market and take on new staff. We feel that’s reason to celebrate our 1st birthday as RL360° in style and, as an international company, it made us wonder how other people around the world celebrate theirs. If you know of any other interesting international birthday traditions, or even just want to wish us happy birthday, feel free to drop us an email (top10@rl360.com).
Millions of Americans have caught on to this latest craze in birthday fun. It sees extra birthday cake bought/baked so that children (although why should they have all the fun?) are encouraged to dive in and destroy it, making as much mess as possible.
2. FLOUR IN THE FACE Never assume it’s just the Americans who can come up with a bizarre and messy birthday ritual. In Jamaica, the birthday boy/girl celebrates their special day by having flour thrown in their face by ‘wellwishers’. Often, they will have water thrown in their face first to ensure that flour really sticks.
3. DROP THE DEAD DONKEY
The Mexican tradition of the birthday piñata has crossed the water and is now a feature of many a British child’s birthday party. It involves filling a colourful model of a donkey with sweets, dangling it in the air, blindfolding the children and letting them hit it with a broom until the sweets fall out. Dangerous fun.
106
THE AGENDA SUPPLEMENT
4. LIFE BEGINS AT 30
7. DO YOUR EARS HANG LOW?
When they reach the age of 30, single men in Germany can often be found out sweeping the front steps of the town hall or local church. The idea is to show potential mates how good they are at housework. They’re not supposed to leave the steps until they have been kissed by a woman…
In Hungary, once the presents have been torn open, everyone at the party lines up to tug on the ears of the person celebrating their birthday for ‘good luck’. This is then followed by the singing of a song which wishes that the recipient lives so long ‘their ears reach their ankles’.
5. CANADA GREASE Smearing your nose with grease on your birthday doesn’t sound much fun, but tell that to the good people of Canada. The birthday boy or girl is ‘lovingly’ pinned to the ground and their nose is smeared with butter or grease therefore making them too slippery for bad luck to take hold in the coming year.
6. IT HAPPENS
The residents of Lucerne, Switzerland, really know how to make a birthday celebration memorable. Parents (possibly misguided parents) sometimes hire a sinister clown for the day to follow their child on their birthday and torment them until, finally, throwing a pie in their face. Somehow, this is meant to be good luck.
DO BUSINESS IN STYLE
8. GOOD MANNERS
9. HAPPY NEW YEAR
In Vietnam they really know how to celebrate New Year – they combine it with absolutely everyone’s birthday and call it ‘tet’. Vietnamese tradition is that the actual day of birth should not be acknowledged and that everyone gets a year older at ‘tet’.
10. THE BUMPS
Your mum told you off for doing it when you were a child but apparently slurping your food is actually good for you according to Chinese birthday tradition. The idea is to symbolize your longevity by eating a plate of long noodles, slurping them in as far as possible before biting. Maybe next you could put your elbows on the table, rock back on your chair and cough without putting your hand over your mouth for extra good luck?
All Brits know this one. It’s your birthday, you’re minding your own business, having fun and eating a bit of cake, and then all of a sudden a mob descends upon you, grabs you by the limbs and throws you terrifyingly high in the air repeatedly until they reach your age number. It’s all good fun. Apparently.
107
WORDS
Beards
BEARDED MEN
LES ABLE
Photographer | Piotr Kwiecinski – Dollsfactory.net
Sales of razors and other shaving products are plummeting in the face of more men growing beards, stubble and moustaches and with charity fundraising Movember now with us things are set to get even hairier.
T
ake a walk through Douglas during peak lunchtimes on any weekday and hairy hipsters and bearded blokes are very definitely in abundance. So, is the pursuit of hirsute looks just a passing fad or will it ultimately see the demise of the razor and with it a rise in beard care products? A new report from retail specialists IRI shows that sales of shaving products are down a staggering 90.6m Euros across Europe to the year March 2014. Campaigners say that the report is interesting, not just for the scale of decline in shaving products that it reveals but the fact that this is not just a UK phenomenon but a European wide one.
108
A man who knows a thing or two about beards is Keith Flett, of the Beard Liberation Front, the informal network of beard wearers that campaigns against beardism and irrational prejudice against the hirsute which was founded in 1995. The organisation currently hosts the annual Beard of the Year Award. Michael Eavis, who organises the Glastonbury Festival, was awarded Beard of the Noughties. Keith, who not surprisingly boasts a full beard, believes that while the rise of the hipster beard may be having an impact on the sale of shaving products there is in fact a general rise in hirsuteness.
He points outs that the shaving industry has reacted to the decline in shaving products by launching a range of beard care products although, he adds, many organic beard wearers prefer to maintain their follicles by briefly marinating them in a glass of imperial stout! “BLF of course welcomes a decline in the sales of shaving products and it is particularly interesting that this is a Europe wide thing,” declares Keith. “At the same time, and there are increasing numbers of products on the market, beards need care and maintenance too, so it is really a question of how agile this section of the market really is.”
THE AGENDA SUPPLEMENT
EDITO
Bakehouse in Douglas, started growing his beard a year ago and now proudly sports an impressive full ginger beard. As seen on the front cover this month. “There was no particular reason for growing a beard but I will certainly keep it for the foreseeable future and it has certainly saved me money in shaving products,” he says. “I wash it every day and regularly comb it. As for women, there are those who absolutely love beards and want to stroke it, those who think it’s cool and trendy and a small percentage who absolutely hate beards.” Copy writer Richard Falk first started growing a beard in 1985 when he was 18 and over the years it has ranged from a full beard to stubble and then again a beard. “I just happen to think I look better with it,” says Richard, currently sporting a strong growth of stubble. Paul McCourt, 29, admits he got tired of shaving and started growing his beard last Christmas and has no plans to shave it off. “Girls like a man with a beard and my girlfriend certainly doesn’t mind it.”
Photographer | Leo Fosdal
Marc Redhead, now 25, hasn’t wet shaved for seven years. “When I was 18 I thought I looked baby faced so grew the beard,” he admits. So what about beards in the workplace? “I have a very relaxed approach to beards,” says Clive Parrish, chair of the Isle of Man branch of the Institute of Directors and a former banker. He adds: “If someone chooses to look older than they are that is their choice. My thoughts are that those men who keep their beards neatly groomed will not face beardism – I’m not so sure if they are not kept clean and tidy. I would add that men should not hide behind their beards.”
Tips on how to grow a beard • Do not shave at all for at least the first four weeks of growth, even if you are just planning a goatee or Van Dyke. • Don’t let itching deter you, it’s only temporary, use a daily shampoo or conditioner. • After four weeks start shaping the beard, define a neckline, probably best done by a barber or stylist. Photographer | Leo Fosdal
The organisation has been synonymous with campaigns in support of beards and against discrimination in the workplace.
promotion in a bank or building society environment.
Keith points out that while beards are common place in areas such as the creative industries beard phobia still exists in the likes of financial services which might hamper
“If you want to read the news on the BBC then definitely don’t grow a beard,” he adds. “When it comes to Royalty, Prince Charles in his youth grew a beard and both his sons have done the same but the experiment has been short lived.”
DO BUSINESS IN STYLE
Allan Fair, 36, a familiar face on the catering scene and a front of house leader at NOA
• Once six weeks growth has been reached you can then decide whether you want to continue with it or get rid of it. • Invest in a beard trimmer. • Wash your beard regularly and pat gently with a towel. • If you decide to get rid of it use a beard trimmer or clippers and follow with a regular shave. Grooming Guide – see pages 48-49 Les Able is PR director at Home Strategic
109
MOVEMBER 2014
THE MOVEMBER FOUNDATION
THE LEADING GLOBAL ORGANISATION COMMITTED TO CHANGING THE FACE OF MEN’S HEALTH.
Movember is about bringing back the moustache (Mo), having fun and doing good to change the face of men’s health. Mo Bros take action by changing their appearance through the growth of a new moustache for the 30 days of Movember, and in doing so become walking, talking billboards for men’s health. Mo Sistas sign up and commit to supporting the men in their lives while helping to promote men’s health at home, in the workplace and within their community.
110
THE AGENDA SUPPLEMENT
PUTTING THE MOUSTACHE BACK IN BUSINESS. Movember is also a fantastic way to unite a workplace, from small businesses to global corporations. Movember guarantees that you will have some fun while doing good - raising funds and awareness for men’s health, specifically prostate cancer, testicular cancer and mental health.
Want to get involved? Visit uk.movember.com for all the information you need and advice on how to raise funds.
uk.movember.com
LOCALLY GROWN MOUSTACHES MADE IN MOVEMBER
CALLING ALL MO BROS!
So you’re doing your bit to raise awareness for men’s health and growing a moustache for Movember. You’re about to suffer weeks of ridicule from your colleague, friends and family, not to mention an itchy upper lip, so Gallery wants to reward you for your efforts. We want you to show us your Movember selfies so everyone can see your Mo in all its glory. The three best efforts will receive a manly prize. Simply email or post your moustache selfie (no old photos and no film stills of Burt Reynolds, please) to our paparazzi facebook page for a chance to win. The three photos with the most likes win. Entries must be posted by the end of November.
ARE YOU HOSTING A MO PARTY AT THE END OF THE MONTH? TELL US WHEN AND WHERE AND WE WILL SEND A PAP PHOTOGRAPHER ALONG.
Follow at: Facebook/galleryiom
DO BUSINESS IN STYLE
111
EVOLUTION OF MAN
THE EVOLUTION OF MAN RICK JONES
A WHISTLE-STOP TOUR OF HOW WE GOT HERE! That title may imply that I’m simply plagiarising the works of one of my heroes; Darwin.
C
harles Robert Darwin FRS (fellow of the Royal Society) - to give his full title - was the 19th century upsetter-of theapplecart, who put his observational scientific cat well and truly amongst the dogmatic religious pigeons that had managed to convince the world that humans were designed, created and controlled by a heavenly power who himself was actually a man - at least in the gender sense.
Darwin was born in Shrewsbury, Shropshire - a town so English that it even alliterates with its ‘shire’ or county - in February 1809. The second youngest of six children, and born into a wealthy family, as a youngster Darwin disappointed his parents by showing very little interest in his medical studies, and was far more interested in nature... good lad! When his increasingly impatient Dad enrolled him in Christ’s College, Cambridge, he had hoped that the young Darwin would become an Anglican priest; and it all started snowballing downhill from there... ‘Descent’ though, in the sense Darwin implied it in the title of his 1871 book ‘The Descent of Man’ (‘and selection in relation to sex’ to give it it’s full title; it’s not as racy as it sounds) meant where ‘man’ - as in humans - had come from and how it came to be, not that we were headed downwards, although arguably we have been going that way ever since. I’m sure most of the people reading this know that Darwin bothered the hell out of the enormously powerful Catholic Church, by figuring out that humans as we know ourselves today evolved into what we call Homo sapiens via natures ultimate game of trial-and-error; natural selection. This was
112
the exact opposite view to those brought up not to question the bible - who were taught that ‘god’ made man - and woman, let’s not be sexist, despite this month’s theme - as a ‘design’, and supposedly a good one. The reactions from elders of various christian churches varied from calling him the devil incarnate, to trying to convince people he was insane by stating that Darwin thought ‘monkeys’ could spontaneously turn into people overnight. Were he not so ‘homme’ - and let’s face it, that was one hell of an impressive beard - he may have been dressed as a woman and burned as a witch!
“ ”
So then, ‘modern man’ in an anatomical sense seemed to arrive around 196,000 years ago, according to fossil records, and modern behaviours
However, here’s where ‘they’ managed to stitch up Darwin, and it’s something that comes up regularly in conversation about our origins. Darwin never said that we evolved from chimpanzees, bonobos, gorillas or orangutans... he simply stated that we humans and species I mentioned shared a common ancestor... and a recent one, compared to the common ancestor that all life shared way back ‘in the beginning’. Likewise, ‘man’ hasn’t strictly come from ‘Neanderthal man’. They were once again a related species, who shared an even more recent ancestor. Where this gets complicated though, starts with the habits of earlier versions of ‘modern human’, known as ‘Cro-Magnons’.
whether Neanderthals became extinct, or were simply bred out of existence... absorbed by ancestral sexual deviance! This would then, in fact make them part of the evolution of modern man... and you thought bed-hopping caused complications these days! So then, ‘modern man’ in an anatomical sense seemed to arrive around 196,000 years ago, according to fossil records, and modern behaviours; symbolic thought (abstraction), creativity and language - all the things you read Gallery for, naturally seemed to arrive 50,000 years ago. We seem to have begun to develop ‘States’ around 6,000 years ago (not that I would suggest the IoM is run by anyone stuck in the past...) beginning with Egypt. Technology has constantly ‘improved’, and the growth of science, discussion, art - and things that help us communicate them seems to be the next stage of ‘our’ evolution. Time and space - and the time it took our ancestors to travel across physical space has always been one of the main factors that affected our development. As the advent of the Internet and other Information Communications Technology has literally changed the way time and space apply to us, it’s very interesting to imagine were we might be in even another 100 years - as long as we can stop fighting over oil and imaginary ‘gods’ that belong in the same pile of ‘history books’ as Thor, Baal, Adonis, Neptune and Zeus... Wherever we are headed, hopefully there’ll still be people who look back, and remember how ‘man’ got to wherever it is they are!
Somewhat typically Cro-Magnons seemed to quite like to indulge in a bit of interspecies ‘fun’, and scientists can’t decide
THE AGENDA SUPPLEMENT
HARDWARE
HARDWARE
THE NEW STRIKING NX 300H AMAZING IN MOTION
I
ntroducing the new NX 300h, a totally new kind of Lexus. With it’s wide stance, bold Lexus ‘Spindle Grille’ and exquisite front and rear LED lights, the NX 300h refuses to go unnoticed and is available to view and test drive at Lexus Isle of Man now.
and exquisite LED lights front and rear. As much modern art as car, the new NX 300h refuses to go unnoticed. To create its sharp yet fluid lines, Lexus designers drew inspiration from the intricate beauty of molten metal. Approach the NX and the door handles light up to greet you, while a further statement is made by the dynamic side ‘kick-up’ line and coupé like silhouette. To the front of the F SPORT and Premier grades LED triple-projector headlights and arrowhead daytime running lights depict the unmistakable Lexus aura. To the rear, gemlike LED taillights project the ‘L’ emblem, underscoring the SUV’s powerful shape. CUTS THROUGH CONVENTION
Powered by the latest Full Hybrid drivetrain, this breakthrough Lexus delivers smooth and agile handling combined with incredible environmental performance, with CO2 from just 116g/km and up to 54.3mpg (combined). Inside the beautifully finished interior you’ll discover intuitive technology that makes your life simpler. AMAZING IN MOTION Created to stand out, the all-new NX 300h crossover offers flexible space and superb comfort for up to five people with luggage. Powered by the latest Full Hybrid drivetrain, this breakthrough Lexus delivers smooth and agile handling combined with incredible environmental performance. Intuitive Lexus technology includes Remote Touch Pad and a Panoramic View Monitor on Premier grade, and Pre-Crash Safety as standard on all grades. For a more dynamic experience, the new NX 300h F SPORT has 18-inch alloys, an F SPORT leather steering wheel, perforated leather sports seats and optional Adaptive Variable Suspension. STREET ART The distinctive new NX 300h displays a wide stance, bold Lexus ‘spindle grille’
114
Enjoy precise urban handling combined with world-class Lexus smoothness and refinement. In an SUV that’s fun to drive and agile, the driver can select their preferred driving mode to meet their mood, whether it be switching to the peaceful EV (Electric Vehicle) mode for zero emissions in heavy traffic, or experiencing sophisticated Lexus performance in SPORT mode. A strong chassis ensures smooth and precise handling, while E-FOUR All-Wheel Drive delivers extra confidence in slippery conditions. INTUITIVE LUXURY Designed to sense your every need, the NX 300h lets you drive in absolute comfort. Inside the new NX 300h you’ll discover intuitive technology: an intelligent overhead lamp that senses your fingertip so you don’t search in the dark, and a tailgate that remembers how far you usually open it. Beautifully finished by ‘Takumi’ master craftspeople, the interior features a ‘spindle grille’ inspired centre console, while an analogue timepiece and ambient lighting enhance refinement. Leather seats (with the front seats being electrically powered) are fitted as standard to Luxury, F SPORT and
Premier grades. Adjustable 60:40 rear seats are standard on all grades. URBAN POINT OF VIEW Relax in sumptuous leather seats with S-Flow climate control, while a Panoramic View Monitor gives extra confidence in busy areas. Seated well above most other traffic, you’ll enjoy a great view. Enhancing cabin freshness in all weather conditions, S-Flow air conditioning only controls the climate of the front seats that are occupied, while in SE grade upwards, ECO mode electric seat heaters warm you more efficiently on cold mornings. For easy manoeuvring on Premier grade, the Panoramic View Monitor provides images from four discreet cameras. These are located on the front grille, door mirrors (the cameras even work when the mirrors are folded in) and tailgate – with on-screen digital guides for trouble-free driving in a confined urban environment. THE NX 300H RANGE STARTS FROM £29,495 AND IS AVAILABLE TO VIEW AND TEST-DRIVE AT LEXUS ISLE OF MAN.
ISLE OF MAN Isle of Man Business Park | Cooil Road Braddan | Isle of Man | IM2 2QZ
Tel: 01624 613603 Email: info@caledonian.im www.caledonian.im www.isleofman.lexus.co.uk ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE
THE STRIKIN G NEW LEXUS NX
The new lu xury hybri d NX . Striking d esign mee ts innovati Discover ve techno the NX an logy. d will.i.am at lexus.c project o.uk/NX
FROM
AVAILABLE FROM JUST
FROM
G/KM CO2
PER MONTH*
BIK
121 £399 17% LEXUS ISLE OF MAN
Isle of Man Business Park, Cooil Road, Braddan, Isle of Man, IM2 2QZ TEL: 01624 613603
NX range available from £29,495 - £42,995
www.isleofman.lexus.co.uk
NX 300h Luxury fuel consumption and CO2 figures: urban 53.3 mpg (5.3 l/100km), extra-urban 55.4 mpg (5.1 l/100km), combined 54.3 mpg (5.2 l/100km), 121g/km CO2 (17% BIK).
HARDWARE
GADGETS
The celebration of the Y chromosome is something that, I feel, doesn’t happen enough. We’ve developed into a society of metrosexuals and house-husbands, ignoring our inherent desire to hunt and kill our every meal whilst maintaining a moustache that would bring Tom Selleck to his knees. I weep (manly tears) every time I see the newest fashions, wondering what happened to the days when a man was judged not by the boldness and brightness of his new leather and polyester suit, but by how many bear husks he could carry whilst drinking a home-brewed beer. Our instincts tell us every day that we should be out in the open, lumberjack shirt just open enough to display the magnificent plumes of chest hair that you grew at the age of 12. So this
month, I’ve taken it upon myself to provide you with a list of gadgets that will rekindle that love of everything retrosexual. It’s time to forget about keeping the house spotless, forget that your wife/girlfriend/ child will not be safe in a vintage sports car and ignore the trappings of a society that encourages freedom of expression and emotional outbursts. Pint in hand, moustache comb at the ready, let’s delve in and remember what it means to be “man”.
FEATHER ARTIST CLUB DX STRAIGHT SHAVETTE
If there’s one thing the man of the past had, as well as excessive physical strength, it was class, and nothing screams class like a gleaming wooden finish on a straight razor. There’s something extremely masculine about using something that strongly resembles a hunting knife to cut hair on possibly the most deadly area on the body. The element of danger is elegantly mixed with the manly class of old in the Feather Artist Club DX Straight Shavette. This product does however force the alpha male into a bit of a quandary. As the legendary band The Beards once said; “if your Dad doesn’t have a beard, you’ve got two mums”, so should a man really even own a ‘Shavette’? Well, in this instance we must once again look to the most traditional laws of man. Although yes, facial hair is a must, maintenance of said hair is of paramount importance. It’s also only right that every man should carry out this maintenance with tools that are not only practically fantastic, but ones that show to the world that he is not afraid of anything, even a deadly knife to the neck. Style and danger, however, are not cheap. Looking online, the best price I could find for these was £295.95 on eBay. Nevertheless, if the need calls for such fine equipment, all men can call on their inherent aptitude for woodwork and make one of these themselves.
BANG! DESK LAMP
Lamps do not carry connotations of manliness, they are nothing more than a practical decoration. However, what would happen if you were to add the feeling of power that can only come from holding a gun? Well, the new BANG! Desk Lamp lets you find out, and it’s honestly as thrilling as it sounds (according to reviews). It’s as simple as it looks really. The gun itself acts as a wireless controller for the lamp, which you shoot to turn off. Just in case shooting your household items isn’t enough to make you feel manly, the gun has an inbuilt noise similar to that of the ones used by one of the quintessential men of the silver screen, Clint Eastwood. At this point, it feels fitting to try and make a joke about the lamp feeling lucky, however I’ll let you recreate the scene yourself when you inevitably buy one of these, just as an excuse to don the poncho and cowboy hat at the back of your closet that you bought “for a fancy dress party”. As with most things, the best place to get these is online, and after a look around it seems that www.red5.co.uk is the best place. Unfortunately, it’s not cheap to become an old Western hero. This lamp, bulb not included, costs £199.99
116 hardware_gadgets-1.indd All Pages
ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE
HARDWARE
GROOMING GADGETS…
plug in, look good RAZORPIT RAZOR BLADE SHARPENER NITESITE SPOTTER EXTREME
The thrill of the hunt. It’s no coincidence that all real men of old survived solely on a diet made up of freshly caught animals. A certain sense of achievement is lost when meat is bought in plastic packets, and yet that seems to be the norm in our society. With the ban on fox hunting, man’s right to hunt was all but abolished, however some companies have refused to be crushed by the metrosexual wave. NiteSite are one of these companies, and they have continued to make gear for the Y-chromosomed beasts that are not concerned at all with falling animal population rates. The Spotter Express allows the huntsman to conquer one of the obstacles that has haunted man for centuries…darkness. With a range of 500m, the Spotter Extreme allows even the most untrained eye to seek out their prey in the pitch black. With the power of NiteSite, you can be safe in the knowledge that each trip into the woods will be a roaring success (apologies), and you can even get a good catch for breakfast. Given the complete lack of hunting ground and/or large game on the island, it’s highly unlikely you’ll find many of these available, so I would advise heading to www.nitesite.com, where you can get one for just £56.00
This clever little tool works with all razors and promises to make your blade last for 150 shaves – that’s good for your bank balance and the environment. £14.00. Amazon.co.uk.
SHOWER AND SHAVE TOGETHER
Philips AquaTouch AT887/16 Wet & Dry electric shaver is fully waterproof so you can shave and shower at the same time – good for time-pressed mornings (top). £119.00. Boots.
AHEAD BY A NOSE
According to Amazon, the best-selling grooming gadget is an ear and nose hair trimmer. So much for there being any glamour in the world of men’s grooming. If you’ve got unruly hair protruding from where it shouldn’t, the Remington NE3350 Duo Nose & Ear Trimmer is only £6.99. Boots.
BEER THROWING FRIDGE
Science. It’s a wonderful thing. It’s given us penicillin, the car and pretty much everything else we take for granted today. However, at certain points in history, scientists have created something that really pushes up the bar by astronomical levels. They make something that changes lives and revolutionises the world, changing the very fabric of our existence. Step up Mister John W. Cornwell, graduate of the Duke University Pratt School of Engineering, class of 2006. Somehow, not a recipient of the Nobel Prize. He’s a man that had a dream, a dream to make the life of every man easier, and slightly more inebriated, without having to lift a finger. The clue is really in the name with this one, and whatever images your mind is conjuring right now, it’s better. With a wireless remote to control where the beer is thrown, this gadget that will inevitably end many relationships through excessive alcohol consumption is the perfect man’s toy. Unfortunately, the Beer Throwing Fridge is not available commercially, so it’s time to start working on your engineering degree.
LASER-GUIDED TRIMMER
Philips has launched a beard trimmer with a feature aimed at helping users trim their beards with ease, making it so they won’t have to imagine where the lines of a properly trimmed and stylised beard will be. £87.00 Amazon/Boots.
Forget dogs, John W. Cornwell is man’s new best friend.
BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS
117 24/10/2014 15:13
UPFRONT
PHONE HOME
Made for Living! The Sony Xperia Z3 You could be swimming or with friends at a concert. You could be out running, or at home, gaming. It really doesn’t matter what you’re doing, if you are living life then you should live it with the Sony Xperia Z3 or, if you’ve smaller pockets, the Z3 Compact. Whilst it is the incredible screen quality that first catches the eye with the Z3, there is so much hidden within its sleek aluminium and glass frame that it’s difficult to know where to start. The 5.2 inch screen knocks the spots off the competition with an extremely high resolution 1080 x 1920 (4.6 inches and 720 x 1280 for the compact) crystal clear display. Combine a screen of such quality with a 20.7 megapixel camera and you’ll see the results for yourself in the razor sharp images you capture both above and below the waterline. Below the waterline? Yes, you read right! The Z3 and Z3 compact are both water and dust resistant to such a degree that you can happily take them onto the beach and then into the sea so you can share your underwater memories with friends. Both Z3s use Android for their operating systems, giving you access to the thousands of apps in the Play Store and the Sony Entertainment Network, with hundreds of movies, tunes and games to choose from. Both the Z3 and Z3 Compact are immensely powerful multimedia phones that will fit right into your life. All you need to do is choose the size that best fits your pocket! Pop into one of the Sure stores in Douglas, Ramsey or Port Erin to try one for size. The Z3 is £49 on Smart Ultimate at £46/month, and the Z3 Compact is available for free on the same plan.
COME AND VISIT US IN ONE OF THE ISLAND’S SURE STORES TODAY. 15 STRAND ST, DOUGLAS 4 ORCHARD WALK, PORT ERIN 10 PARLIMENT ST, RAMSEY
Apple iPhone 6 Available from Manx Telecom for FREE @ £65 per month over 24 months on Smartphone unlimited*, which comes with unlimited minutes and texts and 50GB (gigabytes) of data per month. The iPhone 6 isn’t just bigger – it’s better in every way. With a smooth metal surface that seamlessly meets the new Retina HD display; the physical quality of the iPhone 6 is on another level. It’s within this latest development from Apple where hardware and software function in a perfect marriage, creating by far the finest generation of iPhone to date. The screen itself is immersive and beautiful. Its impressive screen brightness can be easily viewed in direct sunlight, while blacks remain inky and dark. In conjunction with a larger screen width which allows for a bigger iOS keyboard, the phone is noticeably more spacious and comfortable to type. Hugely powerful and enormously efficient, the iPhone 6 offers an incredible battery life, whilst the A8 chip and iOS 8 software present the opportunity to truly experience the greatest graphics performance to date. Introducing their latest gaming technology – Metal – developers can let their imaginations expand to new levels to create highly immersive console-style games. With the iPhone 6 optimized to deliver detailed graphics and complex visual effects, it turns each imaginary world into a much more realistic experience.
FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO: WWW.MANXTELECOM.COM/SHOP CALL: 624 624. OR POP INTO THE STORE IN STRAND ST. BEST PRICES GUARANTEED BY MANX TELECOM PRICE MATCH PROMISE.
118
Further encompassing innovative technology, this latest launch includes advanced features to its 8MP iSight camera including an Apple-designed video encoder and image signal processor. They support advanced camera and video features, like new Focus Pixels, better face detection, continuous autofocus, and enhanced noise reduction, allowing you to effortlessly capture higher quality photos and videos. Including being 4G compatible, encompassing advanced wireless technologies, the iPhone 6 offers a boost in performance to give a super-fast mobile broadband experience including up to 3 x faster speeds, when connected to Wi-Fi. Available in silver, gold or space gray from Manx Telecom for FREE @ £65 per month over 24 months on the Smartphone Unlimited tariff*. *Unlimited allowances are subject to a fair-usage policy of 5,000 minutes or texts per month and are available on contracts of 12+ months. ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE
NIGHTLIFE
PAPP’D AT THE COURTHOUSE
120
ARE YOU IN?
ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE
NIGHTLIFE
ARE YOU IN?
BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS
121
NIGHTLIFE
PAPP’D AT TAHIKO
ARE YOU IN?
ŀßÖÁÁ¹Ûßŀß ĘÛ Ö c=òßĭß-=áßĿĿÓºßčßł=º Öhiß ½àÖòß Ö c=ñÛ œŃß ½àÖòß-=àåÖc=ñÛ
124
ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE
NIGHTLIFE
PAPP’D AT BAR GEORGE
ARE YOU IN?
ÔÔÔß µåTT ½ ßÖhch ½hdßÔÔÔ .= ²Â µåT $
BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS
.= ²Â µåT Áº îîîÔà= ²ÂÔYÂÔ º
125
NIGHTLIFE
PAPP’D AT BRADDA GLEN 70TH BIRTHDAY PARTY
CELEBRATING YEARS
15 126
ARE YOU IN?
Independent local charity Crimestoppers is currently celebrating its 15th anniversary.
ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE
NIGHTLIFE
ARE YOU IN?
PAPP’D AT BORDELLO
Crimestoppers is a charity working to make your community a safer place. They make it easy for anyone to provide information about crime in the community. If you’ve seen an incident but don’t want to go to the police, you can report it anonymously to Crimestoppers by phone, or search online for Crimestoppers Isle of Man.
BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS
www.crimestoppers-uk.org
127
UPFRONT
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.
WHO WE ARE
CONTRIBUTORS
Publisher/Editor STEVE REDFORD DD : 07624 249249 steve@gallery.co.im
Editorial
Lisa Jones Hannah Goodby Michelle Tonnesen Linda Huxley Anne Berry Jennifer Parkes Nadia Alkahzrajie Grant Runyon Les Able Suzy Holland Rebecca Lawrence Rachel Green Theo Leworthy Liz Corlett Anne Moorhouse Leon Flemming
Now 10 % discount on any wedding package. Save money. Sign wedding contract to the end of December 2014 Free pre-wedding photo session. Extra canvas prints.
NEW 2014/15 WEDDING OFFERS*
Sales & Client Relations BEV LAWLEY DD: 07624 415096 BEV@gallery.co.im Accounts LAURA MACGREGOR laura@gallery.co.im
6
5
Design Studio design@gallery.co.im
Illustrations Russ Atkinson Jon Moore
Paparazzi paparazzi@gallery.co.im
SPECIAL CARS SPECIAL OCCASIONS PRIVATE HIRE
Design Studio Emma Cooke Steve Redford Russ Atikinson Katherine Mather
Distribution www.gallery.co.im/distribution distro@gallery.co.im
Photography Peter Kwiecinski Matt Mosur Danny Evans Andrew Barton Liam Gilman Steve Babb
CAREERS jobs@gallery.co.im
FOR
AND
View our stunning fleet of cars at
www.platinumcars.im Email: david@platinumcars.im
Tel: 07624 357498 2
Recycle.
Gallery recycles all its storage and packing materials, boxes and any old magazines that are returned. We don’t get that many fortunately. We love to know our readers hang on to previous copies but when you move or find that they’re taking up too much space, drop them down to the recycling bins. If you want to find out more about recycling, call: 01624 686540. We put this on the green strip to look eco innit... That’s smart!
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..
www.dollsfactory.net
*10% discount on any wedding package when you book before the end of December 2014. Plus a free pre-wedding photo session and a free canvas print.
ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE
4G 4 free FREE @ £20 per month
Nokia Lumia 635
FREE @ £25 per month
Samsung Galaxy Ace 4
FREE @ £35 per month
Samsung Galaxy S4
FREE @ £35 per month
Sony Xperia Z3 Compact
superfast phones superfast network
call 624 624 see in-store visit manxtelecom.com/christmas
Based on a 24 month contract. See full terms and conditions at www.manxtelecom.com/christmas
6WUDQG 6WUHHW 'RXJODV ,VOH RI 0DQ ,0 (: 7HO ZZZ ZLONLQVWKHMHZHOOHU FR XN