September 2018 | the FAMILY issue by Gallery Magazine

Isle of Man Premier Magazine | no. 78 | September 2018 | the [FAMILY] issue

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CONTENTS 57 Recruitment - Careers Special

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WOMEN LEADERS IN THE LIFE INSURANCE SECTOR

5 Edito 6 What's On 8 Feature - The Shouting Match 12 MOVE IT - A Family Affair

WOMEN LEADERS IN THE LIFE INSURANCE SECTOR

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Move It -

Move It has also provided bursaries to help older students continue their dance teacher training, 5 of whom have been with Kate since her first classes.

it’s a

family affair By Suzy Holland

The Move It aim is to bring fun, through dance, to as many people as possible, whilst being as relaxed as possible. But not so relaxed that it doesn’t take professional exams seriously. Move It has a 100% pass rate in IDTA exams and Kate herself is training to be an IDTA examiner.

Above: Move it staff and students having fun while learning their discipline at their bespoke studios. Opposite: Move It staff with their winning carnival float. Studio photographs by Vannin Photos.

“We’ve got so much to offer and you don’t know what you may like, or what you’re good at, until you try it,” says Kate. “So we’ve decided to offer free tasters of every single one of our classes from Ballet to Cheer, Hip Hop to Commercial Street, Tap to Retro Fitness, for any age and any ability, and with the added bonus of a free month of classes for anyone who signs up at the taster sessions.”

Move It is arguably the largest dance school on the Island and certainly offers classes in the largest range of dance styles. “I started aged three with Onchan Entertainers,” says Kate, “and only later took up the core dance subjects, eventually becoming a qualified ITDA teacher. I’ve always wanted to ‘pay it forward’, passing on my passion to future generations. Sometimes dance can be seen as a bit stuffy and elitist, and I wanted Move It to appeal to girls and boys, of all ages, and all abilities – and that’s what we offer: dancing for everyone.”

Gillian continued: ‘Women are also active within the industry Trade Association, the Manx Insurance Association (MIA). I am the Chair of the Association and two of the four active Sub-Committees are chaired by Cathy and Michelle Lees.’

Move It also has a competition-winning cheer dance team, which, as well as winning the ‘Peoples’ Choice’ award at the 2015 Next Big Thing, has brought armfuls of trophies back from Cheer Dance UK at the Blackpool Tower and Winter Gardens in the past two years. Although not strictly a competition, this year the Move It float won the ‘Best Float’ award at the Douglas Carnival, which was once again thanks to the help and skills of the wider Move It family who transformed a flatbed truck into a woodland glade. The float showcased both its students and the upcoming production at the Gaiety Theatre.

Lilian responded: ‘I agree with Gill there is great value in giving encouragement at the right time to become involved in wider business and professional bodies. Over a number of years the MIA has demonstrated this both in the number of women who have been Chair and headed up its specialist Groups. Getting experience outside of your own company gives a lot of opportunity for personal development.’

So what’s happening at the Gaiety? ‘Move It Into the Woods’ in November will involve every single one of the Move It students, from the adult ballet class right down to the cute three year olds who, Kate is well aware, will probably steal the show. “180 students, many costume changes, not to mention tons of inventive choreography and the backstage army of helpers means that the show is

Please don’t think it’s just for family and friends. If you like musical theatre, then there’s something in ‘Move It Into the Woods’ for you, and you never know, you might spot the Island’s next dance star!”

COMMERCIAL STREET

JOIN US FOR THIS SEPTEMBER * TH OF A MON

S FREE CLASSE

*Offer subject to availability. Existing Move It members are eligible to try out free classes they are not already subscribed to.

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Cathy Dawson

Gillian Marples

Lillian Boyle

Karen Badgerow

opportunity to grow and develop without encountering any barriers to progression. Our recently appointed Group Risk Director is a woman and she is sponsoring leadership development programmes for individuals despite gender, who are capable, have potential and show the right attitude and behaviours.’

learn and develop through professional qualifications and industry training the Life Businesses, like other areas in the wider Isle of Man Finance Sector, have created a culture of inclusion encouraging and motivating women to study and progress their careers. This is something I have seen first-hand both in my time as a Life Company MD and as Chair of the IOM Branches of the Chartered Insurance Institute and the Chartered Investment & Securities Institute.’

definitely looking for different things from their employer to reflect changing values around the balance between work and home. I have seen a number of changes in the last 35 years of my working life and most notable has been the introduction of more flexible work arrangements and the smart use of technology to support different ways of working. Combined they ultimately provide more support to working parents and in particular women who statistically still carry a lot of “homebased” responsibility.

Karen B added: ‘We are very fortunate to have strong female representation in many of our senior roles at the Authority and now most recently at the Board as a result of a recent recruitment exercise. The FSA board for example is now gender neutral. I think that diversity of any kind engenders a different kind of conversation and decision making process as it allows us to draw upon a more broad range of both professional and life experience. Do we think female employees now looking for more from their employers?’

shift over the last 5 years. Employees in today’s society, regardless of gender, are looking for more from their employers. Organisations are now competing on culture as much as salary which makes attitudes towards diversity, flexibility, wellbeing and values ever more important. Word of mouth on the island is incredibly powerful. ‘Many employers on the Island, including Hansard, are reaping the benefits of flexible working. Whether that be working from home on occasion, flexible working hours, part time working, late lunches/school picks ups they are all supporting our employees both male and female to achieve a work/life balance. It is a balancing act and often requires equal amounts of give and take but when you get the balance right it is priceless. In my experience that requires trust and that trust is typically build up over time. In my opinion organisations need to better promote the flexibility that they can offer their employees from day 1 and stand behind that way of working post recruitment. Are other companies following this trend of focusing more heavily on wellbeing and are females getting the opportunities they deserve?’

Karen C answered: ‘I believe there has been a massive

Cathy replied: ‘I feel I have been afforded every

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ON THE AGENDA

Gillian agreed: ‘I have never felt restrained by gender during my career and have been presented with many exciting opportunities including chairing the MIA and joining the Finance Agency Board.’ Cathy commented: ‘The Isle of Man has, due to its size, had to be innovative and has actively set out to attract new industries creating a culture where people are given the freedom to flourish. ‘Talent recognition and succession planning is important at all levels for men and women. There is no reason to suggest that women work any better than men and vice versa but diversity throughout a company has a beneficial impact and gender balanced leadership teams make better business decisions.’

Cathy responded: ‘Changes in education have helped to shape the way women develop. The conscious and unconscious bias is already being broken down from an early age. No longer do girls do needlework and cookery while boys do woodwork and metal work as was the case when I was at school. It is likely, given the small travelling distances on the IOM and the family support networks that women find it easier to return to work having had children. ‘Certain areas are still dominated by women e.g. Risk, Compliance and HR, and other areas are dominated by men e.g. Sales and IT. In time it is hoped those roles will have gender balance.’

Lillian added: ‘ By providing an environment to

Karen B commented: ‘I think the newer generation is

Karen C concluded: ‘The stats in the Isle of Man are positive, however, in my experience there remains a shortage of senior female candidates, in the last 5 years we (Hansard) have recruited for a number of senior roles and few candidates, if any, in some scenarios, were female.’ The roundtable concluded with an agreement that the Isle of Man is making progress but shouldn’t rest on its laurels, there is still work needed to encourage more role models who can actively support and mentor in the workplace to ensure we achieve the appropriate diversity across all levels of our business. However the standout point was, ‘opportunity exists for women on the Island who are interested in working in a senior role.’

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CAREERS SPECIAL

WHO WE ARE PUBLISHER

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

BALL

MUSICAL THEATRE CHEER &

STUNTS

TAP MODERN

HIP HOP

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To find out more, or to book a taster class, visit our studios on Westmoreland Road, Douglas, call Kate on 615989/384512 or visit www.moveit.im RETRO FIT

“Move It now has two bespoke studios on two floors and three fully qualified teachers with over 20 years’ experience between them.” 12

Karen Coran Cathy continued: The International Insurance Sector on the Isle of Man is still a relatively young industry (coming up for 40 years) compared to others such as manufacturing, construction etc. It’s possible the industry has been shaped without any continuing prejudice that may possibly exist in other industries. Over the course of nearly 40 years there have been a number of female CEOs and directors of Isle of Man Insurance companies, thereby indicating that the glass ceiling is not an issue for women in the International insurance sector on the Island.

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.

72 Feature Property

If you’ve been infected by Kate’s enthusiasm, then there’s still chance for you, or your child, to be involved – the Move It free taster sessions run from 3-8th September. To book a place, go to www.moveit.im or call Kate on 615989 or 384512. Tickets for ‘Move It Into the Woods’, 30 November – 1 December, including the Saturday matinee performance, are on sale now at www.villagaiety.com.

FREESTYLE

Kate’s passion for dance and movement is behind everything Move It does. After starting with just one class in the Onchan Community Centre in 2011, to gutting and refurbishing what was previously a kitchen showroom, into their own bespoke dance studio space on Westmoreland Road, Douglas, in March 2014, it’s been non-stop growth to the 180 students they have today.

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PLACES

“I couldn’t have done all this without the support of my family,” says Move It dance school founder Kate Caine, “and it’s only successful because of the extended Move It family.”

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This stunning property comprises: n An impressive entrance hall n Cloaks n Four reception rooms, including office/study n Kitchen n Breakfast room n Utility n Indoor swimming pool n Sauna and shower n Conservatory n Four large en-suite bedrooms, 2 of which have dressing rooms n Additional 2 bedrooms currently used as a playroom/office with shower n A self-contained two en-suite bedroom apartment n Double garage with multiple parking n Landscaped gardens

A Magnificent modern detached family house standing in beautifully landscaped gardens of 3/4 acre enjoying far reaching south-facing views. The property is approached though an impressive pillared entrance and large pavioured driveway, providing ample parking for 5/6 cars, which then sweeps around a central rockery feature.

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86 The Summer Trends

CULTURE

1. MINDHORN (2016) Mighty Boosh star Julian Barratt and Horrible Histories legend Simon Farnaby join forces in a comedy that owes a fair amount of nostalgic credit to the 1980s hit detective series Bergerac. Barratt plays Richard Thorncroft, a British TV actor whose career as Manx detective Mindhorn is firmly behind him. That is, until he’s called in to help solve a real-life crime on the Isle of Man. Donning his Mindhorn persona once again, he returns to his old stomping ground and finds a whole new lease of life. It’s a very funny film anyway but, if you know the Isle of Man, the gentle jokes at the expense of the film’s Manx setting add that extra bit of sparkle. 2. SPOOKS: THE GREATER GOOD (2014)

TOP 10 MANX MOVIES The Isle of Man Film Festival kicks off this month (5th-9th September - www.isleofmanfilmfestival. com), celebrating the very best in international and home grown film. In 1995, the Isle of Man began its life as an unlikely hotbed of movie-making and a series of famous faces began jetting in to take advantage of our growing film industry experience. Since then, more than 100 movies have been made here – some better known than others – and Isle of Man Film has evolved into a well-respected regional screen agency. As big fans of the silver screen, RL360 has scoured the archives to come up with our top 10 favourite films made in the Isle of Man. But, as we all know, this kind of thing is subjective and so we’re asking you to let us know your top 10 Manx movies – email us at top10@rl360.com

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It’s the usual story – a terrorist threatens an attack on London and Harry Pearce et al step in to save the day. Obviously, with London being the setting for the impending attack it’s all the other scenes that were filmed in the Isle of Man. The Greater Good doesn’t quite live up to Spooks’ TV heyday, particularly as Harry is pretty much the only recognisable character left, but he was always the main one anyway and with Game of Thrones’ Kit Harington added to the cast the film was bound to enjoy some success. Plus, here at RL360 we’re happily biased as one of our members of staff was an extra! 3. BELLE (2012) Directed by Amma Asante, Belle is the tale of a mixed-race girl raised as an aristocratic lady in England at the end of the 18th Century. Gguthu Mbatha Raw takes on the lead role and is joined by a stellar cast including Draco Malfoy himself Tom Felton, Sam Reid, Matthew Goode and English acting heavyweights Tom Wilkinson, Penelope Wilton, Emily Watson and Miranda Richardson. An impressive film visually, the story was also well-received by the critics with Mark Kermode (Isle of Man Film Festival patron) naming it one of his favourite films released in 2014. 4. TT3D: CLOSER TO THE EDGE (2011) Film maker Richard De Aragues scored some really good luck when he arrived in the Isle of Man in 2011 to capture footage for his film about the TT. The 2011 event was one of the most dramatic events in recent years for a variety of reasons – not least as a result of mild mannered Ian Hutchinson’s feat of winning a recordbreaking 5 races in one week. But it was really a platform for the career of rising TV star Guy Martin. Martin, who has never won a TT race but was a fan favourite

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nonetheless, stole the show with his eccentric turns of phrase and man of the people shtick. And when he crashed his bike in a blazing fireball during the Senior Race, escaping with just a couple of scrapes to his name, a legend was born. 5. CHICO & RITA (2009) This romantic musical film was nominated for Best Animated Feature at the 2011 Academy Awards but lost out to Rango. The story of Chico and Rita is set against the backdrops of Havana, New York, Las Vegas, LA and Paris in the late 1940s/early 1950s. Pianist Chico and singer Rita encounter heartache and torment to a soundtrack provided by Cuban pianist, bandleader and composer Bebo Valdes. It also features music by jazz greats Cole Porter, Dizzy Gillespie and Thelonius Monk. 10 animators from the Isle of Man worked on elements of the film, working remotely as colourists in collaboration with studios based in Hungary, Spain and the Philippines. 6. MISS POTTER (2006) Renee Zellweger and Ewan McGregor both jetted into the Isle of Man for this one. Zellweger played Beatrix Potter at a time in her life when she found the courage to overcome her domineering and unsupportive mother, plus the not inconsiderable chauvinism of Victorian England, and had her work published. Brothers Frederick and Charles Warne agree to publish The Tale of Peter Rabbit to please their younger brother Norman (McGregor). Norman wants to work in the publishing firm and his brothers hand him what they believe to be a dud. To their surprise, the book goes on to become the best-selling children’s story ever and Beatrix and Norman’s relationship blossoms into a secret love affair. 7. STORMBREAKER (2005) A mini James Bond film, in which the incinerator at Braddan doubled as a villain’s hideout and Port Erin beach served as the scene of an exciting motorbike chase. Stormbreaker was based on the Anthony Horowitz Alex Rider novel and starred a young Alex Pettyfer as 14-year-old spy Rider. He was joined by an enviable cast which included Damian Lewis, Ewan McGregor, Bill Nighy, Sophie Okonedo, Alicia Silverstone, Robbie Coltrane and Mickey Rourke. While Stormbreaker performed slightly disappointingly at the box office (it fell far short of its expected blockbuster status), Pettyfer’s career continued to grow steadily and in 2012 he landed a role in smash hit Magic Mike.

8. REVOLVER (2005)

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9. THE LIBERTINE (2004) Johnny Depp. Actual Johnny Depp in the Isle of Man. And he wasn’t alone – Samantha Morton, John Malkovich, Rosamund Pike, Tom Hollander and, erm, Johnny Vegas, were with him. They were filming the true story of the subversive Earl of Rochester, a friend and confidant of King Charles II whose rebellious adventures and sexual liaisons inspired awe and rebuke alike. There was much talk around the Island about Depp sightings and many turned up to an impromptu Johnny Vegas gig at The Venue in Douglas hoping to catch a glimpse. He didn’t show but John Malkovich and, oddly, DJ Chris Evans and a then unknown John Bishop did too. If you were there, you know what happened, and if you weren’t, well, it’s safe to say Vegas may have taken some inspiration for his on-stage antics from the Earl of Rochester… Surreal.

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10. WAKING NED (1997) Still perhaps quoted as the most famous film made here – Waking Ned is a gentle Irish comedy about two life-long friends (Ian Bannen and David Kelly) who have always obsessed over winning the lottery. When word reaches them that someone in their tiny village has won, they plot to unearth the winner’s identity. This turns out to be the reclusive Ned Devine, who has died of shock in front of the TV, still clutching the winning ticket. The Manx countryside plays a large role in the film, doubling for cosy rural Ireland. And there’s a memorable moment involving a naked pensioner riding a motorbike through some lovely scenery. What more could you ask for?

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

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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.

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#78 [the FAMILY ISSUE] £ priceless

Isle of Man Premier Magazine | no. 78 | September 2018 | the [FAMILY] issue

#78

the FAMILY issue

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COVER CREDIT ILLUSTRATOR JOHNATHAN LIZAR (End of Summer Sunset)

Family Time

amilies! We’ve all got one and they come in many different shapes and sizes, each with their own marred blend of dysfunction and delusion. Who else but a relative would ever enquire about your Christmas plans in June or give endless answers (opinions and judgement) on questions about your clothes that you never actually asked in the first place. Who else talks to you like you’re still the annoying little git from twenty years ago and enjoys reminding you of that time when you wet yourself/broke something/said something or just generally let yourself down in cringe-worthy fashion and totally tinged the family name. Yup; so glad that derogatory nickname you gave me aged eight has stuck with me my entire life! Great? Yes, here we are; bound by DNA, hopefully unwavering support, embarrassing memories and varying levels of emotional repression, it’s your standard family package. The deluxe model can of course be extra warm and fuzzy, whereas the budget family is better to be kept at arm’s length, just ask Meghan Markle. However, don’t fret, because we at Gallery can help you swallow your rage, residual sibling rivalry, general discontentment, birth order issues and suppress any urges to tackle your stunted emotional development. We can offer an array of cynical opinions to help you gain perspective and remind you that it is perfectly normal to have a family that annoy, irritate and questionably build your character in their own loving way. We, like them, will be with you through thick and thin, turning up on a regular basis and demanding your attention for nothing in return. Bada bing!

ARE YOU IN? You can also view paparazzi photos on our facebook page.

If it is in fact “family time” you’re after (are you sure?) then you may want to visit the 47thWorld Tin Bath Championships on 1stSeptember or the Isle of Man Food & Drink Festival on the 15th & 16th September. Alternatively, if you need some space away from your loved ones (no judgement from us) you can get your lycra on and hit the Isle of Man Cycle Challenge. Repeat after us: blood is thicker than water, there is no escape. SR

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WHAT’S ON 08.09 – 07.10.2018

SOVEREIGN ART FOUNDATION STUDENTS’ PRIZE EXHIBITION //SAYLE GALLERY, DOUGLAS// The 13 short-listed finalists for this prestigious student art prize are being exhibited at the Sayle Gallery. All six of the Island’s high schools, and UCM are represented here with over £6,000 worth of cash prized on offer to students and schools. This is your chance to vote for your favourite so go along and see the very best contemporary art from the Island’s young artists.

01.09.2018

WORLD TIN BATH CHAMPIONSHIPS

//CASTLETOWN// Tin Bath racing, flying attempts, snake races and all round fun. www.facebook.com/ WorldTinBathsChampionships/

www.sovereignartfoundation.com/prizegalleries/isle-man-students-prize-finalist/ Also in the Sayle Gallery until 5 October is an exhibition of new work from local artist Petrina Kent, who describes herself as ‘essentially a landscape artist seeking to capture the essence of the Isle of Man’. www.facebook.com/saylegallery | www. facebook.com/petrinakentfineart/

now – 16.09.2018

LIGHT CONFECTION

//ISLE GALLERY, ST JOHNS// An exhibition full of light and delight from landscape artist Ellie Baker, who uses colour blending to create an impression of dancing light. Visitor and buyers will find familiar landscapes and seascapes combined with Ellie’s own memories of place and mood. www.facebook.com/theislegallery | www.artreachiom.com

05.09 – 09.09.2018

ISLE OF MAN FILM FESTIVAL //DOUGLAS// See page 46

07.09 – 08.09.2018

FESTIVAL OF WORLD MUSIC & CULTURE

//PEEL// The Island’s first World Music festival has attracted artists from as diverse cultures as the Balkans and Cameroon – and our own Manx music community - and takes place in the Cathedral grounds during the day and the Centenary Centre both evenings. The daytime concerts are free, tickets for the evenings from www.centenarycentre. im– where you can find more information about the performers - and the usual outlets.

Supported by Year of Our Island 2018

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SEPTEMBER 13.09 – 15.09.2018

RALLY ISLE OF MAN

//ISLAND WIDE// This year’s Rally Isle of Man is gearing up to be a truly spectacular event, with an 18 stage and 140 stage mile route over some of the island’s classic asphalt stages including two dedicated town centre spectator stages. More information about where you see the rally, and how you can get involved from www.rally.im

14.09 – 15.09.2018

MANANAN OPERA – DON PASQUALE BY DONIZETTI

//ERIN ARTS CENTRE, PORT ERIN// The annual live opera at the Erin Arts Centre is this year, Don Pasquale – a comic opera sung in English. The opera is directed by Stefan Janski, former Head of opera Studies at the Royal Northern College of Music and the main roles are sung by invited artistes – who this year include Fleur de Bray, who recently

completed a season starring at the National theatre as Katherina Cavalieri in the sellout production of Amadeus. Local singers perform minor roles. Tickets are available from the Erin Arts Centre box office and can be booked online at www.erinartscentre.com/booking.html

15.09 – 16.09.2018

ISLE OF MAN FOOD & DRINK FESTIVAL

//VILLA MARINA GARDENS, DOUGLAS// Over 8,500 people attended the last year’s Isle of Man Food & Drink Festival which showcased over 60 local food and drink producers and their businesses. The 2018 event is the 10th anniversary and promises to be bigger and better than ever with stalls, street food, music and more – all free to attend. This year’s VIP guest is Adam Henson from BBC1’s Countryfile, and on Saturday evening he will present ‘My Life on the Land in the Media’ in the Theatre

I’m single… and I’m proud to foster Foster Carers transform the lives of children and young people in care. Carers provide children with a start in life that they may not have had. We are on the lookout for 20 new foster families to join them and help provide a loving heart and home.

open your heart, open your home

Marquee. Tickets for this are £10 from www.villagaiety.com

15.09.2018

SOME KINDA WONDERFUL – A CELEBRATION OF STEVIE WONDER

//THE CENTENARY CENTRE, PEEL// Celebrating the genius of Stevie Wonder, the mesmeric vocalist, Noel McCalla and award-winning saxophonist, Derek Nash, are bring a full band of top musicians to the Isle of Man to play a wide-ranging back-catalogue of classic hits, from 1970’s Signed, Sealed, Delivered through to hits from Talking Book, Innervisions, Songs in the Key of Life and Hotter than July. Tickets- priced £18 - are available online www.etickets.im/cc/or from Celtic Gold in Peel, Shakti Man in Ramsey, Thompson Travel in Port Erin or GH Corlett the Jewellers in Douglas.

25.09 – 30.09.2018

MANX LITFEST //ISLAND WIDE// See page 46.

29.09.2018

BOOBY’S BEER AND BUBBLES FUN RUN

//DOUGLAS// The annual Manx Breast Cancer Support Group Booby Bear Beer and Bubbles Fun Run is back! A fun run for kids, families and a separate one for those who like a bit of a challenge. There are a choice of three races, a 1k fun run for families, children and runners at 5pm, a 5k and 10k run for over 18s (start 5.30pm). To register go to: www. manxbreastcancersupportgroup.com/ donate-ticket-purchase/

29.09.2018

THE GREATEST VARIETY SHOW

//GAIETY THEATRE, DOUGLAS// Young Ambassador of Hospice IoM Alexandra Slater hosts a true extravaganza of song and dance featuring many of the Island’s top performers to celebrate its 35th anniversary. Tickets from £15 (concessions £12) from the Welcome Centre, the box office on 01624 600555 or online at www.villagaiety.com.

Call us on 610000 or visit www.fps.co.im You can also find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/fpsiom

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FEATURE

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Modern life flies past, and there’s more things than ever to cross off your list before the Grim Reaper catches up with you. Young (and not so young) people today have a greater range of life choices than any other generation, but most will close as many doors as they open. The younger generation worries about careers, education and travel, but easily the biggest decision relates to whether or not to start a family and what you might need to sacrifice to achieve that. It may seem like you have plenty of time to decide, but depending on how you spend your youth those fertile decades could wither away like a bunch of grapes in the back of the fridge.If you’re young and feeling indecisive read on, because if there’s one area where you can absolutely rely on older people, it’s in telling you what to do about having kids

- whether you asked for that advice or not. We looked about until we found two middle-aged ladies with an opinion (approximately three minutes), and put them either side of some bulletproof glass borrowed from the gorilla house at Curraghs. In the pink dungeon we have Sharon ‘Pampers’ Parker, who lists her

Life goals: Is your life incomplete if you don’t have kids? Sharon: I can’t imagine life without my little angels, who fill the world with joy from around 5AM each morning til well after midnight. I’m sure my downstairs neighbours feel the same way. My kids are endlessly entertaining and teach me something new every day - which I immediately share to the social media accounts I set up so that other people could experience the unique wonders of my offspring. Yes, I could have had a career, or gone back to university, but I’m CEO of this family and have earned my degree in the University of Life. Other people have hobbies or interests, but in the 40 minutes I spend alone with my husband each day all he wants to hear about is what funny/intelligent/charming things our brood have done in the twelve hours he’s been in the office. I expect if you don’t have them your life is nothing but emptiness and regret - all the sleep and spare money is worth nothing compared to the pleasure I’ve had from wiping bottoms and watching cartoons since 1998.

occupation as “Proud Mummy” and has spent the last twenty years raising six children, blogging about them and running the PTA with a hand of steel. In the isolation cage we have Kelly Jones, successful career lady and pet parent. She sleeps for eight hours a night and goes on holiday every other month.

pictures of Kelly to Mumsnet so that pram-pushing vigilantes can keep an eye on her. Kelly: My sister has three of them, and although they’re nice enough in small doses I prefer talking to my cats because I already know what they want out of the exchange and I am not required to feign an interest in Minecraft after a long week in the office. I prefer spending time with other childless adults, who have a range of conversational topics that exceeds nappy contents and the cast of characters in Paw Patrol. I find children to be noisy, destructive and dirty, and I wish they were either banned from public places or subject to similar rules to dogs. Keep them on a lead, pick up after them and don’t let them on my furniture.

“I prefer talking to my cats because I already know what they want out of the exchange and I am not required to feign an interest in Minecraft after a long week in the office”

Kelly: My life is great, thank you very much. If anything I don’t have any room in my life for children, with my fantastic career which pays for all my holidays, parties, dinner dates, shoes, hobbies - and cats. I think my cats get more ‘likes’ than your kids, Sharon, and they are every bit as loving and entertaining as human children, with the bonus that they don’t care who looks after them when I’m on holiday as long as the Whiskas keeps coming. I once put them in the cattery for three weeks when I was in Bali with the girls, and unlike real children they didn’t grow up to write bad poetry about what a neglectful parent I am. One of them did pee in the laundry basket. I admit the cats won’t look after me when I’m old, but you can’t guarantee that from human children either - just ask my mother.

Companionship: Are children nice to be around? Sharon: Children are the wisest, funniest, sweetest people in this world, and my little ones are the wisest, funniest and sweetest amongst them. Let me show you this clip of Barnaby talking about the plot of his favourite Harry Potter novel - isn’t it fifteen minutes of pure adorableness? Yes, they have tantrums, but whenever I’m amongst adults I see plenty of behaviour that should end up on the naughty step. It’s not my fault that some people are so neurotic that they can’t ignore a baby with an upset tummy - she always gets a bit colicky if she has to fly for longer than seven hours or if I bring her to the cinema. To be perfectly honest, anybody who isn’t made instantly happier by the sound of children is a deeply sad individual, and in fact very suspicious to me. You can’t be too safe - I’ll be uploading

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Humanity: Is it necessary for society that we keep having children?

Sharon: Children are our future! The only reason I care about society at all is so that my children, and their children’s children, have a world that can support them. People talk about overpopulation, but I’ve got room in my heart for at least two more kids and they’ll only take up the space freed up by deluded singletons like Kelly. I’m not worried about the planet running out of resources because as well as being charming and talented all my children are geniuses. If anything I would change society so that children are even more important, by making it illegal not to cater to them in restaurants and banning any entertainment that excludes the under fives. Kelly: I suppose it’s reasonable that some people get to have children, but I’m in favour of restricting the privilege to those parents who don’t let their little darlings ruin things for those of us who enjoy the absence of shrieking. I’d treat breeding like getting a driver’s licence - you would lose points for letting them wail in public, touch things in shops or a long list of antisocial behaviour that I wouldn’t have space to list if this magazine were twice as long. As for the parents - if you post more than one baby picture a day to social media you’d face a Parish Hall enquiry, and if you can’t demonstrate a topic of dinner party conversation that doesn’t revolve around child-rearing you are forced to sweep the roads at weekends. We all win in this scenario - I get to enjoy a lie-in, people like Sharon get to learn that not everybody finds their offspring fascinating, and the children who do avoid my wrath will grow up into model members of society, like me.

UPFRONT

FAMILIES AND FERRY TRAVEL THE PERFECT COMBO

Eat, drink and be merry With a selection of bars and cafés offering child-friendly meals, snacks and drinks, your little ones won’t go hungry when travelling with the Steam Packet Company. Plus, the great range of toys, games and magazines available in the Ocean Avenue shop provides hours of entertainment for your onward journey. Enjoy a family-friendly movie

ADD TO THE SENSE OF EXCITEMENT AND ADVENTURE ON YOUR NEXT FAMILY TRIP BY TRAVELLING WITH THE ISLE OF MAN STEAM PACKET COMPANY.

Bring the family pet

Here are just a few reasons why travelling by ferry provides the perfect start to any family getaway.

When travelling with the Steam Packet Company no one needs to be left behind. Book your trusty family pet on board the Ben-my-Chree in the pet lounge or one of the designated cabins and your pooch can join in the fun!

No luggage fees

Spot wildlife

With no luggage fees you can pack everything you need for your family adventure including toys, teddies, bikes, scooters and sun cream, without having to decide what to leave behind, or facing extra baggage charges. Spend more time as a family Get your holiday off to the right start and enjoy some leisure time laughing, joking and playing games as a family. Simply step on board, choose your preferred seating in a range of spacious areas and settle down for some quality time together while you sail.

When travelling on Manannan why not take time out to sit back and enjoy a familyfriendly blockbuster in one of the two cinema lounges, it’s an ideal way to relax during the sailing.

Playtime doesn’t have to stop onboard! Sit back and relax while your little ones enjoy some time in Junior Shipmates - the Steam Packet Company’s child-friendly area available on both vessels. Bring the car Getting the family around on holiday can be a challenge, struggling onto buses and trains with all your luggage. Travel by ferry and you can take your car complete with car seats and prams packed away if needed, making it much easier. Upon arrival in your chosen port simply drive off and head straight to your onward destination.

Gather the crew and visit: www.steam-packet.com to booking your next getaway today.

Step onto the outside deck and enjoy precious moments with the family – while you’re embracing the fresh sea breeze keep your eyes peeled for sea life or just spend a moment taking in the stunning sea views. Rest and rejuvenate If travelling on the Ben-my-Chree indulge in a little bit of extra privacy and comfort by booking a four-berth en-suite cabin. Take advantage of the complimentary tea and coffee making facilities while sitting back and relaxing with the family - an ideal way to re-energise and refresh before your big adventure.

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You could create more life moments with a fixed term savings account For details of our range of 6, 9 and 12 month savings accounts, talk to us today Visit your local branch iombank.com Call us today 01624 637000 Like Isle of Man Bank on Facebook Follow us on Twitter @iombank

Isle of Man Bank Limited (IOMB). Registered Company Number: 1C Isle of Man. Registered Office: 2 Athol Street, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM99 1AN. Tel. 01624 637000. Licensed by the Isle of Man Financial Services Authority in respect of Deposit Taking, Investment Business and registered as a General Insurance Intermediary. IOMB is a member of the Isle of Man Depositorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Compensation Scheme (DCS) as set out in the Depositorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Compensation Scheme Regulations 2010. To understand your eligibility under the scheme you may wish to visit http://www.iomfsa.im/investor/dep_comp.xml IOMB is a member of The Royal Bank of Scotland Group. The Royal Bank of Scotland plc - Registered in Scotland No SCO83026. 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 RBS 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 Calls may be recorded.

UPFRONT

Move It it’s a family affair By Suzy Holland

Already in rehearsal for their third production, ‘Move It Into the Woods’, I met Kate at the studios which were buzzing with holiday workshops and preparations for free taster classes in early September. “We’ve got so much to offer and you don’t know what you may like, or what you’re good at, until you try it,” says Kate. “So we’ve decided to offer free tasters of every single one of our classes from Ballet to Cheer, Hip Hop to Commercial Street, Tap to Retro Fitness, for any age and any ability, and with the added bonus of a free month of classes for anyone who signs up at the taster sessions.”

Above: Move it staff and students having fun while learning their discipline at their bespoke studios. Opposite: Move It staff with their winning carnival float. Studio photographs by Vannin Photos.

“And don’t forget the whole army of Move It Mums, Dads and Grandparents,” laughs Kate. “We couldn’t run 43 classes a week, private parties, holiday workshops or anything else without them!” Move It is arguably the largest dance school on the Island and certainly offers classes in the largest range of dance styles. “I started aged three with Onchan Entertainers,” says Kate, “and only later took up the core dance subjects, eventually becoming a qualified ITDA teacher. I’ve always wanted to ‘pay it forward’, passing on my passion to future generations. Sometimes dance can be seen as a bit stuffy and elitist, and I wanted Move It to appeal to girls and boys, of all ages, and all abilities – and that’s what we offer: dancing for everyone.”

“I couldn’t have done all this without the support of my family,” says Move It dance school founder Kate Caine, “and it’s only successful because of the extended Move It family.” Kate’s passion for dance and movement is behind everything Move It does. After starting with just one class in the Onchan Community Centre in 2011, to gutting and refurbishing what was previously a kitchen showroom, into their own bespoke dance studio space on Westmoreland Road, Douglas, in March 2014, it’s been non-stop growth to the 180 students they have today.

“Move It now has two bespoke studios on two floors and three fully qualified teachers with over 20 years’ experience between them.” 12

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Move It has also provided bursaries to help older students continue their dance teacher training, 5 of whom have been with Kate since her first classes.

going to be amazing!” says Kate. “And I’m pleased to say that thanks to generous sponsorship from SMP Partners and others we’ve managed to keep the ticket prices affordable for the whole family to enjoy. Please don’t think it’s just for family and friends. If you like musical theatre, then there’s something in ‘Move It Into the Woods’ for you, and you never know, you might spot the Island’s next dance star!”

FREESTYLE

R R JOIN US FO

BE THIS SEPTEM

* CLASSES TH OF FREE A MON

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

MUSICAL THEATRE CHEER &

STUNTS

TAP MODERN

HIP HOP

To find out more, or to book a taster class, visit our studios on Westmoreland Road, Douglas, call Kate on 615989/384512 or visit www.moveit.im RETRO FIT *Offer subject to availability. Existing Move It members are eligible to try out free classes they are not already subscribed to.

BALL

JAZZ DRAM

FIT&FLEX

LYRICAL

ZUMBA

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GIVE A PET A HOME

••••

SAY, WE MADE IT TO SILVERDALE. MIGHT AS WELL TAKE A BREAK AND ENJOY THE FAMOUS WATER POWERED MERRY GO ROUND, YESSIR.

MANN TAILS #10

MAN THIS IS LAME. THERE’S GOTTA BE A BETTER WAY OF HOLDING THIS DOWN...

YOU’RE ALWAYS RIDING ON MY BACK, SO NOW IT’S MY TURN! JUST HOLD DOWN THE WATER PUMP AND THE MERRY GO ROUND WILL... GO ROUND! JUST DON’T LET GO OR IT WILL COME TO A STOP.

Amber is the first Egyptian Pharaoh Hound to be brought into our rescue Kennels – a breed that originates from Malta rather than Egypt where its name translates as ‘rabbit hound’. She is one and a half years old and a bundle of energy, but once she’s stretched her legs she likes nothing more than to come back to her human friends for a cuddle (she is a definite lap dog, even though she’s a bit big for it). Her hunting instincts are so well honed that she will need her new owner’s back garden to be 100% secure with a high fence, otherwise she will be off chasing any small furry animal that passes by. Similarly, when out for walks her recall will be poor if she is distracted by a rabbit and so she will need to be kept on a long lead.

Amber

Amber is used to being a much-loved family pet and she could be rehomed with children over the age of five and she gets on with some, but not all, other dogs. She is a real ‘head-turner’ with a noble demeanor, huge ears and a sleek body. Her new owners will have to be prepared for lots of admiring looks and ‘what type of breed is that?’ questions from passers-by.

WHEE!!!

Apoc Apoc is a handsome eight-year-old Manx cat. He has spent the last four months in one of our socialisation rooms, and although he has lots of space and home comforts he doesn’t have his freedom. He’s our longest-term resident in the cattery and we’re not sure why, other than that it’s because Apoc is wary of new people and he takes time to come out of his shell. Plus, at this time of year, a lot of people want kittens. He is adorable, though, and would suit anyone who is happy to have just the one cat (he doesn’t seem to like other cats). Please come and sit on the sofa with him for cat cuddles any day, apart from Thursdays, between 1.00pm and 4.00pm. ManxSPCA • Ard Jerkyll, East Foxdale • Tel: 851672

www.manxspca.com

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Familty Family

Eyecare & Eyewear for all the Family Value, Choice & Service - the Isle of Man's Premier Opticians in Douglas, bringing you expert eye care and the latest designer glasses, sunglasses and contact lenses. Single vision glasses are available from only ÂŁ25. We promise you low prices and expert eye care every day. New to Douglas - walk in Sight Test appointments & our new advanced Lens Lab offers a same day service on many single vision lenses.

Call 676230 to book your family eye test appointment

Holmes & Davidson Opticians 45 Strand Street, Douglas, Isle of Man IM1 2EJ

T: 01624 676230 | E: info@holmesanddavidsonopticians.co.uk | W: www.holmesanddavidsonopticians.co.uk F: www.facebook.com/HolmesAndDavidsonOpticians

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ME & MY PET

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“D

on’t tell my husband, but I’m a cat person really,” laughed Rhiannon Quirk when we talked about this Me & My Pet column, “and Sandy is not only our family pet, he’s also my eyes.”

Words by : Suzy Holland Photos: Matt Mosur

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

Rhiannon went blind almost overnight when she was 19. She learnt that she had severely high blood pressure when she was 17, which led to renal failure a year later and which subsequently took her sight. “At 18 I was a normal teenager: working in the week and living for the weekend,” she says. “The grief for my sight came after my kidney transplant when I knew that my life, now I had a disability, would change for ever.” And although her life has undoubtedly changed, she’s indebted to the support of Guide Dogs for the Blind (guidedogs.org.uk) and in particular the training school in Manchester. After going across to the Queen Alexander College – a specialist further education college for the blind and those with other disabilities – she came back to the Island and in 2009 took on her first dog, Indy. “I had a white cane for six years and hated it,” says Rhiannon. “I felt so vulnerable with it, and so dependent on other people. With Indy came real independence for the first time since I lost my sight.” Guide Dog training is a very long process. Puppies are bred from stock assessed by the Guide Dogs Association, often from bitches with a successful track record. Puppies who meet the stringent requirements then go out to registered puppy walkers, where they learn obedience and good manners, meet children, travel on public transport, meet other pets, go into shops, pubs and restaurants and more. And then, at fourteen months old and after being reassessed, they go for 8 months formal training before they are ready to be matched with an owner. Not surprisingly, that’s all very expensive. “I was blessed to be partnered with Indy for eight and a half years, and was place back on the guide dog waiting list when she was 9 to minimise the chance of being without a guide dog when she was retired.” says Rhiannon, “I was matched with Molly when Indy was 10 and we then spent two weeks training together in Manchester.” This intensive training period is essential: learning the commands when the dog is on the harness, the footing and body position, which are particular to each dog and owner, and of course the bonding which is essential to develop trust. But sadly, and tragically, Molly was run over outside the family house shortly after they returned to the Island after training. “Although I was soon matched with Sandy, Molly’s death devastated the whole family,” says Rhiannon. “Although the children were reassured by Stephen and I telling them that she is now a ‘Molly star’, I needed to channel my own sadness and guilt into something positive, so started to fund raise for the Guide Dogs Association.” As you might have gathered by now, Rhiannon is a very determined woman so it won’t come as a surprise to find out that she made a pledge to herself to raised £5,000 in one year to name and sponsor a puppy in Molly’s memory. Various events were held including an after-hours shopping event at M&Co organised by Rhiannon and her cousin and, after taking on the Parish Walk in June this year, where

UPFRONT

ME & MY PET

“Guide dogs are a great way in to teach children about how people live with disabilities, so if you ask, and it’s convenient, I can put Sandy’s handle down so he is relaxed, and then I’m happy to stop and talk.” she got to Patrick, the initial target was reached almost exactly a year after Molly passed away. And Rhiannon is continuing to fundraise via her online Just Giving page. If you live in Onchan you’ve probably seen Rhiannon and dog Sandy around – as well as doing the school and nursey ‘run’, they are a regular sight on the bus to Douglas, where she works for Barclays. “When I returned to the Island after college, I very much struggled to find a job,” Rhiannon says, “not even making it to the interview stage. My gut feeling was that it was because I have a disability they couldn’t accommodate.” But never one to give up, Rhiannon went with a friend to an open day held by Barclays. “The staff at the open day were very enthusiastic and supportive,” she continues. “They convinced me to do an informal interview there and then, and it rolled from there. That was nearly seven years ago and I’m still there!” Although Rhiannon and Sandy use the bus to get to work, she can most often

be seen out walking around Onchan and Douglas either on her own with Sandy or more often with the children too. “When he was four, it suddenly clicked with Finley that I couldn’t see and he’s now fantastic, holding my hand and guiding me when I need help,” says Rhiannon. “However his little sister Ava is only three and doesn’t really understand – she’s always asking me to run faster, and although I tell her I can’t because I can’t see she tells me that of course I can. She’s just got to that cheeky stage,” Rhiannon laughs, “so when I ask her to stop dawdling and walk faster when we’re on the way nursery she tells me she can’t because shecan’t see….” Rhiannon recently took Finley, who’s now six, to the cinema for the first time. “We went to see Incredibles 2and thankfully Finley has watched the first one many times at home, sometimes even with the audio description for me to follow, so at the cinema I was able to keep up with the action,” she says. “It was quite amusing to see people’s reactions to a guide dog at the cinema, but it was nice that everyone was very positive! It was an amazing feeling to take my son for a school holiday treat that

most mothers wouldn’t bat an eyelid at, but it is such a big thing for me and my boy to do something together. I expect our next cinema outing will be Toy Story 4 – and we might event let Ava come too, if she can sit still long enough!” If you see Rhiannon out and about with Sandy, she is happy to say hi, and, if appropriate, to have a chat about her dog. “I love talking to people about guide dogs,” she says, “but these fantastic animals are first and foremost working dogs. It is vital to maintain the training they’ve undergone so please be respectful by not distracting them when they are taking their owner somewhere. Don’t forget they are they aren’t just pets, they are their owner’s eyes.” Having said that, Rhiannon doesn’t begrudge Sandy having a fuss made of him. “Guide dogs are a great way in to teach children about how people live with disabilities, so if you ask, and it’s convenient, I can put Sandy’s handle down so heis relaxed, and then I’m happy to stop and talk.” Rhiannon has recently completed a speaker training course with the Guide Dogs Association and has held an awareness session for her work colleagues about blindness and the challenges it presents, from something as obvious as negotiating an office where vacant chairs aren’t tucked under the desks to a more complex, but still every day, task like choosing a drink or snack from the vending machine. And she’d like to take these sessions further: “I’d like to raise more awareness of my own situation as a young blind woman,” says Rhiannon, “but also try to encourage everyone to be more tolerant of disability in general. I’d love any opportunity to talk to other employers, or to schools and nurseries about my own experience and to perhaps influence how people with any disability, not just blindness, are treated.” Rhiannon is an official speaker on behalf of the Guide Dogs Association, so if you’d like to talk to Rhiannon about any events you’re planning, or to invite her and Sandy to your child’s school or nursery, the best way to contact her is via isleofman@ guidedogs.org.ukor by phoning the Manchester Mobility Team on 01189838715. Alternatively you can contact Karen Callin, Chairman of the Isle of Man Branch of Guide Dogs on 07624 481328 or Karen. callin@manx.netor find them on Facebook as Guide Dogs in the Isle of Man.

If you’d like to help with Rhiannon’s fundraising, her page can be found at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/rhiannon-quirk.

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RHIANNON & SANDY Rhiannon Quirk Age? 34 Likes? Peace and quiet when children are playing nicely, flowers, walks in the countryside

Sandy Where do you work? Barclays Do you have any more pets? No

(Answered on Sandy’s behalf by six year old Finley)

Breed? Labrador Retriever Age? 2

Dislikes? Rudeness and kidney beans

Would you have any more pets? Who knows! I don’t think it will be up to me!

If animal what would you be? Cat – I like to sleep

The best and worst thing about having a pet is?

Dislikes? Nothing

Favourite food? Chocolate – the basic dairy milk, not the posh stuff!

Best - Sandy is my ‘eyes’ and gets me where I need to go

If human what would you be? I’d be Finley

Where do you live? Onchan Where are you originally from? Onchan

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Worst - Dog hair!

Likes? Balls and playing fetch with my family

Favourite food? Carrots! Why do you love your humans? They feed me, play with me, fuss over me and I really like chasing Stephen when he’s the ‘tickle monster’ If you had one wish what would you wish for? I have two wishes: To play with tennis balls all day long and I’d really like a toy bone. Interesting fact: I’m not just any dog, I’m a guide dog!

Interesting fact: I don’t think I’m interesting, but I am determined. My life motto is ‘where there’s a will, there’s a way’

UPFRONT

Marie Kinvig (H&B Marketing Manager), Jane (Brearley’s puppy walker), Siobhan (Guide Dogs UK Community Fundraising Development Officer) and Jimmy Parry (Pub Manager of Thomas Rigby’s & Lady of Mann)

£20,000

TARGET SMASHED Heron & Brearley Group achieve their fundraising target for Guide Dogs UK

“Adding the fun into fundraising has been the main driver of our Guide Dogs charity campaign” explains H&B Marketing Manager, Marie Kinvig. “Since April 2017, all our pubs, convenience stores and businesses have been fundraising through all sorts of events and activities. We’ve hosted pub quizzes, sporting challenges, bake sales and sponsored fancy dress events and it’s been fantastic to see customers joining in and having a lot of fun while fundraising for this incredibly worthwhile charity.” The incredible amount of money raised allows H&B to name and sponsor two Guide Dogs all the way through their training. On average, it takes around 20 months to transform a small puppy into a confident and fully-trained Guide Dog. “After the first 7 months of the campaign, we achieved our first target of £10,000 which meant we were able to start the process of sponsoring our first Guide Dog, Brearley.” Born on the 7th December 2017, Brearley is a beautiful Golden Retriever cross Labrador who is well on his way into becoming a successful Guide Dog. ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

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“We were actually lucky enough to meet Brearley at the start of the month in two of our pubs in Liverpool; Thomas Rigby’s and Lady of Mann. He truly is a lovely dog with a heart of gold and we couldn’t be prouder.” Brearley is currently completely his first stage of training of which he lives with a Guide Dog trainer and learns basic commands and house training. In a few months’ time, he will attend the Training Academy where he will receive intensive Guide Dog training before being paired with a blind or partially sighted person and will receive further training in their life and needs. Having achieved their goal, H&B are now eagerly waiting the birth of their second puppy and are asking anyone with suggestions of what the puppy should be called to email: marketing@hb.im.

“As our charity partner, we wanted to support a charity with a positive, life-changing impact and the Guide Dogs UK does just that, transforming the lives of more than 10,000 blind and partially sighted people every year.” When choosing their charity partner, it was important to H&B that the charitable cause benefits both the Isle of Man and UK as the H&B group expands to the UK through their pub estate and distribution centre. Guide Dogs UK does just that with around 8 out of the 5,000 currently active Guide Dogs in the UK are based on the Island. “When we started this campaign, we originally planned for 2 years to raise the £20,000 but to have achieved this target within 16 months has been overwhelming. We know we couldn’t have achieved this without the fantastic support of our teams and our customers, and we are ever so grateful for this” Marie added. “Due to the amount of support we have received, we are going to continue to support Guide Dogs UK through regular fundraising activities.”

To keep up to date with both puppies’ journeys, including all of Brearley’s Pupdates, visit: www.pubsandbars.im or Facebook@PubsandBarsIOM.

Brearley, aged 8 months, at Thomas Rigby’s early August for meeting with H&B

£5

n It costs per day to support each working Guide Dog partnership. n The lifetime cost of a Guide Dog is around

£55,000 n Every hour, another person in the UK goes blind. n In the UK today, almost two million people are living with sight loss and of those, around

180,000 rarely leave their homes alone.

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in NUMBERS NEWS 25

Kane Ltd. has submitted an application for a £25-million site including a hotel, seven-screen cinema, restaurants and stores.They proposed to build just over 185,000 sqare foot an Omniplex cinema, Travelodge hotel, bars, apartments, restaurant and bus interchange at the Lord Street car park on North Quay, Douglas. By the end of the planning period, it is estimated that almost £1 million will be spent, and £25m on the development itself.

Helping people live healthy and active lives is set to remain high on the public agenda to ensure future generations avoid long-term difficulties caused by obesity. The Island’s Director of Public Health Dr Henrietta Ewart addresses childhood overweight and obesity in her Annual Report 2018 Childhood Healthy Weight - the road to a better future which was published on the 17 August.

2019

www.gov.im/DPHannualreport

This year’s Great Taste Awards were once again the showcase for a recordbreaking performance by the Manx food and drink industry. The awards – known as the ‘Oscars’ of the industry – saw the highest ever number of the Island’s products recognised for their quality, with 73 products winning awards in 2018, up from 56 last year. Only four years ago the total number of Manx products recognised with awards stood at just ten.

98.4%

The 2018 A-level results in the Department of Education, Sport and Culture’s(DESC) five secondary schools once again reflect a record standard of achievement for pupils. There has been a considerable increase in the percentage of pupils gaining the higher grades of A*-B when compared with all previous years. The overall pass rate (A*-E) of 98.4% is also up on last year. In DESC’s five secondary schools, around 350 Year 13 pupils were entered for around 1,000 A-levels in nearly 50 subjects.

The Isle of Man government have announced the dates for Bank Holidays in 2019.

680

Since the launch of the government’s Food Matters Strategy in 2014 the island’s food sector has grown from £75 million per annum to £99.9 million and 680 new jobs have been created.

A pair of critically endangered lemurs have arrived on the Isle of Man as part of an international breeding programme. The red ruffed lemurs have been brought to Curraghs Wildlife Park from Twycross Zoo in Leicestershire and Colchester Zoo in Essex. Less than 600 of the primates, which live in a small region of Madagascar, remain in the wild.

Flights between the Isle of Man and London City Airport will have a new operator later this year. The British Airways service will be taken over by partner airline Loganair from September 1st.

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Sail into the heart of Liverpool

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Keeping active when summer comes to an end WORDS Leroy Wallace ILLUSTRATION Tasha Reis

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The weather outside has been so nice for so long that I worry about how I’ll adjust when normal British service is resumed. It’s temporarily drizzling as I write this, but I’m merely taking the opportunity to wash my beach towel, clean sand out of the car and rub after-sun into the overcooked bits of my suntan. I view the rain an an unexpected bonus - less time watering the garden equals more time swimming as soon as it dries out again. Inside, the TV is covered with cobwebs, the sweaters are being eaten by moths and I stopped going to the gym because it’s been too hot for me to eat lunch since the start of June. How will I cope when the skies return to grey? At the back of my mind I know the heatwave can’t last forever, so I’ve begun stockpiling the things I’m going to do when it isn’t so nice to be outside, and when it starts becoming actively unpleasant again. In the rare other years where we’ve had a proper summer I’ve tended to think of this in terms of hibernation, of retreat into a warm cave, but in 2018 I’ve had so much fun staying busy that I have vowed to keep it up throughout the less hospitable months. I could summarise my plan with “try not to veg in front of the TV non-stop until March” but any lack of detail is dangerous when cold and darkness could arrive and bury my half-formed plans under an avalanche of sleet. If we want to carry summer’s joy into the dank and miserable months we’re better off coming up with a detailed plan of action - by ordering some sensible seasonal clothing, sketching out ways to entertain ourselves, and by ensuring we have the motivation to make it to another summer more or less intact.

Winter strategy 1: Remaining active indoors

With the exception of a brief guilty burst in January, gyms and sports centres tend to be less busy in the winter months. For the vain amongst us this might be because chunky woollen knits hide a multitude of sins, but it could also be that the oppressive darkness tricks our metabolism into behaving like a winter bear, afraid to waste calories on sweat. This works if you’re a bear, or an Icelandic goatherd in 700AD, but in the modern world few of us need to conserve calories. We’re better off transforming them, not just into healthy bodies but also endorphins - the happy chemicals that help me get through winter without weeping in the supermarket or setting fire to my workplace. Exercise is fun to do when it’s warm outside, but when winter rolls around it becomes essential to maintain your mood as well as your appearance. It isn’t necessary to switch your summer exercise regime entirely to the indoors - I feel a lot better if I combine my visits to the sports centre with

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wintry outdoor activities, regardless of how foul the weather is. The value isn’t just in the vitamin D, but in reminding myself that I won’t let an hour’s rain defeat me, even if I will let it remind me I’m lucky to be able to get back indoors when I’m done. This also highlights another winter coping strategy, which is to stay loving the outdoors even when it doesn’t love you back. Even in a British winter it doesn’t rain all the time, so prepare to treat those dry, bright days like an unexpected bonus and a reason to take a walk in our “refreshing” off-season environment.

Winter strategy 2: stay social

A further downside to winter in a beach community is that it is easier to let yourself become socially isolated when the sun goes

that we all got bored of in the 80s. If you Google “board games buyer’s guide” you’ll find some good lists of new games, from multi-hour strategy behemoths to funny card games that the whole family can enjoy.

Winter strategy 3: Start a hobby or creative project

Perhaps the best way to recast bad weather as a positive opportunity is in taking up a hobby, or learning a new skill. I put off doing anything new when it’s hot, but I also like to fantasise that months of howling winds and miserable rain are like the training montage in a kung-fu film - where I emerge into next spring a more rounded and somehow impressive individual. For time-starved working adults it can seem like learning anything new is unachievable,

“At the back of my mind I know the heatwave can’t last forever, so I’ve begun stockpiling the things I’m going to do when it isn’t so nice to be outside, and when it starts becoming actively unpleasant again.” away. Technically you could still arrange to meet your friends for a barbecue or quick dip in the sea after work, but for most people this is about as enticing as a soggy duffel coat once the clocks go back. The IoM's all-purpose solution to the winter blues is to meet people indoors to drink alcohol, but although there’s value in the warm-ing effect of the booze, and in likeminded commiseration, excessive alcohol consump-tion is one of our biggest problems. Our sauce-soaked culture also excludes people who don’t drink, or are merely trying to cut down. My solution has been to plan the type of social events that allow people to drink if they want to, but are still accessible to people who don’t. These could involve book groups, getting together to screen a film, or arranging potluck dinners. I also rediscov-ered board games, which are a cheap way to spend an evening with friends or family and are more accessible to newcomers than modern video games. I’d advise swerving Monopoly if you want to exit winter on good terms with your nearest and dearest, but there are countless non-awful games out there to enjoy beyond the same five titles

especially when you’re tired and cold, but if you record the amount of time you spend doing non-essential passive activities you’ll be surprised about what you can achieve. Last winter I had two seasons of a glossy TV show lined up to watch over a few weeks, and instead I decided to spend the time doing an online course for Adobe Photoshop. I’m not a quick learner, but in the 20 hours I didn’t spend watching TV I picked up a new skill that I’m happy to put on my CV, and I’m now Photoshopping for fun on my evenings off. You could spend just one evening a week on a cooking class, learning to sing, or brushing up on your GCSE French. It’s true that we’re spoiled with modern TV, but I’m of the opinion that you stop appreciating it if you just lurch from one box set to another every night. If you spend one evening a week on a new hobby, and another ploughing through all those books you promised to read once it stopped being so hot, then big-budget telly goes back to being something of a treat. Who knows, you might even set a resolution to treat yourself next summer by staying inside and watching TV if we get hit by another heatwave.

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OUR COMMUNITY

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MORE THAN £3,000 RAISED FOR LOCAL CHARITIES BY NATIONAL THREE PEAK CHALLENGERS Six firefighters from Ramsey Fire Station have completed the National Three Peaks Challenge in aid of The Fire Fighters Charity, supported by the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company. The firefighters, accompanied by two drivers, travelled to the UK to scale the

three highest peaks of England, Scotland and Wales, all in just 21 hours and 40 minutes.

overnight drive to Cumbria to tackle Scafell Pike, followed by another lengthy drive to Wales for the final climb, Snowdon.

The team of six began their trek in Scotland, setting off up Ben Nevis, the highest of the three mountains, in the sweltering evening sun. Once complete, they made the six-hour

To date the group has raised more than £1,250 for The Fire Fighters Charity, with money still coming in.

QUINN LEGAL’S CHALLENGE RAISES £10,000 FOR MANX CANCER HELP

On Saturday 14 July Quinn Legal challenged 6 corporate teams to a series of light hearted and fun tasks at the Venture Centre in Maughold. The objective was to create a combination of challenges based around teamwork, problem solving and communication skills as well as mental and physical agility. An initial task prior to the day’s challenges was to raise a £1,000 charity donation through whatever means the teams chose, with all proceeds going to Manx Cancer Help – a very

worthy local cause and Quinn Legal’s chosen charity of the year.

Although monies are still coming in, the total figure is anticipated to be over £10,000. Paul Blake, Chief Operations Officer, and Steve Cobb, Business Development Manager, at Quinn Legal were extremely proud on behalf of everyone involved whilst handing the cheque for £10,000 to Andrea Chambers and Dawn Herbert of Manx Cancer Help. ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

UPFRONT

DANDARA SUPPORTS TRIP TO SHEFFIELD FOR SWIMMING FINAL Five young swimmers from Bunscoill Rhumsaa competed at an off-Island national swimming final in the North West, with support from local homebuilder Dandara. The English Schools Swimming Association (ESSA) Primary Schools’ Team Championship, held in Sheffield, brought together some of the most promising young swimmers in the region, with 24

schools from Cheshire, Cumbria, Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Merseyside and the Isle of Man competing.

against each other to qualify, the Bunscoill Rhumsaa swimmers were timed completing the relay.

The 10-11 year-olds from Ramsey participated in the Open Schools Boys Mixed Stroke Relay, comprising of backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly and freestyle. Unlike other teams based in the North West of England who raced

On the day the team qualified for the B Final, along with seven other schools, and achieved fourth position. The boys also attained a personal best and beat their qualifying time by an impressive six seconds.

OLD MUTUAL INTERNATIONAL TEAM HELP OUT AT WILDLIFE PARK

A total of 14 employees from the company’s Regional Support Team spent a day helping The Friends of the Curraghs Wildlife Park to spruce up a new enclosure, with a new deep water pool for the Short Clawed Otters. The Old Mutual International team also helped to clear over 100 metres of ditches to improve drainage systems and provide fresh water to the enclosure. In addition to supplying extra muscle power to complete the work, the team also used the experience as a teambuilding exercise. BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

UPFRONT

9 WEIRD THINGS THAT FAMILIES DO AND SAY Words by: Clare Bowie

“You get that from me.” Ever notice that they always try to take credit for the good stuff, they never say “oh that awful habit you have of interrupting people, you get that from me” or “oh that snorting snot thing when you laugh, that’s one of mine”. It’s always; your thick hair, mental arithmetic skills, striking eyes or sparkling sense of humour that they want to claim ownership for. They like to keep you grounded. “Oh look at you now, giving presentations to 150 people, I remember when you were an anxious little girl, wetting yourself in my car, hahhaha”. They are brutally honest with you. You emerge from the hairdressers a mere three hours after you went in. Your bum may be numb and your wallet significantly lighter but it was worth it for the carefully sculpted, hand painted balayage highlight treatment that you received. Then your family say: “What’s with the yellow streaks though?” “Is that what you’re wearing?” The ultimate burn, the passive aggressive bomb has been dropped. They then pretend to back track, “I mean, it looks lovely, I just thought you might go for something that wouldn’t be so tight when you sit down, for comfort you know.” Ok, great, thanks for that. *retrieves self esteem from the floor* They assess your new boyfriend/girlfriend. It’s a full on judging panel, score cards situation as they circle the poor innocent creature, bombarding them with questions and loaded expectations all interspersed with stories about the time that you wet yourself in your mother’s car, because that is the gift that just keeps giving. Unsolicited! You’re not sure how, but they have a key to your house and say stuff like, “it’s only me” as they let themselves in. Erm, how did this happen? Why are there still no boundaries twenty years after you’ve left home and why do they always need to see what you have in your fridge? Family bonds suck! They shatter your memories. You reminisce about the great drama production you were in when you were younger and nobody has a clue what you’re talking about, it was the pivotal moment in your childhood, the moment you became empowered but they still want to talk about the day you walked into the patio door and knocked yourself out. #loser You never grow up. Your siblings still refer to you by your nickname. They coined it after that one incident that was based on a half truth and left you feeling mentally scarred but yeah, that’s now your actual name as far as they’re concerned. To be fair you still give your 38 year old brother a dead- arm every time you see him. You become your parents. It creeps up on you but you hear yourself harping on about rinsing plates before going in the dishwasher like a crazed lunatic, tutting as you close doors and open windows and finding it acceptable to have at least four cups of tea in any given morning. These people really KNOW you so keep’em close.

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

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ISLE OF MAN CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS STUDENT SOCIETY SUMMER BALL Photos by: Adele Priest Photography www.adelepriestphotography.com

The Isle of Man Chartered Accountants Student Society Summer Ball, held on Saturday 4th August at The Claremont Hotel. Thank you to Matt Fletcher Entertainment & Events for hitting the jackpot with the room decor, to Will the DJ and all the staff at The Claremont for making the night a success.

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VAGABONDS RUFC LADIES DAY On 28th July 2018, Vagabonds RUFC held their second annual Ladies Day. The fun-filled event was themed ‘A day at the races’ and following a reception, buffet lunch and talk by Anne Craine, former MHK for Ramsey, a raffle was held raising £1,000 for local charity Women’s Aid Isle of Man.

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Photos by: dollsfactory.net

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CONT... VAGABONDS RUFC LADIES DAY

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YOU SAW IT HERE FIRST:

AN EXCLUSIVE LOOK AT THE SHORTLIST FOR THE SAF STUDENT ART PRIZE 2018.

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Words: Suzy Holland Images: The Artists

2018 marks the second year of the Sovereign Art Foundation Students Prize Isle of Man, and this year the standard was so high that there was a tie on the judges’ scores resulting in a short list of 13 finalists, instead of the advertised twelve. The short listed works will be announced to the public on 7 September with the exhibition opening to the public at the Sayle Gallery in Douglas on 8 September, and Galleryis delighted to be able to give you a sneak preview of the artworks here. All seven of the Island’s high schools and UCM were invited to enter up to three entries from students and all of them have works shortlisted. Incredibly, all three entries from Ballakermeen High School and King William’s College made the final list. Once again there is £6250 worth of prize money for both the winning students and schools and, as well as the coveted prize for the judges’ own favourite work – won last year by Ballakermeen student Alice Lodge there are three prizes for works selected by the general public. This year’s judges are artists Anna Clucas, Gary Bennett, Jeremy Paul, Carola Rush and Maureen Kennaugh, artist and broadcaster Sarah Hendy, Howard Bilton Chairman of The Sovereign Group (and the SAF Founder), Christopher Arrowsmith from sponsorSimcocks, and Lesley Tunbull from Wish Upon a Dream, which is the 2018 nominated SAF Isle of Man charity. Once the exhibition opens on 8 September you will be able to vote for your favourite at https://www.sovereignartfoundation. com/prize-galleries/isle-man-studentsprize-finalist/or look out for the Facebook voting link by following the FB page @ SovereignTrustIsleOfManLimited. Judge Anna Clucas recommends that before you cast your votes, you visit the exhibition and see the artworks for yourself: “It’s obviously great to see the works reproduced here in this magazine or on the screen,” Anna says, “but I really suggest you go along and look at how the works have been created, to see the texture and brush strokes rather than a polished reproduction. You might be surprised!” Last year’s exhibition was a revelation for many visitors, including this writer, who thought they’d chosen their favourite from the website, then changed their mind. Everyone has three votes – one each on the website, the FB page and in person at the Sayle Gallery – and you can BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

either vote for the same piece or up to three different ones. The mediums chosen include watercolours, oils, acrylics and digital and, as is usual in the SAF student art prizes, there are no prescriptive themes: the works stand by themselves. It is the standard of the art which is rewarded. This year’s chosen charity is Wish Upon a Dream, which is celebrating its 10thanniversary since granting its first wish for sick and terminally ill children living on the island. There will be some related merchandise available to buy at the Sayle Gallery and details of the SAF Student Art Prize Isle of Man’s main fundraising event, a charity ball at Woodbourne House in Douglas on 17 November, will be released shortly on FB @ SovereignTrustIsleOfManLimited. The original SAF Art prize has its roots in Hong Kong, but the art prizes are now being introduced in jurisdictions where there’s a Sovereign Trust presence, recognising the standard of contemporary art by students around the world. Each competition also raises funds to support a local charity, which last year was Rebecca House and organiser Sandy Koh of Sovereign Trust (Isle of Man) Limited hopes that this year’s competition will raise even more: “Wish Upon a Dream is a small but vital charity which depends entirely on funds raised by supporters and by corporate sponsorship,” she says, “and we are delighted to add our own support through the Sovereign Art Foundation Students Prize this year.” The Sovereign Art Foundation Students Prize Isle of Man exhibition is on at the Sayle Gallery from 8 September to 7 October. Voting closes on 7 October and the winners will be announced at a special awards night on 17 December.

The Sayle Gallery’s opening hours are Tuesday – Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 1.30 – 4.30pm. Closed on Monday.

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CONTRIBUTING WRITER OF THE MONTH

BLAKE HENWOOD Arbory School taking third place. In the secondary school category Blake Henwood was awarded first place, Charlotte Hewitt who is also from QE2 took second place and Francesca Lord from Ramsey Grammar School won third place.

Isle of Man Letter Writing Talent Recognised

welve year old Blake Henwood, of QE2 School in Peel has been named as the Isle of Man’s representative for the Universal Postal Union (UPU) International Letter Writing Competition for young people for 2018. Blake’s handwritten letter was selected from entries received from children and young people across the Island.

Blake’s letter about life on the Isle of Man as a fictional prisoner of war has now been submitted to the international competition, judged at the end of August. Blake said, ‘I really enjoyed taking part in this competition and I am very proud that my letter has been selected to represent the Isle of Man”.

The competition was organised as a collaboration between Isle of Man Post Office (IOMPO), Department of Education Sport and Culture (DESC) and Cabinet Office as part of Year of Our Island. The competition ran from 19th Feb to 31st March and was open to all Island primary and secondary school children up to the age fifteen. The theme for this year’s competition was “Imagine you are a letter travelling through time. What message do you wish to convey to your readers?” Winners were selected by a panel of judges with representatives from each of the organisers. There were six winners in total, three from the primary schools and three from secondary schools. First place winners received £100 for their school, second place £50 and third place £25; each winner also receives 100 stamps and postcards for their school. In the primary school category Jamie Corkill and Lucie Williams, both from Onchan School took first and second place respectively with Jenna Gelling from

2018 marks the 47th time the UPU International Letter Writing Competition for young people has taken place. 38

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1.2million children from 49 countries took part in the 2017 competition.

All entrants had to submit their letter in handwritten form.

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1. MINDHORN (2016)

Mighty Boosh star Julian Barratt and Horrible Histories legend Simon Farnaby join forces in a comedy that owes a fair amount of nostalgic credit to the 1980s hit detective series Bergerac. Barratt plays Richard Thorncroft, a British TV actor whose career as Manx detective Mindhorn is firmly behind him. That is, until he’s called in to help solve a real-life crime on the Isle of Man. Donning his Mindhorn persona once again, he returns to his old stomping ground and finds a whole new lease of life. It’s a very funny film anyway but, if you know the Isle of Man, the gentle jokes at the expense of the film’s Manx setting add that extra bit of sparkle.

2. SPOOKS: THE GREATER GOOD (2014)

TOP 10 MANX MOVIES

3. BELLE (2012)

The Isle of Man Film Festival kicks off this month (5th-9th September - www.isleofmanfilmfestival. com), celebrating the very best in international and home grown film. In 1995, the Isle of Man began its life as an unlikely hotbed of movie-making and a series of famous faces began jetting in to take advantage of our growing film industry experience. Since then, more than 100 movies have been made here – some better known than others – and Isle of Man Film has evolved into a well-respected regional screen agency. As big fans of the silver screen, RL360 has scoured the archives to come up with our top 10 favourite films made in the Isle of Man. But, as we all know, this kind of thing is subjective and so we’re asking you to let us know your top 10 Manx movies – email us at top10@rl360.com

4. TT3D: CLOSER TO THE EDGE (2011)

Film maker Richard De Aragues scored some really good luck when he arrived in the Isle of Man in 2011 to capture footage for his film about the TT. The 2011 event was one of the most dramatic events in recent years for a variety of reasons – not least as a result of mild mannered Ian Hutchinson’s feat of winning a recordbreaking 5 races in one week. But it was really a platform for the career of rising TV star Guy Martin. Martin, who has never won a TT race but was a fan favourite

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8. REVOLVER (2005)

5. CHICO & RITA (2009)

This romantic musical film was nominated for Best Animated Feature at the 2011 Academy Awards but lost out to Rango. The story of Chico and Rita is set against the backdrops of Havana, New York, Las Vegas, LA and Paris in the late 1940s/early 1950s. Pianist Chico and singer Rita encounter heartache and torment to a soundtrack provided by Cuban pianist, bandleader and composer Bebo Valdes. It also features music by jazz greats Cole Porter, Dizzy Gillespie and Thelonius Monk. 10 animators from the Isle of Man worked on elements of the film, working remotely as colourists in collaboration with studios based in Hungary, Spain and the Philippines.

6. MISS POTTER (2006)

9. THE LIBERTINE (2004)

Renee Zellweger and Ewan McGregor both jetted into the Isle of Man for this one. Zellweger played Beatrix Potter at a time in her life when she found the courage to overcome her domineering and unsupportive mother, plus the not inconsiderable chauvinism of Victorian England, and had her work published. Brothers Frederick and Charles Warne agree to publish The Tale of Peter Rabbit to please their younger brother Norman (McGregor). Norman wants to work in the publishing firm and his brothers hand him what they believe to be a dud. To their surprise, the book goes on to become the best-selling children’s story ever and Beatrix and Norman’s relationship blossoms into a secret love affair.

7. STORMBREAKER (2005)

A mini James Bond film, in which the incinerator at Braddan doubled as a villain’s hideout and Port Erin beach served as the scene of an exciting motorbike chase. Stormbreaker was based on the Anthony Horowitz Alex Rider novel and starred a young Alex Pettyfer as 14-year-old spy Rider. He was joined by an enviable cast which included Damian Lewis, Ewan McGregor, Bill Nighy, Sophie Okonedo, Alicia Silverstone, Robbie Coltrane and Mickey Rourke. While Stormbreaker performed slightly disappointingly at the box office (it fell far short of its expected blockbuster status), Pettyfer’s career continued to grow steadily and in 2012 he landed a role in smash hit Magic Mike.

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Guy Ritchie directed this film while married to Madonna so a lot of the local focus moved from the production itself and onto the likelihood of the Queen of Pop putting in an appearance in the Isle of Man. She did and there were various sightings in and around Douglas, which was a slightly odd experience (picture the woman who brought us the iconic cone bra walking along Douglas Prom in a dreary parka jacket if you can). Anyway, while Madonna (maybe) discovered the delights of chips cheese and gravy, her husband made a film called Revolver which starred Andre 3000, Jason Statham and Ray Liotta. It was another gangster style offering from Ritchie but it didn’t quite reach the dizzying heights of Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels. Johnny Depp. Actual Johnny Depp in the Isle of Man. And he wasn’t alone – Samantha Morton, John Malkovich, Rosamund Pike, Tom Hollander and, erm, Johnny Vegas, were with him. They were filming the true story of the subversive Earl of Rochester, a friend and confidant of King Charles II whose rebellious adventures and sexual liaisons inspired awe and rebuke alike. There was much talk around the Island about Depp sightings and many turned up to an impromptu Johnny Vegas gig at The Venue in Douglas hoping to catch a glimpse. He didn’t show but John Malkovich and, oddly, DJ Chris Evans and a then unknown John Bishop did too. If you were there, you know what happened, and if you weren’t, well, it’s safe to say Vegas may have taken some inspiration for his on-stage antics from the Earl of Rochester… Surreal.

10. WAKING NED (1997)

Still perhaps quoted as the most famous film made here – Waking Ned is a gentle Irish comedy about two life-long friends (Ian Bannen and David Kelly) who have always obsessed over winning the lottery. When word reaches them that someone in their tiny village has won, they plot to unearth the winner’s identity. This turns out to be the reclusive Ned Devine, who has died of shock in front of the TV, still clutching the winning ticket. The Manx countryside plays a large role in the film, doubling for cosy rural Ireland. And there’s a memorable moment involving a naked pensioner riding a motorbike through some lovely scenery. What more could you ask for?

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Teenage stage star, singer, actress and dancer, Alexandra Slater will set the Gaiety stage alight on Saturday 29 September with a variety show which features some of the Island’s best known and best loved performers to raise funds and celebrate the 35thAnniversary of Hospice IoM. This budding young star started performing when she was 5 years old and has appeared in many shows, productions and dance competitions across the Island, scooping a few trophies along the way. It was in 2012, aged 11, that singing was added to her list of talents when the already accomplished actor and dancer was the winner of Manx Stars in their Eyes performing as Charlotte Church.

THE GREATEST VARIETY SHOW SET TO RAISE THE ROOF FOR HOSPICE IOM Words: Suzy Holland Images: Gary Weightman and the Slater family

Along the way, Alexandra - take a deep breath here – has won the Sheffield Plate at the Guild and Young Actor of Man in the same year, appeared as Dorothy in The Wizard Of Oz, and won Strictly Manx 2018 as the ‘professional’ partner of popular fitness coach and body builder Gianni Fabrizio. And did I say she’s still only 16? She also hops on a plane every Saturday to attend the Royal Northern college of Music Conservatoire in Manchester where she studies classical, musical theatre, popular music and piano and takes part in regular recitals and concerts with her fellow students. This is all in addition to her academic studies taking having just sat her GCSE’s. That’s a long enough list of accomplishments, but Alexandra is also a very grounded, very lovely young lady who was appointed the first Young Ambassador of Hospice IOM after she performed Katherine Jenkins’ ‘Bring Me to Life’ at Miss Isle of Man Community Challenge finals in 2017. Alexandra’s connection to Hospice is a very personal one. Last year Alexandra spent many months visiting her Grandfather, Colin and caring for him along with her Mother and family. Sadly Colin passed away in February this year, but he continues to be Alexandra’s biggest inspiration. Alexandra was not only cared for her grandfather – who her Mum says was her biggest fan - but also a source of great joy to other guests and their families, singing and entertaining in the day centre whenever asked and for the Hospice Volunteers at their social events. A talent in more ways than one: for Alexandra nothing is too much trouble. But what can we expect from The Greatest Variety Show? Alexandra - of course putting her own personality into various performances across many genres and show stopping performances never seen before, Alexandra will also be joined by

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extended to walking Toto the dog. All being well, her chauffeuring days will soon be over as astonishingly Alexandra has managed to find time to pass her driving theory and at the time of writing was waiting for a test date. “I’m her mum so I’ll always worry,” says Colette, “but to be honest, I’m quite looking forward to not having to do those early Saturday morning runs to the airport!” As for my second question, up until very recently Alexandra was thought to be the first member of the family to be following her singing, dancing and acting dreams but, after her father died, Colette found a press cutting amongst other papers with a photograph of his own mother, Alexandra’s great-grandmother, Marion Brew (married name Marion Brooks), appearing on the Gaiety stage with the ‘Unnamed Dramatic Society’. “The date on it isn’t very clear,” says Alexandra, “but we think it’s from about 1935. The same stage that I now perform on over 80 years later - that’s really amazing!” I don’t know if any Gallery readers – or more likely, readers’ grandparents remember seeing Marion Brew/Brooks on the Gaiety stage and can confirm this date, but maybe Alexandra has inherited her prodigious talent from her greatgrandmother. Who knows, but I’m sure Marion would be proud of her greatgranddaughter, not only as a singer and performer but as someone who is using her talents in support of a charity which touches so many people’s lives.

some of the Islands finest performers to bring you an extravaganza of song and dance including four time Cleveland medal winner, Mandy Griffin, fellow medal winners Paul Costain and Graham Crowe, her singing teacher Olivia Black, Sonia Callin, Danni Bridson, Joey Wylde, Sue Tummon and many more. As mentioned earlier Alexandra is also a very talented dancer, and so the audience can expect a reprise – with Gianni – of the Strictly Manx-winning Jive as well as other dancers and dance performances. There’s also the Ballacottier School Choir (whose conductor, music teacher Katie Lawrence,

also appeared in Strictly Manx), the Douglas Town Band and much much more in a variety show which is full of, well, variety. When I met Alexandra and her mum Colette, I’d read her CV and had a fair idea of the cast of The Greatest Variety Show so I had just two big questions: was Colette a typical stage mum and did singing run in the family? I hardly had to ask the first: Colette was not at all pushy, and volunteered that she saw herself as primarily a chauffeur and chaperone however, in the Wizard of Oz her duties

You can hear and see Alexandra for yourself by buying tickets for The Greatest Variety Show, in aid of Hospice IOM, which are available now at the Villa/Gaiety box office or you can catch Alexandra as Tiffany in the Centre Stage production of ‘Back to the 80s’ in October. As for her future career, she doesn’t know yet whether she wants to go down the classical or the musical theatre route, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Alexandra Slater was to be the next big Manx singing talent treading the boards of the West End – if Andrew LloydWebber is reading this, she quite fancies the role of Christine in Phantom- or even following the equally grounded, equally lovely Samantha Barks to Broadway. Meanwhile she’s performing closer to home, at The Gaiety Theatre later this month.

The Greatest Variety show, presented by WoW Events Ltd is at 7.30pm on Saturday 29 September. Tickets are available from www.villagaiety.com, the Welcome Centre or by phoning the box office on 600555. Tickets cost from £15 (concessions £12) and The Greatest Variety Show is sponsored by Appleby.

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UPLOAD - OUR ISLAND YOUR PHOTOS

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1 Jilly McGrath 2K arl Hartmann Port Erin 3 Richard Killey - Glen Maye 4 Elora Lipio - Groudle Glen 5 Krysia Boruch

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

CULTURE

6 Kristian Edwards - Ramsey Skate 7 Janette Phair - East Cushlin 8 Margaret Woolnough - Port Erin 9 Caitlin Gelder - Port Erin 10 Paul Hanlon - Douglas prom

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WHAT’S ON FEATURED

CULTURE NEWS THE ISLE OF MAN ARTS COUNCIL IS PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THE 2018 PLAYWRIGHT COMPETITION The winner will see their work performed at TheatreFest 19. The 2017 competition was won by Paul Adam Levy with his play ‘An Order of Lunacy’ - this period play about mental health and corruption will form part of the Theatrefest ‘18 programme, which takes place at the Studio Theatre at Ballakermeen High School. This year’s theme will be “Choice” and can be interpreted in any way that the entrant would like. Previous winners have included:

2016 – Matilda Velevitch with her play “Three Mothers.” This play about three very different women whose lives unexpectedly become intertwined was presented as a documentary style film. 2015 – Stephen Harper with his play “Morning Star.” This play about the slave trade and the people behind it was presented in both a theatre setting and in a pub as part of Theatrefest ‘16. The deadline for this year’s competition is 31 January 2019. www.iomarts.com/news/ article/playwrightcompetition-2018/

05.09 – 09.09.2018

ISLE OF MAN FILM FESTIVAL

//DOUGLAS// Now in its seventh year, the IOMFF has a number of unmissable events this year, kicking off on Wednesday 5th with the powerful feature documentary, ‘Stronger Than Bullets’ with director Matt Millan and Libyan hip-hop artist and dissident Malik L. On Friday 7th the 50th anniversary of the sci-fi epic 2001: A Space Odyssey will be screened in ultra HD at the Broadway Cinema, with a Q&A session with director Stanley Kubrick’s daughter, Katharina Kubrik. On Saturday 8th, IOMFF patron (and Observer and BBC critic) Mark Kermode will present “Movies, Music and Mark Kermode” at The Gaiety – an exclusive preview of his UK tour in which Mark recounts

his life-long love of music and movies – and which includes live performance from local performers reimagining their favourite movie songs, with relevant film clips. The festival concludes on Sunday September 9th with the hugely popular International Short Film screenings and Awards Gala evening at The Broadway cinema. Entries to this truly international festival include films from the UK, India, Mexico, USA, UK and the Isle of Man.

Full information from www.isleofmanfilmfestival.com or www. facebook.com/IOMFF. Tickets for events can be reserved and/or purchased from www.villagaiety.com Supported by Isle of Media, the Isle of Man Arts Council, 2018 Year of Our Island, Heron & Brearley, ManSat, Sure, and Isle of Man Stamps & Coins.

25.09 - 30.09.2018

MANX LITFEST RENOVATION OF LOCAL HERITAGE CENTRE BEGINS The Manx Lottery Trust has awarded £10,000 to Foxdale Heritage. The Heritage Centre, which celebrates the diverse heritage, history and culture of Foxdale, is, in fact, the old Railway Station building adjacent to Foxdale School, dating back to 1886. The funding will be used to renovate the facility and make the building structurally secure. The Heritage Centre was first opened in 2004, having previously been the Foxdale

Community Centre, and opens once a month, annually as part of the Manx National Heritage Open Days and, periodically, in conjunction with walks and visits organised by railway enthusiasts from on and off-Island. The members are also happy to open the centre when specifically requested by individuals or groups. To find out more about Foxdale Heritage Centre visit its Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ FoxdaleHeritage/

//ISLAND WIDE//

This year’s Manx LitFest begins with the popular Poetry Slam at Noa Bakehouse on Tuesday 25 September and continues with a variety of events for all ages until Sunday 30th. Invited authors this year include Zoe Gilbert, whose novel Folk is inspired by the Isle of Man, Birdie Milano (Boy meets Hamster) Jonathan Meres (The World of Norm), author and illustrator Chris Riddell (Once Upon a Wild Wood, Goth Girl and Poems to Live your Life By), and performance poet Thommie

Gillow (Moonbrella). There is also a performance of Frankenstein, with storyteller Ben Haggerty and musician Sianed Jones at the Gaiety Theatre, and the festival finishes on Sunday 30th September with the Short Story Slam – a free event for all at 3.30pm at Noa Bakehouse. More information: www.manxlitfest.com and www.facebook.com/ manxlitfest/ k.com/petrinakentfineart/

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

Career

UR O O T ME E SEC TOR O C L E W NC A R U S N LIFE I RS SPECIAL... CAREE

Isle of

Man

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to speaks the Gallery aders in leD T H EwoAmGeEn N Ae n S ectoErP T E M B E R ranc s u s in e lif about loyees p m e d an orld, king w r o w ir the s them otivate what m e at advic se and wh tho give to they’d to the e new r a t a h t op life Man’s t f . o le Is panies ce com n a r u s in

2018

OPINION - FLEXIBLE WORKING

APPOINTMENTS - MOVERS & SHAKERS

CAREERS SPECIAL - LIFE INSURANCE SECTOR

Business news

Council flags up success through teamwork

‘T

eamwork is the key to our consistent success in the annual Green Flag campaign,’ says Douglas Borough Council’s regeneration and community committee chairman Stephen Pitts. Councillor Pitts was speaking after Douglas was awarded eight green flags in 2018 by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy. He continued: ‘All the parks service team are committed to making the council’s green spaces as attractive as possible throughout the year. Long before the council’s first

submissions to the green flag campaign, our head of parks David Hewes and his team were always showing tremendous initiative and vision, creating eye-catching displays and contributing to the capital’s quality of life. The eight green flags awarded to Douglas in 2018 are: • Derby Square (new for 2018) • Douglas Borough Cemetery • Douglas Golf Course • Douglas Head • Hutchinson Square • Marine Gardens • Noble’s Park • Summerhill Glen (new for 2018).

DANDARA PLANS IN SCOTLAND GATHER PACE

ward-winning property developer Dandara is continuing to expand its portfolio in Scotland. The Isle of Man-based group has launched a new development of modern homes in North Berwick, East Lothian. Barley Bray comprises two, three and four-bedroom properties in detached, semi-detached and bungalow styles. Situated north east of Edinburgh, it’s within easy reach of the area’s best schools, healthcare, retail and leisure facilities. Dandara Managing Director Seamus Nugent expects the development, which takes its

name from the market town’s former barley fields, will prove extremely popular. ‘The high standards and quality of our developments across the British Isles have been well documented. Indeed, we are extremely proud to have secured more than 100 industry awards which recognise this,’ he said. ‘There has been great attention to detail in creating Barley Bray, from the initial design stage through to the finishing touches. North Berwick is a highly sought-after market town and these warm, efficient homes are ideal for 21st century living.’ The Manx homebuilder has further plans for development in the city and Lothians.

Another record-breaking performance from Island’s food and drink industry

his year’s Great Taste Awards were once again the showcase for a recordbreaking performance by the Manx food and drink industry. The awards – known as the ‘Oscars’ of the industry – saw the highest ever number of the Island’s products recognised for their quality, with 73 products winning awards in 2018, up from 56 last year. Only four years ago the total number of Manx products recognised with awards stood at just ten. A total of 18 producers were recognised in the Awards: Berries Luxury Pudding Makers and Confectioners; Close Leece Farm; Ballakelly Farm; Isle of Man Meats; Cooil Brothers Limited; Leela’s kitchen; Staarvey Farm; Aalin Dairy; Taste Africa; Dave’s Delicious Dogs; Isle of Man Creamery; Time 4 Tea; The Dairy Shed; Laxey Glen Mills Limited; Andreas Meat

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Co Limited; The Hooded Ram Brewing Company Limited; The Donut Factory Limited; Paula’s Kitchen. Two Manx producers - Berries Luxury Pudding Makers and Confectioners (whey butter fruit cake for cheese) and Close Leece Farm (Manx Chorizo) – won the highest accolade, the three-star award, signifying a product the judges described as ‘exquisite’. The Great Taste Awards, running since 1994, are described as the largest and most trusted accreditation scheme for fine food and drink, and are judged in a series of blind-taste tests by a panel of leading food critics, writers, chefs, restaurateurs and fine food retailers. Throughout the British Isles, 12,634 products were submitted – the highest number ever. All winning producers can now display

the Great Taste logo, with 1-, 2- or 3- stars, on their award-winning products and in their marketing and promotions. The top regional awards are yet to be announced. The winners of those, and the Great Taste 2018 Supreme Champion, will be announced at the Great Taste Golden Fork Dinner on Sunday 2 September, at the Inter Continental Park Lane Hotel, London. www.gov.im/daff/ ON THE AGENDA

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BOS event

The Team at BOS Limited celebrated the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first birthday with a summer party and barbeque on Saturday 18th August at the Shore Hotel in Laxey

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“T

here’s plenty to celebrate,” said Managing Director Edward Games. “It’s been a tremendous first year in terms of the growth of the company and it’s a really exciting time with our plans for future expansion.” BOS Limited is a Douglas-based outsourcing company which offers a range of services including administration support, customer services, reconciliation and virtual personal assistance. In addition, BOS Limited have a business start-up service, with expertise in identifying and facilitating the key elements that clients need to address during their start-up phase. These include such things as sourcing finance and making sure they have the relevant back-office support in place. By outsourcing tasks to BOS Limited, customers can take advantage of a wide variety of skillsets which are tailored to their individual requirements without having to permanently increase their staff headcount, keeping administrative costs down. “Business start-up is another exciting area for us and we look forward to expanding our offerings to start-up companies. We are able to take on so much of the nitty gritty, like the administration work and customer service calls, which could be taking a client up to six hours a day to complete themselves and leaving them next to no time to focus on the tasks that are so important but non urgent and by using BOS, they can dedicate quality time to growing their own business. We run all the back-office tasks smoothly and efficiently in the background, literally saving you time and money” explained Edward. Outsourcing customer service support is something that can be utilised across all industries, whether Island based or across the UK and BOS Limited are excited about the notion of exploring as many as possible. An area of business that will be a focus of the BOS expansion will be Virtual Personal Assistance (VPA). Initially, VPA was set up to meet the needs of key, high net worth clients but it soon became apparent that the concept has great potential for the benefit of future clients both private and commercial, delegating tasks from booking travel and forming an itinerary for business trips to arranging the day to day personal tasks you simply don’t have time for. “That whole concept has grown so much and we’re now building the platforms to allow VPA to expand even further.” said Edward. Edward Games became the Managing Director of the company in April 2018 and has embraced the challenge of arriving at the helm of a business still in its infancy and with so much ahead. “I thrive in these situations. Getting into something right from the off makes me feel like I can make a real difference and create a positive environment that’s great for clients, staff and business growth.” BOS EVENT

RECRUITMENT The team at BOS Limited is currently 24 strong and with the recent growth and future expansion plans the headcount will increase considerably in the coming months. Edward said “We have an almost constant demand for new staff and jobs are being created left, right and centre. We have a great team working here - there’s always a happy vibe in the office and a social event on the horizon. It’s always worth sending your CV to: info@boslimited.com as you may be exactly what we’re looking for.”

To learn more about BOS Limited visit boslimited.com and check out our social media pages.

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movers & shakers

BE DIFFERENT. BE BRILLIANT. BE BOLD

lex Wilson assumes the position of Marketing Project Manager, joining Directors Helen Ward and Richard Corlett at Bold Marketing Consultancy in Tromode. With extensive experience of project and event management, channel optimisation, digitisation of business processes, customer engagement and creative marketing, design and digital communications, Alex’s focus at Bold Consultancy will be on business development, marketing advisory services and customer discovery – a creative agency approach unique to Bold on island. Helen Ward, Company Director, commented: “With 9 years professional marketing experience in the public, private and third sector, and the highest accreditation from the industry leading professional body, Alex is a sound acquisition who’ll help build the Bold brand and presence both on island and in target locations off island. Alex’s customer orientated approach fits with Bold’s ethos as we focus on delivering customer results through tried and tested methods deep rooted in market intelligence research and customer needs”. Alex is best known for leading the Department for Enterprise’s events programme and the successful introduction of the Island’s largest entrepreneurial festival ‘ISLEXPO’ over the last three years.

The Best Western Palace Hotel Casino promotes team member Stephen Reilly to Deputy Casino Director

M Trainee engineer Kristina helping to roll-out superfast fibre broadband

rainee Field Engineer Kristina Misselbrook is the latest recruit to the Manx Telecom team that are rolling-out superfast fibre broadband to residential and business premises. The company is in the process of extending the availability of fibre broadband, and it’s a task which not only involves a significant financial investment but also a major engineering challenge. Kristina is receiving training which includes practical experience shadowing fullytrained engineers as they bring the company’s Optimal Fibre broadband to more and more customers. The work means engineers going out in all weathers installing and connecting fibre cables to network ‘nodes’ located in cabinets in buildings, and at the roadside. Kristina joined Manx Telecom in April 2016 and initially worked on the customer helpdesk. The following year she was promoted to a more senior role within the same department. This year she decided to pursue her interest in the engineering side of the company and began her current role in May. She said: “I was ready for a new challenge, and wanted a new experience. I’ve always worked

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indoors and wanted a role that would help me gain qualifications for my future career. It’s really rewarding working in a role where I can help customers face-to-face.” She is one of four Manx Telecom Trainee Field Engineers, and the only woman. Kristina says that it’s still relatively rare for women to be working in engineering roles on the Island. She said: “I’m not certain why that is, but I suppose it could be seen as more of a male working environment.” What’s her advice to other women on the Island, or girls currently at school or college, who have an ambition to pursue an engineering career? “Don’t let the fact that it appears to be a male working role put you off,” she says. “Anyone with the right aptitude can do it – it’s a challenge, but at the same time it’s great fun. I’m lucky to be part of a fantastic team, my colleagues are very supportive, and the training I am receiving is excellent.” The training programme will also involve visits to the UK to gain more practical experience as Kristina works towards achieving NVQ qualifications. www.manxtelecom.com/about/ careers

anx-born Mr Reilly joined the casino in February 2006 as a trainee dealer, since when he has risen through the department to gain this latest promotion, which sees him responsible for the hotel’s casino and Kursaal operations and managing a 50-strong workforce. Mr Reilly said: ‘The role of deputy casino director carries great responsibility but thanks to the support, training and mentoring I have received over the years I feel fully prepared to rise to this new challenge. I am very much looking forward to working with a highly motivated team to develop our casino operation and continue to deliver an outstanding guest experience.’ Group operations director of the Sefton Group Adrian Brockhouse said: ‘Equipping our people with the skills to be the best they can is embedded in the group’s culture. It is an approach that not only provides substantial career advancement opportunities but also ensures continuity and consistently high standards of service delivery. I congratulate Stephen on his promotion and have every confidence that he will bring his customary enthusiasm and commitment to the important role of deputy casino director.’

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work & careers

How are agile working

and

WORDS BY: Alison Maitland Â (FT)

What is the difference between agile and flexible working? 54

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People often use the terms interchangeably. Flexible working arrangements, which have been around for a long time, are individually negotiated, require management permission and are seen primarily as an employee benefit and an exception to the norm. Agile, or smart, working is business-driven, harnessing technology to create a new norm where everyone may work anytime anywhere, provided business needs are met. It is based on evidence of benefits such as higher employee productivity, lower office ON THE AGENDA

flexitime different? costs, a reduced carbon footprint and more motivated workers. It requires a change from management by inputs (time and presence) to management by outcomes — it’s about what you do, not where you do it. Balancing business and individual needs is not always easy, but smart working can bring all-round advantages if it is implemented thoughtfully. How does one begin to institute agile working? WORK & CAREERS

Recognise that it will challenge command-and-control leadership and culture, and make sure that your senior team is on board. The strategy needs to be business-wide, with heads of departments such as finance, human resources, IT and property driving it together. You must also build the case for your organisation. What are your key goals and how could agile working help? There are resources available: the UK government has a smart working code of practice, PAS

3000, developed by the British Standards Institute. Global Workplace Analytics in the US provides a wealth of evidence on the pros and cons of smart working. The UK charity Working Families has a “multi dimensional business case” tool for member employers.

CONTINUE...

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work & careers

CONTINUED How can middle managers be persuaded to accept such significant change? They need to know what is in it for them. Get them to open up in a confidential setting, not just to air and address their misgivings, but to discuss how they could benefit and develop their skills. Agile work requires managers to let go of micromanaging and become coaches and enablers. Show them how leading dispersed teams is an essential skill for promotion to senior leadership. What happens to meetings and collaboration if everyone is working in different locations? There are many ways to handle this according to the work context. Meetings and teamwork need to be planned. Some dispersed teams have a day a week when they are all in the same office. Others hold quarterly off-site meetings. Smart working is a good reason to question the purpose and length of meetings, and cut out the ones that waste time. Provide broad guidelines and let teams work out the specifics, according to the tasks they have to accomplish. You should ensure everyone has well-functioning technology to meet virtually and keep in touch socially with colleagues — people need to feel they belong, wherever they are working. Collaboration can be very successful in dispersed teams if everyone contributes and supports others in achieving joint goals. How will new recruits understand the company culture if they are working remotely? It is a good idea for new people to spend time working alongside colleagues to start with. This does not have to be every day, but frequently, so they learn about the subtle aspects of how things get done and what the company’s values are in practice. Some virtual companies have discovered as they grow that they need a physical workplace to meet each other and clients and to enable new employees to shadow colleagues closely. What do I need to do as a leader? Show you mean it, both by words and actions. A small change — working from home one day a week — gives huge permission to others. Reflect on your own style of leadership and whether your default mode is to be in control. Challenge your assumptions about physical presence being a demonstration of commitment.

Alison Maitland is co-author of Future Work: Changing Organisational Culture for the New World of Work.

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Definition of flexible working

lexible working gives employees flexibility on how long, where and when they work. Employees access flexible working through human resources policies, which usually require supervisory approval. Flexible working is comprised of three main arrangements: full-time, part-time and career flexibility. Full-time flexible options include: n Flexible hours (flextime) - the ability to choose the start and finish time of the working day within core hours; n Telework (flexplace) - the chance to work from home or another place one or several days a week; n Time banks - the ability to take time off in compensation for overtime; n Compressed work weeks - such as working four longer days and taking the fifth day of the week off, or working a nine day fortnight. Part-time options include working a few days a week, say three days instead of the traditional five days, and other forms such as v-time-working. The “v” stands for voluntary reduced hours, with the individual working to an agreed reduced schedule for a certain period, for example during the school holidays, with the chance

to work the usual hours after that period ends. Job-sharing is also an interesting form of part-time flexible working where two people share a full-time position, either by working three days each in the week with one day of overlap or they alternate one week each. Career flexibility (flex career) allows individuals to change careers and/or take career breaks for personal or family reasons without suffering career penalties. Career flexibility involves challenging the traditional career ladder of containing a continuously upward path with workers likely to fall back to the bottom of the career ladder if they change their careers. Instead, a career lattice can be organised where individuals may take different paths, including lateral ones, and career breaks. Career flexibility also includes a gradual return from maternity leave, for instance, returning part-time for a certain period then going full-time afterwards. Career flexibility also includes gradual phasing into retirement such as going from full-time to part-time for a certain period and then retirement. ON THE AGENDA

WELCOME TO OUR LIFE INSURANCE SECTOR CAREERS SPECIAL...

Gallery speaks to women leaders in the life insurance sector and employees about their working world, what motivates them and what advice they’d give to those that are new to the Isle of Man’s top life insurance companies.

Careers Isle of Man

WOMEN LEADERS IN THE LIFE INSURANCE SECTOR

WORDS BY: Tony Rea

According to a survey by the Financial Times in April 2017 women account for more than half of the overall workforce, across 50 of the largest finance related organisations in the world. This would suggest that globally, women are doing well across the finance sector in terms of overall numbers, but more alarmingly the same report said only 25% of the ‘senior roles’ across the same sector were filled by woman.

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ooking at these figures it would be easy to simply say that if this is a global snap-shot then surely this must hold true for the Isle of Man finance sector and therefore the Island’s life insurance sector. But that’s all it is a ‘snapshot’ a snippet of a global cross-section, the brush strokes of which are too broad for the Isle of Man, where we like to do things a little differently. The Isle of Man was the first national Parliament to give women the vote in a general election in 1881, giving themselves a head start on gender equality, something the Island is very proud of. Are women more or less likely to obtain a role in the Isle of Man finance or insurance sectors and, importantly, are we likely to see the same huge split when we compare men and women at senior level? ON THE AGENDA

Careers Isle of Man

of IntegraLife International, Cathy Dawson, Chief Compliance Officer at RL360, Karen Coran, Head of Human Resource at Hansard Global plc, Karen Badgerow, CEO of the Isle of Man Financial Services Authority and Lillian Boyle, Chair of the Isle of Man Financial Services Authority. They came together to discuss these figures, their personal and professional experience and whether this has changed or shaped their views.

The last census carried out on the Isle of Man in 2016, showed women across the finance sector were 55% of the total workforce. Broadly speaking, this is in line with the rest of the world, if compared to the 2017 Financial Times report. No surprises here. Where things begin to become more interesting is when we drill down deeper into the figures to see what happens when we look at how much of the 55% of roles, occupied by women, at senior level. Of all the women employed in finance roles (which was 55% of the total workforce in finance), approximately 45% were employed in a senior role in 2016. It’s fair to say, a substantial portion of the female workforce, in finance, are occupying senior roles. CAREERS SPECIAL

The big question is, what percentage of women are in senior roles compared to men? Do they follow the same trend as the Financial Times report suggests is happening globally, that a mere 25% of senior level roles in finance were inhabited by women? In the Isle of Man finance sector in 2016 women occupied 45% of the senior roles, much higher than the global average of 25%. But what does this mean to women in the life insurance sector? Is this a surprise? Is this enough or can this be improved and if so how? Who better to answer these questions than women leaders in life insurance themselves? In a recent roundtable discussion between Gillian Marples, Head

Cathy Dawson began the discussion by commenting: ‘I am not overly surprised by the stats on the Isle of Man, when I began working at CMI when it was established in the Isle of Man in 1987 and the team setting up the business was predominantly women. The Isle of Man based Managing Director was a woman. This was a significant change compared to the small family owned business where I started my first job and still had to make the coffee despite men being employed into junior roles after me. The informality of addressing the CEO of CMI by his first name was a culture shock.’ Gillian, who also represents the life industry on the newly created Finance agency board added: ‘It is encouraging that the number of women occupying senior roles in the Isle of Man insurance sector is higher than the global average. The industry can only benefit from the recognised positive agenda

WOMEN LEADERS IN THE LIFE INSURANCE SECTOR

impact to be gained from developing a diverse work force which facilitates the consideration of issues from a number of different perspectives. ‘There are a wide range of career paths available within life companies on the Isle of Man and women hold senior roles across a wide range of disciplines, not just in those more traditionally associated with women. IT, Finance, Investment and Marketing departments are headed by women as well as HR, Compliance and Operations.’ Gillian continued: ‘Women are also active within the industry Trade Association, the Manx Insurance Association (MIA). I am the Chair of the Association and two of the four active Sub-Committees are chaired by Cathy and Michelle Lees.’ Lilian responded: ‘I agree with Gill there is great value in giving encouragement at the right time to become involved in wider business and professional bodies. Over a number of years the MIA has demonstrated this both in the number of women who have been Chair and headed up its specialist Groups. Getting experience outside of your own company gives a lot of opportunity for personal development.’

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Karen Coran

Cathy Dawson

Cathy continued: The International Insurance Sector on the Isle of Man is still a relatively young industry (coming up for 40 years) compared to others such as manufacturing, construction etc. It’s possible the industry has been shaped without any continuing prejudice that may possibly exist in other industries. Over the course of nearly 40 years there have been a number of female CEOs and directors of Isle of Man Insurance companies, thereby indicating that the glass ceiling is not an issue for women in the International insurance sector on the Island. Karen B added: ‘We are very fortunate to have strong female representation in many of our senior roles at the Authority and now most recently at the Board as a result of a recent recruitment exercise. The FSA board for example is now gender neutral. I think that diversity of any kind engenders a different kind of conversation and decision making process as it allows us to draw upon a more broad range of both professional and life experience. Do we think female employees now looking for more from their employers?’

Karen C answered: ‘I believe there has been a massive

Cathy replied: ‘I feel I have been afforded every ON THE AGENDA

Careers Isle of Man

Gillian Marples

Lillian Boyle

Karen Badgerow

Lillian added: ‘ By providing an environment to

Karen B commented: ‘I think the newer generation is

CAREERS SPECIAL

AINE

CALLISTER

Careers Isle of Man

ACCOUNTING ASSISITANT AT RL360

Age? 21 Uni Attended? I did not attend university. What did you want to be when you were 8? A vet, or anything to do with animals. Favourite way to relax? Relax with friends, go for walks, watch movies. At the weekends I enjoy going for walks, shopping (and spending too much money!) and going out in the evenings. Favourite place to eat in the Isle of Man? Barbary Coast, they do lovely vegetarian food. What’s your favourite possession? My car. It was the first big thing I saved up for and bought myself after I started working for RL360.

What made you choose the company you work for? The company seemed friendly and had a welcoming atmosphere from my first interview. Everyone is lovely, and always willing to help. I have been in 2 teams at RL360 and have thoroughly enjoyed my time in both, through learning and developing my skills as well as making lifelong friends.

MORE ABOUT RL360

Having been here for a quarter of a century, RL360 has strong roots in the Isle of Man. But we have a truly international focus, with offices across the globe, in Hong Kong, Malaysia, Dubai, Lebanon, Uruguay and Africa.

RL360 funds my courses and provide 2-3 days’ study leave for each exam, depending on the level. There are 4 other members of my team also doing ACCA exams, which is brilliant if I have any queries or problems, as they are always willing to help.

Our ambition is to support a happy and financially stable future for our customers. Our service sets us apart from our competitors and our experienced workforce focuses on the needs of our customers in order to deliver solutions others may be blind to.

What do you do on an average day? I process company expenses and review trends in these, processing journals for any corrections if necessary. I have recently started preparing management accounts for 2 of our smaller companies, meaning I get an overview of the whole set of accounts, which is also very helpful with my exams. Evenings are spent either with friends or revising if it is coming up to an exam.

We believe building strong, lasting relationships is the best way to create a business to be proud of.

INTERESTED?

Contact RL360: careers@rl360.com www.rl360.com/pages/careers.htm

What sort of professional training do you take? I did my GCSEs at High School. Through RL360 I was introduced to Foundations in Accountancy. I passed the 4 exams for this through courses provided by a local company called Manx Professional Education Services (MPES). I am currently self-studying ACCA F1 – Accountant in Business. This is the first of the ACCA exams, and I plan to carry on my studies towards the ACCA qualification. Foundations in Accountancy is 4 exams, 2 on Management Accounting and 2 on Financial Accounting. These can be done in a year. ACCA has 9 fundamental exams, and 4 professional Level exams. I am aiming to sit one per quarter, meaning this will take me around 3-4 years from now to complete.

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What is your next step? I plan to carry on with ACCA exams, whilst carrying on my learning in my current role as an Accounting Assistant. RL360 encourages a lot of team work and cross-training whilst at work. What advice would you give yourself as a graduate/school leaver considering the experience you have now? Do not feel pressured to go to university just because it is what everyone else seems to be doing. There are many other opportunities to learn and gain qualifications whilst working and earning money as well.

ON THE AGENDA

CHELSEY

HALL

Careers

SENIOR CUSTOMER SERICES ADMINISTRATOR AT RL360

Isle of Man

Age? 26 Uni Attended? I did not attend university What did you want to be when you were 8? A Primary School Teacher Favourite way to relax? I enjoy taking my dog for a walk, relaxing with my friends, going to hot yoga and watching movies. Favourite place to eat in the Isle of Man? Hawthorn or Titan – the food in both is absolutely amazing, Me and my partner normally fight over which place we should eat. What’s your favourite possession? My original Doug Hyde picture as this reminds me of my dog and as a big fan of Doug Hyde I am very happy I own an original piece.

What made you choose the company you work for? I heard about the opportunities RL360 offer their staff and how they invest in them. I had also seen on social medial all of the social events they organise and how their staff seem happy to work there. From the initial interview I felt very comfortable within the company. It was a growing company which is exciting to be a part of. What sort of professional training do you take? I did my GSCEs and then went into college and completed a Diploma in Childcare. Since joining RL360 I have also completed my FA1 Exam – Life Office Administration and an AML Certificate – Anti-Money Laundering. What do you do on an average day? My primary role is within the Quality Team in New Business. We are the final step before a new policy submitted to us is issued. I do a check on any work that has been processed to ensure this is has been completed correctly before it is issued. We also deal with any queries from the brokers over the phone and via email. From this role I have also been given the role of team trainer – I ensure the whole team is fully trained and also support any new starters. I ensure the procedures are up to date and reflect any recent changes in legislation. I was given the amazing opportunity to use my training and knowledge to travel with work as I visited our new office in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, last year and just recently got back from visiting our new office in Montevideo, Uruguay. I help set up the new offices and deliver training to the new team members.

MORE ABOUT RL360

RL360 is part of International Financial Group Limited, which has over 70,000 policyholders in 170 countries, in excess of $11 billion in assets under management and around 350 staff. We help investors around the world save for the future, grow their wealth and protect their families through our financial products.

What is your next step? I would like to take my training knowledge to the next level, I am currently looking at future courses to help increase my training knowledge and help me towards a team leader role. I am shadowing my manager and will look at future courses in becoming a manager. RL360 is great at supporting you through training.

We are a genuinely global business based in the offshore financial stronghold of the Isle of Man, from where we do business in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, emerging Europe and the UK.

What advice would you give yourself as a graduate/school leaver considering the experience you have now? To not worry too much about your future without a university degree as you can complete a lot of training courses and be given a lot of opportunities whilst also working within a company and with that gaining the invaluable experience this will also give you.

Contact RL360: careers@rl360.com www.rl360.com/pages/careers.htm

CAREERS SEPCIAL

INTERESTED?

agenda

ELLIE

Careers

HOWELL EVANS

Isle of Man

GROUP STRATEGY MANAGER AT RL360

Age? 26 Uni Attended? I did not attend university What did you want to be when you were 8? Doctor Favourite way to relax? A nice walk, a pint in the sun or watching reality TV! Favourite place to eat in the Isle of Man? Little Fish Café What’s your favourite possession? My sofa (it’s incredible, trust me)

What made you choose the company you work for? I’d previously audited life assurance companies on the island so moving to RL360 was a natural progression. I was particularly drawn to their ambition for both organic and inorganic growth and the opportunity to work in their M&A/Strategy team which was something different and allowed me to develop skills outside of accountancy. RL360 has offices based across the world so I was aware that there would be opportunities for travel which is something that has always interested me. My role also allowed for me to work directly with the Board of Directors and Senior Management Team. I was initially hesitant about moving out of my comfort zone and taking the role but it’s definitely paid off and I’ve developed a wider scope of knowledge and skills. What sort of professional training do you take? After finishing my A Levels I went to Durham University but realised university wasn’t for me for a number of reasons. Instead, I joined the PwC School Leavers’ Programme and gained my ACCA qualification 4 years ago. During this time period I worked on audits, liquidations, remediation projects and also ran training sessions for the associates.

MORE ABOUT RL360

Last year saw RL360’s parent company International Financial Group Limited announce its largest acquisition to date - a deal with Aviva to acquire Friends Provident International Limited (FPI), subject to regulatory approval. FPI is headquartered in Castletown, with offices around the world, and employs in the region of 400 staff. Its acquisition will increase IFGL’s combined assets under administration to $21bn and policies managed to 225,000. It has been a busy and successful few years for RL360 and IFGL. The Group acquired CMI Insurance Company Ltd (now branded RL360 Services) in 2015 and wealth platform Ardan International the following year.

INTERESTED?

Contact RL360: careers@rl360.com www.rl360.com/pages/careers.htm

agenda

What do you do on an average day? Varies every day! I’m lucky to have such a versatile job where I’m never completely sure what each day could bring. In general I work on the integration of acquisitions and business planning with quite a bit of project management thrown in. I’ve also worked on analysing potential acquisitions, creating synergy models, sales forecasting and the assessment of the potential impact of regulatory change. What is your next step? I’m actually preparing for my secondment to Hong Kong. RL360 has given me the opportunity to live and work in Hong Kong for a 6 month period. The role will be a new one for me moving to work in the Financial Reporting team. This move will enhance my technical skills whilst developing, documenting and handing over new procedures. What advice would you give yourself as a graduate/school leaver considering the experience you have now? It’s something I still struggle with sometimes but I’d say, don’t worry too much about the future. Take the chances, work hard, do the best you can and you never know what exciting opportunities will come your way next! With hindsight I put too much pressure on myself to go to university when there are amazing career prospects on the island whether you do or don’t have a degree.

ON THE AGENDA

gradu8 [careers special]

THERE’S MORE THAN ONE WAY TO BROADEN YOUR HORIZONS…

Education and travel. They feature in most people’s plans when they’re young. Chelsey was no different and her childhood ambition was to teach. Her plans evolved, but her passion for education remained. So, when given the chance to work for us, she grabbed it with both hands. Now Chelsey helps train our Customer Services teams not only in the Isle of Man but also in Kuala Lumpur and Montevideo. Education and travel. Who says you can’t achieve them both at work? Find out more at www.rl360.com/quality/chelsey

CHELSEY HALL CUSTOMER SERVICES

Quality at your service

RL360IOMBN Insurance Company Limited. Registered Office: International House, Cooil Road, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM2 2SP, British Isles. RL360 Insurance Company EVENT agenda Limited is authorised by the Isle of Man Financial Services Authority. Registered in the Isle of Man number 053002C.

GRAIHAGH

Careers

KENNAUGH

Isle of Man

CORPORATE HELP-POINT CONSULTANT AT ZURICH

Age? 21 Uni Attended? I did not attend university What did you want to be when you were 8? A professional dancer Favourite way to relax? Going to the gym Favourite place to eat on IoM? Views restaurant (Onchan Park) What’s your favourite possession? My laptop. It was the first expensive item I bought after I got my job.

What made you choose the company you work for? To be honest, after I left Sixth form I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do, but I saw an interesting job advertised at Zurich, applied for it, and here I am now! I do think everything happens for a reason and I’m so grateful that I took this opportunity. What sort of professional training do you take? None at the moment but I would like to complete the PRINCE II qualifications as I want to expand my project management skills. What opportunities have you been able to take advantage of? I have had many opportunities to be a member of internal projects, which has allowed me to develop my relationship with my colleagues and also build relationships with other companies and external customers. I was also involved in an international project which meant I spent a period of time at our Luxembourg office. It was great to work closely with international colleagues and broadened my knowledge and insight into their working environment.

MORE ABOUT ZURICH

If you’re interested in working in a dynamic and challenging environment, for a company that has had an island presence for over 35 years, is a global leader in managing risk and that recognises and rewards your creativity, initiatives and contributions - then Zurich International could be just the place for you. You can find a wide variety of exciting departments to choose from: Investment Services • Finance • Pricing and Propositions • Risk • IT • HR & Communications • Business Change • Customer Services • In-Force Management • Compliance. Zurich International values the potential and diversity of every individual, embraces’ new ideas to exceed customer expectations, & helps you reach your full potential.

INTERESTED?

.Contact Zurich: zurichinternationalcareers@ zurich.com to find out more.

agenda

What do you do on an average day? I mostly deal with external customer communication in our corporate team, through email and telephone. I also am currently on an internal programme, ‘Early in Career’. This is a programme for people who are relatively new to the company and who are seen as talent. We have so far completed sessions on soft skills, presentation skills and been given a project to deliver by September. It is a lot of work, but the amount of time I put into the programme is reflected in the amount of resource and information I get out of it. I also work on an internal initiative, the Women’s Innovation Network (WIN), which brings attention to equality in the work place. As this is an international initiative, I get to speak to people all over the world and explore ways to make Zurich a better place to work. It allows me to understand different cultures around the globe. What is your next step? The Early in Career programme is helping me to expand my network and develop relationships with people in the department I plan on moving into, which is project management. I also would like to take advantage of the opportunities Zurich offers, such as international relocation. I hope this time next year I will be based in one of our offices overseas. What advice would you give yourself as a graduate/school leaver considering the experience you have now? I would advise to try a sector or a role you have never thought of. I wouldn’t have put myself in an insurance role but I truly enjoy my job and see myself having a long career in the industry. If you try something and you don’t enjoy it, remember that you can always try something else. Don’t put pressure on yourself to find your dream job straight away, it takes time and you have a long time to find it. It always feels like you have limited time left to find what you want and achieve, what you dream of, but there is plenty of time. Don’t stress - you will get there! ON THE AGENDA

CELESTE

GREEN

Careers Isle of Man

HR BUSINESS PARTNER AT ZURICH

Age? 29 Uni Attended? Durham University & Newcastle University Course undertaken? BA in Criminology and MA in Human Resource Management What did you want to be when you were 8? Police Dog Handler Favourite way to relax? Running next to the sea Favourite place to eat on IoM? Filbey’s Bistro in Peel What’s your favourite possession? My phone, as it has all my photos and great memories on it.

What made you choose the company you work for? Zurich has a positive reputation as an employer on the island, and they had a strategic HR vacancy, which was very different to the transactional role I was performing at the time. I believed the opportunities and exposure I would experience at Zurich were not to be missed, especially as I have always dreamt of being offered the opportunity to travel and work abroad. What sort of professional training do you take? Following my HR degree I worked my way through the CIPD awards in Employment Law, and have recently applied to the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development to become a Chartered member. As secretary of the local CIPD branch, I regularly organise and attend events for HR professionals which contributes to my continuing professional development, as well as on the job training. What opportunities have you been able to take advantage of with this employer? The opportunity I appreciate most is Zurich’s FlexWork. Having the freedom to choose when, where and how I work has enabled me to pursue an area of interest and volunteer for the Isle of Man Constabulary as a Special Constable in addition to my primary employment. Due to the different shifts and working patterns in the Police, I am able to flex my Zurich working hours around Police shifts, therefore Zurich has enabled me to take part in something I enjoy, whilst also enabling me to give something back to my local community. What do you do on an average day? I do not have an average day, which is what I love about my job. No two days are the same and every day I learn something new. My primary focus is compensation and benefits, so lots of numbers and spreadsheets, but I also do other elements of HR including partnering, recruitment, employment relations cases, and do whatever I can to support managers and make their jobs easier. What is your next step? I was asked to go to Dubai for a year on secondment to take up an HR Business Partner role and I jumped at the chance. This is a fantastic development opportunity, not only from a career perspective, but also it will enable me to experience living and working in a different country in a very different culture. It has been great to experience the whole process of applying for a visa, working with a provider to arrange accommodation, and having an opportunity to be the customer of HR and understand what this feels like. What advice would you give yourself as a graduate/school leaver considering the experience you have now? My advice would be to try and decide what career you may like to pursue as early as you can, and gain as much work experience as possible as you progress through school and university. If you have the option to do a university degree which offers you a year on a placement before your final year, then take it. I found I came out of university with lots of qualifications but no practical on the job experience, and this made it difficult to be offered a first step on my career ladder. CAREERS SPECIAL

MORE ABOUT ZURICH

INTERESTED?

.Contact Zurich: zurichinternationalcareers@ zurich.com to find out more.

agenda

AALISH

Careers

BRIDSON

Isle of Man

INTERNATIONAL CUSTOMER SUPPORT MANAGER AT ZURICH

Age? 20 Uni Attended? I did not attend university What did you want to be when you were 8? A dinner lady Favourite way to relax? Walking up Bradda head Favourite place to eat on IoM? Paparazzi What’s your favourite possession? Probably my phone because it’s captured so many of my favourite moments, or my cats. What made you choose the company you work for? I decided against going to university when I realised I was able to work and study on Island. I did work experience during my final year of sixth form at Zurich, and the atmosphere and people were very motivating so it all began with how I was initially welcomed in. Zurich offers study contracts and with offices located all over the world, servicing over 170 countries, the possibility of relocation and travel with work is huge, so it was a no brainer. What sort of professional training do you take? I am currently studying towards attaining a membership with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), and I’m very fortunate that Zurich supports me financially with this. Zurich encourages people to invest in themselves and their careers, so there is so much opportunity to study either with our online training platform or with a professional body.

MORE ABOUT ZURICH

INTERESTED?

.Contact Zurich: zurichinternationalcareers@ zurich.com to find out more.

agenda

What opportunities have you been able to take advantage of? There’s so many, such as community work, mentoring and volunteering days, but more recently I’ve been able to take part in our ‘Early in Career’ programme. This is a programme designed for young, up and coming talent within the business, and equips us by running workshops on skills such as giving and receiving feedback, presentations and public speaking, and effective communication, over a 12 month period. It’s empowered me, enabled me to be more confident and given me exposure to so many different parts of the business. What do you do on an average day? In all honesty, my days vary so much. I’m an International Customer Support Manager with a client split primarily across the Middle East, and I work with these clients to ensure that they’re happy with us and our administration. I deal with audit queries and reporting, I also complete customer training and the occasional presentation – I was very fortunate to go away with work to the Philippines not so long ago. I’m also involved in our Charity and Community group which means that some days I’ll be in committee meetings, organising external community projects or internal fundraising events. I was quite heavily involved in organising the Sports Relief activites within work, and I’ve also had the opportunity to spend an afternoon working on the sensory garden for the Manx Blind Welfare. What is your next step? In the short term, I’m continuing to study the ACCA qualification, but I’m hoping to attend some more leadership workshops so that I can build on the skills required to eventually become a people manager. In the long term, I’d love to work abroad. What advice would you give yourself as a graduate/school leaver considering the experience you have now? It’s OK to not know exactly what you want out of a career, or not know what direction you want to take next. My advice would be to not limit yourself; take risks and try to gain as much experience and exposure as you can across a business. ON THE AGENDA

LOVE WHAT YOU DO CHOOSE AN EXCITING CAREER

Looking for an exciting career? A role in insurance could be just what youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking for. In todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s complex world, tackling risk is fast, unpredictable and invigorating. Challenge yourself fnding ways to protect the things people care about most. If you love a challenge and want to make a difference, work with us.

FIND OUT MORE AT zurich.com/careers

Zurich International Life Limited is fully authorised under the Isle of Man Insurance Act 2008 and is regulated by the Isle of Man Financial Services Authority to provide life assurance, investment and protection products. Registered in the Isle of Man number 20126C. Registered office: Zurich House, Isle of Man Business Park, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM2 2QZ. Telephone +44 1624 662266

books - work & careers

Gigged By Sarah Kessler

One in three American workers is now a freelancer. This “gig economy” — one that provides neither the guarantee of steady hours nor benefits — emerged out of the digital era and has revolutionized the way we do business. High-profile tech start-ups such as Uber and Airbnb are constantly making headlines for the disruption they cause to the industries they overturn. But what are the effects of this disruption, from Wall Street down to Main Street? What challenges do employees and jobseekers face at every level of professional experience? In the tradition of the great business

narratives of our time, Gigged offers deeply-sourced, up-close-and-personal accounts of our new economy. From the computer programmer who chooses exactly which hours he works each week, to the Uber driver who starts a union, to the charity worker who believes freelance gigs might just transform a declining rural town, journalist Sarah Kessler follows a wide range of individuals from across the country to provide a nuanced look at how the gig economy is playing out in real-time. Kessler wades through the hype and hyperbole to tackle the big questions: What does the future of work look like? Will the millennial generation do as well their parents? How can we all find meaningful, well-paid work?

Work & Careers Brotopia By Emily Chang

In this powerful exposé, Bloomberg TV journalist Emily Chang reveals how Silicon Valley got so sexist despite its utopian ideals, why bro culture endures despite decades of companies claiming the moral high ground (Don’t Be Evil! Connect the World!) — and how women are finally starting to speak out and fight back. Drawing on her deep network of Silicon Valley insiders, Chang opens the boardroom doors of male-dominated venture capital firms like Kleiner Perkins, the subject of Ellen Pao’s high-profile gender discrimination lawsuit, and Sequoia, where a partner once famously said they “won’t lower their standards” just to hire women. Interviews with Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg, YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki, and former Yahoo! CEO Marissa Mayer — who got their start at Google, where just one in five engineers is a woman — reveal just how hard it is to crack the Silicon Ceiling. And Chang shows how women such as former Uber engineer Susan Fowler, entrepreneur Niniane Wang, and game developer Brianna Wu, have risked their careers and sometimes their lives to pave a way for other women. Silicon Valley’s aggressive, misogynistic, work-at-all costs culture has shut women out of the greatest wealth creation in the history of the world. It’s time to break up the boys’ club. Emily Chang shows us how to fix this toxic culture — to bring down Brotopia, once and for all.

agenda

Bonjour Laziness By Corinne Maier

Picture the scene: The boardroom at French electricity giant EdF. The subject: ‘Motivation’. One of the senior economists piped up: She came to work, she declared, because she was paid to. The stunned silence lasted a full 15 seconds. The woman was Corinne Maier and she had dared to voice the unspeakable - we go to work not because we love it, not because we love organising childcare, and cramming on the Tube for 45 minutes, but because we have to. This sets the tone for Maier’s revolutionary book on getting away with doing as little as possible at work. Full of practical tips as well as insights into the workings of the modern company, Bonjour Laziness is as inspirational as it is enlightening. Covering subjects ranging from getting promoted, to managing in meetings and dealing with colleagues, Bonjour Laziness is a witty antidote to the rash of American motivational books on the market. It is a call to the office-workers of the world to rise up and throw their laptops and mission statements in the air. Bonjour Laziness will make you laugh, then make you wish you’d known all of this years ago!

What Works By Iris Bohnet

Gender equality is a moral and a business imperative. But unconscious bias holds us back, and de-biasing people’s minds has proven to be difficult and expensive. Diversity training programmes have had limited success, and individual effort alone often invites backlash. Behavioural design offers a solution. By de-biasing organisations instead of individuals, we can make smart changes that have big impacts. Presenting research-based solutions, Iris Bohnet hands us the tools we need to move the needle in classrooms and boardrooms, in hiring and promotion, benefiting businesses, governments, and the lives of millions. What Works is built on new insights into the human mind. It draws on data collected by companies, universities, and governments in Australia, India, Norway, the UK, the US, Zambia, and other countries, often in randomised controlled trials. It points out dozens of evidence-based interventions that could be adopted immediately and demonstrates how research is addressing gender bias, improving lives and performance. What Works shows what more can be done—often at shockingly low cost and surprisingly high speed. ON THE AGENDA

ÂŁ1,950,000

A Magnificent modern detached family house standing in beautifully landscaped gardens of 3/4 acre enjoying far reaching south-facing views.Â The property is approached though an impressive pillared entrance and large pavioured driveway, providing ample parking for 5/6 cars, which then sweeps around a central rockery feature.

T: 01624 623778 E: douglas@chrystals.co.im

www.chrystals.co.im

HOME

The Woodlands

Orrisdale Road, Ballasalla, IM9 3AE £975,000

A LARGE DETACHED BUNGALOW WITH SELF CONTAINED ANNEXE NESTLED WITHIN A SECLUDED SETTING SITUATED ON A TREE LINED ROAD WITHIN A PLOT OF APPROXIMATELY 2 ACRES.

THE ACCOMMODATION COMPRISES n Spacious Reception Hall n Utility/Laundry Room with Washing Machine, Tumble Dryer and Walk in Airing Cupboard n Large Fitted Walk in Cloakroom n Modern Fitted Kitchen with Granite Work Tops and Fantastic Views Over the Garden n Appliances Include, Induction Hob, Dishwasher, Self Cleaning Oven, Microwave n Large Dual Aspect Dining Room n Generous Triple Aspect Lounge Leading onto a Large Decked Area & Steps to the Garden n 3 Downstairs Double Bedrooms one with Ensuite Shower Room n Large 5 Piece Bathroom with Corner Bath n 1st Floor Guest/Family Annexe with Own Access to Garden n Lounge, Kitchen, Bedroom, Dressing Room & Ensuite, Separate Gas Fired Central Heating n Additional Large Attic Room (with Previous Planning Permission, now lapsed) n Double Attached Garage includes, Wine Rack, Tool Cupboards, Window and Door to Garden n (Scope to Incorporate into the Main House or First Floor Annexe Subject to Building Regs) n The Gardens Surround the Property and are Surrounded with ‘Nature Reserve’ Borders n Large Sweeping Driveway with Parking n Oil Fired Central Heating, Septic Tank, uPVC Double Glazing

NEW RELEASE The Willows, Lonan

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Visit dandara.com or call 615000 for full details Sales office: Victoria St, Douglas. Open 7 Days.

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Specification may vary subject to house type and build stage. Full details available on request. Prices and details correct at time of going to print. Computer Generated Image shown for indication purposes only.

HOME

Ballagorrey Beg Bungalow

Glen Mona, Maughold, IM7 1HF £449,000

WELL PRESENTED SPLIT LEVEL FAMILY HOUSE WITH DISTANT SEA VIEWS. SITUATED IN THE HEART OF GLEN MONA, CLOSE TO THE LOCAL PRIMARY SCHOOL. FIVE MINUTE DRIVE TO RAMSEY AND LAXEY. GENEROUS PARKING FOR 5/6 CARS. THE ACCOMMODATION COMPRISES n Lounge, Conservatory, Kitchen/ Breakfast Room n Dining Room, Utility n Three Double Bedrooms and Family Bathroom n Master Bedroom with En-Suite and Walk in Dressing Room n Workshop and Cellar/Storage n Decking ideal for BBQ and Family Entertaining n Generous Garden mainly laid to Lawn with decorative borders and hedging

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APPETITE

COOK BOOK RECIPES

ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH WAFFLES

Method:

Breakfast sorted Ingredients:

THAI OMELETTE

Street food, at home, on a shoestring Get cracking... Ingredients:

(Makes one portion) n 3 eggs, beaten n Pinch of curry powder n Sesame oil n 1/4 carrot, cut into matchsticks n 1/2 spring onion, cut into strips n A few beansprouts n Drizzle of soy sauce n Salt and pepper

Method:

1. Season the beaten eggs with salt, pepper and the curry powder. 2. Heat a splash of sesame oil in a frying pan, pour in the beaten eggs and fry for a few minutes until 80% cooked, then add the carrot, spring onion and beansprouts to the middle, drizzle over a little sesame oil and soy sauce, then fold the omelette over the filling and continue to cook for another minute. 3. Remove from the heat and serve with another drizzle of soy sauce to finish.

Recipe: Miguel Barclay’s Super Easy £1 Pound Meals by Miguel Barclay

(Makes 8) For the waffles: n 300g roasted butternut squash or pumpkin n 100g cooled melted butter, plus extra for greasing the waffle iron n 200g buttermilk n 200ml whole milk n 2 medium eggs n 1/2tsp ground cinnamon (optional) n 1tsp fine sea salt n 200g plain flour n 2tsp baking powder n To serve as a sweet: n Strawberry Jam n Whipped cream To serve as a savoury option: n 4-6tbsp creme fraiche n 1 red onion, peeled and finely chopped n 2tbsp finely chopped fresh chives n 2-4tbsp caviar

1. Mash the roasted butternut squash or pumpkin and mix with the butter, buttermilk, whole milk and eggs. 2. Sift together the remaining waffle ingredients into the bowl and fold to incorporate. Don’t overmix or you’ll get a heavy batter. Leave to rest at room temperature for 20 minutes. 3. Heat up your waffle iron, brushing with melted butter if required (no need with non-stick ones). Pour a ladle of batter into the middle. Gently close the lid and cook for a couple of minutes, or until the outside is crisp (this will vary, depending on the heat of your waffle iron). 4. Leave to cool for a minute before topping with the garnish of your liking.

Recipe: The Little Swedish Kitchen by Rachel Khoo

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

APPETITE

COOK BOOK RECIPES

Here’s how to make his fancy burrata version... Ingredients:

(Serves 4) n 4 white or red chicory n 1 head of celery n 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary n Olive oil n 4 oranges (juiced) n 1tbsp runny honey n 1tbsp red wine vinegar n 4 slices of sourdough bread n 1 clove of garlic n Extra virgin olive oil n 200g ball of burrata n 2 sprigs of fresh flat-leaf parsley n 1/2-1 fresh red chilli (optional) n Sea salt and pepper

HOW TO MAKE JAMIE OLIVER’S BURRATA BRUSCHETTA WITH SWEET AND SOUR ROASTED CHICORY AND CELERY HEART Basically fancy cheese on toast.

“It’s a bold and confident move to simply put something extraordinary on toast and serve it up to kick off a dinner party - what a wonderful thing.”

“A bruschetta - basically an Italian open sandwich - enjoyed as a starter, antipasto or snack, gives you the opportunity to really celebrate seasonal produce at its best,” says chef Jamie Oliver.

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 200oC. Trim the chicory and halve lengthways. Trim the celery and cut 10cm from the base, saving the top half for other cooking, and reserving the inner yellow leaves. Use a speed-peeler to remove the base and stringy outer edges, then slice lengthways 1cm thick. Place the chicory and celery in a roasting tray. Strip in the rosemary leaves, drizzle with a little olive oil, add a pinch of sea salt and black pepper and toss to coat. Roast for 25 minutes. 2. Remove the tray from the oven to a high heat on the hob. Squeeze over the orange juice, drizzle over the honey and vinegar, add a splash of water and bring to the boil. Give it a stir, then carefully transfer back to the oven for a final 10 minutes, or until nice and sticky and the liquid has reduced. 3. Toast the bread, halve the garlic clove and lightly rub the cut sides over the toasts, then place on your plates. Drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil, then divide and tear over the burrata. 4. Delicately spoon over the roasted chicory and celery, and drizzle over that flavour-packed dressing. Pick over the parsley leaves and reserved celery leaves. Finely slice and scatter over a little chilli before serving, if you like. Total Calores in this recipe: 342kcal Fat: 14.9g Sat fat: 7.7g Protein: 12.8g Carbs: 42.1g Sugar: 20.3g Salt: 1.7g Fibre: 2g Recipe: Jamie Cooks Italy by Jamie Oliver

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

APPETITE

By The Team at The Wine Cellar to terroir: soil, climate and humans. The vintage is also part of the equation. ‘If vintage is part of terroir, we shouldn’t try to correct the vintage; we should never acidify and never chaptalize,’ ‘Too many winemakers try to correct the vintage. For me, the quality is done in the vineyard and the winemaking has to be extremely simple.’ Says Michel To showcase the difference in the terroir he began experimenting in biodynamics production – and is now the largest biodynamic producer in Europe.

M. CHAPOUTIER M.CHAPOUTIER CAN TRACE ITS FAMILY HISTORY BACK TO 1808 IN TAIN IN THE RHONE, THE HOUSE BEING STARTED BY POLYDOR CHAPOUTIER IN 1879. You may wonder what the M in M. Chapoutier stands for – Maison, yes as in house. However following Polydor’s son Marius joining the business there has been an M running through all the names of the generations of the Chapoutier Family.

with the Grace Family that his passion for wine was kindled. He subsequently went on to study wine and commerce, and refuses to believe it taught him anything - he remained unchanged but got the qualification!

Marius (Michel’s Great Grandfather), Marc (Michel’s Grandfather), then Max (his Father), followed by Michel himself and now Michel’s two children Maxine and Mathilde, the latter now the commercial director.

Michel now in his fifties is a revered character in the trade, his passion has led him to own vineyards not just in the Rhone, but also in Roussillon, Alsace, Provence, D’Oc, Portugal and Australia.

Michel Chapoutier took total control of the business in 2000. So what of the man… He describes himself on his business cards as ‘Wine Lover’ which also contain the braille version of the same. You may have noticed the braille on M. Chapoutier wines? The braille labelling was introduced in 1996 as a tribute to Maurice Monier of La Sizeranne, a member of the family who previously owned the plot and invented the shortened version of Braille. He is one of the most dynamic forces in the Rhone; passionate, witty, creative, generous, opinionated, very driven, and makes really superb wines which clearly demonstrate the terroir of the region. In some respects it is a wonder that he came into the business. His sights were set on becoming a chef, and it wasn’t until 1981 when he had a year in the Napa Valley

This passion also extends to his love of all beautiful things -aboriginal art, vintage cars, Chinese antiques and of course fine food. At Chapoutier there is a fine food school and also a great wine boutique. The family motto is Fac et Spera – Do and Hope. So what of the wines… When Michel took over the family business, M. Chapoutier was all about blends and old-fashioned styles. He turned everything on its head, creating single vineyard wines with single grape varieties, low yield, wild yeast, longer maturation, French oak, no fining and no filtration. Michel believes a great wine is made in the vineyard and as a winemaker you should only translate the potential rather than imprinting your own style on the wine. ‘My idea is not to try to make the best wine possible,’ says Michel, ‘but to take pictures of the terroir.’ There are three elements

This approach has really paid off as M. Chapoutier has amassed an impressive haul of 100 point wines from the Wine Advocate with Robert Parker highlighting them as one of his greatest finds. Here at The Wine Cellar we have a wonderful selection of wines from M. Chapoutier across various countries, take a walk with us, and a journey of discovery. DOMAINE TOURNON MATHILDA ROSE Pale salmon in colour with a nose of strawberry and raspberry and some delicate peach notes. Light and crisp on the palate with refreshing acidity. PINTEIVERA ROUGE The colour is clear, deep black with sustained crimson highlights, with powerful dark fruit on the nose and spicy notes. The palate is big and full and supported by impressive velvety structure. There’s flesh, weight and depth, all rounded off by an incredibly long finish. LA COMBE PILATE VIOGNIER Made from 100% Viognier, La Combe Pilate is a ripe, unctuous beauty that boasts a huge nose of ripe peach, orange blossom, and honeysuckle. Rich, medium to full-bodied and textured.

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

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TRAVEL TRAVEL

WANDERLUST WANDERLUST

School holidays are over, new shoes and pencil cases have been purchased and the new term will soon be in full swing, which means only one thing... It’s time to start planning next year’s adventures! For the Family Issue I’ve looked at 3 of the best options for an unforgettable trip with the kids.

WORDS Rebecca Evans

ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISES 7 days trapped on a boat with a hoard of energetic children. Sounds great right? Cruises may once have had a reputation for appealing to the ‘newly wed or nearly dead’, but in recent years, eager to capture the lucrative family market, the major cruise companies are changing the game. Royal Caribbean launch the world’s largest cruise liner ‘Symphony of the Seas’ later this year, sailing from Miami around the Caribbean, and the mind-blowing range of on-board activities have been designed to appeal to families. From ‘Ultimate Abyss’, tallest slide at sea, to an on-board water park, laser tag, ice rink, climbing wall, full size basketball court, flow-rider and a thrilling zip-line that whizzes passengers across the central boardwalk, 9 decks below. If that’s all a bit too energetic for a relaxing holiday, there’s also an escape room, arcade, regular cookery and craft classes, mini-golf course, open air cinema and traditional carousel on board. Just enough to keep everyone busy between shore excursions, then. The fun continues into the cabins, with split level family suites each featuring an internal slide, air-hockey and table tennis. From May 2019 Symphony of the Seas will call at Coco Cay, a private Bahamian Island owned by Royal Caribbean and currently in the process of being turned into a vast water and adventure park. Think Pinocchio’s Pleasure Island, but without the risk of being turned into a Donkey.

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LAPLAND

WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT, ORLANDO Ask any small child where they’d like to go on holiday, and chances are that ‘Disneyland’ will be mentioned at some point. Yep, the spiritual home of Mickey Mouse is the destination of dreams for most kids. Made up of 4 theme parks and 2 water parks, along with over 25 on-site hotels, Walt Disney World Resort covers approximately 43 square miles, and attracts over 20 million visitors per year. Now a cynic might say that Disney World is nothing more than a money-making machine designed to prise dollars from the pockets of parents; but I’m confident that that cynic hasn’t visited and experienced the magic that seems to emanate from every corner of each park. So committed are Disney to keeping that magic alive that employees (or cast members as they are known) move around the resort out of sight via a maze of underground tunnels; heaven forbid that the spell is broken by Buzz Lightyear being spotted strolling through the wild west in Frontierland, or Cinderella getting papped gossiping with Aladdin.

that tie it all together and offer an immersive package for every member of the family to enjoy. Yes the queues are long, the food can be described as mediocre and the opportunity/ insistence to buy souvenirs can get a little tiring, but all of that fades into the background when little (and big) faces light up at the sight of their favourite character, or squeal with delight as they whirl through the east Australian current in search of Nemo on Crush’s Coaster or swoop over London in a Galleon on Peter Pan’s Flight. There’s no denying that Disney World is an expensive holiday, but anyone would be hard pressed to leave without feeling that it’s worth every penny.

Each park has its own perfectly themed personality, from a glimpse into the future at EPCOT - or at least the future that the designers envisaged when it opened back in 1982 - to an African safari in Animal Kingdom, and lovingly recreated backdrops and characters from everyone’s favourite animated movies in the Magic Kingdom. Visitors are transported between the parks on a well-oiled and frequent system of boats, monorails and buses.

No December would be complete without a visit to Father Christmas in order to pass on that all important list and sworn oath that we’ve been good all year, but whilst a fairy-light and tinsel bedecked shed-turned-grotto is all well and good, it can be difficult to explain to curious minds exactly why the Man himself has taken up residence at the local Garden Centre, when he has so much work to be getting on with at the North Pole. A trip to Lapland will set all difficult questions to rest, whilst at the same time offering an unforgettable family holiday quite unlike anything else. With an approximate 3.5 hour flight time, it’s possible to make this trip in a (very long) day from the UK, but most companies offer 1, 2 or 3 night options too. Depart a damp and probably dreary Britain, and arrive in a veritable winter wonderland of snowy forests and frozen lakes, interspersed with the frequent opportunity to drink hot chocolate by a roaring log fire.

Whilst the rides, from the gentle boat trip around the globe in It’s a Small World, to the heart-stopping free fall of Tower of Terror, are the stars of the show, it’s the spectacular live shows, extravagant parades and nightly firework and light displays

Of course the main attraction is a personal audience with Old Saint Nick himself, and perhaps a few of his elves, but a whole host of other festive activities are available, including, but not limited to, reindeer drawn sleigh rides, husky sledding, snowmobile adventures and for those staying a night or two, the potential to spot the Northern Lights. The temperature as you can imagine is a little crisp, commonly falling to -20 degrees celsius, but cosy thermal suits are available to borrow or rent from practically every tour operator. A once in lifetime trip for any family, if you’re going this year, please remember to tell Santa how good I’ve been.

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FASHION

5 HOLIDAY FASHION TRENDS THAT HAVE TAKEN SUMMER 2018 BY STORM These viral must-haves are vying for a place in your suitcase. Try as they might, designer brands and high-street retailers can’t always predict the trends that are going to go stratospheric and those that are going to fall flat. Fendi might decide that it’s all about minuscule handbags, but over in the real world we actually want to be able to carry around more than just our phone and bank card, so we’ll be sticking with our titanic totes and supersized shoppers, thanks very much. On the other hand, sometimes one dress (or, as was the case last month, a spotty M&S jumpsuit) suddenly goes viral and sells out in a matter of hours. Now that summer is coming to an end, we can look back at the clothes and accessories that have been the biggest hits of the season - and that still have plenty of mileage in them. From shorts to shoes and bags, these pieces are super-stylish in their own right, but it just so happens they also make a perfect capsule vacation wardrobe. Here are five holiday hero buys to mix and match...

The shorts

If you’re anything like us, you are not prepared to embrace the skintight cycling shorts trend. Not a chance. City shorts, however, we are totally on board with. Worn by day with a slouchy V-neck tee and sandals, or by night with a blouse and blazer, they’ve got a grown-up but laid-back vibe. Available at Marks & Spencer: Cotton Rich Single Breasted Blazer, £49.50; Autograph Teal Pure Silk V-Neck Sleeveless Blouse, £45; Collection Linen Rich Striped Casual Shorts, £22.50; Collection White Faux Leather Cross Body Bag, £29.50

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FASHION

The dress

We’re holding the Duchess of Sussex responsible for this one. Meghan has been spotted in no less than four different trench coat-style dresses this year, from ivory pinstripe and blush pink to inky blue. The great thing about a trench dress is that it needs very little by way of accessories, especially in summer, just add sandals and a tonal bag and you’re good to go. River Island White Tie Sleeve Button Bandeau Bodycon Dress, £60; Black Croc Embossed Double Ring Jeans Belt, £14; Black Barely There Sandals, £38 New Look Green Double Breasted Button Front Linen-Look Dress, £24.99

The sandals

When it comes to shoes, Hermes’ Oran sandal has been nothing short of a footwear phenomenon this season. There are more than 80,000 pictures under the hashtag #hermesoran on Instagram and the H-shaped flat mules have spawned a ton of copycats on the high street - which is good news if you don’t want to pay upwards of £485 for the originals. Pavers Lightweight Metallic Holiday Mule, £22.99 Dune Nadya Nude Diamante Embellished Slider Sandal, £90

The blouse

The sassiest of statement pieces, the ruffle blouse has been around for a while now and we can see why this trend has been so huge. For cool summer nights, choose a blouse in a block colour (pale hues work well) and pair it with breezy wide-leg trousers or the aforementioned city shorts. Simply Be Asymettric Pastel Ruffle Blouse, £29 Girls on Film Ivery Pussybow Blouse with Fluted Sleeves, £24, Little Mistress

The bag

Last summer’s trend has come full circle, as it were, with round handbags going supersized. Embellished straw bags are ideal for the beach, while minimalists will love the unfussy leather variety. Oliver Bonas Aylin Oversized Ring Leather Tote Bag, £85 Accessorize Olivia Straw Effect Large Circle Bag, £35 BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

HARDWARE

GADGETS

WORDS Rebecca Evans

Fed up of having all of your best tech commandeered by the kids? It’s time to wave goodbye to sticky fingerprints on your iPad and clear your phone of Paw Patrol apps. For this month’s Family Issue I’ve researched pint sized versions of the most kiddie-coveted gadgets.

KURIO SNAP

VTECH KIDIZOOM DX2 SMART WATCH

Featuring a large colour touch screen, easy to grip shockproof shape and enough memory for around 800 pictures (with potential to add another 32GB of external storage via micro SDHC card slot) this perfect first camera offers a 3 megapixel rotating lens and a flash. Lots of fun editing apps are included to add special effects, filters and sounds, before sharing the finished product with family and friends via Wi-Fi or the supplied USB cable.

The inbuilt Monster Detector game uses augmented reality to encourage physical activity and exploration, whilst a motion sensor and pedometer measure movement. Fun features include a voice recorder and learning apps, including Time Master, for those still learning to tell the time. Dual cameras capture video and photos, which can be edited with cool effects, and used to personalise the choice of 3D analogue clock faces.

3 interactive games are included that incorporate your favourite pictures, along with a speaker and microphone, plus carry strap.

The built in battery is rechargeable, and charger is supplied.

Got a budding Ansel Adams in the family? Or perhaps a keen selfie taker and connoisseur of a comedy dog-ear filter? Save your own camera roll and memory from being clogged up with their handiwork with the Kurio Snap.

Emulating Mum & Dad’s Garmin or Fitbit, the Vtech Kidizoom is a multi-function smart-watch, designed specifically for kids. Splash proof, chunky and durable, it features a bright and colourful 1.4 inch touchscreen display perfect for navigation by little fingers.

The Vtech Kidizoom DX2 is £49.99 from www.johnlewis.com

The Kurio Snap is £79.99 from Boots.

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STK MONQI KIDS SMARTPHONE

Dialling home from a payphone when you need a lift, having to chat awkwardly to your crush’s parents when you called their house, and not being contactable in a hundred different ways, 24/7. These are all things that today’s children will never know. We all managed pretty well without mobile phones until the late 90s at least, but things have changed since then. It’s a delicate balance to make sure kids are safe and keeping in touch when they’re out and about, but at the same time protect them from the darker sides of social media pressures and the less savoury parts of the Interweb. The STK Monqi phone puts parental minds at rest. The ideal starter handset for children who might just be too young for unfettered access to Wi-Fi, this one can be connected to a Parent’s phone using the associated app, and allows Mum or Dad full access to observe, control and approve all activity from contacts to calls, internet use to app downloads. Time limits can be set to restrict use of certain apps and even the phone itself, ruling out the potential for scrolling through Facebook after lights out or in the classroom. The exclusive ‘Jungle Store’ offers over 700 apps and games, none of which include in-app purchases or pop-up ads. With an easy Android operating system and dual cameras, this is a great solution for keeping everyone happy. The STK Monqi is £149.99 from www.very.co.uk

INFRARED CONTROL RC DRONE

It’s no real surprise that flying a drone seems appealing to children. After all, they’re not so many steps away from flying a remote control helicopter; they definitely have that ‘toy’ appeal. But for the Dad whose pride and joy is his all mod cons, all singing all dancing, full HD, 2000m range drone, a toy it is definitely NOT. So let the kids have their own fun (at least indoors) with an Infrared Remote Control Drone. It won’t take impressive aerial videos, nor can you fly it far out to sea, but you can chase your little Sister with it, so that’s something. Tilt and swerve left to right, increase and decrease altitude and control speed from the comfy and easy to use handset. The drone itself is quick to charge via the supplied USB, whilst the handset requires 4 x AA batteries.

KINDLE FIRE 8 - KIDS EDITION

Ever looked for your iPad to check a few emails or watch a movie and found it at best, jamsmeared and out of battery, or at worst sporting a shattered screen? The Kindle Fire 8 is a tablet designed just for kids; it comes complete with a drop-proof case in a choice of 3 bright colours, and a year’s subscription to Fire for Kids Unlimited, allowing access to thousands of age-appropriate games, videos and books. It’s also possible to add Parent approved content from outside sources such as Netflix and Youtube. More than one child in the family? Profiles can be created for each, with fully customisable filters meaning nothing slips through to be seen by eyes it shouldn’t be. Time limits and restrictions for usage can be applied, the web browser uses a range of filters ensuring only child-friendly websites are accessible, and educational targets can be put in place, preventing games from being accessed until reading goals, for example, are reached.

Infrared Control RC Drone is £19.99 from

Not sounding tempting enough already? The 2 year worry-free guarantee includes a noquestions asked replacement service should your little darlings manage to break it. You can’t really say fairer than that!

The Entertainer

The Kindle Fire 8 is £129.99 from www.argos.co.uk

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XPERIA XZ2 – SONY’S SUPERB NEXT GENERATION The next stage in Sony’s Xperia XZ smartphone journey goes a lot further than the quiet evolution we see from most device manufacturers. In fact, with the XZ2, Sony is edging towards smartphone revolution – relatively speaking! The first thing you’ll notice about the XZ2 is its rounded glass back. Created with super-tough Gorilla Glass 5, it not only gives you extra protection but it adds an ergonomic element that was missing from earlier Xperia models, which were renowned for their severely straight looks. Two versions -one great phone Understanding that one handset can’t tick all the boxes, the team at Sony has created two XZ2s defined by the size of their screens. The first comes in at a whopping 5.7 inches. The second, the XZ2 Compact, fits its 5-inch screen into a wider range of pockets but keeps the vast majority of specs that make the larger, standard model come alive. Powered by the Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 845 Mobile Platform, Sony’s fastest ever chipset, and built on Android 8.0 Oreo, the XZ2 has all the strength it needs to deliver incredible pictures and outstanding 4K

HDR movies using the 19MP Motion Eye™ main camera. The wireless speaker comes free It’s not only the image-making hardware that makes the XZ2 stand out from the crowd. For a truly unique and exciting way to capture memories, the 3D Creator application gives even greater flexibility for 3D scanning, letting you create 3D scans of yourself and friends using the front camera. Now, you really can bring your selfies to life. The XZ2 also shoots 120fps standard slow motion, so you can switch between modes to make incredibly dramatic videos from the most innocuous of passing moments. Importantly, the XZ2 is as tough as it is versatile. Water-resistant to IP 65/68 standards and with fast-charging (wireless on the larger version), you can be sure your new phone will be ready whenever you need it to be. You can check out the Xperia XZ2 and XZ2 Compact in the Sure store today and if you move fast, you’ll also pick up a wireless Sony SRS-XB21 speaker worth over £100, for free!

A COOL APP FOR TRACKING FAMILY MEMBERS LOCATION? Family Locator Family Locator is concerned with your nearest and dearest family members. As well as letting you plot the position of your kids or spouse on a map, it includes integrated messaging features, check-ins (both automatic and manual) and more besides. You can sort your contacts into ‘circles’ to categorize them more easily and make sure your map isn’t overwhelmed with pins, and there’s the option to get automatic push notifications whenever people leave from or arrive at a place (the kids getting home from school, for example).

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HARDWARE

LOCAL RALLY DUO SET THEIR SIGHTS ON A PODIUM FINISH Well-known local Manx Grand Prix Winner and TT star Andrew Dudgeon will again be swapping two wheels for four during September’s Rally Isle of Man.

MACBOOK PRO (2018) With great power comes great capability. If you’re a devoted Apple fan, then the MacBook Pro is exactly what you’ve been waiting for. The latest (2018) version elevates the notebook to a whole new level of performance and portability. Wherever your ideas take you, you’ll get there faster than ever with high-performance processors and memory, advanced graphics, amazingly fast storage and more. The Touch Bar replaces the function keys that have long occupied the top of the keyboard with something much more versatile and capable. As you switch between programmes and apps, the bar changes automatically to show you relevant tools based on what you’re doing- system controls like volume and brightness, interactive ways to adjust or browse through content, and intelligent typing features like emoji and predictive text, just to name a few. Make your MacBook Pro your own with the option to customise what you use the most by creating shortcuts in your Control Strip and in apps like Mail, Pages, Safari and Final Cut Pro X to help you work faster and be more productive. BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

At the touch of a fingertip you can perform many commands above and beyond unlocking your mac in an instant. You can use Apple Pay to make secure online purchases, quickly access system settings and locked notes and even switch between users — all with the touch of a finger. Another new bit of tech in the latest version of MacBook Pro is Apple’s T2 chip. This debuted in the iMac Pro, and enables a bunch of functions to do with audio and SSD controllers, storage encryption, and secure boot. It also means ‘Hey Siri’ finally comes to the Mac, making it feel quite natural to ask your Mac to turn on a screen saver, what the weather’s like in a holiday destination, or to fire up Apple Music. If you love Apple devices and want the most powerful MacBook ever made, then the MacBook Pro 2018 is going to be incredibly tempting.

Dudgeon and co-driver Joe Dooley are sponsored by Tres Solutions in their Mitsubishi Evo 6 which has been prepared by Giles Phillips Motorsports. “Without the support of our main sponsor Tres Solutions and our longstanding sponsor ELAS Business Support we would simply not be able to contend at the level we do,” said Dooley. Dudgeon and Dooley (or the Double D as they jokingly refer to themselves) have been competing in Rally events together for a number of years. Podium finishes have been within their grasp before but unforeseen circumstances have meant that a top three placement has so far slipped through their fingers, despite their ability to achieve a high ranking finish. 2017 was a particularly difficult and frustrating year for the crew. Incidents involving punctures, turbo failures and even a bonnet smashing through the windscreen at 100 mph seemed to jinx their hard work and effort. Following an equally disappointing and abrupt end to their Manx National Rally campaign in May 2018, Dudgeon and Dooley have come back in high spirits. “With brilliant guidance and car preparation from Giles Philips Motorsport, this is our time to shine and we’re ready to spray the Champagne. I’m confident that we have the right ingredients to make it work this time.” said Dudgeon. The crew are highly appreciative of the rally events held on the Isle of Man which include some of the fastest and most technical stages in the British Isles. “We would love to see the support of locals coming out to enjoy this fantastic racing that happens right on our doorsteps.” Rally Isle of Man runs from the 13th to 15th September 2018.

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