Gallery - 04 - Organic

Guernsey’s Style Magazine | Vol 02 No 2 | March 2012 | the Organic issue

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# 04

‘organic’ FEATURING

Organic Fashion Tai Chi Organic Facts Art & Islands Donkey Abroad Can Guernsey feed itself Charity shop fashion Munnys

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INTRO

#04

‘ORGANIC’ Cover Credits Photography: Danny Evans

Model: Lindsay Martel Hair: Nathan Thomas (Thomas & Miles)

Hook up with us > CALL US ON 01481

Make Up: Shanine Levrier

info@gallery.gg

Model Wears: Amelia’s Wardrobe vintage cardigan £35.00 Miss Selfridge High waisted Shorts £30.00

739854

edito W

ell the Valentine’s Day issue went down a treat, glad you all liked it, we’ve had some great feedback. We’ve now planned all our themes for the year, this month the theme is organic – yes I said organic.

Now that’s a funny word – you’d think organic would have something to do with organs. For example if someone was excited about playing an electronic organ you’d say they were organic – well you’d think! Stop laughing!

Key Contacts

Sorry, hang on a tick while I water my herbs. Yes I decided to give this growing game a go and have my mini watering can and organic herb garden sitting on the desk in front of me. However I did pour a beer into the herb garden by mistake last week so I hope that doesn’t count as an artificial additive of some kind.

Publisher & Editor Keiran Wyatt-Nicolle DD : 739854 M : 07911 766620 keiran@gallery.gg Contribution Director Jodie Sheppard DD : 739854 M : 07911 766633 jodie@gallery.gg

Thankfully spring is in the air and the days are getting longer so it’s time to get outside and break the ground, if you have any! We all know going organic is good for you, and for the planet, so what better time than now to start the compost heap and plant those seeds ready for some chemical free goodies later in the year.

Sales & Account Director Keiran Wyatt-Nicolle DD : 739854 M : 07911 766620 keiran@gallery.gg Design & Production Creative director

Peter Silvester DD : 739854 peter@gallery.gg Mike Chatfield DD : 739854 mike@gallery.gg Staff photographers Danny Evans danny@gallery.je www.facebook.com/ dannyEvansPhotography

Etienne Laine etienne@gallery.gg

Gallery is published eleven times a year as a fresh yet discerning guide to all that happens on the Island and beyond. With quality and style in mind, our tone is not too superior or too serious, written by the people of Guernsey for people everywhere.

In this issue we’ll be looking at some tips on going organic, some green machines as well as some green ideas to help make the world a better place. We will also be looking at the amazing range of green gadgets that are now available. Green is definitely the colour these days and many new businesses are basing their future on the green theme – have you gone green yet?

I am sure there are many of you out there with greener fingers than me who enjoy the organic life. The nearest I’ll probably get to going organic is buying organic products from the supermarket! As for my mini garden I just hope I don’t get green fly on my Basil as I will have no idea what to do. In fact I am not even sure what to do with my Basil!

Happy organic reading.

ED

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UPfRONT

HIGHLIGHTS & CONTENTS

highlights Andy Goldsworthy Bunker 62, 2012

‘EVEN WHEN COMPLETELY ERODED THERE WILL BE SOME EVIDENCE LEFT BY THE

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Andy Goldsworthy

Andy Goldsworthy is one of today’s leading British artists. Working only with natural and found materials Goldsworthy creates both temporary and permanent sculptures that draw on the character of the environment. Over the years he has worked in a vast range of diverse landscapes from the North Pole to the Australian Outback and of course in Dumfriesshire (where he now lives). On his initial visit to the Bailiwick back in 2008 he stated that he had selected Alderney because ‘it has a strong sense of the layered past and a wide variety of locations in a small area. I hope that the Alderney Stones project touches upon the social, geological, historical, climatic and agricultural nature of Alderney’.

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

The Alderney Stones project is part of the Art and Islands initiative, which was established by Eric Snell in 2008, and follows hot on the heels of the Antony Gormley Insider project at Castle Cornet and

by Mimi Bishop

What’s on offer?

the solitary ‘bodycast’ – Another Time XI – that stands alone on Herm. Initially supported by HSBC Private Bank, Art and Islands currently receives underpinning funding from the Guernsey Arts Commission and ongoing sponsorship from Hiscox. This initiative seeks to celebrate that sense of place and the unique inherent qualities that islands can offer. It also aims to promote the Bailiwick as an art destination and believes that this initiative will not only enrich the texture and quality of island life but also stimulate the economy and raise the profile of the islands internationally.

An exhibition documenting the ever-changing nature of the Alderney Stones project will go on show in the greenhouse (the gallery space on the first floor in the Information Centre, North Plantation, St. Peter Port, Guernsey) later this summer. For more information about the exhibition please visit www.arts.gg. To discover more about Art and Islands visit www.artandislands.com and for more information about the Andy Goldsworthy Alderney Stones project, including photographs of all the stones at various stages throughout the year, please visit www.alderneystones.com.

A map and more information about the stones trail are in the Visit Alderney brochure and online in the www.visitalderney.com e–brochure. Leaflets are also available at Alderney Airport and the Braye Beach Hotel.

Main photograph: Chris George Other photographs: Rachel Kremer, Darren Keung and Dorothy Christmas (Project Co-ordinator in Alderney)

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

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

From the 1950s onwards, small scale farms

HERE ARE A FEW

NOTEBOOK:

Tel: 01481 256509 | www.lefriquethotel.com

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

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

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

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

FASHION-CONSCIENCE.COM

After 15 years at Le Friquet Hotel its great that both the quality of food and the service we offer has been recognized

by Independent Inspection.

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

You’re well known for using local produce, what are your favorite local ingredients to use or do you tend to go by seasons?

We are privileged to have the finest and freshest seafood available right on our doorstep virtually all year round.

Couple this with seasonal locally grown vegetables and it’s Chef heaven!

ASOS MARKETPLACE

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

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

TOM’S SHOES

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

What does Guernsey produce have to offer that’s different to other places you’ve worked?

Where do you start. Look at the dairy products from rich wholesome milk and cream, to butter, to wonderful ice creams, Guernsey beef, locally grown vegetables, and freshly caught fish.

IOU PROJECT

Do you use organic ingredients and can you notice the difference in either cooking or taste?

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

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

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

You’ve been awarded the “Gold Guernsey Quality Assured” badge for your restaurant, and also the Breakfast Award, how does it feel for Le Friquet to be recognized in this way?

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

IZZY LANE

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

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

PROFILE:

Le Friquet Hotel

THE JOURNEY OF THE LITTLE WHITE T-SHIRT.

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

It’s fair to say that we do where possible and yes you can tell the difference.

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

“Different oils have different properties – it is partly down to the fatty acids that they are made from together with other natural factors such as the vitamins and antioxidants that they contain. For dry skin, oils that help to lock moisture into the skin are best – try Shea Butter, Olive Oil and Cupuaçu Butter. For scar tissue, Rosehip oil has been shown to have excellent healing properties. For people prone to spots and blackhead formation Jojoba Oil is ideal as it helps to soften oxidized sebum that can block pores and lead to spot formation,” says Charlotte.

Base oils can then be supercharged by blending in essential oils which have been used for centuries in skincare and are valued for their anti-ageing, soothing and antibacterial qualities. If you’re looking to cut back on the amount of chemicals you are absorbing through your skin, it pays to invest in some liquid gold…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What’s your all time favorite dish on your menu and why?

Our Seafood Platter which is as popular today as it was when we first put it on the menu many years ago.

What’s the strangest off the menu food request you have ever had?

“Filleted Whitebait” !

Who’s your favourite chef or the person you take the most inspiration from?

Marco Pierre White.

What would you have for your last supper?

Langoustines.

What do you do to relax?

Believe it or not I go fishing.

What are your future plans for Le Friquet?

Name: Ian Carré Born and bred: Guernseyman through and through When I was kid I thought I’d grow up to be: Chef Inspiration to become a chef…

Watching cooking programs and practicing at home.

For the body 6. Lovely Lanolips Herbal Treatment Body Oil

For oily to combination skin. The Sandalwood, Mandarin, Orange and Grapefruit essential oils not only smell divine but help to regulate and balance sebum production. [£20.00 Salvation Spa]

Using ultra pure grade Lanolin Oil with Pine and Eucalyptus essential oils this body treatment improves skin elasticity, skin tone and dryness. It can even be used during pregnancy and will help prevent stretch marks. [£9.99 www.victoriahealth.com]

2. Qsilica RESTORE Facial Oil Natural oils and healing silica combine in this intensive facial oil that restores dull and tired skin. Sweet Almond and Rosehip Oils deliver essential fatty acids, vitamins and nutrients to help repair and improve the skin’s texture and help smooth wrinkles and fine lines. [£19.94 www.qsilica.co.uk]

3. Douvall’s 100% Organic Argan Oil Moisturiser 100 per cent organic and incredibly rich in anti-ageing Vitamin E and essential fatty acids, this is an excellent all rounder. Make a facial massage with this oil a regular part of your skincare routine, particularly when skin is dull or dry. But you can also use on cuticles or even on the ends of your hair. [£25.00 www.douvalls.com]

4. Clarins Rebalancing Oils

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This luxuriously heavy oil contains Almond, Jojoba, Sunflower and Avocado and Pomegranate Seed Oils along with Jasmine extract and Mandarin and Ylang Ylang essential oils. Green People has long been established as the go-to brand for green beauty mavens and this body oil doesn’t disappoint. [£23.00 www.greenpeople.co.uk]

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8. Neom Body Oils Pure, organic luxury. Try Moroccan Blush Rose Body Oil, the natural Safflower and Jojoba Oils pamper and nourish skin whilst the delicate rose fragrance is balanced by black pepper and lime. [£30.00 Plaisirs.]

Clarins has just launched three facial oils which are 100 per cent natural and use Hazelnut Oil as their base. For dry skins, try Santal Oil with Sandalwood, Cardamom and Lavender; dehydrated skins will love Blue Orchid Oil whilst oily and combination skins will benefit from Lotus Oil. [£29.00. Creaseys]

For the bath

For hair

10. Ren Moroccan Rose Otto Bath Oil

5. John Masters 100% Argan Oil

This is exquisitely scented oil contains Sesame Oil and Aloe to soothe and nourish the skin. We love the way the oil disperses through the bath and leaves skin smelling delicately of rose. [£30.00 Plaisirs.]

Argan oils have been creating a beauty buzz for a while now, but not all products contain much of this revered oil.

Harvested by a woman’s cooperative in Morocco, you only need a small slick of John Masters organic oil to restore dry hair. You can use it as an overnight treatment or rub a drop between your hands and run through the ends of your hair before blow drying. [£32.50 www.feelunique.com]

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7. Green People Sheer Pamper Body Oil

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9. Aromatherapy Associates Deep Relax Bath & Shower Oil This is tranquillity in a bottle. A blend of natural oils with Vetivert, Camomile and Sandalwood essential oils this will leave skin soft and hydrated. [£37.00 Karma Beauty]

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62 Organic Oils Chic Finds

Know the source of the food to start off with and keep it simple.

1. Adriana Chair

Relax in style leather bound hand made single teak. [£485 each]

2. Buddha painting This month ‘Chic Finds’ visits Toko.

At Toko their passion is to use natural materials and recycled woods wherever possible. Listening to their customers needs and requirements, have built up an eclectic mix of handmade Balinise accessories, including furniture, mood lighting, textiles, paintings, mosaic pottery, bowls and vases.

As well as our extensive range of furniture for every room in the house we can offer a bespoke service to our customers who may need help designing a certain piece.

What’s your poison..?

Large chilled glass of Chablis I don’t eat…

Genetically modified foods.

BALI

Sweet or Savoury?

Savoury

One of many paintings of various types in the shop from our new gallery just out side Sanur in Bali this hand painted. 90cm x 90 cm. [£165 each]

3. Handmade conservatory Bali style chair

Made from an antique wicker made in the North West of Bali by a small family run shop, very comfortable and relaxing for those sunset evenings. [£385 each]

4. hand woven wicker floor mats

Ideal for any area in the house they are rubber backed and come in various sizes.

[From £18]

5. Resin lamp

Ideal for lighting up that dull corner of a room , all our lamps are from the Ubud area of Bali.

[From £95] New stock of lamps arriving soon!

Meat or Fish?

Fish

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6. Beautiful ceramic bowls

In various colours and shades hand made in the North of Bali by our own supplier.

[3 sizes from £20]

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7. 60 x 100 handcarved silver painted framed mirror One of many, all our mirrors are hand made and can be made to order any size, design and colour. [from £165]

8. Small 6 draw spice cabinet

Hand made from teak high polish finish in medium brown.

[From £210]

9. 4 Draw storage drum

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Made from recycled teak 85cm high draws are cd size various finish shades and sizes. [£220 Each]

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10. Little Green paints and wallpaper

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This is a new addition to the shop and we are proud to be a supplier of this high quality product.

11. hand crafted one off cabinet

Made from recycled teak in medium brown finish, 4 draws 2 doors great storage unit. [£475 each]

Hmm, we have some exciting plans that will involve greater emphasis on seafood whilst retaining our core values of good quality food and excellent value for money. We have a very loyal local following and its really important to me to ensure that we remain consistent in our high standards.

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FAIRTRADE All our products are imported from Bali Indonesia and are made from are made from wood harvested from plantation forests grown in accordance with the government of Indonesia reforestation sustained yields programme.

Know the source of the food to start off with and keep it simple.

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

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

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

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

• Remember that March 22nd is World Water Day.

For skin 1. Pevonia Aromatherapy Face Oil

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Give us a chef secret to help us make the prefect organic dish?

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

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

BEULAH LONDON

Where they are By car they are: 25 mins from Pisa 25 mins from Livorno 45 mins from Lucca 1 hour from Florence 15 mins from the sea

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Consulting Chef

ETHICAL FASHION

LABELS FOR YOUR

Natural oils have the power to rejuvenate, smooth, heal, improve tone and elasticity and nourish skin. Massaged over skin or layered underneath a regular moisturiser they are an antidote to dull winter skin that has lost it glow. Oils can penetrate into the dermis and are rich in antioxidants like Vitamin E as well as skin-loving fatty acids and omegas 3, 6, 7 and 9.

“Adding the right oil for your skin can instantly leave it feeling smoother and softer no matter what skin type,” explains Hannah Adam, Head Therapist, Salvation Spa.

38 Holiday on a Tuscan Farm

Arts and Islands

Your Clear Conscience Guide to Shopping

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

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

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

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

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

If you want an adventurous outing you could go with Marco for a trek, ramble through the glorious landscapes, visit the surrounding villages or even pop in to the world famous

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

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words | Nichole Sweetsur

Liquid gold Lovers of natural beauty products have long been extolling the virtues of using oils as part of their skincare routine and there is no doubt, oils are having a ‘beauty moment’ right now. They are in the spotlight for their nourishing, anti-ageing and balancing properties and for green beauty queens, oils are a great way of avoiding chemical-nasties in your skin or body care. The founder of eco brand, Green People, Charlotte Vøhtz explains: “Plant oils offer many ecological benefits – they require minimal processing, do not require the use of preservatives and if properly grown and harvested are completely sustainable. An additional benefit is that when they are grown organically they have positive beneficial effects on the environment.”

Guest book

During 2009 and 2010 Goldsworthy visited Alderney on numerous occasions. Primarily based at Fort Albert, Andy Goldsworthy together with his trusted team of assistants set about ramming earth into wooden formers. In all Goldsworthy made a total of ten ‘stones’ measuring 180cm in diameter. Contained within each stone are a variety of locally sourced materials. In an interview during the production of the stones Goldsworthy stated: ‘We have incorporated berries, seeds, old tools and even discarded gloves – all these materials will be revealed as the elements and the years wear the stones down’. The stones were then left to cure for several months and in April last year the ten three-tonne boulders were positioned at Fort Albert, Saye Beach, Lager Sylt and other significant locations around the island while the eleventh and last stone was made ‘in situ’ inside an old German bunker.

Made out of the very earth of Alderney and containing elements that Goldsworthy found on the island, the stones will eventually disappear to become once again an invisible part of the natural landscape. This was always Goldsworthy’s intention: ‘Some will last months – while others, depending on where they are placed, will last years’. Twelve months down the line this is indeed the case.

The stone that was placed on the Breakwater was taken out by a particularly ferocious winter storm. Others like the stone at Longis are starting to become iconic landmarks around the island while the stone in Bunker 62 is slowly eroding due to human intervention and the odd bit of harmless graffiti. Goldsworthy continues: ‘Even when completely eroded there will be some evidence left by the stones.

A stone/boulder containing seeds could possibly become bigger rather than smaller as the seeds germinate and grow’.

Beauty Products

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

H O L I D AY O N A

TUSCAN FARM

STONES. A STONE/BOULDER CONTAINING SEEDS COULD POSSIBLY BECOME BIGGER RATHER THAN SMALLER AS THE SEEDS GERMINATE AND GROW’.

nterested in art? Enjoy walking and never been to Alderney?

If this is the case why not jump on a Britten-Norman Trislander and take a trip up to the most northerly of the Channel Islands to discover the Andy Goldsworthy Alderney Stones project.

In your opinion what is king of the fruit and veg stall and why?

Bali Indonesia is approx 2,174sq miles with a approx 3.8million population. Bali is very densely populated island blessed with an ancient society of beautiful, lighthearted people. A unique and vibrant blend of ancient traditions and influences from the out side world. it is expressed vividly in all the Balinese art, furniture and design, it has a cultural style like no other in the world this is what TOKO is all about.

Theres no King, though I have to say that Jersey Royals still appear to rule when it comes to potatoes.

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ALL IMAGERY IS FROM ETHICAL FASHION LABELS AND STORES.

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Clear conscience guide to shopping

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Photograph by: John de Garis

66 Consulting Chef

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80 Chic Finds

contents Edito ............................................................................1 Highlights................................................................2 Contributors ...........................................................3 Misc .............................................................................4 Whats On .................................................................6 Community ............................................................9 Annette Henry.......................................................10 Events... ........................................................ 11 JT Launch Party ...................................................12 Amelias Wardrobe ..............................................13 Awards for Achievment ..................................14

Upfront .....................................................15

Organic Debate & Illustration .....................16 Horoscopes & Green Machines ..................17 News In Numbers ...............................................19 Organic Facts .........................................................20 Vox Pox ......................................................................21 #FF Twitter ..............................................................22 My Name Is .............................................................23 Sustainable Living .............................................24 Me & My Pet ...........................................................26

Culture ..................................................... 27

Book Corner............................................................28 The Lucky Man .....................................................29 Munnys - Hugh Rose ........................................30 Potato Peel pie fever ..........................................31 Arts In Island, Andy Goldsworthy ............32 The Monthly Uploads.......................................34

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Divine Inspiration: Maurice Strike...........36

Travel .......................................................37

Holiday on a Tuscan Farm.............................38 South Africa - Donkey Abroad ....................40 Cycling around the world...............................42 Safari Offers ............................................................44

Fashion.....................................................45

Organic Fashion Shoot ....................................46 Style Stalker ............................................................51 Local Brands ...........................................................52 Plaisirs Competition..........................................53 Charity Shop Fashion .......................................55 Clear conscience shopping guide.............56 Ask the Expert .......................................................58

Beauty ...................................................... 59

Eco Plumb ................................................................75 Organic Architecture ........................................76 Recycled Mosaics at Capelles! ....................78 How to make your own organic garden 79 Chic Finds with Toko .......................................80

Business ...................................................83

Business on the Couch, Bella Spa .............84 Deutsche Bank Internship .............................86 Business News ......................................................87 Source Employment Opportunities.........90 Business on the Couch, Trainstation ......92

Sport .........................................................93

Gallerys Fitness Guide ....................................94 Darts: Phil Dodd ..................................................96 Tai Chi for body & mind..................................98

Beauty News ..........................................................60 The Salon..................................................................61 Organic Oils ...........................................................62 Salvation Spa Introduces ..............................64

Hardware ................................................99

Appetite ...................................................65

Tyler & Tom Gig Review .................................104 Interview with Chris Dean ............................106 Papparzzi ..................................................................108

Consulting Chef ...................................................66 Guernsey Organics ............................................68 Fresh Friday ............................................................70 Anabolic Organic Recipe ...............................71 Food Dilemas .........................................................72

Gallery Gadgets ...................................................100 Blazin’ the Streets................................................102

Music ........................................................103

Next month .............................................111 Boredom................................................................... 112

Places ........................................................73 The First Straw, Design Build...................... 74

GUERNSEY’S STYlE MAGAzINE

CONTRIBUTORS

UPfRONT

#04

CoNTriBUTorS

ORGANIC

Nicole bromley

Nicole’s passion for writing started at a young age when she wrote plays for her and her sister. Her writing inspiration comes from her Granny who wrote fashion articles and a regular fictional column for a national newspaper. Nicole enjoys a variety of writing styles and hopes to follow in her Granny’s footsteps one day and write her own regular column.

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

everyone@gallery.gg

cONTRIbUTE

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Annette Henry

Annette started her working life as a secretary before switching from office to operating theatres. With a passion for people and a love of the island, her storytelling ability was all that was required for her to move from nurse to narrator and become a leading tour guide in Guernsey.

Martine Ellis

Martine writes and produces the popular craft blog and podcast, iMake. When she isn’t blogging or podcasting, she can usually be found in her kitchen pretending to be a domestic goddess, or curled up on the sofa with her cats and her latest knitting project. darren cranmer

Darren has been drawing and painting obsessively since early sproghood and his artwork springs from a place where surrealism and reality collide and metamorphose into expressive narratives. Recently graduated from the Arts University College Bournemouth with a degree in Illustration he is now freelancing. Darren HATES Egotists, bird-eating spiders and the over-use of the word ‘like’ when explaining things, but he LOVES Cosmology, MMA, Tool, Jack Bauer’s awesomeness and Mr Chow.

Rip it, scrap it, comment, critique, research, report. Opinions wanted on politics, business, news, home, property, music, gadgets, sports and culture.

Something annoyed you and you want to tell the island? We’re here for you baby.

If you’d like to see your name in... er... print, get in touch.

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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.gg. Names have been changed to protect the innocent and no penguins were harmed in the manufacture of this magazine, you can’t proove nuffing. Why are you still reading the small print? How about researching what really makes the best paper aeroplane? Test them with your colleagues and if you send us a picture of yours we’ll send you a Mars bar.

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Recycle.

Gallery recycles all its storage and packing materials, boxes and any old magazines that are returned. We don’t get that many fortunately.

We love to know our readers hang on to previous copies but when you move or find that they’re taking up too much space, drop them down to the recycling bins!

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UPFRONT

MISC

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

Those seals are bad news - that’s the LAST time I drink absinthe with them...

At one with Nature

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

Tourists in Chile are often served whisky chilled with glacial ice - which has an extra kudos because it comes directly from the glaciers. According to El Mercurio, the driver is accused of theft, but prosecutors are also considering bringing charges under the national monuments act. The paper says the ice found in the back of the vehicle was worth nearly £4,000. The shrinking glacier is in the Bernardo O'Higgins national park, the largest protected area in Chile.

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

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

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

Video of the Month

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

Pretty Shallow

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

This video doesn't tell us what organic is, but what we are being organic for. Planet Earth, home to over 7 million people, is under threat from global warming and this is a breathtaking look at what we stand to lose. It’s stunning and worth a watch - plus if you can work out exactly what the long lit up line is at 3.46 without turning this page upside down* you can have ten Gallery Points. http://vimeo.com/32001208 *It’s the border between India and Pakistan

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GUERNSEY’S JERSEY’S STYlE STYLE MAGAzINE MAGAZINE

24/02/2012 12:26

12:26

EdITO

LISTINGS

listings For more great local events and businesses visit www.thebestofguernsey.co.uk

EVENTS

MARCH 2012

17.02.12 – 30.03.12 THEATRE DESIGNS BY MAURICE STRIKE THE GREENHOUSE

£FREE // 09.00 – 17.00 (Mon - FRi) 10.00 – 12.30 (Sat) TEL: 247892 // WWW.ARTS.GG A Guernsey Arts Commission exhibition at The Greenhouse - showcasing 20 years of Maurice Strike’s theatre design and focusing on the productions, of Colombe, Lower Depths, Alice Through The Looking Glass, Coppelia and a 1981 Punk Ballet!

28.01.12 – 25.03.12

WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR EXHIBITION GUERNSEY MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY £5.50 (£4.50 oaP, £1.50 child, FREE 7 and undER) // 10.00 – 16.00 TEL: 726518 // WWW.MUSEUMS.GOV.GG

Guernsey Museum & Art Gallery is pleased to host the Veolia Environment Wildlife Photographer of The Year 2011 exhibition.

The only scheduled showing in the Channel Islands of this prestigious annual exhibition of stunning wildlife photography from around the world.

10.03.12

FADE TO GREY THE FERMAIN TAVERN £8.00 // 20.00

FADE2GREY@FOTHERGILL.GG // WWW.TICKETSOURCE.CO.UK

The best ‘80s show this side of, well, the ‘80s. Nostalgia collides with technology to deliver the genuine sound of 1980s electronica. Fade2Grey deliver an exhilarating live show bringing together The Human League, Depeche Mode, Soft Cell, Gary Numan and many others in an unforgettable electronic experience.

06.02.12 – 17.03.12

GUERNSEY EISTEDDFOD BEAU SEJOUR WWW.GUERNSEYEISTEDDFOD.CO.UK

A feast of Guernsey’s finest talent compete in a variety of classes including Music, Speech and Drama, Artistic Roller Skating, Photography, Guernsey French, Modern Languages, Arts and Crafts, Literary Work, Cookery, Floral Arrangement, and Home Made Wines.

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17.03.12

SONS OF THE DESERT ST PATRICK’S DAY SHINDIG THE FERMAIN TAVERN £8.00 // 20.00

04.03.12

THE WEDDING SHOW 2012 SKILLSET @ KINGS £FREE // 12.00 – 16.00 TEL: 713330

Guernsey Weddings will be holding The Wedding Show 2012 – a must attend event for all brides to be! Your chance to meet highly skilled and talented suppliers all under one roof and get inspiration for your wedding with the help of local wedding businesses. There will also be a competition, complimentary champagne and interactive stands.

11.03.12 and 25.03.12

AUTOCROSS CHOUET BEACH £FREE // 13.00

MARTYNLOWE@CWGSY.NET

Come down to Chouet beach to watch Guernsey’s only banger racing club in action. Contact is permitted resulting in lots of heart-stopping moments during these exciting races.

WWW.TICKETSOURCE.CO.UK

Local ska band Sons of the Desert are back at the Fermain Tavern to celebrate St Patrick’s Day. Expect classic ska sounds with a few Celtic surprises thrown into the mix. Plus DJ SilverVespa.

GUERNSEY’S STYlE MAGAzINE

17.03.12

GUERNSEY SYMPHONY 20TH ANNIVERSARY GALA CONCERT ST JAMES CONCERT HALL

£15.00, £12.50, £10.00, StudEntS halF PRicE and £6.00 REStRictEd viEw // 20.00 TEL: 711361 // WWW.GSO.ORG.GG

For the first concert of The 2012 Credit Suisse Series, The Guernsey Symphony Orchestra presents a Gala Concert in memory of Keith Dawber to celebrate the Orchestra’s 20th anniversary, conducted by Roger Coull.

19.03.12 – 16.04.12

BARBEqUE AND SUMMER ENTERTAINING COOKERY COURSE BEAU SEJOUR CONCOURSE KITCHEN £195 // 18.30 – 21.00

TEL: 720969 // INFO@ SUECOOUTSIDECATERING.COM

Easter is on its way so summer must be just round the corner right? Get ready and learn to create salads, salsa, marinades and all about cooking in the sun on this two week course every Tuesday with Sueco Cookery School.

INTRO

MUSIc & NIGHTlIfE

HARdWARE

SPORT & fITNESS

bUSINESS

PlAcES

APPETITE

fASHION

bEAUTY

TRAvEl

fEATURES

cUlTURE

EvENTS

UPfRONT

LISTINGS

23.03.12

THE RABBIT’S EYE VIEW WORKSHOP FERMAIN VALLEY HOTEL £37.50 // 09.30 – 15.30

TEL: 723552 // FLORALGUERNSEY@CWGSY.NET

A garden based Floral Guernsey workshop, observing plants, predicting their performance over time and planning successful plant combinations in terms of design and performance.

25.03.12

EASTER EGG HUNT BLANCHELANDE COLLEGE, LES VAUXBELETS

£FREE // 14.00 REGiStRation TEL: 237200 // OFFICE@BLANCHELANDE.CO.UK

Co-ordinated by Zest - a Young Enterprise Group - The Easter Egg Hunt is a great day out for all the family. Why not reserve your space for a variety of activities for children of all ages.

30.03.12 – 01.04.12

HERM MURDER MYSTERY WEEKEND

WHITE HOUSE HOTEL, HERM

FRoM £220 PP

TEL: 750075 // RESERVATIONS@HERM.COM

IT’S A WHO DONE IT!! The White House Hotel and ‘It’s Murder’ have joined forces to create a unique weekend. Over the course of three days you’ll get the chance to enjoy the island’s relaxed environment, sample delicious cuisine and, in true Poirot style, try to detect the murderer. Price includes welcome drink, three-course gourmet evening meal with course wines on the Friday, full English breakfast and a three-course gourmet dinner on the Saturday, full English breakfast on the £45.00 // 19.45 Sunday and Murder Mystery Entertainment.

01.04.12

THE STRAITS IN CONCERT BEAU SEJOUR – SIR JOHN LOVERIDGE HALL

bEcAUSE qUAlITY MATTERS

TEL: 254530 // WWW.THINGSTODOGUERNSEY.COM

This is no tribute act - ‘The Straits’ feature three members who played in Dire Straits; the genial Alan Clark on keyboards, the splendid Chris White on saxophone and guitarist Phil Palmer, bringing the original band’s catalogue of music back to life live on stage.

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Premium customers enjoy a range of beneficial banking facilities, including preferential flexible borrowing, mortgages, benefit led current accounts, access to a range of structured deposits, independent financial planning, Treasury deposits and all important 24/7 accessibility and multi-currency management.

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

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The Royal Bank of Scotland International Limited trading as NatWest (NatWest). Registered Office: P.O. Box 64, Royal Bank House, 71 Bath Street, St. Helier, Jersey JE4 8PJ. Regulated by the Jersey Financial Services Commission. Business address: PO Box 11, 16 Library Place, St Helier, Jersey, JE4 8NH. Guernsey business address: PO Box 62, Royal Bank Place, 1 Glategny Esplanade, St. Peter Port, Guernsey, GY1 4BQ. Regulated by the Guernsey Financial Services Commission and licensed under the Banking Supervision (Bailiwick of Guernsey) Law, 1994, as amended, the Insurance Managers and Insurance Intermediaries (Bailiwick of Guernsey) Law, 2002, and the Protection of Investors (Bailiwick of Guernsey) Law, 1987, as amended. NatWest is a participant in the Guernsey Banking Deposit Compensation Scheme. The scheme offers protection for ‘qualifying deposits’ up to £50,000, subject to certain limitations. The maximum total amount of compensation is capped at £100,000,000 in any 5 year period. Details are available from: Website: www.dcs.gg. Telephone: +44 (0)1481 722756. Post: P.O. Box 380, St Peter Port, GY1 3FY. Deposits made in a Guernsey Branch will not be covered by any equivalent scheme in any jurisdiction outside of the Bailiwick of Guernsey. NatWest is a participant in the Jersey Banking Depositor Compensation Scheme. The Scheme offers protection for eligible deposits of up to £50,000. The maximum total amount of compensation is capped at £100,000,000 in any 5 year period. Full details of the Scheme and banking groups covered are available on the States of Jersey website or on request. Further details of these schemes are available on request. NatWest is a member of The Royal Bank of Scotland Group. The Royal Bank of Scotland plc - Registered in Scotland No 90312. Registered office: 36 St Andrew Square, Edinburgh EH2 2YB. The Royal Bank of Scotland plc is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. The latest report and accounts are available at www.investors.rbs.com. NatWest places funds with other parts of its Group and thus its financial standing is linked to the Group. Depositors may wish to form their own view on the financial standing of NatWest and the Group based on publicly available information. The latest report and accounts are available at www.natwestinternational.com/financial-results. Additional terms and conditions and risks may apply to the products and services detailed in this advertisement. Further details are available on request. Calls may be recorded.

St 94, e

on

f her

COMMUNITY

Community

Niekerk, a reformed gangster, who wanted to find a way to keep children off the streets and avoid the pressures of drugs and violence that he faced as a gang member. His organisation, Great Commission United Soccer Academy, offers 250 boys aged seven to 19 something constructive and fun to do after school.

‘Islanders have been amazing in their ongoing support of Les Bourgs Hospice but we still have over £1m left to raise to fund the redevelopment as well as finding £2,000 a day for the running costs,’ said campaign organiser Helen O’Meara.

‘We’re asking people to donate their loose change to this important cause and thanks to the generosity of our main sponsors, the Guernsey Dairy, Guernsey Post, NatWest and G4S, literally every penny raised will go towards providing this vital service to islanders.’

The Guernsey Dairy donated the flat-packed half litre milk cartons, and Guernsey Post delivered them out across the island. Once filled, the cartons can be returned to local NatWest or Post Office branches. G4S will transport the returned cartons to NatWest where employees have volunteered their own time to sort and count the funds. All the sponsors are offering their support completely free of charge.

The initiative will run for six months until the end of July and there will be a number of competitions to encourage people to fill their cartons. Islanders can follow the progress of Connie here on facebook (www.facebook.com/ cashcowconnie) or by searching Connie the cow.

The Channel Islands Co-Operative supports a wider international goal Children at a South African soccer academy have received £1,000-worth of football shirts thanks to a donation by The Channel Islands Co-operative Society as part of its ongoing commitment to the UN’s International Year of Co-operatives.

Goal50, a Guernsey registered organisation, was set up to assist a South African soccer academy in its goal of purchasing or building an orphanage in Cape Town. The soccer academy was established by Mario van bEcAUSE qUAlITY MATTERS

Clarke from Queux Patio Plants. The no-dig garden approach involves a raised garden bed, which can be placed anywhere in the garden.

Each bed mimics nature to create a natural mini-ecosystem so the process is fairly low maintenance; the beds only require sun, soil and seeds’ said Mr Clarke.

‘We are very thankful to Bedell and Floral Guernsey for subsidising the ‘Wiggly Worms’ workshop. Many of the children with learning difficulties enjoy sensory activities such as gardening as they get immediate feedback from it and will also be able to see their hard work come to fruition later in the year.’

Connie the cow aiming to raise thousands for Les Bourgs Hospice A milk carton with a difference was delivered to every household in the island at the beginning of February in order to raise the remaining £1M still left to raise for Les Bourgs’ Redevelopment Appeal. Fundraisers have engaged the services of Connie the Cash Cow in a new money raising initiative – a themed, flat-packed milk carton, which will has been delivered to all households with a plea to fill with loose change.

UPfRONT

Nigel Pascoe, who lives and works in Guernsey, is the Chairman of Goal50. He set up the charity following a visit to South Africa at the time of the World Cup in June 2010.

‘I wanted to get involved because of my church work and my interest in football. There is a desperate need for help out there and Mario’s organisation receives very little support from the government in South Africa or local businesses.

Seeing his commitment and dedication is very inspiring and we are very pleased to be involved,’ he said.

Fundraising has already been successful with a gala dinner at the OGH and a similar event in Jersey raising £26,000, with boxer/actor Joe Egan who was guest speaker. St Martin’s Primary School has also made Goal50 their charity of the year and further school initiatives are planned.

School children learn no-dig gardening at ‘Wiggly Worms’ workshop

There’s nothing better than a good story A family support charity has purchased 14 storysacks for its volunteers to use with Guernsey families experiencing stressful times, thanks to funding from Barclays Wealth Champion Charities 2011.

Home-Start Guernsey is one of 350 similar schemes in the UK, which aims to help prevent crisis and family breakdown and to emphasise the pleasures of family life. Each Home-Start Guernsey volunteer is matched with a young family to offer support, friendship and practical help for those under stress in their own homes.

The storysacks include a children’s fiction book, soft toys and or puppets representing characters in the book, a children’s nonfiction book and a game relating to a theme in the book. The sack also includes a guide for parents, which provides ideas on how to explore creative themes in the books.

Children at Le Rondin School and Centre were treated to a hands-on master class on the art of no-dig gardening. As part of the Bedell and Floral Guernsey’s Little Green Fingers Schools’ Project, 21 pupils aged between seven and nine took part in the ‘Wiggly Worms’ workshop at Queux Patio Plants, organised by Green Legacy Guernsey.

The Little Green Fingers Schools’ Project was launched in January 2008 with all Bailiwick infant and primary schools now on-board.

The project is aimed to introduce all infant and primary school children to the wonders of gardening as well as encourage healthy eating and environmental responsibility.

The ‘Wiggly Worms’ workshop will explore the no-dig garden concept taught by Nigel

‘The aim of the storysacks is to encourage children to participate, by acting out and retelling the story with the puppets. Not only have the storysacks helped the children with their literacy skills and imagination, but have also the helped parents to bond with their children. We are very thankful to Barclays Wealth Champion Charities 2011 for the grant – the storysacks have been well received by everyone,’ said Jane Le Conte, senior co-ordinator of Home-Start Guernsey.

‘In the current economic climate, the stress put on individuals and their families can be overwhelming. The work that Home-Start Guernsey is doing is truly admirable and it is helping local families to alleviate some of that stress through something as simple as a good story and creative play,’ said Paul Woodland, Head of Local Markets, Barclays Wealth in Guernsey.

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UPfRONT

ANNETTE HENRY

words | Annette Henry

W

e live in a world of choices. We decide what we do, where we go and how we use our leisure time.

We can choose to shop in a supermarket, farmers market or pick up a bargain on the hedgerows. Do we feel guilty if we don’t buy local, or choose not to buy organic? Times have changed, needs must and lifestyles vary but inevitably it all comes back to choice.

It was all so easy back in the days when we spent our waking hours tilling the land, rearing our livestock and leading a simplistic life of sheer hard graft!

Victor Hugo was famously heard to say that the Guernseyman spends his entire life working the land or sailing the high seas, and it has to be said, he had a point! There was very little in the way of choice when it came to employment. At 10

the tender age of 10yrs, most children were expected to supplement the household expenses by finding a suitable job!

Becoming a farmhand or dairymaid was one option, the other was to lurk around the port in the hope of securing a job as a deck hand aboard one of the many tall masted ships, setting sail for distant shores.

Being self sufficient on the farm was all consuming as the land needed to support large close knit families and communities. Islanders rarely left the security of their community. They were born, educated, worked, married and buried in their parish. A day out was a charabanc outing “down north” to the Vale or “up west” to St. Pierre du Bois!

In order to produce good crops, the farmer needed good soil, and that meant fertilizers. The best, cheapest and most plentiful fertilizer was the seaweed washed up or gathered off the beaches.

gather on their designated beach. I use the word “designated” as it was the law that each parish was given their own beach within their parish from which to gather the vraic! Spare a thought for the poor folk from St. Andrews – the only parish in Guernsey to be land locked!

Well the kind hearted polititians had thought of that, and allowed these locals to gather their vraic from Lihou Island!

With vraic piled high aloft the carts, the horses made their way up the slipways and back to the farms where the seaweed was either dug directly into the soil, or burned, which resulted in the rich fertilizer we know as potash.

Back then, were the summers not longer, the apples that much sweeter and the crops just a bit more plentiful?

Organic? It’s in our genes!

Seaweed collection was a family affair, a festive occasion, where young and old alike, armed with long rakes, would GUERNSEY’S STYlE MAGAzINE

EvENTS

Friday nights

Saturday nights

Friday 2nd - The Hubbub

Saturday 3rd - Infectious Rhythm Tom & Leon

Friday 9th - Limey Banton

Saturday 10th - Let’s Dance DJ76 (Back Bar)

Friday 16th - TBC Friday 23rd - Beat Rare Grooves Wednesday 28th - Hip Hop with XXL & Apex (Drinks Promos All Night)

Soups & Skinny (Classic House) (Front Bar) Saturday 17th - Jon Kennedy supported by Oneofakind Saturday 24th - Reggae Roast Saturday 31st - Leon Robertson

April 5th The Executive Suite presents... DJ Woody ‘Turntables in Technicolor’ 116 Tickets available £10 each! email theexecutivesuite@thetownhouse.gg for reservations and enquiries.

EvENTS

JT LAUNCH

WAVE GOODBYE AND jOIN TOGETHER WITH jT GUERNSEY Gallery indulged in champagne, canapes and mini pastries at the recent launch of the new JT Store in the High Street. The new store has undergone an exciting refresh and has a fantastic new look, check it out today!

Get paparazzi at your events. paparazzi@gallery.gg

12

GUERNSEY’S StYlE maGaziNE

AMELIA’S WARDROBE LAUNCH

events

AMELIA’S WARDROBE

Gallery were delighted to attend the launch of Amelia’s Wardrobe! This little shop is every girl’s paradise, specialising in vintage clothing, one off accessories and custom gifts. You really are spoilt for choice here, you can either feed your retail shopping habit or indulge in some home treats with fabulous goodies from Bonsai’s vintage range, and some pieces from Vintage Fayre’s range. If all that shopping wears you out, you can always treat yourself and get your nails done in the upstairs nail bar - perfect!

Get paparazzi at your events. paparazzi@gallery.gg

Because quality matters

13

EvENTS

AWARDS FOR ACHIEVEMENT 2012

AWARDS FOR ACHIEVEMENT 2012

The Guernsey Awards for Achievement lavish presentation and gala dinner was held at Beau Sejour in early February. A great night was had by all, helped by some great guest speakers and very deserving winners. Winners on the night were: Roger Allsopp, RBS International, Two Degrees North, CCD Architects, BDOS and Kim Marquis.

Get paparazzi at your events. paparazzi@gallery.gg

14

GUERNSEY’S StYlE maGaziNE

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ORGANICS

Organics words | Theo Leworthy

When I began thinking about organic and conventional farming, I had fairly clear ideas on who was doing what.

Behind every conventionally grown turnip, the spectre of an Armani suited villain loomed, twirling his moustache and cackling sinisterly, a cold dead glint in his eye, his goal of global decimation brought ever nearer by my out of season craving for root vegetables.

But somewhere in the distance his nemesis, a noble farmer probably called John McSproutheart, calls to me “just wait until January, Theo.” A single manly tear rolls down his cheek and he removes his flat cap in mourning for the planet he loves so tenderly.

So, case closed, organic farming is awesome and conventional farming is the bubbling evil from Satan’s netherregions made incarnate. Right? Well, obviously not, otherwise this would be a laughably short article.

Before I go any further, I’d like to state that I’m not coming down against organic farming here. Some practises used in organic farms are brilliant.

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

When people are asked why they buy organic produce, they tend to respond with the following reasons (in my experience): the food tastes better, it’s healthier and more nutritious, and that organic farming is better for the environment. These opinions are often trotted out as fact, so the idiotic passer by (like myself) may just assume that the case is closed. It’s definitely not closed.

Despite the protestations by converts, there is no evidence that organic food tastes better. The evidence (in double blind taste tests and the like) is inconclusive, but it doesn’t look as though there’s much difference. Fresh food, however, most certainly tastes better, and many smaller organic farms rush food to stores much more quickly than conventional farms, so that may well be an issue.

As to health and nutrition, we have a similar situation. There is no scientific evidence, after 50 years of tests, that organic food is more nutritious than conventional food. Part of the health debate around organic foods centres on the use of pesticides, the assertion being that conventionally farmed produce uses loads and they’re really bad for you. The truth is that both organic and 16

conventional farms use pesticides, but conventional farms use synthetic pesticides and organic farms use naturally occurring pesticides. If you’re thinking that natural pesticides are obviously not as harmful to your health as synthetic pesticides, I’m afraid science is going to contradict you again.

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

Agriculture has already done a vast amount of damage to the planet.

Well, I say that the only solution would be to convert more land into agricultural land, but of course, that’s not really true.

One alternative would be to stop wasting food on the inexcusable level that we do in the developed world. If we stopped throwing away such huge amounts of food, it could be re-distributed to some of those starving 16 million.

In fact, the whole debate between organic and conventionally farmed goods could benefit from being put in context. The fact that people buy organic food because they (mistakenly) believe its healthier and more nutritious seems laughable when faced with the issues of obesity and malnourishment that dominate the world today. The

prevalence of fast food chains and world hunger kind of makes the organic versus conventional argument look ridiculous.

While we’re arguing over what trace of what pesticide may contain harmful toxins over a 60 year period, world nutrition is in its death throes. Can we fix it? Of course we can, very simply in fact: don’t eat rubbish. There you go. However your food is farmed, make sure you’re eating correctly. And don’t throw food away. It’s wasteful, and there are people starving. Simple, but difficult.

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

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

illustration | Helina Mathews

WHAT DID THE

SWEET

I yam what I yam

Uurgh... corny!

POTATO

SAY TO THE COURGETTE?

GUERNSEY’s style magazine

GREEN MACHINES & HOROSCOPES

Green Machines

YOUR MONTHLY COMEDY HOROSCOPES

We are keen recyclers and regulars with our bags of cardboard, plastic, glass and tins at the recycling points around the Island. We also have a green “dalek” in the garden that exterminates all our household waste food and produces compost for the garden.

words | Lois Mansfield Illustration | Helina Mathews

words | Tony Brassell

Paper though can be a bug bear as I need some for the fire, the Guernsey Press is best for that, and some to wrap fire ash in, The Sunday Times comes top of the list for that. In the winter the pile doesn’t get too high but it piles up in the summer and inevitably gets recycled too, which seems a waste. The possibility of making logs with my spare paper was raised recently when I heard someone talking about doing just that with their old newspapers.

All enthused I went online to find the log maker. As always I read the reviews. Then the realisation kicks in, “soak paper in a bucket for 24 hours”, “prepare to get mucky”, “leave for 3 months to dry!” The machine may be only £20 but is it worth all the effort – needless to say I didn’t invest.

Then there’s my wind-up radio and torch. I was given this to use in our conservatory which is bereft of power sockets. The bad points, lots of effort for 5 minutes of radio. The good points - all the exercise winding it up keeps you warm in the winter!

I love my Kindle. I like to think I am helping to save the world’s forests by never buying a book again and using my Kindle for all my reading needs, apart from Gallery of course! But do I want the natural hemp, pistachio green kindle cover to go with it – hmmm, maybe not.

While the green ticket is vital these days for the sake of us all, I think green products need to go a long way before they become as cool as their not so green competition, but here’s one to look out for. The superb looking 4 Door Vauxhall Ampera is due to become available in the UK in May. It’s reckoned this machine will be able to do well over 4,000 miles to the gallon using a combination of battery power and a small petrol motor that recharges the battery while you are on the move. Now that is cool, but at around £30k you will need to be seriously keen on being green!

And finally, this isn’t really a machine but it is green and it could make a great secret santa or anonymous present for the really wicked amongst us. I certainly wouldn’t recommend giving it to your Mum or your better half.

The “Fat Bird” is a kit for using up your used kitchen fat by mixing it with bird seed and creating a “cake” to hang out for the birds. So if you like loads of Fat Birds in your back garden – this is the green machine for you.

bEcAUSE qUAlITY MATTERS

UPfRONT

Capricorn December 22 -January 19

You may have been born at night but you weren’t born last night. Your IQ is on fire right now, your MIND is like MENSA in a teacup.

Aquarius January 20 -February 18

The end of the world is nigh. You’ve seen the movies, read the comic books, you’ve got the bumper car stickers ‘REMOVE THE HEAD, DESTROY THE BRAIN’. Stay away from truck stops and theme parks.

Pisces February 19 -March 20

Light some incense sticks, put on your best Enya collection, throw yourself into a kaftan and feel bohemian, whoa ho woo.

Aries March 21 -april 19

Blue is a colour often associated with water, the sky, the indicator lines on pregnancy tests and moodiness. Start wearing teal? Slowly phase blue out of your wardrobe, stick to subtle pinky hues and dull oranges.

Taurus april 20 -May 20 Are you out of your Vulcan mind?

Gemini May 21 -June 20

Your spidey senses have been tingling in all of the wrong places. You are in love with wrong person, again (Oops)

Cancer June 21 -July 22

There’s a place that keeps on calling you. Maybe tomorrow you’ll want to settle down but until tomorrow you’ll just keep moving on. Just grab your hat, travel light, hobo style.

Leo July 23 -august 22

On a clear black night with a clear black moon, mount up and regulate.

Virgo august 23 -September 22

Your cape is scuffed and frayed at the edges. Being a superhero is not easy. Your leather onesie needs a dryclean you need a holiday. Kryptonopolis is nice this time of year.

Libra September 23 -october 22

You ain’t nothing but tired, tired and bored with yourself, you’ve been worried about your little world falling apart.

Scorpio october 23 -november 21 If life hands you a lemon do tequila.

Sagittarius nov 22 -December 21

Walk away before you start inhaling your wayward partner in search of ‘unfamiliar fumes’.

17

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

For local mortgages, we’re open for business – just like we’ve always been.

But now it’s even better…

For a limited time only, we are waiving our Product Fee for new mortgages which will save you a minimum of £999, or 0.1% of the loan amount whichever is greater.

Plus, our dedicated Personal Mortgage Advisers can discuss flexible terms to suit you and help you every step of the way. So, if you’re looking to buy a new home or remortgage an existing one, pop in to any of our branches or call our Personal Mortgage Advisers on 703807. This offer is valid for all new mortgages but excludes Equity Release loans, Foundations mortgage and may be withdrawn without notice.

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

Helpful Banking The Royal Bank of Scotland International Limited trading as NatWest (NatWest). Registered Office: P.O. Box 64, Royal Bank House, 71 Bath Street, St. Helier, Jersey JE4 8PJ. Regulated by the Jersey Financial Services Commission. Business address: PO Box 11, 16 Library Place, St Helier, Jersey, JE4 8NH. Guernsey business address: PO Box 62, Royal Bank Place, 1 Glategny Esplanade, St. Peter Port, Guernsey, GY1 4BQ. Regulated by the Guernsey Financial Services Commission and licensed under the Banking Supervision (Bailiwick of Guernsey) Law, 1994, as amended, the Insurance Managers and Insurance Intermediaries (Bailiwick of Guernsey) Law, 2002, and the Protection of Investors (Bailiwick of Guernsey) Law, 1987, as amended. The Royal Bank of Scotland International Limited trading as NatWest (NatWest). Registered Office: P.O. Box 64, Royal Bank House, 71 Bath Street, St. Helier, Jersey JE4 8PJ. Regulated by the Jersey Financial Services Commission.

Business address: PO Box 11, 16 Library Place, St Helier, Jersey, JE4 8NH. NatWest is a participant in the Guernsey Banking Deposit Compensation Scheme. The scheme offers protection for ‘qualifying deposits’ up to £50,000, subject to certain limitations. The maximum total amount of compensation is capped at £100,000,000 in any 5 year period. Details are available from: Website: www.dcs.gg. Telephone: +44 (0)1481 722756. Post: P.O. Box 380, St Peter Port, GY1 3FY. Deposits made in a Guernsey Branch will not be covered by any equivalent scheme in any jurisdiction outside of the Bailiwick of Guernsey. NatWest is a member of The Royal Bank of Scotland Group. The Royal Bank of Scotland plc - Registered in Scotland No 90312. Registered office: 36 St Andrew Square, Edinburgh EH2 2YB. The Royal Bank of Scotland plc is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. The latest report and accounts are available at www.investors.rbs.com.

18 funds with other parts of its Group and thus its financial standing is linked to the Group. Depositors may wish to form their own view on the financial standing of NatWest and the Group based on publicly available information. The NatWest places latest report and accounts are available at www.natwestinternational.com/financial-results. Over 18’s only. Security required. Calls may be recorded.

N5022 02/12

”

NEWS IN NUMBERS

UPfRONT

NEWS IN NUMBERS

125

parking tickets issued in a crack down on parking clocks, raising a whopping £3,750!

50

million needed to save sewers from collapse; homeowners could face a £300-a-year hike in water charges to cover the cost between now and 2019.

20

30

pounds needed for a Heat Pad which Guernsey’s Animal Shelter are appealing for during this cold patch.

million extra needed for benefits

6.7

percent rise in Guernsey house prices since last year. Ouch!

8

local student are being made local Ambassadors to Biberach in Germany

120

inst test aga o r p le p r peo ewslette Sark’s n

d

12

bEcAUSE qUAlITY lITY MATTERS

19

UPFRONT

ORGANIC FACTS

10

1 3

words | Jodie Sheppard

2

Recycling 1 ton of paper saves 17 mature trees, 7,000 gallons of water, 3 cubic yards of landfill space, 2 barrels of oil, and 4,100 kilowatt-hours

In 2010 local households produced 4850 tonnes of food waste and businesses were responsible for 2,000 tonnes (this adds up to 20% of Mont Cuets total for the year)

4

In the 10 year period from 20012010, the average rainfall was 48mm less than the long term average.

6

Transport is the largest contributor to greenhouse gases in Guernsey, contributing 25% of emissions or 107kilotonnes of carbon dioxide

On average 30% of household waste can be composted at home

5

7

The energy saved from recycling one tonne of recycled newspaper will power a TV for 31 hours

A new long sea outfall would cost between £6 and £8 million pounds to make sure Guernsey meets European and International Sewage Requirements. Further sewage treatment could cost £100 million over the next 25 years.

8

19% of the energy supplied to Guernsey consumers is derived from nuclear or renewable sources

9 10

20

Guernsey electric customers use 200 KBTU (Kilo British Thermal Units) per person per day

Methane has global warming potential of more than 20 times that of Carbon Dioxide. Moooo!

VOX POP

‘In a word I just ‘prefer’ organic food and fresh to frozen - I think it’s better for you.’

UPfRONT

‘I have always eaten organic, primarily for health but also care for the environment. You will have better nutrition and better flavour.’

[William Maguire, 59, retired school teacher]

[Maura Lees, 87, retired physiotherapist]

‘I only buy organic eggs from the Co-op because they taste better.

It’s more expensive though that’s a comment I would make.’

[Dave jones, 41, builder]

‘’I’m all for organic things. You know there are no additives and I think we should be growing more things on this island and we should be more self-sufficient. I’m a volunteer at the Victorian wall garden at Saumarez Park for the Guernsey Botanical Trust and we are trying to reproduce food as it was 100 years ago, before people started buying it in supermarkets.’

‘We sell organic clothing - t-shirts, snow socks and bamboo. It’s getting more popular and people are taking more notice that it’s organic. People are more aware of it and realise it’s a good thing to pay a slightly higher price for.

A more sustainable source is what they are happy to pay for.’ [Sail Or Surf shop owner Marie Vohmann and shop manager jess Bolger]

[Linda Priaulx, 63, retired secretary at Guernsey Cheshire Homes]

‘I stick with the majority of local produce as long as I can see the source of the product.’

[Alan Guest, 55, who has taken early retirement]

‘I like organic fruit and veg - they are the best - but I normally just buy local off the hedge because it’s cheaper and I buy Fairtrade. We have a new range of nutriganics with plant extracts called Drops of Youth.’ Zoe [Holden,

32, Body Shop consultant]

Vox Pop

‘’I grow it - we have about 400 asparagus plants and the rest is seasonal. You know it’s fresh and there are no air miles on it and it’s so much cheaper when you are growing your own.’ [joseph Smith, 45, designer for Mojoe]

‘’I’m very into it. All the eggs I buy are free range from the Co-op or Waitrose. It’s good with no rubbish in it and it’s pure wholesome, natural food. It’s good with no preservatives and it’s how it should be.’ [Keith Brouard, 50, builder]

gUErNSEy residents are mad for organic produce if a random gallery survey in Town by Nick Mollet is anything to go by. words | Nick Mollet

bEcAUSE qUAlITY MATTERS

21

UPfRONT

#GALLERY FF ORGANIC

#GalleryFF

ORGANIC

words | Martine Ellis

SPEnDInG HoURS, EVERY DaY, on YoUR LaPtoP oR SMaRt PHonE tWEEtInG, PRoBaBLY ISn’t a PaRtICULaRLY GREEn oR HEaLtHY PaStIME. HoWEVER, EnVIRonMEnt anD HEaLtH-RELatED toPICS aRE FREQUEntLY SEEn tREnDInG on tWIttER, MEanInG tHat MILLIonS oF PEoPLE aRE USInG tHE MICRo-BLoGGInG PLatFoRM to DISCUSS tHESE CURREnt toPICS.

Twitter is a fantastic way to keep up to date with health and environmental news and developments. with that in mind, this month’s gallery twitterati is dedicated to farmers, foodies, animal lovers and all things handmade, organic and healthy.

the Soil association

toft alpaca Shop

Sustainable Guernsey

(@Soilassociation) the UK’s leading organic food and farming charity and certification body.

(@toftalpacaShop) an on-farm shop providing knitting workshops and selling luxurious British alpaca yarn, knitted items and knitting kits.

(@SustainGuernsey) Guernsey’s guide to sustainable living, aiming to create a more sustainable, self-reliant community by reducing fossil fuel use.

Renewable UK

Realbuzz.com

Whole Foods Market

(@RenewableUK) the UK’s leading renewable energy trade association and recognised voice for wind and marine energy.

(@realbuzzcom) providing advice and information on health and fitness, sport, leisure, diet and active travel.

(@WholeFoods) fresh, organic tweets from the famous Whole Foods Market in Austin, Texas.

the Vegetarian Society

Durrell Wildlife

Planetgreen.com

(@vegsoc) the Vegetarian Society is an educational charity promoting understanding and respect for vegetarian lifestyles.

(@DurrellWildlife) the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust is an international charity working globally to save species from extinction.

(@PlanetGreen) offers practical, everyday tips on how to live a greener lifestyle.

follow Gallery Magazine we are @gallerymaggsy on Twitter

22

GUERNSEY’S StYlE maGaziNE

MY NAME IS...

UPfRONT

MY NAME IS: Andrew Woodward

because quality matters

23

UPfRONT

CAN GUERNSEY FEED ITSELF?

words | Dr Andrew Cassbow

I

Sixty years ago there were about 350 to 400 small ‘farmers’ in the island and they were using most, if not all, of the available agricultural land. There were over 15,000 vergees of agricultural land in the island.

Most of the vegetables, all of the milk and some of the dairy products and meat was probably produced in the island, although a considerable amount of food would still have been imported. But most people’s diet would have been quite restricted with little choice and only seasonal vegetables being available.

Guernsey still have about 15,000 vergees of open agricultural land in the island but much of it is used for other things, such as grazing and exercise areas for horses, as amenity land for football pitches and other sports grounds, as wildlife and conservation areas, for parkland and increasingly for extended gardens. Many people who used to own a field beside their house and let it to a local farmer now spend their weekends on a ride-on lawn mower, or have planted trees and dug ponds on the land that could be used for food production.

Therefore the land that is still available for food production is less than 10,000 vergees.

Fifty years ago, as well as keeping domestic chickens, many people would have produced a wide range of vegetable crops in their own gardens. I recall my grandfather spending most of his days digging, weeding and growing vegetable crops in our domestic garden. It was a very time consuming enterprise involving lots of hard work but the work did not end there because there were no convenience foods

24

Sausmarez Manor Market

Allotment

St Savior Yoghurts and Farmhouse Iced Cream

Dave Cowley’s potatos

and so my mother spend much of her time preparing food in the house and, in season, making jams, pickling and preserving fruit.

I remember shelves full of preserving jars crammed with pears, plums, peaches and all manner of fruit. I can still smell that wonderful sweet smell of bottled fruit in the ‘scullery’.

Therefore, given the many more people that live in the island today it is unlikely that we could be self sufficient in any really meaningful way. We will need to continue importing the vast majority of the foods that we eat. We will be very much dependent on it continuing to be available, provided that we have the money to pay for it. However, that does not mean that we should not produce more local food, wherever possible. But we should not delude ourselves into thinking that as an island we could be self-sufficient in food.

Today we have a very wide range of choices of foods available. Just look at the huge range of dairy products that are imported but also look at the range of fruit and vegetables that are available throughout the year, from a very wide range of different countries.

Dairy cows at that time would have been fed on a mainly hay diet during the winter and grass during the summer. Carrots, kale, fodder beet, ‘mangle wurzels’ and other feeds were also grown for the cows.

However, even with all this home grown food each cows produced less than half of the milk that it does today. Now cows are fed on grass, maize, silage and imported concentrated (cereals and protein) feeds.

The one food that the island is ‘self sufficient’ in is fresh milk but, in addition to the grass and silage produced from about 7500 vergees of land, the island’s cattle probably eat at least 4000 tonnes of imported feed in order to produce that milk. That alone would require another 4000 vergees of land to produce the grain for cattle feed, if it was ‘home grown’.

Photographs courtesy of Dr Andrew Casebow

slanders who were here during the occupation are probably among the best people to know how we would fare if we had to be more self-sufficient. At that time there were about 20,000 people living in the island and my understanding was that some of the food that they ate still had to be imported. Now, we have a resident population that is well over 60,000 people and the type of food we eat bears little resemblance to the food that was eaten 60 years ago. Virtually all of it is now imported, apart from milk, potatoes and some vegetables.

Many people do really value local production and eating freshly produced local food. The fact that this is now still available in some of our local shops and supermarkets is tremendous, it is still available on roadside stalls and at the farmer’s markets. These all really do deserve support because producing food locally is hard work and much more expensive than in England or on the Continent where the scale of production can be so enormous that it is much cheaper to produce.

People like Terry Robert who supplies the Channel Islands Cooperative Society, John and Keith Tostevin with their farm stall in the Forest, and Fiona Pollock with her Organic Vegetable Box Scheme. Then there are the people who supply vegetables through the Farmer’s Markets. I had some incredibly tasty vegetables grown by the Caritas Community Trust in St Peters

GUERNSEY’S STYlE MAGAzINE

CAN GUERNSEY FEED ITSELF?

recently (on land fertilised with seaweed!).

Absolutely stunning!

viable part-time enterprise, or even their main work.

But let’s not forget the remaining glasshouse growers, such as the Nicholsons at Gele Road who produce tomatoes and cucumbers for local sale, B R Langlois and Sons at Vazon who grow peppers and aubergines, or Fresh Guernsey Herbs and Guernsey Mushrooms.

Most people of course will not aspire to keeping a cow, free range pigs or growing crops of vegetables but there are many more people now who are interested in having an allotment. This is more of a lifestyle choice. I have an one but it needs constant work and dedication that I’m afraid I don’t always give it. It is also not cheap. Growing your own food can be very rewarding but when all is taken into account then the vegetable and fruit crops that we grow could probably be bought more cheaply from the local shop or from the farmer’s market.

What about the local fish! Can you think of anything better than locally caught lobster, brill or bass, or a chancre, with Guernsey butter and local Senners bread!

We have lived through many years when a ‘cheap food policy’ in the UK and Europe has meant that it is very difficult to make a good living from food production. That is likely to change and become much more expensive in the future. Food is now being traded around the world as a commodity and it is likely to increase (and in some years decrease) in price according to availability. Just this year the price of wheat has more than doubled, from less than £100 per tonne to over £200 per tonne on the world market, driven by weather conditions in Russia and in Australia. At the same time America is now converting several million tonnes of grain into bio-fuels because they are concerned about fuel security, so that will no longer be available as a stand-by.

Keeping an allotment is well worthwhile if you have sufficient time and inclination but it does take an awful lot of time and I have noticed that many allotments seem to change hands quite frequently. Most people do not realise just how much work can be involved to keep their allotment properly and to grow a wide range of crops.

Some well organised people seem to find the time, or should I say they manage their time and their allotments well.

Personally, I believe that it is very worthwhile and a good use of some of the old redundant glasshouse sites that we still have in the island.

The price of virtually all the meat, particularly chicken, pig meat and milk products that we eat is driven by the cost of animal feeds, which are all based on the price of wheat. This also has a huge influence on the cost of producing many other food crops because as the price of wheat increases then farmers around the world start to grow more wheat in preference to other crops.

So, to return to our theme of self-sufficiency and whether it would be possible for the island to grow most of the food we need.

Self-sufficiency is a great model and I loved the time that my wife and I spent having a very self-sufficient lifestyle, but it takes over your life for very little financial reward.

We found that when we had a family and developed outside interests that it gradually falls by the wayside.

Where does this all leave us in Guernsey?

We do need to support our local farmers, growers and fishermen and to expect to pay more for locally produced fresh food rather than imported produce.

Could Guernsey ever produce sufficient food for all its people?

There is currently a surge in interest in small-holding within the island, with many people keeping a few pigs, some chicken for free-range egg production or for meat, or cattle as a part-time enterprise alongside their normal work. Excellent locally produced cheeses are also being made and sold.

The establishment of the two local farmer’s markets in recent years has made this possible as they have provided a market for some local produce that was not available previously. Hopefully, some of the people who are now finding that they enjoy growing produce and keeping animals will find that they can expand their production in future years and make it either a more

bEcAUSE qUAlITY MATTERS

The answer is obviously no. Is it worthwhile to produce more food? Yes. We really should support the people who grow local vegetable crops and make it so worthwhile for them that young people want to start growing crops again and make a worthwhile business. However, it will only be worthwhile if young people can see that they have a rewarding future growing food in the island. At the present time it is a lot of hard work for not much reward. We need to turn that around.

The most vital thing that we must do is to preserve the agricultural land, including that under redundant glasshouses. We have some excellent quality land in Guernsey, even the wetter land is still very good at producing grass and wild flowers for cattle grazing, and for brightening our lives. Once land has been developed then it is lost and

UPfRONT

it’ll never go back to producing food or providing a habitat for wildlife. We have a choice in Guernsey, whether to protect our open land or to succumb to creeping development. I urge you to help to protect our island’s land for future generations.

We can produce all of our own fresh milk from Guernsey cows at the present time and it is really worthwhile maintaining that link to our island’s history and heritage. We probably produce most of the maincrop potatoes consumed in the island but this is largely because they are a bulky crop and importing potatoes is expensive, which means that local production is a viable enterprise. Producing local beef from the dairy herd could be really worthwhile in the future provided that there is sufficient grazing land preserved and people are prepared to pay slightly more for a superb local product.

Much of the secret in producing high quality meat is in keeping animals stress free. Slaughtering them humanely in a local slaughterhouse where they don’t have to travel long distances from their fields, or become stressed (which ruins the eating quality of the meat).

Beef should then be hung in chilled conditions for at least three weeks and preferably a month to make it really tender.

Local beef produced from Guernsey meadows can be the best in the world.

Finally, we need to remember that the farming of local beef and dairy cattle not only produces local meat and milk but they also conserve the rural landscape and wildlife habitats around the island.

In short, they do much to preserve our natural heritage. For this reason alone they are worth preserving. They produce not just meat and milk but our wildlife, our managed countryside and our natural heritage too.

(With thanks to Sustainable Guernsey (Andrew Casebow) for allowing us to publish this article)

Local farmers and growers really do deserve our support.

25

UPfRONT

ME & MY PET

me&mypet naomi

the donkey naomi’s Story… naomi is a wonderful donkey looking for a loving retirement home, she came into the GSPCa animal Shelter as her previous owner could no longer care for her.

Breed: GSPCa Human naomi Donkey

age: GSPCa 139 years the GSPCA has been caring for animals in Guernsey naomi A girl should never tell her age… ok, I’m nearly 40 years old

Likes: GSPCa Kindness to animals naomi I am quiet and enjoy a simple head rub and some gentle fuss

Hates: GSPCa Cruelty to animals naomi Long walks

If animal/human what would you be: GSPCa A rescue dog like our mascot Bernard naomi A lazy old woman!

Most like to do or most want: GSPCa A world where animals are cared for and there is no neglect. We also want to build a new cattery. naomi My legs to not ache as much…

Interesting facts:

GSPCa The GSPCA was founded on Valentine’s Day 1873 by the Dean of Guernsey. Every year the society helps 1000’s of animals and investigates dozens of welfare complaints every month. This year we are organising an Animal Welfare Day on one of the sea fronts on September the 9th. naomi I’m the oldest donkey to ever stay at the Animal Shelter

With thanks o the GSPCA for allowing us to share Naomi’s story.

26

CULTUrE

BEST SEAT iN THE HoUSE oUr CULTUrE BANNEr iS Now AvAiLABLE

Quality brands need quality media placement. Our divider banners align you with a relevant Gallery section and offers a creative design opportunity

Call us on 739854 and ask about culture divider sponsorship

cUlTURE

BOOK CORNER

Book Corner

Each month members of the Guernsey literary Festival committee will be recommending some of our favourite reads. this month we’re ‘going organic’ with nature and farm-themed books (although our links are rather tenuous!). words | Caroline Mauger

A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian

by Marina Lewycka Marina Lewycka (pronounced ‘Levitska’) will be speaking at the Guernsey Literary Festival in September and if her writing is anything to go by, she will be extremely witty and entertaining. Marina’s debut novel begins with Nadia’s widowed father announcing his intention to marry a glamorous divorcée 50 years his junior. His two feuding daughters realize they must unite to free their father from the clutches of Valentina, a Ukrainian bombshell and ‘boil-in-the-bag cook’ with ‘superior’ breasts and a ‘genius’ son, whose demands on Nikolai only begin at marriage. Family secrets are revealed, and the tragic history of the Ukraine is revisited in this moving, informative, and very humorous family drama.

(Caroline Mauger – PR/Marketing)

Salmon Fishing in the Yemen

by Paul Torday The Telegraph reviewer says ‘if you imagine The Office crossed with Yes, Minister, you may get some inkling of how very funny it is’. Written in a highly accessible pastiche of memos, letters, interview excerpts, journal entries and emails, this is the story of Dr Alfred Jones, a fisheries scientist who finds himself reluctantly involved in a project to bring salmon fishing to the highlands of the Yemen: a project that will change his life, and the course of British political history, forever. With a wickedly wonderful cast of characters, including a visionary Sheikh, a shifty spin doctor, Fred’s unscrupulous wife and a few thousand transplanted salmon, this book shows how risking it all - however much it may be perceived as foolish or ridiculous - can bring hope, faith and love to the bleakest outlook.

(Catriona Stares – Festival Director)

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Cold Comfort Farm

by Stella Gibbons Originally published in 1932, Cold Comfort Farm is a parody of the romanticised, sometimes doom-laden accounts of rural life popular in that era, yet its humour has stood the test of time. Flora Poste has been expensively educated to do everything but earn her own living. When she is orphaned at nineteen, she decides her only option is to go and live with her relatives the Starkadders at Cold Comfort Farm, in the fictional village of Howling in Sussex.

Each of the farm’s inhabitants has some long-festering emotional problem caused by ignorance, hatred or fear, and the farm is badly run. Flora, being a level-headed, urban woman, applies modern common sense to their problems and helps them adapt to the twentieth century. Deservedly one of the best-loved comic novels of all time. (Rebecca Booth – Sponsorship)

King Crow

by Michael Stewart What bird do you think of while your best friend is having his fingernails pulled out? Paul thinks of an Oystercatcher. If this first novel by Michael Stewart begins as another excluded teenager fable it quickly marks itself as different. The narrator’s interpretation of a violent world through his obsessive knowledge of birds is at first compelling, often moving and finally revealed as a quite different kind of knowledge in an earth-shifting defeat of our comfortable assumptions. The novel is beautifully paced, moving from hectic chases to poetic observation, and has a sense of place which shifts us effortlessly from the claustrophobic concrete of Salford to the open spaces of the Lake District. But it is the narrator’s senses which give these landscapes their immediacy and physical presence – and it is this vision which finally has the power to unsettle as few modern novels do.

(Graham Daldry – Programme Director)

This year’s Festival will take place from 13-16 September and a host of exciting authors will take part in the three-day occasion - from Lucinda Dickens-Hawksley, the great-greatgreat granddaughter of Charles Dickens, to War Horse author Michael Morpurgo, whose book has been made into a film by Steven Spielberg. Other celebrity authors include best-selling author Louis de Bernières, most famous for Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, and Marina Lewycka, whose debut novel A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian sold 800,000 copies in the UK alone and was shortlisted for the 2005 Orange Prize. Poet Roger McGough, presenter of the Radio 4 programme Poetry Please, will be giving readings.

Festival Director Catriona Stares said the team is thrilled by how the 2012 programme is shaping up. ‘There will be something for everyone, from schoolchildren to aspiring novelists, from the passionate bookworm to the busiest professional, from the lover of poetry to the lover of comics,’ she added. Ken Bradley, Director, Wealth Intermediaries and Wealth International, Barclays Wealth, Guernsey, is pleased to be involved with the Festival again: ‘Following the success of the inaugural Guernsey Literary Festival, which featured a superb line-up of writers, Barclays Wealth is excited to be supporting the event for a second year. The programme for this year’s festival will reach islanders of all ages and we feel it is important to back those organisations that provide opportunities for all members of our community,’ he said.

To keep up to date with all announcements about the Guernsey Literary Festival go to www.arts.gg and click on Guernsey Literary Festival or sign up for the Guernsey Arts Commission’s monthly newsletter.

THE “LUCKY” MAN

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What he now knows is that he can make a good film. The list of awards bears that out but as he admits, you have to be passionate about your project. He knows that if he isn’t passionate about a project he doesn’t do his best work.

As for the future Avie has several irons in the fire. He has an idea for a film about a Church in Africa and is in the early stages of a couple of TV projects. While he is passionate about making films and telling stories it doesn’t earn him a great deal of money.

Getting paid, he told us is a distraction and he needs others to look after the finances to leave him do his best work. For Avie it is his work as a Forensic Psychiatrist that puts money in the bank.

Needless to say it hasn’t escaped his notice that his “work” also has potential as a future film or TV project.

words | Tony Brassell

The “Lucky” Man Gallery Magazine talks to Avie Luthra, Director of Lucky, the critically acclaimed film telling the story of an Aids Orphan in South Africa.

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ollowing an invite from Alan Wallace of the Guernsey Grammar School who attended a course run by Avie last summer, Avie Luthra visited Guernsey recently to talk to a group of film students, interested in finding out more about filmmaking. His visit was arranged by the Guernsey Arts Commission. While he was here he also spoke to students at the Grammar School and the College of Further Education.

When we asked him for advice on how to become a filmmaker his response was simple. Make films and write. You don’t necessarily need lessons, watch, read and learn and spend all your time making films or writing scripts. If you have an idea for a film or TV project it helps if you know people you can submit your idea too. Avie works with a Producer and if they like the idea he works on a page to submit to whoever might commission the film and then if they like it he works up a full treatment for them to consider.

As everyone knows money to make films is hard to come by and the days of being paid to write up a full treatment for a programme or film are long gone. As such there is a lot of investment in time and effort before there is even a chance of earning a return from that investment.

When you meet Avie he appears a quiet, even studious man, but his passion to tell a story lies close to the surface and as soon as you mention his films you can see that enthusiasm manifest itself in a passion for that medium and his need to tell his stories to all who will listen. We will see more of Avie’s work in the future I am sure.

Born in Rochdale, Lancashire, his parents wanted Avie to pursue a career in medicine, which he duly did, but deep inside he had a desire to tell stories and the way he did this was through film.

His career in film began when he was 15 when he started to make short films and write scripts. He continued making short films while at Medical School and at the age of 19 he submitted a film to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and won his first award - a Golden Lobster!

There were no film schools or training courses in those days (the late 80’s) so he had no training in film making or script writing.

However in the early 90’s he made more short films and one of these won an award which took him to the New York Film Academy for three months.

This experience was invaluable and while studying for his medical degree he earned one of 6 available places at the National Film School.

In 2003 he was in South Africa making a short film about an Aids orphan who is befriended by an Indian woman living in Durban, a story which looked at the relationship between the Indian and African communities living in South Africa. That short film won 42 awards, was nominated for a BAFTA and has now been turned into a feature film which continues to win critical acclaim and more awards. However as it is a foreign language film and has no well known stars, distribution has been difficult to achieve.

As Avie admits, “Lucky” has been a huge learning experience. He learnt as much about film law and negotiating contracts as he did about filming.

because quality matters

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MUNNYS

words | Hugh Rose

Childhood has always been a huge source of inspiration for my work, but it has never been more so than in the past two years, which I have spent making one-of-a-kind toys for customers all over the globe. My introduction to the world of art toys was quite accidental; I was experimenting with drawing on all sorts of different objects and bought a KidRobot Mini Munny.

I noticed right away that my style of drawing translated well onto three-dimensional surfaces, and a whole world of new possibilities opened up.

A few weeks later I entered an international competition with my first ‘Wooden Sky Monkey’ design, and managed to place 2nd overall. Requests for my work started to come in and I have never looked back!

This series of seven hand-painted Mini Munnys, entitled ‘Hugh Rose’s False Idols Series 1: Sky Monkeys’, expands on the design I submitted for the competition. Each figure represents a different kind of timber and its cultural and mythological associations, from the elm in Celtic metaphysics to the ubiquitous sakura, or cherry blossom, from Japan.

This is my first series of toys, and they have been shipped off to Portland, Oregon to be sold through a specialist gallery. I have already begun work on Series 2, which is based on my research into the history and folklore of Guernsey.

Teak Monsoon Monkey

Ebony Night Monkey

Mahogany Hurricane Monkey

Pine Snow Monkey

Solstice Monkey

Cherry Blossom Monkey

www.hughrose.co.uk

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GUERNSEY’S STYlE MAGAzINE

POTATO PEEL PIE FEVER

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Potato peel pie fever words | Caroline Mauger

Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. The book shows how war affects individuals – aggressors and victims – and it celebrates the power of humanity and of the written word.

With the story revolving around the colourful members of the Literary Society, the book has struck a chord with reading groups – almost 57,000 readers in the United States entered a competition sponsored by the publisher to win a trip to Guernsey. Of course, a film will bring this much loved tale to a whole new audience, and the news that many scenes will be filmed on the island is causing much anticipation and speculation.

Warren Mauger, Managing Director of Spike Productions, is working on the project with Fox Studios. Fox are keeping him informed of the latest developments, although he has to remain tight-lipped at the moment. Warren and colleague Tom recently filmed director Kenneth Branagh when he came to Guernsey to look at locations. ‘Working with Kenneth Branagh was a pleasure,’ he reveals. ‘Dealing with a top Hollywood director isn’t something you do every day but, in a funny way, once we got started it just felt like we were working together as a team.’

Warren says that the crew will be quite small in film terms, but will still comprise around 100 people and the impact on the island will be enormous. ‘The level of detail that goes into making a film, particularly when it’s got to be historically accurate, is remarkable,’ he adds. The crew will be at large for 15 days – and film crews are known for their socialising at night!

We can expect road closures while filming gets underway, but at least the disruption will have far-reaching benefits for the island.

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he Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society is a publishing phenomenon: it was an instant success in America, where it stayed on the New York Times bestseller list for a year, and has been translated into 35 languages. There was quite a buzz in Guernsey when co-author Annie Barrows came over for the inaugural Literary Festival in 2011, but the news that a film is to be made has got the whole island talking.

Mary Ann Shaffer spent 20 years researching the Occupation, having become fascinated by the subject when fog left her stranded at Guernsey airport, where she read all the local history books on sale in the bookshop. Potato Peel Pie was Mary Ann’s only novel, and unfortunately she became too ill to complete the rewrites after the original manuscript was accepted by the publisher. This is where her niece Annie stepped in, inserting material throughout the book. Sadly, Mary Ann did not live to witness the publication of her novel, although she knew that advance reading copies had been well received and that foreign editions had been sold on the strength of the manuscript.

Potato Peel Pie begins in January 1946 when Juliet Ashton, a London writer, receives a letter from Dawsey Adams of Guernsey, who has coincidentally acquired a book which once belonged to her. It is an epistolary novel: a series of letters exchanged between Juliet, her publisher and the members of the Guernsey

bEcAUSE qUAlITY MATTERS

Many islanders have already been involved with the project, as casting agent Kelly Valentine Hendry came to Guernsey in late January to search for a young girl to play the part of Kit, Elizabeth’s daughter. Girls between the ages of four and six were invited to attend open auditions, 20 of whom have been recalled for a further audition. One of these is India, four-year-old daughter of Natalie Robins. Natalie has two adorable daughters who were eligible to apply but while her eldest, Saraya, was not interested, India needed no persuasion to take part. Natalie recalls the casting: ‘The queue was pretty long but there was a lovely atmosphere with lots of excited little girls! Within an hour India went through along with seven other girls - each child had to take in a box of three treasured items and talk about them for a few minutes. Parents weren’t allowed to go in. She seemed to breeze in and out and was rather chuffed when she had finished, stating “I’m rather tired now Mummy!”’ Natalie received an email a week or so later to say that India had been recalled. ‘She has been very excited indeed and has been practising her lines. I guess we’ll just have to wait and see!’

Auditions have also been held in the UK so there is no guarantee that a local child will be picked to play the part of Kit, although it would be special – and authentic – if a Guernsey girl were to win the role. One of the key scenes will clearly be that of the evacuation, which will no doubt require the involvement of hundreds of local children – of all ages, and both sexes!

Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows have already put Guernsey on the map with their book. Here’s hoping that ‘Guernsey’ will tell the whole world all about our wonderful island.

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ART AND ISLANDS: ANDY GOLDSWORTHY

Andy Goldsworthy Bunker 62, 2012

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nterested in art? Enjoy walking and never been to Alderney?

If this is the case why not jump on a Britten-Norman Trislander and take a trip up to the most northerly of the Channel Islands to discover the Andy Goldsworthy Alderney Stones project.

Andy Goldsworthy is one of today’s leading British artists. Working only with natural and found materials Goldsworthy creates both temporary and permanent sculptures that draw on the character of the environment. Over the years he has worked in a vast range of diverse landscapes from the North Pole to the Australian Outback and of course in Dumfriesshire (where he now lives). On his initial visit to the Bailiwick back in 2008 he stated that he had selected Alderney because ‘it has a strong sense of the layered past and a wide variety of locations in a small area. I hope that the Alderney Stones project touches upon the social, geological, historical, climatic and agricultural nature of Alderney’.

During 2009 and 2010 Goldsworthy visited Alderney on numerous occasions. Primarily based at Fort Albert, Andy Goldsworthy together with his trusted team of assistants set about ramming earth into wooden formers. In all Goldsworthy made a total of ten ‘stones’ measuring 180cm in diameter. Contained within each stone are a variety of locally sourced materials. In an interview during the production of the stones Goldsworthy stated: ‘We have incorporated berries, seeds, old tools and even discarded gloves – all these materials will be revealed as the elements and the years wear the stones down’. The stones were then left to cure for several months and in April last year the ten three-tonne boulders were positioned at Fort Albert, Saye Beach, Lager Sylt and other significant locations around the island while the eleventh and last stone was made ‘in situ’ inside an old German bunker.

Made out of the very earth of Alderney and containing elements that Goldsworthy found on the island, the stones will eventually disappear to become once again an invisible part of the natural landscape. This was always Goldsworthy’s intention: ‘Some will last months – while others, depending on where they are placed, will last years’. Twelve months down the line this is indeed the case.

The stone that was placed on the Breakwater was taken out by a particularly ferocious winter storm. Others like the stone at Longis are starting to become iconic landmarks around the island while the stone in Bunker 62 is slowly eroding due to human intervention and the odd bit of harmless graffiti. Goldsworthy continues: ‘Even when completely eroded there will be some evidence left by the stones.

A stone/boulder containing seeds could possibly become bigger rather than smaller as the seeds germinate and grow’.

The Alderney Stones project is part of the Art and Islands initiative, which was established by Eric Snell in 2008, and follows hot on the heels of the Antony Gormley Insider project at Castle Cornet and

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the solitary ‘bodycast’ – Another Time XI – that stands alone on Herm. Initially supported by HSBC Private Bank, Art and Islands currently receives underpinning funding from the Guernsey Arts Commission and ongoing sponsorship from Hiscox. This initiative seeks to celebrate that sense of place and the unique inherent qualities that islands can offer. It also aims to promote the Bailiwick as an art destination and believes that this initiative will not only enrich the texture and quality of island life but also stimulate the economy and raise the profile of the islands internationally.

ART AND ISLANDS: ANDY GOLDSWORTHY

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‘EVEN WHEN COMPLETELY ERODED THERE WILL BE SOME EVIDENCE LEFT BY THE STONES. A STONE/BOULDER CONTAINING SEEDS COULD POSSIBLY BECOME BIGGER RATHER THAN SMALLER AS THE SEEDS GERMINATE AND GROW’.

Andy Goldsworthy

An exhibition documenting the ever-changing nature of the Alderney Stones project will go on show in the greenhouse (the gallery space on the first floor in the Information Centre, North Plantation, St. Peter Port, Guernsey) later this summer. For more information about the exhibition please visit www.arts.gg. To discover more about Art and Islands visit www.artandislands.com and for more information about the Andy Goldsworthy Alderney Stones project, including photographs of all the stones at various stages throughout the year, please visit www.alderneystones.com.

bEcAUSE qUAlITY MATTERS

A map and more information about the stones trail are in the Visit Alderney brochure and online in the www.visitalderney.com e–brochure. Leaflets are also available at Alderney Airport and the Braye Beach Hotel.

Main photograph: Chris George Other photographs: Rachel Kremer, Darren Keung and Dorothy Christmas (Project Co-ordinator in Alderney)

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THE MONTHLY UPLOADS

The Monthly Uploads Want to win £50? All you have to do is email your entry with the subject ‘upload’ to: upload@gallery.gg before the deadline of 17th March, the theme is Hijack - and you’ll be in with a chance.

Make the files nice and big, about 4MB is a good size to aim for as a guide. We print every photo / doodle but we can’t get them all on the page full size unfortunately - they just wouldn’t fit!

John-Ross Hainey

Douf

Tim Langlois

Robert Hunter

Antonina Vallee ClaireLeGaudion

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Gina Andrews

Steven Glass

Matthew Bain

William Bolger GUERNSEY’S StYlE maGaziNE

THE MONTHLY UPLOADS

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ÂŁ50 winner Matthew Bain

Liesja Grut Gemma Domaille

Sofia Griffin

Antonina Le Vallee Antonina Le Vallee

Megan Anna Burgess

The Biscuit Box - Jo Griffiths because quality matters

Gareth Le Page Jody Warren

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DIVINE DESIGN: MAURICE STRIKE

divine design: the remarkable world of Maurice Strike words | Caroline Mauger

T

h e walls of the St Pierre du Bois Rectory are almost bare, stripped of the fascinating pictures and artefacts which usually make the place resemble an art gallery. Luckily for us, Rector Maurice Strike has allowed his creations to be moved to the greenhouse, for an exciting exhibition of his theatre designs.

Maurice Strike is a true one-off: a Rector who has enjoyed an illustrious career as a theatre designer, which has taken him from the Gorbals in Glasgow to Winnipeg in Canada, and back and forth across the Atlantic between London’s West End and New York City.

Since the mid-1960s he has worked on 110 different productions, many of them plays by Bernard Shaw. Around 40 works will be featured in the exhibition, entitled ‘Dictating the Style’. These include Colombe, Alice Through the Looking Glass, Coppélia and Punk Ballet. Original artwork, a photographic presentation and a slideshow of productions will be incorporated, together with displays of Maurice’s ecclesiastical designs for Wells Cathedral.

The design process begins when Maurice reads the play and doodles ideas; he then produces his final drawings before constructing a model, which is a miniature of the final set, ‘all to scale with furniture and figures.’ At the same time he makes ground plans, followed by elevations of the set to be built by carpenters.

Maurice works on costumes in parallel with the sets, transforming abstract designs into actual attire. Many of these designs have fabric swatches attached, which really bring them to life and allow you to visualise the finished costume.

story and luckily I can remember them all – although I can’t always remember what I did last week!’

The young Maurice was clearly a resourceful boy. Growing up in Merton, Surrey, Maurice started going to the Wimbledon Theatre from the age of 11 – on his own. He was encouraged by Peter Haddon, one of the last actor-managers, who invited him along to dress rehearsals. At 13 he began to attend church alone, getting himself baptised and confirmed at 16. ‘I was going through a period of reflection on the human condition and I found the Church to be enormously helpful.’ Maurice started at the Wimbledon School of Art in the same year, where he won the Royal Society of Arts Industrial Bursary. You might wonder how the discipline of the Church and the theatrical world could co-exist, but Maurice points out that ‘the notion of theatre being exciting and passionate and the Church telling you what you can’t do are both clichés.’ Theatre is ‘jolly hard work’ and Maurice once found himself working for 10 days without actually going to bed – ‘all that for £11 a week!’ He met his wife Nancy, a Canadian actress who had moved into stage management, in 1967 and they married the following year, going on to have two children.

In 1985 Maurice went to theological college and was then ordained.

This by no means marked the end of his artistic life, however. He was invited by the Bishop of Bristol as part of his Urban Fund to work on the Youth Extravaganza with Leslie Crowther at the Bristol Hippodrome. Later, as Rector of Corfe Castle, Maurice was asked to design altar frontals and vestments for Wells Cathedral in Somerset. This was a huge project which took six years, and represented ‘the dream of pulling together the two disciplines of art and religion.’ Maurice is heartened that young people throng to theatres and art galleries, although he admits that ‘people have lost touch with their spiritual roots.’ Nevertheless, he feels that ‘both forums are ways of people coming together – they both aim to build a better world.’

Maurice and Nancy have been in Guernsey since 2004, although next year they plan to move to Norfolk when Maurice retires from full-time ministry. They have enjoyed living on the island – ‘people have been very kind and supportive of both of us’ - and, as arts coordinator, Nancy has transformed the Princess Elizabeth Hospital into a wonderful art gallery. Guernsey’s loss will be Norfolk’s gain, but he hasn’t gone yet and neither have his inspiring designs. It’s an amazing privilege to immerse yourself in the life and work of this vibrant, creative man – don’t miss out! ‘dictating the Style – Theatre designs by Maurice Strike’ will be at the greenhouse, the guernsey Arts Commission’s exhibition space, from 17th February until 30th March.

Inspired by British designer John Bury, and Nicholas Georgiadis ‘for his sheer nerve’, Maurice recognises that certain designers are known for a particular style, but insists that the play dictates his designs. ‘Although I can’t remove myself, I’m a servant of the play – the design mustn’t override what the play is trying to say.’ The exhibition certainly reflects the range of different projects on which he has collaborated, from romantic ballets to the stark Waiting for Godot. Budgets also vary wildly, from a quarter of a million dollars for Coppélia to a mere £26 for The Playboy of the Western World at the Glasgow Citizens’ Theatre. ‘The dynamic is the same,’ adds Maurice, ‘just on a different scale.’ A play which stands out is the brilliantly titled Little Malcolm and his Struggle Against the Eunuchs, since it was an honour to work with actor-director Michael Blakemore on his first production, but ‘every play has a 36

GUERNSEY’S STYlE MAGAzINE

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HOLIDAY ON A TUSCAN FARM

H O L I D AY O N A

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

by Mimi Bishop

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

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

From the 1950s onwards, small scale farms

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

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

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

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

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

If you want an adventurous outing you could go with Marco for a trek, ramble through the glorious landscapes, visit the surrounding villages or even pop in to the world famous GUERNSEY’S STYlE MAGAzINE

HOLIDAY ON A TUSCAN FARM

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

Guest book

What’s on offer?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pictures by Pete Root, www.twoonfourwheels.com

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TRAvEl

DONKEY ABROAD

Donkey Abroad words | viv Pallot | illustration | darren cranmer South Africa – a land of stunning scenery and sunshiny days. From mountains to desert, winelands to coastline – this country has them all, and more. With its abundance of natural beauty and low cost of living, it is a magnet for millions of visitors from around the world.

And to show you the highlights, one gregarious Guernseyman has made it his vocation as well as his home: Meet local tour guide, Roger Brehaut.

Your guide to the Western Cape.

ROGER BREHAUT

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A visit to the townships is a popular option on his itinerary, and the local township guides are all fully trained and employed by the government.

“

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The 46-year old set up www.capelifetours.com and despite stiff competition from rival tour operators, his business has received a nod of approval from Cape Town Tourism, no mean feat given that Roger isn’t local. So how do they take to a foreigner stepping on their South African toes? “I’ve had to overcome the disadvantages of not growing up here”, he explains, “but I think this is also an advantage. I see the Western Cape as a tourist does.” Roger offers tours appealing to a wide-range of interests and has won the respect of his competitors. He qualified as a registered tour guide after studying “all aspects of Cape life” but it hasn’t always been easy.

“You have to continually prove you are trustworthy”, he says, “and even the simplest tasks take months to complete. Most people would have given up a long time ago!”

His efforts have paid off though and business is good despite the decline in visitor numbers. Perhaps it’s because Roger’s tours also reflect his enthusiasm and passion for the Western Cape’s natural beauty? When he’s not guiding, Roger is to be found researching new hiking trails or buzzing around the streets on his scooter checking out accommodation. He walks the mountain peaks often, always aspiring to keep his tours updated. “Table Mountain actually has more flowering plant species than the entire United Kingdom”, he enthuses, climbing it regularly. Many of these species are unique to the region and in the “fynbos” (shrubland area) there are over 9,000 species alone. In September and October, Roger enjoys looking out for snakes. He says that on a good day cobras and puff adders can sometimes be seen on the roadside. Tortoises too.

GUERNSEY’S STYlE MAGAzINE

DONKEY ABROAD

From July to November he points out the whales in the local bays and introduces his guests to the “shark spotters” checking for Great Whites. Apart from the Big Five (elephant, lion, buffalo, leopard and rhino) – best seen at Kruger National Park and featured on Rand banknotes – there is also an opportunity to visit the eponymous Seal Island and to view local wildlife near the Cape of Good Hope such as baboons, zebra, hartebeest, bontebok, eland and ostrich. Of the latter, Roger invites: “You can even ride one if you want!”

The Garden Route and winelands are renowned, but there’s much more to discover away from the tourist trail and Roger can tailor private tours if needed. He offers family deals and even budget trips for backpackers, all of which are available in English or French.

Safety is sometimes a concern with guests and although there are occasional incidents, these are no worse than on the streets of any other international city of the world. And, like all responsible tour guides, Roger advocates practicing common sense at all times.

A visit to the townships is a popular option on his itinerary, and the local township guides are all fully trained and employed by the government. On a personal level, he says he “is exposed to inequalities every day” while living in Hout Bay, close to a township.

“It is difficult sometimes to balance the way I feel about this”, he admits, “particularly when I’ve been brought up in (relatively affluent) Guernsey.” Last Christmas, Roger and a group of friends visited an orphanage in the Khayelitsha Township and took gifts for all the children, a gesture that was hugely appreciated by everyone and by one little lad in particular.

Although the climate in the Western Cape is warm and sunny, the winter period from May to August can occasionally bring rain.

Roger’s website describes Cape Town’s weather in winter as “like a baby – when it’s not wet, it’s windy!” He adds, “The pumping South Easter in the summer is a godsend when temperatures can be 40˚C.”

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During the slower season, Roger takes advantage of any spare time to brush up on his languages. His father spends the Guernsey summers in France and Roger got used to visiting there frequently and learned Spanish one time in Buenos Aires. English is in fact the third most commonly spoken language in South Africa, following behind Afrikaans and Zulu, out of eleven official languages in total.

His IT skills have also been useful. He redesigns websites for friends as a hobby, having gained experience working for a software company a few years ago and then as Senior IT Manager in Jersey, London and Switzerland for a South African company.

After 15 years away from the Channel Islands, what does Roger miss from Guernsey? “Popping in for a coffee with friends and family,” he confesses. His father, grandfather (remarkably fit in his 98th year) and cousins still live on the Island as well as Roger’s many friends from school days in Castel and Grammar School. His sister and nephews now live in New Zealand and Roger loves visiting them there.

As a bachelor, he says he has enjoyed the experience of living and working in different countries and his objectives and priorities wouldn’t have been met by staying in Guernsey. He fully appreciates why people do stay, however, and he tries to return in the spring as he feels that’s when “Guernsey looks its best”.

What more could he wish for? “I would like to have one day of the Guernsey spring down here in Cape Town!” he says, “The Guernsey Lilly is now a rare sight on Table Mountain”. Meanwhile, we’ll all dream of one day of being on Roger’s tour ending at Signal Hill, where you stop “for the sunset - and on to a restaurant for some of the best food and wine in the world…”

If you know anyone who’d like to be featured on Donkey Abroad, please email donkeyabroad@gallery.gg

41

TRAvEl

CYCLING AROUND THE WORLD

CYCLING AROUND THE WORLD

TURKEY

SERBIA

HUNGARY

GREECE

BULGARIA MACEDONIA

In July, Pete Root and Mary Thompson left Guernsey to cycle around the world.

So far they’ve travelled 4350 miles, had thirteen punctures and passed through thirteen countries. Currently in Istanbul, they’re soon to exhibit artwork at Studio 9 Istanbul. They talk to Mimi Bishop about a truly inspiring adventure.

ITALY CROATIA

FRANCE GUERNSEY

AUSTRIA

SWITZERLAND

GERMANY

Main picture: Pete and Mary on Kallergi mountain, Crete.

Above, left to right: Mary in Hungary; Istanbul in the snow; Pete with grapes in Macedonia; Turkish hedge veg; wild camping in Serbia.

Opposite page: Mary learning bazouki

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GUERNSEY’S STYlE MAGAzINE

CHINA AZERBAIJAN

THE REALITY OF LIFE ON THE ROAD Our reality is quite simple. We wake up and depending on the weather, don’t want to leave our sleeping bags or can’t wait to burst out of the stuffy heat into the fresh air. Then we eat breakfast. A classic Italian breakfast we were fond of was bread, chocolate spread and peanuts. To turn this treat into a Greek / Turkish version, add tahini. Packing our tent and stuff up has become a smooth operation.

Everything depends on conditions, in the light mornings of the summer we’d usually try and set off around 8am, the darker winter mornings a little later. We try to avoid cycling in the dark. Once we’re rolling we do long hours in the saddle, often riding for up to ten hours.

We stop for a quick lunch in a field, café or wherever looks good. In the summer we stop for longer (a few hours) and snooze, tinker around on guitars and banjos. An hour or so before the sun sets we start looking for a place to sleep. In Greece this was often a beach, in Turkey more often than not petrol stations. We had an amazing night at a garage just outside a city called Bandirma. It’d been raining heavily all day, we were soaked, cold and tired. Cycling away from a motorway restaurant, having been told that we couldn’t camp on the terrace, some pump attendants waved at us. So we went over for a chat. Very soon we were sat in a warm office drinking Turkish çay, eating biscuits and chatting with our new friends. That night turned out to be one of amazing hospitality.

We were driven into the city and taken out for a meal at a local fish restaurant, followed by a few beers and some live music!

DOUBTS During the first few days the realisation of what we were actually doing did float around in my head; leaving our friends, jobs, house. But as soon as the routine kicked in (cycling all day and sleeping the deepest sleep of our lives) everything became simple and satisfying.

With my words of reassurance ‘I’ll always be there to protect you from the dogs’, firmly in her head, I looked up to see Mary surrounded by five of the bastards!

ENVIROMENT & CARBON FOOTPRINT Cycling is pretty environmentally friendly but it depends how deep you go. We eat and drink a lot; couscous, pasta, canned beans adding meat, cheese and veg as we can. When we’re in the middle of nowhere food choices are limited and it’s not possible to know the provenance of it. There’s also the bikes and equipment. Metal, plastic and leather are all results of industrial processes and factories create waste. The leather used to make our saddles is responsible for the death of an animal somewhere in the world. According to www.peta.org much of the leather used in manufacturing comes from developing countries like India, of which I know nothing about animal welfare standards.

However, the theory of a good leather saddle is that if you look after it it should outlast any made of synthetic materials. But I’m pretty because quality matters

S.E. ASIA

UZBEKISTAN

KAZAKHSTAN

NEW ZEALAND

INDIA

CYCLING AROUND THE WORLD

CANADA

TRAvEl

USA

AUSTRALIA

You’ve got to have faith that things will work out.

And so far they have.

sure cycle touring has a low carbon footprint compared to any other transportation.

HAIRY MOMENTS We were camping in a national park and suddenly heard gunshot close by. Hunters were shooting at something. Time passed and no other shots sounded, but by then there were other sounds that were much more alarming.

The guttural call from a stag is an awesome thing, as is the clashing sounds of antlers – but not mere feet from your tent and especially when hunters are shooting at those said stags.

Wide eyed with anxiety, we packed up the tent at 3.30am and rode off, laughing nervously at what could’ve been.

We’re learning as we go and maybe it’s better to be open about camping rather than stealthy.

THE KINDNESS OF STRANGERS The world we’ve seen so far has been full of kind people. One evening in Serbia, we were looking for a place to pitch but we hadn’t done much wild camping and were apprehensive pitching on the side of the road. After coming up with various reasons to dismiss spots, we pulled up to a house to ask if we could camp in their field. The Dad of the family poked his head out and said (in Serbian) to his daughter “Are they hungry? Do they want to eat?”. We ended up having an amazing feast of pickled peppers, soup and rustic bread. We rode away the next morning with big smiles and feeling warm inside (and that wasn’t because of the two glasses of rakija we drank before breakfast).

Not long after, we were pulled over by the police. Concerned that we were in trouble for cycling on the motorway, we were surprised when the they ‘invited’ us for coffee. The police escorted us on the motorway, blue lights flashing and with a huge tailback of traffic behind us. Crowds of people were looking at us wondering who the hell these foreign cyclists were. After a guided tour of the gun cabinet, we had a long, boozy lunch at the station with the chief of police of southwest Serbia. I’m not sure how much we enjoyed it, but were excited to add it to our list of weird experiences.

At the end of another long day in Turkey we

pulled into Yalova, Turkey and decided to warm up in a café. Whilst there a lady on the table next to us came over and tied a bracelet around Mary’s wrist. Then a lady from another table gave us a big plate of fruit.

Don’t think we’ve been welcomed into a café like that before!

DIFFICULTY The most difficult thing was the decision to leave Guernsey. Everything else just seems to fall into place. You have to have faith that things will work out. And so far they have.

ANGRY DOGS The bane of the cycle tourist is the angry dog.

Stopping and facing the dog and barking like lunatics seems to stop them so we can ride off.

One time we heard a loud bark, sounding like a chainsaw exploding, and spied the beast gaining on us. Scanning the fence separating us from the dog, we reassured ourselves it was contained. Reassurance was shattered as the dog came through the hedge. Luckily your hero pulled out a plastic water pistol and started squirting water at it’s face. As I pulled the trigger the jets seemed to get weaker and the pistol felt like it was getting more pathetic.

Upon realisation of its ineffectiveness, I panicked and threw the gun at the dog and pedalled like hell. Meanwhile, still with my words of reassurance, ‘I’ll always be there to protect you from dogs’, in her head I looked up to see Mary surrounded by five of the bastards!

THE HIGHS Mount Olympus was pretty high.

ART ALONG THE WAY We’re both artists and have been establishing ourselves in the UK and France over the last few years. We’re currently based in Istanbul and will open an exhibition at Studio 9 Istanbul on 9th March.

Sponsor them? Whether it’s a meal or a spare wheel, it’ll help them get further in spreading the word of Guernsey to the rest of the world!

Follow them at www.twoonfourwheels.com

43

SAFARI OFFERS 1

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2

The Big Five 10 days Highlights include game drives in Samburu Game Reserve, Aberdare National Park, Lake Nakuru and Masai Mara.

From only £1809pp

3

Kenya best of both worlds 2 night Safari and 11 nights all inclusive beach.

From only £1335pp

All of the above are subject to availability and based on 2 people sharing.

Call now to book: 201250

Travelmaker, Nocq Road, St. Sampson GY2 4PB, Guernsey, GY2 4PB

travel

Fashion

A M E L I A ’ S WA R D R O B E

£25

NAIL BAR

Artistic Colour Gloss Manicure

Valid until 31st March

1 Mill Street, St. Peter Port, Guernsey GY1 1HG Tel: 729024

USUALLY £30

Organic fashion

PHOTOGRAPHY danny evans MODEL lindsay martel HAIR nathan thomas MAKE UP shanine levrier

Joy Knitted Cardigan £39 - Belt £15 - Miss Selfridge Jeans £36 - New Look Suede Boots £24.99

46

GUERNSEY’s style magazine

because quality matters

47

M&S Knitted Top £37.50 - Miss Selfridge belted shorts £30

Joy Mustard Scarf £2 - Amelias Wardrobe Vintage Cardigan £19.99 - Miss Selfridge Tan Jeans £28 Layered Vests £8

48

GUERNSEY’s style magazine

Joy Louche Cable Jumper £20 was £39 - Louche Samshort Floral £15 was £30 because quality matters

49

Joy Knitted Jumper £35

50

GUERNSEY’s style magazine

STYLE STALKER

fASHION

StyleStalker words | Jodie Sheppard and viki Stunell

We’ve sent our Style Stalker onto the street to hunt down Guernsey’s very own fashionistas!

jordan, 18, Administrator

Liam, 23, Retail Assistant

Lisa, Finance Consultant

I wear heels with everything, cause i’m only small, and a bit of fur to keep me warm!!

I’m wearing this because it’s comfortable!! I also have to wear stock from work so i guess it’s uniform-ish!?

I am travelling today....hence the bags!

Comfortable and smart is what I wanted to achieve

Style Stalker: we love that Jordan has grasped the first opportunity to get the sunnies out! well done....we’ll soon be following.

Style Stalker: gallery loves the pattern on Liam’s hoody and the coloured trousers are a refreshing change to Jeans.

Style Stalker: gallery tends to wear old joggers when travelling so salute a well turned out Lisa and of course we always adore a vuitton.

Maurice, 82, R.A.F 6th Squadron

Diane, 36, Mum

Andris, 24, concierge

I always make an effort, you never know who’ll you meet. Also 24 years in the R.A.F will keep you tidy!

My 3 year old tells me what to wear & the tights were the ones at the top of the drawer!

Drop crotch trousers are the most comfortable thing ever!

Style Stalker: Maurice made our head turn from a mile off in his dapper attire, a true gentleman.

Style Stalker: gallery like the mix of poncho for warmth but lots of colour to keep it fresh & another early sunnies fan, love that!

Style Stalker: Not an easy fashion trend to wear but Andris has the height to pull this look off, and the bright jacket keeps it casual.

because quality matters

51

Martin & Martin Designer Goldsmiths Limited

fASHION

The Patois Collection is brought to you exclusively by Paul Martin and inspired by the beauty of Guernsey. From bespoke pieces to original designs, repair work to remodelling existing jewellery, the name Martin & Martin has become synonymous with high quality and creativity.

The craftsmanship is recognised by the hallmark which all our work bears.

There are various beautiful designs available whatever the occasion, making a perfect treasured and unique gift.

Pop in to see the full range now at 20 Commercial Arcade, St. Peter Port Tel: 01481 723511, email: info@patoisjewellery.com web: patoisjewellery.com

TMR Creations

Treat yourself to some hand crafted goodies from TMR Creations! I make handmade jewellery, toiletries and gifts. From bookmarks to wedding or prom tiaras to bathbombs, soap and candles, TMR Creations is there to help with a gift for yourself or that someone special.

Bespoke gifts are available, and if your planning a wedding this year I would be honoured to create a beautiful tiara or favours for your guests. Just let me know what you are looking for and I would be happy to help you make your day perfect.

If you see a product you like, but are after a certain colour or fragrance that isn’t listed, please do not hesitate to email me on mail@tm rcreations.co.uk and I will certainly try and help you.

You can either order my items online or pick them up in store at Amelia’s Wardrobe. If you choose to order online, items are beautifully packaged and are posted to you, between 7 and 14 days.

Postage to the UK and the Channel Islands is a set price and if you spend over £30.00 it’s free!

Contact Tracey today! mail@tmrcreations.co.uk www.tmrcreations.co.uk Follow us on Twitter @TMRCreations

Mothers Day 18th March Celebrate Mothers Day with The Biscuit Box Hand iced super chocolatey biscuits personalised for your Mum! We can ship worldwide so let your Mum know she is special this year.

www.thebiscuitbox.com

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GUERNSEY’S STYlE MAGAzINE

PLAISIRS - LUXURY ORGANIC COMPETITION

fASHION

Luxury Organic Competition Lucky gallery readers, Plaisirs are giving away over £70 worth of Real Luxury Hand Wash, Hand Lotion & Body Oil, perfect for pampering, details on how to enter below.

NEOM Organics Real Luxury Body Oil Worth £35.00 Perfect for the ultimate me-time treat: this light organic body oil will give your skin an incredible boost of nourishment and restore its glow! The organic safflower and jojoba oils in this beautiful oil are rich in Vitamins A & E and its essential fatty acids will help repair your skin and restore its softness.

This gorgeous oil will sink straight into your skin (without being sticky) and will leave it delicately scented with its calming and pampering fragrance.

NEOM Organics Real Luxury Hand Duo Set Worth £39.00 Neom’s beautifully presented Real Luxury Hand Wash & Lotion Set is heaven in a bottle for your hands. This gorgeous hand duo is both floral and spicy with its stunning blend of organic essential oils of lavender, jasmine and brazilian rosewood. With natural aloe leaf, the hand wash protects and soothes your hands whilst the luxurious hand lotion moisturises. Available exclusively from our favourite luxury lifestyle boutique, PLAISIRS - Market Street.

Available exclusively from our favourite luxury lifestyle boutique, PLAISIRS - Market Street.

To enter please tell us what type of flower is featured in this advert. Email your answers to: win@gallery.gg.

The lucky winner will be contacted by email no later than 31/03/2012. Judges decision is final.

bEcAUSE qUAlITY MATTERS

53

TIN

01

& MARTI

LTD

MA R

One in a million Created exclusively by Paul Martin and his team of goldsmiths for Mother’s Day, this pendant make’s the perfect gift or keepsake.

N

Yeune Pas Coume Les Aotes - One in a Million

Guernsey French jewellery collection

481 723511

Martin & Martin Designer Goldsmiths Limited 20 Commercial Arcade, St Peter Port, Guernsey, GY1 1JX Tel: 01481 723511 Fax: 01481 701343 Email: info@patoisjewellery.com Web: www.patoisjewellery.com

CHARITY SHOP FASHION

fASHION

Charity Shop Fashion. Out with the new and in with the old. words | Ella cloud

If you’re feeling inspired to make more considered clothes choices a good place to start are the charity shops. Purchasing from a charity store creates absolutely zero demand for more clothes to be produced. You could leave in a warm glow of knowing that you own a wellpriced, pre-loved and unique piece of clothing, PLUS your pennies have gone to a good cause.

Oxfam

Les Bourgs Hospice

Store: With their shop in prime location on Smith Street, Oxfam is another well-organised operation. Items are priced fairly depending on the grade of the garment, be it from the high street or designer. Oxfam also organise Swishing events and fashion shows.

Store: With its parking and warehouse style set-up in Mont Arrive this is the largest of the Island’s charity shops.

Highlights: An array of Fair Trade products including cleaning products, coffee and chocolate.

Cause: A Christian charity that cares for people who have a life limiting disease, at any stage of their illness.

Cause: A global movement of people working with others to overcome poverty and suffering.

The Bridge

The Dressing-Up Box Store: If you venture up the cobbles of Mansell Street be sure to have a mosey in this boutique. Clothes are hung from the walls and rails or are draped over antique furniture.

Highlights: The size. You could spend a whole day rummaging through their rails and the large wedding dress section.

A cluster of shops including Communicate and the Friends of Citizen’s Advice Bureau are in quick succession on the Bridge.

Highlights: You can charity shop hop from one to another and find bargain, good quality furniture in all.

Highlights: With a beautiful, ever evolving window display and a bargain box, don’t let their sporadic opening times be a deterrent.

The Red Cross Store: Based in a beautiful old semi-detached house on the Rohais the Red Cross has an array of ever changing rails. With more bags of clothes being donated than they know what to do with, the volunteers are adept at sorting and organising their store.

Highlights: An abundance of children’s toys, thoughtfully presented rails and an envious DVD collection Cause: A volunteer-led humanitarian organisation that helps people in crisis, whoever and wherever they are.

Cause: Survive Cancer. A charity aiming to fund the first of a series of clinical trials into new treatments for cancer.

Ron Short Store: Not only a charity shop but a sheltered workshop and social centre for people with physical and sensory disabilities, you can find it tucked around the side of Beau Sejour Centre.

Highlights: £1 rails and a coffee morning on the 2nd Wednesday of every month, 30p entry includes a cup of tea.

Cause: All proceeds go to The Guernsey Society for Physically Disabled People.

One man’s rubbish is another man’s treasure. bEcAUSE qUAlITY MATTERS

55

fASHION

YOUR CLEAR CONSCIENCE GUIDE TO SHOPPING

Your Clear Conscience Guide to Shopping

HERE ARE A FEW

ETHICAL FASHION

LABELS FOR YOUR

NOTEBOOK:

words | Ella cloud

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

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

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

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

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

IZZY LANE

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

TOM’S SHOES

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

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

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

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

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

56

BEULAH LONDON

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

GUERNSEY’S STYlE MAGAzINE

YOUR CLEAR CONSCIENCE GUIDE TO SHOPPING

fASHION

FASHION-CONSCIENCE.COM

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

ASOS MARKETPLACE

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

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

IOU PROJECT

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

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

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

PEOPLE TREE

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

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

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

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

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

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

bEcAUSE qUAlITY MATTERS

57

fASHION

ASK THE EXPERT

STYLE STALKER

Ask the Expert words | Jodie Sheppard

aMELIa’S WaRDRoBE Handmade Vintage Inspired Dress £50 by Plum & Pigeon Elegant lace dress es are an essential in any girls wardrobe and we just love the gathered detail on this vintage inspired one from Amelias Wardrobe!

JoY Reprinted original Jimmy Hendrix t

HS2 Distressed Leather Boot and Suede Boot

£32 by Worn By A must have for any fashionista’s wardrobe, perfect with a pair of super skinny jeans and converse!

£122 Leather by Gstar, £87 Suede by Gstar.

MISS SELFRIDGE Denim Shorts £29.44 These denim shorts are perfect for the warner weather, and will rock on holiday or at a festival!

LanD oF GREEn GInGER Linen Shirt £55 by French Connection Choosing linen softens your look, and gives a casual edge to daywear

L.o.G.G organic Cotton Jeans

58

£52 by Monkee Genes These jeans bring a splash of colour to any outift and instantly update your wardrobe!

GUERNSEY’S StYlE maGaziNE

BEAUTy

yoUr AdvErTiSiNg SHoULd givE A

PoSiTivE rEFLECTioN oUr BEAUTy BANNEr iS Now AvAiLABLE Quality brands need quality media placement. Our divider banners align you with a relevant Gallery section and offers a creative design opportunity Call us on 739854 and ask about travel divider sponsorship

bEAUTY

BEAUTY NEWS

Beautynews

Gallery Male Grooming Guide

words | Nichole Sweetsur

Beauty lust...

Three steps to... the perfect pony Winter’s number one hair trend, the ponytail, is showing no signs of disappearing this spring. Transform your humble pony into a sleek style worthy of the catwalk with these simple steps: 1. For a sophisticated look, keep

hair smooth and glossy and never leave the hair elastic exposed – wrap a thin section of hair around the band and secure discreetly with a grip. Spritz with Moroccan Oil Styling and Finish Spray [www. activebeauty.co.uk] for shine and hold.

2. Gather hair loosely at the nape of

Our love affair with candles continues and now we’ve fallen in love with the Jonathan Ward collection. Seriously sophisticated scents, hand poured and made in the UK from organic soy and beeswax. Let the four scent styles guide you to finding the perfect fragrance for your mood. [www.jonathanwardlondon.com]

If you only buy one thing this month...

Treat yourself to one of the Becca Limited Edition Anniversary Palettes. These irresistible quads contain coordinating colours for eyes, lips and cheeks. So pretty you’ll feel like spring has arrived.

[Bella Spa]

the neck for a sexy, youthful look but make sure hair is in top condition to ensure it doesn’t look grungy.

If you only try one thing this month...

3. Create some interest by

Skin serums are the latest skincare heroes and with so many new launches there are plenty to choose from. Sensitive types will love the new Vichy LiftActiv Serum 10 whilst YSL Forever Youth Liberator Serum has beauty editors raving about its anti-ageing effects.

contrasting textures – smooth hair over the head and secure at the back before crimping the pony and frizzing out the hair to create volume.

+

Beauty maths

Rapidbrow Eyebrow Enhancing Serum

60

= WOW BROWS!

Benefit Instant Brow Pencil

M

ost of us need a little help to look bright eyed and bushy tailed in the morning and the latest generation of roll-on eye serums for men make it fast and easy to reduce signs of fatigue. The roller balls have an instantly cooling effect and help to diminish morning puffiness.

no7 For Men Rapid Eye Roll on

With anti-ageing peptides to help reduce fine lines around the eye. Squeeze the tube to release as much or as little as you want. [£12.00 Boots]

Clinique antiFatigue Cooling Eye Gel Instantly cooling, the gel is super light so it’s a good choice for men who don’t like the feeling of creams on their skin. [£20.00 Creaseys]

Bulldog original Eye Roll on

With cucumber and Brazilian Ginseng Extract to reduce puffiness and diminish tell-tale dark circles.

Good value too. [£9.99 Waitrose]

THE SALON

The Salon Sea Blossoms Limited Edition Make Up...

Spring / Summer 2012... inspired by soft, seaside hues, the collection is awash in pastels of pink, coral, violet and blue. Infusions of heavier greys and greens intermix with velvety tones to create warm spring/summer looks.

Light The Way Candle...

During EARTHMONTH 2012 we come together as a global network to protect our planet and its people supporting clean water projects close to home and around the world.

KIDS NEED CLEAN WATER.

AVEDA mission... our mission is to care for the world we live in, from the products we make to the ways in which we give back to society. At Aveda, we strive to set an example for environmental leadership and responsibility, not just in the world of beauty, but the world around us.

bEAUTY

Progressing, worked for Toni & Guy and taught in their Academies and worked back/front stage at many of their seminars and workshops.

I have owned “The Salon” for 6 years and myself and my creative team are going from strength to strength. It has been a major success and we are The ONLY AVEDA CONCEPT salon in Guernsey.

The Salon “Vision” The Salon is to offer a professional service, delivered by a passionate and creative team in a relaxing environment.

Christine Gallagher [the owner] has had 28 years in the business.

Trained in Glasgow by The Rusks and then moved forward to seminars and stage work all around the world. bEcAUSE qUAlITY MATTERS

www.thesalon.gg 37 High Street, St. Peter Port Tel: 730600

61

bEAUTY

BEAUTY PRODUCTS

Beauty Products words | Nichole Sweetsur

Liquid gold Lovers of natural beauty products have long been extolling the virtues of using oils as part of their skincare routine and there is no doubt, oils are having a ‘beauty moment’ right now. They are in the spotlight for their nourishing, anti-ageing and balancing properties and for green beauty queens, oils are a great way of avoiding chemical-nasties in your skin or body care. The founder of eco brand, Green People, Charlotte Vøhtz explains: “Plant oils offer many ecological benefits – they require minimal processing, do not require the use of preservatives and if properly grown and harvested are completely sustainable. An additional benefit is that when they are grown organically they have positive beneficial effects on the environment.”

Natural oils have the power to rejuvenate, smooth, heal, improve tone and elasticity and nourish skin. Massaged over skin or layered underneath a regular moisturiser they are an antidote to dull winter skin that has lost it glow. Oils can penetrate into the dermis and are rich in antioxidants like Vitamin E as well as skin-loving fatty acids and omegas 3, 6, 7 and 9.

“Adding the right oil for your skin can instantly leave it feeling smoother and softer no matter what skin type,” explains Hannah Adam, Head Therapist, Salvation Spa. “Different oils have different properties – it is partly down to the fatty acids that they are made from together with other natural factors such as the vitamins and antioxidants that they contain. For dry skin, oils that help to lock moisture into the skin are best – try Shea Butter, Olive Oil and Cupuaçu Butter. For scar tissue, Rosehip oil has been shown to have excellent healing properties. For people prone to spots and blackhead formation Jojoba Oil is ideal as it helps to soften oxidized sebum that can block pores and lead to spot formation,” says Charlotte.

Base oils can then be supercharged by blending in essential oils which have been used for centuries in skincare and are valued for their anti-ageing, soothing and antibacterial qualities. If you’re looking to cut back on the amount of chemicals you are absorbing through your skin, it pays to invest in some liquid gold…

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For skin

For the body

1. Pevonia aromatherapy Face oil

6. Lovely Lanolips Herbal treatment Body oil

For oily to combination skin. The Sandalwood, Mandarin, Orange and Grapefruit essential oils not only smell divine but help to regulate and balance sebum production. [£20.00 Salvation Spa]

Using ultra pure grade Lanolin Oil with Pine and Eucalyptus essential oils this body treatment improves skin elasticity, skin tone and dryness. It can even be used during pregnancy and will help prevent stretch marks. [£9.99 www.victoriahealth.com]

2. Qsilica REStoRE Facial oil Natural oils and healing silica combine in this intensive facial oil that restores dull and tired skin. Sweet Almond and Rosehip Oils deliver essential fatty acids, vitamins and nutrients to help repair and improve the skin’s texture and help smooth wrinkles and fine lines. [£19.94 www.qsilica.co.uk]

3. Douvall’s 100% organic argan oil Moisturiser 100 per cent organic and incredibly rich in anti-ageing Vitamin E and essential fatty acids, this is an excellent all rounder. Make a facial massage with this oil a regular part of your skincare routine, particularly when skin is dull or dry. But you can also use on cuticles or even on the ends of your hair. [£25.00 www.douvalls.com]

4. Clarins Rebalancing oils

7. Green People Sheer Pamper Body oil This luxuriously heavy oil contains Almond, Jojoba, Sunflower and Avocado and Pomegranate Seed Oils along with Jasmine extract and Mandarin and Ylang Ylang essential oils. Green People has long been established as the go-to brand for green beauty mavens and this body oil doesn’t disappoint. [£23.00 www.greenpeople.co.uk]

8. neom Body oils Pure, organic luxury. Try Moroccan Blush Rose Body Oil, the natural Safflower and Jojoba Oils pamper and nourish skin whilst the delicate rose fragrance is balanced by black pepper and lime. [£30.00 Plaisirs.]

Clarins has just launched three facial oils which are 100 per cent natural and use Hazelnut Oil as their base. For dry skins, try Santal Oil with Sandalwood, Cardamom and Lavender; dehydrated skins will love Blue Orchid Oil whilst oily and combination skins will benefit from Lotus Oil. [£29.00. Creaseys]

For the bath

For hair

10. Ren Moroccan Rose otto Bath oil

5. John Masters 100% argan oil

This is exquisitely scented oil contains Sesame Oil and Aloe to soothe and nourish the skin. We love the way the oil disperses through the bath and leaves skin smelling delicately of rose. [£30.00 Plaisirs.]

Argan oils have been creating a beauty buzz for a while now, but not all products contain much of this revered oil.

Harvested by a woman’s cooperative in Morocco, you only need a small slick of John Masters organic oil to restore dry hair. You can use it as an overnight treatment or rub a drop between your hands and run through the ends of your hair before blow drying. [£32.50 www.feelunique.com]

9. aromatherapy associates Deep Relax Bath & Shower oil This is tranquillity in a bottle. A blend of natural oils with Vetivert, Camomile and Sandalwood essential oils this will leave skin soft and hydrated. [£37.00 Karma Beauty]

GUERNSEY’S STYlE MAGAzINE

BEAUTY PRODUCTS

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bEAUTY

SALVATION SPA

Salvation Spa...

Passionate about beauty and offering a tranquil environment for clients, Salvation Spa takes the time to understand their clients individual needs to ensure they receive the treatments that are right for them.

Salvation Spa is pleased to introduce Charlotte Neill as a new full time Beauty Therapist.

After studying at the Guernsey College of FE Charlotte graduated in 2008 has been enjoying her therapist work ever since. Charlotte particularly enjoys massage and facials although she is extremely skilled in all areas of beauty.

Charlotte joins Salvation Spa from Rachel’s Retreat and is available for treatments at the Salvation Spa upon request.

Book yourself an appointment today, call 240133 and ask for Charlotte!

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GUERNSEY’S STYlE MAGAzINE

bEAUTY

APPETiTE

Available in all fine establishments on the island www.olivertwistgin.com - Trade enquiries 01481 726681 bEcAUSE qUAlITY MATTERS

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APPETITE

CONSULTING CHEF: LE FRIqUET HOTEL

Consulting Chef PRoFILE:

Le Friquet Hotel

Tel: 01481 256509 | www.lefriquethotel.com You’ve been awarded the “Gold Guernsey quality Assured” badge for your restaurant, and also the Breakfast Award, how does it feel for Le Friquet to be recognized in this way?

After 15 years at Le Friquet Hotel its great that both the quality of food and the service we offer has been recognized

by Independent Inspection.

Our Seafood Platter which is as popular today as it was when we first put it on the menu many years ago.

What’s the strangest off the menu food request you have ever had?

“Filleted Whitebait” !

You’re well known for using local produce, what are your favorite local ingredients to use or do you tend to go by seasons?

Who’s your favourite chef or the person you take the most inspiration from?

We are privileged to have the finest and freshest seafood available right on our doorstep virtually all year round.

Couple this with seasonal locally grown vegetables and it’s Chef heaven!

What would you have for your last supper?

What does Guernsey produce have to offer that’s different to other places you’ve worked?

Believe it or not I go fishing.

Where do you start. Look at the dairy products from rich wholesome milk and cream, to butter, to wonderful ice creams, Guernsey beef, locally grown vegetables, and freshly caught fish.

Do you use organic ingredients and can you notice the difference in either cooking or taste?

It’s fair to say that we do where possible and yes you can tell the difference.

Give us a chef secret to help us make the prefect organic dish?

Know the source of the food to start off with and keep it simple.

In your opinion what is king of the fruit and veg stall and why?

Theres no King, though I have to say that Jersey Royals still appear to rule when it comes to potatoes.

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What’s your all time favorite dish on your menu and why?

Marco Pierre White.

Langoustines.

What do you do to relax?

What are your future plans for Le Friquet?

Hmm, we have some exciting plans that will involve greater emphasis on seafood whilst retaining our core values of good quality food and excellent value for money. We have a very loyal local following and its really important to me to ensure that we remain consistent in our high standards.

name: Ian Carré Born and bred: Guernseyman through and through When I was kid I thought I’d grow up to be: Chef Inspiration to become a chef…

Watching cooking programs and practicing at home.

What’s your poison..?

Large chilled glass of Chablis I don’t eat…

Genetically modified foods.

Sweet or Savoury?

Savoury Meat or Fish?

Fish

CONSULTING CHEF: LE FRIqUET HOTEL

APPETITE

Know the source of the food to start off with and keep it simple.

Photograph by: John de Garis

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APPETITE

GUERNSEY ORGANICS

words | Nick Mollet

Anne’s background Organic Growing in Guernsey ORGANIC growing has a future in Guernsey and islanders will have to adopt more environmentally friendly principles, insists the island’s first commercial organic grower Anne Sandwith.

She is perhaps better placed than most to pass on advice following her decades of experience and professional handling of the complexities involved in the process of going organic.

‘No-one should be under the illusion that going organic is an easy or cheap option. It’s certainly not just a matter of dispensing with artificial fertilisers, pesticides and herbicides and letting nature take its course,’ she warns.

‘Of course in the old days all agriculture used to be ‘organic’ but it’s not just a matter of reverting to former practices. Modern organic production can be quite ‘high tech’ and not at all ‘old fashioned’.’

Much research has been done on breeding varieties of seeds that are resistant to pests and diseases and on crop production to maximise yields without resorting to chemicals: All this without genetic engineering (which is banned under organic regulations), she says.

The real pioneers of the modern organic movement were Sir Albert Howard and Lady Eve Balfour in the 1930 and‘40s. Lady Eve, the founder of the Soil Association said, “The soil is a living organism. The health of man, beast and plant is one indivisible whole.” They both promoted the idea that good health depends on good nutrition with food free from chemical additives. In other words, “You are what you eat”.

Organic producers believe that healthy plants can only be raised in healthy soil and this principle is at the heart of the Soil Association’s organic rule book for licensees, known as the ‘Standards’.

Islanders may be surprised to learn that it takes two years to convert land to organic and this process is carefully monitored. Licensees must produce a ‘conversion plan’ to demonstrate how they will maintain the long-term fertility

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and biological activity of the soil, for example, by adding compost and the use of green manure crops. They must practice a four-year rotation of their crops, purchase organic seed whenever possible and demonstrate how they will encourage wildlife, beneficial insects and protect the environment.

‘The use of renewable resources and recycling must be maximised to reduce pollution and waste to a minimum. Livestock must be treated ethically, meeting their physiological and behavioural needs. Therefore, intensive farming methods, such as battery hens and ‘zero grazing’ are outlawed,’ says Ms. Sandwith.

So what does the future hold?

‘The organic market has reportedly taken a bit of a hit recently due to the economic downturn with many people looking for the cheapest possible food, regardless of quality or how it’s produced. Although understandable, this is short-sighted because unfortunately our health suffers if we do not pay enough attention to our diet,’ she says.

‘Also intensive farming and growing are very dependent on scarce and expensive resources, including oil, oil based fertilisers and phosphorus from mined phosphate which is reaching a critical stage. Environmentalists have indentified the “perfect storm” of climate change, resource depletion, diet-related ill health and population growth. We must consider how we produce and consume food.

We will need to eat less meat and then only that from livestock grazed on grassland that hasn’t been fertilised with artificial fertilisers.’

‘Organic production therefore appears to hold some of the answers to this dilemma as it already has the necessary tool kit. Organic is the future because it has to be; we have no choice but use the earth’s precious resources wisely,’ she advises.

‘Guernsey doesn’t exist in a vacuum and will therefore need to follow suit and adopt more environmentally friendly principles.’

Anne Sandwith was Guernsey’s first commercial organic grower. Some of her mother’s family had been farmers in Kent and Sussex and as a child she spent many happy days helping on her relatives’ farms.

Anne married a Guernseyman and moved to the island and by sheer coincidence her husband also harboured a desire to do some growing. It was meant to be a sideline but turned into a full-time occupation.

During the 1970s, early tomato producers suffered a number of knocks, there were enormous hikes in the price of oil and increased competition from Holland.

Unfortunately Anne had to go into office work, but slowly was able to return to growing on a smaller scale and became a founding member of Friends of the Earth Guernsey.

In 1990 the late Roland Ogier offered Anne his wooden greenhouses in Baubigny, he had already converted one house to organic and was growing kiwi fruit for export. She kept a few of the trees but used the remaining space for vegetable growing and gradually converted the whole vinery to organic production, a two-year process. Anne then registered with the Soil Association and became the first commercial organic grower in Guernsey.

Having visited a few UK nurseries, an organic grower in Jersey called Brian Adair gave her invaluable advice.

Anne started selling produce to a few friends and was gradually able to expand into Besants, however Anne’s first real breakthrough came when she pioneered a veg box delivery scheme. Anne soon had 30 regular customers purchasing a weekly box of seasonal organic veg providing really fresh produce direct to customers.

Eventually Anne outgrew the old vinery and moved to a new metal greenhouse in the Castel with much better soil and conditions, by this time she had nearly 200 customers on her books with a waiting list – people were realising the health, environmental and taste benefits and organic had become ‘trendy’.

People began to want greater flexibility to choose their veg so she struck up a very successful relationship with the Channel Islands’ Co-op and Forest Stores, as well as having a Saturday stall at St Martin’s Farmers’ Market.

After 20 years of running Guernsey Organic Growers and on reaching 65, Anne found the worthy successor Fiona Pollock who took over the business. Anne’s very loyal work force also became involved in the new business.

GUERNSEY’S STYlE MAGAzINE

GUERNSEY ORGANICS

APPETITE

ANNE SANDWITH’S TOP TEN TIPS FOR PEOPLE THINKING OF GOING ORGANIC

1 2

Get your soil into tip-top condition, know your soil type (you can get a sample analysed for a small fee at the Soil Lab)

Start a compost heap in a shady corner of your garden. Public Services provide subsidised kits for just £10. Sow a green manure crop over temporarily unused areas of your plot.

Gather some free natural fertiliser from the beach in the autumn. Spread the vraic over any bare soil over winter.

3 4

You will need a water supply and a hose nearby to water in freshly planted out crops in dry weather and any greenhouse crops.

Decide which vegetables/soft fruit you want to grow and divide your plot into four equal areas to achieve a four-year rotation cycle. Grouping vegetables of the same ‘family’ together to minimise pest and disease problems and maximise the uptake of nutrients. Soft fruit will need a more permanent space; strawberries can stay put for three years.

5

Make your garden wildlife friendly.

Don’t be too tidy, though do clear away old crop debris, which can be chopped up and composted so long as it isn’t diseased. Beneficial insects need places to overwinter – you can make your own little ‘homes’ for them by leaving old logs and lengths of hollow bamboo in a corner. Plant sunflowers and other flowers to attract hoverflies.

Their lava feed on aphids, as do ladybirds.

because qUAlITY bEcAUSE quality MATTERS matters

6

Grow and make your own plant-based fertilisers. Comfrey leaves can be cut several times during the season and steeped in water to provide an invaluable but smelly food for tomatoes and potatoes. Stinging nettle leaves are also nutritionally rich. Garlic spray deters aphids.

7 8

Scrutinise seed catalogues during the winter and plan what you’re going to grow. Buy organic seed whenever possible.

Consider buying a small greenhouse, polytunnel or a small heated propagator for plant-raising and for tender crops. Sow seeds in succession throughout the growing season to avoid ‘gluts’. Recycle suitable containers for propagation, e.g. old yogurt pots, plastic trays.

9

Rabbit proof your veg plot if necessary.

Use chicken wire buried a few inches into the ground so they can’t tunnel underneath; it’s expensive but essential to protect your crops.

Make a fruit cage or use netting to keep the birds off soft fruit.

10

Finally, have fun and remember, so long as it tastes good, a mis-shapen cucumber doesn’t matter! Don’t expect perfect results every time – or ever! Some crop losses will occur and it’s usually due to circumstances beyond your control, such as the weather!

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ANABOLIC ORGANIC RECIPE

APPETITE

words | Gary Hooks

Anabolic Organic Recipe If you’e training hard for your chosen sport and want to remain well fuelled in preparation for your next training session then give yourself the best chance for peak performance by supplying your system with the required nutrients. Even if you’re not working out this is a delicious recipe for anyone to try. If you can only afford organic ingredients once a week then use them on this occasion. Enjoy!

Prawn and Avocado Salad • Serves 1

Nutrition: Calories 395, Protein 42g, Carbs 8g, Fats 22g Ingredients: 6oz baby prawns, 1 Tomato chopped & Seeded, 1 Small onion, 1 crushed garlic clove, 1 Avocado chopped, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp balsamic vinegar, coriander, fresh mint, chopped red pepper, 1 tbsp olive oil, 2 handful lettuce.

Method: Cook prawns, mix with all ingredients, serve mixture on to lettuce leaves and dress with lime

roast Chicken Breast with Spinach • Serves 4

Nutrition: Calories 405, Protein 55g, Carbs 10g, Fats 19g Ingredients: 4 large boneless and skinless chicken breasts, 4 cups of spinach, 2 tbsp garlic, ¼ cup walnuts crushed, salt, black pepper, olive oil non extra virgin. because quality matters

Method: Pre heat oven 400 F, butterfly chicken breasts, lay flat then tenderise and rub both sides with olive oil and season, wilt spinach. Rub garlic on top of the chicken and sprinkle with walnuts, cover with spinach, fold and bake for 20 minutes at 400 F then reduce to 325 F for an additional 25 minutes.

Rest then serve with steamed veg of choice

Mango Lime Mousse • Serves 4

Nutrition: Calories 133, Protein 3g, Carbs 4g, Fats 10g Ingredients: ½ cup fat free ricotta cheese, 1 cup skimmed milk, 1 tbsp lime juice, 1 sheet unflavoured gelatin, ¼ cup water.

Method: Blend mango, ricotta, sugar, lime zest & lime juice then sprinkle gelatine over water and let stand and soften then pour into blender. In a saucepan boil the milk then pour into the mixture, puree and pour mousse into dishes and freeze for 2 hours before serving.

Eating vegan What is a vegan?

Vegans in addition to being vegetarian do not use other animal products and by-products such as eggs, dairy products, honey, leather, fur, silk, wool, cosmetics, and soaps derived from animal products.

Why choose veganism?

If your concerned about your health, the environment or ethical reasons its time to consider being a Vegan.

Being a Vegan promotes a more humane and caring world, has many health benefits and can in some cases give you luscious hair and glorious glowing skin, plus a cleaner conscience!

Some keen celebrity followers include Bryan Adams, Leonardo da Vinci, Prince, Mike Tyson, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie… we say if its good enough for them its good enough for us.

Give it a try this month!!

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APPETITE

fOOS dIlEMMAS & REASONS WHY...

FOOD words | Caroline Mauger

DILEMMAS

Do you intend to buy organic fruit and vegetables but find yourself in a quandary at the supermarket? When the organic and bog-standard offerings are practically side by side on the shelves, going for the more costly option can feel extravagant. Maybe they grow on trees but money sure doesn’t. And if you’re planning to peel, chop and cook your veggies, you’d be forgiven for questioning whether anyone will really notice the difference.

Although I’m a grown woman with a family of my own, my mother is my guilty conscience: many a time I’ve been on the receiving end of tutting incredulity when she has dropped round and spotted Egyptian strawberries or Kenyan beans. ‘Local and seasonal’ is her mantra and it definitely makes sense, I just fling packets into the trolley without thinking sometimes. The answer to the price dilemma is clear: don’t buy fresh produce at the supermarket. With two Farmers’ Markets and an abundance of great hedge-veg stalls in Guernsey, buying organic is easy and, if you follow the seasons, it doesn’t have to be expensive.

Local and seasonal is fresher and tastier, and the hedgeveg aficionado will know exactly where to get the best of the best. Just ask my Mum – she’ll be the one driving around the island blocking the road at regular intervals, in pursuit of the flouriest Dunbar potato here, the most succulent cherry tomato there. Should get a bike, Mum, if you’re really concerned about your carbon footprint.

Growing your own is also a wonderful solution. Where once we had flowerbeds, my husband has built a complicated arrangement of canes for peas and beans to climb.

Where once we had a lawn, we have a henhouse with its three egg-producing residents, Kylie, Dannii and JaJa Binks. I don’t have green fingers but picking strawberries just before eating them is a pleasure and our new potatoes and carrots taste amazing – never mind that their cost per unit is probably sky high. My six-year-old son can identify most vegetables from their seedlings and his love of eating them increased dramatically once he became involved in their cultivation.

In my fridge are some organic buys which I have bought but do question my motives. Exhibit A: organic tomato ketchup. Organic ketchup? Isn’t that a bit of a paradox, in the manner of ‘high-class call girl’? I spent 78p extra to buy this ‘superior’ version of a product which is packed with sugar and made to accompany chips. Motive: your child has a friend home for tea and you go for a failsafe menu of fish fingers and chips. Their mother turns up early but the bottle on the table says ‘I care about healthy eating’ - even though the kids are probably tucking into ‘Fab’ lollies by this stage.

When it comes to food, many of us would admit to having a complicated relationship with the stuff. I aim to eat healthily but am always on a mission to lose half a stone.

I suspect it has something to do with my love of baking: it’s the alchemy of mixing a few ingredients and turning them into something so different, the smell wafting from the oven, the Domestic Goddess feeling… the CAKE. If bananas go brown in the fruit bowl, they’ll be transformed into Nigella’s Banana Butterscotch Muffins before you can say ‘Sod the diet!’

Yet I get annoyed with this preoccupation with food: it’s pretty shallow when you consider that having a choice of what to eat is a luxury most of the world can’t afford.

‘Foodie’ is a strange term, implying that taking an interest in what you consume is a hobby whilst ‘non-foodies’ shovel any old thing into their mouths. We’re lucky enough to live on an island where food is plentiful and we can easily get hold of fresh, organic produce. Good food is one of life’s pleasures – you can have your cake and eat it.

Reasons Why We Should All Eat More Organic Food!

Organic Food is More Nutritious –Yummy! ne Organic food contains higher levels of beta carote , vitamins C, D and E, health-promoting polyphenols cancer-fighting antioxidants, flavonoids that can and help ward off heart disease, essential fatty acids, als. miner ial essent in On average, organic food is 25% more nutritious derived terms of vitamins and minerals than products from industrial agriculture. are Levels of antioxidants in milk from organic cattle between 50% and 80% higher than normal milk. s Organic wheat, tomatoes, potatoes, cabbage, onion nts and lettuce have between 20% and 40% more nutrie than non-organic foods.

Organic food contains qualitatively higher levels and of essential minerals: calcium, magnesium, iron cal chromium that are severely depleted in chemi foods grown on pesticide and nitrate fertilizer-abused soil.

Organic Food is Pure Food, Free of Chemical Additives – Great!

Organic food doesn’t contain food additives, flavor enhancers (like MSG), artificial sweeteners , (like aspartame and high-fructose corn syrup) (like s vative preser or ry) mercu (like inants contam sodium nitrate), that can cause health problems.

Eating organic allegedly has the potential to lower es, the incidence of autism, learning disorders, diabet , orosis cancer, coronary heart disease, allergies, osteop ing to migraines, dementia, and hyperactivity accord medical reports.

Organic Food Is Safer – Fabulous!

Organic food doesn’t contain pesticides. More in than 400 chemical pesticides are routinely used n conventional farming and some residues remai en on non-organic food even after washing. Childr are especially vulnerable to pesticide exposure. may One class of pesticides, endocrine disruptors, r. be responsible for early puberty and breast cance Pesticides are linked to asthma and cancer.

Organic food isn’t genetically modified. g Organic animals aren’t given drugs. Organic farmin h standards prohibit the use of antibiotics, growt farm hormones and genetically modified vaccines in mption animals. Hormone-laced beef and dairy consu is correlated with increased rates of cancers.

Organic animals are not fed slaughterhouse waste, of blood or manure. Eating organic reduces the risks well CJD, the human version of mad cow disease, as as Alzheimer’s.

Organic animals aren’t fed arsenic.

Organic animals aren’t fed byproducts of corn E. coli ethanol production (which increases the rate of contamination). e

Organic crops aren’t fertilized with toxic sewag sludge or coal waste, or irrigated with E. coli contaminated sewage water.

Organic food isn’t irradiated.

ia.

Organic food contains less illness-inducing bacter Organic chicken is free of salmonella and has reduced incidence of campylobacter.

a

…Are You Convinced Yet?...

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THE FIRST STRAW

W/m²K, which is two to three times better than the building materials currently used on most properties (the lower the U-value, the higher the insulation value).

‘The First Straw’

Organic building solutions arrive in Guernsey Last year, James and Claire watts of Les Piques Farm decided on a straw bale extension to their home in St. Saviour after seeing the construction of a straw bale house on the television programme ‘grand designs’.

Building with straw bales has many advantages when compared to other contemporary building materials. The breathable walls are extremely thermally efficient, acoustically insulating and contrary to what might be expected, when plastered with clay and/or lime, are less of a fire risk than the equivalent timber-framed walls. In this form of building, many of the materials can be produced locally, cutting down on the embodied energy associated with transportation. Wheat sequesters carbon whilst growing, which ends up captured within the walls meaning the bales are actually at least carbon neutral. Straw bale construction is also incredibly strong; mechanical straw baling machines weren’t around when the three little pigs were building their houses!

Most importantly perhaps, straw bale construction is affordable. Not only are bales relatively inexpensive, but due to the high thermal insulation value of straw, when regarding the cradleto-grave life span of the building in comparison to mainstream construction, substantially reduce the ongoing cost of heating the building. Straw bales of over 45 cm thickness have a U-value of 0.13

Straw bale buildings that were built in Nebraska over one hundred years ago are still in use, and their organic nature has been proven to provide a healthy living environment. Guernseys vernacular architecture has very much given way to the use of Portland cement and associated oil-based plastics and other chemicals which are necessary when using such uneconomical materials. Building with straw ensures an off-gas free space, eliminating the likelihood of health issues which are associated with conventional construction materials. The straw doesn’t contain pollen, it is innocuous and so, it is also a great choice for allergy sufferers who are increasingly prone to indoor air pollution.

Whilst working on the Watts’ project, Stuart Ogier, a local stonemason and lime expert with a penchant for alternative and ecologically sound building methods and materials decided to start a business offering a unique service to the island and has named it ‘DesignBuild’. This is a new sister company to the existing greenbuilding ‘Guernsey Granite Limited’

Stuart Ogier of designbuild and Rae Parkinson of Amazonails peer out of a window opening in the straw bale wall. © Richard lord www.sustainableguernsey.info

(who were subsequently contracted to machine-spray the lime render).

‘DesignBuild’ is influenced by the principles of permaculture in its approach to sustainable building design and construction. DesignBuild is part of a global transition and is trailblazing a path for the local construction industry in a conscientious and responsible direction, championing naturally ecological and sustainable technologies.

“It is obvious that within the limits of our current oil-based economy, using unsustainable practices will not continue indefinitely. We decided that Guernsey deserves an alternative, sustainable construction service (both in financial and environmental terms) right now, rather than waiting until it becomes law.” - Stuart Ogier.

Stuarts knowledge and experience in general building and of working with ecologically sound materials locally and in the UK, is wide ranging and includes: cob, green-oak, straw bale, stone, clay, lime and renewable energy systems. He has a vision and sees great value in innovative energy saving design principles, such as ‘Earthship’ technologies and the ‘Passivhaus’ standards which harness natural, abundantly occurring resources such as sunlight, wind, rain and vegetation.

Through experience, he has learned that buildings are capable of breathing with the seasons, making the most of all weather conditions whilst passively harvesting energy from the environment.

He has now joined forces with a local architect, and another ecologically minded engineer and together they are able to offer this unique design-build service.

For further information on this service and contact details, visit their website: www.limegreenbuildings.co.uk

We specialise in a holistic approach to sustainable building, design and realisation. Naturally combining the most advanced architectural solutions and ecological building technology.

Tel: 07911 778 616 Email: stuart_ogier@hotmail.co.uk Web: www.limegreenbuildings.co.uk 74

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words & illustration | Oliver Westgarth

Organic - Of, relating to, or derived from living organisms, a living entity & Architecture….

Warning - this article will be decidedly ‘organic’. Time is running out before the deadline and I just lost 3 hours of work thanks to a shoddy iPad App. So where to start (again)?

A burst of stream-of-consciousness often seems to help when I’m confuddled and with little time in hand. Straightaway, that’s an organic notion in itself isn’t it?

A stream of consciousness? What else does organic suggest? Organic food and drink obviously. Organic wine, cheese and oil. Organic baby clothes are now available online….. and organic yoga ….

In fact Organic and Architecture go often and easily together. Mainly in two ways: The philosophy of architecture known as ‘Organic Architecture’ is a design philosophy introduced in the 1930’s by one of architectural Modernism’s founding fathers, Frank Lloyd Wright (1867–1959). The theory played and still plays a key role in modern architectural design. It’s often at the heart of debate about what is good and bad architecture and where it will/should go in the future.

On the other hand there is also what, for the sake of this article, I will term architecture of an ‘Organic Aesthetic’.

This is probably what most of us would assume when thinking of organic architecture. Designs which replicate forms found in nature, often curvy, ecofriendly buildings with grass roofs, but sometimes even buildings which imitate the shapes of plants and animals. The two concepts are very different despite being somewhat interlinked and often confused.

‘Organic Architecture’ – the architectural theory. (In the spirit of what I originally set out to achieve in these articles I’ll try to translate the architectural jargon that goes along with this). Here’s a bit of

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Wright’s description of what he meant

by Organic Architecture, the key bits underlined: “So here I stand before you preaching organic architecture: declaring organic architecture to be the modern ideal and the teaching so much needed if we are to see the whole of life, and to now serve the whole of life, holding no ‘traditions’ essential to the great TRADITION. Nor cherishing any preconceived form fixing upon us either past, present or future, but – instead – exalting the simple laws of common sense – or of super-sense if you prefer – determining form by way of the nature of materials, the nature of purpose so well understood...form follows function?

Yes, but more important now, Form and Function are One.” – Frank Lloyd Wright, An Organic Architecture. 1939 Wright takes a whole book to explain the theory in detail but it’s basically a theory of how to design architecture. It isn’t restricted to individual buildings but can refer to anything from design of a shed to city planning. At heart it’s a theory of design which aims to be holistic.

Wright named it organic as he believed its core principles are best parallels in nature.

Anyone with any interest in modern architecture will be familiar with the last section of the quote. The phrase “form follows function” (i.e. the form, usually of a building, is dictated by how the thing is eventually to be used) is probably the most important “mantra of Modernism”.

It was originally coined by Lloyd Wright’s mentor, Louis Sullivan (1856-1924). With his theory of ‘Organic Architecture’ Wright importantly tweaked the mantra to “form and function are one”, hence holistically and organically entwined.

So what does this ‘Organic Architecture’ entail I hear you ask from the edge of

your seats…. The idea is basically that the building’s design is considered as a “unified organism”. This may sound odd when discussing a building but hear it out.

The unifying is achieved via a number of key techniques which Wright set out.

For example the materials used must be sensitively selected with respect for their individual properties, they should be sustainably manufactured and craftsmen should be utilised and consulted to work with them. Space should be efficiently used - seems obvious but is regularly done badly today. Detailed attention must be paid to the local environment, the direct site and general surroundings, the context. Through natural light and the blurring of boundaries between inside and outside the building and landscape should be harmonised. The considered design of every single element of the building should be undertaken, from windows, floors, to chairs intended to fill the space ensuring everything inter-relates, in doing so reflecting the symbiotic ordering systems of nature.

Most of these points are taken for granted in the ‘Grand Designs’ generation. But keep in mind the context; this theory and Modernism generally came about as a response to the Industrial Revolution.

Wright’s ideas form part of a global movement now recognised as being the formative moment of Modernism.

There were many others involved, Le Corbusier, Louis Kahn, Alvar Aalto, Mies van de Rohe and Walter Gropius of the Bauhaus to name a few. Each had their own theories; in fact in the optimistic post WW2 period if you didn’t have a theory it seems you were doing something wrong.

Wright’s ‘Organic Architecture’ however stands out from many of the others.

His view on natural materials and completely site specific solutions contrasted with many of his contemporaries who were either looking backward, extolling the virtues of repetition of historic or neo-classical

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ARCHITECTURE

solutions, or wholly ‘forward’, focusing only on the use of hypermodern synthetic materials, plastics and mass produced elements. In retrospect his notions, which seem so apt today, indicate how ahead of their time they were. Many of the concepts are now central to today’s sustainable/ green architecture movement as well as key notions of all contemporary design.

Aesthetically Wright’s buildings can mostly be described as linear.

Coincidentally they are, in my eyes, the complete opposite of the classic ‘Organic Aesthetic’ that I mentioned briefly at the beginning and which is often confused with ‘Organic Architecture’.

The key is that despite the name and the idea behind it, ‘Organic Architecture’ is not a style of imitation of nature; the form is not representative of nature. Instead it’s organic in it’s reinterpretation of natural principles - “filtered through the intelligent minds of men and women”.

It’s this that differentiates it from the ‘Organic Aesthetic’ which has become popular in some contemporary buildings.

The ‘Organic Aesthetic’ is essentially a building which ‘looks’ organic. Often the look is achieved blatantly via physical mimicry of easily recognisable forms found in nature. Shapes like the double helix, birds nests (China’s Olympic Stadium) spiral seashells (The Nautilus House), Geodesic domes (The Eden Centre), orchids or flowers (Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao) or even vegetables (The Gherkin!). Within the ‘Organic Aesthetic’ there is even “Zoomorfic” architecture, buildings with their form in the shape of animals or insects! (Normally doesn’t get planning permission surprisingly).

Some of the world’s leading architecture practices use ‘botanical processes’ in their architecture to mimic biological evolutions of components or whole buildings. It’s done via software and is a branch of what’s known as “Parametric

because quality matters

Design” (at a very basic level a form of 3D computer modelling where potentially infinite variants can be programmed and which thus creates huge variants on a form). Others utilise more subtle codes and patterns found in nature, Fibonacci series, prime number patterns or fractals to inform the form of their buildings.

Of course it can be achieved more subtly simply by the designer’s clever utilising of the site, soft or organic shapes and clever material specifications. Although here we’re getting back to the tenets of ‘Organic Architecture’ again!

There is nothing wrong with the more blatant ‘Organic Aesthetic’ approach.

Indeed the outward result is often visually interesting. But it’s important to remember that the organic element in Wright’s theory is meant as an analogy, a metaphor, it is not literal. There are literal components regarding the building sitting harmoniously within its context and having an inherent relationship with its time. As this is style-less by nature (styles continue to change over time) it doesn’t exclude an ‘Organic Aesthetic’.

UPfRONT

like a Greek temple - the opposite of, say, ‘Post-Modernism’) buildings with the ‘Organic Aesthetic’ are often very ‘Post Modern’ in their overtly literal ‘organicness’ and disconnection of form and function.

One notion is fundamentally style-less. In order to succeed it must morph and react to the context and pick and choose from whatever style (tradition) most suits. The other is mostly about a particular ‘organic’ style picking up on iconic natural forms.

In real terms ‘Organic Architecture’ as a practice would be hard to achieve as reinventing the wheel every time would be an expensive and risky process for client, contractor, engineer, architect etc.

Technically though it would provide true innovation and originality every time….

Pros and cons but that’s the joy of theories I suppose. They’re theoretical and organic!

Oliver Westgarth is an architect at CCD Architects oliver@ccd-architects.com www.ccd-architects.com

The area open to criticism is that some buildings described as ‘Organic’ are only style statements and as such only have the ‘Organic Aesthetic’. They are ruled by form but do not work as ‘organisms’ necessarily in the way that the ‘Organic Architecture’ theory requires. They use the materials to make the comment that suits their agenda. In essence they can be ‘dishonest’. Of course honesty in buildings is something that you have to believe in if you’re to take it seriously.

Does a building need or benefit from honesty? It’s one of the main questions in architectural theory.

Where ‘Organic Architecture’ dictates a completely harmonious relationship between form and function (e.g. Wright rejected the idea of making a bank look

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PlAcES

RECYCLED MOSAIC MANIA

Recycled Mosaic Mania at Capelles!

How long has Capelles stocked recycled Tiles?

We offer recycled mosaics as part of our portfolio and this enables us to offer our customers an environmentally friendly product.

They normally take approximately 14 days to order.

shades stem from the subtly different texture of the glass and can be used to dramatic effect in imaginative décor. is there a general cost difference from regular tiles?

The recycled range is very similarly priced to other ranges of mosaics and is very competitively priced.

do people specifically ask for recycled products instore?

Yes customers do often enquire about recycled products whether its tiles or paving we have a product to offer.

Have you noticed a shift in the industry where these are more popular now?

We haven’t noticed a great demand for recycled mosaics but if people are building an Eco home or are more conscious about the environment then

recycled products are always at the foremost of their mind.

Are there any constraints to using this material compared to standard tiles?

No not at all, these can be used all around the home & are fixed in the same method as other tiles. These slightly softer

Are you personally a fan of the product range and if so what is the best thing about recycled tiles?

This range is fantastic as it offers a great choice of colours with beautiful textures, as well as being recycled and environmentally friendly, they are also exceptional value for money.

superb quality, unrivalled choice tiles

worktops

fires

natural stone

paving

tel: 245897 great quality and value - local friendly service - largest range of stock on the island Capelles Building Stores, Petites Capelles, St. Sampsons, GY2 4GR sales@capelles.co.uk www.capelles.co.uk

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GUERNSEY’S StYlE maGaziNE

HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN ORGANIC GARDEN

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words | Mercedes black

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CHIC FINDS

chic Finds 1. adriana Chair

Relax in style leather bound hand made single teak. [£485 each]

2. Buddha painting This month ‘Chic Finds’ visits Toko.

At Toko their passion is to use natural materials and recycled woods wherever possible. Listening to their customers needs and requirements, have built up an eclectic mix of handmade Balinise accessories, including furniture, mood lighting, textiles, paintings, mosaic pottery, bowls and vases.

As well as our extensive range of furniture for every room in the house we can offer a bespoke service to our customers who may need help designing a certain piece.

BALI

One of many paintings of various types in the shop from our new gallery just out side Sanur in Bali this hand painted. 90cm x 90 cm. [£165 each]

3. Handmade conservatory Bali style chair

Made from an antique wicker made in the North West of Bali by a small family run shop, very comfortable and relaxing for those sunset evenings. [£385 each]

6. Beautiful ceramic bowls

In various colours and shades hand made in the North of Bali by our own supplier.

[3 sizes from £20]

7. 60 x 100 handcarved silver painted framed mirror One of many, all our mirrors are hand made and can be made to order any size, design and colour. [from £165]

8. Small 6 draw spice cabinet

Hand made from teak high polish finish in medium brown.

[From £210]

4. hand woven wicker floor mats

9. 4 Draw storage drum

5. Resin lamp

10. Little Green paints and wallpaper

Ideal for any area in the house they are rubber backed and come in various sizes.

[From £18]

Ideal for lighting up that dull corner of a room , all our lamps are from the Ubud area of Bali.

[From £95] New stock of lamps arriving soon!

Made from recycled teak 85cm high draws are cd size various finish shades and sizes. [£220 Each]

This is a new addition to the shop and we are proud to be a supplier of this high quality product.

11. hand crafted one off cabinet

Made from recycled teak in medium brown finish, 4 draws 2 doors great storage unit. [£475 each]

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FAIRTRADE All our products are imported from Bali Indonesia and are made from are made from wood harvested from plantation forests grown in accordance with the government of Indonesia reforestation sustained yields programme.

Bali Indonesia is approx 2,174sq miles with a approx 3.8million population. Bali is very densely populated island blessed with an ancient society of beautiful, lighthearted people. A unique and vibrant blend of ancient traditions and influences from the out side world. it is expressed vividly in all the Balinese art, furniture and design, it has a cultural style like no other in the world this is what TOKO is all about.

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Bonsai are proud to celebrate 10 years in business and launch their new website on March 1st www.bonsaigroup.gg

BUSiNESS

OCULUS LIMITED Roseneath, The Grange, St. Peter Port, Guernsey GY1 2QJ T: +44 (0)1481 723 344 E: info@oculusci.com

bUSINESS

Guernsey’s Entrepreneurs

Hayley Fox Bella Spa

HaYLEY FoX Born:

Hitchin, UK

School:

Longsands College

Uni:

West of England College

First job:

The Sanctuary Covent Garden

Car:

Range Rover Evoque

Book:

The Girl with the

Music:

Beverley Knight,

Dragon Tattoo Coldplay and 80’s!!

Film:

Goodfellas and The English Patient

Gadget:

iPhone and iPad

Last holiday:

very enjoyable

Marital Status: Long suffering aBoUt tHE BUSInESS: Bella Spa is located at the Bella Luce Hotel and is a beauty salon with a difference offering luxurious treatments, products and complete wedding packages for bridal parties with qualified beauty therapists.

The Bella Spa is the ideal place to unwind, restore, and reinvigorate your body, soul and mind. Our full-day and half-day spa programmes are luxurious and highly indulgent, leaving you with a wonderful sense of harmony and serenity. Our Spa team of intuitive therapists will advise you on our exclusive range of luxury products and therapies.

So, tell us what inspired you to start your business?

The Bella Luce Hotel has always been one of my favourite places to eat and when Luke Wheadon mentioned he had a possible space for the spa, I couldn’t have thought of a more perfect location… a year later the Bella Spa opened. For me the location had to be right and I thought this was just perfect! what did you do prior to starting the business?

Prior to starting the business I spent quality time at home bringing up my family, my daughter Ruby and son Jacob. did that teach you any lessons that helped you succeed?

Be patient and try not to take yourself too seriously! Also having my family constantly reminds me of why I opened up the Spa and the hard work will benefit them in the long run. what’s the toughest lesson you’ve learnt since starting out in business?

I think I should have been more realistic with how quickly Bella Spa would take off.

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Juggling two children, family commitments etc has not been easy. Luckily I have good friends who support me, which I am grateful for and an understanding partner. do you have any funny stories from your experiences at Bella Spa? Lots… but that would be telling! what are your plans for the future?

We will see the Spa has been configured to accommodate a thermal suite and a relaxation lounge, so watch this space! what advice would you give to would be entrepreneurs?

You need to be able to grow as business in a growing market, and survive in a downward one, but none of that is possible without a strong team behind you and you cannot do everything yourself, despite wanting to.

Ultimately you are only as good as your team and I am very fortunate to have girls like I do in the Spa and dear friends that make it all possible.

GUERNSEY’S STYlE MAGAzINE

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%

GROSS* /AER**

ng ear sterli y 1 r u o r fo deposit fixed term

Boost your savings... with our 1 year sterling fixed term deposit.

Minimum deposit £10,000. Maximum deposit £5,000,000. Other terms available in sterling and most major currencies with varying rates dependent on length of term and currency of deposit. Interest is paid on maturity for terms of up to one year and annually on terms over a year. Deposits cannot be withdrawn before the end of the fixed term. Available to Personal customers only.

Please visit your local branch, call us on 01481 706359 or visit our website at www.lloydstsb-offshore.com/islands

Rates correct at date of going to press. * GROSS RATE – The contractual rate of interest payable before deduction of income tax at the rate specified by law. ** AER RATE – AER stands for Annual Equivalent Rate and illustrates what the interest rate would be if interest was paid and compounded once each year. As every advertisement for a savings product which quotes an interest rate will contain an AER you will be able to compare more easily what return you can expect from your savings over time.

Issued by Lloyds TSB Offshore Limited. Registered Office: PO Box 160, 25 New Street, St. Helier, Jersey JE4 8RG. Registered in Jersey, number 4029. Regulated by the Jersey Financial Services Commission.

The Guernsey branch of Lloyds TSB Offshore Limited is licensed to conduct banking, investment and insurance business by the Guernsey Financial Services Commission under the Banking Supervision (Bailiwick of Guernsey) Law 1994, the Protection of Investors (Bailiwick of Guernsey) Law 1987 and the Insurance Managers and Insurance Intermediaries (Bailiwick of Guernsey) Law 2002. Business Address: PO Box 53, 1 Smith Street, St Peter Port, Guernsey, GY1 4BD. Lloyds TSB Offshore Limited is a participant in the Guernsey Banking Deposit Compensation Scheme. The Scheme offers protection for ‘qualifying deposits’ up to £50,000, subject to certain limitations. The maximum total amount of compensation is capped at £100,000,000 in any 5 year period. Details are available from: Website: www.dcs.gg Telephone: +44 (0) 1481 722756 Post: P.O. Box 128, St Peter Port, GY1 3HQ. Please note that, in relation to banking services which we provide, you might not be eligible for compensation under a deposit protection guarantee scheme available in your country of residence. If in doubt, contact your local banking regulator, visit their website or seek independent advice.

Lloyds TSB Offshore Limited is a Jersey registered company that is a wholly owned subsidiary of Lloyds TSB Bank plc. Lloyds TSB Bank plc is incorporated in the United Kingdom, regulated by the UK Financial Services Authority and is part of the Lloyds Banking Group. Lloyds TSB Offshore Limited places funds with Lloyds TSB Bank plc and thus its financial standing is linked to that of the group. Depositors may wish to form their own view on the financial standing of Lloyds TSB Offshore Limited and its parent based upon publicly available information. Lloyds TSB Offshore Limited’s latest annual financial statements are available on our website at www.lloydstsb-offshore.com

bUSINESS

INTERNSHIP & 14 DAYS OF LOVE

Interested in an Internship? Come to tea…

A

structured introduction to the world of work is really important and an internship can be a good way to overcome any initial anxiety you might have. Which is why deutsche bank in Guernsey developed its ‘Summer Internship Programme’ – to offer local undergraduates the opportunity to gain valuable work experience in one of its business areas.

The Bank looks to recruit bright, enthusiastic and ambitious people for the Programme. Last summer, the Guernsey office welcomed three such people, all of whom spent around ten weeks working in different areas of the business. Tom Finnerty, in the second year of an Economics degree at the University of York; Laura Scanlan, studying Politics and International Relations at Royal Holloway; and Claire Cherry, in her final year of a degree in Natural Sciences at the University of Durham.

Deutsche Bank Interns aren’t just asked to make the tea or spend hours at the photocopier – they get involved in projects that are of real importance to the business. Plus, to ensure that each Intern gets the support they need during their time at the Bank, they are assigned their own mentor.

Although hard work, time spent as an Intern can also be very sociable - all Interns are encouraged to get involved in social and community activities. Last year’s Interns, for example, met with the Bank’s partner charities and went to a range of team social events.

The job marketplace is really competitive but Deutsche Bank’s Internship Program is committed to nurturing the business leaders of tomorrow. So get a step ahead of the rest and investigate the opportunities that are out there.

All Guernsey undergraduates are invited to attend an Afternoon Tea, hosted by Deutsche Bank, at the Old Government House Hotel on 4th April from 3 to 5pm, to meet some of the 2011 Interns and find out more about the 2012 programme. For more information and to register, contact Sean Farrell in the Human Resources team by 30th March at sean.farrell@db.com.

Agile minds see more

14 Days of Love Campaign This week saw the climax of the 14 Days of Love campaign run nationally by ‘thebestof’ with over 1,800 new testimonials being posted on The Best of Guernsey website for your favourite local businesses in two weeks!

Bonboniera is the ‘Most Loved Business in Guernsey’ after receiving 308 testimonials from satisfied customers on The Best of Guernsey website throughout the year and during the two week campaign.

It’s been an exceptional campaign for Guernsey - nine local businesses have achieved the status of ‘Most Loved’ in their categories in the British Isles, including Bonboniera, Bluchip, Island Adventures, Sarnia Mutual, Pavillion Interiors, Body & Sole, Things To Do Guernsey, Bonsai Group and Vision Networks. And 26 businesses have placed in the top five for their categories nationally. Plus 4 local businesses also placed in the ‘Top 100 Most Loved Businesses in the British Isles.’

“Small business owners have kept our economy going over the last couple of years. They employ so many of our island workforce, provide services that we all use and can have a massive impact on our quality of life. We wanted to give people the chance to throw the spotlight on these superb small businesses – and they have!” says Kate Heywood, Managing Director of The Best of Guernsey.

All reviews posted from 1 March 2011 up until noon on 15 February 2012 were added to the website’s Love-O-Meter which ultimately decided who the ‘Most Loved’ businesses are, both locally and nationally:

Summer Internships 2012 Afternoon Tea Date: Wednesday, 4 April 2012, 3-5 pm Venue: Old Government House Hotel, Guernsey Sign up: To register for this event please submit your cv to: sean.farrell@db.com by 30 March 2012.

Come and talk to us about our ten week summer programme for undergraduates in the Channel Islands.

You will be able to find out what we mean by an agile mind and discover where yours could take you at Deutsche Bank.

See more at db.com/careers

SHIBUYA CROSSING, TOKYO

Top 20 Most Loved Local Businesses on The Best of Guernsey 1.

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Bonboniera Bluchip Things To Do Guernsey Debbie Duport Dancing Bella Spa Island Adventures Bonsai Group Karma Beauty Boulangerie Victor Hugo Body & Soul Avril Earl Dance & Theatre Centre The Salon Karen Dempsey Dance School Pavillion Home Furnishers Equilibrium Massage Therapy Amour Wedding Services Mondomundi Sarnia Estates Core Wellness Centre Personnel Appointments

Deutsche Bank International Limited is regulated by the Jersey Financial Services Commission and licensed by the Guernsey Financial Services Commission to conduct Banking and Investment Business

GUERNSEY’S STYlE MAGAzINE

BUSINESS NEWS

a fresh look to mark the tenth birthday of Wave telecom From the 31st January 2012 Wave Telecom will be know as JT (Guernsey Limited).

Since it began trading in Guernsey in 2012, Wave Telecom has been a key and strategically important part of the JT Group. ‘JT’ will now be the unified corporate identity across the Channel Islands, accompanied by the supporting positioning statement ‘Join Together’.

With this year marking the 10th birthday of JT’s operations in Guernsey, it is ideal time to review their identity; it has grown from providing competition and choice in the mobile market to islanders, to becoming a full service operator with a large client base of residential and business customers, providing products such as high-speed broadband (both fixed and mobile) fixed line services and data-hosting, amongst others.

As a Channel Islands owned company, the JT Group is classed as a Tier One operator and already has a long track record of investing in the Island. They have so far invested over £40m in Guernsey’s telecommunications infrastructure.

This includes an £8m submarine cable connecting the Island to the UK (Project Liberty), as well as the instillation of a fibre-optic network delivering super-fast broadband speeds to St. Peter Port and a gigabit speed (1024 Mb/s) fixed broadband service to residential premises, in this case, Royal Terrace.

JT said, “We understand the differences between the Islands, but also recognise the areas which they can work together for mutual benefit, it is our combination of local expertise and global connections, along with this aligned brand which will help take us forward. It is the start of a tremendously exciting time for JT, and a fitting and significant way to mark our tenth anniversary”. bEcAUSE qUAlITY MATTERS

Guernsey Festival seeks sponsors

awards for achievement 2011

Guernsey Festival is looking to involve as many local companies as possible in the major cultural event in Guernsey on 23 and 24 June.

The Guernsey Awards for Achievement, culminating in the Gala Awards Evening in early February, has come to be the annual focal point for both businesses and individuals across the Bailiwick of Guernsey.

Festival organisers have big plans for the two-day event at the Rabbit Warren and has launched a number of sponsorships packages aimed at getting local businesses involved while providing funds to ensure the festival is the best it can be.

Last year’s festival drew thousands of islanders, along with visitors from Jersey and the UK, to see a range of acts including Ocean Colour Scene, Example and Primal Scream. The plans for this year’s festival are well underway with a number of big name acts being considered.

Announcements of the line-up will begin this month until May. Festival organiser Paul Stephen said: “We are seeking financial support to stage an even better event this year and we also want to offer local businesses the opportunity to align themselves with a unique Guernsey event that attracts interest locally and internationally.

“The main stage, dance arena and VIP areas are obviously integral parts of the festival which will go ahead on a grander scale than last year. One of our goals is to support local acts as well and we have been ambitious in our plans. However, without local business support it won’t be possible to have everything on our wish list.”

For more information about the sponsorships available please contact Brooke de Laune at Orchard PR on 240600 or via brooke@orchardpr.com

bUSINESS

The Guernsey Awards for Achievement celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2010. The continued success and popularity of both the awards programme and gala awards evening and the interest and support by companies and individuals is testament to the Awards’ uniqueness, which is founded upon the recognition of achievement and excellence.

The Guernsey Awards for Achievement remain Guernsey’s own dedicated platform to showcase the best companies, how they have survived the current economic and business challenges and to recognise and applaud the most inspirational individuals in the Island.

Congratulations to all the Winners!

Guiton Guernsey Ambassador of the Year Roger Allsopp Excellence in Training Award RBS International Natwest Best Small Business Award Two Degrees North BWCI Best Medium Business Award CCD Architects Healthspan Best Large Business Award BDO Specsavers Unsung Hero Award Kim Marquis Commerce & Employment Business of the Year Award – CCD Architects

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BUSINESS NEWS

platform through which they can develop individually, to discover and explore their artistic talents.”

Guernsey arts Commission receives continued support from natWest Following a successful partnership in 2011 NatWest have pledged support to a range of projects being run by the Guernsey Arts Commission across 2012.

In 2011 the bank supported the growing Community Arts Programme at Le Genats which gave youngsters in the area a new way to engage with the arts every Tuesday evening. NatWest also supported the Art on the Beach event, which challenged teams to make works of art out of the sand and other things found on Vazon. As well as a series of workshops in the greenhouse giving local school children a chance to learn about aspects of art and design based on the We’ve Got It Covered exhibition of dust jackets of international versions of the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society and a workshop led by professional songwriter and producer Tim Bran and his local writing partners Jim Delbridge and Nick Windsor which gave Guernsey musicians a chance to explore new ways of creating music.

Following the success of these events NatWest will be supporting another range of projects in 2012, starting with the continued development of the Community Arts Programme project taking place in St Martin’s.

Rob Girard, Island Director at NatWest, commented: “After the success of NatWest’s partnership with the Guernsey Arts Commission last year, we were keen to continue our support in 2012 as part of our commitment to community investment activity in the island. The Commission provides youngsters with a creative

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Brett Klement, Guernsey Arts Commission’s Community Arts Development Manager, said: “Since I took on the role of Community Arts Development Manager NatWest has been a consistent supporter of the arts and the Guernsey Arts Commission. Month after month they supply the seed money for new growth throughout the Commission and hope to so many on the island who relish creative exploration. They are an enormously valued partner in the wildly expansive growth the Community Arts has enjoyed this past year and a tremendous contributor to the community as a whole.”

Barclays Wealth Guernsey collects two Euromoney awards Barclays Wealth has received two major accolades at the annual Euromoney Private Banking Awards 2012, being crowned joint winner of the Guernsey Relationship Management Award and also sharing top billing in the Guernsey High-Net-Worth Specific Services Award.

Ken Bradley, director, Barclays Wealth, said that the Euromoney Private Banking Awards are a respected benchmark within the global wealth management industry.

‘We have made significant investment in our business in Guernsey over recent years and to be recognised for our efforts in such a highly competitive market is a fantastic achievement. Being recognised for our contribution to Relationship Management and High-Net-Worth Specific Services in Guernsey is a measure of how we continue to embrace challenges in our industry and cater to the needs of each client,’ said Mr Bradley.

Barclays Wealth won four Euromoney Private Banking Awards in total, including the Best Private Banking Services in Gibraltar Award and the Super-Affluent Specific Services Award, also in Gibraltar.

The awards ceremony took place in London on Thursday 16 February and was attended

by Ken Bradley and Elaine Graham from Barclays Wealth Guernsey.

Major awards win for Carey olsen’s investment funds team Carey Olsen has been named as the best law firm in Guernsey for investment funds work.

The recognition comes from Corporate INTL magazine which has announced the firm as ‘2012 Investment Funds Law Firm of the year in Guernsey’ in their 2012 Legal Awards.

Corporate INTL’s assessment process includes recommendations from clients and peers which are then evaluated by the magazine’s independent, in-house research team. The awards recognise the leading firms in different legal practice areas across the world.

Graham Hall, Head of Corporate and Finance in Guernsey, said: “We pride ourselves on being the clear market leader for funds work in Guernsey and this latest award is further recognition of the exceptional standard of work completed by our funds team.”

This latest award reinforces the firm’s reputation as the market leader in Guernsey for funds advice. In November 2011, the Lipper Guernsey Fund Encyclopaedia statistics, as at 30 June 2011, highlighted that the firm had advised 781 funds (48.87% of Guernsey funds) which is a significantly higher number than any other firm in Guernsey.

The awards were voted for by more than 1,500 private banking professionals across the globe, with the results taken from the annual Private Banking Survey, conducted

by Euromoney.

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BUSINESS NEWS

bUSINESS

I

t would not be unusual during conversations with a Japanese equity manager for them to be permanently optimistic about Japanese equities.

That is understandable. It seems strange, however, that investment managers or more particularly analysts, who, with the global spectrum of assets at their disposal, will tell you when to get into an investment but never have an exit strategy. Often the most successful investors have both entrance and exit strategies.

Industry expert launches Channel Islands’ first complete cloud service provider Channel Islands based virtualisation and cloud entrepreneur, Julian Box, has launched Calligo, a company focused on providing flexible cloud based business solutions to organisations in the Channel Islands.

Mr Box previously founded Jersey company VirtualizeIT, a provider of virtualisation services and technology, including server, storage, and network virtualisation, and is credited with bringing virtualisation to the Channel Islands. In 2008, Mr Box co-founded Virtustream Inc. a venture capital backed enterprise cloud service provider where, as CTO, he led the design and implementation of their industry enterprise leading private multi-tenanted Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) offering.

With over 25 years of experience helping progressive companies transform their operations through the innovative application of technology, including over a decade of delivering dynamic and agile virtualisation and cloud solutions, Mr Box is a recognised visionary on implementing leading-edge technology to deliver business benefit.

‘Many businesses are starting to look at upgrading their existing IT systems and recognise cloud-based solutions can provide some benefits over and above on-premise solutions. Calligo can provide consultancy services that will help businesses to make the right decisions for today and for the future. Key to the success of cloudbased solutions is agility and flexibility, in today’s world of fast

This brings me to answer questions received about rebalancing a portfolio. firstly, the advantages of rebalancing tend to increase for portfolios holding material weightings in asset classes with reasonable volatility and low correlation, i.e. the performance from individual holdings is not in line with the returns from other holdings. The practice is based upon an assets investment returns not indefinitely remaining at a high or depressed level but that they revert to an average over time.

History has tested this philosophy, finding favour with it, and the current financial market situation is no different.

On a personal level, an asset allocation plan will reflect personal circumstances, time horizon, appetite for risk, goals, objectives and income needs.

It means that you will undoubtedly sell assets that have further to gain in order to purchase others that have been previously losing. The upshot is that the rebalanced portfolio will not achieve stellar returns, although the trade-off is that it will be far less risky than continuing with a ‘buy and hold’ strategy which takes the original risk profile away from an investor’s comfort level. A benefit is therefore risk control in not allowing the portfolio to drift.

If this appeals to you, there are tools available on the internet for you to formulate a rebalancing plan. Initially, it makes sense to have a framework for asset allocation. After you have determined this, have a look at your current portfolio and see if this fits. It is likely that the original template looks different to the current list of holdings and their percentages. from this understanding, you can determine where you should add and subtract to restore the portfolio to your preferred levels.

You can either rebalance on a set timeframe, say quarterly or annually (not too frequently) or whenever the portfolio gets seriously out of kilter with your target allocation. Either way, it makes sense to give your portfolio a thorough review at least once a year (Spring might be a good time for this) and rebalance the holdings to a model that diversifies the risk to a comfortable level. oculus Ltd are licensed by the guernsey Financial Services Commission and offer discretionary asset management services to trusts and private clients. Send your investment portfolio queries to info@oculusci.com.

moving globalisation cloud solutions are particularly attractive.

Businesses can move to a pay-as-you-go model, removing the need for significant capital investment and allowing computing capacity to ‘flex’ as demand changes.’ commented Mr Box. Based in Jersey, Calligo employs a team of ten specialists, which includes directors Andrew Wicks and Andy Conoops.

bEcAUSE qUAlITY MATTERS

Peter Ellis

jonathan Wilson

T: +44 (0)1481 723 344 W: www.oculusci.com

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we’ll put you first Source Recruitment is one of the leading recruitment agencies in Guernsey and offers a high quality permanent, temporary and contract recruitment solution. Through experience and attention to detail we have developed an enviable reputation for providing clients and candidates with a service that fits their individual requirements.

Our team of specialists are here to listen, so if you’d like to get ahead of the rest, lets talk.

tel: 701616 email: hello@source.gg www.source.gg

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22/02/2012 11:49

Sour

Position yourself ahead of the rest with one of these exciting new opportunities Fund Administrator

Financial Controller

An innovative Trust Company is seeking a qualified accountant to join their vibrant team. You will have a driven, self-motivated and ambitious personality and will be able to demonstrate a high degree of pride in the quality of work produced. The successful individual will report directly to the board and will have responsibility for all aspects of management accounting including budgets, forecasts and reporting. This truly is a fantastic opportunity.

An established financial services company with a first class reputation is seeking an individual with strong company secretarial experience along with some knowledge of property investment structures and an understanding of Guernsey statutory and regulatory requirements. Ideally you will be studying towards the ICSA however financial assistance is provided to candidates wishing to further their studies.

Trust & Company Administrator

Temporary Fund Accountant

Web Developer

Our client, a world-renowned finance house is seeking to strengthen its team with an experienced Private Equity Fund Administrator. This exciting opportunity would suit an individual with 1 to 2 years’ experience with a high degree of accuracy, a sound knowledge of bookkeeping and a good understanding of Guernsey legislation. This is a great opportunity to join an employer who will offer full support for your studies.

This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious Trust Administrator with two or three years experience to take responsibility for an active and interesting portfolio of clients.

The ideal applicant will be truly career focused & will have already commenced study towards a professional qualification or be keen to do so. First class interpersonal skills and keen attention to detail are key.

Source Temps have an exciting opportunity for a qualified Accountant with Private Equity experience to join a reputable international business. Applications are sought from those with a strong fund background & proven time management skills. We are looking for someone who can hit the ground running to prepare quarterly financial statements, monthly management accounts and review bookkeeping.

Client Services Officer

Our client is highly successful commercial business head quartered in Guernsey with vibrant and modern offices in the heart of St Peter Port. They are currently looking to strengthen their web development team and as such are on the hunt for individuals with experience in HTML, CDD, ASP.NET and SQL. Applications are open to those with a can-do attitude, enthusiasm and good energy.

Contact Candice on 731777.

Sales Account Manager

Our client, a successful thirdparty IT service provider, is on the hunt for a polished individual with proven relationship management experience to undertake a role which will involve the winning, development and maintenance of new business. Sales and negotiation skills are a must, along with a deep understanding of IT, including knowledge of some of the following: Local and Wide Area Networking, Virtualisation, Data Storage, Hosting and Disaster Recovery.

Senior Temporary Fund Administrator

A great temporary opportunity for an experienced fund administrator to assist in all aspects of fund admin for a leading private equity company.

You will be liaising with clients and investors, therefore polished communication skills are key, as is a high regard for efficient and timely working. A good understanding of bookkeeping together with company secretarial knowledge will also be of benefit. 6 month assignment.

Contact Candice on 731777.

Senior Private Banker

This is a rare opportunity for a senior professional to join a leading finance house & add value. Our client has a real appetite to build on an already substantial market share and as such is seeking to appoint an experienced & motivated Private Banker within its Guernsey office. Applications are invited from individuals with polished communication and networking skills and the salary and benefits package have been positioned to attract the best.

We provide a refreshingly honest and innovative service to help find the job that’s right for you. For full details on these positions, plus many more. Tel: 701616 email: hello@source.gg www.source.gg

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22/02/2012 11:49

bUSINESS bUSINESS

Guernsey’s Entrepreneurs

Justin Tyrrell

The Trainstation Fitness Centre

Born: 1977 School: St. Sampson’s Secondary School FE: Various fitness and nutrition qualifications and courses First job: Trainstation Fitness Centre Car: Mercedes ML Book: Anything on fitness and nutrition Music: Coldplay Film: Casino Royale Gadget: My new iPhone 4s Last holiday: Lapland Hobbies/Enjoys: All aspects of Gym Training, Karate, Astronomy, Walks and spending time with my wife and 3 gorgeous children!

Marital Status: Married About the Business: Being one of the more established fitness centres on the island The Trainstation is made up of 3 separate zones that allow the centre to cater for all members.

Zone 1. Build It! New up to date free and fixed weights Zone 2. tone It! All the latest life fitness equipment: Runners, Bikes, Rowers and Steppers Zone 3. Move It! A brand new studio designed for all levels of fitness including regular classes.

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So, tell us what inspired you to start your business?

do you have any funny stories from your experiences at The Trainstation?

I have always been keen on fitness and sport since I was young and my first job was a Saturday job at the Trainstation 20 years ago. I loved the environment of the Gym and working here inspired me to one day own buy the fitness centre and moved to Longcamps.

I remember as a personal trainer showing a lady how to perform a lunge properly, in doing so I split my shorts, luckily I had something on underneath! what are your plans for the future?

I worked at the Trainstation part-time on weekends.

Now that we have recently renewed our Weights and Cardio area we have added a brand new ‘Move It Zone!’ to the centre, this will be 30-40 minute exercise classes with Sprint Track, Core Bags, TRX Powerplate, and much more designed for all levels of fitness.

did that teach you any lessons that helped you succeed?

what advice would you give to would be entrepreneurs?

This prepared me for all the hard work and long hours needed to make it a success.

Be aware that for a new business to succeed it will demand a lot of your time and effort. Don’t sit back, don’t be afraid of the competition, learn and try new ideas. Surround yourself with keen well trained/friendly staff and above all make time for your family and friends.

what did you do prior to starting the business?

what’s the toughest lesson you’ve learnt since starting out in business?

Don’t stand still always be looking for improvement.

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SPorT

OUT OF SHAPE? LACK OF ENERGY AND MOTIVATION? NEED TO KICK START A NEW REGIME?

Believe you can!

Memberships start from ONLY £36pm

Tel: 01481 726684 Fax: 01481 727486 Email: info@thetrainstation.co.gg The Guernsey Tennis Centre, Longcamps, St. Sampson GY2 4UQ

Fitness Centre

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GALLERY’S FITNESS GUIDE

Gallery’s Fitness Guide Kickstart your fitness regime words | Gary Hook’s

W

here to begin? Whether you are familiar with the workings of a modern day gym or not, it matters not to me - in fact, it makes very little difference. Everyone should address themselves as a beginner and never assume you know exactly what you are doing and believe me when I say this “Nobody is an expert”, always ask for advice.

Never having used a gym is not as much of a disadvantage as you would think – as there is smaller chance that poor movement patters will need to be corrected.

Why are thousands of people training week in week out in gyms all over Guernsey? All for exactly the same reason, improvement.

But, is everyone getting the basics right? Is everybody getting the improvements their efforts deserve and is everyone making progress?

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If you spend effort whilst doing exercise and are not seeing any strength gains – performance gains – muscular development or fat loss – then you are not on the path to achieving your goals! Is there a means to an end or are you content just turning up and going through the motions – Ask yourself that question – get a goal – if you don’t have a finish line then how do you know where you are going – how do you know how to get there – when do you know where to set the bar higher?

No matter how good your prescribed programme is, it’s only good for a limited period of time. Once your system has adapted to a programme the benefits start to diminish – no more stimulus equals no more gains – makes sense right? Are you continually challenging your body with new concepts and training styles?

Are you using your hard earned time optimally – I see people year after year giving amazing effort and getting absolutely nowhere fast. Knowledge is everything but more importantly is passing it on – so when it comes to executing exercises – strength progressions – task

completion – muscle development and more importantly training in the safest manner possible.

Checklist Protocol!

There are many factors to consider prior to training no matter what level you may consider yourself…

1. Current Setup:

Where is my body today?

You need to check your current settings before you visit the gym, example you visit the gym for the first time in a fortnight, should you be doing maximal squats, benchpress or dead lifts? In a nutshell – no! Why? Let’s take a look at your current settings…

• Are you hydrated enough for optimal performance • Is your nutrition enough for optimal recovery • After a rest period are your motor neuron patterns sufficiently programmed for such loads • How active is your job • Did you consume alcohol last night • If you are exercising, what’s the weather like

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GALLERY’S FITNESS GUIDE

Check your current setting and decide if your body is ready for such stresses and are you giving yourself the best chance of recovery.

2. Range of motion

Most people don’t know or consider what the full range of motion is for any given muscle, when developing muscle you are trying to do two things: lengthen (eccentric) shorten (concentric) throughout the full range of the motion. By stimulating the muscle in both its longest and shortest positions you will make it stronger as its weakest points therefore stronger at its strongest mid range of motion. Control during all exercises will ensure maximum safety and results.

3. Water

Water is essential to absolutely every aspect of training here are a few reasons why: flushing, performance increase, less toxin build up, decreased DOMS, increases protein synthesis, reduces likelihood of injury, stronger, bigger, speeds recovery and hydration amongst many other functional benefits.

4. Protein

If you are not sure how much protein to use to support your workout, you need to consider some important factors as each person is different. For example how is your diet, how is your current settings, how often do you work out, what’s your fitness goals, how well do you recover, how much do you weigh, what type of training are you doing and how intense is your training?

There are so many factors to consider so you need to supply the answer to all these questions before making a decision. Decide yourself based on the points above and how much you need to consume to assist your recovery or whatever your goal may be!

SPORT

embark on programmes without detailed explanation as to why you’re doing it.

Never compromise form and technique in order to achieve more reps or to show off in the gym!

In the coming months you can look forward to training advice, some quality routines along with advice on planning programmes nutrition and recovery, for anyone who has any questions for me you can contact me getfit@gallery.gg

Train hard, train safe, train smart.

Do’s:

Seek out the best advice, always question information, avoid self proclaimed experts, set clear attainable goals and complete the programmes you begin. Remember that task completion builds character.

Don’ts:

Believe everything you see on Youtube, copy what people are doing in the gym or

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sport

DARTS: PHIL DODD

Darts: Phil Dodd words | Shambles Rambles

Darts is enjoyed by millions of people across the world, and put simply is a target game where arrows are thrown at segments of the board to score points. These points are subtracted from a starting total until the player can finish on a double to win the game. There are of course many variations of the game depending on local rules.

Practice certainly makes perfect in this sport and at the top level, alongside thousands of hours of practice, you need to be able to cope with pressure.

I

love the game and especially like beating Lee Savident in the bar at the Indoor Cricket Centre. I played in a league at the Silver Horse Pub in Northampton and can count beating Eric Bristow as one of my achievements. Mind you I did start with a 300 head start and he had been playing all evening!

Let’s show a warm welcome to Phil Dodd who takes this months challenge. Phil lists Darts, Golf, Fishing and Football as his main sports with Wolverhampton Wanderers is his team of choice. As with last months Chess interviewee Fred Hamperl, it is very quick to see how passionate Phil is about his sport. He has played darts for nearly 50 years and in that time has played in off-Island tournaments, interinsulars and numerous house championships.

I changed my darts just before the match opting for a heavier set, my reasoning for that is totally unknown but it must have worked as I stormed into a 1-0 lead. Phil quickly pulled it back to lead 2-1 but somehow I hit a couple of hundreds and levelled the match at 2-2 with one to play. I have not mentioned yet that we were playing 301 down which brought our talents closer than they would have been had we started on 501. Last game, this time 501 down and I even had a shot at a double but Phil showed his class and ran out a worthy 3-2 winner. I was happy with my game at the time but as I am writing this up can’t help thinking how close I came. One thing for sure though, I have a feeling that in a league match with something resting on the result I would have seen a different Phil Dodd. I think he was toying with me!

We settled down for a chinwag over a pint of Flowers Bitter.

Apparently, the KGV Club was going to offer free ear piercing tonight when they knew I was coming down to play you! What advice would you give a young, talented and attractive person like myself looking to start out in the game?

The one thing that I would say to youngsters that are a little bit nervous is that when you are standing at the oche it is your time, compose yourself and don’t rush things. If your flight falls out then make sure you are not rushing for your opponent.

Ted “The Count” Hanky has recently announced he is moving to the PDC, surely he will get battered. Do you think he’s an entertainer and his he fit to lace Phil Taylors boots?

Hanky is definitely an entertainer and having spoken to him before he’s the sort of person that just does what he does. I think Taylor would win more often than not, Hanky is a great player but Taylor is more methodical.

Watching the BDO, there’ s a lot of 41’s and 45’s shot, would you fancy your chances of getting through the first round?

I think they score bigger scores than that! I would love to have a crack at it. I played Northern Island International, Martin McCloskey and I had chances to hit the doubles but in the end he was much more clinical.

Every darts player has a nickname, they call me Jason “Typhoon” Shambrook which I think the crowd chose because of the way I breeze through matches although I have heard that it was something to do with wind. What nickname would you choose for yourself and why?

It would have to be “Mr Cool”, because nothing really phases me.

Which song would you choose as your walk on music and why?

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It’s going to have to be the Wurzels “I am a cider drinker”.

The classic TV show, Bullseye ran for 15 series from 1981 until 1995.

“You have got until it takes for the board to revolve”, “You win nothing but BFH - Bus Fare Home” and “Look at what you could have won” were some of the legendary phrases spouted from Jim Bowen.

Another catch phrase was, “Are you a thrower or knower?”

For the readers, can you put on your lime coloured shell suit bottoms and take a trip back in time to 1984 when the show produced the first 180. You are going to be the knower and these were the actual questions!

For £180.00 What is the name of the Island in San Francisco Bay that served as a federal prison until 1962? Alcatraz Super, magic, great! For £80.00 In winter a Stoat’s coat turns white and is then known as another name, what is it?

Weasel? Sorry Phil the answer is Ermine The cash you won earlier, that’s safe. For £45.00 The Tibetan Yeti is a mythical monster that is supposed to live in the Himalayan Mountains.

By what name is it better known as?

The Abominable Snowman Congratulations you have won £225.00 or you can go for Bully’s big prize, a speedboat.

I was playing darts at the KGV the other night and I threw a treble twenty and a single twenty. I threw the next dart and it hit the wire, flew out and lodged itself into the forehead of Sister Marie who was walking past. The guy scoring our match yelled, “One Nun Dead and Eighty”. We all laughed but Sister Marie failed to see the funny side of it. In fact, she couldn’t see the point, which contributed hugely to her injury! Have you ever thrown a dart that hit someone near the board?

No but I have thrown one that came back and stuck in my shoe!

I walked into the Happy Landings the other day, and I suddenly realised it was the league darts night. So I did a 180 and left. How many teams and players are there locally?

At a rough guess there are currently over 80 players taking part in our local leagues.

I feel sorry for those people who only play darts with a blindfold on they don’t know what they’re missing. Judging by the way you played, you must miss the big shots on very few occasions. What are your greatest winning memories of your time in the game?

Two memories stand out for me really, the first was the first round win against England’s Daniel Cooper in the Winmau Championships, Bridlington 2008 and the second was winning the local Super League in 1986. Back then around 400 players entered and most of the players were capable of beating each other.

Who has been the most difficult player you have encountered both in the local game and internationally?

Martin McCloskey has been my most difficult opponent

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internationally and at a higher level locally, if someone is on top of their game they can beat anyone. We could do with someone to come along and raise the level to another bar. i know that tonight i have been a difficult opponent and it was likely to be one of the toughest games you have ever had. Mentally you had to dig deep and the psychology of sport interests me greatly. in darts, that must separate the top player from the world’s best?

All of the top players have the same talent, what separates them is a number of factors. Phil Taylor will have Christmas dinner then practice straight afterwards because he has a big tournament coming up. Nerve plays a big part in things and the ability to keep your emotions under control if things are not going your way. You have to be able to settle into the zone and play under pressure. All those things separate the good player from the world class performer. i was sat at the computer this evening just before i left for this interview, when my wife Jane asked me what i was doing? “i am looking for cheap flights”, i said. “i love you”, she said. “it’s great that you are starting to change and appreciate me as a person.”

The strange thing is she had never shown any interest in darts before!

How long have you been playing and does your good lady just let you get on with it?

I have been playing since I was 14 years old and involved in

league darts since I was 15. When I met my wife Yvonne she was a friend of my sisters and we all used to go to the Yacht Pub and they would sit and chat whilst I played darts. Yvonne still comes to watch occasionally during the InterInsulars but lets me get on with it.

A question from last months Chess star, Fred Hampl, “How easy is it for you to get three in a bed”?

I have done it lots of times; it’s something that comes naturally for us darts players!

Finally, have you got a question for next month’s female rugby player please?

There is no contact in Darts, how do you handle all the bumps and bruises?

The local leagues are played throughout the week and would suit players of all abilities. To find out more about joining a darts team in Guernsey call the Guernsey Darts Association secretary: Caroline La Touche on 07781 427236.

because quality matters

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SPORT

TAI CHI

tai Chi for body & mind words | Peter Silvester

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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HArdwArE

HARdWARE HARDWARE

GALLERY GADGETS GALLERY GADGETS

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

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

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

GreenSmart recycled plastic products Available from greensmart.biz

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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ANT WE W OF ONE !

E THES

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

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

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

SolarKindle case (www.solarmio.com)

Recycled glass?

No need!

Don’t stand so close to me...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

And that’s all we know.

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

Because QUALITY quality MATTERS matters BECAUSE

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

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

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

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

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TRAvEl HARDWARE

GREEN MACHINES: ECO AUTOS GREEN MACHINES - ECO AUTOS

Blazin’ the streets The use of composite materials in the automotive world has been gathering pace and is only set to snowball with many of the hidden trim parts in modern cars being made out of sustainable material composites, such as hemp.

Lotus took this to the extreme a while back whilst creating this; the Lotus Eco-Elise, which has been manufactured predominantly from hemp composites, including the entire bodyshell, interior trim panels and bucket seats.

as farmers don’t make the same mistake that was made with growing rape so abundantly for processing into biofuels for a swift financial gain that little land was left available for growing the crops we rely on for eating.

Turning the raw material harvested from hemp plants into a car requires the foliage to be dried, shredded and baled before being mixed with resins and compressed to create the desired shapes whilst retaining rigidity and strength.

Overall, the Eco-Elise has managed to shed a further 32kg from the already featherlight Lotus Elise S which means better performance, less fuel burnt and consequently reduced CO2 emissions.

Granted, the resins used aren’t particularly environmentally sound but they would still be used if the Elise was manufactured using glass fibre, carbon or kevlar composites and so the benefits of using hemp as an alternative surely outweigh the disadvantages, just so long

Furthermore, they’ve installed a set of solar panels onto the roof to cater for the car’s electrical requirements and have even added a lightweight stereo system.

Just be careful not to lean on those roof-mounted solar panels on a warm summer’s day unless you hate your skin.

Jumping on the Sportwagon It’s not just Lotus who have been farming industrial cannabis to build cars out of - it seems that Audi could be rolling out the use of alternative materials too..

As seen here on the original concept for the Q7 where the wooden fillers used to form the dashboard and transmission tunnel trim have been left exposed and lacquered.

Most of the major manufacturers are using sustainably grown biological materials to create interior panels just like this, only they’re most often left hidden, covered in leatherette or alcantara.

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Forget tigers...

According to research by people in glasses and white jackets (with their arms able to swing freely, I must add) the only thing we should be putting in our tanks is methanol derived from hemp. It burns far cleaner than petroleum and is more sustainable - farming just 6% of existing US farmland could provide for ALL of America’s energy needs without incurring any negative effects on farming. Imagine the possibilities on a worldwide scale.

GUERNSEY’S JERSEY’S STYlE STYLE MAGAzINE MAGAZINE

24/02/2012 12:44

HARdWARE

MUSiC

At the Tav, March 2012

Telephone

238064

fri 2nd fri 9th Sat 10th

Dr Feelgood Focal Point Fade to Grey

Sat 17th

Sons of the Desert dj Silvervespa

12:44

VEF SKID RUE Last of the Light Brigade China Aster dj Andre ‘oneofakind’ de carteret

dj Silverfiesta

www.facebook.com/the fermain tavern bEcAUSE qUAlITY MATTERS

fri 23rd Sat 31st

xxxx

To book a private function call 238064 103

MUSIc

T&T BOOM

This month we have been mostly listening to... RoShambo

B

efore one even gets to the music RoShamBo are an interesting band. Rather than taking the usual route of bands in Guernsey of playing as many gigs as possible and then maybe getting round to releasing an album at some point, RoShamBo have put out an album without having played that many gigs in the island, at least in recent years.

(wrongly) lumped in with much more middle of the road indie fare.

Ok, so they have a fair reason in that while two of them are based in Guernsey and one in the UK, I’m also told one of the Guernsey pair travels a lot and the other has recently had his first child.

All this said about Barney, the rest of the band put in a great showing too, particularly Dave who’s bass seems to know just the right times to pull out something fancy but then restrain itself to rhythm at the right times too.

So all that taken into account it seems to make sense that they have focused on making a record over the last couple of years (as well making it to the regional finals of the Live and Unsigned competition in the UK).

The record they have put out, Held In Time, has certainly been worth the effort and time they have clearly put in despite their busy lives.

The band’s sound mixes a predominantly light semi-acoustic indie vibe with undertones of funk, particularly from Dave Pugh’s bass and Owain Morton’s drums.

Over the top of this is the unmistakable sound of Barney Fawcett’s vocals, which give the music its real sense of uniqueness and character. I think Barney’s voice may be the kind that divides people, but to me it sounds great – conveying not only his fun loving persona, but adding something different to the band’s sound which, I must admit, might otherwise get

As well as the upbeat tunes, there are times on the record when the band take things in a different, more low key or downbeat, direction and here we are given a chance to see a different side to Barney’s vocals which come across as deeply soulful as well.

This gives a real sense that RoShamBo are a band who are clearly all in synch with one another, something which certainly came across on the one occasion I have had the opportunity to see them live.

This connectedness, with the addition of some extra keyboard parts on some songs, arranged, I’m told, by Dave, but with guest musicians playing the parts, really creates something that sounds very good indeed.

While Held In Time is something of an unashamedly easy listen, there is a lot to it, in both terms of musicality and character, which make it something still rewarding to listen to, and if we can’t get to see the band live as often as others, this certainly serves as a great substitute.

Tom Girard, BBC Introducing Guernsey and Guernsey Arts Commission Music Sub-Committee

T&T BOOM

R

oShamBo? Not a great start I must admit.

After a little light research it would seem that it’s an alternative name used for Rock, Paper, Scissors, or if you choose to prefer the Urban Dictionaries definition, a game involving kicking your mate in the ‘clackers’ over an inanimate object. I’m not sure which I actually prefer but at least you can’t accuse the latter of not being evocative.

The Album starts off strong with ‘Step up step out’ an infectiously catchy and somehow charming indie pop song. Led by the bass line ( like most on the album) with Barney Fawcett’s unique voice filling it with character. The content of the lyrics might not instantly inspire you to go and write a poem or novel but you will have no problem relating to lines such as ‘Bass line get out of my mind’ I assure you.

As you make your way through this 11 track album there is a lot to like ‘Aim to please’ definitely does so breaking things up with the addition of a piano and the band showcasing their deeper side.

‘Maybe it’s you’ changes the pace nicely, and just before the acoustic guitar sound used on the previous tracks gets a bit much.

A few months ago along with Tom I went to the album launch at the Fermain Tavern. I must admit I didn’t give the band my full undivided attention (well it was

shared with the bar at least) but it gave me a good insight. After seeing that the bassist Dave Pugh had more than 4 strings on his guitar I had visions of him turning into Flea from the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, luckily he seems to have restrained himself.

With the risk of sounding derogatory, bassists should be treated like a bands dog - A loyal best friend in terms of keeping the rhythm but like dogs should always be kept on a lead. Otherwise they can run away or even worse start taking charge of you, and you don’t want that happening!

Anyway I seem to be going off on a tangent. ‘Held in Time’ is a pleasurable listen with some notable tunes. It’s a nice change to hear an acoustic guitar and electric bass working so well together. I’m still not really sure what the band is about, which isn’t great after listening to the whole of their album but sonically it does the job.

I shall conclude with this; 3 guys, 11 songs, 1 album and worth listening to at least once...... maybe twice.

Tyler Edmonds, Singer, songwriter and guitarist - Last of the Light Brigade

MUSIc

MUSIc

CHRIS DEAN

Chris Dean G

uernsey musician Chris Dean recently called it a day and hung up his guitar after a musical career in the island spanning more than 40 years.

Following two sold out farewell shows at The Fermain Tavern that featured his most recent band, The Devotees, alongside previous bands Tempus and The Pulse, Tom Girard caught up with Chris to have a look at his time playing music and what it has meant to him.

words | Tom Girard pics | Tom Girard BBC Introducing Guernsey

when did you first start getting into and playing music?

CD: I was first inspired by going to see concerts at Candie Gardens during the 60’s when I was only 6 or 7. I saw the likes of the Beatles, Gerry and the Pacemakers and Freddie and the Dreamers, as well as local acts like the Jets.

It had such an impact on me at the time, I knew then that was what I wanted to do. I have an older sister and brother, they were always playing music and my Mum & Dad ran the Plough and the White Hart, so we would always get records from the jukebox.

what bands or performers inspired you at the start?

CD: The Beatles and the Who at the very start then the likes of Cream, Uriah Heap, Deep Purple, Status Quo, the Faces, Humble Pie and Be Bop Deluxe.

who were your first band and how did they come together?

CD: My first band was Tempus; we formed at St Peter Port School in the early 70’s. I had an electric guitar, which I used mainly for posing in front of the mirror, doing Pete Townsend arm windmills, but soon the guitar was left in the corner gathering dust.

Geoff Le Friec had been taking lessons at School and offered to give me some lessons, that’s when I started to take the playing side more seriously. We brought in pal Andy Frampton in to play bass and my pal Sav to play drums.

The original line up consisted of Tim Le Cheminant on lead vocals, Geoff Le Friec on lead guitar and vocals, Andy Frampton on bass and vocals, myself on rhythm guitar and vocals and Sav Russo on drums.

Tim left the band after the first gig and I then took the mantle of lead vocalist as well as guitar and keys. Later Jim Delbridge was to join, eventually replacing Andy on bass.

what was the music scene in guernsey like when you were starting out?

CD: Very vibrant, Barry Collenette used to write Saturday Scene for the Guernsey Press and filled two centre pages with all the different things that were going on in the music scene and the Press was a broad sheet in those days.

A lot of bands had residencies at the various hotels and pubs and that gave them a chance to really hone their skills by playing week in week out.

How did your band fit into that?

CD: We were asked to play every Saturday night at the Delancy Park Hotel, we built up a great following over the weeks and then Birnham Court Hotel asked us to play 6 night’s a week. We felt a loyalty to Delancy, so we played 5 nights at Birnham Court and Saturday’s at Delancy.

We then went on to do 4 night’s a week at the Hermitage Hotel with 400 people coming each Friday and Saturday night, after the Hermitage we then ended up at the Cellar club on a Friday and Saturday, when we would start playing at midnight. This was to prove to be the un-doing of the band and played our last gig therein 1976.

in the late 1970s and into the 1980s your name appears alongside many bands over here from The Pulse and King rat and the Soul Cats to quite a few others, how did you come to be part of so many different bands?

CD: Mainly because I formed them.

After Tempus I formed Stage Door Johnnies, who played mainly at the Trelade. Streetcar followed as I was reunited with old buddy Geoff Le Friec. The line up was me, Geoff, Sav and Pete Creed.

Then after various bands I formed K ing Rat and the Soul Cats because I wanted to do something big.

I used to get bored very easily, so re-inventing and forming new bands was a way of alleviating that boredom.

I have been blessed to have worked with some truly great musicians over the years.

your bands in the 1980s certainly seemed to tap into the popular music of that era, much like the devotees did with indie rock in the last 10 years and Tempus seemed to with rock in the 1970s, has it always been a conscious decision to play what’s currently popular and if so why?

CD: No it’s never been a conscious decision. You are always influenced by the music that is going on around you and with Tempus we were playing it as it was appearing in the charts.

The Pulse were obviously influenced by the new romantic era of the early 80’s and that reflected in our sound.

I have always believed you should have some kind of direction with a band, with K ing Rat it was all about the Motown and Atlantic soul, with the Devotees it was all about Brit Pop, you very rarely heard a song by an American band in our set, especially in our early days.

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CHRIS DEAN

But I have always tried to play covers in our own style whenever possible.

The Pulse was one of the bands that played your recent farewell gig, how did they come about?

CD: The Pulse were formed after Geoff quit Streetcar.

Pete, Sav and I started recording and putting a set together of original songs, I had been writing throughout the 70’s and thought this is as good a time as any to give it a try.

I had been playing keyboards on the recordings, but we needed someone to play live, so Nick Creed joined on keyboards, Pete left the band and Jim Delbridge joined adding another songwriter to the fold.

We went to Denmark Street Studios in London to record a demo, which we intended to take to record companies, and we released a single locally with tracks from the Demo.

what was it like playing with them back in the day?

CD: It was great; there was a really good vibe around the Island at the time.

Gigs were few and far between, so we eventually started organising our own gigs with the help of our Manager Alan Bland. We used to hire the Hermitage Hotel on a Saturday night and from small beginning we eventually had 400 people turning up each week.

We also played Brian’s ( below Dorset Arms) the Cellar Club and the Savoy amongst others.

did you ever take the band, or any of your bands, off island for any shows?

CD: Yes, when I was in Streetcar we did a 10-night stint at various clubs around the north east of England. The experience gained from these gigs were invaluable as it really taught you how to work the crowd especially when you come from Guernsey and the crowd doesn’t differ much from week to week.

With King Rat we played at a University in Cambridge as well as a couple of gigs in Jersey. Also with K ing Rat we played at the Grosvenor Hotel in Park Lane London for a gig to say sayonara to Gary Lineker before his departure from the English Football league to The Japanese league.

what happened to you musically between The Pulse and The devotees?

CD: Well after the Pulse, I was involved with various bands playing original material including, Jump the Gun, Act Bizzare and the Famous Five. Then I had my years with King Rat, which took me into the mid 90’s, and then there were the wilderness years, when I did very little until the Devotees.

what made you put The devotees together and how did you find the right people to play?

because quality matters

MUSIc

CD: I was getting restless and wanted to play again.

I called up Sav my long time sticks man, who at the time was in the Wild Stallions and asked him if he fancied forming a band with me to play mainly Brit Pop. He agreed and I asked him if he would ask the Stallions bass player Alan Foss, if he would be interested. At first he turned the offer down, I don’t think he had heard me play guitar and only knew me as a vocalist. Eventually I persuaded him to join as I wanted this to be a three-piece band with attitude and that’s exactly what it was.

After four years I thought the band had gone as far as it could as a three piece and I asked Colin Leach to join, I knew Colin liked the stuff we played so he was the obvious choice.

How has the music scene in guernsey changed while you’ve been a part of it?

CD: It hasn’t really, I mean the venues have come and gone, but there will always be great bands in Guernsey.

The amount of talent on this Island for somewhere so small is amazing and I have no reason to believe it won’t stay that way in the future.

what has kept you inspired to keep playing over the years?

CD: Seeing people turning up for my gigs will always be all the inspiration I need.

your two-night farewell from gigging at the Fermain Tavern last month sold out very quickly by the standards of any local gig, as did the King rat gigs over the last few years. what do you put your bands’ popularity down to?

CD: 100% commitment, professionalism and always remembering your audience are the most important people, so make sure you entertain them to the best of your ability at all times..

why have you decided to hang up your guitar now when you still seem capable of drawing a crowd and everyone involved still seems to be enjoying it?

CD: I’m not getting any younger and feel blessed that the crowds have still kept coming, but I want to stop now while this is still the case. For me the worst-case scenario would be turning up at a gig with no one there to watch.

what have been your highlights of playing in bands in guernsey and why?

CD: There have been so many over the years, supporting the Jam, Big Country, Slade and Hot Chocolate, the Gary Lineker gig as mentioned earlier, various Vale Castle, Little Theatre and Beau Sejour gigs, just too many too mention

will we ever see you back on a stage in guernsey or is that it now?

CD: Never Say Never!!!

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music

FUTURE SHOCK

Future shock at the Fermain Tavern Get paparazzi at your events. paparazzi@gallery.gg

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GUERNSEY’s style magazine

ADAM BURROUGHS B’DAY BASH

MUSIc

did you get shot?

Adam Burroughs 30th at the Farmhouse Get paparazzi at your events. paparazzi@gallery.gg

BECAUSE qUALITY MATTERS

109

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next month

HiJack

My father taught me many things‌keep your friends close, but your enemies closer.

* boardom

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE VEGETABLE AND WHY?

CUCUMBERS THEY’RE REFRESHING

CORN IT’S MY FAVOURITE

POTATO I LOVE CHIPS

Alex, age 22

Cheshire Home Chicken, age 21

Andy, age 45

BROCCOLI I LIKE THE THE PERFEC T COLOUR WOMAN GREEN

Tom, age 18

SWEETS ARE THE BEST

SWEETCORN CAUSE IT’S LY MY BABSILL Y PRO jUST SKATEBOARD

Theo, age 2

Haylie, age 22

CARROTS I LIKE ORANGE

Nick, age 21

BUTTERNUT SqUASH, ADAPTABLE AND BEAUTIFULLY LEGO, OR SOMETHING TASTY

THAI PAPAYA IT’S FRESH AND PRETTY

CONSTRUCTIVE

Yuphaporn, age 35

Sarah, age 45

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