Gallery Guernsey #40 by Gallery Magazine Guernsey

Guernsey’s Style Magazine | no. 40 | July 2015 | the

[LOCAL]

issue

£ priceless

#40

‘local’ Bridge 2 Nepal

We catch up with some local heroes

Local Luxe

Fashion directly from the Guernsey high street

My Island

We find out what ‘local’ means to Mike Meinke

Beach Bag Essentials

Get ready for the summer with our top beauty picks

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TAG HEUER FORMULA 1 CALIBRE 16 For 30 years McLaren and TAG Heuer have shared the same challenges. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Life is measured in achievement, not in years aloneâ&#x20AC;?, Bruno McLaren, the founder once truly stated. With courage, ambition and vision, comes the ability to push harder than the rest, and to never crack under pressure.

Gallery is published 11 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.

HOLLER BELOW EDITOR

Claud De La Mare claud@gallery.gg SALES / ACCOUNT DIRECTION

Simon De La Rue 07839 777946 simon@gallery.gg

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Jonathan O’Connor 07911 721901 jonathan@gallery.gg STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS

Simon Boucher-Harris 07911 732595 Etienne Laine 07781 413437 DISTRIBUTION

deliveries@gallery.gg ACCOUNTS

accounts@gallery.gg PRODUCTION

Ben Davies ben@gallery.gg Other contacts are on the contributors page

Entertain us with jokes, ideas, YouTube clips, etc.

everyone@gallery.gg

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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 in the car park off the Esplanade. If you want to find out more about recycling, call 01534 448586. We put this on the green strip to look eco innit... That’s smart!

published with gusto in Guernsey by Qube Holdings Ltd GUERNSEY’S STYLE MAGAZINE

INTRO

Guernsey’s Style Magazine | no. 40 | July 2015 | the

[LOCAL]

issue

#40

‘local’ Bridge 2 Nepal

We catch up with some local heroes

Local Luxe

Fashion directly from the Guernsey high street

My Island

We find out what ‘local’ means to Mike Meinke

Beach Bag Essentials

Get ready for the summer with our top beauty picks

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

editor’s note

£ priceless

WWW.GALLERY.GG

#40 [LOCAL] COVER CREDITS PHOTOGRAPHY Renegade Photography ASSISTANT Shanine Levrier Michael Kors Top: Sale Price £53 Hudson Jeans: Sale Price £155 Michael Kors Shoes: £75 Carat Necklace: £370 Coach Rose Gold Lexington Watch: £125 Ti Sento Gold & Silver Black Stone Set Ring: £140 SUPPLIED BY RAY & SCOTT AND SAMUEL PEPYS

Social networking shizzle Be our friend and we’ll tell you secrets

uernsey is an island rich in culture and abundant in beauty. This month the pages of Gallery take on the challenge of capturing the quintessential Guernsey spirit and what the word ‘local’ means to us islanders. What we discovered is that you lot are an extremely generous bunch; not only did you raise a staggering amount of money for the Bridge 2 Nepal appeal but no fewer than five islanders immediately put their lives on hold and jumped on a plane to physically provide aid to the poor families caught in the atrocity - read about their experiences in our Local Heroes feature. There are also countless goodwill stories from around the island which we do our best to round up in our Give section. It’s no wonder that with the splendour of the scenery that surrounds us our creativity is inspired. Jay Aylmer tells us in The Interview how Creative Industries Guernsey are harnessing this creativity to diversify Guernsey’s industries and at the other end of the scale we speak to Louise Lawton, who embodies the true essence of an artist; living locally but exhibiting her work around the world to global acclaim. Guernsey is an island passionate about sport, whether on land or in the arms of the ocean, like sea lover James Briggs who you will find in the pages of our Sports section. This month we also bid farewell to our Island Games team and wish them the greatest of luck in their sporting endeavours. Our contributors have additionally turned their pens to music, food, fashion and beauty in an effort to fill these pages with what ‘local’ means to each of us. Guernsey is an exciting place to live, home to a wealth of culture and vivacity ready for the taking. Enjoy discovering it! Claud

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ARE YOU IN? You can also view paparazzi photos on our facebook page. Learn more > www.gallery.gg

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CONTENTS

106

128

Editor’s Note �� 9 Behind the Scenes �� 11 Contributors �� 12 The News Upfront �� 14 Events Listings �� 16 Profile: Mike Meinke �� 18 Life’s a Beach (guide) �� 20 The Weather Fox �� 22 Georgie’s Pic of the Month �� 24 Give: Your shout �� 26 Local Heroes �� 28 Community �� 30 SOCIAL CIRCLES ��33 International Food Festival Launch � 34 Mourant Ozannes Summer Party �� 36 Island Games Send Off �� 38 FASHION �� 39 Jorja’s Wardrobe ��40 The Renegade Gallery �� 44 Shoot: Time to Hit the High Street �� BEAUTY & WELLBEING ��53 Mind, Body, Health, Self �� 54 Beach Bag Essentials �� 56 Move it with MyFitness �� 58

APPETITE �� 59 Fresh Food Faster �� 60 Top Chef �� 62 Tasting Notes �� 64 Good Service �� 66

Flying with 4G �� 130 PAPARAZZI �� 132 Boardom �� 134 The Gallery property supplement | no. 6 | July 2015

Guernsey’s brightest property section ART & DESIGN �� 67 Meet the Artist: Louise Lawton �� 68 Secret Guernsey �� 70 Speed Patois �� 71 AGENDA �� 103 Creative Guernsey �� 104 Star Quality �� 106 Gradu8 �� 108 Movers and Shakers �� 114 The Agenda: News ��118 SPORT �� 123 James Briggs ��124 Open Water Passion ��126 HARDWARE �� 127 Motorcycle Man ��128

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VIEW

THE VERY BEST OF THE

PLACES IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY

PLACES �� 73 Versatility and a View �� 76 Living Room �� 78 Vision �� 80 Perk up your Patio �� 82 Alpha Estates �� 84 Carre Properties ��86 Wiltshire Properties ��88 Cranfords �� 92 Shields �� 94 Martel Maides �� 96 Sarnia Estates �� 100

GUERNSEY’S STYLE MAGAZINE

BEHIND THE SCENES Words Simon Boucher-Harris, Photographer

potentially wallet crippling couple of hours was spent with Kate from Time Jewellers looking through their extensive range to select pieces that we wanted to use, which was then expertly catalogued (including the total value!), and nervously collected the day before the shoot.

Working with Samuel Pepys was always going to be a pleasure as they have incredible clothes in stock and this time was no exception. I wanted to go with an all-black style this shoot so as to really highlight the jewellery and watches and with the expert help of David, Lucy and Rita quickly ransacked the shop to put together the seven different styles we wanted to shoot. The model choice this month was incredibly easy - I had been dying to shoot with the beautiful Viki Stunell for a long

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time and knew that she would be perfect for the shoot I was planning, and after a suitable amount of begging was delighted to have her on board. Shanine Levrier came up with some stunning makeup and hair choices to complement the shoot and all that was left was to build the set. I

build ended up taking three, not helped by a paper roll falling off the ceiling and the interesting experience of having two large sheets of polystyrene that were strapped to my Land Rover exploding as I drove down Bulwer Avenue (apologies to anyone that got held up on Friday 20th June - yes that was me climbing a tree to retrieve yet

I wanted to have as much control over the lighting as possible to achieve the striking look I was aiming for, and used a number of different lighting techniques and light modifiers to create the strong contrast in the images.

I decided on a studio shoot this month as I wanted to have as much control over the lighting as possible to achieve the striking look I was aiming for, and used a number of different lighting techniques and light modifiers to create the strong contrast in the images. Unfortunately the little skill I have in photography does not spill over into DIY and a set that should have taken a day to

another piece of what were once boards). six rolls of gaffer tape and a lot of swearing later the set was built and ready to shoot. The day of the shoot passed incredibly quickly with amazing modelling from Viki and flawless hair and makeup from Shanine, and we hope you like the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;local luxeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; shoot this month - Simon

CONTRIBUTORS

#40 CONTRIBUTORS Some of the faces that made this edition

LIAM DOHERTY

Beery, bohemian, bearded, boxer and we suspect a lover of colourful t-shirts.

PAUL CHAPMAN

Tired dad of three who enjoys red wine and cycling, though not always in that order. A master procrastinator with an irrational fear of custard.

MICHELE HILTON

Made in Manhattan comes to Contree Mansell - New Yorker Designer Michele Hilton loves beaches, Buenos Aires and beautifying your outdoor space.

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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.

We understand that the medium is the message. The quality of a magazine reflects on the businesses that advertise within it. Gallery is dedicated to being the highest quality magazine for stylish and progressive brands. If you have a business or strategy to promote to Guernsey’s forward-thinking consumer, get in touch.

If you are an artist with work to exhibit, an event or entertainment organiser with an event coming up or a business with some exciting news or a new product to feature, get in touch. We’re keen to feature anything of interest that will entertain our readers.

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For all accounts enquires please email michelle@gallery.gg

Disclaimer.

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

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THE NEWS UPFRONT TOP TWEETERS

Gallery News Highlights

TOP OF OUR NEWSFEED…

TOP CHANNEL TWEETERS We’re all keeping our fingers crossed for a long hot summer. Get these top channel tweeters in your newsfeed and you’ll never have a dull moment, wether there’s a cloud in the sky or not. @VisitGuernsey

The NatWest Island Games began We said farewell to 240 of our top athletes as they left for Jersey and wished them luck on their Island Games medal quest. Check out their leaving party on page 38.

The International Food Festival launched With a mouth-watering line up of local producers, themed evenings, markets, demos and yummy challenges this September is due to bring out the foodie in each of us. You can read more about the launch on page 34 or take a look on the Visit Guernsey website to plot your week of gastronomic delights and book tickets to the highlights.

Not just for the tourists! You can find out about the very best that our island has to offer, including where to purchase doggy ice cream, routes for tasty walks and daily updates from photographer Chris George. Especially good for those with kids to entertain this summer!

@HermIsland Make sure Herm is in your newsfeed lest you forget that we have an (almost) tropical paradise island right on our doorstep, airfares and waiting times not included! Follow Herm for updates on all their events this summer as well as some awe-inspiring photography.

@Sark_Island We got a soaking Seven days of rainfall fell in just 15 minutes causing chaos on the roads and flooding to many local business and homes. Guernsey Water blamed a lack of green space; others blamed Guernsey Water’s insufficient drainage system. Either way they rectified the situation with an impressive clean-up operation. For this month’s weather forecast, check out the Weather Fox on page 22.

Sark is the slightly quieter Channel Island and their Twitter feed reflects this, although they still post regularly with updates on the Sark Folk Festival, dark sky evenings and of course the sheep racing. Maybe Sark isn’t so quiet after all! Follow to find out for yourself! Who is at the top of your newsfeed? Tag us to see them appear in the next edition of Gallery.

GUERNSEY’S STYLE MAGAZINE

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LISTINGS

ON THIS JULY IN GUERNSEY

03.07.15

19.07.15

ANNIE BARROWS - THE TRUTH ACCORDING TO US

MOTORSPORTS SEAFRONT SUNDAY

St James// 7.30pm// £10

In a special Guernsey Literary Festival interim event Annie Barrows, co-author of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, will be talking about her new novel The Truth According to Us. The ticket price includes a pre-talk drink. Book on www. guernseyliteraryfestival.com.

St Peter Port Harbour// £free

17.07.15

SARK SHEEP RACING Sark// Donations upon entrance

You’ll be surprised at the large crowds this event attracts so book your boat travel and accommodation in advance. It’s not Ascot although there is a ladies’ hat parade.

17.07 – 07.08

KPMG CASTLE NIGHTS

Organised by the Guernsey Motor Cycle and Car Club and Guernsey Kart Club this is a Seafront Sunday with a difference. There will be the usual stalls and alfresco dining but some additional meaty motors to browse.

26.07.15

JT SUMMER BAY BALCONY GIGS AT COBO Us4/U2// Supported by City Limits// music from 3pm// Call 257102// £free A popular fixture on Cobo’s Summer Balcony Gigs calendar for a number of years! Us4/U2 take you on a journey through U2’s career.

Castle Cornet// 6pm – 9pm //£free

19.07.15

18.07.15

Live Aid 30th Anniversary// The Eric Clapton Experience// £29.95 incl. carvery & dessert //Call 264181

Every Friday evening with live musical entertainment in the (fingers crossed) sunshine. Supported and organised by KPMG.

BRITISH MOTOR RACING HILL CLIMB Val des Terres// Start 9.30am// £free

If you like the screech of tyres and the smell of burning rubber then this one is for you.

JT GAZEBO GIGS AT THE FARMHOUSE JT will be giving away free JT Summer gig loyalty bands which give 15% off all drinks at any of the events, available at the JT shop on the High Street on a first-come-first-served basis.

31.07 – 09.08

04.07.15

SKIPTON ART FESTIVAL

Vazon Bay// Start 1.30pm// £free to spectate

Celebrating all things art for 10 glorious days, 108 artists are signed up to show one piece of artwork at the Festival HQ venue, Royal Terrace. Look out for their catalogue around mid July for full details. Art is for everyone!

Various venues around the island// £free

SANDACE

Love the roar of a motorbike? Head to the west coast’s Vazon Bay for the sand racing British Championships, motorbikes and sidecars.

05.07.15

TASTE GUERNSEY SEAFRONT SUNDAY St Peter Port Harbour// £free

Best to arrive on an empty stomach for this one! Guernsey grub will be out in full force with loads of local suppliers, producers, alfresco dining, demos and tastings. These Sundays are some of the best events in the Guernsey calendar.

18.07 – 01.08

ST PETER PORT TOWN CARNIVAL Starts 11am every day// Various locations// £free

The carnival kicks off with a parade from the top of Smith Street at 11am. Definitely one for the family with clowns, face painters, musicians including Stanley’s Dixie Street Jazz Band and loads of events organised in the Market and throughout the rest of town.

GUERNSEY’S STYLE MAGAZINE

IN JERSEY 04-05.07.15

BIG GIG IN THE PARK

Howard Davis Park // £varied // 4.30pm-10pm

This July sees Jersey’s Big Gig charity event return for its 5th year. The festival continues to grow, now providing local talent with a chance to perfom. Launching its new ‘Search for a Star’ competition this year, four winners are being given the chance to take to the mainstage. With the line up including The Vamps, Union J and ‘Legend in the Park’ Spandau Ballet, there is sure to be something for everyone in this fun filled family orientated weekend.

16.07.15

BOULEY BAY HILL CLIMB

Bouley Bay, Trinity // £4, UNDER 16 FREE // 8am-5pm

A chance to witness some high speed action as competitors navigate their way around the many twists of Bouley Bay. This Bouley Bay Hill Climb is a part of the British Hillclimb Championship, attracting competitors from all over the British Isles. With speeds reaching up to 90mph, the event is set to make for an exciting day of racing for spectators and competitors alike.

18.07.15

JERSEY INTERNATIONAL BEACH RUGBY TOURNAMENT St Brelade’s Bay // 10am-5pm

It’s that time of year again where the people of Jersey take the much loved full contact game to the beach. With men and women’s teams able to enter, it is a day not to be missed by either sport or beach enthusiasts. Take the chance to enjoy the sun while watching this fast paced version of the sport at one of Jersey’s most picturesque locations.

ELSEWHERE 10-12.07.15

HYPER JAPAN FESTIVAL

VARIED LOCATIONS, LONDON // £VARIED

London’s love of all things Japanese is to be celebrated at this 2 day festival. An array of musical performances, markets, fashion shows plus a gaming and anime park are some of the gems on offer, displaying both traditional and modern aspects of Japanese culture.

14.07.15

BASTILLE DAY FRANCE// ALL DAY

A public holiday in France, Bastille day ignites the past and present in a party atmosphere and is one for all to enjoy. In Paris displays of fireworks, a military parade and many different types of performances unite the crowd in this celebration of French culture.

19.07.15

CITADEL FESTIVAL

VICTORIA PARK, LONDON // BEGINS 12PM

A new one day festival arriving in East London this month. Created by the organisers of Lovebox and Wilderness festivals, Citadel is unique in that it begins and ends on a Sunday, erasing the feeling of those last day festival blues. Street food, guest speakers plus music from artists such as Bombay Bicycle Club and Ben Howard make for the perfect way to spend a Sunday.

19.07.15

01-28.07.15

Jardins de la Mer, St Helier // 9am

TUSCANY, ITALY// £VARIED

JERSEY TRIATHLON

Swimming, cycling, running. This year’s race will be identical to that of the Natwest Island Games Triathlon in June. The course takes competitors for a swim near Elizabeth Castle, around the West of the island and back again in a true test of strength. This year the official charity for the race is the Oscar Maclean Foundation, aimed at helping young cancer patients.

25.07.15

THE GALLERY 2015 DODGEBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS

LES ORMES, ST PETER // 1PM

After the first tournament launched in 2008, Our sister magazine editon of Gallery’s charity dodgeball extravaganza returns this year in aid of the British Heart Foundation Jersey. This year’s event includes complementary t-shirts as well as prizes for the best dressed teams, so it is definitely not to be missed. Fancy repping for Guernsey? enter at www.gallery.je/dodgeball.

LUCCA SUMMER FESTIVAL Festival goers are in for a month of top international acts, spanning across various musical genres, all gathering in the Piazza Napoleone, Lucca. Performances from Bob Dylan on the opening day to a Snoop Dogg festival finale will make for the ultimate month of music in Italy.

24-26.07.15

TOMORROWLAND

BOOM, BELGIUM// £VARIED // 12PM-1AM

Now in its 10th year, Tomorrowland reaches over 200,000 festival goers and is the biggest electronic dance music festival in the world. Set in the town of Boom (translating to tree in English), this quirky festival is full of many surprises to experience such as its own city of Dreamville where up to 35,000 festival visitors stay. With Alesso, Avicii and David Guetta being just 3 names on the line up list, Tomorrowland is a definite reason for dance music fans to book a ticket to Belgium ASAP.

MY ISLAND

FEATURE

L A

Mike

Meinke

ike Meinke, the frontman of local band Buffalo Huddleston, is returning to his origins this summer with a string of solo performances alongside a busy schedule of full band gigs.

The 35 year old is the principal songwriter and founding member of the popular five-piece band, which stormed onto the local music scene last summer. Buffalo Huddleston’s music is characterised by intricate fingerstyle guitar, classical strings, catchy vocal hooks and rap. With Mike describing the unique sound as folk-hop it’s no surprise that the band’s appearance at the legendary Sark Folk Festival was one of its most successful gigs in its first year. Now, with debut album Sunrise under its belt, Buffalo Huddleston is poised to make a triumphant return to Sark this month to perform at the fifth staging of the annual event. Those that have followed Mike for a while will be well aware of his appeal as a solo artist. This summer, whenever you see the shortened name Buff Hudd listed as performing, that’s your opportunity to catch the one-man show. He can play a number of different instruments and also possesses the skill to play several at the same time, including guitar, drums and didgeridoo. Combining this talent with a loop pedal - which enables him to record phrases live and play them back to accompany himself – enables Mike to create a very impressive and full sound. Outside of music Mike is a proud vegan, animal rights supporter and all-round fitness fanatic.

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How did you get into playing music? I grew up listening to my dad play beautiful fingerstyle blues guitar. When I was 12 he wanted me to have guitar lessons, but I wasn’t overly interested at that point. Something obviously ingrained in my mind as I picked it up when I was 16 and taught myself by ear. I sat down with an old cassette machine repeatedly pressing stop, rewind and play, working out a song titled ‘I Could Have Lied’ by the Red Hot Chili Peppers. If only we’d had mp3s back then! How would you describe your musical style? Percussive, rythmical, fingerstyle, folky, bluesy, hip-hoppy type stuff. Who are your favourite local bands? The Recks are up there, for brilliant musicianship, great songwriting and the sheer energy they bring to their performances. Nessi Gomes, who I’m proud to call a good friend, is an enigma and I’m sure destined for big things. Rentoclean, the Space Pirates of Rocquaine, the Barley Dogs, Asylum Seekaz and Tantale are all great too. Guernsey really does punch well above its weight on the music scene.

What is next for your music? I’ve been learning the didgeridoo among other things, and I’m combining that with guitar, drums, and a Tibetan singing bowl to create a one-man-band of sorts! I’m also writing new material for the band, some of which we’re playing already. How do you like to spend your Sundays? I’ve started my own personal training business, Machine Like Me, so some Sundays are spent training. If I’m not with clients then I’ll be at home working on music, art or plotting something else! What is your favourite part of the island and why? The coastal stretch between the Aquarium and Jerbourg is as beautiful as anywhere I’ve been. Port Soif is my favourite beach. This really is a stunning island and I count myself lucky to live here. Where is your local? The Cock and Bull - it’s not really in the vicinity of home but it’s my favourite pub. Where do you like to eat out? Sarah, my partner, and I chose to go vegan at the start of this year so eating out can now be a bit tricky. La Lanterna have been amazing though - Ivan cooks an epic vegan pizza! Do you have a pet? I have two cats, Wilberforce and Milly, whom I adore. What inspires you? Nature, wildlife, and people doing good things! What makes you happy? Being outside, running, meditation, friends and family, music, and possibly a few beers! Which charities do you support? Locally I support La Société Guernesiaise, Conservation Grazing Herd and the GSPCA. My favourite charities beyond our shores are Sea Shepherd, In Defence of Animals and The Gentle Barn. I’m about to start a course in Effective Altruism and I hope one day I’ll be able to give much more to these organisations.

TRAVEL

LIFE’S A BEACH (GUIDE)

PORTELET

n the south-west tip of the little triangle we call home Portelet is a beach popular for ice creams, a visit to ‘The Imp’ or long walks to see the fairies... Optimum Tide Mid, coming up. Best Feature The views from the beach and the kiosk are spectacular. Worst Feature In high summer, space is at a premium. West of Petit Bot, Guernsey’s coastline serves up thrilling headlands, craggy rock formations and tiny, storm-shaken coves, but precisely zero accessible beaches. Until, that is, you round the southwestern tip and reach Portelet, one of the island’s most interesting spots. The beach itself is small but charming, with lots of soft sand and a permanent flotilla of boats moored at what is a working fishing harbour. Beyond lie extensive views across Rocquaine Bay to Fort Grey, L’Eree and, jutting out forlornly in its semi-isolation, Lihou Island. As captivating as the beach is, Portelet’s biggest attractions lie away from the sand. In addition to a kiosk dishing up tasty crab rolls, there’s a tarmac path that arcs round the cliff to crumbling Fort Pezeries and on towards Pleinmont. Halfway along the path is a former German bunker, its twin entrances flaring forbiddingly out of the hillside like a dragon’s nostrils. Today it lies dark and empty, but during the 1950s and 60s it was the home of the island’s most famous hermit, Steve Piquet - one of the only real-life characters mentioned in The Book of Ebenezer Le Page.

Words Adam Bayfield, Tony Curr & Gordon MacRae Photography Etienne Laine

At the end of the path lies the Pleinmont Fairy Ring. This circle of stones surrounding a granite ‘table’, looking like something from an old Norse saga, has become part of local folklore. It’s said that if you walk around the Ring three times and make a wish, it will instantly come true. The true origins of the Fairy Ring are disappointingly mundane (it was designed as a makeshift ‘dining table’ for 18th-century civil servants as they travelled around the island), but if you’re able to suspend your disbelief for a few moments it’s definitely worth a visit. If only to see if that wish does come true.

i 20

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durrell.org/tamarin Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust - UK Registered charity number: 1121989. Registered company number: 6448493. Registered office: c/o Ogier Corporate Services (UK) Limited, 6th Floor, 11 Old Jewry, London, EC2R 8DU Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust is a member of the Association of Jersey Charities, membership number 69. Patron: HRH Princess Royal Founder: Gerald Durrell, OBE, LHD Honorary Director: Lee Durrell, BA, PhD Chief Executive Officer: Oliver Johnson

FEATURE

OPTIMISING THE LOCAL CLIMATE The wonderful west

Words: The Guernsey Weather Fox :: Photos: Paul Mariess

uernsey is so small that one might not expect much local variation. However, as we all know, just a short ride to another location can make it feel like a totally different day. Each geographical subdivision of ‘The Rock’ has its own favourite combos of wind, weather, waves and tides; such that there are very few days when I can’t find something positive to say in my forecasts. It’s true that this says something about my core values as a forecaster, or maybe just as a human. However I can’t take credit for this wonderful feature of our island. All I can do is recognise it and hopefully everybody else does too. If I say, ‘Guernsey lends itself to optimistic forecasting’, then you might suspect me of being a liar who talks up sunshine to boost tourism. Well no; the weather is what it is,

and all we can do is make the most of it. Accuracy always trumps sensationalism. So, just because Guernsey’s a couple of degrees cooler than Jersey on a typical summer’s day, doesn’t meant there’s anything to be downhearted about. You just have to know whether to stay close to your own doorstep, or to take a minuscule jaunt to somebody else’s. So let’s delve into Guernsey’s meteorological quirks on a more local scale. The island can be split into quarters, which obviously overlap somewhat (it’s not easy with a triangle). To be honest, you could divide Guernsey in many different ways, or you could subdivide these areas many times over, but I’ve only got a couple of pages. Before isolating these zones, consider the overall shape of the island - triangular and generally sloping northwards. Before you next have a rant because the weather presenter has given Jersey yet another ‘scorchio’, try to imagine Jersey as a wellplaced solar panel. Because its tallest parts are in the north, it is orientated as though it were on a south-facing roof. Following that analogy, Guernsey would be on the north-facing roof. You will soon see that the physical shape of the island also has a big

“

Just because Guernsey’s a couple of degrees cooler than Jersey on a typical summer’s day, doesn’t meant there’s anything to be downhearted about. You just have to know whether to stay close to your own doorstep, or to take a minuscule jaunt to somebody else’s.

”

GUERNSEY’S STYLE MAGAZINE

FEATURE

East coast sunrise by Paul Mariess.

The fabulous south

effect on cloud development.

The Slopey Southwest The climate record shows us that Guernsey’s most frequent wind is from the southwestern quadrant. This usually brings moist air from the Atlantic, so it’s often quite cloudy, but sometimes the cloud doesn’t form until it hits the slopes about 1km inland. Air is forced to rise and cool here, until water vapour condenses and a trail of cloud spreads downwind. The moister the air, the lower and greyer the cloud. However, the immediate coast is often sunnier than you might expect and, because most beaches are bay-shaped, one end or the other is usually quite sheltered from the wind. Other perks of this area include fabulous sunsets and good exposure to surf.

The Rural and Elevated South Sneeze central for hayfever sufferers during warmer months. Also, as frequent fliers are very aware, the low cloud (stratus) that forms on those slopes between Castel and Torteval often brings mist and fog to St Peter’s and Forest. If you’re affected by this one day, and you need some light at the end of the tunnel, then look to the forecast for a wind change; as soon as it veers to a westerly (or better still a northwesterly) your troubles should be over. My favourite features of the South are the cliffs and beaches. Winds from the northwestern and northeastern quadrants are also fairly frequent in Guernsey. Northwesterlies come with short-lived ridges of high pressure. They can be cool, but Petit Bot, Saints Bay and Moulin Huet will be beautifully sheltered; sometimes too shady in winter but gorgeous suntraps in summer. Northeasterlies are a persistent and pesky feature of settled high pressure systems, but down at Petit Port it will feel like the Caribbean.

www.guernseyweatherfox.com

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

The bright and breezy north

The Relatively Urban East When winds are from the western half of the compass, the builtup and sheltered East will always be a few degrees warmer than elsewhere, especially on a northwesterly (it tends to be cloudy on a southwesterly). Even if you do find it rather industrial around Belgrave Bay, you can’t argue with those views across to Herm. If those northwesterlies get really strong and chilly, then just drop down to the leafy and super-sheltered Fermain Bay, it will feel like a different world (epic sunrises are also a feature of this zone).

The Low-lying North Because the top of the triangle is so much narrower than its broad base, the North can extend right down to the Bridge and to Portinfer. Largely unaffected by the frequent cloud described earlier, this is the sunniest zone by far. However, because it’s so flat, it’s also the windiest and that can be really chilly (especially during bitter northeasterlies in winter). When the wind is light though, this area is a real gem, with incredible blue skies through the majority of daylight hours, and with pink granite catching golden light at both dawn and dusk. When it is windy (fairly often), windsurfers and kitesurfers will gladly make their ten-minute pilgrimages to L’Ancresse or Le Grande Havre. Many readers probably feel that this article has overlooked their little patch of paradise, but that just emphasises how much local detail we have. Anyway, it’s nice to know that every beaten track is matched by a wealth of off-piste areas to explore. So use this summary as a very rough guide, but have fun finding your own favourites. GWF

FEATURE

PIC(K) OF THE MONTH

Georgie captured the summer sunshine at Petit Bot exclusively for Gallery readers

GUERNSEYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S STYLE MAGAZINE

See the whole back catalogue and sign up for Chrisâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; daily updates at chrisgeorge.dphoto.com

YOUR SHOUT! Words Liam Doherty

‘The only thing more expensive than education is ignorance’ Benjamin Franklin

can already feel the younger fingertips that have casually flicked through this edition of Gallery change gear and hurriedly brushed this page aside. Such is the dire state of political engagement with young people today, for which I can vouch for with my teenage years being devoid of any political discussion or education; we knowingly deflect anything to do with how our lives are governed and destinies determined. Wait – no education?! We’ll get to that.

But first, as you have valiantly resisted the societal impulse to ignore anything political, I will reward you with an anecdote about my first Personal, Social and Health Education - ‘PSHE’ - lesson. I remember it like it was yesterday: a mysterious overturned poster occupied a patch of carpet in the centre of a circle of chairs – remember circle time? – sat upon by a class of excitable year 6 students about to have their minds blown (I’m aware this is a political opinion piece and I urge you to bear with me). We were unprepared for our teacher’s introduction to the subject; that these weekly hour-long sessions were to teach us important lessons about growing up, our personal health and social responsibilities. I remember this first lesson so vividly because after the laminated poster was flipped, revealing the anatomical diagram on the other side, the class erupted into unending fits of raucous laughter. I laughed so hard I cried hysterically and can still picture the expression of genuine concern my teacher wore when looking at me; I can even picture the illustration of the dangly extremity that caused it (I said bear with me…). Subject matter and behaviour in PSHE at secondary school differed. Humour dared not rear its red face when discussing

relationships and sex, which we continued to do as a class, wrapped around graphic diagrams week in, week out. So, if the educative powers that be thought I was mature enough to discuss the birds and the bees, why was the entirety of my political education contained within just one of these sessions? The schools in which you are taught English to speak and write; Science to test and understand the world around us; Home Economics to eat and live; Mathematics to… memorise quadratic formulae (?) could surely stretch to educating students about the ins and outs of our political system - ultimately the decider of the quality, direction and lawfulness of the lives we lead? Whilst we are at it, why could I not name a UK political party until past my teens; why can I still not name more than three deputies; why do my colleagues know more about the political intricacies of FIFA’s government than their own and how did we get to the stage where the latest political developments in Game of Thrones are more worthy of conversation than the Conservatives’ reelection on a manifesto pledge to abolish the Human Rights Act? It’s not just a cheap journalistic remark to say there are no easy answers to these questions. The cynic in me suspects the language used by those in power is purposefully opaque – honestly, who under the age of 21 knew what austerity meant before it saturated the political discourse? And the now-wavering optimist that makes up the rest of me thinks that maybe we islanders just aren’t that bothered. I made these points to a fellow Guernseyman over an overpriced beer or seven. He declared himself as having ‘no interest in politics whatsoever’ but was particularly riled over the proposed implementation of a paid parking system locally. Recklessly emboldened by the

If you have something to shout about drop us a line contributors@ gallery.gg

Breda, I suggested that he had no right to complain about political decisions if he chose not to engage himself politically and at least try to make a difference. After a cyclical and burpy quarrel my compatriot conceded the point, but not without making one of his own: however would he go about making this ‘difference’? Before I disclose the sole suggestion I mustered at the time, I have a couple of fresher ones that I have recently resolved to follow: READ ABOUT POLITICS. You’ve already started! Pay attention to the parts of the Guernsey Press dealing with what affects your life before treating yourself to the lighter stories like the Ace Ventura-esque, pigeon-whispering ‘Bird Man’. TALK ABOUT POLITICS. Get talking about local politics with your friends, family, colleagues and even that not-so-nicesmelling guy on the bus. Sometimes it’s only when things are discussed aloud that the ridiculous is discerned (e.g. shutting a school with no structural issues and an excellent record of performance against the advice of teachers, parents and students alike). CONTRIBUTE POLITICALLY. ‘Woah there!’ I hear you holler, ‘How on earth am I supposed to do that?!’ Speak to your deputy, write to the press and use Facebook and Twitter for good instead of evil*. *For ‘evil,’ read: pictures of your hateful pets, links to weepy videos and maps of how far you ran and I didn’t run whilst eating macaroons and cheesecake this evening. Unfortunately I could not make these points to my beer-buddy at the time; I was stumped! ‘Well,’ I started, ‘Maybe you could call your deputy?’ His reply was instant. ‘I don’t know his name and I don’t like him.’ I haven’t laughed so hard since PSHE. GUERNSEY’S STYLE MAGAZINE

LOCAL HEROES

Words Tom Bradshaw

ROGER ALLSOPP

uernsey has a lasting legacy in the rebuilding of Nepal thanks to aid work on the ground by a local charity and the generosity of thousands of islanders donating funds. Moments after the devastating earthquake hit the Himalayan country in late April, local humanitarian Sarah Griffith started thinking about how Guernsey could assist the international aid efforts.

DAVE MATHESON

SARAH GRIFFITH

OLLY WESTGARTH

SAM JAMES

a little part of Nepal in a very positive way which will do justice to the money which has been so generously donated,’ said Sarah.

wrong. We now know that there is a severe lack of medical supplies so what we took over is like gold dust.’

Her team, which included retired surgeon Roger Allsopp, restaurateur Dave Matheson and architect Olly Westgarth, spent two weeks in the country, dedicating most of its time to providing medical aid in a small village outside Kathmandu. They slept rough and worked out of a makeshift clinic, using supplies brought over from Guernsey.

The behaviour of many journalists, especially the paparazzi, also deeply shocked and dismayed Sarah and her team.

Just a few days later, following an outpouring of local support, she was in a position to travel to Nepal to help.

Sarah’s charity Bridge2 has also committed to providing ongoing support to Dadagaun Children’s Home, where Guernsey-raised funds will help rebuild and develop the orphanage.

With lots of experience in delivering aid to developing countries in the immediate aftermath of natural disasters, Sarah put together a highly effective team to take with her.

‘I am really pleased with what we achieved and that we left Nepal with a legacy to support. But it’s such a desperately sad situation as hundreds of years of culture and heritage is just gone.’

With more than £120,000 raised by the Guernsey community in a matter of weeks, contributors can be confident that the donations have been put to great use.

Sarah was also saddened by the lack of acknowledgement by the authorities and some of the bigger charities as to where assistance was needed.

‘We can’t save the world, but we can help

‘The government is saying that there is no need for any medical aid, but that is so

‘People were dying under rubble while the media was scrambling on top of them to get their photos. They were clearly driven by the greed of getting the most dramatic images to sell at the highest price. That was sickening to see.’ The country was hit by a devastating earthquake on Saturday 25 April, killing more than 8,800 people and injuring 23,000. Sarah heard the news at 11pm that night. ‘As soon as I hear something like that I go into obsessive mode and want to find out everything I can about it. I went onto the Reuters website and spent all night tracking it.’ Soon after the earthquake, she was contacted via social media by an acquaintance who was living in Nepal, desperately seeking her advice. ‘She was terrified and asking me what to do. I talked her through the next 12 hours, GUERNSEY’S STYLE MAGAZINE

advising that she stayed outside and sought open space. Hearing first-hand her complete terror really hit me.’ On the Sunday Sarah was approached by locally-based Nepalese man Aushtosh Lamichhane, offering to help. By the Monday she had committed to putting a team together to travel to Nepal. Roger and Dave, who have been on several previous overseas aid trips with Sarah, were immediately enlisted. ‘They are both highly experienced first responders who can cope with whatever a disaster throws at them, so I was delighted that both were willing to come.’ She also approached the Samu Foundation, a medical aid team from Spain which specialises in disaster zones. ‘These guys are brilliant and are always my first choice. I called the boss, Borja Escalada, to see if he could put a team together but he said they had no funds to do so as they had just come back from a trip. I said if I could get the money would they come and Borja replied yes. I made one phone call and sent one email and got enough funding for a team of four.’ Next to sign up was Olly who proactively offered his support. ‘He contacted me saying he had seen lots of buildings had been damaged and asked whether his skills would be of use. He is also an experienced builder so I knew he’d be indispensible.’ Sarah’s son Sam James completed the team. ‘He called me and said “you’re not going to Nepal without me mum”. I was overwhelmed that he wanted to come.’ Ahead of the trip, Sarah was put in touch with Nepalese man Amir Bagale, an introduction made by Shelterbox, a charity she is closely affiliated with. ‘Amir was our fixer and helped us to arrange where our aid would be best delivered.’ The 26 year old identified a village called Dolokha Bazaar in the foothills above Kathmandu, and prepared everything on the ground ahead of the team’s arrival. The morning they landed in the capital, on

They established a little clinic in a community centre just down the road. Everyone got to work as best they could, with Sarah adopting the role of project manager. Roger joined the Samu team of three doctors and two nurses to administer medical care while Olly worked as an architectural advisor and fixer on camp. Dave’s primary role was in assessing what supplies were needed for any given situation and going out to source them. Sam documented the trip and assisted in all areas. Tuesday 12 May, they were caught up in a major aftershock – a severe earthquake in its own right, killing a further 200 people. Sarah said, ‘We were on the second floor of our hotel when it hit. Olly said run to the door jamb and a big group of us huddled in a ball. The thing that really stuck in my mind was the inhuman animal-like scream of one of the kitchen staff. It was sheer terror. ‘The quake lasted for less than a minute but at the time it felt like forever as you had no idea when it was going to end. When it stopped we ran outside into the street and I remember the dogs going absolutely crazy. We all got into a jeep and drove speedily to an open space.’ The following day the team set off for the village, where they found a devastated community. They set up a very primitive camp, sleeping in their tents on a concrete floor within an open-sided shelter. Every day they endured numerous aftershocks and severe storms.

They established a little clinic in a community centre just down the road. Everyone got to work as best they could, with Sarah adopting the role of project manager. Roger joined the Samu team of three doctors and two nurses to administer medical care while Olly worked as an architectural advisor and fixer on camp. Dave’s primary role was in assessing what supplies were needed for any given situation and going out to source them. Sam documented the trip and assisted in all areas. Several of the village buildings were destroyed and of those still standing, most were severely structurally compromised. If someone wanted to know if their property was still safe to live in Olly would do an assessment and give them recommendations. Sarah said, ‘He checked out three orphanages and, despite him saying they were ok, the residents would not go back inside as they were just so terrified there was going to be a worse quake. All the children from one orphanage were sleeping on a bus.’ On the first day they visited a monastery where all the child monks had impetigo. ‘We gave all the boys a bowl, soap, towel and clean clothes and taught them about washing and hygiene. It was very gratifying to go back later in the week and see how much their conditions had improved – that is what our work is all about,’ said Sarah. Donate by visiting www.bridge2.gg

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

GIVE

Making Maths Fun!

Pedal Power!

The eighth Ian Brown’s Cycle Shop 30in30 Challenge has raised an impressive total of £64,236 for Les Bourgs Hospice. The 65 participants pledged to ride their bicycles for one hour each day for 30 days beginning on 25 April 2015 and finishing on the annual Rocque to Rock bicycle ride on 24 May. Organiser Ian Brown of Ian Brown’s Cycle Shop said: ‘The Les Bourgs Hospice fundraising activities have long been associated with cyclists and the Rocque to Rock bike ride. This event provides great awareness leading up to the Rocque to Rock but also offers a challenge for those who literally want to go that extra mile. We are amazed at the commitment and endeavour of the 30in30 challengers and after only eight challenges we have raised close to half a million pounds.’ Photography courtesy of Sealord Photography.

Every Child Our Future has joined up with Guernsey Electricity to help young islanders learn vital maths skills with the donation of a special box of games and puzzles. The charity supports initiatives to improve both literacy and numeracy skills in Guernsey and encourages people in the community to take responsibility for the education of local children. The box was purchased from the Happy Puzzle Company which offers a range of educational games, toys and puzzles for families and schools. The games are designed to make learning more engaging and interactive so children develop thinking strategies, team skills and self-confidence. Children around the island will have the chance to hone their maths skills with the box, which is available for local primary schools to use under the guidance of a volunteer from the Education Department.

C5 supports PPBF

£7,185 - Swoffing Marvellous!

Swoffers has announced that its special Swoffathon campaign raised £7,185 for Guernsey Autism’s Support Autism 365 Campaign, surpassing the £3,650 target. Throughout a gruelling 36.5 hours, 12 of the Swoffers staff journeyed 700 miles, marking the 70th anniversary of Liberation Day and raising money for this important cause. The Swoffers team swam 25 miles, cycled 450 miles and ran 225 miles, starting at 6am on Friday 8 May and finishing at 6.30pm on Saturday 9 May. Over £1,600 of the total was collected from donations on Liberation Day itself. ‘We want to say a big thank you to the wonderful support everyone on Guernsey has given us and for the generous donations,’ said Spencer Noyon, Swoffers Director. ‘We aimed to raise £3,650 and to have surpassed that is fantastic. Our team gave it their all and to receive this scale of support is incredible.’

C5 Alliance has provided invaluable software support and hardware to the Priaulx Premature Baby Foundation, enabling the Foundation to efficiently continue its vital charity work. Jo Priaulx, trustee of the Priaulx Premature Baby Foundation, said: ‘C5 Alliance has been incredibly supportive to us this year as we have set up a new charity office. They understood that as a team we aren’t always in the same place at the same time and they worked with us to find a way so that we can all work from the same platform whether it is in the office or out and about.’

Heartfelt Donation from Credit Suisse Credit Suisse has named Jake’s Heartfelt Funds as their Charity of the Year for 2015, after raising £9,500 for Channel Islands Air Search last year. A cheque was presented to the Chief Officer, Colin Ferbrache, as the Channel Islands Air Search celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first flight of the aircraft. Colin Ferbrache said, ‘We are very encouraged with the continuing support for CIAS in our efforts to fund a new Islander aircraft fitted with various

detection devices including the latest generation infra-red equipment, radar and emergency beacon homing devices; delivery is expected in 2016. With another £200,000 to raise, as well as our annual running costs of approximately £140,000, fundraising remains ongoing. Currently we are operating a loan aircraft with limited capability, just a marine radio and plotting facilities, although we continue to provide a visual search capability.’

GUERNSEY’S STYLE MAGAZINE

C H A R I T Y

O F

T H E

M O N T H

Guernsey Cheshire Home

ast month Sarnia Estate Agents launched their Property Lottery where one lucky islander will win a newly built house at the Val Fleury development, valued at over £600,000, with proceeds donated to the Guernsey Cheshire Home. Gallery decided to take a look at the work the charity does on the island and why it is so vital to so many.

Empowerment, rights, privacy, choice, independence, fulfillment and dignity are basic rights that many of us take for granted every day. To those with serious physical disabilities this is not always the case. That is why the Guernsey Cheshire Home staff have made it their mission to ensure that all people with a disability have access to these basic human rights. Not only do they help ensure the rights of those with serious physical disabilities but the GCH also provides care and the right to live a life of their own choosing in as close to a family atmosphere as possible. ‘The home has an impact on many islanders’ lives, not just the residents but the many day visitors, volunteers, staff and their families. It is a home for those with severe disabilities where the person comes first rather than the disability. Physical care is critical of course but what is paramount BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

is choice, independence and holistic care of the individual. What would they like to and can do - not what they can’t do,’ explained Alex Jenner, Events & Fundraising Coordinator. The GCH has been operating for 27 years and has helped hundreds of islanders with disabilities such as multiple sclerosis, spinal injury, strokes, motor neurone disease, arthritis and the effects of accidents. Providing them with a home and a safe environment even if it is just for a short stay to give some respite to those who look after them. Each person has their own specially adapted and equipped room designed to enable them to enjoy as much independence as possible. Alex told us, ‘Being in their own room enables our residents to choose whether to get up early or have a bit of a lie in, join in the fun activities we plan or have some quiet chillout time. It also means that they can have their own pictures and knick-knacks around them and make it feel a bit more like home.’

The GCH does not receive any direct funding from the States of Guernsey or Leonard Cheshire Disability. It actually needs to raise almost £45,000 per month just to keep going and that does not include maintenance or costs for unforeseen circumstances. Sarnia Estate Agents’ Property Lottery will be raising funds for the charity, as Alex explained. ‘Once again, it is a pleasure to work with Sarnia Estates. If all goes to plan and we sell all the tickets, the home has a further reprieve for another six months.’ Fundraising is a constant effort and the GCH relies heavily upon commitment from the community with a diary packed full of a wide variety of events. Alex explained: ‘We like to try and think outside the box to cater for all tastes so this year we are running our Paranormal Investigations, Cobo Bay Hotel Balcony Gigs, a Fun Day at Cambridge Park, a Caribbean Night, the Guernsey Marathon Seafront Sunday, the Swimarathon in October again and lots, lots more as well as the return of our “Final Hour Campaign”.’ To find out more about the Guernsey Cheshire Home visit www. guernseycheshirehome.com. To support them in the Property Lottery visit www.propertylottery.gg

FRESH//FOOD//FASTER

re a We

w o n en! op

Bring in a copy of Gallery and receive a free cup of coffee with every sandwich or salad purchased this month. /simonsaysgsy

@simonsaysgsy

Pop in and see us at: No. 3 Commercial Arcade, St Peter Port, Guernsey // Contact us on: 01481 729276

SOCIAL CIRCLES

FOR EVENTS THAT SPARKLE

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

EVENTS

INTERNATIONAL FOOD FESTIVAL LAUNCH > THE EVENT

VisitGuernsey and Taste Guernsey came together to launch an event that combines the best of our beautiful island and the delicious food we have to offer in a nineday-long spectacular. The evening officially launched the programme of events planned for the International Food Festival, due to be held in Guernsey this September 18th 27th, over a glass of bubbles and some BBQ food at Tony Leck’s Pavilion.

> THE HIGHLIGHTS As the official schedule of events was unveiled the room buzzed with excitement at the sheer range of foodie activities planned. There will be blind wine tastings from some of our island’s top sommeliers, a Liberation sausage and ale trail – which essentially sounds like a delicious pub crawl - an official Guernsey cocktails week, huge Guernsey markets laden with local produce, live food shows, a mini children’s food festival with lots of handson fun, literary dinners, star suppers, chef exchanges, film-inspired food evenings and a Prohibition supper complete with Guernsey-brewed gin tastings and 1920s dress up at the Bella Luce. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg lettuce! We enjoyed meeting the BBQ King Kieron James over from the UK who wants to set up a live BBQ challenge, involving members of the community as well as top chefs, on the seafront. We challenge the States to put together a team of their top BBQ legends and really heat things up!

> THE CROWD The room was charged with hoteliers, restaurateurs, suppliers and producers in support of the Food Festival and Taste Guernsey. We spotted Luke Wheadon of Bella Luce, Dave Matheson, proprietor of Red Bar & Grill and Rosso Pizza & Bar, Calum Le Noury of Sarnia Hotels, Peter Girard, producer of Guernsey Golden Goats Cheese, Seigi with some Fresh Guernsey Herbs in hand and the Red Carnation team out in force. Roll on September! For more information on the International Food Festival visit www.visitguernsey.com

GUERNSEY’S STYLE MAGAZINE

EVENTS

MOURANT OZANNES SUMMER PARTY

PHOTOGRAPHY: CHRIS GEORGE

> THE EVENT The Mourant Ozannes summer party is well known locally as one of the hottest tickets in town when it comes to social events and this year was no exception. With a modern take on a classic Guernsey fête, faces from across the business and property world descended on a beautifully groomed Candie Gardens adorned with swathes of bunting and vintage vehicles. Brilliant late afternoon sunshine and one of the best views on the island provided the perfect setting for an afternoon of amusement.

> THE HIGHLIGHTS Gallery was particularly impressed with the attention to detail as not one element had been overlooked. The fête came complete with games and activities for party-goers including local favourite, the crown and anchor which proved to be a real crowd pleaser – with Mourant Ozannes’ own currency exchanging hands. Sueco’s catering was, as always, exceptional with trays of canapés and traditional sweets served to sustain guests through endless rounds of Liberation ale and clinking toasts with glasses brimming full of wine. Silence fell upon the crowd as respects were paid in the rememberance of St John Robilliard.

> THE CROWD The event was well attended by over 450 of Mourant Ozannes’ clients and intermediaries. Guests took home Guernsey Gâche, homemade preserves and local herbs as gifts. The sweetie stall also proved to be a great hit!

FOR EVENTS THAT SPARKLE

GUERNSEY’S STYLE MAGAZINE

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EVENTS

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BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

No wires 37

EVENTS

ISLAND GAMES SEND OFF

PHOTOGRAPHY: ANDY DOVEY

> THE EVENT The Guernsey Island Games team gathered for the final time before departing for Jersey. The send off event, which sees the whole team attend in the official team kit, is a key date in the Island Games calendar and it was clear everyone was ready for this popular competition.

> THE HIGHLIGHTS Over 200 Guernsey sportsmen and women, along with team managers, coaches and Guernsey Island Games Association (GIGA) officials, gathered together at Beau Sejour for the send off and the excitement about the forthcoming competition was palpable. Brian Allen, Chairman of GIGA, praised the athletes for their hard work in gaining selection and urged everyone to enjoy the competition, reminding them that the competition is not just about winning medals. His sentiments were echoed by Giorgio Daboni, Chief Executive Officer of Generali Worldwide in Guernsey, who told the team how proud the organisation was to sponsor the team and that the association helped to bring alive the company’s own values of excellence and team spirit. The Bailiff, Sir Richard Collas, also spoke about island pride and how much he was looking forward to supporting the team in Jersey. He was presented with his own Guernsey team tracksuit by Mr Daboni, which he will wear to the Games in Jersey.

> THE CROWD Representatives from all the Island Games sports were at the evening along with Sir Richard Collas, Jon Marley, GIGA Director of Sports, and Brian Allen, GIGA Chairman. The organising committee along with Kathy Stuart, GIGA General Secretary, were congratulated on the team tracksuit and their herculean efforts in getting the kit out to the team. Over 200 of the team were there including some of Guernsey’s high profile team members such as Courtney Butcher, James Roe, Alice Loveridge, Max Thornton, Tom De La Mare, Aaron Bailey and Martin Yabsley. Follow the Guernsey Island Games team’s progress on Twitter @guernseyiga or #TeamGuernsey2015

FOR EVENTS THAT SPARKLE

GUERNSEY’S STYLE MAGAZINE

STYLE

FASHION

SECRET SLIMMING SWIMSUIT MARKS & SPENCER £38

PLEAT FRONT DENIM JACKET WAREHOUSE £46

PAMPAS COTTON SHIRT WAREHOUSE £32

PAISLEY EMBELLISHED BIKINI - NEXT TOP £24 BOTTOM £18

WOMEN

GLADIATOR LACE UP FLAT SANDALS FREE PEOPLE @ ASOS £148

With summer in full swing, it’s high time your wardrobe got there too! Whether you choose to keep it simple in all white denim and crochet or opting for louder tropical prints, the high street has you covered.

CORAL BIKINI BOTTOM NEXT £12

If you’re jet-setting this month, cram your suitcase with pattered bikinis and don’t be shy to mix and match your top and bottom. Adorn yourself in suede accessories and choose dreamy tasselled kimonos as the perfect cover up to take you from pool to party.

MULTI- PRINTED BIKINI FRENCH CONNECTION TOP £28

EMBROIDERED KIMONO MISS SELFRIDGE £35

TORTOISE SHELL SUNGLASSES RAY-BAN £125

TROPICAL TIE FRONT JUMPSUIT MISS SELFRIDGE £45

SCALLOP HEM SHORT NEXT £20

SEYSHELLE DRAPE KIMONO FRENCH CONNECTION £20

SUEDE LOOK FEDORA ASOS £18

GUERNSEY’S STYLE MAGAZINE

SUNGLASSES HUGO BOSS £175

BLACK DENIM SHORTS RIVER ISLAND £28

SURF CALIFORNIA T-SHIRT SUPERDRY £24.99

MEN With award winning beaches on your doorstep, no one will blame you for choosing to stay local this month, so get kitted out with these summer essentials. GREEN SHORTS SUPERDRY £44.99

Printed orange and denim should be your go to pairing or sunny green hues and floral. However, if you prefer an understated look then stick to simple but smart in a plain white shirt, black denim shorts topped with a fedora.

PACK AWAY BAG BURTON £10

BRIXTON MESSER FEDORA @ ASOS £55

DENIM PRINT SHIRT BURTON £28

FLORAL SWIM SHORTS BURTON £15

ZIP COLLAR POLO BURTON £16

CONVERSE ALL STAR HI PLIMSOLLS £50

RAGLAN T-SHIRT BURTON £10

QUICK DRY DENIM LOOK SWIM SHORTS MARKS & SPENCER £22

HERSCHEL SUPPLY CO 21L PACKABLE BACKPACK @ ASOS £30

PLAIN WHITE SHIRT NEXT £14

BRIGHT STRIPE SWIM SHORT NEXT 16

FASHION

LBD

T H E

R E N E G A D E

G A L L E R Y

Photographer: Simon Boucher-Harris at Renegade Photography Model: Lidia Solek

GUERNSEYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S STYLE MAGAZINE

FASHION

Photographer: Simon Boucher-Harris at Renegade Photography Model: Viki Stunell Hair / MUA: Shanine Levrier All jewellery and clothing supplied by Time, located on the Bridge (part of Ray & Scott) and Samuel Pepys

Alexander McQueen MCQ Shirt : £320 Mi Moneda Necklace, Coin Holder with Black Crystal Set Coin: £145 Pure Attraction Gold and Crystal Set Bracelet: £55 Pure Attraction Gold Magnetic Crystal Set Bangle: £150 Pure Attraction Gold Mesh Effect Earrings: £90 Coach Gold Boyfriend Watch: £190 Ti Sento Gold & Silver Black Stone Set Earrings: £95

GUERNSEY’S STYLE MAGAZINE

FASHION

GALLERY FASHION JULY 2015

TIME

time to hit the high street

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

Michael Kors Dress: Sale Price £135 Carat Necklace: £370 Crystal Set Pave Ring £60 Carat Silver Crystal Set Bracelet: £165 Carat Triple Stone Set Bracelet: £310 Ti Sento Crystal Set Ring: £100

Element Top - £37.60 Rip Curl Bikini - £70 Protest Hat - £15 Globe Longboard - £108 From: Sail or Surf

Lidia: Roxy Yoga Shorts - £30 Top - £30 Emmanuelle: Roxy Yoga Pants - £35 Top - £30 From: Freedom

FASHION

Alexander McQueen MCQ Dress : Sale Price £285 Shoes: Model’s Own Carat Necklace: £370 Ti Sento Black Stretch Bracelet X2: £40 & £45 Ti Sento Black Bangle: £30

Roxy Dress - £51.50 Rip Curl Bikini - £51.70 Bandman&Choker Necklace - £5.50 From: Sail or Surf BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

Michael Kors Top: Sale Price £60 Alexander McQueen MCQ Shorts : Sale Price £170 Michael Kors Shoes: £75 Pure Attraction Large Filigree Pendant: £150 Bering Ceramic & Stainless Steel Watch: £199 Carat Silver Crystal Set Bracelet: £165

Rebecca Rose Gold Crystal Set Ring: £89 Rebecca Rose Gold Crystal Set Cuff: £180 Rebecca Rose Gold Pave Crystal Necklace: £159

Michael Kors Jumpsuit: Sale Price £109 Ti Sento Silver Crystal Set Ring: £95 Crystal Set Pave Ring: £60 Carat Silver Crystal Set Bracelet: £165 Carat Triple Stone Set Bracelet: £310

SPRING 2015 Rivet Bracelet Watch COACH WATCHES, SOLD EXCLUSIVELY IN GUERNSEY AT TIME TIME, New Road, St Sampson, Guernsey, GY2 4QF

Michael Kors Dress: Sale Price £135 Shoes: Model’s Own Mi Moneda Necklace, Coin Holder with Black Crystal Set Coin: £145 Pure Attraction Gold and Crystal Set Bracelet: £55 Pure Attraction Gold Magnetic Crystal Set Bangle: £150 Coach Gold Boyfriend Watch: £190 Pure Attraction Gold & Crystal Set Ring: £90

FREE

Healthy smiles start here Fresh Dental (the new name for Rue Maze Dental Practice) offers a complete range of affordable family dental care, in a friendly and relaxed environment. We are specialists in oral surgery and periodontics, cosmetic and implant dentistry and also provide B.Tox.A anti-wrinkle treatments and dermal fillers. Dr Nav Khaira and his team look forward to welcoming you to Fresh Dental, where together we can face the future smiling.

ROUTINE EXAM OR CHECK UP FOR ALL NEW PATIENTS (NON EMERGE

NCIES ONLY)

Call us on 236236 to arrange a friendly and confidential consultation or visit www.fresh.gg for more information. Monday 8am-7pm, Tuesday-Friday 8am-5pm and Saturdays and evenings by arrangement. FIND US AT LINDFIELD, RUE MAZE, ST MARTINS

PREVIOUSLY RUE MAZE DENTAL PRACTICE

BEAUTY

Mind, Body, Health, Self

Words : Nichole Sweetsur

This month, Gallery’s July update from the world of wellness takes you from anti-ageing treatments to staying safe in the sun...

Mind

Health

It’s a great way to stretch and who doesn’t want to be more flexible, but yoga’s benefits go way beyond a toned-up bod. Equally, exercising outdoors has been proven to be more beneficial for our mind and thanks to two local yoga teachers you can get both benefits in one session. Katie Brock of Yoga Elements takes her Wednesday evening yoga class to Sausmarez Park throughout the summer. You’ll find her by the duck pond! yogaelementsgg.com Also on a Wednesday evening, Emma Depres of Be Inspired will teach her yoga class at the St Germain Nature Reserve. beinspiredby.co.uk If you are new to yoga, want to deepen your practice or just want to recharge then book Mindful Guernsey’s Big Morning Practice on 19th July. This is a morning of simple breathing and meditation exercises, followed by yoga that’s suitable for all levels. I promise it will leave you relaxed and rejuvenated. mindfulguernsey.com

Healthspan’s Head of Nutrition Rob Hobson, recently took 20 health journalists to Alderney to talk about healthy eats and supplements. He’s one of my go-to nutritionists for health advice so I couldn’t wait to order his new book – The Detox Kitchen Bible. With so many bloggers jumping on the nutrition bandwagon right now its good to get your advice from a qualified nutritionist and every recipe has notes from Rob to guide you through their health benefits. The delicious recipes by Lily Simpson are all wheat and dairy free with no refined sugars. With over 200 dishes to try, all inspired by Lily’s food travels and Rob’s nutrition expertise, this is one healthy recipe book that’s worth investing in. £25.00. Amazon.co.uk

Body

Self

Book some ‘me time’ at Beauty Hideaway, a cosy new salon in Vale run by Lisa Brehaut. Lisa has discovered a new British salon skincare brand called Katherine Daniels and her treatments for face and body sound divine. The comprehensive product collection harnesses plantbased peptides, seaweed extracts, botanicals and natural moisturisers like squalene so if you are looking to change your routine a consultation with Lisa is in order. Try the Velvet Skin Body Treatment which starts with a salt and oil scrub to slough away rough, dry skin followed up by a full-body massage and top-to-toe moisturising. I love the idea of combining some serious relaxation time with a treatment that helps to get me beach-ready. Simple but seriously good. www.beautyhideaway.net

In celebration of all things local, I’ve swapped my usual brew to Guernsey tea brand, Cup & Saucer (see what they’ve done here?!). Try Super Fudge Tea after dinner, its creamy fudge flavour is a healthy way to satisfy a sweet tooth, or my favourite, Mayglorious Mint Tea. Peppermint, spearmint and bladderwrack combine for a refreshing drink that aids digestion. £4.20. cupandsaucerteas.com When the new Feel Unique shop opened last month I was thrilled to see Sarah Chapman’s Skinesis range in store. Sarah’s skills as a facialist are legendary, try the new Rapid Radiance Cleanse and you won’t be disappointed. The cleansermasque hybrid combines brightening clays with enzymes to clear pores and absorb excess oil. £24.17. Feel Unique.

GUERNSEY’S STYLE MAGAZINE

BEAUTY

CALL TO ARMS The season of sleeveless tops is in full swing and it doesn’t matter if you are a guy or a gal, defined, shapely arms are at the top of everyone’s wish list. Guys want them ripped, girls want to tone up and say bye bye to bingo wings…Gallery spoke to Charlene Carter, Revolution Health Club Manager at The OGH, to find out how. ‘While compound exercises should be the staple of any resistance training routine, adding an effective arm workout into your usual split can help to give your biceps and triceps definition,’ explains Charlene. Follow Charlene’s call to arms and you’ll soon be flaunting your newfound body confidence. Don’t cheat. We have all seen people doing bicep curls with their hips and lower back instead of arms. Good technique is important to work your muscles properly. For maximum results in minimum time, add in some ‘supersets’ and do two exercises back-to-back without a rest. For arms this might be triceps followed by biceps. Many of us are stronger on one side of our body, so try some single arm lifts. By focusing on one side at a time you will exercise each arm evenly. Take your workout home with you. Tricep dips can be done on a stable chair and press-ups are the ultimate exercise for arms, shoulders, back

and core. If you don’t have weights at home grab a couple of full bottles of water and try lateral raises, front raises, the French press and bicep curls. Ask your instructor to show you the best form for these moves and then do the exercises at home. If you don’t feel confident using free weights, there are various exercise machines in the gym for the arms. Ask an instructor at the Revolution Health Club for advice on how to use the machines and the best weights and repetitions for your goals. Don’t limit yourself to just using weights to build up arms. Boxing-based classes are a great workout for toning arms and other muscle groups. Our Boxercise class is a combination of pad work and circuits-style workouts. Women in particular worry about upper-arm flab – the dreaded bingo wings. If you can’t do a full press up, try a wall press by standing with your palms flat against a wall – lean your body into the wall and back out again. The further away from the wall you stand the more challenging the exercise will be. Swimming is great for the upper body; arms and shoulders will soon get stronger and more shapely with regular sessions in the pool. As with all exercise, you need to be consistent, it won’t happen overnight. You need to do around 12 to 15 reps for 3 – 4 sets and schedule in at least 3 gym sessions a week.

join the fitness revolution You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great

Whether you want to workout or chill out, you’ll find it all here at Revolution Health Club at the OGH Hotel & Spa

• Fully equipped gym with LifeFitness

cardiovascular and resistance machines

• Friendly, qualified fitness instructors on hand to offer advice at all times.

• Large variety of fitness classes.

• All abilities welcome to all classes. • Group Training Sessions available (maximum 10 people).

• Relaxation suite with two whirlpools, sauna and steam room.

CORPORATE & INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIPS AVAILABLE

REVOLUTION H E A L T H A T

T H E

C L U B

O G H

Telephone: 01481 738680 Email: revolution@theoghhotel.com OPEN Monday - Friday 6.30am to 9pm Saturday, Sunday & Bank Holidays 9am to 6pm

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

BEAUTY

Beauty Buzz

Top Ten Beach Bag Essentials

Words Nichole Sweetsur

What is a summer in Guernsey without the beach? Whether you’re hitting the waves at Vazon or digging your toes into the sand at Pembroke, slipping a few well-chosen essentials into your bag will save your skin and your hair from surf, sea and sand. For Gallery’s top 10 beach essentials read on…

Pack plenty of high-factor protection for the body. SPF30 or above is advised and make sure it’s broad spectrum and if possible uses mineral UV filters. Green People’s new Scent-Free Sun Lotion SPF30 contains natural extracts to keep skin moisturised but nothing nasty so it won’t harm marine life. £18.95. greenpeople.co.uk.

Clarins UV Plus SPF50 is a daily face protector that works well on all skin types. As well as the high protection it provides, the formula also contains organic alpine sanicle extract that strengthens the skin’s self-defence, along with cantaloupe melon extract to boost antioxidant levels. Blackcurrant extract soothes tight, red skin, which is a blessing on the beach. Make it part of your beach beauty regime this summer and don’t stop using it, even when the sun’s not shining. £26.70. Creaseys.

GUERNSEY’S STYLE MAGAZINE

BEAUTY

Don’t leave home without painting your tootsies. Cobalt blue is the colour of the season for nails and whilst Chanel’s Vibrato has sold out you can get your hands on Butter London’s brilliant blue alternatives. It’s hard to decide between the deep shimmering indigo of Giddy Kipper and the cobalt hue of Blagger! £12.00. Plaisirs. There is something decadent about spritzing scent whilst beach-side, it feels so, so St Tropez! Estée Lauder’s Bronze Goddess is (in my mind) the definitive sea-side scent. Limited edition each summer, the Eau Fraîche is a seriously sundrenched scent, with citrus notes of bergamot and lemon, sensual amber and sandalwood, sweet vanilla, jasmine and tropical coconut. £34.17. Feel Unique.

Keep lips lush with the new Body Shop Honey Bronze Shimmer Lip Balm. Aside from the really cute pot and the subtle honey taste, the balm melts into your skin with coconut, caster seed and sesame oils to protect against the drying effects of the sun. £6.00. The Body Shop.

in investing in your salon colour without a UV protection spray to stop it from fading. Biosthetique’s Vitalité Express is a two-phase spray hair treatment that combines instant UV protection with deep conditioning. The amino acid formula bonds and strengthens the hair structure and gives the hair an amazing shine. £16.50. Josef of Switzerland.

There is nothing like the sun, sea and sand to get hair in a tizz. Slip through the knots and tame out-of-control tresses with a Tangle Teezer. Don’t bother with the imitations, invest in the original. The nifty Compact Styler has a cover to protect the teeth when it’s in your bag and, whilst smaller, the Teezer does a great job of bringing shine and style back to beach hair. £12.49. Boots. Avène’s Eau Thermale Thermal Water Spray is instantly cooling on a hot day. It will soothe hot and bothered skin, refresh and calm in one quick spritz. This feels fantastic sprayed over your face and upper body and the kids love it too. £7.00. Boots. For instant beach-to-bar glamour pick summer’s loveliest lip colour – fuchsia. Clinique Chubby Stick Intense Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm in Plushest Punch is hot to trot. These lippies have a comfortable, moisturising texture and the stick format makes it easy to apply yet the colour is intense. £13.25. Feel Unique.

Guernsey’s Health Promotion Unit is working hard to reduce the incidence of skin cancer on the island. They are urging islanders to use sun protection and always take a hat and a long-sleeved cover-up to the beach. Protecting your skin from sun damage should be your number one beach health and beauty priority. Cover up when the sun is at its hottest or after prolonged exposure. The Princesse Tam Tam Riviera Tunic is a lightweight and relaxed option that would look great on or off the beach. £63.00. Plaisirs. As they say in Australia: ‘slip on a shirt, slop on the sunscreen and slap on a hat!’

Don’t forget that your locks need protecting from the sun in the same way that you care for your skin. There really is little point

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

BEAUTY

GET FIT THIS SUMMER WITH TOP OF THE CLASS Group exercise is a great addition to your fitness regime. Joining a class will motivate you to work that little bit harder and it’s a good value way of exercising under the watchful eye of an instructor. Gallery spoke to Ian to get the lowdown on MY Class – a unique group exercise session that is exclusive to My Fitness. WHAT IS THE MY FITNESS MY CLASS? It is a full-body workout which hits multiple components of fitness, so it’s suitable for a variety of fitness goals. Plus every session is different – that means you get results fast!

FITNESS NEWS The new My Fitness gym at the Indoor Cricket Centre is garnering praise for its bright design and high-spec equipment. ‘Our new clients are really enjoying the gym,’ says Ian Potter. ‘They like that it doesn’t look like other gyms they’ve used, they love the colours, the buzz you get from working out alongside our group exercise classes and they love the price! Lots of people are commenting on the value for money they are getting from our membership tariffs.’

S.E.N.S.E CHECK ‘Fitness isn’t just about exercise and over the last 15 years I have developed a personal philosophy and approach to health and wellbeing. The SENSE acronym sums it up perfectly:

TRESS can creep up on us all. Whether it’s the pressures of work, attending to your children all day or emotional issues that remain unresolved, stress will always affect our wellbeing. Small changes can make a difference and exercise can play a role in helping us to deal with stress. We must learn to recognise stress and find ways to reduce it. Once your stress levels are under control the hormonal balance you create will support you in so many positive ways.

EXERCISE is something everyone benefits

from, but everyone is different. Find a sport you love, discover how you work out best, move and be active as much as you can. Get the right support and the right programme and I guarantee you’ll fall in love with being fit.

HOW HAS THIS APPROACH BEEN DEVELOPED? It is the result of over 20 years of training experience. I have dealt with such a vast array of clients that I have learnt how to structure sessions so that nobody misses out or feels they are not getting what they set out to achieve. Until you truly understand people and what makes them reach new levels in their fitness and wellbeing you are never going to succeed. As a trainer you need to be educated and keep learning all the time but the most important factor of all is to know your clients and recognise that ‘one shoe does not fit all’ when it comes to fitness.

THERE ARE A LOT OF BOOTCAMP-STYLE CLASSES AVAILABLE - HOW IS THIS DIFFERENT? We work with a ratio of 1:12 for starters which means that if you need guidance you will get it and not be lost amongst the crowd. We also offer flexibility which you won’t find anywhere else here in Guernsey. For example you may prefer to train at different days and times each week due to work and family commitments rather than specific days and times. WHO IS THE CLASS SUITABLE FOR? Other than anyone carrying an injury or certain health problems it is suitable for anyone. All of our trainers know how to offer alternatives so that a beginner and an elite person can exercise alongside each other and both get a great workout. We do recommend that anyone interested in taking part contacts us first so that we can give them an indication of what to expect. HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? It is incredible value for money as it is free to My Fitness members, with membership from £50 per month. We also have an option for non-members to take part and this is priced at £10 per session. WHAT SHOULD PEOPLE EXPECT? To have fun whilst pushing themselves to new fitness levels. We have a very friendly team who care about people and a great facility to train from. Bring a towel, a water bottle and a willing attitude and we will do the rest!

NUTRITION is essential to our wellbeing. Eat fresh, seasonal food, lots of vegetables, good quality protein and fruit. My advice is to find the right balance between nutrient-rich foods and the occasional treat. You also need to consider food timings and portion control if you want to drop fat.

LEEP is hugely important. Our bodies need to rest but getting the right amount of quality sleep can be hard for some people. Make it a priority, take rest where you can, create the right environment for sleep and you’ll feel better for it. As you would with a newborn baby, try to create a sleep routine that you stick to. The body likes routine when it comes to sleep.

NVIRONMENT is something that not everyone considers, but who and what we surround ourselves with make a big difference to how we feel and perform as human beings. Whether it’s creating the right setting for a good night’s sleep, or changing our work environment to reduce stress, these are all things we can be in control of. Plus of course where we exercise is important; we love our bright and inspiring space at My Fitness because it’s not like traditional gyms and we’re lucky in Guernsey to have amazing surroundings with beautiful beaches and the sea. Appreciate and acknowledge the good things that surround you in life.

www.myfitness.gg +44 (0) 7781 160788

For all membership and training enquiries contact ian@myfitness.gg

THIS MONTH MY FITNESS IS…

GETTING INTO BOXING… ‘Everyone at the gym is buzzing about local boxer, Bradley Watson, who was recently signed up by top boxing promoter Kellie Maloney. Bradley has trained with me previously and is currently into week 7 of his conditioning programme and I anticipate that, along with Andy Priaulx and Jenson Button, he will become the third world champion that I have worked with,’ says Ian. At the recent contract signing Bradley said: ‘As soon as I knew I would be signing with Kellie and fighting again soon I contacted Ian to help me prepare. Ian is simply the best strength and conditioning coach I have worked with - his background with the likes of Andy and Jenson proves that. Already, over the last 7 weeks, I have noticed a huge change in how strong, quick and powerful I have become.’ Why not try one of the My Fitness Boxercise or Strike classes? The mix of pad work, cardio and training moves will develop your fitness, self-confidence and skills. GUERNSEY’S STYLE MAGAZINE

The best food & drink loyalty scheme in the Channel Islands • on inndulgence Wednesdays • Receive throughout your Birthday month

• Receive 500 points when registering... that’s £5 for FREE • Earn points with every purchase

APPETITE

FRESH FOOD FASTER Words Caroline Mauger

Simon de la Rue outside Simon Says

hat would you rather eat: a sandwich or salad that was assembled yesterday in the UK and travelled here by boat, or one that has been freshly made in Guernsey right in front of you? We’ve all made harder decisions than that.

If you’ve been in the Arcade recently you can’t fail to have noticed the fresh green frontage of the new kid on the block, Simon Says. I was intrigued to try this health food takeaway café, which offers a range of freshly made sandwiches, salads, smoothies and snacks. There are lots of vegetarian options and many are gluten and dairy free.

Take a look at the food and what strikes you is the vibrancy of the colours on display: bright red peppers combined with pecans, yellow corn with blackened, chargrilled edges, pomegranate seeds glinting like rubies and lots of green – from broccoli florets and herb-loaded tabbouleh to kale-topped smoothies. You can have your salad or sandwich made to order or you can choose from the just-assembled selection of boxes. Sandwiches include Mediterranean veg and hummus, NY pastrami and smoked salmon, capers and shallots. There is a great selection of ready-made salads and you can also pick up a protein pot – options include halloumi, mixed nuts and Cajun chicken – and a complimentary dressing. The smoothies are proving to be very popular: if you’re struggling to get through

the day there’s Tea-Tox, with banana, blueberry, green tea and soya milk, TuttiFrutti or Green Machine, with kale, celery, apple, pineapple and ginger. Sweet options include carrot cake, yogurt and honey pots and fruit salad. And the coffee is Bean 14 which, as I’m sure you know, is delicious. Although the sandwiches looked good, it was the salads that I really wanted to try. It’s hard to get excited about a Boring Salad (generally involving lettuce, cucumber and cress) but these are most definitely Interesting Salads. I was tempted by the Mexiquinoa as I love quinoa (and not just because I know you pronounce it keenwah) but couldn’t resist the combination of ingredients in the Pomelloumi Tabbouleh. It’s a little party in your mouth with crunchy cauliflower and broccoli, the salty

GUERNSEY’S STYLE MAGAZINE

APPETITE

SIMON SAYS… EAT LOCAL.

e love eating as close to home as possible and believe the benefits lie not only in a better taste! Eating locally seems to be among the hottest trends of the moment in the food world, but there are more benefits to it than just being able to label yourself a trend-setting ‘locavore’.

Simon Says uses fresh Guernsey produce for its Sandwiches and Salads every day

The smoothies are proving to be very popular: if you’re struggling to get through the day there’s Tea-Tox, with banana, blueberry, green tea and soya milk, Tutti-Frutti or Green Machine, with kale, celery, apple, pineapple and ginger. Sweet options include carrot cake, yogurt and honey pots and fruit salad. And the coffee is Bean 14 which, as I’m sure you know, is delicious. hit of chargrilled halloumi and the bite of bulgur wheat, topped off with sweet bursts of pomegranate. The tabbouleh was packed with herbs so didn’t need any extra dressing but I had a pot anyway: creamy peanut and coconut with a subtle kick of chilli. I could get addicted – to the salad and the dressing. I wasn’t still hungry after my salad but that’s never stopped me before so, in the interests of providing a complete review, I tried the carrot cake (I’m all heart). This was beautifully moist, not too sweet. All the prices here are reasonable: salads are £3.99 or you can go for a meal deal, comprising a salad, water or soft drink and crisps, which costs £4.99 – or £5.99 with a protein pot. It’s still early days for Simon Says; the team is fine-tuning its look, working on its website and, most importantly, listening to customers and introducing new flavours. Simon De La Rue – who says the place wasn’t named after him, but perhaps he’s

being modest? - is thrilled with the feedback they’ve had so far. ‘We’ve had a great response, from “This is just what Guernsey needed” to “Where have you been all my life?”’ Vegans and those looking for glutenfree lunches are thrilled with their new find but even if you don’t have a gluten intolerance, too much isn’t good for any of us. You are what you eat, and having a fresh, nutritious lunch makes you feel better than mindlessly chowing down something beige and stodgy al desko. Not just because you know it’s good for you, but because it tastes amazing: you’ll want to tear yourself away from the computer and actually focus on the textures and flavours you’re experiencing. And as food is prepared throughout the day, there’s no danger of finding yourself faced with empty shelves at 2pm because you didn’t leave the office in time to beat the lunchtime rush. Healthy, tasty and good value - what more could you ask for?

Visit Simon Says at No. 3 Commercial Arcade or www.simonsays.gg

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

Local produce is packed full of nutrients because of the shorter time between harvest and table. Once produce is packaged its optimal nutritional level decreases, specifically some vitamins such as C, E, A and some B. There are other factors that come into play, such as exposure to artificial light and air as well as temperature changes. Of course produce that has travelled still has nutritional value, but produce consumed immediately after harvest is not only healthier but tastier as well. Compare a dark, red Guernsey tomato still warm from the summer sun with a transported tomato that’s barely red, hard and lacking in flavour. When transporting crops, they must be harvested early and refrigerated so that they don’t rot during transportation. Not the case for our beloved Guernsey toms. There are several farmers’ markets in Guernsey which come into their own in the summer months, where choosing from an abundance of deliciously locally grown produce becomes a fun activity for the whole family, rather than a chore. You’re bound to find something new to try, so challenge yourself! Eating locally also means that you are eating seasonally so set yourself the task of finding the most seasonal produce and then work out different ways to play with it. Remember, food should also be fun! Eating locally also supports our local economy. Gone are the days when the tomato industry was our main source of industry, but that’s not to say that there aren’t farmers and producers out there who still rely on this as their main income. Knowing where your food is from connects you to the people who raise and grow it. Instead of having a single relationship – to a big supermarket – you can develop smaller connections to more food sources. Because of our limited growing season it is virtually impossible to eat locally and in season 100% of the time. So we recommend you choose wisely where possible or maybe even discover your own green fingers!

APPETITE

Top Chef

Earlier this month Pascal Lemoine, Executive Head Chef at The Old Government House, was awarded Channel Island Chef 2015 by Taste Guernsey for the creation of his mouthwatering menu, packed full with some of our island’s finest produce. As a Frenchman Pascal was honoured to win the award and said, ‘It is great to be recognised outside of my own country and comfort zone; it makes the win even more enjoyable.’

GUERNSEY’S STYLE MAGAZINE

Pascal’s award-winning menu STARTER

Pan-seared sea bass, caramelised cauliflower purée, Morteau sausage, crab and chicken jus

When creating their menus for the competition chefs were given specific criteria for each course by Taste Guernsey. For the starter they had to combine white fish with a crustacean; Pascal shared with us, ‘Being in Guernsey, sea bass and crab were the obvious choices for me but I wanted to make it unique. So I called upon my French heritage and added chicken jus and a special

MAIN

Trio of lamb with a butternut squash purée, heritage carrots and fondant potatoes

smoked sausage from Morteau to put my own spin on it.’ The caramelised cauliflower purée and balsamic glaze that finish the dish balance out the flavour of the fish and smoky sausage, creating an elaborate surf and turf.

DESSERT

Rhubarb, pistachio and raspberry trifle

trio including cutlets, loin and devilled kidney. The theme for dessert was a showcase of Guernsey dairy produce - of course! Pascal told us, ‘I wanted to do something traditionally English, but reinvent it. I combined all of the elements of a trifle and its flavours but used a variety of different textures.’

For the main course chefs were instructed to use Guernsey lamb which Pascal presented in a It definitely is a far cry from Granny’s trifle!

Gallery were lucky enough to drag Pascal out of his busy kitchen for long enough to persuade him to share with us some guidance on how to recreate his favorite dish at home so that you can play master chef and impress your friends and family. PAN-SEARED SEA BASS, CARAMELISED CAULIFLOWER PURÉE, MORTEAU SAUSAGE, CRAB AND CHICKEN JUS

The OGH will be serving Pascal’s award-winning menu, with an additional two courses, for one night only on 8th July at The Governors. Book now to avoid disappointment.

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

THE PURÉE

THE SEA BASS

Divide your cauliflower into small florets then cook lightly in butter until it starts to brown.

Heat up olive oil in a large pan and fry the sea bass skin side first until crispy and slightly browned.

Add vegetable stock and cream to cover the cauliflower then simmer until tender.

Flip over, add butter and season lightly on each side.

Blitz in a food processor. THE CRAB

Add diced sausage to the pan (if you can’t find Morteau sausage you can use black pudding or smoked chorizo).

Combine white crab meat with parsley and diced tomato.

Finish with a balsamic glaze and a light chicken jus (a very light chicken gravy).

Fry lightly in olive oil.

Sound simple enough? We hear that Come Dine With Me are coming back to Guernsey and are on the hunt for new candidates…

APPETITE

FANTASTIC NEW SUMMER TIPPLE ALERT!

Champagne Tasting Notes From La Maison de Champagne

BOUCHÉE PÉRE ET FILS CUVÉE RESERVE £27.99 Premium Swedish cider brand Rekorderlig continues to build on the huge success of its approach to seasonal offerings with the launch of a brand new limited edition flavour in the form of Rekorderlig Apple-Guava which is a fresh semisweet fruit cider, that has a taste of ripe green guava and a hint of sweet apples. It is best served over ice with a squeeze of lime - the perfect summer combination. With its unique range of flavours Rekorderlig continues to be one of the market leaders and was recently voted one of the top 100 coolest brands in the UK! In the Channel Islands Rekorderlig has seen huge successes and been embraced by locals and tourists alike since launching in 2011. Rekorderlig is already the fastest selling cider in the UK and the Channel Islands sees the highest sales per capita in the world, which is truly incredible. Roland Topf, the CI Agent for Rekorderlig, commented "We have put a lot of hard work into the islands to grow this brand but the people over here appreciate good quality products and Rekorderlig is something totally different and a drink not just for summer but for all seasons, as we proved with out winter flavour. We strive to bring innovation and incredible flavours to the category and the new Apple-Guava is no exception – it really is delicious.”

Rekorderlig is not only amazing by itself but incredible with cocktails like the Green Goddess featured above: Ingredients: 25ml Vodka, 20ml Lime Juice & 1 Bottle of Rekorderlig Apple-Guava Cider Garnish: Apple slice or apple fan if you're feeling arty Execution: Build over ice in a pint glass

This vintage is made of 35% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir and 30% Pinot Meunier. The grapes are handpicked and aged for four years until they reach full maturity. It is the proportion of reserve wines (20%) that gives this Champagne its body and fullness.

TASTING NOTES:

Beautifully goldenyellow in colour with fine bubbles and a long-lasting foam, this cuvée has a very delicate nose, with aromas of brioche. It will freshen your mouth with a lemony attack! With flavours of dried fruits and praline it provides a marvellous accompaniment to desserts and with foie gras.

CHARLES MIGNON PREMIUM RÉSERVE BRUT ROSÉ 1ER CRU

PLOYEZ-JACQUEMART EXTRA BRUT PASSION

£28.99

Consisting of Premier and Grand Crus grapes picked in the 2004 harvest (55% Pinot Noir, 5% Pinot Meunier and 40% Chardonnay). In order to add greater structure a third of the wine is matured in oak barrels and does not undergo malolactic fermentation. To create further complexity another 25% of older wines is added. This Champagne spends at least four years maturing on its bottle neck to limit the wine’s contact with the yeasts in the bottle but preserving the advantages of ageing before disgorgement.

This very charming Champagne Rosé is composed of 75% Pinot Noir and 25% Chardonnay to which the house adds from 10 to 15% Bouzy Rouge, a famous Pinot Noir from the village of Bouzy in the middle of Champagne. Issued from the Premier Cru, it has a beautiful bouquet on the nose like on the mouth.

TASTING NOTES:

Its beautiful salmon rosé colour is topped off with a nice ring of fizziness, making very fine bubbles. On the nose, the wine initially displays red fruits like cherry followed by plum and apricot. On the mouth, the freshness of the Chardonnay and the richness of the Pinot Noir enhance the wine’ full-bodied elegance.

ALL THREE AVAILABLE AT LA MAISON DE CHAMPAGNE, 14 COMMERCIAL ARCADE, ST PETER PORT, GUERNSEY.

£33.99

TASTING NOTES:

Exquisitely balanced and lovely in complexity on both the nose and palate. The deep, pure bouquet delivers a mélange of apple, quince, stony minerality, lemon peel, sourdough bread and a smoky top note. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied and rock solid at the core with a very long, youthful and powerful finish.

GUERNSEY’S STYLE MAGAZINE

theoghhotel.com

APPETITE

Enjoy a taste of five-star dining With unbeatable views of St Peter Port harbour and beyond, experience Guernsey’s first and only five-star hotel. From formal dining in The Brasserie, an al fresco lunch in The Olive Grove overlooking the pool and St Peter Port harbour or a light bite in The Crown Club, join us at arguably the most stylish rendezvous in Guernsey. Using only the best produce and ingredients, enjoy the best of the season at The OGH. Relax with our exceptional service and soak up summer in elegant surroundings. Our hotel proudly lives by the Red Carnation Hotel Collection’s mission statement. “No request is too large, no detail too small”

St Ann’s Place, St Peter Port, Guernsey GY1 2NU FOR RESERVATIONS TELEPHONE 01481 724921 Email: fandbmanager@theoghhotel.com @OGH_Guernsey

/theoghhotel

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OGH_Guernsey

APPETITE

GOOD SERVICE IS GOOD BUSINESS

ustomers and customer service go hand-in-hand, and both are essential to the success of any business. In today’s competitive marketplace, if you don’t provide good service you will neither attract nor – arguably more importantly retain customers. And without customers, you simply don’t have a business.

Delivering great customer service matters, and it is achievable regardless of the type of business you are in. You don’t need to do a business course. You don’t have to send your staff off for weeks of training. You don’t have to invest thousands of pounds. Despite all the talk, there are only four simple questions you need to know how to answer. What is good service? Good service is always doing the right things the right way for customers. Why should you do it? Good service leads to increased customer satisfaction. This satisfaction builds customer loyalty and in turn contributes to improved business profits. Good service is good business. What’s in it for my customers? It makes it easier for them to deal with you, they are more satisfied with you and they will want to do more business with you.

How will you know when you are doing it right? Your current customers will keep coming back, new customers will be referred to you from your existing customers, and your business will show the returns. The Guernsey Post Customer Service Awards have been running for five years and have recognised numerous Guernsey professionals over that period. From aspiring stars in retail, to banking teams; from police officers to beach kiosk owners – all have received accolades for the fabulous service they give the public. And the best thing of all? It is the WORKER who gets the trophy – not the company or the boss! Of course, companies will benefit from the PR it will bring, but the awards are very much designed to reward the person – or people – who deal with customers on a daily basis. The awards are unique in the island from the point of view that it’s down to the general public who is put forward for an award. Individuals and teams are nominated by the customers themselves – who have experienced the service delivery first-hand. This ensures the integrity of the voting process and gives the awards a level of objectivity that self-nomination cannot guarantee. And what nominations they can be! Here are a few that were sent in last year: “This is our fifth return visit to (the hotel) from England and what makes it so special is the outstanding service, especially from Tom. He has such a warm welcoming smile and greeting. His attention to detail, looking after you, his customer, as if you are part of his family is excellent, and makes you feel at home.” “Vicky is a breath of fresh air. She is always ready to help with a smile. Everyone who visits (the food retailer) is so warmly welcomed by her and her team. Clearly, they all love working there. Her tender customer care to the elderly, and her fun loving ways of serving her customers is awesome. If you haven’t been there before, do call in and you will see I’m right. Thank you.” Guernsey doesn’t always get it right. We

have all undoubtedly experienced poor customer service - that simply shouldn’t happen. But there are a lot of people who get it right – day in and day out. People such as Jan Lilley from the Co-Op in St Martins, whose win came as a bit of a shock: ‘I was very surprised at being shortlisted. I feel very honoured to think that my customers thought I was worthy enough to receive such a prestigious award. I hope I can carry on living up to that same standard.’ Last year, the awards received over 7,000 nominations and two thirds of these were online. A panel of 12 judges met to consider the number of nominations against the quality of comments. Shortlisted finalists were then chosen for each category. Finalists were then ‘mystery shopped’ to give the awards greater integrity and to ensure the quality was as good as the comments claimed. ‘The awards are designed to reward people,’ said the founder of the Customer Service Awards, Julie Todd, who is co-director of Collaborate Communications. ‘Our Bailiwick may be small, but we pack a powerful punch when it comes to service. As a society, many of us are quick to complain about bad service, but we are here to redress that balance and prove Guernsey has some real gems.’ The nomination period closed last month and Guernsey eagerly awaits the big day when the winners will be announced. Unlike other awards events, this is a family-focused, relaxed event with a party atmosphere – free to everyone to attend in Market Square. It takes place on Thursday 9th July at and is hosted by Island FM’s breakfast D.J. James Bentley. The children from the School of Popular Music will entertain everyone on stage from 5pm. So, if you fancy popping along to see if the person you nominated has won, come along and join in the fun. For more information, visit www.thecustomerserviceawards.com

GUERNSEY’S STYLE MAGAZINE

ART&DESIGN

CULTURE

S T

LOUISE LAWTON Words Katie Whitford

ouise Lawton is Guernsey born but, since graduation in 2001, her art career has taken her across the globe - and all the way back home again. She is known for her striking monochrome cityscapes and crowd formations in charcoal, pictured from high-up vantage points. These are inspired by time in New York, London and her very own Guernsey.

Things took off for Louise after her degree show at Wimbledon where she was scouted by a number of galleries. ‘I’ve been working hard ever since!’ she says. She went to Italy on an exchange and ended up staying for a few years, shipping her work back

to London and to New York. ‘I enjoyed the contrast of exhibiting in cities whilst working somewhere quiet,’ she explains. Some time followed in Portugal and she returned to Guernsey in 2009 when she and her husband started a family. Settling on the use of her trademark charcoal was an interesting process for Louise. She started using mixed media of all kinds on the same painting. Gradually her work became more refined, simpler and clearer. The figures in her crowd formations were almost abstract to start with, but are now incredibly detailed characters, photographic in style, surrounded by plenty of white space. Louise has some favourite ‘haunts’ in London for watching the world go by. ‘Covent Garden for the tourists, King’s Road for the fashion-hunters.... St Paul’s for the city workers, and the balcony

at the Tate Modern is amazing. I love looking down towards people swarming like ants, all going about their individual lives but actually going in the same direction, or so it would appear from my perspective.’ She has just returned from a trip to London, armed with hundreds of photos from which to work. ‘Since my earlier London work, the skyline has changed so much - notably there’s The Shard and The Walkie-Talkie building now, and fortunately both have great bars at the top too!’ Louise says that New York also really lends itself to cityscape work due to its gridded formation, which gives great perspectives. Despite her obvious love for the bright, exciting lights of the city, Louise has strong Guernsey roots and has done a number of local commissions, some of which are now

GUERNSEY’S STYLE MAGAZINE

FEATURE

Louise credits her first inspiration in art to her late father and says that renowned local artist and Guernsey Arts Commissioner, Eric Snell, was a ‘massive help’ on her return to Guernsey, notably making her Artist in Residence at Guernsey College of Further Education for a number of weeks available as prints. Her local work includes crowd formations in Market Square, a ‘cityscape’ of St Peter Port, a landscape of Le Guet and seascapes of Moulin Huet and Vazon. If you are interested in your own commission or print, take a look at www. louiselawton.com. According to Louise, the best local spot for people watching is Boots! She has had privileged access to the upstairs offices at Boots on the High Street, from which she can observe the throngs below. ‘This is definitely the best spot locally; I can also go upstairs at the Market, but people don’t tend to gather there so much. I do love to be upstairs at Boots - no-one knows I’m observing them from on high!’ Louise credits her first inspiration in art to her late father and says that renowned local artist and Guernsey Arts Commissioner, Eric Snell, was a ‘massive help’ on her return to Guernsey, notably making her Artist in Residence at Guernsey College of Further Education for a number of weeks. ‘I really like Eric’s work; he’s so enthusiastic and dynamic in his thinking and he has brought some interesting people across to Guernsey including Antony Gormley.’ So, what’s on the horizon now for Louise? Despite now having three young children to look after, she continues to show in numerous countries. She has recently shipped work to London and Hong Kong, and the London gallery she works with will be exhibiting paintings in New York and

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

Singapore in the autumn. Louise has also been doing more portrait work in oils; it’s a challenging discipline, which she loves, and would like to develop more. Louise is in the early stages of planning an exhibition of her work here in Guernsey in summer 2016. For a community of its size, Guernsey does seem to punch above its weight in the Arts. As Louise says, ‘I do think that if you’re artistic, you’ll find inspiration anywhere....

but Guernsey, its landscape, history and culture do seem to lend themselves to art, and the art scene here is getting better and better. The arts courses available at the College of Further Education are good and there are several galleries here now. There are also an increasing number of young, media-based companies giving opportunities for graphic design too. It’s all very positive.’ louiselawton@louiselawton.com www.louiselawton.com

FEATURE

II T E ECR Y

E S N UER

You’d be forgiven for thinking that an island as small as Guernsey couldn’t possibly hold any secrets, but author Amanda Bennett has uncovered a cache that’s truly worth discovering.

Words Caroline Mauger

ou couldn’t pick a better person than Amanda Bennett, Chief Librarian at the Priaulx Library, to write a book about Guernsey’s fascinating history. ‘I always wanted a time machine so I could go back and see what places used to be like,’ she says. Amanda believes that many of us were taught history badly at school – in isolation, with no context – but she was fortunate enough to have inspiring teachers who brought it to life and sparked an enduring enthusiasm.

What Secret Guernsey makes clear is that the combination of the island’s geographical position, traditions, laws and culture has produced a depth of history and intrigue far greater than its size. Illustrated throughout with lovely images and photographs, it encourages you to explore the island for yourself, putting the stories into context. With the knowledge Amanda has acquired over the years, it would have been easier to produce a weighty tome than the concise, accessible book this is. ‘I don’t fancy myself as an intellectual,’ she insists. ‘You can dip in and out of it; through my research I discovered things I hadn’t read about before, which I found interesting and I hope other people will find interesting too.’ The book is deceptively simple, with 10 chapters that take you through different aspects of Guernsey’s past. We all love a good story and the tales of serial duellists are particularly captivating, taken from

eyewitness accounts by Frederick Corbin Lukis that have not really been told in print before. Anthony Priaulx, whose youngest son Osmond gave his property, collection of books and name to the Priaulx Library, often partook in this illegal activity. Such was the lure of the duel, they were often fought on the most trivial of slights, and one of the most popular spots was the Georgian promenade at L’Hyvreuse near Cambridge Park. A stone commemorating one of the last duels ever fought, when Major Byng was killed for allegedly having been slow to rise for the national anthem, remains today. A chapter which really sums up Guernsey is ‘Entrepreneurial Island’, which celebrates islanders’ resourcefulness. ‘If you live on an island it’s a very marginal existence,’ says Amanda. ‘There have been fears throughout the ages that Guernsey is relying too much on one industry, but islanders always find a way of thriving.’ From a knitting industry on an island that produces no wool to the extraction of iodine, some enterprises have been more successful than others but the pragmatism of the Guernsey people has remained a constant. Secret Guernsey is also a celebration of the Priaulx Library. ‘This was always my dream job,’ says Amanda of her role. Not only does the book showcase the library and the treasure trove of resources to be found there, but all the royalties from sales go to the Priaulx. So above all it’s a labour of love. Read it and fall in love with Guernsey all over again as its mysteries are revealed.

DID YOU KNOW? It’s said that Mary Queen of Scots wore a pair of white Guernsey stockings on the morning of her execution in February 1587. Guernsey’s first visit from a reigning monarch on 24 August 1846 led to the renaming of two roads – now Queen’s Road and Prince Albert’s Road – in honour of Queen Victoria and her consort. But did you know that their visit was unannounced and they only stayed for two hours? Blackfriars Bridge, the Strand and Thames Embankment are paved in Guernsey granite. It is down to a mistake that the name Sarmia was changed to Sarnia – and it was actually the name for Sark, not Guernsey. In the 1860s and ‘70s, Guernsey was one of the largest centres for marmalade production in Europe. Only a quarter of Guernsey’s water capacity is stored in St Saviour’s reservoir – the rest is stored mainly in disused quarries. The most common Guernsey surname is Le Page, outnumbering Smith by about 80%.

GUERNSEY’S STYLE MAGAZINE

FEATURE

SPEED PATOIS Words Caroline Mauger

Guernsey has a unique cultural identity and rich heritage, which includes the existence of its own language, known as Guernésiais, Guernsey French or simply Patois. Caroline Mauger was lucky enough to meet some of the people keeping our linguistic culture alive.

Fancy a bit of Speed Patois? When the Guernsey Language Commission, created in 2013 to help save Guernésiais, made this offer, I had to find out more. The concept is simple: grab a drink at the Last Post, sit down and chat to someone until the bell rings, then move on and talk to somebody else. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a fluent Patois speaker, rather shaky or a complete beginner – everyone has something to contribute, be it expertise, enthusiasm or curiosity. Although I have a splendid old Norman surname it wasn’t the one I was born with, in the North East of England. I do speak French, however, so I was quietly confident this would give me a head start. Of course it helped, but only up to a point; I could guess vacque meant cow, for example, but not that colimâchaon is a lovely word for snail. Jo Dowding and Steve Falla from the GLC introduced the evening and Jo reminded us that, ‘It’s all about listening, speaking and learning, whatever stage you’re at. And a stranger is just a friend you haven’t met.’ THE NATIVE SPEAKERS John Bourgaize, one of 18 children, could only speak Guernsey French when he started school, 72 and a half years ago: ‘When the teacher told me to sit down I said, “Eh?” She said, “Say pardon.” This happened three times before she smacked me across the face.’ John says that his wife, 11 years his junior, understands the language well but is self-conscious about speaking it. BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

Enid Batiste remembers being overheard talking Patois with her friends by a group of girls who had been evacuated during the Occupation. ‘Now I’m proud to speak it but when we went on the buses, the girls from England used to laugh. We were embarrassed.’ The prevalence of Guernsey French was clearly a casualty of the Second World War, as so many children were evacuated and didn’t speak it during the five years they were away. Enid recalls twins whose own father didn’t recognise them when they returned: ‘It was very sad, and not just because of Patois, but the effect the evacuation had on so many families.’ Gwen Batiste’s granddaughter is enthusiastic about Guernésiais and learnt a poem to recite in the Eisteddfod, but her own daughter was less interested. Perhaps it has skipped a generation and can be revived by the young? ‘We should have taught it to our children, but we didn’t,’ says Enid.

A thesis followed, examined in Caen, the centre for Norman Studies. ‘Guernsey French is not a written language so there are no conventional spellings,’ explains Harry. Instead, it is aligned to standard French or written phonetically. I really enjoyed discussing grammar with Harry (whatever floats your boat, right?) and was encouraged to meet someone who has learnt Patois as a foreign language: there’s hope for us all, even if we haven’t been brought up bilingual! THE BEGINNERS Elaine Bromley is a student nurse from England and her husband Paul is local. Elaine wants to learn some Patois so she can give comfort to older patients. ‘I want to be able to ask them how they feel, whether they are in any pain, and to be respectful and appropriate.’ Paul, who also works at the hospital, thinks it would be useful too. ‘I don’t want it to be forgotten,’ he adds.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re a fluent Patois speaker, rather shaky or a complete beginner – everyone has something to contribute, be it expertise, enthusiasm or curiosity. THE ACADEMIC Harry Tomlinson hails from Lancashire and studied texts in old French at Edinburgh University. His interest was piqued when he saw an advert for a French teacher at Les Beaucamps High School. ‘I thought the name was Norman French,’ he says. Harry met his wife Hazel, also a teacher, at Beaucamps; her family were Patois speakers and Harry was fascinated: ‘It was like the French I’d seen in medieval texts - and it was important to know what my future mother-in-law was saying.’

Speed Patois is fun, friendly and leaves you with the conviction that Guernésiais should be cherished. How sad it would be if it were consigned to history - only we can make sure it has a future. To find out about future Speed Patois events and the work of the Guernsey Language Commission, go to language.gg

CULTURE

A NEW HOME FOR CHANNEL ISLAND CREATIVES IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION. CURIOUS? REGISTER YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS AND LET THE STORY BEGIN. WWW.SOLDSTORY.COM

Gallery's new design columnist Michele Hilton can apply a truly global perspective to the projects that she enjoys taking on here in the island and further afield. Her background includes life in a whole host of interesting and colourful cities from Buenos Aires to New York from which she happily absorbed a wide range of colours and influences...

SOLDSTORY THE CREATIVE MARKETPLACE

MEET MICHELLE HILTON 'I was born in Argentina to an English mum and American father. Because he worked in publishing, we moved around from one large metropolis to another - Buenos Aires to Sao Paulo, Washington DC and eventually New York. All of these cities left me with an interwoven impression of textures, colours and spaces that relate to a "modem living" experience, where our homes become an area for respite from our busy lives. My entry to the realm of interiors was not linear. I had an unlikely start in private banking at Merrill Lynch and transitioned to the corporate side of the home furnishings industry with leading style purveyors such as Martha Stewart and one of America’s top designers whom I collaborated with to produce textile collections and elaborate interior design show houses. I met my husband in New York where we were both working at the time. And the rest is history! We relocated to Guernsey after getting married for a calmer lifestyle and to be closer to family. Jasper, our two-year-old, is the newest member of our family and he’s already shown a penchant for all things creative. Guernsey is a fantastic place to apply some of the vibrant influences that I carry around in my head. Although each project is different, I really enjoy creating spaces that make the best use of our beautiful natural environment. It was something uppermost in my mind when I designed La Reunion Restaurant at Cobo for Randall's because the setting is stunning and I wanted to make the best use of those expansive sky and seascapes, the textures of the Cobo granite and lichen. I love colour but it has to be used wisely, both in your home and outside, or the results can be overwhelming and even inappropriate. When coordinating a bespoke colour palette I first consider the “context” of the property — what orientation is the room, what are the views and most visible colours...I often try to integrate the interior scheme with nature’s own palette. I might bring in texture with wall coverings and use flat Dulux or Farrow & Ball emulsion as the backdrop, using a mix of neutrals most likely with a few related shades instead of one single, bold pop of colour.

Now on the creative side, it's fantastic to work with clients to develop very bespoke and personalised solutions throughout a transformative process that has such a tangible outcome, and that will hopefully enrich their everyday lives. I love classic interiors with a clean, de-cluttered aspect to them, while my contemporary projects mix furnishings and objects from diverse periods and cultures, which are still adaptable to our modem day lives. Design Salon, my new premises, will be a new destination dedicated to assisting residential as well as corporate clients in the selection of fine furnishings and luxury accessories for rooms or properties that can benefit from a new design, or mere "restyle". This season, we will be showcasing some of our exclusive fabric lines from Christopher Farr and Missoni, which add a punch to contemporary outdoor Varaschin furniture, as seen on the rooftop terraces of our latest project at La Reunion. If you are looking to add some character to your outside space now, consider some of the geometric prints which are around this summer or add colour and texture with accessories such as vases. It might mean having to bring in fabrics and cushions when the Guernsey sun fails to shine but, when we have a glorious summer day, the effect is fantastic. See michelehilton.com for more inspiration or email info@michelehilton.com

GUERNSEY’S STYLE MAGAZINE

The Gallery property supplement | no. 6 | July 2015

ROOM WITH A

VIEW

THE VERY BEST OF THE

PLACES IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY

PLACES

A new place dedicated to finding a new place.

Dunnell Robertson Partnership Ltd was established in May 1997 by Drew Robertson and Andrew Dunnell to bring together their experience in the fields of Architecture and Building Surveying. The practice has a combined total of over 100 years of involvement in the Guernsey construction industry. They look to add value to every project as appropriate with their architectural and surveying skills, allowing them to be â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;innovative, creative, fluent and often boldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;.

Oracle is a highly experienced group of professional advisers based in Guernsey, who provide effective financial solutions and insurance products with an emphasis on personal service and long-standing relationships. In a sea of financial and insurance providers, Oracle is a strong, independent partner and they aim to look after your best interests over the long term. Their advice is clear, jargon-free and tailored to your individual circumstances.

www.drp.co.gg

www.oraclefinance.gg

Contact

Andrew Dunnell BSc MRICS

Andy can be found engaged in undertaking residential surveys, valuation work and various other aspects of surveying.

Having discussed the mortgage market last month we now move back to our subject on the differing mortgage products available in Guernsey. In April we discussed the pros and cons of fixed rate mortgages. This month we will look at base rate trackers. So what is a base rate tracker mortgage? This type of mortgage has a rate that follows the Bank of England base rate with a defined margin for a set period of time. Currently the Bank of England base rate is 0.5%, the lowest it has been since the Bank of England was founded in 1694, and it has been this low since March 2009, which in itself is the longest period of no change in the base rate in over 40 years. So a base rate tracker mortgage at BoE + say 1.75% gives an interest rate of 2.25%.

Conor Burke CertPFS

Conor provides effective financial solutions and insurance products, emphasising a personal service and building long-standing relationships.

What is the benefit of taking a base rate tracker mortgage? Historically (pre March 2009) people chose base rate tracker mortgages so as they could benefit from drops in the BoE base rate; every time the BoE rate dropped their mortgage interest rate dropped too. People were prepared to take the risk of drops in the interest rate given the financial forecasts.

mortgages as opposed to other types of mortgages.

Moving forward to today, fewer people are prepared to take the same risk because the BoE base rate is at a historic low and cannot go much lower. Added to this most forecasters are predicting upward moves in the BoE base rate.

If you would like to arrange an appointment to discuss your circumstances with one of our advisers, whether you're a first-time buyer, home mover or interested in a better deal on your current mortgage, please feel free to contact us on mortgages@oraclefinance.gg or call the office on 727347.

This currently makes base rate tracker mortgages less attractive in the current market. To counter this, banks tend to offer more keen rates for base rate tracker

At Oracle, we take time to explain the different types of mortgages to our clients and help them make the right choice for their personal circumstances so they can prepare for their financial future with confidence.

GUERNSEYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S STYLE MAGAZINE

PLACES

Our Places supplement now sits at 28 pages, all dedicated to helping you learn more about the property market and finding a new home. Thanks to our partners below, we’re also able to bring you the latest property in premium print quality and full colour to help you find the perfect new place.

Mourant Ozannes’ highly skilled and experienced Guernsey property law team is focused on providing expert residential and commercial property advice and a truly personal service. Combining an enviable speed of response with technical expertise, Mourant Ozannes work tirelessly on your behalf and keep you fully informed at every stage of your transaction.

At Shields we know our purchasers as well as we know our properties and if there is a match to be made, why wait? With a database containing hundreds of purchasers we often have viewings, and on many occasions, sales before the property details are even on our website. Communication is the key to our success. We build excellent relationships with all our clients and a good proportion of our business comes via recommendations.

www.mourantozannes.com

www.sheilds.gg

Contact

Mark Torode Partner

An Advocate with more than 10 years' experience at the Guernsey Bar, whose client base was founded on a vast network of contacts but which has grown due to his reputation for dynamism and problem-solving.

The Guernsey property market is experiencing a difficult time. Although I am confident this is only a temporary situation it is worth noting what you can do to make your house easier to sell. With the exposure to information about comparable properties and sale prices of houses in your area, buyers are well informed about the market values of the houses they are viewing. It is therefore essential to value the property correctly when it first hits the market. If a house sits on the market too long, people start to assume there is something wrong with it. Vendors then look at a price reduction to encourage viewings and may accept a lower sale price than if they had priced it accurately to begin with.

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Tim Roberts Director

Passionate about his role at Shields and recognising the importance of delivering exceptional customer service Tim can be contacted anytime 24/7 to discuss or advise on any property related matters.

Potential buyers often drive past your home and walk around the area before deciding to view it internally. Give the outside and inside a good tidy ensuring they are free from weeds, rubbish and clutter. Also, avoid the house smelling of any unsavoury odours. The cliché of baking bread or fresh coffee genuinely works. Taking care of a few odd jobs before viewings begin is a must to create an environment where the viewer feels they can move straight in. Obvious examples are chipped or dirty paintwork, doors that don’t close properly, broken bulbs or a garden where the lawn needs to be mowed. These jobs are quick, easy and often cheap to fix but perceived as a nuisance to house hunters who may not have a realistic idea of the cost to put these things right.

Making your property available for viewings at any time is beneficial. A lot of viewings take place after work and weekends, especially in the summer months. If you put off letting a buyer see your house their enthusiasm could be dampened and they may find something else. Finally, it is very important to employ a proactive agent who knows their buyers as well as they know their properties. The most successful agents in this current market are those that build strong relationships and maintain regular communications with both vendors and house hunters. For example, when Shields are instructed to sell a property, before photos are taken and details are prepared, we speak to potential buyers we believe it will be suitable for. If there is a match to be made, why wait? Call Tim on 714445 or email tim@shields.gg.

PLACES

What could be better than a house on the west coast with a panoramic sea view? Gallery explores Montreux, a charming property where flexibility is key.

VERSATILITY AND A VIEW Words Caroline Mauger

t’s not just frontline coastal properties that get to enjoy amazing vistas - retreat a little inland and you get the best of both worlds: a view, plus peace and tranquility. Rue des Renouards is one such location; it’s a private driveway just off Ruette de la Tour, tucked away behind the Cobo Bay Hotel and the Rockmount. Montreux is set on an elevated site and from the façade the panorama extends as far as the eye can see, over the rooftops and taking in the pine trees of Le Guet and, of course,

Cobo Bay and beyond. This detached bungalow has a front lawn from which you can watch the spectacular sunsets, plus covered parking for two cars. The interior of Montreux is highly versatile: you could stick with the current layout or there is scope to reconfigure it entirely. The two front rooms are presently a dining room with a bay window and the master bedroom, with two further good-sized bedrooms on the right hand side of the property. The lounge has a solid wood floor and a feature cast iron fireplace with a wooden and marble surround. Doors lead off here to the kitchen and rear hallway, but opening everything up into a large kitchen-diner and

using the current dining room as a living room would certainly be an option. As it is, the kitchen is fitted with a range of units and mosaic-tiled splashbacks and has a walk-in pantry, à la Nigella Lawson. Passing the family bathroom, as you reach the back of the house you continue to be struck by the potential for making Montreux work for the way you live. Most recently used as a great art studio, with its own shower room and a conservatory leading off it, this space could be turned into a self-contained wing – it even has its own front door. Whether you run a business from home or have a dependent relative or a teenager craving their own space, this

GUERNSEY’S STYLE MAGAZINE

...with redevelopment comes the chance to put your own stamp on it, either taking inspiration from its 1950s roots or giving it a fresh, contemporary feel.

property could be ideal. And with redevelopment comes the chance to put your own stamp on it, either taking inspiration from its 1950s roots or giving it a fresh, contemporary feel. At the rear of Montreux is a lovely mature garden which is enclosed, sheltered and totally private. To one side of the lawn is a raised patio area which is ideally placed to catch the evening sun, perfect for barbecues on balmy evenings. There is a timber shed, a store cupboard and a large side return which leads to the covered car port. With views like these, a peaceful little lane and a generously sized plot, Montreux has an awful lot going for it. With bags of potential to add value and make it your own, it’s well worth taking a closer look. Montreux is being marketed by Carré Property Ltd.

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EDEN TRP 96 £389,950 ST. ANDREW

SOLE AGENT

This immaculately presented two bedroom apartment is situated on the ground floor of a charming chapel conversion in the heart of rural St. Andrew. Entered directly through a private entrance, the spacious accommodation comprises an entrance hall, kitchen, sitting/dining room, bedroom two, bathroom and master bedroom with en-suite shower room. Externally, the property benefits from a private walled garden to the rear, as well as having use of the large communal garden to the front. Allocated parking for two cars and two visitors’ spaces complete this property which is truly worthy of further inspection.

GRANITE PLACE TRP 206 £595,000 CASTEL

SOLE AGENT

This immaculate barn conversion is situated in the popular area of Cobo. Converted three years ago, Granite Place is beautifully presented with oak flooring and doors throughout. The accommodation has been laid out reverse plan and currently comprises an entrance hall, three bedrooms all with en-suites and on the first floor is a sitting/dining room, cloakroom, utility room and a modern kitchen/breakfast room with all appliances. Externally, there is parking for two/three cars, a small lawned garden and an attached barn which is currently used for storage but could be converted into further accommodation, if desired (subject to planning permissions). An easily maintained property which is also ideal as a ‘lock up and leave’. Internal viewing highly recommended.

CONTACT GUERNSEY’S LEADING ESTATE AGENT +44 1481 233008 / INFO@LIVINGROOM.GG

WWW.LIVINGROOM.GG REGISTER ONLINE @ WWW.LIVINGROOM.GG AND BE THE FIRST TO KNOW

BRYNMILL TRP 282 £795,000 ST. SAMPSON This spacious family home is situated in a quiet lane within the parish of St.Sampson. Newly renovated and extended throughout, the property has been finished to a high standard and offers well proportioned accommodation for a growing family. The ground floor comprises an entrance hall, cloakroom, generous sitting room, dining room, modern kitchen/breakfast room with all appliances, utility room and an integral garage. The first floor has a study, four double bedrooms, two of which have en-suites and there is a further family bathroom. There is also a large attic space which could be converted into further accommodation, if desired (subject to Planning). Externally, there is parking at the front and there are access pathways to both sides of the house leading to a good sized, enclosed garden with a decked seating area.

LE SAPIN TRP 288 £975,000 ST. MARTIN

SOLE AGENT

Le Sapin is a substantial detached property located in a sought after area of St. Martin within close walking distance of the South coast cliffs and local village amenities. Built in the 1950’s and then extended in 1987 and 1993 with cavity insulated block, the property has huge potential and occupies a secluded site of over 0.60 acres. The ground floor accommodation currently comprises a double height entrance hall, day room, sitting room, kitchen, study, inner hall, shower room, dining room, conservatory and family room which overlooks the garden. The first floor boasts three bedrooms and a family bathroom. Externally, the beautiful surrounding gardens are laid to lawn with high mature hedges and there is a gravelled driveway with parking for multiple vehicles, as well as a car port and storage sheds. A great opportunity for a discerning purchaser to acquire a unique property in a highly desirable location with great scope.

PLACES

Milan wheeled sunbed with green cushion £259. Aladdin’s Cave

Perk up your patio How to make the most of your outdoor space

et’s be honest - the British summer is a fickle and elusive thing. There can be a bit too much of the ‘fresh’ about al fresco, so when the sun does shine this year, we want to be primed and ready. A perfectly designed outdoor space may seem beyond the reach of many of us, but there are some simple things you can do to maximise your exterior assets. After a few hours and a bit of effort you’ll be in love with your backyard again.

Snuggle up

Outdoor furniture doesn’t have to be luxurious; a cheap new or secondhand bench can be spruced up with cushions and throws - just what’s needed on a chilly ‘summer’s’ evening. Feel free to mix and match to your eclectic heart’s content.

Lighten up

Lighting is effective and can be inexpensive; solar lighting is a quick and easy way of illuminating your garden’s best features in an instant, and you can move it around at whim. If you have a water feature, floating lights can look good, and a cheap string of fairy lights wrapped around a tree can be magical.

Draw the eye

If your area is compact, and your budget allows for a bit of landscaping, the clever use of curved lines and water features will draw the eye and create the illusion of space.

Spruce up the woodwork

Experiment with painting that eyesore shed or fence in a recessive, muted colour. You will draw attention away from it and towards something much more noteworthy in your garden. Alternatively, you can make a feature in your garden by painting it a dominant blue, red or purple.

Words Katie Whitford

Turn up the heat

Hmm, can we heat up the outdoors without global warming? That statement speaks for itself really. We know that gaspowered patio heaters have not had a good press in recent years. But is there an environmentally friendlier alternative at least? Or do we simply swaddle ourselves in jumpers and blankets? Electric quartz infrared patio heaters are a better choice for the environment, with reportedly only 15% of the running costs and CO2 footprint of their predecessors. If storage is an issue, why not rent one of these locally for that special summer barbecue? Alternatively, metal chimineas using old wood aren’t so bad, are they?

The grass is always greener

Lawns take a lot of care to look good. If yours is causing you too much grief and you don’t have the time to care for it, why not consider installing artificial grass instead? It’s relatively cheap to install, virtually maintenance-free and ideal for pets and children.

GUERNSEY’S STYLE MAGAZINE

PLACES

Milan 2-seat sofa set. Natural 5mm all weather rattan UV protected against colour fade with green cushions £799. Aladdin’s Cave

Texas 4-seat round dining set. Durable, all weather flat weave over an aluminium frame, with beige washable cushions. Only £599. (Parasol sold separately from £29.99). Aladdin’s Cave

Go potty

Vango Atlas junior sleeping bags available in camouflage print and raspberry colour. £16.99. Adult sleeping bags also available. Aladdin’s Cave Super light Coleman X1 Libra backpack tent. £34.99 Aladdin’s Cave Lichfield Lantic 4-person family tent with twin bed chamber and living room area. £99.99. Aladdin’s Cave

Igloo ‘Ice Cube’ 45L family size chill box with cup holders and hinged handles. Keeps contents cool for up to 4 days. £39.99. Aladdin’s Cave

Camping Gaz Chef twin burner family stove with grill. £34.99 Aladdin’s Cave

If your borders are in need of a bit of care and attention and you simply do not have the time for all that donkeywork, you can do an awful lot with a few carefully chosen and planted containers. Choose bedding plants for a burst of colour, and don’t forget that fragranced plants around seating areas are a wonderful addition. Favourites for fragrance include jasmine, nicotiana and ‘night-scented’ stocks; the latter two are particularly failsafe options as they grow quickly and smell divine. Containers provide you with an instant garden, even if you only have a balcony; they are quick to plant and easy to maintain. Buy the biggest ones your budget will allow; they will have more impact and will need less frequent watering.

Beach parasols in various colours. From just £8.99. Picnic rugs in various designs with soft fleece face > and water-resistant coated backing. From only £8.99. Both Aladdin’s Cave BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

Alpha Estates Ltd, 20 Mansell Street, St. Peter Port, Guernsey, GY1 1HP Tel: 01481 729891 Fax: 01481 729892 Mobile: 07781 123149 John, 07781 106040 David, 07839 727737 Damian or 07781 106050 Dave

www.alphaestates.net Apartment 5 Penryn, St. Peter Port

£248,000

S A O G LE EN T

Located on the outskirts of St Peter Port, apartment 5 Penryn is a top floor apartment which offers genuinely spacious accommodation. The property benefits from two double bedrooms, large lounge and the kitchen comes complete with all requisite appliances and equipment. To the rear of the property there is an owned parking space and communal area for bikes. Accommodation: Two bedrooms, bathroom, lounge, kitchen and parking.

         

J LE OI N AG T EN T

7 St. Patricks Court, St. Peter Port

£339,000

Located on the Western fringes of St Peter Port, this two bedroom family home is truly presented in “move in“ condition. Set over three floors the property offers excellent accommodation and in our opinion does offer very good value against its contemporaries. Additional benefits are double glazing, parking and central heating. As stated competitively priced with viewing highly recommended. Accommodation: Entrance Hall, Dining Room, Kitchen, Conservatory, Lounge, Two Bedrooms, Bathroom.

          

Peacehaven, St. Sampsons S A O G LE EN T

P ea ce h a ve n is a beautifully presented three bedroom detached bungalow located in a quiet (almost traffic free) l an e , co n v en i e n t l y placed between “town” and the bridge shopping centre. The property has an enclosed south facing rear garden and has ample parking.

SO J LE OI A NT G EN T

Two Bedrooms Three-storey House Beautifully Presented Parking Elevated Views Double Glazed Sun-lounge Centrally Heated TRP 104 Perry’s TC 2 Ref LM0565

£418,000          

11 Clos Du Jardin, St. Sampsons

Immaculately Presented Three Bedrooms South Facing Rear Garden Parking Renovated Throughout Rural Outlook Double Glazed TRP 98 Perry’s 10 C5 Ref LM0540

£518,000 No.11 Clos Du Jardin is part of a brand new development comprising of ten other similar style properties. Situated in La Mares Pelles lane the property is close to nearby amenities yet being away from the Braye road offers plenty of peace and quiet. What cannot be understated is the quality of both the build and the finish. The property additionally benefits from being insulated to the highest of modern standards and modern economic electric heating system.

       

La Vallee, St. Saviours, S A O G LE EN T

Central Location Two Double Bedrooms Large & Light Living Room Double Glazed Central Heating Ample Parking Sky Television Points TRP 78 Ref LM0550 Perry’s 16 C4

Stunning New Build Completed To A High Specification Spacious & Bright Living Accommodation Three Parking Spaces Two Double Bedrooms Enclosed Rear Garden TRP 90 Perry’s Page 10 D2 Ref LM0548

P.O.A. Located in the rural heart of St Saviours, and just a short distance from the entrance to the rear (smaller) reservoir car park, this substantial property is divided into two distinct units of accommodation. The larger of the houses is the original, and in our opinion dates from the latter half of the nineteenth centaury, with the modern addition being built some twelve years ago. The land parcel is large and measures approximately 1½ vergee’s, and has a large barn/agricultural building (40’ x 20’) and parking for vehicles with beautiful 30/40 views over the neighbouring valley and on to the sea and west coast.

          

Stunning Rural Location Family Home & Dower Unit Development Possibility Large Plot/Site Possible Reintegration Large Separate Barn Parking Available For 30/40 Vehicles Part Oil Central Heating TRP (Total 324) Perry’s 13 G5 Ref LM0571

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£275,000

TRP 83 First floor apartment Situated in quiet location Large lounge/diner with rooftop views Double bedroom + shower room Shared garden + parking for 1 car

ST PETER PORT TRP 122 Well presented house near sea front 2 double bedrooms + 4 piece bathroom Light and airy accommodation Allocated parking space Available to rent at £1350 pcm

SOLE AGENT

ST MARTINS

£595,000

TRP 101 Development site above Petit Bot Bungalow requires demolition Good size plot in lovely rural area Potential for 4 bed home Subject to planning permission

£395,000

ST SAMPSON TRP 61 Smart 2 bed terraced house Small quiet clos near Delancey Park Lounge/diner, separate kitchen Single garage + visitor parking Ideal first home

01481 249168 WWW.CARREPROPERTY.CO.UK

£375,000

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Large 5 bedroom detached Victorian property Integrated 1 bedroom wing Large landscaped garden to rear with glasshouse Ample parking to side and 2 garages

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4 bedroom detached Guernsey farmhouse Period features throughout Parking and garden to rear Quiet location walking distance to beaches & cliffs

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St Peter Port

TRP 86

Vale

TRP 98

TRP 78

St Peter Port

TRP 99

NEW

JOIN

St Peter Port SOL

JOIN

> Two bedroom apartment

> Modern newly renovated terraced house

> Two bedroom

> Two bedroom terraced house

> Visitors parking

> Two bedrooms and one bathroom

> Close to local amenities

> Communal outside areas

> Short walk to the Bridge shopping amenities

> Move in condition

> Ideal for first and second-time buyers

> Ideally close to town

> Attic room

> South facing garden/decking

> Arranged over three floors

> Secure underground parking for one

> 23 hour on street parking nearby

> New roof, electric and boiler

> Presented in move-in condition

> Lift to all floors

> Enclosed rear patio

> Parking nearby at church

> On-street parking

£275,000

LR2367

St Sampson T

JOIN

NEW

TRP 115 NEW

£330,000

LR2386

St Peter Port

TRP 41

St Peter Port E

SOL

NEW

£279,000

LR2392

TRP 82

LR2374

St Peter Port SOL

> Three bedrooms and one bathroom terraced house

> One Bedroom

> Close to town centre two floor apartment

> 2 Bedroom ground floor Apt

> Close to the amenities of the Bridge

> Move in condition

> Two bedrooms two bathrooms and separate WC

> Parking for 2 Cars

> Low maintenance, patio garden

> Close to town shops and amenities

> Secure underground parking for one

> Spacious garden and decked area

> Recently upgraded throughout

> Secure underground parking for one car

> On Street parking

> Roof top views

> New plumbling and new work tops

> On street parking

> Own entrance

£357,000

LR2389

St Sampson T

JOIN

TRP 109

NEW

£249,000

LR2404

St Sampson E

SOL

TRP 63

LR2388

TRP 112

NEW

> New boiler, electric and plumbing

£349,000

£379,000

St Sampson

TRP 135

LR2408

£365,000

St Peter Port

TRP 97

SOL

NEW

> New cavity built, modern two bedroom homes

> Two bedroom ground floor apt

> Three bedroom, Kitchen breakfast

> One Double Bedroom House

> Permission for en-suite and further bedrooms

> Parking for Two Cars

> Sep Dining room and Sep Sitting room

> Attic room used as second bedroom

> Front lawned gardens

> Communal garden

> Enclosed rear garden

> Rear Patio Area

> Enclosed rear gardens and patios

> True move in condition thoughout

> Fully renovated

> Parking for one car

> Close to the Bridge amenities

> New bathroom

> Single garage

> Lapsed building permission

> Parking for two cars

£390,000

LRJean

St Sampsons T

JOIN

TRP 170

£315,000

LR2179

St Sampson

TRP 92

NEW

LR2381

£439,000

Vale

TRP 157

LR2161

£320,000

St Sampson

TRP 130

SOL

> 3 Bedroom Bungalow

> Two bedroom bungalow

> Three bedroom cottage

> Semi-detached

> True move in condition throughout

> Situated in a quiet lane

> Two/Three allocated parking spaces

> Three bedrooms

> New Kitchen and general upgrades throughout

> Opportunity to develop further

> Child and pet friendly

> Walking distance to the Bridge

> Ample parking

> New boiler

> Close to the Bridge amenities

> Parking for two cars and rear garden/patio

> Garage

> Parking for 4 vehicles

> South-facing rear garden

> In move-in condition throughout

> South facing rear garden

> Front and rear garden

> New boiler and wood burning stove

> Well maintained rooms

LR2402

£599,000

LR2412

£469,000

LR2391

£479,000

cranfords.co.uk

LR2380

£495,000

Sales | Rentals | Management | Free Verbal Valuations New Road, St Sampsons, Guernsey, Channel Islands, GY2 4QE Tel: 243878 Fax: 243877 Email: sales@cranfords.co.uk Vale

TRP 174

TRP171

St Peter Port

TRP 235

E UR AT FE

JOIN

Vale

SOL

OP PR TY ER

> Four bedroom detached home

> Detached four bedroom house

> Parking for several cars

> Ample parking

> Large rear garden

> Renovated and extended in 90’s

> Opportunity for further development

> Large rear garden

> Open to offers

LR2375

£589,000

St Sampsons

TRP 157

E SSOoLle

£585,000

LR2372

St Peter Port

TRP 79

SOL

> Three bed bungalow

> Two bed Cottage plus box room

> Beautiful five bedroom townhouse

> Ample parking, detached garage and gardens

> Panoramic roof top views

> Panoramic island views

> Large Conservatory at rear

> Recently upgraded including new kitchen

> Rear garden

> Architect plans for further development

> Short stroll into town centre

> Extremely well maintained

> Close to Alladins cave

> Character filled

> Many original features

LR2395

£540,000

£299,000

LR2041

St Pierre Du Bois

TRP 167

£750,000

LR2405

Vale

TRP 171

U AT FE

SOL

OP PR TY ER

TY ER

OP PR

LR2394

> 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms

> Three bedroom detached bungalow

> South facing garden

> Parking for several cars & single garage

> Stone’s throw from beaches

> Beautiful private gardens

> Sea views

> Scope for further development

> Garage

> Bedroom 4/Dining room

£689,000

LR2228

cranfords.co.uk

£615,000

£210,000

£220,000

£280,000

£349,000

ST PETER PORT

Double bedroom, kitchen, lounge/diner, bathroom

Kitchen, lounge, bedroom and bathroom

Two bedrooms, open plan kitchen/ lounge/diner, shower room and a private garden

Three bedrooms, lounge, dining room, kitchen, two bathrooms, utility room, WC. Garden and parking.

SOLE AGENT NEW INSTRUCTION

NEW INSTRUCTION

SOLE AGENT

NEW INSTRUCTION

£357,000

£365,000

£385,000

£399,000

ST SAMPSON

ST PETER PORT

CASTEL

Three bedrooms, lounge, kitchen/diner, bathroom and utility. Patio garden. Good on street parking nearby.

Lounge, kitchen/diner, two double bedrooms, bathroom and WC. Garden. Good on street parking nearby.

Two double bedrooms, lounge, kitchen/ diner, bathroom, garden and parking for 2/3 cars

Lounge/diner, kitchen, conservatory, three bedrooms, bathroom and a WC. Garden, patio and parking for four cars.

NEW INSTRUCTION

NEW PRICE

SOLE AGENT

£399,000

£429,000

£445,000

£485,000

ST SAMPSON

ST MART

CASTEL

ST PETERS

Lounge, dining room, kitchen, two double bedrooms, bathroom, large garden and parking.

Lounge, study/playroom, four bedrooms, dining room, kitchen and a bathroom. Gardens and parking.

Renovation/development. Kitchen/ diner, lounge, three bedrooms, conservatory and bathroom. Gardens, garage and parking.

Lounge, study/playroom, four bedrooms, dining room, kitchen and a bathroom. Gardens and parking.

NEW PRICE

SOLE AGENT

NEW INSTRUCTION

NEWINSTRUCTION

tel: 01481 714445 // email: info@shields.gg web: www.shields.gg

£499,000

£510,000

£525,000

ST SAMPSON

ST MARTIN

VALE

ST PETER PORT

Three bedrooms, lounge/diner, kitchen/ breakfast room, bathroom and WC. Garden and parking for 3 cars.

Lounge, kitchen/diner, three bedrooms and a bathroom. Parking and garden.

Lounge, kitchen/diner, dining room (bedroom 5), four bedrooms, bathroom and a WC. Garage, parking and garden.

Lounge/diner, kitchen/diner, three bedrooms, bathroom, utility room and a WC. Large garden. Parking for a number of vehicles.

NEW INSTRUCTION SOLE AGENT

SOLE AGENT

NEW PRICE

£540,000

£585,000

£615,000

£735,000

CASTEL

ST PETER PORT

ST SAMPSON

VALE

Kitchen, lounge, conservatory, 3 bedrooms and a bathroom. Garage, garden and parking for a number of vehicles.

Four double bedrooms, lounge/diner, kitchen, utility room, two bathrooms, WC, garage, garden. Parking for two.

Kitchen/diner, lounge, three bedrooms, two bathrooms, utility, WC, garage/ workshop with attic room. Parking and gardens.

Lounge/diner, dining room, kitchen, 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. Garden. Parking for 3 cars. Beautiful views .

NEW INSTRUCTION SOLE AGENT

NEW PRICE

NEW INSTRUCTION SOLE AGENT

£795,000

£875,000

£1,195,000

£1,275,000

ST PETER PORT

ST SAMPSON

ST MARTIN

ST SAMPSON

Main house: 4 bed, lounge/diner, kitchen/ diner, living room, study, bathroom, utility, WC. Wing: Single bed, kitchen, lounge, shower room. Gardens, garage/parking.

House: Kitchen, dining room, lounge, four bedrooms, two bathrooms, utility. Dower: Lounge, bedroom, bathroom. Large garden / Lots of parking spaces.

Kitchen/breakfast room, living room, dining room, sun room, 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, utility room and a WC. Large garden, garage and parking.

Living room, family room, sun room, kitchen/diner, 4 bedrooms, study (bed 5), 4 bathrooms, playroom, utility, dark room, garage, swimming pool, parking, large garden.

NEW INSTRUCTION

SOLE AGENT

NEW PRICE

Need your property valued? Call us on 01481 714445 for a free, no obligation, verbal and written valuation. For our most recent instructions register at www.shields.gg or follow us on facebook and twitter

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BUSINESS

B U S I N E S S

I N T R O

“Free to those who can afford it, expensive to those that can’t” The old-fashioned, elitist perception of the ‘Arts’ is, of course, a thing of the past…. However, this fascinating attitude still festers within some areas of society. Namely that the arts are unnecessary in our current society and that other issues should be higher on the agenda such as island-wide, national and global debt, an ageing population reliant on defunct pensions or, further afield, the ever polarising war on terror. Not everyone thinks like this, but on occasion the question rears its head; ‘Why are we focusing on the “arty farty” stuff, when we should be concentrating on spending the government’s money on the roads, etc?’ This was the opinion of certain individuals on the recent ‘BBC Radio Guernsey Sunday Phone In’ on Arts Sunday. I can partially understand their frustration in the government’s perceived lack of action (even if slightly ill-informed), but I do think it is entirely misguided to assume that it is the fault of the arts. Art, music, drama and dance offer up so much more than just being nice things to listen to or look at. I think Deputy Chris Green was spot on when he summarised Winston Churchill, who, when asked if he was going to cut funding for the arts in favour of the war effort, replied ‘Then what are we fighting for?’ The arts offer an unbelievable amount to society. There is the obvious sense of community they bring, as social and economic boundaries fade away, or the way it allows us to truly express ourselves, be inspired and to inspire others. A good example of one of the elements that the arts bring to the island is that it plays a massive part in the lives of many people with mental disabilities. Whether it’s artist expression sessions for autism or depression, or one of the many wonderful sessions for dementia, such as ‘Singing for the Brain’. I personally would take this over a covering up a pothole any day of the week! The arts are no longer elitist, but entirely inclusive and something that as an island we do really well. This is extremely important. It gives us an economic and creative individuality that sets us apart from other jurisdictions. In this world where the lines between the arts and the commercial creative sector - and other emerging sectors such as Fin Tech and Image Rights - are increasingly blurred, the arts add to the overarching level of entrepreneurialism that makes our island unique and gives it a true soul. Do we really want to live in an island with no soul?

Jay Aylmer

A creative thinker and designer. Jay and his team have worked and developed some of the most effective and memorable brands and marketing campaigns in the local and international marketplace.

There is such a willingness to collaborate and a real movement towards change and growth for the better. It’s an extremely exciting time for the island as we learn to diversify our service offerings.

The Potting Shed Design & Advertising

With studios in both Guernsey and Jersey, The Potting Shed Design & Advertising is a multi-discipline agency founded in 2007 on two basic principles: ‘Find a Better Way’ & ‘Find a More Beautiful Way’. They work with a variety of clients from global brands to small boutique companies across the UK, the Middle East and Asia. www.thepottingsheddesign.com // T: 01481 727699 // E: jay@thepottingsheddesign.com

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CREATIVE GUERNSEY

ith inspirational natural beauty at every turn it’s little wonder that Guernsey’s inhabitants are a creative bunch. As the spotlight of commerce looks to broaden its horizons the home-grown creative industries we have nurtured are emerging centre stage.

How would you describe the creative landscape locally?

Creative Industries Guernsey was founded in 2013 as the mouthpiece for the creative sector. Its key purpose is to bring the sector together and to present its economic benefits to government and the broader island community, as well as to educate and grow the sector within.

Guernsey boasts one of the largest creative departments in the whole of the UK, as well as a wealth of top-level independent businesses and agencies which are competing and winning work on a global stage.

CIG represents all the industries within the creative professional services including: graphic design, advertising, architecture, art and antiques, broadcast media, computer & video games, fashion, AV, music, public relations, performing arts, publishing, software development and digital development (to name but a few). The CIG committee meets regularly and consists of key sector stakeholders such as graphic designers, architects, photographers, games designers, PR experts and digital developers, as well as representatives from education and government. Gallery was lucky enough to get some time with Co-Director and Committee Member Jay Aylmer to discuss CIG and creativity in Guernsey.

I am always amazed by the breadth and variety of the creative landscape in Guernsey. As an island, we are highly creative, more than most people realise. New companies, individuals and enterprises are popping up all the time. We estimate that there are over 200 creative businesses on the island employing approximately 1,300 individuals.

How have things changed since the advent of Creative Industries Guernsey? Our core objectives, when we first set up CIG, were to highlight the talent that was out there and to receive recognition from the government and support from the island, as well as pulling the sector together as much as possible with education programmes and initiatives. Bringing the industry together was relatively easy and knowing how to promote, stimulate and educate was also naturally in our blood… the tricky bit was forming the understanding and buy-in from government. For starters, I don’t think anyone outside of the sector knew what the creative industries were and this, in fairness, was no different for the government. We had an extremely open dialogue with Commerce and Employment and now they fully understand what we do, what its value is and how best to support us. For me, this is the most ground-breaking facet of what CIG has changed in the past three years.

The theme of last year’s Learn Create Produce symposium was ‘Collaboration’ - do you think that this has caught on locally? Absolutely! It’s not always that easy to forge an honest collaboration between certain entities and bodies. We are genuinely delighted with the crossover and blurring of lines between all the wonderful work that is happening to promote our sector and the entrepreneurial drive of the island. A great local example of collaboration is how CIG is trying to work together with other key local festivals such as the Guernsey Photography Festival, Guernsey Literary Festival and Skipton Art Festival. There has also been an open dialogue of collaboration with entities such as the Chamber of Commerce, Digital Guernsey, the Dandelion Project and once again the States of Guernsey. There is such a willingness to collaborate and a real movement towards change and growth for the better. It’s an extremely exciting time for the island as we learn to diversify our service offerings.

So what does CIG have planned for 2015/16? We are working on a full schedule of events and workshops as we speak, including our ‘24’ workshops for school leavers, key speaker series and placement programmes. We have also started planning our next Learn Create Produce 2016 symposium. The big issue being, how do we beat the calibre of global speakers that we had this year?! We have some tricks up our sleeve that will take the event to the next level and we are looking to promote it as a tourist event to the global design community, as well as increasing the length of the event. The symposium really is an event that can be enjoyed by anyone who wants to broaden their mind and hear some interesting speakers, you don’t necessarily have to be a creative or work in the industry. We are looking for key sponsors for Learn Create Produce 2016, so if any businesses out there are looking to get involved with a two-day symposium for one of the largest and most supported emerging sectors, then please contact Jay Aylmer at jay@thepottingsheddesign.com.

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'THE INTERVIEW

STAR QUALITY

Much-loved and highly successful boat builder Aquastar is continuing to make waves in the luxury motor yacht market. Words Tom Bradshaw

ith many of its boats proudly owned locally, the Bulwer Avenue boatyard also exports all over the world. And while many big names in the industry have struggled during the economic downturn, this local player has continued to grow.

This year, its 45th in business, Aquastar will complete several new boats ranging from 43 to 49ft. But just what makes the yard so popular? Over the years it has developed a world-renowned reputation for timeless elegance, lavish style and impeccable build quality. Its loyal customers also cite the exceptional customer service and Guernsey location as instrumental to its success.

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Husband and wife Ron and Nichola Lane, longstanding members of the Aquastar Owners and Enthusiasts Club, state three things that set the yard apart: ‘For starters the design is so seaworthy and secondly the style and attention to quality is excellent,’ says Ron. ‘And thirdly,’ says Nichola, ‘comes the sheer pleasure you get from having your boat built by such a friendly company. ‘The aftercare service is marvellous. There are not many boatyards where you can speak directly to the Managing Director if you have a problem, and he is such a gentleman.’ She is referring to Geoff Willson, who founded the company in 1970 and has run it

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ever since. Originally located in Pitronnerie Road, Aquastar has been based at its current site for 25 years. With the initial focus on commercial work, Aquastar spent the 1970s building some of the UK’s largest fibreglass fishing boats before progressing to 81ft oceangoing maxi sailing yachts in the 1980s. Drawing on these two areas of boat-building expertise, the yard also began to make a name for itself with its growing fleet of motor yachts for the private market. Its first non-commercial boat, the Aquastar 19, was launched in 1974, and throughout the ‘80s and ‘90s the fleet grew with bigger and bigger vessels. Then, at the turn of the millennium, the yard took a giant step up with the launch of a 70ft mini superyacht. Known as the Aquastar Explorer, it attracted global acclaim and several 65 and 74ft versions have been built since. An 80ft boat based on the same design, Aquastar’s biggest build to date, was launched in 2010. Named Trafalgar, the magnificent navy blue yacht features lots of wood work with extra teak on the side deck rails as well as panelling on the dodgers, cabin and transom. Such classically-inspired detail has always been one of Aquastar’s key selling points. Elsewhere in the market Fairline and Sunseeker continually thrive on creating ultra-modern imposing designs, which always run the risk of quickly ageing. But a modern classic like an Aquastar will perhaps never go out of fashion.

Aquastar spent the 1970s building some of the UK’s largest fibreglass fishing boats before progressing to 81ft oceangoing maxi sailing yachts in the 1980s. As would be expected, the larger boats are very bespoke. But Geoff acknowledges that a big appeal of Aquastar is its ability to offer a high degree of customisation to any sized boat in the range. ‘We work very closely with our customers to meet their exact specifications. No two Aquastars are the same, with each reflecting the owner’s taste. You don’t get that with many production boat yards.’ At the Jersey Boat Show in May, Geoff took a new order for a 49-footer which is due to be launched in March 2016. He is currently working on the design and specifications with the buyer. Last month the yard completed its latest 430, a popular addition to the range which was launched in 2013. This model was the first 430 to just feature an external helm, as requested by the owner. ‘Losing the internal helm has enabled a far more spacious saloon, with comfortable seating on both sides. The external steering

position enjoys a lot of shelter from the windscreen and it has a hard roof, so the loss of the internal helm is no issue at all. ‘This is a very sensible customisation, which we imagine a number of future customers will also be very interested in. It’s a great example of how customer feedback can influence the development of new ideas.’ Geoff has just unveiled plans for a new 60ft boat, which will be an updated version of its popular 57ft trawler yacht. Aquastar consistently generates media interest with a lot of the resultant coverage referring to its Guernsey location. Last month a TV crew for new programme Homes for Sea came to the island to film the new Aquastar 49 in action. ‘We are very proud to be based in Guernsey and to be able to do our bit to promote the island,’ said Geoff.

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Visit Aquastar online at www.aquastar.gg

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GRADU8

ELIZABETH LAW 22

ASSURANCE ASSOCIATE AT EY

Uni attended? University of Kent Course undertaken? Mathematics with Accounting and Finance What did you want to be when you were 8? A vet Favourite way to relax? Meeting up with friends and going for a walk with my dog Favourite place to eat in Guernsey? Auberge (Jerbourg) What’s your favourite possession? Necklace from my Grandma What made you choose EY? I was already interested in starting my career in the finance industry as I wanted to continue my studies and a friend recommended EY. After my research and talking to different people it seemed evident to me that the firm genuinely cares for their people and their development, so I applied. What sort of professional training do you take? I chose to study ACCA, a professional qualification that is globally recognised. It takes approximately three years to complete depending on how many exams you take at each sitting. The qualification covers a wide range of subjects such as Corporate and Business Law, Governance, Risk and Ethics, as well as Audit and Assurance. You have to be focused, organised and dedicated but you have a large support network around you, there’s your peers, your counselling manager not to mention the majority of the office who themselves have been through the same or a similar qualification and are always happy to help and of course the college tutors. What do you do on an average day? My job is very varied and different every day. I work with different clients in diverse teams which is great for me as I enjoy meeting new people and you get to know everyone in the office very quickly. My environment changes too as I’m not always sat at the same desk all day and spend time at clients’ sites which is interesting too. What is your next step? My main focus is on my exams but once I’m qualified hopefully in the next few years I would like to take advantage of EY’s Global Mobility opportunities. This will be a great challenge and adventure for me, meeting new people, experiencing other offices, new clients and learning about different cultures and industries which is something I’m looking forward to. What advice would you give yourself as a graduate considering the experience you have now? For any A-level or graduate student I think it is important to look for a career that suits your skill set, don’t necessarily just think about the subjects you enjoyed at school. Also find a firm that is willing to invest in you and your development not only supporting a professional qualification but helping you develop your soft skills as this will make the difference if you want to progress!

MORE ABOUT EY

The EY experience shapes your future; apply now as we’ve saved you a space! At EY we’re much more interested in the kind of person you are and the things you’re naturally good at than what degree you studied at university. So we want you to be yourself and show us what you’ve got and how far you want to take your career. Everyone’s opinion is valued. After all, diversity of thought and ideas enables us to provide better services to our clients. In return for your input and ideas, we’re committed to giving you the experiences you need to progress and develop as well as the learning and coaching to help you to excel. We have trainee opportunities in Assurance and Tax and work experience opportunities for local A-level students and undergraduates.

This sense of involvement stretches a long way beyond the formal work you’ll add to your CV. It’s about the bonds that you form with your colleagues, the support you give to our corporate responsibility activities and the way you contribute to our firm. INTERESTED?

Contact Abbie Cardy on (01481) 717400 or email acardy@ uk.ey.com Visit www.facebook.com/EYChannelIslandsCareers

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H3LL0 CAR33R Bright Graduates and A-level school leavers wanted for a career in finance that isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just about the numbers. EY is the perfect place to start your career and gain an understanding of business. We are committed to training and developing our people to reach their potential, opening up a world of work opportunities. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait for your exam results, apply today and then enjoy the summer! For more information or to apply, email acardy@uk.ey.com or visit our facebook page.

EYChannelIslandsCareers

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#EYfuturereadyCI

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BUSINESS

GRADU8

MILLY

INGROUILLE 22 ASSOCIATE AT PwC

What made you choose the company you work for? After completing my degree in economics, I decided that becoming a qualified accountant would be a great starting platform for my career in finance. The opportunities of working for one of the largest accountancy firms in the world seemed like an opportunity I could not turn down. After receiving offers from other accountancy firms in the Island, PwC’s great reputation alongside its sociable and youthful office made my decision very easy. I also chatted with friends who already worked at PwC, who rightly said what a fun and relaxed environment it is to work in, which makes coming to work all the more enjoyable. What sort of professional training do you take? PwC gives you the option to choose between ACCA and ACA qualifications which have differing exam structures therefore you are able to choose the qualification which best suits your learning style. I chose ACCA as I felt that the chance to attend BPP to learn the course content in sections rather than all at once swayed me, as I was never good at cramming whilst at university. Half of my intake chose ACCA so we all attend BPP at the same time, which allows us to study together and encourage each other. What do you do on an average day? Working in audit, my team and I normally head to a client’s office where I am responsible for

Uni attended? Sussex University Course undertaken? Economics BsC What did you want to be where you were 8? A teacher Favourite way to relax? Going to the gym or socialising with friends Favourite place to eat in Guernsey? Difficult question - Red, Petit Bistro or Hook probably. What’s your favourite possession? My iPhone

the completion of certain tasks to ensure that the company’s accounting records are accurate. What surprised me about PwC was how varied each day/week is. You are constantly working in different teams, allowing you to get to know the whole office really well and develop friendships with everyone. We receive lots of exposure to clients and as you are working in smaller teams, you are given much more responsibility from day one. This means you gain vast experience from the outset and are constantly learning and progressing as a result.

of the proximity of amenities which means that during busy season and studying for exams, you are still able to continue doing activities which you enjoy. Studying for a professional qualification with PwC opens the door to a huge amount of career opportunities and if you’re a keen traveller, taking advantage of being part of a global network is a key benefit you’ll be given the chance to explore.

What is your next step? I am currently focused on obtaining my ACCA qualification, whilst simultaneously hoping to undertake more challenging work and be given even more responsibility on jobs. During my first year at PwC, I have completed four exams so I’ve ten more to complete over the next two years. As a global network, with over 184,000 people in 157 countries, PwC offers a host of opportunities for you to travel once you’ve qualified. So, when the time is right, I’d love to go on a PwC secondment abroad, perhaps working in a city like Sydney or London. Travel opportunities with work is definitely a key benefit to me of working here. What advice would you give yourself as a graduate considering the experience you have now? After living away from home for a few years, I was really hesitant to come back to the Island. However, Guernsey has so many perks in terms

MORE ABOUT PwC

We help clients ranging from multinational organisations to local businesses, charities and governments, offering assurance, advisory and tax services that help to improve the way they work in the short and long-term. From auditing their financial data and planning their taxes, to identifying the risks they face and supporting them with strategic decisions, we work with our clients, creating cutting edge solutions for them. We work hard to attract locally grown talent back to the Islands, offering 40 training contracts to local school leavers, undergraduates and graduates from all degree disciplines. We currently have spaces available on our September 2015 graduate programme.

“You’ll be working and studying with intelligent and inspiring people, building strong friendships and valuable professional relationships. With over 184,000 people in 157 countries across our global network, one you’re qualified, the world really is your oyster.” INTERESTED? Call Rhianna Barnes on 01481 752099 or email pwc.ci.recruitment@je.pwc.com

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For more information please visit www.pwc.com/jg/careers or visit our Facebook careers page /pwccareerschannelislands or follow us on @PwC_CI

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The experience stays with you

Amelia at PwC’s Guernsey office

Helping create value through: Assurance Tax Advisory ________________________________

On track for 300 UCAS or a 2:1 or above in any degree discipline? Visit our Facebook careers page /pwccareerschannelislands ________________________________

Voted employer of choice by students in The Times Top 100 Graduate Employers survey for twelve years running.

Channel Islands’ opportunities at PwC Your career is just that; yours. You choose it. You live it. You make it happen. To get the best from it, you need the best opportunities. That’s why opportunities are at the heart of a career with us. Opportunities to grow as an individual, to build lasting relationships and make an impact in a place where people, quality and value mean everything. For Amelia, this means enjoying the variety of audit client work, while balancing the challenges of studying as well. She’s making the most of our exam support and study leave to give her the best opportunity to become a qualified accountant. Join PwC - we’re focused on helping you reach your full potential.

Take the opportunity of a lifetime To further explore graduate, school-leaver, internship or work placement opportunities at PwC in Guernsey this year, contact Rhianna Barnes on 01481 752099, email pwc.ci.recruitment@je.pwc.com or visit www.pwc.com/jg/careers © 2015 PricewaterhouseCoopers CI LLP. All rights reserved.

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Diverse people make us stronger

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WIM

HENDRIKS 25

TRAINEE FUND ACCOUNTANT AT AZTEC GROUP

Uni attended? Maastricht Hotel Management School (MHMS) from which I received My Bachelor of Business Administration

Favourite way to relax? Lying in bed whilst watching a good TV series or hanging on the beach with the sun on my face.

Course undertaken? During my course I studied several languages as well as etiquette, accounting, marketing, law and organisations as a whole (structures).

Favourite place to eat in Guernsey? Christies on the main street in St. Peter Port.

What did you want to be when you were 8? I wanted to be an adult. I think I am nearly there. I also wanted to be a cowboy. What made you choose the company you work for? My first impression of the Aztec Group was their adverts for the Audition Days; they had a quirky and fresh feel which drew my attention. I attended their annual Audition Day in April and it was an absolute blast. I had the opportunity to talk to everyone and felt at ease; not nervous like before a formal interview! Aztec Group was the perfect fit for my career aspirations and that made it a no brainer to go for the Aztec Group. What sort of professional training do you take? Aztec Group fully invests in their employees and supports them through their relevant qualifications whilst they learn the practical function of their roles. I will be studying towards my professional qualification with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), whilst also learning through the Group’s ‘Aztec Academy’, an in-house academy which focuses on technical, soft skills and industry specific training. As a graduate the training that the Group offer is too good an opportunity to miss! What do you do on an average day? My main responsibilities are to keep up-to-date with the

What’s your favourite possession? My most favourite possession is my memories of good times had with my partner, family and friends.

bookkeeping for our client, whilst preparing cash balances on a daily, monthly and quarterly basis and performing bank and stock reconciliations. Completing these tasks and learning each day about the accounting processes helps me develop my understanding of accountancy and the client. The knowledge that I have gained from these tasks has given me confidence in my role which means I go to work with a smile on my face. What is your next step? My next step is to commence my ACCA qualification, and improve my knowledge of accountancy to help me to have a clearer understanding of my daily tasks and about the bigger picture of each fund. During university, studying accountancy was an aspect of my course which has really helped me with my work so I can’t wait to get started on ACCA. I also hope to develop my role further within my team and take on more tasks and responsibilities. What advice would you give yourself as a graduate considering the experience you have now? I would advise any graduate to attend the Aztec Audition Days! The Group has a friendly and sociable atmosphere and the open door policy enhances our strong culture and relationships. There’s a brilliant balance between hard and challenging work and social interaction, which makes every day at the office enjoyable. Aztec Group is growing, both in business and as an employer, and I am very proud to say that I am part of the family of the Aztec Group.

MORE ABOUT Aztec

Founded in 2001, the Aztec Group delivers award-winning fund and corporate services to the alternative assets industry from key onshore and offshore jurisdictions in Guernsey, Jersey, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Sweden and the United Kingdom.Renowned for its long-term partnership approach, the Group partners with some of the leading alternative assets fund managers across Europe administering over 200 funds with over EUR 100bn under administration.Numerous client testimonials, several industry awards and an unrivalled client retention rate are a few testaments to the Group’s dedication to service excellence and the reason why it is recognised as the bright alternative in funds and corporate services.

INTERESTED?

Karoline Chwedczuk on +44 (0)1481 749761 To find out more about a career at the Aztec Group visitaztecgroup.co.uk/careers.

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Summer’s here, and Team Aztec are looking to expand their squad

BREAKING NEWS… “ After a successful 14/15 season, and with the summer transfer window just around the corner, Aztec’s HR talent scouts are on the lookout for team players who may be considering a move to the top of the league.”

The Bright Alternative aztecgroup.co.uk BECAUSE DO BUSINESS QUALITY IN STYLE MATTERS

Aztec Group is a regulated financial services group

Our Shortlist ■ Financial

Reporting Manager ■ Senior Fund Accountant ■ Senior Fund Administrator ■ Trainee Fund Accountant ■ Trainee Fund Administrator

So if you’re thinking of a transfer to one of the league leaders, upload your CV to aztecgroup.co.uk/careers, email it to careers@aztecgroup.co.uk or call us on 749761.

FUND SERVICES CORPORATE SERVICES ADVANCED PORTFOLIO SERVICES DEPOSITARY SERVICES

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MOVERS&SHAKERS

PROMOTION FOR CLAIRE Four directors at Saffery Champness Registered Fiduciaries in Guernsey have been recognised for a further year on the 2015 Citywealth Leaders List. The 10th annual leaders list features prominent figures from across the legal and private wealth management sectors. The list is compiled annually after extensive research and consultation with global peers and private client recommendations including references and testimonials. Executive Chairman Kelvin Hudson and Directors Lisa Vizia and Helen Green appear on the trustees honours list while Managing Director Nick Batiste is listed as a prominent figure in the ‘leading trustees’ category.

Claire Bufton has been promoted to Audit Manager at Saffery Champness after joining the firm in July 2011. As a chartered accountant and member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), Ms Bufton has recently expanded her audit client portfolio to include a diverse range of sectors including private equity funds, investment property funds, fund managers, funds listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, registered fiduciaries and charities.

KEY PROMOTIONS AT BDO

C5 EXPAND THEIR TRAINING ACADEMY

LOCAL DIRECTORS ON CITYWEALTH LEADERS LIST

BDO Limited has strengthened its position as a major accountancy and business advisory firm in Guernsey with promotions for three key members of its 70-strong workforce. Ronan Morrison has become the firm’s newest Manager and works in the specialised financial services audit team. Meanwhile, Russell Morgan and Catherine Le Pelley have been promoted to Assistant Manager within BDO’s expanding tax services department.

STEVE HEADS UP OFFSHORE FUNDS Barclays has appointed Steve Rickards as Head of Offshore Funds. He will lead the creation and implementation of the bank’s offshore funds. For the last four years Mr Rickards has been heading up the Guernsey Funds team providing debt solutions for private equity and working with locally based fund administrators.

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C5 Alliance in Guernsey has expanded its training academy, appointing Jonathan Willcocks as Service Desk Engineer in its growing IT services division. The C5 Academy was launched last year and saw two graduates join the firm’s business solutions division as trainee developers. Mr Willcocks will be supported through training in its IT managed services division.

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Be part of the winning team With all the great training, development opportunities and real world work experience our trainees get, it doesn’t come as any surprise that our MyCareer training programmes are filling faster than ever before. We have trainee opportunities available in audit and tax. With the competition to grab the most desirable trainee roles heating up along with the weather over the summer months, start thinking about your application sooner rather than later. If you are interested in finding out more information on our training programme and what KPMG in the Channel Islands has to offer, please contact Samantha Foss. Email: sfoss@kpmg.com Tel: + 44 (0) 1481 755708 kpmg.com/channelislands

© 2015 KPMG LLP, a UK limited liability partnership and a member firm of the KPMG network of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. All rights reserved. We are an equal opportunities employer and will consider all applications. We embrace diversity at all levels including and not limited to any gender, race, age, religion or ability.

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FURTHER GROWTH AT CAREY GROUP

Carey Olsen continues to grow its litigation and dispute resolution practice with the appointment of highly qualified Offshore Litigator Martin Jones, who has joined the team in Guernsey as of counsel. Advocate Jones specialises in complex international and commercial financial litigation including trust and regulatory matters, cross-border fraud claims, multijurisdictional insolvency matters, asset tracing and contract and tort claims. He also has substantial experience in property and construction disputes.

DOING IT FOR THE GIRLS!

Jacksons’ only female apprentice MercedesBenz technician has won a top industry award. Jodie Fallaize, 21, was named Technical Apprentice of the Year at the Mercedes-Benz Apprentice of the Year Awards 2015. Fiercely contested, more than 400 apprentices from across the United Kingdom were considered for this illustrious award.

MOVERS&SHAKERS

HARRIET TOPS 30 UNDER 30

Harriet Black, Account Director at Orchard PR, has been named in PR Week’s ‘Top 30 under 30’ – the PR industry’s definitive guide to up-and-coming PR talent nationwide. It is the first time a PR professional from the Channel Islands has featured on the annual list which includes a range of agency and in-house PR professionals. The Top 30 was compiled following a thorough judging process involving a panel of established industry figures. ‘This is a significant achievement in a highly competitive industry,’ said Orchard PR managing director Steve Falla. ‘The ‘Top 30 Under 30’ is extremely well regarded within PR circles and every year gives a great insight into what the next generation of PR practitioners are capable of.

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IAM STRENGTHENS MANAGEMENT TEAM

Independent investment advisory firm IAM Advisory appointed David Smith as Chief Investment Officer and Chairman of the Investment Committee. Mr Smith will lead the investment team which provides strategic direction and practical advice on structuring, monitoring and controlling all material aspects in the management of the investment portfolios of the company’s clientele of sovereign wealth funds, pension funds, trustees, family offices and high net worth individuals.

STRENGTHENING OVERSEAS MARKET

Swoffers, one of Guernsey’s leading estate agents, is pleased to announce the appointment of Alexandra Haining who has joined the team in a new Open Market Business Development role. A property specialist, Ms Haining has a wealth of experience in the sector after working in finance and specialising in the development of high-end residential properties in London. Ms Haining recently returned to the island and has been involved in a number of developments, including the building of her own home. Based in Guernsey, the new role is specifically aimed at targeting high-net worth individuals and intermediaries in the UK and especially London, encouraging them to relocate to Guernsey or invest in the island’s residential property sector.

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Local company puts Channel Islands on the international digital map

new small business class booking web app, designed and being built by a Channel Islands marketing agency, will launch on the world’s largest crowdfunding platform this month. Boocla is an online booking website for anyone who runs classes or courses. It has been created by Oi Labs, the digital innovation arm of Oi. If you are an instructor, teacher, trainer or tutor, with Boocla you get a mobile-friendly website, amazing class booking system, free sub-domain, free hosting, and free business cards for under $240 a year. Using the latest Google technology, Boocla allows people to create a website in minutes

then easily add, manage, sell and receive payments for spaces at their classes or courses. Customers can quickly create a two-step profile enabling them to find and book classes for anything they are interested in. They can login to view schedules, make payments, enable text notifications and email reminders for classes already booked. Boocla also has a global class search function for people going away and wanting to book into classes. Oi Labs is launching Boocla on Kickstarter, which has over 8.7 million investors (mainly US-based), with a target of $25,000. If reached, Boocla will be launched by the end of October this year.

‘We are really excited about Boocla in terms of being one of the first Channel Islands companies to take a web app like this global,’ said Peter Grange, Oi Chief Executive Officer. ‘We believe Boocla is a great example of digital innovation projects being encouraged across the Channel Islands by the likes of Digital Jersey and Guernsey. We chose a crowdfunding launch strategy to attract additional investment, but primarily for the global exposure. We have also engaged a USA PR agency to support the Kickstarter launch campaign.’ With a 30-day funding goal, investors on Kickstarter can contribute from $1 upwards to

‘We identified a gap in the market and believe Boocla is ideal for any small business that runs classes or courses, from yoga to personal training or music to cookery classes,’ Ben Clarke, Oi Creative and Digital Director.

Boocla features include: - Personalised web page and Boocla domain - Multiple themes to choose from - Add your own images, or use our image library - Single and multiple tutor management - Single and multiple venue management - Email and SMS notifications - Unlimited bookings - PayPal integration - Free hosting - Free business cards

back Boocla. The average investment amount on Kickstarter is $25, and in return investors receive rewards rather than equity in the business. For example, a $25 investment in Boocla will return investors two months Boocla subscription worth almost $40, 50 free business cards and a Boocla training bag. ‘We identified a gap in the market and believe Boocla is ideal for any small business that runs classes or courses, from yoga to personal training or music to cookery classes,’ said Ben Clarke, Oi Creative and Digital Director. ‘The research, focus groups, and feedback over the last six months has been very positive.’ For more information about Boocla visit www. boocla.com

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BUSINESS

FINANCE

CAREY OLSEN ADVISES ON SPECIALIST FUND MARKET

GUERNSEY FUNDS FORUM 2015 DRAWS HUGE CROWD

More than 500 people attended the Guernsey Funds Forum 2015 in London last month. The Forum was hosted by ITV news anchor Alastair Stewart OBE, and the keynote speech was delivered by Guernsey resident and private equity specialist Guy Hands, Chairman and Chief Investment Officer of Terra Firma Capital Partners Limited. Dominic Wheatley, Chief Executive of Guernsey Finance, said he was delighted with the number and quality of attendees, as well as the content of the sessions. ‘The event allows us to reinforce and build upon our key relationship with the City of London so to have attracted such an impressive number of delegates is hugely encouraging for the funds industry in Guernsey,’ said Mr Wheatley. ‘It was fascinating to listen to Guy – a highly respected individual in the investment community and a long-time supporter of Guernsey’s fund industry – give the audience a real insight into his view of the future for private equity. His call for a return to the traditional values of private equity resonated with many in the hall. The panel sessions that followed Guy were equally compelling and allowed for a really informative debate between the speakers and delegates.’

Speaking at the event Guy Hands said that the private equity industry is now split into two segments: the semi-public, listed companies such as Blackstone, Carlisle, CVC and Apax which represent about 85% of the money raised; and the remainder, which raises about 15% of the money but actually comprises the vast number of firms. The latter have struggled to raise money since 2008 but he believes that, in fact, investors are demanding Alpha and these firms are better positioned because ‘when you get to a certain size, you create Beta; it becomes impossible to create Alpha.’ He added that his philosophy to achieve this is ‘to go back to the future, my belief is very much to go back to what we used to do.’ Mr Hands said that the larger firms had got themselves a position which is not challengeable by smaller private equity firms and therefore these smaller firms would have to take a slightly different approach. They would have to accept that they aren’t going to be as rich as the last generation but they could still create a very successful firm and develop a very successful private equity industry. He concluded, ‘I think for the smaller firms, there’s a great opportunity out there but it’s not banging your head against that wall, it’s going around that wall. It’s not expecting to earn huge amounts of salaries, it’s about creating wealth, it’s about doing what private equity was originally formed to do when the industry started in the ‘70s, it really is just about going back to the future.’

A corporate team from Carey Olsen’s Guernsey office advised Amedeo Air Four Plus on the successful completion of its initial public offering on the Specialist Fund Market of the London Stock Exchange with 202 million shares of the company trading at an issue price of 100p per share. Amedeo Air Four Plus is a newly formed aircraft acquisition and leasing investment company with plans to purchase aircraft assets of approximately US$1.7 billion by the end of 2015. The Carey Olsen team was led by Corporate Partner Ben Morgan, supported by Senior Associate John Scanlan and Associate Alex Wilson, advising on the Guernsey legal aspects of the transaction. The team acted alongside Herbert Smith Freehills, who advised on the placing and admission to the LSE, and Norton Rose Fulbright who acted in respect of the financing. Independent investment management and advisory firm Nimrod Capital LLP acted as the company’s placing agent and will be the long-term corporate and shareholder adviser. This transaction follows the launch of three previous successful aircraft funds placed by Nimrod Capital LLP.

GLOBAL REAL ESTATE FUND SECTOR FACING WIDESPREAD DISRUPTION

The global real estate sector, riding a broad wave of growth and demand, is going through one of its most tumultuous periods in recent history, according to EY’s Global Market Outlook 2015: trends in real estate private equity report. As changes in economic and social patterns fundamentally alter demand throughout the real estate markets, investors are clamouring for new deals and sending prices higher. Businesses are looking for leaner, more streamlined operations, leading them to seek out smaller office spaces in an effort to minimise overhead costs. However, online and major retailers are increasingly building large distribution centres as consumers have become accustomed to convenient access to products and shorter delivery times.

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BUSINESS

GUERNSEY WATER SHORTLISTED FOR NATIONAL AWARD

AWARDS

BUTTERFIELD IS A CITYWEALTH LEADER Seven senior team members at Butterfield Trust have been recognised in the 2015 Citywealth Leaders List. Managing Director Paul Hodgson and Executive Director Alison Parry from Butterfield Trust Guernsey feature on the prestigious Top 20 trustees list. John Morris, Guernsey’s Head of Wealth Structuring, and Adrian Relph, Client Services Director, are both named in the Trustees Prominent Figure category. Jim Parker, Country Head from Butterfield Trust Switzerland and Phil Lenz, Deputy Country Head, are named in the Trustees’

category and also feature on the Honours list. Martin Pollock, Managing Director of Butterfield Trust Bermuda, is recognised in the Trustees category. Alison Parry is also named on the Honours list and in the Power Women category, Citywealth’s programme to highlight successful business women in the wealth sector. Bob Moore, Executive Vice President and Head of Group Trust, said: ‘That so many Butterfield Trust representatives have been included in this year’s Citywealth Leaders List endorses the breadth of expertise that we are able to offer to our clients across the five jurisdictional trust companies which make up our Group’s international trust business.’

SKIPTON AWARDED IN OFFSHORE SAVINGS MARKET Guernsey bank Skipton International has been voted one of the best Offshore Account providers in the Moneyfacts Awards, for the fourth year running. Skipton International (Skipton) was ‘Highly Commended’ as Best Offshore Account Provider. Skipton has been commended, highly commended or won the award for the past four years, while also taking first place in the Business Moneyfacts awards for Best Offshore Business Deposit Account in 2010. The independent financial publisher and online personal finance portal, Moneyfacts, holds its awards annually. The shortlist and winners are chosen by a panel of expert judges. The award reinforces the global feedback engine Feefo’s high rating for Skipton, which prides itself on individual customer service.

Guernsey Water has been shortlisted for a national award in recognition of its sewer renovation work in the grounds of Havilland Hall. The 21st Annual UK Society of Trenchless Technology (UKSTT) dinner and award ceremony took place on 24 April and saw Guernsey Water narrowly miss out on the award for small renovation, instead receiving a highly commended certificate Guernsey Water was nominated alongside some strong national water providers such as Wessex Water for work it carried out in the grounds of Havilland Hall, Guernsey’s biggest privately-owned estate. Entrants were judged on a range of criteria including project management, innovation, environmental awareness and impact on the community.

ARC IS INVESTMENT MONITORING FIRM OF THE YEAR

Asset Risk Consultants (ARC) has been named as Investment Monitoring Company of the Year at the 10th Annual Citywealth Magic Circle awards. The awards, held at the Grange Hotel in London in May, recognise the best private client advisers and wealth managers in the investment industry. An independent panel of industry judges determines the winners and looks for qualities such as market-leading products and services, innovative solutions to private client dilemmas and overall contribution to the profession. Graham Harrison, ARC Group Managing Director, said: ‘We are delighted to win the award as we head towards our 20th anniversary. We would like to take the opportunity to thank Karen Jones, the team at CityWealth, the Judging Panel and all those who voted and contributed.’

LOCAL

CRAFTY PLAN TO HELP BUSINESSES GROW

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An offer has been made to the island’s craft community to help them see whether they are able to grow their existing businesses. Spearheaded by Startup Guernsey, the organisation that provides business advice and resources to local entrepreneurs, the initiative seeks to identify all the hobby, handmade and cottage-type enterprises existing in the island and help them with any potential for expansion. It follows the successful launch of the Guernsey Post and Guernsey Press partnership giving smaller organisations and retailers cost-effective access to internet ecommerce plus preferential postage rates and help with VAT clearance into the UK. Startup Guernsey General Manager Tony Brassell said the partnership was a ‘natural fit’ for the smaller craft-type operations in the island and he was keen to see whether the many hobbyists here could be encouraged to grow their businesses. GUERNSEY’S STYLE MAGAZINE GUERNSEY’S STYLE MAGAZINE

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James Briggs Sea lover – sport and play

Words Tom Bradshaw

uernsey has consistently produced top-notch sailors. Our local waters – both stunning and challenging – are a perfect training ground. And with lots of competitive sailing at all levels, it is no surprise how many rise through the ranks to achieve success far beyond our shores. With reliably windy conditions, it’s also no wonder that some islanders take things to the extreme. A case in point is James Briggs, who has achieved international success in Formula Windsurfing. After his most successful season in 2013, the 39 year old was British number one and ranked 24th in the world for this extreme sport. James is an all-round nautical fanatic. Alongside windsurfing, he is also very involved in the local offshore rowing scene - another highly energetic nautical pursuit. As both a solo and team competitor, he consistently places at the top of the field in Channel Island rowing fixtures, with local records to his name. When he’s not competing or training in these two sports, James seizes every opportunity to take to the sea recreationally. He can often be found playing in the surf on his windsurfer and when there’s no wind he still gets his nautical fix by stand-up paddle boarding.

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‘There is so much fun to be had in the sea. I just love being on the water and making the most of our coastline and further afield. I really enjoy competing, but equally enjoy all the lifestyle opportunities the sea offers.’ James, who started sailing from a young age, had his first taste of competitive windsurfing at the Shetland Island Games in 2005. He then spent the next few years preparing on the Formula Windsurfing World Circuit before fully committing to the sport in 2011. Formula Windsurfing uses ultra-wide boards with massive rigs up to 12.5 square metres in size, which are sailed in up to 35 knots of wind. Competitors race for around 30 minutes over short windwardleeward courses, reaching speeds of over 30 knots. James does all his training locally, but enters tournaments all over the world. Largely self-funded, he competes whenever he can, while balancing work and other commitments. Many of the big fixtures are in Europe, enabling James to travel to and from events in his VW Transporter van, which is also his home on the road. He keeps an exhausting schedule, sometimes racing up to six times a day before heading ashore to pack up and drive to the next competitive event or seek out the next training session.

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Neil Pryde Sails. He moved to the sail sponsor in 2014, having previously been supported by Point-7, a much smaller company. ‘With Point-7 I acted as a consultant to them to assist on the research and development effort. I provided ongoing feedback on sail performance which led to modifications in the designs. Now with Neil Pryde I am removed from the design process, and it’s nice to just be a consumer buying off-theshelf sails.’ This summer James will be doing less competitive windsurfing in favour of enjoying more recreational time on the board, as well as committing to more rowing.

The van has a customised interior with the bottom half taken up with equipment storage, leaving just a small space above for a rudimentary bunk and area for possessions. ‘Life in the van is compact, but it works. You have to put everything back in its right place otherwise it would never be found again without emptying everything out.’ In 2013 he was able to complete a full tour, starting off in the Netherlands and competing all over Europe. He ended the season ranked 24th in the world, eighth in Europe and as top Brit. ‘It was a really mixed season, starting in the Baltic states with lots of wind and then moving to much hotter weather in the Mediterranean. There were lots of changes in scenery and weather. ‘My performance improved steadily. As you get stronger and more confident on the board you get more tuned in and make fewer technical errors. By the end of the season I felt on the top of my game.’ In April this year, James competed in the World Championships in the Azores, and said it was the most challenging windsurfing he had ever done. He finished 28th.

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

‘Part of the reason I continue to do both rowing and windsurfing is that they

In 2013 he was able to complete a full tour, starting off in the Netherlands and competing all over Europe. He ended the season ranked 24th in the world, eighth in Europe and as top Brit. ‘I had the opportunity to enter but knew I wasn’t going to be on my best form as I had not been competing much in the lead up to the event. It was very windy and was very competitive – everyone around me was making very few mistakes. If this had been at the end of 2013 I would have felt much more comfortable. ‘I set out with the goal of finishing each race, and I did that, and was very happy with my result. It was a great experience.’ On the way back to Guernsey James made a stopover in Holland to compete in a North Sea Cup event. ‘The weather was much better and I felt a lot more comfortable as a result. Everything felt in control and manageable. When that happens you begin to look beyond yourself to see what everyone else is doing. That is how you are meant to race tactically.’ James receives some sponsorship and technical support from Starboard boards and

complement each other really well in terms of the skills and fitness that you need to succeed. Rowing is very physical, but also very technical and you have to be very aware of all the external factors such as wind and tide. ‘There are many comparisons to windsurfing. Purely from a training perspective the two sports fit together very well, and I thoroughly enjoy both of them.’ While previously his main focus has been on competition, James said this summer he intended to do more social things with the windsurfer, such as wave sailing in groups. ‘I also want to do some lifestyle challenges on it, like some longer distance sails to Herm and Sark.’ If you’re out on the sea keep an eye out for James. But if you blink you might miss him – whether on a windsurfer, a rowing boat or a stand-up paddle board, you can guarantee he’ll be going at a rate of knots!

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‘I had a bet with someone to turn up at Cobo one Sunday morning for a swim, just after it had snowed one winter. The shaking continued afterwards for about two hours and the group I swim with now were all down there that morning!’ The open water group is made up of all sorts of people from different backgrounds who share a love of getting in the cold Guernsey seas. So what is it about open water swimming that attracts so many locals? ‘It’s a good mental challenge to force yourself in when it’s cold and you’re not in the mood! The hesitation is always short lived though because it’s fine once you’re in. In the summer it’s glorious, free and keeps you very fit. You also get to socialise with some really great people.’ Paul has never swum for anything other than pleasure before, not even having tested the waters (dreadful pun, apologies readers) of our local Guernsey to Herm swim. Confronting the Channel must be mentally intimidating for Paul. ‘I’m likely to be getting up in the dark, probably in the early hours, that will be interesting. I think that keeping going will be the real challenge. Swimmers who have completed it before have told me that it is 20% physical and 80% mental.’

OPEN WATER PASSION

his August Paul Nettleship is swimming the English Channel in order to raise funds for Guernsey Chest & Heart and Hope for Guernsey. He plans to start from Shakespeare Beach in Dover and swim through break-neck currents, over a minimum of 21 miles – that’s (hopefully) 14 hours – to wherever the French tide chooses to wash him up. Gallery spoke to Paul about what is driving him to confront his fear of deep waters to take part in Europe’s toughest tidal challenge…

‘I always like to challenge myself and it’s something I’ve always wondered whether I could do. Like many people I don’t like deep water, so I have overcome this fear - although to be honest I still freak out a bit if I hit a patch of seaweed or see something out of the corner of my eye whilst swimming. Jaws has a lot to answer for!’ In his younger years Paul swam for Guernsey Swimming Club and now joins the Guernsey Swimming Club Masters in the pool several times a week, but met this open water group one frosty winter’s morning.

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The only real way to prepare for an endurance event such as this is training, Paul told us. ‘I swim in the pool twice a week all year round and am now swimming in the sea three to four times a week as well. I am building my time up in the sea and have reached two and a half hours so far, the cold being the main reason for not swimming longer. Once it warms up I will build up the swims to six hours.’ Paul is hoping that during his cross-Channel attempt he will be spurred on by the charities that he is raising money for. ‘I am on the board of Guernsey Chest & Heart and have been involved with it for many years. It is a great charity and was the obvious choice of beneficiary from my swim as it provides such a great service to islanders. I am also raising funds for a research project into Cervical Cancer through Hope for Guernsey.’

You can donate to Paul’s Channel attempt by donating here: Guernsey Chest & Heart www.justgiving.com/Paul-Nettleship-Swim2 Hope for Guernsey www.justgiving.com/Paul-Nettleship-Swim

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HARDWARE

Words Nathanial Eker

en Le Page has been in the business of repairing, modifying, selling and, of course, riding motorcycles for years. After establishing BLP Motorcycles seven years ago the business has recently relocated to the Mont Arrive Garage on Prince Albert’s Road, just along from Amherst school and Beau Sejour. Interestingly enough, this old building started life as a garage almost 50 years ago. Ben told us, ‘A lot of people have commented that it was good to see the old garage being used for its original purpose again.’ It’s an impressive workshop, deceptively large and kitted out to fulfill the dreams of any petrol-head or bike enthusiast.

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The premises houses a selection of large attention-grabbing motorbikes. They specialise in Harley Davidson and Ducati, but you’ll also find the team working on smaller bikes including scooters and quad bikes. Ben prides himself on taking on a wide range of work including builds, restorations and fabrications as well as repairs, servicing and sales. They also offer services for oil, filter and battery replacements. He tells us, ‘What makes us unique is that unlike other garages we are happy to get involved with a bit of everything.’ Ben has invested in the latest diagnostic equipment available on the market, including a state-of-the-art ultrasonic cleaning tank used to clean out fuel systems and engine parts should the fuel inside go stale after being left for long periods of time - something I can vouch for myself, as my own scooter had to be taken to him after retiring itself in the winter months!

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The garage also has a Motoscan at its disposal, a diagnostic technology used for modern high-performance motorcycles with fuel injection systems. The tool finds faults within the electronic management system of the bike and can also remap to produce better engine performance. Ben’s experience in the industry brings with it a strong network of reliable local service providers and trusted suppliers of everything from powder coating to parts. Working in various garages around the island before starting up on his own has given Ben exposure to a huge variety of brands and vehicles. His parts supply chain

is comparable to that of a dealer, and he can acquire tyres, filters and any other spare parts in just a matter of days. The garage is a registered HM Quick Shifter supplier and Ben has plans to incorporate a fully-stocked shop selling performance and service parts over the counter. They currently offer a large range of oil and oil filters, and whatever he doesn’t stock can be ordered and delivered very quickly. Although services are the primary focus at BLP, Ben is always keen to find more challenging projects that often come in the form of modifications and repairs. If you can get it to the garage Ben is happy to take a look.

‘It’s often about customer expectation when it comes to repairs. We aim to offer a high standard of customer service and part of that is educating the customer on exactly what the service entails and what is actually achievable in a way that they are able to understand.’ As a previous customer, I can fully endorse this first hand, as the cause of my fuel issue was made abundantly clear to me: ‘Drive it in the winter too!’ It’s inspiring to see such professionalism and skill coupled with cutting-edge technology from a local garage.

i blpmotorcycles@gmail.com www.facebook.com/blpmotorcycles 07781 420583

For everything on two wheels...

Mont Arrive Garage, St. Peter Port Guernsey, Channel Islands

restorations servicing diagnostics accessory sales

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HARDWARE

FLYING WITH 4G Words Nathanial Eker

ow could I possibly say no to the prospect of an island-wide road trip, testing Sure’s new 4G network? Of course my cynical mind immediately jumped to thinking how I could outsmart the company by visiting some really obscure places where I was positive I wouldn’t get service, but what I found was a mixture of pleasant surprise and disappointment that Sure, had in fact, outsmarted me.

First stop: my home - Vale, L’Ancresse Road. Of course my first attempt at testing the network had to be from my humble

abode up North, just shy of the peak of the island. The reception is usually fairly consistent whenever I’ve used the previous 3G network on my own device and, hey presto, 4G is no exception up North. With an impressive response time of about four seconds when asking Google who Alfie Allen plays in Game of Thrones (Theon Greyjoy FYI), so far, so good.

Third stop: The Half Moon Cafe, St Peter Port. Pit stop for a much needed coffee break and to experience what I expected to be the strongest connection on the island due to the high demand. I wasn’t wrong either: a super fast twosecond Google search for films by Liam Neeson was the best response I’d seen yet. I took a final sip of my latté and moved on to my next destination.

Second stop: Saumarez Park. A natural progression on my 4G quest because of course we’ve all needed to be able to use the net whilst enjoying the park on a sunny day, probably to find out the football scores. Once again, pretty strong connection here, the phone dialled up the answer to how many albums Madness has released in a pretty speedy three seconds. Excellent stuff.

Fourth stop: St Martin’s Hotel district - The Bella Luce/Captains/Douvres area. I felt confident that I would have 4G beat as the whole area is notoriously bad for struggling with connection. Alas, Sure once again had succeeded and kept their network pretty consistent. Down in the depths of the Captain’s car park I had a quick check on Amazon to see how much a blow-up pool would be for the summer. It took only four seconds to load (the same time as it did in my house, mind) and the pool cost a pretty decent £40.00. Go figure. Fifth stop: The Little Chapel, St Andrew’s. Arguably Guernsey’s most famous landmark, located in a deep valley and the chapel itself enclosed by thick layers of china and cement, if there was one place that 4G would be slow, or inactive, it would be here. Lit by nothing but the cold, blue light of the Samsung that Sure kindly loaned me and a whisper of sunshine through a small glass window, I searched for the release date of Jurassic World and was amazed to find that even the walls of the chapel couldn’t hold back Sure’s 4G connection. Sixth and final stop: Pleinmont car park. This was it, the final stop. Do or die. End of the road so to speak. I’d travelled from one end of the island to another and so far 4G hadn’t shown one sign of tripping up. I made my way to the Fairy Ring and even further onto the cliffs. I took a snapchat of myself with the view and… it uploaded to my Facebook instantly! A quick Google search to verify this also came up in under five seconds. 4G had beaten me! Joking aside, the new 4G network is truly a testament to the effort put in by Sure’s team to perfect it. Every area on the island I visited had a flawless connection and I can honestly say I’m impressed. Good work Sure; we’ll meet again in years to come, maybe when you release 5G…

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H O L D I N G

T H E

B A B Y

Inside the mind of a technology-loving, wine-swigging, stay-at-home Dad.

ROAD CLOSED Words Paul Chapman

A few months ago the BBC website published an article about road closures in Guernsey; specifically, the number of closures had tripled in ten years. There were 923 road closures on the island in 2014 compared to 277 in 2004. That’s quite an increase, especially when you consider the number of roads hasn’t tripled. Last September I left my job to become a full-time dad. One of the results of this is that, whereas previously I was mainly driving to and from work, I now find myself spending more time behind the wheel, what with school and nursery runs, shopping, errands, taking the kids out, etc. Consequently, I also find myself spending more time swearing when I discover yet another road is closed. My cursing becomes more inventive in direct proportion to the number of times I find my route blocked in a single voyage, culminating in a tirade of profanity when I find a road closed that was only reopened a week ago after being shut for a month. Unfortunately, I don’t always remember I’ve got the children in the back of the car, resulting in some interesting language when they get annoyed with each other.

coordination. My five-year-old son has better organisational skills, and that’s saying something considering he’s half me and I possess all the organisational skills of a puddle. I think there is a solution though, which will not only return some sort of sanity to the number of road closures, but will also save the States some money as they’ll be able to disband the current roadwork planning debacle. I mean department. I mentioned that my son can organise things, so why not hand over the coordination of road closures to the primary schools (assuming they’re not all shut in a cost-cutting exercise)? Divide up the parishes between them, give the kids some coloured pens and stickers, and let them plan away. The result is bound to be easier to understand and more accurate than the Environment Department’s Island Roadworks Information System, or IRIS for short. If you haven’t used this service yet, I don’t recommend it; it’ll make you cry. I suppose there is an upside to the sheer volume of road closures though: if Guernsey was ever invaded again, the occupying forces would never make it out of town.

There clearly seems to be some sort of problem with the department tasked with coordinating the roadworks. Namely, there is no

A P P S I N

Y O U R

L O C A L I T Y

Words Paul Chapman

AroundMe (iOS, Android, Windows Phone)

Quickly find out what’s around you.

Eventbrite (iOS, Android) Find local events and things to do nearby.

Viator Tours & Activities (iOS, Android) Discover tours and activities and book with a tap.

Not so long ago, going on holiday or doing a spot of travelling would have involved the purchase of a guidebook. These days, a few carefully chosen apps can give you the lowdown on your surroundings and suggest things to do and see and places to eat, let you book tickets to events, or point you in the direction of a petrol station or ATM.

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

There are a wealth of apps to find out what’s going on in your locality: here we look at three that each take a slightly different angle on what to do and see.

purchase tickets with the app, you simply use your phone to gain admission to the event you’re attending, no paper copies required.

AroundMe (iOS, Android, Windows Phone) uses your phone’s GPS capabilities (as do all the apps mentioned here) to work out where you are and then allows you to select the nearest business from a range of categories including bar, restaurant, cinema, supermarket and petrol station. The app will also display a list of all the businesses in any given category and how far away they are from you. It can show each location on a map and suggest a route to take. And if you’ve got a touch of Delhi belly, it can even point you in the direction of the nearest hospital.

When visiting a major city for the first time, you may very well want to learn more about your destination by going on tours and visiting local attractions. This is where Viator Tours and Activities (iOS, Android) comes into its own. Covering over 1,500 cities worldwide, the app’s interactive map shows you local attractions nearby and allows you to book straight from your phone, no physical ticket required. It also offers ‘insider’ deals and the opportunity to beat the queues. It doesn’t just cover major tours either; many niche and private tours are also catered for. Additionally, there are user reviews, photos and videos to assist you in your decision-making process.

With Eventbrite (iOS, Android), you can find local events such as concerts, exhibitions and festivals, to name but a few. It will also show you popular and recommended events happening around you, both currently and upcoming. It doesn’t stop there though; the app allows you to buy tickets and provides maps and directions to your chosen venue. If you do

Gone are the days of lugging around guidebooks and myriad leaflets; instead you can use your phone to help you plan an unforgettable experience, wherever in the world you may be. It’s all just a finger tap away.

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EMMA STAFFORD-BELL’S 40TH BIRTHDAY PARTY. PHOTOGRAPHY: CALEB ZUNINO

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FOLIES: IMAGES: JR PHOTOGRAPHY

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FOR EVENTS THAT SPARKLE

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FEATURE

BOARDOM

boardom

What’s your favourite thing about Guernsey?

‘How safe it is’

‘The beaches’

Debbie,

House Cleaner, 48

Josh,

Presenter, 24

‘A cold cidre at the Rockmount ’

Jim,

Marketing, 38

'Ease of living'

'The surf’

Rachel

Compliance Administrator, 29

Steve,

'The restaurants'

Admin, 25,

Sarah

Advertising, 23

134

GUERNSEY’S STYLE MAGAZINE

OYS TER PER PE TUAL L ADY-DATE JUS T PE ARL M A S TER

16-18

high street, st peter port, guernse y

watch featured subject to stock availability