February 2018 | the WARMTH issue

Isle of Man Premier Magazine | no. 71 | February 2018 | the [WARMTH] issue

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#72

[WARMTH]

Isle of Man Premier Magazine | no. 71 | February 2018 | the [WARMTH] issue

£ priceless

UPFRONT

I

think choosing the theme of warmth for this issue back in early December was wishful thinking. With the warmth of Christmas markets and mulled wine behind us, we're been left enjoying what can only be described as a biblical level of coldrain in January.

If it’s the feeling of warmth you desire check out our Wanderlust 2018 destinations on page 46 with suggestions for a getaway in warmer climes like Buenos Aires, voted best for urban discovery, Picos de Europe, Spain, best for hiking, and Malawi, best for Wildlife.

#71

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Elsewhere, in this issue we ask a grandparent to explain the difference between “BITCOIN” and a “THRUPENNY BIT”, turn to page 21 and let Doris educate you on Bitcoin being more valuable than Premium Bonds and fancier than Co-op stamps. Tim Hartford predicts why we will be wealthier in the future on page 60. And, don’t forget, “Valentines Day” is on the horizon, are you still not sure whether to make an effort or avoid it altogether? Turn to page 78 for some recipes to add heat to your evening.

If you’re thirsty for some cutting-edge cocktails and love the idea of mixology with ‘medicinal’ purposes, turn to page 80 for a little of what you fancy from the cocktail cabinet, I’m sure you will find something to repair cells and provide warmth.

agenda

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O N T H E AG E N DA n F E B R UA RY 2018

I N V E S T M E N T - W E A LT H

PREDICTIONS

Whatever your tipple is, try to read through this edition in a dry warm location - if possible.

IN-BUSINESS -

THE OFFICAL OPENING OF ZURICH HOUSE

TECHNOLOGY -

D I G I TA L D E T OX

Until next month.

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UPFRONT

CONTENTS PICKS MAY CONTAIN SATIRE

UPFRONT

TRAVEL

FWD: FWD: FWD: A grandparent’s guide to Bitcoin WORDS Doris Grantez ILLUSTRATION Natasha Reis

You can’t get them at the Post Office counter and neither do they sell them in those high-tech catalogues you get with the Sunday Telegraph - because bitcoins are so new you can only buy them online, like the blue pills my cousin Gerald orders from China. After failing to invest in Myspace the first time around I didn’t want to miss out on the latest online gold rush, so I sat down with my grandson for an hour, and as soon as my head stopped spinning I went home, logged onto the W W web and exchanged all of our savings on a website called Crypt o’ Currency. It sounds Irish, but I rang my grandson and he swore that Bitcoin has nothing to do with The Corrs. If you too fancy a chance at being rich beyond your wildest dreams (like Andrew Lloyd Webber), then “scroll down” to read on! ;)

I still don’t understand, Doris, but tell me why should I buy these bitcoins.

Doris, what even is a bitcoin?

“EARLIER I SAID THAT BITCOINS ARE NOTHING LIKE CO-OP STAMPS, BUT THERE IS ONE AREA WHERE THEY ARE THE SAME: YOU CAN ONLY SPEND THEM IN THE SAME PLACE YOU GOT THEM”

As every schoolboy knows, normal coins are made out of metal - either brass, copper or silver if it’s part of a limited edition set commemorating Princess Diana. Those are all valuable, but if you’ve ever tried to spend a local pound on the mainland you’ll know that the problem with coins is that every place has daft rules about which ones they’ll take. The eggheads who live in the Silicon Valley, who already invented Nintendos and the Dyson Airblade, travel so much that they just hate carrying all of the different coins. They thought to themselves “what if we could make a coin that is valuable everywhere - even in a virtual reality matrix?” This might sound barmy, but remember these people are so clever that their robot butler knows what you’re looking for (Cliff Richard; no shirt) before you even finish typing the first F. The boffins thought long and hard and a lightbulb went off above their heads, although slowly, because they use the energy saving kind that make you strain your eyes. The answer was to make a coin out of “bits” - science-speak for the tiny invisible molecules that make up the internet itself. A bitcoin is therefore a perfect nugget of condensed internet.

When you consider that the internet particles are so small that you can’t see them even when you trip over the modem and pull the pipe out of the skirting board, you’ll understand that a single bitcoin must contain an incredible amount of pure internet. Possibly enough to record an entire episode of Midsomer Murders. They are very, very, very valuable indeed.

“Yes, bitcoins are valuable, but so are Toby jugs and nobody would expect you to invest your savings in them.” Well Mavis, the difference is that bitcoins can’t be knocked over and smashed into pieces by the cat, because they carry on zipping around the webs until you need them. This also means that the evil taxman can’t get his hands on your bitcoins, because at any moment they could be flowing unsupervised between the Algarve and Thailand - like my daughter’s ex-husband. It is impossible for anybody to know how many bitcoins you have, where you keep them, and which kinds of online content they are made from. Because things these days are more and more online, the

value of your bitcoins also increases as fast as the amount of internet that is needed.

I know this is confusing, but think of it like buying some flats in the 1960s - wait long enough and you can put them on the market for £1400 a month to young couples who were too busy gallivanting to Ibiza to save for a deposit. The difference with bitcoin is that the value goes up as soon as more people go online and need internet in order to sign up for a Minecraft or those dirty pictures. You’d better buy some before they sell out, is what I’m saying.

Okay Doris, tell me where I can convert all my money into Bitcoins Buying Bitcoins isn’t as simple as going to the Bureau de Change, because you need to be logged in. Obviously you need to follow the usual precautions - if your computer browser tells you it is cluttered or needs a deep clean, download that software straight away. It also helps to have one hand on the pipe, so you can pull the connection if the Nigerian FBI hijack your window to ask questions about that bank transfer you

made last Christmas. You’ll then need to go to a marketplace, follow only 200 steps of instructions, hashtag your blockchain, crypto your partition and move any instances of goatse.cx or the millennium bug straight to the recycle bin. Eventually you will have a very long number, which is like an international dialling code if you need to bring your bitcoins home like a racing pigeon. Write the number down, put it under the mattress with your cash savings, and let them mature like a jar of pickled onions.

I

t is the season for journalists to make their predictions for the year ahead.

These forecasts are the mince pies of the intellectual world: tempting, enjoyable, but manifestly unhealthy.

So let me attempt a loftier task — and one that is consequence free. I’d like to describe the economy not in the year 2018, but in the year 2118.

I’m not the first to attempt a hundredyear forecast. John Maynard Keynes did so in his 1930 essay, “Economic Possibilities for Our Grandchildren”, noting that on average we might expect to be eight times

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How: Rooms are available at the Hampton

by Hilton Dundee from £80 with breakfast.

4

Malawi Best for: Wildlife

4

How: Norwegian (norwegian.com) offer flights from London to Buenos Aires from £283.80 each way, with four departures per week.

Carlos Gardel street art in Buenos Aires.

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Buenos Aires, Argentina Best for: Urban discovery

Why: Once considered territory only for backpackers and career-break travellers, South America is now a very feasible option for a shorter holiday. British Airways paved the way with a series of direct flights, but now Norwegian is opening the destination up to the low-cost market.

On February 14, the ambitious airline will launch a direct service from London Gatwick to Argentina’s romantic capital Buenos Aires.

Along with sampling some of the country’s finest steaks and Malbecs at parrillas such as Don Julio (parrilladonjulio.com), admire

Shire River in Liwonde National Park in Malawi.

Shire River and Liwonde National Park in Malawi.

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Picos de Europa, Spain Best for: Hiking

Why: One hundred years ago, this stretch of peaks linking Cantabria, Asturias and Castilla y Leon was designated the first national park of Europe. Just 20km from the northern coast of Spain, it’s regarded as one of the most scenic wilderness areas in the country.

Tango dancers in Buenos Aires.

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How: Pura Aventura (pura-aventura.com, 01273 676712) offer a 7-night Picos de

increasing efficiency with which the US uses farmland, water and energy. In some cases — not all — the efficiency gains are so great that absolute use of these resources is in decline even while economic growth continues.

None of this would be enough if the world’s population was still booming at the rates that caused alarm in the 1960s.

But it is not; population growth has been in steady decline for half a century. If the number of people on the planet stabilises, and the efficiency with which we use resources increases, there is nothing implausible about a continued rise in the standard of living.

A final big question is how this bounty will be distributed. In an insightful essay from 1996, Paul Krugman predicted that there would be “no robot plumbers” in 2096.

I agreed with him then. I am no longer so confident.

It seems quite plausible that in 100 years’ time — and perhaps much sooner — plumbers, taxi drivers and many journalists, too, will simply have nothing serious to contribute to the labour market. If so, we’ll have to abandon the current model of the welfare state in favour of one where unemployment is neither stigmatised nor penurious, but a perfectly respectable lifestyle choice. That will require some kind of universal income for all.

No doubt my forecast will be wrong, although I hope it will take a few decades before its foolishness becomes undeniable.

Perhaps by 2118, humanity will have been superseded by hyper-intelligent software.

Perhaps cockroaches or smallpox will have taken centre stage. But it seems to me that if we can keep the show on the road, our great grandchildren might have reason to thank us.

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Why: Although it’s frequently overshadowed by neighbouring safari giants Zambia and Tanzania, this small, friendly and politically-stable country is gearing up to be a world-class wildlife destination.

Last year, the world’s biggest ever translocation of elephants took place, successfully restocking the Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve, and this year there are plans to reintroduce lions into Liwonde National Park with the help of Leonardo DiCaprio’s charitable foundation.

But even without the big cats, Liwonde is a natural treasure. Watch elephants swim across the park’s Shire river on a boat safari and fall asleep listening to hippos snuffling in the undergrowth.

Limestone mountains, cloud-reaching forests and tumbling glaciers make up the 300sq mile terrain, which is ideal for easy, multi-day hikes. Aside from the landscapes, there’s also the possibility of seeing golden eagles, wild horses and (if you’re really lucky) the Cantabrian brown bear.

How: South African Airways (flysaa.com) offer flights from London Heathrow to Lilongwe via Johannesburg from £694 return. Stay at the Mvuu Camp (cawsmw. com) in Liwonde National Park from £270 per person per night full board.

Lake Enol, part of the Picos de Europa range.

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ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

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The first museum of its kind in Scotland will house a permanent collection tracing the country’s design heritage - from Charles Macintosh, the inventor of waterproof fabric, to Ian Callum’s creative input at luxury car manufacturer Jaguar along with world-class touring exhibitions.

In 2018, the city also celebrates its links with Mary Shelley, whose Gothic classic Frankenstein was first published 100 years ago. Explore streets described in her book on a walking tour with Dark Dundee (darkdundee.co.uk; tours from £10).

the ornate beauty of the Teatro Colon opera house (teatrocolon.org.ar/en) or learn about the history of tango at the Carlos Gardel House Museum (museo-casa-carlos-gardel. business.site).

Later in the year, Norwegian plan to launch a subsidiary to fly domestic services in Argentina’s interior, which will make it easier to visit other parts of the country too.

APPETITE

Words By: Tim Har-

3 The new V&A Museum of Design, Dundee. (Under construction)

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“Wealth will roughly quintuple by 2118, with global income of $80,000 per person”

Why: Excitement is mounting for the new V&A Museum of Design Dundee (vandadundee.org) which is expected to open late summer and is part of an ambitious £1 billion development of the city’s waterfront.

New flight routes, exhibitions and exciting developments are putting these seven places on the map.

Earlier I said that bitcoins are nothing like Co-Op stamps, but there is one area where they are the same: you can only spend them in the same place you got them. Being made out of pure internet, bitcoins can only be exchanged for online services. That’s not a worry though - when I first webbedon I wasn’t even sure what I would do with Yahoo, but now I buy all my prescriptions from eBay and my husband tells me he watches his sports in the browser. That explains why he’s always in his office with the door closed, and those massive phone bills. You can use internet to pay those phone bills, renew your subscription to the Radio Times, and more besides. I also read the other day that the government plans to move our pensions online, so I expect you’ll soon be able to cash in a few numbers from your bitcoin savings at the Post Office. You’ll even be able to send them to your grandchildren, with electronic mail, instead of a birthday card - they can turn the bitcoins directly into Pokémon, “likes” on Grindr or credits for their favourite Youtubing prankster! No doubt this is a lot to take in dearie, but one more tip before I go - always protect your computer with a secure password. Otherwise a burglar could break in, rifle through your browser history and be away with your bitcoins before you can say “Julian Assange”. If I ever have another funny turn mine’s “Cl1ffR1ch4rd” but whatever you do make sure Nigel’s had a chance to spring clean his browser history before you log in. Tara for now!

Economic Forcasting

Is this prediction Panglossian? Perhaps, but it does not presume a century of peace and harmony. It is more cautious than Keynes’s forecast, since which the world has witnessed appalling losses of human life in the Holocaust, Mao’s Great Leap Forward, the second world war and other disasters. We should fervently hope that the atrocities of the 20th century are never repeated, but the forecast merely assumes instead that future enormities do not threaten the human race as a whole. Any nuclear or biological war would have to be a local affair.

The other big question mark over this forecast is whether the planet itself can sustain continued economic growth.

Much depends on what this growth looks like. If it means burning more fossil fuels, consuming ever greater raw materials and intensively cultivating more land, we are in trouble.

Thankfully, economic growth is decoupling from resource use — not everywhere and not in every respect, but broadly enough to give reason for hope. In the UK, for example, energy consumption per person peaked in 1973.

We need smarter environmental regulations, but even without them, pure profit-seeking pushes producers to achieve more by using less. This is highlighted in Jesse Ausubel’s 2015 report, “Nature Rebounds”, which documents the

3

Dundee, Scotland Best for: Art and design

Here’s some inspiration if you’re planning travel adventures and weekends away in 2018.

20 FEATURE: A Guide to Bitcoin

richer in 2030 than a century earlier. We will fall somewhat short of that, but not by much. I’ll make a more conservative forecast: that we’ll be five times richer in 2118 than we are today.

That would put global income at around $80,000 per person — roughly twice the current average salary in the UK today — and income in the leading economies will be more than $250,000 per person per year in today’s money.

Economic growth is decoupling from resource use — not everywhere and not in every respect, but broadly enough to give reason for hope This forecast omits and probably understates how much fun one might have with $250,000 in a century’s time. The economist Timothy Taylor sometimes asks his students to reflect on whether they would rather have a comfortable $70,000 today or a stupendous $70,000 in 1900.

On paper this is a no-brainer: $70,000 in 1900 was a much larger sum. Yet the question boils down to whether one would rather have servants, status and a mansion — or smartphones, computer games, air conditioning, penicillin, air travel and takeaway pizza. On balance most students decide they’d rather have modern technology than obsolescent opulence.

Similarly, $250,000 a year in 2118 should buy wonders that could not be had today for any money. A new book, Soonish, by Kelly and Zach Weinersmith, is a mischievous guide to the possibilities: ultra-cheap construction, courtesy of smart materials and swarms of robots; and ultracheap fuel and bulk chemicals, produced by genetically engineered micro-organisms.

We’ll be able to print replacement organs, swallow pills that correct genetic typos and fix cancers with ease.

Europa Inn to Inn walking holiday from £1,050pp.

A new year promises fresh horizons, so start planning your travel calendar now.

But Doris, how do I actually spend my bitcoins? And who gives me my change?

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

Why I predict we will be wealthier in the future

TRAVEL

SUFFERING FROM SERIOUS WANDERLUST? THESE 7 HOLIDAY DESTINATIONS SHOULD BE ON YOUR WISHLIST FOR 2018

HELLO DEARIE. IF YOU READ THE PAPERS, YOU MIGHT HAVE HEARD OF SOMETHING CALLED “BITCOINS.” THEY ARE QUITE DIFFERENT TO A “THRUPENNY BIT” FROM THE GOOD OLD DAYS AND ARE AN EXCITING NEW WAY TO INVEST YOUR MONEY. THEY’RE MORE VALUABLE THAN PREMIUM BONDS, FANCIER THAN CO-OP STAMPS AND EVEN MORE FUTURISTIC THAN CHIP AND PIN - IF YOU CAN IMAGINE SUCH A THING. WHAT US “SILVER SURFERS” ARE ASKING IS WHAT A BITCOIN IS, AND HOW YOU’D GO ABOUT BUYING A BAG OF THEM.

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BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

TRAVEL: 2018 Wanderlust

Recipes

APPETITE

DON’T COOK UP A STORM ON VALENTINE’S DAY STILL NOT SURE WHETHER TO MAKE AN EFFORT, OR AVOID IT ALTOGETHER? HERE’S SOME RECIPES TO ADD HEAT TO YOUR EVENING, WITHOUT BURNING DOWN THE KITCHEN.

By Sarah O’Meara

Oysters Kilpatrick n 3 bacon rashers, finely chopped n 2tbsp fresh breadcrumbs n 1tbsp Worcestershire sauce n 4tbsp double cream n 12 oysters n Lemon wedges, to serve

Heat a frying pan and add the bacon. Fry gently in its own fat until browned, then add the breadcrumbs and brown them briefly. Mix the Worcestershire sauce with the cream and divide it between the oysters, season well and then top each with some of the bacon and breadcrumb mixture. Grill until brown and crisp and serve with lemon wedges.

Mustard-glazed salmon with lemon and rocket and cannellini beans n 1tbsp honey n 1tbsp wholegrain mustard n 1 lemon, zested and juiced n 2 skinless salmon fillets n Olive oil n 1 garlic clove, crushed n 1 x 400g cannellini beans tin, rinsed and drained n 50g rocket

Mix the honey and mustard with a splash of lemon juice and seasoning, then marinate the salmon in it for a couple of minutes.

Heat 2 tbsps olive oil in a small pan, add the garlic and cook gently for 3-4 minutes.

Add the beans and warm through. Add the rest of lemon juice and the zest and season.

Grill the salmon for 7-8 minutes until just cooked through (no need to turn over). Toss the beans with the rocket and serve with the salmon.

Maple and pepperglazed chicken with roasted carrots

Chocolate puds with warm chocolate sauce

Heat the oven to 200C/gas 6. Toss the carrots in 2 tsp oil and season. Roast for 20-25 minutes until tender. Flatten the fat part of the chicken under some baking paper. The side of a rolling pin works well, or a heavy tin. Season the chicken. Drizzle a non-stick frying pan with a little olive oil and put over a medium heat. Brown the chicken on both sides for a couple of minutes until golden, then remove.

Add the garlic and pepper and cook for a minute. Add the vinegar and deglaze the pan. Add the maple syrup and stock, and simmer until syrupy, about 3 minutes. Add the chicken back to the pan and cook for another 5-6 minutes, turning to cook in the glaze. Serve with the carrots.

Heat the oven to 180C/fan 160C/gas 4.

Mix the flour, cocoa and almonds. Cream the butter and sugar, then add the eggs and flour mix, plus 1 tbsp water. Fold everything together. Spoon into 6 150ml pudding moulds, put in a roasting tin with 1 cm boiling water, cover the lot with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes or until risen and cooked through. Serve with the warm sauce.

n 3 carrots, quartered n Olive oil n 2 small skinless chicken breasts n 1 garlic clove, sliced n 1/2 tbsp black peppercorns, coarsely ground n 1 tbsp sherry vinegar n 2 tbsp maple syrup n 100ml chicken stock

Lamb chops with Turkish pepper salsa

Trim all the fat off the chops for the most low-fat option, or leave a little on for maximum flavour. n 1 rack of lamb, about 8 chops n 3 tbsp pomegranate molasses n 1/2 red pepper, finely diced n 1/2 cucumber, small, seeded and finely diced n 1 red onion small, diced n Small handful of mint leaves, chopped roughly, plus extra to garnish n 1 tbsp tomato puree n 50g feta, crumbled

n 100g golden caster sugar n 2 eggs n 125g softened butter n 40g ground almonds n 40g cocoa n 85g self raising flour sifted together with ½tsp baking powder n 100g dark chocolate melted with 170ml double cream to make a sauce

Really easy chocolate mousse n 75g dark chocolate, chopped then melted (use a standard dark chocolate for this rather than a high cocoa one as it combines better) n 2 eggs, separated n 25g butter, melted n 1tbsp Tia Maria (optional) n 2tbsp golden caster sugar

To melt chocolate put it in a heatproof bowl sitting over (not in) a pan of gently simmering water or in short 10-second blasts in the microwave. Mix the chocolate with the egg yolks and butter. Whisk the egg whites and then whisk in the sugar until the mixture is shiny and stiff. Fold the two mixtures together along with the Tia Maria, if using. Divide between 4 glasses and chill until set.

Heat the oven to 200C/gas 6. Rub the rack with 2 tbsp of the pomegranate molasses and season well. Sear in a non-stick pan to brown on both sides. Put on a baking tray and roast for 15 minutes. Remove and rest for 10 minutes. Put the red pepper, cucumber, red onion and mint in a bowl with the remaining pomegranate syrup and tomato puree. Season with salt and mix well. Slice the rack into chops and spoon the salsa over. Sprinkle the crumbled feta and the extra mint leaves over each plate before serving.

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agenda

ON THE AGENDA

ECONOMIC FORECASTING

agenda

61

60 AGENDA: Wealth Predictions

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ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

79

78 APPETITE: Valentines Recipes

THE REST UPFRONT

Edito...........................................................................................................................5 What's On...................................................................................................8 Feature.....................................................................................................................10 GIVE..........................................................................................................................12 Me & MY Pet.........................................................................................................16 News in Numbers...............................................................................................18 Feature...................................................................................................................20 Bridal Guide.........................................................................................................22 MISC........................................................................................................................32

CULTURE

PLACES

Feature Properties..........................................................................65-76

APPETITE

Recipes...................................................................................................................78 Cocktail Recipes................................................................................................80 Wine Talk.............................................................................................................82

FASHION & BEAUTY

Ladies by Lisa.........................................................................................84 Fashion News..........................................................................................86

Culture Vulture.......................................................................................34 Culture News......................................................................................................35 Sovereign Art Foundation Winners Announced..............................38 Upload....................................................................................................................40

HARDWARE

TRAVEL

PAPARAZZI

The Great Road Trip.......................................................................................44 2018 Wanderlust...............................................................................................46

Motoring News.......................................................................................88 Gadgets.................................................................................................................90 Phone home..........................................................................................100

Are you in?........................................................................................94/98

AGENDA In The News........................................................................................................50 Movers & Shakers..............................................................................................52 The Opening of Zurich House....................................................................54 The Isle of Man Marketing Community..................................................58 Economic Forecasting...................................................................................60 Digital Detox.......................................................................................................62

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ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

UPFRONT

8 REASONS WHY IT’S BETTER TO BE SINGLE ON VALENTINE’S DAY

Ugh, it’s all so red

You’re an adult now: Yes, it seemed very important when you were 14 but the truth is, a dark Wednesday night mid-February is really not something to get excited about.

Get your onseise on, watch telly and be thankful you don’t have to have to perform in the Valentine’s circus.

Relax: You don’t have to pretend that you like cuddly teddy bears (see point 1 about being an actual adult not a 7 year old girl).

Flower anxiety: You don’t even have to pretend that you love red roses; so much effort and trimming stalks and arranging flowers, washing vases and taking perfect instagrammable pictures of said flowers. A bottle of prosecco would have looked much better on the mantle to be fair.

Social media ban: In fact, just turn off social media on the 14th unless you want to be bombarded with #luckyme, #theboydonegood, #feelingblessed statuses. The boy only done good because he knows he has to! Those heart shaped chocolates aren’t going to buy themselves.

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

Food: You don’t have to go to a restaurant full of sickly couples competing for the “we love each other the most” prize. You can dial up Dominos and show yourself some pizza love.

Stay strong and stay away from your ex: remind yourself that it’s better to be having a meal for one than a sharing platter with someone who is more “waste your time” than Mr perfect Valentine. Remember your mantra: Never mind, I’ll find someone nothing like you.

Economics: Your wallet will not take the Valentine’s hit! Those puffy red cards may look great but they cost a pretty penny. And you won’t have to buy a new outfit, do your fake tan, get your hair done etc. etc. You can save your cash to buy all the discounted red chocolate boxes on the 15th. #winning Romance: It may be dead this time but there’s bound to be a lot of postValentine’s- break ups once the teddy bears have settled, so March could be your month! #Valentinesaftermath

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UPFRONT

FEBRUARY

WHAT’S ON 03.02.2018

THE NEXT BIG THING 2018

//GAIETY THEATRE, DOUGLAS// The annual competition to find the best performers the Island has to offer, courtesy of Junior Achievement.

More information and tickets from www. villagaiety.com

06.02.2018

Now – 01.04.2018

PLAYFUL PASTS – OUR JOURNEY WITH TOYS

//HOUSE OF MANANNAN, PEEL// Exploring the island’s relationships with toys, and how playtime makes a lasting impression on all our lives, ‘Playful Pasts – Our Journey With Toys’ instils a sense of nostalgia and wonder, with dolls from the Gibb family of The Grove in Ramsey sitting alongside 80’s electro classics such as the Gameboy.

This special exhibition will uncover the wonder behind the Museum’s vast toy collection alongside treasured items loaned from the Island’s community and special features including a giant scrabble board. www.manxnationalheritage.im

02.02.2018

THE HERITAGE OF THE HEAVENS – ASTRONOMY FROM A MANX PERSPECTIVE //MILNTOWN, LEZAYRE// Enjoy a delicious dinner and a presentation about the Manx sky from celebrated local astronomer Howard Parkin as well as, weather permitting, a guided tour of the sky above the Milntown gardens.

Howard has been an avid astronomer and space enthusiast since being inspired by the space race in the 1960s. He is a fully trained teacher and has been taught astronomy to adult education classes since 1985. He is a member of the BAA and was a founder member and chairman of the Isle of Man Astronomical Society (IOMAS) and has been an accomplished speaker throughout the Isle of Man, the UK, and South Africa.

Tickets cost £35 www.facebook.com/milntownestate

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MANX YOUTH ORCHESTRA CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL

//VILLA MARINA, DOUGLAS// Postponed from December because of the bad weather, this annual Christmas evening of festive music has been rearranged for February. But this new date won’t affect the performances by the young musicians of the Manx Youth Orchestras, Bands and Guitar ensembles who will be entering into the post-Christmas spirit with their usual enthusiasm and talent.

Tickets from £5 www.villagaiety.com

10.02 – 05.05.2018

CROSSING OPEN GROUND – DAVID GILBERT: A RETROSPECTIVE

//MANX MUSEUM, DOUGLAS// Art and creativity shouldn’t be a luxury or an optional extra to life. David Gilbert – who lived and worked in the Isle of Man for many years until the late 1980s, dying in North Wales in 2016 - passionately believed everyone could be creative, and helped and inspired many to discover their own creativity.

His work ranged from the small and delicate to the large and monumental but always explored the same immense themes of birth, love, death and the rhythms of the land.

This exhibition contains art from a lifetime of work and completes the artistic journey beginning with David Gilbert’s last exhibition in the Manx Museum, in 1989.

Monday – Saturday (10am-5pm) www.manxnationalheritage.im

cetaceans since 2006. To celebrate their 12th Anniversary, the team are throwing a whale and dolphin extravaganza. The main attraction will be a display of life-size and life-like inflatables of our local species.

The two day event, supported by Culture Vannin and the Isle of Man Steam-Packet Company, will highlight the importance of Manx waters and its’ inhabitants.

Professional marine mammal scientists and educators working on the island will inspire you about Manx marine life and how to get involved in looking after it. A kid’s craft area will allow marine mad youngsters to plot real sightings on a map and make other crafty creations to take home. A Minke whale made of plastic bottles will highlight the issue of plastic pollution and there will be a projector to display footage of whales and dolphins off the Manx coast.

Annabel from Flo the Coffee Van will be serving hot drinks and sweet snacks.

Admission is free and disabled access available. www.mwdw.net

14.02 – 17.02.2018

TREASURE ISLAND

//MAROWN SCHOOL// The panto season continues (oh yes it does!) with the always popular Marown Youth & Community Players’ pantomime – and this year it is a high-octane performance based (loosely) on the swashbuckling classic pirate adventure Treasure Island.

Tickets from Lynn Kermode at Marown Primary School, Alison Lodge on 470366

16.02 – 24.02.2018

9 to 5 THE MUSICAL

//GAIETY THEATRE, DOUGLAS// Douglas Choral Union presents this hilarious musical comedy based on the seminal 1980 hit movie about teaming up and ‘taking care of business’. With themes of friendship, revenge and a little romance you’re sure to go home laughing and humming the well-known music and songs. www.villagaiety.com

10-11.2.2018

MANX WHALE AND DOLPHIN WATCH SHOW //VILLA MARINA// Manx Whale and Dolphin Watch (MWDW) have been recording sightings and educating the public about Manx

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

MANNIN HOTEL WEEKEND SPECIAL DINNER, BED AND BREAKFAST

Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings between JANUARY 5TH 2018 - SATURDAY 31ST MARCH 2018*

£120 per room

Includes:

• Overnight stay for two people in Atrium or Broadway room • Three course dinner in Liberties Restaurant • Full English Breakfast • Complimentary Wi-Fi and Car Parking

To book please call 01624 602555 E-mail info@manninhotel.im 8-16 Broadway • Douglas • IM2 4EL /mannin hotel • www.manninhotel.im

* Terms & Conditions apply

Photography Workshop Would you like to learn some insider skills to make your photography come alive with fantastic lighting, composition & techniques?

Would you like to take your photography to a new level?

Come and join me and start your journey to amazing photography!

“You don’t take a photograph - you make it.”

ANSEL ADAMS

More information: www.shansphoto.com/education Tel: 07624 418031 / photo@shansphoto.com

UPFRONT

WORDS Ria Wolstenholme ILLUSTRATION Russ Atkinson

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ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

FEATURE

UPFRONT

Welcoming in the New Year can be exceedingly daunting for many. The pressure to celebrate, the overly positive ‘new year, new start’ posts saturating your news feed, and the weird sense of duty to come up with a new year’s resolution that coins a grand gesture of change. It can all just feel like too much to handle.

Our resolutions always seem to stem from bettering our own lives, and ours alone. Now isn’t that incredibly selfish? Granted, I do believe that being selfish is good in moderation, I’ve said it before.

But wouldn’t it be better if, instead of vowing to join your local gym, we vowed to make a real change? Not just in yourself, but in the world.

I think we can all agree that last year was pretty bad. In the sense of global politics, natural and planned disasters, and loss, it was awful. The bombings; the shootings; the attacks on humanity. It made us all question where we went wrong. Why so much evil exists in our world; a world that we have all made.

We witnessed and shared so much hurt with people who are nothing but strangers. Refugees fleeing their homes, and being shunned for seeking shelter. Families of victims whose lives were taken through senseless violence. Children living in war torn countries, where sleeping safe and sound is but a pipe dream.

We all mourned and grieved for so many. But what are words without actions? Meaningless.

We are taught when we are young to treat others how we wish to be treated. If you want to receive kindness and warmth from others, you must first give it out. What you put out into the world will surely come back to you. If you exude negativity, you’ll get it coming back to you in some way. Kindness is self-replicating. By showing it and sharing it, you inspire others to be kind too. A study conducted at Cambridge University found that witnessing someone else help another produced good feelings, which subsequently caused them to reach out and do something good and kind themselves.

“People forget that simple, small actions can make the biggest impact. They leave the largest mark, and can create the greatest change.”

When the world seems to be falling at it’s knees around you, it’s hard to believe that anything you do could possibly help. “But what difference will I make?” is something we all ask when someone tells us we can be the change. The change that offers a new lease of life to the cause, the change that takes a small idea and turns it into a global phenomenon. Every small act can add up to something huge. Something bigger than you could have ever imagined possible.

People forget that simple, small actions can make the biggest impact.

They leave the largest mark, and can create the greatest change.

So, with this in mind, I offer you a new resolution for this new year.

To simply be kind. Kindness is defined as ‘the quality of being friendly, generous and considerate’. Being kind not only benefits

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

you, but will benefit everyone around you. Your friends, family and even the strangers you meet along the way, can all be affected by a simple act of kindness. Help someone with their shopping bags, buy the next person in line their morning cup of coffee one day, or simply flash a smile at someone in the street.

Being kind to people can actually make you healthier too. Research conducted by Allen Luks, author of The Healing Power of Doing Good, found that those who volunteer or regularly help others are ten times more likely to be in good health than people who do not. Volunteering your time to others reduces the body’s stress, and releases endorphins. It makes you and your body happier.

What’s really important to remember, is that being kind does nothing but good. It can bring joy, comfort, safety and love to so many. And in turn, it can bring the same to you. You may not even know what impact it creates, or who it affects along the way. But you’ll be safe in the knowledge that your small act is the start of a chain reaction, both in yours and someone else’s life.

Make 2018 the year of putting some love and warmth back into the world. With so much out of our control, it’s easy to think that something so small as being kind could never have the kind of affect it needs. But you never know what your words or actions could end up achieving.

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UPFRONT

OUR COMMUNITY

GIVE CHARITY DRIVE: HANSARD INTERNATIONAL PRIZE DRAW WINNER COLLECTS MINI COOPER Grace Hibbert – the winner of a £15,000 Mini Cooper in a prize draw organised by Hansard International to raise funds for The Children’s Centre – is now behind the wheel of her stylish new car.

After choosing the colour and other vehicle specifications, she was excited to collect the keys and be presented with her prize at Buchanan BMW & Mini.

Grace said: “Winning the car was so unexpected, I never thought I would have the winning ticket! Entering the raffle was simply a great way of raising a lot of money for The Children’s Centre which is such a worthwhile cause.

I’m completely overwhelmed by the experience and very excited to receive my first ever brand new car.”

and families across the Island, and was organised as the highlight of a year of celebrations to mark Hansard International’s 30th anniversary.

Nedbank Private Wealth is delighted that local mountain biker Nick Corlett, who they sponsor, has been selected for the Isle of Man Commonwealth Games Team, following an announcement last week.

The prize draw raised a total of £27,500 for The Children’s Centre’s charitable services for children, young people

Nick will represent the Island in mountain biking, one of the toughest disciplines in cycling, and will join 31 other Island athletes from various disciplines at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, which are being held on the Gold Coast of Australia in April.

YOUNG SPORTS COACHES REWARDED

BY SURE ISLE OF MAN

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NEDBANK PRIVATE WEALTH SUPPORTS ISLAND CYCLING STAR

Sporty youngsters who encourage others to get fit and active have been rewarded for their efforts.

hours) received a £75 Sure voucher and Keisha Hewison (University College Isle of Man, 39 hours) a £50 Sure voucher.

Each year, 16 to 19-year-olds sign up for the Sure Sports Leaders’ Programme, run by Manx Sport and Recreation and sponsored by the telecoms firm.

They are among 22 leaders who – in addition to exams and other commitments – completed a total of 560 voluntary hours during the term.

The teenagers gain skills at a week-long summer camp at the National Sports Centre, then coach voluntarily at schools, community clubs, Manx Sport and Recreation (MSR) activities and primary schools’ sports festivals through the year.

In the autumn and spring terms, Sure Isle of Man rewards the young leaders who have recorded the most hours’ coaching.

Sarah Jarvis said: ‘We are delighted to support the initiative, as it promotes collaborative working, coaching skills, physical activity and a real sense of community. Each year, young leaders contribute more and more of their time to nurturing other young people’s love of sport and fitness. I congratulate everyone who is taking part in the 2017/18 scheme and hope you continue to enjoy it.’

Sean Jackson, of Ballakermeen High School, received a £100 Sure voucher from Sarah Jarvis, the company’s Marketing Manager, after completing 146 hours last term as a volunteer. Ruby Turner (St Ninian’s High School, 45

George Dickinson (St Ninian’s High School), who was overall Sure Sports Leader of the Year 2016/17 after volunteering for 100 hours, will receive an award at the 2017 Isle of Man Sports Awards at the Villa Marina on March 1st.

The 22-year-old cross country mountain biker was born on the Island and has been racing for the last nine years: travelling to the UK for the national series and working his way up through the classes to become part of the top elite level of the national circuit. The company has sponsored him since April 2017, providing funding support for his on-Island and international competitions.

Nick said: “I am incredibly grateful to Nedbank Private Wealth for the ongoing support, which means I can stay focused on my strict training regime to be fully prepared for competing, without worrying about the financial demands. The next four months in the run up to the Games are going to be intense, but I’m really excited about the opportunity to represent the Island on the international stage.”

Greg Horton, managing director of Nedbank Private Wealth, added: “We are delighted with Nick’s news as not only is it a real honour for him to be selected for the team, but it’s also a worthy reward for all his hard work and commitment. This follows closely on his winning performance at the Island Games in Gotland, where his two gold medals helped to put the Isle of Man firmly at the top of the medal table.

We would like to wish Nick and the whole of Team Isle of Man the very best of luck!”

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

Life moments that are worth saving for Save for life.

Find out more at iombank.com Visit your local branch iombank.com Call us today 01624 637000 Like Isle of Man Bank on Facebook Follow us on Twitter @iombank

Isle of Man Bank Limited (IOMB). Registered Company Number: 1C Isle of Man. Registered Office: 2 Athol Street, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM99 1AN. Tel. 01624 637000. Licensed by the Isle of Man Financial Services Authority in respect of Deposit Taking, Investment Business and registered as a General Insurance Intermediary. IOMB is a member of the Isle of Man Depositors’ Compensation Scheme (DCS) as set out in the Depositors’ Compensation Scheme Regulations 2010. To understand your eligibility under the scheme you may wish to visit http://www.iomfsa.im/investor/dep_comp.xml IOMB is a member of The Royal Bank of Scotland Group. The Royal Bank of Scotland plc - Registered in Scotland No 90312. Registered office: 36 St Andrew Square, Edinburgh EH2 2YB. The Royal Bank of Scotland plc is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. The latest report and accounts are available at www.investors.rbs.com IOMB places funds with other parts of its Group and thus its financial standing is linked to the Group. Depositors may wish to form their own view on the financial standing of IOMB and the Group based on publicly available information. The latest report and accounts are available at www.iombank.com/financial-results. Calls may be recorded.

UPFRONT

Looking ahead to sunnier days

When you travel with the Steam Packet Company there are more than 900,000 offer seats available during 2018, including the 5-Day Short Break with prices for a car and two people starting from just £73 each way – perfect for a romantic trip away!

START LOOKING FORWARD TO SUNNIER, WARMER DAYS

BY PLANNING YOUR SUMMER GETAWAY WITH THE ISLE OF MAN STEAM PACKET COMPANY.

Make your way to the stunning city of Bath which boasts a great range of independent shops and high street favourites, ideal for a spot of retail therapy. You won’t have luggage fees to worry about when you travel by ferry so you can shop ‘til you drop. When you’re all shopped out pop it in the boot. Afterwards, why not cool off in the 2,000 year old Roman Baths, or treat yourself to a luxurious spa afternoon in Thermae Bath Spa.

With a choice of ports including Liverpool, Heysham, Dublin and Belfast to choose from, you’ll have plenty of options for your final destination. Just load up the car with your holiday essentials and you can be on your way; ready for the ultimate Great British summer vacation!

Why not get the family together for an adventure holiday to the Lake District, there really is something for almost everyone in this popular holiday spot. And with the popular Kids Go Free summer special back for 2018 it’s the perfect chance to spend some quality time together. Visit www.steam-packet.com to discover how up to three children can travel for free.

Bring your bikes on the ferry and once you arrive you can set off on one of the many great cycling routes in the Lakes, while taking in the natural beauty and stunning backdrops. For the more adventurous souls out there, you can take on a challenging off-road mountain biking route, explore the lakes by kayak or take on a rock climbing or scrambling challenge.

Treat the kids and get up close with wildlife on your visit to the Lake District. There’s a variety of animal experiences on offer, from ‘Take a Hawk for a Walk’ to one-on-one

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dates with lemurs and meerkats, you and your little ones will be spoilt for choice!

If you would prefer a British beach holiday, head to the beautiful Yorkshire coast.

You can visit Whitby for a spot of whale watching with minke, fin, sei, northern and humpback whales regularly spotted, along with white beaked and bottle nose dolphins for a lucky few! Afterwards, take a stroll along the seafront and tuck into a portion of fish and chips.

Close by you’ll find Whitby Abbey, the ancient ruins of the medieval church, and the inspiration for Dracula. This is a must-see while you’re in town. Learn about its history while taking in the dramatic sights and sounds this site has to offer.

Don’t miss a visit to The Circus, a historic street of townhouses forming a striking semi-circular landmark and marvel at the outstanding architecture.

However you spend your summer break, there is no better way to get there than by ferry. So why not shake of those winter blues and go ahead and book your next holiday today, by visiting www.steam-packet.com.

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

MAKING CONNECTIONS

UPFRONT

ME & MY PET

Jackie Sheen Age: 38 Likes: Days out exploring with my little family and car picnics.

Dislikes: Clutter! So everything usually gets shoved in a draw or cupboard!

If animal what would I be: A butterfly. Always changing and eventually has the ability to fly.

JACKIE & SONNY

Favourite food: Cheesecake.

Where do you live: Peel.

Where are you originally from: The Isle Of Man. Where do you work: I have my own beauty salon, Zen beauty.

The best thing about having a pet is: The joy he brings to my girls.

The worst thing about having a pet is: Clogging the hoover!!

Interesting fact: I was invited to tea at Julie Andrew’s house in Long Island.

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Sonny Breed: Rough Collie.

Age: 16 months.

Likes: Tea parties and playing hide and seek with his little humans.

Favourite food: Dried chicken fillets.

Why do you love your human: Because she pampers me and keeps me looking handsome.

Dislikes: Slippy flooring and stairs.

If you had one wish what would you wish for: Be aloud to sleep upstairs.

If human what would you be: A pampered one!

Interesting fact: My Dad is a champion show dog.

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

•••• ey fella, we’ve been tredding for a while now. alright to take a break? you do you “fella”. i’ll cat nap.

UPFRONT

MANN TAILS

Give an animal a home

#3

Lenny HEY!

Lenny, a seven year-old collie cross setter, does not enjoy life in our kennels.

The root of his anxiety is that he is very intelligent and he craves one to one attention and interaction – typical collie traits. When he doesn’t get this level of contact he shows his unhappiness by being overly energetic and unresponsive, which means he isn’t attracting potential adopters.

So, we have a special request for Lenny. We would like him to go to a temporary home where he can be settled and relaxed, and where his true personality can shine through. His carers will need to be able to devote sufficient time to him, and keep in close contact with the kennels team so that he doesn’t miss out on potential adopters.

Lenny has lived with another dog before, and so he does not necessarily have to be the only dog in his temporary home, but the ‘chemistry’ between Lenny and the other dog(s) would need to be the right one.

FEAR NOT, YOUNG SHEEP. I AM THE WHITE LADY OF BALLAFREER, SEARCHING FOR MY LOST LOVE. CAN SHE SAY THAT?

If you would like to discuss Lenny and how you can help him on his journey, please contact the kennels.

EH, HI...

WHITE LADY. NOT TO BE RUDE, BUT...

ARE YOU MADE OF A STONE OR SOMETHING?

WHAT DO YOU MEAN?

The Pea Family You might be surprised to hear that we seem to have a growing problem across the Island with peacocks (or peafowl, to be technically correct) that have ‘gone native’. We were asked to pick up a peacock and two peahens from x recently, and now we need to find them a new home.

Peafowl are the national bird of India and are wild birds by nature, but they are not classed as an indigenous species either in the UK or the Isle of Man and so they need to live here as domesticated birds.

They should be kept away from residential areas because of the noise they can make; and because they like to stand in front and on top of cars they also need to be kept away from roads and driveways.

If you have the right environment for them, and would like these beautiful and majestic birds on your land, please let us know.

ManxSPCA • Ard Jerkyll, East Foxdale • Tel: 851672

www.manxspca.com

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

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UPFRONT

in NUMBERS NEWS 28 9 0 0 The UK round pound coins are to be removed from circulation by 28 February 2018. They ceased to be legal tender at midnight on 15 October 2017. Since that date many of the Island’s retailers have continued to accept the coins and return them to banks, assisting with the manual process of removing them from circulation and repatriation to the UK.

Householders are encouraged to take part in a survey that is important for the Island. Under the VAT-sharing agreement with the United Kingdom, the Isle of Man Government is required to conduct a Household Income and Expenditure Survey every five years. The results will determine how much the Island receives in VAT and other duty, a large sum which is important in funding public services. The survey gets under way in April 2018 and runs for a year.

5

8 TT Isle of Man Ride on the Edge is due out in March. The game will be available on Xbox, Playstation and PC - and the PC version can now be ordered via game service Steam. Developer Kylotonn says the finished game will see up to eight people racing against each other on a digital recreation of the TT circuit.

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The majority of bus vannin fares have been frozen for the fifth successive year. Fares have not seen a full fare increase on buses since April 2013. However, the already heavily subsidised school fares have increase slightly by 5p per journey, while the Go Explore Heritage card have increase in line with Manx National Heritage increases.

From the 13th January traders on the Island will not be able to apply additional surcharges for payments made by card.

That’s the reminder from the Office of Fair Trading.

This means that it will be unlawful for businesses to, for example, add an additional percentage charge when customers pay for goods or services with a credit card.

4.1

The rate of inflation increased from 3.8% in November 2017 to 4.1 % in December 2017 and has been driven by rising prices across all categories of goods and services on the Island. Transport and Restaurants & Hotels continued to be a significant driver, however Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages has also become a significant cause of inflation. The cost of traveling off the Island has continued to increase, as have meals out and drinks in bars and pubs. The cost of The Department of Infrastructure has submitted most groceries has also its planning application for the redevelopment of increased compared with Douglas Promenade.

12 months ago, with the exception of fruit and Subject to approval being granted, work will start in beef which is slightly September to rejuvenate the area widely regarded cheaper. as the ‘gateway to the Isle of Man’.

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ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

Where will this year take you?

Start your getaway the right way by travelling with the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company.

Enjoy the comfort of travelling by ferry, with the convenience of no luggage fees.

With shopping, hot food, snacks and drinks available at your leisure - your holiday can begin the moment you step on board.

MORE THAN

900,000 OFFER SEATS AVAILABLE IN 2018

Pack more in - sail by ferry.

Book now at STEAM-PACKET.COM

Take your vehicle No luggage fees Convenient ports Stretch your legs

FWD: FWD: FWD: A grandparent’s guide to Bitcoin WORDS Doris Grantez ILLUSTRATION Natasha Reis

MAY CONTAIN SATIRE

UPFRONT

HELLO DEARIE. IF YOU READ THE PAPERS, YOU MIGHT HAVE HEARD OF SOMETHING CALLED “BITCOINS.” THEY ARE QUITE DIFFERENT TO A “THRUPENNY BIT” FROM THE GOOD OLD DAYS AND ARE AN EXCITING NEW WAY TO INVEST YOUR MONEY. THEY’RE MORE VALUABLE THAN PREMIUM BONDS, FANCIER THAN CO-OP STAMPS AND EVEN MORE FUTURISTIC THAN CHIP AND PIN - IF YOU CAN IMAGINE SUCH A THING. WHAT US “SILVER SURFERS” ARE ASKING IS WHAT A BITCOIN IS, AND HOW YOU’D GO ABOUT BUYING A BAG OF THEM. You can’t get them at the Post Office counter and neither do they sell them in those high-tech catalogues you get with the Sunday Telegraph - because bitcoins are so new you can only buy them online, like the blue pills my cousin Gerald orders from China. After failing to invest in Myspace the first time around I didn’t want to miss out on the latest online gold rush, so I sat down with my grandson for an hour, and as soon as my head stopped spinning I went home, logged onto the W W web and exchanged all of our savings on a website called Crypt o’ Currency. It sounds Irish, but I rang my grandson and he swore that Bitcoin has nothing to do with The Corrs. If you too fancy a chance at being rich beyond your wildest dreams (like Andrew Lloyd Webber), then “scroll down” to read on! ;)

I still don’t understand, Doris, but tell me why should I buy these bitcoins.

Doris, what even is a bitcoin?

“EARLIER I SAID THAT BITCOINS ARE NOTHING LIKE CO-OP STAMPS, BUT THERE IS ONE AREA WHERE THEY ARE THE SAME: YOU CAN ONLY SPEND THEM IN THE SAME PLACE YOU GOT THEM”

As every schoolboy knows, normal coins are made out of metal - either brass, copper or silver if it’s part of a limited edition set commemorating Princess Diana. Those are all valuable, but if you’ve ever tried to spend a local pound on the mainland you’ll know that the problem with coins is that every place has daft rules about which ones they’ll take. The eggheads who live in the Silicon Valley, who already invented Nintendos and the Dyson Airblade, travel so much that they just hate carrying all of the different coins. They thought to themselves “what if we could make a coin that is valuable everywhere - even in a virtual reality matrix?” This might sound barmy, but remember these people are so clever that their robot butler knows what you’re looking for (Cliff Richard; no shirt) before you even finish typing the first F. The boffins thought long and hard and a lightbulb went off above their heads, although slowly, because they use the energy saving kind that make you strain your eyes. The answer was to make a coin out of “bits” - science-speak for the tiny invisible molecules that make up the internet itself. A bitcoin is therefore a perfect nugget of condensed internet.

When you consider that the internet particles are so small that you can’t see them even when you trip over the modem and pull the pipe out of the skirting board, you’ll understand that a single bitcoin must contain an incredible amount of pure internet. Possibly enough to record an entire episode of Midsomer Murders. They are very, very, very valuable indeed.

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

“Yes, bitcoins are valuable, but so are Toby jugs and nobody would expect you to invest your savings in them.” Well Mavis, the difference is that bitcoins can’t be knocked over and smashed into pieces by the cat, because they carry on zipping around the webs until you need them. This also means that the evil taxman can’t get his hands on your bitcoins, because at any moment they could be flowing unsupervised between the Algarve and Thailand - like my daughter’s ex-husband. It is impossible for anybody to know how many bitcoins you have, where you keep them, and which kinds of online content they are made from. Because things these days are more and more online, the

value of your bitcoins also increases as fast as the amount of internet that is needed.

I know this is confusing, but think of it like buying some flats in the 1960s - wait long enough and you can put them on the market for £1400 a month to young couples who were too busy gallivanting to Ibiza to save for a deposit. The difference with bitcoin is that the value goes up as soon as more people go online and need internet in order to sign up for a Minecraft or those dirty pictures. You’d better buy some before they sell out, is what I’m saying.

Okay Doris, tell me where I can convert all my money into Bitcoins Buying Bitcoins isn’t as simple as going to the Bureau de Change, because you need to be logged in. Obviously you need to follow the usual precautions - if your computer browser tells you it is cluttered or needs a deep clean, download that software straight away. It also helps to have one hand on the pipe, so you can pull the connection if the Nigerian FBI hijack your window to ask questions about that bank transfer you

made last Christmas. You’ll then need to go to a marketplace, follow only 200 steps of instructions, hashtag your blockchain, crypto your partition and move any instances of goatse.cx or the millennium bug straight to the recycle bin. Eventually you will have a very long number, which is like an international dialling code if you need to bring your bitcoins home like a racing pigeon. Write the number down, put it under the mattress with your cash savings, and let them mature like a jar of pickled onions.

But Doris, how do I actually spend my bitcoins? And who gives me my change?

Earlier I said that bitcoins are nothing like Co-Op stamps, but there is one area where they are the same: you can only spend them in the same place you got them. Being made out of pure internet, bitcoins can only be exchanged for online services. That’s not a worry though - when I first webbedon I wasn’t even sure what I would do with Yahoo, but now I buy all my prescriptions from eBay and my husband tells me he watches his sports in the browser. That explains why he’s always in his office with the door closed, and those massive phone bills. You can use internet to pay those phone bills, renew your subscription to the Radio Times, and more besides. I also read the other day that the government plans to move our pensions online, so I expect you’ll soon be able to cash in a few numbers from your bitcoin savings at the Post Office. You’ll even be able to send them to your grandchildren, with electronic mail, instead of a birthday card - they can turn the bitcoins directly into Pokémon, “likes” on Grindr or credits for their favourite Youtubing prankster! No doubt this is a lot to take in dearie, but one more tip before I go - always protect your computer with a secure password. Otherwise a burglar could break in, rifle through your browser history and be away with your bitcoins before you can say “Julian Assange”. If I ever have another funny turn mine’s “Cl1ffR1ch4rd” but whatever you do make sure Nigel’s had a chance to spring clean his browser history before you log in. Tara for now!

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UPFRONT

WEDDINGS

I

THE BRIDAL PREJUDICE

t’s now just over 4 months to go till my wedding day, and whilst I’m sure the stereotype is that I should now be in full ‘Bridezilla’ mode, I hate to disappoint everyone by saying I am feeling very calm about the whole thing.

For me, this process started 2 years ago, when my fiancé & I started looking around wedding venues. From that moment onwards I realised I was entering a world that I knew nothing about; for example, the wedding breakfast that kept being mentioned (strange because I wanted a full sit-down meal) - it took a few days to sink in that it WAS in fact the sit-down meal I was after.

There were several heart-stopping moments along the way, like the time I thought I had allowed plenty of time to start looking for a wedding dress, only to discover that dresses can take up to 6 months to order in, not forgetting about allowing time for fittings once it has arrived. This information left me with about 3 weeks to find a wedding dress.

Very-Luckily thanks to the help of one particular bridesmaid, we managed to find ‘THE’ dress with minimal time & effort. So to any brides out there, if you take away any advice from this, allow LOTS of time to find your wedding dress. Oh, and the same applies to bridesmaids’ dresses! Let’s just say my florist’s face fell to the floor when I said I hadn’t got bridesmaids’ dresses yet (with only months to go before the big day).

But even after all this, I am still very calm.

Everything from the photographer to the caterer is booked, dresses and suits are all on order, invites are being processed, and so I am now down to the task of finalising all the horrible last-minute details such as booking manicures, pedicures, preparing for my hen party and buying clothes for the honeymoon… It’s a hard life.

As for how I feel about ‘the marriage’ bit, well without wanting to sound all cheesy & cliched, (I’m actually quite cynical about love & romance), I can honestly say I am not in any way scared /anxious / terrified about the commitment I am about to make.

I am purely looking forward to the exciting future that awaits me and my future husband. In our case, I think it truly was love at first sight and so this is a day we have been planning for a long time in order to spend the rest of our lives together. Just like kids at Christmas, we can’t wait.

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Your wedding time line checklist

12 months+ before your wedding Plan your engagement party.

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

Think about themes and colours for your wedding.

Start your guest list.

Choose wedding rings.

Meet with and book your wedding officiant or clergyman.

Select a date and reserve your ceremony and reception site.

Check availability of places to stay for guests.

Hire a wedding consultant if you’re using one.

Choose bridesmaids, groomsmen and ushers.

Meet photographers, florists, caterers and entertainment.

10 months to go Order your wedding dress and accessories.

Get a Pinterest account and search for lots of inspiration.

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

Arrange wedding transport.

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

Order your invitations and plan your order of service.

Buy bridesmaid dresses.

Book wedding night.

Arrange venue decor.

6 months to go Organise a hen party / stag do.

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

Send out your invites.

Purchase any presents for your parents and attendees.

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

Write your vows.

Order wedding favours for your guests.

Choose outfits for Mother of the Bride and Mother of the Groom.

Check marriage licence requirements.

Start thinking about your favourite music for the party.

Purchase wedding lingerie.

1 month to go Plan a surprise, present or note for your partner for when they are getting ready without you on the morning of your wedding.

Meet with your hairdresser and make up artist for consultation.

Book manicure, pedicure and spa treatment to relax.

Break in your shoes.

Buy a guest book.

1 week to go Give final guest count to reception venue and caterer.

Start packing for your honeymoon.

Make sure everything fits!

Send you wedding announcement to the Newspaper.

Write any cheques required for the wedding day.

Arrange for wedding gifts to be transported to your home.

1 day to go As Frankie says... RELAX. Have fun with your friends and family who have come over early.

Start getting snap happy.

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

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

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

Make sure everything is sorted out for your name change.

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

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

Weddings at The Palace Gold, Platinum & Diamond wedding packages available Civil marriage ceremonies and Wedding receptions Dedicated wedding co-ordinators

Call 682775 or visit www.palacehotel.co.im events@seftongroup.co.im

Weddings at The Sefton Civil Marriage Ceremonies • Wedding Receptions Dedicated Wedding Co-ordinators Flawless Service • Culinary Excellence Luxurious Accommodation

Call 682775 or visit www.seftonhotel.co.im events@seftongroup.co.im

76 Strand Street, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM1 2EW.

For more info dunwell.im

UPFRONT

WEDDINGS

MILNTOWN THE ULTIMATE WEDDING VENUE

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our wedding is one of the most important days of your life and at Milntown we would like to help turn your dreams into reality.

Set in 15 acres of beautiful gardens and woodlands in Lezayre, Milntown is the Island’s most historic estate and the perfect venue for your wedding. It is available for both wedding ceremonies and wedding receptions.

It offers outstanding surroundings for your wedding photographs.

We are delighted to offer bespoke and package weddings and a choice of venues to suit all your requirements, throughout all seasons. Whether it be an intimate dinner for 14 in the magnificent dining room of the main house, a luxurious wedding breakfast for up to 60 or a buffet for up to 100 in the elegant cafe, or a marquee wedding in a stunning garden location for up to 200 people, there is something for everyone!

Milntown holds Approved Place status to hold civil marriage ceremonies; formation of civil partnerships and the solemnization of civil marriages. Our many and varied registered sites make for a beautiful and unique ceremony, whether you are looking for a small gathering of 25 in the Library of the main Milntown house, an elegant setting in the cafe for 70 or a spectacular large-scale celebration in the gardens.

New for 2018, we are delighted to announce that we can also offer the use of the grounds for ‘unusual’ guest accommodation in luxury 5 metre Bell Tents. Our three on site 2-bedroom apartments are also the perfect and convenient option for family or friends.

Our events team can assist you in organising your wedding day to ensure it runs smoothly and can provide contact details for trusted local suppliers.

So let your imagination run wild and let us work with you to create a celebration you and your guests will remember for the rest of your life.

MILNTOWN WEDDING OPEN DAY Come and see for yourself just how Milntown is the ultimate wedding venue on Sunday March 18th when we will be holding our inaugural wedding open day from 11am – 3pm. We will be partnering with some of the Island’s top wedding coordinators and suppliers to transform the Milntown Grounds, House and Cafe into a picture-perfect wedding setting to give you an idea of how we can help create the celebration of your dreams. Guests will receive a glass of buck’s fizz on arrival and will have a chance to sample some of our delicious canapés as well as time to chat with our partners and exhibitors.

Award winning photographer Shan Fisher will also be offering mini ‘engagement’ photoshoots in the grounds – for details on prices and how-to pre-book (as well as a list of our partners) please visit www.milntown.org or check our Facebook page (@Milntown Estate)

For further details, sample menus, prices and availability please email: events@milntown.org or call: 812321.

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ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

The Ultimate Wedding Venue

Wedding Open Day Sunday 18th 18th March March 11am 11am --- 3pm 3pm Sunday Sunday 18th March 11am 3pm

Comealong alongto toview viewthe thestunning stunningMilntown Milntownestate, estate,the theperfect perfectvenue venuefor foryour yourwedding. wedding.We Wewill willbe be Come Come along to view the stunning Milntown estate, the perfect venue for your wedding.

We will be partneringwith withsome someof ofthe theisland’s island’stop topwedding weddingcoordinators coordinatorsand andsuppliers suppliersas aswe wedemonstrate demonstrate partnering partnering with some of the island’s top wedding coordinators and suppliers as we demonstrate how a Milntown wedding can be the celebration of your dreams.

You can enjoy a glass ofbuck’s buck’s how a Milntown wedding can be the celebration of your dreams.

You can enjoy a glass how a Milntown wedding can be the celebration of your dreams. You can enjoy a glass of of buck’s �izzon onarrival, arrival,sample samplesome someof ofour ourdelicious deliciouscanapés, canapés,take takeaaalook lookat atthe theon-site on-siteapartments apartmentsand and �izz �izz on arrival, sample some of our delicious canapés, take look at the on-site apartments and eventake takepart partin inaaamini miniengagement engagementphotoshoot photoshootin inthe thegrounds grounds(pre-booking (pre-bookingrequired). required). even even take part in mini engagement photoshoot in the grounds (pre-booking required).

Milntownis availablefor forboth bothwedding weddingceremonies ceremonies(as (asan anApproved ApprovedPlace), Place),and andwedding wedding Milntown Milntown isisavailable available for both wedding ceremonies (as an Approved Place), and wedding receptions(in (inthe thestunning stunningcafe cafeor oraaaMarquee Marqueein inthe thegrounds) grounds)and andoffers offersoutstanding outstanding receptions receptions (in the stunning cafe or Marquee in the grounds) and offers outstanding surroundingsfor foryour yourwedding weddingphotographs. photographs. surroundings surroundings for your wedding photographs.

Foraaafull fulllist listof ofexhibitors exhibitorsand andfor fordetails detailson onpre-booking pre-bookingaaamini miniphotoshoot photoshootplease pleasevisit visitour our For For full list of exhibitors and for details on pre-booking mini photoshoot please visit our websiteor orcheck checkour ourFacebook Facebookpage. page. website website or check our Facebook page.

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UPFRONT

WEDDINGS

THE WEDDING OF HAYLEY REYNOLDS AND JONATHAN HILL

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Location: Castle Rushen Reception: Langness Lighthouse, Derbyhaven.

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

WEDDINGS

UPFRONT

Photographer: Alexis Karran

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UPFRONT

WEDDINGS

THE BRIDAL PREJUDICE

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his month, in the eleventh hour, Gallery was left at the alter by our groom... Typical. Our designated writer got cold feet and left us to reflect on the man’s role. Rather than be bitter and sulk we thought we’d give the rest of you grooms a helping hand and some top tips (turning up on the day being one of them).

First Things First Maybe you stumbled upon this wedding section by accident, maybe your beloved shoved it under your nose, either way you’ve been presented with a prime brownie point scoring opportunity. If your fiancée (the correct spelling for a female engagee) is in the room repeat after me (in a non sarcastic voice) “hmmm, this wedding advice in Gallery is fascinating and full of information that could help make our day really special”, cheesy we know but she’ll eat it up! (If she isn’t in the room while you’re reading this then just regurgitate the above sentence later in her presence.)

Talkin the Talk As a fellow procrastinator I understand the urge to put things off, but leaving writing your speech until the prespeech champagne is being poured is not ok. People will notice that you’re reading off a napkin and the woman sitting next to you will be far from impressed, your guests will find it slightly awkward being witness to your first marital tiff, whist they down their drinks. Thanking everyone for coming and personally thanking everyone who was involved with the wedding

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preparations is a good way to kick off your speech and helps you flow into the rest of it. It’s the first time you’ll be speaking publicly about your wife so being wasted is ill advised (I refer you back to the awkward spectator situation).

Suiting Up Something I learned while working in a shop is men always think they’re a size smaller than they really are. So I’ll say this. Get measured. Do not leave it until the last minute otherwise you’ll find yourself standing at the alter in a suit that’s either too big or too small, an ill-fitting suit does not a dashing groom make.

The Hangover Unless your idea of a wild night is a glass of milk and a game of scrabble you are going to be hungover the day after your stag do. So, to be on the safe side, we recommend you have your stag do at least a week before. This allows for plenty of recovery time and also ensures that if you find yourself trapped on a casino roof insanely sun burned and dehydrated you still have time to be rescued, rehydrated and moisturised.

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

Weddings at the VILLA MARINA

The Perfect venue... ...for your Perfect day.

For more information please contact enquiries@villamarina.gov.im or tel 694500 to speak to our events team.

UPFRONT

WEDDINGS

THE WEDDING OF NIKKI BLACK AND JOHN COOKSON ON THE 16TH DECEMBER 2017

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Wedding Ceremony: Rushen Abbey Reception: The Abbey Restaurant

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

UPFRONT

Photographer: Shan Fisher

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UPFRONT

MISC

Just random things to amuse you.

Giant Jenga You could be forgiven for thinking that the image above is of a floating meth-lab exploding, a small industrial disaster or the gates of hell opening, but this image taken in the Norwegian town of Slinningsbålet is in fact of the world's largest bonfire, a record that, speaking of the gates of hell, the town's denizens seem hell-bent on maintaining.

Standing at an impressive 47.4m tall (absolutely slaying their previous effort of 30m in 2010) and made entirely of pallets, this structure, which we'd describe as beyond impressive, was not only constructed solely of pallet boards but also entirely by hand by people who clearly couldnt find anything better to do.

There's an interesting video on YouTube shot using those popular body-mounted action cameras and, of course, the obligatory drone that gives a better idea of the sheer scale of this undertaking compared to the photos seen here on the hallowed pages of Gallery magazine.

Quoted: Val Kilmer

(who starred in the movie 'Heat' - see what we did there?)

“I don't make any pretense about being normal.

I'm not.”

He doesn't look quite like this 23 years later...

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We're not sure quite why, but it appeared to take six people to light it even though only one of them took care of the part where fire was introduced to a thick rope wick that led into a wooden barrel that we can only assume was filled with diesel (owing to it not producing an instantaneous fireball) as they scaled down its height. Much like the rooftoppers of Instagram, except with a DIY and pyromaniac twist, no safety ropes used whatsoever, just good old fashioned hands and feet as they put the fiery icing onto the flammable cake. Within an hour it'd toppled into the sea, but at least the risk of their Guinness Record being toppled is much lower than the risk of death for onlookers.

Poor jokes:

What do you call the Robin Williams movie about a hot California summer?

Mrs. Droughtfire.

What did the air conditioniner say to the man?

I'm your biggest fan.

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

CULTURE

CULTURE VULTURE What’s on Now – end of 2018 ARTREACH WORKSHOPS // ISLE GALLERY, ST JOHNS//

ArtReach at the Isle Gallery has expanded its range of art courses for children and adults in 2018, to include, amongst others, ‘absolute beginners’ and ‘improvers’ courses in oils, acrylics, ceramics and mixed media, including day time and some evening sessions.

There are separate workshops for teenagers and children, including during the February half-term. One of these takes place on 12 February when the inspiration for all kinds of creativity will be ‘The Hobbit: a Journey to Middle Earth’.

The classes are supported by the Isle of Man Arts Council and sponsored by Typhoon House. www.theislegallery.com

now – 03.02.2017 SPACE - Open Art Exhibition //HODGSON LOOM GALLERY, LAXEY//

This is your last chance to see entries in the Hodgson Loom Gallery’s annual open art competition. Entries cover all mediums and make a fascinating exhibition of work from established artists and others, including students and children.

From 24 February to 17 March, the gallery will be hosting the annual Isle of Man Photographic Exhibition. www.facebook/hodgsonloomgallery

04.02 – 25.02.2018 MANX MINIATURE ART …

SMALL AND BEAUTIFUL //THE ISLE GALLERY, TYNWALD MILLS//

An exhibition of the best small art from some of the best artists on this small, creative Island. Exhibitors include Colleen Corlett, Michael Starkey, Kate Jerry, Lucy Savage, Anna Clucas, Colette Gambell and Katrina Pawlowska. www.facebook.com/theislegallery

07.02.2018 – 10.02.2018 MADF ONE ACT PLAY FESTIVAL //KING’S COURT THEATRE, KING WILLIAM’S COLLEGE, CASTLETOWN//

Join the Manx Amateur Drama Federation

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FEBRUARY for four evenings of One Act Plays performed by enthusiastic and talented actors from all over the Isle of Man, and some from the UK. This is a competition with the team winners in both the Adult and Youth categories becoming eligible to compete in the next round of the North West “All England Theatre Festival”, with three nights for adult teams and one, Friday, a ‘youth’ night. At the end of each evening the adjudicator, Alan Haslett GoDA, will analyse the performances which may give clues to the final results at the end of the festival.

Season ticket & nightly tickets from www. ticketsource.co.uk/kingwilliamscollege or their box office on 0333-666-3366. Tickets may also be bought directly from Bridge Bookshop, Port Erin or the KWC Reception.

10.02 – 05.05.2018 CROSSING OPEN GROUND //MANX MUSEUM, DOUGLAS//

One of two venues (the other is the Sayle Gallery) featuring the work of David Gilbert. David, who died in 2016, lived and worked on the Island for many years, amassing a huge body of work and inspiring and mentoring many young people both artistically and emotionally. The Manx Museum exhibition is a major retrospective carrying on from where his last exhibition at the Museum in 1989 left off. www.manxnationalheritage.im

10.02 - 18.03.2018 ANOTHER STORY ABOUT HOW IT IS … //SAYLE GALLERY, DOUGLAS//

For the first time, the Sayle Gallery and Manx National Heritage are collaborating on a major exhibition, bringing the work of artist David Gilbert back to the Isle of Man and being shown simultaneously at the two venues.

life and the main concerns which inspired his artwork. At the Sayle, the exhibition will continue with a range of work from throughout David’s life, plus a small amount of work from artist Simon Buttimore, who David mentored as a young man.

The title of the Sayle exhibition – ‘Another story about how it is…’ - is taken from one of David’s sculptures which is on show in the Sayle Gallery.

Supported by the Isle of Man Arts Council. www.sayle.gallery | www.facebook.com/ saylegallery

11.02.2018 YOUNG ACTOR OF MANN – FIRST ROUND //THE STUDIO THEATRE, BALLAKERMEEN HIGH SCHOOL, DOUGLAS//

This annual competition highlights the huge volume of local acting talent we have on the island. Each competitor will perform two contrasting pieces from published plays and from musical theatre. With over twenty young people taking part, the morning session will start at 11am followed by an afternoon session. The performances will be adjudicated by Alan Haslett GoDA who will select eight contestants to go through to the final, which will be held during the week of the MADF Easter Festival.

Tickets available at the door on the day.

14.02.2018 and 28.02.2018 FILMS IN PEEL //CENTENARY CENTRE, PEEL//

David died in 2016 leaving a lifetime of creative work - he lived and worked on the Island for many years before leaving in the late 1980s. Probably best known here for his sculptural friezes which adorn the Museum at Kingswood Grove end, and the etched glass on the building’s main doors, David also left a legacy of young artists who he inspired and encouraged over the years, many of whom still live and work in the Isle of Man.

The ever-popular Films in Peel 2018 season starts with two offerings in February.

For Valentine’s Day there’s one of most remarkable true love stories you’ve probably never heard about: ‘A United Kingdom’ the 1940’s story of a Botswanan Prince who fell in love and married an English typist, starring Rosamund Pike and David Oleyowo and directed by Island (and critic Mark Kermode) favourite Amma Assante. On 28th February there is ‘Gifted’, the story of a single man living in Florida and raising a child maths prodigy. Described as a ‘heartfelt’ film, ‘Gifted’ was given a 4* review

by Observer film critic Simran Hans.

The Manx Museum will house an informative retrospective, ‘Crossing Open Ground’ which will look back at David’s

More details about Films In Peel, the full 2018 season and how to buy tickets go to www.facebook.com/filmsinpeel/

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

CULTURE

CULTURE NEWS

DATE SET FOR ARMED FORCES DAY 2018 Armed Forces Day 2018 will take place on Sunday 24th June.

The national event celebrates the role local servicemen and women have played in conflict and peacekeeping the world over.

It incorporates a march along Douglas’s promenades, which sees the public turn out in large numbers, a service of thanksgiving in the Villa Marina Royal Hall and an afternoon tea and evening of entertainment.

Many serving personnel return home as guests of honour at the event.

wars and conflicts.

‘Armed Forces Day allows us to give thanks for the contribution made by our brave men and women in troubled parts of the world, both past and present. The day is always impeccably observed in the Isle of Man. At a recent meeting of the Armed Forces Day committee, tributes were paid to Brigadier Norman Butler, who was instrumental in founding the event and has chaired the organising committee since it was formed 11 years ago.

Armed Forces Day is organised by a committee comprising veterans of all the Island’s ex-service organisations and has the patronage of the Lieutenant Governor, the President of Tynwald and the Chief Minister.

Chief Minister Howard Quayle MHK presented the Brigadier with a gift on behalf of the committee. He said: ‘Armed Forces Day has gone from strength to strength and it is poignant to be present on the last Sunday in June to pay tribute to personnel past and present.

Major Charles Wilson, chairman of the committee, said: ‘The Isle of Man has a long and proud history of its citizens serving in

‘Every successful chairman needs a good committee and much credit for the event goes to those hardworking members around

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the table – and who have gone before or are sadly no longer with us.

‘However, without the Brigadier’s passion for the role, sound leadership and judgment and unparalleled contacts across the armed forces world, Armed Forces Day Isle of Man wouldn’t be what it is today.’

The Hon. Juan Watterson MHK, the Isle of Man Armed Forces Champion, said: ‘Brigadier Butler has made an outstanding contribution to many aspects of public life, most notably as MHK for Ramsey.

‘He has worked tirelessly over many years to ensure the efforts of the Island’s armed forces community are advanced. Under his chairmanship, Armed Forces Day has evolved into a wonderful celebration of the Manx and military partnership.

‘As past vice chairman, Major Wilson is well placed to pick up the reins. I know he will be an enthusiastic chairman and I look forward to working with him in this role.’

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CULTURE NEWS

STRANGLERS FRONTMAN TO ADJUDICATE AT THE GUILD

Preparations are well under way for the 2018 Manx Music, Speech and Dance Festival, supported by homebuilder Dandara. Better known as the Guild, the festival will be held at the Villa Marina from 20th to 28th April.

This year will see the Guild celebrate its 126th year, and whilst some of the classes are almost as old as the Festival itself, the introduction of new classes such as The Battle of the Bands, has been very successful in attracting new participants.

Now in its third year, The Battle of the Bands is proving to be one of the most popular evenings of Guild week, and this year, the adjudicator for the evening will be Paul Roberts, better known as the lead singer of The Stranglers, famous for hits such as Golden Brown and recipients of prestigious Ivor Novello awards.

Paul, who sang with the Stranglers for 16 years, appearing on at least 30 albums and as many singles, has toured the world both as a singer and an actor since leaving the band. He now specialises in swing music and starred in “The Great American Songbook” in London’s West End, as well as on television, most notably in the BBC’s hit period drama “Cranford”.

Chairman of the Guild, Sarah Kelly, said: ‘We always look forward to our professional adjudicators coming to the Guild and providing the competitors with the benefit of their professional experience and constructive feedback. We are very excited to welcome Paul Roberts to the 2018 Guild.

He is the genuine article in rock band terms and I am certain our competitors will relish the opportunity to perform to an adjudicator of such experience and knowledge. It’s going to be a fabulous evening.’

As well as The Battle of the Bands, there are classes held all week encompassing music, drama and dance and varying from classical to pop song, from brass bands to recorder groups, from poems to Manx dialect and from ballet to modern dance.

The Battle of the Bands will take place in the Royal Hall at the Villa Marina on Friday 29th April 2018, and entries to the Festival can be made by post or online to the Secretary by Saturday 3rd February 2018.

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ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

CULTURE

MANX WHALE AND DOLPHIN WATCH Did you know that the Isle of Man is a hot-spot for whales, dolphins and porpoises (cetaceans) in the British Isles? What’s more, you don’t even need to go on a boat to see them as they can be seen extremely close in shore from our coastal paths.

Manx Whale and Dolphin Watch (MWDW) have been recording sightings and educating the public about Manx cetaceans since 2006. To celebrate their 12th Anniversary, the team are throwing a whale and dolphin extravaganza in the Villa Marina on the 10th and 11th February.

The main attraction will be a display of life-size and life-like inflatables of our local species. The two day event, supported

by Culture Vannin and the Isle of Man Steam-Packet Company, will highlight the importance of Manx waters and its’ inhabitants. Professional marine mammal scientists and educators working on the island will inspire you about Manx marine life and how to get involved in looking after it. A kid’s craft area will allow marine mad youngsters to plot real sightings on a map and make other crafty creations to take home. A Minke whale made of plastic bottles will highlight the issue of plastic pollution and there will be a projector to display footage of whales and dolphins off the Manx coast. Annabel from Flo the Coffee Van will be serving hot drinks and sweet snacks. Admission is free and disabled access available.

There are 5 cetacean species which can be seen with regularity around our island; Harbour porpoise, Risso’s dolphin, Bottlenose dolphin, Short-beaked common dolphin and the Minke whale.

2017 was a particularly good year for sightings reported by the public with some interesting and rare encounters having taken place. On 5th August, a Humpback whale was photographed by a holidaymaker whilst walking at the Sound, this is only the 3rd confirmed Humpback sighting since 2010. Throughout most of September and into October, a bonanza of Minke whales BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

were seen close inshore off Marine drive, within Douglas Bay and all the way down to the Calf, almost every day, offering the public countless opportunities to see these whales behaving naturally in their own habitat. The reason for this extravaganza was due to an abundance of herring, which spawn off the east coast. Also seen during the feeding frenzy were Risso’s dolphins, Short-beaked common dolphins, Harbour porpoise and hundreds of thousands of feeding gannets.

During the winter months, we see Bottlenose dolphins return to the island.

Their first big appearance was at the beginning of November when a large pod were spread out around the east and west of the island. As is typical of the species in Manx waters, the dolphins were split up into various subgroups of around 20 individuals, including juveniles and calves. The overall pod can consist of many subgroups which all together total between 100 and 200 dolphins. By taking photographs of their dorsal fins, MWDW know that many of these dolphins spend the summer in Cardigan Bay, Wales, before returning to Manx waters every winter.

These playful dolphins can potentially be seen on any calm day between October and March.

Would you like to find out more and learn how to spot these wonderful animals for yourself? Do you want to find out what work is being done to conserve our local cetacean species? Be sure to come along to the Manx Whale and Dolphin Watch Show at the Promenade Suite of the Villa Marina on either 10th or 11th February 2018, 10am4pm. You can also keep up to date with MWDW via their website www.mwdw.net and searching for them on Facebook.

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Prize winners’ photo shows l-r Steven Underwood, Director of Sovereign Trust IOM Ltd, Diane Dentith (Director), prize winners Georgia Morrow, Alice Lodge, Ella Garvey and Tom Foulis, and Phil Dentith (Director)

SOVEREIGN ART FOUNDATION STUDENT ART PRIZE WINNERS ANNOUNCED Words: Suzy Holland Images: Sovereign Trust Isle of Man Ltd and the artists

Ballakermeen students swept the board when the Sovereign Art Foundation Student Art Prize winners were announced recently, taking the top two public prizes and the Judges’ prize, in what is planned to be an annual competition.

Ella Garvey’s ‘Adolescence’ was the public favourite, chosen by visitors to the Sayle Gallery during the exhibition of shortlisted entries and online, and ‘Courtship’

by Georgia Morrow came in second, with ‘Contemplation’ by Alice Lodge winning the coveted Judges’ Prize, It was left to Tom Foulis from Ramsey Grammar School to spoil the Ballakermeen party when his striking digital print, ‘Wrath’ came third in the public vote.

As well as prizes to the individual artists totalling £2,750, the art department at Ballakermeen High School took home £3,000 and RGS a further £500. In addition £3,587.39 was raised for the Island’s children’s hospice Rebecca House from

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sales of associated merchandise.

This was the first year of the Sovereign Art Foundation Student Art Prize in the Isle of Man, and plans for the 2018 exhibition are on the drawing board, and will be announced in due course.

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

CULTURE

“DESERT SKIES, REBEL SOULS” BOOK LAUNCH PARTY AT THE COURTHOUSE Local writer, Michelle P. Tonnesen, celebrated the launch of her second novel, “Desert Skies, Rebel Souls” at a party at The Courthouse on Thursday 23 November.

“I am forever grateful to all who joined in the fun and supported me here today, as well as to my readers around the world who have welcomed my new novel with open arms. I hope the thrilling adventures of the young rebels will stay with you forever,” stated the author.

The book is a contemporary love story with a travel twist, taking the reader through the beautiful scenery of Israel, Jordan and Egypt. It has been awarded the Readers’ Favorite Five Stars Seal.

“Desert Skies, Rebel Souls” is available as paperback at local bookshops, as well as e-book on Amazon, iBooks and other major online retailers. Its alluring book cover is designed by local artist, Bruno Cavellec.

Read more about the exciting new novel on the author’s website www.mptonnesen.com

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UPLOAD

THE MONTHLY UPLOAD

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YOUR PHOTOS £50

Win ner

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1 Richard Killey 2 Edward Kristian 3 Barry Callister 4 Rebecca Jane Corrin 5 Anne Gundy

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6 Max Singer 7 Dorothy Peverall 8 Margaret Woolnough 9 William Galbraith 10 Janette Phair 11 Karen Galliver

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12 Kelly Heyes 13 Luke Phair 14 Saoirse Matthews 15 Michael F. Griffiths 16 Chris Hunt

Want to win £50? All you have to do is email your entry with the subject ‘upload’ to: upload@gallery.co.im. Make the files nice and big though, 4MB is a good size to aim for. We do try to print every photo following the guide but we can’t get them ALL on the pages full-size unfortunately - they just wouldn’t fit!

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Amsterdam Newcastle Ferry.

Faroe Bridges.

IOM Ferry View.

THE GREAT ROAD TRIP OR HOW TO SURVIVE 36 HOURS, 3 FERRIES AND 2000 KILOMETRES WITH 2 KIDS!

Newcastle.

Amsterdam Canal.

Kids on IOM Ferry.

Kids at Beach Sunset.

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It sounded like a great idea at the time of conception. A leisurely hop, skip and a jump from the Isle of Man to Denmark. We had decided to spend the summer in our cottage by the sea north of Copenhagen. However, Denmark is many lovely things, but not cheap – especially not car rental for two whole months.

Words & Photos By: Michelle P. Tonnesen

“Why not bring our own car?” the husband suggested with eyes alight. All we had to do was take the ferry to Heysham, drive across to Newcastle, take another ferry to Amsterdam, drive up through the Netherlands and Germany, then catch one more ferry to Denmark and drive from the southern to the northern tip of the main island Zealand, and hey presto, we would be in our own house with our own car!

Kronborg Castle.

Did it take your breath away just reading that? Imagine how I felt when reality truly dawned on me the week before our departure. How many snacks and drinks to pack? How much entertainment to prepare? How many bags could you stuff?

What to pack for the ferry cabins?

Add to that the unforeseen twist that our two-year-old had decided that she suddenly did not want to wear nappies anymore, and you can start to picture the panic evolving in a mother’s heart.

The planning and packing turned out to be the worst part. The outward journey passed surprisingly smoothly, through the picturesque Yorkshire Dales onto edgy Newcastle before mainland Europe awaited us. The joy of expectation and excitement conquered any worries. The kids played happily in the car and on the ferries (thank the technological powers above for iPads and kids’ play zones!). The toddler turned out to have the bladder control of a Pilates champion and held it all in – bar one crisis as we rushed along das Autobahn to catch our second ferry.

All modes of transport ran as planned – although our three-legged GBM licence plate did lose us some time at border crossings as we were pulled aside for questioning. Being native Danish speakers, we particularly confused the Danish border control.

Yet, we survived and arrived at our holiday home 36 hours after we set off from Douglas.

Nine weeks of seaside fun and hygge, mixed with cultural excursions and catching up with family and friends, went by in the blink of a Viking’s eye.

We were on to our big city adventures.

We had decided to spice up our return journey – and cut it in half – with a stop BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

Kids at Rosenborg Castle.

Amsterdam Townhouses.

in Amsterdam for two nights. The drive proceeded harmoniously down through Denmark, across bridges and islands before our pit stop on the ferry to Germany.

And then it happened. Just south of Hamburg. The husband’s worst nightmare.

Traffic came to a complete standstill.

Nowhere to go. No way to exit. Just cars, cars, cars chock-a-block as far as the eye could see in front of and behind us. As the ETA of the GPS kept ticking, hubby’s patience gradually ran out. The kids were quietly napping in the backseat, so our main concern was ensuring a decent dinner sometime before midnight as our table reservation in Amsterdam was going down the deep of the Prinsengracht.

“Had we only arrived five minutes earlier!”

“The next exit is just 100 metres ahead!”

Yes, the spilled milk was seeping through our souls, but the crying remained contained as the husband went walkabout on the crash barrier, venting to some poor soul on his mobile phone.

One whole hour of waiting passed before the motorway was reopened and we could breathe a sigh of relief. Next stop:

Amsterdam! What a wonderful place for big and small! The glorious September sun and generous temperatures ensured happy family memories galore. A billion bikes, canals and pancakes later, we continued our journey towards the British Isles. The final ferry ride and we were back home on the island, our wanderlust satisfied for another year. To travel is to live – but to road trip is to go all in!

Five Tips for Road Tripping with Kids 1. Bring tablets. Download new films and shows they haven’t watched before. Bring charging cables to plug into the car.

2. Bring magazines, stickers and toys – new ones to surprise them and old favourites to keep them comfortable.

3. Bring wet wipes – the disinfecting ones too! – toilet paper and euro coins. You never know when or where they gotta go!

Have spare clothes at the ready too.

4. Bring food, snacks, drinks and treats – but plan pit stops to stretch your legs and avoid cabin fever!

5. Load your car’s CD player with children’s music and audio books.

Mentally prepare songs and games for all to participate in when everything else fails!

You’re good to go! Happy driving and exploring!

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SUFFERING FROM SERIOUS WANDERLUST? THESE 7 HOLIDAY DESTINATIONS SHOULD BE ON YOUR WISHLIST FOR 2018 A new year promises fresh horizons, so start planning your travel calendar now.

Here’s some inspiration if you’re planning travel adventures and weekends away in 2018.

New flight routes, exhibitions and exciting developments are putting these seven places on the map.

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the ornate beauty of the Teatro Colon opera house (teatrocolon.org.ar/en) or learn about the history of tango at the Carlos Gardel House Museum (museo-casa-carlos-gardel. business.site).

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Later in the year, Norwegian plan to launch a subsidiary to fly domestic services in Argentina’s interior, which will make it easier to visit other parts of the country too.

How: Norwegian (norwegian.com) offer flights from London to Buenos Aires from £283.80 each way, with four departures per week.

Carlos Gardel street art in Buenos Aires.

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Buenos Aires, Argentina Best for: Urban discovery

Why: Once considered territory only for backpackers and career-break travellers, South America is now a very feasible option for a shorter holiday. British Airways paved the way with a series of direct flights, but now Norwegian is opening the destination up to the low-cost market.

On February 14, the ambitious airline will launch a direct service from London Gatwick to Argentina’s romantic capital Buenos Aires.

Along with sampling some of the country’s finest steaks and Malbecs at parrillas such as Don Julio (parrilladonjulio.com), admire

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Picos de Europa, Spain Best for: Hiking

Why: One hundred years ago, this stretch of peaks linking Cantabria, Asturias and Castilla y Leon was designated the first national park of Europe. Just 20km from the northern coast of Spain, it’s regarded as one of the most scenic wilderness areas in the country.

Tango dancers in Buenos Aires.

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Limestone mountains, cloud-reaching forests and tumbling glaciers make up the 300sq mile terrain, which is ideal for easy, multi-day hikes. Aside from the landscapes, there’s also the possibility of seeing golden eagles, wild horses and (if you’re really lucky) the Cantabrian brown bear.

How: Pura Aventura (pura-aventura.com, 01273 676712) offer a 7-night Picos de

Lake Enol, part of the Picos de Europa range.

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

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Europa Inn to Inn walking holiday from £1,050pp.

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Dundee, Scotland Best for: Art and design

Why: Excitement is mounting for the new V&A Museum of Design Dundee (vandadundee.org) which is expected to open late summer and is part of an ambitious £1 billion development of the city’s waterfront.

3 The new V&A Museum of Design, Dundee. (Under construction)

The first museum of its kind in Scotland will house a permanent collection tracing the country’s design heritage - from Charles Macintosh, the inventor of waterproof fabric, to Ian Callum’s creative input at luxury car manufacturer Jaguar along with world-class touring exhibitions.

In 2018, the city also celebrates its links with Mary Shelley, whose Gothic classic Frankenstein was first published 100 years ago. Explore streets described in her book on a walking tour with Dark Dundee (darkdundee.co.uk; tours from £10).

How: Rooms are available at the Hampton

by Hilton Dundee from £80 with breakfast.

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Malawi Best for: Wildlife

4 Shire River in Liwonde National Park in Malawi.

Shire River and Liwonde National Park in Malawi.

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Why: Although it’s frequently overshadowed by neighbouring safari giants Zambia and Tanzania, this small, friendly and politically-stable country is gearing up to be a world-class wildlife destination.

Last year, the world’s biggest ever translocation of elephants took place, successfully restocking the Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve, and this year there are plans to reintroduce lions into Liwonde National Park with the help of Leonardo DiCaprio’s charitable foundation.

But even without the big cats, Liwonde is a natural treasure. Watch elephants swim across the park’s Shire river on a boat safari and fall asleep listening to hippos snuffling in the undergrowth.

How: South African Airways (flysaa.com) offer flights from London Heathrow to Lilongwe via Johannesburg from £694 return. Stay at the Mvuu Camp (cawsmw. com) in Liwonde National Park from £270 per person per night full board.

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

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org.uk/wml/) recounting one of the world’s greatest archaeological discoveries.

Other highlights in the arts calendar include a return visit from French puppeteers Royal De Luxe as part of the city’s celebrations to mark 10 years since being European Capital of Culture, The Liverpool Biennial of contemporary art (July 14-October 28), and Tate Liverpool’s 30th birthday celebrations.

5 The Terracotta Army.

How: Adult/child foot passenger day trip’s from £31.00/£14.00 with the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company (www.steampacket.com/offers/fabulousfootloosefares)

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Nashville, USA Best for: Foodies

Why: Whether you’re a country music fan or not, Tennessee’s capital ripples with intrigue. Sure, cowboy boots still tap to irresistible riffs in crowded bars, but the appeal of the city renamed ‘Nowville’ by American GQ is so much broader.

A dynamic food scene runs from gritty Southern fare to classy gourmet creations, and the reinvigorated neighbourhoods of 12 South and East Nashville are shaping up to be hipster magnets.

6 Lower Broadway Area, Nashville.

Responding to growing interest in the city, British Airways will launch Europe’s first direct flight on May 4, with five services operating weekly from £499 return.

How: www.Britishairways.com

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Akureyri, Iceland Best for: Adventure

Why: A wilderness within easy reach, Iceland’s popularity grows every year.

Now second timers are venturing beyond Reykjavik and heading north for similarly striking waterfalls, geothermal pools and lava caves - only without the crowds.

Super Break have launched direct charters to Akureyri from Bournemouth, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Exeter, Humberside, Newcastle, East Midlands, Liverpool, Leeds Bradford, London Stansted and Norwich.

7 The Dimmuborgir lava formation, Iceland.

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Liverpool, UK Best for: Culture

Why: With 12 months of cultural events planned across the water, there’s good reason to visit year round. One of the biggest talking points is the impending

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arrival of the Terracotta Army from Xi’an.

For more than 2,000 years, these statues guarded the tomb of China’s First Emperor and, from February 9 until October 28, they’ll form part of a major exhibition at the World Museum (liverpoolmuseums.

Iceland’s second city is the gateway to the Arctic North, where highlights include Europe’s most powerful waterfall Dettifoss, lava formation Dimmuborgir and Myvatn Nature Baths - a far less touristy alternative to the Blue Lagoon.

How: Super Break (superbreak.com) offer the 4-night Incredible Iceland trip from Liverpool from £749ppp including B&B accommodation, flights and two excursions.

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O N T H E AG E N DA n F E B R UA RY 2018

I N V E S T M E N T - W E A LT H

PREDICTIONS

IN-BUSINESS -

THE OFFICAL OPENING OF ZURICH HOUSE

TECHNOLOGY -

D I G I TA L D E T OX

business news

Fiona Le Poidevin, CEO of The International Stock Exchange Group Limited

Carolyn Gelling, Head of the Isle of Man office

700+ new listings on TISE in 2017

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here were 705 new listings on The International Stock Exchange (TISE) during the year in which it opened its office in the Isle of Man. The number of new listings last year represents an increase of 203 (40%) on the previous year and took the total number of listed securities on the Exchange to 2,511 at the end of December.

Growth areas for new listings last year included debt products, such as high yield bonds and convertible bonds and investment vehicles, including Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs).

Fiona Le Poidevin, CEO of The International Stock Exchange Group

Limited (TISEG), said: “It is fantastic that we have built on our success of previous years by substantially increasing new business during 2017. This significant rise in the number of new listings at the Exchange reflects the growing recognition from issuers and their advisers that TISE provides the most appropriate listing venue for their securities.

Carolyn Gelling, Head of the Isle of Man office of TISEG, said: “A particular focus for us during 2018 will be showcasing how both local companies and those from outside the Isle of Man, such as UK small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), can potentially benefit from listing on TISE. We

will be demonstrating how TISE is a more convenient exchange for listing SMEs and other instruments compared to larger exchanges and why being able to facilitate listings from the Isle of Man means that we can offer stability at a time of significant uncertainty in the UK given the ongoing Brexit process.

TISE is among the sponsors of Manx State of the Nation 2018 which is being hosted by the Alliance of Isle of Man Compliance Professionals (AICP) on Friday 2nd February 2018 at the Villa Marina: www. events.bizzabo.com/MSON2018/home

Financial strength of RL360° reaffirmed by AKG

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KG has once again awarded RL360° and RL360° Services a B+ for financial strength, the highest financial strength rating of any international life company, following a review.

“AKG considers IFGL to be a financially strong standalone operation with very strong operational characteristics,” said the report, referring to IFGL as “one of the leading players in the offshore market”.

RL360° and RL360° Services retained 4 star service ratings, with the report saying that in the last year “RL360° appears to have maintained its service levels, while also working on the integration of RL360° Services”.

In addition, both RL360° and RL360° Services received 4 stars for image and strategy, plus business performance.

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RL360° Marketing Director Simon Barwell said: “It is gratifying to see AKG acknowledging the strength and success of RL360°, RL360° Services and IFGL following an extremely productive period for us. We’ve worked hard to grow the business and to do our best for our policyholders.

“The coming year will be a particularly busy one. Like all international life companies, we will need to be proactive in our response to changing regulations worldwide.

“These are exciting times for us, which will bring with them the kind of challenges we relish.”

AKG Actuaries and Consultants Ltd specialise in the provision of ratings, information and market assistance to the

financial services industry. The company’s reports are designed to provide advisers the information they need to assess the relative strengths of offshore long term insurers.

ON THE AGENDA

Clive Dixon Makes Citywealth Top 50 Editor’s Choice List

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live Dixon, a partner at Moore Stephens Isle of Man, has been featured on the Citywealth’s Top 50 Editor’s Choice List.

The Citywealth editorial team compiles the Editor’s Choice Lists to bring together lawyers, accountants, family offices, private bankers and trustees who deal with private Ultra High Net Worth clients globally.

“To be included on such a prestigious list with other industry leaders is a huge personal honour,” said Clive Dixon, Moore Stephens partner, “but really, it’s a credit to the entire firm and acknowledges the great work that the Moore Stephens team does each and every day.”

The list is an independent process and is the result of a decade-long research programme. The list judges each professional on four criteria: fees, quality of advice, communication skills and interpersonal skills.

Clive, like all individuals on the Top 50 Editor’s Choice List, was nominated for inclusion by peers or organisations which were then independently verified by Citywealth with peer or client references. His inclusion in this list means that Clive’s expertise has been recognised by the global wealth management industry.

We’ve always been by your side Celebrating 30 years of private banking and unwavering client service excellence in the Isle of Man. For a multi-award-winning approach, phone 645000 or visit

WWW.NEDBANKPRIVATEWEALTH.COM

ISLE OF MAN

|

JERSEY

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UNITED KINGDOM

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UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

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SOUTH AFRICA

Nedbank Private Wealth is a registered trade name of Nedbank Private Wealth Limited. Nedbank Private Wealth Limited is licensed by the Isle of Man Financial Services Authority.

Registered office: St Mary’s Court 20 Hill Street Douglas Isle of Man.

movers & shakers

Orry-James joins Cowley Groves

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rry-James has returned to the Isle of Man to focus on expanding the residential lettings and commercial departments in Cowley Groves. Based in central London Orry-James worked for one of the world’s most prestigious property businesses, Savills and is a full member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. His experience lies in valuation, development consultancy & residential agency, working with large development firms, financial institutions, and high net worth individuals on a wide range of projects and portfolios.

His passion for property started at a young age, working with his father at Cowley Groves in summer holidays and then continuing on to complete a business degree and a masters in real estate management.

Mark Canty Director Cowley Groves said; “The appointment of Orry-James to Cowley Groves is more than just an increase in staff force; it’s a real statement of intent and a true indication of how we as a company wish to drive forward both our property management and

commercial departments. I have long been of the opinion that the Isle of Man lacked a truly dedicated professional lettings department that treats its management portfolio, introduction only rentals, tenants and Landlords with the full attention and respect it deserves.

The restructuring that has taken place at Cowley Groves over the past eighteen months has now developed into what I see as the most dedicated team on Island, Orry-James alongside Jamie Irving and their own administration support team are the perfect recipe for success.

Orry-James’s experience at Savills working in a high energy London office dealing with high net worth clients and globally respected developers within the UK’s property industry will provide the Island with a fresh approach to commercial sales and rentals. His efforts to become a recognised member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors shows a fantastic desire and hunger to be the best at his trade; we are privileged to have Orry-James on board”.

Equiom appoints new manager in its yachting and aviation department

E

quiom, the international professional services provider, has appointed Jodie Beecroft to the position of Manager – Yachting and Aviation. The appointment comes as Equiom’s yachting and aviation team celebrates a surge in new business.

Jodie has built up knowledge and expertise in yachting and aviation over a period of more than 10 years, working in roles within a variety of businesses here on the island. She is also working towards becoming a full member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP), the international professional body for advisers who specialise in trusts and estates. At Equiom, Jodie will oversee the development of the yachting and aviation team while dealing with a wide range of significant international clients.

Equiom’s Director of Yachting and Aviation, Edward Leigh said: ‘I am very pleased to welcome Jodie to the team.

We have experienced tremendous growth in our yachting and aviation department over the past year alone and I believe with the addition of an individual of Jodie’s calibre, we will be able to provide a more well-rounded service to our clients. Her specialist knowledge within these sectors makes her a valuable asset to our team and I look forward to working with her.’

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ON THE AGENDA

RL360° and IFGL strengthen management team with two senior appointments

I

Simon Barwell

nternational life company RL360° and its parent company International Financial Group Limited have announced two significant appointments to their senior management team.

Simon Barwell is RL360°’s new Marketing Director, having been in the role on an interim basis since February 2016.

Mark Salthouse, who has been working as a consultant for IFGL on its acquisition strategy for the past few years, will take on the role of Director of Group Strategy for IFGL. Simon’s career began at Friends Provident in 1989. Since then he has worked across the life insurance market, most recently as an interim programme director at St James’s Place Wealth Management.

His experience is extensive and, for the last 11 years, he has carved out a successful interim career, working for a range of diverse, blue chip, financial services companies.

Mark is a business change programme

director with 30 years’ consulting experience across a range of industries worldwide. He spent 28 years with PW/ PwC/IBM, becoming a partner in 1999 and going on to create IBM’s European analytics practice.

Mark moved to RL360° to lead the integration of CMI into IFGL and is managing the purchase process for the Friends Provident International acquisition.

Mark will continue in that role on a permanent basis, as well as working on any further acquisitions and key strategic projects. He joins the IFGL Executive team.

Commenting on the appointments David Kneeshaw, Chief Executive of IFGL said: “Our drive for growth, both organic and transactional, means that we need to strengthen the management of IFGL and RL360. I have known both Simon and Mark for many years and together they add a broad range of experience and capability which makes us stronger.”

Mark Salthouse

MOVERS & SHAKERS

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Zurich House opening

OFFICIAL OPENING OF ZURICH HOUSE The new office for Zurich International, Zurich House, has been unveiled at its official opening event.

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ON THE AGENDA

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round 300 Zurich staff and 100 guests were invited to enjoy the celebrations held at the new purpose built office, including Lieutenant Governor Sir Richard Gozney, Chief Minister Howard Quayle, Minister for Department of Enterprise Laurence Skelly, Minister for Home Affairs Bill Malarkey and Treasury Minister Alf Cannan.

Guests enjoyed a selection of refreshments on the evening and were encouraged to get together for group snaps in the photo booth.

The Chief Minister, Chief Executive of Isle of Man Financial Services Authority Karen Badgerow and CEO of Zurich International Peter Huber all took to the stage to say a few words and officially open the headquarters.

The evening also included a cheque presentation to three local charities following fundraising by Zurich’s charity committee. CEO Peter Huber presented

£4,000 to Isle of Man Alzheimer’s Services Manager, Grahame Bell; £5,000 to Chief Executive of Hospice Isle of Man, Anne Mills and £3,000 to Isle of Man Foodbank Co-ordinator, Neal Mellon.

Having being based in the Isle of Man for more than 35 years and moving on from its previous HQ in Athol Street, Douglas, the opening event was to celebrate the beginning of a new chapter for Zurich International.

The new building, based in the Isle of Man Business Park and built by local property developer Dandara, is the first major development on the Island to have BREEAM accreditation. This demanding assessment process helps to reduce emissions, protect ecological value and enhance the wellbeing of those who work in them, contributing to the long-term sustainability of Zurich House. continue...

IN-BUISNESS

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Zurich House opening

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ON THE AGENDA

IN-BUISNESS

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marketing community

Successful event for Isle of Man Marketing Community

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ore than 40 marketing professionals attended the first Isle of Man Marketing Community event of 2018 earlier this week.

The event, which was presented by expert speaker Tony Langham, focussed on the importance of reputation and corporate governance, a hot topic on the Island at present. During the half-hour presentation on how reputation impacts the bottom line and employees, responsible communications and taking ownership of problems were highlighted.

The presentation was followed by a stimulating Q&A session.

Tony has been listed in Debrett’s top 500 most influential people in the UK and is one of PR Week’s top 300 influential PR people in the world. As well as being Chief Executive and Co-founder of consultancy firm Lansons, he plays an active role in developing the UK reputation management and PR industry.

Tony commented: ‘Having advised the Isle of Man Government since 2004, I was delighted to present to the Island’s marketing and business community about reputation management. Reputation is absolutely critical to individuals, businesses and jurisdictions given the increasingly global and complex channels in which business is conducted.

Organisations with the best reputation can hire the best people, spend less on conventional marketing and are listened to more by Governments and regulators – that’s why reputation is a regular topic in the Boardroom of all leading businesses.’

Voirrey Barron, part of the Isle of Man Marketing Community’s steering group, added: ‘Tony’s presentation was fantastic and I’m sure everyone attending took away a lot from the event.

Photos: Liam Gilman

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ON THE AGENDA

The human approach

You will be relieved to hear that our call centres are staffed with real people.

People like Joe, who is proud to have clients call him by his first name.

96% of the 6,000+ monthly calls are answered and resolved directly by Joe and his team in under 5 minutes.This means you won’t suffer a frustrating wait or be faced with automated options when you call RL360°.

We call this approach First Touch Resolution and we think you’re going to love it.

Find out more at www.rl360.com/quality/joe

Quality at your service

Joe Tomlinson, helpful human Isle of Man office

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

Economic Forcasting

Why I predict we will be wealthier in the future Words By: Tim Harford (FT)

I

t is the season for journalists to make their predictions for the year ahead.

These forecasts are the mince pies of the intellectual world: tempting, enjoyable, but manifestly unhealthy.

So let me attempt a loftier task — and one that is consequence free. I’d like to describe the economy not in the year 2018, but in the year 2118.

I’m not the first to attempt a hundredyear forecast. John Maynard Keynes did so in his 1930 essay, “Economic Possibilities for Our Grandchildren”, noting that on average we might expect to be eight times

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richer in 2030 than a century earlier. We will fall somewhat short of that, but not by much. I’ll make a more conservative forecast: that we’ll be five times richer in 2118 than we are today.

That would put global income at around $80,000 per person — roughly twice the current average salary in the UK today — and income in the leading economies will be more than $250,000 per person per year in today’s money.

Economic growth is decoupling from resource use — not everywhere and not in every respect, but broadly enough to give reason for hope This forecast omits and probably understates how much fun one might have with $250,000 in a century’s time. The economist Timothy Taylor sometimes asks his students to reflect on whether they would rather have a comfortable $70,000 today or a stupendous $70,000 in 1900.

On paper this is a no-brainer: $70,000 in 1900 was a much larger sum. Yet the question boils down to whether one would rather have servants, status and a mansion — or smartphones, computer games, air conditioning, penicillin, air travel and takeaway pizza. On balance most students decide they’d rather have modern technology than obsolescent opulence.

Similarly, $250,000 a year in 2118 should buy wonders that could not be had today for any money. A new book, Soonish, by Kelly and Zach Weinersmith, is a mischievous guide to the possibilities: ultra-cheap construction, courtesy of smart materials and swarms of robots; and ultracheap fuel and bulk chemicals, produced by genetically engineered micro-organisms.

We’ll be able to print replacement organs, swallow pills that correct genetic typos and fix cancers with ease.

ON THE AGENDA

Is this prediction Panglossian? Perhaps, but it does not presume a century of peace and harmony. It is more cautious than Keynes’s forecast, since which the world has witnessed appalling losses of human life in the Holocaust, Mao’s Great Leap Forward, the second world war and other disasters. We should fervently hope that the atrocities of the 20th century are never repeated, but the forecast merely assumes instead that future enormities do not threaten the human race as a whole. Any nuclear or biological war would have to be a local affair.

The other big question mark over this forecast is whether the planet itself can sustain continued economic growth.

Much depends on what this growth looks like. If it means burning more fossil fuels, consuming ever greater raw materials and intensively cultivating more land, we are in trouble.

Thankfully, economic growth is decoupling from resource use — not everywhere and not in every respect, but broadly enough to give reason for hope. In the UK, for example, energy consumption per person peaked in 1973.

We need smarter environmental regulations, but even without them, pure profit-seeking pushes producers to achieve more by using less. This is highlighted in Jesse Ausubel’s 2015 report, “Nature Rebounds”, which documents the

ECONOMIC FORECASTING

“Wealth will roughly quintuple by 2118, with global income of $80,000 per person”

increasing efficiency with which the US uses farmland, water and energy. In some cases — not all — the efficiency gains are so great that absolute use of these resources is in decline even while economic growth continues.

None of this would be enough if the world’s population was still booming at the rates that caused alarm in the 1960s.

But it is not; population growth has been in steady decline for half a century. If the number of people on the planet stabilises, and the efficiency with which we use resources increases, there is nothing implausible about a continued rise in the standard of living.

A final big question is how this bounty will be distributed. In an insightful essay from 1996, Paul Krugman predicted that there would be “no robot plumbers” in 2096.

I agreed with him then. I am no longer so confident.

It seems quite plausible that in 100 years’ time — and perhaps much sooner — plumbers, taxi drivers and many journalists, too, will simply have nothing serious to contribute to the labour market. If so, we’ll have to abandon the current model of the welfare state in favour of one where unemployment is neither stigmatised nor penurious, but a perfectly respectable lifestyle choice. That will require some kind of universal income for all.

No doubt my forecast will be wrong, although I hope it will take a few decades before its foolishness becomes undeniable.

Perhaps by 2118, humanity will have been superseded by hyper-intelligent software.

Perhaps cockroaches or smallpox will have taken centre stage. But it seems to me that if we can keep the show on the road, our great grandchildren might have reason to thank us.

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technology

Time for a digital detox Opting to ration time online creates opportunities for real world experience

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hile running to catch a cab to a fete on Christmas Eve, I dropped my smartphone into a puddle of icy water.

It cracked and died. I tried calling corporate IT, but they had already decamped for the break. No new phone until Jan 3nd.

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ON THE AGENDA

international.sure.com

NextGen voice services from Sure Make sure you don’t get stuck with outdated and costly technology.

Businesses across the world are moving away from ISDN services to more flexible, more cost effective solutions.

Sure’s newly launched NextGen services will provide Isle of Man businesses with a range of real alternatives, whether you are on or off our new Fixed Access Network.

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“The attention merchants want us to remain plugged in, so that they can collect more of our personal data and online habits.”

What followed was something that I imagine reformed smokers and alcoholics have been through — an uncomfortably itchy detox from the 24-7 distraction of digital data.

On the bus, I would find myself absentmindedly digging through my pocket for my phone. Five minute waits in the grocery line with nothing to scroll through, click on, respond to or “like” seemed interminable.

I tried mini-meditations to distract myself during my commute. But despite all the deep breathing and visualisation of stones dropping in water, my mind would quickly wander to how many emails were piling up. Melancholy set it. Without something in my hands and in my brain at all times, who was I? In retrospect, I think the answer is: a better person. There is a trove of research that now shows us just how profound the effect of the always-on culture is, on our brains, our work, and our relationships.

Smartphones and more particularly the online services are like nicotine, or sugar, or alcohol — they can be addictive and detrimental to our health if consumed too much.

The attention merchants want us to remain plugged in, so that they can collect more of our personal data and online habits. But our lizard brains cannot cope with the constant stream of distracting data A Goldman Sachs report looking at this effect noted: “According to Facebook, the average user spends 50 minutes per day on the social media site, compared to 35

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agenda

minutes per day for King (Candy Crush), 30 minutes for Snapchat and 21 minutes for Instagram. The platforms and others are designed to prolong consumption, making it seamless to go from one place of media to another, eg endless playlists on Spotify, a continuous stream of news articles on Quartz, automatic transition to the next episode on Netflix, video autoplay on Facebook . . . remove friction and consumption goes up.”

The attention merchants want us to remain plugged in, so that they can collect more of our personal data and online habits, which are the new oil of the digital economy. But our lizard brains cannot really cope with the constant stream of distracting data. The American Psychological Association concluded in a recent study that “constant checkers” — those who check email, texts and social media very frequently — are more prone to stress than those who do not. Last year, a study done by the University of Pittsburgh determined that the more that young adults use social media, the more likely they are to be depressed.

There are broader consequences, too. In the US, recent years have seen a reversal in the long-term decline in fatal motor accidents (up 6 per cent year on year in 2016). The National Safety Council attributes at least part of the increase to distracted driving due to texting/social media.

In China, there have been a spate of recent incidents involving obsessive

online gaming, including the death of a 13-year-old who had a stroke after playing one of Tencent’s online games for 40 hours straight (the company subsequently suffered a stock price setback after they instituted time limits for minors).

No wonder that a growing number of people are unplugging by choice.

A recent report from Ofcom, the UK’s broadcast and telecoms regulator, showed that 34 per cent of survey respondents had purposefully gone on a digital detox.

According to Ofcom, there has been an increase in demand for digital-free holidays in recent years; 16 per cent of respondents had purposefully gone on holiday to a destination with no internet access. And 12 per cent had chosen to leave their phone at home.

This may open up new opportunities for business in the physical world. Goldman Sachs analysts note: “As digital music has become increasingly abundant, the demand for unique music concerts and vinyl records has risen. Other segments of the “experience economy” have also seen growth, theme park attendance has risen every year between 2009-15, and admission prices for amusement parks are up 15 per cent in the US over the past three years.”

Imagine that — having an actual experience, with people you love, rather than just taking a picture of it and posting it online. I have promised my children and my husband that Christmas at least will be a smartphone-free day. And I have a feeling we will have a merrier one because of it.

ON THE AGENDA

Isle of Man | Home & Interiors | February 2018

The best place to find a new place in the Isle of Man

Sunnymeade Court - ÂŁ950,000

Lakeside Apartments - ÂŁ450,000

Sunnymeade Court Quines Hill, Port Soderick - ÂŁ950,000

A handsome gated modern family home, providing spacious accommodation in a highly sought after area. This property is finished to a high specification and located in a quiet private enclave of properties of similar standing. This convenient and sought after Port Soderick address is only a five minute drive from Douglas Town Centre, yet still within easy reach of the airport and private schools.

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

This sumptuous home comprises an impressive double height reception hall, family living room with log burner, large dining room, study area, guest wc, dining kitchen with AGA, separate utility, large integral garage, family bathroom and 4 spacious bedrooms (some coastal views), all with en-suite bathrooms. Outside welltended gardens and patio surround with parking for 5 cars complete the property. n Situated in the private enclave of Sunnymeade n Attractive spacious family home extending to 4500sqft approx n Sought after location only five minutes drive to Douglas and 10 minutes to the Airport n Impressive double height reception hall n 2 large reception rooms and separate study n Dining kitchen with Aga n Utility room and Integral double garage n Well tended private gardens n Secure gated entry system

www.chrystals.co.im

elegance personiďŹ ed

unit 18 tromode estate, douglas, isle of man, im4 4qb davidscotttiles.com

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PROPERTY NEWS

BayQueen-Proposed Scheme View From Harbour.

PROPOSED PLANS FOR BAY QUEEN UNVEILED Hartford Homes has unveiled new proposals for the redevelopment of the former Bay Queen Hotel site on Port St Mary Promenade.

The proposed designs were revealed at a public exhibition at Port St Mary Town Hall on Thursday 11 January, with representatives from the local developer on hand to answer questions and gather feedback.

Hartford Homes director James Greenhalgh said: “We hoped the exhibition would showcase our development proposals, which are nearing finalization.”

The proposed scheme would see the landmark site being brought back into use, with the development including 28 apartments contained in a six-storey building with a concierge facility and restaurant on the ground floor, plus six three-storey town houses and a singlestorey concierge’s flat to the rear.

James added: “We received a strong message that most people support the development of the site, and indeed our proposals. It was naturally not unanimous, nor unconditional and there were several

opinions voiced which ranged from constructive comments to outright opposition.

“We are taking on board comments from local residents as we prepare the planning application.”

A scheme for a 30-bedroom hotel and 34 apartments over seven floors in the front building and with 22 apartments over five floors in a secondary building to the rear, has already been approved for the site, however Hartford Homes felt this plan was unfeasible and could be improved.

James commented: “The new proposals offer a significantly less dense development than the approved scheme, with fewer apartments, a more attractive design, less visible parking and more landscaping.”

The proposed scheme would see the development of a completely new front building following the curve of the Promenade with replacement towers in the same position of the existing towers, thereby retaining the landmark features of the original hotel building.

The Bay Queen Hotel closed in 1994 and

BayQueen-ProposedScheme View From Bay View Road.

BayQueen-Proposed Scheme View From The Promenade.

has since been empty and disused. Part of the original building from pre-1926 was demolished in 2001, together with major internal stripping out of the remaining structure by the previous owners.

The proposals will now move to a formal planning submission. Further information will be released as and when these proposals are finalized.

HOUSEHOLDERS URGED TO TAKE PART IN IMPORTANT SURVEY Householders in the Isle of Man are encouraged to take part in a survey that is important for the Island.

Under the VAT-sharing agreement with the United Kingdom, the Isle of Man Government is required to conduct a Household Income and Expenditure Survey every five years.

The results will determine how much the Island receives in VAT and other duty under the Final Expenditure Revenue Sharing Arrangement (FERSA) – a large sum which is important in funding public services.

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The survey is also used to determine the basket of goods included in the Consumer and Retail Price Indices, measures of Island inflation.

The survey gets under way in April 2018 and runs for a year. Each month, 900 households will be invited to participate and record their spending over a twoweek period. Invitations will be sent out in batches throughout the year, starting in March. Households can also volunteer to participate in the survey by registering, tel: 01624 685743.

Participating households will meet

interviewers and complete general information regarding income and large item expenditure.

Once interviews are complete, households will log all spending over the subsequent fortnight in a diary that is provided. At the end of the fortnight, interviewers will collect the information. All information collected will be treated confidentially.

As an incentive to participate, each member of a household (aged 16 and over) that completes and returns the survey will receive £15 and one household a month will also win £1,000.

Local RIBA chartered practice, Hugh Logan Architects, can help to provide a unique solution in order to realise your needs, desires and aspirations for your property.

H U G H L O G A N A R C H I T E C T S

HUGH LOGAN

“Good design can and will

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add value to your property.

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— Hugh Logan

H u g H Lo g a n a r c H i t e c t s Bridge court 10 Bridge street c a s t L e tow n i s L e o f M a n i M 9 1 a X

Principal & Founder, Hugh Logan Architects

Phone 01624 825872 email HugH.Logan@HLa-iM.coM Web www.HLa-iM.coM

A one hour initial consultation is free of charge.

Solutions vary and can include — • Property Extension • Property Replacement • Remodelling to improve functionality • Remodelling to improve appearance

Services and advice are also provided for — • Development potential • Energy Conservation • Planning Consent • Building Regulations Colour variations

PHONE 01624 825872 EMAIL MAIL@HLA.IM WEB WWW.HLA.IM

BRIDGE COURT 10 BRIDGE STREET CASTLETOWN ISLE OF MAN IM9 1AX

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Use of colour On printed matter, red is preferred, and if not red, then black, but practices may use any colour – e.g. their own house colour. The ink for the preferred red is Pantone 032, or if printing out of four-colour process, please match using 90% magenta, 90% yellow. For the web, please use one of the ready-coloured gif files.

Whether you are looking to purchase your first home, move to a Exclusion zone different property, arrange a new deal or release equity to repay There is an exclusion zone of imaginary space around the logo to ensure that no other typeworking or other emblems comerelationship with the other commitments, our strong too close. Please observe this (above).

Island’s lenders and estate agents means Edgewater’s team of Digital formats The logo is available in the following formats: eps, tiff, gif lending experts can help find the right solution for you. and jpeg from www.architecture.com/practiceupdate (Practices will be asked for their unique registration number and password).

Lending Solutions we offer:n First Time Buyers n Moving Home or Remortgaging n Buy to Let n Bridging Loans

n Government House Purchase Assistance Scheme n Additional loans n Commercial Mortgages

SPEAK TO OUR EXPERIENCED TEAM (IAN CRAWFORD, SID LUDBE OR JOHN SHIELDS) TODAY AT ENQUIRIES@EDGEWATER.CO.IM OR ON 01624 654012/654015 Registered office: 1st Floor, Clarendon House | Victoria Street | Douglas | Isle of Man | IM1 2LN Edgewater Associates Limited is licensed by the Isle of Man Financial Services Authority and is registered with the Financial Services Authority in respect of General Business. IoM Company registration number 082727C

LAKESIDE APARTMENTS A stunning modern newly built prestige apartment block built by well renowned local builders Fairway Construction.

Overlooking Mooragh Lake these luxury apartments combine the peace and tranquility of a waterside location with the convenience of Royal Ramsey just a short walk away.

Decorated and furnished to a very high standard throughout these beautiful three bedroom apartments offer approximately 1,600sq/ft of living space.

Each of these eight exclusive apartments has been designed with views of the idyllic lake absolutely front and centre.

Private balconies and patios are perfectly located for relaxing, sitting idly watching the gentle activity on the water, or maybe even raising a glass or two as the sun sets

COWLEY GROVES. WE’RE GOOD WITH HOUSES.

over the hills. And you’ll wake with that wonderful view too.

Private parking is located close to the central lobby and a shared lift and level floors throughout mean that access is easy.

Utility rooms and plentiful cupboard space

PARK ROAD, RAMSEY

mean the apartments will stay looking light and spacious, no matter what. And the combination of contemporary gloss kitchen, ceramic tiled bathrooms, and other quality finishings all lend these properties a very real sense of luxury. If you are looking for a luxurious retirement property please

call into the Ramsey office and ask for Daniel Buxton or give him a call on 01624 812823 to arrange a viewing.

£450,000

Apartments with more than a view

T: 01624 812823 E: dbuxton@cowleygroves.com www.cowleygroves.com

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FEATURED PLACES Our pick of the market this month at £500,000+ DEVONSHIRE HOUSE

43 Devonshire Road, Douglas - £795,000

This is a unique opportunity to purchase a modern detached house which was built in 2001, offering deceptively spacious family accommodation all of which is presented in immaculate condition throughout.

The property is situated in a sought after and convenient location within walking distance of local schools and the Town Centre.

GARFORTH GRAY T: 667788

4 Bedrooms | 4 bathroom | 4 Receptions

OLD RESERVOIR HOUSE

(REDUCED)

A sensitively updated four-bedroom property dating from 1864 set in four acres of tranquil woodland enjoying total seclusion and privacy. Old Reservoir House is a successful fusion of the traditional and the contemporary, respecting its past yet incorporating a wealth of modern-day comfort and convenience, including a magnificent 43' x 30' (13 x 9m) triple-aspect kitchen, family room and informal dining space. With reception rooms flowing seamlessly one into another the ground floor offers supremely flexible accommodation that also features a wet room

Little Mill Road - £899,950

and sumptuous suite of bedroom, en-suite shower room, dressing room and gymnasium. Three bedrooms and a bathroom occupy the first floor, while a studio/workroom is discreetly housed within the grounds. Offering total peace and tranquillity yet conveniently located only moments away from Onchan and Douglas. The property is distinguished by its secluded woodland grounds through which flows the River Groudle, an enviable setting lent a sense of drama at night with the creative use of outside lighting.

4 Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms | 3 Receptions 74 64

There are distant countryside views and to the rear there is a large South facing lawned garden and paved patio area. To the front of the property there is a good sized block paved driveway leading to a rear courtyard area adjacent to the detached double garage.

CHRYSTALS T: 623778 ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

NEW BUNGALOWS COMING SOON TO RAMSEY If you’re looking for a new energy-efficient home in the north, then Auldyn Meadow is the perfect choice.

Call 615000 for more details

Email iomsales@dandara.com Visit our Sales Suite, 22-24 Victoria St, Douglas - open 7 days

Full details available on request. CGI for indication purposes only.

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APPETITE HOME

HOME

FEATURED PLACES FEATURED PLACES Our pick of the market this month at £250,000+ Our pick of the market this month at £250,000+

THE WATER TOWER

No 82

Ballamoar, Sandgate (Buiding Plot) - £250,000

Fairways Drive, Mount Murray, Douglas - £345,000 The historic Water Tower sits in a 2 acre plot with spectacular views across countryside and out to sea from the upper levels of the tower. Believed to have been built in the late 1800’s, originally to supply water to Ballamoar Castle and later to provide electricity to an engineer workshop and sawmill on the site. The Tower is built from Manx stone with beautiful arts and crafts style features, the water tank has been removed and the workshop and sawmill demolished. Planning permission is in place to build a property approx. 3500 sqft house which has the Water Tower in the centre.

The plans have been created to incorporate the arts and crafts styling of the Water Tower and taken features from other properties in the surrounding area. It consist of a 2 story building on one side with 4 double bedrooms all with en suite, utility area and cloak room, through the Water Tower base via a glass atrium on either side to a large open plan lounge, dining room, kitchen with a vaulted ceiling with floor to ceiling arched windows, leading into a stunning sunroom. In addition the plans include a separate garage with a workshop/storage facility at the rear. Plans also include provision of a ground source heat pump to supply heating/hot water.

DESCRIPTION > Well presented modern detached house > Flexible 3/4 Bedroom accommodation > Cul-de-sac position with golf course and countryside rear views > Lounge, Garden/Dining Room, Family Room/Bedroom 4 > 3 Bedrooms on the first floor, En Suite and Family Shower Rooms, Utility/Cloakroom > uPVC double glazing, gas central heating > Pleasant easily managed gardens > Driveway parking and Double Garage 4 Bedroom | 4 Bathroom | 2 Receptions

BLACK GRACE COWLEY

GARFORTH GRAY T: 667788 T: 645555

4 Bedrooms | 2 bathroom | 2 Receptions

24HILLBERRY HILLBERRY HEIGHTS 24 HEIGHTS

Governors Douglas - £289,950 Governors Hill, Hill, Douglas - £289,950 A large well presented and extended semi-detached family house situated in a sought after residential location. Close to all local amenities, schools, shops and bus routes.The large family reception room and lovely fitted kitchen/diner with double doors 3 Bedroom | 2 Bathroom | 2 Receptions leads to a stunning conservatory.The property also has gas fired central heating and is double glazed throughout. The property boast five bedrooms (one En-Suite, one with WC) and a family bathroom.

Outside you will find a well maintained and fully enclosed rear garden with decked area and off road parking for one car.

5 Bedrooms | 2 Bathroom | 1 Receptions 76 68

PROPERTYWISE T: 662820 PROPERTYWISE T: 662820

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

24 HILL

CHOICE

QUALITY

STYLE

5 Be

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HOME Discover our new homes across the Isle of Man, where award-winning design, build quality, energy efficiency and style are all included as standard.

See for yourself - our stunning show homes are open Sat & Sun 11am - 4pm.

With prices starting from just £182,950 isn’t it time you discovered dandara?

call: 615000 | email: iomsales@dandara.com | web: dandara.com

APPETITE

Recipes

DON’T COOK UP A STORM ON VALENTINE’S DAY STILL NOT SURE WHETHER TO MAKE AN EFFORT, OR AVOID IT ALTOGETHER? HERE’S SOME RECIPES TO ADD HEAT TO YOUR EVENING, WITHOUT BURNING DOWN THE KITCHEN.

By Sarah O’Meara

Oysters Kilpatrick n 3 bacon rashers, finely chopped n 2tbsp fresh breadcrumbs n 1tbsp Worcestershire sauce n 4tbsp double cream n 12 oysters n Lemon wedges, to serve

Heat a frying pan and add the bacon. Fry gently in its own fat until browned, then add the breadcrumbs and brown them briefly. Mix the Worcestershire sauce with the cream and divide it between the oysters, season well and then top each with some of the bacon and breadcrumb mixture. Grill until brown and crisp and serve with lemon wedges.

Mustard-glazed salmon with lemon and rocket and cannellini beans n 1tbsp honey n 1tbsp wholegrain mustard n 1 lemon, zested and juiced n 2 skinless salmon fillets n Olive oil n 1 garlic clove, crushed n 1 x 400g cannellini beans tin, rinsed and drained n 50g rocket

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Mix the honey and mustard with a splash of lemon juice and seasoning, then marinate the salmon in it for a couple of minutes. Heat 2 tbsps olive oil in a small pan, add the garlic and cook gently for 3-4 minutes. Add the beans and warm through. Add the rest of lemon juice and the zest and season. Grill the salmon for 7-8 minutes until just cooked through (no need to turn over). Toss the beans with the rocket and serve with the salmon.

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

APPETITE

Maple and pepperglazed chicken with roasted carrots

Chocolate puds with warm chocolate sauce

Heat the oven to 200C/gas 6. Toss the carrots in 2 tsp oil and season. Roast for 20-25 minutes until tender. Flatten the fat part of the chicken under some baking paper. The side of a rolling pin works well, or a heavy tin. Season the chicken. Drizzle a non-stick frying pan with a little olive oil and put over a medium heat. Brown the chicken on both sides for a couple of minutes until golden, then remove.

Add the garlic and pepper and cook for a minute. Add the vinegar and deglaze the pan. Add the maple syrup and stock, and simmer until syrupy, about 3 minutes. Add the chicken back to the pan and cook for another 5-6 minutes, turning to cook in the glaze. Serve with the carrots.

Heat the oven to 180C/fan 160C/gas 4.

Mix the flour, cocoa and almonds. Cream the butter and sugar, then add the eggs and flour mix, plus 1 tbsp water. Fold everything together. Spoon into 6 150ml pudding moulds, put in a roasting tin with 1 cm boiling water, cover the lot with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes or until risen and cooked through. Serve with the warm sauce.

n 3 carrots, quartered n Olive oil n 2 small skinless chicken breasts n 1 garlic clove, sliced n 1/2 tbsp black peppercorns, coarsely ground n 1 tbsp sherry vinegar n 2 tbsp maple syrup n 100ml chicken stock

Lamb chops with Turkish pepper salsa

Trim all the fat off the chops for the most low-fat option, or leave a little on for maximum flavour. n 1 rack of lamb, about 8 chops n 3 tbsp pomegranate molasses n 1/2 red pepper, finely diced n 1/2 cucumber, small, seeded and finely diced n 1 red onion small, diced n Small handful of mint leaves, chopped roughly, plus extra to garnish n 1 tbsp tomato puree n 50g feta, crumbled

n 100g golden caster sugar n 2 eggs n 125g softened butter n 40g ground almonds n 40g cocoa n 85g self raising flour sifted together with ½tsp baking powder n 100g dark chocolate melted with 170ml double cream to make a sauce

Really easy chocolate mousse n 75g dark chocolate, chopped then melted (use a standard dark chocolate for this rather than a high cocoa one as it combines better) n 2 eggs, separated n 25g butter, melted n 1tbsp Tia Maria (optional) n 2tbsp golden caster sugar

To melt chocolate put it in a heatproof bowl sitting over (not in) a pan of gently simmering water or in short 10-second blasts in the microwave. Mix the chocolate with the egg yolks and butter. Whisk the egg whites and then whisk in the sugar until the mixture is shiny and stiff. Fold the two mixtures together along with the Tia Maria, if using. Divide between 4 glasses and chill until set.

Heat the oven to 200C/gas 6. Rub the rack with 2 tbsp of the pomegranate molasses and season well. Sear in a non-stick pan to brown on both sides. Put on a baking tray and roast for 15 minutes. Remove and rest for 10 minutes. Put the red pepper, cucumber, red onion and mint in a bowl with the remaining pomegranate syrup and tomato puree. Season with salt and mix well. Slice the rack into chops and spoon the salsa over. Sprinkle the crumbled feta and the extra mint leaves over each plate before serving.

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

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APPETITE

COCKTAILS

JUST THE TONIC: 4 COCKTAIL RECIPES WITH ‘MEDICINAL BENEFITS’ A little of what you fancy from the cocktail cabinet could actually do you some ‘good’, repair cells and provide warmth - enjoyed with a large pinch of salt, of course.

If you’re thirsty for some cutting-edge cocktails and love the idea of mixology with ‘medicinal’ purposes, then a new book inspired by the original purpose of cocktails as therapeutic tonics is just the ticket (or should we say, cure).

Doctor’s Orders, by award-winning drinks consultants, Chris Edwards and Dave Tregenza, features the best drinks to “wield the power to soothe and restore”. Of course, while the recipes have suggested benefits, the authors point out that they’re just a fun guide and should be taken as so...

Want to raid the grown-up ‘medicine’ cabinet?

Here are four ‘curing’ cocktails from Doctor’s Orders...

1. First Aid Box Doctor’s Orders: Energy, antiseptic, cold clearer Vitamins & minerals: Potassium, niacin, magnesium, vitamin E, calcium, zinc Style/tasting Notes: Marzipan, vanilla, flowery smoke, liquorice flavours Glass/vessel: First-aid box, takeaway cup Perfect serve: Patron XO Cafe Tequila, Ron Atlantico Private Cask Rum Ingredients: 25ml vanilla-infused white rum or vanilla flavoured rum, 25ml coffee-

flavoured tequila, 50ml espresso, 20ml white chocolate syrup or chocolate sauce, 50ml soy milk Method: If making the infused rum, add one split vanilla pod to a 70cl bottle of white rum. Leave to infuse for one day, shaking regularly. Makes enough for 14 drinks.

Add all the ingredients to a shaker filled with ice. Shake very hard then single strain into a takeaway cup with no ice.

Garnish: Grated tonka bean (if desired)

2. Tiger’s Milk

Doctor’s Orders: Hydration, digestion Vitamins & minerals: vitamins A and C, potassium, calcium Style/tasting notes: Acidic Bloody Mary, salty and sour Glass/vessel: Highball Perfect serve: Pisco El Gobernador Ingredients: 50ml pisco, 30ml pink grapefruit juice, 25ml fresh lime juice, 100ml, clarified tomato juice or good quality tomato juice, 1/4 red chilli (finely chopped), large pinch sea salt and cracked black pepper, two large pinches coriander (one for garnish), one thumb finely chopped ginger (3/4 inside the drink, 1/4 for garnish)

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Method: If making fresh tomato juice, using a juice extractor, juice 5kg tomatoes. Add 100ml of lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste. Strain through a muslin and store the juice in the fridge for up to two weeks.

Add all the ingredients except the coriander and ginger to a shaker filled with ice and rock the mix (do not shake). Pour into a highball filled with ice.

Add one large pinch of coriander and 3/4 of the finely chopped ginger to the glass and disperse evenly. Top with ice if needed.

Garnish: Coriander, fresh ginger, fresh mint sprig (if desired) ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

APPETITE

3. Cherry Popper

Doctor’s Orders: Repair cells, warmth Vitamins & minerals: Antioxidant Style/tasting notes: A sweet smooth Manhattan, cherry flavours Glass/vessel: Nick and Nora or a coupe Perfect serve: Smooth Ambler Old Scout Bourbon, Antica, Formula Carpano Vermouth, Luxardo Maraschino Ingredients: 40ml aged bourbon infused with fresh cherry, 15ml sweet vermouth, 10ml Maraschino, three drops cherry bitters, orange peel Method: Slice 12 fresh cherries and add to a storage jar with a 70cl bottle of aged bourbon.

Leave to infuse for at least two days before straining. Keep cherries for special cocktails (muddling) or garnishing drinks.

Makes enough for 14 drinks.

Stir all the ingredients in a stirring glass with ice until chilled before straining into a frozen glass. Twist the orange peel over the drink before rimming the glass with the peel.

Garnish: Fresh, chilled cherry on rim (if desired)

4. Little Miss Sunshine Doctor’s Orders: Hangover cure, sunshine glow Vitamins & minerals: Vitamins A, B6, C and K, biotin, phosphorus Style/tasting notes: Cleansing, yellow tomato Bloody Mary, sweet and juicy Glass/vessel: Crystal highball Perfect serve: Whitley Neill Dry Gin, The Bitter Truth Celery Bitters Ingredients: 50ml dry gin, 100ml yellow tomato juice (or ordinary tomato juice for a Little Miss Sunset), 10ml elderflower cordial,

5ml balsamic vinegar, 20ml yuzu dressing, 10ml green Tabasco, two large pinches sea salt, two large pinches cracked black pepper, three drops celery bitters Method: Add all the ingredients to a shaker filled with ice. Gently roll and rock the shaker to mix the drink without diluting the ice. Once chilled, single strain the mixture into an ice-filled crystal highball.

Garnish: Fresh herbs and cress (if desired)

Want more recipes extracted from Doctor’s Orders? Over 50 Inventive Cocktails To Cure, Revive And Enliven by Chris Edwards & Dave Tregenza is priced £10. Available online now.

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

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APPETITE

WORDS BY | Anne Berry | The Wine Cellar

BEST served...

WHEN YOU THINK OF SERVING A RED WINE AT ROOM TEMPERATURE, YOU ARE PROBABLY IMAGINING A WARM SITTING ROOM OR KITCHEN HEATED WITH RADIATORS, WOOD BURNER OR AGA AT AROUND 20 DEGREES CELSIUS OR ABOVE. IN REALITY, WHEN ROOM TEMPERATURE IS ADVISED, THE WINE SHOULD BE SERVED AT NO MORE THAN 18 DEGREES. IDEALLY, RED WINE SHOULD BE STORED AT 12 DEGREES AND ALLOWED TO WARM UP NATURALLY. SOME WHITES SHOULD ALSO BE SERVED AT CELLAR 12 DEGREES RATHER THAN FRIDGE TEMPERATURE. Knowing what wines to serve at what temperatures is much easier than you might think and by serving the wine at its ideal temperature you can ensure you have the best experience as temperature can dramatically impact the way a wine smells and tastes.

The three general rules are: Sparking Wine should be served cold — 4 7 degrees Celsius If you haven’t been able to refrigerate your bubbles, you can also place the bottle in an ice bucket for 30 minutes and have similar results. The ice cold temperature will keep the bubbles fine rather than foamy.

White Wine and Rosé should be served cold, but not ice cold — 10 to 14 degrees Again, putting the bottles in the fridge for a few hours before drinking it is by far the best way to chill the wine, but an ice bucket will work as above. Once opened,

unless you are in a very hot temperature, white and rose should be left out of the ice bucket. As they gradually warm up, aromas and flavours are released, improving your enjoyment of the wine. Light whites, such as Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, and Roses should be kept at the lower end of the range, whereas fuller flavoured whites eg. Rich Chardonnay and Viognier barely need refrigerating at all if they have been stored at cellar temperature.

Red Wine should be served cool — 12 - 18 degrees In many European countries, red wine is served from the fridge. By doing this, the aromas and flavours are retained for as long as possible and allowed to slowly develop and open up, allowing the wine to show its full potential. The lighter the red, the cooler the serving temperature should be. A light Beaujolais would be enjoyed at its best at 12 degrees maximum whereas a rich Rhone red could be served at 16 18 degrees making the rich tannins less dominant.

In British restaurants, it is very common for white wines to be served too cold and reds too warm. If your white wine remains in an ice bucket, all you will taste is cold liquid and if your red wine is served at 22 degrees or more and feels warm on your lips, the delicate aromas will be lost for ever.

Next time you are offered an ice bucket for a bottle that is already chilled, turn it down, or keep it and just dip the bottle back in from time to time if you think it is getting too warm.

Likewise if your bottle of red feels as warm as a mulled wine, ask for an ice bucket. The more delicate aromas and flavours will not return but you may enjoy the bottle just a little bit more.

Next time you are selecting a red at home, don’t be tempted to put it on the radiator, by the fire or in the microwave. Pour a glass and enjoy seeing how it changes with the temperature!

Serve this Gremillet Brut Champagne at 5 degrees Celsius. It comes from a family producer who decided to go it alone in 1979 after years of supplying the big names. At £24.95, it is amazing value for money for a Champagne that is poured in French embassies around the world.

Villa Wolf Riesling – this crisp, fresh, delicate dry Riesling from one of Germany’s leading producers should be served at 7-8 degrees. Enjoy its freshness and the wonderful crisp citrus character at its very best.

The Seriously Cool Cinsault from South Africa can be enjoyed at 10 degrees, but also at 18 degrees. With each degree the flavour profile will alter so it is the perfect wine to chill and then to keep enjoying it as the temperature rises during the evening!

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

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Lisa Conway

DYING TO CHANGE YOUR HAIR COLOUR? THESE ARE THE MUST-CONSIDER FACTORS, ACCORDING TO AN EXPERT Whether you want to go darker or are reaching for the bleach, here’s what you need to know before you take the plunge.

New year, new... hair? If the dawn of 2018 has got you itching to switch up the shade of your tresses, we say go for it - but don’t rush in without carefully considering your options.

“Any change in hair colour should have a thorough consultation with a professional, so we can manage your expectations and let you know what we think is achievable,” says Lisa Conway, expert L’Oreal colourist at Ladies by Lisa. “Many people don’t realise that getting to your perfect colour is a journey and cannot be achieved in one hair appointment - and definitely not in one at home box colour.”

What would happen if you did decide to grab the first dye kit that takes your fancy and whack it on your barnet?

“Well, best of luck, but be aware of mismatched roots, patchy colour, breakage, bad results... the list could go on!” Lisa warns. “There are so many things that can go wrong with at-home hair colouring.”

The colourist is keen to help avoid dye-job disasters, so here, Lisa sets out the three things you should always take into account when choosing a new hue, and how a professional can get you there, no matter what your base colour is.

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Try before you dye: 3 factors to think about...

1. YOUR HAIR CONDITION “Condition is key,” Lisa says. “Although we have amazing colours and hairstrengthening bonding products - which can be added during the colouring process - if the hair is not great, we need to start working on the health before we start a colour-change journey. Nothing looks worse than unhealthy, damaged, broken hair.”

2. COLOUR UPKEEP “For me, whenever considering a colour change, I like to advise clients of ongoing cost, upkeep and time commitment, so there’s a general overview of what it means to change your colour and keep your desired new shade,” Lisa explains. Going back to get your roots done every six weeks isn’t cheap, so make sure you know what the upkeep will cost before you take the plunge.

3. YOUR HAIR AND SKIN COLOUR This is one area where Lisa isn’t so prescriptive: “There was a time when skin colour always came into the equation, but when people are looking at extreme changes, quite often it becomes statement hair and that doesn’t follow the same rules!”

How’s it done in the salon?

What to expect if your natural hair colour is...

...BLACK “If your hair is black, you will need more than one appointment and we are definitely looking at a long journey to go blonde - you would need to think about being golden and copper part of the way through this service,” Lisa explains. “Products such as L’Oreal Professionnel’s Smartbond will definitely help maintain the condition of hair when going from dark base colours to light, but it won’t be achievable in one appointment.

“Black to red, as long as it’s natural, is pretty simple and I would recommend having this done in one salon visit.

“Black to brunette, again, is not too difficult and should be done in one visit.” ...BRUNETTE “Brunette to black or red is very simple just one sitting appointment,” says Lisa.

But going blonde is a bit more complicated: “Brunette to blonde is all dependent on your shade of brunette and your required shade of blonde. You could be in a new colour spectrum within one to two appointments.” ...RED “Red to brunette would be achievable in one appointment, as long as the customer is OK with being a warmer brown, rather than cooler tones,” Lisa advises, while red to black in one sitting is, “simple - and you should end up being a sultry dark-haired customer.”

Going blonde, however, is, “much harder and depends on the shade of red you are and how blonde you want to be.” ...BLONDE “A natural blonde can go any of these shades as you are basically going darker, so a few expert rules and tricks, and a new colour is yours,” Lisa explains. “Getting back to your natural colour again, though, is far more complicated.”

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BEST-DRESSED CHRISTMAS WINDOW COMPETITION WINNER REVEALED Interior fashion store Magazzino won the Best-Dressed Christmas window competition, sponsored by Gallery magazine in association with Douglas Town Centre Management.

18 town-centre businesses entered the competition that asked shoppers to like their preferred window display photo on Facebook, with the Wellington Street store emerging favourite.

For their efforts the team at Magazine have won advertising space in Gallery and received a congratulatory visit from the Mayor of Douglas, Debbie Pitts.

FASHION NEWS INSTAGRAM-APPROVED HAT TRENDS TO TRY THIS WINTER BAKER BOY HATS The accessory of choice for big-name bloggers like Chiara Ferragni, aka The Blonde Salad, the Baker Boy hat looks equally chic teamed with a big fluffy teddy bear jacket or a long wool coat.

For extra style points, look out for edgy details like vinyl trims, gold buckles and chain trims.

River Island Black Chain Trim Baker Boy Hat, £18

According to our favourite online style stars these are the season’s hottest hats.

A cosy hat is essential in winter for keeping the cold at bay, but that doesn’t mean this should be a purely practical purchase - not when the shops are full of such cool options, and the internet is awash with styling inspiration.

BASEBALL CAPS OK, technically they’re called baseball caps, but these peaked hats aren’t designed for the playing field. In unexpected fabrics, with luxe details like playful pom-poms, these cute caps will help you score a style home run.

Nasty Gal Come to a Head Corduroy Baseball Cap, £8 C.C. Exclusives Metallic Black Pompom Baseball Cap, £12.99, TK Maxx

Inspired by our favourite Instagrammers, here are four ways to rock a hat this

Topshop Baker Boy Hat, £15

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BERETS Berets had fallen out of favour in recent years, but now the French favourite is back and you don’t have to team it with a Breton top and Chanel 2.55 bag (unless you want to).

BRIGHT BEANIES Perk up a palette of wintery greys or browns with a beanie hat - the brighter the better. The coolest way to wear the beanie now? Swap your thick pom-pom-topped hat for a fine knit (preferably cashmere) version.

Your beret should be made of wool in the traditional style, but any colour goes, from pastels to black and everything in-between.

Orwell + Austen Neon Pink and Red Cashmere Beanie, £35

Accessorize Teal Wool Beret, £12

Somerville Rainbow Stripe Cashmere Beanie, £49 ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

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TEST DRIVE:

ASTON MARTIN VANQUISH S VOLANTE One of the best-looking convertibles on the market, Simon Davis gets behind the wheel to put the Aston Martin Vanquish S Volant to the test.

WHAT IS IT? It’s a sad thought, really, that the Vanquish S could just be the last car Aston Martin produces that features a naturallyaspirated V12 engine under the bonnet.

Ever tightening emissions regulations are consigning cars such as this to the history books at an alarming rate, replacing them with smaller, less-polluting turbocharged power plants instead.

While these blown engines may benefit from more power and a smaller appetite for fuel, they can’t quite match their naturallyaspirated ancestors when it comes to drama. And in this, the convertible Vanquish S Volante, you’re about as close to that drama as you can get.

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WHAT’S NEW? The Vanquish S Volante is actually a bit of a dinosaur these days. Although it was only brought to market last year, it still shares a lot of its makeup with the original secondgeneration Vanquish Volant, launched back in 2013. Key changes for the Vanquish S are more power from its mighty 6.0-litre V12 up 27bhp to 592bhp, to be precise - as well as a new carbon-fibre front splitter and diffuser. There’s a restyled quad-exhaust system, too. Beneath the skin, Aston’s engineers have fettled the suspension, to improve the super-GT’s poise through the corners.

WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET? This is the Aston’s party piece, and ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

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WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE? There’s no question that there’s a certain sense of occasion that comes from getting behind the wheel of the Vanquish S Volante. Slide down into the cosseting leather seat, pop the overly-designed glass key into the ignition, and the V12 engine barks into life.

While the folding fabric roof does allow you to take in more of that engine’s intoxicating soundtrack, the absence of a proper metal roof does mean that the Vanquish S Volante will never be quite as competitive as its coupe stable mate down a winding country road.

However, that’s not the end of the world.

Even though the Volante may be more than 100kg heavier than its rangemate, it’s still offers keener drivers an exhilarating drive thanks to its wonderfully balanced chassis, compliant dampers and well-weighted steering.

arguably the primary reason why you’d want to go out and spend £211,950 to get your hands on a Vanquish S Volante. The 6.0-litre naturally aspirated V12 develops a considerable 592bhp, with peak torque standing at 630Nm. The benchmark dash from 0-60mph is dispatched in 3.5 seconds, and the Aston will carry on to a 197mph top speed.

Now, fuel economy from a car with a whopping great V12 under the bonnet is never going to be amazing, but compared with rivals such as the Bentley Continental GT convertible and Ferrari California T, the Aston’s claimed 21.6mpg is roughly par for the course.

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HOW DOES IT LOOK? You’d be hard-pressed to find a more attractive convertible than the Vanquish S Volante - no small feat considering the current crop of drop-top supercars.

The long, elegant bonnet flows down to an aggressive front end, which is accentuated by a racy new carbon-fibre splitter. At the back, a similarly sporty looking carbonfibre diffuser has been added, while a new quad exhaust design hints at the Vanquish S’s increased performance. It’s a stunninglooking thing, and certainly one that attracts attention out on the road.

WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE?

The cabin is the drop-top Aston’s biggest let down. Yes, there’s plenty of leather and everything has been stitched together by hand, but you can’t help but think it looks rather dated - and even a bit haphazard in places. This theme is continued by the centre console, which adopts a rather button-heavy approach to its design, as opposed to the more minimal layouts that are increasingly favoured by both premium and budget manufacturers. Then there’s the infotainment system, which looks practically prehistoric next to those found in the likes of the Mercedes-AMG GT C Cabriolet and Audi R8 Spyder.

WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE? Considering you’re paying north of £200,000 for the privilege of owning an Aston Martin Vanquish S Volante, you’d hope standard equipment would be generous. For that rather considerable sum of money, Aston Martin will throw in leather upholstery, 20-inch alloy wheels, plenty of carbon fibre and a premium Bang & Olufsen 13-speaker sound system. So at least you’re not feeling short-changed in the equipment department.

With that big 6.0-litre V12 under the bonnet, though, running costs are going to be pretty steep. Aston Martin quotes a combined fuel consumption figure of 21.6mpg, while CO2 emissions stand at a steep 298g/km.

VERDICT Aston Martin’s Vanquish S Volante isn’t without its flaws. Sure, the power and soundtrack from the engine is addictive and it’s great fun on a windy road, but it’s let down by a cabin that doesn’t feel anywhere near as high-quality as its £211,950 price tag would suggest.

Still, it has those drop-dead gorgeous looks, is comfortable at low speed, highly entertaining on a challenging road and is likely to be one of the last Aston Martins to be powered by a naturallyaspirated V12 engine. That’s almost a good enough reason to buy one on its own.

THE FACTS Model as tested: Aston Martin Vanquish S Volante Price: £211,950 | Engine: 6.0-litre V12 | Power (bhp): 592 | Torque (Nm): 630 | Max speed (mph): 197 | 0-60mph: 3.5 | MPG: 21.6 | Emissions (g/km): 298

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GADGETS

Baby It’s Cold Outside…

WORDS Rebecca Evans

Excuse me for harking back to Christmas with the title, but don’t you wish we were still guzzling mulled wine, all wrapped up in bulky Christmas Jumpers? Unfortunately those little pleasures stopped being socially acceptable weeks ago, so whilst the weather remains chilly we need to find alternative ways to warm our cockles until spring arrives. For this month’s gadget run-down I’ve been investigating tools to raise the temperature.

LENZ HEATED SOCKS

There’s little in life that’s worse than having frozen feet, especially if your work or hobby involves spending a lot of time out in the cold. Designed with snow sports in mind, but suitable for anyone that likes a toasty toe, Lenz are putting their best foot forward in wearable tech.

These ergonomically designed socks feature comfort pads, breathable fabric and inbuilt heating elements, which connect directly to the lithium battery pack supplied and provide up to 14 hours of heat on the lowest setting, with a 5-7 hour recharge time.

The obvious problem of adjusting the heat settings and switching on and off when the socks are buried under bulky layers is solved by the compatible app and Bluetooth capability, allowing the wearer full control without the need to expose their extremities to the elements, and unlike other heated boot liners or insoles on the market, wearers can make the switch from ski boot to slippers without losing warmth.

Whether your winters are spent on building sites or black runs, a pair of Lenz socks are worth the investment.

The Lenz 1200 Lithium Pack & 1.0 Heat Sock combination is £131 from www.ekosport.co.uk

ART OF PAWS HEATED PET BED It’s not just us humans who feel the chill when the centigrades are in single figures.

Despite their inbuilt fur coats, our four legged friends appreciate a cosy place to curl up just as much as we do.

Pamper your pooch or puss with the Art of Paws heated pet bed. This soft and snuggly pet pad warms up when your pet is in place, and automatically returns to a lower temperature once they’ve gone walkies, saving energy and reducing running costs.

The bed features a removable and washable fleecy cover, internal thermometer to prevent overheating and a 2m cord with all important bite-proof coating.

Warning: The internal electrical wires must be kept dry, and there is no guarantee that your cat won’t prefer the box that it comes in.

The Art of Paws pet bed is available from www.amazon.co.uk at £44.97

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“Unlike a traditional fan heater, which makes a noise like an emphysemic tractor and serves only to superheat the 6 inches of air directly in front of it, the Dyson AM09 is quiet as a mouse, and harnesses specialised Air Multiplier technology to create a powerful and uninterrupted air stream which heats a reasonable sized room quickly and efficiently.”

ZIPPO RE-USABLE HAND WARMER

As an occasional skier I’ve used a few hand warmers in my time, and if I’m honest they’ve been consistently underwhelming. Little sachets of sodium acetate that heat up to a degree or two above body temperature for 15 minutes, before you need to faff about boiling them in order to reset for next time. Who can be bothered with that when there’s Aprés to be enjoyed?

Luckily for those of us stricken with poor circulation, Zippo have officially upped the hand warmer stakes. Their sleek and stylish brushed steel pod works via a catalytic burner unit, is flameless and achieves up to 10x the heat of the competition, for up to 12 hours. Working best with Zippo lighter fluid, the warmer is supplied with a filler cup to save from spills, and a fleece carry pouch to prevent your skin from smouldering, this thing can get HOT. To reactivate after use, just top up with lighter fluid and go again.

Perfect for winter sports, chilly fishing trips or blustery winter walks along the coast, the Zippo hand warmer is a must buy for those who suffer from parky paws.

The Zippo Hand Warmer starts from £18.70 on www.amazon.co.uk

DYSON AM09 HOT + COOL FAN HEATER

Ever since the launch of their iconic bagless vacuum cleaner, Dyson have continued to change the game in gadgets, from hand-dryers to hairdryers, and now heaters. Unlike a traditional fan heater, which makes a noise like an emphysemic tractor and serves only to superheat the 6 inches of air directly in front of it, the Dyson AM09 is quiet as a mouse, and harnesses specialised Air Multiplier technology to create a powerful and uninterrupted air stream which heats a reasonable sized room quickly and efficiently.

The intelligent thermostat will automatically power the heater off once the desired temperature has been reached, and start up again once the mercury drops. Settings can be adjusted using the supplied remote control, and the lack of blades or exposed heating elements make this heater perfect for households that contain inquisitive toddlers or curious cats.

There’s no need to pack this stylish device away when summer kicks in; it also works as a powerful fan. Cool.

The Dyson AM09 is £399 at www.currys.co.uk

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PHONE HOME SONY XPERIA XA2 ULTRA: THE ULTIMATE DUAL SELFIE CAMERA SMARTPHONE If you’re looking for a smartphone that offers big screen entertainment, then the XA2 Ultra could be the perfect choice. With an impressive 6-inch full HD display it provides the perfect canvas for photos and video with vivid colours and exquisite details. It also opens up a new dimension with its two selfie cameras which means that you can get the best shot in any situation – day, night, alone or with friends. Stunning images are always assured with the Ultra’s 16MP camera, which is great for low light images, and its 8MP camera which is ideal for super wide group selfies. For even higher resolution image quality the Ultra’s main camera boasts 23MP. Excellent sound quality is delivered by Smart Amplifier technology, ClearAudio+ which creates a rich, immersive experience, and ClearBASS to complete a comprehensive audio package. As you would expect from any Sony device, the Ultra has form and function in equal measure with its durable Corning® Gorilla® Glass display and metallic back panel, a combination which creates a handset that’s both durable and easy on the eye. An

integrated fingerprint sensor unlocks your phone instantly at your touch.

The Sony Xperia XA2 Ultra will be available from Manx Telecom in early February 2018 from £0 upfront for £45 per month on a Smartroam 25GB tariff which includes unlimited texts, 1,000 on-Island minutes, 25GB data, 100 roaming minutes, 100 roaming texts and 2GB roaming data available to use in Zones 1 and 2.

For more details call in to the Manx Telecom Strand Street store in Douglas.

To see the Xperia XA2 Ultra’s full specification go to www.sonymobile.com

NOKIA 8 – THE PHONE THAT LOOKS BOTH WAYS! The word ‘selfie’ is about to be replaced by ‘bothie’. Well, according to Nokia it is!

As well as a gorgeous anodised aluminium finish, the new Nokia 8 comes with ‘bothie’ functionality (more technically known as DualSight mode) that lets you capture images using the front and rear cameras at the same time, so you can take split-screen photos and videos to your heart’s content.

The cameras themselves are built from superb Zeiss optics that capture 13 MP images and the front camera includes a wide-angle lens and auto-focus, while the rear camera has both colour and monochrome sensors so you can capture the moment exactly as you want to see it.

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Beyond cameras, the Nokia 8 is a superb tool that blends in just as well at work as it does in your social life. Cut from a single block of aluminium, it is beautifully elegant and runs on the latest Android Oreo OS, powered by the Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 835 Mobile Platform, which is engineered to deliver exceptionally long battery life.

Certainly Nokia’s best smartphone to date and you can try it for yourself. Pop into one of the Sure stores – in Douglas, Ramsey or Port Erin to find out more.

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MANNIN HOTEL WEEKEND SPECIAL DINNER, BED AND BREAKFAST £120 per room

Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings between JANUARY 5TH 2018 - SATURDAY 31ST MARCH 2018* Includes:

To book please call 01624 602555 E-mail info@manninhotel.im 8-16 Broadway • Douglas • IM2 4EL /mannin hotel • www.manninhotel.im

* Terms & Conditions apply

• Overnight stay for two people in Atrium or Broadway room • Three course dinner in Liberties Restaurant • Full English Breakfast • Complimentary Wi-Fi and Car Parking

NIGHTLIFE

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DANCE: To ensure the highest level of dance technique and performance we are offering separate dance classes that compliment Acro, in partnership with Gena’s Dance Academy.

WE ALSO OFFER: Toddlers: Dance, Acro & Ballet Adults: Dance, Zumba, AcroYoga & Yoga

Association of American Dancing

Acro Dance Studios Ltd, Unit 16b/23b Village Walk, Onchan www.acro.im BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

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