February 2019 | the FEMININE issue

Isle of Man Premier Magazine | no. 82 | February 2019 | the [FEMININE] issue

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UPFRONT

CONTENTS 54 Valentines Choclates

UPFRONT

5 6 What's On 9 Manbags at Dawn 10 Mae Challis 12 Adventure Awaits 14 Old Traditions, New Horizons Edito

UPFRONT

(The Isle of Man has an area of 221 Sq miles)

PLACES

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Photo credit: Liam Gilman

At first glance, a bank and a rural youth organisation may not appear to have much, if anything, in common. But in a small island community, where boundaries are no match for shared values and interests, and people typically work and play with equal gusto, all kinds of connections can be forged. And it is the relationships resulting from these connections which have the power to unlock potential, be it personal or professional.

When Conister Bank recently announced their sponsorship of this year’s Isle of Man Young Farmers Concert, it was a reminder of the positive contribution that both organisations have made to the local community over the years. In Conister’s case, this has included directly supporting the agricultural sector through tailored products and services.

Conister Bank has been meeting the financial needs of personal and commercial customers in the Isle of Man since 1935.

While the bank has grown and evolved significantly over the years, it has stayed true to its traditional core values, chief amongst them maintaining its close, long-standing client relationships. As an independent bank which makes all its lending decisions right here in the Isle of Man, the Conister team are able to use their local insight and knowledge to develop the ideal products and services for their customers, find the right solutions, and offer best value.

Over the years, Conister Bank has enabled many businesses to find their feet and reach their potential. It has also helped the island’s Agricultural Sector to maintain its position, through good times and bad, as a key contributor to the economy.

The bank’s livestock funding and asset finance schemes may not mean much to people outside farming circles, but as Andy Bass, Head of Sales (Isle of Man) can testify as to the difference these kinds of financial support can make: “Being able to adapt quickly to needs that arise in the agricultural year is really important, often

weather and fluctuating market values play a huge part in the sector”.

“We’ve always done our best to listen to voices from within the farming community, and to understand their needs. These can be anything from someone requiring short-term support in a specific area – for instance, funding to buy a new piece of equipment – to someone who is looking to scale up or diversify in a significant way, and needs to map out the future. We value the relationships we have with our clients, some of which go back decades, and are committed to helping them achieve their goals and dreams”.

Charlie Corkill, Chairman of the Isle of Man Young Farmers’ Federation, says it wasn’t difficult to choose their sponsor for this year’s concert which takes place 21s–23rd March at the Gaiety Theatre. “This is the second year that Conister Bank have been our sponsor, and we’re delighted to have them come on board again. They’re a great fit for Young Farmers because they’re well known for supporting our community and understanding what we’re all about.

Gallery is published eleven times a year as a fresh yet discerning guide to all that happens on the Island and beyond.

Not too arty farty superior or too serious, written by you and enjoyed by people everywhere.

APPETITE UPFRONT

OLD TRADITIONS, NEW HORIZONS: EXPLORING THE SHARED GROUND BETWEEN TWO ISLAND INSTITUTIONS

Feature Properties

“They’ve had a presence at the Royal Manx Agricultural Show for a number of years now, so they’re a familiar face.

The team there aren’t afraid of going out and getting involved, which in the Isle of Man is how you sustain lasting relationships, whether that’s with friends, colleagues or clients”

60 Wine Talk 61 Valentines Cookies

WHO WE ARE

TRAVEL

If anyone can talk with confidence about the importance of going out and getting involved, it’s the Isle of Man Young Farmers. Devotees of their irrepressible annual concert (and there are many: last year, people began queuing at the Welcome Centre hours before tickets went on sale) may or may not know how much more there is to the organisation than treading the boards, with or without wellies!

PUBLISHER

62 Going Solo TRAVEL

TRAVEL

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

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18 Worst Things About Dieting 20 News in Numbers 22 Give 24 Misc

ADVERTISING SALES

Duck, without anyone to raise a whimper of objection. On the other hand I saved much longer than that by taking full advantage of single-rider queues.

WORDS Rebecca Evans

14

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

HAVE YOU EVER DREAMT OF SPENDING A WEEK, OR A MONTH, OR EVEN JUST A COUPLE OF DAYS DOING EXACTLY WHAT YOU WANT TO DO, WHENEVER YOU WANT TO DO IT, AND WITHOUT HAVING ANYONE ELSE’S WANTS OR NEEDS TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT? IF THE ANSWER IS YES THEN REST ASSURED THAT YOU’RE NOT ALONE. The Association of British Travel Agents (or ABTA to you and I) reported in October 2018 that interest in solo holidays is booming, with 15% of travellers in the previous 12 months going it alone, up 12% on the previous year. While the idea of a ‘single traveller’ may bring to mind 19 year old backpackers on a gap year, or lonely widowers joining Saga tours, you may be surprised to learn that the biggest increase in those going it alone has been in the 35-44 age group, and that the majority are Women.

Specialist site Solotravelerworld.com have seen searches for ‘solo female travel’ increase by 52% year on year, and when surveying their users found that 46% of Women travelling alone are doing so for freedom and independence, 22% weren’t willing to wait around for a suitable travel companion, and a further 15% wanted to challenge themselves. While many Women travelling alone do

so because they don’t have a significant other, or friends and family aren’t available to travel when/where they want to go, an increasing amount are making the decision to go it alone regardless of who would or could accompany them. Some Tour Operators have reported a rise in busy mums somehow making the time to squeeze in a short break just for them, in order to return genuinely relaxed and rejuvenated, something that rarely happens during a week away with kids in tow (or so I’ve heard).

Despite this rising trend in solo adventures, as a 35 year old Woman who has holidayed alone a number of times, I can attest that the

reaction from peers is not always positive - when I told people about a solo trip to Paris I was planning last year I was met with a mixed bag of responses, at least one of which questioned my sanity. But this stigma is misplaced; of course it can be nervewracking going somewhere new without the reassuring presence of a companion, but once you take the leap then the real benefits far outweigh any perceived negatives.

There’s a wonderful selfish freedom in being able to stick entirely to your own holiday schedule without needing to make allowance for anyone else. Fancy spending the entire day on a lounger with a book?

Do it! Or getting up at 4am to take an excursion to somewhere that interests you but would bore your spouse or friends senseless? Not a problem. In Paris I spent some time at Disneyland and indulged my inner-child by waiting 45 long minutes for a photo with Donald

“There’s often an assumption by those that haven’t done it that travelling alone would be lonely or boring, but in my experience that’s never been the case.”

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ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

There’s often an assumption by those that haven’t done it that travelling alone would be lonely or boring, but in my experience that’s never been the case. So long as I am armed with my Kindle (on solo trips I treat it a bit like Wilson in Cast Away; a constant companion, source of emergency entertainment and handy shield against unwanted approaches) and a rough plan of things I’d like to do/not do then being bored isn’t even on the radar. As for being lonely, the world is full of interesting people to talk to, and when we travel with a ready-made source of chat then we largely miss the opportunity to engage with them. In the interests of full disclosure there have been times when I’ve thought ‘it would be nice to share this moment with someone’ but when that’s not possible and the alternative to drinking champagne up the Eiffel Tower alone would be to be surrounded by people but sitting at my desk back home, it’s not hard to weigh up which is the better option.

For me, taking a holiday alone and completely devoid of compromises feels empowering, character-building and a tiny bit badass, not to mention generally being more relaxing than most of the holidays I’ve taken as a group or part of a couple.

As positive as all this independent adventuring is, and however much I’d encourage all Women to take the occasional solitary sojourn to somewhere exciting (even if it’s just a day trip to The Sound).

Who wouldn’t love a quiet day of people watching with a nice chilled beer and a bowl of moules, miles away from the demands of home?) it would be remiss of

T: 01624 619540 sales@gallery.co.im

“In Paris I spent some time at disneyland and indulged my inner-child by waiting 45 long minutes for a photo with Donald Duck, without anyone to raise a whimper of objection.” me not to mention safety. It’s a sad fact that no matter how far we’ve come in equality, a Woman on her own is simply more vulnerable than a Man in the same position.

Thankfully serious attacks of a type that make the news are rare, however it pays to stay savvy, pay attention to your surroundings and don’t take risks. No matter how much of a budget you might be on, safety is worth paying for. Upgrade your hotel if your first choice doesn’t feel comfortable, and take a taxi instead of walking late at night. In Paris I was anxious about negotiating the unfamiliar Metro and finding my hostel late at night, so I splashed for an Uber door to door, and left the map-reading until daylight.

Research your destination in advance if it’s somewhere new to you, keep a tight hold of your valuables and don’t be too quick to trust a new friend or acquaintance, no matter how honest they seem. For an extra layer of reassurance check page 72 for an array of gizmos and gadgets designed with travel safety in mind.

ACCOUNTS

laura@gallery.co.im T: 01624 619540 63

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GALLERY MAGAZINE

FASHION & BEAUTY

62 Boot Trends

EVENTS

26 Charity Ball 28 Triskelion Polo Club 30 Sophie and Dan’s Wedding 32 Tesco Staff Party

FASHION

FASHION

4 BOOTS TRENDS THAT ARE GOING TO BE EVERYWHERE THIS YEAR

Ask any true fashionista and she’ll tell you that shoe shopping is one of life’s greatest pleasures.

Coveting a pair of killer heels and making them yours is a dopamine-inducing delight - and there’s none of the agony that comes with browsing for bikinis or jeans, because the size of your feet doesn’t really fluctuate.

There’s something particularly pleasurable about buying boots, because unlike strappy sandals or sky-high stilettos that are reserved for holidays and special occasions, you can wear boots day in and day out, almost all year round.

Ready to find your perfect pair? Here are four boots trends that are set to dominate this year...

Office All Right Block Heel Boots, currently reduced to £58 from £95

MINIMALIST COWBOY BOOTS The cowboy comeback continues, but now it’s all about pared back, sleek styles in soft hues. Powder pink or white are ideal for pairing with floral frocks from now until summer.

PATENT BOOTS A high shine finish gives block heeled boots a luxe feel, and this season’s coolest pairs come with metallic or heel detailing too. Make these patent pretties your party stars.

Dune Priotry Boots, £145 (available January 28)

They spark joy way more often than those delicate court heels that stay hidden in a box at the back of your wardrobe most of the time - wouldn’t Marie Kondo approve?

CONTRIBUTORS

Topshop Houston Ankle Pointed Boots, £59

EDITORIAL

ZEBRA PRINT BOOTS Taking over from this season’s ubiquitous snake print, zebra stripes are galloping into fashion for 2019. Team with a leather mini skirt and a zebra jumper, if you really want to be on trend.

So what’s trending in the boot department for 2019?

One thing’s for certain, ankle length is where it’s at - these shorter styles will take you from winter to spring with ease, and with lots of cool colour and print options, they’re anything but boring.

BRIGHT BOOTS Break up wintry dark outfits with a pop of red, yellow or orange. Fiery hued kitten heel boots make a chic addition to a floral maxi skirt, or will brighten up a casual jeans and jumper combo.

Sosandar Zebra Print Leather Pull On Ankle Boots, £119

Tu at Sainsbury’s Online Exclusive Orange Sock Ankle Boots, £20

CULTURE

34 The Year of The Pig 36 Wildlife Stamps 38 Upload

Miss Selfridge Brooke White Western Boots, currently reduced to £31.50 from £45

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£50,000 Can you get a dream car on a budget? We think you can - Tom Wiltshire rounds up 10 of the best.

Dream cars are meant for bedroom wall posters, right?

Well, that’s not always the case - and if you’re lucky, you might be able to get the car of your dreams for a reasonable sum of money.

Aston Martin DB9 n Aston Martin’s DB9 relaunched the brand back into the mainstream, taking over from the older DB7. It was a resounding success; the car’s engine, construction and general driving style were leagues ahead of the car it replaced. It’s an impressively good used buy, too. The market is awash with decent examples, and our budget will net you a decent, well cared for model.

Manufacturing: n Export, Import Substitution.

“The Department helped us secure the relocation of an employee from our Cape Town office”

Digital: n Information and Communication Technology (ICT), eGaming.

Tourism & Hospitality: n Chefs, Head Housekeepers, Managers.

The business must: n Be in an eligible sector. n Have a permanent establishment/ place of business on island. n Be up-to-date in respect of Income Tax, VAT and National Insurance. n Submit their application in advance of appointment.

“It is not intended to take away opportunities from local workers, but is instead put in place to grow the Island’s workforce where local employees are unavailable. Not only is it looking to expand the Island’s workforce, it is also in the national interest as it helps to foster growth in the economy and generates additional tax revenue.

“Some businesses have used the Incentive to assist with finding suitable candidates, others engage with recruitment agencies, while many have used it to support candidates with relocation costs.

What is equally important is that the Incentive can also be used to reach out to Manx individuals around the world to encourage their return home.”

Anthony O’Mahony, Chief Financial Officer at J5 International recently took advantage of the Incentive: “The Department helped us secure the relocation of an employee from our Cape Town office,” he declares. “We were unable to fill the position locally and needed the experience and knowledge of this software developer to be based on island.”

He adds: “It meant we were able to support the employee with relocation costs and at the same time enabled us to retain this talent internally. We are currently in the process of accessing the scheme for another employee relocation.”

The job must: n Constitute permanent, regular employment. n Not be an excluded employment. n Offer a minimum starting salary of £25,000.

The employee must: n Be directly employed by the business. n Work predominantly on island. n Not have been a resident on island for Income Tax purposes prior to employment in the job. n Become a resident on island for Income Tax purposes for the period of employment in respect of which the grant is claimed.

TO APPLY:

n To see if your business is eligible for the Employee Relocation Incentive, contact the Department for Enterprise Team: enterprisesupport@gov.im or call (01624) 687333.

Assistance is paid retrospectively after the employee has completed 12 months of continuous service.

BMW Z1 n BMW’s striking Z1 may not be your stereotypical dream car, but it’s one we feel is worth considering. Why? Well for starters, the doors go up and down electronically - and it’s hard to describe just how cool this is. On a bright summer’s day, you won’t regret opting for the Z1. We promise.

IN THE LAST 2 YEARS, THE EMPLOYEE RELOCATION INCENTIVE HAS

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Invested over

£1.9 million

RECRUITMENT

50 IoD Event 52 Why We Chose Brexit

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Been linked to over

260 employee

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Helped over

PAPARAZZI

businesses relocate employees to the Isle of Man

agenda

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Disclaimer.

Ferrari 360 n We couldn’t finish this list without a Ferrari, could we? And what better Ferrari to pick than the 360, arguably one of the most iconic and popular cars to ever wear the prancing horse. And better still, 360 models are relatively simple to get your hands on, particularly for our budget. Just keep a close eye on the car’s service history and general condition - 360s are notorious for going wrong if not maintained properly.

relocations

50 local

Robyn Ackron Elaine Dewhirst

Porsche 911 n You can’t go wrong with a Porsche 911, right? One of the most beloved sports cars of all time, the 911 is an ideal everyday dream car - you can enjoy it on tight, twisty roads, but it’s just as adept at doing the supermarket run.

You’ll be able to pick up a clean 991 example at this price point, though there are a variety of classics available too - it’s down to what you fancy.

68 Gadgets

into local businesses

For more information www.iomdfenterprise.im/eri

ON THE AGENDA

Peter Kwiecinski Phil Kneen Shan Fisher Liam Gilman

Morgan Aero 8 n When Morgan’s Aero 8 first came out, it was slammed for being, well, a little odd-looking. However, behind the rather frog-eyed front end sat a proper V8 engine, linked to the rear wheels via a manual gearbox - though it was later available with an automatic. In terms of standing out, you’ll do well to better the Aero 8. Both in terms of styling and overall theatre, this a tough car to beat, particularly at this price point.

Bentley Continental n Bentley’s Continental makes for an exceptionally good used purchase. Particularly in this price range, you’ll be able to get yourself a clean, relatively low-mileage example. But that’s not the best thing - you’ll be bagging a W12 engine and a luxurious cabin too. For under £50,000, you’ll be able to choose between coupe or drop-top as well.

Financial and Professional Services: n Banking, Insurance, Fiduciary, Fund Management, Space, Management of Ships, Yachts and/or Aircraft, Legal and Accounting, Specialist Construction (only quantity surveyors & architects), other Professional & Financial Services.

70-75 Are you in?

Emma Cooke Russ Atikinson Alex Preist

PHOTOGRAPHY

Mercedes 280SL ‘Pagoda’ n Our £50,000 budget won’t stretch to the iconic 300SL - more’s the pity - but it will get you a 280SL, and that’s almost as good. This gorgeous cabriolet produced a genuinely impressive (for the time) 168bhp from its 2.8-litre straight-six engine, and the option of a distinctive detachable ‘Pagoda’ hardtop. Timeless, classic, beautiful and distinctive.

ASSISTANCE IS AVAILABLE TO A RANGE OF BUSINESSES AND SECTORS INCLUDING:

Words by: Les Able

Nissan R34 Skyline GT-R n In terms of cult followings, the R34 Nissan Skyline GT-R is right up there. Made famous by its appearance in iconic motoring movie Fast And Furious, the R34 is loved by enthusiasts across the globe.

Twin-turbocharged engines were used throughout the car’s life, though this was one vehicle favoured by tuners more than any other - so these powertrains were frequently boosted and pushed to incredible power outputs.

Jaguar E-Type n Think ‘classic car’ and your brain has probably already started forming the picture of an E-Type. Still touted as one of the most beautiful cars ever built, this picture of classic elegance is unlikely to ever depreciate in value again and can provoke smiles in even the meanest of pedestrians. Opt for a Series 1 for maximum kudos, but you may need to stretch our £50k budget to get a good one...

We’ve chosen a £50,000 budget, and found 10 of the very best ‘dream’ cars you could realistically buy with it...

Clare Bowie Leroy Hudson Alex Bell Suzy Holland Robert Shrimsley Markus Boyd Jamie Lawrence Les Able DESIGN STUDIO

HARDWARE

10 DREAM USED CARS FOR UNDER

Audi R8 n Audi’s original R8 broke the supercar mould - because it was a motor you could actually use day in, day out. Rock-solid build quality, paired with good looks and an inspiring drive meant the R8 was immensely popular when first released - and there are now plenty of used examples to choose from. At this price point, you’ll be able to get your hands on the full-fat 5.2-litre V10-powered version, and you can even get it with a manual gearbox, which is the one to have.

Employee Relocation Incentive

agenda

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HARDWARE

Recruitment

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Office Mojo Shoe Boots Zebra Pony Effect, £95

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

66 Dream Cars Under £50,000

42 Business News 44 Movers & Shakers 48 Employee Incentive

n ambitious pilot scheme launched in September 2016 by the Department for Enterprise, which offers up to £10,000 in financial assistance to local businesses looking to relocate staff to the Isle of Man, is proving to be making a major contribution to growing the Island’s economy.

The Employee Relocation Incentive provides employers funding of up to 20 per cent towards an employee’s first year net salary, capped at £10,000 per position. So far it has been linked to over 260 employee relocations to the island.

The job must offer a minimum starting salary of £25,000.

Tourism and Hospitality have now been added to the list of eligible businesses, which include chefs, head housekeepers and managers roles. There is an awareness that with new hotels and restaurants opening in the coming months, coupled with those already here, the experience required to fill key roles will not always be found in the Island. It is recognised that companies will have no alternative but to look to the UK and beyond.

The success comes as influential voices in commerce, industry and government emphasise the urgent need to attract talent to the Island to stimulate economic growth whilst also ‘growing’ the working population. There is also a desire to attract back those who have gone overseas for university who have then found jobs and not returned.

The targeted initiative helps local employers find additional skilled workers and ensure they find continued growth and success in the Isle of Man. The incentive can be accessed by businesses either looking to backfill or fill a new position which they have been unable to recruit locally.

“Piloted over the last two years, it has been hugely effective so far. It is an initiative that helps local employers find additional skilled workers and ensure they find continued growth and success in the Isle of Man,” emphasises Paul Maddocks, Enterprise Support Manager at the Department for Enterprise,

JD Williams Marigold Flexi Sole Kitten Heel Ankle Boots, £30

HARDWARE

AGENDA lite

A

Dorothy Perkins Multi Coloured Zebra Design Leather Attitude Ankle Boots, currently reduced to £36 from £45

Faith Pink Suedette Bestie Block Heel Ankle Boots, currently reduced to £47.20 from £59, Debenhams

STEAL THE UBER-COOL SEVENTIES vibe seen on the Holly Fulton SS16 catwalk by teaming AJC’s Flared Printed Trousers, £25 (LookAgain.co.uk), with a ruffle-sleeved shirt and sky-high platforms. Far out!

PO Box 52, Douglas, Isle of Man IM99 1GY Tel: 01624 619540 www.gallery.co.im

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All rights reserved. Any form of reproduction of Gallery Magazine, in part or whole is strictly prohibited without the written consent of the publisher.

Any views expressed by advertisers or contributors may not be those of the publisher. Unsolicited artwork, manuscripts and copy are accepted

by Gallery Magazine, but the publisher cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage. All material, copy and artwork supplied is assumed to be copyright free unless otherwise advised. Contributions for Gallery should be emailed to editorial@gallery.co.im. Names have been changed to protect the innocent and no penguins were harmed in the manufacture of this magazine, you can’t prove nuffing. Why are you still reading the small print? How about researching what really makes the best paper aeroplane?

Test them with your friends or colleagues, add a picture to our Facebook and we’ll send you some doughnuts.

Recycle.

4

Gallery recycles all its storage and packing materials, boxes and any old magazines that are returned. We don’t get that many fortunately. We love to know our readers hang on to previous copies but when they take up too much space, drop them down to the recycling bins. If you want to find out more about recycling - call: 01624 686540.

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

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#82

[FEMININE] £ priceless

Isle of Man Premier Magazine | no. 782 | February 2019 | the [FEMININE] issue

February Fog

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COVER CREDIT PHOTOGRAPHER Phil Kneen MODEL Mae Challis MAKE UP Mae Challis HAIR Sara Langstaff

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

edito

t’s probably fair to say that we’ve all lost our way a bit recently. It’s always a bit tricky getting over January, getting used to saying 2019 and trying to remember to be politically correct about absolutely everything, trying to get rid of all the plastic, but remembering not to chuck it all in the bin, in an unsustainable manner and remembering, that, when it comes to cardboard straws, you literally have to just suck it up and pretend you don’t notice the soggy straw aftermath.

Truth is, we don’t know if we’re coming or going in February, we can hardly remember how many days it has for a start! We can’t quite place our identity, Britain can’t decide who it wants to be, the Golden Globes got it wrong again, Doctor Who is a woman and there’s talk of a gender fluid James Bond! Oh and by the way, we are all supposed to be manically organising and tidying away our lives into neat little boxes, Marie Kondo stylee.

Who wants to live in a world full of crazy “rules”, where jeans must be folded and women are supposed to be “feminine,” which is defined as “having qualities or an appearance traditionally associated with women, especially delicacy or prettiness”. Who wants to align with the idea that all men must be masculine and strong, decisive and fearless. Anyone else feeling exhausted from the pressure? It’s obviously going to take a while to break that mould and focus on pay gaps more than thigh gaps but here at Gallery we are taking our own small steps for man/woman/gender-neutral kind because our magazine has a little bit of everything for whoever the hell you are, or think you are, or think you might be, or might want to be. We don’t actually care. We don’t mind the process of change and we will keep you on the right track, guide you to the nearest gender-neutral restroom, nod our head sagely when you say hard Brexit or soft border, acquiesce if you want us to taste your vegan sandwich, and laugh along when you regale us with your “funny” story about your recycling habits. See? It’s easy to seamlessly commit to any of this stuff until the February fog clears and we can all start waffling on about spring.

SR

FACEBOOK.COM/ GALLERYIOM

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UPFRONT

WHAT’S ON Now – 09.02.2019

LIGHT - 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. www.facebook.com/hodgsonloomgallery

09.02.2019

THE NEXT BIG THING 2019

//GAIETY THEATRE, DOUGLAS// The annual competition to find the best performers the Island has to offer, courtesy of Junior Achievement, ‘The Next Big Thing’ is a talent competition for young people aged 10 – 18. Island-wide auditions have already taken place and the judges have selected the top acts to compete head-to-head for the title, which was won in 2014 by the young woman on the cover of this month’s Gallery, musician, singer and performer Mae Challis.

This year’s live final will take place at the Gaiety Theatre on Saturday 9th February and the winner will take away £500 in cash donated by the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, the first runner-up £250 in cash (donated by Manx Professional and Educational Services Ltd) and third place will receive £150 in cash (donated by The Platform Theatre School). And tickets included a complementary programme so you can score along with the judges.

More information and tickets from www. villagaiety.com Sponsored by Paragon Recruitment, Swagelok and Energy FM.

03.02 – 17.03.2019

COLOURWAY

//ISLE CONTEMPORARY, TYNWALD MILLS// Island-based artist Helen Hughes is showcasing her latest collection at Isle Contemporary (formally the Isle Gallery) in Tynwald Mills - fresh, vibrant acrylic on canvas abstracts created over the last year. Helen describes the series as, “A reintroduction to the texture and tones all around us. Some presented in familiar guise, others stretched by the imagination. It’s a stroll along the colour spectrum.” This is the first exhibition of Helen’s work to be held in the Isle of Man. www.facebook.com/artreachstudiosim/

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10.02.2019

KIDTOPIA

//HENRY BLOOM NOBLE PRIMARY SCHOOL, DOUGLAS// Monitors4kids presents a children’s fun day including bouncy castles, inflatables, arts and crafts, toy and book stalls, cakes and entertainment all in aid of the campaign ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

UPFRONT

FEBRUARY to provide Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGM) to all children with diabetes on the Island.

CGMs are pain-free and discreet alternative to finger-prick blood testing. However they come at a cost and Monitors4kids aims to raise £60,000 per year over the next two years, and this funday on Sunday 10 February – 11am-4pm - is their first fundraising event of 2019.

Admission is £5 each for adults and children (Under 2’s are free) which includes all activities and entertainment.

20.02 – 23.02.2019

RAPUNZEL

//MAROWN SCHOOL// This year’s half term pantomime produced

by Marown Youth & Community Players is the classic “Rapunzel”.

In traditional pantomime style the Marown Players have included a hairdresser with some very bad jokes, bumbling baddies, and fairies with confidence issues, in a glittery extravaganza of singing, dancing and laugh out loud slapstick humour.

If you don’t know - or have forgotten - the story, our long-haired heroine is locked away in a tower by an evil witch, never seeing another person until – guess what? – a dashing prince arrives to whisk her away.

Tickets are available now: £7.50 from www. marownplayers.im, from Marown School or by phoning 07624 470366.

free, and food and beverages are available.

Doors open 7pm and the even will start at 7.30pm and finish about 9.30pm. And if you’re shy about reading your own work, you can go along and see what these regular events from Short Stories and Ludicrous Tales are all about.

Supported by the IOM Arts Council.

Tickets available online: https:// kidtopia2019.eventbrite.com or from sponsor KPMG reception in Athol Street, Douglas or email: events@kpmg.co.im.

Sponsored by KPMG Isle of Man.

13.02 – 16.02.2019

MADF ONE ACT PLAY FESTIVAL

//KING’S COURT THEATRE, KING WILLIAM’S COLLEGE, CASTLETOWN// A whirlwind of activity that features enthusiastic and talented artists from all over the Isle of Man with a daring, imaginative and diverse collection of one act plays – an affordable, accessible and enjoyable opportunity to experience the pulse of the Manx drama scene.

The team receiving the highest mark in both Youth and Adult categories will be eligible to compete in the next round of the North West All England Theatre Festival in England.

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. www.madf.im

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

21.02.2018

A LATE VALENTINE’S DO //THE EATERY, DUKE STREET, DOUGLAS// Local writers read original work and more - short stories, poetry, some comedy and maybe even some music. This event is

More information from www.facebook. com/shortstoriesandludicrous

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FEATURE

The idea that some characteristics are inherently masculine or feminine is as old as human society. Gender roles vary depending on what group of humans you are talking about, but they often elaborate a handful of biological characteristics into non-scientific assumptions about our brains and personalities. Some made sense in the days when you couldn’t trust a pregnant woman to take down a mammoth, but there’s little to be gained by using the same logic in a world where men seldom hunt anything more dangerous than the TV remote.

Although gender stereotypes are also bad for men, for most of history women have undeniably had the worse end of the deal but are there signs that things are about to change? Ladies are excelling at traditionally-masculine jobs, men are being expected to change nappies, and the rise of #metoo has meant that at least a handful of celebrity pervmen have endured a strict talking to. Will the lairier sex lose out? Might men become redundant, or even one day oppressed?

A lady expert might point out that men still earn more, occupy most positions of power, and are statistically more dangerous, but as an expert in little more than having testes and a deep voice I’d still get away with talking over her if we both got invited on the telly to discuss it. I do care what the ladies think though, so in order to distract from the pay gap I will shed some light on some ways that men are adopting tendencies that we’ve historically stereotyped as being feminine. Please ladies, allow me to mansplain.

Stereotype #1: being obsessed with your appearance

I recall the men of my grandfather’s generation as a parade of interchangeable beige blobs with one of three possible haircuts.

They used to laugh about their wives, the amount of time they spent getting ready, the money they wasted on clothes and makeup.

Far better to spend your money on sheds and quality magazines (Fiesta; Carp Talk) to read in them. Never mind experimenting with clothes or makeup, boys were punished for daring to imagine a fourth haircut was possible - “what are you lad, French?” Today, even men who do cage fighting have got the salon on speed dial and it’s acceptable for an alpha male to own more shoes than the boney one from Sex & The City. We might associate plastic surgery with ladies, but trailblazers like Simon Cowell and the late Michael Jackson have shown us that men have a right to lift and botox their faces til they too resemble a monster from a fairground ghost train. Adult men now feel pressured to wax their privates, stay unrealistically slim and fire out selfies around the clock - which constitutes a perverse blow for inequality in the sense that they are now interchangeable from the target audience for Cosmopolitan.

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Stereotype #2: being very emotional

Until I was in my twenties I thought it was manly to control your emotions utterly, as if they were bears and tigers that needed to be oppressed until they would only perform at appropriate moments - like shedding a single tear on your wedding day, or patting your best friend on the arm when you’ve both had ten beers and are talking about how your fathers never hugged you. I don’t watch football, so I never got to enjoy a socially acceptable sobfest when one group of millionaires failed to win the shiny teapot. I assumed that repressing your emotions would always and forever be the manly way, but I’ve since learned that being highly and publicly emotional isn’t just permitted for younger men, it’s something to aspire to. The world of social media is full of young millionaires, and few of them have any discernible talent beside being able to summon an intensely emotional reaction to mundane experiences like playing a video game or eating a sandwich. I wish I could speak to my younger self, and say that there’s nothing feminine about a man who shows his emotions - as long as they are expressed by EPIC gurns or a flood of ragey tears because you lost at Fortnite. If I too can earn millions by filming a tantrum accompanied by sodding ukulele music then I’m more than willing to abandon my social role as the strong and silent type. Father, I love you.

Stereotype #3: reading self-help manuals and fad diets

Plenty of men enjoy a good laugh at their partners for reading harmless rubbish like horoscopes, or gloopy self-help manuals like ‘The Secret’ or ‘Eat Pray Love’. A man would never read a book about finding yourself on a yoga retreat - because men only read books with names like ‘Alpha Sniper: Jungle Warrior.’ This stereotype would be untrue even if men weren’t secretly reading the horoscopes in Bella, because the only difference between feminine and masculine self-help manuals is that the latter has cover art of soldiers, bodybuilders or a businessman who looks like he needs a poo. Men even have their own version of those women’s books that give relationship advice to make you act like a psychopath. Instead of advising a girl to dump any man who doesn’t drive a BMW and bring her roses on the second date, the masculine equivalent is a lengthy screed by a selfappointed relationships expert who is either a borderline sex offender (all ‘pickup artists’) or a creepy uncle with hair plugs who sounds like Kermit the Frog (Jordan Peterson). Men also love the kind of fad diets and ‘transformational’ workout plans that you get in supermarket landfill like Woman’s World - the key difference is that a man feels more comfortable drinking a diet shake if it has a picture of a grenade on the bottle.

Stereotype #4: Being obsessed with babies The ultimate stereotype assigned to femininity is the idea that women cannot escape being obsessed with babies. It’s drilled into them from the time they are babies themselves, so its inevitable that there are many adult females who are incapable of going longer than ten minutes without talking about the nappy factory they squeezed out of their nethers. I’m equally proud of the love and nurture that went into my beer belly, but somehow it’s unacceptable if I get that out and show it to people in Waitrose. I used to take refuge in all-male gatherings, because caring too much about your children was seen as a sign of weakness, but the tide has turned and men are now trying to outdo each other with tales of cleaning bottoms, learning first words and swaddling a newborn in a blanket woven from their massive beards. It’s got to the point where I feel less of a man because I can’t tear up talking about my son’s fridge drawings, which I then had tattooed on my back to commemorate his first day at school. I expect the tattoo artist would also cry; we could film us both crying with our shirts off and then put it on YouTube. It’s a wonderful thing to be a proud masculine parent, although weirdly I have learned that it doesn’t necessarily extend to pausing your career or sleeping for less than four hours a night. Until women can demonstrate their mammoth hunting skills it looks like there are some gender lines that men are just unwilling to cross.

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Words: Suzy Holland Photos: Phil Kneen

Mae Challis has been wowing Isle of Man audiences since winning the ‘Next Big Thing’ in 2014. Since then she’s received critical acclaim on and off-Island for the songs and performances she uploads regularly on to her YouTube channel and you might have been lucky enough to see her at the 2018 Isle of Man Film Festival singing ‘When She Loved Me’ from Toy Story 2 or been part of the audience at the intimate recording of her recent live album at the Bath & Bottle: Mae Challis is still only 20 years old.

I first met Mae about three years ago when she appeared on a charity single for the Manx Breast Cancer Support Group, and it was striking then how shy and unassuming she was, but extremely determined: “I’ve known forever that I wanted a career in music. I’ve always sung and, thanks to my parents giving in and buying me my first guitar when I was four and could hardly even write, I’ve always associated singing with song-writing,” Mae says. Despite not being musicians themselves (although Mae’s Mum Sharon learnt to play the guitar alongside her daughter, and subsequently discovered a latent talent for lyric writing) Mae says the house was always full of music. “Singing all the time, along with the radio or whichever album Mum or Dad put on, then I began playing the guitar and eventually the piano. Corny as it sounds, music is my life.”

ON THE COVER:

SINGER, SONGWRITER,

MUSICIAN AND

PERFORMER

Although Mae describes music as her ‘fun place’ she takes it very seriously.

“I didn’t see the point of school, unless it was connected to music,” she says now.

“Maths was, I thought, irrelevant, until I started to study music theory – then it suddenly became useful!” She left school after her GCSEs, determined to concentrate on the life of a singer-songwriter, and as well as co-writing with her Mum and, on the new live DVD, her brother, Mae had some influential support. Her manager, Mark Brabbs of G8CRASH Music, met her when he heard her sing an impromptu happy birthday at a neighbour’s party when she was just 14 and was blown away by a voice coming from what he describes now as a skinny little knock-kneed kid. “I was drumming in Dave Johnson’s Deep Purple tribute band at his surprise 40thbirthday party when Mae got up and belted out Happy Birthday. It’s no exaggeration to say I was speechless,” he says. “She’s gone from sitting quietly in the corner strumming her guitar at Soundcheck, to

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and then supporting him at a capacity filled St Agatha’s Auditorium in Rabat. She also went to Norway to record at the renowned Drammen Studios, and found she had a fan base far beyond the Island.

But there’s a lot more to come. Nick Raymonde, Senior A&R Consultant at Metropolis in London has been quietly following Mae’s career for almost four years. If you know anything about the music business you’ll know all about Metropolis, and about Nick, who was previously Senior A&R Manager at Sony BMG. For the rest of us, think Adele, Ed Sheeran, Emeli Sande, Ellie Goulding, Jess Glynne and more – just part of the Metropolis stable. Nick and Metropolis CEO Richard Connell see Mae as the artist they’ve been looking for to be their ‘project for 2019’ and they’d like Mae to spend 3 months working with the in-house song writers and their Grammy-award winning engineers at The Power House Studios in Chiswick, as well as on her image, style, visuals and a fully-integrated marketing plan which they believe will drive her to the very top of the music industry.

getting up on the Gaiety Stage singing one on her own songs to win ‘Next Best Thing’ in 2014 and as I’ve got to know her I’ve realised that she has much more to offer.

Mae really is an incredible talent and ever since I met her I’ve been working with her parents to make sure she’s being seen and heard by the right people at the right time.”

2018 was a big year for Mae. She released a live album and DVD, recorded at the Bath & Bottle in Douglas, and did a small pub tour in Leeds and West Yorkshire (her UK debut) which she describes as a clean slate: “no-one knew me, I didn’t have a back story to live up to and I felt there was a real appreciation for me and my song writing.”

She went to Malta twice, recording what she first described as ‘a crappy little pop song’, ‘Is It Strange?’ as a duet with Joe Roscoe BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

What an opportunity! The music business is such that rarely do stars come from nowhere, they have the backing of the big hitters in the industry and those hitters don’t come any bigger than Metropolis. Is she daunted? “No. Well, a bit,” she laughs.

“I can’t help but think this is huge for a little girl from the Isle of Man, but it’s what I’ve always wanted, always dreamed about.

I trust the people who’ve always supported me: my family and Mark obviously but also Dave Armstrong at DAM Productions who have all worked so hard to get me where I am, and I know that it’s their work behind the scenes which has brought me to the attention of Metropolis. The Isle of Man will always be my home, but I’m ready - it’s time to spread my wings!”

Mae is on YouTube at MaeChallisMusic, or her live album ‘Mae Challis live at the Bath & Bottle’ and associated DVD are available direct from Mark at markbrabbsmf@gmail.com or via Mae’s Facebook page www.facebook.com/maechallismusic/

And if you’d like to be part of Mae’s future, Mark Brabbs would love to hear from you: “We need to finance Mae for 6 months with living expenses, studio time, and all the related costs of making her what Metropolis is talking about in terms of ‘a female Ed Sheeran’. I truly believe the returns on any investment could be astronomical!” If you’d like to know more, Mark’s phone number is 07624 452340 or you can email him at markbrabbsmf@ gmail.com

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ADVENTURE AWAITS WITH THE ISLE OF MAN STEAM PACKET COMPANY

The Kids Go Free Summer Special is back between 2nd July and 29th August - up to three children can travel for free when you book a mid-week sailing for a car and two adults with prices starting from just £133 each way.

NOW THE JANUARY BLUES HAVE SUBSIDED AND YOUR BANK ACCOUNT IS LOOKING HEALTHIER AFTER THE CHRISTMAS SPLURGE – IT’S THE PERFECT TIME TO START MAKING EXCITING TRAVEL PLANS FOR THE YEAR AHEAD. But where will this year take you? There are a multitude of attractions and destinations dotted around the UK and Ireland, each offering something unique – and just a hop, skip and a jump away when you travel by ferry with the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company.

Plus, with more than 900,000 offer seats available during 2019, an off-island adventure could be more affordable than you think. Why not plan a big family adventure, a girly retreat, shopping extravaganza or the ultimate road trip? Whatever you decide, enjoy the convenience, ease and flexibility of ferry travel in 2019.

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Pack up the car with everything you need for the perfect break, whether that’s tents, bikes, sleeping bags, helmets or toys – there’s no need to worry about luggage fees when you travel by ferry. Spend your time kayaking in the Lake District’s glorious waters or ziplining through Ireland’s finest countryside where special memories are just waiting to be made.

If it’s just the two of you take advantage of the popular 5 Day Short Break offer, for a few days with your partner in crime from as little as £78 each way. Sail to Heysham, Liverpool, Dublin or Belfast and explore as near or far as you choose as you road trip through the UK and Ireland’s hidden gems.

Manannan, with a selection of hot and cold food available from the Coast to Coast Café.

Passengers can also treat themselves in the on-board shop Ocean Avenue with a choice of snacks, newspapers, books, fragrances, cosmetics and toys for the little ones available.

Ben-my-Chree, the sixth vessel in the Steam Packet Company’s history to carry that iconic name meaning “Girl of My Heart”, operates year-round sailings to Heysham and her sister-ship Manannan returns to service on 29th March, resuming daily sailings to the heart of Liverpool.

Make 2019 a year of spontaneity, travel and precious memories – you and your loved ones could be stepping on board and watching the Irish Sea glisten majestically as you sail, head to www.steam-packet.com and start making your travel plans today!

Or if travelling by foot, book a Sail and Rail ticket available from the Ferry Travel Shop and you can make your way to most stations on the UK rail network with just one ticket.

When you travel with the Steam Packet Company your holiday can begin the moment you step on board. With a choice of comfortable seating available in a range of lounges, you can enjoy the time to sit back and relax with your travel companions.

There is the opportunity to refuel as you sail on Isle of Man Steam Packet Company vessels Ben-my-Chree and fast-craft

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Be adventurous Save regularly to reach your life moment with our new Premium Saver account You must be 16 years or over and an existing customer to open an account. You can only have one Premium Saver Account in your sole name, and only one Premium Saver Account in joint names with another person. No minimum deposit is required to open the account; no minimum deposit needs to be made on a regular basis; and there is no maximum balance limit. However, to earn the bonus rate of interest in each monthly bonus period, your account balance must be between £25,000 – £1,000,000 and you must not make any withdrawals in that month.

Visit your local branch View 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 SCO83026. Registered office: 36 St Andrew Square, Edinburgh EH2 2YB. The Royal Bank of Scotland plc is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. The latest report and accounts are available at www.investors.rbs.com IOMB places funds with other parts of RBS Group and thus its financial standing is linked to the Group. Depositors may wish to form their own view on the financial standing of IOMB and the Group based on publicly available information.

The latest report and accounts are available at www.iombank.com/financial-results Calls may be recorded.

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OLD TRADITIONS, NEW HORIZONS: EXPLORING THE SHARED GROUND BETWEEN TWO ISLAND INSTITUTIONS Photo credit: Liam Gilman

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At first glance, a bank and a rural youth organisation may not appear to have much, if anything, in common. But in a small island community, where boundaries are no match for shared values and interests, and people typically work and play with equal gusto, all kinds of connections can be forged. And it is the relationships resulting from these connections which have the power to unlock potential, be it personal or professional.

When Conister Bank recently announced their sponsorship of this year’s Isle of Man Young Farmers Concert, it was a reminder of the positive contribution that both organisations have made to the local community over the years. In Conister’s case, this has included directly supporting the agricultural sector through tailored products and services.

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Conister Bank has been meeting the financial needs of personal and commercial customers in the Isle of Man since 1935.

While the bank has grown and evolved significantly over the years, it has stayed true to its traditional core values, chief amongst them maintaining its close, long-standing client relationships. As an independent bank which makes all its lending decisions right here in the Isle of Man, the Conister team are able to use their local insight and knowledge to develop the ideal products and services for their customers, find the right solutions, and offer best value.

Over the years, Conister Bank has enabled many businesses to find their feet and reach their potential. It has also helped the island’s Agricultural Sector to maintain its position, through good times and bad, as a key contributor to the economy.

The bank’s livestock funding and asset finance schemes may not mean much to people outside farming circles, but as Andy Bass, Head of Sales (Isle of Man) can testify as to the difference these kinds of financial support can make: “Being able to adapt quickly to needs that arise in the agricultural year is really important, often

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

weather and fluctuating market values play a huge part in the sector”.

“We’ve always done our best to listen to voices from within the farming community, and to understand their needs. These can be anything from someone requiring short-term support in a specific area – for instance, funding to buy a new piece of equipment – to someone who is looking to scale up or diversify in a significant way, and needs to map out the future. We value the relationships we have with our clients, some of which go back decades, and are committed to helping them achieve their goals and dreams”.

Charlie Corkill, Chairman of the Isle of Man Young Farmers’ Federation, says it wasn’t difficult to choose their sponsor for this year’s concert which takes place 21s–23rd March at the Gaiety Theatre. “This is the second year that Conister Bank have been our sponsor, and we’re delighted to have them come on board again. They’re a great fit for Young Farmers because they’re well known for supporting our community and understanding what we’re all about.

“They’ve had a presence at the Royal Manx Agricultural Show for a number of years now, so they’re a familiar face.

The team there aren’t afraid of going out and getting involved, which in the Isle of Man is how you sustain lasting relationships, whether that’s with friends, colleagues or clients”

If anyone can talk with confidence about the importance of going out and getting involved, it’s the Isle of Man Young Farmers. Devotees of their irrepressible annual concert (and there are many: last year, people began queuing at the Welcome Centre hours before tickets went on sale) may or may not know how much more there is to the organisation than treading the boards, with or without wellies!

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Isle of Man Young Farmers are part of the UK-wide Federation, which is one of the largest rural organisations in the UK. The Isle of Man’s four clubs are grouped according to region: Northern, Southern, Eastern and Central. Membership is open to anyone between the ages of 10 and 36 who is interested in discovering new things – new skills, new experiences, new places and new friends – while having huge amounts of fun.

Young Farmers offers a chance to get involved in a wide range of activities, events, sports and excursions. Charlie explains, “If you want to make the most of your free time and live life to the full, Young Farmers is for you. There is no doubt that you will meet likeminded people to socialise and share adventures with. And while there is a strong emphasis on enjoyment, being part of this organisation is a brilliant way to build your confidence and discover strengths, which will stand you in good stead for your career development both socially and professionally.

“One major benefit to membership is the travel programme, which makes all kinds of amazing experiences around the world achievable and affordable. This could be working, volunteering, adventuring, or a combination of all three. And with 612 clubs across England and Wales, there’s enormous potential to connect with people who share your outlook on life. And what people find most surprising is that you don’t even have to be a farmer to join!”.

Sarah Cubbon from Conister Bank is a Young Farmer from a non-agricultural background, and is passionate about the opportunities that the club has given her.

She initially became involved through schoolmates and her dance teacher, whose encouragement led her to take part in the Young Farmers concert. Now 25, Sarah has made many firm friends, served as Chairman and Treasurer of the Northern club, and choreographs their dance routines in the concert.

“I’d encourage anyone from a non-farming background to come along and get involved,” says Sarah. “There are so many events to be part of - public speaking, sports, and community and charity events like the tin bath races - and everything is done in a fun, friendly and competitive spirit. Many of the things I have done, I wouldn’t have dreamed of doing if it weren’t for being a member of Young Farmers”.

Sarah’s colleague Briony Vernon is a fellow Young Farmer who joined the Southern club when she was 22. “I was brought up

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“If you want to make the most of your free time and live life to the full, Young Farmers is for you”

on a farm and my dad had always talked about the club; I eventually joined when I returned from university. I’ve enjoyed experiences that have taken me out of my comfort zone and given me new confidence; I’d never have thought I could take part in a public speaking event or go on the stage, but those experiences have been so valuable.

The highlight of my year is definitely the Viking boat races in Peel - it’s so much fun.

Young Farmers is a really inclusive, social organisation. I’ve made many friends who I’d otherwise never have met”.

Sarah and Briony’s enthusiastic approach to life is typical of the can-do spirit that Conister and Young Farmers share. The bank has a tradition of backing a wide variety of sporting events and charity initiatives, and is a firm believer in turning positive words into positive actions. Young Farmers may, like Conister, be perceived as a reliable old Isle of Man institution but, as Sarah and Briony know, on the inside, it’s all about making the most of life and bringing your dreams within reach.

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Make the journey part of the adventure

Experience the freedom of bringing your car and explore as far and wide as you choose, with the added bonus of no luggage fees. With a range of comfortable seating, shopping, hot food, snacks and drinks available – your holiday can begin the moment you step on board. Sit back and relax as you travel in comfort, enjoy the convenience that ferry travel offers and make the journey part of the adventure.

Pack more in - sail by ferry.

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way £78*each

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Book now at STEAM-PACKET.COM Terms and conditions apply. Subject to availability. A combination of ports should be considered. *Valid for travel from 06/01/19 – 28/02/19. Journeys must be completed within five days - day of outward sailing counts as day one. Return sailing must commence on or before day five.

Take your vehicle No luggage fees Convenient ports Stretch your legs

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FEATURE

THE 11 WORST THINGS ABOUT DIETING Why oh why, do they have to call it a muffin top?

You weren’t even thinking about food, and now, you really, really, want a double chocolate cheesecake muffin.

Words: Clare Bowie

1. The first rule of dieting is that you must always talk about dieting. Non-stop boring diet chat, welcome to your new life.

The only thing you think about now is food, ALL DAY LONG! 2. If one more person says; “it’s so simple, just eat less and move more” you might have to kill them. It’s like telling an insomniac to “lie down and close your eyes.” We know what we’re supposed to do but it’s not working, it’s so, so hard to stay focused. Hold up, did somebody say they were doing a cruffin/bacon-roll run in the office? You’ve got to eat, right?

3. The worst is, when you actually stick to the diet; chop up the damn vegetables, ignore the garlic bread, embrace the skimmed milk and nibble on a ryvita instead of a jaffa cake and then you hop expectantly on the scales and discover that you actually PUT WEIGHT ON!! “I diluted my sauvignon blanc with sparkling water for crying out loud, and this..., this is what I get in return??!” *pops open a tub of revenge Pringles* 4. You decide to join a slimming group just in case you weren’t boring yourself enough about food and diets. You feel inspired, you can do this and you’re pretty sure the motivational pep talk was great but you didn’t catch it all because you just felt so weak at that point; you hadn’t eaten for 16 hours and your lycra leggings meant that breathing was a little tricky, but yeah, this new healthy lifestyle is going to be so worth it!

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5. You try to be positive but there’s a tiny bit of you dying inside when you count out five olives, weigh an apple and have an actual calculator, just for calories.

Also, could we just stop pretending that beetroot cake is anything like red velvet, that “zoodles” are, in any way, acceptable or that cauliflower pizza base is delicious.

Just admit it, diets suck and no products that look like cardboard and taste like cardboard should ever be allowed to be called cake. Looking at you rice cakes!

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UPFRONT

7. All the diet chat and internal monologue is so draining. You’re pretty sure you could now broker a Brexit deal, single-handedly, because you seem to spend your whole life negotiating terms and conditions with yourself; “If I just have one small plate of pasta then I promise I’ll do 15,000 steps tomorrow, one small glass of wine but no afternoon snack etc etc.”

Diet- deals are now part of your everyday life, your bread and butter, mmm, butter.

Stop it!!!

8. Your personality has now officially been replaced by a crazy obsession with food but you know you’ll be so happy when the dress/bikini/any of your clothes fit you. You no longer have any sense of humour, just pure bitterness. You are also hangry most of the time and when you do try and relax by watching TV, you find that the only shows on, are: Bake off, Masterchef, Jamie and Nigella. It’s clearly a conspiracy! *Sobs loudly into portioncontrolled bowl of fake popcorn* 9. So many rules to follow. Weighing should only be done in the morning, on your own rigged scales. You must be sufficiently dehydrated and half naked.

For clothes, you only go to the shops where you know the sizes are generous and don’t make you feel like Popeye as you try and squeeze your arm down the sleeve. Water before meals, use smaller plates, blot oil off pizza, ”butter” your toast with avocado, eat by candlelight, avoid “healthy” smoothies, eat before you eat, blah, blah, blah. #feelingblessed 10. Peer pressure. It’s so hard finding the willpower to stick to the diet but working through the office dieting politics can be the biggest challenge. “What do you mean you don’t want a donut?” (read: who the hell do you think you are, coming in here, judging our baked goods habit) You are officially blacklisted by the office bingers and have to resist temptation and damnation. “Go on, it’s my birthday, you’ve got to have a massive slice of cake”, or “I’ve bought you a large full fat latte to wash down your sausage bap with.” Say no if you dare!

6. And what’s the deal with the skinny friends? Why do you actually even have so many skinny friends? You go to dinner, they guiltlessly and nonchalantly munch through the bread basket, drink all the calorific wine, order all the pasta just because they can and still slip in a dessert before having the cheek to say their size 8 jeans feel at bursting pointl!! It’s so unfair!!

It’s like their body is some kind of freaky tardis; you just can’t even deal with this friendship anymore. #metabolismlottery BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

11.Finally, you’ve hit your target and your clothes feel breathable again. There’s no way you’re ever going through that again, no more torturous “leaning in” with Joe Wicks, no more Atkins hell, intermittent fasting, cabbage soup etc. etc.; you are going to be so disciplined and make this a lifestyle choice not a fad thing and you’re going to keep walking and bringing in packed lunches and... yip, you’re still boring yourself!!

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in NUMBERS NEWS

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Cyclists, runners and walkers could soon be able to travel along a new route linking Douglas and Onchan, if government plans progress. Though still at an early design stage, the route is expected to start from Douglas town centre and pass through upper Douglas, Willaston, Governor’s Hill and Onchan. More than 40% of the population live in the area.

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The amount of medicine being stored on the Isle of Man has been increased ahead of Brexit. The Department of Health and Social Care is now keeping six weeks worth of drugs instead of four, in line with UK advice ahead of Britain’s exit from the European Union.

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There are no restrictions on the Island producing it’s own version of a 12-sided UK pound coin. Recently, the UK Treasury announced that the Crown Dependencies and UK overseas territories such as Gibraltar and the Falkland Islands will be able to commission their own designs.

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10-4 The first ever visitors centre for marine animals on the Isle of Man is now open. The Manx Whale and Dolphin Visitor’s Centre, on Michael Street in Peel will open most days from 10am to 4pm.

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Around £80 million needs to be invested into the Isle of Man’s roads says Infrastructure Minister Ray Harmer.

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Almost £75,000 was granted for projects over the 2018 Year of Our Island initiative.

Throughout the year, the political board received 92 applications - with 45 given funding approval. In total more than £400,000 was sought from applicants - but fewer than half were successful.

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When quick decisions are called for, are your accounts as accessible as you are?

Business can take place anywhere, at any time. HSBCnet puts control in your hands, letting you view your bank balances, make payments and transfer money with just one login, wherever you are.

Call Jaime Amoedo, Head of Corporate Banking in the Isle of Man, on: 684833*

Together we thrive *Lines are open 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. Your call may be monitored and/or recorded for training and security purposes.

HSBC Bank plc, registered in England and Wales number 14259. Registered office 8 Canada Square, London, E14 5HQ. Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. In the Isle of Man HSBC Bank plc is licensed by the Isle of Man Financial Services Authority. Š HSBC Bank plc 2018. All Rights Reserved. 180605/NN/214

UPFRONT

GIVE ISLE OF MAN STEAM PACKET COMPANY HELPS BRING EDUCATIONAL PUPPET SHOW TO ISLAND SCHOOLS An imaginative, explorative and educational live theatre experience will return to island schools later this month, with support from the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company.

Lempen Puppet Theatre Company will make its annual visit to perform at six local primary schools from Wednesday 30th January to Thursday 7th February.

The husband and wife duo will perform Carboard Carnival, a wordless show using the music from ‘The Carnival of the Animals’ by French composer Camille Saint Saens.

The Steam Packet Company is offering its

support by assisting with the cost of travel.

Liz Lempen from Lempen Puppet Theatre Company, said: ‘The continued support from the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company is what makes our shows accessible to Manx primary schools and offers local children from all backgrounds the captivating experience of live theatre.

‘We’re also very grateful to the Isle of Man Arts Council for its support this year which will be a huge help with tour overheads when we’re on the island.

‘Cardboard Carnival is a playful production carefully designed to inspire children

to be more creative and explorative, and encourage play using simple materials.

We’re delighted to bring the show back for those who missed out on the 2018 tour and are looking forward to spending some more time on the beautiful Isle of Man.’ Isle of Man Steam Packet Company Chief Executive Mark Woodward said: ‘We’re pleased to welcome Lempen Puppet Theatre back to the island once again and hope the local schools learn from and enjoy the imaginative performance.’

Cardboard Carnival will be performed at Foxdale School, Jurby School, Braddan School, Manor Park School, St Johns School and Bunscoill Ghaelgagh.

NEW YEAR, NEW VOLUNTEERS! A local charity is on the lookout for volunteers who can spare a few hours to support the varied and wide-ranging work it does within the community.

Manx Blind Welfare Society relies on a team of dedicated volunteers to deliver its vital support and services to around 500 blind and visually impaired people in the Isle of Man. As a volunteer, you’ll join a friendly team of like-minded people and be supported as you find a role that suits your skills, interests, schedules, abilities and comfort zone. Volunteers are supported by experienced staff members and full training is given.

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Roles are varied and could include reception duties, working in the library, recording and delivering the weekly news bulletin, driving or escorting members in the minibus, working in the VIP Store, participating in a range of member activities, assisting with the acoustic shooting group at its Onchan-based headquarters Corrin Court and much more.

Manx Blind Welfare Society Volunteers Coordinator & Events Organiser Debbie Thomson said: ‘We understand that free time is precious, but whatever you can spare, even just one hour a week could be invaluable to us. You could even volunteer with a friend or family member so you can spend time together while supporting us!

‘Volunteering is a great way to get involved in the local community and ideal for anyone wanting to enhance a university application or CV. We’ll find a role suited to you by inviting you to Corrin Court, showing you around and chatting about how you can help.

‘Without the support of our dedicated volunteer network we simply would not have the resource or capability to provide these vital services to the blind and visually impaired people on the Isle of Man. Any time you can spare is immensely appreciated.’ www.mbws.org.im

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

U UPFRONT

Front row, left to right, are Fiona Barker, Chair, Bridge The Gap; Julie Stokes Chair, Manx Breast Cancer Support Group; Serena Wood, Unit Pricing Manager, Zurich International; and Charlotte Greenbank, Side by Side co-ordinator, Alzheimer’s Society Isle of Man. Middle row, left to right, are Peter Huber, CEO, Zurich International, and His Excellency The Lieut tenant Governor Sir Richard Gozney. Back row, left to right, are Mark Hartigan, Head of Operations for EMEA Region, Zurich Insurance Group; John Spellman, Non-Executive Director, Zurich International; and Nigel Simpson, Commercial Director, Zurich International.

ZURICH COMMUNITY CHAMPION DONATES US$60,000 TO ISLE OF MAN CHARITIES Serena Wood is first Isle of Man winner to receive Z Zurich Foundation prize Three Isle of Man charities will receive a total of US$60,000 thanks to a Zurich International employee who won a prestigious Z Zurich Foundation Community Champion award.

The annual Z Zurich Foundation Community Champion Awards recognise and celebrate employees who do amazing work in their local community.

Regional winners receive US$20,000 (or local currency equivalent) per year for three years to donate to community organisations of their choice. Employees nominate colleagues and the winners are decided by a panel of judges. Serena Wood, who is Unit Pricing Manager and works at Zurich International’s office at Isle of Man Business Park, was chosen from thousands of nominees from countries in the Zurich Group’s Europe, Middle East and Africa region.

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Over many years she has raised thousands for women’s cancer charities through her passion for photography and cycling, and she is also the joint founder (with her sister Melanie Dowling) of the annual ‘Paint the Plantation Pink’ mountain bike event.

Serena has chosen to donate the US$60,000 prize to three local charities – Manx Breast Cancer Support Group will receive US$30,000, while Alzheimer’s Society Isle of Man and Bridge The Gap will each receive US$15,000. The money will be paid in equal instalments over the next three years.

To celebrate her achievement, His Excellency The Lieutenant Governor Sir Richard Gozney invited Serena and members of her family to Government House. Guests also included representatives from the three charities receiving donations, plus Mark Hartigan, Head of Operations for the EMEA Region at Zurich Insurance Group; Peter Huber, CEO, Zurich International, Nigel Simpson,

Commercial Director, Zurich International, and John Spellman, Non-Executive Director, Zurich International.

Serena said: “My decision to choose the Manx Breast Cancer Support Group was inspired by my mother who was diagnosed with breast cancer when she was in her 50s. It’s very important for cancer to be diagnosed as early as possible, and thanks to the work of the support group and the excellent medical team at the Manx Breast Unit at Noble’s Hospital, cancer treatment is improving on the Island. But medical science is advancing all of the time, so it’s vital that consultants have access to the latest diagnostic technology.”

Julie Stokes, Chair, Manx Breast Cancer Support Group, said: “Serena has been a great supporter of ours in the past and we can’t thank her and Zurich enough for this fantastic donation. It will make a significant difference to the work we are doing and will be used to purchase artificial intelligence software that will improve cancer diagnosis.”

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UPFRONT

Just random things to amuse you.

Run (like the wind)!

When it comes to the international measure of being fast, the 100 metre dash is the benchmark. If you're quickest at that you're quickest at anything. Well, in the field of athletics, anyway, I'm not sure how Felix Baumgartner would feel about a sweeping statement as wide as that. In at number three in the list of quickest ladies is Jamaican Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce (who also holds an unofficial for most unnecessarily hyphenated name of any competing athlete) with a personal best of 10.70 seconds. Almost unnoticeably quicker though is American athlete Carmelita Jeter with a time of 10.64 seconds set during the London Olympics, but some say there's a woman who's quicker still. The woman in question is none other than Florence Griffith-Joyner (pictured left), proving the rarely considered fact that having a double-barrelled name makes you better at athletics, clocking a sprint time of 10.49 seconds in the 1988 Olympics in Korea.

Some dispute her record due to possible favourable wind conditions or performance enhancing drug use but I reckon it might've had something to do with her hat...

World's richest woman

With an estimated fortune of $36.7billion, Christy Walton is said to be the richest woman on earth, as well as the 6th richest person in the United States and 8th richest person in the world. Not a bad haul for saying 'I do' to John T. Walton, son of Sam Walton, founder of Walmart - the world's largest company by revenue. To her credit though, she's also ranked as the highest female philanthropist (I think thatrefers to gross funds donated rather than any of her pastimes) and gave approximately $3.5billion to charitable causes between 2002 and 2006 alone, mostly to museums and zoos. And by that, of course, I don't mean that she's addicted to visiting Sea World.

Quoted:

Counter-quoted:

Beyoncé Knowles

Josh Homme

Exactly the kind of attitude that gets you to the top of the bill headlining Glastonbury, which she did in 2011.

Glastonbury 2011 whilst headlining the Other Stage as Beyoncé ran things on the Pyramid Stage behind him.

"I don’t like to gamble, but if there’s one thing I’m willing to bet on, it’s myself."

"I wanna play so loud that Beyoncé can feel it in her f***ing bones."

Forbes' list of the world's top ten most powerful women (in 2018): 1. Angela Merkel, German chancellor 2. Theresa May, British prime minister 3. Christine Lagarde, managing director of the IMF 4. Mary Barra, CEO and chairperson of General Motors 5. Abigail Johnson, chairman and CEO of Fidelity Investments

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6. Melinda Gates, co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation 7. Susan Wojcicki, CEO of YouTube 8. Ana Botin, executive chairman of Santander Group 9. Marillyn Hewson, CEO of Lockhead Martin 10. Ginni Rometty, CEO of IBM

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

EVENTS

A FABULOUS BALL RAISING FUNDS FOR 2 LOCAL CHARITIES

A magnificent ball held in memory of a much loved wife, mother, daughter, friend and midwife, Louise Beech, raised just over £8,000 for 2 local charities. Isle of Man Breast Care and Cruse Bereavement were delighted to receive £4,000 each as the result of a fabulous fundraising event and tribute to Lou held at King William’s College, Castletown.

The evening commenced with arrival drinks in the theatre with a sumptuous meal served in the Barrovian Hall. Over 120 guests enjoyed this lovely evening with the ladies wearing tiaras and gentlemen sporting button holes.

The event was organised by a small committee of Lou’s sisters and sister in law plus fellow midwifes Regan Baggley, Hannah Boothdale (Lou’s sister) Olivia Evans (Lou’s sister) Jane Howland (Lou’s sister in law) Jo Corcoran, Jane McCarten, Julie Hedley and Sam Holmes.

The team expressed their delight that £8,036.46 was raised for both Isle of Man Breast Care and Cruse Bereavement who were very supportive during Lou’s life and sad untimely death in January 2018 at the age of 44.

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Photos by: Robyn Ackron

The committee would like to thank everyone that attended, all raffle/auction prize donors and all those that kindly gave that extra special touch including Robyn Ackron photography, Robinsons, Radcliffes butchers, Wonderwall events, Isle of Man Creameries, Little Big Balloons, Butterfingers and in particular Martin Howland and his fabulous team at King Williams College.

The midwives also created ‘The Beech Tree’ at the Save the Children Festival of Trees at the airport recently. Also pictured are Lou’s husband Richard Beech and children Imogen (aged 11) and Tom (aged 6) from Abbotswood, Ballasalla.

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EVENTS

TRISKELION POLO CLUB ANNUAL AWARDS BALL Triskelion Polo Club held it’s highly anticipated Annual Awards Ball at the fabulous Claremont Hotel. It was a fantastic evening enjoyed by all. A huge thank you to all the members and friends who consistently throw one of the best evenings the Isle of Man has to offer each year. Thank you to the clubs sponsors who have supported the club and the event, with Ramsay Crookall sponsoring the delightful cupcakes, Foraging Vintners the delicious sparkling wine, Complete Plumbing Solutions with the Port and Claremont providing the hospitality which all contributed to make it a spectacular evening.

An Awards Ball would not be complete without the awards and there were some amazing achievements recognised through the night. Stuart Bainborough won the award for “The Most Promising Newcomer” sponsored by Appleby. Stuart came to polo with no riding experience at all. Stuart had spent many years as a competitive motorbike and rally driver but fancied a new challenge after seeing his wife Rachel pick up the sport. Having only 5 months experience riding and playing polo at this point, he’s still developed a reputation for big hits, big tackles and long range goals. We’re all looking forward to seeing him get stuck into this season’s

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Photos by: Elaine Dewhirst novice league.

It was Sarah Fry who picked up the “Most Improved Lady” sponsored by Ramsey Crookall, for her amazing achievements over the last year. Sarah began her polo journey just over two years ago with no previous riding experience. She’s taken a huge leap forward from developing novice with ambition to alert tactician and dangerous goal threat. This improvement was showcased in her last league game where she outscored her teammate, professional player, Frazer Houston.

“Most Improved Gentleman” sponsored

by Foraging Vintners was awarded to Zevi Sansbury among huge cheers and applause. Zevi is 13 years old but is filling everyone at the club with excitement to see how far he can go. He strikes the ball extremely naturally and can hit the ball much further than people twice his size.

He’s developed a great ability to dribble past defenders that many would-be tackle have seen first-hand. Keep an eye on this kids folks…

“The Player’s Player Award” sponsored by Complete Plumbing Solutions, is chosen by the members via a vote and they couldn’t have chosen anyone more deserving.

Becky Netten pours effort into her polo and her teams as well as the wider club.

Many contributed to the glamour of the ball, however it was Becky who pulled the show together into an amazing night. She has also organized spring parties, autumn parties, end of season parties and much more. Becky truly is the heart of the Manx family of polo players.

“Most Chukkas” sponsored by the Claremont is the award for commitment.

It’s the award for the player who has played more polo than anyone else and this year it went to Reggie Harrison who has barely missed a Chukka and has played in every single tournament over the last year.

The final award was extremely hotly contested and finished in a three-way-tie.

It was Stuart Bainbrorough, Iain Wood and Ed Pearson who came up to collect their wooden spoons for “The Most Falls”.

Falling is an important part of learning and these three managed to learn three times each over the last year.

The whole evening was delightfully captured by our club photographer Elaine Dewhirst, a huge thank you to Elaine for her continued support.

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SOPHIE MADDOX AND DAN CHRISTIAN’S WEDDING ON 4TH AUGUST 2018

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 Photos by: Shan Fisher - shansphoto.com

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EVENTS

TESCO STAFF PARTY

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Photos: dollsfactory.net

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

CULTURE

ISLE OF MAN POST OFFICE REJOICES AT THE ADVENT OF THE YEAR OF THE PIG On January 22nd the Isle of Man Post office issued a set of 4 stamps, beautifully painted by artist Zhang Yong, to celebrate the Year of the Pig in the Chinese Zodiac Calendar.

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The years of the Chinese calendar follow a 12-year cycle and each year is associated with one of 12 animal symbols (rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig). Every New Year marks the end of the reign of one animal and the beginning of the next. Those born under the sign of an animal are thought to possess the qualities associated with it.

Pigs are the symbol of wealth and fortune.

People born in the year of the pig are attributed with being energetic and always enthusiastic. They are realistic and though they are not wasteful spenders, they are said to enjoy life and treat themselves occasionally.

The Chinese New Year, or Spring Festival is the longest holiday of the year in China and has a history of more than 4000 years.

Specific activities and traditions will be celebrated each day. Celebrations start on February 4th, which marks the actual New Year’s Eve in the Chinese calendar.

The traditional Spring Festival itself commences on February 5th till February 15th. February 16th till 18th are preparation ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

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days in the build-up for the Lantern Festival which will peak on February 19th 2019.

Zhang Yong’s ‘courtesy name’ is Shangren.

Since childhood, Shangren was tutored in Chinese painting under Mr Luo Jintang, an artist of the Lingnan school of painting and a cultural relics expert in Guangdong Province. Later, he was taught by Mr Ye Quan, a famous Lingnan painter. Shangren is currently a member of the Guangdong Youth Artists Association, a member of the Guangdong Collectors Association and is the distinguished artist of the Studio of Political Consultative Conference of Guangzhou Haizhu District.

Maxine Cannon, General Manager, Isle of Man Stamps and Coins said: “We are proud to present this special stamp issue in conjunction with the Naughton Group and Artist Zhang Yong. Following up on last year’s Year of the Dog collection, celebrating the Spring Festival with our Chinese friends has become a tradition that commemorates the relationship between the Isle of Man and China.

Q&A with Zhang Yong

1. How did your involvement with the IOM Post Office come about?

A friend talked to me that the IOM Post Office is looking for paintings by a Chinese artist for a stamp collection for the Year of the Pig. When I heard the news I thought it is meaningful and important to pass Chinese cultures to other countries, so I took on the project.

2 You have been tutored in Chinese painting since childhood, how did you discover a passion for painting?

I love painting since I was small and I just kept working hard on it. It’s a joy doing what you really like.

3. Was the Lingnan School of painting a deliberate choice in your education?

Lingnan School means a kind of painting style from south of China. I’m from the south and my teacher is also a Lingnan School artist and naturally I became an artist of Lingnan School.

4. Would you describe yourself as a typical Lingnan School artist or have you been influenced by other styles?

I am a traditional Lingnan School artist, however I have absorbed a lot of good elements from other styles of painting as well, including some techniques of western paintings.

5.Were any special techniques utilised in the paintings?

Most of my painting techniques are traditional Chinese painting skills, I adopt this technique from learning to application.

6. Where do you get your inspiration for your artworks? What inspires you?

First I selected some real images of baby pigs and I see the cuteness in them, that’s the basic inspiration I got.

7. How do you know when your work is finished?

I painted different versions, but after the finished these (four) , I felt that I expressed what I wanted to say, then I confirmed, yes, its done!

In addition to the four-piece set a First Day Cover and a Presentation Pack are now available for pre-order at www.iompost.com/pig

8. What is your most important artist tool? Is there something in your studio you can’t live without?

Actually all tools for painting are important, like brush, ink, paper etc…

However, if there’s something I must have, that is, wine, or whisky (laughs) 9. Is this your first design work for a

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stamp collection?

Yes, it is.

10. Is the process of developing these images any different from your other paintings?

It’s very different actually, as it’s the first time in my life to create Pig images in my artwork.

11. What do you think makes this collection so special?

The pigs are vivid and lively; their cuteness is highlighted.

12. Why were the featured colours chosen?

I didn’t intentionally choose these colours, they were most apt for the subject matter, but in traditional Chinese paintings, you always need to balance the colours to have the harmonious feeling.

13. Do you have a favourite design and why?

I like all of them, every one of them is like my baby. I need to love them!

14. How important are the Chinese Zodiac Signs to your culture?

And what do they mean to you personally?

Zodiac signs are traditional Chinese culture, all Chinese people grow up in this culture. It influences our daily life for this generation, for all next generations.

15. Do you have a special connection to the year of the pig?

My zodiac sign is Sheep, I don’t know exactly how the year of pig will influence on me, as it needs some specialist to make analysis.

16. How do you celebrate the Chinese New Year?

We have a lot of activities, like drinking and eating too much (laughs) and spending time with loved ones…. We also used to enjoyed fireworks before, however, it’s prohibited now.

17. Are you a stamp collector yourself?

Yes, I am. I started collecting stamps when I was little.

18. What does it mean for you to be featured on a stamp collection?

It’s very meaningful to me. As I just mentioned, it’s the first time I created artwork for a stamp collection. I appreciate that the Post Office gave me this opportunity.

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OUR DIVERS AND BEAUTIFUL WILDLIFE CAPTURED ON A SET OF TEN STAMPS The Isle of Man is a special place for both humankind and nature, with it’s small but richly-varied landscape. Being the first entire island nation in the world to receive UNESCO status as a ‘world biosphere region’ is evidence of that. The Isle of Man Post Office commissioned photographs

by Manx photographer Brian Liggins, to create a stamp issue that displays some of the wonderful creatures living on the Island.

Brian says: “I enjoy the challenge of taking pictures of wildlife as it is always on the move”. He has captured ten very different animal species for this special stamp issue: Hares, Common Blue Butterfly, Gannet, Kingfisher, Common Lizard, Stonechat, Wallaby, Hedgehog, Field Mouse and Crimson and Gold Moth. However, having this kind of diversity in such a small area also raises interesting ecological issues.

Laura McCoy, Curator of Natural History, Manx National Heritage says: “The landscape of the Isle of Man has changed since it separated from the UK around 8,500 years ago. Surrounded by the Irish Sea, the Island is influenced by all of its nearest neighbours, and yet is unique in its composition of wildlife, making it something to be treasured and protected.

Islands can be hugely important in terms of supporting rare species and serve as refuges, but their sensitivity to environmental impacts increases the smaller in number they are. The continued presence of rarities like hen harriers, lesser-mottled grasshoppers and the greater butterfly orchid is by no means guaranteed and government agencies and wildlife groups manage and monitor the Manx countryside to support them.”

We have a duty in the conservation of our Island and various initiatives like “3 Pieces of Plastic” asking people to be observant and proactive during walks or charities like “Beach Buddies Isle of Man” who organise beach cleaning events with a growing number of volunteers, play a huge part in raising awareness for the responsibility we all have to preserve nature and wildlife.

Helping experts monitor local wildlife and reporting sightings can also feed into long term scientific studies and therefore have an impact.

So why not pick up some litter on your next walk, make sure that you pick up your dog waste or teach your children that bringing your own bags to the supermarket can make a difference? Because every little bit helps keeping our Island a beautiful place to live and work.

The stamp collection includes stamp sheet sets, First Day Cover and Presentation Pack, which are all available online at www.iompost.com/wildlife

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(l-r) Hon Graham Cregeen MHK, Charlotte Kinnin, Kiara Mae Masterson, Charlotte Halsall and Olivia Valerga.

SOVEREIGN ART FOUNDATION STUDENT ART PRIZE 2018 WINNERS ANNOUNCED Words: Suzy Holland Images: Sovereign Trust Isle of Man Limited (Michaella Macdonald) and the artists

Dr Draw entertaining Sovereign Trust Isle of Man Limited guests at the awards evening.

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The 2018 Sovereign Student Art Prize winners represented schools across the Island and a variety of artistic media. As last year, the finalists were chosen by the judges, and then it was up to the general public to vote for their favourites either in person during the exhibition at the Sayle Gallery or online via the Sovereign Trust website and social media pages. Prizes totalling £6250 for students and schools were awarded by Minister for Education, Sport and Culture, Hon. Graham Cregeen MHK at an event held at Sovereign Trust Isle of Man Limited’s new headquarters in Douglas.

First prize was awarded to Kaira Mae Masterson (Ballakermeen High School) for her mixed media piece All Things Bright and Beautiful. In her artist’s statement, Kaira Mae stated that she wanted to explore decorative pattern to represent the beauty of animals in contrast to the stark reality of animal testing, and the collage-like work shows the beauty of the subject with an implied fragmented damage caused by testing and medical experimentation.

The coveted Judges’ Prize also went to a Ballakermeen student, Charlotte Halsall, for her watercolour Torment. This captures the agony and physical pain of the emotion – with particular reference to the perception of the glamorous ‘Instagram-readiness’ seen on social media. Charlotte says that in this work she has chosen to depict the torment of a mother whose children are leaving the nest: an emotion discomforting to both the subject and the viewer.

Second prize was won by Olivia Valerga from Ramsey Grammar School for her acrylic work Evolution and third prize by Charlotte Kinnen from QEIIHS, for her Fractured Beginnings.

Diane Dentith, Managing Director of The Sovereign Group says:

“The prize winning works are all completely different and represent the huge artistic talent we have here on the Island. Sovereign Trust (Isle of Man) Limited is delighted to support these young artists, and by also making awards to each of the prize winning schools we are able to encourage younger students to continue to thrive for artistic success.

Next year, for the 2019 prizes, we will be including sculpture so we’re looking forward to seeing an even wider variety of art. Our chosen charity for 2018 was Wish Upon A Dream and we have raised over £4000 to help this tiny local charity provide ‘wishes’ to terminally ill children. The awards evening was a great opportunity to celebrate art, officially open our new headquarters and have fun, with live music from Canadian electronic violinist Dr Draw and his band who entertained our guests well into the evening.”

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UPLOAD

UPLOAD - OUR ISLAND YOUR PHOTOS

£50 W

inne r

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3

4

5

1 Carol Freeland

Douglas Head steps

2 Nick Shimmin Fishing Cat at Curraghs Wildlife Park 3 Sue Furner Peel Hill 4 Laurence Allen Illuminations at Summerhill Glen 5 Cameron Skehan

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7

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9

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6 William Galbraith

Ramey Pier

7 Janette Phair

Conrhenny Plantation

8 Neesha Kinrade

Ramsey Beach NYDay

9 Laura Collister 10 Gabriella Corkish,

age 12 Langness

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UPLOAD

13 11

14 12

11 Sean Corlett Fairy Cottage 12 Neesha Kinrade Cornaa 13 Richard Killey Glen Santon 14 Karen Galiver Fungi teardrop on wizard at Silverdale

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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O N T H E AG E N DA n F E B R UA RY 2019

R E C R U I T M E N T - E M P L O Y E E R E L O C AT I O N I N C E N T I V E

OPINION - WHY WE CHOSE BREXIT

T H E W O R K P L A C E - VA L E N T I N E ’ S D AY A N D JA PA N ’ S O F F I C E WORKERS

Business news

HSBC PARTNERS WITH LOCAL IoD BRANCH TO CONTINUE INSPIRING BUSINESS IN 2019

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he Isle of Man Institute of Directors (IoD) branch looks set for another successful year supporting local businesses, thanks to a new sponsorship deal with HSBC in the Isle of Man. The partnership will help the membership organisation to continue providing local business leaders with high quality business events, training and networking opportunities throughout 2019.

Jaime Amoedo, Country Head of HSBC in the Isle of Man, said: “We are proud to be partnered with the IoD and for the opportunity to build on our relationships

with businesses here in the Isle of Man. As an organisation, the IoD plays such an important role in representing the voice of local enterprise on the national stage and engaging with its members to make sure that we are all connected and investing in our regional economy.”

The IoD, which has 280 active members in the area supports and sets standards for business leaders both here in the Isle of Man and further afield nationwide. It promotes the views and interests of its members and gives them access to a broad network of business owners.

The North West and Isle of Man divisions of the Institute of Directors joined forces in September 2018 bringing together their networks and benefitting members from both areas. As well as the Isle of Man chapter, the IoD in the North West also includes branches over the water in Manchester, Liverpool, Lancashire, Merseyside, Cheshire, and Cumbria.

Jennifer Houghton, the Chair of the IoD Isle of Man, commented: “Announcing that the IoD on the Island has partnered with HSBC to sponsor our branch is a great start to 2019. This is fantastic news for our members as it will give the branch resources to organise additional functions throughout the year. We’d like to thank HSBC for this opportunity.”

LEADING LAW FIRM REPRESENTED AT MILESTONE CELEBRATION

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n Island law firm has played its part in a milestone anniversary celebration in Dublin.

DQ Advocates Director and Head of Corporate and Commercial, Stephen Dougherty, represented the company at a gathering to mark the 21st birthday of the International Fraud Group (IFG).

Established in 1997, the IFG is an alliance of anti-fraud firms in 48 countries around the world which tries to recover assets which are stolen and spirited away into multiple jurisdictions.

DQ was selected to be the Isle of Man representative after being recommended by British Virgin Islands and Cayman Islands global offshore company Harney Westwood Riegels.

Stephen explained: ‘After attending

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the C5 Conference in Geneva in 2017 we were invited to be the sole Isle of Man representatives and it certainly is a great honour for DQ Advocates.

‘The alliance provides DQ and our clients with an immediate global support network offering jurisdictional expertise worldwide.

‘Not only does getting involved raise the profile of the Isle of Man with the other jurisdictions but also allows us to share knowledge with fellow legal practices and professionals and ensures we keep our finger on the pulse globally in specialised fields.’

The IFG meets twice a year with the next summit scheduled to be held in London in May. ON THE AGENDA

Huge turnout for Chamber’s Brexit and Beyond event

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he Chief Minister gave the latest news about the Island’s preparations for Brexit at a hugely popular event organised by Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce, and sponsored by leading communications firm MM&C. He was accompanied by Della Fletcher, Executive Director, Crown and External Relations, and David Corlett, Head of the Isle of Man Government’s Brexit team.

Chamber Chief Executive Rebecca George introduced the guest speakers to a packed audience of 200 representatives from a wide spectrum of the Island’s business community.

Chamber President Chris Allen spoke about his and Chamber’s views on Brexit, and drew on his own insight from within the aerospace industry giving examples of how uncertainty about the outcome was affecting giant corporations such as Airbus and Boeing.

The Chief Minister gave a detailed account of Isle of Man Government’s preparations for every possible outcome, and ended his speech by saying: “I want to leave you with a few observations. The Isle of Man is not leaving the European Union, we were never members. We are leaving the EU Customs Union and we will no longer

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

be covered by the EU’s external trade policy, so we have protected and reinforced our relationship with the United Kingdom.

No matter what your beliefs, either pro or anti Brexit, it is certain that in the absence of an agreement on withdrawal there will be significant economic turbulence in the UK which, although we may be insulated

from some of the effects, will still have an impact on us”. He finished by saying “we will be keeping our eyes firmly on March 29 and the days and weeks after that, ensuring that we deal with the immediate impacts and then adjust to what will soon become the new normal.”

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movers & Shakers

APPLEBY ISLE OF MAN RECRUITS TWO NEW CORPORATE LAWYERS

A

ppleby have welcomed two new Associates to its Isle of Man office, both joining the firm’s Corporate department.

Syed Islam (Solicitor, England & Wales) joined the Corporate department in October as an Associate. He completed his legal studies in Sheffield, achieving a Commendation in his Legal Practice Course. He has experience within a broad range of Corporate matters including the acquisition and disposal of businesses

and business assets, legal due diligence, corporate restructuring, intergroup reorganisations and company refinancing.

Specialising in Private Client & Trusts work, Melissa Wong (Solicitor, England & Wales) joined the Corporate department in November as an Associate. She obtained a Bachelors of Law Exempting degree, with an integrated LPC from the University of Northumbria at Newcastle. She then continued her studies to postgraduate level and was awarded a Masters of Law (LLM) with Distinction from the University of Durham.

Melissa deals with all aspects of trust and foundation related matters including trust and corporate transactions, restructuring, provision of advice in relation to trustees, beneficiaries and protectors and providing legal opinions.

Faye Moffett, Managing Partner and Group Head of the Corporate department in the Isle of Man, said: “Syed and Melissa are two excellent additions to our corporate practice area, augmenting the department

which consists of over 20 lawyers. We have a very strong team capable of handling the most complex matters.”

This news follows on from the recent appointment of Garry Manley as Partner within the Corporate department.

The firm is continuing to expand and is currently looking to recruit a corporate lawyer.

For more information visit: applebyglobal.com/ careers.

Theo Estié joins IFGL as Group Company Secretary and Legal Counsel

T

heo Estié has taken up the key role of Group Company Secretary and Legal Counsel for International Financial Group Limited (IFGL).

Reporting to Group Risk Director, Sue-Ann Ind, a core part of Theo’s role will be to lead the implementation of the enhanced Corporate Governance Code.

“Theo has a unique combination of experience that will further strengthen the IFGL leadership team. Particularly his significant expertise in implementing corporate governance requirements, integrating newly acquired businesses, implementing risk-based capital and solvency requirements, as well as his deep legal expertise and leadership. I am delighted that Theo has joined our team,” said Sue-Ann. Theo is tasked with ensuring IFGL – which owns RL360, RL360° Services and Ardan and is awaiting regulatory approval for its planned acquisition of Friends Provident International - continues to integrate successfully as a group. “It is critical to get this right but it is also what the regulator expects going forward,” said Theo.

He added: “Navigating jurisdictional requirements will also be a key part of the role, working with external legal parties and regulators.”

Theo, a South African, will be based in the Isle of Man where IFGL is headquartered. He spent 17 years at Old

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agenda

Mutual South Africa (a former sister company of Old Mutual International), working on projects in South Africa, Kenya and Latin America, and prior to that was a public prosecutor in Cape Town.

He has been impressed with what he has seen at IFGL. “The focus and the cohesion in the strategy here is remarkable for me, compared with what I have experienced previously in a large corporate,” he said.

ON THE AGENDA

NEW MANAGING DIRECTOR FOR NEDGROUP TRUST

D

aniel Bisson has been appointed managing director of Nedgroup Trust, the Channel Islands-based trust and corporate services business of Nedbank Private Wealth. Daniel will be responsible for leading the team to grow the international trust business across both Guernsey and Jersey.

Based in Guernsey, Daniel has over 20 years’ experience in the global fiduciary and corporate sector. Most recently employed at Butterfield Trust, he previously spent nine years at RBC Wealth Management International where he held a number of senior strategic roles including managing director of wealth preservation and family governance, and head of fiduciary management.

Daniel’s new role is the third senior appointment for Nedbank Private Wealth as chief executive Stuart Cummins continues to develop and strengthen his executive team, since joining in March last year. Grace Eames has joined the company as head of human resources, and senior private banker Beckie Williams has recently been appointed as head of client proposition. The company is committed to an innovative growth strategy, with ongoing investment in its digital capabilities and building on its strong reputation as a high net worth boutique private bank and wealth manager.

Commenting on Daniel’s appointment, Stuart said: “We exist to protect our clients, advise them with integrity and make their lives easier. Daniel’s extensive client, strategic and leadership experience will be a great addition to the business.”

Daniel said: “I’m delighted to join Nedgroup Trust and become part of the Nedbank Private Wealth International team at such a dynamic time for the company.

Stuart has ambitious growth plans for the organisation and I look forward to working with him and the team to drive these strategies forward.”

HSBC appoints Head of Sustainability to implement Global Sustainability Strategy in the Channel Islands and Isle of Man

H

SBC has appointed Chantal Le Goff as Head of Sustainability in order to implement the Bank’s refreshed Global Sustainability Strategy across the Channel Islands and Isle of Man. The strategy focuses on education and future skills, which Chantal will oversee, along with managing the Bank’s volunteering projects and relationships with Community Partners, the charities that HSBC has chosen to work with.

So far this year, HSBC employees have volunteered more than 8,500 hours both in and out of work time. They have also raised more than £65,000 for other local charities, which includes the ‘£4£’ matching scheme where HSBC matches money raised by its people. In addition to this, substantial financial support has been given to the Bank’s Community Partners to deliver specific programmes that relate to HSBC’s sustainability strategy.

Commenting on the appointment, Nigel Hair, Chief Operating Officer said: “HSBC aims to help customers, communities and businesses thrive, prosper and realise their ambitions and our new sustainability strategy, with a focus on education and future skills will help us do just that in a forward-thinking and locally-focussed MOVERS & SHAKERS

manner. It is great to have someone with Chantal’s experience join us and manage this important work.”

Born in Jersey, Chantal most recently worked in Sydney, Australia, for twelve

years. She has a strong background in both financial services and community engagement, having spent five years at UBS Wealth Management on the trading floor for high net worth clients. She then worked for global consultant engineering firm Arup, where she sat on the regional Diversity and Inclusion Board. Chantal is a member of HSBC’s Executive Leadership Committee in the Channel Islands and Isle of Man. The new Head of Sustainability said: “It is wonderful to be working for a global organisation that’s absolutely committed to education, sustainable business practices and giving back to the community. Our new strategy has been developed in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Locally we’re concentrating on nurturing future skills in our communities by aiding financial literacy and the development of employment-related skills.”

“HSBC has a great team of people and together with our Community Partners, organisations and charities that HSBC in the Channel Islands and Isle of Man chooses to work with, I have every confidence we will be able to make a positive difference in our islands.” agenda

45

movers & Shakers

Peter Kenny appointed Chairman of the Manx Insurance Association

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agenda

T

he Manx Insurance Association today announces that Peter Kenny, CEO of Old Mutual International, part of Quilter, is to be appointed Chairman of the Manx Insurance Association (MIA).

Peter Kenny succeeds Gill Marples, a Director at IntegraLife International, who has held the post since 2015. Gill is stepping down to concentrate on a new role as the Life Insurance Industry Representative on the Finance Isle of Man Executive Agency, in which she will continue close ties with the MIA. Gill held the Chair during a challenging time for the industry which saw the development of a new regulatory framework including implementation of a new Conduct of Business Code. During this period the MIA also commissioned and began work on a Strategic Review designed to ensure the prominence of the Isle of Man as a centre of excellence for the international life insurance and wealth management sector.

Commenting on his appointment, Peter Kenny says: “I am delighted and honoured to become Chair of the MIA. “Isle of Man insurance firms work in jurisdictions right across the globe creating symbiotic relationships that promote jobs and growth. We share the common goal of promoting Isle of Man plc as a place to grow international businesses, supported by a deep pool of specialist talent.

“With a huge amount of regulatory change happening globally we face both opportunities and challenges. Under Gill, the MIA has played a vital role to help improve conduct and customer outcomes, and I look forward to working with government to continue to promote best practice, deliver for our customers and further enhance the international reputation of the Isle of Man.” Gill Marples adds: “I am delighted that Peter has taken on the leadership of the MIA and look forward to supporting him as he continues and builds on the important work undertaken by the Association during the past few years.”

ON THE AGENDA

Safe and secure Keeping your data protected As part of an international business, Sure Isle of Man combines global and local expertise to ensure the security of your business’s data, technology and communication.

Delivered in a fully-compliant offshore environment with high regulatory standards, and in conjunction with our market-leading technology partners, our world-class security solutions provide protection from attack and continually manage ongoing risk.

It’s why more businesses, no matter what size or sector, trust Sure to protect and deliver every day.

Connectivity Secure and resilient data connections from simple internet access to a fully managed global WAN.

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Managed Services Improve performance, eliminate downtime and lower costs.

We manage your networks, you work without interruption.

DC & Cloud Robust and secure offshore hosting via data centre and cloud solutions. Fully regulated and security compliant environments.

Security Be confident that your valuable business data is safely located in a secure offshore environment with guaranteed data residency.

Find out more at international.sure.com

Protect international.sure.com

Employee Relocation Incentive

Recruitment

A

Words by: Les Able

n ambitious pilot scheme launched in September 2016 by the Department for Enterprise, which offers up to £10,000 in financial assistance to local businesses looking to relocate staff to the Isle of Man, is proving to be making a major contribution to growing the Island’s economy.

The Employee Relocation Incentive provides employers funding of up to 20 per cent towards an employee’s first year net salary, capped at £10,000 per position. So far it has been linked to over 260 employee relocations to the island.

The job must offer a minimum starting salary of £25,000.

Tourism and Hospitality have now been added to the list of eligible businesses, which include chefs, head housekeepers and managers roles. There is an awareness that with new hotels and restaurants opening in the coming months, coupled with those already here, the experience required to fill key roles will not always be found in the Island. It is recognised that companies will have no alternative but to look to the UK and beyond.

The success comes as influential voices in commerce, industry and government emphasise the urgent need to attract talent to the Island to stimulate economic growth whilst also ‘growing’ the working population. There is also a desire to attract back those who have gone overseas for university who have then found jobs and not returned.

The targeted initiative helps local employers find additional skilled workers and ensure they find continued growth and success in the Isle of Man. The incentive can be accessed by businesses either looking to backfill or fill a new position which they have been unable to recruit locally.

“Piloted over the last two years, it has been hugely effective so far. It is an initiative that helps local employers find additional skilled workers and ensure they find continued growth and success in the Isle of Man,” emphasises Paul Maddocks, Enterprise Support Manager at the Department for Enterprise,

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“The Department helped us secure the relocation of an employee from our Cape Town office” “It is not intended to take away opportunities from local workers, but is instead put in place to grow the Island’s workforce where local employees are unavailable. Not only is it looking to expand the Island’s workforce, it is also in the national interest as it helps to foster growth in the economy and generates additional tax revenue.

“Some businesses have used the Incentive to assist with finding suitable candidates, others engage with recruitment agencies, while many have used it to support candidates with relocation costs.

What is equally important is that the Incentive can also be used to reach out to Manx individuals around the world to encourage their return home.”

Anthony O’Mahony, Chief Financial Officer at J5 International recently took advantage of the Incentive: “The Department helped us secure the relocation of an employee from our Cape Town office,” he declares. “We were unable to fill the position locally and needed the experience and knowledge of this software developer to be based on island.”

He adds: “It meant we were able to support the employee with relocation costs and at the same time enabled us to retain this talent internally. We are currently in the process of accessing the scheme for another employee relocation.”

Assistance is paid retrospectively after the employee has completed 12 months of continuous service.

ON THE AGENDA

ASSISTANCE IS AVAILABLE TO A RANGE OF BUSINESSES AND SECTORS INCLUDING: Financial and Professional Services: n Banking, Insurance, Fiduciary, Fund Management, Space, Management of Ships, Yachts and/or Aircraft, Legal and Accounting, Specialist Construction (only quantity surveyors & architects), other Professional & Financial Services.

Manufacturing: n Export, Import Substitution.

Digital: n Information and Communication Technology (ICT), eGaming.

Tourism & Hospitality: n Chefs, Head Housekeepers, Managers.

The business must: n Be in an eligible sector. n Have a permanent establishment/ place of business on island. n Be up-to-date in respect of Income Tax, VAT and National Insurance. n Submit their application in advance of appointment.

The job must: n Constitute permanent, regular employment. n Not be an excluded employment. n Offer a minimum starting salary of £25,000.

The employee must: n Be directly employed by the business. n Work predominantly on island. n Not have been a resident on island for Income Tax purposes prior to employment in the job. n Become a resident on island for Income Tax purposes for the period of employment in respect of which the grant is claimed.

TO APPLY:

n To see if your business is eligible for the Employee Relocation Incentive, contact the Department for Enterprise Team: enterprisesupport@gov.im or call (01624) 687333.

IN THE LAST 2 YEARS, THE EMPLOYEE RELOCATION INCENTIVE HAS Invested over

£1.9 million into local businesses Been linked to over

260 employee relocations

Helped over

50 local

businesses relocate employees to the Isle of Man

For more information www.iomdfenterprise.im/eri

RECRUITMENT

agenda

49

business events

ISLE OF MAN INSTITUTE OF DIRECTORS HOSTS DOUBLE CELEBRATION AT WOODBOURNE HOUSE

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ON THE AGENDA

T

he Isle of Man branch of the Institute of Directors (IoD) celebrated its 30thyear at the close of 2018, and to honour this milestone and the recent partnership with the North West Region, a celebration, supported by Isle of Man Bank, was held at Woodbourne House in Douglas on January 17th 2019.

In September 2018, the Isle of Man IoD joined forces with the North West IoD bringing together the business networks on both sides of the water in a collaboration that has benefited both areas significantly.

Most notably for the Isle of Man arm, it now has a greater policy voice, benefits from improved resources with full-time staff supporting members with similar business interests, and it’s providing opportunities to exchange ideas and share events with a greater community of like-minded directors.

Jennifer Houghton, Chair of the Isle of Man Branch, commented: “The IoD Isle of Man Branch Committee, together with visiting IoD North West Committee Members, really enjoyed meeting new and familiar faces to celebrate turning 30 years young! It was also an evening for us to appreciate the three decades the Isle of Man IoD has been supporting directors on the Island with their corporate governance, education and a wide-ranging network of professionals. I would also like to thank Isle of Man Bank on behalf of the IoD for sponsoring this exciting event.”

BUSINESS EVENTS

agenda

51

Why

we Chose

Brexit Guest Writer:

Markus Boyd

H

uman societies are complex.

Over the last ten or so thousand years, human societies evolved under the influence of geographic constraints that have helped shaped the language we speak, our belief systems, our place in the world and the influence we can exercise over it. When humans started to settle and abandon a nomadic past, distinct cultures emerged with contrasting ideas and interests. As conflicting interests are a natural result of scarcity, and as human populations grew exponentially, the demand for cultures to Markus Boyd extend their range of influence beyond the physical boundaries of the town or city increased. When we consider imperial ambition today, the first thing that may come to mind is greed and domination.

Yet, one will appreciate that no empire could succeed without the collective effort and endorsement by its citizens. As the divergent ambitions of the sovereign states eventually culminated with wars on an increasingly global and destructive scale, the need for a new kind of order emerged in Europe and elsewhere - one which could radically integrate multinational interests at the expense of national sovereignty.

That price has proven a fragile transaction for citizens of European Union.

The four ‘freedoms’that underpin the EU, are ‘the free movementof goods, services, capital and persons’. These principles are in place to facilitate political integration of the bloc. The latter freedom, which we will discuss here, has proven by far the most divisive. Inevitably, the free flow of people from diverse cultural backgrounds will lead to ethnic fault-lines. The different customs and norms of those people against our own will cause social discord, with its extent may dependent largely on underlying social stress. Economic austerity, for instance, has gripped European Union for years now has led people to grow sceptical of the benefits of the existing order, in particular the adverse effects of free immigration and loss of sovereignty. The natural response to sustained economic hardship is a combination of suffering, frustration and, for many, the belief that one may be better off without an institution that seems to only work against their identity and the “greater good”. This is why in such conditions protectionism triumphs, for as citizens start to look towards ideas that favour their own existence, aspiring politicians adopt them so that we may endorse their ambitions.

Cultural disharmony, in my view, may be reduced to the following factors: our primal desire to associate with our own kind, and the extent to which a foreign people adversely affects the wellbeing of native citizens. Once example that has tested the endurance of many, is the mass immigration of people from countries less affluent to our own. For the unskilled labour market, this generally carries negative implications for the value of such work

“most displaced workers fall into competition for tasks requiring low skill levels. As the supply of workers seeking employment in such tasks grows, wages fall”

OPINION

due to the forces of supply and demand.

With also the increasing displacement of human labour by automation across this market there is further devaluation.

Therefore, the exponential arrival of less skilled workers from other countries has led to an abundance of cheap labour for many British employers. Allen Lane, author of The Wealth of Humans, elaborates this point, stating that “most displaced workers fall into competition for tasks requiring low skill levels. As the supply of workers seeking employment in such tasks grows, wages fall”.On the flip-side, reduced human labour costs may dissuade firms from investing in expensive machinery. Is it a coincidence that people from lower income backgrounds predominantly voted to leave the European Union?

Whether the decision to do so was ever a rational approach to mitigate certain challenges in the 21stcentury, or whether the mainstream referendum debate was at all objectively considered by the majority of the electorate, will remain important questions for our country and as example for others. Yet, despite the flaws in the political process that led us to leave the EU, our nationalistic fervour is clearly alive and kicking. And this nationalistic energy – which is by no means isolated to the United Kingdom – has seriously undermined the ideological integrity of the European Union. And in the process, undermined the political stability that is necessary for economic stability.

While many attribute Brexit to a long list of misconstrued judgements by the electorate, I attribute it to: an economic system that is failing most; a political system preoccupied with factionalism and reward; and the oppressive integration of divergent cultures. The problems of our age are a mixed bag of inconvenient details, which few consider comprehensibly and with resolve. Because of this, most people will vote one way or the other based on the emotional resonance of the arguments presented to them, for they haven’t the time nor inclination to become subject matter experts. Such is the nature of representative democracies.

Whether looking inward in response to our problems, and how such responses will impact the globalised order, remains dubious and quite troublesome for those with more to lose than most. I routinely question whether globalisation is at all compatible with human nature, and whether the European Union will at all survive prolonged economic stagnation, in the face of increased political and social pressure. In addition, the inherent disparity of wealth between each member state will always encumber the means for social unity across the bloc. What is perhaps clearer to determine, is our tendency to consider our own tribe before others during periods of social stress. And that if the current order is to sustain itself, ways to alleviate those stressors must be considered objectively, without melodrama and sensationalism.

agenda

53

the workplace

F

rom campaigns by prime ministers and chief executives, to lobbying from union heads and labour activists, the attempts to remodel Japanese office culture have been distinguished but disappointing. Hope now rests with a Belgian chocolatier.

Godiva has chosen Valentine’s Day for a broadside on trying to change workplace attitudes. Specifically, the time-honoured workplace phenomenon of the giri choco — literally “obligation chocolate”. Each February 14, women feel obliged to buy chocolates and distribute them evenly to their male co-workers (usually with gritted teeth). The men must then return the “favour” a month later — the convention is that the value of their chocolate offerings be around twice that of those they received.

The social pulleys engineering this bit of stagecraft are as impressive as they are unsettling. There are two distinct obligations that compel the purchase of the giri choco and ratchet up its scale: a fear of non-alignment with the unwritten rules of the office and the need to appear evenhanded by buying something for everyone.

A friend describes a panic after she and her colleagues made a solemn pact on February 13 that they would appear emptyhanded at work the following day, only to find themselves haring to the nearest confectioner when one of their number broke ranks the next morning.

Giri choco buying is banal, burdensome and sustained by a dread of non-conformity — the very same recipe that has locked Japanese office work in decades of productivity torpor.

It may be the perfect moment to shape public policy. Recently, in a neat stroke of marketing, Godiva’s Japan head, Jerome Chouchan, took out a full-page advert in the Nikkei newspaper (chosen for its audience of business executives), calling

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Bittersweet campaign to liberate Japan’s office workers Buying chocolates on Valentine’s Day is just one of many workplace tyrannies for an end to the mental imprisonment of the giri choco. The advertisement notes the sense of relief that descends across corporate Japan in those blessed years where Valentine’s Day falls on a weekend.

Absolutely you should give chocolates (hint: Godiva) to someone special, argues Mr Chouchan in the lengthy letter, but giri choco no longer has a place in this day and age. Valentine’s is not a day, he writes, on which you should feel forced to do “something extra for the sake of smooth relations at work”.

The letter concludes by exhorting male readers, “especially if you are the top person in your company”, to formally absolve female staff of giri choco obligations.

Godiva does not quite spell it out, but the shadow cast by giri choco is part of a much larger darkness in Japan’s office culture for which few good solutions have been devised. Japanese white-collar workplaces are hardly unique in allowing peer pressure and convention to reign, but the annual giri choco misery offers an uncomfortable reminder of just how potent it is as a force of resistance to change.

Giri choco is on a spectrum of unspoken obligations which, at their most destructive, create the impulses that make the

workplace bullying of pregnant women or new mothers — “maternity harassment” — a real thing, and leave the phenomenon of karoshi — “death by overwork” — seemingly impossible to dislodge.

Even good ideas — to reduce, for example, the culture of overwork — often end up wrecked by workplace norms genetically programmed to resist evolution.

A year ago, Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry tried to establish “premium Friday” where, once a month, the week would finish at 3pm.

Almost as the scheme was announced, companies and entire sectors of the economy formed a queue to explain why they would have to be exempted. But they needn’t have bothered: the same suite of obligations and fears that lies behind giri choco, prevented a buy-in to premium Friday. The trade ministry, when asked, claims the scheme will dutifully trudge on in 2018, but the very people it was intended to uplift have already declared it dead.

Godiva’s stand, however self-serving as a piece of marketing, is an important one, as Valentine’s Day 2019 will show. Yet it is a safe bet that even if orders to abandon giri choco are passed down, they will be ignored and Japan will go on observing its bittersweet traditions.

ON THE AGENDA

HOME

52

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

HOME

FA FAII RHAV EN A 4 BEDROOM DETACHED EXECUTIVE FAMILY HOME

This stylish 4 bedroomed detached executive family home occupies a private position in this highly sought-after location only a few minutes’ drive from the centre of Douglas.

Offering an excellent standard of contemporary accommodation throughout, Fairhaven has a generous number of reception rooms perfect for family entertaining and relaxing.

n

Executive family home

n

Located in a desirable development

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4 double bedrooms

n

Spacious entrance hall with gallery landing

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Luxury modern fitted dining kitchen

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Cinema room

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£1.295m LUCERNE COURT, DOUGLAS | PRICE £1.195m

VIEWING HIGHLY RECOMMENDED VISIT: dandara.com OR CALL: 615000 BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

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HOME HOME HOME

FEATURED PROPERTY FEATURED FEATURED PROPERTY PROPERTY

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Here Here are some some of the the latest instructions instructions from local local agents...

£239,000 45, MURRAYS LAKE DRIVE, MOUNT MURRAY, SANTON Modern three bedroom semi-detached house situated within a popular residential and golf course development. The property is presented in fantastic condition throughout and is within walking distance of The Forge Restaurant, the newly renovated Mount Murray Country House and Golf Course with bar, gym and spa on your doorstep.

On the ground floor there is an entrance hall with a cloakroom (WC) off, living room and a dining kitchen with double doors opening out onto the easy to maintain South Westerly facing rear garden. To the first floor there are 3 bedrooms and a bathroom.

To the rear there is a private South Westerly facing lawned garden with mature hedging to the rear boundary.

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£499,500 24, CRONKBOURNE ROAD, DOUGLAS Only from an internal inspection can this character town property be fully appreciated, as the present owners have lived here for over 20 years. During that time they have sympathetically restored the house yet at the same time blending the modern and old to provide a magnificent character property.

The property is located on a generous plot with good size lawned area, paved patio area, hedging, trees, shrubs and bushes, all laid out for ease of maintenance. Off-road parking for approximately 2/3 cars. Enclosed pavioured area to the rear which takes full advantage of the early morning sunshine.

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£799,000 3 GLEN DARRAGH GARDENS, GLEN VINE, A stunning and spacious executive 4 bed 4 bathroom family home fully modernised and beautifully decorated throughout to an extremely high standard. Quality finishes include walnut veneer doors throughout, kardean flooring and porcelain tiles. The property is situated in a small, quiet residential area and centrally located to Douglas, Castletown and Peel with Marown school a very short walking distance away. The property has a detached double garage with large studio/games room above, extensive paved driveway with ample off-road parking and well maintained front and rear gardens. Upvc glazing throughout, oil fired central heating with a brand new boiler.

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£695,000 MAJESTIC DRIVE, ONCHAN A substantial, detached coastal residence with 4 en-suite bedrooms, 5 reception rooms and 2 utility rooms providing spacious and adaptable family accommodation, benefitting from superb coastal views in a most sought after, quiet cul-de-sac position. Oil fired central heating is installed together with double glazing.

The property benefits from a generous tarmaced driveway with abundant parking and turning facilities which is flanked by well stocked and established surrounding gardens. The gardens are principally laid to lawn with well stocked shrub and flower beds with steps leading to a raised sitting area, mature hedging to the side and rear boundaries.

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

APPETITE

Words by Jamie Lawrence at The Wine Cellar

black pepper, with violets and a dash of liquorice. “Les Terres Brulées” The Roasted Earthsis the prettiest expression of Syrah from Cornas. Powerful yet elegant tannins are softened by two years’ oak maturation.

Raspberries, blackcurrants, dark cherries, liquorice, cocoa and a long spicy finish make this the perfect foil for a barbecued rib of beef.

CHAMPIONING FEMALE WINEMAKERS LAURE COLOMBO THIS MONTH’S EDITION OF GALLERY IS THE PERFECT OPPORTUNITY TO CELEBRATE AN INCREDIBLE FEMALE WINEMAKER WHO IS CURRENTLY CEMENTING HER REPUTATION IN FRANCE’S RHÔNE VALLEY AS A CONTINUATION OF HER FAMILY’S INFAMOUS WORK, WHILST DRAWING A SPOTLIGHT TO LESS PROMINENT APPELLATIONS THAT ARE PRODUCING SUPERB QUALITY WINES.

The daughter of top Rhône winemaker Jean-Luc Colombo and Anne Colombo (who became the first female president of the Cornas Winegrowers Association in 2016), Laure Colombo has a Viticulture degree from Bordeaux University and a Masters in Oenology from Montpellier. Having apprenticed in the hospitality and wine industry, and worked vintages in Bordeaux, India and New Zealand, she is now making a name for herself as one of Rhône’s rising stars.

Having joined the family business almost 10 years ago, Laure’s objectives have been to produce approachable wines for a younger market, put St-Péray on the map and to add to and develop what her parents have already created. She is head viticulturist and winemaker for Jean-Luc Colombo’s existing wines and has successfully launched her own label range “Colombo & Fille”. Laure is full of life bringing delicacy, freshness and authenticity to the wines. She emphasizes that her wine is an extension of herself, about how she feels rather than conforming to trends or a certain cache, and that wine is a fundamental part of life, not a commodity.

She refers to St-Péray as the white Cornas appellation; Cornas AOC is 100% Syrah, whilst Roussanne and Marsanne are the only permitted grapes in St-Péray. Her

parents were early pioneers of Cornas; they essentially put it on the map and helped it to gain prominence against its’ more famous Côte-Rôtie and Hermitage neighbours. Laure is hoping to do the same for the tiny white appellation of St-Peray. She wanted to take a good appellation and to make more easy-going wines, not New World in style, simply more approachable. Colombo & Fille St-Péray is a wine very close to Laure’s heart; 60% Roussanne and 40% Marsanne are hand-harvested, oak-fermented and left to mature for a year to amplify the concentrated fruit flavours these grapes have to offer.

Citrus and quince flavours dominate propped up by a fresh mineral texture. Perfect with game dishes, and bold enough to stand up to rich casseroles.

Laure’s parents entered the wine industry through their love of food, and so her parents’ tastes have influenced the style of wine she looks to produce; not too much oak, residual sugar or alcohol. The wines are about freshness and delicacy.

She emphasises that the red grape she harnesses is Syrah NOT Shiraz, which is all about fresh fruit, is not jammy, is more floral and delicate and has to be about

The wines tell a clear story and are predominantly named for parts of the city of Marseille where Laure’s father, Jean-Luc, is originally from. “Les Collines de Laure” (The Hills of Laure) is named after the hilly vineyard sites where Laure played as a child. “Les Abeilles” is named for the bees that inhabit the farm/vineyard where Laure lives, and the Colombos donate a contribution from the sale of each bottle to the British Beekeepers Association to help with their research. “Les Abeilles” Côtesdu-Rhône Blanc is a blend of 80% Clairette and 20% Roussanne which boasts fresh fruit, intense florals and peach, melon, pear and candied lemon flavours. An economical alternative to the rarer Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc, this wine pairs beautifully with lamb, pork, or assorted cheeses.

Along with bees, Laure is building a harmonious environment of biodiversity among the vines; uniting viticulture with agriculture. This includes cows, pigs, geese, chickens, rabbits and a Camargue horse.

Though not officially certified, her winemaking techniques are largely biodynamic or at least organic. This approach of viewing the vineyard as one cohesive organism allows the terroir to talk, meaning that aspects in and around the surrounding environment shine through in the wine, specifically, in this area, garrigues herbs (rosemary, heather, thyme) and pine. The biggest challenge facing the region as a whole is global warming which increases alcohol levels and produces much jammier wines. Laure is investing her energy in growing vines at higher altitudes to overcome this, and to secure the future of her wines, the region, and her parents’ legacy. *All wines pictured are available at The Wine Cellar.

THE WINE CELLAR • THE MILESTONE • PEEL ROAD • DOUGLAS • IM1 5ED TELEPHONE: 01624 611793 • EMAIL: sales@thewinecellar.im

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Give flowers a miss this year, try Valentines cookies It may well be a sales opportunity invented by chocolate manufacturers, restaurateurs and/or rose growers, but a day dedicated to romance is still a lovely idea.

In practice, it can get a bit tricky — it is a silly notion that you can conjure up

Honey and spice Valentine cookies Makes 22-24 cookies For the cookies n 120ml strong coffee n 50ml rapeseed oil (or other vegetable oil) n 50g butter n 140g dark brown sugar n 180g honey n 1 tsp ground ginger n 2 tsp ground cinnamon n ½ tsp ground nutmeg n Zest of 1 clementine or orange n 420g plain flour n ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda n 1 tsp baking powder n 1 tsp vinegar For the icing n 200g icing sugar n 1 tbs pink juice, squeezed from raspberries, strawberries or redcurrants n 2 tbs milk

romance on cue. No matter how hard you try, the build-up is so intense that you are bound to be disappointed.

So give chocolates and flowers a miss this year, try these lovely cookies loosely based on German pfeffernüsse. Somewhere

between a cake and a biscuit, their texture is unlike any other baked goods: moist and slightly crumbly, they deliver on flavour with a mix of spice and honeyed sweetness.

The pink icing not only gives them that Valentine’s Day look but also provides a dainty and delicate crust.

1. To make the cookie dough, place the coffee, oil, butter, sugar and honey in a saucepan. Mix all the dry ingredients and spices together in a large bowl.

2. Heat the honey and oil mixture until all the butter has melted and it just starts to boil. Remove from the heat, add the vinegar and then pour on to the dry mix. Using a large spoon, mix well, until smooth and thick.

3. Cover with clingfilm and place in the fridge for about an hour.

4. Heat the oven to 180C (fan) and line 2 large trays with baking paper.

Dampen your palms using a little cold water and shape the dough into 22-24 rounds (about 35g each).

Remember to moisten your palms between shaping each cookie and allow a little space between them on the tray as they will spread when baked. Bake for 15-16 minutes, until they dome up to a nice shape, and remove from the oven. They will still feel very soft, but will set some more as they cool.

5. Make the icing by mixing all the ingredients together to a thin pinkish paste. Place the cookies on a rack and, using a spoon or a piping bag, cover the top of each with a teaspoon of icing and let it drip down the dome. Allow to set on the rack before removing and serving.

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

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TRAVEL

WORDS Rebecca Evans

HAVE YOU EVER DREAMT OF SPENDING A WEEK, OR A MONTH, OR EVEN JUST A COUPLE OF DAYS DOING EXACTLY WHAT YOU WANT TO DO, WHENEVER YOU WANT TO DO IT, AND WITHOUT HAVING ANYONE ELSE’S WANTS OR NEEDS TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT? IF THE ANSWER IS YES THEN REST ASSURED THAT YOU’RE NOT ALONE. The Association of British Travel Agents (or ABTA to you and I) reported in October 2018 that interest in solo holidays is booming, with 15% of travellers in the previous 12 months going it alone, up 12% on the previous year. While the idea of a ‘single traveller’ may bring to mind 19 year old backpackers on a gap year, or lonely widowers joining Saga tours, you may be surprised to learn that the biggest increase in those going it alone has been in the 35-44 age group, and that the majority are Women.

Specialist site Solotravelerworld.com have seen searches for ‘solo female travel’ increase by 52% year on year, and when surveying their users found that 46% of Women travelling alone are doing so for freedom and independence, 22% weren’t willing to wait around for a suitable travel companion, and a further 15% wanted to challenge themselves. While many Women travelling alone do

so because they don’t have a significant other, or friends and family aren’t available to travel when/where they want to go, an increasing amount are making the decision to go it alone regardless of who would or could accompany them. Some Tour Operators have reported a rise in busy mums somehow making the time to squeeze in a short break just for them, in order to return genuinely relaxed and rejuvenated, something that rarely happens during a week away with kids in tow (or so I’ve heard).

Despite this rising trend in solo adventures, as a 35 year old Woman who has holidayed alone a number of times, I can attest that the

reaction from peers is not always positive - when I told people about a solo trip to Paris I was planning last year I was met with a mixed bag of responses, at least one of which questioned my sanity. But this stigma is misplaced; of course it can be nervewracking going somewhere new without the reassuring presence of a companion, but once you take the leap then the real benefits far outweigh any perceived negatives.

There’s a wonderful selfish freedom in being able to stick entirely to your own holiday schedule without needing to make allowance for anyone else. Fancy spending the entire day on a lounger with a book?

Do it! Or getting up at 4am to take an excursion to somewhere that interests you but would bore your spouse or friends senseless? Not a problem. In Paris I spent some time at Disneyland and indulged my inner-child by waiting 45 long minutes for a photo with Donald

“There’s often an assumption by those that haven’t done it that travelling alone would be lonely or boring, but in my experience that’s never been the case.”

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Duck, without anyone to raise a whimper of objection. On the other hand I saved much longer than that by taking full advantage of single-rider queues.

There’s often an assumption by those that haven’t done it that travelling alone would be lonely or boring, but in my experience that’s never been the case. So long as I am armed with my Kindle (on solo trips I treat it a bit like Wilson in Cast Away; a constant companion, source of emergency entertainment and handy shield against unwanted approaches) and a rough plan of things I’d like to do/not do then being bored isn’t even on the radar. As for being lonely, the world is full of interesting people to talk to, and when we travel with a ready-made source of chat then we largely miss the opportunity to engage with them. In the interests of full disclosure there have been times when I’ve thought ‘it would be nice to share this moment with someone’ but when that’s not possible and the alternative to drinking champagne up the Eiffel Tower alone would be to be surrounded by people but sitting at my desk back home, it’s not hard to weigh up which is the better option.

For me, taking a holiday alone and completely devoid of compromises feels empowering, character-building and a tiny bit badass, not to mention generally being more relaxing than most of the holidays I’ve taken as a group or part of a couple.

As positive as all this independent adventuring is, and however much I’d encourage all Women to take the occasional solitary sojourn to somewhere exciting (even if it’s just a day trip to The Sound).

Who wouldn’t love a quiet day of people watching with a nice chilled beer and a bowl of moules, miles away from the demands of home?) it would be remiss of

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

“In Paris I spent some time at disneyland and indulged my inner-child by waiting 45 long minutes for a photo with Donald Duck, without anyone to raise a whimper of objection.” me not to mention safety. It’s a sad fact that no matter how far we’ve come in equality, a Woman on her own is simply more vulnerable than a Man in the same position.

Thankfully serious attacks of a type that make the news are rare, however it pays to stay savvy, pay attention to your surroundings and don’t take risks. No matter how much of a budget you might be on, safety is worth paying for. Upgrade your hotel if your first choice doesn’t feel comfortable, and take a taxi instead of walking late at night. In Paris I was anxious about negotiating the unfamiliar Metro and finding my hostel late at night, so I splashed for an Uber door to door, and left the map-reading until daylight.

Research your destination in advance if it’s somewhere new to you, keep a tight hold of your valuables and don’t be too quick to trust a new friend or acquaintance, no matter how honest they seem. For an extra layer of reassurance check page 72 for an array of gizmos and gadgets designed with travel safety in mind.

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4 BOOTS TRENDS THAT ARE GOING TO BE EVERYWHERE THIS YEAR

Ask any true fashionista and she’ll tell you that shoe shopping is one of life’s greatest pleasures.

Coveting a pair of killer heels and making them yours is a dopamine-inducing delight - and there’s none of the agony that comes with browsing for bikinis or jeans, because the size of your feet doesn’t really fluctuate.

There’s something particularly pleasurable about buying boots, because unlike strappy sandals or sky-high stilettos that are reserved for holidays and special occasions, you can wear boots day in and day out, almost all year round.

Ready to find your perfect pair? Here are four boots trends that are set to dominate this year...

MINIMALIST COWBOY BOOTS The cowboy comeback continues, but now it’s all about pared back, sleek styles in soft hues. Powder pink or white are ideal for pairing with floral frocks from now until summer.

Dune Priotry Boots, £145

They spark joy way more often than those delicate court heels that stay hidden in a box at the back of your wardrobe most of the time - wouldn’t Marie Kondo approve?

So what’s trending in the boot department for 2019?

One thing’s for certain, ankle length is where it’s at - these shorter styles will take you from winter to spring with ease, and with lots of cool colour and print options, they’re anything but boring.

Faith Pink Suedette Bestie Block Heel Ankle Boots, currently reduced to £47.20 from £59, Debenhams

Miss Selfridge Brooke White Western Boots, currently reduced to £31.50 from £45

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Office All Right Block Heel Boots, currently reduced to £58 from £95

PATENT BOOTS A high shine finish gives block heeled boots a luxe feel, and this season’s coolest pairs come with metallic or heel detailing too. Make these patent pretties your party stars.

Topshop Houston Ankle Pointed Boots, £59

ZEBRA PRINT BOOTS Taking over from this season’s ubiquitous snake print, zebra stripes are galloping into fashion for 2019. Team with a leather mini skirt and a zebra jumper, if you really want to be on trend.

BRIGHT BOOTS Break up wintry dark outfits with a pop of red, yellow or orange. Fiery hued kitten heel boots make a chic addition to a floral maxi skirt, or will brighten up a casual jeans and jumper combo.

Sosandar Zebra Print Leather Pull On Ankle Boots, £119

Tu at Sainsbury’s Online Exclusive Orange Sock Ankle Boots, £20

Dorothy Perkins Multi Coloured Zebra Design Leather Attitude Ankle Boots, currently reduced to £36 from £45

JD Williams Marigold Flexi Sole Kitten Heel Ankle Boots, £30

Office Mojo Shoe Boots Zebra Pony Effect, £95

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

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10 DREAM USED CARS FOR UNDER

£50,000 Can you get a dream car on a budget? We think you can.

Dream cars are meant for bedroom wall posters, right?

Well, that’s not always the case - and if you’re lucky, you might be able to get the car of your dreams for a reasonable sum of money.

Aston Martin DB9 n Aston Martin’s DB9 relaunched the brand back into the mainstream, taking over from the older DB7. It was a resounding success; the car’s engine, construction and general driving style were leagues ahead of the car it replaced. It’s an impressively good used buy, too. The market is awash with decent examples, and our budget will net you a decent, well cared for model.

We’ve chosen a £50,000 budget, and found 10 of the very best ‘dream’ cars you could realistically buy with it...

Audi R8 n Audi’s original R8 broke the supercar mould - because it was a motor you could actually use day in, day out. Rock-solid build quality, paired with good looks and an inspiring drive meant the R8 was immensely popular when first released - and there are now plenty of used examples to choose from. At this price point, you’ll be able to get your hands on the full-fat 5.2-litre V10-powered version, and you can even get it with a manual gearbox, which is the one to have.

Bentley Continental n Bentley’s Continental makes for an exceptionally good used purchase. Particularly in this price range, you’ll be able to get yourself a clean, relatively low-mileage example. But that’s not the best thing - you’ll be bagging a W12 engine and a luxurious cabin too. For under £50,000, you’ll be able to choose between coupe or drop-top as well.

BMW Z1 n BMW’s striking Z1 may not be your stereotypical dream car, but it’s one we feel is worth considering. Why? Well for starters, the doors go up and down electronically - and it’s hard to describe just how cool this is. On a bright summer’s day, you won’t regret opting for the Z1. We promise.

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Nissan R34 Skyline GT-R n In terms of cult followings, the R34 Nissan Skyline GT-R is right up there. Made famous by its appearance in iconic motoring movie Fast And Furious, the R34 is loved by enthusiasts across the globe.

Twin-turbocharged engines were used throughout the car’s life, though this was one vehicle favoured by tuners more than any other - so these powertrains were frequently boosted and pushed to incredible power outputs.

Jaguar E-Type n Think ‘classic car’ and your brain has probably already started forming the picture of an E-Type. Still touted as one of the most beautiful cars ever built, this picture of classic elegance is unlikely to ever depreciate in value again and can provoke smiles in even the meanest of pedestrians. Opt for a Series 1 for maximum kudos, but you may need to stretch our £50k budget to get a good one...

Mercedes 280SL ‘Pagoda’ n Our £50,000 budget won’t stretch to the iconic 300SL - more’s the pity - but it will get you a 280SL, and that’s almost as good. This gorgeous cabriolet produced a genuinely impressive (for the time) 168bhp from its 2.8-litre straight-six engine, and the option of a distinctive detachable ‘Pagoda’ hardtop. Timeless, classic, beautiful and distinctive.

Morgan Aero 8 n When Morgan’s Aero 8 first came out, it was slammed for being, well, a little odd-looking. However, behind the rather frog-eyed front end sat a proper V8 engine, linked to the rear wheels via a manual gearbox - though it was later available with an automatic. In terms of standing out, you’ll do well to better the Aero 8. Both in terms of styling and overall theatre, this a tough car to beat, particularly at this price point.

Porsche 911 n You can’t go wrong with a Porsche 911, right? One of the most beloved sports cars of all time, the 911 is an ideal everyday dream car - you can enjoy it on tight, twisty roads, but it’s just as adept at doing the supermarket run. You’ll be able to pick up a clean 991 example at this price point, though there are a variety of classics available too - it’s down to what you fancy.

Ferrari 360 n We couldn’t finish this list without a Ferrari, could we? And what better Ferrari to pick than the 360, arguably one of the most iconic and popular cars to ever wear the prancing horse. And better still, 360 models are relatively simple to get your hands on, particularly for our budget. Just keep a close eye on the car’s service history and general condition - 360s are notorious for going wrong if not maintained properly.

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WORDS Rebecca Evans

Ladies (and gents of course; there’s no sexism here in the Feminine Issue) if this month’s travel section on page 62 has inspired you to pack a bag and jet off into the big wide world for an independent adventure, your first priority (after choosing a destination, booking a flight and planning your holiday wardrobe) should be making sure you stay safe on the move. For this issue I’ve taken a look at some travel gadgets designed to give provide extra peace of mind.

DEFENDER SLIMLINE PERSONAL ALARM

While keeping your personal effects safe is one thing, in the grand scheme of things it’s our personal safety that’s more important.

The Defender Slimline Personal Alarm is lightweight and discreet but packs a 130 decibel punch should the very worst happen. Easily attached to a set of keys or a bag with the supplied key ring and lanyard attachments, the alarm is activated by pulling the pin and is loud enough to ward off an attacker and attract attention if required. Attach to both yourself and your bag to deter a snatch and grab, or carry in your hand at any time you feel vulnerable.

Meeting UK Police preferred specifications this is one of the highest quality personal alarms on the market, and also features a powerful torch as an extra layer of convenience and safety.

The Defender Slimline Personal Alarm is £5.95 from www. redlinesecurity.co.uk

LIGHTWEIGHT CABLE LOCK

It’s a known fact that opportunist thieves will always take the easy option. A ‘phone protruding from a back pocket, a wallet left sitting on a restaurant table or a handbag slung over the back of a chair are all manna from heaven for the unscrupulous.

So the key to keeping your stuff locked down (pun intended) is to make it look like less of an easy grab that someone else’s stuff.

Small and light enough to throw in your handbag, the lightweight cable lock features a self-coiling 900mm cable and a 3 digit combination. Particularly useful when napping by the pool or eating al fresco, thread it through your bag handles and around a less movable item (a chair leg or the lounger you’re lying on) to make your goods appear less of a good option.

Yes it might seem a bit extra to chain your bag to a table, you might even feel a bit silly, but not as silly as you’d feel wasting days of your holiday trying to obtain an emergency passport or a replacement bank card.

The Lightweight Cable Lock is on sale at £3.99 from Mountain Warehouse

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LIFEVENTURE TRAVEL DOOR LOCK

Whether travelling for business or for pleasure, one of the major concerns that Women face when staying in a hotel room alone is who else may have access to a key for the door. Whilst sometimes there’s an interior bolt or chain in place to add some reassurance, this isn’t always the case, particularly in small hotels and hostels in far flung parts of the world.

Weighing just 10g, taking up next to no space in your luggage and costing less than a large glass of wine, the Lifeventure Door Lock is a travel essential. Made of reinforced nylon this little gadget works on almost any internal door, provides a tamper proof extra level of security and allows you to sleep peacefully, safe in the knowledge that you are protected from intruders.

GOOGLE PIXEL 3 – RAISING THE BAR

Simple to install and quick to release I can’t think of a reason NOT to pack one.

Google has upped its game with their awesome Pixel 3.

The Lifeventure Travel Door Lock is £5.99 from www.lifeventure.com

AIRBOLT SMART PADLOCK

It’s all very well keeping a close eye on your luggage when it’s in your possession, but at some point on most journeys you’re going to have to wave it off down a conveyor belt into the hands of goodness knows who, and just hope that it will turn up to meet you at the other end, with contents intact.

Padlocks and combination locks are all very well but there’s an ever-present danger of losing those fiddly little keys, or forgetting the code that seemed so unforgettable when you set it 6 years ago before that girls trip to Magaluf.

Enter the AirBolt Smart Lock. Pricier than your average lock it’s surely worth it for the reassurance that nobody is rummaging through your smalls. This almost indestructible lock is made of die-cast zinc alloy and stainless steel rope chain. Linking to your smartphone via Bluetooth the accompanying AirBolt app allows you to track your luggage, monitor whether your bag has been opened by TSA in transit and unlock it straight from your phone.

The good people at AirBolt have thought of everything. Lost your phone? Log into the app on someone else’s handset and unlock from there. Dead battery in the middle of nowhere?

There’s a back-up combination lock. A tendency to put your bag down and wander off? Set a distance alert and an alarm will sound when your phone and bag part ways.

Waterproof and featuring a rechargeable lithium ion battery, the lock is compatible with all IOS and Android devices that feature Bluetooth 4.0 or higher.

The AirBolt Travel Lock is £69.99 from www.thefowndry.com

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

Offering a 5.5-inch full HD OLED screen, the compact Pixel 3, which is the smaller of Google’s two new editions, the other being the Pixel 3 XL, has a smooth curved glass back design which fits perfectly in the hand and is amazingly stylish to look at.

One of the highlights of the new Pixel is its camera which any keen photographer won’t be disappointed by.

The camera in the Pixel 3 is currently one of the best on the market. It comes with a 12.2MP auto-focus, dual-pixel rear camera with phase detection and the dual-lens front-facing 8MP camera which allows you to get everyone in the photo with the Group Selfie feature – no selfie stick required!

Another great feature of this new handset is the cutting-edge charging technology its battery delivers. The phone which also comes with a wireless charging option, which is super handy, charges fast and can last up to 24 hours!

It’s such a smart phone; the battery even shuts down apps that you don’t use to save battery life.

The Pixel 3 comes complete with active Edge technology which allows you to squeeze the sides of the phone to use Google Assistant. From here you can make shopping lists, get travel times, check the weather and much much more.

So, don’t delay, pop in one of our Sure stores in Douglas, Ramsey or Port Erin and experience this fantastic phone for yourself!

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BORDELLO’S - 18TH BIRTHDAY PARTY

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ARE YOU IN? /GALLERYIOM

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

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NIGHTLIFE

THE OUTBACK

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ARTISAN

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01624 673482 HOME ENTERTAINMENT

www.colebourn.com sales@colebourn.com

57 - 61 Victoria Street Douglas IM1 2RP

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

JOE TOMLINSON, HELPFUL HUMAN ISLE OF MAN OFFICE

Quality at your service

RL360 Insurance Company Limited. Registered Office: International 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.