March 2018 | the DEVELOP issue

Isle of Man Premier Magazine | no. 72 | March 2018 | the [DEVELOP] issue

£ priceless

#72

the DEVELOP issue BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

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Sure. The Isle of Man’s best mobile network. Fact.

Sure provides faster data, better call quality and better coverage. And that’s a fact.

Find out more at www.sure.com/best

Independently verified data*

Sure 44mbps

MT 32mbps

Difference +38%

4G+ coverage

75%

4%

+71%

Voice quality

3.13

2.44

+28%

Average download speed

*Source: Systemics Group Q4 2017, The Isle of Man’s best network.

sure.com

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.

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Disclaimer. All rights reserved. Any form of reproduction of Gallery Magazine, in part or whole is strictly prohibited without the written consent of the publisher. Any views expressed by advertisers or contributors may not be those of the publisher. Unsolicited artwork, manuscripts and copy are accepted by Gallery Magazine, but the publisher cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage. All material, copy and artwork supplied is assumed to be copyright free unless otherwise advised. Contributions for Gallery should be emailed to editorial@gallery.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.

UPFRONT

#72

[THE DEVELOP ISSUE] £ priceless

Isle of Man Premier Magazine | no. 72 | March 2018 | the [DEVELOP] issue

edito #72

the DEVELOP issue BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

WWW.GALLERY.CO.IM

D

eveloped a sixth sense or is it just common sense? Do you take life at face value or are you open to the idea of psychic sensitivity?

agenda lite n

ON THE AGENDA n MARCH 2018

O P I N I O N - S E X , L I E S A N D T H E G E N E R AT I O N G A P

B U S I N E S S - T R A N S F E R T R AV E L . C O M

T E C H N O L O G Y - T H E R O U T E T O S A LVAT I O N L I E S I N Y O U R I N B OX

Isle of Man | Home & Interiors | March 2018

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

Palm Winds, Ramsey - £895,000

Ashcroft, Peel - £450,000

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

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The idea of angels hanging out at the bottom of the garden probably seems like a step too far for most of us; but hands up anyone who hasn’t had déjà-vu, a weird coincidence or a highly intuitive “feeling” or vibe about a person or situation that turned out to be accurate although you can’t explain why? Christine Lampard recently talked about how she sensed danger and subsequently pushed her husband out of the way of falling scaffolding. She later said, “I just knew it was going to happen... listen to your gut, that’s my advice at the end of the day”. But; was it her gut, her intuition, or an undeveloped psychic ability?

Spiritual medium Rebecca Rosen explains in her book “Spirited”, how that sense of “knowingness” is one of the clair senses and once you have identified which is your dominant sense it will help you create a “meaningful life”. The clair senses are intuitive feelings that allow people to receive information in different ways and each corresponds with the five senses of seeing, hearing, feeling, smelling and tasting.

Perhaps that feeling that an old friend was going to call and then they did, wasn’t just a coincidence but a sign that you have a reliable clair sense. Rosen believes that we all have the gift of intuition but we may not be listening to the signs and signals.

She believes that spiritual information is constantly being broadcast all around us and we just have to learn how to tune into it and recognize which sense is the most reliable for us; not necessarily to connect with a spirit but to be aware of our psychic sensitivities and have the courage to embrace or develop them.

Whether or not we believe we have psychic abilities or our minds are just harnessing common sense or playing catch up there is no doubt that some of us can pinpoint a number of instances where something felt a bit weird or spooky. Anyone for a séance?

Enjoy this edition of Gallery, make of it what you will, but I hope you make the best of it.

SR

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5

UPFRONT

CONTENTS PICKS FEATURE

UPFRONT

wealth & investment

Words: Simon Kuper (FT)

A number of things come to mind when you see or hear the word develop. Building developments, career developments, the developing world; it all comes down to improvement, and aiding something to flourish into a better version of itself. But not everything that develops has to be something you can physically see.

Personal development is something that has blown up over the years. Self help books, seminars, retreats and subscription services are no longer reserved for middle aged spinsters, or Carrie Bradshaw types chasing down the future they’re told they should have by now. Self help has become a part of every day life, with the self love and self care movements having blown up globally, especially on social media. To simplify, it’s all about putting yourself first and loving yourself for who you are.

That said, a lot of people still don’t buy into it. It’s branded as ‘fluff’, not genuine. Self help, and now self care is still branded as something feminine, marketed for women the same way yogurt adverts are. Seriously, does no man ever treat themselves to an activia? Is a healthy gut not wanted by one and all? We’ll get into that debate another time.

Nonetheless, we are in a time where discussing your emotions, seeking help and advice and generally being more open with each other is encouraged. The idea that putting yourself first, practising self love and working on developing your mental state is reserved just for women is ridiculous. So let’s disregard that notion from here on out.

e stenholm Ria Wol nson WORDS Russ Atki ATION ILLUSTR

decisions, when really it has nothing to do with them. So, from now on, if you don’t want to share your answer, or don’t have one when someone questions your actions or choices a simple ‘because that’s my decision’ is all you need to say. You do not owe anyone who is not directly affected by your decision any kind of justification or explanation.

On the back of that, expanding your reach further than your immediate circle is an important step in developing a personal growth mind-set. Don’t think that in order to stay loyal to your loved ones you cannot meet new people and create new circles away from them. Seek out like minded people, socialise with people who share your interests. Accept invitations you may have snubbed before, and make conversation with people you wouldn’t think twice about speaking to. They might not be your kind of people, but you may learn something from them. It can never hurt to collect new contacts, and expand your own views by listening to others.

“IN SHORT, PUT YOUR WANTS AND NEEDS FIRST. AS LONG AS YOU AREN’T HURTING ANYONE, AND YOU ARE HAPPY, THEN NOTHING ELSE MATTERS”

Loving yourself is all about making decisions that aid you to grow. But developing yourself mentally, and encouraging growth in your mind-set and outlook is something only you can do for yourself. Nobody else can tell you how to think, or what actions to make in order to reach your preferred, personal level of stability. It sounds easy, but we often look for answers in others wisdom when we have a problem.

It can seem strange to be so selfish if it doesn’t come to you naturally, but this is the best kind of selfishness you can practise.

There’s no set recipe or rulebook as to how to do it, but there are some very basic places to start in order to get the ball rolling, which is what I’m here for this month.

For starters, stop justifying everything you do. It’s human nature to ask why, which is why our loved ones, friends and family tend to question our decisions. For example, you’ve decided your job isn’t giving you the satisfaction and happiness it should, so you decide to quit. Everyone’s first question will be why. They’ll try to dissect it, unravel the story behind why you’ve made this

To stop being negative about your ability, and start having a more positive outlook, you have to stop calling your dreams stupid. Allow yourself to have ambitions or visions for your future that seem far fetched and impossible. They may seem unattainable now, but if you keep it in mind it could become a reality for you without even realising.

In short, put your wants and needs first. As long as you aren’t hurting anyone, and you are happy, then nothing else matters. The experience is more important than the outcome when it comes to personal development, because the route you set out on could change at any given moment. Being aware of that and ready for something to change at any given moment not only keeps you on your toes, but keeps your head above water.

Accepting that personal growth is not something that ever ends is important to keep in mind. It’s always expanding, changing direction and going through alterations, but in the long run it will make you happier. You don’t have to accept how things are just because you can’t find a way out yet. A new opportunity is always around the corner; you just have to make the choice to look out for it instead of blindly waiting for it to find you.

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BECAUSEQUALITY QUALITYMATTERS MATTERS BECAUSE

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44

Sex, lies and the generation gap agenda

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FEATURE: Personal Development

ACTIVE

ON THE AGENDA

S

tudents at Oxford university traditionally have tutorials in their tutors’ “rooms”. Sometimes that just means an office but often he (the tutor is usually a he) hangs out a lot there. In short, the teaching space is also a private space. Add on the power imbalance between tutor and student, and Oxford in my student days (1988-1992) might have been designed for sexual harassment.

Students swapped harassment stories.

There was the tutor who emerged from his shower wearing only a towel to greet a female tutee. Another tutor, who often discussed his interest in young men, once (probably when fogged by his sherry) groped a female student’s knee. When someone overdid it at one Oxford college, he was usually quietly shunted to another.

Written rules about sex would have been considered humourless, even “American”.

It was a different world. But most of us who inhabited it — and grew up thinking its codes were normal — are still around today.

The sexual revolution of 2013-17 — gay marriage, transgender rights, and now the uprising against harassment — has been a wonderful thing. But I fear that many men and even some women of my age and older will spend the rest of their lives fighting the new codes.

My generation reached adulthood with scarcely even a concept of sexual harassment. During my last year at university, Anita Hill made her accusations against her former boss Clarence Thomas, who had been nominated for the US Supreme Court. I watched the hearings on TV, and remember fellow students mocking her, but I struggled to understand exactly what she was alleging. She wasn’t accusing Thomas of physical attack, so what did “harassment” mean? My ignorance wasn’t unique. A contemporary tells me that at the time she was trying to help write her college’s first-ever legal code on harassment.

Over the next two decades, western countries progressed a bit. Codes got written. A new moral rule emerged: relationships ought to be equal. That meant that homosexuality was OK, whereas unequal relationships — such as paedophilia and sexual harassment — were taboo. Slowly, people’s behaviour changed.

Harassment probably declined, from a very bad base. In 2002, 6.5 per cent of American respondents to the University of Chicago’s General Social Survey said they had been sexually harassed on the job in the previous 12 months. The figure fell to 3.6 per cent by 2014.

Meanwhile, a group of new movements bubbled up in the US, most of all on campuses. From Black Lives Matter,

“Men policed the public space, through practices like wolf-whistling, “slut-shaming” or plain assault”

through transgender activists, to It’s On Us (“to stop sexual assault”), they had different origins but shared a basic idea: our group has always been violated by others. In particular, the white patriarchy has hurt us, and stamped on our identity. Our duty is to speak out. In this battle, it’s sometimes OK to deny the other side free speech.

When these groups spoke out against violation, they were often mocked. However, they have been startlingly influential.

The moment that their worldview went mainstream was in September, when the Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein was exposed as a sexual predator. Women the world over began speaking out against violation. That has changed gender relations.

This will infuriate lots of people. In male-dominated societies, rules against sexual harassment won’t easily triumph.

Rebecca Traister, who is writing a book on female anger around politics, says in a podcast: “I fully believe that a backlash to this moment of exposure, and this conversation, is imminent.”

Most people now in middle age and older learnt to live their intimate lives by the old standards: gays were bad, transsexuals absurd, women should be seen not heard, and harassment was never discussed. Men policed the public space, through practices like wolf-whistling, “slutshaming” or plain assault. Sexual codes existed chiefly to regiment women.

Now those generations are being told they lived wrong. The two harassing tutors I mentioned are dead. But there’s another man I recall who made so many moves on his female students that the college finally did something: he was barred from tutoring women one-to-one. That man is now an emeritus professor. He won’t want new sexual codes to regiment him. When a single accusation of harassment anywhere is shown to be false, or an attempt at blackmail, he’ll be crying foul.

Even some older women have shown little enthusiasm for new sexual codes. It’s notable that weeks after Donald Trump was caught boasting about sexual assault, he beat Hillary Clinton by a double-digit landslide among white women aged 45 and over. The US now has a generational divide unprecedented since the 1960s sexual revolution.

Both sides agree rape is criminal but, beyond that, there’s no consensus. What about a pass at a colleague after work?

Or complimenting someone’s looks? Or a surreptitious ogle? Every organisation will now write strict codes, but what happens if these butt up against stubborn everyday practices? The genders and generations will be fighting about this for years to come.

agenda

THE WORKPLACE

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AGENDA lite: Feature

ACTIVE HARDWARE

HARDWARE

Shooting Our shooting team comprises six talented athletes who have been training hard in preparation for the Games.

Clay shooters Jake Keeling, Tim Kneale, Neil Parsons and David Walton have recently been training and competing at Nuthampstead Shooting Ground, home of their coach Ed Barker.

SUPERTOUR

Rifle shooters Rachel Glover and Gemma Kermode have also travelled off-Island as part of their training programme. Rachel has spent several weeks in Portugal competing and training, while Gemma has spent time batch testing at ammunition manufacturers ELEY in the West Midlands.

ISLE OF MAN

Harry Creevy, Shooting Team Manager

GOLD COAST 2018 COMMONWEALTH GAMES With only a few weeks until the start of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games, the 33 members of the Isle of Man team are in the final stages of their intense training programmes.

In an exclusive insight with some of the people closest to the Isle of Man’s sporting stars, we find out how some of the Island’s finest athletes are getting on with their preparations for the Games:

Athletics The three athletes that will represent the Isle of Man Athletics team at the Gold Coast are an exciting combination of talent and experience.

25-year-old Erika Kelly from Glen Mona will be competing in the 20km road walk at the Games. Having only competed seriously for the past three years, she has made tremendous progress in the sport, particularly in the past 12 months. Erika is based on-Island and most of her training has been at the NSC track in Douglas.

Javelin thrower Joe Harris has had a fantastic 2017, improving his best throw by more than eight metres and claiming podium finishes in a number of major UK Championships. The 20-year-old from Crosby has spent recent months training

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Badminton The Island’s badminton representatives Kim Clague, Ben Li, Jessica Li and Cristen Marritt have been spending their time training individually, however, we recently brought everyone together for a training weekend in Nottingham.

in Germany, with 2016 Olympic Champion Thomas Röhler.

Port Erin’s Joe Reid, the most recent addition to Team Isle of Man, made his name as a 400m runner. Having recently moved on to the 800m, 21-year-old Joe has been getting faster with every race, so it will be exciting to see him competing against some of the best runners in the world.

The best advice I can give, having been in their position, is although it can be overwhelming at times, to just enjoy the whole experience. In terms of things to be wary of as they wait for their event – overtraining, and spending too much time in the 24-hour food hall!

Steve Partington, Athletics Team ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

Gymnastics Nicole Burns, our only Isle of Man gymnastics representative, has been undergoing intensive training with her university coach in Leeds, and myself here in the Isle of Man.

It was incredibly valuable to have everyone together to train as a team. Our players are now focusing on their final preparations and will continue to work on their development in their individual training programmes at Bath, Sheffield and Nottingham.

She is doing brilliantly and is well on track for a competitive performance at the Games in artistic gymnastics.

We are so grateful to IOM CGA for all its support.

Gennady Tsyganov, Gymnastics Coach BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

Henry Ford once said that ‘auto racing began five minutes after the second car was built’ and although the precise moment in time that motorsport became an ‘actual thing’ is lost in the cloudy annals of history, there is no reason to believe that Mr Ford, in all his wisdom, was too far off the mark. Certainly the idea would have been conceived in the 1880s not long after the internal combustion engine was invented.

rallies thrilling enthusiasts, who continue to travel from all over the world to watch or take part.

The Isle of Man was innovative and quick to embrace new concepts and developing technologies, not least to support and enhance a booming tourist industry, which was creating new wealth for the Island.

It wanted to compete with other holiday resorts to continue to attract visitors, so in the early 1900s the Island had found a ‘unique selling point’, even before a ‘USP’ became an actual thing.

It was while talking about their love of the Isle of Man and of performance cars over a pint that two locally-based businessmen noticed that while motorsport was heavily catered for, the island had no dedicated event for supercars. That was the moment the concept for Supertour began to develop.

This passion for motorsports and all things related is shared by many locals who become immersed in these events and are proud that they take place on their doorsteps, on roads they use daily - several of which have no upper speed limit.

As an ex-police inspector formerly in charge of roads policing, Derek Flint had been involved with various supercar groups who visit the island.

In 1904, the UK had a 20mph speed restriction for motor vehicles. Tynwald saw a great opportunity and passed an Act that allowed automobile racing to take place on the Island’s roads. Soon after, the first motorsport event, the ‘Gordon Bennett Eliminating Trial for touring cars’, took place. The following year saw the first Tourist Trophy races for automobiles and in 1907 the first TT race for motorcycles was held. The rest, as they say, is history.

“I was always mindful that driving on public roads is invariably a compromise, with other traffic travelling in both directions and the unpredictable nature of other road users and thought there had to be a better way.”

Derek and entrepreneur Peter Adamson

Over the century that followed the Island developed a remarkable motorsport culture, with events like the TT races, the Manx Grand Prix and closed-road car

Alex Marritt, Badminton Coach and Team Manager

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ACTIVE: Gold Coast 2018

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wondered why supercar events weren’t staged by ‘local folk’ who know the roads well, have the right contacts and are massive fans of the Isle of Man. “We wanted to build on our status as an undisputed world-class destination for motorsport. The island attracts thousands of TT and Festival of Motorcycling visitors each year. There is a great opportunity between these gatherings, to hold other attractive and exciting events so we can show the Island off. Supertour catalyses that aspiration.”

Supertour encompasses five days of non-competitive, high quality driving experiences for supercar owners, including the chance to drive on closed roads as part of a thrilling hill climb event. Fine dining, VIP hospitality and private track days are also on the Supertour itinerary. The event begins on 10th June 2018.

Since the recent launch of Supertour the event has received a lot of interest, both from owners of prestige vehicles who want to experience driving on the Island’s roads and enjoy the best of Manx hospitality and from local enthusiasts who are supercar fans, excited to see a group of some of the most elite vehicles in the world visiting their home.

The website www.supertour.im has further details of the itinerary and details of the packages available and the company can also be found on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

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92 Hardware: Supertour - IoM 2018

THE REST UPFRONT

Edito...........................................................................................................................5 What's On...................................................................................................8 Feature.....................................................................................................................10 Me & MY Pet.........................................................................................................12 Cover Girl...............................................................................................................16 News in Numbers...............................................................................................18 GIVE..........................................................................................................................12

EVENTS

Emma Kelly & Anthony Halsall's Wedding Day..........................22 Peta & Kevin Rooney's Wedding Day.....................................................24 Ali & Ed Cox Wedding Day..........................................................................26

CULTURE

Culture Vulture........................................................................................28 Culture News......................................................................................................29 The Sayle Gallery Exhibition.........................................................................31 A Magical Story of Island Folk...................................................................32 Upload....................................................................................................................34

TRAVEL

Wanderlust...........................................................................................................38

AGENDA In The News........................................................................................................42 Sex, Lies and the Generation Gap............................................................44 Movers & Shakers..............................................................................................46 Work Tribes..........................................................................................................48 TransferTravel.com...........................................................................................52 Salvation & Your in-box..................................................................................54

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PLACES

Feature Properties..........................................................................57-68

APPETITE

Classic Dinner Party........................................................................................70 Wine Talk.............................................................................................................72

FASHION & BEAUTY

Holmes & Davidson Opticians..........................................................74 Fashion News..........................................................................................77 Beauty Products.....................................................................................78

ACTIVE

Sure's Sports Leaders Programme.................................................80 bos - New Sponsor for IoM National Football Team................82 Commonwealth Games 2018.....................................................................84 Active News .......................................................................................................88

HARDWARE

Motoring News.......................................................................................90 Supertour 2018..................................................................................................92 Phone home............................................................................................94

PAPARAZZI Are you in?........................................................................................95/98

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

UPFRONT

Photographer and styling: Shan Fisher Model: Beth Kate Teare Makeup Artist: Heather Maddrell Hairstylist: Kayleigh Walker Flower Backdrop: Wonderwall by Ellie – Taylor Handmade by Elaine Edge 1

COVER: the DEVELOP ISSUE

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

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UPFRONT

WHAT’S ON Now – 01.04.2018

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

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

And there’s also ‘Lego On The Loose’ – a very special Lego trail for all ages, with an opportunity to win all 32 Lego characters for your own collection (free – but donation of £1 per entry suggested).

01.03.2018

ISLE OF MAN SPORTS AWARDS

//VILLA MARINA, DOUGLAS// The annual Isle of Man Sports Awards presentations, with winners in 11 categories being revealed on the night. This year’s guest of honour is multi-medal winner team

GB Paralympian swimmer Ellie Simmonds OBE. Tickets just £3 from the box office, Welcome Centre, online or by phoning the ticket hotline on 600555. www.villagaeity.com

www.manxnationalheritage.im

now – 05.05.2018

CROSSING OPEN GROUND – DAVID GILBERT: A RETROSPECTIVE //MANX MUSEUM, DOUGLAS// Art and creativity shouldn’t be a luxury or an optional extra to life. David Gilbert – who lived and worked in the Isle of Man for many years until the late 1980s passionately believed everyone could be creative, and helped and inspired many to discover their own creativity.

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

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

Monday – Saturday (10am-5pm). Free Admission – Donations Welcome. www.manxnationalheritage.im

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call 624 624 or see in store visit manxtelecom.com/unlimited

*terms and conditions apply. **see manxtelecom.com/unlimited for handset exclusions. † see

manxtelecom.com/roaming for a full list of countries.

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

UPFRONT

MARCH and guided walks include WW11 (3 March), 5000 years of Faith (4 March), the Cregneash landscape (10 March), the Cregneash cummals (18 March) and more. www.manxnationalheritage.im

09.03.2018

AN EVENING WITH THE WARDENS OF THE CALF OF MAN

03.03 – 24.03.2018

CREGNEASH – EARLY OPENING WEEKENDS

//CREGNEASH// Manx National Heritage has arranged special ‘early opening’ weekends in Cregneash and the surrounding area before the season starts at Easter. Subjects

//SOUND CAFÉ, CREGNEASH// Join the wardens, Aron and Nathan, for dinner and an entertaining talk about work and life on the Calf.

Cost £32.93 for talk and 2 course dinner (includes Eventbrite booking fee) www.manxwt.org.uk

09.03.2018

VOTES FOR WOMEN IN THE ISLE OF MAN //RAMSEY GRAMMAR SCHOOL, RAMSEY// A talk by Dr Robert Fyson (author of ‘The Struggle for Manx Democracy’) on the story of how the Isle of Man came to introduce votes for women in 1881.

Arranged by the Friends of Sophia Goulden as part of the International Women’s Day celebrations.

Tickets £5 (including tea and coffee) available from Celtic Gold, Peel, Thompson Travel, Port Erin, Peter Norris Music, Douglas, Shakti Man, Ramsey, by phone (803246) or from www.facebook.com/ sophiagouldencampaign

10.03.2018

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

The Island’s first truly

unlimited mobile tariff

use as many on-Island minutes, texts and data as you like*

all smartphones from £0 upfront on smartroam unlimited**

plus

we’ve added 5GB, 500 mins and 500 texts of UK & EU roaming†

One network. No limits. Switch today.

//DOUGLAS// After a highly successful Woman’s March in January, the Women of Mann are arranging a ‘ladies night’ to celebrate this year’s International Women’s Day. Expect live music, fun and frolics. www.facebook.com/womenofmann

18.03.2018

ANNUAL SEED & PLANT SHARE

//LAXEY SAILING CLUB, TENT ROAD, LAXEY// Date for the diary of any keen gardener: the Isle of Man’s annual Seed Swap. The way it works is simple: you go along, organise seeds you’d like to share into labelled bins and then help yourself to new ones.

A raffle will be held to help pay for the room hire and to support the Laxey allotments, so if you plan to attend, please take a prize donation and/or buy raffle tickets on the day. The draw will be at 2.30pm.

Seeds left over at the end of the event will be donated to those in need. www.facebook.com/lovely.greens.iom/

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

9

e nholm Wolste kinson ia R S t WORD ION Russ A TRAT ILLUS

FEATURE

UPFRONT

A number of things come to mind when you see or hear the word develop. Building developments, career developments, the developing world; it all comes down to improvement, and aiding something to flourish into a better version of itself. But not everything that develops has to be something you can physically see.

Personal development is something that has blown up over the years. Self help books, seminars, retreats and subscription services are no longer reserved for middle aged spinsters, or Carrie Bradshaw types chasing down the future they’re told they should have by now. Self help has become a part of every day life, with the self love and self care movements having blown up globally, especially on social media. To simplify, it’s all about putting yourself first and loving yourself for who you are.

That said, a lot of people still don’t buy into it. It’s branded as ‘fluff’, not genuine. Self help, and now self care is still branded as something feminine, marketed for women the same way yogurt adverts are. Seriously, does no man ever treat themselves to an activia? Is a healthy gut not wanted by one and all? We’ll get into that debate another time.

Nonetheless, we are in a time where discussing your emotions, seeking help and advice and generally being more open with each other is encouraged. The idea that putting yourself first, practising self love and working on developing your mental state is reserved just for women is ridiculous. So let’s disregard that notion from here on out.

On the back of that, expanding your reach further than your immediate circle is an important step in developing a personal growth mind-set. Don’t think that in order to stay loyal to your loved ones you cannot meet new people and create new circles away from them. Seek out like minded people, socialise with people who share your interests. Accept invitations you may have snubbed before, and make conversation with people you wouldn’t think twice about speaking to. They might not be your kind of people, but you may learn something from them. It can never hurt to collect new contacts, and expand your own views by listening to others.

“IN SHORT, PUT YOUR WANTS AND NEEDS FIRST. AS LONG AS YOU AREN’T HURTING ANYONE, AND YOU ARE HAPPY, THEN NOTHING ELSE MATTERS”

Loving yourself is all about making decisions that aid you to grow. But developing yourself mentally, and encouraging growth in your mind-set and outlook is something only you can do for yourself. Nobody else can tell you how to think, or what actions to make in order to reach your preferred, personal level of stability. It sounds easy, but we often look for answers in others wisdom when we have a problem.

It can seem strange to be so selfish if it doesn’t come to you naturally, but this is the best kind of selfishness you can practise.

There’s no set recipe or rulebook as to how to do it, but there are some very basic places to start in order to get the ball rolling, which is what I’m here for this month.

For starters, stop justifying everything you do. It’s human nature to ask why, which is why our loved ones, friends and family tend to question our decisions. For example, you’ve decided your job isn’t giving you the satisfaction and happiness it should, so you decide to quit. Everyone’s first question will be why. They’ll try to dissect it, unravel the story behind why you’ve made this

BECAUSEQUALITY QUALITYMATTERS MATTERS BECAUSE

decisions, when really it has nothing to do with them. So, from now on, if you don’t want to share your answer, or don’t have one when someone questions your actions or choices a simple ‘because that’s my decision’ is all you need to say. You do not owe anyone who is not directly affected by your decision any kind of justification or explanation.

To stop being negative about your ability, and start having a more positive outlook, you have to stop calling your dreams stupid. Allow yourself to have ambitions or visions for your future that seem far fetched and impossible. They may seem unattainable now, but if you keep it in mind it could become a reality for you without even realising.

In short, put your wants and needs first. As long as you aren’t hurting anyone, and you are happy, then nothing else matters. The experience is more important than the outcome when it comes to personal development, because the route you set out on could change at any given moment. Being aware of that and ready for something to change at any given moment not only keeps you on your toes, but keeps your head above water.

Accepting that personal growth is not something that ever ends is important to keep in mind. It’s always expanding, changing direction and going through alterations, but in the long run it will make you happier. You don’t have to accept how things are just because you can’t find a way out yet. A new opportunity is always around the corner; you just have to make the choice to look out for it instead of blindly waiting for it to find you.

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UPFRONT

Emma Watterson Breed: Human Age: 26 Likes: Lie ins and long walks on sunny days.

Dislikes: Being cold and spiders!

If I was an Animal I would be: - A bear, adventure-filled days and then sleep all through winter!

Favourite food: Chocolate...Smothered in chocolate.

Where do you live: Port St Mary Where are you originally from: Cambridge

EMMA & CASPER

Where do you work: The Airport Do you have any more pets: Yes, 1 flopsy bunny and 1 diva cat.

Would you have any more pets: Not for a while, but watch this space!

Breed: 70% clumsy oaf and 30% Weimaraner.

Age: 8ish

Best and worst part of having a pet: Best - Always having something fluffy on hand.

Likes: Long walks and 5pm because

Worst - when they each want to go outside 10 minutes apart!

Dislikes: Always being told “I’ve already

Interesting fact: I go rock climbing in my spare time and love snowboarding.

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Casper

that’s DINNER TIME!

eaten”.

If human, what would you be: Professional Food Taster!

Why do you love your human: - She can open the food bin, and gives me lots of fusses!

If you had one wish what would it be: A feast to be held in my honor!

Interesting fact: I’m a rescue and other families couldn’t cope with my energy but I’m here to stay now.

Photos: Matt Mosur - mattmosur.com ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

•••• SO FAR, THESE MANX CREATURES HAVEN’T BEEN VERY HELPFUL DIRECTING US TO PEEL. BUT SURELY OUT OF THESE THREE PIGS, ONE OF THEM MUST KNOW THE WAY.

UPFRONT

MANN TAILS

Give an animal a home

#4

SO, WHAT, WE’RE GOING TO HUFF AND PUFF THEIR HOUSE DOWN? NO, I THINK THAT MIGHT CAUSE COPYRIGHT ISSUES. WE’LL JUST ASK THEM POLITELY.

Cockerels GREETINGS, I’M JIMMY SQUARE FOOT. YOU CAN PROBABLY TELL

BY MY SQUARE FOOT. I’M NOT SURE ON DIRECTIONS, BUT I’LL GLADLY GIVE YOU A RIDE.

HELLO THERE, I AM KNOWN AS ARKAN SONNEY. PLEASE, ACCEPT THIS SILVER PIECE. NOW, LET US PRAY TO THE GODS OF FROZEN BACON, FOR THEY MAY GUIDE YOUR WAY.

Not all of our rescue animals are cute and cuddly, and some are easier to rehome than others. Cockerels are often very handsome, and years of breeding have produced a variety of colours and patterns. Black and red are the basic and most common pigment colours, with the term ‘red’ covering a host of colours from yellow to brown, but there are many others including white.

Male plumage is bright and colourful in order to attract the opposite sex, and cockerels are stunning to watch as they strut and stride around their enclosure. They also draw attention to themselves by crowing and this is the main reason why they are unwanted by owners – they are simply too noisy.

We are always in need of homes for these beautiful birds, but they need to be in a rural or semi-rural location in order to minimise disruption to neighbours. Please contact the Society if you have the space to accommodate one or more of them.

A message to the owners of hens has to be: please don’t breed from them because 50% will be male.

SO I’M THE FAIRY PIG, WHAT OF IT? AND NO, I DON’T KNOW THE WAY TO PEEL. BUT I COULD USE MY WAND? MIND YOU, IT’S NOT A REAL WAND, BUT THEN I’M NOT A REAL FAIRY.

Roo and Casper We have seen an influx of rabbits over the last few months, as winter has set in and going outdoors to spend time with pets is less appealing. The novelty of a rabbit as a birthday or Christmas present soon wears off.

The small animals unit staff are on-hand to give lots of advice and support to prospective adopters, and they will happily oversee the bonding process where an owner has an existing rabbit; and all of our rabbits are neutered, vaccinated and microchipped.

WHAT A LOAD OF HOGWASH. CAN WE MOVE ON? THESE PIGS ARE A BOAR.

Roo and Casper are a bonded pair and will need to be rehomed together. They are four-year-old males, and Roo is a ‘Heinz 57’ whilst Casper is a pure-breed Lionhead. They are both well-socialised, although they can be a bit shy at first, and they enjoy being handled and fussed over. Casper also needs regular grooming to maintain his fluffy good looks.

ManxSPCA • Ard Jerkyll, East Foxdale • Tel: 851672

www.manxspca.com

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

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LIVE, DEVELOP & EXPLORE SELF-CARE AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT SHOULD BE A PRIORITY FOR EVERYONE. SO, PUT SOME TIME ASIDE FOR YOURSELF

BY BOOKING A GETAWAY WITH THE ISLE OF MAN STEAM PACKET COMPANY!

With the 5 Day Short Break offer starting from £90 each way for a car and two people, what is stopping you from taking a welldeserved break with your loved one in search of relaxation, detox and self-love?

there. There are various adventure-based opportunities like abseiling and scrambling, or you can even swing from trees!

heavy outdoor gear, or your bicycles.

Plus, if you pick up a few treats along the way you can pop them in the car too.

Refresh, renew and rejuvenate on a luxury 3-day couples-only yoga retreat in Whixley, Yorkshire. Perfectly Together Luxury Retreat, situated on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, is the perfect escape for you and your other half to relax and unwind.

Before heading home visit the historic city of York for some retail therapy – when you’re done simply pop your bags in the boot!

Start and end your relaxing getaway the right way with the Steam Packet Company.

With a selection of hot and cold food, drinks and snacks available on board, spacious deck areas for stretching your legs and the choice of four ports to sail to – getting away for a break is a breeze.

Wherever you chose to go there is no need to worry about luggage fees when you travel by ferry so pack your car with the essentials before you go – whether that’s an extra pair walking boots, hiking sticks,

Make time for you this year and book a trip with the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company.

There are so many destinations just waiting to be discovered.

Visit www.steam-packet.com and book online today!

Your relaxing break begins as soon as you step on board the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company vessels Manannan or Ben-myChree. Start your holiday off in style by reserving a seat in the Premium Lounge and enjoy table service with complimentary snacks and non-alcoholic drinks as you sail.

Or, if travelling on Ben-my-Chree, book a four-berth en-suite cabin.

With complimentary tea and coffee making facilities, you are free to kick back and watch TV and get some rest before your onward journey.

If you’re looking for inspiration for your trip, then go to the Peak District National Park and enjoy some of the scenic drives around the area. Take some time in nature and try something new while you’re

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ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

Life moments that are worth saving for Save for life.

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

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

UPFRONT

COVER GIRL BETH: FROM MUD TO MACAU Words: Suzy Holland Images: Shan Fisher and the Teare family album

It’s fair to say that this month’s cover model 22 year old Beth Teare has come a long way from the family farm Ballavair in Bride to dancing in front of thousands at the Venetian in Macau, but she’s probably the least surprised of anyone.

She started aged 3 with her dance teacher grandmother, Carol, in Ramsey, then later with Pippa Salter and Marie Louise Britz at the Academy of Dance in Ballasalla.

Aged 16 she won a ballet scholarship to the Hammond Dance School in Chester and since graduating in 2014 has been working almost non-stop.

Isle of Man

Premier Magaz ine

| no. 72 | March 2018

| the [DEV ELOP]

issue

£ priceless

BECAUSE

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MATTERS

the DEVE

#72

LOP issue

WWW.GALL ERY.C

O.IM

“My Manx flag is above my bed wherever I’m working and I’m quite boring about pointing out to new international friends that ‘no, I’m not from the UK’ and telling them all about the Island and life here.”

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ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

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I caught up with Beth when she returned to the Island in mid-February to help her dad John with the lambing at the farm, and to be photographed for the cover of Gallery, and she told me that once she’d decided to be a dancer, nothing was going to stop her.

“I’d have gone away to dance school when I was 12 if Mum and Dad had agreed,” she laughed, “but there was no way they’d let me go until after GCSEs. And although I spent a lot of time looking and auditioning for schools all over the UK, I was definitely too young, even at 16, to swap rural Bride for the bright lights of London. The Hammond offered exactly what I wanted, a great training, in a smaller place and close enough to home to make it easy to come back to earth and get stuck into farm work every now and again”.

When she was still at Ramsey Grammar School, Beth’s Mum Alison was driving her to and from Ballasalla at least three times a week. “My family have always encouraged and supported me. Mum was almost a chauffeur for years, and they also helped me financially when I was a student,” she says. “Both my parents run their own businesses and know the difficulties and challenges of that sort of life, so by the time I started to get dancing jobs they’d already taught me about the boring stuff like invoicing and paying tax, the stuff 24/7 dance school doesn’t teach you. So I was under no illusions - there are lots of amazing opportunities, fantastic travel, great people but it’s not all glamour and feathers!”

Beth is one very determined lady. We talked about the pressures of being constantly judged and the inevitable rejections, and she was at pains to point out that, like any performer, dancers lose out on jobs for reasons completely out of their control. “Everyone is trained, everyone is talented. It might be something as simple as having the wrong colour hair or being too tall or too short,” she says. “Sometimes it’s just plain luck but I’ve flown to London for an audition which has been ‘come in, walk there, thanks, goodbye’ when a show BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

is being recast and I quite simply won’t fit into the costume that’s already been made. You can’t take it personally!”

She obviously loves what is a very successful dance career but when she’s between jobs she splits her time between coming home to the farm, and her fiancé Stuart, who she’s known since school and who is now working in Plymouth. Just a few weeks ago they got engaged and although Beth shyly showed off her ring to me she said they’d not fixed a date – and she’s back to Macau soon anyway for another three month contract, this time at

the Parisian.

“It’s a fascinating part of the world,” she said, “but Macau is something else, with upmarket hotels, theatres and casinos, and with shows that are huge spectacles.

Expectations are very high, but I love it!”

Beth isn’t so naïve as to think her career as a dancer will last forever, so she’s investing in herself and her talent by studying long distance for a Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) Teacher Training qualification.

“That’s been another challenge,” she says.

“I already have some private students, but this qualification will enable me to teach anyone, anywhere. I’ve completed the first year but the second is purely practical teaching and obviously that’s really hard to fit around my work at the moment. But I’ll do it!”

I don’t doubt that she will, but in the meantime she’s doing her bit for Manx tourism. “My Manx flag is above my bed wherever I’m working and I’m quite boring about pointing out to new international friends that ‘no, I’m not from the UK’ and telling them all about the Island and life here.”

Will she return for good? Who knows, but as Beth said to me as we finished our coffee, “There’s no place like home.”

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in NUMBERS NEWS A price freeze for 2018/19 means it is as inexpensive as ever for residents and visitors to fish the Island’s scenic and well-stocked reservoirs. The reservoir angling season begins on 10th March 2018. Licences cover fishing at six reservoirs – Ballure, Clypse, Cringle, Kerrowdhoo, Sulby and West Baldwin – for the season to January 31st 2019. A licence for the whole season costs £208 for adults and £78.80 for a young person aged 14 to 18.

Government continues to rationalise property portfolio. The amount the government has saved on rent since 2011, by moving staff from leasehold properties into government-owned buildings, currently stands at £2.3m.

2.3

2018

Registrations for this year’s Homestay scheme close on Monday, March 12 Manx firm MiQuando, which operates the scheme for the government, says anyone who wants to take part - with a tax-free income for providing accommodation needs to register now.

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Pre-school provision in the Island is being closely monitored by DESC and DHSC officials, following the decision by the Children’s Centre to close its facilities for young children in March. The Government is aware that many parents whose children attended the Children’s Centre are concerned about finding a place for their child in another suitable setting, at short notice. The Children’s Centre announced in January it will cease providing early years children’s services from 23 March 2018, in order to focus on core charitable activities.

The United Kingdom’s old series £10 note was withdrawn from circulation at midnight on Thursday 1 March.

The paper note in question has a portrait of naturalist Charles Darwin on the reverse. The move follows the introduction in September 2017 of a polymer UK £10 note, which features a picture of author Jane Austen.

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The Island’s Commonwealth Games Association is giving the public the chance to come up with a new motto for the Island’s 33 athletes competing this year. They’ll be jetting off to the games in Australia’s Gold Coast on Monday, March 19. It’ll replace the current slogan, “Together We’ll Make Our Island Proud”, and should be no longer than 6 words. The competition is open now, and the winner will be announced on Monday, March 12, you can visit the Isle of Man Commonwealth Facebook page to enter.

300 The cost to Government of providing the Winter Bonus is about £750,000 a year and supports the Programme for Government objective of maintaining a Caring and Inclusive Society. The lumpsum – usually £300 – is issued by Treasury in January each year and helps around 2,300 people on low incomes to keep warm during the winter months.

2.7

The rate levy for the Borough of Douglas has been set at 419p for the 2018-2019 financial year. The rate represents a 2.7 per cent increase over the previous year and is set against the backdrop of the December 2017 Manx RPI inflation figure of 6.9 per cent.

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

Bring the car and enjoy the freedom to explore

There are so many great destinations to choose from when you bring your car on board the ferry.

Explore the beautiful Derbyshire Peak District and the surrounding picturesque towns and cities, take in the beauty of the Lake District or ignite your wanderlust with a road trip through the Scottish Highlands.

Pack more in - sail by ferry.

CAR + 2 ADULTS from

way ÂŁ90*each

NO LUGGAGE FEES

Book now at STEAM-PACKET.COM Terms and conditions apply. Subject to availability. A combination of ports should be considered. *Valid for travel from 01/03/2018 – 22/05/2018. 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

EVENTS

GIVE DANDARA RENEWS SPONSORSHIP OF MINIBUSES FOR LIVE AT HOME SCHEME

Island; Douglas, Western, Eastern and Northern, as well as our Northern Men in Sheds Scheme’.

‘Unfortunately, lack of access to transport is one of the main reasons so many older people become lonely and isolated, which is why our minibuses play such a crucial role in the services we offer.

Dandara is continuing its support of Isle of Man Live at Home by renewing its sponsorship of the charity’s two minibuses, which provide vital support to older members of the Island’s community.

Live at Home works to improve the lives of older people by providing support and social interaction for those who want to maintain their independence, and continue living in their own home.

It’s dedicated team of staff and volunteers provide a wide range of services and activities to older people, including oneto-one befriending, lunch clubs and other social activities.

The financial support from homebuilder

Dandara will be used to cover the running costs of the charity’s two minibuses for the year, which are essential for transporting members to and from important visits and appointments and on assisted shopping trips.

Jo Dixon, Chief Executive at Live at Home, said: ‘We have more than 700 members across four Live at Home Schemes on the

Dandara Managing Director Seamus Nugent said: ‘Social isolation and loneliness is sadly an issue that affects many older people in the Isle of Man but the work that Live at Home Scheme does to combat this and enhance the lives of so many in our Island community is truly commendable.

‘As a local company, we do what we can to support local charities and initiatives, and our hope is that by sponsoring the costs of the minibuses, the Isle of Man Live at Home Scheme can focus its resources on what is important; enhancing the lives of older people in our community.’

STEAM PACKET COMPANY HELPS TO BRING RESCUE DOGS TO THE ISLE OF MAN Four rescue dogs have been relocated to the Isle of Man to find a new home, with assistance from the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company.

Local canine rescue, sanctuary and rehabilitation charity, Aid Rescue, travelled to Birkenhead to pick up the four previously neglected dogs, and find them a loving home in the Isle of Man. The Steam Packet Company supported the trip by covering the cost of travel.

Fiona Feeney from Aid Rescue said: ‘We

are committed to helping animals that have been mistreated by previous owners and do what we can to find them a loving home.

‘Until that perfect forever-home is found, the rescue dogs live with members of our charity. As they so often have been maltreated and neglected, they tend to be timid and nervous, so it wouldn’t be right for them to be left in a kennel on their own.

We are hugely thankful to the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company for their help in bringing the dogs to the Island, it makes a huge difference.’

KHT DRESS DOWN FOR MACMILLAN CANCER SUPPORT Leading trust and corporate service provider, Knox House Trust (KHT) was pleased to recently donate a cheque to Macmillan Cancer Support for £915.00. The funds were raised from Friday dress down contributions from staff, who had decided on the chosen charity collectively.

Speaking on behalf of the team at KHT, Voirrey Collister (Head of Private Clients & Operations) said; “We are delighted to have been able to provide a donation to Macmillan Cancer Support, specifically locally here on Island. Macmillan is a wonderful charity that provides much needed support to those touched by an illness that we may all be affected by during our lives, whether that be personally or through experience of a family or friend being diagnosed.”

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ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

EVENTS

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

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EVENTS

THE WEDDING OF EMMA KELLY & ANTHONY HALSALL, 28TH DECEMBER

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EVENTS

Ceremony: St Nina’s Church - Reception: The Sefton Hotel - Photos: Shan Fisher

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

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EVENTS

THE WEDDING OF PETA & KEVIN ROONEY, 2ND DECEMBER 2017

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EVENTS

Ceremony: St Peters Church - Reception: The Regency Hotel - Photos: Matt Mosur

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THE WEDDING OF ALI & ED COX 14TH OCTOBER 2017

Ceremony: St Georges Church Reception: Sefton Hotel Photos: Matt Mosur

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

Come & Enjoy a

at the Foot Health Clinic

1 Market Hill Ramsey in aid of

The Queen's Pier Restoration Trust Raffle, Free Hand Massage, Coffee & Cake & Fun Tickets £5 from the Foot Health Clinic; Andreas Stores; Dolce Vita or at the door

CULTURE

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

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

There are separate workshops for teenagers and children, including during the EASTER HOLIDAYS The classes are supported by the Isle of Man Arts Council and sponsored by Typhoon House.

Full details, costs and booking forms can be found at www.theislegallery.com

now – 17.03.2018 ISLE OF MAN PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY EXHIBITION //HODGSON LOOM GALLERY, LAXEY// A wide range of images from some of the Island’s most proficient photographers – many of whom exhibit rarely, if at all. This exhibition is always a delight.

Julia at the Gallery has also announced the theme for the 2018 open art competition, ‘Light’, and although it won’t take place until December, now is the time for all artists whether professional, amateur or student to start thinking about their entries.

More information can be found at www. facebook/hodgsonloomgallery

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

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

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

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Another Story about how it is … at the Sayle Gallery is an exhibition of work created by David during his lifetime and includes a smaller exhibition of work from three of the young artists he inspired: Simon Buttimore, Nicola Dixon and Greg Joughin.

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

Now - 05.05.2018 CROSSING OPEN GROUND //MANX MUSEUM, DOUGLAS//

One of two venues (the other is the Sayle Gallery) featuring the work of David Gilbert.

David, who died in 2016, lived and worked on the Island for many years, amassing a huge body of work and inspiring and mentoring many young people both artistically and emotionally. The Manx Museum exhibition is a major retrospective carries on from where his last exhibition at the Museum in 1989 left off and looks at where he drew his inspiration and how his life and lifestyle inspired others. www.manxnationalheritage.im

03.03.2018 ALAW //CENTENARY CENTRE, PEEL//

Described as “a joyous sizzler” by Folk Wales, Alaw is a three piece featuring Oliver Wilson-Dickson on violin, Dylan Fowler on guitar and Jamie Smith on accordion and this is part of the tour of their new album Dead Man’s Dance for which they have received broad critical acclaim, including being nominated for a Best Traditional Track in the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards.

Oliver is known to Manx audiences though Mabon and the Devil’s Violin and Peelresident Jamie has been an essential part of Barrule but this is the first time Alaw have played together on the Island. It promises to be an exciting gig for them and for the audience – tickets (£14 adults, £8 under 18s and students) are available from www. etickets.im/cc/ or from Celtic Gold – Peel, Shakti Man – Ramsey, Thompson Travel Port Erin or Noa Bakehouse – Douglas.

04.03 – 15.04.2018 CLAY MASTERS //THE ISLE GALLERY, TYNWALD MILLS//

If you enjoyed the Great Pottery Throw Down on TV, then a visit to this exhibition of ceramic work from the Island’s own ‘clay masters’ Anna Clucas, Faye Christian, Erica Kermode, Colleen Corlett, Natalie Norton, Colette Gambell, Marta Ludwig - Looney, Vici Blackburn and Jackie Van Toor should be on your ‘to do list’ for this Spring.

And if you’re really inspired by the exhibition Anna and Faye are staging their own ‘Great Manx Build Up and Throw Down’ project this summer, with classes aimed at adult beginners and improvers to experiment in using clay in a number of different ways.

Full details of the classes, which are sponsored by Typhoon House, can be found on the Isle Gallery’s Facebook page www.facebook.com/theislegallery

06.03 – 27.03.2018 NORTHERN THEATRE EXPERIENCE //RAMSEY GRAMMAR SCHOOL, RAMSEY//

Theatre lovers in the north of the Island no longer have to go to Douglas or Castletown to enjoy live theatre, opera and ballet screened directly from the RSC, the National Theatre or the Royal Opera House. During March there’s a wealth of culture on offer: screenings of Carmen (ROH), Julius Caesar (NT) and the Leonard Bernstein Centenary from the Royal Ballet.

Dates, details of how to book and to see what the rest of the 2018 season looks like from www.facebook.com/ rgstheatre/

07.03.2018 INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY – WONDER WOMAN //RAMSEY GRAMMAR SCHOOL, RAMSEY//

A special screening of Wonder Woman (cert 12A) to celebrate International Women’s Day from the RGSA Film Nights team.

Not only is Wonder Woman the original female superhero (DC comics), but she has a very special Manx connection – Elizabeth Holloway Marston, wife of creator William Marston was born in the Isle of Man and is widely credited as the inspiration for the character.

Tickets £6 (£3 RGS students and under 16s) from RGS west office 811100, Geri on 412181 or email redheads@manx.net

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

CULTURE

MARCH

CULTURE NEWS

14.03.2018 and 28.03.2018 FILMS IN PEEL //CENTENARY CENTRE, PEEL// Films in Peel has two multi-award winning movies lined up for March - ‘Manchester on the Sea’ on the 14th and ‘Lion’ two weeks later.

For more information about the films and others in the 2018 season, and to buy tickets go to www.facebook.com/ filmsinpeel/

30.03 – 02.04.2018 SHENNAGHYS JIU FESTIVAL //RAMSEY & PEEL// The 21st Manx music and dance festival takes places at various venues in Ramsey (and the Peel Centenary Centre on Sunday) over Easter weekend, with cailighs, concerts, workshops and performances with some familiar faces and visitors - and new ones - from Scotland, Cornwall, and the north east of England. For further details visit www. shennaghysjiu.com.

31.03 – 06.04.2018 MADF EASTER FESTIVAL OF FULL LENGTH PLAYS //GAIETY THEATRE, DOUGLAS// Seven plays over seven nights from 4 UK and 3 European teams, putting on plays from a variety of authors, and one original play written for this prestigious festival.

The week’s entertainment will be adjudicated by the highly experienced Jennifer Scott-Reid GoDA, who will analyse the performances and share her thoughts each evening as she looks for the prizewinners at the end of the week.

WHY SHOULD STEAM TRAINS HAVE ALL THE BEST STORIES?

As an added bonus, the Young Actor of Mann competition reaches its final on Wednesday 4 April at Ballakermeen Studio Theatre. This starts at 2pm and the free tickets are available on the door – the pieces performed will showcase the high quality of young acting talent there is on the Island: their performances will be judged by Jennifer Scott-Reid GODA for a prize of a £500 acting bursary.

Something on the Line, by Sara Goodwins, is the first in a new series ‘Tram Tales of the Manx Electric Railway’.

Aimed at children aged around 6 to 8, the book tells how the youngest tram in the fleet found out that there was something on the MER line.

More information about the Easter Festival of Plays, the teams and the plays to be performed is available from www.madf.im and nightly (or season) tickets are available from www. villagaiety.com BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

He had to be very brave to tackle it.

Said Sara: ‘The book was great fun to do.

Anyone who knows the MER knows that all the trams have their own personalities in real life, so all I had to do was to reflect that in the book.’

Illustrated in full colour throughout, the book retails at £5.95 and is available from bookshops and gift shops around the island.

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CULTURE NEWS OLIVER AND OLIVIA MOST POPULAR BABY NAMES IN ISLE OF MAN

The Civil Registry has revealed its 2017 statistics on births, deaths and marriages, with Oliver and Olivia taking the top spot for most popular names in 2017.

MANANNAN’S CHOICE OF THE YEAR CULTURAL AWARD ANNOUNCED A life dedicated to widening access to the Manx language is recognised by this year’s Manannan’s Choice of the Year award This year’s Reih Bleeaney Vanannan – Manannan’s Choice of the Year award from Culture Vannin recognises almost 50 years’ work in teaching, promoting, publishing and developing online resources for the Manx language by one of the cultural community’s most unassuming leaders.

Phil Kelly’s enthusiasm for and dedication to the language he first discovered as a student has provided a vital contribution to the survival and development of Manx. A founder member of Banglane Twoaie, the Northern branch of Yn Cheshaght Ghailckagh, the Manx Language Society, Phil also helped record Manx speakers in the 1970s.

As a teacher, too, Phil played a significant role in the success of the Manx language that we see today. He was the second Manx Language Officer for the Department of Education and produced many valuable resources.

Outside of that work, Phil produced learning material for beginners, organising and participating in evening classes for all ages at Michael Football Clubroom in the 1990s. He visited and supported many Oieghyn Ghaelgagh (Manx-speaking evenings) and conversational classes around the Island, too.

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His publications include ‘Fockleyr Gaelg-Baarle’, ‘A Guide to Mann’s Placenames’ and ‘Manx Usage’. He was also instrumental in re-printing many short stories in Manx during the 1970s, with the permission of the original authors.

Phil was always keen to see how technology could help language learning, and his work on producing material online or in conjunction with apps was pioneering. His online dictionary allowed free and greater access to Manx vocabulary for the wider public, and his Manx Bible site, developed with Ffynlo Craine, makes one of the most important texts in the Manx language accessible and searchable by all: http://bible. learnmanx.com/ His dedicated website (no longer active) ‘gaelg.iofm.net’ gathered together learning resources which had never been available online before. Phil’s vision and willingness to embrace technology put him and the Manx language ahead of so many others.

The Reih Bleeaney Vanannan was awarded to Phil Kelly at a private ceremony at Culture Vannin in St John’s on Friday 2 February.

Oliver takes over from Archie and Theo which were last year’s top choices in the Isle of Man. The most popular choice for girls was Olivia, with Evie, Ella, Scarlet, Isla and Amelia not far behind.

Some of the less well-known names registered in 2017 included Ottilie, meaning little wealthy one, and Jaxon, which means God has been gracious.

Key findings from 2017: The number of births registered in the Isle of Man was 753 as compared with 758 for 2016, which shows a 0.66% decline. The most popular month for registrations was October which showed 82, and the quietest month was December which showed 42.

There were 363 females born and for 2016 there were 362. The males showed 390 for 2017, and for 2016 there were 396.

The number of deaths registered in the Island was 837 as compared with 852 for 2016, which shows a 1.8% decline.

There were 242 civil marriages in the Isle of Man, with 147 of them taking place at a Registry Office.

There were also 6 Civil Partnership ceremonies, all of which took place at Douglas’s Civil Registry.

Alongside the Island’s approved places for marriage, the standout venue was the start line for the Ramsey Sprint on the day of the racing for a couple from the UK. To find out more about the Civil Registry, local statistics or what records are held please visit: www.gov.im/about-the-government/departments/ enterprise/central-registry/ or contact the Civil Registry on 687039.

Phil nominated Manx education charity Mooinjer Veggey to receive a cheque for £500.

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ANOTHER STORY OF WORLD CLASS ART AT THE SAYLE Words: Suzy Holland Images: Carola Rush, Sayle Gallery

The Sayle Gallery should be proud: the current contemporary art exhibition is an enjoyable, informative romp through the life and work of wood carver and sculptor, one-time Island resident and mentor of many current Manx artists, David Gilbert.

And even if you’re not familiar with his work, you’ll be astounded by the range of art in Another story about the way it is …

David Gilbert moved to the Island with his wife – who was from a Manx family - and their children in 1971 and lived on a farm near Kirk Michael during the 1970s and 80s.

He and Sheila ran a small-holding there, but he was also able to practice his own art and support and mentor young people, many of whom went on to devote their own lives to their art. When he died in 2016 he left a life-time of creative work – just some of which is in this exhibition.

David is perhaps best known for his large wood carvings, and - on the Island - for the sculptural friezes adorning the side of Manx Museum and the etched glass on the building’s main doors. Although David was not formerly trained (he studied English at Cambridge University) this exhibition traces his development through drawings and woodcuts to life-size ‘human’ figures and then, when his health meant he could no longer carve his favourite hardwoods he turned to the tiny balsa carvings of his final work What is the case – a series of 114 Perspex boxes. They’ve never been exhibited all together - around 50 were exhibited as a ‘work in progress’ during Liverpool’s City of Culture celebrations in 2008 - and now 25 of them have crossed the Irish Sea to the Sayle Gallery for Another story of the way it is ….

Although there was no shortage of exhibitions and displays of David’s work during his lifetime, Another story about how it is … is the most extensive solo exhibition to be held which covers his entire life’s work. Credit must be given to Carola Rush and Christian Hardman from the Sayle who, along with representatives of the David Gilbert Art Trust, have managed to trace

the artist’s career with carefully selected and imaginatively displayed works, and yet still make the limited space seem light and airy.

David had a deep interest in philosophy, and our place in what he increasingly saw as a broken world. Although he always wanted his art to speak for itself, like many artists David poured his interest in birth, love – often erotic and sexual - and death into his work, and some of the early work is deliberately shocking (part of the Gallery is screened off with a parental guidance warning). The larger wood carvings yearn to be touched and stroked, his kinetic sculptures of carefully balanced figures move gently as you pass and his tiny delicate balsa carvings have an inherent vulnerability. There is a contradiction in this choice of medium: the softness of balsa makes it easier to carve than the hard woods of David’s earlier pieces, and yet its fragility demands respect and care from the carver. The delicate works of What is the case illustrate the frailty of life itself and make a fitting, exquisite, end to David’s artistic journey.

David Gilbert’s legacy lives on in the work of many Manx artists and a fascinating subexhibition at the Villa Marina end of the Sayle celebrates his influence on some of the young people he mentored, specifically Simon Buttimore, Nicola Dixon and Greg Joughin.

Another story about how it is … is supported by the Isle of Man Arts Council. The Sayle Gallery would also like to acknowledge the help given by Isle of Man Steam Packet Ltd, Graham Hall and Gavin Carter.

A simultaneous exhibition ‘Crossing Open Ground’ at the Manx Museum (until 5 May) looks back at David Gilbert’s life and the main concerns which inspired his artwork.

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A MAGICAL STORY OF ISLAND FOLK “My parents brought me up to believe in myself and to make my own way – whatever ‘way’ that might be” 32

Words: Suzy Holland Images: Bloomsbury Publishing & Lucy Johnstone.

Map: Isobel Simonds

A book about the Isle of Man, which isn’t really about the Isle of Man but at the same time feels strangely familiar, was published last month and ‘Folk’, by Costa Short Story Award winner Zoe Gilbert, is an absolute delight.

Anyone who knows me knows that I don’t ‘do’ fantasy fiction. I never got on with Tolkien and despite my best intentions, haven’t read more than a few pages of ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

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Sophia Morrison’s Manx Fairy Tales. So when I was asked to read ‘Folk’ my heart sank – which serves me right for judging a book by its cover: I couldn’t put it down.

The publisher’s blurb says that ‘Folk’ is ‘dark, magical and staggeringly beautiful’ and I agree. The chapters interweave the overlapping lives of the people of Neverness – a place that for anyone living here might be somewhere they think they recognise, with stories which I for one thought I’d heard before.

When I put this to Zoe she laughed. “No you haven’t! Or at least, not the majority of them. Lots of my family live in the Isle of Man and I’ve spent many happy hours walking the hills and the coastline, and swimming in the sea, all of which has provided inspiration for the world of Neverness, where ‘Folk’ is set. I’ve picked up elements of Manx lore from reading the odd book of Manx folk tales and customs, but ‘Folk’ isn’t a straightforward retelling of these tales. It’s more like a homage to the Isle of Man’s rich folk history – and landscape.”

Zoe Gilbert is an award-winning writer, a teacher and mentor, and is currently finishing her PhD in Fiction and Creative Writing, on the influence of folk tales on contemporary short stories. She knows her stuff – and is fascinated by the similarities of folk stories around the world, usually handed down in the telling, not the reading.

In fact, the only thing truly Manx in ‘Folk’ is some of the characters’ names such as Quayle the Fiddle Master and Gertrude Quirk, and Zoe says the nearest to a Manx folk tale in her novel is the story of the water bull - a nod to the Tarroo-Ushtey story. I was convinced I’d heard about the gorse mother, the handsome stranger Redwing and closed pots fired with baubles BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

inside. But Zoe told me that it’s very unlikely, if not impossible:

“It’s no secret that the gorse hillsides are controlled by specially set and controlled fires,” she said, “but the gorse mother? She’s my own invention. Redwing was inspired by the migratory bird of the same name, but I don’t think there are any folk stories about those. And as for the pots, I made those up!”

Zoe comes from a long line of imaginative, talented artists – her father John Gilbert is a local sculptor whose works can best be described as a physical interpretation of a subconscious landscape, her aunt Myra is well known on the Island for her involvement with the Creative Network and another aunt, Isobel, produced the beautiful illustrations which grace the pages of ‘Folk’.

And the book is dedicated to her mother, who, Zoe says, believes in fairies.

“My parents brought me up to believe in myself and to make my own way – whatever ‘way’ that might be,” says Zoe. “It’s not that my mother believes in fairies – although she does - it’s that she taught me to believe that they might exist. And that power of the imagination is what inspires me and what lies between the pages of ‘Folk’.”

Since I first picked up ‘Folk’ I’ve dipped back into it over and over again. Although the families and characters appear and reappear throughout, each chapter could be a story on its own: one minute you’re in a gorse fire on the hillside and the next you’re behind a waterfall with the ‘oracle ox’. A young fiddle player sets out from home to find her ‘tune’ and elsewhere in Neverness a child is born with a wing for an arm.

Suspend your disbelief, get drawn into the magical world of Neverness and I’m sure, like me, you’ll soon be captivated by ‘Folk’.

COMPETITION

To celebrate the publication of ‘Folk’ by Zoe Gilbert, Gallery has teamed up with Bloomsbury Publishing and is giving away SIGNED copies to three lucky readers.

‘Genuinely unique … Part myth, part allegory, wholly wonderful’ - Observer Set on the remote island village of Neverness is a world far from our time and place. The air hangs rich with the coconut-scent of gorse and the salty bite of the sea. Harsh winds scour the rocky coastline.

The villagers’ lives are inseparable from nature and its enchantments. And over the course of a generation their lives interweave. Crackling with echoes of ancient folklore, and inspired by the Isle of Man, Zoe Gilbert’s ‘Folk’ is a dark, beautiful and intoxicating debut.

For a chance to win a signed copy, simply email folkcomp@gallery.co.im with the answer to the following question: ‘Folk’ follows the community of which island village?

(Closing date 31 March. Winners picked at random and will be contacted by Gallery in April, good luck)

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UPLOAD

THE MONTHLY UPLOAD

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YOUR PHOTOS £50

Win ner

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1 Anusha Ganesh 2 Christopher Arrowsmith 3 Alex Toohey 4 Max Singer 5 Charlie Faulds

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UPLOAD

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6 Shona Sultana 7 Christine Munro 8 Karen Galliver 9 Nick Watterson 10 Gemma Dimsdale

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UPLOAD

11 Margaret Woolnough 12 Peter Quayle 13 Paul Hanion 14 William Galbraith 15 Sabrina Crowe 16 Janette Phair

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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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ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

TRAVEL

BALI’S VOLCANOES ARE STILL SMOULDERING BUT VISITING THE ISLANDS

BY CRUISE IS PLAIN SAILING

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TRAVEL

Mount Agung may be bubbling away, but cruising is a safe way to see Bali and her neighbouring Indonesian islands, says Chris Wiltshire.

Many are regular cruisers who love the intimacy of the three-strong tall ship Clipper fleet, the relaxed attitude to dressing up at meal times and the chance to visit small, uncrowded islands - on this occasion the palm-fringed Gili islands, plus neighbouring East Madura, Java and Lombok.

It’s a relatively harmless way to sample the delights of volcanic hotspot Bali, whose tourism numbers have been severely depleted since Mount Agung first erupted in November last year. Three months on, dark volcanic ash continues to spew from its crater, but it’s anyone’s guess if a major eruption will occur and a 6.5-mile safety exclusion zone remains in place.

My old nautical namesake Christopher Columbus would have cheerfully sent me down the gangplank had he seen my first feeble attempt at seamanship.

I’m a little over half way up to reaching the first of two crow’s nests on the majestic Star Clipper sailing ship, some 40 feet from the gleaming, polished deck, when vertigo suddenly takes hold.

I cling on to the ladder as sweat seeps from my forehead into my eyes, and my legs start to tremble on the ropes while the ship gently sways from side-to-side off the Bali coastline.

Like a fool, I peer upwards and see the flag of Indonesia fluttering against the cloudless sky, a mass of ropes cascading down from one of the tallest tall-ship masts in the world at 213 feet, and then down to the sea of faces of fellow guests peering up at me.

What made me want to attempt such a challenge on my first voyage on the Clipper, a larger version of the ship that Columbus sailed on to discover far-off lands, is beyond me.

Perhaps it’s because I am caught up in the spirit of the week-long adventure, which has drawn passengers from all corners of the earth to visit these Indonesian islands.

It brings a whole new meaning to Bali Ha’i, the Rodgers and Hammerstein song from the 1950s film classic South Pacific that helped bring the region to the world’s attention.

I gingerly make my way down the ladder and am greeted with a comforting smile from my wife, Carole.

But the wind is swiftly taken out of my sails when a sprightly 84-year-old slips into the harness and makes her way fully up to the crow’s nest, from where she waves to her party of fellow Americans and is royally cheered.

Marilyn Franey seems to encapsulate the friendly, can-do attitude that is prevalent among the 102 guests and 75-strong crew.

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

“If you don’t get a lump in your throat when those sails go up and that music starts, you have no romance in your heart”

At dinner, excited chatter swiftly turns to the evening sailaway. All the guests on our table of eight have already experienced it on either sister ships the Royal Clipper or the Star Flyer, and all confess to shedding an emotional tear. “If you don’t get a lump in your throat when those sails go up and that music starts, you have no romance in your heart,” says the weathered Aussie opposite me. “This is proper sailing - it’s a beaut.”

With cool beer in hand, I make my way up to the top deck via the mahogany and polished brass staircase where I am greeted by a warm breeze and star-filled sky. Smartly turned-out deckhands busy themselves around the four towering masts and wait for commands from Polish skipper Mariusz Szalek.

Then the drama begins. “Main sail, release!” comes the command. “Released, captain,” replies the deckhand. Rope holding some of the 36,000 square feet of sails is loosened and slowly the main sail rises. As it does, the haunting sounds of Vangelis’ Conquest Of Paradise - music written to commemorate Columbus’ voyage to the New World in 1492 - breaks out from speakers dotted along the deck.

Other sails swiftly follow up into the night sky and I’m hit by a wave of warm sea air as the huge ship suddenly takes off. It’s a breathtaking scene and I, too, am feeling slightly emotional.

Admittedly, sleeping on a proper sailing ship takes a little getting used to - even on the calm waters of the South Pacific - and Carole is spooked when a small wave hits our porthole as she opens the curtains one morning.

Continue...

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How to get there From May-November 2018, Star Clipper will be in Bali, sailing westbound and eastbound with seven-night itineraries from Benoa, visiting the Gili Islands, Komodo National Park, Pink Beach and Probolinggo. To book, call 0808 231 4798 or visit starclippers.co.uk

Continue But after a few days, I relax - and even start hoping for bigger waves to see how the ship really performs.

My confidence stems from the calm, easygoing manner and charm of the Polish skipper, who tells guests at the introduction meeting how he had safely navigated the Clipper in 60-knot winds and found the vessel easily up the task. “I’d love to show you what it’s like when the ship is tilted right over,” he says with a glint in his eye.

“But the waters are very calm here, so it won’t be happening this week.”

After a full day’s sailing we stop off at Giligenteng Island, one of a number of specks of palm-fringed islands, for a spot of snorkelling over the coral reefs and some water-skiing. More culture-driven types head for East Madura (excursion, £51) to visit the Kraton Sumenep Palace and an ancient mosque.

There are other trips to Probolinggo, Java Island (a fishing port), Lovina Beach on Bali (a black, sandy beach resort), Senggigi Beach, Lombok Island (a bustling beach resort with a great vibe) and Gili Sudak on Lombok Island (a private resort on a beautiful sandy beach, lapped by turquoise waters).

The highlight of the week is an excursion to Mount Bromo on Java (£146), home of the Gunung Bromo volcano - named after Brahma, the Hindu creator and part of the Tengger Semeru National Park.

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After a two-hour journey by motor coach, jeep and then pony, we wind our way up the 250 concrete steps to the edge of the crater and are overwhelmed by the nauseous, pungent smell from the sulphurous smoke and unnerving loud noise from the volcano’s lava.

We feel like we’re in the eye of the socalled Pacific Ring of Fire, named after the volcanic belt covering 25,000 miles of seismic activity.

It’s a relief to be able to return to the safety of the ship’s tropical bar for a deserved sundowner and to share our experiences with new-found friends.

That evening, my wish for a bigger sea is granted and I am quickly rocked to sleep.

Being on board is perhaps the safest place to be after all.

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agenda lite n

ON THE AGENDA n MARCH 2018

O P I N I O N - S E X , L I E S A N D T H E G E N E R AT I O N G A P

B U S I N E S S - T R A N S F E R T R AV E L . C O M

T E C H N O L O G Y - T H E R O U T E T O S A LVAT I O N L I E S I N Y O U R I N B OX

business news

APPLEBY ACADEMY WINNER ANNOUNCED

C MannBenham Advocates announces an ‘exciting development’ as Carter Jones McDonald joins MannBenham

aitlin Collister has been announced as the winner of this year’s Appleby Academy 2018, earning a paid summer placement with the offshore law firm.

Each year Appleby invites Year 13 students to take part in the 12-week program, where they work alongside a mentor from Appleby’s Isle of Man office to produce a report and presentation around a real-life business scenario.

The final, held on 2 February 2018, saw the three finalists deliver informative and

creative presentations to a panel of judges from the local business community.

All three finalists were students from Ballakermeen High School with Caitlin Collister outlining her solution on supporting the mental wellbeing of staff, Justin Johnson’s presentation focused on delivering an effective induction process, and Zarlasht Nasir spoke on the important role business development plays in a business’ strategy.

Caitlin was selected as the winner.

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hat’s been described as ‘the best worst kept secret’ in IOM law circles is now official: Carter Jones McDonald Advocates is to join forces with long-established legal firm MannBenham Advocates Limited from 1 March in a move which Miles Benham, Managing Director, says will be an exciting development for the firm: “The two firms are a perfect fit,” he says, “and Carter Jones McDonald’s existing clients will find that MannBenham Advocates offers an expanded range of services with the same traditional approach.

We’re delighted that Carter Jones McDonald founder Terence McDonald is part of the move: he’s a well-known, well-respected lawyer with years of experience which can only be good for the newly expanded MannBenham.”

MannBenham Advocates has numerous accolades from Legal 500 and CityWealth, including Isle of Man Law Firm of the Year in 2017, and Miles Benham and Terence McDonald know that this merger is good for the existing client bases of both firms.

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ON THE AGENDA

£25m hotel and cinema complex planned for North Quay

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£25 million 80-bed hotel and seven-screen cinema complex will be built on the former Lord Street bus station site in Douglas, subject to planning approval.

The development, known as Quayside North, will also feature three restaurants, 19 residential apartments and a six-storey car park holding more than 300 spaces.

Construction is scheduled to begin early in 2019 and will take two years to complete.

Anybody else getting déjà vu or is it just us at Gallery?

Fingers crossed this will happen this time around.

manx telecom parish walk

corporate challenge

how far will your workplace go?

improve your fitness and general wellbeing - get together with 3 colleagues and enter the manx telecom parish walk corporate challenge at parishwalk.com

85 miles.

17 churches.

24 hours.

23rd & 24th June 2018

BUSINESS NEWS

A new scheme will allow all Isle of Man students to access multiple copies of Microsoft’s Office 365 suite of applications.

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he scheme is available to all Isle of Man students, including those at University College Isle of Man (UCM), and has been launched by the Department of Education, Sport and Culture in collaboration with Government Technology Services.

Students simply log in to a dedicated Office 365 portal, using their usual school or UCM credentials, to make use of this industry-standard range of software, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint. www.gov.im/technology agenda

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opinion

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Sex, lies and the generation gap agenda

ON THE AGENDA

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Words: Simon Kuper (FT)

tudents at Oxford university traditionally have tutorials in their tutors’ “rooms”. Sometimes that just means an office but often he (the tutor is usually a he) hangs out a lot there. In short, the teaching space is also a private space. Add on the power imbalance between tutor and student, and Oxford in my student days (1988-1992) might have been designed for sexual harassment.

Students swapped harassment stories.

There was the tutor who emerged from his shower wearing only a towel to greet a female tutee. Another tutor, who often discussed his interest in young men, once (probably when fogged by his sherry) groped a female student’s knee. When someone overdid it at one Oxford college, he was usually quietly shunted to another.

Written rules about sex would have been considered humourless, even “American”.

It was a different world. But most of us who inhabited it — and grew up thinking its codes were normal — are still around today.

The sexual revolution of 2013-17 — gay marriage, transgender rights, and now the uprising against harassment — has been a wonderful thing. But I fear that many men and even some women of my age and older will spend the rest of their lives fighting the new codes.

My generation reached adulthood with scarcely even a concept of sexual harassment. During my last year at university, Anita Hill made her accusations against her former boss Clarence Thomas, who had been nominated for the US Supreme Court. I watched the hearings on TV, and remember fellow students mocking her, but I struggled to understand exactly what she was alleging. She wasn’t accusing Thomas of physical attack, so what did “harassment” mean? My ignorance wasn’t unique. A contemporary tells me that at the time she was trying to help write her college’s first-ever legal code on harassment.

Over the next two decades, western countries progressed a bit. Codes got written. A new moral rule emerged: relationships ought to be equal. That meant that homosexuality was OK, whereas unequal relationships — such as paedophilia and sexual harassment — were taboo. Slowly, people’s behaviour changed.

Harassment probably declined, from a very bad base. In 2002, 6.5 per cent of American respondents to the University of Chicago’s General Social Survey said they had been sexually harassed on the job in the previous 12 months. The figure fell to 3.6 per cent by 2014.

Meanwhile, a group of new movements bubbled up in the US, most of all on campuses. From Black Lives Matter, through transgender activists, to It’s On Us (“to stop sexual assault”), they had different OPINION

“Men policed the public space, through practices like wolf-whistling, “slut-shaming” or plain assault”

origins but shared a basic idea: our group has always been violated by others. In particular, the white patriarchy has hurt us, and stamped on our identity. Our duty is to speak out. In this battle, it’s sometimes OK to deny the other side free speech.

When these groups spoke out against violation, they were often mocked. However, they have been startlingly influential.

The moment that their worldview went mainstream was in September, when the Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein was exposed as a sexual predator. Women the world over began speaking out against violation. That has changed gender relations.

This will infuriate lots of people. In male-dominated societies, rules against sexual harassment won’t easily triumph.

Rebecca Traister, who is writing a book on female anger around politics, says in a podcast: “I fully believe that a backlash to this moment of exposure, and this conversation, is imminent.”

Most people now in middle age and older learnt to live their intimate lives by the old standards: gays were bad, transsexuals absurd, women should be seen not heard, and harassment was never discussed. Men policed the public space, through practices like wolf-whistling, “slutshaming” or plain assault. Sexual codes existed chiefly to regiment women.

Now those generations are being told they lived wrong. The two harassing tutors I mentioned are dead. But there’s another man I recall who made so many moves on his female students that the college finally did something: he was barred from tutoring women one-to-one. That man is now an emeritus professor. He won’t want new sexual codes to regiment him. When a single accusation of harassment anywhere is shown to be false, or an attempt at blackmail, he’ll be crying foul.

Even some older women have shown little enthusiasm for new sexual codes. It’s notable that weeks after Donald Trump was caught boasting about sexual assault, he beat Hillary Clinton by a double-digit landslide among white women aged 45 and over. The US now has a generational divide unprecedented since the 1960s sexual revolution.

Both sides agree rape is criminal but, beyond that, there’s no consensus. What about a pass at a colleague after work?

Or complimenting someone’s looks? Or a surreptitious ogle? Every organisation will now write strict codes, but what happens if these butt up against stubborn everyday practices? The genders and generations will be fighting about this for years to come. agenda

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Movers & Shakers

Long and Humphrey - announces appointment of director and shareholder Oliver Helfrich

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liver qualified as an English Solicitor in 2002 and after having moved to the Island with his wife, Helen, qualified as a Manx Advocate in 2006. Having previously worked closely with both Mark and Rob for several years at Dickinson Cruickshank and following a 5 year stint as a civil litigator in H.M. Attorney General’s Chambers, Oliver returned to private practice to join Long & Humphrey in April 2012.

Oliver said: “It is a pleasure working

with such a dedicated group of talented professionals, for whom I have enormous respect and I relish the challenge of becoming more involved with the management and development of this firm whose values and approach to the provision of legal services I greatly admire.”

Mark Humphrey said: “The next few years at Long & Humphrey promises to be very exciting, as the firm expands to both accommodate our success and to meet the demands of the industry. At Long &

Humphrey we recognise that our strength is in the service we deliver, the integrity we demonstrate and the relationships that we enjoy, within our firm, with our clients, and within our community. Oliver is an exceptional advocate, with a proven track record of success and client satisfaction, and his personality is a great fit for the firm’s ethos; this marks the start of an exciting new chapter for the firm.”

involvement in delivering a range of projects across the company to ensure they meet customers’ needs including the launch of Sure’s innovative technology platform

which will offer full digital services to business and retail customers and enhance customer experience through billing and customer relationship management (CRM).

Sure appoints local customer experience manager

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ure has appointed a new customer experience manager as the local telecoms company continues to put excellent customer service at the heart of its business.

Tracy Kirby joins the company with more than 20 years’ experience in the local telecommunications sector having spent the majority of her career at Manx Telecom; formerly in a product management role before moving to concentrate on customer service as head of customer care.

In this new role with Sure Mrs Kirby is responsible for customer strategy as well as research and insight across the Isle of Man, Guernsey and Jersey. This includes detailed analysis of the feedback customers provide through regular surveys and customer panels and working with the business to ensure that decisions and strategies are focused on providing an excellent customer experience.

She will also have extensive

46

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ON THE AGENDA

L-R Andrew Martin, Andrew Stephen, Thomas Wilson and Lukas Widomski

Continued Expansion for Manx Technology Group

M

such as a series of advertisements for British Gas, broadcast on National TV in the early 2000’s.

Thomas Wilson, the youngest member of our team, joins MTG Software as part of the Software Development Team having achieved a First-Class degree in Computer Science.

Andrew Stephen recently joined MTG Software having previously been with

anx Technology Group (MTG) is pleased to announce the continued expansion of its software team with a number of new hires.

Andrew Martin joins MTG Software following a career in animation and digital design. His career as an artist and animator began at the Isle of Man College before moving into the private sector. His experience included working on projects

the Group’s technical Services Division.

Andrew has a BSc in Computer Science and has joined the MTG Software team as a Software Developer.

Lukas Widomski is the latest recruit and has joined the MTG S0ftware team as a Game Developer. Lukas, who originates from Czech Republic, has a BSc in Digital Art and Technology (Game Design) and MSc in Computer Games Technology.

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

WWW.NEDBANKPRIVATEWEALTH.COM

ISLE OF MAN

|

JERSEY

|

UNITED KINGDOM

|

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

|

SOUTH AFRICA

Nedbank Private Wealth is a registered trade name of Nedbank Private Wealth Limited. Nedbank Private Wealth Limited is licensed by the Isle of Man Financial Services Authority. Registered office: St Mary’s Court 20 Hill Street Douglas Isle of Man. The Jersey branch is regulated by the Jersey Financial Services Commission. The London branch is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Registration No: 313189. The UAE representative office in Dubai is licensed by the Central Bank of UAE. Licence No: 13/191/2013.

Representation in South Africa is through Nedbank Limited. Registered in South Africa with Registration No 1951/000009/06, an authorised financial services and registered credit provider (NCRCP16).

the workplace

Meet the work tribes of 2018 a spotter’s guide Millennial managers, closet harassers, microdosers — coming soon to an office near you.

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By Andrew Hill & Emma Jacobs (FT)

1 Management guru

1

2

3

4

THE WORKPLACE

“Consider the human gut: that complex, vital but frequently overlooked part of our body. Now consider the typical corporation.

Is it not in many ways similar to our digestive system?

We think so — and that is why we’ve developed the Colonarchy(TM) concept, a blend of radical management and gastroenterology. Like the gut, the company consumes insights and intelligence from outside, takes on the “food” of profit and transforms the useful parts into muscle and brain cells, reinforcing the corporate ecosystem and rejecting the unwanted matter — a process similar to the regular purgative of a corporate restructuring.

As you see from the slide, a number of our larger Silicon Valley clients have already structured themselves as “upper” and “lower” Colonarchies(TM), with departments such as HR, finance and marketing serving as the “gut flora” that maintain the stability of the whole.

Questions?”

2 Millennial manager

“Hey! I’m Jessica, your new head of digital fulfilment. Thanks for coming to the first of what will be a twice weekly informal town hall, where we can reach out, give feedback to our co-creators, and generally tap into the love (emoji) that I feel out there — yes, even from sales.

I know I’m younger than most of you, and I don’t want that to be a barrier — we are all human beings, after all — and I truly value the experience in the room. So when you return to your pods, you’ll each find a gluten-free granola bar as a token of my goodwill.

I’d like to encourage you all to express yourselves freely, except, of course, when we’re trying to meet the year-end targets and you’ll find I’m just as bad-ass as the rest of you once were. Until then, let’s remember to exude kindness. I’ll see you all tomorrow at the Snapchat masterclass. Jake, could you help Alistair up from his beanbag?”

3 Katherine, the worried worker

John’s asked to see me. That can only mean one thing. The email subject heading was a giveaway: “So, about coffee, Kathy?”

S-A-C-K. Coincidence? I think not.

Now coffee has turned into lunch which can only be bad news. Sarah has tried to reassure me no one is made redundant over a meal, particularly where knives are within reach. It’s behind closed doors, where no one can see you cry, she insists. But, aren’t restaurants best? Harder to make a scene.

The last meal, management’s final gift.

Redundancy could be a blessing. I’d get to see the kids before school. And before they go to bed. Maybe even the weekends? But what if I never get another job? We’ll lose the house, the kids will have to leave school, their friends. They’ll hate me. James will too, of course. Divorced, no doubt drinking in the daytime, only to be discovered dead with cats eating my eyeballs. Not even my own cats, they’ll probably want to live with James and the kids. Oh God! Strangers’ cats will be feasting on my putrefying body!

Thank God. No bad news. Just a catchup chat. Such relief! Can’t believe I was worrying about nothing, again.

Robert just walked past and didn’t say ‘hi’. Wouldn’t look me in the eye. That can only mean one thing.

4 Microdoser

“It was Tim who introduced me to LSD. Not Timothy O’Leary. What do you think I am — some slacker hippy? No, man, Tim Ferriss, the life-hack entrepreneur and author of The 4-Hour Body: An Uncommon Guide to Rapid Fat-Loss, Incredible Sex, and Becoming Superhuman and The 4-Hour Work Week. I got it from my productivity bible — Tim’s podcast.

I’d been feeling unmotivated at work, missed a few mornings of quantifying myself, and (don’t tell anyone) binged on cow’s milk, which left me really bloated after all those months of Soylent.

I’d even lowered my standing desk to yoga-ball height. After slacking off, I thought I’d try to re-energise myself with microdosing. It’s not hard to buy (yay, bitcoin!). I mixed a minuscule amount (like a tenth of a chia seed) in with my protein shake in the Uber on my way to the workpod. I became a total coding wizard.

Then I went to the gym and broke my PB on the bench press. Tune in, drop out?

You’re kidding, right? Double down, more like.” agenda

49

brand voice

TO REBRAND OR NOT TO REBRAND?

RL360 has recently undergone a brand refresh, reflecting our growth over the last decade and our progress from a smaller operation to one of the biggest companies in the international life sector.

The decision to rebrand should never be taken lightly, after all a brand is an outward expression of what an organisation is like on the inside.

It should reflect the reality of the culture of the company, what it stands for and what its good at. Plus, it’s not an inexpensive exercise.

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ON THE AGENDA

With that in mind, we’ve considered why businesses rebrand at all and have identified 5 good reasons to go for it and 5 good reasons not to: WHY YOU SHOULD

WHY YOU SHOULDN’T

1.

YOUR ORGANISATION HAS COME OF AGE – what works at the start of a company’s life cycle won’t necessarily be appropriate even a year later. A close eye on the way the company and the market is evolving will provide a clue as to whether you need to amend your brand in order to compete in the changing world.

1.

YOU DON’T FEEL YOUR MESSAGE IS CONSISTENT – so, make it consistent. Comb through all of your literature and communications and work on your existing tone of voice.

It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking a rebrand will solve a problem it wasn’t designed to tackle. If you do this and you still feel you’re in need of a change, then give it some thought.

2.

YOU’VE MADE A FUNDAMENTAL BUSINESS CHANGE – perhaps you’ve introduced a completely new product, introduced an important new environmental policy or moved into a new market. If it has changed the nature of your operation, it’s worth considering a rebrand to reflect that change.

2.

YOU FEEL MISUNDERSTOOD – again, this is probably an issue you can resolve without a costly rebrand. If you feel people are failing to understand your message then consider that perhaps strategy, or lack of it, is your issue, rather than branding.

3.

YOU NEED TO STAND OUT – you need to keep a continuous eye on the competition. What is your unique selling point? Are you making the most of it or are you drifting ever closer to becoming ‘just another name’ in your sector? Don’t let your brand go stale.

3.

YOU’RE MOVING – an office move is often like a spring clean - it’s easy to get carried away and be tempted to throw everything away, including your brand. But is an office move a good enough reason for a rebrand? Probably not.

4.

YOU’RE FED UP OF YOUR LOGO – yes, but is it still working for you with your customer base? If so, do you really want to shake things up just yet? There are other ways to reinvigorate your brand without starting from scratch – perhaps you just need a fresh pair of eyes to renew your enthusiasm and spark some creativity?

5.

YOU THINK YOUR BRAND IMAGE IS OUT OF DATE – granted, this is definitely a good reason to at least consider a rebrand. Here’s where the compromise comes in – a small tweak here and there to tone of voice and/or logo can solve the problem. Basically, the message here is, there needs to be a really good reason to spend the considerable time and money a rebrand inevitably requires.

4.

5.

YOU HAVE A PR DISASTER – things can and do go wrong. Sometimes they go dramatically wrong and take on a life of their own - the ultimate PR disaster. And in the age of the internet it’s not easy, even with a robust SEO policy, to escape your history. If your business is under siege, serious consideration should be given to a rebrand.

YOU’VE BECOME UNWIELDY – a measure of a successful business is obviously its ability to grow. One way to grow is to acquire new brands but this can bring with it some confusion when it comes to external perception. Why not consolidate all of your brands under one easy to manage brand?

BRAND VOICE

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ON THE AGENDA

When life gives you lemons, make a business concept

I

magine you book the perfect holiday for you and your partner and a month before departure you break up. The first thing you think of (after eating an entire tub of Ben and Jerry’s) is what on earth are you going to do with your planned trip away?

Do you: 1. Take the plunge and board the flight alone, to sit at the pool thinking about the ‘what ifs’?

2. Don’t go at all and take to Facebook to see if any of your friends are interested in buying the travel from you?

3. Just sit at home, continue eating the ice cream and waste the pre-booked tickets?

It was while nursing a broken heart and contemplating this very conundrum that Simon Powell knew there was a problem waiting to be solved. In 2012, the BBC reported that around £20 billion is wasted on pre-booked unused travel every year.

Forbes also reported that in the US alone an estimated 220 thousand hotel rooms a day are pre-paid and unused despite most of

Simon Powell

them being transferrable to somebody else.

Simon also found that even though tickets were non-refundable, 80% of bookings are transferable and that’s when the idea of TransferTravel.com was born.

TransferTravel.com is a travel marketplace which allows people to buy and sell their unwanted travel tickets, turning cancellations into opportunities. It works simply by matching people who, for whatever reason, need to ditch their travel plans with people who are looking for great deals on travel. Both parties benefit mutually, with the seller able to recover some of the costs of their otherwise wasted booking and the buyer able to snap up a bargain.

The listings on the website are varied and can range from a single domestic train ticket to a luxury holiday, and anything else in between.

From humble beginnings, the site has become the number one global site for listing non-refundable travel, with 80,000 registered users and the ability to accommodate over 9,000 travel listings.

The TransferTravel.com team began 2018 at the Affiliate West Summit in Las Vegas, where more than 6,000 digital marketers had gathered. The company attracted a lot of attention and was tipped as a ‘Company to Watch in 2018’.

And it certainly is. The company raised £1 million pounds during its Series A financing. It also has plans for further expansion and is seeking new global partners to help fuel this growth. As a result, it’s also hiring more staff, with vacancies for the roles of US Partnerships Manager, UK Partnerships Manager and a Head of Marketing– not bad for a business concept grown from one man’s heartache.

www.transfertravel.com BRAND VOICE

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technology

The route to salvation lies in your inbox

‘Slow email’ software works where your willpower does not Words Tim Hartford FT

M

ore than a decade ago, Dan Russell, a researcher at IBM, won fleeting attention for his email signature: “Join the slow email movement! Read your mail just twice each day.

Recapture your life’s time and relearn to dream.”

That was quixotic even then. While some people are slow to respond to email, most of us are quick to check it. A 2003 study found that the typical email is attended to in some manner within six seconds of arrival. Another study, from 2006, by computer scientist Karen Renaud and colleagues, found that people at their desktop computers would check their email 18 times an hour.

When I think about my own behaviour,

18 times an hour sounds about right. It’s like a nervous twitch, with the bonus that I can tell myself and others that I’m the consummate professional.

It is also insane: for all the talk of email overload, most of us do not actually receive 18 emails an hour. I don’t — not after filtering unsolicited press releases into spam. One estimate of the typical load is 80-90 emails a day, which suggests that half the time Professor Renaud’s subjects checked email, they would have found nothing there.

The ubiquity of smartphones, packed with an arsenal of e-messaging alternatives, can only have worsened the compulsion to check for new messages. Mr Russell’s plea now seems as counter-cultural as urging people to post sonnets on Tinder.

Continue...

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ON THE AGENDA

international.sure.com

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

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

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

Reduced costs Increased flexibility Low installation costs Keep your existing numbers and existing equipment

NextGen Voice Service

NG ISDN SIPNG

Ensure a quick and seamless migration: upgrade with the help of support and expertise from Sure’s dedicated team

Let’s talk now about how you can get ahead of the game and reduce your costs and improve your service by switching to Sure.

Call us on 01624 692222 or visit international.sure.com/nextgen

talk WE NEED TO

agenda

55

technology Continue...

Nevertheless, he was on to something.

There are ways in which email might be a lot more useful if we slowed it down.

One reason is that email would probably be less habit-forming when taken in bigger, rarer doses. The psychologist BF Skinner once found himself running out of food pellets for one of his projects, which like many of his experiments involved rats pushing levers to receive rewards.

To eke out his supply of pellets, Skinner restricted their release: rats would get no more than one pellet a minute, no matter how often they tapped the lever. Rather than discouraging the rats, this intermittent reinforcement soon had them hooked.

These days, we’re the rats, the computer is our Skinner Box, and email is our intermittently released food pellet.

Mr Russell’s call to inaction breaks the cycle of intermittent reinforcement. If you check email no more than twice a day, your unconscious is not wondering whether you’ve got mail or not. Inevitably, you have, and your dopamine system can stop quivering in nervous anticipation.

Slow email also allows problems to solve themselves in your absence. When a colleague emails the entire company asking whether anyone has seen his sentimentally valuable coffee mug, the treasure will be found before anything hits your inbox. Meetings will be announced, withdrawn because of a typo in the date, then re-announced. It’s so much easier to wait.

And slow email should mean more time

“People at their desktop computers would check their email 18 times an hour”

concentrating on a single task at a time.

Gone is the spin-cycle in which we set aside important work to flip open the email browser tab, and then on to Facebook, or Twitter, or Wikipedia or wherever. It takes time to reorient ourselves after these selfinterruptions; estimates vary from a few seconds to almost half an hour.

Bearing all this in mind, one might ask what happens when our email is turned off? Researchers Gloria Mark and Stephen Voida conducted just this experiment, observing what happened to 13 workplace guinea pigs when the researchers disconnected their email. The subjects were being watched, electronically tracked and even wearing heart monitors. They became less stressed, stayed on task for longer and spoke to their colleagues more. They sometimes felt a little out of the loop, but

they survived the experience.

Unplugging for a full working week might be too much for most of us. It’s certainly too much for me. So twice a day it shall be, just like Victorian letter writers.

Or nearly so: in fact late 19th-century London enjoyed hourly deliveries, and a correspondence could bounce back and forth within a day. Letter-writers would often request a reply “By Return Of Post”, exhibiting the same nervous urgency as some of my email correspondents today.

Still, there is a qualitative difference between mail once an hour, and mail whenever you happen to press the level for another pellet. We might all benefit by slowing the pace.

But how to do it? One possibility is sheer willpower. Good luck with that.

Or you can use some electronic help.

For 2018, my resolution is to use Inbox When Ready, a free plug-in for people who access Gmail through Google’s Chrome browser. It blocks excessive access to the inbox, and works alarmingly well at dissuading me from checking my email.

I cannot say it has helped with my stress levels just yet. Perhaps I need to give it time.

I wondered what Dan Russell might make of this, so I tracked down what I thought was his current email address and, apologetically, emailed with a couple of questions.

Back came the response: “The email account that you tried to reach is disabled.”

Perfect.

“Email would probably be less habit-forming when taken in bigger, rarer doses” 56

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ON THE AGENDA

Isle of Man | Home & Interiors | March 2018

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

Palm Winds, Ramsey - £895,000

Ashcroft, Peel - £450,000

HOME

PROPERTY FEATURE

Palm Winds, Ramsey £895,000 – No onward change – Part Exchange considered

NO 4 PALM WINDS IS AN EXCLUSIVE DEVELOPMENT OF 5 LUXURY PROPERTIES SITUATED ON A HEADLAND OVERLOOKING RAMSEY BAY.

THE PROPERTIES HAVE BEEN DESIGNED TO TAKE FULL BENEFIT OF THEIR STUNNING LOCATION WITH LARGE EXPANSES OF PICTURE GLAZING OVER LOOKING GARDEN, COUNTRYSIDE AND COASTAL VIEWS BEYOND. The Property is a Contemporary design which makes full use of modern construction techniques to provide an unrivalled living environment. The use of highly insulated construction results in the property having a low environmental impact.

The location has a rural feel but is close to all the amenities in Ramsey.

THE ACCOMMODATION COMPRISES:

Master Suite with Dressing Room, Second and Third Bedroom with En-suite and Dressing Room, One Further Double Bedroom and Family Bathroom.

•

Large Entrance Hall, Study, Cloakroom.

•

Lounge/Dining Room with Two Sets of Sliding Doors Leading to Patio and Rear Garden.

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Gated Entrance with Driveway for Several Vehicles leading to Double Garage.

•

Spacious Kitchen/Family Room again with Sliding Doors Leading to Rear, and Utility Room.

•

Gas Fired Central Heating. With Under Floor Heating Downstairs.

Tel: 01624 662820 62

•

Branches Island Wide ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

HOME

THIS PROPERTY IS BEAUTIFULLY PRESENTED, VIEWING IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED TO APPRECIATE THE LUXURY AND STUNNING LOCATION

1ST FLOOR: APPROXIMATELY 1817 SQ.FT.

GROUND FLOOR: APPROXIMATELY 1814 SQ.FT

Tel: 01624 662820 BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

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Te l + 4 4 ( 1 6 2 4 ) 6 1 7 7 8 8 . Tr o m o d e E s t a t e , D o u g l a s , I s l e o f M a n . c u b b i n a n d b r e g a z z i . c o m

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FEATURE PROPERTY

FEATURED PLACES Our pick of the market this month

NO.9, THE PENTHOUSE

Windsor House, Port Erin - ÂŁ2.100,000

Prestigious luxury 3 bedroom penthouse apartment with breathtaking views over Port Erin Bay situated in a stunning location, just minutes walk from the Town centre and the Beach. The apartment was designed to offer a front row seat with Mother Nature making way for expansive views of the Irish Sea, ensuring the most amazing sunsets the West coast has to offer. The prime location offers the opportunity to witness exquisite drama of winter storms, beautiful summer days from the comfort of this spectacular development.

Garforth Gray 3

HAROLD TOWER

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T: 66 77 88

Fort Anne Road, Douglas- ÂŁ3,950,000

An outstanding gothic design castle, circa 1830, occupying a commanding position on Douglas Head overlooking the bay. Located approximately half a mile from the town centre, enjoying considerable privacy with mature walled grounds, extending to approximately 3 acres (1.214 hectares). Beautifully renovated, Principal residence currently has 3 bedrooms with potential for 5, 3 bed guest coach house and 2 bed cottage, garage, workshop and stores. Formal gardens with walkway down to South Quay.

Chrystals T: 623778

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8

3

4 ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

Discover your

dream home B A L L A K I L L E Y, P O R T E R I N FINAL PHASE

Last chance to purchase a 2, 3 or 4 bedroom home at Ballakilley.

PRICES START FROM ÂŁ207,950

The Laurel - 4 bedrooms

The Spruce - 3 bedrooms

The Ash 2 - 2 bedrooms

When you invest in a Dandara home, award winning design, build quality, energy efficiency and specification are included as standard.

SHOW HOMES OPEN

Sat & Sun 11am - 4pm or by appointment visit dandara.com or call 615000 for full details 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.

discover

HOME

FEATURE PROPERTY

FEATURED PLACES Our pick of the market this month

11 WESTHILL VILLAGE

Jurby Road, Ramsey - ÂŁ875,000

A superior, individually designed, beautifully presented bungalow on Jurby Road, Ramsey.

The accommodation Comprises: A Reception Hall, Lounge, Sitting Room, Formal Dining Room, Family Dining Kitchen, Study/ Bedroom 5, Utility Room, 2 Cloakrooms, 4 Double bedrooms, 3 of which are En-Suite and a family Bathroom. Integral Double Garage, Rear Entrance Lobby with access to Garage and Garden. Large Gardens, Driveway with parking for several cars.

Set in a Private Development, with Accommodation of approx 4,000 sq.ft. It has delightful views across the wooded Parkland style Grounds and Lake.

Propertywise 4/5

ASHCROFT

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T: 882820

Tynwald Road, Peel - ÂŁ630,000

A unique opportunity to purchase an imposing detached town house set in a sought after location within the heart of Peel. Over the past 12 years the property has been fully renovated and now provides well presented & spacious family accommodation. On the ground floor there is a traditional entrance vestibule, 3 reception rooms, kitchen/diner separate utility room and WC, with 5 double bedrooms (1 x ensuite) 2 family bathrooms, dressing room & study to the upper floors. Outside there is a large rear garden (125ft approx in length) with a workshop/garden store, double garage and parking for multiple vehicles. The house has been tastefully finished complementing traditional features with modern fixtures and fittings.

Garforth Gray T: 667788

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4 ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

UPPER HILLSIDE Vernon Road, Port Ramsey

A new home that is truly value for money in today’s local market at £367,500

SOMETHING DIFFERENT IN RAMSEY What would you pay for a highly thermal efficient home which has been manufactured and designed for the 21st century?

Included in the package •

Triple glazing

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LED recessed lighting

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Ground Floor Cloakroom

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Well-equipped contemporary style fitted Kitchen

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Utility Room

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Master Bedroom and ensuite Shower Room

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Dressing Room and Study

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Four additional Bedrooms

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Luxury Family Bath/Shower & WC

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Internal Garage (electric door)

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Ample off street parking

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10 year structural warranty

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Front garden, rear patio and tiered garden

T: 01624 812236 E: Glyn@chrystals.co.im £367,500 W: www.chrystals.co.im

WOODLAND INTERIORS Traditional and Contemporary Kitchens and Bedrooms

Ballamenagh Croft, Sandygate

FOR SALE

T: 88 28 20

£550,000 Detached True Bungalow with Gated Entrance and Parking for several Vehicles, Situated on a Large Plot in a Rural Location, close to Sandygate Crossroads.

Let us bring your ideas to life NEW DESIGNS, NEW COLOURS – MATT & GLOSS, REPLACEMENT DOORS, BESPOKE WORKTOPS SINKS, TAPS & APPLIANCES Planning, design and installation For a free quote call

816182 or 481124

FOR MORE INFORAMTION VISIT

www.woodlandinteriors.org.uk

Turn to Page 66

HOME

FEATURE PROPERTY

FEATURED PLACES Our pick of the market this month

BALLAMENAGH CROFT

Sandygate - £550,000

Detached True Bungalow with Gated Entrance and Parking for several Vehicles.

Situated on a Large Plot in a Rural Location, close to Sandygate Crossroads.

Accommodation Comprises: Entrance Porch, Hallway, Lounge with feature Fireplace and French Doors to the Garden, Kitchen/Breakfast Room with French Doors to the Garden, Utility Room and WC, Master Bedroom with En-Suite, Two further Bedrooms and Family Bathroom, Double Garage and Driveway, Gardens to Front and Rear.

GRAYS GARDEN

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2

1

T: 882820

Ramsey - £299,950

A detached spacious house situated in a quiet back water. The property is approximately twenty years old and has been well maintained during ownership. The property is an ideal family home with three good size bedrooms, two bathrooms (one En-suite) and two large reception rooms. In addition to the principal rooms there is a large dining kitchen, lovely south facing lawned garden and off road parking for 5-6 vehicles. Offered with no onward chain.

Chrystals T: 623778

Propertywise

3

2

2 ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

250,000

U P T O 2 0 % O F F P L U S F R E E S T O R AG E F O R S O M E , S L E E P I S S O M E T H I N G T H AT J U S T H A P P E N S . AT S O M N U S I T H A P P E N S B Y D E S I G N .

Our handmade craftsmanship, combined with innovative Sensa Intelligent pocket springs and home-grown natural fillings, from our farm in North Yorkshire, makes every bed unique.

We’ve redesigned sleep. And you’re invited to see the results.

H A N D M A D E I N YO R K S H I R E S I N C E 1 840

W W W. S O M N U S . C O . U K P R O U D T O B E PA R T O F T H E H A R R I S O N S P I N K S F A M I LY

Unit 16A, Snugborough Trading Estate, Union Mills Isle of Man IM4 4LH tel: 01624 623322

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APPETITEE

FROM CREME BRULEE TO PRAWN COCKTAILS: CLASSIC DINNER PARTY MENUS HAVE DEVELOPED FROM THE 1950S TO THE 2000S Safe to say, a lot of these dishes are seriously retro.

By Prudence Wade

You know you’ve reached adulthood when you start attending - and even throwing your own dinner parties.

It’s the pinnacle of sophistication; cocktails and a three-course meal with a group of your friends. OK, they’re not always that posh, but they definitely are a classier way to glug wine and get fed with your mates.

50’s 60’s

Dinner parties have been a staple of any adult’s social calendar since the 1950s - but that’s pretty much the only thing that’s stayed the same. The clothes, music and booze have all changed over the years, and nothing more so than the food.

So what were people typically serving up for guests in previous decades? We take a look back at some of the classic dinnerparty menus from the 1950s through to the 2000s.

1950s Dinner parties weren’t hugely common in the 1950s - this wasn’t so long after the end of World War Two, and rationing was fresh in everyone’s memories.

This was a shame, because music from this era was perfect for parties. You could start off with some Miles Davis and Frank Sinatra, and then smoothly make your way into James Brown and Elvis.

If a dinner party was being put on, starters would likely have been a range of appetisers that would seem extremely dated to us now. Think devilled eggs or shrimp puffs: retro finger-food at its finest.

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After finally being free from rationing, the main event would likely have been a classic celebration of meat. Think a roast with potatoes and vegetables on the side.

70’s

For dessert, any type of fruit cake was generally a hit. A pineapple upside down cake, topped with maraschino cherries (which were then considered very chic), would have gone down a treat.

1960s By the 1960s, dinner parties were becoming a more regular occurrence.

This was when cocktails and nibbles to start the evening really surged in popularity. One particular favourite was cheese and pineapple on a stick - ideally served stuck into half a grapefruit, hedgehog-style, for extra wow factor. This would be at the centre of your appetisers, with crisps and nuts, arranged in fancy glass dishes, assembled around it.

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menus, nothing gets more classic than those from the 1970s - even if it is the era that Heston Blumenthal once deemed “the decade that good food forgot”.

Chances are, duck a l’orange would feature as the main course - a fancy French name could hide the fact that it’s actually a pretty simple dish.

And to finish? Another retro classic: Lemon meringue pie. While many dishes from the 1970s haven’t quite regained popularity, this is one dinner-party favourite that will still please many modern diners.

This was also a decade of experimenting with cocktails, and guests would be served drinks like whisky sours and sidecars.

Believe it or not, at this time, spaghetti Bolognese was seen as a wildly exotic and refined dish. During the Sixties, it was a common main meal at dinner parties, paired with red wine.

And to finish, many dinner-party menus would bring things back home with a trifle.

The layers of fruit, sponge, custard and cream made it a perfect centrepiece to any table.

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1990s French food was still popular throughout the 1990s, and pate was a common starter at any dinner party. Looking back, we have a lot of queries about pate. For example, how could you possibly make spreadable meat look appetising and fancy for your guests?

One thing it does have going for it is the fact it can be made in advance, giving the host more time for entertaining and chatting, and less time stuck in the kitchen.

To start, you would be hard-pressed to find a host who wouldn’t dish up a neat prawn cocktail. In fact, it was so ubiquitous of this period that the fishy dish has still not come back into fashion - people had more than enough of them in the Seventies.

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chocolate mousse would be a classic move.

It might seem more like a children’s dessert nowadays, but at the time, it was the height of sophistication.

1980s While French cuisine has somewhat fallen out of favour nowadays, in the 1980s, it really was considered the pinnacle of fine dining. Although many French dishes might have proved a bit too fiddly to recreate at home, one you definitely could whip up to impress your guests was French onion soup.

Back then, chicken was by no means as widespread as it is now - so if you really wanted to pull out the stops for your dinner party, this would likely be the star of your menu. And what is more 1980s than a chicken kiev? For those who have erased this dish from their memories, a chicken kiev is where the meat is pounded out, rolled up and filled with garlic butter, and then coated in breadcrumbs and fried or baked.

To end this (already very rich) meal,

For mains in the Nineties, people were keen to move past your classic chicken dish (so Eighties!) and started experimenting with other birds, like quail.

And for dessert? Tiramisu. Sure, the coffee, ladyfingers, cocoa and mascarpone creation was hardly new in the 1990s, but it was during this decade that people in the UK and America became obsessed with it (let’s face it, many still are).

2000s The 2000s were a decade of people becoming much more conscious of their food - vegetarianism was on the rise, and it became cool to tell people that you shopped organic.

Salads were a good way to show off your fresh and local produce (and give you an opportunity to start boring people about the latest article you read about sustainability), so you might have seen something like a watermelon and feta salad dished up at dinner parties; very fresh, very chic.

For the main, if you weren’t going full veggie with some trendy quinoabased concoction, you might have seen something from the opposite end of the food spectrum on your plate - probably a juicy steak. Popular in restaurants, people were following suit at home - something which could be down to the ubiquitous lowcarb/high-protein Atkins diet.

In the spirit of showing off (well, isn’t that half the point of a dinner party?!), really finishing off your meal with a flourish during the 2000s would possibly have meant whipping up a creme brulee for pud.

Spare a thought for all those who have kitchen blow-torches cluttering up their kitchen cupboards; they probably haven’t been used since 2009.

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WORDS | Anne Berry | The Wine Cellar

DEVELOP PORT IS A DRINK THAT DEVELOPS EITHER IN THE BOTTLE OR IN A CASK AND THE DIVERSITY OF DIFFERENT STYLES AVAILABLE IS ONE OF ITS GREATEST ATTRACTIONS. THERE ARE PORTS FOR ALL OCCASIONS AND BUDGETS, FROM RARE VINTAGE PORTS TO DELICIOUS AND AFFORDABLE WOOD AGED STYLES. IT ALSO OFFERS ALMOST LIMITLESS OPPORTUNITIES FOR PAIRING WITH FOOD, ALTHOUGH IT IS OFTEN OVERLOOKED, AND FEW WINES CAN COMPETE WITH IT IN RICHNESS OF FLAVOUR. As Port matures, the firm tannins and intense fruity character develop into a velvety smoothness and mellow, nuanced character. At the same time there is a change in appearance, with it becoming paler and evolving into the subtle amber hue known as ‘tawny’. If left for long enough, all Ports will eventually make this change. However, the speed at which this occurs will depend on how the Port is aged.

desserts. Whereas a 20 year old Tawny is a blend with an average age of 20 years, a single vintage Tawny or ‘Colheita’ is produced from grapes grown in a single year.

A Port wine which is aged in wood is in contact with the air and will evolve more rapidly than one which ages in bottle and has almost no air contact. In a small cask, where air contact is greatest, the wine will age faster than in a large vat where it is more limited.

White Ports, made from classic white Port grapes, which are usually aged for two or three years in large vats and are available in sweeter or drier styles. Lagrima is the name for the sweeter style and one fine example comes from Krohn. £14.75) This is an elegant sweet wine with notes of caramel and honey, balanced by fresh acidity and leading to a long and appealing finish. For a different long drink, try a white port over ice topped up with tonic water and a slice of lemon.

There are two broad categories: Wood aged Ports, which age in cask or vat, and bottle aged Ports which spend most of their lives maturing in bottle.

Within the wood aged Port family, there are three main styles: Full bodied, fruity red Ports which age for a relatively short time in large oak vats.

These include Reserve Ports.

Churchill’s Reserve Port is a house blend of premium wines produced from the same top grade “A” vineyards from which Churchill’s vintage ports are sourced. This retains the structure and fresh fruit of a young vintage but has been softened by 3 years in seasoned wood. A great value Port at £14.75 for 75cl or treat yourself to a 20cl bottle at £5.95.

Then there are the rich and mellow tawny ports which age for longer periods in oak casks. These include 10 and 20 year old tawny Ports, whose delicious nuttiness and aromas of butterscotch and fine oak wood make them delicious with cheese and

The Quinta de la Rose 20 year old Tawny is a real treat and simply delicious with any nutty or fruity dessert. (£28.25)

drinking superbly now, but still has years of life left. £85 a bottle and worth every penny.

In the years between declared vintages, the Port houses will produce a Port known as a Single Quinta vintage, which will not have quite the same longevity. These can be great value, such as the Fonseca Guimaraens 1998 at just £28.00, which even comes complete with a decanting funnel!

Fonseca Crusted (£17.75) is a blend of full-bodied wines bottled with no filtration and then cellared for three years before being released for sale. As the name indicates, it forms a crust or sediment in the bottle and should be decanted before being served. The formation of this crust is a natural process that occurs in the finest full-bodied ports. It is an indication that the wine will continue to improve in bottle and develop its aroma and character with age.

Hunt out your decanter, come in to the Wine Cellar and select a Port to enjoy with friends.

And remember to pass it to the left!

The bottled aged category of Ports is made up mainly of Vintage Port although it also includes a style known as Crusted Port.

Vintage Port represents the very best produce of a single outstanding year. It remains in vat for 18 months to two years and then ages in bottle.

Although Vintage Ports can be enjoyed when young, they will improve for many decades in the cellar and are among the most long-lasting of all wines. Taylor’s Vintage Ports in particular are noted for their longevity and the 1985 is

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

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A NEW SITE FOR SIGHT SPECIALISTS HOLMES & DAVIDSON OPTICIANS RIGHT IN THE HEART OF STRAND STREET

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Family firm Holmes & Davidson is a familiar and much-loved Opticians – after all it’s been around for over 100 years – but now there’s a new owner, a new location and a very 21st century approach to eye care. Optometrists Karl and Beverley Spinks bought the business in November 2016 always planning to provide a continuity of care – so the highly skilled Optometrists who customers come back to see year after year are still there, but they are now working out of a state-of-the-art paperless facility.

“Since I qualified over 25 years ago I have

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been determined to provide the best possible eye care,” says Karl. “My wife and I, both qualified Optometrists, have four branches of Batty & Dexter on Merseyside but when the opportunity to invest in Holmes & Davidson came up here on the Island where we spend so much time, I jumped at the chance. This company is everything I love about my profession: caring, welcoming and qualified people providing an excellent standard of service.”

Karl is excited about what this new venture will add to the Island and says that the branch at 45 Strand Street has the most advanced technology available. “The days when you have to wear an uncomfortable trial frame and then sit in front of the same old sight test charts are a thing of the past. Before each sight test we perform a scan which gives us the exact prescription without having to ask any questions.

This is then very simply checked by our Optometrists. All the equipment and computers are linked making it a very smooth process and easy for our clients – a visit to the Optician doesn’t have to be stressful and at Holmes and Davidson we aim to make it a comfortable, even enjoyable, experience.”

For Karl there are two parts to the service: the clinical testing, including checking your prescription, and the fun of choosing new frames and lenses. Holmes and Davidson Opticians is the sole Island supplier of Chanel and Lindberg frames and is already stocking up on the latest Ray-Ban Flash Aviators which will be the sunglasses to be seen in 2018. “They’ve already been worn and photographed on the front rows of fashion shows, and celebrities like Rhianna, Khloe Kardashian and even Simon Cowell have been seen out and about wearing theirs,” says Karl. “I’m confident that the Ray-Ban Flash Aviator will be the ‘must have’ Sunglasses for discerning fashionistas on the Island, particularly with the extensive range of colours we’ve got in stock.”

The new Holmes and Davidson Opticians was opened in early February by local TT rider Connor Cummins who took the opportunity to update his own prescription and choose new Oakley frames. “I’m such a big road-racing fan,” says Karl, “so I was delighted when Connor accepted the invitation to open the store. I was happy to conduct our usual tests and, once he was happy with the prescription, help him choose. Connor loved the choice we were able to offer and particularly the Oakley frames which are particularly robust and absolutely ideal for any outdoor sportsman or woman of which there are so many on the Island.”

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As a respected Optometrist, Karl has been advising the Island’s Department of Health and Social Care on pathways for primary eye care where the island’s Optometrists will hopefully become the first point of contact for anyone with an eye problem.

“I can’t stress enough how important looking after your eyes is,” he says, “and as Optometrists we are in the unique position of being able to spot problems long before you are aware of them.” Holmes and Davidson Opticians is registered by the DHSC to supply specialist contact lenses for conditions such as Keratoconus, which is a progressive condition causing a thinning of the cornea which, if caught early enough, can be treated with corrective lenses, and in addition is the only Opticians registered to fit artificial eyes.

“I’m very proud of both these validations,” says Karl, “as it shows the esteem our Optometrists are held in. These are the same people you’ll see when you make a routine appointment for an eye test with Holmes and Davidson so why not call us and book in for your next test now?”

Holmes and Davidson Opticians is at 45 Strand Street, Douglas.

Tel: 01624 676230

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MARKS & SPENCER’S NEW RANGE IS AHEAD OF THE CURVE Marks & Spencer has announced the launch of a huge new plus-size collection featuring more than 100 products.

The retailer collaborated with a top plus-size blogger to get the designs just right.

Called M&S Collection Curve, the range is available in sizes 18-32 and includes everything from cotton basics to party dresses, and knitwear to coats, all designed to ensure a perfect fit for the curvier customer.

Dress, £65

Shirt, £35

During the design process, the retailer borrowed the expertise of popular plus-size fashion blogger Danielle Vanier, pictured above, who says: “I have loved consulting on this collection with the team at M&S. It has been amazing working alongside a high-street retailer that I have grown up with, on this collection that really celebrates curves through every detail.”

Skirt, £45

The 30-year-old, who has 94,000 followers on Instagram, also designed two dresses as part of the collection.

Double Layer Bodycon Midi Dress, £59

Striped Round Neck Short Sleeve Blouse, £32.50

It’s affordable too, with prices starting from £7.50 for a white T-shirt, going up to £89 for a black fitted dress.

Knitted V-Neck 3/4 Sleeve Jumper, £35

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Pleated Front Wrap Jumpsuit, £65

“For me, a little black dress is a must-have for any woman, and one of my favourite LBDs ever came from M&S,” Danielle explains. “I have taken a few elements of what I loved about this piece and created two new dresses for the collection. I have added some subtle sports details, like hardwear on the waist and mesh layering for a contemporary feel; so both can be styled in really different ways, whether you team with crisp white trainers for a chic take on daywear, or dress up with heels ready for the evening.”

A 30-piece edit of the Curve range is available online and in 30 selected stores, including Danielle’s dresses. The summer collection arrives in March.

Single Button Coat, £69

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PURPLE REIGN: 10 WAYS TO WEAR ULTRA VIOLET, PANTONE’S COLOUR OF THE YEAR 2018 This year’s chosen hue is an ‘enigmatic’ purple.

At the beginning of every year, Pantone declares its Colour of the Year, and we start to wonder how we can incorporate the chosen hue into our beauty routines.

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Sometimes, the shade doesn’t obviously lend itself to cosmetics, as was the case with last year’s foliage-inspired Greenery (unless you’re really into lime green lipstick...) but for 2018, we’re in luck, because Ultra Violet is a gorgeous deep purple that offers endless options in the make-up department.

“Complex and contemplative, Ultra Violet suggests the mysteries of the cosmos, the intrigue of what lies ahead, and the discoveries beyond where we are now,” say the pros at Pantone.

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The “enigmatic purple” was beloved of music icons like Prince, David Bowie and Jimi Hendrix, so with style renegades like that as inspiration, you can bet that the usual rules don’t apply.

This trend’s not about identifying what suits your eye or hair colour, it’s about having fun and embracing the new hue however you like.

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And there are heaps of products to choose from. Take your pick from our Ultra Violet spectrum and get ready to play with purple...

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1. CND VINYLUX WEEKLY POLISH in Video Violet, £6.95 (reduced from £10.99), JustMyLook 2. COLOUR FREEDOM MYSTIC PURPLE Non-Permanent Hair Colour, £6.99, Superdrug 3. AXIOLOGY LIPSTICK in Desire, £25, Alyaka.com 4. CRAZY COLOR Semi Permanent Hair Dye in Hot Purple, £4 5. IZ BEAUTY GEL Effect Nail Lacquer in Glastonberry, £6 6. BUXOM FULL-ON LIP CREAM in Purple Haze, £15, CultBeauty 7. BEAUTY BOULEVARD GLITTER LIPS in Purple Reign, £12.50 8. ESTEE LAUDER PURE COLOUR ENVY LASH MASCARA in Purple, £25.50, Selfridges 9. MAKE UP FOREVER ARTIST ROUGE CREME LIPSTICK in Dark Purple, £18, Escentual 10. 3INA THE CREAM EYESHADOW in Purple 307, £8.95

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SURE’S SPORTS LEADERS PROGRAMME DEVELOPS SKILLS FOR LIFE Sarah Jarvis, Marketing and PR Manager at Sure Isle of Man:

Learning and development is a focus for Sure, with initiatives such as our Sure Academy, and we understand the importance of providing young people with opportunities to gain new skills; which is why we’re proud to support Manx Sport and Recreation (MSR) with the Sure Sports Leaders Programme.

The programme, which Sure has sponsored since its launch in 2011, provides 16-18 year olds with training in a variety of sports to enable them to coach voluntarily.

During a week-long summer camp at the National Sports Centre the leaders gain valuable skills such as time management, collaborative working and communication, in addition to strengthening their knowledge in sports science.

The leaders also achieve nationallyrecognised qualifications in first aid and safeguarding and protecting children.

On completion of the camp the volunteers coach children, under the supervision of experienced staff, at primary schools, MSR activities and community clubs.

The programme gives the leaders the opportunity to give back to the community by providing increased opportunities for primary school children to take part in physical activity.

As the leaders pass the 25 and 50-hour

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volunteering milestones they receive additional free training.

It’s important for us to recognise the leaders as they give up their time to learn new skills and encourage others to be active. Sure rewards the leaders who record the most hours of volunteering in the autumn and spring terms with vouchers to spend in store.

Sure also recognises an overall leader of the year, which is decided by the Sport Development Unit’s Community team, acknowledging improvement, good coaching behaviours, availability and number of hours completed. This accolade was awarded to George Dickinson, from St Ninian’s High School for the 2016/17 programme. George will be presented with his award at the 2017 Isle of Man Sports Awards this month.

One student who has gone above and beyond in this year’s programme is Sean Jackson from Ballakermeen High School.

We were proud to present him with a £100 voucher for completing 146 hours of volunteering from September to December 2017.

“My ambition is to be a full time coach, after studying a sport-based degree at university,” said Sean.

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award.

“The Sure Sports Leaders Programme has given me the opportunity to give back to the community which has brought me to where I am now, playing for England Amputee Development squad, and showing that having a disability is not a barrier to achieving goals in sport.”

Sure is committed to supporting the local community and proud to work closely with the Isle of Man Government to invest in the island’s young people through the Sure Sports Leaders Programme.

It’s a fantastic way of giving our young people the motivation and skills to become strong leaders, as well as promoting healthy lifestyles and a real sense of community.

Community Sports Development Officer Sam Caine, said: “The Sports Leaders Programme is great in so many ways and something I wish I had completed when I first got into coaching.

knowledge in coaching methods, and the different techniques used to engage children.

wanted to see if I could match him and win it too - as I can’t let him do better than me in anything!

“My brother Alex was the Sure Sports Leader of the year a few years ago and seeing how much he gained from the experience inspired me to take part. I also

“Winning the award for the most hours between September and December was very rewarding and hopefully puts me in good stead to be nominated for the overall

“Watching the leaders’ confidence grow is very rewarding. It sets them up for future opportunities, whether that is work or further education, and looks fantastic on their CVs. It’s great to see them all get involved in local sport and volunteering in the community.”

342 students have completed the programme since 2011 and we’re looking forward to hearing about the 2017/18 volunteers’ successes.

For further information on the Sure Sports Leaders’ Programme, which is currently recruiting for 2018/19 leaders, call 01624 688557 or email Sam.Caine@gov.im.

Sean Jackson Profile Sean had his right leg amputated when he was one but this has never stopped his determination to succeed in sport. As a student at Ballakermeen High School, he’s represented the football team as a goalkeeper and now plays for his local club Marown AFC. Sean’s a junior referee and regularly officiates junior league matches for the Isle of Man FA. He also regularly trains and plays for the Manchester City Amputee Football Team and is a team member of the England Amputee Development squad. As Sean was unable to play as a goalkeeper for the team he re-trained to play outfield by using crutches.

Sean’s determination and ambition as a sportsman is an inspiration to islanders BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

L-R Sam Caine Keisha Hewison Ruby Turner Sean Jackson and Sarah Jarvis Marketing and PR Manager at Sure.

and as part of the Sure Sports Leaders Programme he has become a role model to a participant of MSR’s Disability Multisport sessions.

she now regularly takes part in sport and

During Sean’s volunteering he met a young girl who is missing a limb below the knee.

Through Sean’s coaching and support

It’s Sean’s ambition to be a full-time sports

sees Sean as an inspiration to continue to develop her sports activity.

coach and we wish him the very best of luck!

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NEW SPONSOR FOR ISLE OF MAN NATIONAL FOOTBALL TEAM When you have a brand you are proud of, you really want to talk about it – in fact, you want to shout about it from the rooftops and have other people speak positively of it too. So when the opportunity arose for Bos to sponsor the Isle of Man’s senior national men’s football team, it was apparent that this could be a match made in heaven.

What better way to grow that pride and your brand than by offering support in the local community and having your name and logo emblazoned across the chests of the nation’s best footballers? So Bos agreed to sponsor the IOMFA Senior Men’s Representative team for an initial period of three years, beginning with the 2017-2018 season.

Who are Bos? Bos simply stands for Back Office Services (Ltd) and the company is based in Douglas. It was established in 2017 to provide a variety of back-office solutions to a range of national and international businesses who benefit from outsourcing some of their day to day operations. Bos have expertise in multiple areas of business including IT, customer services, administrative support and sales support.

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The official launch event for the Bos sponsorship was held at the Sefton Hotel last month and was attended by senior figures from the Isle of Man Football Association, members of the team, representatives of Bos and the local media.

Those in attendance heard how the new deal will help fund big plans the team has for the future.

Frank Stennett, Chief Executive Officer at the IOMFA commented “We are delighted that Bos will sponsor the Senior Men’s representative team. Our partnership commences at a very important and pivotal juncture in the team’s development and future plans that Paul Jones, the team manager, has in place with his coaching and support staff of Steve Burns, Lee Dixon, Paul O’Brien and Ian Kelly.

Sponsorship at grassroots level is so important to the development and promotion of all facets of Manx football and we are really pleased to formulate this new partnership for the senior team, which I am sure will be mutually beneficial to both parties” As part of the deal, the team’s kit and the IOMFA logo have been redesigned by Masterpixel Media, the company behind the Bos logo and branding.

Louise Watson, Operations Director at Bos further commented, “We are really proud to sponsor the IOMFA Senior Men’s team.

It is fantastic that we begin our support at such an exciting time for the team’s development and it means a lot to Bos to be able to offer this assistance within the local community. We wish the team every success for the future and we will be eagerly supporting their journey over the coming seasons.”

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GOLD COAST 2018 COMMONWEALTH GAMES With only a few weeks until the start of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games, the 33 members of the Isle of Man team are in the final stages of their intense training programmes.

In an exclusive insight with some of the people closest to the Isle of Man’s sporting stars, we find out how some of the Island’s finest athletes are getting on with their preparations for the Games:

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Athletics The three athletes that will represent the Isle of Man Athletics team at the Gold Coast are an exciting combination of talent and experience.

25-year-old Erika Kelly from Glen Mona will be competing in the 20km road walk at the Games. Having only competed seriously for the past three years, she has made tremendous progress in the sport, particularly in the past 12 months. Erika is based on-Island and most of her training has been at the NSC track in Douglas.

Javelin thrower Joe Harris has had a fantastic 2017, improving his best throw by more than eight metres and claiming podium finishes in a number of major UK Championships. The 20-year-old from Crosby has spent recent months training

in Germany, with 2016 Olympic Champion Thomas Röhler.

Port Erin’s Joe Reid, the most recent addition to Team Isle of Man, made his name as a 400m runner. Having recently moved on to the 800m, 21-year-old Joe has been getting faster with every race, so it will be exciting to see him competing against some of the best runners in the world.

The best advice I can give, having been in their position, is although it can be overwhelming at times, to just enjoy the whole experience. In terms of things to be wary of as they wait for their event – overtraining, and spending too much time in the 24-hour food hall!

Steve Partington, Athletics Team ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

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Shooting Our shooting team comprises six talented athletes who have been training hard in preparation for the Games.

Clay shooters Jake Keeling, Tim Kneale, Neil Parsons and David Walton have recently been training and competing at Nuthampstead Shooting Ground, home of their coach Ed Barker.

Rifle shooters Rachel Glover and Gemma Kermode have also travelled off-Island as part of their training programme. Rachel has spent several weeks in Portugal competing and training, while Gemma has spent time batch testing at ammunition manufacturers ELEY in the West Midlands.

Harry Creevy, Shooting Team Manager

Badminton The Island’s badminton representatives Kim Clague, Ben Li, Jessica Li and Cristen Marritt have been spending their time training individually, however, we recently brought everyone together for a training weekend in Nottingham.

Gymnastics Nicole Burns, our only Isle of Man gymnastics representative, has been undergoing intensive training with her university coach in Leeds, and myself here in the Isle of Man.

It was incredibly valuable to have everyone together to train as a team. Our players are now focusing on their final preparations and will continue to work on their development in their individual training programmes at Bath, Sheffield and Nottingham.

She is doing brilliantly and is well on track for a competitive performance at the Games in artistic gymnastics.

We are so grateful to IOM CGA for all its support.

Gennady Tsyganov, Gymnastics Coach BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

Alex Marritt, Badminton Coach and Team Manager

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Swimming & Triathlon Members of the swimming and triathlon team recently had the opportunity to spend a few days working with coaches at Loughborough University. This gave them an invaluable opportunity to train in a long course pool (50m), and also to bond as a team. Our triathlete, Jenny Newbury, joined

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three of our swimmers for a few days of training.

As we enter our final weeks of preparation for Gold Coast, we are very grateful to Loughborough University for working closely with the team and allowing us to join them at their excellent facilities.

Our Head Coach, Lee Holland, has also had the opportunity to work with the Loughborough coaches to ensure the best possible preparation for our team.

Rosemary Kinley, Swimming Team Manager ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

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Cycling Prior to flying to the Gold Coast, the Island’s 11 cyclists will have competed in a number of International events - clocking up thousands of training kilometres.

Matthew Draper and Matthew Bostock will be concentrating on events on the track, both spending a considerable amount of time in the UK before acclimatising at the Anna Mears Velodrome in Queensland, from March 26.

Matthew Bostock will be supported by British Cycling to ensure he arrives in top condition, while Matthew Draper will be joining members of the Welsh squad at Newport during February and March.

Our sole mountain bike representative, Nick Corlett, has just completed a block of training and racing ahead of landing in Australia, where the hopefully dry conditions will provide a different challenge to those faced recently.

Our other riders are spread across the globe as they compete for their professional teams.

The main focus internationally will be in Europe for the Spring Classics, with Anna Christian, Lizzie Holden and Mark Cavendish all competing ahead of the Commonwealth Games.

Whilst the climate looks set to be favourable, the courses are challenging, and should suit the abilities of our squad.

Graeme Hatcher, Cycling Team Manager & Coach Lawn Bowls Lawn bowlers Mark and Clive McGreal have continued their preparation for the Gold Coast with a programme of intense training at the indoor facilities at the NSC. Mark has recently retained his National Indoor Singles title, alongside the Premier Team title with his fellow flat green team members, brothers Michael and Martin Paterson.

Mark will partner Martin in the defence of the National Pairs event in March, which he won with his father last year, while Clive departs for Australia to compete in the Bowls World Cup ahead of the Commonwealth Games.

Clive McGreal, Isle of Man Lawn Bowls Representative

Isle of Man Communwealth Games Association We are working closely with all our sports to help them prepare for the Gold Coast in the best possible way. From nutritional, psychological and training support to coping with the 24-hour journey and the significant change in time zones, we are doing everything we can to ensure that they are the best prepared team we’ve ever sent to a Commonwealth Games.

Leonie Cooil, Chef de Mission of Team Isle of Man

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ACTIVE NEWS

HARBOUR2HARBOUR WALK RETURNS FOR FIFTH YEAR WITH CONTINUED SUPPORT FROM DANDARA

The Dandara-sponsored Harbour2Harbour Walk will return for its fifth year on Sunday 20th May 2018.

The popular community event, which this year runs from Castletown to Port Erin, is a great opportunity for people of all ages and abilities to get involved.

As well as being a fun, non-competitive walk the organisers are again staging a second start at Port St Mary to enable people who don’t feel able to do the full nine miles to take part. Entrants are encouraged to wear fancy dress, with a prize being awarded for the best outfit.

Walkers can also enter as part of a team.

ISLE OF MAN URGED TO GET BEHIND OAR-SOME MARATHON CHALLENGE TO BEAT CANCER MANX people are being challenged to row a marathon in March as part of an oar-some fundraising effort for Cancer Research UK.

In partnership with the renowned Oxford & Cambridge Boat Race, now known as The Cancer Research UK Boat Race, the charity is encouraging people to go the distance and cover 26.2 miles in stages or in one go, anytime in March.

The event coincides with the world

famous Oxford & Cambridge Boat Race, now known as The Cancer Research UK Boat Race, which take place on 24th March.Would-be rowers can take on The Great Row as part of a team or they can sign up for a solo effort.

To download a training plan and fundraising pack, visit: Cancerresearchuk. org/TheGreatRow and to join the conversation, follow #PullTogether on Twitter.

Faster walkers can opt to start ahead of the pack and timing chips are available for those who want to record their walk.

Dog walkers are also encouraged to bring along their pooch, all of which will receive a Harbour2Harbour dog bandana.

Last year the walk raised £5,240 from the 454 people taking part in the event, with the funds divided between Southern Community Initiatives’ (SCI) projects, including Men in Sheds and SPort Erin, and Beach Buddies.

Event numbers is limited to 500 entrants and participants are asked to sign up as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

This year’s route will see walkers leave Castletown harbour at 10am, head along the coastal path to Glen Chass and on to The Howe before joining St Mary’s Road and finishing at the old marine biological centre in Port Erin. Full details of the route can be seen on the event’s Facebook page.

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NEWFIELD TO SPONSOR SENIOR NETBALL LEAGUES Manx Netball Association is pleased to announce Newfield Limited as the sponsor of its Senior Leagues.

The sponsorship, which includes the support of 35 teams in four separate divisions, has been agreed for the remaining 2017-18 and the 2018-19 season.

The netball season runs from September to April each year, and involves weekly league games plus a Cup, Plate and Vase

competition.

Newfield’s funding will be used for competition costs and to support the umpires, new and current, by running development sessions and courses and providing kit. It is also hoped that an experienced umpire will become accredited as an Officiating Tutor, enabling Manx Netball Association to run its own umpiring courses.

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THESE ARE THE TOP 10 VOLKSWAGEN GTI MODELS OF ALL TIME Wow how the VW has developed over the years, here’s a round up some of the popular car’s bestloved incarnations.

Over the past 50 years, three letters have resonated deeply in the motoring world - GTI. Applied to some of the greatest road cars of all time, it’s come to represent a genuinely involving driving experience.

Though most remember it for its application on the Golf, the GTI badge has found its way onto a number of other Volkswagen cars. Here are 10 of the best...

Polo GTI The Volkswagen Polo GTI was closer in size to the original GTI, and, thanks to a 1.4-litre turbocharged and supercharged engine it could hit 60mph in under seven seconds. In addition, it came with a good level of practicality, and enough space inside for four. A typically high level of build quality had been applied throughout, but was criticised for being too grownup. However, it did show Volkswagen expanding the GTI name into other areas other than just the Golf.

Lupo GTI The little Lupo was, as standard, a very popular city car. Compact in proportions yet spacious inside, first-time drivers and those looking for low running costs loved the Lupo.

However, the GTI was there for motoring enthusiasts. Powered by a 1.6-litre engine with 125bhp, the Lupo GTI could hit 60mph in under eight seconds and, thanks to tuned suspension and sticky tyres, was an absolute hoot in the bends too.

MK1 Golf GTI The original, and possibly one of the most iconic hot hatches of all time, the MK1 Golf GTI followed a simple formula: low weight, just enough power to keep things interesting, and neat handling. Capable of hitting 60mph in eight seconds, the Golf GTI was quick for the time, while remaining practical thanks to its hatchback bodystyle. Now a cult classic, prices for MK1 Golf GTIs in good condition are constantly rising.

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MK2 Golf GTI The second-generation Golf GTI had a difficult task on its hands, as it followed in the footsteps of the muchheralded MK1. Though larger and heavier than that first GTI, the MK2 offered a more grownup driving experience - though

still an exciting one. Initially offered with a 1.8-litre engine, with just under 110bhp. Later on, a more powerful 16 valve version was released - giving drivers a little more punch. A facelifted ‘Big Bumper’ version was introduced around 15 years later than the GTI’s first reveal.

MK7 Golf GTI The most recent GTI released, the MK7 Golf brought more technology and power to the line than ever before. A turbocharged 2.0-litre engine pushes the Golf to 60mph in under 6.5 seconds, while sports suspension allows the GTI

to remain agile in the bends.

Though larger than ever, the latest GTI is still instantly recognisable thanks to red trim in the front grille, and tartan cloth seats inside - just the same as you’ll find in the first MK1 GTI.

Up GTI The Up GTI promises to be one of the most interesting cars to wear the GTI moniker yet.

Despite using a small 1.0-litre turbocharged engine, it’s claimed to be able to hit 60mph in just over eight seconds -

close to identical to the original

MK5 Golf GTI The MK5 GTI was a true leap forward for the range, following on from the disappointing MK4. Engine capacity was up from 1.8 to 2.0-litres, endowing the GTI with a healthy 197bhp. It was also, for the first

time, available with a dualclutch DSG gearbox, offering fast gear changes as well as refinement on longer trips. The MK5 GTI represented a return to form, not least because it was fitted with true performance mechanicals.

MK3 Golf GTI Though larger and heavier than ever before, the MK3 GTI is now starting to look like somewhat of a future collectors’ item. Originally somewhat lacking in power particularly when compared to the lighter MK1 - it was soon boosted with a 16 valve model. It was also the most spacious GTI made up until that point, and was more refined than ever before, meaning that drivers could travel further in more comfort.

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GTI’s time. Similar in size to the Lupo GTI, the Up GTI is ideal for UK B-roads, with enough power to keep things interesting yet not too much to make it serious.

MK2 Polo GTI Again, in a similar vein to the Up GTI, the new Polo GTI has yet to arrive in the UK. More powerful than the older model - though only by 7bhp - it’s aiming to be more involving and direct to drive

than the first-generation Polo GTI. The suspension has been firmed up for better cornering while, interesting, it’s going to be offered initially with only a dual-clutch DSG gearbox though a manual is expected to arrive later.

MK4 Golf GTI It’s lower down the list for a reason, but in terms of natural progression, the MK4 GTI needs to be included here.

Yes, it may not have been the most involving to drive nor the sportiest looking, but without it Volkswagen wouldn’t have redoubled its efforts and created the MK5. It was, at least, comfortable to drive over long distances and looked unassuming enough to be parked anywhere safely - but it lacked the sparkle that people expect from a GTI.

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SUPERTOUR ISLE OF MAN

Henry Ford once said that ‘auto racing began five minutes after the second car was built’ and although the precise moment in time that motorsport became an ‘actual thing’ is lost in the cloudy annals of history, there is no reason to believe that Mr Ford, in all his wisdom, was too far off the mark. Certainly the idea would have been conceived in the 1880s not long after the internal combustion engine was invented.

The Isle of Man was innovative and quick to embrace new concepts and developing technologies, not least to support and enhance a booming tourist industry, which was creating new wealth for the Island.

It wanted to compete with other holiday resorts to continue to attract visitors, so in the early 1900s the Island had found a ‘unique selling point’, even before a ‘USP’ became an actual thing.

In 1904, the UK had a 20mph speed restriction for motor vehicles. Tynwald saw a great opportunity and passed an Act that allowed automobile racing to take place on the Island’s roads. Soon after, the first motorsport event, the ‘Gordon Bennett Eliminating Trial for touring cars’, took place. The following year saw the first Tourist Trophy races for automobiles and in 1907 the first TT race for motorcycles was held. The rest, as they say, is history.

Over the century that followed the Island developed a remarkable motorsport culture, with events like the TT races, the Manx Grand Prix and closed-road car

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rallies thrilling enthusiasts, who continue to travel from all over the world to watch or take part.

This passion for motorsports and all things related is shared by many locals who become immersed in these events and are proud that they take place on their doorsteps, on roads they use daily - several of which have no upper speed limit.

It was while talking about their love of the Isle of Man and of performance cars over a pint that two locally-based businessmen noticed that while motorsport was heavily catered for, the island had no dedicated event for supercars. That was the moment the concept for Supertour began to develop.

As an ex-police inspector formerly in charge of roads policing, Derek Flint had been involved with various supercar groups who visit the island.

“I was always mindful that driving on public roads is invariably a compromise, with other traffic travelling in both directions and the unpredictable nature of other road users and thought there had to be a better way.”

Derek and entrepreneur Peter Adamson

wondered why supercar events weren’t staged by ‘local folk’ who know the roads well, have the right contacts and are massive fans of the Isle of Man. “We wanted to build on our status as an undisputed world-class destination for motorsport. The island attracts thousands of TT and Festival of Motorcycling visitors each year. There is a great opportunity between these gatherings, to hold other attractive and exciting events so we can show the Island off. Supertour catalyses that aspiration.”

Supertour encompasses five days of non-competitive, high quality driving experiences for supercar owners, including the chance to drive on closed roads as part of a thrilling hill climb event. Fine dining, VIP hospitality and private track days are also on the Supertour itinerary. The event begins on 10th June 2018.

Since the recent launch of Supertour the event has received a lot of interest, both from owners of prestige vehicles who want to experience driving on the Island’s roads and enjoy the best of Manx hospitality and from local enthusiasts who are supercar fans, excited to see a group of some of the most elite vehicles in the world visiting their home.

The website www.supertour.im has further details of the itinerary and details of the packages available and the company can also be found on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.

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PHONE HOME

NOKIA 8: BE LESS SELFIE AND MORE ‘BOTHIE’ WITH THE FIRST DUALSIGHT SMARTPHONE The launch of the Nokia 8 claimed a technology first with its exclusive Dual-Sight mode that lets you use both front and back cameras simultaneously for split-screen photos and videos. Dual-Sight means that the selfie trend might have to make way for the ‘bothie’! Image quality is assured with the Nokia 8 boasting a 13MP dual image-fusion rear camera with both colour and monochrome sensors, plus a wide-angle 13MP phase detection auto-focus front camera. Both front and rear cameras are equipped with Zeiss optics, the legendary symbol of excellent image quality.

It is Nokia’s most powerful Android smartphone and built on the cutting-edge Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 835 Mobile Platform which is

designed to deliver exceptionally long battery life. Nokia have even thought of an innovative way to dissipate heat by adding a full-length copper cooling pipe with a graphite shield to make sure that this smartphone’s temperature always feels as cool as it looks.

The Nokia 8 is available from Manx Telecom from £0 upfront for £45 per month on a Smartroam 25GB tariff which includes unlimited texts, 1,000 on-Island minutes, 25GB data, 100 roaming minutes, 100 roaming texts and 2GB roaming data available to use in Zones 1 and 2. For full details about Manx Telecom’s Smartroam tariffs go to www.manxtelecom.com or call in to the Strand Street store in Douglas.

SMART AND SQUEEZABLE – THE PIXEL 2 Built by Google and powered by Android 8.0, the Pixel 2 truly puts the smart in smartphone.

Squeeze the sides to activate Google Assistant, ask your question and a world of information is at your disposal.

If you want the date of someone’s birthday, directions to an event in time to be there for the start or you just need to know the weather in Kuala Lumpur next week, it’s all there, waiting for your voice to ask the question.

There’s no doubt that squeezy sides are a neat way to control a phone but that’s not all the water resistant Pixel 2 has to

offer. It comes complete with the world’s best rated camera (DxOMark Mobile) packing 8MP on the front for superb selfies and 12.2 MP on the rear lens for capturing amazing images and video.

What’s more, Pixel 2 owners need never worry about clogging the memory because Google Photos gives you unlimited, original quality photo and video storage.

Crafted in a stylish aluminium body and available in two sizes, you can experience the Pixel 2 for yourself today, at the Sure stores in Douglas, Ramsey and Port Erin.

MANX TELECOM LAUNCHES MAJOR DIGITAL INCLUSION INITIATIVE WITH CHARITIES LIVE AT HOME AND SOUTHERN BEFRIENDERS Using the internet to connect with friends and relatives is something which is now a part of everyday life, but for some older people on the Island who have not grownup with this technology, the digital world can seem unfamiliar and daunting. For older people who live alone, not being able to access the internet can also magnify feelings of loneliness and isolation.

Tackling these issues is the purpose behind a major Digital Inclusion initiative which has recently been launched by Manx Telecom, in partnership with two of the Island’s leading charities for older people: Live At Home and Southern Befrienders.

The company is providing iPads to selected members of Live At Home schemes, and older people who are supported by Southern Befrienders. After completing the necessary training and safeguarding

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checks, the initial phase of the project began with 12 Manx Telecom staff becoming befrienders for 12 elderly people.

The volunteers are providing one-to-one instruction on how to surf the internet, set up email accounts, and use Facebook, Facetime, Skype and other popular social media sites. For some of the older people

taking part, this has enabled them to reconnect with old friends, or set-up video calls to relatives off-Island. This has obvious benefits in terms of increased social interaction - but it can be life-changing for those who are experiencing feelings of loneliness and isolation, both of which are issues of growing concern.

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The Ultimate Wedding Venue © Shan Fisher Photography

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Ceremonies

Receptions

Accommodation

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

Come and see for yourself just how Milntown is the ultimate wedding venue and chat with some of the island’s top wedding suppliers and coordinators for more information visit milntown.org or call 01624 812321 milntown, lezayre, im7 2ab

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