May 2015 | the FRESH issue

Isle of Man Premier Magazine | no 42 | May 2015 | the [FRESH] issue

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

£ priceless

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UPFRONT

#42 [FRESH] Isle of Man Premier Magazine | no 42 | May 2015 | the [FRESH] issue

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

£ priceless

WWW.GALLERY.CO.IM

edito

Isle of Man | Home & Interiors | May 2015

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

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ON THE AGENDA

NO. 11

elcome to the May edition of Gallery! To quote Bob Marley ‘The sun is shinning, the weather is sweet.’ Or at least it was as we went to print.

What a great start to spring 2015, (apart from the fog that caused the Island to shut down for a day or two) with a little bit of luck you’re now reading Gallery whilst taking a breath of fresh air sat outside somewhere.

M AY 2 0 1 5

Creating a magazine requires constant renewal and refreshing which sits nicely with our ‘Fresh’ theme this month. We have a huge variety of great features with our full repertoire of sections presented.

ON THE AGENDA THIS EDITION: ENTREPRENEURS Manx Startisan Food Heroes with Shoprite BANKING- Use of mobile payment apps rising INSTITUTE OF DIRECTORS IOM - Jennifer Houghton CLEAVAGE IN THE WORKPLACE - A distraction for both men and women PLUS - ABLE PR, Tuck in your shirt, Business News, Need a Fresh Start, Movers & Shakers

COVER CREDIT Photography Julian Simmonds Model Ella Carridge Style Team Alanna Cowley, Eleesha Preston, Will Holden, Sam New Fashion Claire Christian Couture

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

It’s that time of year when we all look forward to that summer holiday.

We all deserve a refreshing and relaxing getaway, a holiday full of new experiences and fresh ideas. We take a look at fresh thinking for your getaways with the Steam Packet, and some inspired destinations to explore. In the Culture section we look at the new statue honouring miners who worked in the Great Laxey Mine. We speak with Windsor & Wales Founder and Owner, Peter M B-H Adamson, to find out more about his exciting and ‘quintessentially British’ local fashion brand on page 40. If you fancy a fresh start in a new home turn to our Places property section starting on page 63. In the Agenda bimonthly business supplement we highlight a new competition for food entrepreneurs on page 92 and Les Able takes a look at Cleavage in the workplace on page 102.

In our Hardware section we feature Dan Kneen ahead of this years TT and have a blast in a new MINI with the Manx School of Motoring on page 114.

Whatever the purpose of your visit, business or pleasure, I think you’ll find what your looking for in Gallery this month.

Keep it fresh.

SR

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Gallery, Agenda, Places, and Paparazzi are trading styles of 221 Media. Registered in the Isle of Man no. 125981C.

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

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WILKINS WATCH of the MONTH

OYSTER, 36 MM, EVEROSE GOLD AND DIAMONDS FROM ITS LAUNCH IN 1956, THE DAY-DATE WAS IMMEDIATELY RECOGNISED AS THE WATCH WORN BY INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE. THE DAY-DATE WAS THE FIRST CALENDAR WRISTWATCH TO DISPLAY THE DAY, AS WELL AS THE DATE, IN ITS ENTIRETY. FAITHFUL TO ITS NOBLE ORIGINS, THE DAY-DATE IS MADE EXCLUSIVELY OF GOLD OR PLATINUM, THE MOST PRECIOUS METALS.

SPIRIT OF THE DAY-DATE

STYLE OF THE DAY-DATE PRECIOUS MATERIALS

OYSTER CASE

Rolex watches have long been associated with those who have, over time, guided the destiny of the world. No matter how different their vision, their field of excellence or their achievements, many of these exceptional men and women have one thing in common: the Day-Date.

The Day-Date has always embodied prestige and exclusivity. A hallmark of its nobility, the Day-Date’s Oyster case is produced exclusively in 950 platinum or in 18 ct gold. The bezel can be fluted, smooth or, on the gemset versions, arrayed in the most beautiful of precious stones. A choice of unique dials in refined colours and textures enhances this timeless symbol of excellence.

The Oyster case is guaranteed waterproof to a depth of 100 metres (330 feet).

Its middle case is crafted exclusively from a solid block of 950 platinum or 18 ct gold. The fluted case back is hermetically screwed down with a special tool exclusive to Rolex.

LEADERSHIP

www.wilkinsthejeweller.co.uk

FEATURES

Another core component in the watertight structure is the winding crown fitted with the patented Twinlock double waterproofness system, which screws down securely against the case. The sapphire crystal is clamped tight by the bezel. The Oyster case provides the high-precision Rolex movement with optimal protection from water, dust, pressure and shocks.

THE OYSTER PERPETUAL DAY-DATE

OYSTER BRACELET

CERTIFIED SWISS CHRONOMETER

The Oyster bracelet is a perfect alchemy of form and function, aesthetics and technology. Introduced in the late 1930s, this particularly robust metal bracelet with its broad, flat three-piece links remains the most universal bracelet in the Oyster collection

The four simple words Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified on a Rolex watch dial mean that the very movement inside the timepiece has endured 15 days and nights of testing

by COSC (Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres – Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute), an independent not- for-profit association.

3155 MOVEMENT

The Day-Date is equipped with calibre 3155, a self-winding mechanical movement entirely developed and manufactured

by Rolex. It features a day and date calendar disc mechanism. Like all Rolex Perpetual movements, the 3155 is a certified Swiss chronometer, a designation reserved for high-precision watches that have successfully passed the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC) tests. Its architecture, in common with all Oyster watch movements, makes it singularly reliable.

To receive COSC certification as a Swiss chronometer, a watch must demonstrate extreme precision in a variety of positions and temperatures.

Rolex is unique in the industry: this is the standard level of quality required of every Rolex wristwatch movement.

76 Strand Street, Douglas Isle of Man IM1 2EW T: 01624 690450 E: enquiries@wilkinsthejeweller.co.uk www.wilkinsthejeweller.co.uk

/Wilkinsjewellers www.wilkinsthejeweller.co.uk

UPFRONT

CONTENTS FEATURE

1.

Tinned food

Man’s true friend, sometimes even designed for man’s best friend, tinned food is the only guarantee that civilisation won’t vanish overnight in the event of something really bad going down. I sleep with a can-opener around my neck, and laugh at anybody who believes the sell-by dates on a tin of beans.

I make a point of eating from the back of my cupboard, and am still scoffing down the odd tin with ingredients printed in German. Tins may take up more space than dried food, but there are plenty of situations where you can’t leave home to find water.

If you’ve ever tried to cook spaghetti in recycled urine, you’ll know that there are dinner times when only a nice cold tin of Winalot will do.

>0123345120 READ BY : 30th MAY 15009761263<

2.

Mushrooms

If your fortified colony doesn’t have the space for a hydroponic tomato greenhouse, I’d strongly recommend growing some kind of edible fungus. It doesn’t need sunlight, provides essential trace minerals and the fungal bounty can even be grown on things likely to be in good supply: damp wood, former colony members and surplus copies of this magazine. It is however very important to make sure you only grow the edible kind, and not the kind that make you experience paranoid visions of absolute power. There’s only room for one captain on this ship, and I’m the one around here who gets the psychic instructions from Zippy and Bungle.

WORDS Grant Runyon

This month’s issue of the magazine is a celebration of things that are fresh, green and good for you. It was printed on paper made from chia seeds and has been imprinted with special micro-nutrient wheatgrass that is being absorbed into your skin as you read.

The Island is slowly thawing into another beautiful spring and within weeks the bounty of nature’s harvest will be available to all.

Well, that’s lovely for those of you who are into it, but as a committed survivalist I’m more of a ‘glass half full’ person. I’m happy to eat fresh vegetables when they are available, but when I’ve finished testing the half-full glass for poison and retreated back indoors, I can only relax when I know that I’ve got enough dried provisions to last me at least three years in the event of something going wrong with our food supply. Whether it’s a slow ferry stolen

by Somalian pirates, a zombie outbreak or just plain old foggy spring, I like to remain prepared. The rest of the Island will probably

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CULTURE

FEATURE

descend into a bloody panic the moment that Waitrose runs out of almond milk, so I’ve agreed to provide the following scavenger’s guide to be issued to those who haven’t yet eaten each other. Don’t bother to thank me - if local families can’t find a ready alternative to kale and pomegranate seeds there’s a slim chance they might try something foolish and storm my bunker. Take my advice and fend for yourselves, because I’ll run out of bullets long before I share my cache of Super Noodles, and you’ll pry this Pepperami from my cold, dead hands.

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ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

3.

Preserved meats

In the event of a true catastrophe, it is likely that all farm animals, pets and people who play the acoustic guitar at parties will all be greedily consumed within a matter of weeks. In order to rebuild the rule of law, human society will need a reliably nonmurderous source of protein, so until we form into communities organised enough to farm giant mutated long tails the scavengers must make do with the bounty of preserved meats. The ridiculous salt content of things like beef jerky means that mould can never truly get a purchase, but the ultimate source of post-apocalyptic protein is Spam. Wonderful, wonderful Spam. The pink manna is high in nutrients,

won’t go off until around 2150 and can be cut into slices and used as an ersatz currency. “Stranger, I will trade you three inches of Spam for that car battery. Let us toast the deal with a cup of my wife’s finest night water.”

combined with a few strips of aged cheese slice and a couple of nuggets of Spam, you have a meal fit for a king.

4.

Few people realise that the Mr Kipling company was founded in the height of Cold War paranoia, based on the firm belief that the only thing that would enable western society to survive a nuclear apocalypse would be the ability to hoard packets of French Fancies long after refrigerators had stopped working.

That winning combination of hydrogenated vegetable fats, refined sugar and artificial food colouring doesn’t just exist to make small children freak out, it’s designed to lift the human spirit when the world is a smoking ruin. God bless you, Angel Slices.

CULTURE

6.

Packaged cakes

Artificial cheese items

The first casualty of war is innocence, the second is cheese. In the event of a global conflict future generations will be denied the pleasure of the ‘yellow gold’, needing to rely on hand-me-down descriptions from Jamie Oliver and the annoying bassist from Blur. That is, unless they dig deep into the snowy wreckage of the supermarket and uncover a stash of cheese slices, Dairylea lunchables or Wotsits. Cheese slices may

A statue honouring miners who worked in the Great Laxey Mine is to be unveiled on Saturday May 23rd in the Heritage Garden at Mines Road, Laxey.

The ceremony will also celebrate the completion of Laxey village’s Regeneration Scheme.

The rest of the Island will probably descend into a bloody panic the moment that Waitrose runs out of almond milk, so I’ve agreed to provide the following scavenger’s guide to be issued to those who haven’t yet eaten each other. be the poor cousin of real cheese, and in fact probably don’t even count as a blood relative, but their high-PVC content will keep them edible (or at least as edible as they are now) for millennia. That means budget supermarket lasagne will still be good to eat, assuming you haven’t used it to reinforce the walls of your hovel.

5.

Freeze dried vegetables and beans

Humans need complex nutrients, and there will likely come a time when the world’s dwindling supplies of Spongebob multivitamins are too valuable to save for everyday eating. The thoughtful scavenger will have prepared for this time by fighting radioactive mutants in the dungeons beneath the Co-op to secure his colony a reliable hoard of dried beans, dehydrated onions and Smash. Smash is lightweight, nutritious and doesn’t even need water, despite what the packet will tell you. When

T

he statue is the work of Balinese master stone artist Ongky Wijana who has carved the piece in Banjar Silakarang, where he lives with his Manx-born wife Hannah, who is from Peel, daughter Lola, seven and son Marlow, two.

The work has been funded by Laxey resident and benefactor Phillis Tate who died in 2012 aged 97. A trustee of her estate, Ivor Hankinson, is coordinating the project. He said: ‘Mrs Tate took a great interest in the village and its heritage – a donation from her estate part-funded the recently opened extension to the Laxey Working Men’s Institute - so she was saddened when the wooden statue of a miner, which this one in stone is to replace, fell into disrepair and had to be removed in 2008.’

7.

Bodybuilder protein bars

Last but not least, perhaps the ultimate post-apocalyptic survival snack. The bodybuilder protein bar is designed to be so EXXTREME that it replaces the need for any other food, and also contains special chemicals to turn anybody who eats it into a ripped man-beast with maximum sex appeal. Gyms don’t want people to realise that if they eat enough of these babies they don’t even need to work out, but in the dark future gyms will simply be a place where people go to scavenge old yoga mats to sleep on, so that won’t matter. The other advantage is that the bodybuilder diet is designed around the principle that going to the toilet is a waste of time, which greatly lessens the chance of anybody surprising me with my pants down and making off with any of my Spam.

The stone for the statue is Carlow Blue limestone, suggested by Ongky’s father-in-law Steve Black and sourced in Southern Ireland. Mr Hankinson said: ‘We had the stone - a block weighing around four tonnes shipped to the Island so Ongky could carve the statue here. Work permit and visa issues, however, meant this wasn’t possible so we shipped the block out to him in Bali.’

Ongky said: ‘When the enormous block of stone arrived it seemed like an impossible task was ahead of me.

This was definitely the hardest stone I’ve ever carved, but I worked out the best way to deal with it as I went along and the shape soon started to emerge from the block. It was tough work and has taken in total about 10 months, but I’m extremely proud of what I’ve been able to create.’

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BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

FASHION

‘When I was getting a suit tailored for myself, I saw an eye-catching tweed jacket with orange arm patches. I thought that it would be nice to have a jacket made with Manx tweed from the Laxey Woollen Mill and have it made in England, but was told it was virtually impossible, as most are manufactured in Portugal or China. Personally, I thought this was ridiculous, so I went away and found somewhere to do it. This turned into an idea to create a range of premium tweed jackets but, the more I researched, the more I found what could be done in Britain and it sort of snowballed into a brand.’

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

‘We design in-house and then work closely with each manufacturer to achieve what we want. It can take months to perfect the fit and shape of a garment and we spend hours talking over every construction detail.

‘We want to revive the bespoke industry using pure, local materials to create timeless investment pieces. These are pieces that have been made with pride, and which people will treasure. We have a transparent production process – we can track each stage of a garment’s process, from shearing the wool to hand-weaving the tweed, and visiting our factories where we know people are employed fairly.’

‘Our men’s hunting tweed jacket is my favourite piece – it’s very similar to the jacket I had in mind when I was stood in the tailors picturing my perfect jacket! The Manx Loaghtan tweed brogue boots are another favourite, just having that little twist of knowing that you can’t get these anywhere else in the world.’

Waiting for the stone to arrive in Bali gave Ongky the opportunity to prepare for the project. ‘During that time I was researching the miners of Laxey and other towns in the UK to get a feel for what life was like for them and how the gruelling work they were doing affected their appearance.

So what is next for Windsor & Wales?

‘These guys were tough but often looked weatherbeaten, sunken-cheeked and worn out. However, they also had a solidity to them and always a determination in their eyes that I wanted to capture. I also wanted to make sure their clothes and tools were as accurate as possible.

‘It’s amazing to me that this sculpture I made will be seen by so many people over many years to come and, most importantly, make people think about and give thanks to the miners who were so important to the growth of Laxey and the whole of the Isle of Man.’

‘Next up is fully launching online and working on our second collection – we have just finished sampling our footwear and have just started on designing a Windsor & Wales tweed at the mill. We’ve also been invited to exhibit at several horse shows in England and Scotland this year so look out for us if you are attending!’

Photo Credit: Matt Mosur

Was the brand’s ‘heritage’ feel a look you had always planned to create, or was it something that evolved over time?

The statue will sit on a granite plinth with four Welsh slate panels, also carved by Ongky, depicting the arduous conditions the miners endured. Combined, the statue and plinth will stand some four metres (13 ft) high.

To find out more, go to windsorandwales.com, or visit the Windsor & Wales showroom at St. Matthew’s Church on North Quay, Douglas.

‘The Windsor & Wales look is quintessentially British, but I think it’s more subconscious than conscious; my family on my mother’s side lived on Lord O’Neill’s estate in Northern Ireland surrounded by farmers and gamekeepers. It’s a very honest way of dressing. We wanted to mix traditional craftsmanship and design whilst creating a modern edge and, as the brand evolves, we will be introducing more colour and modernity to what is already quite a distinct collection.’

Hannah Black Wijana has followed the creation of the sculpture from its inception. ‘I may be biased, being the wife of one, but I believe Balinese stone carvers are some of the most talented in the world. Their skill has been passed through many generations.

‘Before I met Ongky I had never given a thought to the work that stone carvers create or how they create it, but now, after seven years watching him magically craft elaborate creations out of chunks of rock, I can appreciate what it really takes to bring them into being. The skill of carving is nothing short of astounding and the most talented Balinese carvers are able to “see” the finished product before they even touch chisel to stone.

Following their appearance at the Claire Christian Couture and Windsor and Wales Spring Summer 2015 Fashion Show in aid of Wish Upon A Dream, we spoke to Windsor & Wales Founder and Owner, Peter M B-H Adamson, to find out more about this exciting and ‘quintessentially British’ local fashion brand…

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‘I own a group of companies and specialise in business incubation.

My Windsor & Wales co-founders, Natalie Hodgson and Georgina Tyler, are both from a fashion background and are very much involved in the design process. Lucy Stopford, our Managing

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‘There are some incredibly skilled people in the UK manufacturing industry, and finding people who meet our standards for quality has been through either trial and error or word of mouth. Visiting our manufacturers and seeing our clothes being made is so exciting; the tailoring and attention to detail is exceptional.

Do you have any favourite pieces from the new SS15 collection?

Completed at the end of 2014 the statue was shipped from Indonesia and arrived in the Island in early April.

So, can you tell us a bit about the people behind Windsor & Wales?

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FASHION

FASHION

How did the brand come into being; was it something that you mulled over for some time, or more of a ‘eureka’ moment?

MILESTONE EVENT PLANNED FOR LAXEY TO HONOUR VILLAGE’S MINING HERITAGE

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BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

TRAVEL

Director, manages everything from the sourcing of fabrics and visiting suppliers and manufacturers, to the sampling and production process. Alice Fayle has recently joined us from Bally in London; she has a lot of experience working for high-end design houses and print design studios, and works on our construction, textile design and styling.’

SANDERLING Shirt: £225 HERON Tweed Jacket: £950

Where do you tend to find your design inspiration?

Are there any elements of Manx life in which you find influence?

‘There are some very skilled craftsmen on the Island – namely John Wood at the Laxey Woollen Mills, and Jim Middleton at Island Sheepskins. We’ve worked with John since the beginning – his mill is a real treasure trove of the most beautiful tweeds, and his knowledge is unsurpassed.’

Interview: Peter M B-H Adamson, Windsor & Wales Words: Jennifer Parkes

Windsor & Wales quite rightly prides itself on producing handcrafted items made by skilled craftsmen; can you explain how you get your designs from drawings on paper to real tangible pieces?

Photo Credit: Phil Kneen

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ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

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BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

APPETITE

APPETITE

WORDS | Jennifer Parkes

FASHION SHOW

WE ALL NEED A LITTLE TRAVEL INSPIRATION EVERY NOW AND AGAIN. FROM SWIMMING WITH THE WHALES IN THE WARM WATERS OF THE AUSTRALIAN SEAS, TO JOURNEYING THROUGH VILLAGES LOST IN TIME…DISCOVER OUR ULTIMATE ADVENTURE LIST FOR 2015.

Following the sell-out success of the Claire Christian Couture and Windsor & Wales Spring Summer 2015 Fashion Show in aid of Wish Upon A Dream, Claire Christian, of Claire Christian Couture, spoke to Gallery about her runway vision, her brand, and her own sense of style.

WAKE UP AND SMELL THE…COFFEE

Never has a statement been more true! If you’re yet to try the Nicaraguan coffee blend, be sure to make 2015 the year you do. Run by a team of local affiliated farmers, the Nicaragua Coffee Trail offers visitors and coffee connoisseurs a chance to embark on a sensory journey – with only the area’s larger than life wildlife, breathtaking jungles, epic ruins, and exquisite volcanoes for company...oh, and dare we forget to mention, freshly brewed organic coffee on tap.

WWW.NICARAGUANTRAILS.COM

it represents, divers and explorers from around the world travel to this site on a regular basis, intent on discovering their own theory for this mysterious city. Some believe it to be Atlantis, whilst others think it’s the lost continent of Mu – a fabled landmass in the Pacific and mythical cradle of civilization.

Yonaguni is a small, remote untouched island – to get there you’ll need to travel to Okinawa’s capital ‘Naha’. From here you can catch a 2hr flight to Sonai – Yonaguni’s main residential area.

SOME NEW

RECIPE IDEAS TO TRY AT HOME

VISIT THE ONLY GEISHA COMMUNITY OUTSIDE OF KYOTO evening gown, will change every woman’s life. We are all different, and we are all perfect – just different sizes.’

Offering ‘a playful take on modern classics’, the brand’s signature style is one that Claire has developed following years of experience working for some of the fashion industry’s biggest names. ‘Burberry will always be a big influence for me, having worked there for 10 years – you can take the girl out of Burberry, but never take the Burberry out of the girl! I also love Isabel Marant, Margiela, Stella McCartney and Victoria Beckham.

‘My aim is still to keep a certain level of confidentiality with my label; I don’t dream of being on every corner of every road. We are expanding, but we are still a small company; it’s like a big family that puts all its energies together. It’s amazing to see what we have achieved in just two years, and to build upon that and push the boundaries.

LOST IN TIME…

Ever wished you could travel back in time? Well now you can – North East Romania is home to more carts than cars, scenery dominated by ancestral castles, old fortresses and peaceful monasteries and a much slower pace of life. Everything from wood to wrought iron is processed manually, whilst all food is grown locally. Here, the people live simple but happy lives, welcoming visitors with open arms to ebrace the absence of evolution. If you’re looking for a little time out, you’re guaranteed to find it here. Fly from London to Bacau for as little as £67.

“...this isn’t an attempt at fashion on the Isle of Man, this is the real thing”

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s well as raising a fantastic amount for the charity, the show was a personal celebration for the two brands. As Claire explains, ‘Windsor & Wales now share a showroom with us in Douglas, so it seemed the most logical way to celebrate with our new friends. We wanted to support a local charity, and Wish Upon A Dream really stood out for us; it’s a wonderfully unique charity, and 100% of proceeds raised benefit terminally ill children. No child should suffer an illness but, sadly, this happens, and if we can help just one child by making a dream come true then this makes everything worthwhile.

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Having escaped major destruction during the Second World War, Kanazawa is a perfect holiday hot spot for history buffs! Home to oodles of heritage and traditional culture, it’s here you’ll find the only geisha community outside Kyoto, the impressive teahouses of Higashi Chayagai and the Nagamachi quarter with its samurai residencies. With a new high-speed train line in place, the city is now more accessible than ever, making the journey time from Tokyo to Kanazawa just two-and-a-half hours.

Inside Japan Tours offers a 14-night Traditional Japan self-guided trip from £1,360pp (based on two sharing) including 14 nights’ B&B accommodation, various meals, and all domestic transport (excludes international flights).

But, once SS15 is left behind (which, in the world of fashion, is sooner than you may think!), what is next for Claire Christian Couture?

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‘It was an incredible event; a number of guests even compared it to those seen during Milan or Paris Fashion Weeks! For me, the real highlight was the transformation of all my ideas coming together to produce my vision. From the makeover of the Garden Room at the Villa Marina to the hair and make-up and the designs, it all looked so wonderful.’

Claire’s drive and direction are clear to see throughout her collections for Claire Christian Couture. Specialising in made-to-measure red carpet wear, crystal embellishments and seasonal collections, her approach has fashioned a brand that offers women comfort, confidence and exceptional quality for all occasions.

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

‘I want to create simple outfits which work at any function, day or night. I like to work to please different kinds of women. But what is more unique about the brand, is that we can make anything made to measure, whether you choose something from our ready-to-wear collection or create something individual with our bespoke service. I think in my garments there are different ways you can wear them, and I’m always more pleased to see women wearing my clothes with their own personality.’

Claire says that ‘Claire Christian Couture isn’t trying to be cutting edge, our success is making women look and feel wonderful.

Having something that fits perfectly, whether that’s a £45 top or a £2,000 Swarovski crystal

WWW.ROMANIANTOURISM.COM They all have strong creative visions that don’t just apply to clothes, but that are a way of life.’

While the brand may not be too concerned with passing fads, Claire says that her personal style ‘changes with the seasons and trends. It’s all about “That Seventies Show” this season! I love so many influences from this era, from the billowing boho dresses and flared trousers to clashing florals. I’m always thinking about what I’m going to wear and I truly believe that simplicity works best. I wear colours and styles that I feel comfortable in and which compliment my colouring but, usually, I’m overdressed for the occasion!’

‘I say to anyone we work with, “You know, this isn’t an attempt at fashion on the Isle of Man, this is the real thing”. We have our very own “style team”, made up of young creative minds that have the freedom to flourish. It’s a real collaboration of talent from the Isle of Man and afar. We are hoping to attract an even bigger audience to our next fashion show in September. Our shows so far have been quite intimate, so this time we want it to be bigger, on everyone’s calendar and accessible to everyone!’

BURIED TREASURE

25 metres below sea level, just off the Southern Shore of Yonaguni Island, is evidence of a prehistoric civilization. This underwater rock formation, which resembles an ancient pyramid is said to be 10,000 years old. Although archaeologists are yet to figure out what

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THE WORKPLACE WORDS

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“What we are now seeing is a growing demand for the slimmer ties so the result is that sales of what might be described as the traditional, wider tie are perhaps down a bit but there is little doubt that the tie is enjoying a revival after being in the doldrums for a year or so,” he says.

He agrees that there is a more relaxed attitude in many offices to men opting not to wear ties but believes the tie still has its place in banks and financial institutions with customers and clients still expecting to see the likes of their bank manager or advocate wearing a tie.

“There are now fewer places that require a tie but wearing one makes you aware that you are somewhere which has certain standards and you also know how to behave accordingly, Tradition has a lot to do with it but the demise of the tie is definitely not on the horizon.”

Research in the tie industry has shown that TV series ‘Mad Men’ set in a US advertising agency and actor/singer Justin Timberlake helped spark sales of ‘skinny’ ties and slim suits among men in their 20s and early 30s. Today’s discerning man is often mixing ties with trendy cardigans and waistcoats and wearing one with a blazer which is making something of a 2015 comeback for the summer months ahead.

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the viewer’s eyes downward and to a certain area of the male anatomy. There is no answer, however, to the question why some men continue to wear ugly ties with obnoxious sayings. No fashion conscious trend is ever likely to reach them.

For the garnish: 3tbsp spring onions, finely shredded 2tbsp soy sauce 1tbsp groundnut oil 2tsp sesame oil Fresh coriander sprigs

If you are using a whole fish, remove the gills. Pat the fish or fish fillets dry with kitchen paper. Rub with the salt on both sides, and then set aside for 30 minutes. This helps the flesh to firm up and draws out any excess moisture.

Next, set up a steamer, or put a rack into a wok or deep pan and fill it with 5cm of water. Bring the water to the boil over a high heat. Put the fish on a heatproof plate and scatter the ginger evenly over the top. Put the plate of fish into the steamer or onto the rack.

Cover the pan tightly and gently steam the fish until it is just cooked.

Flat fish will take about five minutes to cook. Thicker fish or fillets such as sea bass will take 12-14 minutes.

Remove the plate of cooked fish and sprinkle on the spring onions and soy sauce.

Heat the two oils together in a small saucepan. When they are hot and smoking, pour the hot oil on top of the fish, garnish with the coriander sprigs and serve at once.

LAPODEROSATOURS.COM

• Ken Hom’s range of chilled ready meals are available from Tesco. To download Ken’s booklet for Chinese New Year, visit www.kenhom.co.uk

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OPPOSITE PAGE LEFT TO RIGHT, TOP TO BOTTOM: Cuba, Geishas, Iberico ham, Yonaguni Island, a smiling Romanian, Marseilles, Caceres, Yosemite, more Yonaguni Island, a bit more Yosemite, Nicaragua, the Tatra Mountains in Slovakia and Essaouira.

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

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Men, over the coming summer months, will be facing another major sartorial challenge – to tuck the shirt into the jeans or trousers or leave it untucked and hanging out, hoping it might disguise an expanding tummy. According to Dylan Jones, editor of men’s style bible GQ, men of a certain age who think untucking their shirt will make them look younger and hide that paunch are making a big mistake. “A man might think it will make him look thinner, but in fact he will look fatter,” he declares.

The whole debate on whether to tuck in or not was prompted by the appearance at an EU summit of new Greek finance minister Yanis Varoufakis. His blue shirt, worn without a tie and open necked, prompted shock, horror gasps from style etiquette experts in the male fashion industry; and, shockm horror, the Minister’s shirt wasn’t even tucked into his trousers.

Charlie Turner also takes an unequivocal stance on the subject. “If the shirt has tails and is long sleeved then always tuck it in, otherwise it just looks plain scruffy and maybe hiding something waistline wise,” he declares. “It looks even worse if the shirt tails are hanging below a smart casual jacket.”

A more relaxed approach is, however, taken by Rob Green, a director of Douglas menswear shop Esquires.

“Wear what you are comfortable with,” he says. “We have a loyal customer base with a broad range of ages and some 90 per cent wouldn’t tuck in their shirts because those we sell are designed to be worn with jeans or chinos. They will often be worn with smart jackets which are becoming increasingly popular among younger men on a night out.”

He adds: “Not so long ago T-shirts were taboo when trying to get into clubs but now, with a jacket, are perfectly acceptable and increasingly popular. We are, however, talking about smart, well designed T-shirts from the traditional British brands which we stock and are designed to be worn untucked.”

PHOTO | Jon Jessop Photography

TRADITIONAL TUCK Always smooth down the front of the shirt first to make sure you have a flat smooth line then smooth it down at the back to get rid of any bunched-up material. Then gently pull up the jeans or trousers. As for T-shirts, whether to tuck or not, depends on the shirt, the belt and the trousers/ jeans. In general, advices the website The Art of Manliness, don’t tuck in the T-shirt unless it’s a deliberate style statement.

BECKHAM HALF TUCK This style statement where one half of the front of the shirt is tucked and one left hanging out is perhaps one only the super handsome footballer can carry off. Anyone trying to mimic it over the age of 25 is not only sad but guaranteed to look decidedly foolish.

UNDERWEAR TUCK It may not be sexy and carries the risk of your underwear riding up over jeans/ trouser waistband but tucking your shirt into your boxer shorts does have its uses in order to keep a smooth line.

In fact, some men’s underwear is now designed with adhesive grips around the waistband to stop the shirt above looking blousy and bunched up. Many style expects say it should only be used wearing a T-shirt underneath an outer shirt to avoid an unflattering Michelin man look.

Sure Isle of Man has strengthened its relationship with the TT by providing support to local rider Dan Kneen.

The telecoms company had agreed to sponsor Kneen prior to the Manxman losing his ride just four months before the beginning of the TT and will continue to support him now that he has a new team.

Kneen was recently signed up by the Valvoline Padgett’s team and is optimistic that the upcoming TT series could be his best one yet.

He said: “Signing up to Valvoline Padgett’s is a brilliant opportunity in my racing career and I believe that they can help me to realise my potential and achieve great things.

“Things were a bit touch-and-go when I was left without a ride but I’m grateful that local sponsors like Sure stood by me and supported me throughout that time.

“I’m really excited for the season ahead and hope that it marks the start of a successful relationship with my new team.”

Sure already sponsors the sidecar races and has a long-standing relationship with renowned British professional motorcycle racer Michael Rutter and felt that this year was the time to support a local rider as well.

Sarah Jarvis, marketing manager at Sure Isle of Man pictured with Dan, above said: “We wanted to give something back to the Isle of Man and what could be more fitting than supporting one of our very own in the worldfamous TT? “We were as surprised as anyone when Dan was suddenly left without a ride but knew that it wouldn’t be long before someone with his talent was picked up again.

“We wish Dan all the very best with his new team and know that he’ll do the Island proud in the TT races later this year.”

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Sure have also agreed to support Locals Karl Bennett and Lee Cain’s entry to the sidecar events at the 2015 TT series. Read the full story in the June issue of Gallery.

THE AGENDA SUPPLEMENT

DO BUSINESS IN STYLE

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EVENTS 2015 Bra Dash - Douglas............................................................20 Coffee Exchange.........................................................................................................22 CULTURE Under 18 Photo Competition...........................................24 Laxey Mining Heritage................................................................26 Monthly Upload...........................................................................................30 Culture Vulture..............................................................................................32 Culture News......................................................................................................33 Joseph Urie at the Sayle Gallery.............................34 FASHION & BEAUTY Fashion Trends...................................................................................36 Windsor & Wales............................................................................40 Claire Christian Couture..................................................42 Beauty Fuzz............................................................................................................44 Trends................................................................................................................................46

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4tbsp maple syrup Juice of 1 lime 1tbsp chopped fresh ginger

Preheat the oven to 200C/gas mark 6. In a bowl mix the maple syrup, lime juice, fresh ginger, herbs and chilli and put to one side.

1tbsp chopped coriander 1tbsp chopped dill 1/2 red Thai chilli, chopped (or 1/2 a regular red chilli) 4 x 170g salmon fillet, skinned and boned 1tbsp sesame oil 1 red pepper, deseeded and finely sliced 8 spring onions, sliced finely 4tsp chopped pickled ginger Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Rub the salmon with the sesame oil then season each fillet.

Take four sheets of greaseproof paper and divide the spring onions and red pepper between them, putting them in the centre of the foil. Place each salmon fillet on top and divide the pickled ginger between them. Bring the sides of the paper up and crimp to create an open parcel, pour on the maple mixture, then seal the tops of the parcels.

Place on a baking tray in the oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked.

Serve the salmon directly from the parcel, so guests get that great aroma when they open up the fish.

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BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

HARDWARE

HARDWARE

Simon Skillan from Buchanan BMW & MINI commented:

Signing up to Valvoline Padgett’s is a brilliant opportunity in my racing career and I believe that they can help me to realise my potential and achieve great things.

Dan Kneen got his 2015 season off to a flying start at Donington Park on Easter Monday when he took a brilliant eighth place in the opening round of the Pirelli National Superstock 1000cc Championship.

“The tie, according to some pundits, is really a phallic symbol with the point directing the viewer’s eyes downward and to a certain area of the male anatomy”

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

BAKED SALMON PARCELS

(Serves 4)

PHOTO | Paul Marriott

SO WHEN SHOULD YOU UNTUCK Shirts made with a flat bottom hem are meant to be worn untucked. If the shirt has visible ‘tails’ – rather than being even all the way around – it should always be tucked. Wearing a shirt with tails untucked is not a forbidden look but, according to the etiquette experts, is a juvenile one. The suggestion being that it makes the wearer look like a teen rebel at a grown up wedding or, if under a jacket, looking like he is trying too hard to be stylishly rumpled.

UPFRONT Edito..............................................................................................................................................3 Wilkins Watch of The Month...................................................4 Listings....................................................................................................................................6 Sell by Dates...............................................................................................8 What’s on.......................................................................................................................10 Getaways...........................................................................................................................11 GIVE....................................................................................................................12 Me & My Pet............................................................................................14 News in Numbers..........................................................................16 MISC......................................................................................................................................18

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1tsp coarse sea salt or plain salt 11/2tbsp fresh ginger, finely shredded

Now that America has re-established diplomatic relations with Cuba – this characterful city is set to experience a revamp, albeit without losing its unique old-school charms. With the government slowly welcoming the development of non-state-owned tourism, a number of private travel ventures are emerging – especially in thriving cultural hub of Old Havana – now home to an abundance of new bars including ‘O’Reilly 304’, and the stylish bed and breakfast ‘Casa Alta’ (£19-25 a night) all adding to the buzz of this must-see city. To mark the 500th anniversary of the formation of the southern city of Santiago de Cuba, a week long party and carnival will commence on 25 July.

Those wishing to embark on a more unusual travel experience (exploring some of the country’s lesser-known spots) can do so by signing up to a 12-day cycling tour, such as the one run by World Expeditions (priced from £1,567pp). Alternatively, explore the island on something a little bit faster with Ernesto junior (Che Guevara’s son). Choose from six and nine-day motorbike tours from £1,999pp.

HARDWARE

Sure supports local TT hopeful Dan Kneen

The tie, according to some pundits, is really a phallic symbol with the point directing

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450g firm white fish fillets, such as cod, sole or salmon fillets, or a whole fish, such as sole or turbot

HARDWARE

LES ABLE

“The tie is definitely not dead as an all important accessory,” declares Charlie Turner, a director of menswear shop Garrey Corneil in Douglas “Ties, like the open necked shirt, have their place and certainly when I go out of an evening socially or to a function I wear a tie but not if I’m just going out for a drink,” says 41-year-old Charlie.

(Serves 4)

A HOLIDAY HOT SPOT REVIVAL

60

What a man should know about tucking in his shirt and just when to tie that knot!

Ties, once in double knots as their popularity waned in the wake of a more dressed down look with open necked shirts, are enjoying something of a comeback in popularity as fashion conscious younger men are opting for slimmer ties to wear with suits and jackets.

Described by Scottish-born conservationist John Muir as ‘the grandest of all the special temples of Nature’ Yosemite still stands as the King of American national parks. Boasting 1,200 square miles of deep valleys brandishing wild-flower meadows, giant sequoias and impressive waterfalls – guests spend their summers hiking, rafting, fishing and rock climbing and winters enjoying the quiet splendour of Yosemite’s epic landscape without the crowds.

Combine your sightseeing tour with a city escape with a stop off in the Big Apple.

WWW.YOSEMITEPARK.COM

CONTINUTED OVERLEAF....

Visit www.clairechristiancouture.com to find out more.

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

STEAMED FISH CANTONESE STYLE

THE KING OF NATIONAL PARKS

DAN KNEEN VALVOLINE RACING

BY PADGETTS HONDA When did you start racing bikes Dan?

It has been our pleasure to work with Craig & Lisa at MSM over the past 10 years and we are very pleased that they have chosen to use MINI’s as their driving instruction vehicles. For us as a business to get new drivers introduced to our brand when they first learn to drive is a great opportunity.

The MINI has always a great car to chose to promote your business as it has such a wide appeal.

2006 was my first circuit race in Jurby. My dad and uncles used to race so I have been around it all my life and started with racing off-road bikes… but this is something I always wanted to do. Once I started I just couldn’t stop – it’s grown and grown, I didn’t set out to race in the TT but I wanted to try circuit racing and it went from there!

We sell MINI’s to Men, Women, Young drivers, OAP’s and corporate clients. You can drive a New MINI from only £199 per month. If you think of it as a mobile advert for your business this cost is very good value compared to more traditional styles of marketing plus you have a great car to drive as well.

What’s your favourite thing about racing in the Isle of Man? Well…it’s home, I guess! Plus it’s the biggest road race in the world, and the most iconic of all the motorcycle races – just amazing to be able to do what I love in the place I love. The feeling you get when you’re waiting on the start line on Glencrutchery Road is like nowhere else – amazing butterflies!

What’s the best part of the Isle of Man TT circuit?

The New MINI 5Dr hatch which Craig has chosen to use has only just been launched but has already proved extremely popular with our customers. It still retains the DNA of the 1959 original however this is now fused with 21 century BMW build quality and technology.

Manx School of Motoring

I enjoy it all… but my favourite corner is Westwood on the run up to Kirk Michael. It’s a really different corner – fast – but the feeling when you go through it is amazing. Lots of forces on your body, the compression on entry and the rise on the corner…then when you get through it and on to the straight it feels incredible!

What’s your favourite thing about the Isle of Man in general?

It’s just so peaceful and laid back – sometimes when I am away, and things are noisy and fastpaced, I just can’t wait to get back home. Obviously all my family and friends are here – it’s where I belong.

What was your first mobile phone?

Pass easier with MSM… and in a NEW MINI

It was a Nokia bricky something… wasn’t everyone’s?!

What’s your dream race track?

D

riving instructors Craig and Lisa Hodgson’s abiding love affair with the MINI stretches back to 2002 when their Douglasbased driving school MSM acquired the new shape Mini Coopers as great tuition vehicles for their business.

It’s a difficult one… if they could turn the TT course into a short circuit that would be a really different experience. All short circuit races are such short laps, it would be great to give a circuit a bit more character like you get on the Isle of Man.

What’s your dream bike?

If I could have a go on anything it would be Marc Marquez’s Moto GP bike… not many people get to have a race on something like that. It’s the bike that won the World Championship, it’s a prototype – just nothing else like it out there. It’s the best of the best!

“The first ones were bright yellow but when production in that colour ceased we switched to red and white,” he recalls.

If you could have your perfect day off, how would you spend it?

If I could do anything, I would have the TT course empty and just for my use; I would go out on my dream bike with a bunch of mates and just have fun! I’d have a barbecue in the evening sunshine and a few pints of Guinness…!

Since 2002 MSM has bought some 30 Mini’s, all of them from MINI dealer Buchanan, based at the Business Park in Douglas. Craig & Lisa have now taking delivery of two new five-door MINI Cooper hatchbacks in Moonwalk Grey.

What are you most looking forward to about the TT this year?

Having the opportunity of riding for a top team and being given the chance to concentrate on getting some great results… I have 100% confidence in the new team and I am just so happy to have this opportunity. Being team mates with Bruce Anstey and Cameron Donald will be amazing; hopefully it will be great for the Isle of Man supporters to have a local boy racing with those legends.

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

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APPETITE Miquando............................................................................................................48 Fresh Recipes.......................................................................................................50 Bullet Proof Coffee....................................................................................53 The Twosomes..................................................................................................54 Wine Talk....................................................................................................................56 TRAVEL Elite Voyages in Castletown............................................58 Inspired Destination........................................................................60 HARDWARE Sure Sponsors Dan Kneen........................................................112 Manx School of Motoring..........................................................114 Motoring News...............................................................................................116 Gadgets...........................................................................................................................118 Phone Home....................................................................................................120 PAPARAZZI The Courthouse............................................................................................122 Sugar Sugar........................................................................................................124 Artisan............................................................................................................................125 Outback.......................................................................................................................126

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“They are a cool, funky looking car both inside and out but with great fuel economy and a low vehicle tax bracket,” says 46-year-old Craig. “Feedback from our students say they not only love to drive the MINI but they also love to be seen in them. Importantly, they also find them a comfortable, easy car to drive when learning. It is a car with excellent all round safety features, this is a priority when it comes to the safety of our students.

“We have tried various other makes of vehicle over the past few years, but nothing has come close to the high quality and build of the MINI. We have also found

that it has always been the better vehicle for retaining good value when it has been time to either trade them in or sell them on. We have also always had an excellent relationship with Buchanan BMW and the staff there have given us great support over the years.”

When he qualified 25 years ago, Craig was the youngest Government qualified instructor on the Isle of Man. He followed in the footsteps of his father Trevor, who formed A & T Hodgson as an independent driving instructor 30 years ago. To make it a family affair, Lisa became a qualified Instructor in 2004. The business started trading as MSM in 2002.

“Learning to drive is a lot more complex than what it was when I learnt to drive at

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ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

16, roads are busier and cars are a lot more hi-tech,” declares Craig, who emphasises the importance of teenagers in particular learning to drive with qualified instructors.

He is an Institute of Advanced Motorists Advanced Driver and has attained the highest grade as a driving instructor.

up-to-date modern driving techniques.

Benefits of learning with MSM include mock driving tests, favourable insurance quotes for new or young drivers from a leading insurance company, theory and hazard perception training and student progress reports.

Craig and Lisa, have taught a considerable amount of people to drive since they became instructors and Craig adds:

All MSM customers will receive a £500 voucher to be used against any new or used car purchased from Buchanan BMW & MINI dealership.

“We don’t just teach people how to pass a driving test, we teach them to be a safe driver for life as they are learning a life-long skill.”

Students learning to drive with MSM are not only getting personal and friendly tuition, they are also being taught with

If you would like to contact MSM to book driving lessons or would simply like to gain further experience on your existing driving skills, please call Lisa at MSM on 667766 or mobile 414243, email: office@msm.im www.msm.im

As Craig has mentioned we offer all students of MSM a £500 voucher towards the purchase of any new or pre-owned BMW or MINI from Buchanan BMW & MINI. We see this as a very fair reward for the goodwill that Craig and Lisa have shown us over the past 10 years. Here’s to another 10 years of successful association between Buchanan and MSM.

www.buchananbmw.co.uk

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Isle of Man | Home & Interiors | May 2015

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

THE BEST PLACE TO FIND A NEW PLACE IN THE ISLE OF MAN

63 ON THE AGENDA

NO. 11

M AY 2 0 1 5

BUSINESS NEWS, VIEWS AND COMMENTS ON THE AGENDA THIS EDITION: ENTREPRENEURS Manx Startisan Food Heroes with Shoprite BANKING- Use of mobile payment apps rising INSTITUTE OF DIRECTORS IOM - Jennifer Houghton CLEAVAGE IN THE WORKPLACE - A distraction for both men and women PLUS - ABLE PR, Tuck in your shirt, Business News, Need a Fresh Start, Movers & Shakers

At Your Service...............................................................................................128 83

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

Investment management for institutions and private clients A successful investment outcome, we believe, rests on the ability to understand a clientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s individuality. In fact, our personalised approach sets us apart. By investing time in building strong client relationships, we gain a deeper insight so every tailored solution we develop meets our clientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; objectives precisely. Focusing on the individual defines our nature.

For more information on Thomas Miller Investment:

Call 01624 645200 or visit tminvestment.com

Thomas Miller Investment (Isle of Man) Limited is licensed by the Financial Supervision Commission of the Isle of Man. Telephone calls may be recorded. Clients are advised that the value of investments can go down as well as up.

Registered address: Level 2 Samuel Harris House, 5-11 St Georges Street, Douglas, IM1 1AJ.

FEATURE

>0123345120 READ BY : 30th MAY 15009761263<

WORDS Grant Runyon

This month’s issue of the magazine is a celebration of things that are fresh, green and good for you. It was printed on paper made from chia seeds and has been imprinted with special micro-nutrient wheatgrass that is being absorbed into your skin as you read.

The Island is slowly thawing into another beautiful spring and within weeks the bounty of nature’s harvest will be available to all.

Well, that’s lovely for those of you who are into it, but as a committed survivalist I’m more of a ‘glass half full’ person. I’m happy to eat fresh vegetables when they are available, but when I’ve finished testing the half-full glass for poison and retreated back indoors, I can only relax when I know that I’ve got enough dried provisions to last me at least three years in the event of something going wrong with our food supply. Whether it’s a slow ferry stolen

by Somalian pirates, a zombie outbreak or just plain old foggy spring, I like to remain prepared. The rest of the Island will probably

8

descend into a bloody panic the moment that Waitrose runs out of almond milk, so I’ve agreed to provide the following scavenger’s guide to be issued to those who haven’t yet eaten each other. Don’t bother to thank me - if local families can’t find a ready alternative to kale and pomegranate seeds there’s a slim chance they might try something foolish and storm my bunker. Take my advice and fend for yourselves, because I’ll run out of bullets long before I share my cache of Super Noodles, and you’ll pry this Pepperami from my cold, dead hands.

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

FEATURE

1.

Tinned food

Man’s true friend, sometimes even designed for man’s best friend, tinned food is the only guarantee that civilisation won’t vanish overnight in the event of something really bad going down. I sleep with a can-opener around my neck, and laugh at anybody who believes the sell-by dates on a tin of beans.

I make a point of eating from the back of my cupboard, and am still scoffing down the odd tin with ingredients printed in German. Tins may take up more space than dried food, but there are plenty of situations where you can’t leave home to find water.

If you’ve ever tried to cook spaghetti in recycled urine, you’ll know that there are dinner times when only a nice cold tin of Winalot will do.

2.

Mushrooms

If your fortified colony doesn’t have the space for a hydroponic tomato greenhouse, I’d strongly recommend growing some kind of edible fungus. It doesn’t need sunlight, provides essential trace minerals and the fungal bounty can even be grown on things likely to be in good supply: damp wood, former colony members and surplus copies of this magazine. It is however very important to make sure you only grow the edible kind, and not the kind that make you experience paranoid visions of absolute power. There’s only room for one captain on this ship, and I’m the one around here who gets the psychic instructions from Zippy and Bungle.

3.

Preserved meats

In the event of a true catastrophe, it is likely that all farm animals, pets and people who play the acoustic guitar at parties will all be greedily consumed within a matter of weeks. In order to rebuild the rule of law, human society will need a reliably nonmurderous source of protein, so until we form into communities organised enough to farm giant mutated long tails the scavengers must make do with the bounty of preserved meats. The ridiculous salt content of things like beef jerky means that mould can never truly get a purchase, but the ultimate source of post-apocalyptic protein is Spam. Wonderful, wonderful Spam. The pink manna is high in nutrients,

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

won’t go off until around 2150 and can be cut into slices and used as an ersatz currency. “Stranger, I will trade you three inches of Spam for that car battery. Let us toast the deal with a cup of my wife’s finest night water.”

combined with a few strips of aged cheese slice and a couple of nuggets of Spam, you have a meal fit for a king.

4.

Few people realise that the Mr Kipling company was founded in the height of Cold War paranoia, based on the firm belief that the only thing that would enable western society to survive a nuclear apocalypse would be the ability to hoard packets of French Fancies long after refrigerators had stopped working.

That winning combination of hydrogenated vegetable fats, refined sugar and artificial food colouring doesn’t just exist to make small children freak out, it’s designed to lift the human spirit when the world is a smoking ruin. God bless you, Angel Slices.

Artificial cheese items

The first casualty of war is innocence, the second is cheese. In the event of a global conflict future generations will be denied the pleasure of the ‘yellow gold’, needing to rely on hand-me-down descriptions from Jamie Oliver and the annoying bassist from Blur. That is, unless they dig deep into the snowy wreckage of the supermarket and uncover a stash of cheese slices, Dairylea lunchables or Wotsits. Cheese slices may

6.

Packaged cakes

The rest of the Island will probably descend into a bloody panic the moment that Waitrose runs out of almond milk, so I’ve agreed to provide the following scavenger’s guide to be issued to those who haven’t yet eaten each other. be the poor cousin of real cheese, and in fact probably don’t even count as a blood relative, but their high-PVC content will keep them edible (or at least as edible as they are now) for millennia. That means budget supermarket lasagne will still be good to eat, assuming you haven’t used it to reinforce the walls of your hovel.

5.

Freeze dried vegetables and beans

Humans need complex nutrients, and there will likely come a time when the world’s dwindling supplies of Spongebob multivitamins are too valuable to save for everyday eating. The thoughtful scavenger will have prepared for this time by fighting radioactive mutants in the dungeons beneath the Co-op to secure his colony a reliable hoard of dried beans, dehydrated onions and Smash. Smash is lightweight, nutritious and doesn’t even need water, despite what the packet will tell you. When

7.

Bodybuilder protein bars

Last but not least, perhaps the ultimate post-apocalyptic survival snack. The bodybuilder protein bar is designed to be so EXXTREME that it replaces the need for any other food, and also contains special chemicals to turn anybody who eats it into a ripped man-beast with maximum sex appeal. Gyms don’t want people to realise that if they eat enough of these babies they don’t even need to work out, but in the dark future gyms will simply be a place where people go to scavenge old yoga mats to sleep on, so that won’t matter. The other advantage is that the bodybuilder diet is designed around the principle that going to the toilet is a waste of time, which greatly lessens the chance of anybody surprising me with my pants down and making off with any of my Spam.

9

UPFRONT

WHAT’S ON LIVE SCREENING EVENTS

05.05.2015 LA FILLE MAL GARDEE * //STUDIO THEATRE, BALLAKERMEEN//

Frederick Ashton’s final full-length ballet is the Royal Ballet’s most emphatically English work, laced with good humour and including folk dancing, maypole dancing and even a Lancashire clog dance.

MAY 2015 19.05.2015 PIRATES OF PENZANCE //BROADWAY CINEMA, VILLA MARINA//

Live screening of the ENO’s production of this much loved comic opera, in a new production by Mike Leigh.

21.05.2015 MAN AND SUPERMAN * //STUDIO THEATRE, BALLAKERMEEN//

Encore screening the National Theatre’s recent production of George Bernard Shaw’s witty, provocative classic starring Ralph Feinnes.

MAN AND SUPERMAN

* Supported by the IOM Arts Council

Tickets for all live screening events at The Studio Theatre, Ballakermeen, are available online from www.villagaiety.com or by phoning the Box Office on 01624 600555.

OTHER EVENTS

Now - 06.09.2015

ULSTER’S TT HEROES

//HOUSE OF MANANNAN, PEEL//

An exhibition celebrating the achievements of riders who grew up in the Northern Irish road racing scene, many of whom went on to obtain podium positions in the TT. Admission free. www.manxnationalheritage.im

03.05.2015

ROUND ISLAND YACHT RACE

08.05.2015

22-23.05.2015

//VILLA MARINA, DOUGLAS//

//VILLA MARINA, DOUGLAS//

BOXING

Manx Amateur Boxing Club vs Yorkshire ABA including schoolboys, juniors, seniors and both male and female boxers. www.villagaiety.com

A weekend of blues music in the Promenade Suite of the Villa Marina featuring international and local musicians.

Daytime concerts (12.30-5pm) are free.

Tickets for both evenings are £22.50.

09-10.05.2015

www.bigwheelblues.com

KENTRAUGH MILL OPEN WEEKEND

23.05.2015

Open days at the Mill which dates from the 16th Century, with machinery in working order. Admission free, donations welcome.

For more information call on 01624 832406.

//MANX MUSEUM, DOUGLAS//

//KENTRAUGH MILL, COLBY//

//RAMSEY - ISLAND-WIDE//

Enjoy the spectacle of sailors doing battle for the top prize in the Island’s most prestigious yacht race. www.msandcc.org

04.05.2015

LAA BOALDYN – MANX MAY DAY //CREGNEASH//

Celebrate La Boaldyn – traditional Manx May Day – with Manx music and dancing, and crosh cuirn making (a form of protection against the mischievous fairies).

1-4pm, standard admission, ACE card holders free. www.manxnationalheritage.im

08-09.05.2015

IMGold MANX NATIONAL RALLY //ISLAND-WIDE//

National Rally action on the fastest stage miles in Europe. www.manxmotorsport.org

10

BIG WHEEL BLUES FESTIVAL

11-15.05.2015

WALKING FESTIVAL //ISLAND-WIDE//

The Isle of Man is steeped in history and full of unique character. History, wildlife, culture, breathtaking scenery – the Isle of Man Walking Festival has it all. The choice of walks include everything from ambling through the countryside to taking on the 100 mile Raad Ny Foillan Manx coastal footpath. www.visitisleofman.com

17.05.2015

CASTLETOWN FESTIVAL //POULSOM PARK, CASTLETOWN//

A family fun event with sports, bouncy castles, live music and the crowning of the 2015 Castletown Festival Queen.

1pm – 5pm.

TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH (AND HOME AGAIN) The hidden histories of women’s geographical work, with Dr Avail Maddrell leading a discussion about women’s work in what is usually perceived to be a typically male domain. Key characters include researchers Cuchlaine King and Margaret Davies whose work brought them to the Isle of Man. www.manxheritageshop.com

31.05.2015

MANX CHARITY AID 12 HOUR EXTRAVAGANZA //BUSHEYS BEER TENT, DOUGLAS//

2015 TT entertainment kicks off with the Manx Charity Aid 12 hour extravaganza on Sunday 31st May and then continues with 2 bands per night (7pm – 12 midnight) for 2 weeks until Saturday 13th June. www.bushys.com

www.castletownfestival.im

Culture Vulture - see pages 32 ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

UPFRONT

Fresh thinking for your getaway Malmaison boasts unique charm in the heart of Oxford

Sit back and relax on board fast craft Manannan

Try a holiday in your own castle at Aikwood Tower

WE ALL DESERVE A REFRESHING AND RELAXING GETAWAY, A HOLIDAY FULL OF NEW EXPERIENCES AND FRESH IDEAS. YOU’VE WORKED HARD FOR YOUR TIME OFF SO MAKE THE MOST OF IT, ON YOUR TERMS. YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO CHOOSE WHERE YOU WANT TO GO, AND WHEN, WHAT YOU WANT TO TAKE, NOT HOW MUCH YOU HAVE TO LEAVE BEHIND, AND ENJOY THE JOURNEY AS MUCH AS THE DESTINATION. IT’S TIME FOR SOME FRESH THINKING; TIME TO FORGET ABOUT LONG CHECK-IN QUEUES, LUGGAGE FEES AND CRAMPED SEATING.

T

ake your car on an Isle of Man Steam Packet Company sailing and you can bring as much as you need and have the freedom to explore, a holiday without limits. And with prices for a car and two people starting from just £80 each way for a five-day short break, your getaway can be easy on the pocket too.

With the travel sorted, you need some fresh ideas for places to explore.

Make the most of having your car to nip down the motorway network to the university city of Oxford. The famous ‘city of dreaming spires’ will captivate you with its historic streets, bustling bars and restaurants, celebrated museums and nearby attractions, like the stunning Blenheim Palace and the designer outlet shopping on offer at Bicester Village.

You can make more of your break by choosing a truly unusual place to stay.

Check into Malmaison Oxford, in the city centre, and you could be spending the night in a cell! The 19th century prison has been converted into a modern and funky boutique hotel coupling comfort with original features. You can also stay in one of the world-famous Oxford University colleges during the summer holidays, including Christ Church, where parts of the first Harry Potter movie were filmed.

If you prefer a bit of fresh air and countryside to a city break, there is a hidden treasure in North Shropshire, just a short drive from Liverpool. The fabulous country

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

estate of Walcot Hall is a great base for an active holiday, with walks, fishing, cycling and horse riding all available. The Georgian house grounds have comfy apartments and glamping in the Shropshire hills, as well as accommodation with a difference like yurts, a shepherd’s hut and even a fire truck!

With the Welsh border nearby and historic towns like Ludlow and Shrewsbury only a short drive away, there’s plenty to explore.

For an unusual getaway, and perfect destination for a group of friends, try your very own castle in the Scottish Borders.

The 16th century Aikwood Tower is packed with historic charm and all the modern conveniences, set in the midst of spectacular scenery. Fully restored, it is a stylish, comfortable base for your holiday, and is just 40 miles from Edinburgh so you can combine time in the city with taking the crisp fresh air of the countryside.

The Steam Packet Company also operates Belfast and Dublin routes, so you could sail into one of these great cities, explore at your leisure and return from the other, ensuring you get a real flavour of the Emerald Isle.

The choice of accommodation can be as unique as the cities, from sleeping in Blackhead Lighthouse on Belfast Lough to enjoying the splendour of a carefully restored 18th century merchant’s house at No.25 Eustace Street in Dublin’s Temple Bar. Fancy something a little bit more rock ‘n’ roll? Head to Grouse Lodge in County Westmeath and you can stay in a luxurious farmhouse, which boasts

Enjoy a well-deserved getaway with friends to Edinburgh

an indoor pool and jacuzzi, and which also doubles as a recording studio that has been used by REM, Shirley Bassey and the Manic Street Preachers.

There are plenty of fresh ideas to make your holiday a real experience, and the relaxation can start as soon as you step on board a Steam Packet Company vessel and enjoy the spacious lounges with comfortable seating, choices of food and drinks and a visit to the Ocean Avenue shop.

And if you’re a parent how’s this for fresh thinking – forget about paying over the odds during the summer school holidays to enjoy a family getaway when you travel by ferry. Book a car and two passengers on a midweek Steam Packet Company sailing between July 7th and September 3rd and up to three children can come with you for free.

Visit www.steam-packet.com for details of the 5 Day Short Break and all other offers.

GET SOME FRESH IDEAS: Want somewhere funky to visit? Have a look at: www.coolplaces.co.uk For some off beat accommodation ideas try: www.quirkyaccom.com Your very own castle? Find out more at www.aikwoodtower.com Explore the delights of the Emerald Isle at www.discoverireland.ie

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OUR COMMUNITY

GIVE STEAM PACKET COMPANY SUPPORTS RETURN OF COATIS TO CURRAGHS WILDLIFE PARK IN ANNIVERSARY YEAR Coatis have made a welcome return to the Curraghs Wildlife Park following the arrival of four new residents.

One male and three female Coatis, also known as Coatimundi, were transported from Zoo De Pont Scorff in Northern France.

They completed the journey to the Isle of Man with assistance from the Steam Packet Company.

Coatis are a charismatic animal from South America and are members of the raccoon family. They are extremely good climbers and their long, bendy snouts enable them to sniff out food in tree holes and crevices. They prefer to sleep or rest in elevated places and niches, like the rainforest canopy, in crudely built sleeping nests.

RUNNING FOR LOVE AT ZURICH INTERNATIONAL LIFE Craig’s Heartstrong Foundation is set to benefit from the athletic efforts of employees from Zurich.

Eighteen of the international life company’s employees took part in an event called ‘Running for Love’ with the aim of running a marathon distance – in stages, on a treadmill in Reception – during their working day. As well as raising money for charity, the event was part of an initiative called ‘Wellbeing @ Zurich’ exploring various aspects of health and wellbeing each month.

The team covered a distance of 26.27 miles in three hours. Through sponsorship from their colleagues, the team raised £828.20 for Craig’s Heartstrong Foundation.

MONSOON SUPPORTING LOCAL HOSPICE AND THE MONSOON ACCESSORIZE TRUST Manager of the local Monsoon retail shop with Mary Doyle representing Hospice. Janet was delighted to be handing over a cheque for £200 as the result of winning the Christmas window display from Douglas Development Partnership. Monsoon was delighted to present their winnings to the charity. Mary thanked both DDP and Monsoon for their generosity.

DIANA TRUST HOSPICE DONATION Diana Princess of Wales Care at Home Trust presents £10,000 to Hospice Isle of Man to complete their £50k target for 2014.

Monsoon were also delighted to announce that they will be supporting Hospice during a further local charity partnership collation lasting a period of 3 years.

The charity week will be from 4th May through to 10th May and will include a raffle and collecting boxes with staff dressing as St Trinians for Saturday 9th May with the winner of the raffle being announced at 4.30pm that day. This initiative will also benefit Monsoon’s own charitable trust The Monsoon Acessorize Trust which benefits woman and children with supporting life-changing projects across India and Afghanistan.

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ISLE OF MAN POOL PLAYERS ASSOCIATION SUPPORTING THEIR LOCAL HOSPICE A memorial pool competition was held in late January for one of the Association’s late members, Kathy McGovern. This was the first charity event organised by Gemma Brown so she would like to thank family and friends for their support. Amy and Brenda were delighted to receive £552.10 for Hospice and thanked everyone for all their efforts for the local charity.

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

UPFRONT

The secret to a brighter smile 1Dental is proud to introduce “Novon Mild” professional tooth whitening system to the Island. Unlike other tooth whitening systems, “Novon Mild” is designed specifically for people with sensitive teeth.

HOW DOES TOOTH WHITENING ACTUALLY WORK? (The science bit!)

Stains on teeth can appear on the enamel surface of the teeth and whitening toothpastes/rinses may be able to remove some of these stains. However, some stains can be within and underneath the enamel layer. Only dental professional tooth whitening systems can remove the stubborn and unsightly stains that cause your teeth to look discoloured. Our whitening treatments have an active whitening ingredient (either carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide) which releases cleaning oxygen molecules that penetrate the enamel to get to and react with the stains, whitening the teeth. The result: a whiter, brighter smile.

At 1Dental we use “Opalescence Go” and “White Dental Beauty Novon Mild”. Both systems involve wearing trays over the teeth, to cover the teeth with the whitening gel. They differ slightly: “Opalescence Go” comes in a userfriendly, disposable, kit and the trays only need to be worn for up to 90 minutes a day for 10 days.

“Novon Mild” requires custom made trays which can be worn overnight, and is a good option for people who may have tried whitening in the past but found that their teeth were too sensitive. Novon’s formula gives White Dental Beauty gel an unsurpassed accelerated bleaching action that is safe, effective and kind to the teeth and 1Dental is the Island’s only supplier of this new system. Custom trays are made from thin, transparent plastic which fit your teeth exactly and have the added bonus that if you want to top up your whitening another time you can reuse the trays with fresh whitening gel.

WANT TO BRIGHTEN YOUR TEETH? People often don’t realise that before having a whitening treatment it is necessary to have a full dental assessment.

A dentist needs to check that the teeth and gums are healthy as some conditions, if left untreated, could be made worse by whitening. Also, existing fillings and crowns need to be checked to make sure the colours will match after treatment. At 1Dental we give professional advice before starting whitening treatment to make sure our patients are fully aware of how their end results might look. A pretreatment hygiene session is advisable to remove tartar and help maximise results. We can also plan to have teeth with fillings or crowns treated accordingly.

Dentist Natalie Maybin is going to use the Novon Mild whitening system to brighten her own smile - follow her progress on our Facebook page.

1dentalclinic

Natalie Maybin

1Dental Clinic, 1 Granville Street, Douglas (next to Strand Centre)

www.1dentalclinic.com BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

Tel: 623001 info@1dentalclinic.com 13

UPFRONT

ME & MY PET

Human Questions: Name: Ann Isaac (With Kathryn, Bethany & Millie)

Breed: Granny Age: About six and three quarters in dog years.

Likes: My family, my new dogs and any sort of sewing.

Dislikes: Selfish people, tomatoes and olives.

If an animal what would you be:

Any animal that hibernates in the winter.

Why did you choose a rescue pet? I saw Jacko and Blackie’s

photographs, fell in love with them and they are wonderful with my grandchildren.

Where do you live on the Island?

I recently moved to Foxdale and it’s great

Where are you originally from? Leyland in Lancashire

What do you do for a living?

I’m a teaching assistant at Ashley Hill School.

Do you have any more pets?

No

Would you have any more pets?

My two little dogs are all I need

The best and worst thing about having a pet is?

Their company and their waggy tails whenever they see me – especially if I have their food bowls.

Picking up poo isn’t pleasant – poo bags in every pocket from now on. Trying to hear the TV over Blackie’s snoring.

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UPFRONT

Happiness is a forever home...

Give an animal a home Hello, I’m Slinky and I’d love to come and live with you.

People say black cats are unlucky but it’s not true, we’re friendly and loving with shiny fur and big, beseeching eyes. Cats’ Protection in UK had a campaign to help us black beauties – they called it Billy Noir Mates and they showed lots of happy people with shiny black cats. I don’t want to be Slinky Noir Mates, I want to be your best friend so please come and meet me and make me a lucky black cat. I love my food and I’ll love you as well so what’s not to like? You can make the world a better place for all black cats by adopting me and showing your friends how special we are.

Slinky

Hawthorn

Jacko & Blackie (ManxSPCA adopted dogs) Breed: I’m Blackie and I’m a Patterdale terrier and my friend is Jacko, a Jack Russell cross.

Age? We’re both twelve but we’re very energetic!

Likes: Blackie – food and walks, Jacko –playing fetch with a ball.

Dislikes: Cats on our territory If human what would you be? Lively pensioners!

Why do you love your human?

She gives us warm beds, food and lots of love and cuddles.

If you had one wish what would you wish for?

Blackie - more food, Jacko- more ball games.

Hi We’re Fern and Hawthorn, we’re pretty sisters who need to find a home with someone who will reassure us and give us confidence. We used to live with a lot of other cats so we didn’t meet many people and that has made us a bit nervous but we’re getting more confident now and we’ll soon settle into your life. We’re only three and we love Dreamies and having our cheeks stroked. Fern thinks she’s special because she is all black with big amber eyes but I think that the white patch on my glossy coat makes me much more special. We’ll leave it to you to decide who is prettier but we’ll both love you and enjoy spending the rest of our lives with you so please come and see us soon, Let’s show the world that black cats rule – even those with bits of white!

Fern

ManxSPCA • Ard Jerkyll, East Foxdale • Tel: 851672

www.manxspca.com

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NEWS IN NUMBERS

in NUMBERS NEWS

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44p the new price of sending a letter both on Island and to the UK. Despite this 2p price rise, IOM Post says the the Isle of Man’s postage prices continue to be some of the cheapest in Europe.

3

21

times horses owned by local man Trevor Hemmings have won the Grand National.

Outsider Many Clouds won the 2015 race on 11 April making local punters very happy indeed. The odds were 25/1.

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160

years since the first adhesive postal stamp, the Penny Black.

An exhibition celebrating this historic anniversary takes place at the Sayle Gallery this month.

10,500

pints were drunk by 3,000 visitors during the three-day Isle of Man real ale festival. The event featured 150 different beers, ciders and perries.

people rescued by Peel fisherman when the luxury liner RMS Lusitania was sunk by a German U-boat in the Irish Sea in May 1915. An exhibition and talk commemorating this event takes place at the Peel Centenary Centre on 3 May.

9

Red Arrows, which will appear over Ramsey and Douglas during TT.

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The date of the two byelections in Douglas South and North to find new MHKs to replace David Cretney and Bill Henderson.

public holidays in May on the 4th and 25th. This year, school children will have a full two weeks off over TT, starting on 1 June, but schools will remain open for those taking exams.

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

Choose the ferry and take a fresh look at your holiday plans

CAR + TWO

ADULTS FROM

ÂŁ80

* EACH WAY

Take what you need without the luggage fees

For fresh holiday ideas, choose the ferry When it comes to making the most of your treasured holiday, it is time for some fresh thinking. Forget about long check-in queues, luggage fees and cramped seating when you choose the comfort and convenience of travelling with the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company - just step on board and relax.

Pack your car with everything you need for your perfect getaway and set sail for a refreshing break.

For our ferry best fares, book now at

STEAM-PACKET.COM For the latest offers and news, follow us on

Facebook and

Twitter

E ST 1830 Terms and conditions apply. Subject to availability. *Valid for travel between 01.03.15 until 26.05.15.

Journeys must be completed within 5 days - day of outward sailing counts as day 1. Return sailing must commence on or before day 5.

Weekend supplements apply. For payment by credit card, a fee of ÂŁ3 applies per transaction, not per person.

UPFRONT

MISC

NEW OPINIONS

THE RANDOMNESS OF

MISC

Most people picture butterflies as beautiful creatures, however, others shudder at the thought of these insects.

Are butterflies really as cute as we think? Here is a list of reasons that suggests otherwise:

1

Unlike us humans who use our tongue to taste, butterflies use their feet. They simply need to stand on their food to taste it. It’s a good job they aren’t heavy!

2

The largest butterfly in the world is the Queen Alexandra’s Birdwing which has a wingspan of 26cm. Imangine finding one of those flying around in your garden!

3

Butterflies can live without two things that are vital for a human to survive. Lungs. Butterflies live quite happily without these, even if it means they can’t breathe!

4

Another organ butterflies don’t have is a mouth - they can’t eat but they can drink through a straw like tube called a proboscis. Now that’s a funny face!

5

Some butterflies are known to drink blood! So if a butterfly flies towards you, it isn’t attracted to you, it probably wants to eat you!

BELT UP THE MODERN WAY

This year, we will see the release of Belty, the self-adjusting smart belt, designed by the French company, Emiota, to help you achieve your weight loss goals.

The belt loosens automatically when you sit down and tightens when you stand up. It is also made to vibrate when you have eaten too much or have been sitting down for too long.

The belt has a sister app so that it can connect to your smart phone.

The app charts all the information in collects from your activity throughout the day and uses it to give you advice on how much or how little you should be eating and how much exercise you should do.

IS IT REALLY CLEAN?

You may tidy your desk regularly, but does that mean it’s clean? The average desk has 400 times more bacteria on it than a toilet. That’s not all, keyboards are one of the top 5 most dirtiest pieces of offi ce equipment. But how does everything get so dirty? Bacteria is collected from all those sandwhiches and coffee cups that get collected on your desk. So you might want to think before eating lunch at your desk again!

FRESH FRUIT

What do you get when you cross Israeli agricultural wizards with Mother Nature?

12 new fruit and vegetable species including brightly coloured squash and seedless peppers.

Many of these new species not only look better but are more disease resistant and contain higher concentrations of vitamins.

The new Black Galaxy tomato contains a higher concentration of vitamin C than other garden tomatoes.

The production of these new fruit and vegetables has hugely increased Israel’s industry. In total, Israel exports more than $2 billion worth of produce every year!

WORDS OF WISDOM FROM GALLERY’S ANONYMOUS CORPORATE KINGPIN:

“People say I’m condescending.

That means I talk down to them” 18

SAY CHEESE!

It’s human nature to want our teeth to look sparkley, but what’s the secret to having the shiniest teeth?

The Mayan people knew! For them, a trip to the dentist didn’t involve today’s whitening methods, but instead they had a different fashion trend. This involved inserting gem stones into people’s teeth.

To do this, a hole would be drilled in the tooth using a hard tube that was spun between the hands of the dentists. The tube was the same size as the gem that would be placed in the hole. A perfect fit!

Maybe grillz weren’t as fresh as we thought!

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

EVENTS

EVENTS

2015 BRA DASH - DOUGLAS

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ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

EVENTS

Photos by: canvasmann.com

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

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EVENTS

2 YEAR ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS AT THE COFFEE EXCHANGE

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ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

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Spring Sale - Up To 50% Off Genesis Gallery, 39 Victoria Street, Douglas T: 01624 622 070 E: info@genesisgallery.im www.genesisgallery.im Opening hours: Mon - Fri 10am - 5pm & Saturday 10am - 4pm

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You could win up to £200

PHOTO COMPETITION

of photographic equipment every month in 2015

YOUNG PHOTOGRAPHERS WANTED FOR CHARITY CALENDAR WINNER

Jevan Sieling Age 12

APRIL 2015 WINNER - BEN BIRDSALL

Ben Birdsall Age 17 with his father and John Faragher from The Society for the Preservation of the Manx Countryside and Environment receiving his £200 prize. Congratulations Ben.

Bethan Cannell Age 17

Amy Lawton Age 9

How to enter

Open to anyone aged 18 or under.

Email your photographs by the 15th of each month to calendarcomp@gallery.co.im Photographs will be displayed monthly in Gallery Magazine during 2015.

Photographs must be HIGH RES, 300DPI AND AT LEAST 4MB IN SIZE.

For full details go to: www.gallery.co.im/young-photographers-wanted For more information about the Society for the Preservation of the Manx Countryside & Environment (Charity No. 391) and to join, email: manxfaragher@yahoo.com or phone: John on 07624 417119.

There is also a facebook group www.facebook.com/groups/iomspmce

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ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

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MAY 2015 FINALIST

View all entries at www.gallery.co.im. Deadline for the June entries is the 20th May.

Katie Birdsall Age 14

Kathryn McNally Age 13

Aisling Walsh Age 16

CecileWood Age 10

Ben Birdsall Age 17

Lexa Hattersley Age 13

Patrick Moorcroft Age 18

Dave Lawton Age 9

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

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ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

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MILESTONE EVENT PLANNED FOR LAXEY TO HONOUR VILLAGE’S MINING HERITAGE A statue honouring miners who worked in the Great Laxey Mine is to be unveiled on Saturday May 23rd in the HeritageGarden at Mines Road, Laxey.

The ceremony will also celebrate the completion of Laxey village’s Regeneration Scheme.

T

he statue is the work of Balinese master stone artist Ongky Wijana who has carved the piece in Banjar Silakarang, where he lives with his Manx-born wife Hannah, who is from Peel, daughter Lola, seven and son Marlow, two.

The work has been funded by Laxey resident and benefactor Phillis Tate who died in 2012 aged 97. A trustee of her estate, Ivor Hankinson, is coordinating the project. He said: ‘Mrs Tate took a great interest in the village and its heritage – a donation from her estate part-funded the recently opened extension to the Laxey Working Men’s Institute - so she was saddened when the wooden statue of a miner, which this one in stone is to replace, fell into disrepair and had to be removed in 2008.’

The stone for the statue is Carlow Blue limestone, suggested by Ongky’s father-in-law Steve Black and sourced in Southern Ireland. Mr Hankinson said: ‘We had the stone - a block weighing around four tonnes shipped to the Island so Ongky could carve the statue here. Work permit and visa issues, however, meant this wasn’t possible so we shipped the block out to him in Bali.’

Ongky said: ‘When the enormous block of stone arrived it seemed like an impossible task was ahead of me.

This was definitely the hardest stone I’ve ever carved, but I worked out the best way to deal with it as I went along and the shape soon started to emerge from the block. It was tough work and has taken in total about 10 months, but I’m extremely proud of what I’ve been able to create.’

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

Completed at the end of 2014 the statue was shipped from Indonesia and arrived in the Island in early April.

Waiting for the stone to arrive in Bali gave Ongky the opportunity to prepare for the project. ‘During that time I was researching the miners of Laxey and other towns in the UK to get a feel for what life was like for them and how the gruelling work they were doing affected their appearance.

‘These guys were tough but often looked weatherbeaten, sunken-cheeked and worn out. However, they also had a solidity to them and always a determination in their eyes that I wanted to capture. I also wanted to make sure their clothes and tools were as accurate as possible.

‘It’s amazing to me that this sculpture I made will be seen by so many people over many years to come and, most importantly, make people think about and give thanks to the miners who were so important to the growth of Laxey and the whole of the Isle of Man.’ The statue will sit on a granite plinth with four Welsh slate panels, also carved by Ongky, depicting the arduous conditions the miners endured. Combined, the statue and plinth will stand some four metres (13 ft) high.

Hannah Black Wijana has followed the creation of the sculpture from its inception. ‘I may be biased, being the wife of one, but I believe Balinese stone carvers are some of the most talented in the world. Their skill has been passed through many generations.

‘Before I met Ongky I had never given a thought to the work that stone carvers create or how they create it, but now, after seven years watching him magically craft elaborate creations out of chunks of rock, I can appreciate what it really takes to bring them into being. The skill of carving is nothing short of astounding and the most talented Balinese carvers are able to “see” the finished product before they even touch chisel to stone.

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Ongky has often said he gives thanks to God for giving him stone to carve and feels as if he is giving the stone a new purpose.’

Laxey is already home to a work by the Balinese master craftsman, after he was commissioned in 2010 to create a statue of a miner in Peel sandstone for the Laxey Working Men’s Institute.

Leading the organising committee is Laxey and Lonan Heritage Trust director Steve Rodan SHK, who is also the chairman of the Laxey Regeneration Committee. He said: ‘May 23rd promises to be a memorable day in the history of our village. The unveiling ceremony will be very much a community event, with the Ellan Vannin Pipes and Drums leading a parade from the new village square of children from Laxey School in costumes from the mining era, and of course we’re delighted that Ongky will be in Laxey that day to unveil the statue and share in our celebrations.’

Mr Rodan added that a commemorative plaque honouring the 32 miners who lost their lives in the Great Laxey Mine between 1831 and 1912 would be unveiled at the ceremony by the Lieutenant Governor Mr Adam Wood, who would

be joined by Anne Bennett, the great granddaughter of Captain John Kewley who led the rescue efforts during the Snaefell Mine disaster of 1897 when 20 miners died.

He continued: ‘This project is being enthusiastically supported by Laxey Commissioners and the Isle of Man Government, notably the Department of Infrastructure, and for this we are most grateful.

‘The statue and plinth are set on a terrace enclosed in Manx stone, the work of local stone masons Tony Bridson and Howard Kneale. The site will serve as a symbol of Laxey’s completed Regeneration Scheme, which has seen the refurbishing of Laxey Station and the adjacent Rose Gardens and the creation of a new village square finished in highquality limestone and granite paving.

This will connect the village centre to the Heritage Garden and new coach park and create a more attractive and accessible route for pedestrians.’

Laxey Commissioners’ chairman Andrew Moore said: ‘The Commissioners have been fully supportive of the project from day one. The statue is a magnificent piece

“The statue will serve as a tribute to those who worked in the mines – and sadly also to those who lost their lives there – many of whose descendants still live in the village”

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MILESTONE EVENT PLANNED FOR LAXEY TO HONOUR VILLAGE’S MINING HERITAGE

of art and one of the first things visitors to the village will see. The work will occupy a flagship location in the Heritage Garden itself a project very much a partnership between Laxey Commissioners and government, specifically the Department of Infrastructure - so it amply complements the village’s Regeneration Scheme.

‘The statue will serve as a tribute to those who worked in the mines – and sadly also to those who lost their lives there – many of whose descendants still live in the village, while the Heritage Garden will provide a fitting setting in which to reflect on those brave miners who contributed so much to the worldwide reputation of our village.’

Mr Rodan said: ‘With this statue Ongky has captured the indomitable spirit of the village’s mining community and it is a powerful reminder of Laxey’s industrial heritage.

‘There is also an undeniable element of romance about this project in that it has touched communities in two very different parts of the world but which are now linked through the generosity of our benefactor, Phillis Tate, and the truly outstanding creative talent of Ongky Wijana.’

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

The stone statue replaces the carved wooden statue of a miner commissioned by the Laxey and Lonan Heritage Trust which stood on the site from 1990 until 2008 when it was determined that the structure had perished to an extent that required its permanent removal.

The stone statue will be unveiled almost 25 years to the day when, on June 3rd, 1990, the wooden statue was unveiled by the then Lieutenant Governor, Sir Laurence New.

The public is warmly invited to attend the ceremony which begins at 2pm. The parade is expected to start at approximately 2.15pm at the village square, proceeding along New Road, with the unveiling set to take place at 2.30pm.

Invited guests will include the Lieutenant Governor Mr Adam Wood; former Lieutenant Governor Sir Laurence New; Government ministers and officers responsible for the Government’s Town and Village Regeneration project; and representatives of Laxey Village Regeneration contractors.

Along with the Ellan Vannin Pipes and Drums entertainment will be provided by the Manx Jazz Kats.

The trustees of the late Phillis Tate are to convey, by means of a deed of gift, the ownership and future maintenance of the statue and plinth to the Laxey and Lonan Heritage Trust on behalf of the Laxey community in association with Laxey Commissioners.

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THE MONTHLY UPLOAD Want to win £50? All you have to do is email your entry with the subject ‘upload’ to: upload@gallery.co.im. Try to follow a time of the year theme, make the files nice and big though, about

2MB 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 page fullsize unfortunately - they just wouldn’t fit!

£50

Winner

Louise Mcculloch

Breeshey Cain

Tracey Daniel White

Andrew Brearley

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ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

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Chris Kilpatrick

Jason Kinrade Lynn Ryan

Chris Hunt

Sean

William Galbraith

Liz Pinnell

Pawel Garczynski

Mike Cottam

Paul Milligan

Janette Phair Aniko Szepesiova

Max Singer

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

Louise Horrocks

Rob Stephensom

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What’s on...

May 2015

CULTURE VULTURE 02-04.05.2015

Now - 14.06.2015 *

//PEEL AND THE WEST// The annual Western Open Studios Art Trail has expanded beyond visual art to include film, poetry, music and more with venues including artists’ studios, the Corrin Hall and Peel Centenary Centre.

//THE SAYLE GALLERY, DOUGLAS// Extended for a further month: A rare opportunity to see the work of this leading contemporary Scottish expressionist.

This retrospective of Urie’s art, inspired by music, literature, travel as wells as his hopes, fears and desires, includes work from 1978 to the present day.

WOSAT 2015

Featuring the best of local artists and craftspeople – and a locally sourced artisan food and drink market.

Supported by IOM Arts Council, Culture Vannin and Peel Commissioners. www.creativenetwork.im

Now - 06.07.2015 *

COMPETION TO FIND THE NEW MANX BARD

//ISLAND-WIDE// The title of Manx Bard was awarded for the first time in 2014, posthumously to our national poet, TE Brown. Now the search is on for the first living Manx Bard. More details about this exciting new cultural initiative, supported by the Isle of Man Arts Council, and what you need to do to enter go to... www.facebook.com/ManxBard

Now - 05.05.2015

SALLY BLACK

//NOA BAKEHOUSE, DOUGLAS// Due to the popularity of this exhibition of work by local artist Sally Black, it has been extended to 5 May, with new works replacing those that have been sold. www.facebook.com/noa-bakehouse

PHANTASMAGORIA

www.facebook.com/SayleGallery

Now - 23.05.2015 *

MANX WEARABLE ART

//HODGSON LOOM GALLERY, LAXEY// A chance to get up close and personal with many of the creations from the recent catwalk show, plus maquettes, sketchbooks, photographs and film footage. www.facebook.com/hodgsonloomgallery

06-26.05.2015

SMALL WONDERS – 175 YEARS OF POSTAL HISTORY ON THE ISLE OF MAN

//THE SAYLE GALLERY, DOUGLAS// A range of original artworks from the Isle of Man Post Office archives, including works by Manx masters Norman Sayle, John Nicolson, Tony Onley and Coleen Corlett as well as commercial big-hitters such as the Paul Smith Olympic issue.

There will also be a rare original Penny Black stamp and a new release marking the 175th anniversary of this, the world’s first adhesive posting stamp used in the public postal system.

There will also be a range of postal history paraphernalia including special edition coin collections.

//ERIN ARTS CENTRE/ How can opera be made accessible, comprehensible, entertaining and continuously enjoyable?

A new presentational device, Narropera narrated opera, is opening up just such potential, called introducing this most complex of art forms to the opera firsttimer while adding an extra dimension of enjoyment to even the most dedicated opera fan.

Narropera is launched in the Isle of Man with a performance of The Marriage of Figaro at the Erin Arts Centre, featuring Dorothee Jansen (soprano), Hanns Heinz Odenthal (violin) and Haydn Rawstron (piano/narrations) www.narropera.com www.erinartscentre.com

23-30.05.2015

PRAYING THE KEEILS

//ISLAND-WIDE// This annual events explores the ancient chapel sites, churches and other heritage sites through journeying, pilgrimage, reflection, fellowship and worship, with walks and events for all ages and abilities. www.prayingthekeeils.org

30.05-06.08.2015

FAST WOMEN

//MANX MUSEUM, DOUGLAS// Visual exhibition celebrating women in Manx motorsport, from the early trail blazers to modern day heroines. Free admission.

In collaboration with the IOM Post Office and Stanley Gibbons.

www.manxnationalheritage.im

www.facebook.com/SayleGallery

FRIDAY ART CINEMA

07.05 - 11.06.2015

PRINTMAKING WORKSHOPS

//THE ISLE GALLERY, TYNWALD MILLS// A opportunity for beginners and improvers to create lino, collagraph, drypoint and monoprints. Evening and daytime workshops from 7th May (Thursday evening from 6.30pm and Friday morning from 9.00am for 6 weeks). For full details, and to book a place call 01624 801751 or visit the website. www.theislegallery.com

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09.05.2015

NARROPERA – THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO

Every Friday *

//SAYLE GALLERY, DOUGLAS// A chance to see works by directors which changed the way films were made. Details of each film will be on the Sayle Gallery’s facebook page earlier in the week.

Free entry - doors open 7pm. www.facebook.com/SayleGallery

* Supported by the Isle of Man Arts Council ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

CULTURE

CULTURE NEWS

TRASH OR TREASURE – LET ERIC KNOWLES DECIDE...

What’s it worth?

MOZART LOVERS AND OPERA LOVERS! How to make opera accessible, comprehensible, entertaining and continuously enjoyable?

A new presentational formula is opening up just such potential, called Narropera (Narrated Opera). It is easily able to introduce the opera first-timer to the joys of understanding this most complex of art forms, while adding an enlightening dimension of enjoyment to even the most dedicated opera fan.

Narropera comes from New Zealand, a country with a history of pioneer initiative and pragmatic adaption. Half a dozen Mozart Italian operas lend themselves perfectly to the narropera format and hence with Mozart we introduce this Kiwi formula to the Isle of Man by way of The Mozart Narropera Festival, a festival to be based on three parts of the island, Port Erin, Peel and Douglas. 'A festival' will consist of three performances, one in each place, spread over approximately 12 months. The first festival presents The Marriage of Figaro and Don Giovanni and kicks off with Figaro at the EAC on 9th May 2015, at 7.30pm.

What is Narropera? By way of an example, we take the 10 soprano arias (songs) that Mozart wrote for The Marriage of Figaro (only 7 survive in modern performances) and between these arias we narrate the story of the opera, translate exactly the text of each aria and summon up the wit and spirit of the 18th century. There is no interval, no disruption of enjoyment, and the 80-85 minutes speed by in no time. One can be on ones way home by 9pm.

Narropera is presented in a chamber musical formation of soprano, violin and piano, the latter doubling as narrator. It is as close to the ancient bardic tradition of story-telling and song that classical music gets. Perhaps therein lies Narropera's considerable attraction, appealing to that fundamental human interest in a good story, punctuated by songs or dances.

Greetings,The Narropera trio: Dorothee Jansen (sorano), Hanns Heinz Odenthal (violin) and HaydnRawstron (piano/narrations)

Hospice is delighted to announce that well known antiquarian, Eric Knowles will be their guest of honour at a two day event scheduled for Saturday 16th May and Sunday 17th May at Tynwald Mills marquee courtesy of Stephen Bradley of the retail outlet.

Two very different events are planned with valuations planned for the first day and a fabulous afternoon tea for the second.

Eric is instantly recognisable, as a well-known face in the world of antiques, particularly to viewers of the BBC’s Antiques Roadshow.

The event is being supported by Rushen and Western Mann Rotary Club.

For more information contact: Terri Cook on 647433 or email: terri.cook@hospice.org.im

www.narropera.com | www.dorotheejansen.net | www.lansdownsummer.com REBECCA HOUSE BENEFITS FROM SALES OF ROBIN GIBB LIMITED EDITION COLLECTION Isle of Man Post Office released a limited edition Robin Gibb collection on September 29, 2014. Entitled 50 St Catherine’s Drive, named by Robin to commemorate his first home on the Island, the collection features his final album with many of Robin's last compositions and recordings as a solo artist. The collection also reflects on his legendary solo career with royalties from its sale donated to Rebecca House.

The limited edition collection was released in partnership with Dwina Gibb, Robin Gibb’s widow and combines the CD of Robin’s final solo album, 50 St Catherine’s Drive, together with an Isle of Man Post Office limited edition DVD, a special booklet containing an extract from Robin’s biography and a booklet containing a full set of Robin Gibb stamps. This special limited edition of 1000 also contains an insert signed by Dwina Gibb and postmarked with a special silver foil cancellation for September 29th 2014. Everything is contained beautifully within a CD jewel case.

requested that the royalties from this exclusive product be donated to Rebecca House, the children’s hospice on the Island which she and Robin officially opened in 2008.

For every limited edition collection sold, Robin’s wife Dwina Gibb

www.iompost.com/stamps-coins

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

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CULTURE

CULTURE NEWS PHANTASMAGORIA Joseph Urie at the Sayle Gallery The preview of this fascinating exhibition of work by Scottish Expressionist Joseph Urie attracted a number of local art lovers and interested passers-by in late April.

This retrospective of Urie’s work from 1978 to present day includes paintings, drawing, prints and woodcuts, and the description of the whole as a ‘phantasmagoria’ really sums it up: a sequence of real or imagined images as in a dream.

His art has variously been described as expressionist and surrealist – with a very obvious use of traditional symbolism in his birds and fish – and close examination of some of his earlier works shows the influences of Munch, Goya and even Picasso, as well as the colour workings of Urie’s own favourite, Titian. More recently, Urie has concentrated, like the original German expressionists, on print making, and this exhibition includes a number of lino and woodcuts which echo many of the themes of his earlier work.

Urie started his artistic career drawing in chalk on the newly cleaned pavements outside his home in Kinningham Park, Glasgow but it was nearly thirty years before he began more formal training at Dundee’s College of Art and then the Royal Academy Schools in London. He has long links with the Isle of Man, visiting regularly since his first summers here labouring in the 1960s and many of his paintings engage with the local environment – undulating hills and rocky outcrops are a common theme.

Phantasmagoria has been extended to run until mid June.

Supported by the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company. www.sayle.gallery | www.facebook.com/saylegallery

MANX BARD COMPETITION OPENS The competition to find the Manx Bard is now open. Sponsored by the Isle of Man Arts Council and supported by Manx Litfest, this exciting new cultural initiative will see the Island’s most worthy poet appointed as Manx Bard via an annual competition.

In recognition of our proud poetic heritage, the first Manx Bard, T.E. Brown, was appointed posthumously. The first living Manx Bard will be selected through an application and audition process and unveiled at the Poetry Slam at Manx Litfest in late September. The role carries a stipend and expenses to cover attendance at cultural events both on and off-Island.

‘There is a lot of excitement building around the Manx Bard,’ said Bridget Carter, who heads up the Manx Bard Committee.

‘We have our magnificent Bardic chair and robes, now proudly on display in the Legislative Buildings. We know of several people who are keen to enter the competition, and we’re sure there are more out there. We are very much looking forward to receiving poets’ applications.’

The competition is open to anyone aged 18 or over who lives full-time in the Isle of Man. The winner will be selected by a panel of judges, with entrants being judged on their written poetry, their performance and on the initiative they can bring to this high profile role – as outlined in a proposal as part of the application. All entries must be received on or before the closing date of 6 July 2015, and selected entrants will be invited for audition and interview in August.

For an entry form and competition rules, please see www.facebook.com/ ManxBard or request a copy by emailing bridgetcarterpoetry@mcb.net. Entry forms can also be found in central locations such as the Legislative Buildings and the Henry Bloom Noble library.

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ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

MUSIC

FASHION & BEAUTY

INTRODUCE

Wow Nails

BY WENDY

Karyn & Alex are proud to introduce “Wow Nails”

by Wendy who specialises in unique nail art at Head Candy Hairdressers.

• CND Shellac from £17

• CND weekly polish £14

• Glitter Shellac £20

• Ombre nail art price on application

• Manicure £19

UNISEX HAIR SALON • Walk-in service all week • Early bird special on dry cuts before 10 AM - £8.50

5 MARKET HILL, ISLE OF MAN, IM1 2BF

TEL: 663207

Opening Times Mon: 8.30-5.00 Tues: 9.30-2.30 (closed in school holidays) Wed-Fri: 8.30-5.00 Sat : 8.30- 4.00

BOHO CUFF BRACELET ASOS £10

FASHION

ANGEL SLEEVE TOP & WIDE LEG TROUSER MISS SELFRIDGE £25 & £32

WAREHOUSE £45

WOMEN Let the free-spirited vibes of the Seventies see you through summer in earthy suedes, hippy prints and boho accessories.

Platforms, flares and paisley ‘peasant’ dresses are new season staples. However, leave room to shimmy and shake in fringed and tassled trims for whimsy finishing touches.

BIKINI TOP & BOTTOM NEXT £26 & £15

BLACK & BROWN STONE DISC BELT ASOS £25 BOOHOO.COM £15

PAISLEY DRESS NEXT £30 FRINGE SUEDE COLLAR ASOS £145

36

SWEDISH HASBEENS @ ASOS £145

DENIM & SUPPLY RALPH LAUREN GUERNSEY’S STYLE MAGAZINE DRESS £120

SLIDE FLIP FLOPS BURTON £14

FASHION

NEXT £22

BANDANA TOPMAN.COM £5

SUEDE WESTERN JACKET ASOS £125

MEN Floral prints and tassled trims set the tone for this season’s Seventies trend. Still, you need only nod to the influence by donning a loveworn suede jacket, denim washed neckerchief and train driver hat.

Vibrant patterns offset by rusty tones will give your look an instant update.

HOLLOWAY ROAD @ RIVER ISLAND £45

BURTON £18 TRAIN DRIVE HAT FRED PERRY £30

SAINT LAURENT FRINGE SUEDE JACKET @ MRPORTER.COM £2,920

BURTON £18

WEAVE TASSLE LOAFER NEXT £42

REISS.COM £89

37

FASHION

WORDS | Jennifer Parkes

FASHION SHOW Following the sell-out success of the Claire Christian Couture and Windsor & Wales Spring Summer 2015 Fashion Show in aid of Wish Upon A Dream, Claire Christian, of Claire Christian Couture, spoke to Gallery about her runway vision, her brand, and her own sense of style.

A

s well as raising a fantastic amount for the charity, the show was a personal celebration for the two brands. As Claire explains, ‘Windsor & Wales now share a showroom with us in Douglas, so it seemed the most logical way to celebrate with our new friends. We wanted to support a local charity, and Wish Upon A Dream really stood out for us; it’s a wonderfully unique charity, and 100% of proceeds raised benefit terminally ill children. No child should suffer an illness but, sadly, this happens, and if we can help just one child by making a dream come true then this makes everything worthwhile.

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‘It was an incredible event; a number of guests even compared it to those seen during Milan or Paris Fashion Weeks! For me, the real highlight was the transformation of all my ideas coming together to produce my vision. From the makeover of the Garden Room at the Villa Marina to the hair and make-up and the designs, it all looked so wonderful.’

Claire’s drive and direction are clear to see throughout her collections for Claire Christian Couture. Specialising in made-to-measure red carpet wear, crystal embellishments and seasonal collections, her approach has fashioned a brand that offers women comfort, confidence and exceptional quality for all occasions.

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

FASHION

evening gown, will change every woman’s life. We are all different, and we are all perfect – just different sizes.’

Offering ‘a playful take on modern classics’, the brand’s signature style is one that Claire has developed following years of experience working for some of the fashion industry’s biggest names. ‘Burberry will always be a big influence for me, having worked there for 10 years – you can take the girl out of Burberry, but never take the Burberry out of the girl! I also love Isabel Marant, Margiela, Stella McCartney and Victoria Beckham.

But, once SS15 is left behind (which, in the world of fashion, is sooner than you may think!), what is next for Claire Christian Couture?

‘My aim is still to keep a certain level of confidentiality with my label; I don’t dream of being on every corner of every road. We are expanding, but we are still a small company; it’s like a big family that puts all its energies together. It’s amazing to see what we have achieved in just two years, and to build upon that and push the boundaries.

“...this isn’t an attempt at fashion on the Isle of Man, this is the real thing” ‘I want to create simple outfits which work at any function, day or night. I like to work to please different kinds of women. But what is more unique about the brand, is that we can make anything made to measure, whether you choose something from our ready-to-wear collection or create something individual with our bespoke service. I think in my garments there are different ways you can wear them, and I’m always more pleased to see women wearing my clothes with their own personality.’

Claire says that ‘Claire Christian Couture isn’t trying to be cutting edge, our success is making women look and feel wonderful.

Having something that fits perfectly, whether that’s a £45 top or a £2,000 Swarovski crystal BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

They all have strong creative visions that don’t just apply to clothes, but that are a way of life.’

While the brand may not be too concerned with passing fads, Claire says that her personal style ‘changes with the seasons and trends. It’s all about “That Seventies Show” this season! I love so many influences from this era, from the billowing boho dresses and flared trousers to clashing florals. I’m always thinking about what I’m going to wear and I truly believe that simplicity works best. I wear colours and styles that I feel comfortable in and which compliment my colouring but, usually, I’m overdressed for the occasion!’

‘I say to anyone we work with, “You know, this isn’t an attempt at fashion on the Isle of Man, this is the real thing”. We have our very own “style team”, made up of young creative minds that have the freedom to flourish. It’s a real collaboration of talent from the Isle of Man and afar. We are hoping to attract an even bigger audience to our next fashion show in September. Our shows so far have been quite intimate, so this time we want it to be bigger, on everyone’s calendar and accessible to everyone!’

Visit www.clairechristiancouture.com to find out more.

39

FASHION

WORDS | Sam New

FRESH IN FIVE STEP INTO SPRING...

As the warmer months begin everything starts to change, what you wear on your face, your body, what you put in your hair, what perfume you wear... the list goes on.

We naturally want to adopt a fresher and more vibrant colour palette in the warmer months.

Smokey eyes and hollywood curls are traded in for soft pastel tones and natural waves.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very easy to change your everyday wardrobe and beauty products with a few simple steps, 5 to be exact, rather than changing out your whole collection just for a few warm weeks.

We want to give you, the reader, a guide of what to buy and a how to create a perfect fresh spring look.

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PHOTO CREDIT: Photography Julian Simmonds | Model Ella Carridge | Style Team Alanna Cowley, Eleesha Preston, Will Holden, Sam New | Fashion Claire Christian Couture - www.clairechristiancouture.com ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

FASHION

Brighten up your complexion with a less heavy coverage base. BB creams cover any redness of blemishes whilst giving the skin a very natural and youthful glow, perfect for the spring months.

DIOR BB CREAM £30.00, BOOTS

What you will need

Keep your base and your bag light by using multi purpose products.

These are brilliant for creating a spring flush in simple steps by adding plumpness to the lips and a sheen to the cheeks.

YSL BABY DOLL KISS BLUSH £28.50, SELFRIDGES

A new season means a new fragrance. Perfume is the key to finishing a summer vibe, and now is the time for softer more floral notes to depict fresh spring day.

CREED LOVE IN WHITE FRAGRANCE SPRAY £99.00 SELFIRDGES

Tousled soft waves and plenty of texture are perfect for this look, any salt or sexture spray will achieve your desired easy look.

DRY TEXTURIZING SPRAY £38.00, SPACE NK

A dropped hem summer dress or classic silk cami would be the perfect wardrobe addition to flatter the fresh hair and makeup. Paired with minimal accessories and sandles.

BUTTERCUP MULTI COLOURED DRESS £295.00, CLAIRE CHRISTIAN COUTURE BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

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Following their appearance at the Claire Christian Couture and Windsor and Wales Spring Summer 2015 Fashion Show in aid of Wish Upon A Dream, we spoke to Windsor & Wales Founder and Owner, Peter M B-H Adamson, to find out more about this exciting and ‘quintessentially British’ local fashion brand…

So, can you tell us a bit about the people behind Windsor & Wales?

‘I own a group of companies and specialise in business incubation.

My Windsor & Wales co-founders, Natalie Hodgson and Georgina Tyler, are both from a fashion background and are very much involved in the design process. Lucy Stopford, our Managing

Director, manages everything from the sourcing of fabrics and visiting suppliers and manufacturers, to the sampling and production process. Alice Fayle has recently joined us from Bally in London; she has a lot of experience working for high-end design houses and print design studios, and works on our construction, textile design and styling.’

SANDERLING Shirt: £225 HERON Tweed Jacket: £950 Photo Credit: Phil Kneen

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ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

FASHION

How did the brand come into being; was it something that you mulled over for some time, or more of a ‘eureka’ moment?

‘When I was getting a suit tailored for myself, I saw an eye-catching tweed jacket with orange arm patches. I thought that it would be nice to have a jacket made with Manx tweed from the Laxey Woollen Mill and have it made in England, but was told it was virtually impossible, as most are manufactured in Portugal or China. Personally, I thought this was ridiculous, so I went away and found somewhere to do it. This turned into an idea to create a range of premium tweed jackets but, the more I researched, the more I found what could be done in Britain and it sort of snowballed into a brand.’

industry, and finding people who meet our standards for quality has been through either trial and error or word of mouth. Visiting our manufacturers and seeing our clothes being made is so exciting; the tailoring and attention to detail is exceptional.

‘We design in-house and then work closely with each manufacturer to achieve what we want. It can take months to perfect the fit and shape of a garment and we spend hours talking over every construction detail.

‘We want to revive the bespoke industry using pure, local materials to create timeless investment pieces. These are pieces that have been made with pride, and which people will treasure. We have a transparent production process – we can track each stage of a garment’s process, from shearing the wool to hand-weaving the tweed, and visiting our factories where we know people are employed fairly.’

Do you have any favourite pieces from the new SS15 collection?

‘Our men’s hunting tweed jacket is my favourite piece – it’s very similar to the jacket I had in mind when I was stood in the tailors picturing my perfect jacket! The Manx Loaghtan tweed brogue boots are another favourite, just having that little twist of knowing that you can’t get these anywhere else in the world.’

So what is next for Windsor & Wales?

‘Next up is fully launching online and working on our second collection – we have just finished sampling our footwear and have just started on designing a Windsor & Wales tweed at the mill. We’ve also been invited to exhibit at several horse shows in England and Scotland this year so look out for us if you are attending!’

Photo Credit: Matt Mosur

Was the brand’s ‘heritage’ feel a look you had always planned to create, or was it something that evolved over time?

To find out more, go to windsorandwales.com, or visit the Windsor & Wales showroom at St. Matthew’s Church on North Quay, Douglas.

‘The Windsor & Wales look is quintessentially British, but I think it’s more subconscious than conscious; my family on my mother’s side lived on Lord O’Neill’s estate in Northern Ireland surrounded by farmers and gamekeepers. It’s a very honest way of dressing. We wanted to mix traditional craftsmanship and design whilst creating a modern edge and, as the brand evolves, we will be introducing more colour and modernity to what is already quite a distinct collection.’

Where do you tend to find your design inspiration?

Are there any elements of Manx life in which you find influence?

‘There are some very skilled craftsmen on the Island – namely John Wood at the Laxey Woollen Mills, and Jim Middleton at Island Sheepskins. We’ve worked with John since the beginning – his mill is a real treasure trove of the most beautiful tweeds, and his knowledge is unsurpassed.’

Interview: Peter M B-H Adamson, Windsor & Wales Words: Jennifer Parkes

Windsor & Wales quite rightly prides itself on producing handcrafted items made by skilled craftsmen; can you explain how you get your designs from drawings on paper to real tangible pieces?

‘There are some incredibly skilled people in the UK manufacturing BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

43

BEAUTY

uty zz a e B Bu

Green-fingered guide to floral fragrances Words | Nichole Sweetsur

Nothing says spring like a floral scent.

Undeniably feminine and flirty, florals never go out of fashion - try one of the latest launches or go classic. Fragrance gets fresh for the new season.

Marc Jacobs Daisy Sorbet balances fruity top notes with a floral heart of wisteria and jasmine petals. Gallery loves the whimsical bottle and its fresh, spring-like scent. £43.35. Feelunique.com

D&G Floral Drops references the designers’ childhood memories of Sicily with exotic papaya flower, white water lily and amaryllis. It’s the scent equivalent of the perfect white summer dress. £56.00. Boots.

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Jasmine and orange blossom warm down to cedar to make Chloe Love Story a really clean, simple fragrance. £39.15.

Feelunique.com

Anyone who loves the romantic scent of roses will be seduced by Aerin Rose de Grasse which contains rose centifolia, handpicked in Grasse, the fragrance capital of France. It’s blended with Bulgarian rose otto and rosa absolute along with base notes of warming musk. Ultra feminine, the luxe scent is currently only available in the States, but watch out for its UK debut. Aerin.com

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

BEAUTY

Dip into the scent archives for Chanel No19.

It launched in 1971 and with this season’s seventies fashion vibe it feels oh-so-right for spring ’15. Jasmine, lily of the valley and iris are blended with a leathery base that has a hint of musk. Perfect for someone who doesn’t want a full-on floral. £46.00. feelunique.com

Trust Jo Malone to come up with a quirky collection inspired by different eras in British history.

Rock the Ages has five scents but Lily of the Valley & Ivy is an obvious choice for springtime. Inspired by genteel Georgian London, this green floral is delicate yet very captivating. £42.00. Jomalone. co.uk

Blossom is the newest fragrance from Jimmy Choo. It’s young and vibrant with a bouquet of fruity top notes, middle notes of sweet pea and rose that is comple-mented by a more sensual base. £31.50. feelunique.com

Fresh is Best

Freshens up with a powerful mouth rinse WHAT IS IT? CB12 contains a 'unique formulation' of Zinc acetate and Chlorhexidine diacetate to neutralise odour, and fluoride to help prevent decay, and promises to deliver long-lasting 12-hour protection against bad breath. Suitable for over 12s.

WHAT'S IT LIKE? With CB12, the focus is on gaining long-lasting super fresh breath, unlike many mouthwashes which promise to help fight plaque or gum disease, with one 30-second rinse promising up to 12 hours of protection. It certainly smells potent, and one gargle feels like a liquid extra strong mint. The tingling effect lasts for at least 15 minutes when I use it, and the freshness does last.

However, it's too strong for everyday use for me (though a Mild formula is also available). It would sit well with the painkillers when you have a hangover and can still smell the alcohol, or you've smoked/eaten garlic, are about to go into a work meeting and will be in close proximity with others and want to feel confident about your breath. :: CB12 Mint-Menthol Mouthwash, £14.59 for 250ml, available from Boots or online.

BECAUSE BECAUSEQUALITY QUALITYMATTERS MATTERS

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BEAUTY

WORDS Chloe Coxshall

Waibel graduated from the Royal College of Art in 2013 and it can take her 10 hours to make one dress. Last year, Waibel created 25 Tyvek dresses for Bershka.

You may have seen Tatehana’s designs but didn’t know who they belonged to as he is fast bcoming a celebrity favourite.

Known for her origami dresses, German designer, Jule Waibel, has some interesting designs made by folding and pleating different materials including paper.

Her latest collection consists of chiffon dresses that expand and contract as the wearer moves.

They are made using steam press templates which allows Waibel to use softer materials that make the dresses more comfortable.

Tatehana was also involved in the development of “heels without heels”. This new form of shoe has inspired many of Tatehana’s creations, including the “lady pointe shoes” for Lady Gaga.

All of Tatehana’s shoes are handcrafted by him and draw attention from both the fashion industry and the art world.

GARETH

You might recognise her name from Rihanna’s fashion design programme, ‘Styled to Rock’.

During the competition, fashion graduate and fashion house assistant, Zainab Vandu-Chikolo designed for many celebrities including Ana Matronic from Scissor Sisters who was one of many pop artists who chose to wear her designs.

Gareth Pugh isn’t completely unknown but this will be his break through year. Pugh began his career in fashion aged 14 as a costume designer for the English National Youth Theatre.

Her talented bead-work and knitting led her to win the competition in 2012 with Rihanna wearing her winning creation at the Wireless Festival.

Vandu- Chikolo is now working for a British luxury fashion house and is currently looking for a partner to release a collection with.

Many of Pugh’s creations are inspired by the Tudors and Stuarts. Many of his dark and creative collections have featured in Vogue and London Fashion Week.

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GET THE LOOK

Tatehana started making dresses and shoes at the age of 15 and he went on to study at the Tokyo National University of the Arts, majoring in dyeing and weaving.

ZAINAB

VANDU-CHIKOLO PUGH

.com

TATEHANA

tteea ston mua

NORITAKA

WAIBEL

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JULE

With the warm weather approaching, now is the time to have a chance, get inspired and get ready for the Summer. Local professional makeup artist, Charlotte Easton offers her best tips on how to get a fresh new look.

This time of year is ideal to try some of the new exciting makeup trends. One of my personal favourites is festival inspired beauty seen in the Dries Van Norton, Elie Saab, Anthony Vaccarello and Narchesca fashion runway shows for Spring/Summer 2015.

To get the look, dare to be bold in your eye shadow choices. Diego della Palma, offers some beautiful vibrant colours, For this look I used the pink colour to contrast the aqua turquoise (which, by the way, is a flattering eye colour on almost everyone) really

pressing the eye shadow down with a flat shader brush in three layers to gradually get the desired intensity. Sandwiching layers of eye shadow in this way also helps the longevity of the colour throughout the day.

When using bright eye shadows during the day, I prefer to keep the lips simple. For this look I used an Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar in the colour "Divine", patting it onto Cara's lips for a nice natural finish.

Fuller brows were also an important fashion trend this year as seen on the Saint Laurent show. Fill in any sparse areas of your brows using a thin pencil to mimic natural brow hairs. My favourite is Clinique's Superline Liner as it creates such a natural finish. Be sure to set your brows in place using a little bit of setting products such as Illamasqua's Brow Gel. Credits: Photos: Jewell Photography | Model: Cara van Rhyn Nails: Rock Hard Nails | Hairstylist: Anna-Lucia Hair Studio

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APPETITE

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u o y d a h u Have yo

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M

As more businesses sign-up for online reservations services, miquando.com is becoming THE way to make a booking in the Isle of Man. The simplicity and convenience is also winning fans among customers who are booking when they want to, not just when businesses are open.

‘Part of this success is due to our close working relationship with those who have already signed up, allowing us to understand and meet their needs. For example, we introduced a new booking interface for restaurants at the start of the year and have seen online reservations increase dramatically.

There are more than 100 Island firms using online booking at MiQuando, representing almost 450 different services. On the website you can find hairdressers, personal trainers, beauticians, builders, mechanics, gardeners and more, all receiving online customer bookings through MiQuando’s cost-effective service.

‘The experience of the restaurant trade shows MiQuando works, making life easier for the businesses and more convenient for customers, and we hope to see similar growth in online bookings for our other partners in the coming weeks and months. Already we have introduced an improved booking interface for the hair and beauty trades, and that is just one of many planned improvements for 2015.’

The dining sector has seen the biggest response so far; already this year more than 1,200 people have sat down to meals booked online with MiQuando. Restaurant reservations in January and February were up more than 500% on the monthly average seen in 2014’s final quarter, a testament to MiQuando’s increasing popularity and the constant development of the service.

Nigel Jones from MiQuando said: ‘We have always been confident that MiQuando would be a success, as more people became familiar with the service and its simplicity. By working closely with businesses and constantly developing the offering to enhance the customer experience, we are now seeing it established as a preferred way to make bookings.

So why are more and more people clicking on miquando.com?

Portofino, overlooking Douglas marina, was also among the first businesses to sign up to MiQuando’s online booking service.

Owner Mario Ciapelli said: ‘At first it took a bit of getting used to and there had to be some adjustment. But those were the early days and all those teething problems have been ironed out now and it is working very well for us.

Portofino

From sceptic to fan 48

‘We are getting a lot of business from it. Without MiQuando we would be missing out on some bookings. Many people, especially the younger generation, like to do everything online, including booking restaurants, so if we didn’t offer the service we may miss out on their business.’

He added: ‘MiQuando has been very, very good for us. At first I was sceptical, but now it is working really well and we are getting a lot of business from it. It’s a good thing.’

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

"MiQuando works it’s as simple as that"

nce e i r e p uando x iQ e M ’ h L it w d automate y

Going full

Douglas restaurant L’Experience has been using MiQuando online booking since last year and boss Michael Murphy has one simple message: ‘It works!’

‘We’re a successful restaurant and there’s no doubt that over the past year MiQuando has been part of that success,’ said Michael.

‘We have worked with the team to develop the service. I’m not a technical person, but the MiQuando team has been there to help all the way through; it is simple to use and I only have to see how many bookings have been made to know it is working.

‘Online booking means the customer can make the reservation when they want, not when we are free to answer the phone.

MiQuando means you don’t have to worry about missing bookings anymore – customers find you, choose the date and time and then just click to book. It couldn’t be easier. Today many people do virtually everything online, shopping, talking, watching TV and making reservations, so if you don’t offer online booking you are missing out on customers. In the UK it is commonplace - some restaurants don’t seem to even have phone reservations anymore - and it is going that way here too.’

L’Experience gave MiQuando a further vote of confidence in April by making its booking system fully automated.

Michael said: ‘Any booking made online is now immediately confirmed, without the need for us to approve and confirm it back to the customer, and bookings that are made in person or over the phone are added into the MiQuando site instead of an old-fashioned written note. This ensures the availability shown online is accurate, and helps any issues of human error as there is a record of the booking online. I think we may be the first in the Island to have a fully-automated booking system, and it is going to make life easier for us, as well as easier for customers.

‘We have seen the number of bookings made through MiQuando steadily increase and there have been times when half the tables have been filled by online bookings alone. I’m really grateful to the MiQuando team because they have worked with us, listened to us and done as we’ve asked to ensure we get what we need.

There are a lot of online booking services out there, but not all of them work. MiQuando works, it’s as simple as that.’

The Customer

Essential for today’s busy lifestyle Clio Swales, who runs Swales Flooring with husband Phill, has been using miquando.com as a business and customer for more than a year.

‘Personally I use it to make restaurant reservations. What I really like is I can make a booking when I want, not when the restaurant is open. I don’t have to keep phoning back or wait until their opening hours, which don’t always suit me. We have four children and a business to run, so we’re kept very busy, and I want to be able to do things like book a table for a meal out when it is convenient for me. That’s what I get with MiQuando; I just go to the website, search for what I’m looking for, check availability and make the booking. It’s simple and quick.

‘You really can book whenever you want and, using a mobile phone or tablet to visit the website, wherever you are – I love the convenience. That fact they send out email confirmations and reminders is also really handy, it’s like having a personal assistant! As a business, I don’t think there’s any doubt that using MiQuando, alongside our own website, has helped boost our online presence, making it easier for customers to find us.’

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APPETITE

SOME NEW

RECIPE IDEAS TO TRY AT HOME STEAMED FISH CANTONESE STYLE (Serves 4) 450g firm white fish fillets, such as cod, sole or salmon fillets, or a whole fish, such as sole or turbot 1tsp coarse sea salt or plain salt 11/2tbsp fresh ginger, finely shredded For the garnish: 3tbsp spring onions, finely shredded 2tbsp soy sauce 1tbsp groundnut oil 2tsp sesame oil Fresh coriander sprigs

If you are using a whole fish, remove the gills. Pat the fish or fish fillets dry with kitchen paper. Rub with the salt on both sides, and then set aside for 30 minutes. This helps the flesh to firm up and draws out any excess moisture.

Next, set up a steamer, or put a rack into a wok or deep pan and fill it with 5cm of water. Bring the water to the boil over a high heat. Put the fish on a heatproof plate and scatter the ginger evenly over the top. Put the plate of fish into the steamer or onto the rack.

Cover the pan tightly and gently steam the fish until it is just cooked.

Flat fish will take about five minutes to cook. Thicker fish or fillets such as sea bass will take 12-14 minutes.

Remove the plate of cooked fish and sprinkle on the spring onions and soy sauce.

Heat the two oils together in a small saucepan. When they are hot and smoking, pour the hot oil on top of the fish, garnish with the coriander sprigs and serve at once.

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(Serves 4)

BAKED SALMON PARCELS

4tbsp maple syrup Juice of 1 lime 1tbsp chopped fresh ginger 1tbsp chopped coriander 1tbsp chopped dill 1/2 red Thai chilli, chopped (or 1/2 a regular red chilli) 4 x 170g salmon fillet, skinned and boned 1tbsp sesame oil 1 red pepper, deseeded and finely sliced 8 spring onions, sliced finely 4tsp chopped pickled ginger Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

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Preheat the oven to 200C/gas mark 6. In a bowl mix the maple syrup, lime juice, fresh ginger, herbs and chilli and put to one side.

Rub the salmon with the sesame oil then season each fillet.

Take four sheets of greaseproof paper and divide the spring onions and red pepper between them, putting them in the centre of the foil. Place each salmon fillet on top and divide the pickled ginger between them. Bring the sides of the paper up and crimp to create an open parcel, pour on the maple mixture, then seal the tops of the parcels.

Place on a baking tray in the oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked.

Serve the salmon directly from the parcel, so guests get that great aroma when they open up the fish.

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NEW POTATO AND CHORIZO TORTILLA (Serves 4-6) 400g Jersey Royal potatoes, quartered 1 onion, diced 1 garlic clove, finely chopped 3tbsp olive oil 2 bay leaves 1 thyme sprig 1 rosemary sprig Pinch of Espelette pepper or smoked paprika Pinch of sea salt 120g chorizo, cut into small dice 15g flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped 80g spinach, chopped 8 eggs, whisked Preheat the oven to 170C/Gas 3.5.

In a medium saute pan with a lid, over a medium heat, sweat the potatoes, onion and garlic in the oil with the bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, Espelette pepper or smoked paprika and salt for 13-15 minutes. Stir regularly to avoid any colouring.

Add the chorizo and continue to sweat for five minutes with the lid on so the flavours mingle. Finally, add the parsley and spinach and stir them into the vegetables for 30 seconds, then remove from the heat, add the eggs and stir everything together until evenly mixed.

Pour the egg mixture into a 20cm non-stick ovenproof frying pan and place in the oven for 15 minutes. Once cooked, remove from the oven and leave to rest for five minutes before turning out on to a board or a large serving dish. Using a serrated knife, cut the omelette into four to six wedge-shaped slices and serve warm.

TOP THREE

COMFORT FOODS BRAZIL NUTS - Your thyroid plays a key role in your mood, However, to work properly it relies on selenium.

Brazil nuts are the richest source of the mineral selenium, containing 10 times more than the next richest source. Selenium-rich food helps to combat depression, and studies have shown that eating a small handful of Brazil nuts everyday can help to improve mood.

Incorporating them into your daily diet by having a small handful of Brazil nuts between meals, or chopping and sprinkling them into yoghurt with grated dark chocolate.

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RICE - Wholegrain basmati is a great addition to the diet. It’s a low-GI food so it contains the type of carbohydrate that releases energy slowly, keeping your blood sugar levels steady and maintaining a more balanced, calm mood.

Stacked up against other types of rice, wholegrain basmati is top of the list. Upp your intake by serving wholegrain basmati rice with curries, stews, casseroles, tagines and use in pilafs and kedgerees.

BROCCOLI - Frequently lauded as a superfood, it’s no real wonder broccoli makes you happy as well as healthy.

To make the feel-good chemical serotonin, your body needs a healthy supply of B vitamins, including fabulous folate. When our B vitamins are in short supply, we can’t properly metabolise our neurotransmitters, leaving us low in our mood-boosters serotonin and dopamine, which controls pleasure. Luckily, half a cup of broccoli is all you need for 52mg of folate. These green leafy vegetables are also amongst the richest sources of B vitamin available, which is also great news for your skin as Vitamin B promotes healthy hair, skin and nails. It’s recommend to steam your broccoli, then adding it to omelettes and risottos.

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

APPETITE

WORDS Freya Richardson ILLUSTRATION Russ Atkinson

No one likes a coffee snob, the disapproving frown when you reach for the instant Gold Blend. But if you are like us, we are always looking for new ways to drink coffee - purely as we get an excuse to drink more of it.

It is not a simple question of black/white/sugar- these days its all about the skinny matcha latte or the soya maple cappuccino, leaving a bewildered barista staring back at you, but this one will really stump them: Health fanatics have taken it to a whole new level, along side your green juice and wheatgrass shot first thing in the morning, Londoners have got bulletproof coffee trending.

And firstly no, this is not a protective vest around your favourite mug. Rather disturbingly a bulletproof coffee is a lump of fat stirred into black coffee. This can either be butter or coconut oil.

Why on earth I hear you cry? We have spent years being brainwashed to pick up the ‘low-fat’ and ‘fat-free’ options from the supermarket shelves and now we are being told to stir it into the most unlikely item. Next we will be told just to have a spoonful of lard straight out of the packet.

Rumour has it the benefits of this ‘bullet proof coffee’ make you super human: alive, energised and more focused than ever. And another plus you won’t need to reach for the Vaseline tub for the rest of the morning.

There is no science behind it, just the so-called effects from its supporters. The theory is if you get a dose of fat early on in the day you don’t crave it later on- aiding weight loss.

Mother always taught us breakfast is the most important meal of the day and consequently we should enjoy it alongside breakfast and not instead of. But with upwards of 400 calories a cup this latest diet trend might not be so bullet proof.

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APPETITE

THE TWOSOMES

M

eet Emily and Hugo, or the ‘Twosomes’ as we like to call them. Like many of us, their lives are a bit of a juggling act: work, kids, chores… Often the idea of spending a bit of quality time together feels like the stuff of fantasy. Any of this sound familiar?

The Twosomes are the inspiration behind Charlie Bigham’s dishes. Charlie think’s it’s vital once in a while to pack the kids off to bed and enjoy a wonderful night in together over an amazing meal.

It might feel like a luxury, but surely: delicious food, brilliant company, it’s what life’s all about, isn’t it?

Ever since 1996 Charlie Bigham has been making his delicious food with all the care that you would if you had the time.

After all, what better way to spend an evening than chatting, laughing and sharing a wonderful meal?

SO… WHAT DO YOU FANCY?

BRETON CHICKEN 600g Fresh chicken breast in a handmade mornay sauce with Cheddar cheese, leeks, smoked bacon, Dijon mustard and parsley.

THAI GREEN CHICKEN CURRY 600g Fresh chicken breast in a Thai curry sauce with peppers, coconut cream, coriander, green chilli, lemongrass & lime leaves.

See the full range available exclusively from Douglas, Peel, Port Erin and Ramsey stores 54

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CHICKEN KIEV 325g Tender chicken breast stuffed with SunBlush® tomato and basil butter, covered in a ciabatta and parmesan crumb.

PAELLA 700g Chicken, king prawns and Spanish chorizo on a bed of paella rice, topped with slow roasted piquillo peppers.

MOUSSAKA 655g Slow-cooked lamb ragù, with tomato and mint, layered with roasted aubergines, potatoes and our creamy béchamel.

MEATBALLS AL FORNO 650g Handmade pork and beef meatballs with fresh fusilli grande pasta in our rich tomato sauce, topped with mozzarella.

See the full range available exclusively from Douglas, Peel, Port Erin and Ramsey stores BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

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APPETITE

Fresh

WORDS | Anne Berry | The Wine Cellar

AS I WRITE THIS, I’M LOOKING OUT AT A GREY SKY, BUT REMAIN FULL OF OPTIMISM THAT EVENTUALLY WE WILL HAVE A LOVELY LONG WARM SUMMER AND BE ABLE TO SPEND EVENINGS IN THE GARDEN ENJOYING A GLASS OR TWO OF WINE.

W

hat better way to wind down at the end of a long day at work, than with a glass of something delicate, crisp and refreshing, be it a Manzanilla, a Rose or a fresh fruity white?

The La Gitana Manzanilla makes a perfect start to the evening. Made in the delightful fishing village of Sanlucar de Barrameda in southern Spain, it is a Fino sherry, but with a slightly salty tang acquired from the seaside environment.

Seafood is a speciality of the area, for which a chilled Manzanilla makes the ideal accompaniment.

Keep a bottle of La Gitana Manzanilla in the fridge and sip it on the patio, while waiting for your fish to cook. The salty tang awakens the taste buds and saliva glands and you’ll be more than ready for your dinner! At £10.75, it is great value and, if you have a small glass every evening, a bottle will last for the working week!

It should be served from the fridge and drunk within a week of opening to enjoy at its best.

A brand new Rosé wine to reach the Isle of Man comes from Williams Chase, former owners of Tyrrells crisps and now Vodka and Gin producers in Herefordshire.

Williams Chase recently took on a small estate, Chateau Constantin just north of Aix-en-Provence and now produce wines of exceptional quality with an emphasis on environmentally respectful production from growing the grapes through to bottling the wines.

This Rosé is a classic Provencal blend of Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault, all old vines with an average age of 50 years old.

Harvesting takes place at night to preserve the freshness of the wine and a short contact with the skins of these red grapes imparts the pale shade of pink.

It is light salmon in colour, is crisp, fresh and fruity with stone fruit and grapefruit aromas combined with an underlying essence of crushed strawberries and Provencal herbs. A smooth and creamy texture with a steely minerality makes it particularly good with a salad Nicoise or it can be enjoyed equally by itself, preferably

in warm sunshine! £13.45 a bottle.

A further advantage is that the bottle has a Vinolok crystal stopper, which not only looks attractive, but keeps the wine as fresh as any other closure. Easy to open and reseal, it will not leak in your fridge, that is if it lasts long enough to go back in there!

You are also encouraged to re-use the bottle!

Due into the Island towards the end of April, come into the Wine Cellar and be among the first to try it. There will also be a very limited stock of magnums available at £28.00.

If Rosé isn’t your thing, then our latest fresh, fruity arrival from the Western Cape may suit you.

Bouchard Finlayson’s Blanc de Mer (£11.75) is a blend of predominantly Riesling with Viognier, Chenin, Sauvignon and Semillon making up the rest. The blend varies from year to year, but the wine is always a fresh, fruity style with grapey flavours and hints of apricot, peach, lemon and lime.

A real fruit salad!

It is so named, ‘White of the Sea’, because of the proximity of vineyards to the sea. As well as being a perfect match to Thai and mild Indian cuisine, it is also ideal with seafood or simply on its own, back out there in the garden.

Roll on summer!

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

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TRAVEL

New, with decades of experience!

AFTER 10 SUCCESSFUL YEARS IN PEEL, ELITE VOYAGES RECENTLY OPENED ITS DOORS IN BEAUTIFUL CASTLETOWN.

I

ris Barry, who has been in the travel industry for many years has teamed up with Theo Fleurbaay to open the second shop of Elite Voyages’ Travel Agency at 26 Arbory Street.

The well attended official opening was performed by the honourable Richard Ronan MHK, who in his speech welcomed the new shop as another sign of the regeneration of Castletown being well underway.

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Offering all the regular holiday options, Elite Voyages specialises in cruises – focusing on escorted journeys and offering the best options for each individual traveller. Weddings abroad, honeymoons and tailor made holidays are easily attainable.

As a full service bonded travel agent, Elite Voyages can arrange your holiday from door to door including your taxi to Ronaldsway, your airport transfers between

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

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With a wealth of knowledge, often from firsthand experience, Elite Voyages can advise you on selecting your dream destination and first class accommodation, making sure that you will have exactly the holiday experience you are looking for.

connecting flights, any required overnight hotel stops, and the best available options for the holiday of your choice.

From a Ferrari drive through Italy to a trip on the Orient Express, Elite Voyages can arrange all your corporate outings or your bucket list dream experience.

By booking through Elite Voyages, you will get the holiday you desire. With a wealth of knowledge, often from first-hand experience, Elite Voyages can advise you on selecting your dream destination and first

class accommodation, making sure that you will have exactly the holiday experience you are looking for. Customer care and service is paramount to the business and the main objective is to satisfy your individual requirements.

Elite Voyages pride themselves on attention to detail, making sure that you are aware of things like visa requirements for your travel. They are also more than happy to

oblige with out of hours appointments if you are not able to visit them during normal opening times. And for those less mobile they offer home visits. As Elite Voyages is fully bonded and member of ABTA, your money is safe and holiday booking guaranteed.

Elite Voyages Castletown, Call them on 829327 or call in at 26 Arbory Street, Castletown.

We are looking forward to arranging your next holiday.

Full Service Tailormade Holidays 26 Arbory Street â&#x20AC;˘ Castletown â&#x20AC;˘ Tel: 829327

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TRAVEL

WE ALL NEED A LITTLE TRAVEL INSPIRATION EVERY NOW AND AGAIN. FROM SWIMMING WITH THE WHALES IN THE WARM WATERS OF THE AUSTRALIAN SEAS, TO JOURNEYING THROUGH VILLAGES LOST IN TIME…DISCOVER OUR ULTIMATE ADVENTURE LIST FOR 2015.

WAKE UP AND SMELL THE…COFFEE

Never has a statement been more true! If you’re yet to try the Nicaraguan coffee blend, be sure to make 2015 the year you do. Run by a team of local affiliated farmers, the Nicaragua Coffee Trail offers visitors and coffee connoisseurs a chance to embark on a sensory journey – with only the area’s larger than life wildlife, breathtaking jungles, epic ruins, and exquisite volcanoes for company...oh, and dare we forget to mention, freshly brewed organic coffee on tap.

WWW.NICARAGUANTRAILS.COM

it represents, divers and explorers from around the world travel to this site on a regular basis, intent on discovering their own theory for this mysterious city. Some believe it to be Atlantis, whilst others think it’s the lost continent of Mu – a fabled landmass in the Pacific and mythical cradle of civilization.

Yonaguni is a small, remote untouched island – to get there you’ll need to travel to Okinawa’s capital ‘Naha’. From here you can catch a 2hr flight to Sonai – Yonaguni’s main residential area.

VISIT THE ONLY GEISHA COMMUNITY OUTSIDE OF KYOTO Having escaped major destruction during the Second World War, Kanazawa is a perfect holiday hot spot for history buffs! Home to oodles of heritage and traditional culture, it’s here you’ll find the only geisha community outside Kyoto, the impressive teahouses of Higashi Chayagai and the Nagamachi quarter with its samurai residencies. With a new high-speed train line in place, the city is now more accessible than ever, making the journey time from Tokyo to Kanazawa just two-and-a-half hours.

Inside Japan Tours offers a 14-night Traditional Japan self-guided trip from £1,360pp (based on two sharing) including 14 nights’ B&B accommodation, various meals, and all domestic transport (excludes international flights).

LOST IN TIME…

Ever wished you could travel back in time? Well now you can – North East Romania is home to more carts than cars, scenery dominated by ancestral castles, old fortresses and peaceful monasteries and a much slower pace of life. Everything from wood to wrought iron is processed manually, whilst all food is grown locally. Here, the people live simple but happy lives, welcoming visitors with open arms to ebrace the absence of evolution. If you’re looking for a little time out, you’re guaranteed to find it here. Fly from London to Bacau for as little as £67.

WWW.ROMANIANTOURISM.COM

BURIED TREASURE

25 metres below sea level, just off the Southern Shore of Yonaguni Island, is evidence of a prehistoric civilization. This underwater rock formation, which resembles an ancient pyramid is said to be 10,000 years old. Although archaeologists are yet to figure out what

THE KING OF NATIONAL PARKS

Described by Scottish-born conservationist John Muir as ‘the grandest of all the special temples of Nature’ Yosemite still stands as the King of American national parks. Boasting 1,200 square miles of deep valleys brandishing wild-flower meadows, giant sequoias and impressive waterfalls – guests spend their summers hiking, rafting, fishing and rock climbing and winters enjoying the quiet splendour of Yosemite’s epic landscape without the crowds.

Combine your sightseeing tour with a city escape with a stop off in the Big Apple.

WWW.YOSEMITEPARK.COM

A HOLIDAY HOT SPOT REVIVAL

Now that America has re-established diplomatic relations with Cuba – this characterful city is set to experience a revamp, albeit without losing its unique old-school charms. With the government slowly welcoming the development of non-state-owned tourism, a number of private travel ventures are emerging – especially in thriving cultural hub of Old Havana – now home to an abundance of new bars including ‘O’Reilly 304’, and the stylish bed and breakfast ‘Casa Alta’ (£19-25 a night) all adding to the buzz of this must-see city. To mark the 500th anniversary of the formation of the southern city of Santiago de Cuba, a week long party and carnival will commence on 25 July.

Those wishing to embark on a more unusual travel experience (exploring some of the country’s lesser-known spots) can do so by signing up to a 12-day cycling tour, such as the one run by World Expeditions (priced from £1,567pp). Alternatively, explore the island on something a little bit faster with Ernesto junior (Che Guevara’s son). Choose from six and nine-day motorbike tours from £1,999pp.

LAPODEROSATOURS.COM

CONTINUTED OVERLEAF....

OPPOSITE PAGE LEFT TO RIGHT, TOP TO BOTTOM: Cuba, Geishas, Iberico ham, Yonaguni Island, a smiling Romanian, Marseilles, Caceres, Yosemite, more Yonaguni Island, a bit more Yosemite, Nicaragua, the Tatra Mountains in Slovakia and Essaouira.

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Inspired Destinations - cont

A HASSLE-FREE HOLIDAY When you think of Morocco, it’s not uncommon for overbearing locals and prodigious crowds to spring to mind. Essaouira on the other hand – an exclusive, in-expensive and super smart Atlantic hub that was once too troublesome to get too – is now welcoming a number of direct flights! The souks are relatively hassle-free, the restaurants boast fabulous views of the crashing waves and the beaches are huge. This atmospheric port is set to become one of Morocco’s freshest destinations.

Stay in the centre of town at Dar Adul (doubles from £43 B&B), or in the countryside (15 minutes outside) at the tranquil Les Jardin des Douars (doubles from £79 B&B).

Travel to Essaouira in under 3hrs. Direct flights are available from London Luton Airport and cost from as little as £61 return.

THE CAPITAL OF CULTURE As the fervently debated title of France’s second city draws to a close, Marseille is becoming something of a talking point. The city itself will be easily accessible from May, with the introduction of Eurostar’s new, year-round direct service.

Having already been crowned the European Capital of Culture, this metropolisis set to undergo a few more changes – including a €7bn facelift, which is being described as the largest urban renewal project in southern Europe.

New intros include the recently completed Les Voutes de la Major (a precinct of boutiques and restaurants near the cathedral les Halles de La Major Market and an area dedicated to gourmet foods) and La Friche Belle de Mai (a former factory converted into studios, exhibition spaces, theatres and a hot spot for the city’s rap and hiphop heritage).

NEW TERRAIN Skiers seeking new terrain can now travel to the Tatra Mountains for less than £30 one way from London. Catering to both skiers and snowboarders of all abilities, Jasná (the best-known resort in the Low Tatras) has undergone a massive overhaul, costing in the region of £150m!

This revamp includes the introduction of three new aqua parks – a great option for families. And that’s not all, both the Freeride World Tour and World Snowboard Tour are scheduled to make an appearance here later this year.

Mountain Paradise o ers Thurs-Sun weekend packages at the Vila Park & Pension Paula from £499pp including flights. Located just a two hour drive from the medieval city of Krakow, you can easily combine a few days skiing with a sightseeing escape.

A GASTRONOMIC DELIGHT The foodies favourite San Sebastián has competition! Cáceres (eastern Spain) has been named the country’s Capital of Gastronomy for 2015. This hiddeb gem (and Unesco world heritage city centre site) is a picturesque maze of narrow, cobbled medieval streets – all of which will play host to a programme of food-focused events and festivals later this year.

Expect local specialities such asjamón ibérico, bread soup with paprika, rice with rabbit, andtorta del casar, (a subtly bitter local cheese made from raw sheep’s milk) to be on the menu.

Stay at the Parador Hotel, a recently refurbished 14th-century palace in the old town – spacious doubles are priced from £68 per night.

Stay at the C2 Hotel, an establishment featuring Modernist furniture

by Le Corbusier and Frank Lloyd Wright (doubles from €189); and dine at the tiny, 22-seater AM restaurant, owned by chef Alexandre Mazzia.

Fly from most UK airports.

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Isle of Man | Home & Interiors | May 2015

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

HOME

The Old Parsonage, St Marks | £1,300,000

THE OLD PARSONAGE

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HOME

The Old Parsonage is a large, traditional country house, set in idyllic surroundings, in the sought after village of St. Marks.

The views are of fields, hills or replaced with sympathetic and the distant coastline. The reproductions, such as the sash established gardens have windows, panelled doors, and been thoughtfully planned Victorian tiled porch floor. with lawned areas, pathways, flower beds and woodland During the renovations plenty which attract an abundance of of thought was given to the wildlife and birdsong. There is a technological side, with two charming ‘Gardener’s Cottage’ phone lines installed, a SKY in the grounds, and dovecote, distribution system, a security along with several other system and multi wall points outbuildings including a large for computers etc. wood store, original stone Thie Veg, greenhouse, additional It is a treat to be inside this shed and country home, super and many The Old Parsonage double social events garage with was built in the 1800’s have been loft space enjoyed here. over.

The owners say eighty plus people have been comfortably There is access from the garden accommodated, yet the space is to the courtyard buildings warm and homely as well. housing a toilet and external store. From the courtyard, There are three reception featuring a restored well (13 rooms in this impressive yards deep), there is access into property including a wonderful the main house. conservatory, four double bedrooms, one with en-suite, The Old Parsonage was all with beautiful aspects, a built in the 1800’s. When the study, and a spacious kitchen/ present owners renovated breakfast room with AGA the property they discovered cooker. All the rooms have the splendid, original Manx been freshly decorated and stone fireplaces that feature in are presented with a naturally the lounge, dining room and welcoming feel. utility. Original features have been retained where possible

HARMONY HOMES, PORT ERIN Tel: 01624 835252 www.harmonyhomes.co.im BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

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& E S T .

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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 . w w w. c u b b i n a n d b r e g a z z i . c o m

FEATURED PROPERTY

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Glen Maye Park, Glen Maye 3

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£335,000

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Beautifully Presented Detached House Kitchen/Dining Area Lounge, Conservatory 4 Bedrooms (1 En-Suite) Garage, Front Garden, Rear Garden Spectacular Country Views uPVC Double Glazed Low Price Due To Re-Location

HARMONY HOMES, PEEL T: 845252 www.harmonyhomes.co.im

Sea Cliff Road, Onchan 1

* * * * * * * * *

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£349,000

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Stunning Ground Floor Apartment Enjoying Sea & Coastal Views Large Lounge / Dining Room Modern Fully Fitted Kitchen Separate Utility Room 2 Double Bedrooms Bathroom & Shower Room Large Private Patio with Sea & Coastal Views Private Covered Parking Space HARMONY HOMES, DOUGLAS T: 616200 www.harmonyhomes.co.im

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ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

designed for living MAINE COURT

Situated on Maine Road just minutes from the beach and Port Erin’s town centre, these award winning 4 bedroom, three storey homes are today’s answer to town centre living.

£397,500, prices include: • Kitchen by top German manufacturer • Integrated oven and microwave • Integrated fridge freezer and dishwasher • Stone worktops, steel extractor hood & ceramic hob • Luxurious tiled bathrooms • Floor coverings throughout • Stylish fitted wardrobes • Balcony with sea view

Details correct at time of going to print. Images shown are of Maine Court show home.

SHOW HOME OPEN

Sat and Sun 11am - 4pm

Call 01624 615000 Visit dandara.com Sales Suite, 22-24 Victoria St, Douglas, Isle of man

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Ballacoyne

Douglas Road, Kirk Michael

£1,295,000

A magnificent detached family country residence

Set in approximately 12.5 acres, including woodland, well fenced fields, and a pond, fed by it’s own mountain stream.

37 Victoria Street • Douglas IM1 2LF • Isle of Man

www.deanwood.im 70

TEL: 01624

620606 • EMAIL: info@deanwood.co.im ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

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Ballacoyne is within easy reach of the Airport and the Ferry Port.

• 4 reception rooms (dining area),

• • • •

large conservatory and reception hall Galleried landing, quality country kitchen, utility room 4 bedrooms, 3 en-suite, family shower room, wine room 2 garages, wood store, gardener’s toilet Summerhouse, large greenhouse

Ballacoyne is a large property, which stands in it’s own breathtaking hillside setting.

The surrounding hill views are stunning, with a delightful walk up to a Tholtan and the picnic area and with views across to Ireland.

Viewing is highly recommended.

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

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FEATURED PROPERTY

THE OLD RAILWAY STATION, PORT SODERICK OFFERS IN EXCESS OF ÂŁ425,000

A unique opportunity to purchase a historic period property from the 1800's, full of character and set in a secluded rural location.

The former station house is positioned by the Manx Steam Railway close to Port Soderick Glen and ten minute walk to the beach.

Much improved and modernised the accommodation comprises Entrance Hall, Study, Drawing Room with mezzanine Sitting Room, Family Dining Kitchen leading to Utility and Wet Room.

Four Double Bedrooms, Master En-suite with Dressing Room and Family Bathroom. Oil Fired Central Heating, Double Garage and family gardens. An internal inspection is highly recommended to appreciate this truly unique property.

BLACK GRACE COWLEY, DOUGLAS TEL: 645555 www.blackgracecowley.com

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ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

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Discover the NEW Rembrandt home trend at Shoprite Living.

Out of the darkness curious floral blooms are emerging. They unfold slowly in colours bright & true. The great masters of light and shade bestow drama upon the still life of the table. Reach into the canvas where the treasures of the 17th century glisten in the spotlight. Their surfaces thick with oils tell of a past, royal, rich and opulent.

Brushstroke Floral Double Duvet Set £19 Faux Velvet Cushion 34cm diameter £8

Midnight Butterfly Double Duvet Set £22

Butterfly Cushion 43cm x 43cm £8 Floral Cushion 43cm x 43cm £8 Floral Print Trinket Box £8 Floral Frame 5’ x 7’ £5 Wooden Butterfly Ornament £7 Feather Vase Gold £15

Butterfly Bell Jar £10

Butterfly Love Word Ornament £6 Red Weave Cushion 43cm x 43cm £7

PRODUCTS AVAILABLE FROM SHOPRITE LIVING, CHESTER STREET, DOUGLAS AND MARINA LANE, PORT ERIN BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

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Apartment 14, Spectrum Apartments, Douglas 3 Second Avenue, Onchan 63 Ballacottier Meadows, Douglas 49 Droghadfayle Park, Port Erin

Local properties at your fingertips www.blackgracecowley.com Apartment 14, Spectrum Apts, Douglas

£99,950

* Easily managed ground floor studio apartment * Ideally located for town centre living and working * Studio Living/Bedroom area with fitted Kitchen & modern Bathroom * Electric heating system * Allocated car parking space

63 Ballacottier Meadows, Douglas

£249,950

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Pleasant, modern semi-detached house Offered for sale to the INVESTMENT market Tenanted until October 2016 producing £950 pcm Lounge, Dining Kitchen, 3 Bedrooms & Bathroom Gas central heating & uPVC double glazing Lawned gardens to the front and rear plus 2 car drive

51 Victoria Street, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM1 2LD

01624 645555 BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

3 Second Avenue, Onchan

£167,000

* Mid terraced house situated in a convenient village location * Living Room, Breakfast Kitchen, Utility, 2 Bedrooms & Bathroom * Low maintenance gardens to front and rear * Potential to extend at the rear (subject to PP) * Ideal for First Time Buyers

49 Droghadfayle Park, Port Erin

£575,000

* Large detached family house in a highly regarded cul-de-sac location * Superb views towards Bradda Head and open countryside * 3 Receptions, Kitchen, Master Bedroom with Dressing Room & En Suite * 4 further double Bedrooms (one with En Suite) & 2 Bathrooms * Integral double Garage and gated driveway with excellent parking

3 Old School View, Crosby

ÂŁ625,000

* An individually designed detached 5 Bed Dormer Bungalow * Located at the head of a quiet cul-de-sac enjoying distant hill views to the old school * Bright and spacious accommodation

* 3 Reception Rooms, 5 Bedrooms, 4 Bathrooms * Integral double Garage and plenty of Off Road Parking * Enclosed rear lawn with a side patio & pleasant, privately owned woodland beyond

9 Athol Street, Peel, Isle of Man, IM5 1HE

01624 845696

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FEATURED PROPERTY

NEW BUILD 3 BEDROOM MEWS, REAYRT NY CRONK, PEEL Superb value for money

1

3

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£235,000

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VIEWING HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. PRICE INCLUDES: • Luxury kitchen by top German manufacturer with stone worktops and appliances • Superb tiled bathroom • Stylish fitted wardrobes • ALL carpets, flooring • ALL window treatments • ALL light fittings

Completed in 2014, this brand new 3 bedroom family home is situated in a quiet cul-de-sac within this popular development on the outskirts of Peel, close to all local amenities. Offering superb value for money, the property comes complete with all light fittings, curtains, blinds, floor and wall coverings, a superb fitted kitchen with stone worktops and quality appliances, tiled bathrooms, fitted wardrobes and the highest levels of finish throughout. On the ground floor, the kitchen-dining room is situated at the front of the property, with the living room at the rear, from which double doors provide access to a patio and the garden.

Upstairs there are two double bedrooms, one with fitted wardrobes, a single bedroom and a fantastic family bathroom.

HERITAGE HOMES, DOUGLAS TEL: 615000 www.dandara.com

DEANSGATE, LUCERNE COURT, DOUGLAS Sought after location

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£1.495m

4

This superb 5 bedroomed detached executive family home occupies a very private position in this highly soughtafter location only a few minutes’ drive from the centre of Douglas. Offering an excellent level of accommodation throughout, Deansgate has a generous number of reception rooms perfect for entertaining and relaxing including a lounge, family room, dining room, large conservatory, dining-kitchen and spacious double-height entrance hall with feature galleried landing. This home also includes a study home office, separate utility room and entrance porch with cloakroom and downstairs W.C. to complete this generous ground floor space.

VIEWING HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: • Spacious double height entrance hall with galleried landing • Formal lounge • Family room • Formal dining room • Dining-kitchen

• 5 double bedrooms – all en-suite • Study/home office • Conservatory • Landscaped front and rear gardens • Triple garage • Sea views

HERITAGE HOMES, DOUGLAS TEL: 615000 www.dandara.com

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ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

Get the best value and amazing speeds with our new Superfast Plus broadband!

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FEATURED PROPERTY

Rowany Farmhouse Close Famman, Port Erin 3

5

2

£550,000

4

* Substantial Detached Renovated Farmhouse, South Facing * Large Lounge, Library Area, Dining Room * Kitchen, Utility Room, Conservatory * 5 Characterful Double Bedrooms, Potential (Child’s) Bedroom 6 * Delightful Large Private Garden, Off Road Parking * Oil Central Heating, Double Glazed, Self-Cleaning Glass * New Roof, New Welsh Slate, Chimneys Re-lined

HARMONY HOMES, PORT ERIN Tel: 835252 www.harmonyhomes.co.im

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ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

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Ballavolley House, Ballaugh 2

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3

3

£799,950

4

Superb Opportunity to Acquire Detached Rural Property Situated In Much Sought After Location 3 Bedrooms, 3 Reception Rooms, 3 Bathrooms Extensive Range of Outbuildings 20 Acres Comprising Gardens, Arable Land & Woodland Wild Wallabies Roam Freely from the Neighbouring Wildlife Park Early Viewing Highly Recommended

HARMONY HOMES, PORT ERIN Tel: 835252 www.harmonyhomes.co.im

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ON THE AGENDA

NO. 11

M AY 2 0 1 5

ON THE AGENDA THIS EDITION: ENTREPRENEURS Manx Startisan Food Heroes with Shoprite BANKING- Use of mobile payment apps rising INSTITUTE OF DIRECTORS IOM - Jennifer Houghton CLEAVAGE IN THE WORKPLACE - A distraction for both men and women PLUS - ABLE PR, Tuck in your shirt, Business News, Need a Fresh Start, Movers & Shakers

PICKS WHAT DO WE WANT

FOOD HEROES

WORDS

Shoprite launches new ‘MANX STARTISAN’ challenge to local food entrepreneurs The programme is now looking to identify the food producers of tomorrow by issuing a challenge to local entrepreneurs with a Dragon’s Den style competition, called ‘Manx Startisans’, designed to encourage budding food entrepreneurs and evaluate potential business opportunities.

Manx Food Retailer Shoprite has launched a new challenge to budding food entrepreneurs under its Manx Food Heroes programme.

Manx Food Heroes - Apple Orphanage

He explained: “The Isle of Man currently imports over ninety percent of the food that is consumed on the Island. There is a real potential economic benefit in us being able to identify and develop our own food industry notwithstanding the inherent health, environmental and quality benefits of locally produced food.”

The food groups that the company has identified include potential new locally produced foods such as fresh chickens, bacon and ham, yoghurt and fresh soup as well as substantially expanding the local market for bread and eggs.

The company is inviting all potential candidates to develop and present their proposals to a group of experienced business individuals including Shoprite’s CEO Andrew Thomas, Strategy Head Carol Glover, Senior Buyer John Speakman, Noa Bakehouse Founder Miles Pettitt and The Isle of Man Government’s DEFA Minister Richard Ronan, who will sit on a panel and judge the applications as well as being available for one-to-one advice for successful applicants.

Manx Food Heroes - Noa Bakehouse

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Potential applicants will have until 1st September 2015 to develop their proposals. The panel of judges will make themselves available for any advice or mentoring required in developing proposals and a series of workshops in the run up to the final judging process are also planned.

THE AGENDA SUPPLEMENT

Manx Food Heroes - Ellerslie Farm Rapeseed Oil

The winning entrepreneurs, will receive a guaranteed listing in all of Shoprite’s stores for six months as well as receiving start up operations marketing support, packaging, product development and presentation advice including one to one sessions from the panel of experts. The retailer’s parent company Isle of Man Enterprises will also make available free of charge one of its retail units in Village Walk, Onchan for a six month period.

The winning entrant will be revealed at the 2015 Isle of Man Food and Drink Festival at the Villa Marina which takes place on the 19th and 20th September.

The winning entrant will also be given a free stand at the exhibition to promote their product.

This is the overwhelming result of a random vox pop taken in the island’s capital after UK Home Secretary Theresa May grabbed the headlines for all the wrong reasons by sporting a low cut top and revealing more than might have been expected.

Manx Food Heroes - Greeba Mushrooms

Former Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture Minister Phil Gawne, in the House of Keys sitting on 12th June 2012, stated that the Island was currently importing over £300 million against a local market spend of £30 million.

Richard Ronan, MHK, Minister for the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture commented: “This is a very serious campaign to generate a more self sufficient island while at the same time providing consumers with quality, traceable produce. I have already identified in my Food Motion that having successful local food producers will also provide a huge boost to the Island’s economy creating more jobs and incremental local investment opportunities. There is a huge market opportunity that we are currently not capitalising on by importing goods from the UK and further afield.”

Are you a ‘Manx Startisan’? - In the first instance, and to obtain further information or help and advice on creating your proposal please email: simon@redpointpr.co.uk

DO BUSINESS IN STYLE

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“Cleavage has no place in the corporate workplace, none, for either sex,” wrote one newspaper columnist the following day and added. “Unless you are a bunny girl or a burlesque dancer please put them away.”

business and corporate environment,” declared Julie, a designer fashion guru of 36 years experience.

Low cut tops are a woman’s biggest career mistake, according to survey assessing the effects of clothing on productivity and career progression commissioned by Dragon’s Den star Peter Jones. The survey also revealed that 20 per cent of managers had fired an employee for dressing inappropriately.

Julie added: “Perhaps something like a camisole underneath the top might have been wise. If a customer wanted my advice on what to wear in an office environment I would make appropriate suggestions but some women have their own ideas, so much depends on the person. You are what you wear, as the saying goes.”

Ties, once in double knots as their popularity waned in the wake of a more dressed down look with open necked shirts, are enjoying something of a comeback in popularity as fashion conscious younger men are opting for slimmer ties to wear with suits and jackets.

Shown the picture of the Right Honourable Lady and her feisty boobage display on Budget Day

“The tie is definitely not dead as an all important accessory,” declares Charlie Turner, a director of menswear shop Garrey Corneil in Douglas “Ties, like the open necked shirt, have their place and certainly when I go out of an evening socially or to a function I wear a tie but not if I’m just going out for a drink,” says 41-year-old Charlie.

“A woman’s intellect should not have to compete with her cleavage,” said one middle-aged grey suited banker in something of a hurry to escape any further questioning when stopped in Strand Street to quiz him on the issue of Theresa May’s bust.

His companion pointed out that “ladies” of a certain age might have dabbled with Botox for the face (Mrs May is 58) but had overlooked their “wrinkly cleavage”.

It’s worth remembering, prompted Julie, that then when it comes to showing cleavage, the old adage of ‘less is more’ very much applies.”

Shown a picture of the Right Honourable Lady and her décolletage, a considered response from a man in his 30s was, “Perhaps not in the office, too much of a distraction.” Taking a second look at the picture there was then something of a connoisseur’s appraisal when he added, “Great cleavage though.”

So do we want to see the balcony bra and Cinderella corset for that 11am meeting in the boardroom? Maybe not.

One young dude about town when confronted with the cleavage question had to think long and hard about it. “Love it, mesmerising”, was the eventual response.

Julie Hughes, owner of ELLE ‘home of fashion for the discerning lady’ in Duke Street, Douglas w as unequivocal in her response. “it’s just not appropriate in what might be a male dominated

LES ABLE

What a man should know about tucking in his shirt and just when to tie that knot!

is a distraction for both men and women!

Manx Food Heroes - Green Mann Spring Water

The company originally launched the Manx Food Heroes concept in 2011 and presented a series of awards to fledgling and established food businesses that were producing quality produce on the Island.

Andrew Thomas, Shoprite’s Chief Executive, says that the company has identified a potential £7million market for foods that are currently being imported that could be replaced with locally produced goods.

THE WORKPLACE

LES ABLE

Cleavage in the workplace

“What we are now seeing is a growing demand for the slimmer ties so the result is that sales of what might be described as the traditional, wider tie are perhaps down a bit but there is little doubt that the tie is enjoying a revival after being in the doldrums for a year or so,” he says.

He agrees that there is a more relaxed attitude in many offices to men opting not to wear ties but believes the tie still has its place in banks and financial institutions with customers and clients still expecting to see the likes of their bank manager or advocate wearing a tie.

“There are now fewer places that require a tie but wearing one makes you aware that you are somewhere which has certain standards and you also know how to behave accordingly, Tradition has a lot to do with it but the demise of the tie is definitely not on the horizon.”

It does seem, however, that women Home Secretaries in the UK have some form for their low cut tops in Parliament. Eight years ago the then Labour Home Secretary Jacqui Smith aroused strong opinions with her busty display when making a Commons statement on national security.

The final, carefully worded comment on the subject comes from the urbane Clive Parrish, chairman of the Isle of Man branch of the Institute of Directors.

Research in the tie industry has shown that TV series ‘Mad Men’ set in a US advertising agency and actor/singer Justin Timberlake helped spark sales of ‘skinny’ ties and slim suits among men in their 20s and early 30s. Today’s discerning man is often mixing ties with trendy cardigans and waistcoats and wearing one with a blazer which is making something of a 2015 comeback for the summer months ahead.

“It’s important that everyone should dress appropriately,” he declared.

The tie, according to some pundits, is really a phallic symbol with the point directing

THE AGENDA SUPPLEMENT

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the viewer’s eyes downward and to a certain area of the male anatomy. There is no answer, however, to the question why some men continue to wear ugly ties with obnoxious sayings. No fashion conscious trend is ever likely to reach them.

Men, over the coming summer months, will be facing another major sartorial challenge – to tuck the shirt into the jeans or trousers or leave it untucked and hanging out, hoping it might disguise an expanding tummy. According to Dylan Jones, editor of men’s style bible GQ, men of a certain age who think untucking their shirt will make them look younger and hide that paunch are making a big mistake. “A man might think it will make him look thinner, but in fact he will look fatter,” he declares.

The whole debate on whether to tuck in or not was prompted by the appearance at an EU summit of new Greek finance minister Yanis Varoufakis. His blue shirt, worn without a tie and open necked, prompted shock, horror gasps from style etiquette experts in the male fashion industry; and, shockm horror, the Minister’s shirt wasn’t even tucked into his trousers.

Charlie Turner also takes an unequivocal stance on the subject. “If the shirt has tails and is long sleeved then always tuck it in, otherwise it just looks plain scruffy and maybe hiding something waistline wise,” he declares. “It looks even worse if the shirt tails are hanging below a smart casual jacket.”

A more relaxed approach is, however, taken by Rob Green, a director of Douglas menswear shop Esquires.

“Wear what you are comfortable with,” he says. “We have a loyal customer base with a broad range of ages and some 90 per cent wouldn’t tuck in their shirts because those we sell are designed to be worn with jeans or chinos. They will often be worn with smart jackets which are becoming increasingly popular among younger men on a night out.”

He adds: “Not so long ago T-shirts were taboo when trying to get into clubs but now, with a jacket, are perfectly acceptable and increasingly popular. We are, however, talking about smart, well designed T-shirts from the traditional British brands which we stock and are designed to be worn untucked.”

SO WHEN SHOULD YOU UNTUCK Shirts made with a flat bottom hem are meant to be worn untucked. If the shirt has visible ‘tails’ – rather than being even all the way around – it should always be tucked. Wearing a shirt with tails untucked is not a forbidden look but, according to the etiquette experts, is a juvenile one. The suggestion being that it makes the wearer look like a teen rebel at a grown up wedding or, if under a jacket, looking like he is trying too hard to be stylishly rumpled.

“The tie, according to some pundits, is really a phallic symbol with the point directing the viewer’s eyes downward and to a certain area of the male anatomy”

TRADITIONAL TUCK Always smooth down the front of the shirt first to make sure you have a flat smooth line then smooth it down at the back to get rid of any bunched-up material. Then gently pull up the jeans or trousers. As for T-shirts, whether to tuck or not, depends on the shirt, the belt and the trousers/ jeans. In general, advices the website The Art of Manliness, don’t tuck in the T-shirt unless it’s a deliberate style statement.

BECKHAM HALF TUCK This style statement where one half of the front of the shirt is tucked and one left hanging out is perhaps one only the super handsome footballer can carry off. Anyone trying to mimic it over the age of 25 is not only sad but guaranteed to look decidedly foolish.

UNDERWEAR TUCK It may not be sexy and carries the risk of your underwear riding up over jeans/ trouser waistband but tucking your shirt into your boxer shorts does have its uses in order to keep a smooth line.

In fact, some men’s underwear is now designed with adhesive grips around the waistband to stop the shirt above looking blousy and bunched up. Many style expects say it should only be used wearing a T-shirt underneath an outer shirt to avoid an unflattering Michelin man look.

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CONTENTS Business News.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................86 Manx Startisan Food Heroes with Shoprite..............................................................................................................................................................................92 Could a cloud solution save your business time and money.................................................................................................................................................94 Mobile payment apps...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................96 4G is revolutionising the mobile experience in the Isle of Man...........................................................................................................................................98 Institute of Directors Isle Of Man....................................................................................................................................................................................................100 Launch of new PR Agency - ABLE PR...........................................................................................................................................................................................101 Interview with Notts County FC Director & Sponsor Nathan Cafearo..............................................................................................................................104 Cleavage in the workplace................................................................................................................................................................................................................103 Tuck in your shirt and tie that knot!..............................................................................................................................................................................................106 Need a fresh start?................................................................................................................................................................................................................................108 Movers & Shakers................................................................................................................................................................................................................................109

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THE AGENDA SUPPLEMENT

WE CAN HAVE WHATEVER COLOUR WE LIKE.

Ah, the joys of independence. With no interfering parent helping us make decisions, we’re free to concentrate 100% on making RL360° a vivid presence in the global market. Which means bringing a fresh approach to everything we do, from the way we design our products to the fast and responsive service we offer our IFAs. So if you’d like to smarten up your wealth and protection offering, why not put us to the test?

Visit www.rl360.com/landing.

It’s our degree of commitment

www.rl360.com

RL360 Insurance Company Limited. Registered Office: RL360 House, Cooil Road, Douglas, Isle of Man IM2 2SP, British Isles. RL360 Insurance Company Limited is authorised by the Isle of Man Government Insurance and Pensions Authority. Registered in the Isle of Man Number 053002C. A Member of the Association of International Life Offices.

BUSINESS NEWS

BUSINESSNEWS Thomas Miller Investment crowned ‘DFM of the Year’ Thomas Miller Investment (TMI), a member of the 129 year old Thomas Miller Group of companies, are pleased to announce that they have been awarded ‘Best Discretionary Fund Manager’ at the illustrious Professional Adviser Awards 2015.

The awards, which began in 2003, aim to recognise and reward excellence across the financial services industry. The ‘Best DFM’ award, which saw TMI shortlisted in its inaugural year in 2014, reflects the increasing trend amongst professional advisers to outsource investment management services on behalf of their clients.

The winners were chosen by a panel of investment experts after shortlists were compiled following analysis of the portfolio performance data, supplied by Financial Express. The ‘Best DFM’ category saw TMI competing with a broad selection of large, well-established UK investment management companies.

Tom Richards, Director and Head of Private Investment Management (Offshore) said: “To have been recognised on a national scale and won this tightly fought award is a superb achievement for our team. It is a reflection of the consistently attractive performance that we have achieved for our clients and the individual service that we strive to offer.

“At Thomas Miller Investment we believe there are two key characteristics that make us stand out. The first is creating bespoke solutions to meet our clients’ investment objectives. The second is offering our clients a high level of personal service from their portfolio manager.

“This award coincides with Thomas Miller Investment Ltd receiving the coveted ‘5 Star Rating’ for its Bespoke DFM service from the financial research and software company Defaqto. This rating is awarded following an in depth quantitative and qualitative review of the portfolio management process. It indicates that our investment proposition represents one of the highest quality offerings in the on and offshore markets.”

ICSA event – “The UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (“Ruggie Principles”) 2011 in an offshore context” Paul Beckett, Head of Corporate and Commercial at Quinn Legal Advocates will give the next presentation for the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (ICSA) Isle of Man branch. The event, covering ““The UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (“Ruggie Principles”) 2011 in an offshore context” will take place on Tuesday 26 May 2015 at the Claremont Hotel, Douglas.

Abacus Aviation Embarking for EBACE Aircraft ownership specialists, Abacus Aviation, will be exhibiting at the premier business aviation event, EBACE 2015 (European Business Aviation Convention) next month, as part of their ongoing initiative to promote the importance and benefits of luxury asset structuring.

Recognised as the annual meeting place for the European business aviation community, EBACE is jointly hosted by two of the world’s leading associations in the business aviation industry, the European Business Aviation Association (‘EBAA’) and the National Business Aviation Association (‘NBAA’), and will be held at the prestigious Palexpo and Geneva International Airport from 19 - 21 May 2015.

Based at Stand Z044, Senior Business Development Manager, Paul Swindale and Trust Manager, John-Michael McCann will represent Abacus Aviation who form part of leading fiduciary and fund services specialist group, Abacus, based in the Isle of Man and Malta and who have attended EBACE for over 5 consecutive years.

Attendees and fellow exhibitors are welcome to visit Paul and John-Michael at Abacus Aviation’s stand, where they will be happy to discuss the importance and benefits of structuring luxury assets as well as any such requirements they may have.

To arrange a meeting in advance email events@abacusiom.com or telephone +44 1624 689656.

The event starts at 6pm. Admission is free to members. Places for non-members (subject to availability) are £10 each.

For online booking please visit www.icsaiom.org. For further information about events contact icsa@manx.net.

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THE AGENDA SUPPLEMENT

Nedbank Private Wealth wins best UK Private Bank at The City of London Wealth Management Awards 2015.

Nedbank Private Wealth is pleased to announce that it has won Best UK Private Bank at the prestigious City of London Wealth Management Awards 2015. The awards were announced in March at a Gala Dinner at The Guildhall and were hosted by television presenter, Natasha Kaplinsky.

Robert Currie, head of private banking UK, said: “At Nedbank Private Wealth, we always put our clients first and this award is a strong, independent endorsement of our team’s ongoing commitment to this aim. The award also reflects our unique integrated banking and wealth management service, Focus, which can be tailored to suit each client’s individual requirements. Clients can choose from an extensive range of financial services including international banking, discretionary and execution-only investment dealing and settlement services.”

The purpose of the City of London Wealth Management Awards is to recognise and promote the quality of service provided by the UK’s best wealth management companies and individuals.

The awards provide an independent endorsement of each company as the winners are determined by online votes from the general public. Voting took place over a two week period in February 2015 and the poll was reviewed by an independent panel of judges. This year a record number of votes were cast.

Nedbank Private Wealth’s international head office is located in the Isle of Man, where a growing team of 150 personnel

support its expanding operations across the Isle of Man, Channel Islands, UK and Middle East.

Nedbank Private Wealth’s international reputation continues to develop strongly with an ever growing list of outstanding, internationally recognised achievements such as: accreditation under the Best Companies standard, one of only 276 companies to achieve this across the UK; holder of the Investors in People Gold standard, which is the highest level of accreditation awarded; plus Best in Class for Integrated Banking Service for its multi-award-winning Focus service in the Professional Adviser International Fund and Product Awards 2014.

Greg Horton, managing director of Nedbank Private Wealth International, elaborated: “The Focus service offers the most innovative way of meeting a client’s banking and wealth management requirements, and has seen growth of almost £1 billion over the past two years with total holdings across our client base using Focus now approaching £3 billion.”

Our clients said: “The service is like years ago when banks knew both you and your father before you”* WE VALUE OUR REPUTATION AS OUR CLIENTS’ TRUSTED WEALTH MANAGER

Our holistic approach and our range of banking, investment and fiduciary solutions are tailored to client needs. We always put our clients first, which is why we have held, for the past five years, the highest ever score for client satisfaction for our speed of response* - and it’s why our clients say we have the personal touch. To find out how we can meet your wealth management needs, visit our website at www.nedbankprivatewealth.com or call us on 01624 645000. * Client satisfaction survey undertaken in 2013 by The Leadership Factor, the UK’s leading customer survey specialist.

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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 Supervision Commission. Registered office: St Mary’s Court 20 Hill Street Douglas Isle of Man. Nedgroup Trust (Jersey) Limited is regulated by the Jersey Financial Services Commission.

BUSINESS NEWS

Manx Telecom Plc announces that the Isle of Man Government is the anchor tenant for Phase 1 of its Greenhill Data Centre (“GDC”) Phase 1 of the GDC, which is the Company’s third data centre, created an additional 100 racks of storage space when it was opened in March 2014 at a cost of £3.5m. The centre already provides hosting and managed services to a variety of sectors including eGaming, financial services and those requiring access to big data.

After a competitive tender, the Government signed a five year contract from 1 February 2015, which saw it take 25 racks at the GDC to support a variety of front-line Government services. This agreement became operational in March 2015 after a complex and successful migration from existing Government premises.

In addition to the agreement for Phase 1 at the GDC, the Government has re-contracted from 1 September 2015 for the 25 racks it already occupies at the Company’s data centre in Douglas North. This contract will also run for a period of five years.

The Company is also looking to develop Phase II of the GDC data centre later in 2015, following interest from another prospective anchor tenant.

Manx Telecom wins prestigious Stock Market award Manx Telecom has won the ‘Best Telecommunications PLC’ category of the prestigious UK Stock Market Awards – a recognition of the company’s success in its first year as a fully independent company. The Awards – which are in their fifth year and are sponsored

by KPMG – were announced at a gala dinner held last night [March 26] at the Sheraton Park Lane Hotel in London and which was compered by BBC Breakfast presenter Bill Turnbull.

The awards aim to celebrate the best publicly listed companies which have succeeded in building great businesses and rewarding shareholders. The ‘Best Telecommunications PLC’ category winner was based on corporate and financial performance, strategic and operational development and total shareholder return. Manx Telecom faced some tough competition with BT, Talk Talk, AdEPT Telecom and Telecom Plus also shortlisted for the award.

Manx Telecom became a PLC in February last year following a successful AIM (Alternative Investment Market) flotation. In its first year as a PLC, Manx Telecom has opened the first phase of its £10million Greenhill Data Centre project; continued its investment in high speed broadband technology to bring superfast fixed line broadband to 87% of homes and businesses on the Island; and launched the Island’s first 4G superfast mobile broadband network which is now available to pay monthly and pay as you go customers. Mike Dee, Manx Telecom CEO, commented: “To win this award is a deserved recognition of the success of the AIM flotation last year, and an indicator of the level of awareness of Manx Telecom in the City. It’s a huge honour for the business and all of our hard working staff, and great news as we embark on our second year as a fully independent company.

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Fall in Compulsory Isle of Man Winding Up Petitions The number of insolvency petition filings in the Isle of Man dropped to just seven in 2014, according to Appleby, one of the world’s largest providers of offshore legal, fiduciary and administrative services.

The information is contained in a new report from the firm’s Snapshot: 2014 Petition Filings & Orders, which examines the petition filings and resulting court orders in Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Guernsey, the Isle of Man and Mauritius.

According to the report, the number of insolvency petition filings in most offshore jurisdictions fell in 2014 when compared to 2013, reflecting positive changes in economic conditions over the course of the year.

It found that the Isle of Man has the lowest number of petitions and orders out of all the jurisdictions measured, despite its company registry being bigger than Bermuda, Guernsey or Mauritius.

There are various reasons why the Manx insolvency filing figures are comparatively low including the creditor friendly legal system that allows the out of court appointment of receivers by secured creditors; the ease and cost effective alternative of voluntary winding up and; the absence of a government funded Official Receiver to wind up companies with no assets from which to fund a liquidation.

In total, there were 233 petitions filed across four categories of petitions measured in the report, including winding up petitions, conversion of voluntary liquidation to court supervised liquidation, schemes of arrangement and capital reduction. As a result of those petitions, 102 court orders were made.

Mark Holligon, Partner at Appleby (Isle of Man) LLC, said: ‘These figures suggest that the darkest days of the last recession are now behind us. Companies will always continue to fail for a variety of reasons, no matter what economic conditions then prevail; however, investor confidence in the offshore world has clearly now returned and formal insolvency filings are becoming increasingly rare, as investors focus on new investment opportunities alongside the restructuring of historic businesses.’

THE AGENDA SUPPLEMENT

East meets West at Douglas town hall

Douglas Mayor Stan Cain has welcomed representatives from the Federation of Chinese Association Manchester to Douglas town hall.

Aibing Ge, chairman, international strategy director Calvin Liu and personal assistant Xia Shi of IDOL HST (Health, Science and Technology) Ltd, a company based in Nanjing, Shanghai looking to invest in distributing eco-friendly British mother and baby products in China, were visiting the Island to learn about Manx business and company registration practices, with a view to establishing an offshore operation.

Welcoming the visitors Councillor Cain said how the Isle of Man government had started to develop links with China, which had led to a number of delegations ‘in each direction’. He added: ‘I hope that this visit will help to further those links and that there will be mutual benefit gained from our greater understanding of each other’s cultures.’

Barclays celebrates International Women’s Day

Barclays in the Isle of Man celebrated International Women’s Day on Friday 6 March with a special client event organised by the Barclays Women’s Initiative Network.

Four special guests from the local community shared their experiences of overcoming personal challenges under the theme of ‘Make it Happen’.

80 people attended the breakfast which was held at the Courthouse in Douglas. It is one of many events organised by the network throughout the year to celebrate diversity and equal opportunities both in the community and at Barclays.

The Women’s Initiative Network supports the personal development and career management of male and female individuals at all levels working at Barclays. It has over 140 members in the Isle of Man and more than 3,000 in the UK.

BUSINESS NEWS

Greenlight Wins prestigious Moto America contract Greenlight Television is delighted to have been awarded the filming contract for the AMA Superbike Championship, relaunched this season under the MotoAmerica banner with triple World Champion Wayne Rainey (pictured) as its President.

The nine-round Championship is America's most prestigious two-wheel series and was the one which brought Rainey to prominence, as well as other riders of similar calibre - Eddie Lawson, Troy Corser, Scott Russell, Ben Bostrom, Nicky Hayden, Ben Spies, Mat Mladin and Josh Hayes among them.

Its new mission is to restore that level of excellence and take American riders back to the pinnacle of the sport world wide: "As an American and a former World Champion, I want to see Americans back in the World Championship", Rainey says. "We got in contact with the FIM, Dorna and the AMA, and through that collaboration we were able to acquire this championship."

The appointment of Greenlight as its TV partner is another recognition of the company's world-renowned expertise at making entertaining motor-cycle racing for TV, and confirmation of a reputation founded on a huge resource of experience in bike racing and motorsports around the world.

Greenlight's existing operations are unaffected, and from its Isle of Man base and Manchester offices the company will continue to provide cutting-edge coverage to events like the NW200 and the Ulster Grand Prix and various British national championships on two wheels and four, and on water, bringing top-line sports entertainment programmes to worldwide audiences.

Coming so soon after the formation of Greenlight USA a year ago, this is confirmation that the move across the Atlantic was both well-considered and well timed. Along with its existing commitment to the Powerboat P1 USA championship and the Offshore Powerboat Series, plus the SKUSA Kart championship, Greenlight now has more than 20 weekends of work in place in the USA. Thus the company has established a larger, permanent base in Florida in order to service these championships and look for more work.

Greenlight also enjoys a continuing relationship with the hugely successful Porsche Carrera Cup Asia, and crews will be starting a fifth season of long-haul flights to China, Japan, Malaysia and Singapore - as well as making its regular annual excursions to headline events such as Rally Barbados and the Macau Grand Prix.

ICSA conference 2015

Equiom shortlisted for two Citywealth Magic Circle Awards

ICSA’s 2015 Isle of Man Corporate Governance Conference will take place at the Best Western Palace Hotel & Casino, Douglas, on 14 May 2015.

The Isle of Man Conference 2015 will provide governance, risk and compliance professionals with a forum to network, learn from peers and hear from industry experts on the latest thinking in corporate governance; thought leadership on risk management, and the latest regulatory and legal changes that will affect businesses.

The opening address will be given by Laurence Skelly MHK, Minister, Department of Economic Development.

For booking and more information please visit: www.icsa.org. uk/events/conferences-and-summits/iom-2015

Isle of Man introduces new ISPV Legislation The Isle of Man Insurance and Pensions Authority have brought in new Insurance Special Purpose Vehicle (ISPV) Legislation which enhances the Island's already attractive insurance business offering.

The legislation enables Isle of Man firms to facilitate Insurance Linked Securities (ILS) and similar transactions including catastrophe bonds.

For more information on ISPV legislation and the alternative capital market, please contact John Garland on +44 (0)1624

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"We've only scratched the surface so far", said Greenlight Director Rob Hurdman. "It's easy to overlook the size of this country and its appetite for exciting and entertaining sports TV coverage. We'll do what Greenlight always does - work hard, deliver great results, and hope this will be the first of many new championships."

The Equiom Group has been shortlisted for two categories in the prestigious Citywealth Magic Circle Awards.

The trust and corporate services provider is in the running for ‘Trust Company of the Year – Independent’ and Equiom’s well known Group Managing Director, Sheila Dean, has been shortlisted in the ‘Woman of the Year’ category.

The high profile awards recognise the excellence of individuals and companies in the private wealth sector.

Sheila commented: “It is a great compliment to receive this recognition from a judging panel of ten global industry experts, both for the business and personally. The past few months have seen a number of major developments for Equiom, with the extension of our Yachting and Aviation teams as well as the Group’s expansion into Hong Kong and Guernsey, which has strengthened our service offering internationally.

“This growth supports our focus on providing first class international industry expertise to our clients, by a team of highly qualified and experienced professionals and supports our vision to build a dynamic, client focused business”.

The winners will be announced at a prestigious dinner in London in May which is expected to attract over 400 guests representing 140 organisations including leading law firms, trust companies, family offices, tax advisers, investment managers and bankers in the wealth sector to recognise the achievements of the industry during the past year.

THE AGENDA SUPPLEMENT

RL360° achieves 31% growth in 2014 RL360°’s first full calendar year since its management-led buyout delivered 31% growth in new business across the board.

In total, sales in PVNBP terms hit £591m in 2014, up from 2013’s year end figure of £452m.

The results (PVNBP*) for 2014 also reveal confidence is returning to the Single Premium market, with sales up from £332m in 2013 to £450m in 2014, a 36% increase.

Regular Premium (RP) sales were strong too, up 18% from £119m in 2013 to £141m last year. The Far East was by far the biggest region for RP, with almost half of the sales coming from that region.

Audited operating profits were 180% of planned target and RL360°’s overall increase in the embedded value was 222% ahead of its 2014 set target.

The company was in the envious position of having all of its 5 key regions hit revenue target and finishing the year strongly.

“2014 was a momentous year for RL360°,” said Chief Executive David Kneeshaw.

“We celebrated our first year since the management buyout and have delivering a fantastic first set of results. 2014 saw new opportunities opening up in Africa and in the Latin American market our most recent market entry.”

“We have set ourselves some ambitious sales targets for 2015 and we’ve made good headway already, with a record number of new business applications in the first 2 months of the year.”

This strong start to 2015 comes on the back of some key product changes made at the end of 2014, including a revamp of RL360°’s regular savings product Quantum.

“We also invested heavily in technology.

For example, we launched online dealing for Portfolio Bonds, meaning that online dealing is now available to all products, old and new.

We are now looking ahead to the launch of our online applications this summer.”

“We are grateful for the commitment of our financial backers and supporting advisers, as well as to the entire RL360° team, as we continue to push hard across all our markets”.

PVNBP = Present Value of New Business Premiums is calculated as total single premium sales received in the year plus the discounted value, at point of sale, of regular premiums expected to be received over the term of new contracts DO BUSINESS IN STYLE

Boston Group on Top of the World One of the world’s most inhospitable and awe-inspiring landscapes is soon to be adorned with the logo of a Manx company as Boston Group announces its premier sponsorship of the ‘headnorth’ North Pole expedition.

Organised by luxury yacht brokers Y.Co and beginning this April, the epic expedition will see a select Y.Co team take on a 100km trek from Ice Camp Barneo to the Geographic North Pole. Co-founders Gary Wright and Charlie Birkett, as well as Director Yves Damette will be joined on the challenge by members of the 2003 Rugby World Cup winning team, Lewis Moody MBE, Danny Grewcock MBE and Josh Lewsey MBE. Three Royal Marines will also accompany the team, including expedition leader and accomplished polar explorer Alan Chambers MBE FRGS. Together, the team aims to raise in excess of £250,000, which will be donated to two charities: The Lewis Moody Foundation and the Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund (RMCTF).

Supported by The Brain Tumour Charity and Cancer Research UK, The Lewis Moody Foundation raises funds to establish the UK’s first biobank for brain tumours; a scientific facility for biological data that will improve the development of treatment and cures. The RMCTF provides a better quality of life to serving and retired Royal Marines and their families, and helps the wounded and most severely injured servicemen and women in their transition into civilian life.

Three sponsorship tiers, Trek Partner, Ski Partner and the top tier package Sledge Partner are available, with Boston opting to show its support as one of nine Sledge Partners. Boston’s sponsorship provides invaluable support to members of the expedition, with the unique opportunity to leave a sustainable item emblazoned with the Boston group logo at the top of the world.

Commenting on Boston Group’s sponsorship, CEO Greg Ellison said: “We couldn’t turn down the opportunity to be a part of such a major fundraising exercise for two fantastic charities and in such impressive style. Boston works very closely on behalf of our clients with the Y.Co team, and we’ve always had a close affinity with British rugby, so by putting the two together for a good cause it was an easy decision for us. Boston and our clients understand what it is to remain resolute and to adapt to the most challenging circumstances. It’s a great challenge which will no doubt test the team to its utmost, and it’s also a great opportunity to see a Manx company play an important part in an internationally publicised fundraising effort. I only wish I was on the expedition with them.”

Also commenting on Boston’s donation, Y.Co co-founder and expedition team member Charlie Birkett said: “Y.CO and the ‘headnorth’ team are incredibly grateful for the generous support of Boston and our other sponsors. Every penny raised from ‘headnorth’ will be divided equally between two fantastic causes, the Lewis Moody Foundation and the Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund. These fantastic charities work with people living in very difficult situations, suffering from brain tumours, head injuries and other serious injuries. The money from our sponsors and donors really will change their lives. From the entire team, thank you so much.”

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FOOD HEROES

Shoprite launches new ‘MANX STARTISAN’ challenge to local food entrepreneurs The company originally launched the Manx Food Heroes concept in 2011 and presented a series of awards to fledgling and established food businesses that were producing quality produce on the Island.

The programme is now looking to identify the food producers of tomorrow by issuing a challenge to local entrepreneurs with a Dragon’s Den style competition, called ‘Manx Startisans’, designed to encourage budding food entrepreneurs and evaluate potential business opportunities, which will support Government’s ‘Food Matters’ strategy.

Manx Food Retailer Shoprite has launched a new challenge to budding food entrepreneurs under its Manx Food Heroes programme.

Andrew Thomas, Shoprite’s Chief Executive, says that the company has identified a potential £7million market Manx Food Heroes - Apple Orphanage for foods that are currently being imported that could be replaced with locally produced goods.

He explained: “The Isle of Man currently imports over ninety percent of the food that is consumed on the Island. There is a real potential economic benefit in us being able to identify and develop our own food industry notwithstanding the inherent health, environmental and quality benefits of locally produced food.”

The food groups that the company has identified include potential new locally produced foods such as fresh chickens, bacon and ham, yoghurt and fresh soup as well as substantially expanding the local market for bread and eggs.

Manx Food Heroes - Noa Bakehouse

The company is inviting all potential candidates to develop and present their proposals to a group of experienced business individuals including Shoprite’s CEO Andrew Thomas, Strategy Head Carol Glover, Senior Buyer John Speakman, Noa Bakehouse Founder Miles Pettitt and The Isle of Man Government’s DEFA Minister Richard Ronan, who will sit on a panel and judge the applications as well as being available for one-to-one advice for successful applicants.

Potential applicants will have until 1st September 2015 to develop their proposals. The panel of judges will make themselves available for any advice or mentoring required in developing proposals and a series of workshops in the run up to the final judging process are also planned.

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THE AGENDA SUPPLEMENT

Manx Food Heroes - Green Mann Spring Water

Manx Food Heroes - Ellerslie Farm Rapeseed Oil

The winning entrepreneurs, will receive a guaranteed listing in all of Shoprite’s stores for six months as well as receiving start up operations marketing support, packaging, product development and presentation advice including one to one sessions from the panel of experts. The retailer’s parent company Isle of Man Enterprises will also make available free of charge one of its retail units in Village Walk, Onchan for a six month period.

The winning entrant will be revealed at the 2015 Isle of Man Food and Drink Festival at the Villa Marina which takes place on the 19th and 20th September.

The winning entrant will also be given a free stand at the exhibition to promote their product.

Manx Food Heroes - Greeba Mushrooms

Former Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture Minister Phil Gawne, in the House of Keys sitting on 12th June 2012, stated that the Island was currently importing over £300 million against a local market of spend of £30 million.

In November 2014, Tynwald approved the ‘Food Matters’ food strategy which aims to grow the contribution of the food and drink sector to the local economy.

Richard Ronan, MHK, Minister for the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture commented: “This is a great campaign to generate a more self sufficient island, supporting local producers by adding value to local produce while at the same time providing consumers with increased quality, traceable produce and contributing towards the growing reputation the Isle of Man has for its food. The Government’s Food Strategy shows that having successful local food producers will also provide a huge boost to the Island’s economy creating more jobs and incremental local investment opportunities. There is a huge market opportunity that we are currently not capitalising on by importing goods from the UK and further afield.”

Are you a ‘Manx Startisan’? - In the first instance, and to obtain further information or help and advice on creating your proposal please email: simon@redpointpr.co.uk

DO BUSINESS IN STYLE

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LIFE & STYLE THE CLOUD

Could a cloud solution save your business time and money?

More and more companies are turning to a cloud computing solution to improve efficiency, and reduce capital expenditure and maintenance costs.

Here in the Isle of Man, Manx Telecom is seeing many local businesses gain all of these advantages by using its Cloud Compute service. Developed in partnership with market leading hosting technology firm VMWare, Cloud Compute is the only Isle of Man-based VMWarepowered solution with free bandwidth - a fact which makes it an attractive choice for businesses looking to control IT costs.

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In layman’s terms, it allows a business to buy IT services from Manx Telecom in the same way as it would buy power from an electricity supplier - therefore removing the need to own and manage in-house networks and servers.

Customers also have the option of hosting all of their IT and voice needs with Manx Telecom by using Cloud Compute in conjunction with Intelligent Voice, the company’s VoIP solution.

Cloud Compute is scalable to suit the needs of a particular business. If required, a business can host all of its IT needs with Manx Telecom. For larger businesses that wish to use existing in-house networks and servers, Cloud Compute can provide extra capacity as and when required, therefore removing the need for further capital investment in additional IT hardware. 24 x 7 x 365 support, and the reassurance of knowing that Manx Telecom has almost 300 staff on-Island in addition to being able to draw upon

the expertise of 7 VMWare certified experts, means that Cloud Compute customers know that local, expert, help is at hand whenever they need it.

It’s important to note that all cloud solutions are only as good as the data centre providing hosting. Manx Telecom is the only Isle of Man provider which owns and operates two world class Tier 3 data centres – Douglas North and Greenhill.

Both are designed and purpose built to provide world class hosting for Cloud Compute and many other hosting services.

To find out how Cloud Compute and Managed Services can make your business more efficient and reduce your IT costs call Manx Telecom’s Business Sales team on 636 636 or go to www.manxtelecom.com/cloud

THE AGENDA SUPPLEMENT

cloud

voice

business

connectivity

hosting

mobile

more experience, investment and skills than any other local provider thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the manx telecom advantage call +44 (0)1624 624 624 visit manxtelecom.com with you every step

MOBILE APPS

USE OF MOBILE PAYMENT APPS RISING

Nearly half of people in the UK who have a device such as a smartphone or tablet expect to use mobile payment apps over the coming year, a report has found.

But the UK lags behind countries such as Turkey, Poland, the United States, Italy and Spain - which were found to have the highest levels of expected take-up of mobile payment apps in the next 12 months, out of the 15 countries in the ING International Survey on Mobile Banking.

In the UK, 46% of people who own a mobile device intend to use a mobile payment app in the next 12 months.

Nearly one in three (30%) people in the UK said they already use mobile payments, a figure which was higher than the levels found in France, Germany and Australia by the survey.

Turkey was found to have the highest proportion of people with a mobile device intending to use mobile payments in the next 12 months, at 78%.

Across the European countries surveyed, 33% of people have already used a mobile payment app and this is expected to increase to just over half (51%) in the next 12 months.

More than 14,800 consumers living in Turkey, Poland, Italy, Spain, Romania, the UK, the Czech Republic, France,

Germany, Luxembourg, Belgium, Austria, the Netherlands, the United States and Australia took part in the survey.

People living in the Netherlands were found to have the lowest take-up of mobile payments, with 13% of people living there having used it and 27% planning to take it up in the coming year.

In general, for those who have not yet used mobile payment apps, a lack of trust in them was found to be the main reason for this.

Nearly half (48%) of Europeans who have embraced mobile payments said they felt more in control of their finances. One in five (20%) said they pay their bills on time more often and 21% have never missed a payment since they started using their mobile to move their money about.

Half (50%) of those surveyed across Europe said they now use physical cash much less than they did 12 months ago. The trend looks set to continue, with 84% of these people saying they intend to use even less cash in the coming year.

Here are the percentages of people with a mobile device in each country who have used mobile payments, followed by the percentages of people who intend to use mobile payments in the next 12 months, according to ING: 1. Turkey, 56%, 78% 2. Poland, 43%, 67% 3. United States, 42%, 58% 4. Italy, 39%, 60% 5. Spain, 35%, 56% 6. Romania, 32%, 55% 7. UK, 30%, 46% 8. Czech Republic, 26%, 30%

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9. France, 25%, 39% 10. Germany, 23%, 35% 11. Australia, 22%, 33% 12. Luxembourg, 20%, 32% 13. Belgium, 20%, 32% 14. Austria, 18%, 27% 15. Netherlands 13% 27%

THE AGENDA SUPPLEMENT

Total control for all your company’s mobiles With business users demanding the latest smart phone and tablet technology, and critical data being accessed and stored on these devices, it has never been more important for businesses to have full management of all devices that are in use.

Whether you’re using iOS, Android, Windows or Blackberry, Sure’s new Mobile Device Management service will enable your business to work smarter and more securely, for less than £5 per month.

Contact business@sure.com for more information.

international.sure.com

SURE 4G MOBILE Hugging

MIKE PHILLIPS CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

4G is revolutionising the mobile experience in the Isle of Man An electric Ford with a folding bike in the boot might not be what you’d expect at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2015, but was just one of a whole range of cars on show demonstrating the importance of continuous and high speed data access for the next generation of vehicles. Whether it is cars, smart meters or people; we are seeing no slowdown in the growth of connections and the volume of data that these connections demand.

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This extends to the mobile experience, as people are relying more and more on their phones to perform various functions and faster data is now expected on mobile handsets.

The installation of 4G is a huge project that represents an infrastructure investment of over £10 million to keep the Isle of Man at the forefront of communications technology. Sure has partnered with Huawei, a leading global information and communications technology solutions provider, to deliver the new 4G network and to upgrade the existing 2G and 3G networks across the Island.

4G enables customers to experience much faster mobile data speeds than are currently available, completely revolutionising the online mobile experience. Applications such as web browsing, video streaming and mapping will all become far more accessible and speedy on the new network, signalling a

change in the ways we use data and what we use it for.

According to Ofcom’s Adults’ Media Use and Attitudes Report 2014, the range of mobile activities has increased and the majority are communication and entertainment-based. Over half (55 per cent) of mobile users send and receive emails on mobile and use their mobile to visit social networking sites or apps.

Four in ten mobile users have used their mobile phones to put photos or videos on sites like YouTube, while the same number use their phone for instant messaging. Almost three in ten use services like Skype or FaceTime.

One third of mobile users now say they buy things via their phone (increasing from 23 per cent in 2012) or use their phone to check their bank balance (34 per cent vs.

25 per cent in 2012).

THE AGENDA SUPPLEMENT

Watching TV and gaming via mobile are also increasingly popular uses of mobile data. According to the report, 22 per cent of mobile phone users have watched a TV programme on a mobile phone and playing games on a mobile phone has also increased by 7 per cent for internet users.

Over 90 per cent of the phones that Sure now sells are Smartphones and, with 4G ready phones available free (starting on our new Smart 5GB plan), we expect the vast majority of our customers to be taking advantage of the improved mobile data experience on our network over the coming months. We also expect customers to move usage away from public Wi-Fi to the 4G network to take advantage of the speedier data, especially for video streaming.

Having the right handset to take advantage of the faster network is an important part of the new mobile experience, and there’s no better place to spot the latest mobile offerings than at the Mobile World Congress which took place recently.

The MWC is about much more than connected cars; it’s an annual event which features some of the world’s biggest tech companies showcasing DO BUSINESS IN STYLE

Applications such as web browsing, video streaming and mapping will all become far more accessible and speedy on the new network, signalling a change in the ways we use data and what we use it for.

their new products. This year we saw the launch of the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge, which features a curved screen, and the new HTC One M9, alongside demonstrations of what 5G could start to deliver towards the end of this decade.

Another trend is wearable tech, which is set to become even more popular this year. The MWC featured Huawei and LG’s new smart watches, which combine a traditional stylishness with seriously impressive technical specifications.

The exciting thing about the MWC is that many of the gadgets on show are not years away from being a commercial reality. Rather, these flagship handsets and stylish smart watches will be in

stores this year and, if you really can’t wait, you can order your Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge on our website now! So keep your eyes peeled for these new handsets in a Sure shop near you soon.

Data is something we all want more of, and Sure’s new 4G network will allow mobile users to have an improved data experience. More data is here: how are you using yours?

To find out how 4G can revolutionise your mobile experience visit one of our stores in Douglas, Ramsey or Port Erin, or click on www.sure.com

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ABLE PR

a ‘no nonsense’ approach to media relations consultancy Launch of New PR Agency

Les Able, dubbed ‘poacher turned gamekeeper’12 years ago when he gave up life as a journalist and moved into public relations, is launching his own Douglas-based agency under the banner of Able PR. “Initially, I was looking at other names for the agency but was persuaded by friends and colleagues that it made sense to use my own,” said Les, who moved to the island five years ago when he became director of PR and media relations at marketing and design agency Home Strategic.

“Moving to the Island and joining Home Strategic was definitely one of the best decisions I’ve made but I’ve been looking to set up my own agency for a while now and the timing just seemed to be right. My departure from Home Strategic is 100 per cent amicable and I will continue to have close links with the team there.”

Les, whose career in journalism started on weekly newspapers, went on to include working as a reporter on the parliamentary team of The Times before joining the Daily Telegraph where he spent eight years in various reporting roles, both in England and Scotland. He left the Telegraph to take up the specialist role of London/City Editor for the Western Mail, the morning newspaper for Wales, a position which brought him into close contact with leading politicians and industrialists.

“Out of the blue, I was asked by the head of a London PR agency if I had ever thought of going into PR, the occasion is etched on my memory as it was at a lunch in the House of Lords, and three months later I was no longer a journalist but working in PR. My introduction was something of a baptism of fire as the first client I was faced with was Westminster City Council which at that time had something of a tarnished image.”

Past accounts have also included a wide range of companies, including the Leeds offices of business advisers Deloitte and international law firm DLA Piper, accountants PKF, insolvency specialists Begbies Traynor along with SMEs and owner managed businesses. A major Home Strategic account has been Manx Gas. “Because of my background as a journalist and the many facets of PR I have been involved in I like to think I know what journalists are looking for and can advise clients on the best news angles to adopt so as to achieve maximum exposure in the media. ”It’s also a background which means I have a pretty extensive range of contacts in the worlds of media and business alike. Able PR aims to offer a ‘no nonsense’ approach to media relations consultancy. Glib PR, which I often encountered as a journalist, is very definitely anathema to me.”

For further information please contact: les@ablepr.im or on (07624) 498355. www.ablepr.im

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THE AGENDA SUPPLEMENT

IoD - IOM

JENNIFER HOUGHTON:

a key role to play in 21st century business development members who make up the 14-strong committee. Her responsibility is the IoD’s new membership, increasing it and at the same time emphasising to women who might be interested in joining that it is not an ‘old boys’ club’ stuffed with pin-striped dinosaurs.

JENNIFER HOUGHTON, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND MANAGING DIRECTOR OF ANNEXIO

The team is stronger than the individual!

This is the entrenched business philosophy of Jennifer Houghton, who is both chief executive officer and managing director of Annexio, once the fastest growing online gaming company in the Isle of Man. “We are currently undergoing rapid growth as we continue to focus our efforts into expanding into global markets,” says Jennifer, who took over the reins of the Douglas-based company in 2011.

She has wasted little time in formulating an international marketing plan and there is what she describes as an “excellent presence” in the UK. Overall, tens of thousands of players are now playing more than 15 different lottery-based games.

Her team philosophy, drive and perhaps a touch of the iron fist in the velvet glove, has also been felt within the portals of the Isle of Man branch of the Institute of Directors where she is one of nine female DO BUSINESS IN STYLE

A flag waving feminist she is not, but when it comes to women holding key roles in business she wastes little time in pointing out that women think in a different way to men which, she emphasises, is beneficial to any company.

Her birth certificate has something of an international flavour, her father was German, her mother Swedish and she was born in California. She has dual Swedish/American citizenship. With her background it comes as no surprise that she can speak four European languages.

“In a brain storming meeting for new products a woman will have different ideas to men sitting around the table, ideas which can be all important in product development but at the same time a woman on the board should not be an absolute requirement, she should be there for the right reasons.”

“I manage a team at Annexio,” says Jennifer. “In Sweden the individual is not the core strength of the business, it is the team which is the stronger factor. I don’t like to dictate, I like to put forward ideas that senior management are in agreement with. I’m very much part of a team, that is the Swedish in me.”

Jennifer adds: “In Sweden nearly 30 per cent of board members are women whereas in Britain this figure is closer to 13 per cent, a significant difference in percentage.

The government in Sweden also provides heavily state-subsidised childcare so you don’t necessarily have stay at home mums and as a result women do move up

“Good corporate governance is crucial and it is important that directors of a company should know what the real duties of a director are, and that decisions made are in line with the required governance.”

She did initially consider microbiology as a career but then decided that accountancy and the world of business was a more rewarding path to follow. A qualified accountant, she has international audit and finance experience and has frequently been the target of head hunters for global roles.

Working for accountants and business advisers Deloitte saw her based at their offices in California for three years, Luxembourg for five years followed by Stockholm for seven years. In 2004 she moved to Deloitte’s office in the Isle of Man as a senior manager of the audit team.

“On my first visit to the Island it was a sunny October day, blue skies, absolutely idyllic but when I came back in January to work and live here I was greeted by a gale storm,” she recalls.

It was here that romance also blossomed as she met her husband James (Jay), who is a director of Petrolink, and they married in 2006. Two years later she left as the finance manager of AXA to become the finance director of an online skill-based games company uVme, before setting up Annexio.

the career ladder which ensures a mix of genders at all levels of business.”

Of her role as new membership ambassador with the IoD she believes that the organisation has a key role to play in 21st century business development.

“Good corporate governance is crucial and it is important that directors of a company should know what the real duties of a director are, and that decisions made are in line with the required governance. The IoD is not only excellent for networking but also offers seminars and courses which are beneficial to members. These are designed to remind members of their responsibilities for the sake of their business.”

When it comes to relaxation she enjoys an evening jogging session with friends who also want to unwind from the pressures of the day. She is also a trustee of local charity Hospice at Home (Diana, Princess of Wales Care at Home Trust).

Both she and her husband are also keen photographers and pictures on the walls of the Annexio offices are the results of their keen eye for picturesque landscapes of the Island.

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WHAT DO WE WANT WORDS

LES ABLE

Cleavage in the workplace is a distraction for both men and women!

This is the overwhelming result of a random vox pop taken in the island’s capital after UK Home Secretary Theresa May grabbed the headlines for all the wrong reasons by sporting a low cut top and revealing more than might have been expected.

“Cleavage has no place in the corporate workplace, none, for either sex,” wrote one newspaper columnist the following day and added. “Unless you are a bunny girl or a burlesque dancer please put them away.”

business and corporate environment,” declared Julie, a designer fashion guru of 36 years experience.

Low cut tops are a woman’s biggest career mistake, according to survey assessing the effects of clothing on productivity and career progression commissioned by Dragon’s Den star Peter Jones. The survey also revealed that 20 per cent of managers had fired an employee for dressing inappropriately.

Julie added: “Perhaps something like a camisole underneath the top might have been wise. If a customer wanted my advice on what to wear in an office environment I would make appropriate suggestions but some women have their own ideas, so much depends on the person. You are what you wear, as the saying goes.”

“A woman’s intellect should not have to compete with her cleavage,” said one middle-aged grey suited banker in something of a hurry to escape any further questioning when stopped in Strand Street to quiz him on the issue of Theresa May’s bust.

His companion pointed out that “ladies” of a certain age might have dabbled with Botox for the face (Mrs May is 58) but had overlooked their “wrinkly cleavage”.

It’s worth remembering, prompted Julie, that then when it comes to showing cleavage, the old adage of ‘less is more’ very much applies.”

Shown a picture of the Right Honourable Lady and her décolletage, a considered response from a man in his 30s was, “Perhaps not in the office, too much of a distraction.” Taking a second look at the picture there was then something of a connoisseur’s appraisal when he added, “Great cleavage though.”

So do we want to see the balcony bra and Cinderella corset for that 11am meeting in the boardroom? Maybe not.

One young dude about town when confronted with the cleavage question had to think long and hard about it. “Love it, mesmerising”, was the eventual response.

Julie Hughes, owner of ELLE ‘home of fashion for the discerning lady’ in Duke Street, Douglas w as unequivocal in her response. “it’s just not appropriate in what might be a male dominated

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Shown the picture of the Right Honourable Lady and her feisty boobage display on Budget Day

It does seem, however, that women Home Secretaries in the UK have some form for their low cut tops in Parliament. Eight years ago the then Labour Home Secretary Jacqui Smith aroused strong opinions with her busty display when making a Commons statement on national security.

The final, carefully worded comment on the subject comes from the urbane Clive Parrish, chairman of the Isle of Man branch of the Institute of Directors.

“It’s important that everyone should dress appropriately,” he declared.

THE AGENDA SUPPLEMENT

DO BUSINESS IN STYLE

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Interview with Notts County FC Director & Sponsor Nathan Cafearo How did you become involved in professional football?

My involvement in League football started three years ago when a business partner asked me to speak with a man called Ray from Millwall Football Club.

He was a friend of a friend who was trying to sell some sponsorship to him.

My thought at the time was that football sponsorship was prohibitively expensive and that it would be a totally wasted phone call, however when I phoned Ray for a chat I was amazed to find out how accessible football sponsorship could be. He invited me to Wembley for the Championship Play Off final between West Ham and Blackpool which was actually the first professional football match I’d ever been to. Anyone who’s been to a big game at Wembley will know all about the atmosphere, it was incredible…and I was lucky enough to have been at the ‘clubs and sponsors’ hospitality. After the game and spending the day with Ray he had sold the idea of sponsorship to me so I started working on a mini Profit and Loss forecast.

I satisfied myself that, with a bit of corporate hospitality and the credibility that comes with being associated with a Championship football team, we would at least make the money back and that it would be an experience if nothing else. As it happens we ended up being Millwall’s back of shirt sponsor for the 12/13 season and accompanied them to Wembley as they reached the semi final of the FA Cup. That year the partnership paid huge dividends.

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You were the sponsor of Manchester City for their league winning 13/14 season, how did you pull that one off?

The old saying that fortune favours the brave really came into play here. The commercial director of Millwall, who I had become really friendly with, had been offered work at Manchester City previously and had turned it down.

Luckily for me in 2013 he had been so impressed with City’s plans for the future that he thought it a good time to make the move. I asked him if there were any way that my group could be involved. We agreed to create a new category of Wealth Management Partner, we had the backing of the DED under John Shimmin, which was great, and we agreed on a 12-month contract. Matchday at Manchester City was awesome and we hosted clients at every one of the home matches and quite a few of the away games.

Matchday hospitality is a really good way to meet clients and partners for a meal in a great environment and have a bit of entertainment. The restaurants at the Etihad stadium are really special.

Myself and the sales guys were able to broker some great deals. The cost of the partnership when expenses like travel and entertainment were taken into account were reasonably high, a lot higher than the previous year, but again I was able to draw up a P+L that demonstrated a profit was achievable.

The credibility that my group had as “Official Wealth Partner to Manchester

City Football Club” was immense. The experience for myself, staff and partners was immeasurable. I had invited some of the biggest recruitment agencies in the UK (some of our partners) to the final game of the season to watch the team lift the premiership trophy, a great moment for the team and for us. My estimate for ROI on this partnership was between 300-400%.

So now you’re on the board of directors at Notts County Football Club?

Yes…again a lucky break. I had met with the Chief Exec of Notts County, Jim Rodwell, at a leaders in football conference that I had been to at Stamford Bridge in 2012. I quite simply contacted Jim out of the blue and ask if I could meet with him to discuss the possibility of becoming a board member, which I though was quite an “out there” request but I asked any way. I have spent some of the last couple of years studying with the Institute of Directors and have studied up to Diploma level, the next level being that of Chartered Director. Although I am a director of 5 of my own companies, a non-exec position with an external business is seen as great experience by the IoD and by other companies and is a great thing to have on my CV. I met with Jim and the Chairman Ray Trew at a home game against Port Vale where we discussed a board appointment. They could see the value and we agreed for me to sit on the board for the 14/15 season.

THE AGENDA SUPPLEMENT

Can you tell us anything about the board meetings?

Haha…obviously the content is confidential but I can tell you that we talk about all the exciting things like budgets for new players, presentation by the manager etc and the down to earth business of changing bulbs in the floodlights, health and safety reports… you can imagine.

How do Notts County compare with the other clubs you have been involved with?

It’s difficult to make a direct comparison with the likes of Manchester City, which is now a worldwide football group with a £bn’s turnover. Notts County is a far more enjoyable club to be involved with as a business partner. The staff there are incredibly friendly and the club is a really integral part of the community.

Your new UK based payroll group is their main sponsor?

Yes…Myself and the commercial director at Notts County put together a package that really works for my group and the club. We have front of shirt sponsorship, hospitality at all games, pitch side coverage, promotion of our business through the club. Although Notts County are two divisions below Manchester City this year has really been a step up for myself and my companies. The credibility that comes with being the club’s main sponsor is immense, we are taken far more seriously by our DO BUSINESS IN STYLE

recruitment partners in the UK. For me, to see our company logo so prominently gives me an unrivalled sense of personal pride and that goes right through the company. We are the only company in our industry to feature so prominently and that sense of achievement is a real feature of the culture of the business.

Without the awesome guys and girls in the office, none of this would have been possible.

Do you think sports partnerships can be a good thing for Isle of Man businesses?

Absolutely! It really is what you make out of it. The costs are not prohibitive.

It is a great way to raise the profile and credibility of your company (an important factor for offshore business).

It is a great way to meet and spend time with clients and partners. There are so many sports that you can get involved with. If there are any business owners on the Island who would like to contact me to discuss how they could get into partnership with a professional sports business then please do on 07624 212799 or at nathan@bestgroup.co.uk.

I would be happy to talk to you about how to get started and importantly how to measure the return on investment. I may even consider the right non-exec position in order to assist over the longer term.

Nathan Cafaero - Owner of PayGroup Plc

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THE WORKPLACE WORDS

LES ABLE

What a man should know about tucking in his shirt and just when to tie that knot!

Ties, once in double knots as their popularity waned in the wake of a more dressed down look with open necked shirts, are enjoying something of a comeback in popularity as fashion conscious younger men are opting for slimmer ties to wear with suits and jackets.

“The tie is definitely not dead as an all important accessory,” declares Charlie Turner, a director of menswear shop Garrey Corneil in Douglas “Ties, like the open necked shirt, have their place and certainly when I go out of an evening socially or to a function I wear a tie but not if I’m just going out for a drink,” says 41-year-old Charlie.

“What we are now seeing is a growing demand for the slimmer ties so the result is that sales of what might be described as the traditional, wider tie are perhaps down a bit but there is little doubt that the tie is enjoying a revival after being in the doldrums for a year or so,” he says.

He agrees that there is a more relaxed attitude in many offices to men opting not to wear ties but believes the tie still has its place in banks and financial institutions with customers and clients still expecting to see the likes of their bank manager or advocate wearing a tie.

“There are now fewer places that require a tie but wearing one makes you aware that you are somewhere which has certain standards and you also know how to behave accordingly, Tradition has a lot to do with it but the demise of the tie is definitely not on the horizon.”

Research in the tie industry has shown that TV series ‘Mad Men’ set in a US advertising agency and actor/singer Justin Timberlake helped spark sales of ‘skinny’ ties and slim suits among men in their 20s and early 30s. Today’s discerning man is often mixing ties with trendy cardigans and waistcoats and wearing one with a blazer which is making something of a 2015 comeback for the summer months ahead.

the viewer’s eyes downward and to a certain area of the male anatomy. There is no answer, however, to the question why some men continue to wear ugly ties with obnoxious sayings. No fashion conscious trend is ever likely to reach them.

Men, over the coming summer months, will be facing another major sartorial challenge – to tuck the shirt into the jeans or trousers or leave it untucked and hanging out, hoping it might disguise an expanding tummy. According to Dylan Jones, editor of men’s style bible GQ, men of a certain age who think untucking their shirt will make them look younger and hide that paunch are making a big mistake. “A man might think it will make him look thinner, but in fact he will look fatter,” he declares.

The whole debate on whether to tuck in or not was prompted by the appearance at an EU summit of new Greek finance minister Yanis Varoufakis. His blue shirt, worn without a tie and open necked, prompted shock, horror gasps from style etiquette experts in the male fashion industry; and, shockm horror, the Minister’s shirt wasn’t even tucked into his trousers.

Charlie Turner also takes an unequivocal stance on the subject. “If the shirt has tails and is long sleeved then always tuck it in, otherwise it just looks plain scruffy and maybe hiding something waistline wise,” he declares. “It looks even worse if the shirt tails are hanging below a smart casual jacket.”

A more relaxed approach is, however, taken by Rob Green, a director of Douglas menswear shop Esquires.

“Wear what you are comfortable with,” he says. “We have a loyal customer base with a broad range of ages and some 90 per cent wouldn’t tuck in their shirts because those we sell are designed to be worn with jeans or chinos. They will often be worn with smart jackets which are becoming increasingly popular among younger men on a night out.”

He adds: “Not so long ago T-shirts were taboo when trying to get into clubs but now, with a jacket, are perfectly acceptable and increasingly popular. We are, however, talking about smart, well designed T-shirts from the traditional British brands which we stock and are designed to be worn untucked.”

SO WHEN SHOULD YOU UNTUCK Shirts made with a flat bottom hem are meant to be worn untucked. If the shirt has visible ‘tails’ – rather than being even all the way around – it should always be tucked. Wearing a shirt with tails untucked is not a forbidden look but, according to the etiquette experts, is a juvenile one. The suggestion being that it makes the wearer look like a teen rebel at a grown up wedding or, if under a jacket, looking like he is trying too hard to be stylishly rumpled.

TRADITIONAL TUCK Always smooth down the front of the shirt first to make sure you have a flat smooth line then smooth it down at the back to get rid of any bunched-up material. Then gently pull up the jeans or trousers. As for T-shirts, whether to tuck or not, depends on the shirt, the belt and the trousers/ jeans. In general, advices the website The Art of Manliness, don’t tuck in the T-shirt unless it’s a deliberate style statement.

BECKHAM HALF TUCK This style statement where one half of the front of the shirt is tucked and one left hanging out is perhaps one only the super handsome footballer can carry off. Anyone trying to mimic it over the age of 25 is not only sad but guaranteed to look decidedly foolish.

UNDERWEAR TUCK It may not be sexy and carries the risk of your underwear riding up over jeans/ trouser waistband but tucking your shirt into your boxer shorts does have its uses in order to keep a smooth line.

In fact, some men’s underwear is now designed with adhesive grips around the waistband to stop the shirt above looking blousy and bunched up. Many style expects say it should only be used wearing a T-shirt underneath an outer shirt to avoid an unflattering Michelin man look.

The tie, according to some pundits, is really a phallic symbol with the point directing

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THE AGENDA SUPPLEMENT

“The tie, according to some pundits, is really a phallic symbol with the point directing the viewer’s eyes downward and to a certain area of the male anatomy”

DO BUSINESS IN STYLE

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FRESH START

WORDS

CLARE BOWIE

Need a fresh start?

1.

2.

The dreaded “Sunday night feeling” starts at about 11.30am on Saturday morning. Only a mere 5.5 days until TGI Friday again, sigh.

When you hear the song “Let it go” you don’t think it’s a metaphor for coming out or a feminist anthem, you believe it is telling you to sack off your rubbish job.

3.

You spend far too much time day dreaming about ways that your boss might get injured or ill and who knows, maybe the company will go belly up and you’ll have to take redundancy pay (manna!).

4.

In meetings you look very busy, jotting down notes (shopping list) and have perfected the old yawning through the nose trick but you are actually in your happy place, deep inside your head, gently rocking yourself in a foetal position.

5.

6.

7.

8.

You really do deserve an Oscar; sometimes you are sooo good at that fake smiling and air of compliance it shocks you to your very core.

Actually maybe it’s not too late to retrain, you could become an actor, a taxi driver, a street sweeper, ANYTHING, just get me outta here!

You would even consider doing a Tim Robbins escape route journey from Shawshank, if it meant escaping this hell! Not to be dramatic or anything.

You check your emails on average 10 times a minute just in case a recruitment consultant in a shiny suit has found a perfect job for you. You have your strengths and weaknesses (that aren’t really weaknesses).

9.

Your favourite daydream is printing off that letter of resignation you wrote weeks ago and signing on the dotted line of your new contract. It keeps you strong when your boss casually asks tells you to work through your lunch, dinner and weekend AGAIN!

10.

11 signs it’s time 11. for a new job...

You lurch from week to week as anxiety slowly gnaws away at your soul. What is this work/ life balance that people speak of?

Your friends have to prise the gin from your hands as you embark on another boss hating tirade; they dread the latest soliloquy, where you recount the story of the time your boss re-formatted your paragraphs! His audacity knows no bounds.

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THE AGENDA SUPPLEMENT

MOVERS & SHAKERS

CANACCORD GENUITY WEALTH MANAGEMENT APPOINTS NEW PORTFOLIO MANAGER IN THE ISLE OF MAN

Richard Batty brings close to a decade of experience to his role, advising clients on global investment opportunities and providing investment solutions tailored to their individual financial goals. At Canaccord Genuity Wealth Management, he will be responsible for the discretionary management of a diverse range of client portfolios.

Richard will also be a member of the fund selection committee, utilizing his extensive industry insight to help shape the firm’s broader investment decisionmaking process.

Richard is a Chartered Wealth Manager and a Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment.

TREVOR IS ON BOARD

Optimus Fiduciaries Limited are pleased to invite Trevor Kirk onto the board as Non-Executive Director.

Trevor joins Optimus with over 28 years’ experience at Lloyds Bank where he served on the board of Blackhorse Offshore and as Trustee Director on the board of Lloyds TSB Offshore Pension Scheme.

Trevor is a qualified Director, holding a Diploma in Business Direction from the Institute of Directors and also serves as a trustee on the board of The Diana Princess of Wales Care at Home Trust.

DO BUSINESS IN STYLE

EQUIOM APPOINTS ROSIE ROWLANDS AS SENIOR BUSINESS ANALYST

Rosie will join the Integration and Change team at the Group’s Isle of Man office. She will be responsible for identifying, translating and simplifying requirements within Equiom’s individual business units and ensuring that all staff are fully trained in Equiom’s in-house systems. She will play a key role in the integration process for new businesses; analysing requirements and identifying different processes to bring them into Equiom’s existing systems.

Equiom Group has expanded significantly over recent months following several multi-jurisdictional acquisitions, the most recent being Ardel Trust Company (Guernsey) Limited.

THOMAS MILLER INVESTMENT APPOINTS HEAD OF INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Thomas Miller Investment, a member of the 129 year old Thomas Miller Group of companies, has appointed Laythamm Malorey as Head of International Business Development to help drive the growth of Thomas Miller Investment’s offshore business, based in the Isle of Man. Laythamm previously worked at Barclays Wealth & Investment Management where he was a Director responsible for Treasury and Brokerage Sales across Jersey, Guernsey and Isle of Man, having joined the firm in April 2007. Laythamm has more than 30 years experience in financial services, and has worked in a variety of sales and front office roles.

APPLEBY LAWYER ALICIA CAIN ADMITTED TO MANX BAR

Appleby lawyer Alicia Cain has been formally admitted to the Manx Bar following a ceremony at the Isle of Man Courts of Justice.

Alicia, who is already qualified as a solicitor of England & Wales, joined Appleby’s Isle of Man office in September 2013. She sat and passed the Manx Bar exams last May and following the completion of a two-year Period of Articles, she was formally admitted to the Bar by Deemster Doyle, First Deemster and Clerk of the Rolls.

During the ceremony at the Courts of Justice, Alicia swore the Advocates’ Oath and the Oath of Allegiance in front of an audience which included her family and friends.

NEW AFRICA DISTRIBUTION APPOINTMENT

Gavin McIntosh has been appointed Head of Distribution, International Personal Banking, Rest of Africa for Standard Bank.

The role will be critical in developing and growing the International Personal Banking distribution channels across Africa, leveraging the Stanbic Africa network and at the same time creating a differentiated value proposition thereby adding value to customers and stakeholders.

Gavin is married and in his spare time enjoys reading, sport and walking their two dogs.

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

APPLEBY ANNOUNCES PROMOTIONS IN ISLE OF MAN OFFICE

Kyle Sutherland has been appointed Partner with the global law firm while Tim Swift has been promoted to Counsel.

Kyle joined the Appleby Isle of Man Corporate group in August 2010. He is qualified to advise on both the laws of the BVI and Isle of Man, and specialises in a broad range of corporate and commercial disciplines in those jurisdictions, ranging from joint venture work, restructurings, mergers and acquisitions, asset finance transactions, private placement and listing work.

Tim is a member of the Dispute Resolution group in the Isle of Man. He is a former English Deputy District Judge, an English Solicitor, a Manx Advocate and Commissioner for Oaths with 31 years’ experience in all forms of Civil and Commercial Litigation, having acted for private, commercial, insurance and union clients. Although experienced in a broad range of Civil Disputes, he specialises in Personal Injury, Professional Negligence and Professional Conduct cases. He also acts in various Trust and Probate claims and Commercial disputes.

Tim, who joined Appleby in April 2010, regularly appears on behalf of clients in the Manx Courts and Tribunals, and frequently represents clients in Mediations.

JOBS SUCCESS FOR ENGINEERING STUDENTS

The first group of students to complete the Foundation Apprenticeship in Engineering at the Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre (AMTC) have all been given offers of employment with local manufacturing firms.

The 12 students, who started the course in September 2013, were interviewed during the Engineering and Manufacturing Careers event on March 11th. Four manufacturers – Kiartys, RLC Ronaldsway, Swagelok and Triumph Actuation Systems - have now concluded their recruitment process and offers conditional upon satisfactory completion of the course have been made.

The students will join the companies as apprentices this summer and will continue their training for up to 12 more months during which time they will be expected to attain NVQ level 3 and a certified completed apprenticeship.

From September 2014, the number of students taking the foundation course trebled to 36.

Applications are now open for the 2015 intake in September.

Contact Adrian Harrison on 07624 498769 or cloud-nine@ manx.net MAYOR-SELECT ‘PROUD AND HUMBLED’ TO BE NOMINATED

Councillor Sara Hackman has said she is ‘proud and humbled’ to have been nominated to serve as Mayor of Douglas for the forthcoming municipal year.

MANX MOTOR CYCLE CLUB APPOINTS COBURG COMMUNICATIONS TO PROMOTE IMGOLD MANX GRAND PRIX

“The ‘Manx’ holds a special place in the hearts of so many,” says MMCC Manager and Race Secretary, Caroline Etherington.

“The MMCC has always known that, and we want to make sure that the rest of the road-racing world does too.”

Coburg Communications Director Chris Holland is excited about the challenge: “When Caroline first approached me, I spent some time considering exactly why so many people love the IMGold Manx Grand Prix,” says Chris. “I soon realised that it’s the winning combination of high-octane racing and the warm-hearted welcome given to competitors and spectators alike which really does, as we say in the new strapline, get your heart racing. I am really looking forward to promoting the IMGold MGP and conveying that very special excitement.”

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The Douglas mother of two and reconciliations administrator with Hansard International was elected to Douglas Borough Council in 2008, since when she has served on the former environmental Improvements, where she was vice-chairman, and housing and property committees.

She has ‘a passion’ for protecting the environment and a strong sense of community, which saw her become a member of the Douglas Britain in Bloom working group. ‘That was a campaign I thoroughly enjoyed being involved with,’ she said, ‘so I was delighted when Douglas won the RHS Britain in Bloom Young People’s award as well as a silver gilt medal in the 2010 competition.’

She is also an active member of Ballakermeen High School’s parent teacher association and of the Mannanan Lions Club.

She has already had a taste of what her civic role will entail, having served as mayoress to Councillor Carol Malarkey throughout most of the 2013-2014 municipal year and as deputy mayor in the 2012-2013 municipal year.

THE AGENDA SUPPLEMENT

UPFRONT

HARDWARE

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ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

HARDWARE

Sure supports local TT hopeful Dan Kneen

PHOTO | Jon Jessop Photography

Dan Kneen got his 2015 season off to a flying start at Donington Park on Easter Monday when he took a brilliant eighth place in the opening round of the Pirelli National Superstock 1000cc Championship.

Sure Isle of Man has strengthened its relationship with the TT by providing support to local rider Dan Kneen.

The telecoms company had agreed to sponsor Kneen prior to the Manxman losing his ride just four months before the beginning of the TT and will continue to support him now that he has a new team.

Kneen was recently signed up by the Valvoline Padgett’s team and is optimistic that the upcoming TT series could be his best one yet.

He said: “Signing up to Valvoline Padgett’s is a brilliant opportunity in my racing career and I believe that they can help me to realise my potential and achieve great things.

“Things were a bit touch-and-go when I was left without a ride but I’m grateful that local sponsors like Sure stood by me and supported me throughout that time.

“I’m really excited for the season ahead and hope that it marks the start of a successful relationship with my new team.”

Sure already sponsors the sidecar races and has a long-standing relationship with renowned British professional motorcycle racer Michael Rutter and felt that this year was the time to support a local rider as well.

Sarah Jarvis, marketing manager at Sure Isle of Man pictured with Dan, above said: “We wanted to give something back to the Isle of Man and what could be more fitting than supporting one of our very own in the worldfamous TT? “We were as surprised as anyone when Dan was suddenly left without a ride but knew that it wouldn’t be long before someone with his talent was picked up again.

“We wish Dan all the very best with his new team and know that he’ll do the Island proud in the TT races later this year.”

Sure have also agreed to support Locals Karl Bennett and Lee Cain’s entry to the sidecar events at the 2015 TT series. Read the full story in the June issue of Gallery.

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DAN KNEEN VALVOLINE RACING

BY PADGETTS HONDA When did you start racing bikes Dan? 2006 was my first circuit race in Jurby. My dad and uncles used to race so I have been around it all my life and started with racing off-road bikes… but this is something I always wanted to do. Once I started I just couldn’t stop – it’s grown and grown, I didn’t set out to race in the TT but I wanted to try circuit racing and it went from there!

What’s your favourite thing about racing in the Isle of Man? Well…it’s home, I guess! Plus it’s the biggest road race in the world, and the most iconic of all the motorcycle races – just amazing to be able to do what I love in the place I love. The feeling you get when you’re waiting on the start line on Glencrutchery Road is like nowhere else – amazing butterflies!

What’s the best part of the Isle of Man TT circuit?

I enjoy it all… but my favourite corner is Westwood on the run up to Kirk Michael. It’s a really different corner – fast – but the feeling when you go through it is amazing. Lots of forces on your body, the compression on entry and the rise on the corner…then when you get through it and on to the straight it feels incredible!

What’s your favourite thing about the Isle of Man in general?

It’s just so peaceful and laid back – sometimes when I am away, and things are noisy and fastpaced, I just can’t wait to get back home. Obviously all my family and friends are here – it’s where I belong.

What was your first mobile phone?

It was a Nokia bricky something… wasn’t everyone’s?!

What’s your dream race track?

It’s a difficult one… if they could turn the TT course into a short circuit that would be a really different experience. All short circuit races are such short laps, it would be great to give a circuit a bit more character like you get on the Isle of Man.

What’s your dream bike?

If I could have a go on anything it would be Marc Marquez’s Moto GP bike… not many people get to have a race on something like that. It’s the bike that won the World Championship, it’s a prototype – just nothing else like it out there. It’s the best of the best!

If you could have your perfect day off, how would you spend it?

If I could do anything, I would have the TT course empty and just for my use; I would go out on my dream bike with a bunch of mates and just have fun! I’d have a barbecue in the evening sunshine and a few pints of Guinness…!

What are you most looking forward to about the TT this year?

Having the opportunity of riding for a top team and being given the chance to concentrate on getting some great results… I have 100% confidence in the new team and I am just so happy to have this opportunity. Being team mates with Bruce Anstey and Cameron Donald will be amazing; hopefully it will be great for the Isle of Man supporters to have a local boy racing with those legends.

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PHOTO | Paul Marriott

Signing up to Valvoline Padgettâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s is a brilliant opportunity in my racing career and I believe that they can help me to realise my potential and achieve great things.

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Manx School of Motoring Pass easier with MSM… and in a NEW MINI

D

riving instructors Craig and Lisa Hodgson’s abiding love affair with the MINI stretches back to 2002 when their Douglasbased driving school MSM acquired the new shape Mini Coopers as great tuition vehicles for their business.

“The first ones were bright yellow but when production in that colour ceased we switched to red and white,” he recalls.

Since 2002 MSM has bought some 30 Mini’s, all of them from MINI dealer Buchanan, based at the Business Park in Douglas. Craig & Lisa have now taking delivery of two new five-door MINI Cooper hatchbacks in Moonwalk Grey.

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“They are a cool, funky looking car both inside and out but with great fuel economy and a low vehicle tax bracket,” says 46-year-old Craig. “Feedback from our students say they not only love to drive the MINI but they also love to be seen in them. Importantly, they also find them a comfortable, easy car to drive when learning. It is a car with excellent all round safety features, this is a priority when it comes to the safety of our students.

“We have tried various other makes of vehicle over the past few years, but nothing has come close to the high quality and build of the MINI. We have also found

that it has always been the better vehicle for retaining good value when it has been time to either trade them in or sell them on. We have also always had an excellent relationship with Buchanan BMW and the staff there have given us great support over the years.”

When he qualified 25 years ago, Craig was the youngest Government qualified instructor on the Isle of Man. He followed in the footsteps of his father Trevor, who formed A & T Hodgson as an independent driving instructor 30 years ago. To make it a family affair, Lisa became a qualified Instructor in 2004. The business started trading as MSM in 2002.

“Learning to drive is a lot more complex than what it was when I learnt to drive at ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

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Simon Skillan from Buchanan BMW & MINI commented: It has been our pleasure to work with Craig & Lisa at MSM over the past 10 years and we are very pleased that they have chosen to use MINI’s as their driving instruction vehicles. For us as a business to get new drivers introduced to our brand when they first learn to drive is a great opportunity.

The MINI has always a great car to chose to promote your business as it has such a wide appeal.

We sell MINI’s to Men, Women, Young drivers, OAP’s and corporate clients. You can drive a New MINI from only £199 per month. If you think of it as a mobile advert for your business this cost is very good value compared to more traditional styles of marketing plus you have a great car to drive as well.

The New MINI 5Dr hatch which Craig has chosen to use has only just been launched but has already proved extremely popular with our customers. It still retains the DNA of the 1959 original however this is now fused with 21 century BMW build quality and technology.

16, roads are busier and cars are a lot more hi-tech,” declares Craig, who emphasises the importance of teenagers in particular learning to drive with qualified instructors.

He is an Institute of Advanced Motorists Advanced Driver and has attained the highest grade as a driving instructor.

up-to-date modern driving techniques.

Benefits of learning with MSM include mock driving tests, favourable insurance quotes for new or young drivers from a leading insurance company, theory and hazard perception training and student progress reports.

Craig and Lisa, have taught a considerable amount of people to drive since they became instructors and Craig adds:

All MSM customers will receive a £500 voucher to be used against any new or used car purchased from Buchanan BMW & MINI dealership.

“We don’t just teach people how to pass a driving test, we teach them to be a safe driver for life as they are learning a life-long skill.”

Students learning to drive with MSM are not only getting personal and friendly tuition, they are also being taught with BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

If you would like to contact MSM to book driving lessons or would simply like to gain further experience on your existing driving skills, please call Lisa at MSM on 667766 or mobile 414243, email: office@msm.im www.msm.im

As Craig has mentioned we offer all students of MSM a £500 voucher towards the purchase of any new or pre-owned BMW or MINI from Buchanan BMW & MINI. We see this as a very fair reward for the goodwill that Craig and Lisa have shown us over the past 10 years. Here’s to another 10 years of successful association between Buchanan and MSM.

www.buchananbmw.co.uk

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WHEELS & DEALS

MOTORING NEWS

J

THE ORGANISERS OF GOODWOOD’S POPULAR FESTIVAL OF SPEED HAVE ANNOUNCED THAT THE MEETING WILL BE HELD ON JUNE 25-28.

aguar recently revealed the second generation of its sporting XF saloon at a special preview event at the New York Motor Show.

At the VIP event attended

by Emmy-nominated actress Christina Hendricks, supermodel David Gandy and supermodel-turned-TV presenter Jodie Kidd, Jaguar pulled the wraps off the updated saloon which features a new exterior, a high-tech cabin and updated mechanicals.

On the outside, the XF offers an evolutionary design and shares some features with its smaller stablemate the XE. Shorter in overall length, but with a longer wheelbase, the XF retains its athletic and sporting looks, while offering improvements in cabin space and luggage capacity at the same time.

Inside the all-new cabin has a sophisticated TFT display for both the instrument cluster and the touchscreen system,

and Jaguar is promising a much-advanced system providing seamless connection with mobile devices, intelligent apps and the ability to configure the system to the driver’s requirements. It also keeps the trademark rotating air vents and rotary gear selector.

Underneath the skin, the XF benefits from a similar suspension set-up to the impressive F-Type, and improvements in the use of aluminium and magnesium in the chassis help to save weight over the outgoing model by as much as 190kg. A revised engine line-up includes two petrol and two diesel engines, including the headlinegrabbing Ingenium diesel offering the potential for 71mpg and 104g/km of CO2.

On sale later this year, prices are expected to start from approximately £32,000.

Land Rover has unveiled its new rangetopping model, the Range Rover SVAutobiography, ahead of its debut at the New York Motor Show.

Presented alongside the new Jaguar XF with a star-studded audience, the SVAutobiography is the most expensive and exclusive model to be produced by the manufacturer, with prices starting at £148,900.

The most striking change is the ‘duo-tone’ paintwork as standard, with the upper half remaining metallic black and a customer choice for the lower half. 22 inch light chrome wheels are also fitted.

Inside, there are upgraded cabin materials, with finer leather, carpets and an increased use of aluminium. The rear seats have

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EVENTS

electrically operated tables and in the boot there is the option of two ‘event’ seats, which fold out and allow the occupants a comfortable view outwards when the car is parked. Under the bonnet it can be specified with the 542bhp supercharged V8 engine found in the Range Rover Sport SVR. On sale in the summer, it is available in standard and long-wheelbase forms, with the most expensive long-wheelbase supercharged V8 version expected to wear a price tag close to £200,000.

Also, as is customary, the event’s theme has been revealed.

2015 will see ‘Flat-Out and Fearless: Racing on the Edge’ pay tribute to the drivers and constructors throughout history that threw caution to the wind in pursuit of victory.

Another cornerstone of the Festival of Speed, the Gerry Judah-designed Central Feature, will honour Mazda’s contribution to motoring and motor sport in the year in which the all-new version of the world’s bestselling sportscar, the MX-5, will be launched.

Other highlights announced will include: * MotoGP superstar Valentino Rossi making his Goodwood debut on a Yamaha GP race bike to celebrate 60 years of Yamaha Motor Company; * Five current Formula 1 teams, including World Champion constructor Mercedes, to appear in a revamped F1 Paddock presented by Sky Sports F1; * The largest ever US representation including Nascar’s Richard ‘The King’ Petty and a Goodwood debut for drag racing’s godfather Don Garlits; *Derek Bell’s incredible career marked with a special class of at least 12 cars, including his first Le Mans winner, a Mirage GR8.

The Festival will also feature regulars such as the increasingly popular Moving Motor Show, Michelin Supercar Run, aerial displays, Forest Rally Stage, the timed run up the hill and a Bonhams auction.

THE MAY IMGOLD MANX NATIONAL RALLY

The Manx National Rally is open to both National “A” & National “B” Licenced Competitors. This year’s event will be spread over two compact days. Friday 8th will see scrutineering during the day and crews will also have the opportunity to use the shakedown stage in the afternoon. The first stage will start just after 18.00 with a further 4 stages being run with the last 2 being run in darkness. Saturday 9th will see the first cars leave Douglas just after 9 am with a further 7 stages giving a total stage mileage of 125 (200km) (approx).

National Rally action on the fastest stage miles in Europe.

See www.manxmotorsport.org for route maps.

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A POWERFUL NEW PARTNERSHIP FOR THE ISLAND Mylchreests has added to its impressive portfolio of franchises by becoming the Island’s exclusive official Vauxhall Retailer.

The 112 year old British brand joins Jaguar, Land Rover, Mitsubishi and MG at the company’s sales and service complex.

Now there’s a powerful new partnership...

David Mylchreest describes Vauxhall as the perfect fit.

“There’s virtually no overlap and we plan a dedicated Vauxhall showroom here at Millmount”.

Mylchreests will handle everything to do with the brand in the Island...

New and used car and commercial vehicle sales, financing, servicing, repairs, parts and Motability, with Vauxhall trained technicians already in place.

David adds “Vauxhall’s huge success in today’s ultracompetitive marketplace, is based on technological innovation and enhancing the customer experience. Having the nation’s best dealer network is crucial to the strategy.

That’s why the appointment is so specially gratifying to the Mylchreests team”.

Vauxhall’s role with the TT as official commercial vehicle partner is likely to be boosted too, thanks to Mylchreests long and enthusiastic support for the event.

For more information contact David Mylchreest on 623481.

Now for the A to Z of Vauxhall, it has to be Mylchreests.

Our Millmount site is now the place to see and drive the superlative 2015 range of cars and commercial vehicles.

As the new, a exclusive franchised dealership, we bring new standards of service and satisfaction to Island customers.

Wider choice, unbeatable value sales and servicing, flexible finance and more…

Everything you'd expect from a partnership including the most respected name in Manx motoring, and the brand that's leaving the others standing.

Mylchreests GROUP

P ow e r f u l Pa rt N e r s h i P s Millmount New Castletown road Douglas isle of Man iM2 1he telephone 01624 623481 facsimile 01624 661257 e-mail mail@mylchreests.com www.mylchreests.com BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

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GADGETS

I recently turned 20. Some of our readers may look at that and gasp at the fact that 1) they’re giving such a young upstart the gargantuan responsibility of the Gadgets section, and 2) that I and most of my peers now consider ourselves old.

Every day that we wake is another step over the threshold that took us closer to 40 than it did to birth. However, it’s not all doom, gloom and wrinkles! Yes, we’re growing ever closer to the end. Yes, our bones have started to ache and we wake up at ludicrous hours in the night to use the toilet, and yes, we’ve started looking on the young and judging them with soul-crushing glares. But the biggest advantage to a 20-year-old mid-life crisis is that you retain a certain youthful glow, a freshness if you will. For those who are reading this with a nostalgic glaze over their eyes as they tamper with those stubborn crow’s feet, there is always the world of technology. This month, we’re looking at gadgets to help you maintain that fresh look and feeling. That’s right; forget exercise, diet and healthy living (please don’t), now you can use electronics to get rid of all imperfections. It may not stop you feeling 40, but you certainly won’t be reminded of the fact that time is catching you when you look in the mirror.

D’ARSONVAL HIGH FREQUENCY PORTABLE DEVICE A massage is a lovely experience. Going to a spa, getting professionals to use all the necessary products on aching muscles and taking advantage of every single one of the amenities offered, including the complimentary soap that actually smells foul, but at the end of the day is still free. It’s the perfect day out, with a plethora of benefits like soft skin, smoothed muscle knots and if you play your cards right and are willing to do some sneaking, a new mint white bathrobe.

However, trying to recreate the experience at home or in public is either incredibly disappointing or incredibly illegal. Luckily for us, D’arsonval have found a way to make all the benefits of a facial massage available to us whenever we want (not actually all the benefits, you’ll never quite get the experience of a masseuse from a machine).

With the high frequency portable massage device, your skin can be, as one reviewer called it, “smooth as an iPad” whenever and wherever you want. Once more, fair warning should be given that if

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you do this in public, not matter how good and shiny your skin looks, you will not be able to avoid the shame that comes from the looks of strangers who actually feel sorry for you.

For the modest price of $139.00 (£92.96), you can get this gadget that basically does the same thing as holding your phone on your cheek from Amazon. This month is really making me realize that beauty gadgets are all a bit…unoriginal?

FACIAL-FLEX FACIAL EXERCISE SYSTEM Be calm. Whilst the word “exercise” may conjure images of sweat, blood, tears and iron, this little device by Facial-Flex can help tone your muscles without the need for 20kg plates or precarious treadmills. To (reportedly) combat a sagging neck, jowls, lines around the mouth and nose and even eye wrinkles, all you need to do is clip this exceedingly simply designed gadget into the corners of your mouth and flex those cheek muscles that lie deep beneath that extra skin on your cheeks. It may be quite a stretch to call this a “gadget”, as it’s really just two clips and a rubber band, but people online seem to swear by its efficacy. There also needs to be some pre-warning that, just because you’re willing to look like you’re trying to chew your own cheeks off for an hour a day, you’re not going to look like David Gandy. There’s a certain element of genetics and/or drug use that may limit your success in building facial muscles, but you can guarantee that you’ll be the only person in the gym with the tenacity to work them.

What you think that makes you as a person is on you.

Whilst you can get these online at www.facialflex.com, I’d personally advise that, if you do get the urge to work on your facial muscles, you save your money and time and just make one of these yourself. It doesn’t look any more complicated than a few copper wires and an elastic band.

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NEW SPA MICRONEEDLE SKIN CARE SYSTEM The perfect way to describe this product straight off the bat is the opening line of the review on InventorSpot: “if you don’t mind piercing your skin repeatedly with a bunch of little needles then the New Spa Microneedle Skin Care System might be for you”. I couldn’t have said it better myself, and usually I like to pride myself on that very skill. In theory, this product pierces tiny holes in your skin in order to produce more collagen, thus improving the plumpness, elasticity and, luckily, scar reduction. It also allows anti-aging creams to get into the skin and be more affective. Now, in this review, I feel like it’s more pertinent for me to focus on the lunacy that it requires for a person to buy this rather than the gadget itself.

At what point in one’s life does it become a logically sound decision to buy something that, without trying to hide its intentions at all, repeatedly stabs you in the face in order to make your skin better?

I may be deep in the tumult of an early-mid-life crisis, but I can safely say that, no matter how many lines and wrinkles appear on my visage, stabbing at them will never be my solution, and really, with the number of anti-aging creams and powders on the market today, it seems like there is no real justification for what could be easily misconstrued as an archaic torture. I’m not sure why you’d want to, but you can get these online for roughly £16.

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HEALTH GADGETS MUSE HEADBAND This brain-sensing headband the Muse, which was born out of a popular Indiegogo campaign, works with a series of calming exercises that are supposed to chill you out in a few minutes yet give you the effects of a nearly 30-minute yoga session.

The Muse syncs with an app and focuses on training your breathing, so you can unwind from anywhere, from the office to an airplane. And it actually works: we felt the results after just one three-minute session.

Price $300 (£200) www.gymwatch.com

SHOEPOUCH FOR FITNESS TRACKERS This shoe pouch from tech accessory company Griffin fits small fitness trackers like the Misfit Shine. The shoe pouch straps on to shoelaces and lets you track your runs, without wearing a clunky wristband device. www.griffintechnology.com Price $14.99 (£9)

NUFACE TRINITY FACIAL TONING DEVICE Apart from looking like an art school student’s electric razor, this little gadget’s title does not leave much to the imagination in terms of its function. Much like the critically-acclaimed ab belts that were advertised using people that had clearly been in the gym their entire lives, the Trinity Facial Toning Device uses small microcurrents to stimulate the muscles in your face, supposedly giving you a more defined look by toning the muscles. However, much like the small needles stabbing you in order to open up your skin, electrocution sounds like it might be a step too far in the search for the perfect, youthful face. If freshness now means that I need to use what looks like the world’s oddest marital aid on my poor jaw, I think it’s more than justified that doctors and experts suggest that we stick to the old methods: diet and exercise.

At $365 from online stores, it seems like the dream of electrically stimulated muscles is reserved for those with too much money for a gym membership.

My advice? Strip some wires from the mains in your house and see if that works. I mean surely the higher the voltage, the bigger the effect, no?

BECAUSE QUALITY QUALITY MATTERS MATTERS BECAUSE

JUNE BRACLET The June bracelet from Netatmo, known for its personal weather station monitors -- measures the sun's impact. The jewel on the wristband syncs with an iOS device and alerts users when the skin has had too much exposure to the sun. It also monitors UV intensity, tracks daily habits and advises women how to better take care of their skin. www.junebynetatmo.com Price $99 (£66)

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Pebble Smart Stick Charger - £19.99 Don’t allow your smartphone to run out of battery ever again.

If you're not in the middle of an intriguing WhatsApp conversation or replying to a flurry of work emails, you may be maintaining your impulsive online habits when suddenly, your phone dies of battery.

Thankfully, with the Pebble Smart Stick Charger you’ll always have a backup charge wherever you are. No bigger than a packet of polos, the charger (available in black, white, pink and purple) can be conveniently carried with you everywhere you go - day and night – either inside of its protective pouch or attached to the accompanying carabina.

Featuring five different adaptor tips for use with the most popular mobile devices, the Pebble Smart Stick is able to provide a full charge on your smartphone with juice to spare!

FitBit Charge -£99.99

Energise your day with the FitBit Charge, an advanced wristband that tracks your steps taken, distance travelled, calories burned, floors climbed and more, all whilst staying connected throughout with real-time fitness stats, time of day and the option to see incoming call notifications right on your wrist. And as each day comes to an end, automatically monitor your sleep and set yourself a silent, vibrating alarm- a far more welcoming prompt to wake up!

Whether you’re at the office or on the go, Charge has all the features you need to create an experience you’ll love. In addition to being water resistant up to 10 meters, FitBit Charge wirelessly syncs your stats to your smartphone and computer helping you to find the motivation you need to achieve your fitness, weight and activity goals.

Available from Manx Telecom.

FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO : WWW.MANXTELECOM.COM/SHOP CALL: 624624 OR POP INTO THE STORE IN STRAND ST. BEST PRICES GUARANTEED BY MANX TELECOM PRICE MATCH PROMISE

Looks, Camera…Action!

The stunning HTC One M9 continues HTC’s impressive tradition of creating powerful devices that don’t just work well but look incredible at the same time.

When describing the M9, it’s impossible not to start with the sleek, ergonomically designed all-metal body. The elegantly tapered edges and seamless build give it a luxury look that is superbly reinforced by a quality feel in the palm of your hand.

Looks, however, aren’t everything…and HTC have made sure that the M9 has all the features you need to live your life to the full.

The 20 Megapixel camera leaves the competition standing. Not only does it create crystal clear, vibrant images but it is protected behind a scratch-resistant sapphire cover and comes with software that enables you to create split captures, take voice selfies, apply live makeup and much more. You can also use the Zoe app to combine your photos and videos with your friends’ to create footage from multiple points of view.

You can put your photos to good use with the HTC Theme app which creates truly individual wallpapers and icons that will only enhance the look of your stunning HTC One M9.

The HTC One M9 will be available soon from the Sure stores in Douglas, Ramsey and Port Erin.

Available from Sure, please check in store or online for pricing.

COME AND VISIT US IN ONE OF THE ISLAND’S SURE STORES 35 STRAND STREET, DOUGLAS 4 ORCHARD WALK, PORT ERIN 10 PARLIAMENT STREET, RAMSEY

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DIRECTORY

AT YOUR SERVICE FULL COLOUR ANNUAL ADVERTISING FROM £49.00 PER MONTH CALL GALLERY ON 415096/249249

Langness No 19

No. 19 Langness is a cafe, bar, and grill offering breakfasts, fresh coffee, handmade cakes, lunches, and afternoon tea. Our menu changes daily and all food is prepared from scratch using the finest local Manx ingredients.

Opening times: 8:30am - 5:30pm Monday to Friday and on Sundays.

T: 07624 498006 E: no19@castletowngolflinks.com

The Greenhouse Company Ltd

• We have available the island’s largest selection of greenhouses in a choice of 10 colours with a manufacturers 10 year frame guarantee.

• We provide a complete service of supply and installation of Elite Greenhouses with free quotations and friendly advice.

• View our display greenhouses and pick up a free catalogue at Greeba Plant Centre.

T: 201333/877951 thegreenhousecompanyiom@gmail.com

The Greenhouse Company •

Warehouse Fitness

Warehouse Fitness offers top of the range cardio equipment; a wide range of strength training equipment including weights machines, dumbbells and barbells; a spin studio; up to 40 classes per week and a relaxing spa area ALL included in your membership and ALL in a unique LADIES ONLY setting.

Warehouse Fitness Diamond House, Westmoreland Road, Douglas

Manx Paving & Slate

We stock and supply natural stone paving in Granite, Slate, Limestone and Sandstone in a wide variety of colours, we also carry the full range of Tier Stone panels and our own pre cast concrete paving copings and walling.

View our display at our Derbyhaven premises.

Old farm Buildings Derbyhaven

T: 679419 E: info@warehousefitness.co.uk

T: 824211 E: manxpaving@manx.net www.manxpaving.com

The Lady Chauffeurs

The Wine Cellar

Luxury Long Wheel Base S-Class Mercedes | Executive Travel | Corporate Accounts | School Run | Accompanied Shopping | Wedding & Christenings | Heated Seats | Wi-Fi & TV | Police & Medical Checked | Discreet Intelligent Female Drivers

The Wine Cellar is a well established local business, set up 23 years ago in the same location as we are today. We are all passionate about wine and our aim is to have a wide range of good quality wines that offer good value at every price point.

07624 235577

THE RED CARPET TREATMENT EVERY TIME

www.theladychauffeurs.com

The Wine Cellar Tennis Road, Douglas IM2 3QW T: 611793 E: sales@thewinecellar.im

Get your business included in 2015 From just £49.00 per month We’re a big believer in effective ‘reminder’ advertising at Gallery. For a small business, a whole year of communication means that customers have your details at all times.

corporate presentation or to present individual brands stocked by your business. We’ll be trying to gather places that sell the nicest bits, bobs, stuff and desirable items for the home and office.

AT YOUR SERVICE is designed to allow advertisers a low cost, long term communication solution. It can be used to show an individual

So we thought we’d give select businesses the ability to tell our readers all about their services in our monthly Gallery AT YOUR SERVICE page.

Get included, call us on: 415096/249249 126

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Supermarine S2000

Ahead of the world famous International Isle of Man TT, Actor, Adventurer and Bremont Ambassador Charley Boorman will be joining Bremont’s Co Founder Nick English for an exclusive event at Wilkins Jewellers on 10th June from 6.30pm onwards. For more details please contact:

76 Strand St, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM1 2EW T: 01624 690 450 · E: gabrielle@wilkinsthejeweller.co.uk

Orville Wright taking first flight with brother Wilbur running alongside at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, 17 December 1903.

Image credit: WSU/planepix.com

A fEW SElECT pEOplE HAvE bEEN gIvEN pArT Of THE WOrlD’S fIrST AIrCrAfT. prESIDENTS, ASTrONAUTS AND ANyONE WITH A brEMONT WrIgHT flyEr. The bremont Wright flyer is a tribute to the Wright brothers’ famous aircraft. It’s remarkable to look at. but what makes it even more remarkable is that it features actual material from that very first aircraft. The watch also features another first: our first proprietary movement, the bWC/01.

The Wright flyer is available now in a limited edition. but it’s unlikely to be available for long.

76 Strand Street, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM1 2EW T: 01624 690450 · wilkinsthejeweller.co.uk