December 2016 | the REFLECTIVE issue

Isle of Man Premier Magazine | no. 60 | December 2016 | the [REFLECTIVE] issue

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

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UPFRONT

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Isle of Man Premier Magazine | no. 60 | December 2016 | the [REFLECTIVE] issue

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T

he beginning of the New Year is seen as a transition for many of us. It’s a time to step back from our life to reconsider where we’ve been and where we want to go. Some of us are naturally inclined towards reflection at this time. There may be a poignant awareness of the losses and struggles that occurred, as well as an appreciation of our good fortune in celebrating the start of yet another year.

It’s easy to jump quickly into our hopes for the future. We hope that the changing of the year’s digit will rescue us from past habits and holes that we have dug for ourselves. We dream of changes that will make us happier and healthier. We make a list of resolutions in the hope that our willpower will be strong enough to launch us into a new way of living.

But in moving from one year to the next, I suggest you pause. Pause to celebrate. Pause to reflect. Pause to take inventory. And pause to see what you can learn from this past year. Self-reflection is a powerful process. It’s strongly encouraged by many of the world’s great religious traditions and by some of the wisest of our ancestors ranging from Albert Schweitzer to Ben Franklin.

For most of us, self-reflection is a missing piece of our lives. We’re very busy. We’re tired. We look for rest through books, beds, television and the Internet. The idea of spending several hours or more in your living room, sitting quietly and reflecting on the past year, seems strange and a bit uncomfortable. But in the waning hours of the year, we have a wonderful opportunity to excavate our lives and reconsider what we wish to do with the time we have left.

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

As we finish up for 2016 I think it’s important to consider the bad but reflect on the good. A beautiful island, a strong community, fantastic facilities; an amazing lifestyle.

If we hold a mirror up to the Isle of Man, it looks pretty good. A lot better than a lot of other places. I think it’s important to remember that and take time to enjoy it. Go for a walk, breathe deep, turn off your phone. Live life in any way you like, but take time to smell the flowers.

Merry Christmas. See you in 2017.

SR

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UPFRONT

CONTENTS PICKS MAY CONTAIN SATIRE

UPFRONT

CULTURE

CULTURE

WORDS Grant Runyon ILLUSTRATION Will Bertram

Something of the national character, somewhat of the history of a people, much of its manners and customs, may be gleaned from its folklore.

If there’s one thing you can say about the last couple of years on this planet, it’s that there’s seldom been a dull moment. Writing in December 2017 it’s hard to imagine what people from the past would think if they were here today. I’m sure many of us remember thinking that 2016 was the craziest year on record, but with the benefit of hindsight the world was only getting warmed up.

Let’s take a look back at some of the events that have made 2017 so memorable.

2017 in politics (pt1): President Trump takes office

After a shock victory in the 2016 presidential elections, Donald Trump is inaugurated as the 45th President of the United States - the first orange American to assume the role.

At first the world breathes easy when he declines to attend meetings or announce any policies beyond ranting on Twitter. Instead Trump prioritises the redecoration of the White House in gold leaf and the removal of all paintings depicting non-Billionaire “loser” presidents. Security services easily distract The Donald by giving him a fake general’s uniform covered in medals and a tour of Area 51, meanwhile staff take the opportunity to install a giant red button that says “start Nuclear War!” - when pressed it floods the oval office with young women in bikinis and sleepy gas. By April Trump reveals a hand-picked team to run the most powerful nation in the world - including disgraced pharmaceutical boss Martin Shkreli, five virginal internet nazis, Steven Seagal, Vladimir Putin, the sexual assault bear from The Revenant and Piers Morgan.

Nevertheless no concrete policies are brought into force, because Trump denies his own election promises and arrests anybody who tries to quote him on them.

2017 in celebrity deaths: the grim reaper’s victory lap

David Attenborough dies (eaten by penguins). Paul McCartney dies (run over by a yellow submarine). Delia Smith and Nigella Lawson die (death by chocolate). The Queen of England dies (slipped on a corgi).

All remaining members of the original Star Wars cast die (after reading spoilers). Katie Hopkins stays alive (like a cockroach).

Stephen Fry dies (cuts himself on a quip).

Kanye West doesn’t die, but tries to start a breakaway nation and is imprisoned by President Trump’s Minister for Justice (Hulk Hogan). Peppa Pig dies (turned into artisan pulled pork). Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, Bill Clinton, Bernie Sanders and countless American journalists and intellectuals die (in completely non-suspicious circumstances).

2017 in culture: spoilers everywhere

In 2017 music, art and literature are thin on the ground, as nobody wants to become too beloved by the people and risk leaving the planet before their time. This allows the comprehensively unlovable Honey G from X Factor to ride to the top of the British charts, and for the immortal Taylor Swift to establish total daytime radio dominance, even if each of her successive boyfriends meets his end in

increasingly gruesome and implausible ways.

The Kardashian family remains sufficiently unpleasant to avoid the celebrity grim reaper, and strengthens its dynastic hold on the pages of supermarket tabloids by marrying some of its junior members into other celebrity families such as the Osbornes, the Jacksons and the Simpsons. Comics fans are entertained by eleven new movies from Marvel Studios, including fan favourites

SOPHIE MORRISON, PREFACE TO MANX PROVERBS AND SAYINGS, 1905

A mission to colonise Mars is founded by the owners of Amazon, Microsoft and Facebook, but is beset by problems because the rocket software tries to upgrade to Windows 11 and the engine readouts are hidden under inspirational quotes reposted by the astronauts’ mums. Also, nobody wants to pay extra for Amazon Prime so that the rocket will actually arrive on time.

The First Curator

“The pound stabilises at €0.6 and 0.75 Trumpdollars, based on strong demand for Britain’s remaining exports: Robinson’s Racially Insensitive Strawberry Jam and Adele records.” such as Beetle Teens, Dyslexic Muscle Scout and Space Accountant. Reflecting the spirit of the age, Game of Thrones finishes with a three-hour final episode that kills off every single character, even Ser Boring and Lady Boobsout, who are only onscreen for thirty seconds in season two.

2017 in politics (pt2): Britain has a bit of a tiff

In Europe, a Brexit deal is finally achieved when Britain agrees to surrender free movement, tariff-free trade and all inward EU investment in exchange for a passport with a picture of the Dad’s Army cast and a guarantee that the full English will always be available at cafes on the Costa del Sol. The pound stabilises at €0.6 and 0.75 Trumpdollars, based on strong demand for Britain’s remaining exports: Robinson’s Racially Insensitive Strawberry Jam and Adele records. Whilst the UK is distracted by bloody riots sparked by a lack of innuendo in the new version of The Great British Bakeoff, Nigel Farage appoints himself Lord Protector and suspends what is left of democracy. With Attenborough and Fry dead, it is announced that all nature documentaries must be narrated by Jeremy Clarkson or Janet Street-Porter. Britain riots again, smashes all its remaining nice things, and Farage is executed by Bill Oddie partisans.

2017 in technology: jack off

Despite unexpectedly bad sales of the iPhone 7, Apple decides to double down on its critics and release a new iPhone with no headphone jack, volume control or port for a charge cable. Headphones are surgically implanted directly into the user’s skull and the phone can only be re-energised by placing it on a special altar, which will not supply power if it detects insufficient loyalty to Apple products.

2017 in politics (pt3): China in your hands

In a new exhibition opening at the Manx Museum from Saturday 10th December, learn about her varied life and work from being a promoter of the Manx language and culture to her involvement in Manx politics and publishing – Sophia Morrison was a person who made things happen.

MANX FAIRY TALES, 1911

There was hardly an area of Manx culture that Sophia Morrison was not deeply and importantly involved in. Her passion and efforts led her to become incredibly influential in language, music, folklore, theatre, literature, cookery and even national dress.

Not just focussing on preserving the past, Sophia Morrison wanted to help modernise Manx culture and give it a vibrant future.

One of the key manifestations of her work came through her founding and editing of Mannin: Journal of Matters Past and Present relating to Mann, published between 1913 and her death in 1917. As well as being a focal point for the Manx cultural community, Mannin was an important place for Manx poets, short story writers and playwrights to have their work published.

Morrison was also of paramount importance to Manx theatre as she was directly responsible for bringing about the writing or production of many Manx dialect plays of the 1910s, a renowned period for Manx drama.

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Sophia Morrison is probably now most well-known for her storybook Manx Fairy Tales, but she did much more than collect Manx fairy stories. The daughter of a local grocer in Peel born in 1859, she was to become a major force in the Manx cultural revival.

There is at least one spot in the world where Fairies are still believed in… the little Island from which these stories come – Ellan Vannin, the Isle of Mann

By the middle of November, many people are claiming that 2017 is absolutely the worst year on record and that nothing worse can possibly happen. Humanity had shown itself to be unprepared for Zika’s ability to evolve into a zombie plague, for climate change to end the production of Innocent fruit smoothies or for the traditionally-reserved British people to strangle each other over a jar of Marmite. Once again, predictions were wrong, as President Trump manages to stumble on the genuine nuclear codes when searching online for an even younger wife. Within forty minutes a missile strike has been launched against China, who are in a position to retaliate immediately because Julian Assange gave them Trump’s wifi password (“BigDonald69”). Across both nations, anybody who hadn’t spend the last 11 months constructing a bunker is incinerated, with the exception of Taylor Swift. On the bright side, our careful neutrality in international matters allows our small Island community to eke out a continued existence. Who would have guessed that sea lettuce has anti-radioactive properties, or that our historic tolerance of country Parish mutants would help us adjust to citizens with three arms and psychic powers? Always look on the bright side of life - I hope you enjoy other Gallery features coming up, including a fashion shoot of charred rags and the best dented tins that can be exchanged for a kilo of seagull meat.

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ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

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22 FEATURE: Looking Back at 2017!

Sophia Morrison’s interests were not confined purely to language or the past. For her, the threat of the Island being annexed as part of England and the loss of the Island’s independence was one to be resisted.

She is a patriot inspired with an enthusiasm so intense that it spreads to others around her.

WILLIAM CUBBON, AGM OF THE MANX SOCIETY, 1915

However, Morrison’s name will still perhaps be best known for her 1911 book, Manx Fairy Tales.

But even as a folklorist, the publication of Manx Fairy Tales was only the ‘tip of the iceberg’. Traditionally folktales might be collected by ‘armchair antiquarians’ who paid people to collect the stories, but in her time a new class of scientific folklore collector emerged. Sophia Morrison and her contemporaries (like their natural history counterparts) would go on ‘fieldtrips’ to record the Island’s folk tales and songs.

THE EXHIBITION IS ON DISPLAY AT THE MANX MUSEUM UNTIL 6 MAY 2017.

SPECIAL EVENTS

By publishing the tales in a storybook, Morrison also ensured that the stories would not just be a historical record for future generations, but would become much loved tales for children and adults alike, both on the Island and beyond.

And her legacy continues through the very heart of the Manx community today. Yn Cheshaght Ghailckagh (The Manx Language Society) continues to flourish, Manx language is taught in schools across the Island. Even without this, her name will go down in the Island’s literary history for Manx Fairy Tales.

A magical new edition of the book featuring the hugely popular mythical tales of the Moddey Dhoo, Fynoderee and the Buggane of St. Trinian’s to name a few, is available at the Manx Museum Gallery Shop and House of Manannan Shop, Peel.

Manx Museum Special Christmas Sunday Opening Sunday 11 December, 10am – 5pm Discover the world of Manx fairies and folklore with activities and storytelling in the museum galleries as we celebrate Sophia Morrison and the new exhibition dedicated to her life’s work. See our giant Christmas tree and purchase some last minute gifts from the Gallery Shop. Free – donations welcome.

Manx Christmas Concert Manx Museum, Sunday 11th December @ 2pm A distinctly Manx Christmas concert, with plays, carols and stories celebrating Sophia Morrison.

Soak up some Manx Christmas spirit with renditions of the Quaaltagh rhyme, Hunt the Wren and performance of Morrison’s Old Manx Christmas Tale. Tickets available at the Manx Museum and www.manxnationalheritage.im

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CULTURE: Manx Fairy Tales

TRAVEL

TRAVEL

GRAUd8/Careers

Mind the graduates

Thailand - Pattaya

Pattaya is a bustling city on Thailand’s eastern gulf coast, with Bangkok only 90 miles away. Once a small fishing village it is now known for its great beaches and vibrant nightlife. From sunrise to sunset Pattaya is always switched on and fun! The city is built around Ao Pattaya, a wide, crescent-shaped bay that was one of Thailand’s first beach resorts. North Pattaya is a quieter, more upmarket area while Southern Pattaya remains the nightlife hub.

The beaches are full of water-sport lovers and sun-worshippers during the day but after dark all the action moves to the streets where revellers explore the neon-clad bars and clubs. North Pattaya is a more tranquil, upmarket area while Southern Pattaya South remains the nightlife hub.

E RO CK ES CA PE TH

to do from all of us want thing almost es of wanderlust at every rock is some ship for a Escaping the We all have different degre the looking to jump time to time.lives and whether you’re in multiple destinations r. stage of our plan a longer trip taking really is our oyste few weeks or days are endless, the world these options But, booking that trip can result in a mission of colossal proportions involving enough tabs on your internet browser to confuse even the most tech savvy person. Booking flights with one provider to get off the island; then another to get to the next destination; do the flight times work; do you need to transfer airports; what’s the best route to get to where you want to go; have you found the most cost effective way to do it all and that’s all before you’ve even thought of where to stay and what to do when you arrive.

Well, worry not Gallery readers there is now a local company offering you the perfect solution to all your travel woes. escapetherock.je are an online travel agency

who can help you book your trip from start to finish, taking into consideration all of the things only an islander knows they’d need to worry about. The added bonus is that the site is operated by a local company with two travel shops, Bellingham travel in St Brelade and St Helier, which you can go and visit, should you wish to leave the comfort of your own home and speak to someone in person about planning your next big adventure.

Idyllic Koh Samui lies 50 miles off the eastern coast of mainland Thailand; boasting stunning turquoise waters and soft sun-kissed sands fringed by tropical palms. Home to coconut groves and lush mountainous rainforest it is one of Thailand’s biggest islands, known for the vast array of resorts and spas, from relaxed and unpretentious to the grand, together with the vibrant nightlife of Chaweng Beach. From the minute you arrive the island’s natural beauty is evident, this Thai gem will wrap its charm around you.

For a calmer, more tranquil offering with less tourists head south or west to discover family-run authentic Samui restaurants and towns whose inhabitants are descendants of the original Chinese merchant settlers.

I

It’s worth taking the time to remember what it was like to be straight out of university WORDS: Lisa Pollock

India - Goa

Goa is a small, yet diverse state in western India with coastlines that stretch along the Arabian Sea. Here you can expect a fantastic climate, a warm welcome from the Goan people and fabulous food. Goa is known for its sun-kissed beaches, wonderful markets, all night parties and a blissful exotic vibe. The food in Goa is an important part of everyday life, a taste-bud-tingling fusion of Indian and Portuguese flavours. Be sure to sample a Goan Fish Curry and Goan Pork Vindaloo… if you’re brave enough! Although many visitors head to Goa to chill-out in the sunshine on one of the many beaches flanked by swaying palms, there is so much more to see from historic towns to aromatic spice plantations and lush mountains to roaming rivers. It really is a beautiful place full of charm and character.

Brazil - Rio de Janeiro

Be prepared to experience life at full speed. Sensuality, dancing, and partying: it seems the Brazilians have made a science of all that is fun in life. The world champions of hedonism were no doubt aided by a lush land and steamy climate, but still there is something different about Brazilians. Rio de Janeiro or simply Rio is a vast seaside city in Brazil. A captivating city famed for its beaches, tropical landscapes and Rio rhythms. Copacabana and Ipanema beaches are playgrounds that are open to all, freely offering endless enjoyment in the form of football, volleyball, surfing, snacking, drinking or simply unwinding amid the procession of people.

Whether you’re looking to book your two week holiday or you are considering ways that you can travel the world whilst making it a better place we’ve put together a list of places to help inspire your travel plans for 2017:

New Zealand - Queenstown

Vietnam - Nha Trang

Successively occupied by China, Russia, France, Japan, and the United States, Vietnam has had its share of foreign interference. But today, the Vietnamese are focused on rocketing into the future. In this new era of confident selfdetermination the atmosphere is one of palpable optimism. Fortunately for travellers, Vietnam’s traditional charms have not yet been eclipsed. Vietnam’s beaches are truly captivating, as the region has grown in popularity over recent years, they are now receiving the attention they deserve. Nha Trang is located on the Southern central coast of Vietnam, boasting 6km of golden sands stretching along a curved bay backed by impressive mountainous. It is the perfect destination for beach lovers, water-sport junkies and lovers of sumptuous seafood. Nha Trang is also Vietnam’s diving capital, with many offshore islands to explore and abundance of marine life a few minutes boat ride away; ideal for ‘taster’ dives, as well as more experienced divers.

“Vietnam’s beaches are truly captivating, as the region has grown in popularity over recent years, they are now receiving the attention they deserve.”

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Thailand - Koh Samui

often don’t know what to say to teenagers. By this, I primarily mean one teenager: the 17-year-old I mentor through a programme run by the Social Mobility Foundation. Luckily for both of us, she’s intelligent and emotionally mature. “Knows her own mind” is probably the right phrase, and I find this immensely helpful.

In the past couple of months, she has been deciding on which degrees to apply for and the whole process has left me feeling as helpless as I do in B&Q. It’s tricky because she is keen on the relatively new liberal arts degrees, covering humanities and social sciences, that some British universities are now offering. But how will this, in the eyes of potential future employers, stack up against more traditional subjects she is also good at, such as maths or history?

Provided she earns a high enough degree classification, from a good enough university, maybe it doesn’t matter. In which case, she should pick what she thinks will be the most enjoyable for this once-ina-lifetime experience. But then again it’s an experience that comes with a lot of debt, so it may well be better to take less risk.

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

Queenstown is a resort town in Otago perched on the shore of the South Island’s Lake Wakatipu with the dramatic backdrop of the Southern Alps. An adventure tourism hotspot, it’s known the plethora of adventure sports on offer. In winter, there’s skiing and the country’s highest vertical drops. Summer brings paragliding, mountain biking and bungee-jumping. Most visitors to Queenstown come away having done something crazy for the first time - If the scenery doesn’t take your breath away, the action will! Queenstown is not just for adrenaline junkies, there is another side; the one with the cosmopolitan restaurants, trendy bars and a wonderful arts scene. It truly is a year round destination.

www.escapetherock.im

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50 TRAVEL: Escape The Rock

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agenda

ON THE AGENDA

GRADU8/CAREERS SPECIAL

“For the young woman I mentor, what will matter more than university are the formative years of her career”

At this point, I want to throw my hands up and let loose the following confession: when it comes to anything except vocational subjects such as law, engineering and medicine, little to none of what is learnt at university will be useful in the workplace. Some of it may even be detrimental.

This is obvious enough a few years into your career, but I’m not sure teenagers know this. I’m not sure if we should tell them either. I remember the profound sense of disappointment I felt when, working at a bank in the summer before my final year studying economics at university, I was told: “Don’t worry, no one gives real work to an intern.” This offhand omission, meant to comfort me when I was struggling with a model in a spreadsheet, instead triggered a crisis of self-worth. Why, if they weren’t giving me real work, were they paying me?

And why would anyone ever pay me?

For the young woman I mentor, what will matter more than university are the formative years of her career. Workplace practices learnt early on often stick. This can be positive — developing a tendency to be proactive, for example. (I am pretty sure my own habit in this area owes a lot to repeatedly being told, when asking questions, in my first year as an analyst at the bank where I interned: “You’re smart, you figure it out.”) But it can also be negative if a new arrival is left for days on end with no guidance and no tasks to work on. This chips away at a person’s confidence at an especially impressionable time.

Unfortunately, the situation a graduate finds themselves in during those first years is often little more than the luck of the draw. It is hard to tell what a small employer will really be like until you are actually there. Within big employers, there is often considerable variation between teams. The trick is to not grow disheartened if it doesn’t work out on the first go. If this is the case, move to a different team or employer as soon as possible in order to find better support.

Ideally, all employers would take care to guide new graduates. Those who have been in the workplace for a few years forget how alien the environment can be for recent arrivals and consequently do not pay them sufficient attention. The language of business, laden with acronyms and jargon, intimidates the uninitiated. Knowing who to trust, and with whom to ally oneself, presents further challenges. Office politics, invisible to newbies, are a minefield. A common early faux pas is to call out a colleague who’s wrong. At university, it reflects well on a student to demonstrate how much they know, even if that means showing up others in front of a crowd.

In the office, they have to unlearn this tendency to show off. Making others look dumb in a meeting, or hogging attention, wears thin.

Somewhere in the midst of this, a graduate learns how to actually do the tasks of the job itself while contending with the fact that, quite unlike at university, there may not be any correct answers.

As for the young woman I mentor, she did the right thing in the end: listened to all the advice and then did what she wanted to do anyway. I think she’s going to be just fine. agenda

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66 AGENDA: Gradu8

THE REST UPFRONT

Edito...........................................................................................................................5 Christmas Turkey.....................................................................................10 What’s On..................................................................................................12 Me & My Pet......................................................................................................16 News in Numbers..................................................................................20 Looking Back A Review of 2017!.....................................................22 Reflective..................................................................................................26 MISC......................................................................................................................30

EVENTS

Joint 40th Birthday Party - The Mannin Hotel, Douglas........32 Emma Latham & Phil Crellin's Wedding Day..............................34 Lynsey & Mark Harris Wedding Day...............................................36

CULTURE

PLACES

Feature Properties..........................................................................73-96

APPETITE

Christmas Recipes............................................................................................98 Don't Look Back In Anger - Jamie Lewis..................................102 Wine Talk................................................................................................106

Manx Fairy Tales....................................................................................38 Culture Vulture.......................................................................................40 Culture News..........................................................................................41 Manx Cancer Help Fairies Save Christmas..................................42 Reflection..................................................................................................44 UPLOAD....................................................................................................46

FASHION & BEAUTY

TRAVEL

Motoring News....................................................................................118 Gadgets..................................................................................................120

Escape The Rock.............................................................................................50 A Home From Home......................................................................................52

AGENDA In The News........................................................................................................56

8

Simon Willoughby - Utmost Wealth Solutions..............................58 Handbags & Investors..........................................................................60 Shan Fisher - Timeless.........................................................................62 Mind The Graduates.............................................................................64 Gradu8 - Estera..................................................................................................66 A Guide To Minding The Tech Age Gap.......................................70 Smart Home Problems........................................................................72

Get the look..........................................................................................108

ACTIVE

Isle of Man Cyclefest..........................................................................114

HARDWARE

PAPARAZZI Are you in?...................................................................................123/129

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

UPFRONT

COVER CREDIT

Photographer and styling: Shan Fisher

Makeup Artist: Yasmin Whitelaw from Lime Studio Hairstylist: Lynsey Woods from Olivia Rose Hair and Beauty Model: Maria Kharitonova Nail Technician: Donna Charlton from Eden Nail & Beauty 1

COVER: the REFLECTIVE ISSUE

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UPFRONT UPFRONT

Christmas Turkey:

How to buy presents for people you don’t like Much as I adore spoiling myself over the Christmas period, there is a small downside to industrial capitalism’s ability to deliver everything our heart desires within a 48 hour period. Like most people I’m too selfish to lose much sleep over sweatshop working conditions or the destruction of local retail, but am genuinely saddened at the new social complication in gifting somebody a really passiveaggressive Christmas present.

It’s harder to stay poker-faced over “accidentally” buying petrol station milk chocolates for a vegan when they know full well you could have ordered some kale crunchies during your last Amazon binge, or giving a cousin an itchy cardigan in the wrong size when they can easily exchange it for credit against a couple of Michael Bublé DVDs. I’m certainly not about to give up my crown of Christmas bitch, so the only thing for it is to go all-out and show people you care about the message you give at Christmas - by lumbering them with the most inappropriate gift that the internet can possibly provide.

The annoyingly perky health obsessive

Winding these people up is like shooting fish in a barrel, but is reliably delicious, like smashed fish bits deep-fried and covered in salt. Christmas is already the hardest time for the self-righteous salad gobbler, as they cannot go for a power walk without coming face-to-face with an exhortation to surrender to their true desires, skip crossfit and binge on mince pies. I recommend adding to their misery by gifting them sinful treats that cannot be returned (such as fresh chocolates or 1kg of belly pork) or by polluting their household with the antiNutribullet - a kitchen gadget that cannot possibly be used to prepare healthy food. I defy anybody to construct a nutritious meal with a toastie maker or candyfloss machine, and equally defy them not to sneak down at 2AM and undo two days’ gym with a butterfried salami cheese surprise.

The conservative mother-in-law

If you like them, a conservative, boring person is far and away the easiest person to buy a gift for. There are millions of them out there, and huge segments of our economy are set up to appease the interests of ITVwatching, Michael McIntyre-appreciating Robbie Williams fans. They view culture like cows view grass, and will be happy enough with whatever mass-market pablum is stacked up near the till at the supermarket. So obviously the best way to generate Christmas friction is to find something

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challenging, offensive even, and trick them into enduring at least the first ten minutes of it. I recommend getting the latest DVD of Miranda Hart, and replacing the disc with “Hated”, the documentary about abrasive punk rocker GG Allin, who was famous for attacking his audience and using his own body as a toilet. For music, substitute The Best of Cliff Richard with an early album

by Ice Cube or the evergreen death metal classic “Eaten Back To Life” by Cannibal Corpse. These people also love gadgets and ornaments, so if you can find a nicely ambiguous sex toy there’s a chance they will use it as a back scratcher or leave it on the mantlepiece until February.

The moody teenager

I pity anybody who cares enough about the feelings of a bratty teenager that they try and purchase something that these hormonal malcontents will sincerely enjoy.

Although I was a vile teenager myself, I am aware they’re not all bad, so if you know a good one just give them cash and hope they don’t spend it on drugs or fake ID to get a tattoo. For most cases though, you should work hard to hit that sweet spot of a gift that is totally uncool, completely impractical and that they will be forced to pretend they like.

A good start is to go to the doctor’s office and find a magazine from two or three years ago - any fashion item or cultural product contained within will now be so past-it that you might as well be gifting them a glowing lump of uranium. For maximum effect, pretend that you are “down with the kids” and insist on them opening your present in front of their peer group, accompanied by inappropriate slang and a request for a group selfie. They will hate you forever.

ey”. To work that angle, British football fans are also guaranteed to be infuriated by any gift involving American football. Ironically, if the recipient is a true armchair dwelling beer swiller, one of the coldest gifts you can get them is the necessary equipment to do some sport themselves. It’s a bit like buying a housecat a guide to spotting birds, catnip locations or the joys of still owning your own balls.

The embittered nerd

Most nerds are pretty chill, but for people who love to go on about how they were bullied at school, there’s a sizeable minority who are hilariously intolerant of anything that doesn’t fit their rigid perceptions of what “geek culture” should involve. The reaction to the recent Lady Ghostbusters film would have been overblown even if the filmmakers had ceremonially executed Bill Murray atop the temple of Zuul, rather than just made a new film that was slightly better than Ghostbusters 2. If you know one of these sensitive nerds and you’re trying to wind them up there are a lot of options because their tastes are so arcanely specific.

You can get them the “.. For Dummies” book for any technical subject, ideally for their least-favourite computer operating system.

You can buy a modern remake of a classic movie (Total Recall; RoboCop; one of the Star Wars prequels) or a version of their favourite video game that’s two or three years old. In fact, you can look at any of the other groups I’ve described in this article and just buy their ideal gift for the nerd instead. For a bedroom-dwelling comics obsessive the Robbie Williams CD, Manchester United strip or a Nutribullet is the equivalent of Dracula unwrapping a garlic shower set and some crucifix cuff-links. Just don’t ask them to fix your computer ever again, because they have memories long enough to remember George Clooney as Batman, and your laptop will end up connected to the dark web and running a Russian cyber attack against the CIA.

The lazy sports fan

Getting wound up by irrelevant things is key to the identity of the sports fan, so it isn’t hard to goad them with an inappropriate Christmas gift. For many fans it’s as simple as confusing their team with another one from the same city, and you get bonus points if the other team plays a completely different sport. “Here you go Dave, I know how much you love Manchester City Hock-

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

WORDS Grace Ryan ILLUSTRATION Roanna Farmer

UPFRONT

WHAT’S ON

WHAT’S ON 08.12.2016

CHRISTMAS WITH THE ‘MINISTER OF FUN’

Now – 21.04.2017

VALHALLA – LIFE AND DEATH IN VIKING BRITAIN

//HOUSE OF MANANNAN, PEEL// The Vikings had strong beliefs in life after death and how their dead were commemorated and celebrated. Discover the evidence in this latest collaboration with York Archaeological Trust and explore the mythological Viking worlds of the afterlife. www.manxnationalheritage.im

08.12.2016

IRRATIONAL – ROMESH RANGANATHAN

//GAIETY THEATRE, DOUGLAS// Romesh Ranganathan is back with a brand new show exploring the rationality of his world view.

‘Irrational’ will see Romesh examine the issues close to his heart, and explains why everybody else is wrong about them. £19.00 all seats - www.villagaiety.com

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//THE HOUSE OF KEYS, DOUGLAS// An evening of festive hospitality and a guided tour of Tynwald and the House of Keys by David Cretney, the Island’s Minister of Fun! This unique ‘through the eyes of a member’ tour allows guests to ask questions and get to know more about the structure and the history of Tynwald with plenty of amusing stories and interesting facts from David’s 31 year career in Manx Politics Free, but you need to book your place at www.facebook.com/ events/1164032200330760/

10.12.2016 – 06.05.2017

SOPHIA MORRISON: THE FIRST CURATOR

//MANX MUSEUM, DOUGLAS// Sophia Morrison is probably most wellknown now for her storybook ‘Manx Fairy Tales’, but she did much more than collect Manx fairy stories.

Learn about her varied life and work from promotion of Manx language and culture to her involvement in Manx politics and publishing – Sophia Morrison was a person who made things happen.

A special Sunday opening of the museum on 11 December will include a Manx Christmas Concert, with plays, carols and stories celebrating Sophia’s influence, with a complementary Manx Tay in the interval.

Entry to the museum is free, but the Manx Christmas Concert costs £10 (£5 for children) and tickets can be bought from the Manx Museum shop or online. www.mnh.org.im Admission free

10-11.12.2016 and 1718.12.2016

GROUDLE GLEN SANTA TRAINS

//GROUDLE GLEN, ONCHAN// Santa Train tickets are now on sale from only £6 and include return steam train trip through the glen, a quality present for the children from Santa, sweets, tea, coffee, orange juice or mulled punch, mince pies and a downloadable photo with the Groudle Glen elves. www.ggr.org.uk

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

WHAT’S ON

UPFRONT

DECEMEBER 12.12.2016

MANX YOUTH ORCHESTRA CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL CONCERT //VILLA MARINA, DOUGLAS// A programme of festive music featuring the young musicians of the Manx Youth Orchestra, The Manx Youth Wind Orchestra, Guitar Ensemble, Swing Band and Manx Youth String Orchestra.

Tickets from just £8 from the box office 694500, the Welcome Centre or www. villagaiety.com

14.12.2016

SANTA DASH

//DOUGLAS// The annual Isle of Man Bank Santa Dash is bigger and better this year with £3,000 in prize money for the recipients’ chosen charity. This year, registration is online only via www.iombank.com/iom/personalbanking/santa-dash.ashx

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

16.12.16

THE CHRISTMAS PARTY OF 2016 //VILLA MARINA// All the BIG disco sounds of the 60’s, 70’s & 80’s with DJ’s Dave Cretney & Chris Williams.

Tickets: £5 each. Over 21 only. www.villagaiety.com

16.12.2016

CHRISTMAS IN THE CATHEDRAL

//ST GERMAN’S CATHEDRAL, PEEL// An evening of festive carols, readings, mince pies and mulled wine – all in aid of Crossroads.

Tickets from £3 (senior citizns) £5 (adults) and under 5s go free. To book call of 673103 or email Julia at fundraising@ crossroadsiom.org

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UPFRONT

WHAT’S ON

17.12.2016

AN EVENING OF MUSICAL DELIGHT

//ST NINIAN’S CHURCH, DOUGLAS// A full production gig with performances from local favourites Matt Creer and cellist Josephine Evans, the violin talents of Tabitha Templar and a very special performance from a UK headliner. See the Facebook page for full details and tickets. www.facebook.com/UltimateProductions.co.uk/

17-23.12.2016

SANTA PARADE

//ISLAND-WIDE// Santa will be visiting areas around the Island in the run up to Christmas – a small charge will be made for personalised greetings to your children by name with all donations going to charity. For details of the routes, and how you can book a ‘greeting’ see the Facebook page www.facebook.com/Santatomydoor/

Early 2017 - (Xmas Gift Voucher Opportunity) 21/22.2.2017

JON RICHARDSON: OLD MAN

//VILLA MARINA// The British Comedy Award nominee and star of Live At The Apollo and 8 Out Of 10 Cats is embarking on a nationwide tour to complain about the state of the world and offer no solutions. Since his last show he has become a husband and father, seen the UK vote to leave the EU and watched the rise of Donald Trump, all of which leaves him asking one question, why does it seem that no one else alive can correctly load a dishwasher?

Come and see what Jon Richardson can do with words when he has more than thirty seconds to work with. Or should that be “with which to work”? £21.00 - www.villagaiety.com

ELSEWHERE BIG MOUNTAIN MUSIC FESTIVAL

DEC 10 - 11, 2016 PHETCHABURI, NAKHON RATCHASIMA, THAILAND

This mammoth event more than lives up to its name, having grown into one the biggest outdoor music festivals in not only Thailand, but all of Southeast Asia. There are plenty of reasons why Big Mountain Music Festival’s (BMMF) crowds have gone from 20,000 at its 2010 debut to 70,000 at its 2014 incarnation. One of the most obvious is GMM Grammy, the corporation that puts on the fest while also controlling 70-80 percent of the Thai music industry by making major contributions to terrestrial radio, digital TV, and film.

WWW.BIGMOUNTAINMUSICFESTIVAL.COM

BURNING THE CLOCKS BRIGHTON, ENGLAND DEC 21

A magical procession of brightly lit lanterns to mark the winter solstice culminating in an epic fireball on Brighton beach. The festival was created in 1994 by the award-winning community arts charity Same Sky as a way to celebrate the holiday spirit regardless of people’s religious beliefs. Recently it has adopted a totally different purpose as a rebellion against the modern day excess of Christmastime commercialism. Leading up to the event people are encouraged to create their own unique lanterns made from willow canes or bamboo and white tissue paper.

WWW.SAMESKY.CO.UK/EVENTS/BURNING-THE-CLOCKS

SNOWGLOBE MUSIC FESTIVAL

DEC 29 - 31 SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES

SnowGlobe rolls a dance music festival, ski/snowboard adventure and New Year’s Eve celebration into one. Here’s how it goes down: you’re swaddled in downy North Face garb, swaying and arm-flailing to the beat, while a snowboarder back-flips off a jump next to the stage. Then fireworks burst and confetti flutters and everyone screams “Happy New Year” before getting back to boogieing to stay warm. For the lovers of adventure sports, SnowGlobe not only sets up a ski/snowboard ramp beside the Main Stage where pro athletes show off tricks, it also arranges reduced-price lift tickets for fest-goers to Heavenly Mountain.

WWW.SNOWGLOBEMUSICFESTIVAL.COM

HOGMANAY CELEBRATION DEC 30, 2016 - JAN 1, 2017 EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND

An ancient pagan celebration for warding off the winter spirits with fire and song, Hogmanay has evolved to include parades, open houses, fireworks, and so much more. Forget sitting in front of the TV and watching the ball drop in Times Square—the best New Year’s party is happening at Edinburgh’s Hogmanay (pronounced “hug-meh-nay”). From December 31st through January 1st, tradition sends many Scots to clean their houses and settle debts, all in the name of getting a fresh start. When night falls, however, the Hogmanay celebration is in full swing with fireworks, parades and performances, all with a Scottish twist.

WWW.EDINBURGHSHOGMANAY.COM

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ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

Christmas 2016 at Isle of Man Post Office

Aladdin

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Everything you need to deliver your Season’s Greetings 201620162016

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In the run up to the busiest time of year, we have compiled a useful Snow White & the Seven The Wizard of OzDwarfs

45p77p95p 45p77p95p 77p95p online guide for our customers at www.iompost.com/christmas 124p186p 124p186p 124p186p 113p 113p Robin Hood Aladdin

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You can find all recommended last posting dates, our Post Office opening hours, packing information as well as details on our fabulous 20162016 family competition to win tickets to the Wizard of OZ pantomime.

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They’ve also ask ed us to make sure children inc lude a return address in their letters to Father Christma s.

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of Man Post Offi ce is very please d to deliver the letters Fathe r Christmas sends in response to children on the Island each year.

Santa’s helpers ha ve informed us tha t, while they endeavour to res pond to each an d every letter rec the earlier Santa eived, gets them, the ear lier he can reply.

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To provide the best possible service to our customers we are 45p77p95p 45p77p95p 77p95p implementing some enhancements in certain areas, on a trial basis 124p186p 124p186p 124p186p 113p 113p over the Christmas period. Enhancements include extended opening hours and alternative delivery methods.

Further information is available at www.iompost.com/trials.

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95p Lett ers to Father Ch 186p Isle ristmas!

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Christmas Pantomimes

by Christopher Biggins The Isle of Man Post Office presents this colourful fun-filled set of six stamps celebrating the world of pantomime at Christmas.

Contact us

Online: iompost.com Telephone: (01624) 664664 Twitter: @iompostoffice Visit your local Post Office

iompost.com/christmas

Human Questions: Karl Clegg Age: 47 (although I don’t feel it) Likes: Relaxing with friends Dislikes: Being ignored by Beanie If you were an animal, what animal would you be: Defiantly a cat, as they sleep slightly more than me Favourite food: T-Bone steak, chips and peppercorn sauce (on the side) Where do you live: Douglas Where were you originally from: Manxie through and through Where do you work: Tesco as Customer Service & Loyalty Assistant for Dotcom

Do you have anymore pets: No, Beanie is demanding enough

Dislikes: The hoover, strangers and Nanna’s scrunchy coat!

The best and worst thing about having a pet is: Best, snuggles, in their time of course

If human, what would you be: My dad, we have similar outlooks in life . . . . sleep, eat, play games, repeat

Worst: Waking up at 2am with your cat running around going bonkers

Favourite food: Whiskers creamy soups, cat soup is the best!

Interesting fact: I’ve seen the Rocky Horror Show numerous times, and see it every time it tours, but only every dressed up twice!

Why do you love your human: Because they put me on the pedestal I belong on and they love me even when I’ve been naughty and picked at the carpet – I’m just so damn cute, they can’t be mad at me

Pet Questions: Miss Beanie Von Noodle Bear Breed: Cute, is cute a breed? If not then I’d best say, domestic short hair

If you had one wish what would you wish for: More hours in the day, I just can’t fit enough sleep into 24 Interesting fact: I love to chew chargers and ear phones and cables in general – you name it, I’ve nommed through it!

Age: 14 ½ - although I still think I’m a kitten Likes: Treats and snuggles, oh and running around at silly o’clock with my loud hailer and hob-nail boots on!

T? ING PE TEREST RY.CO.IM ES@GALLE AVE AN IN DO YOABUOUHT YOURSELVES - FEATUR TELL US

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ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

••••

UPFRONT

Give an animal a home

Animals and Mirrors WORDS: Deirdre Shirres

What do animals see when they look in a mirror? Many animals recognise that they are looking at an animal but very few realise that they are looking at themselves. Only humans, some great apes, dolphins, elephants, magpies and possibly pigeons know that they are seeing themselves.

How do we know this? Scientists use the mirror test, also called the mark test. In this, the animals are surreptitiously marked on their body in a place which they can’t normally see. When the marked animal is put in front of a mirror, if it starts touching the mark on its body it means that it realises that the animal in the mirror is itself and not another animal. Scientists have to be careful that it is the sight of the mark causing the reaction and not something else like its smell. In the case of magpies, they reacted to a coloured mark but ignored a mark which was the same colour as their feathers and therefore invisible in the mirror. Many animals including gorillas, chimpa zees and pandas react aggressively to their refl ection, seeing it as a rival. This may prevent them considering the reflection calmly enough to realise that it is in fact themselves.

bra Abra and Cada Over in our small animals unit you can have any colour rabbit you like as long as it’s white – well, not literally because we do have a few browns and blacks, but we’ve never had so many white rabbits in residence before all at the same time. Mitzy, Sox and Star are three year old cross breed females, with lovely, long ears; Gracie is a five month old Flemish Giant who hasn’t finished growing yet; and Abra and Cadabra are diminutive little boys aged just three months old. They are Lionhead crosses with the beginnings of a manes growing, and they are very friendly and well-mannered as is typical of the Lionhead breed. But to misquote a well-known phrase, a rabbit is for life not just for Christmas - even if it is white and fluffy!

Animals often see the refl ection in the mirror as a companion and zoos sometimes use mirrors to encourage nesting and breeding behaviour. Flamingoes won’t breed unless the group is su ciently large, so mirrors can trick them into thinking the group is larger than it is.

Human babies do not recognise themselves in mirrors and self-recognition develops in several stages. From six to twelve months babies think the refl ection in the mirror is another baby. After twelve months they often seem embarrassed by the refl ection and start to avoid it. At eighteen months half of the babies realise 29 that they are looking at themselves and will touch their noses or wipe off a mark. Psychologists call this the mirror stage. Often parents help their babies to understand what they are looking at.

We consider our pet dogs to be intelligent yet they do not recognise themselves in a mirror. However, to a dog, sight is much less important than scent and hearing. Scientists have attempted to show that dogs are selfaware and can recognise their own scent, although the results are not conclusive. One of Aesop’s fables tells of a dog carrying a bone. When he crosses a stream he sees his reflection and thinks that ‘the other dog’ has a better bone. He opens his mouth to bark at it and so loses his bone in the stream!

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

Bolt We hope our little guinea pig, Bolt, will have found her ‘forever home’ by the time Christmas comes. She is desperately seeking a new life with another guinea pig because her previous partner died, and now she’s on her own. Bolt is only two years old, and given she could live until she’s eight she should give her new owners years of enjoyment. She will need an outdoor run and suitable, weatherproof housing with ample hay to keep her warm and for her to graze on throughout the day. Her favourite fresh food is celery, but she likes most vegetables; and because she has long hair she will need to be groomed daily, which is something she really enjoys.

ManxSPCA • Ard Jerkyll, East Foxdale • Tel: 851672

www.manxspca.com

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What’s On throughout December...

THURSDAY

1, 8, 15 & THURSDAY

1, 8, 15 &

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Late night Shopping until 9pm Thursdays throughout December

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Visit Santa in his Winter Wonderland Thursday nights 6pm to 8pm

SATURDAY

3 / SATURDAY

SUNDAY

1, 3, 4, 10, 124 & 17, 18

/ SUNDAY SATURDAY

10 & 11 SATURDAY

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Salvation Army Band 2pm to 4pm Visit Santa in his Winter Wonderland Saturdays and Sundays 1pm to 4pm Manx Craft and Food Fair in Castle Street Salvation Army Band 2pm to 4pm Without Wings - Manx Trombone Choir 12pm - 2pm

Love Christmas. Love the Strand.

TEL: 662411

Come and visit Santa’s Winter Wonderland OPENING HOURS

Thursdays 6pm - 8pm Saturdays and Sundays 1pm - 4pm e r c u n o a h r Ente r your c reats fo tive t n o i t ti es f e p e com in som bin a w c g to o l s i nh i a t an S t om i r s f t Vi f gi r u o y e da v i n e a c Re Santa hoto dp e m fra

Check our Facebook page for festive updates

For only

/strandshopping

UPFRONT

NEWS in NUMBERS 132,969.49 800 was raised by the Manx branch of Relay for Life - a personal best - during the track event held at the NSC in August.

tonnes of king scallops were landed in the first six days of the 2016/17 season.

100,000

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to rebuild the two navigational lighthouses on Ramsey’s North and South piers after they were shown to be in urgent need of complete renovation.

2016 700 Ice Skate Isle of Man, open from the 3 Dec – 2 Jan, 9am-9pm at Tynwald Mills. Iceskate.im

the Mountain Road has ranked eighth in a top ten list of the world’s best drives according to an article in the Telegraph newspaper.

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of the world’s finest beers from around 30 countries competed at the 2016 International Beer Challenge, an award ceremony held in London. The Isle of Man Okell’s Aile won gold and silver medals and was declared the “best Specialty beer in the world”.

weeks’ school holidays over the TT period are planned from 2019. The Department of Education announced the news recently.

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER

UPFRONT

GIVE

THE HOSPICE CHRISTMAS NOTE – PRIZE DRAW IS LAUNCHED Hospice Isle of Man and Athol Garage are co-partnering again this year in order to raise valuable funds for the local charity.

The Hospice Christmas note will mean one lucky winner will receive a lovely shiny red note but not just any note – a new Nissan Note 1.2 Acenta in Magnetic Red Metallic! This beautiful vehicle will have a special meaning to one person because on the afternoon of Friday 23rd December they will receive a very special

early Christmas present! Tickets are £20 each with a limited draw of 1,000 tickets.

They are on sale at Hospice, Hospice shops (currently at Ramsey, Port Erin, The Hospice warehouse and Strand Street Boutique, Douglas) and the Brown Bobby Filling Station.

To get your ticket please visit any of the outlets above or ring 647435.

PILATES ISLE OF MAN RAISES FUNDS FOR MS

Abseiling down the TT Tower would be a simple achievement for many of us but for those living with a neurological condition like Multiple Sclerosis, it’s a challenge they couldn’t even contemplate. But Lizzy Main from Pilates Isle of Man decided it was a challenge worth facing and recently went ‘over the top’ on behalf of the local branch of the Multiple Sclerosis Society, and raised over £550 which will remain here on the Island to support those with the condition.

Jim, Ian and Ronnie promised that any donated money left after meeting costs would be handed to the Billy Redmayne Memorial Fund, and it is hoped more than £4,500 will be presented to the fund.

Jim said: ‘We have been overwhelmed by the support we have received, which not only allowed us to cover the cost of travel and the items we were taking to Romania, but has also raised an amazing amount for the Billy Redmayne Memorial Fund, which we’re all delighted with.’

CHARITY TEAM RETURNS TO ISLE OF MAN AFTER HUMANITARIAN MISSION SUPPORTED BY THE STEAM PACKET COMPANY A group of Manx Grand Prix competitors are reflecting on an almost 4,000-mile humanitarian mission to Romania, supported by the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company.

Billy, the trio were fundraising to cover the cost of the journey and the Steam Packet Company lent its support by providing free transport between the Isle of Man and UK for the team and van.

Jim Hunter, Ian Pert and Ronnie Russell loaded a van with items much-needed in the country, including children’s clothing, toys and toiletries, and drove to Radauti and Lasi to make deliveries to charities.

The trip was inspired by TT legend Joey Dunlop, who regularly delivered essential provisions to orphanages in the Balkans, and run in memory of Island road racer Billy Redmayne, who died in a crash earlier this year.

Travelling under the banner Van Trip for BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

Ian said: ‘It made me smile and made me sad; smiles come as I think of the people we met, the things we saw and the places we visited, sadness comes when I think that people live in the conditions we saw. It’s something that once you have experienced it then it never leaves you, and it never should.

Ronnie added: ‘While we were handing out the food and clothing we saw how hard life can really be. I would like to say it was a selfless act on my behalf to go on this trip but at 61 I still don’t think I have achieved that feat. I do know that with Jim and Ian, and all the support, we have done some good.’

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MAY CONTAIN SATIRE

UPFRONT

WORDS Grant Runyon ILLUSTRATION Will Bertram

If there’s one thing you can say about the last couple of years on this planet, it’s that there’s seldom been a dull moment. Writing in December 2017 it’s hard to imagine what people from the past would think if they were here today. I’m sure many of us remember thinking that 2016 was the craziest year on record, but with the benefit of hindsight the world was only getting warmed up.

Let’s take a look back at some of the events that have made 2017 so memorable.

2017 in politics (pt1): President Trump takes office

After a shock victory in the 2016 presidential elections, Donald Trump is inaugurated as the 45th President of the United States - the first orange American to assume the role.

At first the world breathes easy when he declines to attend meetings or announce any policies beyond ranting on Twitter. Instead Trump prioritises the redecoration of the White House in gold leaf and the removal of all paintings depicting non-Billionaire “loser” presidents. Security services easily distract The Donald by giving him a fake general’s uniform covered in medals and a tour of Area 51, meanwhile staff take the opportunity to install a giant red button that says “start Nuclear War!” - when pressed it floods the oval office with young women in bikinis and sleepy gas. By April Trump reveals a hand-picked team to run the most powerful nation in the world - including disgraced pharmaceutical boss Martin Shkreli, five virginal internet nazis, Steven Seagal, Vladimir Putin, the sexual assault bear from The Revenant and Piers Morgan.

Nevertheless no concrete policies are brought into force, because Trump denies his own election promises and arrests anybody who tries to quote him on them.

increasingly gruesome and implausible ways.

The Kardashian family remains sufficiently unpleasant to avoid the celebrity grim reaper, and strengthens its dynastic hold on the pages of supermarket tabloids by marrying some of its junior members into other celebrity families such as the Osbornes, the Jacksons and the Simpsons. Comics fans are entertained by eleven new movies from Marvel Studios, including fan favourites

“The pound stabilises at €0.6 and 0.75 Trumpdollars, based on strong demand for Britain’s remaining exports: Robinson’s Racially Insensitive Strawberry Jam and Adele records.” such as Beetle Teens, Dyslexic Muscle Scout and Space Accountant. Reflecting the spirit of the age, Game of Thrones finishes with a three-hour final episode that kills off every single character, even Ser Boring and Lady Boobsout, who are only onscreen for thirty seconds in season two.

2017 in politics (pt2): Britain has a bit of a tiff

David Attenborough dies (eaten by penguins). Paul McCartney dies (run over by a yellow submarine). Delia Smith and Nigella Lawson die (death by chocolate). The Queen of England dies (slipped on a corgi).

All remaining members of the original Star Wars cast die (after reading spoilers). Katie Hopkins stays alive (like a cockroach).

Stephen Fry dies (cuts himself on a quip).

Kanye West doesn’t die, but tries to start a breakaway nation and is imprisoned by President Trump’s Minister for Justice (Hulk Hogan). Peppa Pig dies (turned into artisan pulled pork). Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, Bill Clinton, Bernie Sanders and countless American journalists and intellectuals die (in completely non-suspicious circumstances).

In Europe, a Brexit deal is finally achieved when Britain agrees to surrender free movement, tariff-free trade and all inward EU investment in exchange for a passport with a picture of the Dad’s Army cast and a guarantee that the full English will always be available at cafes on the Costa del Sol. The pound stabilises at €0.6 and 0.75 Trumpdollars, based on strong demand for Britain’s remaining exports: Robinson’s Racially Insensitive Strawberry Jam and Adele records. Whilst the UK is distracted by bloody riots sparked by a lack of innuendo in the new version of The Great British Bakeoff, Nigel Farage appoints himself Lord Protector and suspends what is left of democracy. With Attenborough and Fry dead, it is announced that all nature documentaries must be narrated by Jeremy Clarkson or Janet Street-Porter. Britain riots again, smashes all its remaining nice things, and Farage is executed by Bill Oddie partisans.

2017 in culture: spoilers everywhere

2017 in technology: jack off

2017 in celebrity deaths: the grim reaper’s victory lap

In 2017 music, art and literature are thin on the ground, as nobody wants to become too beloved by the people and risk leaving the planet before their time. This allows the comprehensively unlovable Honey G from X Factor to ride to the top of the British charts, and for the immortal Taylor Swift to establish total daytime radio dominance, even if each of her successive boyfriends meets his end in BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

A mission to colonise Mars is founded by the owners of Amazon, Microsoft and Facebook, but is beset by problems because the rocket software tries to upgrade to Windows 11 and the engine readouts are hidden under inspirational quotes reposted by the astronauts’ mums. Also, nobody wants to pay extra for Amazon Prime so that the rocket will actually arrive on time.

Despite unexpectedly bad sales of the iPhone 7, Apple decides to double down on its critics and release a new iPhone with no headphone jack, volume control or port for a charge cable. Headphones are surgically implanted directly into the user’s skull and the phone can only be re-energised by placing it on a special altar, which will not supply power if it detects insufficient loyalty to Apple products.

2017 in politics (pt3): China in your hands

By the middle of November, many people are claiming that 2017 is absolutely the worst year on record and that nothing worse can possibly happen. Humanity had shown itself to be unprepared for Zika’s ability to evolve into a zombie plague, for climate change to end the production of Innocent fruit smoothies or for the traditionally-reserved British people to strangle each other over a jar of Marmite. Once again, predictions were wrong, as President Trump manages to stumble on the genuine nuclear codes when searching online for an even younger wife. Within forty minutes a missile strike has been launched against China, who are in a position to retaliate immediately because Julian Assange gave them Trump’s wifi password (“BigDonald69”). Across both nations, anybody who hadn’t spend the last 11 months constructing a bunker is incinerated, with the exception of Taylor Swift. On the bright side, our careful neutrality in international matters allows our small Island community to eke out a continued existence. Who would have guessed that sea lettuce has anti-radioactive properties, or that our historic tolerance of country Parish mutants would help us adjust to citizens with three arms and psychic powers? Always look on the bright side of life - I hope you enjoy other Gallery features coming up, including a fashion shoot of charred rags and the best dented tins that can be exchanged for a kilo of seagull meat.

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UPFRONT

WHY HAVE THE GLASS, WHEN YOU CAN HAVE THE BOTTLE? That’s the question we’re asking here at Vino on North Quay, Douglas. With our beautiful views over the marina, it is the perfect place to head after work for a drink with friends or during the day to pick up a bottle or case to take home.

With the island’s only enomatic machine, offering eight wines changed on a weekly basis, our customers have a chance to taste a variety of wines that wouldn’t usually be available by the glass. In addition to the huge range of wines, we also have a small but eclectic range of gins, vodkas, whiskies, brandies, rums and liqueurs.

Nadia adds “One of our best sellers has to be Whispering Angel Rosé. To the nose it has notes of fresh berries, orange and white flowers. The palate offers silky raspberry and tangerine notes, with a lovely peach hint and the finish is enjoyably long. However, if gin is more your thing Brockman’s has to be one of the most diverse we have, though with its strong berry flavour it may not be everyone’s cup of tea. We definitely have something for all tastes, and either Heath or I are always on hand to help out with recommendations.”

Over Christmas, as well as throughout the year, we offer both corporate and personal gifts, as well as gift vouchers for the wine-lovers in your life. Any wine purchased can be gift wrapped and delivered straight to your door* in December, taking the pressure off a bit, and with over 200 different wines available all hand-picked by Heath, you will be spoilt for choice.

VINO IN HOUSE FAVOURITES: Heath | Vino Manager - Valdivieso Single Vineyard Merlot Nadia | Sales Manager - Chablis Premier Cru by Billaud Simon *minimum purchase applies

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UPFRONT

WINE AT THE TOUCH OF A BUTTON

VINO LOYALTY CARD

Have you tried our top of the line Enomatic machine?

Whether it’s a members-only price for tastings, unique gifts or discounts, the Vino Rewards loyalty program makes exploring wine even more rewarding. The more wines you buy and enjoy, the more points you receive.

Our Enomatic machine enables us to have perfect quality control, which gives us great confidence that our wines are always fresh and served at their optimum temperatures.

We have a weekly rotation of 8 bottles of wine that vary from taste, aroma, body and colour.

You’ll be sure to find something to suit all tastes.

Choose from 3 different serving options; a taster, 125ml and 175ml glass. All you need to do to get started is to insert your personalised Vino card and select the wine of your choice.

Our Enomatic machine is a virtual sales person and responsible bartender all wrapped up in one!

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

Collect a card from the store, sign up online and start collecting your points today. You collect 4 points for every £1, with one point equal to one penny you’ll have enough points to treat yourself to a free bottle of wine in no time.

R E WA R D S 23756392134

Visit Vino on Facebook today to keep up to date with our latest arrivals and offers.

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UPFRONT

REFLECTIVE As this is our REFLECTIVE issue we thought why not catch up with some of the cover girls from 2016.

Isle of Man Premier

Magazine | no.

54 | June 2016 | the [CREATE] issue £ priceless

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

JUNE 2016 the CREATE issue

Kate Teare

#54

the CREATE issue 54

BECAUSE QUALITY

MATTERS WWW.GALLERY.CO .IM

Sophia Russell Lucy Cringle (May – the MICRO issue)

Occupation: Student

Age: 20

Where are you from: Ramsey

Occupation: Student

What are you plans this Christmas: I will be spending Christmas with my family and friends on the island! Enjoying a good roast dinner!

From: Douglas

Occupation: Receptionist

Plans this Christmas: I’ll be spending this Christmas with my kittens and family.

What are you plans this Christmas: Going to my grandparents for Christmas dinner.

Best thing about Christmas is: the best thing about Christmas is either the buildup or giving people presents.

Interesting fact about myself: I have a big interest in makeup, and I like spending time with family and friends.

How was the experience of being on the cover of Gallery magazine: I felt very honored to be on the front cover of the Gallery and it is one of my biggest achievements so far.

Isle of Man Premier

Age: 20

(June – the CREATE issue)

Age: 16

Where are you from: Marown, Isle of Man.

(July – the GREAT OUTDOORS issue)

Interesting fact about myself: I love knitting and crocheting.

How was the experience of being on the cover of Gallery magazine: It was a really fun experience and I enjoyed working with everyone involved!

Best thing about Christmas is: spending the morning ringing and visiting family also this year I will be calling my sister whilst she’s away.

Then spending the afternoon watching Christmas films by the fire.

Interesting fact about myself: I will be studying graphic design in Manchester as of January!

How was the experience of being on the cover of Gallery magazine: It was a good laugh, I was paired with a rather gorgeous Horse who was very cheeky but lovely and insisted on being the star of the show! So that was a challenge but we had a great day out in Port Erin and I got to meet some great people!

Magazine | no. 53 | MAY 2016 | the [MICRO] issue

Isle of Man Premier Magazine | no. 55 | July 2016 | the [GREAT OUTDOORS] issue

£ priceless

£ priceless

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

JULY 2016 the GREAT OUTDOORS issue

#52

the APPETITE

#55

issue

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the GREAT OURDOORS issue 55

MATTERS

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WWW.GALLERY.CO.IM

WWW.GALLERY.CO .IM

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UPFRONT

Photographer: Shan Fisher - www.shansphoto.com

Isle of Man Premier Magazine | no. 57 | September 2016 | the [URBAN] issue

Isle of Man Premier

£ priceless

Magazine | no.

58 | October 2016 | the [COLLEC TIVE] issue £ priceless

#57

the URBAN issue BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

#58

Natalie Nixon

the COLLECTIVE issue BECAUSE QUALITY

MATTERS WWW.GALLERY.CO .IM

(October – the Urban issue) Age: 15 Occupation: Student Where are you from: Peel What are you plans this Christmas: To be at home with my family.

Best thing about Christmas is: Getting to see everywhere lit up with

Christmas lights and listening to Christmas songs.

Interesting fact about myself: I have a massive phobia of wheelie bins.

How was the experience of being on the cover of Gallery Magazine: it was so weird, lots of people said they had to do a double take when they saw it!

Kasuma Christian (September – the COLLECTIVE issue) Age: 17 Occupation: Full time student at the Isle Of Man University College.

Where are you from: Thailand, Buriram City.

What are your plans this Christmas: Spending Christmas at home with my family and friends.

Best thing about Christmas: The best thing about Christmas is my mum cooking me Christmas dinner.

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

WWW.GALLERY.CO.IM

Interesting fact about myself: I’m a black belt in Taekwondo.

How was the experience of being on the cover of Gallery Magazine: I felt so honored being asked to be on the front page of the Gallery Magazine, it was an amazing experience that I’ll never forget. Massive thank you to Shan Fisher for making it happen and shout out to Heather Maddrell for making me look lovely for the shoot.

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Dash for cash!

So, what are you doing Wednesday 14th December? Can you spare your lunch hour just for one day of the year? Fit enough to drag yourself around the short Douglas Town Centre course? Then why not get involved with the annual Charity Santa Dash and help make it the biggest year ever!

Anyone can enter, and you don’t have to race – leave that to the amazing athletes that complete the course in under 5 minutes! All you have to do is dress up in a Festive outfit, raise a little money for your chosen charity and have a load of fun with all the other fun runners.

We’ll have TV and radio there, the roads will be closed and we always get a great crowd to roar the runners on – it’ll be the best 5 minutes of your year!

Isle of Man Bank also put up nearly £3,000 for cash prizes which you can donate to your charity – from the winners in different classes to spot prizes for best Festive outfits.

team, come along and make it a year to remember, you’ll even get a goody bag and a festive warm down reception after the race.

In 2015, 200 Santa’s started the Charity Dash and helped raise an estimated £20,000 for charities of their choice. This year, we expect again to have over 200! So, whether an individual or entering a corporate

Entering is easier than ever.

To Register please visit the Santa Dash website at www.iombank. com/santadash.

2015 RESULTS 20 people awarded spot prizes of £100 for their chosen charity 200 Santa Dashers started - lots of money raised for charities Winner: Jamie Newton and Sara Ismail-Sutton 2nd Stuart Christian and Gail Griffiths 3rd Gordon Crowe and Dee McLoughlin Best dressed male and female: Luke Eastaff and Addriannah Cameron Best dressed team: Manx Business Solutions

DRESS UP & DASH...

FOR C HARITY C ASH Last year, 200 people took part in our annual Santa Dash through the streets of Douglas Town Centre, raising valuable money for their chosen charities. This year, we’re hoping to do even better! So, if you can sprint, jog or even just walk the course, we would love to see you there.

WEDNESDAY 14th How to enter: DECEMBER 2016 Register online at

STARTING AT 12:30pm

www.iombank.com/santadash

LOADS OF PRIZES & LOADS OF FUN

UPFRONT

MISC

Just random things to amuse you.

Mirror, mirror, on the... Everywhere?

The gloves are on at the world's biggest house of mirrors in Gaitlinburg, Tennessee in the United States. Yes, you read that correctly - on. Because it'd be a lot easier if the mirrored walls were smeared with grubby fingerprints when it comes to finding your way out. Apparenty they send search parties out every half an hour at Ripley's Mirror Maze, that's how tough it can be to find your way around. I imagine the staff there don't make the mistake of having incorrectly memorised the maze all too often... Bump.

1.21 GIGAWATTS?!

With Elon Musk recently announcing Tesla's latest product, the solar roof tile, on the former set of Desperate Housewives (I'm unsure as to how that's relevant to this but bear with me) it seemed fitting to find out where some of the largest solar farms on Earth are to fit with this month's reflective theme, and so here's one for you - behold, the Topaz Solar Farm in San Luis Obispo County, California. It doesn't quite crank out enough power to enable Doc Emmett Brown to go back to the future at a mere 1.1 gigawatt hours from its 9,000,000 photovoltaic cells but is still mightily impressive. Particularly the little woodland area middle left of the photo which is presumably a park mandated by the state of California as part of the deal to build the 25 square kilometre desert site. A nice touch.

Mis-quoted: “Blinded by the light, wrapped up like a douche when you’re rollin’ in the night” Quoted:

"In silence and movement you can show the reflection of people."

Actual lyric: “Blinded by the light, revved up like a deuce, another runner in the night” Manfred Mann's Earth Band

Marcel Marceau

Puerile, old fashioned and potentially offensive, but irresistable from a nostalgia standpoint...

"Yo' Mama is so ugly, when she looks in the mirror, her reflection ducks."

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EVENTS

VICTORIA ARTUS & JO HAMILTON’S JOINT 40TH BIRTHDAY PARTY

On Saturday 19th November, the Mannin Hotel in Douglas hosted its first large function, a glamorous joint 40th birthday celebration for friends Victoria Artus and Jo Hamilton. With a vintage Hollywood theme, 150 guests partied the night away with a fantastic ‘rat pack’ style cabaret featuring the birthday girls husbands David Artus and Ian Hamilton alongside local favourites Jack Divers, Gary Chatel and Sonia Callin singing all the classics.

Tory and Jo were delighted with the evening and were thrilled with donations from the guests which totalled over £1300. The funds were donated to charities close to their hearts, Manx Cancer Help, Tabithas Trust and Eva Roses Garden. Rom Kesa, General Manager of the Mannin said ‘it was our pleasure to host such a sophisticated party, making our first ever big function that little more special. A very happy birthday to Jo and Victoria from all of us at the Mannin’

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EVENTS

Photos: Julie Lawton - Focus Photography

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

Location: The Mannin Hotel, Douglas

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EVENTS

EMMA LATHAM & PHIL CRELLIN MARRIED ON 30TH JULY 2016

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EVENTS

Photos: Shan Fisher- www.shansphoto.com

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Location: The Villa Maria, Arcade.

Reception: Niarbyl.

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EVENTS

THE WEDDING OF LYNSEY & MARK HARRIS ON THE 27TH AUGUST 2016

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Ceremony: Douglas Town Hall Reception: Sefton Hotel

Photos: Matt Mosur - www.mattmosur.com

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

For presents that preserve our past Manx Museum Gallery Shop, Douglas House of Manannan Shop, Peel

CULTURE

There is at least one spot in the world where Fairies are still believed in… the little Island from which these stories come – Ellan Vannin, the Isle of Mann MANX FAIRY TALES, 1911

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Something of the national character, somewhat of the history of a people, much of its manners and customs, may be gleaned from its folklore.

SOPHIE MORRISON, PREFACE TO MANX PROVERBS AND SAYINGS, 1905

The First Curator

Sophia Morrison is probably now most well-known for her storybook Manx Fairy Tales, but she did much more than collect Manx fairy stories. The daughter of a local grocer in Peel born in 1859, she was to become a major force in the Manx cultural revival.

Sophia Morrison’s interests were not confined purely to language or the past. For her, the threat of the Island being annexed as part of England and the loss of the Island’s independence was one to be resisted.

In a new exhibition opening at the Manx Museum from Saturday 10th December, learn about her varied life and work from being a promoter of the Manx language and culture to her involvement in Manx politics and publishing – Sophia Morrison was a person who made things happen.

WILLIAM CUBBON, AGM OF THE MANX SOCIETY, 1915

There was hardly an area of Manx culture that Sophia Morrison was not deeply and importantly involved in. Her passion and efforts led her to become incredibly influential in language, music, folklore, theatre, literature, cookery and even national dress.

Not just focussing on preserving the past, Sophia Morrison wanted to help modernise Manx culture and give it a vibrant future.

One of the key manifestations of her work came through her founding and editing of Mannin: Journal of Matters Past and Present relating to Mann, published between 1913 and her death in 1917. As well as being a focal point for the Manx cultural community, Mannin was an important place for Manx poets, short story writers and playwrights to have their work published.

Morrison was also of paramount importance to Manx theatre as she was directly responsible for bringing about the writing or production of many Manx dialect plays of the 1910s, a renowned period for Manx drama.

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

She is a patriot inspired with an enthusiasm so intense that it spreads to others around her.

However, Morrison’s name will still perhaps be best known for her 1911 book, Manx Fairy Tales.

But even as a folklorist, the publication of Manx Fairy Tales was only the ‘tip of the iceberg’. Traditionally folktales might be collected by ‘armchair antiquarians’ who paid people to collect the stories, but in her time a new class of scientific folklore collector emerged. Sophia Morrison and her contemporaries (like their natural history counterparts) would go on ‘fieldtrips’ to record the Island’s folk tales and songs.

By publishing the tales in a storybook, Morrison also ensured that the stories would not just be a historical record for future generations, but would become much loved tales for children and adults alike, both on the Island and beyond.

And her legacy continues through the very heart of the Manx community today. Yn Cheshaght Ghailckagh (The Manx Language Society) continues to flourish, Manx language is taught in schools across the Island. Even without this, her name will go down in the Island’s literary history for Manx Fairy Tales.

A magical new edition of the book featuring the hugely popular mythical tales of the Moddey Dhoo, Fynoderee and the Buggane of St. Trinian’s to name a few, is available at the Manx Museum Gallery Shop and House of Manannan Shop, Peel.

THE EXHIBITION IS ON DISPLAY AT THE MANX MUSEUM UNTIL 6 MAY 2017.

SPECIAL EVENTS Manx Museum Special Christmas Sunday Opening Sunday 11 December, 10am – 5pm Discover the world of Manx fairies and folklore with activities and storytelling in the museum galleries as we celebrate Sophia Morrison and the new exhibition dedicated to her life’s work. See our giant Christmas tree and purchase some last minute gifts from the Gallery Shop. Free – donations welcome.

Manx Christmas Concert Manx Museum, Sunday 11th December @ 2pm A distinctly Manx Christmas concert, with plays, carols and stories celebrating Sophia Morrison.

Soak up some Manx Christmas spirit with renditions of the Quaaltagh rhyme, Hunt the Wren and performance of Morrison’s Old Manx Christmas Tale. Tickets available at the Manx Museum and www.manxnationalheritage.im

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CULTURE

CULTURE VULTURE What’s on

Now - CHRISTMAS CREATIVE WORKSHOPS //ISLE GALLERY, ST JOHNS//

Unleash your creativity this Christmas at seasonal workshops for children and adults where you can make your own cards, decorations and presents.

A full range of creative workshops for adults from the Art Reach team includes print and stencil Christmas cards and gift tags, painted fabric and surface pattern designs, festive screen printing, pot-thrown ceramics and Christmas decorations and coaster decoration. There are separate weekend workshops for children. www.theislegallery.com

Now – 23.12.2016 ASPECTS OF MAN //SAYLE GALLERY, DOUGLAS//

The main gallery space at the Sayle will host an exhibition of new atmospheric landscape work from popular local artist Paul Parker. His work is full of the drama, light and movement which so inspires him, and includes work made here and some pieces from elsewhere.

The smaller gallery and shop will have a Christmas exhibition with a range of items and cards from local artists for those last minute gifts, and include Ellie Baker’s beautiful, colourful, stylised Manx landscapes. www.sayle.gallery www.facebook.com/saylegallery

04.12.16 – 08.01.2017 NANCY CORKISH, DAVID BYRNE AND FRIENDS //THE ISLE GALLERY, TYNWALD MILLS//

Nancy Corkish and David Byrne are back at the Isle Gallery this Christmas with new work, and more from some of their talented friends.

The annual £10 secret postcard sale is also back: For just £10 you buy an envelope containing a postcard-sized original art work. Once all the envelopes are sold, you will receive your purchase, but the secret is that until then you won’t know which of the Island’s artists has painted your postcard. An interesting way of supporting local artists, adding to your own collection and helping secure the future of the Isle Gallery. www.facebook.com/theislegallery

DECEMBER

04.12.2016 ISLE OF MAN SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA GALA CONCERT //VILLA MARINA, DOUGLAS// Afternoon concert for all ages with guest soloist Tamsin Little playing the Heydn Woolf Violin Concerto, and music from Humperdinck and Tchaikovsky. www.villagaiety.com

08.12.2016 THE NUTCRACKER //KINGS COURT THEATRE, KING WILLIAMS COLLEGE//

Take the family along to enjoy The Royal Ballet’s glorious production of The Nutcracker. Enjoy festive food and drink at the Abbey Restaurant prior to the showing, and afterwards you will all receive a special Christmas gift from the King Court Theatre.

Booking essential www.ticketsource.co.uk/ kingwilliamscollege

14.12.2016 ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS – THE MOVIE //PEEL CENTENARY CENTRE//

The last of the 2016 Films in Peel season and to celebrate in Ab Fab fashion everyone is invited to dress up in their most fabulous outfits. Sequins, neons and animal prints as bold as you like. There will be prizes (see the facebook page) so start planning your party outfit and get ready for an absolutely fabulous evening!

Tickets are just £5 and are available online from www.etickets.im/fip or from Celtic Gold (Peel), Shakti Man (Ramsey) and Thompson Travel (Port Erin) or on the door (unless sold out). www.facebook.com/filmsinpeel/

14.12 – 31.01.2017 TIME – Open Art Exhibition //HODGSON LOOM GALLERY, LAXEY//

‘Time’ is the theme for Hodgson Loom Gallery’s annual open art competition. This is open to both professional and amateur artists and entry forms are available from the gallery now and handing in dates are 3-7 December. This exhibition and competiton – with prices for the best works in a variety of classes – is always very popular and the standard of entries is very high, so expect a cornucopia of art and a fascinating exhibition which runs through to the end of Januay. Christmas opening hours can be found on the Facebook page.

16.12.2016 THIE AS SHEE – WITH PEACE AND LOVE //ST NINIAN’S CHURCH, DOUGLAS// Local musicians Truman Falls, the Jeff Jepson Band, Christy de Haven and Anna Goldsmith will be performing to raise money for Graih, the local charity for the homeless.

Doors open at 7.30pm. Tickets just £5 - www.jeffjepson.co.uk, or on the door.

24.01.2017 LIVE SCREENING – NO MAN’S LAND //KING’S COURT THEATRE, KING WILLIAMS COLLEGE//

Book now for this January live screening event. Following their hit run on Broadway, Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart return to the West End stage in Harold Pinter’s No Man’s Land, broadcast live to cinemas from Wyndham’s Theatre, London.

And King’s Court Theatre are offering a very special prize to one lucky ticket holder - a golden ticket to attend all of the Live screening events for free for a year, worth a up to £450 if he or she sees everything.

Book now to see this glorious revival of Pinter’s comic classic, and get your name in the draw for the golden ticket. This broadcast will be followed by an exclusive Q&A with the cast and director Sean Mathias.

www.ticketsource.co.uk/date/301267

Second and last Friday of every month SAYLE GALLERY ART CINEMA CLUB - DANCE //SAYLE GALLERY, DOUGLAS// The Sayle Gallery Art Cinema Club has announced its December theme – Dance.

Expect something different, strange and interesting. Join the club on facebook to see what films are coming up and suggest your own.

On 13 January there will be a special showing of a more traditional but no less interesting film: ‘Mr Turner’ starring Timothy Spall as artist JMW Turner. Bring your own refreshments. www.facebook.com/ groups/587317068103781/

www.facebook/hodgsonloomgallery

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CULTURE

CULTURE NEWS

MANX PUNX GIG

Manx Punx is a group of local musicians hell bent on igniting the Island’s music scene and shaking out any complacency.

After their much anticipated Halloween gig was cancelled at the last minute, they’re back at Nexus on 2 December with ‘the Gig that never happened’ featuring the popular Fletcher Christian Mutiny, winner of the 2015 Battle of the Bands, and CrotcH LicE. Then on 10 December CrotcH LicE will be at the Rovers Return for the annual Manx Punx Christmas Gig, supporting two young up and coming bands from Middlesbrough, Antiseptics and GAK. Antiseptics, dubbed ‘radical teen punks’ by the Northern Echo, tour widely around the UK and Europe doing what they do best, bringing what they describe as punk and ska to a new generation, and now thanks to Manx Punx, they’re heading to the Isle of Man.

TYNWALD LIBRARY SETTING FOR LAUNCH OF BOOK DETAILING STRUGGLE FOR POPULAR ELECTIONS IN THE ISLE OF MAN Tynwald Library has been the setting for the launch of The Struggle for Manx Democracy, by Dr Robert Fyson.

Commissioned by Culture Vannin the book details the struggle during the 19th century for popular elections in the Isle of Man, its launch in 2016 coinciding with the 150th anniversary of the House of Keys Election Act of 1866 that would ‘render the House of Keys elective’.

If you’d like to suggest any more venues – not just in Douglas – then you can send Matt a message via Facebook at www. facebook.com/manxpunx/ where you will also find details of this months’ gigs.

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

Dr Robert Fyson: The Struggle for Manx Democracy. Culture Vannin. On sale at the Tynwald Library, priced £14.99.

Simeon spent time in primary schools around the Island introducing the children to a variety of woodwind instruments and making music with unusual items including an NHS crutch and a bicycle pump.

“We’re delighted that big UK punk bands like Antiseptics want to come and play here, but it’s not easy to find venues willing to take a risk on loud and raw music,” says Manx Punx representative Matt Twist.

“Manx Punx is a loose group of rock, punk, Hip Hop and acoustic musicians set up to promote live music from original, inspirational young bands all of whom need somewhere to play and showcase their talents.

“Nexus, the Rovers Return and Amber are all big supporters of live music,” continues Matt, “but we’ve got a lot of talented musicians and bands here and we need more venues. Our gigs are always popular and we know that there is a market on the Island for the type of music we play and sing, we just need to get the Manx Punx message out! ”

Charles Guard, a former leading figure in the Manx Heritage Foundation, (now Culture Vannin) and architect of the project to see the book published, spoke of Dr Fyson’s ‘impeccable quality of academic research’ and how he had produced a work that was ‘eminently readable’.

Chairman of the Festival, also known as the Guild, Sarah Kelly said: ‘It was magical to see the children transfixed by Simeon and the woodwind instruments he introduced to them. The instrument that gained the most amusement was definitely the duck caller!’

THE GUILD CELEBRATES A SUCCESSFUL WEEK WITH SIMEON

The Manx Music, Speech and Dance Festival, sponsored by the Dandara Group, enjoyed a busy and exciting week with internationally acclaimed flautist Simeon Wood, who visited the Isle of Man to share his music.

Simeon took part in the Guild Goes North concert at Lezayre Parish Hall, where a large audience enjoyed a combination of Simeon’s humour and talent along with the varied, uplifting and joyful singing of acclaimed ladies choir Manx Voices under the baton of musical director Angela Stewart, a former Cleveland Medal winner at the Guild.

There was also an opportunity for Island woodwind players to enjoy a masterclass with Simeon at St Andrew’s Church in Douglas.

The Festival celebrates its 125th anniversary from 21st to 29th April 2017. www.manxmusicfestival.org. www. facebook.com/ManxMusicFestival

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CULTURE NEWS

MANX CANCER HELP FAIRIES SAVE CHRISTMAS – WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM GENEROUS LOCAL BUSINESSES Children around the Isle of Man are now able to get their hands on Manx Cancer Help’s new book – Manx Fairies Save Christmas. It is a whimsical story telling the tale of how fairies from the Island helped Santa. This is the first time the charity has produced a book and it is hoped that it will prove to be an important fundraiser for their services as well as a much loved family book.

The 28-page book which is priced at £15 and includes a fairy doll will raise vital funds to help cancer patients and their families. The book was officially launched at Tynwald Mills on Sunday 16th November as part of the department store’s Christmas celebrations. During October Katie Melua, a patron of Manx Cancer Help who has written the book’s foreword, visited the Island to meet sponsors and record a reading of the book.

Tynwald Mills, Appleby, Callin Wild, Citywing, Equiom, Manx Petroleum and Isle of Man Advertising have supported the charity with the publication of the book, alongside other local firms which have also donated towards the costs. All the businesses that have supported the venture make an appearance on a map of the Isle of Man in the book and have really helped to bring the story alive.

Manx Cancer Help’s fundraiser Kathryn Hodgson said: ‘The story follows the Manx Fairies as they are magically brought to life and travel to the North Pole to help Santa with his preparations for Christmas. The book comes with a soft fairy figure, either a girl or a boy, which watches over the child, reporting back to Santa if they are naughty or nice. It’s a reminder to children to be good.’

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The launch event was a huge success and hundreds of people visited Tynwald Mills to meet the fairies and buy the first copies of the book as well as taking party in many fairy related activities! The event was made even more Christmassy by a snow machine which created a blizzard courtesy of ELS and a giant snow globe offering great photo opportunities which was provided by Fair Play. All the visitors were able to meet the wonderful Father Christmas in his amazing grotto which caused great excitement.

The team at Manx Cancer Help would like to thank everyone who has been so generous in supporting the production of the book. Chief Executive Andrea Chambers said “We have been totally overwhelmed by the generous support of local businesses and the real enthusiasm and love for the project shown by everyone who has helped us make Kathryn’s idea a reality. We would like to thank our sponsors and I would like to make a special mention of the team at Tynwald Mills who worked tirelessly to help us pack books and ensure that the launch event was a huge success.

Our very sincere thanks finally to the wonderfully talented Quinn Shipton who has worked with us on this project and provided the illustrations that brought our very special fairies to life.”

Copies of the book are available now from Tynwald Mills, the Steam Packet boats, the Lexicon Bookshop in Douglas and all main Shoprite stores throughout the Island. www.manxcancerhelp.org | Facebook: www. facebook.com/ManxCancerHelp | Twitter: www.twitter.com/ManxCancerHelp ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

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A. The incredible beauty and nature on the Island inspires these ethical silver statement pieces by Element.isle Jewellery, each one unique. Jewellery gifts £18 - £250* B. Add some Manx flair to your wardrobe with our scarves and ties in Celtic designs, scarf £37.50

E. Treat your other half or a special couple to a romantic retreat at Yn Thie Thooit, a little thatch cottage nestled near the sandy Lhen beach in the north. Voucher to redeem against a stay of their choice, £300

Every purchase helps to support the heritage and culture of the Isle of Man. Available at the Manx Museum Gallery Shop, Douglas and House of Manannan Shop, Peel. *only available at the Manx Museum

C. A range of gifts featuring wellloved paintings from the National Art Collection, from £9 for a notebook to £30 for a gift of 4 placemats D. Ancient Viking game with a modern vibe. A throwing game of skill and strategy for the whole family to enjoy, Kubb Premium Set £65

F. A new colourful paperback illustrates the most treasured and extraordinary artefacts from the national collection as well as the people and events that have shaped the Island’s history, Explore Manx Museum £8

CULTURE

REFLECTION

T

he great irony about life seems to me that you only truly understand the game that you are playing when the clock is in the last quarter. It is by that stage you have had just sufficient exposure to knowledge, to wisdom, to experience and to the ‘real world’.

As the quote suggests your school days and even those of university are simply a way of downloading the ‘starter software’. You soon realise that: in terms of knowledge, you are very far from done; in terms of wisdom, you appear naïve; and as regards experience of the ‘real world’, you are on the first page.

The developing personality must go through many stages and take some wrong turns before reflection will allow it to assess and assign value to those characteristics that are positive and reject those that bring no good, personally or to others. Only then will the person potentially become mature and ‘fully-formed’.

The start of the journey is home-life and education and both sides of the coin are equally vital. I have never met a parent that thinks that they are doing a perfect job (me included) and in fact I think that it is undoubtedly one of the toughest responsibilities that a person can undertake. There are no instruction manuals and no training and so each parent is thrown into the game to pick it up on the fly. Mistakes are made and worried over and at times successes seem few and far between but occasionally you see progress and that gives you hope. Slowly you see your charges agreeing with your moral and ethical codes and approaching life’s challenges in the way you try to and have always shown them – those moments are priceless.

These lessons you hope will be mirrored in the school environment and you worry that the formal and informal education that your

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Words: Andrew Low

“Education begins the gentleman, but reading, good company and reflection must finish him.”

(John Locke)

children receive will be of a high standard and consistent. Today the education system is under strain and cracks are showing in all developed countries – much to reflect upon, indeed.

The above quote mentions the importance of reading throughout life to continue the personal development of character. Today information is all too readily available at the push of a button or click of a mouse.

It is streamed to us in bite-sized pieces in real-time so we don’t need to seek it out.

In our readiness to consume this feast we scarcely question the source and that the message may be incorrect, partial or biased.

We are our own worst enemies in this regard because we intangibly gravitate to the point of view that best matches ours – we favour right or left wing newspapers or we tune to a similar-minded TV channel.

Are we afraid to listen to the alternate view – perhaps – or is it too much effort to amass all perspectives and then come to our own ‘informed’ decision?

Listening to others in open conversation helps to reinforce our lost skills of interpretation and fair-minded assessment of an argument. No one person has all the answers and is invariably right in discussion but there are many who think that they are! We don’t realise but our

perception of the world and how it works is heavily influenced by where we have lived most of our lives. “Travel broadens the mind” and that is because you are exposed to different values and interpretations of what is best and you realise that perhaps other, better views do exist. Mark Twain said it best in The Innocents Abroad, “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts.

Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one’s lifetime.”

It is often fun for a member of a group to play the ‘devil’s advocate’ in a discussion and deliberately argue against the flow to provoke a stronger defence from those who face them. In business the concept of the Six Thinking Hats by Edward de Bono is sometimes used to achieve a higher quality debate within meetings. Each member of the group must pitch from a specific perspective – positive, negative, fact-driven or emotionally-driven etc. This can result in unexpected conclusions because the group is forced to broaden the scope of the discussion.

I find that our tendency to reflect increases with maturity and age and so we are able to more quickly review what’s positive and what’s negative about our personality and how we interact with others. There are important questions that should be asked like have we struck the right balance between work and home life? Are we giving anything back to our community?

Are we being fair in our assessment of those closest to us, or should we cut them some slack? And here’s the big one, are we making the world around us a better place because of our input? I’ve been thinking about volunteering lately because it seems to answer some of these challenges. As the world population grows there are fewer resources to go around as we have seen with recent global austerity measures. Local communities will inevitably struggle from time-to-time to cover all bases and if we are all too busy and self-preoccupied to notice, things and people will get left behind. So perhaps we should all ask ourselves how we can help, even in a small way? Maybe this is the final realisation that reflects real maturity, that a person’s true worth is not his or her individual success but how positive their presence has been on others around them.

Andrew (48) moved to the IOM in August 2015 and currently lives in Douglas with his wife and two children. He is a businessman specialising in the International Agricultural sector.

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

CULTURE

NEW AND EXCLUSIVE:

Art and gifts at Genesis GENESIS GALLERY ONLY OPENED ITS DOORS THREE YEARS AGO, BUT IT IS GOING FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH UNDER THE CAREFUL EYE OF DIRECTOR RACHEL GRACE. ALREADY KNOWN FOR SOURCING AND SUPPLYING ORIGINAL ART AND LIMITED EDITION PRINTS FROM INTERNATIONALLY RENOWNED ARTISTS, RACHEL HAS EXTENDED THE RANGE TO INCLUDE CAREFUL SELECTED GIFTWARE AND JEWELLERY.

which isn’t exactly right. “If you don’t find something on your first visit,” she says, “I’ll keep my eyes open for something that turns out to be exactly what you want.”

It’s that level of service you can depend on from Rachel and Genesis Gallery.

Genesis Gallery is at 39 Victoria Street, Douglas and is open Tuesday – Friday 10am5pm and on Saturday from 12-4pm.

Telephone: 01624 622070 | www. genesisgallery.im | info@genesisgallery.im To register for the ‘Wedding Wishes’ service, go to www.weddingwishes.im

It’s hard not to be tempted by the attractive window displays on Victoria Street, and once you’re in it’s the standard of customer service which really makes this gallery stand out.

“Everyone, whatever their budget, deserves time and attention,” says Rachel. “People buy from people they like, particularly when it comes to a significant purchase like a piece of art or a special gift, so when you come in to Genesis, you get a smile and a ‘hello’ and if you want to chat, then I’m happy to talk about the works in the gallery and the artists featured.”

And if you’re not completely sure about your choice, Rachel will make a home visit to show what’s possible and what will look good. The gallery has also set up a bespoke ‘Wedding Wishes’ page to allow friends and family to help buy a work of art which the lucky couple have already chosen.

Genesis Gallery is over two floors but even that isn’t enough. “I don’t have enough wall space,” laughs Rachel, “so my website is very important. Nothing beats seeing the real thing, so if there’s a work on the website

which you think will be perfect then just ask.

I can usually order a specific piece for you to look at or I can even take commissions.”

And the customer service doesn’t stop there.

Rachel’s carefully targeted mailing lists mean that you won’t be drowned in emails about artists you’re not interested in, but you’ll be the first to know about new work from those you are, and to be invited to events that Genesis Gallery stages throughout the year.

Genesis Gallery is a favoured partner of De Montfort Fine Art, so Rachel has access to the latest works as well as exclusive ‘meet the artist’ sessions, and Doug Hyde, whose work is particularly popular with Genesis clients, will be returning to the Island in 2017. There is no doubt that Genesis offers something different – work which you won’t find anywhere else on the Island from the finest, most exciting international artists in their chosen fields.

The range of art works and gifts at Genesis Gallery is so extensive that it’s unlikely that you leave empty handed, but Rachel doesn’t encourage anyone to buy something

Genesis Gallery is at 39 Victoria Street, Douglas and is open Tuesday-Friday from 10am-5pm and on Saturday from 12-4pm.

Telephone 01624 622070 • www.genesisgallery.im • info@genesisgallery.im To register for the ‘Wedding Wishes’ service, go to www.weddingwishes.im BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

10% DISCOUNT Take this copy of Gallery magazine into Genesis and claim your 10% discount card which is valid until 31st December 2016*.

Why not take advantage of this offer to buy a special Christmas Gift for yourself or someone you love? *terms and conditions apply.

See card for details.

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CULTURE

UPLOAD

THE MONTHLY UPLOAD

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1 Janette Phair 2 John Fraser 3 Krysia Boruch 4 Caroline Cain 5 Anna kerruish

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CULTURE

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11 Margaret Woolnough 12 Rennie Hollings 13 Eric Gleave 14 Darren Shaw

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

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ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

TRAVEL

K C O R E H T ESCAPE ant to do from

t all of us w derlust at every s o lm a g in th rock is some grees of wan Escaping the We all have different de looking to jump ship for athe time to time.lives and whether you’re in multiple destinations stage of our plan a longer trip takingorld really is our oyster. few weeks ore days are endless, the w options thes But, booking that trip can result in a mission of colossal proportions involving enough tabs on your internet browser to confuse even the most tech savvy person.

Booking flights with one provider to get off the island; then another to get to the next destination; do the flight times work; do you need to transfer airports; what’s the best route to get to where you want to go; have you found the most cost effective way to do it all and that’s all before you’ve even thought of where to stay and what to do when you arrive.

Well worry not Gallery readers there is now a local company offering you the perfect solution to all your travel woes. Escapetherock.im are an online travel agency who

can help you book your trip from start to finish, taking into consideration all of the things only an islander knows they’d need to worry about. The added bonus is that the site is operated by local companies Mann Link and Richmond Travel with an office you can go and visit, should you wish to leave the comfort of your own home and speak to someone in person about planning your next big adventure.

Whether you’re looking to book your two week holiday or you are considering ways that you can travel the world whilst making it a better place we’ve put together a list of places to help inspire your travel plans for 2017:

Vietnam - Nha Trang

Successively occupied by China, Russia, France, Japan, and the United States, Vietnam has had its share of foreign interference. But today, the Vietnamese are focused on rocketing into the future. In this new era of confident selfdetermination the atmosphere is one of palpable optimism. Fortunately for travellers, Vietnam’s traditional charms have not yet been eclipsed. Vietnam’s beaches are truly captivating, as the region has grown in popularity over recent years, they are now receiving the attention they deserve. Nha Trang is located on the Southern central coast of Vietnam, boasting 6km of golden sands stretching along a curved bay backed by impressive mountainous. It is the perfect destination for beach lovers, water-sport junkies and lovers of sumptuous seafood. Nha Trang is also Vietnam’s diving capital, with many offshore islands to explore and abundance of marine life a few minutes boat ride away; ideal for ‘taster’ dives, as well as more experienced divers.

“Vietnam’s beaches are truly captivating, as the region has grown in popularity over recent years, they are now receiving the attention they deserve.”

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ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

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Thailand - Pattaya

Pattaya is a bustling city on Thailand’s eastern gulf coast, with Bangkok only 90 miles away. Once a small fishing village it is now known for its great beaches and vibrant nightlife. From sunrise to sunset Pattaya is always switched on and fun! The city is built around Ao Pattaya, a wide, crescent-shaped bay that was one of Thailand’s first beach resorts. North Pattaya is a quieter, more upmarket area while Southern Pattaya remains the nightlife hub.

The beaches are full of water-sport lovers and sun-worshippers during the day but after dark all the action moves to the streets where revellers explore the neon-clad bars and clubs. North Pattaya is a more tranquil, upmarket area while Southern Pattaya South remains the nightlife hub.

Thailand - Koh Samui

Idyllic Koh Samui lies 50 miles off the eastern coast of mainland Thailand; boasting stunning turquoise waters and soft sun-kissed sands fringed by tropical palms. Home to coconut groves and lush mountainous rainforest it is one of Thailand’s biggest islands, known for the vast array of resorts and spas, from relaxed and unpretentious to the grand, together with the vibrant nightlife of Chaweng Beach. From the minute you arrive the island’s natural beauty is evident, this Thai gem will wrap its charm around you.

For a calmer, more tranquil offering with less tourists head south or west to discover family-run authentic Samui restaurants and towns whose inhabitants are descendants of the original Chinese merchant settlers.

India - Goa

Goa is a small, yet diverse state in western India with coastlines that stretch along the Arabian Sea. Here you can expect a fantastic climate, a warm welcome from the Goan people and fabulous food. Goa is known for its sun-kissed beaches, wonderful markets, all night parties and a blissful exotic vibe. The food in Goa is an important part of everyday life, a taste-bud-tingling fusion of Indian and Portuguese flavours. Be sure to sample a Goan Fish Curry and Goan Pork Vindaloo… if you’re brave enough! Although many visitors head to Goa to chill-out in the sunshine on one of the many beaches flanked by swaying palms, there is so much more to see from historic towns to aromatic spice plantations and lush mountains to roaming rivers. It really is a beautiful place full of charm and character.

Brazil - Rio de Janeiro

Be prepared to experience life at full speed. Sensuality, dancing, and partying: it seems the Brazilians have made a science of all that is fun in life. The world champions of hedonism were no doubt aided by a lush land and steamy climate, but still there is something different about Brazilians. Rio de Janeiro or simply Rio is a vast seaside city in Brazil. A captivating city famed for its beaches, tropical landscapes and Rio rhythms. Copacabana and Ipanema beaches are playgrounds that are open to all, freely offering endless enjoyment in the form of football, volleyball, surfing, snacking, drinking or simply unwinding amid the procession of people.

New Zealand - Queenstown

Queenstown is a resort town in Otago perched on the shore of the South Island’s Lake Wakatipu with the dramatic backdrop of the Southern Alps. An adventure tourism hotspot, it’s known the plethora of adventure sports on offer. In winter, there’s skiing and the country’s highest vertical drops. Summer brings paragliding, mountain biking and bungee-jumping. Most visitors to Queenstown come away having done something crazy for the first time - If the scenery doesn’t take your breath away, the action will! Queenstown is not just for adrenaline junkies, there is another side; the one with the cosmopolitan restaurants, trendy bars and a wonderful arts scene. It truly is a year round destination.

www.escapetherock.im

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

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TRAVEL

TAKE ME TO THE MOUNTAINS!

A HOME FROM HOME

WORDS Ben Davies

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ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

TRAVEL

Last Winter we had the good fortune to be invited to Morzine to sample winter at one of our favourite summer haunts, Chilly Powder’s Au Coin de Feu chalet hotel.

Nestled at the top of the Prodain valley that carves its way up toward Avoriaz, it is perfectly placed for a Morzine stay with regular buses to town but also the benefit of being a stone’s throw from the new fast Prodain lift that gets you that vital few hundred feet higher to the slopes of Avoriaz. We were there to coincide with the inaugural Transition Festival, organised by the people behind Snowbombing. So a week of luxury mixed with some decent night time entertainment. Hard to refuse! There’s something unique about riding a cable car to and from a club each night and feeling like you’re still on a premium family holiday while at the chalet!

We’d visited Chilly Powder before in the summer months but despite the year round appeal, a Chalet based business is obviously heavily geared toward the winter. The ski locker and warming room that stood spare in summer start now becoming heavily used and the familiar clomping of guests in ski boots slipping into slippers at the end of the day takes over. Whilst the lift if a few hundred yards from the building, when the ground is covered with the fluffy stuff, you can ski right to the garden from the slopes of Avoriaz. Whilst adult skiers will want to head to the hills, for little ones and first timers there is a drag lift that’s almost adjoining the property and Chilly Powder can help with arranging ski school. If

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

your little ones are still a bit too small for winter sports (3 and under) then the on-site childcare and playroom and crèche will keep them entertained and looked after.

The childcare provision and facilities are unique for Morzine, with fully qualified nannies able to care for children as young as three months! They are all themed and slightly different but are also designed with families in mind. Our daughter loves ‘The Indian Room’ with its own little room-inroom for one.

ABOVE LEFT: Dizzee Rascal headlining the first night at Transitions 2015 ABOVE RIGHT: Avoriaz by night

“ We were there to coincide with the inaugural Transition Festival, organised by the people behind Snowbombing. So a week of luxury mixed with some decent night time entertainment. Hard to refuse!”

When the ski day is done, and small people have run down the play room on the lower floor, the cosy welcoming warmth of the central fireplace and modern yet classic alpine charm are the perfect welcome home atmosphere when you come off the mountain. Home made afternoon tea is served every day and guests can relax near the fire, in the adults-only snooker room/library or in the in-house bar. A camaraderie certainly develops each week as beers are shared and tales of the day are shared.

...CONTINUED

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TRAVEL

TOP ROW: Just one of the lovely bedrooms, the dining room, lounge & library / pool room at Chilly Powder’s Au Coin du Feu. BOTTOM ROW: Avoriaz by day, iving the dream and après ski beers in the hot tub. ...CONTINUED

The main chalet is fully catered, with those staying in Au Coin de Feu benefiting from an excellent standard of not only mountain food but also other cuisines. Chilly Powder’s business model was built on the principle of offering superior food with Francesca, who owns the company along with her husband Paul, having trained as a cordon bleu chef. It’s clear that this influence has been prominent as the company has developed with meals at Chilly Powder a cut above those of other serviced chalets I’ve stayed with. During our trip to Chilly Powder in the summer we enjoyed light and fresh produce but winters become more hearty as summer salads become lamb shanks. It’s a great atmosphere at dinner on long tables that feel like a big family banquet each evening.

Guests from Chilly Powder’s nearby self catering chalets also get to join in for dinner one day a week.

muscle relaxation then walking across the garden in your slippers and robe to a yurt that functions as the massage and treatment room is also pretty special.

Lying in a yurt, in the snow, in the mountains, having a massage is a good place to be. Fact. Try the ‘Beanie and Boots’ - a combination of a head, neck and shoulder massage combined with a foot and calf massage. Worth 55 Euros of anyone’s money.

Morzine has become one of my favourite resorts. ith a great set of terrain, a characterful town and, in Chilly Powder, a great location for both family trips and breaks with friends. If you’re heading out to the snow this season, Chilly Powder should certainly be on your list for consideration.

The orientation of Chilly Powder’s facilities to its winter patrons continues outside as the hot tub comes into its own in the snow, providing an amazing location from which to consider the might of the surrounding mountains and the way the buildings of Avoriaz peer down on the valley. If you’re in need of some Weeks at Chilly Powder start at £465 per person half board. Self catering chalets start at £1000 per week.

Telephone 020 7289 6958 or check out www.chillypowder.com

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ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

INVESTMENT BUSINESS T E C H N O LO G Y

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ON THE AGENDA n NO 26 n DECEMBER 2016

INVESTMENT-HANDBAGS HOLD A RARE ATTRACTION

BUSINESS - MIND THE GRADUATES

TECHNOLOGY - SMART HOME PROBLEMS

in the news

Estera wins Awards for Excellence Teamwork prize

E

stera has been recognised for its outstanding teamwork at the prestigious Awards for Excellence.

During a gala presentation ceremony hosted by TV personality Alexander Armstrong in the Isle of Man on Thursday (18 November) the company was awarded the Teamwork title.

The category was for businesses which had demonstrated how they had built teams within and across their organisation and how that had improved internal performance and relationships with partners and clients. The decision to present the award to Estera followed judging by an independent panel.

RL360° Group announces deal to purchase Ardan International platform business

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he RL360° Group has today announced it has bought international platform business Ardan International. The deal brings together two successful Isle of Man companies.

Ardan International employs 12 staff and is based in Upper Church Street, Douglas. Following the acquisition, RL360° will invest in the company, the technology and the people to help Ardan International grow. It is, however, intended that the platform will continue to operate under the Ardan brand and will operate independently.

With this deal, RL360° is continuing to make good on its ambitious growth plans.

In November last year the international life

company acquired another Manx company, Clerical Medical Insurance Company Limited.

David Kneeshaw, Chief Executive of RL360°, said: “We have made no secret of the fact that pursuing acquisitions forms part of RL360°’s strategy to build scale and support our growth plans. We believe Ardan International presents a significant and attractive opportunity to accelerate this objective.

The acquisition is subject to approval from the Isle of Man Financial Services Authority.

Three cheers for Sir Miles!

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ince Manx Telecom was launched in 1986 there have only been three chairmen of the company. A rare meeting of this trio occurred recently at a dinner held in honour of former Chairman and Non-Executive Director, Sir Miles Walker CBE. Sir Miles, who was the Isle of Man’s first Chief Minister, stepped down from the Manx Telecom board in June this year after 13 years with the company. He was appointed in 2003 as a Non-Executive Director and served as Chairman from June 2010 until the company became an AIM-listed PLC in February 2014. The dinner celebrated his years of service during a period of significant development for the company. Among the guests who were there to pay tribute to Sir Miles were Walter Gilbey, who was Manx Telecom’s first Chairman from 1986 to June 2010, and current Non-Executive Chairman, Kevin Walsh. The dinner was held on November 9th at The Abbey Restaurant.

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agenda

KPMG publishes detailed Isle of Man eGaming Summit Report

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timulating, informative and an indepth record of a dynamic day”. So comments Michael Tobin, CEO and Co-Founder of Continent 8 Technologies, on the publication of the report on the latest KPMG eGaming summit, which brought together key industry experts to examine the trends, risks and challenges for all those working in the eGaming sector.

Held on 8th September at the Villa Marina in Douglas in the Isle of Man, the summit was attended by more than 280 delegates from across the eGaming industry. It was the first summit to be held in the wake of the Brexit referendum and gave an opportunity to those present to

discuss the impact of the Leave vote as well as other market developments around regulation, mergers and acquisitions, consolidation and player protection.

The 70-page report features a detailed summary of all the sessions from the day which covered everything from the market’s view of the sector and recent deals, to the introduction of the National Online SelfExclusion Scheme (NOSES) and key issues as such as cyber security, reputation and regulatory divergence. Presentation slides and Q&A discussions are included in the document which is available www.kpmg. co.im/eGamingSummitReport.

ON THE AGENDA

Gough Law ranked in highly prestigious Chamber and Partners UK Guide

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ough Law is celebrating being ranked in the highly prestigious Chambers and Partners UK Guide within the category, Offshore: Dispute Resolution. Gough Law is ranked in the highest category, Band 1, which is usually dominated by larger law firms. This in itself is a credit to the team at Gough Law, a small boutique litigation practice.

Founding director Alan Gough, who is widely acknowledged as the Isle of Man’s Litigator of choice for the most demanding cases, has been ranked individually in the highest category Band 1. Alan has appeared in many leading Isle of Man cases over the past 40 years.

Charles Coleman, shareholder and director of the firm was recognised in Band 2 and is known for his tactical thinking and cross examination of difficult cases, especially in fraud and quasi-fraud cases Chambers and Partners UK have been ranking the best lawyers since 1990, and now cover 185 jurisdictions.Â

Charles Coleman

WINNER

WINNER

Best International Private Banking Service (Non-UK)

Best International Wealth Management Provider (UK)

Alan Gough

wealth & Investment

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agenda

ON THE AGENDA

Utmost Wealth Solutions Poised to Make a

‘Wealth of Difference’

Q

Words: Les Able

uestion: How do you change the name and appearance of one of the world’s best known insurance companies and a major Island employer?

Answer: With a great deal

of care!

However, this was precisely the issue facing long standing international life company AXA Isle of Man Limited in the wake of its acquisition by Life Company Consolidation Group (LCCG) earlier this year.

Utmost Wealth Solutions is now the new trading name of AXA Isle of Man Limited and Simon Willoughby, the company’s head of proposition explains: “The challenge was to retain the service values and features our customers had grown accustomed to over a period of nearly 25 years, yet at the same time bring a fresh and contemporary feel to a newly independent business.”

He adds: “In the wake of the acquisition I was asked to lead a process that would not only deliver a new name for the company, but a whole brand identity that reflected our niche business.

“The process started in April when we appointed a brand and design agency to help us with these issues. First came the brand values and philosophy, then came the name, then finally we the look and feel of the brand identity. After a little more than six months, Ultimate Wealth Solutions was ‘born’ on 24 October.

“The process proved to be quite cathartic. The acquisition forced us to look at who we are as a business and the values we stand for, being mindful of the fact that the average age of our clients is 58, all of whom are asset rich UK residents.”

Simon continues: “Despite the change of name and corporate identity, clients will actually see very little change in their dealings with the company, as they will continue to be served by the same sales and services teams, the latter all based here in the Isle of Man. “We’re an established business with funds of £9.4bn under management and some 33,000 clients plus a host of key distributor relationship. Maintaining continuity through the change to Utmost Wealth Solutions has therefore been critical, but in a sector that doesn’t always react well to change, the response we’ve

WEALTH & INVESTMENT

“In the wake of the acquisition I was asked to lead a process that would not only deliver a new name for the company, but a whole brand identity that reflected our niche business.”

had so far suggests our new independence, single minded focus, the fresh more focused approach, has been well received by adviser and clients alike.”

Simon, was born in Skipton in North Yorkshire, but moved to the Island with his parents in 1972 when his father, David Willoughby, became Vicar of Marown and then Archdeacon of the Isle Man in 1980.

On leaving King Williams College, Simon went to Durham University, graduating in 1982, saw his career path was decidedly not in the Isle of Man but in the UK which was where he spent the next 11 years, in a series of roles in the financial services sector with Royal Insurance in the UK. “In the early 1980s, the Isle of Man was still a very seasonal, low skill and low wage economy. It’s easy to forget but the male unemployment hit 22.5% in the winter of 1981/2, and the government paid people to clear rocks off the Marine Drive.

Career opportunities for someone like myself were not obvious. That all changed with the arrival of the financial services driven economy, and I was among the first generation to return to the island 23 years ago.”

Looking to the future of Utmost Wealth Solutions on the Isle of Man, Simon says: “The ownership, name and appearance may have changed, but we look forward to continuing to grow our business from the Island, and making a wealth of difference to our clients and the staff that work for us.” www.utmostwealth.com agenda

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wealth & Investment

Lady Bracknell would most definitely not approve. In June this year, an Hermès Himalayan Nilo Crocodile Birkin handbag sold at auction in Hong Kong for just over $300,000.

Handbags hold a rare attraction for investors

P

rices, particularly for Hermès’s rarest Birkin bags, have reached fever pitch, in large part due to the French luxury goods manufacturer’s policy of restricting supply.

“The reality is that the top brand names have a very high retail price and the opportunity to buy them at auction represents a chance to buy them at a discount,” said Stephen Whittaker, managing director of Fellows Auctioneers.

“It is not just a case of having a waiting list — it’s the ability to get on that waiting list that is challenging.”

Handbags have become big business.

The JustCollecting Rare Handbag Index, which tracks investment-grade bags, increased by just under 8 per cent a year between 2004 and 2016. Over that 12year period, the standout star — the Chanel 2.55 Medium Classic Flap Bag — has risen in value by more than 230 per cent. The Chanel bag at auction nowadays would set you back roughly $5,000, up from $1,500 in 2004.

“That’s due to a surge in appreciation for the bag’s timeless style, which, as its name alludes to, was first produced in February 1955,” says Dan Wade, head writer at JustCollecting, the online auction house. “If you’re looking to invest in a 2.55, avoid the 2005 reissue, which has value, but not as much as the original classic.”

Retailing for approximately £6,000, the Birkin — named after the sixties actress Jane Birkin — is not easily unobtainable.

The waiting list can be as long as six years, says as Mr Whittaker.

“Hermès is without a doubt the most established collectable brand,” says Tammy Smulders, global managing director of Havas LuxHub. “You need only to look at the handbag auctions at Christie’s and Sotheby’s to prove that point.”

Christie’s reports selling between 10 and 20 such bags a year, many of which easily fetch more than $100,000. At the lower end of the cale, bags produced by Christian Dior and Louis Vuitton remain strong investments.

Between 2014 and 2016, JustCollecting reports that the Christian Dior Lady Dior Cannage has increased in value by just over 14 per cent to $4,000, while Louis Vuitton’s Classic 25 Monogram Speedy is up 10 per cent to $550.

But not every bag is deemed “investment grade”. Certain brands have longevity, but others either suffer the vicissitudes of fashion or the ubiquity of overproduction.

Potential investors or collectors should look for three main factors: brand, rarity and exotic skins, such as crocodile.

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Chanel bag has risen in value by more than 230 per cent in 12 years

Best-performing handbags 2004-2016 Source: JustCollecting

up

10.6%

per annum to $5,000

up

10.3%

pa to $13,000

up

8.8%

pa to $550

up

8.5%

pa to $4,000

up

7.9%

pa to $250

1. Chanel 2.55 Medium Classic Flap Bag

2. Hermes 1990s Cognac Leather 40cm Birkin

3. Emilio Pucci 1970s Black Leather & Velvet Pucci handbag

Aside from the classic brands there are also specialist labels such as Judith Leiber which use artistic themes and can provide investment opportunities.

Exotic skins, special materials on clasps and buckles, gemstones and embroidery can add to value.

But with rarity comes the question of supply and demand. Handbags remain a niche investment prospect — hence their auction prices — but are also prone to devalue pretty rapidly.

Condition is everything, It’s not just a question of reducing the price, but whether anyone would want it at all.

The solution, of course, is to treat handbags like you might any other valuable asset class — deposit it in the bank, never to be used. True aficionados will invest in leather milk and dust covers, ensuring the bag is stuffed with scarves or tissue paper

4. Christian Dior Lady Dior Cannage

5. Coach 1960s Leather Sling Bag

and kept out of the sunlight.

But while even the most scuffed of bags might retain some appeal if they are the right label, investors should also be aware that the market is awash with fakes — both in terms of buying the latest bag on the street and at the auction house.

Whether investors are right to look to handbags for a decent return, for many the appeal of wearing a designer label, tossed casually over one arm, remains paramount — whoever you are.

“I do sell to princesses,” says Nicola Robinson, founder of Bags of Luxury.

“But otherwise it’s just normal people with a wealth of money and handbags are something they like to collect. Men have their watches, and women like to collect bags — something that’s going to last and either can be handed down or sold.”

ON THE AGENDA

COMMUNIT Y IS

W E F U L LY A P P R E C I AT E O U R I S L E O F M A N H O M E T H AT N U R T U R E S A N D S U S TA I N S O U R D E D I C AT E D B U S I N E S S .

T H AT ’ S W H Y W E ’ R E T O TA L LY COMMIT TED TO OUR COMMUNIT Y AND M A K I N G A W E A LT H O F D I F F E R E N C E I N E V E R Y W AY W E C A N .

To find out more about Utmost Wealth Solutions please visit www.utmostwealth.com

in-business - Shan fisher

Classic, elegant and timeless:

it can only be Shan Fisher Photography

“P

hotography is my profession and my passion,” says Shan Fisher, and just one look at her work shows just how talented and dedicated she is. Keen followers of her Facebook page will know that she captures her subjects, from new born babies to weddings and family groups to stunning models, with a lightness and joy which others can only emulate. “Even as a little girl I loved art and photography,” she says, “and I consider myself privileged to create beautiful and timeless images and capture all those precious moments.”

Shan originally set up Shan Fisher

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ON THE AGENDA

Photography in 2007, but the business really got going when she returned to the Island in 2010 after University to marry the man she says makes her the happiest person in the world. And this underlying happiness which she brings to her work is perhaps one reason that Shan has become one of the most popular photographers in the Isle of Man. With two very young boys, Shan has always fitted her work around the family and now she has a new ‘baby’ – her own home studio. “Having a fabulous studio in my own home was always a dream, and now, after years of dreaming, planning, saving and working the extension is ready and fitted out to my own specification,” Shan says, “and it fits my needs, my style and provides the natural light which I love to work in. It’s absolutely perfect!”

Of course, if you look at Shan’s photos you won’t notice the work that’s gone into making and taking them. “I love my clients coming to my house where they can sit, have a drink and get comfy, but working from the spare room wasn’t ideal,” she says.

“Now, with new studio already set up for a session, my clients, even the babies, are calm and relaxed, and I’m able to create the images which we’ll all be happy with, for ever.”

Shan is also known for her stunning wedding photographs, many of which have been featured in national wedding blogs and magazines, and she loves being part of what is a very special day. “We often build up a relationship which goes beyond one set of images,” says Shan. “Nothing gives me more pleasure than being there at the beginning of a couple’s marriage, and then being asked to photograph their babies, or even the ‘bumps’, and see them all grow together.” And it’s because she knows her photographs are so important, she takes her time, both on the day and afterwards.

Her new studio, where she can also shoot editorial commissions, is a welcome addition to Shan’s photographic armoury which also includes knowing, and using, the best locations around the Island, and the fifteen pages of testimonials on her website from delighted clients show just how sought after she is.

Now Shan’s new studio is up and running, she and husband David are working on another building project – her new website, to be launched in January.

The updated www.shansphoto.com will be mobile-friendly and easy to navigate, and, like her photographs, beautiful. “The flexibility of having my own studio means that in the new year I’ll be offering a number of new packages and options,” says Shan, “but whichever you choose, you’ll know that you will have photographs to cherish for ever.”

“Even as a little girl I loved art and photography”

/Shan Fisher Fine Art Photography | www.shansphoto.com | photo@shansphoto.com IN-BUSINESS

agenda

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GRAUd8/Careers

graduates internships apprenticeships

Both are from the Isle of Man. Former Ballakermeen High School student Ross Wilson, 21, a Chester University graduate, will be responsible for marketing Citywing’s Isle of Man routes, while Jamie Burkitt, 18, who left St Ninian’s High School earlier this year, will be promoting the

Cardiff-Anglesey route.

Jamie said: ‘To have left school only recently then be accepted as one of Citywing’s first interns is a great way to gain a foothold on the career ladder at an early age.’

Ross added: ‘Everyone at Citywing has been very welcoming and supportive.

They have a huge amount of combined experience of the airline industry and from day one have been extremely generous in sharing their knowledge with Jamie and me.’

Citywing managing director David Buck said: ‘Against the background of an increasingly competitive jobs market, locally and internationally, Citywing’s new internship programme aims to offer some of the Island’s young people early career opportunities and help them to gain practical experience of the world of work while making a positive contribution to the Manx economy.

‘Citywing’s routes out of the Isle of Man and the Cardiff-Anglesey operation, combined with our enviable punctuality record and consistent high standards of customer service, present a wealth of marketing potential on which Ross and Jamie are clearly keen to capitalise. We are pleased to welcome them to the team and look forward to helping to develop their skills and promoting the Citywing brand.’ www.citywing.com

The re-introduction of Douglas Borough Council’s apprenticeship programme has seen six new apprentices begin their training.

Apprentice gardeners Thomas Corlett, Cameron Mallinson and Conylt Welsh, together with apprentice electrician Oliver Dunne, apprentice mechanic Sam Stannard-Duke and apprentice plumber Joshua Sharpe, were welcomed to the council by council leader David Christian , who was joined by Councillor Claire Wells, chief officers and representatives from

human resources.

Apprenticeship training is being delivered in conjunction with the Department of Economic Development and University College Isle of Man (UCM), of which Councillor Christian is a member of the board of governors.

Councillor Christian said: ‘In these uncertain economic times apprenticeship opportunities in the private sector are fewer, especially in the building trade.

The council, along with the Isle of Man Government, recognises the importance to the Manx economy of a skilled workforce, and it was against this background that we have re-introduced the apprenticeship programme.

‘The council provides a wide range of services, so is able to offer a particularly diverse programme of on-the-job training through which young people can learn transferable skills, gain qualifications and be better prepared for the increasingly competitive jobs market.

‘Apprenticeships also provide a practical introduction to the wider world of work and offer rewards that exceed the monetary, as they give young people a sense of purpose and worth.

Take off for Citywing’s internship programme Citywing has launched its new internship programme with the appointment of Ross Wilson and Jamie Burkitt.

Council welcomes new apprentices 64

agenda

ON THE AGENDA

gradu8 [careers special]

More than 180 students attended a one-day workshop on Monday November 14 at the Palace Hotel organised by Manx charity Junior Achievement.

The session was run to coincide with Global Entrepreneur Week, which saw thousands of events in 160 countries inspire millions to engage in entrepreneurial activity.

The aim of the workshop was to inspire students setting up their own businesses through the Junior Achievement company programme, which gives young people the opportunity to form and run their company over the course of one academic year and is widely recognised as the world’s top entrepreneurial programme for young people in education.

The workshop, sponsored by Barclays and the Department of Economic Development, was attended by A-level students from Ballakermeen, Castle Rushen, Queen Elizabeth II and St Ninian’s high schools, Ramsey Grammar School and students from the University College Isle of Man. Students heard from three inspirational entrepreneurs, two of whom were past participants of the Junior Achievement company programme.

The first guest speaker was Fraser Doherty MBE who set up SuperJam at 14, using his grandmother’s jam recipes. After selling his produce at farmers’ markets and to delicatessens, he developed a method of producing jam 100% from fruit.

After setting up production, creating a brand and perfecting his recipes, Fraser became the youngest ever supplier to a major supermarket chain when Waitrose launched the range in March 2007. SuperJam now supplies over 2,000 supermarkets around the world.

GRADU8/CAREERS

Junior Achievement business start-up workshop attracts 180 students

Joining him were Ben Towers and Zoe Jackson MBE. 18-year-old Ben has already proved that you can accomplish anything at any age. He started his first business, Towers Design – a digital marketing company, aged 11 and now employs a team of 19 staff.

The teenager is often on TV promoting young people in business and has featured in CBBC’s business show Pocket Money Pitch as well as frequently appearing on other shows. Ben has been praised

by Richard Branson as ‘one of the most exciting entrepreneurs’ and The Times listed him as the one of the most influential and powerful teenagers on the planet.

Multi-award-winning entrepreneur Zoe Jackson set up the Living the Dream Performing Arts Company at the age of 16 in 2006 to inspire young people and to subsidise her own performing arts education.

Over the last 10 years, Living the Dream has grown to include a school of performing arts in Hertfordshire, a professional dance company, a talent agency and a charity, the Dream

Foundation.

In June 2015 she was honoured in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List and appointed MBE for services to young entrepreneurs and the performing arts.

Department of Economic Development Minister Laurence Skelly MHK said: ‘The department fully supports the work of Junior Achievement Isle of Man. Their work of developing, inspiring and mentoring young people absolutely aligns with the department’s goals to sustainably grow the economy and create quality career opportunities. There is no reason why any junior achiever cannot mirror or exceed the success of today’s speakers.

Junior Achievement is a member of Junior Achievement Europe which works with 31,380 schools, with the help of 116,687 teachers and 164,363 business volunteers to empower 3,454,750 million students across 39 countries.

If you would like to get involved with fundraising or volunteering visit jaiom.im or call Sue Cook on 666266. agenda

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GRAUd8/Careers

Mind the graduates

It’s worth taking the time to remember what it was like to be straight out of university WORDS: Lisa Pollock

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ON THE AGENDA

I

often don’t know what to say to teenagers. By this, I primarily mean one teenager: the 17-year-old I mentor through a programme run by the Social Mobility Foundation. Luckily for both of us, she’s intelligent and emotionally mature. “Knows her own mind” is probably the right phrase, and I find this immensely helpful.

In the past couple of months, she has been deciding on which degrees to apply for and the whole process has left me feeling as helpless as I do in B&Q. It’s tricky because she is keen on the relatively new liberal arts degrees, covering humanities and social sciences, that some British universities are now offering. But how will this, in the eyes of potential future employers, stack up against more traditional subjects she is also good at, such as maths or history?

Provided she earns a high enough degree classification, from a good enough university, maybe it doesn’t matter. In which case, she should pick what she thinks will be the most enjoyable for this once-ina-lifetime experience. But then again it’s an experience that comes with a lot of debt, so it may well be better to take less risk.

GRADU8/CAREERS

“For the young woman I mentor, what will matter more than university are the formative years of her career”

At this point, I want to throw my hands up and let loose the following confession: when it comes to anything except vocational subjects such as law, engineering and medicine, little to none of what is learnt at university will be useful in the workplace. Some of it may even be detrimental.

This is obvious enough a few years into your career, but I’m not sure teenagers know this. I’m not sure if we should tell them either. I remember the profound sense of disappointment I felt when, working at a bank in the summer before my final year studying economics at university, I was told: “Don’t worry, no one gives real work to an intern.” This offhand omission, meant to comfort me when I was struggling with a model in a spreadsheet, instead triggered a crisis of self-worth. Why, if they weren’t giving me real work, were they paying me?

And why would anyone ever pay me?

For the young woman I mentor, what will matter more than university are the formative years of her career. Workplace practices learnt early on often stick. This can be positive — developing a tendency to be proactive, for example. (I am pretty sure my own habit in this area owes a lot to repeatedly being told, when asking questions, in my first year as an analyst at the bank where I interned: “You’re smart, you figure it out.”) But it can also be negative if a new arrival is left for days on end with no guidance and no tasks to work on. This chips away at a person’s confidence at an especially impressionable time.

Unfortunately, the situation a graduate finds themselves in during those first years is often little more than the luck of the draw. It is hard to tell what a small employer will really be like until you are actually there. Within big employers, there is often considerable variation between teams. The trick is to not grow disheartened if it doesn’t work out on the first go. If this is the case, move to a different team or employer as soon as possible in order to find better support.

Ideally, all employers would take care to guide new graduates. Those who have been in the workplace for a few years forget how alien the environment can be for recent arrivals and consequently do not pay them sufficient attention. The language of business, laden with acronyms and jargon, intimidates the uninitiated. Knowing who to trust, and with whom to ally oneself, presents further challenges. Office politics, invisible to newbies, are a minefield. A common early faux pas is to call out a colleague who’s wrong. At university, it reflects well on a student to demonstrate how much they know, even if that means showing up others in front of a crowd.

In the office, they have to unlearn this tendency to show off. Making others look dumb in a meeting, or hogging attention, wears thin.

Somewhere in the midst of this, a graduate learns how to actually do the tasks of the job itself while contending with the fact that, quite unlike at university, there may not be any correct answers.

As for the young woman I mentor, she did the right thing in the end: listened to all the advice and then did what she wanted to do anyway. I think she’s going to be just fine. agenda

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GRAUd8/Careers

ZOE LOWEY

gradu8 [careers special]

SENIOR ADMINISTRATOR

ESTERA

Age: 28 University attended: I was unable to attend university due to personal circumstances at the time; however this has not stopped me pursuing my career.

What did you want to be when you were 8?

I recall always wanting to be a veterinarian.

Favourite way to relax: Geocaching is enjoyable, keeps me active and lets me explore lots of hidden and breathtakingly beautiful locations. Scrapbooking also keeps me relaxed; I am currently making a memories book for my niece. I find that having something to focus on and put all my attention and energy into has a calming effect.

Favourite place to eat in the Isle of Man: The Creek in Peel – especially when it is warm enough to sit outside in the summer! Their homemade cheese pie is my favourite.

What’s your favourite possession: This is a difficult one... potentially my phone as it holds a lot of amazing memories, like photographs and videos of my partner, family, kitten and friends.

YOUR JOB

What made you choose the company you work for: Primarily the nature of the work involved, reputation of the firm and career prospects, as I felt I had reached my peak with a smaller CSP.

ABOUT ESTERA ISLE OF MAN:

Established for more than 25 years, our strong legal heritage, rooted in our previous partnership with Appleby, and resolute commitment to the delivery of service excellence is what sets us apart.

Independent and truly global, our team of dedicated and highly qualified professionals creates smart and considered fiduciary solutions.

The Estera way of doing business is all about the strength that derives from shaping individual skills into a formidable team.

Our people are the stars of our business, driving change and implementing new ideas and initiatives.

Across each of our offices we provide a dynamic, challenging and rewarding environment to inspire and nurture our employees to achieve their career goals. Our training and development programmes offer Estera employees the opportunity to develop new skills and expand their horizons.

At an exciting time of expansion, if you are looking to join an award-winning, world-renowned, growth-focused fiduciary business, email helen.hall@estera.com for more information, or visit www.estera.com/careers/ to browse our latest opportunities.

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What sort of professional training have you undertaken since you started: Given that I did not attend university, I decided to throw myself into my career and take as many exams and training courses as were available. With aspirations of reaching management level, I completed the ICSA Certificate and Diploma in Offshore Finance and Administration, International Leadership and Management Level 2 Certificate in Leadership and Team Skills and am currently working towards my STEP Diploma in International Trust Management.

What do you do on an average day: There is never an average day in my job. I assist with the stages involved in purchasing, trading in or selling aircraft; this includes the registration or de-registration of aircraft, its importation and the restructuring of ownerships for corporate entities. I make amendments to our internal operational policies and procedures, carrying out system administrator functions on the online banking, and generally assisting with all aspects of administration work for corporate entities.

I am also on the social committee, so I love getting involved with helping to organise social events and charity fundraisers.

What is your next career step: Reaching management level; this would be a personal goal I would like to achieve.

What advice would you give your younger self considering the experience you have now: I would still do it all over again; making exactly the same decisions but perhaps without worrying so much about the little things as, upon reflection, I have no doubt that I have followed the right path.

If you have passion, work hard and make the effort, you can achieve anything you want in life.

ON THE AGENDA

BERMUDA

CORPORATE / TRUST / FUNDS / ACCOUNTING

BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS CAYMAN ISLANDS GUERNSEY HONG KONG ISLE OF MAN JERSEY MAURITIUS SEYCHELLES SHANGHAI

Estera.

The new name for world-class fiduciary services.

A collaborative approach aligned with long-term relationships.

Independent and truly global. Over 350 people across ten jurisdictions.

A proud heritage backed by 25 years of industry experience underpins our collaborative culture, where skills and expertise are shared to deliver a world-class service. An environment where the brightest minds cut through complexity, providing quality solutions aligned with individual requirements.

Quality people. Quality solutions. Quality aligned. estera.com

Estera Fund Services (Isle of Man) Limited is licensed by the Isle of Man Financial Services Authority to provide Collective Investment Scheme and Corporate Services and is incorporated in the Isle of Man Company No 113998C. Registered Office: 33-37 Athol Street, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM1 1LB. Estera Trust (Isle of Man) Limited is licensed by the Isle of Man Financial Services Authority to provide Corporate and Trust Services. Incorporated in the Isle of Man. Company No. 101068C. Registered Office: 33-37 Athol Street, Douglas, Isle of Man IM1 1LB.

technology

You may choose to amend your techie ways and appear more up-to-date, or be old-tech and proud.

D

WORDS: Jonathan Margolis

o you send emails in literate, properly spelt English, broken down into crisp, relevant paragraphs, signed at the end, even with the mandatory extra space inserted after each full

stop?

If you do, you are almost certainly old.

How old? From a not hugely scientific study of everyone I happen to know, I’d say over 40, but more likely 10 years north of there.

What are the tells that make a speedy, clear, informative email the mark of advancing years?

Well, the main one is that you are emailing at all. For reasons I fail to understand (but then I am quite old) most of my younger friends prefer the cumbersome, hit-and-miss messaging of social media sites, or to use fiddly phone messaging utilities such as WhatsApp. They reserve the directness and unambiguousness of email for writing to, well, old people.

Second, if your emails are in reply to someone else’s, any unseemly promptness will give you away. The young (ie under 40) may pride themselves on being quick about most things, but when it comes to electronic communication, an insouciant satellite delay of a few hours to forever seems to be not just acceptable, but cool.

It doesn’t mean, I have learned, that they don’t like you; they just converse when it suits them. Rather than conduct written conversations as a polite, if slightly geriatric, tennis game of lobs and returns, the under 40-or-so favours a style more akin to random teenage grunts.

So here is my guide to other age giveaways, aside from the email thing. You may choose to amend your techie ways and appear more up-to-date, or be old-tech and proud. I’m just saying. n Bashing devices to stop them misbehaving. This hasn’t worked since about 1974, sorry. n Shaking mobile phones when reception is bad. And shouting into them like old GPO telephones. n Jabbing at touchscreens. For oldsters, buttons have to be pushed hard to make two contacts meet. They find capacitive touch, requiring a mere brush of the finger, unintuitive. n Getting confused by Facebook — especially conducting private conversations publicly. “Hope all’s OK, how was the hysterectomy?” n Signing posts on Facebook: “Love,

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A guide t minding o t technol he generat ogy ion gap Marjorie”. Also, writing long posts. Taking “likes” too seriously, and penning thankyou emails for all likes received. And sending affirmations: “If you hate cancer, like this.” n Come to think of it, Facebook itself is mostly for the aged. n Getting angry with incompetence. I tend to send furious tweets (see, I’m modern) to companies about stupidity on their websites. My children acknowledge that aspects of the sites are poorly designed but laugh at “Dad going off on one”. n Unselfconsciously wearing Bluetooth headsets in public, unaware that you look like a minicab driver. n Turning off electronics at night — a relic of when things like TVs would spontaneously burst into flame. n Giving your own number when answering the phone; this is so 1960, it’s amazing that hipsters haven’t adopted it. n Using text language in texts. Young people would rather use a flip-phone than say ‘CU L8R’ like their parents do. n Saying LOL in any electronic communication, ever. A report for Facebook last summer, The Not-So-Universal Language of Laughter, found that LOL is now used by only 1.9 per cent of us, with a Methuselahn average age of 28. “Haha” is how young people signify a joke. Still best avoided if you’re old, though.

n Being unable instinctively to tell reputable websites from dodgy ones — and being suspicious of them all. n Finding it obnoxious when people check their phones and smartwatches in the middle of a conversation. n Giving a damn about privacy. Young people don’t get this at all. n Sorry, but back to email again: not attaching the attachment you say you’ve attached. Oh, and adding a PS to an email.

Anything but that. n Finally, using antique email companies, like Yahoo or, most disastrously, AOL. Getting an email from someone on AOL is like discovering they still sell tinned carrots in the supermarket. Which assumes, of course, that you’re old enough to know tinned carrots are no longer a thing.

ON THE AGENDA

Reliable, secure and trusted.

Your data, our insight.

Sure International brings together industry experts in cloud services and data hosting solutions, including Mimecast, VMware, eVault and Zerto.

This ensures your business has an effective and seamless multi-vendor solution for all your business needs, from disaster recovery to enterprise email management to harnessing the power of cloud computing.

All solutions are delivered from our own PCI DSS and ISO 27001 accredited facilities and linked to our global network offering unsurpassed private connectivity on and off-island.

Trust our experts with the security of your business data.

Contact us at business@sure.com

international.sure.com

technology

T

wo years ago, the hype around the “smart home” was deafening: all the leading tech companies bet big money that consumers would want to connect lights, security cameras and thermostats — or even lawn sprinklers, garage door openers and door locks — to the internet.

Today, those bets look at best premature, at worst foolhardy.

Nest Labs, bought in 2014 by Google for a stonking $3.2bn, is under siege from critics for allegedly lacklustre sales, boss Tony Fadell’s management style and its abrupt decision to discontinue the Revolv hub, which Nest inherited via an acquisition. The latter left owners understandably angry that their $300 smart-home controller is soon to be a useless box of circuits. (After an outcry, Nest has offered compensation.)

SmartThings, bought by Samsung for $200m, has also run into trouble. Alex Hawkinson, its chief executive, had to apologise recently for a spate of problems that sent many customers’ home security systems haywire.

“Part of our challenge has come from the very thing that is our biggest strength: our commitment to be the most open smart home platform in the world,” he said, with a long technical explanation about th e difficulties that come with supporting a big variety of devices and services.

Lightbulb moments I’ve tested many smart home devices and, as I have written before, those challenges quickly become evident.

Although hooking up one kind of household appliance to the internet (a few Philips Hue lightbulbs, say, or an August door lock) can be easy and rewarding, trying to co-ordinate several devices (such as a Hue bulb and a Belkin Wemo light switch) from their various companion apps quickly becomes tiresome. Yet making all these items talk to each other is supposed to be where the greatest potential lies.

Nest and SmartThings take very different approaches to controlling the smart home. Nest is a largely closed system that conceals complexity from the user to such an extreme that it is not always obvious what is going on as its devices detect people coming and going, or turn cameras on and off.

SmartThings is open to anything and everything, from almost every connected device maker (not Nest, though). To deal with all these inputs and create rules, SmartThings’ app is so layered with menus and options that it is overwhelming to all but the most tech-savvy user.

The third way Against this background, one brave new start-up is offering a third way, trying to make the smart home accessible to anyone while offering intuitive controls.

Thington’s app is a chatty concierge for the internet of things, aiming to mask much baffling complexity with an open and accessible interface. “We looked at all these

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Start-up with the right insights on smart home problems WORDS: Tim Bradshaw (FT)

Thington is focusing on fixing software and usability — unlike the Silicon Valley stalwarts

devices and said, they are really cool if you can figure out how to get the most out of them,” says co-founder Tom Coates. “The hardware was really good but the software was pretty awful.”

Thington is another manifestation of the Silicon Valley vogue for “bots”. The app is organised a bit like Twitter, with friendly messages in reverse chronological order from various “things” telling the homeowner what they are up to. These range from the quotidian — lights turning themselves off at bedtime — to the helpful, such as ideas for automated rules and actions based on the selection of devices in your home. Thington also pulls in public data from outside the home, from local weather to bus arrival times.

Crucially, it is designed with the insight — absent from Nest’s app until last month — that multiple people may share

a home, whether they are family members or regular visitors. One of Thington’s best features is the ease with which it spots a visitor arriving and gives them ability to control lights and other devices (or not, if the homeowner thinks they are the sort to start turning Hue bulbs purple for no reason).

Verdict Thington is promising because it focuses on the smart home’s biggest problems — software and usability — rather than another gadget or, worse, another hub to control them all. If the stalwarts of Silicon Valley cannot fix these with their enormous resources, maybe it is time for start-ups to have a try.

ON THE AGENDA

Isle of Man | Home & Interiors | December 2016

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was pleased with how simple his Ecodan system was to operate day-to-day and was delighted to be able to control the heating, from his arm chair or anywhere else in the world, via the MEL Cloud application.

Following the installation of the Ecodan heat pump the self-confessed ‘gadget man’ said: “Heat pumps seem to offer a real solution to the problems associated with fossil fuel heating, which is no longer a sustainable way of keeping our homes warm.”

The unit provides almost all of the couples heating, which has allowed great savings since its installation. Mr Durwood jokes that he once received a call from his utility company which thought there might be a mistake due to the very low energy reading.

ECONOMIC, ECO-FRIENDLY,

ECODAN. Imagine if there was a heating system that was cost effective to install, easy to manage and maintain, efficient to run all year around and was eco-friendly too? Well there is now! Introducing the Ecodan from Mitsubishi Electric, now available on the Isle of Man. The Ecodan heat pump range can help with savings on household bills and is recognised as an environmentally cleaner option for heating our homes compared to traditional systems.

Ecodan heat pumps, which work by harvesting energy from the outside air can be used to keep your home warm and cosy, even in winter, and can be installed alongside your existing boiler, making installation quick, easy, and above all, simple.

There are a variety of Ecodan heat pump models available, suitable for many homes across the Island whether that’s a bungalow, a five-bedroom house, or a distinctive property.

Fans of Channel 4’s Restoration Man may recognise Ecodan heat pumps from the episode which looked at the renovation of the historic Cheshunt Pumping Station. (pictured middle left) The property, built in 1888, was refurbished by two designers from London who chose Ecodan as the most cost effective and sustainable way to heat the property.

One of the restoration team praise Ecodan for being streets ahead of other heat pumps in terms of performance, flexibility and support from the manufacturer.

The leading range of heat pumps from Mitsubishi Electric is now available on the Isle of Man and by installing an Ecodan heat pump in your home, you could qualify for the Comfy Heat tariff from Manx Utilities meaning further potential savings on your household bills.

To find out more call: 626929 or go to: ecodanerp.co.uk/iom4

The Durwoods are just one of the many families to have benefitted from the technology after purchasing an Ecodan heat pump for their home in 2014.

The couple, who live in a bungalow, were keen to keep their heating and hot water bills low and run their home self-sufficiently with less reliance on environmentally damaging fossil fuels.

So they had a heat pump installed to work alongside their existing boiler.

Mr Durwood, a World War Two pilot,

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ISLAND’S LONGEST ESTABLISHED TILE & BATHROOM CENTRES EST 40 YRS SHOWERS & WET ROOMS PORCELAIN MOSAIC STONE LAMINATE

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Clearly an efficient way to deliver hot water and heating to your home Ecodan heat pumps from Mitsubishi Electric clearly offer a viable, low-maintenance, cost-effective alternative to traditional heating systems. Suitable for the vast majority of homes on the island, there has never been a better time to switch to a cleaner, greener heating and hot water solution that could save you money.

Ecodan could also qualify for the ‘Comfy Heat’ electricity tariff from Manx Utilities, bringing further cost savings.

Ecodan. Clearly efficient, clearly renewable.

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Pitcairn Glencrutchery Road, Douglas

Monthly spending goi up and up? £369,000

Key Features n Traditionally double fronted semidetached house n Spacious family accommodation n Sought after central and convenient location n Views over the famous TT course towards the Grand Stand with Douglas Bay beyond n 3 Reception rooms and 2 uPVC double glazed conservatories n Kitchen and pantry n 3 Double bedrooms (2 newly fitted ensuites) and family bathroom n Newly installed (2015) oil fired central heating system n Mature lawned gardens and paved areas n Detached garage and driveway for 3 cars

MOVE IN THIS S AND MAKE THE MOSTdown OF BBQs Keepyour repayments by fix

Bills and mortgage payments soo Traditional double fronted semi-detached house offering spacious family accommodation. The property is situated in a sought after convenient and central location overlooking Glentrutchery Road towards the TT Grand Stand with Douglas Bay beyond.

There are mature lawned gardens along with paved patio areas.

variable after that THE OAK

A 4 bedroom detached home with garage. Featuring a large hallway, spacious living room, dining room and large breakfast-kitchen,

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3.7%

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home with garage. Inc fittings, carpets, wallpa furnishings and fire sur

£272,950

£211,950

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school, pubs and local shop. property LASTpa O 2£589,950 year fixedThe rate.

Up to 60% LTV. Product fee of £999. Other£454,950 fees may be £464,950 has been recently extended and mod-charge applies until 31.05.18. Other products are availa Early repayment ernised throughout offering spacious family accommodation. The property is set in a large garden abutting the old mill race to YOUR HOM the rear. The property provides 5 bedrooms NOT KEEP UP and has potential for converting the study Visit your local branch into a 6th if required. The new master suite has a fabulous lightiombank.com/mortgages and airy feel with high ceilings and terrificCall viewsus over the garden. today 01624 637000THE HAVEN THE BALDWIN THE ASH 2 3 reception rooms open plan dining A 3 bed end mews home with Thisand 3 bedroom home with single A 2 bed mews home Like Isle of Man Bank on Facebook kitchen the property provides spacious living room and double garage includes modern a lounge, famroom and double do doors into an open plan kitchenkitchen-dining room, utility and @iombank contemporary open p Follow us on Twitter ily living space with a separate utility and dining room. downstairs WC. dining room. large integral garage.

P ER OR IN T

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1.49% 4.0% home with a set Millrace cottageAis4 abedroom super family home separate dining room, study, family in the heart of Sulby being within walking room and open-plan breakfast/ distance of the popular primary/junior kitchen with bi fold doors.

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

P ER OR IN T

£414,950

fixed 31.05.2018 THE until CEDAR

T: 01624 667788 W: garforthgray.im

£460,000 THE ROWAN An impressive 4 bedroom detached dormer bungalow with integral single garage and ground level bedroom with en-suite.

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Key Features n Spacious family home n Detached bungalow n 5/6 Bedrooms (1 ensuite) n 3 Reception rooms n Separate utility n Family Bathroom n Integral double garage n Large garden n Off road parking for 4-5 vehicles n Modern open plan dining kitchen

PE

Millrace Cottage, Sulby

P ER OR IN T

your mortgage for theREADY next 2 year STUNNING HOMES TO

£182,950

Isle of Man Bank Limited (IOMB). Registered Company Number: 1 Isle of Man. Registered Office: 2 Athol Street, Douglas, Isle of Man, of Deposit Taking, Investment Business and registered as a General Insurance Intermediary. APR stands for Annual Percentage Rate money borrowed plus the timing of repayments and any other charges that you have to pay. It may not take into account any reductio Specification may vary subject to house type and build stage. Full details available on request.

Prices and details correct at time of going to print.

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER the interest payments, for example monthly or quarterly, affects the calculation.

Rates correct asMAGAZINE at (01.03.2016). Subject to availabi

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get in touch for more info www.blackgracecowley.com

01624 645555

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Monthly spending goi up and up?

This Cheerey Andreas

A beautifully presented modern 4 bedroom house full of character and charm, situated in a convenient location in the rural village of Andreas.

The property provides spacious family accommodation with sitting room, sun room (with vaulted ceiling), dining kitchen, bedroom ensuite, separate WC double garage and utility on the ground floor and 3 bedrooms (1 en suite) and family bathroom on the first floor. The property has a nice sized family garden with views to the rear over adjoining fields enjoyed from an outside seating area.

P ER OR IN T

P ER OR IN T

1.49% 4.0% fixed 31.05.2018 THE until CEDAR

variable after that THE OAK

A 4 bedroom home with a separate dining room, study, family room and open-plan breakfast/ kitchen with bi fold doors.

A 4 bedroom detached home with garage. Featuring a large hallway, spacious living room, dining room and large breakfast-kitchen,

LE A XD FO

P ER OR IN T

£414,950

3.7%

APR is the overall THE OAK cost for comparis A stunning 4 bedroom

home with garage. Inc fittings, carpets, wallpa furnishings and fire sur

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Detached four bedroom family house offered for sale with no onward chain. The property is set in mature private grounds yet within a convenient and central location close by to Douglas town centre. To the front of the property is a lawned garden and extensive driveway which leads to the integral garage.

At the rear there is also a large lawned garden all of which enjoys privacy due to the mature tree lined borders.

THE ROWAN£499,000 An impressive 4 bedroom detached dormer bungalow with integral single garage and ground level bedroom with en-suite.

EL

Key Features n Detached family house n Private and mature grounds n Convenient location n No onward chain n 4 Reception rooms n Dining Kitchen n 4 Bedrooms (1 en-suite) n 2 Bathrooms n Large lawned secluded gardens n Integral double garage and extensive driveway

your mortgage for theREADY next 2 year STUNNING HOMES TO

PE

Whitfield, Lower Dukes Road

MOVE IN THIS S AND MAKE THE MOSTdown OF BBQs Keepyour repayments by fix

Bills and mortgage payments soo

P ER OR IN T

Key Features n Detached house n Sitting room with log burner n Sunroom n Modern dining/kitchen n Underfloor heating n 4 Bedrooms (2 ensuite) n Modern family bathroom n Separate utility n Double integral garage n Garden with rural aspects

£399,000

YOUR HOM NOT KEEP UP

Visit your local branch iombank.com/mortgages CallBALDWIN us today 01624 637000THE HAVEN THE

T: 01624 667788 W: garforthgray.im

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ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

A 3 bed end mews home with This 3 bedroom home with single Like Isle of Man Bank on Facebook spacious living room and double garage includes a lounge, doors into an open plan kitchenkitchen-dining room, and @iombank Follow us on utility Twitter dining room. downstairs WC.

£272,950

£211,950

THE ASH 2

A 2 bed mews home room and double do contemporary open p dining room.

£182,950

Isle of Man Bank Limited (IOMB). Registered Company Number: 1 Isle of Man. Registered Office: 2 Athol Street, Douglas, Isle of Man, of Deposit Taking, Investment Business and registered as a General Insurance Intermediary. APR stands for Annual Percentage Rate money borrowed plus the timing of repayments and any other charges that you have to pay. It may not take into account any reductio Specification may vary subject to house type and build stage. Full details available on request.

Prices and details correct at time of going to print.

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER the interest payments, for example monthly or quarterly, affects the calculation.

Rates correct asMAGAZINE at (01.03.2016). Subject to availabi

WELCOME TO THE

beautiful south

NEW STYLE HOMES AT BALLAKILLEY, PORT ERIN Providing over 1,500 sq.ft. of living accommodation, these superb architect-designed 3-bedroom detached bungalows are available exclusively at Ballakilley, less than a mile from Port Erin’s town centre.

Prices start from £418,950 and include: • • • • • • •

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SHOW HOMES OPEN Sat and Sun 11am - 4pm, or by appointment Specification may vary subject to house type and build stage. Full details available on request. Price and details correct at time of going to print. Images indicative only.

HOME

Monthly spending goi up and up?

MOVE IN THIS S AND MAKE THE MOSTdown OF BBQs Keepyour repayments by fix

Bills and mortgage payments soo

1.49% 4.0% fixed 31.05.2018 THE until CEDAR

variable after that THE OAK

A 4 bedroom home with a separate dining room, study, family room and open-plan breakfast/ kitchen with bi fold doors.

A 4 bedroom detached home with garage. Featuring a large hallway, spacious living room, dining room and large breakfast-kitchen,

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P ER OR IN T A LE XD

3.7%

APR is the overall THE OAK cost for comparis A stunning 4 bedroom

home with garage. Inc fittings, carpets, wallpa furnishings and fire sur

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LASTpa O 2£589,950 year fixed rate. Up to 60% LTV. Product fee of £999. Other£454,950 fees may be £464,950 Early repayment charge applies until 31.05.18. Other products are availa

YOUR HOM NOT KEEP UP

Visit your local branch iombank.com/mortgages CallBALDWIN us today 01624 637000THE HAVEN THE

T: 01624 667788 W: garforthgray.im

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P ER OR IN T

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£414,950

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Key Features n Detached house n Beautiful rural setting n Spacious family accommodation n 3 Reception rooms n 4 Bedrooms (1 Ensuite) n 3 Bathrooms n Separate Utility n Workshop/ Car Port n Stunning views

THE ROWAN

An impressive 4 bedroom detached dormer bungalow with integral single garage and ground level bedroom with en-suite.

P ER OR IN T

Situated in a beautiful rural setting Ballacomish Beg enjoys a quiet setting enjoying views over the south of the Island. The property provides spacious family accommodation having been extended and modified providing a games room, 2 bedrooms, family bathroom utility room, boot room workshop and car port on the ground floor with 2 further bedrooms (1 ensuite) Kitchen, Dining room, shower room and large sitting room, all enjoying rural views from the first floor. The lawned rear garden can also be accessed from the first floor.

£499,950

P ER OR IN T

Ballacomish Beg, Ronague Road, Ballabeg

your mortgage for theREADY next 2 year STUNNING HOMES TO

A 3 bed end mews home with This 3 bedroom home with single Like Isle of Man Bank on Facebook spacious living room and double garage includes a lounge, doors into an open plan kitchenkitchen-dining room, and @iombank Follow us on utility Twitter dining room. downstairs WC.

£272,950

£211,950

THE ASH 2

A 2 bed mews home room and double do contemporary open p dining room.

£182,950

Isle of Man Bank Limited (IOMB). Registered Company Number: 1 Isle of Man. Registered Office: 2 Athol Street, Douglas, Isle of Man, of Deposit Taking, Investment Business and registered as a General Insurance Intermediary. APR stands for Annual Percentage Rate money borrowed plus the timing of repayments and any other charges havePREMIER to pay. It may not take into account any reductio ISLEthat OFyou MAN MAGAZINE Specification may vary subject to house type and build stage. Full details available on request. Prices and details correct at time of going to print. the interest payments, for example monthly or quarterly, affects the calculation. Rates correct as at (01.03.2016). Subject to availabi

Merry Christmas

GarforthGray.im Tel 667788

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Riverside Lodge, Lower Fo dale

ÂŁ475,000

Cowley Groves are delighted to offer this substantial contemporary detached residence situated in a riverside location offering tranquillity and privacy. The property comprises of five excellent size bedrooms, an elevated lounge with bay window overlooking a private decking area, river and waterfall. There is a stunning modern kitchen with a full height ceiling and ample living space offering the property a real family hub ideal for entertaining that opens into a large conservatory which accesses a beautiful decked terrace stretching the entire length of the property and looks over the Foxdale River. In addition to the generous space on offer there is ample parking for three vehicles plus a large double garage.

The position of Riverside Lodge is only truly appreciated upon viewing, the peaceful location and sound of running water to the rear is rarely found alongside a practical property with such proportions.

T: Mark Canty - 07624 220109 Self-catering W: www.cowleygroves.com

accommodation for up to 10 people

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Make Christmas Special

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A RSHIP C

The Island’s largest Christmas display at Riley’s Garden & Lifestyle Centre T: 01624 616116 | E: info@rileys.co.im | www.rileys.co.im

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12-3pm, 3/4th, 10/11th, 17/18th, 19/22nd

HEME

Enjoy The

e

fits of Our e n N

ew

B

Christmas displays Trees, lights, baubles, tinsel and lots more Gift ideas for everyone Women’s, men and kids clothing ranges Gift Vouchers FREE Collection & Delivery for Garden Machinery Servicing Visit: The Lighting Cave, Santa’s Tree Park & The Selfie Workshop

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ÂŁ13.50

Sure Home Phone Switch from MT and save Switching is completely free and you’ll get one convenient monthly bill.

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THE VILLAGE WORKSHOP GROUP Glen Road, Laxey, Isle of Man, IM4 7AR

Tel: 861094

Email: enquiries@paulbloom.im

CONSTRUCTION

Website: www.thevillageworkshop.im

HOME

Reayrt Aalin, Glen Road, Colby

£825,000

A well presented family home providing spacious living accommodation, situated in a fantastic location enjoying views over surrounding countryside and towards the southern coastline. The property is presented in superb condition throughout with 5 reception rooms, kitchen, utility shower room and integral double garage on the ground floor and 5 bedrooms (2 ensuite) and family bathroom to the first floor. The mature gardens provide a good degree of privacy and face southerly enjoying the sun all day.

Key Features

n Detached family home n Set in 0.3 acres n Stunning rural and sea views n Popular southern location n Well proportioned living space n Sunroom leading out onto good sized garden n Good sized double garage n Pressurised central heating system n 5 minute drive to local amenities

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Monthly spending going up and up?

MOVE IN THIS SUMMER AND MAKE THE MOSTdown OF BBQs IN THE GARDEN! Keepyour repayments by fixing Bills and mortgage payments soon add up.

islandkitchens

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• Complete installation & project management

An impressive 4 bedroom detached dormer bungalow with integral single garage and ground level bedroom with en-suite.

A spacious five bedroom detached home, featuring a large formal living room, separate dining room and sunroom.

£544,950

fixed 31.05.2018 THE until CEDAR

variable after that THE OAK

A 4 bedroom home with a separate dining room, study, family room and open-plan breakfast/ kitchen with bi fold doors.

A 4 bedroom detached home with garage. Featuring a large hallway, spacious living room, dining room and large breakfast-kitchen,

P ER OR IN T

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£414,950

1.49% 4.0%

THE SILVERDALE

3.7%

APR is the overall THE OAK cost for comparison A stunning 4 bedroom detached

Rise & Shine

home with garage. Includes light fittings, carpets, wallpaper, soft Introducing PowerView™ furnishings and fire surround.

MAINE COURT

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phone or tablet, or use our brilliantly designed Pebble™ remote control to activate your favourite pre-set program.To A brilliant evolution the find out more inplease art of window styling - smart shades that simplify your life.

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LAST ONE REMAINING £384,950 2£589,950 year fixed rate. Up to 60% LTV. Product fee of £999. Other£454,950 fees may be payable. £464,950 A remarkable new system that moves your shades throughout the day so you don’t have to.

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NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE

Visit your local branch iombank.com/mortgages CallBALDWIN us today 01624 637000THE HAVEN THE

A 3 bed end mews home with This 3 bedroom home with single Like Isle of Man Bank on Facebook spacious living room and double garage includes a lounge, doors into an open plan kitchenkitchen-dining room, and @iombank Follow us on utility Twitter dining room. downstairs WC.

£272,950

£211,950

THE ASH 2

A 2 bed mews home with living room and double doors into a contemporary open plan kitchendining room.

£182,950 The Art of Window Styling

iomsales@dandara.com or visit dandara.com

Talbot & Son (blinds) Ltd. 61 – 62 Derby Square Douglas Isle Of Man. IM1 3L Tel: 01624 629940 www.talbotandsonblinds.co.uk

Isle of Man Bank Limited (IOMB). Registered Company Number: 1 Isle of Man. Registered Office: 2 Athol Street, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM99 1AN. Licensed by the Isle of Man Financial Services Authority in respect of Deposit Taking, Investment Business and registered as a General Insurance Intermediary. APR stands for Annual Percentage Rate and is an interest rate which takes account of the full amount of interest on any money borrowed plus the timing of repayments and any other charges that you have to pay. It may not take into account any reduction in interest rate following the maturity of the initial product. The frequency of Specification may vary subject to house type and build stage. Full details available on request. Prices and details correct at time of going to print. Image indicative only. the interest payments, for example monthly or quarterly, affects the calculation. Rates correct as at (01.03.2016). Subject to availability. Over 18’s only. Security required. Calls may be recorded.

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The Rowan, Ballakilley, Port Erin This superb four bedroom detached dormer bungalow with integral garage is situated in the award-winning Ballakilley development in Port Erin. he ro d oor eat res a s a io s li i room with la ed do ble doors o e i to the o e la di i it he with se arate tility room here is also a a d bedroom with a e s ite shower room stairs the master bedroom has a wal i dressi room a d e s ite here is a rther do ble bedroom with fitted wardrobes a si le bedroom a d a amily bathroom

£414,950 KEY FEATURES • St i it he by to erma ma a t rer with a ll ra e o hi h ality i te rated a lia es • rio s lly tiled bathrooms a d e s ites • itted wardrobes a d oor o eri s • er y e fi ie t e tral heati a d hot water systems a d hi h ality do ble la i • year warra ty

Show home open 11am - 4pm weekends, or call 615000 to arrange an appointment.

i toria Street o las isleo ma da dara om da dara om

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The German Kitchen Centre

Probably the Best Kitchens in the World ... Definitely for a lot less than you think Our showroom will be CLOSED throughout December due to refurbishment Open as usual from January 2017

Directions: Take the 2nd right after the Falcons Nest Hotel

5ifth Dimension Ltd, Marina Lane, Port Erin - Tel: 830069 OVER 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE IN DESIGN - INSTALLATION - PROJECT MANAGEMENT

Opening Hours: Tues-Friday 10:00 - 17:00 Weekends & Evenings

By Appointment Only

IT’S

YOUR TURN

Take a chance, find your new home today in places.

HOME

DIRECTORY

AT YOUR SERVICE DIRECTORY FULL COLOUR ANNUAL ADVERTISING FROM £49.00 PER MONTH CALL GALLERY ON 01624 619540

Get your business included in 2017 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.

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DIRECTORY

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hardware

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Manx Roots Tree Management

With over 15 years experience in industry-best tree care, both on and off island, we are offering a full range of tree surgery and tree consultancy services.

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Roots

The Wine Cellar

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.

The Wine Cellar

Tennis Road, Douglas IM2 3QW T: 611793 E: sales@thewinecellar.im

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ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

APPETITE

RECIPES

ULTIMATE ROAST PREPARE THE THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS FEAST Serving up the ultimate roast on December 25 can be a bit of a slog.

Getting the turkey, potatoes, gravy, stuffing, Brussels sprouts and all the other essentials to the table on time often feels like a logistical nightmare.

But don’t despair, it is possible to enjoy cooking on Christmas Day without turning to the sherry early it just takes organisation.

Many of the recipes we’ve picked out for you can be prepared before the big day rolls around. So if the prospect of catering for the extended family is already setting your pulse racing, take a deep breath and have a read. You’ll soon see that a little preparation can guarantee a successful, stress-free Christmas dinner.

CRISPY BACON-BASTED TURKEY (Serves 6-8) n 5kg-6kg oven-ready turkey (neck and giblets removed) n 2 thyme sprigs n 1 onion, halved n 1 lemon, halved n 2 bay leaves n 1 garlic bulb, halved For the salt mix: n 85g flaky sea salt n 2tbsp fresh thyme leaves n 1tsp crushed black pepper For the crispy bacon butter: n 6 rashers smoked streaky bacon or pancetta, chopped into small pieces n 140g butter, softened n 1tbsp maple syrup

If you have time the day before, salt the turkey.

Blitz to combine, scraping down the sides of the processor from time to time.

Make the salt mix by grinding the salt with the thyme leaves and pepper in a spice grinder, or with a pestle and mortar.

Roll up the butter in cling film to form a log and place in the fridge. (Can be made a few days ahead or frozen for one month.)

Sit the turkey in a roasting tin and season all over, inside and out, using about twothirds of the salt.

Remove the turkey from the fridge an hour or so before you want to cook it.

Leave the turkey in the tin, breast-side up, cover with cling film and put in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

If you don’t have time, or there is no room in the fridge, simply prepare the salt and season the turkey generously before roasting.

To make the bacon butter, gently cook the bacon in a dry frying pan for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the fat has seeped into the pan and is sizzling gently, and the bacon is crisp.

Take off the heat and leave to cool slightly.

Scrape the bacon and the fat into a food processor with the butter and maple syrup.

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Remove the bacon butter from the fridge to soften up.

Heat oven to 180C/160C fan/Gas mark 4.

Calculate your cooking time based on 40 minutes per kg for the first four kg of the turkey, plus 45 minutes for every kg after that.

Gently push your fingers under the skin of the turkey, starting from the neck, until you can push your whole hand in and down the length of the breast.

Take care not to tear the skin. Use your hands to spread the bacon butter under the skin so that it covers the entire breast area, and there is butter in the crevice between the thigh and the main body.

Pop a sprig of thyme under the skin of each ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

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BEST-EVER ROAST POTATOES (Serves 8) n 3kg Maris Piper potatoes n Sunflower oil n Sea salt A day or two before roasting, prepare the potatoes. You need chunks or whole potatoes roughly the size of a clementine, so peel and leave whole, halve or quarter accordingly.

Place the potatoes in a large pan of cold, salted water - salting is important, so don’t skip it.

Bring the water to the boil and simmer gently for about 15 minutes, until the potatoes are cooked all the way through but not on the brink of collapse.

breast, then smooth the skin over with your buttery hands.

Place the onion, lemon, bay leaves and garlic in the cavity.

Cover the tin loosely with foil and roast for the calculated cooking time. 30 minutes before the end of cooking, increase the oven temperature to 200C/180C fan/Gas mark 6, remove the foil, baste the turkey and return to the oven.

When the turkey is beautifully brown and cooked through, remove from the oven and leave to rest on a warm platter covered in foil for up to one hour.

Pour the fat away from the roasting tin, leaving just the juices.

Serve the remaining salt mix as a seasoning alongside the rest of the meal.

Gently drain the potatoes in a colander, but do not shake them or ruffle them up - just leave them to drain and cool.

Once there is no more steam coming off them, place on a tray in a single layer and put them in the fridge, uncovered, until ready to roast.

Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/Gas mark 6 (or put them in when you turn it up for the turkey).

Pour oil into a deep roasting tin to give an even layer of about 0.5cm.

Place the tin in the oven for five minutes to heat the oil, then take out again.

One at a time and working methodically (starting at one corner of the roasting tin and lining them up as you go) place each potato in the oil and use a spoon to turn it so it’s completely coated.

Don’t worry about the oil cooling down too much. Once all the potatoes are in the tin in a single layer, not touching, place the tin in the oven and cook for 40 minutes, undisturbed.

Remove from the oven and - again, meticulously - turn each potato.

Return to the oven for 20 minutes, then repeat the potatoturning process again.

If, at this stage, your other side dishes allow you to, turn the oven up to 220C/200C fan/Gas mark 7 and give the potatoes a final 20 minutes.

By now, you should have potatoes that are everything a roast potato should be: deep, golden and crunchy on the outside, with an extra-fluffy middle - just sprinkle with a little sea salt to serve.

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

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APPETITE

SALTED MAPLEROASTED PARSNIPS (Serves 6-8) n 600g parsnips, peeled and quartered n 2tbsp vegetable oil n 3tbsp maple syrup n 3 thyme sprigs, leaves picked n Sea salt Heat oven to 220C/200C fan/Gas mark 7.

Put the parsnips in a large roasting tin with the oil, maple syrup, thyme leaves and some sea salt flakes.

Roast for 35-40 minutes until soft and sticky.

Scatter over a few more sea salt flakes before serving.

TRIPLE NUT AND APPLE STUFFING BALLS (Makes 16) n 2tbsp linseeds n 1 red onion, halved n 1tbsp olive oil, plus extra for greasing n 200g mixed nuts of your choice (we used a combination of pecans, hazelnuts and pistachios) n 400g can cooked green lentils in water, drained n 50g breadcrumbs n Small bunch sage, chopped n 1 small apple, grated

CREAMED SPROUTS WITH CHESTNUTS

Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil, add the sprouts and cook for three to four minutes until slightly tender.

(Serves 6-8) n 900g Brussels sprouts, trimmed

Drain and rinse under cold water.

n 2 onions, finely chopped

n 2 garlic cloves, crushed

Meanwhile, very gently fry the onions in the oil and half the butter for about 10 minutes until soft. Add the garlic and stock cube and cook for two minutes, stirring, until everything is combined.

n 1/2 vegetable stock cube, crumbled

Remove from the heat.

n 2tsp vegetable oil n 50g butter

n 250ml double cream n 1tsp freshly grated nutmeg, plus extra to serve n 200g vacuum-packed chestnuts, roughly chopped n Salt and pepper

Roughly chop the sprouts by hand or in a food processor, then stir them in with the onions and the rest of the butter, along with the double cream and nutmeg.

Put back on the heat and cook until the cream is bubbling. Season to taste.

Toss in the chestnuts and sprinkle over a little extra nutmeg to serve.

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n Salt and pepper Put the linseeds in a small bowl and mix with two tablespoons water, then set aside for five to 10 minutes, until the water thickens to a gluey consistency.

Meanwhile, place the onion in a food processor and whizz until finely chopped.

Heat the oil in a frying pan, tip in the onion and cook for five minutes, until softened.

Tip the nuts into the food processor and whizz until coarsely chopped.

Sprinkle three tablespoons of the nuts over a plate and set aside.

Add the lentils, breadcrumbs, sage, apple, linseeds (and any liquid in the bowl), onion and plenty of seasoning to the processor.

Pulse to blend the mixture until just combined - don’t chop too finely or the ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

APPETITE

stuffing will lose its nice nutty texture.

Line a baking tray with foil and grease with a little oil.

Remove the blade from the processor and oil your hands.

Scoop out walnut-sized chunks of stuffing, roll into balls, then roll on the plate of chopped nuts to coat.

Place on the prepared baking tray.

Can be covered with cling film and chilled for up to two days, or frozen for two months.

Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/Gas mark 6.

Unwrap (if chilled) and bake for 2530 minutes until the nuts are a little darker and the balls have firmed up slightly - they will be softer than traditional stuffing balls, but will firm up after a few minutes cooling.

If you’re cooking from frozen, bake for 35-40 minutes.

FESTIVE RED CABBAGE (Serves 6-8) n 1tbsp vegetable oil n 2 large onions, finely chopped n 1 star anise n 1 cinnamon stick n 150ml red wine n 1 red cabbage (about 900g) shredded n 2tbsp dark brown soft sugar

GINGER AND ORANGEGLAZED BABY CARROTS (Serves 6-8) n 900g baby carrots, washed and scrubbed n 50g butter

n 2 Bramley apples, peeled and chopped

n 25g piece ginger, peeled and finely grated

n Salt and pepper

n 2tbsp clear honey

Heat the oil in a large, flameproof casserole dish, add the onions and cook on a medium heat for eight to 10 minutes, then add the star anise and cinnamon stick.

n Zest 1 orange

Pour in the wine and let it simmer until slightly reduced.

Add the cabbage, sugar and apples, and stir well.

Season well, cover and simmer on a low heat for three hours, stirring every now and again.

Once the cabbage is tender, check the seasoning.

Serve in a bowl with the star anise and cinnamon stick on top.

Can be made one to two days in advance, or frozen for up to four months - reheat before serving.

n Salt and pepper Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil and add the carrots.

Simmer for five minutes until slightly tender, then drain.

In a wide pan, heat the butter until melting, then add the carrots, ginger, honey and orange zest.

Cook over a medium heat for 25-30 minutes, turning them gently every now and then, until the carrots start to go golden and sticky.

Keep turning every now and again until all sides are browning. Season well before serving.

Recipes and images are courtesy of BBC Good Food Magazine BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

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APPETITE

DON’T LOOK BACK IN ANGER…

By Jamie Lewis @jamielewislewis

Since receiving the list of themes for the latter three months of the year back in August, I’ve been scratching my head as to how best tackle this month’s ‘Reflective’ theme and have as a result managed to submit this month’s article just in the nick of time, smack bang on deadline day.

Sure, I could have indulged you in a dreary and lacklustre, yet ‘reflective’ piece on the year that has been 2016; its trials, trends and its tribulations – because let’s face it, there’ve been tribulations.

Thankfully I managed to drink enough coffee this morning, wake myself up from the hangover that has been November and have left the mind-numbing yearly reviews to my contemporaries.

So, what I have opted for instead, is the provision of a tool that will help soothe the soul, enable you to sit back, relax and internally reflect upon – and hopefully make you feel a bit better about - the turbulent past twelve months; the Hot Toddy.

I remember, not so fondly I might add, my first encounter with the Hot Toddy. For the purposes of this column, we’ll say I was eighteen years old, and was suffering with, what was in hindsight quite the common

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cold. In true male tradition, it was much worse than anything anybody ever in the history of the world had experienced; enter my Nan.

“I’ve got just the thing” she said.

“Famous recipe, handed down through the family” she said bloody awful I thought.

Now, I’m no Doctor, but over the years that have followed that fateful encounter, I have prescribed many a Hot Toddy to many a sniffling guest. Whilst my own first experience was not all that savoury, I have learned from the mistake - trusting Nan and her penchant for heavily peated scotch – and have come to understand the ways in which this marvellous medicine works.

First up, there’s that perfect balance of heat, spice, sweet and sour that all combine in a magical way to encourage - well, I guess there’s no polite way to put this - mucus production, battling off all those nasty bugs and viruses, with the alcoholic content helping you to catch those all-important Z’s. Secondly, and in conclusion, frankly I can’t think of anything more comforting on a cold, grim and God awful day than a steaming glass of something piping hot with an ABV to thaw me out.

RECIPE: MY NAN’S SECRET SCOTCH TODDY Maybe it’s the repressed memory of my throat being on fire, but personally I’m partial to a Bourbon or Brandy spiked toddy. In the interests of tradition (and to keep my Nan happy) this month’s recipe is my toned down twist on her peaty scotch secret family recipe.

Ingredients n 40ml Famous Grouse Whisky n 10ml Compass Box Peat Monster Whisky n 50ml Roots Ginger Juice n 50ml Water n 20ml Fresh Lemon Juice n 2 x table spoons of Manx Honey (if you prefer it sweeter, add a glug more) n 3 x Cloves n 1 x Cinnamon stick Method Put all ingredients in a small saucepan and simmer slowly and gently, bringing just to the boil and ensuring not to reduce it too much.

Allow to cool for a minute.

Transfer to a heatproof glass and garnish with a cinnamon stick and lemon peel twist. Feel better!

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

Roy Macfarlane looks forward to welcoming you to his recently refurbished restaurant in Duke Street, Douglas.

Whether you are looking for somewhere to celebrate that special occasion or to enjoy an informal night out with family and friends, Roy and his team will try their very best to make sure your visit to Macfarlanes is an enjoyable one.

Opening hours Tues-Sat 6:30pm-930pm | Tues-Fri lunch 12pm-2pm Tel 624777 | www.macfarlanes.im

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And now all that dedication, commitment and care has come together in a new range: Waitrose 1, the very best of Waitrose.

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APPETITE

WORDS | Anne Berry | The Wine Cellar

CHRISTMAS

Wine List

THE IMPACT OF BREXIT HAS YET TO BE FULLY FELT IN THE WINE TRADE BUT ONE THING IS FOR CERTAIN. THERE WILL BE SIGNIFICANT PRICE INCREASES IN JANUARY. THE DROP IN THE VALUE OF THE POUND HAS MADE IT TOUGHER THAN EVER TO COME UP WITH CHRISTMAS OFFERS BUT WE HAVE WORKED WITH OUR SUPPLIERS, ASKED NICELY, SMILED SWEETLY, TWISTED THEIR ARMS AND THE RESULT IS A SELECTION OF ABSOLUTELY SUPERB DEALS OFFERING QUALITY AND VALUE AT EVERY BUDGET. These are all genuine deals so come in to The Wine Cellar and have a look around – you’ll find some unbeatable prices this Christmas! Savings of between 10% and 40% on normal retail prices!

SPARKLING AND CHAMPAGNE Veuve Clicquot £35.00 a bottle - one of the world’s most popular Champagnes and most famous labels!

Sarcey Brut Champagne £20.00 – a fabulous quality Champagne from a small producer.

It is the ‘house’ Champagne at leading wine merchant, Justerini and Brooks, and will not disappoint.

This deserves a place on Christmas morning!

Prosecco Passaparola – fruity, delicately aromatic and very drinkable at £10.00 a bottle!

Perfect for your party or just if you fancy a glass of fizz.

Cava fights back – The dry and elegant Anna de Codorniu Blanc de Noirs from Pinot Noir grapes at £9.00 a bottle makes a great alternative to Champagne on Christmas morning!

Chablis Simonnet Febvre 2 bottles for £25 The Chablis region was hard hit by frost and hail this year, so prices will leap in 2017.

Make the most of Chablis at this price – exceptional quality and value for money for the Chablis lover.

RED WINES Currabridge Shiraz - 6 bottles for £36.00

WHITE WINES

Easy drinking party wine from Australia. The more-ish juicy, brambly, spicy flavours will make you come back for more!

Lakefield Chardonnay from Australia - 6 bottles for £36.00

Chateau Unang - Ventoux - 6 bottles for £48.00

An ideal party wine – well defined Chardonnay flavours of pineapple and melon with a creamy finish.

De Gras Sauvignon Blanc - 6 bottles for £40 If Chilean Sauvignon Blanc is more to your taste, this is zingy and fresh with a clean citrus fruit character.

Muscadet Sur Lie Domaine LangloisChateau - 6 bottles for £55.00 A classic accompaniment to fish and seafood and equally delicious to drink by itself.

Light, very fresh with long lasting flavours. The bottle will be gone before you know it.

This has become a best seller in recent months.

Momo Organic Sauvignon Blanc - 6 for £60 - All the flavours of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc – gooseberry, passionfruit and citrus – and it’s organic too!

New in from the Rhone region.

Medium-bodied, organic, vibrant and impressive with strawberry, cherry and black fruit flavours with hints of spice and liquorice.

Rioja Vina Real Crianza - 6 bottles for £55.00 The Island’s favourite style of red wine – this Rioja is medium bodied, traditional, smooth and well suited to most red meat and Mediterranean vegetable dishes.

Moulin a Vent Chateau des Jacques - 6 bottles for £60.00 A full flavoured wine with floral aromas, black fruit and spicy character.

It is not too heavy and would be excellent with turkey. Normally over £16 a bottle, this has to be the deal of the season!

This is just a handful of our offers – don’t miss out, call in, browse around and make the most of these offers while stock lasts. When they’ve gone, they’ve gone!

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

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ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

FASHION

‘TIS THE SEASON… TO PARTY!

TOP MARKS

‘I MUST have a new party dress’ may be the most common mantra when the invitations start arriving, but this year we’re seeing the return of the ‘going out top’, and that’s a very good thing.

Why? Because you’ve probably already got the black tux trousers or pleated midi skirt that will perfectly show off an attention-grabbing top, be it satin, sequin-encrusted or - this season’s hottest property - the body top. :: River Island Silver Metallic Choker Plunge Bodysuit, £30 (www. riverisland.com)

Whether it’s the office Christmas bash, a family gettogether or mulled wine and merriment with the girls, the season they call ‘party’ offers a multitude of opportunities to get our gladdest rags on.

Even better, this winter’s trends translate to after-dark dressing beautifully, from sumptuous fabrics to chic separates and everything inbetween.

THE SOFT SELL

What will the fash pack be wearing at their uber-cool parties? Every It girl worth her socialite salt is voting velvet right now, and you’d do well to follow suit.

Literally - a slouchy two-piece or jumpsuit is right on the money, paired with chunky platforms if you want to tell a Seventies story, or barely-there stilettos and a choker for a nod to the Nineties.

Nineties-style velvet frocks are equally on-trend - think cowl detailing, bias cuts and spaghetti straps. :: M&S Collection Velvet Culotte Sleeveless Jumpsuit, £49.50 (www. marksandspencer.com)

MISTLETOE AND WINE

If a super-swanky invite calls for black tie dress code, you can go for all-out glam with a floor-length gown.

Flattering and festive (without being OTT), dark red or burgundy are ideal for winter formalwear, especially when accented with gold accessories.

GET THE LOOK

Loved the disco-tastic jumpsuit Made In Chelsea star Lucy Watson rocked at the Pride of Britain Awards? The sexy, low-back all-in-one is yours for £65 from River Island. :: River Island Pink Pleated Sparkly Jumpsuit, £65 (www. riverisland.com)

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And these winey hues provide the ideal opportunity to experiment with this season’s dark berry makeup trend too. :: Little Black Dress Collection Penelope Ruched Cross-Back Sequin Burgundy Maxi Dress, £80 (www.littleblackdress.co.uk) ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

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ACTIVE

MUSIC HERO DAVY KNOWLES, TITAN THE ROBOT AND THE STREET VELODROME

ALL FEATURE IN NEW LOOK ISLE OF MAN CYCLEFEST LINE UP FOR 2017

I

sle of Man Cyclefest presented by Isle of Man Bank returns in May 2017 with a new line up featuring the best mass participation cycling, music and family entertainment, as well as a diverse mix of local artisan food, in the grounds of the stunning Milntown Estate on the outskirts of Ramsey.

The 2017 event will open with a community day in and around Ramsey town centre on Friday 12th May featuring the Sure Schools Challenge for local year 5 and 6 students and the Big Ride with Rebecca House, offering closed roads riding for children and families around a specially constructed course.

The action moves to Milntown Estate for the rest of the weekend with the Isle of Man Cyclefest Championship getting underway with the lung bursting Storm the Tower Hill

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ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

ACTIVE

Climb powered by Isle of Man Creamery on the morning of Saturday 13th May. That’s followed by the Battle of Sky Hill Mountain Bike Race on Saturday afternoon before concluding with the closed road 85 mile Gran Fondo, with over 6500ft of climbing and three PokerStars King and Queen of the Mountain ascents including the notorious Injebreck, on Sunday 14th May.

The 24 mile Piccolo Fondo, a shorter jaunt through the Island’s Northern Plains, suitable for families, will again be part of the programme while this year sees the introduction of a mid distance Medio Fondo, a near 40 mile closed road event aimed at recreational riders who want to challenge themselves. The route follows the main Gran Fondo to the top of the first major climb over Druidale before branching off and returning to Milntown.

New additions to the festival for 2017 include the spectacular Friends Provident International Street Velodrome - a heart pounding, action packed theatre of track style cycle sport, which features a forty metre banked circuit. Street Velodrome will bring the excitement and drama of track cycling to Ramsey town centre for the Sure Schools Challenge on Friday before switching to the heart of Milntown at the weekend, creating a fun filled competition for all ages and abilities.

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

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ACTIVE

As well as the opportunity for cyclists of all ages and abilities to turn a wheel, Cyclefest 2017 also features a packed line up of family entertainment over two days at the Milntown Estate, led by the world famous Titan the Robot. This eight foot modern mechanical behemoth will stride the grounds of Milntown estate with its own idiosyncratic brand of family fun.

Titan will be performing on the Isle of Man for the first time fresh from appearances at events such as Glastonbury, the Winter Olympics in Sochi and the F1 Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi.

Meanwhile Cyclefest’s ‘Roots & Rhythms main stage music line up supported by PokerStars has something for the whole family, from blistering guitar solos to heartbreaking melodies, from the traditional music of Mann to a taste of America.

Featuring professional singers and groups, UK festival acts and professional touring and recording artists, Cyclefest will be the Isle of Man music event of the year.

Headlining the music line up will be the Island’s own Davy Knowles who will perform at Isle of Man Cyclefest on Saturday 13th May along with his band.

Now based in Chicago, Davy recently released his third studio album, titled Three Miles from Avalon, and will embark on a European Tour in 2017 with Isle of Man Cyclefest appearing on the calendar as his homecoming date.

There is more family entertainment planned in a new dedicated children’s area, where kids of all ages can have a go at everything from giant Jenga to face painting, meeting birds of prey and trying their hand at local crafts or playing in the specially created sand pit.. Food aficionados will appreciate the great quality food and drink with a substantially increased range of local artisan producers in attendance offering the best the Isle of Man has to offer.

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Davy Knowles

There will be a number of festival entertainment and cycling updates between now and May 2017 and Official Cyclefest Radio Station, Manx Radio will be running a series of stories between now and the summer of 2017 and you can also stay up to date with at iomcyclefest.com and via the event’s Facebook page and Twitter feed.

Wristbands for Isle of Man Cyclefest are now available to buy on the new look official Isle of Man Cyclefest web site at iomcyclefest.com as well as entries for all the Isle of Man Cyclefest presented by Isle of Man Bank events with a discounted ‘early bird’ rate up to December 1st on both festival tickets and race entries.

PAUL SMITH, ISLAND DIRECTOR OF CYCLEFEST TITLE SPONSORS ISLE OF MAN BANK COMMENTED: ”We are very proud be supporting such a strong event that has already established itself in the island’s annual sporting and social calendar in its first year. Cyclefest embraces all aspects of the local community, with something on offer for everyone, as well as offering visitors one of the best cycling experiences in the British Isles.”

Festival Wristbands and Cycling Entries on sale now for May 2017 event.

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MOTORING NEWS

WORDS Russ Atkinson WORDS Russ Atkinson

...And with new. ...And in in with thethe new.

Here’s a look what’s passed Here’s a look at at what’s passed through the revolving doors the through the revolving doors ofof the new market during 2016. new carcar market during 2016.

BRAND NEW BRAND NEW

Honda NSX Honda NSX

Over ten years since production of the first Over ten years NSX sinceceased production of the first generation in 2005, Honda generation NSX ceased 2005,with Honda have resurrected the in model an all-new havedesign resurrected the model with an all-new after their previous plans to release design after their previous plans to a new, V10 powered sportscar in release 2010 were a new, V10 powered sportscar in 2010 Speaking were shelved due to low sales forecasts. shelved dueforecasts to low sales Speaking of sales andforecasts. desirability, because of sales and desirability, we’reforecasts talking about a $200,000 because Honda we’re talking about a $200,000 Honda here and two hundred thousand US dollars here(probably and two hundred thousand US dollars on the way to becoming roughly (probably on the way to becoming roughly equivalent to £200,000 right now, for those wondering) is a sizeable money equivalent to £200,000 rightportion now, forofthose for any Honda with the possible exception wondering) is a sizeable portion of money for any Honda with the possible exception

of their new executive jet, especially of their new executive especially considering the 2016jet, NSX isn’t quite the considering the 2016 NSX isn’t quite thefor. firebreathing V10 you might’ve hoped firebreathing V10 you might’ve hoped for.

The production model combines one The model combines one 3.5production litre V6 engine (stay on board here), 3.5two litreturbochargers, V6 engine (stay on electric board here), three motors twoand turbochargers, motors no less than 9three - yes,electric nine - gears for a andgrand no less than 9 - yes, nine - gears to forsixty a total of 573bhp, 2.9 seconds grand of 573bhp, seconds to sixty and total 191 mph flat out.2.9 Not too shabby, I’ll andadmit, 191 mph at out.

Not too shabby, I’ll andflthe hybrid-hypercar formula admit, and hybrid-hypercar formula seems tothe have worked for Porsche’s mindseems to haveexpensive worked for mindbendingly 918Porsche’s so why couldn’t it work in a similar 918 wayso forwhy Honda?

A chap bendingly expensive couldn’t calledinRick Hendrick, owner of a NASCAR it work a similar way for Honda?

A chap called Rick Hendrick, owner of a NASCAR

FACELIFTED FACELIFTED

Porsche Cayman 718 Porsche 718 in the couth department I’ll For those of Cayman you with shortcomings using a familiar term when I refer to couth the Porsche Cayman For be those of you with shortcomings in the department I’llas the undisputed car of the year.

Half of the Cayman entry list as at be using a familiar clitoris term when I refer to the Porsche a trackday I clitoris attended earlier year were of the GT4list variety, the undisputed car of thethis year.

Half of the entry at and there was me being the impression were a trackday I attended earlierunder this year were of the that GT4they variety, supposed to be particularly hard to acquire.

It’s little wonder and there was me being under the impression that they were though,toasbethey’ve alwayshard beentopretty damned decent to drive. supposed particularly acquire.

It’s little wonder What will remain to be seen is whether the engine downsizing though, as they’ve always been pretty damned decent to drive. that’s theseen latest modelthe Cayman have any What willoccurred remain toinbe is 718 whether enginewill downsizing that’s occurred in the latest 718 model Cayman will have any

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team (you know, those pushrod engined team (youthat know, go-karts canthose only pushrod turn left)engined won the go-karts that can only turn left)the won the charity auction held to secure very charity auction held to secure the verywith first second-generation Honda NSX first second-generation Honda NSX fuels with a bid of $1,200,000. I fear that fossil a will bid of $1,200,000.

I fear that fossil fuels have been exhausted (pun intended) will been (pun intended) by have the time itsexhausted value draws even with his bywinning the timebid, itsbut value draws hisis what I willeven say with though winning what are I will say though that thebid, realbut winners probably thoseis that real winners probably those whothe already own theare first generation model who alreadyvalues own the first generation model as market have more than doubled asinmarket values have more thancockpit doubled the past two years.

Plus their was inallegedly the past two years. theirThat’s cockpit was inspired byPlus the F-16. your pub bragging rights sorted then. allegedly inspired by the F-16.

That’s your pub bragging rights sorted then.

perceivable negative effect on the overall package with the base model nownegative to be powered by the a 2 litre turbocharged flatthe fourbase and perceivable effect on overall package with the Cayman S receiving version atflat 2.5four litres. model now to be powered abyslitghtly a 2 litrelarger turbocharged and producing greaterapower than theirversion predecessors though, theBoth Cayman S receiving slitghtly larger at 2.5 litres. of course, and Porsche rarely than seemtheir to disappoint whenthough, it comes Both producing greater power predecessors a newand model release.

Fearseem not though, track addicts GT4 of to course, Porsche rarely to disappoint when -itthe comes stillmodel feature a six-pot. youthough, can get track your hands oneGT4 before to will a new release.

FearIfnot addictson- the they toamake a load more them forhands peopleon toone be able to will stilldecide feature six-pot.

If you canofget your before getdecide their hands on, athat is.more It’s a of pretty car well, particularly the they to make load them foraspeople to be able to upwards flickthat of the reara spoiler subtly reminiscent of a very getlittle their hands on, is. It’s pretty car as well, particularly the toned down fl version of the RS’ duckbill spoiler. little upwards ick of the rearoriginal spoiler911 subtly reminiscent of a very

toned down version of the original 911 RS’ duckbill spoiler.

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

MOTORING NEWS

BRAND NEW

HARDWARE

Bentley Bentayga

Either an army of Mac operators have been kept busy around the clock working their magic in Photoshop or Bentley have in fact succeeded in creating a four-wheel drive vehicle capable of travelling off-road in a way that you wouldn’t dare try in a Continental GT. Unless you’re filthy stinking rich and rebellious, that is, as you can pick them up for under £40k these days and that represents a lot of car for the money. Anyway, I digress...

With a six litre twin-turbo W12 engine it was always going to be the world’s fastest SUV with a top speed of 187mph but the good news for tree-hugging trustafarians out there is that this W12 can disable one bank of cylinders to reduce the impact on the polar ice caps and there will also shortly be V8 petrol, V8 diesel and a V8 petrol plug-in hybrid version available if you simply must have one of Crewe’s finest that also affords you the ability to shoot things and drink champagne over a picnic from almost anywhere whilst ensuring that at least some of nature’s offerings will be left for your heirs to enjoy, daaaaahling.

To avoid this final paragraph becoming litigious it’s important to warn you that I’m paraphrasing from a distant memory but seem to recall that designer Luc Donckerwolke stated in an interview when challenged about how Bentayga was more of an ugly duckling than an elegant swan replied that it’s selling really well so his team have in fact appealed perfectly to the taste of their target audience.

However, as we all know, money can’t buy taste!

LF OLDER THAN TIME ITSE

Land Rover Defender Farewell, often unfaithful old friend. You who have carried us all over terrain, smooth and flat (in relative discomfort), steep and rough (with unwavering determination) and you who hath the ability to decompose at a rate so alarming it serves as the envy of all who possess a compost bin in their garden. You, with your almost nonexistent aerodynamic efficiency and near zero rollover protection that has scared all

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

that have driven you witless during times of high wind or over-zealous climbing manoeuvres. Your tiny, feeble windscreen wipers and the ability to hold just enough water on top of your bonnet to gently but constantly splash up onto the windscreen as the air rushes past at almost exactly 30mph during periods of rainfall. The way that steering lock was slowly phased out over a period of around seventy years until it almost became necessary to conduct a five point turn whilst negotiating a roundabout.

Your unmistakable silhouette and British charm never failing to make us smile as we walk away after checking that all of the doors have been locked three times each, separately. Just some of the reasons why we love to hate you and love to love you at the very same time. You will be missed, old friend. Unless the bloke from Twisted manages to get his hands on the tooling, in which case overpriced but infinitely better built versions will still be available. I’d better start saving, just in case...

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HARDWARE

GIFT IDEAS

THE SEASON OF S-ELF-IES It’s no secret that a brand new smartphone makes for a top notch Christmas present, but with so many available it’s more difficult than ever to pick which one to go for. George Juracek, assistant manager of the Sure shop on Strand Street in Douglas, runs through the handsets he’d be happy to find in his stocking on Christmas morning.

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ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

GIFT IDEAS

HARDWARE

APPLE IPHONE 7

For years the iPhone has totally dominated the smartphone market and the latest version is no different. There’s a feeling among Apple fans that the 7 doesn’t make enough of an advance on its predecessors in terms of specifications or design but what it does have is a camera that takes great photos in low-light conditions – perfect for those festive fireside selfies with your nan! The iPhone is also still the gold-standard in smartphone design and is available in black, jet black, gold and rose gold.

SAMSUNG GALAXY S7 EDGE

If photos are your thing then the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge should be at the top of your Christmas list. Samsung’s curvaceous flagship handset combines a quality screen with a top-end camera to make taking photos just as joyous as viewing them back later. The screen is probably the best we’ve ever seen on a smartphone and the camera has a fast autofocus and loads of options so is perfect for the point-and-shoot photographer and the wannabe David Bailey. It’s also got extra screen space thanks to that curved edge, which looks great and provides extra functionality.

CAT S60

George and the Sure retail team have been busy helping Santa prepare smartphones for Christmas, pop in and see them in Douglas, Ramsey and Port Erin to find out more about these phones and loads more.

Your eyes do not deceive you, the same company that makes the diggers and the boots now makes smartphones. You won’t be surprised to learn that this phone is super durable; it can survive drops of up to 6ft and is dust resistant so Santa could drop it halfway down your chimney and it would still be fit to take a selfie of him and Rudolph scoffing a mince pie and a carrot afterwards. The real eye-catching feature of this phone is its thermal imaging camera, which is super useful for those in the trade.

LG G5

LG’s top-of-the-line smartphone combines an all-metal body with a dual-camera setup on the rear for stylish design and great photos. We also love the fact that you can expand the memory thanks to the MicroSD slot and the battery is removable too, something that has all but disappeared from smartphones. It’s just as nice on the inside as on the outside – a speedy processor and loads of RAM make performing tasks extra quick, perfect for flicking between Merry Christmas WhatsApp messages and the Christmas playlist on Spotify.

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SONY XZ

Sony’s best handset in years will appeal to users familiar with the look and feel of Sony phones as well as those who are a bit clumsy and continually drop their phone in water. Sony has long been making its phones waterproof and the XZ is no different. It also boasts a handy link up with the PS4, so gamers can play their console games on their phone as long as they’re on the same WiFi network as their console. A brilliant alternative for when dad is hogging the TV watching the Only Fools and Horses Christmas special for the twelfth year in a row.

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HARDWARE

PHONE HOME

LET ME TAKE A SELFIE...

Looking for the ultimate gift for your selfie mad mate? Then look no further than the LuMee Case. Its built-in LED light ensures that both selfies and videos look great regardless of the setting.

As well as selfie uses, it also comes in handy as a flashlight, as well as a make-up light. It also comes in a variety of eyecatching colours, such as hot pink, marble black and mint green.

THE SONY XPERIA XZ IS A STRONG FLAGSHIP PHONE Fitted with a 5.2 inch LCD touchscreen, this handset is ideal for watching videos, playing games and browsing the internet. Being IP68 certified means it is both dust proof and water resistant- which may come in useful should you encounter a sharp downpour of rain this winter!

The Sony Xperia XZ includes a Full HD resolution screen with an impressive 23 megapixel rear camera and a 13 megapixel front camera.

The Sony Xperia XZ contains a great internal memory of 32GB, which can be expanded up to 256GB with a microSD card The Sony Xperia XZ comes with Android OS and a 2.15 GHz Dual-core & 1.6 GHz-core processor- very useful for performing multiple tasks at once as the larger number of cores allows the phone to attribute different tasks to a specific core.

at a glance

5.2”

touchscreen

23MP

plus 13 MP front camera

Android OS

32GB internal storage

2.15GHz & 1.6GHz dual-core processors

ready

IP68 certified dust and water resistant

The Sony Xperia is available in three colours- Forest Blue, Mineral Black and Platinum.

Available from Manx Telecomfor FREE @ £55 per month over 24 months on Smartphone 50GB includes 1200 minutes, 10,000 texts and 50GB Data.

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Search for the LuMee Case on Amazon and get ready to seriously up your selfie game!

HOOP-Y XMAS! Now this one takes me back to my childhood and the only one sport I was good at on sports day - the hula hoop! Except the 80’s version (*cough 90’s*) has had a modern-day, out-of-thisworld, update into the hoop of our dreams in full reflective ultraviolet glory.

Coming in at a range of sizes and prices, light projecting Polypro Hoops can be found on Etsy from sellers ‘TheSpinsterz’, who have over ten years’ experience of grafting the hoops and the art of hooping.

from FREE

@ £55 per month over 24 months on Smartphone 50GB including 1200 mins, 10,000 texts and 50GB data

These hoop’s are guaranteed to make your little one, or not so little one, euphoric this Christmas and New Year. It also comes in handy as an exercise tool and workout for that postChristmas dinner belly!

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

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NIGHTLIFE

PAPP’D AT ARTISAN

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win

win

are you in? paparazzi photo of the month wins a £20 surfer top-up which Facebook “f ” Logo

includes 20GB data for 30 days! for details go to

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NIGHTLIFE

PAPP’D AT THE MANNIN HOTEL, DOUGLAS

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ARE YOU IN?

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T: +44 (0) 1624 629 681

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E: INFO@SOPHI.CO.IM

W: SOPHI.CO.IM

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ARE YOU IN?

Hottest Destinations.

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Escape the Rock.

CLUBBING • BEACH • FUN • ADVENTURE • PARTY HOLIDAYS FROM THE ISLE OF MAN

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Book your getaway today

escapetherock.im PARTY DESTINATIONS: IBIZA • AYIA NAPA • KOH SAMUI • CORFU • TZANTE • KAVOS • MAGALUF

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gifts & £39.99

£39.99 from £14.99

Case Mate Cases

Aircharge iPhone 6S Case

PowerUp 3.0 Smartphone Controlled Paper Plane

£89.95

£249.95

i’m a power product

i’m a power product

£59.99 Skeye Nano Camera Drone

Beats EP On-ear Headphones

Beats Solo3 Wireless On-ear Headphones

i’m a power product

£149.00

£65.99 £59.99 Sudio VASA Bluetooth Wireless In-ear Earphones

Levitating Death Star speaker

Aircharge Executive Wireless Charging Pad

£14.00

£24.99 £39.99 Emoji Pillows

AquaJam Waterproof Speaker

only 1 power product per 3 for 2 purchase. terms and conditions apply. see manxtelecom.com/christmas for more details.

Aircharge Slim Line Wireless charger

for

on all accessories

this christmas

3 for 2 available in-store only, call in to see our full range

AFTER MORE THAN A CENTURY

WILKINS THE JEWELLER

IS CLOSING DOWN AS MICHAEL HYMAN WANTS TO RETIRE

EXAMPLE 18ct White Gold Diamond Cluster

WAS £3400

NOW £1700

UP TO

EVERYTHING

MUST BE CLEARED

A unique and once in a lifetime opportunity to buy Diamond Rings, Quality Diamond Jewellery, Fashion Jewellery and Jewellery of all descriptions At Up To 60% Off! This is an event that is never to be repeated!

EVERYTHING MUST GO! Opening Hours: Monday - Saturday 10.00am - 5.00pm Sunday 1.00pm - 5.00pm Wilkins Jewellers, 76 Strand Street, Douglas, Isle of Man IM1 2EW www.wilkinsthejeweller.co.uk