March 2019 | the RULE THE WORLD issue

Isle of Man Premier Magazine | no. 83 | March 2019 | the [RULE THE WORLD] issue

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UPFRONT

CONTENTS 42 Movers & Shakers 44 Appleby Graduates 46 Feature

UPFRONT

5 6 What's On 9 Feature 10 Me & My Pet 12 At Your Service Edito

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

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

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

opinion

UPFRONT

The Status of Value

UPFRONT

Words by: Markus Boyd

W

hen we reflect about the perceived value of commodities over the course of history, we may come to consider how such perceptions across a multitude of cultures become so different, and why we routinely overlook its relative nature. For example, the upper class of the Middle Ages in Europe considered commodities from the Far East, such as spices, as heightened status symbols, owed perhaps to their exotic nature. They were the flavours to be used with the food of the noble court, particularly when the host wished to manufacture a sense of grandeur for one’s guests. They were the flavours of a different, largely unknown world which naturally carried much speculation, and their utility became something of an art reserved only for the privileged. Today, however, the spice trade is different. Mass produced and available from retailers worldwide at a fraction of the cost, the utility of spices is commonplace in our food and no longer do we consider their utility as a privileged practice.

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L-R: Findlay Macleod, Greig Davidson, Janna Horsthuis, Kayleigh Coole

The fascinating story of growth and collaboration shows how scaling a food sector business is more than possible on the Isle of Man.

Robinson’s, Isle of Man Creamery and Davisons are household names on the island, their shops and products used by pretty much of all of us to some degree.

What is less known, however, is the way in which the three companies work with each other to deliver supplies to the public and private sectors on a scale you may find surprising.

Robinson’s Food Services division provides products for the Isle of Man’s schools, hospitals, nursing homes and prison, as well as restaurants, pubs and caterers. As Janna Horsthuis, Managing Director of Robinson’s, explains it, “We act as a cog in the wheel of food production. We’re best known for our retail outlets but Food Services has been a major part of our operation for a long time now.

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ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

“What also gives people pause for thought is the value that food services brings to the island’s economy. Isle of Man Creamery, for example, supports local farmers, and we, in turn, deliver huge quantities of Creamery produce to kitchens and tables throughout the island. These are partnerships which ensure the stability of a significant number of livelihoods and contribute to a sustainable economy.

“We believe that there are exciting opportunities in food services waiting to be grasped by more Isle of Man producers who are ready for the challenge of growing and scaling their business. Through our retail and wholesale outlets on The Terrace and at Ballapaddag, we work with a number of small producers who are at the beginning of the journey or on the verge of being in a position to take their business to

WHO WE ARE

agenda

ON THE AGENDA

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agenda

OPINION

PLACES

“Collaboration within the ‘food chain’ is good for everyone involved, and ultimately good for the economy of our island, getting local produce into all sectors of the market”.

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BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

15 Next Big Thing 18 Shan Fisher Photographer 20 News in Numbers 22 All Together Now 23 GIVE

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Feature Properties

ADVERTISING SALES

T: 01624 619540 sales@gallery.co.im

APPETITE

54 Wine Talk 61 Hangover Cures

ACCOUNTS

laura@gallery.co.im T: 01624 619540

TRAVEL

GALLERY MAGAZINE

62 64 World Airports

8 Second Cities

EVENTS

26 NFU Mutual Event 28 Toni & Mathew’s Wedding 30 Charity Event EVENTS

TRAVEL

TRAVEL

2. Gothenburg, Sweden Gothenburg is overpoweringly trendy: Think Manchester with a photogenic waterfront and even more independent coffee shops. Stockholm may win on world heritage sites (3-0, if you’re interested), but for wandering, socialising and taking time to enjoy the little things, Gothenburg might be best in show. Notable alumni include Oscar winner Alicia Vikander, Ryder Cup winner Henrik Stenson, and YouTuber PewDiePie.

THAT MIGHT BE MORE WORTHY OF A MINIBREAK THAN THEIR CAPITALS

Photos by: Liam Gilman

A charity Vegas themed casino night was held recently in memory of Ben O'Sullivan who would have been 18th on the day. £3,535 was raised whcih has been donated to Rebecca House.

The event was held at the Union Mills Football Club on the 7th February.

1 1. Krakow, Poland Long a city of choice for interrailing backpackers, Krakow is filled with unexpected sights and sounds, from a dragon statue breathing actual fire, to a giant, labyrinthine salt mine. Wander the domed chapels of Wawel Cathedral, climb St. Mary’s Basilica for panoramic views across the city, or inspect the sinister concoctions in the Museum of Pharmacy.

An architectural playground of turrets and spires, Krakow is something of a fairy tale city with a mystical, medieval feel.

These supposed second cities come first in the things that matter.

We’ve all had one. The very-slightly-morepopular friend; the sibling with more space on the photo cabinet; the dog pic with more likes than your profile picture. We know it’s unfair – we’re so much more worthwhile than they are – but why can’t everyone else see that?

So it is with second cities – by which we mean not the capital, and second highest in population.

Oft-neglected, these locations can be trendier, calmer, and all-round more pleasant than their bustling brethren…

Throw in a burgeoning street art scene, entire neighbourhoods of pastel paintwork, and a surplus of quirky cafes, and this thriving port city is as vibrant as anywhere in East Asia.

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But like all classic fairy tales, there’s a sting in the tail. Reminders of a painful past lie around every corner – from the remnants of abandoned synagogues to Oskar Schindler’s factory. Krakow can be a base for trips to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial.

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EDITORIAL

4 6. Leon, Nicaragua Capital Managua is a large, abrasive beast of city, all honking horns and barbed wire fences, while Leon is a backpacker’s paradise with a hostel on every corner.

4. St. Petersburg, Russia Turn up the Tchaikovsky and pack some Pushkin, St Petersburg is a city bathed in the grandest traditions of Russian romance.

A historic hotbed of political radicalism and the artistic avant-garde, this former imperial capital boasts the second largest art museum on Earth – the State Hermitage Museum – and in the Mariinsky Theatre, one its finest ballets.

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A very European city by Russian standards, the wide boulevards and pastel terraces resemble Prague or Vienna more than the Soviet severity of Moscow. Formerly known as Leningrad, you never quite know what this bubbling cauldron of a city is going to do next.

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5. Cork, Ireland Hit the pub for a pint of locally brewed Beamish stout, and enjoy an approving nod from your barman; grab some grub at KC’s, a chippie so popular staff keep an online queue-cam to help assess waiting times; and round your evening off with a visit to Hi-B Bar, a Cork institution in which, on pain of expulsion, mobile phones are banned.

Rammed with independent coffee houses (are you sensing a pattern here?), Cork is cool and knows it. Natives will tell you at length that their city is in fact the real capital of Ireland, and shouldn’t be on this list at all.

Crumbling colonial facades encircle large, breezy plazas filled with gently swaying palm fronds, beneath the warmth of the tropical sun. Leon made its name with an ironic combination of gorgeous churches and cheap alcohol, but for tourists today, the city is synonymous with volcano boarding.

It’s exactly what it sounds like: Climb to the top of a volcano, strap yourself to a plank of wood, and you’re away.

7. Plovdiv, Bulgaria A relaxed, waking-up-on-a-Sunday-morning vibe, Roman ruins, and scorching Summer temperatures – it’s hard to understand why Plovdiv is so neglected. Filled with leafy boulevards and red-tiled roofs, in contrast to brutalist capital Sofia, Plovdiv is the perfect place to wile away an afternoon wandering the cobbled streets and relaxing with an ice cream.

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8. Porto, Portugal With capital city Lisbon hogging the historic sights, Porto has instead found its niche as a sensory destination filled with food, wine and colour. The pastel-painted alleyways of historic centre Ribeira; the port lodges that line the riverbank; the ready supply of fresh seafood – Porto is a treat for the eyes and the stomach.

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FASHION & BEAUTY ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

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BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

FASHION

FASHION

CULTURE

MODERN LACE Lace gets a modern makeover this season, thanks to a profusion of the black floral fabric at Erdem, alongside the bold and bright hues at Christopher Kane.

Even brands known for their tough, street sensibilities, like OffWhite and Alexander Wang, were getting in on the act – there’s nothing old-fashioned about these sporty shift dresses and mannish shirts.

34 IoM Choral Society

Navabi Lace Dress, currently reduced to £196 from £280

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FROM BEIGE TO BIKE SHORTS:

THE 7 MOST IMPORTANT TRENDS OF SPRING/SUMMER 2019 Katie Wright looks to the catwalks for all the fashion leads you need to know about this season.

CULTURE

UPLOAD

It’s still way too chilly to cast off our coats and slip into strappy dresses, but it’s never too soon to start getting excited about what spring has in store for us fashion-wise.

Back in September, the catwalks revealed what high-end designers had in mind for warmer weather – and now the SS19 collections are landing on the high street, so it’s time get those wardrobe wish-lists ready.

CULTURE

UPLOAD - OUR ISLAND YOUR PHOTOS

CRAFT WORK Traditional techniques also got an update for SS19, with crochet, patchwork and macrame coming to the fore at Chloe, Jacquemus and JW Anderson.

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You just know the ‘It’ shoes and skirts and bags are going to sell out in no time, so if you want to get your hands on the most desirable duds, you’re going to have to act fast.

4 Cameron Skehan 5 Michael F. Griffiths -

Onchan Head

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6 Sean 7 Max Singer -

Castletown Harbour

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8 Simon Webster -

Plus you’ll need to be in the know about the latest looks from the designer collections – which is where we can help.

Douglas Bay

We’ve selected the most influential colours, fabrics and styles from the catwalks to help guide your buying decisions, with suggestions on how and where to shop the looks on the high street.

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There was still a natural feel to these loose knits and slinky dresses in creamy hues – we predict they’ll be a big hit when summer finally arrives.

Ready to swing into spring? Here are the seven top trends of SS19…

BEIGE Think beige equals boring? You won’t when you see how Riccardo Tisci used the classic Burberry trench colour for head-to-toe looks at his first show for the iconic brand.

Topshop Boutique Side Split Silk Shirt, currently reduced to £79 from £95; Boutique Fringe Knit Skirt, £79 (shoes, stylist’s own)

Not just with sporty brands, either.

Chanel, Fendi, Prada, Miu Miu – they all sent out models in the clingy, unforgiving shorts. Will this be the season you give in and buy a pair?

Girls On Film Sovereign Beige Satin Trench Coat, £45; Liquid Beige Utility Jumpsuit (available March), £24, Little Mistress (shoes, stylist’s own)

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

Miss Selfridge White Long Sleeve Oversized Hoodie, £25; Black Shiny Ribbed Cycling Shorts, £14; Tia White Chunky Trainers, currently reduced to £25 from £39 BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

HARDWARE

66 Motoring News

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1 Nick Shimmin -

Port Soderick

2 William Galbraith -

Regaby Sunset

3 Tony Brown -

Fairy Geln

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AGENDA lite

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40 Business News

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PAPARAZZI

for flippy fringing in hyper bright colours, as seen at Gucci, MGSM and Marc Jacobs.

FRINGING While many of those beautifully crafted catwalk creations came with long, loose tassels, there’s also a whole other trend

64-68 Are you in?

Peter Kwiecinski Phil Kneen Shan Fisher Liam Gilman

New Look Pink Suede Fringe Bag, £17.99 (available March)

Now, however, it’s all about zesty brights and saturated shades.

Take your cues from the tailored suits and dresses at Balenciaga (scarlet), Peter Pilotto (tangerine) or David Koma (lime green).

Robyn Ackron Elaine Dewhirst

JD Williams Essential Fashion Blazer, £25

spring, with baggy bleached blue jeans on the catwalks at Christian Dior and Alberta Ferretti.

ACID WASH DENIM Designers doubled down on the Eighties denim trend for

Emma Cooke Russ Atikinson Alex Preist

PHOTOGRAPHY

While epic flapperstyle evening gowns aren’t the sort of thing you can wear on the regular in real life, a bright fringed bag is the ideal addition to summer ensembles.

BRIGHT SUITS Suits are sticking around for spring, which will be welcome news for anyone who’s worn their grey check blazer to death over winter.

BIKE SHORTS Nope, they’re not cycling shorts – you’re not actually going to do any pedalling in them – bike shorts are what the fashion world has termed the controversial trend which started on the street and has boomed on the runways for spring.

He wasn’t the only one, either. There were about 50 shades of beige seen at the shows, from Tom Ford and Max Mara’s trench-inspired offerings, to Balmain’s seductive suede and Dior’s dramatic full skirts.

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

62 Trends 30

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

CONTRIBUTORS

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3. Busan, South Korea With ancient Japanese temples to the east, sprawling Chinese cities to the west, South Korea is a strangely overlooked stop on the Asian tourist trail. A pity, because for those in the know, Busan is a rare treasure. Mountains on one side, the ocean on the other – metropolitan marvels are balanced with the wonders of the wild.

Hilltop fortresses, internationally renowned seafood, and an urban beachfront which – unusually for urban beachfronts – genuinely isn’t horrible.

8 SECOND CITIES EVENTS

A VEGAS THEMED CASINO NIGHT IN MEMORY OF BEN O’SULLIVAN

PUBLISHER

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

It’s not all about jeans, however.

Acid wash denim skirts and dresses were well received at Balenciaga, Balmain and Isabel Marant.

Disclaimer.

Simply Be Acid Wash Button Sleeve Denim Shirt Dress, £32

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

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

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

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

Recycle.

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

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

UPFRONT

edito

#83

[RULE THE WORLD] Isle of Man Premier Magazine | no. 83 | March 2019 | the [RULE THE WORLD] issue

£ priceless

Ruling the world is so last century

R

uling the world used to mean something, it was sort of a big deal, and then there was Donald Trump. Beyonce didn’t really help matters when she started peddling the grammatically incorrect “Who rule the world?” song. I mean, thanks very much Beyonce for contributing to the dumbing-down situation. So, now, the world doesn’t really know what to do with itself anymore, it’s kind of at a loose end and people like youtube star James Charles (google him) have more clout these days than reality show politicians, go figure. We could also talk about Brexit etc etc in this limbo world, but seriously it’s all got so silly that it’s probably best to stick to the James Charles school of blissful ignorance and “artistry palettes,” until all that boring stuff just sorts itself out and sensible people are left in charge again.

COVER CREDIT PHOTOGRAPHER Shan Fisher MODEL Gabrielle Lucia Clague MAKE UP Francesca Spiers

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

In the mean time, during this winter, spring, autumn and summer of discontent you could maybe just have a stab at ruling your own world. What’s the worst that could happen?

Actually no, best not to dwell on negatives. What’s the best that could happen? This should be your new mantra from now on. You could start saying yes to things, let the light in etc etc unless, of course, saying yes gets really annoying and you have to be extra nice to people, curb your judgemental sarcastic streak, spring clean your house or actually help others in a selfless manner. No! It’s simply not going to happen so just carry on ruling your own world in your own way. Glad we got that sorted.

If you’re still feeling slightly disillusioned with, you know, everything, you might find an urge to pop along to the Isle of Man International Darts Festival or the Three Legs of Mann Classic Car Rally to really restore your belief in humanity. Obviously, a quick read of Gallery will never disappoint and we don’t mind which rules count in your world but seriously we do need you to at least try to speak properly; so if you are reading this Beyonce, (pretty likely) then you know what to do.

SR

FACEBOOK.COM/ GALLERYIOM

COVER CREDIT: Photographer & Styling: Shan Fisher Makeup: Francesca Spiers Model: Gabrielle Lucia Clague BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

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UPFRONT

WHAT’S ON now – 17.03.2019

COLOURWAY

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

07.03 – 10.03.2019

2019 POKERSTARS FESTIVAL OF DARTS

//VILLA MARINA, DOUGLAS// The four-day International Darts Festival offers a prize fund of over £30,000 and attracts some of the top names in the sport including a number of World Champions.

The Festival offers players the chance to build up valuable ranking points which can provide the gateway to a place in the World Championships and helps to confirm the Manx event as one of the most popular darts tournaments on the Calendar.

Free entry for all spectators including stage finals on Sunday which commence around 2pm. Come along to the finals and soak up the party atmosphere as players do their ‘walk-on’ to their favourite music. Fancy dress is encouraged! www.isleofmandartsfestival.com

08.03 – 09.03.2019 and 16.03 – 17.03.2019

FESTIVAL OF LIGHT

//ALL ISLAND// Concluding the Year of Our Island celebrations over two weekends, a new Festival of Light will be highlighting our iconic lighthouses, brighten our ancient capital and culminate with a truly illuminating spectacle in Ramsey’s Mooragh Park.

The highlight of the second weekend in Ramsey will be the Illumaphonium which will give participants the chance to play with this interactive, multi-sensory, music making installation. Creative lantern workshops, evening market, fiery performances and theatrical lighting displays will brighten up our Island before spring comes into full bloom.

More details from www.ourisland.im

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MARCH 09.03.2019

LAXEY WHEEL & MINES TRAIL TOUR

//LAXEY// A guided tour of Laxey Wheel and Mines Trail from Island Heritage Tours, including an introduction to the history of mining at Laxey. The tour starts at the Salmon Centre on Mines Road (upper entrance) at 10.30am and involves uneven footpaths and steps so please wear appropriate footwear, and dress according to the weather.

This tour is limited to 20 participants and costs £15 per person (excludes discounted admission to site which is free to MNH and NT members on production of cards) so book now at www.facebook.com/pg/ heritageIOM/events/?ref=page_internal

10.03.2019

SEED SWAP & PLANT SHARE

//LAXEY SAILING CLUB, TENT ROAD, LAXEY// This is the eighth year of this popular gardening event: a great way to donate and pick up seeds and plants inexpensively – if you take more than you bring, the organisers ask for a small donation of 10p per packet of seeds.

There’s a garden themed raffle, there are refreshments on hand and all the proceeds from these, and any donations will go towards the Laxey and Douglas allotments.

More information from www.facebook.com/ events/674657319603480/

23.03 – 27.04.2019

AFRICA

//HODGSON LOOM GALLERY, LAXEY// Textile artists Pat Kelly and Janice Cottier have working on this African themed exhibition for over a year and you can expect an intricately embroidered, quilted, dyed, patterned, ethnic and tribal celebration – a riot of colour and pattern.

Tickets for this event are free, but seating is limited so please register you interest by following the link on the events page of www.facebook.com/artscounciliom/

29.03.2019

WEARABLE ART SHOW

//YOUTH ARTS CENTRE, KENSINGTON ROAD, DOUGLAS// Wearable Art on the Isle of Man brings its biennial Wearable Art Show back to the Youth Arts Centre for a catwalk show of items of great beauty, innovation and wit.

As always the show embraces the worlds of art, fashion and theatre and the audience should expect to be thrilled by the variety and creativity of the artists.

To find out more and buy your tickets, call Sue on 842592 or 470639 or email: splatt89@hotmail.com

30.03.2019

PENELOPE ISLES

//PROMENADE SUITE, VILLA MARINA, DOUGLAS// Hailing from the Isle of Man via Brighton, Penelope Isles is the collaboration of brother and sister musicians Jack and Lily Wolter.

The band mix waves of ambient delays and fuzz guitar noise, sonic dynamics and melodic pop hooks entwined with girl-boy harmonies and the live set is hypnotic, captivating and moving, smeared with glistening psych, dreamlike chimes, and potency that will transfix and satisfy.

Currently recording their debut LP in Brighton in between touring around the UK and Europe, this is a chance to catch up with Penelope Isles on ‘home’ turf.

Tickets £10 from www.villagaiety.com www.penelopeisles.com

www.facebook.com/hodgsonloomgallery

27.03.2019

MARTIN PARR – IOM ARTS COUNCIL INAUGUAL LECTURE

//VILLA MARINA ARCADE, DOUGLAS// The Isle of Man Arts Council welcomes photographer Martin Parr to the Island for its inaugural lecture. Parr is described as chronicler of our age, seeing the world through his eyes, photographs which are sometimes disturbing, often humorous and always entertaining. We laugh with him at ourselves.

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

UPFRONT

GET ON BOARD FOR A SPRING BREAK

to motorways linking you across the UK. Where will your adventure take you?

WITH SPRING ALMOST UPON US, THE WARMER DAYS AND LIGHTER EVENINGS OFFER THE PERFECT OPPORTUNITY TO GET AWAY FOR AN ADVENTUROUS SEASONAL GETAWAY.

A STEEP HIKE If beautiful rolling countryside, glistening waters and small quaint villages sound tempting, head to the Lake District. Here you’ll find England’s highest mountain Scafell Pike at 978 metres above sea level. If you fancy a challenge, make your way to its peak to experience some of Britain’s most breathtaking views.

You’ll feel on top of the world once you reach the peak, plus, on a cloudless day you may even spot the Isle of Man! The Lake District is just a short drive from Heysham, and bringing the car means your hiking equipment can be packed away with no need to worry about luggage fees.

Pack more into your break and travel by ferry with the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company. With more than 900,000 offer seats available throughout 2019, you won’t want to miss out. You can enjoy the freedom to explore as far and wide as you choose when you bring the car, with the option to stop-off wherever and whenever you want on the way to your chosen destination, making the journey part of the adventure.

FLY HIGH Exhilarate your senses and take to the skies on the fastest zip line in the world and the longest in Europe. Based in Penrhyn Quarry in North Wales, less than 2 hours’ drive from Liverpool, you can fly high over a spectacular backdrop up to speeds of 100mph! Once again, on a clear day, the Isle of Man’s familiar coastal shadow is visible across the dramatic shoreline.

Fast craft Manannan resumes her daily services later this month with regular sailings to Liverpool. Book a city break and arrive in the heart of the bustling city, just a short walk from exciting attractions and iconic monuments.

For a slightly slower paced afternoon you can enjoy a quarry truck tour and learn about the rich history of Penrhyn Quarry, while soaking up those panoramic views.

Or, if travelling further afield, the city is well-connected by bus and rail and easy to get around by car, with convenient access

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in your hair as you experience the thrill of activities such as windsurfing, water surfing, kayaking and sailing. There is nothing quite like it.

Make the road trip part of the adventure on your way to the north east coast. Don’t miss an opportunity to take in the stunning contemporary sculpture that is the Angel of The North, situated in Gateshead.

Prices for a car plus two people on a five day short break start from just £97 each way, so a springtime escapade for you and your travel partner could be more affordable than you think.

Head to www.steam-packet.com to book your ferry travel today.

GET ON THE WATER Northumberland in North East England offers miles of spectacular coastline, making it a perfect spot to try your hand at water sports. Take to the waters and feel the wind

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UPFRONT

FEATURE

HOW DO YOU RULE YOUR WORLD, DO YOU SHOUT OR WHISPER?

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Just like there’s more than one way to skin a cat (probably not still a thing in 2019 to be fair) there’s also more than one way to rule your own world, to communicate and generally get by in life.

Words by: Clare Bowie

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

FEATURE

So, this happens: You’re emptying the kitchen food bin and the bag splits, you buy a new coat and then discover it went on sale the next day, your child draws on the new wallpaper with permanent marker or your colleague steals your idea at the team building session! The question is; how do you react? Do you scream and shout; are you blinded by red mist and fury or do you feel proportionately annoyed but not demonstratively maniacal? What does shouting really achieve, after the fact?

Obviously, for some people, shouting is an almost involuntary release of emotions and is their go-to way of coping with situations. They feel better afterwards and instinctively lose their rag in response to what they consider as a very stressful situation. It’s the modern day fight or flight response. For other people, they naturally do not lash out, lose any rags or feel the need to externalise their frustration.

Of course, people are going to react in different ways based on inherent individual traits, conditioning and upbringing but if we take a good look at ourselves we might want to re-evaluate how we interpret and react to situations and how negatively it can affect our communication with others and our ability to manage stress in a positive way. Neither way is necessarily wrong, shouting is uncomfortable for the people around you but sometimes pent up quiet resentment or anger can be just as uncomfortable. If we are really honest with ourselves we can usually handle certain situations in a better way, both for ourselves, and for those around us. It’s just about achieving the right level of balance and control. Easy, right?

In our society, in schools and workplaces, the ones who shout the loudest are often perceived as confident and indeed competent, whereas quiet people can be overlooked or considered weaker. Many bosses often undervalue their beta staff simply because they can’t hear them over the din of the louder colleague. It regularly happens in school, with the teacher saying a child is too quiet, they need to speak up more. Perhaps they do, perhaps it will foster confidence or perhaps it will make them feel inadequate for not possessing that “gold standard” personality type, giving them the impression that their “quietness”

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

is somehow wrong or not good enough.

Paediatrician Dr Tom Boyce has written a book “The Orchid and the Dandelion,” which draws on his research to define two types of children which exist within households; sensitive orchids and the tougher, more resilient dandelions. It’s a bit like the analogy that everyone is in possession of a type of face; the horse or the chip-monk. As soon as you hear it, you know which one you are. I am your classic “horse shaped orchid”, in case you were wondering.

Dr. Boyce says it is crucial to understand which type of child you have and the way you parent them is absolutely fundamentally linked to their emotional and physical well-being. Some children simply cannot roll with the punches, they are unable to slot in to new environments in the same way as their dandelion siblings and it is vital that a parent responds to their individual needs and requirements in different situations. Orchid children are typically shy, fearful and hypersensitive to noise and change. Stress can physically affect them whereas dandelions can adjust and thrive in most situations. Once the parents of orchids digest all these traits and steer clear of comparisons with other siblings they can adopt a parenting strategy full of routine, structure and compassion to manage and pre-empt any of the stress triggers which limit their child from thriving. One reviewer of the book commented that,

“Boyce explains that genetics, biology and environment combine to make every one of our children different – and successful parenting is really about noticing the detail of those differences and responding to them individually.”

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acknowledging and understanding a person’s type of personality it is possible to help that person realise their potential, by letting them fulfil the task with their own personality, in their own way. An orchid is not going to be the one who wants to fill the meeting room with their thoughts and ideas but that does not mean that their thoughts and ideas are not valid.

Just like it’s important to be “parented” in a better way, it’s also possible to monitor our own behaviour in a more productive way.

We can’t change our whole personalities, and nor should we want to, but we can adjust the volume on how loud or quite our responses are. We can take back the control by exercising a little self-awareness. It is possible to command respect and convey confidence quietly or train ourselves to tone down the vocals to produce a more measured reaction, which we won’t later regret.

So, the next time a stress- inducing situation occurs it might be helpful to consider afterwards how we handled it, and how we communicated our dismay to others. Did we over-react? Did the shouting and screaming alleviate the stress or improve the situation, did we feel better afterwards or more upset and how did the people around us feel? Or, did our bottling-up of our feelings make us feel like a simmering ball of rage inside? Perhaps, if we start to recognise our responses and try to regulate them we can begin to deal with “the stuff” in an even manner, endeavour to keep our blood pressure down and accept that, sometimes, shit just happens!

It’s a lesson which is not just important for parents to learn but one which peers and colleagues could also adopt. By

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Human Questions Name: Sara Cryer Breed: Human Age: 28 Likes: Cheese, animals, games and anime.

Dislikes: Bad manners, exams, slugs in my flat.

If animal what would you be: A wolf.

Favourite food: Tom Kha Gai (Thai Chicken coconut soup).

Where do you live: Douglas.

Where are you originally from: Born and raised on the Isle of Man. Where do you work: Zurich.

Do you have any more pets: No. Would you have any more pets? Yes, I would love to keep chickens and a dog or two.

The best and worst thing about having a pet is? Best- The fun and affection they give everyday, whenever I get up in the morning they are always waiting for me.

Worst - Their very short lives.

Interesting fact: When I was young I spent 10 days in a Thai Temple as a nun.

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Pets Questions Names: Linguine, Emile, Jack, Victor, Han and Chewie Breed: Fancy rat.

Age: Emile and Lingune are almost 2, Jack and Victor are almost 1, Han and Chewie are about 4 months old.

Likes: Cuddles, treats, and exploring every nook and cranny in my flat.

Lizzie is four years old and in that short life she’s been rehomed twice, and so we hope the next time she goes to her ‘forever home’.

Dislikes: Curly Kale, apple flavoured popcorn, trips in the car.

If human what would you be? Linguine would be a police chief, he is the Alpha so he is always going round sorting the other boys out! Emile is a foodie, he is always trying to run off to explore for more food! Jack would be a ninja, he is so quiet and blends in with the night, often we can’t see him and he is normally sat at the front of the cage waiting! Victor would be Linguine’s apprentice. Han would be a beautician, he is always grooming us. Chewie would be an athlete, he is always running around as fast as he can.

Favourite food? Malt Paste.

Why do you love your human? She gives great scritchies.

If you had one wish what would you wish for?

Infinite suppy of Malt paste.

Interesting fact: They are very clever animals, we’ve taught them a few tricks, such as, “Spin” they do a little twirl on the spot for a treat, and “Give paw” where they have to place their paw on our finger for a treat. We’re working on “fetch”!

Lizzie

She’s been at the ManxSPCA since the start of November last year. She’s had a bad skin condition which our vet diagnosed as being caused by a type of blood disorder called immune-mediated haemolyticanaemia. She is on long-term, inexpensive medication which is sprinkled in her food (she knows it’s there but she still eats it!).

This medication means that she can’t have vaccinations against common cat illnesses, and so she needs to be an indoor cat, ideally the only cat in the house, so that she doesn’t get infected. She will be perfectly content as an indoor cat because she likes nothing more than to be around people – she’s a real ‘people pleaser’. If there isn’t a lap to curl up on or a shoulder to perch on, Lizzie enjoys sitting on warm radiators, or on window sills to watch the world go by.

If you want to meet this very special cat you will need to call the cattery team on 851672 (option two) because Lizzie can’t be brought up to the main cattery and needs to stay in our isolation unit.

Devlin We only had two Staffordshire Bull Terriers brought in to our Kennels for rehoming in 2018, which shows a real shift in trend.

We’ve never had a Staffie cross Akita before, and so eight year-oldDevlin is a first for us.

Like most Staffie types, Devlin loves people and he just wants to make friends with everyone he meets. He’s an attention seeker and so he can’t be left alone for too long because he starts to get anxious.

He’s not particularly great with other cats and dogs and so ideally he needs to be the only animal in the house, and he can only be rehomed with older children.

He’s a really impressive dog, and if you would like to meet him please come along to the kennels any day, apart from Thursdays, between 1.00pm and 4.00pm.

ManxSPCA • Ard Jerkyll, East Foxdale • Tel: 851672

www.manxspca.com

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The fascinating story of growth and collaboration shows how scaling a food sector business is more than possible on the Isle of Man.

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Robinson’s, Isle of Man Creamery and Davisons are household names on the island, their shops and products used by pretty much of all of us to some degree.

What is less known, however, is the way in which the three companies work with each other to deliver supplies to the public and private sectors on a scale you may find surprising.

Robinson’s Food Services division provides products for the Isle of Man’s schools, hospitals, nursing homes and prison, as well as restaurants, pubs and caterers. As Janna Horsthuis, Managing Director of Robinson’s, explains it, “We act as a cog in the wheel of food production. We’re best known for our retail outlets but Food Services has been a major part of our operation for a long time now.

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L-R: Findlay Macleod, Greig Davidson, Janna Horsthuis, Kayleigh Coole “What also gives people pause for thought is the value that food services brings to the island’s economy. Isle of Man Creamery, for example, supports local farmers, and we, in turn, deliver huge quantities of Creamery produce to kitchens and tables throughout the island. These are partnerships which ensure the stability of a significant number of livelihoods and contribute to a sustainable economy.

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“We believe that there are exciting opportunities in food services waiting to be grasped by more Isle of Man producers who are ready for the challenge of growing and scaling their business. Through our retail and wholesale outlets on The Terrace and at Ballapaddag, we work with a number of small producers who are at the beginning of the journey or on the verge of being in a position to take their business to

“Collaboration within the ‘food chain’ is good for everyone involved, and ultimately good for the economy of our island, getting local produce into all sectors of the market”.

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the next level, should they want to. We see their potential and want to encourage it”.

For anyone considering taking the steps towards the food services field, the stories of Davisons and Isle of Man Creamery might provide inspiration. They also show that powerful partnerships are not achieved overnight; they need time, planning and commitment to reach their potential.

Isle of Man Creamery began working with Robinson’s over thirty years ago. In 2018, Robinson’s supplied over sixty-three tonnes of Creamery cheese and four tonnes of Creamery butter to its wholesale catering customers. The Creamery’s Managing Director, Findlay Macleod, comments, “Many people automatically think that most of our customers are on doorstep delivery or pick up our products from shops and supermarkets, but a large proportion of our milk, cheese, butter and cream is supplied to local catering businesses.

“Robinson’s are invaluable as they help with distribution and promotion to their vast array of island customers.

They allow us to achieve good coverage and provide an excellent service to caterers, which complements our direct sales”.

Isle of Man Creamery is rightly proud of the fact that all milk used in its awardwinning products is certified as Isle of Man grass-fed, which means that it has been yielded by cows grazing in Manx pastures for an average of 203 days of the year. High standards are rigorously maintained: all milk delivered to the Creamery is tested in their onsite laboratory, and all produce is quality assured and accredited to British Retail Consortium Global Food Standards.

The consistently high quality of Creamery produce is not just good news from an ethical standpoint; it’s good news for the customer, the caterer and the farmer, all of whom benefit from reliable excellence. “By choosing Isle of Man Creamery products”, says Findlay, “businesses are helping to support thirty-two local farming families.

Some of these are fourth generation dairy farmers, and the support of on-island consumers helps to ensure that our dairy industry is kept viable for them.

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“Collaboration within the ‘food chain’ is good for everyone involved, and ultimately good for the economy of our island, getting local produce into all sectors of the market”.

Greig Davison would be first to agree with Janna and Findlay on the power of working together and putting quality first. As third generation Director of much-loved ice cream and chocolate makers Davisons, he is aware of how the growth and continued success of the family business has been achieved through prizing those values at all times.

The Davisons story began in 1988, when Greig’s father Ian, who trained as a chocolatier, sold his handmade confectionary from The Chocolate Box in Peel. Seven years later, having seen a gap in the market for pure Manx ice cream, Ian branched out and launched the business which is still going strong today. Visiting Peel with the sole intent of treating yourself to a Davisons ice cream is a ritual familiar to residents and visitors alike. The family’s cafes in Peel and Port Erin are equally popular.

As with Isle of Man Creamery, Davisons’ retail success is only one half of the story.

Greig explains, “Our partnership with Robinson’s began early on in our journey,

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

and we’ve now been working together for twenty-six years. In 1999, we really began to scale, moving from a factory covering 1.5 cubic metres to one of 8.5 as our involvement in food services really took off.

“From the outset, Robinson’s helped us so much, and ours continues to be hugely positive partnership. Like Isle of Man Creamery, we believe that supporting the local economy and providing quality products is the key to our success. We have always used 100% local dairy produce, and always will: customers taste and appreciate the difference”.

Last year, Davisons supplied a staggering 40,000 litres of ice cream to Robinson’s Food Services division. As the proud head of a fellow family business which grew from humble beginnings, Janna knows

exactly how much hard work has been put in by Davisons down the years to reach this point.

“The key to growth in the food services sector for any small business is quality and consistency: growing and learning over the first three years, testing the market, and getting the product right.

“The next stage is to increase production to allow for a quality product to be consistently available for provision by our sales team. Our customers are looking for product that will be available all year round.

For a small producer, this is the scary stage because it calls for total commitment and investment in order to scale product and maintain quality while growing”.

While this may sound daunting, Janna stresses that it is fully achievable for any small business with a quality product and a good team who believe in it, and are prepared to research, plan, pull together - and dream big. “We’d love to see more success stories from local businesses who dare to go beyond what they originally thought possible. As Isle of Man Creamery and Davisons know, we will always do what we can to help. At the end of the day, our whole community wins!”.

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programmes by Auxesia.

Judges were Paragon Recruitment’s Dean Helm, Lloyds Banking Group’s Luke Adebiyi, SmartHR’s Gail Yeowell and ballroom dance teacher Mary O’Dea.

Next Big Thing 2019 winners and sponsors

Next Big Thing 2019 winners ZED: Ethan Whyley, David Livesey and Zac Colligon with Renée Caley from the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, sponsor of the £500 first prize

Closing the show was local singer and musician Jack Divers.

Junior Achievement chief executive Sue Cook said: ‘This is the seventh year of the Next Big Thing grand final and every year I never cease to be amazed at not only the amazing talent there is in the island, but also the sheer dedication and hard work of all the contestants and the tremendous support from their families, friends, coaches and schools.

Next Big Thing 2019 winners ZED: Ethan Whyley, David Livesey and Zac Colligon.

NEXT BIG THING JUDGES ‘AMA-ZED’ BY 11-YEAR-OLDS’ ORIGINALITY Photos: Andrew Barton

ZED – three 11-year-old boys, Zac Colligon, Ethan Whyley and David Livesey - have been voted the Next Big Thing 2019.

The boys impressed the judges and delighted a packed house at the Gaiety Theatre on Saturday February 9 at the Next Big Thing grand final with their original song, dance and comedy routine which they devised and choreographed themselves.

They met up originally at Sing Up music school in Douglas then decided to join forces and audition as ZED for the Next Big Thing, the talent contest for 10 to 18-yearolds organised by Junior Achievement Isle of Man. As winners, ZED took home the Next Big Thing 2019 trophy and a first prize of £500 cash sponsored by the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company. When they were

Opening the evening was the Next Big Thing 2018, magician Giles Beaumont who, when interviewed by James Turpin, said auditioning then winning the contest had boosted his self-confidence and inspired him to go further in his career, which will see him competing in this year’s Young Magician of the Year contest in London.

questioned by compère for the evening James Turpin about what the money would be spent on Zac replied: ‘Probably a spa day for our mums.’

Runner-up was 10-year-old Kasia Ashton, a singer with a confidence and stage presence well beyond her years, who won £250 sponsored by Manx Professional and Educational Services Ltd. In third place was dance group Infinity from Unity Dance School whose performance of contemporary dance combined with breath-taking gymnastics won them £150 sponsored by the Platform Theatre School.

The show, which featured 13 acts, was sponsored by Paragon Recruitment, SmartHR and Energy FM and the

‘Giles spoke about being “inspired” after taking part in the Next Big Thing last year and I hope that the truly amazing acts we’ve seen this year will inspire more young people to enter for next year’s competition and experience the “magic” of appearing on the stage of the Gaiety Theatre.

‘For now, at least, the show may be over, but our work is not. This year is the 100th anniversary of Junior Achievement worldwide so we’ve set ourselves a target to recruit 100 more volunteers in 2019. This will support our work in every one of the island’s primary and secondary schools to deliver programmes that help young people to make the connection between school and the world of work. They can then develop the skills and knowledge they’ll need to get a job and become nextgeneration entrepreneurs. In other words to become “the Next Big Thing” in their chosen career.’

To find out more about volunteering for Junior Achievement call Sue Cook, 666266, sue.cook@jaiom.im or visit jaiom.im.

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Shan Fisher is a name you’ll probably recognise – many of her stunning portrait photographs grace the covers of this magazine – and she was a finalist in the 2018 Isle of Man Newspapers Awards for Excellence. And now she’s added a new element to her brandnew company: Shan Fisher Education.

“PHOTOGRAPHY ISN’T ALL ABOUT FANCY CAMERAS AND ELABORATE PROPS” SAYS AWARDWINNING PHOTOGRAPHER

Gallery: Shan, you’re so busy with your own photography, what made you branch out into teaching?

Shan Fisher: Looking back over my 10-year career I’ve found investing in my own education is the most important part of my personal and my business’s growth and success. I’m often asked how I manage to produce such beautiful photographs and how to run a successful business, so I’ve decided to share my knowledge and skills to help other photographers, and here is Shan Fisher Education.

G: It’s a big step from taking your own photographs to teaching others how to do it. Why now?

SF: Photography is my passion but after 10 years in business I thought it was time to step out of my comfort zone and to share my enthusiasm, knowledge and skills with anyone who wants to take beautiful photographs, and anyone who would like to start their professional journey. I hope I can make a difference and inspire other to follow their dreams too.

G: I know you’ve won awards for your new-born photography, but what made you decide to specialise in this?

SF: Quite simply, I love babies! I have two children of my own and I know how important it is to capture those precious moments when they are little. Those first few weeks of a baby’s life are so precious and go so quickly, often in a complete blur. It’s such a privilege to be invited to record these new little personalities everyone takes their own photos of those days of course, but I try to capture the first moments of the person the baby will become.

I have been trained specifically in newborn photography by the world’s best

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new-born photographers and now have 10 years’ experience. A beautiful new-born photograph doesn’t just happen - there are lots of skills which go into it, including new-born safety, soothing and posing, as well as lighting, angles and composition G: What will you be offering in Shan Fisher Education?

SF: Last year I ran DSLR camera setting and creative photography workshops for absolute beginners. I absolutely loved it! And this year I have added a twoday intensive New-Born Photography & Business workshop for those wishing to start their new-born photography career or for those professional new-born photographers who wish to take their photography and business to the next level. It’s very exciting as I’ll be running these not just in the Isle of Man but in Italy, Ireland and New York, and the first will be in Amsterdam.

G: Won’t you just be creating competition for your own business?

SF: As an artist I believe we are here to create not to compete. Everyone has their own unique style. Every photographer brings something different to the market.

My purpose is sharing my knowledge and skills, and inspire the others so that we can all create good quality of photographs for our clients and grow together.

G: Why do you include business teaching in your course?

SF: I think most photographers start their business because just like me, they’re passionate about photography. I have been working for must less than minimum wage BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

to create the business you deserve and dream of.

with long hours every day for many years but I love what I do. But you can’t run a successful business if you don’t know how to value your time, your art and yourself.

I’ve seen so many talented photographers come and go over the years, I would like to show you the fundamentals to not only price yourself but to put the right policies in place and have key marketing strategies

G: That’s a lot to fit into two days so where can readers find out more?

SF: All the details are on my website www.shansphoto.com/education. Each course lasts two days but there will be post-workshop support, and I can also offer one to one mentoring if required. My first Isle of Man New-born Photography & Business course is in April.

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in NUMBERS NEWS 2019-20 Manx Budget Key points

1 14,000

n A top up of £1 million for the Brexit Fund to £2.5m, for the continued negotiations arising from the UK’s departure from the EU.

250,000 n New Community Fund to be established to match-fund community projects which support our UNESCO biosphere status. The £250,000 Fund will be managed by the Manx Lottery Trust.

n Personal Income Tax allowance has risen to £14,000.

181.15

n From April the Manx State Pension will rise to £181.15 per week.

2

n Funds of £2m has been set aside from the Economic Development Fund to develop the Airport Technology Gateway which will see the creation of a high quality landscaped business park at the airport.

1.5 n £1.5m has been ringfenced for a revised student awards scheme to support people to return to the Island after their studies.

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300,000 n A sugar tax is to be introduced from April 2019 expected to raise around £300,000, which will be ring-fenced to be used by the Department of Health and Social Care.

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

Be adventurous Save regularly to reach your life moment with our new Savings Builder account You must be 16 years or over and an existing customer to open an account. You can only have one Savings Builder Account in your sole name, and only one Savings Builder Account in joint names with another person. No minimum deposit is required to open the account; and there is no maximum balance limit. Each month your balance must grow by at least £50 to earn interest. If your balance grows by less than £50 in any month, you will not earn interest.

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

Isle of Man Bank Limited (IOMB). Registered Company Number: 1C Isle of Man. Registered Office: 2 Athol Street, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM99 1AN. Tel. 01624 637000. Licensed by the Isle of Man Financial Services Authority in respect of Deposit Taking, Investment Business and registered as a General Insurance Intermediary. IOMB is a member of the Isle of Man Depositors’ Compensation Scheme (DCS) as set out in the Depositors’ Compensation Scheme Regulations 2010. To understand your eligibility under the scheme you may wish to visit http://www.iomfsa.im/investor/dep_comp.xml IOMB is a member of The Royal Bank of Scotland Group. The Royal Bank of Scotland plc - Registered in Scotland No SCO83026. Registered office: 36 St Andrew Square, Edinburgh EH2 2YB. The Royal Bank of Scotland plc is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. The latest report and accounts are available at www.investors.rbs.com IOMB places funds with other parts of RBS Group and thus its financial standing is linked to the Group. Depositors may wish to form their own view on the financial standing of IOMB and the Group based on publicly available information.

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

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Words by: Suzy Holland Photos: Deborah Thompson

There’s an insatiable appetite for tribute bands in the Isle of Man – the recent sell-out shows by George Michael tribute Fastlove and Planet Abba as well as upcoming ABBA ‘reunion’ and Carpenters Gold prove that. But imagine if there was a Lonely Hearts Club Band drawn from the huge musical talent we have here, rather than imported bands and shows from across. A Manxical Mystery Tour.

Prolific singer-songwriter, guitarist and fab four fanatic Ian Thompson always includes a Beatles song or two in his own gigs so it was a natural step to get a few like-minded friends together to make up this Manx supergroup: “Pete Dixon and Steve Leach play bass and drums in my band so we just needed a third guitarist who could also play keyboards,” says Ian. “The obvious choice was David Holland, who’s well known on the Island as a music and singing teacher and for his involvement in almost every musical theatre production, and is, in my opinion a musical genius. So when he agreed to get on board we knew we’d got the makings of a Beatles tribute band made up of experienced local musicians as good as any you’d find across.”

Ian, who is originally from Liverpool, really does have The Beatles in his blood. “I grew up with their music constantly playing in my house and my head,” he says. “Since I began recording and playing myself I’ve always wanted to do a gig made up

of just Beatles songs but I didn’t want to short-change the people who’ve come along to hear me play tracks from my own albums.” A Beatles tribute band seemed like the obvious solution and Ian knew that a band made up of already well-known and well-loved local artists was the answer: the Manxical MysteryTourwas born.

Launching over Easter weekend, their first gig is being hosted by wellknown charity “South Douglas Old Friend’s Association” on Thursday 18th April, and then the boys hit the Long and Winding Road north to a more intimate gig at Ramsey Golf Club on Easter Saturday 20 April, where the night will be all things sixties. “We thought we’d really go for it,” continues Ian, “and encourage everyone to Get Back into their favourite sixties fashions too”.

There is a champagne prize for the best dressed, so Ian hopes everyone comes prepared to Twist and Shout once they have sampled the colourful Manxical “Hippy

Hippy Shake” cocktails which are included in the ticket price to Help! everyone enjoy that Hard Day’s Night!

Although Ian can be heard at pubs around the Island most weekends, he’s very conscious that sometimes the North misses out on the bigger events. “We chose Ramsey Golf Club for our first headline event for that very reason,” he says. “The venue is just the right size for a Manxical Mystery Tourparty so we hope the Island’s Beatles fans Follow the Sun to Ramsey, and Come Together to support us - particularly as it’s a bank holiday weekend!”

So grab your sixties glad rags and join Manxical Mystery Tourin creating a little bit of BeatleManxia at their two launch gigs this Easter. Information and tickets for the Douglas event can be obtained via SDOFA directly, and your very own Ticket to Ride for the Ramsey stop (£15 to include cocktail, with a limited number of early-(Black)bird tickets priced at just £12.50) can be bought now via the Events tab at www.facebook. com/manxicalmysterytour

If you’d like to hear more from Ian Thompson, his latest album Mean Time(on the Spectra Music Group label and produced with the support of the Isle of Man Arts Council) is available on iTunes now.

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GIVE High School and Ramsey Grammar School where I have witnessed first-hand the wealth of potential entrepreneurial talent these programmes can help to develop.’

Money raised from the challenge will support the work of Junior Achievement which, each year, helps more than 5,500 young people to develop skills for the workplace.

Mr Nicholas continued: ‘I decided to take part in the trek not only because I applaud the work of Junior Achievement but also because in 2018 I turned 40 and in my fortieth year I wanted to push myself, take on a new challenge and, in the process, get fitter.

TAXING TRAINING SESSIONS AHEAD FOR JA FUNDRAISING SUPPORTER KPMG director Simon Nicholas is exchanging his business brogues for walking boots and starting training sessions ahead of taking part in a 10-day trek in Vietnam in October to raise funds for Junior Achievement Isle of Man.

Mr Nicholas said: ‘Junior Achievement is a Manx charity that’s very close to my heart.

Its work to equip young people for the workplace is a good fit with us at KPMG

as developing and nourishing young talent is at the heart of our business, notably our sponsorship of Bridge, the not-forprofit organisation that supports fledgling entrepreneurs of which I’m chairman.

‘KPMG has been involved with Junior Achievement for several years now with a number of our people volunteering to deliver Junior Achievement programmes in schools. I’ve volunteered at both St Ninian’s

‘I’m certainly no “gym bunny” but I’m determined to get in good shape for the trek, so I’ve just bought a pair of walking boots and am now setting out on training walks. I’m going out with the dog at the moment, but once I start ramping up the miles, she’ll probably prefer to stay at home.

‘Everyone at KPMG has been really supportive and I’m looking forward to going back to Vietnam.

A limited number of spaces remain for the Pu Luong fundraising trek which take place from October 26 to November 4. Call Sue Cook on 666266 or email sue.cook@jaiom. im. jaiom.im

ISLE OF PLAY RECEIVES MANX TELECOM IT’S OUR COMMUNITY GRANT Play time just got more fun thanks to a donation from the 2018 Manx Telecom It’s Our Community scheme!

The Isle of Play charity is using the grant to buy equipment and materials essential for the running of activities which encourage children to play outdoors, enjoy themselves, and develop new skills.

Chris Gregory, Chief Executive Officer at Isle of Play, said: “Huge thanks to Manx Telecom for their support. Since we formed in May 2018 they have been incredibly supportive donating materials and inviting us to be a part of their stand at the Royal Manx Agricultural Show. We pride ourselves on not having expensive overheads with our brilliant trustees volunteering their diverse skills to take care of all our legal and accounting needs.

Good play opportunities shouldn’t be expensive, so this money will go a long way in helping us buy resources that we know the children will love.”

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

Isle of Play was one of 14 organisations that received 2018 Manx Telecom It’s Our Community grants. The annual scheme is open to Isle of Man charities, sports clubs, schools, voluntary or community groups.

Grants ranging from £100 to £1,000 are awarded for a wide range of purposes.

Applications for the 2019 scheme can be made towards the end of the summer – follow Manx Telecom’s Facebook page for details later in the year.

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is run entirely by volunteers and providing an incredibly friendly and supportive community for youngsters to get involved with the game.

“Children in the island are fortunate to have access to so many sporting opportunities and youth football in particular can provide a number of mental and physical benefits to a child’s overall development. The camaraderie and teamwork at Peel Juniors is clear to see. We wish the girls’ teams well for their current season and look forward to watching their progress.”

Peel Juniors has around 250 youngsters, of which around 50 make up the girls’ section.

TISE HELPS KIT OUT YOUNG FEMALE FOOTBALLERS IN PEEL A junior girls’ team at Peel AFC has a brand new football kit thanks to The International Stock Exchange (TISE).

TISE has funded the purchase and printing of a new strip for Peel’s Under-12 Girls.

A three year project sponsored by Old Mutual International aims to make a significant impact to improve the lives of young carers here on the Island. In 2018 Quilter PLC, Old Mutual International’s parent company, announced a £1.5million initiative to support young carers in the UK through the Quilter Foundation – and here on the Island Old Mutual International is supporting Crossroads Care’s Young Carers Project.

Carolyn Gelling, Head of the Isle of Man Office at The International Stock Exchange Group (TISEG), said: “We are delighted to support Peel Junior Football Club, which

Elaine Cain, Honorary Treasurer at Peel Juniors, said: “Peel Juniors is growing in numbers each year and the girls’ section is part of that growth. There are around 50 girls aged between 6 and 15 years old who train weekly at the Tommy Clucas Sportshall, which a fantastic facility.

“We are delighted and very grateful to TISE for the sponsorship of our Under-12 Girls’ team. We really appreciate the support, which not only enables us to manage our overheads while also providing the girls with a brand new kit but it demonstrates the backing they have from those beyond football club.”

MAKING SURE YOUNG CARERS DON’T MISS OUT ON CHILDHOOD

Established 21 years ago, today the project provides support to 100 children and young people aged from 5 to 18 thanks to a team of dedicated project workers. However, there is currently a waiting list of more than 90 who need help to pursue their education and experience childhood activities that all children have a right to enjoy, while coping with the demands of caring for a parent or sibling.

Started in January 2019 Old Mutual International is supporting a three year project with an ambitious target to raise £60,000 to provide services for those on the waiting list, and expand the scope of the Young Carers Project. Funded by initial donations from the company, a Young Carers Support Worker will be appointed, and a Young Carers’ Festival held in July 2019.

To launch the partnership a meet and greet event was held at Old Mutual

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Left to right the staff are Clare Gerrard, Aishlinn Creer, Helen Clarke, Helen Murphy, Wendy Ranft-Gerber, James Christian and Vicky Skelly

International’s headquarters in Onchan attended by company staff and representatives from the charity. Staff attended workshops to find out more about Crossroads Care’s work. There was also a cake sale – it’s one of many fundraising events the company’s staff will be holding to raise funds. A cheque for £15,679 was

presented by Old Mutual International CEO Peter Kenny to Jackie Betteridge, CEO, Crossroads Care. The sum will fund a Young Carers Support Worker for the first year of the partnership. Also there was Tim Baker MHK, the Isle of Man’s Children’s Champions.

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

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NFU MUTUAL SPONSORED LUNCH AT DOUGLAS RUGBY CLUB

A luncheon at Douglas Rugby Club on Saturday 26th January sponsored by NFU Mutual. A match followed between Douglas RUFC and De La Salle RUFC at Port-e-Chee.

The event was predominantly supported by members of the local farming community – used to being outside on cold, windy wintery days! They were treated to a two course, hot lunch of locally sourced produce, all home made in the rugby club kitchen.

The inclement weather didn’t prove too much of a challenge to the home team, who went on the be victors with a great winning result, 20-0.

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 Photos by Adele Priest

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TONI-MICHELLE AND MATTHEW WALMSLEY’S WEDDING DAY

ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

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 Photos by Shan Fisher Photography

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A VEGAS THEMED CASINO NIGHT IN MEMORY OF BEN O’SULLIVAN A charity Vegas themed casino night was held recently in memory of Ben O'Sullivan who would have been 18th on the day. £3,535 was raised whcih has been donated to Rebecca House.

The event was held at the Union Mills Football Club on the 7th February.

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 Photos by: Liam Gilman

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“Some old, some new, and something very different,” is Brian Holt’s overview of the 40th anniversary concert by the Isle of Man Choral Society at the Villa Marina on 7 April.

“The IOMCS began in 1979 as the Isle of Man Teachers’ Choir and every year since 1980 we have sung major works, accompanied by the Isle of Man Symphony Orchestra,” says Brian who is the choir’s secretary. “For our 40thyear we’ve chosen works which reflect our love of music and singing, and we’ll be singing Charles Gonoud’s St Cecelia Masswhich pays homage to the patron saint of musicians.” The piece is scored for three soloists – here a trio of Cleveland Medal winners Ruth Tickle, Mandy Griffin and Graham Crowe – a mixed choir, orchestra and organ, and despite scaling the original six harps down to just one, the Isle of Man Symphony Orchestra has risen to the challenge of what contemporary composer Camille Saint-Saens described as “this simplicity, this grandeur, this serene light which rose before the musical world like a breaking dawn”.

So that’s the ‘old’ but what about the new? In fact, this concert has three new elements: two new pieces of music and a new choir. In January last year, members of the IOMCS were invited to be part of the choir for the world premiere of ‘Sing!

The Music was Given’in New York, in the presence of its composer Sir Karl Jenkins CBE and his wife Carol Barrett who wrote the text to two of the movements.

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SING!40 YEARS AND COUNTING FOR IOM CHORAL SOCIETY Words: Suzy Holland Photos: IOM Choral Society and Steve Daykin (Mannin Youth Choir). Photo of Amineh Abou Kerech credit: Betjeman Poetry Prize

“It was an incredible experience to be part of,” says Brian. “Sir Karl was commissioned to write this piece for the Distinguished Concerts International of New York’s 10thanniversary, and in ‘Sing! The Music was Given’he takes choral singing back to what it’s all about – the music and the joy of singing as a choir. When we were given the opportunity to perform the British premiere of this piece we were thrilled: it’s not only a privilege, but very appropriate for IOMCS which has always had the joy of singing at its heart.”

Last November 46 members of the IOMCS went to Berlin as part of a 1,500-strong choir performing Sir Karl Jenkins’ ‘Armed Man: a Mass for Peace’– conducted by the composer himself – as part of the ‘Concert for Peace,’ which commemorated the centenary of the end of the First World War. The concert also included Jenkin’s latest work, the setting of the poem ‘A Lament for Syria’to music. Brian says that the IOMCS is delighted to be able to have this new piece of music as part of the concert, sung

by the very new Mannin Youth Choir which was set up last Autumn by IOMCS soloist and well-known local singer Mandy Griffin in conjunction with Graham Kirkland and supported by Steve Daykin and Madeline Kelly.

“Mandy remembers singing in choirs as a youngster and she wanted to continue this tradition,” says Brian, “so she put the call out for young people between school year 9 (ages 13/14) and aged 25 to set up a new youth choir. Although none of us want to think we’ll ever be too old to sing,” he laughs, “the IOMCS does need an influx of younger singers to swell our ranks and keep us on our toes! Mandy started the Mannin Youth Choir with no idea of how many would turn up, so to have a full choir many of whom had never sung before, rehearsed and ready to sing this very beautiful and powerful piece in the Villa Marina in April is quite astonishing, and very pleasing.”

So, we’ve got a 19th century mass, the British premiere of ‘Sing: The Music was ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

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Given’and the third performance of ‘Lamentation’ and a new youth choir but what about the something different?

The poem ‘A Lament for Syria’ won the annual Betjeman Poetry Prize in 2017, and was written by a 13 year old Syrian refugee Amineh Abou Kerech, after she’d only been learning English for a year. In awarding the prize to Amineh, poet Rachel Rooney described ‘A Lament for Syria’ as passionate and complex and with ‘a solemnity … but also the profound view you get through a child’s eyes’. Sir Karl Jenkins said in the programme for A Concert for Peace, that he’d found the poem haunting and memorable and that he’d been thrilled when Amineh and her parents granted him their permission to set the poem to music.

“Those of us who were lucky enough to be part of the Concert for Peace were moved, not just by the music but by the maturity of Amineh’s words,” says Brian, “and so, in a first for IOMCS, I’m delighted to confirm that for our concert, we will be welcoming Amineh herself to the Island to read her poem before the Mannin Youth Choir sings ‘Lamentation.’”

After 40 years, the Isle of Man Choral Society still manages to spring surprises and the concert on 7 April looks to be one not to miss. Tickets priced £13 (£3 under 18s) are available now from www.villagaiety.com The 2019 Concert will be conducted by Julian Power BEM, Musical Director of IOMCS. The IOM Symphony Orchestra is led by Tom Field, and the Mannin Youth Choir by Mandy Griffin. The Isle of Man Choral Society would like to thank Tower Insurance for once again sponsoring its annual concert, Making Music for its invaluable support and also the Sefton Group for providing accommodation for Amineh and her father.

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ON THE AGENDA n MARCH 2019

G R A D UAT E S - A P P L E B Y B U R S A R Y R E C I P I E N T S

O P I N I O N - T H E S TAT U S O F VA L U E

APPOINTMENTS - MOVERS & SHAKERS

Business news

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SBC has provided financing facilities to 4thgeneration Isle of Man family business, Edward Bryan Removals.

The investment in the company’s infrastructure has enabled them to refurbish their offices and warehouse and expand its services, by funding the purchase of two removal vehicles.

Established in 1894, Edward Bryan Removals Limited has been trading for more than 100 years on the Island and has been banking with HSBC for 22 years. The Bank has also previously assisted with the purchase of their business properties on the Isle of Man during this time.

To remain one of the Island’s foremost removals services, the company decided to invest in the vehicles and refurbishment as a long-term saving. Prior to this, Edward Bryan Removals routinely hired vehicles in the UK for some removal jobs. As part of its ongoing growth, ensuring people have an easy moving experience within and to the Isle of Man, one new vehicle will remain at a depot in Liverpool for use across the UK and the other will be used locally in the Island.

Nicky Bryan, Managing Director, Edward Bryan Removals, commented: “We have long been customers of HSBC and without them the company would not be as healthy as it is today. We are proud

HSBC provides further support to longstanding local business for expansion

L-R Tommy Wootton, Nicky Bryan, Jaime Amoedo

to have remained a strong family business for so long, and we are thrilled to be able to expand and develop our services for the future.”

Jaime Amoedo, Head of Corporate and Commerical Banking, HSBC also said: “Edward Bryan Removals is a fine

Sure win global Customer Experience Management Award

S

ure has been awarded Best-in-Class for their Employee Engagement Programme at the Customer Experience Management Global Telecom Awards.

Sure was one of two finalists, beating international telecoms company Vodafone for their Customer Service Centre Transformation Through People programme.

Charlotte Dunsterville, Chief Customer Officer at Sure, said: “This is the second accolade we have received in the last 12 months rewarding our ongoing

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commitment to delivering exceptional customer service.

“We put customers at the centre of everything we do and we couldn’t deliver such good service without having a strong customer-focussed team. Through a combination of digital innovation and people management we have increased employee engagement, which has really enriched our award-winning service.”

Blake LeNoury, Customer Service Centre (CSC) Manager at Sure, said: “This award is a reflection of the team’s dedication to great customer service.

example of a longstanding, well-loved local business which has stood strong in what can sometimes be a testing market for smaller businesses to operate in. We are very happy to have supported the company for over 20 years and to remain a key part of its future as well.”

“Our engagement programme has empowered the team to communicate directly with senior management which has enabled us to review and support any changes that need to be made to better their personal development as well as the business.

“We also created a group chat where we post every compliment we receive about our customer service to remind everyone about the important job they’re doing and the benefits of being customer focussed.”

This global award follows Channel Islands Regulator CICRA’s recent findings that Sure has the happiest customers. After introducing the employee engagement programme, customer satisfaction has continued to rise and customers are already feeling the benefits.

ON THE AGENDA

Winner Drew Fleming with the 2018/19 Appleby Academy judges

APPLEBY ACADEMY 2018/19 WINNER ANNOUNCED

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rew Fleming of Castle Rushen High school has been announced as the winner of the Appleby Academy 2018/19, earning a 10-week paid summer placement with the offshore law firm.

The Appleby Academy, launched in 2012, is run in partnership with Junior Achievement Isle of Man. Each year Appleby invites Year 13 students to take part in the 12-week programme, where they work alongside a mentor from Appleby’s Isle of Man office to produce a report based on a real-life business scenario. The top three students then present their ideas to a panel of judges, for the chance to win a summer placement at the firm.

The judges heard a range of informative and creative presentations at the final, which was held on Friday 7 December 2018 at Appleby’s office on Athol Street. Drew Fleming of Castle Rushen High School outlined his solution to marketing communications, Ballakermeen High School student Erynne Gilbert’s presentation focused on human resources and recruitment, while Megan Oldfield from Ramsey Grammar High School examined how a company could implement flexible working.

After lengthy deliberations from the judging panel, consisting of Bill Shimmins MHK, Sheila Lowe of the Isle of Man Treasury, Appleby Corporate Partner Claire Milne WS and Appleby Managing Partner Faye Moffett, Drew was announced as the winner.

Faye Moffett commented: “The standard of presentations was incredibly high and

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all three students clearly put a tremendous amount of effort into their reports regarding their chosen business scenario.

Drew, Erynne and Megan should be very proud of their work; it was a difficult decision.

“Congratulations to Drew on being crowned the winner of the 2018/19 programme. We look forward to welcoming him to the firm in the summer.”

Drew Fleming, winner of the 2018/19 Appleby Academy, said: “The Appleby Academy has been a fantastic experience, helping me gain confidence in presenting and increasing my business knowledge. I am looking forward to my placement in the summer, where I can learn more about how a business operates. I am looking to study marketing and events after completing my A-Levels and this work placement will allow me to spend time with the Appleby Marketing team and gain first-hand experience.”

Sue Cook, Chief Executive of Junior Achievement Isle of Man, added: “The Appleby Academy provides an amazing opportunity to work in a paid placement over the summer period. The experience Drew will gain whilst working for this international organisation will prove invaluable when he leaves education and seeks employment. I would like to thank Appleby for all their hard work and the support they have given to the students participating in this process.”

To learn more about the Appleby Academy, visit applebyglobal.com/ applebyacademy.

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movers & Shakers

30 years a partner: John Cowan, Crowe Isle of Man chairman

I

n January this year John Cowan celebrated 30 years as partner with Crowe Isle of Man. Mr Cowan joined the practice in 1986, known then as Clark Whitehill Harper, later as Crowe Clark Whitehill, and in 1989 became a partner.

He said: ‘I was 29 when I became a partner, which even in those days was quite young.

‘I’d already specialised in tax then carried that on as a tax partner, before developing and leading the offshore side of the business.

‘I could go on about the past, but I won’t.

Instead I prefer to look to the future and

what it holds for the accounting profession at a time of change and challenge.

‘The rapid rate of advances in technology will undoubtedly shape the future of the profession. Clients are going to be able to do more and more themselves in terms of data processing, such as scanning invoices – if paper ones still exist – making payments and keeping their own books on their phones.

‘For us as accountants there will be much less routine book-keeping and accounts preparation and more advisory and interpretive work. And it’s up to us to make sure we deliver these services “smarter”.

‘As for young people entering the profession, they’re going to have to learn these skills much more quickly because clients will expect it of them. Learning double entry will, for the first time, take second place in a student’s education.

‘I said I wasn’t going to look back, but as I approach the end of my career it is a little ironic to me that my 30 years as a partner has always been about giving advice, and I spent many of those years developing the skills and confidence to do this. But in the not-too-distant future accountants much younger than I was are going to be expected to be business advisers from the start. It’s going to be hard, but I’m sure exciting.

‘So, if I were 30-odd years younger would I choose the same career? Not a chance; I’d sign up for astronaut training in a heartbeat!’

TIM SWIFT ELECTED AS PRESIDENT OF THE ISLE OF MAN LAW SOCIETY

T

im Swift, Counsel within Appleby Isle of Man’s Dispute Resolution department has been elected as President of the Isle of Man Law Society.

Tim is an English Solicitor, Manx Advocate and Commissioner for Oaths with over 30 years’ experience in all forms of Civil and Commercial Litigation, having acted for private, commercial and union clients.

Before moving to the Isle of Man Tim was a Deputy District Judge sitting in the North West of England for 10 years and a Partner in a firm of Liverpool Solicitors, heading up their Civil Litigation and Personal Injury Department.

Although experienced in a broad range of Civil Disputes, Tim specialises in Personal Injury and Professional Negligence cases. He acts on behalf of leading insurers in relation to all types

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of Personal Injury claims (road traffic accidents, workplace accidents, public and occupiers liability cases), including ones of maximum severity. He deals with negligence claims against a variety of professionals (lawyers, accountants, surveyors and medical practitioners) and acts in connection with complaints before the Advocates Disciplinary Tribunal.

Commenting on his election, Tim said: “I am pleased to be elected to this prestigious position in the society. It is a great honour.”

Mark Holligon, Local Practice Group Head for Appleby Isle of Man’s Dispute Resolution team said: “I would like to formally congratulate Tim on this welldeserved appointment. Tim is an extremely experienced advocate and I have no doubt that he will be successful in this role.”

ON THE AGENDA

Being open is good for business.

Nobody does business alone, so let us help you access a world of opportunities.

Discover how we can help you.

Call: Jaime Amoedo, Head of Commercial Banking on 684833* business.ciiom.hsbc.com

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

HSBC Bank plc, registered in England and Wales number 14259. Registered office 8 Canada Square, London, E14 5HQ. Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. In the Isle of Man HSBC Bank plc is licensed by the Isle of Man Financial Services Authority. Š HSBC Bank plc 2019. All Rights Reserved. 190219/NN/090

graduates

In 2018, Appleby launched its first Bursary scheme in the Isle of Man, aiming to support local students studying towards a professional legal qualification in advance of their return to the Island after university.

The scheme offers two bursaries annually, with financial assistance either for undergraduates entering the final year of their law degree and then continuing towards the Legal Practice Course (LPC), or for non-law graduates studying the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) and then the LPC.

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atie Entwisle and Ruby Roberts were successful applicants for the 2018 Bursary and were both awarded a two year financial commitment from Appleby, with scope for a training contract at the end of their studies.

Here Katie and Ruby discuss the Bursary scheme and how the support has helped them over the past year.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Katie: “I am 25 years-old and a former Ballakermeen High School student. I graduated from Newcastle University with a degree in Linguistics with French before returning to the Isle of Man and working on-Island for a couple of years. In September 2018 I started the GDL at the University of Law in Manchester, a 9-month course designed to provide a diploma equivalent to a law degree. Following completion, I will then start the LPC next year.”

Ruby: “I am 22 years old and a former Queen Elizabeth II High School student.

I graduated from a three-year Law LLB (Hons) degree at the University of Liverpool in July 2018 and in September of the same year I began the LPC with a

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ON THE AGENDA

The Appleby Isle of Man Bursary Scheme Focusing on local talent The Appleby Isle of Man Bursary Scheme launched in 2018.

Left to right: Mark Holligon (Appleby), Katie Entwisle, Ruby Roberts and Faye Moffett (Appleby)

master’s in Business and Management at the University of Law in Liverpool, from which I will graduate later on this year.”

Why did you apply for the Appleby Isle of Man Bursary Scheme?

Katie: “The scheme is unique for the Isle of Man; I think it is fantastic that Appleby are investing in and developing local talent. When I was looking at routes into law this opportunity was different to many of the other options available, as it also provides a potential opportunity for employment afterwards. As I had already completed my undergraduate degree, funding was, and still is, a very important aspect of pursuing a full-time course; the fact that I am able to do so without worrying about loans or debts is an amazing opportunity and one that I am extremely grateful for.”

Ruby: “This is a great initiative; it has given me the confidence I needed to pursue a career in law and provided me with the means and the motivation to succeed throughout my final year. The Bursary has meant that I have been able to enjoy my final year as a student with unparalleled support in terms of both finance and expertise.”

Tell us about the application process.

Katie: “I discovered the Bursary programme when speaking to Appleby about the opportunities that they had available and was delighted to learn that they could support me with my studies.

After applying, I attended two interviews

where I was able to meet the various Appleby colleagues, including those that were involved in setting up the scheme.

It was such an informative process - I was able to ask questions about Appleby and the Bursary at any time, and there were no formal assessment centres or rigorous application forms.”

Did you always want to be a lawyer?

Katie: “I always had an interest in pursuing a career in law, but had never looked into it seriously until I had left university and began a graduate employment programme. My former manager reinvigorated my interest in law, and once I began looking into the career properly and what kind of training was needed, I realised how interesting and diverse it could be.”

Ruby: “I learnt more about a career in law following the completion of work experience at the age of 16. I was surprised at how diverse the career can be. It was only when I began my degree that I realised that a career in law was something that I had the confidence to pursue.”

What advice would you give to someone considering studying law at university?

Katie: “I always assumed that my undergraduate degree would define my career path and I didn’t even know that the GDL existed until I discovered it when working back in the Isle of Man. If you are interested in a career in law, I would definitely recommend having a look at

The scheme provides financial assistance for those wishing to pursue a career in law. Financial assistance is provided to those entering the final year of their law degree and then completing the Legal Practice Course (LPC).

Alternatively, for non-law graduates, financial assistance is provided for the Graduate Diploma in Law and the LPC. Applications for the 2019 and 2020 scheme are now open.

To apply, please visit: applebyglobal.com/careers

the options available as there are so many opportunities out there that I wasn’t aware of. The GDL is a difficult but very rewarding year, so if you are up for a challenge it is well worth the work.”

Ruby: “Law is a diverse and dynamic subject to study at university, so it is a challenging three years with a lot to cram in, however, in the long-run it pays off immensely. Your time at university is what you make it, so if you’re considering studying law I would recommend involving yourself as much as possible in the opportunities available at your university.

Every little bit of work experience, probono work and extra-curricular activities shape you into the graduate you eventually become. So without saying yes to absolutely everything, make sure you make the most of the opportunities being at university can give to you!

The law degree itself is different to what I expected. It is much more about analysing and scrutinising law, as well as simply learning and applying it. This academic edge is useful in developing a critical attitude to many things you come across on the LPC and life in general. You find yourself gaining a good understanding of subjects you wouldn’t necessarily think relate to a law course.

For more information on the Appleby Isle of Man Bursary Scheme, please contact Lauren Dick: ldick@applebyglobal.com or 01624 647647.

GRADUATES

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opinion

The Status of Value Words by: Markus Boyd

W

hen we reflect about the perceived value of commodities over the course of history, we may come to consider how such perceptions across a multitude of cultures become so different, and why we routinely overlook its relative nature. For example, the upper class of the Middle Ages in Europe considered commodities from the Far East, such as spices, as heightened status symbols, owed perhaps to their exotic nature. They were the flavours to be used with the food of the noble court, particularly when the host wished to manufacture a sense of grandeur for one’s guests. They were the flavours of a different, largely unknown world which naturally carried much speculation, and their utility became something of an art reserved only for the privileged. Today, however, the spice trade is different. Mass produced and available from retailers worldwide at a fraction of the cost, the utility of spices is commonplace in our food and no longer do we consider their utility as a privileged practice.Â

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OPINION

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Inversely, caviar has become one of the most expensive delicacies of today, though it has a much humbler past. The history of caviar stretches back at least a thousand years, and noted to have been cultivated by Byzantine people (Greek).

While incorporated into the diets of the nobility, caviar was predominately the food of peasants. The rich marine life that flowed from fresh water rivers (such as the Danube) into the Black Sea was not overlooked. which local people learned to exploit. Giant Sturgeon could be found at the Mouth of the Danube River and as such Caviar was by no means of short supply. Some 700 years later, it was Russian peasants who consumed caviar, due to dietary restrictions imposed on them by the Russian Orthodox Church - For 200 days a year, they were not permitted to eat animal meat, however fish was permitted. Caviar has had a varied reputation since it’s cultivation, however it is noted that, like lobster, it was considered a bottom feeding species that came not without social class connotations.

This reputation was not aided by Caviar’s sudden burst in reception in the United States, in which this food was heavily farmed. The abundant supply led to its value being equal to that of a bag of nuts. However, once people started to learn about the exotic manner by which Caviar is harvested, it soon came to be considered a luxury good of finite supply.

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Arthur Fisherman, Caviar expert, has before indicated that “This… is consistent with the rarity value thesis: Demand for caviar [had] not declined, but increased as sturgeon has become rarer.”

The extent to which a commodity fluctuates in price is at large influenced by the familiar forces of supply and demand. However, its quality, as we have considered, is not necessarily part of the equation. Indeed, we have a tendency associate rarity with value, and fetishize possessing rare ‘things’ for the novelty value, irrespective of its underlying qualities. While this is by no means a unique observation, our society is directed by this tendency. It is one of the reasons why renewable energy has thus far not made fossil fuels obsolete – for the simple reason that an abundant resource is not a profitable one.

When we consider the transformative nature of value (and the subsequent changes in our attitude towards commodities) we can appreciate that instruments of higher value, pursued to garner favourable status, have only a transient appeal. Their recognition is lost through the passing of time and between cultures. However, one pattern across time and cultures that has not been lost, is the extremity of many such instruments. Let us consider, for instance, the ruff, which is that peculiar looking white ‘disk’ that men, and women, wore around their necks around the time of Elizabeth the 1st of

England. As one would expect, the size of the ruff increased since its introduction in C1550, due to the boundaries of fashion continuing to be pushed by those wishing to be noticed slightly more than their counterparts. It is fascinating to reflect on the endless strands of fashion that have emerged and died over the centuries, and how we have ended up where we are today.

Quite clearly, such change is beyond our conscious control.

As we move further towards the 22nd century, we are forced to consider new ways we can express ourselves. Like the Elizabeth an Courtier and his elongated ‘ruff’, a multi-millionaire might purchase a massive yacht to demonstrate his social position with as much or greater extremity (relatively speaking); a pop star may endeavour to accentuate their buttocks as much as is naturally - or artificially – possible, to be the object of our ‘affections’; or a social media junkie may seek to depict themselves to the world beyond as perfect, beyond beautiful and entirely faultless. While of course most of us have more of an honest side to us, when we seek recognition from others, what we in fact seek is closely linked to what we want others to see in us. But what would you like to see in others? Do you even care? And what will your descendants think of you, like how we scrutinise the sensibilities and tastes of our ancestors?

Does any of it really matter?

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NEXT GENERATION PAINTS FOR THE ISLE OF MAN Specialist Coatings Decorating Centre in Tromode stock the highest quality products for any application.

Through our extensive research and due diligence, we provide products we believe to be the best in their field.

From high performance paints and industrial certified coatings, to state-ofthe-art spray equipment and dustless sanders... we only strive for excellence.

A full range of Deltec Masking Tapes in stock

D E C O R AT I N G

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Specialist Coatings Ltd was set up by Ray Lister and Ross Walker originally to supply industrial coatings on the Isle of Man as many businesses were sourcing off-island. As the company has grown over the last couple of years, a demand for high quality decorative paints has arisen and now Specialist Coatings have opened up a decorating centre within the Cubbin & Bregazzi interior design building. We are the exclusive Tikkurila suppliers on the Isle of Man and these next generation paints are proving very popular because of their superior qualities.

One of the main selling points is that these paints can be touched up months later and still blend in without ‘flashing’.

Tikkurila products are produced to such a high quality, they spray fantastically due the solids within them being milled to such a fine degree. Whether they are brushed, rollered or sprayed, the finish is second to none. We also stock other big brand paints - including Zinsser, Sandtex, Rustoleum, Teamac and Morrells to name but a few. Our technical team can produce paint specifications for all domestic and industrial projects ensuring the correct paint is used for the job.

The QP025 Airless Sprayer offers many benefits to the Sprayer at a very competitive price. It is easy to use and built to perform as a strong, reliable and robust machine.

Our in-store spray booth is proving very popular as customers can try out spraying ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE

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equipment before they buy and experience how easy the Q-Tech and Tri-Tech machines are to use. We set up the machines every Friday for anyone to come and have a go at spraying.

As a locally run business, we value every customer and their needs, and pride ourselves to offer friendly, expert advice for every customer no matter their business size or spend. We also have a state of the art, digital tinting machine which can tint paints to any manufacturers colour cards A healthier working environment with significantly less dust is and offer all Island deliveries on orders achieved when using the Mirka over £200.

LEROS Sander Specialist Coatings, Unit 18, Tromode Industrial Estate, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM4 4QB. Tel: 01624 626454 www.specialistcoatings.im

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Whether you are a professional, a building contractor or simply doing some DIY, we will be demonstrating products and cutting-edge techniques that will give superior finishes plus save time and money. Drop in to our store anytime over the two days and experience some of the best painting and decorating solutions.

Drop in to our Tromode store anytime over the two days and experience some of the most up-to-date painting and decorating solutions.

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PLANS SUBMITTED FOR BALLASALLA HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AND BY-PASS Detailed proposals for the first two phases of a new housing development in Ballasalla, as well as a by-pass road, have been submitted to government planners.

The Dandara Group is seeking to build 282 much-needed homes in the area, featuring a mix of modern two, three and fourbedroom properties with single and two-storey homes to meet the requirements of the local market.

It follows two public consultations on the scheme, which will use land that is zoned for development to the south east of the village.

Dandara Managing Director Seamus Nugent said: ‘This is a very exciting development for the south of the Island. Our proposal not only addresses the shortage of new homes in the south east of the Island but will greatly alleviate traffic congestion in an area which is known to be particularly bad during peak times.

‘The two consultations we held last year went extremely well and it was very informative for our architect and planning director to meet members of the public and gather their thoughts and feedback.

‘We took the feedback received into consideration and have refined the design for the project. We are now in a position where we can submit an application to progress the scheme.’

The development will fund the multi-million link road. A by-pass has long been suggested, most recently in the 2013 Southern Area

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Plan which concluded it would reduce congestion, improve journey times and create an area for mixed employment use.

If plans are approved, the new road would divert traffic away from the village centre, starting with a roundabout at Glashen Hill on Douglas Road, through to Balthane Corner near the entrance to Balthane Industrial Estate, where a new roundabout would be created.

Work could start (subject to planning) towards the middle of 2019 and create up to 190 jobs for those working on both the housing development and construction of the bypass.

Mr Nugent added: ‘While the wider economic impact of a project like this cannot be underestimated, there is also the benefit to the local supply chain and related service providers such as professional advisors, logistics and transport providers and the island’s retailers.

‘As a local business, our aim has always been to create top quality homes and desirable neighbourhoods that fulfil the needs of Island residents.

‘We have been in discussions with the Department of Infrastructure for some time and are encouraged to have received positive feedback from local MHKs and Malew commissioners who have been extremely supportive.’

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APPETITE

Words by Jamie Lawerence at The Wine Cellar

where it is grown in the world and can also develop cedar, tobacco and eucalyptus notes with aging. The wines are usually rich and somewhat austere, so blending simply tempers it into something smoother. With enticing aromas of figs and plums, Pedra Basta (named for the amount of granite in the vineyard) is a ripe, full-flavoured wine, rich in berry fruits.

RULE THE WORLD IN THE WORLD OF WINE THERE ARE CERTAIN GRAPE VARIETIES THAT UNDOUBTEDLY RULE; THE SO-CALLED INTERNATIONAL VARIETIES WHICH ARE ALL FRENCH, BUT SO WIDELY PLANTED THAT PEOPLE NOW REFER TO THEM AS INTERNATIONAL. THERE ARE ROUGHLY 10,000 GRAPE VARIETIES IN TOTAL, AND ACCORDING TO OIV (THE INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATION OF VINE AND WINE) THE 13 MOST PLANTED ACCOUNT FOR A THIRD OF THE WORLD’S VINEYARD AREA. Whilst there is now something of a trend for enthusiasts to seek out forgotten grape varieties, most need a little help capturing our attention, which is why many producers will blend international grapes with relative unknowns to reach a wider audience. With such a wealth of indigenous grape varieties this seldom seems truer than in Portugal; grapes such as Trincadeira, Aragonez and Touriga Nacional may not look especially familiar, but coupled with Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah such blends immediately become more recognisable, accessible, and appealing. Incredibly, despite the stigma commonly attached to it, Chardonnay will often be the white grape in a blend that gives us the reassurance to buy an otherwise unrecognisable wine, ranking fifth on the list of the world’s most planted grapes.

Verdelho is a white grape grown throughout Portugal which produces lively citrusy wines. Whilst this alone would appeal to many the name is not typically one that would stand out to us on the shelves, which is why Quinta do Portal blend theirs with Sauvignon Blanc (#8 on the list). Verdelho is spicy with lime and honeysuckle, whilst the Sauvignon Blanc is crisp and herbal with grapefruit and apricot.

Trincadeira is one of the most widespread Portuguese grape varieties. In most years it yields great

wines with excellent acidity, soft tannins and abundant, intense aromas of plums and blackberry jam. Rarely made as a wine in its’ own right this grape adds a nice texture, soft floral notes, and can contribute to very engaging blends. If you enjoy Grenache, Carignan or Dolcetto wines then Trincadeira might just deserve your attention.

Aragonez is in fact the same grape as Spain’s Tempranillo, the basis for Rioja and our third most planted grape, also known as Tinta Roriz. In good vintages it produces full-bodied inky and highly aromatic wines that comprise delicate pepper and berry notes, proving utterly invaluable in Port blends.

Alicante Bouschet is what is known as a “teinturier” grape, meaning that the flesh and juice are red as well as the skin. It adds deep colour so is useful for blending with lighter red wines. The wines are dark with spice, rich fruit and a gentle earthiness.

These three grapes come together with Cabernet Sauvignon (the most widely planted grape in the world) to produce a wine called Pedra Basta from the Alentejo region of Portugal.

Cabernet Sauvignon smells of blackcurrants no matter

Another wine from the same producer is Duas Pedras (“two stones”), which blends Touriga Nacional with Syrah and Viognier, resulting in a Portuguese-cum-Northern Rhônered. Touriga Nacional is becoming more recognisable, thanks to the growing popularity of Portuguese wines in the UK, and is considered to be Portugal’s finest grape. Forming an essential component of Port blends, increasingly it is being used for table wine in the Douro and the Dão. It provides structure and body with concentrated black fruit flavours. Syrah (or Shiraz as it is better known) gives blackberry fruit and spice characters, whilst just 2% of Viognier gives a floral aromatic lift of freshness.

Howard’s Folly is the creation of Howard Bilton (a Yorkshire businessman now living in Hong Kong), and Australian winemaker David Baverstock. Sonhador is a blend of Syrah, Alicante Bouschet and Touriga Nacional aged for nine months in French and American oak. An elegant yet firm red bursting with plums, cherries and blackcurrants.

It is worth pointing out that whilst many believe wines are blended to mask otherwise inferior grapes, that the purpose of creating a blend must always be to create a wine that is greater than the sum of its’ parts. It may take a few more years, decades even, but as the quality and popularity of Portuguese wine continues to climb, hopefully the day will come when international varieties are no longer pertinent to their gaining our attention, and a grape such as Touriga Nacional might end up in the top ten. Portuguese wines don’t yet rule the wine world, evidently Cabernet Sauvignon does, but maybe someday…

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

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‘Beer before wine’ won’t help your head the next day 13 hangover cures from around the world WE’LL LEAVE YOU TO DETERMINE HOW EFFECTIVE THESE ARE…

Anyone who has woken up with a fuzzy head, a dry mouth and a stomach-lining that appears to be yelling at you, will have attempted to soothe the alcohol-induced pain in some way.

Be it two pints of water and a dose of paracetamol, a full fry up, or jumping directly into the ocean (the latter works every time, honest), everyone has their own knack for managing or eliminating a hangover.

But if you thought you could preemptively avoid one by drinking your booze in a certain sequence – ie. “Beer before wine and you’ll feel fine” – according to a new study by scientists at Witten/Herdecke University in Germany, that’s just not the case.

In fact the research, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, found the best indicators for how hungover you’re going to be are: how drunk you feel and how sick you are.

So if you do succumb and your usual tricks aren’t proving successful, why not try one of these traditional hangover cures from around the world instead…

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

1. AMERICA

Stave off alcohol anxiety with a Bloody Mary – aka ‘hair of the dog’ – which was invented in 1920s New York. Vodka, tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco, celery salt, pepper – and you’re done.

2. JAPAN

Umeboshi – fermented or salted plums – are a staple morning-after go-to in Japan.

Apparently Samurai warriors ate them to stave off dehydration and nausea, so a hangover presumably stands no chance.

3. FRANCE

All that red wine can get to you, so in France they combat it with cassoulet (a slow-cooked white bean stew) or French onion soup, preferably with a slab of cheesy, crusty toast on top.

4. BULGARIA AND MEXICO

Tripe soups are considered particularly effective in Bulgaria (shkembe) – and Mexico (menudo).

5. ITALY

An espresso solves almost anything, including a hangover. If you’d rather not overdo it on the caffeine front though, try traditional Italian dish olio e peperoncino.

It’s so easy – spaghetti swirled with olive oil, chilli flakes and garlic – even hungover, you’ll be able to assemble it.

6. GERMANY

We’d rather bratwurst and chips, but apparently German’s prefer rollmops on a hangover. These involve slices of onion and gherkin wrapped in pickled herring, which are sometimes served in a bun.

7. KOREA

For Koreans, almost nothing beats a hearty but refreshing bowl of soup, especially if it’s kongnamul-guk (bean sprout soup).

8. CANADA

Chips, gravy and cheese curds – we can very much get on board with Canadian favourite, poutine.

9. POLAND

A sure fire way to liven up your senses, the Polish do a shot or two of astringent pickle or sour cabbage juice.

10. CHINA

For ballast, tuck into Chinese congee (it’s a rice porridge) and for its detoxing properties, drink copious amounts of green tea.

11. NAMIBIA

Namibian ‘buffalo milk’ sounds rather soothing and wholesome, but in fact, it involves rum mixed with double cream.

12. RUSSIA

According to Russian wisdom, hopping in a hot sauna works (although we’re convinced this will leave you even more dehydrated than when you got in), alternatively, there’s kvas, a fizzy fermented drink made with yeast, rye bread and sugar.

13. PERU

Peruvians swear by leche de tigre, or tiger’s milk. It’s the spicy, sour, milky concoction you’re left with after marinating fish for ceviche.

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TRAVEL

8 SECOND CITIES THAT MIGHT BE MORE WORTHY OF A MINIBREAK THAN THEIR CAPITALS

1 1. Krakow, Poland Long a city of choice for interrailing backpackers, Krakow is filled with unexpected sights and sounds, from a dragon statue breathing actual fire, to a giant, labyrinthine salt mine. Wander the domed chapels of Wawel Cathedral, climb St. Mary’s Basilica for panoramic views across the city, or inspect the sinister concoctions in the Museum of Pharmacy.

An architectural playground of turrets and spires, Krakow is something of a fairy tale city with a mystical, medieval feel.

These supposed second cities come first in the things that matter.

We’ve all had one. The very-slightly-morepopular friend; the sibling with more space on the photo cabinet; the dog pic with more likes than your profile picture. We know it’s unfair – we’re so much more worthwhile than they are – but why can’t everyone else see that?

So it is with second cities – by which we mean not the capital, and second highest in population.

Oft-neglected, these locations can be trendier, calmer, and all-round more pleasant than their bustling brethren…

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But like all classic fairy tales, there’s a sting in the tail. Reminders of a painful past lie around every corner – from the remnants of abandoned synagogues to Oskar Schindler’s factory. Krakow can be a base for trips to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial.

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2. Gothenburg, Sweden Gothenburg is overpoweringly trendy: Think Manchester with a photogenic waterfront and even more independent coffee shops. Stockholm may win on world heritage sites (3-0, if you’re interested), but for wandering, socialising and taking time to enjoy the little things, Gothenburg might be best in show. Notable alumni include Oscar winner Alicia Vikander, Ryder Cup winner Henrik Stenson, and YouTuber PewDiePie.

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3. Busan, South Korea With ancient Japanese temples to the east, sprawling Chinese cities to the west, South Korea is a strangely overlooked stop on the Asian tourist trail. A pity, because for those in the know, Busan is a rare treasure. Mountains on one side, the ocean on the other – metropolitan marvels are balanced with the wonders of the wild.

Hilltop fortresses, internationally renowned seafood, and an urban beachfront which – unusually for urban beachfronts – genuinely isn’t horrible.

Throw in a burgeoning street art scene, entire neighbourhoods of pastel paintwork, and a surplus of quirky cafes, and this thriving port city is as vibrant as anywhere in East Asia.

4 6. Leon, Nicaragua Capital Managua is a large, abrasive beast of city, all honking horns and barbed wire fences, while Leon is a backpacker’s paradise with a hostel on every corner.

4. St. Petersburg, Russia Turn up the Tchaikovsky and pack some Pushkin, St Petersburg is a city bathed in the grandest traditions of Russian romance.

A historic hotbed of political radicalism and the artistic avant-garde, this former imperial capital boasts the second largest art museum on Earth – the State Hermitage Museum – and in the Mariinsky Theatre, one its finest ballets.

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A very European city by Russian standards, the wide boulevards and pastel terraces resemble Prague or Vienna more than the Soviet severity of Moscow. Formerly known as Leningrad, you never quite know what this bubbling cauldron of a city is going to do next.

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5. Cork, Ireland Hit the pub for a pint of locally brewed Beamish stout, and enjoy an approving nod from your barman; grab some grub at KC’s, a chippie so popular staff keep an online queue-cam to help assess waiting times; and round your evening off with a visit to Hi-B Bar, a Cork institution in which, on pain of expulsion, mobile phones are banned.

Rammed with independent coffee houses (are you sensing a pattern here?), Cork is cool and knows it. Natives will tell you at length that their city is in fact the real capital of Ireland, and shouldn’t be on this list at all.

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

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Crumbling colonial facades encircle large, breezy plazas filled with gently swaying palm fronds, beneath the warmth of the tropical sun. Leon made its name with an ironic combination of gorgeous churches and cheap alcohol, but for tourists today, the city is synonymous with volcano boarding.

It’s exactly what it sounds like: Climb to the top of a volcano, strap yourself to a plank of wood, and you’re away.

7. Plovdiv, Bulgaria A relaxed, waking-up-on-a-Sunday-morning vibe, Roman ruins, and scorching Summer temperatures – it’s hard to understand why Plovdiv is so neglected. Filled with leafy boulevards and red-tiled roofs, in contrast to brutalist capital Sofia, Plovdiv is the perfect place to wile away an afternoon wandering the cobbled streets and relaxing with an ice cream.

8. Porto, Portugal With capital city Lisbon hogging the historic sights, Porto has instead found its niche as a sensory destination filled with food, wine and colour. The pastel-painted alleyways of historic centre Ribeira; the port lodges that line the riverbank; the ready supply of fresh seafood – Porto is a treat for the eyes and the stomach.

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TRAVEL

TOP 10 – THE MOST REMARKABLE AIRPORTS IN THE WORLD For most of us – whether we’re a business traveller, a leisure traveller or an expat making trips to and from your new home – air travel is a fact of life.

But let’s face it, it’s becoming an increasingly less and less appealing prospect thanks to burgeoning traveller numbers and onerous (yet obviously necessary) worldwide security checks.

So, when an airport goes that extra mile to make things a little more pleasant or unusual for its visitors, we can’t help but be massively grateful.

RL360 staff are no stranger to international travel and so we have put together a list of some of the more notable examples of fantastic or unusual airports across the globe.

1. VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT – CANADA Landing in Vancouver, perhaps the last thing you’d expect to see are jellyfish. But think again. Travellers passing through the International Terming will be greeted by the sight of a Vancouver Aquarium exhibit, complete with sea nettle jellies. There’s another aquarium exhibit in Terminal 3, this time filled with 5,000+ creatures, including wolf eels, sea urchins and 21 different species of fish. Add some awardwinning art and architecture to the mix and you have a pretty calming travelling experience.

2. CHANGI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT - SINGAPORE Named best airport in the world by consumer-aviation website Skytrax for 6 years in a row, it’s often said that Changi Airport is worthy of being a destination in its own right. There’s a free movie theatre, a butterfly garden, a rooftop swimming pool and 24-hour spas. The terminals are immaculate but, most importantly, Changi’s staff and processes are famed for being highly efficient and very relaxed. Sounds like the Utopian version of an airport.

3. KUALA LUMPUR INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT – MALAYSIA There are 10 lounges at KL International Airport, along with a spa offering a range of beauty, hair and massage treatments and two movie lounges. This gives you a clue as to the airport’s aim – to help their travellers relax during what can be a very stressful experience. But what makes this airport truly stand out is the fact you can also visit the Malaysian jungle when you step inside the Jungle Boardwalk, an indoor rainforest complete with greenery, steamy humidity and piped in jungle noises.

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4. MUNICH AIRPORT – GERMANY Munich Airport has its own micro-brewery which serves Airbräu, alongside sausage and sauerkraut. There’s often a bit of live music to enjoy too. Before you settle in with a local beer, however, perhaps take a look around the rest of the airport, you never know what you may find. The airport’s well-used event space, for instance, hosts an annual Surf and Style event which lets travellers have a go at perfecting their indoor surfing skills. Plus, at the Visitors Park, there’s a mini-golf course, a playground and an historic aircraft to explore. At Christmas there are markets and an ice rink.

5. HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT - CHINA This airport doesn’t just have a cinema screen, it has an IMAX theatre boasting the biggest screen in all of Hong Kong. Then, if you haven’t had enough of screens, you can make your way to the golf simulator, offering the choice between technique practice or a full on nine or 18-hole game.

Next, if you’re feeling really adventurous,

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TRAVEL

you can watch ships sail into the Port of Nagoya. Inside, there’s a traditional Japanese bathhouse, where you can have a soak while watching the sunset over the bay. More traditional airport past-times are also available, but with a little flair.

Built around a Boeing 787, the four-storey Flight of Dreams is the hub for shopping and eating. In addition, travellers can visit the Flight Park exhibition, which includes a walk-through animated virtual tour of Boeing’s Everett assembly plant and a flight simulator.

9. INCHEON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT – SOUTH KOREA Known as one of the world’s elite airports, Incheon offers travellers seven different relaxing gardens to visit. Wifi and the use of the airport’s computers are free, as are the showers. There are two cinemas and an ice rink. Plus, while it’s not technically inside the airport, there’s a casino at the Hyatt Regency Hotel just two minutes away. But Incheon does not forget its roots, offering passengers a traditional Korean cultural experience, with free crafts, music and dance. There’s also the Korean Culture Museum for those who want to delve a little deeper.

10. VARIOUS Okay, so we’ve considered the luxurious options. Let’s now give a nod to a few of the more unusual airports (and their runways), the ones that provide travellers with a story to tell rather than let them kick back in peaceful surroundings. you could land a plane on the flight simulator at the Aviation Discovery Centre.

After all that activity, it could be time to squeeze in a bit of pampering at the spa before you remember you actually have a flight to catch.

6. HAMAD INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT – QATAR Hamad is a strong contender for most luxurious airport in the world. In fact, expats who visit the airport regularly are rumoured to arrive much earlier than the recommended two hours before their flight in order to immerse themselves in its luxurious architecture. Taking 10 years to build at a cost of $16 billion, the airport is an oasis of tranquillity, redolent of a modern art museum. It’s dotted with groundbreaking permanent art and there’s also an innovative art exhibition space. It has a cinema, spa and gym, but who has time for that when they’re looking at ‘Lamp Bear’, the airport’s giant, surreal, yellow teddy bear sitting under a black lamp?

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

7. DUBAI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT – UNITED ARAB EMIRATES Being in glamorous Dubai, you’d expect this airport to be included really. Providing Dubai’s locals and expats with the best is a national past-time and the airport is no different. You can get a massage around almost every corner, the airport has its very own zen garden, you can stream free movies and TV shows via steaming platform ICFlix and it boasts the fastest wifi in the world. It’s all designed to make your travelling life much easier. Many people passing through Dubai will be doing so with the luxurious Emirates Airlines – if you can (and you can if you’re a silver and gold Skywards member, even flying economy), head straight to their Business Class lounge, it’s stunning.

8. CHUBU CENTRAIR INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT - JAPAN Being cooped up inside an airport for hours on end can take its toll so this airport’s 1,000-foot sky deck is a breath of fresh air for passengers. From the deck,

Juancho E Yrausquin Airport – Caribbean Netherlands: This small airport in Saba has the shortest commercial landing strip in the world at just 1,312 feet long. Planes have to slide to a halt before they reach the cliffs (and the ocean) at the end.

Barra Airport – Scotland: The tides determine landing times at this Outer Hebrides airport as planes must land on the beach.

Alton Bay Seaplane Base – USA: Only a skilled pilot can land at this facility in New Hampshire as the landing strip is simply a thick layer of ice. Obviously, it’s only open in the winter.

Quito – Ecuador: Until its recent expansion, Quito was known as one of Latin America’s most challenging airports for pilots. For the passengers, landing on the cramped, volcano-flanked runway made it a real white-knuckle ride.

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FASHION

FROM BEIGE TO BIKE SHORTS:

THE 7 MOST IMPORTANT TRENDS OF SPRING/SUMMER 2019 Katie Wright looks to the catwalks for all the fashion leads you need to know about this season.

It’s still way too chilly to cast off our coats and slip into strappy dresses, but it’s never too soon to start getting excited about what spring has in store for us fashion-wise.

Back in September, the catwalks revealed what high-end designers had in mind for warmer weather – and now the SS19 collections are landing on the high street, so it’s time get those wardrobe wish-lists ready.

You just know the ‘It’ shoes and skirts and bags are going to sell out in no time, so if you want to get your hands on the most desirable duds, you’re going to have to act fast.

Plus you’ll need to be in the know about the latest looks from the designer collections – which is where we can help.

We’ve selected the most influential colours, fabrics and styles from the catwalks to help guide your buying decisions, with suggestions on how and where to shop the looks on the high street.

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Ready to swing into spring? Here are the seven top trends of SS19…

BEIGE Think beige equals boring? You won’t when you see how Riccardo Tisci used the classic Burberry trench colour for head-to-toe looks at his first show for the iconic brand.

He wasn’t the only one, either. There were about 50 shades of beige seen at the shows, from Tom Ford and Max Mara’s trench-inspired offerings, to Balmain’s seductive suede and Dior’s dramatic full skirts.

Girls On Film Sovereign Beige Satin Trench Coat, £45; Liquid Beige Utility Jumpsuit (available March), £24, Little Mistress (shoes, stylist’s own)

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FASHION

MODERN LACE Lace gets a modern makeover this season, thanks to a profusion of the black floral fabric at Erdem, alongside the bold and bright hues at Christopher Kane.

Even brands known for their tough, street sensibilities, like OffWhite and Alexander Wang, were getting in on the act – there’s nothing old-fashioned about these sporty shift dresses and mannish shirts.

Navabi Lace Dress, currently reduced to £196 from £280

CRAFT WORK Traditional techniques also got an update for SS19, with crochet, patchwork and macrame coming to the fore at Chloe, Jacquemus and JW Anderson.

There was still a natural feel to these loose knits and slinky dresses in creamy hues – we predict they’ll be a big hit when summer finally arrives.

Topshop Boutique Side Split Silk Shirt, currently reduced to £79 from £95; Boutique Fringe Knit Skirt, £79 (shoes, stylist’s own)

for flippy fringing in hyper bright colours, as seen at Gucci, MGSM and Marc Jacobs.

FRINGING While many of those beautifully crafted catwalk creations came with long, loose tassels, there’s also a whole other trend

Miss Selfridge White Long Sleeve Oversized Hoodie, £25; Black Shiny Ribbed Cycling Shorts, £14; Tia White Chunky Trainers, currently reduced to £25 from £39 BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

New Look Pink Suede Fringe Bag, £17.99 (available March)

BRIGHT SUITS Suits are sticking around for spring, which will be welcome news for anyone who’s worn their grey check blazer to death over winter.

Now, however, it’s all about zesty brights and saturated shades.

Take your cues from the tailored suits and dresses at Balenciaga (scarlet), Peter Pilotto (tangerine) or David Koma (lime green).

JD Williams Essential Fashion Blazer, £25

BIKE SHORTS Nope, they’re not cycling shorts – you’re not actually going to do any pedalling in them – bike shorts are what the fashion world has termed the controversial trend which started on the street and has boomed on the runways for spring.

Not just with sporty brands, either.

Chanel, Fendi, Prada, Miu Miu – they all sent out models in the clingy, unforgiving shorts. Will this be the season you give in and buy a pair?

While epic flapperstyle evening gowns aren’t the sort of thing you can wear on the regular in real life, a bright fringed bag is the ideal addition to summer ensembles.

spring, with baggy bleached blue jeans on the catwalks at Christian Dior and Alberta Ferretti.

ACID WASH DENIM Designers doubled down on the Eighties denim trend for

It’s not all about jeans, however.

Acid wash denim skirts and dresses were well received at Balenciaga, Balmain and Isabel Marant.

Simply Be Acid Wash Button Sleeve Denim Shirt Dress, £32

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HARDWARE

MOTORING NEWS

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HARDWARE

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BENTLEY BENTAYGA SPEED LAYS CLAIM TO ‘WORLD’S FASTEST PRODUCTION SUV’

n High-performance Bentayga is claimed to be capable of 190mph Bentley has released a new highperformance version of its Bentayga, boldly claiming it to be the fastest SUV on the market.

The Bentayga Speed follows on from other Bentley Speed models in boasting increased performance, with its 6.0-litre W12 engine now producing 626bhp — up from 600bhp in the standard car — with torque remaining at 900Nm. With that power delivered to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox, 0-60mph comes 0.1 seconds faster at 3.7 seconds, with top speed increased from 187mph to 190mph — 0.5mph more than the Lamborghini Urus to make this the fastest SUV on sale. Just.

Helping to keep a lid on the extra performance is a set of new carbon ceramic brakes, which deliver 6,000Nm of stopping power along with a 20kg weight saving over regular iron units.

Exterior tweaks to Bentayga Speed include the addition of 22-inch alloy wheels, dark-tinted headlights, darkened grille surrounds and a rear spoiler.

Don’t mistake this Bentayga for a stripped-out performance special, though — all the luxuries to expect from a Bentley are present. That means a whole suite of upholstery options inside the cabin (including Alcantara for the first time on the SUV), 22way electric seats with a massaging function, rear seat entertainment packages and mood lighting.

The Bentley Bentayga Speed will be making a public debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March, before going on sale later this year. Expect to hear more on pricing and full specifications following that.

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

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PORSCHE LIFTS THE LID ON DROP-TOP 911

n Open-top sports car is more powerful than the car it replaces Porsche has revealed the latest incarnation of its 911 Cabriolet.

Initially available in rear-wheel-drive Carrera S and all-wheel drive Carrera 4S specifications, the drop-top 911 uses a twinturbocharged flat-six boxer engine with 444bhp and 530Nm of torque.

Porsche claims that the Cabriolet can hit 60mph in just 3.7 seconds before reaching a top speed of 190mph. The all-wheel-drive version shaves the acceleration time – down to 3.6 seconds – but can’t achieve as high of a top speed, at 188mph.

Both versions utilise a newly-developed eight-speed PDK dual-clutch gearbox.

Porsche has given the 911 Cabriolet a wider appearance on the road; in fact, even rear-wheel-drive versions now match the width of the all-wheel-drive models, usually broader by 44mm. Large 20-inch wheels sit at the front, complemented by 21-inch versions at the rear.

The folding roof, with its integrated glass rear window, contains a roof structure with magnesium surface elements called ‘bows’, which help to avoid the ballooning of the roof at higher speeds. Incidentally, the roof can be raised or lowered in around 12 seconds at speeds of up to 30mph.

It’s the first time that the 911 Cabriolet has been available with Porsche’s Active Suspension Management (PASM) too. The standard springs are shorter and stiffer too, and when coupled with toughened front and rear anti-roll bars make for a car which offers up a more neutral feeling on the road.

Porsche has included an innovative new ‘wet’ driving mode in the Cabriolet. It can detect water on the road, precondition the car’s safety systems accordingly and warn the driver too who can then adjust the vehicle’s settings to a more safety-bias configuration via a button or a mode switch on the steering wheel.

The new Porsche 911 Cabriolet is available to order now, with prices starting at £102,755 for the Carrera S, and £108,063 for the Carrera 4S.

3

BMW LIFTS THE LID ON RANGE-TOPPING X3 M AND X4 M n High-performance pair are designed to take on the Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 BMW has revealed its high-performance X3 M and X4 M SUV models.

Priced from £77,070 and £79,990 respectively, the pair enter into the flourishing performance SUV segment, taking on the likes of Mercedes-AMG’s GLC 63.

Building on the X3 that was launched last year, the X3 M and mechanically identical X4 M will share a new twinturbocharged six-cylinder engine.

The unit, which is 3.0-litres in capacity, produces 476bhp as standard, and 503bhp in range-topping Competitionbadged versions.

However, UK buyers will only be able to opt for the Competition models.

BMW claims that the X3 M will go from 0-60mph in 4.0 seconds, while this time is shaved down to 3.9 seconds in the more powerful Performance version.

Torque for both sits at 600Nm, and power is sent to all four wheels via BMW’s xDrive system through an eightspeed M Steptronic gearbox. Though drive is sent to all wheels, it’s been developed with a torque and power bias to the rear axle.

Alongside the new engine, BMW has fitted the X3 M with a range of chassis tweaks to ensure it’s as capable in the corners as it is fast on the straights.

New front and rear subframes have been installed, alongside with additional bracing across the front suspension.

New 21-inch twin-spoke alloy wheels differentiate the M from the rest of the X3 range, and these are joined by an M sport exhaust system and M compound brakes in a list of performance additions.

Visual enhancements include oversized front bumpers, redesigned side skirts and a new roof spoiler. Competition models also benefit from black gloss grilles, mirror caps and front wings, too.

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