Citywing Connect Magazine | Issue 8 | Jun / July 2014

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CITYWING MAGAZINE | ISSUE 8 - JUN / JUL 2014

Jump on a flight for golden times in Glasgow.

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Welcome to Citywing We are delighted to welcome you on board your flight today, and thank you for choosing Citywing.

The family and I have had our first trip away for the year, travelling through Blackpool. It is always important for me to use the service and see what the experience is like. I must confess, I found the process very simple, quick and convenient. I love the personal service at both ends of the route and the ‘how can we help‘ attitude. I appreciate that people will behave differently when I travel, but this viewpoint is supported by questionnaires and complimentary letters that we receive. May I take this opportunity to thank those that have taken the time to fill out and return the questionnaire, it certainly is useful.

It is very easy to deliver when all things are going well, but we try and go that extra mile when events are working against us, typically on a foggy day! It is then that the team really works well together to try and resolve issues that arise.

May I take this opportunity to thank you for supporting Citywing and hope you have found the service met your expectations. We aim for excellence throughout the whole process, from the website, check in, flight experience and afterwards, whether it be just collecting baggage and departing the airport, to dealing with a member of the Citywing team.

We continually strive to improve our service, so we would ask you to fill in the questionnaire in the seat pocket if you have time to give us feedback. We will always listen to your views, whether positive or negative; it is good to praise people for delivering excellent service, but it is also important to rectify any issues that may arise.

We hope to welcome you aboard again in the not too distant future.

As we mainly use smaller airports, and have handling agents that mainly work with Citywing, we are usually in a strong position to deliver a better service than the larger companies. As an example, on the Isle of Man we are one of two companies working with Rendezvous Handling, whereas most other companies use another handling agent. This gives us a huge advantage on days of disruption as the focus is centred on Citywing passengers and not across several companies.

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Many of you have already liked our Facebook page and followed us on Twitter. If you haven’t yet, please do, as that is where you’ll find our most up to date information and, from time-to-time, offers.

We are in a position to offer charter or group services to and from most airports within the United Kingdom and Ireland, at very favourable rates compared to other companies offering similar services. We can usually tailor services to meet your needs.

For more details and prices email scc@citywing.com.

David Buck, Managing Director

www.citywing.com

JUNE / JULY 2014 | WWW.CITYWING.COM

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CHELTENHAM World Class Music

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GLASGOW CWG2014 - Facts

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NEWCASTLEGATESHEAD Angel Cake

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ANGLESEY Gottwood Festival 2014

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BLACKPOOL Alex in Wonderland

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BELFAST 2014 Book Festival

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ISLE OF MAN Island of Culture

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THE BUSINESS REVIEW

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Designed & Published by The Thought Store - www.tts.im

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WWW.CITYWING.COM | JUNE / JULY 2014

Advertising Opportunities inflight@citywing.com

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Featured Deals Our website is designed to make our booking process as easy as possible, but if you‘d like to make a booking over the phone, please call our reservations centre on 0871 200 0440 and one of our team members would be happy to help.

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Citywing News

TEAM UP FOR CITYWING CHARITY PLANE PULL 2014 Citywing is inviting local businesses to flex their muscles and raise money for a good cause by taking part in a sponsored Plane Pull event at Isle of Man Airport on Sunday 6th July, which Enduro World Champion David Knight will also be taking part in as a member of the Manx Cancer Help team.

This year, teams will be raising money for Manx Cancer Help, Citywing’s Charity of the Year. The local charity last year celebrated its 30th anniversary and Citywing has provided them with 24 return Business Select tickets to use for fundraising during the year on their routes from the Island to Blackpool, Belfast, Glasgow, Gloucester and Newcastle.

Due to customer demand, Citywing has announced that additional flights have now been added to its increasingly popular Isle of Man to Gloucester route.

Citywing has experienced record numbers of bookings in recent months across all of its routes, and the decision to put on more flights between the Island and Gloucester is a result of this growing demand.

Entrants will need to work together to pull an aircraft along a 34 metre course which last year was completed by the Robinson’s team in a record time of 16.52 seconds. As a reward for their efforts, teams will also be treated to a free breakfast of bacon baps, tea and coffee, courtesy of Sleepwell Hotels.

David Buck, Managing Director at Citywing, said: ‘After the success of last year’s Plane Pull, we are excited to invite local businesses to put forward a team to participate in this year’s event. The Plane Pull is brilliant fun for everyone involved, and offers a great teambuilding opportunity as well as being a unique way to contribute to a very worthwhile cause.

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‘It is a privilege to work alongside Manx Cancer Help and we are delighted to be able to raise money for, and awareness of, the services it provides.’

Ally Martin, Fundraising Events Coordinator at Manx Cancer Help, added: ‘We are really looking forward to this event and are thrilled that David has volunteered to take part on behalf of the charity. Anyone interested in participating in the Plane Pull, please do get in touch with us for details. Teams should be made up of eight people, but team numbers for the event are limited so please make sure you get your applications in as soon as possible to avoid disappointment!’

For more information on how to enter this year’s Plane Pull and how to raise money on behalf of Manx Cancer Help, please contact Ally at ally@manxcancerhelp.org or on 01624 679544.

Citywing Managing Director David Buck said: ‘We are very pleased that Citywing’s Gloucester route is proving so popular, and that we are in a position to improve our service by increasing the number of flights available to book. We always strive to keep our customers happy and deliver to them the best possible service, and we are grateful for their continuing support.

‘Tickets for Citywing flights between the Isle of Man and Gloucester start from just £49.95 each way including all taxes and charges, and we recommend that customers book as early as possible to get the best fares.’

BOOK ONLINE AT CITYWING.COM 5 minute work break?

TT 2015 SCHEDULE NOW AVAILABLE TO BOOK ONLINE AT CITYWING.COM >

WWW.CITYWING.COM | JUNE / JULY 2014

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NEW GLASGOW ROUTE EXCEEDS EXPECTATIONS Passenger numbers on Citywing’s new Glasgow route have exceeded expectations by more than 10%, leading the company to add extra flights to its timetable for the TT period.

The service, which includes nine weekly return flights between the Isle of Man and Glasgow, began at the end of March and is the only direct travel link between the Island and Scotland.

Citywing Managing Director David Buck said: ‘From our own research, and the interest generated when we first announced the route, we knew there was a strong demand for a direct link to Scotland. However, it is clear we underestimated the popularity of the route and have been delighted by the response, which has been reflected in ticket sales.’

Citywing has added additional flights to its timetable over the TT period to help even more racing fans enjoy the Island’s busiest period of the year, and will consider expanding its weekly timetable if demand continues to grow.

Scotland is preparing to host the XX Commonwealth Games this summer, where the Isle of Man will be one of 71 countries taking part. Mr Buck continued: ‘We are able to expand and adapt our timetable more easily than certain operators, and we listen carefully to the needs of our customers. Should more flights be needed, we will definitely consider adding additional flights during busy periods.’

Citywing sets new daily record Citywing is celebrating a record day for the company which saw it sell more than 400 seats – the equivalent of 21 full flights - in just one day.

The seats were all sold on 6th May, across all Citywing routes, marking the first time that the company has sold more than 400 seats in a single day since its launch in January 2013. Citywing has also experienced record numbers of bookings during the past 16 months and recently celebrated its new Glasgow route exceeding expected passenger numbers by more than 10%.

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Citywing Managing Director David Buck said: ‘We are absolutely delighted to have sold such a high number of seats in just one day – our routes have proved increasingly popular since our launch and it is wonderful to experience such high demand. It is also great to see that our Glasgow route is being used so regularly, as shown by ticket sales beating those forecast, which demonstrates just how vital the link between the Island and Scotland really is.’

Citywing has also added additional flights to its timetable over the TT period to help even more racing fans enjoy the Island’s busiest period of the year, and is considering expanding its weekly timetable if demand continues to grow.

Always wanted your very own private aircraft?

We now have replica aircraft models for sale.

1:70 scale and available from Isle of Man Check In, Gloucester Airport Check In, or on ebay.co.uk (search Citywing) for just £15.

JUNE / JULY 2014 | WWW.CITYWING.COM

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Newcastle from ÂŁ49.95 A favourite of those in search of world-class culture, entertainment and sport, fantastic shopping and fine cuisine, Newcastle offers all of this and more, served against a vibrant backdrop of stunning architecture and bustling city life. For fashionistas and shopaholics, Newcastle is home to two of the largest shopping centres in the UK, as well as a high street littered with independent and vintage stores. full terms and conditions on Citywing.com WWW.CITYWING.COM | JUNE / JULY 2014

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Citywing Timetable Summer Schedule 2014 Isle of Man to Belfast M

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18.10

Our check-in desks open one hour before departure and close strictly 30 minutes before departure.

PHOTO ID Valid Government issued Photo ID is required on all flights.

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BAGGAGE 10 Kgs of hand luggage is free, as long as it fits in the sizer.

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Our luggage allowance per passenger is 20 kilos in total, including all cabin and hold bags. Business Select passengers receive an additional allowance of 5 kgs.

TIMINGS Timings are subject to change without notice or liability.

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BUSINESS SELECT Visit citywing.com and discover the benefits of travelling as a Business Select passenger.

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Gloucester to Isle of Man (May-Sept) SU

You can now check in on line for all destinations, up to 14 days before travel.

We recommend a minimum of 40 minutes check-in for all our services.

Jersey to Isle of Man (May-Sept) SU

Gloucester to Jersey (May-Sept) Depart

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Glasgow to Isle of Man

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Anglesey to Cardiff

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Blackpool to Belfast

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Newcastle to Isle of Man

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Gloucester to Isle of Man Depart

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Blackpool to Isle of Man Depart

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Reservations: 0871 200 0440

JUNE / JULY 2014 | WWW.CITYWING.COM

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Cheltenham Music Festival World class line-up for 2014 featuring Michael Morpurgo, Goldfrapp’s Will Gregory and his Moog Ensemble, The John Wilson Orchestra, Buskaid Soweto String Ensemble, the world premiere of The Great Animal Orchestra and much more…

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or twelve days this summer, The Cheltenham Music Festival, one of the longest running festivals in the UK, will transform the Cotswold region into a musically-centred cultural banquet that has few equals.

“The Cheltenham Music Festival is all about high-calibre performances, magnificent venues and a huge variety of music,” said Festival Director Meurig Bowen. “It’s really important that people have a number of ways in to a programme like this, and the 70th Cheltenham Music Festival’s diversity and broad appeal is something we’ve prioritised.”

This year’s Artist in Residence is the multi-award winning violinist Nicola Benedetti who headlines an outstanding programme that includes a string of internationals acts, world premieres and events unique to Cheltenham.

Nicola Benedetti said: “I am hugely looking forward to my residency in Cheltenham in July 2014. It will be a real pleasure to bring together different aspects of my musical life - playing concertos, enjoying chamber music with friends, and working with young musicians - in one lovely place over a few days.”

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Musical highlights include Michael Morpurgo’s ‘Private Peaceful’ in words & music with acclaimed folk trio Coope, Boyes & Simpson, award-winning guitarist Milos Karadaglic, The Hilliard Ensemble & Jan Garbarek, renowned tenor Mark Padmore, Goldfrapp’s Will Gregory and his Moog Ensemble, the world premiere of a new piece by Genesis’ Tony Banks, an evening of Sinatra with the John Wilson Orchestra, the World Premiere of The Great Animal Orchestra and the UK premiere of one of Sir John Tavener’s last completed works.

New for 2014, the Festival is launching the Town Hall Festival Proms - five days of music in the grandeur of Cheltenham Town Hall with something for everyone, including a ‘Pick Your Own Prom’ - where audiences are invited to choose the music they’d like to hear - a prom to mark the centenary of the start of WW1 (featuring one-handed pianist Nicholas McCarthy), and an evening with Artist in Residence Nicola Benedetti. The Proms will also bring the outdoor festival experience inside for one concert, transforming the Town Hall with artificial grass to create an especially relaxed, summertime feel without the unpredictable British weather.

Furthermore, Cheltenham Music Festival’s wide-ranging programme also includes talks and workshops, film screenings, and excursions into dance, world music, jazz, and theatre, even offering an insight in to the rich history of Cheltenham with regular guided walks through the town.

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WWW.CITYWING.COM | JUNE / JULY 2014

Once again, both established stars and new talent from across the classical music spectrum and beyond will descend on the Cotswolds for a programme of showstopping concerts in Cheltenham Town Hall, intimate musical adventures in the Pittville Pump Room, and a feast for the senses in cathedrals, abbeys and churches across the region.

Star Violinist - Nicola Benedetti

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The V enues...

PITTVILLE PUMP ROOM

CHELTENHAM TOWN HALL Seating Capacity:

Seating Capacity:

400

Perfect for: the world’ finest pianists, singers and chamber ensembles.

950

Perfect for: symphony orchestras at full throttle — thrilling clarity and impact.

1820s Regency elegance — a crystal-clear acoustic, the wow factor of a high central cupola, a lovely colonnade and stunning park views.

Early 20th century Edwardian elegance — the classic ‘shoebox’ concert hall.

PARABOLA ARTS CENTRE

GLOUCESTER CATHEDRAL Seating Capacity:

Seating Capacity:

300

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Perfect for: everything from cabaret and opera to talks, film and family events.

Perfect for: grand musical events featuring choirs and orchestras.

State-of-the-art 21st century theatre meets 19th century foyer and gallery space. Intimate, versatile and classy.

Begun in 1089 and remodelled over four centuries.

Steeped in history — from Royal Coronations and burials to Harry Potter filmsets.

TEWKESBURY ABBEY

CHELTENHAM COLLEGE CHAPEL Seating Capacity:

Seating Capacity:

750

Perfect for: roof-raising, bliss-inducing choral and organ music.

A stunning Abbey church, consecrated in 1121.

Elementally huge pillars supporting Norman arches in the nave, beautifully located on the edge of town.

500

Perfect for: choirs, brass... and choirs again.

High, soaring late Victorian Gothic — externally based on the chapel of King’s College, Cambridge.

JUNE / JULY 2014 | WWW.CITYWING.COM

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Sudoku

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So you do Sudoku do you?

Solution on page 38

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Spot the difference.

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Hey kids! There are 8 differences here... how many can you see?

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DID YOU KNOW? If you yelled for 8 years, 7 months and 6 days, you would have produced enough sound energy to heat one cup of coffee - A duck‘s quack doesn‘t echo, and no one knows why - Snails can sleep for 3 years without eating - Cost of raising a medium-sized dog to the age of 11: £4000 - Tomato Ketchup was sold in the 1830s as medicine.

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Word Search X X N A M D P G I X G T

R B G D I A P H A V V U

U P S W T N F X F M F S

U C Q W J C Z J T N E Q

S A E N D Q G E C Z F S

K B C A J L M E D A L H

J W P X A E N M C O T Z

ATHLETES CHELTENHAM COMMONWEALTH

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D L C S P K M W I L S A

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EAT! Celebrate with Tea & Cake To commemorate the 250th anniversary of Charles Grey’s birth this year, NewcastleGateshead’s acclaimed food festival, EAT! (www.eatnewcastlegateshead.com), has launched details of its first event in 2014, which is inspired by the 2nd Earl Grey’s namesake tea.

Tea & Cake Planet, a two day festival of tea, combines a celebration of the nation’s favourite tipple with EAT!’s fifth Cakebook outing.

Taking place at The Boiler Shop, Newcastle, on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 June 2014, the event brings together some of the North East’s leading tea-upstarts with century-old blenders for two days of tea dances, pop-up afternoon tea, tea-themed street food stalls, traditional tea parties, and tea-themed cocktails and beer.

Fenwick Newcastle, The Vermont Hotel, SIX @ BALTIC and The *TeaShed present four pop-up tearooms, each with a different theme. There will also be 15 tea and cake stalls from the best local producers the North East has to offer.

Delve into the science of tea with Centre for Life, look into your future with a tea leaf reading from Madame Zara or enjoy a traditional Chinese tea ceremony with Lulu Chai.

Nothing goes better with a nice cup of tea than a slice of cake, which is why EAT! NewcastleGateshead’s famous Cakebook event is making a welcome return. Following edible maps of NewcastleGateshead, North East England and Great Britain, Cakebook has gone global.

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Cake Planet invites teams of amateur and professional bakers to create their favourite landmark, building or iconic location from across the globe out of cake.

Creations will be placed on a giant edible map that will be completed on the afternoon of Sunday 29 June.

Simon Preston, festival director of EAT! NewcastleGateshead said: “There is definitely a tea revival taking place in the UK. There are some brilliant new tea houses opening in NewcastleGateshead and iconic companies like Pumphreys and Ringtons still operate out of the area.

“Anyone with an interest in tea, whether it’s drinking it, learning its history, or discovering new blends, will really enjoy this event. We’ll have live music, tea-leaf reading and some very tasty green tea candy floss. We’ll also be creating our giant edible Cake Planet map throughout the weekend, with the grand finale taking place on the afternoon of Sunday 29 July. There’s something to keep the whole family entertained.”

Carol Bell, head of culture and major events at NewcastleGateshead Initiative and producer of EAT! said: “The rise of tea and brewing start-ups is just one of NewcastleGateshead’s food success stories. We’re an area brimming with amazing food producers and fantastic restaurants, many of which are internationally recognised. EAT! is a great way for us to shout about the wealth of talent we have in this sector and position NewcastleGateshead as one of the UK’s best foodie destinations.” >

WWW.CITYWING.COM | JUNE / JULY 2014

If you can’t visit NewcastleGateshead in June...

EAT! returns on Friday 8 – Sunday 17 August for EAT OUT!, ten days of innovative foodie events and experiences in outdoor locations across NewcastleGateshead.

Events include a series of Naked Feasts - stripped down cooking in stunning outdoor locations - a world record attempt for the longest chef demonstration and a Food Heroes Festival on the streets of Newcastle city centre.

There will also be a series of fishing, foraging and growyour-own events for food fans interested in living ‘The Good Life’.

For more information: www.newcastlegateshead.com

MASSIVE SAVINGS GREAT VALUE FOR MONEY You’re about to embark on your most exciting trip of the year… and now we can make it even better!

BUY ONLINE www.blackpoolresortpass.com The Blackpool Resort Pass is back for 2014, bringing you the very best of Blackpool’s top attractions in one easy ticket at great value for money

For more information and T&C’s go to www.blackpoolresortpass.com or call 01253 478222 You can also buy your BLACKPOOL RESORT PASS in resort from the VisitBlackpool Tourist Information Centre on the Promenade opposite The Blackpool Tower

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ut of all of Citywing’s destinations, there are none that in my opinion hold a candle to Blackpool.

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o me the town offers something that the UK seems afraid to offer nowadays; fun! Blackpool has always sold itself as the tourist Mecca of the Northwest from the early days of the seaside bucket and spade holiday to the more modern times of the family getaway. It’s with this in mind that whenever I’m lucky enough to take my show off-island with Citywing, Blackpool is a destination I look forward to exploring the most.

As you’ve probably guessed I have something of a soft spot for the resort as it holds many memories of family holidays spending hours as a young boy in the Tower’s Jungle Jims Adventure Playground, riding the biggest waterslides at the Sandcastle and my parents introducing me to the thrilling rollercoasters of the Pleasure Beach which now is beginning to feel like a second home! In the past I’ve broadcast shows from the Pleasure Beach’s opening of Nickelodeon Land, the opening of the Wallace and Gromit Thrill-O-Matic ride, the opening of the spectacular Hot Ice show and broadcasting live onboard the Big One Rollercoaster... being a rollercoaster enthusiast, the Pleasure Beach is certainly a place I can happily while away the hours.

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On my most recent trip we had a packed schedule to fit in as many attractions that Blackpool could throw at us, get interviews recorded, photos and videos taken for Facebook and Twitter, get back to the island and put it all together as a 4 hour radio show, and give away an inclusive family holiday aswell into the bargain.

My team and I started with a relaxing

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WWW.CITYWING.COM | JUNE / JULY 2014

night’s sleep at the Carousel Hotel on South Shore, a lovely hotel which is part of the Sleepwell Group and is situated just far enough away from the Pleasure Beach to allow you feel you’ve got away from it all, but close enough to be located close to where all the action is. David Buck from Citywing and “Producer John” Marsom from Manx Radio joined me for a good old full English Breakfast, something I feel you always have to have when away from home in a hotel, before heading off to our first point of call; the headquarters of Blackpool Transport.

In recent years a huge investment has been made in the town’s tramway system, so that now it is sleek, modern and second to none.

However with my heritage enthusiasts’ hat on, I wanted to know what had happened to the vintage trams that so many people remember, I chatted with Brian Lindop who is the Head of the Heritage Tram Network and assured me they still survive and come out to carry the crowds on high days and holidays.

So we climbed on board one of the new trams to get to our next location, and the automated voice onboard sounded

a bit familiar.... it was at this point Brian informed me that he’d lent his voice to the trams aswell!

Our next stop was the Sea Life Centre on Blackpool’s famous Golden Mile. If you’ve never been, it’s something of a Tardis. The outside of the attraction only hints at the vast array of marine life that you can discover and learn about inside the building from huge spider crabs, the massive shark tank and when you go there look out for Boris!!

After our undersea experience it was off to the landmark attraction that has always made Blackpool stand out for the last 120 years; the world famous Blackpool Tower. We met up with the Tower’s General Manager; Kate Shane who treated us to an extensive behind the scenes tour of the Tower and its attractions.

In recent years the Tower has been bought by the Council and the international theme park operator Merlin was invited in to manage the attraction, and the transformation inside is quite remarkable. Entrance to the Tower is now free and the building contains a huge range of different attractions which you can pick and choose from; the Jungle Jims Play area, The Blackpool Tower Dungeon and Drop Ride, The Tower Ballroom and Wurlitzer, the new Blackpool Tower Eye and 4D show and the Spectacular Circus show.

It was here below the Circus ring that Kate began our tour in the areas that used to house the animals in the stables, elephant house etc... Despite that the fact that thankfully animals haven’t been used in the Circus for decades I’m sure I could still detect the faint smell of manure down there!....

Seeing behind the scenes of the circus, where the Victorians housed the animals, uncovering the foundations of the tower which then disappear up into the building’s structure was fascinating.

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There was a brief stop in the Ballroom to check out the glorious afternoon teas they have on offer, then a trip up the tower on the new Tower Eye! Producer John wasn’t very keen on the new glass floor and frontage the top of the tower offers, but it is a truly stunning view... one which stretches all the way home to the Island on a good day. It was then Kate pulled out a key and offered us a trip to the very top of the tower which is usually off limits to the public... and that was breathtaking!

Then from the tower it was off to my second home; The Pleasure Beach and a chinwag with the park’s MD Amanda Thompson. Her family still owns the amusement park as it’s been passed down through the family since it’s early beginnings on the sandhills south of Blackpool in 1896. We had a good catch up about the upcoming season of Hot Ice, which she produces and directs, the continuing work to improve the park with new rides and attractions and randomly her memories of the Laxey Wheel and why Manx Kippers are sold in the park’s four star Big Blue hotel!

After that I’d normally head out on to the park for a ride on a few coasters... but thanks to a recent prolonged stay at Nobles Hospital Amanda was concerned for my wellbeing and restricted me to either the Alice in Wonderland ride or Dora the Explorer’s World Voyage!... So I took to the water with Dora and the Pleasure Beach’s Director of PR and Marketing Robert Owen for a bit of a chat about ticketing offers online and something called “All you can eat!” which caught my attention funnily enough!

After we’d introduced Producer John and David Buck to the wonders of the new Wallace and Gromit Thrill O Matic, it was off to the tropical world of the Sandcastle Waterpark just across the road. On my last visit this is where my much missed former co-host Ashlea and I stripped down to our cossies and took to the Water slides with some interesting water proof technology to record our reactions... thankfully this year the hospital card came in useful as it kept myself, John and David all fully clothed! We explored all the new additions to the park with Business Manager Jane Kelly who, like me, recommends Motazooma (you’ll see when you go there!)

Now if you know me, you know I love my food!... So lunchtime arrived and it was off to the Yorkshire Fisheries (yes even though Blackpool is in Lancashire!) which is a hidden gem of the town. I will openly admit I didn’t know what to expect when we were dropped off at this on-street fish and chip restaurant.... but wow! Maria and Pavlos who run it have managed to create what is in my opinion the perfect recipe for batter, the fish and chips were out of this world...(apparently it’s Pavlos who has experimented for years until he found the perfect recipe, and now won’t even tell Maria what it is!)

Definitely a place I’ll be returning to!

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Town Councillors and representatives from Visit Blackpool about the huge amount of work that has gone into regenerating Blackpool in recent years so that the resort now has a joined up vision and to the outside world has had an impressive make over, along with a chat about the range of special events that are planned for the year including the announcement of “Mamma Mia” as the town’s summer show this year!

The final stop of the day was the newest attraction the town has to offer, although it is a twist on one of Blackpool’s most famous attractions... the Illuminations! Inside the town’s beautiful Winter Gardens is Illuminasia... a huge (there isn’t a work that adequately describes the size of this attraction) indoor display of Chinese Lanterns - when you visit Blackpool this attraction is a must just so you get the same “Wow” feeling we got when entering the main arena!

It was following this busy day of exploring the town’s attractions that we took some time out before catching the flight home by visiting the promenade’s new Comedy Carpet, the world’s largest piece of public art.

It was a gorgeous sunny day, not a cloud in the sky and crowds of families were walking around checking out their favourite comedy lines written into the floor. I began to think back to the holidays I had in Blackpool as a young child, they were great fun and in some ways all the attractions I had loved as a child were still there, yet at the same time the town is different somehow. It has transformed itself and the promenade especially is unrecognisable in many places as it has undergone a facelift to attract today’s visitors.

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If my trip to Blackpool has highlighted one thing, it’s that if you think you know what Blackpool has to offer and you’re not interested, think again and take another look.... you’ll be pleasantly surprised!

Alex in the Afternoon is brought to you by Citywing and presented by Alex Brindley.

Once batteries had been recharged it was off to the Tourist info centre to chat with

Weekdays on Manx Radio from 2 – 6pm. More info online www.manxradio.com facebook.com/ alexintheafternoon

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Fanfare for Jason

At 21 Jason Evans is currently the youngest principal trumpet with any London orchestra.

Manx-born Jason, principal trumpet with the Londonbased Philharmonia Orchestra, started out learning the piano aged five. ‘But I was always attached to the idea of making a loud noise, so took up the trumpet when I was six and was taught by my dad Rodney, who played in the Castletown Metropolitan Silver Band.’

While a pupil at Arbory School he had lessons from Steve Wortley, then Isle of Man Music Service’s head of brass and percussion, who identified Jason’s talent, one that saw him gain 92 per cent in his grade five theory exam at the age of just 10.

‘That was the spark that set me on the path to specialist training,’ said Jason who began studying at Chetham’s School of Music in Manchester when he was only 11 years old. ‘In a way that was difficult for me but I guess I didn’t know anything else, though, so I didn’t feel the wrench away from home. In a way I think it was probably harder for my parents, and I’ll be forever grateful for the sacrifice they made because I wouldn’t be where I am now if I hadn’t gone to Chetham’s. There everyone was of the same mind, whereas when I was at school in the Isle of Man I’d be indoors having lessons with Steve Wortley while all my friends were off out, kicking a football around.’

In 2008 he moved to London to continue his training at the Royal Academy of Music, studying first under the late Professor James Watson, head of brass, who died suddenly in February 2011.

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Jason said a large part of his success is down to the Academy’s quality of teaching and coaching and to having studied with such an acknowledged ‘giant of the brass world’. ‘James was my main tutor, mentor and a great inspiration.’

Mark David, who succeeded James Watson as head of brass and is the Academy’s artistic director, said: ‘Jason Evans has established himself as one of the foremost exponents of his instrument in a very short time. He arrived at the Royal Academy of Music as a talented young trumpeter with solid technical foundations and developed into a versatile, imaginative and compelling musician. His success is testament to his hard work and talent but also to his humility.’

Jason said: ‘It was Mark who shaped my philosophy about pursuing a career in music. He used to say that if that’s I wanted to do, then I had to be determined and do it wholeheartedly, and that’s always been my approach.

I’ve also very fortunate in having a tremendously supportive family: my dad, my mum Lorna and my sisters Natalie, a music teacher at Ballakermeen High School and Sophie, who works at Blackrock in Edinburgh.’

For Jason, having played in front of audiences since his time at Chetham’s, performance nerves have been something he has been able to get used to. ‘Everyone suffers from nerves, and I‘d be lying if I said I didn‘t get nervous in one way or another, but I guess it‘s more about whether you can channel that excitement and >

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energy, and how you deal with your emotions on stage.

For me, what was more nerve-racking was the transition of my mentors becoming my colleagues.‘ He doesn’t have a pre-set routine before a concert, either.

‘I think it’s risky to have a routine you rely on because there’s always going to be the day when you’re running late or something else happens and you won’t have time to follow your regular pre-show behaviour pattern.

‘Performing with the Philharmonia is all about teamwork; everyone in the orchestra’s really supportive. But the onstage side is only one part of what being a professional musician is all about. You’re always learning on the job, trying to perfect your craft. Any young person thinking about a career as a professional musician needs to know just how much hard work it entails. There’s no overnight fame like you see portrayed in the X Factor or Britain’s Got Talent.’

Jason, together with dancer Lloyd Mayor and blues guitarist Davy Knowles, is a youth cultural ambassador for Island of Culture 2014 and has benefited from Isle of Man Arts Council support in the past. ‘It’s an honour to be representing the Isle of Man in this way. The island has a fantastic arts scene and, work commitments permitting, I’m hoping to come back at some point this year to do some workshops and perhaps give a concert, too.

‘With the trumpet it’s all or nothing. Often you’re on your own, exposed, and if you get something not quite right, everyone hears it and it can sometimes detract from the mood of the entire performance, so there‘s always massive pressure to get it right. But that‘s also what makes being principal trumpet such a thrill.‘ Citing the example of Mahler’s fifth symphony, which opens with a trumpet solo of some 20 seconds, he explained that not only is the opening notoriously demanding to play but also when he heard it for the first time it marked a defining moment for him. ‘I knew right from when I heard that solo live in concert that I wanted to be a trumpet player. I played that passage during my audition period at the Philharmonia, and it was a lifechanging and truly fantastic experience.’

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Culture Vannin: ‘Inspired and involved’ in Island of Culture 2014.

‘Culture is important to our sense of community, our sense of who we are as a nation and to how we project that internationally,’ said Phil Gawne MHK, chairman of Culture Vannin, an Island of Culture 2014 financial partner.

Culture Vannin was formerly the Manx Heritage Foundation, established by Act of Tynwald in 1982. ‘We were inspired by Island of Culture to change our name to Culture Vannin, itself a celebration of creativity and innovation,’ explained Mr Gawne, adding: ‘We have a proud history of supporting and promoting Manx culture through development, education and grant-giving work. This, very much in the spirit of Island of Culture, creates a strong legacy, bolstered through our Manx culture publications and creation of bespoke educational resources for the Manx language, music and dance.’

Inspired by what is set to be the Island’s biggest celebration of arts and culture Culture Vannin has developed a new website - www.culturevannin.im – and launched a

range of projects with a strong focus on promoting the Manx language, including the 1000 words in Manx in a year challenge, a YouTube Manx Gaelic video a day and, for absolute beginners, a new podcast series, http:// greinneyder.podomatic.com.

Mr Gawne continued: ‘Other initiatives providing exciting new opportunities for the wealth of creative talent we have in the Island include a collaboration with the Archibald Knox Society to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the designer’s birth, specially commissioned music for brass, the Manx Youth Orchestra and Folkestra, and a Culture Vannin summer school in August, a week of Manx language, music and culture for years 6 to 11.

‘The aims of Culture Vannin are closely aligned with those of Island of Culture 2014, principally these are to celebrate Manx culture, promote a vibrant national identity for the Isle of Man, inspire life-long learning and discovery and ensure a strong living culture for future generations. It is against this background that Culture Vannin is pleased to be a financial partner of Island of Culture 2014 and we look forward to contributing to the celebrations.’ www.culturevannin.im | www.islandofculture.im For more information tel: Phil Gawne - 07624 416221.

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Celtic Gold

CRAFTING JEWELLERY FOR OVER 30 YEARS

www.celtic-gold.co.uk celticgold@iom.com 5 Michael St, Peel JUNE / JULY 2014 | WWW.CITYWING.COM

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145 images and counting...

Juan Moore | Artist and on to digital artwork, an area I‘ve been interested in for a long while but never had the time to fully explore.

‘People ask me how I come up with an idea every day.

Well, there is no easy answer.

Sometimes an idea just pops in ‘The image a day blog has now there; sometimes I‘ll take a walk been up and running since or have a bath and I can work January 1st and is still going something out in my head. Other strong; recently we hit the 145th times I have to start drawing image milestone. It‘s been really and arrive at an idea through interesting to me to see how experimenting or doodling; it far-reaching the blog is; not varies from day to day. just people from the island are looking at it but it also gets views from all over the world, from the UK and the USA to Bulgaria, Malaysia, Mongolia, China and even as far away as Vanuatu, (which I had to look on the map to find out where it was).

‘As for where the project goes next, who knows? I‘d like to go and produce work at different locations, such as local businesses. I know we have WOSAT (Western Open Studios and Art Trail) coming up in Peel where I will have a stand and be producing an image-a-day artwork there, so if you‘re about for that, come and say hi.’

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‘The blog also attracts anywhere from around 100 to a high point of 400 views per day; recently the blog hit 17,000 views, which has surpassed my expectations.

‘In terms of producing the artwork every day, it‘s been surprisingly a lot of fun, my whole artistic career has been based around producing work for sale or for commission, so this project has really been great in that I can experiment and use mediums I wouldn‘t normally use. The project began in January with paintings, because that‘s what I‘ve done for the past eight years, but it has moved into mixed media work and printmaking

‘I have also visited all of the island’s high schools, where I set up and produced a painting in front of all of the classes that passed through the art department on that particular day. I think it was a success and the students enjoyed it, and I must say the island has some very talented students across all of the high schools.

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This summer, the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games will bring together thousands of elite athletes, volunteers and spectators to join an incredible festival of sport and culture. With the big event quickly closing in - we‘ve got some interesting CWG FACTS to hit the ground running.

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Women’s Boxing and the Mixed Team Relay event in Triathlon will make their Commonwealth Games debut at Glasgow 2014.

2.

Glasgow 2014 will have the largest number of fully integrated Para-Sport events with 22 medals up for grabs in five sports within the programme.

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The Queen‘s Baton Relay journeyed by sea to the tiny island of St Helena for the last time via the Royal Mail Ship St Helena. A new airport, which is due to be opened by 2016, will replace the five day-long sea route.

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Glasgow won the right to host the 2014 Commonwealth Games on 9 November 2007.

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Sir Peter Heatly opened the Glasgow 2014 HQ Commonwealth House and the boardroom inside is named in the legendary diver’s honour.

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50,811 people put names forward to volunteer at the Glasgow 2014, more than both Manchester 2002 and Melbourne 2006 combined.

War veterans from Afghanistan and Iraq were employed to work during the renovation at Glasgow 2014 HQ, Commonwealth House, all of them recruited through the Glasgow City Council’s Helping Heroes campaign which assists ex-soldiers in finding work.

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8.

The surface at Hampden Park has been raised by 1.9 meters, transforming it from the home of Scottish football into an IAAF-standard athletics arena for Glasgow 2014.

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Glasgow 2014 will play host to the first Para-Sport Cycling (Track) events in Commonwealth Games history.

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It has taken approximately 6,000 steel posts and 1,200 panels to create a deck for the transformation of Hampden. The deck weighs over 1,000 tonnes.

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Fiji, who will now be part of the Glasgow 2014 Games, have a total of 14 medals in their history, first competing in the 1938 British Empire Games.

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Team sports only appeared in the Commonwealth Games from 1998 onwards with Kuala Lumpur including Cricket, Hockey, Netball and Rugby Sevens.

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3000 balls will be used across six sports during the Games; Hockey, Lawn Bowls, Netball, Rugby Sevens, Squash, and Table Tennis.

The ceiling height must be at least 12m above Field of play for Rhythmic Gymnastics which makes use of hoops, balls, clubs and ribbons.

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840 shuttlecocks will be used across the Badminton competition at the Emirates Arena as the Commonwealth’s best players battle it out for the Gold medal.

As President of the Kenyan National Olympic Committee, three-time Commonwealth Gold medallist Kip Keino, welcomed the Queen‘s Baton Relay as it visited Kenya.

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The Glasgow 2014 Queen’s Baton was honoured with a national holiday when it arrived on the island nation of Nauru.

Commonwealth Games history was made this week when the Queen’s Baton Relay arrived in Rwanda for the first time ever in mid-January 2014.

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The last time Judo was at the Commonwealth Games was in Manchester in 2002 meaning a gap of 12 years before it returns at Glasgow 2014.

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Athletes undertaking the 42.195km/26.2miles Marathon route on Sunday 27 July will cross the River Clyde four times as they push themselves towards the finish line.

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A further 16,000 tonnes of stone, tar and rubber are now being placed on top of the deck as it readies itself for a track and field competition that will include over 1,000 athletes.

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The 2,000-seat capacity Dining Hall in the Athletes’ Village will serve around 390,000 meals with more than a thousand different menu items.

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Cydonie Mothersille’s Gold success in the women’s 200m Athletics was the only medal of any colour won by the Cayman Islands at the Delhi 2010 Games.

The Games workforce uniform consists of red polo shirt, grey trousers, red and white soft shell jacket, red cagoule and grey hat.

Workforce will also be given matching bags, umbrellas and a water bottle.

The Queen’s Baton contains a granite ‘gemstone’ which is gifted to each nation and territory. Housed at the very top of the baton, it is released only by opening a clever puzzle mechanism.

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Situated above the destination board at Glasgow Central station, the Glasgow 2014 Official Longines Countdown Clock will be seen by hundreds and thousands of commuters and visitors in the lead-up to the Games in July.

Hampden Park will play host to the Closing Ceremony of the Games, at which Glasgow 2014 will officially hand the Commonwealth Flag over to the Gold Coast, hosts of the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

Badminton is widely regarded as the fastest racquet sport in the world, with shuttles travelling at more than 300 kilometres an hour.

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Athletes are expected to eat 500,000 pieces of fruit during the period the Village is open with plenty of vegetables too including an estimated 60 tonnes of potatoes.

Athletes resident outside of the UK who compete at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games will be exempt from income tax, mirroring a similar exemption in place for London 2012.

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In the Full Bore Shooting discipline, shooters fire at targets across a range of distances up to 1,000 yards.

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The most famous Boxing name to claim a Commonwealth Games Gold was Lennox Lewis for Canada in 1986.

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The diver Alexandre Despatie (Canada) has won nine Commonwealth Gold medals, the most of any single competitor.

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The iconic medals for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games have been designed by award-winning maker and jeweller Jonathan Mathew Boyd, a graduate of the illustrious Glasgow School and Art.

Celtic Park’s entire South Stand will be transformed into Glasgow’s ‘Window on the Commonwealth’ for the Opening Ceremony after the installation of a digital LED backdrop, the largest screen of its kind ever seen in Europe.

Nearly 100 metres wide, it weighs 38 tonnes.

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The Official Glasgow 2014 tartan was designed by then 15-yearold Glaswegian schoolboy, Aamir Mehmood.

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In March 2014, around 18,000 people attended one of Scotland’s biggest ever mass orientation events over four sessions at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow.

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All of Glasgow 2014’s permanent sporting venues have been opened and have been used by both elite athletes and local people, making them both world-class and community relevant.

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The Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, located in the Emirates Arena, has been described as ‘one of the busiest in the world’, with the venue welcoming a 350,000 attendance in its first year.

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The Queen’s baton’s handle is made of elm wood sourced from the grounds of Garrison House on the Isle of Cumbrae – a tribute to Scotland’s natural resources.

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The Culture 2014 and Festival 2014 Programmes officially launched in July 2013, a nationwide celebration including events, exhibitions and performances delivered on behalf of the Organising Committee by Glasgow Life and Creative Scotland.

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In his first year alone, Clyde, Glasgow 2014‘s Official Mascot, visited over 600,000 people in Scotland, from Dumfries to Orkney.

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The first Queen’s Baton Relay was staged for the 1958 Commonwealth Games in Cardiff, with England’s famed middle-distance runner Roger Bannister.

Clyde was designed by a then 12-year-old schoolgirl Beth Gilmour from Cumbernauld who won a UK-wide competition in partnership with the BBC.

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ScotRail anticipate more than a million extra rail journeys being made on their trains during the Games period having unveiled a special expanded timetable.

Glasgow 2014 has opened its first merchandise store at the city’s Central Station. It is the first of more than 40 planned for locations across Glasgow as well as in competition venues.

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Clyde, the official Glasgow 2014 Mascot, is a thistle and the first Games mascot that hasn’t been an animal.

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The first Gold of the Games will be in the Women’s Triathlon on Thursday 24 July at Strathclyde Country Park.

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Saturday 2 August will be a jam-packed with Gold medal action, with 34 Gold medals up for grabs in Aquatics (Diving), Athletics, Boxing, Hockey, Squash, Table Tennis and ParaSport Powerlifting.

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Scottish designer Kerry Nixon designed the dress to be worn by female Medal Bearers at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. Kerry will also style the male Medal Bearers.

Glasgow 2014, through Forth Ports, used 350 40ft shipping containers to pack and store equipment purchased from London 2012 Organisers, LOCOG, including furniture for use in the Glasgow 2014 Athletes Villages. They were shipped from their previous location in The Port of Tilbury on the Thames to The Port of Grangemouth.

Volunteers for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games will be known as clyde-siders, a deliberate nod to the famous and historic river which runs through the heart of Glasgow.

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53.

The housekeeping duties in the Athletes’ Village will include the washing of 3600 flat sheets per day and 7200 bath towels.

54.

The Commonwealth Games Athletes’ Village is 35 hectares in size, the equivalent of 54 football pitches.

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The first Commonwealth Youth Games were held in Edinburgh, Scotland in August 2000 where 733 Athletes from 14 countries competed in 8 sports over 3 days.

56.

Scotland’s most successful Commonwealth athlete is shooter Alister Allan, with 3 Gold, 3 Silver and 4 Bronze medals from 1974 to 1994.

57.

Renowned outdoor clothing manufacturer Trespass is the Official Casual Uniform Provider to the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games Workforce. As well as this, Trespass have also designed the uniform which will be worn by clyde-siders during the Games and baton bearers carrying the Queen’s Baton as it travels through Scotland in the build up to the Games.

58.

Singapore has won the most Table Tennis Commonwealth medals, gaining 34 of the 80 awarded to date.

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The 250-metre track at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome was created by one of the world’s foremost track designers, Ralph Schuermann.

60.

One kilogram is the minimum increment between lift attempts in Weightlifting and Powerlifting competitions.

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Glasgow 2014 Frontrunner Izzy Conway was the first baton bearer on the Queen’s Baton Relay as it departed Buckingham Palace for its journey around the Commonwealth.

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So far on its journey around the Commonwealth, the Queen’s Baton has visited some of the most remote regions in the world, including Kavieng, in Papua New Guinea, Tarawa Island in Kiribati and the island nation of Niue, which is only connected by one weekly flight.

64.

Game On Scotland is the education programme of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. It has been designed to enable schools and educators to use the Games as an inspiring, motivating, relevant and fun context for learning across the curriculum for pupils of all ages.

65.

At the heart of the Queen’s Baton is the Queen’s Message, inscribed on a parchment handmade in Glasgow using linen and plant fibre. The message has been scrolled and is held in a transparent cylinder within a pure titanium latticework frame.

66.

Iconic Scottish comedian Billy Connolly narrated the magical story of Clyde, Glasgow 2014’s Official Mascot, in an animated film which premiered at the launch of the mascot.

The recently extended M74 roadway is open and helps to grow Scotland’s economy by improving transport links in the west of Scotland. The road will also provide a crucial Gamestime link for the Games Village to the competition venues in the west of the city.

67.

Through the Glasgow 2014 pictograms, each of the 17 participating sports are represented by their unique ‘defining moment’ in the iconic images whose primary purpose is to celebrate sport and aid wayfinding to members of the public, athletes and officials.

Each pictogram was designed in conjunction with a Scottish athlete from each sport.

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Scotland sit seventh on the Commonwealth Games all-time medals table with 92 Gold, 104 Silver and 160 Bronze medals.

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Australia leads the way with a staggering 803 Gold medals, the only nation with over 2,000 medals.

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The Glasgow 2014 logo is an original piece of art work that is rooted in sport: time, data and measurement, with a green ‚G‘ for Glasgow at the heart of the logo, as the ‘dear green place’ is the heart of the Games.

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23 July — 3 August 2014

Isle of Man to Glasgow Depart

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Welcome to theWoods. Gottwood 2014.

G

ottwood Festival is a unique,

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wholly independent and unforgettable festival experience hosted in the most magical of settings. With a boutique feel, the intimate site is lost in the forest in idyllic Anglesey, the island providing the perfect backdrop for this well-kept secret musical adventure. Famed for its sandy beaches, thick forests and pebbly caves, the island has a rich history with lots on offer for visitors and festival-goers, with a mysterious atmosphere.

Soundtracking the wonderful Gottwood expedition are some of the most talkedabout electronic music artists from the UK and beyond, including the likes of Gerd Janson, Margaret Dygas, DJ Format, DJ Die and Appleblim, plus Calibre, Crazy P Soundsystem, Dense & Pika, Craig Richards, Kris Wadsworth, PBR Streetgang, Maribou State, Ralph Lawson, Tale of Us and so many more.

As well as the plethora of DJs and producers; stunning art installations and forwardthinking productions will scatter the Gottwood site over the three day stint, guaranteeing a weekend that wont be forgotten in a hurry.

For more information, head to gottwood.co.uk.

Day and Weekend tickets available.

gottwood.co.uk

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Belfast festivals BelfastBookFestival

The Belfast Book Festival 2014 features international stars such as financial experts Max Keiser, Stacy Herbert and Mitch Feierstein, former Poet Laureate Sir Andrew Motion and Radio 3's Ian McMillan.

If politics is your thing, Ann Widdecombe and Alan Johnson will be gracing the Crescent stage on Sunday 15th following a Saturday evening with the likes of Paul Muldoon and the amazing performance poet Elvis McGonagall.

Award-winning Irish writer Joseph O'Connor will be reading from his new book The Thrill of it All while new and emerging voices such as Liz Nugent, Emma Heatherington and Christine Hammill, will enthrall audiences with their writing. The annual poetry slam returns along with comedy performances by Owen O’Neill plus Scottish poet Kenneth Steven and local musician Colin Reid team up in what promises to be a beautiful performance of Steven’s work A Song Among the Stones.

Writer, journalist and film-maker Jonathan Meades reads from his much anticipated memoir An Encyclopaedia of Myself and if sport is what you are looking for the great Patrick ‘Rala’ O’Reilly, bagman for the Irish Rugby Team, will be sharing some unique memories!

And why not take along your junior bookworms to the Family Day at Lower Crescent Park, with lots of quirky events to keep the entire family entertained.

They also have a series of events, Book Festival Extra, that take place before and after the festival, featuring the likes of Pierre Lemaitre, Paul Charles and the great Mary Kenny.

Various locations | 9 Jun 2014 - 15 Jun 2014 (Check local listings for starting times) For further information: www.belfastbookfestival.com

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August Féile 2014

Ireland's largest community festival plays host to headlining music from home and abroad, plus a diverse range of dance, literature, drama, exhibitions, family fun, sports events, tours and walks, discussions and debates and Irish language events.

This year's headline act are The Kaiser Chiefs. One of the biggest rock bands in recent history, the Kaiser Chiefs have released 4 hit albums, umpteen hit singles and accumulated 3 Brit Awards since they first burst onto the music scene in 2005 with platinum-selling debut album 'Employment'.

Since then they’ve enjoyed top ten singles success with the likes of 'I Predict a Riot', 'Oh My God' and 'Never Miss a Beat', plus a number one smash in 2007 with 'Ruby'.

Kaiser Chiefs will perform at Falls Park, on Saturday 9 August.

31 July 2014 - 10 Aug 2014 To book tickets:

www.ticketmaster.co.uk >

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Arts & Entertainment | Family Attractions | Shopping Fine Dining | Museums & Galleries | Pubs & Clubs Health & Beauty | Adventure Activities

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elfast has some of the coolest nightclubs, superb shopping and enough eateries to satisfy every taste and budget. There’s no shortage of artists and bands that perform at fantastic venues like Belfast Waterfront and the world class Odyssey Arena. You’ll find fascinating walking, bus and taxi tours, cultural escapes, scientific exhibitions and literary inspirations. After all, this is the city that inspired the Chronicles of Narnia and Gulliver’s Travels.

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Belfast is brilliant! For more information visit:

www.gotobelfast.com

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n the last six years, Cardiff has built on its reputation as a world-class centre for international sport. The city has been the passionate home of Welsh rugby for more than a century, housed in the iconic Millennium Stadium.

Rugby now takes its place alongside a host of other international sport.

As well as being a great city for spectator sport, Cardiff is also the ideal location to try your hand at a variety of activities. With a 200 hectare freshwater lake, mountains, forests and beaches right on the doorstep, it‘s the perfect starting point for an adventure filled holiday.

Cardiff has a wide range of Golf courses in and around the city-region. With this much choice, it‘s not surprising that the Celtic Manor Resort, just down the road in Newport, hosted the 2010 Ryder Cup, in October 2010.

Energetic visitors can get some fresh air cycling on the Taff Trail, an 88-kilometre cycle route that travels largely off-road from Cardiff to the market town of Brecon. Within the region there are also great mountain biking trails, in particular Cwmcarn Forest offers over 15km of exhilarating downhill track. If you fancy a more manageable challenge why not hire bikes from Pedal Power and explore the Cardiff Bay Barrage circular route.

If your preferred means of transport is a little more gentle, why not explore Cardiff on foot.

Cardiff‘s parks and green spaces make it one of the greenest cities in the UK so you can discover the city and surrounding countryside at your own pace, in beautiful surroundings. Find out more about walking in Cardiff at www.outdoorcardiff.com or discover city walking routes at visitcardiff.com As well as walks around the city and its surrounding countryside, Cardiff Bay and Penarth make up part of the Wales Coastal Path. This 870 mile route stretches continuously from near Chester in the north, around the country to Cheptstow in the south and takes in some of Wales‘ most beautiful views.

Cwmcarn Forest

Get the app The Official Cardiff Visitor Guide app for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad gives you an interactive guide to Cardiff and the surrounding areas, at the touch of a button, allowing you to explore the city like never before.

• Search accommodation and find where to stay • What to see and do in and around the city • Find out what‘s on with our events guide • Search for restaurants, cafes and bars • Locate everything using GPS

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Featuring rich content, high resolution images, opening times, prices and grading, get directions from your current location using your phone’s GPS and Google Maps, or save places of interest as a favourite and build your own itinerary.

Updated regularly with managed Cardiff content, this is the app for both Cardiff visitors and residents alike.

The app costs just £1.49 and available from iTunes and the App store, search for ‘Visit Cardiff‘.

If adrenalin is what you seek, Cardiff has a wide range of adventure activities, suitable for all the family.

From quad-biking, to climbing to Go Ape, there‘s no time for boredom with such a choice of things to do!

www.visitcardiff.com facebook.com/VisitCardiff twitter.com/VisitCardiff JUNE / JULY 2014 | WWW.CITYWING.COM

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Unmissable

Island June / July 2014

The Queenie Festival takes place 27th-29th 2014 June and celebrates the Isle of Man’s diverse coastline, marine heritage and in particular the Queen Scallop or “Queenie” as it is more commonly known.

The summer festival, which is based in the south of the Island, kicks off with a beach party in Port Erin with live music, entertainment, seafood barbeques and watersports sessions. A marine weekend in Port St Mary follows, with numerous activities that the whole family will enjoy including marine touch tanks, a trawler race, herring dance, cookery demonstrations and live entertainment.

Visitors, and residents, will also have the chance to search for the elusive golden queenie in the Queenie Conundrum challenge. You’ll have to crack a number of cryptic clues in order to track down the queenie’s location and win the treasure – but be quick as there’s sure to be others on your tail!

Paul Weller 30 June & 1 July 2014 | Villa Marina | Douglas Paul Weller is to play the Villa on Monday 30 June and Tuesday 1 July in a double whammy of sets from his former bands The Jam and The Style Council. Paul Weller‘s band includes recent Isle of Man favourites Ocean Colour Scene‘s guitarist, Streve Craddock and is set to be a celebration of hits from five decades.

All Tickets £48.98 (inc 2% booking charge) 01624 600555 www.villagaiety.com

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Little Shop of Horrors 13 Jun, 14 Jun, 15 Jun, 16 Jun, 17 Jun, 18 Jun, 19 Jun, 20 Jun, 21 Jun Gaiety Theatre | Douglas A down-and out skid row floral assistant becomes an overnight sensation when he discovers an exotic plant with a mysterious craving for fresh blood.

Soon Audrey II grows into an ill-tempered, R&B-singing carnivore who offers him fame and fortune in exchange for feeding its growing appetite, finally revealing itself to be an alien creature poised for global domination.

A must see for all the family!

Tickets from £18.36 (inc 2% booking charge) Concessions available.

01624 600555 www.villagaiety.com Big Wheel Blues Festival 20 June & 21 June 2014 | Villa Prom Suite | Douglas Live Blues Music Festival with three international acts per night in the Promenade Suite - more info: www.bigwheelblues.com All Tickets £22.50 (inc 2% booking charge) 01624 600555 www.villagaiety.com

www.gov.im/villagaiety/whatson >

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Gigs to note NewcastleGateshead Dolly Parton World Tour - Concert Venue - Metro Radio Arena Saturday 14th June 2014 Booking: www.metroradioarena.co.uk Robbie Williams - Concert Venue - Metro Radio Arena Sunday 22nd & Monday 23rd June 2014 Booking: www.metroradioarena.co.uk

Belfast Odyssey Arena Little Mix - Concert Venue - Belfast Odyssey Arena Monday 9th June 2014 Booking: www.odysseyarena.com Robbie Williams - Concert Venue - Belfast Odyssey Arena Friday 13th & Saturday 14th June 2014 Booking: www.odysseyarena.com

Glasgow

Elton John - Concert Venue - Metro Radio Arena Wednesday 2nd July 2014 Booking: www.metroradioarena.co.uk

Snoop Dogg AKA Snoop Lion - Concert Venue - O2 Academy Glasgow Sunday 8th June 2014

For more event information please visit: www.newcastlegateshead.com

KINGS OF LEON - Concert Venue - Glasgow SSE Hydro Friday 20th June 2014

Cardiff Pet Shop Boys - Electric World Tour 2014 - Concert Venue - Motorpoint Arena - Cardiff Sunday 15th June 2014 Booking: www.ticketmaster.co.uk.co.uk James Blunt - Concert Venue - St David‘s Hall, The Hayes, Cardiff Sunday 29th June 2014 Booking: www.ticketmaster.co.uk.co.uk Paul Weller at Cardiff Castle - Concert Venue - Cardiff Castle, Cardiff Thursday 24th July 2014 Booking: www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk

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Eric Clapton - Concert Venue - Glasgow SSE Hydro Saturday 21st June 2014 THE SISTERS OF MERCY - Concert Venue - O2 ABC, Glasgow Monday 7th July 2014 Booking for all Glasgow events: www.ticketmaster.co.uk

For more event information please visit: http://www.visitcardiff.com/events

Find and book events at:

www.ticketmaster.co.uk

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Business Review

H&B’s continued investment in Isle of Man marked

by Douglas and Clarendon topping off ceremony

Pictured, left to right: Minister for Economic Development John Shimmin MHK, H&B’s managing director Ian Lennox and group chairman Jonathan Clague and ICM director David Jackson. Picture Liam Gilman

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he Heron & Brearley Group has signaled its latest and most visible commitment yet to the revitalisation of the North Quay in Douglas after it held a topping off ceremony at its Douglas and Clarendon site.

Commending H&B’s investment Minister Shimmin said: ‘H&B is one of the largest private employers in the Isle of Man and is continuing to invest at a time when others are fearful. You are a valued partner.’

The 21,000 square feet development on North Quay brings together two landmark and historic sites - the refurbished Douglas Hotel and the former Clarendon Hotel – to create a four-storey building providing retail and office space.

Mr Shimmin went on to say that the development’s location would benefit both H&B and its anchor tenant, ICM. It was an investment that sent out a ‘very optimistic’ message of confidence the Department of Economic Development was keen to endorse and support.

At the ceremony Minister for Economic Development John Shimmin MHK, H&B senior management and contractors heard H&B group chairman Jonathan Clague say: ‘The Douglas and Clarendon represents one of H&B’s most ambitious investments in the Isle of Man… As an existing and substantial investor in the Douglas quayside rejuvenation, our aim has been to contribute to the quayside’s evolution in a unique attraction for Douglas. Our vision with this site, as well as with The Bridge, The British and The Railway, has been to present developments which are entirely in keeping with the quayside’s maritime heritage.’

ICM director David Jackson said he was delighted that the company’s expansion had coincided with the development which would now serve as the group’s headquarters and provide space to accommodate future business growth. ‘The Isle of Man is definitely where we want to be,’ he said.

Due for completion this summer the building will have as its anchor tenant the Manx worldwide yacht, aviation and wealth management specialist, ICM, which has taken the upper floors for its corporate headquarters.

After the North Quay was constructed in 1730, the plot was leased to a merchant from Ulster, Robert Black, who built himself a house known as ‘Black’s House’. This later became the Douglas Hotel.

Welcoming ICM Mr Clague said: ‘Like H&B ICM are major employers with a proven long-term commitment to our Island. ICM celebrate 30 years since their founding and it is particularly satisfying for me to begin what I hope will be a long and fruitful partnership between our two Manx companies.’

In 1783, it was sold to the Duke of Athol who even took up residence in the house. Later, the site was redeveloped as Numbers 49 and 50, North Quay - the latter becoming the Clarendon Hotel.

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About the Douglas and Clarendon site: The site was once known as Lords Hill and the Douglas Hotel’s original cellars are believed to have been built around 1560.

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Business Review Paragon Recruitment promote Dean Helm to Associate Director Dean joined the Paragon Team in 2009 with responsibility for Paragon’s busy Executive Division, as a Senior Recruiter and Key Account Manager, following a career in corporate finance and relationship management within banking.

Dean commented 'Our Consultants and Support Team each benefit from expertise gained in professional recruitment practice within the Isle of Man marketplace, in addition to successful careers within the industries to which they consult. This combination of recruiter skill and industry knowledge enables the provision of sound advice, dedicated service and access to the Island’s leading portfolio of opportunities within prestigious organisations and employers of choice.

Our focus on developing long term business relationships with our candidates ensures that our partnered clients have access to a premium network of talent, and our robust interview, selection, referencing and verification processes increase the impact and relevance of Paragon candidates submitted for any given position – temporary or permanent, junior to executive. I am delighted to lead our team of capable and motivated professionals, enhancing the positive difference made to those utilising Paragon's services.’

Debbie Cooper, Paragon Director added ‘Dean’s appointment comes at a pivotal time of growth and expansion for the Paragon business, developing new opportunities whilst further cementing the relationships and preferred supply arrangements we have secured and consistently serviced throughout the last six years.

Paragon Recruitment is a business that delivers – but we truly believe that the way in which we achieve great results is equally as important as the end goal. Through partnering closely with both our client employers and respected candidates, our aim is to fully understand individual requirements to deliver timely, intelligent and innovative solutions, enhanced with a great user experience – Dean is instrumental in the delivery of our services and we are delighted to reward his commitment and continued contribution to our business with this appointment.’

LET’S WORK

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Jobs4u.im powered by paragon

If you are relocating, changing jobs or looking to advertise your ‘situations vacant’ in the Isle of Man, Jobs4u.im is the comprehensive and user friendly job search portal.

Maximising internet advertising, social media, local press and word of mouth, Jobs4u.im advertises all jobs, in all sectors, at any level, in a fast, effective and direct process.

Sourcing in all sectors, socially. facebook.com/Jobs4u.im | twitter.com/Jobs4uIOM | www.jobs4u.im

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Business Review Sure Customers Can Roam with Confidence this Summer As the summer approaches, Sure customers will be among the first in the Island to be able to limit the amount of data they use whilst roaming, following the introduction of data roaming spending limits.

The new system will enable Sure mobile users to choose a spending limit from a range of £10, £20, £50, £100, £500 or £1,000 per month. Alternatively, customers will still be able to opt out of data roaming altogether, or choose to have no limit in place.

As the customer reaches 80% of their chosen limit, they will receive a text message reminding them of their chosen limit and explaining that access to data will shortly be stopped, plus a further message once their data access is blocked. The limit does not affect voice or text services, which customers will be able to continue using.

As the limits operate in real time, Sure mobile customers will be able to use their phone’s data functions such as email, social media and web browsing; safe in the knowledge that they will not run up an unexpectedly large bill.

“We believe it is right that our customers should feel comfortable whilst using data services abroad and be able to choose how much they wish to spend whilst roaming,” said Mike Fawkner-Corbett, Head of Mobile at Sure. “We understand that the relatively high cost of using data abroad can make customers nervous, so are delighted to be able to offer our customers the choice they need to enjoy using data abroad with confidence.”

Sure is phasing in data roaming spending limits throughout May, June and July, so all customers will be given access to the service in time for the summer holiday season. Any Sure customers who are travelling abroad before data limits are rolled out can have a limit introduced sooner by visiting the Sure stores in Douglas, Ramsey or Port Erin, or by calling customer services on 247247.

UMI3 Ltd partner with Department of Economic Development to help fund Biomedical Spin-Outs UMI3 Ltd, the innovation company of The University of Manchester and the University’s Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, have announced that they will work collaboratively with the Isle of Man’s Department of Economic Development to attract business angel investment finance into its early stage biomedical spinout companies.

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The collaboration will involve twice yearly network events on the Island where a selection of the University’s biomedical spin-out companies and enterprising academics will present to an invited audience of high net wealth private investors.

It is anticipated that one of the events annually will be a satellite to the successful Manx Biomed Conference, which was launched in December 2013.

John Shimmin MHK, Minister for Economic Development commented: ‘The Isle of Man has established itself as one of the most successful small international business centres in the world. We have done so by creating an environment where businesses can access the capital and the professional services expertise they need to flourish on a global scale. My Department fully supports this initiative with UMI3.’

Dr Rich Ferrie, Director of Operations of UMIP, UMI3’s intellectual property division, commented: ‘We are very excited by this initiative which looks to broaden the investment opportunities for our biomedical spin-out companies and strengthen our ties with the developing biomedical cluster on the Island.

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‘We look forward to working closely with Courtenay Heading and his colleagues to make a success of this collaboration for mutual benefit with a view to rolling it out to other sectors as appropriate.’

Courtenay Heading, Biomed, Inward Investment Consultant to the Isle of Man Government commented: ‘I’m delighted to be working with UMI3 and UMIP which has a proven track record with creating new spin-out companies from The University of Manchester’s world class research. As near neighbours this initiative builds on trusted relationships between our people.

‘With existing data hosting and precision manufacture sectors we offer complementary skills to the biomed market. With an accessible Government we’re also capable of writing our own legislation, to support such an important initiative to improve patient health and create local jobs.’

To complement the funding initiative, the University and Biomed will be working strategically on a number of research themes.

Professor Paul Townsend, Associate Dean for Business Engagement & Theme Lead for Personalised Therapy at the University’s Faculty Institute for Cancer Sciences, commented: ‘This is an opportune time for all of us in the region to synergise and strive forward in harnessing relationships of biomedical need, with mutual investment benefit and critically, patient benefit. The Isle of Man has a stellar track record in precision engineering; combined with our spin outs and enterprising scientists and clinicians one can only see a very bright future.’

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Business Review Tynwald voice recognition system attracts Westminster interest Tynwald’s innovative voice recognition system has attracted interest from the House of Commons Hansard team.

Tynwald’s website and Twitter feed also came in for praise. Mr Newton said: ‘The website is very neat with an excellent landing page and extremely comprehensive contents, in particular Hansard reports that go back to 1887. It also was interesting to see how Twitter was used not in intervals but for real-time “as it happens” reporting during sittings.’

House of Commons Hansard deputy editor Alex Newton and colleague Jack Homer, together with Tim Youngs Mr Homer observed: ‘As from Westminster’s the availability of shorthand parliamentar y skills declines capturing information and what is being said in communications Parliament using voice technology division, recognition software is all spent 36 hours in the the more important today.

Island during which It has also been interesting they met with Tynwald to learn how commendably Head of Hansard Ellen adaptable the comparatively Callister and her team to small Tynwald Hansard and observe the pioneering Information Service teams transcription system are. Their reach is most in operation in the Pictured: Head of Hansard Ellen Callister with the House of Commons’ impressive.’

Tynwald Chambers and Tim Youngs, (seated) Alex Newton and Jack Homer. learn more about the Picture Paul Dougherty, Tynwald Seneschal Tynwald’s head of Hansard Manx parliament’s Hansard Ellen Callister said: ‘Meeting production methods and its work with other jurisdictions, the Westminster team proved to be a very worthwhile the Tynwald website and use of online communication and mutually beneficial sharing of ideas. They left with channels. some really useful information, not only about our voice recognition system, but also about all our working Mr Newton said: ‘The visit proved extremely useful, in practices, in terms of Hansard production, website, listen particular the opportunity to see first-hand how the voice live/again, Twitter feed and about how new ideas can be recognition system functions in the Chambers.’ more easily trialled in a small team environment.

Mr Youngs said: ‘We have carried out some voice recognition trials in Westminster so it has been a very positive experience to see best practice in operation in the Isle of Man.’ He went on to say that with some 650 Commons Members, no fixed seating and only 80 microphones, introducing a similar system for the floor of the House of Commons would not be without its challenges, but added: ‘As a medium-term objective, though, the system might be suitable for some forums, such as select committees, in smaller, more defined areas.’

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‘In turn we benefited from having their outside perspective and hearing about some of their IT systems and working practices. This has given me some new ideas on working processes that I should like to trial with my team. What also emerged from our discussions with Alex, Jack and Tim was that they identified certain areas of undeveloped potential in our voice recognition system which previously we had not fully realised, so we shall be looking to build on those particular strengths in the future.’

@tweetbeatIOM to support police efforts during TT Festival After a successful probationary period the Isle of Man Constabulary’s newest recruit will be working round the clock to provide help and advice during the TT Festival. @tweetbeatIOM will support road safety efforts and keep people up to date with important information such as road closures, traffic diversions, appeals and alerts.

The pioneering initiative enables the owners of smart phones, internet enabled personal computers, tablets or laptops to have immediate access to the Manx police.

Introduced on digital media channel Twitter on 12 May, @tweetbeatIOM has already attracted strong support,

with positive comments being posted by many of its 2,452 (and growing) followers.

A promotional campaign launched on Friday 23 May, which includes banners at the Isle of Man Airport and Sea Terminal, is encouraging TT visitors to sign up to the service, described as ‘the most exciting development of social media in policing today’. @tweetbeatIOM is patrolled by a serving police officer, as part of their daily operational policing duties, and provides a fully integrated approach to public information and crime prevention, 24 hours a day.

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Citywing Magazine | Advertising Media Pack

New Media Pack | Unbeatable Rates PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS TO THOUSANDS OF PASSENGERS email: inflight@citywing.com for your copy

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Sudoku SOLUTION

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Follow Every Step!

We’ve been a part of the Parish Walk for most of our 50 years, so once again we’re proud to support the 2014 Manx Telecom Parish Walk.

Good luck to all involved.

share your memories: facebook.com/ManxRadio50

For further details visit us online:

manxradio.com/50 89 • 89.5 • 97.2JUNE • 103.7FM and 1368AM / JULY 2014 | WWW.CITYWING.COM

89 • 97.2 • 103.7FM and 1368AM