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THREE SQUARE MILES OF SOLITARY SPLENDOUR

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THREE SQUARE MILES OF SOLITARY SPLENDOUR

Nic West was until recently a Cambridge-based painter who decided to sell all of her belongings and move to Alderney last year. Inspired by artists including Anselm Kiefer, Louise Bourgeois, William Congdon and Mark Rothko, she creates abstract visceral oil paintings full of texture inspired by the brutality and beauty of her surroundings as well as the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Working primarily in turquoise and gold, she has shunned brushes and applies paint to her canvasses directly from the tube and using knives.

What made you up sticks?

I needed a big change. I’d got stuck in a rut, having spent too many years working long days in office jobs with a three hour commute. I’d also had a challenging couple of years since leaving a long term relationship.

Why Alderney?

I’d visited the island in 2014, it seemed like the perfect location for a new start. It has beautiful quiet beaches, an interesting history and a simple lifestyle.  I think it’s a love it or hate it kind of place and it got under my skin. After selling all my belongings I moved from Cambridge to Alderney in January 2015.

What is it that inspires you each day?

My location, the panoramic sea views, doing what I love, plus the determination to succeed (and of course not wanting to return to a 9-5)!

What advice would you give to people considering a move like yours?

Go for it, step outside your comfort zone, believe in yourself. If you really want to do something you’ll find a way. The week before I was due to move I was terrified, I tried to back out of it because like most people I feared the unknown but once I arrived I realised taking the risk was the best thing I’ve done.

Is there anything you miss?

Friends and family (it’s expensive to get on and off the island, plus some aren’t too keen about having to make the journey on the tiny prop planes), and I miss the variety which comes from living in a city.

Where can people next see your work?

News, commissions and contact details are available via my website www.nicwest.co.uk

Every Room With a View

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Every Room With a View

When you enter the doors of Oakridge your breath is instantly taken away by the stunning view that greets you, thanks to the picture window which directly faces your entrance.  This property benefits from panoramic views of the whole of the Royal Bay of Grouville, thanks to it’s position nestled on Gorey hill and the best news is, the view isn’t limited to just this one window, it can be viewed from every room in the house.

This lovely detached home was built in 2002 and would be absolutely perfect for anyone wanting to live by the sea. Oakridge is an impressive 1800 sq.ft upside down house, which means your sleeping accommodation is on the lower level.  Upstairs on the floor as you enter the house you’ll find a large bright living room and a modern eat-in kitchen, fitted out with NEFF appliances and underfloor heating throughout, which means your shoes can be kicked off as soon as you enter. Did we mention the view by the way, because if we didn’t then you’ll be able to enjoy it from any of these rooms and the accompanying balconies, all of which allow plenty of space for seating, leaving you to sit back and enjoy your high level vista and be happy to know there are no lawns that will need mowing.

Both of the two bedrooms on the lower level are very large and beautifully fitted and each have full sized en-suite bathrooms and walk in dressing rooms, meaning storage and privacy are catered for. The large hallway between the two bedrooms accommodates a house cloakroom and a laundry closet.

Externally we’ve already mentioned the good sized balconies to all rooms, but there are also storage areas to the side of either end of the house and also  brick paved parking for three cars, which is an absolute bonus for anyone living in such close proximity to Gorey Harbour.

Perhaps you’re looking for a seaside ‘Pied A Terre’, one that offers you the joys of seaside living, but without the fear of being flooded or invaded by people peering in your windows.  Or maybe you’d like to benefit from the close proximity of a plethora of shops and restaurants, whilst maintaining your privacy and also being guaranteed of a parking space.   If you don’t want to cook, then why not walk the few hundred metres down the hill to Sumas, saves on the washing up! If this sounds like you, then Oakridge is a must view. The current owners have excellent taste in interior decoration and all of the furniture within the property is available to purchase, all you’d need to do is pack your clothes and in you move.

Oakridge, Mont de Gorey, Gorey, St Martin £1,275,000

Wilsons, www.wilsons.je 01534 877977

• 1800 sq.ft

• 2 bedrooms

• 3 bathrooms

• Eat in kitchen

• Sea views from all rooms

• Oil fired central heating

• Parking for 3 cars

• Qualified

• Walk in condition

• Keys available for accompanied viewing

Coco Rico

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Coco Rico

CocoRico is a longstanding favourite with Francophiles in the island and has been for the five years since owner/chef Sebastien first opened our eyes and tantalised our taste buds with all of his French fancies, the likes of which would normally be reserved for summer trips over to France. With its enticing smells, sensational flavours and charming ambience, CocoRico properly oozes everything that is French cuisine.

The delightful French café, which can be found at 33 Broad Street (on the site of the old Wimpy), was inspired by a simple love story between a French man and his food! The place is full of French character and atmosphere. Their love also extends to the Coco Carte, which can be found every Saturday on King Street outside BHS, where Sebastien himself makes crêpes and very recently they’ve established themselves in the central market.

Sebastien himself hails from Brittany, but made Jersey his home some time ago now.  His philosophy is simple, good quality home cooking made with care and great ingredients, which, where possible are sourced locally and from Genuine Jersey producers. Although to remain fully authentic and true to his French origins he does bring over some French ingredients over, which are what make his crêpes, galettes, gaufres and patisserie even more like a taste of France. He’s responsible for making absolutely every tasty thing you see on or under the counters, all of which are served in generous portions.

CocoRico isn’t just a Creperie, although the crêpes are worth a visit alone. Open early you can swing by and pick up a cup of coffee and a breakfast pot or one of their superb homemade pastries to start your day.  Sebastien and his team cater for just about every dietary requirement.  Whether you’re a gluten free carnivore or looking for low carb vegetarian options, or you’re looking for low carb carnivore options, there will be something for you to try and the options change daily, which mean you’ll always be spoiled for choice. The central market stall is soon going to be offering beautiful organic omelettes to take away and every day, like Broad Street they have a selection of salads, soup served with homemade bread and patisserie for you to choose from.

It would be remiss to write about CocoRico without taking a moment to reflect on the great beauty of their Macarons. These little sweet treats are irresistible. They come in a variety of colours and flavour combinations and cannot fail to make you smile when you see them nestled under the counter.  They can be bagged up, to make an excellent present or what about learning to make them yourself?  Sebastien has already held a great many small classes to show people how to recreate these brightly coloured treats at home.

The café on Broad Street (the site of the old Wimpy) is also available for private hire for parties (15 minimum and 40 maximum). Sebastien is very happy to talk to you about whatever your needs are and he’s also able to offer a great deal of made to order services too, whether it be an office lunch or birthday cake.

The CocoRico brand has established itself a very serious following already and whilst others have popped up on the scene you will find it hard to find the authenticity offered to you by Sebastien anywhere else outside of France, but don’t just take our word for it, go along and try out the CocoRico experience for yourself!

CocoRico 33, Broad St, Jersey

Tel: 866607 / www.cocoricojersey.com

The Joy of Self Love

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The Joy of Self Love

It’s at this time of year, when I’m done tweezing smashed baubles out of my feet and the garden reeks of dead Minions and rotting pine needles, that I can take the time to reflect on what Christmas means to me. The dog is no longer dressed as a reindeer, the post-NYE court summons are on their way and I’m temporarily low enough on gin that I can reflect on the reason for the season.

Christmas isn’t just about mince pie bloat or hoverboard injuries, sexual harassment at the office party and getting punched by a drunk aunt, but about friends, family and lovers. Specifically, it’s about encouraging people who have those things to spend loads of money on them and making those people who don’t feel like they’ve failed at life. “What’s wrong with you?” we say with a passive-aggressive pity face “you haven’t got anybody to enjoy the X Factor final with. Even Adele has a partner, and she can’t stop bellowing about the last one.” Poor singletons, says society, you are missing out. But is that really the case?

After December’s festivities and a cold miserable January, February is calculated to push lonely people over the edge through the most awful ‘special day’ of them all.  Even if you steer clear of the gift shops Valentine’s Day is spaffed all over your social media experience in the form of a thousand twee Facebook posts from over-sharing couples. Well, my single friends, before you get too slighted by these public displays of affection, take a minute to think to yourself why anybody feels the need to remind you how happy they are. Consider why Christmas is often about spending money you don’t have and enduring the company of people you’d rather stuff with sausage meat and roast in the oven. Look deep into the eyes of that smiling couple with their selfie stick in Venice, Paris or St Peter Port – can you see that tiny glint of desperation? Humanity’s squalid little secret is that most people can barely tolerate each other. We’re often just afraid of being alone, and if oversharing couples were honest they’d snap the selfie stick, take back their kooky wedding vows and run to opposite ends of the earth whilst the children are in the soft play.

Misery loves company

Now, before a raging Valentine’s mob storms my house with satin pitchforks and does something unspeakable with an Ann Summers goodie bag, I should make it clear that I’m not saying this about all couples. I’m happily married to another hater, so there’s no reason for me not to believe that your Kylie and Tyson 4 Eva car sticker and matching neck tattoos spell true love (even if you can’t personally spell it). You might even have pushed out a few babies, which is totally a sign that you are soul-mates and has nothing to do with biological imperative or the unreliability of contraception. No, I’m just talking about those other couples, the annoying ones. The ones who don’t stop going on about it. Not you. Put down the strawberry lube and get out of my garden.

I’ll concede it’s unfailingly impressive that anybody manages to spend all their free time with another human without murdering them in their sleep, but what smug couples don’t realise is that it’s equally admirable being able to enjoy your own company and to have a meaningful existence without it revolving around another person. This might come as a shock to people in TRUE LOVE but many people can enjoy films, beaches and art galleries without needing to exchange saliva every five minutes. They can have conversations with friends without texting or referring to their partner/children nonstop, and with practice can even experience a normal range of human emotions without yoyoing between total adoration and that special shouty rage that only people in a long-term relationship can truly summon.  Obviously the ideal mental state is somewhere between the thighs of obsessive coupledom and utter self-reliance, but there’s a conspiracy to convince us that it’s an all-or-nothing proposition. Either marry somebody, pump out 2.4 kids and learn to adore their morning breath and hairy back, or die alone and sexually frustrated, unmourned in a filthy hovel full of vodka and cats.

Happiness is somewhere in the middle

Being bonded to another human undeniably has its good points, but if you’re halfway normal there will be long periods in your life where you aren’t. Just remember it probably isn’t a reflection on you, because people are terrible idiots and you have to burn through a lot of them before you find one you don’t want to kill. I’ve spent enough time minding my own business to remember how much it can stink, but unless you are Beyonce-level sexy you might as well get used to the odd stretch where the phrase ‘significant other’ refers to your texting hand.  I’d go as far as to say you’re a fool if you don’t try and enjoy the benefits offered by single life. Use the toilet with the door open, drink beer in the shower and break wind wherever you feel like it. Eat and sleep any time it feels appropriate, go out whenever the opportunity presents itself and go home with whoever you want. Even if you aren’t successful on that front there’s this wonderful thing called the internet that will keep you ‘entertained’ for hours, doesn’t care when you don’t feel like making conversation afterwards and won’t expect you to cook breakfast for anybody other than yourself. Just keep it legal and clear your browser history if Mum comes round to check you haven’t drowned in your own dirty laundry.

The most important thing you need to remember is that you need to try hard enough to get what you want, but not hard enough that you lose all sense of yourself.  This advice is true when you’re on your own, but lots of people quickly forget that it’s still true when you’ve been married sixty years and know your partner inside out in gross ways that you probably didn’t anticipate when you still had all your own teeth. If I’ve learned anything about enjoying the company of other humans it has nothing to do with mawkish Christmas feely-fests and Valentine’s day schmaltz, it’s more likely I passed out in front of the telly and picked up some subliminal wisdom from RuPaul’s Drag Race or Peep Show. Breathe deep and tell yourself – you too can be happy. As long as you ignore social propaganda and come to accept that, like me, your definition of true love might be as simple as finding a person who you can hear chewing a steak without wanting to ram them in the eye with a fork. Happy Valentine’s Day.

Let’s go Alfresco…

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Let’s go Alfresco…

Brian Smith is no stranger to the world of events, or fabulous bars! Not only is he the brains behind both the Blind Pig and Ce Soir, his company Alfresco Events & Bars is responsible for supplying the bars at many outdoor and corporate events here in Jersey.  

This year sees him and another familiar face, Brett Wheeler (that’s him in the photo frame, kicking back in South Africa), join together to make them a force to be reckoned with.  If you’re responsible for organising your works social functions, or looking for something a little different to add to your next dinner party then look no further.  Alfresco Events & Bars will be able to help you bring the fun and atmosphere of your favourite bar, to just about anywhere, all without you having to lift a finger!

We spoke to them both about what’s coming up in 2016.

For those who may not know, explain to us about Alfresco Events & Bars:

We specialise in temporary and event cocktail / public bars. Some of the more recent places you may have seen us include; The Big Gig, The NatWest Island Games, Reasons Festival, The Barclays Jersey Boat Show, Havre des Pas Seaside Festival, the Christmas Markets and many others.  We have a variety of different decked out bar units which will work with a   sny theme or marquee based event, charity events and so on. Whether it’s a corporate, licensed public event, private, wedding or product launch we can cover it.

Our outdoor trailer unit is designed and fitted with a DJ box, fully functional stainless steel front and back bar, which means it complies to hygiene regulations and it even has an on board hot and cold water boiler system, keeping us on top of our 5 Star rating, it’s pretty much the Rolls Royce of units.

We also provide team building cocktail events, where we’re happy to come to your office and teach you how to make your favourite drink and we’re about to launch a new molecular themed service, bringing a bit of science to your cocktails, which we can bring to your house or works event, look out for this over the summer period.

Obviously we’re all gearing up for the long awaited summer season to start, but does alfresco mean that you’re only available for outdoor events:

On the contrary, we are geared up for any event, indoor or outdoor. In the winter months we provide large corporations with bespoke in house client champagne / cocktail parties, and also bring the party to your house, providing DJs, food caterers and event themes, if you’ve got an idea we can help you make it happen.

The big news is obviously the two of you joining forces, tell us about that:

Over the years, Brett was always my right hand man heading up some of the biggest events in Jersey, he would just get on with the job and understand the importance of doing it right. Sometimes we would have to work overnight to see an event through, no questions asked. Brett was always keen to become a business partner and I felt the time was right for him to step up and he accepted my proposal, which is amazing news.  Adding his skills to mine means we’re really strengthening our offering for our customers.

So Brett, whilst you’re a familiar face to most customers what in particular will you be focusing on with the Alfresco business:

My main aim is to focus on building more business throughout the year along with trying to bring a few new ideas to the party. Alfresco Events, is the largest provider of outdoor bars, and trying to inform our customers we can supply a fully functional bar, whatever the occasion, and they no longer need to put up with part time caterers, who come along with makeshift tables tops that blow away when the wind gets up. We can basically bring the whole bar experience to wherever you are!

Brett you’re currently back in South Africa, we’re not jealous honestly, but other than a holiday, what are you doing:

Getting sunburnt at the moment! But asides from sunbathing and relaxing I’m also doing a bit of research about molecular mixology with a few people who are already using this method at events and trying to get a few more ideas to bring back to jersey, it’s going to add a whole new dimension to the cocktail experience.

Tell us more about molecular cocktails, is this something we can expect to see here in Jersey:

Molecular mixology has actually been around for a while, but it’s just never made it across the water to Jersey, until now. It’s not actually something that you’ll see in bars, but for one off events, weddings and corporate events it’s ideal.  I can’t wait to get back to the island and start experimenting and getting us ready to launch this sometime in the summer. Without boring people with the science bit, I’ll give you a quick example. Spherification is just one of the techniques applied to molecular mixology. It’s the culinary process of shaping a liquid into spheres. They can be small like caviar or larger like an egg yolk. These methods enable the creation of greater intensities and varieties of flavour, different flavour combinations and different ways of presenting drinks, for example using gels, powders, foams, atomised sprays etc. as well as affecting the appearance of the cocktail it totally changes up your whole experience.  Think Heston Blumenthal if you want to get an idea of just how crazy this can get.

Are there any big events we can expect to see you guys at over the coming year:

We loyally work closely with the Big Gig in the Park, and never miss The Barclays Jersey Boat Show, and you will see us at most locally run public events, such as Pride day, Havre des Pas seaside festival, Dragon boat race and Airshow. There are a few more chunky events we have pitched for, and hopefully will secure, so watch this space.

Do you have a favourite cocktail,

if so what is it and why:

Brett…Old fashioned.  Not only is it one of the oldest cocktails it’s still one of the most popular cocktails around, it’s hard to beat!

Brian….I vary from season to season, but have to agree with Brett, it’s also the Old Fashioned for me! It is a classic cocktail, derived predominantly from the prohibition era, harsh bootleg whiskey needed a helping hand by the bartender to be more palatable. Nowadays the techniques are just as amazing, with Bourbons, whiskeys and rum being used as the base. Think velvet-smooth textures, smoky notes, straight-balanced, sweetened and chilled, once you get into this drink you become a connoisseur on every new venue you visit, you just can’t help it.

If we want to hire you for an event, what do we need to do:

You can contact both Brett & I direct on 610422 or 07797790005 / brian@cesoirjersey.com also go via www.cesoirjersey.com  of find us on facebook; alfrescoevents. And if you want to sample some of our Cocktail delights before your event, obviously just for quality control purposes, then please just ask.

Moo goes west….

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Moo goes west….

Residents out west will now be able to get their healthy food fix without having to come into the metropolis as Moo and their development partners today got planning approval for their new cafe at La Pulente. The former toilets on the site will be developed by Simon Sloman to designs produced by St Ouen based architect Tim Skudder. The development should be ready by the Autumn and we can’t wait to get down there. Watch this space!

 

Screen Shot 2016-01-28 at 14.47.39

Boots and cats

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Boots and cats

Kittens break the internet and everyone likes a beatboxer. It had to happen…

FlyBlueIslandsBe.

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FlyBlueIslandsBe.

The islands have had a bit of a love/hate relationship with Flybe but how about being able to access the Flybe network but with Blue Islands operating the flights? Blue Islands today announces it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Flybe, Europe’s largest regional airline, to become its third franchise partner with effect from May 2016, operating services in Flybe branded aircraft, with Flybe flight numbers with all tickets booked online at flybe.com. Flybe’s existing franchise partners are Loganair and Stobart Air.

Rob Veron, Blue Islands’ Managing Director said: “By becoming a franchise partner of Flybe, we will really be able to put Guernsey and Jersey firmly on the radar of potential new visitors and will all benefit from Flybe’s significant marketing bandwidth capabilities.

“By becoming a franchise partner of Flybe, we will really be able to put Guernsey and Jersey firmly on the radar of potential new visitors and will all benefit from Flybe’s significant marketing bandwidth capabilities.

Rob Veron,Managing Director, Blue Islands

“Whilst our aircraft will be re-painted in Flybe livery, we will still remain an independent locally owned air operator continuing to fly all our own aircraft under the Blue Islands AOC (Air Operators Certificate). We will continue to employ all our own crew, undertake all our own maintenance and control our own handling arrangements, and set our own prices.”

Saad Hammad, Flybe CEO added: “Today’s announcement reflects the long-standing relationship Flybe has with the Channel Islands which can only be deepened by this proposed new partnership. We look forward to welcoming Blue Islands into our expanding franchise family.”

Derek Coates, Chairman and owner of Blue Islands comments: “Airlines all over the world have improved efficiencies and profitability by forming alliances. What this move will do more than anything else, is to ensure that Blue Islands remains locally owned and viable in the future without the need for any Government support. It is the sensible way forward for any smaller airline to move without loss of slots, ownership or security.”

 

Aviation Beauport to be sold

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Aviation Beauport to be sold

It’s only a small proportion of the island that turn left at the airport roundabout when departing the Island (or before it coming from St Brelade!). For those that do and use the facility for private air travel at Aviation Beauport, today potentially marks a change and a new phase of growth at the facility as Gama Aviation plc announce a conditional acquisition of the company for a consideration of £2,600,000 in cash and the issue of 1,000,000 ordinary shares.

Gama Aviation plc, one of the world’s largest business aviation service providers, has today announced a conditional acquisition of Aviation Beauport Ltd. The conditional acquisition (subject to the approval of the Channel Island’s Competition Authority [CICRA]) of Aviation Beauport expands Gama Aviation’s managed fleet by four aircraft, brings light jets into its charter fleet and increases its property portfolio with the Island’s only FBO facility.

Since its inception in 1969, Aviation Beauport has firmly established itself as the only premier aircraft service provider in the Channel Islands. With Jersey’s recently established aircraft registry, its high density of high net worth local residents and aircraft owning businesses, the conditional acquisition is both a logical extension of Gama Aviation’s global Air and Ground network and represents excellent growth potential for its services.

Marwan Khalek, CEO of Gama Aviation Plc comments: “We are delighted with this conditional acquisition which we hope to complete on by the end of February 2016. It is an excellent strategic fit for the Group as Jersey and the Channel Islands are important economic centres and entirely complement our existing facilities in Hong Kong, Sharjah, Geneva, Teterboro, Chicago, West Palm Beach, Dallas, Las Vegas and those around the London area.”

“I am delighted to have Beauport become part of the Gama Aviation family. The industry is becoming dominated by fewer but larger players, and Gama Aviation are at the forefront of that expansion, and it seemed logical to work with one of the most respected and progressive players in the industry”.

Mike Bell, owner of Aviation Beauport

The acquisition comprises a consideration of £2,600,000 in cash and the issue of 1,000,000 ordinary shares, which based on Gama’s closing share price on 7 January 2016, gives a total consideration of £5,325,000. On completion, the purchase of Beauport will include fixed assets comprising property with a book value of approximately £2,000,000 and a net current asset neutral position including cash of approximately £650,000. The deal brings light jets into Gama Aviation’s charter fleet and increases its property portfolio with the island’s only FBO (fixed base operator) facility

In the twelve months to 31 December 2015, Beauport is expected to achieve a turnover of approximately £6,000,000 and generate an EBITDA not less than £725,000. The Board expects the acquisition to be earnings enhancing in the first year. Gama Aviation has also agreed a £10,000,000 credit line in the form of a revolving credit facility for £8,000,000 and an additional overdraft facility of £2,000,000 from its principal bankers, RBS. This facility will be used to fund the cash consideration of the acquisition of Beauport and will also provide further expansion capital.

Dear Government, what happens if Jersey moves?

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Dear Government, what happens if Jersey moves?

It’s amazing what concerns the Jersey public to such as extent that they need to approach the SOJ for a FOI. That’s States of Jersey for a Freedom of Information request. It’s all acronyms these days.

Well, flicking through them this evening (as you do) we found quite a few that you’d expect – the cost of sale of public buildings, the cost of provision of government services and so on, then we came to this one. It seems that someone felt it important to ask the States whether or not they had a contingency in place if, at some point, the island were to move.

It seems that in August this year, someone was concerned that Jersey could drift to the Indian Ocean. Rather odd. They wanted to know if the government had a plan in place if the island were ‘suddenly to relocate’. It seems this person has a profound misapprehension about the geography of an island. It is pretty cool to think that Jersey is floating off the coast of France and that we could go somewhere warmer in the winter, en masse. Unfortunately such a thing is unlikely to occur and thus negatively affect fisherman, the point over which this FOI request seems to be concerned.

Unsurprisingly, the SOJ aren’t obliged to answer such a request if it’s seen to be vexatious. What a great word huh?! It means causing or tending to cause annoyance, frustration, or worry. As they’re so often on the receiving end of such descriptions I guess it’s good that they get to thrash that one out occasionally.

It’s good to know they answer serious requests though. If there’s something you’d like to know from your government or would like to see what others want to know, check out here >

www.gov.je/Government/FreedomOfInformation

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