The private view of Good Vibrations at CCA Galleries International lived up to its name with a lively, colourful evening that drew a crowd of collectors, creatives, and familiar faces from Jersey’s art scene. The vibrant gallery space at 10 Hill Street buzzed with conversation and laughter as guests enjoyed drinks and explored the striking, joy-filled works on display. Presented in collaboration with Enter Gallery, the exhibition features an impressive line-up of internationally renowned artists including Grayson Perry, Slim Aarons, Harland Miller, and Michael Craig-Martin, alongside local talent like Juliet St John Nicolle. Walls pulsed with colour and playful energy – from Marc Quinn’s fingerprint labyrinths to Sara Pope’s hyper-glossy lips and Peter Blake’s iconic pop imagery.
The Harbour Gallery Jersey hosted a warm and engaging evening with author Rachael Dymski as part of the Liberation 80 celebrations. Surrounded by local art and an intimate audience, Dymski shared the inspiration behind her debut historical novel The Women of Jersey Island, which follows the courageous efforts of three women who join the island’s secret resistance during the German Occupation of 1940. Drawing on her own family’s Jersey roots and interviews with Occupation survivors, Dymski’s reading brought both emotion and authenticity to the event. Guests enjoyed wine, nibbles, and a vibrant Q & A session, where Rachael spoke about the challenges of historical fiction, the importance of memory, and the resilience of islanders during the war. The evening offered a thoughtful reflection on Jersey’s past and a celebration of storytelling’s power to preserve it.
They’re a passionate bunch at The Colour Rooms. Dawn and her team had put on a grand spread for the Osborne family, who exhibited work from three generations for assembled friends and guests. Many will know Maureen from her work as an art tutor and her landspaces and floral paintings, in vibrant oils. If you pass Beaumont on your way out west, pop in and take a look.
Jersey Museum’s Gallery buzzed with conversation and clinking glasses on the opening night of ‘Life after Liberation: the road to recovery’, launched as part of Jersey Heritage’s Liberation 80 programme. Familiar faces from heritage groups, sponsors Benest & Syvret, and long‑time museum supporters mingled over complimentary drinks before being drawn into the exhibition’s narrative of life beyond 9 May 1945. Visitors watched rare colour footage of Liberation Day accompanied by Emily de Gruchy’s immersive soundscape, followed by a varied exhibition of artefacts.
Whilst working for yourself doesn’t necessarily mean more free time, it does offer the freedom to work on your own terms – whether that’s setting your own hours, calling the shots or knowing that every effort you put in is for yourself.
Photographer Cameron Aird set out to capture the stories of female entrepreneurs across Jersey, photographing a diverse range of business owners – from bakers and salon owners to distillers and dance teachers. Each of them has carved out a career that reflects who they are and how they want to work.
We asked them about the moments they’ve been able to make time for because of that flexibility. For some, it’s stepping away when it matters – through family time, a morning swim, or just a quick breather. For others, it’s about having full control over their space, their team, and the way they work.
Through this series, Cameron’s portraits highlight the women behind the businesses – the ones putting in the work to create careers on their own terms, with the flexibility and freedom to shape their own time.
Melanie May La Bouche
“I love being able to be as creative as possible – I used to draw on the windows of La Bouche in a pen that you could rub off for each different season, or I would create a display for the walls. It’s all your own vision – down to the vintage cutlery and souvenir spoons. Making that come to life is one of the most fulfilling things you can ever do. / I collect souvenir spoons for the restaurant from different places in the world, and every now and then I’ll have a magical moment where a customer happens to be from the same place as the spoon I put on their coffee saucer. It sparks an amazing conversation – being able to speak to customers about their lives, without feeling guilty about it because it’s your business, is one of my favourite things.”
Kirstie Taylor Flour
“I think the memory that springs to mind would be the first weekend after I opened the new shop at Colomberie. After having designed the interior, taken part in the building and installed furnishings and equipment, I sat down in one of the booth seats at the back of the patisserie and just took a moment to reflect on how my vision had slowly come to life and how it was all just as I imagined but right there in front of me. It was quite a surreal feeling that sparked up such a feeling of accomplishment.”
Lucy Cooper The Happy Hyroxer
“I got a puppy in November, and the ability to be really flexible with my hours when he arrived home was something I really appreciated. Having the first two weeks off with him was something that I was only able to do because I work for myself.”
Kirsten Emily Chapman Island Dance
“There’s a freedom in working for yourself, but the best part for me is surrounding yourself with like-minded people, who uplift and inspire you. I’m most proud of the moments when my friends and I are able to create together. We’re able to bounce our ideas off each other, and support each other, we get excited for one another, and always big each other up. Whether it’s live performances, music videos, events, classes or whatever it is, being in control of my own time and having the freedom to work together, creates some really special moments both personally and professionally.”
Dominique Harris Blend Artistry
“Since becoming my own boss, I’ve relished the freedom to weave work around precious moments with my family, striking a balance that feels right! One core memory is the day I surprised my children with our puppy Ginny, who is now my little salon sidekick. / On top of that, I feel incredibly fortunate to share this journey with my sisters and best friend, working side by side, making everyday more fun!”
Aurelie Verrell JUST LOLS
“One of the most rewarding moments in my career was opening my own business and creating a space where creativity, passion, and teamwork could thrive. Having the opportunity to build a team, share my artistry, and help clients express themselves through nail design has been an incredible journey. There’s nothing more fulfilling than turning a vision into reality and watching it grow.”
Lauren Rhodes The Creative Club Jersey
“Every Thursday I take the morning or day off to have a mother-daughter day, when I either go swimming, to the park or to the beach – just me and my daughter. It’s quiet as it’s midweek and the two of us together just get to properly connect. That’s the most precious time to me and I make sure I completely switch off work for it.”
Danielle Gallagher Lick Studio
“Being a fairly new business, this shoot has been a favourite! Getting involved in celebrating local women and their businesses is a highlight, as is making my own clients feel good by giving them a space to express themselves through nails. I love to sit down and chat with people whilst painting nails all day!”
Claire Evans Eden by Claire
“I bring my dogs into the shop with me every day. I get to do a job that I’ve loved for 29 years – Eden being nearly 13 years of that – whilst being surrounded by lush plants, flowers and my two frenchies Moss & Fern.”
Sarah Gaudion Sea Level Distillery
“I have the ability to travel with the children regularly, which I couldn’t do in a more traditional job. We’ve been interrailing around Italy, and gone on trips across Norway, Sweden, Denmark and the Arctic Circle. We’re off to Switzerland in a few weeks and Marrakesh. / It’s important to add, however, that when you work for yourself you’re never actually on holiday. There’s no such thing as a day off!”
Birdie might just be Jersey’s most Insta-famous toddler. She is best known for her groundbreaking work on sweet pea teapees, repotting seedlings and wishing a dead mouse a Merry Christmas at its funeral. Her mum, Nyah Whittingham, is a 23-year-old with a passion for nature, gentle living and slowing things down for the next generation. Since becoming a mother, she’s been drawn back to the outdoors, grounding herself in life’s simple pleasures and reconnecting with a childhood that existed before the rise of the iPad kid. For her, nature is more than just a backdrop, offering healing to anyone searching for calm in an increasingly fast-paced, tech-driven world.
When I heard that the theme for this issue was ‘time & generations’, my mind was immediately cast to the importance of how we choose to nurture future generations as parents. Because the way we show up today will affect not only our own children but the children who come after them, too.
In our modern world, many of us remember grandma’s recipes, the scent of a late loved one’s perfume, and perhaps some stories passed down by older relatives, but I fear we are losing touch with not only meaningful connections to one another, but also simple skills and understanding of the natural world.
In modern society, where convenience has taken the limelight and disconnection is rife amongst ourselves and also our children, I feel it is important now more than ever to highlight the ways we can inspire ourselves and the next generation to feel more grounded, seen and heard. Because a truly connected child understands their importance, knows their worth and recognises their role, no matter how small, in the way they relate to others in their family, their community, and in their world.
Taking Responsibility for How Children Experience Childhood
I am grateful for having spent years of my childhood building dens, climbing trees, and being more gibbon than I was human… but from around the age of 13, when smartphones came onto the scene, I feel a sense of loss. The overstimulation, constant pressure to compare myself and the rush of trying to digest the overwhelming flow of information definitely took things from me, so I want to acknowledge those things as I feel they resonate with what is being lost in the children of today: Hours of free time away from screens to explore their own interests, the chance to be fully present with the world around them, the moments when boredom and natural curiosity leads them to their next passion, the opportunity to build an unshakeable sense of self outside of societal pressures, time to explore nature, and most importantly- the innocence of NOT knowing everything.
We were never meant to be reachable all the time. Our brains were not designed to take the weight of instant access to everything negative in the world. We were never meant to lose touch with our simple nature. In a world where technology now plays such a large role in our lives, we find ourselves lacking what matters most: real connection.
As an adult, I have a lot of appreciation for the opportunities that are found online such as community building, contact with long distance friends and family, the ability to self-educate ourselves on what is happening in the wider world and the ability to learn new skills online. I don’t believe we should live in fear of the modern way, because technology and social media is here to stay. But we can set healthy boundaries and make a conscious effort to build a more real life for our children to witness and experience.
It only takes one scroll in the right comments section on Facebook to realise that older generations are wondering why our modern world is showing symptoms of dysregulation, loneliness and disconnection. People wonder why our children are losing their innocence, why they talk like angry adults, why some choose violence over play, why anxiety and depression rates are at an all time high, they wonder why our kids don’t play on the street anymore, and where, oh where are they adopting their negative thoughts? Some people simply blame the children and deem younger generations a ‘lost-cause’.
We need to do better in 2025, and take responsibility for how today’s children experience childhood.
A Generational Shift
In the coming decades, I predict that we will see a shift in how parents choose to introduce technology to their children. We are moving away from a generation of parents who had no experience of the impact of online exposure, and no option but to meet with friends in real life, explore nature and find their place in a community… To make way for a generation of parents who look back on their childhood and acknowledge how much they lost due to unnecessary pressure and unnatural stimulation.
Since healing from my own mental health struggles as a teenager, I’ve spent my motherhood reconnecting with my roots. I am dedicated to rediscovering the places and practices that bring me true joy, and the things I can do more of in order to model a woman who is truly happy and fulfilled by her real life, to my daughter, and one thing has become crystal clear: nature is our antidote to the disconnection we face in the modern world. What better remedy than remembering how deeply connected we are to every aspect of the natural world? Even though daunting, I find it beautiful to think about the power we have in raising a happier generation.
By returning our focus to the natural world and choosing to do more simple things like growing our own food, taking care of seedlings, celebrating seasonal change, learning the names of plants in our environment or simply walking outside more, we model an important connection to our children: one that is grounded in appreciation for the Earth, one another, and ourselves.
A More Grounded Generation
We are at a crucial point where parents have a say in whether the next generation is consumed by external pressures, or empowered by a sense of connection to the world around them.
It is our job as a community to ensure that children are held by a life that goes deeper than Snapchat and societal judgement. It’s our job to ensure their feet are rooted in self acceptance and the exploration of their own interests, to make sure they grow up to be fulfilled people who can sense how much they are valued, and find a purpose that drives them to understand our real world better.
Creating Our Children’s Future, Today
The pace of modern life is steadily increasing, pulling us further from the rhythms of the earth and deeper into cycles of stress, dissolution, and burnout. But as parents, we can choose a different path for our children. By embracing slower habits, connecting with nature and adopting a more present way of living, we provide the next generation with a foundation of balance, self-trust, and connection.
When we consciously choose to slow down and form habits that honour our connection to nature, we offer our children something invaluable, that can be passed on for generations- peace. By deepening our connection with the real world, we teach them that peace isn’t just a state of mind, but a way of life- a way of life we have become detached from over time. But one that we can get back. Modeling a curious relationship with the natural world and being present with our children in these moments is how we can find joy ourselves, but also show our children how to remain grounded in a fast-paced world.
When we prioritise our own happiness and connection with the earth as parents, we aren’t just raising children, we’re shaping future stewards of the Earth. We will raise a generation that will grow up knowing how to care for the world around them, and that their presence is valued in our real world.
We may not be able to stop time, but we have the power to choose how it is spent. The choices we make today will shape not just childhoods, but the world our children will inherit. Let’s make it one where they feel connected and empowered to care for the Earth, for each other, and for themselves.
Architecture is a balancing act, working to produce something new whilst balancing functionality, adhering to regulations and still allowing enough enthusiasm to add some unique design and flair. Whether it’s turning worn-out residential properties into buildings worthy of Grand Designs, or constructing a modern-day palace for the States carved out of marble and glass, the aim is to shape an environment that reflects the needs and desires of the times. It’s a craft that incorporates precision and artistry, all whilst being mindful of maximising space.
McClinton
In the same way that the rise of digital technology revolutionised fields such as graphic design – turning a tangible, hand-drawn craft into one redefined by software – architecture experienced its own transformation. Traditional drafting methods gave way to computer-aided design, with 3D visualisation tools eventually evolving into AI-powered computational design. The level of precision and efficiency offered by new technology is undeniable, but when looking at some of the new apartment buildings in town, it’s easy to mourn the loss of a little character.
Curry
It’s a sentiment shared by Leah Bohea, an archivist and artist working under Stuart Fell at the Société Jersiaise. What began as a volunteer project digitising old film slides became a dedicated mission to revive Jersey’s historic architectural drawings. These blueprints – often hand-drawn by artists – don’t just depict buildings but also the environments that frame them. As standalone works of art, they serve as both historical records and sources of creative inspiration for Leah.
“I was always fascinated by what was around me, especially buildings,” she recalled. “They had such a massive impact on my mood.” The old maps she set out to recover, with Stuart’s guidance, opened new creative doors for her. Her work focuses on the fluctuations that occur across time, and immersing herself in the history of these drawings fuels her artistic process. “The intricacies in the drawings – they’re so pretty, dainty even,” she said. “The buildings hold so much vibrancy, thought, and character. It’s refreshing to see something different from the architecture you commonly see now.”
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While some of the plans depict buildings that have since been demolished or altered, many original structures still stand, making it fascinating to see the visions they materialised from. Preserving these snippets of inspiration is a painstakingly precise process, involving special rubbers and chemical solutions before scanning the restored drawings using high-resolution photography under controlled lighting. “Every drawing is different,” Leah explained. “There was no standardised paper back then – some are on tracing paper, others on thick card or delicate parchment.” She added, “We have lots of architectural drawings that use colourful ink. There are even some crazy ones by an architect called McClinton, who would only draw in red.”
Floor plans reveal trends and interior layouts that would seem idiosyncratic today. Leah recalls scanning the blueprints of an old convent, only to discover a room solely dedicated to beer storage. There’s so much stuff that would seem unheard of now,” she laughed, “but back then, they were just normal parts of life. People had floor plans that referred to bathrooms as ‘powder rooms’ and typically dedicated much more space to communal areas.” She continued, “I’ve handled hundreds of drawings, and every one of them has something unexpected.”
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By the end of the year, Stuart and Leah plan to showcase 300 recovered architectural plans in an exhibition, featuring designs from the mid-1800s to the late 1900s. They hope to highlight not only the evolution of architecture over time but also how it reflects the community it serves. Each set of drawings will be accompanied by information about the original architects and their buildings, aiming to foster greater appreciation for Jersey’s listed structures and architectural heritage. “The tops of almost every building in town are still original and in pristine condition,” Leah noted, “and I feel like sometimes people don’t realise how lucky we are to have so much of this historic architecture.” By restoring these drawings, Leah and Stuart hope to keep a part of Jersey’s architectural history alive, and show that there’s still value in the craftsmanship and character of the past in an age of digital precision.
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An Artistic Extension
Leah’s art has been shaped by her time in the archive, exploring themes of change, time and the past. These are ideas that have fascinated her since she was a teenager, adopting the mantra “time is a healer.” The intricacy and sense of nostalgia woven into the architectural drawings inspired her to blend illustration with photography, experimenting with collage and fine details. “Change, time and flow have always been at the root of my work,” Leah reflected, adding, “it’s always held a kind of hope for me.”
Karl Fitzpatrick’s favourite trainers may be Adidas Adios Pro 4’s, but there’s one particular shoe that holds a special place in his heart. He’s had a love-hate relationship with this shoe since 2022, after his close friend’s dad passed away at Jersey Hospice. Seven days after this phone call, Karl decided to run his first half marathon: “I’m not really a runner,” he said, “so I decided to run 10K Monday night, 10K Tuesday night, 20K on Wednesday night, and then the Hospice Half at the end of the week”. From there he ran the London marathon, before fully embracing his calling: running in the Hospice mascot costume – a giant running shoe.
“It’s quite hot, it’s quite chafe-y and about 7kg when dry and 10kg when wet,” noted Karl, filling me in on the logistics of running in a massive shoe. “I’ve sort of taught myself how to run slightly strangely… it digs into my shoulders and I have to carry it, so you have to run without using your arms.”
“It chafes in places you don’t want to know about,” Karl remarked. “It’s not good.” He added that despite the uncomfortable side effects, “the shoe acts like a little superstar that kids and grannies love. It puts a smile on people’s faces, so it’s worth it.” The struggles of Bodyglide gel and flying to London with an oversized hold bag fade in comparison.
“I was standing at the starting line once, and I could see a poor lady who seemed a bit sad,” Karl recalled, “she had a picture of either a brother or a dad that passed away, and that’s why she was running in London. And then, as she was getting upset, she looked at me in the shoe and the fella next to me who was in a banana, eating a banana, and just instantly started laughing. Moments like that make you realise why you’re doing what you’re doing.”
The shoe has brought a lot of joy to both the spectators and runners of the London marathon, but there’s plenty of people closer to home that have fallen in love with Karl and his shoe. It’s essential for him to train with the shoe before races, to perfect his adapted running technique and learn how to shoulder the extra weight. “If you run 20K in the shoe, it feels like you’ve been run over by a tractor,” he joked, before telling me about a run he’d recently completed around Jersey’s green lanes.
“I ran 17K in the shoe yesterday,” Karl said, adding “Lots of people always stop me to take a selfie, but yesterday I must have stopped about 20 times, chatting to people, taking pictures, telling them about the Hospice. Sometimes people give me cash as I run, and I always try to remember their name so I can thank them on the fundraising page.”
Karl also whips the shoe out for the annual Christmas Day Swim at Greve de Lecq, organised by the St Ouen’s Football Club in support of Jersey Hospice. Each year around a thousand people pile onto the bay, half in the ocean and half on the beach, in honour of one of the Presidents of the club who spent his last days in the Hospice. “I’m the foot soldier,” Karl described, “I don’t swim, but I go around in the shoe costume, making sure everyone’s having a good time and getting donations in. After that I just run around, taking photos with the kids, making sure that everybody has a good start to their Christmas Day.”
When I asked Karl if he’d consider branching out from the shoe into other effective forms of fundraising attire, he joked, “if somebody wants me to, I’d run with my hair pink. I’d carry a fridge if I had to, as long as it’s for Hospice and raising money for a good cause.”
“But at the moment, the shoe is what people recognise me as. There’s a million spectators at the London Marathon, and people like seeing the shoe. They like shouting out the name, and it’s quite a little novelty. It’s a motivation to keep you going, and that sort of gets you over the line as well.”
Profile
Name: Karl Fitzpatrick
Nickname: ‘The Shoe’
Age: 52
Favourite roadside heckles: “That’s sole destroying,” “I’d love to run a mile in your shoe,” “A-Shoe (sneeze),” “Your lace is undone.”
When not being a shoe I am: Husband to Claire, and Dad to son Harley and dog Rafa. Also enjoys walking, biking, football and golf.
Running shoes recommendation: Adidas Adios Pro 4’s –“it’s like running on marshmallows.”
Shoe height and weight:4 foot, 7kg (10kg when wet)
The inhabitants of 10 Minden Street were pretty excited when they found out that Nomu, a new Asian fusion place, was opening just a few steps away on Bath Street. After all, who doesn’t love a bit of MSG every now and then? Since our first visit, many more “important lunch meetings” have been taking place at the venue, with deadlines negotiated through mouthfuls of noodles and sushi. It is also conveniently located next to Premier Inn, in case you need a spot to sleep off the food coma before resuming the day’s commitments.
The drinks menu is varied, with everything you’d expect – and an extra garnish. There’s wine from Japan, sake and many non-alcoholic wines and beers if you’re taking a break from the bevvies or need to be productive in the afternoon. The mango non-alcoholic cocktail was so tempting that three of us ordered the same – it was incredibly sweet, with a slight zing, and extremely difficult not to finish before the food arrived. Flo commented that the mocktail was “so delicious, and an excellent pairing for the pork bao bun.” Toby ordered the Tokyo Fizz, a gin-based cocktail mixed with lychee liqueur, lemon juice, egg white, soda, ice and lemon, garnished with even more lychee. He did not regret his choice.
The biggest shock during our dining experience at Nomu was how quick the service was. Our dishes genuinely arrived in under ten minutes, under the watchful eye of David Cameron, the executive chef of Randalls, who has a long history in the restaurant industry. He’s a safe pair of hands for sure, and presented us with a feast of flavours. A favourite was the Grilled Chicken Ramen-Style Noodle Bowl, served with chicken dashi and miso broth, bamboo shoots, marinated beansprouts and a tamago egg. Toby commented that it was “very filling” and “exceptionally tasty,” adding that “it’s all you need for lunch, really. I’d give it an eight out of ten, as my only complaint is that it was a tad too salty.” The stir-fried Yakisoba Noodles were also a hit, coming with chicken, mushrooms, cabbage, carrot, onions, spring onions, shredded pickled ginger and aonori. Ben enjoyed its “strong flavour” and noted that it was a dish that could easily be shared – “unless you’re ravenous.”
Almost half of the smaller dishes on Nomu’s menu are vegan, and of the main dishes there are six different plant-based options to choose from. However, if you’re a lover of firm tofu, walk – don’t run – to Nomu. “I was expecting firm tofu and wasn’t the biggest fan of silk,” Flo commented, adding, “but that’s just me. Crispy tofu would have been better.” Aside from the limp tofu, Flo did praise the Prawn Toast as the best she’s ever had – a delectable dish amplified by the fact that her last sales job at a vegan food company forced her to adopt the lifestyle for marketing purposes. It was £10.50, but despite the price, the perfect trophy to celebrate her newfound food freedom.
The Hoisin Duck Fried Sushi Rolls came in six pieces, garnished with citrus, wasabi and miso mayo, teriyaki sauce, picked ginger and spring onions. They were tasty, surprisingly filling and generous in the right places, but I wasn’t wholly digging the fried-over-traditional sushi vibe. In Nomu’s defence, their menu does state that the dish is something different, and the hoisin duck in terms of flavour and texture was great. There’s also an argument to be made that if you had a one-track mind for sushi, you’d probably be making a reservation at Kyoto anyway. But introducing traditional sushi would be a way for Nomu to work some more gluten-free options into their menu, seeing as the only main option for this demographic is the Salmon Tataki Poke Bowl. Of course, there’s the option to compile a meal of appetisers such as Goma Seaweed Salad, Miso Soup, Skinny Fries and Squid, or alternatively, indulge in some mochi or ice cream from the children’s menu.
The Steamed Hirata Buns were genuinely the best thing ever, and got glowing reviews all round the table. We ordered the chilli fried beef buns with hoisin sauce, spring onion and ginger, as well as the crunchy pork belly ones with chilli, garlic, ginger and beansprout salad. You could easily demolish the two buns that come with each serving and still have room for a side. Ben enjoyed the Chilli Fried Beef on Crispy Noodles, and edamame always go down well. The wasabi peas are described as “a bit spicy” on the menu, a statement that proved entirely accurate – enough wasabi for the mouth, not enough for the nose. The vegetable spring rolls were, in my opinion, just like the ones you’d get anywhere else, but the hoisin duck topping the Tokyo fries was to die for. All in all, the great flavours on Nomu’s menu far outweigh the dishes that didn’t feel too special, and it has proved to be an incredibly popular debut menu across the park.
The atmosphere of the restaurant is clean, simple and pared-back, with a hint of Asia. In the words of Ben, Nomu is “a homage to the communal eating of everyone’s favourite Asian restaurants at London airports.” The playlist left a bit to be desired, as it was hard to get into the Asian fusion vibe whilst being serenaded by the likes of Taylor Swift and Chappell Roan’s ‘Pink Pony Club’. “The ambiance was good,” Flo said, “but the music was a bit TikTok-esque. You want to imagine that you’re in a cool Asian bar in the city.” No hate – we’re all Swifties, just in the right context.
One of the perks of Nomu is that it is a Randalls venue, so if you’ve got the app downloaded, you can get ten percent of your meal back. This is great for people who actually remembered to sign up in between pints at one of the chain’s venues, but irrelevant for those like me with the brain of a sieve. They say if you face a task that can be completed in two minutes or less, you should do it now instead of adding it to your mental to-do list. Think of all the free ramen you could be eating if those after-work pints were contributing towards something other than a hangover.