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A WORD
FROM THE
EDITOR
C ONTENTS
I SLAND L IFE
APRIL / MAY 2017
INTERVIEWS p68 Rolling out the blue carpet
p18 Mark Waldron: Head’s global p70 Tony Ridd: Countryside News
The Island has long been a magnet for
creative people – from writers and artists,
to painters, potters and photographers. vision for Island school p72 Stars in the grass
p28 Matt Legge: A passion for It’s been described more than once as a
magical place – in fact one Victorian writer
called it “Almost Fairyland”. the land p74 Hedge-laying competition
p44 Malcolm Purcell: Master
Well we can’t guarantee that you’ll
see any fairies - but it’s easy to believe
they’re there at this time of year, when
the countryside is festooned in its pastel-
coloured springtime glory.
In fact this is the perfect season to get out
and explore our woodlands (especially at
bluebell time!), country paths and coastal
coves, as well as some of the fabulous
visitor attractions and events you’ll find
featured in this issue of the magazine.
Check out, too, some of the brilliant
eating places that make best use of our
lovely Island produce.
Meanwhile, don’t miss reading our latest
interviews, which spotlight remarkable
people such as the veteran farrier Malcolm
Purcell, who’s been honoured with yet
another award, this time for over 50 years’
service to his craft.
We also talk to the travel-loving head of
Ryde School – a Yorkshireman who seems
to have found the place he’s finally happy
to settle - and the youthful new Chair of
the NFU, Matt Legge, who tells us about the
challenges for a new generation of farmers.
There’s also the endearing story of a
grandmother who’s been turned into a
first-time author – by a magical butterfly.
See, perhaps those fairies do exist!
Enjoy this issue with our compliments,
and do support our loyal band of
advertisers who help keep the magic
happening.
Jackie McCarrick, Editor
4
www.visitilife.com
Farrier
LOCAL SCENE
p24 Fun at the Bloodhound Ball
p38 Making wishes
COUNTRYSIDE
p65
EQUESTRIAN
p78 Ashey Scurry
p83 Robert Booth: Training
horses
HEALTH & BEAUTY
p91 James Spence: Don’t risk your
child’s dental health
Matt Noyce: Warming up to
Spring
FOOD & DRINK
p66 Ten things you didn’t know about our trees & woodlands p99
p67 Sam Biles: Horses for courses p101 Recipe: Mango Sorbet
The Food Guide