Time for the ‘Toughest Ever’ Golden Queenie Conundrum

Clues to £5,000 ‘buried treasure’ released today in the FREE Queenie Festival programme and on the website here!

Can you solve the riddle of the Golden Queenie?

Fans of fiendish puzzles, sharpen your wits: the 2011 is Golden Queenie Conundrum is about to launch!

The cryptic clues – the key to discovering the whereabouts of the precious Golden Queenie – are contained in the programme for the 2011 Queenie Festival, which is available in newsagents around the Island from Wednesday 8th June.

This is the third year that the highly popular treasure hunt, sponsored by Celtic Gold, has been staged in the run-up to the Festival, which this year takes place 1st – 3rd July.

The conundrum is a test not only of wits but of speed, as scores of determined treasure hunters will all be working simultaneously to crack the clues and race for the prize: a solid gold Queenie shell worth an estimated £5,000.

Last year, the Golden Queenie was claimed by the Thomson family of Douglas in record time so this time around, the clues have been given a twist to make the challenge the toughest yet!

Tim Croft, festival organiser, says, “Somewhere in a secret location, the Golden Queenie awaits the lucky winner of the hunt – but who will it be?

“Over the last few years, we’ve found that the conundrum really captures the public imagination and we’re hoping that this year, more people than ever will take up the challenge.

“As well as being in the programme, the clues will also be published in the local press and on the festival website from the following Monday (13th June)”.

“But to give yourself a head start, be sure to grab a programme as soon as you can. As well as the vital clues, it’s got the lowdown on this year’s festival, so you can start planning your weekend of fun and great food by the sea. Good luck – and happy hunting!”

Swim Challenge Finds Support from Manx Shipping Company

Independent shipping company Manx Ocean Crewing Limited has been unveiled as the sponsor of this year’s Manx Mile open water challenge, taking place in Chapel Bay, Port St Mary on Saturday 2nd July.

The event, which is part of the village’s annual Queenie Festival (1st – 3rd July), will see hardy swimmers taking to the waves to complete a triangular lap of the bay in the fastest possible time.

Now in its third year, the Manx Mile attracts participants from all sporting backgrounds – from tri-athletes to recreational swimmers – and is open to all ages and abilities.

Manx Ocean Crewing snapped up the opportunity to sponsor this year’s challenge, whose official title is now the ‘Manx Ocean Swim’.

Manx Ocean Crewing, whose main focus is providing crewing management services to vessels operating worldwide, is a regular contributor to the Port St Mary Lifeboat and to other local charities. With its head office overlooking Chapel Bay, it couldn’t be much closer to the action!

For those unafraid to take the plunge, open water swimming offers a unique – often addictive! – experience, as well as a fresh challenge for anyone tired of doing lengths in the swimming pool. Participants in the Manx Ocean Swim, who must pre-register for the event, can choose to wear wetsuits or, if they dare, swimsuits or shorts.

The course is clearly marked with buoys and kayakers provide safety support from start to finish. There’s a half-mile event for junior or novice swimmers, and trophies to be claimed in all categories.

Russ Kent, Finance Director of Manx Ocean Crewing, said, “We are proud to support the Manx Ocean Swim. As an Isle of Man based company, we believe it is very important to put something back into the local community, and the mile swim – like the Queenie Festival itself – is an event which brings together everyone in that community.

“In recent years, we’ve seen a revival of interest in open water swimming, as evidenced by the massive success of the Great Swim Series, and it’s great to have our own event here on the Isle of Man. With entries coming from the UK as well as from within the Island, it looks set to become an enduringly popular event. We wish everyone taking part the very best of luck”.

Organising the Manx Ocean Swim is Mark Gorry from the Isle of Man Open Water Swimming Club. Mark says, “The maritime connection made Manx Ocean Crewing an obvious sponsorship choice, and we’re delighted that they have come on board. Their support will make all the difference to the success of event, now and in the future.”

Anyone wishing to practice for the Manx Ocean Swim can join the Club on Sunday mornings – simply come down to the Port Erin slipway (between the Raglan Pier and the Lifeboat station) at 10.30am.

For more information about the Manx Ocean Swim, including details of how to register, contact Mark Gorry on (07624) 430631 or email markgorry@hotmail.com.

‘Royal’ Banquet by the Sea

Newly-crowned Queenies to feature in ‘Seafood Extravaganza’

For seafood lovers, the hottest upcoming ticket in town is the Seafood Extravaganza, a night of fine dining and music taking place during Port St Mary’s annual Queenie Festival (1st – 3rd July 2011).

On Saturday 2nd July, Port St Mary’s quayside will be transformed for the night by a grand marquee, where diners will be able to enjoy a delicious seafood buffet prepared by acclaimed chefs, followed by ska sounds from popular local band Bunch Skankers.

Toast of the night – and naturally featuring on the menu – will be the delicious Manx Queenie (Queen Scallop), newly-crowned with a coveted industry award.

Last week, the Manx Queenie fishery was awarded a Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certificate in recognition of good management and sustainability. The accreditation, which follows a 21-month assessment, shows the Island’s commitment to protecting Queen Scallop stocks for the future.

Over the last few years, Queenies have become one of the Isle of Man’s best-known exports; prized for their subtle texture and flavour, they are now finding their way onto the menus of top restaurants.

In celebration of this, the Queenie Festival has invited a number of high profile chefs and food connoisseurs – including Simon Wadham, Head Chef at London’s Rivington, and ‘Taste the Nation’ star Henrietta Green – to give demonstrations in the quayside food theatre during the weekend.

But guests at the Seafood Extravaganza will enjoy a special chance to taste the fruits of their labour, along with those of popular local chefs, amongst the sumptuous fare on offer during the evening.

Guests will receive a complementary glass of champagne and a selection of delicate canapes upon arrival, followed by a fabulous seafood buffet, dessert and cheeseboard. Diners should have their dancing shoes on standby for the second half of the evening, when Buncha Skankers will take to the stage to perform a rousing set of non-stop ska and reggae classics. The dress code for the evening – black and white ‘smart casual’ – gives ska fans the opportunity to go ‘Two Tone’ for the night. A list of hand-picked wines will be available, and there will be a bar open throughout the night.

Tickets for the event, which runs from 7pm ’til midnight, are £30.00 per person. Seating will be on tables of ten, and corporate tables can easily be arranged.

Places are limited, however, and available on a first-come, first-served basis, so call Tim Croft on (07624) 495930 as soon as possible to claim your ticket to what will be a very special evening.

To Market! Grab Your Place at the 2011 Queenie Festival

The Island’s food producers, craftspeople and more are being invited to secure their stall at the 2011 Queenie Festival.

Taking place 1st – 3rd July, the festival annually draws large crowds of people down to Port St Mary for a programme of fun events, activities and attractions.

The marketplace, along with many other elements of the festival, is concentrated in the Alfred Pier and Lime Street areas of the village.

The Queenie Festival has always been a showcase for local growers, producers and food artisans, and this year will be no different.

Stallholders are welcomed for both the Food Producers’ Village, sponsored by Shoprite, and the Food Court, which gives local restaurateurs the opportunity to ‘demo’ a signature fish dish for the crowds.

As in previous years, artists and craftspeople are invited to take stalls, along with local clubs, charities and community organisations.

The Queenie Festival offers a great platform to a wide variety of stallholders – but places are limited, so anyone interested is advised to act fast and claim their spot.

For an application form and all further details, including call Tim Croft on 834494/ 495930. See you by the sea!

Manx Queenie Conundrum 2011

Treasure hunters should pull out their maps and brush up on cryptic mind benders because somewhere soon a Golden Queenie – worth up to £5,000 – will be hidden in an island nook or crannie.

Isle of Man Queenie Festival rganisers have just announced this year’s Queenie Festival will run from July 1 to 3, meaning the hunt will soon be on for the Golden Queenie.

This is the fourth festival, but the third treasure hunt which in previous years has really caught the nation’s imagination. Last year, the Golden Queenie was found within hours, so this year, organisers have promised ‘a twist’ – and that means the clues will be far harder to ensure the hunt lasts for days, if not weeks!

‘Brace yourselves for a bit of a mind game,’ said event organiser Tim Croft. ‘There are certain little twists which need to be worked out within the conundrum.’

Apart from the glory of finding the Golden Queenie, there is an extra incentive – given the rise in the value of gold, the queenie is worth more than ever and Tim thanked Celtic Gold in Peel for sponsoring the golden queenie for another year. Last year, the Golden Queenie was worth about £4,000.

Clues will be in the festival programme, out at the end of May, and in the media. There will also be a special online forum for treasure hunters through the festival website,

‘You will be able to start hunting from June 1 – that means four busy weekends until the festival starts,’ said Tim.

SO WATCH THIS SPACE!

Come Aboard the 2011 Queenie Festival!

Organisers invite everyone to get involved in the annual ‘celebration of the sea’

The hugely popular Queenie Festival is set to return this July, bringing three days of fun entertainments, marine activities, local heritage and, of course, fantastic food by the seaside. This year, the festival takes place over 1st – 3rd July, and organisers are hoping that people will help to make the fourth annual ‘celebration of the sea’ the best yet by getting involved.

A truly local, community event, the Queenie Festival showcases Manx produce, culture, wildlife and the Isle of Man’s beautiful seascape. As in previous years, the Friday evening ‘Sure Beach Party’ in Port Erin will kick off a packed weekend programme for all ages and interests, focused around Port St Mary harbour area and Chapel Bay.

As well as favourite features such as the Herring Dance and the Manx Mile Swim, there’ll be a host of things to see, do and sample, whether it’s a scuba try-out or a plate of delicious seafood cooked to order. The famous Golden Queenie Quest is also set to return, albeit with a twist!

The festival organisers are inviting expressions of interest from anyone who would like to support the Queenie Festival, whether by sponsorship of an individual element or by lending a hand with any aspect of the preparation and running of the festival.

Festival founder Tim Croft says, “The Queenie Festival has gone from strength to strength each year thanks to the generosity of our sponsors and all our volunteers. We’re now looking for people to help make sure that the 2011 event is our most successful yet.

“As well as the feel-good factor of supporting your local community and marine conservation, you’re guaranteed to have a great time getting into the festival spirit and enjoying the many attractions and events taking place.

“We’re also welcoming enquiries from stallholders – especially artists, craftspeople and local producers – and any bands, musicians or entertainers who are interested in performing live during the festival. It’s a great opportunity to play to a friendly crowd while supporting a 100% local initiative”.

To find out more about how you can get involved in Queenie Festival 2011, simply contact Tim Croft – call (01624) 834494 or email timcroft@islandseafare.co.uk
All Press Enquiries: queeniepress@gmail.com

Manx Wildlife Trust Touch Tanks return for 2011

The Manx Wildlife Trust Touch Tanks were one of the main Marine Day attractions from the 2010 Queenie Festival. We are happy to announce that they will be back in 2011, featuring the many of the small creatures which exist in the shores around us. This attraction was especially well received by young children, and has helped develop awareness of marine life. The Manx Wildlife Trust will also be broadcasting films focusing on many different aqua themes. The Marine Days take place on Port St Mary harbour on Saturday 2nd July and Sunday 3rd July.

The Manx Wildlife Trust will also be providing rockpooling sessions during the Sure Mobile Beach party on Friday 1st July. Rockpooling is another interesting way to examine and discover marine life. Creatures like sea stars, sea urchins, sea slugs and sea cucumbers are amongst the species that can be discovered during this magnified look at marine life. The sessions will be run by Eleanor Stone, Marine Officer of the Manx Wildlife Trust.

Manx Wildlife Trust website:

Tribute to Carl Gandy, a great friend of the Queenie Festival

Carl Gandy was one of those larger than life characters, if you didn’t know him, you definitely would have heard of him. Always a popular figure, he made his mark as Managing Director of Nationwide International, and of course was a committed family man. His sudden death after a short illness has left many people in shock. He is survived by his wife Julie and 5 children.

Port Erin resident, Carl, via his work as Chairman and Managing Director, organised Nationwide International sponsorship of the Isle of Man Queenie Festival in 2009 and 2010. Without that kind of support from key people in the local community, festivals like this one would struggle to exist. We would like to wish all his family the best in these troubling times.

Manx Queenies win Sustainable Seafood Award

Brilliant News – The Isle of Man Government has been working really hard over the past 5 years with it’s fishery and has rightly been recognised for the work it has done for the Manx Queenie. On Thursday a delegation went over to London for the annual Sustainable Seafood Awards held at the Billingsgate Seafood School.

Manx Queenies were against 5 other finalists which included the likes of the Wild Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute for their Alaskan Cod, so the standard of entry was extremely high. Andy Reid the Director of the Fisheries on the Isle of Man presented the case in front of a panel of judges including industry experts, food journalists and scientists.

When the results were read out and the Isle of Man Manx Queenies had won, it was a fantastic moment for all concerned, Fishermen, processors and everyone involved in the success of the Queenie. Looks like the festival in July is gonna be a cracking celebration!
Check out the Manx Queenies on ITV here!

Queenie Festival 2011 dates for the diary!

We are happy to announce the dates for the 2011 Queenie Festival, following the very successful 2010 event. The three day celebration of the sea will take place on the weekend of the 1st, 2nd & 3rd of July.

The festival will kick off with the Off Sure beach party on Port Erin beach on the Friday evening. Food tents hosted by celebrity chefs, live music, marine activities, beach cricket and the Off Sure dip are some of the attractions.

Day Two commences with a Marine Day in Port St Mary, in and around Alfred Pier & Paddy’s Market. Live chefs, music, Trawler racing, Kayak racing and the Viking Manx Mile are amongst the events on show. In the evening there is the Herring Dance a ticket only event with live music, as well as some of the best cuisine this side of the Atlantic!

Completing the weekend on Sunday afternoon is the second part of the Marine Day. Manx scallop dancing, traditional Manx music, more live chef action & music round off a fine weekend.

More details to follow in the coming months…

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