hree of the four who head up the new team. From the left: Penny Hutton, Rupert Street and James Hutton. (0702398)

CHANDLERY business Mainbrayce has been taken over by four Alderney friends.

Husband and wife James and Penny Hutton have joined forces with Rupert Street and Henry Boughton-Leigh to run the Braye Harbour establishment.

James and Penny ran the Crinan Boatyard in Scotland for nine years from 1995 and almost took over Mainbrayce when they moved to Alderney three years ago.

That deal fell through but they began talking to Rupert and Henry about running the business last summer.

Rupert, who has lived in Alderney for seven years, said: ‘We think this is a great opportunity to build up an Alderney institution. Everybody in yachting has heard of Mainbrayce.’

Penny said the new owners would do everything they could for visiting boats.

‘Our aim is to be as flexible as possible and run the business so that it is a huge asset to the island.’

The new owners are aiming to attract as many people to Alderney as possible.

Rupert said: ‘I’ve been involved in yachting all my life and know a lot of people in the industry. I’ll be encouraging all of them to visit Alderney and make sure they keep returning here.’

Penny is planning to attend trade fairs to spread the word about the venture. ‘The yachting business runs on word of mouth and we’re aiming to get people talking about Mainbrayce and Alderney.’

The weak pound may also encourage tourists, according to Penny.

‘We’re hoping that a lot of people from France will visit this summer. We also think that a lot of yachtsmen from the south of England, who would usually go to France, may stick to the Channel Islands in order to save money.’

Rupert says he is fully aware of the significance of the business’s Braye Harbour position.

‘We’re the first port of call for visitors and we know how important it is for people to see a smiling face on arrival.

‘This business is all about attracting people to the island and encouraging those who already visit to keep visiting.’

Pat Smith and Roland Neal, who have helped run Mainbrayce for a number of years, will still be involved.

A SONG recorded by island duo Max Mason and Jane Aireton was a local hit over Christmas.

Miracles, which featured local saxophonist Kate Postlethwaite and St Anne’s School pupils Chloe Moore, Serena Brown, Henry Rowe and Joe Blackham, sold more than 70 CDs in the shops. The song has also been downloaded by numerous people.

Max said: ‘We have had a brilliant response to the single. We’ve sold out in Alderney and got a great review from a company in London.’

Max and Jane’s next single, Angels, is set for release at the end of the month, shortly before they put the finishing touches to their first album.