Big Trucks And Open Prisons

Many dream of jacking it all in for a life by the sea. Harty talks to a couple who have turned alternate living into an art form.

What’s the ideal lifeboat? No, not the vessel itself, which should obviously be sturdy and watertight, but the mix of people inside it? Most people would hope for a doctor, a builder, a chef, an outward bound Bear Grylls type and perhaps a comedian to keep spirits up.

The lifeboat scenario is often discussed on clinics as each group peruses how their collective talents would fare if cast away. On this particular week they all agreed Gerry would be essential.

When asked, “What do you do?”, Gerry reveals a profession which more than any other makes him instantly irresistible as a potential partner. A millionaire rock star you say? Or something more caring like a vet or a paediatrician? Neither, he’s a chocolatier. His own brand, ‘Artisan du Chocolat’ sells in the most exclusive outlets (Harrods, Fortnum and Mason etc) and comprises a wildly exotic array of flavours and recipes. When he first arrived on a course, he opened the boot of his car to reveal half a ton of choccy samples. He had us at hello. But the chocolate aside, he trained as a chef and would no doubt whip up a tasty casserole out of puffins and seaweed. However, it is not for his chef status, nor his generosity with sweetmeats that we showcase Gerry this month; but instead for his impressive, brave and, some might say, mildly eccentric choice of lifestyle, which will surely inspire those with itchy feet and adventure in their hearts.