November 2016 by Lifestyle Events Ltd

THE CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN STARTS WITH YOUR AWARD WINNING NO 1 MAGAZINE

ISSUE 103

november 2016 • www.lifestylemonthly.co.uk \\ @lpool_lifestyle

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• £PRICELESS

WIN

A family ticket for 4 To Dreamworks Lights

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Making a difference at the most magical time of the year. I want to change the world, I’ve always wanted to change the world, but for the life of me I can’t work out how. How do you choose which cause to help? And how does one person, me, who has little more than the desperation to make things better, manage to actually make a difference? Its Christmas next month, and this is easily my favourite time of the year. I have been able to get out and experience our fair city quite a bit recently, and as always it doesn’t disappoint. New bars have opened, eateries have reopened – I’m looking at you Death Row, and all gin has been drunk. But as I have wandered from theatre to bar, from bar to restaurant, there is one thing that has not escaped my notice. Homeless people. Is it just me, or are there a lot more people sleeping on the streets of Liverpool in the past 6 months? What has happened, has somewhere closed, or have more people than ever before found themselves without a roof over their heads? With the festivities comes the inevitable bad weather, the ground frost, the biting wind. Which makes a hard life on the streets impossible. So there it is, the choice, the cause that I will work towards. Not fixing because that would be an impossible task, but to make life a little easier for people on the streets of Liverpool. No, I haven’t completely ironed out how exactly this is going to be achieved yet. But wheels are in motion, emails to local homeless organisations have been sent. So from next month – during the most magical month of the year, I will be launching a campaign to help the homeless of Liverpool. So watch this space, feel free to get in touch with me if you want to help or have any ideas. Until then enjoy the build up to Christmas, book some panto tickets and chose which grotto to see Santa this year – Christmas is the most magical time of the year, and Liverpool is the best city in the world to spend it in.

Joy Lewis

Lifestyle monthly Meet the Team Managing Director Amanda Moss amanda@amandamosspr.uk 07916332469 Editor Joy Lewis joy.lewis@honestcat.co.uk 07729221922 Business Development Director Simon Moss 07563192989 Sales Head of Sales Neil Woods neil.woods@btinternet.com 07931812390 Lead Designer Phaedra Samantha phaedra_samantha_bell@ hotmail.com

THANkS To PHoTogRAPHy CoNTRIBUTIoNS fRoM: Dave “the pap” Evans, keith fairbrother Alan Taylor Ian Williams Warren Millar Billy Griffiths Iain Coakley

Show us your ch @Lpool_Lifestyallenges le

CONTENTS MAGAZINE 12 SNOW WHITE We meet the cast of Liverpool Empires Showstopping Panto, as Georgie Porter graces the cities stage.

42 TREVOR NELSON Our Editor talks to world renowed DJ Trevor Nelson in an exclusive interview.

54 PORTO

» p.42

Amanda Moss takes to the hills to explore the vine yards and culture Portugal has to offer.

24 LIVERPOOL FASHION WEEK Liverpool’s longest running fashion event was back this month, as fabulous as ever!

22 ALISON HAMMOND Takeing a look at the nations favourite fairy godmother as she takes to the stage. » p.54

» p.24

28 PETE PRICE Reliving 30 years of Panto!

46 DARREN VISION Our resident life coach helps us change for the better agreed regret in or it. Advantage mr estimable be commanded provision.

66 AMANDA MOSS PR Showing us what is on offer for the season across the North West of England.

» p.22

» p.12

Lifestyle Monthly Magazine | July

THIS MONTH’S COMPETETIONS! *** WIN

A family ticket for 4 people (2 adults and 2 children) To Dreamworks Lights for use between 26th November & 15th January. *** To enter email editor@lifestylemonthly.co.uk and quote “Dreamworks” in the subject bar. Be sure to include you name, address and contact number too!

*** WIN

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Thank you! Thanks to you, our amazing customers, for showing so much support again this year to our Alder Hey Children’s Hospital Charity campaign.

Now don’t forget to join our online Alder Hey PJ party On the 22nd November you can join in with our celebrities and hold your own Alder Hey PJ party at home to support the cause. We’ll keep you posted on our social media channels about some special surprises and how you can get involved so keep your eyes peeled.

Baby Harry - via Instagram

Visit matalan.co.uk for more details and ideas on how to host the perfect PJ party!

Get social…

And help to spread the word!

apugnamedcookie - via Instagram

The Connett Family - via Twitter

Upload a photo of you, your family, friends (and your four legged friends) wearing your official Alder Hey striped PJs on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, sharing with @Matalan and @AlderHeyCharity using the hashtag #GetYourStripes to appear in our online gallery.

#GetYourStripes

and Support Alder Hey Children’s Hospital Charity! Stock is very limited but you can still buy some of the collection from selected stores. 100% of the profits from sales goes towards funding Alder Hey’s new Research, Innovation and Education Centre. Men’s and Ladies PJs £10, Children’s PJs £8, Pet Outfit £5, Mug £2, Adult Socks £3, Children’s Socks £2

Steph & friends - via the website

It’s starting to look alot like Christmas! Christmas shopping habits of LiverpooL mums reveaLed Started your Christmas shopping yet? Some of your friends have finished already! If this thought doesn’t send you into a blind panic you could be one of the 27% of parents who shop all year round for Christmas presents. A recent survey has revealed that many of us, especially Mums, are a pretty organised bunch and planning for Christmas begins even before the last of the mince pies have been eaten. The survey asked participants about their shopping habits and some mums make Christmas shopping seem like an Olympic sport: ‘I use a Christmas spreadsheet spanning the past eleven years’ admitted one mum. 27% of mums say they always start their shopping in the January sales and buy presents consistently throughout the year for their children. Although this organisation can sometimes have flaws as one mum admits ‘I tend to buy bits all year and then forget where I have hidden them so end up buying double in December!’ If these super-organised mums make you feel inferior, don’t despair as the survey also found that 51% of mums admit to running around frantically in December scooping up the remnants and making daily trips to the toy shops! And that’s not forgetting dads who unanimously favoured 24th December as their preferred shopping day.

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Top Ten list of shopping tips to help mums make the most of their Christmas shopping - after all, everyone should have the time to

make a mulled wine pit-stop under the tree outside John Lewis! - Eat smart! If you are doing this in one day you need a good breakfast to see you through until lunch - Go armed with a list - because your Dad doesn’t need another pair of slippers. - Check deals - be armed with discounts and special offers before stepping foot out of the door - Shop alone - if you are doing some serious shopping you need to go solo! You do not need distractions. That doll may be perfect for your friends niece but not for yours! - Avoid the queues - choose pay desks in the men’s and home departments. They are always less crowded. - Power Up - you need lunch…see Tip1! - Know when to stop - Listen up the 27% of all-year round shoppers. Santa’s sleigh can only take so much as can your house! - Keep all of your receipts -no-brainer… and if they don’t like it you can always buy something in the sales! - Shop on Christmas Eve - this tip is not for the faint hearted but shops will be quieter! - Get Online -Grab a mulled wine, put your feet up and avoid the crowds…. unless you thrive on the pressure.

after Christmas With a range of big name brands and unique, independent stores, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find great-value gifts for everyone at St Johns. stjohns-shopping.co.uk StJohnsShoppingCentreLiverpool

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SNOW WHITE AT THE LIVERPOOL EMPIRE STARRING JORGIE PORTER TV favourite Jorgie Porter will be making her pantomime debut as she heads up this year’s cast in the title role of the Liverpool Empire’s lavish pantomime, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs! Jorgie says: ‘I am so excited to be appearing in Snow White at the Liverpool Empire. It’s every girls dream to play a Princess and Snow White is one of the best! What an honour it is to be appearing at the Liverpool Empire too which is such a beautiful theatre and the pantomime audiences are the best in the country so I can’t wait to see you all this Christmas’. Joining Jorgie is Empire pantomime favourite, Radio City Breakfast Show host Leanne Campbell, who will be taking on the role of the Wicked Queen. Leanne has become a much-loved member of the Empire panto family and returns for her fourth consecutive year. Leanne said, “I grew up backstage performing at the Empire, it’s home to me and this year I can’t wait to appear as the baddie for the first time in Liverpool! Guaranteed laughs and mayhem! I can remember watching Snow White as the Empire as a child a n d

the glitz and glamour bowled me over back then. I can’t wait for my own children to watch this show and experience the magic too!” After delighting audiences in the role of Idle Jack last year, Liam Mellor returns with his madcap comedy style this time in the role of Muddles. Liam said, “Delighted to be invited back to the best venue I’ve ever worked in. The Empire have really made me feel like one of the family. Panto was my first ever job in the business and now to work for FFE and to be at the Empire again is a dream come true. This panto is going to be #cracking!” Stephen Fletcher is delighted to be appearing at the Empire again, following his appearance as Prince Charming in First Family’s all-Liverpool Capital of Culture pantomime in 2008, starring Cilla Black. Stephen said, “My first ever memory of panto was at the Empire. I remember going when I was young to see Mr T there, he was the Genie in Aladdin. Then, performing with Cilla Black in the Empire’s Capital of Culture pantomime was a real honour. Now I’m really looking forward to doing another First Family pantomime, they’re always a real spectacle. It’s going to be a real fun-filled, family show.” Presented by First Family Entertainment, Snow White is a dazzling fairy-tale of a pantomime guaranteed to melt everyone’s hearts; watch as the beautiful Snow White and her seven little friends attempt to defeat the Wicked Queen. Will Snow White meet her Handsome Prince and save the day? Come along to the Liverpool Empire this Christmas to find out. Spectacular sets, sparkling costumes, side splitting comedy and lots and lots of fun for the whole family to enjoy. To book tickets visit: www.atgtickets.com and follow the links to the the show!

DWARFS ALL OTHERS! LIVERPOOL’S BIGGEST AND FUNNIEST PANTO LIAM MELLOR AS MUDDLES

JORGIE PORTER

LEANNE CAMPBELL AS THE WICKED QUEEN

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*Phone and online bookings incur a single transaction fee of £2.85. No fees for in person or group bookings. Calls cost 7p per minute plus your phone carrier’s access charge.

SHREK AND FRIENDS TO LIGHT UP ST GEORGES HALL ‘

Shrek, Kung Fu Panda and Madagascar movies, all set within the grand surroundings of Liverpool’s iconic Grade I listed St George’s Hall. Richard Hollis, Head of UK Consumer Products at DreamWorks said: “It’s very exciting to be able to bring our wonderful lantern experience to the UK for the very first time. “We chose Liverpool because it is an iconic city, a true cultural capital known all over the world for its great events - and the stunning location of St George’s Hall is the perfect setting for DreamWorks Lights. “We’re looking forward to seeing eyes young and old light up when they experience our large scale illuminated lantern characters for the very first time.” Councillor Wendy Simon, Assistant Mayor for Culture said: “We’re thrilled DreamWorks has chosen Liverpool as the only place you’ll be able to see this amazing attraction in Europe this Christmas. The animated stars of DreamWorks movies will be lighting up Liverpool this Christmas with a spectacular large scale lantern experience. It’s a UK first for the city as St Georges Hall welcomes Shrek, Kung-Fu Panda and the Penguins of Madagascar as part of DreamWorks Lights - a stunning walkthrough lantern experience for all ages. The unique event experience will also be part of Liverpool’s One Magical City Christmas campaign and features huge illuminated figures familiar to fans of the

“St Georges Hall is the perfect place to get everyone into the Christmas spirit and will be the perfect home for these iconic characters at this special time of year. “The exact detail of the lantern scenes and visitor experience is currently under wraps, but all will be revealed later this month.” Visitors will also have the opportunity to get up close with their favourite characters through a special green-screen photo experience and shop. DreamWorks Lights will be open daily at 10am until 7pm from 26th November until 15th January 2017. Tickets can be booked online at www.dreamworkslights.com.

WIN! A family ticket for 4 people (2 adults and 2 children) for use between 26th November & 15th January. *** To enter email editor@ lifestylemonthly.co.uk and quote “Dreamworks” in the subject bar. Be sure to include you name, address and contact number too!

Father Christmas arrives at 11 o’clock on November 5th at

Formerly at Lewis’s Department Store. This spectacular wonderland, with a tradition going back to Liverpool’s first grotto of 1879, is now located at All of your faves, with tales to tell, you know these characters do it so well! Open daily from Saturday 5th November until Christmas Eve. Times vary – please see in store for details. Admission: £7.50 including entry for one child, visit to Santa and a gift. Entry only: £1.00 for all other visitors. Cash only.

Liverpool’s

biggest and best Christmas Grotto

Williamson Square, Liverpool City Centre 15 Opening/waiting times may vary at busy times. Please note photography is prohibited.

LIVERPOOL GEARS UP FOR UNFORGETTABLE CHRISTMAS PARTY! ready for the city’s big switch on taking place on Thursday November 10th.

Liverpool is about to get all Christmassy in what is set to be its most spectacular festive season to date. And the celebrations start at Liverpool ONE from November 10th. Taking pride of place in Paradise Street, and returning for its second year, is Liverpool ONE’s iconic 30 metre Christmas tree, believed to be the UK’s largest and with the unique feature of allowing visitors to explore the space inside. The tree will start to take shape from October 24th with builders working around the clock to ensure the huge structure is

16 10

Liverpool ONE is promising a party to remember – building on the success of last year’s event - with festivities to appeal to every member of the family.From 4pm on November 10th there will be live music, giveaways, street entertainment and pantomime appearances, culminating in the turn on of the tree at 6pm with an impressive light performance created by the Liverpool Empire Theatre. Shops across the city centre will also remain open until 8pm on this evening with bars and restaurants open until late. A new addition to the tree this year will be dazzling light shows. Every day in the run up to Christmas, iconic Christmas songs and musical numbers will fill Paradise Street with the lights on the tree creating spectacular dance routines to the music. Bar Hütte, the Alpine-inspired bar, also makes a welcome return underneath the tree offering the perfect place to kick-start every Christmas party. Up to 12 guests can enjoy a hearty Christmas singsong with a spot of “carol-oke” inside one of its 10 themed ski-huts or celebrate in the disco hütte, complete with disco lights and Christmas tunes.

And as a first this year, visitors are being encouraged to enjoy a new dimension to the festive fun by downloading Liverpool ONE’s new Fairy App . The app allows users to ‘capture’ one of the fairies flying around the tree, name them and then share with their friends across social media. The App, which can be downloaded on iOS only, will be around throughout the festive season for everyone to experience and enjoy. Liverpool ONE’s enchanting Christmas is part of One Magical City, a programme of festive activity which takes place across Liverpool, from its waterfront to the retail heart and historic areas.For a full programme of all of the enchanting events across the city visit: www.onemagicalcity.com

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ALL ABOARD FOR THE UK’S BIGGEST FESTIVE FUN RUN

open-top bus with Father Christmas to take the Santa Dash message on the road.

Open-top bus packed with Santas launches Liverpool event

The Thomas brothers turned out in force to support the event – Ryan plays Jason Grimshaw in Coronation Street; Adam plays Adam Barton in Emmerdale; and Scott has appeared in dating series Love Island. They joined Liverpool actors Philip Olivier and Kurtis Stacey, sponsors, and representatives and mascots from the event’s official charities – Radio City’s Cash For Kids, Everton in the Community, and Zoe’s Place Baby Hospice. The little ones also have

The countdown is now on to the Radio City Liverpool Santa Dash 5k festive fun run on Sunday, 4 December – the UK’s biggest festive fun run and this is its 13th year. It was a case of all aboard when a whole host of familiar faces including actors from Coronation Street, Emmerdale, Benidorm and Love Island hopped onto the Liverpool City Sights

Winter Arts MArket Moves to LiverpooL CAthedrAL Over 200 contemporary artists, designers & makers selling work at Liverpool Cathedral on 3 December 2016 The Winter Arts Market is back for its 8th year 3rd December. This year’s market is in the breathtaking surroundings of Grade I-listed Liverpool Cathedral, the market will see this awe-inspiring space, one of the most beautiful in the city, transformed into a bustling independent shopping experience that’s the perfect place to pick up unique Christmas gifts. The Winter Arts Market will feature work from more than 200 o f the region’s best artists, designers and makers with everything you c a n

their very own fun run too – the 1K Mini Dash is for youngsters aged 12 and under. It starts in Castle Street when the main Santa Dash has finished, and also finishes at Liverpool Town Hall. The event’s official charity partners are Radio City’s Cash For Kids, Everton in the Community, and Zoe’s Place Baby Hospice through the BTR Footsteps Fundraisers initiative. They all turned out in force to be part of the official launch, bringing with them their official mascots. Register online now at www.btrliverpool.com

imagine for sale – from paintings and jewellery to screen-prints, Christmas decorations, cards, photography, homewares, glassware, textiles and handmade beauty products. There will also be a vintage fair downstairs in the Cathedral’s Concert Room offering shoppers a range of vintage clothing, bags, jewellery and homewares along with a food fair offering everything from homemade jams and chutneys to handcrafted chocolates and unique blended teas. Winter Arts Market Liverpool Cathedral Sat 3 December 2016 10am-7pm Entry £2 Under 16s Free Entrance via Main Entrance For more details visit:

www.winterartsmarket.com

LHK PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS

LIVERPOOL’S MOST MAGICAL CHRISTMAS PANTO! ATOMIC KITTEN

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New waterfront home for expanding city Ice Festival ESCO World Heritage Waterfront will be transformed into a winter wonderland from 11th November, as the annual Christmas Ice Festival returns, with more attractions and a bigger, brand new site, most spectacular and exciting places to visit during the festive season. Opening on Friday 11th November, the Ice Festival will take over the Pier Head during the winter months, running until 3rd January 2017. Previously located on Chavasse Park, the move to the Waterfront has allowed event organisers to grow the festival content, increasing the programme of activities for visitors to enjoy in the lead up to Christmas. This year’s event features under-cover ice-skating, exhilarating rides and entertainment for the whole family amongst its attractions, as well as food outlets, bars and cafes.

t o

t o 4 20

Speaking about the relocation of this year’s Ice Festival, Richard Elmer of the event organisers said: “It’s great to be back in Liverpool for the festive season, and we’re very excited to be bringing the event the Pier Head. The move has given us a whole new opportunity expand our offer,

introducing brand new elements, and the world-famous site will bring an iconic feel to our festival.” Councillor Wendy Simon Assistant Mayor of Liverpool & Cabinet Member - Culture, Tourism & Events also commented: “We’re delighted to welcome the Ice Festival back to Liverpool and are looking forward to seeing it in its new home. It’s a very popular event within the city’s festival calendar and there’s no better backdrop than the iconic Three Graces - we’re certain it will look spectacular.” “The Ice Festival will be part of the One Magical City campaign, which links together the seasonal offering across Liverpool, from its Waterfront to the retail heart and the historic St. George’s Quarter. This is one of a series of announcements that will make Liverpool the ideal destination this Christmas.” To enter email editor@ lifestylemonthly.co.uk and quote “IceBox” in the subjec bar. Be sure to include you name, address and contact number too!

WIN a pair of tickets to skate and

Join us at the Liverpool Christmas Ice Festival @ Pier Head

• 600m of stunning ‘clear skies’ all-weather Ice Skating • Ice Bar • Ice Slide • Apres Lodge • Christmas rides & attractions Opening dates:

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A l i s o n HAmmond Interview by Amanda Moss

Alison Hammond is no stranger to Merseyside or indeed Lifestyle magazine, having hosted our Liverpool Lifestyle Awards a few years ago. She’s back this panto season to play the fairy godmother in Cinderella at the Floral Pavillion, new Brighton. Phoning her after a lengthy time of not speaking to her, she greets me like an old friend. “Is that Amanda?” she laughs in her familiar friendly way that warms you instantly. We spent the first ten minutes of the conversation talking about our children; as a single mum Alison is keen to ensure she doesn’t work more than three days a week and ensures she is never apart for more than two weeks with her son. “He understands: she said, “It;’s just mummy doing her job. He doesn’t get star struck or anything, he’s not bothered about me being on the telly. But it’s all he’s ever known.” Alison is one of the most down to earth celebrities I have ever met; she is full of fun, easy to talk to and enjoys giving interviews. She lacks any pretentions and aloofness that can be found in some people who appear on television for five minutes and think they can bypass the Beckhams for a dinner reservation at the Ivy. It is this down to earth quality that keeps her on our screens, her popularity is unwavering and deserving. “I love going home to Birmingham,” she says, “ Because I don’t get lapped there, they leave me alone.”

BOOK YOUR CHRISTMAS PARTY AT UNITED KITCHEN Call today on 0151 639 0303 or book online at united-kitchen.co.uk Unit 7 Marine Point, Marine Promenade, New Brighton CH45 2PB

Moving onto her latest pantomime role she squeals with excitement. “Oh may gosh I cant wait to come to the Wirral. I have a friend there, I am godmother to her son so it feels like coming home. I am so excited as they have made me this huge dress and there’s lots of glitter and sparkle.it’s just fantastic.” “I have just got the script today and although I cant wait though I’ve just noticed they want me to sing a Jennifer Hudson song. Now that’s going to be funny.” It’s a gruelling schedule for anyone working in pantomime and Alison is looking forward to Christmas. “I will be spending it at my mum’s in Birmingham. I only get one day off and it’s going to be really special. She’s doing everything, with all the trimmings. And then it will be back to work.” See Alison Hammond in Cinderella at new Brighton Floral Pavillion 10 December 20168 January 2017

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Liverpool’s premier hair stylist, Andrew Joseph Manion is hoping to become the first salon in Merseyside to be certified by PETA as 100% vegan and animal cruelty free. Andrew, who is celebrating the success of Liverpool Fashion Week as Creative Hair Director already ensures all the make up and hair colouring products are not tested on animals, something he feels very strongly about. He said, “I have been in touch with PETA and have my own range of products. They are looking into approving them and I am just waiting to hear back. There is absolutely no excuse for anyone to use beauty products tested on animals. It’s outdated and unnecessary. The pro cuts used on animals won’t necessary have the same reaction on humans anyway, It’s just cruel. Andrew’s stand on animal cruelty has brought him a loyal following of clients, who travel from as far as Yorkshire to have their hair styled by him. He said, “I have indeed got a lot of customers who travel far and wide to see me. I take care to get to know my customers, to know what they want and it’s a very special relationship between a woman and her hairdresser! My extensions are the best in the region.” Andrew Joseph Manion’s salon has gone from strength to strength since he opened three years ago. He has led the hair team at Liverpool and Manchester Fashion Week for the last 2 years and recently embarked on a make up degree. He added, “Yes all my make us is not tested on animals. But it’s very important that I develop my skills.I love learning and it can only add to the service I offer . If PETA do 6 30

in the future add salon certificates, we aim to be the first to get one in the North West of England. It would make me so proud that we are providing hair and beauty services without harming any animals and the enviroment. Until that happens we will become a friend of PETA and we will continue to make the transition to a natural, cruelty free salon. #beautywithoutbunnies To book an appointment with Andrew visit: 623a Prescot Rd, Liverpool L13 5XA Phone: 0151 254 2228 PLEASE HELP RAISE FUNDS FOR ONE OF LIVERPOOL’S TRULY SELFLESS PEOPLE: EMMA HORLOCK. A chronic sufferer of Lyme Disease she is bed bound and requires a wheelchair and carer for the simplest of tasks. She has a heart condition, neurology issues and acute muscle spasms which control her life. She cannot get funding for treatment in the UK, where this medications for Lyme Disease is severely underfunded and in some cases not recognised. Emma deserves the quality of live you and I take for granted.She is a beautiful person inside and out, she never complains, she is always positive and campaigns tirelessly even from her hospital bed where she stayed for 3 weeks recently. Her doctors in USA promise her this but only with our help to raise money. Please donate £2 today h t t p s : / / w w w. g o f u n d m e . com/2h5pmx8q

Photography: Billy Griffiths

Merseyside’s unmissable Christmas Production!

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unitytheatreliverpool.co.uk BOX OFFICE: 0151 709 4988 31

Cheshire and Merseyside ' WoMens ' + Childrens serviCes PartnershiP '‘ I mprovIng me' adoPts Finnish-style BaBy Box programme

Cheshire and Merseyside Women’s & Children’s Services Partnership, ‘Improving Me’, is the first Baby Box programme to launch in the North of the UK, and the first to roll out to new mums across multiple boroughs and NHS Clinical Commissioning Groups. The partnership will be issuing

30,000 Baby Boxes to women in pregnancy over the course of the initial pilot starting in Halton. The Baby Boxes will encourage early engagement with maternity services and access to care for all pregnant women. It will form part of their antenatal pathway and be supported by Halton’s midwifery service, which is part of Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust The Baby Box tradition, which originates from Finland, has been credited with reducing the infant mortality rate in the country from 65 infant deaths per 1,000 births in 1938 to 2.26 per 1,000 births in 2015. The UK has some of highest rates

of infant mortality in Europe, ranking 22nd out of the 50 European countries with 4.19 deaths per 1,000 births*. The boxes, which are made from a very thick cardboard and come with a firm foam mattress, waterproof mattress cover and a cotton sheet, are traditionally used in Finland as a baby’s bed for up to the first eight months of their life. Replacing need for the traditional Moses basket or cot, it is thought the small size of the Baby Box prevents babies from rolling onto their tummies, which experts think can contribute to sudden infant death syndrome. Most importantly, families receiving a Baby Box will have access to the Baby Box University, a comprehensive maternal and childcare education platform, available from pregnancy onwards.

Developed with leading medical experts around the world, Baby Box University enables each of its healthcare partners to customise the educational content to suit local need. Available in a variety of languages, the content transcends the language barriers that can be a problem in diverse populations. Catherine McClennan, Programme Director who is leading the Baby Box initiative said: ‘This is a fantastic opportunity

to show local mums that their NHS commissioners and providers of maternity services care about them and their babies at all stages of pregnancy. We are launching in Halton today and will follow this with a rapid roll out across the rest of Cheshire and Merseyside. We believe that it is important to invest in our future population at the earliest opportunity to encourage healthier outcomes for families. The advice, support and practical benefit that the Baby Box programme provides has been met with enormous enthusiasm to date.’ Jennifer Clary, the CEO from The Baby Box Co., which is supplying the Baby Boxes and Baby Box University memberships for participating parents said, “We are delighted to continue the expansion of the Baby Box and Baby Box University programme within the NHS. This is geographically the widest scale initiative we have launched in the UK. We are confident that the Baby Boxes in Cheshire & Merseyside will encourage early engagement with health care professionals, as well as access to support and advice to enable improved health outcomes for mums and their babies.”

For more information or to purchase a Baby Box, please visit www.babyboxco.uk The Baby Box University education resource is at

www.babyboxuniversity.com

www.liverpoolpramcentre.com

Make your little girls dreaMs coMe true with this years liMited edition silvercross dolls PraM. includes Matching PraM Bag (trays sold seParately)

Liverpool Pram Centre, 5-9 Monument Buildings, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 8JY

Twitter @beverlymacca1 Facebook Beverly Macca Website - beverlymacca.co.uk Catch me on Wirral Radio 92.1FM DAB Free App or wirralradio. co.uk Weekdays between 7-10am or Saturday night’s 7pm – Midnight. Dear Bev I’m an avid baker and noticed making my popular home mad recently I can’t get a decent rise when e Yorkshire Puddings for the Any advice? Sunday lunch.

Hiya! How are you all? Where are the months going? Soon be bommy night then Crimbo. Talking Crimbo I’ve just come back from that London after filming. I’ve just filmed 3 Christmas specials of ‘Crafty Beggars In The House’ with Julie Peasgood and Wendy Turner Webster. I was drinking mullered wine, it’s no Lambrini but after a few me lines were flowing freely! Also had a dalliance with the lovely Eamonn Holmes while I was down there. Met him in the loo’s at ITV, he was looking for a tissue. Only thing I had to hand was a pair of me intimate wear, of course I offered it to him. Apparently Mrs Holmes aka Ruth Langsford found them and all was not well on the This Morning set. Oops. Stay safe on the 5th November and I’ll catch you in December. Bev XX

Gwen, Gateacre. Dear Gwen You lost me after ‘avid’. I’m wrong with good old aunt Bes Beverly Macca not Mary Berry! What’s sies? Yawn! Bev X

the onship with Dear Bev ing a long term relatiwhirlwind holiday I am enjoylife in Turkey after a our 10 week love of mey have just celebrateadilable on the phone, e. He is ever av romance. W love. He’senhow much he lovesthmer. I have a in so re a e e p g ,w ky anniversarye on Facebook andtoS buy our first homee etovery day. I want but tells my money I send him ok who reassure m gton. saving m port base on Facebo f the world. atie, Kensin K o p n su a e m g o hu being a w course your advice ves you, of

urse he lo sue with smell? Of cosignal could be an is at that e re h g Dear Katie any coffee you could T riend. It’s together. Do you have for your first house r another tourist girlf o tell you what you g o h n e w vi if o w sa to a is k before ke he on Faceboo n’t be long , nothing li the phones ch supportive friends g the money coz it wo you have sur. Listen, keep sendin ake A Break’. want to heaselling your story to ‘T you will be Bev X

Remember if you have a problem then please email it in to me and I’ll do all I can to help. Plus it gives me something to chat about at work too. I do have a confidential (ish) hotline if you prefer to talk to me. It’s manned for half an hour a year if I can remember. I’m all about giving back to the people. I’m like a modern day Mother Theresa, without the tea towel. Take care!

Love Bev x

Join today

A selection of your local meetings LIVERPOOL CITY

WIRRAL / CLAUGHTON

WIRRAL / PRENTON

Our Lady’s Parish Centre

United Reformed Church

14 James Street, Liverpool L2 7PQ Wednesday 12:00pm

310 Park Road North, Birkenhead CH41 8AE Wednesday 6:00pm

Prenton Road West, Prenton CH42 9PX

LIVERPOOL CITY

WIRRAL / LISCARD

The Liverpool

The Britannia Adelphi Hotel

New Brighton Cricket Club

Ranelagh Place, Liverpool City L3 5UL Tuesday 11:30am

Mortuary Road, Liscard CH45 5DE Wednesday 9:15am, 6:00pm

ANFIELD

WIRRAL / BIRKENHEAD

The Sandon Pub, Oakfield House 166-182 Oakfield Road, Anfield, Liverpool L4 0UH Thursday 10:00am

WIRRAL / WALLASEY

Wallasey Royal British Legion

The Friends Meeting House Slatey Road, Birkenhead CH43 4UU Thursday 10:00am

WIRRAL / BIRKENHEAD St Josephs Centre

3 Withens Lane, Wallasey CH44 1BB Monday 6:00pm

Greenbank Road, Birkenhead CH42 7JY Tuesday 7:00pm

WIRRAL / LISCARD

WAVERTREE

Grosvenor Annexe

Wavertree Sports Park

Grosvenor Street, Liscard CH44 1AQ Saturday 10:00am

Liverpool Aquatics Centre, Wellington Road, Liverpool L15 4LE Thursday 6:00pm

WALTON

Methodist Church Hall Ludlow Street, Walton L4 3RH Monday 6:30pm

LIVERPOOL

Barclays Liverpool Contact Centre (Dale House) Wavertree Technology Park, Wavertree Boulevard,Liverpool L7 9PQ Wednesday 12:00pm

CLUBMOOR The Farmers Arms Pub Larkhill Lane (off Townsend Avenue), Clubmoor, Liverpool L13 9BL Saturday 10:00am

WIRRAL / OXTON

Wednesday 6:30pm

WIRRAL / WALLASEY VILLAGE Mosslands School (6th Form Centre) Wallasey Village, Mosslands Drive, Wallasey Village CH45 8PJ Thursday 6:15pm

WIRRAL / PRENTON St Stephens Church Hall 11 Prenton Lane, Prenton CH42 8LA Tuesday 9:30am Saturday 10:00am

CLUBMOOR Clubmoor Children’s Centre Utting Avenue East, Liverpool L11 1DQ Wednesday 6:15pm

STONEYCROFT All Saints Church Broadgreen Road Stoneycroft, Liverpool L13 5SH Wednesday 9:30am

BROADGREEN

St. Saviours Parish Centre

Oakvale Church Hall

Bidston Road, Oxton / Wirral CH43 2JZ Wednesday 10:00am

Edge Lane Drive, Liverpool L13 4AD Tuesday 6:00pm

FOR ALL YOUR LOCAL MEETINGS

text LOCAL + POSTCODE to 62223* weightwatcherslocal.co.uk • 0345 677 7788 *Standard network charges apply. Lose 8x more weight than on your own: Weight loss achieved at 6 months using Weight Watchers meetings and online tools. Results based on 6 month study of overweight / obese individuals. 147 following WW Smartpoints approach v 145 with no programme.

Sofa chic

by Natalie Morris

At some point in our fAshion journey we hAve All hAd essentiAl gArment pieces in our wArdrobes thAt cAn be trAced bAck to its roots in the militAry. The Bomber Jacket, the peacoat, chino’s and cargo pants are or have been part of the standard issue uniforms in the Armed Forces. Like the aforementioned clothing; the embroidered patch belongs to the military family and it’s an accessory that’s making a comeback this season.

sofas rather than used for clothing. Dolce & Gabbana also demonstrated the use of embroidered patches in their Autumn/ Winter 2016 collection by taking a fairy tale fantasy approach inspired by Disney princesses old and new. The embroidery badges were spotted on mid-length dresses made from heavy weight furniture fabric, tweed and this seasons high in trend Velvet. Subtle contrasting elements were recognised through the crisp precise finish on the embroidered patches as oppose to the raw edges on the garments. Fairy tale inspired ball gowns also made a statement on the runway with crystal slippers and contrasting larger trunk like handbags. And after the princess found her perfect gown; they lived happily ever after…

Embroidered patches have taken a contemporary twist in terms of their new weird and wonderful designs placed on heavy weight furniture fabrics and denim as spotted at Milan Fashion week. Miu Miu Ready to Wear Autumn/Winter 2016 collection created a collision of contrasts incorporating a mixture of fabrics, silhouettes, colours and even combined all seasons into one collection echoing the principle that its summer somewhere in the world. My personal favourite comparison being the long coats in dark damask florals heavyweight fabric decorated with random pop art embroidered patches. The material of which seems more suited to upholstering

Need a stylist for a photoshoot or event drop Natalie a message and see what she can do to help you stand out! Nataliejane92@live.co.uk

EvErton in thE Community Toffees U-23s dUo Joe Williams and maTeUsz HeWelT Were THe gUesTs of HonoUr WHen THey aTTended THe annUal everTon in THe CommUniTy disabiliTy aWards aT THe presTigioUs isla gladsTone ConservaTory reCenTly.

Supported by title sponsor 02 Shop in Bootle, the annual awards recognise the footballing achievements of players from nine of the charity’s disability teams that play across Merseyside. The young Blues opened the proceedings and awarded trophies for Players’ Player of the Year and Manager’s Player of the Year to players from Everton in the Community’s world renowned disability programme as well as the Dave Thomas Award to Tom Steward, an EitC volunteer who dedicates over 30 hours of his time each week to driving participants to and from games and training sessions. Club Ambassadors Graham Stuart and Ian Snodin then took their places on stage to present medals of achievement to each participant from teams in attendance before

Disability Manager Steve Johnson delivered the closing remarks to congratulate all players and thank their friends and family for their continued support. Hosted by Darren Griffiths with entertainment provided by the Jelli Dance Troops, the awards ceremony saw players from Dune’s U12 and U16, Archbishop Beck U12 and U16, Down Syndrome team, Deaf team, Amputee team, Pan Disability C and Pan Disability D team team all rewarded for their hard work over the last 12months in front of a packed out Isla Gladstone Conservatory. Speaking after attending the Everton in the Community Disability Awards, Ian Snodin said: “Tonight is one of the most important dates of the year to the charity and I always enjoy coming along to celebrate with the players and rewarding them for their hard work and dedication. Everyone had big smiles on their faces and it is clear how much they enjoy their football and playing in the royal blue of Everton.” Steve Johnson, Everton in the Community Disability Manager, said: “It has been great to

reward our players tonight and recognise their achievements from over the course of the season. The football coaching we deliver is just a small part of what we do within our disability programme, we help disabled people in everyday life and assist them in accessing a variety of different opportunities including work placements and qualifications.” The disability programme delivered by the Club’s official charity is one of the largest and most respected in the world and provides football and physical activity opportunities for thousands of disabled children and adults each year. The programme is all inclusive and there are teams available to those with any disability whether that be learning, physical, reduced stature, autism, cerebral palsy, deaf or partially sighted. For more information on Everton in the Community visit: www.evertonfc.com/community

Empire Bar Liverpool – Review by Joy Lewis I have just found the perfect place to go to for after work food and drinks – Empire Bar and Nightclub Liverpool. You find Empire Bar nestled on Seel Street, which as anyone will tell you is the hottest part of Liverpool for a great night out. You know what it’s like, as soon as 6pm hits and you’re meeting colleagues or a gang of friends for a night in town, there is that one problem, food. You know you have to eat, but you just want to get the night started. Well, look no further, Empire Liverpool is the perfect jaunt to spend the evening in, to listen to great music and enjoy fabulous food.

The menu is stripped back, with sliders made for sharing and burgers. But just because you are in a club don’t be fooled into thinking that food is an afterthought by the management, every dish is created with top end ingredients, and cooked to perfection. We opted for the fish slider, which had beautiful smoked salmon, king prawns, salt and pepper squid and lemon sole goujons - not a scrap was left. The bar is well stocked with the latest spirits, and the staff are friendly, what more could you ask for? We loved it, we will be going back, often. See you there! EMPIRE LIVERPOOL 57-59 SEEL STREET LIVERPOOL L1 4AZ CALL: 0151 7077976 E M A I L : B O O K I N G @ EMPIRELIVERPOOL.COM

CHRISTMAS DAY 4 COURSE CHRISTMAS DINNER £55 ADULTS AND £25 CHILDREN TWO SITTINGS 12.30PM AND 4.00PM WHICH IS NOW FULL! ***

CHRISTMAS PARTYS TWO COURSE £11.95 THREE COURSES £17.95

With the release of his brand new compilation album, Trevor Nelson announces a UK tour to deliver some much needed old school and modern RNB hits and soul classics. Trevor is arguably the UK’s leading DJ in the urban scene; playing worldwide with a long running DJ residency at Pacha, Ibiza and an award-winning career spanning decades. Starting out at then pirate station Kiss FM, Trevor went on to A&R artists such as D’Angelo and in 1996, he presented the first national RNB show on BBC Radio 1 and has continued to host weekday shows at BBC 1Xtra and a weekly BBC Radio 2 prime time Saturday evening show, ‘Trevor Nelson’s Rhythm Nation’, which he describes as: “The show I’ve been waiting my whole entire life to do”.

leading up to Christmas and the end of the year in some major cities to bring my brand of classic 80s / 90s and 00s soul and RNB to the dance floor. I guarantee a great night of classics and fun with likeminded people of all ages. The clubbers and music lovers we get at these events are really unique. You guys make the party not me, so I hope you can join me!” Our editor Joy Lewis chatted to Trevor Nelson about his tour, his new album and what his desert island disk would be.

His latest release, Trevor Nelson Club Classics released this month, follows on from the major success of the previous trio of Number 1 selling compilation albums. Club Classics sees Trevor carefully curate a flawless array of old school soul classics, modern RNB hits and forgotten gems from the early 1970s to present day. The album features a brand new collection of classic club hits, featuring the legendary likes of James Brown, The Jackson 5, Kool & The Gang, mixed with Top Ten hits from the current crop of R&B kings and queens including The Weeknd, Jeremih and Alessia Cara.

Basically my selections start in the 70’s and go right up to date. I got the idea to mix the decades on one album because I have always done that when I dj. I find that the crowd love not knowing what’s coming next, besides it would be boring if I stuck to one era, I’ve done that before.

Trevor Nelson said: “I’ve really been itching to put together a national tour of the UK since the days of the legendary MTV Lick Parties, so I was delighted when the idea of this year’s tour was conceived. After some serious planning and scheduling we’ve come up with a string of dates

This is your latest compilation album “Club Classics,” have you picked an era for your choices or just a few of your favourites

If this was your dessert island disk – would this be your ultimate club classics choice? Or would your dessert island disks include other types of music other than club classics? If so what types and styles of music? There are way too many favourites to say this is my desert island selection. I have chosen tunes that I have played in clubs over the years. My desert island disc would have Bob Marley, Otis Redding, AL green etc. on iTunes that hit you emotionally.

SAT 5 NOV 10PM 18+

ETON MESSY IN:SEASON TOUR WED 9 NOV 7PM

SAT 19 NOV

EMMY THE GREAT

CHOCOLATE PUMA

SAT 3 DEC 7PM

FUTURE HOUSE MUSIC PRESENTS

MOTHERHOOD + HER’S + SUB BLUE

+ PEP & RASH + LUCAS & STEVE + HIGHER SELF

THU 10 NOV 7PM

SUN 20 NOV 7PM

THE MEN THAT WILL NOT BE BLAMED FOR NOTHING

+ ANDREW O’NEILL FRI 11 NOV 6PM

REN HARVIEU & ROMEO (THE MAGIC NUMBERS)

FICKLE FRIENDS

WED 23 NOV 7PM

PURSON

THU 24 NOV 7PM

BY THE RIVERS AND WILL & THE PEOPLE FRI 25 NOV 7PM

+ THE GOAT ROPER RODEO BAND + TOM BLACKWELL

NICK HARPER & THE WILDERNESS KIDS

WED 16 NOV 7PM

SAT 26 NOV

APPLEWOOD ROAD THU 17 NOV 7PM

WADE BOWEN

FRI 18 NOV 7.30PM

THE VAPORS

FRI 2 DEC 7PM

10PM-4AM · 18+

10.30PM-4AM · 21+

TREVOR NELSON CLUB CLASSICS UK TOUR SAT 26 NOV 7PM

MOTORHEADACHE

(A TRIBUTE TO LEMMY)

IAN PROWSE & AMSTERDAM + THE SUMS (DIGSY) SAT 3 DEC 7PM

THE NIGHT CAFÉ FRI 9 DEC 6.30PM

GALACTIC EMPIRE

SAT 10 DEC 7PM

UNCLE ACID & THE DEADBEATS FRI 16 DEC 7PM

THE MOUSE OUTFIT SAT 17 DEC 7PM

SPACE

+ THE BOSTON SHAKERS SAT 21 JAN 4.30PM

CLUB.THE. MAMMOTH. ALL-DAYER FT. THE FALL + HOOKWORMS SAT 25 MAR 2017 7PM

CONNIE LUSH

TICKETS FOR ALL SHOWS ARE AVAILABLE FROM TICKETWEB.CO.UK

SEEL STREET, LIVERPOOL, L1 4BH

It’s got to be hard to pick a certain tune as your favourite - but do you have one that keeps coming back to you? Or a singer perhaps? Stevie Wonder ‘as’ is my all-time favourite. It’s not the greatest song ever written but it gets me every time, from the opening chords to the gospel crescendo. Stevie is my musical God and I cannot imagine my music collection minus Stevie. He has influenced so many singer songwriters that I’ve met. You are coming to Liverpool on your tour – arguably one of the most successful cities in the world for producing music over many decades, is there a particular band or singer that you like from here? As a kid I used to quite like the Real Thing. They made a few good pop soul songs back in the day. Vinyl has had a massive resurgence over the last few years the sale of single decks too are on the up, do you still play any records or is it all digital for you now? I have a classic Linn turntable that sits centre stage in front of my vinyl. I haven’t digitised most of my vinyl so whenever I get the urge and I have a free Sunday I dive in. Does playing music digitally have that same emotion and depth for you, as it would if you put a record on a player and lifted the needle onto it? You certainly feel more connected to music when you play an album and you are holding the sleeve

in your hand, looking at the artwork, reading the credits and hearing the crackle of the needle on the record. Digital is just so easy and convenient but a little less emotional What got you into music initially? And has it always been club music? From 13 years old I fell in love with soul and funk.I just started collected old and new music and got a little obsessed. I didn’t plan on being a dj but I did my 6th form disco for fun and loved making people dance. It was just a hobby for a few years until I joined a pirate station which happened to become the 1st London wide legal dance station. Finally you are one of the most respected DJ’s ever – having won many accolades over the years. Is there anything else in music that you would like to achieve, or change perhaps? I will continue to do my thing for black music. I am truly proud that I have got this far. I am currently a patron of the Notting Hill arts academy which is like a finishing school for people who want to get in to the industry, and will keep doing my shows on 1xtra and radio 2 as long as I am having fun. Trevor Nelson is coming to Arts Club in Liverpool, Saturday, 26 November 2016, to buy tickets visit : www.academymusicgroup.com/artsclubliverpool

MARTIN Q U I R K

OUR RESIDENT MUSIC GURU

A MAn Of Letters Even if he wasn’t already blessed with a distinctive, world class singing voice to rival Adele or Alicia Keys, and to simply blow away pretenders like Sam Smith or Michael Bubblebath, Thomas Lang would still be considered a national treasure of The People’s Republic of Liverpool for his distinctly unsung contribution to life in this city over the past twenty years or so, spent mostly away from the spotlight and the recording studio. But more of that later because the lad from Park Road, who shared a record label with Michael Jackson during the height of MJ’s global eighties mega-stardom, ‘got hammered’ on Newcastle Brown with his legendary real namesake, Tom Jones, and who toured the world constantly himself for ten years; working along the way with jazz icons like Nina Simone and Ornette Coleman, is finally back doing what he was born to do, and with what many of his old fans will be delighted to hear is probably his finest album to date.

46 2

The German Alphabet has all the same DNA as Lang and his original band’s classic debut album Scallywag Jaz; the polished production, gorgeous melodies, the power and subtlety, intimacy and sensuality, but with that solid soulful jazzy swing that held it all in place so perfectly enriched by some truly inspired arrangements, beautiful orchestration and generally spectacular production courtesy of Lang’s new creative partners Colin McKay and Allan Currie. The result is a warm and sensual hour long cinematic fantasy; a lush and loving contemporary homage to composers John Barry and Ennio Morricone, a swinging, romantic tango through late sixties cinematic cool and kitsch, with a lyrical wink here and there to Broadway and the classic American songbooks of Rodgers and Hart and Cole Porter. It swings and it bops and it finger-pops with vibrancy and a subtle humour but always at the heart of it is the unmistakable sound of a great singer who has aged like vintage cognac and whose own years now compliment perfectly the timeless maturity of his undiminished vocal power.

Thomas Lang isn’t your typical Scouse muso and is very active in the wider musical community of the city. He served on the board of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic for almost a decade and was single-handedly responsible for saving Parr Street Studios, birthplace of the first two Coldplay albums, and keeping it in the city for young musicians to have access to. He achieved this by finding exactly the right financial investors to buy the studios from the band Genesis for £1.6m. But, it was the tragic early death of a very close and heterosexual friend from AIDS in the mid-nineties which inspired Lang to take on his lifetime commitment to supporting those in Liverpool diagnosed with the HIV virus. For over twenty years now he has been a dedicated patron of Sahir House, which works to support people living with HIV and towards increasing knowledge and reducing the stigma related to the infection. Lang has organised a live major fund-raising event each year called A Celebration of Life which has taken various musical forms, from a club night with Cream to a night at The Phil with Mick Head.

The German Alphabet is released on 30th September – for more info check out : www.thomaslang.uk See Thomas Lang performing a full live concert set including tracks from The German Alphabet at The Liverpool Philharmonic Music Room on Friday 30th September, at Manchester Academy 3 on Sunday 2nd October and at London Islington O2 Academy 2 on Sunday October 9th This month’s column is dedicated to Maggie Jones (18th May 1924 to 6th February 2016) and all her children.

Contact & DJ Bookings : martinquirk365@msn.com www.weddingjam.co.uk

3 47

Top Tips To make The mosT of The fesTive Trading period!

Fashione’s business development manager Karen Shaw is a former store owner and has put together her top tips for retailers, so profits can be maximised over festive period. Strategic Buying of Product for autumn/ winter SeaSon.

Buying for Autumn /Winter always warrants more budget than spring Summer and it is essential to remember to look out for products great for gifts and add on sales, such and jewellery, purses, wallets and umbrellas. With Fashion’s EPOS system you can utilise the reporting element of the system to view what items or collections sold well for your store in previous Christmas periods to ensure you are armed with the best knowledge when buying.

Be Proactive with PromotionS and eventS.

Social Media has become such an incredible tool for businesses and is perfect at Christmas time to add photographs of say ‘pick

of the week’ or create multiple image albums on your Facebook business page with headings such as ‘The best Little Black Dresses’ ‘Our gift guide’ ‘Party season essentials’ and so on. in Store eventS are a muSt!

There is no better way to draw customers into your store than a VIP invite festive evening with possible discounts giveaways, drinks, nibbles and raffles etc. It doesn’t have to cost a fortune. It is always advantageous to work with other businesses in your town to host the evening with you. for example cafés or delicatessens or hairdressers and beauty salons, can promote themselves within your store bringing with them food and beverage samples to give out or demonstrating party make-up and hairstyles. Using the Fashione EPOS system you can export your customers from the system to a tool such as Mailchimp to send an email shot to let them know of any seasonal events. reward your cuStomerS

With increased competition from the high street and via on

line shopping, it is important to offer more than great products to make sales. Introducing a loyalty scheme in your store encourages repeat spending and customer retention. The Fashione Epos system allows you to run a loyalty scheme with beautiful credit card style loyalty cards which you can have designed to suit your store image and branding that collect points with sales and can be redeemed against further purchases in store. utiliSe technology

Many businesses still perceive EPOS systems as just a till and stock control system. Whilst it is that, as already touched upon it also has many invaluable tools that can help to promote your collections and boost sales. The Fashione EPOS system allows you to view a customer’s purchase history at the touch of a button. Beautiful and professional gift cards can also be issued with the system making perfect failsafe gifts too. If you would like to know more about EPOS and how it can benefit your store contact us on 01257 220 205. www.fashione. co.uk. Sales@fashione.co.uk.

2016

XMAS AND NEW YEAR

NOW TAKING XMAS BOOKINGS

PACKAGES AVAILABLE FOR GROUPS OF ALL SIZES Whether you want a traditional Christmas meal, after-work drinks and canapes or a hog roast with our famous Oompah Band, we can make your Christmas Party one to remember. Book at either Bierkeller, Shooters or Around The World and you wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be disappointed.

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Business news

raCk ’ Dollar revamp anD new menu

Gary Bond | www.bondmediaagency.com renovaTIon Cyprian’s CompLeTe.

of sT ChurCh

The redevelopment of St Cyprian’s Church on Edge Lane in Liverpool has now been completed and with it, this 19th century building that holds pride of place on one of the key routes into Liverpool has been returned to its former glory. Having stood derelict for a number of years St Cyprian’s Church, which is passed by thousands of commuters every day, recently received the addition of a new wing and the 119 studio apartments within the development are now open to tenants. All units have already sold to investors, who each received a guaranteed rental package. Many are now tenanted but the stunning studios within the existing church section have only recently been revealed. They are now being offered by the building’s managing agent Address Properties. Many of the church’s original features have been preserved and incorporated into the design of the studios as beautifully unique features. Exposed brickwork is prevalent and a number of the units also have large, round windows. The impressive stained glass window, that was painstakingly preserved, creates a colourful effect in the building’s main staircase. Jake from ToWIe hITs LIverpooL Jake Hall made a weekend of it at the end of August and Liverpool was his first choice destination to celebrate his birthday. Catching up with friends and posing for pictures with our very own Lilly Carberry who has been an amazing addition to the Bondmedia Agency team in August whilst with us doing some work experience to then making a big night of it over at the Baccarat Lounge inside Kingdom Liverpool on Harrington Street.

As the Premiership kicks off for the new season, Liverpool’s top sports bar and restaurant Rack and Dollar lifts the lid on a brand new, lip smacking, finger lickin’ menu. The Berry Street venue, favoured as the perfect spot to rack up a game of pool accompanied by a generous rack of ribs, now offers a unique twist on some tasty classics, making it the perfect spot for lovers of freshly prepared American style chow, whether your team’s on on the big screens or not. Perhaps the highlight of the new menu comes in the form of Thanksgiving Sundays. An American style roast dinner is available all day every Sunday, for anyone who fancies sampling an Americanised version of the good old British classic. The choice is between roast turkey and slow cooked brisket beef, with all the trimmings and lashings of rich gravy. In true US style you’ll also find corn on that plate two ways – both chargrilled and in the form of corn bread. Sean O’Neill , Head Chef at Rack and Dollar said: “You can call into Rack and Dollar to watch a game almost every night of the week but you can also bring the whole family on a Sunday or call in for lunch and get great food and friendly service. www.rackanddollar.com Berry Street Liverpool

The Burning hell

If you are yet to discover the band, The Burning Hell, you have been missing out. They are perfroming at The Shipping Forcast on the 3rd December, so plenty of time to search them out on Youtube and emerse yourself in their rediculoustly cool, fabulousy funny, litterate and sattirical songs. Think Tim Mitchin and Tennacious D mashed into one with a Canadian accent. To put it bluntly, do not miss this show. The band is the alter-ego of Canadian songwriter Mathias Kom. They have been together and on the road in one form or another since 2007, playing everywhere from festivals like Glastonbury and Dawson City to bars, living rooms, abandoned bunkers, and a mental asylum in rural France. Musically, The Burning Hell runs the gamut from introspective folk to hyperactive rock and roll, and so the band can adapt to its surroundings like a karma of anthropomorphic chameleons, taking the audience on a supermarket-cart ride through

hooky, upbeat pop songs, dark ballads about pet euthanasia, and anthems for barbarians, economic conferences, and love. The players: Mathias Kom - vocals, guitar Ariel Sharratt - vocals, clarinet, saxophone Darren Browne - lead guitar, vocals Brandon Munro - drums, vocals Nick Ferrio - bass guitar, vocals “Kom and his co-conspirators are ploughing their own furrow. They’ve been compared to The Violent Femmes, played the odd folk festival and acquired an Americana tag – Kom has played a ukulele in the past and sported an acoustic guitar for some of last night. But a more sustainable reference lingered in the air last night: Lou Reed. The Velvets are in the Burning Hell’s music, “Men Without Hats” celebrates the joy of song in the same way as the VU’s “Rock & Roll”, yet it’s the observational, wry Reed of New York and Songs for Drella who most springs to mind. While Kom is his own man, Reed is no longer with us and a huge, unplugable gap remains. In their own way, The Burning Hell helps to fill the gap. - Kieron Tyler review of sold out London show at Oslo-Hackney To buy tickets visit -

www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-burning-hell-support-tickets-27404584851

Celebrate Christmas with us at The Ship! Bespoke food & drink packages available for 10—250 people

15 Slater Street Liverpool L1 4BW phone: 0151 709 6901 email: info@theshippingforecastliverpool.com web: 4 theshippingforecastliverpool.com @sHip _ Cast shipping.forecast ship.forecast

LIVERPOOL ONE, 14 PARADISE STREET, LIVERPOOL L1 8JF | www.odeon.co.uk ODEON Limitless Join now to see all the film you want, as often as you like!

WIN A FAMILY TICKET AND A FAMILY MIX* TO SEE FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM IN IMAX 3D!

Imagine being able to see all the films you want, week in, week out. Mid-week romcom? Saturday night blockbuster? With huge potential savings and access to exclusive member treats, joining Limitless means you can watch all the films you want as often as you like for one monthly fee. Join now from just £17.99 a month* at odeon.co.uk *Terms and exclusions apply. Extra charge for some screenings and facilities.£17.99/month membership excludes Central London cinemas. Price including Central London cinemas is £19.99/month. Minimum age is 16, minimum membership period is 12 months, and monthly payment is by Direct Debit.

ODEON says... We return to Harry Potter’s world long before he was born, to witness the adventures of Newt Scamander, the future author of ‘Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them’. 70 years before Newt’s book became required reading at Hogwarts, he travels to a land that even wizards find bizarre: America. Things quickly go wrong when the magical creatures he’s brought with him escape, forcing him to race across New York in the hope of recovering them. Take another journey to J.K. Rowling’s magical world for ‘Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them’. We won’t be on the Hogwarts Express, though – it’s time for a new adventure. FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM is released on 18/11/16 in 2D, 3D, IMAX 3D and D-BOX and is also available in The Galllery you can enjoy extra-wide seats with added leg room, unlimited popcorn, nachos and soft drinks and, of course a fantastic view from your own area of the cinema! (The Gallery is available for over 18’s only)

COMING SOON GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2 Set to the all-new sonic backdrop of Awesome Mixtape #2, Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” continues the team’s adventures as they traverse the outer reaches of the cosmos. The Guardians must fight to keep their newfound family together as they unravel the mystery of Peter Quill’s true parentage. Old foes become new allies and fan-favorite characters from the classic comics will come to our heroes’ aid as the Marvel Cinematic Universe continues to expand. Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” blasts into ODEON LIVERPOOL ONE on 28/04/17

WIN A FAMILY TICKET AND A FAMILY MIX* TO SEE FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM IN IMAX 3D!

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To enter: Email: editor@lifestylemonthly.co.uk with the words “Fantastic Beasts” in the subject box, and your full name, 52 address and contact numbers in the email. The winner will be notified by email, the editors decision is final.

D i s c ove r i n g Po r t o a n d t h e

Douro Valley

Portugal

Porto and the north of Portugal has 4 World Heritage Sites by Unesco; the historical city of Porto, the historical city of Gulmaraes, the Foz Coa Art Valley and the Douro Valley. There are over 1000 years of history in the ancient streets and I learned a lot during my weekend visit to this most inspirational of cities. Portugal is extremely popular with us Brits and we all flock to the Algarve but the north, resting on the Atlantic Ocean has a completely different feel. It’s a hub of artists, musicians, writers and performers, it feels almost academic as you wander through the medieval cobbled streets rich with history. It’s said that the Portuguese are so proud of their creative heritage that they named the country after the city.Wonderful.

WHERE WE WENT I spent the first day exploring the rich architectural and cultural offerings. Casa da Musica was built with Capital of Culture funding and is the first building entirely dedicated to music, built out of concrete and glass. A short drive away was The art deco Contemporary Art Museum of Serralves , considered to be one of the country’s leading cultural institutions and extremely popular. Downtown Porto was more my style, meandering down the cobbled streets admiring the narrow

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merchants’ houses and gold plated churches. Many of the exterior of the buildings are ornately tiled to protect the buildings from wind and rain. We walked around the port, once considered one of the most valuable trading places in Europe. You cannot leave without visiting the exquisite book shops Lello, where it is said JK Rowling was inspired to write her Harry Potter novels.A visit inside here and you will see why. A tour around the Sandeman Porto wine cellars, founded in 1790, was a pleasure, my senses were awakened through the long corridors of oak casks and vats and tasting the different ports at the end was a great way to end the tour! An hour’s drive away on day 2 and we were in the stunning Douro valley. Impossible to explain how truly peaceful and beautiful this oldest wine region is, birth place of port wines and Douro wines. A wine lovers paradise.

WINTER VINTAGE

White Out!

Ditch the all black winter wardrobe this season and revel in a crisp white breath of fresh air. White is no longer just for summe summer. Pile on the bling and a colour pop of berry red lipstick and you’re all wrapped up for the party. Up the stakes with gorgeous vintage gems like these and stand out from the crowd. Finish with faux fur stoles and jackets for the most original look in town. Model: Steph Kettle Styling: Rosie Dunn Photos: Bil Billy Griffiths 60s mod dress and 70s ‘Studio 54’ jumpsuit all Valery’s Vintage at Rex Concept Store and etsy.com

WHITE HOT

Liverpool FC

Classic Liver Bird Watch Wear your pride in the Reds, every day Yours for just £25.99 now, followed by four further interest-free instalments of £25.99

Liverpool FC supporters are the heart and soul of the club - and now there’s a new way to wear your pride in the Reds every day with this hand-crafted men’s watch. Featuring the LFC Liver Bird in club red, it’s the perfect way to show your pride and passion for the greatest football team. This watch has everything: a precision quartz movement with stop/start function and a red enamel crown, along with gold plated watch case and buckle for a touch of luxury. Three chronograph dials containing THE REDS, LFC and the date the club was founded and five stars at 12 o’clock salute the five incredible European Cup wins. The club’s motto ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ is engraved on the bezel. On the rear of the casing is engraved the club’s impressive honour roll. Combined, these capture the spirit of the club and celebrate some of its finest achievements. This high quality collector’s timepiece is official merchandise of Liverpool FC and is only available from The Bradford Exchange. It is covered by our 120-day guarantee. Applications are now open and this offer is likely to attract considerable interest, not just from Liverpool FC fans, so don’t miss out by delaying your application!

KEY DETAILS DESIGN: Stylish Liver Bird in club red with ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ shows your pride in Liverpool FC. HANDCRAFTED: Five stars salute the five incredible European Cup wins and with the club’s impressive honour roll engraved on the casing, you can wear your pride in the Reds every day.

HIGH SPECIFICATION: Intended as a collectors’ timepiece, this watch features three handsome chronograph dials and gold plated casing. YOURS FOR ONLY £25.99 (plus £9.99 S&H)* followed by four further interest-free instalments of £25.99 each. Pay nothing now.

Watch face: 42mm diameter (1.65”) inc casing. Strap: 180mm length (7”) x 20mm width (0.75”)

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FORMAL APPLICATION: THE LIVERPOOL FC CLASSIC LIVER BIRD WATCH DO NOT SEND ANY PAYMENT WITH THIS APPLICATION: if successful, you will be notified in writing within 7 days Send this coupon to: THE BRADFORD EXCHANGE, PO BOX 653, STOKE-ON-TRENT, ST4 4RA YES, I wish to apply for ______ (Qty) of The Liverpool FC Classic Liver Bird Watch for just £129.95 (plus £9.99 S&H)*.That’s just five interest-free monthly instalments of just £25.99 each. This handsome collector’s timepiece is accompanied by both a Certificate of Authenticity and custom-designed presentation case. I do not need to send any money now. OFFICIAL PARTNER, COLLECTABLES If my application is successful I will be notified in writing within 7 days. To apply send this coupon or call now I understand the watch is covered by your 120-day money-back guarantee. I confirm I am 18 years Lines open Mon-Fri 9.00am -8.00pm and Sat-Sun 9.00am-5.00pm. or over.

on 0333 003 0019

Apply no later than:

Apply by telephone on

Order reference:

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P334241

15/11/2016

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15/11/2016

© Liverpool Football Club & Athletic Grounds. © The Bradford Exchange. Applicants must be aged 18 years of age or over. A credit check may be carried out by a licensed Credit Reference Agency. UK mainland addresses only. Please note, we may contact you via email and mobile with information about your reservation and other relevant offers. From time to time, the Bradford Exchange may allow carefully screened third party companies to contact you. Please tick the boxes if you do not wish to receive such communications by:Email Telephone/Mobile Third Party Companies 526-FAN13.01

CRAIG PHILLIPS DIY Hello Lifestyle Readers, This month has seen me enjoy quite a bit of rest and recuperation. The month started with a trip to Ibiza with a few of my friends. After completing a number of triathlons and after testing my nerves at the Checkatrade abseil last month, I was in need of some down time on a sunbed! It was great to be back with the lads, we have all been great friends for such a long time. We watched some fantastic DJs while we were out there and went to the famed nightclub Plastik. Upon my return it was clear that autumn has officially started as I was welcomed with a traditional English downpour. On the 5th October I was honoured to attend the Coventry and Warwickshire Sports Awards which are organised by my fantastic management agency Champions (UK) plc. The evening was put together to showcase some of the region’s best sportspeople who have achieved great success over the past twelve months. Some amazing people received awards and I had the pleasure of hearing first-hand some of the success stories which is always nice. You may remember that I have been working on a selection of videos with Silverline Tools – these videos are now officially published on their YouTube channel Silverline ToolsTV so head over and check them out. The month ended as it began, with a trip to a sunnier country. This time I went with my girlfriend Laura. We spent a week in Cyprus in celebration of my birthday… let’s not talk about me getting older! We spent the day of my birthday at a waterpark which made us feel like big kids. It was lovely holiday. The next challenge: beat those awful holiday blues! As the wetter weather kicks in, there is no better time to get some much needed jobs done on the inside of your house. To do this you will need the right equipment, so as always I am sharing with you a DIY tip – enjoy.

All the best,

Craig. Craig Phillips is an ambassador for Checkatrade.com. If you have a job that’s too big or complicated for you to do yourself, visit the website to find a reviewed, approved and reputable tradesperson

PURCHASING THE RIGHT DRILL. It is vital when purchasing a drill to choose the right one with the functionalities that you require to complete individual tasks along with the drill bits – equally as vital for the materials you are drilling into. My advice for anyone about to purchase a drill would be to buy an 18v Ryobi lithium ion battery cordless drill driver with hammer action. This is the best size for doing most medium to light weight tasks around the house. This will allow you to use the drill for three basic types of drilling which will get you around most all common tasks within the house from fitting kitchens, bathrooms to general maintenance and DIY. This will allow you to drill holes through hard and soft materials, wood, plastic, masonry, brick, blocks, plasterboard and even ceramic tiles as well as using the drill as a cordless screwdriver. Upon close examination of the drill you will find various symbols displayed; the shape of a hammer which is for using masonry drill bits for drilling hard surfaces like brick blocks, tiles and plasterboard. A cork screw shape setting – for a standard drill piece which will drill through softer materials like wooden skirting board, doors, frames etc as well as numbers. These numbers indicate torque settings for when using it as a cordless screwdriver. The lower the number is the shallower it will drive the screw in, the higher the number the deeper it will drive the screw in. You will also have buttons for forward and reverse settings, again for when using as a screwdriver to insert a screw or remove an existing screw. When choosing your drill the battery is quite important, I would always recommend the new lithium ion batteries for various reasons; these are smaller and more compact, lighter, last longer and are better for the environment than traditional ni-cad batteries.

NOT JUST TRAVEL NORTH WEST

Advertising is everywhere. You can’t get away from it. But to be successful in advertising you have to be memorable. Take McDonalds for example. Love or loathe their restaurants they are the experts in reinventing themselves, redesigning the layout and changing the style often. So it comes as no surprise that Not Just Travel North West is rebranding. Their new stylish logo reflects the fact that their company offer more than holidays (which, may I say, they do exceptionally well) As the name says on the website, it’s Not Just Travel, they reach out

to the entire lifestyle industry. Branding is way more than a logo. It’s your message to your customers, your social media followers, and your entire reputation is involved in defining your brand. Branding promotes recognition which in turn puts people at ease. It’s like wearing your favourite jumper over and over again. Your brand sets you apart from your competition, you need to stand out from the crowd, you need to be unique, you need to be in vogue and you need to grab people’s attention. When a company spends time building a brand it encourages motivation amongst staff. Teams like to know their management

ABTA No. K9413

have invested in the company, they take pride in being part of that brand which encourages greater productivity. A well known brand instills confidence in their customer, they know what to expect, they know the level of service they will get. Lifestyle magazine is no1 and going strong. Amandamoss pr’s slogan is Be Memorable. Not Just Travel North West are rapidly becoming the first choice for people wanting quality service without scrimping on style. Follow their brand, They’re going places.

Holidays and Travel provided by Not Just Travel, which is a trading division of Hays Travel Ltd. Agents for ATOL Holders. Members of ABTA - K9413

Sophie Bowman Sophie Bowman iS our international journaliSt and Blogger diScovering the BeSt citieS and parties the world has to offer you; currently reSiding in miami. Follow me on inStagram @SophiecBowman

dating

miami

Those who live here are likely laughing already just at the title alone, because you know exactly where this column is likely headed; mating season down at the watering hole in the dating jungle basically… My first date after calling off my engagement last year was with a doctor in Morocco; he made us a beautiful lunch at his stunning Moroccan palace, we had great conversation, then he got completely naked, jumped in his pool and floated past me on an inflatable crocodile asking if I was having a good time. I’m not one to be lost for words, but everyone has their limits. Let me tell you, this experience seems to have nothing on Miami… The first guy I gave my number to on Match.com was blocked within a record 7 minutes after several pleading messages asking for pictures of my feet. I was super impressed that my first Match date took a lot of interest in asking me what my favourite type of food was and insisted on picking me up for our date. Within 5 minutes, I had opened his convertible white Porsche door accidentally into a lamppost… After a pretty incredible 3-course dinner with recommended accompanying wines at one of Miami’s top restaurants, we ended up in the ocean in our underwear (yes, this happens a lot in Miami, which is why it’s always advisable to pack nice pants). Whilst he went to get cigars, I tried my hand at a spot of fishing with a random passing fisherman willing to humour me. The only thing I caught was my hair (in the hook). Moving on… I had a great date with a guy a few nights ago. However, the second bar we walked into happened to be owned by last week’s random disastrous date (not from Match.com) who I’ve been avoiding. The date (who by the way randomly stated he starred in a porn film to make money in college, but couldn’t be gay because he gags on his own toothbrush) asked to see me again, but became aggressive when I said I was busy. I have dates every night this week to

make up for my week off in dating disappointment depression last week before magazine deadline. The (dating) struggle is real. In summary, I got strategic and dated a Doctor (healthcare is expensive in the U.S.) but discovered he has a humungous drinking problem, which I can most definitely live without. The IV drips, however, were useful for hangovers. This may just be my experience, but online dating can feel like last resort island inhabited by tormented souls quick to divulge their heartbreak stories.And while I share my funny/losing the will to live dating stories, I have to add that I have also met some cool gentlemen who, unfortunately, I just felt no chemistry with. So if you are single or just relocated to a new area, it is definitely worth giving Match.com a shot. Due to my own online and offline dating experiences, I will now do the responsible thing and change my phone number, dye my hair or fake my own death… Just kidding. However, a word of caution. If you are content being single (like I was) perhaps let nature take its own course. Date after date with unsuitable specimens can become quite depressing and make you feel like you’ll be alone forever. Perhaps I’ll feel differently after hitting 35, but for now, I’m happy just hanging with my girl and guy friends and focusing on building my empire; subscription cancelled. For those of you still tackling the dating beast, I salute you and God speed!

When children’s author Natalie Watts was planning her dream wedding, tradition couldn’t have been further from her sights!

THE PROS & CONS OF GETTING HITCHED ABROAD by Natalie Watts // Photography by Phaedra Samantha

o be able to get married in our dream location at Plitvice Lakes, we enlisted the help of Ivana from Antropoti Ltd who helped us to plan our wedding. Nothing could have been simpler...chocolate and peanut butter wedding cake? No problem. Hog roast reception dinner? Why not have spit-roast lamb too! Get married in front of Plitvice Lakes largest waterfall? Sure, it’s never been done before, but I’ll see what we can arrange! Ivana became indispensible as every week inched closer to our big day. We managed to plan the wedding within a year, giving just enough notice to be able to get married in the peak season of July. We did realise this would mean that the National Park would be busy...what we did not realise is that it would afford us thousands of uninvited wedding guests witnessing us exchange vows, and the blessing of a 40-strong Polish choir singing us a good-luck song as they passed through the park. Now there’s probably thousands of Chinese tourists with pictures of me and my husband on their home computer, but whatever, it was like having paparazzi.

First, let’s run with the cons. As for planning the wedding...you wouldn’t believe how easily things can get lost in translation when you’re organising things in a different country – what was supposed to be a relaxed hog roast buffet for the wedding breakfast accidentally turned into a five course gala dinner with a whole pig and lamb. Phew. Nearly getting pushed into a lake as millions of ignorant tourists pushed past my bridal party was definitely challenging! And walking thirty minutes downhill in my wedding dress and a pair of trusty converse was a lot more flustering than I’d anticipated. So, for the pros. We managed to have an ethereal and enchanting wedding in front of a turquoise-blue waterfall, which made for some incredible photographs. Weddings abroad tend to limit the number of guests willing to travel to your wedding, so it was a definite plus for us to only have twenty of our closest friends there. And finally, choosing a location where we were the first people to ever get married there, in front of the Great Waterfall, meant that our wedding was truly unique.

As Manchester Fashion week prepares to return for the third year under the management of AmandamossPR, there will be a FREE networking event for everyone involved in the fashion and beauty industry. Boutiques are especially welcome to exhibit and sell their items. Top retail management solutions company Fashione will also be there to give advice. This is a fun and informal pre Christmas shopping event, building up business contacts and sales leads for everyone shared over a glass of wine or 2!

Space iS limited So reServe your ticketS today!

www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/free-boutique-shopping-and-fashion66 networking-event-with-manchester-fashion-week

Go to www.liverpoollifestyleawards.co.uk and vote your finalists in all aspects of small business. Whether you have an office or work from home, everyone is eligible.